HarringtonSleuth

For your comparing pleasure:

Anyone else note the A-Team theme when they built the Golden Apple float? And that was a lot better than what I thought it could have been. The FiM writers have my benefit of the doubt if they write about other issues of a similar vein. Noticed Magnum, too. When Applejack mentioned Babs was bullied at home, I just nodded because a former assistant principal at my school reinforced a favorite mantra of his about bullying a lot at class meetings: "Hurt people hurt people." It was great that they included that point and dropped a hint at the start with her being embarrassed about her blank flank.

Scruffy approves of this cosplay.

So it's been about three and a half months since I put this thing up and left it to rust. Summary of events since then: -School started -First print edition of our school newspaper came out -Football season came and went for my school -Visited MIT and Williams -Fell in love with the city of Boston and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology -All-State process (most recent update: I get to sing at Pre-Area after I got first alternate bass 1 at Region!!) -Won a superior rating at the National Journalism Educators' Association convention in San Antonio for copy editing -Turned 18 -Played the lottery and netted +$5 -Found out my license renewals are $25 since this one lasts 6 years And that's about it. Quite a bit of exciting stuff, but I won't go into a ton of detail right now. What I might do at this point for any sort of entertainment for you is, in light of those of you bummed out by the NHL lockout (myself included), I will start up a series on the Equestrian Hockey League! I don't know how I will do it, but I can make it work. I may simply only write out details of the featured match of the round. I'm probably not going to write out all 90 match reports (though if any of you are interested, I could work something out where each of us writes up a story about each match and we draw to see who gets what match). Either way, I have teams set out and will only need to name them. To play these out, I will use the most recent edition of EA Sports NHL I have (NHL '11 ). Or I could also do something else sports-related with ponies. I don't know. For those interested, here are the teams as decided by random.org (I had to pull a few from fanon here and there to fill out the list of 60 starters): [colour=#000000]Team 1[/colour] [colour=#000000]Flam[/colour] [colour=#000000]Iron Will[/colour] [colour=#000000]Fleur-de-Lis[/colour] [colour=#000000]Cranky Doodle Donkey[/colour] [colour=#000000]Pony Joe[/colour] [colour=#000000]Flim[/colour] [colour=#000000]Team 2[/colour] [colour=#000000]Mjölna[/colour] [colour=#000000]Pinkie Pie[/colour] [colour=#000000]Gilda[/colour] [colour=#000000]Colgate[/colour] [colour=#000000]Blaze[/colour] [colour=#000000]Master[/colour] [colour=#000000]Team 3[/colour] [colour=#000000]Rapidfire[/colour] [colour=#000000]Berry Punch[/colour] [colour=#000000]Wave Chill[/colour] [colour=#000000]Scootaloo[/colour] [colour=#000000]Twist[/colour] [colour=#000000]Diamond Tiara[/colour] [colour=#000000]Team 4[/colour] [colour=#000000]Lyra[/colour] [colour=#000000]Wildfire[/colour] [colour=#000000]Apple Bloom[/colour] [colour=#000000]Cherries Jubilee[/colour] [colour=#000000]Sheriff Silverstar[/colour] [colour=#000000]Misty[/colour] [colour=#000000]Team 5[/colour] [colour=#000000]Fleetfoot[/colour] [colour=#000000]Cheerilee[/colour] [colour=#000000]Aloe[/colour] [colour=#000000]Spitfire[/colour] [colour=#000000]Fluttershy[/colour] [colour=#000000]Twilight Sparkle[/colour] [colour=#000000]Team 6[/colour] [colour=#000000]Rainbow Dash[/colour] [colour=#000000]Featherweight[/colour] [colour=#000000]The Doctor[/colour] [colour=#000000]Silver Lining[/colour] [colour=#000000]Bon Bon[/colour] [colour=#000000]Derpy[/colour] [colour=#000000]Team 7[/colour] [colour=#000000]Lightning Streak[/colour] [colour=#000000]High Winds[/colour] [colour=#000000]Sweetie Belle[/colour] [colour=#000000]Octavia[/colour] [colour=#000000]Flitter[/colour] [colour=#000000]Applejack[/colour] [colour=#000000]Team 8[/colour] [colour=#000000]Carrot Top[/colour] [colour=#000000]Zecora[/colour] [colour=#000000]Rarity[/colour] [colour=#000000]Big Macintosh[/colour] [colour=#000000]Caramel Apple[/colour] [colour=#000000]Trixie[/colour] [colour=#000000]Team 9[/colour] [colour=#000000]Snails[/colour] [colour=#000000]Silver Spoon[/colour] [colour=#000000]Surprise[/colour] [colour=#000000]Lotus[/colour] [colour=#000000]Cloudchaser[/colour] [colour=#000000]Fancy Pants[/colour] [colour=#000000]Team 10[/colour] [colour=#000000]Braeburn[/colour] [colour=#000000]Filthy Rich[/colour] [colour=#000000]Soarin'[/colour] [colour=#000000]Snips[/colour] [colour=#000000]Vinyl Scratch[/colour] [colour=#000000]Firestreak[/colour] [colour=#000000]Management and coverage team: Madden on commentary, Photo Finish for action shots, Celestia and Luna as co-commissioners and Cadence and Shining Armor as appeals commissioners. Discord might pop in every now and then to help an underdog along, but I'm using an actual videogame, so he may only get credit if something outrageous happens.[/colour] What I'm thinking of doing is holding a double round-robin regular season, then advance the top 4 to the playoffs to determine the champions, who will receive the Royal Cup as their trophy, presented by the princes and princesses of Equestria themselves. Whether or not anyone actually follows along, I'll probably do it so I have a side project to entertain myself with.

It seems I forgot to specify my character will best help out in Baltimare, but since he travels a lot anyway, takes his caravan around with him wherever he goes. It contains a mishmash of objects, some useful, some not so much. He has a decent supply of food to share with the team if needed.

Harrington looked ahead to see that he was next in line and was a little startled when he saw nopony ahead of himself and galloped the short distance to the booth. He smiled sheepishly at Applejack *squee* and peeked behind her at the bushels of apples they had set out to prepare for this event, then back to the proprietor. His wings twitched as he spoke. [colour=#ff0000]"H-hello, miss...I am Harrington Sleuth, private investigator...and I've heard word that you sell some of the finest apples in all of Equestria...and seeing as how I'm around for the time being...I felt I had to come see for myself......I'm flattered to meet you, miss...Applejack, was it?"[/colour] His cheeks would be slightly red if his coat already didn't match that particular shade. [colour=#ff0000]Keep it together...it's not like you're searching for a special somepony out here. You came for apples. The kiss is a bonus, not the objective.[/colour] He smiled again and reached around to pull up his pouch of bits to pay for his bushels as he tried to decide on how many to purchase amid a few other thoughts, some of which worried him. Would this turn into something of a glass ceiling? But then again, there had been several others ahead of him, some of which he figured were stallions about as old as himself, and Applejack didn't seem to be fawning over them. She still appeared to maintain a business-like composure. At least in front of her family, especially her little sister, Apple Bloom, who he met earlier. [colour=#ff0000]"So has there even been any need for an investigator nearby this little town? I was just wondering since news from around here reach quite a ways regularly now. It seems a bit of an expectation every week that some interesting development hits news as far as Fillydelphia. It never takes more than a day or two for it to reach my native Baltimare. I was just wondering if anypony had any use for a pony of my talents...heheh..."[/colour]

Second thought, sorry, but I think I'll have to drop out of this one. Taken on more than I could handle and the quality's slipped as a result.

Harrington continued rushing along the course as they approached Sweet Apple Acres, galloping along in stride to keep up with the field. He was a bit flustered as he fell behind several of the racers during the first stretch from Ponyville and felt he had to compensate for it now to keep up. If he took a chance now to let up, he might not see most of the field this side of the finish line. [colour=#ff0000]That blasted alarm clock got me into this...at least, where I put the bucking thing did...I really should arrange my wagon better next time I have something as important as the most popular annual race in Equestria...but for now, I need to focus. I might lose them and not catch up.[/colour] He stared back ahead at the field, which started to pan out and split off into those leading the way and those following them. Watching the majority of the entrants run ahead motivated him to carry on, hope for the best and try to maintain pace with them. To the side, he noticed the orchards of Sweet Apple Acres along with the stands for refreshment and trees to take cover from the fringe of the storm that loomed over the race as it progressed toward Whitetail Wood. [colour=#ff0000]Those clouds over yonder seem foreboding...but they said the Baltimare weather team let it drift over here. I'm from Baltimare! I'm used to its random weather. That up ahead looks like my best chance to gain ground and maybe swipe the lead. For now, though...running rather than flying has felt awkward. It's like I'm warming up for the main length of the course, but I think I should be doing better.[/colour] He caught sight of the stands set out for the contestants and decided to take a short break from the Running for a cup of cider and shelter from the rain. He didn't plan to stay very long as the primary challenge lay ahead. An earlier start alone might help him pull ahead and position himself to brace for the storm. The sooner he started, the sooner he could get out of the inclement weather and tougher stages and onto dry ground for the final leg.

The brisk, crisp autumn air breezed through Ponyville as it whisked around the starting area, carrying a few fallen red, yellow and orange leaves along its way. The competitors, all with numbers secured to their sides, walked around and talked with rivals and a few spectators as they awaited in the last few moments before the race. About two minutes before it was set to start, a red Pegasus stallion hurried to the starting area, panting as he sighed in relief. [colour=#ff0000]"Made it just in time...I thought everypony would start without me..."[/colour] He nervously laughed and smiled while he trotted off, then started muttering under his breath as he tried catching a wind before the race began. [colour=#ff0000]"Stupid alarm clock buried in my junk...I swear sometimes I live in a trailer full of useless rubbish...I don't know where I got half of those things or why I haven't tossed them out yet..."[/colour] He only had time for a brief moment of friendly banter and talking with a few locals about the race before he joined the rest of the field at the starting line. He plastered the number he got from the registration booth, 14, before he lined up with the others. [colour=#ff0000]This is exhilarating...I remember I saw the Running once as a colt, and it was lots of fun to see the leaves fall off from all the ponies racing...and now I'm a part of it! For the first time...I'm anxious to get going already! Hope I can actually compete in this, though...the event I won back in the Iron Pony competition this summer was an eating contest. Hardly fitting of an endurance race such as this...[/colour] [colour=#ff0000]Snap out of it. You carry a trailer full of junk around wherever you go. Of course, you'll be competitive, Harrington. Your show of athleticism might catch somepony's eye enough to hire you on...or at least gain a name around Equestria. Immortality as a champion of the Running...alongside Dread Locke, the champion of the race in my colthood![/colour] Harrington's daydreams of athletic glory snapped as the shrill whistle popped his thought bubble and prompted him to start running. He sprinted out of the gate at first, but within a minute, slowed to a canter, then a brisk jog to keep pace with the head of the pack. He glanced around at the other runners to size up the competition, recognizing a few of them from Iron Pony and raising an eyebrow at the mint-green unicorn with a lyre cutie mark. He shrugged and focused to the road ahead, noting the harsh weather that, while it wasn't an immediate threat, was soon to come...

My mum (who full-well knows I watch this show): "They actually teach kids about...self-sacrifice!? This is my kinda show!"

Well, crystals do come from the ground, so...yeah. [colour=#40e0d0]"Who wants a flugal horn?"[/colour] [colour=#ff0099]"I want a flugal horn!"[/colour]

I'd be game My Skype handle is supamario94.

(+2 candy, spaghetti Westerner) This sort of Nightmare Night ritual wasn't anything like Harrington had known back in Baltimare. They had parties and odd things to do around that time, but he didn't ever remember any sort of visit to a statue of Nightmare Moon. Probably since his parents never bothered much with the holiday until later on in his foalhood and his little sister's. He approached the statue, observing the terrifying image of the former terror upon Equestria. He noticed a plaque at the bottom and read its inscription: You dare to seek out Nightmare Moon? Then prepare to meet your doom! For foals she finds a special treat- unless you leave her something sweet! Though he was a bit older, he decided to play along just to have a little fun and experience something he never did as a colt. He dropped a piece of candy down in front of the statue and stepped back from it.

Yeah, maybe you need the Pavilion more than the Salty Spitoon. How tough am I? I ate a serrano pepper (3-9x the heat of a jalapeno) and my eyes only watered for a few seconds.

Maybe a trip to the Changeling Lair would be a new experience for Harrington as he continued his Nightmare Night travels around the top attractions. The effects and Changelings, though he was promised they were not real, seemed so real and lifelike. It brought back terrifying memories of the first night when Chrysalis dropped in on the House of Mirrors and spooked everypony out of the attraction. He didn't notice Discord on his way to the Everfree Moon Palace or the switch that landed him a loaded sack, but he was more certain he would encounter someone better on this night. He walked inside on shaky legs as he panned back and forth, watching the ponies in Changeling costumes as he traversed. (Short post, I know, long night watching the election and stuff)

Harrington looked up from his part of the path over to Psmith and gave him the "are you kidding me" look as he moved a little closer. [colour=#ff0000]"You would be on watch, too, if the Queen of the Changelings dropped in on you unannounced. I'm just making sure nopony's going to pull that one over on me a second time."[/colour] As he spoke, his empty bag of candy was lifted without notice. He only looked when Discord placed another identical bag on him, which was a tad heavier than the one he carried before. [colour=#ff0000]"Huh...what? My bag was empty last I checked...oh, well. More candy for me!"[/colour] (+2 Candy)

(Also coming in at -1.) Harrington Sleuth, still in his literal spaghetti Westerner getup, traversed intently on the lit path, not wanting to step off and get frightened as he was the previous night at Celestia's House of Mirrors when an unpleasant surprise--the Changeling Queen, Chrysalis--dropped in unannounced. His head and eyes darted left and right, remaining alert to see if anypony would jump out and try to spook someone along the way. Nopony was getting the drop on him tonight! It would take quite a while before he reached the Moon Palace. He looked around and tried to start up conversations with others travelling along the starlit path through the heart of the Everfree Forest.

The spaghetti Westerner started orienting himself as he traversed the reflective corridors, finally starting to measure out where the walkways were and where the mirrors would try to trick him. It seemed like getting lost would be the last thing to happen now as he made his way through. Only...now he couldn't remember where he had been through the house of mirrors. It would probably be a while before he found the exit from the maze had it not been for a certain pony-like being who descended upon him from an unexpected direction. He turned around to see who he thought was in costume. [colour=#ff0000]"Oh, hello. Very nice costume. I must say, you got the legs perfect and there doesn't seem to be a single visible seam anywhere on thi--"[/colour] He stopped when he poked the leg and didn't feel fabric or anything ponies usually made costumes out of. He looked upon the Changeling queen and realized why she looked so much like Chrysalis: it was her! [colour=#ff0000]"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!"[/colour] Harrington shrieked as he sprinted out of the maze at breakneck speeds and fled the attraction grounds. No way was he going to fall under some Changeling's spell, especially not the queen's! (Candy: -1. Great. I owe the mod a piece of candy.)

It seemed like this would be an interesting attraction for the Pegasus stallion entering through into the House of Mirrors. Harrington Sleuth walked calmly and with confidence into the maze, certain his tracking skills would outmatch the tricks of the mirrors. He arrived at the house dressed in Itailian garb with a cowboy hat and boots, a literal spaghetti Westerner. His composure turned to confusion as he bumped into a mirror not 30 seconds after he began his way through the maze. His boots thudded against the ground as he stumbled through the mass of reflections. [colour=#ff0000]"This is more of a doozy than I thought...I wonder how many other ponies are as out of sorts as I am right now...?"[/colour] He kept marching through the halls, mindful of how close his reflections seemed to himself.

Why should you not care about life or death?

The P.I. Pegasus shall step into the race for the first time!

[colour=#ff0000]It's okay...you can do this. No pressure...if there are guards anywhere around, they probably won't spring or even look your way...[/colour] This wasn't the P.I. Pegasus's first visit to Canterlot as he had gotten into a spot of trouble the last time he was here. If it was his choice, he wouldn't be in this city at all. But somepony...or some other creature knew what he or she shouldn't know given that he isn't a widely known stallion. Nopony's eyes would light up at hearing the mention of his name as much as they would at the sound of Twilight Sparkle or Pinkie Pie or even Princess Luna. And yet, a stranger had information on him and photos of his parents and sister that he only figured they owned. He arrived at the warehouse front 38 seconds before the appointed time of 12 noon. He searched around as there seemed to be quite a few ponies still on the clock at this time. He never figured that they would meet in such a bustling workplace for a strange meeting. As soon as the whistle blew, he flinched as the workers packed up and cleared the area. When the dust settled, he stood before a small group who didn't appear in the same garb as the warehouse workers. [colour=#ff0000]Maybe they're involved in this somehow, too...[/colour] [colour=#ff0000]"H-hello...I don't suppose you know what's going on, either... but this stranger seems to know us. Perhaps all too well."[/colour] He turned to those he recognized from the Fillydelphia Museum case. [colour=#ff0000]"Fancy seeing you two here again. I'm certainly curious as to what we're here for."[/colour]

Talk to my past self, paradox-free. I talk with my current self a lot anyway. (No you don't!) Breathe in space or breathe in water?

An expedition to a foreign land? Sounds like an adventure for my pony. I'm in.