A week had passed since the duos’ day of fun and freedom. A dreary, empty compilation of days compared to the one moment of festivities that they had had. Now everything seemed boring. Bland even. Neither of them wanted to do much, because they both knew that they were back to work. It wasn’t fun and games anymore, but time for seriousness and business.
“Mercury?” The young filly floated over to her brother, setting down on the couch next to him. He had been busy filling out paperwork for their boss, and didn’t necessarily have the time to chat. A simple grunt of question was all he gave her in response, not daring to take his eyes off of the important files before him.Her question was short and simple. “May I go outside and play?”
Mercury stole a quick glance at his sister and gave her a hug, nodding. “Just make sure to be back inside in a few minutes. It’s getting chilly out again.” Setting a small kiss on her forehead, he let her free, casting her away playfully. She rushed from the home, into the crisp fall air outside.
~~~
Mercury had gotten lost in his work, losing track of time thereafter. Without noticing, seconds had turned into minutes, and minutes into hours. All the while, the door had not opened once. His sister had not retired to the house.
~~~
“Let go of me!” The filly struggled in the magical grip of the mare before her, being lifted ever so higher into the air. She could feel her wings being pressed against her slender frame, the grip tightening with every kick and jerk of her body. Magic wasn’t alien to the filly, as she had grown up around her unicorn brother, but this magic didn’t seem gentle compared to his. It felt malicious and harmful. She struggled to breathe as the magic dug into her ribs, carrying her away from the neighborhood.
No mare, stallion, or filly had seen what happened. Quik’s captor had seen to that. A simple shimmer spell had made it seem as if nopony was there, or had ever been there. The ground was just as empty as it had been all day…
~~~
Mercury finished up his work, staring up at the tower of paper before him. “Well, that’s finally over with..” He let out a small yawn, standing up and stretching. His hooves ached from the monotonous work, the silence all around him being broken only by the old grandfather clock in the hall. Odd, He thought, Why don’t I hear Quik? It was a rather odd thing to have such a lack of noise in his house. Quik was usually always making a ruckus, tossing around a ball, playing with the odd assortment of toys she owned, and generally making a mess of the peace and quiet he desired.
“Sis?” The white stallion’s voice echoed through the halls of his home, and was his only reply. “Are you taking a bath or something?” He took a few soft steps to the stairs, climbing them quietly. “Quik?” Reaching the landing, he stood before the door of the bathroom. Leading a hoof to the knob, he turned it and pushed. She wasn’t there.
Mercury’s heart began to thump lightly in his chest. It’s okay. He thought to himself, grasping for an answer. She probably went to bed early, what with all her horseplay in the yard. A thought struck him though. He had heard her leave, but never had he heard her return. His heart began to thunder, the blood roaring in his ears as he quickly paced to her room, throwing the door open without hesitation. The room was empty, as the one before had been.
“No…” He shook his head in disbelief. “She has to be here somewhere. She has to!” Rushing from the room, the stallion held back tears. He tore apart the house, throwing open doors and rushing to old hiding spots from when she was smaller. Every single one was empty, tearing his heart to smaller and smaller pieces with every disappointment. She was gone, and there was nothing he could do about it.
No. There was something he could do about it. It was his duty to protect her, and he wasn’t about to just give up on her. He was going to find her, no matter what the cost. He knew he wouldn’t be able to live with himself if she was never found.
~~~
The mare carried the unconscious filly on her back, the small body’s chest rising and falling in an uneven tempo. “She’s been having breathing troubles since the struggle, Sir.” She used her magic to set the filly down on the large, plush chair across from the sea-blue stallion across from her. He gave Quik a momentary glance before returning his attention to the mare before him, nodding softly.
“It will be taken care of, Miss Opal.” He let out a soft sigh, shaking his head. “I’ll see to it that I get somepony to check her out. You are dismissed.”
The mare shuffled about anxiously at the doorway, as if waiting for something. She took a moment to clear her throat, glancing up at him. “Umm, Sir? My payment?”
“Oh, right.” The old stallion began to rummage through his desk, retrieving a small sack of bits before tossing them to the unicorn. “There you go, Miss Opal. And please, don’t call me ‘Sir’.” He gave her a bit of a wistful smile, winking. “Call me ‘Uncle Shears.’”