I do not own My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
The scene before Masquerade was a somewhat familiar one, seeing as he was almost put into the same situation once already. Giving a glance to he pink mare beside him, Masquerade slightly grind “I see you drugged the right pony this time.”
Giving the sink-eye to the black unicorn, Daisy shot back, “Well, it does work when the target actually drinks the drug, and no interruptions happen.”
Shaking his head in some amusement, Masquerade turned his attention to the now heavily sleeping stallion known as Cider Lock. The orange pegasus had his face down on the coffee table, snoring away from the laced tea provided by the flower ponies.
Raising a brow, the infiltrator asked, “How much did you give him anyways?” Poking the heavy sleeping pony with a hoof. Hope he's not dead. Twinkles would experiment on my wings if he died on my watch.
Developing a small smirk, Daisy happily said, “Enough so it wont kill him, but he’ll have a real killer headache when he wakes up. He wont be waking up for a day at least.” Getting a few giggles from the two Gem sisters who had acted as bait, as well as laughing from her two friends who helped some.
Still with his grin in place, Mask told, “Normally I would tell you how unprofessional and dangerous that is to do when trying to catch a target alive.” Looking over each mares in the room, cheerfully adding, “However, I don't like what this guy did, so I’m more then willing to let it slip.”
“Your just sadistic, aren’t you?” Rose asked from her place, taking steady sips of her tea that wasn't laced with the sleeping drug.
Rolling his eyes, Masquerade corrected, “No, that would be Roma.” Then tapped his chest saying, “I’m more maniacal.” And added just as quickly, “I get it from my mother's side of the family.”
Both nodding, the Gem sisters intoned, “A true sign that you are aunt Chrysalis’s spawn.” Taking a long sip of their own tea while the stallion gave the two a small glare. Putting their cups down, both sisters turned to Lily asking, “May we have more tea, friend Lily?”
While Lily gladly served another two cups of tea for the twins, Daisy sighed and looked over the orange stallion that was passed-out and asked, “So how long is this lump going to be staying here?” She was not looking forward to keeping the lowlife near her own friends. Not to mention she was getting a strange vibe from the stallion, one that didn't feel right for a pony.
Looking thoughtful, Masquerade told, “Not long. I sent Spike straight to Twilight so a message could be sent. The guard should be here soon.”
Giving a nod, Daisy told, “Good, because if this guy stays here too long, then I might consider getting some help from Roma.” Giving Cinder Lock a meaningful, yet uneasy glare.
With a uncertain look to then stallion, then to her friend, Lily said, “I know you told me that you wanted to protect Rose and I, but are you really considering…killing him?” Feeling uncomfortable at the thought.
Sighing at the idea, Rose agreed, “I don't like this guy any better for why he did, but Lily’s got a point. Would you really just kill him without a second thought, Daisy?”
“Yes, yes I would.” There was very little hesitance in the pink mare’s voice, even when she looked at the stallions still form, “He already tried to hurt somepony. I wont let him get another chance at it, least of all with you two close by.”
Calmly, Masquerade used his magic to gently lift the sleeping Cinder Lock up and away from the coffee table so he might sit there. Then, with little care, the changeling heir let the body drop to the side, hitting the ground with a solid thump like a sack of potatoes. Half of the room looked on in some surprise while Masquerade got himself a ceramic glass and then poured himself some tea.
Keeping up his calm mask, the unicorn stallion took a sip of the warm drink commenting, “Hmm, this is nice. Maybe I should stop by some time for more.” Then went right back to drinking, ignoring the bewildered looks he was getting from the others.
Setting the glass down, Masquerade said, “But I think we’re all forgetting something here.” Sending pointed looks to Ivory and Ebony, “When you came to us for additional help, you did send a few changelings to check out that cloud, right?”
Smiling to this, Ivory told, “Yes, sister had sent some changelings to look in that cloud Cinder Lock was in.” Quick to add in her own word, Ebony also said, “Five changelings were also sent to his home, and should find out more of his activity.”
With a snort, Rose asked, “Arn’t you going a little overboard with all of that?”
“I don't leave things to chance.” Masqueraded told simply to the mare. Taking another calm sip of the tea, the stallion said, “I’d rather know the reason this guy did what he did, then just assume.” Looking to the side where Cider Lock's prone body laid with a measured gaze.
Back in the Carousal Boutique, Rarity kept up the best mask of clam she could in her current mental condition, while taking steady breaths. All around, some of her friends showed their own form of concern, wanting to comfort her in their own way. Such as Fluttershy sitting a bit closer, so she might offer a shoulder to lean on, but also softly talk to Sweetie Belle as well.
Twilight stayed on the other side of the table they sat at, doing her best to keep a conversation going on some random subject and keep away from what had happened. Rainbow Dash was doing the same, mostly letting Twilight lead, so she might not say something that might make the situation worse.
Taking another calming breath, Rarity could catch the sent of some food that Roma had been cooking up. With all that had happened so suddenly, Rarity was more than thankful for some food to eat. Applejack, Spike and Pinkie Pie were also helping the disguised changeling with getting food prepped and done, feeling that would be the best thing they could do.
If there was one thing Rarity could sum up her feelings at the moment, it would be safety. She wasn't at total peace, but the unicorn certainly felt safe with her friends around her, to be around familiar faces. I suppose Roma also adds a certain wall of protection. Rarity added with a faint smile, already hearing from Twilight that the tomato vendor brought her own set of knives.
Before she had come down, Roma had given her own form of comfort to Rarity, telling the white mare that she would be staying around. Part of Rarity wanted to refuse the offer, not wanting to make the vendor drop her current life for herself. This was not what she said though, as Rarity had found herself accepting the mare’s offer, feeling a form of safety from her.
I doubt she would have left, even if I told her to. Rarity told herself, knowing that the stubborn mare didn't like to do as told half the time. And for once, I don't not think I mind.
A loud slam brought Rarity out of her mussing as a plate of cooked veggie’s were roughly set on the table. Looking up, the mare came eye-to-eye with Roma, who was smirking slightly as she told, “Grub’s here Marshmallow. Hungry?”
Letting out a slight breath at be startled, Rarity nodded, “Yes, and thank you again for this Roma.” Taking her eyes away to see her other friends come in and start setting food down for them all.
“Think nothin’ of it, sugar cube.” Applejack drawled while setting a fresh pie down, “We all know ya need it. Now go on an’ eat up!”
Twilight used her magic to take up a stack of plates from Pinkie Pie, whom quickly darted back into the kitchen to get more food. Setting the plates around the table, Twilight smiled, “This all looks wonderful.” Inhaling a deep breath to take in the scent of the food that was already in the room.
Returning back, Pinkie was quick to set down a bowl on the table. Just like before, she rushed back into the kitchen to grab a pitcher of water and come back with that. She once more repeated the process to set down nine glasses for each of them.
Coming out at a more sedated pace, Spike brought out a few confections to go with their meal and setting them on the table. He then sought out a place near Rarity, only to be blocked off by Roma who had taken the mares left side. But seeing as the white mare’s right had Sweetie Belle and Fluttershy, it was the closest place he could sit.
Looking to the white bowl closest to her, Sweetie Belle peered inside, scrunching up her face and asking, “What’s this?” Not sure what to make of the food within.
“It’s a green bean casserole.” Roma stated simply, “It’s good for ya.” Reaching a hoof right over the table to grip the serving spoon and take a small mount of the food and slapping it to her plate.
Giving the mare a questioning look, Twilight asked, “I thought changelings didn't get any nutrition value from food?”
“We don’t.” Roma nodded while reaching for another plate of food, “Doesn’t mean we can't stuff our faces when there’s good eatin’.”
Before the tan mare could reach any further, a spoon quickly swatted the offending hoof, causing Roma to retreat back. Though not hurt, Roma looked over to Rarity, whom scolded, “Roma, it’s rather rude to just reach over the table like that. If you plan to live here for a time, I must insist you follow a few rules.” Swishing her spoon about in her blue magic.
Rolling her eyes and grumbling, Roma absently rubbed her hoof, less out of pain and more from being just hit in general. Roma considered arguing, but decided to to compromise with, “I guess I could…” Pointing her hoof adding, “But don’ go thinkin’ I’ll let you turn me into some prissy upstanding pony!” Crossing her hooves while upturning her nose, "I have a reputation to uphold after all."
“Heaven forbid.” Rarity said dryly, taking some food from the closest platter, “I do not think society is ready for such a disaster in the making.” Making the others around the table smile or quietly laugh at the two.
“Funny. Really. I’m laughing my sides off here.” Roma deadpan while trying to once again reach over the table for something— only to have Rarity’s spoon once more swat her hoof.
Openly laughing now, Applejack told Roma, “Come on sugar cube, jus’ ask fer somthi’ an’ it’ll get t’ ya.” Unable to stop from smiling at another failed attempt on the tan mare’s part.
Later in the evening and after Cinder Lock was taken by an escort of guards, Masquerade made his way over to where the orange stallion lived. Though he was happy to have the pony out of sight, Masquerade still knew his work was far from over.
Despite Roma’s word, evidence is needed to convict somepony before being sentence to punishment for their apparent crime. Masquerade thought while going over the structure of how legal systems worked for ponies in general. They were always a pain to the stallion in question, making his job slightly harder at times. There was nothing wrong with how it was made really, but Masquerade sometimes wondered if it worked as well as most thought.
Stuff like that rarely works for us. Masquerade slightly groused in thought, being part of a race that specializes in lying might have a hoof in that…
Reaching the home that belonged to Cinder Lock, the dark stallion once more looked about his surroundings for a moment before knocking on the door and waiting. When it opened, Mask was greeted to the sight of the pegasus stallion he was thinking of. The only difference was that Masquerade could sense he was a changeling.
“Can I come in for a moment to talk?” Masquerade asked politely, “I have a lot of questions to ask.”
With a nod, the fake Cinder Lock moved aside and let the Masquerade in, closing the door as soon as the black pony was inside.
Looking around once again, Masquerade spotted four other ponies, all changelings by his senses. Each one was snooping about and investigating every place they could, looking for anything to use as evidence.
Seeing as the curtains were closed, Mask was quick to get to work, “Have you found anything of use?” Already taking a look around himself, trying to spot anything that could have been missed.
Shaking his head, the faux Cinder Lock relied, “Nothing. All we found was some luggage being unpacked and old some mail.” Giving a carless shrug while following the darker stallion.
“What makes you so sure he was unpacking?” Masquerade was quick to question, “He could have been packing to leave for someplace. Maybe to avoid detection for a time?”
Shaking head head, the fake pony told the infiltrator, “I don't think so. I use to work with hunters, and picked up a few things.” Moving past Masquerade to lead him to the room where the luggage was, “From the looks of how his stuff was packed and how the room looks, I think he was just getting back.”
Both ponies walked through the door that lead into Cinder Lock’s room, showing a room mostly in order, except for the bed which had a number of things strewn about. Crumpled clothing, some nic-nacs, and a few brochures all laid about along side some mail.
Trotting over, the faux Cinder Lock lifted up one of the brochures telling, “This little book is made for manhattan. Has all those tourist spots and what not. Even a few stuff outlined and planed over with a few notes for a time schedule.”
Curious, Masquerade used his magic to take up the small booklet, flipping through the pages to get a good look at it. The other pony didn't stop though, continuing with his findings, “There’s also this mail, dating back ten or so days.” Then snorted out with a small smile, “Mostly bills and one magazine to play colt. Had to wrestle that one away from some of the others that were helping snoop around.”
Putting aside his amusement, the pegasus continued on, “The house is also a little under-kept. Mostly just some dust and collected residue in the shower. He was either lazy, or was actually gone for some time.” Listing off the remaining things he had found out.
Snapping the book shut, Masquerade shook his head and sighed, “This is no good. If this stuff is suggesting what I think it is, it means Cinder Lock can get off scot free, and Roma go’s on a marehunt.” Keeping his gaze only on the small brochure in his magic, turning it over a few time in thought.
Having a curious look of his own, the changeling acting as Cinder asked, “Wait, you want to jail this guy, even if he’s innocent?” Not sure how to take the changeling heir’s thoughts.
Sighing, Masquerade said, “And what would you do?” Looking back to the fake before him, “If Cinder Lock come’s back, Roma will more then likely skin him alive, regardless of being guilty or not. That isn't mentioning how Rarity might react if she see’s him again?” With a violent shake of his head, the black unicorn said, “No, if he’s innocent he’s safer away from ponyville. If he’s guilty… well, there’s no need to end that line of thought.”
The other changeling took this into account for a moment and nodded at the reasoning, while Masquerade returned the brochure to the pile on the bed. Turning and exiting the room, Mask added, “We also don't have all evidence that could be provided. Keep searching here, and send some other changelings investigate Cinder Lock's life. I myself am going to see if anypony can tell me what that pegasus was doing in that cloud.”
Following the black pony out, the fake Cider Lock nodded, “Sure, I can spread the word out when I and the rest leave. I'll try and keep up my front as him as long as I can.”
Stopping at the front door and turning to the fake Cinder Lock, Masquerade nodded, “Good. And also, thank you for the assistance. I know most of the changelings here still don't trust me due to my… current status.”
Shifting his weight about some, the changing in disguise told the changeling rouge, “We trust Twilight for what she has done for us. We acknowledge that your her mate to some level, and are willing to somewhat follow you.” Though, looked slightly uncertain about his own words.
“I see.” Was all Masquerade said while analyzing the other fake ponies features. Feeling he got what he could, the stallion turned about and said, “If you find anything, find me, the Gem twins, or Twilight.” Exiting out the front door before any reply could be given.
Closing the door just as fast as he left, the infiltrator let out a small huff of irritation over this latest bit of information.
This doesn't make sense, Masquerade grumbled in thought while navigating his way through town. According to the twins, Cinder Lock had a want for the two of them, but did also restrained those feelings. But recent events shows he had no restraint what-so-ever towards Rarity. Did he just snap that one day due to repressed feelings, or was their a third party involved?
Already the infiltrators mind was working quickly to try and figure out this latest puzzle. He wasn't getting anywhere fast, with lack of evidence and nothing much sense. From all points, Cinder Lock was fully guilty. If only there wasn't any evidence of him being gone for a time, I might believe he was completely guilty. but now, knowing he might have been away when this had happened?
In the rouge changeling’s mind, it all looked like a set up. Cinder Lock assaults Rarity, making him as a target. Once new’s got out, he would be the first pony to seek and detain. One eye witness account from Rarity and any eyewitness ponies that might have seen them together would bind it together. Adding in Rarity’s possible mental state and possible reaction to seeing him and it was like a bear trap ready to go off. All it needed was somepony to touch the trigger
Anouther thought soon came to mind, one that made him snort in amusement. The only other option I can think of is that the Cider Lock that Rarity met was a changeling. But none of the changelings here would have reason to attack Rarity, if Roma has anything to say about it.
That amusement soon vanished, and a amused smiled turned into a thin line. No changeling here would. But what about outside ones? The thought didn't seem right to him. The only changelings that would target Rarity would be some random scouts —which seemed highly unlikely— or somepony from the remaining three of the five prominent clans.
The three remaining clans wouldn't try anything, Mother would focus on healing and defense before trying something. After the failed invasion, that would have been the smartest move. With lowered recourses and wounded soldiers, they would be in no shape for a proper counter attack— even in the shape of sneaking in.
Letting out another loud sigh, Masquerade softy said, “Maybe I’m overthinking this?” Not completely sure what to think. Everything made no sense at the moment. More information will be needed before I proceed with finding the truth, so I must wait until then.
It was all he could do at the moment.
A few more hours later, Masquerade made his way inside the library with a slightly wary eyes and a tiered mind. All that was found in the cloud was a box of water balloons— an idea for an apparent prank if he understood it right. This gave him nothing more to go by and no clues as to what was really going on. That is to say, if something more is at play.
Sighing again, the stallion wandered over to his corner, sitting down heavily and looking down to the small table he used. Masquerade’s gaze danced over each note, map and item it held, going over spells, ideas and plans to use in times to come. It all didn't do much to ease his mind though, knowing something just felt wrong.
The stallion only gave the slightest flick of his ear when he heard somepony come down the stairs, already tasting the emotions of Twilight Sparkle, and smiling, “How’s Rarity. Doing any better since Roma got us?”
Reaching the ground level, Twilight looked over to the black pony and smiled sadly, nodding, “She seems to be dealing with what happened, but I’m still worried.” Looking out a nearby window, as if hoping to see something that could solve this recent puzzle.
Getting up, Masquerade used his magic to pickup a few pillows and pile them all near the libraries hearth. Laying down on the pile of soft objects, Masquerade called, “Come here Twinkles. Why don't you talk to me?” Beckoning the mare over with a hoof.
With a smile on her lips, Twilight took up the stallion’s offer and made her way over to him before laying next to him. Relaxing, Twilight leaned onto her pillow-of-a-coltfriend, while Masquerade himself put a foreleg over her and pulled her closer.
After getting comfortable in his embrace, Twilight said, “Rarity’s still shaken up over what happened, but I think the others and I made some progress.” Absently playing with one of the frills on one of the pillows with a hoof.
“She's having a hard time talking about it, so we mostly didn't talk about Cider Lock or relationships in general…” It was here the Twilight stopped her talking and thought for a moment saying softly, “Rarity wants to blame herself over the whole thing. She even was trying to keep me from helping her straighten up for when the others came over.”
Twilight’s smile did return as she said with a ting of amusement, “Spike volunteered to stay with Rarity and help. I was able to convince him to come home, on the condition he can go to help her a bit more often.”
Softly rubbing the mare’s side, Mask shook his head ruefully, “That dragon seems to have it for your friend.” Chuckling a little. With a soft smile, Mask continued, “I know it might be hard, but we need to give Rarity a bit of room for a while.”
Feeling Twilight shift around in his grasp, Masquerade looked up to see the mare’s imploring look and explained, “After what happened, Rarity will have some trouble being around others for a while. I would suggest minimizing the number of ponies around her.”
Pausing a moment to think, Masquerade also added in, “I would also ask you keep an eye on her reactions. See if you can spot anything that might make her anxious or jumpy.” Reviewing some information in his mind.
Curiosity piqued, Twilight asked, “You seem familiar with this Mask. Have you seen this happen before?” Wondering about her stallions suggestions.
Shrugging lightly, Mask told his mare “I had to learn a number of things to put up a good act. Some psychology on pony minds helps.” Then let his gaze drop saying, “I also watched Mother help rape victims before. I hate to say it, but even changelings suffer problems like that at times from rival clans. She told me how to handle them, though I might be a bit rusty.”
Nodding to this, Twilight once more relaxed and leaned on the black stallion for a bit in thought. With a small gulp, Twilight asked, “How much did she help?” Unsure about touching on the subject.
Twilight felt her stallion’s grip tighten the slightest bit before relaxing and telling her, “A Lot. Sometimes Mother was able to help them fully recover after a few seasons.” Sounding a little sad at the end. “Being a mind caster helped a lot in that regard. She used it to either help them come to terms... or just forget altogether...”
Using one of her own hooves to grip Mask’s foreleg that was over her, Twilight said, “You miss her, don't you?” Not sure how she should feel about the changeling's thoughts of his mother, Queen Chrysalis.
Masquerade smiled somberly and laid his head down saying, “I do. But what foal doesn’t miss their mother?” Deciding his current place on the floor was a good enough place to sleep.
Lifting her head up to look down at him, Twilight smiled and laid her head over the black unicorns neck, saying, “Maybe one day, you both can meet again and talk things out.” Breathing in and exhaling as she felt herself relax more and began to close her eyes for some sleep.
That would be nice, Masquerade smiled to himself as he felt Twilight’s body relax further and further until she had drifted off to sleep. Peeking an eye open to see what few candles were still lit, Masquerade lit his horn and had pressure build near the lit wicks. Quickly, the room was cast into darkness as the small flames were put out by the sudden change in air pressure.
Closing his single eye, Mask breathed one last breath before letting himself drift into slumber along side the mare he loved. There was still much to be done for Rarity and knowing what happened. But for now, rest was needed.