My Friend Ditzy

by WeirdBeard

Chapter 4- Conundrum

Twenty minutes had already passed since Ditzy's take-off with Abby. I was just as surprised as my ol' friend about the sudden flight. After a few moments of straining to see where they went, I ventured back inside. They would make it back eventually, so I might as well have something ready for them. Besides, there was too much cloud cover to keep watch.

I chuckled over the thought of the two flying together. Abby was probably screaming at the top of her lungs. She most certainly was a timid lass, not one for anything drastic. I bet the most exhilarating thing she had ever done was drive one mile faster than the speed limit. Now she's free-flying at high altitudes on a pegasus! Ha!

I opened the fridge and retrieved a small keg from within. High quality, blow off yer britches, one of a kind, delicious apple cider. Fresh made from the town orchard; ya can't go wrong with supporting local. Okay, it wasn't anything hard, but do you think I'm going to go out drinking at my age? Don't answer that, I'm not old.

Just as soon as I poured out three mugs of cider, I heard a loud rustling crash from outside. Three guesses who that was. I stole a glance through the kitchen window and, sure enough, Ditzy and Abby were now entangled in those lousy bushes. They were both safe and unharmed; the same couldn't be said for the bushes. If I was lucky enough, those worthless excuses for plants would be destroyed by the end of the week.

I finally made my exit from the kitchen out onto the porch. "Looks like you two had fun!" I jokingly hollered.

Abby pushed herself up from the foliage and shot a determined glare at me. "You! You insane, foolish old man!" she shouted.

"Hey, I may be two of those things, but you have just as much time on ya as I do. Ditzy was only trying to help. You did say you needed some air," I chortled.

Abby's cheeks reddened; whether from embarrassment or frustration I couldn't tell. Probably the latter, call it a hunch. "The nerve! Why I ought to throw you into the lake!" she retorted and forcefully poked my chest. A dull thud echoed from where Abby touched and she immediately clutched her fingers in pain. Ah, she found the sweet spot.

"Careful young 'un, you're gonna hurt yourself more than me," I joked. She had jammed her fingers on a small, metal plate surgically attached in my chest. Courtesy of an enemy grenade from many years ago. Sure itched like a banshee some days, but it was always a good laugh for security. Poor rookie guards never saw me coming.

"You and your stupid war injuri-" she paused, both of us noticing Ditzy's giggling. "What's so funny?" Abby accusingly asked.

Ditzy kept laughing, but managed to reply, "You two!"

We were both about to question Ditzy further, but her laughter continued even more. Suffice it to say, it was pretty infectious and reminiscent of innocent fun. Just the kind of thing Abby needed as she somehow joined in as well. I followed suit after a while and all of us were chuckling for several minutes. It had been a long time since I had a good laugh like that. It does the body good to experience that every once in a while.

Still chuckling, I placed the mugs on the porch steps and beckoned for the two to sit and partake. Ditzy sniffed, barely catching the faint aroma of the cider. Her happiness seemed to amplify even more as she dashed toward the beverage and took a quick sip. "Mmmm!!! I love cider!" she joyfully announced.

Abby remained where she stood and bit her lip. It was a bit obvious that something else was on her mind. She crossed her arms together, shifting her gaze down at the ground. "Don't tell me you're suddenly allergic to apples," I said with a smile.

"I-" she began, but sighed lightly. "I just can't believe this is really happening. I'm sorry I was impolite; all of it seemed so..."

"Impossible?" Ditzy responded. Her answer surprised both of us. She trotted forward a few steps. "I'm sorry, too. I never meant for any of this to happen and-"

I raised my hand to stop her unnecessary apology. "The one charm of the past is that it's past. What's important is that we're here now, safe and sound," I explained.

"That was rather profound, Cecil," Abby replied somberly.

I chuckled and drank a swig of my remaining cider. "Figures a fortune cookie would finally come in handy."

Abby quietly laughed and grabbed her mug at last. We sat in momentary silence and methodically drank. "So... what happens now?" she asked.

Ditzy glanced over at me and awaited my response as well. I inhaled deeply, taking in the rich scents of the forest. I answered, "We do whatever it takes to get our friend home."

Two weeks had passed since Ditzy's arrival. During that time, we spent many hours researching and reviewing how she had come to our world. Abby and I would alternate trips into town to get food and more books to help our cause. It was decided that it was best that Ditzy stay incognito for her safety. Besides, it was best to get her back to her home as quick as possible with not too many setbacks. Thankfully she didn't question this and simply trusted us.

Unfortunately, none of our efforts were paying off. This should have been expected, though, as there really was nothing to go off of in these circumstances. Definitely would make an interesting "_____ for Dummies" book though. Ditzy didn't seem to mind the delay; her patience was rather astonishing. That could be attributed to the fact that, on her fourth day, she 'had a feeling' that one of her friends was watching her daughter. In the meantime, the cabin was soon dominated completely by the smell of muffins that she cooked. Nothing much else for her to do aside from the occasional, short flight. Abby and I continued in our promise to her, trying everything possible to help.

It was another ordinary morning when there was a knock at the door. The sound disrupted my reading and surprised me as well. Even though Abby had departed earlier for supplies, she would have just entered instead of knocking. This was someone else. I motioned to Ditzy, who was equally confused, to hide upstairs. We had planned ahead in case there was a visitor like this; just to be safe. When I was sure there was nothing visibly suspicious, I opened the front door.

"Mr. Evans," a formally-dressed man addressed me. It wasn't so much a question as it was a statement, as if my name was mud to him. He was accompanied by two large guards behind him, both of them sporting out-of-place, black security vests. They eyed me warily while their boss crossed his arms behind his back. This intruder maintained an emotionless stare at me and waited for my response. His very demeanor emulated despise and cruelty for his fellow man. I wasn't one for judging a book by its cover, but the businessman sure wasn't making a good first impression.

"Who wants to know?" I inquired.

His guards shifted their weight anxiously. He glanced back at them for a brief moment before responding. "My name is Darian Stokes, but we can discuss more of that inside your home. Time is very valuable to me and I'm in a hurry."

This was becoming more and more shady. "I'm not buying anything if that's what you're here for," I replied.

"Believe me, Mr. Evans, I am not selling anything. I've invested a great sum of resources into what you and I both know about," he coolly stated. My answer seemed to irk this Darian character quite a bit. He inhaled deeply and straightened himself. His icy blue eyes revealed that he wasn't in the mood to waste time. "Please let us enter."

I shrugged to feign innocence. "Can't say I know what you're talking about. Now I'd appreciate it if you would kindly vacate yourselves off my porch," I requested. I turned to close the door, but Darian's foot against the doorstop impeded the action.

"I'm asking nicely. Even if you don't allow us in through here, we'll come in forcefully. You don't want that. Now... let us in," he coldly commanded.

Every logical thought I had told me that this was bad. Clearly things would not end well. However, it was beginning to shape up that I didn't have a choice. Better to play along until I could throw in my own screwball. I opened the door for them.

Darian slowly walked across the guest room with his guards in tow. With their backs turned to me, I slipped an audio-recorder into my pocket and followed. Darian sat down on my chair, not aiding his reputation with me again, and swept a hand through his slicked-back, black hair. "Lovely home you have here," he complimented. It came off rather sarcastically, heavy with indifference. "Duncan, be a dear and get us water while Mr. Evans seats himself."

The bulkier guard retreated to the kitchen and proceeded with his task. The other crony stared at me until I sat down on the sofa. While these meat-heads were endowed with plenty of brawn, the same couldn't be said of their intellect. With a bit of patience, I was sure I'd be able to uncover a solution for this predicament.

"I see you're a fan of mine," Darian stated. He picked up a newspaper off the coffee table. The particular article featured a cover story of him and his accomplishments. The same story I had used as an example when explaining humans to Ditzy. "Not hard to see, I am a big deal after all. Some say I'm the greatest humanitarian alive." His voice remained devoid of inflection and emotion.

I shook my head. "Far from it; I wouldn't admire someone who does what they do to gloat. You're more concerned about your time anyway, what do you want?"

"Come now, we won't get anywhere with petty insults. But you are correct, this matter is of urgency. There have been too many failures with this particular branch of research," he said, leaning back into my chair.

"...beg pardon?" I asked curiously.

Mr. Stokes rubbed at his temples. "I won't bother your feeble mind with details. It was supposed to be quick and easy, this project of mine. Alas, I'm surrounded by incompetent fools. One buffoon ruined an academy for writers that I organized, some others desecrated my psychiatric hospital, and this latest expenditure was almost a failure as well. However, my intellect found a solution and lead us here. Quite clever, I must say."

"Jiminy, you're really full of yourself and these boring stories. I thought that was my role with being elderly," I retorted with a chuckle. 'Duncan' snickered at the joke, but a quick glare from Darian silenced him.

Darian leaned forward and turned his glare towards me. "Funny. Like I said before, Mr. Evans, it's in your best interests that you cooperate. You have something of mine and I want it."

"Sorry kid, I believe you're mistaken," I replied with an equal glare.

The businessman continued staring, not blinking even when he snapped his fingers. The smaller guard pulled out a small pistol and placed it in Darian's open hand. Darian pointed the weapon at me. Aw hell no.

"Two weeks ago, I activated a machine that could teleport beings from other dimensions to our world. It was perfect in every way because I designed it. The initial tests were a success and I decided to take the next step further. I won't waste time explaining my brilliant plan on your idle thoughts, so I'll just get to the point. An unforeseeable storm caused a glitch on both ends of the receiver and somehow sent it here," Darian explained.

I shook my head. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Darian arose from the chair and cocked his pistol. "Where is the pegasus?"

...crap. Figures that this slime-ball brought Ditzy here. God knew for what exactly, but it didn't take a rocket scientist to see that it wasn't anything good. I had to keep playing stupid for her sake. "A what-now?"

He breathed deeply, turning his back to me. He suddenly whirled back around and pistol-whipped me! Back in the day, the blow wouldn't have even phased me. Unfortunately, Father Time had caught up with me and was merciless in how painful the impact was. An immediate gash formed itself from where he struck my forehead and proceeded to bleed. I reeled back in pain as he towered over my figure.

"WHERE-" he loudly shouted and punched me with his closed fist. "IS-" *thud!* "THE" *thud!* "PEGASUS?!"

His blows ceased for a moment to let me answer. I took the moment to regain my composure and breathing. Ohh, past me would have kicked the tar out of him. Yet, here I was on the receiving end. "You're wasting your time, I'm the only one here."

Darian sneered. "Duncan! Hold him up!" he commanded authoritatively. I felt myself being pulled to my feet and forcefully turned to face my attacker. "Stop lying to me, I know it's here. It's just a wild animal, old man. Are you really willing to die for it?!"

"Her," I defiantly responded. "And yes. She has more heart than you'll ever have. She's a mother, and... she's my friend."

The businessman snarled at me. "Then you really are a fool," he accused. He reared his fist back once more.

"NO!" a terrified shout surprised us. I looked up to see Ditzy near the doorway. She was shaking in fear, much like the first time I saw her. This was the motivation I needed.

"Get it!" Darian yelled. With the distraction in place, I used my new-found surge of adrenaline to my advantage. I quickly lifted my back heel in between Duncan's legs. Poor sap didn't come fully prepared, the kick dropped him to the floor. "RUN DITZY!"

My shout awoke her from her momentary fright and she bolted away. To our dismay, the other guard pounced in time to tackle her. I rushed over to lift him off, but felt a sharp punch near the small of my back. I fell forward onto the floor as Darian walked over me. "Enough, Mr. Evans. You've lost."

"Uhhh, boss? This thing's gray, not blue. It doesn't have a horn either," stated the guard holding Ditzy. She struggled in his grasp while he unsuccessfully tried to place a muzzle on her.

"Very astute observation, dimwit! It doesn't matter! Time is of the essence and we must depart!" Darian exclaimed.

The trio stomped toward the exit. I pushed myself up and ran to stop them. Darian turned in a flash and fired his pistol point-blank. The resulting shot propelled me back into the wall and smacked my head against the hard wood.

"CECIL!" I heard Ditzy cry out, before everything faded into blackness.

Strange, I couldn't remember the cabin ever being this bright. It seemed like there was a mini sun inside the living room. I stood up with a feeling of ease. Almost too easy. I looked down at my body and realized that I was younger. Much, much younger.

"Cecil?" an all-too-familiar voice asked.

I glanced around until my eyes met Rose. She looked exactly like the day I meant her. So full of life and kindness. "Is it really you?" I asked.

Rose approached me slowly and smiled. "I've missed you so much," she said and hastily wrapped her arms around my torso.

I placed my arms around her shoulders and drew her closer. "I missed you, too," I replied. We stood there in embrace for several minutes until I asked, "Am I-?"

"No. That big idiot shot at your spot," she stated and knocked on my small chest plate. I glanced down and saw the small indent from the bullet. "You have to stop him, Cecil. He's done so many cruel things and he won't stop with Ditzy. Her daughter needs her."

I sighed. "How, Rose? We saw how well I stopped him from taking her."

"I think it's time to call in those favors that your squad owes you," Rose suggested. She stared lovingly at me. "You can do it. Save Ditzy."

I was about to respond, but an unclear voice quietly echoed around us. I looked about and then back at her. "Will I see you again?"

"Absolutely," she replied and placed her hand on my cheek. "I'll keep our spot warm."

The voice echoed louder this time, "Cecil?"

"I love you, Rose."

"I love you, Cecil."

The scene began to fade away.

"Cecil?" the voice asked again. I opened my eyes to see Abby leaning over me. "What happened?"

I arose rather quickly, surprising her a bit. "There's not much time to explain; the man responsible for bringing Ditzy here found us and kidnapped her."

Abby gasped and placed a hand over her mouth. "What do we do?"

"I need to make some calls. We're going to find and rescue her," I replied as I walked over to the phone. "And then..." I paused to look back at her.

"I'm gonna kick that punk's ass."

A/N: Ohohohoho, Cecil is my new favorite hero. EVER. I hope you're just as excited as I am to see him throw down. He's got the eye of the tiger! Also, I couldn't resist inserting those subtle details about Darian. The flow in writing this chapter was so much easier than in the previous, everything worked out just swell. Thanks so much for reading and keep on rocking. Be sure to stay tuned for the stunning conclusion!