//-------------------------------------------------------// Dexy -by chocobroni- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1 "Cold Blood Freak" //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1 "Cold Blood Freak" Chapter 1 “Cold Blood Freak” Manehattan, 5 years ago. My name is Dexy Morgan, I work for the Police Department of Manehattan , I’m a white unicorn with brown short hair and brown eyes, and I’m a serial killer. I was riding my car in the way to a crime scene in an old department on the west side of the city. When I get there a couple of police cars where already there . I stop the car and pickup my stuff from the passenger seat, my camera, my saddlebag, my ID and a pair of rubber gloves (hoof shaped of curse). I came out of the car and every curious pony that already gathered there gave me a strange look. It is normal considering that not any pony has a stain of blood as a cutie mark. When I was a young colt at the school, other colts make fun of me because my cutie mark looks like a stain of ketchup and they said I had a future in fast food. I don’t quite remember when or where I get my cutie mark I already had it when I join to school and it has been there since I can remember. Maybe it was after “that event”. But when I join the police department my uncanny ability to analyze and interpret stains of blood made itself evident my special talent, even I gain the respect of my work colleagues spite of still calling me the cold blood freak at my back but I don’t mind, I even like it. After identify myself for the agent guarding the police ribbon around the building and allow me to pass go directly to the crime scene. Another agent guarding the door´s department let me pass without ask. This one already knows me. -Hi Ray -Hi Dex The department looks more like a small library than a department, there is no even a bed but old ponies always preferred to sleep sitting on comfortable chairs than laying on beds. The fire place was still burning which means the crime wasn’t too long ago. Other criminologist already started to photography an recollect the other evidence, a letter on a small table next to the victim´s chair a small grey safe box that was hidden behind a bookshelf, leaving for me my specialty: Blood The victim: an old white earth pony whit a cut on his throat and a knife on his hoof, possible suicide. I started to take pictures of him holding my camera with magic when the pony detective stands side by me. Cliff Donkin, not as good detective has my former superior back in Mareami but is responsibly , and it makes my job more easy. His cutie mark is a doughnut that’s explains a lot. -What we have? - I asked. -Victim´s name: - he answered - Grandeur Bangles , aged earth pony, owns a shoe factory in downtown . Lives alone, no sons, no wife, no known relatives. Just one friend. -Let me guess, he found the body. -Indeed, he´s being interrogated in the hallway by my partner. I didn’t see any trace of blood on him, but you have to processer him to be sure when you discard him a as suspect we can discard the murder. But, what you see? No more than you saw, is in fact a suicide, the cut angle is consistent to an self-infringed wound. I was lying. -After I confirm it in the laboratory- I continued- and discard the victim´s friend as a suspect we can leave it as what was. Oh what a liar I was. In fact it was a murder. The pattern of blood in front of the victim indicates that something or somepony was standing in front of him at the moment of the cut, and I notice the traces of blood in the direction of the door at the moment I enter the room. And I confirmed that by analyzing the traces of magic on the knife. Yes I can do that too, it is an old spell forgotten for many unicorns . I figure it out myself by accident but that’s another story. The same trace of magic was in the letter as well in the safe. There were still money on the safe, two small sacks but the traces indicate that the where two more sacks, maybe three. This not precisely indicates that the murder uses magic on all of it, we unicorns left traces on anything we touch especially the gifted ones. Magic prints is as good as Hoofs prints. It is a shame that I will keep this marvelous criminalistics tool for myself, after all it what keep me one hoof ahead of my colleagues. And I also know a spell to remove my own traces as well, just in case. -Very well- the detective replied – I expect a report of all of this from you later, I can concentrate on the robbery then. Ok this is my theory: “The victim´s friend comes to visit him and found the body he assumes is a murder then he went to the phone to call the police but he remembers the safe, as the only close friend of the victim he may know about the safe, its location and even the code to open it. He decide to took advantage of the situation, he went to the safe, open it take the money, on his way out found the letter on the table, he felt guilty return to the safe left some money back which may be the only possible reason to left some of the loot behind having plenty of time for take it all, the hide the rest of the money in his department upstairs, then go back here and call the police from here. But is a shame that he didn´t notice it was a suicide otherwise it would be the perfect crime, and if he realize that later he will be probably blabbing an invented history to my partner trying to fitting in whit the evidence we have here” -That’s a nice theory – I said- but why he would felt guilty? -Here, check the letter so you may understand my theory. “In the safe, there should be enough money to pay off the workers around here for this month, and it might sound a bit far fetched, but if there is some over I want you to donate it to charity. That’s the least I can do in my meaningless life.” I have to get an amplified copy of this later, for the room I will prepare for my prey. -This looks more like a will than just a letter. -Indeed my boy. In that very moment Cliff´s partner enter room. Chuck Magnificent, which belly is as big as his ideas, he should be the Lead Detective, lucky for me he is not. If he were here before he surely would notice that the blood traces are not consistent to a suicide. He has a magnifying glass for a cutie mark. -Sir, I complete my interrogations on the witnesses - Chuck said -Good- Cliff said- what you have? -Apparently there was another pony here tonight. -That’s just great, that put my theory in the garbage. -Well not necessary sir. - That was Cheryl Miniature, a young mare trainee, just join us last week. - You may have the right theory, but the wrong suspect. -Thank you my dear- Cliff replied- you just make my day. Mmmm, I just think the same thing, I said nothing for obvious reasons. I didn´t knew she was that smart; I should knew it before considering she wears eyeglasses and had a microscope on their flanks. Better I watch my back for her. She resembles my step-sister, she stay in Mareami, she now direct the Police Department there. I’m proud for her, Harry would be proud for her too. Hump, Harry, I haven’t think about him in years. With the entire force watching her back and the criminal rate dropping there thanks to her, she couldn’t be safer. That’s why I was transferred to Manehattan where my abilities are needed the most, and my “special abilities” too. -So Chuck, Cliff ask, he give you the particular sings of the new suspect. Yes sir, He was a light gray Alicorn with a dark blue mane, she was Mr. Grandeur´s Butler and he was on duty tonight. His name is Gallant Thorn -YOU JUST SAY ALICORN!? -Cliff exclaimed with a strong voice- But, spite of Princess Celestia and her sister, they aren’t a Myth? I thought the same too – I replied- I read something about them, they aren’t a myth just a very rare breed. She may be the only Aliconrn in all Manehattan -Well in that case we just have bulletin her with their particulars sings, being unique how hard can be to find her? -Well sir, is not that’s easy- Cheryl again- I read about them too you see, in ancient times Alicorns were persecuted for jealousy, many ponies believed that it was unfair that they had both, wing and horns, that was even consider an heresy accusing them of practice dark magi and witchcraft but that was just an excuse. An Inquisition was created for that purpose, hundreds of innocent Alicorns were tortured an executed by the Inquisition, but that number may has been diminished by the equestrian historians and probably were thousands a lapse of the History of Equestria when valors of friendship, equity and tolerance were forgotten. That era was known as the Dark Ages. By the end of that era, new kings rise to the throne of the Equestria. A Stallion Pegasus King and a Mare Unicorn Queen. They had a filly that born with both, wing and horn. The First Alicorn of royal blood. Maybe it was for nepotism but at least something good come for it. They known what they had to do to protect his daughter. They declare that the persecution was illegal and order the dissolution of the Inquisition, restoring and reinforcing the ancient laws of equity and tolerance. But even nowadays, Alicorns are afraid from society and many of them remain hidden even in plain sight by concealing his wing that is easy to do. Is not like they are a rare breed they are just hard to find. They could be hundreds of Alicorn living here in Manehattan we don’t even known about it. AKWARD MOMENT ALERT. Even I didn’t know anything about that. She was really smart Everypony in the room was with their mouth open. Cliff, Chuck, the forensics that came to pick up the body even Ray at the door that was overhearing everything. All except for one pony in the other side of the room. Another young trainee named Dusty Dust( he had a hoofprint powder flask on their flanks by the way), a Unicorn, or his not? . He suppose be looking for hoofprints near the safe but I can´t avoid notice his restlessness, and was doing a mess because of that. I can see with my little eye a feather coming out from his work jacket. He notices that too and stretch his jacket to cover it up. It is when he realize I was staring at him and he turn pale. But I blink an eye for him. “Don´t worry little fella” I thought “Nopony has to know”. That tranquilizes him. -Young mare- Cliff exclaimed- You are over qualified to be here collecting evidence. I will talk to the chief’s department to give him a recommendation of promote you to the laboratory. -Really!? – Their eyes become illuminated The very same look when my sister was promoted. I felt nostalgic. I don’t use to have feeling considering the monster I am. -I always wanted to work in the Lab and now at just one week in force and im being promoted, YAY. Calm down, calm down, young lady- Cilff said- is just a recommendation, the chief has first to consider it and think about it. It could take a month or two but if you keep the good work you will be promoted in no time. I will sir. What is this? A tear? I haven’t cried since my wife was….. I better get out of here now this will ruin my reputation as the cold blood freak. I started to pick up my stuff. Well,- Cliff said- that’s it for now I have nothing more to do here. Chuck, do you have the address of the new suspect? Yes, sir. I already send two agents there to secure the place, he wasn´t there but they are waiting for us. Well done my boy, always a hoof ahead of me. Maybe we can find a clue over there. Lets go, see ya everypony, we will meet at the station when you finish here. Sir, - I replied- I already finish here, I´m going back to the station to start my analysis. Very good, see you there.- he left the room followed by Chuck I put my blood samples and my camera, I was taking of my rubber gloves when Cheryl was passing by me. She finished too and it was leaving for the station. I stop her. Uh, Cheryl Yes Dex? That filly Alicorn from your story. She was..? Yes she was. Princess Celestia. Her sister, Princess Luna, was born some years later. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 2 "Cocaine Cube Corner" //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 2 "Cocaine Cube Corner" CHAPTER 2 “COCAINE CUBE CORNER” Has been a month since Mr. Grandeur was murderer and there is no trace of Gallant anywhere. Cliff and Chuck checked out his place but there was no sing o him, the place was empty, literally. No furniture, no TV. not even a fridge, nothing the place was abandoned from sometime, maybe years. The case is getting cold. It is not like it was priority for the department they still think it was a suicide followed by a robbery, one case dropped the other one filed. Suits perfect to me, it means nobody will be looking for him. He´s all mine. But until a new clue appear, there´s nothing I can do so, until then, there is other cases to attend. I close the file of Gallant´s case in my computer and open a file of a new case. “Tutsimena Veronica Pop, A.K.A. Tutsi Pop” “Age: 17, Sex: Mare” “Coat: Pink, Mane Color: Pink, Eye Color Blue” “Breed: Earth Pony, Cutie Mark: Confetti” “Status: Deceased” “Cause of death: Cocaine overdose” Third one this month. A drug dealer pony has been circulating a new form of cocaine. According to Cheryl´s analysis, this new variety can be ingested so it comes in cubes like the sugar cubes and even they have sugar in to it to improve the flavor. It´s very potent and addictive, the word on the street says that it make you feel like you were in a party wherever you are. That does explain it, she looks like a party girl, but I’m sure she didn’t mean to end like that. “Don’t worry young mare, I thought, I will catch the monster who hook up this shit on you”. Strange, in her file photo she have fluffy hair like cotton candy, but when I photographed his body her hair was straight, maybe is a side effect of the drug. In her file photo she was smiling and looks full of life but in her other photo, well, she was smiling too with her eyes wide open, the drug maintain his effects even after her death. Maybe the overdose was the cause of death but she has a bruise on the left cheek. Which indicate that she was beaten before she died. I can imagine what happened. The drug dealer was with her in the room. “- Please baby- she said- give some more sugar.” “- Not now bitch I’m counting my winnings” She grabs a bunch of cubes from the table and putted her mouth. “- Bitch!, that was for tonight selling’s! Is when he hoof her in her cheek and left her laying on the bed of that crappy hotel room. Mmm, if he made a good hoof impression I can put it in the computer and if he had record I will get his identification. I have to check if the coroner finished his report. So I came out of my lab an I saw Cheryl passing by. Cheryl, did you know if the coroner finished his report on the girl’s body? Yes, Dex – she answered- I have a copy in my lab if you want to check it out. It is on my desk Thanks. Cheryl, she may be smart but she still has the heart of a filly, how innocent. That may become handy. After pick up the report from Cheryl´s Lab, I take it to my Lab, I scan the amplified picture of the bruise and the computer begins to do his job. After finish to create a virtual hoof print it started to compare it with the ones in the data base. This may take several minutes maybe hours. So maybe I should….. BEEP BEEP…. Uh? Finished already? “Bling Bling Bits, A.K.A. 3B” “Age: 32, Sex: Stallion” “Coat: Brown, Mane Color: Black, Eye Color: Black “Breed: Earth Pony, Cutie Mark: A sack of bits” “Status: Unknown” “Actual Address: Unknown” “Last Known Address: Mane Street 56” “Record: Five charges for D.U.I., Two Charges for Drug Dealing, Twelve Charges of possession of drugs, one charge for Murder, seven charge for armed robbery, Escaping from prison.” My, My,-I thought- A very dangerous pony, well, not as dangerous as me, but dangerous indeed. He must have his own hidden talents for escaping the prison the day he was taking in. And he has a Master on Chemistry, He must be the Chef as well. Let’s check who your victim was. A shop´s clerk. Apparently he have the bad habit shoot without saying “this is a robbery”. He shoots first and takes the money. The first six one were lucky, the last one, not. I better print a Photo of him, for my ritual. It is Lunch time; I have enough time to check on Bling Bling´s last place for clues. Except that Chuck was entering from the main door holding a copy of the coroners´ report. Shit. Good news ponies, - he said- We got a suspect. Everypony get excited. Cliff was eating a doughnut in that moment. Effefen fob faifo- gulp- I mean, Excellent job my boy! How did you find it? I closely examined the bruise on the victim´s face, it had a perfect hoof print on it which indicates that the victim was beaten before she was dead. Then I pass the hoof print by the computer and “Bingo”, a match. His name is Bling Bling Bits, A.K.A. 3B, he had a record, just escaped from prison last year. I have his last known address. Very good- Cliff replied- Let´s go. Dam it! Knowing Chuck he probably already sent a couple of officers to secure the place. I could simply go there, I got the authority to enter any crime scene but, without a bloody body there it will look suspicious. Dexy! You are coming with us. – Cliff said- just in case we need your abilities. Uh, yeah sir, immediately- Lucky Strike. **************** At 3B´s Place: An old apartment in a condemned building. It will be demolished the next day, luckily we found it first. Not much left there. The place looks like a dumpster. An old black and white TV that doesn’t work anymore, old adult magazines on a table (I don´t see the point of those), junk food leftovers. I was exanimating a garbage can when I found an interesting piece of paper. A recipe – I thought What you got there Dex? – Chuck asked Nothing it’s just a…- he didn´t let me finish that sentence when he took it from my hoof. Sir, look what Dexy just found. – Chuck Said But.. Let me see. - Cliff said – Mmm, a recipt for the rental of a warehouse on the docks with the date of a month ago. It is when the new drug started to appear! Good job Dexy I knew it would be worthy to bring you here. But.. Let´s go, I have to make a phone call to the station to make the S.P.A.T. team prepares a raid to that warehouse. But.. They left the room. That’s just great; dam Chuck and his watchful eyes. But I can blame him, it´s his job after all. It´s my fault for not being faster. I have no choice, my only hope rest on Bling Bling itself. **************** That night at the docks… The Warehouse is surrounded by the police and the S.P.A.T. Lots of Earth ponies heavy armored with shields, helmets and police batons ( this is a fanfict don´t ask how). Pegasus snipers hidden in the clouds above, and a sturdy Unicorn holding a huge police battering ram with his magic. Meanwhile the rest of the department gives them supporting fire from behind their police cars. All waiting for the Chief Department´s signal. Gordon Badge, Chief of the Police Department of Manehattan. An imposing Earth pony with many years of experience in the force. I heard that he get his cutie mark while playing cops and robbers with his friends when he was a little colt; a police badge. All my colleagues where there. Cheryl, Chuck, Cliff (eating a doughnut), the old Ray, even Dusty was there, spite of being a little nervous because he is not use have lots of ponies around him. But not me, I was observing the entire action from my car on the other side of the docks next to the street. The Chief grab a megaphone and says: THIS IS THE POLICE DEPARTMENT OF MANEHATTAN, COME OUT WITH YOUR HOOVES UP. He waited a couple of seconds for an answer. GO THE EVERFREE FOREST. (That’s hell for us) YOU ASKED FOR IT. The Chief gives the signal and the sturdy Unicorn ram the big door destroying it with one hit. Waves of armored Earth ponies gallop into the warehouse, shoots and beatings can be heard from inside, shoots started to coming from the windows, police ponies began to return fire from behind their police cars, the Pegasus snipers start to shoot as well. A total pandemonium, obviously 3B wasn’t alone. Come on Bling Bling – I was mumbling – if you were smart enough to escape the prison the very same day you were put it in, then you are smart enough to have prepared an emergency escape plan. In that very moment a ponyhole cover start to move just in front of my car and Bling Bling appears, I immediately hide myself behind the steering wheel. He he, Dumb police. – He said. I know you will not disappoint me Bling Bling – I thought. He started to gallop to a dark alley on the other side of the street. I came out of the car to follow him, and when he was about to reach the other side of the alley I used my magic to rise a brick wall in front on him. What the fuck? – He exclaimed. Going somewhere Bling Bling? – I said while I was raising another wall behind me to make sure he doesn’t escape. The alley become darker and my horn and my eyes were glowing with a dark aura, it get that way every time I’m going to catch my prey. Who the fuck is you? Do you know who I´m? I´m 3B! Nopony messes with 3B! I´m afraid Mr. Bling Bling it s you who doesn’t know who I’m. Fucking Unicorn! I will teach you a lesson! He tried to tackle me but it wasn’t a big problem to me to teleport my-self and make him crash in the wall. While he was semi-unconscious I insert a syringe in his neck to put him to sleep. **************** Secret location. Bling Bling Bits wakes up. He realize that he is wrapped all in plastic and immobilized over a table in a small room also wrapped all in plastic and illuminated with candles. What the hell is going on? - He exclaimed- Where the hell I am? Not exactly, but soon. - I said. YOU! What are you going to do? W-why you bring me here? You are here because of them! – I pointed to wall with my hoof while holding a scalpel. Four pictures exhibited on the wall one stallion, the shop´s clerk and three young mares, one of them was Tutsi Pop. I don’t even know them! At least you should know him. You shoot him when robbed his store, about the mares, maybe you don’t commit the act, but their blood is in your hooves. I said this while I was making him a little cut on his right cheek to take blood sample for my collection. Ouch! Listen, if this is for Tutsi Pop we can make a deal, what you want? Money? Drugs? I can give you as much you want. What I want is Justice – I answered while raising a knife with both hooves – and soon my friend, the glue factory for you! No! Wait! WAIT! I stab him in the heart and the blood began to flow, some of it sprinkles me. I could use my magic to hold the Knife but I prefer to use my hooves, it is more personal that way. **************** Slice of Life 2, my yacht, my home. After killing Bling Bling I chop his body into parts, the four legs, the torso, the head; all in individual plastic bags with a weight tied on each of them. Then I bring them to my yacht and went offshore to a previously selected location. I began to throw his body in to the ocean. When I heard small hoofsteps coming from inside the yacht. It was my son, Harrison. He looks like me at his age. Doesn´t have a cutie mark yet. I just hope it´s not like mine. Dad, what are you doing? He asked yawning. Nothing son, just admiring the stars while drinking a beer, go back to the bed you have school tomorrow. Ok, see you in the morning, good night dad. Good night son. My first kill in a long time, I’m started to feel nostalgic. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 3 "Bloody Oranges Acres" //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 3 "Bloody Oranges Acres" CHAPTER 3 “Bloody Oranges Acres” Juicy Oranges Acres Farm, outside of town. 12:00 p.m. I received a call for a crime scene in a local farm. When I get there manyponies already had gathered there. Strange, considering we are far from town. When I came out of the car, I realize everypony there was sad. Many of them were crying, even young fillies and colts that not supposed to be here. Dad - a young filly asked – What´s going on? Is nothing dear, is nothing - He answered while trying to hold back his tears. The victim must have had many friends. I can see their sadness, but I can´t feel it. The crime scene was in a barn. On my way there I notice some tracks on the road of an unfamiliar type of heavy vehicle that leads directly to a broken fence. When a I get there I found Ray the police line. He was with his head down, probably affected for the victim as well. I salute him as usual. Hi Ray Uh? Oh, Hi Dex – he answered with a sad voice – you may pass. After I entered the barn I overheard he was mumbling: “A cold blood freak anyway” I guess I should have got upset for heard that, but oddly I’m not. Cliff and Chuck were already there inspecting the scene and Dusty was bagging a pitchfork of hay with blood on it in a big plastic bag, using his magic of curse. Everypony there was with a sad look on his face. I don´t, obviously they notice that, but they know me so that doesn´t bother them. I reach the victim´s body. Another young mare; Orange coat, blond mane with a pony tail on it (lol), a cowboy hat next to her with sprinkles of blood on it and three orange on her flanks; Three entry wounds on her chest consistent with the pitchfork. I started to photograph her. Orange Valencia – Cliff said – Age 21, she was about to celebrate their annual family reunion. I’m just glad that Cheryl is not here to see this. Wait a minute – I exclaimed – that’s mean that all the ponies out there are… Yes- He answered – Her family, they arrived in the morning from all over Equestria. Wow, that’s a big family. Indeed my friend and it´s horrible just to think in the nasty surprise they get when they came in here. Horrible from him maybe, for me, is just a reconstruction of the facts. Do we have any suspect? – I asked. No, Dusty already had checked the pitchfork for hoofprints, but no luck. I can see why, I can sense traces of unicorn´s magic in both, the victim’s body and the pitchfork. But is odd, both traces look similar but different at the same time. Which indicates that they were two different unicorns related to each other, maybe brothers? Excellent those will double my fun. By Celestia- He exclaimed while stamping his hoof on the ground – I won´t let this one escapes from me like Bling Bling do! At least the Chief was pleased because we stop flow of cocaine in the city – I said. I guess in a war you take what you can – Cliff answered. When the coroner´s assistants came to pick up the body, Cliff asks them to bring the ambulance closer so the victim´s body don´t pass in front of her familiars. They agree. I was picking up my stuff when I saw Chuck heading out the barn. Where are you going, Chuck? – I asked him. I saw some strange marks on the road when I came here; I’m going take a closer look. Well, I guess Chuck and I will compete again. At least I already know that there were two murderers. I went to my lab to start the “official” analysis of the pictures and the blood samples I took. On the way there I saw a flyer attached to a light post that catches my attention. It had the pictures of two jolly unicorns with old fashioned close and a big freak machine on the background. “The Flim Flam Brothers presents: The opening of his new Orange Juice stand and the presentation of their newest invention “The Super Speedy Juice Squeezy 7000” tomorrow at the Downtown´s Park” Interesting, two unicorns and a vehicle that had left such marks. I have to confirm it first like the Harry´s code says. **************** Manehattan Park, early in the morning. I went to the park the next day; luckily it was my free day. When I get there, many ponies were already gathered. They were singing. Apparently the brothers staged a musical number and everypony were participating. When the show ended they started to sell juice like no tomorrow. They did not have to work hard. The gadget had a vending machine in one of the sides so; they just sat on a sofa that they brought and watched the money flow. They activated their machine with their magic and is when I found that their magic signature are identical to those I found in the crime scene. I have them. – I whispered. But first, I must know their reasons, as Harry´s code says. I was about to go talk to them when suddenly another pony appears and talk to them first. Chuck, why I’m not surprised? I decided to queue in the line for the vending machine, so that I can use my far audition spell. I was wearing a cap so nobody will notice that my horn was glowing. … Yes, we were with her last night – One of them said. We were just talking about a business proposition- The other said What kind of business proposition? - Chuck asked. It was about a partnership proposition, you see, we got the machine and she had the best quality oranges of the city. Right - the other continues- She said she said she would think about it, in the meantime we bought her some oranges for today selling’s, and left. She was alive when we left her. – The first said. Very well - Chuck said – Thank you for your cooperation, I will be looking for you if have more questions, so don´t leave the town. Gentlemen, have a nice day. You too officer – both said Hey buddy, are you going to buy an orange juice or not? Eh? I was interrupted by the pony behind me. Yeah! – Other pony said – we want our juice too! All ponies in the line started to complain. Sorry, I was distracted. I bought a couple of juices and came out of the line. Is when Chuck noticed my presence. Hey Dex! Wazzzup! What are you doing, man? You know. Enjoying my free time, having a juice. I have an extra one, do you want it? Sure! Thanks. See you tomorrow at the station. Cya, then. I walk away in the precise moment a mare was opening a cosmetic case and I notice the small reflection of Chuck in the mirror´s case. He was giving me a mean look while he was slurping his juice. The same look he usually use when he suspect something. Perhaps he´s suspecting of me. He´s really that smart? I will worry of that later, I have prepared something special for occasions like this, I won´t let it happen again. **************** Later, that night. Everypony are already gone. The Flim Flam Brothers began to close their shop. I was still there hiding in the bushes. Do you think that police suspect something old bro? One asked. Shhh – the other whispered – Of course he suspects, it´s his job. What we should do? Nothing! We act like we don´t nothing more than him. It is already bad enough that we had to use the last money we had to modify the machine and I don´t even like the orange juicy. Me neither and we ran out of oranges by the way. I know, we are going to back tomorrow to buy some more. It has to be that farm? They are many others. Impossible! You know that the modifications were imperfect and high quality oranges are required for the conservation of a decent flavor and those oranges are the only ones with that level of quality. I don´t want to repeat what happened in Ponyville. When we get enough money we will fix it properly until now just act normal! I think a hear enough. Time to act. Using my magic I put the suction hose over their heads. Did you activate the machine? – One asked I thought you did – The other answered. They were sucked in and get stuck with their lower bodies still at sight. What´s going on? Help us! We are stuck! Easy my preys - I said – soon everything will end. Who is it? Please, help us! Ouch! What was that? I injected a syringe in each flank of them. **************** The Barn. With a little ligth Old brother! Old brother! Wake up! Uh? Flam? What happened? Where are we? What the..? Why we are wrapped in plastic? I don´t know big brother. I’m scared; I tried to us my magic to free us but is not working. Look , a dark aura is covering our horns. This looks like.. Dark Magic!? Just a little safety lock to prevent you from escaping. - The voice said from the darkness. More lights came on revealing a barn covered in plastic with lots of pictures of different ponies hanging everywhere. We are back in the barn! – Flim said. Who are all those ponies? – Flam asked. You should know them after you did to them. – The voice said again. What? We didn´t do anything to them! – Flim said. Of course you did, you break their hearts, you ripped their souls and stripped of their happiness by killing, her. I came out from the darkness holding a picture of Valencia in my hooves that I put in an altar in front of them. Old brother! He knows! HE KNOWS! Shut up, you idiot! He´s right my friend, I know you did it, but what I don´t know I why you did it. **************** Juicy Oranges Acres, That day. We arrived to Manehattan a couple of days ago. We are raveling apple cider salesponies. But this part of Equestria only has orange farms and after our fail business in Ponyville urged us to return to work, so, we were forced to modify our machine to work with oranges. But we were lacking of enough money to do a perfect modification. And the juice tasted awful. However we find a farm whose oranges were tasty enough to maintain a decent flavor even after our machine. That young mare was the owner of the farm, we offer her a business partnership but she refuses our generous offer. 75%! Are you out of your mind? No way will I accept such a deal. – She said Well if you are no interested will be competitors instead. I Said What? - She replied. Our machine can make more juice in a hour than you with your old fashioned methods in one day.- Flam said. That it! You ask for it! I challenge you to a Juice making competition! - She exclaimed. -The one or ones who makes more juice in an hour wins! We smiled each other and replied and replied: Very well, but if we win, we keep your farm. And if I win I keep your machine! -WHAT?! But without magic our machine is useless! Don’t mind, I have some unicorns friends of mine that will be happy to help me. That was unexpected. But after we discussed it for a minute we agree. All right -She said- we will do it tomorrow during my family reunion. Family reunion you say!?- We both exclaimed. Eeyup, all the Orange family from all over Equestria will be here tomorrow. We think about it for a sec and we realize that the entire family could easily beat us, not even our machine is that fast. We could afford another failure that will ruin us. We became blind in rage. Flam grabs her with his magic and throws her in to the barn and I used mine to grab a pitchfork of hay and stab her. No, please!..... **************** -We were blinded by rage!. - Flim said. We promise we won’t do it again! – Flam said Oh I´m pretty sure you won´t do it again. –I said that while I emerged between them with a pitchfork of hay in each hoof. But she tried to scam us!- Flim cried out Please! – Flam cried too. Just like you tried to scam her! - I exclaimed I don´t felt their tears so I stab them simultaneously. My fun has been double. **************** Days later. Dex´s Yacht. Sunday Mornig After I disposed of their bodies I decide to do something nice for the Orange family, I fix the Flim Flam Brothers´ Machine and left it in the barn with a note. “A little memento from your late loved one, a friend” My son was watching cartoons while eating cereal, meanwhile I was enjoying a cup of coffee while read the newspaper. The inauguration of the new Juicer Plant of the orange family was the front page note that day. They all look happy. Then, I notice a small figure on a faraway hill on the background of the picture. I take out my magnify glass out of my tool kit to examine closely. The image was too bad to identify the subject but it was clear that it was the silhouette of a pony with horn and wings. Gallant? //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 4 "Carousel of Death" //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 4 "Carousel of Death" 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? //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 5 “Little Pet Shop of Horrors” //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 5 “Little Pet Shop of Horrors” CHAPTER 5 “Little Pet Shop of Horrors” Slice of Life 2, early in the morning. Too early for me if you ask me (YAWN). I receive a call about a murder in a local Pet Shop, on Sunday. Dam it; I always forget that my room is a small cabin and hit my head almost every morning. My son does not have that problem. By now he must be in front of the television eating sugary cereal. It is in school days when he doesn’t want to wake up, like any normal colt. Living in a Yacht comes with pros and cons, there is not much room but if you do not like the neighborhood you can always raise anchor and move to another dock. Besides the dock rent is cheaper than the rent of an apartment. The living room was in the center, a red sofa on the starboard side, a table in the middle and a big flat screen television on the port side (with satellite). Works as a dining room, the kitchen was next to it. Small but well equipped. Before I notice my son, Harrison was doing the cooking for both of us, and he´s good at it. Especially using the knife, it is like he was born to be a chef. I guess I should not let him use knives at such a young age, but seeing how well it handles them, I allow him to use them. But after thinking about it and see how well he used knives, I started to worry. Not for their safety. He was at that age when everything young pony is about to get his cutie mark and I feared the worst. I went to the living room. Morning son. – I said. Morning dad. – Eating cereal and watching television like I said. I have to work today. – I continued. – Don´t see cartoons all day and don´t open the door, uh, the hatch to nopony, ok? Ok dad, take care I went out the yacht, from the deck I could appraise the cloudy day, a rainstorm was programmed last night by the local weather team. They are still water puddles in the street. They supposed to have cleared the sky as soon the rain stops so the sunlight could dry the streets. The weather team has become lazy lately. I enter my car and drive to the crime scene, taking care not to drift because of the water. **************** Pet Shop, other side of town. By the time I arrived, there were already lots of curious ponies gathered around. EverFree Pet Shop was written on the sign above the business with big green letters; the exhibit window was covered by the metallic curtain. Ray allowed me to pass as usual. Pretty curious pet shop it was, there were no cages. All animals were displayed in small open habitats; small beds on the floor for puppies and kittens, there were a lot of bunnies in the window display, birds' nests hanging from the ceiling so that small birds could fly freely in the store, even a small bat has place to hang in out. A large vulture and an owl were perched on a post and there were lots of mouse holes on the wall. But every animal were unusually quiet. The dogs did not bark, cats do not purr, mice showed no signs of life from their holes, the vulture do not.... Wherever they do. Every animal there were with a sad expression on their faces. Even a couple of snakes, spite of being cold blood can´t hide their sadness. An eagle and a falcon were too depressed that they couldn’t lift from the floor, the mice doesn’t give sings of life and the bunnies wasn´t in the move to eat anything spite of having a lots of carrots there. Dusty was there looking for hoof prints on the cash register. Sup, Dusty. – I said. Oh, hi Dex – he said- the body is in the back, another mare, I´m afraid. I went in to the back shop, without saying anything else. A small warehouse filled with boxes of pet food of various types and a forced back door. Cliff and Chuck were already there waiting for me. At their hooves, the body of a young mare, a Pegasus with a yellow coat, a log pink mane, three dog´s biscuits on her flanks and a sharp blow on the rear of her head. Some pet food boxes were sprinkled with blood. Sup Dex. - They both said. Sup guys. What we have? – I asked while started to photography her. Butternice, age eighteen – Cliff said. – She was the owner of this pet shop. She loves animals. – Chuck continued with a sad voice. – And the animals love her. You can said that for the look of the animals in the out there. Why she was killed? – I asked. We think is a botched robbery. – Cliff answered. – Somepony called the police because the animals were doing scandal, so the murder gets spooked when he tried to open the cash register and ran away. Do you find the murder weapon? - I asked. Nope- Chuck said – the murderer must take it with him. Well then, -I continued – until I get the coroner´s report, I have not much to work with here. Until then I can only make assumptions, but given the blood splatter and the fact that there are no signs of struggle, suggest that the murderer took his victim by surprise and didn´t move the body. If she was lucky her death will have been instantaneous. And you know that with just a quick look? – Cliff asked. - You never cease to amaze me. Well, - I continued. - I could give a more accurate analysis once the coroner determined the murder weapon. Until then, I can do experiments in the laboratory to determinate that myself. Dusty appears in that moment. Sir, I have finished examining the front, just found one kind of hoofprints on the cash register, from her probably, I will confirm that later in the lab. Wait a minute. – Chuck said. – That´s mean that he never touched the cash registred. Yeah, - Cliff replied. – I already established he ran away because of the animal´s scandal. Indeed, - Chuck continued. - But after all the effort at least should have tried to open the cash register despite of the scandal. Are you suggesting this was a just murder instead of a botched robbery? – Cliff asked. Yes, I do. A clever theory, my boy. – Cliff said. – I suppose we have to investigate the mare´s background to see if she has any enemies. My cellphone rings in that very moment. Dexy here…..Uh? Cheryl? How do you get my number? “I hacked into the…. Not important, listen.” You did what!? Chuck and Cliff began to chuckle. “Just listen, I investigated a little about the building you are now.” I´m listening. “Looks like a local business pony named Nasty Rich has been buying all the building of the block; He wants to demolish them to build a Shopping Mall, and that Pet Shop was the only building Left. Probably the victim did not want to sell” Interesting, that’s means we have a suspect then. “Yeah, but I don’t think he was the one who actually killed her.” Obviously not, rich ponies usually hire somepony else to do the dirty work. “I will investigate further to see what else I can find. See you at the station darling.” See you there pumpkin. (Shit! Did I say that at loud? It was a reflex!) Cliff and Chuck broke into laughter, by then the coroner´s attendants were picking up the body and heard everything as well. They chuckle. Since some weeks ago, everypony at the station knew that Cheryl has a crush on me and started to believe that we have been hiding a relationship. This surely going to make them believe is true. That might work for me, make me look like a normal pony but, I don´t think I like it. I stared to miss the good old times when they call me a Cold Blood Freak. Gentlemen, gentlemen, - Cliff exclaimed after control himself – A little respect for the deceased, please. Ejemmm, -Chuck contained himself. – So, Dexy, looks like your girlf… I mean, Cheryl gives you a hint. Do you mind to share it with us? Ok, - I said – But I want to clarify that Cheryl and I are just friends and nothing more. Sure, sure, “Pumpkin” – He chuckle again. Chuck! – Cliff exclaimed. Sorry. So Dex, if you please. - Cliff said. It was about…. After tell them the whole story, they decide to pay Mr. Rich a visit. Chuck already heard rumors about him. Apparently Mr. Rich have been threatening other ponies in the area to make them sold their properties. But the police have not been able to prove anything because he always uses others to do their dirty work. Time to go back to the station; I have work to do. **************** Dexy´s Lab, at the station. After enduring the taunts of my colleagues in the station, (apparently already ran the gossip) I finally achieved to lock myself in my lab. Not a big lab, basically a small office adapted with basic lab instruments. "Jerks" – I thought. - But I have more important thing to do than worry of them. Let´s start with the blood samples, and while the centrifugal machine is working I can see what I can learn from Mr. Rich in my computer. After I enter the name, the picture of an aged Earth Pony wearing a tie with a money symbol on it was displayed on the screen with the following data: “Name: Nasty Rich, Age: 58” “Breed: Earth Pony” “Coat: Khaki, Mane: Black with gray hair” “Cutie Mark: Big Green Money Symbol” “Record: None” “Address: Rich´s Apartments, Penthouse. Ponylvania Avenue number 34. “The wealthiest pony of Manehattan, owns half of the buildings of the city and several business all around the city. He was center of controversy when he decides to demolish a residential area of low-income ponies and an orphanage for the construction of a private Golf Club; Suspected of having shady business but nothing has been proven yet.” What the…! – I exclaimed – He is a bigger monster than I am. I´m practically new in town and I don´t knew this guy but if I but if I had known him before I probably had putting him in the top of my list. But he´s a very public figure, I can´t kill him without drawing attention however there is something I can do instead. I heard that the best way to take vengeance on a rich pony is making it poor. If I can prove that he ordered the murder of Butternice, his empire of greed will fall and I can at least put my dark hoof on the peon pony he used. It's as simple as check the phone records. – I thought. But the system blocks me, Mr. Rich has a private number, I should imagine, and cannot be access without an order and permission of the Chief of the department to gain access. But I can’t do that or they get on my prey too. My hacking skills are not that good, I only know how to hack e-mails and stuff like that, unless…. Cheryl!! – I exclaimed in my mind – She said on the phone she can hack, know the smart she is, she´s probably better than me. I immediately came out of my lab and went directly to Cheryl´s lab trying to avoid being seen by anypony. Due the present situation, if somepony sees me entering into her lab only makes things worse. I enter to Cheryl´s lab. Bigger than mine and have better equipment. She's the best scientist of the department after all. Hi Cheryl. – I saluted her. She was working on her computer. Hi Dexy, - She answered with a lovely voice. – What do you need? She was looking me with seductive eyes. Maybe this wasn't a good idea after all. Eeeee, I wanted to ask you a favor, if you can. Of course Dex, What it is? You know how to hack don’t you? Yes I dooo. At high level? Yeaaah. -Sooooo, could you hack into the phone records of a private number? Without an order? Uuuuu, that will risk my career. I can do it but it going to cost you. -How much? He, he. – She giggles as she approached to me and looked very closely into my eyes. – It is not about money silly pony. I want a date. A DATE! – I exclaimed loud. At that precise moment the sound of something crashing on the floor outside Cheryl´s lab make both of us turn to the door for a moment, we turn to each other at the moment. I think about it for a moment. Cheryl was still looking direct to me. Ok, - I said. – But you have to promise but you must promise not to tell anyone of the date or information that you give. "Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye” What was that all about? - I asked her. It is something I learn from my last visit to Poneyville. – She said. - It is called “Pinkie Promise” All right, it is a deal then. Good, I start right away. - She sat at her computer, and starts typing.- So, the phone number of who you want me to investigate? Mr. Nasty Rich. Oh! – She exclaimed. – Him, it was time for someone to take out the dirty laundry of him. Only took her a couple of minutes to infiltrate the database of the telephone company. A list of numbers, times and dates were displayed on the computer screen. How old would you like the history? - She asked. Since a month ago will be enough. – I said. She prints. Done, - She said – here you go – she gives me the printed list. Thank you, Cheryl, I appreciate it. So, when and where do you want to have the date? Oh I haven´t decide that yet, I will call you. -Ok, I will see you then, thanks again. Bye. Bye Dexy. – She said with a lovely voice. I went out of Cheryl´s lab while putting the list in my pocket. I walk through the hallway to the Main offices where mi lab is. When I get there I noticed that everypony there where unusually quiet. Trying to work but showing an unusual nervousness. Especially Dusty, he was so nervous that spilled the coffee that he was taken. At that moment Chuck comes to me with a worry face and told: Dexy, better brace yourself. What? Why? DEXY, CHERYL, TO MY OFFICE, NOW!!! The voice of the chief was reverberating throughout the office. We close our eyes and lower our ears to support the cry because it was so loud that the whole building shook to its foundations. For that - he said. How is it that he learned so soon?!- I exclaimed -So soon? – He asked – But it's been almost a…. – he was abruptly interrupted. I SAY NOW!! Cheryl ran past us with frightened face saying: Fast Dex, before the boss gets angry more! Ok, I'm behind you. – My voice began to sound nervous. We stopped at the door´s office. It have “Gordon Badge, Chief of the Police Department of the City of Manehattan” written on it. We never had been in the chief´s office. It has a creepy air or maybe is just our imagination. Oh dear Celestia, - Cheryl said. – I feel like the time I was sent to the principal´s office at the school. What did you did? – I asked her. Nothing serious, - She answered. - Nothing serious, I just blow up the science laboratory. “Dear Celestia” - I thought. – “I will be suspended.” Enter now. – A voice coming from above us said. We looked up and we saw a camera pointing at us. I immediately put my hoof on the door knob and open it. A large office with an old fashioned style was before us. Lots of framed pictures were hanging on the wall at the right of us and a filled bookshelf on the opposite side. The Chief´s desk was in front of us; an old rustic desk of made out of wood. It has a fancy lamp on one side and an old typewriter on the other. Two empty chairs were in front of the desk and a venerable Pony with grey hair, brown coat thick glasses and smoking a cigar. -Sit down you two. - He said. Yes sir. – We both said. He looks at us for about one minute in silent with a mean look and his hooves touching each other. We smiled nervously until he finally said something, I’m very disappointed of you two. – He said – I… I confess! – I did it. – She interrupted sharply. I ask her to do it, - I interrupted her. - I will take full responsibility. He suddenly put his hoof on his face and said. By Celestia I don´t want to know the details of your relationship! I just want to know What I want to know is why I was not informed before. WHAT? – We both exclaimed. I have understood that you have been hiding this for almost a year. A year! – I exclaimed. I was expecting Cheryl to say the same ting but she doesn´t, so turn to her. She was smiling and blushing while she looked at me. The regulation indicates that, - The Chief continues. - Any loving relationship between members of the department should be reported to the Pony Resources department and sign an oath which states that your relationship will not interfere with your work. I think there is some kind of mist… - I tried to say But – He continues without listen. - As your work has not been affected. I'll overlook the fact that you two have hidden this from me. You two have a date tomorrow with the pony of Pony Resources to sing up the papers. You are dismissed, if you excuse I have an important phone call to make. He said the last thing while he was pushing us out of his office and closed the door behind us. Every pony there were looking at us amazed that we get out of the office of the chief in one piece in one piece. There was an awkward silence. Cheryl whispers in my ear: “You still owns me a date”- and went jumping back to her lab with a smile on her face. I began to walk to my lab; still trying to understand what the hell just happened when I encountered Chuck in the way. He turns his head to see Cheryl jumping away and immediately turned to me. I´m sorry Dex, - He said.- everypony here tried to hide the secret but apparently the janitor hear you talking in Cheryl's lab and began to pass the gossip that apparently arrived to the Chief. It, is ok Chuck, I said. – The Chief was benevolent on us. He just wants us to sing some silly papers by tomorrow. That’s unusual on him. - He wonders. Apparently he has other more important issues to attend. If you excuse me I have some pending blood analysis to do. I walked to my lab and when I was about to open the door: All right then, good luck with your date with Cheryl! - He said at loud Everypony there chuckle. He´s taunting me again, but this time he is just messing with me. I won´t give him the satisfaction If I could. I walked into my lab, once I finish my work I started to do my real work. I take out the phone records that Cheryl gave me and started to study it. Nothing suspicious this far, all phone calls were made in office time; except this one, past midnight, on Sunday, a day before the murder. “Interesting” – I thought – let´s see who´s this number is. I introduce the number in my computer, a public number, the police, in fact, everypony has free access to those phone records; the power of the internet. “Name: Willy Lucky A.K.A. Lucky Bastard, Age: 32” “Breed: Earth Pony” “Coat: Light brown; Mane: Black, short and curly” “Cutie Mark: Black number 13” “Address: Filthy Apartments, Room 13, Mane Street number 7 “Record: 17 charges of assault and armed robbery, 3 charges of rape, 8 charges of robberies at convenience stores, 30 charges of D.U.I.” "It was never convicted, always released the next day due to technicalities, bureaucratic errors and lack of evidence. That’s why he´s called Lucky Bastard." “Well Willy, - I thought – Your lucky has just ended.” I take out a key from my pocket and opened a drawer of my desk. From there, I take an old book titled "Ancient Spells and Magical Rituals" author unknown, but it had embossed the shape of a crescent moon with a unicorn's head. During my young days, Harry took me wherever I can learn stuff I can use to survive. We found this book in a small library of a small rustic town. A warning was written on the first page. “Beware; the black magic contained in this book can corrupt the soul of any Pony” But Harry said that because of my “Dark Passenger” I won´t be affected at all, he was right. I began to browse the book looking for a magical ritual I had seen before. Here it is. “Magical ritual to remove the good luck from a Pony that born with this star” -“I know this will handy someday; and it comes with the instructions to create an anti-luck amulet so that it can approach the victim.” It was complicated, but it worth it. I will kill two birds with a single shot. It is time to pay Willy a visit. **************** Outside Filthy Apartments. Night. I know that Willy is like me, a pony with nocturnal habits. So I parked across the street from his building waiting from him to come out. I´m pretty sure I will find some incriminated evidence against Mr. Rich. After a couple of hours he finally came out of his building and enters in a old rusty car and drives away. I came out of mine an walked to the door of the building. A very old building; Many windows were broken or boarded up. It should have been demolished years ago. It is used to be a cheap motel or I think it still is. The door doesn´t even have a doorknob, so I enter without difficulties. The place was a dump, the walls were cracked, the roof leaked the floor was not dirty, this dirt is floor. An old drunken pony was sleeping on the reception desk with a bottle of liquor in his hoof. Without bother him I went to the second floor by taking the stairs next to him. I found to Willy´s apartment and when I was to about to use my pick locking spell a slight breeze opened the door for me. I enter and shut the door behind me. “Obviously, - I thought – in this shit hole what can possible worth to steal.” Willy´s apartment resembles Bling Bling Bits old hideout, but smaller. An old television; adult magazines on a table; -“A telephone with an answering machine! Excellent! – I thought – Let´s see what Willy has been involved into” “Mr. Willy, I have a business proposition for you, meet me at the back alley of the EverFree Pet shop on the other side of town” “I don’t ‘recognize that voice, Mr. Rich maybe?” I began to hear footsteps in the hallway; the door has started to open. -Shit - I said I quickly teleported myself into the closet and began to spy through the keyhole. Willy enters the apartment holding a brown paper bag on his back. “Willy? Why he came back so quickly? - I thought” He walked to the table and put the bag on it. He puts hi hoof inside the bag an take out a big submarine sandwich that immediately devours in a couple of bites and burps. -“Oh, he only went to buy his dinner.” He then walks to the phone next to the bed, takes the handset (I refuse to make any pun here, the English is starting to get too confused already) and dials a number. He waited a moment. It´s me old pony, Willy. Guess what? I decide that the money you gave me it´s not enough. If you don´t give me the triple for tomorrow by midnight I will tell the police, they not worry me. With my luck I just have to make a deal and I will be out the very next day. Think about it greedy bastard. He hung up the phone and lay down on the bed. He began to snore in an instant. -“Like in a silver plate- I thought while smile.” I came out of the closet (SHUT UP) with a syringe in a hoof. I walked next to him and inject the syringe in him in his neck. He wakes up. What the..? Good night Willy – I said. Mother fu…. - He sleeps again. I was preparing to take his sedated body when the telephone rings. “You little nopony, if you think you can black mail me you are wrong! I'll kill you like I kill all who stood in my way, or I stop calling me Nasty Rich!” I smiled, like I never smiled before. As an amulet you worked better that I can possibly imagine it. – I said – Don´t you think, Devil? A little black bunny with red eyes came out of my pocket and sat on my back, he has a serious look in his face. A dark energy was emanating from him, my little living amulet. **************** EverFree Pet Shop, That night. Willy wakes up in a dark room with only a small lamp over his head. Uuh . What happened? Where I am? What the…!! He notices dozens of pairs of red eyes watching him right through the dark. And also that he was wrapped in plastic and strapped to a table. What’s going on? Help! – He yells! You may yell wherever you want, at this time in this part of town nobody can hear you. – A pair of red eyes said. W-what? W-who are you? The red eyes began to move towards him followed by another smaller pair of red eyes. Willy, Willy, Willy, see what you get for doing other pony´s dirty work? The light reveals the figure of a white unicorn with brown short hair with a little black bunny on his back. Under the light, the eyes of the unicorn became normal, but the ones from the bunny, remained red. What the, do you t-think you can hold me just like t-that. I-I´m a lucky b-bastard, you know? – His fear was evident. - In any m- moment, ironically, the police will come t-to s-save me. Oh, I do not count on it, you see, I perform a magical ritual to remove all that annoying luck you possessed. Now you are just like any other of my victims. Y-you are kidding r-right? Ho-how anypony c-could possible d-do that? Unless you u-used some kind of b-b-b… -Black Magic? – I said while I use a scalpel to cut his right cheek to took my trophy. Ouch! -It is pretty natural to me, since I was a little colt. Let´s cut the cheap chat ok, it is getting late and my son is waiting me at home. I turn on the lights revealing all the pets from the shop looking at him, accusing him, hating him. An altar with a picture of Butternice was displayed in front of him. She was smiling and surrounded by her beloved animals. Look at them! - I exclaimed – they lose their innocence because of you! I understand his suffering and his anger very well. He didn´t say anything about it, the fear tied his tongue. I look under the table and take out a baseball bat stained in blood. I showed to him. -Remember this? – I ask him. What? How d-did you f-fin it? When I hear of your business reunion in your answering machine I decide to check in the back alley a little more a little more thoroughly. I found it in a trash can at the end of it. Is still has her blood, and I’m going to mix it with yours. I raised the baseball bat over his head with my hooves. Wait! – He exclaimed. – I’m sure we can work this. No, we can´t. Why? Because you are dead, Willy! In the precise moment I was about to strike him with the bat, the vulture suddenly perched on his chest. -Eh!? – I exclaimed. Before I could react, the vulture extracted his eyes with its beak. He cries in pain. Aaarrghh! Take it away! Take it away! The other animals rushed on from their nests or beds, attacking him from every flank, the dogs bits his upper legs and the cats scratched his lower ones, the owl team up with the vulture on pecking his face, the mice climbed to the table and began to gnawing the plastic to break through to his stomach without stopping. The bunnies jump on the table an do the same. The snakes were already on the table, they sneak up there in some moment I didn’t notice, and bite him in every spot they could forgetting that they were a poison less breed. Even the little vampire bits his neck and began to suck his blood. He couldn´t scream anymore because the falcon made his way through the vulture and the owl and take out his tongue; A complete carnage. When I realized what was happening I decide to let it happen. They deserve his vengeance, besides it wasn´t the first time I remained as and spectator and for I can see it won’t be the last. Devil wasn’t there; he stayed on my back watching everything, without losing his serious look and eating a carrot, slowly. I think I find a finally find a friend I can trust. The blood began to spill from the table; I put the baseball bat in the blood stream. I said I will mix his blood with her blood, this fulfill my oath. I guess I'll have to wash all the animals, going to be a long night. **************** Home, next morning. My son and I were taking the breakfast while watching the news on the television. Waffles! I’m sorry I have to work all day of yesterday son. It´s ok dad I understand. Hey look, Mr. Rich is on the news! “In an historical twist of events; Mr. Nasty Rich, the wealthiest pony of Manehattan was arrested early this morning under the charge of murder conspiracy. His alleged victim was the owner of a local pet shop for a matter of real estate. More details at 12 o´clock” In the television, Chuck and Cliff were taking Mr. Rich hoofcuffed into a patrol car. Oww, what´s going to happened with all the pets? - He asked -The guys at the station are organizing an adoption day for tomorrow. I’m going to go to help them out. Can I go dad? Can I? Can I? I want a pet too. Sure son, but about the pet, I already pick one. I turn to my pocket. C’mon, don’t be shy, - I said. -Came out and meet my son. Devil came out of my pocket an jump on the table. He still has the serious look on his faces but with a little shyness too. Awwwww, he´s cute. – He grabs him with his hooves. –And it has a devilish look that I like. Devil smiled slightly and my son gave him a hug. In fact son his name is Devil. Cool. I was worry that they don´t get along but looks like Devil liked my son, or maybe, this may be my imagination, maybe Devil knows how important is to mend into society. Why I pick Devil? When I photographed Buternice´s body I notice small footprints made out of blood that matches his feet. he saw his mother murdered, as I did. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 6 "Deadly Derby" //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 6 "Deadly Derby" CHAPTER 6 “Deadly Derby” Manehattan Derby, noon. Speaker: “Fillies and Gentlecolts! Welcome to the Manehattan Derby! It is a beautiful day and we expect to have a great Pegasus race today!” A derby, it is a weird place for a date; especially because is Hearts and Hooves days. Well, we weren´t the only couples who came to celebrate with unusual concept of a romance, there were many others, but, who could possibly imagined that an egghead like Cheryl liked the Pegasus racings? I´m not complain. Spite of her tastes, having a girlfriend wasn´t a bad idea after all. Since our relationship became public in the season the boys got along better with me. Even the guy of the night shift doesn´t feel intimidated for me anymore. Maybe it wasn´t my cutie mark. Maybe it was me, my eerie presence. Having a girlfriend is a better cover up than I thought. It is a shame that I will never feel for Cheryl what I felt for my wife; I´m sorry Cheryl. Manehattan Derby may not is like the fancy one in Cancerlot, it is not even in high clouds, and definitely not like the one that the Wonderbolts will ever come to give a show; but is good enough for the common pony. The place was full; I can’t imagine how Cheryl got the thickets, very good seats by the way; Private box. Not as big as the one of Cancerlot Derby but we have a refrigerator full of cold drinks and all the snacks we can eat. The Pegasus came out of the stables one by one as they were presented. The crowd gets excited, especially Cheryl that began to jump in her seat. They are coming out! they finally coming out! - She yells. Calm down calm down. – I said while eating some potato chips and drinking a beer. – You'll fall out of your seat. After the presentation of the first three racers, the song "We Will Rock You" began to listen in the speakers. All the ponies started to follow the song by stepping hard the floor on the terraces with their hooves. What´s going on? - I asked. Is here! Is here! – She said excited. Speaker: “With the number 4! The fastest Pegasus in the history of the Manehattan Derby! The uniquely, the unsurpassed, Color Flash!” Suddenly a Pegasus Pony came out of the stables in an extremely high speed flying up to the sky leaving behind a rainbow colored trail. When the Pegasus reaches a great height go down immediately forming a spiral. The Pegasus stops just a few inches before hitting the ground and lands softly; it nodded the head at the song’s rhythm wearing shades, shaking a rainbow colored mane on a sky blue coat and finally takes its place on the starting line. It had a rainbow colored lighting with wings as a cutie mark. Wow! – I exclaimed. - That’s was pretty cool! Isn´t she great! – She said. What? He… I mean she´s a mare? Yeah, but she´s a little tomboyish, don´t you think? Speaker: “And with the number 5. Hudson Hawk” A well well-knit Pegasus, like a Mature Earth Pony stallion will be, in yellow coat and blond mane with an Elvis haircut wearing spike-shaped shades and the black silhouette of a hawk with outstretched wings came out of the stables. He was bigger than a regular pony and his wings almost twice as normal. He also was bragging about his muscles. Total silence, except for a cricket, and somepony coughed. OH, C´MON!! – He yells. -What´s up with him? - I asked Cheryl. Nothing, he´s just cranky. – She answered. – He used to be the champion before Color Flash arrives. He looks very angry. – I said. He was grumbling while took his place in the starting line. -Forget about him. – Cheryl said. – Let´s simply we will enjoy the race, I’m mean the massacre. - She smiles. The judge pony waves the checkered flag starting the race. In that very second Hudson and Color Flash tore off so fast that the blast knocked the rest of the racers and the judge by slamming them on the wall under the terraces. It was a one to one race now. Both Pegasus were flying head to head leaving a sand stream behind them. The crowd was crazy; Cheryl became so excited the she hugs me without looking away from the track. That was so unexpected that suddenly I had a flashback. I saw myself sitting on a sofa with my late wife, Rita, we were cuddling while watching television and I was petting her long blond mane. It was one of those rare moments in my life when I felt like a Pony. I didn´t realize that I was doing the same to Cheryl on her red colored mane. I was smiling and staring in a trance. I was also blushing. Dexy. – Cheryl said with a lovely voice. Yes? – I said. I like you too. Eh? What? Oh! Sorry, I didn´t want to… Oh don´t worry silly pony. This is a date after all. - Her lovely voice strikes again. – Hey, look it´s the final lap! Color Flash was at the head, Hudson Hawk was trying to keep her rhythm but he was getting tired but Color Flash was fresh as a lettuce. The race was nothing to her. Hudson was becoming desperate so he tried to thrust her on her flank but she dodges him easily. Bitch please. – She said. She decides to end this joke and accelerate to max leaving the rainbow colored trail behind. With only half track to go she gets to the finish line in ten seconds flat. The judge wakes up on time to wave the flag just in time. Speaker: “And the winner is. COLOR FLASH!” FLASHIE!! FLASHIE!! FLASHIE!! - The crowd cheered. She was flying backward while she sends kisses to her admirers. Roses and confetti was coming from everywhere. She then took off his dark glasses and throws them to the public. A young filly Pegasus makes a big jump boosted with her little wings and catches them in middle of the air. Yes, yes! Cheryl exclaimed – You did it again! Wow! – I exclaimed. – She´s amazing. She obviously born to be in the Wonderbolts, just look at that cutie mark. Yeah, it´s her destiny. Cheryl said. Hudson Hawk is not taking it very well. He got angry as he clenched his teeth and hit the floor repeatedly with his hooves; Cheryl wasn´t paying attention to him. Look, I have VIP passes we can see her after the last race. Do you want to come with me? VIP passes? First the private box and now VIP passes. How do you can afford this things? Well – She blushes. – It´s not something I like to brag about. You see, y parents are a pair of well-heeled ponies; my grandpa was a Unicorn inventor. Have you see one of those magic powered propeller hats that fillies, colts and some pets wears that allows them to fly a little? -Your grandpa invented that thing? Cool. My sister used to have one of those when he was a little filly. -You never wear one? No, it wasn´t my style, I always was much more mature than her. I always was passing time with my dad. He taught me survival techniques and target shooting with real guns. Wow! – She exclaimed. – It is like he was preparing you for a war. Well, He always wants me to protect my sister. Why I told her that? Not even Rita knows about this. Perhaps Maybe I'm taking too much confidence in her **************** Derby´s Room- Stables, after the races. Cheryl and I were walking in a hallway in the inner quarters of the Derby. -This is great! I finally am going to meet her in person. – She said while jumping around of me. Why you didn´t come to meet here before? - I asked her. Well, I was too shy to come alone. But now that you are with me I have the courage to meet her. She cuddles me. I cannot deny I'm starting to feel attached to her. We are finally here. - I said. - Stable-room 12. The door had a golden plate with the name Color Flash written on it. I knock the door one but when I was about to knock again the door opened by itself. A huge room was reveal after us. A fancy bed made out of clouds with a picture of Color Flash in flying pose was on the headboard of the bed. Exercise weights were scattered all around the floor. A big wall mirror was in front of the bed. A table full of gifts, probably from his fans, was next to it. A shelf full of trophies on one side of the bed. Hello? Miss Flash? – I asked. Oh no, - Cheryl said. – She´s already gone. -To were? She obviously lives here. I notice a door on the other side of the bed, probably the bathroom; I had a hunch so I went to check. Wait here Cheryl. Ok. She said. I enter to that was in fact the bathroom feared the worst but nopony there. When I came out I notice a poster of the Wonderbolts on the other side of the room. A shadow was projected on it, slightly moving one side to the other. I felt a chill in the back, not for me, for Cheryl. I look at her first. She was admiring all the trophies on the shelf. Then I looked up, slowly. O my… - I said. What happened? – She asked. Get out of here! Now! What? Just get out of here! – I started to push her out. - And don´t look up! But, why? She looked up. The horror scream could be heard in the entire Derby. **************** 15 minutes later. I called the police from my cellphone. My partners were here in no time, especially because they know I was with Cheryl. The entire department had already surrounded the Derby. The death of a local celebrity is of importance; even the police chief was here to take the case personally. Cheryl was devastated, she was crying outside the room of Color Flash. I was trying to comfort her but I was never good at it. However I felt something, something not felt since the death of Rita. I decided to leave her alone to be unburdened and went back to the room. The Body was hanging from the neck with a rope tied to wooden crossbar in the celling. Her wings were tied up. Cliff was already there exanimating the room and the body, Cliff was looking around for clues, Dusty was photographing the place while looking for hoofprints and the Chief was supervising. Dear Celestia. – The chief said while he put his hoof on his face. – Why this had to happen exactly on this day? And the worst thing is that Cheryl witnessed this. – Chuck said. I heard she was a big fan of Color Flash. – Cliff said. That explains why she was in a sea of tears out there. - The Chief said. Dusty said nothing; he was containing his tears while trying to do his job. He was a sensitive guy and for I what know of him he´s probably a fan of Color Flash too. Excuse me sir. – I talked to the Chief. – I know there is no blood here but I want to help. Eh? What? Dexy! This supposed to be your day off! Go there an comfort your girl, it´s an order. O-ok sir. By Equestria, sometimes I don´t know what happen with this boy. – He said. I was walking back outside when suddenly Chuck approaches to the chief with a paper on his hoof. Chief looks what I found! – He gives him the paper. A suicide note! – The Chief exclaimed. “Good bye cruel world, I can’t handle anymore the pressure of being a celebrity.” That’s ridiculous! - I exclaimed. – I saw her on the race. She was happy with her life. Well. - The Chief continues. - The evidences here said otherwise I’m afraid. Dexy is right! – Cheryl enters the room. – She would never kill herself! “Sniff” She had a destiny! She supposed to be in the Wonderbolts someday! I did not realize at the time, but seeing Cheryl in that state again brought back that feeling and my horn shone in a red aura, the expression on my face is hardened and made me want to scream. And I would have done if not for... Dexy? – Chuck puts his hoof on my shoulder. – Are you ok? Eh? – The red aura faded away. – Sorry, I think I was daydreaming. I´m sorry Cheryl but there´s nothing her that suggest a murder. – The Chief said. I went to the body to exanimate it closely and a detail catches my attention. -Wait Chief. – I said. – I think I have it. I used my magic to get down the body and place it on the bed. I immediately remove the rope around her neck and examine it more closely. Look, The bruise caused by the rope is in backward direction when it should go up. Indicating that was asphyxiated before being hung. All right then, we treat it as murder. But we don’t have a suspect yet. Yes we do. – I said. – Hudson Hawk; a rival of her. After he loses his last race against her I saw how unpleased he was. Then Chuck and I will pay him a visit. – Cliff Said. I heard he owns a Gym on the west side of town and he lives there too. - Chuck said. Very well. – The Chief said. – Dusty and I will remain here until the coroner and his assistants came to pick up the body. You Dex, good job, but I want to take Cheryl home and take the rest of the day off, both of you. We can handle from here. This Hearts and Hooves day is already ruined for many of us but at least I want you to enjoy it what left of it. I decide to do what the Chief says, for now. Besides I already have all that I need. A small yellow wing feather that was sticked to the rope that actually catches my attention. Oh, I was dying to use this new spell. **************** In my car. I take Cheryl to my car in the parking lot. She still had a sad look on his face. While driving she curls up on me. I would like to say I didn´t felt anything but lately my feelings were out of control. She actually makes me feel something but I don’t know what it is. Dexy. - She said. – I don´t want to be alone in my big cold apartment in Hearst and Hooves days, could you spend the night with me? -Uh? , Sorry Cheryl I would like to, but I can’t let my son alone all night. -Oh! I did not know you had a son. In that case, Can I spend the night with you? I guess that’s ok. I swerve to the docks. **************** The Docks It was night but it was still early. Cheryl was amazed because she never has seen my place before. Wow! Do you live in a boat? -She said. Doesn´t look sad anymore. Yacht will be the right word and is cheaper than an apartment. I want to meet your son! – She gallop directly to the access plank, she makes a lot of noise. Dad? It is you? How was your date? – A child's voice said while the hatch opens. Cheryl was already in front of the hatch with an expectation look on her face. -Hu? Good night miss. What can i…. Daaaawwww! – She interrupts – You are cute. – She lifts him with her hooves and spins around. You looks like Dexy´s mini me but with blonde hair. Miss please. – He said. - I´m getting dizzy. - She stops. I laugh a little. It´s ok son, she´s with me. Cheryl, this is my son Harrison, son this Cheryl, my date. Don´t you mean your very special somepony? – Harrison smiled. W-well, you could say that. - I blush and then Cheryl cuddles me. Hey! Have you guys dinner yet? Cheryl´s stomach growls. She blushes. In fact I haven´t eat anything since breakfast. Great! I will to cook for you two a very special dinner. He quick galloped back inside. He can cook? – Cheryl asked. Yeah, and he´s very good at it. C´mon let get inside. Once inside I show her the multiuse “living room”. Harrison has already decorated it in a romantic way. The light was dim, the table had a red tablecloth, a small vase with a rose and a pair of lighted candles decorated it. The plasma screen had a recording of a fireplace. The curved couch seemed freshly washed. - Wow! – Cheryl exclaimed. – Looks like he was already prepared for this. I'm as surprised as you. – I said. – Harrison, since when have you planned all of… He came out of the kitchen. Please take sit. - He grabbed us from our hooves, dragged us to the couch and placed us at each end of the table in an instant. He returned to the kitchen as quick as he came. Uh, I´m sorry for this awkward moment – I said. – I will.. Oh, I´m not sorry. - Cheryl said. Eh? It's very nice of him to worry about you and a like the way he prepares this place, it is very romantic. Don´t you think? - She gave me a seductive look. Maybe I should remember her that this “date” is just part of our arrangement, and maybe I should tell her that I never had any romantic interest on her. Or do I have? Wherever is the case she had suffer enough and I don´t want to break her heart. Cheryl, I.. Harrison arrives with a plate on his head with a bowl of assorted flowers in it. Enjoy your appetizers. - He said. Thanks Harrison, I´m really hungry. – Cheryl said. She started to eat the flowers one by one. C´mon Dexy. They are good. – She grabs a daisy with her hoof and put it close to my mouth. O-ok – I eat it. – Yeah, “munch, munch” it is good, “gulp”. Harrison! Do you want me to help you in the kitchen? No thanks dad I can handle myself. A knife passed flying at the kitchen´s door. He did it again, when he finishes using a knife he cleans it and throws it to the knife holder with a simple movement and uncanny precision. Bulls eye! – He exclaimed! -Harrison! I told you to never do that! It is dangerous! Sorry dad. Wow! – Cheryl exclaimed. - He is really good at cooking. Why he doesn´t have a cutie mark yet? A cooking related one maybe. I don’t know, I have been wondering the same thing. We almost finished the entire bowl when Harrison brings us the main dish. Here you go Zucchini soup with cheese. I hope you like it. Thanks son, it smells delicious. Dou you want something to drink? – He asked I´m fine tanks. - I said. I would like some water please- Cheryl said. Right away. He left. He´s very diligent don´t you think? – Cheryl asked Yes, he is. After enjoy our dinner Harrison bring us some caramel apples for dessert. They were delicious, is like if the apples were sweeter than the caramel. When we finished Harrison pick up all the dishes and take them to the kitchen. He yawns. Harrison, it's getting late, leave the dishes in the sink I wash in the morning, you go to sleep. Thanks dad but I´m fizzzzzz… - He collapses right there and drops all the dishes. I better take him to his bed. – I said. I will pick up the dishes. – Cheryl said. I cleaned the table and press the concealed button in the rigth arm of the sofa which activates a mechanism that brought down the table at ground level. Nice. Did you install it? – She asked. No, it came with the yacht. Looks like you get a pretty good deal. A bargain at an auction of seized items of the police. We take seat on the couch next to each other. We remained in silence for a min looking to each other waiting for the other to say something. So. - She breaks the silence – The dinner was great, what do you want to do next? I- I don´t know. It has been a while since my last date. In fact it has been a long since I have been with another mare. Oh really? - She came closer. - Well I have a couple of ideas. Cheryl, I..I.. I didn´t know if I wanted to continue with thisthing , she´s was vulnerable state. It is like I was taking advantage of her, but then I remembered about Rita, when she was murdered I thought that her death won’t affect me at all but I ended end up killing a random pony in a dirty public bathroom because of the anger. And then it was this mare, Lumen, she was like me, she maybe didn´t look her parents die but she was born in blood like me. But when I help her to take vengeance of the ponies that hurt her, her darkness faded away; she left. I was alone again. I was alone again. I was Unable to connect with other pony. I cried, a lot, first time I cried like that. I.. I don´t want to be alone “sniff” Oh come here sugar cube. – She swooped over me, hug me, kiss me, she was over me on the couch. It was I who was vulnerable and is was her who takes advantage of me. Before I know it our bodies became one in the dark….. What? Do you want me to be more specific? I can´t do that, I already specify to moderation that “No Sex” so you have to imagine the rest. Besides I´m too shy to write about that kind of stuff. I don´t even know how I get to this point, but that’s how inspiration works. **************** The next day, at the department. I didn´t want to talk about Cheryl and me with nopony so I tried to sneak up to my lab, but considering that the entry was in the main office in front of everypony, would not be easy. I just wait at the gate until nopony were watching and quickly walked to my lab while covering my face. But I stumble with Chuck at the door. Dexy! How you doing? How was your day off? Chuck, uh, good morning. My day was ok, I think. How´s Cheryl? Is she ok? She´s fine, she´s still sleeping in my…… Somepony drops a cup. Everypony turned to see us. Sleeping in your what? – Chuck raised an eyebrow as he asked. Eh, ah, uh… none of your business. Just give me an update of the case. – I said with slight anger. All right, all right I´m sorry for asking. – He smiled. Everypony returned to work. -Not very good. - He continued - Cliff and I check Hudson Hawk´s Gym but he wasn´t there. He must be on the run now and with good reason. Remember that letter? Yeah. Well, Cheryl and you were right. Flashi didn’t commit suicide. The letter was a forgery, a very bad one. Hudson must know that we will discover it soon. Now we can´t locate him. Nopony has seen him since yesterday´s race. So, we are in a dead end? – I asked I´m afraid so. We have no choices that wait if sompony sees him; we already put him in the blacklist. Ok, call me if you need my help. I will be in my lab working in some pending analysis. Ok then. – He left, while I enter to my lab. “We?”, he he; “They” maybe. Time to use that magic spell in which I have been working on. I clean make room for the experiment. I open my saddle bag and take out a small flask containing a green substance an put it on my desk. Then I take out the “feather” from my pocket and put it next to it. I also take out a notebook were I write my magic spells. Here it is. - I say after searching the spell. I found this spell in an ancient book in a foreign language from Far East. It was hard to translate because it was in an ancient dialect that nopony uses nowadays. If translated well, I must apply the substance on the object as I recite this magical spell three times. I started to apply the substance with a small brush while I chanted the magical spell. “Yiu Mo Gwai Gwaai Fai Di Zao” “Yiu Mo Gwai Gwaai Fai Di Zao” “Yiu Mo Gwai Gwaai Fai Di Zao” The feather began to float in the air and glowed with a green aura. It stared to move to one direction to another like a compass. Also my horn was also glowing in green. Excellent. – I said. – My locator spell is ready. **************** Back to the Derby; That night. The guilty always go back to the crime scene, this confirm it. The parking lot was empty, except for a luxurious golden sport car with the silhouette of a hawk on each side near of the back entrance. He is here indeed. I parked my car next to him and check the door. It was opened. C´mon Devil. – I said. – We have work to do. The little black bunny jumps out the passenger´s window of my car and jumps directly on my back. We enter the building guided by the enchanted feather. The place was dark but with the glow of my horn and the feather has illuminated it a little. It took us directly to the stable-rooms. We passed by Color Flash´s Room and ended on the next room with an old wooden plate on it. The door was slightly open. Number 13, Hudson Hawk. – I read in silence. – Wonder why he´s back. I heard hoofsteeps inside, he was about to come out. I wasn´t there anymore when he came out. Time to leave the City. – He said at loud. He was carrying a saddle bag on each side. He just came to pick up some belongings. I was just above him using an anti-gravity spell and walking on the celling. When he turn back to close the door; I fell over him like a predator on its prey. What the fuck! – He exclaimed. I put my front right leg around his neck to slightly choke him to induce him to faint. He tried to fight back but I already did this on ponies bigger than him. I have Judo training, he couldn’t release himself. Harry trained me well. Arrgg Ssshh, Hush now, quiet now…. There is a reason I didn´t use the syringe this time. **************** Hudson´s stable-room. By the time he awakened, I already tied his wing and his neck with a rope just like he did to Flashie. But I was holding him with mi magic so he doesn’t hang, yet. His room was similar to Flashie´s rom but he had fewer trophies and he doesn´t had exercise weights scattered around. He also had a poster of Color Flash with darts on it. Uh, what the..? – He realizes that he´s floating in the air. - What's going on? – He asked. Comfortable Mr. Hawk? – I said to him. What? Who are you? I was walking around while talking. You hurt a lot of people, not just Flashi. That bitch! I would kill her again! I used to be the champion! The a no-pony that just came out from the Flying Academy thinks that she can take all my glory? I couldn’t let that to happen! Dare to tell that to all her fans! – I was getting upset. – Dare to tell that to my girlfriend! She was crying just outside Flashi´s room! Fuck you! And fuck your girlfriend! DON´T YOU DARE TO INSULT MY GIRLFRIEND! He became pale. Is when I realized that I was face to face with him; is when I realize I was floating, no, flying in the room. My eyes turned red. The aura of my horn turned red. My wings were red. But not regular wings; bat wings. Both completely stained in blood, or maybe they were made out of blood. This happened before. After the murder of my wife I got angry and finish committing a random murder in that dirty public bathroom. After that I just wanted to scream to vent. I screamed with all my strength and that was when I grew wings. It was painful and they were extremely large like Celestia´s wings. I closed my eyes, I put my hoof in my face, flew backward and I started to descend. My wings began to shrink and disappear. I´m sorry for that. – I said. What kind of freak are you? – He asked. I´m … complicated. The little Devil enters the room; with a serious look in his face as usual. - Oh there you are! – I said to him. – Did you bring It.? He handed over a letter. Silly of me, I forgot this in the car. – Then I turn to Hudson. – Look this? It is your suicide note. A perfect forgery not a crude imitation as you did. – I throw it on his bed. W-why? – He was still on shock. After think about it, I realized that I can´t just kill you and dispose of your body like my other victims. Many ponies were affected for this and they need a resolution, so I´m going to give them one. Good bye Mr. Hawk. No! Wait! I released from my magic. He began to choke. His wings were tied so he couldn’t do anything to save himself. After a few seconds he was hanged there without any sing of life. - C´mon Devil. Let´s go home. – He jumps on my back and I walked away. **************** The next day. “My girlfriend” Why did I say that? I thought I will never fell anything for Cheryl. But I think I fell something for her. Why? I thought I was a heartless monster. I thought that….. Dexy! – Chuck wakes me up. – Are you daydreaming again? -Uh? Sorry, I was distracted. – I stared to take some pictures. And I was back in Hudson’s room. Dusty and the Chief were there too. That´s it. – The Chief said – The case closes itself. This confession letter/suicide note confirms it. “I kill her, I was jealous of his fame, sorry, I can´t live with the guilt.” At first sight it seems authentic. – The Chief continues. – His hoofwritting is similar to the autograph on this old picture of him I found. I will make the cryptology department check it to make it official. Cheryl enters the room in that moment. Cheryl? What are you doing here? – I asked her. Yeah sweetie. - The Chief said. – You don´t have to come to the crime scenes anymore. I know but. – She answered. - I heard about this in the station and I wanted to check it myself. So, The guilty is dead. Are you happy now? – I asked her I thought I will but, it is not nice to enjoy the disgraces of other ponies. But I feel I can moving on now. She approached me, gave me a kiss on the cheek and whispered something in my ear. “Thank you” I was astonished. She was leaving the room when… Wait, wait! Thank you for what? She giggles. For the other night you silly pony, I really needed it. I blush; everypony there was looking at me. Chuck was chuckling, Dusty blushed too, he had a hoof on his mouth and I overheard an “Oh, my”. The Chief maintained his composure but he couldn’t avoid raising an eyebrow. After Cheryl left, Cliff enters the room. “sniff, sniff” Somepony else perceives the smell of burning? **************** Bonus. Nightfall at home. After a long time I can finally could enjoy some free time. I was watching The Equestrian Geographic Channel sitting on my cozy couch while Harrison was playing with Devil on the floor with a small ball. I was thinking about Cheryl. She really touches the heart of everypony in the department. The Chief used to be hard-hearted but is now more open to us. Chuck focused much at work that never saw him laugh, now most of the time series. Cliff, well, remains the same, but he was the first to go to the Derby, is usually not as fast. Dusty became less shy, the other day she confessed to another mare in the department had wings hidden under his jacket work. Cheryl I love especially me, she reminded me of things I had forgotten. It made me realize that deep down I'm still a pony. My son and I were enjoying the rest of the night when suddenly, we heard a crash just outside the yacht. What was that? - I asked -Is here! The mail mare is here! – He said excited and ran outside. -What? – I follow him. A mare Pegasus was on board entangled with a rope that was there. She had a grey coat and blond mane. She was wearing a hat from the mail service and a long multicolored scarf. She also had a couple of saddle bags full of letters and packages on each side. Bubbles can be seen on each flank. She was dizzy because of the crash. Derpy! Are you ok? – Harrison said. – Let me help you with that. I helped her too. Allow me, Miss. – A said to her. – Son, did you know her? Of course I do, she´s the mail mare her name is Derpy. You don´t know her because you almost never are at home during the day. Dear Celestia! Her eyes were crooked! – I exclaimed. No, she always had crossed eyes. Derpy regained coincidence. I´m sorry, I don´t know what went wrong, but I supposed to deliver this package yesterday. – She handed over the package. Oh Derpy- Harrison said. – And you come outside your regular schedule just for deliver it? You are always so nice. Uh? What´s up with the scarf? We are not yet in winter. She blushes, holds the scarf with both hooves and said: It was a gift from my very special somepony. Then my son: Daaaawwwwnn So, Miss Derpy. – I said to her. – Are you sure you are ok? Do you want me to take you home? No, no, I´m ok. I always crash, this is nothing. I have to go now. – She began to takeoff. – My daughter is waiting for me at home. Ok, bye then. Good bye Derpy, - Harrison said to her. Bye bye. She was flying backward while farewell and when she turns around she bumped her head with a street light. Ouch! She encircles the street light, begins to pick up speed and disappears at the distance. That was, interesting. – I said. She´s especial. I love her that way. Oh yeah! The package! – He went back inside. I follow him again. He was in the living room opening the package. What is it son? I have been saving for two months for this. He takes out a strange tool from the package that looks like a small chainsaw and shows it to me. -Tada! -W-what is that? -An electric Knife! “The Shredder 9001” This baby can even cut a tree and crush rocks without any effort. I'm dying to try it. Son, we need to talk. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 7 "My Little Gathering" //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 7 "My Little Gathering" CHAPTER 7 “My Little Gathering” ???? Where I am? Suddenly I was standing in the middle of nowhere. The darkness was so deep that nothing was visible, not even the floor, except me. That’s odd; in absence of light nothing should be visible, why I was visible? A sudden fog began to cover the floor, if there had floor. Maybe I was floating. My horn began to glow with a dark light. I had a feeling, like a presence, an evil presence. Suddenly I heard a dark voice speaking to me. Dexy… Who is it? Show yourself! – I exclaimed I will be… at the library… at midnight. What? Don´t forget your Familiar. -OUCH! I woke up, and hit my head again. Maybe I should sleep in the living room instead of this small cabin. It was that … a dream? **************** Manehattan Police Department. Morning. I was in my lab doing some routine analysis when somepony knocked on my door. “Knock, knock” Who is it? – I asked. It´s me… Dusty. Can I ask you a question? If that is… ok with you. Dusty? I wonder what that “Unicorn” wants. Sure buddy, come in. I unlocked the door with my magic. He enters. -What can I do for you? - I asked him. Well, there's a mare and.... Big Bertha from traffic? How did you know? – He blushes Lately, it has been difficult to keep secrets in this department. - I said. Except my secret of course. Then everypony knows that I have… Probably, but I’m sure that everypony here respect your decision to keep it as a secret until you are ready so say it. Oh, my. Now I will not be able to see anyone in the eye without feeling shame. He,he. About your question… Oh yeah, I want to ask her for a date but I don´t know how to do it. Cloud you… give me some advice? What? Why do you think I can help you with that? Well, because you and Cheryl, you know. By Equestria! Why everypony keeps talking about that? – I said angry while I closed my eyes and putted my hoof in my forehead. Ok – He said. – I´m sorry for bothering you. - He lowered his head and turned to leave. You are losing him Dexy, You're supposed to integrate, not to scare anypony. Wait, wait, wait; I´m sorry about that. I'm still embarrassed that the entire department found out that. – I put my hoof around his nape. – You see, there is no magical formula to talk to a mare, just be yourself and and if necessary let her take control, at first, then when she has a false sense of security, you attack! Wow, thanks Dexy. I will try that. - He left. -“Where the hell I got all that? – I was wondering. – “Holy crap, it´s what Cheryl did to me!” After finish my reports on my analysis, I picked up the folder that was to deliver to the Chief and left my laboratory. When I closed the door behind me Chuck approached me. Hey Dex! What do you think is more romantic? A dinner in a fancy restaurant? Or a carriage ride in the park? Uh? I-I don´t know, both sounds nice, but… Of course, I will do both. Thanks! - He left. “What was that?” – I thought Ray appears behind me holding a couple of ties. Hey Dex! Which do you think looks better on me? The blue one? Or the red one? -W-well I like the red one. Ok, thanks. Before I noticed I was surrounded by stallion ponies asking questions of the same type. I did not understand what was happening; they are bombarded with questions of all kinds. I'm sure somepony asked me something too intimate to mention. They were driving me crazy, I could not stand it. Leave me alone! I have to take this report to the chief! – I putted my hooves on my ears and closed my eyes. I only wanted to leave that place. And without I noticed my horn began to glow in a strong white light and ZAP! I disappear in a flash. The voices stopped; except for one. Dexy! Is strictly forbidden to teleport inside a government building! – It was the voice of the Chief. I open my eyes and realized that I was in the Chief´s Office. Chief? – I asked. In fact I did not know that you could teleport. – He said. Neither do I. Of course I could, but it wasn´t my intention at that time. I tell the Chief the whole story. Ha! I understand now. - He said. – I hear that unicorns can teleport spontaneously when they are in danger or under high pressure. It´s like a natural mechanism of defense. But, what happened out there? ; Since when I became “Doctor Heart”? Oh c´mon Dex, don´t be so modest. Every other pony tried to hit on Cheryl with no results. She was always so indifferent. Everypony started to think that she was bulletproof. Who would have thought that you could handle her, and surprise! You already were dating for over a year! No-pony is more surprised than I, trust me. – I putted my report on his desk. The telephone rings. Give me a moment I have to take this. – He said. – Hello, Chief´s office…Your honor…. Ok we are on our way. What happened? – I asked him. It was the Mayor, the body of a mare was found in the Public library. The library?! - A shiver ran down my spine. Yeah, The Mayor wants me to take the case personally because is related to the case of the Pet Shop. What? I'll give you the details on the way, let’s go. – He took a coat from a rack and puts it on. **************** Manehattan Public Library. Apparently, money is not the only thing that Nasty Rich cared about. He liked books, he had his own private Library and yet he used to come to the public library often. The only reason that the library remained open was for their annual donations. He’s dead now, there was a riot in prison and in the confusion another prisoner cut his throat with a razor. Nasty Rich made many enemies in the past, I'm sure the incident was to cover up his murder. Somepony finish the work for me. That's not the whole story. In his testament he leaves everything in their legal bank accounts to the librarian just three days after that information comes to light she is found dead in her workplace. The Library, this is where I got my last clue on Gallant. The Chief brought me in his car, all the rest of the team was already there. The place was surrounded by reporters and curious ponies. A few pony reporters approached us and started asking questions. One of them catch my attention. Hey, Mr. Morgan! – One reporter said. – What make you think that the Derby case was a murdered and not a suicide? What? – I exclaimed with surprise. No comments! – The Chief said while he pushes the reporter away. - Don´t said anything – He said to me. He ordered some police ponies keep reporters at bay and led me into the police line where Ray greeted us and lift up the line for us. We started up the long stone steps of the library. Then I asked: What was that? Don´t you know? – He said. – You are famous, especially among Color Flash´s fans. -What? Why? The rumor of her suicide had been reported within an hour of her death. Many f Many fans were disappointed. But the next day they learned that you cleaned her name. How they learned? These things are filtered to the press all the time. Now you even have a fan club. It is better that they will not know where you live or you will receive tons of thank you letters. Wow, I must make sure that does not happen. Not the first time I have a fan club. Back in Mareami I had the Butcher´s Bay Fan Club. I still don’t like that name. At the end of the stone steps was a stone statue of a sitting Manticore on each side. Two police ponies were guarding the entrance of the Library. They saluted the Chief. The place had not changed since the last time I was there. The guestbook was just at the entrance; the librarian's desk on the left and the archivists of the bibliographies to the right. A Grandpa clock on the opposite side in front of the entrance .And of course, many, many bookcases as far as the eye without counting those that are in the second and third floor, and of course those who are in the basement. The three they are. The victim, a young Unicorn mare, was on the desk. “Dear Celestia, not her” – I thought. The guilt feeling came back; I can´t keep thinking that if I had not killed her assistant he had been here to protect her. The body was with his head on the front legs crossed as if asleep, his face calm but pale. There was no blood around. If something happened does not seem to have noticed it. Dusty was checking around for hoofprints and Chuck was looking around for clues. Cliff was exanimating the body closely. Chief! , I´m glad you came. – Cliff said. - And you too Dexy; although there is no blood. I can´t explain it, there are no injuries of any kind or signs of struggle. It's as if she had simply had died in his sleep. That's strange. – The Chief said. - Heart attack? Impossible. – Cliff answered. – I just talked to Cheryl on the phone. She has no history of any heart disease or any of her family. By the way, what's her name? – I asked. Let me check it, I have it in my notebook. Mmmmm… Midnight Starswirl. Starswirl!? – I exclaimed. Do you know that name? – The Chief asked. Of course, don´t you remember? Everypony began to wonder. History 101? No-pony knew what to say. -Really? Ok I will tell. Starswirl the Bearded was a powerful Unicorn from ancient times that created more than 200 magic spells. In the archives of Canterlot even have an entire wing with his books. C´mon guys this is from elementary school. Oookeey. – The Chief said. – So, do you think she´s related? Nope, I don´t think so, No-pony knew if Starswirl had any descendants; must be a coincidence. My phone rings. Dexy here… Cheryl? “Hi Dex, I got news.” You know Cheryl, if you got anything about any case you should call Cliff or in this case the Chief, they usually direct the cases. “Oh, Dexy you know I prefer to heard your voice” Ok, tell me what you got. -“Did you know that Nasty Rich had a daughter?” In fact I don´t. “Her name is Golden Crown; no-pony knows her because she never had a good relationship with her father and she was always out of town. She don´t took very well that her father take her out of his testament.” She is a suspect then. “She is staying in the penthouse of the Ritz-Colton Hotel.” If she was taken out of the testament, how she can afford that? -“She made her own fortune but you know how these spoiled girls are, they always want more.” Thanks, Cheryl. I appreciate. “See you later silly pony” “Click” So, Romeo. – The Chief said. - Care to tell us? Err, it was like this….. Well, assuming it was a murder.- The Chief said. – There is no way we can´t prove it. This place is clean. You are right sir. – Dusty said. – I only found hoofprints of the victim. And I couldn’t found anything suspicious. – That was Chuck. They began to discuss the matter, even if they were to question Golden Crown there is only circumstantial evidence. If the daughter is like her father she probably hired a pony to do the dirty work. I had a hunch, while they were arguing I approached the body to examine in more detail. That's when I noticed; traces of dark energy around the body. Two words came to my mind, I could not help saying them out loud. Avada Kedavra. Everypony were silent for a moment. Dusty was pale. What? – The Chief asked Avada Kedabra, the killing curse. - I replied. I never heard of such thing. – The Chief said. Neither do I. – Cliff said. And you shouldn´t. It is an ancient and dark secret of the Unicorn community. Dusty could stand it no more and fainted like a goat. No-pony reacts to that, we are used to it. I continued examining the body, Neither Cliff or Chuck knew what to say. By Equestria, Did Celestia know about this? – Cliff asked. Who do you think that banned these spells? These spells?! – The Chief exclaimed. – Do you mean they are more? Hundreds, maybe thousands. – I replied. - For hundreds of years, we unicorns, try to forget the very existence of these spells, But some took this period of denial to practice the dark arts in secret. Since then we have decided to not forget and remain vigilant and attentive to these dark Unicorns. When we find one, we reported secretly to the Princess. Really? – Chuck asked. She has become very strict since Nightmare Moon. – I said. Nightmare Moon! – Everypony exclaimed. It wasn't only the resentment that transformed Princess Luna into that. When a Unicorn or Alicorn practices Dark Magic his soul is slowly corrupted until him or she becomes a monster. So, if we are dealing with a Dark Unicorn, how Golden Crown find him? – The Chief Said. Dark Unicorns are famous for jumping to the facts. – I replied. - Probably one contacted her to offer their services. Why? – Chuck asked. To finance their activities; espionage, kidnapping, murder, theft of rare and powerful artifacts. I'm surprised they have not attempted to steal Elements of Harmony. How we deal with him? – Cliff asked. Forget it; he must be on the other side of Equestria by now. All I can do is report it to the Princess but is unlikely to catch him in the near future. This outside your jurisdiction anyway; and mine, I'm just a watcher not a hunter. Which is ironic because I´m technically a Dark Unicorn as well. The chief scratched his head and meditate for a moment and said: I'll talk to the coroner, he owes me one, I'll ask him to make it looks like a poisoning. It is a murder anyway; no-pony has to know more than that. We will focus on Golden Crown, she´s the conspirator after all. And we won´t say anything. –Cliff added. Yeah, our lips are sealed. – Chucks said. Thank you guys. – I said. – I appreciate it. What about Dusty? – Cliff asked. Dusty was still lying on the floor upside down staring to nowhere. -Like any “Unicorn”, he must be aware of everything. But for what I see, he’s afraid of Dark Unicorns. Well, I will tell to the coroner´s assistants to come to pick up the body. – The Chief said. – Cliff, Chuck, I want you to bring Golden Crown to the station for questioning. We have a probable cause so we can retain her for 24 hours. With a little luck we can make her to confess. Yes sir! – Both replied. Dexy. – The Chief continued. - Maybe you don´t have any official work to do in crime scenes like this one, but is always a good idea to bring you. Your instincts always guide us in the right direction. Thank you, sir. And Dusty… you just rest buddy. – The Chief pet one of Dusty´s hoof with his own and leaves. “squeak” Chuck and Cliff were preparing to leave, Cliff stops. Chuck, could you give me a minute? Sure boss; I will wait outside. – Chuck replied. Cliff approaches to Midnight´s body again. He had a sad look on his face. I stood next to him. Is something wrong? – I asked him. I knew her, Dex. She came to the station some months ago to report the disappearance of his dragon assistant. Yeah, I remember. I saw you. What happened with that? I told her that he will be fine. I told her that dragon at his age always like to partying. But he never appears. Of course he doesn’t because I killed him. She said that she raised and love him like his son, and now she died without know what happened to him. I can´t stop thinking that it´s my fault for not doing my job right. - He began to cry. – Maybe, if he had been here he would have protected her. The feel of guilt came back again. Bigger than before; I couldn’t believe what happened next. I feel you bro, I feel you. – (You can imagine what was happen here) - I if it's any consolation, the killing curse gives a fast and painful death, she didn´t notices anything. ´We heard hoof steps coming from the entrance. We stops what we were doing before somepony see us, would have been awkward. We quickly walk outside. The coroner´s assistants appears to pick up the body, the Chief walked behind them. Here it is, you may take it now……… Not him you idiots! He´s still alive! Are you sure Chief? Because he´s quite stiff. “squeak” **************** Midnight at the Library The murder of Midnight it wasn´t just to make some profit. It was a direct message to me. Now I realize that last night dream wasn´t a dream at all. He said “don´t forget your Familiar”, A “Familiar” is, within this context, a magical animal companion of the Unicorns who study and practice magic as a profession and serves them as assistants. Baby Dragons are the most common familiars since hatching a dragon egg magically became the exam of admission in most schools of magic. I never went to one, I studied by myself with books that Harry helped me to gather. So technically I don´t have a familiar. I can only think about Devil but he´s not magical is just a regular bunny. I bring it with me anyway, just in case. It was an unusual chill night. The wind blows, dark clouds were gathering above the library and a lightning storm started at the moment I put a hoof in front of t gate of the library. Devil was sitting on my back. The gate opens by itself. I entered cautiously. Once inside the gate closes behind me. The place was dark but the lightning storm illuminates it occasionally. -I´m here! – I said at loud. – Show yourself! It is nice to finally meet you Mr. Morgan – A dark voice said. After a flash produced by a lighting, a Unicorn covered in a black tunic appears in the middle of the room. I could not see his face because of the hood, only his bright red eyes and a black horn that protruded. An unusually big Montpellier snake with red eyes hung around his neck. Who are you and what do you want from me? – I asked him. My name is Aracnus and I just want to have a word with you Mr. Morgan, but first let me make sure that no-pony will bother us. His horn began to glow with a dark light. The Grandpa clock behind him rang midnight but only once when they should be twelve times. Is when I notice that the pendulum of the clock stopped. What did you do? – I asked him. I stopped the time. That way no-pony will ever know what happened here. – He replied. Spite of that the lightning storm outside was still raging. How did you do that? – I asked astonished. It is all in the Canterlot Archives; we enter and leave that place whenever we want. We can teach you, if you join us. – He was walking around me. Do you mean the Dark Unicorns? We prefer to be called The Order of the Black Hoof. Why do you want me to join you? -You are already proven itself Mr. Morgan; your handling of the dark arts is magnificent. You have been watching me? Of course Mr. Morgan. Since you came to Manehattan and I have to say, you ability to mend into society is excellent. You even have a girlfriend. If you ever dare to touch her I…….! Calm down Mr. Morgan we never dare to touch a brother´s toy without ask first. I´m NOT one of you! Are you sure to rejecting us so soon, Mr. Morgan? With us you may learn more powerful magic; you will have riches beyond your imagination and we provide you a Familiar more according to your abilities. Devil may not be munch, but he´s my best friend. Oh really? Grima! Attack! The Montpellier snake around his neck shoots his head at high speed towards me, before I could react, Grima ducked my head to attack Devil but stopped at the last moment showing his big fangs and hissing loudly. Devil did not flinch; he kept his eyes serious as ever. Grima was particularly large, was still grasping his master's neck with his tail. He returned to his original position. I started to feel angry. I misjudged your Familiar Mr. Morgan. He has guts. So, what do you decides, Mr. Morgan? Eat dirt soaked in cider, moron! So be it Mr. Morgan! You do not leave me no other choice terminate you because you now know way too much. En Garde! Our horns began to glow with a dark light. Our Familiars did the first move, they jump toward each other, Devil was holding a scalpel that he took from my pocket without I noticing it. Grima prepared his fangs in advance, just before they encounter with each other, Aracnus and I teleported out of sight. Grima attacks first but Devil dodges and cut him on one side. They land and immediately turned to see each other. Grima uses his tail to examine the wound, he hiss in anger. Devil sees him while licking the blood from the scalpel. Meanwhile Aracnus and I ran in parallel on the bookcases, shooting Magic Missiles at each other with our horns. We dodged all of them. Aracnus stops and he stands on their hind legs. He puts their front legs in a position that looks like he were holding a bow and shouted: MELF´S ACID ARROW! An ethereal green Bow and green Arrow materialized, he shoots the arrow at me, and then I shouted: SHIELD! A big iron shield materialized in front of me blocking the arrow. Before I could react he shouted: -LIGTHING BOLT! A lighting strikes my shield fully destroying it. The resulting explosion threw me from the bookcase. I get buried under a pile of books. Grima attacked Devil repeatedly with his fangs but Devil dodge him with swiftness. Devil began to jump from bookcase to bookcase until reaches the top to get out of Grima´s reach. I emerged from the pile of books at the base of a bookcase; Aracnus was looking at me from the top of the bookcase. He points me at our Familiars. Your Familiar does not do it so bad. – He said. He shoots a dark twin beam at Grima. He began to grow bigger than a regular pony and also grow wings, he flew where Devil was. Aracnus turns to see me and smiled. I smiled too; I shoot a Dark twin beam at him as well. He began to grew at the size of a Minotaur, he grew big bat wings, his cotton tail turns into a long reptile like tail, his fore pawns became claws and they were covered in green flames, his rabbit teeth became fangs, his eyes emanated red fire, and his ears stiffened and became curved like it were demon horns. The scalpel also grows as big as a sword. He roars like an angry dinosaur. Grima flinches. By Nightmare Moon! – Aracnus exclaimed. He may not be magical but he carries a dark passenger like me! We both had born the same way! And now I show you a little trick of my creation! I looked at my hooves and I notices that the entire collection of books were there scattered on the floor. “This should do it” – I thought. I took the first one I found. “Daring-Do and the Curse of the Yeti” I open it and raised it with both hooves and shout: YETI! I SUMMON YOU! My horn glow with intensity, from the book emerges a tornado that began to grow bigger and bigger. An immense humanoid beast covered in white fur emerges from the tornado It has big feet, big fists and big fangs. His breath was cold, his eyes were white. Aracnus went back to avoid the creature. The beast started to chase Aracnus along the top of the bookcases. Meanwhile, Devil uses his new acquired weapon to make an horizontal slice on Grima, he could barely react to dodge the attack, but the gigantic scalpel cut his wings. Without any other choice, he jumps down of the bookcase and tried to hide between the bookcases. Devil came down and began to destroy the bookcases one by one with his claws looking for Grima until they reached the lower basement. Even nowadays, I don´t have any idea what happened down there. Aracnus was still running evading the punches of the Yeti. He finally decides to confront the beast. Your cheap tricks don’t impress me! - He exclaimed – FIRE BALL! – He shouted. A ball of fire began to form in his horn tip that immediately shoots to the Yeti. By then I was standing on the Yeti´s right shoulder. YETI! USE COLD BREATH! The yeti began to catch a deep breath and immediately release it with a sub-zero temperature. The cold breath hits the ball of fire in half-way and began to frozen it. For when the fireball reaches the Yeti, had become a ball of ice. The Yeti catches it with both hands and immediately crushes it. Ok maybe they are not so cheap. – Aracnus said. – Bust sill is just a trick, basically an illusion. – DISENCHANT! – He shouted. His horn glowed with a bright light that blind me for a second, the yeti faded away in the air. I fell on the top of the bookcase in that he was standing on. Why use an illusion when one can bring the real deal. – He said. The aura of his horn began to grow and shine with intensity, the light in his eyes also intensified. When he reached the ultimate power he shouted: GATE! A gigantic pentagram made out of light started to form on the top of the bookcases. When it was completed a figure began to emerge from it. The first to appear was a black helmet with long spikes upward. His face was not visible and his eyes were not visible. He had long spikes adorning his shoulders. The rest of the body covered in dark metal plates revealed a humanoid form; he held a great metal mace in his right hand, a long black cape hung from his back. He is human?! – I exclaimed. Not anymore. - Aracnus said – as far as I know, I´m not sure what he was before. I´m impress that you are familiarized with that word. Anyway, let me introduce you my old friend Lord Sauron. He really kick ass in his own world. The armored guy turns to Aracnus and began to speak with an abyssal dark voice. Why should I fight for you? Hey, you own me one. – Aracnus replied. All right, but I´m no longer own you nothing. He turns to me. He´s just a unicorn. What problem can he possibly cause you? – Sauron said. Don’t underestimate him. - Aracnus replied. – He´s a powerful magic- user and is well versed in the dark arts. We´ll see that. He raises his mace over his head and swings it down generating a huge vertical expansive wave that destroys all the bookcases below it and went direct to me. It was so fast that I barely had time to teleport and evade it. When I thought I had teleported to safety, he was in front of me, about to hit me with his huge mace. I was seen it in slow motion. I almost panicked but I react on time cast the spell of Magic Armor. My horn glowed when I shouted the spell; his mace hits a force field in the shape of a sphere that surrounds me. But the strike was too strong that the sphere was broken instantly. Absorbed some of the damage but it hit me in the back anyway sinking thought to the bookcase. A couple of bookcases fell over me with tons of books. Well, well Mr. Morgan, you have cause me a lot of trouble. – Aracnus said while approaches. - But is over. Now I will be in the dire need to erase all traces of your existence; So the police department will be privated of its finest elements and that includes your beloved girlfriend, Cheryl and of course your sister Debra in Mareami, yeah, we know her too, and last but not least, your son Harrison. Aracnus began to laugh, Sauron remain silent, he keeps looking at the pile of books and broken wooden where I was. Devil appears in front of them covered in blood and holding the corpse of Grima on his right claw. He throws is at Aracnus hooves. What the..? You?! – Aracnus exclaimed. – Wait a sec, if you still keep that transformation it´s mean that…… The entire building began to shake. From the pile of books and broken wood began to sprout blood in large quantities until it exploded like a geyser. All books and bookcases around began to stain with blood. I emerged from the geyser of blood. My red bat wings grew again. I was soaked in blood. My eyes became bright red. My horn glowed with a red light. I landed in front of them. Impossible! How can you…? You! You are a BloodBorne! – Aracnus was astonished. Sauron laughed. HAHAHA, Finally, a worthy opponent of my… UNSUMMON! – I shouted. What? The pentagram reappears and sucked Sauron like a vacuum and disappears. You! – Aracnus exclaimed – You were playing with me all the time! Aracnus was walking backwards while I was approaching to him. WHAT DID YOU SAY TO US BEFORE? THAT YOU WILL HURT OUR FRIENDS? THAT YOU WILL HURT OUR FAMILY? THAT YOU WILL HURT OUR CHERYL? WE MAKE SURE THAT YOU WILL NEVER PUT A HOOF ON THEM! I've never been so angry before. My voice echoed through the walls and for some reason could not stop using the "We" Devil was just enjoying the spectacle while eating some popcorn. I don´t know where the hell he get that. Aracnus felt fear for the first time in ages; he had never met anyone whose darkness was greater than his. He felt as if shrink and with every step I took made me look bigger. He hit the ground and covered his head like a frightened colt, he even started to cry when suddenly his horn began to glow and he disappears in a flash. When he opens his eyes he realized that he was on the library´s rooftop. The Lighting storm was still raging. He started to laugh. -HAHAHA, I don´t know what just happened. – He said. – But this is my chance to escape! He gallops to the emergency stairs that were on one side of the building when suddenly I went through the roof and stand in front of him blocking his scape. He panicked and tried to escape the opposite way. WALL OF FIRE! – I shouted. A wall of fire (you don´t say) appears in front of him blocking his escape again. He turns to me with a hopeless look expecting The Inevitable. IT IS FUNNY – I said. – I DID THE SAME THING JUST THIS MORNING. BUT ENOUGH OF CHATTING, LET´S FINISH THIS. My horn glowed and my shadow stretched until reached under his hooves. Four shadow clones of me emerged from the floor and held him. They began to drag him into my shadow, slowly. Aracnus was terrorized. WHAT´S WRONG ARACNUS. ARE YOU AFRAID OF DARKNESS? Aracnus´ terror becomes madness. He started to laugh. HAHAHAHAHAHA, you fool. They are many like me! You will never be safe! When the see I don´t come back they will look for you! GOOD, THAT WAY I WILL NOT HAVE THE NEED TO LOOK FOR THEM MYSELF. He disappears into my shadow. A suddenly flash blind me for a second, I cover my face. Is when I heard the remaining eleven chimes of the clock; I was back at the library entrance. The library was intact. I went back to normal; Devil was sitting on my back. The lighting storm disappeared and I was dizzy. The hell… What just happened? It was that a dream? I looked around looking for answers but everything was normal. Forget it. I´m having a headache and my back hurts. Let´s go home. **************** The next day at the station It was an easy case for the guys at the station. When Cliff and Chuck brought Golden Crown for questioning they play “Good Cop, Bad Cop” with her, the spoiled filly collapsed like a house of cards and confesses everything but she couldn’t say who her accomplices was, she never met him in person. She was taken into custody and will be transferred to the Lunar Prison next week. (Problem?) I was in my lab drinking a coffee during my rest when Chuck enters holding a cup of coffee as well. Another day, another bit. - He said. – It is good to have an easy one once in a while. Easy for them maybe. Yeah. - I replied. – It´s good to release stress. So, it´s all? – He asked – There is nothing else we can do? It´s not in our hooves now. Just forget it. So, do you want to come with mw and the rest of the boys for a pizza? Sure that’s sound delicious, I´m starving. Here I go again, I can see their friendship, but I can´t feel it, so I blend in. HEHE, I repeat that to myself so many times that I actually started to believe it. But in the last years and especially last night, I learned that I actually have emotions, strong emotions. I really can feel; I really can love. Harrison and Cheryl are a proof of that. So now, I blend in, without fake it. We were laughing, chatting, eating. Just like regular ponies. Something that Aracnus said suddenly comes to my mind. “Bloodborn. I wonder what he meant by that” //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 8 "The Hunt Ends" //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 8 "The Hunt Ends" CHAPTER 8 “The Hunt Ends” The streets of Manehattan Three years has passed since the murder of Mr. Grandeur and almost two since I got a clue from Gallant. I started to feel disappointed, he must had flee to another city by now. It was my day off, so I decided to take a walk on the city streets to clear my mind. I passed by the train station, it was crowded, from the distance I could see that a train was about to arrive. I keep walking. Before I notice it I was in the park so I sat on a bench to rest a little. I raised my head to see the sky. It was a clear day; the weather team is finally doing their job. When I lowered my head I saw from afar a church across the street on the other side of the park. It had a stained glass window with the image of Princess Celestia above the Gate. I respect the Princess Celestia, she´s wise, benevolent and powerful, but treat her as a goddess is exaggerated, I always hated that. Of course I use expressions like “by Celestia” or “in the name of Celestia” but that just to fit in. I started to feel hungry so I looked around a good place to eat. I found a nice restaurant not far from the church. It was a nice place, even had a band. I saw some ponies chatting, another pony smoking without have anything ordered, an old blue stallion reading the newspaper; Just the usual in a restaurant. I think one of the musicians is blind; yes, definitely blind. I sat on a small table on the bottom of the restaurant and ordered a veggie burger and an orange juice. While I was eating, suddenly the music stops. I looked around to see what’s going on. I almost choked with the hamburger. Gallant Thorn was stood just right there at the entrance. Everypony was staring him. It is possible that they knew him? It is possible that they knew what he did? Or just that nopony there has never seen an Alicorn before? He slowly walked to a spot next to the blue stallion with the newspaper. He looked sick. When he took seat, everything went back to normal, the band played music again. What a surprise! After three years, why he came back? He thinks that everything was forgotten and that he can come back just like that? Wherever is the case, I can´t let go this opportunity. Once he finishes his meal I will… He suddenly gallops to the exit. “What the….” – I thought – “I must not let him away” I gallop after him but no without pay the bill to the cashier at the entrance. Keep the change. – I said. Thanks sir, come back again. Once outside I look around looking for him. He didn’t get far. He was vomiting in an alley next to the restaurant. “He really was sick” – I thought I pretended I was waiting for a taxi when suddenly: Hey Dexy! – It was Dusty; Big Bertha the mare from traffic was with him. Dusty? It´s is really you? By Celestia! You are not wearing your jacket! Eyup, I´m a free pony now thanks to you, you thought me to be myself. It's good to finally be able to stretch my wings without feeling ashamed. Hi Dexy. – Big Bertha greeted me. Hi Bertha. She was really big. Who can possibly thought that Dusty liked big mares? She had a dark brown coat, black mane and robust. So you are having a date? – I asked. Yeah, This restaurant was recommended to us, it is nice for a casual date. It is true, I just eat here. Well, see you tomorrow at the station. Enjoy your meal. At the moment they enter the restaurant the music stops again and somepony yells. Wow! Two Alicorns in a day! My restaurant is going to be famous! By the time I realized, Gallant had already crossed the street. I followed him. He arrived at a Hotel not far from the restaurant. The Hotel was big and yellow, with balconies and a lot of windows pointing out in every direction. I saw him from outside that he was talking to the manager, a dark grey stallion. I sued my far-hearing spell to listen. Room 38 please. – Gallant said. Here your keys, sir Thanks. He climbs up the stairs. I waited for the hotel manager left the hall so I could sneak to the upper floors. Once I found Gallant´s room I check the noises in the room first, I heard snoring so he must be asleep. I used the pick-locking spell to open the door and I sneaked inside. He was lying on in his bed. This was my chance. I took a syringe form my pocket; I always carry one just in case, I slowly approach the syringe into your neck and when I was about to inject the sedative, at that moment he began to talk in his sleep. “sniff” I´m sorry. He was also crying. I stopped and store the syringe back in my pocket. I stepped back, put my hoof in my face, I had mixed feelings. -“I can´t kill him now” – I thought –“Not yet at least, he obviously had some issues, and i need to know first what it was” I looked around and noticed that his luggage was ready; he planned to leave tomorrow or maybe tonight. This could take some time. I looked outside the window for a nice spot to teleport; I could see the park from there which is perfect. “FLASH” Once there a jet of water hit me in the face. WOHA! - A gardener with a hose. – You should warn me when you do that, you scared me! Uh, sorry. - I shook it to dry and then I walk away. I took my cellphone to call the Chief; I had several unused vacation days so I said I was going to take a couple of days off. Then I called Cheryl to ask him to take care of Harrison for me, she was delighted. I stayed at the park watching the hotel until it was dark; is when I saw Gallant leaving the hotel with his luggage. I follow him like a shadow. We reached the city limits, is when I saw where he was headed to, the old cemetery just outside of town. Many ponies where still there visiting their beloved late ones, due the time they started to leave the place. Before everypony go away I hid behind a tree. Gallant stops at a particular gravestone, took some flowers from his luggage and puts them on it. He remained there for a while and then left. I quickly went to check the gravestone before I lose him from sight. “Here lies Grandeur Bangle” “What the…?” I thought “What the meaning of this? Perhaps he regrets what he did?” I had a hunch and looked around; the Orange Family Farm could be seen from there at the distance. It was really him who I saw in the newspaper that day. Gallant was already headed to the exit of the cemetery. I walked fast to avoid losing him but I already have a pretty good idea of where he´s heading to. The train station was very crowded so I will not look suspicious if I stand behind him in line to buy a ticket. He asked for a ticket to Ponyville so I asked one too. I tried to keep near to him so I could aboard the same wagon as him but we were separated by the crowd. The train started to move so I had no choice that aboard the last wagon. **************** Ponyville at night The train arrived late at the Ponyville´s train station. It was empty, cold and dark. I get off the train; I was just at the end of the station. On the other side I could see the silhouettes of some ponies through a cloud of steam produced by the engine of the train. One was flying above, another was jumping around. I think I overhear the voice of a mare complaining about the mess it was her mane. I clearly saw the silhouette of Gallant among them. Funny, he made some friends; I could learn one thing or two from him. I tried to reach them to see who they were but when I get there the steam had dissipated and they had disappeared. “Damn it, I lost him!” – I exclaimed in my mind. – Now what I should do? This was a small town were usually everypony knows everypony, so I decided to take a walk to see if I could ask to somepony. But it was late night, everypony is in their homes now, it will be hard to found sompony. (I enjoy using that pun word, this can´t be a coincidence). I started to wandering in the town from the exit of the station I could see the farms outside the town, one of them caught my attention, an apple orchard, a very large one. I remind me of the Orange Farms of Mnehattan, and also the name of Orange Valencia came to my mind. It´s funny, I don´t usually think about the victims of my victims. I walked for a few more minutes until I passed in front of a Boutique decorated whit a carousel on the top. Some beautiful dresses were exhibited on the windows. That make me remember that Vanity´s body was found wearing a beautiful weeding dress, and also make me remember that it was in a carousel. - “This is getting weird” – I thought I keep walking until I reach the town center. It was obviously empty due the time. I looked around, a building caught my attention. A library built inside a big tree. “The Treebrary”, is what was written on the sing. Midnigth probably would have liked this place…..Again? What the hell is going on? I turn around to keep walking, is when I noticed a couple of poster on the wall of the Town Hall. One of them was of the Wonderbolts, somepony had drawn a rainbow colored mane in one of the Wonderbolts. The other poster it was a bout a Pet Adoption Day in a cabin just outside the Everfree Forest, the poster was old so many of the text was illegible. The names of Butternice and Color Flash It is rare for me to say it but I was getting scared. I better go find somepony before I lose my mind. – I said. I started to gallop around the Town Hall when suddenly I crashed with somepony. I was lying on my back on the ground with my head spinning and blurred vision. When I finally recovered my vision I was surprised by who was in front of me. Derpy!? She was also lying on the ground rubbing her head. When she finally regains her senses she greeted me. Oh, hi Mr. Morgan What are you doing so late at night? Oh, well. – She puts her right hoof behind her head and blushes. - This is embarrassing because, I forgot where I live, again. Really? , How´s that even possible? I don´t know, it happen to me all the time. Too bad, because I was about to ask you from somepony. Gallant Thorn? How the derp you know that? It is easy, I know you do not know anypony here because I've never sent you any correspondence from anypony of Ponyville, but Gallant is practically new in town and I know he´s coming from Manehattan because of the smell of smoke that I perceived from his mane the first time I saw him. That particular essence of smoke only comes from cars and other motor-powered vehicles and no-pony of Ponyville uses any of those so I assumed that he´s from Manehattan because it is city with the highest numbers of cars in relation of the pony population. Per logic he´s the only pony in all Ponyville that you can possible know. My eyes were wide open, my pupils shrank and my jaw was almost touching the ground. I shook my head to regain composure. I think I hit your head harder that I thought. – I said to her. No, I´m ok, I hit my head all the time. So do you want me to take you to him? We started to walk. You know where he lives? – I asked her. I´m a Mail Mare, I know where everypony lives. (Are you fucking kidding me?) <<<<