Equestria Noire Case #2 (Re-do): The Wonderbolt Case

Chapters

Chapter 1: Catching Up
Chapter 2: A New Case
Chapter 3: Finding the Body
Chapter 4: Wonderbolts
Chapter 5: Gathering Information
Chapter 6: Strange Reveals
Chapter 7: Motherly Problems
Chapter 8: Discovering Plans
Chapter 9: The Eye of the Storm
Epilogue: A Touching Tribute

Chapter 1: Catching Up

Equestria Noire Case #2: The Wonderbolt Case
By MysteryLover17

It’s been about 4 days since the Royal Guard Case. Rocky and Berry Breeze were rightfully in jail where they belong. For Cobalt, well, unfortunately his AIDS battle ended a lot sooner than I anticipated. He died two days ago. The only thing that can be at least good about that, is that he had his best friend, Green Tea, next to him the whole time. So, at least he didn’t die alone.

As for me, well I moved into the Castle of Friendship with Twilight. I did meet the other Elements of Harmony at the party that Pinkie Pie threw for me, that being the “Welcome to Ponyville/Celebration for solving Steel Spear’s murder party.

Thing is though, I only introduced myself. I didn’t stick around as much to get to know them. I said “Hello”, and that was pretty much it.

As far as other ponies, well I do remember a gray coated mare with a really long black colored mane with a song note for a cutie mark. I believe her name was Octavia from what Pinkie said to me(more like rambled but what can you do?). She, as well as a few others(one being a blue unicorn, who was a local dentist, named Minuette) had a look on their face. Like, they didn’t want to talk to me, or were intimidated by my physical appearance.

Well, like I said when I met Starlight, when you have a blood red coat and a pitch black mane with red tints in it, ponies may think of you as a demon from hell. I had a feeling they thought of me like that. Oh fucking well.

It’s not like I’m gonna make friends with EVERYPONY here. Twilight has to at least understand that. If I’m gonna take her friendship lessons, she should at least understand that not everypony will like me(some may even hate me). She knew this.

......Right?

So, anyway, I’m currently sitting in a really nice chair(One that isn’t dusty as hell) in my new office. This is something I’ve wanted for a long time now. A nice, clean office that looks presentable for any clients that want to come in and present a case to me. They won’t have that thought of me being a total fucking slob.

There’s also a huge window next to my desk that gives me a great view of Ponyville. It’s absolutely beautiful. That must’ve been an added bonus by Princess Celestia. She sure knows how to give out rewards, that’s for damn sure.

So, I’m sitting here eating my lunch(a hay burger, hay fries, and a Cola-classic kind of meal, huh?), when I heard a knock at my door.

“Come in.” I said, as I wiped my face with my napkin(always have those on you when you’re eating-never know when some pony is gonna talk to you face to face; wanna look decent for them).

It was Twilight Sparkle. My new friend......eh, it still felt kinda weird saying that. I mean, I do consider her a friend, but it just feels out of my comfort zone after being a somewhat loner for how many fucking years.

“Hello Shadow, how are you doing?” She politely asked me with a sweet smile on her face.

I nodded. “I’m doing well, and you?”

“Very well indeed. So, how are you settling in here? Do you like it?” She asked me.

“Yes, I very much do, Twilight.” I said to her. “This office is absolutely fantastic. I especially love the view from my window.”

She smiled. “Well, I’m glad you love it.” She said.

I took a bite from my burger, swallowed it, and then said this to her.

“Though, I am getting the itch to get back out there and do what I do best.”

She chuckled, while her left hoof covered her muzzle slightly. “Oh Shadow, it’s only been 4 days. Just be patient. I’m sure something will come up.” She said.

“Well, in case you didn’t know by now, I’m a bit of a workaholic. I can’t just go over old case notes. I feel like I need to get out there and do something.” I said to her, while I took another bite of my hay burger, this time accompanying it by a small sort of hay fries with it. Napkin wiped across my face again.

Her horn was then encased with magic. She levitated a picnic basket.

“Going on a picnic with your friends, huh?” I asked her, finally finishing my hay burger. Which I followed that using my napkin.

“Mmhmm.” Twilight said, nodding her head. “And I was thinking you could join us. You can get to know my friends.” She said, with a hopeful grin on her face.

I had a feeling she’d want me to start on “friendship problems”, or whatever the fuck those were. I did make a deal with Princess Celestia after all.

I sighed. “It appears you want me to start meeting new ponies, am I right?” I said to her.

“Well, yeah.” She said. “Now’s as good a time as any to start on friendship lessons. And what better way than to meet my friends?”

As I finished the rest of my hay fries, I stood up to face Twilight.

“Alright. I guess I’ll come. Take some shit off of my mind.” I said, throwing the wrapper that held my fries away.

“Don’t worry too much, Shadow.” Twilight said in an upbeat tone. “I’m sure my friends are looking forward to meeting the stallion who solved the murder of Steel Spear.”

I sure hope she’s right.

*****The Ponyville Park*****

Me and Twilight walked through the town of Ponyville to her and her friends’ usual spot where they have a picnic. As we walked, I saw what I was expecting to see from most ponies in town. My new home.

There were ponies that looked intimidated, which they showed by either not looking me in the eye, looking away in fear, and some even cowering on the ground with their hooves covering their faces. That one being a mare about my age who had an amber mane and tail, a raspberry coat, golden eyes, and had a trio of flowers for a cutie mark. She even had a flower behind her right ear. Sheesh, it’s like she thinks I’m a reincarnation of Nightmare Moon. It was kinda pathetic.

However, that wasn’t entirely the case. Some ponies, mostly mares with young children, gave me stern looks. Like, they were just waiting for me to make a move, and they would attack with righteous fury. Especially, if I went anywhere near their son or daughter. I especially saw that with one couple. There was a dad and a mom with their kid, a daughter who looked younger than Comet. The big and buff looking dad had a flattop Black mane and tail, and a boxing glove cutie mark. The mom had a shoulder length Indigo mane and tail with an aqua blue coat and had a typewriter cutie mark. The daughter had a light blue mane and tail and a darker shade of blue for a coat color. She looked like she didn’t have a cutie mark as well. A blank flank if you will. The dad just gave me, or tried to give me I should say, a scary look, while the daughter clung to her mother’s hooves looking intimidated, while the mother also gave me a look as well. Thankfully, I’m not some sick foal fiddler, so they don’t have anything to worry about. At least, for that part.

But, I do have to give credit where it’s due. Some ponies, and this was a small portion, actually did wave and say hello to me. One in particular was a mare who looked a little older than I was. She had a pale coat, a navy blue and pink swirled mane and tail, and three pieces of candy for a cutie mark. I didn’t say hi, but I did wave. Albeit, a quick one, but still a wave nonetheless. Some of these ponies were little colts and fillies who looked at me in awe, as if I was a super hero or something. Huh. Kinda like Comet.

There were a few mares, definitely single, who eyed me as well. One that stood out was a mare, maybe a bit older than me, who had a light yellow coat, a poofy orange mane, and a pair of carrots as a cutie mark. She, along with a couple others, maybe two more I lost count, gave me a flirty look to know they might be interested in a.....unique looking pony, let’s say that. Now, I don’t know if me and Angel Blossom are on again or not, but even if we weren’t, it always felt odd to spend a night with a mare when she was on my mind. Like, I was cheating one her, even though I technically wasn’t. When we were off at least.

So, after going through town, me and Twilight finally arrived at the spot where she and her friends had their picnics together. It, actually, was a very nice spot to have one. It was a wide open range where they could throw around a frisbee or a hoofball if they wanted. And there was a nice tall tree that were you could sit in the shade.

As we walked toward the spot, I noticed that me and her were the first two here. So, her other friends were gonna be joining us in a little bit.

I looked around at the scenery. “Nice place for a picnic, Twilight.” I said to her.

She giggled. “Thanks. Me and the girls always have a picnic together whenever we get the chance for some free time away from our duties at the School of Friendship.” She then used her magic to lay out the blanket for us.

As I sat down, I asked her, with my eyebrow raising, “You have a school to teach friendship?”

Twilight nodded. “It’s to help teach ponies and other creatures all over the world how to make friends when they feel like they can’t.” She said.

I couldn’t help but just shake my head.

She noticed that and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, it’s just I think a school being made to teach just friendship is rather ridiculous. I mean, it’s not like normal schools teach Math, or Reading, or History, or subjects that ACTUALLY could be useful for the future.” I told her.

She narrowed her eyebrows at me. “Friendship is important for the future, Shadow. Imagine not having friends, like you did for so long.” She said rather sternly.

“Twilight.” I said. “I have had friends when I was in school. In fact, I had a group of friends I hung out with up until my junior year of high school.”

“What happened to them? Have you spoken to them since?” She asked, looking concerned.

I shook my head no. “Nope.” I said.

“Why?”

“Well, one is dead, and you know why.” I said to her, as she hung her head in sadness. I told her about my friend Silhouette, who committed suicide after a dance when I rejected her romantic feelings for me.

“Right.” She said.

“And, that will be a secret between you and me for the time being, right?” I asked her.

She nodded. “Of course.”

We were silent for a couple seconds before she asked me another question.

“What about your other friends? What happened to them?” She asked.

“Well, Sugar Spice was mad at me after what happened to Silhouette. So, I haven’t talked to her in years. As for the other two, well it just happens with a lot of ponies.” I said.

“What’s that?” She asked, looking curious.

“You drift apart. You follow your path to where you want to go, and that most of the time means that you can’t go with them on their journey. It’s just life.” I said to her.

Twilight narrowed her eyebrows again. “That doesn’t happen with every pony. I’m sure your friends miss you very much. Even Sugar Spice.” She said, again with that stern tone.

“Pfft.” I snorted. “The other two, yes, but I guarantee you Sugar Spice doesn’t miss me one bit. After the falling out we had, you’d never expect us to make up.” I said to her in my cynical voice.

“What if she does though?” She asked.

And just before I answered her, I heard a loud, high pitched voice in the distance. I recognized that voice. I heard it and knew the face of it when I was looking for Steel Spear’s killer.

“WE’RE HERE!” Pinkie Pie shouted as she hopped up and down toward us up the hill. She had a picnic basket in her mouth.

Accompanied by her, were her and Twilight’s other friends. From the party Pinkie threw for me, I remembered the other four name’s being Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Fluttershy. And all of them were carrying their own picnic baskets as well.

As they all made their way toward us, Twilight gave me that stern look again. “Shadow, try to smile a little please. Don’t look so mean.” She said.

I tried. It was more of a smile/more than straight faced look. Meaning, yeah I was smiling, but not much and it looked more like my usual blank faced look. Just tilted upright a little bit.

The girls made it over to the spot, and sat their picnic baskets down.

And just as I was about to say something, I felt something wrap around my body. It all happened so quick.

“Shadow!” That high pitched voice said, a little close to my ear.

She let go of the hug, and just looked all excited to see me. Like Comet, except older, surprisingly more energetic and a little bit creepier.

“Are you here to join us? Oh, that’s so cool. Maybe, you can tell us all of your adventures as a police pony. Ooh, ooh, ooh, or maybe you can show us your gun. Or maybe,—“ Her voice was muffled by Twilight’s magic. Sweet Celestia, that mare can talk.

After Pinkie stopped talking, Twilight prepared to introduce me to her friends. Even if they kinda knew who I already was after the party.

“Girls, I wanna introduce you to Detective Shadow Haze. He, Spike and I worked on that Royal Guard Case a little while ago.” She told them.

Two of them looked decent, that being Applejack and Rainbow Dash, one of them was eyeing me like I was candy, that being Rarity, and one looked intimidated, if not, scared of me, that being Fluttershy.

“Shadow Haze, this is Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash.” She introduced me to them.

I nodded my head to them. “Pleasure to meet you all.” I said.

I saw Rarity get red in the face and giggle all regal like. “Oh, the pleasure is all mine.” She said.

Ah, another mare, this one being around exactly my age, that was attracted to a unique looking pony like me.

Well, she is beautiful. Can’t deny that.

We all sat down in the blanket. As I did that, I found myself sitting next to Twilight on my right, and who quickly took a seat next to my left? Rarity.

She fluttered her eyelashes at me. Wow, could this mare be any less subtle?

I saw Applejack and Rainbow Dash gag and roll their eyes at her. At least I know those two won’t be like that. Hopefully.

After that awkward moment, we all dig into the food that was prepared for the picnic.

This was a weird way to get started here in Ponyville. Hopefully, a case happens not to long from now.

Author's Note

I know everyone was wondering what happened to the old Case #2? Well, it wasn’t really working for me. I lost interest in writing it after the second chapter. So, a while later, I just decided “Screw it, I’m deleting it and starting a new one.”

The reason I did this was because, I wanted to also focus on the friendships that Shadow will develop with the Mane 6 as the story progresses. The old one just kind of rushed into it. Here? I’m gonna try to take my time. So, that’s why the old case that I had is no longer up.

Hope you all enjoy this case as it goes forward. Also, leave a comment in the comment box. Thank you all and goodnight everybody.

Chapter 2: A New Case

So, I sat and ate a few things with Twilight and her friends. And, I gotta admit, the food they made was pretty fucking good. Especially the Apple Cider muffins. Those were delicious. Though, I have heard about Sweet Apple Acres when I was living in New Colt City. And about how great it is.

As I took the last bite of the muffin I ate, I heard one of Twilight’s friends say something to me.

“So, Mister Shadow Haze.” I looked and saw it was Applejack. The one who made the Apple Cider muffins.

“Since ya’ll have joined us, why don’t you tell us a bit about yourself?” She asked me. She seemed friendly enough I guess.

I looked at Twilight. She nodded, slightly giving me the okay.

So, I cleared my throat and talked.

“Well, I’m a private detective from New Colt City. Have been for a while now.” I said.

I saw Applejack nod. “Yeah, I heard about that Royal Guard. Shameful that that happened.” She said, taking her Stetson hat off and holding it to her chest.

“Detective Shadow Haze here did everything he could to find the pony that did that.” Twilight said, before sighing sadly.

“I just can’t believe that Steel’s own father and boyfriend were involved in it.” Twilight said.

I put a hoof on her back. “That’s one thing about Detective work that sucks. You see and find out things that you don’t want to.” I said to her. She smiled at the comfort.

Rainbow Dash looked cross now. “I’m so glad that homophobic piece of crap is in jail where he belongs. And I’m also glad that that church is gone now too. We won’t have to put up with him being here.” She said.

What she said is true. When Rocky was taken to jail, his church went out of business. As for the rest of his followers, that’s exactly what I’ll call them, I have no idea. I’ve heard a rumor that they left Ponyville. I’ve also heard some have stayed around. But, that’s about it.

“But, it’s also kind of a good thing that that gay club is going under too. I heard about all the drug use and unprotected sex and that went on over there. It’s not safe for stallions. Or anypony in general.” I saw that Fluttershy had said that.

She was also right as well. The Cruizin Colt went under also. Before Berry Breeze got imprisoned, he officially signed a deal to close down the bar. Frankly, what he told me during his interrogation was true. He’s gonna get some money in his checking account for this. Even if he’s gonna be in jail for a long time.

It’s funny that two polar opposite places when it came to homosexuality were both bad for the LGBT community. One for hatred towards them, the other exploiting drugs and risky sex that’ll do more harm then good to their body long term. Thankfully, no pony has to worry about them anymore.

I looked next to me and saw Rarity clear her throat. “Well, it’s nice that you arrested those ruffians who murdered that Royal Guard. However, if I can speak for my friends here, we’d like to know a little more about you.” She said, now leaning closer to me. Her face really starting to get close to mine.

“Particularly, your position in the relationship department?” She said, fluttering her eyelashes again.

I don’t know if I should be happy or weirded out by her. Either way, I pushed her away a little bit with my magic.

“Well, Rarity was it?” I asked. “I’m not interested in relationships right now. Besides, I have a bit of a complicated thing going on with a friend of mine.”

Before Rarity could say anything, I saw Pinkie’s eyes widen as she gasped.

“Are you and Twilight dating?!” She exclaimed.

I saw Twilight blush at that exclamation. Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy looked interested in hearing this, while Rarity looked disappointed.

I waived my hoof at her. “Please, like that’ll happen. Twilight and myself are just friends. That’s it.” I said.

“Well” Applejack started. “Then why are y’all staying at the Castle of Friendship with her?” She asked.

Twilight regained her composure and spoke next. “Princess Celestia offered him a job in Ponyville. She asked if I would let him stay at the Castle, and I said yes.” She said.

I nodded. “Things weren’t going to well for me financially in New Colt City. Cases I was getting weren’t all that exciting, and I got evicted from my apartment. And I wasn’t gonna ask my big sister if I could stay with her.” I explained to them. Now, this was getting them interested in me a little bit.

“Y’all have a sister?” Applejack asked me.

“Yes.” I said. “Her name’s Melody Rays. She has a husband and son, that being my nephew, and I didn’t want to intrude on her. Plus, I wanted to get away from New Colt City. Move somewhere smaller and quieter.”

“But, there’s not a whole lotta bad that goes on around here. Ya know, except for giant monsters and attacks by Chrysalis or Lord Tirek.” Rainbow Dash said, now sporting an arrogant smile on her face. “And we handle those ones with awesomeness. Especially, yours truly.”

I rolled my eyes, which didn’t go unnoticed by her. That certainly didn’t set well with her, I could tell.

“Yes, I’ve heard about how you all handle those threats to Equestria.” I said to all of them.

After a moment of silence, Applejack asked, “So, Uh, Shadow, is Twilight your partner on all your cases now?”

This time Twilight shook her head. “No. And we were just gonna get into that. Girls, if any of you want to help out on future cases, Shadow here will let you come along.” She said to them.

“Really?” Rarity asked, looking excited. Wow, she must really want to spend some alone time with me. This mare looks desperate.

“Yes. Although, it is my decision whether I want you to tag along or not. I’m also not gonna force any of you to work with me on a case. If you really want to join, and if I’m okay with it, you can be my side detective for the case.” I told them.

Rainbow Dash looked disgusted. “Woah woah woah, side detective? I am no pony’s side kick. So, you can forget about me ever joining you.” She said, looking cross.

“Rainbow Dash.” Twilight said, looking stern.

“Apparently you didn’t listen. I said I’m not asking you to join me. Or forcing you. Besides, I personally would rather work with Twilight than you.” I said to her.

Now, she’s getting pretty mad. “Why?” She asked.

“Because, I don’t think I’d want to work with an arrogant pony like you who thinks she’s all that, only to fail miserably at a real life job like this. After all, I hate seeing a grown mare cry.” I said to her, myself now getting worked up.

She’s getting closer to my face. I don’t give a fuck if this pony is a mare. She makes one wrong move, I’m gonna slam this bitch down to the fucking ground.

As we had our little stare down, Twilight pulled me back, while Fluttershy and Applejack pulled Rainbow Dash back. Rarity and Pinkie Pie just looked afraid.

“Both of you, cut it out. This isn’t how friends act.” Twilight said sternly.

“Who said I was friends with this guy?” Rainbow Dash asked, looking pissed off.

“I don’t really give a fuck if you like me or not.” I said, almost raising my voice. Keyword being almost. This bitch isn’t worth getting all worked up over.

Immediately after I said that, my cell went off. I took it out, and saw that it was Cadaver. Well, I’m guessing I have another case to get too.

“I gotta take this.” I said, as Twilight released me from her magic, letting me walk away to answer my call.

So, I was a few feet away from them when I answered. “Detective Shadow Haze.” I said into the phone.

”Hey Detective Shadow Haze. Cadaver here. I need you to come to Cloudsdale. We got a body over here. Address is 1513 E Gun Lane.” He told me. He sounded calm. Good.

“Alright. Tell me everything when I get there. I’ll see ya in a little bit.” I said, before hanging up.

I walked over and saw Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle arguing. With Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity trying to calm them down. Guess it’s about me. Oh fucking well. There’s been worse to argue about.

“Twilight.” I said loud enough to get her attention. I got every pony else’s attention as well. Even the rainbow bitch.

“You wanna go on another case with me? Now’s your chance.” I told her.

She instantly looked concerned. “ What’s happened?” She asked.

“A dead body was found at a home in Cloudsdale.” I said.

Now, it was the rainbow bitch’s turn to look concerned. “Cloudsdale? I live there.” She said.

“Good for you.” I said, before turning my attention to Twilight. “So, you in?” I asked her again.

I fully expected her to get all excited and say yes. However, she gave me that look when you are about to give bad news.

“Sorry Shadow, but I have a meeting with Princess Celestia in an hour. I won’t be able to join you.” She said in that disappointing bad news type voice.

Only, after that, almost instantly she lit up with a perky smile.

“Why not ask one of my friends to go with you?” She offered you me.

Well, I knew this was gonna happen. Before, I was even gonna think about making a choice, I felt something bump against my side. It was Rarity again. With that flirtatious look on her face.

“I’ll go. After all, I have Detective experience.” She said, fluttering those damn eyelashes again. I swear, how this mare doesn’t get one in her eye is beyond me.

Rarity has Detective experience? When? From what I heard from Twilight, and in the papers, she’s a fashionista who runs the Carousel Boutique. How could she have Detective experience?

“Hold on.” I heard Rainbow Dash say out loud. “If anypony knows Cloudsdale, it’s me. I should know when something horrible has happened. Plus, I know a lot of ponies in Cloudsdale. So, it should be me.” She ranted.

“I thought you said you didn’t want to be anypony’s side detective, Rainbow Dash.” Rarity said, before turning to me again. Seriously, how many times is this mare gonna flutter those damn eyelashes?

Can eyelashes hurt after you’ve fluttered them for so long?

Now, Rainbow was starting to get worked up again. “Y-Yeah, well that was before I found out some pony I could potentially know is dead.” She said.

“GIRLS!” A loud booming voice echoed. Sweet Celestia, Twilight just used her Princess voice. It startled the shit out of me. As it did Rarity and Rainbow Dash.

Even Applejack, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were startled by it.

“I think Shadow should choose who he wants to go with. Or, Shadow, if you want to go at it alone, that’s fine too. So, what do you say?” She told me.

She’s right. I COULD do this alone. But, it’s Cloudsdale. A place for Pegasi. And I’m a Unicorn. I’ll need some pony to help me with going places I haven’t seen. Plus, walking on those damn clouds.

I turned toward the other three. “Any of you want in?” I asked them.

Fluttershy looked scared and shook her head.

Pinkie, whom I thought would jump at the start to do a case, gave that bad news look Twilight gave me earlier.

“Uh, I have to get back to Sugarcube Corner in a little bit. I’ll join you next time.” She said. She also looked uncomfortable. Probably after what happened with Rainbow Dash and myself.

Applejack shook her head. “Sorry, got farm work I gotta do.” She said, tilting her Stetson hat. Cool looking hat if I say so myself.

I sighed. I can’t believe I’m gonna do this.

“Well, Rainbow Dash, looks like you’re with me.” I said to her. She nodded.

Rarity, on the other hoof, just looked hurt.

“What about me?” She asked, sounding dramatic. Twilight also told me she’s a drama queen.

I turned toward her. Her face flushed almost instantly to red.

“Look Rarity, I get you wanna help. However, Rainbow Dash, whether I like it or not, is more of an asset here. She knows Cloudsdale more than any of you, and she knows a lot of ponies that you may or may not know. Plus, her being a Pegasus, she could help me get to higher places if I need them. So, sorry but I choose her.” I explained.

Her face was still red as I explained myself to her.

“Okay. I guess I understand. Just promise me you’ll choose me next time you have a case.” She said, this time just lowering her eyes in a seductive way.

Wow. If there was a desperate mare for a stallion award, she’d probably win it.

I rolled my eyes. “Sure. Fine.” I said, before turning to Dash. As I did, however, I heard Rarity faint all dramatic like behind me. I turned and saw Applejack picking her up and putting her on her back.

“Well, I guess we better leave. Good luck on your case, Detective Shadow Haze. Get the varmit for us.” Applejack said, walking away in one direction.

“Bye. See ya later.” Pinkie Pie said walking in another direction.

Fluttershy just waived nervously at me, before she flew away in another direction.

As I waived goodbye to them, I saw Twilight turn to Rainbow Dash.

“Do you promise to do everything Shadow says and be professional, Dash?” She asked, slightly scolding her.

Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Yeah yeah yeah, whatever.” She said, folding her hooves to her chest.

Twilight nodded, turned to me, and said, “Good luck Shadow”, before flying off to Canterlot.

Now, I faced Rainbow Dash. We just stared at each other for a few seconds.

“Are you mare enough to follow my lead?” I asked her.

“Pfft.” She snorted. “Yeah, but only cause I promised Twilight.” She said.

“Whatever.” I said, making Dash give me a cross looking snort.

“Now, what’s the quickest way to Cloudsdale?” I asked her.

She, apparently, got an idea lightbulb across her head. Cause, the next thing she did was grab me from my underarms, and flew me up into the air.

Well, that was unexpected.

“Really?” I asked her, as she flew me toward our destination.

She smiled that arrogant smile. “Quickest way. By the fastest flier in all of Equestria.” She said.

Looks like I’ve gotten myself into something.

-/- Cloudsdale -/-

Before we landed, I managed to apply the cloud walking spell on myself. No sweat, it’s a basic magic spell.

So, when we landed, I managed to walk on clouds just fine. I didn’t fall through and plummet to my death.

“So, where’s the crime scene?” Rainbow Dash asked me, now looking serious.

“1513 E Gun Lane.” I told her.

As minute I said that, I saw Rainbow’s coat, mane, and even tail, go white. With Fear. She knows the victim?

“No. No. Please, Celestia, NO!” Rainbow cried as she flew away from me up the street.

Damn it. She’s getting emotional already?

I chased after her. “Rainbow, come back here.” I yelled, chasing after her as best as I could.

I followed the rainbow streak up the street, when I eventually came across a nice looking blue house. Which was now surrounded by police ponies (some from the Detention Center in Ponyville, and I guess some from here in Cloudsdale).

Rainbow flew toward the house, but was stopped by one of the police ponies. He was a pretty big and buff looking stallion. Pale coat with a fluffy orange mane and tail. He had a hoof cuff cutie mark.

I heard the conversation going on as I walked toward the house.

“Ma’am you can’t be in there. This a crime scene investigation.” He said to her.

“Hey, my friend is in there! She’s one of my Wonderbolt teammates! I need to see her!” She said very emotionally.

Woah, our victim is a Wonderbolt?

....Shit.

Author's Note

Here ya go. Chapter 2. Make sure to comment, like, favorite and follow for future updates.

Thank you all, #FuckCoronaVirus, and goodnight everybody.

Chapter 3: Finding the Body

Rainbow Dash and the buff looking police pony were still arguing when I was close enough to the house. Thankfully, Rainbow didn’t try to force herself in. She would’ve been cuffed right there.

“That’s enough!” I shouted at both of them. They both turned their heads to look at me.

I flashed my police badge at the police pony. “Detective Shadow Haze. I was called to investigate. Rainbow Dash is working with me on this case. I’ll take it from here.” I told him.

The police pony looked at Rainbow again. She smirked at him. Arrogant bitch.

He walked away from the steps to let us investigate. And as Rainbow Dash was about to fly in, I encased her with my magic and pulled her toward me.

“Hey, what was that for?” She asked angrily.

“You don’t want to see this. The Vic is your friend. Stay out here and I’ll look over what happened.” I said as she looked at me with with a cross expression while folding her forelegs.

“I promise once I’m done, I’ll fill you in on the situation. I’ll also ask you some questions since you know the Vic. Okay?” I told her.

She just snorted and said “Fine.”

With that, I walked into the house. As I entered the front door(while also being greeted by a few forensic ponies), I started to look over the whole downstairs area. I heard ponies upstairs, and I didn’t see a body here, so I’m guessing that’s where the Vic is.

Speaking of the front door, I took a look at it and noticed that the doorknob and the latch didn’t appear to be tampered with. And the door itself didn’t show any dents in it. So, it appears that the Vic knew her attacker.

And, unfortunately from what Cadaver told me, rapist and murderer. I sighed as I thought about how this job never gets easier. Even if you’ve been doing it for years.

Now, the living room itself was nothing with consequence to the case(at least not that I know of yet), however the kitchen, that’s when I started to put the pieces of the puzzle together.

There were two dinner plates at a table with scraps of food on them. Daisy sandwiches with hay fries. I also saw two wine glasses with a little bit of wine left at the bottom of each of them. So, the Vic and the potential suspect had an alcoholic beverage together.

So, I levitated both glasses into a plastic bag and gave them to a few forensic ponies. I told them to take it for a DNA test.

After that, I walked upstairs and before I walked into the bedroom, where the Vic must be due to all the commotion I’m hearing from there, I walked into the bathroom right next to it. The only thing that probably had significance to the case was the beauty products I found on and near the sink. There was lip gloss, eye shadow, blush, hairspray, you name it. I guess it appears that the Vic must’ve gotten herself dolled up for a great night with some pony.

Maybe that somepony she planned to spend the night with is who ended up raping and murdering her.

Then, I finally walked out of the bathroom and into the bedroom. The bedroom of the Vic. Cadaver was there looking over the body. The Vic was a Pegasus mare(no shit). She had an dark orange coat with light yellow mane that at one point was probably a shaggy looking mane. Now, it was disheveled all to shit. She also had a trio of gusts of wind for a cutie mark.

That’s when I started to feel the remorse for the Vic turn on instantly. This mare looked no older than 22. She was so young. Had her whole life ahead of her, only to have it taken away by some piece of fucking shit.

The Vic was lying on the bed. Her face did indeed have makeup on it. Guess those beauty products weren’t out for nothing. I saw her eye shadow and mascara was now all over her face and had run down to her chin.

Oh Celestia. This mare must’ve been crying while she was being raped. She must’ve been so scared in the last moment of her life. The poor thing.

And if that wasn’t bad enough, I saw ligature marks on her neck. She also had a few bruises on her face and back and shoulders. This mare was beaten and strangled to death. Apparently by some rope or something.

Guess our suspect likes to play rough when it comes to sex. It also looks like she didn’t.

I shook my head as I walked over to Cadaver. He noticed me and immediately greeted me.

“Hey Detective.” He said to me in a remorseful tone.

“Hello Cadaver.” I said, looking over the room. I saw on the nightstand there was an unopened box of condoms. Looked newly bought as well. Guess somepony thought about safe sex and somepony didn’t give a shit.

Now I’m having a sense of deja vu.

“So, what have we got?” I asked him.

He nodded. “Vic’s name is Gust Gale. She’s a Wonderbolt. Judging from her age, she’s about 20-21 years old, I’d say she hasn’t been one for a long time. Maybe about 2 years or so.” He explained.

“What’s the condition of the body?” I asked, although I kinda had a feeling about what was gonna be said by him.

Cadaver have a big sigh. “There was seminal fluids on and around her legs, as well as vaginal trauma. Suspect apparently didn’t wear a condom. So, I’ve gotten started on analyzing DNA from a rape kit.” He said as he gave another sigh.

“Detective, there’s no other way to say this. She suffered.” He told me as he looked to the ground in sadness for the Vic.

I feel bad for him. His job is almost as bad as mine is. He has to go tests on dead ponies and find out how and why they died, when he really, deep down, probably doesn’t want to.

Cadaver is a good and brave stallion for having the balls to do this kind of job. That’s something I admire in somepony like him.

Heh. Maybe he could be a pretty good friend of mine. That could make Twilight happy.

So, I put my hoof on is shoulder. He looked up at me and into my eyes.

“I know.” I said. “This job doesn’t get easier. But, you’re a good and tough stallion for pulling through this.” I said to him.

He smiled. I guess that cheered him up a little bit. “Thanks Detective.” He said.

“Call me Shadow, okay?” I said as I pulled my hoof away from his shoulder.

He nodded.

I looked around the room one last time before deciding to head back to Rainbow Dash.

However, there was something missing from this room that just bugged me.

“Has anypony found Gale’s Wonderbolt uniform by any chance?” I asked Cadaver, who was back to looking over the body.

He shook his head. “Not yet, but once me or somepony here does, I’ll let you know.” He said.

They haven’t found her Wonderbolt uniform? That’s kinda odd.

Before I walked out, Cadaver called out to me, “Dete-I mean Shadow?”

I turned back to him.

He smiled and said, “Thanks again.”

I nodded back before I went back outside.

-/- Outside with Rainbow Dash -/-

As I walked outside, I saw Rainbow Dash looking impatient. Anxious. Like she wanted to get a move on. Guess I have to give her this: she doesn’t like to waste time.

Kinda like me when I’m on a case.

She flew over to me and started to bombard me with questions.

“So? How bad? Did she suffer? Is there anything on a suspect? What is it? Come on Shadow Haze, just tell me.” She asked, sounding frantic. Guess I can’t blame her. The Vic is a friend and fellow Wonderbolt.

I sighed. This is where things are gonna get bad. I just know it.

“Well, Gust Gale had somepony over for dinner. They had one or maybe a few glasses of wine together. The suspect and Gale went up to her bedroom where....” I trailed off. Does she really want me to be blunt?

“Where what? Just tell me.” Rainbow said, looking on the verge of tears.

I shook my head in remorse before I told her. “Where she was raped and murdered. Rainbow, I’m sorry to say this, but she did suffer as she died. She looked as if she was crying while it happened. She was scared and she suffered a horrible death.” I told her.

Her head went down to the clouds. I could hear her heavy breathing. Well, actually, this looked more like seething. As in seething with anger. While also having tears in her eyes with sadness. Her front legs were shaking.

Was I a little too blunt? I don’t know. But, either way, I felt so bad for her. I know I didn’t exactly get off on the right hoof with her, but that doesn’t mean I can’t feel any sympathy for her.

“Rainbow, I’m so sorry. I can’t begin to imagine what you’re going through right now.” I said to her.

She turned away from me, now her back facing me. It was like she didn’t want me to see her in this weak state. Can’t say I blame her.

“Look, I know this is tough right now, but if you know anything about Gust Gale, I’m gonna need to ask you some questions. Can you at least do that for me?” I asked her, trying to sound as remorseful as possible.

She was silent for a moment before she turned back and told me, “I can give you a little bit. But, if you want to know a lot, talk with Captain Spitfire. She took Gust Gale under her wing when she first started Wonderbolt training two years ago.”

I nodded. “Okay. That’s good. Now, how close were you and Gale?” I asked.

She shrugged. “Not as close as a few of the others, but we still talked. She was such a nice girl.” She gave a quick groan. “Why her?” Why did that have to happen to her?” She asked.

“Sometimes, things like this just happen, Rainbow Dash. You can’t stop it.” I told her.

“Yes. You can.” She said, giving me a cross look. Guess there’s no use trying to tell her otherwise.

“Did you know if she had a boyfriend?” I asked her.

She rolled her eyes. “All of us on the Wonderbolts knew. She met him after one of our shows when he waited for her outside the arena. She had gotten a few love letters from our fan mail from him.” She said. We started to walk down a random street as we continued talking.

“What was this guy’s name?” I asked her.

“Corkscrew. Only saw him a few times, but didn’t get a good read on him. Seemed like a nice guy.” She said, now scowling.

“Do you know somepony who did get a good read on him?” I asked.

She nodded. “Captain Spitfire. For some reason, she just didn’t like him. There was just something about him that she just didn’t like. She thought he was a creep or something.” She said.

“Why?” I asked, writing everything down.

She shrugged. “I don’t know. But, I think she thought she knew him from somewhere. Back when her and Soarin were in high school. She just couldn’t remember though.” She said.

After I finished writing everything down, I said to Rainbow, “Alright that should be enough. We should talk with Spitfire now.”

“Right.” She said. Before I could say another thing, she scooped me up again and flew me and her over to the Wonderbolt base.

As she held me in her hooves while she flew, I couldn’t help but be fascinated by the look of Cloudsdale. It looked beautiful from up here.

You know, me and my sister Melody Rays growing up with a family of grounded Pegasi, I always had a thought in my head about what it would be like to fly in the clouds. My cousins, or other sisters as they prefer to be called, would talk about how it felt like you were at peace with yourself. Relaxation. Like your body was on Cloud 9.

I don’t know if I felt like that now, but it still felt cool to see this.

I looked up at Rainbow Dash, still hanging on to me. “Hey?” I said.

She looked down. “Hm?”

“We’re gonna find the fucker that did this to your friend. I promise.” I gave her a quick smile before going back to my usual deadpan expression.

She looked to her left for a quick second. “Yeah. We will.”

We were silent for the rest of the flight until we landed at the Wonderbolt base.

Author's Note

Hey everyone, sorry this is late, I had different projects I was working on that weren’t MLP related. But, here ya go. Make sure to comment, like, follow and favorite for future updates. Thanks and goodnight everybody.

Chapter 4: Wonderbolts

When Me and Rainbow Dash walked inside the Wonderbolt facility, we expected to see a bunch of Pegasi flying around, working out or training in some ways for their upcoming shows.

However, that was not the case. When we walked in, we saw either empty areas or ponies sitting at a table looking sad. I even saw a few hugging each other while they cried and tried to comfort each other.

Guess they got the bad news with Gust Gale.

We were walking in some hallway near the locker rooms, when I saw a wonderbolt mare come up to us. From the shows I’ve seen(yes, I’ve seen a few Wonderbolt shows with a few family members of mine over the years), this was Fleetfoot. She had a light arctic blue coat, a light grayish mane, and had a cutie mark of a horseshoe falling rapidly toward the ground. I saw that she looked pretty down as well.

“I was just gonna call you, Crash. Practice is canceled today. And we’re gonna take a few days off.” She said to her.

“I know. Shadow Haze and I are working together on it.” She said.

Fleetfoot looked surprised. “You mean, you know what happened?” She asked.

As Dash nodded, I levitated my badge out to her. “Yes, we do. And you heard right. Dash is working with me to solve Gust Gale’s rape and murder. I’m Detective Shadow Haze. I’m very sorry for your loss.” I told her.

“Wait.” Fleetfoot said. “Crash is working with you on a murder investigation?” She asked as I heard the lisp come out of her mouth.

“It’s a long story and a part of a deal I have with how my job goes.” I said to her. She looked confused.

“Anyway, Miss Fleetfoot, yes I know who you are, I’ve seen you perform at your shows, I’d like to ask you some questions, however I would first like to talk with your captain. Miss Spitfire. Where can I find her?” I asked.

She frowned sadly and pointed toward an office door. It said CAPTAIN SPITFIRE on it. Convenient I guess.

“She’s in there right now with Soarin.” She said, sighing sadly. “She’s taking it really hard.”

I saw Dash look sad too. “Oh man.” She said. Fleet foot then came over and hugged Dash. I saw them both let out a few tears. They weren’t sobbing uncontrollably, but it still looked sad to see. Gust Gale must’ve been a really good pony to them.

They let go of each other. As Fleetfoot walked away, she turned back to me and said, “I’ll be in the cafeteria if you wanna ask questions, Mister Shadow Haze.”

I nodded. “Thanks. I’ll talk with you in a little bit.” I said to her as me and Dash walked over to the office door.

Before I even knocked, I heard crying from the inside. There was even a silhouette in the glass frame on the door of a pony with her head buried in another pony’s shoulder. It looked like the pony giving comfort had his wing wrapped around the crying pony.

When I knocked on the door, I heard a stallions voice say, “Come in.”

As I opened the door, I saw what was silhouetted in the glass frame actually happening. The two Wonderbolt ponies were behind a desk with a big swivel chair. I’ve seen these two perform many times during Wonderbolt shows as well.

The stallion was named Soarin. He had a long and wavy dark blue mane with a very light blue coat. His cutie mark was a pair of wings with a lightning bolt in between them.

He had his wing wrapped around a mare he was sitting with. He even nuzzled her and kissed her on her forehead. I guess these two are a couple.

Speaking of the mare, this one, obviously, I knew. I saw her at a few shows years back. She was the Captain of the Wonderbolts. You would even see this with the attire she was wearing, as it appeared to look like a drill sergeant.
Spitfire was her name. She had a golden coat with an orange mane that had some amber stripes in it. Glad to see somepony have tints or stripes in their manes. Looks good to me.

However, I wasn’t looking at a drill sergeant right now. I was looking at a crying mare, who apparently got the news that one of her cadets(one she, from what Rainbow Dash had just told me, personally took under her wing) was now not only dead, but had been raped and murdered. She had every right to cry. I couldn’t imagine what she was going through right now.

Thankfully, she appears to have a caring boyfriend who is there for her when she feels weak. Or needs comfort in a time like this.

Rainbow Dash came over and put a hoof on her boss’ shoulder, showing comfort as well. Soarin smiled at her, as he wiped at his eyes as well. He looked to have been crying too, but not as much as Spitfire was.

As I got closer to the desk, I levitated my badge out to her. She did lift her head off of Soarin’s shoulder to look at me. “Miss Spitfire, I’m Detective Shadow Haze. I know that this is a very difficult time for you right now, but I need to ask you some questions. Can you do that for me?” I asked her in the most compassionate tone I tried to do. And I mean I really tried, meaning not trying to make myself sound emotionless as I usually am.

Spitfire breathed in a big sigh to try and calm herself down. Soarin reached into one of the drawers in the desk, and handed out a tissue for her. She smiled at his kindness. She took it and wiped away the fresh tears as best as she could. Both Soarin and Rainbow Dash had hooves on her back for moral support.

She cleared her throat as I got out my notepad and pen. “I-I’ll do w-what I can, Detective.” She said with a sniffle in her voice.

Like I said before: This job never gets easy. No matter how long you’ve done it.

“When did Gust Gale first start with the Wonderbolts?” I asked her.

“About two years ago. Maybe a bit longer than that. She was only 19 when she started.” She said.

“And in those two years or so, how was she with her Wonderbolt associates? Did she get along with them? Did she make any enemies?”

She chuckled as she shook her head. “I can’t tell you one pony who had a problem with her. She got along with every pony here from when I was around her.” She said.

Soarin nodded. “Yeah. She was very respectful and never had any type of argument with anypony here. Especially not me and Spitfire.” He told me as he as scooted closer to Spitfire and wrapped his wing around her again. She appreciated that from what I saw.

After I wrote that down, I asked her, “So, Rainbow Dash told me, Miss Spitfire, that you personally took Gust Gale under your wing. You know, helped teach her how to hang with the Wonderbolts. Why did you take an interest in her?”

“Well Soarin here” She tilted her head at him “told me that she and I look so much alike. We both have similar coat and mane colors. Only difference was that I was better looking.” She said, now turning her head toward him a smirk on her face.

He shrugged. “What? It was a compliment. And it was true.” He said.

She shook her head, with still that smirk on her face. “Anyway, I don’t know why, but I guess I just saw a little bit of myself in her. She had that passion to be a Wonderbolt, but she didn’t exactly have the same personality as me. So, I kinda wanted to help bring it out of her so she could have fun.” She said.

Before I asked my next question, Rainbow Dash chimed in. “Yeah, she was kinda shy when it came to meet n greats. Or other charity events. She wasn’t the most sociable. Let’s say that.”

I nodded at her as I wrote that down. Next question. “Now, Miss Spitfire, when I came to the crime scene, it appeared Gust Gale had a romantic dinner with somepony. And she even looked like she got dolled up for something. Did you know if she had a boyfriend or not?” I asked her.

That was when I saw her face turn into a frown. I even heard a low growl from her. “Yeah. But I didn’t trust that guy as far as I could throw him.” She said. I saw a similar look on both Soarin and Rainbow Dash’s faces. Looks like Dash was telling the truth earlier.

“Why is that?” I asked her.

“I have no idea. I just had this feeling in my gut. It’s like I knew him from somewhere some time ago. Someone I knew and just couldn’t stand.” She said.

“Someone you know? Who was this pony knew by any chance?” I asked.

Soarin then stepped in. “Well me and Spitfire have been a couple for about 5 going on 6 years now-“

“I’m surprised you know how long.” Spitfire said teasingly.

“-hey, I keep track of things. Anyway, we first started dating in our sophomore year of high school. While that was going on, there was this creep ass dude who constantly hit on Spitfire. Sometimes right in front of me. He was some tubby looking Pegasus. An ugly brown coat with a greasy dirty blonde mane. And he had a protractor for a cutie mark. The guy was an ugly nerd.” He said.

Spitfire now looked cross having to remember this. “His name was Skyler Storms. The dude just wouldn’t leave me my alone. Like, he’d buy me flowers I didn’t even like, he’d buy me chocolates, which I don’t even like, I’m a candy type girl. He’d want to walk me to class like all the time, even when I had Soarin with me, and he’d always have this stupid fucking looking fedora with him. Says it makes him look like a gentlecolt. I can’t even count how many times the dude asked me out. And every time I said No, he would get all pissy and whiny and bitchy about how “Soarin isn’t as nice a guy as I am. You should dump him and be with a guy who’ll treat you like you’re the most important pony in his life.” He was one of those nice guys that just wanted to get into my pants. Plus, he was NOT attractive in the slightest. In fact, he was pretty ugly. Ugh, it was so fucking stressful.” She ranted to me. Immediately after that, she rubbed her head as if she was staring to get a migraine.

“It must’ve been.” I said to her, writing all this shit down. Rainbow Dash went over to the coffee machine that was in her room and started to make her a cup. Guess she’s a good friend for her boss.

“Now, did you ever see this Skyler Storms ever again? After you graduated high school and went to Wonderbolt camp?” I asked.

She rolled her eyes. “Unfortunately yes.” She said, now groaning with her hooves on her head. I heard a ding, which meant the coffee was done. Rainbow Dash quickly got it and gave it to her.

“You’re such a good friend, Crash.” She said, immediately taking a sip. Guess she needs it.

“Where was I?” She asked herself, trying to get back on track. She got it almost instantly.

“Oh yeah. So, when you go to Wonderbolt camp, you gotta go through a lot, and I mean A LOT of training exercises. They test you based on speed, agility, endurance, physical and mental toughness, and most of all, how good you can fly. They also look at how you can handle things under pressure. How to time your flying abilities. And, the biggest one of all, how to work together as a team. Cause, the Wonderbolts are a team sport, Shadow. That’s what you can expect when you wanna be a Wonderbolt.” She explained to me.

Huh. This is getting me somewhere. “So, how did this Skyler Storms do at Wonderbolt camp?” I asked.

After I asked that, both Soarin and Spitfire started to laugh. Rainbow Dash laughed along with them, even if she may not have known what she was talking about.

“The dude sucked balls at almost everything.” Soarin said with a chuckle. “He couldn’t fly fast worth a shit, he couldn’t be agile to save his life, he could barely last an hour, and he was a wuss when it came to injuries. Detective, I don’t mean to sound arrogant, but I once did a whole 2 week tour in Manechester with a torn muscle in my left wing.” Hmm. That is impressive. I’ve heard of professional wrestlers who work hurt all the time, and I guess he’s no different.

“Not even just that. He was difficult to work as a team with, he’d always try and be a captain when he didn’t know what the hell he was doing, he didn’t handle pressure very well, and worst of all, he was so disrespectful to our captains and leaders at that time. Those guys were Legends in Wonderbolt history. And he thought he knew more than them. That’s why they kicked him to the curb not too long after he joined. Heh, loser.” Spitfire told me.

“I mean there’s arrogant, and then there’s that, Shadow.” Rainbow told me.

I nodded my head. “Sounds like he was more narcissistic then arrogant.” I said.

“Hmph.” Spitfire grunted. “You can say that again.”

“Now, going back to what I was asking earlier, when did Gust Gale meet this guy, and what was it about him that made you think of this Skyler Storms?” I asked.

“We have a fan mail bag in the mailroom downstairs. We get like over 200 letters everyday. Some of them are nice letters showing how much of a fan they are, some of them are from little kids who dream of becoming a Wonderbolt someday and how much of an inspiration we are, and some are from family members.” Spitfire said.

“Do you get any letters that come off as romantic in a way? Any letters that may be stalkerish in a sense?” I asked.

She paused a moment before speaking again. “There have been some inappropriate letters sent to us. Like just 3 weeks ago, there was this guy who sent a letter to one of our teammates. Sky Stinger. Him and Vapor Trail are dating, and he was getting these letters from some mare that dreamed of having sex with him. From what he told me, they were extremely graphic. That’s why whenever she sends one now, we just tear it up immediately.” Spitfire said.

“So, is that how Gust Gale met this stallion? Through fan mail?” I asked.

She nodded. “There was a stallion named Corkscrew who sent her these love letters. It was totally sappy, but she loved them. She wanted to meet him, cause he signed them “Your Secret Admirer”, before he revealed himself after a show a year and a half ago. He was a skinny looking dude, but looked in okay shape. Not much. He had a yellow coat, a bleach blonde mane and a calculator cutie mark. ” Spitfire told me. I’m thankful she gave a description on both of our apparent suspects. Although, Corkscrew is way more of a suspect than this Skyler Storms is. That’s for sure.

“And when you saw this stallion, named Corkscrew, you instantly thought of Skyler Storms when you saw him?” I asked.

She nodded. “Yes.”

“And you Soarin? Rainbow Dash?” I asked both of them.

“I never knew the story until now. I just went by what Spitfire told me.” Rainbow Dash said.

However, Soarin looked cross like how Spitfire was just now. “I had a feeling the guy looked familiar. Like I seen him somewhere before. I just wasn’t sure.” He told me.

“What can any of you tell me about Corkscrew?” I asked them.

Now, all three of them shrugged. “I don’t know. He never was around us. He might’ve been around others, but I’m not so sure.” Spitfire said.

I finally finished writing my notes down. Man this was quite an interview.

“Thank you Miss Spitfire. You’ve been a big help. You both too. And I promise, me and Rainbow Dash are gonna find the Son of a Bitch that did this to your friend. You have my word.” I told her.

She nodded. “Thanks Detective.” She said, getting up. Soarin followed her.

“Hey, you wanna get lunch? I’m buying.” He asked her.

“You wanna get a spicy sub?” She asked.

“Sure.” Soarin said, as they left the office. I noticed they’re tails were intertwined. Man, those two must be a pretty serious couple.

“Hey.” I heard Rainbow Dash say to me.

I turned to her and answered, “Yes?”

“Thanks for not badgering her. I can tell she’s been through a lot.” She said.

“That’s not my job. That’s for a bullshit lawyer to do when someone is on stand in court.” I said to her as we left the office.

When we were outside, she asked me, “So, are we gonna ask around now?”

I nodded. “Yes. Every pony here must know at least SOMETHING about Gust Gale and her relationship. Let’s get started.” I told her.

“Right.” She nodded as we walked into the hallway to find and ask any Wonderbolt some questions.

This looks like it’ll take a while.

Author's Note

If you guys like this chapter, make sure to comment, like, favorite and follow my account for future updates. Also, make sure to leave a comment for a story idea for any upcoming Stephen King type story involving MLP:FiM that I plan on doing.

Thank you all and goodnight everybody.

Chapter 5: Gathering Information

Rainbow Dash and I walked down to the cafeteria where Miss Fleetfoot said she was gonna be. Now, like before, normally when somepony is in a cafeteria with a lot of ponies, there would be a lot of commotion and noise floating around the place. You would see this especially in schools with rowdy colts and fillies.

However, that wasn’t the case here. Yes there was a few conversations here and there between fellow Wonderbolts, but overall it was mostly quiet here.

Another thing I noticed was no pony here was wearing their uniforms. Well, guess I understand that. No point in wearing it if you aren’t gonna use it for a few days.

Anyway, we walked inside and saw Miss Fleetfoot sitting at a table that was kind of near the entrance where me and Rainbow entered. She was sitting with a few of her teammates. One was a white coated mare with a long spiky blonde mane and raspberry colored eyes. Another one was a light gray coated mare with a shaggy cobalt mane. Lastly, there was a light arctic blue coated mare with a pale olive coat.

The four of them were eating what was on the menu. Looking sad and depressed for their fallen friend. With the shaggy maned mare looking especially sad. She barely was eating her food.

“Hey guys.” Rainbow Dash said to all of them. They all responded with a “Hey” toward her.

I levitated my badge toward them. “Hello ladies. I’m Detective Shadow Haze. I know this is a really hard time for you all, but I’d like to ask you all some questions regarding Gust Gale, if you don’t mind.” I told them, while the shaggy maned mare shuttered. Huh, she looked especially emotional right now.

Fleetfoot instantly spoke up. “Ask away Detective. By the way, if you don’t know, this is Surprise, High Winds, and Misty Fly.” She said, apparently introducing me to them.

“Good to meet you three. Are you okay with answering some questions?” I asked them.

Misty Fly nodded, while looking cross. “Yeah. If it means getting that fucker that did that to Gust Gale.” She said.

“I’ll do my best, Detective.” Surprise said, still looking sad.

However, High Winds stood up from her seat, her lip quivering and eyes starting to water.

“I can’t do this.” She said emotionally, flying away from the cafeteria and into a hallway somewhere.

Both Surprise and Misty Fly had their heads down in compassionate sadness. With Misty rubbing Surprise’s back with her wing.

“What’s wrong with her?” I asked them.

Fleetfoot sighed sadly. “Her and Gust Gale were best friends. She’s probably taking it worse than Captain Spitfire.” She told me.

Okay, now I’m gonna have to ask High Winds later.

We now all sat at the table with each other. As I brought out my notepad, I saw a few Wonderbolts looking at us. Maybe they know they’ll be interviewed soon by me.

However, that’ll have to wait.

I levitated my badge for every pony to see. “Every pony, please stand back. I’ll ask all of you some questions after I’m down with Miss Fleetfoot, Misty Fly and Surprise. You will have to wait. Now, please take your lunches and leave the cafeteria.” I called out to every pony.

One of the Wonderbolts was about to call out something. He had a goldish gray coat, purple eyes, and a bluish gray mane and tail. He apparently didn’t want to leave, until one of his comrades put a hoof up to stop him. He had a bluish gray coat, golden eyes, and a light turquoise opal gray mane and tail. He shook his head at that pony, letting him know that this was the time to listen to me. Good.

After that, all the Wonderbolts grabbed their food trays and left. Now, I could concentrate.

On to the questions.

“So, how well did all of you get along with Gust Gale?”

“Every pony here liked her. She was just the sweetest mare you’d ever meet. I only wish YOU could’ve met her Detective.” Surprise said.

“She didn’t make any enemies with anypony here? Didn’t rub anypony the wrong way?” I asked.

All three of them shook their heads No. Hopefully, after I interview all the others they’ll say the same thing.

“So, since you all say that every pony here got along with her, what can you tell me about her? Meaning personality wise. What she liked to do when she wasn’t flying with you guys.” I told them, getting my notepad ready.

Misty Fly spoke first. “Well, I guess it wouldn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that were pretty famous. And whenever we get done with a show, sometimes we go out and party. Especially Surprise.” She said, pointing her wing at her. She blushed and rubbed the back of her head with her wing.

“Well, it’s in my name. What do you expect?” Surprise asked sheepishly.

I nodded while writing that down. “Did Gust Gale like to party?” I asked.

Fleetfoot chuckled a little bit. “Later on when Spitfire took her under her wing. Before that, she was pretty shy. Didn’t really drink as much as Surprise does.” She said.

Surprise gave a cross look. “What is this? Talk crap about Surprise day?” She asked.

I saw Rainbow Dash snicker. “You know it’s true Slowpoke.” She said, causing Fleetfoot and Misty Fly to laugh along with her. Surprise just blushed again and looked down in annoyance.

“How about when it came to stallions?” I asked.

“Pfft.” Fleetfoot snorted. “As if. She was really awkward around stallions.” She sighed sadly after she said that.

“Guess I can get why she felt so lonely.” She said with sadness in her voice. Every pony else must’ve been effected by it at our table.

“She was lonely? Why?” I asked.

Surprise spoke next. “Well, Detective, I think you can probably guess that most of us are in relationships. Not to brag, but when you’re famous, you can almost guarantee that somepony will develop feelings for you. Even fellow teammates. Obviously Captain Spitfire and Soarin. Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail. Thunderlane and Blossomforth. And even me and Misty Fly here have boyfriends.” She explained to me. She was right about the famous part. Frankly, when you were famous, it’s almost a certainty that the mares and the stallions could fly, no pun intended, right to you.

“But, that doesn’t mean that ALL of us are in relationships.” She finished saying.

“So, that’s why she was feeling lonely? She wanted a boyfriend like you and a lot of the others?” I asked.

They all, including Rainbow Dash, nodded in agreement. “I felt kinda bad for her. We even tried setting up dates for her, but she didn’t do so well.” Dash said.

“Do you think an of them would have wanted to hurt Gust after these dates she had?” I asked.

“Nah.” Misty Fly said. “Those all were good ponies. Plus, it was only like two or three dates. It wasn’t much of anything.”

After I wrote all this down, I felt like now it was time to really ask tough questions.

“Now, was it true that Gust had gotten love letters from a secret admirer, which turned out to be a stallion named Corkscrew?” I asked them.

Their expressions now changed. “Yeah. I don’t get why she liked them. They were really sappy and weird.” Misty told me, crossing her hooves.

“You mean, you have them on you?” I asked.

Fleetfoot shook her head. “No. They are in her locker for sure.” She said. Okay, I’ll have to get those when I’m done.

“According to Captain Spitfire, she says that Gust Gale and Corkscrew met after a show and that’s where their relationship started. She also says that she immediately felt untrustworthy of this stallion. Did any of you guys as well as the others feel that way as well?” I asked them.

Fleetfoot nodded. “I just knew I recognized him from somewhere. Back when I was in high school with Soarin and Spitfire.” She said.

Oh, this’ll get me somewhere.

“Oh, you went to high school with Soarin and Spitfire?” I asked.

She nodded. “Yeah. We were all best friends.”

“So, you know about Skyler Storms then?” I asked.

“Yeah. That dude was a CLB. Creepy Little Bastard. The way he hit on Spitfire constantly, the narcissism, the annoying way he spoke. It just drove us nuts. And that’s what I thought of when I saw him.” Fleetfoot told me. She apparently looked all worked up when I told her all this.

“Me and Surprise just knew that there was something off about him. High Winds even persuaded her to break up with him, but Gust wouldn’t listen.” Misty told me.

Seems High Winds really cared about her friend. A lot.

“Why did Miss High Winds do that?” I asked them.

“Because of how she changed.” Surprise said. “She started wearing make up. She NEVER wore make up before. Ask High Winds, she’ll tell you. She also started to style her mane to look like Captain Spitfire. She even started acting, or tried to I should say, like her. She didn’t do that before until she started dating Corkscrew.”

This was all starting to get interesting.

“Did you ever meet this Corkscrew guy?” I asked them.

“Only a few times.” Fleetfoot said. “One thing that was weird is how whenever Gust was out with Spitfire, he’d somehow show up.”

“You mean, he’d meet up with Gust Gale and all of when you were out partying, only when Captain Spitfire was there?” I asked.

She nodded. “Spitfire doesn’t party to often now. She does a lot of paperwork, since she’s the Captain.”

This felt kinda weird. “How would Corkscrew know whenever Spitfire was available for partying or not?” I asked.

“I think Gust told him.” Fleetfoot said. “Because Corkscrew even said he’s a HUGE Spitfire fan. I think Gust did it to please him.”

Hmm. Seems Corkscrew ALSO likes being around Captain Spitfire. Like that Skyler Storms from so long ago.

“One last question for you Miss Fleetfoot. You said that Corkscrew reminded you of Skyler Storms. Well, what can you tell me about him?”

Fleetfoot scoffed. “He was some big time actress’s son. I forgot her name, but he was a pretty wealthy kid. You’ll have to ask Spitfire about that part. Anyway, he would never leave her alone. He was getting to a point of harassing her. Hell, Her and her Mom Stormy Flare even threatened to expel him if he didn’t leave her alone. From what I heard, he even tried to get Mommy to try and get them to put the charges away. But, she didn’t even pay him no mind.” She rolled her eyes after she said that.

“So, he left her alone. Until after we all graduated. He followed us to Wonderbolt camp to try and get with her. Although, he failed in the first few weeks so badly, that the guys who were in charge at that time just cut him cause they didn’t want to have to deal with him. Hah, I was glad to see the loser go. Cause that’s what he is.” Fleetfoot finally finished.

Seems she was just as annoyed at this Skyler Storms as Spitfire and Soarin were. Guess I can’t blame them. The dude sounds like a freak.

After I wrote all that shit down, I stood up from my seat. “Thank you all. You’ve been a big help. I promise you me and Rainbow Dash here will find the pony that did this to Gust Gale.” I said to them.

They all nodded to me. “Thank you Detective.” Surprise said. “And hey, if you are gonna interview High Winds, please go easy on her. She’s really sensitive.” She told me.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I said as I walked out of the cafeteria with Rainbow Dash.

-/-With Thunderlane-/-

“I had a feeling that Corkscrew was gonna do something to her at some point.” He said, putting away something in his locker.

“What do you mean by that?” I asked the black coated, bluish silver maned stallion.

“I think he was trying to control her. Make her do things she wouldn’t normally do.” He said, now shutting his locker door.

“How would you say he was controlling of her?” I asked.

“I saw one day she came in with her mane all styled up. And she had makeup on. She always went natural before she got with Corkscrew.” He told me.

Hmm. This is getting more interesting by the minute.

“How would you describe her mane style if you could?” I asked.

“It looked almost like Captain Spitfire’s. Except a little frizzier. It was weird.” He said.

Indeed it was. It was like she was trying to mirror exactly what Spitfire looked like.

But why would she want to do that? Or, did she even want to at all?

-/- With Sky Stinger & Vapor Trail -/-

“Something was just off about that dude. I have no idea what Gust saw in him.” Said the cerulean coated, light sea green maned stallion. He was currently massaging his apparent girlfriend’s shoulders as he told me this.

This mare had a light greenish gray coat and an emerald green mane. As she was having her shoulders rubbed, she just looked so down in the dumps having to hear all this. Guess she was friends with Gust as well.

“What in your opinion was off about him?” I asked, notepad ready to be written upon.

“Well, some of our teammates have boyfriends and girlfriends that aren’t Wonderbolts, as I’m sure you probably were told.” Sky Stinger said to me.

I quickly nodded. “I was.”

“Well, after we get done with a show, we always go and party at a bar somewhere. It could be in Vanhoover, Manehatten, New Colt City, Baltimare, you name it.” He said, going through a quick list of places they apparently have performed in.

“Right.” I quickly said.

“When we’re in a certain city, and it’s in one of our teammates’ special someponies home town, they get invited to a bar or someplace after the show. Meet all of us or hang out. You know what I’m saying right?” He said, now finishing up with the massage.

“Need me to do you now?” Vapor Trail asked him.

He nodded. “Yeah, that’d help.” He said, sitting down on the bench, while Vapor stared to give him a massage now.

I was about to ask a question before Rainbow Dash chimed in.

“He’s right, ya know? I remember this one time, after a show in Fillydelphia, Blaze invited her boyfriend Hurricane to a bar called Uncle Uno’s. He got to meet all of us. Dude probably could’ve been a Wonderbolt if he wanted to.” She said.

Probably didn’t need an example, but I guess it’s good that I got one.

“So, what does all this have to do with Corkscrew?” I asked.

Sky Stinger shook his head. “Well, he apparently lives here in Cloudsdale. And he would always come to this big bar after the shows. It’s called Drought Season.” He chuckled and rolled his eyes. “Ironic name, huh?” He asked.

“Yes, it is. So, when you saw him at this bar, what did he do that made him look suspicious to you?” I asked.

This time it was Vapor Trail who spoke. “Well, Captain Spitfire, even if she is tough and takes her role as Captain seriously, she also likes to party. You should see her. It’s like she the life of the party.” She said, while rubbing her boyfriend’s shoulders.

“Okay. And?” I said, urging her to keep going.

She sighed sadly. “Corkscrew would constantly be checking her out. Sometimes, Spitfire would sing karaoke, not all that great I may add-“ She said with a little humor in her tone. I kinda chuckled a bit.

“-and he would look at her all weird. Like, he was mentally undressing her or something. Even though he was dating Gust. It felt uncomfortable to me.” She said, now massaging Sky’s neck.

This was all starting to get me somewhere. “Did Gust know anything about this?” I asked.

Vapor sighed sadly again. “I think she did deep down, but you gotta understand Detective. She never had a boyfriend before. Even in high school, she was so awkward around boys, from what I heard from High Winds. So, I guess, she just let him do it because she didn’t want to lose her first love. If you would call it that.” She said, now looking cross.

“Pfft. That ain’t love.” Sky said.

“How well did Gust and High Winds know each other?” I asked them.

“They were best friends. Really close. I feel so bad for her.” Vapor said.

Sky snorted a quick laugh. “I think ole’ Hoof-in-Mouth wanted more than that.” He said, which was immediately followed by a small yelp.

Looks like Vapor Trail pinched Sky Stinger’s shoulder. I could see that little comment didn’t set well with her, as I saw Vapor now look very unamused with him.

“Now is not a good time for that.” Vapor said crossly to her boyfriend.

Sky blushed in embarrassment. “I was just trying to lighten the mood a little.” He said. That looked like it didn’t work, cause Vapor still didn’t look happy with him.

-/- High Winds -/-

After we got done with Sky Stinger and Vapor Trail, we went around asking other Wonderbolts about Gust Gale. They all were pretty much the same as what every pony else has been saying. About Gust’s shyness, her relationships with Spitfire, High Winds, Corkscrew, and every pony else.

I contacted the Cloudsdale Detention Center and asked them to get me as much information on Corkscrew as they can. I even asked for Skyler Storms as well. I don’t know if he was even involved in this, but it can’t hurt to rule out any suspects.

Anyway, me and Rainbow walked over to the big room where all the Wonderbolts sleep. I thought they would get their own room. But, I was wrong due to the very large place where there appeared to be over two dozen beds. Feels like I’m in a boot camp or something.

When we walked in, I saw High Winds sitting on what appeared to be her bed. She was covered in a blanket from head to hoof. As we approached her closely, we could hear the light sobs from the Wonderbolt mare. Then, when we were close enough to see her face, I saw something REALLY depressing.

High Winds had a framed picture of her and Gust Gale. They were both smiling wide, happy grins at the camera. Looking happy to be in each other’s presence.

We both saw how heartbroken she was looking at the picture. I saw a few light tears in her eyes. Guess she had gotten done a little while ago from a serious crying.

Rainbow Dash sat next to her on her bed and draped her wing over High Winds’ body.

“Hey, you feel okay to talk now?” Dash asked her in the most compassionate tone I ever heard from her.

I guess maybe there could be more to this mare then what I heard from Twilight and rumors from other Ponyville folk.

High Winds shuttered as she stood up. Rainbow hugged her as a source of comfort.

“I-I guess I’m ready.” High Winds said, now looking over at me. “I’m sorry I couldn’t talk earlier Detective. I was just really emotional.” She then picked up a tissue and wiped at the leftover tears on her face.

“No need to apologize. I understand completely what it’s like to lose a friend.” I told her. I felt a sort of warmth in my heart as I saw her smile at me.

“Now, I’ve gone around and asked your fellow Wonderbolt teammates about how close you and Gust were. How close would you say you and her were?” I asked.

She sniffed a little bit. “She was my best friend. Even though Captain Spitfire took her under her wing, Gust ALWAYS came to me if she needed to talk about something. We always traveled together. We roomed together. We even shared secrets like sisters with each other.” She said, breathing in a big sigh as Rainbow rubbed her back with her wing, trying to keep her under control.

“So, did Gust ever talk to you about Corkscrew? Any problems with their relationship?” I asked her.

Now, High Winds just had her head down in shame. “I told her so many times that that guy was bad news. That he didn’t really look like he loved her. He only wanted to meet the Wonderbolts. Especially Spitfire. The way he’d look at her.” She kinda ranted toward me.

“Did you notice any changes in her during her relationship with Corkscrew?” I asked.

She nodded, looking cross. “She started wearing makeup and styling her mane to look a bit like Spitfire. She even stated to act like her and try to simulate what she did. It was like she was trying to BE Captain Spitfire. And she just wasn’t as charismatic as her, so it just came across as weird.” High Winds said. “I thought her relationship was unhealthy, so I told her a few times to break it off with him. But, she just kept making excuses.”

“What else can you tell me about Corkscrew? Other than what I’ve already heard.” I asked her.

She thought for a moment. “Well, I only saw this once, but I know I saw him write down something on a notepad after he got finished talking with Surprise one time at Drought Season. It was weird.” She said.

Huh. I never heard that before. I’ll have to look into that.

I put my pen and notepad into my pocket of my trench coat. “Thanks Miss High Winds. You’ve been a big help. I promise I’m gonna find the piece of shit that did this to your friend. You have my word.” I told her.

She nodded. “Thank you Detective. And you too Crash.” She said, getting out of bed. I guess she’s done crying for now.

-/- Outside -/-

Before we left, me and Rainbow looked in Gust Gale’s locker. We found those love letters that Fleetfoot was talking about. I’ll have to look over those later on.

However, I noticed her uniform wasn’t here either. I wonder where it could be?

Possibly, with the suspect. Yeah, that’s what I’m hypothesizing.

Then, my cell phone rang. It was Cadaver.

“Yeah?” I answered.

He told me he needed to see us right away. It was more information on Gust Gale’s murder. He gave us his location. It sounds urgent from his tone of voice.

“On our way.” I said, hangin up.

I looked over at Rainbow Dash. “We need to head over to the morgue.” I told her, while lifting up my hooves.

She smirked at me. “Okay with me flying you around now, huh?” She asked all arrogant like.

“Pfft.” I snorted. “I’m more a fan of not plummeting to my death. Thank you. Now hurry up and let’s go.” I told her.

She rolled her eyes at me before she scooped me up and proceeded to fly us over to the morgue.

I suddenly felt a weird feeling. Why did I feel like this case was gonna get more difficult for me on a personal level? That’s happened before, but I didn’t think it was necessary for me to feel like this for this case. It was odd for me. Very odd.

All I know is I have to keep going. To find justice for Gust Gale. And her friends and loved ones.

Hopefully, I can find it sooner than later.

Author's Note

Sorry this was so late, I had some ideas that I though would work, but didn’t after I wrote them down. There was also work and everything else.

So, if you liked this chapter, then comment, like and favorite this story for future updates. Thank you all and goodnight everybody.

Chapter 6: Strange Reveals

-/- Cloudsdale Morgue -/-

*bleugh*bleugh*

I heard Rainbow Dash in the bathroom tossing her cookies. She took one look at the body and just couldn’t handle it. Kinda like when Twilight did it after her and I found Steel Spear.

As that was happening, Cadaver and I were standing next to the body of Gust Gale. I still can’t help but feel so much sympathy for this poor mare. So young. She had her whole life as a Wonderbolt ahead of her. It’s just so fucking sad.

Now, she won’t ever do anything ever again.

“So, have you found a cause of death?” I asked him.

“Yes. It’s the strangulation. Surprisingly, the bruises on her face were postmortem. The suspect apparently beat her with his hooves after he strangled her to death.” He said to me, showing me her face. “I’m starting to think our suspect had a personal vendetta against Gust Gale. With this sort of rage, there’s no way this was some fling gone wrong.”

I guess this makes sense. The ligature marks on her neck looked really bad. It felt like the suspect must’ve wanted her to suffer. So, he used as much strength as he could to choke the life out of this mare. Then, to purify his rage even further, he punched her around some more. Even after she was already dead.

Seems cowardly if you ask me.

“What else have you found?” I asked, as I saw Rainbow Dash coming out of the bathroom toward us.

“Well, this was something really strange to me.” He said, as he walked over to some projector that showed us what appeared to be chemical samples.

“I took the sheets were we found Gust Gale, and ran them for any DNA evidence. I’m still getting into who was with her that night. But, this is what I found that was strange.” He said, showing us a side view of the chemical samples.

“I found traces of Ethanolamine, Ammonia and Paraben on the sheets. Now Shadow, when you were on that case for what happened to Steel Spear, was it true that Rocky used coat dye and mane dye to dress up at night to go to that gay club?” He asked me.

I nodded. “Yes, his ex wife showed me empty bottles of them, as well as a picture of him in a compromising position with another stallion. Why do you ask?”

“Well, these traces that you see here are commonly found in those types of products. If I’m correct, I think he must’ve sweated a lot during that night. That’s why there’s traces right here.” He said.

That was surprising. I guess our suspect likes to dye his hair. For some reason.

“So, he sweated while raping her?” I asked. Rainbow cringed after I asked her.

Cadaver nodded. “That’s what I’m thinking.” He told me.

“So, how long until those DNA samples are available?” Rainbow asked Cadaver, sounding impatient. I almost had to hold her back.

“We’re working very hard on it. It shouldn’t be long by now.” He said, which was now followed by a sad sigh.

“Also, her family is coming in a little bit to identify the body. So, you might want to be here for this Shadow.” He told me.

I looked over at Rainbow, and she looked like she was about to break down in tears. It was bad enough her friend was murdered. Now, she has to be here to tell her family about it? She didn’t need to do this like how I have to.

“Rainbow, if this part is too much for you, I can do this myself.” I said to her.

She shook her head with intensity. “No. I can do this. I know I can.” She said, trying to hold it in.

“Are you su-?” I began to ask.

“I said I’m fine!” She blurted out, sounding angry.

I raised my eyebrow at her, letting her know she should watch herself around me. However, I guess she’s just emotional right now. She doesn’t mean the things she’s saying. Oh well.

As we were about to leave, Cadaver stopped us.

“One more thing you guys should know.”

We turned back and said, “What’s that?”

He shuttered. “Her hymen was broken when I looked over her. And it looked like it had just happened recently. I even found blood around her legs.” He said with a sad look on his face.

Rainbow’s eye twitched in anger. I could see how much she was trying, that’s the keyword, to hold it in.

“She was a virgin before she was raped?” I asked.

Cadaver nodded.

I looked at Rainbow Dash and knew we needed to leave. She looked like she was gonna flip a table any second.

So, I pushed her flank out the door, while I said “Thanks” to Cadaver.

When we were out of there, I asked Rainbow if she was alright.

She didn’t answer me. She just looked at the ground in anger and sadness.

I’m already starting to think bringing her along might not have been a good idea.

-/- A Few Moments Later -/-

*knock*knock*knock*

I lightly tapped on the glass window. The blinds went up, and there was Cadaver standing next to the dead body of Gust Gale in the window.

Her parents did indeed show up. As well as her two sisters. Both older by the looks of them. The family was all Pegasi. I’m guessing they must’ve grown up here in Cloudsdale.

This was another notch on the sadness belt. The baby of the family dies first instead of last, like how the opposite should in theory happen.

As minute they saw her, they all burst into tears. Moaning and wailing while holding each other.

“It’s her. That’s our baby.” The mother said. Her name was Chinook Puff. She looked a lot like Gust Gale. The differences were that her mane looked a lot shorter than Gust’s. There also happened to be an early sign of graying. Her orange coat was also a bit lighter than Gust’s.

She was burying herself into her husband’s chest as he also cried into her shoulder, hugging her. His name was Air Blast. He was a bigger stallion then me. Although, his physique was a bit slimmer than me, due to Pegasi having a naturally smaller physical frame then Unicorns and Earth Pony’s. He had a light grey coat and a pure white mane, which was also showing signs of graying as well.

The two sisters, who were named Whirlwind and Cyclone, also hugged each other and cried. Whirlwind looked like the eldest, due to the facial features looking a bit older then Cyclone. She had a white coat, like her Daddy, and had a dark orange mane that looked about like what Gust’s used to be.

Cyclone, obviously the middle child(now youngest, unfortunately), she had a dark grey coat and a bright yellow mane. Talk about clashing differences. Guess that’s why she’s named Cyclone.

Anyway, Cadaver got the idea and shut the blinds. I even saw that depressing look on his face as he did it. It’s never easy when you see a family member like how Gust’s family is right now.

When the blind was shut, I put my game face on again(whatever that’s called), and proceeded to talk with them. I gave Rainbow Dash a look. To let her know that she’s welcome to ask questions if she likes. She was Gust’s friend. She had every right to be involved with her family in this.

“Would you all like to go some place more comfortable to talk? I don’t know if a morgue is a good one for that.” I offered them.

Chinook looked up at me with tears on her face. “Well, we could go back to our house. I don’t think I can do this with....with her there.” She said with a sob in her voice as she pointed over to the window where Gust was.

I nodded. “That’s no problem. Show us the way, and Rainbow Dash and I will get down to business with you.”

-/- Chinook Puff and Air Blast Residence -/-

Their place did look very nice. Seems that Puff and Blast, probably mostly Puff, really keep this place spic and span. I hardly noticed a speck of dirt, a stain on the floor, or even crumbs. Man, how I wish I could keep MY place like this.

Anyway, Me and Dash sat on a sofa with our backs facing the window of their humble abode. Blast and Puff were sitting opposite of us on what appeared to be a loveseat, while Whirlwind was sitting on a small sofa chair to the left side of us. Cyclone was in the kitchen making Chinook Puff some tea. Now, I’m no tea drinker, but I gotta admit it smelled pretty fucking good.

“Now, when was the last time you saw or heard from Gust Gale?” I asked them. And by them, I mean every pony here. The parents and the sisters are all being interviewed at the same time.

“We all got together for Mom and Dad’s Anniversary a couple of weeks ago. We went out to the Cloudsdale Family Buffet.” Whirlwind said, now letting out a small chuckle. “She even took a picture with a little fan of hers. This little 8 year old filly. She was so happy to meet her.” I saw a slight tear run down her face when she said that.

I nodded my head in sympathy for her. “During that time, did you ever notice anything off about her? Any changes physically, personally, or emotionally wise?” I asked. Cyclone then walked in and gave her mother her tea. Chinook Puff thanked her daughter and gave a small sip from the cup.

“Well, there were a few things I noticed.” Air Blast said, his wing draping over his wife’s shoulder.

“What would they be?” I asked.

Cyclone immediately interjected. “She was wearing makeup that day. We know our little sister better than anypony Detective. And Gust HATED wearing makeup. And the whole reason she gave was suspect as hell.” She said, looking intense.

“What was the reason?” I asked.

“She said “Oh, well, I guess I just wanted to give it a try. YOLO, am I right?”. That didn’t seem like her at all.” She said, kinda doing an imitation of her deceased sister.

“I think that Damn Corkscrew made her do it.” Air Blast said, looking angry. Chinook Puff rubbed her husband’s leg with her hoof, as a way of trying to calm him down. That’s good, because this guy looked like he was gonna go crazy. Can’t say I blame him.

“What makes you think that?” I asked.

This time, it was Chinook Puff who spoke. “She seemed like she was different. More like, she was acting different.”

“Define “acting different “?” I said.

“Well, Detective, my youngest child is-or was-always so shy and introverted. She didn’t go out to parties a lot. She had only a few friends. And she was nervous meeting new ponies. She was my little shy Lilly. That’s what I called her growing up.” She said, giving a small shutter. Air Blast was right there to rub her back with his wing.

“Okay.” I said, urging her to go on.

“I knew she was spending a lot of time with her Captain to help her come out of her shell a little bit. And it did seem to work. But here, it was like she was trying too hard to be like Spitfire. She never acted like that before. It was just strange to me.” She continued.

“So, you all have met Spitfire?” I asked.

They all nodded their heads yes. “She can be a bit scary, but really cool as well.” Cyclone said.

“What about High Winds, or any other Wonderbolts?” I asked.

“We actually did go to a bar called Drought Season a few months ago. It was just me and Cyclone. Her and High Winds were like to peas in a pod. We met her and she almost became like another sister to us.” Whirlwind said.

Before I asked a question, Rainbow Dash chimed in. “They’re telling the truth. I was at that party too. It was after a few day tour for Independence Day weekend.” She said.

I nodded. “Okay. Now, since Rainbow established your alibi, what can you tell me about this party?” I asked them.

Cyclone looked cross as she spoke. “That’s when we met Corkscrew. He just came across like some know-it-all show off, even though he wasn’t even a Wonderbolt.” She told me.

“Not to mention” Whirlwind spoke next “He looked like he was more focused on Captain Spitfire more than our little sister. The way he was checking her out when she had her back turned. Like, he was studying her or something. It was weird and creepy.”

After I wrote that down, I asked “Did you tell Gust what you saw?”

“Yes.” Whirlwind said. “But, she was just making these bullshit excuses for him. Like, just because he was checkin her out, doesn’t mean he’s cheating on me. Or other things.” She shook her head in disgust after that was said.

“I think she knew deep down that he was a cheating piece of shit. She just didn’t want to lose her first relationship cause she was lonely and wanted a boyfriend.” She said with some type of remorse in her.

“Did your ever meet Corkscrew again after that?” I asked them.

“No, and I don’t think either one of us wanted to.” Cyclone said, looking just as disgusted as Whirlwind was.

I turned to their parents. “How about you two? Did you ever meet Corkscrew?” I asked them.

Air Blast nodded. “We did. Gust introduced him to me and Chinook at a restaurant called The Rain Cloud Cafe. I tell you Detective, only a few minutes in and I thought this guy was the most narcissistic pony I’ve ever met in my life. He would constantly talk about how great he is at things, and he barely payed any attention to Gust on that date. I thought about saying something to Gust after our get-together was over. But, I didn’t want to upset her because of her first relationship. I guess I should have looking back.” He said, now looking depressed. Chinook Puff rubbed his back with her wing to comfort him.

“My pathologist Cadaver told me that the bruisings on her face were postmortem. In other words, he beat her up after she was already dead. With what you’re telling me about this Corkscrew, do you ever think he was abusive to her?” I asked them.

“Pfft.” Whirlwind said. “No. I think Gust could’ve beat him up if she wanted to. She was built a little like him. And even if he was, she never told either of us if he hit her or not. Maybe she did get hit, but she kept it secret.”

I didn’t remember hearing Cadaver tell me or Dash that Gust showed any signs of physical abuse. So, maybe the bearings happened where she wouldn’t even feel them.

“Quick question: Does the name Skyler Storms mean anything to you?” I asked them.

They all shook their heads. “No. Never heard of him.” Chinook Puff said.

After that was said, I stood up from the couch. Dash did the same.

“Thank you all. You’ve been a big help. And I promise you, I’m gonna find the fucker that did this to her. You have my word.” I told them.

They all thanked me and just as I was about to leave, I did two more things. One I told them, “I’m very sorry for your loss.” as I put my hoof on Chinook Puff’s hooves. She shuttered a little bit as Air Blast hugged her.

Then, as I was leaving, I asked Cyclone, “Is her Wonderbolt uniform here?”

She shook her head. “No. She kept it at her place. Where you found her. And it’s not at mine or Whirlwind’s place either. Why? Is it missing?”

Her Wonderbolt uniform isn’t here either? It wasn’t in the house, which now I know did indeed belong to Gust Gale; it wasn’t in her locker, which would have been an obvious place to put it; it wasn’t at her parent’s place; it wasn’t at either of her sisters’ place either.

Okay, this was getting more interesting by the minute.

Anyway, we went outside after gathering all this information, when I received a call. It said it was from the Cloudsdale Detention Center.

“Shadow Haze?” I answered.

“Yes, Detective. I’m Captain Barrens. I’ve gone through the information you’ve asked me for. I’m gonna need you to come down here. There is something you need to see.” He said to me.

“Okay. On my way.” I said and hung up.

So, I threw up my hooves again and allowed Rainbow Dash to lift me up off the cloud to fly me over to the Detention Center.

As she flew me, I saw the bummed look on her face.

“You okay?” I asked her.

She sighed. “I just don’t understand how Gust could be okay with all the shit that Corkscrew was doing.” She said.

I shook my head. “I get you Dash. However, as somepony who has been in love before and seen other ponies in love, I can tell you this: Love is the biggest weapon anypony can use to make ponies do whatever they want. They can manipulate you, motivate you, degrade you, inspire you, anything. Love is powerful Dash. But, it’s powerful on both sides.” I said to her.

She was silent for a little bit before she asked me, “But why do ponies even want love if it could make them do that? Why would Gust want somepony as Corkscrew?”

“Like I said, love is powerful. She felt like she was in love. And she didn’t want to lose it. Even if this love was tainted. It’s like an addiction.” I said to her.

She sighed sadly again.

“Look, Dash, we are gonna find the fucker. I promise.” I said.

She was silent again for a little bit before she said, “Hey Shadow Haze?” I looked up at her face to show she had my attention.

“Sorry about what happened at the picnic. After we’re done with this case, can we start over and try to be friends?” She asked, now looking at me with a warm smile on her face.

For some reason, I think she looked good with that warm smile. It almost made me smile too. A little bit.

“Well, Twilight is giving me friendship lessons. So, I guess it’ll be nice to start making friends. So sure. I’d like that.” I said.

She nodded her head in agreement as we continued on toward the Detention Center.

-/-Cloudsdale Detention Center-/-

We walked inside and unlike the Wonderbolt facility, there were ponies walking around and flying around all over the damn place. Handing out coffee, police files, forensic evidence, and even a box of donuts like in the movies.

Me and Dash headed over to where a group of police ponies were at. There were a lot desks for ponies to do their shit here. Looking over evidence or paperwork and what not. There were young colts and mares learning from their elders, older ponies who have become veterans, and even older ponies who were soon to be retired.

A lot of ponies whom I have so much respect for. I should know, because I worked in this type of environment before. With so many ponies. With partners. Most notably Angel Blossom. Granted, she wasn’t my actual partner, but we did work out together a few times on cases together.

So much of these memories are going through my head right now. Some good, but also some bad.

Mainly, how I left the force and became a private detective.

Before I could even think back to that day, I was called out by somepony. Thank Celestia. I don’t want to have to deal with shitty memories right now.

This must’ve been the Captain I spoke to on the phone. Captain Barrens if I remember. He looked a LOT older than me. I noticed it with the bald spot on his head with the receding maneline. The rest of it had a bit of a dark silver color to it. He also had a light brown coat to him as well, with a police badge for a cutie mark.

He stuck his head hoof out. “You must be Detective Shadow Haze. Good to meet you.” He said. He looked at Rainbow Dash and got confused.

“Why is she here? No disrespect Miss Rainbow Dash, but-“

I cut him off right there. “She’s working with me on this case. Don’t ask why, it’s a long story. Anything you tell me, she can know too.” I said.

Captain Barrens looked at Dash, who flashed a humble smile at him.

He nodded. “Okay. So, my ponies here have gathered as much info as they could on Skyler Storms and Corkscrew.” He said.

“What have you found Captain?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Well, I’ll do Skyler first because that’s the easiest one.” He said. Easiest one? What does that mean?

He had a file splayed out on a table in front of us. It had pictures, a birth certificate, files from places, you name it. The ponies here must’ve busted their asses to get this shit.

Admirable.

“Skyler Sheldon Storms.” Captain Barrens called out. “27 years old. Mother is famous actress Climate Storms.” He said.

My eyes widened. “Get the fuck outta here.” I said.

Dash’s eyes widened too. “From the Texas Raiders films?” She asked.

“No joke.” He said, showing me the pictures. “Anyway, it says he’s also an actor, although he’s been in mostly B movies. Crap films if you know what I mean. Also, he works on set with his mother whenever she has a film coming up. Most recently, the film The Bad Omen. However, it says that work is mostly part time. Says he doesn’t have a full time job.”

“Any criminal records?” I asked.

“He was charged with harassment when he was in high school. Amazingly, he went to high school with Spitfire of the Wonderbolts. She filed a complaint to the school, her mother got involved, Climate Storms didn’t help her son, and he got charged. However, he didn’t serve jail time. Only community service. Other than that, nothing.” He told us.

“Where does he live?” I asked.

“He lives in a condominium complex called Cloudsdale Clearwater Condo’s. Condo number 316. Payments come from mother.” He told us.

Guess we have a momma’s boy as a suspect. I’m already guessing she’s gonna defend her son like crazy and flash her money around.

Though, to be fair, there is not any evidence against him right now.

“Okay, well that’s good. Now, what have you got on Corkscrew? This guy looks like prime meat suspect to me.” I told him.

“Yeah, I’m already calling it that he’s our guy.” Dash said confidently.

Then, I saw Captain Barrens give us a doubtful look. Like he was about to tell us some bad news.

Ugh, great. Here we go.

“Well, guys, that’s what I was talking about when I told you the “easiest” one.” He said.

What is he talking about?

“What do you mean?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Well, me and all my guys here, and I do mean ALL of my guys, looked through every record, file, birth certificate with Corkscrew. We did a sketch artist with the appearance you gave. We looked through missing pony reports. We even looked through old case files. Cold or solved. We checked everything.” Captain Barrens said.

“And?” I asked.

“Nothing. Not a thing. We also looked through Cloudsdale Hospital birth records with the appearance you mentioned as well as the name. No file on them.” He said.

I was starting to get a little confused and, frankly, weirded out. I saw Rainbow Dash was too.

“What are you saying?” I asked.

He paused before he told me, “This Corkscrew doesn’t even exist.”

Author's Note

Hope y’all liked this chapter. If you do, comment, like and follow for future updates. Thank you all and goodnight everybody.

Chapter 7: Motherly Problems

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“Hold-Hold on a m-minute.” I stuttered a little. “How can Corkscrew not exist? We just interviewed a whole host of ponies who put this stallion there by the name of Corkscrew. Rainbow Dash here has even seen him.” I told Captain Barrens, while pointing my left hoof at her.

“Yeah.” She said looking cross. “I saw him at the Drought Season bar. There’s got to be some kind of mistake.”

Captain Barrens shook his head at us. “Lack of files, no birth certificate, no matches in the DNA systems show us otherwise.” He told us.

“Well who could’ve killed Gust Gale then?” I asked not sounding very happy.

Barrens shrugged. “Did anypony from the Wonderbolts hold a grudge with her?” He asked.

“Captain Spitfire and many others said she was very well liked by every pony. When Myself and Dash went over to the Wonderbolt facility, every pony there was looking all depressed and crying. I seriously doubt any of them had anything to do with her death.” I said to him.

“Well” Captain Barrens started “What can you tell me about Gust Gale when you found her?”

“Cadaver told me that she was strangled to death and that she was beaten up postmortem. And that she was a virgin before she was raped.” I said.

“And what have you learned from the ponies you interviewed about “Corkscrew-“, He said while using air quotes with his wings. “-and Skyler Storms?”

“Well, the few things I know about from Spitfire are that Skyler was in love with her when they were in high school, but she started dating Soarin. Fleetfoot even said the same thing. He would constantly try to ask her out and hit on her every chance he got. And after that whole harassment charge, he never spoke to her again. Until he followed her to Wonderbolt camp, where he bombed at everything and was even kicked out for behavioral reasons.” I explained to him.

“And for Corkscrew, well him and Gust got together when he sent her secret admirer love letters to her through the Wonderbolt fan mail. And according to a few other Wondrbolts, as well as her family, Gust showed signs of changing. Her physical appearance and personality. Like she was trying to be somepony different. When she was never like that before.”

Captain Barrens looked on in thought for a little bit before he asked me this.

“What about the relationship between Spitfire and Gust Gale?” He asked.

“She took her under her wing.” Rainbow Dash said. “Helped her come out of her shell a little bit. She did it because Gust looked a little bit like Spitfire.”

“Hmm.” Captain Barrens replied. “Why don’t you guys go interview Climate Storms. And if he’s there, talk with Skyler as well. Also, talk with Spitfire again too.” He told us. “I’m thinking I might know what happened.”

“What is that?” I asked.

“I think you’ll figure it out when you start to put the pieces together.”

-/- Set for The Bad Omen-/-

So, me and Dash had to go(her carrying me is more like it), all the way to the further side of Cloudsdale. That’s where the busiest part of Cloudsdale is. Restaurant chains, movie theaters, hotels, college’s and sound stages. Which was where we were at right now.

There were cameras everywhere. Some on boom mics. Some hidden in places where I don’t even know, but I am aware that they have them. It’s been done in movies before.

Anyway, we were coming up to a set where it looked like some tomb or something. Like in a horror movie. I watch a lot of horror movies in my spare time, which is sparingly let’s be honest, with my somewhat workaholicness. This tomb had a stone table in the center with some symbol on it. If I had to guess, it’s probably a symbol for a satanic ritual. I did here about how this movie The Bad Omen is about a single mother who tries to protect her son from a cult of Devil worshippers, whom she discovers have taken over the town many years ago. The residents of the town all look like normal ponies, when in reality they are psychopaths who worship this mare named Alicia. They see the mother’s son as a worthy sacrifice, and want to take him. And the mother has to fight off this cult with her life to protect her son.

Eh. Movie sounds okay. I’ve certainly heard of worse plots. I guess that’s why there’s a satanic symbol there.

So, I was about to ask where Climate Storms is, when I found her in a director’s chair, putting on makeup. Well, actually, the stuff she was putting on her face looked to be a type of fake blood. Looked realistic. And the design on her face also looked like a type of Satanic symbol. Guess she’s about to shoot the scene on the stone table, where I’m guessing the villains are going to attempt to sacrifice her.

Myself and Dash walked over to the area where she was at. As I saw her, I began to jot notes in my head about her. One, she looked about in her late fifties, maybe really early sixties. For her age, she actually looked like she was more in her mid to late forties than what she was. She had one of the lightest of blue coats I’d ever seen. Maybe even lighter than Dash’s. She also had a stylized brownish orange mane that was short and kinda wavy. Either she put lots of time and money into doing that herself, or she got somepony who really knows their thing when it comes to mane stylings.

She was still looking in the mirror when she asked us, “I haven’t seen you two on the set. You a bunch of fans wanting my autograph?” She asked that in a slightly teasing kind of voice.

I flashed my badge at the mirror. “Miss Climate Storms, I’m Detective Shadow Haze. This is my partner Rainbow Dash. Is your son Skyler anywhere around here?” I asked.

Before she answered, I saw her roll her eyes and shake her head. “No, he’s not here. He asked off today.” She said, now turning toward us.

“Let me guess, my little boy is in some kind of trouble, isn’t he? Pah, that colt.” She said, now sounding disappointed. The way she spoke was starting to interest me. We might be getting somewhere.

“He might be. I have some questions regarding him. Would you be willing to cooperate, Miss Climate Storms?” I asked.

“That depends. How much trouble is he in?” She asked.

“One of my teammates on the Wonderbolts is dead. Raped and murdered. And your son is a suspect.” Rainbow Dash said, pointing a hoof at Climate Storms.

She rolled her eyes again. Wow, I’m starting to not like this mare already. She seems arrogant. Conceited.

Narcissistic.

She gave a big sigh. “Guess I don’t have much choice then, do I?” She said.

Before we walked to a more private area(which was her dressing room I should say; guess a high profile actress like her doesn’t dress with other actors or actresses who aren’t as big league as her), she called over to the director of the film, his name was Vortex, that she needed to take 5 for something regarding her son.

Me and Dash now sat in her dressing room with her. And I just gotta say that the vibe she gives off is just what I was thinking earlier. This mare, just looking at her, I could sense one thing about her.

Ego.

“So, what can you tell me about Skyler?” I asked her.

“Well, he’s my only child. My late husband and I had him not too long after I finished with The Ship At The Bottom of the Sea. When he was six, my husband Speed Slasher passed away from brain cancer. Just devastated that poor little boy.” She said, looking slightly remorseful. Although, not by much.

“I’m very sorry to hear about your loss.” I said to her.

Again, she gave that eye roll. “Don’t be. Speed was a cheating son of a bitch. I can’t TELL you how many times I caught him with a mare who was younger than me. Hell, I’d be surprised if he didn’t start touching little fillies.” She said with a pretty douchey looking smirk on her face. Wow, did this mare not have any empathy at all?

“Well, if your husband cheated on you so many times, why didn’t you just divorce his ass?” Rainbow Dash asked, sounding irritated.

“Simple.” Climate said. “Money is one thing. Second, he did technically help me in becoming the star that I’ve become today. Thirdly, I stayed for Skyler. He loved his Daddy very much. It’s just incredible the things you do for the ones you love. Even if you hate the ponies they love.” She sounded so incredibly unsympathetic when she said this. Did she even love her son at all?

I wonder if Skyler had a relationship with this mare like how with MY mother. And if yes, that scares me a little.

“Besides, it’s not like I didn’t fool around myself. He fucked around on me, so I fucked around on him.” She said with a smile.

I shook my head as I asked the next question.

“How close are you to your son?”

She sighed. “As close as any normal mother and son can be.” She said.

My eyebrow tilted up. “What do you mean by that?” I asked.

“Well, Detective, I guess I’ll be the first one to admit that, when you are as big an actress as I became, you tend to not be there a lot for your child when he needs you. I completely admit that I wasn’t a good mother to my little Skyler.” She said, again sounding remorseful on the surface, but just not by much.

“So, did you abuse him or something?” Rainbow Dash asked.

She rolled her eyes again. That is REALLY starting to annoy me.

“Rainbow, honey, I have NEVER laid a hoof on my child. And you can look at any medical records of Skyler. I don’t have anything to hide.” She said.

“Then, what do you mean that you weren’t a good mother?” I asked her.

“I was away a lot. Filmed a lot of movies and TV shows, did award shows, you name it. So, I wasn’t able to watch my little boy grow up like a normal mother.” She sighed.

“Now, that’s not to say I didn’t provide for him. Cause I certainly did. I bought him some VERY nice things. I brought him with me on some very nice vacations. I always made sure he was in school. And I was as honest with him as I could possibly be when it came to telling him things.” She said.

“What kind of things?” I asked her. This was starting to get interesting.

“Well, he wanted to follow in Mommy’s hoof steps and become an actor. Hell, he would act out random scenes from movies and even dress up around our home. Even came up with his own characters. So, all throughout his school life, in Elementary, Middle and High, I signed him up for acting classes.” She said.

“How was he?” I asked, sounding curious.

She gave a small laugh. “Well, he was good, but he didn’t hold a candle to some of the actors and actresses that I worked with. And I told him he needs to either get better, or just find a new passion.” She said.

“Did he take it well?” I asked.

“Not really. He wasn’t very good at taking criticism. That’s why he never got bigger parts in the plays or musicals he was in.” She said.

So, Skyler liked acting huh? I think I might be getting somewhere with this.

“Random question, did Skyler ever like to dye his mane and coat whenever he was acting out these scenes?” I asked her.

She nodded her head. “That boy went through so many cans of that crap, I’m almost surprised he didn’t get a cutie mark in that.” She said.

Okay, now I am DEFINITELY getting somewhere.

“Did Skyler ever mention a girl he was seeing?” I asked.

“He did say he had something going on with a mare. I asked if we could meet for a nice dinner. But, for some reason, there was always an excuse.” She snorted. “I’m almost certain he was only saying that because of how hard he fell for that Spitfire gal.” She said.

Spitfire? Okay, there’s something.

“We interviewed Spitfire earlier, and she mentions that your son harassed her for a long time, and even sexually harassed her as well, getting him suspended.” I told her.

She shook her head in disappointment again. At least she didn’t roll her eyes again.

“That boy couldn’t take a hint. He would talk constantly about her to me. And I would say to him if she wasn’t interested, he really should leave her alone. But, he didn’t listen. Then, he decided to grope her one day. And he got beat up by that boyfriend of hers that he constantly bitched about.” She told me.

“So, why weren’t you there to have his back when he was in the process of getting suspended?” Rainbow Dash asked me.

“I gave him a warning. If you get in trouble because of that mare, Mommy won’t be there to save you like she did those last few times. Especially, if you commit a sexual assault. You’re on your own then. That’s why.” She said.

A rich bitch with somewhat of a conscious? I don’t know how to feel about that.

“When did your son take an interest in wanting to be a Wonderbolt?” I asked.

She chuckled a little bit. “I knew that that was just DOOMED to failure. The only reason he joined them was because he wanted to impress Spitfire. My boy is not a natural athlete Detective. I even told him straight up that he’s horrible at flying like them. But, he wouldn’t listen.” She said, shaking her head again.

“Spitfire and Soarin told us that he was kicked out of Wonderbolt camp due to attitude problems. As well as not being good at what he was doing. Did your son ever confide in you about what happened that day?” I asked.

She nodded. “Yes. He whined and complained to Mommy like he usually does whenever his insecurities were challenged. He even told me what that Spitfire girl told him.” She said.

“Which was?” Rainbow Dash asked, slightly leaning in.

“For a lack of a better term, she will never love him or like him. And that he’ll never amount to anything. To leave her alone.” She said, rolling her eyes again. “I said to him that I warned him. But, he didn’t listen to Mommy. So, that’s his own fault.”

Well, this mare certainly doesn’t feel any sympathy for her own son. Even if he did deserve it, she probably still could’ve been better than that.

“When did you last hear from your son?” I asked.

“It was two days ago. He said he was looking forward to a nice candlelight dinner with his girlfriend at her house. I asked him why he doesn’t want me to meet this mare; he’s never even told me her name. Like I said earlier, I think he was just lying so he could mask his insecurities. Cause he had a lot of them growing up Detective.” She says to me.

“Wait, your son told you he has a girlfriend, and yet he has never told you her name?” I asked. That just seemed weird as hell to me.

She nodded. “I was just as confused as you are.”

Okay, I think I’ve asked all the questions I need. I’m done with this mare.

“Thank you Miss Climate Storms. You’ve been a big help.” I told her.

She smiled and nodded. “Not a problem. And let me just say this one last thing.” She said, now standing up from her seat.

“If my son did indeed rape and murder that mare, make sure to tell him that I’m not mad. I’m just disappointed. You might find this hard to believe Detective, but I do love my little boy very much. He’s my only child. However, I do know that Skyler is responsible for his own actions. No matter how less of love and attention I gave him, I’m not responsible for my son’s actions. That’s what I have to say. Good day to you both.” She said as she bowed her head and walked out of the door and back onto the set.

I just shook my head in disgust. A parent not being responsible for her child’s actions when they grow up?

That just wrong.......right?

Is she right about that?

“Hey” I heard Rainbow Dash say to me. I looked and saw she also had a look of disgust as well.

Anyway, we walked out of the sound stage and were now outside.

“What a bitch.” Rainbow Dash said.

“I know. My mother—“ I started to say before I stopped myself. What am I thinking? I can’t let Rainbow Dash know what I did as a foal.

She looked interested. “Your Mom what?” She asked.

By the grace of Celestia, I heard a buzz go off on my phone. It was a text from Cadaver.

As soon as I read that text, I uttered out an “Oh Fuck.”

Rainbow heard that and asked, “What? What is it?”

“A former Wonderbolt trainer was just shot. He’s at the hospital right now.”

-/- Cloudsdale Hospital -/-

Dash flew me straight away to the Hospital. Extremely fast I may add. Holy shit, we ended up there in less than 3 minutes.

We headed inside, asked the receptionist to where the former Wonderbolt trainer was. She said it was the second floor. Room 1408.

We headed upstairs, when we heard a loud voice coming from where the apparent room was. It was right next to an office area that was next to the hospital room.

“WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED?!” I saw the loud voice came from Captain Spitfire. With her boyfriend Soarin right next to her.

“Who the hell would do this?” Soarin asked, sounding worried.

Well, I guess I’m in luck. I won’t have to waste time going back to the Wonderbolt facility to go look for them.

Time for another interview. Hopefully, this former Wonderbolt trainer makes it. One dead pony is enough for this case.

Author's Note

Well, here’s Chapter 7. Also, if you wanted to know, I based the look of Climate Storms off of Evelyn Harper from Two and a Half Men. Just to let you all know.

Anyway, make sure to like, comment and follow this story for future updates. Thank you all and goodnight everybody.

Chapter 8: Discovering Plans

The former Wonderbolt trainer that was shot by an unknown assailant was named Spectrum Ryder. He was a pretty old looking stallion. Around his late fifties or maybe early sixties. He had a grey coat(which looked even grayer with age now) and a thinning blue mane with a kicked in cloud shape for a cutie mark. From what the doctor told me, he’s in intensive care right now. Fighting for his fucking life. I guess we can just hope for the best.

Anyway, Dash and Myself eventually got Soarin and Spitfire to calm down. We were currently sitting in a family waiting room. This was one of those rooms for certain ponies. That being family members of somepony who is in some type of surgery or something. Emergency or not.

I was currently sitting with Dash on a small sofa, while Soarin and Spitfire sat in two separate chairs that were right next to each other by only a couple centimeters. They were holding hooves for comfort. Good thing they have each other in this situation. With what I’m about to tell them, it’s gonna get even more intense.

“So, why did you wanna talk with us? Did ya find the piece of shit who killed Gust?” Spitfire asked, sounding impatient. Soarin gripped her hoof a little bit. Basically, letting her know that she should calm down a bit.

“Well, there’s been a huge break in the case. And it’s about Corkscrew.” I said to them.

“So, he did it, huh?” Spitfire asked, raising her other hoof at me.

I shook my head at her, causing her to look confused.

“Actually, Miss Spitfire, according to Captain Barrens, the Captain at the Cloudsdale Detention Center, due to a lack of files, DNA matches and even a birth certificate, Corkscrew doesn’t exist.” I said.

Both Soarin and Spitfire looked stunned. With Spitfire looking especially befuddled.

“What are you talking about?! Of course Corkscrew exists. We saw him those few times when we went out partying. Gust was with him. I saw it.” Spitfire exclaimed, now looking extremely unhappy.

Soarin looked pretty cross with me. “I saw it too. I especially saw the times he was making eyes at Spitfire. I saw it too.” He said.

“I’m not saying you guys are entirely wrong, but that pony that was with you guys, and who was in a relationship with Gust, was an alias for somepony else.” I said to them.

They didn’t show it, but I could just tell these two looked freaked out. Could you blame them? Somepony they thought they knew was somepony else literally?

“What are you talking about?” Spitfire asked.

I gave a big sigh. “My pathologist Cadaver found traces of chemicals that are commonly found in coat and mane dye in the sheets where Gust Gale was raped and murdered.” I told them.

Again, they just looked blown away from that statement.

“Now, Miss Spitfire, I’d like to talk with you about your relationship with Skyler Storms.” I said to her.

Spitfire’s eyes widened. “Do you think he did it?” She asked.

“Well, unless DNA proves us otherwise because it hasn’t come back yet, then it could be possible.” I said to her, although I did have a feeling that what I’m thinking right now is exactly what the truth is.

I swore I saw Spitfire shake in her seat a little bit. Soarin rubbed her back with his wing to both comfort her and calm her down. Rainbow Dash even looked uncomfortable too.

“Now, when did Skyler become smitten with you and why do you think he was so attracted to you?” I asked.

Spitfire shuttered. “It was during my freshman year of high school. Me and Soarin weren’t a thing yet, that wouldn’t be until Homecoming during our Sophomore year.” She said.

“That’s right babe.” Soarin said.

She continued. “I guess he was attracted to me because of my look. Because I was a hot and sexy looking mare. I guess that’s why. I have no idea.” She said.

“And how long did this crush last?” I asked.

She snorted in annoyance. “That creepy fucker was still into me when we were seniors. He wouldn’t leave me alone until I finally told the principal when he....when he......” She tried saying but was having trouble getting it out.

“When he groped you?” I asked.

She nodded, looking pissed off.

“Yeah, and I was there too. When I saw it I beat the hell out of that little shithead. Should of done it years before. I got suspended for 4 days because of that. But it was worth it to beat up that creep ass.” Soarin said proudly. Spitfire did smile a little after that.

“Now, from what I’ve heard, Skyler’s mother wasn’t there when he was being punished for his actions. Wasn’t it odd how a rich colt like Skyler wouldn’t have his mother there for him during something like that?” I asked them.

This time Spitfire just shook her head. “That was possibly the ONLY thing I felt sorry for him about. His Dad was dead and his mother didn’t pay attention to him all that much. Hell, when my Mom was there, she even felt bad for him. And my Mom was on me about reporting him for years.” She said.

“And what happened after that incident?” I asked.

“He got community service, spent a while away from school and when he came back, he never bothered me again. It was apart of the deal.” She said.

“Deal?” I asked.

“The deal was after his community service was over, if he ever bothered me again, he’ll be expelled and possibly arrested.” She said.

“He should’ve gone to jail after that. Guys in there probably would’ve liked to grope him and see how he likes it.” Soarin said, looking cross again.

“So, why didn’t he go to jail when he followed you guys to Wonderbolt camp?” I asked them.

She snorted. “Because that was only for when we were still in school. As long as we were still in high school, he couldn’t bother us. Now that we were out, the deal was over.” She said.

“And what can you tell me about what happened the day he was ousted from The Wonderbolts?” I asked. She then looked like she started to think about something. Like she was putting two and two together.

“Spectrum Ryder!” She slightly shouted. She caused Soarin to jump a little bit. Although, he also started to put the pieces together.

“What? What is it?” Rainbow Dash asked, sounding concerned.

“I remember Spectrum Ryder was one of the guys training all of us. He had enough of Skyler’s bullshit and decided to drop him entirely. It MUST be him. Skyler must be pissed off at him, so that’s why he shot him.” Spitfire told us, looking both intense and scared at the same time.

If her tone wasn’t what sold you on her feeling of fear, then this definitely did. She let out a small gasp and I saw a chill run down her spine. Soarin comforting her as best he could.

“If he really did shoot him, then that means....” She trailed off.

“What happened Spitfire? What did you do that could make Skyler angry with you?” I asked her. I already had a feeling what it was, based on what Climate Storms told me, but I needed to hear it from her.

“I told him the brutally honest truth: I will never love you. I will never even like you. And you’ll never amount to anything.” She said, now leaning in closer to my face. She emphasized every word she said next.

“LEAVE. ME. THE. FUCK. ALONE.”

She plopped back in her chair. “I never saw the fucker again after that.” She said.

I started to think about what Spitfire said. It’s all starting to make sense. Granted, unless DNA proves us wrong, then we can’t do shit to him. But, I started to think about it.

Skyler Storms had a somewhat troublesome childhood. His father dies when he was six, which left him in the care of his mother. And even if the father was a mareizing asshole, he still loved him, and probably aspired to be like him. In a way.

After the father dies, Skyler is raised by his mother, who admits she neglected him any love and attention while growing up. I’m sure he must’ve been raised by butlers, nannies, maids and other servants, but he wanted to gain the attention of his mother, but never gave it to him.

That could possibly cause him to develop a wanting to be noticed. To want attention. To have all eyes on him. Like his mother, who is a famous actor on the big screens.

A need for attention and a wanting to be noticed by the masses. A symptom of Narcissistic Personality Disorder.

Also, according to Climate, he wanted to follow in Mommy’s hoof steps. He even acted out scenes around his house(or mansion let’s be honest), while wearing coat and mane dye. Probably becoming these characters as well.

That’s a sign of Dissociative Identity Disorder from what a few psychologists I worked with have told me.

I also haven’t heard Skyler having any friends. His relationship with his mother was not all that good. He also groped Spitfire at one point. A risky move, which could have, and frankly SHOULD have landed him in jail.

Risky behavior and poor relationships. A possible sign of Borderline Personality Disorder.

This Skyler Storms already sounds like a dangerous pony. And the fact that he shot somepony, attempting to murder them, shows that he could be mentally unstable.

All of a sudden I heard my phone ring. I looked at the caller ID, and it showed Cadaver’s name on it. I excused myself and walked a little bit away from them.

“What’s up Cadaver?” I asked.

“Shadow, the DNA results are in. I matched them with both the wineglass and the rape kit. DNA belongs to a Skyler Storms. He’s the one who raped and murdered Gust Gale. And also, Captain Barrens contacted me. Those love letters that were sent to Gust were written by Skyler. His wing DNA was found on the letters. He’s the guy.” He said to me.

I was stunned. I had a feeling that this was going to be the result. So, with the DNA now belonging to Skyler, combined with the chemical traces in coat and mane dye, it now all adds up.

Corkscrew is Skyler Storms.

“Thanks. We’ll go pick him up now.” I said to him, hanging up.

I walked back over to them and told Rainbow we gotta go.

“Who was it? Did the DNA results come in?” She asked.

“Yes.” I said. “Now let’s go.”

We bid farewell to Spitfire and Soarin before we headed out of the hospital. I even told the nurse at the counter to tell me Spectrum’s fate. She agreed to.

When we got outside, Rainbow Dash immediately hooked me in her hooves and flew me with her.

“Where to?” She asked.

“Cloudsdale Clearwater Condo. The DNA results show that it was Skyler who did it. He raped and murdered Gust Gale.” I told her.

She looked stunned at my statement. “So, that means...”

I nodded. “Corkscrew was a disguise that Skyler used to infiltrate the Wonderbolts. I’m thinking he did it to stalk Spitfire.” I said.

I felt her shutter. She must be creeped the fuck out with that.

Then instantly, she bore a confident smirk on her face.

“Well, now that we know who it is, let’s get this fucker.” She said, now gaining speed.

I couldn’t help but smile at her confidence. Here, she didn’t come across as arrogant and conceited like before. She knew we were gonna get this guy.

And we’ll do it together.

As friends.

-/- Cloudsdale Clearwater Condo -/-

We made it over here in about 4 minutes tops. As we searched for Condo #316, I realized how small these condos looked. If Skyler had a lot of money, why wouldn’t he live in a bigger place then this? If he’s as Narcissistic as I think he is, wouldn’t he want to stand out and show every pony how rich he is? It just seems odd to me.

Anyway, we made it over to Condo #316. As Me and Dash stood next to the front door, I put my ear directly on it. I didn’t hear the TV on in there. I didn’t hear any voices either. Don’t tell me he’s not home.

I rapped on the door before I called out, “Skyler Storms! Detective Shadow Haze! Come out with your hooves up, or I will have no choice but to use excessive force!”

No answer. Well, looks like I gotta do it.

I motioned for Dash to stand back. I backed up a few steps, then brought both my back hooves back, and finally I slammed them against the door with a BANG.

There the door stood broken in. I damn near kicked it off it’s hinges.

Before we headed inside, I saw Dash squee in delight.

“That was so awesome!” She exclaimed.

Again, I couldn’t help but smirk. “Thanks. Been doing it a long time. Now let’s go.” I told her. She nodded in approval and followed me in.

When we took our first few steps, all we noticed was a bathroom with a bypass door on the left. On the right, was a coat rack. With no coats on them.

It wasn’t until we walked a few more steps into the kitchen when we saw the true nature of this Creepy Motherfucker.

Now, in this kitchen, you had your table, your chairs, your cupboards, your stove with the oven, your refrigerator and freezer, just about everything you’d have in a kitchen.

However, there were a few things in this very kitchen that stood out to me.

First, on the far wall was a picture of Soarin, Spitfire and Fleetfoot. They were standing behind the Wonderbolt logo while putting out each of their right hooves together. As a symbol of Unity. Togetherness. Teamwork.

However, it wasn’t the picture itself that was unsettling to look at. It was what was drawn over it. Soarin was on the left with a bullet hole drawn through his head. There was blood drawn pouring out of that very hole. Right next to that very graphic image was a word that was written in red. Apparently, Blood Red.

Stealer.

Rainbow Dash tried not to show it, but I saw her shaking a little bit. I can’t say I blame her. She just found out that her teammates and friends are apparently being targeted by a mad pony.

Fleetfoot was on the right. She had a wound in her neck. Blood was drawn to depict pouring out of her throat. Like a faucet.

Like Soarin, She also had something written next to that very wound. And that word, also written in Blood Red was....

Fucking Cunt.

Now I just saw Rainbow Dash looking more intense then looking scared. I’m just happy she’s not letting her fear hold her back.

Finally, there was Spitfire. Right in the middle. Now her’s, oh good lord. Her’s might have been the worst.

There were bullet holes drawn in her legs. Blood only shown squirting out of her tendons. I also saw a circle drawn over her flank in pink.

Then, I saw a word written above that very circle where her flank was. It was written in pink.

MINE!!!

I swear I saw Dash forcing herself not to vomit again.

I tilted my head toward the right, motioning Dash to follow me.

We walked right into the living room. On all four walls, there was a big picture of Spitfire. In all these photos, Spitfire was posing, quite seductively. There was one photo of her with half of her Wonderbolt uniform on and half of it off. With the bottom part of her body being clothed. Her eyes were half lidded and she had a sly smile on her face.

I looked and saw Rainbow Dash with her cheeks very pink. Her left hoof rubbing the back of her forehead.

I raised an eyebrow. “Hmm. You seem to like that, don’t cha?” I asked, intentionally teasing her.

She snorted with a red hue on her face. “It’s just reactionary. I like girls more than guys.” She said, looking embarrassed.

I smirked again. “So, you have a thing for your boss?” I asked.

She shook her head. “No. Her and Soarin are a really serious couple. It’s not gonna be long now before he proposes to her.” She said, now crossing her hooves.

“Besides, I’m a bit interested in somepony else.”

“And who would that be?” I asked.

She blushed again. “Nothing you need to know right now. Look, let’s get back to this, okay?” She said, sounding desperate to get out of this awkward situation.

I laughed a little bit. “Okay okay.” I said, now turning back to the photo. “Do you know if Spitfire ever posed for Playcolt magazine? Cause it looks like it to me.” I asked her.

She nodded. “It was about a year ago. She got a pretty good deal for it. The magazines sold like hot cakes.” She said.

After that, we climbed the stairs(or Rainbow Dash floated), and saw inside his bedroom. This was where I thought, wait until I get to the basement, where I thought Skyler’s obsession was at it’s worse.

In here, we saw posters of the Wonderbolt’s. Only this time, every pony who was a current Wonderbolt was on there. High Winds, Misty Fly, Surprise, Sky Stinger, Vapor Trail, Soarin, Spitfire, Fleetfoot and even Rainbow Dash was on here.

Also who was on here was our victim. Gust Gale. What made me instantly point her out was there was a yellow circle drawn around her. All over her body. Like downstairs, there was something written on the circle above her. It read....

Vulnerable. Manipulatable.

Huh. When I looked at this poster, I began to realize that Gust Gale really DID look like Spitfire. And seeing how Skyler is obsessed with Spitfire, maybe he was trying to mold Gust into becoming his own version of Spitfire.

Then maybe he realized that she could never measure up to her in any way. So, he decided to get rid of her.

I turned my head and saw Dash look as if she saw something. Right at the closet. So, she quickly flew over there and looked inside.

“Uh, Shadow? You might wanna see this.” She said, sounding surprised and startled at the same time.

I walked over and before I even was able to look in, Rainbow Dash pulled out what she saw.

“It’s hers. It’s Gust’s.” She said, holding the Wonderbolt uniform by her wings. I looked it over and noticed the tag on the front of it.

Gust Gale

“Well, we found our uniform.” I said, taking it away from Dash’s wings with my magic, and then enclosing it in a bag. This’ll go to evidence later.

After I did that, I noticed a drawer on the left side of his bed(which was a huge King sized bed I may add). I walked over and pulled it open. It was a notepad.

I looked it over and saw all the names on this notepad.

1. Soarin

2. Fleetfoot

3. Stormy Flare

4. High Winds

5. Spectrum Ryder

6. Rainbow Dash

7. Tippy Tappy

8. Mother

9. Spitfire; For you will finally know what it’s like to be satisfied by a REAL man.

I suddenly remembered that High Winds told us that she remembered she saw Corkscrew, Skyler’s alter ego(or one of them), writing down something on a piece of notepad after he got done talking to Surprise one night.

I normally would leave this for the police to gather as evidence, but I decided to pocket this. I think I may have a feeling about what is going on.

And I really hope I’m wrong.

So, Me and Dash walked out of his bedroom. On the left side, we saw another bathroom(This time with a regular door). I peaked inside and saw nothing out of the ordinary.

Well, that was until I turned right and walked into the next room. This one faced Skyler’s room.

We walked inside and saw something that made our hearts drop.

There was pictures of Skyler posing with a Spitfire cardboard cutout. He even had pictures of himself doing lude acts with them. He was kissing the cutout, even using tongue. He had one of him groping her vagina. And then, to top off the crazy list, there was a photo of him literally, and I mean LITERALLY, having sex with the cardboard cutout. Hopefully, the CLB hurt his penis when he did something that was so wrong on so many different levels.

I wanted to get out of here. So, Dash and Myself headed back downstairs. We passed through the living room, went trough the kitchen, and we saw the door.

Now, we did see it when we first broke into his house, but we needed to check the whole perimeter. So, I decided to save the basement for last.

I tapped and put my ear on the door again. Nothing. Not a fucking peep.

Thankfully, the door wasn’t locked. So, I opened it and down we went.

When we made it to the bottom, this was where I knew that Skyler wasn’t just a creep. He was completely fucking insane.

I saw empty slots on the walls. I knew instantly what these slots held when there was something to hold them with.

Guns. Big guns.

Because they were empty, that meant...

“Oh no.” I said. Rainbow Dash looked at me with extreme worry on her face.

“What? What “Oh No”?” She asked.

“That motherfucker took his guns with him. Spectrum’s name was on this list. If he was the one who shot him, then that means....” I told her without finishing.

We both knew what this psychopath was planning. He was gonna “take revenge” on those who wronged him in the past.

He had a kill list. Why he left it behind I don’t know, but that’s not what matters right now.

Before I could get my phone out, Dash scooped me up and flew us out of Skyler’s condo.

I quickly called Captain Barrens. I told him the whole situation. I even gave him all of the names on the kill list. Hopefully, they can find the address quickly and no pony has to die.

“Jesus Christ. I’ll send out a team to find him. Shoot to kill permissions will be granted. Good luck finding him Shadow.” He said, hanging up.

As Dash flew us as fast as she could, I started to desperately hope that no pony that was on his kill list is already done for. If they are, he’s just gonna kill every pony else.

And Spitfire....what is he planning with her? I have a really sick feeling that he has something “special” planned for her.

Sweet Celestia, please don’t make us too late. Please.

Chapter 9: The Eye of the Storm

-/- Tippy Tappy Residence -/-

Dash flew me toward a house that wasn’t too far from the Wonderbolt Facility. It was a pretty nice looking house. A good flower bed, painted shutters, and clean looking windows. Whoever lives here really knows how to make the place clean.

Before we landed, I asked Dash who lived here.

“Tippy Tappy. Soarin’s Mom. We need to warn her and get her someplace safe.” She said, sounding scared.

Soarin’s Mother? Why is she on the list? I remembered the name Stormy Flare on Skyler’s kill list. That must be Spitfire’s Mom then. I guess I could understand why she’d be on there. She was one of the reasons why Skyler got suspended from school after groping Spitfire. But what did Soarin’s Mom have anything to do with him?

Maybe, because he hates Soarin for being with Spitfire so much, he just did this out of spite. Because, he feels, he just can.

We ran toward the door with such speed. And after knocking very hard a few times, a mare answered. This mare looked exactly like Spitfire, even resembling her cutie mark. Only, she looked to be in her mid fifties, she had a purple sweater on, a pearl necklace around her neck, pearl earrings, and wore blue eye shadow.

So, this is Spitfire’s Mom. Stormy Flare. But, why is she at Tippy Tappy’s Home?

She had a cross look on her face when she opened the door to answer me.

“Yes! Can I help you young colt?” She asked, not sounding too happy with the really loud knocking.

Before I spoke, Rainbow Dash blurted out, “Stormy, is Tippy home?”

Stormy saw the look of fear on Dash’s face as she spoke. Her cross look was now replaced by a look of concern for a friend of her daughter’s.

“Uh, Yes. She’s in the kitchen. We were playing cribbage. What’s going on?” She asked.

I flashed my badge at her. “Ma’am, I’m Detective Shadow Haze. You and Tippy Tappy need to come with us. You both are in grave danger.” I said.

“In danger? What do you mean?” I heard another voice come toward the door. It belonged to a mare who looked to be about the same age as Stormy Flare. She had a magenta colored coat with a brunette mane and tail, both having a streak of purple in them. She had a weird as hell cutie mark. It was the word “ChimiCherryChanga” written in a circle. What does that even mean?

“You both are targets for murder. A stallion named Skyler Storms has a list of ponies he wants to kill. And you both are on it.” I said,

I saw Stormy’s eyes widen when I said this. “What?! Skyler Storms? I haven’t seen him in years. Ever since my daughter was in high school.”

When I levitated the list and showed it to them, they at first looked sick to their stomachs, but that was replaced by a look of sheer terror.

“My boy Soarin is on this list!” Tippy Tappy exclaimed in a scared tone.

“So is Spitfire!” Stormy Flare said in that same tone of voice.

“Which is why you need to come with us. We’ll escort you back to the Detention Center.” I said.

“What about our children?!” Tippy asked very emotionally. She looked on the verge of tears.

“Those two are at the hospital because a Wonderbolt trainer got shot.” Rainbow Dash told them.

“What? Who?” Stormy asked.

“Spectrum Ryder. Those two should be safe there. Now let’s go before Skyler comes here.” I told them both.

Rainbow Dash picked me up and flew me back toward the Detention Center. With both Tippy Tappy and Stormy Flare right next to us. While Dash was flying me, I holstered out my gun, just in case Skyler made his way toward us and tried to kill us.

-/- Cloudsdale Detention Center -/-

We made it over to the Detention Center safely. Although, and this may sound crazy, I did kind of wish Skyler jumped us and tried to shoot at us. So I could just kill him and be done with it. I know it’s my job to bring him to justice, and I do want that above all else, but there is a very, very small part of me that thinks prison would be to easy for this fucker. After what he did to Gust Gale, stalking Spitfire, what he did to Spectrum Ryder, and now to go on a potential killing spree, I want to end him myself.

But, I’m an officer of the Law. If I did this, I’d probably be no different then him.

Was it the same thing after I killed my mother? I mean, I did it in self defense. And I did it to save my Big Sister Melody Rays. If I hadn’t have intervened, she would’ve been beaten to death by my miserable, alcoholic, abusive mother. So, I’m not the bad guy here. Am I?

After I had that thought in my head, we brought them inside and we were greeted by Captain Barrens.

“Are you Miss Stormy Flare and Miss Tippy Tappy?” Captain Barrens asked.

“Yes.” Tippy said, now grabbing the Captain by his shoulders. “Have you found out anything about Soarin and Spitfire? Please tell me.” She said, trying and not doing a good job at regaining her composure.

Captain Barrens gently took her hooves off his shoulders. “Ma’am, we have all of our units out looking for Skyler Storms, as well as the ponies he’s targeted. I’m sure your children are in good hooves.” He said, trying to sound compassionate.

“Who were his other victims, if it’s alright to ask?” Stormy asked us.

“A few other Wonderbolts, his Mother Climate Storms, and a former Wonderbolt trainer that he, unfortunately, did shoot. Spectrum Ryder.” I told her.

Now it was Stormy’s turn to look concerned. “Spectrum? He was Spitfire’s mentor. Is he okay?” She asked.

Rainbow Dash frowned. “We don’t know. He’s in intensive care right now.” She said.

Now both Tippy and Stormy looked scared for every pony that was involved with all of this. They even hugged each other for comfort. Guess these two friends need each other now.

They were escorted toward a little room where they would be safe. I know that they’ll be given anything they are asked for. Coffee, something to eat, anything to help take their mind off this horrendous situation.

Captain Barrens trotted back to us. “While you guys went and got Stormy and Tippy, I was just given word that Climate Storms was just picked up by a few of my officers. She’s safe now too.” He told us.

I was relieved to hear that(one less victim for us) however, after hearing that, I thought of something.

“If the Wonderbolts on his kill list are still there, he might be headed toward their facility. He disguised himself as Corkscrew. He might know the whole place.” I said.

Rainbow’s eyes widened this time. “I remember he got a tour of the place from Gust Gale when they first got together. He knows where the locker rooms and our living quarters are.” She said.

Just before we were about to head out the door, Captain Barrens’ phone rang. He answered it, and I saw his eyes go wide too.

Oh shit.

“Shots fired at the Wonderbolt facility. Get there now. Police already have the place surrounded. Go now.” He told us in a panicked and terrified voice.

Dash and I hauled ass outta there.

-/- The Wonderbolt Facility -/-

We were able to make it there in about 5 minutes flat. I guess Dash really is The Fastest Flyer in All of Equestria. She’s earned that title.

When we got there, police really were surrounding the building. But there were a ton of other ponies too.

I saw Soarin and Spitfire. Guess they must’ve gotten an Amber Alert on their phones. Dash and I got them when we first told Captain Barrens about what Skyler was planning.

But there were others too. Vapor Trail. Sky Stinger. Fleetfoot. Misty Fly. Surprise. Thunderlane. Almost all the Wonderbolts were here. Hopefully, none were inside.

That’s where Skyler was.

I ran over to a fellow officer. I remembered him. He was that buff looking stallion from when I first found Gust Gale’s body. Pale coat, fluffy orange mane and tail and hoof cuff cutie mark. The one who argued with Dash.

“What have we got?” I asked loudly.

“Skyler Storms is in there. He’s got a hostage. He’s threatening to kill her if we don’t bring him Spitfire and Soarin. He’s even given us a half hour. And if he sees or hears it’s us, he’s gonna kill her.” He told me.

Then I heard Misty Fly yell out emotionally,“High Winds is still in there. She didn’t leave when we all left. We gotta do something.”

Shit. He’s got Gust Gale’s best friend. I gotta think of something. And quick.

“Have you checked the perimeter?” I asked the buff stallion.

He nodded. “There’s a back door. We have a few ponies back there, but we’re trying to get it open as quietly as possible. Can’t risk him discovering us.” He said.

Then, an idea popped in my head. I turned to Dash.

“Rainbow, how stealthy can you be?” I asked.

She blinked. “Uh, I don’t know. I can be kinda stealthy. I’ve never tried before though.” She said.

“Fly as silently and quietly as you can around the building. Look and see in any of the windows which room he’s in. I’m gonna distract him from out here. If and when you see him and hear him, report back to me. Tell me what you see, then you and I are gonna sneak in there.” I told her.

She nodded in approval. “Got it.” She said and saluted me.

She then proceeded to fly as quietly around the building as possible.

I saw that the buff looking pony had a mega phone in his hooves. I asked if I could borrow it for a second. He gave it to me.

“Skyler Storms! This is Detective Shadow Haze! It’s over. Let High Winds go and no pony has to get hurt. You have only one chance to surrender and stop this madness.” I called out to him.

Then, by some sheer luck, I saw him stick his head out of a window that was on the right side of the building. With him sporting the craziest fucking smile I ever saw. He had a not so good looking brown coat, and instead of a blonde mane like what Soarin and Spitfire said, his mane was pitch black. Like Corkscrew.

“Go Fuck Yourself! I’ve got your meal ticket right here.” He said, now showing us High Winds. He had his hoof around her neck, with a gun pointed at the side of her head.

She looked terrified, and had a large amount of tears running down her face.

“It was him! He killed Gust Gale!” She wailed out to every pony.

He smiled in an arrogant fashion. “Damn right I did. And if any of you mother fuckers don’t want me to kill this dyke bitch, then bring me Soarin and Spitfire.” He said.

Soarin and Spitfire looked horrified as well. They had no idea about what to do in this situation.

Then, I guess Skyler saw Spitfire in the crowd, he gave her a seductive and evil smile.

“You heard me Spitfire. You want your cadet to remain alive, both of you come up here. I’ve got big things planned for you two.” He said.

After that, he walked away from the window with High Winds with him.

What he didn’t know, was that Dash was literally right above him. Listening to every word he said. Thankfully, she didn’t try anything yet. High Winds was in front of him. Even if she was fast, she’d need a second to get her away from him to safety. And he’d use that second to shoot her.

True to her word, she flew back over to me.

“So, do you know where he is?” I asked.

She nodded. “He’s in the East locker room. It’s not too far from the back door. We can sneak in there and catch him by surprise. There’s a weak wall in there that was just fixed not too long ago. It’ll break if we can knock it down. With him behind it.” She said.

“Yes.” I said. “But I have a good way to distract him too.” I said, before turning to Soarin and Spitfire.

“I need you two to give in and go inside.” I told them.

“WHAT?!” All three of them, including Rainbow Dash shouted.

“You will survive this. Just do what I say. I’ve got a plan.” I said to them.

“But, he’s got a gun. What if he shoots us?” Soarin asked.

“Just trust me. He went shoot you right away. He’s a narcissistic pony. He wants to get back at you and humiliate you guys for what happened at Wonderbolt camp years back.” I told them. I really think my plan will work.

I hope.

“Look, here’s the plan.” I huddled with the three of them and explain everything.

“Alright. You got it?” I asked them.

Soarin and Spitfire, while looking scared, nodded in agreement.

“Okay, we’ll do it. For ole’ Hoof in Mouth.” Spitfire said.

“Yeah.” Soarin added.

The two looked at each other for a moment and then kissed each other on the lips in total passion.

“I love you.” Spitfire said.

“I love you too, babe.” Soarin said.

They proceeded to walk inside the front door, while Dash and Myself walked toward the back door.

Amazingly, they had managed to get it open without alerting Skyler.

I motioned for them to stop. “Me and Dash will take care of this. You just gotta trust me.” I said to them.

They looked hesitant at first, but then gave in and allowed Me and Dash to walk inside. As stealthy as possible.

We made it inside. And I could see a sign that pointed toward the East locker room.

Okay. It’s time to finish this.

As me and Dash very quietly walked over toward the locker room, we heard voices. I guess Soarin and Spitfire were already there. I just hope my plan works. I wish those two nothing but good luck.

Then I heard HIS voice. “Glad you two could make it.” Skyler said in that arrogant and narcissistic voice.

A few seconds passed by before I heard Soarin utter, “Let her go Skyler. She’s done nothing to you.”

We were not too far away when I heard Skyler chuckle a little bit. “This isn’t about her. She’s just a pawn in my big game.”

“What game, you sick fuck?” Spitfire asked angrily.

“Of finally achieving my dream. Of killing every one of you mother fuckers for fucking with me. For not acknowledging me. For saying I wasn’t worth a shit.” He chuckled again.

“Well, Spitfire, am I worth a damn now? I raped and murdered that stupid bitch that looked like you. And now, I’m gonna do the same thing to the real one. And it’s gonna be right in front of you.” I heard him scream. He must be pointing at Soarin.

“You killed my best friend!” I heard High Winds cry.

“Damn right I did. And I’ll kill you two. If these guys agree to stay and let me do what I want to them.” I heard him say.

Now, by this point, we made it to the outside of the locker room. And Dash was right. There was a weak wall on the left side. We walked over there as quietly as possible, while also listening in on the conversation occurring. And from the way it was going, it appeared Skyler had his back turned to the weak wall. Yes. Just like I wanted.

“How does it feel guys? Huh? How does it feel to know that I was Corkscrew all along, and you guys don’t even figure out it was me? I bet you guys feel pretty fucking stupid huh? Especially you Soarin. I was the smartest guy in school and definitely smarter then you. I bet I fooled you the most, didn’t I?” He asked them.

I didn’t hear Soarin answer anything. He must have his head down. Because they actually MUST feel pretty stupid. They didn’t figure out that a guy they knew in high school was this alter ego he came up with?

Somepony smarter probably could’ve figured it out.

“What do you want Skyler? Why can’t you just leave us alone?” Spitfire asked.

I could tell he was smirking right now. “Because I claimed you in high school. You belong to me. And now, I’m gonna make you mine.” He said in a pretty sinister voice.

“You two want High Winds to get outta here safe and sound? Then you let me shoot and kill Soarin, and then I’m gonna shoot you, Spitfire, in your legs and wings. And then I’m gonna do to you what I did to Gust. So, what is it gonna be, huh?” Skyler asked.

I hope Spitfire says what I told her too. I hope she thinks we’re here, because we are. Come on Spitfire. Say it.

I heard a smirk from her. Yes.

“Actually, how bout you do me a favor and try not to break the board with your stupid face.” She said.

There it is. I heard him utter a “Huh?” before Dash came in for the big blow.

*CRASH*

“Aaahhhh!” I heard and now saw as Skyler was hit by the weak wall and the force of Rainbow Dash’s strength. She was awesome. And she proved it right here.

Skyler’s grip on both the gun and High Winds let go as he fell to the floor face first.

He was about to get his gun, before Spitfire kicked it away and then kicked him in the face. Hard.

He groaned in pain, before Rainbow kicked him in the balls. That made him squeal like a pig. Then Soarin bucked him in the face, and he was finished when High Winds tackled him with ferocity and started to punch the shit outta him.

“YOU FUCKING PIECE OF SHIT! I HOPE YOU FUCKING DIE! I HOPE-” I stopped her before she could do more damage.

“That’s enough. All of you.” I said to them.

He later there on the ground in pain. Good. But, it’s not gonna be like the pain he’s about to receive when he goes to jail.

I brought out my hoof cuffs and cuffed him right there.

“Skyler Storms, you are under arrest for the rape and murder of Gust Gale, the attempted murder of Spectrum Ryder, stalking and planning a terrorist attack.” I continued reading him his Miranda rights as I got him up and started to lead him outside.

As we walked him out, I told him, “Just to let you know Skyler, your Mommy isn’t mad at you. She’s just disappointed.”

“Fuck you.” He yelled at me. I punched him in the stomach, since I didn’t get a good one on him before I arrested him.

We finally got him outside, and I threw his ass in the police carriage. Where he was flailing and flopping around like a lunatic.

“Good bye and good riddance, Skyler Storms.” Spitfire said, spitting in his face before the carriage rode off. Taking that piece of shit away with him.

We got him. We got the son of a bitch.

Thank Celestia it’s finally over.

Epilogue: A Touching Tribute

After we put Skyler in the Police Carriage, all of the Wonderbolts that were outside came over to us. They were all asking if we were okay(well mainly Soarin, Spitfire, High Winds and Rainbow Dash), and even hugging them. Crying out of relief for their friends. I could only imagine what they were going through when all that shit was going down. Thank Celestia High Winds and everypony else made it out okay.

I also was given a call from the receptionist at the Cloudsdale Hospital. She gave me an update on Spectrum Ryder. He’s stable, breathing on his own, but does slip into unconsciousness from time to time. The doctors need to do more tests on him, but they are saying that he should live through what happened.

That is a big sigh of relief. No pony who was on Skyler’s kill list was murdered.

After every pony thanked us, Me and Dash flew back to the Cloudsdale Detention Center. We reported everything to Captain Barrens. He also breathed a sigh of relief as well.

Then I saw Soarin and Spitfire walk in. Dash told me on the way here that she told both of them that their mother’s were here at the Detention Center for their own safety. She even told me that one of the reasons why Soarin and Spitfire got together was because they both knew what it was like to grow up with single mother’s. They both knew what it was like to not have a father around to watch them grow up.

Huh. Kinda like my piece of fucking shit father for running out on my mother. That is what caused her to drink and become a violent bitch toward me and my sister.

Anyway, they asked to see their Mom’s. And when Tippy and Stormy came out and saw that their foals were okay, we’ll, let’s just say it was an emotional reunion.

Tippy Tappy was hugging her son super tightly and crying her eyes out on his shoulder.

“It’s okay, Mom. I’m okay. They got the piece of shit that did it. You don’t gotta worry.” Soarin said consoling his Mom as best he could.

She lifted her face away from his shoulder and looked at him. “I’m your Mom, sweetheart. I’ll always worry about you. That’s what a good Mom is supposed to do.” She said, bringing him into a hug again. “I’m just so happy you’re okay.”

I saw Soarin just smile and hug her back.

Meanwhile, the exact same thing was going on with Stormy and Spitfire.

“When I heard about what happened, and while I was waiting here, I-I was so terrified for you, baby. I was scared I’d lose my only child. If you would’ve been hurt or even killed by Skyler, I don’t know what I-“ Stormy was saying in a tearful way to her daughter before being interrupted.

“It’s okay Mom. Besides, I could have taken that little bitch myself. He’s always been full of his own shit. And Soarin could have gotten him too. We’re gonna be okay.” Spitfire assured her Mom.

Stormy just hugged Spitfire again.

I figured it was best of me to leave now. I would wait in the break room area until every pony eventually calmed down.

But, before I could, I heard Rainbow Dash tell something to Tippy Tappy and Stormy Flare while they were having their moment with their children.

“You know you guys, Detective Shadow Haze here was the guy who did all the work. Well, technically we beat down Skyler, but we wouldn’t have found out anything if it wasn’t for his skills as a great Detective. I just came along for the ride. And to fly him to places because he’s a Unicorn and I’m a Pegasus. So, if you guys should be thanking anypony, thank him.” She said.

They all looked toward me. I almost felt a bit overwhelmed. Rainbow Dash actually giving somepony all the credit and not trying to take any of the shine off of that pony? From what Twilight told me, she always likes to be the center of attention. So, her doing this, is actually quite admirable.

So, Tippy and Soarin, and Stormy and Spitfire all came over to me and proceeded to thank me for all that I did for this case.

“Thanks for everything Detective. If you hadn’t have found out what Skyler was planning, we all probably would be dead.” Soarin said.

“Thanks to you, Gust Gale can now rest.” Spitfire said.

“You saved my daughter and future son-in-law. Thank you.” Stormy told me.

Then Tippy gave me a hug of her own. Wow, this mare could be an emotional one.

“Thank you so much for saving my baby boy and my future daughter-in-law. Thank you, thank you Detective Shadow Haze.” She said, with a few tears.

Soarin gently pulled his Mom off me. She flushed in embarrassment at her actions.

“Well, I appreciate your thanks every pony, but I was just doing what I do best. So, your thanks are unneeded.” I said to them.

I turned to Rainbow Dash. “Thanks for everything Dash. You helped out a lot on this case. I couldn’t have done it without you.” I said.

It was her turn to flush now. “Eh, I just like to help out my friends.” She said, before turning away from me in an embarrassed look.

“We are friends, aren’t we?” She asked.

I nodded and put my hoof out. She smiled all giddy like and hoof bumped me.

It felt good to have an awesome pony like Rainbows Dash as a friend.

Friends…..

-/- 5 Days Later -/-

“So, you teamed up with The Rainbow Dash?” Comet Chaser, my nephew, asked me over the phone. I had taken a few days off to rest up. Now, I was just having a nice conversation with my number one fan. It was going on night time where I was at, but it was probably still light out in New Colt City where he was at.

“That’s right. Me and Dash got the guy. We worked very well together.” I told him.

“So Cool.” Comet said. I could tell his eyes were twinkling in amazement.

I chuckled a little bit. “Yeah it was cool.” I said.

“Yeah.” He was quiet for a quick sec before he continued. “It’s good to talk with you Uncle Shadow. I miss you.”

I could tell he was a little bummed after he said that. He misses his hero. I miss the little guy too. And my big sis and brother-in-law.

“I miss you two kiddo. But, it’s not like I’m moving away forever and not seeing you again. When the time comes, I’ll make time to see you and your folks again. I promise.” I told him.

I sensed a smile on his face. “Yeah. And I’m already looking forward to it. You’ll have to teach me something when I see you again. I am your successor.” He said.

My successor. Damn right he is.

“I promise I will, kiddo.” I told him.

“Yeah!” He said in an excitable tone.

After he said that, I got a beep on my phone. I’ve got another call coming in. It might be from a potential client.

“Hey Comet, I gotta go Buddy. I’ve got a call coming in. It might be important. Tell your parents I said Hi, okay?” I told him.

“Okay. Bye Uncle Shadow.” He said to me.

“Bye kiddo.” I said as I hung up on his end and answered who was on the other line.

“Detective Shadow Haze.” I answered.

“Hello Detective. Good to hear from ya.” I heard a familiar voice say.

“Captain Barrens? How did you get my number?” I asked him.

“I have my ways. Any way, I just wanted to thank you for everything you did. You’re a great Detective, Shadow Haze.” He said to me.

I smiled with appreciation. “It’s no problem at all. I’m just doing my job.” I said to him.

Then his voice got serious. “But, I also wanted to tell you something.”

“What is it?” I asked.

“Well, It appears Soarin and Spitfire won’t have to worry about Skyler ever again.” He said.

“I know. With all the evidence Me and Dash gathered, there’s no way he’s getting out of this.” I said, with my confidence rising.

“No, it’s not like that.” He told me.

I was starting to get confused. “What do you mean?”

“Well, I just got word from the Cloudsdale Prison Warden. Skyler Storms was just gang raped and tortured to death in the laundry room at the Cloudsdale Prison.”

I felt a huge chill run down my spine. Not that I have any sympathy for Skyler, but he was killed that quick while he was in there? I guess there must have been some Wonderbolt fans, as well as fans of Gust Gale, in prison as well. Or, maybe he became a target because he was a rapist.

Either way, it appears the sick fucker got what was coming of him. I wonder if he suffered even worse then how Gust Gale suffered. Hopefully, and I know it seems wrong to think this, but I hope for Gust Gale’s sake, he suffered and suffered hard.

I thanked him for the information and hung up.

I was about to get up, when I heard a knock at my door. I told them to come in. In walked Rainbow Dash.

“Hey Shadow. How ya doing?” She asked me.

“I’m well and you?” I asked.

“I guess I’m doing okay, after everything that happened, ya know.” She said.

I nodded. I could tell it might take a while for her to get over everything that happened while we were on the case together. But, she is a strong and awesome pony. So, she’ll make it through.

“So, did you need something?” I asked as I got up from my chair.

She nodded. “Yeah. I want you to see this. Let’s go to Cloudsdale.” She said, motioning toward the door.

“What is it?” I asked her.

She scooped me up and flew me out the door.

“You’ll see.” She said as we flew out of the Castle of Friendship toward Cloudsdale.

-/- Cloudsdale -/-

I was gonna ask Rainbow Dash why she had two candle in her pocket. Then my question was answered when I looked over at the Wonderbolt facility.

There was a whole ton of ponies outside with lit candles in their hooves. These ponies were fans of the Wonderbolts. I saw a lot had tears in their eyes. Some were just choked up. Some just had their heads down in sadness, while others just remained strong. Then, there were some who just bawled their fucking eyes out.

For the few ponies who didn’t have candles, they had signs. Made from scratch form what they looked like. These signs had pictures of Gust Gale when she was still alive. When she was a proud and happy member of the Wonderbolts.

These signs had lettering on them, also made from scratch. They said stuff like:

We Love You Gust Gale

You Made It

We’ll Miss You Gust

A True Heart

I saw Soarin, Spitfire and Fleetfoot at the center of this crowd. With a few other Bolts behind them. High Winds, who looked to be crying her eyes out; Misty Fly, also crying, I think because High Winds was crying; Surprise, who just looked down in sadness.

Then I looked up and I saw a huge poster of Gust Gale in her Wonderbolt uniform. Looking at this poster, I could just tell she was so happy. She looked to have truly loved being a Wonderbolt. It made me happy to see how much love was here for Gust Gale.

Even if she was only a Wonderbolt for 3 years, she did a lot during her time. She got to go to places she thought she’d never see, meet amazing ponies she thought she’d never meet, make friends with ponies she thought she’d never make friends with, perform in arenas and stadiums she thought she’d never perform in and gain a bunch of fans that she never thought she’d gain.

She did so much in her short time on this planet. And even if she was tragically and cruelly taken away from us, with what she did in her time, one would consider that an accomplishment.

She died a Wonderbolt and she will always be remembered as a Wonderbolt. I think I can definitely say that for every pony who is out here at this little tribute tonight.

Rest In Peace Gust Gale. You will never be forgotten by your fans or your friends or your family. And even though I didn’t know you, I’m glad I was able to get the pony who took you away from every pony. I was glad to get justice for you.

I thought all of these things as Rainbow Dash gave me a candle and lit it with a pair of matches she had on her.

For the next little while, we all just stood here. Honoring the fallen Wonderbolt. The Wonderbolt who can now rest, knowing that everything was gonna be just fine.

Author's Note

So, there you guys go. That’s the end of Case #2. I hope you guys enjoyed this story. It was a bit of a bumpy road for me creative wise. But, I’m glad I was able to finish a second story for all of you.

So, I don’t know when I’ll start Case #3, hopefully soon, but I can tell you this:

I will put my all into entertaining you guys. You have my word.

Anyway, if you liked this story, make sure to comment, like, favorite and follow for future updates. Thank you all and Goodnight everybody.