Paranormals

“Alright Book Butterfly, I gave you two hours, what do you have for me?” Pensive asked.

“Right ma’am!” Book Butterfly began to rummage through her packs on her sides, she brought out a map of a forested park area, “This is the home of the Slendermane, an old park located just outside of Phillydelphia. As the legends go, the Slendermane has eight pages scattered throughout this area, each of them a fragment of his power. They have the ability to redesign themselves to the Slendermane’s liking, and are impossible to destroy by conventional means.”

“And you’re telling us this because?” Spirit interrupted.

“I was getting to that…” BB mumbled shyly, “It is believed that if all eight pages are gathered, then the collector would be granted one wish by the Slendermane, but as seen with Daemon, this is not the case. So I believe that if all eight pages were somehow destroyed, then the Slendermane would also be destroyed with them.”

“How would we do that if the pages can’t be destroyed by conventional means?” Dr. Stevens questioned, “An unconventional mean perhaps?”

“R-right Dr. Stevens,” BB stuttered, “So I had two ideas: A. we could drown them in salt water blessed by Celestia...”

“Which we are lacking right now… sorry,” Omen admitted, “I had to use it to make chalk for my spiritual circle.”

“... and there’s B. burn them with dragon fire,” BB finished, “Dragon fire is a magical flame is said to burn anything it touches, it could possibly work.”

“Sure, let’s just call up the local dragon and ask him to burn up some papers,” Spirit sarcastically stated, “I’m sure that’ll go over well.”

“Spirit, this is no time for sarcasm,” Pensive scolded.

“There is an option C.” BB cut in, “We could try talking to him.”

Everypony else looked at each other with uncertain looks. A conclusive doubt resonated among the ponies except BB.

“Out of the question, the Slendermane is a powerful monster who can’t be communicated with let alone negotiated with,” Pensive concluded, “Me and Dr. Stevens can create a pseudo dragon fire with our magic, it’ll have to do.”

“But has anypony ever tried to just talk to talk to him?” BB asked, “Maybe this is just a big misunderstanding.”

“And how would you propose we do that?” Pensive asked back.

“Well, we could try this.” BB brought out a small radio from her packs, it looked homemade from the wide assortment of parts mismatched together.

“What is that?” Spirit inquired.

“What is what?” Omen asked while looking around, “I can’t see objects that well remember.”

“It looks like a radio,” Dr. Stevens commented.

“It is a radio,” BB explained, “It’s designed to only go through the channels with static.”

“You think that one of the static channels might be Slendermane’s?” Pensive wondered.

“Yes ma’am,” BB answered.

Pensive thought for a moment, she indulged her habit and levitated a pencil. She closed her eyes and pondered every possibility, eventually she set the pencil down and sighed.

“There’s a chance that we might not even encounter Slendermane at all, but if it comes down to it…” She opened her eyes and looked straight at BB. “... We’ll try your method first, if all else fails we’ll burn the pages.”

BB’s face lighted up.

“Thank you Ms. Pentra!” she graciously said.

“Now, I want everypony with me. I’m going to teleport us as close as possible to the park,” Pensive ordered.

“Am I not going ma’am?” BB squeaked as the others circled up.

“How could we possibly get that mismatch radio working without the one who made it?” Pensive gestured for BB to come with them. “Don’t get your hopes up though, you won’t be seeing any action. That’s what we’re here for.” She said motioning to the other ponies.

“Right ma’am.”

The group gathered in a circle, Pensive standing in the middle. She closed her eyes and focussed all her will into a teleportation spell. The air thickened with magic energy, and she could feel her eye emitting magic. A slight gust of wind swirled around her as sparks of plasma shot from her surroundings. She thought only of that park and nothing else. Her magic grew in power, gathering more and more until finally she released it in the image of the park.

Pensive opened her eyes, and the group was standing in darkness, with only the moon to illuminate them. Chills went up Pensive’s spine as the brisk night air brought coldness around them. She stumbled a bit, drained from her spell. Stevens leaned in to catch her.

“Thanks Stevens,” she panted, “This place has a lot of dark magic protecting it. Getting in wasn’t easy; I don’t think it’ll be any easier to get out.”
BB switched on the radio and began to fiddle with the signal. The group began to move out, each --aside from Omen-- flicking on a flashlight and camera.

“BB, I want you to stay here with Omen. Though he’s blind, he can still protect you if anything happens.” Pensive pulled out her hoof gun. “If we find anything, I’ll send a shot in the air, but until then stay put.”

“Yes ma’am,” BB answered.

“I’ll do my best, Pensive,” Omen said.

“Then let’s go.” Pensive, Dr. Stevens, and Spirit bolted into the forest, leaving the two pegasi behind. As they sat their in tension, BB continued to adjust the signal. She was tense, slightly shaking from trepidation. Omen glanced at her, BB had a pale green aura, slightly brighter around where her wings would be. They waited in silence, both too shy to try and make small talk, until finally Omen cleared his throat.

“So would this count as your first mission?” Omen asked trying to break the ice, “I heard that you’re a student trying to make it into Paranormals.”

“Soon to be ex-student,” BB answered quietly, “I wanted to help my heroes, but instead I just got myself into trouble…”

“Oh… well at least you’re helping, that’s more than I can say. I just went and made myself blind,” he complimented.

“But I… I was the one who made you blind,” Book choked out, “It’s my fault, I shouldn't have given Spirit those papers, then you would still be able to see…”

“Hey, don’t be so hard on yourself,” Omen comforted, “I’ll admit that this will take some getting used to, but blaming yourself won’t help anything.” Omen stared into the sky and smiled. “It’s not all bad, at least I can still see the moon.”

BB raised her head to look at the moon as well; it was full.

“What does it look like?” she asked.

“Well, it’s big and bright and looks like Princess Luna’s magic when she raises it each night,” Omen described, “And all the little stars look like gems of magic, twinkling against the darkness. I guess that’s why Slendermane likes being outside at night; It’s more gorgeous than I remember.”

“Sounds pretty,” BB mumbled, “Still, I’m sorry for what happened. You’re not going to see me again after this, so I thought I should say it now…”

“You know that I’m a psychic right? I have a feeling that this won’t be the last time we meet.”

“You really--” BB was cut off by an ear-piercing scream in the distance, a single shot of gunfire followed. “They must’ve found him! Let’s go!” She picked up her flashlight and took to the air, stopping for a moment to find Omen still standing on the ground. “Oh! I guess you don’t want to try flying yet…” She landed and ran towards the sound; Omen followed close behind. They dashed into the uncertainty that was, Slender’s forest.

………………………………………………

Daemon was running at full speed; he had all eight pages with him and wasn’t about to let himself get caught again. His vision slightly blurred from exhaustion, he stumbled into the field where the building and tankers lied. He sprinted in total fear; the one hope that his friends would be coming for him kept him standing.

Daemon had almost made it to the tree line at the other side of the field when something caught on his hoof, causing him to tumble to the ground. He yelped in pain, and saw the eight pages scatter all around him. Daemon desperately reached for them, but his stamina had reached it’s limit. He could barely lift his hoof, let alone stand. The sound of encroaching static whispered behind him, but he couldn’t move.

Silently he panicked as the static was upon him, he could feel Slendermane’s non-existent breath on his neck. Daemon shivered as Slendermane lifted him into the air with his tentacles. The static was ringing in his ears as he was turned to face the monster chasing him. He had been caught, again, and now he knew that there was no escape from the beast’s wrath.

Daemon smiled half-heartedly.

“Give me your worst Slendy,” he taunted, “Or is this your way of pulling a joke?” The static rang in his head even harder, as if an order to be silent. Daemon screamed in agony.

Suddenly there was a gunshot, and Daemon found himself falling to the ground. The crash was cushioned by somepony catching him, it was Spirit.

“Gotcha!” Spirit called, “We’ve been looking for you everywhere, you know that hike is only thirty minutes right?” He joked.
Daemon gazed up at the source of the gunfire. Pensive was levitating her hoof gun, smoke trailed from the end of the barrel. Dr. Stevens dashed over and started to examine him.

“Hey guys,” he murmured, “Slendy just stopped to say hi, that’s all. Didn’t mean to make you worry…”

“Save your words Daemon, we need to get you out of here,” Stevens explained.

“He’s really angry at me for something.” Daemon felt Dr. Stevens work coat being lain over him. “He thinks that I stole something, but we both know that the only thing I took was his pride when I beat him.”

“Do you know what was stolen?” Pensive asked as she trotted to Daemon’s side.

“I’m so glad… I’m so glad you’re all here…” Daemon incoherently mumbled. The pain wracking his body was great, but the relief he felt being beside his friends was greater. He could feel his consciousness slipping away. “I… didn’t think… I was… going to make it… I’m… so… happy… you’re…here.” Daemon’s eyes wearily shut, and everything went black to him.

“Daemon?” A distant voice called, “Daemon!”

BB and Omen came sprinting through the tree line. They were with the group in a matter of moments.

“We heard the gunshot and came running,” Omen said, “Are you all okay?”

“Yes, we’re fine. Daemon fainted though,” Pensive told the two newcomers, “Who knows what he’s been through.”

“Well let’s not stick around to find out,” Dr. Stevens added, “We need to get as far away from here as possible.”

“Why? Did you run into Slendermane?” BB asked. In that moment a sharp volume of static emitted over the radio BB carried. She brought it out and examined it.

“In..ud.rs,” the radio buzzed.

BB adjusted the frequency.

“Intruders,” the radio more clearly stated, though with some slight background static.

“Is that Slendermane?” Spirit asked, “He sounds like a toad with a cold.”

“I think it might be,” Stevens curiously answered, “I can’t believe that actually worked.”

“Slendermane,” Pensive yelled into the night, “I don’t know if you can hear me, but we’re leaving, and you’re not stopping us.” She held up the eight pages with her magic, and a small ball of fire flickered below it. “We have some insurance if you want to try.”

“Fools, a weak fire will not burn my pages. You waste time with these games,” the radio hummed.

“Um guys, I think I can see him over there.” Omen pointed his hoof at a nearby tree. “There’s a lot of black and white static coming from there.”

“Keep your eyes on him Omen. Tell us if he moves,” Pensive ordered, “Let’s start with a basic question: What did you do to Omen?”

“The pegasus sees with the eyes of the abyss; eyes that I gave him. The pegasus can see past the veil into the true essence of life. He is lucky to be alive after defiling my presence with his ‘clairvoyance’.”

“Fascinating,” Dr. Stevens mumbled to himself. “And why do all this? Why scatter your pages for others to find if you only intend to stop them?”

“Ponies are such utterly foolish creatures,” the radio answered, “I have seen countless many foolish ponies, but you are the most foolish of them all. A pony mad with desire is more fearsome than any demon...” Stevens reeled from that statement, he backed away slowly. “... and yet I adore such foolish ponies. Perhaps that is why I love to see them struggle towards a fruitless endeavor. A wish, even a false one, is a very powerful desire.”

“Mad with desire?” Stevens muttered, “But, I left that long ago. Am I still…” his voice trailed off.

“Calm yourself Stevens, we’re leaving,” Pensive said.

“Yes, leave, but not with the one on the soul reaper’s back.”

“Does he mean me?” Spirit asked, “Never thought I’d be called a ‘soul reaper’.”

“And why can’t Daemon leave?” Pensive inquired.

“He has stolen one of my most valuable possessions. He shall not leave until I get it back.”

“What is it that you think he stole?”

“I do not ‘think’, I know he stole from me. My quill of the black bird Monstrum.”

“A quill? I’m pretty sure the only thing he writes with is crayons,” Spirit joked.

“The night that he bested me, was the night that my precious quill went missing. In the wrong hooves, it could spell disaster for Equestria. So I intend to get it back.” Omen cringed in pain, putting his hooves over his eyes.

“Everypony in a circle!” Pensive ordered, “We will not let him get close!”

The group circled around Spirit, not letting any angle of vision go unchecked. Pensive drew her gun once again, and was on standby for any attack.

The radio growled once again, “Why do you protect him? He deserves wrath for what he has done!”

“Because he’s our friend you featherbrained idiot!” Spirit spat, “We won’t let you hurt him! Not now, not ever!”

“That’s right!” Omen added, “If this is really how you see the world, then you know that his aura is pure! He would never steal from another!”

“Daemon is a true friend that can make the darkest days seem bright. It would be unjust to let him down now,” Stevens joined.

“I will not allow you to hurt my employees!” Pensive shouted, “You’ll have to go through me first before you can lay a hoof on Daemon!”

“Please! Mr. Slendermane we all care about Daemon so much, and we know that he would never steal from you! So please, just let us leave! We won’t bother you again!” BB called.

The radio remained silent, the tension was thick as ice. They waited for an answer, or an attack. Static background noise from the radio decreased slightly, after a moment, it returned to normal.

“You all seem adamant about this, foolish ponies…” the radio answered, “I will choose to believe you, there is nothing in your souls that says otherwise. Leave, and never return.” The radio shut off, and the dark presence seemed to dissipate into the night.

The group gave a collective sigh and started towards the fence. As they approached, BB gave a gasp.

“Ms. Pentra, the pages, they’re gone!” BB exclaimed.

“No, they are right where they need to be. We wouldn’t want to make him more angry,” Pensive answered, “I guess you could say that he granted our wish.”

“Yeah…” BB stopped for a moment. “So I guess that means I’ll be getting my punishment when we get back.”

“It’s unavoidable, but yes.”

“I understand, at least I was able to help…”

“Yeah, at least you have that going for you,” Pensive began to focus her magic, “Now let’s head back.”

………………………………………………

Daemon’s eyes fluttered open to a room of white, a rhythmic sound of a heart monitor pumped in the background. He drowsily rubbed his eyes, he could make out Spirit and Omen sleeping in guest chairs. Daemon could see a banner hanging from the ceiling that read ‘Happy Paranormals Anniversary’. A smile came to his face.

“They did remember…” he whispered.

The door came open, and Stevens entered levitating a clipboard in front of him. He glanced at the now awake Daemon.

“Ah, good to see you’re awake. These two have been eager for you to wake up,” Stevens said, “Rise and shine you two, Daemon’s awake.” He nudged Spirit into Omen, and the two bolted up.

“I’m not asleep,” Spirit croaked, “Just was resting my eyes…”

“Gah I’m blind! Oh wait, that’s just the normal now…” Omen wearily stated, “Wow Daemon, I didn’t realize how white your aura is until now. It’s almost blinding.”

“Um thanks?” Daemon replied.

“So now that you’re awake…” Spirit pulled up two boxes wrapped in colorful paper. “...We can finally get the party started!”

“Ah guys you shouldn’t have!” Daemon said as the boxes were levitated into his lap. He tore into the one labeled from Omen; inside was a charm the size of a bit, it looked like a compass rose, with each cardinal direction made with a different colored crystal.

“He opened mine right?” Omen asked.

“Yes Omen, he opened yours,” Spirit answered.

“Oh good!” He pointed in Daemon’s direction, “That’s just a little charm I made for you. It’s supposed to help with navigation, since you always complain about getting lost.”

“Thanks Omen! You’re the best! Now let’s see what Spirit got me…” Daemon eagerly ripped into the other box, “Is this a new camera?”

“Well not that I’m a psychic or something, but your old one was looking a bit dead. Let’s just hope that this one is Slender proof,” Spirit said.

Daemon laughed, “Yeah I hope so too!”

The door opened once again, standing on the other side was Pensive levitating a bouquet of red roses, a green pegasus stood next to her.

“I didn’t expect you to be here so quick Pensive,” Dr. Stevens stated as he examined the vital scans from Daemon’s heart monitor.

“Pensive!” Daemon cheered, “Did you come to join in the fun too? And who’s your friend?”

“I’m just here to deliver some presents, as for her…” Pensive motioned for the pegasus, “... She had a gift for you as well.”

The pegasus stepped forward, she held out a small present wrapped in newspaper with her wings. She was blushing intensely.

“You look kinda familiar… have we met?” Daemon asked.

The pegasus looked down solemnly, almost as if she was disappointed.

“Oh wait a minute! I remember you!” Daemon said as his memory clicked into place, “You’re that little filly from the orphanage in Canterlot, Book wasn’t it? It’s been awhile! Haven’t run into any more haunted libraries have we?”

BB smiled and looked up at him.

“Yes, it’s been a long time, four years in fact. I’m glad you remember me,” she shyly spoke, “I brought you a gift while I was still allowed to be here.”

“What is it I wonder?” Daemon opened the newspaper gift. It was a hardback book entitled ‘Monsters of Paranormals’ the author...
“You wrote this? It looks so professional,” He said as he skimmed through the pages.

“It’s an encyclopedia of every kind of ghost, demon, and monster ever encountered by Paranormals,” BB explained, “It’s just my way of thanking you for saving me all those years ago. You left so quickly that I never got to say goodbye…” She turned to leave. “So bye Daemon, it was nice seeing you again…”

Pensive put out a hoof stopping her, she levitated the roses into Daemon’s lap.

“Not so fast. Daemon, there’s a little something in there from me as well,” Pensive said, “Go ahead and read it aloud.”

“Read it aloud?” Daemon examined the roses, buried in the center was a letter. He was reminded of the letter he had been sent to retrieve, the envelopes looked identical. “‘In recognition of five years of loyal service to Paranormals, it is my honor to assign you an apprentice to mentor. You will select an apprentice from the honors students of the instruction department to apprentice under you for the remainder of their studies...”

“As to the assignment of an apprentice, I think it’s clear that one pony fits the bill to a tee.” She gestured to BB, who had tears running down her face from happiness. “So what do you say? Does BB sound like a good student to you? She did help save your life.”

“That sounds like a great idea! What do you think Book?” Daemon asked.

BB was fully crying, she was sniffling in joy.

“Yes! I would be honored to work under you Daemon!” she turned to Pensive. “But what about my punishment?”

“I’ve already contacted the instruction department, for disobeying a direct order in order to save the life of an investigator, you must repair every book in the damaged archives,” Pensive answered.

BB started crying harder, but she had a huge grin on her face.

Daemon continued to read the letter, “...‘I’m also proud to present you with a bonus for outstanding performance and optimism. The total being...’ five thousand bits?!”

“What!?” Spirit shouted.

“That’s incredible!” Omen added.

“What am I going to do with five thousand bits?!” Daemon asked loudly.

The three fantasised the possibilities that five thousand bits could get them, completely oblivious to Pensive’s shortening fuse.

“You morons!” Pensive yelled, “Can you stop thinking about your wallets and think about something else for once!?”

“That’s right!” Spirit excitedly agreed, “We have a cake down in the dining hall just for this!”

“Alright!” Daemon cheered.

Pensive turned to leave in a huff, she was just about out the door when Daemon called to her.

“Hey Pensive, don’t you want to stay for cake?”

“I have a lot of work to get done, sorry,” she made to leave.

“Ah come on! This isn’t just my celebration, today- or yesterday- was the anniversary of when I met you!”
She stopped in her tracks, Pensive recalled that day vividly. Daemon had been a goofball around her then too, he had such a big smile, just like her brother…

She turned around, wiping the tears forming in her eyes.

“Yeah, I guess I can stay for a slice,” she laughed.

For the rest of the day, Daemon and the others celebrated; for Daemon’s anniversary, BB’s new job, and for saving Daemon with nopony dying. It was a day worth remembering, for the laughter, memories, and of course the cake. Everypony was happy by the end of that day, but that night...