Clover Clues and the Fugitive Fawn

Laser and I passed the time by reading through the Neighponese Guidebook, and we perused another book she had on Neighponese magical creatures. Neighpon was a place filled with wild magic: from a winged creature shaping the wind to aid its flight, to a farmer pony tilling blessed ground. The entry on deer said they drew their magic from plants and nature. That didn't gel with the lunar/dream magic of the Vestments. The fawn must have been hired by somepony else.

We slept for a while longer, and talked to some of the other squad members using the intercom. I was glad to hear that Captain Aileron's weird manner of speech didn't extend to his, aaah, squadmates. I also found out that they can rest one at a time by gliding and letting the others pull the chariot. One of the airponies even claimed she could spread her wings and take a nap right there in her flight harness. She immediately followed that with a request not to tell the Captain about it. "You know, Airpony Blitzen, I hear everything that goes through the intercom. Also, you're directly behind me."

"Ack!" said a purplish-grey pegasus with a thundercloud for a cutiemark. "Sorry Captain! I just--"

"You just wanted a quick nap. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't done it too, in my airpony days. Don't worry about it Blitz, you work hard."

"Huh, he didn't do that weird 'aaah' that whole time," said Laser.

"I don't always say 'aaah', Miss Focus."

"Ack!" said the ruby red unicorn who was currently the love of my life.

"And, aaah, it's not weird. It's cool--I'm cool."

I laughed. "Yeah, I gotta admit, you're pretty cool."

"Yep! The Wonderbolts only let cool ponies be captains. Except for Soarin, he's a meathead. But don't tell him I said that." The Captain thought for a moment. "Actually, no. Tell him I said that."

I threw up my hooves. "Alright alright, we get it, you're super cool! You don't have to rub it in..."

The Captain laughed sardonically. "Ha ha ha...well, you're pretty cool too, Detective Clues. I've been listening to you two plan your investigation. I can see why Luna chose you for this mission. You are going to do great things, Detective. Exciting things. I hope I can, aaah, help you through some of it."

"Wow...thanks, Captain." It was then that I saw a splotch of green on the horizon. "Ah, Captain?"

"I see it. Squad, ready for approach!" The radio chimed twice before he called the tower. "Poninawa Air Base, this is Captain Aileron on approach, do you copy, over?"

The radio crackled as the tower replied. "We copy you, Captain, and we are ready for your arrival. The Neighponese delegation is already waiting for you on the airstrip, over."

It wasn't long before we descended to land. Poninawa Air Base was laid out before us. It was a specially appointed Wonderbolts airbase that supported the Neighponese Self Defense Navy. I had no idea the Equestrian military even had bases in other countries. We closed in on the airstrip, and I could see a small group of ponies waving at us as we landed. They trotted over to us once we touched down.

There were three ponies: two of them looked like NIRO agents in matching suits, and the other one looked like a comic book superhero. He wore a long black coat, and a molded black skullcap that covered his left ear and eye. It looked as though he didn't have either. He had a muted gray coat and his right eye was a brilliant silver. He had a long, curved sword in a sheath strapped to his back. "Hello, Detective Clues, Investigator Focus. I am Hanzō."

Laser spoke up first. "Hajimemashite, Hanzō-san. Please take care of us." She bowed.

Hanzō grinned and took Laser's hoof and kissed it. "The pleasure is all mine, Miss Focus."

Laser seemed just as surprised as I am. "Haha, wow! I...see you studied up on Equestrian customs." I didn't like the way she was looking at him.

Hanzō grinned again. "Of course! I wouldn't want to embarrass myself while we're trying to work together."

I shrugged congenially, "Eh, we're all cops here. If it gets awkward, we'll let it slide if you will."

"Agreed." Hanzō nodded curtly. "Let's get going. There is a boat waiting to take you to Umamachi."