~Hours later~
The Lucky Clover was a worn out building. Probably seeing many years of drunken abuse and fights, yet it still stood tall and strong in the outer ring of Stallinograde. Entering the bar, my nose was assaulted by the stench of booze, vomit, and sweat. The inside reminded me of an old western bar. Round wooden table were splayed out in the center were games of Blackjack or Texas hold ‘em were being played. In the very back was a large bar that held rows upon rows of booze. When I attempted to count them, I eventually lost track after eighty five. Looking up I could see that the bar had three other levels with each level looking more refined than the last.
I was rather surprised to see how packed it was. It was full to the brim of ponies, griffons--I found out later--, and Diamond dogs--which I also found out later--, from the first floor all the way to the third. Each one was different from the next though they all shared two things in common: A drink in one hand and laughter all around. It seems this place didn’t discriminate against what race you were or your social background, so long as you had the bits and a good sense of humor.
As I made my way around the bar, I only received a few odd looks from the other patrons, but was left alone. That is until I began to go up stairs. A pair of hands wrapped around my left arm followed by something rather soft.
“Well howdy there, sug. You seem a little lost.” Said a female with a southern accent. Turning my head I was not only able to get a better look at her, but figured out what ‘soft’ thing was touching me...I assume you guys can put two and two together. The mare wore a typical fake cowgirl outfit. Which consisted of blue jeans, a black tank top and a small dark brown leather jacket. She had long hot pink mane with light orange eyes and a really small brown stetson hat on her head.
“Just a little.” I admitted while rubbing the back of my head. “A friend of mine was suppose to meet me, but she didn’t tell me where exactly.”
Releasing her grip on me she gave me a pitiful look. “I don’t think this ‘friend’ of yours is really coming, sug.”
I gave her a questioning look before I realized what she meant. “Thank you for your concern. I’m actually surprised someone here in the lower parts of the city would have such feelings, but I’m a pretty good judge of character-- or I’d like to believe-- and I know my friend will be here soon.” I responded back with a confident smile.
“Far from me to doubt your words.” She said with a slight shake of her head. Moving back to my side in an instant, she wrapped her arms around my left arm once more.
“Though while you wait, maybe you can keep little old me some company?” She asked while batting her eyelashes at me with a slight pout. “I happen to have my own private booth up on the third level. It has an enchantment to let you see outside while others can’t see in, allowing you to keep an eye out for your friend. It also keeps sound in allowing us to talk in private.”
My brain turned off for a moment.
“Wow that’s kinky.” I said without thinking.
She gave me a confused look until it sunk in. Her face turned a very bright shade of pink as she stumbled for a response.
“NOT LIKE THAT!” She screamed, her accent gone and replaced with a very familiar voice.
Before I could say anything she gestured for me to keep quiet. With a subtle gesture of her eyes, I looked around the room. A good handful of patrons were looking at us with mild interest as they prepared themselves to leap into action at a moments notice.
Moving her hand back to her side, she got back into character. “What ah meant to say, was that ah’m not one of those kind of girls.” She said with a slight scowl.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to insinuate that you were one. It’s just been a long day that my brain just ran off on its own for a moment.”
“No, no, it’s alright. Yer not the first one to think that.” She said back with a dismissive wave. “Besides my pa would tan my hide red if he knew his daughter did those kind of things at his favorite bar.” She added on with a slight laugh.
Joining in on the laughter, I noticed the patrons turning their attention back to their own group. “You know what? Maybe some company until my friend arrives is just what I need.”
“That sounds great.” She said with a big cheery smile. “So how about this: Ah’ll get us some drinks while you go wait up in my booth, deal?”
“Sounds good, though I’ll take a coffee. I need a pick me up rather than a pick me down.” I said jokingly.
“Alright, one coffee coming up. My booth is on the right side and five booths down.” She said and left.
Making my way up there didn’t take me long. The booth she was speaking of was rather big, easily able to hold a party of ten. The booth had maroon red cushion, a beautiful hand crafted wooden round table, and a pure white veil. Entering the booth I sat down and waited. She wasn’t kidding about the view as I was able to see a good majority of the bar and its patroons.
I didn’t have to wait long as she entered the booth with a cup of coffee and a glass of water. Setting the cup near me, she took a seat across from me, and reached under the table. A click followed by a low hum and the enchantment was on.
“What’s wrong with you!” Trace cried out as she threw her wig onto the counter.
“Oh yes, because this is totally all my fault.” I replied back with a roll of my eyes.
“And what’s that suppose to me?” She asked with a scowl.
I just looked at her with one raised brow. “Do I have to quote what you said to me earlier?” I countered.
With a huff she crossed her arms and looked intently at the table. “Why does every colt assume that when I tell them about my booth.” She grumbled to herself.
“Because most colts have a one track mind.” I offered with a shrug.
With a sigh she took a sip out of her drink which I followed. “Did you put something in this?” I asked as I took another sip. The taste was unfamiliar to me, yet it didn’t taste bad.
“No, but I bet old Mixer put some brandy in it or something.” Trace said while leaning back in her seat.
“So, please tell me you found something?” She asked.
“Well I did find some things, though they won’t be enough for what you want.” I said though that didn’t change the look of glee on her face.
“Well? Don’t leave me in suspense.” She said as she now leaned on the table.
“Remember those goons that tried to get the jump on you?” I asked which she responded with a nod of her head.
“Well they sent a letter to Hard Lead--Kolt’s second in command--warning them about me.” I explained though her gleeful smile turned to a slight frown.
“That only proves that Lead is a part of the operation and even then I assume there’s no way to trace it back to him.” She said.
I nodded my head and took another sip of my spiked coffee. “Though while I was snooping around in Kolt’s office, I came upon a really high tech safe.”
“High tech? How so?” She asked with a curious look in her eye.
“Well besides looking really fancy and technologically advance not much.” I admitted with a shrug.
“A lot of help that was.” She said annoyed.
“At first glance no, but if my hunch is correct all of his secrets and backwards dealings are in that safe.”
“And why would such a mastermind hold all of his information in a safe at his workplace? Let alone actually record all of his activities?” She asked dubiously.
“Rules of hiding something and being a drug dealer.” I began while holding up two fingers.
“Rules of hiding: If you ever hide something you want it to be easily accessible by yourself yet not in a place that others can. Given that there are no signs of drug activity on his property-- and given that you guys failed recently-- it would be the safest place to hide his records. Not only that, but it wouldn't be strange for the boss--of any company--not to have a safe in his office holding very private and important documents.” I explained and paused for a moment.
Letting one of my fingers fall, I continued. “Rules of being a drug dealer: You always want to keep an edge on your other ‘business’ partners in case something goes wrong or if they plan to squeal. That way any loose ends can be dealt with and at the same time leave a cold trail behind. In other words the information he keeps is a double edge sword: It prevents people from stopping him yet at the same time it also could expose everyone that’s involved.”
Trace let that sink in for a moment before she spoke up. “Let’s pretend what you're saying is true. How are you going to get into the safe?”
“Well I might have a way, but the problem is that I need something made by the Platinum Lock corporation to really test my theory.” I began only to see a baffled look on Trace’s face.
“Platinum Lock, THEE Platinum Lock?!” She asked with a dreadful look on her face.
“I’m guessing they’re really famous?” I asked confused.
“Beyond famous.” She said with a deep sigh. “They’re the number one safe makers in all of Equestria. Heck they practically designed the royal vault themselves.”
“Well when I saw it, it looked...like something one of my gadgets could hack into-” I tried to reassure her, but she wouldn’t let me finish.
“And knowing him, he probably got the most recent series the three thousand one, right?” She asked, which I nodded my head.
“That baby runs on power gems that can sent a jolt of electricity to anyone trying to fiddle with it. Not only that, but it’s voice, finger, and retinal scanner can detect any illusion or shapeshifting. Even the elite lock pickers of the world could rarely get past it, yet your telling me you can?” She asked rhetorically.
“We might as well just ask him to open it for us. It’s beyond hope.” She said finishing her rant and slamming her head onto the table.
I just sat there for a moment and blinked a few times in surprise. “How did you know all of that?”
“A friend of mine has a lot of hobbies.” She responded back though her voice was muffled by the table.
The conversation died there as we sat there in silence. Finishing off my cup, I placed it back down onto the table and reached into my pocket for a cigarette. I was about to light it when it occurred to me that I was not only inside, but in a cramped space.
‘I should probably wait.’ I thought and began to place the cigarette back into its case. That is until it slipt out of my hand. Reaching down under the table to pick it up, I noticed a little black box underneath the table with an emerald green gem glowing brightly.
‘That must be the thing she was talking about earlier.’ I thought though paused as I saw a very familiar image of a lock.
“I didn’t know Platinum Lock made more than just safes.” I said surprised.
“If it has something to do with being secured or kept safe, they’re the leading group behind it.” She said joining me under the table.
Reaching underneath, I untapped the black box--much to Trace’s desire-- and put it on the table top.
“What are you doing?” She asked.
“I am going to test my theory with this little guy.” I said as I brought out my Electro-Sapper.
“Theory? Test? What are you talking about?” She asked with a raised brow.
Placing the two couplings onto the machine, I wasn’t surprised that nothing happen. Even though these powers of mine worked around video game logic, I knew some of the more finer details worked with a little human interaction.
“This little device purpose is to...short circuit gem based devices.” I semi-lied while twisting the knob on the sapper.
“Though for the most part it main purpose was to destroy three very particular designs, I believe with some fine tuning it can destroy any gem base construct.” I continued.
“Really now? I’ve never heard of such a thing.” She said with a curious look in her eye.
“Wait a second.” She said as her eyes went wide. “What do you mean destroy!?” She asked loudly though it was already too late.
Hitting the right frequence, blue sparks of electricity danced from the sapper to the machine. An image in my peripheral vision showed a white bar quickly being depleted. Once it was depleted the small box exploded into tiny fragments that flew every which way.
The sound of the bar’s patronage came in full force as the enchantment was no longer operational.
Trace sat there dumbstruck at what happened while, I sat there with a confident grin.
“That was worth fifteen pay stubs.” She said with a sad yet still dumbfounded look.
“...”
“...”
“Whoops.” I finally said.
“Whoops?” She said quietly, but soon gave me a death glare.
“Whoops!” She screeched, reached over the table, and grabbed me by the collar.
“After all of that, all you have to say for yourself is ‘Whoops’!” She screamed while she shook me.
“I’m sorry?” I offered while still being shook by this small, yet surprisingly strong mare.
Inexplicably she released me and gathered what piece were left nearby. Hugging the piece she soon began to mourn for her loss. Unsure of what to do I pat her on the back. “There, there. Time heals all wounds.” I said though wasn’t really sure if my words were going to be comforting or not.
She just continued to cry for her lost companion.
“Maybe you could send it back and they’ll fix it or send you a new one.” I suggested.
She stopped her crying and gave another death glare. She was about to scream at me--were I totally wasn’t flinching in the slightest bit--until she stopped and thought about it. “That...actually might work.” She said and whipped the tears from her eyes.
“It would?” I asked while totally not using the coffee cup as an improvised shield.
“Yeah. I have a warrenty on it though it doesn’t say anything about it exploding, that doesn't mean they won’t at least do something about it.”
“That’s good then?” I asked quietly while totally not hiding underneath the table..
“For right now, it’ll have to do.” She said while wiping away the last of her tears. With a tilt of her head she asked, “Why are you hiding down there?”
I slowly crept back up from underneath the table, placed the coffee cup back onto the counter, readjusted my tie, and coughed into my hand. “No reason.” I quickly said.
“Well it looks like we need to go somewhere else.” She said while putting her wig back on.
“Any suggestions?”
Checking to make sure the wig wasn’t going to fall off she thought about it for a moment. “The dressing rooms could work though we wouldn’t be able to stay there for too long.” She said.
“Big changing room?” I questioned as we both exited out of the booth.
Walking side by side she leaned into me so that our conversation would remain private. “No there little ones, but their shared amongst the other girls.” She gestured with her free hand.
Looking back out into the main hall, I did notice a bunch of other girls wearing similar outfits.
“It’ll have to do. Besides I’m going to need your help.” I whispered to her.
“Help with what?” She asked back in a low whisper.
“I’ll tell you once we get there.” I whispered back.
Few minutes later and we were in the one of the changing rooms. “We should be safe though we should keep our voices down.” She said while putting up a sign on the outside door handle.
The room was rather small. It was only big enough to hold maybe five people max and even then that was pushing it. There was a table and mirror in the back with an assortment of makeup and other accessories. To the right was a closet full of different outfits while to the left--much to my surprise--was a small bed.
“So what’s this plan of yours?” She asked while putting her wig and contacts back into a drawer.
“A rather simple plan, but one that requires a lot of trust.” I began.
~A little after midnight, Third Person PoV~
Hard Lead leaned impatiently against an old brick building. ‘He’s late.’ He thought while his right index finger tapped against his arm. Hard Lead was a rather impatient individual. Normally he’d have left after the first hour, later he’d hunt down the individual, and beat the crap out of them, but given that this was coming from Kolt himself, he would wait a few more minutes before he’d call off the hit.
“I knew his offer was too good to be true.” He grumbled under his breath. Getting ready to leave, he began to move back into the streets until he heard the sound of footsteps.
Glancing behind him he saw three shadowy figures. “This isn’t another piss break is it?” He asked menacingly.
“Nope, boss. We went before we got here. Didn’t want a repeat of what happened last time.” Said a voice with a Hooflyn* accent. (*Brooklyn)
“Then keep quiet and get ready to circle around back when I give the signal.” Lead whispered back as he got back into position.
Hunkering down they waited. The wait in question wasn’t long, but it sure did feel like it as a mare came around the corner cautiously. She wore a pair of blue jeans, a dark teal shirt, and a dark brown trench coat that hid most of her identity, though it didn’t help as Lead still recognized her. Lead gave a subtle gesture of his hand and the three shadows behind him were gone.
Trace cautiously moved down the street. The old worn out buildings groaned in unison that sent a chill down her spine. The lights that littered the street either died out a long time ago or sent an occasional flicker of light that caused the shadows to dance. Stories and rumors deterred most ponies from visiting the very edge of Stalliongrad though it was also the perfect place for criminals or secret meeting to be held. Even though she knew this, she decided to put her trust into Spy.
The sound of a moving glass bottle caused Trace to jump in fright. She was ready to flee until a stray cat ran off down a random alley.
“Stupid cat. Stupid rumors.” She grumbled to herself as she continued on her way. She didn’t make it very far as she barely caught a glimpse of a shadowy figure.
“Spy? Is that you?” She asked while scrunching her eyes.
The shadow didn’t budge.
“Spy, I swear if it’s you trying to scare me I’ll-” She began while making her way towards the shadow. That is until she recognized the individual.
“I’m sorry to say, Miss Trace.” Lead began as he menacingly walked out from the shadows. “But it appears you’ve been double crossed.” He finished with a cruel yet smug smile.
Trace made to run, but was stopped as a pair of big meaty arms locked around her small frame. With little trouble she was lifted and held into the air. It was no surprised that the arms belong to an equally big earth pony stallion that was bulging in biceps. He was easily a foot taller than Lead, with no mane atop of his head, and had dirt brown eyes. He wore camo-green pants with a matching shirt and dark brown boots.
Trace attempted to struggle and loosen herself from his grip, but he held on tight. She then attempted to scream for help, until a cloth--surround by a pink glow--wrapped itself around her mouth and effectively kept her quiet.
“Now, now, girly. We wouldn’t want ya to wake up the neighborhood, what with all that screaming.” A unicorn colt said--in a Hooflyn accent-- to the right of her. He wore a dark purple suit with matching pants and a teal undershirt. His mane was also teal though it was hidden behind the rim of a dark purple gambler hat. A decently sized teal horn stuck out from the top of his hat. His hot pink eyes looked over Trace’s body that caused her to blush slightly. Altogether he wasn’t a bad looking colt, though he really did need to get with the times as the hat was way out dated.
“Pffft, pink.” Said a colt to the left of Trace that caught her off guard. He wore a vomit green jumpsuit and had dirt covering most of his face. He was short--barely reaching Trace’s chest--with dark maroon haired covered in a layer of dirt and tannish eyes.
The well dressed colt snorted, walked over towards the shorter one, and slapped him across the face. “It’s a light purple, not pink!”. He growled.
The short one rubbed his now red cheek while angrily glaring at his ‘friend’. After a few more rubs he then stomped on the well dressed colts foot that caused him to yipe in pain. “It’s totally pink, bro.” He said back while sticking his tongue out at him.
Lead rolled his eyes at the common event before him. Walking over to both of them, he slapped them both behind the head. “Quit goofing around.” He hissed to the both of them.
“He started it!” They both cried out while pointing at one another.
“Does it look like I care?” He asked.
Before either one could responded, Lead smacked them again. “It was rhetorical!” He roared.
While the three bickered amongst one another, Trace brought her right leg down hard and right between the big pony’s nether region. A girly squee of pain escaped his lips as he not only let Trace go, but then fell to the ground in a fetal position. With her feet back on the ground, she turned and ran away from them with all her might.
Just as she neared the corner, Lead had finally found out what all that ruckus was about. “AFTER HER!” He yelled just as Trace turned the corner. He didn’t have to repeat himself twice as his goons chased after her though the big stallion lagged behind. Running after them, he was hot on their trail.
Twist and turns flew on by as they chased after Trace. Normally Lead wouldn’t be chasing after them, but even he knew that if she got away he’d never have another chance.
Minutes passed by as the chase continued. Causing Lead’s mood to become fouler and fouler by the second. It wasn’t until a loud scream echoed out did things change. Pushing himself to go faster, he turned the corner sharp and was not expecting his goons to be standing right there.
The sudden impact caused the big stallion to fall back onto his ass. Shaking the stars from his eyes, he got up, and was ready to scream at the top of his lungs until he noticed what they were looking at.
Under the moon’s light stood that blue suited fellow with Trace leaning on him. It wasn’t until Lead took a few steps closer that he realized she wasn’t leaning, but was slumped over him as a bloody dagger was held in his right hand.
Setting the body down gently and face up, he ran over towards a dumpster and began digging through it.
“Smooth?” Lead whispered to the unicorn colt while gesturing to the body.
Smooth Lips made his way towards the body and placed two finger to the side of her neck. “She’s dead boss.” He said while adjusting his purple hat. How it did not fall during the chase would forever be a mystery to Lead, but right now he didn’t care.
“Where the hell were you?” He growled over to Manny though was promptly ignored.
He made to move over towards the bastard, until Manny found what he was looking for. Dragging over an old worn out carpet, he unraveled it, placed Trace’s dead body in it, and wrapped it back up.
“Apparently doing your job.” He finally responded back while reaching into his coat and lighting a cigarette up.
“Excuse me?” Lead growled as he got near Manny’s face.
Not liking his personal space being invaded, Manny moved away from him though made sure to blow a puff of smoke into Lead’s face, causing the big stallion to choke for a few seconds.
“My job was to deliver the girl, which I did. While your job was to take care of her, which you didn’t.” He said annoyed.
Lead was furious to say the least. His face turned a whole new shade of red that caused his goons to cower in fear. Gritting his teeth he forced himself to calm down. “I don’t have time for this. I’m already late as it is.” Lead said while glaring holes into Manny’s skull.
“You three take care of it and make it quick.” He continued while walking past his goons and back out into the streets.
“And what about the rest of my pay-” Manny began until Smooth Lips got in his way.
“Now, now. I assure you that I have the rest of the payments location right in here.” He began while tapping his head lightly. “We just need you to help us get rid of the body and we’ll all be on our way.” He finished with a friendly smile.
“And why should I? I did my par-” Manny began once more, but was interrupted again.
“Well not only is the payment near the area we are going, but we need someone with such amazing stealth skills as yourself to reach our destination without being seen.” Smooth praised.
Manny simply stared at him. Smooth Lips was a smooth talker, given his name and his cutie mark--which was a pair of lips poised to speak--, it wasn’t surprising how he was easily able to con others into doing his dirty work.
With an annoyed snort, Manny simple nodded his head in agreement.
“Excellent!” Smooth cheered with a clap of his hands.
The next half hour was spent making their way through the back alleys of Stalliongrad. Only a few passengers caught sight of them, but so lost within their misery and misfortune, they simply looked the other way.
That and the occasional threat to break their skulls in convinced them to look the other way.
Reaching their destination, Mole--the guy in the jumpsuit--began to dig a hole. While waiting for him to finish his part of the job, the others stood around and kept an eye on their surroundings.
The area they resided in was mostly bare except the very few houses that survived the passage of time. Even then they were held together by only hopes and dreams. Groans echoed out from the surrounding homes, followed by an occasional grunt from Mole.
“Whoo. I think I’m out of shape.” Mole wheezed as he rested on the edge of the hole, now that the task was complete.
“I thought you felt heavier.” Smooth said whimsically.
“Up yours, Pinkie.” Mole responded back.
“If you two are done with your lovers quarrel, can we get on with it?” Manny asked, while putting his cigarette out and placing it into an inner pocket.
“Yeah seriously, my arms are starting to cramp.” Bronze said as he dumped the body into the hole.
“And I want to get my damn payment.” Manny finished as he moved over towards the hole and peered down into it.
“In due time, my good sir.” Smooth began while nodding his head towards him. Bronze responded back with a nod and quietly made his way over towards Manny.
“There’s just one tiny little thing left to be done.” Smooth finished with a smirk.
~Time: just before sunrise~
“Why the hell did I come here?” Kolt grumbled to himself. With one final step he made his way from the stairs and towards his office.
A few hours earlier, Kolt was in a meeting with his partner Crunch--a diamond dog--and discussed the possibility about expanding their operation to the east coast of Equestria. Of course he didn’t care, so long as he was properly compensated with gems. As they were writing up the new deal a strange feeling of wrongness took hold of Kolt. At first he tried to ignore it, but it eventually drove him to madness.
Leaving the rest up to Lead, Kolt had made his way back to his office.
“It’s probably just anxiety.” He tried to convince himself once more--this being the twentieth time now--, but he still reached into his pocket, grabbed his key, and unlocked the door.
With a simple turn of the knob, the door opened.
“No…” Kolt said with disbelief as the key to his office fell to the floor.
To the left of his desk was a picture of his great, great grandfather standing in front of the very first building that the Colt Mining company worked from. Though instead of being on the wall, it was now on the ground revealing Kolt’s safe. Said safe being wide open for anyone to plunder.
“No, no, no.” Kolt said with fear as he began to shove the paper and other odd ends out of the safe. With mostly everything on the floor, he pushed a hidden button near the very back. A low click was heard as a secret compartment revealed itself from the right inside of the safe. Opening it fully, a pure look of terror splayed across his face as he fell to his knees.
The compartment was empty.
“Looking for something?” Manny asked while he closed and locked the door.
Kolt’s head whipped over towards him. He wore a look of surprise that was soon replaced with one of untold rage.
“I should have killed you when I had the chance.” He snorted. Cautiously standing up, he careful made his way around his desk.
“In my defence, you double crossed me first.” Manny pointed out. Taking a step towards Kolt, while reaching into his coat pocket and retrieving his butterfly knife.
Without a second thought, Kolt quickly reached underneath his desk, pulled out a small dagger, and aimed it towards Manny. Before he could release it a sound similar to a cannon roared out, which was soon followed by the sound of cracking glass. The dagger that was in his hand flung away and out of his grasp, while a red hot searing pain caused him to grab his left hand.
With adrenalin pumping through his veins, Kolt soon forgot the pain and looked towards its source. The item was foreign to Kolt, but to Manny it was a very common one. The item in question was the default revolver of the Spy class. Simple, elegant, and deadly it was altogether a very basic weapon back home, but to Kolt it was essentially the most powerfulest and deadliest weapon before him. The very idea of making a cannon the size no bigger than a dagger yet able to kill something with a single shot was beyond believable. With a careful glance behind his back, Kolt could see a small hole through his balcony doors.
“Now, now, let’s not be so hasty.” Manny tsked while he waved his gun back and forth.
Kolt was scared. He knew one wrong move and he’d be done for. Swallowing his fear, he put on a brave face. “How? You should be dead?” He asked with a hint of fear in his voice.
Kolt hoped that if he could get him to talk long enough, maybe one of his guards on sight might show up.
Manny was caught off guard by the random question, but soon shrugged it off. “I suppose I can answer that.”
~back at the dumpsite~
“There’s just one tiny little thing left to be done.” Smooth finished with a smirk.
Bronze was a few seconds away from pummeling Manny to death, until the sound of a small cannon roared out. Both Smooth and Mole froze in place as the body of Bronze fell into the very hole that was dug.
In Manny’s hand was the Ambassador. A weapon meant for deadly and precise headshots rather than rate of fire. It had a rosewood brown grip with an engraving of a reclining women on the barrel. The barrel itself shined a beautiful glow as the moon’s light reflected off it.
Pointing the barrel at Mole’s head, Mole tried to say something, but was promptly silenced. His body hitting the ground with a low splat. His body sat there for a few moments until gravity decided to do its job and dragged it into the hole.
Smooth Lips was terrified.
A pure look of horror splayed across his face as he fell to the ground. He dared not to move or even blink in the hopes that Manny wouldn’t notice him. A small puddle began to form around his legs and stained his pants, while his eye remained focused on the man who killed two of his best partners.
Manny showed no emotion or remorse as he eyed Smooth with little to no care.
“The next step?” Manny asked. Never adjusting his aim at Smooth’s head.
It took far longer than it should have for Smooth to hear Manny’s question. He tried to speak, but a knot prevent him from speaking. Ironic given that his special talent was speaking, but the irony was lost to both parties.
Smooth knew he was going to die by Manny’s hand, but a simple thought gave him hope. That hope was that Manny still wanted his payment, the payment that only Smooth knew the location to. And given that he decided to humor him--instead of demanding the money straight away--he really did want that money.
After a few tense moments Smooth was able to find his voice. “We were going to burn the bodie-” He began, but quickly corrected himself.
“-body and then bury it. Boss man knew some zebras that gave him an extract from spiders that could shoot burnable venom. If applied and lit, it can burn a body in a few minutes.” He explained. Shakingly reaching into his pocket he extracted a small vial of green liquid.
With a gesture of Manny’s gun, Smooth poured the liquid onto the bodies. A nervous smile splayed across his lips as he completed the task though changed as Manny gestured to the pit once more. Nervously searching his pocket it took him far longer than it should have to find a packet of matchsticks.
It also took him far longer than it should have to light the bloody thing, but same as before he finally did. Throwing it into the pit, it took merely a few seconds before it lit up with an eerie green flame. True to his word the bodies were burned into a pile of ash in a matter of minutes.
With that taken care of Manny told Smooth to bury the bodies. It took Smooth awhile at first though he was able to get the task done quicker with the help of his magic. He did have a great motivator not to do anything funny as the barrel was pressed behind his head.
The two were now marching off towards where the stash of bits were hidden and Smooth knew that he needed a plan. And very soon as they reached their destination. The home was a faded out shade of blue made out of wood. The inside had a matching color and the home was quite obviously empty, save for dust and spider webs. Entering the abandoned home the two made their way upstairs, said stairs groaning in protest. Entering the room at the very end of the hall a small worn out chest greeted the pair near the very back.
“Open it.” Manny said while lightly tapping Smooth’s back with the end of his revolver.
Smooth did as he was told and opened the chest. Inside the chest were three bags filled to the brim with bits.
“How much?” Manny asked.
“Eight thousand. About two for each of us.” Smooth answer.
“You should look for a raise, I got twenty-five hundred just to basically bring her to you and more for afterward.”
“Well we get some perks that cover the payment opportunity.” Smooth responded while reaching into his right sleeve.
“Well it won’t be a problem in a few minutes anyways.” Manny said with a shrug. “Place the bits behind you nice and slowly.”
Smooth did as he was told though hesitated on the last bag.
‘Should be light enough still if I ran with one bag.’ He thought. Before Manny could ask him what was taking so long, Smooth let a purple looking ball roll over towards Manny’s feet.
The ball exploded and release a cloud of dense black smoke. Smooth grabbed the remaining bag and bolted for the door. Manny’s gun roared in the dense smoke that luckily only grazed Smooth’s left leg.
Smooth knew not only this home, but the area like the back of his hand. He made it clear to Lead that this location was the only place he’d pick up his payment for one and only one reason: if he was ever double crossed. Turning towards the end of the hall, he ran, and jumped through the window. A shot whizzed by his head as Manny emerged from the room.
A pile of trash broke his fall as he tumbled out and ran down the alley way. Another shot whizzed by as it grazed his shoulder. Turning down another alley, Smooth slid to the ground and rolled underneath a rotted out wooden fence. Jumping back up to his feet--a small dust cloud picking up as he got up--he ran towards another abandoned home. Opening and slamming the door behind him, he quickly ran through the kitchen and towards the front door. Opening the front door, he then quickly turned around, ran towards the side of some stairs, and pushed against the wooden frame.
The wood groaned in protest, but eventually moved to reveal a hidden storage room. Shuffling into the room he quickly, but quietly closed it behind him. Not a moment too soon as the back of the kitchen door slammed opened.
Manny carefully, but quickly made his way into the living room. Just like the other abandoned home there was nothing of interest here. Noticing the front door open he made his way over there. Looking out into the open street he didn’t see any signs of a trail left from Smooth. Looking towards the sky he was able to guess that it was near sunrise.
With an annoyed sigh, Manny shot the ground around him a few times. “I know you’re in here somewhere, but luck is on your side as my time is about up.” He said while he stood in the center of the living room.
Reaching into his coat pocket he drew out a familiar bag full of bits. Setting it down in the center of the living room he then made his way towards the front door. “So I offer you this other bag full of bits as not only as a bribe, but as a way to help you leave this city. Because if I so much as see you in this city or hear that you tried to sell me out, then I will find you and kill you.” Manny finished as he changed to the Scout class and ran off down the road.
Smooth didn’t dare move in the off chance he was hiding nearby. Smooth did know one thing, that Las Pegasus was calling his name.
Manny was able to quickly make his way back to Kolt’s office. It took him a while to find a spare key to Kolt’s door--which was cleverly hidden behind a portrait in the lobby--, but he was finally in. Putting the key back and closing and locking the door behind him, he then made his way to a portrait of a buck in front of the very first Kolt mining building. Carefully removing the painting he set it off to the side and got to work.
Taking out his Sapper he placed it on the safe and like before turned the knobs side to side. Within a few minutes the Sapper sparked to life as blue sparks of electricity danced around the safe’s exterior. In his peripheral vision an image of a white bar being drained appeared. Fully drained it thankfully didn’t exploded like the last time, but instead simple opened when Manny pulled the lever.
Searching through the safe, he found nothing of interest. It was by sheer luck did Manny feel a slight depression in the back of the safe that lead to his discovery of a hidden compartment. The contents of said object brought a smile to Manny’s face as he carefully took the book out.
Opening the book brought an even bigger smile as it listed names, addresses, and other odds and ends to how Kolt’s ‘business’ was run. Closing the hidden compartment back up. He made his way towards the balcony, switched his class to the Scout, and jumped.
~Back at Kolt’s office~
Manny did make sure to leave out the part of letting Smooth live. Kolt stood opposite of him with a scarred yet angry look on his face.
“Oh I left it in goods hooves, don’t you worry about that.” Manny said and finished with a soft chuckle.
“You know, I pegged you wrong.” Kolt said suddenly.
Manny raised a brow towards him and Kolt continued. “I thought you were some goody, goody, mercenary that was trying to trick me, but now I see you’re the dirty kind that does whatever it takes to get the most bits out of a job.”
“Well a man has to eat, doesn’t he?” Manny responded back with a shrug.
“But to kill your own employer has to be bad for business?” Kolt inquired that brought a small unnerving smile to Manny’s face.
“Dear me, it seems I forgot to mention something.” He said with a wistful tone.
~Back at Lucky Clover’s changing room, Manny’s PoV~
“How much trust?” She asked me while moving towards the closet.
I sighed, sat on the bed, and pinched the bridges between my eyes. “I won’t lie to you. It might get you killed or worse, but if it works right we’ll have all the evidence we’ll ne-” I said, with a motivational tone, but it died at the end at what I saw. Trace was only in her underwear. My face turned a shade of deep red as I looked over her body. I was actually surprised to see her wearing such girly and frilly yellow underwear considering I pegged her as an orang-
…
Ignore what I was about to say.
Finally noticing my pause, she looked at me confused. “All the evidence we’ll need? Is that what you were going to say?” She asked as she stood in front of me.
I sat there trying to only look her in the eyes, but thanks to our height difference--and her standing in front of me--it didn’t help.
“Hey are you okay? Your face looks like it’s burning up.” She said and LEANED FORWARD! My eyes trying to look anywhere and everywhere, but they would always find their way back towards her chest.
Placing her hand on my forehead she quickly brought it back to her side. “Oh no, it feels like you're burning up. Hang on a sec there, might be some medicine in here somewhere.” She said with concern and began to search through the table’s drawers.
As she searched through the drawers the one rational part of my brain reminded me why I was here to begin with. With a quick slap to the face--much to Trace’s confused look--,I then shut my eyes.
“Trace, stop. I’m not sick.” I said though paused as I tried to find the right words to explain this whole awkward situation.
“Manny, please. Your face is burning up and-” She began, but paused.
“Why are your eyes closed?” She asked.
“Trace there’s no good way to say this, so excuse me for being so blunt.” I began.
while twiddling my thumbs.
“But can you please put some cloths on.” I finished as my face turned a deeper red.
Trace remained silent while I sat there messing with my thumbs. A full minute passed by in silence until the room was filled with Trace’s laughter. Now being the one confused, I wanted to see what was so funny, but I remembered why I closed my eyes to begin with. Though it only slightly helped as my brain was oh so unhelpfully putting images into my head.
After a few minutes of her laughing she was able to slightly get herself back under control. “Whenever you want to fill me in on what’s so funny, that’d be great.” I said with a hint of annoyed confusion.
“It’s-It’s just that-” She tried though her laughing fit prevented her from answering.
Taking in a deep breath, she finally calmed herself down. “It’s just that I always figured you were a professional and that these sorts of things wouldn’t phase you. So to see you so embarrased is adorable.” She said with an amused tone.
“And you’re not in the slightest?” I asked.
“Pffft, please.” She said with--what I imagine--an eye roll.
“I grew up in a household with three brothers, two rooms, one bathroom, and a kitchen/living room. You kinda had to get over that kind of stuff pretty quick.” She said nonchalantly.
“Apparently growing up with three brother didn’t teach you how to fight properly.” I mumbled to myself.
Though I didn’t say it quiet enough as I felt Trace grab my right arm. Before I could even react, she twisted my arm towards my back and shoved me onto the bed. My eyes shot wide open, though I couldn’t see much as the sheets prevented me from seeing. My shoulder ached in pain as I felt her twist it in the right--or in this case wrong--angle. A muffled cried of pain escaped my lips as I felt one of her knees dig into my lower spine.
“Say it!” She cried out and oh so ‘gently’ applied more pressure to my limb and spine.
“UNCLE! UNCLE!” I cried out.
“Who’s your daddy?” She asked with--again what I could imagine--a sadistic smile.
“Well technically it would be mommy since you don’t have any dangly-” I began only to feel more pressure on my limb.
“OW! OW! YOU ARE.” I amended. A sigh of relief escaped my lips as I felt her remove the pressure from my back and let my right arm go.
“Need I remind you, at that time, how dead tired I was.” She said as she hopped off the bed.
Giving myself a few seconds to get the soreness out of my body, I turned over slowly. Thankfully Trace had some pants on with a shirt being put on in the process. Sitting up, I then began to work the kinks out of my arm and back.
Finish with putting her shirt on, she turned towards me and got in my face. “Need I also remind you that at the time, I was solely running on caffeine.”
Holding my hands up defensively, she backed off a bit. “Point taken.”
“Though by the looks of it now, you got some pretty decent sleep.” I added.
“Few hours on the train ride here, and a nap at the Lucky Clover does wonders.” She said wistfully.
“I could only imagine.” I said dryly.
She merely rolled her eyes at my response. “So this plan of yours entails what exactly?” She asked as she got us back on track.
“The plan is for me to ‘betray’ you and let his goons take you to their base, which I’ve no idea is at. Tailing you guys, I bust you out, get any information/evidence we can, and deliver it to your boss. He gets a whole squad of guards and the police force, we make some arrest, and see Lead and Kolt’s face at my triple cross.” I explained.
“What about that supposed ‘black book’? By the sound of it, it should be more than enough to nail him.”
“Well I was going to go get it after our conversation and then randevu back here, but in the off chance that he didn’t write somewhere in there the location to his workshop, I’d like a back up plan.”
She nodded in understanding. “Alright, that sounds like a pretty decent plan. I’m game.”
Reaching into the closet she pulled out a coat and began to put it on. “So how long is it going to take you?” She asked with her back towards me.
With a heavy sigh, I got up and reached into my suit. “Not to long hopefully, but there’s just one more thing.” I began as I brought out Your Eternal Reward.
“What’s that?” She asked as she adjusted the coat to fit more snuggly.
Standing behind her, I brought my weapon to bare and leaned towards her left ear. “Sorry.” I said.
“Wh-” She tried to ask, but the handle hit her in the back and knocked her out. Catching her before she could fall to the floor, I carried her over towards the bed and tucked her in.
“Why don’t you get some more sleep and let me take care of the rest.” I said in her voice.
Making my way out, I closed the door behind me and made sure that the sign was still up. It took me a few minutes--and some awkward conversations with the other workers--, but I eventually found the back door.
~Back at the office~
“After taking care of your goons and getting the book, I went back to the Lucky Clover, left a note for her, and asked the barkeep to wake her up within half an hour. It was then just a matter of me waiting for you to show up.” I explained. Granted there was no guarantee that he’d show up, but considering the Engineer gets a warning that his machines are being sapped, I had a good feeling Kolt would as well.
“And what happens now?” He asked with a cold glare.
“The guards or police force should be rounding up any and all of your ‘business’ partners while also putting a stop to your operations. I also imagine they should be showing up any moment now to arrest you as well.” I replied with my own cold glare.
Kolt would have been a formidable poker player, though he slipped as a sly yet confident smile slipped for the briefest of seconds. One that I was easily going to crush in a matter of seconds.
“Oh dear old me.” I began with that same wistful tone that caused Kolt to frown.
“It appears I forgot to mention one more important detail.” I continued while pulling the hammer back.
A look of pure terror was splayed across his face at what I was implying. “Y-you can’t. You’re the good guy. The good guy doesn’t kill.” He cried out while slowly backing away from me.
My gun roared to life as the bullet ripped into his right side and making a second hole in his patio door. Kolt cried out in pain as he held his side and looked at me with anger and fear. Walking towards him he eventually backed himself into the patio door.
With only a few inches between us, I stopped and stared at him coldly. “Who said I was the good guy?” I asked rhetorically.
He didn’t say or do anything, but was instead solely focused on my gun.
With a light laugh--much to his confusion--, I put the gun away. “Oh don’t be so worried Kolt. I can’t kill you with my gun.” I began much to his surprise.
With a simple thought, I changed my class to the Heavy. I retained my normal height and muscle mass, but that was rather misleading as I could feel the strength I now possessed. I also thankfully kept my hair, as I reflexively streaked it forward.
If I was in his shoes right now, this would have been the perfect opportunity to fight back. As it was he wasn’t me. My fist connect with his jaw before he even saw it coming. The force of the blow sent him through the glass patio where it then shattered into a billion pieces.
…
‘Holy shit! And I thought I was holding back to.’ I thought, but pushed those thoughts out of the way for the moment.
Kolt was still dazed by the time I reached his side. Hoisting him up by his back, I carried him over to the ledge. Holding him over the balcony I released my grip on him, but he was able to grab onto the ledge at the last second. He was hanging there for dear life while screaming for help, but alas no one could hear his cry for help.
The sun was just peaking over the horizon when light from the distant caught my eye. Wearing their gold armor proud, the Equestrian guard marched from the distant while a team of Pegasi flew ahead to the scene.
“And not a moment too soon.” I said while looking down into Kolt’s face.
“Please, I don’t want to die! I’ll do anything, PLEASE!” He begged with a desperate look in his eyes. Truth be told I could tell he was telling the truth. That he would change his ways given the chance.
Kneeling down next to him, I spoke in a kind yet tired voice. “I bet you could and would given the chance.” I began, a look of hope spread across his face, but soon faltered at my glare.
“But how many ‘chances’ did you give to those that betrayed you?” I asked coldly.
Shaking my head, I looked down at him with pity. “No, even if you did, it wouldn't have made a difference. This is more than just you and me.” I began.
“This is a message to all those who have sinned like you or worse. A message to spread fear and terror into their hearts. To remind them how afraid of the dark they should be, lest the buggy man comes and gets them. A message to remind the victims that there is someone watching over them like a guarding angel. That those who do wrong will not go unpunished.” I continued my speech, the conviction within my voice growing stronger and stronger with each word. Rays of light gave a warmth and holly presence as I kneeled before him.
“I will be the seeker who finds the truth. I will be the blade hidden within the shadows. I will be the shield to protect the innocent.” I continued though paused for a moment.
The rays of light that gave me warmth were soon gone as the balcony railings got in the way and covered me in darkness. “I will be the sinner to cast the final sin.” I finished solemnly.
“You’re insane.” Kolt simply said.
“Perhaps.” I admitted as I stood up. “But those words don’t mean much coming from a dead man.” I added and brought my foot up.
Before he could say another word my foot smashed into his face. The pain caused Kolt’s grip to slip as he fell to his death. His blood curdling screams could be heard for miles as he fell faster and faster. In the distance I could see the Pegasi trying to speed up and catch him, but it was far too late for that. Turning and walking back into his office, I changed back to the Spy class. Just as I reached his door, I could hear the cries of panic and surprise from outside. Walking towards the stairs, I cloaked and made my way down, only having to pause a few times to refill my cloak or dodge some guards going up.
Finally making it to the bottom floor, I could see a bunch of guards trying to escort everypony off the premises. Carefully weaving my way through the crowd, it took me a bit until I found Kolt’s body. A great big splatter of blood covered a good area near the entrance door. Yellow tape surrounded the area as earth and unicorns took pictures of the area or looked for clues.
Waiting off to the side for a bit, I eventually found an opportunity to go over towards the body. I stood over the body and bowed my head. “Forgive me father, for I have sinned.” I mumbled. Reaching into my coat pocket I retrieved two items. One was a simple note while the other was a yellow flower. Carefully placing the letter into his inner pocket, I then placed the flower on top of his body.
As I turned and walked away from the body, I heard one pony speak. “Hey! Who’s the wise guy that placed the flower on this guy?” He cried out unamused.
~Stallion Grade Police Station, before noon~
The place was in disarray as both police and guard ponies ran all over the place. Luckily I was in the chief’s office instead of out in the open or I’d have surely been in the way.
The room itself was a quarter the size of Kolt’s office. It was also rather simple: white walls, tannish carpets, a dark brown desk, a decently sized safe in one of the back corners, some images of past chiefs, and newspaper clippings of big cases being solved.
“Stallion Grade wishes to thank you for your help in not only solving the case, but bringing down one of the biggest drug trades in the city.” Brief Case--the chief of police--said. Case was in his mid fifties with silver faded hair and light orange eyes. He wore the standard blue police suit though had some medals adorned over his heart. His cutie mark was--oddly enough--an image of a stamper with the words ‘Case Closed’ on it. Probably representing how quick he could close a case. On another note, how the hell do parents know what to name their kids that somehow correlate to their cutie mark?
“I’m also willing to overlook what you did, Trace, in breaking your house arrest.” He add with a stern yet light hearted tone.
“Thank you, chief.” Trace said with a salute. She was also wearing her police uniform.
“I’m just sorry I couldn’t have been there.” I apologized while holding a bag of ice to the back of my head. Apparently offering a few bits to some kids can be a good way to make it look like you got attack/mugged. It was also a good enough albie which was a shame given that I payed a hobo to sleep out in the open--though with his back turned--so I could have had some more witnesses.
“Karma’s a bitch.” Trace teased, much to my annoyance though stopped as Case gave her a sidelong glance.
“Yes, well, your help would have been grateful, but you did well beyond anypony's expectations.” He said with an understanding smile.
A knock at the door followed by a mare entering in paused our conversation. “Sir, here are the ballistics on the letter.” She said and quickly excused herself.
“Letter?” I asked.
“Yeah. It was found on Gram’s body.” Case said as he read the report.
Trace got up and moved behind the chief to read the letter. “Something bad?” She asked though noticed her boss’ disapproving look. Muttering an apology she went back to her seat.
“Why would that be a problem?” I asked and was about to light up a cigarette until I remember where I was. With a sigh I put the cigarette back into its case.
“Besides the contents, or the fact that it was placed after my team looked over the body already, in the middle of the crowd with no one seeing a thing.” He said while putting the paper into a drawer.
“Is he going to be a problem? I could help track him down if you need me to.” I offered, but got turned down with the shake of his head.
“As of right now, the higher ups think it’s more of a joke, but I have a gut feeling we haven’t heard the last of this guy.” Case began with a hard look.
“The good thing is--by the sound of his letter--he won’t be targeting any police force or government official.” He continued though paused with an uncertain look. “Less of course they do some shady business practice.”
The door to Case’s office slammed open as a stallion ran in. “Sorry for the interruption sir, but we have a problem.” He said while setting the local news on the table for all of us to read.
The article talked about Gram’s death and his business practice--as well as naming a few of his business partners--, but what stood out was a letter at the bottom.
It read as followed:
To whoever it may concern,
To those who hide in the shadows and wrong the innocent, read this carefully. For wherever you may hide, I will find you. For whatever wrong you have committed, you will pay a hundred full. For whatever sin you have committed, you have forfeited your life.
For you see, I am the one who will finds the truth. I am the blade hidden within the shadows. I am the shield that protects the innocent.
Mock these word if you wish. Laugh at the absurdity that I leave this note to be read by the masses, but know this. You will soon know it is the truth by my calling card. For each of your lives that I take, I shall leave a gift behind. And then I hope you wonder, am I next?
Signed,
Lemures
We sat in the room in silence as we took in the letter. Case was the first to break the silence. “How?”
“We’re looking into it right away, sir, but from the reports so far, someone left different letters on a bunch of news editor’s desk.
“Find me answers. Fast.” He said in a dangerously low tone. The stallion gave off a quick salute and left, making sure to close the door on the way out.
“What did he mean by ‘calling card’?” I asked only to receive silence from both of them.
“Sir? He’s going to find out sooner or later.” Trace said softly.
Case just nodded his head in agreement. “It’s a yellow flower.”
“Well technically it’s a rudbeckia hirta-- or a yellow daisy--that’s common around the western area of Equestria-” She began to explain, but stopped at our looks.
“I have a lot of friends with odd hobbies.” She said with a blush. Getting over her embarrassment she continued. “Interestingly enough it’s meaning is-” She tried to say, but I beat her to it.
“Justice.” I finished earning an odd look from the both of them. “I read it in a book once.” I added with a shrug.
“Anyways, we’re not here for that.” Case said as he got up and went towards his safe. Entering in a combination, he then opened it, pulled out a brown bag, and closed the safe.
Standing before me with the bag in hand, I stood up and listened to him. “In honor of your servitude, I hereby present to you from the city of Stallion Grade five thousand bits.” He said and handed me the bag of bits. “I wish we could have offered you more, but that was all we had.” He added with a sad smile.
“Thank you sir, but I can’t except this much.” I began much to their surprise and handed it back to them.
“But what about your payment?” Trace asked confused.
“You guys need it more than I do.” I said with a light hearted smile.
“I appreciate the thought, but it would be wrong not to reward you in some way.” Case said as he gave it back to me.
“Yeah, you earned it.” Trace said with a smile.
‘If only you knew.’ I thought.
“Okay how about this: Give me half and keep the other half.” I offered.
“Are you sure?” Case asked, which I nodded my head. “Alright then.” He said and quickly counted out my half.
After that I said my goodbyes and made my way towards the train station. Though I wasn’t alone as Trace insisted on at least seeing me off. We walked in silence as we made it to the station within the hour. Luck was on my side again as the train was just getting ready to depart.
“Guess this is it then?” Trace said with a sad smile.
“For now at least.” I replied back with my own sad smile.
Tears streaked down her face as she gave me a hug and thanked me once more. I returned the hug and respond once more that it was no problem. Entering the train and finding a seat, I pushed the window up to say goodbye one more time to her.
As the train began to depart she kept pace with the train as she yelled out, “I’ll make sure to give you a call if I ever need help again.”
“Sounds good.” I yelled back until a thought accord. “Can you do me a favor?” I began my request.
“What is it?” She asked back.
“Tell your friends about me and let them know I can help with any problems.”
“Will do.” She cried out and waved one last time. I returned the wave though I don’t know if she saw it. Closing the window back down, I lit a cigarette, took a puff, and then settled into my seat.
‘Look out villains of Equestria, there’s a new sheriff in town.’ I thought as a dark smile splayed across my lips.