private Celestia's Dark Secret

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

Erle Gray sat in the armchair reading today's "The Ponyville Gazette". He was smoking his pipe, and thinking to himself. "So another pony has gone missing. Another death then." he thought to himself. "This will certainly prove to be an interesting challenge." He then set down his newspaper and picked up a few letters that ponies had sent to him for help. He looked through them in a disinterested manner. "Right, a missing husband. He's obviously run off to Las Pegasus. Isn't it obvious? Oh, how I long for a true challenge. I am looking forward to thus new case. An 'Equestria' wide mystery. What fun!" He smiled to himself.

 

Just then, Sterling came into the room. "Ah, Sterling!" Erle said. "We're expecting some guests today! About the case." He sat back into his chair and put his hooves together. "It should be a truly interesting challenge!"

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling had just finished preparing tea for Erle. 'Oh he is so picky about the tiniest of things! I want this much sugar, this much tea, this and that! It's quite profound!' thought Sterling with great frustration. When he rushed in the room with Erle's tea, he was just about to notify him when Erle told him about some guests.  

 

Sterling was getting a bit intrigued about the case, but had to give Erle's tea nonetheless. "Erle... here's your tea. And the case? umm could provide the details for me again? It seems that I forgot about them when I was busy making your tea." asked a cautious Sterling.

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

Sterling had just finished preparing tea for Erle. 'Oh he is so picky about the tiniest of things! I want this much sugar, this much tea, this and that! It's quite profound!' thought Sterling with great frustration. When he rushed in the room with Erle's tea, he was just about to notify him when Erle told him about some guests.  

 

Sterling was getting a bit intrigued about the case, but had to give Erle's tea nonetheless. "Erle... here's your tea. And the case? umm could provide the details for me again? It seems that I forgot about them when I was busy making your tea." asked a cautious Sterling.

 

Erle smiled. "I think we should maybe wait until the others arrive, Sterling. That way I can tell you all at once. I will say, it is a most interesting case. If you are wondering why we have others coming around tonight, I will explain that. This case will most likely be impossible for one or even two ponies to solve. Only in the sense of physical difficulty. These ponies are superlative in their specific traits, and so will be very useful in our efforts. In fact, they should be arriving soon."

Edited May 16, 2013 by DJ-BRONI3

[Inactive01 5,299]

Erle smiled. "I think we should maybe wait until the others arrive, Sterling. That way I can tell you all at once. I will say, it is a most interesting case. If you are wondering why we have others coming around tonight, I will explain that. This case will most likely be impossible for one or even two ponies to solve. Only in the sense of physical difficulty. These ponies are superlative in their specific traits, and so will be very useful in our efforts. They should be arriving soon."

It was interesting to see Grey deciding to cooperate with other ponies on any case. In most cases, Erle was very egotistic, only needing him and himself most of the time. Yes he needed Sterling's wisdom in his medical practices at times and yes Sterling was a close companion, but these guests were ponies Sterling probably didn't hear of in his mind...

 

"These guests you speak of Grey... who exactly are they, and how did you know them?" Asked Sterling curiously. "I mean, you fought in the Equestrian wars, and I was also a war vet myself... Why would you need other ponies to help?" Continued Sterling.

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

Erle chucked. "Well, they do not know me personally, but I have seen or heard from most of them before. Believe me, Sterling. This case will not be easy. We will be in grave danger, and even though we could both handle a brawl or two, this will be above and beyond anything we have ever faced before. That is why I am looking forward to it! A good challenge, yes." He then took a sip of his tea. "Ah, yes. I think it will be a most interesting event indeed."

[Agent505 661]

Ardent trotted up to the adress given on his letter, asking him to come for something important, but it didn't specify exactly what. 

"Well, I can jus' tell this gonna be fuuun" he grinned, stretching and folding his wings as he began walking down the cobblestone path up to the door. Pausing for a second as he approached, he put one hoof on the door about to push it open when he remembered it wasn't a social gathering, and he knocked instead. Taking a step back and checking his jacket pockets for his gear. 

[Demonic Soulz 483]

((She's not shy I forgot to edit her page a bit so I need to))

 

Shinx arrived at the house. "This was the place the letter said...I think" Shinx said as she remembered the letter. Shinx was a made that wasn't really well known in Ponyvilles when she just moved here but she has some friends here and there but was surprised by the letter talking about a case. "How does this pony even know me...I never thought it would be about some mystery case" Shinx said as he walked up to the house and knocked on the door. "Hello...its me Shinx Lionheart...im here about the letter you sent me" Shinx said as she had no idea who this person was at all.

[Midnight Blade 80]

"So this is the place, huh?" As Midnight walked closer to the house he remembered how the letter said this would be a challange. "I hope on something else other than a lost pet." He knocked on the door trice, maybe a bit too loudly. "As long as I get a challenge I don't care for payment, I'd rather have an adventure than something like materials" He tought to himself. "Hello! Anypony home?"

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

Ardent trotted up to the adress given on his letter, asking him to come for something important, but it didn't specify exactly what. 

"Well, I can jus' tell this gonna be fuuun" he grinned, stretching and folding his wings as he began walking down the cobblestone path up to the door. Pausing for a second as he approached, he put one hoof on the door about to push it open when he remembered it wasn't a social gathering, and he knocked instead. Taking a step back and checking his jacket pockets for his gear. 

 

As Erle sat drinking his tea, he heard a knock at the door. "Ah, our first guest. One moment, Sterling." He got up from his chair, trotted downstairs and opened the door. "Ah, you must be Mr Ardent Discharge. Come in. We are waiting for a few more guests, then I shall explain why I have invited you here."

 

Shinx arrived at the house. "This was the place the letter said...I think" Shinx said as she remembered the letter. Shinx was a made that wasn't really well known in Ponyvilles when she just moved here but she has some friends here and there but was surprised by the letter talking about a case. "How does this pony even know me...I never thought it would be about some mystery case" Shinx said as he walked up to the house and knocked on the door. "Hello...its me Shinx Lionheart...im here about the letter you sent me" Shinx said as she had no idea who this person was at all.

 

As Ardent trotted upstairs, another pony came to the door. "Miss Lionheart, welcome," Erle said to her. "Do come in. I am still waiting for a few more ponies to arrive, then we shall begin. The others are upstairs, if you would care to join us." He trotted back upstairs, followed by Shinx, and sat down again in his chair.

 

"So this is the place, huh?" As Midnight walked closer to the house he remembered how the letter said this would be a challange. "I hope on something else other than a lost pet." He knocked on the door trice, maybe a bit too loudly. "As long as I get a challenge I don't care for payment, I'd rather have an adventure than something like materials" He tought to himself. "Hello! Anypony home?"

 

After a short while, there came three knocks on the door. "Excuse me everypony. I will be back in a minute," Erle said before getting up, going downstairs and opening the door. "Welcome, Mr Blade. I have been expecting you. I can assure you, you will not be disappointed! Follow me upstairs. I will explain everything when the last few arrive."

Edited May 16, 2013 by DJ-BRONI3

[Demonic Soulz 483]

"Thank you" Shinx said as she went upstairs and saw the other ponies/pony here. "I wonder what this is all about" Shinx thought as she sat down. "This shouldn't be a waste of my time I hope" Shinx said as she examined the room a bit. "Nice room fireplace is models like it from an older age and the papers on the wall....must be a detective" Shinx thought

[Agent505 661]

@, 

 

Discharge found a seat and sat down, casually looking around the room as he did so, to get a good feel for his hosts. "Do we uh, need to be so formal? I mean you can just call me Discharge, if y'like." he asked in his rather husk voice as he sat back in the chair and relaxed comfortably. "I mean...I got no worries with formality, it just feels so unnecessary for somethin' like this."

[Inactive01 5,299]

Sterling was hearing knocks and guests entering throughout the afternoon. 'How many guests does Erle intend to invite? This house can't fit that many guests at once! I hope this meeting ends quickly.' thought a frustrated Sterling. He quickly looked around for any trace of information that would help him understand the case better, especially considering it wouldn't be easy to eek out information from Erle even when guests do arrive for a "debriefing". All he could find was today's edition of the Ponyville Gazetter where the front page headline was "Strange Occurence: Another Pony Missing!" 'Hmm... that's interesting...' thought Sterling as he read through the headline as quickly as possible.

 

All he could gather was that today's disappearance was the latest in a whole slew of unsolved cases, one that really needed the help of Erle Grey, master sleuth! 'Huh... and I don't get any credit for my work on the case... I actually gather a lot of the clues for many of Erle's cases...' thought an annoyed Sterling. 

 

As the guests began to pour quickly by scores, Sterling quickly put the Gazette back on the table where he found it and proceeded to wait at Erle's room for the guests.

Edited May 16, 2013 by Sterling Crimson

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

"Thank you" Shinx said as she went upstairs and saw the other ponies/pony here. "I wonder what this is all about" Shinx thought as she sat down. "This shouldn't be a waste of my time I hope" Shinx said as she examined the room a bit. "Nice room fireplace is models like it from an older age and the papers on the wall....must be a detective" Shinx thought

 

Erle put his hooves together and smiled at her. "I'm guessing your wondering why I invited you here, Shinx. You will see soon enough!"

 

@, 

 

Discharge found a seat and sat down, casually looking around the room as he did so, to get a good feel for his hosts. "Do we uh, need to be so formal? I mean you can just call me Discharge, if y'like." he asked in his rather husk voice as he sat back in the chair and relaxed comfortably. "I mean...I got no worries with formality, it just feels so unnecessary for somethin' like this."

 

"Ok then Discharge. I suppose you are right. Formalities will not be required," Erle replied.

 

Sterling was hearing knocks and guests entering throughout the afternoon. 'How many guests does Erle intend to invite? This house can't fit that many guests at once! I hope this meeting ends quickly.' thought a frustrated Sterling. He quickly looked around for any trace of information that would help him understand the case better, especially considering it wouldn't be easy to eek out information from Erle even when guests do arrive for a "debriefing". All he could find was today's edition of the Ponyville Gazetter where the front page headline was "Strange Occurence: Another Pony Missing!" 'Hmm... that's interesting...' thought Sterling as he read through the headline as quickly as possible.

 

All he could gather was that today's disappearance was the latest in a whole slew of unsolved cases, one that really needed the help of Erle Grey, master sleuth! 'Huh... and I don't get any credit for my work on the case... I actually gather a lot of the clues for many of Erle's cases...' thought an annoyed Sterling. 

 

As the guests began to pour quickly by scores, Sterling quickly put the Gazette back on the table where he found it and proceeded to wait at Erle's room for the guests.

 

"Do not worry, Sterling. Everypony is almost here. There are only two left to arrive." He took another sip of his tea and sat back in his chair.

[Midnight Blade 80]

Midnight walked in and followed Erle upstairs. He got in the room with the other ponies. "Interesting decoration, not really my taste though. Well, it's better than in my cave. I need to buy more furniture. Are there really this many ponies needed for one case? Is it such bad of a case?" All these thoughts randomly went by as he went to sit in an empty chair. "Somehow I feel like somepony is pranking me." Another random thought just popped up like that

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

Midnight walked in and followed Erle upstairs. He got in the room with the other ponies. "Interesting decoration, not really my taste though. Well, it's better than in my cave. I need to buy more furniture. Are there really this many ponies needed for one case? Is it such bad of a case?" All these thoughts randomly went by as he went to sit in an empty chair. "Somehow I feel like somepony is pranking me." Another random thought just popped up like that

 

Erle put on a very serious expression. "I can tell from the look on your face that you believe this is some kind of joke," he said to Midnight. "I can assure you, that I certainly never joke! This is a very serious business, and I can tell you that this case will not be easy, but it shall be a most, interesting, investigation!

Edited May 16, 2013 by DJ-BRONI3

[Inactive01 5,299]

All these guests that Erle was talking about... wow... He noticed ponies of all varieties. A strong, camo coloured stallion, a blue and white mare, and others. 'Oh I hope Erle's right about recruiting these ponies for the job.' thought Sterling pensively. He knew it would be a tough investigation as the moon began to rise over the small town of Ponyville. 

[Midnight Blade 80]

"That's good to hear, finally a case which doesn't not only involve me, somepony else and a cat. Well that's fine and all, but do we really need this many ponies?" Midnight said to Erle. "Is it about those strange disappearances? I thought the whole equestrian army was on that." He said without even thinking about it. "If that's the case I may just as well stay here." he thought.

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

"That's good to hear, finally a case which doesn't not only involve me, somepony else and a cat. Well that's fine and all, but do we really need this many ponies?" Midnight said to Erle. "Is it about those strange disappearances? I thought the whole equestrian army was on that." He said without even thinking about it. "If that's the case I may just as well stay here." he thought.

 

"Hmm... the others are late..." said Erle, slightly annoyed. "I guess we will have to begin. The others will pick up the case soon enough anyway." He took out is pipe and lit it, before putting it into his mouth and puffing on it contentedly. "Well, Midnight is correct. This is to do with the disappearances, but the Equestrian army will be useless in such a case. That is why I have invited you all here tonight. This may seem like a simple abduction case, but, if it were, I would have solved it by now.” He stopped and took his pipe out of his mouth, before blowing a perfect smoke ring that floated gracefully up to the roof.

 

“Now, where was I? Yes. The disappearances are not ordinary.  As I’m sure you are all aware, two important unicorns have gone missing. They were high ranking in the government, and there was reason to believe that there is a conspiracy in Canterlot. Not only they have disappeared, however. A client came to me the other day, a pegasus by the name of Whirlwind. He told me he knew something about the disappearances, and asked me to meet him at town hall last night. He did not appear. As his business was urgent, I can only assume that he has either been kidnapped or is in hiding. Whoever we are dealing with is very powerful, and…” at that moment, they heard a blood-curdling yell from outside. “Quickly! Outside everypony!” Erle cried before dashing downstairs and out of the door.

 

On the road near the house there lay a figure. A light blue pegasus with black hair. His face was contorted into a look or sheer horror, and a red pool was forming around him. Erle walked over to the body. “This, my friends, is Whirlwind. I fear we are too late.” He stopped, noticing a dark shape flying into the night. “The culprit is too fast to follow. I suggest we examine the situation at hand. Sterling, what do you think about this unfortunate pony’s wounds?”

[Inactive01 5,299]

"Hmm... the others are late..." said Erle, slightly annoyed. "I guess we will have to begin. The others will pick up the case soon enough anyway." He took out is pipe and lit it, before putting it into his mouth and puffing on it contentedly. "Well, Midnight is correct. This is to do with the disappearances, but the Equestrian army will be useless in such a case. That is why I have invited you all here tonight. This may seem like a simple abduction case, but, if it were, I would have solved it by now.” He stopped and took his pipe out of his mouth, before blowing a perfect smoke ring that floated gracefully up to the roof.

 

“Now, where was I? Yes. The disappearances are not ordinary.  As I’m sure you are all aware, two important unicorns have gone missing. They were high ranking in the government, and there was reason to believe that there is a conspiracy in Canterlot. Not only they have disappeared, however. A client came to me the other day, a pegasus by the name of Whirlwind. He told me he knew something about the disappearances, and asked me to meet him at town hall last night. He did not appear. As his business was urgent, I can only assume that he has either been kidnapped or is in hiding. Whoever we are dealing with is very powerful, and…” at that moment, they heard a blood-curdling yell from outside. “Quickly! Outside everypony!” Erle cried before dashing downstairs and out of the door.

 

On the road near the house there lay a figure. A light blue pegasus with black hair. His face was contorted into a look or sheer horror, and a red pool was forming around him. Erle walked over to the body. “This, my friends, is Whirlwind. I fear we are too late.” He stopped, noticing a dark shape flying into the night. “The culprit is too fast to follow. I suggest we examine the situation at hand. Sterling, what do you think about this unfortunate pony’s wounds?”

 

Sterling was just as shocked at everyone else to hear that their contact was killed on the spot just as he was about to enter their house. It seemed like the culprits, whoever they were, already knew that Whirlwind would be coming over and that he had very incriminating information. He rushed out of Erle's door to what was now a corpse for close examination. He took a close look particularly at Whirlwind's head, considering the pool of blood developed around that vicinity.

 

When Sterling finished his examination, he was left stunned. "Erle... there's a pierce mark right through the heart. No wonder Whirlwind was going through such pain. It was a direct and accurate blow. No pony would have ever survived that. It seems to me that another cut was also attempted around the pony's abdominal area, but indeed we interrupted him/her..."

 

(OOC: Didn't see Dishonoured Luna's post, so I edited accordingly.)

Edited May 16, 2013 by Sterling Crimson

[Demonic Soulz 483]

Shinx looked around and looked towards the way the figure went. "Too late to chase..." Shinx noticed markings on whirlwind when she looked at the body. "Looks to be caused by an embalming tool...those aren't used for cutting but they do cause pain and looks like he was struck right around the heart and straight in the middle then he meant to do another cut apparently we interrupted him before that happened to him...but why the heart I wonder" Shinx thought as she heard other ponies talk.

[Agent505 661]

@, 

 

"So...we're not even going to attempt a chase? Seems fair." Discharge grumbled, looking down the street in the direction the assassin sped off. He turned to the Erle behind him, and without hesitation asked "So. Who'd want this stallion out of the picture? And what for?" 

[Flying Ace 142]

@, 

 

"So...we're not even going to attempt a chase? Seems fair." Discharge grumbled, looking down the street in the direction the assassin sped off. He turned to the Erle behind him, and without hesitation asked "So. Who'd want this stallion out of the picture? And what for?" 

"I believe I can answer that!" A voice said from behind them causing everypony to jump. "Oh, I'm sorry I didn't mean to scare you the name is Flying Ace I was called hear to help an investigation. Well, I can guess that this stallion had a clue who the culprit was and wanted to shut him up. Oh, and no need to fill me in I heard you guys though the window as I was walking here...yeah you guys are really loud hahaha."

(Sorry im late school is a little distracting)

[TopazReshiram 26]

"So this is were the letter said we needed to go to talk to this detective." Amita thought to herself "I wonder how many other pony's got this letter from this detective? We need all the help we can get to find out what's been going on here and who's causing all of this. Pony's being murdered or disappearing this is not good we have to act fast." She continued to think at she knocked on the detective's door.

[Umbral Noir 1,556]

"Very good, Sterling. I do not believe these would were made by a griffon, and I agree with Shinx. The weapon is most likely around here somewhere.” He looked carefully into the blackness and noticed a small silver object, which he levitated with his magic. “Interesting…” at that moment, another pony appeared, causing everypony to jump. “Ah, Flying Ace. It is nice to meet you. However, I do not think we were talking very loudly at all, and even if we were, it would be very hard for you to here from the ground either way. You must either have exceptional hearing, or you were listening in from the window.”

 

 

 

“Anyway, whoever the culprit was, they are obviously very cunning. They waited until Whirlwind thought he was safe, right on our very own doorstep, before eliminating him from the equation. Speaking of doorsteps, I think our last guest has arrived.” He trotted back to the house and saw a pony on the doorstep, as he had said. “Hello, Amita. I am Erle Gray. You are the last to arrive, so our whole party has arrived.” He turned to the others. “If you are ready, we shall go upstairs and I shall finish explaining everything so far to you.”

Edited May 17, 2013 by DJ-BRONI3

[Agent505 661]

@,

 

"And clumsy, it seems - you don't just kill somepony and leave a weapon at the scene, unless you want us to find it" Discharge queried, more to himself than anything, as he trotted back in the house and up the stairs, sitting in the same chair as before. "Doesn't add up if y'all ask me." he took a swig from an "old hoofington" whiskey flask in his jacket pocket.