//------------------------------// // The man in the crimson cloak // Story: EqG: Hell rider 2 Hell Unleashed // by Tunefulsubset72 //------------------------------// --Flint-- ~~Sugarcube~~ "So let me get this straight," Flint said as he sat across from Sunset." You're from a land of magical talking horses....." "Ponies actually," Sunset corrected as she sipped from her drink."And we have more then just earth ponies, I'm a unicorn to start with, there's also pegusi, griffons, zebras, dragons, and other races." "I'm going out on a limb and ask if there's Minotaurs." Flint said as Sunset nodded." Anything else I should know?" "There are also hydras." Sunset said as Flint gave her a deadpanned stare as Sunset smirked." Sorry, couldn't resist." "I kinda walked into that anyway." Flint replied. "You did." Sunset said with a giggle." Where Green Song by the way?" "She went to help Fluttershy with something." Flint said as he sipped his drink."She said for me not to worry for some reason." "Fluttershy believes that you're not that bad." Sunset said as Flint raised an eyebrow." She's just very shy around new people." "I know." Flint said with a growl." Just yesterday I saw her, before I could say a word she ran." "Don't hold it against her." Sunset said as Flint shrugged. "I won't." Flint said as the door opened of the cafe." Also Green Song mentioned a tour of the town?" "There's not a whole lot here, other then a camp outside of town." Sunset with a shrug." I mean there's an arcade and movie theater." "Never been to either one." Flint said as he crossed his arms."Or anything that most normal teenagers do." "And not very many have metal arms." Sunset said as Flint rolled his eyes." So, ever seen Balto?" "Who or what is a Balto?" Flint asked as Sunset eyes widened. "Have you seen any movies?" Sunset asked as Flint shock his head no." Do you have any hobbies at least?" "I like to tinker with stuff." Flint said as he pointed a his metal arm." Hydra gave me the arm, I did the rest." "Really?" Sunset asked as Flint nodded." I don't mean to sound childish, but..." "I'd show you if I could." Flint stated as the two stood up to leave." But thanks to Director Fury, shield put a lock on all my gadgets and upgrades, even my clock." "You put a clock on that thing?"Sunset asked." Okay Spy kid, what else?" "Spy kid?" Flint asked as Sunset faced palmed." Movie reference?" "Yep." Sunset said as a light bulb went off in her head." What if we got with Fluttershy and your sister, and we introduced you to some movies and shows you might like?" "I feel like I should be very concerned." Flint said with a hint of worry as Sunset grabbed his arm and dragged him down the street. ---Green Song--- --Canterlot animal shelter-- "Thanks for the help Green Song." Fluttershy said as Green Song helped her move chairs." I didn't mean to put this work on you." "It's fine." Green Song with a smile."What was going on today?" "Oh, recently an anonymous donor donated a lot of money to the shelter recently." Fluttershy said excitedly." So there was a meeting today to discuss what to do with all the money." "That awesome." Green Song said as Fluttershy nodded." I know it's none of business, but how much was it?" "More then thirty thousand dollars." Fluttershy whispered as Green Song jaw dropped." Honestly, I wish I knew who it was." "Same here." Green Song said as her phone buzzed." It's a text from Sunset." "What's it say?" Fluttershy asked as Green Song showed her the text. Hey Green Song, I was wondering if we could show your brother some of those old movies you like so much. Your brother said he's never seen movies before. Also bring Fluttershy along, if she wants. "Old movies?" Fluttershy asked. "I guess she wants to introduce Flint to some things?" Green Song said with a shrug."I don't know, anyway, she also wants to know if you wanted to come too." "Oh...I...um." Fluttershy stammered as she froze up."Don't get me w-wrong, I would like too, but..." "You're still nervous around Flint?" Green Song asked as Fluttershy nodded." I kinda understand, he can be intimidating sometimes, but he means well." "I'm sure he's nice," Fluttershy said nervously." B-but sometimes when he just glances at me, it can be scary." "I understand, you don't have to come if you don't want too,"Green Song said as Fluttershy sighed." There's more, isn't there?" "Rarity and Applejack came by earlier today." Fluttershy said as Green Song sighed sadly." They said that Flint can't be trusted." "Well they're wrong, Flint has been through a lot," Green Song said remorsefully." He never wanted to be a killer, or a monster, he told about someone he knew as 16 tried to free him from hydra." "16?" Fluttershy asked Green Song nodded." What happened to them?" "On a mission, 16 was gunned by two shield agents." Green Song said as Fluttershy gasped." By the same ones that Flint killed a few months back." "But why did he try to kill your parents?" Fluttershy asked as Green Song put the remaining chairs away. "Thank Tirek for that, he personally didn't like dad," Green Song said as the two left the shelter." And he brainwashed my brother to do it." "So, he was just being controlled?" The timid girl asked as she locked the door. "Yep, also don't tell him I told you." Green Song said as Fluttershy looked at her worried." I don't know if he wanted me to tell anyone or not." "I won't." Fluttershy said with a giggle as they heard commotion nearby." What's that?" "MOTHER F@CKER!!!!!" A shirtless man yelled as he was flung from the side into a building as the two girls yelped." Just what this town needs, another freak." "Coming from the freak himself." A deep voice said as a figure wearing a Crimson cloak approached the shirtless man." And whom do they call you?" "The Absorbing Man." The man said as he placed his hand on the damaged car as his skin turn to metal." The name is self explanatory." "I see." The figure said as he folded his arms behind him." Such a....original....name." The figure said as the absorbing man growled and swung a punch at him as the figure caught it." Since we're giving out names, call me the Crimson ghost." "And I thought mine was dumb." Absorbing man said as the ghost sighed. "It's a working title." The ghost said as he threw the man into a building." By the way, you two ladies might want to leave." He said as he looked at the two girls." This might get bloody." "Who is that?" Green Song asked no one in particular as the ghost vanished and reappeared in front of the shirtless villain." Another hero?" "I-I don't think so." Fluttershy squeezed out as the powered humans fought." I think we should leave." "Good idea." Green Song said as a car flew past them." VERY GOOD IDEA!!!!" She shouted as the two ran down the street. "You're starting to get annoying." Absorbing man growled as he touched the cement as his skin changed to the substance."And I hate annoying heroes." "I'm no hero, I'm just a guy who hates being DISTURBED!!!" The ghost roared as he grabbed the enhanced human and smashed him into the ground. " I was just having nice relaxing stroll through town, then you had to rob a bank." "Gotta make a living somehow." Absorbing man said with a smirk as he got up." Perks of being able to absorb matter, I can with stand almost anything." "Downside, you have a lot of weaknesses." The ghost said as a black mist formed into a blade around his hand." I mean....a lot." He said as he charged and stabbed the villain." Tell me, what do you know about magic?" "Not much." The Absorbing man said with a smirk as he grabbed the ghost as the blade dispersed." What was that tooth pick supposed to do anyway?" "You'll see." The ghost said as he vanished and Absorbing man fell to his knees grunting in pain." Crusher Creel, right?" "How'd you know?" The man said as he struggled to look up." Who are you?" "I'm just a guy who gets a job done." The Ghost said as Creel noticed as he started turning into a black mist." Send Loki my regards." He said as Creel screams slowly vanished." Now to drop off...." The Ghost trailed of as two police cars skidded to a stop." Aw sh@t." "HANDS IN THE AIR!!!!" One of the police officers shouted as the ghost raised his hands." What happened here?" "The bank was robbed and the guy got away." The ghost said as the officers approached him slowly." I know, I have the right to remain silent." "You've been arrested before crook?" The officer asked as the ghost chuckled." What's so funny?" "I don't do bars." The ghost said as he vanished in a puff of black mist. "Uh should we report this to the captain?" One the officers asked as the captain growled." Sir?" "First the mayor lets a changeling live among us, then Ghost riders and demons," the captain ranted as he got back in the car." Now this." He said as he grabbed the radio." All units be advised, we have another freak in town, wears a black and red cloak." ---Flint--- "So, you microwave corn and makes this?" Flint asked curiously as he looked at the piece of popcorn in his hand. "You've never had popcorn?" Sunset asked as Flint shook his head." Pizza? Sushi? Cheese doodle?" "The heck is a cheese doodle?" Flint asked as the door swung and quickly slammed shut." Green Song?" "Yeah, it's *huff* me." Green song said as she tried to catch her breath." You will not believe what happened." "What happened to you?" Flint asked as Green Song glared at him."Nevermind." "Some guy tried to rob the back near the animal shelter." Fluttershy said quietly as she tried to hide behind her hair."But someone stopped him." "It was some guy called the absorbing man or something?" Green Song said as Flint raised an eyebrow." Weird name, I know." "I know who your talking about." Flint said as the girls looked at him surprised." His real name is Carl 'crusher' Creel, Hydra had their eyes on him for sometime." "Did he work for them?" Sunset asked Flint shook his head. "They found someone else," Flint said as Fluttershy whimpered." Can't recall who it was though." "Anyway," Green Song said getting everyone's attention." What movie are we showing Flint?" "I don't even know where to start." Sunset said with a smirk." Got any ideas Fluttershy?" "I might." Fluttershy said fearfully as she avoided eye contact with Flint." What about Balto?" "Funny thing, Sunset was telling me about that movie." Flint said as Fluttershy slowly looked at him." And also....spy kids?" "Let's begin then." Sunset said as they looked for the movie. ---Rider--- "Any luck?" Grimstone asked as Strange looked through books. "Not yet," Strange asked as Rider grumbled." I know you are worried about your host, I promise you, I'm doing the best I can." "THEN TRY HARDER!!!!" Rider roared as he knocked a statue over." Oops." "I didn't like that statue anyway." Strange said as he continued his search."If I knew where they were, it would make it easier." "Aw sh@t." Grimstone said as he face palmed."I wish I said something sooner." "What are you talking about?" Strange asked."Do you have a way to contact Crimson?" "I do, but he's been quite recently," Grimstone said with worry." I know he's still alive." "It wouldn't hurt to find out." Strange said as Grimstone sighed. ---Blizzard--- ~~Equestria~~ "So, about that trial date?" I asked as I stared aimlessly at the ceiling of the cell." Maybe they thought it would be better to just keep us here." "I wish I knew." Crimson muttered as he looked out the cell window."You know, when we first arrived that Green Song reminded me of my daughter." "Yeah, she was almost like our Green Song back home." I said as I sat up." What are you getting at?" "And we just encountered Celestia too." Crimson said as he looked at me." Green Song also mentioned me as well." "Oh.....sh@t." I muttered." That can only mean one thing." "There's a Grimstone and Rider here as well." Crimson said with worry." And if they sense the presence of our.....friends...." "We're F@cked." I finished as I stood up."Royaly F@cked." "Agreed." Crimson said." Hopefully we can find a way home soon." I may be able to help with that. Grimstone's voiced echoed through Crimson's head. "And where have you been?" Crimson asked as I looked at him confused." Grimstone." "'Bout time we got a response." I muttered. "I guess Blizzard's friend found you." Crimson said. Indeed, and thankfully it was someone who can help. Grimstone said as Crimson sighed with relief. The friend knew someone who could help us with this.....situation. "Who is it?" Crimson asked wearily." Hopefully someone who doesn't hate you." "Thankfully he doesn't, neither does he hate rider." Grimstone said." His name is Steven Strange, if that rings any bells." "Can't say for sure." Crimson said as a guard walked by the cell." How's everyone at home?" "You better be sitting down." Grimstone said gravely. "What's happened?" Crimson asked worried. "First off, your son Flint, has come home." Grimstone said as Crimson sat down as I gave him a worried look." Also Ryker and Zarathos are taken care of." "That's good news." Crimson said." But what's happened?" "Ryker didn't go down without a fight, Canterlot high is currently being repaired." Grimstone said as Crimson groaned." He made sure that he got to Rainbow." "Is she okay?" Crimson asked. "She currently in a coma." Grimstone said sadly." Would've been worse, if Rider hadn't stepped in." "Anything else?" Crimson asked with a scared tone in his voice as he pinched the brow of his nose. "Nope, that's it." Grimstone said quickly." We don't know how long it will take for us to get to you." "Soon hopefully." Crimson said as the cell door opened." Very soon." ---Earth-- ~~Crimson ghost~~ "I keep forgetting how big Canterlot city is." The ghost grumbled to himself ask he leapt from roof to roof." But....it's still home." He sighed as he came to a stop as he stood on the roof of a house looking up and down the street."They should still be here." He grumbled as he looked at each house until he looked upon one in particular." Bingo." ---Flint--- "So, you doing okay after the whole ordeal earlier?" Flint asked as Green Song nodded as the movie played." That's good." "Hey Flint, I've been meaning to ask, what was it like growing up with Hydra?" Sunset asked Flint looked at her." I understand if it's personal,you don't have to talk about it." "Two word can sum up that up." Flint said." Living hell." "That bad?" Sunset asked as Flint nodded as he glanced down the hall." You okay?" "Yeah." Flint said not paying attention." Is mom home by any chance?" "No? Why?" Green Song asked with worry." What's wrong?" "Nothing's wrong." Flint said reassuringly." Just hearing things." ---Crimson ghost--- ~~Crimson's garage~~ "The lab should be around here somewhere." The ghost said as he searched the garage."There should at least be a button or something." "Hey kids, I'm home." A familiar muffled voice called as the ghost looked towards the door. "Just what I needed." The ghost grumbled as he moved towards the door." But this could be an advantage." "Sorry I'm late." Spitfire said with a sigh." Something came up." "Absorbing man tried to rob a bank downtown." Green Song said as Spitfire looked at her surprised." Me and Fluttershy were there." "Are you two okay?" Spitfire asked with worry as the two girls nodded." That's good to hear, anyway, I need to file this." "Have fun." Flint joked as Spitfire rolled her eyes. "Now's my chance." The ghost said as he dispersed into a black cloud and followed Spitfire. ---Spitfire--- "Let's just get this over with." Spitfire muttered has she turn on her computer." Why did I accept this job?" "Yes, why did you choose this job?" The Ghost whispered quiet enough without being noticed as Spitfire typed away."And to think, I once looked up to you." He growled as the woman typed as she failed to notice Ghost reformed in front of her. "What do you need Flint?" Spitfire asked without looking up. "Guess again." Ghost said as Spitfire quickly looked up."Make any noises, and there be trouble." "Who are you?" Spitfire asked as the Ghost stared at her." And how did you get in here in the first place?" "I have my ways." The ghost said as Spitfire glared at him." As for who I am, I'm known as the Crimson Ghost." "Why are you here?" Spitfire asked as the ghost reached into his cloaked and pulled a glowing white cylinder." Where didn't you get that?" She asked with fear." For that matter, how did you get it?" "A certain someone was hired to steal from stark." The ghost said as he set the item on her desk." Angel Blood, correct?" "That is right." Spitfire said wearily as she stood up." Thank you for returning it." "Pleasure is all mine." The ghost said."I need something in return, compensation if you will." "There's always a catch with you mercenaries." Spitfire said with annoyance." What do you want?" "I can think of many things." The ghost said as he folding his hands together." Money, tech, anything really." "Just answer the question." Spitfire said sternly." What's your game?" "I want answers." The ghost said as Spitfire raised an eyebrow." Nothing more, nothing less but the truth to these questions." "I'll try my best." Spitfire said." What do you want to know?" "What do you know about Annierian artifacts?" The ghost asked. "Not much, but I've been told they're very dangerous if in the wrong hands." Spitfire said as The ghost nodded. "Good, good." The Ghost said as he circled Spitfire." Have you ever seen one before? in person perhaps?" "One or two." Spitfire said starting to get nervous." Been when I do, shield locks them away." "Has Shield been notified by anyone about what they should do when they find an artifact?" He questioned as he began slowly pacing "We have protocols." Spitfire said quickly." That is all I'm aloud to say." "Two more questions." The ghost said as Spitfire noticed his tone turn darker." Has any agent died from finding these artifacts?" "Only two." Spitfire replied as the ghost got close to her face. "Final question." The ghost said as he stepped away." What happened on the night When Nights Wingfeather died?" He asked as Spitfire blood ran cold." I sense your fear Agent Spitfire, you were there when it happened." "I'd rather not answer.' Spitfire said with fake bravery as the ghost chuckled." What's so funny?" "You, of course." The ghost said as stared at him." I already know the story, you found a artifact, not just any artifact, a mask." He said as Spitfire remained stone faced." You we're given orders to retrieve and inform the Wingfeather family of your finding, but the boy was assigned to the job as well, so you two worked together to retrieve it." "How do you know this?" Spitfire asked as The ghost glanced at her. "That's for you to find out." The ghost said." Now then, the story, you found the artifact locked tight in a box, the boy said you should leave it be, but did you listen? No. Instead you chose your job over someone's life." The ghost said as Spitfire looked away." You and your boss left the boy to die." "We tried to rescue him, I swear." Spitfire said holding back tears." The place was coming down and we couldn't get to him in time." "To this day, Shadoc still blames you for his son's death." The ghost said as Spitfire nodded."As he should, you even haven't told your own daughter." "It would break her heart." Spitfire said as the ghost sighed." I can't do that to her." "That is admirable of you agent." The Ghost said." However, that still doesn't save you." "From what?" Spitfire asked as Ghost stood I front of her. "I will not kill you." The ghost said." But I will get my point across." He said as he grabbed Spitfire by the neck and brought her close to his mask." One way or another." The Ghost said as the door opened. "Put her down." Flint said as he glared at the Ghost."Now." "Well, if it isn't Tireks pet project." The ghost said as he dropped Spitfire." I'm surprised you succeeded." "Who sent you?" Flint asked. "Oh, I don't work with Hydra, or any organization for that matter." The Ghost said as Flint narrowed his eyes at him." I may have gone under cover once or twice." "That's not reassuring one bit." Flint said as Ghost stared at him." I suggest you leave." "I was planning on it." The ghost said as he step towards Flint." 17." He said as Flint threw a punch at him only to get knocked back followed by screaming from down the hall."Any more funny moves like that, and you'll be in pieces." The ghost said as Flint got back up." And with that, farewell." "You okay mom." Flint said as the Ghost vanished." Who was that?" "I wish I knew." Spitfire said with worry.