Chapter 13: Rarity Investigates!
It was another busy day at the Canterlot Carousel as Sassy was finishing up with a customer at the boutique's checkout counter. Despite the mishaps that nearly led to Canterlot Carousel going out of business, Sassy had stayed true to her word and was now managing the boutique the way Rarity had requested. Even Sassy had to admit that following the Rules of Rarity made her happier because she could enjoy seeing the satisfaction mares had when they bought their new dresses. She admitted to Rarity that she had never felt so excited to go to work. Sassy then watched as Rarity appeared with the former holding three mannequins with her magic.
"Oh, Sassy Saddles, don't you just love my new Femme Mystic Chic line of gowns?" Rarity asked the unicorn mare. Sassy gasped impressively.
"Sequins and sashes, Rarity!" said Sassy as the marshmallow pony set up a display with the new gowns, "They're exquisite! Where in Equestria did you find the inspiration?"
"Oh, I modeled them after the adventures of Shadow Spade," Rarity explained, "Her stories are always full of mystery and suspense and, best of all...fabulous costumes!" Rarity couldn't help but sit on the floor and pose excitedly.
"They're perfect!" said Sassy but then looked a bit puzzled as Rarity was tweaking the displays a bit, "What are you doing?"
"Oh, uh, just making some minor adjustments," Rarity hummed as she blow on the skirt of one dress, twists the bottom of display of the second, and fluffed the feathers from the third, "Shadow Spade believes it all comes down to attention to detail. And so do I."
Rarity then adjusted one of the hats.
"There!" said Rarity, "Now it's perfect!"
WHAM!
It was just then Rainbow Dash slammed the door open.
"Hey guys, how's it-"
CRASH!
"Eeeeeeeeeek!"
Rainbow cut herself off when she saw the display fell over, creating a house mess and earning herself death glares from two ponies. Rainbow laughed nervously.
"My bad," said Rainbow sheepishly.
*Main theme*
Once the awkward tension had passed, Rainbow offered to help fix up the knocked over display.
"Sorry I messed up your dress thingy," said Rainbow as she helped get one of the mannequins.
"Nothing we can't fix in a stitch," Sassy replied as Rarity used her magic to do her display adjustments, "What are you doing in Canterlot?"
"I'm here for Princess Celestia's royal garden opening tomorrow," said Rainbow. "Chase is gonna be there with me too."
"Oh, yes!" said Sassy excitedly as she organized some materials, "Rumor has it the gardens are especially lush this season. I heard the Wonderbolts will be kicking things off with an aerial display."
"You heard right," said Rarity, "And Rainbow Dash is here to fly with them, So exciting!"
"Well, kind of exciting," said Rainbow honestly, "Technically, I'm not flying. I'm just the lucky Reserve who was called in to be the backup flyer in case a Wonderbolt can't perform. Chase will be helping me out since he's all done practicing at his dojo at the castle."
"Oh don't be so modest," said Rarity, "Out of all the Reserves, you were the one chosen."
"It is pretty sweet," said Rainbow Dash. "And And I do get to stay in the castle, hang out with the Wonderbolts as well as Chase, and eat awesome food at the dinner tonight. Speaking of the dinner, you're still coming, right?"
"Heavens, yes!" Rarity asked, "A chance to dress up, be charming and show off my newest royally mystique couture? I wouldn't miss it for all of Equestria."
"Great! See ya tonight!" said Rainbow as she slammed the door closed.
The two ponies held their breath as Sassy put a magic glow to hold the rattling mannequins in place. Once the mannequins settled, the two ponies breathed a sigh of relief and Sassy released her magic grip. Then the door slammed open and the displayed fell down once again.
Rarity turned around, with a hat on her head, growling since she thought that Rainbow had come back. Her anger turned to joy when she saw it was the mail pony, named Package Deal with a package for her.
"Ooh, the rhinestones we ordered!" said Rarity as she took the package and opened it, but then her excitement turned into disappointment.
"Oh, my," said Rarity as she held up a gem with her magic, "Oh, there's been a mistake...I ordered dragon-cut stones, and these are hoof-polished."
"I'm sorry," Package Deal told her, "but I've got a full load of deliveries today. I'm not sure I'll have time to redo your order."
Rarity then removed her hat, flicked the bottom of her curly mane and put a charming smile on her face as she walked up to the mail stallion while Sassy fixed the display.
"Of course you don't," said Rarity, "Your job is so difficult. Honestly, I don't know how you keep all of these orders straight."
"It is pretty tough," said Package Deal with a chuckle and blushed, "what with the boxes all being...box-shaped." He showed Rarity his wagon filled with similar shaped packages.
"Oh y-oh yes, and I very much appreciate it," said Rarity as she tapped his shirt and smiled cutely at him, which left Package Deal rather flattered, "But if there was a way you could squeeze in one little delivery, I would be eternally grateful."
Package Deal looked to see Rarity still smiling at him cutely and batting her eyelashes at him.
"Well, for you, Rarity, I'll see what I can do," said Package Deal with a nervous laugh and walked away. Rarity watched him leave before heading inside and shutting the door. Sassy was most impressed.
"Rarity, you could sweet-talk a filly out of candy!" said Sassy.
"Oh...it was nothing," Rarity chuckled, "Nopony minds a compliment."
She then headed to a dressing stall.
"You simply must help me pick out an outfit for tonight. Something from the new collection, of course." Rarity said as she then gestured from the curtain with a fore-hoof.
Sassy walked up the dressing stall where Rarity was waiting.
(Scene changes)
Soon it was time for the garden party and the main ballroom was filled with various members of the Wonderbolt wearing their uniforms. Princess Celestia was standing on a stage as she spoke to two Wonderbolts. Spitfire was chatting with two other Wonderbolts while holding a cup of punch in her fore-hoof. A few other Wonderbolts were standing in line collecting their share of the buffet. It was then Rainbow, Rarity, and Chase arrived.
For the occasion, Rarity was wearing a white silk gown with a gold waist belt with poofy long sleeves with gold bracelets.
"Let's go grab some grub!" said Rainbow as Rarity flicked her mane.
"Fine by me," said Chase, "All the hard training I've done left me hungry."
Rainbow zoomed off as Rarity flicked her mane as she and Chase headed to follow the blue Pegasus at a casual pace. As they got in line, an elderly blue stallion wearing an aviator's jacket and ivory scarf got in line. Chase and Rarity had just gotten their plates when Chase caught a whiff of an interesting scent. Rainbow just licked her lips hungrily as she headed to the buffet.
"Hey, what's that smell?" Chase asked.
Rarity lifted her nose into the air and took a sniff herself.
"Mm, is that Juniper Phoenix I smell?" Rarity asked out of the bloom.
"No, it's broccoli!" Rainbow replied as she started munching the food she had collected on her plate. Chase chuckled and Rarity just smirked as the elderly stallion appeared before them.
"Yeah, Juniper Phoenix is one of my favorite stallion colognes," said the stallion.
"Oh, mine as well," said Rarity.
"I don't really wear that cologne on me." Chase said with a look of disinterest. "It just doesn't brighten my day."
"Chase, according to Twilight," said Rarity, "the shampoo conditioner and scented soaps I recommended to you make you smell scrumptious enough as it is."
"It still does not brighten my day." Chase replied back bluntly.
Rarity looked at him unamused as the elderly stallion chuckled to himself. Behind Rarity and Chase, Rainbow noticed who they were speaking to, dropped her plate in shock, and her eyes sparkled as her jaw hung open as she covered it with her fore-hooves.
"Anyways," Rarity continued, "the fragrance is masculine and yet soft with the barest hint of floral notes and-"
"Rarity! Chase!" Rainbow exclaimed in an excited but hushed tone as she hovered before them, "Do you know who this is?!" Chase smirked.
"Duh, I'm friends with Spitfire," said Chase, "Plus I met the guy when I was a little colt."
"Rarity?" Rainbow asked.
"A gentlepony with fabulous taste in colognes and scarves?" Rarity asked.
"It's Wind Rider!" Rainbow snapped as she waved her fore-hooves in the air.
"Oh! So nice to meet you!" said Rarity as Rainbow face-hoofed herself.
"You didn't let me finish!" said Rainbow.
"Calm down Dash," said Chase, "Of course Rarity wouldn't know who Wind Rider is. You've only talked about him with me!"
"He's a living legend," said Rainbow to Rarity as she hovered beside the elderly stallion, "He holds the Wonderbolt record in the Mustang Marathon!"
"Well, that was a long time ago," said Wind Rider as Rainbow just smiled and blushed like a fangirl, "Honestly, I can't believe I still hold the record."
"Wind Rider, I see you've met Rainbow Dash!" said Spitfire as she and Misty Fly arrived, "She's one of our most promising Reserves. She just might beat your record." Spitfire lightly jabbed the elderly stallion.
"Really now?" Wind Rider remarked.
"Oh, heh, I'm nowhere near as good as you," Rainbow replied, "I mean, I'm fast, but I don't have the endurance to go long distances."
"Ah, don't be modest," said Spitfire, "A little practice and you'll be beating records in no time."
"As long as she doesn't crash and bash into things as usual." Chase added with a smirk, making Rainbow glare at him as Spitfire and the other Wonderbolts snickered at his joke.
"Not funny, Chase." Rainbow said sternly.
"It is to me." Chase said with a chuckle as Misty Fly and Rarity giggled.
Wind Rider just kept a casual smile on his face.
"The point I'm making is," said Spitfire to Rainbow, "with a little practice and you'll be beating records in no time." Misty Fly nodded in agreement.
"Heh-heh," Wind Rider remarked, "Well, it's nice to meet you fillies and gentlecolt." Wind Rider then walked away.
"Not as nice as it is to meet you, sir," said Rainbow, trying and failing miserably not to giggle like a fangirl, "I can't believe I just met Wind Rider!"
"Geez, with the way you're gushing over him, maybe you should ask him out instead of Soarin," Chase said with a grin.
"NO WAY!" Rainbow Dash snapped. "Cut it out already, Chase! I'll admit he's handsome, but he's way too old for me!"
The others chuckled.
"Calm down, Dash." Chase said calmly yet amusingly. "It's just nice to see you act a little girly from time to time. No shame in that. Right Spitfire?"
"No shame in it at all, buddy." Spitfire agreed with a smile.
"You're right, Chase, just cause we're ace flyers doesn't mean we can't act like girls," said Misty Fly, "getting back to Wind Rider, he's coming out of retirement to take the spot of honor in the center of our aerial flower formation tomorrow."
"Really?" Rainbow gasped as she rushed up to the two Wonderbolts and then Wind Rider kiss Celestia's fore-hoof, "That's incredible!" Spitfire and Misty Fly flew off as Rainbow smiled excitedly.
"Guess I'll just watch Wind Rider being awesome from the sidelines...Practice tomorrow is gonna be so boring," Rainbow remarked. Rarity and Chase just smiled, the former using her magic to sip a cup of tea. Chase and Rarity just exchanged looks with each other.
"I don't suppose we could keep you company?" Rarity offered.
"You could!" Rainbow replied, "They always let friends and family come watch practices!" Rainbow then quickly gave them each a hug, but the blue Pegasus grabbed Rarity so quickly that the marshmallow mare was taken by surprise.
"Mm, ooh!" Rarity spluttered as she spilled her tea on her gown.
"Oops," said Rainbow, "Heh, sorry about that. Lemme help you clean that up." Rainbow then spat on her fore-hoof and went to wipe the tea off.
"Uh, no-no," said Rarity as she backed away and used her magic to bring over a chest with her initial letter on it to show it was hers, "it's almost impossible to get stains out of silk. But not to worry. I've come prepared!"
Rarity set the chest in front of herself and when she put the chest aside. She was now changed into pastel orange and peach dress with a matching colored hairpin and posed in her new gown.
"Rarity, haven't done enough bringing gowns to change into them?" Chase asked, chuckling in amusement.
"Now, darling. I have my ways." Rarity remarked, smugly as Chase and Rainbow Rolled their eyes in response.
(Scene changes)
It was late at night, When Spitfire and Rainbow hovered out of the ballroom with Rarity and Chase walked right behind them.
"That dinner was absolutely divine," said Rarity.
"You got that right, Rarity." Chase agreed with a smile.
"Thanks for inviting Chase and I!" Rarity told Rainbow when she saw Spitfire heading to her room.
"Ooh, you're staying at the east tower?" Rarity asked Spitfire, "Those rooms have the best view of Canterlot!"
"Especially when you get a perfect view of Celestia raising the sun," Chase added.
"How lucky are we?" said Spitfire. "Well, we better get some shuteye before practice,"
Spitfire entered her room and closed the door.
"See you tomorrow, Rarity and Chase!" said Rainbow before zooming off to her own room.
"Good night!" said Rarity.
"Sleep well, Dash," said Chase as he and Rarity headed out of the castle.
(Scene changes)
Next morning, the Wonderbolts were busy with their flight training. Chase, Rarity, and Rainbow were sitting in the stands together. Rarity was putting on some sunscreen, Rainbow was just watching the Wonderbolts fly about with a fangirl expression on her face.
"Thank for keeping me company, Rarity and Chase," said Rainbow, "If you weren't here, well, I don't know who I'd be talking to right now."
Rarity then booped Rainbow's nose with some sunscreen as the two exchanged smiles.
"Anything that might help keep your mind on other things, Rainbow." Chase said with a smile.
"Eh, you'd be talkin' to me, Rainbow Dash," said a voice. The three ponies looked behind them to see Soarin making a landing and lift his goggles, "Spitfire's mom sent a message that she was sick. She had to leave to take care of her."
"What?" Chase asked in surprise.
"Oh, no!" Rainbow gasped, "I hope her mom's okay!"
"Me too," Soarin replied as he walked behind Rainbow, "In the meantime, we need you to fly in her place."
"L-Like, in the actual show?" Rainbow asked with her eyes as big as saucers.
"Unless Spitfire comes back, yes," said Soarin.
"I won't let you down, Soarin!" said Rainbow as she flew up and saluted the Wonderbolt. She then squealed with delight as she took into the air.
"This is the best thing ever! Ohmygoshohmygoshohmygoshohmygosh!" said Rainbow excitedly before she sing-sang while dancing in the sky, "I'm gonna get to fly with the Wind Rider and the Wonderbolts, 'cause I'm the bestest and I'm awesome and they know it! Uh-huh, uh-huh, uh-huh..."
Rarity just smiled as Soaring gave the blue Pegasus a funny look.
"Uh...Rainbow Dash?" Soarin asked.
"Shh!" said Rarity in a hushed tone, "Let her have this, darling."
Chase, however, was not excited about this as he felt something suspicious on something that make Spitfire miss out on this.
"Yeah, maybe." Chase said with a suspicious look.
(Scene changes)
Fortunately, Rainbow didn't take too long to settle down and Soarin was going over the routine with her. Rarity just sat inside of a boxed seat on her own as Chase sat in a different boxed seat. Chase was still in deep thought about Spitfire not being here.
Rainbow waved at them for a moment before Wind Rider gave the blue Pegasus a glare to focus and the two Pegasi continued their routine. Rarity had just waved back when an elderly mare with light orange fur and a darker two toned mane and tail appeared wearing some pearl earrings, pearl necklace, and a purple cardigan.
"Hello there!" said Rarity to the mare, "Friend or family?"
"Family," the mare replied, "My daughter's a Wonderbolt, but I don't see her up there." The mare looked to the sky to search when Chase noticed her.
"Stormy Flare?" Chase asked in surprise. "Is that you?!"
"Chase!" Stormy Flare replied happily as the two ponies shared a hug, "Oh, it's so good to see you! I haven't seen you since the wedding! How's Twilight?"
"She's doing fine," said Chase, "How are you, Stormy?"
"Doing well," Stormy replied, "I came to see my daughter practice, but I don't see her." She turned to Rarity, "Do you know Spitfire?"
"Oh, you're Spitfire's mum?" said Rarity, "But I thought you were sick."
"What?" Stormy exclaimed.
"Well, Spitfire got a note from you saying you weren't feeling well," Rarity explained, "and she went home to take care of you."
"I didn't send a note," said Stormy as a matter of fact when Soarin flew by and recognized the mare.
"That's so strange," said Rarity.
"Yeah." Chase said. "Why would somepony say you were sick when you clearly were not?"
"Stormy Flare?" Soarin exclaimed as the other Wonderbolts hovered around him, "Aren't you supposed to be sick? 'Kay, what's happening?"
"I don't know," said Stormy, "But I do know I didn't send my daughter a note."
"Could somepony have sent Spitfire a fake note?" Rarity wondered out loud.
"Who would do such a thing?" Misty Fly asked.
"I don't know," said Chase as he hovered up to them with his fore-hooves crossed, "the bigger question is why?"
"Somepony who wanted her out of the show, I suppose," Soarin suggested.
"Why would anypony want that?" Rainbow asked curiously.
"Maybe so they could take her spot," Wind Rider suggested and gave Rainbow a dirty look.
Suddenly Rainbow found herself surrounded by the Wonderbolts as the primary suspect. Stormy and Rarity were also in shock at the accusation. Chase then came to her aid.
"Whoa! Whoa! Hold on, guys!" Chase said, sternly as the Wonderbolts backed up a bit from the two ponies. "Why don't we just take this inside where we are not in public?"
The Wonderbolts agreed, but they still glared at Rainbow Dash as she looked nervous.
(Scene changes)
In the backstage, Rainbow soon found herself literally up against a wall as she was officially accused of sending Spitfire away.
"Me?!" Rainbow exclaimed in shock, "I would never do that to Spitfire! Why would you think it was me?"
"I did see you and Spitfire leave the dinner together," said a Wonderbolt named Blaze.
"We were room neighbors in the castle!" Rainbow protested, "Plus Chase was with us. He can vouch for me!"
"Yeah, it doesn't make any sense at all." Chase agreed with Rainbow as he was at his friend's defense.
"And you did say you'd do anything to fly with Wind Rider," Misty Fly pointed out as she hovered before Rainbow with her fore-hooves on her hips.
"Yeah, but I didn't mean anything," Rainbow remarked.
"You guys don't seriously think you can blame her so easily, do you?" Chase asked with a glare he sent at the Wonderbolts.
"We can and we will, Chase. Now step aside and let us handle this." Misty Fly said as Chase backed away while he glared back at them.
"Spitfire came by my room and told me she had to go see her mom around midnight," said Soarin, "Where were you then?"
"I was asleep at midnight...having this totally amazing dream," Rainbow Dash remarked, "There I was at the arena flying with Wind Rider and the Wonderbolts, like I've always wanted to-" A cloud appeared above her head as vision appeared of herself and Wind Rider in Wonderbolt attire. Rainbow then flew above him and took his picture. Then the cloud burst when she realized that her story may have only given the others more reason to suspect her.
"-ah, eh, never mind," said Rainbow, "Not helping." The group of Wonderbolts huddled up and whispered to each other. It wasn't long before they broke apart and Soarin walked up to Rainbow.
"Rainbow Dash, if you can prove that somepony else is behind Spitfire's disappearance before the start of the show, then you can still fly with us," Soarin told her sternly and then turned the rest of the team, "In the meantime, Misty Fly, Blaze, head over to Stormy Flare's house and try to find Spitfire and being her back." Soarin then walked up to Rainbow, "I have to warn you, if you sent that letter, the bylaws are clear. I'd have no choice but to ban you from the Wonderbolts forever. Understand?" Rainbow winced as she backed into the red curtain.
"I understand," said Rainbow, "But how am I gonna prove I didn't send that letter that I didn't send?"
"Don't worry, Rainbow." Chase said as he patted Rainbow on the back. "We'll find a way to clear your name. Right now, we just gotta solve this mystery."
"But how?" Rainbow Dash asked, worriedly.
"With me!" said a voice whose shadow was seen from the shadows. The Wonderbolts turned to see Rarity wearing a satin red detective's trench coat and fancy women's detective hat, "Detective Rarity is on the case, and we are going to get to the bottom of this faster than my costume change!"
"Yeah, what's with the getup?" Rainbow asked, wondering why Rarity was wearing her outfit that would be necessary.
"Obviously, I am channeling Shadow Spade through these gorgeous garments," said Rarity. "And she would say that the best way to prove that you didn't send the letter is to find out whoever did. First stop - the scene of the crime."
Rarity then got to Rainbow's face and then raised a fore-hoof into the air and pointed at something off screen. The Wonderbolts were left speechless as the three ponies went on their way.
(Scene changes)
Soon, some noir music began to play in the background as the view shifted to black and white. Rainbow just hovered ahead of Rarity and Chase as the marshmallow pony was in deep through.
"We had a long road ahead of us, Rainbow Dash, Chase, and I," Rarity narrated, "Well, not too long because we didn't have much time, but the point is...I was up to the challenge." Rarity narrowed her eyes with determination as she let her hat tip forward a bit.
Soon they approached the room Spitfire had stayed in overnight. Rainbow wasted no time searching the drawers for any clues while Chase looked through most of the bags.
"There I was, surveying the crime scene," Rarity narrated, "and looking tres chic while doing it." Rarity then found something on the floor near the door.
"This must be the envelope for the letter Spitfire got!" Rarity said as gave the envelope a sniff.
Chase walked up to her and took the envelope in his hoof and shoke it a bit.
"I think there's something inside," Chase told Rarity as she took the envelope with her magic and shook it upside down when something fell out.
"Hmm," Rarity pondered aloud, "These look like hairs from a rainbow mane!" Rarity held the hairs in the air with her fore-hoof. Rainbow gulped.
"That's not good," said Rainbow sadly and hovered away looking very dejected.
"Rainbow Dash was getting antsy," Rarity narrated as she narrowed her eyes and walked up to a mirror, "but I had faith that I could clear her name and find the real culprit. I can only hope Chase felt the same way."
"What're you doing, Rarity?" Chase asked as the background color returned.
"Uh, just thinking thoughts," Rarity stammered.
Chase just looked at her unamused before he shook his head and went out to meet up with Rainbow. Rarity soon got her game face on.
"Rainbow Dash was right," Rarity narrated as she walked out of the room and down the hallway, "In order to solve this mystery, we had to be focused. Driven. One hundred percent in the-" Rarity thoughts were interrupted when she noticed the curtains.
"Ooh! The damask pattern on these curtains is exquisite!" said Rarity excitedly.
Rarity leaned for a closer look, diving the curtain a discreet sniff as well.
"Oh, and this velvet rope-holder," Rarity remarked as she looked at the opposite curtain, "-oh, it's just-"
"Rarity!" Chase snapped, getting Rarity's attention as the alicorn stallion glared at her. "Pay attention! We have important stuff to do!"
"We don't have time to look at the decor!" Rainbow snapped annoyingly with agreement, "They're gonna kick me out of the Wonderbolts unless we solve this thing!"
"I know, Rainbow and Chase," said Rarity, "But I am on this case like a charm on a bracelet."
"Okay, okay." Chase said with a sigh. "But we gotta do this quick."
Rainbow just groaned inwardly and gave a very reluctant nod.
"Since we've pretty much covered the scene of the crime," said Chase as he pondered, "We need to figure out what to do next. Any suggestions, Rarity?"
"Here's what I'm thinking, Chase," said Rarity, "Somepony had to bring Spitfire that letter, which means somepony must have seen them!"
Rarity then pointed at the guards. The three guards were just minding their own business when Chase appeared before them.
"Hey, Chase!" said the first guard, "long time no see!"
"How can we help you?" said the second guard, whose name was Spearhead.
"We're currently doing an investigation regarding a missing Wonderbolt," said Chase. "You might wanna run."
But it was too late. It wasn't long before the view went to black and white again as the three stallions sat side by side on a table, looking a bit puzzled.
"I have a few questions for you," said Rarity as she appeared in the background, "and I'm sure once we get some things cleared up, we'll-"
"Come on, Rarity, we don't have all day!" Rainbow snapped impatiently as the view returned to being in color.
"Hold on, just let us have a few questions with the guards first." Chase responded back.
"Fine!" Rainbow replied hastily and got into the face of one guard, "where were you on the night of last night at midnight?!"
"We were here, guarding the hallway entrance like we're supposed to," the first guard answered."A likely story," Rainbow remarked with her fore-hooves on the table.
"I'm telling you, we were there all night," said the first guard, "and no pony went in or out of that hallway."
"Except for you," said Spearhead as a matter of fact.
"What are you tryin' to say?!" Rainbow asked defensively as she got into Spearhead's face.
"Just that there are only two rooms in the northwestern wing, yours and Spitfires," Spearhead explained, "So the only other pony who had access to that wing was you." Rainbow leaned away in shock. Rarity and Chase watched the scene quietly.
"Oh boy." Chase muttered.
"The waters were getting choppy," Rarity narrated, "Rainbow Dash's tactics were, well, horrid. It was time for another approach."
"Perhaps I should take it from here!" said Rarity as the view went back to black and white. Rainbow and the three guards turned to see Rarity reclining on a chasse sofa wearing a fancy dress with a feather boa and hairpin.
Chase just face palmed himself in annoyance.
Rainbow winced when she saw Rarity and her new outfit. Rarity gave the three guards a charming smile.
"You castle guards have such a difficult job," said Rarity as she walked up to the guards with Chase looking pretty annoyed with this, "I'm guessing that at times it can be rather...boring."
"It is," the first guard replied, "I've counted all three hundred and forty five bolts in the ceiling tiles two hundred and ninety three times! Alot of us miss the days when Chase was here as a little colt. He used to keep us company back in the day while we were on duty. He even used to help train us with his skills."
"Oh, those were the good old days," said the second guard, "Nopony could rival his jiu jitsu skills."
Chase blinked before he he shrugged with a smile. as Rainbow just groaned annoyingly.
"And of course being a castle guard can be thankless work," Rarity adding in her charming tone, "I'm not saying that you did, but if you took a break, you more than deserved it."
"Oh, you're right," said the first guard, "We don't get a lot of recognition for what we do. At least not since Chase left for Ponyville."
"Except for last night when somepony was nice enough to leave a cake for us," said Spearhead.
"So we did take a little break when we ate that cake." Spearhead said.
Rainbow looked a bit concerned when Rarity bashed her out of the way.
"What kind of cake was it?" Rarity asked as she returned to her detective outfit.
"Cherry with a custard filling," said the first guard.
"Was the frosting vanilla or chocolate?" Rarity asked as she leaned on the table on her stomach.
"Chocolate," the first guard replied.
"Was the base of the cake decorated with buttercream rosettes?" Rarity asked next.
"It was," the first guard replied with a stunned look on his face.
"Ugh, who cares how it was decorated?!" Rainbow bellowed.
"Rainbow Dash was questioning my methods," Rarity narrated as her eyes looked from side to side, "But I knew what I was doing."
"Do you?" Rainbow asked as the view returned back to color.
"Oh, oh, oh," said Rarity, "Did I say that one out loud?"
"That happens a lot, Rarity." Chase answered with a glare.
"I mean," said Rainbow, "Even I think I'm guilty at this point! I really did want to fly in that show! What if I wrote that note when I was asleep?! Do you know what I do when I sleep?! Because I sure don't!"
"Oh, calm down, Rainbow Dash," said Rarity, "We'll get to the bottom of 's only one bakery in Canterlot that makes a chocolate cherry cake with custard filling and buttercream rosettes and that's..."
(Scene changes)
"...Cinnamon Chai's Tea and Cake Shop!" Rarity said.
It was then the black and white view returned. Rarity was wearing a long sleeved dress with a frilly ribbon on the front, a pair of low heeled short boots with gold cufflinks in the sides and ribbons on the back of them, and her mane was tied back in a simple but elegant ponytail.
"Hello, how can I help you?" Cinnamon Chai greeted as Chase and Rarity walked up to her with Rainbow hovering behind them.
"We've heard you have the best chocolate cherry custard cake with buttercream frosting rosettes in town!" said Rarity.
"Ah, you two travel in the right circle!" Cinnamon Chai replied, "We have the only chocolate cherry custard cake with buttercream frosting rosettes in town!"
"It must be a very popular cake," Chase remarked as he pointed toward the display window to show that the spot where the cake would be was empty.
"Oh, no," said Rarity, "But somepony's already bought it! Who was the lucky pony?" Cinnamon Chai just had a blank look on her face.
"I can't even say!" said Cinnamon Chai.
"Why?" Rarity asked, "Because it was somepony famous?"
"Neither of those," Cinnamon Chai replied as a cloud appeared above her head as she described the pony, "She was wearing a trench coat, sunglasses, and a scarf around her head that covered most of her face. But I do remember she had really deep, raspy voice."
"What do you mean, raspy?" Rainbow asked, making Cinnamon Chai's thought cloud burst.
"Well, kinda like yours," Cinnamon Chai pointed out. Rainbow flinched and gulped.
"If there's anything else you can remember, dish," said Rarity as she and Chase scooted in front of Rainbow.
"Well, have I got a story for the two of you!" Cinnamon Chai replied, "The pony who bought the cake threw a big fit when she accidentally got chocolate ganache on her scarf!"
"That's terrible!" said Rarity.
"Well, I don't think that might be that crazy." Chase said with a look of confusion. "Chocolate stains can be almost impossible to clean, especially when it comes to satin or silk scarves."
"Indeed," said Rarity, "What color was the scarf?"
"White!" Cinnamon Chai replied, "No, maybe more an ivory..."
"You don't say!" Rarity exclaimed with interest.
"I can't believe you're talking about fashion at a time like this!" Rainbow yelled from the background as the view returned to color.
"Rainbow, don't panic," said Rarity as she looked at the enraged Pegasus, "I need you to trust me."
"Trust you?!" Rainbow retorted angrily, "You've spent more time changing clothes than trying to help me while Chase was the only one focused! I'm doomed!"
"No, you're not!" said Rarity, "Come on!"
"We're almost done with our investigation, I can feel it." Chase added. "And I think I know the pony who might've framed Rainbow Dash."
Rarity thanked Cinnamon Chair for her time and then the three ponies headed on their way.
(Scene changes)
The view then went back to being black and white once again as a stallion began to play a smooth jazzy tune with his instrument as it started to rain. Rarity was wearing an umbrella over her head to keep her dry. She was also back in her detective outfit. Rainbow and Chase hovered behind her, getting wet and not caring at all about it.
"Rainbow Dash was obviously upset," Rarity narrated as they walked down the street, "But I had all my ducks in a row. Except one." As Rarity was narrating, a little row of ducks walked down the street in the opposite direction. When Rarity mentioned all but one, a single duck tripped and landed in a little puddle before getting back up and went to catch up with its family.
"She's not going to like it," said Rarity, "but there was only one way to find out if my...our suspicions were correct."
(Scene changes)
With the view now back in color again, the other Wonderbolts were waiting inside the stadium backstage room. Misty Fly and Blaze had just returned. Soarin was in the middle of eating a pie when they walked inside the room.
"We looked everywhere," said Blaze, "but Spitfire wasn't at her mom's house!"
"Where could she be?" Stormy asked worried.
Wind Rider was just sitting nearby, but didn't look too concerned. It was then the door burst open as Rarity, Chase, and Rainbow stood before them as the view went back to black and white again.
"Detective Rarity has found the culprit!" Rarity announced.
The other Wonderbolts just exchanged puzzled looks as Soarin gulped down the piece of pie in his mouth.
"Somepony sent Spitfire away and framed Rainbow Dash for it," said Rarity as she walked forward. "And that pony was none other than...Wind Rider."
Rarity did a Phoenix Wright pose as she pointed a fore-hoof at the elderly Wonderbolt as some lightning crackled. The other Wonderbolts gasped as Rainbow made a long face and face-hoofed herself.
The view then turned back into color when Rainbow recovered.
"Rarity!" Rainbow Dash said angrily before hovering over to the elderly stallion, "I can't believe you would accuse Wind Rider of framing me! He's a living legend for pony's sake!"
"Dashie," said Chase with a firm tone, "I'm also considered by many ponies to be a living legend! But that doesn't mean that I can do no wrong! Wind Rider may be a celebrity, but that doesn't mean that he's got immunity for his crimes! Isn't that right, Rarity?"
"Correct, Chase." said Rarity confidently, "All the evidence points to him!"
"Peh!" Rainbow snorted as she hovered over to both Rarity and Chase, "What evidence could you both possibly have? All you did, Rarity, was ask about cake, admire decor, and change outfits a gazillion times! And Chase was only making me look bad!"
"Let me explain. I never believed you would send Spitfire away." Rarity explained. Wind Rider just glared at Rarity as she pulled out a baggy with Rainbow's mane hairs inside of it.
"When we found the rainbow hairs in Spitfire's room, we could tell they didn't fell out," Rarity continued, "They...were cut! Nopony loses their hair in a chunk. And look at the ends. It's a straight line! They were clearly cut with shears, which means somepony planted it!"
"It also means that somepony snapped Rainbow's mane when she wasn't looking," said Chase, "and used the hair to intentionally make it seem that she was the one at fault!"
"Precisely," said Rarity as a flashback was seen of Rarity and Chase searching Spitfire's room and Rainbow was just sitting on the bed and kicking her hind legs impatiently, "Then when we were examining Spitfire's room, I smelled something on the envelope. Chase smelled it as well. Juniper Phoenix, Wind Rider's cologne of choice!"
Rarity and Chase were seen sniffing the envelope and exchanging smirks with each other. The flashback continued as Rarity was admiring the curtains and Rainbow was leaning against a pillar with an annoyed look on her face.
"Then, in the castle hallway," Rarity continued, "Chase and I noticed some of the damask curtains fell out of their velvet rope-holder, indicating that somepony had been hiding behind them! Perhaps after they dropped off the fake letter?" Rarity gave Wind Rider a stern glare and the elderly stallion returned the look.
"Might I mention that the curtains also had the Juniper Phoenix scent on them as well," Chase added, "Coincidence? I think not!"
"Juniper Phoenix is very popular fragrance," said Wind Rider indignantly, "and anypony could have moved those curtains!"
"Not quite!" Chase said with a stern look.
Wind Rider was left stunned.
"It turns out that Juniper Phoenix is one of the most expensive fragrances on the cologne market. Only high prestige ponies, such as yourself, can afford it." Chase said.
"That still doesn't prove that I was the one who sent Spitfire away or that I framed Rainbow Dash," said Wind Rider.
"Precisely why I questioned the castle guards!" said Rarity confidently as a flashback showed two guards standing at the doorway when a third guard joined up with them, "They were at their post at the entrance to the hallway all night, except for a small window of time when somepony brought them cake."
It was then a mysterious looking pony gave the three guards the cake. Then the view went back to color and inside the backstage room.
"A cake that was ordered by a girl pony with a raspy voice!" said Rarity.
"But it wasn't exactly a girl pony," Chase added, "we spoke to the pony who sold them the cake and said that the voice was a deep raspy voice. Rainbow's voice might be a raspy, but her voice tone isn't deep. Only a male pony mimicking a raspy voice could have been mistaken as a girl!"
"How do we know you didn't send the cake so you could send Spitfire away, Chase?" Wind Rider shot back.
"Because I was practicing in my own living quarters when I noticed Spitfire leaving." Chase said, stunning Wind Rider.
"In addition," said Rarity as flashback was seen of a disguised pony holding the cake and trying to avoid passerbys, "Whoever ordered the cake got a chocolate stain on "her" ivory scarf..."
The disguised pony noticed the chocolate on their scarf as the flashback ended.
"And I couldn't help but notice that Wind Rider's scarf is tied up in a tight Windsor knot instead of its usual loose slipknot," Rarity continued as Wind Rider rolled his eyes, "And why is that? Is it to hide..." Rarity and Chase both used their magic to untie his scarf, "...the chocolate stain?!"
The Wonderbolts and Stormy all gasped at seeing the very stain on Wind Rider's scarf.
"Ah this is preposterous," said Wind Rider as he hovered away from the two detectives, "Wonderbolts, you don't believe a word of this right?"
"The jig is up Wind Rider," said Chase, "As Rarity pointed out, all the evidence points to you. And if you need one more proof, these are the very scissors used to cut Rainbow's mane!"
Chase used his magic to pull a pair of shearing scissors right out of Wind Rider's pocket. It was then Wind Rider finally flinched from Chase's critical strike.
"Just admit it!" Rarity added sternly, "You're as guilty of framing Rainbow Dash as you are of ruining that ivory scarf!"
"Ah, fine!" Wind Rider snapped angrily, "You caught me! I did it!"
"But, why, Wind Rider?!" Rainbow asked in a shocked and hurt tone, "Was it because I took the last broccoli and you really, really wanted it?" Wind Rider just gave Rainbow a blank look.
"Unfortunately," said Chase, "His reason for all of this was even more petty than that!"
"Chase is right." Rarity said. "it was because he was afraid that you would break his long-distance Wonderbolt record! We heard him when Spitfire said you were close to breaking his record. He said, and I quote..." A flashback was seen of them all chatting together at the dinner, "..."heh-heh"..." the view then returned to the present as Rarity continued and paced about, "That's the polite but disingenuous laugh you make when you want to seem happy but really you're not." Wind Rider snorted.
"I thought if I could get Rainbow Dash kicked out of the Wonderbolts forever, my record could be preserved," Wind Rider confessed.
"Really?" Rainbow exclaimed as she approached him, "That is so not cool. And I thought you were the coolest Wonderbolt ever. Until now."
"I did what I had to do to protect my record!" Wind Rider snapped, "Sometimes you gotta play dirty to be the best!"
"That is the stupidest thing I've ever heard," said Chase angrily. "No pony can play dirty when it comes to rules."
"What do you even know about rules, Chase?" Wind Rider shot back. "If you had been more assertive like I did, you might still be willing to take your grandfather's place in the Elite Ninja, but I guess you just didn't have what it takes to do that!"
Everypony winced as Chase lowered his head for a good two seconds before giving Wind Rider a dark glare, which made the elderly pony realize what he had just said and became terrified by the angry alicorn stallion. He then yelped as he was pinned to the ground.
"I… have every right… to have my honor in order to make my grandfather proud!" Chase said angrily, making Wind Rider wince fearfully. "Don't you EVER insult my family's legacy again! Because that's what it takes to be a better fighter! And more importantly, I did make my dream come true!"
"But you can't compare yourself to a ninja career with being a Wonderbolt! When it comes to being the best, it's every pony for themselves!" Wind Rider retorted as he got out of Chase's way.
"That's not what being a Wonderbolt is all about," said Rainbow sternly.
"She's right!" Soarin added, "Wonderbolts look out for each other! Which reminds me, where is Spitfire?"
"I sent her the letter pretending to be Stormy Flare," said Wind Rider as Rarity and Chase joined Rainbow in the background, "I told her I had Pegasitus, and the only cure is the ice iris in the Crystal Mountains."
"No wonder she's been gone so long," said Rainbow, "Ice irises are almost impossible to find in Spring!"
"So you spent Spitfire in a life-risking wild goose chase just to protect a stupid record!" Chase exclaimed angrily, "When I'm done with you-"
"Easy, Chase," said Rarity, "Wind Rider will gets what coming to him, but right now, we need to get Spitfire back!"
"The Crystal Mountains are too far for anypony to make it there and back before the royal garden opening!" said Soarin, "Rainbow Dash, we need you to fly in Spitfire's place!"
"But Spitfire shouldn't have to miss this!" said Rainbow, "I'm gonna get her!"
"But you'll never make it in time!" Soarin protested. Rainbow pondered.
"Maybe not alone," said Rainbow before she turned to give Chase a determined smile, "But I've got the fastest flyer here as my best friend." The Wonderbolts were stunned.
"Wait...Chase is...faster than you?" Soarin exclaimed.
"Indeed," said Rarity, "Chase has been able to enhance his speed and long agility as well with his jiu jitsu skills."
"Come on, Chase!" Rainbow said with a determined look. "Let's go rescue Spitfire!"
"I'm way ahead of you!" Chase said with a determined smile.
"Then there's no time to lose!" said Rainbow as they both zoomed off at high speed.
(Scene changes)
Later Soarin and Stormy were chatting with each other with worried looks on their faces. Blaze was keeping watch from the window. Rarity just kept her eyes on Wind Rider, who was just giving the marshmallow mare a death glare.
"Rainbow Dash and Chase are still gone!" said Blaze worriedly.
"Oh, don't panic!" said Rarity calmly, "If I know Rainbow Dash and Chase, they'll come through."
Wind Rider just rolled his eyes. Then the door burst open. And there was Rainbow, Chase, and Spitfire. Poor Spitfire was out of breath from flying so fast.
"Spitfire, you're back!" said Soarin, "I can't believe you made it!"
"I wouldn't have, if Rainbow Dash and Chase hadn't found me so fast!" said Spitfire, still out of breath, "Gave me enough time to fly back! I also had no idea Chase could fly so fast!"
"Well, I have my moments." Chase said, jokingly with a smile.
Spitfire gave him a playful punch to the shoulder as she chuckled in amusement. Wind Rider just rolled his eyes annoyingly again as the blue Pegasus walked up to Rarity.
"Rare, I couldn't have done it without you and Chase," Rainbow told her, "And I'm sorry I doubted the both of you. But why didn't you tell me what you two were doing?"
"Well, we didn't want to get your hopes up until we were sure," Rarity replied as Chase stood beside her. "And I couldn't be sure until we saw that chocolate stain."
"Thank you both for believing in me," said Rainbow, "even when I was doubting you. I'm some friend huh?"
"Actually, you're quite a good friend," said Rarity, "You went to get Spitfire, even though it meant you couldn't fly today."
"That alone shows that you're putting the needs of others ahead of yourself," said Chase, "I'm proud of you, Dash." Spitfire, Soarin, and Stormy all smiled.
"Thanks, Chase." said Rainbow and sighed, "I'll get my chance one day."
"Or today," said Spitfire as she hovered near Wind Rider, "How'd you like Wind Rider's spot in the show?" Wind Rider was shocked.
"Uh, w-w-what? Y-You can't do this to me!" Wind Rider protested, "I'm one of the greatest Wonderbolts there ever was!"
"Not anymore!" said Spitfire, "For attempting to frame Rainbow Dash and insulting not just my best friend and his grandfather, but also Equestria's Prince of Friendship and Jiu Jitsu Master, I hereby strip you of your Wonderbolt status!"
Spitfire quickly tore off Wind Rider's Wonderbolt pin and Fleetfoot escorted the stallion out of the room.
"So, would you like to fly with us?" Soarin asked Rainbow Dash.
"Would I!?" Rainbow replied excitedly and then flew into the air to victory dance and cheering again, "Woo-hoo! Yeah-yeah-yeah-yeah, uh-huh, uh-huh, yeah, aww yeah..."
"Uh, Rainbow Dash?" Chase called out as Soarin and Spitfire gave the blue Pegasus some smirks. Rainbow froze in mid-air and blushed in embarrassment.
"Coming!" said Rainbow as she headed out with Spitfire and Soarin as Rarity and Chase exchanged a high-hoof and followed close behind.
(Scene changes)
Outside, the view turned back to black and white as Rarity and Chase watched the Wonderbolts take to the skies.
"So our friend got her moment in the sun," Rarity narrated as Rainbow flew through a flower made out of clouds, "Or the center of an aerial flower, as the case may be. And as for me? I got a chance to show off my Royally Mystique Chic collection!"
"That's nice dear," said Stormy, making Rarity flinch and then blush heavily as the view returned to color.
"Oh, did I say that out loud?" Rarity replied sheepishly.
"Um, yeah. You did." Chase said with a chuckle.
Stormy just chuckled to herself and continued to enjoy the aerial show.