Deduction is Magicby RaotChaptersThe Game is AhoofSomething in the WaterHot on the TrailBirth of an EnemyThe Game is AhoofSherlock gazed angrily at the herd of cattle as they passed outside the carriage window. “You really should have attended the gala Sherlock” Said Clopson. “You have been saying that you were bored, and it was different this time…” “The Gala is always a waste of time.” Sherlock Hooves responded sourly while rolling his eyes to his companion. “I just wish someone could get murdered around here.” “Sherlock…” Clopson stopped himself, “Look, I thought I found something to cheer you up…” “If it isn’t dead I don’t want any of it.” Sherlock said. “But by the looks of things, we aren’t going back to our apartment.” He said, looking out at the herd of cows once more. “The cattle never graze around Canterlot. So what have you signed me up for this time? ” “Look, it may not be a murder… but it’s a robbery alright?” Clopson tried to sell it. Sherlock sighed and leaned back on the seat, putting his fore hooves at his sides. Clopson continued after shaking his head in annoyance at Sherlock’s apathy. “Inspector Lestrot asked for you to come by name. Celestia even wants you there…” “I don’t care if Nightmare Moon herself came back and stole the sun, all I want to do is get back to my experiments… Those are more illuminating than these shenanigans you have me going through.” “It’s the tower. Someone robbed from the princess, and they took something valuable.” Clopson tried in vain. “Look, if you solve it in ten seconds flat I swear I will stop harassing you.” “… Fine. Ten it is.” Sherlock said. “…What? I was kidding…” “Nope, you said it. I’ll take that bet. Challenge accepted,” Sherlock said. Clopson sighed as Sherlock took in a deep breath and the carriage rolled to a stop. “At least now it will be a challenge.” Stepping outside, Sherlock’s brown coat was partially obscured by a darker brown overcoat. His mane was disheveled and the plain equine could have been mistaken for a poorer earth pony if it was not for the shining magnifying glass cutie mark on his flank. In fact, he seemed to be the only earth pony present, the others either being Pegasus guards, unicorn nobles, or… And there she was. Celestia herself was waiting for them by two broken down doors. “Your time starts now.” Clopson said, teasingly, as he also stepped off. He was a blue unicorn, who fit in more than the dull brown earth pony. He stood up straight, flattened his white mane with his hoof for a moment, and then joined Sherlock, trying to look his best for the princess. “It’s about time.” A grey unicorn walked up to them. “Inspector Lestrot, good to see you again.” Clopson bowed his head politely as Sherlock gave Lestrot a single obviously fake smile of greeting. “Don’t give me any of that Clopson. The greatest treasure in all of Equestria has been stolen!” “Look, I’m sure it is worth a lot, but aren’t you overreacting? What did they…” Clopson was interrupted. “The Elements of Harmony.” Celestia spoke and trotted towards the detectives. “ I kept the necklaces created when the Elements of Harmony were discovered, and I locked them in the tower in case a great evil returned.” Clopson was astounded. “My word!” “Elements of what now?” Everyone turned to Sherlock as he asked the question. “Surely you jest…” Celestia started. “I never jest, and don’t call me Shirley.” Sherlock rudely interrupted the all-powerful alicorn. “Hooves!” Clopson hissed under his breath. “The Elements of Harmony! Used to defeat Nightmare Moon when she returned, they also turned her back into princess Luna…” “Nightmare Moon came back?” Sherlock asked skeptically. “I thought that was an old mares tale…” “It just happened!” Clopson hissed angrily in disbelief. “It was all over the news!” “You know I don’t read the news.” Sherlock said. “Not since that wall eyed pony broke my window…” “Don’t you remember the day the sun did not come up?” Clopson asked frantically. “Oh, yes, I slept in that day, but I heard it was eerie.” Sherlock said. “Ahem, well,” Celestia broke into the conversation once more. “Don’t worry Princess, we have our best ponies on the job.” Lestrot said. She smiled. “I know.” She nodded reverently to the ponies present, then continued, “I have other duties…” “Of course.” Lestrot said, bowing. Celestia left as both Lestrot and Clopson bowed their heads. When she was gone, Clopson looked up. “Sherlock…” Clopson started, but he was already gone, looking through the crime scene. He sighed and followed. The eccentric earth pony had no sense of decorum. “It’s been ten seconds.” Clopson said, making his way into the broken vault. “Do you know who did it?” he asked. “… Tell me, my dear Clopson, what do you think of the scene?” he asked. Clopson rolled his eyes. “I don’t know Sherlock, I haven’t looked around yet…” “Well, take your time. I would like another opinion before I voice my own.” Clopson sighed and looked around. He saw a Pegasus Guard with his helmet off, being nursed back to health. He had quite the bruise on the back of his head. “He was found outside the door.” Lestrot said, making his way to Clopson. “With those two right by him.” Clopson looked at where the colt pointed, and found two bruised apples. “The perps knocked him out before he could see them, and then burst down the door.” Lestrot continued, motioning to the metal gates crumpled on the ground. “Then they marched right to the end of the hall, and snatched the jewelry.” “Weren’t there any other defenses?” Clopson asked. “And that’s what’s stumped us.” Lestrot said, motioning to the end of the hall. “There was a spell put of the floors to alert the other guards if some unauthorized pony broke in… but it never went off.” “Hmm…” Clopson put his hoof to his chin. “Ideas?” Sherlock asked. “Yes…” Clopson went over the fact. “These are professionals. Probably a team of them. They would have needed a strong, accurate earth pony, a very powerful unicorn, and a Pegasus, to knock out the guard, break down the doors and fly over the floor. We should look for some powerful ponies with connections to each other. They will probably have a criminal record.” Lestrot nodded his head. “We will have a thorough investigation of all our records.” Lestrot then looked to Sherlock. “Anything you wish to add?” Hooves shrugged. “It all seems very reasonable.” There was a silence. Clopson sighed and face hoofed. “What is it Hooves? What did I miss this time?” he asked. “Only everything that matters.” Sherlock said patronizingly. “You even missed the red herrings that were meant to throw you off the trail. You failed at failing…” “Knock it off Sherlock and get to the point.” Lestrot demanded. Sherlock sighed. “First off, the apples.” He nodded to the apples. “Red Delicious and Granny smith, fresh from the orchard. The only place in Equestria that is close enough to have those kinds of apples is Ponyville. It is also home to many earth ponies, a lot of them farmers, who buck apples for a living…” “So we are looking for an earth pony in Ponyville…” Lestrot tried to follow along. “Probably not.” Sherlock answered. “As any apple farmer can tell you, using an apple as a projectile will mean sacrificing the apple,” he pointed at the projectiles. “These are bruised. Any apple with enough force to knock out a royal guard in full armor would splatter on impact. Also, if you look at the bruise on the guard you will find that he was hit in the back of the head, not the front. If you are already behind a guard there is no reason to risk using an apple. He was most likely hit over the head with a rock, or large stick.” “So why are the apples here? Did the culprit drop them on accident…” Lestrot asked. “Yes, but not on accident. You see, this was supposed to throw us off. Same with the entrance…“ He walked to the fallen metal doors. “A unicorn would not make this kind of dent, and no Earth pony could knock down a metal door. They can’t even knock down trees. No, this was taken apart from the inside.” “But, it’s bashed in…” Clopson said. “Excellent deduction!” Sherlock layered his words with enough sarcasm to kill a horse. “How did you come up with that one?” “No need to be rude.” Clopson said angrily. Sherlock sighed and continued. “Bashed, yes. Broken? No. The door its self is on the ground. Brute force would have broken the lock, or made a hole, but the metal is still intact. Somepony weakened the hinges from the inside...” he took a closer look. “Looks like they froze it and then smashed it. That would require liquid nitrogen…” “But how did they get inside?” Clopson asked. “And if they were already inside, why break down the door…” “Elementary.” Sherlock responded. “To throw us off the scent. These dents in the door were made posthumously… in a manner of speaking.” “And the spells?” Lestrot asked. “How did they get across those?” Sherlock smiled and looked at the other two ponies. “Well, if I knew that, I wouldn’t take the case now would I?” He turned to get back into his carriage. “The game is ahoof Clopson!” Clopson sighed in relief. Perhaps Sherlock’s boredom could be satiated for another day or two this time. Something in the Water“So, the robber wanted us to think it was an earth pony from Ponyville?” Clopson asked. “Good, you’re following.” Sherlock nodded. “But then… why are we in Ponyville?” Clopson asked as they passed the town center. “Because, those apples still came from here, and this is where the trail must start. But first before we go on…“ Hooves stopped and looked around quickly. “The ponies here are a bit crazy.” He said to Clopson under his breath. “I think there’s something in the water.” “HEY” came a high-pitched voice. “Oh horse apples it’s her.” Sherlock cursed, looking at a pink pony that had come up from behind him. “What are you doing here? Who’s your friend? I haven’t met him before.” She suddenly took a long gasp, “We need a welcome party! We don’t get a lot of new ponies here and it’s a really small town and I’m sure everyone would like to get to know you and…” “Pinkie pie… that’s your name right?” Sherlock interrupted. “Yep! Well, really it Pinkamena Diane Pie, And I think Diane is a really weird name don’t you…” Sherlock put his hoof over her mouth. “Right! Pinkie! I am on a case right now!” he said. “And I need to know where Sweet Apple Acres is.” He put his hoof back on the ground. “Of course! That’s where Applejack works, you know Applejack right?” she gasped again. “NO YOU DON’T! You never met her! And how can you know her if you haven’t met her? I mean you could know ABOUT her I guess but…” “Pinkie!” Sherlock interrupted once more “Concentrate!” he continued when she tried to speak again. “Now… point us to the whereabouts of sweet apple acres.” Pinkie pointed, but continued to follow the two colts. “Applejack is fun, but she likes to work a lot and you like to work a lot so I think you have a lot in common. One time she even saved the town from a stampede! But then she over worked herself and made some baked bads. She likes to bake things and… OH I was just baking cupcakes when you came, I’ll go get them, we can have a mini pre-party, party!” she dashed off, back to sugar cube corner. “Well, she seems like quite the handful. Not really your type.” Clopson commented. “What do you mean type?” “Well, you come into town and she makes cupcakes for you? Sounds like something’s going on…” “No that’s just her. She makes cupcakes for everyone. Quick, we should start moving faster if we are to lose her…” “What?” Clopson said in surprise “It’s about lunch time, I could really use a cupcake…” “Trust me, don’t drink the water, don’t eat the cupcakes, try not to breath to heavily either. I just want to get out of the town as fast as…” “Ihm baghck!” Clopson turned to see Pinkie quickly trotting towards them holding a plate of cupcakes with rainbow colored frosting. “Don’t mind if I…” Clopson turned to see Sherlock eyeing the cupcakes suspiciously, looking back to Clopson, and shaking his head in warning. “...Er, actually, I haven’t been feeling well lately.” “But you know what will make him feel better?” Hooves started. “Some fresh sweet apple cider...” Sherlock said. “OH, I’m sure Applejack has some, here, I’ll lead the way!” she dropped the plate and sped forward. “I like her.” Clopson said. The three ponies made their way towards the apple farm. “So how do you know each other?” he asked pinkie pie. “Well, gummy went missing one day, so I found Sherlock and I asked him to find him, but he said it was stupid, so I said I would throw him a party if he found gummy, but he didn’t want a party, I don’t know why. Who doesn’t like parties? I asked him why and he said they were boring, but I said my parties are NEVER boring…” “And it turned out!” Pinkie finished her story as they reached the entrance to sweet apple acres. “He was in the bathtub THE WHOLE TIME.” “That was quite a thrilling tale.” Clopson said with a nod. “Especially the part about oatmeal…” “Yes, but, we’re here now.” Sherlock said while stopping and looking to Pinkie. “We’re going to be doing confidential… detective… stuff now.” “OH. Okay, I’ll get the party ready for Clopson!” she dashed away and back to her own home. “Well howdy there.” Sherlock turned to see Applejack with her hoof held out towards him. “Ah don’t think we’ve met before.” “No, we haven’t.” he trotted past the hoof and looked around the farm. Clopson took up her hoof instead. “I’m sorry about him, hello, I am Clopson, and this is Sherlock… Sherlock!” he yelled at the pony as he took an apple from one of the nearby trees and took a bite. “These aren’t your trees Sherlock, you can’t just eat whatever you want…” “I’m not eating.” He spat out the chewed remnants. “Just tasting,” “I am terribly sorry, I’ll get him to pay for that…” Clopson said apologetically. “It don’t mind me none. Ah can see he’s got something on his mind.” Applejack said politely with a giggle. “But what can I do ya for?” “Well, you see, there was a robbery in Canterlot…” “Really?” Applejack’s eyes widened. “Me an the girls were just over there at the gala last night…” “Were you now?” Clopson said curiously. He used magic to take out a pen and paper. “Who else went with you?” “Well there’s Twi, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Dash, an I think Spike tagged along as well, why?” “Well, I’m sorry, but I will probably need to question all of you…” “What? You think me an my friends might have somethin’ to do with this…” “No mam, but it is a possibility. And one of you might have seen something.” He said. “Well alrighty then. Ah’ll see what ah can do to help y’all.” She said. “You have a dog?” Applejack turned when Sherlock spoke. Winona had just walked up and barked at the newcomers. “Er, yea, that there’s Winona. Best…” she started. “I’m sorry, what other family members live here?” Clopson interrupted, angrily giving Sherlock a glance before continuing. "Well there’s Granny Smith, Big Macintosh, Applebloom…” “Half the towns probably related to the Apple family,” Sherlock said making his way back to the group. “That’s why I hate these backwater towns.” “Beg yer pardon?” Applejack said defensively. “Nothing. We’re done here.” He said, making his way out of the farm the way he came in. “Wait!” he looked to Applejack and then back to Sherlock, sighed, put away his notes and apologized to her, “I’m so sorry for his behavior, but I have to go. Thank you for your cooperation.” “T'aint nothing.” Applejack said sorely as Clopson went galloping after Sherlock. “What was that all about? We hardly got anything from her…” “There was not much there Clopson.” Sherlock said. “All I needed to do was test if the apples tasted the same as those at the scene. They did. They most definitely came from this farm, freshly picked, and because the security system is lax to say the least, any pony could have gone and taken a few.” “Actually, I saw Applejack selling apples at the Gala.” Clopson said. “One of the other guests might have…” “She didn’t sell a single apple there.” Sherlock interrupted. “Maybe a pie or two, but any gentlecolt of high standing would not be caught with their lips on common carnival fare.” Sherlock explained. “And I’m sure she watched her product like a griffon, and would have reported theft. No. The thief is here in ponyville.” “And the dog?” Clopson asked. “Why was that important?” Sherlock shrugged “Don’t see many dogs around here. It’s refreshing.” Clopson sighed. “So where are we off to now?” “Twilight Sparkles library.” Sherlock responded. “She was at the Gala… do you think it was her?” Clopson asked. “She is very close to the princess, she might have been able to get in…” Sherlock laughed, “My dear friend, I like your creativity, but Twilight Sparkle is far too loyal to cross Celestia, and with her standing, she probably could have very well asked for the Elements of Harmony and received them with no fuss.” Sherlock continued. “…So why are we going there?” Clopson asked. “It’s getting dark, and I heard she has an extra bed or two.” Sherlock responded. “She also has one of the few copies of ‘The Elements of Harmony’ and I believe it would be some good light reading.” He explained. “We could simply find an inn.” Clopson suggested. “Better beds, better food, I know one just down the street…” “The Inns have neither the company nor reading I wish. And you know I don’t eat on a case.” “I was thinking of myself.” Clopson said. “Ah, well, you know I need you Clopson. Magic of friendship and all that.” Sherlock said. Clopson rolled his eyes. "Fine" Hot on the Trail“There’s nothing wrong with sharing a bed Clopson.” Sherlock said, reading The Elements of Harmony from under the covers beside his friend. “I’m just saying that we wouldn’t have to if we went to the inn…” Clopson said with annoyance. “I am sorry, I don’t have many visitors.” Twilight said entering the room. “Are you sure there isn’t anything else you need?” “Just fine thank you.” Sherlock said. “Oh, actually, can you get me that book of fables over there… on the top shelf.” “I’ll get Spike to get it to you.” She said happily and trotted off. “You could have gotten up you know.” Clopson said judgmentally. “And leave your warm and comforting side? Never.” Sherlock teased. “Here it is.” Spike said, carrying over a book. “Thank you very much…” Sherlock said, “That will be all.” He opened up the book and continued to read. “That’s the fourth book Hooves, are we ever going to sleep?” Clopson asked wearily. “Well I’m not, but you can do whatever pleases you.” Sherlock said turning a few pages. Clopson sighed and turned away from Sherlock. He just closed his eyes when the bed shook and Sherlock yelled, “I found it!” “Uh, what?” Clopson asked. “It says here that the Elements of Harmony exist within six qualities of friendship, and that it is the greatest form of magic known to pony kind.” He said. “However, there are other forces, and in this fable… admittedly, quite old, and not from a very reliable author… Nightmare Moon was created by jealousy and loneliness, but she was a completely different entity from Luna… there was another, very powerful being that influenced her, and unlocked the dark power within her.” “So?” Clopson said. “The Elements of Harmony unlock the magic of friendship, just as this being unlocks the darkness in others.” Sherlock continued. “Or at least, it can be inferred in the text…” “I still don’t understand…” Clopson asked, wiping sleep from his eyes. “Do you really believe all this? It seems like you are jumping to a lot of conclusions.” “No, of course not.” Sherlock answered, shaking his head. He showed the page to Clopson. “But somepony does.” On the page were shorthand notes. Somepony had written the whole of this plan in-between the printed words. “Somepony took this book and lacked some other place to write their notes.” Sherlock said. “Twilight!” he yelled. “Who else used this book recently?” Twilight walked up to him, shaking the sleep from her eyes. She yawned and looked at the book. “Well, no one really, but everypony knew where it was after I took it out last time…” “Everypony?” Sherlock asked. “Yea, Rarity, Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy…” “We will have to pay them all a visit then.” Sherlock said, jumping out of bed. “At this hour? Really Sherlock?” Clopson argued, putting on his overcoat anyway. “Pinkie Pie owes us a party.” Sherlock said dismissively. “Let’s collect.” “…I’m sorry I didn’t plan the party sooner, it was going to be today and everypony was going to be here! But our refrigerator isn’t running today so everything went bad, and it usually runs, well, not around the house, that would be silly, we will have to go catch it and it would get annoying after a while if it kept running away like that. We never had that problem but I have had a lot of people calling me warning me about it so I think it must be a big problem around here…” “Pinkie we actually came to ask you a few questions.” Sherlock finally found the energy to stop her. “Okey dokie loki.” She said quickly. Her house was lit by candles, and the night sky, but otherwise it was quite dark. “Have you ever checked out ‘The Elements of Harmony’ from the Library?" Asked Clopson, pen and paper ready. “No, why?” She asked. “They have actually been stolen…” Clospon said. Pinkie gasped loudly, “REALLY? But mine was so pretty! And they looked so cool; you’re going to find them won’t you? Please please pl…” “We have the best ponies on the case.” Clopson said. “So, do you know anything that could be of importance to the case?” he asked. “Nope.” She said soundly. “Sorry.” “Alright… I’m sorry to have disturbed you at this hour.” Clopson said. “Oh that’s okay, I was up already.” She said. “Why?” Sherlock asked quickly. “What?” “Why are you up so late?” he asked. “Oh you know, just doing… stuff.” She said, looking up and away. “Alright then, do you know where I can find Rainbow Dash?” Sherlock asked. “Um, no, but I’m sure you could find her tomorrow…” she started. But she was interrupted by the sound of a gasp in another room. “Oh, that? That’s Ms. Cake, she snores weird. Like, all the time…” Suddenly, the door opened, and Rainbow Dash began walking out, talking to another pony following her. Her skin gleamed with trace amounts of sweat “That was amazing! You have to show me how to…” then she saw that there were visitors. “What is it?” Spitfire followed her from the dark room. “Oh, guests.” “DASHIE. SPITFIRE. What were you doing in that room?” Pinkie said with a false smile. “We... uh… we…” Dash started. “Playing chess?” Spitfire suggested. “Er, yea.” Dash said. “Playing chess… I love chess. She was like ‘knight to A5’ and I was like, ‘king me!’ and, and, um…” “I should be going. I have a show tomorrow.” Spitfire said awkwardly, leaving the room. “Oh, yea, and I have a busy day tomorrow too… napping. I seriously need some sleep before I .. nap… hardcore and stuff…” she zipped out of the room and the building. “… Those crazy fillies.” Pinkie said with a smile. “Anything else you two need?” “Well, that was awkward.” Clopson said, walking away from Sugar cube corner in the dark. “What?” Sherlock said. “Oh you know… what happened back there?” “I don’t follow.” “She… nevermind.” “No, enlighten me.” Sherlock said, as if offended. “Well… I just… didn’t think Dash and Spitfire knew each other like that.” Clopson insinuated. “Like what?” “Do I have to spell it out for you? They were in a dark room, alone, together, sweaty, her mane is a rainbow, they are both a bit tomboyish…” Clopson began. “What?” Sherlock said with disgusted facial expression. “Do you really think they were… doing that?” he said. “Well… yes. What do you think they were doing?” Clopson said. Sherlock rolled his eyes and began, “Spitfire became famous because of her skills, skills that Rainbow Dash admires. One of her most famous is where she literally, ‘spits fire’ and I hear that it is a closely guarded secret. And one that also causes heat, ergo, sweat.” Sherlock explained. “And I suppose the technique would be best shown in the dark. Besides, the color of her mane, as well as their tomboyish nature is genetic, and shows nothing of her personal preferences. Their relationship is nothing more then platonic Clopson, at most it is a teacher-student arrangement. Get your mind out of the gutter.” Sherlock condemned his friend. “Well, you can see me reasoning though right? I mean, they both were in a dark room…” “Dirty, Dirty mind Clopson.” Sherlock continued. Clopson looked down and away as they walked down the streets towards Fluttershy's home, towards the Everfree forest. They were still surrounded by the town's buildings and dark alleyways however. “… So… I guess that means she’s single.” Clopson said looking up. “You think I should give her my number. Ask her out for some hot chocolate…” “Don’t be silly Clopson she is still obviously a lesbian.” Sherlock said rolling his eyes. “What?!…” Clopson exclaimed. “But you just…” “Shh!” Sherlock stopped and silenced his friend with a motion. “What is it?” “SHH!” Sherlock once again silenced him and looked around. “… We’re not alone.” Suddenly, there was a noise. “The chase is on!” Sherlock turned and ran towards the noise, Clopson followed and saw the faintest wisp of a shadow entering a nearby alleyway. They followed, hot on the trail of the shadow, and turned into the corner just to see yet another glimmer of darkness turn behind a building. They followed still, never getting a good look at the stalker, until finally, the trail went cold, and the shadow ran into the Everfree forest. “That pony is a fast one.” Clopson said, stopping and catching his breath. “Yes, quite.” Sherlock said, also windless. Clopson looked down at the odd tracks left by their prey. They were hooves to be sure… but they were strange… “Coming Clopson?” Sherlock said, walking once more towards Fluttershy's house. “Coming.” Clopson sighed in dismay and exhaustion. Birth of an Enemy“Stolen?” Fluttershy softly asked in surprise. “That’s awful!” “Yes, and I’m sorry to have disturbed you at such a late hour but we are hot on the trail of the culprit.” He said. “I’ll do what I can to help.” She said with a nod. “Thank you, now, did you ever check out…” Clopson started, “Do you eat eggs?” Sherlock interrupted, looking out the window at the chicken coop. “Um… yes?” Fluttershy responded. “When?” Sherlock asked. “What meals?” “Breakfast.” Fluttershy said in confusion. “What do you drink with it?” “Er, milk?” Fluttershy said. “Did you steal the Elements of Harmony?” “No.” She said in surprise. “Good, I believe you.” Sherlock said. “But you should probably stop eating eggs, bad for pony digestion, too much protein. Your not very active anyways.” He turned to face Fluttershy, “Have you seen any suspicious activities near the Everfree forest?” he asked. “No, nothing.” Fluttershy said shaking her head. “But, I wasn’t really looking.” “That will be all.” Sherlock moved to the exit. “Come along Clopson, we have one more pony to see…” He departed into the darkness. Sometimes Clopson wished he knew what was going on in that ponies mind… “No, a size bigger, she’s big boned, and she has always talked about having a gown that fit her for the longest time… Who are you?” Rarity asked with annoyance the newcomers as she gave orders to her sister Sweetie Belle. “I’m Clopson, and this is Sherlock Hooves, we are investigating…” “What are you doing?” Hooves asked. “Were making a dress for Rarities BIG friend.” Sweetie Belle started giggling. “You said you wanted to help, but you should not be so rude. It’s not lady like…” Rarity patronized. “Now, what can I help you two gentlecolts with?” she said, turning to the detectives. “The Elements of Harmony were stolen.” Clopson said. “And we’re looking for the culprit.” “That’s terrible!” Rarity exclaimed. “What can I do to help?” “Well, if you have seen anything strange lately, we would appreciate…” “Now that you mention it,” Rarity said quickly, “I have been seeing some pony I didn’t recognize outside my shop, and she is always out at night…” “Really?” Sherlock asked. “Yes, she usually walks by now at around midnight…” she said. “…Sweetie Belle said it was scaring her.” “Did not! You were the one who…” “Hush darling!” Rarity silenced her. “What does the pony do?” Sherlock asked. “She just looks up at the windows, and moves on…” Rarity said. “Well, then, there is something you can do for us.” Sherlock said. “And what’s that?” Rarity said. Sherlock smiled “I would like a dress for my friend and I.” "Oh Clopy, isn’t it fun walking around in the moonlight!” “This is wrong Sherlock.” Clopson said in his pink dress. “And it won’t fool anybody.” “You need to lift your voice up a little higher darling!” Sherlock said through his purple corset and hat that covered his colt like face and body. “And my name is Shirley!” Clopson sighed. “She’s followed two colt detectives before.” Sherlock whispered under his breath once more. “Just act like a silly filly and we will blend right in.” “This is ridiculous…” “Oh hush Clopy.” Sherlock took up his high-pitched voice once more. “Oh look there! Another pony enjoying the stars! Hello there pony!” Sherlock spoke as if intoxicated to a dark figure moving down the road in a huge raggedy cloak. The figure turned to them for a moment, and then paid them no mind, walking up to Rarity’s shop. “My word it worked.” Clopson said under his breath. “That’s a good one Clopy! Yes it is!” Sherlock laughed as if he told a joke. “Is she here yet!?” yelled Rarity from the top window. The figure stopped, looked to Rarity, and then two the two ponies she yelled at. Sherlock threw off his hat and ran at the figure as it bolted away. “She’s not getting away this time Clopson!” he yelled. Clopson followed quickly. “…I guess that’s a yes.” Rarity said as the road became empty. “Hey! Don’t throw those on the ground! They’ll stain!” They gave chase, but the figure was much taller and bigger, and Clopson found it hard to sprint in the corset. “We’re gaining Clopson!” Sherlock yelled as they turned corner after corner. Soon they found themselves running to a kind of forest in the dark… a forest of apple trees. They had run all the way to Sweet Apple Acres. “Bloody hay.” Clopson exclaimed. Ripping off his bodice with his teeth for air. The Apple family’s barn was in sight now, and he saw the figure quickly open the door to the apple cellar and dive in. “Into the breach!” Sherlock said with excitement, following the huge figure into the pitch-black darkness of the cellar. “Close the door! We have her trapped!” Clopson dived in and closed the hatch as he was told… there was now no light at all. “She’s over here!” Sherlock’s voice echoed all around Clopson. There were sounds of struggle, and then nothing. “Where is she?” Clopson asked, ready to buck whatever came at him next. Then, a door opened… “Bandits in the cellar!” he heard Applejack scream. Clopson felt the cold hard sting of a hoof under his jaw and flew back against a wall in pain. “No! No! Wait, it’s us, it’s…” Clopson felt another hoof hit his cheek and bring him to the ground. He tried bucking wildly, and hit something… he hoped it was the fiend they searched for. “What’s going on?” Everypony stopped as a light suddenly came down from the heavens… well, down the stairs. Big Macintosh held a candle in a brass plate in his teeth and carried it down the steps, illuminating the room. Applejack was on her hooves, looking around, battle ready, and Sherlock… Well, Sherlock had taken Clopson’s hoof to the face and was rolling around on the ground. “I almost had her…” Sherlock said, trying to get up. “You almost had me! Mess with the bull, you get the horns!” Applejack said in anger. “Who kicked me?” Sherlock shook his head. “That’s not important right now.” Clopson said, changing the subject. “Where is she?” but there was no one else. The figure was gone. “What in tarnation is going on here? An why are you two wearing dresses?” she asked. “An why are you in my cellar?!” she added. “Suspect ran in here.” Clopson said, massaging his jaw. “Uh… wait… wait…” Sherlock shook his head. “What did you say Applejack?” “Uh… what in tarnation…” No, before that.” “Bandits in the…” “No after…” And then, suddenly, Sherlock’s eyes widened… “Clopson, follow me.” He said, leading him out of the cellar. “Sorry for the confusion.” Clopson added before leaving. Applejack and Big Macintosh simply stood there for a moment. “Did two colts in dresses just walk out of our apple cellar?” Applejack asked in astonishment. “Eeyup.” In the old ruins in the Everfree forest, a single figure stood in front of the Elements of Harmony. She smiled underneath her cloak as the sun began to rise… But before she could begin the rite, she heard something… A slow clap from the other side of the hall. She turned to see Sherlock and Clopson. “Very good.” Sherlock said. “You took everything you needed from the ponies around you.” He said. “You took Applejacks Apples,” he said, advancing, "To frame her. And you took the liquid nitrogen from Pinkie Pie.” He continued. “Many bakeries use them for their freezers, that’s why hers was not working.” He added. “But most importantly of all, you were someone they trusted. Someone no pony would suspect.” Sherlock explained. “And you were something that could fool the protective spell on the Elements of Harmony… because you’re not a pony.” He squinted his eyes and raised an eyebrow, impressed. “Your not even equine… You're bovine.” Clopson himself gasped, and the figure smiled and lowered her hood. The cow was none other then Mooriela. “No one suspected you, even when you and your herd were grazing right next to the scene of the crime. Applejack didn’t see anything wrong with you grazing around the farm, and wouldn’t mind if you took a few apples. You passed right under Fluttershy’s radar every night, because you weren’t anything out of the ordinary… you gave her milk every day on your way to these ruins.” Sherlock grinned. “That was a nice touch. But then came your downfall… your vanity proved to aggravate the attention of Rarity when you only wanted to check on the dress you ordered…” Mooriela grimaced, “We’ve been mistreated! We are farmed for our milk and have no representation!” She said. “We have no history, no culture, no magic, no wings… but with the Elements of Harmony, we can change all that. I just want to make things equal.” She said. “We deserve magic just as much as any pony!” “A being that starts stampedes at the sight of a snake doesn’t deserve the earthshattering power of magic.” Sherlock said as two Royal guards entered the room. Mooriela looked around in panic. “I’m sorry, but the princess wants her property back.” She was restrained, and was being led out of the room when Sherlock stopped the guards for a moment. Others went to retrieve the necklaces. “But there is one thing I don’t get.” Sherlock said. “Your not smart enough to think of this. You must have had help.” He said. “Who was it?” Mooreila looked away for a moment, then back at Sherlock. She said, in an eerie, souls sucking voice, “I only have a name.” Mooreia looked away in anger as the sun began to rise. “He said it would work now… we set it up, it was supposed to give me magic when the sun rose.” “These are fake.” Sherlock looked up, and Mooriela’s eyes widened in surprise as the guard looked over the gems. “He stole them from me!” Mooriela said. “He tricked me!” “Who? Who was it?” Sherlock asked with great curiosity. The Bovine hissed the name in anger, and Sherlock was sure to commit the word to memory, “Mooriarty.”
The Game is AhoofSherlock gazed angrily at the herd of cattle as they passed outside the carriage window. “You really should have attended the gala Sherlock” Said Clopson. “You have been saying that you were bored, and it was different this time…” “The Gala is always a waste of time.” Sherlock Hooves responded sourly while rolling his eyes to his companion. “I just wish someone could get murdered around here.” “Sherlock…” Clopson stopped himself, “Look, I thought I found something to cheer you up…” “If it isn’t dead I don’t want any of it.” Sherlock said. “But by the looks of things, we aren’t going back to our apartment.” He said, looking out at the herd of cows once more. “The cattle never graze around Canterlot. So what have you signed me up for this time? ” “Look, it may not be a murder… but it’s a robbery alright?” Clopson tried to sell it. Sherlock sighed and leaned back on the seat, putting his fore hooves at his sides. Clopson continued after shaking his head in annoyance at Sherlock’s apathy. “Inspector Lestrot asked for you to come by name. Celestia even wants you there…” “I don’t care if Nightmare Moon herself came back and stole the sun, all I want to do is get back to my experiments… Those are more illuminating than these shenanigans you have me going through.” “It’s the tower. Someone robbed from the princess, and they took something valuable.” Clopson tried in vain. “Look, if you solve it in ten seconds flat I swear I will stop harassing you.” “… Fine. Ten it is.” Sherlock said. “…What? I was kidding…” “Nope, you said it. I’ll take that bet. Challenge accepted,” Sherlock said. Clopson sighed as Sherlock took in a deep breath and the carriage rolled to a stop. “At least now it will be a challenge.” Stepping outside, Sherlock’s brown coat was partially obscured by a darker brown overcoat. His mane was disheveled and the plain equine could have been mistaken for a poorer earth pony if it was not for the shining magnifying glass cutie mark on his flank. In fact, he seemed to be the only earth pony present, the others either being Pegasus guards, unicorn nobles, or… And there she was. Celestia herself was waiting for them by two broken down doors. “Your time starts now.” Clopson said, teasingly, as he also stepped off. He was a blue unicorn, who fit in more than the dull brown earth pony. He stood up straight, flattened his white mane with his hoof for a moment, and then joined Sherlock, trying to look his best for the princess. “It’s about time.” A grey unicorn walked up to them. “Inspector Lestrot, good to see you again.” Clopson bowed his head politely as Sherlock gave Lestrot a single obviously fake smile of greeting. “Don’t give me any of that Clopson. The greatest treasure in all of Equestria has been stolen!” “Look, I’m sure it is worth a lot, but aren’t you overreacting? What did they…” Clopson was interrupted. “The Elements of Harmony.” Celestia spoke and trotted towards the detectives. “ I kept the necklaces created when the Elements of Harmony were discovered, and I locked them in the tower in case a great evil returned.” Clopson was astounded. “My word!” “Elements of what now?” Everyone turned to Sherlock as he asked the question. “Surely you jest…” Celestia started. “I never jest, and don’t call me Shirley.” Sherlock rudely interrupted the all-powerful alicorn. “Hooves!” Clopson hissed under his breath. “The Elements of Harmony! Used to defeat Nightmare Moon when she returned, they also turned her back into princess Luna…” “Nightmare Moon came back?” Sherlock asked skeptically. “I thought that was an old mares tale…” “It just happened!” Clopson hissed angrily in disbelief. “It was all over the news!” “You know I don’t read the news.” Sherlock said. “Not since that wall eyed pony broke my window…” “Don’t you remember the day the sun did not come up?” Clopson asked frantically. “Oh, yes, I slept in that day, but I heard it was eerie.” Sherlock said. “Ahem, well,” Celestia broke into the conversation once more. “Don’t worry Princess, we have our best ponies on the job.” Lestrot said. She smiled. “I know.” She nodded reverently to the ponies present, then continued, “I have other duties…” “Of course.” Lestrot said, bowing. Celestia left as both Lestrot and Clopson bowed their heads. When she was gone, Clopson looked up. “Sherlock…” Clopson started, but he was already gone, looking through the crime scene. He sighed and followed. The eccentric earth pony had no sense of decorum. “It’s been ten seconds.” Clopson said, making his way into the broken vault. “Do you know who did it?” he asked. “… Tell me, my dear Clopson, what do you think of the scene?” he asked. Clopson rolled his eyes. “I don’t know Sherlock, I haven’t looked around yet…” “Well, take your time. I would like another opinion before I voice my own.” Clopson sighed and looked around. He saw a Pegasus Guard with his helmet off, being nursed back to health. He had quite the bruise on the back of his head. “He was found outside the door.” Lestrot said, making his way to Clopson. “With those two right by him.” Clopson looked at where the colt pointed, and found two bruised apples. “The perps knocked him out before he could see them, and then burst down the door.” Lestrot continued, motioning to the metal gates crumpled on the ground. “Then they marched right to the end of the hall, and snatched the jewelry.” “Weren’t there any other defenses?” Clopson asked. “And that’s what’s stumped us.” Lestrot said, motioning to the end of the hall. “There was a spell put of the floors to alert the other guards if some unauthorized pony broke in… but it never went off.” “Hmm…” Clopson put his hoof to his chin. “Ideas?” Sherlock asked. “Yes…” Clopson went over the fact. “These are professionals. Probably a team of them. They would have needed a strong, accurate earth pony, a very powerful unicorn, and a Pegasus, to knock out the guard, break down the doors and fly over the floor. We should look for some powerful ponies with connections to each other. They will probably have a criminal record.” Lestrot nodded his head. “We will have a thorough investigation of all our records.” Lestrot then looked to Sherlock. “Anything you wish to add?” Hooves shrugged. “It all seems very reasonable.” There was a silence. Clopson sighed and face hoofed. “What is it Hooves? What did I miss this time?” he asked. “Only everything that matters.” Sherlock said patronizingly. “You even missed the red herrings that were meant to throw you off the trail. You failed at failing…” “Knock it off Sherlock and get to the point.” Lestrot demanded. Sherlock sighed. “First off, the apples.” He nodded to the apples. “Red Delicious and Granny smith, fresh from the orchard. The only place in Equestria that is close enough to have those kinds of apples is Ponyville. It is also home to many earth ponies, a lot of them farmers, who buck apples for a living…” “So we are looking for an earth pony in Ponyville…” Lestrot tried to follow along. “Probably not.” Sherlock answered. “As any apple farmer can tell you, using an apple as a projectile will mean sacrificing the apple,” he pointed at the projectiles. “These are bruised. Any apple with enough force to knock out a royal guard in full armor would splatter on impact. Also, if you look at the bruise on the guard you will find that he was hit in the back of the head, not the front. If you are already behind a guard there is no reason to risk using an apple. He was most likely hit over the head with a rock, or large stick.” “So why are the apples here? Did the culprit drop them on accident…” Lestrot asked. “Yes, but not on accident. You see, this was supposed to throw us off. Same with the entrance…“ He walked to the fallen metal doors. “A unicorn would not make this kind of dent, and no Earth pony could knock down a metal door. They can’t even knock down trees. No, this was taken apart from the inside.” “But, it’s bashed in…” Clopson said. “Excellent deduction!” Sherlock layered his words with enough sarcasm to kill a horse. “How did you come up with that one?” “No need to be rude.” Clopson said angrily. Sherlock sighed and continued. “Bashed, yes. Broken? No. The door its self is on the ground. Brute force would have broken the lock, or made a hole, but the metal is still intact. Somepony weakened the hinges from the inside...” he took a closer look. “Looks like they froze it and then smashed it. That would require liquid nitrogen…” “But how did they get inside?” Clopson asked. “And if they were already inside, why break down the door…” “Elementary.” Sherlock responded. “To throw us off the scent. These dents in the door were made posthumously… in a manner of speaking.” “And the spells?” Lestrot asked. “How did they get across those?” Sherlock smiled and looked at the other two ponies. “Well, if I knew that, I wouldn’t take the case now would I?” He turned to get back into his carriage. “The game is ahoof Clopson!” Clopson sighed in relief. Perhaps Sherlock’s boredom could be satiated for another day or two this time.
Something in the Water“So, the robber wanted us to think it was an earth pony from Ponyville?” Clopson asked. “Good, you’re following.” Sherlock nodded. “But then… why are we in Ponyville?” Clopson asked as they passed the town center. “Because, those apples still came from here, and this is where the trail must start. But first before we go on…“ Hooves stopped and looked around quickly. “The ponies here are a bit crazy.” He said to Clopson under his breath. “I think there’s something in the water.” “HEY” came a high-pitched voice. “Oh horse apples it’s her.” Sherlock cursed, looking at a pink pony that had come up from behind him. “What are you doing here? Who’s your friend? I haven’t met him before.” She suddenly took a long gasp, “We need a welcome party! We don’t get a lot of new ponies here and it’s a really small town and I’m sure everyone would like to get to know you and…” “Pinkie pie… that’s your name right?” Sherlock interrupted. “Yep! Well, really it Pinkamena Diane Pie, And I think Diane is a really weird name don’t you…” Sherlock put his hoof over her mouth. “Right! Pinkie! I am on a case right now!” he said. “And I need to know where Sweet Apple Acres is.” He put his hoof back on the ground. “Of course! That’s where Applejack works, you know Applejack right?” she gasped again. “NO YOU DON’T! You never met her! And how can you know her if you haven’t met her? I mean you could know ABOUT her I guess but…” “Pinkie!” Sherlock interrupted once more “Concentrate!” he continued when she tried to speak again. “Now… point us to the whereabouts of sweet apple acres.” Pinkie pointed, but continued to follow the two colts. “Applejack is fun, but she likes to work a lot and you like to work a lot so I think you have a lot in common. One time she even saved the town from a stampede! But then she over worked herself and made some baked bads. She likes to bake things and… OH I was just baking cupcakes when you came, I’ll go get them, we can have a mini pre-party, party!” she dashed off, back to sugar cube corner. “Well, she seems like quite the handful. Not really your type.” Clopson commented. “What do you mean type?” “Well, you come into town and she makes cupcakes for you? Sounds like something’s going on…” “No that’s just her. She makes cupcakes for everyone. Quick, we should start moving faster if we are to lose her…” “What?” Clopson said in surprise “It’s about lunch time, I could really use a cupcake…” “Trust me, don’t drink the water, don’t eat the cupcakes, try not to breath to heavily either. I just want to get out of the town as fast as…” “Ihm baghck!” Clopson turned to see Pinkie quickly trotting towards them holding a plate of cupcakes with rainbow colored frosting. “Don’t mind if I…” Clopson turned to see Sherlock eyeing the cupcakes suspiciously, looking back to Clopson, and shaking his head in warning. “...Er, actually, I haven’t been feeling well lately.” “But you know what will make him feel better?” Hooves started. “Some fresh sweet apple cider...” Sherlock said. “OH, I’m sure Applejack has some, here, I’ll lead the way!” she dropped the plate and sped forward. “I like her.” Clopson said. The three ponies made their way towards the apple farm. “So how do you know each other?” he asked pinkie pie. “Well, gummy went missing one day, so I found Sherlock and I asked him to find him, but he said it was stupid, so I said I would throw him a party if he found gummy, but he didn’t want a party, I don’t know why. Who doesn’t like parties? I asked him why and he said they were boring, but I said my parties are NEVER boring…” “And it turned out!” Pinkie finished her story as they reached the entrance to sweet apple acres. “He was in the bathtub THE WHOLE TIME.” “That was quite a thrilling tale.” Clopson said with a nod. “Especially the part about oatmeal…” “Yes, but, we’re here now.” Sherlock said while stopping and looking to Pinkie. “We’re going to be doing confidential… detective… stuff now.” “OH. Okay, I’ll get the party ready for Clopson!” she dashed away and back to her own home. “Well howdy there.” Sherlock turned to see Applejack with her hoof held out towards him. “Ah don’t think we’ve met before.” “No, we haven’t.” he trotted past the hoof and looked around the farm. Clopson took up her hoof instead. “I’m sorry about him, hello, I am Clopson, and this is Sherlock… Sherlock!” he yelled at the pony as he took an apple from one of the nearby trees and took a bite. “These aren’t your trees Sherlock, you can’t just eat whatever you want…” “I’m not eating.” He spat out the chewed remnants. “Just tasting,” “I am terribly sorry, I’ll get him to pay for that…” Clopson said apologetically. “It don’t mind me none. Ah can see he’s got something on his mind.” Applejack said politely with a giggle. “But what can I do ya for?” “Well, you see, there was a robbery in Canterlot…” “Really?” Applejack’s eyes widened. “Me an the girls were just over there at the gala last night…” “Were you now?” Clopson said curiously. He used magic to take out a pen and paper. “Who else went with you?” “Well there’s Twi, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Dash, an I think Spike tagged along as well, why?” “Well, I’m sorry, but I will probably need to question all of you…” “What? You think me an my friends might have somethin’ to do with this…” “No mam, but it is a possibility. And one of you might have seen something.” He said. “Well alrighty then. Ah’ll see what ah can do to help y’all.” She said. “You have a dog?” Applejack turned when Sherlock spoke. Winona had just walked up and barked at the newcomers. “Er, yea, that there’s Winona. Best…” she started. “I’m sorry, what other family members live here?” Clopson interrupted, angrily giving Sherlock a glance before continuing. "Well there’s Granny Smith, Big Macintosh, Applebloom…” “Half the towns probably related to the Apple family,” Sherlock said making his way back to the group. “That’s why I hate these backwater towns.” “Beg yer pardon?” Applejack said defensively. “Nothing. We’re done here.” He said, making his way out of the farm the way he came in. “Wait!” he looked to Applejack and then back to Sherlock, sighed, put away his notes and apologized to her, “I’m so sorry for his behavior, but I have to go. Thank you for your cooperation.” “T'aint nothing.” Applejack said sorely as Clopson went galloping after Sherlock. “What was that all about? We hardly got anything from her…” “There was not much there Clopson.” Sherlock said. “All I needed to do was test if the apples tasted the same as those at the scene. They did. They most definitely came from this farm, freshly picked, and because the security system is lax to say the least, any pony could have gone and taken a few.” “Actually, I saw Applejack selling apples at the Gala.” Clopson said. “One of the other guests might have…” “She didn’t sell a single apple there.” Sherlock interrupted. “Maybe a pie or two, but any gentlecolt of high standing would not be caught with their lips on common carnival fare.” Sherlock explained. “And I’m sure she watched her product like a griffon, and would have reported theft. No. The thief is here in ponyville.” “And the dog?” Clopson asked. “Why was that important?” Sherlock shrugged “Don’t see many dogs around here. It’s refreshing.” Clopson sighed. “So where are we off to now?” “Twilight Sparkles library.” Sherlock responded. “She was at the Gala… do you think it was her?” Clopson asked. “She is very close to the princess, she might have been able to get in…” Sherlock laughed, “My dear friend, I like your creativity, but Twilight Sparkle is far too loyal to cross Celestia, and with her standing, she probably could have very well asked for the Elements of Harmony and received them with no fuss.” Sherlock continued. “…So why are we going there?” Clopson asked. “It’s getting dark, and I heard she has an extra bed or two.” Sherlock responded. “She also has one of the few copies of ‘The Elements of Harmony’ and I believe it would be some good light reading.” He explained. “We could simply find an inn.” Clopson suggested. “Better beds, better food, I know one just down the street…” “The Inns have neither the company nor reading I wish. And you know I don’t eat on a case.” “I was thinking of myself.” Clopson said. “Ah, well, you know I need you Clopson. Magic of friendship and all that.” Sherlock said. Clopson rolled his eyes. "Fine"
Hot on the Trail“There’s nothing wrong with sharing a bed Clopson.” Sherlock said, reading The Elements of Harmony from under the covers beside his friend. “I’m just saying that we wouldn’t have to if we went to the inn…” Clopson said with annoyance. “I am sorry, I don’t have many visitors.” Twilight said entering the room. “Are you sure there isn’t anything else you need?” “Just fine thank you.” Sherlock said. “Oh, actually, can you get me that book of fables over there… on the top shelf.” “I’ll get Spike to get it to you.” She said happily and trotted off. “You could have gotten up you know.” Clopson said judgmentally. “And leave your warm and comforting side? Never.” Sherlock teased. “Here it is.” Spike said, carrying over a book. “Thank you very much…” Sherlock said, “That will be all.” He opened up the book and continued to read. “That’s the fourth book Hooves, are we ever going to sleep?” Clopson asked wearily. “Well I’m not, but you can do whatever pleases you.” Sherlock said turning a few pages. Clopson sighed and turned away from Sherlock. He just closed his eyes when the bed shook and Sherlock yelled, “I found it!” “Uh, what?” Clopson asked. “It says here that the Elements of Harmony exist within six qualities of friendship, and that it is the greatest form of magic known to pony kind.” He said. “However, there are other forces, and in this fable… admittedly, quite old, and not from a very reliable author… Nightmare Moon was created by jealousy and loneliness, but she was a completely different entity from Luna… there was another, very powerful being that influenced her, and unlocked the dark power within her.” “So?” Clopson said. “The Elements of Harmony unlock the magic of friendship, just as this being unlocks the darkness in others.” Sherlock continued. “Or at least, it can be inferred in the text…” “I still don’t understand…” Clopson asked, wiping sleep from his eyes. “Do you really believe all this? It seems like you are jumping to a lot of conclusions.” “No, of course not.” Sherlock answered, shaking his head. He showed the page to Clopson. “But somepony does.” On the page were shorthand notes. Somepony had written the whole of this plan in-between the printed words. “Somepony took this book and lacked some other place to write their notes.” Sherlock said. “Twilight!” he yelled. “Who else used this book recently?” Twilight walked up to him, shaking the sleep from her eyes. She yawned and looked at the book. “Well, no one really, but everypony knew where it was after I took it out last time…” “Everypony?” Sherlock asked. “Yea, Rarity, Dash, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Fluttershy…” “We will have to pay them all a visit then.” Sherlock said, jumping out of bed. “At this hour? Really Sherlock?” Clopson argued, putting on his overcoat anyway. “Pinkie Pie owes us a party.” Sherlock said dismissively. “Let’s collect.” “…I’m sorry I didn’t plan the party sooner, it was going to be today and everypony was going to be here! But our refrigerator isn’t running today so everything went bad, and it usually runs, well, not around the house, that would be silly, we will have to go catch it and it would get annoying after a while if it kept running away like that. We never had that problem but I have had a lot of people calling me warning me about it so I think it must be a big problem around here…” “Pinkie we actually came to ask you a few questions.” Sherlock finally found the energy to stop her. “Okey dokie loki.” She said quickly. Her house was lit by candles, and the night sky, but otherwise it was quite dark. “Have you ever checked out ‘The Elements of Harmony’ from the Library?" Asked Clopson, pen and paper ready. “No, why?” She asked. “They have actually been stolen…” Clospon said. Pinkie gasped loudly, “REALLY? But mine was so pretty! And they looked so cool; you’re going to find them won’t you? Please please pl…” “We have the best ponies on the case.” Clopson said. “So, do you know anything that could be of importance to the case?” he asked. “Nope.” She said soundly. “Sorry.” “Alright… I’m sorry to have disturbed you at this hour.” Clopson said. “Oh that’s okay, I was up already.” She said. “Why?” Sherlock asked quickly. “What?” “Why are you up so late?” he asked. “Oh you know, just doing… stuff.” She said, looking up and away. “Alright then, do you know where I can find Rainbow Dash?” Sherlock asked. “Um, no, but I’m sure you could find her tomorrow…” she started. But she was interrupted by the sound of a gasp in another room. “Oh, that? That’s Ms. Cake, she snores weird. Like, all the time…” Suddenly, the door opened, and Rainbow Dash began walking out, talking to another pony following her. Her skin gleamed with trace amounts of sweat “That was amazing! You have to show me how to…” then she saw that there were visitors. “What is it?” Spitfire followed her from the dark room. “Oh, guests.” “DASHIE. SPITFIRE. What were you doing in that room?” Pinkie said with a false smile. “We... uh… we…” Dash started. “Playing chess?” Spitfire suggested. “Er, yea.” Dash said. “Playing chess… I love chess. She was like ‘knight to A5’ and I was like, ‘king me!’ and, and, um…” “I should be going. I have a show tomorrow.” Spitfire said awkwardly, leaving the room. “Oh, yea, and I have a busy day tomorrow too… napping. I seriously need some sleep before I .. nap… hardcore and stuff…” she zipped out of the room and the building. “… Those crazy fillies.” Pinkie said with a smile. “Anything else you two need?” “Well, that was awkward.” Clopson said, walking away from Sugar cube corner in the dark. “What?” Sherlock said. “Oh you know… what happened back there?” “I don’t follow.” “She… nevermind.” “No, enlighten me.” Sherlock said, as if offended. “Well… I just… didn’t think Dash and Spitfire knew each other like that.” Clopson insinuated. “Like what?” “Do I have to spell it out for you? They were in a dark room, alone, together, sweaty, her mane is a rainbow, they are both a bit tomboyish…” Clopson began. “What?” Sherlock said with disgusted facial expression. “Do you really think they were… doing that?” he said. “Well… yes. What do you think they were doing?” Clopson said. Sherlock rolled his eyes and began, “Spitfire became famous because of her skills, skills that Rainbow Dash admires. One of her most famous is where she literally, ‘spits fire’ and I hear that it is a closely guarded secret. And one that also causes heat, ergo, sweat.” Sherlock explained. “And I suppose the technique would be best shown in the dark. Besides, the color of her mane, as well as their tomboyish nature is genetic, and shows nothing of her personal preferences. Their relationship is nothing more then platonic Clopson, at most it is a teacher-student arrangement. Get your mind out of the gutter.” Sherlock condemned his friend. “Well, you can see me reasoning though right? I mean, they both were in a dark room…” “Dirty, Dirty mind Clopson.” Sherlock continued. Clopson looked down and away as they walked down the streets towards Fluttershy's home, towards the Everfree forest. They were still surrounded by the town's buildings and dark alleyways however. “… So… I guess that means she’s single.” Clopson said looking up. “You think I should give her my number. Ask her out for some hot chocolate…” “Don’t be silly Clopson she is still obviously a lesbian.” Sherlock said rolling his eyes. “What?!…” Clopson exclaimed. “But you just…” “Shh!” Sherlock stopped and silenced his friend with a motion. “What is it?” “SHH!” Sherlock once again silenced him and looked around. “… We’re not alone.” Suddenly, there was a noise. “The chase is on!” Sherlock turned and ran towards the noise, Clopson followed and saw the faintest wisp of a shadow entering a nearby alleyway. They followed, hot on the trail of the shadow, and turned into the corner just to see yet another glimmer of darkness turn behind a building. They followed still, never getting a good look at the stalker, until finally, the trail went cold, and the shadow ran into the Everfree forest. “That pony is a fast one.” Clopson said, stopping and catching his breath. “Yes, quite.” Sherlock said, also windless. Clopson looked down at the odd tracks left by their prey. They were hooves to be sure… but they were strange… “Coming Clopson?” Sherlock said, walking once more towards Fluttershy's house. “Coming.” Clopson sighed in dismay and exhaustion.
Birth of an Enemy“Stolen?” Fluttershy softly asked in surprise. “That’s awful!” “Yes, and I’m sorry to have disturbed you at such a late hour but we are hot on the trail of the culprit.” He said. “I’ll do what I can to help.” She said with a nod. “Thank you, now, did you ever check out…” Clopson started, “Do you eat eggs?” Sherlock interrupted, looking out the window at the chicken coop. “Um… yes?” Fluttershy responded. “When?” Sherlock asked. “What meals?” “Breakfast.” Fluttershy said in confusion. “What do you drink with it?” “Er, milk?” Fluttershy said. “Did you steal the Elements of Harmony?” “No.” She said in surprise. “Good, I believe you.” Sherlock said. “But you should probably stop eating eggs, bad for pony digestion, too much protein. Your not very active anyways.” He turned to face Fluttershy, “Have you seen any suspicious activities near the Everfree forest?” he asked. “No, nothing.” Fluttershy said shaking her head. “But, I wasn’t really looking.” “That will be all.” Sherlock moved to the exit. “Come along Clopson, we have one more pony to see…” He departed into the darkness. Sometimes Clopson wished he knew what was going on in that ponies mind… “No, a size bigger, she’s big boned, and she has always talked about having a gown that fit her for the longest time… Who are you?” Rarity asked with annoyance the newcomers as she gave orders to her sister Sweetie Belle. “I’m Clopson, and this is Sherlock Hooves, we are investigating…” “What are you doing?” Hooves asked. “Were making a dress for Rarities BIG friend.” Sweetie Belle started giggling. “You said you wanted to help, but you should not be so rude. It’s not lady like…” Rarity patronized. “Now, what can I help you two gentlecolts with?” she said, turning to the detectives. “The Elements of Harmony were stolen.” Clopson said. “And we’re looking for the culprit.” “That’s terrible!” Rarity exclaimed. “What can I do to help?” “Well, if you have seen anything strange lately, we would appreciate…” “Now that you mention it,” Rarity said quickly, “I have been seeing some pony I didn’t recognize outside my shop, and she is always out at night…” “Really?” Sherlock asked. “Yes, she usually walks by now at around midnight…” she said. “…Sweetie Belle said it was scaring her.” “Did not! You were the one who…” “Hush darling!” Rarity silenced her. “What does the pony do?” Sherlock asked. “She just looks up at the windows, and moves on…” Rarity said. “Well, then, there is something you can do for us.” Sherlock said. “And what’s that?” Rarity said. Sherlock smiled “I would like a dress for my friend and I.” "Oh Clopy, isn’t it fun walking around in the moonlight!” “This is wrong Sherlock.” Clopson said in his pink dress. “And it won’t fool anybody.” “You need to lift your voice up a little higher darling!” Sherlock said through his purple corset and hat that covered his colt like face and body. “And my name is Shirley!” Clopson sighed. “She’s followed two colt detectives before.” Sherlock whispered under his breath once more. “Just act like a silly filly and we will blend right in.” “This is ridiculous…” “Oh hush Clopy.” Sherlock took up his high-pitched voice once more. “Oh look there! Another pony enjoying the stars! Hello there pony!” Sherlock spoke as if intoxicated to a dark figure moving down the road in a huge raggedy cloak. The figure turned to them for a moment, and then paid them no mind, walking up to Rarity’s shop. “My word it worked.” Clopson said under his breath. “That’s a good one Clopy! Yes it is!” Sherlock laughed as if he told a joke. “Is she here yet!?” yelled Rarity from the top window. The figure stopped, looked to Rarity, and then two the two ponies she yelled at. Sherlock threw off his hat and ran at the figure as it bolted away. “She’s not getting away this time Clopson!” he yelled. Clopson followed quickly. “…I guess that’s a yes.” Rarity said as the road became empty. “Hey! Don’t throw those on the ground! They’ll stain!” They gave chase, but the figure was much taller and bigger, and Clopson found it hard to sprint in the corset. “We’re gaining Clopson!” Sherlock yelled as they turned corner after corner. Soon they found themselves running to a kind of forest in the dark… a forest of apple trees. They had run all the way to Sweet Apple Acres. “Bloody hay.” Clopson exclaimed. Ripping off his bodice with his teeth for air. The Apple family’s barn was in sight now, and he saw the figure quickly open the door to the apple cellar and dive in. “Into the breach!” Sherlock said with excitement, following the huge figure into the pitch-black darkness of the cellar. “Close the door! We have her trapped!” Clopson dived in and closed the hatch as he was told… there was now no light at all. “She’s over here!” Sherlock’s voice echoed all around Clopson. There were sounds of struggle, and then nothing. “Where is she?” Clopson asked, ready to buck whatever came at him next. Then, a door opened… “Bandits in the cellar!” he heard Applejack scream. Clopson felt the cold hard sting of a hoof under his jaw and flew back against a wall in pain. “No! No! Wait, it’s us, it’s…” Clopson felt another hoof hit his cheek and bring him to the ground. He tried bucking wildly, and hit something… he hoped it was the fiend they searched for. “What’s going on?” Everypony stopped as a light suddenly came down from the heavens… well, down the stairs. Big Macintosh held a candle in a brass plate in his teeth and carried it down the steps, illuminating the room. Applejack was on her hooves, looking around, battle ready, and Sherlock… Well, Sherlock had taken Clopson’s hoof to the face and was rolling around on the ground. “I almost had her…” Sherlock said, trying to get up. “You almost had me! Mess with the bull, you get the horns!” Applejack said in anger. “Who kicked me?” Sherlock shook his head. “That’s not important right now.” Clopson said, changing the subject. “Where is she?” but there was no one else. The figure was gone. “What in tarnation is going on here? An why are you two wearing dresses?” she asked. “An why are you in my cellar?!” she added. “Suspect ran in here.” Clopson said, massaging his jaw. “Uh… wait… wait…” Sherlock shook his head. “What did you say Applejack?” “Uh… what in tarnation…” No, before that.” “Bandits in the…” “No after…” And then, suddenly, Sherlock’s eyes widened… “Clopson, follow me.” He said, leading him out of the cellar. “Sorry for the confusion.” Clopson added before leaving. Applejack and Big Macintosh simply stood there for a moment. “Did two colts in dresses just walk out of our apple cellar?” Applejack asked in astonishment. “Eeyup.” In the old ruins in the Everfree forest, a single figure stood in front of the Elements of Harmony. She smiled underneath her cloak as the sun began to rise… But before she could begin the rite, she heard something… A slow clap from the other side of the hall. She turned to see Sherlock and Clopson. “Very good.” Sherlock said. “You took everything you needed from the ponies around you.” He said. “You took Applejacks Apples,” he said, advancing, "To frame her. And you took the liquid nitrogen from Pinkie Pie.” He continued. “Many bakeries use them for their freezers, that’s why hers was not working.” He added. “But most importantly of all, you were someone they trusted. Someone no pony would suspect.” Sherlock explained. “And you were something that could fool the protective spell on the Elements of Harmony… because you’re not a pony.” He squinted his eyes and raised an eyebrow, impressed. “Your not even equine… You're bovine.” Clopson himself gasped, and the figure smiled and lowered her hood. The cow was none other then Mooriela. “No one suspected you, even when you and your herd were grazing right next to the scene of the crime. Applejack didn’t see anything wrong with you grazing around the farm, and wouldn’t mind if you took a few apples. You passed right under Fluttershy’s radar every night, because you weren’t anything out of the ordinary… you gave her milk every day on your way to these ruins.” Sherlock grinned. “That was a nice touch. But then came your downfall… your vanity proved to aggravate the attention of Rarity when you only wanted to check on the dress you ordered…” Mooriela grimaced, “We’ve been mistreated! We are farmed for our milk and have no representation!” She said. “We have no history, no culture, no magic, no wings… but with the Elements of Harmony, we can change all that. I just want to make things equal.” She said. “We deserve magic just as much as any pony!” “A being that starts stampedes at the sight of a snake doesn’t deserve the earthshattering power of magic.” Sherlock said as two Royal guards entered the room. Mooriela looked around in panic. “I’m sorry, but the princess wants her property back.” She was restrained, and was being led out of the room when Sherlock stopped the guards for a moment. Others went to retrieve the necklaces. “But there is one thing I don’t get.” Sherlock said. “Your not smart enough to think of this. You must have had help.” He said. “Who was it?” Mooreila looked away for a moment, then back at Sherlock. She said, in an eerie, souls sucking voice, “I only have a name.” Mooreia looked away in anger as the sun began to rise. “He said it would work now… we set it up, it was supposed to give me magic when the sun rose.” “These are fake.” Sherlock looked up, and Mooriela’s eyes widened in surprise as the guard looked over the gems. “He stole them from me!” Mooriela said. “He tricked me!” “Who? Who was it?” Sherlock asked with great curiosity. The Bovine hissed the name in anger, and Sherlock was sure to commit the word to memory, “Mooriarty.”
