Author's Note

Loosley based off this story:

Almost Too Late by Final Sunlight

(https://www.fimfiction.net/story/236129/1/almost-too-late/almost-too-late)

Please at least read the first chapter of the aforementioned story to get an idea as to what will pertain to the beginning of this story. The beginning of thia story is basically an Alternate Universe to the end of that story.

Thanks, and hope you enjoy.

Prologue

Bumping up and down through the empty streets of Canterlot, the ambulance hustled toward the hospital, as the unconscious figure was covered in blankets and heating pads to bring their temperature up. The cardiac monitor was keeping a steady reading as the person's heart was still, thankfully, beating. The paramedics were doing everything they could to warm up the patient and dress her wounds.

"Self-inflicted." Stated the ride-along, who was taking several notes on the situation. It may have seemed like a different story to any other person, but seeing as this man saw his fair-share of 'accidents,' he knew too well how those cuts were made. "Just wish it didn't have to be like this."

"Sir?" Looking up, the passenger saw the paramedic was addressing him. Once his attention was had, they continued, "I couldn't find any other form of ID on her, except this." Handing over a cheap, plastic card. "It looks like a school or club card, or something, but there is a name."

First glance at the card shows nothing too grand. Like any other type of identification, there's a Name, Picture, and some form of representation. According to this, the ID says, "FRIENDSHIP SQUAD."

Ok, that's a first, the man thought, as he then studied the photo. There was a young, yellow skinned girl, with a smile to rival that of many beautiful women her senior. Along with her complexion and, what seemed to be, pure confidence, was her very striking red and yellow hair, just like a raging inferno. Seeing as it was the spitting image of the person in question, he knew it wasn't stolen. Heh. Who'd wanna steal someone's friendship pass?

Getting back to the task at hand, he then looked at the name upon the card to see if they could further help this young girl:

SUNSET SHIMMER

Looking up toward movement on the gurney, he watched as the rescue team removed a pad away from the face of the girl. In place of that smile and confidence from the photo was nothing but sadness and pain, something that no one, not even a child, should bear. After checking for certain things, they then replaced the breathing face mask and the heating pad and continued other duties.

As they did so, the other paramedic, a woman, sadly remarked, "To think, something like this would happen right before Christmas." If there wasn't any melancholy before, then more just seeped in, filling up the back of the ambulance with nothing but dread.

Despite, or even because of this, Alan Shoemaker steeled himself for another long night or two, and he would do everything in his power to make sure that this girl would get better and have an even better chance at life. As a detective, it's not just his duty to solve issues or fight crime for the sake of society, but it's his job to put all the puzzles together and make sure they fit perfectly, so the people around him can feel safe and secure.

Looking back at the card, he saw another piece of this particular puzzle that might help him out. In small letters he saw the name, CANTERLOT HIGH SCHOOL. This reminded him of the events that took place earlier that night.