//------------------------------//
// Calm 
// Story: Contracted 
// by Slywolf930 
//------------------------------//

	Marx dodged another tree as he continued his run through the forest. The bags on his back were quickly feeling heavier as the weight inside of him hit rock bottom. Reaching the edge of the forest, he looked out into the town ahead. With nowhere else to go, he’d decided to go out with a bang.
The streets of Ponyville were quieting down as the sun started its descent. Fluttershy was walking back to her house, after having finished being debriefed at Twilight’s tree. She’d slept there the day before because she was afraid that Marx might return. Now, she felt confident that he’d be long gone. Well, confident after Twilight pushed her out of the door saying that she should go home. Now, Fluttershy approached her cottage, the lights still on and the sounds of the animals coming from within.
Wait, there was something wrong. The animals would be preparing for sleep. The nocturnal animals wouldn’t be awake by now… what could have been causing the commotion? Fluttershy was about to find out. She pushed open the door, the sounds of the animals quieting down. Inside, she saw a figure laying on the couch, looking up at the ceiling.
“You can call the guards in the morning, but I needed someplace to spend the night,” Marx said, swatting away a hummingbird that landed on his shoulder.
Fluttershy gave a silent scream as she shut the door, running back the way she came. Marx looked at the door, surprised at the reaction. “I thought I gave a good reason… It’s like she doesn’t like me, but what’s not to like?” Marx asked the squirming rabbit tied up in the corner. Angel didn’t put up much of a fight after he was thrown across the room.
Fluttershy ran through the empty streets straight to Twilight’s house. Stopping to knock on the door, she caught her breath as she awaited the response.
“Come in,” Twilight answered from the other side. Fluttershy opened the door, entering and shutting the door behind her. She looked to Twilight, hoping to find some comfort.
“Fluttershy, are you still paranoid about that pony?” Twilight asked, annoyed.
“H-he’s i-in my… house,” She whispered the last word.
“Don’t be ridiculous, he’s long gone by now. C’mon, I’ll go with you and show you there’s nothing to be scared about,” Twilight said.
“No, I don’t wan-,” Fluttershy said before Twilight dragged her out the door. Eventually, she got up the courage to walk back instead of being forcibly pushed, as long as Twilight was going too.
“Okay, here we are,” Twilight said, standing at the door. She pushed open the door, showing Fluttershy the contents of her house. Inside, the animals were wild, flying and running around in circles, apparently looking for something. There was no sign of anything else.
“B-but,” Fluttershy said.
“See, everything’s fine. Just get some rest, you were probably seeing things. You’ll forget all about this in the morning,” Twilight said, before turning and walking away.
“O-okay…” Fluttershy said, inching her way inside. Some of the animals were trying to calm down the others, so she decided it was best to leave them be. They’ll get tired eventually. She ducked her head as she made her way upstairs. Slowly, she climbed the steps and entered her room. The room was dark, but she just wanted the bad thoughts to leave.
Fluttershy climbed into bed. The sounds from downstairs weren’t audible from here, and she quickly found the bed very comfortable. Her eyes started to feel heavy. Then, there was a sound nearby. It was very close. Slowly, she raised her head, looking into the darkness. At first, her eyes hadn’t adjusted enough, but then she noticed the white eyes peering at her from the other side of the room.
“Don’t scream,” Marx said softly.
Fluttershy remained quiet, but her thoughts of sleep were diminished. Marx sighed in the darkness, his pale eyes disappearing for a second.
“I just wanted a place to sleep… is that too much to ask?” Marx asked himself under his breath sarcastically. He stood up, walking towards the door. If he fell asleep with Fluttershy knowing he was there, then he’d be in danger of something happening while he slept. If only he hadn’t have gasped at how cute she was when she was sleeping. But then again… you’d have to have seen it. 
“Fuck it, I’m going to the Everfree. They won’t rat me out, and at least they know how to treat their guests,” Marx said, reaching for the door handle.
“Wait,” Fluttershy said. Marx stopped, surprised that she’d spoken. “It’s dangerous.”
“I’ll be fine; it’s only a few hundred Timberwolves. What’s the worst that could happen?” Marx asked, opening the door.
“D-don’t,” Fluttershy said, looking worried.
“And why not? You shouldn’t care what happens to me. Aren’t you scared of me? Don’t you think I’m just a menace to society? Cause I sure as hell do,” Marx said, walking out of the door. He walked down the steps, pushing past the mob of rabbits and birds that surrounded him. He left via the door, and closed it behind him.
Marx walked away from the house, in the direction of the nearby Everfree. Right now, being alone sounded like hell, and boy was he alone.
“Wait!” Fluttershy said, from the door to her house. Marx stopped, looking back, wondering what she had to say.
“You can s-stay… if you want,” Fluttershy said, looking away.
“I don’t need your charity,” Marx said, bitterly.
“It’s… it’s not…” Fluttershy tried to start. Then Marx saw her look away, hurt. A cold chill passed by, the night’s unforgiving wind freezing his legs and head. Fluttershy also shivered, and Marx felt bad about it.
“Get inside, it’s cold out here,” Marx said, ready to turn and walk away.
“Y-you t-too,” Fluttershy stuttered from the cold. Marx could see that she was resolved to stay out as long as she needed.
Marx looked at Fluttershy and then at the forest behind him. The leaves were rustling, as well as the bushes around the trees. Marx could see them, watching him. The Timberwolves, there could have been a hundred of them. Their eyes were cold and staring. Staring… at him. Marx looked back to Fluttershy, the warm invitation suddenly sounding like the best option.
“…alright,” Marx said, walking back. Fluttershy looked relieved and scared at the same time by his remark. She quickly entered, and Marx soon after. Fluttershy looked at him, and Marx looked towards the couch.
“But… can you do something about the animals?” Marx asked.
“Y-yes,” Fluttershy responded, backing away from Marx. “Can you all please leave him alone… he’s a… guest,” Fluttershy said, directing the statement to the animals crowding around him, trying to bite or claw at his legs. They reluctantly obeyed, and Marx laid down on the couch.
“Thanks,” Marx said, “You’re awfully kind, you know that?” Marx joked. Fluttershy blushed, and then she started to walk up the stairs.
“Goodnight Fluttershy,” Marx said.
“Goodnight,” She responded, although not very enthusiastically.
Marx closed his eyes, grateful for the place to lay his head. The lights were turned off by one of the animals, and soon he was no longer the main attraction. Now, Marx fell into deep sleep. For once, he found that nightmares didn’t haunt his sleep, nor did he have the feeling of having to wake up early. He was finally… relaxing… without worry. Maybe… this was good for him.
----------
The sun was streaking down through the leaves. The wind was cold, yet refreshing as it blew past his face. Looking up through the trees, he could watch the sky as the clouds rolled by. Everything was calm. Birds were chirping nearby, and the sounds of insects filled his ears. Looking to his left, he could see a rabbit hopping from brush to brush.
Marx decided that it was time to get moving. The sun had risen some time ago, and Fluttershy had gone into town, supposedly because she had plans with the others. No matter how nice she treated him, though, he knew that she wouldn’t keep it a secret. His plan now was to find a place to stay before it turned night, or find a place he could hide in before the twenty four hours were up.
Marx rose from his spot, not too far from the cottage. Walking around the back of the cottage, he found the two extra bags he had acquired on his departure from the Organization. Switching the sheathed sword for the crystal one, he put on his usual bag, with the crossbow in its usual place as well. Everything else he would look through later.
Marx left the two bags in the bushes where they would not be found. Then, he walked casually into town. If he was going to get noticed, it’ll be on his own terms.
-----------
“Great Fluttershy, you made it,” Twilight said, waving her over to their table.
“Yeah,” Fluttershy said, thoughtful.
“What’s wrong? Are you still worried about last night?” Twilight asked.
“Sort of,”  Fluttershy said.
“Fluttershy, dear, you need to relax. You’re going to get wrinkles,” Rarity said.
“Yeah, don’t let something like that bother you, we’ve got your back if that pony decides to come back,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Listen to Rainbow Dash, you know that the Royal Guard have got Ponyville on watch in case he does come back. We’re completely safe,” Rarity said.
“I’d like to see him try to get back in town after all that. We could show him a thing or two,” Applejack said.
“But he-,” Fluttershy started.
“Hold on a second, is that him now?” Applejack asked, pointing outside the glass window. Indeed, Marx was walking down the street, the crystal sword strapped to his side, shining in the sun’s rays and creating a green aura around him. His smile was bold, almost challenging.
“He’s not getting away this time,” Rainbow Dash said, getting up and heading for the door.
“Oh my, that blade of his looks divine!” Rarity said, admiring the green sword, leaning in for a better look.
“I’ll send for the guards, don’t let him out of your sights!” Twilight said, also rising from her seat.
“Oh no,” Fluttershy whispered as Rainbow Dash rushed out the door.
------------
Marx was walking down the street, enjoying the sight of the stalls on the sides of the streets, as well as the attitudes of the ponies walking down the street. They seemed to be enjoying themselves, and Marx felt some of that calm his own tensions. The town was peaceful and, under different circumstances, he could see himself living here permanently. However, today was not the case.
As Marx reached one of the restaurants, he noticed Fluttershy and the others seated inside near the window. After having walked around unable to find a realtor, he decided that he should just accept he wouldn’t find a place to stay other than other pony’s houses. Now, he was just sightseeing. He was just going to accept the fact that if he survived the day, he’d only have to fight harder in the night to survive the Timberwolves.
Seeing the six of them in the restaurant, he decided that maybe he should try to talk to them. It’s not like they were still hostile about the-
“Get back here!”
Marx was barely able to duck down to avoid the collision. Standing back up, his smile turned into a frown. There were some rude ponies these days.
“You,” Rainbow Dash said, righting herself from the place she crashed. She didn’t see him move until the last second, and she didn’t have time to stop. Now, she looked at him with the same resentment as before.
“You,” Marx remarked, tilting his head. “Should watch where you’re going.”
“Don’t give me that. You’ve got some nerve showing your face here again,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Listen, I can explain,” Marx said, glad for the reprieve from any possible violence.
“Then let’s hear it,” Rainbow Dash said, Applejack and Rarity coming up behind her.
“I’d rather not, I don’t have all day,” Marx said.
“Listen bud, you’ve got some explaining to do before the Canterlot guards get here,” Applejack said.
“Where’d you get that thing of beauty?” Rarity asked, eyes focused on the sword.
“I’m sure we don’t want anypony to get hurt, so why don’t we pretend I was never here. And can you tell me where the realtor is while you’re at it? I sort of need a place to stay for tonight,” Marx said.
“Look-,” Applejack started before a clang of metal stopped her. Two royal guards stood next to her, their faces stern and solid.
“We’ll take it from here, ma’am,” The Canterlot guard said, his golden armor catching the sun’s rays.  His Blonde mane was noticeable only from Marx’s proximity. His spear was pointed at Marx, the tip sharp as razor. Looking at both the guards, Marx was surprised it was only the Dawn Guard. Of the three types of guards, the Dawn guards were the weakest, although they often fought in numbers. Such as now, Marx was outnumbered two to one.
“Get down on the ground or we will have to use force,” The other guard said, his red mane sticking out from the helmet.
“On what grounds?” Marx asked.
“Shadow, you are under arrest for countless murders and robberies totaling almost a million bits. Surrender, now,” The guard said. The three mares were shocked at the news. They were only told he was bad, but none of them knew about his notorious background. From inside the restaurant, Fluttershy as well as Pinkie gasped at the news.
“Not in front of the ladies, don’t you think?” Marx asked, his hoof already stretching toward the sword. There was no way he could use the crossbow from this distance without taking a hit.
“This is your last warning, drop the sword,” The guard said, taking a step forward.
“But I just found a new resolve…” Marx said, the green sword leaving the strap as he held it in a defensive position.
“You have been warned,” The other guard said. In unison, they rushed forward, spears already covering half the ground.
Technically it wasn’t the guards that were weak. It was their weapons. Using spears, Marx had found that ranged or close quarters combat was effective against their mid ranged weapons. Such as here, Marx jumped to the left to focus on one enemy, hitting the spear to one direction as he charged forward, sword ready to stab.
The second guard blocked the attack with his own spear, causing Marx to back away before the first guard’s spear could strike. Marx held the crystal sword like he’d been doing it all his life. With his new resolve, he felt the limitations removed as his full potential was revealed. By using a weapon without a sheath, nor a blunt side, he was forcing himself to attack without hesitation.
He couldn’t incapacitate, so if he wanted somepony to be quiet, he’d have to kill them. By taking away the side of him that held him back, he swung with full strength, and moved with his full speed. The guards were having a hard time as Marx relentlessly charged, taking advantage of their spears’ weakness. They couldn’t fight back as Marx managed to dent up their armor and in some places cause tiny cuts. 
Marx blocked a strike and he raised his sword, facing the guard who’d just been countered. The second guard moved his spear to block the incoming attack for his ally, but it never came. Instead, the green sword passed through his own chest, the grip on his spear failing as he fell forward. Marx turned to the other guard, disarming him in one swing. The spear stabbed into the wall of a house.
Marx felt the adrenaline still pumping through him as he swung downward, aiming for the helmet of the guard. The guard flinched back as the sword hit steel. Peeking out with his eye, the guard saw the black weapon stopping the sword from making its fatal strike.
“That’s enough,” The shadow guard said, lifting the weapon as Marx removed his sword. “Get them to the infirmary,” he said, keeping his eyes on Marx. “I’ll take care of him,” The shadow guard commanded his troops, also Shadow guards. They lifted the fallen guard, blood soaking through the cloth stretcher they used.
“This is all self defense,” Marx said, raising his sword into a fighting stance.
“Look, the criminal’s got humor,” The shadow guard said, before the black rapier was once again clashing with the sword. 
They were the second strongest guard in Equestria’s arsenal. The Shadow Guard. Marx knew of their speed and skills. The weapon they had was one of the sharpest weapons in the country. The black rapiers that could make shish kebab of ponies. Highly skilled as well as having gone through vicious training regiments, the shadow guard could, in numbers, take him down easily. But that’s where they lacked. Most of them grew up socially challenged one way or the other, and they often fought alone. That was why they weren’t the best of the best.
Marx stepped back, staying a safe distance from the point of the rapier. The shadow guard lunged forward, the stabbing motion directed at Marx’s legs. Marx jumped away, although he couldn’t avoid the rapier as it slashed against one of his hooves. Marx noticed that the other shadow guards had left their companion, and most probably their superior, alone.
“You’ve messed up,” Marx said, wiping the blood away from his hoof. The shadow guard didn’t respond as he charged forward again, the speed of his movements catching Marx off guard. He could barely avoid the rapier as it passed above his head.
Marx slashed forward with his sword, striking the front knee of the shadow guard. Without even flinching from the pain, the shadow guard slashed downward, making Marx roll to the side. Strands of Marx’s hair were floating away as his new haircut caused Rarity to faint.
“You’re such a pain,” Marx said, as he cut off some from the other side to make it look not as bad. 
“You’re about to feel a lot more,” The shadow guard responded, like he didn’t feel the blood pouring from his knee. The cut was right next to the armor, and it caused the armor to turn an almost rusted color.
The shadow guard stepped forward, suddenly his leg giving out on him. He cursed under his breath as he took up a defensive stance, putting little pressure on his injured hoof. Marx sheathed his sword, pulling out the crossbow.
“You coward,” The guard said, lifting the rapier to try and block.
“I thought I was a criminal,” Marx said, firing the bolt into the shadow guard’s other leg. The guard howled in pain as the bolt sank in deep. Too bad for him Marx didn’t bring any sleep darts. Oh wait, he did that on purpose.
Marx turned, wanting to leave before the other guards came back. Applejack and Rainbow Dash were about to challenge him themselves, but then something flashed in the sky. A white arrow, almost three times as long as Marx’s bolt hit the ground next to him. Marx looked first to the sky, and then the tree about twenty meters from him. He saw a white shape poking out from behind the tree.
Marx walked over slowly, his crossbow loaded for emergencies. When he got close enough, he could see who it was. One of the new recruits in the Organization was grinning at him, the bow in his magic grasp. It was loaded and pulled back, ready for dispersal. Marx ducked as the second arrow flew above his head. He had fired fast, but his aim needed help. Marx knew this pony, he’d spoken to him only once, and he’d already hated his guts.
They’d spoken while Marx was resting after a mission. Sitting outside in the grass, he’d come over, a smile plastered on his face. He was white coated, with a reddish brown mane. He appeared to always be smirking or grinning at some inside joke only he knew. Whatever the case, Marx wasn’t one to judge.
“Hey,” Marx had greeted him, wondering what he wanted.
“Shut it, number six,” He had smirked before walking back and laughing to himself, apparently only wanting to come over for that reason. Marx hadn’t done anything about it back then, after all he was supposed to set examples. Instead, he had shrugged it off and went back to relaxing. This pony… had problems.
Now, Marx watched as the pony loaded his third arrow. Marx aimed his crossbow, not even hesitating to fire. The bolt sailed through the air, hitting his horn. The magic disappeared and the pony held his horn, gritting his teeth. The smile was gone from his face.
“What are you doing? I’ve still got five more hours,” Marx said, walking even closer.
The pony recovered, pulling out a small knife from his bags. He held it out, the smile returning, although faintly. “Then I’ll just kill you and hide the body until later,” He said.
“What makes you so sure that’ll happen?” Marx asked.
“Cause you were only number six. There’s nothing special about you. I’ve got just as much skill and power as you,” He said, confident.
“Of course,” Marx said evenly, loading another bolt.
“What?” The pony asked, confused.
“Everypony has ability, the difference…” Marx started. He fired the crossbow, directly striking the knife and sending it flying. “Is experience,” He finished.
“Don’t act so high and wise,” The pony said, babying his injured hoof. Now, he pulled out a blade the same size as Marx’s. He held it in his other hand, it was gripped tightly, almost as if he hadn’t held a sword before.
Marx put the crossbow back, pulling out the crystal blade, still marked in blood. Behind him, Rainbow Dash and Applejack were helping to take the shadow guard to the hospital. Marx was still feeling fatigued from that fight, and the fight before, but he still had energy to finish off this amateur.
“There’s no hope for you,” Marx said, already only a few feet away from the pony. The amateur’s horn fizzled, still unable to use magic. Marx closed the distance in seconds as he clashed swords with the pony. Marx didn’t use much force and the amateur dropped the sword instantly.
Marx sheathed his sword, picking up the small iron sword he had dropped. He looked down to the pony, and the hooves covering his face. Marx wanted to stop, he wanted to let him go free, but the pony had tried to come after him early. Not only that, but even with his face blocked, he could see that face he’d seen a while back. The same face that grinned and smirked on a daily basis. Marx raised his sword.
“You should have played by the rules,” Marx said, the sword descending in an increasing speed. He didn’t look away as the sword was inches from its target. Suddenly, the force of the sword driving down was stopped as the sword was knocked yards away by what looked like air. Marx jumped back, noticing it was actually the sheath of a nearly invisible sword.
Marx pulled out his own sword, looking up to the owner of the sheath. Something inside him didn’t want to know, but the same part already knew. It was bound to happen. When Marx looked up to the figure, the green coat and black mane caused his heart to drop.
“Marx… you told me yourself you didn’t like killing…” Rogue said, putting the sheath back in its strap. Her voice was soft, she was almost whispering. She pulled the sword out of the sheath, the electricity causing the air to vibrate and her hair to rise up slowly
“I’m here to make sure you don’t regret anything… even if I have to kill you,” Rogue whispered.