Vengeance

by Dustchu

04: A Plan of Attack

Night had fallen on Manehatten, Luna's moon rising up over the tall darkened buildings shining down on the alleyways. The massive city was not asleep however, it was only beginning to truly wake up. Clubs were opening their doors to night dwellers and club goers, shady ponies stalked the alleyways, either selling banned goods or their bodies with all too eager ponies to purchase them. Drugs, booze, cheap sex, its all sold in lower Manehatten.

If you trotted along these streets by yourself, regardless of your intentions you were looking for trouble. Gangs roamed the streets at night, looking for any weak ponies to mug, murder, rape or foalnap. Colt or Mare, it didn't matter to them. If you had something worth stealing they were going to take it, beat you to a pulp and destroy your innocence. Only those who are mean enough to beat somepony up can fight them off, or just run away with their tails stuck between their legs.

For ponies like Vinyl Scratch, she was more then prepared for dealing with a bunch of thugs.

"Come on its one little mare, buckin get her already!" One pony wearing a black mask yelled, waving a pipe around as two of his gang circled a white unicorn mare with a striking two tone neon blue spiky mane and wearing a pair of purple tinted glasses that hid her eyes, she had a cutie mark of a mirror image of two bridged eighth notes on her flank.

Vinyl Scratch stood among several knocked out ponies, all of them with bashed in heads and bloody noses. She held several steel pipes and wooden timber in her magical grasp, each one having a light blueish hue surrounding them. The ends were covered in blood, and bent or broken. She stared at the group of ponies before her, a sadistic grin on her face as she chuckled. "Bring it!"

It was night time when Applejack left the apartments. Flash and Star had gone to bed and the stallion who had lounged on the couch was missing. He wasn't of any concern to AJ however, she was more concerned about what she was going to do next. She came to Manehatten to find the Bicardi family and exact revenge for what they've done to her own flesh and blood. But now that she was here, and armed... she had no idea where to start. Trotting along the streets she thought long and hard, the double barrel she bought strapped tightly to her leg with a wrapping around it to keep it hidden from sight.

Ah want ta avenge mah family... but where do Ah even start? She wondered, sighing heavily. A part of her didn't want to do this, but another part, the one that screamed for blood for what the Bicardi family did, was stronger. It cried out to her, a voice in the back of her head guiding her almost. Looking around the darkened streets, she just walked. The lampposts above shone brightly, showing just how dirty the walkways were, and what lurked in the alleyways. She could see several shady looking stallions trotting slowly into the darkness, and disappearing around corners.

Up ahead she could hear what sounded like screams, along with maniacal cackling.

What in tarnation?! Applejack sped up her pace, getting ready to pull her firearm should it be needed. She rounded a corner, passing by a drunken hobo before coming to a stop outside of an alleyway, and down it she saw a white mare wielding several bloody pipes and 2x4s, a sadistic grin plastered on her face.

"Yeah you better run!" She yelled, tossing a pipe at a fleeing stallion. It bounced off of his head, making him yelp as he and his buddies fled. The mare shook her mane, wild blue bangs flopping around from the act. Vinyl Scratch stood, dropping her makeshift weapons as the gang members ran away. With a smile she sighed, turning around and spotting AJ. "Oh... uh, hey." She greeted, waving a hoof.

Consarn it, its Vinyl. She was thankful for the darkened lights and the fact the DJ was wearing dark shades. "Uh, howdy there." AJ replied. "Did ya run into some trouble there?"

Vinyl laughed, waving a hoof. "Naw, just some punks that thought that they could get some from DJ-PON3 baby~" she chuckled, trotting over to AJ before stopping. The Apple mare couldn't see it, but Vinyl was looking at her with a thoughtful expression. "Do I know you? You look really familiar." She asked, looking closer at AJ, who was backing away with a nervous expression.

"Uh, fraid not ma'am." Applejack replied quickly, backing away until she found herself in a spotlight directly under a lamp post. "Don't know me, that's fer sure!" She smiled awkwardly, looking around for a possible escape route.

However it was a wee bit too late, as the DJ's eyes widened under her glasses. "Applejack?" She rubbed her eyes, almost knocking the glasses off completely and showing cerise colored eyes. "No way, is that seriously you?!" She asked, walking closer to AJ who was now trapped between Vinyl and the exit.

Applejack looked into Vinyl's eyes, eyes that no doubt held hundreds of questions. Damn it.

"Dude!" The DJ cried. "This is great! We need to tell Twilight about this! and the others! They'll be so freaking stoked!" Vinyl told her, hopping in place with a happy smile.

"Vinyl."

"Rainbow will be happy to, she really missed you like a lot!" The DJ continued. "Fluttershy also."

"Uh, Vinyl." Applejack tried to say but was cut off again.

"Applejack, we seriously have t-"

AJ had enough, she darted forward and grabbed Vinyl, throwing her hoof over her mouth and shutting her up. "Vinyl!" She hissed, looking around to see if anypony was listening. "Listen ta me," she started to a wide eyed Vinyl. "Ya can't tell anypony about this, understand." Taking her hoof off of the DJ's mouth she back away, but still kept a firm hold on the mare.

Vinyl looked perplexed, no doubt wondering why that was. "Wait, what are you talking about?!" She asked, looking confused. "Why wouldn't you want to go back to Ponyville and tell everypony you're alright? Everypony's missed you, AJ. everypony, hell I've missed you and we don't really know each other that well!" She cried, waving her hooves around.

Looking around again, AJ pulled Vinyl into the alleyway, deeper in so they couldn't attract attention. When they were down the alley AJ said. "Look... its complicated, alright?" AJ told her, looking her in the eyes and pleading with her to understand. "Ya can't tell anypony about me bein' alive."

Several seconds passed as Vinyl thought hard about this. She was conflicted. While she wasn't exactly AJ's best friend (that honor belonged to Rainbow Dash and her other friends) she still considered her a friend. Finally she nodded. "Alright... but." She started. "You have to tell me just what the buck has you packing heat." When the DJ said that AJ's eyes widened, Vinyl smirked. "Thought I didn't notice it? Its nicely hidden I'll give you that, but you can't hide nothing from me, now spill it!"

Applejack sighed, giving up. "Alright, Ah'll tell ya, but ya can't tell anypony about this," she glared at Vinyl. "Nopony... we clear?"

"Crystal."

Applejack growled.

After leaving the alleyway, and being discovered Applejack was led to a club by Vinyl Scratch. Being led through back alleys to avoid being seen by anypony around, there were a few homeless but they were too drunk to see straight, much to AJ's relief. She didn't need anypony else recognizing her. She thought hiding her cutie mark would be enough, it looked like she was wrong.

Up ahead she could see the looming sign of the club even from the alley. Club Hallucinations. She read, tilting her head as they trotted towards a back entrance. These clubs an' their names, I swar. With a shake of her head she watched as Vinyl opened the back door, which had a sign that read do not open from outside. on the back, and followed her inside. Once inside she was hit with the thudding of loud music, feedback and cries of joy, as well as the smells of sweat, booze and... something she'd rather not mention.

Applejack could hear the music clearly, it was loud and whatever it was it felt like it as about to tear her eardrums apart. She tried to block it out, but that proved to be a challenge. Thankfully Vinyl led her upstairs away from the sounds and into an office that, strangely enough had Vinyl's name on the front. The white mare opened the door with her magic, strolling on inside followed closely by AJ before closing the door behind her. The inside of the DJ's office was filled with posters, trophies and a few pictures depicting Vinyl Scratch and an older looking stallion with a red mane and tail, along with the famous musician Octavia.

Vinyl took a seat at the desk, which AJ saw was cluttered with papers and cigarette butts, along with a few photos sticking out of a folder which Vinyl quickly took off the desk and deposited it into a drawer. Vinyl then used her magic to bring over two glasses and a bottle of unmarked alcohol which she then poured into both glasses half full. "Okay, so spill it. Why are you packing heat? In fact, what has been going on with you?" The DJ asked, her eyes boring into Applejack's.

Taking advantage of the free liquor, AJ took a swig of it enjoying the burning sensation going down her throat. Whatever it was, tasted smooth, just how she liked it. Placing the glass back down AJ started. "Ah didn't die that day, obviously." She shook her head, shivering from having to recall the day her family was mercilessly slaughtered. "After th' shootout, Zecora found me an' brought me ta her hut, Ah managed to wake up an' tell her not ta tell anypony bout me surviving. She didn't ask why, only nodded wit' her weird rhymes." AJ remembered the days she spent recovering, hearing about what all the Bicardi family was doing from what Zecora could find out. "But first, maybe Ah should tell ya, Diamond Dogs didn't attack us."

Vinyl leaned in closer, "Really? That's what the paper says, but..."

"T'weren't no Diamond Dogs, Ah'll tell ya that now." Applejack took her glass again, downing in a few gulps before slamming the glass down. "It was th' Bicardi family... they did it." A tear escaped her as she remembered her little sister and big brother lying on the ground, in a pool of their own blood. "Havoc Bicardi led th' attack, him and his no good lackies." She looked up at the DJ, eyes filled with rage and hurt, sorrow and remorse. "Crystal Bicardi... killed mah family, slaughtered every single one of them, jus' because Ah didn't sign a damned contract that would give them half our profits." She hung her head down, unwilling to go on.

No words for said for a few minutes, both mares just sitting and listening to the muffled sounds of the music and the ticking of a nearby clock. Vinyl had no idea what happened that day, she only heard about it from Octavia. How the entire Apple Clan was killed brutally at their yearly gathering, during a fireworks launch by Diamond Dogs. Regardless of what the papers said, she didn't believe it. Diamond Dogs were not smart, they couldn't have known to shoot them all during the fireworks so it would mask their shots, better yet it was stranger still that nopony got away. Surely somepony had to have, aside from Applejack, yet the reports stated the entire clan was killed.

Looking over at the mare, she slowly began to realize why she was carrying a gun, the look in her eyes said it all. She demands Vengeance. She looked over at a drawer on her desk, it was a simple looking wooden drawer with a handle. To anypony else, there was nothing inside, but to Vinyl, it had something that might help Applejack out. "Applejack..." She started, raising her glasses all the way up and showing AJ her eyes. The apple mare saw eyes that looked just like Rainbow's, cerise colored and bright. "I need to ask you something." The DJ asked, hoof resting on the drawer handle.

AJ looked up, rubbing her eyes she looked at the DJ across from her. "What?"

Vinyl waited before asking. "I think I know why you're carrying that double barrel... and I have to ask... are you serious about what you're wanting to do?" She asked finally, looking the former apple farmer in the eyes. The Emerald Green eyes staring back into her own.

Applejack nodded, a determined expression on her face. "Course Ah am." She then looked down at the glass, then added. "Ah have ta... for mah family," Looking back up, AJ smiled darkly. "Ah ain't got nothin' left."

Smiling back, Vinyl shook her head before opening her drawer. "You have your friends AJ." She reached into the drawer, pulling out a plain looking manila folder and placing it in front of AJ. "One of them being me." She pushed it forward. "And Friends help each other out, I promise, on my honor as a DJ... I'll keep your little secret."

The orange mare looked down at the folder, taking it and flipping it open to look at its contents. What she saw, she didn't expect. "Where... did you get these?"

Vinyl smiled sadly, looking over at a photo with her standing next to a tall red maned stallion, she said. "You're not the only one who's lost something." She then got up, jerked her head forward knocking her glasses back down and walked out of the room, leaving a confused AJ behind.

In the Canterlot Castle, Twilight was having a field day... and by that I mean she was getting angry with having to deal with so many things at once, she was no stranger to hard work, oh no, but this was getting ridiculous! Twilight Sparkle was sitting at her desk in her room, sifting through various reports detailing several ponies being assassinated by a mystery sniper. The ponies were... not connected in any way, not in anyway she could see, that is.

A farmer, a bank teller, a government official, a carriage driver, a babysitter!? Twilight shook her head, was somepony out there on a killing spree? She didn't know, and she hoped not... but the reports from the guard say otherwise. Putting the papers in a stack she set them aside and breathed a heavy sigh, she had no idea what to think right now. Ever since that blasted pony came from the Griffon Empire and created the firearms, things have spiraled out of control it seems.

The Royal Guard were outfitted in new guard armor, made to deflect bullets or otherwise impede them, which through testing only worked a little bit. And were using top of the line firearms crafted just for the guard, weapons she recalled could fire automatically and cause tremendous amounts of pain. She didn't like the idea of firearms, hell, she wanted them banned from Equestria because they only brought pain and suffering... especially since Applejack.

She shook her head, she had to move past that. She missed that southern mare so much, but she couldn't keep living in the past. The only thing she could do was keep the memory of Applejack alive, even if it was only in pictures, her Element of Harmony and Apple Bloom. Speaking of her. Twilight stood up from her desk, pushing aside the papers and trotting over to the center of the room before focusing her magic, and then in a flash, she transported away.

Twilight felt for a split second that she was falling, and she smelled the scent of ozone. Something that happened everytime she teleported, she was used to it however. When she reappeared she was in a large room, the sounds of beeping and breathing filled the room. When she opened her eyes Twilight saw the sight that always tore at her heart. Apple Bloom. The room she was inside of was located deep within the hospital, away from the eyes of the public and doctors, and treated by several nurses and special doctors around the clock.

This was something Twilight had asked for when she found out Apple Blood survived the attack. Half because she wanted her to get the best care possible, and half because she, like Rainbow Dash, was suspicious. Both her and Big Macintosh had arrived in the hospital with not only gunshot wounds, but their bones were shattered and there were distinct markings under their fur, wide track marks from what looked like a carriage. And yet, there were no carriages at the scene, and Diamond Dogs don't utilize carriages, self powered or otherwise.

Sadly Big Macintosh didn't survive the surgery process, and passed away shortly being operated on. Apple Bloom, by her order was labeled deceased, the cause being in her sleep much like she is now.

One whole year she's been in this coma. Twilight trotted over to the filly, looking down at her and feeling her eyes brimming with tears. Poor thing. She thought as she looked down at the filly. Apple Bloom had finally gotten the last of the casts taken off of her body, and her head was in full view. A cover was draped over her form, keeping her warm in the cool room. A breathing tube had been attached to her, keeping her breathing in her coma, and several needles stuck out of her forelegs feeding her fluids. Her red mane was messy, and had gotten longer like most of her fur. Apple Bloom would need to get it trimmed.

With a sigh she transported back to her office in Canterlot Castle, just in time to see a scroll materialize in front of her, smacking her in the face and causing her to yelp. She stumbled and fell forward, bumping her head on her desk and sending papers flying... everywhere. When the lavender mare opened her eyes she saw a scroll stuck to her nose, prying the offending object off she held it up with her magic and saw it was from Spike. What could he need? She wondered, ripping the seal off and unrolling it.

Dear Twilight.

Hey, its Spike! listen, Rainbow came over yesterday and had something really important to tell you, but you weren't there so we had to wait. I uh... kinda forgot I could send scrolls to you, hehe.

Twilight face hoofed. Only you spike.

Anyway, Rainbow said she got suspicious when Miss Bicardi left after buying that land north of the farm. So she followed them, she also told me she saw hundreds of ponies decked out in combat equipment and carrying battle saddles, and had self powered carriages. Miss Bicardi had apparently bought a bunch of mercenaries to kill off the Diamond Dog populations north of the farm, Rainbow stayed long enough to see the mercenaries kill some DD's before flying back here and telling me to write you.

I have to say Twilight, that does sound pretty bad. If Rainbow is right, then Miss Bicardi just killed off hundreds of Diamond Dogs. Sure they're violent and ruthless and cold blooded killers...

But still.

Twilight reread that again and again, her eyes narrowing in thought. She bought that land, and killed the Diamond Dogs?! She put a hoof to her mouth at the thought. Hundreds of ponies, armed to the teeth killed them all, just for some bits? Ponies will do anything for money... won't they?

She shook her head, placing the scroll back down she picked up a blank one and a quill, and started writing. Dear Spike.

"Crystal, how did the operation go? Smoothly, I hope." Slipstream questioned his sister as she walked into the bedroom of their family's estate. The white mare walked into the room, undoing the tie she had on her mane and letting it free as her blue eyes stared at her brother's form. He had put his glasses away and was lying on her bed, reading a magazine.

Crystal sighed softly and trotted over to her mirror and sat down at it, checking her makeup and her face for anything wrong. "Two hundred of those mercenaries were slain by the Diamond Dogs, the remaining three managed to at least kill the rest of them off before half of their number fell to wounds suffered at the paws of those," she spat her tongue out in disgust. "Beasts."

"Now now, you know they are uncultured creatures who only know how to destroy and rut each others brains out." Slipstream chided his sister, looking up from his magazine and at her, seeing her mane down he proceeded to eye her form hungrily. "Really, you did them a favor by killing them all, really what would they get from living in those mines anyway? Nothing, that is what." He closed the magazine and hopped off of the bed, trotting over to Crystal and looking at her from behind, his eyes looking into hers from his reflection. "Now that we own the land, we can put it to better use then they can. Don't you agree?"

The mare nodded. "Of course, father will be pleased to know." She said, remembering what her father told her when she left the master estate. The one where she currently lived with her brother and the many many servants was the smaller one the family owned, and was a present from her father for her completing an assignment with the Apple Family, by assignment, I mean slaughtering them. The one she grew up in was far far bigger than this small hovel she called home. "I will have to call him shortly, and inform him of what has transpired. For now however," She turned around, grabbing her brother and locking lips with him, the kiss lasting for a short time before she pulled away. "I want you to fly over to our contacts in Canterlot and talk to them about this... Sniper nonsense. I want you to find about it."

The stallion sighed, wiping his lips and turning around to go over to the window. "Father really should keep a tighter grip on his little toys." He muttered before flying out of the window, leaving his sister to her devices.

I agree brother, I agree. She thought before looking back at the mirror and grabbing her brush. Now to get these damned tangles out, what a mess. She shook her head. She's been hearing about this Sniper nonsense for years now, and only because of how skilled of an assassin the creature is. Whoever it was, proved to be a master with a sniper rifle, constantly killing ponies, griffons, minotaurs, whoever with a single shot. Now she didn't care for anypony's life that much, but the ponies that were being systematically killed off one by one by said sniper, were all scientists and employee's of her father's company, Bicardi Cybernetics.

Sniper... was something that came from there, and was a weapon. But she had no idea as to who or what it is, she could only guess.

Guesses won't help the company.

Applejack had left the club sometime after receiving the file from Vinyl Scratch, the club apparently needed her to play music now, so AJ took that as her cue to leave. Trotting down the streets she looked for someplace to look at the file, she would go back to the apartments, but she needed to do this tonight, not tomorrow. She had to. Looking around, she spotted a bar nearby labeled, J's Bar. Looking both ways she saw nopony was coming, and crossed the street.

The bar looked like most bars, two large windows dominated the front showing the inside where she spotted several tables, a large sign hung overhead with the bar's name was lit up, and the door was open. Applejack trotted over to it and walked inside, when she did she was hit with the smell of alcohol, cooked food and something spicy. Several patrons were inside already, only eight, with the bartender and a waitress. The ponies she saw sitting around were from various places of business.

One was wearing one of the special guard uniforms, which consisted of a new material called Kevlar and had several metal plates and the letters M.P.D. in white, which stood for Manehatten Police Department, on the back. The stallion also had a firearm, much like she did strapped to his foreleg, a pistol from the make of it. He was a earth pony with a cutie mark of a bulls eye. He had a long light auburn colored mane and tail, and had a cocky look on his face as he tossed a few darts at a dart board.

Next she saw two burly, yet strong looking earth pony stallions sitting side by side. They looked aged and worn, but still strong enough to handle their jobs. They both donned a uniform which read Security on the back, and had a single pistol strapped to their forelegs as well. One stallion was a dark brown color, with little to no mane at all and had a gruff looking face, his mark was of an aged looking bronze shield. His partner was a pasty looking white, with a graying mane and tail, with a tired expression on his face as he ate his food slowly, his mark was of a silver shield.

Sitting side by side, she saw three more male ponies. One of which looked more like a colt then anything. The first wore a yellowish outfit which she recognized as a plumbers outfit, and had the front sleeves rolled up, and a tool bag around his barrel. A dark brown mane and tail was his color and a tan coat, and steely blue eyes that held a dark past. He was a unicorn stallion, and his mark was of a switch blade, being flipped open and being thrust forward.

Next to him sat a clean cut looking unicorn stallion with a combed mane and tail, and a reserved intelligent look on his face. He wore a bowtie, and had a small bag around his barrel, which she could see something sticking out of it. In AJ's eyes, he was rather handsome looking. His mark was a simple white cross and two red/blue pills.

And finally she saw the Pegasus colt, light brown with a blonde mane and tail, and wore a subway uniform and hat, He saw flipping a coin up into the air, and catching it, making a face whenever it landed on tails. He looked like the type that would run away at a moment's notice, he probably does. When he wasn't messing with his coin, he was writing in a crossword booklet. His mark was a gold coin, with a four leaf clover on it.

Sitting by herself was a earth pony mare, colored a vibrant red with a short blonde colored mane. She also wore clean looking clothing that reflected who she was. A reporter AJ thought as she watched the mare write notes down on a notepad. Her mark was a magnifying glass, with a reflective shine coming off of it.

And coming out of a bathroom was a young Pegasus mare, with a green coat and a short brown mane and tail. She wore a small saddle bag as she walked over to a table, and sat down. Slanted green eyes scanning the bar with a apprehensive look. Her mark was off a vile of pure white fluid, whatever that stood for.

Applejack trotted inside, getting a nod from the barkeep who was a dark blue earth pony stallion with a brown mane and friendly blue eyes. A nametag identified him as Frost Will. She walked past him, giving a polite nod and going over to a secluded part of the bar before sitting down and taking out her file, she sat it down as a pretty looking blonde maned green eyed unicorn waitress came over. Her mar, from what AJ could see was of three plants, a red, blue and green herb side by side.

"Hello, my name is Herbal Remedy, what can I get you?" She asked, smiling a bright smile that made AJ feel a little better.

AJ smiled. "Jus' something cold, anythin'll do sugarcube." She said, hoofing over several bits which the mare took happily and cantered off to fetch something. As she did AJ looked down at the file, her eyes glaring holes in it before she opened it up and looked inside. She found several documents detailing Bicardi owned businesses in Manehatten, only a few that she knew about in passing. Colt's Bar and Grill, Bender's Custom Firearms, Cafe L'amour. AJ shook her head, only three? Surely there was more then that, she figured.

The sounds of hoofsteps followed and she closed the file as Herbal came over, balancing a tray on her back. "Here you are! You look like you need a stiff drink, so I brought you a whiskey on the rocks." She explained, setting the drink down with her magic and flashing another warm smile. "Anything else sweetie?" Herbal asked.

Looking up Applejack shook her head. "No, but thank ya kindly fer askin'." She replied, watching the waitress trot off to tend to the other customers, one of which was the M.P.D. Stallion who was drunkily challenging the plumber, who in turn was threatening him. When she was gone once more, AJ turned back to the folder and opened it again, this time she looked at the various photos laid out with documents detailing the businesses and their operations, to her mild surprise, she saw they were doing some illegal things right under the guard's noses. Applejack lifted up one of the papers, looking at it closely and reading it off.

One of the papers she read was detailing an operation done from the bar and grill.

~V

From what I could gather on the Bicardi Family business from sources outside of Manehatten, they're using the restaurant 'Colt's Bar n' Grill' as a front for one of their underground drug movements through the city. Moving a drug called 'Benzopritrin' or as its know by its street name, 'Glazco' A drug known for giving ponies a strong feeling of 'ecstasy' throughout their bodies for one full hour, and hallucinations and death should they overdose on it.

I tracked several of their runners to this bar, where the drug is being distributed by a pony named, 'Glass Heart' He's a short stallion with a bright red mane/tail, and a cutie mark of a heart shaped piece of glass. He has a very distinctive scar on his lower jaw, and silver eyes. He is considered armed and dangerous, but all in all, he is no problem.

He is also responsible for the goings on at the other two locations listed in your file. The Firearms store is the location for his illegal weapons distribution among the gangs and crooks of the seedy underbelly of Manehatten, everything from High explosives to R.P.G.s The Cafe is another 'business', a term I use lightly for this, as its where he runs their proustituion racket.

Within this file you'll find his schedule, personal information, and place of residence, give it to whomever you see fit of talented enough to take him. He's one of the lesser ponies working for the Bicardi Family, so he should be easy.

Killing him will throw a wrench into the Bicardi's business in the Manehatten's lower district operations, and doing so will help a lot of ponies.

~T

Applejack looked below the letter, and indeed she saw a schedule.

Name: Glass Heart.
Age: 37.
Status: Single.
Race: Unicorn.
Place of Residence: Manehatten Upper East Side, 'Black Flute Apartments', Apartment 23B, Second Floor.
Danger: Mild.

Schedule:
5:00AM - 7:00AM: Wakes Up - Conducts Early Business Meeting with Bicardi Family Over Phone From Home.

7:00AM - 7:55AM: Rides Train To Lower West Side.

7:55AM - 9:00AM: Opens Business, Colt's Bar n Grill.

9:00AM - 12:00PM: Lunch Break - Private Time With One 'Starfly' Female Pegasus - Prostitute, No Danger.

12:00PM - 5:00PM - Runs Underground Gun/Drug/Prostitution Ring From Within Colt's Bar n Grill.

5:00PM - 12:00AM - Returns Home Via Train.

AJ stared at the paper for the longest time, unknowingly sucking down her drink as she read the information. He's sellin' drugs an' guns, and mares in the city? She shook her head, lowdown varmint. She thought as she sat her drink down, the ice clinking against the glass as she closed the file and put it back in her small saddle bag she was wearing. Looking up she heard somepony open the door, stumbling in with a groan, she took that as her cue to leave. She didn't have time to deal with drunks.

Getting up, Applejack trotted past several of the patrons and past the drunk stallion who reeked of alcohol and something else. Sickly as he looked, she paid him no mind as she trotted out into the streets, heading towards Colt's Bar n Grill.

Back in Ponyville walked a pegasus, but not just any pegasus. The one from the graveyard. She still donned her cloak from before as she trotted along the silent dark streets of the quiet town she knew all too well. Her eyes glanced too and far, looking for what, she wasn't sure yet. She knew she wanted to find out about more about the farm incident, but as to where she would find that out, again she wasn't sure.

A newspaper would help. She thought, looking around and spotting one she flapped over to it and fished out a coin before putting it inside, hearin the clinking she opened the up the bin and took a newspaper out before scanning its contents for anything regarding her friend, nay, her family's farm. After looking through it she found an article, it seems this bin had a few papaers from a few days ago. And what she was looking for was on the front page.

PONYVILLE TIMES
7/23/2300
APPLE FAMILY SLAUGHTER ANNIVERSARY TODAY!

One year ago, the Apple clan, Ponyville's well known and famous family known for their bountiful harvests and tasty produce, was brutally slaughtered by what reports have stated was a massive diamond dog bandit attack. Ever since Blast Powder came to Equestria from the eastern lands of the Goblin Empire seven years ago and invented what is known as 'Ballistic Firearms', there has been an increase in crime in the major cities and along roadways as bandits of many shapes and sizes terrorize the innocent, usually robbing them of their wares and leaving behind bodies.

Diamond Dogs are the usual suspect in these kind of attacks, given their size and aggression towards the mining companions delving into their lands for Diamonds, Rubies and all manner of sought after rocks used in fashion and magic, and ponies in general. When the royal guard arrived on the scene, diamond dogs were spotted ransacking the Apple Farm of any valuables, and stripping the dead of the possessions. A firefight ensued shortly after, with the Royal Guard taking only two injuries, non fatal.

It is believed that during the Apple Clan's reunion, Diamond dogs moved in under the cover of the fireworks show and laid waste to the clan. Killing any and all who stood in their way. There were no survivors. Ponyville's own Applejack, the Element of Honesty was not found among the dead. But chances of her survival are slim, as authorities have found no evidence to suggest she survived the gunfight.

The Bicardi family, known for their famous brews and cocktails sold worldwide have been in mourning over the loss of one of their greatest competitors. And in remembrance of the Apple Family, the head of the family, Miss Crystal Bicardi has decided to buy the massive plot of land and rebuild it. When reporters asked why this was, she had this to say.

"The Apple family I've known ever since I was a little filly, I knew Applejack's parents well and wanted to be like them when I got older. I always admired the family's hard working attitude, every day they would work on their farm harvesting apples or tending to the fields. They are what strive me to build my empire, as I got older and Applejack's parents passed away, I was saddened but still pushed myself until I became who I am today.

Soon enough the Apple Clan become one of my greatest competitors in the market business. My family's brew and her family famous Zap Apples tied for the top price. I loved the thrill of that, almost losing to them but not quite. It was something I enjoyed. And to hear those... dogs have slaughtered this family... this hardworking and nice family, makes my blood boil.

I loved this family, and I always wanted to combine both my family's products with theirs, to work alongside such a famous mare as Applejack. But I never got the chance to do so. Now, I'm purchasing the farmland, and I am going to rebuild it in the family's honor. I am going to continue their legacy, and keep it going for years to come.

That's a promise."

Isn't that just so nice of the Bicardi family? It's been a year since her promise, and the farm has been rebuilt to its former glory and is currently using top of the line farming equipment, effectively increasing produce output by a staggering seventy percent!

Rest in Piece Apple Family, and just know your farm is in good hooves.

-Article by: Flash Post

The mare rolled the paper up and placed it in her cloak as her eyes searched the town, when she saw nopony around she began walking towards the Apple Family farm. They're all dead, killed by Diamond Dogs? She couldn't believe that. She remembers a time both Aj and herself fought a pack of them, they barely got out alive though. While DD's are tough, they're not smart, add firearms to the mix and you have a recipe for disaster. To the Pegasus, it didn't seem right, it didn't feel right.

Why would Diamond Dogs just suddenly attack the Apple Family during their reunion? It would have been easier to sack the farm when there were less ponies, but instead they attacked during in the dead of night, during which time she knew they would launch fireworks at the ending of it.

This was no random DD bandit attack... this was an organized effort, it had to be. She told herself, a crisp breeze blowing past her and knocking her hood off. Revealing a solid snowy white mane, and midnight blue eyes, and most surprisingly... canines. She wore a three stand necklace around her neck, on the first strand was a small diamond white stone in the shape of a howling wolf's head, and the on the third strand were two small feathers, one red and one yellow along with a medallion. The mare flapped her wings twice then lifted the hood back up, and proceeded back down the walkway.

She needed more information.

The bar was coming into view as Applejack crept along through the alleyways. Several ponies trotted about through the streets, looking for a good club, a nice all night food joint, or a good time evidenced by several stallions walking into alleyways and talking with several skimpy looking mares, no doubt trying to purchase them for a good rutting.

Looking out ahead, the bar AJ saw was indeed Colt's Bar N' Grill. It was a small place, a large double front door with two stallions standing out nearby both wearing saddles that AJ guessed either held firearms or some other kind of weapon. Both were large earth ponies, and looked like they could knock down anypony who looked at em wrong. AJ opted for a back route, heading away from the front area she went back into the alley and circled around until she came to what looked like a back entrance, again another guard but this one was more... frailer looking.

He don't look like much. She thought to herself, eyeing the stallion at the back. He was small, almost looking like a young colt. He had what looked like pistol sitting by his side, shaped like a T with an extended clip. Dull bored brown eyes scanned the alleyway he stood guard in, he looked like he was not exactly happy with is current job. Okay, what ta do, what ta do. She looked around her, she could distract him, then knock him out. He wouldn't be too much trouble.

Spotting a glass bottle she wondered, would that work? Shrugging she was about to pick it up in her mouth, but thought better of it. No telling what's been on it, or who had it. She picked it up with her hoof, and looking for a suitable spot she reared up, prepared to throw then tossed it overhead, watching it fly through the air, and ot her surprise it bounced off of a wall making a loud clank sound before falling onto the ground.

What in th' hay? Applejack tilted her head in question at the bottle, why didn't it break? Surly it should have broke, but it didn't! But the deed did its job, and the colt quickly looked up, grabbing his firearm and trotting over to where he heard the noise.

With sluggish steps and gun in hoof, he made his way over as AJ snuck up behind him. Being extra careful to be as quiet as possible as to not alert the pony. Once she was behind him, she pulled out her gun and aiming at the back of his head, she raised the gun and brought it down hard. Hitting him and making him fall to the ground with a thud.

Ah... jus' did that didn't Ah? She asked herself, looking down at the colt lying on the cold ground. He was still alive, at least... but what if she ju- Shaking the thoughts away she picked up his gun and placed it in her saddlebag. She had no idea what kind of firearm it was, but maybe it would come in handy should she run out of ammo for her shotgun. Applejack looked down at his small saddlebag, contemplating rooting through it for anything useful, with a sigh Applejack turned around and trotted over to the door instead. Ah need ta try an' not add theft to what will no doubt be my record. Applejack told herself, walking up to the door and placing a hoof on it.

And with slight hesitence... she opened it.

And was suddenly hit with a barrage of different smells, mostly alcohol, tabacco, and musk... musk being a smell that overpowered the majority of the things she smelled. Celestia damn! She coughed, she's smelled some foul things in her life, but this take the cake. Steeling herself, Applejack trotted intside letting the door close behind her.

The hall Applejack ventured down was bland, the walls papery and peeling apart from age and direpair. The floors underhoof felt sticky, with what she didn't want to know. She did know that once this was done, she was going to take a long hot shower. Old lights buzzed above her, dimly lighting the hallway in front of her with a pasty light. Several doors leading to bathrooms and other unlabeled ones were on either side, Applejack heard something crash in the next room, followed by a mare giggling and grunting.

Oh Celestia. She blushed, trotting past that particular door with haste before arriving in what looked like a small back room. Up ahead she saw a dark brown door that looked like it led to the main room, another door that was padlocked, and several small tables and crates sitting about. And to her dismay, two stallions sitting around a table playing cards, were staring at her.

"Who're ya chicka?" One of them asked, pulling out a pistol and placing it on the table. "How'd ya get past Bingo?"

Bingo? She wondered with amusement as the other stallion stood up, trotting over to her and looking at her.

He hummed in thought, his purple eyes scrutinizing her in great detail as he trotted around her form. She felt uncomfortable being looked at, but said nothing. "She must be the pony G was talkin' bout, Flit." He said, looking AJ in the eyes with a suspicious gaze. "You Test Tube?" He asked her, raising an eyebrow.

AJ hesitated. Test Tube? They're expecting somepony? Applejack nodded. "Yeah, Ah'm her." She told them, shifting from side to side. She's done a lot of things, but lying about who she was, was not one she did, or wanted to do. Applejack could only hoped they believed her, if they didn't...

Well, she'd just have to kill them.

"Well its about damn time ya got here," The stallion in front of her said, glowering at Applejack before turning around and jerking his head towards the door on the far side. "Da boss is up front in his office," He told AJ, turning back to his cardgame with Flit. "Don't make 'im wait." Without another word he picked up his cards and resumed playing the game.

Having the green light, Applejack trotted over to the main room door before reaching out to it, and pushing it open., It gave way and she walked through. When she did AJ saw several ponies up front situated around the place. A bartender was serving several drinks to what looked like two guards dressed similarly to most of the Bicardi family goons, a black shirt with a small silver B on the front right shoulder. Another guard was sitting on the far left, reading a Newspaper that had a picture of a pony silhouette wielding a rifle on the front, and the words Sniper has struck again. on the front in bold.

Counting th' two in th' back, and these four, that's six. Then there's Glass himself... hoo boy. She huffed, wiping a hoof across her forehead as she made her way across the floor to the office, which had Glass Heart's name etched across it in small New Times Roamin. She made her way up to the door, hesitating before knocking on it twice.

"Who is it?!" Somepony yelled, the sounds of something being shoved into a drawer sounding from inside.

"Uh," What was that name again? Test Tube! "Ah'm Test Tube, here ta see ya." She called out quietly, not wanting to disturb the others in the establishment. She heard something that sounded like a match strike from inside, then a thud.

"Well get your flank on in here then." He called back out to her.

With no time to waste, AJ went inside. Opening the door with a feeling of trepidation coursing through her. When the door opened she was hit with the distinct smell of Whiskey and Bourbon, and cigar smoke. Small black unlabeled books lined the shelf behind the desk, where Glass Heart himself sat. He was a short stallion with a bright red mane and tail, and a cutie mark of a heart shaped piece of glass. Silver eyes locked on green ones as AJ trotted inside, closing the door behind her.

This is him... Applejack noted, looking at the stallion. A pistol sat in front of him, her eyes flicking to it for a brief moment before they set on his eyes once more. He appeared to have noticed where her eyes were, and moved his pistol aside.

"So, you're Test Tube?" He asked, tapping a hoof on his desk. He appeared to be impatient, antsy and probably slightly insane.

AJ nodded. "Yea, Ah'm Test Tube." She answered, standing a good distance away from Glass Heart. Now here she was, in the same room as her target. Its jus' us two in here... now what do Ah do? She wondered, watching the stallion as he scratched his scar.

Simple, you kill him, that's why you're here isn't it? A voice in the back of her head spoke, That is why you're here isn't it? is asked.

Well... Ah... yeah that's why Ah'm here. She replied, left foreleg twitched slightly. She needed to do this, she needed to make the Bicardi family pay for what they've done, but she was hoping to go straight to Havoc and Crystal Bicardi, not tread through their lackeys.

Then why are you stalling? The voice asked as Glass Heart started speaking, though AJ didn't hear a lick of any of it. The longer you wait, the more suspicious he'll get. You're not thet Test Tube pony, you got lucky getting inside and it probably won't happen again. HURRY UP AND KILL HIM! the voice cried urgently.

"Anyway, I need you to-" He stopped speaking, looking on as AJ trembled slightly. "Something the matter?" He asked, arching an eyebrow. What was her problem? He didn't know.

But he got his answer when, in an instant, Applejack pulled out her double barrel and raised it, pointing it at the stallion's head with her hoof on the trigger. "Don't move." she uttered, shaking slightly. Why was she?

Glass Heart leaned back, his eyes gleaming dangerously in the light. "You're not Test Tube are ya?" he said, it was more of a statement then a question. His eyes flicked to his gun for a second before going back to AJ's. "Who are you?" He questioned, keeping his tone calm and precise.

Moving over to the desk, AJ grabbed his gun before he could do anything and put it beside her. She had him now, without a weapon and no where to run. "Ah'm here ta kill you." She told him, shaking ever so slightly. This whole thing sounded better in her head, and now that she was here, she was nervous. Ah have him! Why am Ah so dang nervious all of a sudden? She pondered, keeping her eyes on the unicorn as his eyes narrowed.

Glass rose an eyebrow, smirking. "You're here to kill me?" He asked, leaning back as his eyes flicked downward to his desk. "Funny, you don't look like you're ready to kill anypony, least of all me." He tilted his head, still smiling. "Who sent you? The Don of the Manehatten Mob? or is it perhaps someone from Germaneigh?" Glass questioned further, placing his hooves together and eyeing the shotgun being pointed at his skull.

AJ shook her head, "Ah'm here of mah own volition, Ah'm here ta stop ya."

"Stop me?" Glass looked at her, mirth in his eyes. "How can you stop me? You're shaking where you're standing, and sweating up a storm." He smiled a toothy grin. "You're not going to stop me, you're just a little foal, playing a game that you're not ready for." He told her, his right hoof descending own below the desk, out of AJ's eye range.

Applejack shook even more, her heart was pounding in her chest and she could feel the sweat building up on her brow. She came to this place to stop Glass Heart's shady underground business, and to get one step closer to destroying the Bicardi family and exacting vengeance. But now she was getting cold hooves? She couldn't after coming so far, she needed to do this, she needed to stop him, to stop the Bicardi family. She didn't come this far to just give up!

Her thoughts were broken when Glass spoke. "I however, am fully capable of playing this game." He grinned before pulling out a gun and pulling back the hammer.

SHOOT HIM! The voice cried.

Applejack took aim as Glass did the same, both guns were primed as they both pulled the trigger.

CRACK-BOOM