Equestria Noire Case #4: The Pianist Case

Chapters

Chapter 2: Colton Von Gallopson
Chapter 3: Hidden Secrets Part 1
Chapter 4: Hidden Secrets Part 2
Chapter 5: Working Mares
Chapter 6: Past Tragedies
Chapter 7: Canterlot Histories
Chapter 1: Hitting the Gym

Chapter 2: Colton Von Gallopson

-/-Canterlot-/-

While I was trotting through the streets of Canterlot, I realized that my belief of the Vic being a somewhat famous pony among these parts was an understatement. I saw hordes of camera ponies wanting to know what has happened. Them trying to get past the police ponies, who have blocked off the entrance of the crime scene. I even saw several young looking mares crying super dramatically. Like they had just lost somepony they truly care about.

I looked forward, and Detective Ruby Glow and my pathologist Cadaver waved me over. I had to squeeze through the big crowd of ponies to get to them. After a couple of minutes, I finally managed to duck underneath the CAUTION tape and enter the crime scene. Celestia damn it, how popular is this victim?

“Good to see you, Pal.” Cadaver said.

“Same to you.” I said to him before my attention turned to Ruby Glow, who stood next to Cadaver.

“Where’s your partner for this, Ruby?” I asked her, as we walked toward the crime scene in this alleyway.

“Moxie had some personal stuff going on with her nephew in New Colt City. Captain Stone recommended you after everything that went down with Gavin. So, that’s why I called you.” She said.

I nodded my understanding to her as we officially made it to the crime scene. There was a carriage parked here. Seemingly abandoned.

Almost immediately I found this odd. A carriage with our dead Vic inside. Parked in an extremely private setting. Where no pony else is around to see or hear anything. Not to mention, this particular alleyway has a dead end on the left and right sides. You could go straight through here and make it to the other side of the street. But, if you turned left or right, all you get is a wall. And on this left side of this alleyway, there’s a carriage here? Something already feels odd.

I approached the carriage and found our victim. His body was leaning on the left side of the carriage with his head out the window. The Vic was an earth pony stallion who looked about 30 years old. Appeared to look in pretty good shape. He had a loose quiff mane style that now had some of his mane touching the outside of the carriage. Color of his mane is off black. Dark oat coat color. He’s wearing what appeared to be a tuxedo. However, the shirt looked to be all ragged and wrinkely. The coat was on the floor of the carriage, next to his feet. Speaking of feet, his dress pants are around his ankles, revealing his penis. There’s a condom on it filled with semen. And, I thought this was kinda odd, a lipstick print on it.

But what REALLY stood out to me, was there appeared to be a pair of leggings wrapped around his neck. Ironic, seeing as how I just saw leggings on Bon Bon earlier. Thankfully, these leggings were a different color from what Bon Bon wore earlier.

I looked further and found a blue bag near his legs as well. Looks like a gym bag of some sort. Maybe that’s where the leggings came from.

“What have you got?” I asked, turning my attention to them.

“Victim is Colton Von Gallopson. He’s a pretty famous pianist here in Canterlot. Time of death, I’d say about 1 or 2 AM this morning. ID and bits appear to be stolen. He looks to have been strangled to death.” Cadaver told me.

“It also looks like he had, or was about to have sex with somepony, possibly the suspect, before he was murdered. Then robbed for good measure.” Ruby Glow told me.

“Yeah.” I said. “I’m thinking this might have been some type of setup, due to this setting here in this alleyway.” I levitated the used condom and the leggings and put them in a bag.

“Cadaver, take this back to the lab. Run it for any hoof prints or identification.” I told him, handing him the bag.

He nodded. “Right away, Shadow.” He said, now galloping out of this alleyway. I just hope he manages to make it out of that crowd okay.

“What’s our first move?” Ruby Glow asked me, kinda looking excited to work with me.

“Well, you and I need to head to the Canterlot Detention Center. We need to look up anything we can on Colton here. As well as inform his family about the bad news.” I told her.

“So, you and I are partners for this case?” She asked, extending her hoof to me.

I nodded and accepted her hoof. “Yep. But, I must warn you, Ruby. I’m a very strict stallion. So, you better be on your A game.” I told her.

She scoffed at that. “I’m always ready.” She said.

I hope she’s right.

-/-Canterlot Detention Center-/-

“I was awoken by my own daughter telling me that, of all ponies, Colton Von Gallopson, her favorite musician, was found dead in an alleyway on a known prostitution part of the street. Now, I’m not jumping to any conclusions here, but I would hope that you have SOME information regarding the crime scene, am I right?” Captain Bisette grumpily told me and Ruby. She was sitting behind her desk in her office, looking like she LITERALLY had just woken up, and drinking a coffee. Probably not decaf if I had to guess.

Bisette was a short, stocky looking mare around the age of 45. She had a magenta color coat, green eyes that had glasses over them, a dark purple mane that was tied up in a bun, and gun cutie mark.

“We do, Ma’am.” Ruby Glow spoke first. “Vic showed sign of strangulation from a pair of leggings, which came from a blue gym bag found in the carriage as well.”

Captain Bisette paused before looking at me. “What about you?” She asked.

“Vic had his pants around his ankles, showing his penis, which had a used condom on it, and a lipstick print. Some bits of his were stolen. It’s seems likely that a hooker rolled and robbed him.” I said.

She shook her head at me. “How many mares do you know that have the upper hoof strength to strangle a stallion?” She asked me, not looking happy.

“If a hooker is on crack, she could do anything to a dude. I’ve seen it before.” I said shrugging.

“Colton Von Gallopson was a big stallion in good shape. The mares on that street are about 159 lbs, soaking wet.” She argued while pointing her hoof at me. Seems somepony is getting irritated.

I shrugged. “Could have been a tranny?”

“Hookers cut or stab. They don’t strangle. And there’s no record of any he-she’s on that street.” She said.

“She’s kinda right about that.” Ruby Glow piped in.

“Alright, alright. Maybe I’m wrong about the hooker part. But, this does seem like a setup to me. A carriage parked in an alleyway? Away from every pony to see or hear anything? How popular is this Colton anyhow?” I asked them.

I saw Captain Bisette just look at me in disbelief. As if she literally couldn’t believe what had just come out of my mouth.

“You don’t know who Colton Von Gallopson is? Have you been living under a rock, Shadow Haze?” She asked me.

I smirked at her. “Well, when you’re a workaholic like me, you tend to focus on your work and not the outside world very much. So, maybe I have been, Cap.”

“Are you being flippant with me?” She asked, apparently not amused by my sense of humor.

“No, Ma’am. I’m not.” I said with a slight chuckle. I guess she’s not one for humor.

She had that stern look on her face for about a second before she stood up from behind her desk. She then reached to her left side and brought out something from one of the desk drawers. She placed that very something on her desk in front of us.

“Colton Von Gallopson is a member of the Royal Canterlot Symphony. He’s a Solo Ensemble Pianist. He’s performed some of the most famous pieces like Moonlight Sonata, Nocturne in E flat major, Kinderszenen, and the Mozart Requiem.” She explained to me, waving her hoof over the pictures on her desk.

These were pictures of Colton when he was still alive. Him at the piano performing his very pieces. There was one that looked like he had just finished a piece and was smiling to an adoring crowd. There was another of him that looked like he was still performing, due to his eyes being closed all regal like and his muzzle being pointed to the air. I even saw a few mares in the crowd looking on with tears of joy. Seems he resonates with them.

“Hm. That’s impressive.” I said.

“You don’t even know the half of it.” Bisette said, causing me to look back up at her. “Rumor has it, he was planning to leave Canterlot and explore greener pastures. Possibly perform in bigger venues all over Equestria. And, according to my daughter, she said that a lot of fans of his were not too thrilled of him leaving Canterlot.”

“Seems like a lot of these fans were young mares, judging from the pictures here.” I told her.

“Yes. I can’t tell you how many wished to be with him. My daughter even says so.” She said, looking rather intense.

Ruby Glow then decided to pipe in. “I second that. My partner Moxie has a niece who is crazy about him. Wonder how she’s taking it now?” She said, which Bisette nodded to.

“Okay, so judging from what you just said about Colton possibly leaving Canterlot, could there be a possibility that Colton was set up? He thinks he’s meeting one of these random fan mares for sex, then gets strangled to death for his troubles?” I asked them.

“That would make sense.” Ruby Glow said. “You know how toxic and crazy fans are today.”

“That’s what worries me about my daughter sometimes.” Captain Bisette said. “Alright, you two should talk to Colton’s lead composer, as well as any member of the Royal Canterlot Symphony. See if they know anything about Colton’s personal life.”

-/-Canterlot Music Hall-/-

“I can’t believe he’s gone. I just spoke to him two days ago. What a terrible tragedy. He was on his way to becoming a legend of the Performing Arts. Now that’s not gonna happen.” The composer said, looking really distraught. I even saw some tears in his eyes as well. He wiped at them with a hanky he had in his suit.

Ruby and I were sitting in the Auditorium with the composer, whose name was Gustav Lepster. He was about 55 years old, and had a wine red coat and a thinning dark brown mane. He also had blue eyes and a black baton for a cutie mark.

“What was that last conversation like?” I asked him, trying to sound sympathetic to him.

I saw him shudder before he could reply. This looked tough for him to talk about.

“Him and a few members of the Royal Canterlot Symphony were going to perform the Piano Trio, that’s piano, cello, and violin, in Manehatten at the Glimmer Palace 5 months from now. Him and I were going to set up the whole thing. He looked exceptionally forward to it.” He said, having to look away from us emotionally. Colton must’ve had a big impact on this guy for him to be acting this way.

“Gustav, we have some questions for you, regarding Colton. Would you be willing to help us?” Ruby Glow asked compassionately, placing a comforting hoof on his leg. He looked back at us, appearing to try to be strong.

“I’ll try my best.” He said, pulling himself together.

I got out my notepad and pen. “Do you have any idea who may want to hurt Colton, Mr. Gustav?” I asked him.

“No.” He said, shaking his head. “Colton was very well liked here. No pony I came across ever had a bad thing to say to him.”

“What about anypony outside of the Royal Canterlot Symphony? We’ve heard he had a lot of fan mares.”

“I’m sure there were some insecure and jealous boyfriends of those “fan mares”, but other than that I have no idea.”

As I wrote that down, I started to think. Could it be possible that some fan mare of Colton Von Gallopson talked and talked about him glowingly so much, that her boyfriend got pissed off and decided to find and kill him? It certainly isn’t out of the realm of possibility. Most days, young ponies ARE very insecure and jealous of other ponies. And they WOULD probably commit murder.

However, looking back at the crime scene, could they have REALLY been that smart to involve the carriage and the leggings? I’m not buying it.

“What was his relationship like with the other Symphony members?” I asked him.

“He was an absolute professional. Even if he didn’t like somepony personally, he’d still perform with them.” He said.

“Any pony in particular he was close to?”

“There were two that I absolutely know of.” He said, clearing his throat before continuing.

“Him and my violin player, Ludwig St. Clipton. The two were best friends.” He said.

“I’ve heard of him.” Ruby Glow chimed in. “Isn’t he the son of the Canterlot DA? Sebastian St. Clipton?”

Gustav nodded. “Yes. He’s running for Mayor of Canterlot. Has gained many, many followers. And I’m one of them.” He said.

“And who was the other one?” I asked him.

“My Cellist. Octavia Melody. The two were also close, and even use to date for a while.” He said.

My eyes widened. “Used to?”

“From my understanding, it was only for about 2 or 3 months. I asked Colton why, Octavia is a sweet, kind hearted mare. He just told me it just didn’t work out. They remained friends, but I always wondered why they broke up.” He said, looking genuinely confused.

Okay. I know Octavia lives in Ponyville with DJ P0N-3, or Vinyl Scratch as she’s really called. I guess I have a house call to make. I’ll also have to look into this Ludwig St. Clipton. And his father too, if there’s any proof. And I may have to look into any fan mares in particular, if Colton even knew them.

“How would you describe Colton’s state of mind during his last few days?” Ruby Glow asked him.

“I’d say it was quite odd.”

“Really?” I asked. “How so?”

“Well, after we had finished that meeting two days ago, he asked me for a few bits.” Gustav said.

“How is that weird?” I asked him, continuing to write everything down.

“Because he never asked me before. And he didn’t have to. Colton was born in a very wealthy family. His father and grandfather were also famous musicians back in the day. And his father, Tryton Von Gallopson, is still alive. If he needed to ask for bits, he would’ve gone to him. Or at least I thought.” He explained to us. This was starting to get interesting.

“Did you refuse him?” I asked.

He shook his head. “Even if I found it odd, I gave him exactly 50 bits. I would’ve given the suit off my back for that boy. He was like a son to me, Detective.” He said, getting emotional again. Thankfully, he caught himself and didn’t break down.

He continued. “Also, for the last 4 months, there were a few times I caught him tucking and pulling at his shirt collar. He was doing that a lot. And it wasn’t hot out. Most of the time. And the air conditioner works in this building. I asked him what was wrong. He told me, he guessed it was just nerves. But I know better.”

“And that is?” I asked him.

“Colton was 100% confident in his abilities. Not once did I ever see a shred of disbelief in himself. Even in situations where you could understand if he was nervous, he would show a strong face band just go out there and perform with true confidence and belief in self. So, when he said that to me, I just thought that was quite odd.” He told us. I’m guessing he now must feel guilty. Maybe he should’ve persuaded him a little harder.

“Did you ever talk to him again about this odd behavior of his?” I asked.

“No. But, looking back, I guess I should’ve.” He told us, looking defeated.

I closed my notepad and stood from my seat.

“Thank you, Gustav. You’ve been a big help. And me and Ruby are gonna find the pony who did this.” I told him.

Ruby sat up next with a confident smile on her face. “Yeah. We promise.” She said.

He stood next and I shook his hoof. “Thank you both. Colton Von Gallopson was a good stallion. And I hope his legacy can live on.” He said, now walking away.

“He’s taking it pretty hard.” Ruby Glow said, feeling tons of remorse for Gustav.

“Yeah.” I said as we started to walk out of the building. “But, at least we got some information.” I was gonna say more, but my phone went off.

“Shadow.” I answered. The other end told me what to do, I told them we’d be on our way and hung up.

“That was Cadaver. He’s got something we need to see. And Colton’s father is there to identify the body.” I told her.

-/-Canterlot Morgue-/-

I was apparently standing next to Canterlot Royalty. This was the famous Tryton Von Gallopson. The father of our victim. He was about 61 years old. An earth pony stallion with a jet black mane, a sand colored coat, hazel eyes, and a few piano keys for a cutie mark.

Even if I’ve never heard any of his music, I have heard about Tryton himself. My big sister, Melody Rays, is a music teacher at a middle school in New Colt City. Music is her absolute passion. And she wanted to teach the younger generation about it. From what I’ve heard, pretty much every student loves her and learns a lot about music and orchestra from her. And I’m proud to be her younger brother.

Anyway, the pony I was standing next to wasn’t the proud orchestra legend of Canterlot that most orchestra ponies were inspired by. I was standing next to a grieving father. Who just found out his own son was murdered. Ain’t life a bitch?

The curtain opened up, and Cadaver took the white sheet off of the Vic, showing his body to through the glass window.

He sniffled and had light tears run down his face. “That’s him. That’s my son.” He said very silently and sullenly.

Ruby put her comforting hoof on his shoulder. “We’re very sorry for your loss.” She said quietly and full of compassion.

Tryton put his hoof on the glass, looking at his child. “My boy was gonna be a legend in orchestra. Even better than me. He had his whole life ahead of him.” He said, now turning his attention toward both of us.

“Why?” Was the only question that came out of his mouth.

“That’s what we’re trying to figure out, sir. And we will.” Ruby Glow told him.

I stepped forward. “Would you be willing to answer some questions for us?” I asked him.

He shuddered while shaking his head. “I will, but not right now. I need a day or two to recover from this.” He stopped for a second before looking at me now.

“I lost my wife 5 years ago. Colton was my only child.” He hung his head down in sadness and shame. “I’m all alone now.”

“No problem. We’ll come over in about three days when you’re ready. Right Shadow?” Ruby asked me.

I normally would’ve wanted to know now, but the dude doesn’t look like he’s in a good state of mind right now. So, I let it go. For now.

“Sure.” I said, patting him on the shoulder, trying my best to put some comfort in him. Admittedly, that’s not something I normally would do. I just felt like I had to in this moment.

It didn’t exactly work anyway, however. Tryton still walked out, looking as desolate and dreary as he could.

“Poor guy.” Ruby said with a sad look.

“Hopefully, 3 days will be enough time for him to talk.” I said.

The door next to the window opens up and Cadaver appeared before us.

“Come on in, you two. You need to see this.” He told us, going back inside as the door shut behind him.

Ruby and I took a deep breath and walked inside the morgue. I hope what Cadaver has is good in helping us get closer to the killer. Because, he took a son away from an apparently loving father. And that is just the worst thing anypony could ever have to feel.

No matter what, me and Ruby are gonna get this fucker. It’s on now.

Chapter 3: Hidden Secrets Part 1

“Cause of Death WAS indeed strangulation. And I’m absolutely certain whoever did this must’ve had a personal grudge against Colton.” Cadaver said, showing us the ligature marks around Colton’s neck. The marks looked pretty deep. Almost as if the suspect pulled so fucking hard, he almost could’ve decapitated him.

“It would seem so, given the marks. I wonder which mare he pissed off that much.” I said, looking at the body.

“I don’t think it was a mare, Shadow.” Cadaver said.

That came as a surprise to us. “Are you saying the pony in that carriage with Colton was a dude?” Ruby Glow asked.

“I tested the lipstick print on the condom. Take a look at this.” Cadaver said, walking us a few meters away from Colton to a picture of a close up on the condom.

“That’s a crisp, clean print.” Ruby said, looking confused.

I was too. “Which is a problem. If it was oral sex, it should be smudged all over with saliva and shit.” I said.

“That explains why there wasn’t any saliva on it. My guess? I think the suspect put the condom on Colton AFTER it was used.” He said.

“So the suspect put the used condom on him, strangled him to death, and kissed afterwards?” I asked him.

“Yeah. Talk about the kiss of death, huh?” Cadaver said, attempting humor in this situation. Me and Ruby looked at him with an unamused expression.

He rubbed the back of his head in embarrassment. “Let’s move on.”

“Yes. Let’s.” Ruby said. I saw Cadaver blush a little bit.

Once he regained his composure, he got back to business.

“After I discovered that, I decided to focus on the sex act. Look at this.” He told us, now showing us another picture. This one being shown on a projector screen.

“I looked at Colton’s seminal vesicles. If he HAD had sex before he died, then their would be semen in them. Their wasn’t any there OR on his body.” He said, as he showed us the screen.

I was baffled when I heard this. “That can’t be right. You saw the condom.” I said.

“That’s what I thought too. Until I got the DNA results. Take a look at the chromolines.” He said, guiding us to ANOTHER projecter screen.

“This is Colton’s DNA right here.” He said, putting the DNA sheet on the screen on the left.

“And this is the semen in the condom found in Colton’s carriage.” He put up another one on the right.

I was stunned at what I was seeing.

“These two aren’t the same. Which means Colton spent his last night in that carriage with another stallion.” Cadaver told us, leaving Ruby looking genuinely surprised.

“Well, I guess we know why him and Octavia’s relationship didn’t work out. He was gay.” I said out loud.

-/-Ponyville: Octavia & Vinyl Scratch Residence-/-

The house that Octavia Melody and Vinyl Scratch, otherwise known as DJ P0N-3, lived in was a bit on the outskirts of Ponyville. Not all the way, but I could tell it would take a bit of a walk to be able to get into town. I’m starting to wonder if the rumors about these two being a romantic couple are true. Living away from almost every pony that knew you two were famous?(Vinyl more so than Octavia) This seems like something a couple who would want their “privacy” from ponies. And I accept that.

Before we walked up to the front door, Ruby Glow decided to break the conversation with a simple, “Hey?”

“Yes?” I asked, acknowledging her.

“Doesn’t it kinda bother you that every pony in town is pretty much afraid of you? I don’t think they know the real you.”

I shook my head. “You have to be intimidating on this job, Ruby. You should know that. And if every pony in town is intimidated of me, then I guess I’m doing my job right.” I told her.

I saw her give me that stern look Twilight usually gives me. “That’s not true. You don’t HAVE to be intimidating to be an officer of the law.” She said, rather defensive.

“I disagree. If you want to get answers from somepony, a little intimidation factor works all the time. Whether it be through hard evidence or just somepony like me who admittedly looks scary as hell, if you have one or both of those, you know you got the fucker. That’s all that matters.” I explained to her as we were now outside their door.

“What about treating the suspect as a pony? What about being fair and just?” Ruby asked as I knocked on the door.

“The ends justify the means, Ruby. Now shh. Somepony’s coming.” I told her. I saw her snort in annoyance. I sure hope this doesn’t jeopardize our partnership here.

The door opened and there stood that very unicorn DJ I have been speaking of. Her white coat and spiky blue mane with pink glasses. I was standing in the presence of somepony pretty famous.

I flashed my badge at her. “Hello. I’m Detective Shadow Haze, and this is my partner Detective Ruby Glow.” I told her. Before I could continue, I saw her glasses drop a little to show her red eyes, which were lidded with flirtatiousness and seduction.

“Yeah, I know who you are. You’re that hot as fuck new dude that found the guy who beat the shit outta Zecora.” Vinyl said, etching closer to me. I swear I could smell energy drinks on her. I wonder how many she’s had.

“Ya know, I’ve watched you from afar and thought you were good looking, but up close, you are one handsome as fuck stud.” She was now an inch away from me. She circled my body, with her blue tail brushing under my chin. I took a peak at Ruby Glow, who was giggling with enjoyment at Vinyl’s attempts to bed me.

Can’t deny I’d like to take this mare and let off some sexual frustration. She’s a hot little piece of ass, I know that. Seems I’d have a good time with her.

However, unfortunately, I’m on a job here. I’m a professional. And the case comes first.

“Did ya come to let me give ya a ride on the freak train? If ya know what I mean?” She whispered in my ear. I heard Ruby give an EEP with surprise.

I took a step backwards. “Honestly, you are one sexy as fuck mare that I would like to fuck. I admit, I’m a little interested to see this “freak train” you talk about.” I said to her. I think I heard her moan a little bit.

That’s when I used my magic to lightly push her away. “However, Me and Ruby here are on a job. And I need to speak with Octavia Melody, you’re house mate.”

Vinyl gave an exaggerated sigh. “Killjoy.” She said, letting us into her house.

Which I found kinda odd. This literally felt like two houses in one. Because, on one side, their was Vinyl’s stereo speakers, her turntable, her records, and amps. Then on the other, there was Octavia’s stuff. Obviously, her cello with a bow, a few music stands, music note books, and some random folders as well. Wonder what for.

“Want a beer?” She asked me, going on her side, where there appeared to be a mini fridge. When she opened it, there were a few bottles of Alcoholic Apple Cider, some cans of Monster Energy Drinks, and some water bottles. She pulled a cider out, pulled the cap off with her magic, and took a swig of it.

I shook my head again. “No thanks. I’m better at my job sober.” I told her. Ruby Glow shook her head at the offer as well.

Vinyl shrugged. “Suit yourself.” She said, taking another swig. “So, why do you wanna talk to Octy? Is she in trouble or something?”

“Not necessarily.” Ruby Glow said. “Ms. Scratch, Octavia’s ex boyfriend Colton Von Gallopson was found dead this morning in Canterlot.”

When that sentence left her mouth, Vinyl looked surprised. I noticed it when she was about to take another swig, and a few drops dripped onto the floor.

“W-What? Colton’s dead? H-How?” She asked, sounding genuinely shocked. I guess she knew Colton as well. This should get interesting.

“He was murdered.” I told her.

Her look of shock stayed after I said that. She literally looked like she couldn’t believe what I just said. If that wasn’t evident enough, Vinyl then placed her beer down on a windowsill next to her big stereo speaker.

Her head was down, apparently in sadness. “I can’t believe it. He was such a cool dude.” She said, looking depressed.

Ruby came over and lifted Vinyl’s muzzle up with her hoof to get her to face her.

“Would you be willing to answer some questions for us? And where is Octavia?” She asked her.

“Octy’s gonna be back in about 5 minutes. She just had to finish a shift at the School of Friendship. Oh, this’ll be something great to come home too.” Vinyl said, looking sad.

“Well, let’s talk while we wait.” I said. She nodded and we walk toward a sofa couch near the wall. There was also a sofa chair on the right side of it. She sat down on the chair, while me and Ruby sat down on the couch. I brought out my pen and notepad.

And just before I could start my questions, I heard the front door open. We all looked and there she stood.

Octavia Melody. She looked really beautiful with her long black, regal like mane. Her gray coat with a song note cutie mark. She also wore a bow tie as well.

She looked confused. “Vinyl, who are these ponies?” She asked.

Before we could get a word out, Vinyl hopped off the couch and ran at her. This caught Octavia off guard. She grabbed Octavia by her shoulders.

“OCTY! Colton is dead!” She exclaimed.

Octavia’s eyes widened. “What? What are you talking about? What’s going on?” She asked.

Ruby and I stood up from the couch. “Miss Melody, we’re very sorry to tell you this, but your band mate Colton Von Gallopson was murdered sometime this early morning. He was found in his carriage.” I told her.

Octavia just looked utterly shocked and dismayed. There weren’t any word said from her. All there is was, was pure silence from her.

“Octy, I’m so sorry.” Vinyl said, trying to comfort her friend.

“Would you be willing to answer some questions for us, Miss Melody?” Ruby asked.

Octavia didn’t respond at first. She trotted over to her side of the room. There was a cabinet on the wall next to her music stands. She opened it, and casually got out a wine glass. Next, she got out a big wine bottle. It was titled Strawberry Spring Fields. She poured herself a full glass. She put the wine bottle back into the cabinet.

She picked up the wine glass with her hoof and drank a sip of the wine. All this while her back was turned to us.

She turned around to face us. “How did he die?” She asked with a stone cold serious tone in her voice.

“He was strangled to death. And it looked like he was with somepony beforehoof.” I told her.

She walked over to the couch and sat next to Vinyl with her wine glass intact.

“I’ll do my best to answer your questions, Detectives.” Octavia said, looking like she was trying to hold in her emotions.

Vinyl put a hoof on her friend’s shoulder. “Me too. I knew Colton as well. And I’d like to help.” She said.

I nodded their approval and got out my notepad and pen.

“Now, Miss Melody—“

“I prefer Octavia, thank you.” She interrupted.

“Okay, Octavia, we spoke with your composer Gustav. He told us a little bit about your history with Colton. Can you please tell us about your relationship with him?” I asked her.

She closed her eyes and snorted through her nostrils. This looked like it was really tough for her. But, I gotta give her credit, she’s pulling through.

“Colton worked with me for the Royal Canterlot Symphony for about 6 years. He was considered by many to be the best musician out of every pony. And it was well deserved, because he was a wonderful performer. I learned a lot from him when we worked together.”

“Gustav also told us you and him dated for a while.” Ruby interjected.

Octavia nodded. “Yes. He asked me after a rehearsal one day for a spot of tea. We enjoyed each other’s company, and after that we started to court each other. It was nice, even if it only lasted 3 months.”

“Why did it last that long if you two liked each other?” I asked her, kinda moving on the couch a little bit.

Then I saw Octavia blush a little. “Do I really have to answer that? It’s a little personal.” She asked, looking embarrassed. Either that, or the wine was start to take effect on her. Her wine glass was now half full.

“Just tell them, Octy. You’ve got nothing to be embarrassed about.” Vinyl said to her.

She snorted through her nostrils again. “I must admit, I was looking to, as Vinyl would put it, take our relationship to the next level. Ashamedly, I was quite….envious let’s say…of Vinyl’s ability to…get around with other stallions, if you understand.”

Jealous of her outgoing roommate, eh? I’ve seen that before.

“Okay.” Ruby said. “So, you wanted to sleep with him. What happened?”

Octavia blushed again. “I attempted to go to that next level with him after a big show we did in Las Pegasus. He told me…” She paused while looking embarrassed. “He told me it didn’t feel right. That we shouldn’t do this right now.”

“And shortly after that is when you broke up?” I asked her.

She nodded. “The other reason I attempted to go to that next level is because our relationship wasn’t going anywhere. We didn’t have a lot of chemistry with each other. I thought if we slept together, maybe that could save it. But, Colton didn’t want to. He was more focused on his work than anything.”

“How was your relationship afterwards?” I asked.

“At first we were a little distant, but after that we decided to put it behind us and remain good friends. He even gave me free rides to Canterlot in his carriage.” She told us, taking a drink. Her wine glass now looked about a third full. By the time this interview is over, it’ll be all gone.

I suddenly remembered the leggings in the carriage. “Random question, did you ever leave anything in his carriage?” I asked.

She thought for a moment. “I believe I left a gym bag in there. Two days ago, he dropped me off at a gym for my exercise routine. He dropped me off back home and I realized I forgot it in there. That was the last time I talked with Colton.”

“What about yesterday?” I asked.

This time Vinyl spoke up. “Me and Octy were practicing for a show at the Ponyville Hall. We combine my dubstep with her classical music. She even did say she needed to contact Colton to get her gym bag back.”

“So, the leggings are yours?” Ruby asked.

That question looked like it surprised her. “Yes. Why do you ask?”

Ruby paused before replying. “Colton was strangled with your leggings, Octavia.”

She looked both dismayed and disgusted. She drank a pretty big gulp of her wine. It looked about a fourth full now.

“Do you know if Colton had any enemies? Somepony who would want to hurt him?” I asked.

Octavia shook her head. “I apologize, but I don’t recall if anypony had problems with him. He was very well liked by every pony on the Symphony.”

“How about this Ludwig St. Clipton? Gustav told us they were really close.” Ruby asked her.

She chuckled a little. “Oh yes. Those two were best friends. From what Colton told me, they’ve known each other since they were colts. Their fathers were best friends.”

“What about Ludwig’s father? The District Attorney?” I asked her.

“Sebastian? Oh, he was close with Colton as well. Colton even told me he felt Sebastian was like a second father to him. They were very close. Maybe even more so then he was to his own son.” She told me. It kinda looked like she was getting a little tipsy now.

“You’re saying Sebastian and Ludwig weren’t as close?” I asked.

“No. But, I’m saying that it felt like most times Sebastian would praise Colton more than his own son. It was quite odd.” Octavia said. Her wine glass looked to be getting lower and lower.

“How would you describe Colton and Ludwing’s friendship during the last days of Colton’s life?” I asked her.

She thought for a moment. “We were going to be working on the Piano Trio for a big show. I was a part of it. And Colton and Ludwig were working very closely on it. They would spend many hours together reciding it.” She told us, taking another drink. Her glass looked about empty now. Save for a small sip left.

“And you weren’t there for those?” Ruby asked.

She shook her head. “No, they insisted they work together on it alone. Plus, I also am a substitute teacher at Princess Twilight Sparkle’s School of Friendship. They didn’t want that to interfere with my hours there.”

Okay. Colton was gay. He was close friends with this Ludwig St. Clipton. His relationship with Octavia, a very lovely and beautiful mare, didn’t work out. He spending a lot of time alone with this Ludwig. All while Octavia is away from them.

Yeah, I have no proof yet, but I’m already guessing that these two were banging each other.

Question is, did this Ludwig kill him? And if yes, why?

I stood up from the couch. “Thank you Miss Melody and Miss Scratch. You’ve been a big help.” I said.

“And we’re gonna find the guy who did this.” Ruby said, standing up next.

Octavia finished her drink and stood up. Vinyl did the same.“Thank you Detectives. Colton was a good stallion. Even if our relationship didn’t end all that well.”

You know what, fuck it. I’m gonna ask.

“You know, it’s funny you say you and Colton were an item, and yet I’ve been hearing rumors that you two are an item. Why’s that?” I asked, as I pointed my hoof at both Octavia and Vinyl.

All of a sudden, it was Vinyl who now looked embarrassed and was blushing. While rubbing the back of her neck with her hoof.

Octavia then slowly turned her head toward her roommate with a very unamused expression on her face.

“Yes Vinyl. Why is that?” She asked her.

Vinyl groaned. “Do I have to tell them? I’ve already apologized to you so many times, Octy.”

“I know. But these Detectives asked us a question. One of us had to answer. And who better them the mare, who’s fault this all is.” Octavia told her with a sly grin on her face. It looked like she was enjoying this.

Vinyl groaned in embarrassment.

“We were at some fancy, shmancy party in Manehatten a few years ago. It was after a big show me and Octy did. There were paparazzi there wanting to get interviews out of every pony who was apart of it.” Vinyl said, looking sheepish.

“Mhmm.” Octavia said, motioning for her to go on.

Her blush got bigger. “I got really drunk at the party. There was a dude there I wanted to fuck. And he had a mane style that kinda looked like Octy’s here. So, in my drunken state, I went over and decided to make out with him. His back was turned and I spun him around and kissed him. But….” She paused again. She was looking at Octavia, almost begging her to not make her finish this story.

But Octavia wasn’t having any of it. “But what, Vinyl?” She asked.

“It wasn’t the dude, hell I don’t even remember his name now. It was Octavia. In front of a lot of those paparazzi dudes.” She finished.

Octavia smiled and nodded her approval. “Good job, Vinyl. Thank you for answering them.” She said, now walking away from us.

I couldn’t help but snort in laughter at Vinyl. She kisses her roommate in front of a bunch of paparazzi ponies in one of the biggest media markets in Equestria? That’s so hilarious. I wonder what Vinyl had to do to make Octavia speak to her again. Probably something embarrassing.

I handed over my card to her. “We’ll be in touch.” I told her.

Before we could leave, Vinyl etched closer to me. Looks like her embarrassed look was gone, and back to her lustful and confident one.

“Maybe I can touch you in a nice place before you go?” She asked me. I saw Ruby blush.

“Some other time.” I told her, lightly pushing her off me.

As we walked out the door, Vinyl called out to me. “My doors always open ya know. And my legs.” She said, giving me that eye again before she went back inside.

Ruby and I walked for a few seconds before my phone went off. It was a text from Captain Bisette.

“Captains got something for us.” I told Ruby.

“What’s that?” She asked.

“Colton’s financial records.”

Author's Note

Yeah, this was what I meant when I said there will be something in this story that may piss you off. Yes, in my universe, Octavia and Vinyl are NOT a romantic item. Both are straight and live together as friends. Sorry if this pisses you off, but it’s my story and I feel it works.

Anyway, if you guys like this chapter, make sure to comment, like, favorite and follow for future updates. Thank you all and goodnight everybody.

Chapter 4: Hidden Secrets Part 2

-/-Canterlot Detention Center-/-

“Hello. My name is Talia Von Gallopson.” Said a mare who looked exactly like Tryton Von Gallopson, Colton’s father. She had a similar jet black mane, however she had a more beige colored coat. And her cutie mark was a bank vault door. She was standing in Captain Bisette’s office with all of us. She had some documents in her left hoof, while her right hoof was extended out toward me.

I accepted the hoof shake she offered. “I’m Detective Shadow Haze. This is my partner, Detective Ruby Glow. I take it you must be Tryton’s sister?” I asked her.

“More than that. I’m his twin sister.” She said, which was then followed by a sad look.“Speaking of which, I was at his home earlier when I got the news. He’s taking it really hard.” I felt the compassionate tone in her voice.

“We’re all really sorry for both of your losses.” Ruby said, trying to comfort her.

After Talia thanked her, Captain Bisette spoke up. “Now, Miss Talia, you said you have some information regarding your nephew. What is that you’ve brought to us?” She asked, kinda sounding both impatient and eager to find out what the next step in this case was.

Talia nodded. “First, I wanna give you this.” She gave Captain Bisette a little blue envelope. “This is permission to search both Colton’s apartment, as well as Tryton’s home when you go interview him. He still has some things of Colton that he feels could be useful in this investigation.”

Bisette looked satisfied with that. “Okay. That’s both convenient and good. Now, what about these bank statements?” She asked, filing the search warrant away in her desk drawer.

She handed over that document to Me and Ruby. “I work at the Canterlot Bank of Equestria. Colton entrusted me with keeping track of his checking account, just in case there were any hackings or scams going around.” She said.

Me and Ruby both looked at the documents. “Did you notice anything odd about his bank records recently?” Ruby asked.

“Yes. I found a paper trail, you could say. The only thing, is that it was in the wrong direction. Look at the ATM withdrawals for the past nine months.”

I looked at them and couldn’t believe what I was seeing. “450 bits every 4 days?! That’s a lot of money for a Canterlot pianist. How’d he pay his bills?” I asked her, and was surprised by her blunt answer.

“He didn’t. His credit rating is in the toilet. Look at his current amount.”

I was even more surprised. “Your nephew had 37 bits in his checking account the night he died.” I said to her.

She nodded. “I confronted him about it a week before his death.”

“What did he tell you?” I asked her.

“He told me he would take care of it. To not worry about it.”

“Did you tell your brother about this?”

Talia shook her head. “He really convinced me not too. Almost begged me. That’s when I started to get concerned about him. If he had gotten into gambling. Or worse: drugs.”

“Well, it isn’t that.” Ruby interjected. “Our pathologist, Cadaver, told us his tox screen came back completely clean. Minus some alcohol, which was likely consumed on the night of his death. He had a few drinks before he was killed, but other than that, no current or even past signs of any substance abuse.”

Talia sighed in relief. “Thank goodness. I was worried my nephew would ruin his life. I’m grateful he died clean.” She said, while her left hoof was put on her chest.

Bisette stood up from her chair. “I’ll have my guys call any gambling clubs to see if Colton was there or not.” She said to Talia.

She nodded in greatfulness. “Thank you all. I’m leaving it all in your hooves. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to see my brother again.” She said, now walking out of the office.

Now, it was just Me, Ruby and Captain Bisette. I closed the door with my magic to give all of us some privacy.

“What have you got so far?” She asked Ruby and I. Again, sounding a bit impatient, as well as eager.

“Well, Captain Bisette, I don’t think your daughter is gonna like what we found out about Colton after what Cadaver found.” I told her, kinda sounding very blunt.

She stood up from her seat, while a small glare formed on her face.

“First off, keep my daughter out of this. Only I get to bring things up with her, because she’s my foal. Understood?” She asked me, looking intimidating. Or trying, to me anyway.

Ruby elbowed me as hard as she could. I’ve been hit harder, but I could tell she’s not fooling around.

“Don’t be rude, Shadow.” She told me very firmly.

I sighed. “Okay, I apologize for the bad joke. Now, may we please tell you what we found?” I asked Captain Bisette.

She sat back down in her chair. “You may.” She said.

“According to the DNA in the condom, Colton spent his last night in that carriage with another stallion. There, apparently, was a reason him and Octavia Melody’s relationship didn’t go anywhere. He was gay.” I told her.

Bisette’s eyes widened in surprise. “Colton was gay?” She said, looking down at her desk for a quick sec. “I guess you were right: My daughter is NOT going to be happy about that news. When it gets released to the papers.”

“We also found out about his friend. Ludwig St. Clipton.” Ruby said.

“I hope you aren’t talking about the DA’s son, right?” Bisette said.

Ruby nodded with a disapproving look on her face. Captain Bisette shook her head in frustration.

“Sebastian St. Clipton has helped this squad out for years. We even help fund his mayor campaign. Is there any proof of Ludwig being involved in Colton’s death?” She asked us, NOT looking happy at all. Although, looking at her, I don’t think this mare has EVER been happy. She just looks naturally moody all the time.

“Colton and Ludwig, according to Octavia and Gustav, were best friends going back to their foalhood. Their fathers were friends. Those two and Octavia Melody were going to perform the Piano Trio in Manehatten 5 months from now.” I told her.

“Also” Ruby interjected again. “It was mostly Colton and Ludwig working on it, due to Octavia’s scheduling of being a substitute teacher at The School of Friendship.”

“That could just be coincidence. Interview more members of the Symphony. I’m sure they may have their opinions.” Bisette said.

“Sure. But first, me and Ruby are gonna check out Colton’s apartment first. Their may be something there that could show us where all his money went.” I told her.

“Good. Although, be warned when you interview Sebastian. If he doesn’t want go to talk, we won’t force him. His lawyers will love that if we do.”

Ruby looked at her. “And if there is any type of proof that Sebastian knows anything about Colton’s murder?”

Bisette didn’t look too happy to hear that question. “Then we’ll get a subpoena. Which, I’m sure we won’t need, because I don’t believe he is involved. You may go now.” She told us both, looking really cross at us.

We didn’t need to be told twice. Ruby and I walked out of her office and walked through the squad room to go outside.

“Somepony appears to be supportive of this Sebastian St. Clipton.” I said to her.

“Well, he is helping fund the police department here. You don’t wanna mess that up if we get it wrong.” Ruby said.

“Then, let’s see if we are.” I said, as we now walked out of the front doors of the Canterlot Detention Center.

-/-Colton’s Apartment-/-

“This place looks pretty fancy, for somepony who was having money problems.” Ruby Glow said as we stood in the kitchen of Colton Von Gallopson’s apartment.

It was a very nice 3 bedroom apartment that even had a makeshift fireplace. There were two bathrooms, a laundry room with a brand new washer and dryer, and there even was a clothing line for him to hang up clothes he didn’t want to put in the dryer, for fear of shrinking them. There was even a small exercise room with a treadmill, a few mats for when you do push-ups or sit-ups, and even a few jump ropes. Seems physical fitness was important to him too. I should hit the gym more often.

This guy was living a very wealthy lifestyle. I admit, unlike every pony else(even though they’re lying through their teeth), I would LOVE to live like this. This apartment is a place I would have only dreamed of living in back when I was in New Colt City.

And I’m still trying to figure out how, A this guy had blown all his money away, and B how he still could afford living here. Probably due to his big name and what his family lineage is.

“Not really much of anything to give us on what happened to Colton’s money.” Ruby said, opening random kitchen drawers. Nothing there except utensils, silverware and a can of cooking spray.

I searched some drawers too. Again, nothing much. Some spices, salt & pepper shakers, and even some fish oil for done reason.

It was then I found what I was looking for.

“Uh, Ruby? Come here.” I said, pulling out the papers I found in an upper cupboard above the right side of the sink. Ruby came over next to me to see what I pulled out.

“What’s all that?” She asked, taking a few and looking at them herself.

“Medical bills. Kinda odd place to be hiding them. And it looks like there’s quite a lot of them.” I said, also looking through them.

I looked over and saw Ruby’s eyes give a confused look.

“Shadow, look at the payment type.” She said, still looking at it.

I did what she said, and was stunned by what I saw.

“It says he payed for his treatments in bits. Every one of them.”

“Same here too.” Ruby said, now facing me and pointing to her page. “But, that doesn’t make any sense. He had to have had insurance. A place like this, there’s no way he WOULDN’T have insurance.”

“I guess that’s where all his money went. We can check off any gambling places.” I said, now checking the upper cupboard on the left side of the sink.

“Why wouldn’t he use insurance though? From what I’ve heard, the Royal Canterlot Symphony insure’s all their members. Hell, he could’ve gone to his father and asked for some money.” Ruby said, now putting all the papers in a binder she had on her. Taking them as evidence if we need them.

Then I found something even MORE shocking. Now I figured out why Colton didn’t use insurance for his medical bills.

I levitated the small pill bottle out of the cupboard. “I’m guessing he didn’t use insurance to pay for this.” I showed her the pill bottle. She looked shocked.

“AZT?” She asked.

I nodded. “He was HIV positive. He payed for his treatments in bits so no pony would find out.”

We were both shook by the news. I’m starting to think there might be more to this case. Back when I took down Rocky, Berry Breeze and Cobalt, Gay Royal Guard Steel Spear was HIV positive and was murdered because he passed on his disease to several other gay stallions. Including his boyfriend of 10 years, whom he cheated on so many times.

Could Colton have infected anypony? I’m almost certain he did.

-/-Home of Beauty Brass:Sousaphone Player-/-

“Colton was a very good stallion. He even gave me a few pointers on how to perform while playing before a big crowd.” She told me, while sitting in a sophisticated looking chair across from Ruby and I(we sat on a loveseat.)Miss Beauty Brass had a light blue coat, a brown mane and tail, purple eyes and an F-clef cutie mark. The home we were in was kinda nice. It wasn’t as incredible as Colton’s place, but I could see somepony living a cozy life here. Or some ponies apparently, as I saw a framed picture of her and a mare who, crazy enough, looked exactly like Octavia Melody. Only difference was her mane was navy blue and her coat was a pale yellow. She HONESTLY looked like an Apple family member. Weird.

“How well did you know him personally?” I asked.

“Are you insinuating that me and Colton were romantically attached?” She asked.

“Should I be?”

She scoffed at my question. “Colton and I were in no way romantically attached. If you cannot tell from this photograph, I’m in a relationship with another mare.”

I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that there would be an LGBT member of the Royal Canterlot Symphony. We know one was gay and now one was a lesbian.

“Miss Brass” Ruby spoke next “Do you have any idea on who might wanna hurt Colton? Do you know if he had any enemies?”

Beauty shrugged. “Not that I would know. We weren’t that close. However, from all the times I was around him, he did get along very well with every pony in the Symphony.” She said.

“You had no idea Colton was also gay?” I asked her out of nowhere.

She looked genuinely surprised. “Colton….was gay? H-How? I thought he once dated Octavia?” She asked.

“We found evidence in his carriage that he spent his last night with another stallion.” I told her.

“Well.” Beauty Brass said, regarding her composure. “I never got a vibe from him. Although, I thought Octavia was lesbian as well, but I was wrong about that. So, I guess my gaydar isn’t all that great.”

“Oh? You made a move on Octavia once, before you got together with your girlfriend?” I asked her.

She blushed in embarrassment. “One time. But, she told me the truth about those rumors. I was disappointed, but her and I are still friends. For the record, Fiddlesticks is her name. She’s Octavia’s cousin. That’s how we met.” She said, pointing to her girlfriend in the photograph.

After that was said, Ruby decided to continue.

“So, Colton was pretty well liked overall by the Symphony you would say?” Ruby asked. Beauty nodded her head yes.

“What about his relationship with another of your band mates? Ludwig St. Clipton?” I asked her.

“Those two were best friends. They grew up together.” She said, before pausing. She breathed through her nostrils while looking up to the right.

“Is there something you wanna say?” I asked her.

“Well” Beauty asked. “Maybe it was just my opinion, but I’ve always felt Ludwig tried to overachieve Colton in the performance art.”

“Really?” I asked. “How so?”

“Colton was born with The Royal Canterlot Symphony in his blood. His father and grandfather performed there. He was just naturally gifted.” Beauty said.

“And Ludwig?” Ruby asked.

“Ludwig, well, he had to make it on his own. He didn’t come from a big family of musicians. He had to work a lot harder at applying his craft. And, a lot of the time, he just didn’t get it as good as Colton did.” She told us.

“So, you’re saying that Ludwig was jealous of Colton?” I asked her.

“Yes. And if it wasn’t that, it had to be his father as well.”

“What about Sebastian?” Ruby asked.

-/-Home of Frederic Horseshoepin-Pianist -/-

“Whenever Colton put on a performance, Sebastian was always there. And whenever it was just Ludwig, well, Sebastian would be busy with his duties as District Attorney of Canterlot.” Said a stallion who looked about the same age as both Colton and Octavia. He was a well kept looking fellow with a dark tanned looking coat, a white mane and tail, and two music notes, one black and one white.

The place here, like Beauty’s place, was a nice place, but not as nice as Colton’s. I wonder how much more money he made then every other Symphony member.

“Why is that? Wouldn’t a father want to be there for his own son’s performances?” I asked him.

“Colton helped get a name out for Sebastian for charity work to help fund areas that the Canterlot Police Force were apart of. He played the piano there. That was years ago from what I’ve learned. He may have even been a child when that happened.” Fred told me. Oh, so Colton and Sebastian have known each other for that long, huh? That’s interesting.

“Even so.” I said. “Ludwig is his son. Wouldn’t he want to be there for him too?”

Fred snorted in a sarcastic chuckle. “His work always came first. That’s why him and his wife divorced when Ludwig was but a 10 years old Colt.”

“So, they’ve always had a tumultuous relationship?” Ruby asked.

“Why do you think Ludwig joined the Symphony?” Fred asked us with a sly grin on his face. Seems this guy knows Ludwig pretty well. Better press further.

“You tell me. You seem to know him very well.” I said.

“Yes. Ludwig and I worked pretty closely on a few performances together. I wouldn’t say I’m his best friend, but I enjoy his company all the same.” He said.

“What about Colton? You both played the piano. You must’ve come across each other at times.”

“Yes.” He groaned. “He was quite talented. Even better then me. Although, he was born into greatness, whereas I worked hard to perfect my craft.”

“Oh, do I detect a little jealousy here?” I asked with a grin. I saw Ruby didn’t really like that.

Fred flushed in embarrassment. “I’ll admit I was a little envious of how great he was without having to work hard. And him courting the mare I’ve admired from afar. But, just so we’re clear, I did not take his life. In fact, I was in Van Hoover doing a performance. Talk with the director of the arena, he’ll provide my alibi. Also, the arena was the Van Hoover Municipal Auditorium.” He explained to us. Guess I’ll have to contact this arena after we’re done here.

“So, let’s get back on track here. Why do YOU think Ludwig joined the Royal Canterlot Symphony?” Ruby Glow asked him, sounding firm in her voice. I don’t think she was trying to sound intimidating. More like, when a mother has a serious talking to with her foal.

Unlike my mother…..

“I always got the feeling that Ludwig wasn’t as passionate as every other member of the Symphony. This was more of a side job for him than what he ACTUALLY wanted to do in life.” Fred told us.

“Do you think he joined because somepony wanted him too?” Ruby asked.

-/-Home of Parish Nandermane-Harp Player-/-

“His father. Who else?” Said a light Indigo coated, cobalt blue maned stallion with a lyre cutie mark that looked similar to Lyra Heartstrings’ cutie mark. I wonder if these two ever did a piece together.

Like the other two, Parish also had a rather nice place. Again, not as great as Colton’s was. However, if I had to choose between the three houses Ruby and I had just visited, I’d pick this one. It feels more roomy. And has a fireplace like Colton’s.

“So, Sebastian St. Clipton is a fan of the Symphony?” I asked him.

Parish nodded. “Yes. I’ve been close with Ludwig for a while now. He told me he joined the Symphony to seek his father’s approval. He didn’t get much of it growing up, due to him being so busy being a DA. His mother spent quite a considerable amount of money for his lessons. Although, Sebastian did pay foal support. So, it’s not like he completely abandoned him.” Parish explained to us. This was getting very interesting the more I’m hearing all this.

“How would you describe Ludwig and Colton’s friendship?” I asked him.

“They’re closer then a lot of brothers. They grew up together. Hell, they lived a few houses away from each other.” Parish said.

“What about recently? Beauty Brass told us their relationship was kinda tumultuous right before Colton was murdered.” Ruby asked.

Parish scoffed at that. “I doubt Ludwig had anything to do with it. He couldn’t harm a fly. Besides…” He paused, looking kinda nervous all of a sudden.

“What is it?” I asked him in a tone that made him understand that he better answer that question.

He shuddered. “I have no proof, but….I feel that they were more than JUST friends.” He said.

…..I knew it.

Author's Note

Hello every pony. Yes, I am so sorry this is so late. I’ve had so much work these past three weeks. And it has just been nuts.

But, here ya go. I hope you enjoy it.

Chapter 5: Working Mares

-/-The Purple Dove-/-

“Yes. He was here last night. I can’t believe he’s dead. He was a very kind stallion, yes he was.” The bar tender said to us as we sat at the tabletop, while fixing Ruby and I a drink. I know I said earlier that I’m better at this job sober, but one drink wouldn’t kill me. I hope.

We were at this fancy looking bar that, according to Colton’s financial records, was the last place he spent money on something before he was murdered. He was found dead at around 1 or 2 AM. The financial records say he bought a few drinks at around 11:30 to midnight. There wasn’t anything else spent on his cards.

He served a fruity cocktail to Ruby, while I was given a Ginger Ale mixed a small amount of cider. Pretty good shit here.

“Did Colton come here often?” Ruby asked, looking over her fruity little cocktail.

The bar tender nodded. “Every night for the past 7 months. He became a regular here.” He said. Maybe I’ll ask some other patrons here if they knew anything about Colton.

“What time did he come in here last night?” I asked while levitating my drink.

He thought for a moment. “I would say at around 10:50, maybe 11:05. He had just come from practicing for his performance in a few months.”

“You’re talking about the Piano Trio, right?” I asked him, taking a small sip of my drink. I was right. It was good shit.

The bar tender nodded. “Yes. He even told me one night that this was his big chance to go National. He loved Canterlot, but he knew there were greener pastures out there that he wanted to explore.” He said, wiping down his table top and a few glasses.

After Ruby took a drink of hers, she asked him, “Was Colton with anypony?”

“No. But I do know that he was going to meet somepony.”

“How’s that?” I asked him, taking another drink.

“He received a text message from his phone. He payed for his drink and then left.”

“Did he tell you anything about who he was meeting?” Ruby asked.

The bar tender shook his head. “No. He had been doing this for a while now, and never told me about it.” He said, as he quickly served a drink to a patron at the far right end of the bar. Ruby and I were sitting about in the middle, but a bit closer to the left. He actually slid the drink down toward the patron, like in the movies.

I saw Ruby catch on to that statement he made. “He had been doing what for a while now?” She asked, looking curious.

“Meeting up with somepony after he received a text. Always came here for a drink or two, get his text, then leave. Always gave a nice tip.” He said with a smile on his face, while searching under the tabletop for something.

“Can you give me a number of months he was doing this?” I asked him after taking another swig of my drink. Man, this shit is delicious. I may ask for another, but I think one is enough for now.

The bar tender tried to think. “Hmmmm, I’d say about 3, maybe 4 months. That’s about right.”

Eventually, Ruby and I finished our drinks and payed for them. “Thanks for your help. And the drinks. Good stuff.” I told him, leaving my bits down, while Ruby put hers down.

The bar tender gave an appreciative smile. “My pleasure. When you find the pony who did it, I’ll make sure to give you ponies free drinks when you come in next time.” He told us, taking our bits and our empty glasses.

Unfortunately, after that, we spoke to a few patrons in the bar and came up with Jack shit. So, Ruby and I left and proceeded to walk the streets of Canterlot.

“I’m thinking Colton was meeting up with male prostitutes.” I told Ruby flat out.

“Either that, or a secret boyfriend. Maybe Ludwig.” She said.

“I’m thinking that too, but we don’t have any physical evidence or proof that Colton and Ludwig had a romantic relationship. So, we shouldn’t dive deep into that right now.” I said as we passed a few good looking houses. Fancy Shmancy shit appears to be everywhere here.

“Should we search the streets for any male prostitutes? Ask them if they’ve ever seen Colton around during the working hours?” Ruby asked as we then noticed something. There appeared to be two unicorn mares across the street from us. They both appeared to be very young. Maybe about 19 years old. One was a bright pink coated mare with a long brownish red mane, who also had light purple eye shadow and false eyelashes.

The other one was a forest green coated mare with a tree sap colored mane. She had light rimmed glasses over her brown eyes. She went natural, but her mane looked styled like something from a mane salon.

Sad to see them like this, but some mares choose this lifestyle. Survival sex workers. They need the money and will go to this level to do it.

I also won’t lie….two times, once when I was on the force and another time when I became a private detective, I gave in and spent a night with one of these very ponies. Even though I knew I would tarnish my good name(unfortunately, I ended up doing that anyway). I’m not exactly proud of it, but sometimes a stallion has his needs.

I can also say that both times, the sex workers weren’t all money hungry butches(even though that came with the territory; it’s about making money by using your body for sexual pleasure). Some of them had morals and knew where to draw a line that they wouldn’t cross. Also, those two(I can’t remember their names, and frankly, I’m not meant too), they just were really sweet and kind mares as well. Makes you want to help them get out of this lifestyle and get them a career they could be proud of.

But, sometimes, it just doesn’t work out like that.

“Maybe we should ask them.” I pointed them out to Ruby. She looked over and saw them. The two mares noticed us and gave us a look that showed they were open for business.

I saw Ruby give a sad look before she turned to me. “Colton was gay. He wouldn’t have spent a night with either of those two. Or any other hooker in Canterlot.” She told me.

I nodded. “Yes, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t have walked the streets and some mare’s offered themselves up to him. Not to mention, they might know if there are any male hookers around Canterlot. Could be a lead.” I said, still pointing over to them. I could tell the pink mare wanted us over there. Now, me or Ruby was up for debate, but still. She wanted to talk to us.

Ruby looked back over and saw them inviting us over with her their looks. She sighed while also shrugging her shoulders. “Well, it’s worth a shot I guess.” She said, as we walked over to the other side of the street.

The pink unicorn walked all seductive like over to me. “Hello, hot stuff. You can call me Candy. You looking for a fun time? If you pay the right price, I’d be happy to give it to ya.” She said while circling around me. Her tail swishing around my body. Again, like DJ P0N-3, this mare is a pretty sexy little piece of ass. If I weren’t on the job, I’d definitely take my sexual frustrations out on her. Although, I’d feel bad too, seeing as how she’s a hooker and everything.

Anyway, I saw Candy look over at Ruby, who looked at me in somewhat disgust. Which was surprising. She had the exact opposite look when DJ P0N-3 did the same thing not too long ago.

Was it because Candy is a hooker and Vinyl wasn’t?

“Your girlfriend can join too. I mean, I don’t have too much experience with mares, but a little is better than none, am I right?” She said, now eyeing me.

Then, all of a sudden, the green unicorn mare levitated Candy off of me.

“Hey! What was that for, Fauna?! Can’t ya see I’m trying to work here?!” Candy yelled at her fellow working mare.

“Well, Candy, if you were smart, which you aren’t, you’d know these guys are cops here.” Fauna said to her in a stern voice.

We were both surprised at this. How did this mare figure that out so quickly? Has she been with a few cops before?

Candy looked surprised too. “Is that true?” She asked us.

That’s when Ruby pulled out her badge and announced herself before I could. Strange. I’d never seen her do this before. Wonder what’s up.

“Smart girl. I’m Detective Ruby Glow, of Ponyville. This here is my partner, Detective Shadow Haze, also of Ponyville.” She said to them.

They both looked a little nervous now. They probably think we’re gonna arrest them, because prostitution still isn’t TECHNICALLY legal, even though I’m sure a lot of ponies turn a blind eye to them.

“Don’t worry. We aren’t here to arrest you. We just wanna talk. Ask you two ladies a few questions. Can we do that?” I said, stepping in.

Candy flipped her mane. “Talk about what?” She asked.

I levitated my phone toward them and showed them a picture of Colton. “This stallion was found murdered in his carriage early this morning. Around the time of the working girls stroll.” I told them. I quickly looked over at Ruby and saw a remorseful, yet upset look on her face when looking at these two. I wonder what it is about these two that are making her look like this.

Fauna looked at my phone with a thinking type look on her face before replying, “Oh yeah! That’s that music dude. Colton Von Gallopson.”

“Hm. Word travels fast on the streets, huh?” I asked her, taking my phone back.

“Word of mouth ALWAYS spreads faster then in the papes, baby.” Candy said. “Speaking of fast, how fast are you in the sack, big guy?”

“Do you know him or not?” Ruby asked, very rudely I may add. This doesn’t seem like her at all.

That didn’t fly well with Candy either. “Hey, listen missy. I don’t gotta deal—“

“Do you ladies want a bite to eat?” I asked them, which just came right from my mind.

They both looked confused and interested. Ruby didn’t appear to like that.

“If you both come with us down to the Detention Center, I can get you some grub if you’d like.” I offered them.

Candy and Fauna looked at each other for a split second before looking back at me and Ruby with an interested smile.

“Can I get a nice Hayburger?” Candy asked.

“And how’s about a nice Haydog for me here, eh?” Fauna asked.

-/-Canterlot Detention Center-/-

“Typical Working Mare behavior. Offer them money or a good meal, they’ll do anything for ya.” Captain Bisette said as we watched Candy and Fauna chow down on their food that I bought for them. I even got them a meal deal, which came with hay fries and drink. They both seemed to be enjoying their food.

“Yeah, including selling their bodies for a quick buck.” Ruby Glow harshly said watching them.

Captain Bisette turned toward Ruby with a very defensive look on her face. “Detective Ruby, I can do without the comments about these ladies. They’re ponies, just like us.”

“Yeah, and they do risky, self destructive behavior. It wouldn’t surprise me if these two one day were found dead, or got infected with some sexual disease.” She said, apparently not backing down from Bisette.

“And we don’t do risky things either? We’re fucking police ponies, Detective Ruby. We put our lives on the line everyday for other ponies.” The Captain said, raising her voice at Ruby. I better step in before this gets out of hoof.

“Don’t you DARE try to compare us to those…those-“ Ruby started to say before I stepped between the two, facing Ruby.

“Those what?” I asked her, intentionally using my intimidation factor. It seemed to work, because she stopped talking shit. I even saw her gulp with fear.

“Ruby, what’s going on with you?” I asked her calmly. She had a quick look of shame, before it was turned into a scowl.

I continued. “I’ve never seen you treat anypony like this. Just because they’re prostitutes, doesn’t mean they aren’t good ponies. What’s wrong?”

She glared at me in a way I don’t think I’ve ever been glared at before. Like, she was angry at me for not taking her side.

“You know what? If you think you’re such a good judge of character, why don’t you interview them by yourself.” Ruby said, now walking away from the interrogation room.

“Where do you think your going?” Captain Bisette called out to her.

Ruby turned back to us with a scowl on her face and said, “Watching those two eat made me hungry. I think I’m gonna grab a fucking bite too.”

“Ruby!” I called out, but she didn’t turn back.

“Ruby, wait.” I called out again, but she said had disappeared down a hallway to the right. Particularly, toward an entrance to the Detention Center.

I wonder what caused her to get all pissed off about a pair of prostitutes. Something about them just irks her apparently.

My thoughts about her were interrupted by a loud scoff from Captain Bisette. “What monkey crawled up her ass?” She said, sounding very annoyed.

I sighed in disappointment. “I don’t know. This is the first time I’ve seen her like this.”

“Didn’t know she could be such a bitch, huh?” Bisette asked.

I turned to face her. “Look, I’ll talk to her. But, for now, I’ve got some ponies to interview. I’ll figure this shit out.” I told her, now turning away from her.

Before I entered the interrogation room, I heard Bisette tell me, “Good Luck, Shadow.”

I stood a few feet away from the table that Candy and Fauna were sitting at. Candy had just finished the last of her fries, while Fauna had thrown her wrapper away in the trash bin in the left corner of the chained up window behind them.

Candy had now done the same after eating her last hay fry.

“Now this is what I call hospitality. Maybe we should come down here more often, eh Fauna?” Candy said, throwing her wrappers away.

Fauna rolled her eyes at her friend. “It’d be nice, but the nice police pony here will always want something in return. It’s not like it’s free food just for being kind.” She said, pushing her glasses up toward her muzzle.

I walked over to the table and sat in front of them. “Unfortunately, you are absolutely correct Miss Fauna. That’s what comes with the territory.” I told her, now bringing my notepad out.

Candy have me her seductive, half lidded eyes. “Aw, really? You sure it’s not to an excuse to have a fun night with me? I taste really sweet, Detective. That’s why my name is Candy, baby.” She said, running a hoof lightly over my arm.

Fauna gave her a stern look. “Candy, girl, knock it off. We made a deal. Let’s get this over with so we can make the next stroll.”

Now it was Candy’s turn to roll her eyes. “You are no fun sometimes, ya know that.” She said with a smirk looking at her friend. Fauna turned her head away with a pouty looking face.

“Are you two done? May I please ask you some questions?” I asked them.

They both sighed. “Yes sir.” Fauna said, before giving me a confused look.

“Wait, where’s that other detective lady?” She asked.

“She had step out a moment. So, it’ll just be me and you two.” I told them.

“Now that’d be a hot three way.” Candy flirtatiously said, before Fauna shut her up with a stern look. Guess I know who’s in charge of this little duo.

Alright, time to get started.

“So, how many ponies do you usually see on your nightly strolls? And, how many customers do you usually get?” I asked them.

“We get a lot of guys. Sometimes girls too. I couldn’t give you an exact number though. And me and Candy here usually get about 4 or 5 customers a night. We’d give them a price. If they’re willing, they pay, and we service their bodies.” Fauna told me, followed by a push of her glasses.

“Yeah. And most of the time we usually get a regular. Like, I get this 35 year old stallion every weekend. Tells me to call him “Tigey”. Hehe. The guy is married, BTW. Kinda hot that I fuck around with a stallion like that.” Candy said with the most proudest, kinda smuggest smile on her face. Even Fauna looked disgusted at her friend’s attitude.

Yeah, remember how I said if I wanted to, I’d fuck this mare to let off some steam? Now, I’m starting to reconsider. She’s lost a lot of likeability to me.

“Anyway, did you ever see Colton on any of your nightly strolls?” I asked them.

“Funny enough, I did.” Fauna told me. “It was about a month and a half ago. I offered him a night to spend with me. But, he turned me down. Said that he wasn’t like that. At least he was respectful and polite about it.” She pushed her glasses up again.

I turned to Candy. “How about you?”

“Yeah, yeah. I remember I bumped into him one night. It was about 2 months ago.” She turned her head toward Fauna. “Maybe it was literally not too long before you.” Fauna just shrugged.

“So, what happened?” I asked her as she turned her head back to me.

Now, while Fauna was more chill and accepting of being rejected by a famous pony like Colton Von Gallopson, Candy here, on the other hoof, just looked a little whiny. Granted, not full on temper tantrum, but you could tell it still bugged her.

“Yeah, I came up to him one night. I put my charming ways to good use. Told him I’d make his fantasies a reality if he payed well.” She started to say.

“And?” I urged her to continue.

Now she got all pouty face. “He goes “I’m very sorry madam. But, I’m just not that kind of pony. I apologize, but I decline.” And then I’m like “But, why?”” She said in an annoyingly whiny voice. Fauna looked irritated too.

She continued. “And then he goes “You’re a very lovely young lady, but I’m just not a pony who is into paying for sex. But, I’m not one to judge. So, good luck.” And then he just leaves me hanging. I mean, why wouldn’t he think little me isn’t worth his time? I’m young, hot, and a fun pony to hang with.” She said with a look of confidence.

Which was then wiped off her face after Fauna spoke next. “If by fun to hang out with, you mean hang myself after hearing your annoying as hell voice, then yes I’d say you are.”

Candy looked cross with that statement. “Oh yeah? Well, maybe you’re just jealous, cause boys think I’m prettier than you. I get WAY more customers than you on a nightly basis.”

Fauna did NOT look thrilled after that. “At least I have more regulars than you. All you have is a guy committing adultery. I’m more likeable than you.”

“Shut up. Both of you.” I said to them before more words were said. It appears my intimidating tone worked. That shut these two up right away. Especially Candy. She looked away from my eyes after that.

“I’m not done with my questions. Now, can you two not argue while I’m asking them?” I said, somewhat easing off on the intimidation tone, but still having it be there.

They both nodded their heads in agreement.

“Now, did you have any other run-ins with Colton after that?” I asked them.

Fauna shook her head. Candy, on the other hoof, spoke up. Now, sounding a bit more respectful, knowing who she was talking too.

“There was this one night about 5 nights ago. I saw him walking down our stroll with some stallion. I knew Colton wasn’t gonna want me, so I thought I’d ask his friend there. I went up to them, made my moves, and you wanna know what the guy said?” Candy asked me, now looking a bit angry. This doesn’t look good.

“His friend tells me “Go away, you two-bit slut”. And I’m about to tell this guy off, when Colton tells him to apologize to me. Says “That’s no way to treat a lady”, and his friend did. Hmm. He kinda redeemed himself after rejecting me last time.” She explained to me.

“I should’ve been with you for that one.” Fauna interjected before I could speak. “I’d have slapped the piss outta that asshole.”

“I can take care of myself, ya know.” Candy said, folding her fore hooves.

“Still, no pony speaks to you like that, except me.” Fauna said, kinda surprising Candy a little bit. I guess these two are friends after all.

“Okay. Now, did Colton ever name drop this stallion he was with?” I asked her.

“Yeah. He said the name Ludwig. Ya know, I coulda sworn I’d heard that name before, but I just couldn’t remember.” She said.

“Now that you mention it” Fauna said “I think I’ve heard that name too. Just off the top of my head.”

Seems kinda weird that these two, who are street mares, know things and certain ponies from street talk, yet they can’t remember that Ludwig is the son of Sebastian St. Clipton. The DA of Canterlot.

“Did any other mares who work the nightly strolls come across Colton or Ludwig or both?” I asked them.

“Yeah.” Fauna said. “And they’ve all said Colton turned them down. Respectfully of course. Most of the time it was just Colton. When he was with Ludwig, they said the exact opposite. He was rude and disrespectful.”

“What about any male prostitutes?” I asked.

“We haven’t seen any. Not to say there aren’t, but all the sex workers we’ve seen, they’ve all been mares.” Fauna told me.

“Same here.” Candy said.

Maybe, I should take a walk through a nightly stroll of these survival sex workers and ask them if there were any male prostitutes. I’ll ask them when I go and try to look for Ruby.

But, I’m done for now. “Thanks you two. You’ve been a big help.”

Fauna shrugged with her meh face. “Happy to help, I guess. And thanks again for the grub.” She said, standing up from her chair and grabbing her purse.

Candy did the same thing, while seductively brushing her tail under my chin. Damn, this mare doesn’t give up. Maybe, it was after Colton’s rejection.

“My offer is still up, ya know. Ya change your mind, you know where to find me. And Fauna too for double the fun.” She whispered in my ear.

Fauna just rolled her eyes again before grabbing Candy with her magic. “Come on, Ho. Let’s get outta here.” She said, pulling her by her ear. I heard Candy muttering “Ow, Ow, Ow” while being pulled away. It feels like she’s playing a Foalsitter to Candy.

-/-Streets of Canterlot-/-

It appears Candy isn’t the only working mare that would offer me a “good time.” Apparently, I’ve stumbled onto the nightly stroll for the sex workers. And, after a few flirtatious chats from them, I got down to business, and started asking a few of them if they had ever seen Colton or Ludwig or both on their nightly strolls.

One mare, who looked about in her mid to late 20’s, told me she had indeed seen Colton, but not Ludwig. This mare was slightly slim looking, had a really short blond mane that went to her neck, a light purple coat, and wore light blue eyeshadow. Like Candy, she said he turned her down, but in a respectful and gentlecolt type way.

Another mare, this one about the same age as the previous one, maybe a year or two younger, told me she had seen both of them on her nightly stroll. She had a raspberry colored mane that looked to have been stylized in a salon, a blood orange type coat with a snazzy looking saddle on her back, and even wore an exceptional amount of makeup. Lip gloss, eyeshadow, eyeliner, blush, and even wore blue eye contacts. Seems some of these working mares REALLY want to look good to make some bits. Some go au naturale, some make a little effort, and some go all out.

Anyway, she tells me that before she could even speak, Ludwig tells her to leave them alone. That he didn’t want some mare who looks like a whore. She even looked about ready to cry, before Colton REALLY got in his face. She told me exactly what Candy told me back at the Detention Center. Colton would apologize for his friends behavior, politely turn her down like a gentlecolt, and then tell Ludwig to apologize to her, which he did, albeit not really wanting too.

I also asked both of these mares if there were any male prostitutes who ever worked the nightly strolls. They both told me that they had never seen one.

There were a few other mares I talked too, and they pretty much gave me the same story. Although one in particular surprised me.

One mare, around her mid twenties. Her name is Zoe. She had a long and curly light blue mane, an Indigo colored coat, and went au naturale. She ran into Ludwig one night. Alone. No Colton with him. She tells me he didn’t look in a good mood that night. But, money is money. She tells me she approached him one night, offered herself up to him, but this was where all the other mares’ stories differ from hers.

She tells me he called her a whore and to go away. However, instead of walking away from him, she tries again to persuade him to spend a night with her. That’s when she tells me a pretty scary story that could’ve ended up bad for her.

He grabs her by her shoulder and pins her up against a near wall. He yells in her face to shut the fuck up and get outta here before he loses his temper. She’s scared for her life and runs away from him. She even told a few friends of hers.

Now, unfortunately, none of them went to the police. I guess their thought process was “Who’s gonna believe who: The DA’s son, or some random hooker who no pony gives a shit about?” She tells me this happened about 6 days ago.

Well. Seems this Ludwig is now getting more and more interesting.

So, after walking the prostitution stroll and asking the working mares about Colton and/or Ludwig, I pull my phone out to try and contact Ruby Glow. Hopefully, she’ll answer.

I started to get nervous after no answer on the third ring. And right as the fourth ring was starting, I heard the pick up.

“Yeah?” I heard Ruby answer in a kind of nonchalant tone. It appears she’s not exactly in a good mood after that performance at the Detention Center.

“Where are you? I’ve got some information that you might wanna hear.” I told her as I noticed a few working mares talking to a few stallions not too far away from me.

“You mean, you got something off of them?” She asked, kinda rudely. Okay, this isn’t like her at all. Something’s up.

“Yes.” I told her in a tone that let her know that I’m not fucking around. “And I wanna know what’s up with you. So just tell me where you’re at and we can talk this over like reasonable ponies.” I paused for a quick second before I said something I have been wanting to say to her for a while now.

“We aren’t just partners, ya know. You’re my friend, Ruby. And I wanna help you.” I said.

There was silence on her end for about a minute. A minute that felt longer, and just made me more anxious.

“Didn’t know you considered me that. Not a lot of ponies do. Maybe except for Cadaver.” She said. I didn’t notice any slurring in her voice. So, it looks like she’s not at any bar getting drunk or something. I mean, that’s normally where ponies who don’t want to talk about their problems go to.

“Well, I do. And you need somepony to talk to. Hell, I may have some things I could talk to you about.” I said to her. Do I dare talk about my past with her? I mean, I know we’ve done a few things together. However, this is our first official case together. Could I trust her with my personal shit?

“Like what?” She asked, still not sounding all that happy.

“Well, tell me where you are, and we can talk. We’ve got a case to solve. And if we wanna get the fucker who did this, we have to be cool with each other. Even if it means airing some dirty laundry. So, just tell me. Where are you?” I asked her.

It was that silence again that worried me she was gonna hang up on me.

However, thankfully, that didn’t happen.

“Meet me at Canterlot County Buffet. Hell, you haven’t eaten yet. Might as well get some grub yourself.” Ruby told me.

I couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you Ruby. I’ll be right there. Don’t go anywhere.” I told her.

“Yeah, yeah. See you when you get here.” She said before hanging up.

I am getting a little hungry myself. And a buffet does sound nice. Not to mention, what better way to talk about your shitty experiences then with a good meal? Depending on how good the buffet food is to begin with.

So, with that, I trotted over to the Canterlot County Buffet. Hopefully, after Ruby and I talk, she is good enough to keep on going with this case.

And I hope the food is good too.

Chapter 6: Past Tragedies

-/-Canterlot County Buffet-/-

Expectations. It’s what every pony has. They believe a certain result or outcome or verdict or anything else you wanna call it is gonna happen. Now, that can be based on a lot of things.

It could be from the history of certain events that resulted in something happening. Because, after all, the old saying really is true: Those Who Do Not Learn From History Are Doomed To Repeat It.

Another reason, would just seem like basic logic. They see something that on the surface just looks DOOMED to failure. Whether that be on history again, or the idea created by somepony that another somepony doesn’t believe in or agree with.

And, most of all, some ponies have expectations, just based on pony nature. Like, ponies want to be rewarded for doing the most basic of basic tasks that everyday ponies, myself included, do everyday of our lives. Hell, I remember when a very young stallion, back when I was on the force, slammed a door on a mare’s hoof after he opened it for her. Even gave some weird bow before her.

Now, you probably want to to know WHY this stallion, or just anypony period and leave out the stallion part, did this to this mare. Well, no joke, he HONESTLY thought that if he was very, VERY nice and be what he calls a “gentlecolt”, that the mare would offer herself up to him. Because he’s a nice pony and he should be gifted with a romantic relationship, if not sexual intercourse. Yes. This stallion ACTUALLY thought that.

But, anyway, I’m getting off topic here. When I walked into the Canterlot Country Club, I was fully expecting a snooty, high class type of buffet with a bunch of the same prissy-pony types sitting at well designed booths and tables, eating with their muzzles in the air, dining on only the finest meals(a gourmet, if you will), using the correct type of fork(salad or dinner fork, go figure), a hoofkerchief placed at their lap and even used as a bib so as not to stain their expensive wardrobe, and having conversations about their lives and how good it is to have a bunch of money and things SOME ponies can’t have.

I was right. For the most part.

There indeed were a bunch of those snooty type ponies here, indeed dresses very high class, indeed mingling about the very nice and expensive things they owned, indeed wearing hoofkercheifs while dining, and indeed knowing which dining utensil was which when using a fork.

So, my expectations were met when I trotted in here. Hell, had I not flashed my badge at the front counter and asked where Ruby was, I probably would’ve been asked to leave. Maybe, my kind is not welcome here. Heh. Too bad for him, right?

However, I realized my expectations weren’t ENTIRELY met. First, I did see a few ponies who looked like they were NOT Canterlot native. I swore I saw a Kirin dressed in a pretty simple red dress. She looked beautiful. However, I could also tell she had a few things to learn about Canterlot etiquette. Especially in front of THIS crowd.

Then, as I trotted through the restaurant, I saw a little filly who, judging by her accent, grew up in Manehatten. She was a brown coated filly with an amber red mane that kinda resembled a mow hawk. Or, maybe just a combover, who knows. She also looks like she may be related to the Apple Family too, seeing as how she just mentioned Apple Bloom. I’ll have to ask if she’s related to her or not the next time I see her.

So, after a few glances at the ponies here, I finally saw Ruby Glow. And one expectation that I was right about was she looked to have NOT been drinking. That was good.

What wasn’t, and was kinda sad to see, was her salad she had. Only, she wasn’t eating it, but picking at it with her salad fork. And looking kinda miserable. This wasn’t the same mare I met back when I first came to Ponyville.

Eventually, I sat down at the table next to her. We didn’t say anything for about a minute or two. No waiter of waitress came over to us while we just sat there. Ruby not looking me in the eye.

“I’m sorry.” She said, finally breaking the awkward silence, still picking at her salad.

“Ruby-“ I started to say before getting cut off.

“Wait. Just let me finish.” Ruby said, now looking up at me. “What happened back there, it was immature and wrong for me to behave like that. I’m a police pony and there’s no excuse for that. I’m sorry, Shadow Haze.” She did look genuinely embarrassed that she behaved like that. So, at least it’s an actual apology.

“Ruby” I started. “You’re only 20 years old-“

“21 actually. Three weeks ago.” She interrupted again.

“Okay, 21. Ponies at that age, even police ponies, still have SOME type of immaturity to them. It’s called being young. Ponies think they’re mature adults at that age when they reach it. But, they still have a way to go to truly grow up and mellow out and mature. So, what happened back there wasn’t abnormal. Stop being hard on yourself.” I explained to her in the most honest way I could.

She blushed a little in embarrassment. I guess my words got to get a little bit. Hopefully, in the right way.

“You know, I think I am gonna get some grub. Eat your salad. It still looks good.” I said, getting up from our table to go to the buffet table. I got a salad too. Mine had no dressing. I also got a daisy sandwich with bay leaves.

When I walked back to the table, Ruby had taken a few bites of her salad. She appeared to be enjoying it. For the most part.

After I took a few bites from my food, I went ahead and asked her what I had planned to ask her when I got here.

“So? Care to explain what all that was about back at the Detention Center?” I asked her, taking a bite of my sandwich.

She looked surprised for a split second before looking glum again.

“I don’t hate prostitutes, Shadow. It’s just, whenever I see one, or there’s a crime where one was hurt, if not killed, it just makes me think about somepony I was close too.” She said.

“And who is that?” I asked, looking in her eyes.

She took a breath through her nostrils before she replied, “My sister.”

I was surprised at first hearing that, but almost instantly, I realized it wasn’t. With how she acted back there, it would make perfect sense for her to feel that way about prostitutes.

“What happened?”

“She was 3 years older than me. When I was 14 years old, I went to visit her at her college campus. She was a beautiful mare. Heh. No wonder she had a lot of boyfriends and I’ve had zippo. I’m not as pretty as she was.” She told me in the most self loathing way tone I’ve heard.

I know what I’m gonna tell her after she’s done talking, but I wanna hear all this.

“I found out she was selling her body every night to support herself. Food, drinks, rent, membership, parties, groups, everything. She had guys lined up almost every night to fuck her. That’s why I couldn’t spend the night with her. And even if she wanted me too, I knew It’d be too much for me to hear her having sex with all those guys who don’t care about her personally. They just wanna get their dicks wet.” She said, her voice now trembling. Her lip quivering. I even saw a small tear in her eye.

“When did she die?” I asked.

She shuttered a little bit. “I never told Mom or Dad about what she was doing. I should’ve, but she made me promise not to tell them. Well, I was about to graduate high school. She promised she would be there. It was the day before graduation I got the news that…” I saw her hold back her tears. This doesn’t look good.

“What?” I asked.

“My sister’s body was found in a ditch near the entrance of the college. She was beaten and raped. It was one of her “regulars”. He wanted more, she said no, he got pissed off and raped her. And beat her to death with his bare hooves. She was only 21.” She said, tears rolling down her face. She quickly wiped them away with her hoof.

“I didn’t mean to be rude to those girls. If anything, I want to help them. Get them out of that life. It’s dangerous. One wrong customer, and they’re dead. Just like my sister.” She told me. She did look ashamed for how she acted. I guess I do understand and feel sorry for her.

Now it’s my turn to speak.

“Ruby.” I said, making her look at me in the face.

“I couldn’t begin to imagine what you must’ve went through when you got the news. It had to have been devastating.”

She looked down in shame again. “Yeah. It was.”

“I get the feeling that you must think you’re in some way responsible, am I right?” I asked, taking another bite of my sandwich. I think I even saw a few of the prissy ponies looking over at us. Apparently, interested in our conversation.

Ruby was quiet for a bit again, not exactly looking me in the eye. “I just….feel like I could’ve helped her get outta that life. Maybe, I could’ve told my parents. But, why do you say that?”

Now I’m starting to feel uncomfortable. Should I tell her one of my dark secrets that only Twilight knows? Would she judge me? Think different of me?

“Did something happen to you one time, Shadow?” She asked, almost innocently. Like, a little curious filly who doesn’t know any better.

Maybe…she might understand.

Well, as I take a big deep sigh, here I go.

“I unintentionally caused one of my closest friends to commit suicide.”

And it was that audible gasp that Ruby gave, even covering her mouth with her hooves, that caused the whole restaurant to look at us. I saw they looked on in uncomfortableness and curiousness.

That’s when I gave them my intimidation look. And I mean, I did a full, slow, 360 spin to ALL the patrons here. And just like that, they all went back to their meals, now eating with their backs turned to us.

As I turned back and sat down at our seat, Ruby, with a big look of interest in her eyes, asked me, “What happened?”

I have a big sigh. “I think you know by now that I’m not exactly a stallion who has a lot of friends, right? I mean, yeah I have made friends, but even then I haven’t had the best luck in keeping friends. And don’t even get me started on potential romantic relationships.” I started to explain to her. She nodded her head at me the whole time.

“Well, that wasn’t always the case 9 years ago. Back at that time, I actually had a small group of friends that I did a lot with. These were friends that I ACTUALLY could count on.”

“What we’re their names?” She asked me.

“You may have heard their names. Two of them are famous now. One is a big time baker at some big baking company in Manehatten.” I told her, now taking a bite of my salad.

“Okay.” She said, again nodding.

“Their names are Tango Twister, Silver Sweeper and Sugar Spice. The one who took her own life was a mare named Silhouette.” I took another bite of my salad. Much bigger one then just a minute ago.

Ruby took a minute to think about those names, before realizing who they were.

“Wait a minute. Isn’t Tango Twister some big star in the entertainment industry?” She asked.

“Mhmm.” I nodded. “From what I hear, he does pretty much everything. Acting, singing, dancing, musicals, you name it.”

“And Silver Sweeper.” Ruby went on. “He’s an author now. My Mom’s read a few of his books.”

“Yep.” I again nodded. “He created the character Night Mist. A detective, kinda like me. He’s basically a tortured soul, who constantly keeps his emotions bottled up after losing his son from a psychotic pedophile. And every case after that one, he constantly thinks about other children who are affected by the crimes he solves. Whether they’re the Vic or not.”

She looked surprised I knew all that.

“My aunt reads a lot of his books too.”

“And Sugar Spice” Ruby Glow continued, “Didn’t she contribute to some big charity event last year?”

I nodded again. “Uh-huh. She and every pony that worked that ended up raising over 15 million bits for school supplies. Like new uniforms, better text books, a police pony who works there, stuff like that.”

“Woah.” She said, looking impressed. “So, do you still talk to them?”

This time, my head shook instead of nodding. “Nope. Haven’t in years.”

Now, Ruby looked uncomfortable. “Is this because….?”

“Yes. Because of what happened to Silhouette.” I said. Her silence told me to continue with my sad tale.

“Silhouette had a crush on me for a long time. Ever since our freshman year, she was smitten with me. By our junior year, she was straight up in love with me. And I knew why. We both grew up raised by our aunt and uncle, we both had an older sibling who we felt was like a parental figure to us, we both liked crime dramas, and we, at times, felt isolated from society. So, we had a lot in common. Yes we did.” I explained to her, leaning back in my chair, taking a pretty big bite of my sandwich.

She started to put two and two together I saw from the look on her face.

“You didn’t feel the same way about her though?” She asked.

I breathed through my nostrils. “You’re smart. Yes. I don’t know why, but I just didn’t feel romantically attached to her. And I think I know why, looking back.”

“What?” Ruby asked.

“Again, if you’ve seen me in action, Ruby, I think you’d know I’m pretty capable of keeping my emotions in check. I can keep things cool. That’s why I have the intimidation factor on my side.” I said to her.

“And she?”

I sighed in a bit of sadness. “Silhouette always had some emotional issues. Don’t know why, maybe it was knowing her Mom gave her up to her sister and brother-in-law, maybe it was not knowing who her father is, I don’t fucking know.” I said, as I started to feel bad. Talking about this does that, but I guess I can’t stop now.

“But, either way, she was a little TOO open about her feelings. It honestly felt like everyday I was living in a teen drama series. One that was trying to be TOO deep, if you know what I mean. Not to mention, she could be REALLY sensitive. Even the smallest thing could make her cry. It was things like that. Even if I could understand her.”

Ruby Glow looked at me with sympathy in her eyes. I have a feeling she’s not gonna like how this story will end.

“Anyway, me and all my friends went to Prom during our junior year. And I had a feeling she was gonna want to tell me her feelings. Cause I could tell she had been wanting to for quite some time now.” I said to her.

“Did she?” Ruby asked, now looking kinda sad. I guess she must know where I’m going with this.

“Somehow, we bumped into each other on the dance floor. There was a slow dance being played and Sugar Spice pushed us together. She was REALLY intent on getting us together.”

“Go on.” Ruby said.

I hate telling this story. Cause it leaves me feeling like a piece of shit. I know it wasn’t my fault. But, when ponies tell you otherwise, chance are you start to feel like they’re right.

“She tells me she’s in love with me. And, being the honest pony I am, proceeded to let her down in the most gentlest way I possibly could. I rejected her in the most nicest way I could ever try.” I tell her. Great. Now I’m getting pissed off and emotional. I force myself not to let any tears out.

Ruby on the other hoof, just looked at me with total compassion in her eyes.

“What happened?” She asked.

I breath through my nostrils again. “She ran out of the school in tears. Then she went home and killed herself with her Dad’s gun.” I said, gutting through any type of emotional outburst I possibly could.

The look I saw on Ruby’s face, on the other hoof, was another story. I saw a tear roll down her face. She felt bad for me. I could tell.

“Shadow, I’m so sorry.” She quietly told me.

“Oh it gets worse.” I said, my voice kinda cracked a little bit. Been a while since I’ve done that. It happens when talking about emotional shit like this.

“Sugar Spice disowns me to my face, and says she never wants to see me again. She moves to Manehatten to get away from me. And as for Silver and Tango, they just avoid me, until we just don’t talk anymore. My senior year was a lonely time for me. I didn’t do a lot of the fun things my other classmates did, because of my reputation at the time. I don’t think anypony from my class ever forgot that. And they never will.”

That’s when I felt it. A single tear went down my face. I quickly wiped it away with the hoofkercheif next to me.

Ruby and I were silent for a minute before we decided to pick up the tab. We left after that. As we walked out of the restaurant, we were completely silent with each other. Not a word said

Then, my phone went off.

“Shadow.” I answered. It was Captain Bisette. She wanted to see us right away. I told Ruby this and off we went to the Detention Center.

-/-Canterlot Detention Center-/-

On our way over here, I told Ruby about what the other prostitutes I talked to told me about. About how, both Colton and Ludwig were seen on those strolls, how they had never come across any male prostitutes, and about Ludwig’s encounter with Zoe. To say she was interested in that would be an understatement. Maybe, we were close to catching the fucker after all.

Anyway, we marched into Captain Bisette’s office, only to find somepony in there with her.

Before we could say anything, Captain Bisette stood up from her chair.

“Shadow, Ruby, I’m sure you know the District Attorney of Canterlot, Sebastian St. Clipton, correct?” She said to us, introducing the, I’m guessing, 60 year old unicorn stallion in front of us. He had a soft, deep lilac coat color(which kinda looked a little bit faded now, due to his old age), a bright royal blue mane, dark purple eyes, and a cutie mark that had a book with the word LAW written on the front cover.

I extended my hoof to him. “Pleased to meet you sir. Ruby and I were going to speak with you very soon.” I told him. His face looked kinda somber and worrying. Wonder what this is all about.

He gave a concerned sigh. “I’m glad you two are taking Colton Von Gallopson’s case. He was a close friend of mine. I just can’t believe that happened to him.” He said to us.

“We’ve heard how close both you AND your son Ludwig are to Colton. We’ve spoken to a few ponies already.” Ruby said.

“Yes.” Sebastian said, again looking worried. For what apparently?

“And I’m sorry to put more work on you two, but I came because I need your help.”

“What’s wrong?” I asked.

Sebastian looked over at Captain Bisette, I guess, motioning for her to give us the news.

And By Celestia, did we get some?

“Ludwig St. Clipton is missing.”

Chapter 7: Canterlot Histories

As we sat down in Captain Bisette’s office, I was still stunned by the news I was just given by the District Attorney Sebastian St. Clipton. His son, and potential pony of interest, Ludwig St. Clipton, has been reported missing. Literally the day after Colton Von Gallopson was murdered in his carriage.

Which, I don’t know about you, but this already sounds kinda strange. Convenient. Somepony who knew Colton very well, according to several ponies who also knew Colton, has magically disappeared after his friend was murdered.

So, already, I’m thinking there’s got to be more to this case then meets the eye. Something about this feels kinda personal.

“Can you tell me the last time you spoke your son, Sebastian?” I asked him, holding my notepad and pen in my hooves. Captain Bisette watching our interview with a keen eye.

“It was about 2 or 3 days ago.” He told us very quickly.

“What was your conversation with him like?”

“I can’t exactly recall. All I know is, Ludwig was under a lot of pressure and stress. I could tell.”

Oh. There’s something. “What do you mean by that?” I asked him, wanting to push forward.

“His Piano Trio concert in a few months. I think he was pushing himself a little too hard. He was taking it very seriously.”

“And how could you tell how stressed he was?” I asked.

There was a bit of a remorseful chuckle that came out of his mouth. “Because I was exactly like that when I was just an ADA. I knew my son pretty well, Detective.”

“What about Colton?” Ruby quickly asked.

“Colton and my son grew up together. His father and myself were great friends as well.” Sebastian said, now sporting a sad look on his face. “I can’t begin to imagine what he’s going through right now. Have you spoken to him?”

“We’re going to. He said he just needs a day or two. He’s obviously heartbroken about his son.” I told him.

“Tryton has been through hell for a while now. First his wife dies, now his son is murdered? I’d keep an eye on him if I were you guys.” Sebastian implied to us. I wouldn’t put it past me either if Tryton took his own life after all this.

“How do you think your son took Colton’s murder?” I asked him.

Sebastian shook his head. “I think that’s what made him run off. I think he’s devastated too. I should’ve been there for him when he got the news.”

“Now, We’ve heard about the friendship between Colton and Ludwig from other Symphony members. They say the same thing that you just said. But, Beauty Brass says that, recently, the two’s relationship was kinda tumultuous. And that Ludwig was a little jealous of Colton. Do you know anything about that?” I asked him.

Sebastian sighed sadly. “I had a feeling that the two of them were not exactly on good terms lately. Colton was such a gifted pianist. A gifted performer. He could do it all. Which is why, he wasn’t exactly taking this exact concert as seriously as my son was.”

“Do you think that that could have something to do with it?” I asked him.

“I think it did.” Sebastian lamented for his missing son. “Colton had Canterlot Symphony material in his blood. Ludwig had to really work hard for it.”

“Do you know if Ludwig and Colton had any fights recently?” I asked.

Sebastian just shook his head. “Ludwig never told me anything about any arguments or fights.”

“Was there a lot he didn’t tell you?” Ruby popped in.

That question looked like it surprised him. Like he didn’t expect that coming. Bisette didn’t exactly look pleased when that question was asked.

“What do you mean?” He asked, almost looking a bit defensive.

“Well, it’s just, there’s a couple Symphony members who say that you and Ludwig weren’t exactly on good terms either. We heard about how you and your wife divorced when Ludwig was 10-“

“Enough of that.” Bisette cut Ruby off. She didn’t apparently like it that me and Ruby were digging deeper into the DA’s personal life.

“She’s not wrong.” I cut in. “Hell, some ponies even said that it came across like you were favoring Colton over Ludwig. I mean, he did help you out with that charity event years back-“

“Detective Shadow Haze.” Bisette exclaimed. But, Sebastian put his hoof up, signaling for her to stop. Good. That means he’s okay with talking.

Sebastian gave a huge sigh. “I’ll admit I wasn’t the best father growing up. Regardless of my job as an ADA, I’m the one who put my work ahead of my family. I understand completely why my ex-wife left me. I’m just surprised I got custody of Ludwig. I fully expected her to get him.” He told us looking regretful. All me and Ruby could do was sit and stare at him before he continued.

“I also admit I did hold Colton in a high regard. I owed him for that charity event years back. I told him I’d be there for his concerts whenever I could be. I was that thankful for him.”

“Right. And you couldn’t be there for your own son’s?” I asked in an admittedly rude tone, which got me a glare from Captain Bisette.

There was that regretful look again. “The one thing I’m guilty of is never considering my son’s feelings. I should have been to more of his concerts as well. I don’t blame him if he hates me. I don’t know if he does or not, but I understand why.” He said with remorse in his voice.

Now, I wasn’t gonna ask this, but I guess since he’s revealing his poor fatherhood, I guess I could reveal a potential secret of his son’s.

“Sebastian, you said you know your son pretty well, despite admitting you weren’t the best father.”

He nodded. “Yes. I feel I know him very well.”

“Are you sure?” I asked.

He must’ve gotten the inflection in my tone and gave a confused look. “What do you mean?”

Well, here I go.

“When we found Colton, it was revealed that he spent his last night with another stallion. He was a closeted homosexual.” I told him.

Bisette and Ruby looked surprised at my reveal. While Sebastian didn’t bat an eyelash.

“Are you sure? I had no idea Colton was gay. I never got a vibe from him.”

“Sometimes you can’t tell.” Ruby interjected.

“What does this have to do with my son?” Sebastian asked, now looking a little defensive again.

“Well, we spoke to Parish Nadermane. A fellow Symphony member, who was a good friend of Ludwig. He told us something rather interesting.”

I saw Sebastian’s eyes narrow. “Which was what?” He asked, now not sounding happy.

“That Ludwig and Colton were more than friends. They were gay lovers.” I told him point blank.

It was then that Sebastian got up out of his seat and literally went nose to nose with me, while looking angry. Ruby and Bisette looked worried that something might happen.

As for me? I just sat there and let him look at me like that.

“My son isn’t gay. You got that?” He said, pointing his hoof at me. I didn’t flinch one bit.

“Don’t you think it’s funny that your son goes missing 24 hours, possibly less than that, after his closest friend is murdered? I do.” I told him, kinda sporting a bit of a smartass look to him. He apparently didn’t like that.

“Shadow! Stop that this instant!” Bisette yelled at me from behind her desk.

Sebastian just breathed in and out to calm himself down. He looked back at me, while Ruby looked on in uncomfortableness. Can’t say I blame her.

“My son is not gay. I know him and Colton were not lovers. Now stop this foolishness, and find my son and bring him home. You hear me?” He said, now storming out of Captain Bisette’s office.

Speaking of, she stared bullet holes through me right now. Oh Celestia, she looked pissed off.

“What the hell are you thinking?! Speaking to the DA like that?!”

“You seriously aren’t questioning this too?” I asked her. “Come on Captain. Think about it. It makes sense. Colton and Ludwig became lovers some time months ago, they meet up for sex in that alleyway for 4 months now, and kept it secret. Is it REALLY out of the realm of possibility that, maybe, Ludwig did it?” I asked, raising my voice at her.

“Shadow.” Ruby said, trying to get me to stop.

“I’m telling you right now, Ludwig is at LEAST a pony of interest. I’m thinking he murdered Colton and has gone into hiding.”

Bisette continued to glare at me. “Even if it DOES turn out Ludwig and Colton were a secret gay couple, which we have ZERO proof of, why would Ludwig kill him?” She asked me, raising her voice in a typical angry police captain tone.

“I’m thinking Colton wanted to come out to every pony. And he wanted Ludwig to do the same. Maybe he didn’t want to, they argue, he gets angry and strangles him to death. He sees what he did, and then goes into hiding. Is that REALLY a bad idea I came up with, Captain?” I asked, emphasizing Captain as a way to question her line of thinking.

We just stared each other down in anger for a minute or two before Ruby spoke up.

“Both of you, cut it out!” She exclaimed. Me and Bisette looked back at Ruby’s apparent gutsiness. I was surprised, while Bisette didn’t look too amused at her.

“Look, Shadow, even if your theory is correct, and I’m not gonna lie, it DOES make sense, there was no reason to act that way in front of the District Attorney. Show some respect.” Ruby said to me.

Even if I know I’m right, I guess maybe talking like that to somepony in charge DOES seem like a not so smart idea. Maybe I should’ve been a little smarter than that.

“And Captain.” She started, getting her attention.

“Before I say this, I wanna apologize myself for the way I acted earlier with those working mares. Let’s just say, something regarding my personal life is the reason why I’m not too fond of them. That’s on me, and I should be better than that.”

“You should.” Bisette told her. Her scowl not leaving her face.

“Now, regarding this, Shadow is making some good points. All that he’s said was true. There is a possibility that Ludwig and Colton were indeed a gay couple. And looking over evidence, it does make sense that Ludwig could be Colton’s murderer.” She explained to her. Thanks for having my back Ruby.

I backed away from Bisette’s desk as I saw her breath in and out with her head in the air as a way to relax and calm down. There was a window next to her desk in the left. She slowly walked over to it and looked out the window for a minute or two. In total silence. Me or Ruby not saying a word.

“I don’t like it. No. No, in fact I hate it. I hate everything about this.” She said with her back turned to us, still staring out the window.

She slowly turned back to us. “However, as somepony who has grown up in Canterlot all her life, I can’t deny that I’ve heard of and even seen things like this. So, I guess I have to accept the fact that you have a lead that could potentially hurt this squad. Even if it is the right thing.”

I was confused now. “What are you getting at?”

She sat back down in her desk. “Shadow Haze, Ruby Glow, you both said you were from Ponyville, correct?” She asked us.

We nodded our heads. “I moved there LITERALLY not too long ago.” I said to her.

“Same with me.” Ruby said.

Bisette nodded her head. “And I’m pretty sure you know by now how diverse Ponyville is with the LGBT community. Correct?”

“Correct.” I said. “Hell, I’m friends with a mare who is a lesbian.”

“I have a few lesbian friends too.” Ruby said.

“That’s good to hear. Because, unlike Ponyville, Canterlot is a lot different when it comes to that.” She said.

“What do you mean?” Ruby asked.

Bisette sighed. “While Ponyville is very diverse with the LGBT community, Canterlot, on the other hoof, has always had problems with homophobia.”

This sounds interesting to hear. “Really?” I asked, pulling up a chair and sitting in front of her desk. “How so?” Ruby sat in the chair next to me.

Bisette breathed through her nostrils. “Like Sebastian, I also was a fan of the Royal Canterlot Symphony. Even going back to the early 70’s when I was still a little filly. I simply adored listening to the music those ponies performed. I was there during Tryton Von Gallopson’s heyday. Every performance was a sellout. It was truly a great time for the Symphony.” She explained to us. Her front hooves were together in front of her face as she told us that. Then I saw those very hooves tighten. As if she was angry about something, but holding it in.

“A-Are you okay?” Ruby concernedly asked.

Bisette then reached into a filing cabinet drawer on the right side of her desk. She pulled out a few reports of some kind, and a photo of a young stallion who, judging from the style of said photo, looked to have been in the 70’s. So it’s obvious the guy isn’t the same as he was in this photo.

Anyway, the stallion in this photo had a lemonade colored coat, a salmon colored mane that was very long and wavy(kinda resembled the look of the 70’s at that time), and he also had a cutie mark of a flute. Even had it on him in this photograph. He was fake playing it for the camera in a comedic way.

What was funny about this photo was who was in it. There was a very familiar looking filly in this photo. The magenta colored coat and dark purple mane. Although, the filly in this photo didn’t have a cutie mark yet. She was making funny faces with this stallion at the camera.

It didn’t take me or Ruby to figure out who this guy was.

“This guy is your big brother, huh?” I asked her point blank.

“Mmhmm.” She nodded. “His name is Ocarina. He joined the Symphony back at that time. I tell you: watching him and Tryton on stage was something. He was good too.”

“Not to be rude, but what does all this have to do with Colton or Ludwig?” I asked her.

“I’m getting to that, thank you. Now let me finish.” She said to me very sternly. I just rolled my eyes for a quick sec.

“Ocarina loved the flute. It was his dream to play in Canterlot. When he finally played in the Symphony, he said it was like a dream come true.” She said, followed by a cynical snort. “That was until he figured things out.”

“Figured what things put?” Ruby asked. I was writing all this down.

Bisette paused for a quick sec before revealing, “My brother is gay, Detectives.”

I widened my eyes a little bit. “Really?”

She nodded. “He came out to me and only me. Our parents were very conservative ponies. They all bought into the whole homosexuality is a crime against God thing. Me and my brother both HATED going to church, because A, it was boring, and B, all the preachers we listened to were as full of shit as a dirty diaper. Anyway, he was about 26 when he told me. I was 22. Our parents died about a year or two after I graduated High School. Carriage accident. What can ya do, huh?” She shrugged.

“I’m very sorry to hear that.” I told her.

She didn’t say anything for about a half a minute before continuing.

“So, during my brother’s time with the Symphony, he would tell me and our parents things about them.”

“Like what?” I asked. Ruby was looking interested too.

“He would tell me about how he was always in the upper row, when he really wanted to be in the front row so other ponies would see him more. He was payed less then quite a bit of the others were. He also said that the director of the Symphony would not really have a lot of time with him. More like, he didn’t WANT to have time with him.”

“Were there others who were treated like that?” Ruby asked her.

“There were two other ponies I could remember him telling us about, although I can’t remember their names for the life of me. However, that’s not the worst part.” Bisette said, now looking upset. I haven’t seen her like this. Granted, I just met her yesterday, but this is still surprising.

“One night, he was jumped. Physically assaulted by some bullshit lawyers. I’m not holding anything back when I say that they damn near murdered my big brother. They broke his leg, broke his nose, damn near crippled him, and caused internal bleeding. He’s so lucky he survived that.” She said, as she pounded her desk in frustration. Ruby have her a sympathetic look, while I just stared right at her. Still feeling sorry for her, just keeping my emotions in check.

“And do you wanna know what kind of support he got from the Symphony?” She asked us before answering herself. “ZERO! None. No pony in charge called or checked in on him. They weren’t even there when those homophobic pieces of shit were charged and indicted. They just abandoned my brother, while he had to practically fight for his fucking life. It’s just disgusting how much they didn’t care about him. He should’ve sued them.” She took a deep breath with her left hoof covering her face in anger.

“So, what happened to him? What did he do about it?” I asked. This was starting to get interesting to me.

“After he recovered, which took damn near 8 months, he did what those other two gay ponies did before he was released: He decided to leave Canterlot. He moved to Ponyville and joined the lesser known Ponyville Orchestra. Less money and not as big as Canterlot, but better ponies to say the very least. He even met my future brother-in-law, Mint Mulberry.” She said kinda sporting a small smile, but still expressing the anger and frustration she felt at what happened to her brother.

And, to tell you the truth, if anything like that happened to my big sister, Melody Rays, I’d feel EXACTLY like how she’s feeling. Except, I’d wanna hunt down whoever did it and fucking kill them.

Though, then I’d be no different then that guy, wouldn’t I?……

“Again, I’m very sorry about your brother, Captain. However, how is what happened to him relating in any way to what happened to Colton, and now Ludwig?” I asked her. Trying to sound sincere.

She tossed me and Ruby the two reports that were there with the picture of her brother.

“There’s been quite a few hate crimes involving homophobia over the years here in Canterlot. Look at the reports.” She said.

Ruby took a look at one of them. Her eyes filled with surprise. “Shadow, this one involves Beauty Brass. It says here that, one year ago, her and her girlfriend were walking down the streets of Canterlot, when suddenly, some random stallion comes up to them and starts harassing them. It then lead to him sexually assaulting her, he groped her, and then Fiddlesticks punching the guy. Thankfully, she punched him in the stomach REAL good. They ran off and told the police. The guy was arrested, but not charged.” Ruby scoffed at that last part, even muttering a “bullshit” under her breath.

Then I looked at mine. “This one was from 2010. A stallion, about 29, was mugged and beaten down by a group of teenagers, all around the age of 17 or 18. Rich, privileged little shitheads. Oh Celestia.” I said, disgusted at what I read.

“What?” Ruby said, wanting to look at my report.

“It says he was then thrown over a bridge and into the waters below. He survived with broken bones, a concussion, and a bruised kidney. Thankfully, there was a pony down there to save him. They guy who saved him called the police, but like that one you just mentioned, those little shitheads got off Scott free.” I said, also disgusted with this.

“Those are only the ones I keep on me. There’s been several others like this all these years.” Bisette said with a disgusted scowl on her face. “You wanna know what’s worse about it?”

“There’s something worse then attempted murder and getting away with it?” I asked.

“Those two crimes that you just read….they happened to ponies who were out of the closet. They were openly LGBT ponies. What do you think goes through a closeted one’s mind?” She asked.

I thought about that for a quick second before I just hatched an idea. “They’d be too scared to come out because of shit like this. AND, they’d probably do anything to stay in the closet.”

“Even murder?” Ruby asked.

I nodded. “Yes, even murder. I just thought this right now: What if Colton wanted to leave Canterlot, not too explore “greener pastures”—I said with air quotes “but, he wanted to move to Ponyville? To be in a place to be accepted for his sexual orientation?”

Ruby have it a quick thought before replying, “That’s not a bad thought process, Shadow.”

“Not to mention, like you said Captain.” I said to her. “Ponyville isn’t as big as Canterlot when it comes to Orchestra. Maybe, some closeted ponies want to stay in the closet, because they like the fancy, shmancy lifestyle here. And they’re afraid of losing their star power. There could be reason for closeted ponies to wanna stay in Canterlot.”

Bisette was quiet for a moment, possibly taking this all in. “Go back to Colton’s apartment. You might’ve missed something. Maybe there will be something there to prove him and Colton had a relationship.”

“Yes ma’am.” I said in a respectful tone that showed I respected her authority.

“Right away, Captain.” Ruby said in the same way, even saluting her.

We left her office to go see what we could find at Colton’s apartment….again.

-/-Colton’s Apartment-/-

“I still can’t believe how a guy with money problems was still able to live here.” Ruby said in another room while I was searching the kitchen again. I heard her hoofsteps as she left that room to go to another.

“Maybe he had some friends who covered for him. Or worse: maybe he went to a loan shark.” I called out to her as I continued searching the cupboards again.

“Uh, Shadow? Come here, please.” She called out in a kind of alarmed tone in her voice. She must’ve found something interesting.

I stopped what I was doing and walked over to the room she was in. And boy, what a sight this was. It was Colton’s bedroom. He had a nice flatscreen HDTV, a beautiful view of the town of Canterlot, a bookshelf with many, many books on it, and a nice Queen sized bed. This is the kind of bedroom guys like me and others could only WISH we could have.

Anyway, on this bed, there was a headboard in front of it. It was a bit different than others that I’ve seen. While others had a basic one that had about 2 inches in width, this one was a little longer in width. If I had to guess how many inches it was, I’d say about 5 or 6. It also looked like it was made by hoof. Very strange.

“I feel something hollow right here. I think there’s something in this headboard.” Ruby told me, while knocking on that very surface. She even showed me the difference between the sounds on what she was talking about, and the rest of the board. The sounds were very different indeed. The part where she was knocking on was indeed very hollow, while the rest of the headboard was flat and kinda dense.

I walked over to her and closely examined the headboard. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary at first, until I looked just a little bit closer on that very area Ruby was talking about.

“There’s small grooves there. You’re right. There is something behind this.” I told her. I knew what I was gonna do now. No need for a warrant for this.

“How are we gonna—“ I stopped her question when I punched through that very hollow area in the headboard. When I pulled my hoof back, there appeared to be a small passageway that went back a couple of inches. Maybe this hole went all the way back to the end of the headboard.

Ruby looked shocked and surprised at my powerful punch I gave the headboard. Then she giggled a little bit. “Well, I guess that’s one way to open it.” I gave her a confident grin.

“What’s this?” She said, now looking inside that very hole in the headboard. She reached her hoof in there and then pulled out the object.

It was some compact disk in a little CD case holder. There was a piece of scotch tape on the cover that read COLTON+LUDWIG.

“Wonder why Colton felt the need to hide this.” Ruby said, still looking at the disk.

“Judging from the title, I’m starting to think my little theory was right.” I said.

Author's Note

Hey every pony. I know. It’s been a WHILE…again. I’ve had a major case of writer’s block for a while now, and work has just been a bitch lately. So, anyway, hope you enjoy this chapter, and goodnight everybody.

Chapter 1: Hitting the Gym

“Are you sure you don’t wanna come with us, Shadow?” Twilight asked me, with her travel bag next to her on her left, and her assistant Spike on her right.

“Yeah, it’ll be fun to watch the Dragon Migration. You should take a break from the cases you’ve been doing.” He told me, while he had a backpack on his back. Probably filled with those comics he likes to read. Like Comet Chaser.

We were in my office area downstairs in the Castle of Friendship. It’s been about 2 and a half weeks since everything that went down with Gavin the Griffon and his assault on Ponyville’s native Zebra, Zecora. He got a life sentence, but he was stabbed to death by a Zebra Prison inmate literally not too long after he was incarcerated.

And I can say with out any shred of shame that I feel absolutely NO sympathy for him.

“Thanks for the offer, you two. But, I’m itching to get back into my next case. And I need to be here just in case something happens. Justice never rests.” I told them, while eating a brownie that I bought from Bon Bon’s Super Sweet Shop.

“There’s officers here, Shadow. They can handle things too. You shouldn’t overdo it.” Twilight said, looking concerned for me. Guess, me being her friend, that’s just what she does.

I finished my brownie and threw it in the waste paper basket next to my desk as I stood up to face them.

“I’ll be fine, okay? I can handle myself.” I told her with my reassuring look on my face.

It seemed to work a little bit, seeing as how her face relaxed a little bit. Spike did too.

“Not to mention, I’m planning on hitting the gym today. Haven’t worked out for a little bit. Need to make sure I stay in good shape, ya know.” I told her, walking over to a closet area in my office. I pulled out a gym bag and a spare change of clothes. Can’t work out in a trench coat, am I right?

Twilight snorted in laughter. “Pfft. Oh Shadow, you don’t look out of shape.” She told me.

At this point, we were waking out of my office and waking up the stairs toward the main hallway that leads to the large front doors of the Castle.

“I know.” I said. “But, it’s just good to get some exercise, ya know?”

“Twilight’s been saying she’ll do it, but never gets around to it.” Spike snickered. Then I saw Twilight shoot an intense glare at him. That appeared to strike a nerve.

“I’m only kidding.” Spike said. “Celestia, you don’t get my humor.” He muttered. I saw Twilight turned her head away from him and point her nose to the sky. Like some stereotypical snooty pony in Canterlot. I think I even saw a red hue on her face.

Well, I guess Twilight is now mad at her assistant. He’s gonna need to bake her a nice cake when they get home. Or cook a good dinner, due to her lack of cooking skills, according to Spike.

As we walked through the Hallway, we heard a big knock at the door. Twilight’s embarrassed look disappeared into one of excitement.

“Ooooh, they’re here!” She exclaimed, very super excitedly, as she ran for the door. Spike followed suit.

When she opened the door, there appeared her friends. The Elements of Harmony. With their own bags packed as well.

“Hey Twilight, ya ready to go?” Applejack said in her thick as hell southern accent.

“You bet. Eeeeehhhh.” She said all giddy like. I had no idea a Dragon Migration excited Twilight this much. She looks like a little kid about to head over to the Hayburger Hut.

All of a sudden, I was then enveloped into a hug out of nowhere.

“Hi, Shadow. Long time no see.” Pinkie Pie said, her hooves still wrapped around me. Tightly I may add.

I struggled to get her off of me. Her grip is pretty strong. “Pinkie, we just saw each other a week ago. It hasn’t been THAT long.” I grunted.

I saw Applejack turn toward me. She grabbed Pinkie and got her off me. “Howdy, Shadow. You coming with us?” She asked me, while I was catching my breath and rotating my head and shoulders after being hugged so hard.

“Yeah. It’ll be cool.” Rainbow Dash said, hovering over me.

Before I could answer, Rarity came up to me. Super closely I may add.

“Why yes. And not only that-“ She said, now nuzzling my neck and attempting to wrap her tail around my back. “-we could use a big strong stallion like you to protect us. Especially Muagh.” She told me that all seductive like. As hot as this mare is, I don’t do desperate mares. And even if she’s acting all confident and whatnot, I can tell she’s desperate. I looked over at Twilight, and saw Spike looking NOT very happy. Was this little Dragon getting jealous of me?

That HONESTLY is kinda adorable.

Twilight used her magic to levitate her off me. I even heard a whiny “Hey!” from her.

I cleared my throat. “Thank you all for the consideration, but I already told this to Twilight. I’m wanting to get back into the swing of things. And I’ll need to be here in case something goes down somewhere.” I told them.

“What if it doesn’t though?” Twilight asked me.

“You can never be to sure of these things. But, if it just so happens that nothing happens while you all are gone, I’ll join you on another picnic.” I said to all of them.

I saw Fluttershy gulp nervously. “Um, I h-hope you do alright w-without us, Detective.” She said, with a skittish smile on her face.

I turned my head toward her and she squeaked very timorously.

“Like I said, I’ll be fine.” I told them.

Twilight sighed in defeat. “Well, okay. I know you can take care of yourself—“

“I can.” I quickly interjected her.

“Yes. But, if there’s anything you might need help with, don’t be afraid to call us, Shadow. We’re all friends here. And we’ll be happy to help.” She turned toward all her friends. “Rights girls?”

Applejack and Rainbows Dash nodded in approval, as did Pinkie. Rarity just shot me a sultry wink. And Fluttershy nervously nodded her head yes.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” I said, picking up my gym bag and placing it on my back. “Anyway, you all have fun. Make sure to tell me all about it when you get back.”

“Will do.” Rainbow Dash said, now flying away from me. The others followed suit with her. I saw Twilight turn back and wave in my direction. I waved back, bidding her farewell.

-/-Ponyville Fitness Center-/-

After I took my trench coat off, I put it in a locker. I put my towel in their as well. After I get done, I’ll have to hit the shower. That’s why I’ve got one. I’m also pretty sure no pony here will take anything. I don’t have a padlock or anything, but they know that if they steal anything from me, they would A, be arrested, and B, get the shit beat out of them. So, I’m confident in that.

The first thing I did was stretch my limbs. Arguably the most important thing before exercising. Wouldn’t wanna pull something.

Next, I decided to start on my cardio. That’s when I got on the treadmill. I saw a few ponies who were on other ones here as well. They wouldn’t even look me in the eye. Still intimidated, I guess. Oh fucking well.

“Hello, Shadow.” I heard a voice from behind me. I turned around to see the mare I bought that delicious brownie from earlier.

Bon Bon stood before me, wearing a crop top and leggings.

“Bon Bon. Nice to see you. What are you doing here?” I asked, sounding nice.

“I have a membership here. I always come whenever I have some free time away from the shop.” She told me, getting in the treadmill next to me.

“So, Lyra is running the store while you’re here?” I asked.

She nodded her head. “Yep. Lyra’s really good with customers. I can trust her. Ya know, as long as she doesn’t go into one of her crazy conspiracy theories about humans.” She said, looking annoyed.

I was confused. “Humans? What the fuck are those?” I asked.

“Don’t ask me. I don’t know.” She said, now putting in the settings on the treadmill.

I did the same. “No offense Bon Bon, but your girlfriend sounds odd.” I said, as my treadmill had gotten going. I started slow. I’ll eventually start going faster.

She chuckled. “You have no idea. And we’ve been together for 3 years now.” She said, as her treadmill had gotten going.

We continued our conversation as we started to fast walk on the treadmills.

“3 years, huh?” I asked.

She sighed, kinda dreamily. “Yeah. But, she’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.” She said with a smile on her face.

It caused me to give one too. “Well, it’s good that you two seem happy together.” I said.

She giggled. “Thanks.” She said, as we continued our run on the treadmills.

-/-

It was about 45 minutes later where Bon Bon and I started to get into weight lifting. She was lifting dumbbells that were about 25 lbs, while I was bench pressing about 260 lbs.

I grunted and sweated my ass off as I pushed the bar up and down off my chest. I was 6. Then 7. Then 8. Then 9.

I started to feel my strength go down a bit. Damn it! Maybe I should have started lighter. I felt the bar coming down onto my chest. Slowly. With me TRYING to push it up again. My hooves failing me…

“Gotcha.” I heard Bon Bon say, grabbing the bar and lifted it up, putting it back into the set.

When my hooves were free of that huge weight, they felt as if they had become wet noodles. Like, they weren’t even there anymore.

As I lay on the bench, panting for breath, Bon Bon have a giggle.

“Maybe, we should take a break. It’s been an hour now. What do ya say?” She said, now facing the front of the bench press, and offering me her hoof.

With whatever strength I could muster, I raised my right hoof and gave it to her. I was surprised what type of strength she had, because she lifted me up off the bench press without any struggle.

“Yes.” I had to pause to take a breath. “Let’s do that.” I said, as we now headed toward the break room.

I levitated my water bottle up to my muzzle. And I literally almost drank the rest of the huge bottle I had.

Fuck. Am I really getting that out of shape? Or, is it just the intensity of that huge ass weight I tried. Either way, Bon Bon saved my ass from getting crushed underneath all that weight.

We sat at a table together that was next to a window. I looked out and saw the Flower Shop from here. I remember when one of the ponies, who know I know was named Lily Valley, literally cowered on the ground at the sight of me. And her sisters, from what I’ve learned, their names were Daisy and Roseluck, weren’t all that different either.

“Looks like you overestimated yourself, huh?” Bon Bon said, now drinking from her water bottle.

I have a sarcastic chuckle. “Hey, I ran faster then you on that treadmill. I was just blown up, that’s all.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Sure, Detective. Sure.”

I paused again for a quick sec before I decided to ask her a question that I’ve been wanting to know for a while now. Maybe, I’m doing this for Twilight too.

“Mind if I ask you a question?” I asked her.

She looked at me puzzled, while wringing out any snarls she might have had in her mane.

“Is this for one of your investigations?” She asked.

I shook my head. “No. Off the record. Personal.”

She removed her hooves away from her mane and looked at me. “Sure, what is it?” She asked, looking interested.

I breathed in a sigh before I asked her,
“Why aren’t you afraid of me?”

She looked genuinely surprised to hear me ask that question. Her eyes widened for a quick second. “W-What?” She asked.

“It’s just” I said. “I’ve been here for a little bit now. And, to me, there’s only three different types of mares I’ve seen whenever they lock eyes with me. They either are intimidated, they don’t trust me, or they want to get into bed with me. Besides The Elements of Harmony, I think you have been the ONLY normal mare in town that treats me like I’m an actual fucking pony. No disrespect, but even your girlfriend is intimidated of me. So, why aren’t you afraid of me like a lot of ponies are?”

That felt good to get off my fucking chest. I’ve been wanting to know for a while now. Good to not have it on my chest anymore.

I saw Bon Bon just give me a warm smile. “I just see you as a pony. That’s all.” She said.

I raised my eyebrow this time, which included a confused look.

“I know what you’re saying is true. And, I’ve even heard and spoken to a lot of ponies in town who have an opinion on you. And, yeah, a lot of ponies are scared of you. They don’t trust you. And, I didn’t NEED to hear this, but I have heard Vinyl Scratch talk about how she wants to quote “Give you a ride on the freak train.” Her words, not mine.” She said shuttering in apparent disgust. She’s a lesbian, so it’s no surprise that a stallions genitalia would be off putting to her.

“Vinyl?” I asked, not knowing who that was until she answered it for me.

“DJ P0N-3. Duh.” She said. That DJ’s real name is Vinyl Scratch? I didn’t know that. And she wants to have sex with me? Eh. I’m not surprised with that look she gave me not to long ago.

Them, I felt Bon Bon put a hoof on my shoulder. In a comforting way.

“But, for me, I just see a regular pony. And, I always try to treat other ponies the way they wanna be treated. It’s what my Mom and Dad taught me growing up. Plus, I just see a stallion like you, and I feel like I wanna be friends with him.” She said in a caring voice.

I was surprised to hear this. “We’re really friends?” I asked her.

She nodded. “Yeah. Is that alright with you?” She asked me.

I smiled back at her. “Yeah.” I nodded. “Yes, I’d like that very much.”

She removed her hoof from my shoulder and offered it to me. I gave her my own hoof, and we shook each other’s hooves. It honestly felt…..kinda good to make a friend in her. She seems like the sweetest mare ever. Next to my big sister Melody Rays, of course.

Just then, I heard my phone go off.

“I gotta take this.” I said, getting away from the table we were sitting at.

“Shadow Haze.” I answered.

“Shadow, it’s Detective Ruby Glow.” I heard her voice over my phone.

“What’s up?” I asked her.

“We need you to come to Canterlot right away. We found a body in a carriage in some alleyway. I’m here right now, and I’ll give you the details when you get here.” She told me. She sounded both intense and kinda excited. Like, she was looking forward to this case. Possibly working with your’s truly.

Or, maybe it’s the Vic themself. I wonder who it is? Maybe, somepony famous or something.

“Okay. I’m at the gym right now. I just need to hit the showers. I’ll be there in no time.” I told her, hanging up.

“Duty calls, huh?” Bon Bon said, getting up from her seat.

I nodded. “Yeah. I gotta go hit the showers and head out.” I said, getting my towel and placing it on my neck.

I saw Bon Bon head back to the gym room. “Well, good luck Shadow. It was nice talking to you.” She said.

I smiled and nodded as I was about to walk into the male shower room.

“It was nice talking with you too, Bon Bon. Hope we can meet up again sometime and chat some more. See ya later.” I said, entering the shower room. I heard her say it back.

-/-

After my shower, I headed for the Ponyville Train Station to head over to Canterlot. I feel pretty good that me and Bon Bon are friends. She seems like a genuinely good hearted mare, that would give you the saddle off her back for you. Not to mention, if it was ever gonna happen, a possible discount on her awesome treats as well?

Maybe, maybe not? Either way, she’s cool. And the fact that she saved my chest from getting caved in by that weight.

But now, it’s back to the old grind. I wonder what kind of case this’ll be. I have a feeling I’m gonna be working with Ponyville Detective Ruby Glow. She also seems nice, but I wonder what her Detective skills are gonna be like. How many years has she been one anyway?

One thing I just thought of right now was, why didn’t Ruby Glow tell me the Vic’s name if she was already there? Wouldn’t she have told her partner? If that partner is even there.

Overall, no matter what, I am fucking ready to roll.

Author's Note

Yep, back to another case. I hope all of you have been enjoying my series so far. Even if I was frustrated with The Hate Case, I’m glad I got it finished for all of you.

And, just to let all of you know, there will be something I do in this episode that probably will or will not PISS you off. Know that I have no problem with this certain type of fandom for this certain character, but this is my own version of a certain character, and I feel it’ll be right for MY story.

Anyway, I hope you like this chapter. If you do, make sure to like, favorite, follow and comment for future updates. Thank you all and goodnight everybody.