Shining's POV

As I was staring into the empty cup of coffee in front of me, feeling no more energized to start working than I had before, I heard a tremendous clattering outside my office door. It swung open and there stood Ronnie, the human assisting me, clutching a bag filled with some newspapers.

"Hello Ronnie," I said to him, trying to sound chipper. "You said that you had some new information regarding the murders?"

"No, but I figured that was going to be the only way for me to get away with forcing my way back here. I wanted to talk to you about something I saw this morning at the hotel. You see, I've taken to perusing their little newspaper kiosk, and imagine my surprise when I see your face plastered on three different front pages." I stifled a sigh before gesturing with my hoof for him to continue. "Naturally I picked up the papers and read the accompanying stories. Do you want to explain what happened last night, or do you want me to tell you?" Ronnie asked me.

I took the papers from him and started looking through them. True to his word I was on the front page of a few of them, while in others I was featured later, although as nothing more than a blurb. Thankfully most of them were rag papers that pushed rumors, so with some luck most ponies wouldn't give them another thought. Still, I couldn't help but feel ashamed for appearing in them nonetheless.

"Nothing happened last night. I just got a little distraught over something and took to the bottle to drown my sorrows," I replied. "It doesn't really matter, and besides, I won't be doing that ever again."

"That's not what these reports say. Besides, it doesn't matter that you won't do it again. If you do a thing like this once you're forever tarnished in the eyes of the public," Ronnie said. "Anyways, I know that you're not telling the truth, or at least not the whole truth. Your ears are twitching and you won't look me in the eye."

"I'm telling you that nothing's wrong. Now, if you don't mind, I have some business that I need to attend to," I said, trying to get him to leave. I didn't want to talk about what had happened, but I knew that if he kept pushing the matter I'd blurt something out.

"That's bullshit and you know it. I've been working with you for a couple of months now and I'd like to think I know when you're lying. For instance, your ears started to droop downwards slightly," Ronnie argued.

"I'm telling you that it's nothing," I said, gritting my teeth.

"Alright then," Ronnie said. He turned and started to the door, stopping just before entering the doorway. "By the way, I had a little chat with some of your guards. They said that you were sobbing throwing bottles at Princess Cadence's balcony last night. So, either your guards cared enough about you to take you back here, or they hate you enough to make up these rumors and tell the papers about it."

"Alright," I sighed. "Get back in here. I don't care enough to argue anymore." I watched as Ronnie turned back toward me and walked forward. "Alright, so I might've gotten a little crazy last night. I had reason enough for it though," I told him. He looked at me expectantly, gesturing for me to continue. "So, last night I- well, I found Cadence in bed with another stallion. It wasn't the first time I'd seen her with him either. I'd caught them out together a while ago, but I thought it had ended then and there. Now I realize how naive I'd been."

"Shining, I, well, I don't know what to say. I know this must weigh heavy on your heart, but you mustn't let this ruin your life.You have to pick yourself up and try to move on. Now come on, we need to get started for the day," Ronnie told me.

He was right. It hurt to think about it, but I knew that he was right. I had to keep living my life. Still, it would take some time for all the wounds to heal completely.

"By the way, I couldn't help but notice that one of those stories happened to be by that Factfinder fellow. He really has it out for you. Are you sure you never did anything to make him hate you this much?"

"What? No, no I never met him before that incident at the castle gates," I told Ronnie truthfully. "Let me see that story you were talking about."

Ronnie reached into his bag and withdrew one final newspaper. It looked like all the others, my face plastered over it with a a sure to spark rumors headline. Sure enough, the big story was written by Yellow Factfinder. I read through it and started feeling more ashamed than I already was. Even though he reported them in an inflammatory way I recognized bits and pieces from the events last night. As much as I disliked him I had to admit that this was completely factual; I had been an idiot, and I had acted out in a immature and reckless way. Still, the way that he reported these events made it seem like I'm a danger to the public, and that was something I couldn't let pass. Not only that, he was laying into the guard as a whole, saying how we were grossly incompetent for not being able to catch the one responsible for the murders. That was another thing I couldn't stand for. For now though, Ronnie was right, I needed to get to work. The killer might be gone for now, but there was no telling if and when they might start again, and we needed to be ready.

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Jack's POV

I stalked the streets of Canterlot yet again, looking for another chance to show my brilliance. More and more ponies were staying inside now, too scared to come out even though I hadn't killed for a few weeks. Still though, those who made their trade in pleasure stalked about. They couldn't afford to stay in, for without the income from these rendezvous they wouldn't have a place to stay at all. Unlucky for them, but most fortuitous for me.

I sauntered up to one of these fine creatures of the night from the shadows, obstructing their view of me. She became aware of my presence only when I cleared my throat behind her. She turned around but didn't make any outward signs of fear or nervousness. Perfect.

"Oh, I'm sorry my dear. I was just wondering what you'd be doing out at this time? Haven't you heard about the goings on of late?"

"O-oh, it's alright. I'm a bit jumpy is all. Actually, it's because of the horrible things that have taken place that I am so nervous," she replied.

"Oh? Then I must ask again, why are you out here?"

"Well, I, um, I have a foal you see, and no employers will take me, and I've heard other ponies say I have a nice body before, so I-" she stammered.

"Ah, say no more. Well in that case, how would you like to be escorted back to your place with some extra bits in your purse?" I asked her. With each passing second she was visibly growing more relaxed. This would be easier than I thought.

"Oh, are you sure you wouldn't rather me ply my trade elsewhere? I don't want my little filly to know about what I've had to do for a living," she said with an embarrassed glow about her cheeks.

"I'm afraid you mistake my intent. I only wish to give you some bits to help you along, and make sure you get home safely. One can't be too careful nowadays, eh?" I said, knowing full well that she would relent any minute. How right I was.

"Well, o-okay then. If you insist sir. Thank you, thank you so much," she replied with a small smile.

With that she and I started walking out into the dim of the night, away from the prying stars, and towards her final bed. We had gotten naught but five feet from where we started when I pulled out my blade and started to gut her. She looked up at me with such surprise and terror, betrayal evident in her eyes. It was delicious, as her kidneys would be when I prepared them later. Under guise of darkness I took my time with my craft, filleting skin here, lopping off bits there, until I was satisfied that I'd made a lovely piece. A pool of dark crimson gathered about my feet, leaving set of prints as I wandered off. I made sure to leave my boots near a nice house, chuckling at the suspicion the find might cause. The fog settled around the area, covering my work from being found too soon, as I took my leave.

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The night was still young, and I hoped to work at another tart before I was to retire. I wandered along the streets, the city feeling like a near ghost town. As I flitted back and forth between the flickering street lamps I kept my eyes peeled for another target. It took longer than I would've liked, and I had nearly given up when I found an individual who fit the bill. A unicorn mare wearing a lovely coat of fuchsia, with a long horn and longer legs.

"Hello love. How are you one this night?" I asked her.

"Fine, but a bit nervous. Then, anypony would be nowadays," she said.

"Ah, well, I might know of a way to help you forgot about your worries for a bit," I told her. As I did I drew closer to her.

"Yes, well, I might find that agreeable. How about you follow me and we'll find somewhere a bit less open? Don't want to attract the attention of that awful murderer after all." She motioned with her hoof for me to follow as she started to walk off.

I followed her at a good click, never staying more than two paces behind her. She led me down a couple winds and bends before we arrived at a place where there were no lights for at least a few yards, enclosed between squalor buildings and with minimal risk of anyone coming upon it by accident. By luck, a perfect spot for my intentions.

She turned to me and opened her mouth, but I never learned what she was going to say. I had wrapped my hand around her mouth before she could utter a sound. Silently, I pulled out my knife and drew a crimson line cross her throat. Soon she had a large smile from ear to ear, and all while her mouth was trying to form some semblance of a scream. I decided to cut off one of her ears as a souvenir. I then worked my way lower and, starting at her rear, cut her from tail to tip. I even took time to break off part of her horn and stuff it in her throat, a nice little surprise for whoever finds her body. That done, I stepped back to admire my work. I imagine she had never looked more beautiful in her life.

I looked up, noticing that the morning was nearly upon me, and quickly exited the scene. As I left I swore I saw something from the corner of my eye, but there wasn't much time to ponder it. I had to make haste if I was to make it to my sanctuary without being seen by any early risers.

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Third Person POV

While Jack was scurrying back to his hiding place, and while some poor elderly stallion who liked early morning jogs was coming across Jack's first victim of the night, a short mare in a lab coat was looking over some papers with growing levels of excitement and concern. Her name was Andromeda, and she had just found something that could potentially change the world.

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Andromeda's POV

I don't know how long I had been standing there, looking at these test results. I do know that by the time of how big this was hit me my legs were getting pinchy from standing in place too long. The implications that the results held was terrifying. I shook myself out of my stupor, grabbing all the papers and galloping out of the lab to inform the Princesses of this discovery.

I rushed down the halls of the great castle, startling anypony that I came across. It was still early in the morning as I made my way to the doors of the throne room. I found myself at spear point as I hurried into the room.

"Halt! Do not move any closer to the princess!" A guard in full armor glared at me. A second stood close by, spear also at the ready. "Who are you, and what business do you have here?" Before I could reply a majestic voice carried across the room.

"Stand down Private Class. She is expected." The guard lowered his spear as Princess Luna approached. She looked tired, but still as regal as the infinite night sky. "Andromeda, how goes the studies on the humans?" The Princess asked me.

"Oh, Princess Luna. Thank you for allowing me to stay. The human research is actually what I was coming to see you about." I took a deep breath to calm myself before continuing. "You see, I was working on some of the genetic samples we acquired from the humans during their stay in the castle. So far there had been nothing of note, some things that distinguished them from the great apes of Equestria, but nothing other than that. However, after running some tests to see if there were any signs of magic that had been used on them, I noticed an odd magical signature. Nopony was able to identify it for weeks, but last night there was a breakthrough."

"Oh? Well, what type of magic was it then?" Princess Luna questioned.

"That's just it Your Highness. It's chaos magic."

Author's Note

Yes, the guard's name was a pun. Yes, I'm sorry. I ran out of guard names. Initially I was going to make Andromeda's full name Andromeda Strain, but figured that was too stupid. Too stupid, coming from the person who created "First Class, Private in the Equestrian Royal Guard".

Sorry it took so long to write this chapter. I'll better to keep up, but no promises.