Pray, Hope and Wander

Chapters

Session 00 - Verdant Vines - April 26th
Session 01 - Lantern - April 27th
Session 02 - Pendant - April 27th
Session 03 - Gilded Cage - April 27th
Session 04 - Verdant Vines - April 27th
Session 05 - Lantern - April 28th
Session 06 - Pendant - April 28th
Session 07 - Verdant Vines - April 28th
Session 08 - Gilded Cage - April 29th
Session 09 - Pendant - April 29th
Session 10 - Verdant Vines - April 29th
Session 11 - Gilded Cage - April 30th
Session 12 - Verdant Vines - April 30th
Battered Journal
Declaration from White Clover - April 26th

Session 00 - Verdant Vines - April 26th

Transcript of Session 00: Verdant Vines, Head Investigator
Date: April 26th
Time: 8:48 p.m.
Interviewer: Doctor Blue Sky, PhD

The first few minutes of this recording are of little consequence, and are muffled due to my recorder still being in my saddlebags.

I arrived the night before I was scheduled and headed for Miss Vines’ tent. When I entered, there were three ponies gathered around her desk, discussing a few particulars of their investigation.

Verdant Vines (VV): —Cage, can you post the guard assignments at the mess hall and the sleeping tents? I don’t want any confusion like on Saturday. The smoother we can run things, the quicker we can— Doctor Blue Sky? I wasn’t expecting you and your colleagues until tomorrow.

Blue Sky (BS): I saw no harm in taking an earlier train. I just wanted a chance to talk in private before my team arrives and we get started.

VV: Of course. Lantern, Pendant, Cage, we’ll finalize things tomorrow at 8:30. Get a good night’s rest.

As they left, one of the ponies appeared uneasy at the suggestion of rest. Given what I’ve been informed of, I assumed that this was Lantern. Miss Vines waited until the others had left before speaking with me. In that time, I had pulled out my equipment.

VV: I thought you said you wanted to talk in private.

BS: Apologies, I just need to record things for posterity.

Miss Vines gave me a perplexed look.

VV: Well, what exactly did you want to discuss, Doctor? According to Clover’s letter, I assumed you would have your agenda in order.

BS: I just wanted some… information from you. Anything you think would help my team before we start conducting interviews.

VV: I’m not exactly sure what information I can give. Were you briefed on what we found here?

BS: Generalities, yes. The basics of what I’d need to relate to you and the other investigators here, as well as the guards, of course. As for the actual documents, no, I have not been given access to them.

Miss Vines expressed some frustration with my apparent lack of knowledge, which I had been told was due to security reasons before I departed Canterlot. She scribbled a few things on the documents on her desk before continuing. From her appearance, she seemed exhausted.

VV: I’ll need to file some paperwork before I can release copies to you, or your team, but I’m sure it will help more than some summary. There’s a tent set up for you, three down to the left and then—

BS: Miss Vines, are you feeling well?

VV: Yes, for now. However, if I don’t finish this paperwork soon and get another late night under my saddle, that might change. The tent is three down to the left, right at the fork and then the fifth on the left. The two after it are for your colleagues. I’ve stationed one of my investigators—

BS: Have you been having any odd dreams, like some of your guards and agents have reported?

VV: No. I’ve stationed one of my investigators in the tent, Lantern, who will handle any scheduling or acquisition of documents you’ll need. You can start after noon tomorrow.

BS: Do you normally have any nightmares? Trouble sleeping?

VV: Doctor!

Miss Vines’ irritation was unmistakable as she glared at me, before softening her stance.

VV: Can we save this for tomorrow, please?

BS: Of course, my apologies. I just can see that you’re stressed and— Regardless, I did have a question about Lantern in particular: I was told he’s working a different schedule than the rest of your team?

VV: Yes. After having some… issues, he stays up at night and sleeps most of the day. It’s helped, a bit.

BS: I know you said I could start at noon, but would you object to my interviewing Lantern before he sleeps?

Miss Vines was once again preoccupied with her paperwork, including a new form that she quickly filled out and gave to me.

VV: Assuming he agrees, Doctor Blue Sky, I don’t see any reason not. Give this to Lantern when you see him.

BS: Thank you. Have a pleasant night’s rest, Miss Vines.

I was stopped before leaving the tent, having already turned off my recorder. Miss Vines just wanted to clarify that, no, she does not normally have dreams, or nightmares.

Session 01 - Lantern - April 27th

Transcript of Session 01: Lantern, Assistant Investigator
Date: April 27th
Time: 7:58 a.m.
Interviewer: Doctor Blue Sky, PhD

I asked Lantern’s permission to interview him before I went to bed the night before. He did not give me an answer until the morning, but agreed to discuss his experience at Sweet Apple Acres and the recent dreams he has struggled with. Miss Vines informed me these started after Lantern located the journal and have resulted in changes to his schedule to accommodate him. They seem to only occur or are only an issue when he sleeps at night, so he stays up and helps with cataloging and records overnight. He also provided documents for me to review before our discussion.

Blue Sky (BS): All right, Lantern. Before we get started, would you mind saying your name and occupation for the record?

Lantern (L): Um, sure. Lantern, assistant investigator.

BS: And how long have you been working for the Canterlot Agency?

L: Six years, and a few months.

BS: Thank you. So, I’ve been told by Miss Vines that you’ve had some difficulties over the past few days, is that correct?

L: Yeah, yes, just, I— A few problems getting rest. A bad dream or two.

BS: And you informed her you believe this is because of how you found the journal at Sweet Apple Acres?

L: I… Yes.

Lantern seemed uncertain for a few moments; not as if he was hiding anything, but was doubting himself.

BS: You don’t have to feel pressured here, Lantern. This is for your well being, nothing else. It’s not going to leave here unless it’s considered a serious issue. And I assure you that all the details will be left out.

L: I know, I know, Doc, I just… It’s hard to talk about. I mean, it feels crazy.

BS: It’s not, Lantern, I promise you. Now this started the night after you found the journal?

Lantern looked down at his hooves, pressing into each other as he swallowed a lump in his throat.

L: … No.

BS: I-I’m sorry? Miss Vines said that you—

L: I know. I thought I was just delirious with the first one… It happened two days before we found the journal at the farmhouse.

BS: Was it similar to the dreams you’ve had since then?

Lantern again seemed uncertain of himself or his recollection.

L: Sort of. I was having trouble sleeping that night, just… felt restless, worried. Then I thought I woke up halfway through the night. Did your file say I was in the first group, to find the town empty?

BS: Yes, it did.

L: I was one of the first ones to read the journal from the library, too. I thought the dream was just my subconscious picking up on that. I, um… I woke up and I wasn’t in my tent anymore. I was in a hallway, pitch black except for a candle at my hooves. There wasn’t a face, like the dream she wrote about. There wasn’t anyone there, but I felt like… like there were hundreds of them. Hundreds of eyes. I had a knot in my stomach, like I was performing and could feel the audience judging me. I just kind of stood there, turning around and around. No sound. Nothing moving. There was a window near me, lit by the candle, but there was just more darkness outside. After a couple of minutes, I stared out the window and saw a flicker for a moment, a reflection. It was Solace. After that I woke up.

Lantern took a few moments, staring at the floor, before continuing.

L: I knew him, Sugarcane, and a few of the guards that were here before us. I didn’t think anything of it at first. I mean, it was just a face I knew, but then we found the journal at Sweet Apple Acres. It said Sugarcane and Spanner went to the farmhouse, and Solace stayed at the Town Hall...

Lantern was seemingly connecting happenstance to precognition.

BS: Let’s move on for a moment, to when you found the journal. Miss Vines said you acted suddenly, that you heard something?

L: We were all standing together in the fields, discussing the day’s progress and then everything went black. The next thing I remember, I was standing over that door. My legs were throbbing in pain and covered in dirt. I was bleeding and I heard her voice… I heard Sugarcane for a second, for just a second. I thought it was just guilt that… we weren’t buddies or anything, but I knew her. I just… I thought I felt guilty because she was missing.

BS: It’s understandable to feel that way if you worked together in the past. Have you had any blackouts since then? Heard any voices?

L: No… I haven’t, not when I’m awake. I don’t think I do when I’m asleep either, but…

BS: It’s alright. That’s good. Any other lapses might mean some kind of physical injury. I saw in your records you were given an exam after that day and there weren’t any issues found, your bleeding was managed. Now, you said this dream you had before finding the journal was at least similar to what you experienced afterwards? Can you tell me about the nights since then?

L: Yeah. Yes. The first night it was jitters, I was thinking back to how quickly it happened. I couldn’t sleep. When I tried, I closed my eyes and I just saw that candle. Probably only got an hour’s sleep in the night, but I was ready to go over the journal with the others. That’s how I woke up. Felt like I just had to. And that’s when we found out Solace had been at Town Hall. I hadn’t… been to the hall yet, I’d only been to the library, some of the nearby buildings, the farmhouse. So after we were done transcribing some of it, I left and went there. One of the hallways felt cold and frigid. It was the one from my dream, I knew it. That night, I couldn’t sleep. I walked in circles for as long as I could until I collapsed on the floor. I was in the hall again. I called out for him. I heard hoofsteps coming down the hall. I turned towards them, but I couldn’t see who made them. I called his name again, but nothing changed. They were walking towards me, slowly. I haven’t slept at night the past two days. Vines lets me sleep during the day and it helps. I don’t have that kind of dream when it’s light out. I don’t want to be a burden, but I can’t quit.

This dream could have been influenced by anxiety, and the similarity between reality and his first dream.

BS: Lantern: in the last dream, when you heard hoofsteps, did you see anything else important?

L: No. I felt something behind me though, but when I turned to look at it I woke up. The last thing I heard was this awful screech, like a cart on train tracks, sliding... grinding to a halt. I’m sorry, I don’t remember anything else.

Similar to the description from Miss Sparkle’s journal by one of the guards. It seems like his anxiety is causing the dreams, as they’ve stopped when he sleeps during the day.

BS: It’s alright, Lantern. Have you written anything from these down before, or is this just what you remember?

L: I didn’t, no.

BS: I’d like you to, if you can. Even if they’re just “regular” dreams, write them down when you wake up. We can go over it tomorrow, if you wouldn’t mind.

L: Tomorrow? Does that mean I’m okayed or—

BS: Lantern, this is to make sure you’re well. It’s getting late for you, I know, so try and get some sleep and I’ll talk to you tomorrow morning.

L: Yeah. Yes, I will.

BS: Thank you.

Lantern seems sound, but unsure and anxious. I’ll have to wait for my next session to be absolutely certain of his mental state.

Session 02 - Pendant - April 27th

Transcript of Session 02: Pendant, Assistant Investigator
Date: April 27th
Time: 3:25 P.M.
Interviewer: Doctor Blue Sky, PhD

Pendant, the investigator leading searches at and around Town Hall, arrived nearly half an hour late for our scheduled session, carrying bundles of papers and books, doing her best not to spill them as she set them down. Pendant’s file noted her focused work ethic, but it seems more excessive than suggested. Miss Vines’ own notes had nothing particular to say, other than a note about Pendant’s extensive case history.

Blue Sky (BS): Good evening, Pendant? You’re a little late for—

Pendant (P): I know, I know. Sorry. I thought I was onto something when...

She searched through a nearby stack of papers, pulling out a single one and then grimacing.

P: Things weren’t exactly what I remembered.

BS: That’s fine, there’s plenty of time. We can get started now. Could you state your name and role for the record?

P: Pendant, Assistant Investigator to Miss Vines, and currently heading up efforts at Town Hall.

BS: And how long have you been with the agency?

Pendant was quiet for a moment, looking upwards and moving her hoof about in the air.

P: Ten years, three months, fourteen days, since my first case. In that time I’ve worked a total of one hundred six cases directly, and an additional fifty-nine indirectly.

BS: Thank you, but that’s a bit more information than I needed.

P: I pride myself on my experience, and work.

BS: I noticed that from your file. The portfolio is quite impressive.

P: Thank you.

BS: Most of the investigators I’ve worked with only handle three or four a year, but you—

P: Have a drive, Doctor. A drive to do my job; a drive to help ponies.

BS: Of course. As an investigator, you’ve been privy to information about what occurred here before you arrived. Do you have any thoughts on that? Any worries?

Pendant started to search through her papers, her eyes focused on them instead of me.

P: Only that we don’t have an answer. Based on Miss Sparkle’s journal, as well as the one we recently found at Sweet Apple Acres, there is a lot more going on than we can comprehend or understand, but we have to push through that t—

BS: But you’ve been at Town Hall since you arrived, correct?

P: Yes, I have, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been kept apprised of everything else we’ve discovered. If anything, it made me redouble my own efforts.

BS: I was going to bring that up. Miss Vines says you’ve spent close to twelve or more hours there a day over the past week.

Pendant’s attention was still focused on her papers, scribbling a few things down here and there on some pages before putting them in rough piles next to her on the couch.

P: And?

BS: Everyone else under you, and most investigators in the town, spend eight hours at most a day directly involved in the case.

P: I said I’m driven, Doctor. When we didn’t find any definitive answers, I started to work harder, as should be expected. And it isn’t just spent looking over the same rooms for new clues. Since we arrived here, I’ve read these mysterious journals, the descriptions of unearthly occurrences, and heard from others about hidden messages appearing in our own transcripts. There’s a method to it, though. At first they were just hidden in passages, but the latest was a cipher.

As she spoke, her words became quieter, muttering to herself instead of talking to me.

BS: Then you’re focused on?

P: Deciphering it. Looking into why. Town Hall is the only place, the only place, where a room was untouched when we arrived. There’s a purpose to that, there has to be. I’ve looked at the books, the contents of the drawers, the placement of frames on the walls, mentions of records that should be there. Every piece is a clue, it has to be.

As she continued, she moved things out of her assortment of papers and books, looking them over before tossing them into separate piles. This drive borders on obsession, as noted in her previous case files. Still, it is a trait often valued in many a line of work, when controlled.

BS: Pendant, let’s move away from your work for a little bit. Have you had any trouble sleeping the past few days?

P: No. I have no issues whatsoever. If I did, I would have reported it to Miss Vines.

BS: So no nightmares, trouble sleeping, insomnia?

P: No, Doctor.

BS: What do you spend your time off doing, Pendant?

She brought her attention up from her pages, looking at me directly.

P: Is that relevant?

BS: It’s just a question in a conversation. I’m not here to grill you for information, Pendant, and since this is about your well being, your life outside of work is… pertinent.

She was quiet for half a minute, glancing between me and her papers, before setting them down for a moment.

P: I study, mostly.

BS: That’s good, anything in particular?

P: No, focusing on one thing tends to solidify me. I believe my work requires me to be flexible and open.

BS: So it’s for the purpose of your job alone? Nothing that you study for the fun of it?

P: Just because it’s for work, doesn’t mean it cannot be enjoyable, Doctor. Knowledge is a key to everything.

BS: I didn’t mean to sound like I was admonishing you. I’m sorry. What sort of things did you study before this case?

P: City planning. Communication. Metallurgy. Music Theory. 12th-era Griffon literature.

BS: That’s quite a wide breadth. Did any of them interest you in particular?

P: A few of them were interests of some of my peers that I felt were important to peruse. The literature was a recommendation from the librarian.

BS: Your file says you had three weeks of leave since your last case. That’s an impressive course load for such a short period.

She looked back to her papers and grabbed a few out of one pile, scribbling what I assume were notes.

P: I don’t think many of them will stick with me. I know it sounds abstract, and most likely ridiculous, but… I treat my mind like an autoclave.

BS: What do you mean?

P: I purge it of… undesirable things. I mentioned wanting my mind to be flexible, because it lets me consider more possibilities on a case. I cleanse away my preconceptions. At least I try to.

BS: That’s an interesting thought. One of the more odd descriptions I’ve heard from a patient, for sure. Obviously it’s helped you, but have you considered what happens after you stop working with the agency?

Pendant grabbed more pages, flipping back and forth between them, her eyes scanning the paper. She seemed wholly uninterested in answering the question.

BS: Pendant, your attention is obviously elsewhere. I understand your work is important, but I’ll have to schedule another session and ask you not bring any of your work with you.

She circled a few items on one piece of paper and nodded, but took a few moments before gathering up her things and sorting them into piles.

P: That will be fine, Doctor. I’ll be late in the evening tomorrow.

BS: Before the curfew I hope?

P: Hopefully.

She scribbled a few more words on her paper and left the tent without giving me another glance. I’ll have to discuss this with Miss Vines tonight. Obsession is an undercurrent of Pendant’s evaluations from previous superiors, but Miss Vines herself doesn’t seem to hold any negative perception of it in her notes.

Session 03 - Gilded Cage - April 27th

Transcript of Session 03: Gilded Cage, Perimeter Guard Lead
Date: April 27th
Time: 5:56 p.m.
Interviewer: Doctor Blue Sky, PhD

Gilded Cage’s record is standard when compared to other guards I’ve interviewed in the past. No issues stand out and Miss Vines’ notes had nothing but praise to give. When he arrived, he opted to stand, until I insisted he sit for ease of the recording. The clicking on the track is his hoof against the wood of his seat and further mention has been omitted from my transcript.

Blue Sky (BS): Testing, testing. Okay, could you please state your name and role for the recor—

Gilded Cage (GC): Cage, Investigator Support, Security, and, right now, Perimeter Guard.

BS: Your full name.

GC: What? Oh, right, right, official. Gilded Cage.

BS: Thank you. Is there any reason you prefer—

GC: It’s just got baggage, Doc. Family business and not really related to my work.

BS: Sorry, it was just a question that came to mind.

GC: Yeah, sure. So, what is this all about again?

BS: Just a cursory glance to see how everyone here is doing. My team and I are making sure everyone here is fit for duty.

GC: Well, if you can take my word for it, we can finish this now and I can get back to something worthwhile.

BS: I’m afraid that’s out of the question.

Cage gave me a half-hearted smile and shrugged.

GC: Eh, was worth a try.

BS: I’m sorry, but, this is for your and everyone’s best interests, Cage. Now, you’ve been with the Canterlot Agen—

GC: Three and a half years. Been investigator support and security since I started, no plans to go any further and I love walks in the moonlight.

Cage seems to take pride in deflecting my questions. If nothing else it is a sign of good mental health.

BS: Do you think this session isn’t important, Cage?

GC: Yeah, I’d rather be out on my patrol and not forcing Truffle to work twice his usual perimeter.

BS: I can understand that, but as I said: we need to be thorough. Just a basic set of questions, a little conversation, and if you have any concerns, you can bring them up.

GC: Then fire away.

BS: Your file says you haven’t had any history of incidents on active duty, is that correct?

GC: Yes.

BS: And since you’ve arrived here?

GC: Nothing.

BS: And you’re aware of what happened here?

GC: Yep. I don’t know all the fine details, but rumors get around, and some of the ponies who actually look at the documents are more talkative than you’d expect.

BS: And you—

GC: I don’t buy it. Bunch of journals that make no sense and ponies saying they hear voices aren’t exactly the type of evidence we work with on a daily basis.

BS: Yet the town was deserted when you and the second group of investigators arrived on the 16th.

Cage rubbed his forehead and sighed.

GC: Look, there’s a lot of things that can happen in three days and a lot of things you can write for someone to read later. Plus, there’s not a lot of concrete evidence.

BS: So what do you think happened to the town inhabitants?

GC: Could’ve run off into the Everfree, or who knows where else. Equestria is a big place. Not my job to find out, though.

BS: I see. So, I can assume you haven’t been having any trouble sleeping? Insomnia? Strange dreams?

GC: Not at all. I’ve never been the superstitious type, Doc. Though, if Truffle or Aegis says no, they have. Those two are too damn headstrong to admit it to me, but I hear them talking about not sleeping well or having nightmares around lights out.

Cage speaks matter-of-factly, but it could be deflecting out of either agitation or for his own protection.

BS: I will make a note of that, but this is about you, Cage.

GC: I’m not the one with a problem.

Definitely agitation.

BS: I’m not here to accuse you, Cage, or your well-being; my team will handle Truffle and Aegis when their sessions are scheduled.

GC: Right, right. You know, Truffle visits his uncle here in the summer. When he saw the location for the assignment come up, he was hoping he could see him again, try to catch up, maybe introduce me. That vanished pretty quick.

BS: Are you worried for him?

GC: A little. It’s kind of hard working on a job where someone you know is a victi— potential victim.

BS: Your family isn’t from here then?

Cage looked away from me. I didn’t plan to pressure him given his words about family problems earlier, but he seemed to relent.

GC: No, no. My folks are from Manehattan, big city. Wouldn’t know it from looking at me, but upper class too. My sister travels a lot though.

BS: I take it you don’t have issues with her then?

GC: No, we’re good. It’s my parents, mostly, but still not work-related.

BS: Of course. You don’t have to talk about anything you don’t want to discuss. We’re past all the basic questions I had, but I’d still like to talk for a while. Is there anyone else at the camp you’re concerned about?

GC: I mean, everyone’s got problems, but they aren’t all related to the case. I mean, the rumors and whatnot don’t help; hidden messages, Lantern’s freakout at Sweet Apple Acres, and overactive imaginations together make ponies a little jittery.

BS: But you’ve been fine?

GC: Of course. I don’t uhh fall for that stuff, I guess. I just stand outside of town, turn away the one or two ponies, on a busy day, we get wandering into town, and then come back and plan out a schedule with Vines. I’m not trying to nose my way into the investigation.

BS: You’re quick to dismiss possibilities, though.

Cage seemed close to laughing.

GC: Cause it’s… Because it’s far fetched. It’s not probable. I mean I won’t dismiss it if the investigators gather some evidence and prove it, but a bunch of journals are just scribbles on paper. They can’t have happened just because someone wrote them.

Cage has a strong skepticism. Given most of his cases have involved more physical crimes and assignments, it’s to be understood. It was about this time that Cage’s tapping became more frequent, despite the shortness of our conversation.

BS: Cage, do you have any hobbies?

His tapping slowed.

GC: Jewelry. Making it.

BS: Really?

I’ll admit that my response was unprofessional and he seemed quite upset by it.

GC: What?

BS: Sorry, it’s just usually a career. Is it something your family does?

GC: Yeah. My grandpa taught me it.

BS: Would you mind telling me about him?

GC: His name was Filigree. He was quiet, most of the time. Liked to focus on his work, but he was the best craftsman in Manehattan back in the day, from the way he told it. He was retired by the time I was born, but he still taught me, and my sister. He could spend hours just working on one piece: a ring, a necklace, even just resizing something. Always liked making it the most though.

It was at this moment I noticed his tapping had stopped.

BS: Why was that?

GC: His talent was in metals. He talked about how to shape them and harden them, which ones you needed to be gentle with when you make things. He made tools and things out of steel, but he just enjoyed working with gold more. It was like a pony, he said, you had to be kind to it to make it into something good.

BS: Is your grandfather gone, Cage?

GC: Yeah.

Cage’s tapping resumed and quickened.

GC: I’ve uhh only gotta do one of these, right?

BS: Preferably, yes.

GC: Can I finish it tomorrow?

Cage stood up. Considering how difficult it was to get him to sit in the first place, I relented.

BS: There’s not much more I’d like to discuss as it is, Cage. Still, if you’d like to we can have another session tomorrow. What time does your patrol end?

GC: Should be 5:30, evening.

BS: Then I’ll see you at six?

Despite not taking things seriously at first, Cage does seem to be handling himself fine. I’ll have to discuss things with Miss Vines tonight to see if another session is truly necessary. Still, if he is willing to come of his own volition, I won’t turn him away.

Session 04 - Verdant Vines - April 27th

Transcript of Session 04: Verdant Vines, Head Investigator
Date: April 27th
Time: 7:15 p.m.
Interviewer: Doctor Blue Sky, PhD

Blue Sky (BS): Good evening, Miss Vines. I hope your day hasn’t been too stressful.

Verdant Vines (VV): No, not at all, Doctor. I trust you and your team are doing fine as well?

BS: Yes. Before we start in earnest though, I’d like to apologize for the impromptu session last night. I’d like to do something more in-depth, if you wouldn’t mind?

VV: It’s alright, Doctor. And yes, I’ll have plenty of time.

BS: Excellent, could you state your name for the record, along with your role here?

VV: Verdant Vines, head investigator into Ponyville’s mass disappearance.

BS: And how long have you been with the agency?

VV: Twelve years, roughly.

BS: Perfect. In regards to my team’s work, we’ve luckily only had one or two no-shows, but that’s to be expected when this isn’t set up enough in advance.

VV: I’ll make sure to stress to everyone how important attending the sessions is. You said in your note to me that you had a few points you wanted to discuss first?

BS: Yes, yes, we’ve come across a few… not troubling, but discussion-worthy things with your group. My colleagues have also noted some issues that seem common throughout the town’s detail.

VV: Patterns among the entire team? Is that alarming?

BS: Not at all. In situations like this, group mentality plays a large part. Nightmares in particular can be molded based on what others have talked about, and opinions on the current situation can be much the same.

VV: So, you’re saying they’ve had similar nightmares and dreams?

BS: Yes. Some are in fairly bad shape due to lack of sleep and insomnia, but none of them seem as bad as Lantern. Which is why things seem much more odd when that is taken into account. Lantern described the dreams he’s had both before and after he found the cella—

VV: Before?

Miss Vines seemed quite confused at my statement, which was understandable.

VV: He had them before?

BS: Yes, Miss Vines. He apparently thought they were just his subconscious, playing up details he’d read during the case. He said he was in a dark hallway, lit by a candle, and that there were hundreds of eyes watching him.

VV: That sounds like the dream Miss Sparkle mentioned in her journal, yes. Why is this odd exactly?

BS: My colleagues report that within the past two nights, fifteen other members of your personnel here have had the exact same dream. The same hallway, lit by just a candle, and the feeling of being watched.

VV: He never told anyone about it. If he had, someone else would have come to me about it: Cage or Pendant or someone underneath him. I even asked around when he complained about nightmares after we found the journal. Doctor, you’re absolutely sure of this?

BS: Yes, Miss Vines. In fact, Lantern mentioned looking at a window in his dream and seeing the reflection of one of the investigators from the first group, the one stationed at Town Hall.

VV: Solace. We only got concrete information about where he was from the journal at the farmhouse.

BS: Some of those that have had the dream more recently and who knew him, mentioned seeing him as well. One even described what he looked like, but had never met him.

VV: One of them could have had this dream an-and told others—

BS: I’m aware of that possibility, Miss Vines, but I think, given how little we are certain of at this stage, that we cannot simply rule out the worst case scenario. Now, none of these individuals has had any alarming behavior. They feel tired during the day and restless at night, but it has not appeared to have affected them psychologically. I’ve put together a list of those that I think should have reduced hours, but they should continue regular screenings. I recommended a dream journal to Lantern and my colleagues have done the same to others. We’ll compare them and see if there’s a similar lagging between them. If we see another pattern, I think it will be safe to assume this is more than coincidence.

VV: Of course, Doctor. I appreciate you and your team’s opinion on the matter. Were there any other problems?

BS: A few things, yes. Pendant was extremely late to her appointment and brought her work with her. I was able to talk with her for a bit, but I insisted on another session, this time without her work joining her. I noticed your file doesn’t stress her obsession as much as previous superiors.

VV: I know how that seems, Doctor, but Pendant has a brilliant mind. She bounced between teams because of her attitude, yes, but how long she’s been with the agency is a testament to her capabilities despite that. I respect that you need another session with her, but I saw the drive she has, the talent. I like to think she’s more focused than she was in her previous assignments.

BS: I’ll let you know how it goes. Hopefully she’ll be on time.

VV: I’ll stress the importance to her at the start of her shift tomorrow.

BS: I also had a session with Gilded Cage. Cage, as he preferred to go by. He was a bit more focused on the session, though did not take it as seriously.

She laughed.

VV: That does sound like Cage. Was he more abrasive than usual?

BS: Not based on his file, no. He seems more skeptical than others on your team, and he was very talkative about his hobbies and some of his family. He actually asked for another session or at least to delay our current one.

VV: I’m a little surprised by that. Do you think he needs one?

BS: No, not based on his responses, but it never hurts to be sure. He might display some issues based on the problems with the town’s detail as a whole. He also mentioned some other members who might be having issues, so another session could assist with that.

VV: It is your team’s decision here, Doctor, not mine. Is that about all that has to do with ponies besides me?

BS: Yes, I suppose we can get started. With the pressure you’ve been under, attempting to deduce and summarize exactly what occurred here before your arrival as well as the supposedly vivid descriptions you’ve read and reported, have you found it to be challenging?

VV: This case in particular, yes. I came in expecting to work under Spanner, the lead of the original party from the 13th. It was a… shock to discover they were missing. It was even more of a shock to read what we found in Miss Sparkle’s journal, the only account of what had supposedly occurred. Even digging up ghost stories in a book she referenced hasn’t gotten us any closer to definitive proof, though the journal from Sweet Apple Acres certainly corroborated, slightly.

BS: Is that impacting you negatively?

She took a few moments to consider her response.

VV: Somewhat.

BS: Would you care to explain?

VV: I worry. I worry night and day while we’re working as hard as we possibly can. What I’ve read is unnatural. Unearthly. It shouldn’t and couldn’t have happened, but I worry that it really did. I worry an entire town disappeared overnight and that every single one of them suffered. Even worse, I worry it can happen again, anywhere, without any notice.

BS: That’s… natural, Miss Vines. Your reaction, I mean. Being in charge of such a large operation and dealing with such uncommon circumstances is stressful. Have you had any dreams or hallucinations yourself?

VV: No. I’ve barely had a dream at all since I was a foal. None I can remember at least. As for hallucinations, no. Lantern is the only one who has, as far as I’m aware.

BS: Would you be comfortable ending the investigation tonight?

Miss Vines raised an eyebrow, shifting in her seat uncomfortably, before staring at me.

VV: Excuse me?

BS: It’s only a hypothetical, Miss Vines.

VV: O-of course it is, I’m… I wouldn’t be comfortable, no. I don’t want to leave here without an answer, even if I’m afraid that’s what will happen.

BS: Understandable. Miss Vines, you talked about how what your team believes occurred is unnatural, that it shouldn’t have happened. What evidence would you need to draw a conclusion, to classify it as any kind of natural?

VV: I don’t know, honestly, Doctor. I have two accounts of events that happened in this town. Both are beyond impossible, because they describe the days my team has spent here digging through an empty ghost town. Even worse is that they contradict one another. Miss Sparkle arrived at Sweet Apple Acres to find it empty while the Apple Family and my co-workers were supposedly still there.

She paused for a moment, rubbing her temples and looking down at the floor before looking back up at me.

VV: Cage probably mentioned it in his session: we could be chasing a false lead. Someone could have planted these to throw us off their tail, but there’s no other evidence. I don’t know how much magic it would take to uproot an entire town’s populace overnight and take it somewhere we couldn’t find . We’ve had small teams combing all of Equestria for any other leads. So, there’s only two real possibilities. One: I am dealing with the most talented set of foalnappers in the history of Equestria, pulling off a crime with no ransom note, no motive, and a week’s worth of events we can verify from our own record leading up to this historical crime, which they felt the need to have an audience for. Two: this entire town was… taken somewhere that has no sun, no moon, and no stars, just an endless void in every direction, and they were attacked by something out of the worst nightmares imaginable.

There was a long silence from both of us. I had become aware of these events over the course of the past two days, but Miss Vines paints events in a far more vivid light than the records I was given to review. After nearly a minute, she continued.

VV: I will do everything in my power to try and solve whatever happened here. I will try my greatest to cling to the hope that all of these ponies are not gone forever. I pray the truth won’t be the worst thing I can imagine. Do you have any other questions, Doctor?

BS: No, Miss Vines. I… I think you deserve to get some rest. But, there was one thing, a request.

I expected a question, but Miss Vines waited for me to continue.

BS: Lantern mentioned that his dreams weren’t happening when he slept during the day. If these are happening to others under your employ and Lantern’s dreams are a precursor to theirs… There is a set of herbs one of my old professors studied during his master’s thesis, which could induce deeper sleep in ponies. I could requisition some within a day to give to Lantern, if need be.

VV: Those dreams tormented him. He came to me begging for relief. Are you asking for my consent to make him experience them again?

BS: Yes. I will not do anything against his will, but I need your signature in order to request these herbs.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

VV: Alright, Doctor. I’ll sign.

BS: Thank you, Miss Vines.

Session 05 - Lantern - April 28th

Transcription of Session 05: Lantern, Assistant Investigator
Date: April 28th
Time: 8:22 a.m.
Interviewer: Doctor Blue Sky, PhD

Lantern seemed in fine spirits before our meeting. I’m unsure if he’s been made aware of others in the camp having similar dreams to his, but after getting some food and coming to my tent for a session, his attitude was still positive. I noticed that he hadn’t brought anything with him, despite my request for a journal.

Blue Sky (BS): Good morning, Lantern. Could you state your name and role for the record again?

Lantern (L): Of course, Doctor. Lantern, assistant investigator to Miss Vines.

BS: Thank you. I see you’re looking well this morning, did you have a productive night?

L: No, not particularly, but I did sleep well during the day.

BS: That’s good to hear. I asked you at the end of our last session about keeping a dream journal. I see you didn’t bring anything today.

L: I left it at my tent, Doctor. It’s not that I didn’t have anything to share, it just didn’t seem important.

BS: Do you recall it? I assume you wrote it down, at the least?

L: I did, yes. It wasn’t anything interesting for most of the night, not anything that I could remember after waking up, but there was something.

Lantern’s face had changed, back to that look of uncertainty as he stared down at his hooves.

L: It was the Town Hall, again.

BS: Were you inside or outside? Are there any details that stood out?

L: Outside, and… it was here.

Lantern looked back up at me and continued before I could question what he meant.

L: I could see the tents, the lights we strung up around town, and the stars. It wasn’t whatever they wrote about.

BS: So, you dreamt about the investigation then, and what’s been happening?

L: No, I don’t think it was, but… I felt like I was being watched, even as I was in the air somehow, looking down at the town. The next thing I knew, I was inside. I’ve only been there once, to help Pendant with some cataloging, but it was the mayor’s office.

BS: Was there anything you heard or felt that stuck out?

Lantern looked down at his hooves for a long while, silent.

BS: Lantern, whatever it is, you can tell me.

L: There were hoofsteps and a thud. I didn’t see anything move or change.

BS: You’re certain, Lantern?

L: Yes, that’s when I woke up. It was around nine or so, last night. I’d overslept and had to write it down quickly, but that’s what I remember.

He looked up at me and then glanced to the entrance of the tent.

L: I reported late to Miss Vines and started looking over some books she requested, but I went to Town Hall, past the curfew.

Miss Vines had informed me that no one was allowed outside the camps on the edge of town after dark, except for a set of rotating perimeter guards.

BS: What did you find, Lantern?

L: Nothing. I thought the dream meant something, that there was something there, but it was just the same as it was when we arrived. Pendant made sure everything was put back in its place whenever anyone was done examining it.

BS: Like I said in our first session, Lantern, what you tell me here is confidential, to a degree. Your actions, while breaking Miss Vines’ protocol, aren’t enough to warrant my reporting of them. That curiosity paints them in a different light, and you obviously have regret about it.

Lantern nodded.

L: I thought I’d find something.

BS: Lantern, Miss Vines told me yesterday about how she feels in this investigation. You, her, several of your colleagues, all seem to harbor the same want to uncover what’s happened here.

It is worth noting here that Miss Vines had approved my requisition for a set of herbs which helped induce deeper sleep the night prior, and I was aware of their impending arrival that morning.

BS: I… think there may be something to your dreams. Others in this camp have had similar ones, following yours. I know that you’ve kept them a secret as well.

The realization of what I had to say slowly dawned on Lantern’s face, but he kept silent.

BS: Even ponies that had never known Solace described his face. I think you’re of sound mind, Lantern. The stress of what you experienced has been getting to you and what I’m about to suggest may not help in that matter. I spoke to Miss Vines and requested a mixture of particular medicinal herbs, potent ones. One of my professional peers believes it can induce more vivid dreams, and a deeper sleep. You’ve not had these particular dreams that worried you since you started sleeping during the day, but I wonder if this medicine I requested could induce them.

Lantern looked down as I spoke, and I began to question why I brought this to his attention. I am not a member of this team, nor should I influence this investigation’s outcome or course.

BS: They should arrive in an hour or so. Would you consent to taking them?

L: If it will help others, or brings something to light, I’ll take them.

BS: You must be absolutely sure, Lantern. Miss Vines stressed how much of a burden this might end up being, and how poorly you felt after first experiencing them.

L: I know, Doctor, but they have to mean something. I can’t hide from it.

Lantern received his medication an hour later and went to sleep.

Session 06 - Pendant - April 28th

Transcription of Session 06: Pendant, Assistant Investigator
Date: April 28th
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Interviewer: Doctor Blue Sky, PhD

I should note here that Cage did not show up for his scheduled appointment. I will have to bring it up to Miss Vines.

As for Pendant, she arrived on time for her appointment and without any of her work. I was pleasantly surprised.

Blue Sky (BS): Good evening, Pendant. I’m glad to see you were able to leave your work behind.

Pendant (P): Good evening to you as well, Doctor.

I believe she glared at me for a moment, but I was focused on my notes at the time.

BS: So, would you like to start things fresh or pick up where we left off?

P: I don’t have a preference, Doctor.

BS: Well, a fresh start is always nice then. How was your day?

P: Productive. Very much so, in fact.

BS: Is that so? Are you at liberty to discuss how with me?

P: Yes. It was about the cipher, the one that I mentioned yesterday; I had an epiphany after leaving your tent.

BS: You managed to solve it?

P: Yes, it was a Vigeneigh cipher, one that uses a code word. I’d been trying several, but what you said when I left, well, something about it struck a chord with me.

BS: You’ll forgive me for not recalling.

P: “Hope.” You hoped that I would be able to make it before Miss Vines’ curfew. I had deduced that a four-letter word might be the key to deciphering it, but there are many of those.

Something about the way Pendant spoke seemed more straightforward than yesterday. She was direct before, of course, but maybe without her work to distract her, her focus was even tighter.

BS: Yes, I suppose there are. So “hope” was this keyword that you needed? What sort of message did you find?

P: I suppose whoever left it has a flair for the dramatic. If I had to describe it, it is hopeful. Someone that was there survived.

BS: That is rather hopeful. Do you know who it is?

Pendant looked down, hoof resting on her chin, and started muttering to herself.

P: No, but it must mean they have some way to reach us. That’s assuming the contents of all the journals so far are true, and where they are is somewhere we cannot reach on our own. Some barrier we can’t cross on our own, but can be pulled through.

Her muttering grew lower, until she was barely whispering to herself. It all seemed to be conjecture about what had happened.

BS: Pendant, I think this qualifies as “work.”

She stopped, shaking her head and looking back up at me.

P: I apologize, Doctor Do you work much in the theory of your field?

BS: You mean abstract studies? No, I prefer to work with patients.

P: What do you think is the best question you can ask a patient? In general.

BS: I think that’s a question more deep than we have time to discuss.

She glanced to the side, rubbing the side of her neck and stretching slightly.

P: I read a few books on psychology once. I don’t consider myself an expert, but I think there is a “best” question. Not to gauge someone’s mental state or solve their problems. No, just to know them. “How do you see yourself?”

BS: It’s certainly an interesting question. Is there a reason you feel it’s “best?”

P: It’s open-ended. How I respond to the question reveals not only how I see myself, but what I value. If I describe my occupation, I might value it more than if I described my feelings to you. If I mention my looks or my money, I may value how others see me.

She continued to look away from me and her ears flicked in the silence after she stopped talking.

BS: You certainly have some interesting thoughts, Pendant. So, how do you see yourself, then?

She was quiet for a minute and then turned to face me.

P: An investigator. An answerer. Somepony who solves problems.

I prepared to respond, but she cut me off.

P: I know what you might say, Doctor. I didn’t answer what you asked me yesterday for a reason. I don’t think I’m anything but my job.

BS: I think that’s a long jump to make, Pendant.

P: But you were going to make it, even if you didn’t say it. I think I can solve the rest of this case, Doctor. Did you mention anything to Miss Vines yet?

BS: Your obsession. Miss Vines has a different opinion than me.

P: I think you’re both right, for what it’s worth. You’re the professional, however. I can understand if you’ll argue against me.

Before I could say anything more, Pendant left my tent, and I prepared for my report to Miss Vines.

Session 07 - Verdant Vines - April 28th

Transcription of Session 07: Verdant Vines, Head Investigator
Date: April 28th
Time: 8:06 p.m.
Interviewer: Doctor Blue Sky, PhD

Blue Sky (BS): Good evening, Miss Vines. I trust your day went well?

Miss Vines seemed in a better mood than when she left our last session.

Verdant Vines (VV): Better than some recent ones, yes. Pendant told me she talked to you about her discovery in your meeting?

BS: Yes, but I don’t think it’s important to her review.

VV: I’m sorry if I got ahead of what you wanted to discuss, Doctor. It’s just something I’m worried is a blessing and a curse.

BS: Your line of work is often fraught with things like that, Miss Vines, isn’t it?

Miss Vines looked down at her lap for a few moments and sighed.

VV: I suppose so. How were your sessions today?

BS: Fruitful in some cases. Cage was not present for his meeting today. Do you know any reason that might be?

Miss Vines appeared confused and then looked over to a set of papers she had at her side. We held our meetings at the end of the day in her tent, and as such she had access to any information I might need. She shuffled through the papers, shaking her head.

VV: I don’t think there’s any reason he would have missed it. I know he’s stubborn at times, but he doesn’t disob— Ah, here we are.

She pulled one paper from the pile.

VV: It seems like he requested a shift transfer right before his normal one started. He moved from perimeter patrol to investigation detail at the hotel on the other side of town.

BS: Does something like this happen normally?

VV: Now and then, yes. I assume someone must have approached him early this morning about it. There’s no detailed reason on the request, just “shift change on mutual request.”

BS: I assume his shift is ending soon, then?

VV: From the look of it, yes. I’ll talk to him about it before bed. I’m sure it wasn’t his intention to miss your meeting.

BS: Thank you. For the sessions I did hold today, and those that the rest of my team covered, it seems like a few other ponies here have shown dreams similar to Lantern’s. I think the occurrence has grown closer to correlation.

VV: Do you think it’s something to be concerned about then?

BS: Ideally, yes, but none of those that have reported it seem troubled because of it. They all passed my colleagues’ reviews.

VV: Did you have another session with Lantern this morning?

BS: Yes, I think it was rather producti—

VV: And did you ask him about taking those herbs you mentioned yesterday?

Miss Vines’ expression looked like one of concern, but her gaze felt like it pierced through me.

BS: Yes, I did. However, we started out discussing a dream he had after my first session. It involved Town Hall. It didn’t seem to him that anything in his dream was different from what he recalled of the location, except that he heard hoofsteps. Have any of your investigators reported finding something there recently?

VV: No. Pendant would have come to me immediately if she’d found anything new worth discussing.

BS: I don’t mean to imply anyone here is hiding something from you, but Lantern did have an… experience that led him to this second journal.

VV: I didn’t take it that way, Doctor, of course. I’ll try to have a meeting with Pendant to discuss it and talk to the guards that have been stationed there with her.

BS: There wasn’t much else that came from my session with Lantern. I assume he’ll be awake soon and I’ll ask if he has time to talk before I retire for the night. I’d prefer to talk when his recollection is clear, instead of relying on what he manages to write down.

VV: As long as he consents, Doctor, it should be fine.

BS: Moving onto Pendant. I think our session was productive, but I can’t truly pin down if there’s any problem with her that needs to be addressed. She’s mentally capable and seems to be making progress on her tasks. I don’t think the case will be an issue for her, but I still recommend some kind of… rest period afterwards. Perhaps a few more sessions with me back in Canterlot.

VV: I don’t really know if she’d go along with that, but I do think it would be helpful. She’s brilliant, really, and I’d hate to turn a blind eye to any issues she’s having based on my opinion of her.

BS: Thank you, Miss Vines. Is there anything you’d like to talk about that’s happened in the past day?

Miss Vines was quiet for a few moments.

VV: I feel like what Pendant has found is just another twisted clue in the grand scheme of things. The message is hopeful, for us and whoever might somehow be alive, but it places everything else in another light.

BS: You mean that—

VV: The other messages we’ve found came from someone else. Are still coming from something, someone else. Maybe this message is just a decoy to draw us closer to a trap we won’t see coming, a revelation we aren’t meant to see. Or maybe I’m being superstitious and it means exactly what it says. It sounds stupid to say, given what we’ve found, but I need something physical or someone that is a witness to prove what’s happening. It’s the only way to cut off the chaff.

BS: Have you ever had a case similar to this?

Miss Vines didn’t respond immediately, seemingly deep in thought.

BS: I don’t know how common magic or “other” things are in your line of work, but I’d assume, rightfully, that this is out of your comfort zone.

VV: That would be putting it mildly.

BS: It would be safe to assume. then, that some of your subordinates are reacting as they would to an unknown challenge. Lantern and Cage are potentially unsettled, either wholly or partially, while you and Pendant are eager and ready to buckle down and overcome it. Of course, this is more than some simple change, and there are other preternatural forces at work: beyond our explanation, rather than unexplainable.

VV: I don’t think you can split it into one or the other, Doctor.

BS: Of course not. A spectrum is more likely, but I don’t think only one side of that line can be expected to react poorly.

VV: So are there any ponies your team is sending away?

BS: A few, yes. Mostly those with insomnia or that have been falling asleep during their work. Not to imply that the future will be different, but none of them are beyond helping yet. With rest, I’m sure they’ll be ready to continue their work soon.

VV: When? I don’t have long to sit and wait on my personnel.

BS: It’s impossible to tell. For some it might be a day or two, others—

We were interrupted by someone bursting into the tent. I did not recognize their face, but they called for Miss Vines to follow. I asked if I could join and am regretful that they agreed.

We ran towards Lantern’s tent, where a few other guards and investigators were gathered outside. I heard Lantern shouting for someone to get away from him. By the time I got a chance to see inside of the tent with Miss Vines, he had been tackled to the floor. Cage was one of three ponies holding him down, trying to keep a knife being controlled by Lantern’s magic away from himself.

His body was covered in shallow cuts, still bleeding, but most of them were grouped around his forehead and eyes. He looked wholly unlike how he seemed this morning during our meeting. I have no recording of his outburst or photographs to offer of the events, but he kept shouting about how “They” were coming, and “She” had already come. One of my colleagues was able to apply a sedative to him.

I do not know if my mixture had an effect on Lantern, but later that night, Cage came to my tent with Lantern’s dream journal. Outside of a few scattered recollections that he had told me about this morning, there was only one thing worth noting. Either just after waking, or subconsciously while sleeping, he had drawn something.

He will be in Canterlot before midnight.

Session 08 - Gilded Cage - April 29th

Transcription of Session 08: Gilded Cage, Perimeter Guard Lead
Date: April 29th
Time: 5:09 p.m.
Interviewer: Doctor Blue Sky, PhD

Cage arrived on time to his session today, though there were several minutes of silence before either of us spoke.

Blue Sky (BS): I was curious as to why you missed our scheduled session yesterday, Cage. Miss Vines told me you switched shifts with another guard.

Cage coughed to clear his throat, but still looked reluctant to talk.

Gilded Cage (GC): Yeah. It was something last minute. Just someone that needed some time to themselves. They were back to work there today, so guess it helped.

BS: And you made your regular shift today?

GC: Of course. I appreciate the concern after what we both saw, but I’m used to those things.

BS: That seems like an awfully difficult thing to become used to.

GC: It is. At least he didn’t end up actually killing himself.

BS: I assume that means you’ve seen someone actually—

GC: No. Not someone doing it to themselves at least. You still think about it though. If anyone is going to see the worst things in Equestria, you hope it’ll be us, right? So we have to be hardened without experiencing it.

BS: That’s a very dangerous state of mind. You can’t act like an immovable pillar in every experience.

Cage looked down in his lap for a few moments, before looking up at me.

GC: I still have a job to do. I can’t let someone else almost killing me and themselves over stress keep me from that.

BS: Did you work with Lantern much before this case?

GC: A few times. We knew each other, but we weren’t close or anything. I know Vines more than him, but we’ve been on a few cases. Pendant was a little closer to him, though.

BS: You were there before Vines and myself arrived, was there anythi—

GC: I already gave my statement on that, Doctor. Miss Vines let you read everyone’s, I’m sure.

BS: I apologize. I’m just concerned that a brief description in a report isn’t the entire story. This meeting is supposed to be about you though, yes. We talked a bit about your grandfather last session, didn’t we? Would you like to talk about him some more, or your sister?

Cage grimaced at the mention of his sister.

GC: I don’t know what else there is to say about him. He’s not around anymore, however much I want him to be. My sister is the only pony left in my family I feel connected with or who wants to even talk to me. With all our traveling, for work or whatever, we don’t cross paths all too often. I wanted to take time off to travel with her for a bit, but it just wasn’t the right time.

BS: I won’t force you to talk about it, but the wedge between you and your parents, is there one cause you could attribute it to?

Cage took a few deep breaths and I was ready to write off him talking about it all together.

GC: I didn’t want to do what they wanted. My job, the way I acted, the ponies I talked to; it didn’t fit what they wanted from me, for their image. I don’t hate them for it. I understand where it was coming from, but they just wouldn’t budge on it, so I didn’t either.

BS: You cut off talking to them completely?

GC: Yeah. I couldn’t stand not talking to my sister, or my grandfather, but he passed not long after that and my parents never seemed to care what my sister did with herself.

BS: What’s her name? You didn’t mention it before.

GC: Pavé.

BS: You mentioned her traveling. Is it for business?

GC: No, she just likes to see places. She thinks there’s so much to see, so, why not get out and see it? She even sends me postcards and pictures and I try to get them forwarded wherever I’m stationed, but they don’t always get to me on time. And I can never tell where she’s gonna be to send one back. We still talk once or twice a year, though, when we can plan it.

Cage’s demeanor and expressions turned much more dour when talking about Pavé.

BS: Have you ever considered trying to make amends with your parents?

GC: A few times.

BS: Were they all your idea?

GC: … No. Pavé was the first to bring it up. I don’t— It’s too personal.

BS: It’s alright, Cage. Is there anything else you might want to talk about? Was your shift yesterday a nice change of pace?

GC: Being indoors or outdoors isn’t much of a difference. I mean, I wasn’t just sitting there looking out for ponies, but looking through rooms for the fifth time isn’t all that exciting either.

BS: One of the journals said that investigators were staying at the hotel you were assigned to, but one of your teams had already searched there?

GC: Yeah. One of the first places they searched, after the library. Didn’t find anything about the other investigators there... and still haven’t found anything about them being there, other than that journal.

BS: There are very few threads left to follow. How do you feel about that?

Cage was silent, eyes closed, before he sighed and started to stand up.

GC: I don’t know.

BS: I’ll let Miss Vines know if you’re needed for another session tomorrow, Cage, but to be honest, I don’t think you’ll need one.

Cage said nothing else as he left. While looking seemingly despondent, I think Cage’s mental state is sound, especially given what he had experienced.

Session 09 - Pendant - April 29th

Transcription of Session 09: Pendant, Assistant Investigator
Date: April 29th
Time: 7:23 p.m.
Interviewer: Doctor Blue Sky, PhD

Pendant was once again late for our scheduled meeting. With the progress made yesterday, I believed it wasn’t too alarming that she would be consumed by her work once again.

Blue Sky (BS): Pendant, I’m glad to see you finally arrive. I assume your work has kept you distracted today?

Pendant had brought a few papers, but when she sat down, her attention was focused on me.

Pendant (P): A bit, Doctor. Is there something specific you wanted to discuss today?

BS: No, Pendant. These sessions are just supposed to be free form. If you have something you want to talk about, that’s fine.

P: How is Lantern? I’ve already talked to Miss Vines and Cage, but I am curious about your opinion.

BS: I didn’t have a chance to talk to him. He wasn’t exactly in a good condition when he left, and I don’t think it’s appropriate to share how our sessions were before then.

P: Then he was acting that badly before?

BS: No. Suffice to say, being in Canterlot now, I expect that he is receiving the care that he needs. I should have more information about his condition for Miss Vines soon.

My comments did not seem to break Pendant’s chain of thought.

P: Cage said that he seemed entirely unlike himself. Even after whatever problems he had from discovering that journal, he wasn’t like that. How could someone change so quickly? Overnight, or even over a day.

BS: I don’t know, Pendant. It worries me, certainly, but I’m sure he’ll be better soon.

P: Because of his care or because he’s gone from here?

BS: I beg your pard—

P: One of the ponies with Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, her mood changed entirely, almost overnight. Something there affected her. It had affected all of them in different ways.

Pendant finally seemed to be unable to control herself, grabbing her papers and starting to scribble on them.

BS: Pendant, we talked before about bringing your work. We’re not able to perform these sessions when y—

P: These sessions are trivial, Doctor. With your recommendation or not, even Miss Vines’ orders, I wouldn’t abandon this.

Pendant’s attention was wholly on her papers, but I could catch a hint of anger in her normally calmer tone.

BS: If you happen to not be well or not be feeling well, Pendant, you shouldn’t stay here.

P: I’m needed here. I’ve uncovered more about what is happening than Miss Vines or any of the other investigators. I’m the one that can piece it all together.

BS: Pendant, that kind of viewpoint is hazardous.

Pendant threw her papers to the side, eyes meeting mine in a malicious glare.

P: Why?! Because of how dangerous it is? Because of how powerful what did this is? That’s all the more reason I have to be here!

BS: Pendant, please, control yourself. I’m not trying to level accusations at you, I’m trying to help.

P: If you wanted to help, you would leave me to my work! You wouldn’t drag me to these unproductive, worthless sessions to talk about feelings that are irrelevant to solving this case! The results are what matter, Doctor, nothing else. That’s always what matters!

Pendant had risen out of her seat, taking a hostile stance. I did not make a move to defend myself in any way, at first.

BS: Is this how you always feel, on every case you take: that the answer is more important than the lives that obtain it?

P: Yes! That’s why we put ourselves on the line for it! We don’t sit in some clean, safe room combing over documents or pictures, we’re where it happened! I’m trying to get where it happened! She’s already there!

Pendant began to take hoofsteps towards me, at which point I did move from my seat.

BS: Pendant, please. I-I understand your conviction, but there is no need for anger or violence over this. Think of what Miss Vines will do in reaction, yes?

P: I-I don’t.

Pendant placed a hoof on her forehead, grimacing in pain as she stepped backwards.

BS: Pendant, do you need any medication? I can—

P: No! No, Doctor.

Pendant made her way back to her seat and gathered up the papers that had scattered.

P: I’ll prepare my things to leave. I’m sure that’s what Miss Vines will want.

Pendant quickly left my tent and I considered if I should have been stronger in my convictions over the past few days. The mare clearly needs some time away from her position, to do something besides this aimless studying she’s talked about. I hope in Canterlot she can find that relaxation.

Session 10 - Verdant Vines - April 29th

Transcription of Session 10: Verdant Vines, Head Investigator
Date: April 29th
Time: 8:14 p.m.
Interviewer: Doctor Blue Sky, PhD

Miss Vines arrived late to our session. She looked worried when she arrived, but that did not become entirely clear to me until later.

Blue Sky (BS): Miss Vines. Is something bothering you?

Verdant Vines (VV): In a few ways, Doctor, yes.

BS: I’m sorry to hear that. Would you like to go over what I’ve found from my sessions today first?

Miss Vines took a few moments to reply.

VV: Of course.

BS: Lantern was sent to Canterlot last night, of course. I’ve not heard anything about him since then, but I’m certain if anything comes through you will most likely be the first to read about his condition. Though I was his doctor for these sessions, I suspect Miss Clover will not be sending any updates on his condition to me.

VV: I’ll be happy to keep you apprised, Doctor. Was there any… warning sign? I know I asked you last night, but I don’t think any of us were exactly level-headed.

Miss Vines shouted at me for answers shortly after we were called to Lantern’s tent, though there was not much I could say in my own state.

BS: No, I don’t feel that there was any sort of sign. Lantern seemed like he was improving before my suggestion. I can’t say for certain that what I gave him affected him so harshly, but I do feel responsible.

Miss Vines was silent for several moments, staring down at her hooves.

VV: Blue Sky, I wouldn’t trouble yourself worrying like that. Whatever happened to Lantern isn’t one pony’s fault alone.

BS: Regardless, Lantern’s dream journal didn’t show anything quite as drastic as whatever triggered this breaking point. There was nothing written about what he dreamed that day except for those eyes, so I assume there’s little we can gleam other than the dreams I discussed with him and that others have experienced.

VV: I see. We’ll have to wait and see if his condition changes then, if he becomes any more coherent.

BS: Exactly.

VV: What about the others?

BS: Cage was a bit more receptive to talking about his background, and he does seem perfectly fine, though a little despondent about current events, like everyone is. I don’t think he’ll need another session with me at this point, unless you want us to go through with one.

VV: I’ll leave it up to your judgment, then. Cage has always been rather sound of mind when on assignments as taxing as this, so if he seems fine in your eyes, then I’m sure he can continue on.

BS: Excellent. As for Pendant—

VV: I’m aware things went poorly. I didn’t see her afterwards like I usually do.

BS: I believe the stress of finding an answer, much like it has done to you, is piling up.

I had to correct myself quickly.

BS: Not to say that you yourself are unfit for duty here, but Pendant’s emotional state appears more fragile. She acted openly hostile and angry towards me when I questioned one of her viewpoints. She seems to believe she’s solely culpable to any failure in the investigation.

VV: I don’t think I fully understand you, Doctor.

BS: Pendant is… insistent that she is the only one on this investigation capable of uncovering the truth. That even if her mental state was eroded, her health and safety at risk, and you were ordering her to leave, she would not.

Miss Vines took a moment to respond.

VV: Doctor, I have had control and ownership of working many cases with Pendant at this point. I’ve seen this kind of drive out of her, this passion, before. This is how she’s solved the things she has.

BS: You can’t be suggesting th—

VV: I am, Doctor. Pendant may be abrasive in her attitude when she gets like this, but there’s no debating the results I’ve seen out of her.

BS: I can’t allow that, Miss Vines! Past experiences or not, I am the one with control over her treatment and evaluation, and if she’s gone through other cases in this mental state, it has likely been taxing on her. I know that any lack of progress on this case might make it seem like you need to go to some extreme, but her well-being is more important than that!

I will admit that I lost my composure with Miss Vines, but I still agree with my general opinion in regards to Pendant and her current state.

VV: I may only have four more days to come up with something on this case. One pony has already been driven to the breaking point and… I’m feeling it myself.

Miss Vines looked down, taking a few deep breaths. Her body appeared to be shaking as her eyes were closed.

VV: Overnight I… had the same dream that Lantern did before. I can still remember every detail of it and I hadn’t even read all of the information on it you gave me. The thing that worried me about it, though, was that I could hear Solace talking. About time, that there wasn’t any left. That it was running out. That Equestria was in danger. Isn’t the sacrifice of some ponies worth the well-being of all of them?

BS: Miss Vines, there’s no way to tell if that dream was influenced by some sort of underlying worry that you yourself have. It’s only right to feel a sense of duty about these events, given their severity, but to take a dream as some premonition in this case… We have to be concerned with the well-being of ponies we know are here.

VV: Just give me a day to talk to Pendant, Doctor, please. Maybe I can do something to keep her sane long enough to—

BS: I apologize for my outburst before, Miss Vines, but I won’t budge on this issue. I won’t insist that she leave in the morning if you need time to discuss details of the case. It’s already late enough as it is.

Miss Vines took another deep breath and sighed. It’s obvious the futility she feels in this case is wearing her thin, even if she has to stay composed for the sake of others.

VV: I appreciate that much, at least.

BS: This is for the best. Miss Clover will agree with me. I’ll speak to you tomorrow, Miss Vines.

VV: Good night, Doctor.

Miss Vines left my tent. I’ll be delivering a series of notes on both Lantern and Pendant’s condition with my records tomorrow. I will likely only have a meeting with Miss Vines to include with it.

Session 11 - Gilded Cage - April 30th

Transcription of Session 11: Gilded Cage, Perimeter Guard Lead
Date: April 30th
Time: 1:19 p.m.
Interviewer: Doctor Blue Sky, PhD

I made my way to the tent I had been assigned for my sessions after collecting the files and recordings I had on Pendant and Lantern to send to Canterlot. I did not expect to find Cage pacing back and forth, waiting for me. After allowing me to set up my equipment, we began.

Blue Sky (BS): So, Cage. What exactly did you want t—

Gilded Cage (GC): It’s something I saw on my patrol this morning.

Cage had been quiet and calm when I arrive, and when I was setting up my equipment. To see him interrupt me had me startled.

BS: Alright, well, if you’d like to tell me about it, I’d be happy to hear it. Are you sure it’s not something that should be said to Miss Vines, though?

GC: She should already know, but I… there’s more I have to say about it.

I motioned for Cage to continue.

GC: I was out on the perimeter again today, watching the roads, keeping an eye out for anypony. And we actually saw one for… must have been the first time in a week or so. We were able to stop most of the weather and mailponies after the first few visits and then we had a few visitors to turn away, but this one was different. We did what we were supposed to, telling them they couldn’t come into Ponyville because of a quarantine. We’re supposed to keep all of the details fairly vague and a lot of Equestria already knows about the cover story. This stallion said he knew and he’d come back home because of what he’d heard, to see his sister.

Cage paused for a moment, taking a deep breath and then continuing.

GC: I told him I still couldn’t let him in, that we’d tell him where to go so he can wait for when things are finished. He still insisted on it, that he had to see his sister, his family, his friends. He said her name and it sounded familiar. I swear I’d heard it before, but I couldn’t be sure until I got back to camp: Jelly Belly.

Cage’s eyes focused on his hooves, pressed together in his lap. I could hear them grinding against each other as he continued.

GC: His name was Laughy Taffy. He was one of the first missing ponies listed in the case files. He supposedly went missing over 10 days before we arrived. And he’s been off somewhere else.

I could hear Cage’s teeth grinding as well, his eyes shut tightly.

BS: Cage, are you worried that others might also b—

Cage slammed his hooves into his seat. The sound of the wood cracking was clearly audible on the recording. As he looked at me, I could see tears starting to well in his eyes.

GC: Yeah! I am! What if they left here?! We’ve spent weeks chasing around some cryptic nonsense in some journals?! We’ve walked in circles in the same places that are empty, aimlessly searching for something when they could be anywhere else in Equestria!

BS: Cage, I can understand your frustration. I just… you’re not involved with the investigation directly, are you?

Cage stood up from his seat, pacing back and forth as he looked between the floor and myself.

GC: Maybe I should be! I’d probably be doing a better job at this point! A whole town can’t just disappear without a trace! A bunch of journals that contradict each other doesn’t make for any kind of evidence at all! Pavé could be anywhere!

BS: Pavé? Your sister? Cage, are y—

It clicked all at once. Pavé’s constant traveling, his negative reaction when discussing her despite their relationship, and the reason he had requested, more than once, to be transferred to cover shifts at the local hotel.

In the meantime, Cage had stopped his pacing and had dropped onto his haunches, hooves against his head.

GC: She wasn’t even supposed to be here! Some festival or something got delayed. I only got the postcard a day before we were called out here. I hoped she had left, that she wasn’t here, but…

Cage pulled something from his bags, a necklace. He remained silent, staring at it.

BS: Cage. I can understand how you feel about this. If you’re distraught from a connection to the case, to someone that might have been involved, I can have you removed.

GC: She said she’d never leave it behind. It’s the one thing we made together with my grandfather.

Cage had started sobbing. I remained silent, but approached to try and comfort him.

BS: Cage, I’m so sorry. Take as long as you need.

I did my best to comfort him and mentioned that I would talk to Miss Vines about his involvement with the case. I hope that whatever comes to pass, his sister is found, safe and sound.

Session 12 - Verdant Vines - April 30th

Transcription of Session 12: Verdant Vines, Head Investigator
Date: April 30th
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Interviewer: Doctor Blue Sky, PhD

Despite some issues with this recording, I have included it with this transcript, just like the others that I have sent. Despite listening to it several times, I couldn’t correctly annotate anything within the static. I will do my best to describe what transpired at that time.

Blue Sky (BS): Good evening, Miss Vines. I hope things have gone well today.

Verdant Vines (VV): About as well as we could hope. I was able to get what information I could from Pendant, though she seemed… aloof.

BS: She was rather the same after her outburst yesterday. I hope what she provided was of some help. And did Cage speak to you?

Miss Vines was quiet for several moments.

VV: No, he didn’t, but one of his charges did. I—We knew for some time that Pavé was at the hotel at some point. We only had her name on a guest list, and… I tried to talk to Cage about it, but he refused. Said he “wanted to focus on his work.” I guess he could only do that for so long.

BS: Bottling things up is a common response. Especially when you believe that things will resolve themselves before too long. I don’t think that he needs to be sent away, but—

VV: No, I wouldn’t do that to him. It’s not like we haven’t been searching the rest of Equestria, you know? We’ve had as many agents as we can afford looking in various cities and towns, searching for any sign of someone from Ponyville we can know for sure was there. We even managed to find one of the ponies in the hotel guest book. Apparently they left before anything really odd started to occur. Our agents did the best they could to question them without bringing up exactly what happened. That’s not even counting the one or two groups I’ve sent into the Everfree that came back with nothing, at least as deep as they were able to travel in a day.

Miss Vines took a deep breath and closed her eyes.

VV: And it’s not like we have much else in the realm of clues to go on. These journals are everything, the only thing. But all they seem to want to tell me is what happened, not why. If somepony I knew was here when all of it happened, I don’t know what I would do. I might not have kept it together as long as Cage did.

BS: Like I said: Cage doesn’t seem emotionally or mentally damaged by things like Pendant and Lantern were, but I’d still recommend keeping an eye on him. I won’t be staying in camp very long after tonight. My colleagues have finished their sessions and only a few outliers seem like they need help. I prepared this for you.

I handed Miss Vines my colleagues’ notes on the other members of her team that warranted attention. It was only five other ponies in total out of the few dozen currently in Ponyville.

VV: Thank you, Doctor. Regardless of what happens, I hope they all end u—

At this moment, there was a commotion outside of the tent. I was going to get up to check on it, but Pendant burst into the tent, kicking away a guard that was apparently trying to restrain her.

BS: Pendant?

VV: I thought you’d left for the station an hour ago. The train is going to lea—

Pendant (P): I’m not going to let you stop me!

It was at this point that I noticed the book—marked with several scratches on its front—in Pendant’s hoof, and the knife that floated up in her magical grip.

VV: Pendant, calm down.

BS: Yes, please, we can talk about this.

Miss Vines was closer to Pendant than I was and seemed to be the target of her anger.

P: There isn’t time for that! They’re coming! They’ve been coming! Every second we’ve spent here is nothing but a waste!

The guard that had been kicked away tried to advance of Pendant, prompting her to swing the knife to and fro in the air. Miss Vines and I did the best to keep our distance, and motioned for the guard to do the same.

VV: What did you find, Pendant?

BS: Miss Vi—

VV: Just tell us what you found. You found something right? Something to help the case? We can go over it together, I promise, but just put the knife do—

P: No! No, you’re with them! You have to be. It’s the only explanation. What else could make sense?

As Pendant spoke to herself, her voice lowered in volume and the knife began to falter.

P: You want them to get here! You want them to take everypony away forever. The ones that are gone aren’t coming back. Not as themselves!

It is at this point that the record becomes far too garbled to decipher.

As Pendant continued to ramble, her body began to shake and convulse. While my expertise is in psychiatry, it was obviously the beginnings of some sort of seizure. The journal was the first thing to drop from her grip, falling onto the floor and flipping open, as she seemed set on keeping the knife afloat and defending herself. As her breathing grew ragged, she started to cough and gag, before a pitch black fluid, which I have never seen or heard of exiting a pony, began to spill forth.

The knife finally fell from her magical grip, as her eyes clenched shut and she fell to the floor, shaking. Miss Vines was quick to rush to her side, but I was able to push her aside and stop her. It is thankful that I did. I find it hard to describe exactly what followed in the few seconds after that. A painful, metallic screeching filled the tent and a gust of wind began to pick up. We have confirmed with several other ponies that the wind and screeching were unnoticed and inaudible to the rest of the camp. I believe it is these, combined, that caused an issue with my recording equipment and led to its inaudible state at the end.

Because of the wind, the lamp light within our tent was extinguished, and a sudden chill ran through my spine. Miss Vines and the guard reported the same sensation. Within the dark, I could not make out exactly what occurred to Pendant, but it seemed to have no lasting ill effects on her physically. As the screeching continued, unceasing, Pendant’s body seemed to twist in a way that I could only describe as unnatural and impossible. The only light we were granted was that of a magical bolt that arced from her horn to the ground, illuminating the black liquid that continued to cover her body.

While those frantic few seconds are not entirely crystal clear within my memory, I do recall what I believe to be a voice that was not my own, Miss Vine’s, Pendant’s, or the guard’s. It said “not ready.” Both Miss Vines and the guard do not share my recollection, while Pendant is currently comatose and being transported to Canterlot. As quickly as it began, the wind and screeching ceased. The light within our tent returned and the journal lay closed on the floor. Pendant was unconscious and the black liquid was completely absent from the ground.

The journal will be transcribed, after it is carefully examined and quarantined long enough to be certain it poses no harm. It will be provided soon.

Addendum: There is still one thing about that night that I am uncertain of. In the darkness, it was hard to make out with my eyes, but I could feel it behind me. The tarp that had been touching my hind hooves was gone during that screeching, but I could feel it when the lights came back.

Battered Journal

This journal was found in Pendant’s possession after she barged in on the session between Dr. Blue Sky and Verdant Vines. It is unknown where the journal was found, due to Pendant’s current state after the altercation. If she awakens in Canterlot, it is requested that she be questioned on how it came into her possession. However, Pendant was assigned to the investigation at Town Hall and may have discovered it there, though the logbooks show that she was at several other locations in the town assisting with fellow investigators over the past few days.

The journal is in a heavy case binding and severely worn from use, as well as possible exposure to the elements, indicated by several water stains on the cover and pages. There are a total of 147 short, straight scratches on the front and back cover, grouped into sets of five. 100 are located on the front cover, with the remaining 47 on the back.

Due to the content of the journal, it is believed to belong to one of the three original investigators sent to Ponyville: Solace. Several entries at the beginning are related to cases that records show he was assigned to; these have been omitted as they do not pertain to the current case.

April 12th

We’re headed into Ponyville early tomorrow morning for a new case. Spanner and Sugarcane are going with me. It’ll be good to work with them again. It’s been over a year since the last case we were put on together. There isn’t much information we have at the moment other than that ponies are going missing, and there’s no sign of anything normally associated with a foalnapping. No ransom, no demands, no trace.

There’s a few possibilities left I have in mind based on what information we have, but those may change when we get to Ponyville and have the bulk of information we’re missing. Spanner and I both think some kind of animal attack isn’t a likely possibility, since there would be more left to go off of. It could still be a foalnapping, if they had something malicious in mind and weren’t really looking for material gains. There’s also the likelihood that the disappearances aren’t all related to one another, but the chance of an occurrence like that happening is unlikely enough to leave it a last ditch idea.

Whatever the case may be, we won’t know until tomorrow. For now I’m just going to settle my affairs before I leave, just like always. Hopefully Mrs. Brew can actually look after Witchy this time. I would hate to have to leave her at the shelter again.

April 13th

Spanner apparently received some of the case files from Ponyville late last night. He’s still reviewing them on the train ride, but hopefully I’ll have the chance to give them a glance before we get into the thick of it. From just the sounds of it, we’ll probably be mobbed at the train station unless we’re lucky. Thank goodness they assigned a few more guards than we normally have to “escort” us.

In the meantime, I had a chance to catch up with Sugarcane. She’s been doing fine since the last time we worked together. Apparently she got a new pet cat. Maybe I can take Witchy over sometime for a playdate, if cats even do those. Some of the guards kept asking for details, but while Spanner was still combing over what info we had, I could only give a brief overview.

Our welcome at the station was more quiet than I expected. Sure, we had a few reporters asking questions and the look of a victim’s loved ones never ceases to put things in perspective, but it was a lot less of a crowd than you see coming into Manehatten. After getting situated at the hotel and having a chance to glance over the case files, we had to go and talk to the mayor. She was more than happy for our assistance, and the police chief in attendance shared the same sentiment. Spanner is in charge of getting some more detailed information while Sugarcane prepared for a meeting at Town Hall.

Safety is a major concern, but Sugarcane thinks a volunteer patrol is the best way to weed out some locals from the suspect pool. Anyway, this is what we have for now:

Missing:

Laffy Taffy - E - March 31
Cloudchaser - P - April 5 +
Thunderlane - P - April 5 +
Lily Valley - E - April 7 X
Daisy - E - April 7 X
Echo Wave - E - April 9
Starry Streak - U - April 13*
Copper Circlet - U - April 13*

Commonalities:
No trace left behind
Cloudchaser and Thunderlane seemed to disappear around the same time
Lily and Daisy disappeared at the same time

The town is located close to the Everfree Forest, but I don’t think there’s any beast (magical or mundane) that would be capable of kidnapping ponies without a trace. Still, it’s one of the better theories that the local authorities have. I think they just doubt the lengths some ponies can go to if they have the will and intent.

The meeting went well. It seemed like most of the town was actually in attendance. We even got more volunteers than we expected to patrol the town at night. Hopefully we can glean something from working with them, and it should help with everyone’s safety. Then again, all the authorities working overnight haven’t found anything yet. Sugarcane and Spanner are already taking a nap to get ready, but I just have to keep looking over these files.

There’s nothing at first glance that suggests a pattern, which is maybe why they’ve considered some animal. Pendant would probably know more about creatures that could be behind this; she’s always had her nose in some book during breaks.

April 14th

After last night, I think an animal is definitely still a possibility. I haven’t seen a guard terrified like that in years. It not only adds two more missing to our list, which I’ve added to the last entry, but adds a few more clues that we can consider:

Fear of light: it’s most likely either a natural aversion to light or a need to stay hidden. The latter would imply something intelligent or a natural predator. Is there any creature that can’t come into the light without feeling pain?
Screeching: No one but Sundial actually heard it and he’s not exactly in the best condition to question about it. It could either be his imagination or a sign that whatever made it couldn’t really speak. Still, with how loudly he screamed, someone else should have heard the noise.
Shape: I’ll have to wait until Sundial is calmer, but from his rambling, it sounds like it didn’t look like a pony. Depending on the shape and size, it could have been how it actually looked or a glamour meant to intimidate victims. In the dark, it could even be impossible to tell off of one pony’s recollection.
Magic: We arrived at the alleyway not seconds after the scream, but no one in the other patrols, either in the air or on the ground, saw anything leaving that alleyway and we were at the only entrance. We didn’t have the most eyes on it, so it’s possible it could have run away without being seen, but there’s no way it could have taken the two guards with it, could it? It must have needed some magic to get away.

Regardless of the clues, the curfew will be a lot more strict and we’ll have to up security. Sugarcane is even talking about using Town Hall as an emergency shelter for citizens who don’t feel safe at home. It’s looking like that and our hotel will be our base of operations. For now, we’ve gathered up what lights we can and have put them around town. This way it will hopefully keep whatever it is off of the rooftops and streets, even if the place will look like Nightmare Night for a few days. Spanner also sent out a guard with a request for more personnel to Canterlot. They should be here in two days if we’re lucky.

April 15th

Spanner and Sugarcane are set up at the hotel with the rest of the guards, which means I’m left to run things at Town Hall. I may have drawn the short straw, but I always seem to do my best work when I’m not holed up in a few hotel rooms for hours a day. Then again, I don’t exactly have a bed now, even though the mayor gave me one of the old records rooms as a temporary office. A little privacy is nice compared to the cots and sleeping bags out in the hall.

With the local officers, the two guards with me, the mayor and her staff, and a few volunteers that agreed to help (plus some ponies who just wanted somewhere to feel safe) we have twenty-six ponies total living here. The place was meant to be an emergency shelter as well, so that means a lot of food, water, and supplies stored in the basement.

For now, between enforcing a curfew and keeping everyone calm and safe, we’re just trying to coordinate our next plan of attack. If the patrols at night find anything, good, but we need some other clue or resource to go on. Sugarcane suggested a sweep of every building in town, but I doubt with how many ponies are missing that there’s anywhere big enough to hold them all. That just means that what we might find could be worse.

I think we should be trying to look in the surrounding area. The Everfree could be a possible place that something is taking ponies, and the outskirts of Ponyville could have some structures or caves tucked away in them.

For now though, we’ve spent all day setting up, so we’ll have to see what we can find in the morning.

April 16th

I’m not really sure where to start.

Two officers and a guard were sent out overnight as one of the patrols. We haven’t seen any sign of them since then. We can’t open the front door or any of the windows. They might break, but we haven’t tried yet, just because we don’t know what’s out there. Worst of all, we can’t see anything past the edge of town. No stars. No moon. No sun. No Equestria. I think the farthest building we can see is the farm on the edge of town: Sweet Apple Acres.

Good news is that the lights in town seem to still be on, including the ones we strung up along the streets. I don’t know how long they’ll stay on, really, but it’s a bit of good news. I can still see the lights in the hotel on as well, so hopefully Spanner and Sugarcane are still okay.

Mayor Mare and the officers have been helpful in keeping the townsponies with us calm, even if only for a bit. It at least gives me some time to try and get my bearings. I had Tinder take stock of the supplies we have, and it seems like there’s enough for 1680 meals, give or take. Divided between the 23 of us, with two meals a day, we can last about 36 days or so. Hopefully we’re not here for that long.

Still, there’s no way to get that door to budge. We tried for hours, but there has to be something on the other side. Otherwise we wouldn’t be able to see the town outside, right? I’d try and teleport through, but I never got that far with magic. Maybe one of the guards or volunteers can, but I’d never force a civilian to do that on their own.

Is all of this happening because of the same creature Sundial saw? Could it have enough magic to keep us locked in here, is it doing that to everypony else? If it is, kidnapping half a dozen ponies seems like child’s play.

We’ve also set up watch with some of the volunteers. Hopefully we’ll see or hear something that can help us get out.

April 17th

Nothing overnight of importance. During the day I’ve been trying to see if I can get in touch with Spanner or Sugarcane. I found a light in the basement we didn’t use around town that should be bright enough to reach the hotel. I can try a message in Morse code, but it would require they’re still stuck inside of their building and watching. It would also be hard to do manually, but I’ve put it here for reference:

S-O-L-A-C-E
S-T-I-L-L
H-E-R-E

.../---/.-../.-/-.-./.
…/-/../.-../.-..
…././.-./.

I also talked to the mayor and officers about a unicorn that would be capable of teleporting past the door, and it seems like one of her aides might be able to. I won’t force a civilian to risk life or limb for this, but if things end up desperate enough, it may be our only option.

For now, we keep trying the door and do our best to keep watch. There’s not exactly much more “investigating” that I can do without books to comb for information on a creature or spell that could this. If only I’d been stuck in the library.

Maybe tomorrow I’ll try to socialize a bit and put the others at ease.

April 18th

I didn’t notice it at first, but Tinder did overnight. Three lights have gone out in houses that we can see through the windows. They just happen to be the furthest away to the west. Is that the direction this thing is coming from? Did the ponies there leave and head somewhere else? The hotel is off in that direction and pretty close. Could be that Spanner and Sugarcane are out trying to find ponies too. We haven’t seen anyone on the streets though, but the hotel is far enough away not to notice them.

I was able to find a telescope down in the basement as well and confirmed it: I can’t make out the shape of anything past the town and woods nearby. No mountains or Canterlot or Cloudsdale. This can’t be an animal anymore. I don’t think this is even a pony. It’s just unnatural.

I talked to a few of the civilians and even the mayor’s assistant. They all seem like good ponies and they’re understanding when I tell them we don’t have much new information. I didn’t bring up trying to teleport to the other side of the door though, it just feels too soon.

April 19th

It’s starting to feel routine:

“Morning” meeting with the mayor and officers
Trying to open the door for two hours
Set up watches for the night and record which houses are still lit as best we can on the map
Set up a light and send the message three times to the hotel (1000/1600/2000)
Pour over the case files for some clue and end up finding nothing
Socialize with everypony as best as I can

It’s almost useless to really write anything at this point. Maybe if something important happens to take note of.

April 23rd

More lights have gone out around town, but there’s been no change here. Except for the mayor’s assistant. She apparently told him about me inquiring into the magic he was capable of a few days ago, and it seems like he has as bad a case of cabin fever as the rest of us. Still, we’ll need to take some precautions.

We packed an extra lantern and a few day’s rations in a bag, and had him practice in one of the vacant rooms upstairs:

Three feet forward
Wait five seconds
Five feet backwards

No turning. No wandering.

He’s done it fifteen times, so it doesn’t seem like there’s anything affecting his magic here. After he gets some rest, we’ll give it a try tomorrow. I don’t want to risk someone’s well-being, even after this long, but he’s determined.

I haven’t gotten a reply from the hotel so far. About twenty percent of the lights we think were on when we woke up on the 16th are gone now. None of the ones in the street have gone out though. I didn’t make note of it before, but I can’t see any silhouettes in the windows. Is anyone out there? Are we the only ones affected? Is this even all limited to Ponyville? Is it even limited to the ponies that went missing?

April 24th

Several questions are written in the margins of this page: Did the mayor tell him? One of the guards? Was he with any of the volunteers?

His name was Quill Script. I never wrote it down before.

It was 1156 when we gathered at the door. Quill had practiced another five times since waking up. It was sure to go fine, back then. We both felt that.

I had two officers with us, and Tinder, who thankfully had some field dressing training in case something went wrong. At noon, I told Quill to go and he vanished in a flash. The closest window we had to get a look at the other side was ten feet away, but we could see the glow of his lantern on the other side.

After five seconds, though, he didn’t come back. We knocked and pounded on the door, calling out to him, but we couldn’t hear anything on the other side. We tried to open the door, but it still wouldn’t budge.

No one else could follow him to the other side to try and grab him, not even me, but I kept pounding and shouting for him. It was three minutes before he appeared again, lantern dim and his breath ragged. He was whispering about a figure on the edge of his light and a fear that kept him frozen in place. It looked like a pony, but it wasn’t, and he heard this terrible screeching before he could manage to teleport back.

He’s stable and resting, according to Tinder, but I swear he wasn’t out with us that night. We kept what happened to Sundial as quiet as we could.

It has to be the same thing as that night, and it’s keeping us here.

April 26th

Quill is back on his hooves again, but he’s been quiet. I wonder if he would have come up with the idea to try without me bringing it up. Still, he’s safe for the moment, if rattled.

I’ve had most of our supplies of lanterns and oil brought up from the basement, in case the power we have goes out. If it hates the light so much, it might do something to rob us of what light we have, so it’s best to stay prepared.

I’ve asked the mayor to move down to the main hall as well, but she seems adamant about staying in her office for the time being. I can’t blame her: I don’t want to move out of the records room just yet.

April 27th

I heard Quill muttering to himself about whispers and shadows. He’s clearly still frightened, but when I asked if he wanted to talk about what he saw and went through, he said no. In fact, he said he could barely remember what he saw.

One of the guards on watch said he saw a pegasus running through the streets, but he couldn’t see them clearly. They seemed to be running through the shadows and towards the Everfree. It’s at least a sign there’s some life out there, hopefully. Maybe it means we’re the only ones actually locked in, though.

I don’t want to risk it, but the subject of trying to break through the windows keeps coming up during the meetings we have with the mayor and officers. Without knowing exactly what’s going on out there or if something is waiting for us to leave, I can’t recommend trying to break one of the only barriers we have between us and it. Still, sitting here and waiting with no sign of rescue coming isn’t going to get us anywhere.

There is something still nagging at me though. When Quill came back, his lantern was nearly out of oil. I know how much I put in there before he went out. It could have lasted for hours. Did he spill some it? Did that thing drain it out somehow? There wasn’t any sign of a leak on the lantern.

April 28th

I’m still trying the messages daily, and while the lights are still going out around town, the hotel, library and farm are all still lit. Maybe whatever this is can’t take ponies out in a large group. Could it be why the abductions only seemed to happen with single victims or pairs? Even with whatever it’s done to the world around us, it still can’t attack us when we’re together? If it’s one creature, maybe it can only handle so many victims at once. Even worse, maybe it needs to do something with the ponies it takes before it tries to grab more.

It seems like anytime I try and think on what exactly is happening, my mind just wanders to a place of dread. It’s impossible not to assume the worst with so little to go on. Still, at least the others don’t seem to be worrying the most about it. They actually had a bingo night. I guess no one can say ponies can’t keep their spirits high. Still can’t believe I was one space off winning at the end.

On a serious note, the food supply is still lasting as long as we hoped, so far. We’re able to stay put for another three weeks, but I doubt everyone will be willing to wait that long. Maybe for just a few more days I can keep the mayor waiting for something, anything.

April 30th

I didn’t think it was possible for things to get worse, but here we are. It’s not just the sky and the moon and the sun and Equestria that are gone now. It’s everything. Tinder woke me up in the middle of his watch. He said he was walking between the main hall and the upper floors to send out the message again and he couldn’t see any lights. He couldn’t see anything. I took a look, and it’s true. There’s nothing out there. We don’t even have the power to try out the flood light anymore, but with a lantern shined out of the windows downstairs I can’t even see the ground outside.

I asked Tinder if he heard or felt anything that would help explain it. He said all he could hear were the snores from downstairs and the creak of the staircase. Of course, I woke the mayor and the officers up and explained the situation. We had to be prepared for when everypony else woke up.

I should have expected them all to be more terrified. At least the day before they could see something outside: the town, the lights, the hopes their friends and families were out there, but now it’s all snatched away at once. We had to stop a pony from slamming a chair into one of the windows in desperation. Now more than ever we have to keep the barriers we have. I haven’t even had anyone try the door yet.

Maybe this is what happens when the lights go out? We’re taken with the very place we’re locked inside to some other place, alone, to be hunted? Even if I had the faintest shred this was some animal acting on instinct alone, it’s gone now. You’d have to be intelligent and twisted to do something like this.

Maybe it actually is a pony? The odd shape could just as easily be an illusion. This entire nightmare could be one. Maybe we aren’t even in Ponyville, or we never were after that night.

And then there’s the cold. I only felt it when I woke up and followed Tinder. I didn’t notice his shivering until we walked into the glow of a lantern and stopped. I told everyone to keep the lanterns and candles we have lit. We can’t risk that thing getting inside and the lights have kept it away so far. Who knows how long that oil will last though?

May 1st

.../---/...

I don’t know if it will help, but I switched to putting up an S.O.S. with one of the lanterns. Maybe someone can see us out there, but with none of the unicorns, even myself, being versed in actual magic theory and analysis, there’s no way to really tell with whatever is affecting us.

I had Tinder check the walls to see if there was some draft to explain that chill I felt, but he didn’t come back with anything. Maybe it’s nerves or a sense of dread, but it went away instantly in the light. I had to check again to be sure. I took a break in my room and dimmed the lantern. Any part of my body outside the light felt cold from the inside out. It was wholly unnatural, dreadful, and something I’d prefer not to feel again.

The oddest thing though, was that I felt something else in the dark, like there were eyes watching me. It reminded me of standing on a stage for a performance back in school: not being able to see the crowd past the stage lights, but knowing they’re there.

I’m going to try and work with Tinder to see if we can get an idea of just how long the lights we have will last.

May 3rd

I helped try the door again today. It still won’t budge, and I’m thankful for that. Pushing with all of your might and then plummeting into a pitch black void is something I’d prefer to keep in the overactive nightmares I keep having. Some others have been complaining about restless sleep, but I think it’s just to be expected. Over two weeks stuck in here, there’s only so much to do besides letting your mind wander to the darkest places.

Quill was sitting near the door, staring at it when we weren’t trying to open it. I think he’s still shook-up about what happened, even if he tells me he isn’t. Even if he claims he doesn’t remember exactly what he saw or felt.

And of course, the mayor keeps bringing up the idea of breaking our way out. I can’t leave it as anything but a last resort though. We still have light, shelter, food, water. It may be a claustrophobic, dull place we’re stuck in, but it’s safe. Right?

I find myself asking that question a lot lately. With whatever this thing(s) is capable of so far, what if it’s toying with us? I’ve seen ponies take that sort of thrill before, so it isn’t impossible. If anything it’s more frightening than thinking that it can’t get to us. Choosing to sit there, waiting, watching.

May 5th

Quill is gone. We were about to try opening the door again and I saw him standing there, watching it, staring at it. I was going to ask him if he was alright, but I didn’t even get close before I saw his horn light up. In a flash he was gone. No lantern. No supplies. Just him. I shouted out through the door, banging on it. This time, I swear I heard an echo, but he didn’t come back. He didn’t say anything, if he could hear me.

I’m trying not to dwell on it. A lot of them are trying not to think about it. Why would he want to leave? Why would he not say anything? Did he think that it was just an illusion and chose to leave?

The mayor wants to know if I have any ideas, but I honestly can’t say anything. I know nothing about these creatures, what they want, what they can do. I think I keep having dreams about them, my mind wandering, but I can’t say for sure.

I always kept this journal to help with my cases, but nothing I have adds up to something concrete.

May 8th

It opened. I don’t know when, maybe it was overnight, but one of the volunteers running watch, Pokey, came to me while I was sleeping. We did our best to stay quiet while walking to the hall, and there it was. The doorway was wide open, but it wasn’t the void I expected on the other side, or Ponyville. It was a hallway. It was unlit, of course, aside from the light pouring out of the room, but it was real. I stepped out just past the doorway and the walls seemed to be made of the same wood as Town Hall itself.

I did the only thing I could think to do then: I closed the doorway as quietly as I could. No one woke up, thankfully, and it gave me the time I needed. At our meeting with the mayor, I invited Pokey in and we explained what we had found. She was excited to find a way out, of course, but I did my best to temper her expectations. There was no way to tell where the hallway led, if anywhere, and it could just as easily be a trap set by this creature for us. Still, with over three weeks here, it was the only lead we had and our food was sure to start wearing out soon, even with one less mouth to feed.

So, after talking it over with the officers and Tinder, we agreed on an expedition, but first that meant telling everyone about it. We wouldn’t risk trying to perform some trip in the middle of the “night” and having ponies panic if we weren’t there in the morning. Thankfully, most of them seem understanding. We’ll plan a trip inside tomorrow morning, for only a few hours, and we’ll make sure to do our best to map it all out.

I wonder if Quill is in there somewhere. Did he know what was on the other side when he blinked through? I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.

May 9th

The expedition went well. I guess that’s as much as I can say, really. We left at 1000, according to the time we’ve been doing our best to keep. The first hallway didn’t go very far until we came across something, but it was fairly straight. What we found though, was just an empty room (1). It was circular, with a few windows similar to those in the offices of Town Hall, and it had three more hallways that went away from it in other directions. I had a few supplies with me for keeping track of our directions, and so we left a numbered mark on the hallway we came from before inspecting the room.

There wasn’t anything there that we could find on first glance; it was just an empty room. The floor was the same, the walls were the same, and out of those windows we still couldn’t see anything but blackness, and, well, the other hallways. The same is true back in Town Hall: we can only see the walls of the hallway extending out into the black, at least with the lanterns we have. There aren’t any windows in the hallways, so it’s the best we can see. I’ll have to try on the next expedition to see if anyone can see our lights in the distance through the windows.

Regardless, we continued, mapping rooms as we went. I decided we wouldn’t go more than three rooms away, so we were only able to map out some of them. Some hallways were straight, some curved. Some rooms had four hallways, some two. One even only had the path we came down. Each time we made sure to mark where we came from if we continued on, and I numbered each room in the middle to match the map.

My drawing skills aren’t the greatest, but hopefully it’s something to go on.

When we came back around 1300, everyone was still there and fine. We explained we hadn’t found a path out, but that it seemed like a maze. A few of them were eager to start packing up and finding our way out, but with no idea how large it is or if there is a way out, it’s a poor idea. We’re just as likely to end up stranded out there with no food or water. To say nothing of trying to lug fifteen days of food behind us.

Still, if we’re going to get out, if there is a way, we’ll have to set up some camp deeper in. I’ll mention it to the mayor after we have another trip tomorrow.

May 10th

This expedition went as well as the last one. We lengthened our trip to a few more hours and took some rations with us so we wouldn’t have to try and return in the middle of the day. It’s all the same in every direction though: rooms, hallways, windows, and blackness. I have no idea how far it could go. All of our markings were still there, so we had to erase the ones at the entrances to the room to be sure we didn’t get confused. I only have so much chalk, but it should last us a while. If worse comes to worst, we can always etch something into the floor for a permanent path back to Town Hall.

During our journey, I’ve been keeping an eye out for any sign of Quill. Besides our markings, I don’t see anything, but with how many days he was out here alone, he couldn’t have gotten far, unless he managed to pick a path that kept going and going, and he ran the entire way. If we do get out, I have to apologize to what family he has.

The other worrying thing, however, is that the others traveling with me seem to be a bit more superstitious than I expected. With all that happened, I can’t blame them. I still feel like I’m being watched out here, to be honest, but I don’t see the shadows they say they can see in the halls and outside the windows.

I did have the mayor keep an eye on the windows for us while we were gone, however, and it seems like they can faintly see our lanterns. That means this place is all connected, and it isn’t some other place.

I did find somewhere on the map (O) that I think would make a good outpost if we decide to start searching much farther away. I’ll see what the mayor thinks tomorrow morning.

May 11th

The mayor agrees that my idea seems sound, and we had a meeting with everyone to discuss our plans. We’ll have a few ponies, probably five at most, go with me into the hallways and set up somewhere to sleep and keep our supplies. Tinder and the two officers both joined up, of course, but Pokey did as well. The last volunteer was a bit hard to find, but I wasn’t going to force somepony to come with us. Finally, a mare named Minuette volunteered. She seemed wary, but after a one on one to make sure, she’s eager to help.

We’ll gather up enough supplies for us to be out there a week; this includes lanterns, oil, candles, food, water, and miscellaneous sundries. Then we’ll spend tomorrow carrying it all out there. The only thing I’m unsure of is how we’ll be able to keep in contact with everypony here. If we find some kind of exit, who’s to say that we can make our way back to tell them? It’s why we plan to leave clear records at our camp for them to find.

If that gets ruined in some way though, maybe keeping notes in this journal as a backup won’t be a terrible idea.

So that I don’t have another omission like Quill Script:

Tinder – P
Nickel - E
Minuette – U
Marbles - P
Pokey – U
Solace - U

May 12th

Setting up camp went well. We’re only an hour or so away from Town Hall at a slow walking pace, so it wasn’t too far to carry everything. Thankfully, having six bodies and three unicorns saved a few trips. While traveling, I had a talk with everyone, just to make them feel at ease. Personal things like friends, family, pets, etc. Even if the entire situation we’re in puts us away from them, it’s good to remind yourself of what you have, and it did a good job of distracting me, at least, from the feeling of being watched. It’s still there, every second walking through those halls, but it seemed to fade when we got to our camp room and back to Town Hall. I wonder if the light stops them from seeing us the brighter it is?

Anyway, we have the camp set up: enough cots for all of us, a few crates in the corner where we’ll keep our food, water, and lantern oil. We even had enough boxes for a makeshift table. Anything to make it feel a bit more like home, right? Just like back at Town Hall, we set up shifts to keep watch. We’ll change them each night, but if we go in three hour chunks, we should only need three ponies per night.

I made sure to set up some candles and lanterns at the entrances to the hallways too. It helps fight off that darkness that makes them seem impossibly deep. That and it might be an early warning system if something goes wrong.

We also decided that we’ll only go out in groups of four when we’re exploring. The other two will stay back at camp to guard everything. We can’t risk this thing coming and stealing everything we have while we’re out exploring.

For now, if anyone from Town Hall is reading this, my maps going forward will only use our camp as a starting point. You can see how we’re connected back to Town Hall from the copies of my old maps I left behind, or the ones in this journal if something went awry.

May 13th

Tinder and Nickel stayed back at camp today. We decided to pick one “direction” and do our best to follow it. We don’t exactly have a compass, and I don’t think it would work, so we decided to do our best to travel as straight as we could. The hallways seem to be curving a bit more the further away from Town Hall we are. Maybe it’s meant to be like that. Still, it was easy to mark our path and the few rooms we visited. We had one dead end early on, but by moving in another direction, we were able to make some distance. Still nothing new outside of the windows and no trace of Quill or anything else. It doesn’t even seem like the level of the rooms changes either; there’s not even the faintest slope in the hallways and rooms.

After a full day of walking, we ended up maybe twice as far from our camp as it is from Town Hall. It’s a little daunting thinking we traveled so far. Tinder and Nickel said there was no sign of anything odd at camp, and they could only see our lanterns through the windows of one or two rooms.

I’m on watch rather late tonight. I have a bit of time, but I wanted to write about a dream. It’s odd to describe, because it still feels foggy; it was even hazy just moments after I woke up. I was sitting in one of the hallways with just a candle in front of me, and a voice was talking to me, but I couldn’t understand it. Somehow I talked back to them, but I can’t even remember what it was about. I wish my imagination wouldn’t roam this badly, but it’s worth writing down. Quill was dreaming about something too, wasn’t he, before he left?

May 14th

Pokey and Marbles stayed behind today. They had nothing to report at the end of the day. We decided to pick a new direction to travel in after discussing it over breakfast. We couldn’t see any end in sight yesterday, but maybe a new direction will let us find some pattern about these rooms. They aren’t dangerous or anything, but if one direction has more dead ends, maybe it will mean we’re close.

I’ll admit we did find more dead ends in this direction, but I can’t say if that honestly means we’re any closer. There’s nothing to even distinguish the rooms apart from the markings we leave in them too. Apparently the path we took didn’t show much from the windows back at camp. Marbles said he only caught sight of our lantern once. It matches up with our map too. A lot of the paths just took us further along, where we wouldn’t be able to see the camp out of the windows.

Still no sign of an exit. Still no sign of Quill. We’re only two days in but it’s starting to feel not fruitless, but aimless. There’s no pattern that I can see, but we’ll have to keep trying. We’ll see how the team does without me tomorrow.

May 15th

Minuette and I held down camp today. After the others left to explore, again in another direction, it was quickly quieter than I expected. I looked over the maps we have so far, and this seems like the quickest way to eliminate paths, given that other than the path back to Town Hall, we have three ways out of this room.

After an hour of that though, we started talking some more. I offered to play cards if she wanted, but I don’t think she was interested in a game. We talked about where she was from, and I didn’t realize that she actually lived in Canterlot. I guess she picked a terrible time to come visit Ponyville, but when I asked why she volunteered, she said she couldn’t just stand by while others were in danger. She asked me after a few hours if I knew what “it” was. Given that she was out here with me, Tinder, and the officers, risking life and limb, it only made sense to tell her what we knew.

She took it fairly well, I suppose. She understands we didn’t have that much to go on, given how little time we were investigating. I don’t think all of my speculation on its “abilities” put her entirely at ease, but she said that she felt that chill about the same time as I did, when Ponyville disappeared outside. She woke up shivering and then it went away in the light.

Maybe I need to bring it up to the others when they get back. It will still be an hour or so, hopefully.

We had a talk about it among ourselves after we updated the larger map we’re keeping. We’ve been clear on the need to keep the lights on and stay in them already, but explaining why put everyone, oddly, at ease, at least for Pokey, Marbles, and Nickel. I still haven’t mentioned the dreams I had or that Quill might still be out here, but I think we have all been thinking about him. Marbles and Nickel apparently worked with him on a daily basis. Even Pokey knew him at least a little. I’m not sure about Minuette though.

We’ll have to talk in the morning about which of the three paths to pick for tomorrow.

May 16th

Minuette asked to stay back at camp again today, so I had Nickel join her. I think she needs another day after learning all of this information about what we’re dealing with. I wonder how many of the ponies back at Town Hall are curious about what it is. I didn’t want to let them know nothing but baseless speculation, but is that better than letting them come to their own horrific conclusions?

I think we might be getting somewhere in our search. It felt like the hallways were sloping a bit towards the end of what we managed to walk and map out. I don’t think I can really mark it well on the map, but if I think of something, I will. Maybe we’ll even find a staircase that leads to some other level. The map we have at camp is little more than a massive plot of circles connected by lines at this point.

Pokey kept talking about seeing something moving outside of the windows in one of the rooms, and I had to calm him down. We’ve been out here for so long that even a shimmer off of a pane of glass can look like anything to a desperate mind. Even I think I saw something on our way back to camp, but I can’t be distracted.

When we got back Minuette seemed in better spirits, which is good because Tinder is already eager for another day off from exploring. All I can think about is that we’ve used half of our time and we don’t seem closer.

I woke up before one of my shifts again. It was a nightmare this time. I can remember it clearly. I was running through the halls, or somewhere, afraid. My heart was racing and my eyes darted everywhere. I swear I could hear laughing, or was it crying? I think I recognized someone though, outside of a window. Was it Vines? She would have come here with the other ponies we requested, maybe. Maybe our dreams are connected to the outside world, just a little. Could I get a message to them?

May 17th

I don’t think this place is what we thought it was.

Tinder and Marbles stayed back at camp today. As we made our way in the same direction as yesterday (we chose it because of how the hallways started to change) everything was okay. We were making our way as quickly as we could to where we left off and everything matched with the maps. We mapped out what we could for an hour or so, and then stopped for a short break. I could swear I heard something in the distance, but it could have just been the creaking of wood. These hallways still make noise even if there doesn’t seem to be anything outside.

Then we went towards a new room, but it wasn’t. We’ve been marking the rooms we’ve been through to match our maps, and at least mark which paths lead back towards camp, but the room already had a mark in it. Even stranger, it was one of the marks I made back in the first two days, before we went out to our encampment. It had to be this thing messing with us, I thought. So we scratched out the marks and made new ones. Then the next room was the same: another room we’d already been to, and one sixteen hallways away from where the last one “was” on the map. It even had the same number of entrances. I looked outside to see if anything seemed different, but it was still nothing but darkness out there.

Not every room we came to was marked, but every few hallways we’d find another, and then we came to the room where we’d scratched out the markings. We hadn’t been heading back in that direction at all, but the way it was scratched out, the way we entered the room, the entrances, the windows, everything was the same. There’s so little in these rooms, but it was the same, I know it. To say we were panicked would be putting it lightly, but we did our best to stay calm.

Even with the repeated rooms, I marked the path we walked. As we headed back towards camp, we came across the same rooms we had traveled through. We agreed not to keep exploring further after that, so we went back to camp.

We came in through a different doorway. Tinder and Marbles didn’t notice at first and they looked happy that we came back so soon, thinking we might have found a way out. Our “route” was hard to describe to them while Minuette was sobbing in the corner and Pokey comforted her.

This isn’t natural. This isn’t right. This can’t be real, right? Maybe that noise was the rooms moving, that thing shifting them around. Is there a hole somewhere back at Town Hall now?

Is it even safe to leave this room if it isn’t simply making the rooms look similar? But it has to be moving them. We came back in through another door.

I need some rest before watch.

May 18th

I didn’t feel hungry this morning. I don’t know if it was nerves or what, but no one else did either. I guess it means an extra meal for us to stay out here on, for what, half a day?

We didn’t step hoof outside of the room, not even into a hallway. It isn’t worth the risk, not if we all aren’t together. Thankfully nothing eventful happened during our watches.

We’ve tried discussing what to do, and the most common idea is to just head back towards Town Hall. If we stick to our map and move quickly, we should be able to make it in an hour or two. That’s assuming that the path is the same. If it isn’t, well, we can’t sit here. The food we have will only last us another day.

We could also pick a direction and wander aimlessly, but there’s no guarantee we’d end up anywhere at all.

The way back to Town Hall at least has a hope that we’ll find it. Right?

May 19th

We decided to try and make our way back to Town Hall. We packed up everything we could carry without weighing us down. I still don’t feel hungry, but I forced something down to make the load lighter. It’s impossible to tell for sure, but I think we’ve been walking for fourteen hours. I keep seeing marks from other rooms and some that are vacant, but none of it lines up with the map at all. I swear we even passed through the same room three times in a row. I wouldn’t leave someone behind to be sure, but I know we came out of that door again and again.

All of these rooms are the same. There’s always something watching. Maybe they’re just out of our vision in the hallways too. I swear I heard hoofsteps when we were taking a break in a room, and the floorboards creaking off in the distance as we walked down a hallway.

I don’t know if we’ll ever get out if they can keep this up, leading us in circles. It’s like being a laboratory rat.

No one can keep it together. I want to try and tell them to stay calm, but when I’m shaking and exhausted and shivering

We’re going to be out of lamp oil soon too. What’s going to happen when we’re in the dark? I can make a light from my horn, but it can’t protect everypony. Not even the three unicorns we have together can do it.

May 20th

Do the dates even matter anymore? It seems impossible to track time. I swear that an hour has passed, but when I check my watch it’s barely half of that time. Maybe it’s done something to the watches too? For all we know it’s still the 19th, or it could be days after that. However much time it’s been, I still don’t feel hungry or thirsty. No one does. We still have a day’s worth of food and water, but no one wants to touch it. About the only things I do feel are exhausted and lost.

We’ve picked one direction to walk in, but it seems to be getting us nowhere. Some of the rooms are still marked and I’ve done my best to mark the others we move through, but even that feels pointless now. There’s no imminent danger out here for now, and even if we try to keep a map it could just change at any moment.

It’s to the point where I have to force the others to keep moving. I have to force myself to keep moving. At least Tinder is still willing to keep watch with me when we decide to rest.

I think Tinder dozed off during his watch. The food and water is gone and so were the watches we were using. They didn’t take the lamp oil and the lanterns didn’t go out. How did they get that close without us knowing? Why didn’t they take us?

Everypony else thinks they can hear things while we’re walking. I’m starting to hear it too. It’s not just the creaking anymore, though. Like hoofsteps far away or the wind, I think.

The light in the lantern is barely enough to write by now. There isn’t even anything worth writing though, is there? More halls. More rooms. No way out.

It’s hard to believe that I’ve slept this many times without eating or drinking. Even with how much I manage to sleep, I still feel exhausted. Maybe it’s the dreams. I can’t remember them, but I always wake up frightened.

The others are just as worn out. The hoofsteps seem closer all the time, but we haven’t found anyone.

-

I’m worried I’ll wake up alone.

We found him. Quill. He was lying in the center of a room, resting. I thought it was one of them at first, I was too afraid to approach it. His fur and mane were filthy, like he’d been gone for months. I almost didn’t recognize him. When he woke up screaming, we did our best to calm him down, but he kept muttering and shaking. I couldn’t even get a word out of him that wasn’t about shadows, circles, or whispers. If he’s been out here for three weeks alone in the dark, I can’t imagine what he’s seen.

After a bit of waiting, though, he seemed fine enough to move, even if he wouldn’t stop shivering. After another dozen rooms and getting nowhere, we stopped.

The last of the lantern oil might last us another day or so at most. Even the ink I have is close to running out.

I think it’s keeping us alive to torment us. Maybe when the light fades it will come for us.

Now I know it’s messing with us. We were walking, like we always have been, and when we came to a room, there was oil there. It works in the lantern. It’s enough for a few days, maybe. This doesn’t make any sense. It’s trying to hunt us, harm us, right? Or is this something else? And then it leaves more ink.

I can’t make sense of any of it. It has to be some joke.

I’ve never noticed, but the hallways are getting stranger. They’re tilted. Curved. More often than not I can’t see a room until we turn and the doorway is in front of us. The light seems to not reach as far too.

Quill always hangs near the back, barely in the light. I try to wait for him to catch up, but I think it’s all he can manage to not leave us. He still won’t talk and I’ve seen him toss and turn every time he sleeps.

It’s the same room.
Left right left
Left right forward
Forward forward forward
Left left forward

There’s no way out. There’s no reason to even try.

I want to keep fighting, but everypony else feels the same.

Even trying to argue with them seems fruitless, because it is.

I left the room on my own, for hours, and still ended up back here.

It happened so quickly, thinking back.

I was waking up to change shifts with Tinder and he was gone. I woke everypony up and we tried to look for him, but something happened. We were walking through a hallway and then they were all gone.

I’m alone.

They have to be around here somewhere, don’t they? I can try and look. I can call out to them.

But all I hear is that creaking and the echo.

I still have this journal. The ink. A lantern.

Lab rat was right.

I thought about writing for a while. I thought that maybe it was what it wanted and doing that was giving it satisfaction. It was hard for this long to talk to myself. It’s gone by in a blur.

I think it actually thought I threw the ink away, because I kept finding more of it.

I spent three days sitting in a room at first, waiting. The most likely chance I have that one of the others could find me again is to do that. Then the nightmares got clearer.

Wandering the halls and swallowed by darkness. Finding a candle alone in the dark. Seeing something staring back at me. Empty. Soulless. Unfeeling. It smiled. It tried to touch me and my body went cold. But it was only for a moment. Then every part of my body ached and writhed in pain. The creaking got louder when I woke and I could hear that screeching in the distance. That and the laughing.

I’ve been walking since. Long enough until my legs give out. I sleep easier then. Maybe because I’m too exhausted to really dream.

So why am I writing now? Maybe it’s therapeutic. Maybe it’ll come out.

I wonder if Sugarcane and Spanner went through this. I wonder if the mayor and the others at Town Hall did. Are they still? Are they all? Is the entire world doomed or just us?

Not the most upbeat thinking. Optimism is hard when it makes no progress.

Speaking of progress, most of the rooms are unmarked now. Maybe it is getting somewhere.

I tried breaking one of the windows today. I didn’t have anything but my body. Even if I’m alone, the light keeps me warm. Of course it didn’t do anything. I think I have bruises now too, but at least it’s new.

I tried the wall too. Of course that didn’t work.

Magic:
impenetrable barriers
Teleportation ?
Kinesis ?

What are the effects of hunger? Nausea? Irritability? Fatigue? My stomach doesn’t feel empty, even after weeks.

Thirst? Dizziness? Headaches? Sleepiness?

At least something makes sense. I’m a mess.

Magic: Sustenance? Vitality?

Why is the dark cold?

Rules?

Light: safe, warm, shield, weapon ?
Dark: danger, cold, unknown

Is it another world? It’s too different.

I had a thought. A difficult one. I burned the journal.

It sounds like I’m delirious, right? I slammed the lantern into it and ran. That was two days ago. Two cold days.

Then I woke up. I woke up to a lantern, ink, and a journal same things I wrote, the same marks on the cover.

So I tore it up. I ripped every page out and shredded them. I even ate some to spite it.

Now it’s back again. I turned my back for a second.

I hope you’re enjoying yourself. I hope you fucking choke, if you even have a throat.

100

I guess filling up the cover warrants an entry. What a surprise, it’s the same as every other one.

Hopeless

Aimless

Worthless

Do you enjoy watching me? Listening to me scream at you for hours?

Can you rip my mouth off so I can stop? I’d love that. It wouldn’t shock me to find you can make me live without breathing too.

How long did you have Quill out here alone until you sent him to us? And for what, to just tear us apart again?

Are you going to show me the way back to them in another 300 days and what, they’ll have missed me for all of a week? Bet it’ll be fucking hilarious.

Nothing makes sense here. This can’t be worth anything.

126

Happy birthday to me, if it’s been that many days. Maybe it’s half as much. I can’t remember how long it is before I pass out, walking or laying here.

I think I found more marks though. I don’t remember them.

Are the others out there? Anyone? Or is it you?

Can’t you just come out here? I’ll shut the lantern off, just for you.

135

It’s there.

I didn’t think much of it at first, the mark. It was just another marked room. Marked “1.” So I picked a hallway and there it was.

Town Hall, finally. Empty.

Everything is gone. They all left. They’re all out there. Everything and everyone except for her.

The mayor’s office was locked. I didn’t notice the smell at first. I barged my way in and

It’s impossible to tell how long. The floor is stained by it. There’s nothing but bones left. I know there was a noose.

We all break eventually.

Am I getting close?

139

I’m not moving from here. I’m not keeping the lantern on.

If you want to come I’m waiting.

Just get tired already.

(We found the words after our original transcription was completed. The writing style is notably different from Solace's, and appears jagged and uneven. Meadowbreeze saw the words being written, appearing suddenly on the page, and contacted me. After a discussion, we decided to respond to them.)

hello

is anypony reading this?

if you are
there is a chance
please respond

Hello.

good good
I worried it had not
worked

I do not know who this is
but I need your help
We need your help

my name is Twilight Sparkle

Declaration from White Clover - April 26th

Declaration from White Clover
Date: April 26th
Relevant Case: Ponyville Mass Disappearance (Case #3467)
Classification: Top Secret

To whom it may concern,

As of this declaration, all those stationed in the town of Ponyville tasked with investigating the citizenry’s disappearance are to begin immediate psychological evaluations. If the results of an individual’s evaluation are concerning, a mandatory period of rest and recovery will be required before they may resume duty on any case. Anyone who passes evaluations may, however, petition for rest and recovery from the head investigator, Verdant Vines.

I must assure each of you that these measures are considered important to the physical and mental well-being of all those involved in this case, and that any attempts to circumvent or avoid them will result in removal from the case and a suspension of to-be-determined length.

If there are any concerns or issues that you need assistance with prior to scheduled visits, you can inform the head investigator.

Signed,
White Clover
Central Director
Canterlot Bureau of Investigation

Vines,

I know you probably think it’s over-protective, given how you sounded in your last letter, and that you think it’s all superstition, but I’ve seen the complaints you forwarded from at least a dozen ponies of insomnia, nightmares, or something else impacting their performance. I’m only doing this to make sure things go smoothly and that there are no incidents.

The journal from Sweet Apple Acres has helped, but we need to find something else. We could keep digging forever, but I have to give a deadline for a full report to the Princess. In seven more days, we’ll take a look at what we have and then we’ll pass a verdict on the case. We’ll pull everyone out that isn’t keeping the town under quarantine and then look at how, or if, we’ll release the information.

I know you and your team can perform well under pressure; you’ve done it a dozen times before. Just don’t push anyone, especially yourself, too hard.

Warmly,
Clover

P.S. Don’t think you’re exempt from these sessions either, okay?