Mothers Shadow and Devil Bar

I and Selenia stood in front of the "Baltimare Press" Building where my father was hired. It was an old Building, standing like a rusty giant surrounded by death and agony. The Bricks started to crack as well as a few windows here and there. It was surprising how anyone could work there in winter. What really baffles my mind was how anybody would buy a "Baltimare Press" Magazine. I remember them standing in the third row in any shop, usually for ninety-nine cents when I last checked. The sun was hidden behind some clouds and the eerie coming of Fall colored our surroundings with soft grey lightning.

In turn, the place looked like a set from a Horror Movie if it weren't for all the glowing lamps inside with happy ponies trying their best to get their Magazine important somehow.

"This looks like shit," commented Selenia. I could not blame her. It was very shitty. Just compare it to the shiny Building beside it! A total shit stain.

"And that is why my dad is hired here," I told her and started to walk to it.

"Huh? What do you mean?" she asked but I ignored her.

Entering the Building through the surprisingly new doors we made our way into the reception hall. Whoever renovated the insides of this place was kind enough to cover up the holes I remember from the last time I was here... thirteen years ago?

I am not sure anymore. Going up to the reception. I saw this pretty young Mare. Maybe some trainee, getting needed Experience for her dream job as an interviewer in the next Playboy. Ignoring her appearance, I put on the best Smile I could imitate and look at her.

A bit surprised she blinked at me but shut up about it, "How can I help you?"

NO introduction to where I was even?! No wonder this place is so rundown! Putting rookies to the entrance. Yes, my answer...

"Good day, Ma'am. My name is Brushtip and I have some questions about one of your employees," I told her.

She furrowed her brows at my name, then asked, "Which employee?"

"Trestle," I replied instantly.

She looked from me to Selenia and back to me again, "Trestle? The artist?"

I nodded, my patience running out. My face not showing that.

Selenia called out from behind me, "He is her father by the way. We are looking for him."

The Mare shook her head, "Wait Wait. So you are the Brushtip?"

"Uhhh?"

Selenia exhaled annoyed from her nose, "Just get to the point!"

I nodded again, "yes, we don't know how much time we got. Is my Father here?"

She straightened up again, "No he isn't here. he only entered this building like five times in his career. And then he always talked about his daughters"

"You mean daughter? As in one?"

"Ehm, That is not your sister?" she pointed at Selenia... who was wandering around, looking at the walls with more interest than my problem. She got me here, damn it!

"No, why? Do we look alike?" I asked her back.

"Hm, no. Sorry for my error. But if you want more help you might be interested in talking to his Editor on the second floor. Office - 3," she told me.

"Thanks," I replied dryly and turned to the stairs.

"You are welcome!" she nearly yelled chirpily, sweetly. I cringed. Why do ponies do that?

As I walked past Selenia I clicked my tongue to get her attention, she turned, I was past her already. "C'mon doggy," I told her and she turned one full loop around to stare at me irritated.

"Why the hell did I fall for that trick," she asked herself then frowned, "Don't call me doggy!"

I was hungry. I shrugged and let her thoughts be hers.

Reaching the given office, we stepped in. The smell of home came crashing into me and I thought I could smell him for a brief second. Memories, y'know.

The room was nothing more than a row of big dirty windows on the walls and rows of tables with Ponies working hard on articles and the newspapers Layout stuff. Workers, big and small. Thin and wide all miled about. Wait, is that a Maid in that corner?

A Stallion in his best years was discussing something with one of his coworkers about something. Something not important as it seems because when he noticed us he started to walk over to us, "How can I help you two?"

I replayed to him what I told the receptionist. He blinked in suprise when he heard that I was his daughter.

"Hard to believe," he said and continued, "wait, how do I know you are not lying. Mr.Trestle told us about you often but he never bothered to show a photo or something and now he is missing here. He was one of the most important Illustrators here."

"Wat...?" I asked, "I just want some details about him. I and my friend here have some questions for him..."

Selenia walked up to him and smiled sweetly...