Sherlock Sparkle: One Lead

-Three Weeks Earlier-
>You're so happy to see Rarity that you can't help but run up and wrap your hooves around her.
>She lets out a small 'oomph' as you run headlong into her, and then laughs.
>For having just been kidnapped, Rarity looks rather well. She's not bruised or anything, simply looking a bit exhausted. You were really worried about her, that's for sure. You're starting to realize why this 'Sherlock Holmes' avoided having too many friends.
>It's hard to protect everyone.
>Hell, it's hard to protect just one of your friends.
"Listen, I know this is gonna sound weird..."
>You pull away from the hug before continuing.
"But did you get any details while you were kidnapped?"
>"Details? Perhaps... where I was or the brute who took me?"
>You nod firmly.
>"Well, I'm afraid I was unconscious for most of it."
>Figures...
>"However, there was one little thing I happened to peek."
>The entire area goes silent when Rarity says that. You're not sure if it's morbid curiosity, but your chest swells slightly in excitement.
>Even a small clue is a miracle. All you've been able to do so far is stop the lackeys that Anon has been sending out. If Rarity has something that can lead you to him...
"Please, tell me!"
>She brings a hoof to her chin and frowns, "Well, it seems that I awoke momentarily in the middle of transportation. I heard arguing. Whoever the ruffians were they weren't very quiet or cautious. I heard something about a deal taking place soon, and a name... Dusty I think."
"Dusty. I recognize that name."
---Present Day---
>You lay in your bed, trying to get at least a wink of sleep for tomorrow. It's difficult.
>Three weeks and absolutely nothing. Iron hadn't found a damn thing about an Earth pony named Dusty. You're starting to think it's an alias, which wouldn't be surprising at all. However, one thing bothers you. He was around his fellow henchmen while kidnapping, so why would he use his alias? Not only that, but why would he introduce himself to you as Dusty on the train and then keep using that name?
>The entire thing is suspicious.
>There is one possibility.
>It could be a way to lure you.
>One things for sure, if you keep thinking about this you won't get any sleep at all. Trying to solve a puzzle without any of the pieces is just a waste of time. You'll just have to wait for Iron to get back to you.
>That's only if he can dig something substantial up, though.
>You start to grit your teeth. It's all just so frustrating. You never realized how simple things used to be before Anonymous arrived and started moving on the board. Everything had been so straightforward.
>Nightmare Moon, blasted and returned to her true self.
>Discord, blasted and turned back to stone.
>Sombra, blasted and sealed.
>But what do you do with Anonymous? He's cunning, relentless, and quick. There are who knows how many ponies doing his bidding even as you lay here and debate with yourself, and he's exactly like you.
>That last one is the worst part.
>He had been right. You're both monsters. The only real difference between you and him is your friends. If it hadn't been for Celestia, your parents, and your friends, would you be like him? Would you have tried to live some mediocre life, gotten bored, and turned it into a deadly game like he had?
>Alright, that's it.
>You get out of bed, letting out a yawn. You're tired, but sleeping escapes you at the moment.
>It's only a couple of hours until the sun comes up anyways. If you go to bed now and wake up for the train to Canterlot all it will accomplish is making you feel like crap.
>No, best to get ready for your meeting with Iron and his investigation team.
>After taking a bath and getting some coffee into your system you exit the library. It's still dark outside, but the sky is starting to brighten a bit and turn blue. You've still got some time before you can head to the train station and get a ticket.
>You decide to spend your time taking a walk around Ponyville. You have a feeling you'll be spending a lot of time in Canterlot in the coming days. Might as well say goodbye to the local scenery.
>Eventually you end up at the train station anyways.
>Pinkie is there, sitting in front of the ticket booth. "Heya Twilight!"
"Pinkie? What are you doing here?"
>"Oh don't be silly. What kinda best partner would I be if I let you go to Canterlot all by your lonesome?"
>You have to admit, you're grateful that Pinkie is here. It hadn't been the plan for her to go with you, but plans haven't exactly been your thing lately. There's no checklist that can take down Anonymous, no matter how much you wish there is.
"Okay, yeah. Let's go, Pinkie."
>"Woo hoo! Another adventure with the great detective Twilight Sparkle!"
"As long as you're sure about this. We're going after Anonymous, after all."
>"Oh I already knew that. I'm ready when you are."
>This pony.
>You smile and nod. The ticket booth clicks open, and the pony behind it gives you a smile. "Hello, how may I help you ladies this morning?"
"Two tickets to Canterlot please!"
>In the next few minutes the both of you board the train. It seems like you're the only two morning passengers today. It's better that way, as you can discuss Anonymous with Pinkie.
>As the train pulls from the station the sun peaks over the horizon.
>You have a feeling it's going to be a long day.
------
>You are Anonymous.
>The game is reaching its end, you're sure. It's been long enough, and Twilight is more than likely on her way to Canterlot at this very moment. You lean against the wall of your cabin, eyeing the fireplace with a smirk.
"It's been a while since I've looked forward to something."
>You push yourself away from the wall and reach into your front pocket, pulling out a small gold pocket watch.
>Two hours.
>Time to go.
>You put the pocket watch away and take a deep breath.
>When you exit the cabin you take a deep breath of the fresh air. These fields are lovely this time of year. Green grass and flower patches here and there. It's really too bad that you can't stick around to enjoy the beauty any longer.
>A carriage is parked a hundred meters out waiting for its passenger. There is a pegasus attached to it, looking rather impatient. He'd been waiting for you for an hour, and had specific instructions to not move until you arrived.
>As you walk towards the carriage you reflect on all that had transpired in the past few months.
>Honestly, you had been hoping that someone like Twilight would show up. You love nothing more than having something to keep you on your toes.
>After all, you wouldn't want the game to be boring. For a while there you'd been getting nervous. You were starting to think that Equestria had nothing to offer a man like yourself.
>You're glad Equestria proved you wrong.
>You reach the carriage and step into it, sitting in the seat and adjusting your suit.
"Well, I believe it's time."
>With no hesitation the pegasus kick off from the ground. You've been here for a little over a year and you're still not used to the feeling of being carted around in the air like this.
>It's... strange to say the least.
>"Sir," he says, "Dusty hasn't submitted a report in over three days."
>Yes, there is that.
"I wouldn't worry so much Glaze. It betrays weakness, and we do not want Miss Sparkle to see us as unworthy of her special attention."
>"Just nervous is all. It won't get in the way of anything, I promise."
"Good. Wouldn't want to fall over on the final stretch, after all. Tell me Glaze, why are you here?"
>He goes silent for a moment, his wings flapping being the only sound to come from him.
>"I... I needed the money."
"It is always about the money, is it not? Even in Equestria's amazing economy, there are still money troubles. Orphans, divorces, the homeless, and debt. It may be less prevalent here, but it is no different from my own world. Tell me, do you feel guilty about what we are doing?"
>"... Yes."
"I see. When we land, you should leave."
>"Excuse me, sir?"
"You heard me. If it bothers you so I would not want you to be a part of what comes next. When we land I will hand you a bag of bits. It will be your final physical payment. If you go check your bank in a week's time there will be another deposit of eighty-thousand bits. I'm sure it will be more than enough to start that restaurant you were planning on opening."
>"Thank you Sir."
"You are very welcome. I should be thanking you for all the assistance you've provided."
>"I'm just a driver."
"A very good driver. Let's not waste time talking. We have a train to catch."
------
>"We apologize for the inconvenience, the train will start again soon."
>The intercom is rather annoyingly loud, you think.
>You let out a sigh, raising an eyebrow at Pinkie.
"What do you thinks going on?"
>"No idea. Maybe they forgot snacks."
>Right. You've known her for so long you keep forgetting she can be a bit of an airhead.
"It's probably just a minor malfunction. We shouldn't be stranded for too long... I hope."
>"Aw come on, it's not that bad. We can play games together and pass the time."
"What kind of games?"
>"Let's play twenty questions."
>You sigh and bring a hoof to your face.
"Alright, I'll play along. Who's going first?"
>"Oh oh! You can be the asker!"
"Okay... is it a person?"
"Nope!"
"Is it real?"
>"Yep!"
"Does it have a name?"
>"Nope."
"Is it an idea?"
>"Ooooo, you're really good at this Twilight! I'm starting to think you're cheating somehow. Yep, it's an idea. A fantastic wondiferous amazingly stupendous idea!"
"Are you thinking we should look into this problem."
>"Alright now I know you're cheating. I was gonna share a cupcake with you, but I don't share with cheaters."
>You stand from the seat and let out sigh, shaking your head.
"Never change, Pinkie. Let's go see what's wrong."
>Without another word the two of you start making your way through the train cars, towards the front. The train itself is eerily quiet with its lack of passengers. It makes you nervous for some reason. You're getting that feeling that you're not sure what's going to be in the next car as the door opens.
>It doesn't help that your normally loud friend is strangely silent.
>You decide to break it yourself.
"I'm starting to think it isn't a technical issue."
>"Sooooo what would it be then?"
>The both of you stop walking, and you make your way to the windows on the right of the current car. There isn't much to see outside, just barren land that isn't really inhabited by anyone.
"Pinkie, do you know where we're at right now?"
>"Exactly fifty miles outside of Canterlot."
"Are there any towns nearby?"
>"That would be a negatory, boss!"
"Hmm... Alright, thank you."
>Once again returning to the eerie silence you resume making your way to the front car. When you reach the engine there is a singular pony with overalls and a stick of wheat in his mouth.
"Excuse me, sir."
>He turns to you and raises an eyebrow, "Can I help ya with somethin' Miss?"
>The engine car smells of soot, and the pony's coat is slightly blackened.
>You cough lightly.
"Erm... me and my friend were just wondering what the issue was. Will we be resuming the trip any time soon?"
>"Afraid that's not gonna happen."
>Pinkie glances at you, a frown on her face, "Twilight, this isn't..."
>Before she can finish her sentence the steel door behind you shuts loudly. You turn swiftly and cast a beam at it, only succeeding in denting it. You'll need a more powerful magic blast than that.
>"... good," finishes Pinkie.
>You wheel on the conductor, who now has a smirk on his face, "You aren't getting out." He steps backwards, keeping an eye on you the entire time, and releases the break on the train with his back hoof before pushing the accelerator forward.
"Pinkie... listen very carefully."
>The conductor sneers, "I wouldn't try anything if I was you."
"I need you to hold on to something."
>Pinkie nods firmly, and slowly backs away from the conductor, who's still staring at you. "What are we doing Twilight?"
"Just trust me."
>"Listen Miss, it's been fun and all, but I've got a job to do, and I ain't gonna leave until it's done."
"Well at least we have that in common. How much is he paying you? Thousands? Hundreds of thousands? Millions?"
>"More than even a princess could give me sweet cheeks."
>The train starts, slowly taking off from its stopping point as the engine is kicked into gear. "This train is rigged to explode," he continues, "If you want any chance of gettin' outta here alive you're gonna have to blast open that door, and I won't let you concentrate to do it."
"Wouldn't you get caught in the blast?"
>"Like I said, he's paying me. A lot."
"Ah, so more than money then. What cliche is it this time? A loved one in the hospital who isn't getting the care they need? Somepony in jail who you know is innocent? A long time enemy you want to see dead? What was your price that you'd be willing to kill yourself for someone you barely even know?"
>"Enough with the psycho babble, you and your friend ain't gettin' out."
>Your horn starts to glow, and the conductor charges you.
>Pinkie's eyes widen, "Twilight!"
"Do what I say, Pinkie!"
>He tackles you against the wall, knocking the breath from your lungs, but your horn is still glowing. "The hell are you planning?"
>You grin.
"You underestimate my magical skill. Even with you throwing me around I can prep a spell." You cough, still recovering from getting the wind knocked out of you, "You're gonna have to do better than that."
>You see Pinkie rush to the conductor's chamber and grip onto the small window's opening. It's really the only thing in the car she can hang onto, but that doesn't really make it ideal.
>Before you can tell her to try something else the conductor is already charging you again. This time you duck to the side, causing him to collide with the car door.
>You circle around behind him as he snarls, "You're a stubborn one."
>Before he can recover fully you wheel around and buck him right in the face, sending him right back to the car door.
>Broken nose.
>Go for the chest area, disable by collapsing lungs.
>You turn back towards him, sending a burst of magic right into his chest.
>His eyes widen, and he goes into a coughing fit.
>Blind target, ensure further action is stunted.
>You move forward, shoving him against the door and pushing into his right eye with your hoof. You repeat the process with the other eye.
>He screams and throws you off of him, letting out a curse.
>Sweep the legs, immobilize.
>Another magic blast and he's on the ground.
"Hang on tight Pinkie!"
>You don't have time to tell her to find a better holding point.
>Your horn glows as an immense magic flows through you, consuming the lead car. With a large jerk it's detached from the rest of the train line, and it speeds up immensely due to the lack of weight.
>The conductor snarls, finally able to talk after his beating, "What are... you doing?"
>You smirk.
"Getting off the ride."
>Without another word you turn and rush to Pinkie, wrapping your hooves around her.
"It's gonna get a bit bumpy!"
>With another burst of magic the lead car is sent into the air, derailing from the tracks and careening to the right, tipping onto the side opposite you and Pinkie.
>The conductor screams, as does your friend.
>Just a few more seconds of this chaos. Just a few.
>You hear the metal strain as it grinds on the ground below. Your eyes squeeze shut, and you start to count.
>One...
>The conductor's screams stop, you're not sure if he was crushed or fainted. At the moment you don't really care.
>Two...
>Just one more. One more second and the car will slow down. It'll be safe to teleport within the vicinity and not get crushed by the train you just escaped.
>Three!
>Your magic flares and reality winks out of existence.
>You and Pinkie tumble to the dirt below, rolling on the ground from the leftover velocity.
>It seems like forever until the two of you come to a stop.
>By the time you do both of you are pretty torn up. You can already feel a gash in your side, and you think you've got a bloody nose from the impact.
>You crawl to Pinkie and shake her.
"Pinkie, Pinkie are you okay?!"
>She's still breathing.
>Her eyes flutter open slowly, and she smiles, "Heya Twilight. Crazy plan."
>You laugh in relief, wrapping your hooves around your friend. You start to cry.
>"Oh come on, why the long face? We're both alright."
>She manages to get another laugh without even trying. You pull away and smile, nodding as you wipe your eyes. She's covered in soot and her hair is all over the place, even more than it usually is.
>You both look like shit.
>All that thought manages to do is cheer you up.
>The fact that you both look like this means you're both alive.
"We should... we should get moving. We need to get to Canterlot."
>"But... what if he goes after everyone else?"
>That's a good question.
>Then again.
>You turn to Pinkie and smile.
"Do you believe in our friends, Pinkie?"
>"Of course I do!"
"Then let's go to Canterlot, unless you think they can't handle themselves. Anonymous isn't going to turn himself in, after all, and the longer we wait the more chance Dusty has to get away from us. This is our lead Pinkie, and we can't waste it."
>Her look of worry fades, and she nods firmly. "Let's go!"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XLlt0cK4uA0