> You stared down at the slip of paper in between your hands.
> Four months since you had made an alliance with the Elements.
> Ever since then nothing had even managed to come close to destroying the town.
> You had fought with a bunch of Diamond Dogs.
> Resolved a conflict between two waring tribes.
> Stopped a god from eating the world.
> A bunch of the usual stuff.
> With the help from the Elements it had all been substantially easier.
> You look the note over and sigh.
> Which lead you here.
Dear Anonymous...
I said I would call you in times of a crises and I'm making that offer good tonight.
Be at the train station by eleven tonight, my personal train is coming to pick you up.
I will explain once you arrive in canterlot.
With regards... Celestia.
 
> You raise an eyebrow.
> This was interesting...
> You sat down and thought about the drastic changes your life has made.
> Before you were nobody now you're 'Anon, the un-killable Ogre'
> No joke that was really what they were calling you nowadays.
> Your popularity had grown since that night.
> You were almost as known as the Elements by now.
> Which was bad.
> A new gift everyday.
> With a sigh you adjust your self on the station bench.
> You lived in a mansion now.
> You didn't want to but you were forced too.
> You remember back to that fateful day.
 
> You adjust your jacket.
> Wiping sweat off of your brow you sigh.
> Today was a long day, having to wrestle a couple of rampaging bears would make anyone exhausted.
> Ready to turn into your humble home you gave it a smi-
> What the fuck...
> A building the size of a mansion loomed over you.
> Your house never looked like this!'
> Running in you saw the Doctor popping open a new bottle of champagne.
> Everybody, construction workers included were there.
> "Ah Anonymous! Join us."
> Your eye twitched.
"How-Wha-howdidyou..."
> "Shush, shush it's time to give you a grand tour."
> This fucking guy...
> You had tried to kick him out after that.
> He did not want to leave.
> He pulled the 'money' card.
> He had claimed to put too much time and money into the place.
> and it was your house to begin with.
> He had luckily left your bedroom and the study the same.
> You had let him and his crew stay until you got your own job.
 
> With a grunt you look up at the night sky.
> Life was definitely different...
> Derpy had been acting weird around you recently.
> More... bashful.
> You would deal with it after you got back.
> Right now you were more worried about what was going on with this letter.
> The clopping of hooves caught your attention.
> Turning around your stoic face folded into a look of sadness.
> Why...
> The Elements trotted onto the platform.
> They talked solemnly among themselves, having yet to notice your presence.
> She had to get them too...
> Yeah you were willing to work with them.
> And yeah, you were on good terms now.
> But...
> "Oh Anon, what are you doing here?" Twilight asked.
> You winced.
> You didn't feel like dealing with them right now...
> Bad enough you had to skip a workout today...
> You sigh and hold up your note.
> Twilight's eyes widened.
> "You got it too?"
> Must hurt knowing your mentor trusted an alien just as much as you...
"Yup..."
> The Elements murmured among themselves for a moment before turning back to you.
> "Welp! Ah would like to welcome ya' to the crew Anon!"
> You lazily shake her hoof.
> She frowned and trotted off.
> You didn't want to be a dick to them, but you were tired.
> Which meant you were getting soft, Will had you stay up for days on end at one point.
> "Are you... alright Anonymous?" Rarity asked.
"I'm fine."
> That didn't sound very convincing.
> And they didn't look very convinced.
> They glanced at you before turning away and talking among themselves again.
> Dashes and Aj's gazes lingered, but they turned away when you did.
> After a couple minutes of waiting the sound of the trains horn honking filled the sky.
> For a discreet reason it sure was noisy as hell.
> It powered down the tracks, coming to a stop in front of the station.
> The doors swung open.
> The Elements piled in first.
> You waited until they were completely in then stepped in as well.
> They sat all around the cabin, talking to each other.
> What about?
> You don't care.
> Before they could even say anything you slide open the door and head into another cabin.
> You weren't dealing with them the entire ride.
> Stepping past the door you stood in a break-off to four different rooms.
> Stepping through the closest door on the left your plopped down on one of the beds.
> So soft....
> Within seconds you were fast asleep.
 
> You are Celestia....
> And you haven't been like this in a few years.
> The Fall Weather Formal was coming up in three days.
> And somepony threatened to assassinate every single delegate there.
> Including you and your sister...
> Not many ponies knew how to kill an Alicorn, but you never doubted something completely.
> And the threat was made good.
> Last night one of your closest maids was hospitalized.
> She was told to give you a message.
> 'I can get close.'
> You were going to need all of the help you could get.
> But first you needed a plan.
> Looking over at a portrait of the Elements you raise an eyebrow.
> No they would most likely be in danger too...
> Then you remembered something else.
> Anonymous...
> You had heard about his adventures.
> And you DID say you would most likely call upon him in a crises...
> ....
> You grab a note and began to write frantically.
 
> The smell of cotton candy filled your senses.
> Oh god no.
> "ANON!" Pinkie Pie shouted appearing in front of you.
> You didn't even flinch, just staring at her half-awake.
> "Weee're heeere~!"
> Uhg.
> Pinkie watched you intently as you dragged yourself out of your bed. Looking around the cabin you let out a yawn.
> That was surprisingly best sleep you've had in awhile...
> You kick off your sheets and get out of bed.
> Throwing your jacket back on you follow the springy mare out of the bedroom.
> She just hummed happily to herself.
> The two of you joined the other Elements out on the Canterlot platform.
> It was still late at night, you had gotten at least an hour of sleep.
> You trudge after the mares as they headed towards the castle.
 
> After what felt like hours of walking you stood in the courtyard of the castle with the others.
> The lot of you moved into the royal hall.
> After the guards ran a check on everybody they began to lead you down the hallway.
> You had to say the architecture was amazing.
> Marble pillars so high they dwarfed the buildings you had at home.
> Stained glass portraits of ponies accomplishing different things...
> You had to admit that it was admirable.
> You and the Elements were led into the throne room.
> Celestia sat at the throne and boy...
> If she had nails she would be biting them.
> She seemed to relax upon seeing you all but she was still dripping with anxiety.
> "Princess!" Twilight exclaimed galloping up and hugging her.
> Celestia wrapped a wing around Twilight and nodded to the other Elements.
> She then locked eyes with you.
> Boy she looked nervous.
> As she let go of Twilight she took a deep breath.
> "I called you all here for a reason."
> She went on to explain the crazy threat she had gotten.
> She told you about a maid who was currently in the hospital.
> She told you about the message that followed thereafter.
> The Elements seemed horrified by the things she told you guys.
> But you simply folded your arms, more and more intrigued by each passing moment.
> This wasn't the usual style...
> Despite the monsters and constant dangers in this world this was unusual.
> This wasn't something could be mended by being the bigger person.
> Or the ponies finding a friendship solution.
> No... this was a threat on someones life.
> Lives to be correct.
> This wasn't your usual MO.
> When you started with that first jog of your life.
> Those eight miles.
> You didn't expect to come out a personal call guard for Celestia...
> No... you needed to look into this.
> This was just wrong...
> Celestia gave you information about the Fall Formal.
> It was some event were a whole bunch of Delegates, royalty, and Celebrities got together for a 'formal' party.
> Gross...
> "So now down to the reason why you are here."
> " I need you..."
> She looked at the Elements first.
> Each one reeled back, caught by surprise.
> "You need to attend the formal and be on the lookout for anything suspicious."
> There was a collective cry of questions from the Elements but Celestia simply hardened her gaze.
> They shut up.
> She was acting different.
> She looked at you.
> "I need you to do some private investigating Anonymous. You'll get a pass to go anywhere in the castle."
> Neat.
> She sighed.
> "I'll answer all of your questions later, but for now we must rest. There is only a day left until the Fall Weather Formal."
> The Elements all agreed, even the brasher ones.
> You just stayed silent.
> The Elements flooded out first as per Celestia's request.
> You watched them leave.
> As soon as the door closed you turned back to her.
"You're using them as bait...."
> She stared down at the ground.
> "No, they are going to hel-"
> You didn't care that she was practically a god.
> You didn't care if she was royalty.
> You didn't care that she could probably kill you with a flick of her head dick.
"They're bait." you interrupted.
> She was caught off guard, most likely not being interrupted in years.
"And you're going to use them to draw your little psychopath out. I mean what better than getting ALL of the threats at once."
> She went silent.
> "Help me then..."
> You let out a gust of air through your nose.
> Amusing.
"I'll help, but so they're not killed."
> Grabbing something with her magic she flicked it across the room.
> You grabbed it and examined it.
> A silver slip with a large printed 'PASS' label.
> You turn around and head out of the throne room.
"I'll start now."
> You push past the doors to make a show.
> Celestia remained silent as you left.
> You had a day to figure out about the threats...
> And most of the ponies where asleep right now...
> You were going to have to use your brain for this.
> There was no punching, or slamming, or lifting your way out of this one.
> And that scared you...
> It didn't go without saying that you weren't the intellectual type before you had become...
> Well this...
> But you didn't think you were clever nor intelligent enough to find an assassin in a day.
> The brief thought of the Elements choking on poison flashed in your head.
> Okay, so this was a must...
> You were nervous for the first time in awhile...
> Hell you were more calm trying to fight your way out of a barn fire.
> Leaning against one of the marble pillars you look at the ceiling and ponder on what to do.
> You should tell the Elements...
> No...
> Wait...
> This was a game of chess not football this time.
> If you told them that would cause more problems.
> You couldn't have them storming upon Celestia when a psychopath was on the loose.
> That would be more problematic.
> This would have to take a gentle and Pragmatic approach.
> You scratch your head and sigh.
> Time to start with where the pony was attacked.
> Problematic
> Pragmatic
> You repeated the words in your head as you walked along the hallway.
> You steps echoed all around, adding to the empty feeling of this part of the castle.
> Nobody had been in this wing of the castle since it had happened from what you had heard.
>To your left were large windows decorated with multiple vine like designs.
>To your right were a bunch of doors leading to different areas.
> You stop at a spot noticeably darker than the rest of the polished marble floor.
> Crouching down you examined it closely.
> No lifting...
> No punching...
> Just...
> Think.
> The stain you were looking at was a blood splatter.
> A stream rocketed out to the left a little bit, leaving you to believe that multiple hits had come from the right.
> Aside from a few drops here and there the puddle was namely in one area.
> They had held her down and attacked...
> Looking a little bit past the blood stain you noticed a couple multi-colored stains about the floor.
> Standing up you quickly scan the dark hallway.
> Off in the corner you could see something gleaming from the moonlight in the dark.
> You walked over and scooped it up, holding it carefully in the palm of your hand.
> A silver locket, covered in a little bit of blood.
> With a click you flipped it open and examined the two ponies in the picture.
> A timid looking mare stood next to a smiling pegasus stallion with slicked back hair.
> You examined his cutiemark.
> An electric razor huh....
> Turning around you run a scenario in your mind.
> The maid was pushing a cart along before she was jumped.
> The pendant was around her neck but flew off during the struggle.
> As the maid was in struggle she knocked over the cart of supplies.
> It was then that the assailant held her down and began to assault her.
> Flashing back to reality you study the hallway.
> It couldn't have been to far down, otherwise she would have heard the hooves clopping against the floor.
> Which meant that she was with someone she trusted...
> You applaud yourself internally for the little detective work you had just committed.
> Looking down at the pendant you flicked it shut and slipped it into your jacket pocket.
> Moving down the hallway you got the strange feeling that something was watching you.
> You began to stare at the corners of the hall.
> It had to be your imagination....
 
> You are Rainbow Dash.
> Anon was acting weird earlier.
> He was acting like a douche.
> And you noticed he had stayed back to talk to Celestia about something.
> Which is why you were here...
> "Why are we doing this again?" Aj whispered into your ear.
> You groan silently.
"Because Anon was acting different today..."
> And you really still weren't over him winning.
> Aj huffed, she was only doing this because Twilight had asked her too.
> You had all noticed how twitchy Celestia was...
> The two of you watched from a oak tree.
> You could see into hallway that had kind of been dropped since the maid was assaulted.
> Anon walked in and did a bunch of weird things before leaving.
> Putting a hoof up you zip off, full intent to follow.
> After realizing you came back and grabbed AJ.
> "Ah hate it when we have to do this..." she muttered.
> You are Anon again...
> Silently you admire the decor and ponder on your next decision.
> You could do two things from here.
> Try and see if Will had info.
> Or you could study up and figure out about the barber.
> You opt for the second option, Will would have to wait unfortunately.
> You headed back to Celestia's and questioned her for a bit.
> You asked about any new ponies hired recently.
> Nothing.
> Any new rookies?
> She had no idea about that.
> Cleaners, Maids, or Butlers with any motives.
> She only knew two out of the hundreds that worked on the castle.
> For a god she had next to little knowledge about her subjects.
> You had a feeling she was being worn out by this whole thing so you didn't blame her.
> She couldn't cancel the Formal as there was supposed to be an actual diplomatic meeting afterwards.
> It was with the Griffons so patience was not optional.
> After all of that you bought up the pendant.
> She knew the stallion in the photo.
> A rather eccentric fellow who owned a barber shop in the city.
> She gave you the street name and you were off again.
> You didn't feel like dealing with her much.
> Luckily it was a close maid that was jumped.
> Otherwise she wouldn't have been able to tell you anything.
> You were anxious about this next one.
> And he was sure to still be awake, even this late into the night...
> You stood in front of a large, double door.
> You knock on the door three times.
> Almost instantly it swung open.
> Will stared at you.
> And you stared at him.
> His rather bored face stretched with a wide smile.
> The two of you shot out your arms and locked them together.
> Bumping your shoulders into each other you both smiled eagerly.
> It was good too see him again.
> Even if it was a grave situation.
> He urged you into his room which was MASSIVE.
> It was almost bigger than your old house...
> "Good to see ya' again Flabby!"
> You winced at the name but smiled.
> You two had managed too keep in touch with letters over the month.
> The two of you sat at circular, marble table in the middle of his room.
> This was definitely where he lived.
> Multiple banners of... himself hung from the walls.
> The color of blue and black was abundant, seeming to never fail to capture your gaze.
> You could see a section of the room dedicated to his weights.
> In the middle of it all was a bed so large it could fit both you and him, and then maybe two more of you both.
> He was living good...
"Nice setup." You remark.
> He laughed and pulled out a chair for himself you did the same.
> Maybe you could hold it a little bit, ask him a bit about himself first.
> The two of you chatted for a while.
> You told him about how drastically things have changed.
> So had his life, he was now one of the top military trainers in Equestria.
> He begun to tell you of how many ponies he's trained and all of the personal offers he's gotten.
> He then went on about how they still weren't as good as you two.
> With a nostalgic sigh he leaned back.
> "Look at us Anon... We used to be the devils duo, two socially unacceptable guys trying to get by."
> With a chuckle he shook his head.
> "Now look at us, I'm training armies and you're..."
> He smiled sitting up.
> "You're making me proud Anon, If I had realized what you were I would have looked for you sooner..."
> You smile softly.
> Then Will leaned back again.
> "Why are you here Anon?" he asked.
> Your smile dropped.
> It was about that time anyway.
> You began to tell him the whole story.
> He listened intently to your every word.
> When you mentioned everything you had figured out about it so far he frowned.
> "So you're Celestia's personal call toy huh?"
"This coming from the sandbag training her army."
> You both shared a hearty laugh.
> But the mood dropped.
> Will got serious after you told him the more darker stuff.
> Like Celestia using the Elements.
> That seemed like it was hard to swallow.
> You still didn't believe it yourself.
> The two of you sat in silence.
> He knew everything now.
> And he didn't seem too happy about any of it.
> Three knocks echoed at his door and the both of you looked at it suspiciously.
> With a silent nod you both knew not to let anyone figure out what you were talking about.
> He walked open and flung the doors open.
> .....
> What the hell was that?
> A itch black pony with white slicked back hair trotted in.
> Seriously the fuck.
> You've never seen one with that kind of scheme before...
> It looked like some edgy sixteen year olds OC.
> Oh good lord it was a mare.
> The mare had a rather bored looking smile, something akin to a cat.
> Her tail and cutie mark were hidden behind a black and pink dress.
> Her bored eyes passed over you before she turned to Will.
> Leaning up she gave him a pec on the check.
> Your jaw dropped.
> The world seemed colder...
> Will was dating... a pony.
> Screw your mission this was more important.
> Looking back between him and the mare you try and find the words to voice your surprise.
"Heffuywha."
> Perfect.
> Will realized you were there and cleared his throat nervously.
> "Ah, I may have forgotten to mention in the notes...."
> "This is my marefreind"
> Eugh...
> "Tinder."
> Wow....
> "We have been uh... dating for a couple weeks now."
" You don't say..."
> You give her a glare, suddenly finding yourself protective of Will.
> She just gave you that same bored smile back.
> Getting up out of the table you nod towards Will.
"I've got work to do, I'll talk to you later man."
> You push past him and the pony and out into the hallway.
> How dare he leave you out of the loop like that.
> You never thought that Will would go for a pony.
> They treated him just as badly as they had treated you.
> For some reason him leaving you out of something like that made you angry...
> And it hurt....
> You needed to focus back on the case.
> How silly where you getting distracted with a friend.
> You pushed the thoughts of Will out of your mind.
> Fat lotta help he had been.
> You passed a clock on your way down the hall, it was at least two hours until the sun rise.
> You were going to end this all by the end of the day.
> And you were going to go home.
> And forget about your 'friend'.
> The morning rolled by pretty fast.
> Most of the night you had been working on the case.
> The first thing you had done was check out the library.
> You studied up on multiple things to help your case.
> Pony psychology, Criminal justice of Equestria, etc.
> By the time you were done you had a pile of books on your desk.
> You weren't going to sleep after this though.
> You started off by questioning some of the morning crew.
> The only helpful thing being one of the rookies of the Royal Guard.
> He told you that he had known the maid personally.
> She had been with another maid known as 'Feather Duster' before she was jumped.
> But Feather Duster had already been questioned, she had been in the kitchen delivering a meal to Luna at the time it happened.
> So you did the next best thing.
> You went down to the barber shop.
> You waited out in front of the shop, it wasn't even open yet.
> You were aware of a mare at the cafe' across the street staring at you.
> As well as the stallion who was 'bird' watching.
> Something was fishy here...
> Within a couple of minutes the pony from the pendant trotted up to the barber shop, he whistled to himself and gave you a nod.
> Poor guy must thought you were here for a cut and trim...
> "Welcome, welcome sir. Let me just open up the doors and we can give you a nice trim!"
> He was very excitable...
> Luckily he worked alone and it was a small shop.
> So you lumbered in after him as he unlocked the door.
>'Tripping' over some buckets lying around you locked the door behind you.
> He didn't notice over the sound of the buckets.
> He hummed to himself as he prepped for the cut.
> He noticed the size of the chair and your size before frowning.
> You studied the sharp tools lining his case.
> Those would be problematic.
> You fake a smile and go to wave your hand like it was no problem.
> You ended up knocking a bunch of the tools off of the counter.
> He clicked his tongue and began to pick them up, talking to you about your status.
> For a friend or Boyfriend of a pony in the hospital right now he seemed pretty excitable.
> With a cough you lean against the chair.
> He turned around with a confused look.
> You kicked your foot out and caught his left fore-leg.
> He flipped over on the ground from the force.
> Lazily you pick him up with one hand.
> Holding him above your head and essentially to the roof you pull out the pendant and slam it down on the barbers counter.
> He saw the pendant than froze.
> Looking at you his eyes widened.
> You simply stared at him.
"Well, I'm waiting."
> He stammered a bit before you rolled your eyes.
> You cocked your arm back.
> "Wait, wait I'll tell you everything!"
> Good, you didn't want to hit anybody yet.
> You dropped the stallion and stared down at him.
> Your height helped with the intimidation factor...
> He threw himself at your feet and begged for your mercy.
> You couldn't possibly be that bad...
> "W-We were just trying to scare Celestia..."
"Who?"
> "Me and Feather Duster. My Business was failing so we came up with an idea. Send her a threat and then jump somepony close to her, then threaten her again and ask for a payment the night before the Fall Weather Formal."
> Your gaze hardened.
"And the only one you could get close enough too was you friend. Huh...."
> The pony winced and shrunk away from you.
> He mumbled something.
> You leaned forward, staring intently at him.
> "My sister...."
> A brief feeling of rage ran up your spine.
> You snatched his ear and dragged him over to the door.
> Kicking it off of its hinges you drag him out into the middle of the street.
"We're going to see Celestia..."
 
> After you dragged him all the way to the castle he was tried before the Elements and Celestia.
> As well as Feather Duster.
> They were both sentenced to five years in the dungeon.
> Which you honestly thought was not justice for what they had did.
> But you weren't a spirit of justice.
> Leaning against the Pillar you watched as the two were lead out of the throne room.
> The maid Feather Duster glared at you while the stallion lowered his head in shame.
> For some reason that just made you feel better about the whole thing.
> But something felt off.
> That was too simple...
> You had a feeling there was something more to all of that...
> Something darker.
> You were ready to leave though...
> The Elements and Celestia began to talk for a bit.
> They seemed content with the punishment served but they didn't work on it like you did.
> They also seemed... odd.
> You noticed a few of them shoot glances your way.
> They talked about staying for the formal.
> Then they all looked at you.
> You turned to leave but Pinkie Pie was right in your face.
> This didn't even surprise you anymore.
> With a sigh you let your demeanor drop.
"What...."
> Twilight trotted up behind you and cleared her throat.
> Turning to her apathetically you scratch your chin.
> "Anon, you seem odd. We think that all of the adventure is getting to you."
> It really wasn't.
> "Stay for the Formal and relax. Don't worry about anything, you've worked very hard for us."
> There was something deeper here.
> But for the sake of letting it drop you throw your hands up in defeat.
"Fine."
> Twilight and the other ponies shot you a smile.
> Including Celestia, but she seemed uneasy still.
> She knew there was more to this as well...
> You had stayed silent most of the day.
> You had avoided the Elements and Celestia.
> Luna had been nowhere to be found.
> Something about transporting the event members.
> You lay in your temporary bed staring up at the dark ceiling.
> As per your request you managed to get your own room.
> And even though this bed was soft something was nagging at you, you were still missing something about today.
> You couldn't sleep.
> You thought about the day, going over it again and again.
> Then you realized something...
> Back at the shop, the two ponies watching you.
> They were gone when you had dragged the stallion out.
> How could you be so thick!
> Throwing off the covers you stare forward.
> No... this was something you would have to keep to your-
> A click at your door alerted you.
> Instantly dropping down you made it look like you were fast asleep.
> The door clicked open and you could hear the clopping of hooves.
> They headed straight to your bed...
> Somebody got close to you, so close you could feel the warm breath tickling your ear.
> You cracked open an eye.
> Tinder sat at the side of your bed.
> A coy smile planted on her face.
> "I know you're awake~"
> You sat up and stared at her silently.
> She slide into your bed, getting uncomfortably close to you.
> Wrapping her hooves around your mid-section she gave the same coy smile as before.
> You were exceedingly uncomfortable with this.
> "Anon, Iron Will won't play with me tonight~"
> You winced.
> "Annnd I'm all alone toniight~"
> Her purple eyes met yours.
> Something about her was luring you in...
> "Would you like to be my toy tonight?"
> She ran a hoof up your chest.
> Yes...
"NO!"
> You pushed her out of the bed.
> With a scream she hit the floor.
> Her head knocked against the floor, bouncing once.
> You throw off the covers and glare down at her.
"You're only supposed to be with Iron Will!"
> You could already hear some of the castle members waking up.
> Which sucked because the Elements were right down the hall and Will wasn't too far away.
> The mare smiled at you as the clopping of hooves filled the hallways.
> Before you could react she began to wail right there.
> A few nobles and two guards stuck their heads through the door.
> "A-Anon stop!" she shouted.
> What...
> "I-I told him no but he kept on trying!"
> The hell...
> Something came stomping through your doorway.
> Looking up at it you could see Will.
> And he looked ready to charge...
> Man he was fast.
> And you were about to find out because he looked like he was fighting every instinct right now.
> Tinder decided to make a show and crawl away from you.
> By now the Elements were well on there way, you could hear their voices down the hall.
> Looking back at Will you throw your hands up.
"I didn't do anything Will I promise!"
> His gaze softened for a bit.
> He still trusted you...
> Then Tinder sniffled from off on the side.
> Before anybody could react he was a blue blur tackling you to the ground.
> His flat head and horns caught you right in the chest knocking all of the air out of your lungs.
> Luckily he didn't puncture you at all.
> You fell to the ground as Will loomed over you.
> His glare was the first thing in months to strike terror in your very core.
> You scramble to get up but he simply stomped on your chest, sending you back down.
> Before he could do any more damage the guards were on top of him, pulling him away from you.
"Will..." You manage to croak as he's dragged away.
> You could hear him yell something at you but the Elements were on the scene.
> Among all of the commotion Tinder trotted over to you in your dream like state.
> The cat-like smile widened as she wiped the crocadile tears and met your eyes.
> "Some detective you are..." she whispered before galloping back to the fray.
> She began to point frantically at you.
> The Elements seemed shocked but then they all collectively gave you a disappointed stare.
> You were too weak to do anything or say anything.
> You looked at the ceiling one last time before your consciousness faded.
 
> The wind tickled your face as it blew softly.
> With a sigh you adjust your jacket.
> You stood on the train platform, getting ready to head home.
> According to Celestia you were no longer liable to stay in canterlot.
> Actually you were no longer liable to stay in Ponyville you were supposed to head home, pack up, and head off somewhere else.
> Anywhere but there at least...
> Despite the situation you were in...
> Something was funny, and not in the screw you over way.
> That mare was connected to the letter somehow, you knew it.
> "Some detective you are..."
> It echoed in your mind over and over again.
> Suddenly it all clicked.
> Will was always level headed.
> He had to be with the rage his race hid.
> So why was he so uninhibited back there?
> It was as if he reverted back to a primal state.
> You had almost broken the trance back there...
> Scratching your chin you stare down at the train tracks.
> You weren't supposed to go back...
> And you would be a damned liar if you didn't feel like leaving them to your fate.
> But that was not you...
> You walk away from the train station.
> A good five hours till the formal started.
> Will would be training the men for the first three.
> Investigation was not over yet...
> You study the castle from across the street.
> You would have too sneak in.
> You take a sip from your coffee mug as you lounged on the cafe chair.
> Apparently Miss Tinder was more credible than you thought.
> She was a noble born from a war adviser for the equestrian night guard.
> You stood no chance.
> She was a damn good actor.
> Apparently they didn't have swabbing or anything yet so you were tried pretty fast.
> Since you had done much for the land you wouldn't be imprisoned.
> Only banished...
> You couldn't stand to face Will who judged you throughout the entire hearing.
> The Elements either.
> They seemed ashamed that you were on their side.
> But you saw Will from the corner of your eye.
> Whenever Tinder had gotten up to speak he seemed to visibly relax.
> But when she got next to him you noticed that he would tense up, glaring around the room in a primal manner.
> She was doing something to him...
> You would have to approach this completely differently than your usual MO.
> Something unexpected most likely...
> Looking over you could see some stallions shoveling manure into a cart.
> It was your size and then some.
> .....
 
> You wished you could say you've done worse.
>But you really haven't...
>You tried your hardest to hold your breath among all of the soft manure covering your body.
> Eugh, it was getting in your boots...
> You resisted the urge too vomit, listening carefully for the cart stopping.
>"Hey, this thing feels heavier than usual."
>"Eh, probs' a little damp. Just be careful with it eh?"
> You were not a happy man right now.
> The cart made a couple of twists and turns before coming to a stop.
>You could hear the two stallions discussing about the event.
>As the voices faded you slowly reached a hand out, pushing out of the manure.
> Gripping the edges of the cart you pull yourself out completely and dry heave all over the place.
>You smelled terrible but...
>Looking around you could see you were in the gardens.
>You were in at least...
>You pull yourself out of the wagon completely and hop onto the ground.
>You were going to need the deepest, hottest shower you could get when you got back home.
>IF you got back home.
>You were still on everyones shitlist.
> And this was one of the times the castle was most populated.
> You began to move forward, using the thick vegetation as cover.
> The smell would give you away the instant you stepped in there...
> You noticed something.
> You had read about this plant in the 'survival and you' book.
> A yellow-spotted flower said to be so strong it was nearly overwhelming.
> You reach over and pluck a yellow-spotted flower out of one of the nearby bushes.
> WOW that thing was strong.
> The instant you did that the smell enveloped your nostrils and nearly overpowered the smell of the manure.
> There was something else you could do with it as well...
> You looked for a bit and eventually found some roses.
> Smashing them together the yellow-spots turned red, the smell of roses filling the air.
> Fall Weather Formal...
> You needed a pumpkin.
 
> You headed through the maze of vegetation.
> Three of the flowers now spotted orange jutted from your jacket.
> You smelled like pumpkin spice oddly enough...
> Which was a shame, those were the freshest looking pumpkins you had seen.
> Until you stomped one in and rubbed it guts all over your flower.
> Finding a hardly used way into the castle you smiled to yourself.
> This was ending today...
> You had no trouble getting to Wills room.
> Most of the high caliber guards were busy with the Delegates, Royalty, and Celebrities.
> Gross.
> You had found no problems getting to his room.
> It was getting in that would be the real problem.
> You examine the door for a bit.
> Then the clopping of hooves echoed down the hallway.
> Whirling around you could see a guard trotting around the corner.
> Fuck, what was he doing here?
> Your mind raced for a way out of this.
> What was Will!?
> Reasonable... mostly.
> High esteemed and hot headed.
> Practical...
> Always prepared.
> Looking down you lift your foot up, a welcome mat staring up at you.
> With a roll of your eyes you lift the mat and find a silver key underneath.
> Real original Will...
> Snatching the key you quickly unlock his door and push yourself in.
> Slowly and silently closing it behind yourself you turn back to his room.
> You studied the room for a bit.
> It was a bit of a mess right now, Will must have thrown a fit about you.
> Your chest twinged in pain for a second.
> Ignoring it you step over the stray clothes on the ground.
> Didn't want too leave footprints for him to find...
> You look carefully around his room.
> Nothing looked out of the ordinary, a bunch of things Will would normally have.
> Weights, barbells, Motivational posters.
> A framed picture of you two...
> You lift it up and stare at it.
> The reflection of your stoic face stared back from the reflection, underlayed by the two of you standing back to back.
> You wanted to chuck it at the floor but you couldn't bring yourself to do so.
> Looking up something caught your eye.
> A jar of some clear liquid.
> There was no label nor a print on it.
> You pull it off of the shelf and examine it.
> Unscrewing the lid you take a wiff.
> Instantly you reeled back, almost dropping the jar.
> It smelled like minotaur B.O.
> But also sickly sweet, like what you imagined the ponies smelled after a hard day of work.
> "Uhg! Those stallions are nothing but a bunch of lazy sacks!"
> That was Wills voice...
> And it was right behind the door.
> Which you didn't lock...
> The hairs on the back of your neck stood up, anticipating another ass whopping.
> Not gonna happen...
> The doors swung open and a pissed of Will stormed in.
> But you were already hidden under a pile of clothes.
> Most of them were business suits and dresses.
> You were guessing the majority belonged to Tinder.
> Speaking of which the mare Tinder trotted in calmly after him, the same bored amused smile plastered on her face.
> He stomped over to his bed and plopped down.
> "Ohhh I'm steamed, they couldn't even do the five-hundred challenge I issued them!"
> Probably still thinking about you.
> "Calm down Willy, you've only got so many blood vessels." The mare said softly taking a spot next to him.
> Will growled as he slumped in the bed.
> "Why did I ever trust Anon?" he mumbled.
> The mare stared at him for a second and then smiled even wider.
> "Oh we all make mistakes honey, look at me. Because of you I'm fine."
> Will smiled up at her before turning away.
> "Do you smell pumpkin spice?" he asked quirking an eyebrow at the mare.
> "Yeah, but it's all over the castle."
> He grunted in acceptance.
> The mare snuggled close to him and gave his side a nuzzle.
> "Remember what my father said Will, you were always a big fan of him."
> Will's brow furrowed.
> "I-I Don't remember what he said... I don't remember anybody by-"
> The mare interrupted him by slipping out a pink gem that was clasped around her neck.
> "Yes you do~"
> Will stared at the gem for a second.
> Then he seemed to get drowsy.
> Shaking his head clear he smiled brightly.
> "General Brisk Flame! He said the worst mistake you can make is not making mistakes."
> "Mhm"
> Tinder closed her eyes and nodded at him like he was the smartest person in the world.
> You found yourself squinting at her, full suspicion confirmed.
> She rubbed the back of Wills neck before hoping up and pulling out a perfume bottle.
> It was glass so you could see a clear liquid swishing around in it.
> She gave herself a spritz twice and headed back over to Will.
> When she got close to him he instantly jumped on her.
> You could take a guess what the liquid was now.
> Pheromones...
> And she was using them to manipulate Will.
> As well as that gem she had around her neck.
> No wonder he had been such a beast last night..
> Your face held a constant scowl, your disdain for this mare growing more and more.
> You wanted desperately to get up and show her why you were here today.
> You wanted to show her true power.
> But you could not...
> Not if it meant harming Will...
> It went on like this for a bit.
> Will and Tinder playing games with each other but not actually doing anything.
> You could see something in her eyes every time he got off though.
> Disdain.
> Will couldn't see it through the primal trance he was in.
> But you saw everything...
> You resisted the urge to burst forth now...
> As Will turned away to take a shower she glared at his back.
> She was more dangerous than you thought...
> After Will stepped into the bathroom and started the shower she hopped up.
> Spitting on the ground she trotted over to the closest drawer.
> She pulled out a letter and examined it, smiling broadly.
> Three knocks came from the bedroom door.
> She rolled up the letter and hid it again.
> Trotting over to the doors she pulled them open.
> A cream colored unicorn, butler pushed a cart in.
> His regal deameanor dropped as soon as she shut the door.
> "Uhg, I hate acting like this. It's always haughty this, haughty that~! How about haughty shut the buck up!"
> The stallion pulled off the slicked back wig, revealing white, frayed hair.
> Peeling away some kind of magical sticker revealed a scar jutting straight down his eye.
> Woah...
> "What are you doing!?" Tinder whispered.
> "Being myself toot's, when are we gonna get this 'killing' thing over with. I've kind of got a date tonight."
> "As if somepony would date you Black Jack."
> "And somepony did, she's a very nice mare. Kind of stiff and boring though, doesn't say much."
> Tinder raised an eyebrow.
> "Oh~ It was wonderful how we met, I was digging up graves and there she was staring at me~!"
> WHAT THE FUCK!
> Tinder massaged the bridges of her nose, obviously used to this.
> "Thought this was the last time..."
> "I lied."
> You couldn't believe the stuff you were hearing...
> "Besides, when are you gonna dump this bull faced dolt and get on with the plan?"
> Tinder chuckled softly.
> "That's cute Jack, he's my trump card."
> "I thought the gem was your trump card..."
> "That's the second trump card you idiot, Iron Will is the only thing standing between us and that giant human monkey thing, he's obviously not scared of the ponies!"
> "Oh! Anon the Un-killable Ogre!?" Jack jumped up and down excitedly.
> "I'm such a big fan of his!"
> This disturbed you deeply to hear.
> Tinder raised an eyebrow.
> "Really?"
> "Uh Che-yeah. Anything Un-killable has to be my other half, we're like two peas in a pod him and I!"
> "You haven't even met him yet..."
> "Yes but when I do I got a surprise for him. It involves spoons."
> Everything about this guy pissed you off.
> From his cheery psychopathic demeanor to his threats involving you.
> You resisted the urge to break him right there...
> Jack stopped bouncing and looked at Tinder.
> "Hey for the sake of plot what does that gem thingy do again?"
> Tinder raised an eyebrow.
> So did you.
> "Don't ask about it."
> Tinder rolled her eyes and pulled it out.
> "THIS my chipper little friend is the reason while we're not dead or worse, on Celestia's hit list yet."
> "Ohhhhhhwhy?"
> "This Gem was made to cloud the minds of whoever you wished too, everything you say seems logical and correct and everypony agrees with you."
> "So it's like a lie enhancer?" Jack leaned back and tapped his chin thoughtfully.
> "I could use that, stealing candy from a kid ain't easy."
> Tinder raised an eyebrow.
> "Are the others ready?" She asked.
> Jack nodded with a vigor akin to a child.
> Suddenly the shower stopped.
> She ushered Jack to put his outfit back on.
> He did it with a surprising grace.
> Will stepped out of the bathroom, a towel around his waist.
> "Yes madame." Jack said before trotting out of the room.
> As you watched him trot off you gulped.
> There were others.
> Like these two...
> This was surprisingly surreal to you...
> Will and Tinder chatted about something.
> Namely about the party.
> You weren't dealing with monsters this time.
> You were dealing with the Devils Rejects.
> You had to get to Celestia...
> It felt like hours as Will and his 'marefriend' prepped eachother for the event.
> After they left you burst from the clothes.
> Stepping up you glare at the door they just left through.
> You knew there was more to this.
> The barber was too easy to break.
> Ok, you had to recap to make sure you were hearing this right.
> In Equestria, the most innocent land you had seen.
> Were a bunch of edgy, psychopaths ready to kill everything innocent?
> Celestia and the Mane six...
> What would they move onto next?
> Scootaloo?
> Derpy?
> You slip past Wills door, still relieved to see no guards wandering around.
> You had a feeling though that they wouldn't be enough...
 
> By the time you reached the room the formal was being held in you were sure of what to tell Celestia.
> But not sure how to do it.
> You were still on the watch-list and by now word that you hadn't gotten back to Ponyville must have reached Celestia.
> She would most likely be expecting you.
> Which is why you were going to do it this way...
> You kick open the doors, the at first muffled music behind them blasting with full octaves into your face.
> The chattering of tons of the events goers suddenly stopped as you lumbered into the room.
> The Elements saw you then got ready when they saw you determination.
> It was most likely very scary at this point.
> Looking off in the corner you could see Will and Tinder.
> She glared at you as you stepped into the room.
> "Anonymous what is the meaning of this!" Luna commanded.
> Celestia was still trying to gather herself it seemed.
"I solved the case Celestia!"
> Celestia fixed her jaw and gave you a inconspicious gaze.
> "Anonymous, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be back home and getting ready fo-"
"Shut up."
> The party-goers gasped as you moved up to her.
> Luna, Celestia, Cadance, Shining Armor, and All six Elements all sat at a large table overlooking the event.
> So naturally you were scared shit-less when they all gave you one collective glare.
> But you were going to face them none-the-less.
> Slamming a cup down on the table you gesture at it.
"Take a wiff."
> "Anonymous..." Twilight started.
> You held up your hand and made a snapping motion.
"Smell...it..."
> "Anonymous!" Will shouted.
> Turning around at him you simply hardened your gaze.
> "Do something Will!" Tinder shouted from beside him.
"Will, don't. I was called upon to solve a mystery and catch the culprit."
> All eyes were on you now.
"And I know damn well who they are."
> "Wiiilll..." Tinder said nudging him.
> He seemed broken about what to do.
> Tinder muttered something and pulled out her perfume bottle.
> Spritzing herself she nudged him again and...nothing.
> "W-Will!" she shouted.
> Still nothing.
> He looked down at her with a incredulous sneer.
> "What..." Tinder backed away.
> You chuckled.
"You're probably wondering why the Pheromones aren't working. Welp let me tell you why!"
 
> You stood outside the ballroom, in front of a window.
> Before you could enter the room you would have to prepare.
> You knew what the game plan was.
> And you knew who was doing it...
> You examine the flowers jutting from you jacket.
> With a smile you look at the bull Pheromones.
> Sticking them in the Pheromones you pull out a strip of fabric and drop it into the conception.
> You open the jar and place it in front of the window discreetly and slip away.
> She slowly gave you a horrified stare as it set in on her.
> You smile broadly, the feeling of cleverness almost as good as overcoming your physical limitations.
"Yup, he can no longer pick up your Pheromones, the flowers I found in the garden were Redolonces. Flowers that have an odd effect if mixed with different things."
> Celestia and the Elements were wordless, watching you intently now.
"And guess what? They just so happen to completely change the effect of pheromones if mixed with something, like you know Male sweat."
> "You..."
"Also you can call off Jack and your crew."
> The door suddenly swung open and four ponies were pushed to the ground by royal guard members.
> The Royal guard sneered down at them as they let out a plethora of curses and shouts.
> The barber sat behind the Royal guard, muttering 'that's them' over and over again.
> She reached for the inside of her dress.
> And you just grabbed a nearby dinner plate and tossed it at her like a frisbe.
> It connected with her fore-head making a 'THWICK' sound.
> He head snapped back and you run forward, gabbing hold of the crystal.
> Ripping it off you dropped it on the ground.
> And stomped on it...
> Celestia, Luna and a couple of the nobles from around the castle began to shake their heads, as if clearing away some thoughts.
> "Oh, Thief!"
> "Wanderer!"
> "She was never of noble blood!"
> You plop down in a nearby chair and tent your fingers.
"And for the icing on the cake."
> You smile coyly.
"I can get close..."
> You sat out in the canterlot gardens.
> After your little stunt the formal was canceled.
> So was the diplomatic meeting with the Griffons.
> They had tried to do something but you just walked over at them and stared at them until they shut up.
> As for Tinder and her team.
> Well Luna never looked so angry in her life.
> She took them to the dungeons, claiming her 'guard' have been rather bored lately.
> You sigh and let your head rest against your knee.
> Will was currently too ashamed to see you.
> Always hoes before bros.
> But he was being manipulated so you did not care one bit about the way he acted.
> The Elements seemed wary of you now, seemingly afraid of your physical and mental prowess.
> Today had been.. a weird day.
> You looked down at the jar of pheromones in your hand.
> Another trophy for the shelf...
> Letting it drop you frown.
> You had to think differently.
> You had to act differently.
> And you had to be different.
> Just to save those that didn't even like you all that much.
> That was really...poetic you guessed.
> The crunching of grass caught your attention.
> Still in a mental game state you guessed it was Will coming to apologize.
> Celestia sat next to you.
> Welp, you were wrong.
> She stared at the sky silently with you.
> With a sigh she looked down at the ground.
> You gave her a sideways glance.
"What is it?" you simply asked.
> "How come you came back Anon..."
> You quirk an eyebrow.
> "Even before we were all manipulated like that you were still treated so poorly."
> She looked up and met your eyes.
> "And then not only that but your first friend had attacked you. I shouldn't be asking why you came back but how?"
> You sigh and look back to the sky.
"Sometimes, for friends. You can do the impossible Celestia. We all act differently in front of our friends, like our true selves. But in the end we do it because we're comfortable with them, comfortable unlike we are with parents or friendly strangers."
> Picking up a stick you began to poke at the ground.
"When we act like our true selves it speaks to our character. When I thought about all the stuff I went through with Will."
> You look back at her, your eyes met and for the first time since you had met Celestia, she seemed comfortable with your presence.
"I realize I can smile around him."
> The constant croaking of frogs and chirping of insects filled the night air as the two of you turned away from each other.