> The Chaser: Secret of Golden Oak Library
>  by FaithRomeyer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Prologue: "Happy" Birthday Party
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The name's Hawk Kevan, originally brought up by my dad, an Australian fisherman until he took up his writer job and made my family a big trip going to New York and since then, he has been making lots of dough by going full time on publishing his short stories and novels.
Roughly 9 years have passed. Sometimes, my old pals still get into contact with me. They said they were going to join the big crew on their water, going on one of those ocean adventure while I get to work on my assignment. That's High School life for everyone. 




Saturday, October 3rd

My afternoon list is to finish class, head to town and choose something nice for James and Dan. Tomorrow both of my kid brothers are going to turn 7, twins, same day same hour and twice the hassle to prepare the party. With all that's been on my mind recently, it doesn't take long to end my irratation about the trip my friends got a place on.
Fishing and catching fresh water animals still get my blood going. Old habit never seem to die. I find lakes, wetlands and rivers from time to time around here, on my worn motorbike. Mostly for the feel as well as to take a breather, I'm always happy to get my hands into one of my old treasures. 
Granted, if I caught something nice, it'd go straight to my home, be it the menu dish or the tank. Each year, I made sure to bring at least one for my grands, my parents and my little bros. Birthday presents are the most precious when someone works hard for it, don't you think? Doesn't apply to my little James and Dan it seems, that's what has been bugging my mind. 



Last year, they sounded less happy than they usually were with my chow and as soon as they were done eating, both legs sprinted out of the table and into their room, back into the giant TV to continue the widescreen DVD special edition marathon gotten from the old man. My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic the cartoon show, intended for kids and made quite a large fandom consisted of the good and the bad. Basically a thing for the Internet to make fun of and I can only hope that it doesn't taint their innocence. 
I discussed this issue with my parents but...as typical respond from any parents, they just assumed that everything would be okay if they were be careful. How okay? No one knew. And my grands, he and she lost the battle against those little puppies' eyes in a second.
In case you haven't figured it out yet, my mom and my dad are big fans of the show, starting from the CD he bought for my bros. Brony and pegasister, a lifelong couple they are. Everybody in the house watched the pony friendship so of course I gave it a try, just to see how different they were from the overflowing meme and so forth. 


I simply can't get into the show, it's not that I didn't enjoy it. If I were to watch this cartoon when I was a kid then maybe I would find a way to become their hardcore fan. For now, not much but I'm planning to. After all, it was an exciting year for my lovely family and I wanted to be a part of it next time. I thought that I just need to get the Australian wildlife out of my system for a while and I might have been onto their set. 
For starter, I've asked if any of my friends were bronies and sure there were some, but their advices were a little disappointing.

"Just watch it and you'll love it!!" I didn't and still don't.

"Welcome to the herd, Hawky!" Hated the name and whatever crap they were playing.

Nonetheless, I spent a solid month trying to get to the bottom of the show and still, nothing came. The plot was always so cheesy, so happy and so cute that I couldn't stand it. I even tried to become a brony wannabe to join in their conversion on the forum in hope for some interesting fact that might change my viewpoint...Thinking back, probably the stupidest thing I've ever done in my entire life.
Before long, I found myself slumped by the idea. High School and Fishing Club management got back into my schedule and I kept on throwing the net and the rod. Then their birthday came and hit me hard.



I make a stop to every pony toy merchandise store I find and so far, I'm drawing a blank. I don't know what's nice and what'd outright point me out that I'm a total horse-loving freak, one of the lessons learned from that forum chat. Could either buy one of those foreign-dubbed CD collections like my dad did or maybe like my mom, a coloring book.
...Gotta shake it out of my head. I'd put the money on none of them, they wouldn't like it as much. This is my little brothers' special day and as the oldest sibling, I should do my job properly myself. 
I try to focus more on their school, their playmates to make the right choice. What would kid be interested in these day? In an alternative, boys like videogame and sport but nothing of that sort could be found in this genre. Only MLP trading cards option left unlooked, that should do it. 
Not in any place to come up with anything better, I throw the money over their counters. Been saving for half a year, I got more than enough. 2 big packs with over 50 cards, cute designs and hot on the market. I pass people, parents and their children happily clutching them like invaluable treasures, their faces brimming with smiles and happiness. 


Wish I could be like them.




Sunday, October 4th. 6PM

Mom and grandma' cooking, 2 bowls of eel soups and 5 sets of stuffed eel eggrolls, wrapped up most of my catch. Johning them are steaks, mince meats, hot stew in brown potatoes with cold salad dishes and the last, my dear porgies baked in foil packets. 
Kind of disappointing I didn't get anything big this year but oh well, nothing could go through the professionals without looking delicious and irresistible. They finished all the good grubs with a large cake at the center, a nice touch for the part everyone need to focus to. And that includes my relatives and classmates of the main characters. Soft drinks, beers, party poppers and balloons...Might need some music instead of this chattering. Time to blow it up!!!
"Happy Birthday to you~ Happy Birthday to you~"
Altogether by the dinner table, we sing the song people know and love. A long waited moment for the whole house to have something to celebrate. It always does my heart a good feeling to cover for my vocal chord, I certainly am the worst on special occasion like this.

"Happy Birthday James!" 

"Happy Birthday Danny!" 

Bet that make them feel pretty arkward and embarrassed, speaking from experience. But then again maybe it was just me.



...Why am I getting the sudden feeling of Déjà vu? Did I mess it up again, right on the day they were looking forward to the most?
James and Dan don't look so good, a mixed expression between excitement for the birthday and upset for my present. Did they not like the food or...? No, that can't be it. They both were drooling over the table when we arrived and I'm sure as hell it hasn't came to the unwrapping part yet.
Living under the same roof doesn't mean me and my bros are best buddies but it gotta counts for something, and that is the look in their eyes. I don't read people well but I know when they're trying to hide something from me, something bad, which is not a very common sight for 7 year-olds. The carefree attitude of theirs has been replaced with worry and concern too now that I have noticed. 
Since when? They were still looking normal just minutes ago. What do they have to feel so uneasy about, lost a dare to one of their friends maybe? Bearing that thought in mind, I begin to follow each of their conversations. 

"Jake and Colin still haven't came home yet?" Dan's talking to every of their friends in particular I'm assuming.. His tone comes out more like he's mumbling to himself. "James...Do you think?"

"..." James turns pale at his brother's question. "What-what's happened to the tree?"

"I don't know."

"Have you talked to Princess Celestia about this?"

"You didn't remember? We couldn't!

What kids talk like this? Who the hell are Jake and Colin? And what's with a tree? This whole thing reeks to the boys and the girls too. They look like kindergarten kids wating to get shot by their evil nurses or something, not what they're supposed to be on a birthday party.



Then all of the sudden silence fills all, as if their lips weren't sealed before. Time to figure out a way to get them talk I guess, I can't stand a party where nobody gives two crap about the kids. Why do I have so many relatives? Me and them rarely see eye-to-eye with each others, chance is that they don't remember me as much as I do. Well, have the beer to blame for that. 
Sorry everyone, hate to step on your life stories and all but I really don't care, don't have anything else to do anyway.


"Hey kiddo. On a diet? You're leaving quite a mouthful on your plate." I ask one of the girls. Her name is Jessie I think, I remember her walking home with James one time. "You're Jessie right?"

"Uh...yes." Did I scare her? Should haven't burst my stupid mouth like that. Damn! So that's how it is going to be, I need to befriend them with whatever pony crap in my head. My brothers are bronies, surely they met their standards at schools. I'll try.

"What's the problem?" She stops looking at me when I ask her, her head turns to the side to look for help. "Come on. Everypony should be enjoying the party, especially foals and fillies. Am I right?"  Like an idiot, like a total idiot, I am.

"Y-yeah, you're right, mister." Mister, seriously? So when my friends teased me about how old I look, they were actually telling the truth?...I need to fix my hair after this.

"Glad we agree. But your friends don't look much into the part. Mind if I ask why?"

"Ah...that is.." She's looking more and more Fluttershy by the second. Not to be rude, I can't stand that pony, making me feel bad and guilty for no reason. 

"Okay, that is what?"

"..."


Seriously?
Literally that's all she has to say?
Doesn't look like she's gonna talk, same goes for most of them. Well, James and Dan will have to do later when this finishes. No need to make it obvious that they're not having a good time as I am.




Sunday, October 4th. 10PM

After having finished the cleaning, I throw on my sneaking mode and walk towards their room. Only to be caught by my father. Look my a little talk with my kid brothers is going to be delayed. His face is giving me the impression that he's gonna throw a tantrum soon.

"What're you doing, Hawk?"

"...The same could be said to you, dad."
Giving them a good night kiss is mom's deal and she's catching up on old times with her friends downstair. My old man should be either in his study room or in bed right now, what's he doing in here?

"Oh, James and Danny." He sighes. "Tonight they're open books."
Again with the poetry, Shakeseare. Please be specific for once because I don't have a clue what you're saying, dad.

"What do you mean?"

"They're having a bad day, a really bad day. And when I offered to help, to be the attandee for their distress, they hid it deeper. Can you believe that, son!!?" So he saw it too? That's my pop for you, always keep an eye on the double even with alcohol in his blood.

"You're drunk, dad." I pat his back, being taller than him gives me a good voice here. "Better go down and drink some water cuz now you look just as bad as them." 

"Then I shall depart and leave my good sons to you, my great child...Ummm, uhhgggrrr!!! Sorry, never thought beer could get me this bad." 

"You?" I crack a smirk. It's always amusing me when he starts talking casually again.

"I can destroy at least a crate, believe it!" Which he did, and I'm surprised he carried all of it in one sitting and still be able to walk, let alone talk to me. Quite an amazing feast tonight, I admit.



After that interesting conversation, I lead him back to the couple's room and silently go back to my mission. Thanks for waking them up for me, dad. Guess they can't shut their eyes anymore.



"Big bro..."

Huh?
I turn my back to see both James and Dan dressed in pajama, staring at me. Wait...Did they just come out of my room? I never leave my door open. 
Well, are they just gonna stand there looking cute or what?

"Big bro." Dan repeats his brother's word as I make my way towards them.

"Not bother with big ape anymore?" Big ape is the name they gave me when they hit 5, due to the beginning letter of my name and my look. To hear they call me big bros after 2 years, that's a lot of time. "What's wrong? Why aren't you two in your room?"

"I..."

"Come on, we can talk there." I try to mutter my smile as best as I can, reassuring them. "You're looking for me, right?"



The bed is a giant mess, a fight between them? All the presents's not yet been opened, thrown in the corner of the room like wastes. Dad got pretty ticked off I bet, saving the biggest box for them to treat like that. They're really making me angry. I should start taking my load off my shoulders now, time for some bonding.

"What do you want to talk to me about, Dan?" I ask. Or more like, I'm giving them the order to spill the beans.

"This...this is." Is the time a lot slower today? Why am I always getting this sluttering treatment?

"Come on. What's making it so difficult?" Now they're just avoiding my gaze to stare at their laps. 

"..." Finally realising that telling me instead of daddy isn't such a good idea, huh? I don't have the patience for this. The more I wait, the better lies they'd make. Kids always pull that out if the parents don't keep them in lines. Not going to get anywhere getting them to spit it themselves. I believe this is my cue to ask them about what I has heard.

"Let me take a wild guess here, kids. You're hiding something, something you and your little friends don't want me or anyone to know about."

"W-what???" James and Dan immediately get back to meet my eyes. Got them to focus at full attention now, let's see if I could make them talk.

"Is that true?"

"I...We would never, we would never hide anything from you!!" Dan screeches, turning over for a second before looking at me again. "I swea-!"

"Then why are you so worked up for nothing?"

"I..." Like being stuck in his throat, James shut up from coming to Dan's aid. Those little brats want me to go for the extreme, don't they?

"Who are Jake and Colin?"

"Huh?"

"Heard from your friends. And why aren't they home?" 

Startled by my question, they incidentally back away from me. What's making them so scared? It's freaking me out.

"You deaf or what?! Tell me who they are!"

"It, it's all because of the tree!!"

Again with the damned tree, what's so special about that?

"What tree?"

"It's Twilight Library!"


...
Twilight Library, as in My Little Pony?. It took me a quite to ask them to say it again to me, and it still doesn't make any sense. Yep, seem like this is the part when they start crafting bull. 

"Cut your mind off that cartoon garbage." I choose my words carefully, enough to let them know that I'm pissed off. "Start from the beginning! What happened? And don't bother to lie to me."

"I...But we...I'm not lying to you.." Now they're giving me a guilt trip? Come on, give me a break!

"Hey, don't turn on the tap!" I wipe away the tears linning up below their eyelids. "Look! Better let me in on the detail rather than filling it up and feel bad later, alright? I promise I'll listen to the end."

"You...*sob* you do?"

"You promise you won't hurt me?"

Have I ever hit them? Maybe once or twice and I always ended up receiving the bruises from dad later. Man...I'm in for a ride here.

"Depends." Sorry kids, your big brother is not very good at emotional scene like this.




"So, what happened?"

"In Big Moose Lake." Dan gathers up his act and starts to tell me the tale. "There is a hidden underground cave near the northern hill." Big Moose Lake? I'm familiar with that place but a secret passage? Never heard about or saw it myself. "Me and James along with Jessie, Mark and Oliver went under it when we were school camping there. And, we found the Golden Oak tree!"

"As one from the show, decorated and such?"

"Uh-huh." They both nod at my acknowledgement, hoping for some brain cell in my head to die so I can buy it. For now, I'll play their game. I just want to know what happened to those damned kids.

"Why did you go under it? You know mom get worried when you two pull stunt like that, don't you?"

"But what about you?!" James protests my statement. So those tears were belonged to croc then, he recovers quite fast I must say. "You get to go everywhere all the time!"

"Do I look like the kind of guy who fake getting sick to skip school?" I shut him up with his own trick, that prick, probably contracted all the bad stuffs from his friends. "Keep talking, Dan."

"I, we had a dream."

"Dream?"

"Yeah, in our dreams. Princess Luna came and told us about a way to become a pony if we keep it a secret from any adult. She point us the way to the lake and the underground cave. And by entering the entrance of the library, we got to be fillies and foals!"



Those squirts are turning me into a real sucker. Are they seriously expecting me to believe that crap? If it was a prank then it didn't leave anything funny in it. A portal that connects our world with the pony's? I'd pay to watch that. Next thing I'm gonna hear is Fluttershy catchphrase from them, I just know it. 

"Equestria is...beautiful." James says. "Everypony is so friendly and nice to each others. We got to meet Rainbow Dash!!! Her mane's just like in the show too. You see, I'm a pegasus filly and she's teaching to fly on my own! And not only that, I even got to taste Derpy's muffin!"

"And I'm a white unicorn!" The shamelessness is happening. "Pinkie Pie showed me how to prepare the food in Sugarcube Corner and I could fire a beam out of my horn. You know the milky way, Big Ape? That's my cutiemark! Until today I still don't know what it means but I know it is my destiny to find out."

"You're special alright..." James sighes. "All I got is a bunch of straw, does that mean I'm only good at making burger? At least I got one. Oliver and Jessie are still blank flanks. But they got to play with the CMC!"



Truly every fanfiction coming to life, I'm quite rendered speechless. I-I don't know how to feel about this anymore. Should I be bashful or happy that they got such a large imagination? A while ago they were still stretching strings on my heart and now they think it's a good time for a casual fanboy chat?

"I'm still here you know?" I snap them out of their little fun time. "That's nice and all but what about Jake and Colin?" I am tactful as always, what's been eating them inside now has returned. But I don't feel bad now, they got a lot of nerves to spread that crap. I'm so gonna look forward to the scolding mom got in store.

"They-they. 2 days ago we didn't see them when we returned from the library." Dan gives a fit of sob. "They weren't at home either, Jake's mom said that she was going to call the policemen on this."
Pretty sure she gave the siren's alarm already, no parents would let that crap alone. Oh, these fools...If it was 2 days ago then tomorrow the morning press will fling this around the State.

"Alright, let's get straight to the bottom of this, shall we? No MLP talk this time, I want to hear the truth."

"But that was-" Goddamn it!

"Really?" I shouldn't be losing my temper but they're far too blockheaded to realise about how serious this situation has became. "How stupid do you think I am?! HUH?!!!"

"You promise not to do that! You promise...!"

"Oh!?" I speak in a mocking tone. "Okay mister. Then explain to me this. If you and your friends know that little CJ were inside the magical world, why not come in and ask Pinkie Pie the pony who knows every living being in there? Or, I don't know? Ask Miss Nightmare or Discord or anything??!" 


I feel like tearing my heart apart at their faces. I never want this, what's wrong inside their head? Or me for that matter. It's best to just drop this right now before I lose myself and let the whole house know. "I don't know what kind of roleplaying game you all were playing but it gotta stop right now. This is real life, not some fantasy land for you to make up your own world...Understand? I think I've said my piece. You'd better watch your steps from on now."

"But that's the truth!"

"Then answer the question."

"It's all because once we got inside, Princess Luna will make a spell to erase a part of our memories so that we couldn't let other pony know that we're from another world."

"That's the rule!" Dan adds to his partner's speech. "If Discord knew about us, he'd do terrible thing to Ponyville Princess Luna doesn't want any of that to happen. And she gave our memories back when we went out."

...


I stand up, not bothering to look at them.

"Go to sleep. We'll continue this...tomorrow!"

I slam the door closed, letting out the urge to fly my fist on my head. Driving them and myself to the breaking point, what was I thinking? It's going to a rough night for them. 




Sunday, October 4th. 12PM

Lying in my bed, listening to the ticking clock, I feel no comfort from the blanket and the peaceful air. I keep thinking about what has driven them to think and act like that, hundreds of possiblities keep revolving around my mind, refusing to give me a restful night.
I wake up at midnight and turn on the computer when the thought of a medical fungus strike me. I've came across a few types of them during my travel and that got me thinking.
If there is one kind that could cause hallucination upon contact then their story would at least make some sense. They're bronies, hardcore fans of MLP so chances are, when they were walking around the cave, they step on it and caused a chain reaction, thinking that they had turned into ponies. I know of one particular kind that is very effective, so deadly that it could as well be drug, Psychedelic mushroom.

Please don't tell me it is the truth. Please no...

Did those two kids die because of an accident they weren't even aware of? James, Dan...What were you thinking?

No, that couldn't be it! My dad and I made sure to punch the crap into their heads to never make contact with weird fauna and flora should they encounter any and so far, I'm quite positive they're not the morons to listen to anyone else but us. Adding the fact that those mushrooms needs to be eaten to take effect.

So this has to be something that has caught them offguard. But what could it be? Whatever it is, I know that James and Dan is heading straight for the hospital right now! Let's hope mom and dad don't take me along with them.


I throw the door open and run downstairs.
> Chapter 1: The abduction
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


???


...What was the cause...
...of their pains...
...?...


"The last human to be on board is this mare?"
"I think so. The first grown-up to be on our trip too."
"Good job, Neon Bean. Let's give this one a special treat shall we? How about a separate cell?"



Who's talking? A girl? 
I can't move or see anything. Am I blindfold?
...I'm definitely am. For some reason, I find myself lying sideway on some kind of wooden floor. My head hurts like hell and my body, no strength to mutter a muscle at the moment.
I take a long deep breath. The air feels surprisingly good, look like I'm not trapped in some rat pen. There must be an exit somewhere in here. My ears are catching a particular sound of something vibrating. Am I inside a truck?
A cloth is covering my vision, seeing nothing but eternal darkness. Something is in my mouth too, taste like crap. Don't know what that is but it does its job at keeping my mouth shut. 
I try to get on my feet but find that I can't...My limbs has been bound, can't even feel the toes and fingers, blood circulation is tied up...This is bad.
Goddamn! Whoever did this, they got me good!



I manage to get myself into a sitting position, tapping my feet on the floor in an attempt to let the blood flow again. Not much success. They feel weird, as if my toes were cut off and my feet got a pair of iron shoes on. I'm getting the idea of hitting the floor with this those special hammers to free myself but quickly against it later. Never know what could be below me and if I was, how am I supposed to use my full force being stuck like a chicken like this?
I try to move my limb.
Hmm, I can't tell exactly what's tying me but it feels like a rope, not a zipline and certainly not a handcuff. Huh...Even if I found something sharp in here, I couldn't cut it without any fingers.
Normally it's my cue to freak out and think of the worst possible outcome that could happen to me but I'm more open to any escaping idea my head could come up with. Let's see...With my hands bound behind my back and my legs cannot support standing upstraight in this state, the best I could do is to jump around like a maniac hoping to bump into something and kill myself should I trip over.
Sliding on my ass then, hope the bump later didn't turn into...Why do I suddenly think of a tail?
My brain is signaling the nerve near my tailbone and something is slowly creeping around my bottom cheek, then to my back. I have a tail?!! What's happening to me?!!!



Okay, calm down...So I am now some kind of weird animals with no fingers or toes. I'm assuming what I'm wearing is not my clothes, but some kind of coat instead. 
No, it's not okay to think about it. My head is slowly but surely functioning and registering me as a human name Hawk Kevan.




Monday, October 5th

As I try to move in this awkward way, I recall all of my previous memories.
I remember talking to my little brothers, James and Dan, the night before about the hallucination they had and their missing friends which led me to Big Moose Lake's secret passage to seek for what has caused every bad thing to happen after one sleepless night hearing the result from the red crossed center. Nothing serious, they just found faint traces of Fentanyl and Ether in my brothers' blood, both of which are usually used in sedation. However, their bodies rejected those substances completely for some unknown reason so there was no way for them to take an effect. Normally the only explaination would be common anaethetics resistance caused by habitual narcotics or alcohol use and I'm pretty sure they weren't joking around when the testing came out negative. Which was quite relieving to be honest, my brothers are teetotal and I'd hate to see some street punk getting in close with them.
No explaination of where they came from, no leads to go. James and Dan had to be monitored and I heard that they were going to move them into psychological department soon. It was fairly complicated and they were going to make a report if the result did not come out to be positive. Could only look forward to the recover should it came to that.
Needless to say, we didn't have anything plausible to make a request for the police or a search team. Tried though...Got laughed at right within an earshot across the 2nd call when I mentioned the word pony. And with my family left behind to take care of them, I rode to the place in hope for some answers and...in case the worst thing had happened, I might have at least found something belonged to Jake and Colin out there. Poor kids.
Never been a patient guy, I told myself that I mustn't leave until I got what I came to, even a tiny bit of anything unusual would get the cops on my side and then I'd finally be able to confirm the truth when the full investigating request was given...Or else, I'd have to accepted the fact that bronies had broke James and Dan which never in a million year would I do. It was safe to assume that I was beyond mentally hysterical at that point, dragging my sorry ass into the place knowing that I might not be able to return home.


Finding that cave was a bitch, had to dive underwater several times to find a way in, nearly have to give up halfway. How did my brothers and their friends find it so easily? Oh right, their dreams and the pony crap.
I took all my luck and fell, done daydreaming for a miracle to happen and then I found it. Fate smiled on me.. pitifully.
Take a leap of faith into a specific pond in a middle of nowhere. When submersed, most people would try to look for a way up but not for this one. Once your body hit the water, the contact triggers some kind of pressure to the core below, crack the maze of vines and slimes open long enough to see the special zone aka the muddy road leading to the end of my humanity. Even if you come bringing a knife, you might still be screwed unless you're fast enough. I was lucky I had my gears.
I rose and step onto the lost labyrinth where I'm sure there was an alternative entrance I could stick the 'Open Sesame' joke in there, there is no way James and Dan could get to that place without proper equipment. I tracked, traced and marked my way but found nothing resembling what I was searching for. Instead, fish bones and rat guts were plenty. Predators were only snakes and stray cats, good for them. It didn't take me long to find the tree they were talking about.



Twilight Sparkle home, the grand Golden Oak Library.
Where legends became stories, opened for seekers of knowledge and adventure.
Time moved on...
Birthplace of deformed mosses and morning mist.
Surrounded by roots of greenery and remains of the decay.
The truth within the heart.



How long has it been since the word "adventure" got ahold of me and never let go?
It left me the feeling of wonder and fear as I stood in awe before the creation I found myself unable to turn my eyes away. The damned thing probably had been going for quite a long time now, made a great dating spot for stray cats and fireflies...I couldn't believe my curiosity had prepared such a sight for me.
An ancient tree planting its place onto sets of stone, beneath an underwater cavern. The doors, the windows, the leaves,... despite going through states of decay they are still making me anxious. It was like seeing the most advanced CG in a cartoon, I was left dumbstruck and lured inside. Then something hit on my face before I could get near the door. Dunno if I even felt the ground when I lost my consciousness.



*Cack*
What is this?.. I try hitting it with my feet one more time.
*Cleng-Cleng*
Look like some kind of metal. Maybe I'll be able to see again if I can clasp this cloth onto it. My face has been feeling funny for quite a while now. I trace to the tip of the thing with my nose as I carefully put it between the fabric and try wiggling my head in a downward motion.



A horrific scene comes with a terrifying revelation.
Yep...I was right on the money about not having pants to wear anymore. Smoothly fair skin colored coat, kind of looking like an equine animal that looks nothing like horse in that damned cartoon.

G4 Pony Model, greatest thing since sliced bread.

James, Danny...Why did you do it? What lies could that alicorn possibly have to make you sell your bodies? Your own feelings? And for what price? Is this the reason you were scared of, letting me know?

"FFFfffffff-mmmmm!!" Well, crap. I realise that I still haven't figured out a way to get rid of the remain cloth, along with the fact that now a moaning female horse is me. What a thought...I really need to open my eyes before I come up with something awful. 
And cursing fate is not gonna get me anywhere.



Now that my vision has half returned, I readjust my head to see what's saved my hide.
It's a handle  or some sort of a round glassed windows, screwed into the wall. It's quite big and reachable with my limited height. I lean myself over to see the gleaming light of the moon that looks like a giant rice cake. Beneath are swarms of clouds and steams coming from the engine exhaust pipes. Am I inside an aircraft? Kind of similar to the airship from Final Fantasy with the wings and cruise-style windows. It's night time, I was out for too long. 
I take a look down at my feet, or should I say, hooves. Yep, right again. It's a rope. The alluring light of the stupid moon fills me with hope as I recall that a certain earth pony could still bake cupcake without any finger. Kind of dumb to base real life to a girly cartoon show but what the hell? I'm not even sure if I'm actually on crack with whatver hit me back then. 
Let's see if there is anything cute in here with me.



A dark and empty space with only a door, a lone windows and a bunch of crates in the corner, some of them labeled 'sweet cheese' in the front where I can see. Crates, huh? Maybe I could scratch some dust off this rope with their edges. 
Then again maybe this windows here would be enough, I'm too tired to make my way there. I only need something sharp, and that thing sticking out is enough for a perfect surface. A metal is better than wood anyway. 
I press the rope around my hands into position and start to grind. My smile could not wait to form if it were for the thing in my mouth as little bits of crumbs start to fall off. 
Come on, you piece of crap! Get off me already!!
After a while, I can feel my hands loosen enough to untie them myself. Phew...It's so good to have my hands back in control. Now to figure out how to free the one on my feet. 
I pull out the rag from my mouth, reeks of saliva and blood, must be when they threw me into this cell. It turns out I can still grab with those hooves, good stuffs. Why the front and not the back then? 
Slowly, I use those joints to create whatever shaped hole on my hooves to do the bussiness with my last restraint, openning the road for my veins to go.



"Umu..." I let out a quiet whimper of pleasure when every blood vessel in my body start to pump again to my heartbeat. Can't put my face up and get used to this weirdly feminine and unfamiliar voice of this body but I'm more than ready and kicking. The only thing in my mind is to find the milksop who did this to me and see if he can get away from my fists this time.
This whole gender bending thing flipped my switch pretty bad. Getting turned into a walking spud would do that to everyone I guess, the only thing that saves my image is my hair colored is still remained the same, still has that distinguish potato flavor to it but I'll take those hash brown menu everyday. They will be always my choice to go with steak.
...It's only me and my belly in this together, no wonder I'm hungry as hell.



The windows is sealed shut. Not sure if I can break it down with these iron hooves. Peaking to the outside, there is lane for repairing to step into so this is one possible exit. I'll need a screwdriver or something similar if I don't want to make any noise.
On the other hand, there are crates, very easy to open. Made of hard wood too, enough to knock a few suckers down and make my escape if I want it to be as loud as possible. My stomach makes a grumbling sound when I sense the delicious smell of cheese fresh from the dairies gotten into my noses. 
This must be a test of endurance. Locking me inside long enough to smell it, huh? What is this childish level of a torture? 



I give up on the only door, it shuts and will stay like that for the rest of the journey, if I decided to cooperate with whatever plan the opposite side want me to be that is....There is nothing in this room I can use to loosen the windows. The sealing is made of hard metal and the glass is some high quality brand. No matter which path I choose, there would be one hell of a party.
Speaking of a party, if I'm being held here as a prisoner, should there be someone right beside me?
With that thought in mind, I begin my round of tapping the side walls. I make sure to tap 10 times each before switching again and again when pressing my pointy ears against them to check. If there was someone and they were in a situation like me, they'd slide around on their bottom too.



1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-10
...
1-2 3-4 5-6 7-8 9-10
...My hooves make quite a unique sound I admit. 
1-2  3-4  5-6  7-8  9-10
...
1-2  3-4  5-6  7-8  9-10
...
1-2  3-4  5-6  7-8  9-10
...Wonder why I still can walk like normal. Was this body supposed to be on all four in order to move?
1-2  3-4  5-6  7-8  9-10
...No one?
1-2  3-4  5-6  7-8  9-10
...
1-2  3-4  5-6  7-8  9-10
...
1-2  3-4  5-6  7-8  9-10
...Should I help myself to a slice of cheese? They look harmless enough.
1-2  3-4  5-6  7
"Mmmm!MMM!!!"
Finally! Took your sweet time mate. Thanks for telling me that this room is not soundproof.
> Chapter 2: Escape
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	This unhealthy mess is becoming less of a dream and more of a bad story. Getting abducted and bound while letting the whole maremorphing crap sinking into my head. Time hasn't passed over one day and I already missed people, what a way to cherish the moment with them muttering scabrous noises. Very clear and lively though, seem like I'm the lazy owl in the party here. Come to think of it, they might not have to be human to be on board this ship. For what I know, this could be a work of some high classed scumbag in this magical land and I just happened to be taken along for the ride.
Right now, I cannot keep my thoughts straight in line anymore. It's a different matter when I'm the fortunate one to hear their plea for help, can't hear myself thinking over their grunt. The odds of them having a similar experience like me is speaking for itself, tied like a hog. Look like I won't have to spend this trip alone anymore. Should be expecting more companies soon, the sounds they're making suggest that there are more of them next door.
First, let's see if they speak English or not. 

"Hey! You understand me?" Trying to keep it down, I call out to them. "Hit the wall 3 times if you do, alright?"

"Mmm!"

*Clock...Clock...Clock*

Hooves...A good riddance of humanity. Not as loud as mine but the message is clear, must be exhausted as hell. If there is more than one person, or pony in this case, they should have an easier time breaking out. 

"Hmmm!!!" *Clock...Clock...Clock*

"Alright pal, just one guy will do. First thing first, take it easy. Me and you we're stuck in this together but don't worry, she'll be right...I mean everything will be alright!" Bad time for my linga to just slip right out of my mouth, things aren't really looking as sharp as I hope to be. "Just my luck managed to free myself out of the rope and rag, not a fun time but at least kept the worst away. Now since we understand each other, let's start figuring this out together okay? Kick it once to go or 2 times fast if you disagree, well?"

*Clock*

"Glad we understand. Now first, are you blindfolded like me?" 

...*Clock-clock* 

"Great! How many of you in there?"

...*Clock. Clock. Clock. Clock.* "Ummm!..."
Four ponies, drugged and gagged. Never thought I'd see this for real. If they were spared from the dark and got some friends over then how come did I get the special treatment? 



There are 4 pretty mares in distress waiting for their heroic stallion to save the day but unfortunately he might turn out to be one of the group as I pass the ninja trick over to them. Hope the ropes will come out soon. I have tons of question I want to ask and they're the only lead I could find. 
Now that I can hear my thoughts again, something that has been on my mind gets me thinking. 
That late night conversion with James and Dan, I vaguely recall they said they didn't remember anything about themselves when they entered this rat hole thanks to Luna...It's about time I start taking it seriously. Why the hell would she do that to my brothers and the kids? What's in it for her? This airship trip, did she have a hand in it? And should I really trust what I've known about the show to make sense of everything?
I take a long look at my arms and nuzzle my nose, to make sure again this sad excuse of a horse is now me. Now about the show itself, Luna is a princess and James confirmed it, he also mentioned seeing her in his dream, claiming that she was the one responsible and good old Luna herself is infamous at breaking into pony's dream on TV too. This coincidence is really tempting me to buy it but now I really can't anymore, can I?
Kinda regret not paying full attention when I watched it back home, everything is slipping through the cracks outta my skull the more I think about it. Better to just take it slowly and learn if I could get the chance. 
Should be a cake to find a way back when I got to meet her, and Lauren Faust should fill me in more if I snoop something from here back to my home. Else, I'm gonna put my only hope on that one particular pony everybody like and love, including me. Need to work more on my enthusiastic side if I want to do that though.

*Clock*
*Clock* Seems like it didn't work. I turn to the wall facing my back to ease the knock.

"It won't come out?"

*Clock*

"Not even a bit of dust?"

*Clock* 

"Both the windows and the cheese don't do squat, huh?... Hmm, this is bad."

"Ummm-ummm!!!"

"Huh? What's up?"

"Mmmm!!" That's right, they still can't talk. Never a moment in my life that I feel like slapping myself this bad.

"Problem with the windows?" Taking a wild guess, I ask them.

"MMm!" *Clock*

"The rail isn't sharp enough?"

*Clock-clock*

Then what seem to be the hold up? Let's see...They can move and see fine, and just now they told me that they couldn't get the restrain off by grubbing. I haven't tried how sharp the wooden crate is compared to the steel windows rail but judging from their position, I can safely assume that they tried and failed so off to the windows they went and another problem arrived. It's either they couldn't use it or there was no rail to begin with.

"There is no rail there?"

*Clock-clock* I just realise how stupid my question it.

"Sorry. Is there a rail or anything sharp latched onto the thing?"

*Clock* That settles it, they couldn't use the rail. Guess that only means one thing...

"You guys couldn't reach it?"

*Clock* Looking ahead of my time have a perk it seems.

"Quite a problem we're having there." Scratching the dirty mess on my hair, I heave out a tired sigh. "My best bet is to try again with the crate, it's gonna take a longer time but it might worth it. Don't try too hard at one time though, you'll need your breath with the rag still keeping you shut after all."

"HMMMmmmm!!!! UMMMM!!!"

"What now?" Their mumblings sound kind of urgent when I finish saying my last bit. "What did I say about saving your breath?"

"Ummm!!! *Clock-clock-clock* They're abusing the hell out of the wall and I don't think I get their problem. Did they have to take care of their bussiness or what?

"Huh...huh...ffff...." Now instead of desperately running their mouth, only tired and exhaustion signs remains for me to hear. Something definitely is up when I mentioned the word 'breath' to them.

"Is your friend hurt?" It doesn't take me that long to figure it out. Someone must be struggling to breath due to the rag blocking their respiring pipe while attempting to free themselves. Goddamn it!

*Clock*



After dooming my mind with sinister thoughts, I make for the door and hit it as fast as I can while yelling at the top of my lungs, trying to get the noise across the wall.

"HEY!" The door bouces back and forth violently with my effort. "Anybody out there?!"

...No respond, or sound when I stop to check.

"OPEN this goddamned door!!" I try making as much noise as possible to this chunk of metal and yet earn another lack of presence. It's after midnight, those lowlife dirtbags probably are hitting the snooze button faster than I am.



The glass has to go.
I run to the damn thing and and tonk with all my strength!... Nothing happened, front hooves are really not that helpful when it comes to breaking trinkets. Onto the hammers then!
I climb onto it and grab the upper part to get the momentum in order to bust the glass open with my hooves. And sure enough, these babies make it go down in 3 strikes. 
If I was scared of dropkicking my way towards my doom then now it's about time I should be. Only seeing from here that I know how chilly it is, both from the height and the howling wind. Saying there is lane but no safety banister attached, one slip and it's raining men for me.
Their place is only a few steps away from my own...this cold is screwing me so bad!!



"What the-!" 
I blurt in surprise when I see only foals hobbling like flowers seeing their better days inside and the sight of one slumped over like a dried log reminds me of my growing concern as I try to break the windows in vain. There is nothing for me to grab out here and even if there was, I wouldn't bet my life on it. This just won't do, I have to find a way to pry open the screws! 
Think Hawk! Think!

I dart my eyes around until something right below my feet dawns on me, the shards left behind! I pick up a fragment of broken glasses and measure them against the screws on the rail. Perfect! It's only a matter of time before I throw the two of them away and lift the panel open.



Heading towards the fallen unicorn under their eyes, I cut off the rope and turn him to his back to see that he already has passed out due to the lack of air. 
...Can't hear any breath coming from him.
I cast the cloth inside outta the blockage as I cover his mouth with mine and start the life-breathing rounds.


			 One...Two...

One...Two...!!
His chest is responding!

Three! 
Gave me quite a fright there kiddo.


He slowly comes back to the land of living in my arms, breathing has been stable for the most part but I'd be damned if I ever let this happen again! He's out, but he'll live.
I let some space for him to lie down and collect his breath as I start to mow down the rest.



The colt along with his friends, 3 pegasises or pegasus fillies, are giving me the most adorable staredown I could never imagine I'd see. Well, one of these lost puppies nearly die because of my stupidity but with everything alright in the end, no use giving them something to hate me I guess. 
And I've completed my escape, if it's something, it's something to celebrate for. Finally I can take the burden load off my chest, being knocked down and slept in place for the whole day is really not a pleasant feeling now that I'm on my weight again.
Now let's see where to put these little guys into. They'll risk sniffing whatever the crap that has done this to them if they get caught or worse, a beat down which I'm pretty sure I will never let it happen. But how the hell am I gonna take them with me?

"T-thanks..." When I'm still wandering deep in my thoughts, a voice belonged to a certain boy peals to me.

"Huh?"

"Thank you, miss." Technically kid, I'm the one who should be thanking you for not dying on me. "If it weren't for you, I'd never...

"He's been like that since we woke up." The filly with the light green mane and grey coat speaks for him, caressing the foal's back with the other two. "We were so scared. What's wrong with him, miss?"

"Since you woke up?"

"We were out there playing on the field outside our town Fillydelphia when those saleponies went and told us they were offering a discount for cloud cotton candies..." She says, eyes as big and innocent as ever. "Me and Flurry remembered counting them to the three when...ahh...nothing else! And when we woke up, we're here." 

...

There goes my hope for my fellow to be here. At least I know I am not the cause of the mistake before, that takes another load off the mind. But how the heck did he even manage to survive that long anyway?!!...Then I realise, horse has a anatomy far different from human and I just performed CPR on it. No, just no.

"No, when we counted to the three..." Continuing the blue winged and azure coated pony named Flurry I'm assuming. "...Umm." She shuts her eyes, trying to remember. "Lode took off with the basket, right Lode?"

"Uhh....Look Lofty. I'm really sorry." I don't even need to say anything at this point, they're one by one trying to recollect what has happened to them and now it's furball unicorn's turn. "I really am. I just want to sneak a little taste I swear!"

"Friends don't do that to each other, Lode!" Flurry spats at him, she seems fairly too ticked off for one tiny joke.

"Yeah! If it hasn't been for Storm." The grey foal says and looks at the remnant of the four, this one I can relate with because she looks exactly like what I would wear for the winter, soothing yellow sweater accompanied with a dark cap. "You must have eaten all of it!"

Their voices are back to normal now, no more grumpy, light-headed from whatever drug they took. I can say we're off to a great start. Sorry about before, kids. I'll get your names down right in a minute.
> Chapter 3: Equestrian Foals
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Living off of kidnapping children and snorting milk product with a fancy airship to boot, a fortune many are willing to sign up when they are low on cash and decency. That is, if they had any saved up left. Considering the fact of them nearly choked their hostage to death, I might be either hitting the hornet nest or a buffoon face here. Nonetheless, nothing but to sink deeper and make a break for it while I can still make fun of them.

"Miss...do you know what is going to happen?" Asks Flurry the big blue pegasi that could match Twilight Sparkle in term of color, also the restless type of the group. Although, she took the bombshell quite well while the rest curled up in disgust when I told them about the little friend's accident. Never knew ponies mature that fast.

"Those guys are heavy sleepers so no need to hurry right now." I try to reassure her. "Call me Hawk. First thing we're gonna do is getting to know each others. You're Flurry, right?"

"Uh-huh." She nods somewhat hesitantly, maybe she doesn't have the same idea as I do and just want to fly her way out of here. Guess I'll have to smooth thing later.

"Right. And you three, care to share your names?"

"...O-okay!" 
"...My name-" 
"Um..?"

"One at a time. How about you start first?" I say, gesturing to the one sitting at the left of the row.

"I'm...Loft Weekend, my friends usually call me Lofty." Light green mane and grey coat, got big blue eyes just like Flurry and Lode.

"I'm Flurry Winter!" Okay.

"My name is Lode, Lode Runner." Diamond Dog will love this little guy, got a thick white fur to roll in the mud...Who is he reminding me of? If my memory serves, there is one pink pony on Youtube kind of look like him. 

"I...I am Storm Buns." Pegasus, dressed just like me in the winter. Yellow coat and dark cap, except that I don't wear red contact lense. Quiet and shy, doesn't strike me as the one to tackle the boy but what do I know, Fluttershy could give a bear a run for its money if she wanted to.



Loft Weeken, Flurry Winter, Lode Runner and Storm Buns. Wonder what these foals got in store for me.
3 girls, all flying ponies and 1 unicorn foal, got brought into this flight in a middle of nowhere because of cotton snack. Poor kids never got a chance to escape as they were knocked out-cold almost instantly. Good thing the drug effect didn't last long, I suppose fixing the blood circulation snap them out of their systems.
...Hold on.
Now that I think about it, I've heard about this garbage before. It's on the result of the blood examination, Dead Ether and Dead Fentanyl, the only two synthetic substances that could get Biologic's research team in action if I retrieved an active sample of them growing naturally in Big Moose, common uses in producing sleep-indulged chemical and strictly man-made.
If my hunch is right, we got hit by the same crap my brothers suffered first handed. And when they got transported back to Earth, somehow it killed the effect and left my brothers deactivated cells waiting to be rejected.

Luna will have a lot to answer for this.
Onto the track with the damn broad herself, isn't she supposed to be watching the night to ensure that no harm comes to her ponies? Why would she, or rather, any pegasus out there ignore this giant kidnappers airship passing by?...Either this is legal on the surface or there is something shady going on between them. That, or maybe it's just too damn cold out there to throw their spears. This pony hideout Equestria is becoming as stinky as I am by the second.

"Ms Hawk?"

"Huh?" I turn to the voice to see Flurry looking at me...Oh no, how long has I been in my trance again?

"Are you...mad at us?"

"Mad...? No. Why do you think I am?"

"I'm sorry but you look like you're going to lose your temper, miss." She growls when she sees the clueless look I give, folding her front hooves like she was accusing me of something. "And I really don't like how you just pretend not to see me or my friends. Don't scare us like that! Lofty and Storm are freaking out!!"

"...Sorry, my mind was elsewhere." I can only take the itch onto my head, my fault entirely. I have to share my thoughts with them, not keeping inside like my usual self. "Didn't mean to space out, honest. I just couldn't take my mind off sometimes."

"Hmph!!" She squinches her cheeks up and let out an irritated flurry at my excuse before turning away, just like a gal who had had enough with her dumb boyfriend. 
Way to go, Hawk. There is no better time to show this little lady my manly side than right now.

"I'm sorry about before. I let my head get the better of me, trying to figure out an easy way out for all that I forgot about you. Trust me, can never be rude when I finally got to see you girls after squirming out of that hole. But I admit that I was giving you four a hard time. So, feel free to clout me in the head if you feel like it."



"..." Her eyes don't look as menacing as before, sound like the sweetness in this girly voice somewhat has worked its charm. "What are you thinking about, Ms Hawk?"

"Right. Earlier you mentioned that you all got a place on this trip cuz a fight broke down between you just for some cotton candies, right Flurry?"

"Yeah. Me with Lofty and Storm were chasing over Lode and the bouquet then all of the sudden we woke up here."

"Did you eat any of that?"

"Eh? Why do you want to know about it, miss?"

"I just need to be sure."

"Hmph! Only Lode got a bite!" Poor little guy, those girls never give him a break do they? I gotta try that cloud candy sometimes after this. "He made the candies flying all over the place and just laughed at me and Lofty!"

"No I didn't!! That part fell off when Storm hit me, right?"

"I...I'm sorry."

"Alright, all that aside. You remember something hitting your head or smelling something funny before that?"

"Umm..." She scrubs through her mane to reach her head, trying to recall and to feel if there is any bump left ontop but to no avail. "No, not a thing. My head pounded like crazy when I woke up but...now it's okay, I don't feel anything anymore."

"Then anyone?" I ask the rest to receive the same movement and the same answers. Maybe knowing something beforehand gives me an idea of what it is, not everyday anyone will have a dose of anesthetic after all. "That's strange...If you were playing tag with each others and didn't eat any of it, how come none of you has any idea about the sleeping spray?"

"Sleeping spray?"

"Just like me gulping a whole barrel of cider or something hard hit my head." They start to draw near me as I try to give a clear take on the matter. "I got wasted, passed out and didn't know what'd happened. Sleeping spray takes less than a second to work so the after effect is blurry. That explains the empty space in your heads, you never know what hit you and neither do I."

...
...And I think I just answer my own question.

"Lode." His ears perks up at my tone. "I need you to be total honest with me, alright? Did you eat any of that stuff?"

"No!!!" Raising his voice, he shudders his head. "I was just playing with them..."

"Too busy looking at the girls to actually get a bite, eh?" My attempt to lighten somebody's mood isn't always successful so might as well try it on them, adding my personal touch with a creepy smiling face.

"What?! No!!...I'm not." Big word my friend, we've been there at one time. I hope you won't mind me blabbering. Time to clear everything up and give those guys some...friendship.



"Anyway, Loft and Flurry caught up with Lode and the snack thanks to Storm. That's when everything went black, is that right?"

"Yeah." 
"Yes." Both Loft and Flurry comes to my understanding.

"Know what? I think you all decided to share and did eat some of it before hitting the hay. It's-"

"Huh??!" 
"What?!"
"What are you-"

"Now! Before you said I was too quick on pointing that out, let me explain first okay?" I raise my voice before they could begin. My ears should thank me, there is no point to stop them from hounding my bubbles altogether unless they know when to shut up while a person is talking. "People...Ponies usually don't remember a fragment of their previous moments right away after waking up from getting the daylight knocked out of them. Just not too long ago, you were all still drawing blank but it's coming back to you, isn't it? And where did that stuff come from? I'll put my money on the cotton candies."

"..."

"The part when you said you hadn't eaten any of it, I feel pretty privileged to assume that it has gone along the ride to oblivion. Sleep-indulged meds are bad for you cuz they pull stunt like that sometimes. I'm speaking from personal exprience here."

"Y-you mean.." Asks Loft. "You used to eat it too?"

"No, I was sleepy." Personal experience I said. "Took me a whole morning to tear up the house just to find where I put my cash the day before once. See? It happens in daily lives too so could you girls drop this act and forgive Lode already? He sounds sincere enough and I don't think he will never do it again. Friends forgive each others and I'm sure you made up in the end."



"I-I remember!!" Flurry is going to give the rest a good heart attack if she does this ever again. "The bits...it's not enough!"

"Flurry, don't shout!" Loft doesn't do any better herself. "And what're you talking about?"

"Do you remember it too, Lofty? That salepony, we only had enough bits on our hooves to buy 3 sets but he said that we could take more for free if we got Lode and Storm over to his stand. Then Lode came over and took mine."

"..."

"I'm sorry Lode, I really am..." Saying, Flurry pulls him into her hooves and her wings. "I was thinking if you really had taken off for real, he wouldn't let us have it."

"Uhh..." Loft doesn't look so good right now, in fact, she is bothered by something and it's eating her bad. And being lofty, she sure lives up to her name by joining the hug. "Can-you, can you forgive me and Flurry, Lode? We did a lot of stupid things to you, I'm sorry."

"I...I!" Storm beats her to it though, she doesn't waste any time. "I'm really sorry!"



During a long walk back from school, 4 little ponies ran into a good empty spot and decided to play catch with a carton of chocolate milk. When the 2 of them were exhausted and were taking a break, the 2 remains heard the call from a friendly sweet vendor.
Despite the discount and them not having enough money to buy for their friends, the vendor agreed to let them have a freebie under the condition of him getting to see the others.
When they came, Lode took off with Flurry's snack as a joke and so began the chase which was forced to end pretty quickly thanks to Storm. Then they decided to go altogether to the stand and the rest was unfortunately gone down the black hole of their mind. The cause of the sedative could either be coming from the cotton candies or the sleeping spreay itself but none of that matter anymore.



Well, looks like I flunked my detective wannabe test, it doesn't take them long to let me in on what really had happened. The girls did forgive Lode and they all boarded this flying aircrap because of that. It has been buried deep by that incident until I mentioned love and tolerance, the word of magic to them...Yep, I'm inside that damn cartoon alright.
At least now with all that misunderstanding out of the way, everyone is happy and in the mood for carefree chatting once again. Which is good, I have wasted enough time with this already. Time to be a total ass and remind them where they are. I still have many questions needed to be answered about this airship and its kidnapping bussiness and with them living in Equestria, they're bound to know one thing or two.

> Chapter 4: Aero
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Gotta deal with crap in life sometimes kids. Kind of feel bad they have to hear this from me instead of their parents who are probably having a sick trip from them right now. Their minds are still too young to have any dreadful idea, they shouldn't be thinking about death or crime this age.
I take a brief look outside to enjoy the wondrous glance of the spying moon, still shining crystal clear and bright, bringing in my mind another tangling mess for this night.
Of all places, they pick this one to hide the herd. It wouldn't be only Pegasus if it landed, anyone could take a peak at this dump and blow it skyhigh. Combine with the fact that there's a boatload of cheeses in both cells I've visited, it doesn't add up for this ship to be raking in ransom cash. 
I'm still having trouble trying to sort this buffalo crap in order. This airship, is it a temporary deposit tank for storing children or a hideout for cretin's cretins?
...
Something tells me the foals were set up for the captain to get his behind-bar ticket. They really want to be ratted out by the police that much?...Does this green barn even have the siren to put on anyway?
But if they do want to be found out, why the need to silent the kids and I? Sleeping drugs and ropes should be enough for a good reaction. Bloody hell!! Why am I being so worked up over a bunch of lemmings?

"Know anything about airship flying around, kids?" I join the conversation with them.

"Airship?" This time it is Lode who takes over Flurry's opening. "Are you talking about the normal one or the Aero?"
There is more type than one?

"The one with a baloon? No. I'm talking about this aircraft right here."

"Oh, you mean Aero...Wait, you don't know about it?"

"Not a clue. So what's the deal with this Aero?"

"Eh..." Everyone seems to be confused by my question somewhat, eventually he starts to speak. "Their commencement was everywhere because Princess Celestia made sure that nopony would miss it."

"...Hold on. Since when did that happen?"

"Like years ago." Loft says with Lode and continues from there. "I don't know what date it was though."

"Then how big was it?"

"Pretty big!!!" Oh my dear Winter, how have I missed you already. Flurries is one hell of a drug. "There were fire and star! Everypony got to eat cakes and party altogether. Even the Lord of Disharmony was there!"

"Discord?"

"He called himself so, he also said it was a special occasion and he just wanted to have fun." Letting out a smile, she says. "It was a very wonderful day for all the ponies in all Equestria!!"

"Interesting. So who built it?"

"Eh?" 

"The engineers, kids." Not much recollecting to be done it seems. "Who are they?"

"Uhh...Anyone know?" Flurry's turn to ask her friends.

"No..."
"...I was eating cloud candy at the time."
"...Umm? Ms Hawk, I don't really know much but...can I speak?" Time for Storm, the bright young lady to crack the case.

"Sure, fire away." I nod.

"Princess Celestia said that, these ponies were ill at the time so they couldn't attend."

"...Then that could have been arranged for another day don't you think?" I fail to see the rush. "Can you tell me more about this matter?"

"Yes. The thing was, they caught the flu right after they'd finished the preparation so there was nothing they could do."

"Still don't see the problem to not save the entrance for later. Were the princesses the only ones who gave the bad news?"

"Umm...No. Princess Luna and Princess Celestia along with Mr Discord said that." 

"Alright. Can you at least tell me the names of those who were responsible?"

"...There were 6 ponies and their names were..weird." Must have been pretty bad for her to throw that remark. Good thing my name fits their vocabulary. "I didn't remember much. Princess Celestia only mentioned their names once before the show continued."

"But didn't you find their names weird?" I ask, curious. "Like how weird are they?"

"...It's because, I couldn't pronounce them right."

"That hard-?"

"That's right!" Flurry cuts me off before I could even finish. "Those ponies were up to no good I know it! Being all mysterious and creepy..."

"Flurry?" Loft, her matchspeaker, does her role. "The Princess would never be with anypony like that."

"Oh...right. But then they wouldn't tie us up like that! And they nearly killed Lode for Celestia's sake!!"

"Flurry!! Enough about it already!" 

"Really treadmilling conversation we're having here." Once again Flu, please just shut up when I'm talking. "What you've been meaning to tell me is that these Aero are legal, is that right?"

"Legal...? What is that?" Says who but her.

"It means to be accepted by authority to transport peop-ponies and goods, stuffs like that."

"That is...legal? Then yeah I guess." Despite saying that, she doesn't look like she understands much. I wouldn't too if I were her, never cared about it before.

"And Aero is the brand name for this aircraft. Nothing else?"

"I think so."

"Not a really hot topic for you huh?" I go onto the next part. "Besides from being the cargo load, does Aero have anymore purpose lined up to it?"

"Uhh...I don't know." Finished her answer, she looks to the other ponies. "Do you?"

"Some ponies sometimes hold a party here." Lode says, waving his right front hoof up and down before me while looking sideway at the rooftop like he was trying to remember something. "...Umm, I was eating Spring Roll with my parents when we were getting home from Hoofington when a group of ponies came to the largest table in the restaurant. Apparently Aero is sort of like a party house."

"..." I wait for him to finish collecting his thoughts.

"Oh right! There was also a dance floor and there were a band and a stage singer performed late that night." Stage singer? Well, that's new to me. "My mom said it got everything for everyponies. Even the hairdresser was there too."

"Too many for a 5-star B&B.." Dammit! Me and my stupid mouth again. "It's like a cruise, right?"

"Cruise...? What is that, miss?"

"...Never mind. So, except for Lode is there anyone else who ever rode this ship?"

"No."
"No, clouds are a lot more comfier."
"No."

"I...see." Sighing, I begin to end the topic with the colt. "Does Aero appeal to others like Griffin or Minotaur, Lode?"

"Sorry...I don't know."

"...Okay, just out of curiosity. Has there been any incident with Aero before? You know.. like fire, kidnapping or thing like that?"

"I, I don't know either." ...Great. 

"Earlier you mention airship having multiple type, what about it?"

"...T-that's it miss. One runs on baloon and one on steam."



Scrubing my messy hair, I see no need to confuse them anymore than they already have. Although I picked the wrong audience to ask, I got the picture. Aero is no stranger to voyage trip except it's in the air and can land anywhere it wanted to, guess ponies got higher standard in class than men. Wonder if there is any pirate looting their loot around? This cruise may turn out to be one of them. So far it's leaving me a bad taste and once I get out of this hell hole I'm gonna make sure to bring this pile of junk along whether they want it or not.
And before doing that...There is still one thing I need to make sure of.

"Tell me, chit." I ask Loft, Flurry and Storm...mostly Flurry or Loft, or just Flurry. "Is there any pegasus or guard patrolling at night?"

"Of course there are! You don't know about that?"

"No wings last time I checked. So do they have their own Aero or what?"

"..! Er..about that. I don't know." Her face when I ask, clueless and daunting.

"So far you've only seen them flying bareback, huh?"

"Yeah...Sometimes. They're always ignoring everypony..." Going on patrol naked and late this night with that attitude will guarantee their nuts frozen solid. I'll go on and assume they have one. Pegasus or not, it's freezing out there.

"Well. Figure they'll see us by now if they don't suck so bad at their job, don't you think?"

"Hey!! Don't say..." She pauses then turns to look at the windows. "...that."

"Just teasing you, don't worry about it." I shouldn't have said that indeed. "Bad luck happens all the time and this ship is legit to be flying. Wouldn't surprise me if I heard they were having a drink right here."

"..." 
Real comedian you are, Hawk.

"What's about Princess Luna's guards? And is she supposed to be watching over the night or something?"

"Miss! Now you're just being rude!" I think I can nail down Loft's favorite topic to talk about now. "Princess Luna, she-!...She always watches over us!"

"Sorry, I didn't mean to come out that way. Just want to double-check."

"I-I'm sorry." 

"..." I try to come up with something stupid to cover up for my ignorance. "Why don't you tell me how you see Princess Luna, squirt? "

"About... her?"

"I'm not much a fan of the night and I've never asked about her before. So?"

"She..." Brows turn further in deep thought, she clings her hoof dearly to her chest as she begins. "She is the Goddess of the moon. She...She always comes and talks to me when I was down."

"...Meaning?"

"When I had a bad night, she was the only one who understand me and play with me. Princess Luna, she is the kindest, the best."  

"Any chance of you telling me what's your bad night about? Or is it your dream I'm getting at?"

"Yes!" Saying, she turns her head to look at me. "She was the one who kick the scary ghost away."

"A GHOST??!!!" Keep your volume down Flurry.

"T-the...It was in my dream." Flush quickly rushes into her cheeks as she's speaking, looks like she wasn't really open with her friends about that issue. "But it's just keep coming back every night now and then. I don't know why!"

"..'Kay, not gonna comment on that." I save her from grilling herself up with embarrassment. "Basically whenever she appears she is always the heroine. Is that what you're saying?"

"Um!" Still on the hot zone, she nods.

So this Alicorn got a good fanbase going, if not the same to brony. Screwing others with their guards down, that should earn her a wanted poster in my place but Loft's jolly-as-sandgirl grin tells me otherwise. She seems okay and harmless enough, probably a sweet talker chewing good gums too. Wonder how many night blogger got that cat's mumbo jumbo on a daily basis? Sound fun.
...
How are James and Dan doing back home? Have my parents called for my search? They must be worrying sick about me right now.

"Anything more about her you want to tell me?"

"...What're you suggesting, Ms Hawk? You don't think.."

"What?"

"That Princess Luna's Royal Guards should be helping us by now, right??"

"Yeah, she told you?"

"Uh...no. But I thought you knew!"

"I don't know. But they exist to do society a favor, to keep you foals off the daisies."

"B-but where are they now?"

"No idea. But keep your hope up, squirt. We're might gonna need their help to get out of here."




Time for the scary part, I need to wrap things up and play my card right.


- Aero is legit, ponies welcome it with open heart.
- The two princesses are weirdos.

Despite the names of the engineers never be mentioned more than once, everyone was happy and willing to ride on this new type of transportation a few years back and til now it's still being put in good use.

- There are guards patrolling at night.
- Both cells are quite hard to miss.
- It's pass midnight, the moon's bright.

If they're flying outside, they should have spotted me and the kids long before we even woke up. I doubt there is no one else trapped in this rat hole aside from us, they must have at least caught sight of one or two...Hell, they got the whole day to do their crappy job and they picked stargazing to be their priority. Is that it or am I missing something here? 

- Luna erased the kids' memories and led them to her sister's land.
- There are guards patrolling at night.
- Aero is legit, ponies welcome it with open heart.
- The two princesses are weirdos.
...
- The kids are safe n sound back home, saved for CJ.

Doubting everything is not going to get me anywhere. Light's flickering and it's fading slowly away from this pony dumpster but I still need to cling onto it if I want to get out of here. Not the brightest bulb to get this story go to my way all the time, gotta have to trust my guts on this one.

- Aero is legit, ponies welcome it with open heart.
- This thing carries sweet cheese.
- Lode said this aircraft could be a star cruise.
- No one heard me when I dropped the bass, as I can't hear anything besides machine grunting.

VIP always goes to the top so I must be at the bottom where the sun doesn't shine, never heard of one carrying dairy sack on their head...except my favorite out of the six, Pinkie Pie, I remember she wore it once.
Hnn! Can't believe thinking of her cheers me right up. Maybe I should stop being a sinister asshole and joke around a lot more, it takes all kinds to see a pony in real life, I'm sure they want to share a few laughes with a human too.

- Lode nearly died.
- Both cells are quite hard to miss.
- No one heard me when I dropped the bass, as I can't hear anything besides machine grunting.

Are they really that pigheaded they left their post? If they had been sawing logs the whole time then man...Guess they were so stupid that they sprayed my poison onto themselves. Am I dealing with small-timer or who?



Questions after questions, can't take a stroll without them knocking once and not one bell have I yet rang.

"Ms Hawk?...You are being like that agggain." Christ, who is that floating blue filly who's always pecking my rear? "Can we just get off this stupid ship already? If you're going to think of a plan, I'd say we grab you and Lode out of...there!"

She points to the windows where everyone turns to look at like it was a miracle. Tough crap, kid. I'd be diving 6 feet under to eat mud if you haul me around, no thanks. I'll stick to the cheese.

> Chapter 5: A way out?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Wait! Don't do it yet!!"

"Why nnnot??!!"

"You girls can be flying champions and go ahead if you want, don't bother yourself with me. But first let's be sure about this." I puff my lungs in prepare to hear myself talking. "About the most obvious way with your feathers and magic. Because of cloud army blocking your views, no indicating. This is going to be a major problem if you girls grabbed Lode out of here...you might get lost in a middle of nowhere. Who knows? You might be thrilled about hitching a ride on your cloudy friend. Yet one thing though, it's too high up to hit the dirt and it might be a pain to navigate at this icy hour, too dark and too cold. Trust me, you're gonna have the best work-out you've ever had, kiddies."

"Hnn.." McFlurry, still doesn't look satisfied. Right now she's floating over to the hanging icecap herself to lean over the rail and let the frosty breeze ice her beautiful mane. "Brrurrrr~!!"

"Come on now." I come over to pry the pony away from her exit before shutting its door. "You are still a filly, don't risk it. Just take it slowly and sit still for now, okay? I'm not saying it's impossible. We've already got ourselves a way out and it's not going to disappear. Doesn't hurt to search for another, don't you think?"

...

"..." Good logic, so good that it's making them challenge me on The Stare contest again. 
Tch-! those kids sure can push me through some levels of hell when they want to. Chill out, my little gingers! I want to pack my bum and leave this dump as much as you do but there is still more crap coming out of it.

"This is shady business alright, but sometimes the dark is discarded as grey. Not long ago you told me this ship is legal, which means sooner or later it has to pass some kind of security check, am I right or wrong on that?"

"Security check?" Have mercy, Flurry. You gotta give your friends a moment to talk too.

"Some place to load the fuel, trade the papers, gather crowds, something-something.... They're gonna get over to checkpoints by air or by land. Have you guessed it yet?"

"Ohhh! I understand!" Miss Buns warms my heart good. "Somepony is bound to find us if we can get to them."

"Precisely." I nod, braking myself for their incoming armageddon with my next piece. "Unless they're planning to make this ship disappear, which is very likely to happen."



"What?!!!!"
"Huhh!!"
"D-d-disappear?"
"..." I love silent type because their expression always sum up the entire room when they get petrified and scared. Maybe I shouldn't have been too direct.

"What do you mean, miss??! They want Aero to go where??" Lode and Loft, L for laziness, now are just waiting for their energetic friend to speak for them. Whatever, I'd better be glad they learn not to bombard me at once.

I give them a fleeting detail of how unsecured this place is but instead of mentioning about the cops not batting an eye, I spin them into another theory. These foals are from here, can't spit on their heroes and Equestria stories after all.
First and foremost is the discussion about idiotic cheese-loving macho who couldn't keep his hand on the prize, to which Flurry and her co agree whole-heartedly, disecting every little thing from me to throw insults and colorful remarks.

"Stinky breathed warthogs!"

"Trash!"

"Worms!"

"Potty head!!" 

"What a fruitcake!"

Half the chat is like being ruled by a bunch of burnouts who totally forgot what I just have told them minutes ago.

"A ha ha...ha-ha... Uh, miss Hawk?" Except for Storm, girl's been keeping quiet and good. "You said that the bad ponies are going to make their ship disappear. But, how can they do that?"

"Good question, Storm. I'm getting to it right now." I sigh. "I got a hunch that someone nicked this ship out of the blue and is now on the run, blowing dust and steam to the guards with you. I know this sounds nuts but imagine if they did intend to run away from outsider's eyes, it'd be a long road away from home for real..."

Got them all cuddled up and frighten once again. Tactful as always, Hawk. Better shut my yap and think of a positive outcome for a change. Last thing I need is a Hollywood drama flick happening inside their watering eyeballs.

"But h-how do you know that?"

"Guts feeling. Supposingly with us being the lost cause here, they got the match to blow a fuse if anyone dared to lock their gaze onto them. The Princesses probably aren't the type for dealing with heart attack so I figure the big boss behind this pulled us over the curtain to cast them aside...and he wasn't very bright to leave his hostages unattended. You wanna know more about my take on this matter?"

"Yes! Yes!!!"
"Please!!"
Nice Night Lady and Mama Sunshine have been poisoning young mind for a very long time and they do a pretty damn good job. Doesn't get anymore chirpier than this. Time to make a break.



"There is no reason for them to be up and gone from their watch like that." Sweeping the itch out of my ear, I lift my weight off the floor to stretch my front leg upward. "Something big must have happened up there and I think I'm gonna have a look."

"Haahh???!!!"

"You wait here. I'll be back when I know where we're off to." Saying, I make my way to the window.

"Uh?! Miss!" Apparently I made Loft care enough to be stopped by her. She's fast alright. "You're going to go out there, by YOURSELF?!"

"Yep."

"But didn't you say it's too cold to go?!" Flurry, you comes for me!!...You're the judge of that, my obnoxious little pal.

"Don't underestimate adults, squirt." I lie. "I did it once I'll make it twice."




!!!
Then without any warning, she pitches her nose to my belly and traps it into her embrace, holding me tenderly...Feels nice, getting a hug by a worn patch of blue grass has never been this warm before.
And here I am expecting to have a pleasant retreat, dealing with kids and especially with girls back home gave me a fair share of bother but this? This burns the cake and springsprays it with ponies, leaving a big mess that I don't know which one should I start first to do the clean up. 
Honest to Lord! Flurry, if you don't quit crushing my flat stomach with your hooves then I'm seriously gonna puke!

"Please...Don't go!" Her eyes go to me, which I'm not sure if they're tearing up or not. "If you go then what are we supposed to do?!!"

"..Huh?"

"I-I can't..I don't know what is happening anymore!!!" Easy to chat and easy to snap, she is? "It's dark and scary in here, I don't like it! And you told me I couldn't get out..."

"Please, miss." Loft, Storm,...Lode, you guys planned this, didn't you?  Ganghugging me to chill out and have a good time. Dammit! How the hell did it turn into this?! "Those badponies, I-I'm scared... They'll do terrible thing to you and to Flurry, to Storm and to Lode too."

...
Move it, brats!! Goddamn! It's so hard to blurt it out sometimes.

"Come on, you're giving me the tissue here. Trust me, kids." They gather up to my height as I lay one of my leg. "I'm going to pull us out of the gutter, I got a chance."

"...You do?" Guess who's taking the bait.

"I've been around, felt a little rough, just to come out realising what sort of a fool I am." Lightly pull their hooves away, I put on my creepiest smile and take ahold of one messy mane that is belonged to a certain tomboy. "There comes a time when we have to learn it the hard way, always the best lesson for our life where trouble follows each and every step we take. Only when we stand up and tell it we mean bussiness that 9 out of 10 it goes away, leaving the rest to build the character of us growing up. So face it, kick it and give me your best shot, okay??"



Prep talk, weird and out of place until you find the right time to say. Used to shove it down my brothers' throats when they scraped their kneecaps. Little boys being junkyard puppies, trying to keep the waterwork in control only to break it down into river later.

"..Miss.."

"What now?"

"How do we know you'll come back?" Recover quicker than I thought, good to know Pegasus is no joke to mess around with.

"Want it fast, wait here and I'll try my best." About damn time I take a check at time and crap. "Like I've said, once I got some dirt on where we are, I'll come straight back here, be it good news or bad news."

"But how're you going to do just that, miss?" Good question again, Stormy.

"Don't worry, I got my method." My fists are reacting strongly to this, I fear I may have anger issue. "Don't you worry your pretty head about it."

"I-I-I see..."

"But what if somepony comes in here??!" Loft, you need a round of applaud for that. Finally someone with a sense of alert around here, that eases my mind. "What're we gonna do, miss Hawk?"

"Play hide 'n seek outside and don't run off to oblivion." I say. "Same if you hear someone outside this place, that's my cue to do that too."

"Uhh...?" Doesn't understand?

"I can't risk getting by in plain sight, you know? Gotta need to work my legs when I hear somepony nearby, tip toeing to the closet or something. Let's hope it doesn't come to that."