Opening Theme:
As you continue to stare at the shocked Cadence, you suddenly get a strange look in your eye as you think
Weird, feel like 169 ponies are watching me and deciding how I'm gonna go about this situation.
Shaking off this weird feeling, you decide to take your eyes off Cadence and look around the room.
FireHeart 1945’s Comment
The room itself appears to be an office of some sort. There’s a desk, a dresser, filing cabinet, and a bulletin board full of pictures of ponies with hearts and question marks encircling them. Words written atop the board label it as, Shipping and Handling.
Huh, guess it’s no surprise the Princess of Love is a shipper…but how come I’m not up there with anypony? You wonder as you scan the room some more.
In the corner of the room is a large crossbow with heart-tipped arrows and a pink bayonet, which looks ready to be picked up and fired.
This makes you incredibly nervous, so you decide to take things nice and slow for the moment so she doesn’t use it on you.
Not wanting to make her any more anxious, you give one last glance around the room and…
BrownDog's Comment
You see no hide or tail of that bucking changeling, just the very confused Princess of Love with the tear stained mascara still giving you a questioning glance.
“Ma’am, is there anyone else in the room?!” you bark out.
“No, It’s just me…Flash, are you feeling OK?” she asks as she sees your shifty eyed movements looking to and fro.
“I-I’m fine…but what about you ma’am, you look like you’ve been crying?”
“Oh…I’m alright, I just…got carried away thinking about something…and stop calling me ma’am Flash, we’ve known each other for 3 years.” she says as she shuffles something in her hooves trying to hide it from you.
You give her an inquisitive stare. “Alright ma-Cadance…but are you sure you’re alright…sure there isn’t anything you’d like to say?”
“Um…*sniff* no…?” she guesses as she wipes the tear stains from her face.
You just continue to stare at her, and see her try to hide the object in her hooves more. From the sound of it, it’s a piece of paper.
“Flash seriously, I’m fine, I just…had some bad memories come up…and my hormones you know?...plus this shifting weather here in The Crystal Empire can’t be helping, heh heh…” she lamely excuses.
You feel like you should let this go, that maybe it is just Mare Hormones and the weather, lord knows you’ll never truly understand how any mare’s mind works…but still.
Bugze…I know I heard her say it…
Thinking about that name causes you to scowl which, since you’re facing her, causes it to be directed to the Princess.
“Flash?..” she questions apprehensively.
“Cadance…I heard you say the name Bugze…” at that her eyes widen a bit, but you press on, “And I know who that name belongs to…the question is, why were you saying it just now? Why are you crying because of it?”
Seemingly shocked, she tries to blather out an excuse.
“Flash…I-I don’t know what you’re…”
“Ma’am, don’t lie to me, I know what I heard…now I’ll ask again, Is He Here?”
She sighs and says, “No Flash, he’s not here, he’d have to be an absolute moron to come back here…” she says.
After all the encounters you’ve had with him, there is evidence to suggest said levels of moronity, but you let that go and ask.
“Then why were you crying just now ma’am? Have you spoken to him recently?”
“I…” she pauses, and again you see her trying to sneakily hide the slip of paper, but you don’t let her know that you know. “No…it’s nothing alright…?” she says dodging the question, so you press forth.
Pony Spartan’s Comment
"It’s not Nothing Cadence, I don’t know how or why, but it looks like you’ve been hurt by this... Bugze. A.K.A, The Hooded Offender!"
"B-but-"
"Look at you! Excuse me princess, but you look terrible! What did he do this time?"
"He didn't do anyt-"
"Bullspit! That changeling has only been causing trouble ever since he first appeared! That's all he does! Cause trouble, and make our lives harder!!!" you bark as your voice rises.
"FLASH!"
You are taken aback by the loudness of that shout and reel back as she gets in your face.
"Bugze didn't do anything, he's not here, and I HAVEN’T SEE HIM IN THE LAST FEW MONTHS!" She shouts breathing heavily in your face causing you to wince. You’re about to pull back when you hear her say under her breath "...I miss him..."
"What was that?" you question, tempting your luck.
She glares at you. "I. Miss. Him." She says with a serious voice.
Your eyes turn from fearful to incredulous.
“You miss him? Seriously? After everything he’s done?”
BrownDog’s Comment
She continues to glare at you before she suddenly sits back down, puts a hoof up to her chest and takes a deep breath before exhaling. She then looks back at you a little more calmly.
“Look Flash, I don’t care for this tone you’re taking with me right now. Yes I miss him, he IS my friend, even with what happened 3 months ago. Now leave me be, it’s none of your busi…”
“Ma’am! The Hooded Offender is Public Enemy Number One. Capta-PRINCE Shining Armor has decreed to capture him. He is absolutely my business,” You counter, causing her to falter.
“That may be so, but-.”
“I know you have some sort of past relationship that with this Changeling, but ma’am, if you’ve been in contact with him, you have to let us know! He is a fugitive and needs to be brought to justice before more ponies die!” you declare as your pent up emotions flow forth.
“I…I…*Sniff* *Sniff*” she falters as you see tears start to form in her eyes and her lips tremble. Seeing this, you immediately lose your tough guy persona as guilt eats away at you.
“Oh no, geez, Cadance no, don’t cry…” you say in a comforting tone, but her lip still quivers.
From out in the hallway, you hear a Crystal Maid suddenly scream, “AAAAHHH!!! What the buck?! Who are you?! Kill who now?!... What the buck is a waifu thief?...He made who cry?!...”
Your eyes widen as you realize the mysterious voices are back. You slam the door behind you and lock it, before begging Cadance.
“Cadance, please, for the love of your aunts, please stop crying, I’m sorry! I was being a jerk and I let my anger get a hold of me, please stop crying?!” you beg while on your knees.
She sniffles and wipes her eyes and nose once more, while looking away from you.
“It’s alright Flash…I-I understand…*sniff*”
Out in the hallway, you hear the maid say,
“Th-they gone? Oh thank goodness…” she sighs which causes you to give a sigh of relief as well.
Cadence looks back to you and continues.
“Flash, I can understand your suspicions and your anger…all the problems he’s caused for you…for all of us…”
“Problems is an understatement,” you quip and she nods.
“But Flash, you have to understand…I owe him Everything. He saved my life in my darkest moment…When I was all alone in the world, he was there for me…I know he’s caused mayhem…but he still is a good soul, I know it…and I miss him so…” she says sadly.
Oh…so he saved your life during the Invasion, you think as you look at the miserable looking Princess. I guess I can understand where you’re coming from Cadance…but it still doesn’t excuse everything else he’s done…
“So that’s why I’ve been crying Flash, because I do honestly miss him, even with all the world against him, I still miss that brave Changeling who saved my life,” she declares looking you straight in the eye.
You nod at this, it’s as good an excuse as any…but that paper…
“Alright…sorry for prying Cadence, I guess I’ve been a bit jumpy lately… But are you absolutely sure you haven’t seen or heard from him?”
You see the telltale sign of a lie in her eye as she mumbles,
“I…of course not…I just told you that…”
“Uh-huh, well if that’s the case then-OH SWEET CELESTIA HE’S HERE!” you yell pointing behind her.
“WHAT?!” she shouts as she turn to look. As she does, you see the paper, which you can tell is a letter now, hanging from her hooves. You quickly dart forward and snatch it.
“Hey!” she yells as she feels your tug and holds on. This causes you to rip only the very bottom of the letter into your hooves. You quickly look at it and your jaw drops at what it says.
I miss you Cadance, and I truly am sorry.
Love,
Bugze
Cadance looks from the torn bottom of her letter to the piece you’re holding and seizes up.
“Now Flash, take it easy. Let’s not jump to any conclu-“.
“OH SWEET CELESTIA, PRINCESS CADANCE IS HAVING AN AFFAIR WITH THE HOODED OFFENDER!!!” you yell as you jump to all the wrong conclusions and fly out the door before she can stop you.
“WHAT?! NO! Flash come back!” you hear her call, but you ignore her and fly to Shining Armor’s office before she can even think of grabbing that crossbow. He has to know!
Meanwhile with Cadence.
“OH you stupid…Crud Crud Crud!” she squeaks as she tears off the top half of Bugze’s letter and burns it, while keeping the Crimson Knight names in tact before she runs out the door.
“Oh crud, where did Shining say he was going to be today?” she panics and runs off in a random direction.
BACK WITH YOU
You’ve flown so fast Rainbow Dash would probably be jealous, and taken every shortcut you can think of. You now stand in front of Shining Armor’s office and you have minutes at best to tell him what you’ve discovered before a heart shaped arrow finds your back.
You quickly and loudly knock on the door.
Kichi’s Comment
"It’s unlocked Sentry, come on in" he says from the other side.
You open the door a little confused as you look around the office and see Armor waiting there for you.
"How did you know it was me, sir?" you ask.
"Because when you knocked, strange voices in my head began to whisper things like 'waifu stealer' 'protect your sister' ‘drown him in wet cement’, and other strange things like that,” he says as he rubs his temple and your eyes widen. “That kind of thing only happens with you around, ergo it must’ve been you on the other side of the door.”
“Yeah…I’m really sorry about that sir, I don’t have any control over them,” you say nervously.
“You should really look into getting that fixed,” he tells you plainly.
"I tried sir. I went to several exorcists, and last I heard they’re all still in the insane asylum. Then I went to that Zebra Shaman Zecora, but even she couldn’t do anything. All she could do was figure out that the voices’ wrath is towards someone very similar to me, but that it’s been mistakenly bonded to me. My next plan is to locate the Demon Hunting WhinnyChester Brothers, but they are always travelling and…”
"Okay, Okay, you got it covered, I get it,” Shining stops you. “Let’s move on, why are you here and not at your therapy session?”
Your eyes pop as you realize you’ve wasted precious time complaining about the voices instead of dishing the dirt. You quickly lock the door behind you and turn to your superior officer.
"Sir, we have a problem!”
"Easy, what happened?" your boss asks.
"It’s the Offender sir,” you begin and see his eyes harden in response, “Princess Cadence has been in contact with him, and if this bottom half of this letter is any indication, there’s betrayal afoot,” you declare as you hand him the parchment.
He glares at it for a second before looking up at you.
“Alright Flash, tell me what happened,” he says.
“Well sir, I was walking down the hall towards my...*Sigh* mandatory therapy, when I heard her crying in a room…”
BrownDog’s Comment
You then recap the situation and conversation with Princess Cadence as fast as you can.
“…And then I flew here as fast as I could. She’s no doubt hunting me down right now with that Crossbow of hers.”
Shining’s face has been pretty unreadable during the recap, but now he gives you an incredulous look.
“Flash…really? You honestly think my wife, whom I’ve loved and been with since High School, is cheating on me? With the Hooded Offender?”
“I know it’s hard to imagine sir, I would never have thought such a thing either. I thought she was my friend…”
“She is your friend Flash! You’re just jumping to-“
“But I think the evidence speaks for itself. If anything, she’s been subverting us in the investigation by staying in contact with him.”
He physically sighs
“Flash…I’m happy you brought this to me…but I don’t like the insinuation that my wife is cheating on me with that…thing…” he growls.
“But sir,”
“Flash, my wife and…him, it’s true that he saved her. She never lets me forget. It was during the wedding when she was still imprisoned and he fed her. He got punished for his actions, and Cadence has felt like she’s owed him greatly ever since,” he explains before steeling his eyes at you. “But that’s ALL it is. She feels indebted to him. That’s it! No double dealing behind my back or anything else sinister” he says exasperated.
“Are you sure sir?” you ask trying not to shrink under his gaze.
“I’m pretty positive.” he says confidently
“But sir, aren’t you the least bit suspicious that she may be feeling the Nightingale effect towards him? While you were spending weeks being seduced by Queen Chrysalis which was then shown to Cadance in her prison, this Changeling saved her life and gave her the will to live, thus giving her a new outlet to express her feelings. It would explain why she has stayed in contact with him after all these years, why she always speaks against his incarceration, why she lied about talking to him and why I found her crying over a note that ends with Love, Bugze.” You exposit rapid firedly.
You see Shining’s eyes shrink as your explanation sinks into him.
“Did you ever think of that sir?”
“Well NOW I am!” he growls at you to which you back up a bit. Thankfully this awkward situation is interrupted as Cadence begins to bang on the locked door.
“SHINING! WAIT! Don’t listen to what he says! It’s not what you think!” Cadance yells.
You see your Boss look to the door then back to you.
“Sentry, open the door, let my wife in, then wait on the other side till I call you back. That’s an order,” he growls.
You nod nervously, salute, then quickly unlock and open the door, causing Cadence to burst through.
“It isn’t how it looks or sounds Shiny I swear!” she pleads, before glaring at your exiting form.
“Where do you think you’re going mister? You get right back in here and…”
“Ignore him Cady, you and I need to talk privately,” Shining says sternly. Taking this as your cue, you shut the door and stand at attention, as you do, you can’t help but hear their raised voices.
“Cadance, you mind telling me the meaning behind this?”
“Shining, it isn’t what it looks like I swear. Whatever Flash told you is wrong, I would never do that to you!”
“Oh I never believed that part…much…I know how melodramatic and jumpy Flash has been lately,”
Hey! I’m not melodramatic!
“*Sigh* Thank you Shiny, I couldn’t bear the thought of you thinking that I would…”
“That said, I do still feel betrayed Cadence. How long have you still been writing to him!”
“Shiny, I…”
“No, no excuses, how long have you still been in contact with him?!”
“I haven’t been Shining, that’s what I’m trying to tell you,” she pleads.
“Then what in the name of Tartarus is this? I group hallucination?”
“No you Oaf! HE wrote to ME!” you hear her growl.
“Oh really, and how’d he do that?”
“There’s such thing as the postal service remember?!”
“Oh…right…then where’s the rest of the letter?”
“I burned it!”
“Why?”
“Because it was written for my eyes only! I don’t care how much you hate him, he’s still my friend. And no, he didn’t tell me where he was so don’t even ask.”
“But Cad-.”
“Shining! The letter was an apology letter for the Incident. He just wanted to tell me sorry. I know it doesn’t mean anything for the Empire or the law, but it means something to me!” she declares before he hear her start crying again.
“Oh Cady…” you hear Shining say and get up from his chair.
You mentally chide yourself.
Well way to go Flash, you just made a blunder over an apology letter. Good going!
“But how was I supposed to know?” you moan aloud.
You then hear the conversation start again.
“Cadance, I’m sorry…”
“*Sniff* I know…I am too Shining. I can’t help it. I do miss him, even after all he’s done…”
“I know baby, I know. And I can’t stay mad at you, I love you too dang much.”
“Heh…you sweet talker. Ditto,” you hear her say before you hear the sound of a kiss…followed by another kiss, and another.
“Cady…”
“Shiny…” you hear them breathlessly say as you hear items being pushed off his desk and more smooching.
“Ummm…” you say aloud as you hear this commotion with a blush on your face.
“SENTRY!!! Make a circuit around the palace and be back here in 20 minutes!”
“Sir yes sir!” you yell as you quickly gallop away from that awkward situation.
20 MINUTES LATER
You arrive back at the office door and, hearing no sounds of…stuff, you knock.
“Enter,” comes your boss’s voice.
You do so and see both Shining and Cadence sitting close together as if nothing has happened.
“Is everything alright sir?” you ask apprehensively.
“It is indeed Lieutenant, nothing to worry about here,” he says while giving his wife a squeeze to which she giggles.
“But on the other hoof, I believe that you owe someone an apology, so get to it…” he commands.
You nod then look to the Princess of Love.
“Ma-Cadance. I’m sorry for being invasive of your privacy, for jumping to conclusions, and for making a general ass out of myself…” you say as you bow your head.
You hear her chuckle and say, “It’s alright Flash, I forgive you. But let’s not make a habit of doing this shall we? I enjoy our friendship and don’t want to see it burn for silly reasons.”
“Yes Ma’am, happy to forget this whole situation!” you salute very fast and hit yourself in the forehead and they both grin.
“Maybe you should lay off the pills a bit there Flash,” she teases.
“NO!!! I need them!” you yell out loud in anger causing them to look at you in confusion.
“Ahem, sorry, I meant, no thank you…I don’t have an anger problem…”
“Good, now that that’s out of the way, we can focus on a bit of good news,” Shining says as he sits up in his chair straighter.
“Good news sir?”
“Yes, it appears that this whole…letter situation did yield some promising new information,” he says as he places a piece of parchment in front of you. You pick it up and see it is a list of names.
“What is this sir?”
“This is a list of names that are supposedly Crimson Knight Leaders,” Cadence answers.
Your eyes widen as you look back over the note. Small fry Knights had been captured here and there, but the leaders were always unknown.
“Really? How do we know it’s legit?” you ask surprised.
“Because there is one name on there that has been apprehended already,” he says as he places a newspaper paper in front of you.
Kichi’s Comment
Crimson Knight Leader Apprehended In Bastion Amidst Fazbear Inferno.
Last night, a Crimson Knight leader (Known only as Kichi), was captured along with 11 of his subordinates at the burning family restaurant, Freddy Fazbear’s Pizza. This franchise, which had been investigated last year due to multiple disappearances, was found to actually have been a cover for a criminal organization known as the Video Game Mafia. Kichi, The leader of this mafia just so happens to also be a high ranking member of the Crimson Knights. On top of those crimes, Kichi was also found to have kidnapped children and forced them to work for him and feed him love. Confused by that last crime? Wait till you hear his race. Kichi, the leader of a group of terrorists and mobsters, is a Changeling! And not only that, one of his subordinates was as well.
“We couldn’t believe it, we had gone out to help the fire brigade with a blazing restaurant, instead we ended up hauling away a wagon load of kids and 12 Crimson Knights, two of whom were B@#$%ing Changelings,” reported one of the officers on the scene.
That’s right folks, not only are these Knights the fanatical worshipers of The Hooded Offender, they also employ the help of Changelings. Celestia help their twisted souls.
Though in the custody of the Royal Guard, the criminals themselves were actually captured by an untold number of Bounty Hunters who engaged them in battle, which in turn caused the building to catch fire.
When asked about the bounty hunters, the police refused to give names, but one of them did give us this little tidbit.
“The red masked one, he told me to quote him on this, he said that he would be bringing more of the Crimson Knights down.”
It is not known where these Bounty Hunters have since gone to, but word from the Prison Guards provide insight on this Changeling Terrorist’s feelings.
“We have yet to get any prevalent information out of that bug. During our earliest interrogations, all he ranted about was that he was putting a bounty on the Bounty Hunters that burned down his establishment and that they were the bad guys. What we didn’t tell the little cockroach was that all of his assets have been frozen and seized for evidence of his illegal deeds, so he literally has nothing to offer,” the Guard then proceeded to laugh.
No other information was given, but with his capture, the Royal Guards and civilians of Equestria themselves have shown these terrorists that we will not live in fear of their shadowy ways.
You look at the date of the article then look up slackjawed.
“This…happened yesterday morning?”
“Yes, and I’m actually kind of upset the media caught wind of it before I did.”
“So the list is legit?”
“Maybe. Cadence has told me of The Offender’s hatred for the Knights, so there’s reason to think he’d find their names. The only problem is the report of Bounty Hunters taking down this crew. It makes me think he has leaked out these names to their lot as well.”
“Isn’t that a good thing?” you ask, confused by his troubled look.
“No, bounty hunters are only in it for the money, and don’t care about collateral damage. These ones allegedly burned the place down unnecessarily. It’s what their kind do,” he explains.
“Huh…you’d think the Offender Himself would take these guys down if he hated them so much.”
“Yeah, instead he’s having others do his dirty work, which just shows what a coward he is,” Shining says as Cadence gives him a reproachful look. “He probably put himself back into exile again after what happened three months ago…” Shining Armor muses as he rubs his stomach wound.
Cadence puts a leg around his shoulder and Shining sighs again before saying,
Kersey's Comment
"I just hope that with the development of the new Exoskeleton program he'll be easier to capture when he comes out of hiding."
Cadence glares at the mention of the program as she says,
"You know that I still don't approve of hunting him down with metal monstrosities Shining."
Shining sighs before saying,
"I know honey, but you have to remember that it was put to vote and you were outvoted two to one."
Cadence glare just deepens as she mumbles under her breath, (Which you don’t hear since you’re respecting her privacy at the moment)
"If only Luna had decided to side with me instead of abstaining to keep her cover to look for Bugze."
"What was that honey?"
Cadence's eyes widen before she puts up a smile and says,
"Oh nothing honey, just thinking out loud."
Shining get's a suspicious look before asking,
"About what exactly?"
Cadence looks around before saying,
"About...how annoying Blueblood's been lately in HIS rants on Bugze."
You can see your commanding officers face contort into annoyance as he says,
"Please don't mention that idiot's idea for the program. It's annoying enough that I have to hear about it from him at the meetings."
You gain a confused look as you ask,
"If I may ask sir, what is Prince Noball-I mean Blueblood’s idea is for the program?"
You hear Cadence hold back a laugh as Shining looks at you with a raised brow as he asks,
"Prince Noballs?"
Cadence once again holds back a laugh as you chuckle nervously and explain,
"Oh well...you know how no one on the guard likes the jerk for his treatment of us and how he thinks we're nothing but over paid bodyguards? Well after the whole incident at the Gala happened we started calling him "Noballs" because he basically has none anymore. One of the few good things that Offender has done."
By now Cadence is about to explode in laughter as Shining just sighs and says,
"While I understand how the guards feel about him, he's still royalty. For that we have to treat him as such...," Shining get's a sly smirk as he continues, "Of course that doesn't mean I won't turn a blind eye if you do treat him like trash."
Cadence finally can't take it as she begins to laugh uncontrollably and you are tempted to join in, but you hold back as you say,
"Thank you sir, but about what he's been asking about...?"
Shining sighs before saying,
"Oh yeah, that. Apparently his royal highness has chosen the “perfect guard” to be one of the potential candidates for the program. One who has past experience with The Offender. I suspect that this guard might be under Blueblood’s payroll, but I have no proof to show it."
You nod your head at this as you ask,
"What's this guard’s name sir?"'
"I don't remember exactly, but it was some unicorn named "Song Lead" or something like that."
The name seems to ring some bells, but all you can remember is a really annoying voice yelling at you to get back to the front lines, so you choose to just ignore it.
Shining sighs again before looking over to Cadence and saying,
"Honey, why don't you go and relax? Me and Flash have to discuss more about these Knights."
Cadence gets a confused look before nodding her head and leaving. You look at Shining confused, to which he says,
"What I’m about to tell you is confidential, and only for the likes of military minds, plus Cadence doesn’t like this kind of talk.”
You only get more confused as Shining stands up and says,
“Flash, when the program is finally finished, I want you to be one of the candidates.”
You look up at him awed and flattered that he would even suggest that.
“R-really sir?”
“Yes Flash, really. It may be a year out, but I don’t need to think about who I want in it. I know where your loyalties lie when it comes to The Offender. Heck, even if it was careless, the fact that you would rat out a Princess over him shows where you stand.”
You nod at this truth.
“Also, aside from my Sister and the other Elements of Harmony, you are the one who has encountered him the most. You have more experience in his mannerisms and insanity. Also with you on the team, you could keep Blueblood’s candidate in line. You are literally the best choice in this regard.”
“Thank you sir, I’m honored and…”
“But unfortunately, your recent headlines will impede that,” he says as he scowls, causing you to flatten your ears.
“Sir?”
“Flash, I know we all have our prejudices, but you can’t go saying things like you’ve done in the past. It’s a PR nightmare.”
“Prince Armor I…”
“And you just now that Blueblood will try to bring it back around and use it to keep you out of the program,” Shining sighs.
You look downcast at the floor.
“I’m sorry sir…Really, I’m not a Speciest. I don’t know what’s wrong with me…It’s like I can’t help it...like someting's making me say those things...” you say as you rub your temple as a headache forms.
“Well whether you can help it or not, it’s in the public eye. That’s why I’ve had you go to these Therapy sessions. Good PR. But if you really want to help your image and help you get into the program, then I might have something for you.”
“Yes sir, anything, what is it?” you say as you stand at attention.
He opens a drawer and takes out a poster and places it on the desk.
It says,
The Power of the Knight’s
Coming Next Year
With a drawing of the Hooded Offender.
“This is a movie that is currently being filmed, and from what I’ve heard, it’s setting itself up to be a blockbuster.
“Somepony’s making a movie about him?”
“Apparently so, which tells me 1 of 2 things. Either this is just a shock value movie made by some Applewood jerk trying to make a quick buck…”
“Or…?”
“It’s propaganda…” he says with a serious look.
Your eyes widen. “Do you think that this is being made by the Knights themselves?”
“It’s a possibility, that’s why I’m sending you to investigate undercover. Get to the movie studios and take note of the situation. Report to me if you find anything suspicious. Heck, listen for the names on this list,” he says holding up the Leader name paper. “If you do this, and perhaps a few more deep cover missions, then you could insult Celestia to her face and still get into my program.”
You chuckle nervously at that scenario as you memorize the names.
“Well, hopefully it will just be the Applewood guys trying to make a buck,” you say.
“That situation is just as bad,” Armor responds.
“It is?”
He gives you a look and says, “What if the Crimson Knights don’t like the idea of them and the Hooded Offender being portrayed on screen? Who knows how they’ll respond…”
You gulp at this thinking back to Fillydelphia.
“So what say you Flash? Will you still do this and prove your worth?”
The Pony Spartan's Comment
You grow a determined look as you salute him and say, “Sir yes sir! I will do whatever I can to help out with this plan sir. If it helps take down those monsters, I’m in. It's what my good friend would have done."
"That’s what I like to hear. And who's this good friend of yours?"
A tear falls down your face as you remember your bro and his poor little daughter. "B.S.T..."
Shining notices your saddened look as he gains a grim look before saying,
"Ah...my condolences. I'm sure he's in a better place now."
You nod your head at this, before taking out the pills that Dr. Q gave you after the forest fire and popping some.
Keep taking them till all the pain goes away, need them, Need them... you think as you swallow the pills.
As you do Shining looks at the clock before looking to you and saying,
“Anyway, you’ve already missed your therapy session. I expect you on the first train out to Applewood. Good luck to you…and try and keep your…outbursts to yourself alright?
You nod at this.
“Alright then, dismissed.”
You salute Shining quickly before turning around and beginning to rush out the door, but as you do you hear Shining mumble under his breath
Grey Rebl's Comment
"Heh, isn’t it ironic how the alleged 'waifu stealer' was concerned about my wife being stolen..."
Your eyes widen at this as you ask in surprise,
"...Sir, what—?"
Suddenly, internal screams ring out in Shining’s Head.
"Nothing! You heard nothing!" Shining cries out suddenly, eyes bulging. He hurries you out himself, much to your confusion, before he slams the door. From the other side, you hear him lean against the door muttering, “Buck off Voices…”
You stare at the door in confusion before you say,
"Dear Celestia I hope those Whinnychester brothers can help me…If I ever find them, *Sigh* Whelp, better pack my stuff.
With that said you did what...you said....yeah.
Later, While Walking To The Train Station
You breathe in deeply as you practice those breathing exercises your therapist taught you. You DON’T have an anger problem, you know this, stupid quacks! But the exercise are good for calming nerves.
You’ve got your guitar case, your sunglasses, and other supplies in your suitcase and are passing an ally way when…
Protomane's Comment
You are suddenly pulled into it by a magical force, causing you to yelp.
"Gotcha!" comes a mare’s voice as you get pushed up into a wall and you feel a hoof pressed against your neck. You gasp out in pain from the surprise, and see that whoever this mare is, she is shrouded in a cloak.
"Foolish guard to walk around without a partner, don’t you know there are crazy ponies all around you?”
“What do you want with me cultist?!” you snarl.
The figure seems taken aback. “Cultist? I’m not a cultist, I’m an entertainer…or I was…”
“OK…then why are you ambushing me?”
“The voices! They whispered about you. Something about stealing Sparkle and to hurt you! Stupid mare, it was all her fault! She turned him on me!” the cloaked mare rants.
“Oh for the love of- Lady you just have to ignore those voices and they’ll go away. They’re insufferable jerks!”
“Right…yes, you’re not the one I seek,” she says as she cuts off her blue magic, causing you to drop to the floor, where you rub your throat. The mare then looks over you and asks.
“Now, would you mind pointing me to the nearest Antique or Trinket Shop? I’m looking for something,” she says not even apologizing.
“I do mind, and I don’t know, have you tried downtown?”
“Bah, what use are you?” she huffs and walks away, “Go ahead and steal Sparkler, she’ll be weaker with you around.”
As the mare rounds the corner you get up and watched the cloaked figure walk away.
“Stupid voices, what have I ever done to you?” you whimper as you pick up your guitar case and head to the train station.
The ticket mare asks you your destination, and with a determined look, you tell her,
"I'm heading off to see a friend in Apple-
POV CHANGE: BUGZE
"wood! At last we've made it!” you say as you an Aqua finally get off of the train after 2 days.
You look around at all the sunshine and the distant beaches and ponies in summer clothes.
“You think we’ll have time to go to Whinny Land after we’re done?” Aqua snarks and you turn and try to shush her, but from your bags pops Nightshade with her new “pet”
“Did somepony say WhinnyLand?” she says excitedly.
“Uh…no honey, we said…Kidney…Fan…”
“Okay…ew…” she says as she looks around.
“Yeesh it’s warm here, I’m going back in the shade, good luck with your…Kidneys…” she says before popping back in.
Sighing as you dodged a bullet you whisper to Aqua,
“To answer your question…maybe.”
She nods at this and you turn your attention to the Applewood movie studio district.
“Somewhere amongst those hundreds of movie studios is our next target along with any other Knights with him. Now we just got to figure out where they are and what movie they’re working on.”
Your fearsome teeth appear as you steel your eyes and say in a menacing tone,
"Solarkness, here I come!"
And somewhere on a movie set, a cloaked Timberwolf and Cloaked Wyvern suddenly shiver.
What Do You Do?
Outro:
"What if they are protected?" Ask Aqua
"Uhhh, what?" Ask Bugzee
"Well, you just see how bad was Kichi, is your word versus their word, in a public zone, do you at last have a plan?" Ask Aqua
"Of course, I go there, Find them and make fire rain in their heads... Fiiiireeee" Say proudly Bugzee as he groan the last word just like Sombra with the crystals
"Seriously, I think you have a problem with that" Comment Aqua
"I don't have a problem... The fire is good, nothing is better than fire..." Groan Bugzee as his eyes begin to turn green
Aqua begin to worry when Nightshade appeared from inside the inventory and hit Bugzee in the head
"Wake up Daddy!" Say Nightshade
"Eh? Uh? What? What happened" Ask Bugzee looking around as his eyes turned normal
"You were begining to get creepy with green eyes..." Muttered Aqua
"Green eyes? Creepy? Crap... Why is that I can't have some nice voice in my head that don't try to take my body" Groan Bugzee
"Hey, I'm not trying to take your body, and it's not my fault you eat that pizza, thanks to that I need to work again in the jail for Sombra" Comment Selena in your head
"Meh, whatever... What were we talking?" Ask Bugzee
"About your plan to get that Solarkness" Comment Aqua
"Meh, it's not going to be that hard, Kichi was easy... and talking about him, I wonder how is he" Muttered Bugzee
*P.O.W Kichi*
Kichi and a group of changelings were seating in a cell that seemed the room of a good hotel, instead of a cell. It was not hard, even with his money frozen because he was under suspect to change a little the decoration, of course he was thinking some hoof before and he didn't have all his money in the bank but hidden in some spots. After that it was not hard for him to move some threads to get out the nullification rings and replace them for attrezo by blackmailing and bribe a couple of guards so that they could notice anything.
After reading the newspaper, Kichi looked angry, at last they put about the reward he was going for the capture of that bounty hunter that put him in there. His lawyer was in the case but there was too much proof to just dissapear, not to say that they knew he was a changeling and it could be strange if suddenly he dissapeared, he suspected that the bounty hunter was going for the other knights so he decided to send a card to each knight and tell them about the bounty hunter and that he could be searching for them, after that it was not hard to let a guard send it for him.
*P.O.W Bugzee*
"Meh, I don't think it's going to be too much a problem, we got Kichi so the others could be as easy as him" Smiled Bugzee
"Yeah, after what you told me of what you need to do to get those keys? I'm not sure" Say Aqua
"Keys..." Mutter Bugzee and images begin to come to his head
"Puzzles... Too many Puzzles..." Whisper Bugzee
*P.O.W Flash Sentry*
"Now... How can I find that offender" Mutter Flash
It was then that he detected that the ponies around were looking angry to him, mostly the stallions and even some colts
"What? Is there a problem?" Asked Flash
Flash could see them whisper to each other, when then one colt shouted
"The voices!!! Let them stop!!!" Shouted the colt
Flash could hear many whisper commenting about 'waifu stealer' and 'kill him' as he groaned, for a strange reason the voices seemed to get even worse as he could see many of the stallions ready to linch him.
-------
It's not that absurd about Kichi if we think that some jails are very corrupted, even if it's Equestria, and Kichi was the leader of a mafia. Exist many politicians that are corrupt, but they are still searching for their money, let's not say about many leaders of mafias. Jail is not a problem for them.
,,,,,
About my reaction, I knew it was going to happen so it was not a problem
My response to Kichi's capture? Given how corrupt some of Equestria is, Kichi will be back real soon.
I have my doubts as to how long he'll stay in jail, if he stays there at all. There are so many ways for him to escape, most of them involving impersonation and possible mind control, using all the traditional ways to get out (including hiding in a laundry basket that gets taken out of the jail and smashing his way into the plumbing system).
You realize that's its a good idea to keep a very low profile once you see the advertisements for the movie. Try to think of a plan that can take this guy in without a whole lot of destruction... oh, what the check, you can't think of any other way to bring in a criminal other than smashing a ton of stuff :P
At some point, run into a Prop room.
Bugzee: How can these help us?
Mangle gives a metallic bark indicating it wants to help.
Bugzee pulls "Her" (indicated by Nightshade) out of The Inventory.
Bugzee Alright, if you wanna help show me your game face *Grrrr*
You feel that if the mechanics made it possible, she would be rolling her eyes.
Mangle attaches
Medkit and bandeges
Drill arm for quick escapes
Smoke bombs
And most important of all... Grouchy Bucks (Groucho Marxs) glasses
Buzee Wow, great picks. Can't wait to stealth it up Metal Gear style, let's look for a box!
Selena This will not end well...
Meanwhile in said box, a pair of small draconic eyes peer out
Proto Bugzee- Senpai is here? I must assist him!!!
Cue leaving a trail of gum on the floor.
Bugzee Weirdest clue ever.
In one of the middle class AppleWood bars you're gathering information on your target when you run into a certain stallion.
Cheese Sandwich Howdy stranger, mighty scary looking getup ya got there.
Bugze I'm a bounty hunter have you seen anything suspicious around here?
Cheese Sandwich Now that ya mention it, I did see a griffin walking out of the prop store while I was grabbing stuff for my next show in Ponyvile. He headed to a warehouse do east. Tell you what, catch him and I'll buy you a round.
Bugze Thanks, I'll hold you to that.
Cheese Sandwich No problem.*Wink*
The bucking Orion Project? Seriously!? I know I likened Bugze to Mercer and Keller, but did you have to throw supersoldiers at him?
Anyway...
"Relax Aqua, it's not like we're going to run into someling that recognizes m-oof!" You are interrupted as you round a corner when you bump directly into Flash Sentry. Almost immediately, you are assaulted by dozens of voices shouting to kill him and, oddly enough, three shouting 'FLASH AHHH-AHH, SAVIOUR OF THE UNIVERSE!' Must be a weird Applewood thing.
"Oh, sorry about that miste- Why are you dressed like that?"
You are so shocked to see Flash that you forget the backstory you created for CV and stupidly say the first thing hat comes to mind. "It's a... A skin condition." You say, although it ends up sounding more like a question. Then you realize where that came from and think 'Well, buck. Might as well run with it'. "Yeah, in fact, it runs in the family. My brother Baker's got it better than me at least. He doesn't even need a breathing mask."
Flash starts to look really sad, saying "You mean Baker Sylvester Tennant was your brother?"
Sensing an opportunity to get your old persona back, you put on a confused expression (before remembering that he can't see your face). "What do you mean 'was'? He and his daughter were fine a week ago. They even had this crazy story about being caught in a forest fire and accidentally teleporting all the way to Neighpon! Too bad about his scarf, though."
Congratulations Bugze; you are now your own brother.
Kichi acted like a true mercenary in a way. Given freedom to do whatever he wants, but not having anything to start with until he joins a group of people. Then he does what his natures tells him to do and feeds off anyone he can, in this case he decided homeless children inside a gaming pizzaria... Sad to say, if he was able to do all of this legally he probably would have been a real hero, so I kind of pity him.
Mangle following a scent through the streets.
Also the Kichi fight should've involved more interactions between Spartan and Bugze IMO. Bugze was hanging back for too much of it.
7143099
Considering she's supposed to be all cute and fluffy now, perhaps this would be more apt...
[youtube=https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VY-_8XOrvTs]
Or, perhaps both at once?
7144893 You my dear Sergal are either a madman or a genius, perhaps both.
Just in case there's this...
Also let's have Bugze lampshade the fact that her sense of smell shouldn't make sense.
And to cap it all off we find out that they could've just checked under the studio's mat for a spare key.
7144923
Nah, save that for when Bugze tells Nightshade to do her chores.
7145110 M'kay
Hey out of curiosity, when did you join the Horde? I haven't seen you around until recently.
7145168
I've been here from the beginning, but I rarely posted anything before the Book of Convenient Knowledge. However, I do believe I predicted Sombra's current predicament back in season two.
7145503 Thanks, sorry I didn't reply sooner sleep got to me. If you guys need anything let me know.
7146300
What is this sleep you speak of?
7146757. Hey here's a thought, what if the jewel Cadence gave Bugze is the key to giving Selena physical form. After all Cadence said to give it to someone special.
*Shipping Alarm*
Oh come on Alarm, you see it 2
Anyway It could lead to this exchange later
Luna *Royal Canterlot Voice* I OBJECT... TO YOUR EXISTENCE!
Bugze Couldn't you have just bought regular jewelry?
Cadence *Panicked shrug*
Quacksilver Do I get to pronounce yet? I have surgery to get to.
I shiver. After all, I forgot to activate the heating unit.
How could I do that, I mean, seriously, forgetting to activate the heater? I mean, it's not like I felt as if my back became cold, frozen, everlasting ice for a moment.
The first leader-capture was... anticlimatic. To be honest, I was a bit disappointed.
I mean, I know this is not a season finale, so of course it's not something like the Nightmare-Bugze fight, or The Grand Galloping Gala...
But since Kichi is still alive, it's possible he will revenge himself for that. I mean, Mangleoid's fight was basically Bugze beating the shit out of it, and then someone else stealing the kill. I can get that, heck, it might even become a running gag that the kill gets stolen everytime.
But... you'd think Bugze would make sure the Leaders are actually gone, and not just transferred to their next HQ. Heck, even the witty banter wasn't as good as it could have been, because it was (atleast, I felt as if it was) mostly Bugze shouting.
Yeah, I am guilty, I added mostly Bugze shouting with my own comment too. Then, after he went through all the trouble, he leaves the Crimson Leader on the street. Thing is, Bugze always was kind of an idiot, I get it. But he was a funny idiot, now...
He's just an idiot bashing his head against everything that's against him. Do you remember back when he ran away from the Mane 6? He did not just shout "KAMEHAMESUPERATTACK OH LOOK NOW I CAN ALSO THROW AROUND TIMEFREEZEBOMBS BECAUSE AWESOME!" he actually thought when needed.
He did not always have the best ideas, yes. But he tried. He tried to help others and not solve everything through violence.
Bugze... he had character developement over the seasons. In the first season, he was mostly evading everyone. In the second season, he was more prone to violently destroy his enemies, but he still did not solve all his fights through brute force. Even when he brute-forced the dragon Smaug, he used his head to stay out of it.
Now, he brute-forces everything. Sure, it might be because he's a mercenary now, and a lot more fighting is happening in general, and... I guess it shows how you can get carried away with power.
I thought that it was presumptous when I first saw the plan of the owner of the OC to make them capable of defeating Bugze, but now that I think about it... A real loss might just be what he needs. As I see it, he will most likely start more and more fighting without thinking, and then, he will be beat because of it. Because he only spray-shoots his attacks, and only combos things he saw in video-games once.
With Mangleoid... I guess I just had hope that Bugze would have to fight it the old way, evading until he just so happens to come across a generator that has wires inside the walls, and that Mangleoid connects with those to get the energy to recharge. Instead, the generator was inside Mangleoid, and once again, bruteforce wins. The project... It also just seems like another way to make huge-robot-fighting references.
These are the reasons why my comments have been getting less. Bugze is an awesome guy, but he can't really stand on his own as a character anymore. He transformed into something to show off all the cool moves from shows / games / etc. you like, and less of an actual character with actual problems. In a way, I believe Bugze will become worse than Nightmare Bugze, and that he is kind of like Light from Death Note.
Or, well, Taylor Hebert from Worm. He does good, and the means are... acceptable still, but sanity is slipping, like Taylor's moral borders were through excuses. Heh, I guess I really filled this comment with my thoughts, and nothing actually useful. Welp, hope you got a kick out of it, and please tell me if you think something is not justified. I can be pretty narrow-minded.
7142058
7141700 *sigh* Couldn't you atleast add "? I mean, I can understand if you are unwilling to think of verbs that fit what they say, like "whisper", "growl", "demand", "mention", or "add" (If he or she adds something to something that was said before).
But not even adding " is just lazy. For example, some people would try to call me out on my own laziness, being unwilling to google what the english word for " is, after all. I think it was quotation mark. However, I still marked the verbs with ". Yeah, I am tired, sorry if I sound aggressive.
The cover art is amazing.
7147437 I sincerely apologize for my grammar skills and I see where you're coming from, so let me help you make the changes you want to see.
Bugze has become more aggressive than he should be, so let's work together to make him work harder.
Again, I mean no offense, so as a peace offering here's something to cheer you up and help you relax.
7146915
The onl problem is that she would have to be tangible to receive the jewel, but she would need it to become tangible inbthe first place. I'm gonna err on the side of post-reform Discord or contact with the tree of harmony.
7147671 I can get behind that.
But now that I think about it, what will Ponyvile and the rest of Equestria look like by the time Bugze returns?
Well, he's been in Equestria since after he ate Sombra. As for Ponyville, I guess we'll burn that bridge when we get to it.
7148201 Fair enough, ya know I think this is the start of a great bro-ship. I'll have the the day and the weekend off tomorrow if you guys need me or if you wanna talk.
*Brohoof* See you tomorrow
7148201
7148223
Not to sound mean or anything, but please try not to discuss stuff in the comments. You can chat in a pm or in the groups forums, but please not in the comments. It's kinda hard to find the stuff I need to make the chapter if I have to go through a bunch of conversations you know. Sorry if I sound rude, but please take what I said I to consideration
7148437
No, it's perfectly reasonable to not want your workspace filled with clutter.
...I just did it again, didn't I?
7147569
"How can these help us?" you wonder, looking around and prodding a random pile of wood, "And seriously, who even leaves those things around?"
...yeah, why would anyone leaf it there?, Selena jokes.
In that moment, you decide to do the unthinkable. For once, you would not... respond.
Bugze?, Selena asked, please don't ignore me...
At that, you feel darkness creeping over your back, pouring into your entire being, flooding you with despair...
Or that is how you would describe it if you were an overdramatic poet. Truthfully, you just feel sorry now, "Hey, Sele-"
A happy bark, resonating with the metal beams of the shelves, interrupts you. You feel something poking from within the inventory. You wonder who that could be, seeing how Nightshade never barked before, but as another bark interrupts you, you remember Mangle.
You mull over it, and come to the conclusion it would be unwise to not even listen to Mangle. Or, well, try and figure out what she wants. Nightshade has told you Mangle is a she before, and you trust her on that. You're not the mini-animatronic-expert, after all.
-----
Just as a possibility for a written out version of a part of your comment ^^
And honestly? I am doubting that we can really change that behavior. Because, Bugze is a representation of the Hivemind, and he changed because the Hivemind changed. Sure, there are still those writing him like he was, but...
Yeah. Throwing it into our face, our as in the Hivemind, which I see myself as part of, won't help though. Showing he was not a violent psychopath through making him murder someone, and show deep regret... It did not help.
However, it might have been the right idea. Of course, there are other possible solutions, but none are really one hundred percent safe to work... Unless those two solutions where everyone loses. To change the aggressive behavior, the hivemind would have to change, and for that you would need to make it want to change.
7150340. Thank You.
Let's add a POV switch to Pinkie because I haven't seen that yet, getting inside her head would be interesting to say the least...
As Solarkness and Rutherford shiver
Rutherford: "Sol, did you also just get overcome with a severe feeling of dread?"
Solarkness: "Eyeep"
In Ponyville:
Big Mac: *Sneezes* "Somepony is using my catchphrase."
Back to you two:
Rutherford: I feel like today is a good day to leave town. We are running low on "special" supplies and I didn't pay for the carnivorous Generals' and the more competent underlings' Hunting Licenses to look pretty. Let's take your two henchmen and go get some dinner. It's deer season in White Tail Woods. We will be back tomorrow afternoon, besides, we may even see that changeling bounty hunter and his unicorn girlfriend Kichi warned us about.
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
In all honestly, I was not surprised about Kichi's capture, I figured it would happen. What i was not expecting was Nightshade's new pet.
Sorry if my entry makes it seem like I'm making our characters run, I figured it could open up more of a chance for Bugze and Aqua to scout out Applewood and maybe come up with a more solid plan than they had with Kichi, besides with as large of a city as it is, this could give us an opportunity for another feelgood Daddy/Daughter chapter.
Since it's going to take a while to find our nefarious criminals and we haven't had a good Father/Daughter moment in a while, how about a little callback.
While getting sundaes with Nightshade to celebrate your arrival, you find an older mare being held a at knifepoint.
You creep closer and then it hits you, the stallion on the train from Appleoosa. He's wearing a different bandana with the Crimson Knight logo stitched in, but it's him...
Your rougish prankster instincts kick in, you motion for Nightshade to sneak around the corner.
"Look a distraction!" you yell, throwing your voice around.
"What?" he mutters, heading into the target zone.
"Falcon Kick!" Nightshade crys.
After bagging your perp, you give your daughter a confident grin. Easy yes, Fun definitely.
You see a poster for an upcoming movie that has a pony knight going up against a demonic-looking dragon. When you turn your head briefly to see the APPLEWOOD sign, you suddenly freeze up as you start to flashback to that vision of Las Pegasus in that other world. Dead dragons and smashed buildings everywhere, the most notable being a massive dragon with large horns and grayish-arctic scales lying dead with each of the letters of the APPLEWOOD sign having been jammed into each of his major organs.
Suddenly there's a bit of purplish mist on the edges of the vision and as quickly as the flashback happened, it disappears in a flash of green, snapping you out of it and making you shake your head.
"Hey, you okay?" Aqua asks.
Sensing something wrong, you ignore Aqua's question and walk over to the nearby park, Aqua following you in confusion.
Did you see that Selena? you mentally ask.
I did. However I recognize that magic.
Sombra...
When you reach the closest bench you lie down on it.
"What are you doing?" Aqua asks in confusion.
"I need to check on something." you reply as you lie on the bench, "Keep an eye on things out here for me."
"What are yo-"
"It has something to do with that... other side of me." you say with stern emphasis causing a look of serious understanding to flash across Aqua's face.
"Fine, but don't take too long. A fully decked out bounty hunter napping on a park bench in the middle of the day is bound to raise some questions."
With that matter settled, you lay your head down and fall into a nap.
DREAMSCAPE
When you arrive in the dreamscape, you encounter Selena, talk with her about how you seem to have less traumatic flashbacks to Nightmare Bugze's world, and both cautiously call up Sombra's cage.
"What daw yaw want...?" Sombra slurs, the drugs still making their way out of his system.
"Sombra, I-"
"I don't have to tell ya n-" Sombra back-talks, but Selena sends out a blast from her horn onto Sombra's horn, knocking him over and causing him to howl in agony as he tries to clutch at his burning horn with his shackled hooves.
"Answer his questions." Selena threatens, horn glowing for emphasis.
(NOTE: Insert dialogue since I'm kinda at a loss when it comes to dialogue specifics as a whole) When you ask Sombra about the flashback, he admits that while Selena blocked off most of your mind from him, he did use what little influence he had to suppress the nightmares and flashbacks (the most recent one was a trigger that slipped past him due to being drugged before he managed to suppress it) using little trickles of his own power he managed to sneak through, but for purely selfish reasons;
"How noble of you." you snark.
"Altruism has nothing to do with it." he snarls, "Since you pointed out that my spirit is tied to your idiotic physical form, it would be in my best interest to keep this tiny worthless excuse of a host alive. However, these frequent nightmares of yours do nothing but haunt you with guilt and thus keep causing you to hold back when you should be going all out, doing anything to stay alive."
After talking some more, you and Selena leave the dreamscape, but Sombra mutters/thinks to himself something about how no more guilt-inducing nightmares or flashbacks means Bugze will be less cautious with "the brat's" (Nightshade) safety and thus Bugze tapping into the Nightmare Cloak to protect her means a possible future opportunity for Bugze to lose control long enough for Sombra to take over...
BACK IN LAS PEGASUS
Carry on.
==========
Pass by Zack Snaffle throwing a bunch of comics at an empty script titled Batmane v Supermare attached to a wall wailing,
"Come on! Something has to stick!!!"
“So what exactly did Kichi tell you?” asks Aqua.
“That the knight supplying all the movie props and stuff is named Solarkness. His name is on my list.”
“OK, but did he say anything specific? Like what he looks like, what the movie he’s working on is, or what studio it’s being made under?”
“Well…not exactly. I kind of went Roboguard on him and he passed out before I could get anything else,” you say as you rub the back of your head.
“Great, so what are we supposed to do, search every single studio in Applewood?”
“Not EVERY single one. I’d figure that a nutjob Knight leader wouldn’t be making anything kid friendly, comedic, or romantic,” you explain.
“And how do you figure that?” she asks.
“All those props from the makeup to the bones and robots means it’s obviously going to be a BlockBuster of some kind, with lots of violence and destruction.”
She pauses as she contemplates this.
“That’s…not actually a bad deduction. I mean, if he had enough to lend to his buddy Kichi, this Solarkness guy must be working on something big.”
“Exactly, so all we have to do is find all the big box office movies being made, and look for any mysterious figures in cloaks.”
“And how many of those are being made?”
“Well, as much as I hate him, the fact that Michael Beigh is making another Transformares…GRRRR…means that we should look at blockbusters whose release schedule coincides with his. From what Silver Strange slipped before I knocked him out, they feel the same way towards him. Wherever Solarkness is, my guess is that he wants audiences to watch his movie instead of Beigh’s so that he has the satisfaction of making him lose money.”
“You think that’s their overall goal? To screw over Beigh?”
“*Sigh* Probably not, but I wouldn’t put it past them to do it as an added benefit.”
“Alright, it’s as good a plan as any. I say we visit an information kiosk or something to find out the schedules,” she agrees.
“Alright, but as there are multiple studios, I say we split up and gather the info then meet back at this train station before Nightfall, agreed?”
“Agreed,” she says and starts to walk away.
“Oh wait and one more thing,” you call out causing her to turn back.
“Kichi said that Solarkness’s closest ally is TheRutherford. Now whether that means he’s here or not is to be seen, but keep that info in mind while snooping.”
She nods and says, “Gotcha CV, see ya here around Dinner Time, you’re buying," and heads East.
You being the brilliant tactician head West.
You know, it would be a favorable fortune if this Rutherford Knight was also here. That’s two names at once, says Selena, who is a much better conversationalist when sober.
Yeah, but if they are together that just means there’s more of their underlings hanging around probably.
True, but you did hold your own from what I remember…
Barely, despite your random druggy mood swings, I think I did alright you chuckle.
Hmmph! I can hardly be blamed for drugged me, that mare is an idiot,
Your words, not mine…
…Anyway, I would not have been in that situation had you not foolishly eaten random food left in the den of our enemies!
I had a rumbly in my tumbly, don’t judge me.
She gives off a sigh, Bugze, I will always keep toxins from infecting you, but for the love of me, don’t make a habit of taking the hard stuff. The ones that effect your brain, especially in high doses, are the ones that are most dangerous.
Alright alright, I’m sorry I got you high again…thanks again for keeping me sober.
One of us has to be, though I’m thankful even Drugged Me had the foresight to keep Nightshade from entering during that whole ordeal.
Oh so that’s what she was huffing about when that new…pet of hers showed up. I still can’t believe she took that thing in. It tried to eat me.
Well at least it’s not something she has to feed or clean up after.
Yeah… you contemplate as you see a bunch of joggers running with their panting hairy dogs.
Anyway, how’s Zambini doing?
Since I had not shared the antidote endorphins that pumped through your body, he has been pretty docile these last 2 days, spouting off his nonsensical yet threatening sounding philosophies.
Well yeah, I know that much already. Still at least it allowed Nightshade to gain some headway with him…although…
Last Night
You and Selena stood behind Nightshade (who somehow brought the Mangle Plush with her) while stoned Sombra sat in his cage. They each had a board piece for Battle Boat.
“A7” Nightshade declares.
“You have sunken my watery war vessel. All the lives on it ended as you mercilessly bombarded it into oblivion…This game is enjoyable…”he spouts.
“Ummm…right…uh, G4?” Nightshade continues.
“You have hit the troop carrier…had I succeeded, the Umbra controlled Crystal Ponies would have marched upon the land…but sadly, you have taken out a fourth of their numbers child…you are indeed a mighty warlord...”
“Thanks,” Nightshade beamed with a smile.
NOW
Yeah, next time let’s try Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders…you contemplate.
If he still remains docile perhaps, but the last time you were drugged without antidote it took three days before I recovered, meaning he may already be slipping back to his garish self.
“*Sigh* Well let’s cross that bridge when we come to it…besides, I got till the evening, might as well enjoy this weather will Nightshade.”
You then take Nightshade and her Robot Fox Pet out. You may be on the job, but this is Applewood, she hasn't seen it before. And maybe you will go to Whinnyland after you've captured the bounty. You've got enough to actually get a resort suite there.
As you pass the many joggers, street performers, and snobbish looking movie ponies, you wonder,
If Solarkness and The Rutherford ARE both here it could be more difficult. Hopefully there aren’t any more in this town.
On the Far Side of Town In a Celebrity Residential Neighborhood.
Two cloaked figures knock on a door that say Shamalamadingdong.
After a few moments a dark brown earth pony with a curly mane opens up the door.
“Yes, may I help you?” he asks to the figures.
“Hi, are you M. Night Shamalamadingdong?” asks the shorter one.
“Why yes I am,” he says proudly as he poses. “Director of such classic films as The Seventh Sense, Unhurtable, Messages, and The Last Spellbender!”
The larger figure grits his teeth and growls under his breath, “That last one is not a classic you hack…kill you, burn you, destroy you…
“What was that?” he asks.
“I said, that last one is not a classic you hack…kill you, burn you, destroy you…,” the figure says plainly.
“Oh…well nice catch there, because even I’ll admit I don’t like that movie!” he says happily before turning to the audience (Yes US) and shouting
“What a twist!”
Both figures just facehoof/paw at this.
“Ha ha, but anyway, what can I do for you gentleman?”
The shorter pony figure asks, “What is your opinion of Michael Beigh?”
“Eh, he’s alright. I’d give anything to make the money he makes for movies the critics say are as bad as mine.”
“Well guess what, he says he hates all of your movies, including the 2 and a half good ones!” the larger fur covered figure says.
The director just shrugs and says. “Well them’s the breaks here in Applewood. You can’t make everyone happy.”
The pony and diamond dog look at each other and back before the pony asks,
“Y-you’re not mad?”
“Nope, I’ve come to accept that not everypony will love my movies, and that’s OK. It’s nothing to get upset over.”
“R-really?” the Diamond Dog asks, “You don’t mind that the hack that ruined one of the best toy and cartoon franchises hates your movies?”
“Nah, some things you just have to let go,” he says with a smile.
“Umm…he also said that he thinks your hair is stupid,” the pony adds.
“HE SAID WHAT?!!!” the director yells as a blast of hot air escapes him, sending the two Crimson Knights flying off into the neighbor’s hedges.
“Nopony insults my hair, NOPONY!!!” shouts M. Night.
“Oh just you wait Beigh, I’ll get you for this! You reckoning is NIGH!!!”
The two knights smile widely at this declaration in the bushes…
“Let’s see you make your next movie when Meighgan Fox and Shia LaHoof are working for me! BWUHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!” he laughs as he uses his wind powers to hover in the air.
“What?!” Brown Dog and SnapDrake declare.
The director looks in their direction, which is also ours DEAR LORD LOOK AT HIS SOULESS EYES!!! And says
“What a Twist,” with a wink before he blasts off laughing as he does so.
After that insanity, the knights dust the leaves off themselves.
“Well that isn’t what we wanted…” Brown Dog moans.
“No this could still work, Beigh is a hot head, I’m sure he’ll go after Shamalamadingdong when he loses his actors,” Snap Drake reasons.
“Hmmm…good point…So, do you think we should visit Solarkness while we’re here?”
“Eh, we could, but you know how temperamental that wooden mutt gets when doing “Serious Work,” Snap Drake points out.
“First of all, I’m a mutt, he’s just some weird spiritual swamp wolf creature, and yeah, I see your point. He’s not exactly into our idea of fun.”
“Exactly. So I say we get some drinks and go to Whinny Land,”
“Liking the drinks part, but not the Whinny Land. If we’re going to a theme park, let’s go to one with better rides.”
“But Magic Mountain is like 2 hours North of here.”
“It will be worth it dude. Let’s catch a cab.”
“Eh…alright then, plus there’ll probably be more hot mares there our age” Snap Drake says happily.
“Exactly, and then we can…Wait What?! I’mnotattractedtofemalesoutsideofmyownrace!!!, Who told you that?! Because they’re lying! Yeah…lying…” Brown Dog stammers as he looks around shiftily causing Snap drake to laugh at his expense.
As they walk on, the pony asks the Diamond Dog, “So, you think Silver and Kichi are getting along at his awesome base?”
“Oh heck yeah. Why else would he have asked to borrow him? Changelings love sticking together. Plus they get to play videogames all day.”
“That is true, makes me wish we had a cool supervillain lair.”
“Yeah, but to do that we would have had to build a criminal syndicate or ask Kersey for more money, and either option is not appealing…”
“Yeah…”
7150855 Damn, the joke with Big Mac would not be really possible IC.
...fuck.
----
Solarkness mulled over it, before responding: "Your plan sounds efficient. Besides, it's not as if they'd crash us while we are away, is it? And yes, I have heard of the so called "Laws of Murphy" before. And Flourite...," Solar sighed at that, "Yeah. He can stay watch here for all I care. Do you know these people that you immediately like, and then develop an apathy for?"
Solarkness paced around the room at that, obviously agitated, "Yeah, that is exactly the type of person he is. I mean, sure, we have some similarities, we both have the same underlying principles, but the more I see about how he applies them... Ugh, seriously? Instead of just trying to freeze me in our mockbattles, he does things like destabilise the building so it falls onto me. Or, that one time, where he targeted my replacement-wood first..."
Solar sighed, turning back to Rutherford. He looked down, almost defeated: "And the worst part? He's more efficient. Like, sure, I may do more harm in shorter time, but he does more harm in total. He does not let any enemies escape, because he makes it so they can't split off or something... I mean, I feel as if I have it in me to do that, but everytime I see prey I just... snap. It's like... it's like I'm mentally disabled or something," he sighed at that, "Heck, I wouldn't even blame you if you didn't listen to any of that... I told you how many times already, five?"
[The Rutherford's Response]
"Yeah... I think I need to get away from Flour for now. Let's get the "special" supplies tomorrow, like you said," Solarkness agreed finally.
I think the first capture of the Crimson Leader is kinda sad and ironic. The changeling made a few points when Bugze proceeded to take away everything he had worked for. Sure, the things the Crimson Leader did were horrible, such as the thing about the children/foals and the sick game he had set up in ransom of Aqua’s safety, but when you ignore his skewed morality, what can a changeling do to survive?
And Bugze’s reply to when he asked why? “You’re a criminal,” Bugze said.
This was a moment of weakness for Bugze, or the Hivemind for that matter, when you take into consideration to Bugze’s journey and actions thus far, especially the reason he himself was hated: Because he’s considered to be a big-time criminal himself. In a way, it’s like a call back.
Then again, Bugze feels this bit a rather personally as the Crimson leader represents what he himself could’ve have done. Maybe he could’ve treated Nightshade as battery. Maybe he could’ve actively enjoyed all the fear and destruction he had inspired thus far. Maybe he could’ve mused with all his references and without a care in the world. This is as though Bugze wanted him to take responsibility like he himself did. While it’s not a Nightmaire Bugze situation, it’s bordering that.
Or maybe I’m, just overthinking this and this is all in my head. Honestly! It’s just fun to come up reasons and ways to these odd happenings fueled by our wild imaginations. Filled with fire. And scary zombies. And puzzles. And stuff.
Anyways, onwards to the suggestion!
----
While walking through the street, on your way to the studio district, you hear some boisterous laughter. It sounds quite masculine and manly, too. You and Aqua turn to the source, and with raised brows.
On the other side of the street, there are some buff ponies and—well what do you know!—they have weapons on their person. They have Knives, lance, and a sword for that matter as well! The weapons are wrapped in cloth just in case so that noling will get hurt. The both of you stare for a moment.
...after that moment, you just proceed to move on, effectively forgetting the whole thing.
“Hey. Hey!” Aqua calls out to you.
You tune back to face her. “Huh?”
“Are we seriously going to ignore the ponies who have WEAPONS in broad daylight?”
“Well...yeah?” You then hear a resounding face hoof in your mind scape, of which you decide to ignore just this once for the sake of the conversation. “I mean, they’re cool and all, but they’re actors we don't even know. So we’ll just leave them be.”
Aqua just stares at you incredulously. “...what? B-but—!”
You didn't quite hear, so you continue. “Why? You know them and want an autograph?”
“Just—wait a minute! Actors? What do you mean?”
“What do I mean—oh. Oooh.” You say in realization. Of course, not everyling can be like you. It’s not like it’s common knowledge either, even if you sometimes wish it is. “You don't watch many movies, do you? Or know about Applewood for that matter.”
At this point, the rather masculine ponies are long gone, so the only thing to note is Aqua’s ignorance of the subject.
“Yeah, yeah, I’m not much of a movie-goer, but I’m not going to be the only one left out in the dark and without a clue.”
Looks like she’s the type to never like not knowing some things. Anyways, by the benevolence bestowed onto you by your expanse knowledge of serial flicks, you answer the call to this lost soul!
[]No need to be so dramatic...[] Selena dryly says.
[]Oh, come on! Just let me have this![] you thought.
“You know how Applewood is the place for making movies, right? Well, that includes the action movies. You gotta have all these stunts to make everything look cool and stuff, but there gotta be some ponies who do that sort of thing, especially the extreme and dangerous ones."
At this, Aqua nodded in understanding.
You continue. "Back in the days before Applewood was, well, Applewood, the ponies were the toughest around! When they got the idea to do something cool and dangerous, they decided to do it because they just can. Whatever they made, it’s a hit! Although, sometimes they don't have enough actors, so Applewood hires all kinds of ponies for those stunts. Plus, it’s cheaper than setting up all the stuff to fake it. They’re better off getting the real thing. Sort of. They still use the smokes and screens to make everything cooler."
Aqua nodded, this time absentmindedly. “Uhuh…”
You’re not even sure if she’s actually paying attention! Still, you continue on.
“That’s why Applewood is known for housing some of the most toughest and strongest ponies and non-ponies in the world! You’ve got martial artists, magic users, and all kinds of fighters! Hay, you can even have grandmasters of Hoof Fu in the mix!” You say excitedly. However, you then frown by the next words. “But with all these kinds of strong, battle-hardened folks, there tends to be a it of a power hierarchy. ...it’s kinda also why some of the movie directors can be kinda...monstrous. Like Michael Hay and Shingading-a-long something-something. Buuut that’s just rumors! I’m sure that they can’t be...that...bad…?”
You trail off when you see that Aqua begins to have a rather thoughtful expression. She’s frowning, a hoof under her chin. Just what is she thinking about?
“I wonder if sensei is here…,” you hear her mutter, but barely.
With a head tilt, you ask, “Um, Aqua?”
She easily snaps out of it by the call of her name. “O-oh! It’s nothing. Forget that I said anything!”
“Right…” You doubt it, and it’s a gut feeling. And your gut feeling tend to mean “impending doom.” Or maybe it’s just your imagination. Although, you decide to respect her privacy, as long as it doesn't effect what you’re doing right now. Still, you’re curious. Just who might this ‘sensei’ be? Is he/she also an elemental bender? A water bender like Aqua maybe?
With a nervous cough, Aqua gets back on track, “...Anyways, you’re surprisingly knowledgeable about this sort of thing.”
You rub a hoof to your neck, flattered. “Aww, geez, it’s a part of my pride!” You got a happy feeling, being able to show off some of your knowledge without feeling like a—
“But it’s almost kinda sad when you think about it,” she then interjects.
...and there’s the bucking punch line.
“H-hey!”
In your head, Selena chuckles and adds to the humiliation. []She’s right you know[]
[]Ugh! Not you, too! Leave my hobby alone![]
“Well! Now that I know, let’s get going.” Shrugging it off, she then says, “C’mon,” and the water bender then starts to move ahead of you.
“Wait up!” you cry out.
------
Huh. For some reason, this feels shorter than what I’m used to. Probably rusty. Then again, thinking back to that one monstrous comment… Yeah, I think it’s best to leave that thought alone for now.
Well, anyways, keep up the great work!
7153212 In response to Solarkness:
Rutherford: "No I heard you, each time. I just don't have anything helpful to say about it. However you are right, while you act as more of a shock trooper, causing more damage in a short time-span, he, as you said, goes for the long-term damage. When he removes your backup wood *chuckle* he is preventing you from healing quickly making his attacks the more severe. And while you two represent two ends of the predator hunting spectrum, you are both still pack-oriented predators, which is why you likely seemed drawn to him, but as you said he is not like you in his attack style. We both know that your health and stamina is greater than his. That's why you are his Alpha and why he goes for the crippling blows during your mach-battles, to slow you down. However, if you are both going after a common enemy, then I think you two will likely be a hard to beat team, with you causing major damage at the beginning and him doing small, crippling damage throughout the fight. You would wind up being the main focus as his attacks start to drain the enemy's stamina. And if this Crimson Vengeance is as single-minded as Kichi claimed, then we should have nothing to worry about, especially if I come in and during the fight, since I'm pretty efficient at my healing and water breath. And since he apparently only bases his attacks on video game and movie attacks and relies on his raw power, so unless the changeling actually has the mind of a great military strategist (Selena and Sombra both sneeze), we shouldn't have to worry about him. Although didn't Kichi also say he was traveling with that water bender unicorn that ran with Flag Burner in Fillydelphia? I may have to keep her distracted while you and your pack deal with the other one. He never did get the name, but I wonder if she know the pony I trained in water bending. Oh well, we shouldn't have a hard time with these bounty hunters. Any other questions?
Solarkness: "By the way, where are your subordinates at? I have not seen them for a while." (Or if you could come up with a better way to ask the question)
Rutherford: "They all asked for transfers after I went to the Crystal Empire to withdraw some crystals from the account my father set up for me there. Nice amount of foresight on his part and apparently being away for a thousand years did not stop the crystals from growing or earning interest. That's why I don't need to borrow money. But I digress, I think that either they are afraid that them failing me will result in me eating them, stereotypical xenophobes, or they did not like me having them operate legally to amass bits and resources. I try to do a majority of things legeally, then my affiliation is the only real crime they can pin on me. I tried to do that for the others, but they would rather do their own thing. most of them went to Grey Rebl and Kersey. The only member I have still is my mate and she is currently at home visiting her parents."
Rutherford looks over to Solarkness and receives an annoyed stare.
Rutherford: *Sweat drops* "So lets go ahead and get out of here and you away from Flour, shall we?"
7155823
What about:
Solarkness nodded, before responding: "Actually, yes, I have another question. I couldn't help but notice your subordinates' absence in the last time. I assume they are busy with something, yes?"
7155851
Works for me. sounds better anyway
Coming to what appears to be a camera grid with laser sights, you mull over your options .
You scuffle through The Inventory and pull out Chekhov's Pen.
"Isn't what I had in mind." you comment dryly
You click it experimentally, and suddenly a small stack of sticky notes pop into existence..
Using the Power Glove, you position the notes over the camera's line of sight with the words "Vengeance is the price" written in red marker.
You continue experimenting with the pen by clicking it twice and summoning a letter-sized piece of paper.
You think of the most eloquent statement you can muster.... you actually write "Sombra's a loser"
A few seconds later the paper vanishes and Sombra mutters about sticks and stones .
"I stand corrected" you remark.
Sorry, I got nothing for Bugze this time around.
Changer sat in front one of the stands placed at the side of the street. He had a long blue box filled with chocolate chip cookies. He tossed one in his mouth and looked around the area.
"How retarded was I? I can't even remember where their stupid studio is!" Another cookie. "I can't believe with all these cookies I'm not as fat as that stupid Kersey."
He took another one in mouth when he spotted something,
It was that stupid red bounty hunter!
"Tch! Him again." He said out loud. "Probably here for Solarkness. For the bounty. He should know not to mess with me." Another cookie. "What did he say last time? That I had a bounty on me aswell?" You know what he put in his mouth. "I can admit I didn't do anything wrong back then. Those stupid guards put me on the wanted list just because my dumbflank joined the knights, not because I did something illegal, because I became a bucking leader." Cookie! "Whatever. They can do whatever they want, as long as they don't get in my way." He looked at the bounty hunter running off. "That includes you-" He looked down. He ate all the cookies. He turned the stand and called, "Hey, lady! Get me another blue box of cookies!"
The old mare looked at him. "Sorry dearie, you bought the last three."
"...What?!"
"If you want more they are selling them at the other side of town."
Changer was about to burst. He growled and left the stand in a rush.
I love Chips Ahoy Cookies. Eat boxes of them in days.
The crimsion knight capture was sick! It went perfectly well and I wouldn't change it now that I read it.