The Murder at Mane Melody

Chapters

The Mystery Begins
The Questioning
It Continues
What’s Next?
Mystery Solved?
Confronting The baddie
Justice Getting Served

The Mystery Begins

Early one peaceful, cloudy morning, two ponies, Rocky and Pipp entered the empty salon. Mane melody “I wonder what things we’ll be doing today. You got that song ready?” Rocky asked Pipp who nodded in response. As they stepped in the feet a little uneasy. But they shrugged it off.

She had a smile on her face, excited for her new song she had made recently. “Yeah! We’ll be singing it tomorrow, however.”

”Oh, that’s fine,” Rocky smiled. Knowing she just needed to do it at her own pace. “I’m sure it’ll be great!” He looked around to see a shampoo bottle on the floor, he picked it up. Must have been knocked off and forgotten by Pipp and Jazz when they were packing away last night. But strangely there was still a few brushes and combs not put away, along with some scissors still sitting where he did his last customer’s mane from the day before. Along with a few chunks of mane near that chair.

Pipp hummed to herself happily before she noticed that the hoof-stuff was unsorted. “Huh?” She said in response as she looked around. That was odd, Jazz never left her stuff lying around. Confused, she picked them up to put them on the table where they belonged.

It didn’t seem like they were placed there by anyone else, It was mostly the same as she saw it before going home last night.

“That’s strange, Jazz said that she’d clean up before going home...” Pipp told herself as she put them back in their places. “Leaving her stuff unsorted and lying around like this is unlike her!”

Rocky agreed as he gathered his mane shampoo into one place. He looked around, normally Jazz would have already greeted him and Pipp and started to work on hoof designs or something. This was really odd, he didn’t even realise how much he missed her cheerful smile and voice in the mornings.

“Yeah... And she’s a little late today, she said anything to you?” Rocky said as he figured that he was out of a certain shampoo that he used in the salon. Wasn’t a bother at all, he was in a hurry to return home the day before so he must’ve not had time to toss out the empty bottle. He simply had to get more from the storage room.

“No,” Pipp said a bit nervous, “She didn’t say anything...” She had a bad feeling in her gut, she didn’t clean up, it nearly looked the same as last night!. “M-maybe she’ll explain when she gets here! Right!?” She asked. “Totally fine! Maybe just forgot to tell us!”

Rocky tried to shrug off his worries before throwing out some trash into the bin. “Yeah, I’m sure it’s nothing, maybe it was something urgent.” He noted as he walked, “Like when I had to get my cousin’s hoof out from the drain...” He added before opening the door of the storage room. There was an odd smell, like something was dead. “I think a rat or something died in here...” He noted.

Pipp shuddred, “Oh gross!” She exclaimed. Small cheeky, curious critters do often sneak into closed buildings. Death is rare but isn’t impossible. Some times critters can eat something they shouldn’t have, fall, get hurt in any way and not get the help they need in time.

“Don’t worry, I’ll deal with it,” Rocky called out to Pipp.

The storage room was dark as the lights were off. As soon as he entered, he turned them on and glanced around the room. Drawers, cupboards, props and boxes were seen, which was all normal and such. No dead critters yet, hopefully the dead smell was just from some sort of failed product of Pipp, or something gone bad. But one thing was really odd. He raised a brow as he noticed a familiar figure laying up against one of the cupboards. Seemingly asleep.

“Jazz?” Rocky questioned as he saw Jazz laying, partly curled up with her side up against the doors. Her mane’s forelock was blocking the view of her face. “What are you doing here?” He asked, then realised that she must be asleep. Maybe she was really tired and fell asleep while packing up. Didn’t Pipp help her pack up? Why didn’t she wake Jazz up? Doesn’t matter, now it was time to wake Jazz up, hopefully she wouldn’t be too upset. She’d likely be pretty embarrassed, however.

But there was a pit in his stomach as he moved himself forward. Something wasn’t right. “J-Jazz?” He questioned softly, slightly worried. “It’s time to wake up...” He smiled a bit, wondering why she wasn’t snoring. Maybe she doesn’t usually snore? Or maybe he couldn’t hear it! His heart started to beat fast as he gasped.

When he finally made it to her, he stared down at her unmoving body. “C’mon Jazz-“ He put on a slight smile, trying to brush his worries aside. “It’s time to-“ His face immediately turned to horror as soon as he touched her shoulder. It was cold and stiff. That was not normal! “Jazz?” Rocky whispered as his eyes widened. His heart was beating rapidly again as he stared at her. She wasn’t moving, not even breathing. No sign of life. He couldn’t believe it, and he wasn’t going to! She was okay! He knew it! Sweat dripped down from him as he gulped. Surely the stiffness was from... muscle? Maybe it was just really cold! But he felt warm.

“Please don’t be...” He begged in his mind as he shuddered. Hoping for the best.

Concerned, he went in front of her and went to her level, hoping he was just imaging things. His wings were shaking slightlly. Jazz’s head was down, so he couldn’t see her face very well, but he did see stuff coming from her mouth that he assumed was drool. Surely she was just ill. “Jazz? Are you feeling okay?” He asked as he lightly shook her. Making a gasp in shock, her body, it was so cold.

“Please answer... please, Jazz?” His breathing was rapid, tears started to form. He put both hooves on Jazz, hoping to wake her up! “Jazz!? You’re starting to scare me! Get up!” He shook her rapidly, “Get up!” He was shouting now, trying to get some response from her. He needed a response! Just anything to tell him that she was okay...

As he quickly removed his hooves in horror, Jazz’s body fell to the ground in the process, giving him a nasty view of her face. He sat up, mind still processing at what was going on. Nothing felt real, this just couldn’t be real... He froze in horror as his stomach turned. He stared down at her, he tried to not gag, it was true... Very real. Two dead, dull, partly-open eyes were staring at him. She looked scared... This was... Death... In panic, he made a loud gasp as he eyed the pale froth that was coming from her mouth.

Rocky made noises of disgust and disbelief as he stared down at Jazz, but no words came out is mouth. His mouth was wide open in horror, not knowing what to do or say. He stepped back in shock. Finally he found some words. “Th-this isn’t real- this can’t be!!” He shouted as he gagged. “J-Jazz! Wake up!” He cried. “Please!”

He felt hot and sweaty as he backed up, wanting to be away from this... His eyes not leaving the body. His chest was still moving rapidly. “N-no- p-please! J-Jazz!“ He stuttered. He couldn’t believe his eyes. She was... Gone... His eyes started to water. How did this happen? Who did this? He felt like his heart was shattered, his wings were still shaking.

What now? What next? He wondered as he kept staring. Frozen in place, horrified at his sights. He wanted to hug her body and sob, but he stayed away from it. Not knowing what that pale stuff coming from her mouth was. But he was broken. His own co-worker was dead. No more sweet greetings, no more sweet voice, no more... Jazz Hooves...

“Rocky?” Pipp’s voice sounded outside the storage room. She sounded concerned as she approached the storage room. She must have heard his panic and went to investigate. Of course she did, in her point of view, she must of heard him shouting then suddenly go quiet. He glanced towards the entrance, wishing Pipp didn’t have to witness this, no one should have to witness something like this.

“Is everything okay in-“ She managed to say before freezing as she stepped inside. Rocky cringed slightly as Pipp’s head cocked in confusion. “J-Jazz? Why are you?” She whispered. Looking straight at the body. “Why are you... sleeping like that?” Pipp asked in an unsure tone.

“Are you okay, Jazz?” She stared at the body, then back at Rocky, then back to Jazz. Face slowly showing horror as she processed what she was seeing, hearing Rocky’s exclaims, his expression and Jazz laying on the ground like that must only mean one thing.... Soon she started letting out an ear-hurting scream. Rocky was too frozen in shock and fear to block his ears, but he did flinch. He expected a yell, but this was a bit louder than expected.

“JAAAAAZZZ!” Screamed Pipp as she rushed over to the body, tears in her eyes. “Wake up! Wake up!” She was shaking Jazz’s body with a hoof, getting no results. “Please! Get up, you’re alive! I know it!” She was crying, cheeks getting soaked. “Get up!” She shouted. Her voice kept cracking as she looked down at Jazz. “What happened to you!? What’s happening, Jazz!? Speak to me, please!”

After taking some deep breaths, Rocky finally found the courage to go up to her. Gently he sat down and put a wing around her and gently pulled her in. But she waved her hooves, trying to get to Jazz. “Rocky!” She shouted as she waved her hooves around. “Are you seeing this!?” She cried as she started to shake him violently, much to his surprise. “She’s sick! We need to call the hospital!” She shouted. “Before it’s too late!”

”P-pipp-“ His voice shook. “She-“ His voice cracked, “She’s dead!” He exclaimed. “I-I tried to get a reaction from her- she-she would have gotten up by now... I-I didn’t hear a heartbeat... or feel a pulse...”

Pipp stopped shaking him and pounded his chest slightly. ”No-“ She coughed and gagged for air as tears ran down her face. “She- She-“ She looked at Jazz and surveyed her condition. “Not dead. It’s just a... she’s sick!” Pipp exclaimed, “She-she’s just sleeping- she’s sick!” She shouted, tears running down her face as she put her head on Rocky’s chest. He had a tear escape as he hugged her with his wings. “She’s not dead, Rocky! How could you say that!?” Her voice was muffled as she cried, “How could you say that? You-you!” Then Pipp’ s muffled voice was just screaming and crying.

It hurt Rocky to see Pipp like this, he sniffled a bit. The truth hurts, but it’s wasn't like he had a time machine or something. There was no way to bring Jazz back. ”Pipp... I’m sorry but... There’s nothing we can do... except that we need to call the experts over to-to... do their Job...” He sighed before looking down at Pipp who was sobbing into his chest, wetting it with her tears. He didn’t know what to say next. All he did was take out his phone and call the emergency number, allowing Pipp to let it all out.

“Hello?” He asked as a pony appeared on the screen, looking very serious. They were a blue earth pony with a green mane dressed in a doctor uniform. He looked annoyed.

“What’s the problem!?” The doctor shouted.

Rocky explained calmly. “There has been-“

“Oh, it’s at Mane Melody?” He asked. He scoffed and rolled his eyes.

Rocky nodded, trying his best to stay calm. “W-well, yeah! But-“

”Calm down!” The doctor shouted, “I can’t understand you,”

“Wait, what do you mean?” He had asked before the screen went black. “Hello?” He asked, “Hello? You there!? We need the hospital!” He gasped before realising,“They hung up on me!?” He shouted, “What kind of doctor hangs up on an emergency!?” He was angry. Soon he noticed Pipp pushing him away. “Hey, Pipp?” Pipp managed to wrestle herself out from his wings and push him away, nearly pushing him to the ground. “Hey! Hey, don’t go too close, there might be bugs- or... anything really.“ Rocky warned as Pipp sombrely towered over to Jazz, looking down at her.

“Jazz can’t be dead...” Pipp whispered, “Can she?”

Pipp’s phone was now in her hoof as she looked at her friend. “We don’t know how she died,” Rocky added, worried it was contagious. “We shouldn’t really... mess with a-“ He looked down at Jazz, his voice cracked. He couldn’t believe what he was about to say... “A-a dead body...”

”She can’t be... Is she?” Pipp whimpered, “Jazz..” She sighed. She glared at Rocky, she had never seen him cry before. Not like this anyway. Tears were rushing down his face, not as many as Pipp tho. He was trying so hard to be strong. Pipp stared at her friend, Jazz, tears rolling down, “We are going to figure out who did this, and they are going to pay!”

Rocky looked at Pipp and looked down at Jazz. The salon would have to be closed for a while, there was no way they would be able to operate at a time like this. He wondered how Pipp was going to figure it out, but he hoped she did. Assuming it was murder and not... His gut hurt as he thought of the possibilities of what could have happened. He decided to leave Pipp alone for a while.

Soon Pipp looked down at her phone, she was calling someone as seen on the screen. It was Zipp, as soon as she picked up she greeted her sister. “Oh, hey, Pipp- what’s-“ She then gasped, noticing the mess of tears and blood-shot eyes on Pipp. “P-Pipp!? What happened!?” She shouted in shock. Then she exclaimed, “Who did this to you!?”

”Zzzi-ipp!” She cried, “Just- it’s terrible!” She cried out. “You need to come over! You need to find who did this!”

“Who did what? Oh! I’ll be right over!” Zipp exclaimed. Looking extremely worried.

“Bring Hitch!” Pipp sobbed, “You might need back-up!” Zipp looked even more terrified. Her breathing got rapid. This did not look like another situation where Pipp was overreacting.

“B-backup?! Oh Pipp...” Zipp agreed, looking scared. “Stay in a safe place, just stay safe until I get there! I don’t want you getting hurt! I’ll be there with Hitch as fast as I can!” Soon Pipp hung up before letting out loud sobs.

“Oh Jazz! Why!? Why now!?”

Rocky sighed, wiping his tears. He had wrote something down on some paper and taped it on the outside of the door, where everyone could read it. ‘Due to an emergency, Mane Melody will be closed today, sorry for any inconvenience,’ it said.

His stomach hurt, who knew Jazz’s life ended like this? He looked at Jazz’s stuff sadly. She was gone so sudden, she didn’t deserve this... The day started so well.

Minutes went by, Rocky was sitting on stage, his wings around Pipp who was crying into his chest. Poor thing was shaking and crying, trying to speak, but couldn’t. “I-“ Pipp squeaked, “I played her favourite song, but she didn’t wake up!”She gasped for air, “Why didn’t she wake up!? You can’t have been right! She’s not gone!”

Rocky sighed, “Pipp...” He felt horrible! She was clearly in denial.

“R-rocky...” Sniffled Pipp, “Is Jazz gonna be okay? She can’t actually be dead, can she? You were wrong, right!?” She hoped for a different answer from him than before. An answer to say Jazz was alive! “Tell me you were wrong!” She begged, “Please! Jazz can’t be dead, Rocky! It’s not the truth!”

Rocky felt horrible as he stared down at her. It wasn’t fair, Jazz was such a nice pony. She was so happy. What could have been the reason for her demise? “I- I’m sorry, Pipp...” Rocky apologised, this would be a time he would be happy to find out we was wrong... “I wish I was wrong too...”

“You should be!” Pipp cried, “She can’t be dead!” She shouted, “She can’t!”

Soon the doors opened. Two frantic ponies looked around. Concerned looks on their faces. Zipp looked like she was ready to fight, Hitch had hoof cuffs ready as he glared around.

“We got your call! What’s going on!?” Hitch shouted.

“Pipp! What happened!?” Zipp shouted, breathing heavily, “Are you hurt!?” She relaxed a bit when she didn’t see any injuries and that there was not any sign of a fight. Also, Rocky seemed to be comforting Pipp. But that didn’t stop her from feeling concerned and a bit scared.

Pipp sobbed, “Z-Zipp...” She sniffled, lifting her head from Rocky’s chest “I- Ja-“ she then put it back down, sobbing loudly.

Rocky petted Pipp before speaking, “There’s been a case... in the storage room...” He said sadly.

“I-I got it!” Zipp felt nervous, something was telling her that this was more serious than she thought. Clearly not a sign of theft or property damage. Even tho last time that happened, Pipp was in a really bad mood, not as bad as this but still... Maybe the issue was worse than it looked.

“W-we’ll have a look,” Hitch also felt the same as Zipp. He hoped that it wasn’t going to be as bad as he thought. Hopefully there was nothing to be afraid about.

The two shared worried glances as they headed there. Wondering what had happened, hopefully no one was hurt. They both felt something was foreboding.

They slowly opened the door, gasping loudly in shock. Hitch’s jaw dropped as Zipp rushed ahead as she saw the problem. A murder scene... It seemed... The pony lying there, on the ground, not moving was Jazz! No wonder why Pipp was such a mess. Hitch tried to speak but only made noises.

“No!” Zipp gasped as she stood near Jazz, watching for any sign of life. Hoping she wasn’t what she thought, Maybe Jazz was just sick?

“J-Jazz!” Hitch exclaimed, finally finding the words as he saw her. “Is she okay!?” He asked as Zipp walked around the body, investigating it in each angle. Even putting her hoof on Jazz’s chest, hoping for a heart beat. She waited, hoping for any sign of life. But her ears drooped, nothing. She stared somberly at Jazz, gently moving her hoof across her chest. It was true, Jazz was indeed gone.

As she investigated, she had signs of disgust and concern. But she had her ears pinned back as if she was annoyed. Her drone was hovering over the body, taking scans. There was no life, Jazz, the hooficurist of Mane Melody, and the most well known one in Equestria... was gone...

“Zipp?” Asked Hitch as he watched, “What are you doing?” Deep inside, he dearly hoped that Jazz was going to be okay. Zipp put on her visor as she looked at the body.

“This is clearly a serious situation...” She said, slightly annoyed. “Hitch, just call the hospital. I need to solve this mystery!” His voice sounded bitter as Zipp gently closed the open eyes on the body. It crept her out. She liked solving mysteries, but she never thought she’d have to deal with a murder! That was just messed up!

This made Hitch gasp. She can’t be dead, can she? As he took out his phone, he gulped, he had so much fear. This was a dead body. A dead body of some pony he got along with well. This was something he thought he’d never witness again or wanted to ever witness again, after Argyle’s death. That was traumatic enough! Sunny was broken for ages after that!

Zipp took out a few test tubes and a few swabs. Gently and slowly, she scooped some of the mouth foam and put it into a tube. Next, she looked out for any hair that would help to determine who did it. But from what she could see, this was a case of poisoning. There were no wounds on the body, and according to the scans from her visor, there were no broken bones.

Soon enough she discovered a feather. Well, it was small, fluffy and a very light pink. To avoid ruining it, she used some tweezers to put it in a small plastic bag.

Zipp felt disgusting, this was so gross! But she had to deal with it. This was the closest she had even been to the body of a dead pony. It was worse than she had ever imagined. The smell, the stiffness, and the fact that she was one of her sister’s closest friends! Her gut ached as she looked at Jazz, even through she never had interest in salon treatments, it still hurt to know Jazz was gone. Zipp started to think about all the times Pipp would talk about Jazz when they accomplished something. Like a new product, or just hanging out.

But she had to deal with it! Justice was going to be served! After everything, she’s done with and for Pipp. Even she had some moments with her herself! There was no way the culprit was getting away with this! After gathering all the information she needed, Zipp looked down at the body. She let out a sigh, “Don’t worry, Jazz, I will find out who did this to you...”

Zipp scanned the room for anything suspicious. Then she saw something, there was a glass of a spilled drink on the ground. It was a semi-transparent purple colour with black chunks floating around. Strange, might this be how she was poisoned? She carefully put some of the drink in a small plastic container. Sealed it tight so nothing leaked, though. All the research was going to happen back at the Brighthouse.

Hitch put his phone away as he was done with it. “I can’t believe somepony would do this!” He exclaimed. Zipp put a wing around him as they quietly walked out the room. Pipp sniffled as she looked at them, Zipp walked over sombrely.

“I’m going to find the culprit... I promise...” Zipp said softly as she put a wing around her.

Soon enough, two sombre looking stallions walked into the salon. A stretcher was with them as they walked into the room. Pipp’s stomach hurt as she watched this. Jazz was really gone? Zipp decided to comfort her sister as this happened, this was not a time to leave her. But she was going to ask questions and take down some notes soon.

Rocky stared with regret, wishing there was a way to stop this. As he blinked, he had a vision of seeing the dead body. A close friend, it hurt so bad! He wanted someone to tell him this was a bad dream. He wanted to wake up from this nightmare.

Then Izzy raced in, “Hey Pipp!” She greeted, seemingly oblivious to the gloom. She looked around happily, “Is Mane Melody opened today?”

“Did you not read the sign I left on the door?” Rocky asked, a little annoyed. “We are closed because an emergency!”

“Oh... that sign? Sorry Rocky!” She looked around with her eyes, before noticing, “Uhm... why is everything so... sad? Everyone’s sparkles are so dim, is everything okay?”

Pipp sniffled, “Jazz...”

“Jazz?” Izzy gulped, nervous, feeling like something was wrong here. “What about her? Is everything okay? Did you have a fight?” She looked sad now, regretting her cheerful entrance. “I was going to get pretty hooves... And share a few design ideas I had with Jazz! I know she’s gonna love them...”

“I’m sure she would...” Pipp put on a smile before sighing. “...Have...” She looked down sadly.

“Would have?” Izzy asked.

Zipp sighed, “No... we have found... a body...” She said, hoping Izzy would understand.

“A body?” Izzy asked. She knew what she meant by a body. Happened a lot back in Bridlewood. But what has a body got to have anything to do with Jazz? She wondered. Why was everyone so sad?

No one answered Izzy’s question as they looked around glum. Soon enough, two stallions walked out of the storage room. A stretcher was with them and something was on it, covered in a white sheet. They moved slowly and glumly, gasping in shock as Izzy hurried over.

“Will the pony be okay?” She asked, hoping this was what she was thinking. This was a bit different to how the deceased was handled back in Bridlewood. In Bridlewood it was a wooden stretcher that had to be carried rather than pushed on wheels. Someone did die, clearly. But what has this got to do with Jazz?

Izzy fought the urge to lift the material to have a peek at the post. That would be extremely rude, and great disrespect.

“unfortunately, no, there’s no sign of life in her...” One of the stallions informed.

She looked down at the sheet, “Oh...” Her ears were all droopy as she hoped the pony had a good life at least. Izzy wondered who it was, but she had a gut feeling she knew the mare under it. “Can I ask who it is?” She said quietly.

“Sorry, but that information needs to be private. For now,” The stallion apologised as he pushed the stretcher through the door. “Have a good day...”

But the victim’s tail was poking out from underneath the sheet, giving Izzy a very good idea of whose it was. It was wavy, hot-pink tail, dyed purple at the end. It was very clear who it was. Izzy gasped as she put her hooves on her mouth, tearing up as the doors closed.

“J-Jazz?” Izzy questioned quietly. Voice cracking as she looked at the others. Surely there’s a pony with a similar tail to her, right? Sitting down, Izzy looked at the others, “Jazz is... gone?“ Her voice shook, “Why did somepony have to die? Why was it her?” She asked them, her gut hurt, now understanding what everyone meant. “Why would somepony want to hurt another pony like Jazz?”

“I don’t know...” Zipp sighed as she walked over. “But I’ll figure out who did this. Jazz’s case won’t go unsolved!” She then gasped as Izzy hugged her tight.

“She was a friend! She didn’t deserve this” She cried. Back at Bridlewood, she could only recall one or two cases of murder. That was when she was much younger. “I had things planned together! I-I wanted to show her my-“ She sniffled

“I know...” Zipp sighed as she petted her with a wing.

As Zipp took out a notebook, she sighed. Deciding to wait a bit before asking the questions. This was clearly not the time, as she needed to ask a few sensitive ones.

The Questioning

Zipp allowed about ten minutes to pass before the questioning. It would be better if everyone had calmed down a bit more... Everyone had agreed to not let anyone in or out of the salon until the interrogating was done. But she needed a room to do it in. Best to do one at a time. So no one interrupted or spoke over anyone else.

There was a room to use instead the storage room. It was next to the back of the stage, where ponies got ready to be onstage, she assumed. But right now this was going to be the interrogating room. After setting up a desk in the room with a chair on either side of it, she called up her first suspect.

First up was Rocky. He gulped nervously as he entered, he felt a bit nervous about the whole thing. The room was dark as he nervously sat on the other side of the desk. Zipp’s drone was creating a light above them both. Making it seem more ominous.

“Rocky Riff...” Zipp said bluntly, “I call you in to interrogate you about the murder of Jazz Hooves... so I want you to answer each question honestly. Every bit of detail with no lies.” Zipp pointed at him as she held a pencil. A notebook was open in front of her as she wore a serious face.

“Got it,” Rocky nodded, a bit nervous. He ruffled his wings slightly as he prepares for the question.

“What were you doing in the afternoon and on the night of Jazz’s demise?” Zipp asked as she glared at him.

“W-welll...” Rocky nervously responded, “I was snacking on some berries while I was waiting for a customer. They were berries only we pegasi can digest, I’m sure you know what ones they are. Anyway, It was a slow day and my cousin brought me some those berries from Zephyr Heights when she came to visit, they are only available there and I like them. I placed the berries into the room where we prepare snacks and drinks, knowing that Pipp wouldn’t give them to a non-pegasus. Anyway... Well... I had a hoof-full that I snacked on that afternoon. But while I was in that room, putting the remaining berries in my hoof back in the jar, the lights shut off for a moment.” He paused for a break, watching Zipp write things down.

“Anything else? What happened after the lights were shut off?” She asked, ignoring the feeling that she was missing an important question.

Rocky nodded before answering, “Well... they came back on quickly. But I did get a text. From my cousin... Rain Cloud... So I had to leave a bit early,” He then gained a very confused expression, “Apparently she locked herself in my bathroom? Not sure how she managed that... but the doorknob was really stuck tight! Took a few hours to get it open, oh, and apparently she managed to get her hoof stuck in the bath drain...” He shrugged, “That was one of the weirdest ways I’ve seen a pony get stuck... like really stuck! It was almost like she superglued her hoof there!”

“Weird...” Zipp agreed with him as she wrote stuff down.

“So, who was in the salon before you left?”

Rocky took a moment to think, “Posey... Pipp, Jazz and Dr. G...” He muttered before recalling something. That Dr was the same one who hung up on him. Did something happen at Mane Melody? Because he seemed pretty upset about it earlier.

“Mmhmmm...” Zipp noted, “Thank you for your time, Rocky, but I may call you back... just tell Pipp to come here okay?”

Rocky sighed as he nodded, “Alright...”

Pipp was sitting on the other side of the desk. She wasn’t crying anymore, but she had blood-shot eyes as she stared at Zipp. She sighed softly as she looked at her, “Princess Pipp Petals...” She said softly, “I’ll need you to answer these questions honestly,”

Pipp nodded, “Anything to get that murderer what they deserve...”

It hurt her to see Pipp like this. All glum, lacking her energy and enthusiasm. “Pipp... in the afternoon and night of Jazz’s demise... what were you doing?” She was going to be patient with her. Because this must be so hard for her.

“I...” Pipp sighed. “I was styling Dr. G’s mane... he wanted silver glitter in his mane, so I went to get some from the storage room. The lights shut off. Of course, I waited for the lights to come back on! Well anyway... I grabbed the glitter and returned to him to see he was out of his seat! Turns out he changed his mind on the glitter as he was called back to work-“ Pipp looked down. Sniffling a bit as Zipp wrote the information.

“A-anything else you want to share?” She asked, wanting some more information.

“Well...” Pipp sniffled, “Jazz was still painting Posey’s hooves when I was done styling that guy’s mane...” She muttered a bit, her stomach hurt as she thought of her. Never did she think that would have been the last time she saw her... if only she could have done something. Maybe it would have saved her life.

Zip nodded slightly, wanting answers but not wanting to push her sister at such a time. “It’s okay Pipp, take your time...”

“Shortly after Rocky left, Dahlia entered to get her hooves painted. Meanwhile, I was in the other room preparing the drink... I showed her the recipe. and she was excited to try it...” She then looked around, “Of course I waited till the customers were all gone, and we closed up. I prepared the drinks. Well... she seemed... interested?”

Pipp took a pause as she pictured her last moments with her. She seemed happy... something she’d never see again. “That was the last time I saw her... she took a few sips as I drank mine happily... since you had texted me that dinner was getting cold, and it was my turn to do the dishes, I decided it was time to head home...” Pipp glanced at Zipp who had a moment of guilt. “She agreed to clean up before she left, so... that’s it...”

“Pipp...” Zipp finished writing. “That’s a lot of information... thank you...” She felt bad for Pipp. Something cheerful and happy. Not knowing she was going to have a fright the next morning and never seeing her friend again. “But I have two more questions...”

“Hm?”

“What did you put in the drink?” She questioned, “Anything she was allergic to?”

“No...” Sighed Pipp, “I would never put her allergies anywhere near her...” She looked down, “It was blackberry, blueberry, raspberry, sugar and some alcohol blended up... along with a bit of lime juice” She put on a slight smile, “We both thought it smelt a bit weird, but no one got hurt from it...”

Zipp nodded, “Thank you... but I’ll need to talk to Dahlia and Posey later... and I suggest you have the day off... same with Rocky...”

Pipp nodded.

After finding and questioning Dahlia and Posey, Zipp made her way to the Brighthouse. Posey and Dahlia didn’t have much to say, as they didn’t spend such time at the salon. But she felt she had enough information to work with. Hopefully, the hospital would allow her to investigate the body again if she needed.

Also, she wasn’t able to question Dr. G. That was because he was busy with stuff. Meaning she needed to remember to see him later. But it can’t have been him who killed Jazz. He’s a friend to so many ponies, including foals!

She slowly made her way to the bedroom, she was going to do her research at her desk. After opening the door, she saw Pipp huddled up on her bed, watching videos and looking at images of her and Jazz. Zipp didn’t want to disturb her, so she went to her desk and put everything down, ready to work on the mystery further.

She looked at her notes, “Pipp, can you send me the camera footage from your salon? Just from yesterday afternoon and night...”

“Sure...” Pipp softly responded.

Hours went past. She was still on the case. Of course she wasn’t going to spend all day on it, however. She, of course, had other plans. Like taking Cloudpuff to his vet visit late in the afternoon. Also, it was a bit of a flight between Maretine Bay and Zephyr Heights. Earlier she did help Sunny with the smoothie deliveries like she promised the other day.

But now it was to settle down and get this mystery solved! Doesn’t matter how long it will take!

She worked on it for a while...

she was able to identify the toxic levels in the mouth foam. It was surprisingly low, and she couldn’t figure where it came from.

Unfortunatley, since she needed to get Cloudpuff to his vet visit on time. She had to start flying, on her way to Zephyr Heights right about now. After an annoyed groan, she left the town, flying quickly. Ready to take Cloudpuff to his vet visit.

It Continues

Hours later...

Zipp had returned to Maretine Bay a lot later than she expected.

The wait at the vet was ages! Not to mention, she needed to chase and track him though the city for over an hour! For a dog with a broken leg, he can move fast! Sucks how Queen Haven had to do important royal business right on the day and time Cloudpuff needed to get his injured leg checked. It was healing, however. So there was a bit of positivity in a dark time like this.

But when she arrived back in Maretine Bay, every pony was getting ready for dinner. She entered the Brighthouse slowly. Sunny was looking very glum, everyone was. But Sunny was basically the opposite of her normal self. Perhaps she had heard about what happened. Nah, it was obvious she knew what happened. No doubt she heard it from somepony or watched the news.

“Oh... hey Zipp...” Sunny greeted as Zipp walked to the table and sat in front of her plate, it was filled its food. Her tone was quieter as she slowly at her vegetables.

“Hey Sunny... I see you found out what happened to Jazz...“ Zipp said quietly, Sunny slowly nodded in response. She partly blamed herself.

Pipp was slowly eating hers. Sniffling as she did so. Poor thing, “Why did this have to happen?” She asked. “I had stuff planned for us, and she’s gone...”

“Hey... Where’s Izzy?” Zipp noticed the lack of unicorn in the room.

“Oh... she said she wanted some fresh air and went outside...” Sunny explained as she looked down at her plate. “I can’t believe I let this happen...”

“Hmm?” Zipp’s ears perked up, “You know something about the murder?”

“Not exactly...” Sighed Sunny as she swallowed some food, “I’m supposed to be helping everypony live in harmony! But... somepony ended up d-dead... could I have said or done something different that could have ended... better?” Tears formed in her eyes as she looked down.

“Sunny...” Zipp sighed, “It’s not your fault... You changed many ponies minds... but some ponies aren’t going to listen...” She looked at her highly concerned, “Besides... I’m gonna get to the bottom of it, okay?”

Sunny nodded slightly. No more words were spoken during dinner...

Izzy didn’t eat her dinner that night, claiming she didn’t have the appetite. Sunny was less perky than normal too, eating her dinner more slowly. Pipp was kinda isolated from everyone else on the table, hoping that Jazz was not dead at all. But deep down, she knew she was gone. But she didn’t want to believe it. She didn’t want to accept it...

Now it was late, everypony except for her, were getting ready for bed. Sunny was sniffling in bed while Izzy was tossing and turning. But Zipp wasn’t going to sleep. It wasn’t the time for sleep. She needed to get there.

She already scanned the drink and mouth foam before leaving for Zephyr Heights. Both oddly contained very little toxins, only enough to make a pony sick if enough is consumed. They’d get sick and stop consuming way before any ill effects. So they’d have to do it on purpose.

So somepony must have poisoned Jazz in a different way... Good thing she had the footage on her computer monitor. Pipp agreed to send the footage to her earlier, when she spoke to her.

However, it had seemed she had forgotten to send her some footage from one of the cameras, but now wasn’t the time. She was sleeping peacefully after crying herself to sleep, and Zipp didn’t want to wake her up. So she had to ask for the missing footage in the morning. Hopefully it wasn’t as important, and she could find the mystery out without it.

She turned it on, to the time just before the lights were apparently turned off. Carefully, she watched the footage to not miss anything. Just as Rocky and Pipp said, the lights did flash off. Also, Dr G did leave his seat when Pipp went to get something. He went into a corner not viewed by the camera. Seemingly, wondering what happened.

The camera could still view the dark room, however. Zipp has no worry at all! Until suddenly it all went black, causing Zipp to gasp in shock. She rewinded it, and played in slow. Wondering what on earth happened.

On a closer inspection, she noticed that some cloth was quickly placed on the camera. No sign on who it was. She didn’t even see the hoof. But she kept watching, the cloth was removed by someone unknown. But she kept paying attention.

When Rocky came out of the room after putting the berries he had away, Jazz turned the power back on. Also, he did leave early, like noted. Dahlia entered a few minutes after he had left.

It all went just as her suspects said.

But she kept watching to the point of the drinks. At this point, Mane Melody was closed for the night, Zipp watched carefully. Pipp walked out of the room with a tray. On it were two glasses filled of the same drink. Jazz smiled as she grabbed hers, she took a sniff and made a weird face.

There was no sound, but judging by the shaking of heads and the movements of mouths, Jazz asked Pipp a questioned. Once it was seemingly answered, she started to sip it. Of course, as she proceeded to drink it, Pipp was making a happy smile on her face.

Then they seemed to have a bit of a chat, Jazz nodded as Pipp finished her drink. She then started to pile some stuff on a cart as Pipp helped before seemingly glancing at her phone. At the time, Zipp sent her a message. They seemed to chat before coming to an agreement.

Jazz waves as Pipp left the salon. She drank her drink through a straw as she pushed the cart into the storage room. This must be when she met her demise. With a shudder and a gulp, Zipp changed to the storage room camera’s footage. She watched sombrely as she went into the storage room.

As she entered, she seemed to stop. She stumbled a bit, seeming a bit dizzy, she also looked tired. Zipp didn’t want to watch this, but she had to do it. Her gut hurt as Jazz stumbled around, poor thing looked ill and confused. Then after a while she coughed after stumbling into a wall. As she coughed, bits of froth were coming from her mouth.

When she noticed them, she gasped as stood in one place. Legs where shaking as if they were going to give way. It hurt to watch and she looked so scared as she grabbed her phone. Only to drop it as she stumbled sideways into the cupboards.

She slumped to the ground, trying to get up. But her legs had stopped working, it seemed, like they were paralysed, and shaking uncontrollably. Jazz started to cough and choke up more froth and foam. Shaking, she curled up against the cupboard, hooves on her stomach.

She was shaking in fear, looking towards the door, seemingly trying to call for help as she shouted. This went on for a few minutes...

But no one was around to help her, tears were rolling down her cheeks as she coughed up more froth and put her head down. Until her last moment... her hind leg twitched, and then she never moved again...

Zipp turned the footage off, sniffling. It was horrible. It was worse than she thought, she didn’t see it coming, she tried to call for help! But it was all too late and quick for her! Also, there was no sign of anything else poisoning Jazz!

Then she was hit with regret.

If she hadn’t texted Pipp that her dinner was getting cold, and reminding her of her chores... Then she could have been there to see Jazz was suffering and call for help.

Jazz would still be alive! Zipp looked at her trembling hooves, “Wh-what have I done?” She sobbed, “I’m sorry...” She put her head down, regretting her actions.

She knew Pipp hated cold dinner... but as a result of warning her, she killed her friend. This was mostly her fault... she blamed herself as her gut hurt! She killed her sister’s friend! What did this mean!? Her gut hurt as she thought about it. Why didn’t she know!?

But wait... it wasn’t intentional... someone was still behind the murder, and they did intentionally kill Jazz. Feeling bad was for later. Pipp would have to give her the footage from the forgotten camera tomorrow... but her diary was on the table near her bed. Maybe there were some hints in that.

Of course, she needed to be stealthy. Pipp hated it when someone else touched her diary without permission.

Quietly, she sneaked over to Pipp’s bed. Careful to not wake her up, of course, she quickly snagged the book and grabbed her phone. Pipp muttered and snored, Zipp gasped, she needed to hurry. She did have a plan, however. All she needed was to take a picture of the pages that took place on the day!

She was quick to take a photo of the pages she needed. Facing away from Pipp with wings spread, so the phone’s flash didn’t wake her. Hurriedly, she put the diary back in its spot and hurried to her bed. Hoping that the entries would provide some answers to the mystery. Deep down she felt that maybe Pipp was behind it, she did give Jazz the drink...

Also, that pink fluffy feather she found on Jazz was hers according to the scans. At first, she assumed the feather was a result of Pipp moving around in panic when she and Rocky found Jazz, but... There could easily be more to it.

What’s Next?

Zipp got onto her bed and looked at the picture she took of the diary entry. The other ponies were asleep, but she had to get to the bottom of this mystery. It’s been too long! She was tired but determined to find the murderer! Pipp was her prime suspect, but deep inside she wished that she was wrong. Maybe she was wrong, why would Pipp murder Jazz? Maybe she watched the wrong footage. Maybe she was missing something in the footage or didn’t watch the correct parts. Possibilities were endless.

But she was about to figure them out. She could just feel it. Her heart thumped as she began to read the words on the screen quietly. She didn’t read out loud, but she didn’t want to wake anyone up.

‘Dear Diary... 17/10/20XX...’ Was written on top, but Zipp kept reading through the page.

’7 AM... I finished the song! I can’t wait to show it to my pipsqueaks!’

“Hmm...” Zipp thought, skipping down a bit to the time the footage was marked. Or at least just starting to read the entry a bit before the time.

‘8.30 PM... I shared a drink with Jazz! Rocky didn’t stay due to family business, which was a shame, but I’d surely leave some for him. I made the drink all by myself! Just a bit of Blackberry juice, strawberry juice, raspberry juice, sugar, lime juice and alcohol! Jazz said briefly that it smelt strange as she pulled a face. but then Jazz said it might be good!’ Zipp scowled a little as she read on, ‘I poured her a glass as she drunk it happily. A bit slow, judging by her face it was very bitter, guess it needed more sugar? Well, after drinking mine I left, Jazz said she was going to clean up a bit before leaving.”

That was it. There was nothing more, but... Zipp couldn’t believe her eyes. Her own sister murdered somepony. She murdered a pony! Many emotions rushed though her as she looked around. Her heart beat rapidly as she felt anger and grief! A tear ran down her face, begging that was were wrong about this and made a mistake somewhere! But all evidence pointed at Pipp!

She must have put poison in Jazz’s drink, but not her own! How dare she! Obviously using a normal poison that could be identified by her tools would have been too easy... So Pipp must have used a different type of poison... or poisoned Jazz earlier! She must have used poison in a snack. Or something else she gave to Jazz earlier that kills the victim after a few hours. To make it look like it was the drink! It makes sense!

Or she could have used something Jazz was allergic to! Or somehow found something toxic that her scans didn’t pick up on.

Her gut hurt. It made sense, but this was her sister... the feather... the diary entry...

Zipp held in her tears as she stared at Pipp’s sleeping body. Pipp looked innocent, but deep down she was a guilty monster! Angrily, she marched over to Pipp’s bed. But she wasn’t even asleep! Pipp was silently sobbing as she looked at her phone. Looking at old photos of Jazz... it wasn’t a surprise, however. She violently pulled the blanket off her, causing her to yelp. But Zipp glared at her as Pipp stared at her in shock. “Zipp?”

Zipp’s ear flickered as she wore a stern expression. “Come with me, now!” She had bags under her eyes, her body begged for a rest, but she ignored it.

Pipp found herself in Mane Melody. It was still dark, Rocky was there too. He didn’t really know why Zipp called him in. Zipp grumbled as she pulled Pipp into the room, drinks and stuff were made in. She stared at Pipp. “What did you put in that drink?!” She shouted. Ignoring the tears in Pipp’s eyes.

“I-“ Pipp trembled, “I told you,”

“But something in it clearly killed Jazz!” She exclaimed, “You put poison in Jazz’s drink, or something she had earlier, didn’t you!?”

Pipp shouted, offended, “Why would I ever do that!?” She was shaking as Zipp cornered her to the wall.

“I dunno, but you’ve been caught! I found your diary entry and the feather that fell on her!” Zipp shouted. Breathing heavily.

Pipp gulped, “B-b-“ She was crying and shaking, but Zipp kept growling* as she walked. “I can’t control when and where my feathers drop! Zipp!” She cried, “Why on earth would I-?”

“No buts!” Zipp cornered her closer to the wall and flared her wings. “You aren’t my sister anymore, you’re a-“ Her voice spat as she shouted bitter, “You’re a murderer!” She shouted as Pipp was curled up, crying and shaking. Zipp was so close to Pipp that she was basically breathing on her!

“Z-Zipp-“ Pipp whimpered.

“No Pipp! You’ve fooled me with your acting, but I have finally-“ She then gasped as Rocky quickly put his wings between the two sisters. Then proceeded to gently space them apart, making a gap big enough for him to stand in. Zipp started at him confused with blood-shot eyes.

“Maybe we should hear Pipp’s side of the story?” Rocky asked Zipp. He looked at Pipp who was a mess of tears and heavy breathing.

“It wasn’t me!” Pipp screamed, “I didn’t kill her!” She shouted.

Rocky added before Zipp could say anything, “Why would Pipp want to kill Jazz anyway?” Rocky asked as he stood in front of Pipp, wings out as if to protect her. Ignoring the fact that he was basically scolding royalty. “She said many times she saw Jazz as a sister, you were there for some of them. Now, why on earth would she want to kill her?” Rocky defended softly.

Zipp blinked as she stared at Pipp, shaking, and crying. “H-he’s right-“ She sniffled. She stared at Zipp, looking betrayed, “Wh-why would I kill any pony?” She asked, voice sore, “I didn’t do it...”

Zipp felt as if she was crushed by an anvil made of guilt. She cringed slightly. She was so into finding the murderer that she jumped to conclusions. “Pipp...” She said softly, wanting to get closer. Rocky lowered his wing, glaring at Pipp slightly. He fought the urge to shout at her for accusing her own sister like that.

“Pipp...” Zipp whispered, “I’m so sorry... I’m sorry for accusing you like that...”

“You should...” Rocky muttered, “Yelling at Pipp like that...” He scolded softly, not caring that Zipp was the heir of the pegasus throne. Queen Haven would likely do the same thing, anyway. “You should be really ashamed of yourself!” Rocky exclaimed, “I know this is stressful for all of us, but there’s no excuse! There’s literally no excuse for you to shout and accuse your devastated-“

Zipp had enough of his rambling. She had a smug face as she put a wing on his muzzle. “Rocky... I wasn’t finished...” Zipp informed with a slight smirk.

Rocky felt embarrassed as he stared at her, “Oh you weren’t? Apologies for that...” He looked away slightly.

“Don’t worry about it,” Zipp shrugged as she put a wing around Pipp, “I deserved that, anyway.” She looked at Pipp apologetic and softly, “Pipp... I know it wasn’t you... I’m so sorry for jumping to conclusions like that...” She sighed as her gut hurt a bit, “Pipp, perhaps there was something in an ingredient you used that you weren’t aware of. Are you able to show me the ingredients?”

“S-sure,” Pipp shivered a little as she got up and walked towards the shelves and benches.

Rocky started to think, he raised a brow. “If it was something in the ingredient... shouldn’t the same thing that happened to Jazz also have happened to Pipp?” He asked, not understanding.

“I still think I should have a look at them, just in case,” She felt she was going the right way.

Pipp spoke as she grabbed some stuff from the shelves and put them on the table. Half of a lime, a lime juicer, sugar, alcohol, carton of strawberries & raspberries and a jar of blackberries. “This is everything I used in that drink.” She looks at Zipp, tears still in her eyes.

Zipp went closer, investigating each container. Sniffing them and scanning them with her visor that she had grabbed on her way brim the Brighthouse. Everything was normal, nothing was off... except for the jar of blackberries, apparently there was a tiny bit of toxin in there. The same kind of toxin that was in the mouth foam.

“Hmm...” Zipp thought as she grabbed the jar of berries that Pipp claimed to have used. Very much were blackberries, except for a few at the top of the jar. They looked like blackberries, but they weren’t. These were close to the same colour, but they had red at the ends. Also, leaves poked through the sections like blades and the stem was red. The berries at the top of the jar were pegaberries. Zipp’s eyes widened in shock, “P-Pipp... those aren’t blackberries... well... most of them are but...”

”What?” Pipp had another look. Just realising that the few at the top were indeed not blackberries. The jar was labelled as blackberries, and there were a few underneath, but whoever picked the berries must have been inexperienced. Likely assumed pegaberries were unripe blackberries. But it can’t have been a big deal, they aren’t poisonous or anything, they are actually good for the wings. They make the feathers stronger. “Oh... no big deal, must have been something else that killed her?”

Zipp stared in horror. “Pipp...” surely she knew, but it seemed she didn’t get the info.

”Why do you look so horrified?” Pipp asked, now nervous as her gut ached.

”Pegaberries are toxic to earth ponies...” Zipp said quietly. They usually just Gabe the earth pony diarrhoea and a bad stomach ache when too many are consumed. But there are allergic reactions to them. Those are more violent and fatal. A few months back, after two close calls. All earth ponies and unicorns were expected to get tested on, to see if they were allergic to them or not.

Pipp’s heart dropped as she stared at her sister in disbelief. “N-no-“ Her voice shook as tears started to form. “That-that’s not true!” Her voice shook, “I-I eat them and- and I never got s-sick- and n-no earth pony or unicorn died by accidentally consuming them! They just got sick! Besides, two ponies who had to be rushed to hospital! They almost died because they were allergic!“

Zipp felt bad as she stared at Pipp as she huddled into the ground. Crying, Zipp felt disgusted at herself but knew that’s eh had to say it.

”It’s because... pegasi bodies move the toxins to the wings to help with feather growth and made them more durable- But earth ponies don’t have feathers... so the toxins... also... Jazz seemed to have-...”

Pipp exclaimed, now a mess of tears, “But wait- Jazz died from them- like how those two close calls almost died- does that mean-“ Pipp gulped, now crying.

Zipp gulped a bit. It seemed Jazz was indeed allergic to them. But judging by both Rocky and Pipp’s reactions, they didn’t know. But how? Did she not get tested? Ponies that are allergic to them gag when they smell them, or at least find them very strange smelling. So surely Jazz should have been able to smell them and find out.

Pipp was in a fetus position on the ground. “I-I-“ She stuttered and nicked, trying to speak, “I’m a murrr-“ She sobbed out loud as she reached for Zipp who was staring down at her in regret. “Z-Z-I-I-I-PP!” She exclaimed before coughing and gasping for air. “D-did Jazz die painlessly at least?” She begged for an answer, “P-please tell me it is painless!” She was curled up, rolling slightly on the ground, staring up at Zipp.

”I...” Zipp started. Thinking on how to sugarcoat it. She wasn’t sure how it killed her exactly, but she has seen animals die from those berries by eating them accidentally. It starts with a stomach ache, dizziness and tiredness. Then the toxins all froth up, and you can guess the rest. Seems like they had the same effect on ponies who are allergic to them. “She’s not in pain anymore...” Zipp sighed.

Zipp then gasped, “Wait- but pegaberries are only available in Zephyr Heights! How’d you get them, you didn’t visit lately.” She then added, “Judging by Jazz’s reaction to them, she’s allergic. She should have been able to smell them and gag when she did, hasn’t she told you about this? Do you know she got tested or not?” She asked, concerned.

“N-no? After she had gotten tested, she told us that she wasn’t allergic to them...” Rocky gulped, “Also, those aren’t Pipp’s... I got a jar of them a few days ago! My cousin brought them, I told you this, didn’t I?” He then saw Pipp rolling on the ground, screaming and crying,

“Sorry- ugh, my memory’s a bit fuzzy,” Zipp yawned from the lack of sleep. Wondering why Jazz would be confirmed as not allergic when she was clearly. Perhaps it was an error from the doctors? But surely someone would have noticed she was, from her finding them smelling bad...”

Rocky looked at Pipp, “Pipp!?” He exclaimed, “We are gonna find the murderer!”

Zipp gasped in shock as she stared at Rocky. She was going to shout, but didn’t want to jump to conclusions again... “Rocky. You said those were yours, right? Is there a chance you put them in the blackberry jar by mistake when the lights flickered off? She asked gently.

”Wh-what?” He asked. “I...” He started to feel guilt in his gut... “”Well.., I think I already told you this bit...“Rocky shuddered as his heart race, wondering how his pegaberries ended up in the blackberry jar. “Well... I was eating some and then my stomach ached a little. Indicating that I was eating too much. So I went into the side room and grabbed the jar to put them back.” She started to look a bit nervous, “But just as I wasn’t about to gab the jar...” He slowly started to look horrified, “The lights went out when I was about to grab the jar!-“ He gulped. “I-I- must have grabbed the wrong jar!” He exclaimed.

”Do you know who turned off the lights?” Asked Zipp as she cocked her head.

Pipp and Rocky shook their heads.

”Alright... Pipp... you forgot to send me the camera footage from this room. Chances are, our answer is right there!” She encouraged then rememebred that the two were glummer than she realised. She let out a sigh. “let’s just watch the footage... shall we?” Zipp suggested.

Pipp and Rocky nodded in agreement.

Mystery Solved?

The three were sitting on the stage with a laptop in front of them. Pipp was watching in shock and worry, shaking a bit. Rocky soon wrapped a wing around her for comfort. “What’s going to happen when we find out what happened?” Pipp asked Zipp who was too into the mystery to answer.

Rocky let out a sigh as he answered instead, “Justice will be served... and I guess...” His voice cracked a bit as he spoke, “I guess we’ll then have a funeral to attend...”

Pipp looked up at him, dried tears on her cheeks. “What if it was you who accidentally put them in the jar?” She asked, voice shaking a bit.

Rocky was worried and concerned. “I guess if it was me who did it... I’d have a sentence to pay... I would never kill some pony on purpose but...”

A pit was in Pipp’s stomach. Scared that she was going to lose another friend, she hugged Rocky close. She already lost Jazz, but it being all Rocky’s fault and him being locked away would be like horror! “B-but you didn’t turn off the-” She exclaimed, tears in her eyes, “I don’t want to lose you too!”

”I’m sure there’s someone else behind all of this...” Rocky assured her, “We’ll find them...”

Pipp cuddled a bit close to him, “Why did this have to happen? It didn’t have to be Jazz! Why couldn’t-“ She sniffled, “Why couldn’t it have been that rat that ate my favourite curtains instead? Or that-“ She sniffles as Rocky petted her to calm her down. “Or that hedgehog that Jazz didn’t see and sat on when-“

Rocky sighed as he opened his mouth to calm her. But Zipp shushed him, “Let me focus, you two!” She whisper-yelled.

Worried, the three ponies watched the footage for any small details. On screen was showing Rocky walk into the room and to the shelves. He had some pegaberries in his hoof as he walked. Like he said, as he reached for the jar on the shelf, the lights turned off. Luckily, the camera had night-vision, allowing them to see what was happening.

However, much to the trio’s shock, Rocky grabbed the correct jar and put them in the right spot.

“Huh?” Rocky stared in confusion, “If it wasn’t me who put them in the blackberry jar, then who was it?”

”That’s what we are going to find out!” Zipp exclaimed as she went through the remaining footage a bit faster until she found anything suspicious. She had a great intense face as she watched the footage. Pipp nervously but gently held onto one of Rocky’s wings as she watched, growing more nervous by the minute.

Zipp soon noticed a coloured blur on screen. “Huh!?” She exclaimed.

Quickly she stopped, rewinded and played it at a slower speed. Everyone gasped in shock, even Rocky, who shouted out loud.

”That’s the doctor!” He shouted, “That’s the doctor that hung up on me!” Rocky felt furious! Some growling escaped his mouth, “The nerve of him!”

“Is that Dr. G?! But he’s the one who tested Jazz to see if she was allergic to the berries or not!” Pipp was shaking in fear, “He-he... I could have done something! I was styling his mane! But I had to get something from the storage room!” She started to cry. “I-if I was faster,” She clung to Zipp who was staring in horror, “Oh Z-Z-iipp!” She cried, “I-if only I w-was faster!”

“I-It wasn’t your fault, Pipp!” Zipp assuree, breathing heavily, she was shocked. Pipp was also hugging her too tight. But still, she was shocked. Thankfully it wasn’t her sister but it was that doctor! But why? Why did he do this? He helped Sunny before when she had a roller skate accident. Also, he saved foals from drowning once. But why would he do this? Why?

And as Pipp indicated, he tested Jazz for her allergies against the pegaberries. He but has neglected on giving her the results, or lied. So Jazz didn’t know that they were extra dangerous to her!

Pipp let go of Zipp, crying as she got up. Rocky hugged Pipp with watery eyes. “I-I know... I miss her too...” He cried, tears went down his own cheeks. He also felt some anger in him. If that doctor really was the same one that tested Jazz then... he must have used the status to his advantage to poison her...

“What now?” Pipp asked.

“We confront him...” Zipp sighed.

Confronting The baddie

The trio, with Hitch, were standing in Dr. G’s office, staring at the doctor who stared at them confused. Pipp had personally dubbed him as Dr. guilty!

”How can I help you?” He asked.

“W-we know what you did!” Zipp shouted, holing in tears as she held a wing around Pipp. Pipp was shaking, staring at the doctor in anger and terror.

“I did what?” The doctor crossed his hooves. A smirk appearing as he rolled his green eyes. His short green mane was slightly messy.

Rocky grumbled a bit as he stared at him. This horrible doctor hanging up on him when he tried to call for help made sense. He murdered Jazz... Of course he didn’t want to help.

”You killed another pony!” Hitch shouted, “And we have every bit of proof possible!” A tear escaped his eye. He missed Jazz so much!

Zipp shouted. “You took a valuable friend from us, you’re being locked up where you can’t hurt anyone else!”

The doctor looked horrified for a minute, “I didn’t kill anyone,” He smirked. “Just a pest, it needed to be gone, that’s all...”

”P-Pest!?” Pipp choked, “J-Jazz is- was not a pest!!” Pipp let out, “Y-you killed Jazz! Another pony! Our friend!” She was about to pounce, but Zipp held her back with a foreleg.

”Maybe I did?” The doctor shrugged, causing everyone to glance, further annoyed at him.

Pipp noticed that Rocky clenched his teeth as his ears flicked, he was about to lose his cool. “What?” He growled between gritted teeth. He kicked his hoof at the ground a few times as he stared into the doctor’s eyes. His ears pointed straight back, if looks could kill, the doctor would be dead.

“I swapped the berries ‘cause I knew that Pipp was going to make a drink for her and Jazz!” He admitted. “I had a bit of help! From my trusty pegasus assistant! Distracted one of while I did my job... But it was me that did the telling her that the worst that can happen from her eating those berries would be diarrhoea. Heh, just like with many other earth ponies, like me!”

Rocky ignored his words, but he had a gut feeling he knew the assistance.

Pipp trembled, “B-But why?” She sniffles as Rocky lifted his wings, pawing at the ground. He and Jazz had been through a lot together, and she was gone, just like that! He always saw her as an amazing friend! He remembered the time that she was crying heavily about something, and he wrapped his wings around her and cuddled her as they chatted. He also remembered the times they would go to the beach and have a water fight or see who can build the biggest sandcastle! Or when they went to Zephyr Heights together. She loved it!

“I can’t believe you’d do that...” Rocky said quietly. He cherished all the time they spent together. The times they smiled, laughed, cried and took care of each other. Pipp cherished those moments too. She saw Jazz as a sister after all...

His stomach hurt as she remembered her, but all of those times were gone... Hitch and Zipp were also staring at the doctor angrily.

“Because... well... she deserved it,” He shrugged, “Pipp did something to cause me grief. A month ago she put the wrong glitter and dye in my hair, causing my former girlfriend to break up with me, so I did grief back. Fair,” He shrugged.

With no warning, Rocky suddenly burst out at him, accidentally knocking the other two ponies as he did. He let out an aggressive neigh as he aggressively pounced onto the doctor, knocking him and his chair backwards to the ground.

”Rocky!” Pipp cried out. Worried about her friend’s safety!

”That’s not a reason to kill any pony!” Rocky shouted. “You killed someone so close to us! You missed with the wrong stallion!” Rocky exclaimed. “Also, if I remember right I told you we were out of that certain colour. You agreed to have a different colour, so we aren’t at fault!”

”What are you doing!?” Asked Hitch, violence was the last thing he wanted to do in a crime related situation. Ouch!

”Giving him a beating...” Zipp responded, “Hopefully.” She wouldn’t normally say that but... the grief and pain he gave everyone, Zipp just wanted to punch him where it hurts!

Rocky had completely lost his cool as he pinned the doctor to the ground, snorting angrily into his face. Wings were flared, making him appear bigger, his mane was also slightly ruffled. “You killed Jazz! You murderer!” He shouted, no sign of calming down. No one could blame him. “What gave you the right to kill her!?” Tears were seen in his eyes. Fear was seen in the doctor’s face.

Zipp looked at the papers on the wall, something was off about them. Curious, she moved closer... “Hmm... wait a minute.” She slowly walked over to the diploma. On a closer look, she gasped, “This diploma is fake! So is this certificate! You aren’t a real doctor!”

”What!?” Shouted Hitch, “You’re a fraud! You faked everything! But why?” He stared at the doctor in anger and concern.

“Fraud!” Pipp was crying and shaking, “We-we trusted you, and you kill a friend in return!”

”Y-you saves foals from drowning... and you helped Sunny when she got hurt...” Zipp whispered, her teeth clenched. “Was that all fake? Was that just so you could gain our trust!” Zipp shouted as she approached him. “To do your crimes!?”

”Fine... I’ll admit everything...” The doctor’s hooves and head flopped to the ground. His hoof secretly reached for an open box under the desk, Rocky did not lighten his pressure on him. But he did lower his wings. Showing no shame in his tear-soaked cheeks.

“So, you’ll admit everything and get locked up, no problem?” Asked Hitch. He had a gut feeling this wouldn’t end well. But hopefully speaking kindly would help. Well, from experience, it didn’t work as often as he hoped. But it was worth a try, “Please? It’ll be easier for everypony here...”

”Something’s not right here...” Zipp said quietly, “He’s giving up too easily..”

”Look...” The doctor sighed as he secretly grabbed something in his hoof. Before anyone had time to react, the doctor stabbed Rocky in the shoulder with a knife. “I did admit it, you idiots!”

”Argh!” Rocky exclaimed in pain as he stumbled. Giving the doctor enough time to buck him in the stomach.

”Rocky!” Screamed Pipp as he fell to the ground.

“Frick!” Hitch and Zipp grabbed the doctor tightly. Grabbing the doctor’s hooves. “That’s enough!” Hitch shouted at him, a bit louder than her wanted, but it was deserved.”You’ve done enough damage!”

Pipp ran to Rocky side, “No-no!” She cried as he bled out.

“Ugh- that creep!” Rocky blurted out as he winced in pain. The knife was in deep, Pipp cried as she saw Rocky suffering in pain, leg soaked in blood.

Pipp wanted to help him, but didn’t know what to do! Her heart was berating fast. “Rocky!” Pipp cried as she tried to hug him close. “P-please don’t leave me!”

Rocky tried to answer, but he was in too much pain, “Fricken doctor!” He shouted.

“That’s the last straw!” Hitch grabbed some hoof-cuffs. But before he could do anything, the doctor used his earth pony magic to summon vines that removed Hitch and Zipp off him. He snickered as he made the vines throw them into a wall.

“Ack!” Zipp exclaimed as she hit the tall cupboards instead. Crashing into them hard enough to make the whole thing fall over. She didn’t have enough time to dodge it, as the whole thing went crashing down on her. Shocking the whole room.

“Zipp!”

Justice Getting Served

“Zipp!” Pipp and Hitch cried as a result. Believing, she was crushed. Gone... another loved one gone, just like that! Alive, then suddenly, bang! Pipp teared up as she reached out, “Zipp!” She sobbed, believing she lost her own sister. She couldn’t believe it, losing her own sister like that!? That was it of the royal sisters...

Pipe stared at the cupboards, hoping Zipp would lift it up and be okay! But that wasn’t happening, no movement. She put her hooves to her mouth, “N-no...” She said softly, “Please not Zipp...” It didn’t have to end like this. No one wanted it to end like this. Hitch was frozen in shock. He should have grabbed her. Surely there was plenty of time to grab her and pull her away, right?

After taking a glance at the doctor, Hitch looked at the fallen cupboards with worry. His heart beat quickly, but he felt a bit of hope. Maybe.... just maybe... He gulped as he started is plant magic. Making plants lift the cupboards, “Z-Zipp...” He grunted, it was heavy! But Zipp! She just had to be okay! But why was this so heavy for his magic?

“Please be alive, please be alive!” Pipp sobbed as she watched, half expecting to see a squashed pony. This would be the second time Zipp almost died from something fatal. In fact... she didn’t want to see a squashed pony at all. That would be messy, wouldn’t it?

“Zipp!?” Pipp cried out as the plants lifted the cupboards.

“Heh... that wood is from a special kind of tree...” The doctor smirked, “Cannot be effected by magic... easily”

“We’ll see about that!” Hitch exclaimed. “Zipp?” Hitch lifted the cupboards up slightly, leaving a gap big enough for a pony to crawl out. Now he was just hoping for an answer. “Please be okay, please?” He whimpered.

“Please Zipp... Please...” Pipp feared as she stared at the old looking, dusty cupboards... “Ppease...”

For a while there was no movement, “N-no...” Rocky gasped as he watched. His leg still hurt, but he managed to have pulled the knife out and bandage it up.

Pipp whimpered as Hitch put his head down in defeat... Zipp was gone...

But then they both gasped in delight when a familiar white, dusty leg poked out, then another. Slowly Zipp crawled her away out, alive. But covered in splinters, scabs and bruises. Her mane was also crushed and a really messy. Hitch had to stop himself from scooping her up in a big hug! That would hurt!

“You’re alive!” He exclaimed, “But how?” He questioned.

Zipp smiled, “Thin doors to a cupboard filled with lab coats, hats, gloves and cloaks...” She then shuddered, “All musty and smelt terrible!”

Hitch growled as he stared at the doctor. “You nearly killed another pony!” He shouted, “Is this really the road you want to go down!?” He rushed as the doctor. Finally, he was having enough! He punched the doctor hard! Then again. Until he was on the ground, “You left me no choice, sir.” Hitch spat bitterly. The doctor growled as he got up, but Hitch blew up at him, he punched him in the face then bucked him in the jaw! Knocking him to the ground.

“Any more excuses?” Hitch bitterly asked. “You better stay down!” He exclaimed, rearing, ready to strike again if needed.

The doctor looked around innocently, “Nothing...” He smiled, except for this! He swept his hind leg under Hitch’s, knocking him to the ground. He was about to stomp him in the jaw, but Hitch dodged barely! At that moment, Hitch made vines wrap around the doctor tightly.

“Justice has been served...” Hitch grinned proudly. Forgetting the fact that you shouldn’t have your back turned on a criminal.

Pipp was now curled up under the desk, texting on her phone. She was shaking and crying as she heard and saw everything.

“Sheriff!” Zipp exclaimed as she pointed towards the vines. They were now loose, the doctor was nowhere to be seen. He was going to ask where the doctor went, but before he could try speaking, he was slammed by something hard in the face. Hitch fell to the ground, out cold. The doctor had a baseball bat, with a proud expression.

Trembling, Pipp looked down at her phone, then she heard Zipp land nearby. “You aren’t gonna get away with this, mister!”

The doctor chuckled, “You think I’m not afraid to hit a mare?”

“Alright have...” Zipp spat, “But I can fight back. I’m not afraid to hit a stallion, either!”

Zipp let out a battle cry as she rushed at him, bucking him in the face. “Murderers don’t deserve a place in this world!” She shouted as he fell to the ground. He grumpily grabbed the bat and swiped it at Zipp who’s easily ducked. She swept a leg under his hooves, making him fall over again.

“Hah, you're getting up for more?” Zipp asked as he shakingly got up.

Zipp shoved him into the wall and took him up into the sky. “Any last words?” Zipp asked, shaking up a bit. She wasn’t going to kill him, just scare him and make him too weak to fight back. Her wings were in much pain, but she dealt with it as she dropped the doctor to the floor.

“Game over for you!” Zipp proudly sassed as she put a hoof on his stomach. She put pressure on him by literally standing on him, hoof on each leg, She wasn’t going to let him go!

“Oh really?” He grinned. Smirking as another pony approached.

“Huh-“ Zipp questioned as a pair of hooves grabbed onto her. A blade was then pointed at her neck. “Ack-“

“Zipp!” Pipp cried, not wanting to jump from her hiding place. Zipp was too tired and scared to fight back!

Rocky gasped in shock, knife gone and wound bandaged up. He recognised the mare, but he never thought she’d do this. He recognised that dapple grey mare. Like the clouds on a stormy day. Also, those silver wings and that blue, short mane resembling a river.

“R-Raincloud?” Rocky whispered, frozen in shock. He hoped she was just playing as a bad guy just to helped hem, but deep inside he knew that wasn’t true.

The doctor got up with a grin, “Any last words?”

Pipp reached out for her sister, tears running down. Raincloud grinned as she had a tight grip on Zipp. Pipp didn’t want to lose her! She had already almost died!

“Raincloud!?” Rocky shouted, “Wh-what are you doing here?” He asked, voice shaking.

“Isn’t it obvious? Dr G is my boyfriend...” Raincloud smiled.

Rocky was in disbelief as Zipp wrestled from her grip. Only for her to jump on her and pin her down. Holding the blade at her throat. Raincloud was good at wrestling, despite not taking part in it. Only learning it as a filly for self-defence. Rocky whimpered as he stared at her. “But why?” His voice sounded like he was about to cry. “Aren’t you aware he killed Jazz?”

Raincloud laughed, “I was part of it as his assistance!”

“A-assistance!?” Rocky cried.

“I brought those berries here for you so you could take them to the salon!” Raincloud nodded, “Yesterday I had glued myself in the bathroom to keep you away from the salon as Dr G did his job!”

Rocky felt his heart drop. His own cousin! The times they spent as foals... laughing, playing... exploring. Even breaking a rule or two from time to time... was that all for nothing? They were basically brother and sister. But now, as a grown stallion, he’s standing here in disbelief. He just realised that his sister figure took part of murdering his cow-worker and friend...

Pipp was nearby him, still under the desk. “Rocky...” She whispered, “You can’t give up, everypony’s counting on you...” She knew he was scared. “You can fight back, right? The doctor dropped the bat- just please save Zipp!”

Rocky’s heart ached. He sighed as she looked at Pipp. He nodded, understanding her. She was shaking, too scared to move. But she was safe, at least.

As he grabbed the bat that was dropped by the doctor, he sighed, ready to do what was needed. The blade was getting closer and closer to Zipp’s throat. One wrong move and she was a goner! He sneaked up to the mare, quietly. A nervous expression was on his face. Also, a deep expression of guilt and betrayal.

“I’m sorry...” Rocky said softly. Raincloud was thankfully not paying attention to him. “I’m sorry...”

“You are not getting away with this!” Zipp tried to wrestle herself out, but the blade went closer to her neck. Sweat was forming on her body as she breathed. She was indeed scared, but she wasn’t going to fall like this!

She then heard Rocky shout, “Let her go!” Then suddenly something slammed into Raincloud’s head, knocking her out.

Zipp gasped as she fell to the ground, she looked at Rocky. He glanced at the mare with worry, “I-I can't believe I just did that...”

“Good job...” Zipp smiled. “Thank you...”

“Great...” Grumbled the doctor, “If I can’t defeat the white one... then i’ll just Beat the pink one myself!”

Zipp jumped up, wings flared. “Don’t you dare lay a hoof on her!” She shouted as the doctor yanked Pipp from under the desk by her hind leg.

“Already have!” He chuckled, proud of what he accomplished.

Pipp was squealing, crying and flailing, “Let me go!” She bucked him in the chest. He exclaimed in pain, but pretended he didn’t feel it.

“Let her go!” Zipp shouted as she ran over, she pounced on the stallion, only for him to cause a thorny vine to wrap around her body.

”Argh!” Zipp exclaimed in pain as the thorns dig into her body. A few started drawing blood out.

“Zipp!” Pipp cried as the vines squeezed Zipp

Rocky straight up punched the doctor in the face, no warning. He had enough, he wasn’t going to let any more of his friends get hurt. He wasn’t going to hold back. “How dare you! How dare you murder one friend and hurt the others!?” He shouted as the doctor reached into a drawer on his desk.

“No you don’t!” Rocky grabbed him and tried to pull him away. But earth ponies are physically stronger, meaning he had an advantage! Before Rocky could react, the stallion punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground. The stallion grabbed another knife from the drawer.

He chuckled happily as he walked over to Pipp who was trembling and frozen in fear. “Please stop!” She cried. Begging for this all to top.

“No!” Rocky shouted as he jumped on him, not noticing one detail. DR. G had a knife, it went straight into his chest.

“Rocky!” Pipp screeched. As Rocky stood there in pain, a hoof on his chest as he collapsed.

Zipp was dropped to the ground, she got up and bucked the stallion in the jaw. Enough to knock some teeth out! But her body was exhausted, she kept punting the stallion until she collapsed from her injuries.

Pipp started to hyperventilate as she stared at everyone. Zipp, Hitch and Rocky all on the ground, injured. Because of her... no, because of him. It was like a spark lit in her as she stared at him. Growling with wings flared. It was the last straw! She wasn’t going to stand here and watch her hurt friends!

This was not how it will end!

Pipp screamed as she ran towards him, she did a leap. But he dodged as he chuckled, “Missed me!” He shouted happily. Only to exclaim in pain as Pipp bucked him in the groin. Ouch-

Pipp always knew the stallion’s weak spot. But of course, like every other mare and stallion, she respected it. She learnt to never use it unless it was an emercancy. She promised to never use it unless it was in something like self defense, or to save or protect someone.

Like now.

Zipp and Hitch were up just in time to witness it. Hitch cringed a bit, but let out a proud and surprised gasp. While with Zipp... Her mouth was wide open in shock. She never thought Pipp would do that. But she smiled a bit as the stallion fell down in pain.

“Be prepared for the wraitn of Pipp!” She screamed as she jumped on him with fighting hooves.

Pipp would have done a lot more damage to him if Thunder and Zoom hadn’t burst into the room at that moment.

“Princess Pipp! We are here!” Thunder exclaimed before screaming, “Princess Zipp, your... everything!”

”Who hurt you!?” Zoom shouted in anger towards whoever hurt Zipp.

“Nlt just me, Hitch and Rocky too... Rocky had the worst out of all of us!“ Zipp nodded, but needed the guards to focus on something. “It will heal, but you need to lock those two up.” Zipp said as he pointed at Dr. G and Raincloud.“Also, Rocky needs urgent help ASAP!” She exclaimed, “I’m fine, don’t worry about me. I’ll heal, but he needs the attention immediately!”

Pipp was the one to run outside to find a doctor for Rocky. “Doctor! Doctor needed!”

DR. G grumbled as Thunder tackled him to the ground, forcing a muzzle and hoof cuffs on him. Zoom did the same with Raincloud. She also forced special anti-magic collars on them that disabled their magic. Things like this existed in old Equestria, but they had just surfaced and started being made recently. The guards all agreed that they made arrests easier since it meant the criminal can’t use their magic to try and escape!

Later...

Outside Hitch, Zipp and Pipp stood happily. They were looking at Zoom and Thunder, who were hovering in the air. Holding into the two criminals. Rocky was still in the hospital, getting his stab wounds tended to.

“Murders and people who attack royalty aren’t treated very nicely. Hope you like your cell,” Zoom spat at the one she was holding. “Because that will be your new home!”

The Doctor grunted, the muzzle still allowed talking. “I would have gotten away with it, too, if it weren’t for you meddling pegasi!” He shouted before being carried away by the two guard ponies.

Pipp sighed as she looked down at her phone. She texted something to Jazz. She knew she would never get the message, but it made her feel better at least. “We did it... we found your murderer... Rest In Peace, okay?” She sent the message. “I miss you...”