Alan Shoemaker: Detective

~~~Main Bed Chambers, Friendship Castle, Hearth's Warming Morning, 4:34 am~~~

The young drake jolted awake, as he heard the distinct noise of a vibrating book. Odd, as it was, and warranting a regular pony's fascination, Spike just gave a tired sigh. It took him a few hours the night before to finish wrapping gifts, and even hours longer to find the Sandmare and get a few minutes of shuteye. Despite being practically a teenager, he was still childishly excited for the next morning. The more presents he got, the more his hoard could grow, much to Twilight's annoyance.

What she couldn't find wouldn't hurt her nor decrease his treasures.

The reminder to his reason of being awake so early came to full force as the book buzzed again. Spike shook his head a bit, rubbed his eyes, and blew a few small flames from his mouth. These flames made their mark as they lit the few candles on Twilight's personal desk. Even with his keen eyesight he didn't need the extra light to see the book glowing… white?

"Huh. Weird." He said to himself as he picked up the book and opened it. It usually glows gold but weird pony-human magic can have different effects. He thought as he opened to the new message. "Hey, is Sunset trying out new handwriting, cause this…"

His mind went blank.

He saw the words on the paper, but couldn't believe them. He wiped his eyes a few times more, and blinked what he thought was more sleep from his eyes. He wiped the page, thinking it was hiding a sick joke, even flipped a few pages back and forth as though he was trying to find an answer.

None came. Just the same message.

Thoughts went through his mind. Denial. Rage. Sorrow. All mixed together like some bittersweet pudding set out for Santa Claws to eat a few bites of on Hearth's Warming Eve. Despite these, there was one flavor that he felt that came crashing into his heart like Rainbow Dash through the many windows of Ponyville.

Guilt. Had he done something…?

Shaking these thoughts from his mind, he had one thing to do. Quickly, grabbing the book, he sprinted out the door faster than he'd ever run before. Passing a few guards on their rounds, he yelled for them to follow one order:

"Help me find Twilight! There's an emergency!"

As Spike and the guards booked it toward the main entryway, they passed by the Cutie Mark Hall where, if anyone took the time to look at the map, they could see a faint, blinking Sun of red mixed with yellow within the heart of the miniature castle. Yet, even the most fair sighted of any creature could barely see that, around the sun, were faint stars swirling around.

~~~Ponyville Town Hall, 4:43 am~~~

"Thank you so much for helping out, your Majesty!"

Twilight bit back an exasperated groan as she gave a small smile to Mayor Mare.

"It was my pleasure, Mayor, but please, I've told you many times. Just call me Twilight. We are friends, after all." Twilight then gave the Mayor a pat on the shoulder. "Plus, it is always fun to do service for those who are less fortunate. I'm sure the foals at the orphanage in Canterlot will appreciate these gifts."

They were at town hall, with a few other night owl ponies, wrapping toys and treats for said children. There were hundreds of different sized goodies for the kids this year. It took away a few hours of precious sleep, but it was all worth it.

The Mayor chuckled. "I'm sorry, Twilight. I just can't help but think that you, a Princess of the Realm, is helping small children get their Hearth's Warming gifts. It's like a fairy tale! I should call my sister in the next town over and have her write the story! A new and original Hearth's Warming tale! That'd be fantastic, you think?"

They were heading outside to oversee the loading process of wagon upon wagon of toys to be transported by pegasi. Though it may have been an interesting story idea, Twilight couldn't help but cringe inside. She was still having reservations about being a princess, so having a story being told about her kindness is giving her more self-doubt. True, she was being nice for the young kids without families, but she just didn't want the praise. She just wants others to be happy.

"I'm just doing what anypony else would do." Twilight said. "Besides, if I had the funds and such, I'd be doing this everyday instead of once a year." She said looking down to the new-fallen snow, beating herself up inside. "I just wish there was a way to make them all happy, everyday. Every moment. How can I be a good princess if I can only help these poor colts and fillies once a year?"

Twilight's head snapped up as she felt a hoof on her withers. She turned and saw the warm look and soft smile of the Mayor. For some reason, the elderly mare's gesture calmed Twilight's heart, almost as much as her own mother.

"You're doing fine, Sweetheart. Nopony is perfect." The mayor said, then gesturing to the wagons. "Despite living in a peaceful world, there are bad things that happen to good ponies. It's what we do to help those ponies deal with the bad things that makes our efforts all the more worth it."

The mayor turned back to Twilight, with a little moisture in her eyes. "I was an orphan, you know." She admitted, much to Twilight's shock. "Though times were tough, we made due with what we had, and when those few presents came every year," she paused, sighing listlessly, "it made everything seem lighter and more bearable. We felt love from those that we didn't know and it meant so much to us."

She sighed again, as she wiped her eyes and looked towards the princess, who was wiping her own eyes.

"All in all, Twilight, what you've helped do tonight will go a long way. Years even. And, as my beloved caretaker used to say: 'by small and simple things, are great things brought to pass.' So chin up," she said as she smiled. "You're doing great work today!"

Twilight couldn't help it. She wrapped her wing around the mayor and she returned the hug the best she could. Being uplifted like this was what she needed.

"Thank you." Twilight whispered. "That means a lot to me. And thank you for sharing something so personal."

"Well, being the Princess of Friendship, I think you should be privy to many things that are meaningful in that sense." The mayor said as they let go from the hug. "Now, let's get these toys delivered!"

Twilight giggled at the mayor's enthusiasm, and started down the steps, when she heard a familiar call.

"Princess!"

Twilight turned and looked to see a few guards gallop their way towards her, as another was behind yelling towards others a ways off. Reaching her, they bowed and then saluted, waiting for permission to speak.

"Flash? Gold Leaf? What happened?" Twilight asked with bewilderment.

"It's Master Spike, your Highness," Flash said. "He said there was an emergency!"

"An emergency?" The mayor echoed. "Is there a monster running amuck?"

"TWILIGHT!!"

There were many things colder than the snow and the night air around them. The particular scream filled with terror and sadness that came from the young drake was one of them. He ran faster than he ever had before, and the look on his face told the surrogate mother/sister/friend/teacher one thing, and that was that something was definitely wrong.

Catching up and coming to a stop in front of the princess, Spike was trying to speak his mind, but being in the presence of his Friend and Protector, the adrenaline of the whole situation started to come down. The tears welled up. He started to blubber and choke out wordless sobs. Though everyone there was apprehensive, Twilight's worry was relieved when she saw the little distraught dragon.

"Oh, Spike. Did you have a nightmare?" Twilight cooed, much to Spike's annoyance. "I told you to not eat so much before going to bed. You know what happens when---"

"Dammit, Twilight! That's not why I'm here!" Spike yelled, as she and the others present gasped and the guards tensed up.

"Spikard Reginald Sparkle!" Twilight said, "how dare you use such language. Why, I'd have half a mind to---"

"There's no time!" Spike blurted out, while shoving the other-worldly journal in the mare's face, much to her agitated confusion. "I-it's Sunset! She's… she… something's happened!"

Twilight took the book away with her magic, giving Spike a hard look. She then zipped through it while prepping a long lecture for her assistant.

"There is still no reason for you to use a swear word, Spike. We're gonna have to wash that mouth out after Hearth's Warming." She sternly said as she got to the page in question. "Besides, I sent a message to Sunset hours ago. I'm sure there's nothing to worry about. I bet she's doing… just…."

Her sentence died in her throat and her lecture was forgotten, as she read the words over and over. Spike could recognize that the same thing that he went through earlier was now happening to Twilight, but it wasn't just bad. She was taking it a lot worse.

For Twilight, the washed away feeling of doubt came flooding back to her tenfold, as a tear slipped down her face. Though she was always good at keeping herself composed, only a few in Equestria could tell that something was wrong as the cracks started to form. Mayor Mare noticed this as well.

"Twilight?" She gingerly asked, "is everything---"

The mayor didn't get to finish as a sob escaped from Twilight's lips, while she held the book and grabbed Spike in her magic and teleported away to Sisters knows where. Without missing a beat, the guards went about to find their lost princess and assistant and secure their charges.

The mayor noticed though, that as they left, she could tell something truly was amiss. If something as good as giving gifts to those in need could be drowned out by something so terrible, then something was definitely wrong. She just prayed to the heavens above that no one's life was in jeopardy.

~~~Royal Resting Lounge, Canterlot Castle, 4:56 am~~~

Princess Celestia was putting the finishing touches on the gifts for the holiday. This was always her favorite thing to do this time of year. Celebrating a day of receiving by doing nothing but give. It really brightened up her life. At least as much as it can for the Sun Goddess, but it's the thought it counts.

As she looked over to her two companions, she couldn't help but give a hearty giggle.

"Luna, it's just scotch tape. It is not going to strangle you." Celestia said playfully. Luna for her part was somehow wrapped up in the tape, trying to finagle her way out of her trap.

"Easy for you to say." Luna grumbled. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say the blasted pony that invented this stuff would have been able to best me without a thought!"

Soft laughter came from the two other occupants of the room. They both shared a silent agreement that Luna was just too cute in her own way.

"I see why you suggested I come help you, Auntie Celestia. I would never have guessed that Auntie Luna was this entertaining." Said the third occupant.

"Oh, put a hoof in it, Cadence!" Luna retorted grumpily, much to the other ponies amusement.

"Oh come now, Lulu." Celestia said, while easily levitating the unwound tape off of her sister. "We're just having a little fun---."

"---At my own expense, no less." Luna interrupted, with her forelegs folded and looking away.

"Oh, Auntie, it's ok!" Cadence said, scooting toward the dark princess, and nuzzling her affectionately. "We didn't mean to hurt your feelings. Besides, aren't you the one who is always pranking us when it benefits you?"

This eased Luna a bit, knowing that if she can dish out harsher pranks, she should be able to take them. Turning toward her niece, she nuzzled her back and gave her a smile.

"My apologies." Luna relented. "It's just… I wish the best for these foals, and yet I can't even wrap a gift properly!"

To prove her point, she lifted up a gift that seemed to have been wrapped by a blind manticore while their claws were extended. Giving a knowing look, Celestia lifted up a few presents of her own, but they were wrapped in star filled wrapping paper, the same that Luna was attempting to use.

"I know, Luna. Which is why these, and others, are already prepared." Celestia said, putting the gifts in a pile on the other side of the room.

Luna gave a sheepish green to Celestia, but leaned over and nuzzled her in thanks all the same.

"You think we have more presents than Twilight?" Cadence asked curiously.

"Now, Cadence, this isn't a competition, you know." Celestia said. "However, considering that we, here, have promised a certain amount towards the hospital and Twilight to the orphanage, I'm sure that we have less."

"Thankfully." Luna added. "It just means there are less sick children this year. Which is great. But all the more reason to make sure that this year's children are happy, despite their circumstances."

"That's a good way of looking at it, Luna." Cadence said. "I never thought of it that way. And I hope this year there isn't anything terrible that happens."

As if on cue, purple light bursts out of nowhere by the door, and a frantic purple alicorn and her assistant appear. The three shake off their confusion and recognize the duo.

"Oh, Twilight. You're here." Celestia said, getting up to meet her former student. Looking at the clock, it showed that it was still early. "We weren't expecting you for a few more hours, how are things goi---"

She dreaded seeing her subjects sad, more those closest to her, so when she saw a shaking Twilight, crying openly and choking back sobs she was very much attentive. The other two alicorns quickly stood up and trotted over next to Celestia and the distraught Twilight.

"Twilight, what's wrong?" Celestia said, voice filled with concern. Though it had been a while since she mothered foals of her own, she saw many ponies 9f today, especially Twilight, as her own. Her motherly tone was enough to warrant a response.

"Wh-what did I d-d-do wrong?" Twilight managed to say through thick emotions.

Celestia didn't know what Twilight was talking about, but saw a sad looking Spike pointing to a book that was in Twilight's magical grip. She carefully took it into her own magic and noticed how easily Twilight relented. Cadence went to Twilight and took her into a hug as Luna watched on intently.

"W-w-was it s-s-somehting I d-did?" Twilight said as Celestia viewed the book more closely. It was the journal she entrusted to Twilight alongside the portal. Dread began to fill her heart as she opened it up to the latest entry. Upon reading the first few lines, she felt a stone hit her in the gut.

Twilight

This is Principal Celestia

I need your help. Sunset is in the hospital and is in need of blood.

Now, be aware, she is in stable condition and the hospital staff are doing everything they can to keep her comfortable. But considering all that has happened this early morning, it's a miracle that she is still here with us.

I know she and you are different from me and everyone else on this side of the portal, which is why I'm requesting that, if possible, send or tell me the type of blood that she needs to make a full recovery. I don't know what they'll do to her if she is found out to be from another world, but, as much as I hate admitting it, I can only protect her so much.

Twilight.

She tried to take her own life tonight.

I wish I knew about what she's been going through. If I knew that I could've helped, I would have in a heartbeat. And I'm sure you feel the same.

Please don't tear yourself up about this. You wouldn't have known unless she confided in you. This is not your fault.

Please, come if you can or send word for what we need to do.

"Tia?"

Celestia turned toward her sister as Luna went to wipe a tear from her cheek with her wing. Luna herself had a look of concern on her face, as well as knowing. She had most likely read the journal over her shoulder and she was now ready to act. Luna was willing to do everything she could to help make this right. Oh, how Celestia loved her sister.

"I'm a terrible friend."

Turning their attention, they saw Cadence and Spike trying to console a heavily crestfallen Twilight. Though the sobs have ceased, she still had trars as she still leaned into Cadence and held Spike in her forearms, not wanting to ever let go. She seemed absolutely defeated.

"Twilight," Celestia said softly. "You wouldn't have known if this was going to happen. It is not your fau---."

"It's not?!" Twilight screamed in anger toward her former teacher, much to the surprise of the others. "It IS my fault. She was reaching out to me, and I did nothing. Sh-she sent a message to me hours ago, and I thought nothing of it! I thought it was weird, but, again, I thought it was NOTHING! Now look at what's happened. Sunset would be fine if I didn't ignore her! Now she tried to kill herself, and it's my FAULT!!" Twilight collapsed, shaking even more. "I'm not fit to be a princess, let alone anyone's friend. I might as well give up."

"Twilight Sparkle, don't you ever say that!" Everyone snapped their heads toward Luna, a look of disappointment and hurt was on her face. She knelt down to face Twilight, and spoke to her at her level. "That line of thinking is what put Sunset and many others like her in that predicament. Unlike Sunset, however, there are those who weren't as lucky to live like her."

Luna turned away, and seemed to Twilight as though she were repressing something. A long, lost memory that still aches in her very heart and soul. Luna felt a wing over her, as she saw Celestia kneel down next to her, giving her a supportive look.

Celestia then beckoned everyone to come together for a hug. They knelt together and held one another. Giving love and kind, healing words to one another. This was something Celestia would do to all those she held dear. Despite the circumstances, she knew that everyone needed this time to help strengthen one another. Though it seemed like forever, it was a simple and quick thing for them to do.

"Thank you." Twilight said, drying her eyes. "All of you. I know that if we work together, we can save Sunset."

They all got up, and Celestia magicked to herself a parchment and quill. She was writing things down as she gave out a battle plan.

"Here's what needs to be done. Luna and Cadence." The two alicorns stood ready. "You two will help with the children's toys for the orphanage today. I'll stay here and manage the toys for the hospital foals." They both nodded affirmations, and went off.

"Shall we race, dear niece?" Luna said, with a playful tone.

"Only if you're willing to keep up." Cadence returned with a giggle.

They turned toward Twilight and Spike and nuzzled them as they left out the door.

Celestia finished writing on the parchment and started to roll it up.

"Listen carefully, you two." Celestia said, "go down to the infirmary, and ask for Doctor House. He'll be a bit cranky, but show him this note, and he'll get you what we need." The note floated to Twilight, and she took it in her magic. "Once you have what's needed, return here at once. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Princess. You can count on us!" Twilight said with determination, she lifted Spike up and put him on her back, he then was given the note to hold onto. "Come on Spike, let's go save our friend!"

Twilight galloped out of the room, leaving Celestia alone with her thoughts. If there was anyone who should be blamed for Sunset's circumstances, it wasn't Twilight.

"I'm to blame."

Celestia was then determined to help her former student in any way she possibly could. Being the tactician that she was, a plan was forming in her mind the moment she read the journal entry. Speaking of which, she levitated the book and, with a quill at the ready, she started to send a note to the other journal.

~~~ICU ROOM C6, Canterlot General Hospital, 5:17 am~~~

Celestia quietly reentered the room from the hallway. She saw that Sunset had not really moved since she left. Luckily, the way the machines were silently recording their readings, Sunset was still alive and… almost well.

With a bland and hot cup of coffee in hand, she sat back down in the seat beside the bed. She hadn't really done anything other than worry and think. And get coffee, but that didn't count in her mind. She set the cup down and leaned back to stare up at the ceiling. What was she going to do if they found something about Sunset that was off to them? Would they take her away? Would they do terrible things to her?

These thoughts were thrown out as she heard the sound of a vibrating… book. Gotta get used to that. She thought as she picked up the book and opened it to the magically new entry. This handwriting seemed an awful lot like her own for some reason.

Principal Celestia.

We thank you for reaching out to us on behalf of Sunset Shimmer. She means so much to us, and knowing that she is in the company of an amazing and intelligent woman, has made us very relieved…

"Heh, thanks but flattery will get you nowhere." Celestia said out loud as she turned the page.

… Alas, flattery will not help the situation…

Celestia Blinked.

… Right now, Sunset's life and safety is on the line. Twilight has been sent to retrieve vials of blood to be used for transfusion. We hope that these would be satisfactory to the needs of young Sunset.

Twilight will be sent through the portal within half-hours time. Hopefully we'll make it in time for Sunset to be fully awake and well enough to enjoy Christmas.

You, truly

The Sun Princess

"She seems nice." Celestia said. "But aren't you supposed to say 'yours truly'?" She thought outloud, but brushed it aside, when she looked down further and saw more.

P.S. Please, Celestia. Please let her know how much she means to us.

How much she means to me.

Please cherish and take care of her as the beautiful soul that she is, and let me know how she is doing. Please, care for her the best you can

Again, you have my eternal thanks.

Celestia thought for a moment about what this Sun Princess meant. Take care of her as a principal? A friend? A moth---

She pushed those thoughts from her mind, as she got up from her seat. She headed to the door as she grabbed her purse, and shuffled through it for a moment and… she didn't have her keys.

Then, realization came crashing down upon her as she stopped dead in her tracks and asked herself with wide eyed terror:

"How do I tell Alan?"