//------------------------------// // Thouhtful Considerations // Story: Earning Freedom // by Daxisle //------------------------------// (So yea, I need an editor. I didn't want to proclaim it this way, but the groups I've looked into haven't provided.) ----- Thoughtful Considerations Sin stood at the clearing of the camp site Why wasn't he surprised? He knew he should be. Tapio's beard this was a new one, even for Shade, but he didn't even get a small shiver up his spine nor even wide eyed from the very strange display before him, he should at least be a little afraid, if nothing else. There, sat the bat pony, his back to a tree looking as carefree and comfortable as a overworked labor employee on vacation. But what made Sin take notice were the two paranoid looking mantacor who lay in front of him, both shivering and looking back at the stallion with discomfort. "SIN!" Shade cried happily. "I found kitties!" The Federalist held up a hoof. "I don't even wanna know." He dismissed before removing his saddle bag and stretching out his legs. "I'll be back later, I'm going to head to the Library in town." "Kay." Shade smiled and laid back down. The tan clad pony wanted to just leave it at that, he wanted to lay down his bags and walk straight to ponyville and get his research done and over with. Ever fiber of his being begged him not to ask, he knew he'd regret it, but he couldn't stop himself. "What are those?" The bat pony smiled again and motioned to each manticore. "This is Discord Jr. and this is Reverend Rabi Uncle Billy Bob Cletus Lee Roy Godfree Godsend Alibastar the third, no relation." And with that, Sin mentally berated himself and silently turned away. "Say bye to Sin, boys." The lion like chamaras at the pony's feet gave him a quick nod as if they understood, but Sin had already left the camp and was on his way. He exited the forest and found the noon sun to greet him. The black eyed stallion had walked all night to get back from his mission with little sleep the night before, needless to say; tired didn't do his feeling justice. But, he'd undergone days with out sleep before, so the amazing technique of "grow up and stop being a whiny little bitch" came into play. Though, there was something different about the walk this time. A noise faintly began to grow from his destination... "The hell?" He listened again, swiveling his ears to pick up on it the best. It sounded like... singing? Wait, what? Getting no where standing where he was, he continued on. Sin's eyebrow was quirked higher than it had ever been before. The display before him was of the Ponyville collective wrapping up the winter to make room for spring. It wasn't strange, the Federation held the same practice for getting rid of the snow and clouds that remained after the frozen season had passed, but it was the oddly coincidental choreography and flawless execution of a song the whole town was singing that bewildered him; with no see-able instruments in sight. The more he looked on, the more apparent it became that both Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie were the ring leaders in the orchestra. They'd be given their own little solos every so often, still in the general beat of the inexplicable music. Eventually, the number reached its climax and the ponies went back to their work in a much more dull and professional manner. The horror may have been over, but some mental scars would never go away. "SINNY!" Speaking of which... A pair of pink for legs enveloped the stallion in a bone crushing hug. Literally, he felt one of his not fully healed ribs snap and quickly pushed the pink menace off. Acknowledging her mistake the party pony apologized repeatedly. "I'msorryI'msorryI'msorry." Sin attempted to calm her near tear ridden ramble, but doing so through gritted teeth hardly offered his lie justice. The pain subsided to where he could address the two mare in a more proper greeting, the mage of the two decided to a topic for herself. "You know, if your still hurt, you shouldn't be walking around." "I've had worse." Sin seethed collecting himself and putting the pain out of his mind as much as he could. "Any rate, I was hoping to visit your Library, Ms. Sparkle." Pinkie and Twilight looked at each other for a moment, as if to silently converse the reason for his visit. "Why? Is there a book you need?" "Yes." A small bit of chit chat later, the lavender mare agreed to escort him and they left the over powered Pinkie to her work in pulling a snow plow through the main streets. "So, you already took care of the thing in Trottingham?" Twilight asked, trying to start conversation. "I had no business there." Sin stated bluntly. "But the townsfolk had taken care of the problem well enough." "I see." The librarian remarked, the rest of the walk passed in relative silence. Once the two made it to the establishment, Sin immediately ventured to the non-fiction section and looked under "W". "Do you need any help finding anything?" Twilight offered with a hopeful smile. Sin stood silently for a moment, his eyes continually scanning the books for the topic of his interest. Sadly, yet predictably, he found nothing of what he sought. Perhaps they went by another name? He could ask for help, but Twilight was a direct link to Celestia, and the last thing he wanted was her to relay his sudden interest. "No, what I'm looking for isn't here." Twilight's ears drooped for a moment, whether out of apology to him or disappointment in her own lack of material, he wasn't sure. "Well, maybe it's under another name? Or is it native to your country?" Wow, that's kinda scary, at least she left him a way out. Or, so he thought. "Oh! Would you mind telling me what it is? I'd love to hear about something from another country!. The Federation of the North has always been so enigmatic about it's cultures and rituals." She explained, beaming with shear delight. "Does it have to do with a natural species? Or perhaps fauna that you found here that goes by a different name..." the questions didn't stop, each one that came her speech became faster and her steps drew closer and closer to him as if proximity would give her the answers she sought. 'Sweet Milliki what have you done?' Sighing the stallion held up a hoof to try and silence her, it took a while, but Twilight slowly acknowledged his non-verbal request. "I'm afraid I don't know much about what it is, but I'll find it some where else I'm sure. Thank you for your time." He gave a curt nod and aimed for the door. "Alright, I guess." the unicorn conceded, "are you sure you're alright?" Her tone held a skepticism that just made Sin want to turn around and ram his hoof into her face. How many times did he need to say he was fine before she'd get off the issue? "I'll be fine," He dismissed before heading to the door. He would ask about Celestia's role in battling Discord, but he didn't need her relying that information to Celestia either. Hopefully he could coax Mac into telling him or some other resident. "Oh, before you go." He stopped again, resisting the urge to groan. "Big Macintosh went into the forest yesterday to see how you and Shade were doing. I think it would be nice if you paid him a visit." 'apparently I'm supposed to care what you think?' Still, Mac was his friend, he did owe the stallion a visit after so long gone. Sin thanked Twilight for her message and made way to Sweet Apple Acres. Silvia smiled happily and wondered through Ponyville. Finally, fucking FINALLY she got to move around and about. The currency here was different, so the Bills she had in her pocket couldn't really buy anything, luckily though; the Equestrians were far more trusting than Federalists, so stealing a quick bite to eat was nothing short of child's play. An apple, a sweet, sweet, crispy apple was almost heaven on her tongue. These in and of themselves were a rare treat in her homeland, yet here she could just pick one off a cart with ease? Fuck yea, this place was awesome. Screw that boring stick in the mud Sin, Silvia was going to get the vacation she deserved. And the ponies here, they were so friendly! Just walking down the street she was greeted by most any pony she came into close proximity with. Warm genuine smiles and heart felt gestures, a far cry from her typical dealings with fake politicians and sleazy business types. Hell, she was debating going back to the Federation at all, now. Still she needed money, maybe she could help with the Winter Wrap Up business and gain a few coins. "Good afternoon.." She greeted to a green vested lilac earth pony, he offered a smile in reply. "How would a griffin make a few bits around here?" "Well," the stallion scratched his chin. "I'd say to help with the obvious, but this is all community work, no pay involved." No pay? Son of a bitch. "But, I do know of a business that could always use a good pair of wings for advertising." Silvia thought on that for a moment, fact was, she needed money but there had to be a better way. "Aweful lot of good impressions ya could make by helpin' out with the wrap up though." The stallion smiled. The spy had to stop her eyes from rolling, it was the most shameless plug to get free work out of a girl that she had ever seen in her life. Still, what he said was true, maybe if she showed off at just the right place, a simple small job that paid well wouldn't be far behind. "Alright, thanks." The two shared another nod and the griffin went about her business. Now, who around here looked rich? Sweat pouring down her cheeks, Applebloom pulled the snow plow with all her might. "Grrr Come. On. Ya. Ssstubborn. Thing." She cursed. Eventually, she made it to her destination and looked back to admire her work. While the amount of snow the filly's plow had collected wasn't as impressive as she expected, it was a might bit farther than she'd had the previous year. And something she was quite proud of to say the least. Still, it was only a few passes on the road that lead up to the house, and she agreed to clear half of it by day's end. "Woo, this is harder n' Ah thought." "With your size, it's still quite admirable." "Gee thanks." The apple filly blushed over the compliment. "A've been workin... on... it-" Her voice slowly trailed off as she turned to see a dark and stoic pony with blackened goggles looking down at her. A sudden jolt of wary mistrust shot through her, who was this pony? "Ah'm sorry mister, Ah ain't eveh seen ya round her before." The black eyed stallion stood silently, his presence bringing a crushing feeling unto the little filly that caused her breathing to become far more effort-ed than it should have been. Though, something about him seemed oddly familiar. "I don't come around often, ma'am." Said the stallion. "I'm here to speak with Big Macintosh." Applebloom tilted her head, the wheels in her mind slowly beginning to turn as the dots connected. The cloak, the black goggles, this was her brother's friend. The one who took him away from her for six months... "Yer Sin, right?" She asked, her face holding a curious and neutral innocence. Sin nodded. "Why'd ya take mah brother away?" It was an innocent question, but she couldn't keep the small bit of malice it carried. She loved her elder brother and when he left, it felt just as terrible as the time Applejack ran away and worked on the cherry farm after she lost at the Rodeo some time back. "He came with me of his own accord." "Accord?" "Free will." Applebloom looked down and frowned. "Then... he really did wanna leave us?" Ever since Big Mac had returned to the farm, she'd pushed back thinking his reasons for leaving. Her sister and grandmother repeatedly told her that it was because Mac needed to "go out" into the world for a bit and that she shouldn't blame herself. But any time she thought about it, that's exactly what came to mind. Wasn't he happy on the farm? Did I cause too much trouble for him? Was it because I didn't help out enough in the orchards? Then of course there was the exchange where he threw his yoke down and scared the mares of the house out. But he seemed so angry at her in particular that night. That had to have been it... In all her years of living with him, Applebloom had never once seen Big Macintosh so angry, not even the times he yelled at her for doing stupid things to try to get her cutie mark. She still remembered the terror she felt that night. The slamming of his yoke on the floor and his yelling at each of her kin in the room. Granny and Applejack were even more scared than she was, which only served to fuel the tears she shed. At first she was angry at Macintosh for being so mean to them, after the fear subsided and they found refuge at an inn. However, the moment she heard that he was leaving, all of the anger she felt suddenly turned in on herself, and a little at her grandma and sister. If they hadn't yelled at him than none of this would have happened. She was part to blame for her brother walking out on the family. She looked back up to the brown pony before her expecting an answer. Though, he simply stood with an impassive and stoic nature that rivaled, if not, surpassed that of her brother. "It is not my place to say why he left." Sin finally said, lowering himself to the filly's height. If it was meant to make her feel less intimidated, the tactic failed miserably. "But if it helps, your brother spoke very fondly of you and your sister." Appleblooms mouth gaped with a happy smile, Sin returned the gesture than stood from his place. "H- He really said nice things?" Sin nodded once. Before she could interrogate him farther, a voice cut in. "Applebloom, how's that plowin' commin'- Huh?" Applebloom looked over to find her sister looking at her curiously. "What's goin' on here?" "I'm here to talk to Macintosh." Sin stated again. "He said Big Mac wasn't angry at us!" Applebloom chirped. "I wouldn't go that far." His words lost on the bouncing filly, but not on the elder apple. Sin regarded the older mare, While the young filly continued to speak, the two holding each others indifferent gaze while the stallion forcing his face to remain impassive. For some reason, the pony's green eyes always made him feel like she could see through his goggles, past his eyes and into his very soul. It was unnerving. The longer the two stared, the more and more awkward the moment became. Truth was he didn't know what to say right now. What was he supposed to say? 'Move and allow me on your property to see your brother?' That wasn't his way of doing things, he wasn't about to just march right by her. This was Apple family property, and while Macintosh probably wouldn't mind him coming on, Applejack's authority superseded Sin's own if she bared him entry. "Hehe," Applejack chuckled, breaking the tan clad stallion from his thoughts. "you know Sin, ya really gotta loosen up at some poin', no use n' bein' all stern faced all the time." He failed to find the comedy in the situation, but then again he was running on about three days of no sleep. "Alright Applebloom, it's a mighty good job. Keep it up!" "Alright, sis." the aforementioned replied before attempting another pass. "Let's go." "Right." He said awkwardly before being escorted up to the freshly plowed western fields. "So, wha' brings ya to the farm?" Asked the mare pleasantly. "Last Ah heard ya had some job over west." "Yes, the assignment was beyond my ability." Replied Sin, almost letting his snarl slip. Admitting to something he couldn't do always left a bad taste in his mouth, almost as bad as admitting he was wrong. "Yea, Twi' said ya took off 'fore she coul' really give ya details." He looked over to find the mare smirking. Passive aggression? Curse the fact he was too tired to really make a witty reply. Admitting to his over zealous urge to do the job a grunting nod, AJ continued to push the issue. "Why didn' ya, if Ah may ask." She gave him a look. "Y'all seem a bit too smart tah be hot headed like tha'." A compliment? Really? Now that was suspicious. What he meant to be a well thought out and intelligent response degenerated into a discombobulated mess of words with inappropriate wined downs. "Ya alright, pardner?" Sin shook the impending sleep from his head. "Yea, just tired." "Ah can see that." Applejack chuckled. "We've been moving at a snail's pace fer the past minute." The stallion didn't want to admit it, but he knew it was true. Guess that meant he'd be sleeping for a bit when he got back to camp. "Mind if Ah ask ya a question?" "Sure." "Why do ya insist on livin' in the Everfree Forest?" The question seemed innocent enough and he answered honestly. Fact of the matter was, he preferred his privacy and solitude. Though the mare knew of Shade's association and pointed the fact out. "Shade keeps well enough to himself most days." "Hard tah believe tha', consideren'." Sin offered an empty smirk and shook the creepy tiredness from his eyes again. "Yes, he... uh," He shook his head again. "Can be difficult at times." Again, the mare eyed him skeptically. "You sure you're alrigh'?" And yet again with this nonsense. "Yes, Ms. Applejack, I'm perfectly fine." "Is that why you haven' taken a step for the pas' two minutes?" Cocking a brow, the stallion looked down at his legs to find they were infact, stagnant. He let out a light yawn to hide the embarrassed flush in his cheeks. "Yes, well; ahem, as I said before..." Oh hell, what did he say before? 'Dude, you're losing it. Just speak with Mac and get the hell outta here.' The stallion and mare pushed onwards, Sin's full mental fortitude concentrated on simply making it up the hill. Why did all of this exhaustion hit him at once like this? Well, the aching feeling in his stomach should have answered that, he hadn't eaten since the day before yesterday and even what he did eat wasn't exactly nutritious for what his body really needed. Not that it was his fault, the forest just didn't provide much that he could identify as being safe. It didn't take long for the two to make it to the higher end of the fields to find multiple ponies dragging wheeled plows down and collecting snow to be pushed off to a large mound on the side behind the barn. "Sin?" Macintosh questioned. The two exchanged greetings and conversed quickly about himself. A basic repeat of how the whole day went really. "Thanks fer comin' all the way out here, glad to see yer' okay." The Federalist nodded and prepared to leave, "say, wouldja mind helpin' us out clearin' the field? We're a bit behind scheduled." Sin was about to reply in the negative but something made him hold his tongue. He wasn't able to rationalize it due to his exhaustion but it came from a feeling of how guilty he'd feel for denying his friend. Mac was one of the few real friends he had and had helped him out in his travels, he at least owed him this much. Not to mention what better did he have to do? Mentally he wasn't fit to digest any research and back at the camp... yea, staying her was defiantly better. Mac smiled and lead him to where two extra plows stood on stand by. Sin groaned in discomfort as the yoke was placed over his neck, even if it was for an actual job, the yoke itself just pissed him off. "Alrigh', so jes walk 'n collect snow. Bring it all oveh to that big pile there." The red stallion pointed. Seemed simple enough, the plow had wheels so that would help, even if his body ached like a mother fucker. Still the other ponies around walked at a happy pace, so he should be fine. Macintosh stood and watched his friend pull the plow. He was honestly surprised Sin agreed to help with Winter Wrap up, but in a good way. As expected, the first few yards were plowed effortlessly, but the more snow the pony accumulated, the more visibly strained he'd become. It took a while, but eventually, the brown cloaked pony made it to the end of the field and deposited his snow cache. Mac took to his own plow and did the same. About an hour into the job, one of the fellow work ponies greeted him and asked for a moment. "That new guy over there." Said the greenvested caramel earth stallion. "What's up with him? He's having alot of problems with the plow for an earth pony." Directed looked to find his associate struggling, but still moving. "He ain't an earth pony." Mac shrugged. "He isn't?" Asked the other stallion. "Well I don't see a horn on him, but why would a pegasus pony be down here pulling snow? Should he be with the weather team? And where is his vest, anyway?" Promising he'd explain later, the apple farmer told the stallion to get back to work. Reluctantly, he agreed and the work continued on. Silvia strode along happily, a fresh lead about a pony by the name "Filthy Rich" playing in her mind. If word around served true, he was the richest pony in town. She had a great skill set she could offer up to him, and if nothing else, her job had called for many infiltrations in companies, seducing the high stress types was down to a science. Even Malich had complimented her abilities, putting her up with the 'Destruction Twins' who were daughters of another wealthy businesspony. She didn't know whether to be thankful for the compliment, or disgusted by being compared to those sluts. "Omf!" She cried before falling back. Silvia looked up to a lavender unicorn rubbing her snout. "Oh, excuse me, I'm so sorry." She apologized helping the griffin to her feet. "I wasn't looking where I was going." Silvia shrugged, "don't sweat it, I wasn't either. Say, you don't know where Filthy Rich lives, do you?" The unicorn mare rubbed her chin in thought for a moment. "If I remember correctly, he's in the mansion on the west side of town, though that might just be his daughter's." Mansion? Silvia didn't recall a mansion in the town, and with fly about she did to survey the town, there wasn't a doubt in her mind she would have missed it. Still, the unicorn mare seemed certain about the dwellings placement and would have offered to assist by escorting Silvia through the town, but her place with Winter Wrap up wasn't done. "Alright, I'll check it out. Thanks miss..." "Twilight" the unicorn smiled, happy to be of help. Silvia giggled and gave her own name before departing. Again, shifting through the pleasant crowed the griffin wondered through the town and asked a few ponies for the direction of Filthy Rich's mannor. How her cheeks must have flushed when the orange colored mare pointed right behind her and said "right there." Silvia turned and tilted her head. The building was by no means large, but it was about fifty percent bigger than the surrounding homes. Two chimnies protruded from the dark grey roof panels, held up by alabaster bricked walls with complimentary accents of dark red pillars leading to a darker green door. This was a mansion? She thanked the carrot colored mare and approached the building. As impressive as the structure was, it was by no means a 'mansion' in her book, she thought as she approached the door. But then again, Equestria was more expressive in quality of space than it was quantity; compared to the Federation. A few quick knocks on the door summoned a very sightly and snobbish looking pony. Grey were both his coat and mane, the latter being a slightly lighter shade. He towered over her, compared to the other ponies she'd encountered, this one was a giant! Never before had she seen one so tall, and what's worse, he had his nose in the air with his eyes closed. A butler of the highest caliber for sure. "Good evening, madam. May I help you this fine afternoon?" He asked in a pompus tone that made Silvia want to slap him silly. Especially on the word 'fine', he practically barked it at her as if there was something he'd rather be doing right now. "Um, yes." She cleared her throat. "I'm seeking an audience with Filthy Rich, might he be available? I have some... services that I wish to offer." The butler stood making an over the top "Hmmmmm" sound. It was amusing at first, but after the thirty second mark, the thought of smacking him upside the head became a great deal more appealing. "Stern Look!" An obnoxious, adolescent voice barked, drawing the stallion's attention. "Who's at the door? If those stupid blank flanks are selling cookies again..." "No, Miss Tiara, it is some griffin looking to speak with your fathah." "Well is he important?" "No, she does not appear to be." 'What the hell? I'm standing right here, you know.' A moment later, a small pink and white filly with a... crown upon her head stood and observed her with bored and annoyed eyes. Silvia was about to give her a greeting but a mischivious smile crossed the filly's face and she gestured for the butler to come down and whispered into his ear. Silvia's eyes narrowed upon the child. She had a certain predisposition to children, and the griffin had worked with them enough to know a daddy's little girl when she saw one. If there was one thing daddy's girls liked to do, it was force out any female who could be perceived as a threat.. After much consideration, the butler decided to let Silvia -now a bit more cautions- in the home, which surprisingly enough, was far more impressive than the outside. The large marble pillars stood proudly against the darkened uppermost floor with two symmetrical stair cases that lead up to the second level. Miraculous paintings and busts of unicorns stood atop graphite pillars etched in the same fashion that pegasi use for their homes. The smell hit her hardest though, the bland but clean air on the outside gave way to the fragrance of... well the best way she could describe the smell was clean. No play on words about lemons or roses, or even the pungent odor of sterility. Just clean. As she observed the impressive decor of green plants at the base of the stair case, Silvia stood unprepared for the harsh, high pitched screeching sound that echoed through out the house. "DAAAAADDYYYYYY!" Sin stood on wobbly legs and his body cried out for him to just fall where he stood and go to sleep. Thanks to Pinkie's rib shattering death grip, pulling the plow had taken far more of a toll than it should have. Still, it did feel good to help a friend out, he'd be sure to appreciate it after his hibernation. While this was by no means the worst condition his body had ever been in, it was still irritating to be exhausted and unable to rest. "Thanks fer yer help, Sin." Macintosh called, leaving the barn where the town kept the snow plows. Sin offered a nod and a small 'yea'. With that, the Federalist let a sigh and approached the exit of the farm. He never noticed how nice cold grass felt against his hooves. That was also something he'd need to appreciate when he woke up. "Ya leavin' already?" Sin stopped mid step and slowly turned to the farmer. He knew he was supposed to reply in the negative, but he was to exhausted to form the words so he simply nodded. "Ya sure ya can't stay fer dinner? Granny's makin' some good ol' pumpkin pie." He tried to persuade. Still, Sin declined with a slow shake of his head. "Al righ'." Macintosh nodded, "see'ya 'round." Mac turned to wonder back to the farm. Sin stood for a moment to let what the stallion said sink in when a sudden dizzying feeling overtook him. His body's balance was thrown off for a moment and he involuntarily staggered to the right. Blinking none stop, the Federalist's will to stand began waning fast. No, no this couldn't be happening not now. He slowly turned and moved little quicker than an old mare. But it was, his body was on the verge of shutting down and he couldn't stop it. His mind went blank as he felt the last shred of his will leave him before he fell to his stomach. The last thing he saw was a giant red figure standing over him, yelling something unintelligible. Malich sat in his chair, his face as blank as his thoughts. His eyes were glued to the window. Unfocussed and disinterested in the griffin who was pushing off the last bits of snow from the outside balcony to the long drop below. His mind didn't work like that of normal ponies. Whenever he wanted to sort out his thoughts he would sit in a trance like state with his mind in a numbness that, one would think, cause him insurmountable amounts of frustration. Truth be told, he didn't much care for it either, but the results were incontrovertible in their efficiency. "Alright." He growled, closing his eyes. The newly constructed Judgement II would be delivered to Columbus in three days. The reports he received yesterday claimed it was ready for final inspection, and with one day for error corrections, his inspectors should be able to make sure it passes for the original. Silvia had not reported back yet. This meant either she was dead or Sin refused to acknowledge her presence. Of course there was the possibility she was slacking off, as she liked to do from time to time. Still, he'd need to send some one to find her and either relieve her of her duty or gain one hell of a detailed report. Next up was Windmane, his situation was one that deserved serious reconsideration. Thornberry was simple enough to control with his captivity, but the mare's resolve was visibly dwindling. According to his lobbyists, the Senator was growing more and more depressed and apathetic to her work. Fact was, he had no intention on killing Windmane, but he couldn't have him leave just yet. A small hope in the Vice President was still holding out that the former senator's capture would draw the pony he wanted. Still, if this kept up for much longer, who knew what Thornberry would do. Malich wasn't stupid, he knew that even with his control over the media that Thornberry could still cause quite a bit of trouble for him. If she did blab to the Senate about the abduction of her lover, it wouldn't end well for his image -especially since he was already involved in another scandal-. The threat of killing Windmane wouldn't be enough if she became all too distraught, and with out knowing where Sin was he couldn't enact his plan to make her words inconsequential. So, he'd either need to let her visit and gain some sort of reprieve from her stress or deny her public rantings. Since he wouldn't be able to really do anything about it for fear of giving her claims credibility. He'd send for her soon to set up a meeting arrangement. And lastly, and the most migraine educing topic to think of, the Federal inquiry. He wasn't sure when it would be, but knowing the government, he had months to prepare. Still though, it was an unfortunate matter and bad judgment that wouldn't soon be forgotten. The company's reputation was hurt, but not killed. A small smile crept onto the stallion's face. Besides, the breach of the Changling's parasite had lead to a solution to a far larger problem that had long plagued his plans. If everything worked out as he hoped, even Sin would be tempted to join him, his morals be damned. A sudden thought occurred to Malich and a small but mirthful chuckle escaped him. And finally, fucking finally, he'd be able to get rid of that plague, Fatchitaz once and for all.