怪談とポニー Ep2 - Factory Reset

Exiting the empty class a minute after Fluffy, Misty took a look around and let out a smile, the younger girl nowhere to see already – the latter was truly like quicksilver, whisking away on her reporter business. Hands in her cargo pants’ pockets, Misty stopped at the windowsill beholding the panorama below musingly. High in the blue, cloudless sky, the sun was flooding the entire school grounds with the shine, signalling that spring was strolling proudly in its peak. The distant sounds of birds and voices of the students in the stadium reached the hallway through the ajar window. Coming close to the school walls and letting only a small empty gravel-covered space, the wide stripe of deciduous trees, boasting the fresh, bright-green, dust-free foliage at the moment, separated it from the stadium with its seats, tracks, flags on flagpoles and tiny figures of the students moving on the field slowly, as it looked from afar.

A gust of fresh wind hit the glass, making it dingle lightly, and bringing the peculiar smell of pines – the large wedge of pine forest, cutting one of Canterlot respectable districts in halves, embraced their school territory revealing only the driveway, which opened right into one of the city streets. The large park took one entire side of the named street almost surreally outstanding from the rest of the district and naturally giving the situated amidst it school its name – Pinewatch.

‘I admit that picking up this case is tempting,’ the girl confessed to herself lazily watching the far edge of the sports field where some game was taking place, while her thoughts were occupied by the received information. ‘It looks simple at the first glance: despite the seemingly obvious evidence, only a fool wouldn’t suspect the owner’s sibling of sabotaging the workflow. But… Something doesn’t compute here. Can’t tell yet but it may turn out a real thing.’

‘Speaking about trusting your intuition and clairvoyance…’ inwardly chuckled the unicorn girl watching the trees below waving in the pine tar tinted wind.

‘Just finishing with our first real investigation and doing it brilliantly, considering the outcome without false modesty, we’re getting another aim. It came at me so opportunely that I’m almost surprised. They say a good hunter has a lucky hit, of course!’ Misty frowned faintly nevertheless; something still bothered her. ‘However, something feels strange to me about it. That girl, Fluffy… she looked so unconfident at first… totally unlike usual her I knew. What was that? Anxiety in front of the… older co-ed?’ she smirked ironically. ‘We have only one year difference.’

‘Was it because Fluffy not being sure if I talk about Canterton at all?’ fumbling for the cell phone in her pocket, the girl bit her lip puzzledly. ‘She turned back to normal while spilling the beans about that factory though… Naaahhhh! Maybe Lacy can think out something…’

Finally finding the device and dialling, Misty threw another glance at the school grounds through the window; the view reminded her of another vision from Canterton High art class. The girl caught herself upon spreading in a wide unwitting smile.

‘I need to talk with Fran about the whole story. Let’s hear what she thinks as well!’

However, the long dial tones interrupted with hang up made Misty stare at the screen for a second; not answering the best friend’s call meant Lacy Reins having some reasons. After a couple of seconds, the screen brightening again blurted out a short message: “In the Library!”

‘Of course!’ smirked Misty. ‘If not in the class or greenhouse, where else could you be?’

“I seriously don’t know what to think of it,” Lacy was already gathering the books when Misty found her in the brightly lit tranquillity reign of Pinewatch school library. “On the one hand, she is the press-club reporter, thus… poking the nose into everything possible is her work of choice; on the other hand, the interest towards Canterton and our role is a bit… strange if you ask me. Why out of a sudden? As far as I know,” Lacy adjusted the glasses on her nose bridge, “we did our best to keep the whole story secret.”

“Well, she didn’t say “role” in particular,” Misty also picked up a few thick tomes to help her friend with returning the books to their places on shelves. “She was rather interested in our opinion… And… everypony, at least in the middle and high school, knows about my interests. But I agree, something feels strange indeed… Hey, at least she didn’t insist on taking photos,” chuckled the girl quietly.

“Why though?” Lacy chuckled quietly. “Your portrait would have been the cutest part of the Canterton related article! I always said that you must underestimate your looks not,” added she with a tiny smile.

“That’s not the problem,” retorted Misty. “I really don’t want our photos boasting under the school newspaper headline.”

Both were to whisper cautiously on the border of their hearing, perking the fluffy ears to catch each other’s words – like every legendary treasury, this stash of knowledge had its own guardian dragon in the face of thin tall mid-aged unicorn mare. Attracting her attention wasn’t in the girls’ plans, as it would be dangerous at the very least, not only for their reputation and academic performance but even physically as the majority of students suspected. The librarian’s aides guarded the silence and order zealously as well, but the rumours about being able to hear and see through the several rows of shelving circulated only around her prim persona. Naturally, nopony burned with the desire to get into the claws of that cold-blood warden for discipline violations.

Misty took a look around: only a few other students were scooping from that well of knowledge at the moment. Scattered here and there behind the tables, they diligently peered in their materials of choice – mostly high school students overwhelmed with the exam preparations. Needless to say that the silence was ringing, the entire reading area being well visible from the “dragon’s nest” also known as the librarian’s desk. The multitude of ceiling lamps flooded the space with shadowless light for readers’ comfort, leaving mild twilight only in the storage area where high long rows of stillages were separated by relatively narrow passages, so even a couple of students would have troubles with passing each other freely if loaded with books.

“So?” Lacy glanced at her friend over the glasses.

Instead of the answer, Misty picked up her part of the books and gestured towards the bookcases labyrinth with her eyes only. It wasn’t necessary to repeat twice; throwing a glance at the “dragon’s nest”, Lacy nodded and picked her share as well. With the stacks of heavy tomes, the girls strode with the most innocent look under the fixed glance of the library warden, hiding behind the shelves.

“Maybe the seeds fell on fertile soil indeed, but I wouldn’t mind checking that place,” pensively drawled Misty. “Of course, we need to know what others think. That’s if I assume that you are with me anyway, Lacy…”

“You know, I’m always with you – that goes without saying, so you don’t even need to ask, Misty!” rearranging the books on their intended places, Lacy stopped for a moment and gave her friend a long look, something in which made Misty flush lightly. “But you’re right, we must ask the girls.”

“Not here, obviously…” Misty gazed over her shoulder then took out the phone. “We need a less stressed place to talk,” double-checking the silent mode being enabled, she quickly typed a message. “What about the school cafeteria for example?” with a smile, she hit “Send”.

Turning off the sound was a good idea as a few seconds later the phone screen lit again with the incoming call and the photo of Windy Mane. Exchanging the glances with Lacy, Misty picked up.

“Hi, Windy. What’s up? Don’t you like the idea?” she did her best to stay audible despite her whispering.

“I have a better idea!” Lacy could hear Windy’s nonchalant voice effortlessly, even being four feet away from the phone. “Having a couple of free hours today, we planned to spend them in the swimming pool with Flo. What if you, girls, join us there? Do you have your swimsuits?”

“Hey! And why whisper? Are you okay, Misty?” inquired Windy, before the girls could answer anything.

“Yeah…” sighed Misty keeping the phone as close to her mouth as it was possible; she fancied some footsteps behind the shelving already. “We’re in the library with Lacy… Do you know what it is famous for except the books?” she couldn’t hold back a little sarcasm.

“Well, well!” Windy wasn’t somepony to confuse easily. “The more reasons to meet at the pool – there we can talk without any foreign ears spying on every word. So, let me know if you’re coming. Bye!”

Lacy only shrugged meaningfully, hearing the hang-out tone from her friend’s phone.

*

“So, what do you think? Will it be yes or no?” Flaunty Mane watched Misty fixedly after the latter briefly told them the story presented her by the reporter-girl and a pensive silence fell between the friends. Flaunty adjusted the shoulder strap of the regular school monokini swimsuit, which, simple and strict, dark blue with white trim, looked on the gifted by Mother Nature girl more alluring than any fashion bikini no matter what. Flaunty let the admiring gazes of a few school-colts training at the opposite side of the pool pass by unnoticed, which truth be told didn’t discourage the boys a iota.

“On that field, you’re the boss, Misty!” added the pegasus filly, bathing her long fit legs in the bright-blue transparent water. “At the end of the day, it’s you who feels… things.” It smelled ozone in the large echoing swimming pool: instead of chlorine, Pinewatch direction preferred healthier and more skin-friendly water disinfection methods.

“That’s the question…” Misty approached the pool edge, holding on to it for some rest, her legs worked, keeping her on the surface. “That case is very tempting to investigate, call me a liar if I deny,” added she quieter. “But at the same time, I have that gut feeling…” Misty dropped silent.

“What’s wrong, Misty?” Lacy Reins threw an attentive glance at her friend through the round glasses. The earth-pony girl nested at the edge next to Flaunty, but with her legs tucked under her. Her swimsuit, dry, yet tightly fitting her firm round breasts, easily rivalled with Flaunty’s looks, distracting the high-school colts from swimming even more.

“You looked positive about going to the old factory in the library…” added she. Suddenly Lacy squeaked. “Ah! Windy!!! It’s cold!”

The reason for that was another pegasus girl, which quietly swam to the friends underwater, emerging noisily with a fountain of splashes and clinging to the pool edge near Misty. Not giving the girls time to recompose, Windy Mane wrapped her wet arms around Lacy’s legs, resting her head on the girl’s knees.

“Mhhh… Windy!” Lacy squeaked and giggled from chill and ticklishness, but Windy snuggled to her so tenderly that the earth filly finally gave up.

“I can’t get rid of the impression that this case…” Misty bit her lip, “… found us too fast after we sorted out our first one,” concluded she meaningfully. “On the one hand, it looked the “let’s share for mutual benefit” type of talk… But,” she slowly shook her head, “at times Fluffy seemed equally interested in us taking the case and sharing the information about Canterton High.”

“What other benefits, except another catchy article, she could have from that case?” Lacy and Flaunty exchanged glances.

“If only I knew…” Misty shrugged puzzledly.

“What about a good hunter having a lucky hit then?” Windy Mane squinted slyly, tilting her head on Lacy’s knees. “And the reputation running before its owner…” the next second her lips spread in a blissful smile, eyes closed as the thin hand lay on Windy’s head, gently brushing through the fluffy red hair. “Mmmmm… I feel forgiven!” she nuzzled deep into Lacy’s warm knees.

“Hmmm… Fact! We managed to shift the public attitude from “these looneys” to “somepony having practical knowledge in that sphere” quite fast!” chuckled Misty Lagoon, but somewhat pensively. “I’d still say it was a bit premature though…”

“However…” she raised her eyes at the girls; three fillies knew that inspired, enthusiastic look very well, just as what usually followed. “However, it looks the real deal for me,” firmly put the unicorn girl, “just like the Canterton High. Besides, we can have it fully – the official investigations have failed so far. It seems as if nopony cares anymore, waiting only for the spontaneous outcome,” Misty shook her head reproachfully, sending the water drops from her hair fly. “The factory owner can’t count on others’ help anymore… except us.”

“I get it as a firm “Yes”,” Flaunty Mane let out an understanding smile. “You know, we’re with you then, girl!”

“Certainly!” Lacy quickly nodded and even Windy murmured something affirmative still melting under her hand.

“Obviously, we need to see the place first, to decide if we are going in,” Misty stated their unspoken rule. “If any,” she emphasized, “any of you dislikes something strongly at the site, we’re not meddling, right?”

“Right, pal!” Windy Mane found the inner strength to open one eye and focus on Misty. “So what’s the general plan?”

“Well,” Misty brushed wet mane from her forehead. “We’re a bit limited in time and space by the ongoing studies. But thankfully, the place is only about two and a half hundred miles from Canterlot.”

“It’s a few hours ride,” elaborated she. “We could start with an acquaintance with the case during the weekend and I know how to make that work!” smiled the girl. “This time it’ll be my duty to offer a feasible cover,” Misty winked to Lacy.

“Did you all forget, mates?” Misty answered the glance of three pairs of puzzled eyes. “I was born in Baltimare and my parents live there. As they are in one of their expeditions right now,” she raised one eyebrow meaningfully, “the house is at our service.”

“Hmmm… Supposedly that can be enough an explanation for the teachers and some casual interest…” drawled Windy rubbing her cheek on Lacy’s knee. “What about your aunt? She knows that your parents are away.”

“That isn’t exactly a problem,” parried Misty with a smile. “I’ll tell auntie Ana that I’m going to take us to Baltimare and show you some places of interest there, stopping at my family house for the weekend.”

Flaunty Mane snorted lightly.

“Yeah! As you may notice, there isn’t a word of a lie,” properly guessing the reason for the girl’s reaction, Misty smirked. “You know Anaesthesia well, she is quite calm about the endeavours of her trusted niece… as long as I’m safe,” all three girls giggled and Misty continued imperturbably. “And what can be more innocent than showing your best filly friends your native city and the beauties of the bay? Right? Right?!” she squinted at the still giggling girls.

“So!” before they said anything, Misty started listing the points of her plan, seemingly having it already in front of her inner sight; she bit her lip pensively. “First of all tell our legend to aunt Ana. You,” she pointed at the horsing around girls, “deal with your parents and tell the same.”

“Don’t worry!” said Flaunty; Lacy and Windy nodded, the red-hair pegasus girl released her friend and dived to cool down her dried head. “Will do the same if any of the teachers… Well… ideally, they shouldn’t have any questions,” Flaunty swayed back her long hair, “but it seems you can’t be entirely sure about that in our school.”

“What about Fran?” Lacy’s eyes flashed behind her glasses.

“Well, I’ll tell her everything,” simply shrugged Misty, pushing from the edge and laying flat on the water; her pink hair floated forming a fluffy halo around her pensive face. “It’s up to her then if she joins us or not; I won’t lie to her anyway. Fran can hide from a casual eye, so it shouldn’t be a problem at the factory. I’d rather worry about leaving her alone with aunty – Fran can’t loaf around and aunt has a sharp eye on little things,” a kind smile lit Misty’s face, almost reflecting in her horn. “Well, I’ll tell Fran to keep low for the weekend…”

“Okay!” with a powerful stroke, Misty positioned herself in the water vertically again. “I think we can go on Friday, right after the classes… plus some time to change and grab the things. Let’s take the bus,” she lowered her voice a bit as a group of students passed behind the sitting Lacy and Flaunty, “that’ll take more time, but attracts less attention anyway. If everything goes as planned, we must reach the city a couple of hours before sunset, but…”

“Sorry, mates, this time it’s not for sightseeing as you understand,” the unicorn girl stated meaningfully. “We’ll need to prepare, check the map and so on, as you don’t know the place.”

The girls nodded seriously.

“And I still have a couple of days to study everything I can find about the factory,” added Misty. “Don’t think there is much, but at least we don’t want to roam around – the site is practically in the forest on the bay shore as far as I know.”

“Mmmm! Ocean bay! Mmmm! Forest!” exclaimed Windy and Lacy almost at the same moment, causing Flaunty to laugh.

“Pack the things for the trip and prepare everything beforehand, mates. But don’t grab too much!” Misty looked at Lacy and Windy fixedly. “No gardening utensils…” Lacy nodded through laughter.

“…and no sports equipment,” concluded Windy. “Oh! I guess the beach volleyball is delayed till the next time…” the pegasus girl sighed, pouting jokingly; she made a miserable mien, barely moving her legs, so only her eyes and nose showed up from the water.

Somepony hopped by behind their backs, hurrying to catch up with the previous group of students.

“Hey, red one!” the familiar sneering tone reached their fluffy ears as the hay-haired colt passed them with a condescending look. “Kick faster or you may drown as you don’t have a “life vest” like the others!” winked he with a wide grin.

“Youuuuu!” Windy Mane turned flaming red in a wink; she was about to push from the pool edge with her legs and follow along, even her wings spread going to help her dash faster. In her azure eyes, the girls could read the wish to pull the mocker by the leg into the pool and sink him.

“Shhhh!” Flaunty Mane looked back with concern; Misty caught Windy on the shoulder holding from the impulsive act she would regret. Right in time, as she heard from the corner of her ear how the whole place became quieter for a moment.

The nearest door opened and somepony paraded along, making the loud ones turn quieter, the unruly – docile and the absent – concentrated. The quick glance told Misty that by her exclamation Flaunty meant both sister’s gust and their recent talk – still undecided about her, the girls preferred to keep their plans secret from that particular teacher.

On the positive side, her mere presence made the impudent hay-head shut up and quickly join his class. Windy followed the colt with a very long look promising revenge but some other day, then turned around in the water and smiled.

Flashing with the waterproof wristwatch, miss Singularity was striding through the school pool in her a bit old-fashioned but very open black swimsuit. The high cut thong and minimalistic bra top tightly fitted her smooth toned body; the latter easily made everypony forgive the owner any degree of old fashion. No wonder that passing by miss Singularity made students’ heads turn and eyes ogle the gracious figure, truth be told, not only colts but many fillies as well. The top seemed to hold the sumptuous bust by some magic, yet nothing ever slipped away, escaping it regardless of the hot wish of some students. The noisy colts on the far end of the pool fell silent immediately, following every move of the tall mare.

“Good afternoon, girls!” Heading to the diving tower, miss Singularity bestowed the four girls with a delicate smile. The piercing glance of the big dark eyes swept along each of them. Misty and her friends immediately caught themselves on the urge to think of something random instead of their planned trip, as if the continuation of her greeting was “And what are you plotting here?”

“Good afternoon, ma’am!” the fillies said in chorus watching the tightly braided tail and the complex cutie mark on the tanned hip.

The girls always wondered, miss Singularity was the only pony they knew with a cutie mark actually moving. Even if she was an alicorn, that was an outstanding trait. Mare’s hips were decorated by something most of all resembling a galaxy constantly swirling on the cloud of flowing void.

Moments later the tall figure appeared on the high-board of the tower; the girls raised their heads like many students present. Three precisely measured large steps and the strong legs sent the body into the air: for a fraction of a second, miss Singularity was hovering above the pool even not spreading her wings. Her freely flowing hair framed the head with the floating chocolate cloud, causing the certain scene from Canterton pool to glimpse in Misty’s mind.

Misty shook her head, dispelling the sudden impression of similarity, shocked by it a little. The long swirled horn shimmered in the sunlight coming through the high pool windows; arching in the air, the slender body graciously entered the water almost without a tiny splash: first the outstretched hands, then the rest of her. In a second, miss Singularity emerged from the pool so fast that she raised above the water nearly waist-high. Throwing back her long wet hair in one sway, their physics teacher quickly swam along the free track with the sweeping, powerful strokes, greeted by the cheerful whistles and applause of half of the students.

“Have you ever thought that she is swimming like a stallion?” asked Windy over the shoulder, watching miss Singularity crossing the pool, pushing from the edge and quickly heading the opposite way.

“Better say like a pro…” Flaunty chuckled lightly. “Well, I bet she had enough time to master many things!”

“Know what,” drawled Misty, making a pirouette in the water while watching the small black bikini top diving and emerging. “We’ll be in the high school next year. And that means we are allowed to get rid of these boring uniform swimsuits in favour of something more stylish!”

The fillies of the high school course of Pinewatch were allowed to wear more freely-fashioned swimsuits for the sport studies, while primary and middle school students were restricted to the standard uniform blue or black single-piece ones.

“Mhm… We must visit the shop to find something for this summer then,” Flaunty Mane adjusted the swimsuit on her large breasts.

“Mmmm… I have been looking at something cute already!” Lacy raised her eyes dreamily, making the rest of the girls wonder how she had time for everything, including a lingerie shop.

Windy snorted loudly. She was about to pout her lips – as always when swimwear or lingerie topic was touched; however, having a thorough look at Misty and Lacy, she suddenly felt her lips dry, licking them instead.