Hitch didn't think his day would be anything out of the ordinary when he arrived for work at the sheriff's office. Things had been unusually quiet as of late, which was just the way he liked it. A quiet day gave him plenty of time to work on the mounting stacks of paperwork that needed to be filed, and keep a close eye on Sparky to make sure the little dragon wasn't getting into trouble.
The peace and quiet of what seemed like another fine day in Maretime Bay was suddenly interrupted, however, when the office doors suddenly swung open! Hitch looked up in time to see a visibly irritated Zipp trotting in, clearly upset about something. Even so, he put on the best smile he could in the hopes of defusing any tensions. "Hi, Zipp," He greeted, pretending he hadn't seen the grumpy mood she was in. "What brings you here on a fine day like this? Aren't you supposed to be solving mysteries?"
Zipp groaned and sighed, putting a hoof to her forehead. "Who do I have to see in order to get a job around here?!" She all but demanded. "A place like this seems like the most logical place to apply my talents."
Hitch's smile brightened. "That would be me. If you're looking for a career in law enforcement, you've come to the right place: The Maretime Bay Sheriff's Office and Police Department."
"Great," Zipp replied as she trotted forward and slammed her front hooves on Hitch's desk. "So lay it on me, what kind of job openings are there?! Please tell me you've got something that involves detective work! Heck, I don't care if it's litter patrol, as long as it's a paying job!"
The earth pony stallion was taken aback by his pegasus friend's sudden forwardness. Even for Zipp, this was unusual. It was clear to him that something was up. And although he normally didn't like to pry, his nagging curiosity wouldn't permit him to leave the matter alone. "What's gotten into you, Zipp? You're not usually this..." He tried to think of the right word to use, and ultimately settled for. "Demanding."
The mystery loving pegasus mare groaned anew. "What does it matter?! I just need you to give me a job! Any job! I can even make a resume if you'd like, it should be pretty short given my experiences," She snorted. "Come on, help a girl out here!"
The sheriff sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Well, Zipp, I can't just give a job to everypony who comes walking in here and asks for it. There are rules and procedures that have to be followed. And don't give me the whole
I'm royalty' treatment. We're not in Zephyr Heights, your title doesn't count here."
Zipp rolled her eyes in annoyance. "Whatever! I just want a job that will hopefully get my mother off my back! It's not my fault I didn't feel like charging for my services as a freelancing detective!" She slowly lifted her hooves from the desk and turned her back to Hitch. "So either help me, or tell me where I can go to find a good paying job in Maretime Bay! I'm starting to think maybe I should've just applied to work at Sunny's smoothie cart, I know she would've said yes right away." She visibly swished her tail in frustration.
"Oh, is that what this is about?" Hitch blinked slowly as the realization dawned on him. "Well why didn't you just say so, Zipp? Of course I'd be happy to give you a job here. I'm honestly surprised you didn't ask sooner. We could certainly use a pony with your detective skills."
The tomboyish pegasus mare turned around and eagerly smiled! "Great, I can start right away! Just give me the job and all will be well!"
The sheriff quickly raised up a hoof. "Easy, Zipp, I haven't made it official yet. Like I said, there are rules," He then bent down, reaching a hoof into one of the drawers on his desk. He quickly found what he was looking for, pulled it out, and held it up for Zipp to see. It was a well worn badge that had clearly seen better days, it didn't sparkle or shine the way Hitch's sheriff badge did. In fact, it looked as if it hadn't been used for a long time. "Apologies for the badge's appearance, Zipp. It's the best I can do on short notice."
Zipp's eyes went wide as the realization dawned on her! "Wait, you mean you're..." But she needn't have asked, because the badge was soon pinned to the right side of her chest.
Naturally, Hitch saw fit to give the opportunity the fanfare he felt it deserved. He cleared his throat and spoke. "By the power invested in me, I, Sheriff Hitch, do hereby anoint and appoint you, Zipp Storm, as my new deputy. Henceforth, you shall be known as Deputy Zipp. May you serve with honor and dignity."
The newly designated deputy looked down at her badge, then to the pony to whom she would be working under. "So, that's it, you're making me your deputy just like that?"
The sheriff nodded and giggled. "Yeah, basically. I mean, I could technically make you submit to a written exam. But after what happened with Sprout," It was possible to detect a faint hint of regret in his tone of voice. "I figure it'd be better to give you on the job training. You're going to trot the beat with me and see just what it's like to protect the peace in Maretime Bay. Then you'll have the option to back out if you really don't like it."
Zipp smiled, confidently boasting. "Hey, I'm sure I'm more than qualified. We've worked well together in the past, Hitch."
Hitch smiled back. "Yes we have, but never like this," He then picked up his office phone. "Excuse me for a moment, I need to make some arrangements." And he began dialing a number.
"What are you doing?" Zipp questioned.
Hitch took a moment to explain. "I'm calling up Izzy so she can watch Sparky for me. I can't keep my eyes on you if I'm watching him."
Zipp, for her part, could only think back to what had led her to the position she now found herself in.
It had been just the other day. A day that, like so many others, seemed to be a perfectly fine day in Maretime Bay. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.
As such, Zipp had been most surprised to receive a sudden phone call from her mother, Queen Haven. Suspecting nothing, the heir to the throne pressed a button on her phone's screen to answer the call.
Just like always, Queen Haven's face was pressed far too close to the camera. "Oh, sorry," She quickly realized her mistake and backed up, allowing the camera to zoom out. "My apologies, Zipp. I know Pipp tried to give me some lessons, but it's so hard to remember. I'm not used to these kinds of things."
Zipp let out a patient sigh. "It's alright, Mother. You'll get the hang of it eventually, I'm sure. Besides, Pipp uses her phone for just about everything. Of course she knows how they work better than you or I do."
Queen Haven smiled. "Yes, but I'm also well aware of that mane styling business of hers: Mane Melody. And by all accounts, it seems to be doing quite well for itself. I never would've imagined Pipp would grow up to be a professional mane stylist. Then again, I certainly never anticipated her or you becoming world saving heroes. Why, when I was your age, the worst I had to worry about was getting the hang of the wires used to fake flying." She let out a faint chuckle at that memory, long since passed.
"Well, thanks for checking in, Mother," Zipp said with a smile. "As you can see," She let her phone camera zoom out and pan all the way around the section of the Crystal Brighthouse that she had turned into her own space. "Everything's just fine on my end. The Opaline case has been closed, but I've been managing a few smaller cases on the side to keep me busy. Guess I'll see you for the next Portrait Day, or Mare's Day, whichever comes first."
But it was then that Queen Haven's overall expression and posture changed, turning from a sweet smile into a rather pronounced frown. Her eyes narrowed a bit as her tone of voice took on a stern, authoritative tone. "Zipp, I want you to be completely honest with me about something. Please don't try to lie, you know you're a terrible liar," She quickly asked her question. "How much have you been making from thoses 'Cases' you mentioned? I would assume you've worked out some type of payment, no?"
The pegasus princess fought back the urge to gulp. Trying her best to maintain her composure, she hesitantly answered. "Well... I... haven't really been keeping the best track of that. I mean, the Opaline case was one I assigned myself to, can't exactly get paid for that. And those other cases... well... I'm still working on them, and it's my policy not to get paid until and unless the mystery is solved. Sunny insisted on paying me even when I told her the truth about how her lantern went missing, but it just doesn't feel right asking other ponies to pay me before I've done what they've asked me to do."
Queen Haven's frown grew deeper. "In other words, you're working for free. That is not acceptable, Zipp. I was under the assumption that by letting you take up that detective job, you would be getting paid for your work. You're more than old enough not to need your inheritance, especially since you aren't living in Zephyr Heights full time anymore."
The currently off-duty detective frowned back. "I know that, Mother."
Queen Haven thus laid bare her demand. "Well, Zipp, if you're not going to receive payment for any of the cases you're working on, I see little reason why I shouldn't bring you back to Zephyr Heights. You've been putting off the inevitable for long enough. It's time you started learning what it means to be royalty, to be a queen. Your time may come sooner than you think, Zipp. I'm not getting any younger, you know."
Zipp nervously tried to plead. "Mother, please! I'm not ready yet! You know how much I hate those royal etiquette lessons! There's no need for you to even think about stepping down now, Equestria is at peace!"
The queen would not be deterred. "Zephyrina Storm, you are leaving me with no choice. Either you find a way to make a paying career out of your detective work, or you come back to Zephyr Heights and start undergoing your training to be my successor. You have one week to decide, young lady, or I will decide for you." And with that, the call ended.
Just like that, the harsh new reality set in for the tomboyish pegasus mare. If her mother was going to insist on having that detective work become a paying job, there was only one thing to do. Then and there, the heir to the throne made up her mind: She would get a job within the Maretime Bay Police Department. And Hitch would be just the sort of pony to ask about what she had to do and who she had to see to go about applying.
The flashback ended as Hitch put on his sheriff's hat, smiling as he saw Izzy approaching the office doors. "Now Sparky," He said to the baby dragon. "You be good for Izzy, okay? Listen to her and do whatever she asks you to do."
Sparky gave a salute and babbled, apparently understanding the command.
Izzy entered the office but a moment later, immediately rushing over and pressing her muzzle up against Sparky's face! "Hiya, Sparky!" She eagerly greeted! "You ready for another day of fun with your favorite dragonsitter?!"
"Thanks again for agreeing to watch him on short notice, Izzy," Hitch said with a sincere smile. "Just make sure he gets his afternoon nap so he doesn't get cranky. And remember not to tickle him too hard, you know what happened last time," Looking across to Zipp he hastily whispered. "Long story." And he was grateful when neither Zipp or Izzy opted to say anything further.
Zipp then followed Hitch as he trotted outside, ready to start on his daily rounds. "First thing's first," He said to his new deputy. "Every morning we have to go on patrol, making sure that everypony is accounted for and that there are no emergencies or problems that need urgent solving."
"Does it have to be so early?" Zipp groaned and yawned as she stretched her wings. "I was at least hoping for a cup of coffee. Not my fault I'm not used to getting up right at the same time as the sun."
Hitch chuckled. "Don't worry, we can stop at Sunny's cart when we're done with our patrols. Her smoothies are always on the house for ponies like us. Between you and me, that was the only reason Sprout didn't try to get her kicked out of Maretime Bay. Not that it mattered, I would've overruled him."
"Speaking of Sprout," Zipp said with something of a gulp. "What will he say if he sees me with you? I mean, he did used to work for you."
The sheriff nodded. "Yeah, he did. But after that whole 'Emperor' stint, we more or less agreed it was best if I let him go. If he really wanted his old job back, I have a feeling he'd have said something by now," He then confidently declared. "Don't worry. If he does give you a hard time about being my new deputy, I'll make sure to set him straight. He's still got that attitude of his, but I guess some things never change."
Looking down the street and seeing Sunny rollerskating through town without a care in the world, the newly appointed deputy could only shrug her hooves in agreement. "I guess they don't." She then pushed those thoughts to the back of her mind as she trotted along behind Hitch, watching as he waved and greeted everypony he passed by while on patrol. It seemed like he knew everypony in town and was on friendly terms with them. Even Sprout seemed to be in a good mood when he saw Hitch pass by, a good mood that faded as soon as he saw Zipp also passing by, thus causing him to frown.
Still, Zipp found that she rather liked how... quiet everything was. It gave her time to think, to go over all those little cases she had been working on over the past few weeks. Come to think of it, there was still one thing about Opaline that she hadn't been able to figure out: Just what exactly was it that had led to that fire alicorn's banishment from Skyros in the first place? Was it related to her desire for power, or had the banishment been due to a completely unrelated event (perhaps even a misunderstanding)? With Opaline gone, the chances of getting any answers from her were impossible. So unless there could be found a way to get to Skyros, the answers would likely remain unknowable.
Everything seemed to be just fine for almost the entirety of the patrol. If this was what being a deputy amounted to, Zipp was confident that she could manage the job just fine. She suspected that the reason for Hitch's hooves on approach to training had more to do with Sprout's failures than anything else, the sheriff undoubtedly wanting to ensure that any deputy working under him would not be somepony who might stir up an angry mob or crown themselves emperor in his absence.
But when the sheriff and his new deputy approached the shoreline where Maretime Bay opened up in the vast waters beyond, they were shocked to suddenly discover a commotion of sorts occuring down on the beach! Somehow, a truly massive sandcastle had sprung up, towering almost as high as the Crystal Brighthouse itself! And several ponies now appeared to be trapped inside the structure, unable to escape and too high off the ground to safely jump from windows!
Hitch let out a sigh of frustration and grit his teeth. "I was hoping that something like this wouldn't happen. I thought earth pony magic was under control," He then turned to Zipp and shouted at her! "Come on! We'd better get down there and figure out what went wrong! We'll have to take down an accident report at the very least." And kicking his heels, he rushed to the scene of disaster!
Zipp followed close behind, her eyes remaining fixed on the gigantic sandcastle that was so big it was a miracle it didn't block out the sun or collapse in on itself from its own weight. "I guess Equestrian magic is still unpredictable at times." She thought to herself.
Sheriff and deputy arrived on the scene but a moment later, Hitch immediately giving a whistle and a shout. "Alright, everypony, just calm down!" He instructed to the ponies on the beach who were still rushing to and fro. Fortunately, his presence managed to steady and settle their nerves, at least for the time being.
"Oh, Sheriff Hitch, thank goodness!" An earth pony mare exclaimed! "This huge sandcastle just sprung up right in the middle of a sandcastle building contest. We think somepony was trying to break the record for the largest sandcastle ever built, and the rules never said anything about using magic."
"Obviously, that will have to change going forward," Hitch declared. "Magic will have to be closely monitored," Then he grabbed a large megaphone and turned his attention to the ponies trapped inside the sandcastle. "Stay where you are, everypony! A rescue effort will be launched shortly." He instructed to them.
Zipp didn't need to be told what was expected of her, one look to her wings made her realize what Hitch had in mind. So she unfolded them and started furiously flapping. As she did so, she looked off towards the horizon, and her eyes widened in horror! The tide was coming in, and coming in fast! The waves washed ashore, advancing just far enough along the beach to reach the edge of the sandcastle and carry some of the sand away! The castle began to crumble, threatening to collapse at a moment's notice!
"Stand back, everypony!" Zipp hollered down at the ground as she continued her furious flapping! She quickly flew into the castle's courtyard and up towards the towers, helping to safety ponies trapped within the ramparts. By the time she had brought the last pony back to the beach, her wings ached.
Then, as Hitch was chatting with one of the rescued earth ponies, it happened! More waves had been steadily eating away at the humongous castle's foundations and exterior, washing away small parts of it every time they washed ashore. The castle could no longer support itself, and collapsed with an audible rumble, quickly dissolving into a tangled mess of wet sand and the remnants of what had been a splendid castle.
The pegasus deputy gulped, shuddering to think of what could've happened had she not been alerted to the presence of the castle when she did. Who knows how long it might have taken for word of it to reach her ears? And by that time, who knows if she would've been able to get everypony trapped inside safely out before the castle collapsed? This could very easily have been a much worse disaster. It seemed a matter of luck that nopony appeared to be seriously hurt.
Hitch, for his part, just trotted over and gave his new deputy a pat on the back. "Good job, Deputy Zipp! You've only been on the job for an hour or so, and already Maretime Bay owes you a great debt of thanks. You're working out just fine."
Zipp did her best to brush off her concerns. "It was no big deal, really. I like a bit of excitement in my life."
"Well that was definitely exciting," The sheriff replied with something of a frown. "But not the good kind of excitement," He then turned around. "And now we'll have to write up a report of the accident."
"Do we really need to?" Zipp questioned her partner. "Doesn't seem like there's anything to report that we didn't already know."
Hitch was quick to correct. "Sorry, Zipp, but protocol dictates that a report must be written down after every accident or disturbance. Those are the rules. Besides," He said with a sincere smile. "Paperwork is fun. Everything's better when it's nice and organized."
The pegasus mare groaned in frustration, sensing that Hitch being such a stickler for the rules was something else that hadn't changed despite all that had occurred since she'd first met him. There seemed to be no part of the job of sheriff that he didn't like, not even the parts that others might find boring or pointless.
"Hey, Hitch!" Sunny greeted with a wave about half an hour or so later as she saw him approaching her smoothie cart. "What's new with you?"
Hitch waved back to Sunny and flashed a bright smile. "Nothing much, just doing some on the job training for my new deputy. I have a feeling you'll recognize her in a flash." And sure enough, seconds later his very exhausted new partner came trotting up behind him.
"Wow, Zipp!" Sunny exclaimed with amazement and wonder! "I'm surprised it's taken you this long to start working for Hitch! With your fine detective skills, I thought for sure you'd want a job in law enforcement."
Zipp sighed, taking a moment to catch her breath. "Well, it wasn't entirely by choice. Mom more or less said I had to get a paying job, or I'd have to move back to Zephyr Heights and start taking royal etiquette lessons. I knew it wasn't going to be completely easy being Hitch's deputy, but I had no idea the job could be so... demanding."
Sunny just smiled. "Hey, it's okay. The more you do it, the more it'll all feel natural to you. You'll make a fine deputy, you and Hitch make a great team," She then set to work on blending up smoothies to offer to her friends. "Here you are, on the house."
"Thank you, Sunny." Hitch replied as he took possession of his smoothie and slowly started to sip on it. A Sunny smoothie was something he always looked forward to, even more so than his not so occasional cup of coffee (being a dragon dad was a 24/7 responsibility after all).
Zipp, for her part, was all too eager to down her smoothie right away. That proved to be a mistake on her part, because she winced as a sudden sharp sensation in her forehead filled every nerve there with pain! "Gah!" She exclaimed, somehow miraculously not dropping her smoothie in the process.
Hitch and Sunny both found themselves unable to keep from laughing at their friend's misfortune. And Hitch somewhat playfully scolded. "You shouldn't drink so fast, Zipp. I thought you of all ponies would understand that."
The pegasus mare replied once the pain had subsided. "Sorry, I didn't get a chance to have breakfast this morning. Did I mention I got up earlier than I'm used to? When my hoof was forced, what other choice did I have but to go down to the sheriff's office as soon as it opened?" She then remarked. "The day's not even half over and already I'm starting to get worn out. Not even my flight school lessons were this taxing."
"Don't tell me you're going to back out already." Hitch appeared to tease.
Zipp's eyes narrowed. "No way! I'm not about to let this new job get the best of me!"
The sheriff smiled. "That's just the sort of talk I like to hear! When the going gets tough, the tough get going!"
Fortunately for Zipp, the rest of her day as Hitch's new deputy proved to be far less demanding. There was still the isolated incident that needed to be investigated, and the occasional public appearance that she was required to attend. Aside from that, however, she found herself slowly but surely starting to get a feel for what being a deputy to Maretime Bay's sheriff would be like. She was now starting to wonder why she hadn't thought of taking up this job sooner. Had she really become so wrapped up in those investigations and cases of hers that the thought of doing something else hadn't crossed her mind?
Well, those were just some of the many thoughts that were circulating through the pegasus princess' mind as the sun set. Needless to say, she was rather grateful for it. The constant trotting about and being on her hooves for such a prolonged period of time had worn her out. She could only hope that Sunny was right and that her body would eventually get used to such constant physical activity.
Hitch, for his part, remained mostly silent as he led Zipp back to the sheriff's office. He broke from it only to say thanks and goodbye to Izzy (who had just finished putting Sparky to bed for the night), before she departed.
"No two bits about it, Zipp," Hitch said afterward as he returned to his desk. "You passed your field exam with flying colors. I'll have to file the paperwork, but you can hereby consider yourself an official part of the Maretime Bay Police Department. And not only will you be my deputy, but you'll also be an official licensed private investigator. If there are any mysteries or strange happenings, you'll be the first pony to be called in."
"Great," Zipp yawned, before hesitantly asking. "So, what about the payment?"
The sheriff (taking his hat off his head) explained. "That'll have to be worked out once you're officially on the force. But I can already tell you it pays well. You get a competitive wage, a complimentary benefits package, the chance to earn paid time off, and of course quality medical and dental care. You'd be surprised how important that is: It's never truly appreciated until you need it. And hopefully, you won't need it anytime soon."
"I'll keep that in mind," Zipp firmly nodded. "I just hope it'll be enough to get Mom off my back."
Hitch then saw fit to question. "Why don't you want to undergo those etiquette lessons and learn how to be a queen, Zipp? I think you'd make for a fantastic queen in my opinion."
The tomboyish pegasus mare could only shake her hooves and shrug as she answered. "I get that I'm the heir to the throne, and someday that means I'll be queen even if I just end up abdicating the throne. But I don't see why I should have to undergo all those lessons about how to be a queen now. I want to be free to live my life the way I want to live it, a life that doesn't have to be defined or chosen for me. There's nothing wrong with that, is there?"
Hitch shook his head from side to side. "Of course not, Zipp. That sounds perfectly reasonable to me. And I'm sure your mom would understand that if you just told her like you told me."
"Eh, I'll cross that bridge when and if I come to it." Zipp replied.
Author's Note
I'm honestly surprised no one else has ever thought of this concept before, especially given how much shippers seem to enjoy pairing Zipp and Hitch together.
This is also aimed at addresssing a criticism I saw of Zipp's character in a G5 review, how because she never actually made a career out of her detective work or even tried to, it seemed like she was "playing" a detective while running away from the responsibilities she would one day have as the heir to the throne.
