Dexy

CHAPTER 4

“Carousel of Death”

City´s Fair at the docks, around midnight.

Fairs are spooky at night when everything is off. The feeling of solitude chills you the bones, the sound of a rusty metal door that makes you turn your head and you can hear distant grim laughter from posters with clowns. When suddenly; the sound of hoof steps breaks the silence of the night.

A beautiful light grey unicorn mare with a violet curly mane wearing an even more beautiful wedding dress was running through the fair as she´s been chasing by the devil. She stops at an old carousel to regain her breath when her persecutor finally reaches her. When she notices the shadow at her hooves turns around and sees the dark bipedal silhouette with red eyes and sharpened claws.

• Why are you doing this? – She exclaimed with tears in her eyes. – I thought we were friends.

• I love you Vanity – he answered with a guttural voice – I have always loved you and if I cannot have you nobody will!

He attacks her with his claw but she dodges. He gallops in to the carousel and attempt to elude him but her dress is caught on a lever tearing it and revealing a heart shaped ruby on her flanks. The carousel was ON and started to spin. Filly´s music began to be heard. She tried to escape galloping between the fake ponies. She stumble and her persecutor reach her again, she tried to defend herself using her magic but after years of use it only to grab small things it grew weaker and had no effect on him. He finally hit a mortal stab with its claw. She gave a cry of pain.

In that very moment a nocturnal guard with a hand light (or hoof light, wherever) appears in the distance.

• Who´s there! – He yells.

The murder sneaks in the dark. When the guard get there, turn off the carousel an found the victim lying there with her dress stained in blood.

• Oh dear Celestia! - He exclaimed – Hold on dear, I will call for help.
  He took his radio from his belt and starts talking but it were late. She already passed away.

****************

The next day.

• I guess someone strongly opposed to the wedding. - Cliff said.

• Something like that, she supposed to had married an hour ago, the groom thought he had planted and was devastated, this will destroy him for sure. – Chuck replied.

I arrived in that moment.

• Moring guys, what we have?

• Morning Dex. - They answered.

• Mare Unicorn – Cliff continued – Name: Vanity, Age 28. Owns a Bridal Shop not far from here, sells only her own designs. I bet she designs this one too. But now is ruined.

• She supposed to get married early today. – Chuck added.

• Mmmm, the entry wound, - I said – looks like has been caused by an animal.

• It is possible, - Cliff replied. - The guard says he saw something non-pony moving away from the body, he couldn’t identify him, it was too dark.

• Poor filly –Chuck said – Just in her wedding eve, makes one´s have the heart broken. Don´t you think Dex?

• Uh? - Yeah, it does.

He´s taunting me, he wants me to give wrong answers just to confirm his suspects. I won´t give him a chance if I could.

The coroner’s attendants came to pick up the body as usual. Cliff went back to his car to check something on the radio. I started to pick up my stuff when suddenly Chuck stood by my side and said:

• Hey look, the warehouse from the raid can be seen from here, what a day. By the way Dexy, the Chief ordered that the entire force must been present and I don´t remember you there. Where were you?

• I report myself sick, is in the log.

• Really? It is a shame, you miss all the fun.

I won´t said that, maybe they took the snack but I got the main course.

• Well – He continued – See you at the station.

• See you then.

“Let it go Chuck” I was thinking “I don´t want you to end up like the last one got in my way” It´s not like I killed him, but apparently the destiny wants me to keep doing what I’m doing.

****************

Back at the station.

While analyzing the victim´s blood samples in my lab, I found traces of green scales of an unknown creature. Maybe was an animal attack after all. I took the samples to Cheryl´s lab to ask her to do further analysis.

• So. What do you think? – I asked her.

• Well… it is obviously from some kind of reptile. – She answered while looking through a microscope. – But I can´t say for sure which kind.

• Can´t you process it with the computer?

• Nope, we don’t have a database for animals. Luckily, during my free time I started one.

She shows me a big shelf with hundreds of flasks of various sizes and shapes, filled with samples of animals of all over
Equestria. Clearly labeled and separated by species and gender, and also had samples of plants.

• Wow Cheryl! That’s impressive.

Impressive indeed, how did she manage to get all those samples? How the hell did he get a lock of hair of a Chimera? She asked for it politely?

• I can make a manual comparison. - She said - I Better start now.
  She took a flask labeled “Froggy Bottom Bog´s Frog Sample”

• Are you going to check vermin’s samples too? - I asked her.

• Just to be sure. –She replied.

• Seems Legit. I'll let you work, I'll see you later.

• Mmmjumm – Already concentrated on her microscope.

On my way out I couldn’t avoid notice a big flask full of a yellow liquid labeled “Hydra´s Urine Sample”

• How do you….?

• Don´t ask.

****************

A few hours later.

After a long day at work, I finally can go home for rest. I was driving around downtown when during a red light; I received a call from Cheryl in my cellphone.

• Dex here.

• Dexy? Is Cheryl from the lab.

• Cheryl? Are you still working?

• Yeah, I just finished the analysis of the samples of scales you give me.
  Meanwhile a truck that is parking along the street called my attention.

• A Dragon! You got a Dragon.

• WHAT?

In that very precise moment the back door of the truck was raised by a claw revealing a lizard kind creature with green scales and purple spikes.

• How the fuck you get dragon scales?

• Eww, language.

• Uh, sorry pumpkin, how did you get it?
  The “lizard” started to unload bunches of books and took them to the building next to the truck, a library.

• Well, the samples I got are from a baby purple Dragon that lives in Ponyville. Yours are from a mature dragon, not an adult but a teenage maybe and is obviously green.

• I see, thanks Cherly, I own you one.

• Do you want to pay me with a cup of coffee tomorrow?

• Aaaaaa I think about it see ya. – I turn off the phone, green light.

That’s new, I didn´t know she had feelings about me. I suppose that a rat lab like her doesn´t get intimidate by my cutie mark. Now I’m think about it, I should knew it before for all those mixed sings she had giving me lately.

“Dexy, do you like my new earrings” “Do you like my new dress?” “I have two cupcakes, do you want one?” “Deeexyyyy, I’m using a new liiiipstiiiick” “I have two tickets for “Love Story””

Ok, that last one was pretty obvious.

After the green light I parked in an alley next to the building. I waited to the dragon to unload more books. Then I went to ta back of the tuck and examined the door. I found some scales on the door and immediately bag them and put them in my pocket. I went back to my car and make a phone call to my son; I told him I was coming home late because of the work. This is in fact true. He doesn’t mind, he is used to it. But I always found him sleeping in the couch with the TV turned on and an empty of ice cream. He still thinks can already teleport because he wakes up in his bed, but the magic of his horn still doesn´t work.

I drive back to the lab to make a DNA comparison. It was getting dark. When I get there Cheryl was coming out the station and walking to her car. I parked next to her.

• Dexy! Back so soon?

• Yes, I, uh, forget to do something in the lab.

• Do you want me to help you? – She said with seductive eyes.

• No, no, you've done too much, go home and rest.

• Ok, call me, if you need me. – She entered her car and drives a way.

Anyone else probably would have accepted such a lovely helpful but I have not felt anything for another mare since the death of my wife. It is better that way.

I enter the building; the night shift was already there. I have not the “pleasure” of know any of them, but its looks like they know me. They get stunned the moment I enter across the door, everypony were staring at me but I did not care, without saying a word I just walked to the door of my lab. While I was taking out the keys from my pocket I overheard them talking about me.

“He really has cutie mark of a stain of blood” “I heard that he never cry” “Everypony in the day shift call him cold blood freak at his back” “I heard he is the best criminalist specialized in blood traces in all the city” “I heard that there is no bloody enough crime scene that affect him “I heard he has been that way since his wife was murdered”

I closed the door behind me. My reputation precedes me, but they were wrong. I have been that way since long before I married.

I started to do the analysis. The samples were fresh so it won´t take long. After a couple of hours the computer gave a positive match.

• Just as I expected- I thought – How many dragons could possibly live in the city?
  After think that, I decide to check on the database. I found a match.

“Name: Iggy”
“Breed: Dragon, Age: 21”
“Color: Green with purple spikes”
“Works as a Library´s Assistant at the Manehattan Public Library”
“Record: None”

I suppose I should have checked that first.

• It is not too late. – I thought - If I rush I can get back to the library before he leaves. That way I can check on my prey´s territory looking for the best moment for ambush him.

I get out of and rush directly to the exit without pay attention to everypony there. I immediately get in my car and drive to the library. When I get there the truck was already leaving but Iggy was left there taking the last load of books in to the library. I park nearby and enter the building.

Once inside, I could admire a very nice, clean and tidy collection of books. It really makes you in the move to read a good book. It is a shame that reading is not appreciated nowadays, the place was empty.

I saw Iggy ordering books on their shelves. I stay on the same aisle, took a book and pretend reading; and of course watching him.

He finished ordering book and says:

• Hey Midnight! I finished here; I’m going to bed now I´m tired.

• Ok, Iggy. – A mare´s voice said – Good night.

So he lives, it is not going to be munch problem to sneak in to the library after closing time and ambush him while sleeping.
I was in my way out when a voice stops me.

• Excuse me.

It comes from the reception. A mare Unicorn with a tricolored mane, mainly indigo with some purple and pink, a lavender coat, violet eyes and a cutie mark of an opened book with sparkles.

• Could you please sing up the visitor´s log? - She asked – It helps to keep open the library.

• Of course – I answered her.

I took the feather, I soak it in ink and when I was about sing on the log I was shocked.

Gallant Thorn was written there. He was the last visitor just before me. After regain conscience and write down a fake name, I ran outside and instinctively look around but obviously Gallant was nowhere to found.

I waited in my car for the closing time of the library. Then I sneak to the back door. I open the door using a picklock spell. I was about to look for the “Dragon´s Lair” whed I came up with the idea of checking for Gallant in the computer. If he borrows a book it will be record of it. I went to the reception and turn on the computer. I found that Gallant borrows a book of medical references two weeks ago and he returned it today but no address.

• A medical book, why? – I thought.

I will worry about later. I found Iggy´s room in the basement; he was sleeping in a big basket like a pet. I move silently next to him and prepare the syringe in my hoof and when I was to inject it he started to mumble in dreams.

• Vanity – He said while dropping a tear.

• Crocodile tears, maybe – I thought while inject him.

****************

Library´s Basement, two hours later.

Iggy wakes up chained with arms outstretched and covered in plastic in his own room, all covered in plastic as well. His right cheek was bleeding.

• What the.. What´s going on? - He said.

• I hope you don´t mind – I said while coming out of the shadows holding a sword on my shoulder. – I took my trophy while you were sleeping. You are my first Dragon, I didn´t know how do you would reacted.

• What? Who are you? Is that a…? Holy guacamole!

• Yes, a Dragon Slayer, a little something I borrow from the evidence room of the Police Department.

• Are you a Dragon Hunter? - He asked.

• No. - I answered – I´m a predator just like you.

• Then why are you doing this? What I did do to you?

• Not me, Vanity.

• Vanity? – His voice suddenly became guttural – VANITY!
  He tried to release himself and breathe fire but the chains were strong enough to hold him and he only exhaled smoke.

• Don´t bother to exhale fire, I had cast a sealing spell on you.
  He stops and breaks on tears.

• It was that, isn´t? – I asked – You loved her but could let her married with someone else.

• I.. I.. – He tried to speak between tears.

• Don´t you know that if you love someone you must let it go?

• I WILL KILL HER BEFORE ALLOW THAT TO HAPPEN! – His eyes turned red for a moment but his face changed back to a sad expression like he just realized something and said:

• Do your worst Dragon Hunter, I don´t care anymore.

• I told you I´m not a…

• You will be now.

• Very well. – I said- Not all my victims assume their deaths that easy.

I raise the sword with both hooves.

-I will aim to the heart that is already broken anyway.

• Wherever- he said
  And when I was about to give him the fatal thrust, I heard a familiar voice behind me.

• FREEZE!

It was him indeed. Pointing his gun obviously

• Chuck, I know you will catch me soon or later – I said him without turn around.

• By Celestia Dexy, I know you were a freak, but this. Since when, you have been doing it?
  Iggy say nothing, just stand still like if nothing has changed. I put the sword down and answer:

• Since years before I enter the Mareami Police Department.

• Dear Celestia! That means you are the Butcher´s Bay – He exclaimed.

• I don´t like that name, but yes.

• It means you murder and framed that cop.

-Nope, he discovers me just like you do, so I had to capturing him but I couldn’t kill him. He was innocent, it is against my code.

• Code? - He asked

• I am a monster, but I don´t want to hurt any innocent pony. How did you find me by the way?

• I just talked to Cheryl and checked the database on the department’s computer. So what happened to the cop?

• There was an explosion, the police misunderstand everything, long story let’s just say I was lucky.

• Wherever it was you are coming Downtown with me. – He takes out his hoofcuffs with the other hoof.
  I turn around revealing my glowing horn. (Sounds bad for some reason) The entire time my shadow was stretching on his direction.

• I´m afraid I can´t allow that. – I said

• What? – He exclaimed – Hold your magic back! Don´t force me to shoot!

In that precisely moment, a shadowing version of me emerge from the floor at his hooves.

• Surprise! – The shadow said while unarm him with a hoof and knock him down with the other.
  When he wakes up, I already finish tying it him and hoofcuffig him inside a closet.

• Wake up so soon? – Give me a minute. I promise my friend over there to finish his suffering. I will be with you right away. I closed the door.

• No Dex! Don´t do it. – He screamed.
  But it was useless; he was terrified by the sound of a stab followed by the sound of an electric saw cutting the rough meat.

He get even more terrified when a pool of blood passes under the door.

• By Celestia, NO, NO.

When I finished my job, I opened the closet´s door and found Chuck with a face of horror like if he just saw Nightmare Moon herself.

• Well Chuck it is time to..

• Stay away – He said

-What?

• Stay away, don’t come any closer, just stay away.

I make two hoofs away with a spooked face and thought

-“It´s happening again, it is what Harry said the time I killed my first victim and is what Stokes said after he discover me”

After I regain my conscience I went closer to Chuck and said:

• I´m Sorry you had to go through all this. But don´t worry, I won´t let the world lose another good cop, I promise you that by tomorrow you won´t remember anything.

-How? – He asked

I took out a pair of dark glasses and put them myself on.

• Just look at the little bird.

My horn started to glow with a white light followed by a big flash. A memory eraser spell.

****************

The next day at the station.

I started my routine as usual, entering the department holding a box from a bakery containing all the favorite desserts of my work colleagues. A little trick to look more, pony.

A chocolate donut for Cliff.

• Dexy! Just in time my boy.

A strawberry donut for Ray.

• Thanks, Dex.

A cherry cupcake for Cheryl.

• Thank you Dex.

A chocolate muffin for Dusty

• Morning Dex, Thanks.

And a slice of apple pie for Chuck.

-Ooouuu! My head.

• Are you still feeling bad for last night?

• Yeah, I will never drink that much again, thanks again for driving me home.

• No problem Buddy, here I bring you some aspirins too.

• Thanks Dex, It doesn’t matter what everypony says about you. You are a good friend.

• I apprise what you said Chuck, Thanks.

He took the pie and the aspirins and went to his desk to enjoy them. In the way to my lab I found Cliff on his desk talking to the pony librarian. She was crying while holding a napkin with her hoof.

• He suppose go to sleep last night but this morning he wasn’t in his room and I can find him. – She was saying.

• Calm down lady. - Cliff said – It hasn´t passed a day maybe he party last night you know how teenagers are.

• I don´t believe that officer, he doesn’t like alcohol and he said he was tired. Please officer, you must find him. I had him since he was a baby Dragon; I raise him and love him like a son.

I felt a lump in the throat.

• Ok, ok, I will put a report but I´m pretty sure he will appear by tomorrow.

I quickly went to my lab and lock myself. I put my hoof in my neck and started to feel something that I never feel before.

• What is this? Guilt?