View source for Manehattan Murders Part 2

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2014/07/06
|Location=Divided Equestria <DE>
|Synopsis=Manehattan murderer strikes again! Or does she? Join Fancy Pants and Detective Gum Shoe in a riveting and altogether mindboggling mystery--the death of Prince Blueblood, former member of the House Moon and Star and Lord of House Whitegold.
|Thanks=
|Cast of Characters=39, 62, 183, 239, 470, 483
|Tinyplot=
|pretty=yes
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{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:483|Mistress Rarity (483)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Enter Manehattan--one of the largest metropolis city-islands of Equestria, it is also the country's centers of fashion and high society life. But now apparently, it's becoming well-known for something else just as well. Murder. But one cannot blame the opportunity laid out for sneaky jester assassins. With the residential areas mainly on the outer circle of the city, the center is where the life of the city really is. The businesses are squished together in square buildings with the skyscrapers and corporate offices breaking the dull pattern every now and then. There is every kind of pony and human here, horned, winged, and otherwise, working, dealing, going to parties, bar hopping, and more. It is truly the city that never sleeps, no matter if the moon or sun somehow disappeared. But it didn't.<br /><br />That's another story though, isn't it?<br /><br />Our story begins today at the business district, where an entire block has been barriered off by unicorn police for investigation. Hours ago, where the chalk outline remains of what had once been a crumpled up Blueblood, there was a murder here. Its news had already leaked across the Multiverse. Prince Blueblood, hailed Lord of Whitegold and past member of House Moon and Star, was dead. Being a man of such prestige as the nephew of Princess Celestia, one must truly wonder what led to this sudden murder that happened seemingly out of nowhere.<br /><br />It is for this very reason that the Manehattan Police Dept is reaching out to Multiversal investigators once more. At the moment, there were various police standing guard and the rare royal guard--though they appeared much different from before, didn't they? These royal guard were dressed in a shining, crystal armor. No. Not. royal guard at all. The Whitegold Praetor. They were huddled particularly close to two individuals talking. One was a man dressed in business formal with a brown trench coat, and the other was a man who seemed somewhat out of place. With neatly, combed back hair, a very formal suit and purple bowtie, and a monocle on his left eye... he did not appear to be a police man at all. But the two were nodding seriously. Clearly these were the important folk to talk to.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:470|Pinkie (470)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    Business formal is stretching it for Gum Shoe. He's worn the same shirt all week, his tie is stained and his pants have long lost their crease, but the Manehattan PD's overworked and overstressed detective is here, Cute Mark embroidered on the hip of his pants. A worn old shoe with gum stuck to the bottom, and crossed with a magnifying glass. His trenchcoat is as rumpled as ever as the Earth-pony man tugs his fedora off to rub at his skull while he chatters with Fancy Pants over the scene of the crime.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:39|Jinx (39)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    WELL CRAP! More dead ponies! And STILL no one to properly blame, anyways. Well. No one JINX wa going to own up to knowing. That said, she finds herself once again skulking about the perimeter of one of these PONY DEATHS, idly rubbernecking excitedly at everything here. Always just so fun to watch COPS be STUPID. <br /><br />    HECK YES.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    This world again. Ah... Mizuki had just about forgotten that creeping feeling of dread. Like before, though, it's more than enough to put her on edge.<br /><br />    Today, she's here as a representative of Heaven or Hell, or so she likes to think. This may not exactly be a /supernatural/ concern, but this is definitely an investigation. And being a detective... hoho~. That's one of her favorite pastimes. It's still unlikely that she could pass for any kind of a formal investigator, but if she does say so herself, she's still quite a lot better than nothing. Again like before, though, she's completely silent and invisible as she soars to the top of a Manehattan building. From there, she watches the 'guards' - or what she understands to be guards, anyway - mill about the crime scene for a while.<br /><br />    There's a quirk of her eyebrow, and she catches herself thinking something along the lines of '... another murder?'. Yes, that's what it looks like. Hadn't she heard guards talking about a murder when she was here last time? Well, that may have been a different city, but still. So much death, so often. She has more than a little trouble connecting this backward dystopia to the bastion of peace she was at just a night ago. This place certainly is... quite different from the other Equestrias, isn't it?<br /><br />    'And not at all for the better,' she catches herself thinking again. Really, the next time she has the opportunity, she's going to have to remind Luna and Celestia to never, under any circumstances, take prolonged vacations. Things do not fare well without them. She allows herself to smile just slightly at her own humor before giving a sigh, and descending to the scene of the crime.<br /><br />    Still silent and invisible, she dives near the outskirts of the crowd to pick up what tidbits of information from miscellaneous conversations that she can. Really, best to keep a low profile here, right? If she could ask them, she's sure the corpses would corroborate that.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:239|Polite Words (239)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    Polite Words had regularly impersonated a police officer, and she had a number of credentials that were very impressive looking and completely fake. She'll be using one of those today, though the crimson-speckled eyed woman will hold up a badge as she walks towards the area; it identifies her as being from a version of the FBI. She's mostly here out of curiousity about a world she was trying to get into business with, though; she doesn't actually necessarily care about who murdered this person, just knew that they had been powerful and important.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:62|Elise Leroy (62)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    The soft growl of a motorcycle engine approaches. Perhaps something unfamiliar to the pony-people, or highly familiar. Elise comes riding up, and kicks the stand down as she rolls to a halt. She flicks the visor of her riding helmet up, but keeps her face covered for now. She stays back for the time being, adjusting her jacket and generally setting herself up for some foot work. She should have dragged Kotone, or one of the others out, she's not much for the Detective type work, after all.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:483|Mistress Rarity (483)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Fancy Pants was chatting casually with Detective Gum Shoe mainly, discussing the most obvious details of the case. "I do hope you don't mind my presence here, old sport." He chuckles, casually adjusting his monocle. "Mistress Rarity of Whitegold extends her apologies. In normal circumstances, she would make a presence here to aid this investigation. But there is a lot going on. Surely you understand..." He offers a winning smile to the man of law, and then his attention is interrupted by certain presences. He looks over his shoulder just then to see...<br /><br />A crazy young lady dressed in practically nothing.<br />A strange girl in the crowd.<br />A girl on a motorcycle...<br /><br />Monocle adjust. He mutters under his breath, "Riff raff." But then, at once, his eyes light up as Polite Words comes disguising her way through and Fancy Pants does not skip a beat. "Ah! You must be one of our, ah... let's see, shall we say, allies in this time of need? Welcome, welcome. I hope that you can help." He now grins with his Colgate award winning white teeth to Polite Words, turning once more to Gum Shoe.<br /><br />"Well now. Let's begin, shall we? Mm yes, where were we? Last I saw, we were all leaving the party that late night..."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:39|Jinx (39)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    Jinx giggles a bit, but still saunters over in the direction of Gum Shoes hopping lightly on the balls of her feet. "Oh man, why would ANYONE want to kill people at a party? It's a Party! Supposed to be all fun and crap! Like... like not deadly. Unless they're supposed to be." <br />    She glees a bit, and claps the detective on the shoulder, red eyes wide. "So what's the HAPPS, GUM SHOE?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    Mizuki inches closer to Fancy Pants, listening as he delivers his account to Gum Shoe. In the meantime, though, she takes inventory of the other people who came tonight. Let's see...<br /><br />    Ah! Jinx. She recognizes Jinx. She's reasonably sure that she's aware of what she can do, so she's not -as- worrying as others. Yes, the others... well. She's quite sure she doesn't recognize a single one of them, which is a bit distressing. Not that anyone can see her do it, but she holds her arms behind her back for the modicum of comfort that can be gained through familiar posture. Suddenly, she feels a bit vulnerable. In nearly every other operation thus far, she's at least had one or two people that she already knows there with her. Now, though, she's alone. Totally alone.<br /><br />    Best not to reflect on that, though. Yes, just all the more reason to stay invisible. However... her eyes are drawn to Gum Shoe's cutie mark. When she makes the connection between it and the term 'gumshoe', she's barely able to stifle a laugh.<br /><br />    Okay, so this world is very far removed from the other Equestria, but that doesn't mean the names are any less apt. Apparently.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:470|Pinkie (470)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    Have you ever seen an overworked film noir detective? Gum Shoe fits the bill perfectly, and the poor guy could probably use a cup of coffee, but as ever her's dutifully here on the case, notepad in hand and scribbling away. "Just the facts, bub." He mutters gruffly once his hat's back on and heaves an overburdened sigh, "Yeah yeah I get it, the boss lady's out so you're here." He pauses. The gathering crowd puts a sour look on his face but flashing credentials gets him to lighten up marginally. It's not the first time the Manehattan PD's reached out for offworld experts, but he still doesn't seem too keen on such heavy reliance for every time a kill springs up.<br />    But this IS the death of a noble and head of one of the Houses. Life is headache and a nightmare for Gum Shoe right now. But yes Jinx it is that same dumb cop that tried to detain you, and he looks as miserable as ever.<br />    "So he was alive when you left the party... How exactly did this happen. Cause of death?"<br /><br />    Amid the gaggle of onlookers, though are a boy and a girl. In their early teens, the boy has wings, denoting he's of pegasus blood, though the girl he holds hands with has a small horn, aside from these traits, they two could almost be identical twins. No one mind Pound and Pumpkin Cake peeking in too. Just a pair of curious kids. They're not even in their clown outfits or masks, just kind of hiding in plain sight.<br /><br />    And then Jinx... Gum Shoe's face goes right into his palm. "Another killing." He wants to add on 'you pest' to her, but professionalism runs strong-ish with this one. "YOU wanna add any insight?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:239|Polite Words (239)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    "Oh, yes. I prefer to remain nameless for the moment, but you can call me Agent." Polite replies, smiling herself as she considers. "I'm sure that I can do plenty to aid your investigation, but if you can simply explain the full story of what happened?" She requests, curiously, as he starts in on exactly that.<br /><br />    It's a bit odd, but the weapons at her side seem to be almost completely unnotable unless someone really tries to focus on them. For that matter, she's not actually wearing shoes, a bit of an oddity given the quality of the rest of her clothing.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:39|Jinx (39)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    Jinx's tongue pokes out of her teeth, and she fiddles with her bangle a bit. There's a CLICK, and she pulls a very battered looking police hat out of thin air or wherever that has a telltale brown stain on the rim. She fluffs up and purses her lips. <br />    "WELL! We'd need to know CAUSE OF DEATH to see if I did it this time."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:483|Mistress Rarity (483)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Fancy Pants remains right where he stands, although with all of the people suddenly invading his bubble it is very difficult for the gentleman to remain calm and composed. He stands at ease, with his hands behind his back, chest puffed out. "Yes, well, I cannot say what the cause of death is, old chap. All I know is that he was killed here in Manehattan. The guards, House Moon and Star I believe yes, knew nothing about what happened either. But ah, I heard he was stabbed, is that right?" The man peers over the crowd curiously. Why, if he were in their position, he would want every juicy detail as well. It would make a marvelous movie! Sigh.<br /><br />But Polite Words grabs the hook as she asks him for a full story, with Fancy Pants quickly jostling his way to gain a stance with the dry detective.<br /><br />In the criminal justice system, the people are repesented by two separate yet equally important groups: the police who investigate crime, and high society ponies who enjoy fabrication. These are their stories.<br /><br />DUN DUN.<br /><br />"Well, if I must! I must say, the full story is quite tame but worthy of a novel, isn't it? Yes, well, mm... I was invited to a party in Fillydelphia several weeks ago. The House Whitegold, of which I am a part as you know?, was celebrating a financial success we just had. We are traders and merchants, you know. Yes, well, I arrived at 7:00 PM sharp. Sharp, I say! And the party went on for hours... I remember Mistress Rarity's speech as we finished up there. It was near midnight. I remembered being just tuckered out!"<br /><br />Breath. "And then, hmm, ... I remember His Majesty saying goodbye to Rarity before he left with two guards. They were headed for this very city. Had an engagement early in the morning, if I do recall!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    Mizuki sighs inaudibly to herself as she listens to Fancy Pants. Isn't there -anything- she can do to stay entertained while she waits for the interrogation to finish? I mean, she could always join in the interrogation herself, but she gets the feeling Gum Shoe will ask all of the questions that she would have anyway. Hmm. She could toss confetti in the air? Ah, well, no. That would probably interrupt the questioning. She could spontaneously appear in front of them? That's... less conspicuous, perhaps, but still counter-productive.<br /><br />    She sighs again and props herself against a wall, listening. Nope, just not much for her to do right now aside from listening. And waiting. Really, she doesn't call herself 'The Observer' for nothing.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:470|Pinkie (470)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    You know about that cause of death. Gum Shoe just gives Jinx a flat stare. Man she gets his gun, but with a grunt he goes back to scribbling down Fancy Pants' story. "Yeah well looks like his engagement's gotta be cancelled now." Muttered as a PD pony trots up and drops a file in his hand. "Looks like we got the coroner's report here."<br />    He's not even going to ask why the Agent isn't wearing shoes, or why it's so hard to get a focus on what she's got strapped at her side. He's had enough of this Multiverse business to know just... Not to ask. Her badge was official enough probably.<br />    "Looks like cause of death was..." He pauses. It must be bad. "Knifed all around the neck. Jugular cut, exanguination... Dammit, screwed up his face. Eyes nailed open, nails in his cheeks... It's... Similar." He does muse.<br /><br />    Not those two silent twins seem to perk, listening all the closer as Fancy Pants regales the tale of the Prince leaving the party never to be heard from again. "It almost sounds-" "-like a fairy tale."<br />    It doesn't matter which one started it. The other finishes it. But that's the extent of their interjection before the girl turns her head. A little tug ushers her sibling to to the same, casting blue and dark brown eyes to stare at a singular spot.<br />    The Cakes are staring right at where Mizuki is, in utter, eerie silence.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:39|Jinx (39)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    Jinx just starts mock blah blah blahing over FANCY PANTS as she looks to Gum Shoe. SEE? She's a LOOSE CANNON! She can GET RESULTS better than any stupid COP.<br />    "Well that's easy. He's SMILING!" She pushes both her cheeks up and grins, eyes /very/ wide. "Smiles all over, man. Just be happy, right? Though... I suppose someple people have a problem with not having their blood."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:239|Polite Words (239)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    "Similar to what?" Is the question from Polite, who missed out on some of the background files by virtue of being a giant faker. "That does sound like some kind of ritualistic killer, though. Is there a chain of these?"<br /><br />    It's probably worth noting at this point that in spite of this being a common fake for her, Polite is not actually trained in investigating crimes; she was an industrial spy, not a detective, before her exaltation.<br /><br />    She does, however, have good hearing, and turns towards the bystanders in the audience to stare at them staring at Mizuki.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:39|Jinx (39)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    And then Jinxie is looking at THE FED GRRRRR STUPID FEDS. "Well DUH! NEWS! WATCH THE NEWS! There's someone going around knifing and shivving and slicing ponies open all over! PONY BLOOD EVERYWHERE! Targets and the people coming to stop the guy too! MADNESS!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    It takes Mizuki a moment, but eventually, she turns from the inspector and Fancy Pants to see... children. Two of them, staring her down like those twins from The Shining. There's... really no question as to whether they can see her, is there? Nope, and it's a little unnerving. Still, though, what is fear? A reflex to alert mortals to impending dangers. She is mortal now, and she knows it, but she's reasonably confident that she could at least escape if things get bad. So, there's no reason to be afraid.<br /><br />    Right?<br /><br />    After a fairly long time where the three people are locked in their own, personal purgatory, Mizuki breaks the silence with a long, deep exhale. Next any of them know, she's directly in front of the twins, her hands folded behind her back. She gives each of the children a nod before taking a place beside them.<br /><br />    "You two can see me, I take it?" She glances over to them again once she's situated. "I don't suppose you would mind keeping that to yourselves?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:483|Mistress Rarity (483)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Fancy feels so proud of himself to have retold his fantastic story. However, his ego is quickly moved to low priority as they discuss the exact manner in which Blueblood was killed. Genuine worry crosses his face just then, and he tilts his head--now echoing exactly what Polite Words asks. "Similar to what?" Eyebrows furrow as he considers the details carefully, seemingly deep in thought about who might have done this tragic murder!<br /><br />He sagenods and agrees with the rest of the party like he knows what he's talking about. "Mm yes, a ritualistic murder... Oh yes, indeed, could be the same murderer all the way around. It's awful, really. Who would go around doing such a thing? And I /must/ ask. Why?"<br /><br />He really had no idea what they were talking about. Sideglance to the audience, talking about such rubbish like fairy tales.<br /><br />Two milliseconds is all he needed to give the Cake Twins a clear stinkeye.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:470|Pinkie (470)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    "There's been a string of serial killings in Manehattan as it is. Crazy damn clown been cutting smiles into people's faces." Gum Shoe chuffs at the Sidereal. But he's scratching his head at Jinx's assessment. "Somethin' bout this one seems off though." He can't seem to put his finger on just why though as makes a vaguely rude gesture at Jinx. "Can you NOT be so damn excited about people dying in my damn city?" Poor guy's under a huge load of stress as is.<br /><br />    As for the twins... They say NOTHING. Pound and Pumpkin merely stare at Mizuki. It is not staring through her, oh no, despite the fact that they do not acknowledge the question their stare lingers. Before the twins decide to turn their gaze on Fancy Pants. The Stinkeye is met with almost soullessly blank stares.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:39|Jinx (39)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    Jinx blinks a bit, and then seems to catch herself, huffing, and grumbling. Be a Good Person, they said, or at least Don't Piss People Off. Stupid Institute. <br />    Shoulders slump, and the Loose Cannon readjusts her sloppy police hat. "I mean, what's off is that they're aiming AWFUL high. I mean, isn't this guy the direct-ish family of that Celestia lady? I mean, whoever this JERK is wants to aim higher than some guards and some dignitaries. Now we killin' family members of demigods or whatever."<br />    She yanks one of her ponytails a bit, twirling the end of it. "Gettin' ballsy, if you ask me."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    Mizuki takes their silence to be an affirmative answer to her question, and she gives them a final smile and a nod. "Thank you." Regardless of their intention, they're doing what she wants, right? So she might as well express her gratitude. It's against her non-existent personal code to not give recognition when someone has done something nice for you! Or something.<br /><br />    She sighs again, watching as the 'intrepid envoy of the law' goes on with his case. Wait, was that... it was! That was a /cinematic glance to the audience/ he just gave there! Smirk. Mizuki doesn't miss stuff like that, oh no~. Really, though, she may be able to respect this unfortunately named investigator if he kept this up. "I'm still in the process of deciding whether this mystery is interesting, or a cliche..." She doesn't sound like she's talking to anyone in particular, but since no one else can hear her, it's probably aimed at the twins. "But it would be interesting if all of these murdered ended up being linked somehow. 'Ritualistic', yes? Like the man says~." Or maybe she's just talking to herself? Yeah, it's probably that.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:239|Polite Words (239)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    Polite is distracted from the staredown by the mention of.. "A crazy clown?" She repeats, not exactly bewildered, but mildly surprised. She hadn't thought that sort of thing really happened in a well-ordered society, after all.<br /><br />    "Were the nails something that happened at the other crimes, then?" She asks, after a moment. That doesn't seem really needed to cut open a normal smile to her, but she's really more of a shoot them person, not the sort to go around cutting people up. Punching is her backup.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:483|Mistress Rarity (483)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Fancy hmms thoughtfully, "A string of murders with smily faces? That sounds rather... outlandish, old sport. What person would be driven to such lengths?! And why, I must say, why!" Understanding he was getting a little too excited himself, he clears his throat and takes a step back to look among the rabble they had among them. His eye was now lingering on those twins every now and then, wondering why they were now, suddenly, silent. But quickly, he turns his full attention to Jinx and the FBI detective. "Well, it does seem rather bold and audacious, doesn't it? My!" As Fancy was about to go into some dialogue, he is cut silent. And many ponies and humans in the crowd fall silent too as...<br /><br />A woman approaches.<br /><br />She is a stunningly gorgeous woman, but something was off. She was dressed in a long black gown that poofed at the hips, layering downward like a flower in lace and fabric. She had on elbow length lace gloves, though her left arm revealed some strange crystal growths that were tight against the fabric. It was not her appearance entirely that marked her entrance, but rather the clip clop of her gorgeous onyx pumps as she came running toward the scene huffing and puffing. Her hair was neatly tied back in a curling, wavy ponytail, a large wide-brimmed black hat atop her head. There was a large ribbon wrapped around it, with a single blue rose. She came running toward them all, and escorting her were two of those crystal-studded armored guards.<br /><br />"So sorry to interrupt." She says, offering a quick curtsy to the detective and co. "But I just could not rest easy with you here by yourself, Fancy Pants. I just..." She lifts a gloved crystal hand to her forehead dramatically, "All in my mind were thoughts of my beloved. How uneasy his spirit must be that we could not find this dreadful murderer. I, Rarity, could /not/ sit idle!"<br /><br />Fancy Pants looks to Rarity first, offering an arm which she quickly takes. "No worries, m'lady. I'm sure you could offer the detectives some valuable information."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:470|Pinkie (470)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    Man. Gum Shoe just looks like he feels like he already explained this stuff. His face hardens, before he gives it a good rubdown. "Yes. A crazy clown, killing people and hacking their faces into wide smiles. This one isn't the first." But then he looks nagged.<br />    Haha. Nagged.<br />    "The nails are... New. It's not all the same though." Muttered as he scratches his cheek in thought and shrugs. "Celestia's been gone fifteen years. Being related to her doesn't amount to much anymore, Prince just musta known what he was doing to keep his power."<br /><br />    "It's a bad act-""-To a bad play." The twins idly comment. Not like they're talking to Mizuki either. Really. Honestly. "It's different be-""-cause it's wrong." Pound and Pumpkin mutter before taking a step back into a nearby shadow and--<br />    Where did they go?<br /><br />    "Huhn?" Now Gum Shoe is looking up. The look on his face is akin to: 'Oh shit'. "Ah... Ma'am Rarity." There she is herself. "My condolences on your loss.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:39|Jinx (39)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    Blah blah blah what a boring guy this FANCY MAN is. Not quite like the VERY PRETTY LADY that saunter/clacks up to the group in her fancy heels. So impractical! What's wrong with BOOTS? Bah.<br />    Though, Rarity. That's a name she recognizes. Let it never be said Jinx doesn't do her homework on rich targets. Though, this lady is not quite some Ponygirl. Not even in the slightest. And thus, standing next to Gum Shoe, wearing a sloppy police hat and nearly nothing else, she salutes slightly mockingly at Rarity. "Ahoy, Fancy! Ah, yeah, sorry."<br />    It's almost sincere.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:239|Polite Words (239)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    Polite's eyes swivel over, the red specks standing out even more than they normally do, her expression completely calm and unaffected as the woman strolls over. Mostly because she's not really completely certain who it is.<br /><br />    Also, she's noticed the crystal growths and those seem rather awful.<br /><br />    "It's not usually like a serial killer to change something like that." She's actually really not completely certain about that, but she saw it in a movie and it sounds rightish enough to work for her disguise.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:39|Jinx (39)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    "Unless it's not a serial killer at all, but someone out for a different purpose. Political, personal. Vengance is a awful and bloody and awe-filled thing, dear Agent~" Oh... ah, Jinx that all came out a rather little to honestly there.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    "Hmm? And how would you two happen to know --" Mizuki stops. She... was talking to herself just then, wasn't she? They're gone. She emits what is likely to be her final sigh of the night, resting a hand on her cheek. Their 'conversation' was short, but somehow, she feels as though she's made the most important discovery of the night: the /real/ place to look for information. Despite appearances, those kids know something. She could easily have written them off as two pretentious kids that think they know something that they don't, but you know what? More than enough people have done the same to her. And what's more...? Her Authorial Sense is tingling. 'Where there are shadows and riddles,' it reminds her, 'there is cleverly disguised truth'. She smirks. Yes, sayeth the non-detective, this is a valid lead.<br /><br />    Finally, she decides it's time to stop being idle. Her invisibility falls, and suddenly, she is visible to everyone. However, she somehow manages to make her entrance subtle. Graceful, which is the only thing one should be when they're approaching Rarity. Once she knows that she has the lady of glamour's attention, she gives her a calm smile.<br /><br />    "I would like to say good evening, milady, but I'm sure we can both agree that would be an outright lie." Without another word, she pulls out a rather fancy medal of unknown origin. "I am Mizuki, an investigator with Heaven or Hell. Naturally, I'll not interrupt Mister Gum Shoe's interrogation in progress, but I may have some questions for you once he is finished." There's a brief pause before she looks to the man in question and adds, "If that is kosher, of course."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:483|Mistress Rarity (483)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Rarity now takes quick inventory of who was around her. Her eyes are drawn directly to Jinx who salutes her, and the other woman PROMPTLY receives a scowl of disgust in return. Her eyes were just fixated on that hat. That ugly, awful, poor excuse for accessory hat. Her eye twitches, and out of habit, she reaches for her hip--where a pocket would be on a normal day. But ah, that's right. She was in mourning wear. The woman grits her teeth in thought as she considers just... ignoring the ugly hat. Ignoring the stains. And then she looks at Gum Shoe.<br /><br />Tacky clothes. Unkempt. Terrible grooming.<br /><br />And then, Polite Words. Whose gaze she meets. And she offers a cold, hollow smile. The smile of a tired widow.<br /><br />The smile of someone who knows you're looking at her crystal arm, and you secretly just now made your way on her black list but not like it matters because you're in a disguise but just you wait she'll get you back she'll find out where you live and where you hide and make you stare at crystals all day long because she'll turn you into her personal statue and have you just stare you juust waait.<br /><br />She returns her gaze to the four cops (more like one + two fakes + one with interesting powers) and deeply inhales. And deeply exhales. She was here to help solve a crime, not fix these people's terrible fashion. Though, compassionately, Fancy squeezes her arm.<br /><br />"Fancy? My name is Rarity. /This man/," she points to matter of factly, "...is Fancy Pants, an associate of mine." She then smiles politely and nods her head. "I appreciate your condolences, and I thank you. But I just want to ask..." She pauses, lip trembling. "Do we have any answers?"<br /><br />At once, she turns to Mizuki, and a soft smile comes to her lips. She appraises the girl very carefully before going on, "It is no problem. If there is anything I can do assist, please. I will do anything necessary to ensure this case is closed quickly."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:39|Jinx (39)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    Jinx looks right back at those scraping eyes, the scowl not going unnoticed. Her lip curls up until she's biting that battom lip, her eyes getting very wide indeed at the show of disdain. Is she bouncing on the balls of her feet? No, that's got to just be an illusion as she holds perfectly still, smiling with brilliantly white teeth and just a hint of fang. <br />    "Sorry there, Rare-i-tee." She enuncicates All. Three. Syllables, as she settles in to look up at the tall lady with that unflinching red gaze of hers. Ooooooooh. Lists upon lists today, folks. "Well then I can help you with that. Someone sliced him open like a doll and made sure to pin /all/ the bits of him that were SAD into a Happy Face~" <br />    Fingertips push the corners of her lips up into a rictus smile, and Jinx stands ther a moment or two. "Oh, and slit his throat and spilled all of his blood all over too." <br /><br />    Red eyes keep looking up at Rarity, unnervingly so. Not even a hint of flinching from the statements.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    Mizuki smiles. Organization name was legit, but the medal most certainly was not. As she slips it into a pocket some place - yes, her dress has very well hidden pockets - she feels lucky that no one cared to prod her about it. However... she certainly notices that careful, analytical, and possibly a little bit critical look that she's given by Rarity, and that merits an arch of her eyebrow. In that moment, Mimi knows to be wary; this woman most certainly is /not/ just a clueless floof, is she? An almost invisible smile creeps across her face. Maybe, just maybe, they could end up being friends. Anyone of reasonable intellect with a keen sense of fashion is a prospective friend in her book.<br /><br />    "Thank you in advance for your co-operation then, ma'am." Mizuki's is careful to hide any trace of genuine emotion on her countenance, though there's really not much to obfuscate at the moment. "First, in your own words, who was the victim? Particularly, did he have any connections to controversial places, such as business, or people?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:483|Mistress Rarity (483)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Jinx gets absolutely no points with Rarity, and the woman of high society continues to look down on the sloppy cop with an altogether condescending look. One of her guards in their sparkly crystal armor notes this, stepping forward. He was in pony form, a dark grey stallion from what she could tell behind all of the armor. "Speak kindly in the presence of Mistress Rarity, please."<br /><br />She looks to the guard for a moment and lifts a hand. "Do not worry, Smoky Mirror. It is alright." He receives a genuine smile before he chuffs and clops back in place. She continues, her lip trembling once more. "So it's true. He died... terribly. This really is..." She leans against Fancy, sniffling, "THE. WORST. POSSIBLE. THING."<br /><br />Fancy sighs, patting her shoulder, "There, there my dear. Now, we have to answer these questions don't we?"<br /><br />Sniffle. Her mascara was beginning to run on her right eye, and she procures a handkerchief to quickly wipe away the freshly put on makeup. She pauses only for a second to gaze at her reflection critically in the light of a nearby window and begins to wipe away excess areas she missed.<br /><br />Clearing her throat carefully, she bows her head to Mizuki. "A-ah yes." She looks toward the audience surrounding her and then again focuses on Mizuki. "The victim was Prince Blueblood, my husband. And... as to those connections, I cannot say for sure. We are business owners. I am certain some of our clientele and fellow entrepeneurs may deal in ... extracurriculars. But I could not say for certain what these are and who is involved."<br /><br />Business talk for I got ur back bro and won't give you up. By her uncertain gaze as she looks down to the concrete, biting her lip, it was clear she was not revealing what she /really/ knew.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:39|Jinx (39)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    Oh goodness. And now the guards are in on it too. Jinx's eyes turn to face the guard, before he's called back. Is she really a cop at all? Who knows.<br /><br />    She does grin though, as she murmurs. "Condolences on your loss~" What, she's seen the cops do that plenty of times, she can ape shit. That said...<br />    Jinx's eyes turn to look at the rest of the crowd and more actual cops in the area. Her lip twitches, and she sniffs. "WELL. No time like the present. Better INVESTIGATIONS TIMES. Have fun, Crystal Rarity." Those red eyes widen, and she tosses the cop's hat in the face of the guard, and... and scarpers. A teleport to the roof of a nearby building, and a sudden blue column of light swoops around her. <br /><br />    "SEE YOU AROUND, I'M SURE!"<br />    She twirls her ponytails, and then vanishes. Poof.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:183|Mizuki (183)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>    That eyebrow just keeps rising tonight, what with all the bizarre, oddly cinematic gestures that the locals are making. Mizuki is quick to notice as Rarity turns to the others present as if this were some sort of painfully acted TV drama, and... well. Again, she's careful not to show emotion, but she has to admit that it's a little disconcerting that she would think to do that given the situation. Really, -seeing- that is one thing, but actually being present for it is something else entirely. She's starting to regret having shown herself, but at the very least, she has leverage. This lady wouldn't do anything to her in public, would she? She has an image to maintain. Still... she should probably get out of here before the crowds clear away.<br /><br />    Mizuki looks to the impromptu 'audience' and plays along to the best of her ability, adding a little emphasis to her statements here and there. "You have my most sincere condolences for your loss, ma'am." She briefly folds her hands at her waist and gives a tiny, reverent bow. "And I am sure the hearts of the citizenry go out to you as well. Though I should also ask..." She pauses briefly. "... could you fathom any connection between this murder and the others that have been happening lately? Or alternatively, could you think of any reason why one would wish your beloved dead?"<br /><br />    She's probably not going to get crap out of her, and she knows that, but at the very least she can use this as an opportunity to find out what sort of person Rarity is.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:483|Mistress Rarity (483)}} has posed:'''<br><span></span>Rarity does not seem to notice Mizuki looking back to the audience. Or maybe it's the other way around. Because while Mizuki is glacning at the situation around them, Rarity's demeanor changes for a few split seconds. She becomes suddenly cold, distant. That saaame hollowness that Polite Words might have grasped at just mere minutes ago. But at once, she's the over-dramatic widow once more, bringing a gloved hand to her mouth to hide the sadness as Jinx just gets up and--<br /><br />Gasp! "What are you--where are you--what?!" Before she even has time to reply, Jinx is gone.<br /><br />And somewhere inside, Rarity relaxes. Bad fashion did not have any place in Manehattan anyway.<br /><br />As Mizuki bows to her, Rarity once again becomes fragile and frail. She gulps and clears her throat again. She begins running her fingers through her hair in nervousness. "Thank you..." She sniffles again, and Fancy patpats her arm.<br /><br />"Connection?" She whispers and shakes her head. "I really didn't know much of anything about the other murders. I wouldn't think he was a specific target for ... /those/ people." A hint of disgust. "I could not /fathom/ why anyone would want to kill my husband. He was a great man who did great things. I wish I could give you an answer, but... but... I just cannot!"<br /><br />Another hand to the forehead in Scarlet O'Hara dramatics, leaning against Fancy. Who finally gives in to her antics. He lifts her back up on her feet and offers a brief bow to Mizuki. "My apologies, Miss Mizuki. Mistress Rarity really shouldn't be in a place like this. I hope you do understand. I believe it is time we take our leave. Thank you for your time, and I wish you well with the investigation... Here, please allow me to give you our contact number." He then quickly snatches up a business card from a pocket behind one of his lapels, giving Mizuki a wide grin as he hands it over. "Cheers, darling."<br /><br />And at once, four of the Praetor guards circle around the two as they walk off.<br /><br />Leaving a mystery very unsolved.<br> <br>


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