Deduction is Magic-The Final Chaptersby RaotChaptersPart 1, Chapter 1-"3rd Degree"Part 1 Chapter 2-"Loathsome Letters"Part 1 Chapter 3-"Dead Code"Part 1, Chapter 1-"3rd Degree"He had lived this before. I dodge a streak of scarlet and gallop hard through the dead mans land. Another , too quick to contemplate, strikes the stallion next to me. He hollers and falls, but I quickly take him up by the collar and drag him by my teeth back behind our lines. “You’re going to make it…” He knew what was going to happen. “It’s bad.” The wounded stallion grunts. I haul him quickly into the field hospital. “I know it’s bad…” he mumbles.. “It that Sargent Doo?” My eyes meet with the speaker, a sand colored unicorn mare with a small red dot on her flank. “Get… get this letter to my wife and daughter…“ Doo starts. “It’s not that bad.” I interrupt him, ripping the torn armor from his flesh and patching up the wound. “Just stay calm.” “They’re pushing back!” Red dot yells, looking outside the cloth flap door. She takes a stance and fires a few bolts of red and white lighting from her horn before quickly taking cover as a hail of flames collides with the side of makeshift building. The explosion nearly blinds me, but I am able to look back after the initial inferno. Red Dot is a mess, and hit badly. Behind her is a swath of red flames, sand and lighting bolts. “Run!” She screams. I can't move. Her silhouette shows signs of weakness and injury. But no matter how hot the flames, I still stand their frozen in shock. “Clopson! Run! Get out of here!” I blinked, once, and the sand colored mare is suddenly a light blue pegasus with a rainbow mane. Her eyes stare deep into mine with that same fear and she yells again, “Run!” Clopson awoke in a sweat, he blinked once or twice and the mare in his dreams vanished… but the fires remained. He found it hard to breath and coughed once, falling to the floor from his bed. He set his eyes up towards an open door with nothing beyond but flames and debris. He quickly sought out a window, and after judging the distance, jumped out and landed, hard, two stories below. He gasped for air and heaved as he got to his hooves, wildly looking around. Where was he? What had happened? Where was Red Dot? He suddenly remembered. He had left Sherlock and stayed with his old friend for the night… where was she? In horror he turned his head back to the modest shack of a house…which had now turned into a blazing inferno. Was she still in there? He looked for an entrance but could not bring himself any closer then a few yards to the building. The heat was so intense… He tried to scream for help but found that his throat was raw and his lungs where still too weak. He franticly looked about, trying to find any evidence of her escape… And there, in the dark, he saw a shadow sprinting into a nearby thicket of trees. “Red Dot!” He tried to yell, but only managed to rasp. He coughed and fell to the ground, weak and hurt. He tried to calm himself as he looked into the fires… he hoped that she was still okay. Deduction is Magic- The Final Chapter- Part 1, Murder “You must be pleased.” Clopson said to Sherlock as he approached the scene. Emergency teams where finishing off the last of the fires in the smoking remnants of the lonely hovel. Clopson was laying down with a blanket about his body inside a medical tent. “Finally have a murder to solve.” Sherlock seamed his usual self except for one trait. His eyes were a brilliant shade of blue, and were nearly luminescent. “…No. No I’m not.” Sherlock spoke in a monotone. “And we don’t know anything yet. She could still be alive, and even if she isn’t, there is no indication of malicious intent just yet. We also couldn’t find any hoof prints other then yours and hers, we can;t find any trace of the pony you saw fleeing the scene” “…so I’m still a suspect aren’t I?” Clopson asked. “…As a formality, yes.” Sherlock said sadly. He showed an uncharacteristic empathy for his old friend. “Would you mind answering a few questions…” “Of course.” Clopson nodded. “What was… or is… your relationship with Miss Red Dot.” He asked. “Before I was sent back from Afganistalion, I was assigned to her platoon. She was a sniper, and I was a field medic, but we took a liking to each other very quickly. It was not long before we were in a relationship. However, after my injury, I was sent back and we broke it off. I had heard she had moved nearby recently and decided to pay her a visit… we are just friends.” Clopson explained. “Good friends. ” “Sherlock!” both ponies turned to see Lestrot motioning in his direction. “Excuse me.” Hooves left Clopson for a minute, only to return with a very grim look to his face. “… you found her?” Clospon asked. “Maybe.” Sherlock responded “We still can’t identify the body”. Clopson closed his eyes and a deep breath. “do you… want to take a look?” “Not really no.” Clopson replied. He was not quite ready to see the body of a deceased friend. “You may not have a choice.” Both Ponies turned to see a new face on the scene. An earth pony with remarkably similar features to Sherlock, but perhaps a little taller. He stretched out a hoof to shake. “Mycolt.” Sherlock rolled his eyes. “What are you doing here? Are Celestias intelligence agencies really interested in a case like this…” Mycolt brought his forehoof back sourly. “Celestia and others.” Mycolt responded. “I’m sorry, but who is…” Clopson started. “My brother” Hooves responded with a wave. “But we don’t yet have any evidence. Everything was burned. How would any world power have interest in…” “We have a source that says she was a contact for Mooriatry.” Clopson saw Sherlock fail to hide a look of surprise and excitement from this fact. “She wouldn’t fall into that crowd.” Clopson defended his friend. “We found something!” A pony said in the ashes. He came running towards the detectives. “Letters, they were hidden in the fridge so they didn’t burn.” Sherlock quickly snatched the think yellowed parchment and laid them down on a flat surface… Red Dot- 23-9 28-10 13-6-27-10 6 21-23-20-7-17-10-18 24-25-6-30 6-25 13-20-18-10 18-20-20-23-14-6-23-25-30 5 “…just numbers.” He said after a moment of study. “Most likely a code.” “there's another.” said the pony and he showed the next letter, it made more sense, but only barely, A light upon a string A door upon the floor The pens mighty sword The horse that won the war “A riddle.” Sherlock commented. “Most interesting.” “We need both of you to come to Canterlot at once.” Mycolt continued. “This is bigger then just a single murder. There’s a whole crime syndicate that is trying to off any loose ends they have. Celestia needs you at once.” “And what If I say no?” Sherlock continued. “Then I will take you by force.” Mycolt continued. “I have a carriage waiting for both of you. All evidence found here will be sent to our labs for analyses.” “Secret Codes, Riddles, Murder, Conspiracy…” Clopson shook his head and got to his hooves. “Sherlock, do try to contain yourself.” The door they entered through had a wrought iron door knocker in the shape of a bull with a ring in it's nose. After knocking three times, the door was opened for Clopson and Sherlock, and they walked inside. The room was circular, with a round table in the middle. Upon the table were papers and files surrounding a statue of the princess herself, and on the walls where murals of heroes long gone, Starswirl the bearded, Commander Hurricane, Princess platinum, Chancellor Puddinghead, and many others from the general time period. At the table was Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and the rest of the gang waiting for them. Clopson didn't see any guards, but he did see some new faces. He tried and failed to avoid eye contact with Rainbow Dash when he entered the circular room. He quickly looked away as he approached a round table that held many a pony he did not recognize. “Clopson!” Clopson was tackled by a puff of fluffy pink hair that he recognized all too well. “Oh my gosh are you okay? I heard there was a fire and your friend might be hurt! Well, it might not be your friend but we know it was someone in the fire and this never happens in Ponyville…” “I’m good Pinkie Pie.” Clopson stopped her and got back to his hooves. “We’re all very sorry for your loss… and we hope Red Dot is okay.” Twilight added form her seat. “And that’s our first mystery.” Celestia said. “We have forensic experts on the case right now, however, Clopson…” she turned to the colt. “You will have to help identify the body. We don’t know anyone else who knew her…” “…That’s alright.” Clopson said numbly. “I’ve seen my share of bodies. Is it here already?” “Yes. Just in the other room. I will explain the situation with Sherlock while you’re gone…” “You mean you’ll explain the case against me?” Clopson asked. He knew the ins and outs of these investigations. “You are a suspect.” Celestia said mater of factly. “Please don’t take it personally…” “Just say it outright next time.” Clopson asked as he left the room and entered a chamber that smelled of vinegar, alcohol, metal, and other embalming fluids. “Hey there, you must be the friend.” There was one other pony in the room, excepting of course the charred remains that Clopson tried not to look at just yet. The pony was yellow, had a long brown mane and a cutie mark with the shape of some bones. “Yes… but I can’t really recognize anything…” Clopson said, looking at what appeared to be ash and bone arranged in a pony like shape. “My specialty is bones.” She said “Funny story about how I got that cutie mark, but I'll save it for another time. I have a picture of what the pony would have looked like, based off of her skull shape.” She rolled her eyes in annoyance. “However, the skeleton is incomplete. The detectives on the scene couldn’t find one of the vertebra…” “No, 23 are right.” Clopson chimed in. “Arabic equines only have 23 vertebra as apposed to the usual 24.” “Oh… I should have known that.” The other pony said in anger. “No, they don’t teach it commonly. I only know because I had to patch up my share of wounds in that area.” Clopson explained. “Anyway… it seams that I don’t even need to see the picture.” He looked down at the remains in silence. “I’m sorry for your loss.” The pony tried to comfort him. “I should get back.” Clopson said. “Thank you.” “I’ll tell you if anything else comes up. So far as I can tell, the fire killed her. But I haven’t done a full autopsy.” Clopson nodded and walked back to the original door. “So, we have already started the investigation…” Celestia stopped herself as Clopson reentered the room. “… it was her. If you all were wondering.” “Unfortunately, that means she most likely had ties to Mooriarty.” Celestia said, “Now, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash, you you should stay with Clopson after you walk him out.” “Yes mam.” Applejack answered as the others nodded. “I can help.” Clopson said. “No.” Celestia said. “You lost someone close to you. I’m sure the funeral will be held shortly, and I wont let you miss it.” Clopson hadn’t thought of that. Though he was still sure that it was just an excuse to keep him out of the investigation. “... so I suppose they will also be tailing me? Clopson asked. “Of course.” Dash said. Clopson was surprised by the response. “You need to be with friends after what you've been through.” “Really?” Clopson asked, halfway skeptical, halfway touched. “Yep,” Pinkie said. “Can’t let you be all alone can we?” “Wow... Thanks.” Clopson smiled. He hesitated, looked around the table, and gave in with a sigh. He walked out of the room with the three ponies behind him. “Shall we get started?” Celestia started. “First,” Sherlock asked, rudely putting his back hoofs on the table. “You tell me what has terrified you so immensely.” “Excuse me?” Celestia asked as she raised her eyebrows. “You are all terrified.” Sherlock said again. “You are playing this very close to your chest with only a select few ponies you trust. Not to mention all of your guards are off duty, which means you suspect treachery.” She sighed. The room remained silent for a moment. “You are more observant then usual.” “I've been trying something new.” he said with another smile, his eyes still a neon blue. “There has been an attempt on our lives.” Celestia continued. “All of us. Individually.” “Same assassin?” Sherlock asked. “Yes. And they knew where to find everyone.” She said with her eyes drooped down in shame. “I put them all at risk.” “We knew the dangers!” Twilight interrupted. “And besides, we got out okay...” “No. I told you all to look for leads, and I left you all alone.” She said. “Did you all find anything?” Sherlock asked. The silence was deafening. “I, I guess I'll start.” Twilight said. She cleared her throat. “After the elements of harmony were recovered, we were tasked to find Mooriarty with the help of Equestria's greatest detectives, as well as the royal guard. I was supposed to find out the origins of these letters... the ones you found at Red Dots home were not the first, in fact, we had already found the letter you found in particular.. but i'll get to that... I was tasked with finding the origins of the letters...” Part 1 Chapter 2-"Loathsome Letters"“The murders had been occurring for some time, but it was not until recently that we found a pattern. At every scene there was code and a riddle written on a strange yellowed parchment. However, I was stumped as to where to go from there. I tried to find another pattern for hours, but I couldn't think of anything. I knew the letters were written strangely as well, so I asked the princess if she had an expert writer or detective on the subject. She said she knew just the Colt!...” “So, your the Princess' star pupil.” Said the colt. He had a brown mane and a strong frame. There was a pen with red ink on his flank. “Oh My Gosh!” Twilight's eyes went wide when she saw the door open and he trotted in. “Y-Y-Your...” “Richard Stable, at your service.” Twilight had to resist the urge to tackle the colt. “I've read all your books! The Filly Heat ones are my favorite... But, why are you here? I thought you were in...” “Detective Buckit can survive a few hours without me.” he said with a smile. “But it better not be any longer or she just might try to replace me. Now, what can I do you for.” She held out a pen a paper with her mouth. “My Pleasure.” he signed it. Twilight couldn't contain herself as she hugged the piece of script. “... Oh, right...” she shook her head. “There's... um...” she turned back to her work and lifted a few pieces of paper. “I needed you to look at this. There have been a string of murders all across Equestria, all of them died with these notes in their possession. It has a code, and a riddle. I think these is something strange about the note, and the words themselves...” “Let me see...” Stable took a look at the parchment. A light upon a string A door upon the floor The pens mighty sword The horse that won the war “Well.” Stable started. “Yes?” “They're words alright.” Twilight frowned and her brow turned inwards. “This is the only one I found that wasn't sent yet.” she said. “I was able to get it from the mailmare during my search. We need to find out who it's for.” “Well, the paper I recognize.” he said pointing at the yellowed ends. “Yes?” Twilight asked. “Zecora uses it.” he said. Twilight blinked. “You know Zecora?” “Of course! She publishes poems and stories in the Equestrian Enquirer. We've been pen pals for a while and only she sometimes uses this kind of paper.” he said. “Lets go on a field trip.” In the Present, The funeral was small. Clopson recognized almost every pony there as a fellow veteran. No other relatives arrived, no children, siblings, or parents. Once the small group of mourners gathered, an elderly pony with a golden cross on his flank walked up to the grave and gave rights to the deceased, who's casket was carried slowly by four black colts. Once the coffin was lowered into the ground, the priestly pony asked if anyone wished to speak. At first there was silence. Clopson was afraid. Afraid that he was the only one who even remembered the fierce mare. He cleared his throat and started, “She saved my life, on many occasions. Red Dot was a fighter. It was her talent. She told me that she got her cutie mark when she threw a ball smack dab between her brothers eyes... popped the ball, made him cry his eyes out.” Clospon giggled. “Since then she honed her skills. Aiming her spells and throwing things. But she only truly knew her calling when the war started.” His jovial attitude diminished. “She told me when I spoke to her yesterday that she wished she had died in the war. She said...” he paused, but then summoned up the courage. “That she would rather burn up then to fade away.” “Just like her.” grumbled an old veteran. “Cotton pickin pony once got me an Bruiser over their into an ambush. Didn't blink an eye. She took em all out before we could find out where the shots came from.” there were some other murmurs, and from this, the mourners began to take turns telling stories. Talking about the mare as if they were reliving her life again. It continued until they had all said their piece. “I just can't believe she's gone... after all that.” spoke one of the vets. “Would any pony else wish to speak?” asked the priestly pony. “When, um...” every pony turned to Pinkie pie. She had been silent through the whole proceeding. She spoke slowly, and hoarsely. “When my granny pie was alive, she would always talk to me when ever I was sad or scared, she always knew how to cheer me up. Well, one day, she got sick...” Pinkie smiled, “She said she didn't want to make anybody sad. So she said if anything happened to her...” her eyes began to glaze over a like dew collecting on a flower, “She said she wanted a party. She didn't want people to feel sad, she wanted them to celebrate. Because she had a good life. And she had friends who loved her a whole lot.” she smiled, blinked, and tears began to trickle down. “And... well... you all really look like you liked Red Dot a lot and... and..” “Red Dot couldn't have said it better.” Clopson helped her out and put a hoof around her. “Er, sugar cube?” Applejack spoke. Clopson turned to her and realized that she was looking at Dash, who's face was red and covered in tears. “Are you okay?” “I'm Fine!” Dash shouted back. “I... I mean... I'm sorry.” she said quietly. “You got something you want to say Rainbow?” Applejack asked with with a caring smile. “... She... She sounds like she was good friend.” Dash managed to say. “And... and... she didn't deserve this.” she shook her head. “Not at all. I just...” The look in her eyes said in all. She felt more anger then anything. “We'll find who did this.” Clopson said. Dash turned and looked him in the eye. “Don't you worry.” Dash paused, then gave him a confidant nod and a smile. “You need anything, we're all on your side.” Clopson heard once of the veterans say. The others agreed unanimously. Clopson smiled and nodded. As Twilight and Richard Stable entered the house, Zecora saw and welcomed them in. She was busy at work with a steaming potion in a cauldron. “Richard stable is that you? And Twilight, do you have business too?” “Actually,” Richard started, “I really wanted to ask you when you were going to release the next part of your story... ” Twilight looked at Stable with slight annoyance. “Uh, and we have a mystery to solve.” Stable told Zecora. He gave her the parchment with the riddle. “Can you shed any light on where this came from? It might save a few lives.” She paused to read for just a moment. “I know this Script, I've seen it before. It comes from lands far from these shores. The answer to the riddle though, I may know...” But before she could finish, a great wind began to blow inside Zecoras home. “That's not how the game is played.” Twilight looked around in a panic. The voice was like an dark, deep echo in her mind, blowing in like the wind. “You tell them nothing... This is not your riddle... But I'll give you all another...” The voice was female, and old. It was dry and raspy, like a voice from a thirty throat. She spoke again in an archaic ascent... “ A hero of light , with tears of white,” Twilight saw a memory flash in her mind. She was fighting Nightmare moon again, her friends were all around her, she floated into the air and her eyes began to glow with a bright white light, with rays shining out like tears... “Surrounded and penetrated by golden might” She saw herself again now, in the future, older, stronger, with more powerful magic. All around her was gold and riches and symbols of power. “Millions gone, a life in darkness.” Chaos. Destruction. Horrors that made her try to shut her eyes and run, but there was nowhere to run in her own mind. “After the final moments on a honeyed fuse” She saw herself again, looking at the ruins of a civilization. Crying tears of regret and guilt. She was back now. Back in the room with Stable and Zecora. Darkness began to spread across the room, bleeding in with the wind to swirl about. “What were you cooking in that pot Zecora?” Richard asked sceptically. “This isn't a hallucination... this is magic!” Twilight's' horn started to glow as she tried to fight it back, but the darkness continued unabated. “I can't stop it!” “Er, Hey! Monster thing! I really like your riddles! Yea, I'm a writer myself and I can recognize talent when I see it...” Stable tried to talk to the thing. “I know who you are.” the voice continued as the darkness swallowed the walls and ceiling, blotting out almost all light from the room. “But your not leaving here alive. Not without an answer. I don't have all day, i have bigger plans...” “Pickles!” Stable yelled as Twilight tried to think. “Kumquat! Oatmeal... Uh... ” The three ponies had to lean together now in order to stay away from the encroaching oblivion. “Light, honey, gold, darkness...” Twilight tried to think, recounting some words of the riddle. Time was ticking. She had to do something. The light was running out now. She wished she just had more time. Suddenly, She knew. “A candle.” The Darkness stopped. The small patch of light they where on slowly began to expand, like a growing fire. “You... You couldn’t have guessed...” the thing seemed... scared, almost hurt. “...Another day then.” And suddenly, it was gone. “Wow...” Stable started. “How did you know...” “A candle lets you read at night.” Twilight explained, running the riddle back through her mind. “A hero of light... and as it melts it leaves drops of white wax. The golden might is the light and fire it gives off. The millions gone refers to the words on the page, and the honeyed fuse refers to the fact that candles are usually made of beeswax.” “I would never have gotten that.” Stable said. “It's almost like that riddle was made for you.” “... yea...” Twilight said with insecurity. “... I cannot help you, I apologize.” Zecora stated. “If I do, it might mean my own demise.” “I understand.” Twilight said. “So long as your not part of the investigation, it won't...” Suddenly Twilight's eyes went wide. “Oh no... The others!” She sprinted out of the house. “All of my friends are in danger! We have to warn them!” “I should be out there.” Clopson said with anxiety. The others had left to go back to the palace, leaving him alone with Dash. “Everypony knows you an awesome pony Clopson.” Dash responded. “It's just... you know, you might not be thinking strait. I'm angry just thinking about it.” “I'm fine.” Clopson said. He sighed and stopped at sugar cube corner. “Sherlock shouldn’t be out there on his own.” Dash couldn’t find a proper response to that. But she changed the subject “Hey, I've been meaning to talk to you about... you know, what I said to you in Joes Donut shop...” “...I understand.” Clopson said. “No, just... lets sit down okay?” Dash asked. Clopson agreed and they found themselves a grassy clearing just off the road. “Can I start?” Clopson asked. “I have a few things to say too.” Dash nodded. “I know what your going to tell me.” He started. “And I want you to know that I'm okay with it. I saw all the signs and I realize that I should have moved slower, or asked first. I can move on. You don't have to explain anything or defend yourself, I understand that your just not into...” “Clopson?” “Wait, I'm not fin...” Her eyelids lowered, and her head seemed to grow larger and turn to the side as her lips quickly touched his. He was frozen solid for an amount of time that he could not discern. She broke off the embrace and looked into his eyes, just a few centimeters away. When her lips moved once more, she said the most beautifully crafted words that a mare had ever said to a colt, “I want to be more then friends.” Part 1 Chapter 3-"Dead Code"“And then I ran to find Pinkie.” Twilight continued. “She said she would be at the library with another detective that liked punch or something. And she was the closest one.” “Well, now that your back...” Sherlock said to Pinkie Pie, who had just entered the room with Applejack. “How about you tell the story.” “... Do... Do I have to?” “It would be best.” he said, either ignoring, or not realizing that the subject was making her uncomfortable. “W, well... okay... Well, I just got back to Sugar cube corner...” “How's the numbers thing working out?” Pinkie Pie asked as she entered the Library and trotted towards Abigail Horscuito. The mare was white with a black mane and a cutie mark of a spiders web. On another desk was a large globe with pins in it, which immediately took Pinkies attention. “I've tried everything!” Abby said, using magic to write down three or four codes at once all around her. Her eyes frantically searched the letters and numbers. “I thought it was just a simple number to letter code, but it's all gibberish. Even the higher level sequences...” “Anything I can do?” Pinkie asked excitedly, spinning the globe on it's axis very quickly. “Well, I've tried everything I can. This code needs a key. And I can't make any progress until we find one.” She frowned and sat down. “Well, I was going to make you a cake, but then I heard you like Punch better,” Pinkie turned and placed a very large beverage on the table. “I made it CAKE flavor.” “...Does it have refined Sugar.” Pinkie shook her head. “... is there caffeine?” “LOTS of caffeine!” “Thanks!” Abby took it graciously and took a sip. “I'm beginning to like you” Pinkie smiled. Abby continued, “ ... well, maybe I just need another pair of eyes. You take a look.” Pinkie peeped down at the original paper, Red Dot- 23-9 28-10 13-6-27-10 6 21-23-20-7-17-10-18 24-25-6-30 6-25 13-20-18-10 18-20-20-23-14-6-23-25-30 5 “Any thoughts?” Abby asked. “Through the powers of my Pinkie deduction skills” Pinkie said with a hoof on her head. “Those are definitely, unarguably, 100% genuine numbers.” Abby sighed. “Well, thanks for your input...” she stopped. Gasped and kissed Pinkie on the cheek. “Huh...” Pinkie flinched. Abby spent a brief moment with her quills before jumping up and down ecstatic. “Deduction! You're Brilliant! The number at the bottom isn't part of the code, it's the key! Translate the numbers to letters and you get nothing. But if you 'deduct' five from every number, and THEN convert them into letters...” she showed the new text, no longer gobbledygook, Red Dot- “RD we have a problem stay at home Mooriarty” “Wowza.” Pinkie commented. “That was very clever.” a dark voice began. “Who's that?” Pinkie turned. There was nothing there. “Mooriarty came up with that code... it's no wonder you got through it so quickly. He can be so thick at times...” the voice now came with a wind swirling about the inside of the tree. “But he did open a few doors for me...” “You work with Mooriarty!” Pinkie went down into a battle stance as Abby continued to look for the source of the voice. “That means you've been helping him hurt ponies!” “On the contrary.” The voice began as the darkness started to seep in through the walls. “He's the one helping me..” Pinkie felt a powerful entity force it's way into her mind. She gasped for a moment, and then she heard the voice speak to her... “The light in the dark and the wanderer off mark,” She remembered the day she met Twilight, and the scary trees. She remembered as she laughed at them and made them disappear. “What songs you sing, what dreams you bring.” The songs. She remembered them. Every day. She began to think of another one, and another dream. She thought of the faces of all her friends with her, with her in this darkness she was in now... “But you hop around in circles, and you cannot leave.” They were gone. She panicked and looked around. She couldn't see Abby anywhere. No Twilight, no Dash, nopony. “For every pony is a party of one.” She panicked. She ducked down and covered her head. Where where they? Why were they gone? Why couldn't she see anything? She screamed out but there was no reply. She felt so cold. So alone. So dark. She tried to look up, but there where no stars in this darkness. No stars, No sun, No... And then it came to her. “A planet?” She said. Abby was beside her now and the darkness began to recede. Pinkie was out of breath, but suddenly felt so much warmer. “You ponies have such a way with riddles.” The dark voice continued as the darkness slunk back into the walls wince they came. “But you all can't be so lucky. I'll see how strong your kind is soon enough.” Just as the voice stopped and the darkness left, the door slammed open and two Ponys charged in. “Pinkie!” Twilight led Stable into the library. “Are you okay?” “We were just attacked.” Abby answered from the shell shocked Pinkie. “And you are?” Stable asked. “Abbigail Horscuito, Forensic annalist. And you?” She responded. “Richard Stable, Uh... Crime Novelist...” Stable admitted. “Have you seen a big... dark... thing recently?” “YES” Pinkie replied. “It was just here! And it was like, 'I'm in your head' and I was like 'Nooo' and it was like 'Yes! Now I will tell you a riddle' and then I was like, 'who turned out the lights, it's really dark' and then it got real scary, and... and...” she began to stumble over her words and slow her speech. “She answered the riddle and it left.” Abby continued. “But I never would have guessed the answer, and it seemed like Pinkie here had a powerful reaction to the words...” Twilight nodded “This thing is very powerful. It can force it's way into your mind, with ease. But for some reason it doesn’t just take you over... it has a limit. ” Twilight thought aloud. “So long as we answer it's riddle, it cant harm us. We need to find the others fast!” “But Rarity is all the way in Manehatten, Dash and Applejack are still looking for clues at the crime scenes, and Fluttershy is up on that Mountain remember?” Pinkie said. “They're all too far away...” “Then we need to find out where it will strike next...” Twilight said. “... It said to me that it didn't have all day. It has a schedule to keep. Did it say anything to you?” Pinkie paused. “Well, it said that it would see how strong our kind really is.” “Our kind?” Twilight asked. “So it's not a pony... Strong...” Twilights eyes went wide. “We saw it in the forest, then it went to ponyville... It's not going to Manehattan or The Dragons mountain. It's going to Canterlot!” She looked out the window, at the castle far away. “It's going for Celestia!” “I thought you were with Clopson.” said the bone marked pony to Applejack as she entered. “We jus' got back, an Dash said she could handle it, but ah don't think Clopson's the murdern type, so it ain't much use keeping an eye on him. Better if we keep our minds on findin out who did this.” She said. “Pinkies tellin her story in there, You found anythin Ms, er...?” “You can just call me Bones.” She said. “And yes, I found something strange... um,” Bones looked at Applejack. “Your uh... your not squeamish are you?” “Not in the least Bones.” Applejack responded. “Not many ponies are used to seeing sights like this, so I have to be sure.” Bones said, getting back to work examining the corpse. “I've certainly seen my fair share of sights.” Applejack said. “Well, here's the weird thing...” the bones were arranged into a body like shape. Some were broken, some were missing, but all of it was charred black “First, I can't see any injury that would have kept her from just walking out of the house. Also, You see this...” she pointed at the rib. “It's broken.” “...Yea, seams pretty broke...” Applejack responded quizzically. “Well, this one has a mark on it, see...” she pointed to it. It was a curved indentation knocked into the bone. “Well shoot, looks like Big Macintoshes rib after he busted it.” Applejack said. “Ah got to see the the fancy X rated pictures of Big Mac after he came back form the hospital.” “... X Ray pictures?” “Yea, what I say?” “...” Bones continued without another remark, “How did he brake... or, 'bust'...” “Oh, He was just horsing around with the family, you know, wrastling with one of the cousins, an one of em bucked em a little too hard. Got em right in the gut. Had to keep a bandage on for a whole month...” “Wait...” Bones looked at the mark again. “You mean this injury came from a hoof...” “Well, I ain't no expert...” Applejack continued. “That means...” Bones was putting the pieces together. “What?” Appleajck asked. Bones blinked in astonishment, and pointed to where the rib was. “What does that broken rib have behind it.” “Er, ah reckon...” Applejack stopped with widened eyes. “She couldn’t walk out...” Applejack said slowly. “Cause someone kicked her rib into her heart.” “And then?” Sherlock asked Pinkie. “Well...” Pinkie continued. “I think I can explain better from there.” Celestia cut in. “By the time they reached the palace, It had already broken through...” The lawn was littered with guards nursing their injuries when Twilight and her gang arrived. They ran through the open doors to find Celestia herself, starring down a dark figure made of shadows, and next to the figure was Mooriarty. He looked back at the newcomers with a smile. “Celestia!” Twilight shouted. “Get back.” Celestia said, without averting her eyes for a second. “But Princess...” “Gather the Elements of Harmony.” She said. “Get your friends and get back here as quickly as possible.” “But...” “Now.” Celestia horn began to glow. “I'll hold her off until you arrive.” “You don't have to tell me twice.” Stable commented. “Come on, Celestia can handle herself, we need to get out of here.” “We will come back! I promise!” Twilight shouted. “Go!” Celestia yelled. A bright light began to shine and Twilight and her party rushed out of the entrance just as the heavy doors slammed shut. “Celestia!” Twilight screamed. “We need to go!” Pinkie said sorrowfully. “The faster we can get everyone here, the faster we can help her.” Twilight wiped away a single tear and nodded. “Split up. Pinkie and Abby, go get Rarity, Stable and I will find Dash and Applejack. Then Dash can go get Fluttershy.” “Got it!” said Pinkie with a salute.
Part 1, Chapter 1-"3rd Degree"He had lived this before. I dodge a streak of scarlet and gallop hard through the dead mans land. Another , too quick to contemplate, strikes the stallion next to me. He hollers and falls, but I quickly take him up by the collar and drag him by my teeth back behind our lines. “You’re going to make it…” He knew what was going to happen. “It’s bad.” The wounded stallion grunts. I haul him quickly into the field hospital. “I know it’s bad…” he mumbles.. “It that Sargent Doo?” My eyes meet with the speaker, a sand colored unicorn mare with a small red dot on her flank. “Get… get this letter to my wife and daughter…“ Doo starts. “It’s not that bad.” I interrupt him, ripping the torn armor from his flesh and patching up the wound. “Just stay calm.” “They’re pushing back!” Red dot yells, looking outside the cloth flap door. She takes a stance and fires a few bolts of red and white lighting from her horn before quickly taking cover as a hail of flames collides with the side of makeshift building. The explosion nearly blinds me, but I am able to look back after the initial inferno. Red Dot is a mess, and hit badly. Behind her is a swath of red flames, sand and lighting bolts. “Run!” She screams. I can't move. Her silhouette shows signs of weakness and injury. But no matter how hot the flames, I still stand their frozen in shock. “Clopson! Run! Get out of here!” I blinked, once, and the sand colored mare is suddenly a light blue pegasus with a rainbow mane. Her eyes stare deep into mine with that same fear and she yells again, “Run!” Clopson awoke in a sweat, he blinked once or twice and the mare in his dreams vanished… but the fires remained. He found it hard to breath and coughed once, falling to the floor from his bed. He set his eyes up towards an open door with nothing beyond but flames and debris. He quickly sought out a window, and after judging the distance, jumped out and landed, hard, two stories below. He gasped for air and heaved as he got to his hooves, wildly looking around. Where was he? What had happened? Where was Red Dot? He suddenly remembered. He had left Sherlock and stayed with his old friend for the night… where was she? In horror he turned his head back to the modest shack of a house…which had now turned into a blazing inferno. Was she still in there? He looked for an entrance but could not bring himself any closer then a few yards to the building. The heat was so intense… He tried to scream for help but found that his throat was raw and his lungs where still too weak. He franticly looked about, trying to find any evidence of her escape… And there, in the dark, he saw a shadow sprinting into a nearby thicket of trees. “Red Dot!” He tried to yell, but only managed to rasp. He coughed and fell to the ground, weak and hurt. He tried to calm himself as he looked into the fires… he hoped that she was still okay. Deduction is Magic- The Final Chapter- Part 1, Murder “You must be pleased.” Clopson said to Sherlock as he approached the scene. Emergency teams where finishing off the last of the fires in the smoking remnants of the lonely hovel. Clopson was laying down with a blanket about his body inside a medical tent. “Finally have a murder to solve.” Sherlock seamed his usual self except for one trait. His eyes were a brilliant shade of blue, and were nearly luminescent. “…No. No I’m not.” Sherlock spoke in a monotone. “And we don’t know anything yet. She could still be alive, and even if she isn’t, there is no indication of malicious intent just yet. We also couldn’t find any hoof prints other then yours and hers, we can;t find any trace of the pony you saw fleeing the scene” “…so I’m still a suspect aren’t I?” Clopson asked. “…As a formality, yes.” Sherlock said sadly. He showed an uncharacteristic empathy for his old friend. “Would you mind answering a few questions…” “Of course.” Clopson nodded. “What was… or is… your relationship with Miss Red Dot.” He asked. “Before I was sent back from Afganistalion, I was assigned to her platoon. She was a sniper, and I was a field medic, but we took a liking to each other very quickly. It was not long before we were in a relationship. However, after my injury, I was sent back and we broke it off. I had heard she had moved nearby recently and decided to pay her a visit… we are just friends.” Clopson explained. “Good friends. ” “Sherlock!” both ponies turned to see Lestrot motioning in his direction. “Excuse me.” Hooves left Clopson for a minute, only to return with a very grim look to his face. “… you found her?” Clospon asked. “Maybe.” Sherlock responded “We still can’t identify the body”. Clopson closed his eyes and a deep breath. “do you… want to take a look?” “Not really no.” Clopson replied. He was not quite ready to see the body of a deceased friend. “You may not have a choice.” Both Ponies turned to see a new face on the scene. An earth pony with remarkably similar features to Sherlock, but perhaps a little taller. He stretched out a hoof to shake. “Mycolt.” Sherlock rolled his eyes. “What are you doing here? Are Celestias intelligence agencies really interested in a case like this…” Mycolt brought his forehoof back sourly. “Celestia and others.” Mycolt responded. “I’m sorry, but who is…” Clopson started. “My brother” Hooves responded with a wave. “But we don’t yet have any evidence. Everything was burned. How would any world power have interest in…” “We have a source that says she was a contact for Mooriatry.” Clopson saw Sherlock fail to hide a look of surprise and excitement from this fact. “She wouldn’t fall into that crowd.” Clopson defended his friend. “We found something!” A pony said in the ashes. He came running towards the detectives. “Letters, they were hidden in the fridge so they didn’t burn.” Sherlock quickly snatched the think yellowed parchment and laid them down on a flat surface… Red Dot- 23-9 28-10 13-6-27-10 6 21-23-20-7-17-10-18 24-25-6-30 6-25 13-20-18-10 18-20-20-23-14-6-23-25-30 5 “…just numbers.” He said after a moment of study. “Most likely a code.” “there's another.” said the pony and he showed the next letter, it made more sense, but only barely, A light upon a string A door upon the floor The pens mighty sword The horse that won the war “A riddle.” Sherlock commented. “Most interesting.” “We need both of you to come to Canterlot at once.” Mycolt continued. “This is bigger then just a single murder. There’s a whole crime syndicate that is trying to off any loose ends they have. Celestia needs you at once.” “And what If I say no?” Sherlock continued. “Then I will take you by force.” Mycolt continued. “I have a carriage waiting for both of you. All evidence found here will be sent to our labs for analyses.” “Secret Codes, Riddles, Murder, Conspiracy…” Clopson shook his head and got to his hooves. “Sherlock, do try to contain yourself.” The door they entered through had a wrought iron door knocker in the shape of a bull with a ring in it's nose. After knocking three times, the door was opened for Clopson and Sherlock, and they walked inside. The room was circular, with a round table in the middle. Upon the table were papers and files surrounding a statue of the princess herself, and on the walls where murals of heroes long gone, Starswirl the bearded, Commander Hurricane, Princess platinum, Chancellor Puddinghead, and many others from the general time period. At the table was Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and the rest of the gang waiting for them. Clopson didn't see any guards, but he did see some new faces. He tried and failed to avoid eye contact with Rainbow Dash when he entered the circular room. He quickly looked away as he approached a round table that held many a pony he did not recognize. “Clopson!” Clopson was tackled by a puff of fluffy pink hair that he recognized all too well. “Oh my gosh are you okay? I heard there was a fire and your friend might be hurt! Well, it might not be your friend but we know it was someone in the fire and this never happens in Ponyville…” “I’m good Pinkie Pie.” Clopson stopped her and got back to his hooves. “We’re all very sorry for your loss… and we hope Red Dot is okay.” Twilight added form her seat. “And that’s our first mystery.” Celestia said. “We have forensic experts on the case right now, however, Clopson…” she turned to the colt. “You will have to help identify the body. We don’t know anyone else who knew her…” “…That’s alright.” Clopson said numbly. “I’ve seen my share of bodies. Is it here already?” “Yes. Just in the other room. I will explain the situation with Sherlock while you’re gone…” “You mean you’ll explain the case against me?” Clopson asked. He knew the ins and outs of these investigations. “You are a suspect.” Celestia said mater of factly. “Please don’t take it personally…” “Just say it outright next time.” Clopson asked as he left the room and entered a chamber that smelled of vinegar, alcohol, metal, and other embalming fluids. “Hey there, you must be the friend.” There was one other pony in the room, excepting of course the charred remains that Clopson tried not to look at just yet. The pony was yellow, had a long brown mane and a cutie mark with the shape of some bones. “Yes… but I can’t really recognize anything…” Clopson said, looking at what appeared to be ash and bone arranged in a pony like shape. “My specialty is bones.” She said “Funny story about how I got that cutie mark, but I'll save it for another time. I have a picture of what the pony would have looked like, based off of her skull shape.” She rolled her eyes in annoyance. “However, the skeleton is incomplete. The detectives on the scene couldn’t find one of the vertebra…” “No, 23 are right.” Clopson chimed in. “Arabic equines only have 23 vertebra as apposed to the usual 24.” “Oh… I should have known that.” The other pony said in anger. “No, they don’t teach it commonly. I only know because I had to patch up my share of wounds in that area.” Clopson explained. “Anyway… it seams that I don’t even need to see the picture.” He looked down at the remains in silence. “I’m sorry for your loss.” The pony tried to comfort him. “I should get back.” Clopson said. “Thank you.” “I’ll tell you if anything else comes up. So far as I can tell, the fire killed her. But I haven’t done a full autopsy.” Clopson nodded and walked back to the original door. “So, we have already started the investigation…” Celestia stopped herself as Clopson reentered the room. “… it was her. If you all were wondering.” “Unfortunately, that means she most likely had ties to Mooriarty.” Celestia said, “Now, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash, you you should stay with Clopson after you walk him out.” “Yes mam.” Applejack answered as the others nodded. “I can help.” Clopson said. “No.” Celestia said. “You lost someone close to you. I’m sure the funeral will be held shortly, and I wont let you miss it.” Clopson hadn’t thought of that. Though he was still sure that it was just an excuse to keep him out of the investigation. “... so I suppose they will also be tailing me? Clopson asked. “Of course.” Dash said. Clopson was surprised by the response. “You need to be with friends after what you've been through.” “Really?” Clopson asked, halfway skeptical, halfway touched. “Yep,” Pinkie said. “Can’t let you be all alone can we?” “Wow... Thanks.” Clopson smiled. He hesitated, looked around the table, and gave in with a sigh. He walked out of the room with the three ponies behind him. “Shall we get started?” Celestia started. “First,” Sherlock asked, rudely putting his back hoofs on the table. “You tell me what has terrified you so immensely.” “Excuse me?” Celestia asked as she raised her eyebrows. “You are all terrified.” Sherlock said again. “You are playing this very close to your chest with only a select few ponies you trust. Not to mention all of your guards are off duty, which means you suspect treachery.” She sighed. The room remained silent for a moment. “You are more observant then usual.” “I've been trying something new.” he said with another smile, his eyes still a neon blue. “There has been an attempt on our lives.” Celestia continued. “All of us. Individually.” “Same assassin?” Sherlock asked. “Yes. And they knew where to find everyone.” She said with her eyes drooped down in shame. “I put them all at risk.” “We knew the dangers!” Twilight interrupted. “And besides, we got out okay...” “No. I told you all to look for leads, and I left you all alone.” She said. “Did you all find anything?” Sherlock asked. The silence was deafening. “I, I guess I'll start.” Twilight said. She cleared her throat. “After the elements of harmony were recovered, we were tasked to find Mooriarty with the help of Equestria's greatest detectives, as well as the royal guard. I was supposed to find out the origins of these letters... the ones you found at Red Dots home were not the first, in fact, we had already found the letter you found in particular.. but i'll get to that... I was tasked with finding the origins of the letters...”
Part 1 Chapter 2-"Loathsome Letters"“The murders had been occurring for some time, but it was not until recently that we found a pattern. At every scene there was code and a riddle written on a strange yellowed parchment. However, I was stumped as to where to go from there. I tried to find another pattern for hours, but I couldn't think of anything. I knew the letters were written strangely as well, so I asked the princess if she had an expert writer or detective on the subject. She said she knew just the Colt!...” “So, your the Princess' star pupil.” Said the colt. He had a brown mane and a strong frame. There was a pen with red ink on his flank. “Oh My Gosh!” Twilight's eyes went wide when she saw the door open and he trotted in. “Y-Y-Your...” “Richard Stable, at your service.” Twilight had to resist the urge to tackle the colt. “I've read all your books! The Filly Heat ones are my favorite... But, why are you here? I thought you were in...” “Detective Buckit can survive a few hours without me.” he said with a smile. “But it better not be any longer or she just might try to replace me. Now, what can I do you for.” She held out a pen a paper with her mouth. “My Pleasure.” he signed it. Twilight couldn't contain herself as she hugged the piece of script. “... Oh, right...” she shook her head. “There's... um...” she turned back to her work and lifted a few pieces of paper. “I needed you to look at this. There have been a string of murders all across Equestria, all of them died with these notes in their possession. It has a code, and a riddle. I think these is something strange about the note, and the words themselves...” “Let me see...” Stable took a look at the parchment. A light upon a string A door upon the floor The pens mighty sword The horse that won the war “Well.” Stable started. “Yes?” “They're words alright.” Twilight frowned and her brow turned inwards. “This is the only one I found that wasn't sent yet.” she said. “I was able to get it from the mailmare during my search. We need to find out who it's for.” “Well, the paper I recognize.” he said pointing at the yellowed ends. “Yes?” Twilight asked. “Zecora uses it.” he said. Twilight blinked. “You know Zecora?” “Of course! She publishes poems and stories in the Equestrian Enquirer. We've been pen pals for a while and only she sometimes uses this kind of paper.” he said. “Lets go on a field trip.” In the Present, The funeral was small. Clopson recognized almost every pony there as a fellow veteran. No other relatives arrived, no children, siblings, or parents. Once the small group of mourners gathered, an elderly pony with a golden cross on his flank walked up to the grave and gave rights to the deceased, who's casket was carried slowly by four black colts. Once the coffin was lowered into the ground, the priestly pony asked if anyone wished to speak. At first there was silence. Clopson was afraid. Afraid that he was the only one who even remembered the fierce mare. He cleared his throat and started, “She saved my life, on many occasions. Red Dot was a fighter. It was her talent. She told me that she got her cutie mark when she threw a ball smack dab between her brothers eyes... popped the ball, made him cry his eyes out.” Clospon giggled. “Since then she honed her skills. Aiming her spells and throwing things. But she only truly knew her calling when the war started.” His jovial attitude diminished. “She told me when I spoke to her yesterday that she wished she had died in the war. She said...” he paused, but then summoned up the courage. “That she would rather burn up then to fade away.” “Just like her.” grumbled an old veteran. “Cotton pickin pony once got me an Bruiser over their into an ambush. Didn't blink an eye. She took em all out before we could find out where the shots came from.” there were some other murmurs, and from this, the mourners began to take turns telling stories. Talking about the mare as if they were reliving her life again. It continued until they had all said their piece. “I just can't believe she's gone... after all that.” spoke one of the vets. “Would any pony else wish to speak?” asked the priestly pony. “When, um...” every pony turned to Pinkie pie. She had been silent through the whole proceeding. She spoke slowly, and hoarsely. “When my granny pie was alive, she would always talk to me when ever I was sad or scared, she always knew how to cheer me up. Well, one day, she got sick...” Pinkie smiled, “She said she didn't want to make anybody sad. So she said if anything happened to her...” her eyes began to glaze over a like dew collecting on a flower, “She said she wanted a party. She didn't want people to feel sad, she wanted them to celebrate. Because she had a good life. And she had friends who loved her a whole lot.” she smiled, blinked, and tears began to trickle down. “And... well... you all really look like you liked Red Dot a lot and... and..” “Red Dot couldn't have said it better.” Clopson helped her out and put a hoof around her. “Er, sugar cube?” Applejack spoke. Clopson turned to her and realized that she was looking at Dash, who's face was red and covered in tears. “Are you okay?” “I'm Fine!” Dash shouted back. “I... I mean... I'm sorry.” she said quietly. “You got something you want to say Rainbow?” Applejack asked with with a caring smile. “... She... She sounds like she was good friend.” Dash managed to say. “And... and... she didn't deserve this.” she shook her head. “Not at all. I just...” The look in her eyes said in all. She felt more anger then anything. “We'll find who did this.” Clopson said. Dash turned and looked him in the eye. “Don't you worry.” Dash paused, then gave him a confidant nod and a smile. “You need anything, we're all on your side.” Clopson heard once of the veterans say. The others agreed unanimously. Clopson smiled and nodded. As Twilight and Richard Stable entered the house, Zecora saw and welcomed them in. She was busy at work with a steaming potion in a cauldron. “Richard stable is that you? And Twilight, do you have business too?” “Actually,” Richard started, “I really wanted to ask you when you were going to release the next part of your story... ” Twilight looked at Stable with slight annoyance. “Uh, and we have a mystery to solve.” Stable told Zecora. He gave her the parchment with the riddle. “Can you shed any light on where this came from? It might save a few lives.” She paused to read for just a moment. “I know this Script, I've seen it before. It comes from lands far from these shores. The answer to the riddle though, I may know...” But before she could finish, a great wind began to blow inside Zecoras home. “That's not how the game is played.” Twilight looked around in a panic. The voice was like an dark, deep echo in her mind, blowing in like the wind. “You tell them nothing... This is not your riddle... But I'll give you all another...” The voice was female, and old. It was dry and raspy, like a voice from a thirty throat. She spoke again in an archaic ascent... “ A hero of light , with tears of white,” Twilight saw a memory flash in her mind. She was fighting Nightmare moon again, her friends were all around her, she floated into the air and her eyes began to glow with a bright white light, with rays shining out like tears... “Surrounded and penetrated by golden might” She saw herself again now, in the future, older, stronger, with more powerful magic. All around her was gold and riches and symbols of power. “Millions gone, a life in darkness.” Chaos. Destruction. Horrors that made her try to shut her eyes and run, but there was nowhere to run in her own mind. “After the final moments on a honeyed fuse” She saw herself again, looking at the ruins of a civilization. Crying tears of regret and guilt. She was back now. Back in the room with Stable and Zecora. Darkness began to spread across the room, bleeding in with the wind to swirl about. “What were you cooking in that pot Zecora?” Richard asked sceptically. “This isn't a hallucination... this is magic!” Twilight's' horn started to glow as she tried to fight it back, but the darkness continued unabated. “I can't stop it!” “Er, Hey! Monster thing! I really like your riddles! Yea, I'm a writer myself and I can recognize talent when I see it...” Stable tried to talk to the thing. “I know who you are.” the voice continued as the darkness swallowed the walls and ceiling, blotting out almost all light from the room. “But your not leaving here alive. Not without an answer. I don't have all day, i have bigger plans...” “Pickles!” Stable yelled as Twilight tried to think. “Kumquat! Oatmeal... Uh... ” The three ponies had to lean together now in order to stay away from the encroaching oblivion. “Light, honey, gold, darkness...” Twilight tried to think, recounting some words of the riddle. Time was ticking. She had to do something. The light was running out now. She wished she just had more time. Suddenly, She knew. “A candle.” The Darkness stopped. The small patch of light they where on slowly began to expand, like a growing fire. “You... You couldn’t have guessed...” the thing seemed... scared, almost hurt. “...Another day then.” And suddenly, it was gone. “Wow...” Stable started. “How did you know...” “A candle lets you read at night.” Twilight explained, running the riddle back through her mind. “A hero of light... and as it melts it leaves drops of white wax. The golden might is the light and fire it gives off. The millions gone refers to the words on the page, and the honeyed fuse refers to the fact that candles are usually made of beeswax.” “I would never have gotten that.” Stable said. “It's almost like that riddle was made for you.” “... yea...” Twilight said with insecurity. “... I cannot help you, I apologize.” Zecora stated. “If I do, it might mean my own demise.” “I understand.” Twilight said. “So long as your not part of the investigation, it won't...” Suddenly Twilight's eyes went wide. “Oh no... The others!” She sprinted out of the house. “All of my friends are in danger! We have to warn them!” “I should be out there.” Clopson said with anxiety. The others had left to go back to the palace, leaving him alone with Dash. “Everypony knows you an awesome pony Clopson.” Dash responded. “It's just... you know, you might not be thinking strait. I'm angry just thinking about it.” “I'm fine.” Clopson said. He sighed and stopped at sugar cube corner. “Sherlock shouldn’t be out there on his own.” Dash couldn’t find a proper response to that. But she changed the subject “Hey, I've been meaning to talk to you about... you know, what I said to you in Joes Donut shop...” “...I understand.” Clopson said. “No, just... lets sit down okay?” Dash asked. Clopson agreed and they found themselves a grassy clearing just off the road. “Can I start?” Clopson asked. “I have a few things to say too.” Dash nodded. “I know what your going to tell me.” He started. “And I want you to know that I'm okay with it. I saw all the signs and I realize that I should have moved slower, or asked first. I can move on. You don't have to explain anything or defend yourself, I understand that your just not into...” “Clopson?” “Wait, I'm not fin...” Her eyelids lowered, and her head seemed to grow larger and turn to the side as her lips quickly touched his. He was frozen solid for an amount of time that he could not discern. She broke off the embrace and looked into his eyes, just a few centimeters away. When her lips moved once more, she said the most beautifully crafted words that a mare had ever said to a colt, “I want to be more then friends.”
Part 1 Chapter 3-"Dead Code"“And then I ran to find Pinkie.” Twilight continued. “She said she would be at the library with another detective that liked punch or something. And she was the closest one.” “Well, now that your back...” Sherlock said to Pinkie Pie, who had just entered the room with Applejack. “How about you tell the story.” “... Do... Do I have to?” “It would be best.” he said, either ignoring, or not realizing that the subject was making her uncomfortable. “W, well... okay... Well, I just got back to Sugar cube corner...” “How's the numbers thing working out?” Pinkie Pie asked as she entered the Library and trotted towards Abigail Horscuito. The mare was white with a black mane and a cutie mark of a spiders web. On another desk was a large globe with pins in it, which immediately took Pinkies attention. “I've tried everything!” Abby said, using magic to write down three or four codes at once all around her. Her eyes frantically searched the letters and numbers. “I thought it was just a simple number to letter code, but it's all gibberish. Even the higher level sequences...” “Anything I can do?” Pinkie asked excitedly, spinning the globe on it's axis very quickly. “Well, I've tried everything I can. This code needs a key. And I can't make any progress until we find one.” She frowned and sat down. “Well, I was going to make you a cake, but then I heard you like Punch better,” Pinkie turned and placed a very large beverage on the table. “I made it CAKE flavor.” “...Does it have refined Sugar.” Pinkie shook her head. “... is there caffeine?” “LOTS of caffeine!” “Thanks!” Abby took it graciously and took a sip. “I'm beginning to like you” Pinkie smiled. Abby continued, “ ... well, maybe I just need another pair of eyes. You take a look.” Pinkie peeped down at the original paper, Red Dot- 23-9 28-10 13-6-27-10 6 21-23-20-7-17-10-18 24-25-6-30 6-25 13-20-18-10 18-20-20-23-14-6-23-25-30 5 “Any thoughts?” Abby asked. “Through the powers of my Pinkie deduction skills” Pinkie said with a hoof on her head. “Those are definitely, unarguably, 100% genuine numbers.” Abby sighed. “Well, thanks for your input...” she stopped. Gasped and kissed Pinkie on the cheek. “Huh...” Pinkie flinched. Abby spent a brief moment with her quills before jumping up and down ecstatic. “Deduction! You're Brilliant! The number at the bottom isn't part of the code, it's the key! Translate the numbers to letters and you get nothing. But if you 'deduct' five from every number, and THEN convert them into letters...” she showed the new text, no longer gobbledygook, Red Dot- “RD we have a problem stay at home Mooriarty” “Wowza.” Pinkie commented. “That was very clever.” a dark voice began. “Who's that?” Pinkie turned. There was nothing there. “Mooriarty came up with that code... it's no wonder you got through it so quickly. He can be so thick at times...” the voice now came with a wind swirling about the inside of the tree. “But he did open a few doors for me...” “You work with Mooriarty!” Pinkie went down into a battle stance as Abby continued to look for the source of the voice. “That means you've been helping him hurt ponies!” “On the contrary.” The voice began as the darkness started to seep in through the walls. “He's the one helping me..” Pinkie felt a powerful entity force it's way into her mind. She gasped for a moment, and then she heard the voice speak to her... “The light in the dark and the wanderer off mark,” She remembered the day she met Twilight, and the scary trees. She remembered as she laughed at them and made them disappear. “What songs you sing, what dreams you bring.” The songs. She remembered them. Every day. She began to think of another one, and another dream. She thought of the faces of all her friends with her, with her in this darkness she was in now... “But you hop around in circles, and you cannot leave.” They were gone. She panicked and looked around. She couldn't see Abby anywhere. No Twilight, no Dash, nopony. “For every pony is a party of one.” She panicked. She ducked down and covered her head. Where where they? Why were they gone? Why couldn't she see anything? She screamed out but there was no reply. She felt so cold. So alone. So dark. She tried to look up, but there where no stars in this darkness. No stars, No sun, No... And then it came to her. “A planet?” She said. Abby was beside her now and the darkness began to recede. Pinkie was out of breath, but suddenly felt so much warmer. “You ponies have such a way with riddles.” The dark voice continued as the darkness slunk back into the walls wince they came. “But you all can't be so lucky. I'll see how strong your kind is soon enough.” Just as the voice stopped and the darkness left, the door slammed open and two Ponys charged in. “Pinkie!” Twilight led Stable into the library. “Are you okay?” “We were just attacked.” Abby answered from the shell shocked Pinkie. “And you are?” Stable asked. “Abbigail Horscuito, Forensic annalist. And you?” She responded. “Richard Stable, Uh... Crime Novelist...” Stable admitted. “Have you seen a big... dark... thing recently?” “YES” Pinkie replied. “It was just here! And it was like, 'I'm in your head' and I was like 'Nooo' and it was like 'Yes! Now I will tell you a riddle' and then I was like, 'who turned out the lights, it's really dark' and then it got real scary, and... and...” she began to stumble over her words and slow her speech. “She answered the riddle and it left.” Abby continued. “But I never would have guessed the answer, and it seemed like Pinkie here had a powerful reaction to the words...” Twilight nodded “This thing is very powerful. It can force it's way into your mind, with ease. But for some reason it doesn’t just take you over... it has a limit. ” Twilight thought aloud. “So long as we answer it's riddle, it cant harm us. We need to find the others fast!” “But Rarity is all the way in Manehatten, Dash and Applejack are still looking for clues at the crime scenes, and Fluttershy is up on that Mountain remember?” Pinkie said. “They're all too far away...” “Then we need to find out where it will strike next...” Twilight said. “... It said to me that it didn't have all day. It has a schedule to keep. Did it say anything to you?” Pinkie paused. “Well, it said that it would see how strong our kind really is.” “Our kind?” Twilight asked. “So it's not a pony... Strong...” Twilights eyes went wide. “We saw it in the forest, then it went to ponyville... It's not going to Manehattan or The Dragons mountain. It's going to Canterlot!” She looked out the window, at the castle far away. “It's going for Celestia!” “I thought you were with Clopson.” said the bone marked pony to Applejack as she entered. “We jus' got back, an Dash said she could handle it, but ah don't think Clopson's the murdern type, so it ain't much use keeping an eye on him. Better if we keep our minds on findin out who did this.” She said. “Pinkies tellin her story in there, You found anythin Ms, er...?” “You can just call me Bones.” She said. “And yes, I found something strange... um,” Bones looked at Applejack. “Your uh... your not squeamish are you?” “Not in the least Bones.” Applejack responded. “Not many ponies are used to seeing sights like this, so I have to be sure.” Bones said, getting back to work examining the corpse. “I've certainly seen my fair share of sights.” Applejack said. “Well, here's the weird thing...” the bones were arranged into a body like shape. Some were broken, some were missing, but all of it was charred black “First, I can't see any injury that would have kept her from just walking out of the house. Also, You see this...” she pointed at the rib. “It's broken.” “...Yea, seams pretty broke...” Applejack responded quizzically. “Well, this one has a mark on it, see...” she pointed to it. It was a curved indentation knocked into the bone. “Well shoot, looks like Big Macintoshes rib after he busted it.” Applejack said. “Ah got to see the the fancy X rated pictures of Big Mac after he came back form the hospital.” “... X Ray pictures?” “Yea, what I say?” “...” Bones continued without another remark, “How did he brake... or, 'bust'...” “Oh, He was just horsing around with the family, you know, wrastling with one of the cousins, an one of em bucked em a little too hard. Got em right in the gut. Had to keep a bandage on for a whole month...” “Wait...” Bones looked at the mark again. “You mean this injury came from a hoof...” “Well, I ain't no expert...” Applejack continued. “That means...” Bones was putting the pieces together. “What?” Appleajck asked. Bones blinked in astonishment, and pointed to where the rib was. “What does that broken rib have behind it.” “Er, ah reckon...” Applejack stopped with widened eyes. “She couldn’t walk out...” Applejack said slowly. “Cause someone kicked her rib into her heart.” “And then?” Sherlock asked Pinkie. “Well...” Pinkie continued. “I think I can explain better from there.” Celestia cut in. “By the time they reached the palace, It had already broken through...” The lawn was littered with guards nursing their injuries when Twilight and her gang arrived. They ran through the open doors to find Celestia herself, starring down a dark figure made of shadows, and next to the figure was Mooriarty. He looked back at the newcomers with a smile. “Celestia!” Twilight shouted. “Get back.” Celestia said, without averting her eyes for a second. “But Princess...” “Gather the Elements of Harmony.” She said. “Get your friends and get back here as quickly as possible.” “But...” “Now.” Celestia horn began to glow. “I'll hold her off until you arrive.” “You don't have to tell me twice.” Stable commented. “Come on, Celestia can handle herself, we need to get out of here.” “We will come back! I promise!” Twilight shouted. “Go!” Celestia yelled. A bright light began to shine and Twilight and her party rushed out of the entrance just as the heavy doors slammed shut. “Celestia!” Twilight screamed. “We need to go!” Pinkie said sorrowfully. “The faster we can get everyone here, the faster we can help her.” Twilight wiped away a single tear and nodded. “Split up. Pinkie and Abby, go get Rarity, Stable and I will find Dash and Applejack. Then Dash can go get Fluttershy.” “Got it!” said Pinkie with a salute.
