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Chapter XVI: Call for Help

>The Pleasantvale Towers. The projects.
>An archaic thorn, stuck in the side of modern Canterlot.
>The towers are the last of a housing complex known as the Cheval-Henson Homes.
>Once, these apartments were a promising vision of the future; ‘homes in the sky’ and ‘a city looking onwards and upwards’.
>Built to replace the old slum dwellings of Canterlot’s industrial central and northern districts, the city planners were hoping to ride that wave of ‘urban renewal’ swiping the country during the last century with this new and modern style of public housing project.
>But over the years, things change. And not for the best either.
>One side will blame the shifting ethnic demographics and the criminal elements that came with it that brought about its demise.
>While the other side will claim that the uncaring Housing Authority with its unfeeling social policies had hastened the complex’s deterioration.
>Whatever the reasons, it became clear that something had to be done.
>With the buildings slowing crumbling and falling apart, it was decided that the most decayed had to be demolished.
>Of the original fifteen buildings, only two remain and even these were condemned. Then, the decision was reversed and so they got re-named and a fresh lick of paint.
>So now, they stand out like two white teeth in the mouth of a meth tweaker amongst the other buildings of Canterview.
>And Saddle Boulevard is a major thoroughfare through north Canterlot. From strip malls and fast-food restaurants at the bottom to the homes and apartments for the district’s residents at the top.
>Canterview is the city’s poor quarter; a poverty-ridden neighbourhood with a high-crime rate and violence between the minorities’ gangs who call this city their home.
>And the public buildings here have to be tough on security, to prevent the violence spreading. The police station is a fortress, and the schools are like airports with guards and scanners. To make sure that you are safe.

>And safety is on your mind. Personal safety, the girls’ safety and even the safety of your car.
>Cruising down the slushy road, Twilight points out your destination.
>“There, on the right. By the Supa-Save.”
>You pull into the car park.
>Parking between a low-rider and a silver minivan, you step out and take in your surroundings.
>It’s a small strip mall of three major chain stores and an empty unit surround the fast-food restaurant like the hungry patrons inside huddled around the coffee machine.
>You all peer inside it to get a glimpse of the young man. 
>“Strange. I can’t see Timber in there. I did text him earlier.”
>Twilight ponders as she consults her phone.
>“I wouldn’t worry, Twi. He’s more than likely running late.”
>Sunset reckons with Rarity putting in.
>“Exactly, dear. We know how terrible the traffic was getting here. He’ll be having the same trouble as we did.”
“Whatever’s the case, it’s best we’re getting inside. It’s getting colder by the second out here.”
>Allowing a suspicious black van to cruise by, you and the girls jog over to the entrance and suddenly bask in the sticky, musky warmth of the fast-food joint.
>The door’s ‘beep-boop’ rings around the half full restaurant as the patrons glance over their shoulders and eye you up.
>The staff member behind the counter, wearing an uniform so loud you need your sunglasses, beams a stiff smile and says, in a slight Hispanic twang.
>“Well, hello-a-doodle-doo and welcome to Cluckin’ Bell. Would you like counter or table service, sir?”
>Thinking on your feet, you politely say.
“We’ll be with you in a moment, love. So, can anyone of you see him?”
>You whisper to the girls; craning their heads around like pigeons looking for crumbs.
>“I can’t see him. I don’t think he’s here…”
>Twilight hesitates.
>“Yet maybe…” 
“C’mon then, you lot sit down and I’ll get something to drink. Does anyone want something?”

>While Twilight and Sunset shake their heads, Rarity says.
>“I’ll have a flat white, please.”
>And Fluttershy requests.
>“I… I will take a green tea, please. If not… I’ll have it black instead, please. If you don’t mind…”
>As her voice trails to nothing, you smile and nod to the shy girl and wonder if fast-food joints do green teas.
>Walking to the counter, and with your best carpet salesman smile, you greet the worker.
“Good morning. Do you still do those salsa breakfast muffins?”
>“I am sorry, sir.” She apologies, “but we stopped serving the breakfast menu at ten.”
>You sigh, it’s only quarter-past. Typical…
“Alright, I’ll have two flat whites and a black tea.”
>“Just the drinks?”
“Just the drinks.”
>A tall glass of water wanders over to the cashier as you pay for your order. A grey and white-faced fella with black streaks on his skin, and cheery blue eyes, smiles widely as he leans onto the counter.
>“Well hey now.” He says, in a mild Latino accent, “You lookin’ for those breakfast muffins? We got a couple out back, if you want some, ‘mano.”
>Already suspicious of this Abyssinian sleazeball, you narrow your eyes but match his smile and say.
“As long as they come warm…”
>You read his nametag.
“Chummer.”
>He drops the smile and looks over your shoulder.
>“Where you sat then, ese? By the trash cans?”
“No, by the centre table there.”
>You point over there and he nods.
>“Uh-huh. Gracias.”
“De nada.”
>Both workers walk into the kitchens as you wander back to the girls.
>‘Creep. He might try to get his mack on with them. Stay with them.’
>Getting back to the table, you wander into a turbulent scene.
>“No, I can’t see why we can’t watch that film.” Rarity quizzes.
>“Forgive my bluntness, Rarity.” Sunset jests, “But I don’t think anyone would go to the cinema to read the screen.”

>“Just because ‘La Noire Veuve’ is a Prench film doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy it.” Rarity defends.
>“I’m just worried if the others wouldn’t enjoy it, Ra… Rarity.” Fluttershy adds. “You know about Rainbow’s… hesitance to subtitles.”
>“She's right, you know. Remember the debacle we had on our Streamflix night last week?” Sunset points out.
>As they talk, Twilight leans over as you sit down.
>“We're just discussing what movie to watch at the cinema on Saturday. My idea of ‘The Settling of the Sun’ didn’t go down so well so we’re still arguing.”
“Wait, ain’t that the new western the critics are raving about?”
>“That’s ‘Settle the Score’ if my inner-AJ is right, Anonymous.” Twilight smirks. 
>“No, ‘The Settling of the Sun’ is something different.” Twilight explains with some eagerness, “It’s based on a series of famous, or rather used to be famous, novels written during the golden age of sci-fi…”
“Hang on.”
>You say, shushing the happy girl.
“I think I know them. It’s about how aliens need to restart their dying sun. It got good reviews because of its realistic scientific knowledge, if I’m right.”
>“Exactly, yes! You do know them!” Twilight gushes, finally excited to talk to someone about her books. Realising her sudden outburst, she blinks and blushes.
>“Err, Twilight, dear? Are you okay? Are you lecturing again?”
>Rarity simply inquires, causing her to blush harder than Fluttershy.
>“I was talking to Anonymous about that film I suggested.” Twilight sheepishly says.
>With a pat on her shoulder, Sunset says.
>“It’s a good choice, Twi, but I’m afraid we’d be lost without reading the books.”
>As Twilight smiles, you hear someone walk up behind you. Looking around, it’s that Chummer character carrying the drinks and one of the breakfast muffins.
>“Hey, ‘mano. Got you your order. Thanks for eatin’ with us.”

>With a wink to Sunset, he places everything onto the table and casually saunters off.
>“What a weirdo…”
>As Sunset comments, you pass the drinks around and take the food.
>Unwrapping it, you tuck into that chicken goodness.
>“Woah, what’s this?”
>Sunset says as she grabs the wrapper.
“It’s a new type of breakfast muffin they doing now. Sweet Salsa Chicken. It’s really…”
>“I don’t mean that, sir. I mean this.”
>You look at the wrapper and you’re surprised to see someone’s written on it.
>Sunset smooths out the greasy paper on the table and you crane your head to read it.
“I know you and those girls are looking for Timber. Meet me around the back in 5 minutes.”
>“Okay, this is… unexpected.” Twilight comments, “Timber never said about meeting someone else.”
>“Maybe he had to change his plans.” Sunset points out.
“Whatever the case, it’s clear that Chummer guy knows something.”
>You stand up, buttoning up your coat.
“I will go and see what he has to say. I bet it’s when he’s coming though.”
>“I want to come too, if you don’t mind, of course.”
>Twilight proposes as she puts on her hat.
“Sure. It might make him looser to deal with, actually. From the impression I got of him, he thinks he’s a smooth-talker.”
>With Twilight at your side, the pair of you walk out the restaurant and around to the back.
>You spot Chummer, leaning by the dumper and smoking. Stubbing out the cigarette, he takes out the pack and takes another out.
>‘Chain smoker? Or nervous?’
>You muse on as you greet him.
“I got your message, mate.”
>“So you did. I recognized the chicas from what Timber said. But he didn’t mention you, ‘mano.”
“I’m a concerned citizen, that’s all.”
>You say, raising your arms.
>His eyes flicker between the pair of you. Then he smiles and offers his pack to the pair of you.
>But you two turn him down. Pocketing the packet, he says.

>“Timber is at my place. He’s hidin’ out there, ese. Says he’s scared about being found so he makes this plan about having me get his friends to visit him.”
>“Why is he scared? If it’s the police…”
>Twilight begins but, with a wave of his hand, Chummer says.
>“No, chica, it isn’t the feds. It’s something better explained by him. If I say it, you wouldn’t believe me.”
“Try us.”
>You dispute so Chummer points out.
>“Seriously, ‘mano. Me and my roommate didn’t believe him either but he swears blindly that’s what happened. Some crazy shit. I rolled with El 12 so you’d think we’d seen some messed-up stuff.
>“So you know about Camp Everfree?”
>Twilight questions.
>“That place by the lake?” Chummer remarks as he turns his coat collar up, “Only that him and his hermana ran it. Why? Did those mobsters show up there too?”
>“Mobsters?”
>Twilight shivers so you step in and take control of the conversation. With the air wafting out of your mouth, you say.
“Alright, alright, we’re getting ahead of ourselves here. It’s best you take us to your place then. Where is it?”
>“In Pleasantvale’s North Tower, ‘mano. But I can’t leave yet, my shift isn’t done. I’ll call Capper, he’ll meet you there.”
“Capper? It ain’t Capper Dapperpaws by any chance? He’s an Abo like yourself. Green eyes, brown skin, blue hair?”
>“Si, he’s my roommate. Why you ask?”
“I know him. Tell him that ‘Holmes’ from the university will meet him.”
>Chummer looks at you suspiciously for a minute and then his eyes widen as he stubs out the cigarette.
>“I should have known with that limey accent and your cue ball look. You’re Anon Endeavour, si?”
“The one and only.”
>You grandly say, earning a funny look from Twilight.
>“Should I know something here?”
“Holm Coltram does a prison outreach programme; to give prisoners an education and Capper was a student of mine.”

>“Si, you see, chica, he helped Capper get his high school diploma after a lot of people gave up on him. Parents, teachers, hell, even El 12 did.”
>Chummer points out. 
“So, stay in school, kids.”
>You quip, making him smile.
>“My break’s over, ‘mano. I’ll call Capper and tell him you’re meeting him.”
>He looks to Twilight and for once, his cocky grin drops.
>“Timber’s really messed up, chica. I think he needs a better friend then Capper or me.”
>“It’s a good job my friends and I are experts in the subject.”
>She beams unironically to Chummer’s confused face and your inner chagrin grows.
>With a wink, he mumbles, “good for you.” And he walks into the restaurant.
>With a sigh, you turn and walk on the grey slush.
“A word to the wise, Twilight. Try not to say anything corny as that, please.”
>“I’m sorry, Anonymous. I don’t know what…”
>You interrupt the young girl as you walk back inside.
“Experts in friendship? Do you all have matching t-shirts or something? I think you’re being too earnest so maybe reign it back in. I’m sorry if it’s not my place…”
>Now, Twilight interrupts you.
>“I understand, sir. With Shimmy’s help, I want to overcome my awkwardness so maybe I’m overcompensating a bit.”
>You turn around, kneel down to face her and place a hand on her shoulder.
“Keep doing what you’re doing, Twilight; I think you’re quick and personable, to be honest. And a prospect for greater things, if this ‘magic hunter’ lark falls through.”
 >“Thank you, Anonymous.” She simpers.
>You feel a warm rush of blood to your head as you stand up.
“Crikey, it’s getting warm in here. Go back to your friends, I’ll be back.”
>With a sharp breath, you excuse yourself from Twilight and head to the washroom. Running some cool water, you splash some on your face.
>You look into the mirror and see your face still a little red.
>‘Calm down, matey. Let’s not repeat the past here…’


>Seeing Anonymous go red in the face and quickly walk off to the restrooms was pretty strange.
>But then again, maybe that muffin thing didn’t agree with him. He did get it when Cluckin’ Bell stopped selling their breakfast food after all.
>‘Oh well, it’s his own fault.’
>You’re Twilight Sparkle and you spin on your heels and quickly join your friends.
>But they’re still engrossed in arguing about the films.
>Well, Sunset and Rarity are. Fluttershy is just sipping her tea and glancing at her phone.
>So, you sidle up and ask her.
“Are they still arguing about what film to watch?”
>“Hmm?”
>She looks up and, with a confused expression, she says.
>“The film? Oh! The film! Yes, I… I did say why don’t we ask when we’re all together but I think it got ignored. Rarity is adamant about her foreign language film.”
“Well.”
>You begin, while unzipping your coat. It is very stuffy in here.
“I did say I wouldn’t mind it if it was dubbed but it isn’t, it’s subtitled.”
>“Exactly. Where’s Anonymous?”
>You point to the restrooms.
“In there. I don’t think his breakfast agreed with him.”
>Fluttershy shakes her head.
>“It’s eating all th… this fat, greasy food. I am not surprised if he’s ill.”
“I hope he’s not too ill, though. He needs to take us to Timber. That server guy, Chummer I think, knows Timber and he’s staying at his place.”
>But Fluttershy looks concerned.
>“Are you sure it’s safe if we do that, Twilight? It could be dangerous, you know? We don’t know him.”
>She shivers slightly, ruffling her padded coat.
>You try to ease her apprehension by calmly saying.
“I know you’re worried, Fluttershy, but don’t be. Chummer has a roommate and we’re going to meet him first. And, apparently, Anonymous knows him.”
>At least, she’s smiling lightly now.
>“That’s good to know. And, with Anonymous, we should be safe, yeah?”

“We will be. We were safe with him last night the woods after all. Well, if you ignore the fact that Rainbow almost breaking her ankle.”
>You nervous chuckle and change the topic.
“It’s a good plan we have as well. We get Timber and we go to the sheriffs. Once they know he’s innocent, they’ll release him and we take him back. Or, at least, take him to his uncle’s.”
>“He have an uncle?”
>Fluttershy inquires.
“Yes, he does.”
>You point out.
“He’s called Woody Pines and he lives out in a farmhouse not far from Coltram.”
>“Hmm. Never knew that about him or Gloriosa, for that matter. I wonder why he didn’t go there instead.”
“Maybe because it’s the first place the sheriffs would go looking for him. Especially if he’s paranoid about mobsters…”
>“Mobsters?” Fluttershy asks with concern in her eyes.
>You grimace and shrug your shoulders.
“Something that Chummer said. I don’t know what he meant by it though.”
>Her nerves start to show; the cup shakes in her hands.
>“I don’t know about all of this, Twilight, I’m getting one of my funny feelings. I think this might end in tears, you know.”
>With a brave arm, you wrap it around your shy friend and comfort her.
“I know. This is… something different. But I can’t see why we can’t help our friends out when they are in danger and I think Timber is in danger.”
>“In danger?” Sunset suddenly asks, shocking you, “what kind of danger?”
“I don’t know. I really don’t know, Shimmy. Chummer said Timber would explain it better.”
>“Well then.” Rarity bursts out. “it’s about time we start leaving this foul establishment and find Timber. No pun intended, of course.”
>She titters at her own joke as the rest of you roll your eyes.
>With a squeak of door hinges, you see Anonymous leaving the restroom and buttoning up his coat.

>Readjusting a red scarf around his neck, he smiles and says.
>“I see we’re all ready to go. Has Twilight explained the situation to you all?”
“I haven’t said anything to Sunset and Rarity because they had more pressing matters to discuss…”
>You begin and Rarity butts in with her usual grace and elegance of a bull in a frock.
>“Quite right too, Twilight. Now, sir, I do have an important question to ask you.”
>“Hoo, boy…”
>Sunset smirks, making you grin a little as you all leave the restaurant.
>Walking across the parking lot to Anon’s car, Rarity asks her burgeoning question.
>“Out of all the recent blockbusting releases, which film would you go and see?”
>As Anonymous thinks, you lean to Sunset and whisper.
“Is this still about her film?”
>“She trying to get support from our ‘intellectual European gentleman’ as she puts it, despite that he's as European as I am…”
“He was born overseas, you know. Britain is in Europe.”
>“Ah, but it’s not like he lives in England now. He lives here.”
“Britain.”
>“I’m sorry?”
>Sunset tilts her head to a side so you explain.
“You mean ‘Britain’, Shimmy, not ‘England’. Don’t worry, it’s a common enough mistake to make…”
>“Twilight.” She deadpans. “Even I know England is one of the countries that makes up Great Britain. I do pay attention to my geography classes, you know.”
>Feeling ashamed, you blush a little as you climb into the car. Sunset takes her seat in the front with you behind her.
>With Fluttershy and Rarity getting comfortable on the brown velour seats, Sunset turns in hers to wink at you and grabs the seat-belt.
>“Well, if I had to choose, Rarity.” Anonymous finally says as he starts the car up, “it would be that new ‘Gargantua’ movie or ‘Setting of the Sun’; I remember reading those books when I was at high school.”
>As he looks behind to reverse out, he gives you a wink as Rarity huffs.

>“Hmm. I must say I wasn’t expecting that for an answer.”
>“Well, forgive me for having such working-class tastes, Rarity.”
>Anonymous says, rather sarcastically. As Rarity pulls her nail file out again, Anon begins.
>“New plan. Chummer said we can visit Timber at his place instead of here so, we’re going to the tower blocks over there.”
>He points out of the front window to the high-rises nearby.
“Exactly.”
>You interject.
“Chummer also said he is definitely freaked out by something. He needs our help.”
>“Just because it’s what some fast-food greaseball says so? How do we know it isn’t a trap?”
>Rarity inquires.
>“Because, if I’m right, I know his roommate.” Anon says as he rounds a corner; the car kicking slush up onto the sidewalk.
>“If these guys aren’t on the level with us, don’t worry because it’s why I’m coming too. You guys aren’t dealing with magic creatures but with assholes instead.”
>“And it’s not like we can use turn our magic on and off like a light switch.” Sunset comments.
“Well, I don’t think it’s a very clever idea to be using magic in such a public place.”
>You echo Sunset, making her nod.
“In a world of smartphones and instant news, beating up gangsters with our ‘enhanced’ abilities isn’t the smartest of ideas.”
>“Beating people up? Oh no.” Fluttershy exclaims. “We... we could never do that.”
>“Exactly. Rainbow and Applejack aren’t with us anyway.” Rarity jokes as you give her a sharp look.
“Oh please, Rarity. It not like we actively look out for trouble.”
>You say and Sunset follows up with.
>“No, trouble just seems to follow us instead…”
>As the conversation peters out, you continue having Anonymous directions to the high-rise.
>The ugly brown building comes into view as the car swings into a small parking lot in front it.
>Parking the car up, he kills the engine and spins in his seat.
>“Stay here for a moment. I’ll check the place out.”

>He swiftly leaves the car before anyone gets to object and disappears behind some nearby garages.
>Rarity tries the door and it opens.
>“I am surprised. He didn’t lock the doors.”
“We’re not children, you know. He must see that.”
>Rarity peers down through the window to return your gaze.
>“Then, tell me, darling, why is he acting like he’s our bodyguard? It’s not like we can’t look after ourselves.”
>You step out and your feet crunch on fresh snow. Jamming your hat on tighter, you say.
“Maybe he feels some sort of duty or maybe he wants to help us.”
>Sunset gets out and strides over to you. 
>“If you remember, the Principal did say he needed to accompany us but I think it’s goes deeper than that.”
>She points out as she grabs her overcoat.
>“He did say they were friends so maybe he’s trying to impress her. By being some sort of macho man.”
>Before you get the chance to answer, Fluttershy climbs out and says.
>“I don’t think Anonymous would do anything like that. Why can’t he just be doing this out of the goodness of his heart?”
>“Yesterday, you were all but accusing him of being some sort of vicious hunter and now you’re defending him, darling?”
>Rarity quizzes the shy girl and you can’t help but think about what she said in the Principal’s office yesterday, as well as at the end of school. She just didn’t want to get involved with such a man.
>And now, here she is; trying her best to defend someone she barely knows.
>“He did save Rainbow from being attacked by…”
>She stops to take a breath, like she’s struggling with her choice of words.
>“… by such a wicked wolf, which is surprising really considering they live and travel in packs…”
“Fluttershy, we all like your enthusiasm and everything but can you… you know…”
>You interrupt her and with a blush, she concludes.

>“What I mean is that Mr Endeavour is not made from st… stone. Surely, he didn’t do that just to impress the Principal?”
>Rarity just hums in vague agreement as you notice Anonymous walking back with someone else.
>To your dismay, it isn’t Timber but, you assume, it must be Capper.
>He’s wearing a sharp red pea coat and black jeans. A blue beanie hat is jammed on his head, contrasting his brown skin and green eyes.
>“…still don’t like you cut the ponytail, holmes.”
>“Tends change, jefe.”
>“Sellout…”
>They grin to each other as they walk across the parking lot.
>With a clap of his hands and a sly grin, Capper begins.
>“Hello, chicas. Capper’s the name. And charming’s my game.”
>Somehow, he pulls a bunch of roses from his coat and hands them to Rarity.
>With a coquettish giggle, she accepts and admires them.
>“Err, excuse me, Mr Capper, but these are fake.”
>“Of course they are, do you think I can get real ones at this time of the year?”
>Rarity throws them back and with a swift catch, he tucks the roses back into his coat and buttons it back up.
>“Okay. Let’s not get too ahead of ourselves here. Capper, behave yourself, and Rarity, try not to claw out his eyeballs.”
>Anonymous calms the situation down as Rarity just scowls and stares daggers at the smug man.
>So you bravely start the conversation with him, trying not be subdued by his... smooth ways.
>‘C’mon, Twilight. Try not to get lost in his dreamy… eyes…’
“Hello, Mr. Capper. I’m Twilight Sparkle and these are…”
>“I know, chica.”
>Capper interrupts.
>“Tim did tell me he’d be expecting you and your amigos. Although, I’d thought there would be more of you.”
>Shivering in the cold, Sunset sharply points out.
>“We’re not some sort of collective hive mind, Mr. Capper, we have our separative lives. Now please, can we go somewhere warmer?”

>“Si, señora. And Capper is not my surname.”
>He huffs, spins on his heels and quickly saunters off.
>As everyone follows Capper, Anonymous tuts and says.
>“I know it’s cold but was there a reason for your bluntness?”
>“I don’t know. There’s something suspicious about him but I can’t put my finger on it.”
>“You’d find something suspicious in a saint’s sock draw. Now, come on before he gets angry.”
>Anonymous hurries over to Capper. But before you do, Sunset gently grabs your arm.
>“Look, Twilight. I really don’t know about this. I know it’s a cliché to say it but I am getting a bad feeling about this.”
>Her teal eyes were earnest.
>Her hands were tucked into her coat pockets.
“But surely, this is what we’re supposed to be doing?”
>You declare, with Rarity nodding, as you follow behind the two men.
“Helping people out in their hour of need? Whether they are friend or foe?”
>“You’re right but you know…”
>She vacillates.
>“Something strange is going and there’s too many people getting involved. And, dare I say it…”
>Again, she hesitates so you take her shoulder so she can face you.
“Go on, I don’t mind. We don’t keep secrets from each other, do we?”
>Gesturing to both Fluttershy and Rarity, both nodding, hoping to put Sunset at ease. But with an uneasy frown, she says.
>“It’s your recent behaviour. All of your gun-ho attitude, you know? Where has it come from? I am still concerned that it’s Midnight coming back.”
>“M... M… Midnight?”
>Fluttershy stammers out, clutching her hair.
>“Twi… Twilight, she’s not coming back. She can’t come back. Can she?”
>You turn to face the timid girl and with a hug, you reassure Fluttershy.
“I swear it, she’s not coming back.”
>“If you say so, Twilight. It’s just that she was just… so scary…”
“I know, I know. She was scary and I want her to be far away from all of us…”

>“Hey, chicas!”
>Capper shouts, startling you all.
>“Not that I don’t like seeing girls hugging each other, it’s that we have more pressing matters at hand.”
>Looking over your shoulder, you see a seraphic Capper and an embarrassed Anonymous.
>With a nervous chuckle, you two break up and start walking to them again.
>It was getting so cold and because you were being so heavily wrapped-up that every movement was an effort as you all hurry to the door.
>Capper leans on the buzzer and the door clicks open instantly.
>“Ladies first.”
>Obeying his requesting, you lightly smile at him and walk through the threshold.
>A few people were in the lobby as well; two Zebrican women were chatting up a storm as their children, you assume, were running riot.
>You felt envious towards them, but envy was unimportant.
>Timber Spruce and his sister were vital.
>Rarity spies up the metal elevator doors and quickly walks to them. 
>“There’s no point to them, chica. They’re always breaking down.”
>Capper points out, standing on the stairs.
>“Have you contacted the maintenance man?” Rarity asks, “it’s just that I hate to walk up all those steps.”
>“Not my job, chica.” Capper answers. “It’s her’s.”
>Pointing to one of the Zebricans, he shouts.
>“Hey, Zurana! You getting the elevator fixed?”
>The slimmer of the two women turns around and just tuts at the young man.
>“Shut up, fool! You know I’m top of it!”
>“You’re always on top of something, alright…” Capper murmurs.
>“What was that, pencil dick?” She hollers back, unconcerned about who’s listening.
>“Nothing, sweetie.” He sweetly intones.
>“It better be…” She warns and she turns back to her companion.
>“See what I mean? C’mon, I live on the fifth floor, it’s not much a walk.”
>With a nod, you all follow him up the steps. As you all climb, you ask Capper.
“How long as Tim been staying with you, Capper? He never said anything to me.”

>“Sunday night. I had to drive out to pick him up, Twilight. He was very freaked out by what happened.”
“Why? What happened?”
>You query, only for Capper to shake his head.
>“Timber is better at explaining it. He’s good at telling stories.”
>Rolling your eyes, you continue in silence.
>Going through the fifth-floor door, you see what life in the projects is really like.
>‘Those police documentaries weren’t lying…’
>A long narrow corridor, painted in a basic white and covered with graffiti, stretches in both directions. The only light are from the flickering light tubes on the ceiling.
>Noises range from thumping pipes, buzzing lights and shouting from the apartments.
>“I wouldn’t worry about the screaming.” Capper points out as he sauntered to his apartment, “the feds have been called constantly.”
>You all reach Apartment No. 516. The door was locked. Capper unbuttoned his coat, took out his key, and opened the door.
>“Apologies for the state of the apartment. I wasn’t exactly expecting guests…”
>But Capper’s home was remarkably clean, especially considering he has roommates.
>One of them was sat on the couch, in front of a massive flat-screen, playing a video game.
>Which immediately enraptures the gaming-obsessed Sunset.
>“Ooo! Is this Triek’s Revenge?”
>“Shush!” She hushes Sunset as she continues to jab away at the controller.
>“Don’t worry about her. That’s Lynx; the love of my life.”
>“I said ‘shush’, damnit!” Lynx curses. “Dah! Idiots! Now I lost!”
>Lynx throws the controller over your heads as everyone ducks and lands with a crunch somewhere.
>“Now, I’m getting abuse from this little pendejo for losing.” Lynx says as she takes off the headphones, “Capper, can you deal with him?”
>Clicking his fingers, she hands them to him as you hear incoherent tinny-sounding squeaking.
“What is going…”
>You question as Capper puts his finger to his lips and walks to the television set.

>“Yeah, who’s this? ‘FlyingBurritoBro’? Yeah, that’s really no way to talk to a lady, pendejo. Oh, you wanna fight me? Don’t you worry, I’ll find you in real life, hiding in your momma’s basement, like the pussy you are. I’ll kick your ass so hard; you’ll wear it as a hat. I’ll break your arms off and shove them…”
>As Capper cusses out the other gamer, you lean over to Sunset and whisper.
“I think someone needs a lesson in friendship.”
>“Yeah, exactly.” Sunset observes, “I dealt with foul-mouthed teenagers, they’re not very pleasant.”
“What? I meant him; swearing like a drunk uncle.”
>“You gotta fight fire with fire sometimes, Twilight.”
>“…and I’ll make you my bitch! There we go, job well done.”
>Capper removes the squealing headphones and hands them back to Lynx.
>“I hope I don’t get banned, Cap. So, what’s with the chicas and their sugar daddy?”
>Lynx stands up to greet a bunch of annoyed faces.
>“Was it something I said?”
“We are here for Timber.”
>“To take him away from this God-awful dive as well.”
>Rarity adds, getting frowns from the homeowners.
>“Hey! There’s nothing with this ‘dive’, dar-ling!”
>Lynx sasses back to Rarity.
>Anticipating a cat-fight, Anonymous steps in. Literally, as he walks into the space between the two girls.
>“Alright, alright. Calm down. Capper, can you get Timber before all hell breaks loose?”
>“There’s no need, I’m already here.” A young man yawns. “I heard raised voices, Capper.”
>Wearing a simple T-shirt and lounge pants, he staggers in the main room, like his sleep was interrupted, and rubs his eyes open.
“Timber!”
>You exclaim.
“You’re okay!”
>“Twi? Is that you? Oh gosh, it is as well!”
>‘Always the optimist…’
“Hi, Tim…”
>You shyly purr.
>‘Dammit, Twilight….’
>You think and quickly shake it off.
>Naturally, you’re anxious to return Tim’s wayward eyes from your self to the matter at hand. 

>So, you try to suppress the smouldering cinders of your relationship with Timber but his wandering eyes warming the embers up.
>With the silence dragging in a little too long, Sunset bravely steps into the breach.
>“Not that I want to break up this touching face-to-face reunion but Twilight, don’t we have more important things to discuss?”
“Yea… yeah, we do…”
>You mutter so with an exacerbated sigh, Sunset sweetly asks to the adults.
>“Err… guys, can you give a little room, please?”
>“I dunno, bacon hair, this is our…”
>Lynx folds her arms and starts to get cute and you half-expect Capper to follow suit but he actually wrapped his arms around her and whispers something in her ear. With a scowl, she mumbles about getting a shower and walks off.
>“Hey, holmes? Wanna help me sort out my truck? I think we’ll be needing it for a road trip.”
>“What do you mean?” Anonymous asks, “A road trip?”
>“Do you really think you can get everyone in your car? Please…” Capper gloats as he leads Anon out the apartment.
>As the two men walk out, you turn your attention back to Timber and, lordy! He looks so different now!
>He looked pale and tired. He needed a good haircut, a shave and plenty of bedrest.
>‘I bet Rarity is thinking up a storm too. About his outfit, anyway. Fluttershy must be concerned too.’
>Sitting down with Timber on the couch, he leans back into his seat and rubs his face again.
>“Thanks for coming, Twilight. I really…”
>He takes your hand into his, shocking you a little but you don’t take it away.
>“Really appreciate this. Ooh boy, where to begin…”
>With a sympathetic hand on his shoulder, Rarity gently encourages the poor Timber.
>“Like with all good stories, darling. From the beginning.”
>“I’m sorry, Rarity, but there’s nothing good about this story.”

>Cracking his knuckles, he looks to you again with those soft puppy-dog eyes… and dower smile.
>“You will believe me, Twi, won’t you? It doesn’t matter what I say, you will believe me?”
>Locking your fingers tighter, you assure him.
“Of course I will, Tim. Of course.”
>Scratching that fuzz of facial hair he has; he finally begins his story.
>“Ever since we closed Camp Everfree, Gloriosa and me have been living at a trailer park in a town called Coltram. It’s one of those university town not far from here. Anyway, Glory was left bitter and angry once it had all finished. She never said anything to me but I knew she was planning something.”
>“Planning something?” Sunset asks, “what do you mean?”
>Without answering, he reaches over to the coffee table and grabs the tablet on it.
>Booting it up, he presses the screen a few times and loads up the web browser app.
>“Here, I got it bookmarked. She visited this blog site a lot recently.”
> ‘In Search For The Zone’
“What the hay?...”
>He hands you the tablet and starts chewing on his fingernails.
>It’s an online blog and image-sharing site that details the… ‘supernatural and paranormal happenings around the city of Canterlot.’
>Browsing the sub-categories and you find several images that rouses your suspicious.
>Although, admittedly, they are nothing more than photoshopped images and blurred pictures of wild animals.
>Until you click onto a link that makes your stomach drop.
“Err… girls, I think you need to look at this.”
>You say as you pass the tablet around.
>“Oh my…” Fluttershy squeaks.
>“Oh goodness gracious.” Rarity frets.
>But when gets Sunset gets the device, she just stares and flicks through the pictures. Pictures of the ‘incidents’ at the high school.
>“Oh dear…” She finally says.
“Yeah…”
>You add.

>“Look, just because our… undertakings have been documented doesn’t mean anything. Look, some of these photographs are just pathetic.
>Sunset tries to reassure you all.
>“That’s all it is. Blurred pictures, it could it anything. Besides, it’s was stupid to think anyway that we could go on without something like this happening anyway.”
>She carries on flicking through the blog’s pictures, totally unconvinced.
“Yeah, it’s not like anyone in authority has been asking about us. Crazies and kooks are one thing but federal authorities? Police officers? School inspectors even?”
>You point out, hoping smoothing out Sunset’s unease.
>She hands the tablet back to you, and Timber concedes.
>“Yeah, Glory was big on trying to find out all what she could about the seven of you and your ‘abilities’, so to speak. She found the blog and got into contact with some of the posters.
“Posters?”
>You enquire and scroll through one of the blog’s chat-rooms.
>“There’s two of them that I can find; ‘Moonage_Daydream12’ and ‘Magnifico_Montage_xoxo’. Glory’s username is ‘EverfreeDaisy’ if you’re wondering.
“Moonage Daydream? Sounds familiar to me…”
>You think on, trawling through your mind. But Fluttershy has an answer.
>“It’s a… a song by Ziggy Stardust, if you’re won… wondering. You see, my mom likes a lot of music from the seventies and I know she likes him…”
>She explains with Sunset nodding.
>“So maybe it might be someone we know who likes classic rock music?”
>“Actually, I might have an answer, darlings.” Rarity pipes in, tapping away on her phone. “I typed it into Pongle and after links for that song Fluttershy graciously pointed out, I found some MyStable and Bleeter accounts with that name. I couldn’t find much for the other name though, no social media accounts, you see.”
>With some more taps, Rarity lists off some names.
>“Moonlight Hazel… Night Twister… Lunar Stream… Moon Dancer…”

>You quickly butt in.
“Wait! Moon Dancer? There’s a name I haven’t heard in a long time.”
>“You know her?” Timber asks.
“Yeah, we went to the same elementary school and were friends but soon lost touch. I know she goes to Crystal Prep but we moved in different circles when I was there. I have no idea how she knows about Equestrian magic.”
>“Crystal Prep…” Sunset mutters, “there it is again. We need to know more about what’s going on there.”
>“Well, Shimmy, that’s only half the story. Glory was mixed up in some serious business in Coltram but, mind you, it’s not like I’m totally innocent either. But she got involved in some… local underworld characters and I think they… or got someone to…”
>With a deep sigh, Timber goes quiet and blinks away the tears forming.
“Tim… it’s okay. You’re with friends now.”
>A warm smile grows on your face.
>Your lock your fingers again with his.
>“I’m sorry, Twi. It’s still hurts, you know. I should have done something that night but…”
>“What actually happened, Timber. If you want to talk about it.”
>Sunset prods the upset Timber, wiping away the tears from his eyes.
>“It was after a busy Sunday and I was walking back to the trailer we shared and I saw a suspicious car parked nearby. And I noticed the fella sat in it; a white guy, chain-smoking. Never seen him before but I knew he was a bad guy.”
>“He wasn’t, by any chance, our white guy?” Sunset gently hints.
>“That guy? No, this guy in the car had hair. And taller too because he got the car as I walked into the trailer and I heard Glory shouting and screaming. I tried getting in but I got knocked out. The next thing I knew I was inside the trashed trailer and the car was gone.”

>He sighes deeply again and Fluttershy passes him her hankie.
>Loudly, almost comically, blowing his nose, he mutters a ‘thanks’ and hands it back to a mortified Flutters.
>“I tried finding her and that car that night but I couldn’t.”
“What kind of car was it? I don’t know the brands of cars but anything can be useful.”
>You ask but he rubs his neck.
>“I dunno.” He admits after a pause, “It was a big, blue station wagon. Foreign-looking, I think.”
“These things can be useful for the sheriffs to know. They can find this car and maybe catch the ones who did this to Gloriosa.”
>You point out, with Timber nodding.
“We gotta take you to the sheriffs in Coltram, you know. They must know that you’re innocent because I don’t think they just want to break the bad news to you, Tim.”
>“Yeah, I know.” He says vaguely. “I wanna see my uncle first though. He needs to know the bad news too.”
>Fluttershy nods while putting her used handkerchief in a nearby bin.
>“Th… this kind of news is bet… better broken by a family member, not by the police. And definitely not by that mean Sheriff.”
>Everyone nods, as the front door opens again. Both Capper and Anonymous were carrying cardboard boxes. “And when I found him,” Capper says, putting his down by the door, “he looked like a Belsen Camp victim on a hunger strike. Tell you, holmes, those boondock towns are crazy places.”
>“No shit.” Anon mumbles. He looks to you and the rest on the couch and splutters, “Is everything okay here? I’m getting that funny vibe in here.”
“No, no. It’s okay, Anonymous. Tim was just… telling us his story.”
>“And it’s a strange one, isn’t it, chica?”
>“And it’s also one he needs to tell to the sheriffs as well, darling. And it’s something we’d better be doing now so if you excuse us…”
>Rarity rather snootily point out but Capper shushes her.
>“Hang on there, chica. I’m coming with you.”
>“Yeah, he is.” Anonymous follows up with, “my car isn’t big enough to fit everyone in but Capper’s truck is. And with the weather set to be getting worse.”
>Capper smugly smiles again.
>‘Damn that smile…’
>“Yeah, lemme put on some proper clothes first before we go, okay?”
>And with that, he pats you on the shoulder and walks off.
>The minute hand of the wall clock in front gives an convulsive twitch and clunks near to eleven o’clock and starts looking at it.
>“Capper, I think it’s best we do this by ourselves. No offense to you but…”
>Sunset mildly presses on while zipping up her jacket but Capper smoothly but firmly says.
>“I’ve known Tim longer than you girls have, no offense, of course. I know he wants to see Woody and I know the best way up there. I’m coming too. I wanna know you ain’t stitching him up”
>“Sunset, it’s for the best.” Anon says sharply, “let’s not bite the hands that feeds us.”
>With a harrumph, Sunset stuffs her hands in her pockets.
“Come on, Shimmy.”
>You pled with the obstreperous girl. You jump off the couch, excited for another adventure, and pat her shoulder and smile.
“I mean what’s the worst that could happen?”
>But the pessimistic Sunset says.
>“Don’t say that.”

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