Stormflower awoke to the sound of her train coming to a grinding halt at Canterlot Station. She quickly got off the train and made her way towards the front gate leading into the city. She stood in awe as she examined the wondrous city that stood before her. She hadn't been to Canterlot that often but she was always amazed when she visited it. Her amazement quickly disappeared as her thoughts returned to the matter at hoof. There was only one mare in this city who could lead her to the stallion she wanted to speak with.

"Oh, Princess. I hope you can help me," Stormflower breathed as she made her way towards the castle.

It was early evening and the sky was beginning to glow with a warm, orange hue. Canterlot Castle glistened in the evening sun as Stormflower approached it. A series of guards stood in front of the castle. They stared the female pegasus down with great intensity as she approached them.

"Good evening," she said, hoping to win them over by being friendly.

"What is your purpose for visiting the castle?" asked one of the guards sternly. Stormflower was tempted to roll her eyes but she decided against this action.

"I need to speak with Princess Celestia. It's important."

"The Princess is unavailable at the moment."

"My name's Stormflower. Perhaps some of you have heard of me?"

"Aren't you that author whose written those gardening books?"

"That's me!"

"Sorry. Having a few books under your belt doesn't give you special treatment."

"Please! This isn't just some random visit! I'm here because of an investigation!"

"An investigation of what, exactly?"

"The murder of Rainbow Dash. Perhaps you've heard about that?"

"I believe I have. We've all heard about it."

"Rainbow Dash was my younger sister. I'm here because I want answers. I need to find her killer."

"With all respects, Ms. Stormflower, it's not your job to investigate this. It's the job of the police to look into crimes such as this."

"What's wrong with trying to learn the truth?"

"What exactly does the Princess have that can help you with your investigation?"

"Information about a certain stallion. A stallion who committed a series of heinous murders ten years ago. I believe the murders he committed and the murder and disappearances taking place today are connected."

"Just who is this stallion, exactly?" asked a warm voice. Stormflower looked behind the guards as they turned around. Princess Luna stood in the gateway, examining Stormflower with curiosity.

"Princess Luna," Stormflower breathed.

"Who is this stallion that you speak of, Ms. Stormflower?"

"All I know of him is that he committed several murders ten years ago, he's locked away in an incredibly secure prison, and his name is Rufus."

A few of the older guards shuttered at the mentioning of the name while the younger guards looked on in confusion.

"I've heard my sister mention that name before, though I never heard the full story behind it," Luna explained.

"Please. I need to speak with Princess Celestia," said Stormflower. Luna cocked her head as she thought about the matter at hoof. She then nodded her head and beckoned Stormflower towards the castle. Stormflower smiled and followed the Princess of the Night through the gateway.

The interior of Canterlot Castle was quieter than Stormflower had expected it to be. There seemed to be a grayish hue in the air that made everything...depressing in a sense.

"Honestly, I expected this place to be a bit livelier," Stormflower admitted with a smirk. Luna chuckled and nodded.

"Yes. Things have been like this since the funeral," Luna explained. A bulge formed in Stormflower's throat. She wanted to cry but she decided to hold back the tears. There was a time and place to cry and she had not arrived at this point yet. The alicorn and the pegasus soon arrived at a pair of large white doors. "This is it. My sister is inside."

The doors slowly opened and Stormflower nodded at Luna before entering.

The bedroom of Princess Celestia was just as gray and depressing as the rest of the castle. Stormflower instantly knew that something was off and she could easily deduce the reason behind this. Celestia stood by the window. She still emanated an aura of power and grace but something else was emanating from her. An aura of sadness. An aura of fear. An aura of...regret.

"Princess Celestia?" Stormflower asked. Celestia turned around to face her guest.

"Stormflower. Rainbow Dash's sister," she said. Stormflower nodded. Celestia tried to smile but found that she could not. "I remember seeing you at the funeral. I don't believe we were formerly introduced."

"No. I'm sorry that I didn't greet you, Princess. I had-"

"Other things to think about. I understand completely."

The two mares fell silent as they proceeded to stare at each other with saddened expressions.

"Tell me. What is it that you want to request of me?" Celestia asked. Stormflower cleared her throat but still felt the bulge return.

"I...I need you to lead me to a certain...stallion," she replied. Celestia cocked her head and slowly approached Stormflower.

"And who exactly is this stallion?"

"A monster."

"A monster?"

"Yes. Ten years ago, he killed many innocent young ponies. His name is Rufus."

Celestia shuttered upon hearing the name. Her eyes glistened with the tears of past sadness.

"Yes. I know exactly who you're talking about. It's not easy...to forget about what he did," Celestia said. "Tell me, why do you wish to find him?"

"I just...want to talk to him."

"Why would you want to talk to a monster such as him?"

"I believe...I believe that there may be a connection of sorts between his crimes and Rainbow Dash's murder."

"You think so?"

"Yes. For some reason, this feels right. I feel that...I need to speak with him."

"I must warn you. He is not a pleasant pony to have a conversation with. Most of what he says is pretty...disturbing."

"Princess. A few days ago, I saw my sister's body, defiled and turned into a taxidermy puppet. A fucked up serial killer with disturbing words is nothing compared to that."

"I understand. I shall schedule an appointment with the prison for you to have a meeting with him tomorrow. You can stay in the castle tonight. It is no problem for Luna or I."

"Thank you, Princess."

"Come. I will show you to your room."

Celestia began making her way out of the room but she came to a stop next to Stormflower.

"Your sister really cared for you. Do you know that?" she asked. Stormflower looked up at the Princess and smiled.

"Yes. I know that very well," Stormflower replied.

"I do hope that you enjoy the final gift that she had prepared for you."

"Wait...what final gift?"

"You'll find out soon enough."

Celestia smiled as she began making her way down the hallway. Stormflower, though confused, followed suit. The sun set underneath the horizon as the doors to Celestia's bedroom slowly closed.