Stellar and Quartz: Ghost Town Showdown

After a night of overly vivid dreams attempting to sort out the chaos of yesterday, Stellar finally awoke to find herself still safe in her new partner’s arms. She sighed and laid her head back down on his chest, petting him softly. Pulling herself up the length of his neck, she kissed the side of his beak to rouse him; Arcus’ eyes batted open and his head quickly shot up.

“Is everything okay?” He asked.

“Yeah, calm down,” She took his cheek. “It’s just morning.”

“Oh,” He calmed. “Sorry.”

“I think we’re all on edge, kid.” She reassured, being pressed against him as his arms went around her.

“Well, I guess since it’s daytime we should be a little safer; at least with the cops here.” Arcus noted.

“Let’s go see if we can get some more news.” Stellar coaxed herself free from his loving hold.

“Right,” Arcus followed her up and the pair began getting ready.

Next door, Cloudy had been getting a first hand lesson in how fun it could be to share a nice hot shower. She stood idly above the drain, Hatch pressed against her back; soap in talon, he ran it over her body while his beak nibbled her neck.

“As nice as this feels, it hardly seems the time.” Cloudy said while offering little resistance.

“Hey, gotta live each day like it’s your last; and around here that could be sooner than later.” He countered, dragging his nails across her stomach and around her hip. His beak moved up to nip her ear while the bar of soap found its way between her thighs; Cloudy melted against him as he massaged it against her clit, soft moans amplified by the enclosed space. Hatch slowly slid down her body and onto his knees, pushing her forward against the tile and spreading her ass with his talons, his beak pressed against her virgin rear and he forced his tongue inside without warning.

“Ah!” Cloudy jumped. “Hatch! That...,” Her eyes rolled at the unique and new feeling. “That feels… good.” She braced her hands on the tile wainscot and pushed back against him, wanting more of this new experience. Hatch obliged, tonguing her ass ravenously while pushing a digit up into her to compliment; he aggressively pistoned his finger which sent Cloudy into shivering convulsions as she climaxed. Hatch came up for air as she calmed; chuckling as he stood, dragging his erection up her leg.

“Now you can tackle this crazy day relaxed.”

Cloudy spun around with a gentle smile. “I suppose you would like to do the same.” Her hands reached down and wrapped themselves around his shaft, Hatch hissing in delight at her firm grip.

“Fuck yeah,” He lurched forward, resting his chin on her shoulder and fucking her welcoming hands. Holding her hips, he grunted and panted as her fingers alternated pressure; kneading him like dough until he quickly lost himself. “God, Cloudy…. I’m cumming!” He groaned into her neck as shots of cum splattered against her stomach.

“My, so much.” She cooed into his ear.

“Whew…” Hatch huffed, hugging her against him. “What can I say, you really know how to bring it out of me.” He nuzzled her lips with his beak.

They finally managed to get out of the shower, toweling off and getting dressed just in time for a knock at the door. Cloudy went to answer and found Stellar and Arcus. “Ah, good morning.”

Stellar noticed her wet hair with a smile. “Didn’t interrupt anything, did we?”

“Oh, well, technically no.” Cloudy answered with a smile of her own.

"Can't blame you," Stellar grinned. "I'm just as guilty. We’re heading into town to see what’s what,” Stellar informed. “Coming with?”

“Yes,” She looked back. “Hatch, are you ready?”

“All set.” He jogged over and joined them.

The four of them returned to the eerily quiet town, the bank still stood taped off, a grim and constant reminder of what had transpired.

“Ms. Flare,” Ridgeway called as he and Dandelion came down the path. “Good to see you all still safe.”

“Ridgeway, any updates?” Stellar asked as they neared.

“I spoke with one of the officers earlier this morning,” He informed. “They moved Wheeler’s body out as well; he’ll receive a full autopsy back in the city.”

“What’s their plan?” Arcus further asked.

“Well, they said everything appears to be the work of an animal, however they found no traces of any saliva, fur or any other organic proof to support that conclusion. I know it confuses them but, well… it is a spirit after all.”

“Are they considering it a closed case then?” Hatch inquired.

“They haven’t agreed to that, not yet anyway.” Ridgeway shook his head.

As they spoke, something caught Dandelion’s eyes and she pointed out into the distance. “Oh my god, look.” She practically whispered.

Everyone looked to see a procession of buffalo heading into town on hoof, Blue Sky at the front of the group. “This is rare,” Ridgeway commented. “Something has happened.”

Others began to emerge as they took notice of the visitors and the group met them before town hall.

“Blue Sky, what is this?” Ridgeway asked.

“Our camp was set ablaze last night.” He answered solemnly.

“What!?” Everyone gasped.

“It started at my father’s lodge, he was asleep inside and was consumed by the smoke.” He continued.

“Oh my god… is he…” Hatch started.

“He lives,” Blue Sky assured. “Although, he is not well; while he recovers, I am now head of the buffalo and given this incident can no longer ignore the threat presented by the Ataata.” By now, the remaining officers had emerged and approached. “If it attacks even we buffalo, then measures must be taken to end this now.”

“You’re right,” Ridgeway agreed. “For your sake and ours, we’ll abandon this place and cancel any sale of it.”

“You would do that so readily?” Blue Sky asked.

“Of course, you’re as much a family to me as everyone else here.” He nodded, looking around at those gathered. “And I’m certain everyone here feels the same.” He received various forms of vocal agreement.

Stellar gritted her teeth, jumping to a conclusion before things could continue. “Hold it!” She called out, garnering everyone’s attention. “We’re not leaving!”

“What?” Ridgeway asked. “Forgive me, but this cannot continue; the Ataata…”

“Isn’t real.” She interrupted, confusion coming from the crowd.

“Listen to me, Earnhardt found evidence the other day that proves that we were attacked by some creature here; explosives placed around the mouth of the mine that caused the collapsed.”

“Is that true?” One of the officers approached. “Why didn’t you say anything to us?” He asked insistently.

“We were afraid we might spook whoever it was; if you want to yell at me then do it later, point is that we can’t abandon this town.” She looked back to Ridgeway.

“So you’re saying that Wheeler was murdered, by… someone here?” He questioned shakily.

“Yeah, afraid so.” Stellar nodded. “Although we don’t have a clue as to who; all we’re sure of is that it wasn’t Cloudy or I, Hatch, Earnhardt or Arcus.”

Blue Sky approached her. “If it is true that a creature here set fire to our home and harmed my father, I will see them punished.”

“Hey now,” The officer intervened. “If this is true, we’ll investigate the matter; no one is going to take the law into their own hands.”

“He’s right, Blue Sky.” Ridgeway took his arm. “Don’t get yourself into any trouble.”

Arcus looked around at his friends in town, noticing them all looking at each other with uncertainty. “Now no one is going to trust anyone.” He lamented.

“A necessary sacrifice.” Cloudy noted. “If the town is abandoned, whoever did this would escape.”

“I can’t even begin to imagine who we’re looking for.” Hatch came up beside her. “I’ve known everyone here for a long time now; none of them ever struck me as dangerous.”

They paused as with this new evidence, the police began instructing everyone that no one was to leave the town and a new round of interrogations would be conducted. Blue Sky said that he would return to tend to his father and that the buffalo would cooperate; he and his fellow buffalo left and everyone buckled down for another long day. Things were different this time; with the knowledge that one of them was a traitor, the creatures of the town began to gossip and theorize as to who it could be. Already stressed from fear and from the murder, the atmosphere began to take its toll on everyone. After a harsh talking to from the authorities, Stellar and Arcus sat outside the town hall; they were soon joined by Earnhardt who was fresh from his own questioning.

“What did you tell them?” Arcus asked as the bull sat beside them on the long wooden post.

“Just the truth,” Earnhardt snorted. “You know, we’ve got enough fingers being pointed now, but a lot of creatures are finding it odd that Hathaway’s farm has never been attacked. Now that we know someone here is doing this, the excuse of them being farmers doesn’t mean shit anymore.”

“By why?” Stellar asked. “He was the first to agree to sell after we talked; if he didn’t want it, why didn’t he just tell us to fuck off?”

“Well, he does have a big family.” Arcus noted.

“Not for nothing, but those kids were so well behaved and sweet it made me kind of nauseous.” Stellar retorted. “Not to mention he would be impacted the least by the town staying or going.”

“That’s just the word going around,” Earnhardt defended. “I still don’t have a clue.”

“In a way, haven’t we stopped them?” Arcus asked. “I mean, now that the whole town knows what’s going on, what more can they do? Making a move now would be suicidal.” Stellar thought about that in silence as she had no answer.

The talk of Hathaway did eventually reach his farm, as the police went to him to question he and his family as well. In response to the accusation, he told his family to stay at the farm while he returned to the town to see Ridgeway about what was happening.

Stellar caught sight of the farmer and followed after him into the town hall. “Hathaway?”

“Ms. Flare,” He turned back. “Is everything I’ve been hearing true?”

“Yes, it is.” Stellar confirmed.

“And creatures think I’m behind it?” He incredulously asked.

“Hathaway,” Ridgeway emerged. “I have no doubt you’re angry, but please understand that everyone here is just scared and grasping at whatever they can for an explanation. I know you couldn’t be capable of any of this.”

Hathaway sighed. “Thank you, so what do we know?”

“Not enough to ID anyone positively.” Ridgeway informed. “Before Ms. Flare revealed this new development, I was going to simply abandon the town; but now the police will not allow any of us to leave.”

“Sorry about that,” Stellar apologized. “As much as I’d like to take my friends and run, I couldn’t let a murderer get away.”

“Honestly the right call.” Hathaway smiled at her. “Well, I guess that means we get to save the town one last time.”

Ridgeway laughed. “I guess so, would have settled for a quiet retirement though.”

The door opened and Arcus stuck his head in. “Stellar?”

“What’s up, kid?” She gave him her attention.

“Can you come here for a minute.” He beckoned.

“Sure, if you guys will excuse me.” She waved.

“Of course,” Ridgeway nodded and he and Hathaway took a seat to talk some more.

Stellar headed out and found Hatch, Cloudy and Stormy. “What’s going on?”

“I know my sis couldn’t be a suspect, so I told about what Earnhardt found.” Hatch began. “She said she wanted to see them for herself and… well…,” He looked to his sister.

“I recognized them,” Stormy took over. “I… I think I know who’s doing this, although I can’t believe it and I can’t imagine why.” Stellar looked over her allies in surprise as Stormy confessed to what she believed.

That night, after some delegation amongst the group, Stellar and the others headed to the bar to see if they could confirm Stormy’s hunch. If they could, it would mean the end of this nightmare and the cops could take it from there. As the six of them walked in, they once again found the remnants of the town seeking solace in numbers.

“There’s the barkeep,” Dandelion waved from behind the bar “Hope you don’t mind, but I was trying to serve everyone.”

“Thanks,” Stormy smiled as best she could, looking around the room.

“Another long day for you all, I imagine.” Oak noted. “The police don’t seem to be any closer to uncovering anything.”

“How much longer can they legally keep us here?” Cerulean asked. “I don’t care about the sale anymore, I just want to get out of here safely.”

“It might all end tonight.” Stellar said stoutly, grabbing their attention.

“What?” Ledge eyed them. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, we think we know who is behind this,” She carried on. “We haven’t said anything to the police yet because we don’t want to make a false accusation.”

The doors behind them parted and Ridgeway entered accompanied by Hathaway. Ridgeway removed his hat and observed the scene. “Stellar, we came like you asked, what is this about?”

Stellar reached into her pocket and dug out one of the explosive devices, the other having been given to the police as evidence. “This,” She held it up. “This is what caused the cave in at the mine and although we drew the obvious conclusion, we didn’t know exactly what it was.”

“Oh my, what is it then?” Oak asked.

“It’s a charge used for special effects,” She went to the bar and slammed it down in front of Ledge. “Used in movies and stage.”

The entire bar stared at the timid magician, who lowered his glass and let out a light chuckle. “Son of a bitch.” He spoke in a far different voice.

“It was you, wasn’t it.” Stormy asked. “You showed me those before when you were demonstrating how your act was done.”

“That’s what I get for developing a crush.” Ledge laughed shortly and stood, Stellar immediately backing off.

“You?” Ridgeway looked at him in disbelief. “But why… what possible stake could you have in all this?”

“This town itself is worthless, as worthless as that mine that Wheeler was so keen on,” He leaned on the bar. “The ground beneath us though… that is worth something.”

“What do you mean?” Hatch challenged.

“Oil, you simple minded bird,” He stomped his hoof. “This hell hole is sitting on a series of untapped oil reservoirs that have remained untouched due to the protected status of the area.” He sighed. “You were just supposed to leave… no one needed to die; then you two showed up,” He pointed at Stellar and Cloudy. “You obstinate cow, unable to take a hint, so driven to do your job no matter what the cost. If you hadn’t interfered, the sale’s stalemate would have led to the town being abandoned due to fear of the Ataata.” He smiled. “Those superstitious buffalo and the old legends of this town made everyone highly susceptible to the idea of a vengeful spirit protecting the land.” He finished his drink. “So many unexpected variables… I didn’t plan on that dragon falling in love with you and coming to your rescue like the white knight he is,” He gestured to Arcus. “Ha, and I certainly didn’t expect a brain-dead bull like Earnhardt rifling through the rubble and finding this.” He picked up the spent device.

"Even if we left, you have no legal claim." Hathaway pointed out. "You couldn't just stay here and do as you like."

"Don't I?" Ledge smiled at him.

"Who cares," Hatch stepped in. "Whatever you planned, it's over; be glad the police will take you before Blue Sky."

"I'm not going anywhere," Ledge shook his head. "This may not be how I would have liked this to play out, but it isn't over just yet; I'll get rid you... all of you, even the buffalo if need be." He gave them a look of smug confidence. "None of you are a match for my power."

“Your power!?" Earnhardt started at him. “You cocky little shit, I knew there was a reason I didn’t like you; you killed Wheeler and attacked everyone here for some get rich quick scheme?” He raised his fist. “You’re done!”

“I don’t think so.” Ledge aimed his palm at one of the stools, whipping his hand forward, the stool flew at Earnhardt and smacked him in the face.

Blood coming from his nose, Earnhardt backed off and everyone started moving away from Ledge. “What the fuck was that?” He snarled into his hand.

“Ha ha… magic.” Ledge pulled an ace of hearts from his pocket, the seemingly benign object lighting up in flame. “No more stage magic, time for the real deal.”

"That's a crock of shit." Stellar pointed to her horn. "Unicorns haven't been able to use magic for over a thousand years."

"Do you doubt what you see before you?" His horn lit up and he levitated another stool.

“Ledge…” Stormy eyed him pleadingly. “Please stop this.”

“Stop calling me that.” He whipped the card at her, it flew by her cheek and drew a line of blood.

“Sis!” Hatch ran in and got in front of her.

“My name isn’t Legerdemain, it never was,” He drew four more cards and ignited them by some unknown force. “Call me… Sleight.”