Disaster Anon #8: GEN 1; Disaster 2: TAFC, pts. 1-3

Disaster #2: The Apple Family Conspiracy, Parts One, Two, and Three.

PART ONE

Thirty one years prior to Anon's appearance.

Dear Diary,
Moving is such a hassle. My dogs were parking after the trip we took, but it's well worth the hundred somethin' miles. Jona Gold says this Dream Valley place is under a huge wave of development, and that's it's going to be the perfect place to start a new life. Still, I will miss Mom, and Dad, and little brother Rome especially, but it's okay. I'm sure I'll make a ton of new friends here, and have a hoot of a time doing it. I just hope the school won't be as boring as my old one. Why does Mom even want me going to school anyways? It's not like figuring out multiplication will help me buck apples. I guess she has a good reason though, I just don't know yet. Here's hoping for the best.
Signed, Ginger Gold.


SATURDAY
>Day four in Dream Valley.
>You're flying through the evening air in a wagon that's being improbably pulled by the Fireflys. You just left the ranch after a three hour incredibly sappy reunion between Megan's family and the pegasi, and you're now returning to Dream Valley to start a new life. Will you stay there forever? You doubt it, but a little while wouldn't hurt.
>With you in the wagon, you've brought a few sets of clothing, your signature lab coat, blankets, a watch, a camera, your toolbox, and a few miscellaneous items from college. In addition, you also have a mysterious gift in a tall box that Megan told to keep right-side-up.
>You're somewhat torn with changing worlds so suddenly.
>On the one hand, you were given the most astounding welcome party after coming back from Centaurus; on the other hand, you're going to be living in the barren blue home of Minty.
>It's not that you have a problem with Minty, but she has no extra bed, and you need to sleep on her incredibly comfortable couch in her living room/micro-store with her many scarves, sweaters, quilts, and hats. She said she'd give you her futon to sleep on, but you'd feel really bad if you did that.
>On the other, other hand, you don't have much going for you back on Earth.
>It doesn't matter what you think now though; it's far too late to change your decision.
>At about six, you and the mares transition from your world to Dream Valley via 'following your heart through the clouds and returning to the ground', according to Firefly I. You don't get how that works. Maybe it's like that second star to the right biz with Peter Pan. The town's actually coming together quite nicely now that the windows and busted walls are being repaired. his place will be good as new in no time.
>The Fireflys land on the outside of Minty's house, and Minty rushes out of the building to greet you.
>"Anon!" says Minty excitedly. "You're finally back. How was Molly?"
"Just as good as a few days ago," you say getting out of the wagon.
>Firefly II asks, "Do you need some help unpacking?"
Nah, you two have done enough. I'll take it from here.
>She gives a shrug before leaving off with her mom.
>"So what'd you bring Anon?" asks Minty as you carry in the box Megan gave you.
Some clothing, tools, tech, and this...thing Megan gave me.
>"Ooh, can I open it. Please, please, please!"
>She seems so childish, but you don't mind.
Do what you want, but I need to unpack.
>You can hear her peeling away at the tape with her hoof as you walk back to the wagon. After you grab some clothing and return, the entire box is opened, revealing a baby apple tree with around a dozen apples growing on it.
Well would you look at that.
>Megan made such a big emphasis on how her gift would be a big responsibility. Does she really think you're going to have so much trouble with a tree?
This isn't exactly what I expected, but it's really nice. Right Minty?
>Minty sits there, completely dumbfounded at it.
Uh, looks like Megan wanted to give me a little something to remember the ranch by. Pretty sweet huh?
>Minty's dead silent as she stares at the tree.
Minty? Minty, what's wrong?
>Not even looking at you, she finally says, "I haven't seen an apple in Dream Valley for over a decade."

Dear Diary,
My first day at the new school was a huge success. When I first showed up, the schoolhouse's giant playground was already a great sign that I'd like the place, but when I walked in, my expectations were blown to smithereens. The teacher Miss Starlight seems really nice and she has the goldingest mane I've ever seen. At first I was really shy, but when I had to stand up and tell the class about myself, I was able to ease in a bit. Maybe it was because I brought apples, but I think the students really like me. Speaking of apples, it's a good thing my big brother Cortland forced us to move to Dream Valley. From what the teacher said, Dream Valley doesn't cultivate apples, mostly carrots. It seems weird knowing there are horses who haven't enjoyed a good apple before.
Signed, Ginger Gold.

>Minty's speaking starts to get more and more panicked as she begins speaking to herself.
>"This isn't good, we shouldn't have...wait, this is good! Nopony's seen the tree so I...But it looks so..."
>Her mouth starts to hang open slightly as her gaze only gets deeper.
Is there something wrong with the tree, Minty?
>"What?! Oh, uh--nothing's wrong. Everything's mint-tastic. Why don't you take this up to my room while I get the rest of your stuff.
Why not just put it in the backyard with your mint garden?
>"No! Uh-My room is fine. Besides, I always wanted a small tree in my room."
But it won't get sunlight.
>"I'll leave the blinds open! Just do it!"
>Minty doesn't look like the type to verbally snap at someone. It seems really weird coming out of her mouth.
>You weigh the options, and eventually decide to go ahead and force the tree upstairs.

SUNDAY
6:39 AM.
>As you slumber on the couch, you are woken by the sharp scream of Minty from upstairs. Immediately you spring up, and pull a wrench out of the tool box that you've put by the couch.
>You rush up the stairs as quickly as you can and open the door to find Minty completely unharmed. The reason she was screaming is obvious though, as you see that the tree next to her bed has grown several inches and has sprouted four more apples.
>"This wasn't supposed to happen!" screams Minty.
How did it grow so quickly? It's barely been half a day since it's been here.
>"Dang it! I didn't think anything would happen. Earth ponies have this strange thing with plants that cause them to grow really. It's the reason earth ponies are so popular in agriculture. I didn't think this would happen though. I make mint plants grow, not apple trees!"
>She stomps a hoof to the ground, and a blossom pops out of a branch.
We need to bring it downstairs and get it outside before it's too large to fit through the door.
>"We can't!"
Why not!
>"If we do, the tree will get destroyed. I don't want to lose the apples."
What kind of paranoid bull-
>You're interrupted by a loud banging noise from the front door.
>Brights Brightly's voice calls out,
>"HEY! IS EVERYTHING ALL RIGHT IN THERE?!"
>You can hear the sound of the door opening as you realize nobody locked it.
>"Oh jeez! Umm...Anon, tell Brightly I stepped on a nail or something. I'm terrible at hiding secrets," says Minty.
>You shrug and walk your way downstairs cutting her off before she can climb up.
>"What's going on up there?" asks Brightly.
>Should you lie to her like Minty said?...Nah.
Minty freaking out because she caused an apple tree to grow.
>Her eyes suddenly pop open.
>"She what?!"
>Brights squeezes her way through causing you to almost fall down the stairs as she gets into Minty's room. When you make it back up, Brights is going absolutely crazy at the sight.
>"How did this happen?! Minty, you dingbat! How did you get these into Dream Valley?"
>You soon hear the sound of more hoofteps as Ember voice is heard from the stairs.
>"What's going on here? All this screaming is ruining my morning yoga."
>She pauses after finally reaching the room and seeing the tree. Everyone's silent as the stare at her, waiting for a reaction. She then bolts to the window and starts screaming out for Firefly.
>"FIREFLY! GET YOUR FLANK OVER HERE! IT'S IMPORTANT."
>Minty tells her, "Stop, we don't need any more-"
>Firefly glides through the window.
>"Great. Might as well invite the whole town at this point," says Minty.
>Firefly takes a good look at the tree, and then back to Minty and says, "Care to tell us how 'this' got into your house?"
>"It was Anon's fault. He brought it with him yesterday."
Okay, I'm getting pretty tired of all of this ambiguity. What's the big deal with the apple tree?
>You get an answer from Ember.
>"Apples are practically banned around here. There's been a decade long purge of apples across all of Dream Valley from a mysterious pony that nopony else has been able to identify."
Why?
>Brights tells you, "Nopony knows. Apples are a omen of destruction. You need to get rid of these as soon as possible. Let's burn em'."
We are not burning my apples! This was a gift from Megan.
>Minty shushes you.
>"Don't say apples so loud. Who knows who might be listening," says Minty.
>Ember asks you, "Why would Megan possibly give you an apple tree. She was here during the purge. She knew what was happening."
>Ember has a point. Why on Earth would Megan possibly want you as a part of this? Does she honestly expect you to do something. Did she think that things were better after her many years away from Dream Valley?
>Your train of thought is broken as Firefly asks, "What are you going to do?"
What?
>"It's your tree, so you should decide what happens next. What do you wanna do?"

Dear Diary,
I just found out something super nifty. Every year, there is a huge bakers competition that brings the total bestest of bakers. If there's one thing that can guarantee sales for our humble Apple Delight Acres, it'd be a first place blue ribbon. Cortland doesn't think he can cut the mustard against the competition, but he makes an amazing hazelnut apple tart. It can't top how Momma did it in Mustangia, but it's still really good. I have a lot of hope in our family, because if there's one thing we can do right, it's bake.
Signed, Ginger Gold.

>When you decided to stay in Dream Valley, part of you knew you'd need to be there for the town in times of trouble. You didn't think it'd be so soon, but the time has come for you to stand up once more.
>You take the tree out, and plant it in the backyard for all to see. As you were planting it and Minty watered the soil, you could see quite a few ponies peering through the bared fence. You could tell they were concerned, but you didn't care.
>Not only that did you plant it, but you also took eight of its apples and with some ingredients from Minty, baked them into a pair of pies.
>You sit everyone down at the kitchen table, and cut a total of ten slices. Everyone accordingly gets two.
Well everyone, I hope you like it.
>The scent fills their nostrils, and their mouths begin to water passionately. Despite the temptation, no one goes for it.
What's wrong.
>Ember tells you, "I'm a bit afraid. I feel like a criminal right now."
Come on, it's not illegal or anything. Besides, I spent a lot of time on this. Don't hurt my feelings guys.
>Minty finally caves as she says, "Well, I was going to try an apple anyways."
>She slowly lowers her face into the pie and takes a small bite.  Her eyes then widen and she takes an even bigger bite of its apple goodness.
>"Oh my gosh. This is sooo good! I almost forgot what apples tasted like," says Minty.
>She begins digging in, and the others soon join as well.
>As each takes their first bite, you can visibly see the indulgence on their faces.
>Ember tells you, "I guess we're all in this together," as she takes another fork full of pie with her magic.
It's good to know that. Seeing as the town already likes me so much, I'll probably get a lot of support for this. Anyone who would want to get the tree will have a pretty hard time going un-noticed.
>Firefly tells you, "Don't expect anypony to go out of their way to stop whoever though. I hear the pony's actually an assassin demon that sometimes takes out big targets. I remember once last year, somepony named Snowdrop had secretly been receiving shipments of apples from Equestria, so the pony had the entire street filled with this toxic smoke that had everyone out cold. When the ponies finally made it to the inside of her house, it wasn't a pretty sight."
I'm not afraid of terrorist, but I will need to ask you guys to at least keep an eye out if there's anything suspicious or troubling. Spread the word to anyone you know as well. Best case scenario; we catch whoever's doing this. Worse case; we have several witnesses that will see whatever happens. We'll also need a list of as much prior information as possible. Does Dream Valley have a census bureau?
>Minty gives an excited, "Yes. I bet the towns guards also have a ton of records on the purge as well. Combine the town census and the available information-"
And we can make a list of suspects. Minty, you're beautiful.
>She blushes before giving an embarrassed, "Thanks."

Dear Diary,
I looked like the biggest weirdo to my friends today. I have an absolute hoot of a time with Bow-Tie and Powder, yet all the time I spend with them has sort of taken away from the time I spend with my cousin. Honeycrisp is mostly a busy body now and days, but I still like to at least be with her, so today, I decided to spend the evening at the family's apple stand helping her sell apples. Surprisingly, I had a way better time than I thought I would. I met a bushel of new faces including some of the ponies Honeycrisp talks to. The carrot salesman was especially nice. He gave me a free carrot. I was a little jealous that his stand was so much bigger than ours though, but that's okay. Honeycrisp says that one day, we're going to make so much money, that ponies will be jealous of us. I hope she Isn't joking.
Signed, Ginger Gold.

TUESDAY
>The past two nights have been pretty quiet. You've taken the extra mile and have been pulling all nighters up until two in case anything were to happen. There's also been quite a few citizens actually taking shifts watching the tree as well. The dedication and cooperation is astounding.
>Speaking of the tree, it's grown substantially sprouting at least fifteen new apples of different ages.
>You've stashed around twenty so far with the intention of having chips to gamble with later.
>You've also taken the liberty of getting some much needed information from the authorities of town. A census was easy to get a copy of, but the town guardsmen were a bit more reluctant. The gray earth stallion that leads the guards knows you're planning  something, and he doesn't want you digging your nose too deep in a matter that should be handled by the law. You bribed him with an apple pie though if you end the purge with any available information and eventually he gave you what you needed.

Dear Diary,
Remember that weird lady that I mentioned sells peaches along with recipe books in the farmers market? Well, I found out her name is Ms. Blossom, and I just got through delivering an apple pie to her house. It was mostly aunt Paula Red's idea. She said and I quote, "Dat lady seems so down and out, that she could use somethin' ta cheer er' up." I never paid too much mind to the new lady, all I noticed was that she looks really sleepy and is really skinny. I bet I'd be much more attractive if I was as skinny as her. Anyways, when I went to her caravan, it was really run down like it just got through a tornado. Miss Blossom didn't seem too happy when I came, but I saw a tiny little smile on her face when I gave her the pie. I left to play with my friends after I was done, but there's something about the peach lady that seems interesting. I might visit her again one day. I hope things turn out better for her, but in a place as nice as Dream Valley, I don't think there's too much anypony needs to worry about, especially with that new girl around to help everypony. I think my big sis called her Megan or something.
Signed, Ginger Gold.

>You were given access to a series of files and documents to read so long as you don't take anything, and from that you begin to get a solid understanding of how it all started.
>The purge began roughly seventeen years ago having apparent roots with what became known as "The Apple Delight Massacre."
>North of Dream Valley there is an old farm and a completely dead field. It was previously owned by a stallion known as Cortland until the unfortunate night of June 18. At roughly 1:17 AM, the acres of the Apple family were spotted after breaking out into a raging fire. The pegasus emergency weather force was able to neutralize the flames through a flash flood at 1:23 AM but at that point, everything was already turned to ash.
>The farm remained intact, but after a quick search, it was discovered that every single member of the Apple Delight family were murdered in their sleep. The causes were exactly the same with every member having their necks slit with the exception of Courtland who was impaled through the stomach in the hallway.
>Apple Delight Acres was the only place that produced and distributed apples in Dream Valley, and with their removal, all apples has to be either home-grown, or imported from other locations. Things only got worse from there. Ponies who were revealed to have apples began getting raided. As mentioned by Firefly, some were even assassinated. Trees were burned, all shipping was eventually cut off, and eventually ponies stopped having apples in Dream Valley all together. It remains unknown who's responsible, but the most common idea is an assassin, or ninja of some sort. It's usually one, but there were a couple of instances where there were reports of two or more of these figures spotted. Few photos exist, but most are at distances so far that the figure is completely ambiguous.
>Despite the lack of visual or DNA evidence, there was one major item left from one of the victims.
>One of the ponies in the Apple Delight family actually possessed a large diary containing every notable event from her arrival into Dream Valley to a point near her untimely death. Her name was Ginger Merryweather Gold. The last pages unfortunately were ripped out, but it was still pivotal to the investigation. Sadly, the results were inconclusive.
>You're unable to keep such an important piece of evidence, but a kind white mare who worked in the filing department of the guardsmen headquarters actually bent the rules a bit and gave you a typed copy of the book. She also gave you a very important tool; it's an enchanted ring that apparently absorbs magic, like the bars that made Tirek's jail cells. Guards often force them onto the horns of criminals and chain them to neck collars.
>The ring will surely come into play later, but for now these stories are what you need to focus on. They will be essential if you want to solve this mystery.

Dear Diary,
I think someone might have their eye on me. <3 When I was at the farmers market today, there was this new stand that was added across ours and a few stands over. Apparently the colt who runs the stand sells pumpkins and this weird drink called 'pumpkin cola'. You've never heard of a drink called cola before. That's not the point though. What's important was the fact that he was checking me out like an egg in a snake pit. It took a while, but I decided to bow to fate and introduce myself. My mouth was so dry, but I managed to barely tell him, "Hi, I'm Ginger Gold." With the cutest Native Dreamlandian accent he tells me, "My name is Paul. Paul Pumpkin." Looks like I've got a new friend. <3 <3 <3
He did have this girl with him though. I wonder if they're a couple.
Signed, Ginger Gold.

WENDSDAY
>It's pretty interesting peering into the life of someone else.
>You've got approximately 3967 entrees to go through all compressed onto seven hundred and eighty three pages.
>While waiting through the night for any backyard disturbances, you made it to page 312. If you take most of the day, you may be able to finish this, and maybe even take notes on ponies she encountered.
>You take a few bits (Dream Valley's equivalent currency) from Minty, and get a cup of coffee from 'Morning Glory's' coffee shop.
>You're going to have a very long day.

THURSDAY
>As two o-clock hits, you decide to drift to sleep seeing as the sun will rise in a few hours and you doubt anything will happen in the sunlight. Just as you settle into the couch though, you hear a faint sound from a block away. Someone's calling your name, which means the backyard is in major trouble.
>You spring out of the couch, run to the backyard, and see that the tree has been set on fire. Whoever did this is nowhere to be found. You simply stare at the flames as they slowly engulf your tree, until finally from the clouds, a heavy downpour of rain begins to neutralize it. It didn't naturally happen, Firefly causes it.
Despite the rain, the flames already destroyed almost the entire tree and only three apples haven't been ruined because a branch collapsed. You doubt it will continue to grow. Firefly comes down from the sky to try and comfort you.
>"Anon, I am so sorry I wasn't able to stop this," says Firefly.
It's okay. I knew this would happen. I wanted it to happen.
>Minty comes out and gasps at the sight.
>"Looks like it's all over," she says.
Minty, it's not even close to over.
>One of your lookouts, a pink mare with a flat mane and white spots as a brand leaps over the gate to give you the news.
>The mare tells you, "Anon. I saw everything. This pony in a giant brown cloak was walking through the streets, and then out of nowhere disappeared. At first I thought my exhaustion was playing tricks on me, but then I noticed the smoke from your tree. When I looked in the backyard, I saw the pony again, and then poof, gone in a flash."
That kind of supernatural action seems like the work of magic, and if it's magic, then whoever did this is most likely a unicorn.
>Frostbite and a purple pegasus colt guard soon arrive to tell you the exact same news thus confirming the story.
>You retire to your home to check the town census.
>Based on the grudge being held against apples, you came to the assumption that whoever was responsible for the purge was most likely a pony who worked in the field of agriculture. Based on the available census, there were a total of thirty one ponies confirmed as workers in the field, but the fact that it's a unicorn helps substantially.
>As Minty showed you days ago, farming is most popular to earth ponies, and it's clearly reflected by the census. According to this, only seven unicorns work in agriculture. Danver Patch, Peach Blossom, Sweetberry, Paul Pumpkin, Berry Bright, Dazzle Shine, and Daisy Doll. Admittedly, it's a bit of a stretch, but as you weed out the names, you realize something; Danver Patch, Peach Blossom, Paul Pumpkin, and Dazzle Shin were all mentioned in the diary, and each was questioned as well from the documents of the incident. There were a few others as well, but none were unicorns. You now have your main suspects to interrogate, but first you need some sleep. You'll interrogate at eight.

PART TWO
SUSPECT #1: DANVER PATCH
>Questioned in the Apple Delight Massacre.
>Suspect of two apple importation incidents.

>Danver was the kind of colt that had a life you'd expect from a TV show.
>He had a loving wife, two young colts and a filly, and lived in a house on a hill with a job he absolutely loved; he was the number one agriculturalist in Dream Valley as a producer of carrots. Danver didn't start on the top though.
>Danver's reached the top years into Ginger's diary for his notoriety in Dream Valley's yearly bakers competition. He won a record breaking six years in a row, gaining the respect and admiration of everyone around him. Despite his rank, his business was and remained truly humble. He never lived a lavish life and never had an ounce of smugness according to Gingers Diary.
>Over time, he did have a rivalry that formed, and that ironically enough, was to the Apple Family that neighbored his stand.
>The Apples quickly grew in popularity across the years due to their amazing attitude and the high appeal of apples, but it was only after their ninth year that things took a turning point. This was during the 23rd Annual bakers competition.

Dear Diary,
I don't know how to feel right now. From the first time out of all nine of our tries, my family and I managed to win first place in this year's Annual Bake-Off. We've got a fancy blue ribbon to hang on our walls, and now the sales are going to pour in like noponys business. What's got me down though is Mr. Patches.
Only a few days before the competition began, Mr. Patch's field of carrots completely died off. I didn't see it, but I heard about it. Every carrot was black and wilted, and somepony suggested that it was due to foul play in the competition. I bet if his garden was okay, he'd have won for sure just like last year, and the year before that, and so on.
Getting back on his hooves won't be easy. Maybe I should try and help him out tomorrow.
Singed, Ginger Gold.

>It took months for Danver to actually restore his carrot field, but the Carrot family was never quite as popular since. The Apple Family became most popular, and even without them in the equation, their unofficial "brother business" from Paul's Pumpkins Incorporated now stands on top.
>Danver was never quite the same after what happened. He was still very likable and most ponies never had a problem with him, but the once warm and embracive nature of Danver around Ginger started to fade. She wasn't sure if it was because she was getting older, or heaven forbid he was jealous of now having to look up to them after the near decade of it being the other way around, but Danver was described as being "almost cold," and "slightly off" to her.

>You're guided by Ember, and accompanied by your friends to a fair sized home that's in pristine condition to see Danver.
>Apparently, he retired a long time ago, and has lived a peaceful, quiet life on his farm ever since.
>You walk to the door and give it a stern knock until it's finally opened by Danver. He is a tall yellow colt with a thick brown moustache and mane. Both have hints of gray, yet he still seems very youthful. His brand is a chopped apart carrot.
>A small, worried look comes to his face because he knows why we're here, but he quickly changes to a more casual smile.
>"Well hello there Anonymous. I see you brought your friends." says Danver.
Mr. Patches, I hope you don't mind. But I'd like to ask you a few questions. May we come inside?
>"Oh, of course. Make yourself at home"
>You and the others walk in and observe his home. It's clean and symmetrical, with a home décor that seems very vintage, but not lavish in the slightest. There is however a large plaque near the right, and on it are a series or ribbons and medals, including the six blue ribbons he won in the past.
>Danver calls to his wife upstairs, "Evening Star, will you be a dear and make some carrot cookies for our guest?"
That's quite all right, we won't be too long.
>An orange club chair is present near the stairs, and Danver takes a seat to get comfortable.
>"So, what brings you and the ponies here?" asks Danver.
I'm doing an investigation of the purge, and I've got a lot of questions that tie in with you.
>"I see. And what's with the other four."
>Brights somehow manifests a pair of sunglasses to put on her face as she tells him, "Security."
>The sound of hoofsteps are heard upstairs as Evening Star walks into view. She's an eggshell white pegasus, with a wavy mane of pure white and a mark of a black cross style star.
>She asks, "Is there anything wrong?"
Hopefully not.
>She gives a weak, "Okay," before walking off into the kitchen.
>Danver asks, "Would you maybe like a seat?"
>He's referring to the brown sofa on the other side of the living room.
No thank you, we're fine with standing. So Danver, that's an awful lot of rewards on your wall.
>"It's nothing to special, most of those are from the kids. A couple of golf medals from my son, Kuroda. Two ribbons from Nantes in the baker's competition. Chantenay's not quite there yet, but I have faith in her."
Do you have high expectations in your kids?
>"No, I'm just very supportive. I love my kids. I tried to be there for as much of their childhood as possible, and all they want to do is make me happy in return."
So achievements make you happy?
>"I'm happy with whatever they do, but it does feel kind of nice. I'll admit though, I may spoil them a bit too much when they do something."
Interesting. How do you feel about failure?
>His expression drops slightly.
>"Nopony likes failing, Anon."
Fair enough. So Danver, how would you describe your prior relationship with Ginger?
>His head starts to turn away as if he's reminiscing on the past.
>"She was adorable. Of course we never spent time together; I'm about twenty years older than her and that would just be weird, but I did see a lot of her. She was a very social pony to the others in the farmers market. She'd shoot the breeze with Mrs. Plum, she could always make the grape salesmare laugh with her stories, and I watched her become friends with a whole bushel of ponies. Even Ms. Blossom was her friend, and she hates friendship. Her presence always seemed to bring the best out in ponies."
Those sounded like really good times. Next question, can you describe the incident that destroyed your garden?
>"Do I have to?"
>Brights tells him, "You better listen to Anon. We don't want any trouble."
>You turn and quietly tell her,
Brights, I told you no good cop, bad cop.
>"Buts it'll totally-"
No. Shut up and let the man talk.
>You turn back.
Go on Danver.
>He begins speaking.
>"Well, it was on the day of Annual Bake-Off. I had spent the entire month perfecting an almond-topped carrot pie so I could earn my seventh blue ribbon. If you tried it, you'd know that it was the kind of dessert that melts in your mouth with its goodness. I was a horseshoe in for first place, and all I had to do was make a fresh pie for the competition. Then we'd celebrate with a huge house party like the other years. That never happened though. I came outside and saw that every single carrot in my backyard was black and dead. I was sabotaged. The only carrots left were the few in my home, and I wasn't going to waste those making pies. I was crushed, and didn't even bother showing my face at the competition. My record, my livelihood, and my status were all destroyed by the end of the evening."
And then the Apples took it all from under your nose.
>"I know what you're thinking, but I never did anything to the apples. I hate losing, but I can at least accept it. Besides, I have an entire family to look after, they don't need me in trouble."
Well, did you ever blame anyone for the incident?
>He pauses and breaks eye contact.
>"No comment."
>After an uncomfortable silence, Evening Star quickly floats in and worriedly asks, "Who wants cheesecake?" carrying the aforementioned dessert in a tin around her hooves.
Thank you ma'am, but we should really get going.
>Minty tells you, "But Anon, I love cheesecake."
Minty, no.
>Evening says to her, "That's okay. You can bring it with you," and places it on her back.
>Minty gives a massive grin as you all walk out.
>After closing the door and reaching a reasonable distance, you tell your friends,
Brights and Firefly, go find Danver's kids and ask them all you can about their dad. Return to my home when you're done.
>Firefly gives you a solute, and the two of them head off.
Ember and Minty, we're going to the cola factory.

SUSPECT #2: PAUL PUMPKIN
>Questioned in the Apple Delight Massacre.
>Suspect of one apple importation incident.
>Suspect of the murder of Snowdrop.


>Paul Pumpkin started his life in Dream Valley as an eccentric immigrant from Ponlyland (also known as Native Dreamland) that traveled about one hundred miles in a caravan that moved purely by his magic. Apparently his number one spell can animate objects. Unlike most farmers, Paul didn't come with any relatives, only a series of friends that actually includes suspect number 4; Dazzle Shine.
>Ginger quickly drew to Paul's good looks and charismatic nature, and in a matter of days, they became good friends. You must admit, from what you read, he does seem like a charmer. He'd even take her on rides through town on a speeding wagon he animated. That's practically a car by their standards.
>Paul's greatest strength was the actual wealth of his heritage.
>Paul comes from a long line of pumpkin salesmen that were all seen as revolutionary in their own respect. His father perfected pumpkin medicine, his uncle developed several types of jams, and his aunt created a series of beauty products that incorporated pumpkins. Paul's namesake came from a unique cola that he developed.
>With the money received from his father before departing, he created a small bottling plant next to his home, and began selling his creation to the public. Cola wasn't the only thing he could make though. He experimented with many different beverages, for both children and adults.

Dear Diary,
Am I mature? I thought I was. I'm a hard worker on the farm, I'm a lot smarter than the quirky thirteen year old that first came to Dream Valley, but I'm starting to think Paul might be more mature than I ever will.
This evening, Paul invited me to his house. When we entered, the living room had three colts that I never saw before hanging out and playing some foreign board game with tiles and dice. Paul tells them, "Okay everypony, I want some alone time with Gingy. Head on out." Everypony rushes up the stairs and Paul walks over to his couch and pats a hoof on the cushion wanting me to sit down. Once I sit, he tells me, "There's something I, Paul Pumpkin, really wanna show you. You can keep a secret right?" I've never tattled a day in my life, but he still makes me cross my heart just in case.
Confident I'll keep quiet, Paul heads into the kitchen, and arrives with a bottle containing some kind of beverage. It hasn't been the first time Paul's wanted me to try something he was working on, but what he had this time really surprised me. He created a pumpkin flavored whisky.
He told me his father used to make it as a kid, but he never was never old enough to try it himself, so he took the time and made some himself. He levitates the bottle to me, expecting me to drink, but I hesitate. I ask, "Paul, what are you doing?!  You know that alcohol is illegal," but he tells me, "The distribution of alcohol for profit is illegal. I can't sell this stuff, but there's nothing wrong with me making some, and giving it to a friend. You're not going to tattle though, right?" I crossed my heart, it's impossible now.
He took a sip from the bottle as if it was no big deal, and then offered me to try. I felt so mixed and conflicted at what to do. Part of me wanted to try; I was an adult, he was an adult, and this for him at least, was what adults do. Another part of me however, thought that drinking would be a bad idea, especially since I'm so far from home. He could see I was scared, and with a sigh told me, "You don't need to try if you don't want." After that, I asked if he could take me home, and we drove back in his wagon, completely silent the entire time.
I guess I still have more growing up to do.
Singed, Ginger Gold.

>Ginger and Paul remained friends despite that uncomfortable day, and as Paul's business grew into what became a small factory, he decided to plan a merger with Apple Delight Acres, which were at the time Dream Valley's wealthiest agriculturalist family. His business had strong expansion opportunities due to his family's series of already existing factories. That combined with the Apple Family's collective numbers in Dreamland, plus the popularity of apples would lead to easily the most powerful company possible. Chances are, they could even monopolize smaller businesses in certain places.
>The purge occurred before any decision was made.

>You're guided by Ember to the western plains outside of Dream Valley, to a large, brown and gray factory that seems identical to the typical factories of your world.
>"Well, here we are," says Ember.
>You enter the front door and find yourself in the factory lobby. A dark blue unicorn mare secretary greets you three in a very bland and uncaring tone.
>"Welcome to the Pumpkin Family Cola Plant. We are sorry, but all openings for jobs are currently filled," she says.
I'm here to talk with Paul Pumpkin.
>"You'll need to schedule an appointment."
This needs to happen today, as soon as possible.
>The mare gives you a very blank look before finally saying, "Please wait a moment."
>The secretary closes her eyes, and her horn begins to glow. Almost like a microphone, her voice begins to project despite not actually speaking.
>She's literally thinking out loud as her mind announces, "Mr. Pumpkin, Anonymous wishes to speak to you."
>A male voice who you can only assume is Paul projects from her horn.
>"Anonymous? 'The' Anonymous that helped save everypony from Tirek? Let him in! Let him in!"
>The secretary eyes you a little more, but then points her hoof to the door at the left.
>"You may proceed. JUST you. You're friends need to wait here."
>Ember walks to a bench and takes a seat with no argument. Minty's more reluctant giving an unhappy huff, but joins as well.
>You open the aforementioned door and immediately you begin hearing the clank of bottles and the sound of gears and belts moving. In front of you is a tall stairway leading to the top of the factory, and to your sides you see the work in action.
>There are over a dozen workers in red uniforms that you can't recognize in the slightest. The place seems fairly dim, but you're able to make out certain things. There's a processor for juicing pumpkin guts, all sorts of ingredient mixers, a bottler and a ridiculous stack of crates and boxes near the wall. It's all brought together by not just the workers, but a massive generator that seems far ahead of its time. And that's just in this room alone.
>You make your ways up the stairs and walk down a large suspended path until you reach a door.
>After giving it a knock, Paul tells you, "It's open."
>You open the door and in an especially dim room, you see Paul behind a desk.
>He's reddish orange, and has a wavy black mane that partially covers the right side of his face. He has hazy eyes off silver with slight bags from time. In his hoof is a cup he's drinking from, and a bottle right next to it.
>"I must say, it's an honor to meet a colt with such heroism and compassion. Please take a seat."
>You sit in the stool vertical to him, and quickly pick up the scent on his breath.
>"Would you care for a drink, Mr. Anon?"
No thank you, I'm not an alcoholic.
>He pauses.
> "How do you I drink?"
I read Ginger Gold's diary, and I remember her mentioning it once. Honestly, I didn't think you'd be the type to drink regularly, but I can smell whisky on your breath. And don't tell me it's occasional, because no one drinks on a Tuesday evening without having a problem.
>"Well ain't that something. Nopony here even knows what whisky is let alone what it smells like. I'm impressed. So, what do I owe the honor?"
I'm doing an investigation, and I need to ask a few questions.
>"Okay then. I've got time."
So Paul, I hear that you're the most successful agriculturalist in Dream Valley. Is that correct?
>"More like all of Dreamland. It's not all me of course. I'd be nothing without the other Pumpkins."
Of course. Next topic. How about some context on your relationship with Ginger prior to the incident.
>Paul swirls his cup a little and looks into it as he speaks.
>"Ginger Gold, was an amazing mare. We never called each other a couple or anything, but we both knew how we felt about each other. She was smart, funny, and had the most enchanting blue eyes I've ever seen. I also trusted her, enough to share my secrets to; not that you don't already know that. We shared our aspirations and supported each other as we made our way to the top."
>He stops to take a drink.
>"You know...I never liked alcohol. When I tried it, it tasted bitter and just left me feeling fuzzy. I only started drinking regularly after the incident. A bit of whisky can do wonders with dulling a pony's pain."
I'm sorry to hear that.
>"It's fine. On a positive note, after the purge started, the remaining Apples left to join their relatives in the nation of Equestria. I hear they're doing better than ever, but I don't see any sign of them coming back."
Might you have any idea of who's responsible for Ginger's death.
>"I'm not sure, but when she died, Dazzle seemed far too okay with it. I actually fired her soon afterwards under an issue of trust."
Did anyone ever have a grudge against your bottling industry or the Apple Delight farm?
>"I was near the top right behind the Apples. Anypony could've had it out for us. Heck, it could still be that way now. I don't buy security for nothing."
I think that's all the questions I have for you.
>You walk to the door ready to leave, but Paul stops you.
>"If there's any way I can help, please let me know. Your enemy is my enemy."
With all due respect, you're still a prime suspect. You're not allowed to help.
>You exit and head back to the lobby. Once you return, you see Minty face deep in her cheesecake.
>Adorable.

SUSPECT #3: PEACH BLOSSOM
>Suspect of the Apple Delight Massacre.
>Suspect of the murder of Lackadaisy.
>Suspect of two instances of apple arson.

>Peach 	Blossom's not like most Dream Valley citizens. Most are very social, carefree, and downright delightful to be around; Peach Blossom has none of those aspects. Peach grew up in Mangalara, a poverish town that exists far beyond the Mountains of Dream Valley. Based on a diary quote, Peach described her town as, "The place where harmony died," though she never elaborated beyond that.
>The information that Ginger obtained is mostly from word of mouth and not entirely complete, but from what she wrote, Peach Blossom spent the majority of her youth alone in a small hut growing and selling peaches. What happened to her parents remains unknown. Her primary diet was bruised or old peaches that ponies would not buy, but she did occasionally indulge on other things, whether it be from begging, or downright theft.

Dear Diary,
I decided to pay Ms. Blossom another visit today. At first, I  thought Ms. Blossom found my prying real annoying, but I think she's grown to actually like me a little.
Today she told me about how she stole a bunch of oranges from a citizen of her old town, Mr. Zestly. It was during the beginning of morning when the farmers market begins to pick up. Zestly and his son Citrus Punch were always one of the first to set up shop, and he'd always have a wagon with boxes of oranges ready for selling. Blossom thought it'd be easy to snag a few off the wagon with her magic as they passed by, so she grabbed six oranges from a box and continued walking like nothing happened. Unfortunately, she was spotted by Citrus, and he started chasing her down.
Citrus was a very fit stallion who worked every day in the farm. His size drawft Blossom's in comparison, yet somehow her; a tiny little unicorn could outrun that full grown stallion. Mrs. Blossom's new story taught me that she was very agile and elusive as a filly. She had to be if she wanted to survive.
I just might pay her a visit again next week. Her stories are a little sad, but she's really interesting. Besides, I bet it feels nice to have somepony to talk to.
Singed, Ginger Gold.

>Despite Peach being alone for most of her life, Peach still knew how to read. You assume one of her parents taught her before whatever happened, but you can't confirm anything. With a diet of almost nothing but peaches, Peach Blossom did anything and everything to bring variety into what she ate. Writing everything she ever made and enjoyed down, she eventually created an entire recipe book by the age of 23. The book was known as '50 Recipes for a Peachier  Life'.
>Reading wasn't exactly a strong point in her village, but it still existed none the less. Her book was eventually published receiving modest sales. Peach Blossom however knew that there was an ideal place where she could sell many more books, so after a few months, she stored 100 peaches and fifty books into a caravan, and set off for the nearest town across the mountains, Dream Valley.
>After a twenty day trip, she realized that Dream Valley was everything she had hoped for and more. Her books began selling fantastically and after replanting what was now a caravan full of seeds, she became Dream Valley's official peach saleslady. Based on how the diary ended, it's implied that Peach never became wealthy, but was at least content with her living conditions.

>You're current search takes you to a worn down and shabby home by the border of northern Dream Valley. The entire place seems strangely ominous. There's even a patch of wilted flowers around the borders of the front.
>Ember tells you, "This is Peach Blossom's home."
>You knock on her door until you eventually get a response from the inside of the house.
>"What do you want," says Peach nonchalantly.
I'm doing an investigation. Please let me in.
>The door creeps open revealing Peach Blossom.
>She's slightly aged and shorter than the average mare. Her fur is pink, but appears extremely diluted and almost gray in tone. Her hair on the other hand is a completely gray mess that almost covers her light blue eyes. From the inside, it's very dim and unwelcoming.
>"I'm not the type for company. Will you be long?" she asks.
We'll be in and out. We just need some answers.
>"Fine, come on in I guess."
>You walk in, but Minty and Ember are still outside when you look back.
Guys, get in here.
>Ember's joints wobble as she tells Minty, "You go in first, Minty. I insist."
>"I'm not going in. You go in," replies Minty.
Guys, you're wasting precious time. Get your tails in here before I have to drag you in myself.
>They slowly walk in, still very cautious of the home.
>On the inside, you notice that there's not really much to her home. It's a single room house that has a chimney with a cauldron for cooking, a couple of chairs, a desk covered in paper, a cabinet, a bed, and what you think is an icebox to keep things chilled.
>Despite the technology gap in this world, ovens and refrigerators are actually pretty common. It's a bit odd that she needs to go through the trouble of making fire to cook, and keeping food cold for a few days tops.
>She takes a seat in her chair, but you stand not having anything to your scale to even sit on.
I see your home has no power.
>"I lived a simple life growing up. I don't need the lavishments of these townsfolk," she replies.
Don't you have plenty of money though? You're an author of a popular cook book, and a peach salesperson.
>"What's a person?" she asks.
It's...salespony. That's not the point. Why don't you invest some of your money in better living conditions?
>"I never had money TO spend. Even if I did buy some fancy doodad, I wouldn't know what to do with it. I just buy food and paper to write more recipes with. Since I don't need much money, I can keep my prices fair and low for even the poorest of foal, so nopony must go hungry.
That's pretty noble of you. Next topic; could you please give me a description of Mangalara?
>"There's nothing I can tell you that you can't just find in a book."
>Minty gives an "ouch," from the background.
I already read a bit. I read you telling Ginger that Mangalara was a very poor and hostile town. A place where 'harmony is dead'. How could you make such a broad statement about an entire town?
>"It's true. There is no compromise, or friendship, and certainly less color than this place. My life wasn't like the privileged ponies here. Where a colt will give you a carrot for being new instead of turning their back on you for being poor; where you can lean on somepony else for support; where you don't have your hoof cut off for stealing, and where families stick together through thick and thin. Harmony died in my town, and it was way before I was even born. There is nothing there but a gray bleakness of existence."
It sounds to me like you were describing Ginger in your examples.
>"Well, it's not like I'd get too many stories from other ponies around here," she says.
How would you describe your relationship with Ginger Gold?
>"Ginger first came to my home in order to give me a welcoming gift. It was a pie...for a moment, I thought it was a gift, but I quickly realized it was a donation, just like the kind I had to beg for as a foal. When I saw Ginger, she had this infectious cuteness to her. This look on her face that said she didn't have a care in the world. It seemed so alien to me, as if she had grown an extra leg or had a giraffe's neck. Ginger was curious about who I was and where I came from, but I didn't want to make the poor filly feel down like me. She kept on returning though, continually trying to pry into my life while also telling me about hers. Eventually, she sort of grew on me a little, so I started telling her about myself. At first it was to shut her up, but over time, it really felt like I was letting a load off of my chest."
You seem jealous of her.
>"How could I not be. She was everything I never was and never could be. I did kind of like her though. She was the only companion I ever had aside from my mother."
What happened to your mother?
>"None of your business," she says with a hostile look on her face.
Fair enough, let's transition. You lived like a criminal, stealing anything you could get your hooves on, yet still begged townspeople. How does that work? Why would ponies want to give to a criminal?
>"Theft was common. I had to do what I could to survive."
Yet you were rarely caught. Even if you were spotted, you could outrun pegasi and earth ponies. Ember, remind me about unicorns and their speed.
>Ember tells you, "Unicorns are commonly considered the slowest of the pony species due to their less defined muscles and lower red blood cell count compared to earth ponies, and the natural disadvantage of speed versus airborne species like pegasi. A unicorn outrunning either species is unlikely unless there are special conditions involved."
Thank you Ember. So, Peach, could you please explain?
>"My father was a very fast earth stallion. I inherited his speed."
>You look to Ember to see if that seems legit, and she gives you an 'ehh' face showing that it seems like a solid excuse.
Well, I guess that's all for now. Thank you Blossom.
>"Of coarse."
Come on everyone, we need to pay Dazzle shine a visit.

SUSPECT #4: DAZZLE SHINE
>Suspect of the Apple Delight massacre.
>Suspect of two instances of apple arson.
>Suspect of one apple importation incident.

> Dazzle is a tad ambiguous. She's never been close to Ginger, but what information you do have is pretty decent. Dazzle Shine is Paul Pumpkin's oldest friend, a complete loyalist to his company, and Paul's former right hoof mare.
>Ever since meeting, Dazzle's always been very protective of Paul whenever Ginger was around, and you could tell from reading, that she was very jealous of Paul being around other girls. Paul even tells Ginger in entree 734, "Dazzle's always been the jealous type. It's not like we have a relationship or anything, but she sure does act like it." Through everything you've read, there are very few conversations directly between Dazzle and Ginger.

Dear Diary,
I've been showing Paul and his friend Dazzle around Dream Valley with Bow Tie and Skippity Doo. We went swimming at the lake, took a walk through Mystic Meadows, and ended things off at Super Sundae’s Ice Cream Parlor. I also decided after three days to finally have a talk with Dazzle. While Bow Tie was teaching Paul how to backstroke in Mystic Meadows' pond, I swam over to Dazzle to try at break down the wall between us.
I asked her, basic stuff like "Are you enjoying yourself," and "Do you like swimming?" but she answered it all with a blunt unwavering neutrality (Ms. Starlight taught me the word "unwavering" yesterday, I'm glad I can finally use it). Eventually, I asked something I knew would at least get a few sentences out of her, "So, how did you meet Paul?"
Dazzle looks to me and finally gets to talking, "When I was a young foal, Paul and I had the same class together in elementary school. Even as a filly he had this outgoing nature, this 'let's go out and do something' attitude that made others follow him naturally. I've never been the talkative type, but when I'm around Paul, I've always felt...different, like there's a strange emptiness that he helps fill. I knew when Paul was going to reach the top, that I wanted to be by his side, and do everything I can to help him there."
I tell her that she seems too confident in him, but without missing a beat she says, "You don't know it yet, but Paul Pumpkin is a genius. One day, he's going to be a real successful pony, and when that happens, I'll be there to tell you I was right."
What an odd mare.
Singed, Ginger Gold.

>Dazzle was right of course. Paul's pumpkin and cola business took off like a rocket. It was a very happy time for Dazzle, but it all came to a screeching halt during the announcement of the merger.
>Later entries described Dazzle in a state of slight paranoia over the relationship of Paul and Ginger. She believed that Ginger was going to eventually take Paul away from her...because that's exactly what was happening. Granted, the relationship between Paul and Ginger became more plutonic than infatuated over time, but the merger took all of her concern and compressed it into dark matter.
>Dazzle completely cut off her communications from Ginger, and she is eventually no longer referenced in the diary. You already know what happened after The Apple Delight Massacre.

>You had to ask a few civilians, but you eventually find out that Dazzle now works selling cucumbers in the farmers market.
>You three walk through the streets until finding a cucumber stand and coming upon Dazzle.
>She is a hazel mare with a long, flat mane of green and eyes of a bright jasmine.
>You three walk to the stand and are quickly greeted by the mare.
>"Well if it isn't Anonymous. Here to question me about your burnt tree?"
That's a pretty good assumption. You are Dazzle Shine, right?
>"Last time I checked. It really is a shame that your tree was destroyed like that. If only you knew about the purge," she says with seeming sympathy.
Thank you, but I think I may know who was responsible soon. I just need a few answers from you.
>"I will if you buy something," she says with a cocky smile.
Minty, buy something from the lady.
>She tells you, "I don't have any bits on me."
Oh...Ember-
>"I don't have any bits either. Sorry Anonymous."
>Dazzle tells you, "I should tell you to leave, but you did save me from a life in a jail cell. I'll answer your questions, and then we'll be even."
Okay then. First, could you tell me about your past in Ponyland?
>"Before coming to Dream Valley, I was Paul Pumpkin's assistant."
Even then? I thought Paul only began a career in Dream Valley.
>"Of course he did, but before he could sell desserts and sodas he had to actually create them. I was his taste tester, and I helped him grow and transport everything he'd sell. Aside from working with Paul, I didn't do much else but roller skate through the streets and play my mandolin."
Next question. Can you describe your relationship to Paul from then up until now?
>"Paul and I started out as friends in school. It stayed that way for a while, until I decided to help him a few months later with his recipe work. We became really close during that time, and I really liked his company. He liked me too, but more like a little sister, or a pupil."
You wanted more though.
>"I was content. Every other friend he had was either male, or too old for him to date. I was in the clear, and it stayed that way until we moved to Dream Valley."
Then Ginger came into the mix.
>"I had to compete with her for attention; with her cute blond curls, and freckles, it made me sick. I was still Paul's number two, and when he started the factory, I was his secretary, but I saw the way he looked at her. Eventually, I had to bite the arrow, and I asked Paul if he wanted to get a cup of coffee with me. To my surprise he agreed, and we went on what I consider our first date. It was then that I told him how I felt, and you know what?! He said he wanted time to think. A week later, he told me that he was planning a merger with the Apple Family. I'd like to believe I took it well."
Then why'd you get fired after the Apple Family's mysterious death.
>"I didn't bother going to Apple Family's funeral, and Paul was really mad about that. I didn't like Ginger very much though. He should've known I wasn't going to come. After three days in isolation, he came back to the factory, called me to his office, and fired me. I've been working with Mrs. Cumberson ever since."
>You smile a little and say to yourself,
That's pretty clever.
>"What?"
Sorry, it's just the lady you mentioned. 'Cumberson', and she grows cucumbers...Am I the only one who notices that?
>Things become uncomfortably silent until Minty tells you, "You have a weird sense of humor."
>A goopish substance starts to crown your pockets as you tell Dazzle,
Let's just get back to the questions. Did you hate Ginger?
>"Of course not. I'm not going to hate someone for being perfect. If that were the case then I wouldn't be so drawn to Paul. I was just jealous. I gotta admit though, they did make a pretty good couple."
Do you have any theories on who killed Ginger?
>"Sorry, no clue."
Well, that's all I need to know. Come on girls, we have a lot more to do.

>After compiling all of your information. You head back home to put it up with what you already have and contemplate who you think the assassin is. Upon arrival with Minty and Ember, you find Firefly and Brights who are both waiting for you.
>Firefly tells you, "It's about time you got back. We've got some notes from the other Carrots."
>Brightly adds, "It looks like there's a pattern of high expectations with their father. Nothing too serious, but it's almost as if their fighting for their Pop's attention."
Are there notes on the ponies themselves?
>"You bet," says Brights. "So, what now?"
We try to catch him or her...TONIGHT. If not tonight, I'll at least have more information.
>Firefly asks, "Well, what's your plan?"
Everyone follow me to the basement.
>You head downstairs and they accordingly follow.
>After the others make it downstairs, you show them an open crate covered with folded shirts and pants. You then promptly toss them aside one by one revealing a secret crate of apples.
>They give a collective "whoa."
I have near forty apples. These are my bargaining chips.

PART THREE
>Evening in Dream Valley.
>You're currently standing on a wagon surrounded by crates, and being pulled into the farmers market by Minty.
>You begin drawing the curiosity of several civilians, and after finally reaching the center of the road, you pull out a giant megaphone.
>You loudly announce to the town, with the megaphone giving you enough oomph to stretch for many meters,
Attention everyone! I need everyone's attention for this important announcement.
>The streets begin to settle down, and you notice several heads popping out of the doors of homes.
Before I begin, I'd just like to say, thank you all who tried to protect the tree. It still got destroyed this morning, but that's beside the point. The important thing is that we tried, and I feel that deserves an award.
>You open the crate in front of you, pull out an apple, and hold it up for everyone to see. You can hear gasps and a collection of murmurs.
Yeah that's right. My tree may be dead, but I've been stashing apples the entire time.
>You toss it into the air, and a blue pega-mare swoops out and bites into it.
I know whoever's purging apples will find out about this. Maybe that pony is even here right now. If so, listen up! Not only do I have apples from the tree, but I actually came with extra crates absolutely loaded with apples. I have hundreds.
>That of course is a lie, but it's not like any of them know.
>You begin systematically giving out a single apple to every pony that comes near.
And you want to know the best part? I got this from a ranch on MY WORLD that's absolutely loaded with apples. You don't know how to get to my world, and you never will. Even if I can't plant trees, there's still a place I can rely on, so here's the deal;
>You stop handing out apples, and close the crate. You only have nine apples left.
I want everyone to stop looking out for me.
>There's a wave of confusion, and Minty says according to plan, "Anon, that's not part of the plan."
I know what I'm doing! Ponies watching over me will only complicate things. If you're hearing this supposed assassin, or when you hear this, I want you to know that I'll be waiting, ALONE and ready to face you.
>Ponies from the crowd break into disapproval and bargaining to keep you safe. But you ignore them and continue.
As long as I'm alive, I can get more apples, and your entire work will be derailed like Z͇̰͔̥̆ͫ̀̔͆̂̀͡a̻͔̗̱̪̙͓̭̿͌̒̆͛̊ͫ́l̫͎̮̅ͥͪ͠g͚͎̊̏ͫͣ̒o̠̟̠̍́̈̓̉ͪ ̫͎̪̰̰͉̞͗̓̃͗̄ in an /x/ thread. Face me, and try to kill me. Minty, you're sleeping at Brights Brightly until I solve this issue.
>"O-okay," she says in a slightly saddened tone.
That's all I have to say. Everyone enjoy your day.
>With your big announcement out of the way, Ember pulls you and the crates home, and you begin storing them all in Minty's room.
>You'd preference the basement since the lack of windows would make escape harder, but Minty's room has a small storage closet for her knitting equipment. Its binding fold style will allow you to peer through without being detected. You'll need that as a hiding spot to sleep in, while your decoy takes the bed.
>It's just a bunch of pillows with a melon head, spare goggles, and a mop head for hair. It's surprisingly convincing. Even if you fall asleep, the door and ground is so creaky that you're bound to hear something eventually.
>All that's left is to wait...wait...and wait.

FRIDAY
>As the sun rises, and the sound of knocking at the front door awakens you.
>The weak voice of Firefly can be heard as she asks from downstairs, "Anon? Anon, could you please open the door?"
>You finally exit the closet and see that the bait is still intact as you head downstairs to the door. Upon opening it you find Firefly laying on the floor in obvious pain.
Oh my goodness. What happened to you?
>As you pull her up and drag her into the living room, she tells you through her sharp groans, "I'm sorry Anon, I know I wasn't supposed to interfere, but I saw the pony and thought I could get the jump on it."
>You place her on the couch and notice a blackened mark on the inside of her left wing.
I told you to stay out of this!
>"I'm sorry. I couldn't sleep knowing you were in danger. That's not what friends do."
>You want to scold her, but you honestly can't.
Well...how about you tell me what went down?
>"Since the assassin is a unicorn, I knew the pony wouldn't spot me in the clouds, so I started patrolling the skies. I have no clue what time it was, but I saw a unicorn in a weird dark robe on the roof of Moondancer's house. I knew it was who we're after, so I tried diving into it before it could try anything. Before I even came close, the pony teleported out of my sight. I tried to spot where it teleported to, but after finally finding it, it fired some weird blast of magic at my wing. It burned like fire, and I ended up crashing from the sky to the streets. Before I could even get up, the thing bonked me on the head and I was out cold until a few minutes ago."
>She leans her head back trying to get comfortable.
>"Man, crashing really makes a mare sore."
Any hints on the appearance?
>"Sorry, the pony was wearing a mask that completely covered the face. I couldn't even see its eyes. There was this one thing though."
What?
>"I'm not sure if it's relevant or not, but the blast didn't come from its horn; there was this weird red gem that was in the forehead of the mask, and it started glowing before firing the blast. I think it has magical properties, but I've never seen something like it before."
Do you think it's rare?
>"I don't know, but it's not the kind of thing you'd see in Dream Valley, that's for sure."

SATURDAY
>It's currently too dark in the closet to be sure what the time is, but you're pretty sure it's three-ish.
>Your tired eyes struggle to stay open, and they constantly try to creep into slumber. It's almost too much to handle until a small creek causes them to burst open.
>Through the tinted green lenses of your gas mask, you peek past the narrow openings off the door, and see a figure crawling through the rooms window. It's exactly who you're looking for.
>Thank whatever made you! Finally you can end this.
>With your finger practically twitching on your aerosol can, you watch as the figure levitates a blade and drives  it into your dummy's skull. It's at this exact moment that you burst out of the closet and begin spraying your can across the entire room.
>The assassin realizes your trick, and pulls a large blade from a sheath on its left with its magic. It lunges at you and gives a lightning fast sweep that you jump back from. The entire time, you're continuing to spray your can of aerosol.
Obscured by the mask, you say, "I bet you'd like to know what this is."
>With your back to the wall, the assassins blade gives a swift downward motion  only to miss and get trapped in the wall. It tackle you before you can get away though, and puts you into a sleeper hold to keep you in place as the blade in the melon is freed by magic. The entire time your spraying the assassins face as much as possible, blinding it and ruining its focus.
>Eventually, it's grip loosens, and the barely levitating blade falls to the ground. You throw the unicorn off to the ground, and it begins an effort to get up; dizziness however, has taken over.
Aww. Having a hard time focusing right now? Feeling less than perfect? It's perfectly understandable. Lysergic acid diethylamide; have you ever heard of it? Probably not. It's a very powerful substance in my world.
>The gem on the assassin's forehead begins to glow, and it fires a shot that whooshes past your cheek and scorches the wall.
Dizziness, nausea, wild hallucinations, all very common. It's funny, usually I invent the things that I use on my own, but my roommate in college actually taught me how to make this.
>The pony barely manages to get on her feet when suddenly a pink streak flies through the window and slams into it with an aggressive wail. As they both slam into the wall, you see that it's Firefly.
>"Don't worry, Anon. I've got it...What's that smell?"
Firefly, I told you to stay out of this!
>"Anon, my head feels a little funny."
For now, you're going to need to deal with it.
>You look at the unicorn, and see it's completely immobile. You then open one of the crates by the bed, and pull out some rope.
>"Can I take off this pony's mask or what?" asks Firefly.
Sorry, I want the satisfaction. Let me just tie this son of a gun up.
>You accordingly do so, with every second of you not knowing making you more and more exited for the reveal. Finally you tie the knot completely trapping it.
Okay. You ready to find out who this is Firefly?
>She eagerly shakes her head in agreement.
>You give the masks a great yank, and it reveals...it's...you don't know. It's some scarred up dark green mare with red eyes and a mane of violet. You've never seen this pony before, and based on the photo records for suspects, she may have never even been listed.
>"I've never seen this pony before," says Firefly.
You cram a magic blocking ring onto her horn before asking, "Who are you?"
>She mumbles still tripping balls, but barely tells you, "You don't need to know."
>She has a slight, almost Islamic accent on her voice.
>"She sounds like she's from Saddle Arabia or something. Well, I guess it doesn't matter. The mystery is done with, and now everypony will be happy," says Firefly.
No it's not.
>"What do you mean?" she confusingly ask.
No one goes through all of this trouble without a motive. She's working for someone.
>"But who can afford to buy an assassin?"
>Your eyes widen as the answer hits you.
Paul Pumpkin.

5:00
>After the successful capture of the mare you've chosen to name Nameless, you tossed her into the loading wagon and with Firefly pulling (it's too low for you) you take her to the Guard's Quarters.
>You barely made it out the door before the whole thing turns into a massive spectacle from ponies who want to see the assassin, including your friends who begin following you. Nameless spends the entire ride with her face humiliatingly half hidden by her mane trying to ignore the dozens of "monstrous" faces.
>She's thoroughly interrogated by the guards, but everything that comes out of her mouth is either incoherent babble, or her refusing to comply. Despite her lack of compliance, you know it's Paul, and convince two guards to come with you and pay him a visit. One is a purple unicorn colt, and the other is a blue earth colt. Your friends must stay behind however; this could get ugly.
>You three arrive at Paul's home by the factory, and you begin relentlessly knocking until he finally opens it.
>"For Pete's sake. Do you know what..."
He pauses as he notices the two guards.
>"Oh great, ANOTHER investigation?"
Sort of. Ya know, I just caught the assassin.
>"You did?! That's fantastic", he says with a huge grin.
Yeah, it sure is, but there's something wrong. Whoever this pony is seems to have no motivation for the Apple Delight family's assassination. It's then when I realized; the dead look in her eyes, the scars, the rare fire ruby that she used to create fire; she was a hired mare.
>His eyes widen slightly.
>"Are you insinuating that I, Paul Pumpkin, paid some crazed masked mare to do all of this?"
Not only do I think that, but I think this isn't the only assassin you've hired. I remember there being a case when there were three assassins seen at once. At first I thought it might have been the Mr. Carrot's offspring, but you hiring them makes a lot more sense. I assume she's one of the immigrants from your factory, or maybe someone who was connected with one of your relatives.
>He backs away slightly.
>"But why me?! I loved Ginger! We were going to have a merger."
You trusted Ginger due to her innocent nature and the status of your relationship with her, but something caused her to refuse the merger. You trusted her a little too much with your secrets, and she didn't take it well when she found out some of them. Maybe it was something about illegal immigrants, or poisoning the Carrot Family's field to help the Apples rise as you rode their coattails. With the way you drink though, my money's on the illegal shipping of alcohol. Whatever happened, she refused, and you were afraid.
>He backs away a couple more steps as you enter the doorway. His eyes scream of guilt, and they move away unable to look you in the goggles.
You didn't want your business or status to be destroyed by a confession from the Apples, so you put a hit on her family to remove them from the equation. The last pages of her diary were removed because they contained what you told her. With her out of the way, the other Apples from outside of Dream Valley became another one of the rivals, so you used your power to cause the purge and permanently scare the remaining Apples out of Dreamland. Don't you dare say I'm wrong.
>"You are wrong! Everything you said is just speculation and crazy theories."
If that's true, then I'm sure you wouldn't mind these officers inspecting your factory and its staff.
>Paul begins to stammer and murmur, unable to come up with an excuse.
>Out of nowhere he yells, "HELP!" and you hear the sound of the blue guard next giving a sharp yell.
>You turn and see that he's being strangled by the magic of a pink unicorn colt. The purple colt tackles into him, but an orange pegasus mare dives in and knocks him aside.
>In this moment of distraction, Pumpkin drives his hoof to your skull and you fall to the ground. As you regain yourself, he tells you, "I'd love to stay and chat, but I have a ride."
>He uses his magic to animate a nearby wagon, and it drives over to him. Before you can get up, he leaps in, and the vehicle starts to take off into the fields.
>You ignore the guards and assassins and begin chasing after him. You're by no means an athlete though, and he starts getting further away.
>"Sorry Anon, but this ride ain't ending for nopony", says Paul with a cheeky grin.
>Firefly then dives into him from the sky and he flops out of the wagon and tumbles through the dirt.
>He gives a groan and tries to get up, but he immediately collapses.
>You smile a little and sarcastically tell Firefly,
Why can't you ever listen to instructions.
>She smiles back.
>"Guess I'm just hard headed.

SUNDAY
>The guards defeated Paul's henchmen soon after he was knocked out, and he was arrested on charges of contract killing, vandalization and property damage, and through a soon after investigation, mass bootlegging, and harboring illegal immigrants. He will see a twenty year sentence with no chance of parole.
>All control of his company has now been put in the hooves of his secretary, Helping Hoof.
>Paul's arrest has been marked as the biggest scandal that's ever happened in Dreamland, and after a well deserved shower, you had to spend the entire day getting questioned and interviewed by the town's reporters, just like during the welcome party.
>From the ashes of your tree, a new day has risen.
>The purge has been completely shut down, Pumpkin's Factory is decimated and under new management, and best of all, the citizens of this town will finally be able to enjoy apples again.
>With the remaining apples, you treated your friends to apple tarts and ice cream, but you also planted a seed in place of the tree that was destroyed and uprooted by you and your friends.
>Today, a sprout has formed, as a monument to the change that has happened.
>Maybe it was a good idea to stay here.

>Oh yeah, and your LSD has gone missing. You should really check in on that.