Equestria Noir Case 11 "Picture Perfect"

by Jacoboby1

Chapters

Chapter 1 "Fashion Week"
Chapter 2 "Discoveries"
Chapter 3 "Amongst Liars"
Chapter 4 "Generosity"
Chapter 5 "Confrontation"
Epilogue

Chapter 1 "Fashion Week"

Equestria Noir

Case 11

“Picture Perfect”

Chapter 1

“Fashion Week”

The leaves of autumn fell on Ponyville’s grass everywhere. Last week’s running of the leaves basically knocked off whatever leaves that could fall. I made a mental note to buy a rake later as I sat in my office. Twilight was visiting Celestia this week and I basically had the entire place to myself.

I’ll admit the quietness was unnerving. Usually I had Spike or somepony to at least talk to when no case came about. It was about two weeks since the whole changeling incident here in Ponyville. Swarm fit in pretty well in pony society once he got Pinkie Pie to help out.

Occasionally somepony would try and blame him for what happened in Canterlot. But one threat from the party cannon was enough to shut them up. I was happy for the guy, even if he is a changeling he’s trying to do good for everypony.

My thoughts were interrupted when the phone rang. I turned away from the window behind my desk and picked up the phone “Private Eye Detective Agency: Solving crimes in the blink of an eye how can I help you”

“Well you can help by coming up with a better slogan Private Phelps Eye!” A rather loud and very familiar voice spoke on the other end. I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard that voice. So loud, so charismatic…and oddly easy to listen to.

“Sapphire Shores I can’t believe it’s you!” I said matching her voice’s tone “How you’ve been?”

“Never better hun! I couldn’t believe it when Shinebadge said you were still doing detective work! You know what I said to him? ‘This can’t be the same Private who used to pluck gems off my outfits just so that he could play with them when he was a foal’”

“Sapphire I was two!”

She laughed out loud on the other end “When ya got caught ya just gave me the sweetest little eyes Ah’ve ever seen” She laughed again “Hard to believe you’ve grown up, has it really been twelve years since I saw you last?”

“Yes mam” I said firmly

“Good that you still remember your manners! Now listen I got a bit of a favor to ask of you Private”

“Anything for mom’s best friend” I said smiling “What’s up?”

“You are aware what this week is in Manehatten?”

“Yeah, it’s Fashion Week; I was planning on going up this week to put flowers on mom’s grave”

“Celestia rest her soul, anyways one of Photo Finish’s models has gone missing. She’s just too damn prideful to ask you personally so Ah thought I could call up a detective myself. I didn’t expect Shinebadge to say that you were the best there was”

“You flatter me Sapphire. But who was the model?”

"Sweet little thing by the name of Sweetlight, only about seventeen. She was Photo’s newest model from little Hoofington. She’s been missing for the past two days so I thought to call the police about it. They sent out a search team but I’d feel better if you helped out. That and I want to see ya damn it! Ah wanna see how much you’ve grown!"

“I’ll be there as soon as I can Sapphire you hang tight. I’ll get on the train and head there immediately”

“Ya better hurry Private, Photo’s getting antsy over here and I don’t know who’ll get hit by the next chair thrown.

“See you there Sapphire, where should we meet up?”

“At the Javits Joe’s convention center over in Midtown, Ya can’t miss it if ya walked with yer eyes closed”

“Thanks I’ll be there”

____________________________________________________________

I walked to the train station with a bemused expression on my face. I hadn’t seen Sapphire shores since I was twelve. She and Mom were friends in high school, Mom went on to a career in acting, and Sapphire went on to a career in Pop music.

Since I was born Sapphire was always like a favorite aunt to me. Her energetic personality and friendly nature always made her a joy to have at the house. Sadly with mom’s death I hadn’t seen the pop star in so long. I didn’t try to contact her to help with Tailspin. She and mom were close and I wanted to give her time to mourn.

It was interesting hearing from her again. Even if the circumstances weren’t so great. How I wished I could’ve contacted her sooner but it was kind of hard to track down a pop star. She kind of has this habit of showing up out of the blue wherever she goes.

Either way, I couldn’t wait to see her again.

I made a mental check of everything before I boarded the train. I left Tailspin in the care of Pinkie Pie. Luca is staying at Fluttershy’s place. I locked up the office, and the house…

“Darling it’s so good to see you!”

I turned around to see Rarity walking up to the platform with a large pile of luggage behind her. She smiled wide upon seeing me “Where are you off to?”

I smiled at the white unicorn “Manehatten, I’m going to visit an old friend and help out with a case there”

“What happened? Did a murder occur there?” She asked curiously

“Nope, a missing pony case this time” I explained “Let’s hope we don’t find a dead body at the end of this road”

“Well isn’t that a coincidence?” Rarity said sitting beside me on the platform “I’m heading to Manehatten for fashion week to show off my latest designs. Do you think I could tag along on this romp?”

I wonder why there was a sudden interest in helping out? Aw well, with Twilight gone I’m going to need somepony to help out. Besides it could be useful to have a pony as in the know about the fashion world as Rarity.

“If I need your help then I’ll ask for it Rarity” I said firmly “This might just be a simple lost pony who had too much to drink and woke up on the wrong side of the Horson”

“Anyways Darling I was hoping you could help me with something else” Rarity said ignoring the firmness in my voice. “You see I have a new line of tuxedos and I could use a…male model”

I didn’t like the look her eyes were giving me right there…

I shook my head “I’m not exactly the most handsome stallion in the world Rarity…”

“Oh you won’t have to do much” She said dismissively “Just let me do some measurements on you and you’ll just walk up and down a small path and you’ll be done”

___________________________________________________________

The Train came and before I knew it I was riding in a train car with the fashionata. Rarity managed to whine her way into getting us a private part of the car so that I could change and she could work. I discarded my trench coat and hat and Rarity began measuring different parts of me. I felt like she might’ve taken a little longer then I would’ve liked with some of the measurements. But I wasn’t about to deny helping a friend.

Rarity got me in a tuxedo that fit me and she held a mirror before me “Well darling what do you think?”

“Um…I like it” I said modestly

“Oh your just saying that” Rarity said

“No no!” I said waving a hoof defensibly “I do it’s…nice”

“Nice?” Rarity said frowning

“Nice” I repeated feeling a bit nervous

“If you don’t like then you should just say so!” Rarity said an edge developing an edge in her voice.

I started sweating a little “I really do like it”

“Like it or love it?” Rarity said her blue eyes looking like mine during an interrogation. Did I really look that scary?

“Um…both?” I said as she advanced on me.

“Which is it?” She said as I felt my rump hit the wall of the car’s wall.

“Please stop asking me like this…”

“Well just tell me what you really think darling”

“No that’s okay” I said sweating like a leaf. No wonder criminals crack under pressure from me. Rarity could probably make even the most assertive of criminals into crying heaps.

“Tell me!”

“No it’s fine…”

“Tell me!”

“I-I really like it…” I said

“Tell me! Tell me! Tell me!” She said, tapping on her hooves on the ground impatiently.

I was trapped; there was no way I was going to get out of this. I didn’t see any other way but to delve deep into my head. “Since you really want to know…” I took in a deep breath and spoke in a rather quick rant

“The button’s sewn loose, the ascot doesn’t go with the vest lapel, the hems are rushed and look machine stitched. The back is uneven, the fabric doesn’t breath. You used a catch stitch here when it clearly called for an invisible stitch or even a traditional hemming stitch. And the overall design is reminiscent of a Berman cotton and not true Bitallion silk style!”

Rarity’s jaw was simply hanging open. My ears flattened in embarrassment “My uh, Mom was really into this stuff…I may have picked up a few things…”

__________________________________________________

Through out the whole trip Rarity had me tryin on various outfits. I didn’t really plan on being a model but it was nice. It reminded me a little of when Mom would get her urges and make me an outfit for me to try on.

We arrived at the convention center and it was a buzz with activity. Thousands of Thousands of models, designers, and sewers come to show off their winter lines. This was one of two fashion weeks that graced Manehatten. One was for winter lines and one for summer lines that popped up in the spring.

I wasn’t looking for the latest boots though. I was looking for Sapphire, luckily she is rarely hard to find.

“Well look ere, if it isn’t Miss Rarity!” Rarity and I heard a voice speak behind us.

I turned and just smiled wide. Sapphire was just the most unusual looking earth pony you’ll ever see. She was crazy colored white and gold dress and an odd looking top hat on her head. Her blue mane was curly and her tail was high up in some kind of fabric. She was the only pony I knew aside from royalty that wore shoes on her hooves.

Rarity’s jaw just dropped again “Sapphire Shores!! You remember my name!!”

“Of course I do darling” She said her half lidded made up eyes looked at my white colored friend with friendliness “How could I possibly forget the mare who went out of her way just to make me those wonderful outfits?”

Rarity shook with obvious nervousness; I pretended to occupy myself with a tuxedo. I wanted to see if Sapphire recognized me. Rarity went on and laughed nervously “Why it’s so good to see you again Sapphire. How did that tour go?”

“Hunny it was an absolute disaster!” Sapphire said dramatically “Someponies just don’t understand what it needs to be sensational!!” She sang that last line and I laughed under my breath. “Though I guess that’s simply something to do with the times”

Rarity simply smiled and relaxed a little “I’m terribly sorry that it didn’t work out”

“Don’t worry about it hun” Sapphire said smiling “I just ne-who is this?” she gestured with a hoof at my back.

I turned around and dramatically bowed “Detective Private Eye, at your service Sapphire”

Her gold eyes went wide and she laughed “Private Phelps Eye is that you!?”

Rarity’s jaw dropped again “Private you know Sapphire Shores!?”

“Of course he does darling” Sapphire said walking past her and looking at me “I was his momma’s best friend. Let me get a good look at you Private”

I spun around for her to look at me. She smiled approvingly “By golly you sure grew into a fine looking stallion. Look at you, all grown up and making a name for yourself”

Rarity blubbered something and fainted on the ground. I laughed out loud “Looks like you still have that effect on ponies”

“That I do Private” She said proudly “Listen I’m glad you could come so soon. Photo is going to throw a fit if we don’t find Sweetlight soon”

I pulled out my notebook “Could you tell me more about Sweetlight?”

“She’s Photo’s newest model. Ever since that doll Fluttershy quit Photo has been recruiting models left and right. Sweetlight is the newest recruit and she’s lasted the longest out of the new bunch”

Rarity, having recovered from the shock of the entire situation got up and looked at Sapphire “I heard Photo was having trouble but how much trouble are we talking about?”

“Photo was always a bit of a tough love kind of designer” Sapphire explained “If ya ain’t worth her time she won’t give you it. Not exactly the friendliest pony but she does make models”

“Where is Photo right now?” I asked

Sapphire gestured towards the corner of the stage floor “Probably working over at her booth. She should be over there for you guys”

I nodded “Thanks Sapphire, we’ll talk more after this whole business is cleared up with Sweetlight”

“I hope so” Sapphire said as she walked away “I do want to catch up with ya”

When the pony of pop left Rarity just stared at me “Private, you know Sapphire Shores personally!”

“Yeah, she was like a favorite aunt to me” I explained “She and my mom went to the same high school”

“Oh Private you never cease to amaze me!” Rarity said with glee “You simply must introduce me to any other celebrities you know!”

“Later Rarity, I got a case to complete” I said walking past her…why did Rarity look so somber?

__________________________________________________________

I walked to Photo’s booth (no pun intended) and found two ponies standing outside. They were both earth ponies, one a dark grey with a spiky blue mane and the other a yellow with a short brown mane. The grey one looked at me “You the detective Sapphire said she was going to get?”

“Yeah, I’m here to see Photo” I said to them

They both nodded and gestured for me to pass. I walked into the booth and saw the mare herself. She was about my age with a light blue coat and a white mane styled almost like a helmet. Her outfit was black and white striped with purple markings on the skirt. Her eyes were obscured by black sunglasses with magenta lenses.

She looked at me “You!” She ran up to me with speed reminiscent of Pinkie Pie “You are Private Eye!”

“Yes Miss Finish I-“I was cut off when Photo Finish held up a hoof for me to be quiet. Well she’s not very polite is she?

“I…Photo Finish! Have called you because I have a problem! Sweetlight has gone mizzing and we cannot find her!” She held up a photo of the pony.

I levitated the photo to eye level. The pony in question was an earth pony of soft pink. Her mane was a long and shimmering blond and her eyes a soft emerald. She looked not much older then maybe eighteen.

“When was the last time you saw her?” I asked

“It vwas two days ago” She explained “We were finishing up a new line and she for some reason looked anxious” She shrugged “I don’t know what zat was about but she was closer to my stylists anyway”

“Did Sweetlight have anypony she was in competition with? Another model perhaps that wanted to take her out?”

“Who would dare strike a model of Photo Finish!?” She said indignantly “Probably that Hoity Toity scoundrel! He has always been jealous of my success with models!”

I had heard of Hoity Toity, not a lot of good things. Supposedly he was the stallion of the hour when it came to fashion. But honestly the guy was an absolute snob in conversation. I remembered way too many arguments he and my Dad got into over what my mom’s outfits looked like. Hoity Toity was not one to mince words.

I nodded “I’ll talk to the designers, where was Sweetlight going to go last night?”

“Vwatever models do on their free time is not Photo Finishes’ concern” She said frankly “So long as they are ready to do…ze magics!”

“Ze magics?” I said with a raised eyebrow

“Let me show you!” She looked past me at the guards at the front door “Columbia! Tri-Star! Get over zere!”

Suddenly both of the guards at the front door stood on either side of me. I got a feeling of dread…

“We must show this stallion…ze magics!”

I was picked up by both of the guard stallions and was being dragged into the stylist’s area. One thought plagued my mind…

Not again…

Chapter 2 "Discoveries"

Chapter 2

“Discoveries”

I was lead into the nearby changing room and was immediately thrown into a chair by the pair of stallions. Before I could get a word in, my hat and trench coat were pulled off me in a rather unceremonious way. I spun around and four mares looked at me. I opened my mouth to protest when my brown mane was yanked by a pink mare with a two toned hair cut that was purple and pink.

“Photo is bringing in stallions now?” She said in a very Manehatten accent, “She’s really shaken up about losing Sweetlight and Fluttershy within months of each other”

A blond mare with a brown coat covered by a green jacket shook her head, “Real shame too. I really like Sweetlight”

“Uh,” I said as my mane was not being styled but seemingly fixed up by the hair stylist behind me, “Listen I was hoping I could talk to you about Sweetlight.”

A rather aloof looking pony with a high orange mane and a green coat simply looked at me, as the first pony worked my mane “You must be the pony who’s going to look for her… you’ll have to forgive us. We’re only taking care of you to help Photo cope with what’s happened.”

The Mare styling my hair smiled at me “Names High Style by the way. When was the last time you saw a stylist?”

“Well usually I’m wearing my hat…” I said slowly

The blond mare from before picked up my fedora “This hat?” she asked picking it up “I must say it’s in pretty rough shape… would you mind if I give it a clean up?”

My hat did look a little dirty. It had been through a lot, and I guess it could use a run down. I simply smiled, “Sure miss…?”

“Pretty Vision” She said with a smile “I’m Photo’s clothing specialist. I must say, it’s unusual for ponies to be wearing fedoras nowadays”

“It was a gift from my mentor… take good care of it”

She smiled and trotted off with my hat in tow.

The aloof one from before looked at me “Listen Detective, Sweetlight means a lot to all of us. We expect you to help find her as much as possible”

My stylist frowned “Don’t be such a downer, Stella. This handsome fella will find her soon enough”

“She seems to mean a lot to you all,” I observed, trying not to flinch as my stylist pulled at a tangle in my mane with a comb.

“She does,” the last mare replied. She was a rather odd looking mare with a yellow coat and a blue mane in the same style as Photo. Her most distinguishing feature, however, was her narrow eyes, "Which is why we’ll tell you whatever we can”

High Style finished up my mane and turned me to a mirror, “Whaddya think?”

I did look good, I’ll admit that. My brown mane was always so shaggy from being stuffed under a hat for years. High Style turned that hat hair into a windswept style, I’m used to seeing on models for stallion mane products. I ran a hoof through it, to allow my bangs to come down a little. I hated it when my mane was yanked back. “There, now has anypony see Sweetlight recently?”

Stella gestured for me to get off the chair, and when I did she ran a tape measure on various parts of my body. “I think Pretty Vision was the last one to see her. Now will you hold still?”

“I hate to ask,” I said trying to remain as still as possible, “but am I just a coping device for this whole business?”

High Style frowned a little “Yeah, a little. It’s just we’re all trying to deal with losing her. This is the only way we know how”

“I understand,” I said as Stella finished up measuring me. Suddenly Pretty appeared with a much cleaner looking fedora. She listened to Stella fire off measurements and the blond mare ran to the clothing rack. The clothing mare picked out a black tuxedo and hoofed it to me “Try this on please”

I slipped the tuxedo on and looked at Pretty as my magic put on the sash “You’re the one who saw Sweetlight last? Where was that exactly?”

Pretty looked thoughtful for a moment, then spoke, “Two nights ago, believe it or not. She and I were at this bar called the Prancing Dragon. She and I had a couple of drinks, and then she started raving on and on about how much she missed Hoofington”

“She was homesick?” I asked as I slipped on the jacket.

“That’s the understatement of the year” Pretty said with a sigh, “Poor gal was crying and she wouldn’t let me comfort her… then she said something odd. That she wasn’t going to be in this town forever…that Photo wasn’t going to keep her on a leash anymore”

Stella rolled her eyes “She was obviously not in her right mind, Pretty” She looked to the blue haired mare, “Powder, would you be so kind as to gussy him up a little?”

“Gussy me? Oh no!” I backed up “I can do the hair and the suit, but you are not putting make up on me!”

Stella simply held her head “Columbia! Tri-Star!”

Suddenly the guards from before grabbed me by my forelegs. Man these guys had good grips. The blue haired mare actually put a hint of makeup on me. I guess it was for the cameras or something. Still I didn’t like some mare I didn’t know pushing on my face like that.

When it was over I looked over at the guards “What about you guys? You guys notice anything odd about Sweetlight lately?”

The yellow pony, I could only guess he was Columbia by his guitar cutie mark “She’s been awfully anxious lately. Just yesterday she snapped at Tri-Star here, when he was trying to help her into her dress”

Tri-Star shrugged, “I thought it was just the busyness of it all getting to her. Photo isn’t one to let her models slack off. Maybe she just couldn’t handle it”

“Maybe if she got a break once in a while…” I heard Columbia mutter under his breath.

Before I could say anything Photo Finish herself entered the room. She looked me up and down and shook her head “Eh, no good. Too masculine”

“Excuse me?” I said, with a raised eyebrow.

“Male models no good” Photo said shaking her head “Not enough variety”

She did have a point I guess. I was just happy when Photo gestured for Stella and Pretty to help me out of the suit. I went to a nearby water basin and washed off the makeup. I hope none of these mares blab to my stallion friends about this. Raiden and Potso would never let me live it down.

I walked out after putting my trench coat and hat back on. As I left the room Pretty came behind me and tapped me on the shoulder. I turned to see her looking concerned “Find her okay? Sweetlight is such a naïve little thing. I’m worried she might’ve gotten herself into trouble without meaning to”

“Did she have any enemies?” I asked the blond mare “Anypony who would stand to gain from taking her out?”

“Aside from Photo’s rivals who wouldn’t dare touch her, I can’t think of anypony who would want to harm her. I just hope she’s alright…”

____________________________________________________

The Prancing Dragon wasn’t too hard to find after I got directions from Pretty. The pub was fairly small but well off by the looks of it. When Rarity and I got inside the place was abuzz with activity. Ponies all around me were taking time off work to forget their troubles for a bit.

Rarity looked at me, “We should probably ask the bartender if he was working that night”

I nodded “You chat it up with the regulars. See if anypony was there the night of Sweetlight’s tirade”

Rarity nodded and went to talk with some of the customers. I’ll admit she would probably have an easier time getting information then me. Ponies were much more willing to talk to a beautiful mare then a rugged detective.

I walked to the bar and before I could order anything I heard a very refined voice speak next to me “You won’t get anything out of him”

I looked over and saw an earth pony mare sipping a drink next to me. She had a grey coat, a bit of a lighter shade then mine. Her black mane was long and fell down her back. She had to be a musician of some sort, judging by her cutie mark of a violet Treble clef. Her violet eyes were half lidded as she looked at me “He wasn’t here the night Sweetlight was taken”

“How did you know what I was going to ask him?” I asked curiously.

“I overheard your conversation with that mare” She said gesturing to Rarity who was enjoying quite a bit of attention “The bartender who worked the night the model was taken is visiting family in New Jockey”

“You seem to know quite a bit, miss…”

“Octavia” She said with a small smile “You might have heard of me”

“You’re the co host of The Vinyl Scratch” I said knowingly

She sighed “Also an aspiring musician but I guess I’ll always be known as the one who keeps Vinyl on a reasonable leash” She facehoofed at some embarrassing memory

“So I have to ask,” I said looking over at her. “Were you here that night?”

“Yes, I was,” She said firmly. “I was celebrating after a show that night. Things went fairly well and I came by here for a drink. When I got here around midnight I found that model was ranting and raving. She’d obviously had way too much to drink, and I was worried a fight might break out. So I told the Bartender I was a friend of hers and took her outside to walk the alcohol off”

“That’s awfully kind of you…” I said my grey eyes narrowing “Do you remember at all what she said?”

“She was ranting on and on about her life as a model” Octavia said with a slight frown “Said that Photo Finish was making a bunch of demands for her. That she was getting tired of the life of a model and wanted to go home. That Photo was going to get it somehow,” she shook her head. “I got tired of it after a while so I went back inside for a few minutes”

“Did you go back and check on her?”

“That was where things got interesting,” she said taking a sip of her drink “I went back to make sure she didn’t run in the streets or anything. When I got back outside I saw her getting tossed in a black carriage. It was dark so I couldn’t see the stallions who put her inside, but I do remember seeing the license plate when it rounded the corner into the street where a light flashed it for a moment. I called the police and they put a search out for the car…haven’t heard anything back yet though”

“Do you remember the numbers at all?” I said sliding my notebook to her

She picked up a pencil and began to write down the numbers. I was amazed how much control she had over her hooves. It made me appreciate having magic even more.

When she finished writing the number she gave me back my notebook. “This should help you find those stallions who took her”

“You seem to know an awful lot for a simple musician,” I observed, while putting my notebook back in my trench coat “Why be so open with me? You don’t even know me.”

“I don’t know you, but I know of you,” she said with a small smile. “Let’s just say we both stand to gain from Sweetlight being found”

With that she paid her tab and left the bar without a word. I watched her leave with a sense of curiosity. I’ve met her somewhere before…

_______________________________________________________

A cold rainy night…

A mare crying over the corpse of her mother…

Holes in the victim’s body from gunshots….

Fenlock talking with somepony about taking the mare home…

I walked to her and put a comforting hoof on her shoulder…

Her violet eyes gazed at me in confusion…

I smiled…

She smiled in turn…

____________________________________________________

Rarity and I left the bar. Rarity’s venture to find information was not as fruitful as mine. She was a little surprised that I mentioned Octavia. We talked about her as we walked down the street.

“I don’t know much about her, darling. She was one of the musicians at that disaster of a gala,” she said, shuddering at the memory. “Other than the fact she co-hosts with Vinyl Scratch I can’t tell you anything about her”

“I just can’t shake the feeling I’ve seen her before…” I shook my head and walked to a nearby phone booth. I put in a bit and spoke “Operator get me KGBL”

A polite voice spoke on the other end, “Putting you through now”

“Private Eye, former badge five, one, seven, eleven”

“You again, Private?!” Foundra yelled on the other end, “You plan to almost get me fired twice!?”

“Nice to see your winning personality shines as bright as a cloudy night,” I said flatly. “Listen, I need a favor”

“Look, the last time you asked me to do something Shinebadge almost found out! I know you two go back, but the stallion only has so much patience.”

I ignored her plight, “Do you have a black carriage registered under the license number LAN-5711?”

“I know I’m going to regret this,” she said, as I heard the rustle of papers. “Actually, a vehicle with that same license number was parked in a parking garage on West Klonder Street. It left one night and then came back the very next evening according to the payments the owner made when he left and came back”

“Thanks, Foundra,” I said smiling. “You know, you can be helpful and sweet when I ask nicely.”

“You just quit calling me, or you’ll see how sweet and helpful I can be when I'm kicking your ass!”

Click!

“Mares…” I said, as I hung up the phone and walked out of the booth.

Rarity looked at me, “Another old flame, Private?”

“Nope,” I said. “This one’s always hated my guts for whatever reason.”

“Well she doesn’t know what she’s missing,” Rarity said, her blue eyes becoming half lidded. “I think you’re a very charming stallion”

“Uh… thanks” I said warily. Rarity’s been awfully… friendly lately. I shook my head and began walking down the street. “Come on, we have a carriage to find”

____________________________________________________________

We found the black carriage in the parking garage that Foundra spoke of. It was very large and the back trunk was large enough to house a pony. I used my lock picking skills to open the trunk.

Rarity levitated some rope that was covered in blood “Poor darling…this was probably what they used to capture her…”

“At least we have a lead” Then I noticed the registration on the front. I levitated the pink card and looked at it. “This carriage is registered to…Tri-Star!?”

Chapter 3 "Amongst Liars"

Chapter 3

“Amongst Liars”

Rarity and I got back to the convention center where I saw Tri-Star with Columbia again. Both looked at me, and Columbia spoke, “Back for more, detective?”

“Yes, for more of your buddy here,” I pointed a hoof at Tri-Star. “Care to explain what your car was doing running off with Sweetlight two nights ago?”

Tri-Star’s eyes grew wide and he bolted. The grey earth pony ran about the booths trying to avoid me. I gave chase, jumping over a cart that blocked my path. Tri-Star kicked over a booth. I slid under it just before it fell in my path, keeping pace with him. “Give it up Tri-Star!” I yelled levitating out my gun.

Tri-Star kept running at first but stopped in his tracks when I fired my gun so it barely missed his head. He looked at me, his eyes wide with fear. I missed him on purpose, but he didn’t need to know that. “You got a bit of explaining to do…”

“Well Buck…” Tri-Star said as I held the gun to his head

__________________________________________________________

“Look, I want to see my lawyer before the interrogation begins!” He said, as I shoved him into a chair before me. We were in a broom closet and I locked the door behind me, turning on the light.

“Your lawyer can wait…” I replied, gazing at the earth pony. “Now you’re going to answer my questions before I have to resort to more drastic means of getting you to talk”

“Look, I didn’t know anything about Sweetlight getting captured…”

“Horseapples” I spat darkly, “You knew exactly what you were getting into. Now I want to know why you would go along with this and who hired you”

“I’m not talking! I didn’t do any of this! You’re crazy” He wasn’t going to give in…

Time for Plan R…

I opened the door and in came Rarity. She smiled at me and I winked at her. Tri-Star looked curiously at the white unicorn. Then I smiled slowly, “You two have fun”

I walked outside and closed the door behind me. I heard muffled complaining about Tri-Star’s behavior. I heard Tri-Star try to retort and insult the mare about her whining…

“Whining?!” Rarity said behind the door “I am not whining! I am complaining…do you want to hear whining?”

I was smart not to listen for the next ten minutes. They would drive anypony to insanity and have them set up shop. After those ten minutes Rarity knocked for the door to be opened. When I opened it, she trotted out with a smile on her face “Tri-Star will speak to you now”

I nodded and walked inside to find Tri-Star looking at me “Whatever you do, do not bring that mare back in here!”

“Then talk” I said simply, “Why were you in that alley?”

“Look, I just got a note that I was supposed to bring my carriage to the area”

“You just follow any note?” I asked inquisitively, “What was so special about this request that you would follow it?”

“It was…from Hoity Toity” He confessed.

“What does a fashion stallion have to do with this?”

The grey earth pony sighed, “A couple of days ago I heard that Sweetlight was having trouble with Photo. The two had a fight about Sweetlight getting more time for herself. Photo fired back and said, “Do you vant this or no?” That just caused Sweetlight to snap and run off. So I heard from some of Hoity’s crew that he was talking with Sweetlight about something. Something about taking Photo down. I was going to report it to Photo but Hoity intercepted me. He offered me a huge reward if I didn’t tell”

“You’re in bed with him?” I said darkly, “What happened after that?”

“The night Sweetlight disappeared I was told by Hoity to leave my carriage at that spot. He told me that Sweetlight was going to go back on the deal they made. She was going to betray him…I wanted to stop her from doing it. If word got out that Hoity was plotting against Photo, I would be found out”

“There’s more to it…” I said slowly

“What are you talking about?!” He asked defensively.

“You had more against Sweetlight then just that she could rat you out” I said circling him like a lion around prey, “Now come out with it. Why would you be willing help somepony take out Sweetlight if not to save your ass from being found out?”
He looked over at me, his blue eyes showing fury “It was Columbia! Damn it! I did it because Columbia liked her!”

“What are you talking about?” Then it hit me “You were worried that Columbia was becoming attached to her?”

He nodded, “Columbia always liked Sweetlight. Over time the two became friends and he was always there to comfort her. I grew jealous, okay? Columbia and I are practically brothers and I felt like she was stealing him away from me…”

“That’s awfully childish of you…” I observed, “You realize this could get you arrested for helping in the kidnapping?”

“I only thought Hoity was going to scare her or something” He said trying to stave off the guilt or whatever was needed to get the blame off him “I didn’t think he’d keep her for this long”

“Can I see the note he gave you?” I asked, holding out my hoof

He nodded and pulled the note out of his pockets. I looked at the note.

Dear Tri-Star,

Bring your carriage this Tuesday to the alley by the Prancing Dragon. Leave it there and we will take care of your Sweetlight problem.

H.T.

It was very refined hoof writing. I looked at Tri-Star “Tri-Star, I’m charging you with assistance in the kidnapping of Sweetlight. I hope Columbia can find it in his heart to forgive you one day.”

I left Tri-Star to his guilt over the situation. I couldn’t condone his actions here. I had very little tolerance for anypony who accepts bribes like that. His motive for betraying Sweetlight was petty greed, and revenge. I remember far too many cops who were bribed for even more petty reasons…

I put them all away when I left the department.
_____________________________________________________________

“I can’t believe he would do something like that” Columbia said as he sat on a bench in the Convention Center. He shook his yellow head, “Tri-Star and I always got along. I didn’t think he felt threatened by Sweetlight.”

“There is such a thing as caring too much about somepony” I said simply “Did you know about this at all?”

Columbia shook his head again, “Not at all. Tri-Star and I tell each other everything. It’s such a huge shock that he would go behind my back like this” He punched the wall in anger. “Sweetlight doesn’t deserve this!”

“You love her…” Rarity observed

Columbia nodded solemnly “I do, but she was so busy with Photo we never got the chance to really date” He sighed “I tried to convince Photo to give her some time off but that was like trying to break a brick wall with a toothpick”

“Photo is awfully tough on her models” I observed “Why is that?”

“Because she knows how hard the life can be”

I turned around and saw Stella walking towards us. Her aloof eyes looked at me with a mixed expression, “She was once a model herself you know. Very beautiful. in fact, she was going on to become one of the greatest models of our time”

She reached into her pocket and pulled out an old black and white photo of Photo. Only this Photo was much younger, I’d say early twenties. Her eyes were absolutely dazzling in the picture. I looked up at Stella and asked “What happened?”

“Eye surgery that went wrong” Stella said frankly, “Photo undertook a very risky surgery in the hopes it would allow her eyes to change color to fit what outfit she was wearing”

Rarity shook her head “I heard about that, none of the surgeries actually performed as advertised. It causes the victims to have eyes of pure white”

So under Photo’s glasses were colorless eyes. No wonder why she hides them all the time. Stella put the photo of Photo back in her pocket. “Since then Photo has had to work on the sidelines. She’s harsh on her models because she just wants them to achieve their dreams. Mostly because she couldn’t reach hers”

Without another word Stella walked off. I looked to Columbia, “What is Stella’s position on the design team exactly?”

“Manager” Columbia answered. “Pretty much anything that needs to get done Stella is the mare to talk to. She has been working with Photo for years. In fact, it was thanks to Stella that a lot of Photo’s designs got off the ground”

“Anyways,” I said to the guard “Do you know where I can find Hoity Toity?”

“He’s usually at the Mile High Club about now” Columbia answered. “I’ll bet my right hoof he had something to do with all this”

________________________________________________________

The Mile High Club was just as you would expect. Situated at the very top of a sky scraper, the club was home to the rich and famous of Manehattan. I remember Dad bringing me along during my younger days. Mostly I would just get bored and try and discern whether or not a mare was actually rich by the quality of her jewels.

I walked out of the elevator with Rarity at my side. She was dressed in a very nice evening dress to blend in with the nobles present. I was glad she wasn’t drawing too much attention to us. I would hate for any of the nobles and corporation giants to recognize the son of Irenius Eye.

I looked over at Rarity, “I’ll go talk to Hoity”

Rarity then noticed me turning my head to allow a noble couple to pass me by. She raised an eyebrow “Private, why did you avoid those ponies?”

“Because I…well I was born into old money…” I said slowly

Rarity’s eyes grew wide as dinner plates, “You’re rich?! Handsome, smart, endearing, and a noble!” She let out a sigh “Truly you are a stallion crafted by Celestia herself…”

I didn’t like the look she was giving me. I felt like she was trying to imagine me under my trench coat. I looked around for any sort of distraction. Luckily, I found my target.

He was a stallion about the same age as my father. He did everything he could to hide it though. He was a dark grey stallion with a silver mane up in a high hair cut. His eyes were covered by a set of sunglasses and he wore a suit for the evening.

This…was Hoity Toity

I looked at Rarity “Stay by the door in case anypony makes a run for it”

She nodded, heading to the table near the door, “I’ll pretend to be getting some refreshments.”

I walked to Hoity’s table and he lowered his glasses to look at me with those blue eyes of his. “I don’t remember them letting commoners in to the Mile High Club” He sat back in his booth as I took a seat opposite him.

“No, but they will let detectives in” I said flashing my badge. He pushed his sunglasses back up.

“And what, pray tell, can I do for you, detective?”

“You can start by telling me about her” I said sliding Sweetlight’s picture onto the table. He barely seemed to glance at it.

“Ah yes, I remember her. Sweetlight is her name? She’s one of Photo’s models.” He smiled a little “A sweet thing, a little distraught, but she did compliment some of my designs”

“You know her a bit more then that, Hoity” My grey eyes narrowed. “Tri-Star told me all about the deal you made with him”

“What is this deal you speak of?” He asked in a voice so smooth it made my skin crawl.

“Tri-Star told me that you paid him to look the other way. Then you sent him this note, telling him to have his carriage there to kidnap Sweetlight” I slapped the note on the table.

Hoity twitched only a little then he smiled “What does this prove?”

“What?”

“First of all, if I was the kidnapper, why would I make such a silly little mistake like this? I wouldn’t send a note to him to keep him in the know. I would’ve told him personally what to do."

“But-“

“Another thing,” he continued with a smirk, “This isn’t even my hoof writing. I never sign with my initials”

He was right…This note wouldn't prove anything.

“Look, Sweetlight is a darling girl far from home. I could gain quite a bit from her disappearance, but you obviously lack proof. This note is a fake. I don’t know who wrote it and I don’t honestly care” He frowned then “What I do care about is ponies sticking their muzzles into my business.”

Before I could put two words together I was grabbed by his security minotaurs. They dragged me outside the club and tossed me in the elevator. Rarity got inside with me just as the minotaur slammed his fist on the down button. The elevator went straight down to the first floor. A reflection on us ending up back at square one…

_________________________________________________________

The sun was sinking low as I walked the streets of Manehattan with Rarity at my side. She looked over at me with eyes of sympathy “Private, I’m sorry we didn’t find the proof that we need”

“I can’t believe I could make such a stupid mistake!” I said frustrated “I knew there wasn’t enough proof for all of this to work. It was such a rookie mistake of-“

“Private, we seem to have company” Rarity interrupted, suddenly stopping.

Three police carriages surrounded us. I looked as they stopped and the door opened. Out stepped Vegas. His white and black spotted coat glinted in the sunlight. He bore a smug grin on his face as he stepped out “Well, this is a surprise”

“Vegas…” I growled, my voice low with contempt. “What the hell are you doing here?”

“He’s here with me”

I turned and saw Shinebadge exit his carriage. The chief of the ERPD was an older earth pony stallion with a short graying mane. His white coat bore a police badge cutie mark that he earned from a long career in law enforcement. Right now he kept his dark eyes trained on me.

I shook my head “What’s going on here, Shinebadge?”

“I was told by Vegas here,” He gestured to my former partner, “that you used Foundra to get information without my consent.”

“I needed the info, and I didn’t want to wait three years for a warrant” I replied flatly.

“Private, we have ways of doing things here in the department,” His dark eyes remained trained on me, “and I can’t have some crazy detective mucking everything up.”

Rarity was about to retort but I held a hoof up for her to stay out of this. “I’m investigating a case here! I would very much appreciate it if you got out of my way”

“We can’t have you doing that,” Vegas smirked, lighting a cigarette. “See we were already investigating the situation before you came along”

“You wouldn’t have even known about Tri-Star’s deal if it weren’t for me!” I retorted

Shinebadge growled low for me to be quiet “Private, you’re off this case”

“You can’t take me off a case!” I yelled “I’m a private detective now! My client is my employer, not you!”

“We can’t officially take you off a case” Shine said low “But we can keep you from solving it. You let us handle this, Private”

“Bullshit!” I cursed. “There’s something else isn't there! You guys only came when I tried to prove Hoity had something to do with this!!”

“You can’t go around accusing every noble you find, Private!” Vegas said almost spitting out his cigarette in the effort.

“This is just like Vice all over again!!!”

“Private Phelps Eye, stand down!!!” Shine's voice boomed loudly. “We will find Sweetlight. We will bring her home, our way. Until then, you are off this case!”

“You can’t do this to me…”

“You may have left the force of your own accord last time” Shine said “But this time I’m making sure you don’t make the same mistakes you made years ago!”

“You forgot one thing, Shine”

“What’s that?”

“I wasn’t the pony that made the mistakes…”

I walked off and didn't look back.

Chapter 4 "Generosity"

Chapter 4

“Generosity”

Rarity and I decided to stay in a hotel that night. I wasn’t going to get anywhere with the cops pulling me from the case. There was literally nothing I could do, and I hated it. I was glad Twilight didn’t see me lash out like that.

As I sat on one of the hotel beds I pondered what Shinebadge was going through. He had his hooves tied for some reason. Maybe something was keeping me off the case? Seems odd that Shinebadge would suddenly get on my case when I got so close. I was sure that somepony was holding something over him.

I removed my hat and set it with my trench coat on a nearby couch. Rarity had been in the shower for an awfully long time. For some reason she was insistent we get one room instead of two separate rooms. I was starting to get a very uneasy feeling down my spine.

I sat back on the bed and looked up at the ceiling. I was starting to miss Twilight among other thoughts. She would know what to do. She would know what I could do…

But she was in Canterlot now with Celestia. There was no way I could bring her here in time. I was on my own and I felt myself unconsciously reaching a hoof for the other side of the bed. Twilight never joined me in the bedroom but for a minute I imagined she was there.

That was when the bathroom door opened.

I looked up and saw Rarity peeking her head from behind the corner into the bedroom. Her damp, violet mane hung around her head and her blue eyes gazed at me. I was suddenly conscious of the fact I was naked. I tried to keep my attention to the TV channel list.

“Private,” Rarity spoke in a low throaty voice, “have I ever told you how handsome you look?”

“Um… no” I said awkwardly, trying not to look at her. “Rarity, shouldn’t you dry your mane off?”

“I was told by many a stallion it looked better this way” Rarity said and I felt her climb onto the bed with me. I looked up to see Rarity crawling towards me seductively… her eyes burning with lust.

I looked away and backed into the wall “Rarity, um, your bed is the other one”

“It gets so very cold at night in the city,” Rarity crawled closer towards me. She was backing me against the wall like a cat with a mouse. I found myself turning scarlet as I felt Rarity’s hoof run along one of my forelegs.

“Rarity, what’s gotten into you?” I asked frantically, looking for an escape from this situation.

“You certainly are muscular,” Rarity observed “Not like Big Macintosh but you’re much… smoother”

“Rarity I-“

Don’t be a fool…

What? You again?

Twilight would never appreciate you like this.

Rarity gently pushed me down. Her blue eyes looking almost hungry. She smiled seductively, “Private, I’ve always admired you from afar”

“You-You have?!” I stuttered trying to get up but to no avail

“Yes,” She said, running a hoof along my muzzle “You’re so sexy, strong, and brave, in spite of everything that life throws at you”

“You know I’m-“

Look at her. See how badly she wants you.

Her eyes did want me.

Twilight would never give you those eyes.

Rarity nuzzled me along the cheek, “Twilight is so lucky to have you but she isn't here. Surely you would let me offer some comfort after today’s long day?”

Let her! She’ll give you what you want out of a mare…

But Twilight.

Will never know…She’s in Canterlot remember?

But if she ever found out.

Then she’s not worth it.

Rarity’s lips almost touched mine before I finally broke free. In desperation I fired a shockwave with my horn sending Rarity flying off me. I glared at her as she picked herself off the floor where she landed “Rarity, you know I’m dating Twilight!!!”

She blinked and then looked at me confused. “Private, what happened?”

“You tried to seduce me,” I yelled. “Knowing full well I’m Twilight’s coltfriend!”

“Private…I…oh Luna I can’t believe I” She suddenly started crying. My anger subsided a little “I can’t believe I did this! In the darkest part of my heart I knew it could happen, but to see it actually…” She kept crying, tears streaming down her face.

“Rarity, why?” I asked, desperate for answers “Why did you do it?”

“It’s just…” She looked up at me “I’ve always been jealous”

“Of what, Rarity?”

“Of Twilight…” She confessed, shaking her head “It’s just I couldn’t believe it that she had you! This entire trip I kept wondering what Twilight saw in you. Then I realized just how impeccable of a stallion you were and… I wanted you”

“Rarity…”

“I know it was wrong!” She said with tear stained eyes “It’s just Twilight has everything I could ever want! Living like royalty, having a family that doesn’t fight, and you above all. She wouldn’t even have known she was in love if I didn’t blatantly tell her! I just wanted something for myself for once… some Element of Generosity I am”

Then it hit me. I wasn’t happy about what she did but anger wasn’t going to help. She didn’t need more ponies telling her what she did was wrong “Rarity, you are the element of Generosity but that doesn’t mean you’re exempt from feeling selfish. You’re still a pony; you’re allowed to make mistakes”

“All my life, I’ve had to earn everything I got” Rarity said shaking her head “Twilight had everything hoofed to her. It was just so frustrating that Twilight of all ponies would be the first of us six to fall in love and have it returned. At first, I simply tried to help you two get closer from the shadows: but over time, I felt like Twilight didn’t know what she had”

She looked up at me “I just… I want somepony willing to give to me for once…I give so much…I’d like somepony to give to me”

“How can you be so blind?” I asked with a sigh

“What are you talking about, darling?” Rarity replied, with surprise. “Are you saying there’s a stallion who wants me?”

“Not a stallion, a dragon” I said my grey eyes trained on her “I’m talking about Spike, for Pete’s sake, Rarity!”

Realization greeted her eyes “Spiky-Wiky…”

“He’s done everything you’ve asked without complaint or fuss! He’s loved you since the first moment he saw you! He’s always been there for you! How can you not see that?”

“Spiky…Wiky…” New tears filled her eyes as she buried her face in a pillow. “It’s true! I’ve been so terribly selfish to him! I’ve been so terribly selfish to everypony! How could I possibly call myself an element when I do something as horrible as this!?”

I put a hoof on her back and gently patted it. “Rarity, I have to ask, do you care for Spike like he cares for you?”

Rarity looked up from her tear soaked pillow. Her blue eyes seemed to ponder my question for a minute or two. Then she slowly nodded “At first I thought it was just an adorable little crush. Over time, however, I’ve grown to care for him too. He’s the most generous and sweet little darling I’ve ever known. He isn’t like the absolute brutes his kind are known to be. I guess you could say I’ve grown fond of him.”

“You've known for a long time he’s had a crush on you?”

“I did, but I was afraid. I was worried about what everypony would think if I started showing my feelings for Spiky. After all, I am a pony and he is a dragon. Could it even work?”

I smiled a little “Yeah, in ancient times ponies have fallen for dragons and vice versa. I’m sure you can work something out.” My grey eyes became serious “But sooner or later Rarity you’re going to have to give him a real answer”

Rarity thought for a long moment then nodded “Once this case is over I will return to Ponyville and tell Spiky Wiky exactly how I feel, and how sorry I am for everything I’ve done to him.” She looked up at me not with tears but with determination “Celestia as my witness, I swear this!”

I nodded and we finally got to sleep that night. I wondered what that voice wanted with me. It had appeared twice in my life, once when I was debating whether to save Dinky or catch Glimmer. The other time was when I considered killing myself to stop that mare; Littlepip was it, from coming to be born. Both times I refused him.

This time, though, he seems to have grown stronger.

_____________________________________________________________

We went back to the convention center the next day only to discover a bunch of cops all over the place. It was going to be impossible to get anywhere near the place without being discovered. Rarity and I peeked out from a street corner at the place.

“No good, if I get anywhere near the place I won’t be able to get in”

“Such brutes,” Rarity huffed. “How are we going to solve the case if we can’t get in?”

I got an idea “Wait, I can’t get in but I know somepony who can”

“Who darling?” Rarity asked looking at me curiously.

“A certain favorite aunt of mine…”

______________________________________________________

We were waiting inside a Starbucker café when Sapphire Shores entered. She was dressed a little less flashy in a simple jacket and shades. Her trademark strange hat was still on though. I guess you can only ask so much from the pop star.

I waved for her to come and sit at the table with Rarity and I. She sat down with a smile on her face, “Darling, I did a little digging and you’ll never guess what I found out”

“Photo actually does have a dress made of lobsters?” Rarity suggested, trying to make a joke.

Sapphire chuckled and shook her head “Nah, but I found out that Hoity actually did talk to Sweetlight before she was captured”

“Tri-Star mentioned that” I said taking a sip of my espresso. Oh Caffeine you are my best friend during cases! I continued “He said they talked about taking Photo down”

“Well as it turns out she never mentioned where she was from” Sapphire explained “I thought it was kind of odd that Hoity would know she was a long way from home if she never mentioned where she came from.”

“He could’ve found out by other means,” Rarity suggested, sipping her tea daintily. “She did have interviews right? Somepony must’ve asked where she was from”

“Sweetlight is still fairly new,” Sapphire pointed out. “She’s only had a couple of shows. Photo never had her do any interviews yet. She said it would-“She imitated Photo’s Berman accent “Keep her from gettzing too much pride in zer ead!”

I laughed at Sapphire’s impression but then moved on “Who else knew about Sweetlight being from Hoofington?”

“Only her design staff” Sapphire said firmly “I only found out when she went missing. I even asked some of the other ponies at the convention. Nopony knew where she was from until I told them”

Rarity tapped her hoof on her chin “That can only mean one thing. Hoity got the information from somepony on the inside”

I nodded and got up “I’m going to go back to the bar that Sweetlight was kidnapped at. You figure out how Hoity knew she was going to be there”

Sapphire smiled “All this detective work is making me feel” She opened her mouth to sing her famous line.

SENSATIONAL!!!!

At least it’s better than Rainbow’s running gag. I feel its run its course…

Wait no! That wasn’t meant to be-

YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!

Damn it…

_____________________________________________________________

I got back to the Prancing Dragon and walked up the bar. I was greeted by a smiling earth pony stallion. “What can I get you good sir?” He said in a Lyrish accent.

“Information” I said flashing my badge. I could get in trouble if he decided to blab to other cops. Right now, though, just the thought of a cop in a bar was never a good sign. I got his attention and that’s what counted.

His eyes grew wide as dinner plates, “I’m not under arrest or anything am I, officer?”

“No, my good pony,” I said reassuringly. “I just want to know where you were a couple of nights ago. Somepony went missing in the alley by your bar”

“I wasn't here, officer” He said with a slight smile “I was on a trip”

“A friend of mine said you were visiting family in New Jockey” I said suspiciously

“I was but you wouldn’t believe how I was able to do so” He said with a shake of his head “Truth is this job has been bloody hell for the past few weeks. Then out of nowhere I win this week long trip to New Jockey, just a couple of miles from mah family home”

“You didn’t question how you won this trip?” I questioned leaning a little closer

“Look when somepony is willing to give me a trip from this hell hole I’m not willing to question it”

“Did it come with a flyer or anything?” I said

He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small colorful flyer “Got this about two weeks ago. I keep it on me fer good luck”

I examined the flyer closely. It showed some pictures of New Jockey and explained in huge letters that he won. It seemed legit but I would need somepony to examine it. This was just far too convenient.

I looked up at the bartender “You don’t mind if I borrow this for the investigation, do you? It could help me find who I’m looking for”

“Just be sure to give it back when you’re done with it” He said firmly “I want to keep my luck thank you very much”

I walked outside to the alley nearby. Before I entered it I heard some cello music playing. I stepped into the alley and saw Octavia playing her cello with a look of absolute focus on her face.

“You play well” I said with a smile “Neightovan?”

“Buch,” She corrected with a small smile, “but you were close, so I’ll give you credit.” She stopped playing and set her cello back in a large case.

She looked at me, “I trust you found out about what happened with the bartender as well?”

“That he got a free trip to New Jockey that just happened to take place during the week when Sweetlight was kidnapped?” I nodded, “Yeah, this seems way too convenient for me”

“Well, I met him last night,” Octavia said closing her case with a push of her hoof. .“I did a little digging into the company that he supposedly got the trip from. It doesn’t exist”

“You’re saying there’s no such company as ‘Happy Times Travel’?” I said looking at the flyer. “So somepony wanted him gone”

“So that he wouldn’t able to witness Sweetlight get captured” Octavia said firmly “You’re missing friend was supposed to be here. The question is who knew she came here to hang out?”

“It would have to be somepony who knew her movements” I pondered, nodding slowly, “Somepony who would make sure she ended up here”

“Private!” I heard a voice cry behind me. I turned to see Rarity running to me. “I just got back from a conversation with Sapphire. Turns out somepony told her to go there during the night of the kidnapping”

“Who?”

“Stella, darling! She’s the manager of the design team. She told Sweetlight to head to the bar to cool off. Pretty Vision heard this information when she asked Stella where Sweetlight went that night”

“A pony who knew movements, who knew the bartender wouldn’t be there that night,” I muttered to myself as the pieces fell together.

We had our kidnapper!

“Thanks for helping Octa-“I said turning to where I thought Octavia was, but when I looked the cello player was gone.

Just who is she?

Chapter 5 "Confrontation"

Chapter 5

“Confrontation”

Stella walked out of the convention center with Sapphire beside her, “Honey, it’ll only take a minute”

Stella’s aloof eyes looked at the pop star with some suspicion, “What exactly is going on, Sapphire?”

The pair walked into a nearby alley where Rarity and I were waiting. Stella’s normally aloof eyes grew wide upon seeing me, “Surprised to see me?” I asked smugly

“No, you aren’t supposed to be here!” Stella replied, backpedaling.

I advanced on the manager, “Where is Sweetlight?”

“Shouldn’t you be looking for her?” She lashed back. “What are you doing here?”

“Looking right at the pony that helped Sweetlight get captured,” I said darkly “You told Sweetlight to head to the bar on the night she was kidnapped”

“I told her to cool off, yes,” Stella stated, getting back her cool, “but I didn’t kidnap her”

“No, but you did have plenty of motive to get Sweetlight out of the way”

“What pray tell is that?” She asked darkly.

“Vengeance” I said simply “It must’ve been so frustrating working under Photo all these years. The long hours, the crazy tangents she goes on, all the fame and glory she gets for your hard work.”

Stella’s eyes noticeably twitched at this. I was getting closer…

“You thought that this little scandal would ruin her. If word of this kidnapping got out, Photo’s reputation with any future models would be ruined. So, you went to her rival Hoity Toity. You even tried to cover for him by writing that fake note. I recognized your hoof writing from one of the forms you wrote on while I was getting made over”

Rarity advanced to my side “You may not have kidnapped Sweetlight but you may as well have. You tossed her into the hooves of Toity! The question is where is the darling?”

Stella smirked and the laughed, “You are all fools! Toity can’t be stopped now. He’s going to sell Sweetlight to a place where she can’t cause trouble. With the DA in his pocket no cop will touch him, and neither will you.”

In the space of a second she dropped a smoke grenade. The flash blinded me and I inhaled some kind of knock out gas. I fell on the ground in a heap, the gas sapping me of my strength and whatever magical power I had.

I looked up weakly and saw Stella dragging Rarity and Sapphire away,

All according to plan…

____________________________________________________________

When I came to it was midday. I looked around and saw that the alley was deserted. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small tracking device and tapped the map function. I saw Rarity show up several blocks away on the Horson coast. They looked to be in some sort of warehouse.

“Are you all right?” I turned around and saw Octavia looking at me.

“I’m fine, where did you come from?” I asked, putting the device back in my trench coat.

“Tracking down Hoity,” She said simply “I found out what he intends to do with your friends”

“What is he going to do with them?” I demanded, getting inches from the earth pony’s face.

“Slavery,” She said closing her violet eyes “He plans to sell them into slavery in some foreign land. He’s done that to several mares he’s double crossed”

“Not going to happen,” I stated firmly. “I plan to stop him”

“How?” she asked, looking at me, “Hoity has a private army of minotaurs at his command. Plus the DA is in his pocket, so you can’t rely on help from the police”

I then got an idea, it was a long shot but he did owe me. I walked to a nearby pay phone and dialed the numbers quickly. After two rings a Bitallion accented voice spoke on the other end.

“Who’s callin'?”

“I believe I still have a favor with you”

“You did reunite me and my daughter…”

“You willing to get in some action?”

“Talk to me, Private.”

_______________________________________________________________

I opened the door to a large warehouse and saw Minotaurs moving cages containing Rarity and Sapphire inside. Other mares were inside various cages as well. It made my blood boil to see how callous they were with my friends.

Then Hoity turned around and gasped at the sight of me “What are you doing here?!”

“Miss me Hoity?” I asked smugly, “your little trap didn’t work.”

“What trap exactly?” Hoity replied, lowering his sunglasses.

“The trap for me, I found it odd that Shine showed up right after I accused you. As it turns out, this entire thing was designed so that you could get me off the case. The fake note written by Stella, Tri-Star’s carriage, all things meant so that I could try to connect the case to you”

Hoity was soon flanked by two Minotaur guards. There were at least twelve of them in the room. None were armed with firearms but they could easily take me on even with my combat training. Ironically my combat mentor was a Minotaur

I went on “You have something on the DA that kept me off the case”

“Yes,” Hoity said smugly “The DA has sampled some of my… merchandise. Everypony has a price detective; his was beautiful mares to inhabit his bed.”

“You’re sick, Hoity. if you think I can be bought” I said scuffing the ground with a hoof.

“I know you can’t be bought but you can’t prove I was involved”

“Oh really?” I said smugly “I’ve been recording this entire conversation. Thank you for confessing”

“You! You Bastard!” He cried, leaving behind his gentle stallion like manner for the true monster he was. “I will dump your body into the Horson River where nopony can find you!”

“You can’t hide your sins forever, Toity,” I said mockingly. “I plan on taking you down”

“Take me down?” He scoffed, laughing, “you, and what army?!”

“ME, AND THIS ARMY!!!” I shouted towards the ceiling.

The windows on the top shattered as four griffins descended from the ceiling. Two were armed with assault rifles in their claws. One big one had a shotgun in his claws glaring at nearby Minotaurs. Grimwing himself had a shotgun over his shoulder and he smiled at me. “I plan tah pay on that favor, Private”

I pulled out my revolver and nodded at him, “Thanks for coming Grimwing, after this we’re even.”

“GRIMWING!” Hoity exclaimed in absolute shock, “The mob boss!?”

“This the goombah that’s given' ya grief, Private?” Grimwing asked pointing at Hoity who was sweating profusely.

“Yes, he’s been giving me a hell of a lot of grief” I said mildly

“Then allow me tah get him off ya hoofs,” the mob boss said, taking his shotgun in both claws and cocking it. “All right boys! Remember shoot tah disable, not kill!”

Chaos followed as Minotaurs pulled out bladed weapons and tried to get at the griffins. I ducked behind cover, and aimed Blackbird at a Minotaur about to ambush Grimwing from behind. The Minotaur screamed when I hit him in the arm. Grimwing turned and, in a blurred motion, sliced the Minotaur across the eyes simultaneously firing his shotgun at the creature’s hoof.

I looked over at the cages, moving from cover to cover. I looked up to see the Minotaurs forsaking their blades for proper guns. They fired at one of Grimwing’s men, hitting him in the wing. The wounded griffin screeched in pain and fired his assault rifle into the arm of one of the Minotaurs.

I made my way to the cages. Rarity and several other mares looked at me with relief, “Private! I kept the tracking crystal like you asked!”

I nodded and started picking at the locks on the cage. The doors opened and out came Rarity, Sapphire, and Sweetlight. Sweetlight looked at me with grateful eyes, “Thank you so much sir! I hope to repay you someday!”

“Repay me by getting out of here and getting the police!” I tossed my bug to Rarity, “give this to Shine. He’ll be able to act now that he knows the DA is corrupt”

Rarity shook her head and handed the bug to Sapphire “I’m staying and making sure Hoity pays for what he did!”

Sapphire smiled and spoke to the girls, “Come on ladies! Let’s get outta here!”

Rarity and I watched the girls leave out of the back entrance. Rarity then turned and pointed with her hooves, “There he is!”

I followed her hoof and saw Hoity was about to be corned by Grimwing. Grimwing looked at his shotgun and frowned, “Damn it! Graff always forgets to bring extra ammo…” He tossed the shotgun aside and advanced on the scoundrel

Hoity then shouted “Thor, protect your master!”

A huge Minotaur charged out of a room and ran for the mob boss. Grimwing dodged just in time. Grimwing glared at the massive Minotaur “Hey Bull head, wanna dance?”

The Minotaur growled “I’m no ordinary beast, bird! I have slain countless enemies in my lifetime,” he cracked his knuckles, “and you’re next”

Grimwing smirked “Bout time I got a challenge” He lowered into a fighting stance, “I’ve fought your kind before. I killed one when I was only three years old. I can take care of you”

The Minotaur charged and Grimwing leaped over the beast just in time. Grimwing raked his claws on the back of the bull and drew blood. The Minotaur charged into a nearby crate smashing it to pieces. He turned back to the griffin who was taunting him with a claw in a very obscene gesture.

The Minotaur drew a sword from his side and swung it at the mob boss. Grimwing held up his razor sharp claws and blocked the blade with them. The claws were a sharp as steel and well capable of blocking a sword. The Minotaur swung again and again at the griffin but Grimwing managed to block and knock away the sword.

Thor threw a punch at the griffin that hit the mob boss on the side of the face. Grimwing flew back into the wall and groaned in pain. Then he just shook himself off and let out a screech of challenge at the bull. The bull met the challenge by charging at the mob boss fist raised.

Grimwing leaped over the Minotaur and landed on his face. The Mob boss let out a screech and plunged the metal tip of his beak into the eye socket of the beast. Thor let out a scream of pain and punched wildly trying to get at the griffin. Grimwing got hit by a lucky shot and fell off the Minotaur.

“Quit playing around, Thor!” Hoity shouted. “Kill him!”

Thor wiped blood from his bleeding eye and charged at the griffin. He grabbed Grimwing by the neck and started wailing on the mob boss. Grimwing let out grunts of pain as he took punch after punch.

Rarity looked over at me, “We must do something!”

“What,” I said trying to aim my gun at Thor. “I can’t get a clear shot and the others are too busy taking care of Hoity’s other Minotaurs”

Rarity’s blue eyes looked thoughtful for a moment then she looked at me, “That thing you did with Twilight! Do you think you can do it with my element?”

“That chanting thing?” I asked, looking at her. “That only worked when I created a bond between two ponies, unless….”

“Unless what, darling?”

I turned to Rarity and put my hooves on her shoulder “Rarity, I forgive you for what you did.”

“Darling, now is not the time fo….”

“It is," I interrupted,” I want to say how grateful I am to you for telling Twilight she was in love with me. You’re a true friend, Rarity; I wish you all the best with Spike.”

“Private,” she returned, smiling, “Thank you for forgiving me.”

The Chanting came….

Suddenly my horn glowed as bright as the sun. Everybody in the room looked up as Rarity floated alongside me. Her Element of Generosity appeared around her neck and a light cord went not to me, but to all the griffins in the room. Grimwing’s wounds began to heal and he smiled wide.

Thor’s own eye went wide as Grimwing performed a head butt on the bull. Grimwing escaped the bull’s grasp and clawed him across the chest. Then Grimwing fought with new fervor and so did the other griffins in the room.

As Rarity spun around me I realized that she was giving strength to them. Generosity is a hard element to maintain but it is truly a wondrous gift in itself. Rarity’s eyes opened and they glowed white. She and I raised our hooves as one and the earth around Hoity began to shake.

Before the fashion pony could run away a box of diamonds formed around him. He was trapped and he had nowhere to run anymore.

Grimwing delivered one last blow to the Minotaur by plunging his metal beak into the other eye. The Minotaur bellowed in pain from both of his bleeding eyes and fell over. Grimwing picked up a fallen Minotaur’s pistol and aimed it at the beast.

“Now, ya do me a favor and don’t give me a reason to have ya sleepin with the fishes,” he said with a smirk.

The Chanting died away as Rarity and I descended to the floor of the warehouse. She smiled at me, “I truly am sorry for what I did, Private.”

I put a hoof on the white mare’s shoulder “Rarity you’re my friend. Part of the deal is that we work things out together. I’m not going to hold a grudge for you wanting something for yourself."

She put her forelegs around me in a little hug and smiled at me, “Twilight is truly lucky to have you. I only hope I can find the same with Spiky-Wiky”

We broke off our hug and I went to Hoity who was locked in a cage “Hoity Toity, I’m placing you under arrest for kidnapping and bribery”

“An absolute travesty…” Were his last words as a free criminal.

Epilogue

Case 11

Epilogue

The Police came about ten minutes after the fighting died down. Luckily none of the Minotaurs or griffins were hurt beyond repair. Shinebadge looked at me as Hoity was being loaded into a police carriage. “Listen, Private….”

“You don’t need to apologize, sir,” I said simply “I knew your hooves were tied. What is going to happen with the DA?”

“After this,” Shinebadge chuckled, “he’ll be lucky if he ever gets a job again. We’ll make sure that whatever mess he got us into is cleaned up” He gave me a stern look “Look the position is still open if you want it, I’d be happy to have you back on the force”

I shook my head “The offer is kind, Badge, but right now I don’t think this will restore faith in you guys. No offense, but I solved this case, not you guys…” I turned around leaving Shine to ponder what I said.

I hated insulting him like that but he deserved to be told like it is. He was just trying to do his job with all the bullshit that came with it. Maybe one day all that bullshit will stop interfering with pony’s lives. Until then, I only walk with ponies I trust.

_________________________________________________________

“I must say, I’m mighty impressed,” Sapphire said as the police drove away with Hoity. Rarity walked up beside me as the pop star smiled “I was expecting you to come with help, but to get a mafia boss on your side. Private, you never cease to surprise me”

Rarity looked at me with a raised eyebrow, “How did you manage to convince them to come along anyway?”

“Miss Shores?” Grimwing said, walking with a pair of his relatively uninjured soldiers flanking him. “Some of mah boys were hopin' ya could do a favor fer us.”

“Well, you fine gentlemen just saved my life and those of the young ladies; so what can I do for you?”

One of the soldiers held out a small poster. He smiled nervously and spoke in a similar Bitallion accent as Grimwing “Would ya be so kind as ta sign our Sapphire Shores merchandise?”

Rarity’s jaw dropped as the other two griffins that came with Grimwing pulled out various pieces of Sapphire Shores items. T-Shirts, CDs, posters, and pictures all came from the griffins. Rarity looked at me with shocked blue eyes, “You’re telling me that these vicious griffins, who’ve all probably killed and committed all sorts of unsavory acts, are ALL Sapphire Shore Fans?!”

Grimwing shrugged as Sapphire went about signing the merchandise, “Bit of a guilty pleasure we have. Once Private mentioned they would be saving their idol well, I had to make a lot of griffins disappointed today”

Rarity fainted and I caught her with my magic. I think her mind has been broken far too much today. I set Rarity on the sidewalk and looked at Grimwing, “You know you could’ve just sent a group of your men. You didn’t have to put yourself on the line.”

Grimwing shrugged, “Ah needed the exercise, besides I wasn’t about to let you die on my watch.”

“Has the great Grimwing gone soft?” I asked, with a chuckle.

“Nah,” He said with a shake of his head “I just know you’re much more useful alive then dead.”

“Useful how?” I said with a raised eyebrow

“Let’s just say that yah don’t see a lotta good cops anymore,” he said with a small smile. “Yah keep the scum behind bars, Private, I’ll keep the scum you can’t get at off the streets”

“You’re awfully vague,” I said with narrowed eyes, “just what is going on in the underworld?”

“Let’s just say,” His yellow eyes met my grey ones, “it’s getting a lot harder to remain honorable this day and age” He turned around “Yah just keep doin' what ya do, Private.”

I nodded slowly, “You know one of these days I’m going to have to bring you in”

He smiled a little, “I look forward to that day. I wanna see how I stand up against yah in a fight…”

I gulped a little; the prospect of fighting a dangerous foe like Grimwing was not exactly exciting. Then again it probably won’t be a while until I had to face him. I wonder if I would have the heart to bring him in. After all he’s done for me and I for him… could we even fight?

Grimwing whistled and his boys looked up, “Come on boys, we gotta get back to the compound”

None of the griffins grumbled or complained, they just moved to stand beside their leader. Grimwing took off his black fedora and made a curt bow to Sapphire, “Thank ya kindly fer treatin my boys”

Sapphire smiled, “I’ll make arrangements for you boys to come to my concerts for free. I owe all of you gentlemen my life, and so do the rest of the girls.”

A couple griffins blushed in embarrassment at being addressed by their idol in such a manner. Grimwing simply chuckled, “Keep yerself safe, Sapphire, Ah don’t want tah have to save ya twice”

The griffins spread their wings and shot into the air with speed rivaling Rainbow Dash. I watched them leave with a smile on my face. Grimwing stopped midair and gave me a small salute. I recognized the gesture from reading about the Griffin Wars; he was addressing me as an equal.

I saluted back and the griffins flew into the clouds above Manehatten. I looked over at Sapphire, “Where are the girls?”

“Back at the convention center by now,” the pop star said, gesturing behind her, “Come on; let’s get acquainted with our kidnapee”

_______________________________________________________

Sweetlight, her blond mane in disarray from being captured for so long, was being held by the design team. They were all crying and saying how happy they were to have her back. I walked in as Sweetlight spoke to them.

“I’m so lucky to have you all,” she said with a slight Hoofington accent, “I was so worried throughout the whole thing that I caused trouble for you all.”

Columbia put a hoof on her shoulder, “That’s Sweetlight for you; we were worried about you silly.”

High Style wiped tears from her eyes, “I can’t believe Stella would do this to you. I’m happy that that crazy mare is behind bars for what she did.”

Pretty Vision hugged her friend tight, “Just don’t scare us like that again.”

Sweetlight returned the hug, “I’m sorry for all of this. I promise never to get involved with anypony like Hoity again”

Powder Rose simply smiled and looked at me, “I believe your savior is here”

Sweetlight looked over at me and smiled wide. She ran to me and hugged me tight, “Thank you so much, sir!”

I gave a quick hug to the model and let her go “Just don’t go near strange bars again, okay? You’re holding up all right since the whole incident?”

She nodded, “I can’t believe I was being so selfish.” She shook her head a bit miserably, “When I was captured, I
realized just how much of a burden I was being to everypony else.”

“It’s hard to look at the big picture,” I explained to the teenaged model, “We always look at our own little lives, and we find it hard to see what others are going though.”

Sweetlight nodded again but then looked past me. Photo Finish walked into the booth uncharacteristically slowly. She walked to Sweetlight and simply frowned, “Sweetlight, we are zorry”

“For what, Photo?” Sweetlight asked confused, “I’m the one who caused all the trouble.”

“No,” Photo interrupted at her regular speed “It was I, Photo Finish, who has caused ze problem. Had I given you more time off you wouldn’t have gone to Hoity Toity”

Several designers just blinked in shock, I could tell this was unusual for Photo. The fashion star went on “I can only ask fer your forgiveness in zis disaster” She looked at Sweetlight, “I only vanted you to be ready for ze real world. You are young and this world can be," she lifted her glasses so only Sweetlight could see, “very cruel…”

“Photo,” Sweetlight said reaching over to hug the star. Photo replaced her glasses quickly before hugging Sweetlight.

“From now on” Photo said smiling a little, “You tellz me vhen it becomes too much. Ah will make you a ztar but I will not overburden you.”

I left the design team to hug and deal with the situation. They were like a family; they fight and get in trouble, but in the end the love they hold for each other keeps the family together.

They were going to be okay…

_____________________________________________________________

Rarity stood in front of the train station after we loaded up all her gear “I’m going to make a stop at Canterlot before heading home.”

“Sorry you didn’t get a chance to show off your fashions,” I said apologetically, “If you hadn’t come on this case…”

She held a hoof to silence me “Darling, as the Element of Generosity, it’s my duty to worry to put others above myself. The last couple of days have proven that more than anything. I’ll just hook up with Fancy Pants and see if he can’t help me get some of my fashions in the limelight.”

I smiled and nodded, “Say hi to him and Fleur for me”

She returned my smile then slowly frowned “While in Canterlot…I’m going to apologize to Twilight for what I did”

“Are you sure you want to tell her this?”

“The last time I kept a secret I almost lost Fluttershy,” Rarity said, her blue eyes becoming determined. “Sometimes secrets are best revealed for the good of all.”

I nodded “Alright, it’s your call Rarity. You take care of yourself.”

The conductor called “All aboard” and soon the train roared to life.

Rarity smiled and gave me a quick hug, “You take good care of Twilight, you hear?”

I hugged her back, “I promise, Rarity”

The white unicorn hopped onto the train and waved goodbye. I returned the wave. Rarity was really a good pony deep down, sometimes she just needed to realize she needed help too.

In a way, we’re kind of alike…

__________________________________________________________

“You were just the sweetest little baby colt,” Sapphire said, as we sat in Starbucker together. It was about two days since the whole Toity business was dealt with. I decided to stay in Manehatten for the rest of Fashion week before heading home.

Sapphire was reminiscing about the old days “Hard to believe you’ve grown up so. I still remember when your mother would convince me to change your diapers as practice for when I have my own foals.”

I laughed a little, “So do you have any yourself?”

“Nah,” she said with a shake of her head, “too busy touring and running everywhere. I don’t think a foal would be a good idea anyway.”

“Darn shame,” I replied smiling, “You would’ve been a great mom.”

“Maybe,” she said with a small smile, “but it was yer mama that was the one I always pegged as being a mother someday. She had all the talent to become this big star, but she tossed it aside and decided that having foals was far more important. I guess I can see her logic nowadays.”

“She was really something,” I said, looking at my coffee, “I miss her so much…”

She reached over a hoof and put it on my shoulder “If she were alive now, she would be so proud of you, Private. Such a handsome, smart and brave stallion you’ve grown into”

“Thanks, Sapphire,” I said smiling at her. “It makes me feel a little better about all of this.”

“So have you talked to your daddy about all this?” Sapphire asked concerned “You know he-“

“Stop right there, Sapphire,” I said cutting her off. “I’m not ready to deal with my father yet.”

“Private, some day you’re gonna have to face him,” she said firmly “What happens during that confrontation will depend on your own ability to let go…”

I got up from the table and just walked away. I looked back at Sapphire and simply smiled “It was good seeing you again…”

She smiled in turn “I’m glad to see you again. Its ponies like you that make my life worthwhile”

“The feeling is mutual…” I said as I walked out of the Starbucker

____________________________________________________________

It was late afternoon when I arrived at St. Ponel’s Cemetery. The leaves from the trees decorated the grass in orange and reds. I held the bouquet of blue roses in my hooves. I was sitting in front of a grave as the clouds gathered over my head.

Sparrowheart Eye
Beloved Mother and Wife
“May you fly in eternity”
956-990

I put the flowers on the grave and simply stared at it. Six feet beneath my hooves slept my mother…my best friend…

Tears fell from my eyes as I recalled memories of her…

_________________________________________________________

It was a cold and rainy night and Mom was reading a book on her bed. Dad wasn’t there tonight as he was away on a business trip. He hated leaving his wife behind but he should be back by morning.

She looked up from her book and saw me enter. I was about five, grey eyes looked at mom. “Mommy…”

She smiled at me “Can’t sleep, Preventus?”

I shook my head “I don’t like the storm, it’s too loud”

As if by some cruel joke to exemplify my point a crash of thunder was heard. I ran to mom’s bed and leapt onto it. I buried myself under the covers and tried to hide from the storm.

I saw a hoof lift the covers and my mother’s face came into my view “The storm isn’t going to come and get you, Preventus.”

“I still don’t like it” I said looking away from her

I felt her shift until I was leaning against her side under the covers. She lifted a wing and put it over me like a protective blanket. She nuzzled me softly on my exposed head. “It’s okay Preventus; you don’t need to be scared. Mommy is here…”

I pressed myself into her hoping to find safety and warmth. I tried not to cry out when another crash of thunder was heard. I looked up to see Mom’s grey eyes looking at me lovingly. I tried to smile “Sorry Mom…”

“For what?” She said tilting her blue head.

“For not being a brave stallion,” I said letting my misery show. "Dad wouldn’t run under a blanket if he was scared.”

She smiled at me and nuzzled me again, “Just because your dad is a stallion doesn’t mean he’s invincible. All ponies are scared of something; they just don’t want to admit it.”

I looked up at her and smiled genuinely, “You’re the best mom ever.”

“I’m the only mom you have,” She said jokingly. “Your opinion is disqualified due to bias.”

We both laughed a little and when another crash came I barely noticed it. I looked at her “Mom, I hope I can become brave like Dad is,” I smiled at her. “So that one day I can keep the storm away from you”

She laughed a little “Oh you have a few years before that will happen, but one day you will find a filly that will look to you for bravery”

“Fillies?” I said my jaw dropping “Ew! I’m not going to go ga ga over some filly!”

“Wait till you’re a teenager and I don’t think I’ll be able to keep you off them” She said bemused “But remember this Preventus…when you do find that special somepony and become a couple. Remember that part of the deal is that you face everything in life together.”

I didn’t know all of what she meant at the time. I simply smiled and nodded, “One day I’m going to become a great stallion to make you proud!”

_________________________________________________________

“Did I make you proud?” I said to the tombstone. The clouds didn’t give off rain but I could see them gathering.

I heard hoof steps on the leaves and turned to see Twilight walking with another bouquet of flowers. She smiled at me, “Sapphire told me what cemetery you were going to.

My eyes looked at her and I ran to her. I threw my forelegs around her and embraced her tightly. She held me for a minute before I kissed her on the forehead “I missed you Twilight…”

She kissed me back on the lips and held the bouquet before me “I thought it would be nice if I got some of my own.”

I gestured to Mom’s grave and she levitated the flowers beside my own. We sat down before the tombstone and Twilight leaned into me. “What was she like?”

I reached into my trench coat and handed her a picture of mom. Twilight looked at my mother with soft eyes “She’s beautiful Private, she looks a lot like Tailspin”

“Tailspin will argue that he got the looks” I said with a chuckle. I then went on “She was an actress like I told you. She was so beautiful and kind towards everypony. She was also funny as heck when she wanted to be. I miss her so much…”

Twilight nuzzled me on the shoulder and looked at me, “She would be proud of you, Private”

I looked up ahead of me “If she were alive she would’ve pulled you aside right after dinner. Talked your ear off about dresses and plays she went to. But also give you essentially the run down on me; she would’ve given you a Private 101 course” I laughed a little “You two would’ve gotten along so well”

“I’m glad you think that” Twilight said smiling at me “I would’ve loved to have met her”

Twilight then walked forward to the tombstone and spoke to it “Hello, I’m Twilight Sparkle. Private’s marefriend, it’s a pleasure to meet you”

I could just imagine Mom’s responses…

I’m Sparrowheart ,a pleasure to meet you too, Twilight.

“Private is a very special stallion, I’m glad to have met him.”

I’m glad you did, it’s about time he’s found his special somepony.

“I hope you think I’m a good mare to be with your son.”

Take good care of him, Twilight. He needs somepony like you.

“I love Private with all my heart.”

You’d better…

“I’ll keep an eye on him while you’re gone."

I’m glad he’s found a mare like you.

Twilight turned away from the tombstone and walked into my open forelegs. I embraced the mare I loved and tears trickled down from my eyes. Twilight looked up and wiped away my tears with a hoof.

“I’m sorry,” I said wiping my remaining tears away. “I’m just…”

“I know you miss her, Private” Twilight said caringly “I’m here now.”

Twilight gently pressed my head into her chest. I think this is the first time I’ve ever cried into Twilight. I didn’t care if she was the mare and I was the stallion. Right now I just wanted Twilight, my Twilight…

My tears stained her magenta coat and she ran a hoof along my back. She whispered in my ear, “I’m here for you, Preventus.”

“I love you Twilight,” I said tightening my forelegs around her. “I’m so happy you’re here right now.”

“Shh,” she said nuzzling my neck, “Preventus, I love you. Part of the deal is that we face whatever life throws at us together.”

I lifted my head and gazed into her amethyst eyes, “Never thought you would comfort me.”

She gazed back into my eyes lovingly, moving her head closer to me, “I'll always be here for you, my love.”

“I love you, Twilight, so much,” I then pressed my lips to hers.

We kissed right there in the cemetery together. I’m so blessed to have Twilight.

Take care of him, Twilight, when I can’t. He needs you now more than ever. May you two always find solace in each other’s embrace.

I love you, Preventus.

Author's Note

Next Side Story: http://www.fimfiction.net/story/56885/equestria-noir-side-story-longing
Next Case: http://www.fimfiction.net/story/57118/equestria-noir-case-12-the-vinyl-scratch