“We have gone over this, Rainbow Dash. We have checked and rechecked every pony against the list. The kidnapper is not in here!” Trixie said, her face inches away from Rainbow Dash’s.

The ponies in the room were watching with mild interest.

“If he’s not here anymore, it’s only because he snuck out once he heard you talking about making a checklist!” Rainbow Dash shouted back.

All the ponies’ heads turned to watch Rainbow Dash. It was hardly entertaining to watch the two of them fight, but at least it helped the time go by.

“We did a headcount at the very beginning. There have been no more kidnappings. Everypony that was here in the beginning is still here. Face it, Rainbow Dash. You were wrong!”

“Gah! You are intentionally trying to get on my nerves today. The kidnapper is still out there!”

“Well, unless he just suddenly walks through that door, I guess we’re out of luck!”

There was a click as the door opened. On the other side of the door was Princess Luna, but more importantly, next to her was a masked unicorn.

“There he—” Rainbow Dash started to say.

“Wait!” Trixie yelled. “How many ponies are you going to tackle today until you listen? We have to use the checklist.” She cleared her throat and turned to a sheet of paper laid out upon a table. “Now then. Unicorn? Check. Male? Check. Dark mane, possibly black? Dark-blue coat? Bunny for a cutie mark? Check, check, and check. Black mask and cape? Check. Okay, Rainbow Dash. Now you can say it.”

“There he is! Get him!”

Snuggle Cakes gulped as dozens of angry ponies raced towards him.