“So…what’s you favorite color?”
“Don’t have one.”
“Where did you grow up?”
“A place far away from here.”
“What do you like to eat?”
“As long as I get nutrition, it doesn't matter.”
“Want to make-out?”
“Yeah whatever… NO!
Being early in the morning, the Carnival was pretty empty. Lines were short and the amusement rides were barely moving. It didn't matter to Mac. He still was exited to be there. Hush, on the other hoof, sulked at every given opportunity. She didn't want to be there, yet she had to. She told Mac the get together was for them to get to know each other, but she had an ulterior motive. All the questions Mac was asking didn't help out the situation.
“How dare you try to trick me like that?” Hush stoically yelled as she walked away, yet not without teaching Mac some respect.
He laid on the ground still recovering from the hit he had just received. The world spun around him as he saw triple of everything. Regaining his bearings, he cautiously rose, stumbled a little, and then chased after Hush. “Hey slow down…,” He called out, “I only did that because you were acting distant…and why did you hit me?”
“I am your shadow, and your superior. Not some mare you decided to take to the carnival. Your trick wasn't funny and I needed to show you that.”
“Wow…aren't a stick in the mud?” Mac said under his breath, “That hurt you know."
“Sorry, but it was necessary,” Hush said lowering her voice, “ but right now, my mind is else where.”
“Where?”
Hush only sighed as she grabbed her disciple's hoof and dragged him to the Ferris wheel. Fortunately for them, no one else was in line. The carnie was more than delighted to allow them on. They were probably his first customers. Mac got on and strapped himself is and waited for Hush. She whispered something in the canie’s ear and with a sly smile he nodded. Hush hurried, strapped herself in, and blew air out her nostrils. Slowly, the Ferris wheel began to rise.
“Oh Celestia , we’re getting pretty high on this thing, “Mac stated, “I didn't know it would be like this.”
“Don’t tell me a big stallion like you is afraid of heights,” Hush condescended as she smirked.
“Well I wasn't until we got up here…now ah’m not so sure.” Mac looked over the edge and swallowed hard.
Suddenly, the ride stopped with the two ponies at the top. Mac grew visibly frightened while Hush waited for him to calm down. “Calm down!” Hush ordered, “I have to tell you something and I don’t have much time.”
“Eenope…eenope. I have to get down.”Mac began to take breaths.
Hush shook head and reared her hoof back and slapped Big Mac. “Snap out of it, agent.”
The hit knocked Mac back into reality. He looked his mentor in the eyes with a straight and serious expression. He ignored everything else except Hush’s face. “Are you okay?”
“Eeyup…”
“Okay,” She took a deep breath, “I didn't really bring us here to get to know each other. Besides, I already know everything about you.”
“What?!”
“What type of agent would I be it I didn't research you? Like the time you were almost married.”
“That was because a love poison…”
“Sure…anyway I brought you here because I needed some type of cover while I meet up with another agent, but we still do need to get to know each other.”
Okay. So who do you need to meet?”
Hush rubbed the back of her neck and looked down. “That’s the problem…I don’t know.”
The Ferris wheel sputtered back into motion. Before long, both agents would be back on the ground posing as civilians. Hush searched for words to say before that happened. “Uh…she’s bright white…um…skinny…unicorn…uh I think she poses as a model…uh…” Before anything could be said, both reached the ground and exited the ride. The carnie gave a congratulating smile then patted Mac on the back.
“ Uh…”
“Forget him,” commanded Hush, “Just help me find the agent. I hear she’s stealthy, quiet, and blends in with everything. Be careful…“
“Found her.” Mac asked and pointed in the direction of the cotton candy stand. There was a white unicorn with three fleurs-de-lis. She had a small satchel which she reached in to gather bits to pay for the treat. Mac turned to Hush to see she was dumbfounded. Seeing this, Mac said, “She was standing right there. It wasn't that hard.” Mac’s explanation didn't snap her out the trance. He thought this was a perfect time to get revenge on her for earlier. So, he reared his hoof back and was to “help” her. The attempt failed when Hush grabbed Mac’s hoof, twisted it, and then flipped him on his back.
“Don’t mess with the master, young grasshopper.” She whispered into Mac’s ear, “Now let’s catch…uh…this agent. I hear she plays around too often when it comes to serious matters.”
With broken pride, Mac got up, brushed himself off, and followed Hush. They barely got one hoof step off when the white unicorn turned to them and smiled. Immediately after, she broke off into a full gallop, dropping the cotton candy. Hush didn't hesitate before she started galloping. And Mac, he stood there reevaluating his decisions before he started to run.
The chase did last long, but it was filled with strenuous activities. The unicorn jumped over ponies, slid under carts, and jumped through vending booths. She did this all with the grace expected from a mare of her stature. Mac emulated these moves with a little more of his farm stallion gracefulness. The ponies he couldn't jump over moved out of the way in fear of being hit. He tried to slide under carts which resulted in him getting stuck several times. As he jumped through the booths, he would misjudge his landing and cause some short of mess. Hush simply tried to keep up.
The chase came to a end when the unicorn, more acrobatic than any pony thought, did several cartwheels, and then flipped over a fence. She stopped on the other side, saluted Mac and Hush, and then ran on. As she did, a playful laugh escaped her snout.
“Any ideas,Hush?” Mac asked. He wiped on bead of sweat from his brow. He was barely tired and covered with dirt and food products.
His mentor was a differently story. She had fallen on the ground in a heap of exhausted pony several feet behind Mac. “We…need to…corner…her…and make sure she can’t…oh Celestia…make sure she cant run away…”Hush said in between her desperate gasps for air, “I haven’t ran like that for ages.”
“Maybe you should start exercising more, so you wouldn't be so tired.” Mac suggested, a wry grin appearing.
“Shut you snout and help me get up.” Hush said,” Now I’m going to climb to higher ground and look. You stay down here and…”
“You’re going about this the wrong way,” Mac stated, “Just follow me.”
“What-“
“Trust me.”
Mac began to walk and joined a huge crowd of ponies that were forming a line. Hush joined him and there they waited at the very end. The line moved slowly and small shouts of joy got louder and louder as they moved close to the line’s source. Mac tried to make idle conversation, but Hush was too anxious to see what they were in line for. She would only give one word answers or completely ignore Mac.
“You hungry?” Mac asked.
“No. I’m more agitated that we have been in this line for 20 minutes and-,” Hush’s stomach growled quite loudly. She didn't show embarrassment as expected. She just turned and ordered her disciple to buy her food. He waved down a conveyor of hay dogs and bought two with every topping: a grand total of 16 bits. The price hurt his bank but not as much as his stomach, for Hush devoured both hay dogs without a second thought. Her only explanation was a shrug. Seeing a bit of mustard on her snout, Mac grabbed a napkin and wiped it away. Hush didn't stop him, but allowed him to.
“Aww. Look at the couple that chased me earlier today.” They heard a voice say.
Both agents turned to see that they were in the front of the line. The unicorn smirked at them. Hush snatched her snout away and Mac dropped the napkin. “We aren't a couple.” Hush hurriedly said. She didn't blush but Mac did. “Anyway we’re the agents you were to meet up with.”
“Oh, for the transfer.” The unicorn replied. She stroked her chin remembering.
“Before we do, I must ask. Why were all those ponies lined up to see you?”
An awkward silence resonated between the three ponies. Hush became confused as it became clear that she was the only one who didn't know why.
“You don’t know who she is do you, Hush?” Mac asked seriously.
“I don’t have much time for recreation, so no.”
“This is Fleur-dis-lee…the super model.” Mac said.
“And you know this how?”
Flash backs from Mac’s time of helping Rarity ran through his mind. The constant measuring. The constant outfit changing. The constant poses he was forced to make. His only solstice from it all was to read magazines that Rarity had left about. Mac shook the bad memories away. “I just know…”
“Oh…anyway, why did we need to meet up?” asked Hush.
“I’m supposed to pass on info, but…” replied Fleur.
“But…” both Mac and Hush said ushering Fleur to continue.
“But that’s no fun.” Fleur smirked, “Meet me at the paintball arena in ten minutes.
“Wait!”
It was too late. Fleur had already begun to run. Hush sighed and began to walk to the paintball arena. Mac caught up to her, stuck out his hoof, and tripped the poor mare. She fell straight on her snout. “What was that for?” Hush yelled, nursing a bruise.
“For eating both hay dogs!”
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Mac and Hush both arrived at the door of the arena at the same time. Hush’s fur now contained dirt and grass stains while Mac sported a new bruise on his shoulder. As they approached a small circular ball rolled into their path. Smoke began seeping out as smoke surrounded the whole area in a white cloud. Both pony agents went on the defensive, but nothing ever came. As the smoke cleared, a faint figure could be made out sitting in a chair.
“You guys are early…I like that.” Fleur commented from her chair.
“Just tell us why we’re here.” Hush snapped.
Fleur flipped her mane. “Well I know I was supposed to give you some info, but I’d thought we would make it fun.”
“No.”
“Yes. If you want the info, then you have to beat me in a paintball match.”
“Well, it’s only one of her and two of us. How hard can it be?” added Mac.
In that instant more circular balls appeared. The only difference was that the smoke that leaked out of these didn't last that long, but it was thicker. When it cleared, four ponies (two stallion earth ponies, one male pegusus and the other female) surrounded Fleur. Each one was wearing a black suit with a red tie and sunglasses. “I would like you to meet my disciples,” Fleur boasted, “Stylish and ready to win.”
“You just had to open your mouth…” murmured Hush.
The four ponies stuck a pose then dispersed. Left in their place were two paint ball guns that were fully loaded. “When you’re ready, enter the arena. All you have to do it is hit me and you win.” With that, Fleur elegantly walked into the arena. Mac picked up a paint gun and examined it. Semi auto with a 20 round magazine with a spare. How hard can it be to hit a pony right? Mac looked over to Hush who was also examining her weapon. “You know, Mac. Even though this isn't a legit battle, I want you to know that you’re going to get shot.”
“I never knew you were so deep. How about a bet? Whoever gets shot first owes the other a free favor.”
“Hmm deal.”
Determined not to die, Hush and Mac rushed in the arena, only to meet a barrage of paint. Immediately, they ducked behind the walls of the entrance. Fleur’s two earth ponies were firing shots with no sight of ending. Hush made weird hoof signals then ran around the corner. Knowing nothing else to do, Mac leaned around the corner and started firing. He wasn't the best shot, but it did the job, forcing the earth ponies to take cover.
He began to worry as moments passed. Where was Hush? Was she shot? He hoped not...well maybe a little. Just then, he saw her. She had managed to sneak behind the enemies. Instead of shooting them, she pulled out a red marker, silently marked one across the neck, and then the other. The ponies, knowing their fate, played the role accordantly. Each one grabbed their “wound”, fell over, and died. They mumbled something to each other then fell silent. Hush searched them and found another marker and more ammunition. She then called Mac forward and gave them to him. “Even though it’s fake, use it as if it was the real thing. Oh, and reload because your aim is garbage. The more bullets you have, the higher chances of a hit.” Mac did what she said. “Now, I’m going left and you’re going to the right. Try to find Fleur, but if you find the other two disciples…don’t hesitate to take action.”
Hush left without another word. Left alone with his thoughts, Mac went to the right. The setting of the arena reminded him of some type of business office filled with cubicles. Each one seemed to be furnished with the same items: a swivel chair, generic family picture, and reports. Every other cubicle had a decoy pony mannequin splattered in paint. That was the only reason Mac didn't shoot every one of them. Mac trotted lightly, not knowing what hid in each cubicle, so everyone he passed he would stick the paintball gun in, ready to fire. Fortunately, they were empty.
The area seemed clear, so Mac reasoned it would be alright to take some practice shots. He saw a black spot on the wall, aimed down the sights, and began to shoot. His first few shots were no where near the target. He was about to shoot again when something appeared in the corner of his eye. A figure dressed in black. He turned to see it was the male pegusus who happened to be holding an extra large marker. He had no other weapon. Mac, doing the honorable thing laid his gun on the ground.
“You ready?” Mac asked. He took out his marker and took off the cap.
“…” No words, but the pegusus did rise on his hind legs.
Neither pony moved form their respective spot. In Mac’s mind, he imagined them being in some type of western showdown. He imagined the tumbleweed rolling and the clock tower about to hit high noon. His fantasy was over when the pegusus began charging towards him. The wings must have given the extra push because Mac barely dodged an incoming swipe. Mac went in for a stab which was immediately parried. His attack left him open to a barrage of marker swipes quickly forcing him backwards.
“Ah Daggit!” Mac’s flank hit the wall. The pegusus closed in, leaving Mac with no place to go. He swallowed hard. Not because he was trapped, but because he was about to lose a bet to Hush. He was prepared to act out the dying role, yet the Pegasus decided to take it a step further. He grabbed the farmer by the by the throat, lifted him off the ground onto the wall, and knocked the marker from his hoof. (“This pegusus is strong” thought Mac.) Mac was defenseless. He knew this was all play, but this stallion was taking it too far. A disturbing smile appeared on the disciple’s snout as he raised the huge marker to Mac’s throat. The disciple took deep breath which the farmer had to constantly smell. “You could really use a breath mint.” Mac managed to choke out jokingly. He couldn't go out like this. He had to do something…something risky.
“You lose…” said the pegusus in his croaky voice. He put the Marker to Mac’s throat.
“Eenope…” Mac’s front leg crashed down on those of the disciple. Instantly, Mac dropped to the floor. Acting quickly, he tackled the confused Pegasus. As they fell, the large marker fell from the disciple's hoof. They hit the ground hard with the pegusus taking the most damage. Mac didn't wait for the pain to subside. He found the marker, and then stabbed it into the disciple’s chest. No hard, but enough to make the marker leak. Shocked, the pegusus made his final movements, and then “died”. Mac rolled onto his back and panted. “Three down…two to go.” He said out loud
“Sorry, but this is the end for you.” Sneered a female.
Mac internally sighed and looked towards the voice’s source. As he guessed, it was the female pegusus and she was holding a paintball revolver aimed at Mac’s head. She smiled. Mac smiled. She pulled the trigger. Mac ran. The paint nearly splattered on his head as he moved. Every shot whizzing past his ear. He barely made it to his gun and he returned fire. He shots weren't as accurate, yet it made the pegusus ducked into a cubicle. Mac did the same.
“You know your aiming sucks!” Mac heard her yell.
“Well you’re hiding!” Mac rebutted, “So it’s doing the job!”
“Touche…by the way, what’s your name?”
“Mac…” He didn't want her to know his whole name, “Yours?”
“Peace Maker,” Mac heard her voice fade, then get closer, “But ponies who know me, call me Predator.”
She jumped into Mac’s cubicle without warning. His weapon was too large to aim in time. She already had the nose of the revolver against his scalp. “You know, I only have one shot left. Let’s see how lucky you are.” She took out the cylinder, spun it, and CLICK! The chamber was empty. She smiled and pulled the trigger again. CLICK! Mac’s mind wasn't on the gun, or sound, or even the mare that did look nice in her suit. CLICK! He was thinking how all these other disciples outclassed him. CLICK! He was barely surviving all the encounters and now his “Life” was in the hoofs of a revolver. CLICK! “Hmm guess who made it to the last chamber! You lucky stallion!” She aimed between Mac’s eyes, “Too bad I have to ruin that pretty red coat of yours.”
CLICK!
There was no pain. No splatter. Mac opened his eyes on at a time. He wasn't hit, but Peace was. A blue spot ruined the front of her suit. She glanced at her wound in disbelief before falling “dead” on the ground. Her revolver rolled away from her hoof and hit the cubicle wall. Mac couldn't help, but follow its trail with his eyes. What he saw made him breathe a sigh of relief.
“I should have let you get shot,” muttered Hush, “I could have used that favor.”
“Ah shush and help me up,” Mac reached out his hoof which Hush grabbed immediately. With little strain she lifted him up. “You’re stronger than ya look.”
“Shut up and Listen. At the end of this arena is a CEO office. My guess is that Fleur will be in there, so we’re going to storm in there guns blazing. Watch out, though. She could also be hiding.”
With that, Hush began to gallop and Mac followed close behind. There was no sign of Fleur as they ran to the CEO room and soon they were at the doors. Both reloaded the guns and breathed hard. Who knew what could be behind the door? More disciples? A turret? Maybe Fleur was hiding somewhere else. It didn't matter. The mission needed to be completed. Mac got into bucking position and Hush aimed steadily. The plan was confirmed and Mac brought in his legs to buck. The sound of hooves cracking wood resonated throughout the arena.
“Welcome friends! You made it!” Fleur guffawed. She spun around in an office chair, “I assume you defeated all my disciples…well you win!!”
Fleur opened her arms in a congratulatory fashion and was met by two shots in the chest. Her fur now ruined. Both farmer and model looked towards Hush; her gun’s barrel still smoking from being fired. She only shrugged and said, “I had to make sure we won.” Disgusted, Fleur stormed out of the room.
“Was that necessary?” Mac asked.
“Just had to be safe…or did you want her to pull a trick or something?”
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Seven agents walked out the arena, but only two were paint free. Fleur’s disciples re-locked the doors to the arena, gathered the paint guns, and then scattered. Only Fleur, Hush ,and Mac were left.
“That was fun.” Fleur acknowledged still having agitation in her voice, “You two make a very good team.”
“Eeyup”
“Whatever.”
“Hmm ,quite.Well, see you two around.” With that, Fleur tossed out a smoke bomb. When the smoke cleared, she was gone and in her place was a manila folder. Hush picked it up, opened it, read over the documents, and closed it back. She let out a smirk which then turned into a worried frown.
“What’s in the folder?” Mac questioned.
“Nothing…good work today, Mac.” Hush turned to leave, but a hoof on the shoulder stopped her.
“Hey, we’re a team. You can tell me this stuff.” Said Mac, “Plus, I did kind of help get it.”
Hush thought for a moment before concluding that she should tell Mac. “It’s is a list and photos of government officials who are corrupt and being bribed by an outside source. My…our job is to watch these individuals for any suspicious activities.”
“Alright. When do we start?”
“We start whenever I tell you. Got it agent?”
“Yes ma’m!” Mac saluted.
“At ease. Now go enjoy the rest of your day…oh and here you go. I found it.” Hush said as she handed Mac a folded piece of paper. She left without another word. Disappearing some impossible way. Mac didn't hesitate to open the paper. To his surprise, it was the note he had written to his sister. Who knew Hush cared this much? He put it in his satchel and trotted to the post office before anything else bad could happen.