The Mayor Of Canterlot

"Thanks again for everything Tree Hugger, seriously." Mark smiles brightly as he watches how some workers load various wooden boxes filled with Gaia's milk bottles inside the train before turning to the mayor and Fluttershy who were virtually glowing. "This shipment will certainly help the release corpse during the heat week."

"No thanks needed, I’m always happy to help a fellow mayor in need, please take care." She goes and give him a hug as to whisper something in his ear, "And if you ever need help again, my door is always open."

Chuckling a little he nods and hug her back understanding what she meant by 'door', "Oh trust me, I will keep it in mind."

He breaks the hug and turns to Fluttershy, "And don't worry Fluttershy, your secret is safe with me."

"Thanks, is not that I'm embarrassed or anything, it's just... I'm not ready for everypony to know much of that side of me...yet." She confesses with a blush and looks away.

A whistle in the distance lets them know the train is about to leave. "Well, that is my cue, I hope I could stay longer, but duty calls. Say hi to Moondancer for me, okay?"

"Will do, real shame she couldn't join us, but it looks like she had a busy day as well." Both mares wave at him goodbye as Mark rushes to board the train and sighs in content once he finds his seat and on his way back to Canterlot.

Boy! Was Drusy right for me needing to do this. I feel way better now. Speaking of... Opening his eyes he search his pocket and pull out his scroll. Better tell her how did it go, so she can bent all the bad sex puns out of her system.

Rolling his eyes with a chuckle, Mark starts the call yet after the third fail trial he looks at his scroll with worry. Weird, she never misses a single call. Did something happen? Shaking his head he tried to calm down.

Snap out it Mark! You just get rid of your stress for pit sake! Her battery must have died, or is neck deep in paperwork. He convinces himself to close his eyes and takes a small nap during the rest of his trip back home.

Once he arrived to Canterlot Mark was fully prepared to tackle the day with a smile and renown spirit yet instead of Drusilla, one of the princesses or any of his friends who received the mayor were 3 unicorn dress in black trench coats and fedoras with neutral faces who immediately approach him the second they lay eyes on him.

"Mayor Mark?" One of them asked.

"Yeah?"

He shows him the royal iron seal of the royal guards and removes his hat same as his fellow guards, all of which look at the mayor in sorrow, "I'm Detective Sore Eye, private affairs. There are some bad news we need to inform you sir, I'm afraid we need you to come with us."

"What? Why? What is happening?" He asks in worry by their expression as they exchange glances.

"We would explain everything once we are in the castle sir, I promise, but as of right now. It would be better if we don't make a scene."

Looking around to see ponies starting to take glances he decided to comply and follow them back to the royal castle. Where he was guide into an interrogation room for some reason before showing him some pictures he definitely didn't expect.

"Silver Tongue, is dead?!" He asks in astonishment putting down a picture of him laying on his jail cell with a swallow face and blood everywhere.

"And got public almost immediately." Sore Eye nods and put the documents away, "As part of a rumor stating that you kill him."

"That is ridiculous, I just came back from Blossom Sprints. I wasn't even near him at the time. Why am I even a suspect?"

"Because according to Silvers lawyer right before his murder, he made a change to his will." The detective hands over a copy of said will to Mark, "Care to read out loud the 5th paragraph?"

"I Silver Tongue hereby leave the monkey..." He sighs in frustration and rolls his eyes before continuing "...the monkey Mark all my earthly possessions?" He re-read that sentence a couple of times before looking at the detective, "He’s leaving me everything he has?"

"Keep reading please."

Unsure he continues, "...as well as the rights of my biography as long as said income on its sales is used only in the personal benefit of said creature? What?" He raised an eyebrow and looked at the detectives, "What does that mean?"

"It means that you are contractually obligated to enjoy the rips of his works for your personal gain and nothing else. And considering how much a scandal like this is circulating, it almost guarantees said book would be a bestseller."

"Congratulations sir." The other detective replies with a stern gaze, "Seems like you are days away from being a millionaire, in the worst case scenario."

"And because this happened moments before his death." He sighs again, "Now I understand, but you have to believe me I have nothing to do with it. I just found out about all of this, ask my secretary."

"We were gonna do just that during your absence, but unfortunately by the time we reached her home the place was trashed and we apprehend a suspect leaving the premises and on his way to send this to you."

His eyes widen when they show a letter inside a plastic bag that simply says, "We warned you, now you would listen if you want your bitch back. You damn monkey! I swear your existence is simply illogical." all with cut out letters from magazines.

He is left cold by the revelation as Sore Eyes break his stoic gaze and sighs in pity, "I assure you, we are doing everything in our power to rescue her, but as of right now this letter gives us all the clues we need, whoever is after you, is more interested in harming your public image than your persona. Still that doesn't mean your life isn't at risk. All that is happening are clear signs of a vendetta against you and they are escalating."

"What should I do?" Mark asks in a mixture of fear and concern.

"For now, it would be best if the suspect thinks they have the upper hand, so until we finish this case. We would have to put you in pretend house arrest here in the castle. And would release a public statement giving your condolence on the passing of Silver Tongue. "

"That would only make me look even more suspicious if ponies already think I killed him."

"Precisely, your attackers must believe they have complete control over you, it would make them overly confident, and prone to mistakes. They don't know we acquired the letter before it reached you, nor that we are already looking for Ms. Dracul, and for her safety and the case, it would be best if we keep it that way as much as possible.

"I...I understand officers, I would help however I can." He nods once before remembering something, "But what about heat week? It is almost here and I can’t stay in the castle when it starts. You both are stallions, so you must understand, I can't be here, I made a promise...The release corps."

They both sigh and shake their heads "We can't risk it. Out there you would be a target. I'm afraid this year you would have to serve the cause with..." Sore Eyes physically shivers from fear"...the female corps on duty."

He goes stiff and gulp knowing full well the stories on how intense and even violent they can get during such dangerous times. "I'm sorry sir." The detective looked at him in sorrow. "Chances are the criminals would make contact with you pretty soon, so with your permission we would like to tap into your phone."

"S-Sure, anything if it means we can close the case sooner." He nods rapidly.

"Thank you sir, in that case as soon as they contact you, stall as much as possible, keep them in the line for as long as we can and just play along with any demand they want."

"And what about the will? Clearly those changes were made under threat."

"They will continue in effect so as to not raise suspicion. Right now we must make them look like everything is going according to their plan."

"I...I understand." He sighs in defeat and the detective call for a couple of guards.

"Thanks for your cooperation, rest assured, as our majesty's honored guest you would keep your privilege of free transit throughout the castle minus the restricted section and would be escorted by at least two guards at all times. Is there any question left sir?"

"Just one and it is not a question and more of a plea. The Gaia's milk crate I brought. They are meant to be used by the release corps, their properties..."

"Don't worry sir, we are aware of the effects of said drink." Sore Eyes smile and nods, "As a member of the release corps you can trust me, they will be delivered safely."

"Thanks." And with and after enchanting his scroll before handing it over Mark kept his head low as two guards escorted him back to his room where he plumped into his bed and yelled into his pillow.

For pete sake! I just got off the train! Can't I have ONE day without someone plotting against me?!

Once he finishes venting he turns around to look at the ceiling and sighs. Please Drusy, stay safe.

A knock on the door grabbed his attention as he stood up and raised an eyebrow before getting slightly startled when he heard the voice of Celestia on the other side.

"Mark? Are you there?"

"Celestia? Wha...why are you here?" The mayor asks, approaching the door.

"I was informed of what happened to Silver...and Drusilla and I'm sorry, would it be ok if I come in?"

With a tired sigh he open the door and show her a weak smile as she look at the human in concern, "Yeah, with how crazy things are getting it will be nice seeing a friendly face right about now."

Smiling Celestia nods and walks inside. "But are you sure you can spare the time? Last thing I want is taking you away from your royal duties and..."

Celestia interrupts him by raising her hand, "Today is a slow day, and Twilight is helping me with most of it. I have the time." She reassures him before sitting on a couch and invites him to sit next to him.

Doing so he just comply and sit next to her before sighing deeply, "You know it’s kind of funny."

"What is?"

"Before, I would be just nervous and anxious expecting to hear an earful or maybe an event or some emergency happening that required the ruler of Equestria to speak with the mayor of Canterlot."

"Can't a friend visit another to see if they are ok?"

"Oh sure, it just takes some time to get past the crown, but right now. The only thing in my mind is my secretary and how much in danger she is right at the moment."

Celestia remained quiet for a moment and after an awkward silence she put her hand on his shoulder, "Mark, what happened to Ms. Dracul. I can't imagine how afraid and concerned you are with her safety, but I assure, that we will find her."

"Oh, I'm not worried about that, Drusy can be one tough bitch if push come to shove." He laugh to himself, "I half expected her to save herself leaving a trail of bodies behind her and a bloody clipboards on her hands ready to work again." He looks down in exhaustion, "But right now the only thing I can do now is wait and I hate that."

He clench his fist, "Whoever is attacking me, they know how to press my buttons, and now because I lowered my guard my friend is...!" He shake his head, "You know what the worst part is?" Raising his head he finally looked at Celestia, "Even with all this shit, even with my friend's life in danger. I STILL have to remain calm and collective as a mayor. Celestia I...I'm not made of stone. Right now, the only thing in my mind is how much I want to punch something and scream at the four winds."

To his confusion the princess only looked up and brought her index finger to her chin deep in thought until she smiled and stood up extending her hand to him. "Come with me."

"Where are we going?" Mark asked, grabbing her hand as she led them outside his room.

"Somewhere where you can punch and scream as much as you want." She answer cryptically and continue to guide, opening secret passages and using a torch to used as light through a dark corridor until they finally enter a well equipped, light up and clean indoor gym with a mirror wall on it.

"Why does the castle have a secret indoor gym?" Mark asks while looking around with intrigued.

"Mostly for privacy." The princess shrug while walking to the center of the room, "This is where me and Luna come for our daily workout."

That caught him off guard, "This is your personal gym?!"

"What, do you think our slim and healthy figure just happened?" She smirk and pose in front of him.

"N-no I mean everyone imagine, but we never saw you and the idea of either of you even sweating..." She poke his nose with her fingers

"And that is why we keep our routines a secret." She turns around and continue her tour, "A place were we and our closest friends can work out in peace without pesky press, judgement or leering eyes."

She stopped beside a punching bag, "The perfect place to vent some frustration, don't you say?"

"What? You mean...?"

"Sure! Go ahead give it a good punch," She put herself behind the bag "Vent some of that anger."

"Really? Mark slowly makes his way toward her as she nods.

"Trust me, I have been on your horse...ah your shoes before, we are not made of stone. Give it a go, release some of that anger." She starts to shake the bag a bit until Mark gives it a good punch.

"Ah, come on Mark, I know you could do better than that, punch it like you mean it!"

He does the same.

"Je, is that a punch or a love tap? Oh invite me dinner first." She mock talk as he increase the strength

"Oh I almost felt that, is the mayor all talk."

"Enough!" He punch it properly this time as Celestia smile.

"Now we are talking, now tell me how you feel, what would you say to those that took your friend?"

Starting to pant he closed his eyes, "I get it, I wasn't the best mayor." He punched it again, "I screwed things up at first" He repeated the action, "I got tunnel vision and turned my aggression to the upper class." He delivered a kick.

"But I changed," Punch "I saw my errors," Punch, punch "I tried my best to make things fair for everyone!" He keeps punching while speaking, "And you still keep whining! No matter what I try is, Mark the bad guy, Mark the incompetent, Mark the fucking monkey! You self absorbed, snooty, whiny brats, who throw a sissy fit when they take their tea!” He started to punch the bag more frenetically.

"My patients just ran out with you, I'm gonna find you and if you dare touch a hair on my friend I swear, I will personally throw you into a cell on a gurney!" The final punch manages to slide Celestia a couple of inches as he stops and lets his hands limp as he pants.

"Better?" Celestia checks on him once he was done with his assault

"Yeah...Yeah" He answered in between pants, "I still worry, but I feel a bit better after venting. And you say that you too come here and do the same?"

She nods once, "It can be cathartic, isn't it? As long as it is healthy and used in moderation. Luna, Twilight, Cadence and Shining Armor. We all come here from time to time when we have rough days, and from now on, you are welcome too, as long as you keep it between us."

"My lips are sealed. And thanks Celly, this means a lot." He promises with a nod which Celestia replies with her own until she looks at him with confusion and intrigued. Looking at her direction the human notices how a straight line on his shoulder was glowing a deep purple and poking out of his shirt, as a bizarre tattoo. Making him cover it immediately.

Turning her attention to him the princess remains confused. "Sorry, for that," Checking the mark is gone he stops covering his arm and chuckles briefly, "It kind of shows if I'm very agitated."

"What is it?"

"Just a little something from my time traveling Equss. And a tad personal so I appreciate it if we don't talk about it. Don't worry, it's nothing bad if that's what you are thinking."

"It wasn't, but okay, if you don't wish to tell me about it. I will respect your decision. Now would you like me to show the rest of the gym."

"Sure." He nods eagerly and they start the tour, "And well since we are here, I'm curious." His eyes start to trail toward the bench presses on one side of the room.

"I'm not telling you how much I lift," Celestia immediately answered with a wink, "I'd rather show you if our path crossed."

"You beat me by like one inch, okay, in that case could I at least know which princess can lift the most weight?"

"Oh that is easy, that would be me." She casually answered with pride.

"Yep I figured as much."