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Chapter X: A Clubbable Woman

>'What is it with me and waiting on woman today?'
>You're Anonymous Endeavour and you're totally wired by all the coffee you've drank today.
>'Feels like I can read all the books in the library and do all the re-edits...'
>Sat in the cold, empty office of Chancellor Abacus Cinch, you push that coffee onto her desk and leave it there.
>Despite that you don't like Cinch, you can't hate her buxom secretary, Ruby Glow.
>She was always so charming and kind, and with that Midwestern nice accent she has, she's such a dear.
>It's a pity that she can't make a coffee to save her life...
>Either too weak so you're drinking bitter cream or so strong, you can use it as a paint stripper.
>As you wonder if she's related to Raven Inkwell, you stand and walk over to the window.
>It has the majestic view of college car park, the grassy verges around it and some bare trees.
>Seen on a street map, Coltram is a town going nowhere fast and looking through the office windows, you get that same impression.
>Not surprising really, considering where it is. While Canterlot is a big city in the middle of nowhere, the little towns perched on its western side seem worlds away from the cityslickers.
>Despite that they're not really that far away if you judge it on the street map.
>But the forest is a barrier. A wall between the quiet country life and the big city full of degeneracy and bright lights...
>But how quiet is it here in Coltram and the surrounding Gallop County? A lot can happen in the middle of nowhere...
>You shudder in the cold office and walk back your seat. You've got that suspicion that the chairs sit slightly lower than the her desk. So the Snowmaiden can look down on you.
>Speaking of the devil, Chancellor Cinch strides into her office, letting the door bang into the wall as she takes some folders from under one arm and into her other hand.

>You pick your nose and rub it. There's a sneeze stuck in your head. And that concussion isn't helping.
>"Good evening." She scowls, "I've had a terrible day so I'm in no mood for small talk."
"I'm fine, thank you for asking."
>You sass back, earning a deep frown from her as she sits and slams the folders on the table.
>It rattles everything and even spooks you.
>'Blimey, she's in a bad mood.'
>Despite this, she smoothes back some loose hair and slips off her glasses to polish them. 
>"Mr. Endeavour, you're a European cosmopolitan man, surely you must watch grand prix motor racing?"
>'What?'
>Confused by her line of questioning, you answer honestly.
"Only in a dire emergency, why you ask?"
>"As far as I can gather." She begins, ignoring your question, "at the end, some overpaid man in a silly hat, shakes a bottle of champagne so it'll splash all over the runners-up, yes?"
"Yes, I've seen that. Again, why do you ask?"
>"This university has gone flat. I need to shake the bottle so get motivation flowing again. And I know you're the man to help."
>She grins as you sniff loudly.
"There's a problem though, I don't think there are any vacancies here, are they?"
>She waves that statement away.
>"Nonsense, my dear Endeavour. I can easily fire your successor or even hire you for something different. Now, hear me out, please."
>'Crikey, she's being polite. Brace yourself, Anon.'
>She opens a draw and takes out some a couple of hardback books and a ring-binder folder.
>Clicking it open, Abacus leafs through it and takes out some papers.
>"I think this college needs a new project and I know just the thing. History. And there's bags of it here in Coltram."
"Oh? What particular part of it are you thinking about?"
>You sceptically raise an eyebrow as you inquire about her new fascination.
>"Its puritanical past, Endeavour. Surely, you must know that this state had some of the first colonies set up in the late 17 century?"

"Yeah, as a dumping ground for the lame and the sick. Besides, if you want to play silly buggers with the past, you can sod off to Oakshott. That's where that bloody Colonial-era village for the tourists was built.
>She sighs and rubs her head.
>"I'm not talking about churning butter and making pumpkin pies." She snaps, "where would the college build this village anyway? On the football fields?"
>You roll your eyes and play with the handkerchief in your pocket.
"Okay, so what do you mean?"
>"Well, research the college and dig more into the history of the site. The college is currently extending the science buildings and we found timbers of old buildings. They could be Colonial houses."
>She gushes on, thinking of fortune and fame, so you bring her back down to Earth.
"Or they could be outdoor shithouses used by the farmers. You need the old timbers carbon-dated by the science department and further excavations by the archaeological department to prove it. So where do I fit in?"
>She leans onto the desk and purrs.
>"My dear Endeavour, I need your mind. I know this part of the state hides a dark past. All the paranoia over witchcraft, wiccans and magic."
>You sagely nod and turn down the volume on her, hoping she continues to get to her point.
>"I know you're a modern historian, judging by your books but you are a local one as well, I know you like the more macabre and that's why I need you."
>Another nod.
"I understand."
>"I've helped out with some of the research and I found references to a book. A book that..."
>She ponders for a moment, like she's lost in thought.
>'Or making up more crap...'
>"...that proves witchcraft was indeed practiced here."
>You nod again. You know several books were mentioned that allegedly details the craft. But most have been either been lost, destroyed for their links to devilry or have been found and sold on to private collectors.
>So why is she interested?

"What particular book is it?"
>She grins slightly.
>"It was written by a wiccan called Sapphire Moon. She was a medicine woman who was unfairly ostracized by the townsfolk. She was one of the five witches hanged for their 'crimes' in the Whispering Woods. A pity really."
"Hang on."
>You quickly interject, spotting the obvious flaw.
"There's a difference between wiccans and witches. How does she prove anything?"
>She puts a cotton glove, opens another draw and takes out a mouldy old leather-bound book.
>"Because she wasn't a wiccan, she was indeed a witch. The book I found in the archives of the central library was Moon's personal diary. This diary refers to her 'medicine' journal as her spell book."
"Might I read it?"
>"No."
>She puts it back.
"So you want me to believe in you?"
>You raise your eyebrow again as she just chuckles.
>"In a sense. If you agree to help me, we can build on this. Find her journal, sell it for fame and fortune. Help the college grow. And I can give you back your old department. So what do you say, my dear Endeavour?"
>You pull out your handkerchief from your jacket pocket and blow your nose rather loudly.
"You see, Abacus..."
>You don't pay her any attention and look into in hankie, like you were expecting rubies and emeralds to fall out of your head.
"...I reason why I left wasn't because of the college's internal politics, it was because of you. You're not the nicest person to get along with.
>"Oh?" She simply says.
"Yes, I found you to be rude and callous, remember that time you laid into that new Maths lecturer because she dared to park in your reserved spot?"
>"She broke the rules and needed to be punished." The chancellor retorts strongly.
"Not by balling at her in the car park for ten minutes! No wonder she resigned two days later. It's your duplicitous and obstreperous personality, mixed in with your need to micromanage, that further exacerbates the issue."

>She stoic face raises an eyebrow so you decide to end the conversation and the meeting.
"So I will turn down your offer. Thank you but no thank you."
>She avoids eye contact and shuffles some papers.
>"Well, I'm sorry for you loss, Endeavour. I just assumed you would be onboard with it. The chance to come back to the University, especially considering know of the dark nature of your new teaching post..."
>She leaves that sentence hanging, just begging for you to put your flat foot into it.
>So you do.
"What's that suppose to mean?"
>"Come, come now, I know where you work. You teach at Royal Canterlot High School. I know you are aware of its seedy essence and its awful students. As well as... other problems."
>She harshly insults as she casually nibbles on a pencil. 
"You mean its magic problems, yes? You don't need to explain that to me, I know what you did last summer, Cinch."
>"I want to put that behind me. Start anew." She busts in, again defiant.
>"So I will ask again, Anon. Will you help me?"
>But you shake your head. It will fly in the face of what you've done in the last 3 months. For you to start again, for you to forget the past and continue on.
>You pull out your hankie again and loudly sneeze into it.
>"To your good health." She flatly says as you, again, peer in it.
"My answer is still no. I want to move on as well, away from Coltram. If that's all, Abacus, good evening."
>You conclude as you stand up and make your way to the door.
>As you turn the handle, Abacus Cinch says something rather ominous.
>"Qui non nobiscum adverus nos est."
>Turning around, you look at her incredulously.
"What's that suppose to mean, Cinch?"
>"Good evening, Anonymous. Do have a pleasant drive back to Canterlot."
>She smiles a very smug grin.
>You shake your head and quip back.
"Cruciatus in curcem. Eas in curcem."

>Signing your name and handing the book back to the porter, you walk out the building and stop on the steps.
>Turning your head slightly around and stuffing your hands into your jacket pockets, you hurriedly shuffle to your car.
>Luckily, parked nearby yours is a long white sedan. It's Celestia's.
>She's sat in the car, keeping warm and reading a book. She's also wearing a hat, oddly enough.
>You tap on the driver's side window and she looks up, flashing you her usual radiant smile.
>She points to the passenger side and mouths 'get in.'
>So you do as you're told.
>Climbing in and hearing that obnoxious bonging noise, you quietly close it and slip off your own hat.
"Burr. It'll be another bitter one tonight. Are you still up for this?"
>"I wouldn't be here otherwise, now would I? So why are you at the college again?"
>She gently inquires.
"Just catching up with old ghosts, I suppose."
>"Is it Cinch?"
"I wouldn't worry about it. I'm not. She tried to tempted me back here at Holm Coltram but I couldn't care less about the place now."
>You peer though the window and look at the grand-looking main building. The Shire Building is the oldest on the campus, built in that beautiful neo-Gothic style, but it holds terrible memories now.
>You shudder.
"No, Canterlot is my home now. Coltram is just... another place now."
>"I don't know if that's a healthy way of looking at things but... you do you, Anonymous."
>You gently rubs your hand resting on your knee. But you don't shoo her away. You just enjoy the moment.
>Composing herself, she spots that familiar van pulling in.
>"Come on, that's them."
>Getting out of her car, you both walk over to the bright pink delivery van.
"Is that really suitable for a young girl to drive?"
>You point to the conspicuous van as she chuckles.
>"It's not actually Pinkie's, that van. It belongs to her employers but they let her use it as her daily drive."

>'Well, the more you know...'
>Taking the cap from your pocket and pop it onto your head, you, again, hear her softly giggle.
>"You've still got that moth-eaten newsboy cap? I would have thought that old thing would have disintegrated years ago."
"It's called a flat cap, Celly. I bought this one a couple of years ago when I went back to England."
>"It suits with what you're wearing, reminds me of one of those English groundsmen who look after the castles."
>With your padded jacket, black chinos and brown boots, you are well-prepared for the night ahead.
>And with Celly wearing her white overcoat, blue jeans and walking boots, you assume she's all warm and cosy.
>'Let's just hope all the girls are all wrapped-up. The wind's picking up.'
>Pulling your cap on tighter, you knock on the van's windows and see the driver beaming a wide smile.
>"Lookie here! It's the Principal and Mr Nonny!"
>She squees and claps her hands as Twilight and Applejack roll their eyes.
>"Please don't be put off by Pinkie's enthusiasm, Mr Endeavour." Twilight begins.
>"Yessir, she always gets a little excited before an adventure." Applejack clarifies in her country drawl.
"There's a ways to go before we actually begin."
>You address as the three girls go quiet.
"We have to back on ourselves, onto the main road out and follow it until you see the signs for the Breton Height trails."
>"Hmm-mm." Twilight notes this down on the wad of paper on her lap.
>"She's a very good navigator. She's my personal GPS thingy!"
"She'd be very good at rally co-driving then. I would say follow the Principal's car because she'll be following me but I bet she already knows the route."
>"Okie dokie, lokie!" Pinkie beams again. She gives you a thumbs-up as the window rolls up.
"Come on then. Like I said, we'll take our own cars and besides, you can't park in here for long anyway."
>She nods as the pair off you walk to them.
>She climbs into hers and you get into yours.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKS04SlW6xE 
>Starting her up, you drive out of the spot, crunching over the snow as a pair of headlights glare into your rear-view mirror.
>Driving out of the car park, the strange convey of an eighties angular saloon, a noughties plastic sedan and a bright pink van crawl out the college parking lot and onto the main road, out of town.
>Cruising through the dark town streets and onto the open road, you punch it through the gearbox and continue onwards.
>Glancing back, you're surprised to see Celestia keeping up and you can make out the top of that van.
>'Keep your eyes on the road, matey. Remember what happened with that bus the other night?'
>Driving through the forest, you can't shake that sense of foreboding. Like something bad will happen.
>'There's something out there, matey, something stalking through those trees. Man or beast? Who knows...'
>You drive on, praying that the inner voice stays quiet. But it doesn't.
>'Doing this is a silly idea, matey. What are you trying to prove anyway?  That you're the man? That the man must protect those weak little girlies? Pah, you're just trying to impress Celly.'
"Shut up, you."
>'You've been saying that for years, matey. You keep trying to shut that door but I keep on strolling through...'
>Shaking the monologue from your head, you look at some of the signs and see the entrance for the trails' parking lot.
>As the three vehicles all pull in and park up, you note the other two cars in the lot; park ranger SUVs parked up by the pay-phone and notice board.
>You park over by the 4x4, climb out and clear off the collected snow on the board.
>Although the board declares the trails to be officially closed for the season, that's just for the guided walks. The trail itself is still open for walkers, both day and night.
>Shuddering in the cold, you pull out your cap and gloves and put them on.

>You walk back to your car and pop open the boot lid. You reach in and pull out the case.
>Unzipping it, you take the rifle and swing it around yourself.
>You would never call yourself a master huntsman but you do know which end of the gun to shoot out of. As your father once said, "prove them damn Yanks wrong, show them how we made the empire."
>He taught you and your sister how to shoot. At first it was using a revolver to shoot at cans and bottles. Then it was the local pests, like rats and squirrels.
>You kept your marksmanship up and your sister uses hers for personal safety. At your father request anyway.
>Pocketing some bullets from the case, you close the lid and walk over to Pinkie's van and Celestia's car, snow crunching under heel.
"Good evening all. How are we feeling? Hang on, why is there only five of you? Where's your pink-haired friend? Errm..."
>"Fluttershy, you mean?" Rarity answers, "well, she pulling extra shifts at the animal sanctuary she works at."
"Burning the candle at both ends, eh? And where's Sunset? Is she still mad at me?"
>"She is..."
>Rarity points to her side but no-one is there.
>"Sunset? Where are you?" Celestia shouts as she cranes her head around.
>"She's over here with me, by the entrance!" Twilight shouts back.
>Twisting your head around, you see the pair of them by the car park entrance under the shade of a street-light.
>Celestia walks over and talks to them. What they're saying? You're not sure, they're too far away.
>"Ah wonder what's goin' on?" Applejack ponders on.
>"I dunno but it must being something important. Why else would the eggheads go off by themselves?" Rainbow comments.
>"Rainbow! Don't be so rude! Especially in the presence of a gentleman!" Rarity snaps.
>You can't help but snort at the young lady, somehow it reminds you of Gail being all posh.
>The three stragglers wander back to the group.

>"Nothing to worry about, girls. Sunset was curious about this place." Celestia remarks as poor Sunset looks like she's about to pass out.
"You're sure? She's the colour of cold custard. Do you think it'll be wise if she stays behind? In case those rangers come back for their cars?"
>You question but Sunset objects to your concern by raising a gloved hand.
>"No, I'll be fine, I just spaced out for a moment."
"If you say so."
>You absentmindedly say.
>"I do." she retorts.
"Then I suggest you stay at the back with the principal. Just in case. If anyone sees anything strange, then let either me or Celestia know, please."
>She and the others nod.
"Come on, the sooner we start, the sooner we finish. Like I said, Celly, can you stay at the back, please?"
>Celly nods.
>"Of course."
>You lead the group on the snowy trail by opening the gate. You also pull out a torch and flick it on.
>You hold the gate open for the girls to walk through. You see Rarity, Twilight and Celestia also pull out their own flashlights.
>'Came prepared, at least.'
>You mused on as Celestia walks through.
>You take the lead again and shine the light onto the path.
"Now, we can take the official higher route to the Height but that'll take an hour, maybe longer in this weather. If can take the lower path, we can be there in 15, 20 minutes but that carries added dangers. I don't mind which so you guys decide."
>While Celestia and Sunset choose the higher path, the rest pick the lower walk.
"The lower path it is then. Like I said, please be careful and stay behind me."
>You turn back around and hear someone whistle.
>"Ah like yer rifle, Mr Endeavour. A Coltchester, ah presume?" Applejack inquires.
"Yeah, a model 70, I like the way it feels in my hands. How does a young girl like yourself know about guns?"

>"Surely, you must know ah live on a farm close to Canterlot; Sweet Apple Acres.
"The big orchards out east?"
>"Yessir. We Apples have been farmin' on these lands fer generations. I even have family out here as well. Near a place called Oakshott."
>"Come on, AJ, I don't think Mr Endeavour wishes to be bored by your genealogy." Rarity gently points out but heavily implies.
 >"Who says ah was borin' 'im? I think 'e was interested. Am ah right, Mr Endeavour?"
"Please, call me Anonymous or Anon. And yes, I was interested. The more you know, I suppose."
>"See?"
>Even though you can't see, you assume AJ must have a smug grin.
"Shall I tell you a tale instead? The Everfree forest is haunted, you know?"
>"By what?" You hear Rainbow Dash interject, "by those witches you said earlier?"
"Yes. Witches who died violent deaths. Why? For being different. Oh, mind out for this root!"
>You stop and point it out with your torch. As everyone clears it, you continue with your little story as you trek further in the dark woods.
>"Anonymous, please, is this really appropriate?" Celestia loudly protests.
"Of course it is. This is what the guides would be talking about."
>You say as you shine your light onto a suspicious shadow. Turns out it just a tree.
"I think we're about half way there. Can you see that tree over there to your left?"
>You move the beam to a rather gnarled and twisted-looking birch tree in the distance.
"Stop. Can you see that carving on this tree?"
>You shift the light to a closer tree on your right. It's a wide birch with the inscription "Crimson + Sweetie. 06-24-76" in a heart-shape carved into it.
"A love story for the ages. No-one knows which '76 it refers to."
>"D'aww." Rarity purrs, "my sister's called Sweetie too. Hang on, let me just..."
>She pulls out her phone and takes a quick picture.
>"She'll enjoy that. I know it."

>"So what were you saying about these dead witches then, Anon?"
>Rainbow asks, showing a morbid curiosity.
>You start walking again.
"Both Canterlot and Coltram were once Colonial towns and, much like with the Manehatten Witch Trials, many men and women who were different or didn't conform to the colony standards suffered the same fate. Banishment or worse, a fatally sore neck..."
>"I thought witches were burnt at the stake?" Twilight asks.
"Some were burnt, yes, but that's a myth spread by Applewood. Most accused were either drowned or hanged. But banishment was far easier. It's believed that both the nearby towns of Oakshott and Blackbottoms were founded by the castaways."
>Animals whoop and cry around you all, adding to the spooky atmosphere.
>"Ah don't think Fluttershy would actually enjoy this nature walk, to be honest with you gals. Givin' me the creeps."
>Applejack shivers and others murmur in agreement.
>The shrill noise of a woodpecker echo around you all.
"Come on, not far now."
>The trees start to widen out and your torch shines onto a couple of nearby small clearings and ditches.
>"Any more spooky stories, Mr Endeavour? I'm sure we'd all be thrilled by them."
>You hear Sunset shout out sarcastically.
"Well, if you must know."
>You begin as someone shudders.
"Ghosts stalk the Whispering Woods. A coven of wiccans lived in these woods, you know. A wiccan is different from a witch; the former uses 'magic', or rather alternative medicine, to heal as opposed to the latter."
>You shudder yourself in the cold and breath out, seeing the fog of air cling around your face.
"It's believed they were blamed for several bad harvests. So they were hunted down and slaughtered like they were rabid dogs. Those who survived were hanged from the neck until they were dead."
>"Goodness gracious..." Sunset croaks out.
"Local legend... says that their death cries can sometimes still be heard... hence the name of the..."
>A piercing cry breaks your attention.

"DAH!"
>"AHH!"
>"EEK!"
>"WHAT WAS THAT?!"
>You all babble out as you drop your torch and make panicky grabs for the rifle.
>Swinging it around, you aim it in front of you and make sweeps around your flanks.
>Only to see torch beams on Pinkie Pie's face, full of pride.
>"What?" She innocently asks.
>"Pinkie, that wasn't funny!" Sunset chastises.
>"Most uncalled for, Pinkie!" Rarity scowls.
>"It wasn't me! Honest!" She adds, in a mocking tone.
>"Pinkie Pie!" Principal Celestia fumes, "One more scream like that and I'll make sure your name is stricken off the cookery class, understood?"
>"Okay. I just thought we were getting too serious, that's all..." She glumly says.
>Another eerie howl echoes through the woods.
>Everyone looks at Pinkie, assuming the obvious.
>"Don't look at me. Do you think I can do that with my lips closed?" Pinkie demands.
"Probably a raccoon or something."
>You say as you spin around and grab the torch on the ground.
>"Didn't sound like a raccoon to me, Anon."
>Celestia says, jamming her beanie hat on her head tighter.
"Oh alright, it's the howl of a werewolf, ravening for blood."
>You sarcastically grunt as you swing your gun back around yourself.
>"Lucky we're here to protect you then..." someone mutters.
>Walking in silence, you talk about more recent history.
"Coltram is obsessed by the legends. It's plagued by ghost hunters, fanatics and freaks. Myself among them. Did you know one such hunter tried to exorcise these woods? Only to be found dead the next morning?
>"How did the hunter die?" Rainbow Dash asks.
"Obsessed by death, aren't you?"
>You challenge her but she blankly says.
>"Just curious."
"Exposure. Wasn't very clever doing it in the height of winter. Speaking about heights, I think we're here."
>Your torch beam breaks through the trees and onto a large clearing. Snow covers the grounds and nearby benches, like a white carpet.

>The top of Breton Height is a beautiful vantage point for the lower parts of the Everfree forest and the lake itself. Walking through the trees and crunching on the fresh snow, you spin around to your group.
"Well, here we are. Welcome to Breton Height. If you stand by the wall over there, you'll get a dark  view of Lake Everfree."
>As some of the girls wander about, you say to them.
"Don't wander about on your own. Stay in twos and threes, please."
>You see Twilight and Celestia leaning on a bench and raking through her rucksack.
"Is everything alright?"
>You enquire as you saunter over.
>"Yes, Anon, I'm just helping Twilight with her device."
>"Yeah..."
>She says, rummaging through her bag. 
>"Here it is!"
>She pulls out a large purple device on a stick with two screens. She turns it on and plays with the big dials and it starts to beep and warble. 
"What the hell is that thing? And can it pick up Classic Rock FM?"
>"This is my other scanner, Anonymous. I didn't think my smaller one had the range or the strength to find any magic outside so I brought out my old trusty one!"
>"Oh hey!" Rainbow Dash butts in, "you made that one when you were at Crystal Prep! I thought you broke it a couple of months back?"
>"And I fixed it. Granted, there's only so many of your parent's toasters and old television sets you can cannibalize before they get suspicious, but I still did it anyway.
>She makes some adjustments on the dials and switches.
"I presume you're calibrating it, yeah? To account for the outside and weather.
>You inquire as Twilight nods.
>"Yes. Naturally, magic residue is subject to different conditions in different environments. But I think...
>The device beeps and points Twilight towards the other end of the Height. Towards the Five Sisters.
>"Girls! I think I found something."
>The Five Sisters sit out of sight of the vantage point, down a little pathway to another clearing.

>"It must be around where these tree stumps are."
>She says as the beeping intensifies.
>Another twist of the dial and the antennae twitch up and down.
>"Fascinating. These read-outs I'm getting are like when I first discovered the portal..."
>She mutters to as she walks on alone, not realising the obvious.
>"Err... Twiliy, I'd stop walking if I were you..."
>Pinkie bravely addresses.
>"Twilight, she's right. Stop walking, please."
>Celestia adds with a slight quiver in her voice.
>Even you are shocked into silence.
>"Huh? Why? C'mon guys! We're right on top of something here!
"Continue walking and you'll be on top of something, alright!"
>You nervously quip.
>"What?"
>She looks behind herself and walks back to you all, shivering in the cold.
>"What is it?"
>Celestia raises her flashlight and points it to one of the benches by the stumps.
>She follows the beam and gasps loudly.
>"Lord heavens above! What the hay is that!"
>Across the length of the wooden bench lays something very strange.
>Whatever it is, it is wrapped in semi-transparent plastic sheets and tied up with blue rope.
>"What do we do, Principal?" Applejack asks.
>Realising she's in charge, Celestia shakes her head and gestures that you and her investigate the strange parcel.
>You nod.
>"Girls, stay here and do not make a noise. Anon, come on."
>Creeping over to the bench, you both investigate the sheets.
"What even is this? A present someone forgot about?"
>You walk to one end, with your back to the girls and Celestia walks to the other.
>"AHH! OOH, FUCK! NONNY!"
"HOLY SHIT!"
>What greets you is a pair of mauve-skinned feet.
>You both scramble away and hug each other.
>"Holy shit, Nonny! It's hair! That's a person!"
"Fucking hell, let's get outta here!"
>You both charge off to the girls, both shocked and confused, follow suit.
>In the clearing, you all stop and catch your breaths.
>"What was that?" Twilight simply asks but Celestia just cries.
"A body."
>You answer.
"A dead body."

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Chapter XI: Fear and Trembling

>Replacing the receiver on the pay-phone, you curse modern technology and wonder why even bother with a mobile phone. They never work when you want them to.
"Why the hell do we even have these bloody things? Step under a tree and they can't make calls."
>"We are in the wilderness, you know?"
>Celestia reminds you.
>You're Anonymous Endeavour and you roll your eyes.
"Celly, it's not like we're miles away from civilisation. Coltram is only just over there!"
>You bark angrily. You're still not dealing with your emotions properly.
>Which isn't surprising really, considering you found a dead body in the woods not 30 minutes ago.
>You all panicked and ran back to the parking lot. You and Celestia had to use to the pay-phone because no-one's mobiles could pick up a signal strong enough to make a call.
"The sheriffs will be along presently. No idea who'll be coming. Maybe the sheriff himself."
>You ramble on as Celestia looks pissed off.
>"Anon, there's corpse out there, of course the sheriff should be here."
"There might be other crimes going on. How the hell do I..."
>Your rant gets cut short as your attention get drawn to Pinkie's van and the shrieks from it.
"What the hell? Girls? Come on, Celly, something ain't right."
>You both charge over as Twilight and Sunset stumble out and call out for their friend.
>"Rainbow! Where are you?"
>"This isn't funny, you know? Where the frick are you?"
>"Rainbow? Oh no..."
>Celestia's face drops like an anchor as the realisation sits in. Rainbow Dash is still in the woods.
"Oh, fuck no..."
>You curse as you charge off into the woods, jumping over the gate. 
>"Anon? Where the..."
>Celestia calls out but you ignore her.
>Looking over your shoulder as seeing Celly doing the sensible thing and not running after you, you continue running at full pelt down the snowy path.

>Pain shoots through your legs. Your lungs burn in agony. Your heart thumps in worry.
>'Christ, I'm not use to this kind of intense work-out. Where the fuck are you, you stupid tart?'
"Rainbow? Rainbow Dash? Where are you?"
>You cry out.
>Hearing nothing and scanning your torch around, you continue running and then suddenly, you have a brainwave.
>'Of course! The Height! It's her bloody fascination with the dead! That's where she'll be!"
>Following the path, you charge through the forest, kicking up snow and mud with every foot-step.
>Reaching the Height in record time, you end up skidding on the loose snow, making you slip and fall right onto your back.
"Ooh... bollocks... me back..."
>Feeling something crack, you blink and try to see what's you see behind you.
>You can make out a blurry figure slumped by a log.
>Slowing rolling onto your front, you quickly stand up and jog over to her.
"Rainbow? Oh, thank fuck I found you..."
>But, looking up, you wish you hadn't.
>Shivering in fear, Rainbow Dash doesn't notice you and instead looks intensely forward.
>A wolf growls and bares its fangs.
>Silently, you string round your rifle with one hand and click your fingers twice with the other.
"Come on. Over here. Who's a good boy?"
>The wolf shifts its attention onto you. And it growls louder.
>"We're gonna die..."
>Rainbow whimpers as you aim and cock the gun.
"Shh... no-one's dying tonight, love."
>"If only Flutters was here..."
>She whispers again.
"Shh..."
>You whisper, taking aim through the sight.
>The wolf just growls and moves slightly forwards.
>You breathe easy. Nice and slowly...
>Contemplating. No thoughts.
>Just when to shoot...
>The wolf plods around where it's stood, working out what to do next.
>Growling loudly, the wolf charges and makes a leap at you.
>"Eek! No!"
>Rainbow Dash shrieks.
>You pull the trigger, the deafening bang thunders around the wood, as the wolf collides into you.

"Eek! No!"
>You're Rainbow Dash and you see the wolf jump for Mr Endeavour!
>But that gunshot! You flinch and look away.
>You turn your head again and see the pair of them on the ground.
>Motionless.
"Anon? Sir?"
>You whimper as you try to get up.
>'Dahh! Frickin' hay, this hurts!"
>You busted your ankle, trying to get away from that wolf. Tripping over on a tree bunch, what a stupid thing to do!
>The wolf was on you as you crawl and hide by the big log. But it knew where you were.
>If Anon never turned up...
>You collapse onto your knees and crawl on all fours to him.
>He groans. He's alive!
"Anon? You okay?"
>The wolf must be dead. It isn't moving and there's... blood...
>"Oh bollocks, that 'urt..."
>He manages to roll the body off and it slumps lifelessly on the snow, its blood staining it a dark red.
>'It's enough to make anyone chuck up.'
>You groan as the pains shoots through your leg.
>He sits up and blinks heavily a few times.
"You okay, sir?"
>He looks to you and blinks again.
>"Just peachy."
>He grimaces as he brushes off the fur and...
>Viscera, you think.
>'Damn, makes you wish you actually paid attention in biology...'
>"You got blood on my jacket."
>He says to the wolf as he punches it.
>You can't help but laugh.
>And he joins in.
>You laughter echoes around the trees.
"Wh... why are we... laughing? I... don't under... understand..."
>You breathlessly babble out as he wipe the tears from his eyes.
>"I don't know. Maybe it's just the madness of it all."
>He throws the gun to his side and tries to get up.
>As he stands on shaky legs, he offers you a hand up.
>Taking it, you try to get up but the pain is...
>"Are you okay? Are you in pain?"
"Yeah, it's my ankle, I must've tripped over something."
>You confess.
>You manage to stand up straight but the agony in your leg is unbearable.
>"C'mon, use this as a crutch."

>Bending down to pick up his rifle, he pulls the bolt back, releases the case, points the barrel to the ground and hands you the butt.
>"Just making sure. It'll be safe now. But if your ankle gets worse, then tell me, please."
>Walking with the rifle as a cane, you make the first steps forwards and soon enough, you're confidently wobbling about.
>"Hey, look at you. You're like a duck to water. C'mon, they'll be getting worried."
>He suggests and starts walking down the path. You follow him, quickly catching up as you hobble along.
"You know, they say when you die, your whole life flashes before your eyes. Do you think that's true?"
>He looks over to you, incredulously, and points out.
>"It's a pretty grim topic for someone your age."
"Well, after what we experienced, what are we suppose to talk about, sir? Kittens? Ponies? Boys even?"
>You rebuke, making him think for a minute. Finally, he answers.
>"I dunno really. I just think that when you die, that's it. Goodnight, Vienna, I suppose. Do you experience something?"
"No, I didn't. But then again, there are many expectations on life, isn't there?"
>You think on philo... philophic...
>You think on.
"Take me for example. Not me personally but me as a girl. I gotta do so many things, be so many things, to prove that I'm not some sissy-girl. And this is before the whole 'magic and superpower' thing. I just wanna be my best, to look after me and my friends."
>You hobble along as Anon looks on in the distance, in his own silent thought.
>"How can I know? I'm a man." 
"But then they say, if you can't do everything; be yourself, be the bestest student, be the bestest friend, be the bestest soccer star, then you're faulty. Like you're... inferior somehow and I just don't..."
>You lament on, feeling the rush of emotions rising to the surface.
"I don't get it. You drive yourself half-mad until..."
>Anon suddenly stops, swings around and lightly grasps your shoulders.
>"The wolf is dead, you know."

>You blink away your tears.
"Wha... what do you mean?"
>"I can't offer you some half-hearted platitudes and say 'everything's gonna be alright'. Sometimes you got to point out the obvious first."
"I still don't under..."
>You sniff out as he stands to his full height.
>"You know, I thought about similar things when my wife died and I remember this antidote from a history book I read."
 >He starts walk again; this time a little more slowly, to stay with you.
>"It told a story of how, during the Saddle Arabian war and the fall of the capital, the Navy ships had to stay put and rescue fleeing Allies. One such helicopter pilot risked everything; himself, his family and his chopper by landing on one ship. But the ship was too narrow."
>He monologues with you thinking 'what the hay?'
>"He manoeuvres the chopper around and lowers it so everyone can get off. Then he hovers there, for the longest time. The source says he was getting his flight suit off and he hurls himself out of the helicopter, into the water. Several tons of angry chopper parts go with him and yet, he makes it."
>"How did he do that?" He rhetorically asks.
"What are you saying?"
>You question, confused.
>"You said you wanted to look out for your friends. I'm acting like I don't understand but I do. It's the burden we all carry, boy and girl alike. But then again, there's a lot we understand and a lot we'll never understand."
"Something just happens and we'll never exactly know why they just happened."
>"Exactly. The wolf is dead." Anonymous asserts, "I know how it died, why did it died but I don't what it was doing beforehand. Do you know?"
>You shrug slightly.
"No. I don't."
>"Well, I know one thing for sure. You did something very stupid, staying behind but neither of us are in the mood for a bollocking, I suppose."
"What's a bollocking, sir?"
>He looks to you and laughs out loud.
>"Don't say things like that. It upsets me."
>He laughs again but stops as several flashlight beams wave through the trees.

"Hey! Hey! Over here!"
>You shout out as they stop and fix onto you.
>"Who are you? Friend or foe?"
>Anonymous shouts back.
>"Gallop County deputies. Who are you? That teacher and the student who got lost?" A manly voice questions.
"Yeah, we are. I'm Rainbow Dash. Please, get over here."
>Two figures jog over, snow crunching under heel.
>Wearing light blue padded jackets, khaki trousers and those flappy hats, the male deputy puts the flashlight back into his coat pocket while the female officer shines the light onto the rifle-crutch.
>"Are you hurt, Miss?"
>She asks, concerned.
"Yeah, I tripped over a branch and busted my ankle. It hurts pretty bad but..."
>"Right, excuse me, Miss but I'm gonna carry you. Foot, get back to the Undersheriff and tell her we found them."
>"Yes, Thunder."
>She acknowledges and runs off.
>Deputy 'Thunder' roughly takes the rifle from you, making you lose your balance.
>"Oi, watch it, matey."
>Anonymous protests but he ignores them by lifting you up by the arms, swinging you around his back, dropping one of your arms around his front.
>He stands back up, securing you on his back by moving his arm around the back of your knees and takes your hand.
>"C'mon, follow me."
>The deputy says as Anon picks up the rifle and walks off with you.
>"I think I know, man. You used to that limey teacher at the college, yeah?"
>Deputy 'Thunder' asks Anon.
>"Yeah, I moved to Canterlot a few months back."
>"Terrible business with your wife, if I can say so, man."
>"Hmm..."
>Anon grunts back and continues the journey back in silence.
>The three of you make it back to the parking lot, now fuller with two blue sheriff cruisers and a big SUV. And you can hear an argument between the Principal and another woman.
>"I just don't believe it, Miss Orbis. Not at all." The voice bellows.
>"Well, I'm sorry, Undersheriff, but that's the truth. The complete truth." The Principal argues.
>"It's complete bullshit, that's what it is!" The Undersheriff bluntly curses.

>"Lightning! Lightning! We found them." The deputy declares.
>"Ahh, thank Christ. You wait here, Miss!" She angrily points to her.
>She strides over but her face drops a little when she sees Mr Endeavour.
>"Oh it's you, that limey from the college. What the hay is going on here?"
>"Errm... well, you see..." He begins but you interrupt him.
"Forgive me for butting in but can I get down now?"
>"Lane, do it. Lay her out in the car here."
>She opens the SUV back door as Deputy Lane drops you carefully onto your feet.
>You hobble over and sit down, sticking your feet out.
>"Fleetfoot told me you hurt your ankle. Can I have a look?" The Undersheriff asks.
"Yeah, if you want."
>You say as you roll up your trouser leg and slip off your shoe.
>She prods and pokes your swollen ankle, earning some sharp intakes from you.
>"Nothing feels broken. Probably a bad sprain. Deputy, get onto the blower and get a bus up here. And find out where that coroner is."
>"I bet he's still at the traffic accident on the 503."
>Undersheriff Dust grunts, taking off her wide-brimmed hat and wipes her brow.
>The deputy walks off to a nearby cruiser.
>"Right, can either of you two answer my simple questions?"
>She inquires as she puts the hat back on.
>"What were the lot of you doing the woods in the dead of night?"
>You look to Mr Endeavour as he answers.
>"We were all on a field trip to the Whispering Woods. Surely, the Principal would have told you we're all from Royal Canterlot High School?"
>She grunts in agreement.
>"We chose the night-time for the added atmosphere. It's a history field trip, learning about witch trials."
>You nod, hoping to confirm his lies.
>"And how did this," she points to you, "happen?"
>"You must know we found a body. In the ensuing panic, we lost her."
"Like I said, I tripped up and lost them. Luckily, Mr Endeavour found me again and then, those deputies found us."

>She grunts again.
>"See? Was that so hard? Now, we'll just confirm this with the park rangers..."
>She smirks as Anonymous stutters.
>"We... well... err... you see, we didn't get official confirmation from them, that might be why the Principal is a little... difficult."
>Anonymous smoothes his way through it as, again, the Undersheriff nods and grunts.
>"What about the body? Did you find it, Miss?"
>She asks and you look to Anonymous.
>"He can't answer for you."
"Well..."
>You think of the best course of action.
"We all found it. It was just sat there, wrapped in plastic. Both the Principal and Mr Endeavour checked it out and it was a body there."
>She nods and thinks.
>"Okay, Miss, we'll escort you back to your friends and wait for the ambulance to come. A silly question, I know, but all your parents know where you are, yes?"
"Yeah, they know."
>You say defiantly.
>Another nod and a smile and she offers her hand to pick you up.
>Standing up, you lean on Anonymous rather than the loud-mouthed Undersheriff.
>The three of you hobble over to Pinkie's van, where the worried girls and an annoyed Celestia sit in.
>Deputy Lane steps out of the cruiser and says.
>"Right, the coroner will be here soon and we have an ambulance coming from the Memorial Hospital."
>You all hear a quiet wail of a siren in the distance.
>"Right, everyone, I'm still not happy with what you've all said to me but I decide what to do once the coroner and I have checked out this body. Right, Deputy Lane?"
>She calls for as he steps out the cruiser again.
>"Ma'am?"
>"Get in touch with the state forensics boys and get them over here."
>"Yes, ma'am."
>She spins around and sees another deputy.
>"Deputy Fleetfoot, find out where those park rangers are. Why did it take this motley crew to find a body on their patch. Check with the ranger station or wake up Ol' Granger."
>"Already on it, ma'am"
>She salutes and walks off to the other cruiser.

>"Deputy Braeburn?"
>"Yah, Undersheriff?"
>A young man with a tan orange face leans out the van.
>"Okay, first, what are you doing in there?"
>"One of the gals in 'ere is mah cousin, Applejack!"
>She skeptically sighs and rolls her eyes.
>"Fine, I guess. Second, stay here and keep an eye on the girls and their Principal. When the ambulance comes, escort this young'un here to it."
>She points to you, stood by her side.
"This young'un has a name you know."
>She snorts through her nose and looks at you contemptuously.
>"Escort Rainbow Dash to it then."
>"Yah, Undersheriff."
>He steps his gangly frame out of the van and keeps guard at the front of it.
>She pushes you, almost shoving you, to the warm embrace of the van.
>"Right, Mr. Endeavour, you will show me where this body is."
>He looks to Celestia and then back to the Undersheriff.
>"If you so say, ma'am."
>"You betcha."
>And with that, they walk off, with the rude woman practically dragging Anon to the big SUV.
>"Rainbow, are you okay? I am sorry for leaving you out there."
>Celestia comforts you, resting her hand on your shoulder.
"It's alright, Principal, don't worry about it. I had a moment in the woods but I'm feeling better now. That Mr Endeavour is a nice guy, I suppose."
>You bravely smile, restoring some confidence in your Principal.
"The thing is though, I did found out something though."
>You say to both Celestia and girls in the van.
>"What did you find out? Is the portal there?" Twilight eagerly asks.
"What? No, it's not the portal. It's that corpse out there."
>You whisper, hoping that deputy over there isn't snooping.
>"You know who it is?" Sunset asks, surprised.
"We all do. Even you, Principal."
>You point to her and she looks shocked.

"It's Gloriosa Daisy! She ran that summer camp with her brother? You know, Twilight's ex?"
>Everyone's mouth drops.
>"What? She can't be dead, what's she doing up here anyway?" Rarity asks.
>"What about Timber? He can't far away, can't he?" Twilight thinks aloud.
>"Rainbow Dash, are you absolutely sure?" Celestia demands.
"Positive. The daisy chain she has is missing but I can't forget her hair color."
>You finish, shifting in your seat in Pinkie's van. That siren is getting louder.
>"You didn't find Timber, by any chance did you?" Twilight sadly asks.
"No, I didn't find out. I got spooked by a wolf but before I got the chance to run off, I tripped on a branch."
>You wince a little, it still hurts but it isn't as bad as before.
>"A wolf? Oh by the Goddesses, this night gets better and better..."
>Celestia talks to herself and walks off.
"Is she okay? Celestia doesn't seem to be herself."
>"She had an argument with tha' sheriff. Or rather tha' Undersheriff. Lightin' Dust, she's called."
>Applejack scoffs.
>"Seems like a right wrong'un if yah ask me. Power gone to 'er 'ead."
>She points and taps her forehead a couple time.
"What were they arguing about?"
>You inquire.
>"Why we were here in the woods. The Principal wouldn't say anything so the Undersheriff got all red in the face and shouty!" Pinkie laments on.
>"Hey! Gals, tha' ambulance is 'ere!"
>The deputy points out over the wails of the ambulance.
"Is he really your cousin, AJ? Doesn't seem like he's playing with a full deck, if you ask me."
>"Tha' our Braeburn, all right. 'e was a sheriff's deputy out in Appleloosa. I dunno why he's back over 'ere. 'e never said anything to me."
>AJ shouts as the ambulance pulls over and turns off the siren.
>"C'mon, little lady. Let's getcha seen to. AJ, can ya give me a 'and?"
>"Yeah, I will, Cuz. C'mon, Rainbow, what's the worst tha' can 'appen?"
>You look to Applejack.
"Don't say that, AJ. You know I don't like hospitals..."
>'How can tonight get any worse?'

///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\//
Chapter XII: Deadheads

>'Can tonight get any worse?'
>You lament on as you get jostled about in the sheriff SUV with the mad Undersheriff for company.
>You're Anonymous Endeavour and you coldly say.
"Are you always abrasive to people?"
>"Not everyone. Liars, cheats and suspects."
"And what category do we fall into?"
>You enquire as she thinks.
>"I haven't decided yet. But it'll depend on how you answer this question."
>'Oh boy.'
>As she drives along the track to Breton Height, she makes the silence even more excruciating by sipping on a coffee and putting it back into the holder.
>"Why were you, that principal and those girls up on the Height on a cold winter's night? For real this time."
>She slows for a corner and manoeuvres the big vehicle around it.
"It's... complicated."
>You hesitate on. 
>"Try me."
"No, seriously..."
>You say while scratching the side of your temple with your finger.
"It's complicated."
>"Ahh..."
>She wheezes as she slows over a particular rough patch.
>"Well, we have all night I suppose."
>She tempts you again.
"If you insist. First, no matter what I say, I must believe me."
>You instruct her on but Lightning Dust just shrugs.
>"Try me."
"Right. The school plays host to a portal that leads to... 
>You actually think about how to describe a land populated by magical horses.
"... a magical dimension. Populated by... stranger things..."
>After a long pause, the Undersheriff finally says.
>"Really now? We all did kinda suspect... something but Hardscribble only hinted at it, rather than outright said it. It explains a lot to be honest. So what's the deal with the clique then?"
>She asks
"The girls? Well, as far as I can see, they are... some sort of Praetorian Guard..."
>"Of the portal?"
"I'd rather say they protect us from the portal, to be honest. Apparently, people have used and abused its magic before."
>You stop short of naming names.
>'Let's not overload the poor copper's mind. She's got enough on her plate as it is.'

>"So I ask again, why were the lot of you in these woods tonight?"
>She asks you, rather authoritatively. 
"We were trying to find the portal. They have reason to believe it's moved and they think it's in those woods."
>"Where do they think this portal is?"
"By the Five Sisters."
>She sits in silence as the big SUV pulls up on the Height.
"The body is also by the Five Sisters."
>"Don't worry, we can walk to it."
>She says as she jumps out and grabs a torch.
>You roll your eyes and step out as well.
>Reaching your own torch, you switch it on and shine it towards the quickly-jogging Undersheriff.
>You casually walk over to the ring of tree stumps and see Lightning Dust standing by the bench and putting on some plastic gloves.
"Shouldn't you wait for forensics or something?"
>"No, it'll be alright. I'm not gonna change much anyway. Hold my flashlight for me, please"
>You take it and point it to the body as she pulls back some of the wrapping to reveal her face.
>"Oh hell. I know her."
"Who is she?"
>You ask, pointing the beams on the corpse's face.
>"She's a local girl. Gloriosa Daisy. She's known to us.  Arrests for prostitution and drug possession. It's a pity what she's become, to be honest."
"Oh? How so?"
>You ignorantly say.
>"Yeah, she owned that summer camp in the woods not far from here. With her brother... errm... Lumber Pine or something..."
>She explains as she unravels more sheeting to expose her neck.
>"Hmm... ligature marks around her neck... hang on...
>She stops and you hear snow crunching.
>She spins around, grabs her gun and points it to your left.
>"STOP! IN THE NAME OF THE LAW!"
>You put your hands up. You don't wanna piss her off more.
>But you hear a soft chuckle.
>"My, my, Lightning. Do we always have to go through such drama every time we meet?"
>A middle-aged man brushes past you. He's wearing a thick overcoat and fedora  and clutching an old-school Gladstone bag.
>"Oh, it's you, Doc. Sorry about that."

>She holsters her revolver and shakes his free hand.
>"So who's this then? Should he be here?"
>"He's a witness. Anonymous, meet our resident medical examiner, Rusty Sawbones."
"Charmed to meet you."
>You smile and shake his hand.
>"Likewise, my good man. Now, where's the deceased?"
>He inquires as he adjust his glasses.
>"Behind you, Doc. Where's the others?"
>"Highlight and the others are just unloading the Mammoth. Give them a minute. But I see you've already gotten a head-start on them."
>The doctor mentions as you turn around to see several people walking down, wearing thick coats and carrying their own cases.
>"Out the way, out the way please."
>One of the asks as they barge pass you.
>"Actually, Anon."
>Lightning walks over to you and lightly takes you by the arm and you both walk back up to clearing.
>"You're no longer useful to me and I'd advise you to go back to the car over there."
"I thought you still needed me..."
>You innocently say but she brushes you off.
>"This isn't some quirky buddy cop movie where the police gets help from civilians. This is the real world. Now leave the murder scene."
"I see you've already made up your mind then..."
>She scoffs as she shakes her head.
>"What's that suppose to mean? You think she killed herself, then wrapped herself up in plastic and tied it up with a pretty bow. I wasn't born yesterday."
"Pity. We could have started on your personality from scratch."
>You sneer and take your arm from her.
"What I meant that you've already made your mind up and thinking we've had something to do with it. Well, we didn't, love. We just didn't."
>She snorts angrily and points at you.
>"I'll be the judge of that! Now get lost before I arrest you for obstructing a homicide investigation!"
>She shouts and storms off.
>You spin on your heels and hear her mutter.
>"Fucking teachers. I hate them."
"I heard that."
>You shout back.

"You were meant to!"
>You bellow to that infuriating limey as he walks to the SUV. And you storm into the crime scene.
>'Why the fuck did Frost think he was a good idea. Gonna have words with him later on...'
>You're Undersheriff Lightning Dust and you stomp through the snow and see the crime scene investigators pawing around the dead body; taking pictures, finding clues, blah, blah, blah.
>"Everything okay, Deputy? Thought we heard... raised voices..."
>Highlight says as she rigs up some spotlights.
"It's none of your concern, Silver. Now, how did she die? Where's the weapon and a signed confession?"
>Silver Highlight from Forensics, who's in charge of the crime scene, approaches you as the others start erecting a small tent.
>"You'd better ask the good doctor that. He's spent more time with the body than me. Think he has some sort of fetish..."
>You hear the animosity in her voice. Not surprising really; Sawbones and Highlight never liked each other.
>You walk over to Sawbones, inspecting the body with renewed vigour as the spotlights click on.
"Only my opinion, Doc, but I think it's more romantic with the lights off."
>You quip, making him grin.
"Here's your patient then. I'd be obliged if you can hurry this up. It's a cold'un tonight."
>The examiner makes no attempt in hurrying up as he checks over the marks around the neck and asks.
>"Do we know who she is? Did that witness identify her?"
"Her name is Glorisa Daisy and no, that witness didn't ID her because we already know her."
>"Streetwalker is she then? Pity. Such a lovely face..."
>He expresses as he lowers the sheets around her shoulders.
>"See the bruising around her neck? These aren't made by rope but by hands. Cause of death?"
>He says as he stands up and writes some notes in a little pad.
>"Strangulation. And can you see more bruising on her face? Judging by the coloration, they're ante-mortem, not post-mortem. Miss Highlight, can you remove some of the sheeting please, I'd rather not mess up the crime scene."

>He rather haughtily suggests to Silver as she dusts off some snow from her trousers.
>"Of course, Doc. Come on, Hazel. Help me untie her."
>Silver and Hazel walk over and undo the ropes around the body. They carefully lift the body up as another CSI takes the ropes and bags them up.
>The body is put down and with the sheeting properly unwrapped, poor Gloriosa is exposed to the elements.
"More bruises. But they look like they might incapacitate, rather than kill though..."
>"We'll make a sheriff out of you yet, Lightning."
>Silver jests.
"Shut up. Start sweeping the clearing and find any clues. A wallet with the suspect's name in it is a good start."
>You grunt out.
>"No signs of sexual assault, thank goodness..."
>Dr Sawbones murmurs to himself as he takes more notes.
"Time of death?"
>"Impossible to say at this time. It's the weather;  too cold for an accurate reading. Rigor mortis has passed so time of death could be between 48 to 72 hours ago. 
"That long? Someone would have found her if she was put here 3 days ago."
>Sawbones snorts at that.
>"Those rangers can't see the wood for the trees anyway. Well, I'll know more when I have her on the slab. But with that car crash on the 503 though, the autopsy could be days away."
>He sucks the air through his teeth.
"This takes priority, Doc. I wanna know everything about her."
>"The state police were insistent..."
>He protests but you clarify for him.
"Tell them if they have any problems, say they can suck Undersheriff Lightning Dust's dick."
>He coughs and says.
>"If you say so. You can move the body if you want to. I will try to arrange the autopsy for tomorrow afternoon.  I'll leave the tidying-up to you."
>And with a curt nod, Dr. Rusty Sawbones walk back to the clearing and to the cars.
"Sometimes, I wish someone would do an autopsy on you..."

>You mutter and turn back around to Highlight, who is examining the girl's hands.
>"Reminds me of the time," she says as she takes a small tool from her case and scrape the fingernails, "when I was a young investigator, I had to drag out a stiff from Lake Saddle."
>"He'd been down there a long time and just resurfaced. Grabbed him by the arms to pull him out and they ripped off at the sockets. I was left holding the damn things as he sank to the bottom again."
"An old boyfriend was he?"
>You ask as you look around your surroundings.
>'Why would someone kill someone or dump the body here? Takes time to do this shit.'
>"Do you know the next of kin, Lightning?"
"There's an uncle who lives here and a brother but I don't know where he is. I bet the station will know..."
>"Someone's gotta break the news to them..."
>Silver laments on as bags up the scrapings and you sigh.
'Why do all the nasty jobs fall to me?'
>You take one last look at the naked heap of death sprawled on the bench and shake your head reproachfully.
"Gloriosa Daisy, you stupid bitch."
>The open eyes of the corpse look right though you.
>"I don't envy that job, Deputy. Or rather I should say 'Undersheriff'. Congratulations on your promotion."
>Silver praises as she stands up and gestures to the others with the body bag.
>"The doctor says we can move the body, yeah?"
>You nod.
"Get her to the morgue as soon as you've finished up here. I'll send up Deputy Thunderlane. I'm needed elsewhere."
>"Of course, Undersheriff. Good night."
>You walk off to the parked SUVs as you hear Highlight instruct her fellow officers to move the body and check around the bench.
>As you get closer, you hear your SUV's horn honk. Someone must be calling you.
>Jogging over, you see that Anonymous guy is nowhere to be seen.
>You scowl again as you swing open the door and climb in.

>Grabbing the handset, you shout.
"Sierra 0-2 receiving, over. What is it? Over."
>Fleetfoot's voice comes through the speaker.
>"Lightning? Thank goodness you answered. Where were you? Over."
"Doing my job, what is it Fleet? Over."
>"Well, the park rangers got back to us, over. They were over in the Whitetail Woods, checking on the deer and their habitats. Over."
>You roll your eyes at that revelation.
"Is there anything else important, Fleet? Over."
>A pause and Fleetfoot speaks up.
>"The paramedics have checked out that Rainbow kid, right? They say it's nothing serious and they're asking if you still need them. Over."
>You actually think on it and decide.
"Tell them to come up here and help to move the body. And tell Thunder to come up here as well, he'll be in charge. Over."
>"Roger that. Anything else? Over."
"Yeah, tell him not to flirt with the body. Over."
>Fleetfoot giggles as she agrees to your orders.
>"Roger that. Over and out."
"Just one more thing, over."
>"Yeah, what is it? Over."
>Shuddering in the cold, you ask if that Anonymous guy is at the parking lot.
>"He is. He came back down with Doc Sawbones. Over."
"Well, that's one little mystery solved. Over and out."
>You sign off, start the vehicle up properly and do a quick 360 before driving down the track.
>'What was Anonymous' problem? Was he actually expecting he could be helping me with this homicide? Huh...'
>You snort as you monologue to yourself. 
>'Well, he did explain what was going on at the school. I can't see why the others can't believe it either. Hardscribble always eluded to something other-worldly.'
>'But that arrogant Principal though. It's like she doesn't want anyone to know about the problems she's facing.'
>You frown at your thoughts. You felt antagonized by her look of amused self-possession as you talked to her earlier.

>'Definitely middle-class. Certain of her place in the scheme of things, full of common sense and good works, a committee woman, the cardboard cut-out of the good politician's wife, or even the good politician herself. Complacent bitch.'
>You were surprised by the violence of your thoughts. And at the ridiculous speed of your somewhat intuitive analysis.
>'That rage is still raw. Best tap into it with greater care next time.'
>Bouncing over the rutted pathway, you try to wipe the slate clean when you next meet the principal but you seem bent on confirming your conclusions.
>'At least use Anonymous as a middle man. Despite his own problems, I know he's a good man. It's just buried underneath all that neurotic mess.'
>You think as you pull into the parking lot and park up. Taking the keys of the ignition and opening the door, you spot Thunderlane eyeing up the gaggle of girls in the van.
"Hey, Thunder, get over here."
>You shout to your fellow deputy as he walks over.
>"Yeah, chief?"
"Fleetfoot tell you you're in charge?"
>You ask as you hand him the keys.
>"Yeah, she did. What needs doing up there?"
"Just general supervision. Make sure everything gets taken away for examination."
>"I understand, chief."
>He says unemotionally.
>You step out of the way and walk over to the parked cars. You hear the SUV and the ambulance drive off, down the track.
>Jamming your fingers into your mouth, you sharply whistle for everyone's attention.
"Right, I've made my mind up. You are all coming down to the station with me and Deputies Fleetfoot and Braeburn."
>They all look worried and ashamed of themselves, like discovering a dead body was a serious crime. You actually smirk a little inside but you pleasantly convince them otherwise.
"Only for general enquires though. No-one's under arrest. But we do need fingerprints and bootprints for elimination purposes, as I'm sure your teachers will agree."
>Both Anonymous and Celestia nod.

>You rub your hands together in the cold and gently assure them.
"Now, it is nothing to worry about, it's just I believe meticulousness is the better part of serendipity. Our station has hot drinks and snacks to have if any of you are hungry."
>Some nod but that rainbow-haired girl asks.
>"What does 'serendipity' mean?"
>Before you get the chance, the purple-haired girl with the glasses answers for you.
>"Like a happy accident. Something that occurs by luck."
>She nods.
"If you are all ready..."
>You mutter as you make your way back to the police cruisers. Both Fleetoot and Braeburn are in one so you motion to them to hang back. And you climb into the other and start it up and drive out of the parking lot and head back into town.
>As the strange convey drives through Coltram, you think about those girls.
>'Best hang onto them to be honest. They probably hold nothing of valve anyway but... eh, it's the way I work, I suppose...'
>Checking the dark streets, you spot the Sheriff's station on the main road.
>The sheriff-station at Coltram is a mere modernist-designed two storey building overlooking the town's Winsome Park.
>You drive to the front of the building and point to the civilian cars to drive into the nearby parking lot.
>The other prowler pulls up behind yours and your fellow deputies step out and await your orders.
"Anything new from Thunderlane?"
>Both shake their heads.
"Right. Get inside, warm up and have the Harmonies prep the conference room. I'll wait out here for the suspects... err, the witnesses!"
>You grin as the others smirk and enter the building.
>Turning around, you feel a chill over your head. Your hat! It's still in the prowler.
>Taking the hat from the car, you jam it onto your head like an aerosol cap.
>Readjusting it, you meet and greet the group of city-slickers.
>Without speaking, you gesture for them to follow you and walk into the station.

>They all file in and you follow afterwards. The desk deputy waves for your attention.
"What is it, Warm?"
>Deputy Front coughs and picks up some sticky notes.
"I hope you're not gonna give me that cold."
>He smiles and tells you that the state police need to have a chat as soon as you're available.
"Already? Jeez. Well, I'm not in. Not until tomorrow anyway."
>"If you say so, Undersheriff. Oh, I think Deputy Braeburn also said he needs to talk to you. Are you in for him?"
>You actually think for a moment. And then sigh loudly.
"Sure, why not? I'll talk to him."
>Warm Front smirks as the phone rings. He picks it up and says brightly.
>"Gallop County Sheriff's Department, how can I direct your call? Oh hi! So what I can do you?"
>As he continues his merry conversation and turns his back to you, you write a note saying private conversations should be made on private phones during your own private hours. And gently stick it to his back.
>Sniggering to yourself, you see that the group have gone into the conference room and Braeburn is waving for you.
>You point your finger at him to come hither. His excessively lean frame wanders over to you.
"Right, he told me you want me. So what is it?"
>"Right. Mah cousin says she know who the dead gal is."
"Does she now? Go on."
>Braeburn chews on his lip in contemplation.
"Do I have to remind you of misplaced loyalties again, deputy? You aren't betraying your cousin's confidence, you are aiding in a homicide investigation, okay?"
>You gently assure him and even kindly rest your hand on his shoulder.
>"Ah overheard it. She said the gal's called Gloriosa Daisy. She ran tha' vacation camp by the big city."
>You nod, like you're learning this.
"Good work. Anything else?"
>"Yeah. Err... Ah think one of AJ's friends know Gloriosa's brother; Twilight ah think."
>You murmur in thought.
>'Might mean nothing but that brother must be found. He might know what's happened.'
>You cockily grin and praise him.

"Well done. You'll get your medal in the post. Now, go to the rec room and get some of those donuts."
>"Right away, Lightin'."
>He salutes and walks off.
>'He may have the brains of a bath-sponge but they have their uses, I suppose...'
>You acidly think to yourself and wander to your office and slip your coat off.
>You throw it onto the coat rack and it lands perfectly onto a peg. Although you try the same thing with your hat, it just sails merrily around the room and thump into something.
>"Ah! What the hell?"
>Someone curses in a smart-ass English accent.
"Anon? What the hell are you doing in here? I thought my deputies told you to wait in the conference room."
>He walks over to you, holding a sheet of paper.
>"I know this man."
>You raise your eyebrows in surprise. He's holding that appeal-to-the-public poster about that dead body you and Fleetfoot found in the woods.
"Well, go on then. Don't make a country club anecdote out of it."
>"He was a lecturer of mine when I was at university. He's called Chalk Dust. What's happened to him?"
>You gesture to the chair by your desk.
"Can you sit down for a moment, Anonymous. This might come as a bit of a shock to you." 

///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\///\\\//
Chapter XIII: The Dead of Coltram

"Dead?"
>"Unfortunately, yes."
>You look down to the sheet again. This guy really is the spitting image of the grizzle-haired, thick-set man you knew.
"You quite sure this is him?"
>"Well, he's taking up valuable space in the hospital morgue if he isn't your friend..."
>Lightning Dust remarks as she undoes her shirt sleeves.
>You're Anonymous Endeavour and you roll your eyes at her flippancy.
" I more mean are you sure this photofit represents the man you want identifying?"
>"Granted, identikits aren't an exact art. I remember seeing a Globopol one for a Coltombian drug kingpin and he honestly looked like an alien. Head like a bowl with a toothbrush moustache."
>She grins humourlessly and scratches one of the shining deltas on her teal-skinned face.
>"Hmm. Trust me, that identikit is as accurate as an actual photograph."
"So why didn't you use an actual photograph then?"
>You query, earning a sour look from her.
>After a pause, she finally said.
>"His face was left disfigured. A mortician did his best but we couldn't get an identifiable picture so we chose to use the identikit."
>Quickly and efficiently, Lightning Dust produces some papers and a pen from her shirt pocket.
>Clicking it, she taps the pen and asks you her first question.
>"Assuming this guy is indeed Mr Chalk Dust, can you enlighten me on him?"
>You sigh loudly.
"You'll have to ask me questions."
>You urge her.
"I don't know where to start."
>"Well, I don't want his goals, dreams and aspirations in life. What I more mean is some background information."
"It's been years since we last saw each other. And that was at an alumni reunion at Baillie College in Oxbridge. Is he a relation? You've got the same surname."
>"Coincidence." She answers without looking up from her paperwork, "I'm from upstate; Cloudsdale. Not Oxbridge."
"He's from Manehatten anyway."
>"Well, here's the $64,000 question. Have you any idea why Chalk Dust would be here?"  

"Look, we weren't exactly bosom mates of late. If you asked me that question years ago and I'd have answered differently."
>Lightning leans back the chair, causing it to creak.
>"Can you elaborate?"
"Okay. Chalkie and my father were good friends and that relationship kinda rubbed off. My old man remarked he took me under his little left wing. And I repaid that kindness by going out with his daughter and then breaking it up."
>You smooth out your moustache and itch the back of your left calf.
"Funny how I mess up his daughter's love-life and yet, he helps me get my first job; teaching at Trottingham Jnr. High. Or maybe it was pay-back because it was a shit school."
>Lightning Dust continues writing.
>"When you knew him, did he have any vices? Drinks, drugs, whores?"
>You snort indifferently.
"Find me an academic who isn't an alcoholic and I'll show you a purple dog."
> She laughs, somewhat humourlessly for a change.
"Yes, he enjoyed the finer things in life; beer, women and football."
>"Handegg or divegrass?"
>She says challengingly. But you ignore the challenge and ask neutrally.
"What?"
>"You're a Brit. Do you mean football or soccer?"
"Football. Besides, he was more into gambling rather than the art of the sport."
>She looks up and eyes you up.
>"Gambling. Hmm. Anonymous, I think it's best you understand the position. Mr Dust was found dead in the woods near here. Although, his circumstances are different to that of the young woman you found this evening, I still need to know about him and I think I'll get more from you now. Will you help?
>You nod, your eyes on Lightning.
"Yes. If I can."
>"You said he gambled. Do you know any more on that?"
"I don't know the intimate details of his finances but I know he definitely gambled a lot. He played a lot of poker and backgammon and obviously, wagers was involved..."

>"Backgammon? " Lightning says incredulously, "how the hay can you bet on something as boring as that?"
"You'd be surprised. I don't know the ins and outs of it but you can. He betted big sometimes and when he was up, he was up but when he was down..."
>You whistle like a falling bomb.
>"Would you say his accounts are in the red or black?"
>You do a Gallic shrug and say.
"He was very good at hiding it. I know he would borrow money from people. He asked me to spot him a couple hundred a few times. But beyond that, I couldn't say."
>She notes this down.
>"Now, the gambling could be an element to this but is there anything else? Disgruntled students? Jilted lovers? Maybe he was selling degrees on the side?"
>You deadpan by saying.
"You have no idea how higher education works, do you?"
>It was her turn to shrug and say.
>"There have been cases of forged grades, sold degrees, falsified exams. Even students taking finals for others. We've had no reports here but you hear stories from other cops."
"Sounds like a fishing expedition to me. As far as I'm aware, he's a good family man and he's an excellent teacher. I really can't think why anyone would want him dead."
>Lightning leans onto the desk and says.
>"Now, I'll level with you here. This isn't some on-the-spur jilted lover shit, this seems organized to me. A hit. I think your old friend was up to his neck in something and unfortunately met his maker."
>You smooth your moustache again and sigh.
"I know his has some... dodgy friends. He said to be he used to rub shoulders with plenty of Manehattan mobsters and it wouldn't surprise me he taught their sons and daughters at Baillie. Hell, I probably met some too. Do you honestly think this is a professional hit."
>She stands from her desk and straightens her tie.

>"Gut instincts are one thing but having solid evidence? I need some but I think what you've said is a good enough foundation to start on. Now, let's get on with the feature presentation. Follow me, please."
>The Undersheriff opens the door and strides out of the office.
>As you walk out, you note that the office actually belongs to Sheriff Firefly.
 >Smiling and shaking your head, you enter the conference room and join the others sat there.
>Sitting next to Celestia, you see the Undersheriff and another deputy quietly discuss things at the other end of the room.
>"So what happened?"
>She inquires and you smooth out your moustache yet again and pour a cup of water out.
"Remember that poster? He was a friend who died. They wanna know about him, that's all."
>She gently takes your hand.
>"I'm sorry."
"Thanks. He's a good man."
>You say as she smiles and takes her hand away.
>The two police officers take their seats at the top of the table with the eight of you sat around it.
>With the water pitchers, a plate of doughnuts sit in the middle of the table with a coffee urn bubbling away in a corner.
>With coffee in hand, Lightning Dust takes some doughnuts while Fleetfoot takes out her notebook and pen.
>Passing one to her colleague, she takes a healthy bite and begins her little chat.
>"Now, I need some help from you all. I know that you all know who we found in the woods tonight."
>She pauses as everyone picks up their collective jaws off the carpet. And the Principal asks the first question.
>"How do you know that?"
>"You don't need to know that." She answers vaguely, "the point is I want to know what you know. I'm not gonna suggest or imply anything but I must say it's one heck of a coincidence that all of you know the deceased..."
>"But it is just that, Undersheriff." Celestia cuts in, "a coincidence.  We've only found her."
>You and the others nod.

>But Lightning raises her hand to silence Celestia.
>"Yeah, about that." She ponders on. "Are you honestly sure that it was just a school trip up to the Whispering Woods?"
>She looks to you and Celestia for an answer.
>'It's a test, matey.'
>She wants to make sure of your answer. She's trying to test your loyalty. But to who?
>Celestia and the High School? Well, she is your employer and your friend.
>Or to Lightning and the Blue Line Boys? To a club that could possibly... do something?
>But then again, what can these schoolgirls do as well?
>Are they just all portal hunters or this there something more sinister going on?
>'Why am I suddenly feeling like I should be finding a NPR reporter and begging for forgiveness on behalf of my gender? Just outright apologise for something I'm not even aware of?"
>You smooth out your moustache and just hope Celestia opens her mouth first.
>And she does, simply and succinctly.
>"Yes."
>As she nods and her counterpart writes, the phone on the desk rings.
>Lightning picks it up.
>"Yeah? Okay him through."
>Fleetfoot makes a confused face and Lightning nods again.
>Fleetfoot then also nods knowingly.
>"Thunderlane. What do you have for me?"
>The Undersheriff asks as she spins around in the office chair.
>"Uhh-huh. Okay then, wrap up there then and get over to the Whitetail trailer park. See what you can found out there."
>She spins back, puts the phone down and leans onto the table with her elbows.
>"I know all of you know more then you're letting on. How do you all know Gloriosa then?"
>She takes the coffee cup and takes an aggressive gulp of it.
>You look at all the girls sat around the table. There either too shy or too nervous to give an answer.
>They're looking to their Principal for guidance. They don't know what to do in this situation.
 >As bizarre as it is to say while they can handle and even defeat magically transformed people and entities, they can't deal with the police and their challenging questions.
>With a sip of water, Celestia bravely contends with the irritable Undersheriff.
>"It was the previous summer and the school arranged to visit Camp Everfree for a week-long school trip. It was ran by Gloriosa Daisy and her brother, Timber Spruce. I'll admit that the camp had its... ups and downs of course, but it was still enjoyable."
>"Hmm-mm."
>She blandly answers.
>"Okay then, the Sheriff's Department did hear.. rumors of shady business deals between those two and a Canterlot businessman. Would you know of this?"
>The Undersheriff asks, all innocent like.
>But the Principal answer sternly.
>"No. We were guests, not accountants."
>"Hmm-mm."
>'It's like a verbal tick with her.  Is she thinking, agreeing or just grunting?'
>"Okay then. So this really was a massive coincidence then. It's just that I personally don't believe in them. Did any of you have contact with her or her brother since you leaving the camp? Ever revisit the camp?"
>Twilight lightly coughs and Sunset shifts nervously in her seat.
>"Well, we all did go back to the camp." Sunset begins, "We rebuild the dock for the rowboats. But we never saw Gloriosa or Timber there."
>They all nod.
>"We still need to know where Timber is..."
>Lightning starts but Celestia butts in.
>"I presume not to be told the bad news though?"
>"Wha... what do you mean, Principal?" Twilight asks.
"I think she means they want him as a suspect. Maybe even their chief suspect."
>You clarify for her but Twilight takes the news rather badly.
>"You guys can't think that... No!" She shouts and stand up sharply, knocking the chair down.
>"It's impossible! I know it is! He can't have done this, to his own sister!"
>"How do you know?"
>The Undersheriff says. You recognise she's laying a trap but before you butt in, Twilight answers.
>"Because it's obvious, isn't it? He told us how much they depend on each other. Why would he?"
>"Brotherly love can always sour, you know."
>Lightning retorts but Twilight has an answer for that.

>Sunset picks the chair up and tries to get Twilight to sit back down but she stubbornly refuses.
>"Impossible. He tells me that he still helps her out."
>'The mistake has been made.'
>You inwardly groan as you see a devilish smile creeps onto Lightning's face.
>"So you do talk to Timber then?"
>"Yes! I still... do..."
>As Twilight realises what she said, she sinks back down.
>Both the Undersheriff and her deputy share a knowing look. And you see the girls stare at Twilight, as she tries to shrink into her clothes.
>After a moment as Lightning finishes off her doughnut, the phone rings again.
>Giving an irritated grunt, she picks up the handset and barks out.
>"What? Yeah, put him through."
>She gives Twilight a look and turns to Deputy Fleetfoot, eating her own doughnut.
>"What is it, Thunderlane? What?"
>Her face turns into shock.
>'Been given bad news? Whitetail. What happened there?'
>You ponder on as Lightning gives out orders.
>"Right, stay there and secure the site. I'll send some back-up and forensics over there."
>She hangs up, stands and says to her colleague.
>"That was Thunderlane. He's found something. Get Warm Front to contact the CSIs again, we need them. Then get Braeburn and yourself to the trailer park."
>"Yes, Undersheriff."
>She says with a mouthful and briskly walks off.
>Lightning turns to you and the others and sternly asks.
>"Just one more thing before I leave. If Timber gets into contact with any of you, especially you miss... I don't know your name, you must tell me or get in contact with us. We must find him."
>As Celestia snorts, Lightning writes down some numbers on her own note book, rips the page out and hands it to you.
"Thanks."
>"Considering you're the appropriate adult, it's best you have this." She says vituperatively as she looks at Celestia.
>She just rolls her eye and pays more attention to her fingernails.

>"Look after it. You all can leave now but do leave your contact details with the desk deputy. We may need to get in touch with any of you."
>She states as she stands up, rolls down her sleeves and walks out the office.
>Taking the initiative, you take out your ball-point and grab some paper left on the table.
>Jotting down your numbers, you pass  to Celestia and, reluctantly, she wrote down her own details.
>As the paper gets passed around, you lean over to her and quietly inquire.
"So who's this Timber chap then? Apart from the brother."
>"He also ran the camp. And I think he had a relationship with Twilight. Can't be sure but you know what kids are like."
>She shrugs but you say.
"Exactly, you were no different, if I remember. Ride them hard and put them away wet. Remember Steel Stud and that Cobalt fella? I bet they still remember you."
>"Anonymous, please, not now."
>She hushes you but you continue on.
"Being tossed off in the English department toilets by Celestia Orbis was always a privilage...
>"Anonymous, please! Not in front of people!"
>She says quietly but harshly.
>You smirk as you stand and grab your scarf and coat.
>As Applejack finishes writing on the sheet, you lean over and grab it. As you walk out the office, you hear Celestia give quiet comforts to Twilight.
>Folding the paper in half, you walk back to Undersheriff Dust's 'office' and see her brushing her slicked-back hair.
>Knocking on the door, she gruffly barks out.
>"What?"
"Here's that sheet you wanted."
>Spinning around, her angry face somewhat softens when she realises it's you.
>"You could have left that with the desk deputy but thanks anyway."
>She says as she puts on her overcoat and hat.
>She takes the sheet and puts on the desk. Walking out with you, you casually ask her what's with the rushing about.
>"I can't say, official sheriff's business. But it does concern Gloriosa Daisy. That's all I'm saying."

>Rounding the corner and into the main foyer, you see the desk deputy with the phone handset pressed into his shoulder arguing with a motorcyclist, crash-helmeted and water-proofed, the visor rimmed with snow.
>"Alright, alright, shut up. What's going on?"
>The desk deputy starts first.
>"She's a dispatch rider from Blackbottoms, asking for the overtime returns for Accounts. And I'm too busy to hand-hold her."
>"And I've got an urgent package to pick up for the Statistical Department."
>The rider muffles.
>As Lightning directs her to the offices, you disentangle yourself from the commotion and go into the conference room.
>With everyone in their coats, hats and scarves, you direct them all to get moving out as quickly as possible.
"We need to leave now. Things are going to hell in a handcart here so we need to move. How is everyone anyway?"
>AJ and Rarity both nod, Pinkie nods vigorously and Rainbow yawns loudly and gives you a thumbs-up. Sunset doesn't pay you any attention as she hugs an emotional Twilight. Even Celestia looks exhausted but gives you her usual smile.
>"We're all good. But you're right, we need to go. C'mon girls, let's get out of here."
>Both you and the Principal hustle everyone out of the room. The foyer is empty, at least. No more argumentative police officers shouting at each other.
>Holding the doors open for everyone, they pass through. Rainbow Dash gets a nudge by Applejack to hang back a little.
>Stepping onto the street, Rainbow calls you over to her with AJ behind her.
>With reluctance, she avoids eye contact and begins her piece.
>"Look, sir, I wanna apologize for earlier. Getting lost and... you know, almost getting us both killed. I'm sorry for my recklessness."
>AJ coughs loudly behind her.
>"And... I'm sorry for ruining your car last week. Okay? I'm sorry."
>You sigh and smile.
"Yeah, apology accepted."
>Even though she clearly needs a hug, you pat her shoulder and wink to Applejack, who then suddenly look away from you."I think Applejack wants you, love."
>Rainbow turns around and hugs her friend. And with a knowing smile, you quickly jog to the car park.
>Rainbow, leaning on Applejack, catch up with you and spot their friends climbing into Pinkie's van.
"Hold up. I know I'm stating the obvious by saying look after Twilight for the time being, alright?"
>"Don't ya worry, sir." Applejack acknowledges, "We will. You just look after tha' Principal, she's been through a lot as well."
>Before you get to answer her, the twosome hobble off to the van. Blinking a couple times, you wonder if the girls suspect...
>'Suspect what? You're just friends. Friends look out for friends.'
>Shaking your head, you jog to the van and catch the last of what Celestia says.
>"...contact with any of you, you tell me. Or Mr Endeavour here."
>She points to you, suddenly by her side.
>"We'll deal with the situation. Okay?"
>They nod again.
>"Rainbow, can you come back with me? I think I've got some explaining to do with your parents."
>She insinuates with Rainbow Dash nodding as she and AJ shift out of the van and struggle over to Celestia's sedan.
>Helping them out, you open the passenger door for her and she climbs in. Seeing AJ off, you say to Celestia over the car roof.
"How are we gonna handle this, Celly? This is beyond our own expertise, isn't it?"
>She shakes her head as you fumble for your car keys.
>"I don't know, to be honest. I doubt they'll tell or you. Probably deal with it themselves."
"They shouldn't though."
>"You think I don't know that? They should tell him to go see that mad woman." Celly says, exacerbated.
"You're right but it won't pan out like that."
>You say as you unlock your car and start it up.
"If they find him and they believe he didn't do it, they should turn him in. Drum it into their heads."
>You say, tapping the roof of your car.
"Start with Rainbow Dash there. She's the most head-strong of them. And besides, I think she's catching on what we're saying."
>You point to her as she quickly faces away from you two.
>"Yeah, you're right. But we must deal with it, okay? I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yeah. Text me when you get home, okay?"
>A glimmer of a smile briefly flashes and with a nod, she climbs into her car.
>You slip your coat off, throw it onto the back seats and set off.
>Away from Coltram.
>Back to Canterlot.
>Back home.

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Chapter XIV: My Little Pony Has a Message for You

>You were no longer sleeping. Or even laying down.
>But sat down in a really comfy armchair.
>Really nice and cosy. Good lumber support as well.
>You’re wearing a simple black suit and red tie, not your usual pyjamas, and you take in your surroundings.
>It’s a sparsely furnished room. Aside from the armchairs, there’s a wheeled table, with books and wine glasses, by the other two chairs and floor lamps in each ‘corner’ of the room.
>You say corner like that because there are blue curtains that surround the room.
>Behind the chairs, on a tripod, is a landscape painting of some countryside. It does look a little cartoonish, mind you.
>By your side, is another small table with a drink and a globe-shaped lamp on it so, feeling a little thirsty, you grab it.
>But trying to take a sip of it, you realise that the drink itself is solid now.
>’What the fuck am I dreaming?’
>You’re Anonymous Endeavour and you put the cup back now as the curtains behind you rustle.
>Something strides over to you before you turn around.
>It’s Gail. You reach out for her and she lightly takes your hands.
>Before you say anything, she shushes you.
>“Shh, shh. I know, I know, I know. It’s me, Anon. It really is me.”
“Bu… wuh… I don’t…”
>You stammer out as sits down in one of the chairs.
>“I know this is a lot to take in, especially with what I already said. I had to be quick and cryptic then because I didn’t have enough time.”
>Wearing that same beautiful knee-length black gown, she crosses her legs to expose just enough leg.
“I still don’t understand. What are you? Are you even here?”
>With a slight smile and cast-down head, she answers.
>“I am still Gail, I am still Allegretto. I am still your wife. It’s just that… I am stuck…”
“Stuck? Stuck where?”
>You enquire, making her giggle.
>“Why, here, silly. Limbo, purgatory, between realms, call it whatever you want.”

“So… am I stuck here as well? Am I… dead?”
>“No. It’s only your subconscious that’s here. You’re, in a sense, visiting here because we’ve got some things to tell you.”
>You frown at what she said.
“We? Who’s we?”
>“He’ll be along soon. Don’t worry.”
>She answers vaguely and quickly follows up with.
>“What about that emerald stone I gave you? Did you leave it in safe hands?”
“Yes, a student at Canterlot Hight School has it and she’ll guard it with her life. She knows a lot about this ‘magic’ thing. Hang about, is that why you’re here?”
>Strange shapes and shadows move behind the curtains, creeping you out a little but Gail appears unfazed.
>“Yes, it is magic but my friend will answer it better.”
“Enough of the pronoun game.”
>You demand.
“Who is your friend?”
>“It’s you.” She smirks, “But not you.”
“Whaa?”
>You bleat out, visible sagging into your seat.
>Before you get to ask more questions, you hear clip-clops on the tile flooring.
>Like clapping coconuts.
>The curtain flaps open and what only can be described as a small horse trots over and stands by Gail.
>But there’s something off about this horse. Its proportions seem exaggerated and cartoonish.
>The creature minds you of that kid’s show from eighties. ‘Pretty Ponies’ or something like that?
>It turns to face you and you notice its features.
>It has white fur and a dark green tail. The equine-esque animal has no mane but, bizarrely, has a neatly-trimmed green beard around its soft muzzle.
>The lack of a mane only exaggerates the horn between its floppy ears.
>The being blinks its lime green eyes and opens its mouth.
>“Anonymous. It’s good to meet you.”
“You can talk?”
>You ask, incredulously.
>“Yes, I have many talents, like walking, talking and making excellent fruit flans.”
“You’re also very sarcastic.”
>“Yes, it’s almost like we’re almost one and the same.”
>It answers, rudely.
“So… what exactly are you? Apart from a construct of my imagination.”

>“There you go, busting balls as per usual.” Again, it says sharply. “Putting this down as a result of your drink-addled mind dreaming nonsense.”
>You note the resemblance in speech and manner to yourself, but not the accent. Or rather, lack thereof.
>“Are you sure about this, Miss Falcona?”
>In some curious way, it carries that same respect and awe. And yet he is perfectly natural with it, at pains to put everyone at ease.
>“Please, Anon.” She pleads, “just hear him out and try to understand.”
>After a moment, you concede to the figments of your imagination.
“Sure, I’ve got all the time in the word. It’s not like I’ll remember this anyway.”
>“Oh, I wouldn’t worry about that, I’ll make sure you’ll remember this.”
>The unicorn, you guess, says cockily.
“Okay. First question. Gail says you’re me but not me. Care to explain yourself, Mr. Horse?”
>“I have a name and it is yours. I am Anonymous, like yourself. But a different one.”
“I can see that…”
>You mutter under your breath.
>“Please, can you stop it with the flippant remarks? It is getting a little annoying.”
>You raise your hands up and apologise.
“I’m sorry, please continue.”
>He coughs into his hoof and states.
>“I am Anonymous the Thinker, Magical Consul to Princes Helios and Solaris of Equestria and Grand Wizard to the Court of St. Orbis. Or rather, was. I have since died and started my new life, guiding the many different Anonymouses to their destinies, so to speak.”
“Wait. Equestria? Magic? You’re a pony so… now it makes sense…”
>“I think he’s finally realized it.” Pony Anonymous says to Gail, “Yes, the same Equestria you learnt about a few days ago.”
>“He’s trying to help you. Like I did yesterday. We are all in danger.”
>Gail points out so Anonymous the Thinker can lead on.

>“You see, this will sound strange to you but the natural order of our realms is being threatened by your realm of technology. But the reasons why are because of our realm of magic.”
“So what are we talking about then? What disaster will strike? Another big bang? The big rip? Aliens with inter-dimensional travel?”
>You ask, grabbing that drink again and hoping it has thawed out.
>It has but it’s thick. Very thick, like drinking molasses.
>“It’s difficult to explain, Anon.” Gail mentions, “The Thinker has a book that’ll have everything.”
“Well, can you tell me briefly?”
>You query but the little unicorn shakes his head. 
>“Trust me, the book is better. But there are differences in the ending. If you care to indulge me, I will give it to you in brief.”
“We got all the time in the world. But can you liquify this drink?”
>Picking it up, you pour some out and some gloops onto the floor.
>“If I can.”
>His horn lights up and that same light envelops the cup.
>“Better?”
>Unsure, you pour it again and some spills onto the floor.
>Putting it back onto the table, you get yourself comfier in the armchair.
“In your own time, matey”
>“Thank you, matey. In Equestria, there are species, other than ponies. There are insectoid-like creatures called Changelings and during the reign of Prince Solaris, we were plagued by them, led by an alpha male called Scarrabyte. An evil warlord and a self-titled ‘king’.”
>Pony Anonymous rasps and even spits at the mention of ‘Scarrabyte’.
>“We captured him and said we executed him but really, we banished him to a primitive universe. A universe who wouldn’t know who he is. A universe to dump him and forget him. In other words, your universe.”
“We’re not that primitive, you know. We have advanced technologies, mapped the globe and outer space and harnessed the power of atoms. We even have self-checkout machines that don’t judge your purchases. Do your ponies have any of that?”

>You defend, with Gail shaking her head, but Anonymous the Thinker smirks and shakes his head.
>“They were only recent inventions and discoveries though. Your universe was once backwards and strange. To cure headaches, once upon a time ago, you had to kill wild animals, drink its blood and smear its entrails on your head. If that doesn’t scream ‘primitive’, then I don’t how what does.”
>“Can you two stop arguing for a minute?” Gail pleads, “the point is this Scarrabyte is a danger to the harmony of our worlds and must be stop. Once and for all.”
“Just one thing. How did you banish him?”
>“By using the doorways between worlds. The portal between your world and my world isn’t new. We used one to get rid of him but the Prince ordered its existence to be a secret to make sure they weren’t to be abused by future generations.”
>Pony Anonymous explains.
“So, let me get this straight.”
>You say, drinking some of that sweet liquid.
“Some criminal has been pillaging, looting and raping your ponies. So, you catch him, get rid of him by chucking him out of your world and into ours and only now, because he’s getting too big for his britches, you need me to clean up your mess. So why me? I’m just a history teacher.”
>“First, you’re me and I know you’re more than capable. Second, you know of my Equestrian world and third, you know of magic wielders who can deal with him.”
“What, those school girls? Just how mad are you?”
>You shout, incredulously.
>“Granted, it is a gamble. But Gail and I will help you to help them.”
>Pony Anonymous explains.
>“That gemstone will help, and other artefacts in your world will help. But I need to find where they are.”
>Gail says, straightening her blond hair.
>“The St. Orbis Scepter is lost in our realm, Anon. And another two gemstones are lost in Equestria, Anonymous.”
>She clarifies.

>“And there’s a book. A spell book, written by humans who once knew of Equestrian magic. Find that book, and help me… fix my mistake…”
>Anonymous the Thinker admits, avoiding eye contact and pawing at his beard.
>You smooth out your moustache, realising you both have the same nervous tick.
“Well… I’ll try my best, okay? I’m not gonna make promises to figments of my imagination unless I get this gobshite double-checked, to be honest.”
>“Understandable. You’re not the first Anonymous I’ve met to say that and certainly, not the last.”
>Pony Anonymous concedes as a lamp flickers slightly in front of you.
>All three of you notice and Gail says.
>“We must be quick now.”
>She faces you.
>“Check it with the schoolgirls. Both Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle will know of what has happened in Equestria.”
“I surprised you can trust me to talk to young girls…”
>You admit sheepishly but looking up, you see that knowing smile across her beautiful teal face.
>“I can trust you, Anon. What I did was wrong and I know it was…”
>The lights start to flicker and shake, startling the three of you.
>"I think our time is coming to an end, Anon. Our link is severing.
>Pony Anonymous says, worriedly.
"You what now?"
>"You're waking up, my old boy! Here, take this."
>Gail shouts as she grabs a book off the table and throws it to you.
"What's this?"
>"Proof! Now, guard it like it's your first-born!"
>As the lights flicker and go out, you hear your pony self shout.
>"I'm sorry, I didn't mean...”
>You didn't catch the last of that. You fly out of the chair and into the curtains.
>You're assaulted by blue velvet softness. You start thrashing at the fabric, to get a firm grasp on the situation.
>Pulling the sheets over your head, you see a dark room. Your bedroom.
>Instinctively reaching over, you turn on a bed-side lamp. 

>You feel something heavy pressing into your chest as you lean over and with the light, you see what it is.
>It's a book. A thin-ish cloth-bound hardback book.
>You read the title out loud.
" 'A Brief History of Equestria. Vol. 7: Solaris and The Consolidation of Power.' The fuck?"
>You mutter, flicking through the pages. At the back, it has an 'About the Authors' section.
>'Mystic Gypsy. A rare unicorn born to a pegasi family...'
>He's a brown unicorn with a blond mane, smirking cockily in his illustration.
>'Rainbow Aurora, a Crystral unicorn born in the Crystal Empire...'
>Now, she's a shiny red unicorn with a heavy grey fringe of a mane, hiding most of her forehead and horn.
>'Anonymous Enigma. A royal unicorn born in Canterlot...'
>And he has white fur, no mane and a big beard. This unicorn is as bald as a melon. He's as bald as yourself.
"Holy fuck, he IS me."
>You mutter again, realising that the dream was real. Gail and that bloody unicorn gave you this book as proof of the reality of it all.
>Pinching yourself, just to make sure you’re no longer dreaming, you open the cover and see an inscription.
>'Anonymous, everyone connected to Scarrabyte incident are all dead so getting his fact-checked will be waste of time; it’ll just be second-hoof accounts locked away in musty vaults. But this book contains the truth. But I know I can’t force you to do it so read the book, don’t read the book. It’s entirely up to you. Anonymous E.’
>God Almighty.
>’I’m charging up San Juan Hill now and I dunno if I’m coming back.’
>You read it all.
>Cover to cover. Every page, every illustration, every citation its offers and every footnote it has.
>You glance at your bedside clock, 2:38am
>Leaping from your bed, you jump to the desk where your landline phone is.
>Punching in numbers, you wait as it rings the other end.
>“This has better be God…”
>A groggy voice answers the phone.
“Celly? It’s me, Anon.”
>“Oh God. Anon, the fuck do you want? You know what time it is?”
“Twenty-to three in the morning. Look, I know what’s happening! The portal, the magic and all that crap!”
>“What are you…”
>She protests but you just stream-roll over her.
“I know why Gloriosa Daisy died!”
>“Really? Why?”
“It can wait until the morning. Get yourself and the girls in a room and I’ll tell you then, okay?”
>A sigh and she groans.
>“Alright. Good night, Anon.”
>She hangs up before you wish her a pleasant sleep.
>You climb back into bed and within minutes, you’re asleep again.
>Luckily, no more strange dreams.

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Chapter XV: The Stars Turn and a Time Presents Itself

>A radio blares out in an empty room. No students to misunderstand the rock music blaring out.
>Early dismissal. It doesn’t usually during the winter but this is an ‘exceptional circumstance’ due to ‘inclement weather’, as the Principal said earlier.
>A snow flurry had turned into a minor storm, blanketing the school with the white stuff. It could worsen into a blizzard and with talks of that polar vortex besieging the Crystal Empire up north and moving south, it could be closed for longer.
 >“… only sissies cry! Real men stand in the rain and listen to this! C-C-C-C-ROCK RADIO!”
>The jingle shouts over the scratchings on a blackboard.
>You’re Anonymous Endeavour and you continue writing notes and comments on your crazy conspiracy board.
>‘Well, how else can you describe it?’
>“You’re listening to Couzin Pull Tab’s Morning Glory Show! This is the last song before the Traffic report so let’s rock on, brothers! It’s ‘Magic Carpet Ride’ by Timburwolf!”
>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4WiyxXpyZc
>As guitar strumming fills the room, you tap the chalk in beat.
>You finish up the last section of your notes; fitting Daisy’s death into it but it’s where you’re drawing the most blanks.
>Slotting in your dreams into the Equestrian magic kinda makes sense because how else can your wife talk to you?
>Lines connecting the books you know of; Sunset’s diary, that History of Equestria book, and that magic spell book your pony-self talked about.
>Abacus Cinch is in here as well. You assume that she and Pony Anonymous are talking about the same book. All roads lead to Rome, you suppose.
>But you wonder who could be this Scarrabyte character.
>It must be someone big in this world causing chaos, but there is a lot of it around.
>Civil unrest, isolationist leaders in power, economies tanking across the world, global warming…
>‘Hmm… Global cooling really…’
>You think, wrapping your scarf tighter.

>Throwing the last chalk stub into the bin, you stand back and grab that book on the desk.
>Double checking the highlighted sections with your notes, you smile and close the book.
>Taking out your phone, you take some snaps of it so you’ve got back-ups. Just in case…
>As the song hits its solo, you start playing the air guitar, and glide around the room.
>Shoes squeaking across the lino floor.
>Lost in your own little world, you don’t hear people entering the room.
>“See, Principal? I told you he’s nuts.” Someone says.
>”Anonymous?”
“Huh?”
>Spinning around, you see five people stood at the door. Principal Celestia and four of the girls.
“Oh, sorry. I got lost in the moment there.”
>You say, jogging to the radio and turning it down.
>You gesture to everyone to sit down and point to your crazy board.
“So where’s the rest of you? Don’t you guys do this kind of thing as a group?”
>Twilight looks down-cast as Rarity beams a beautiful smile.
>”Usually, sir, but with the weather closing in, some of us have had to go their separate ways.”
>“Yeah, Rainbow wasn’t coming anyway, her mom took her to emergency room last night. Docs said stay off the foot for a few days.” Sunset divulges.
>”Applejack’s gone with Granny Smith back home and Pinkie said she and Maud have to pick up their sisters from junior high.” Twilight adds, “You see, North Canterlot’s closed as well. Burst pipes.”
>Fluttershy just quietly nods.
“God Almighty, she has sisters?”
>You observe, earning another Shimmy snipe.
>“I wouldn’t worry, sir, Pinkie is very unique so don’t worry about anyone else messing up your car.”
>As you scowl, Celestia rolls her eyes and ask you.
>”Okay, let’s get down to business, who killed Gloriosa Daisy?”
“I don’t remember, my dream has gone fuzzy. Do you know the science behind dreams?”
>They shake their heads, as Twilight pulls out a yellow notepad.
>Pulling out your own notepad, you read off it.

“Acetylcholine neurons fire high-voltage impulses into the forebrain. These impulses become pictures, the pictures become dreams. But no one knows why we choose these particular pictures. So, what was the point of this dream?”
>And you explain your dream. Or at least, what you can still remember but it’s enough.
“And then there’s this book.”
>You take it off your desk and pass it to Sunset.
“He said you or Twilight can check if this is real or not.”
>“Why us?” She asks.
“I think it’s because you two have the most experience with Equestria because this is an Equestrian history book.”
>Sunset looks at it sceptically while Twilight puts on an inquisitive face. Sunset opens the book to your marked pages and starts reading.
>The quiet radio and the turning pages break the silence.
>”Well.” Sunset begins, readjusting her coat, “we covered this stuff in my sixth- and seventh-year history lessons when I was at the Gifted Unicorns School, so yeah, this is real. Although…”
>She leaves it hanging. So, Rarity inquires.
>“Although, what, darling? Don’t leave us in suspense.”
>“Alright, everypony knows who Anonymous is. And I don’t mean you. I mean, the other Anonymous. He was like Starswirl was to Celestia but he went mad as he got older. We actually call him Anonymous the Stupid because of it.”
“ ‘Anonymous the Stupid’? What exactly are you trying to say?”
>You ask, annoyed.
>‘He kept that bit to himself. The cheeky swine.’
>“Don’t worry, sir, I’m not insulting you.” She says, mockingly, “Anonymous the Stupid was quite the brilliant wizard in his day. So, if he really came to you in a dream, then...”
>She sighs and rubs her forehead.
>“Something isn’t right. And with the portal moving and everything you’ve written up there… Actually, what’s the point of that?”
“It’s my… crazy conspiracy board, there’s no other way to explain it because it’s how I think everything’s connected.”

>Everyone stands up and moves to the blackboard with Fluttershy and Celestia bringing up the rear.
>And the first question is what you expect.
>“Abacus Cinch? Why is she up here?” Twilight asks.
“Cinch was my old boss at the Holm Coltram. She’s linked into all of this and not just because of what happened at the Friendship Games. She tried to get me to help find a spell book of some sort. For fame and fortune, she says.”
>Twilight pulls a knowing face; she’s dealt with Cinch before and know what’s she’s like.
>“If I know Cinch, it isn’t for that. Revenge is my best guess. Against us more than likely.”
>“Revenge is a dish best served cold.” Rarity adds, “But it’s leaves too many blanks. Does she know about the portal? Does she know this ‘Scarrabyte’ character? Did she know Gloriosa and Timber?”
“Exactly. Abacus is a maverick, she operates by herself. Or, at least, pulls other people’s strings.”
>“Do… do you th-think she could get the… Shadowbolts involved too?”
>Fluttershy stammers out, making you all nod.
>“I mean… if you say no to her, sir… then she could get them to help her. Like at the Games, remember?”
>You all nod again.
>”She’s right, blackmail is one of her talents, you know? I think it’s best you should warn them. Today if you can.”
Celestia sternly says.
“Yeah, it’s for the best. I’ll go back to her and say I’ve changed my mind but if you spurn her once, then that’s it.”
>Twilight looks down to her shoes again so Sunset nudges her back and whispers.
>“Go on, Twi…”
>She sighs and pulls her phone out.
>“Today may not be convenient. I got in touch with Timber last night.”
>“Really? Continue.”
>Celestia presses gently as Twilight taps the screen.
>“Yeah, I told him we know about his sister and I wanted to meet, right? So, he says we can meet up after school but I told him…”

“Can we get the Cliffsnotes version of this, Twilight?”
>You interrupt her babble.
>“Oh, sorry. We’re meeting Timber at a fast-food restaurant on Saddle Boulevard in Canterview.”
>“Canterview?” Celestia croaks. “You girls can’t go to Canterview unsupervized.”
“Why not?”
>You query, so Celestia faces you.
>“Canterview, Pleasantvale and the north-side of town, in general, is gangland territory. You girls can’t risk it. Can’t you suggest a safer place to meet?”
>Twilight shakes her head.
>“No, he says that Cluckin’ Bell is the best place to meet up.”
>With Celestia sighing loudly, you suggest to her.
“Why don’t I go with them? To make sure they’re alright. Then maybe, we can persuade him to go the sheriffs as well.”
>Celestia still looks unsure, but you try to persude her.
“Look, Celestia, they’re not young kids anymore. They’re probably more mature then we were at their age. Sometimes, you gotta let them take the risk. And this might be the only chance they have of getting Timber before the police do.”
>The girls nod.
“Wouldn’t surprise me if the police here are trying to find him. And besides, he might know about what happened to Gloriosa? Do you really think that yokel copper wants to know what he has to say? I doubt it.”
>With a twist of her lips, she reluctantly agrees with you.
>“Alright, I suppose with you’re with them, Anon, then they’ll be kept safe.”
>With the girls excited by another road trip, Celestia sternly reminds them.
>“However, this isn’t some fun day off from school. The police still need to talk Timber, regardless of the outcome. Twilight, you must persuade him to voluntarily turn himself in, it’s the best thing for him.”
>“You’re right, Principal. As ever.”
>Twilight agrees, putting away her notebook and rucksack around her.
“There’s no time like the present then. We’d best get a move on. Does Timber know school’s off?”
>She nods.

>You grab your coat and put it on. Checking for your keys, you escort everyone from the classroom and close up.
>Walking down the corridor, you lightly grab Sunset’s shoulder.
>Turning her head, you sigh and rub your neck.
“Look, we’ve gotten off on the wrong foot here, Sunset.”
>“Oh, you think?”
>She rather rudely says.
“Don’t be snarky with me here, okay? I want to apologise.”
>She keeps on walking but, at least, throws you a bone.
>“Alright then.”
“I apologise for going through your personal belongings. For whatever reason… I was curious about you; you didn’t strike me as the typical high-schooler and finding your diary was both a blessing and a curse, personally speaking. I could find out more about you but I knew I would be having this conversation with you. Like I said, I’m sorry.”
>She stops to face you but with a slight frown, she says sceptically.
>“I still don’t know, sir…”
>She begins but you interrupt.
“I wasn’t expecting you to instantly forgive me but at least, give me a chance. That’s all I ask.”
>You open your hand. She looks at it for a few seconds and takes it in a light shake.
>“Out of all of us, I think I’m the one who knows people can change.”
>With a smile, you say in a snarky way.
“Besides, your sarcasm wouldn’t wash with me anyway. Remember, I’m English so I can be as petulant as you.”
>You suddenly realise something!
>With a click of your fingers, you say to Sunset.
“Sorry, I need to do something. Say to the Principal I’ve gone to check on someone, okay?”
>She nods and joins the rest of them so you run back down the corridor and make a left, into Salt Combe’s classroom.
>And there he was, typing away on a laptop on his desk. He stops and reads the screen for a bit.
>You knock on his door, and he turns to you and smiles a toothy grin.

>“Ah! Anonymous, my good man. How are you? Feeling happy about being liberated by the snow.”
“Not particularly. All I’m going back home to is a hot chocolate and a cold bed.”
>You lie.
>“Then stay here for a while and catch up on paperwork. I’m sure we can help each other.”
>You grin and walk over to him.
“Perhaps not, I hear a temptress calling my name and she is called ‘my bed’, Salty.”
>He chuckles and looks at the screen.
“So what’s this then? I can’t believe you’re actually working today.”
>“Just doing some light reading, Anon.”
>He replies as he turns the screen so it faces you.
>It’s an online article by the Manehatten Challenger newspaper and you read the headline.
“ ‘Mobster Thorax Sakharine freed after judge declares mistrial.’ Never knew you had an interest in the mafia.”
>“The mafioso lifestyle has always fascinated me. What’s that line out of ‘Wiseguys’? ‘As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be a gangster for they had it all.’ You know what I mean?”
>You nod as you read the article.
“Thorax is believed to be the head of the Chimaera organisation, one of five crime ‘families’ in the Changlador-Equestican Mafia in Manehatten… originally arrested last year for the murder of Zephyr Counsel, an assistant district attorney… but after two key prosecution witnesses failed to arrive, Judge Marble Gavell had to announce a mistrial due to improperly admitted evidence and freed the crime boss…”
>You lean back and say.
“Definitely an interesting character. When was this anyway?”
>“A few days ago. Did you know that one day in 2009, a police sergeant walked in on him in a bar, strangling someone with a pool cue? The assault charge was soon dropped – due to a lack of testimony. But the police kept an eye on him.”
>He explains, running a hand through his hair.
“Seems like a right rum’un and no mistake. Oh, that reminds me.”
>You suddenly remember why you’re here.

“Do us a favour, if you can, of course. Keep an eye on the Principal for us, she’s been through a lot recently.”
>“Naturally. I heard about what happened last night, finding that dead girl. It’s all over the news, you know.”
“Oh, goody, goody…”
>You sarcastically say.
>“It’s the gossip around the school as well.”
>Salty says, standing up and grabbing his coat.
>“C’mon, I know you’re itching to get outta here, I’ll walk you to your car.”
>The pair of you leave the classroom and walk to the side exit.
“So how does the faculty know about this?”
>“Blame Luna and the old guard. Once they know, everyone else knows. After the facts have been twisted out of shape of course.”
“God almighty…”
>You can think how it happened. Celestia tells Luna and Luna tells the others. Whoever is grinding that axe into your back, you can’t be totally sure but you can guess.
“I just hope it hasn’t been backed to the wrong people, you know. I can deal with a bitchy faculty but if anyone finds out…”
>Salty pulls a face and you ask.
“What?”
>“Well… the Superintendent is coming in today. What for? I don’t know, but I can hazard a guess.”
>You nod, agreeing with him.
“Best I’m making trails then. Before the shit hits the proverbial.”
>He snorts as he opens the doors to the car park.
>“I’ll keep an eye on the Principal and my ears on the Superintendent, don’t you worry about that.”
>He winks and looks out onto the remaining cars.
>“Looks like you’ve got a crowd waiting for you. I won’t keep you.”
>He leaves you alone as Celestia walks across the car park.
>“Are you ready to go? The girls are waiting.”
“I don’t know if it’s a good idea now. Salt’s just told me Discord is coming over.”
>You worry on, smoothing out your moustache.
>“Leave him to me, I’d rather have you with them than with me. I know they’d go to Canterview regardless.”

>You ‘hmm’ in agreement as she pulls the zip up further on her coat.
>“And besides, he’s only coming here to inspect the schools in the city to see if they can stay open during the snow storm.”
>She reassures but you tell her to stay on guard with him. You can never be sure about the crap he comes up with.
>With a stroke of your arm, she smiles sweetly and bids you farewell. She waves to the girls as she walks into the school and closes the door.
>Sighing slightly, you pat down for your keys and walk towards the car.
>Clearing the snow off the windows, you unlock your doors and start the car up.
>With the engine quietly rumbling, you open the boot lid and say.
“May as well throw your bags in there. I think we might have a long day ahead of us.”
>Sorting themselves out, you toss your satchel in and climb into the driver’s seat.
>Listening the bumble-rumble of the engine, you see the four girls chatting, you presume, about who sits where.
>As you tap the steering wheel, the doors open and, of all the girls, Sunset sits in the passenger seat with Twilight, Fluttershy and Rarity siting in the back.
>“Wow, sir, it’s very… brown in here.” Rarity comments as she buckles herself in.
“I like it. It’s always feels warm and cosy in here, rather than the electric shavers you get nowadays. Everyone strapped in? Good.”
>You say as you set off and leave the car park, fresh snow crunching under the wheel.
>Driving through town, you have to ask for directions from Twilight. But the rush hour hasn’t ended yet so you all get stuck in traffic.
>Sunset keeps sneaking glances at you across the car.
>So you frown back at her.
“What?”
>“Nothing.” She answers.
>The road in front is a long line of vehicles, slowly crawling along in a stop-start-stop-start line. Traffic going the other way is doing the same, giving everyone time to enjoy the snow.

“How’s everyone coping?”
>You inquire, trying to break the silence.
“I presume you know what happened, Fluttershy. Such a terrible business.”
>She squeaks in surprise and mumbles something. Twilight quietly nudges her, you observe in the mirror, and she says.
>“I do, Mr Endeavour. Such a tragedy…”
>She sniffles, taking a patterned handkerchief and blowing gently into it.
>Reaching for the glove box and spooking a daydreaming Sunset, you open it and take out some hand sanitizer for the young girl.
>”Oh thank you, sir. Despite what she put us through, I still feel sad about her… passing. She didn’t deserve that.”
>Passing the bottle back, you put it away and sat in silence. You all listen to the windscreen wipers for a bit, until Twilight asks about putting on the radio.
>“Should be about time for the news. Unless anyone minds?”
>They shake their heads and so you push the dial.
>Ejecting the cassette tape before it starts playing, it flicks onto the radio and something bland and unthreatening fills the car, the beat just far enough out of time with the wipers’ ‘week-wonk’ to be annoying.
>“Can you change it to GNTR, please? Talk radio tends to have a better segment for the news.”
>“Great Northern Talk Radio? Puh-lease, Twilight.” Rarity jests, “why do we need to listen to something so dull?”
>“I don’t think it’s dull, Rarity. The shows are both funny and informative!”
>Twilight defends and you back her up.
“And besides, this is my car and like hell I’m listening to CanterWave FM and Cheese Sandwich’s blasted Rush Hour Drive Time Club!”
>Despite the host’s protests, you do touch that dial and twist it away. You glance to the mirror to see Twilight stick her tongue out.
>”So then, Anonymous.”
>Sunset begins as the car crawls forward and boring people chatter on the radio.
>“Considering you know a lot about me. I am very curious to know about you, the new man in our lives, so to speak.”
“Oh?”

“Well, sir, it is clear that you’ve put a glint in the principal’s eye.” Rarity flatters, “so, naturally, we are intrigued by such a person.”
“Makes sense, I suppose. Well, I was born overseas and I came to live here when I was thirteen. You know that Celestia and I are from Oxbridge, yeah?”
>They all nod.
“My father got a job teaching at one of the prestigious colleges there but wanted my sister and I to get a ‘proper’ education so I went to a public high school, rather than one of the local charter schools. And I met Celestia there.”
>You smile at the memories.
“Even then, she was a kind and charming person to befriend. And she made me feel welcomed and not so much the stranger. I was lucky to have her as a friend.”
>“Aww, that’s marvellous, darlings.” Rarity purrs, “It’s so lovely to hear. If you don’t mind asking, how did you… grow apart? If you were so close together…”
“University.”
>You interject, and hoping Celestia didn’t mention what happened what you did to her sister.
“We started out okay but eventfully, we made new friends and new interests and we ended up drifting apart. And after graduating, I moved upstate while she stayed local.”
>The line shuffles forwards and you crawl with it. Feeling fed up, you turn off and zip down some side streets and hoping you’re missing the rush hour queue.
“Used to teach in some right hellholes like in Trottingham and Edghampton. I always wanted to teach in a university and I ended up back home in Oxbridge for a while, then moved to Coltram. It’s like she exerts a gravitational pull on me. Although, I never knew she was the Principal here...”
>Someone’s phone cuts your monologue and, to be honest, you are quite thankful for the interruption.
>Fluttershy flinches at the sound. She coughs a little, takes the phone from her bag and answers it.

>“He…hello? Pinkie? Is that… oh, it’s you, Maud. What’s the… what? Oh, that’s terrible!”
>”What’s terrible, Fluttershy?” Sunset finally says, facing the shocked girl.
>“Exactly, what’s the problem?” Rarity adds.
>“Hang on, Ma… Maud. I’ll put you on speaker.” Fluttershy answers.
>With a tap on the screen, a rather monotonous voice comes through the speaker.
>“Hello? Can the rest of you hear me? I will tell you what I just told Fluttershy…”
>“I..I’m sorry for… interrupting, Maud but would you mind awfully waiting for a moment, please? I th… think I need to explain myself.”
>“Not at all, Fluttershy, I will wait.” Maud says.
>“I texted Pinkie earlier if she was able to talk to an… any of the Shadow… bolts about Principal Cinch, if that… was okay?
“Showing some initiative, Fluttershy. I like it. Better than nothing, I suppose.”
>You praise her, earning a meek smile.
>“Pinkie said she will try, of course, and meet them as quickly as possible.”
>“Yes, my sister said she would try because she could not let her friends down and Marble, Limestone and I agreed to go along with her.” Maud says over the phone, “but I must point out that we cannot complete this task you have set us, Fluttershy.”
>“Why not, Maud?” Twilight inquires. “Has Crystal Prep also been closed?”
>“Is that you, Twilight?” Maud asks, “Good morning. I hope you are well.”
>“I am, Maud, thank you.” She answers, slightly irritated, “So, why can’t you see the Shadowbolts?”
>“There’s been a shooting not far from Crystal Preparatory Academy and the police have evacuated the school as a precaution.”
>“WHAT?”
>Everyone shouts.
>“Can you please refrain from doing that?” Maud asks. “And yes, it is true. Pinkie stopped at the roadblock and was told to turn around and leave immediately because of an incident. They also said that was a possibility of a gunman still active in the area.”

>“Goodness gracious!” Rarity frets, “What is going on in Canterlot recently? I really hope it’s not more of the… you know what…”
>“I don’t know.” Twilight answers and then, asks Maud, “Where are you all going now?”
>“Pinkie is taking us all back home.”
>”Th… that’s for the best, Maud.” Fluttershy says.
>Sunset nods.
>“Maybe tell her to stay with you and her sisters as well. To make sure you are all safe and sound.” She insists.
>“Is that you, Sunset? Good morning and I will talk with Pinkie about the situation because it did cross my mind.” Maud says. “That is everything that is necessary to explain so I will hang up now. Goodbye…”
>“GOODBYE, EVERYONE! SEE YOU SOON!” You hear Pinkie bellow through the phone.
>“Pinkie sends her love.” Maud says and then hangs up.
>Fluttershy tucks the phone away as Twilight looks up from her own.
>“Look, there! Can you see it, those high-rises in the distance?”
>You glance up from the road and, between the gaps of the downtown skyscrapers, you see two ugly-looking tower blocks.
“Yeah, I see them, what about them?”
>“They’re the Pleasantvale Towers. If you take the next left, follow that and then take Kunzite Street, that’ll get you onto Saddle Blvd, Anonymous.”
“Righto then. If we get stuck in traffic, it’s your fault.”
>You swing the car left and end up getting stuck behind a snowplow. 
“How long is it until Kunzite.”
>“Not for another half-mile.”
>Rolling your eyes, you turn the radio up a bit more
>“ …TR News, and I’m your host, Telly Prompt. With the sports is…”
>”Ooo! It’s starting! Good!”
>Twilight gasps, with Rarity giving her a funny look.
>“ … is Bright Skies. Today’s top story is the Polar Vortex, that is set to move south from the Crystal Empire to the northern states of Equestrica, with weather warnings in place for Whinnysota, Mareigan …”

>Sunset curls her top lip, “Crystal Prep. Did Maud say that shooting at the academy or nearby it?”
>“It’ll be on the news, surely? It’s a big thing, after all.”
>Twilight answers with Sunset agrees.
>“… sident Storm King made controversial comments concerning the border security between Equestrica and neighboring Abyssinia at a political …”
>You hear someone snort on the back seat as Sunset chews on her thumb.
>“Is it me, girls, or is all of this really just one big coincidence? The portal moving, Gloriosa’s death, this thing with Timber and now, Crystal Prep? It’s not sitting right with me…”
“Somethings are connected but not everything. This is a big city and a bigger state, after all. Not everything is intertwined on my conspiracy board, you know.”
>You say as Sunset nods.
>“ … gration Services. Vapid Motors is, today, expected to confirm the rumors of a mass-layoff of 3,500 workers at its main manufacturing plant at Detrott and the engine plant at Baltimare. More on this story with today’s show of Money Talks. The Prench capital of Belleville will see its fifth day of protests against the new President’s austerity … “
>“Even so, Anonymous, it is still food for thought. Is something coming after us or, at least, those who have wielded magic before.”
“If Jack the Ripper is stalking you all, surely he’d use the same method.”
>You counter Sunset’s claim.
“You see, I found out that Gloriosa was choked to death, rather than shot at. That Undersheriff told me so.”
>You turn the car onto Kunzite Street, away from the snowplow truck and get stuck behind another line of slow-moving traffic.
“I doubt it very much to be honest. It’s strange but nothing too serious. Mind you though, it’s still an idea to chase it up with your Shadowbolt friends.”

>“ … local news now and the Trottingham Police Department are denying the recent house fires are the actions of a serial arsonist. Yesterday’s fire in Suffolk Hill hospitalized a young mother of two with smoke … “
“You see.”
>You say, pointing to the radio.
“The world is full of nasty people and Canterlot’s no different, unfortunately. Your Equestria maybe a utopia but this place isn’t.”
>“I know that, how naïve do you think I am?”
>Sunset questions.
>“It’s just when it happens to people you know, that’s when it gets scary.”
>“ … County Sheriff Department confirmed earlier today that they are treating the death in the Everfree …”
>“Ooo! Shh! This is us!”
>Twilight blurts out.
>“ … suspicious but declined to comment further. But they are appealing for witnesses who might have seen anything in woods over the last few days. Canterlot’s new controversial road expansion plans … “
>”Ooh, I think we should contact them.” Rarity comments, filing her nails, “we saw something very weird in those woods…”
>“Rarity, please.” Fluttershy protests, “th… there’s no need for your dark humor. It is rather upsetting, especially after all the… talk of death.”
>The last word was squeaked out and Rarity looks solemnly to her friend.
>“I’m sorry, Flutters, it’s just that I do speak my mind sometimes.”
>She wraps her arm around Fluttershy and draws her in.
>“ … with the planned roadworks in the north of the city, we can expect significant delays. Sticking with Canterlot and the weather has shut down several schools in the city and the tri-county area … “
>In Dante’s Devine Comedy, Hell was divided into nine circles, each devoted to punishing a particular group of sinners. But up here, in the land of the living, it was roadworks and rush hour.
>You grimly think as the car crawls past the obstruction causing the traffic; a sports car has ploughed into a street light and injured a pedestrian. 

>Overtaking the parked ambulance, you cruise up the street at speed.
>“ … and there’ll be more on that story with today’s show of Pressing Issues. And now the sports, with Touch Down. Touch? … “
>You turn the volume back down; you’re not interested in sports and, you think, neither are these girls. Rainbow and Applejack maybe but not the rest of them.
“So, what the plan of action with Timber then? I presume we have one.”
>“The plan is pretty simple, Anonymous.”
>Twilight announces.
>“With Rarity’s and Fluttershy’s charms and Sunset’s and my directness, we will try to persuade him to come with us to you’ll take us to see the sheriffs.”
>“It’s a simple but effective plan.”
>Sunset adds, and you agree with her. It’s less things to go wrong and hopefully this Timber fella is an easy guy to persuade.
>But with his sister’s death, he could become unpredictable.
>The public setting will help though; less chance of acting out.
 >Continuing up the road, the setting changes to more mid- and low-rise buildings and the atmosphere changes with it. Graffiti daubed on walls with street hoods loitering around corners. This part of Canterlot doesn’t feel quite so safe anymore.
>Every city has its poor quarter, its inner-city slums and Canterlot ain’t no different.
>For the first time in a long time, you feel rather conspicuous. And it’s not just because of your accent.
>But you want to know more. Why are you here? And it’s not just because of your overly-protective nature for the female of the species.
>It’s the desire to know more, to learn more. Learn what Timber has to say, to dissect and break apart what he says. Is he lying or telling the truth?
>It’s why Gail could never watch your programmes with you because you always make comments and assumption about the characters and plot.
>You pull up at a stop sign and look onto a wide two-lane carriageway and say to Twilight.
“Well? Which way now?”

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