//------------------------------// // Chapter two- V.I.P Villainy // Story: The Canterlot Caper // by Silvermyr //------------------------------// The Wizard yawned loudly as he woke up in his lavish mansion. The rest of his family, and his butler, had already left the house to go about their morning routine. This meant The Wizard had the house to himself today. That was just as nice. A pony like him had too little time for himself, so any time alone was welcome. He laid on the bed for a few minutes and enjoyed the warm, snug feeling. After a few minutes of thinking about all and nothing, he got out of the bed and stretched, put on his silken bathrobe, trotted down to the street, and collected his newspaper. Apparently Derpy had actually managed her job today for a change. After having prepared a cup of strong coffee, The Wizard sat down and opened the financial pages. ”Due to a large Parasprite infestation in the orchards of Apleloosa, the prices of applesauce and cider are expected to rise,” The Wizard read out loud. It was not what the newspaper explicitly said, but it was what it meant if you read it properly. He made a mental note to visit Sweet Apple Acres. He could probably buy some stuff now and sell it later for a good profit. He continued to skim through the financial pages for a couple of minutes before he turned to the actual news. He was greeted by a large picture of Princess Twilight in front of her castle. Apparently she had acted as a diplomat between Equestria and the Yaks or something, but honestly, who cares? Yaks made poor business partners. Hairballs might end up breaking half his mansion before they even read the contract. He had to search among the notices before he found what he was looking for. There was a small picture of a meek-looking earth pony with a hat cutie mark beside a few rows of text. The Wizard knew his friends had done a good job, but he read the article anyway. The world famous designer and fashion critic, Hoity Toity, is suing the designer behind the Bridleway musical The Wizard of Ooze, Coco Pommel. This is in response to a series of pictures published in Saturday’s Manehattan Times. Coco Pommel is unreachable for a comment. ”Excellent news, as usual,” The Wizard concluded as he closed the paper. He stretched, put away his bathrobe, donned his reserve tie, and casually went out to Ponyville. He took a deep breath and thought about what he should do today. ”The club this evening,” was his first thought. ”But before that, I really should get to Sweet Apple Acres, and probably place an order at Rarity’s too while I’m at it. I need a new tie to replace the old one… perhaps one should take a look at the store too…” With his plan in mind, The Wizard casually went towards Sweet Apple Acres. The clock was nearing eight thirty P.M when The Wizard said his goodbyes to his daughter and butler, and went to the train station. The sun was setting and the streets bathed in an orange light. He nodded to the few ponies he saw on his way, and they nodded back to him. He bought his ticket to Canterlot, first class of course, and sat down at a bench. He picked up the thriller he was currently reading and threw a glance at the large clock. The train would not arrive for another fifteen minutes, and then there would be at least ten minutes until it left again. Plenty of time to read a chapter or two. He had just opened the book when he heard a train approaching. He did not really care, for it was not his train, but something made him look up nonetheless. He looked at the passengers behind the windows as they passed before he dropped down into his book again. ”Terminal station, everypony, please leave the train,” The conductor called to The Wizard’s right. The platform was quickly filled with ponies scuffing and calling for relatives, or just trying to get away from the station. ”Excuse me, sir, but do you know where Rarity lives?” A soft voice came from just in front of The Wizard. He ignored it, positive that whomever it belonged to was not speaking to him. ”Hello, sir?” The Wizard looked up with a glance of mild curiosity. He did not quite manage to hide his surprise. In front of him stood Coco Pommel, their most recent target. ”Can I help you, ma’m?” He said after a small pause while he gathered his wits. ”Do you know where Rarity lives?” Coco asked again. It was not lost on The Wizard, that Coco already looked pretty worse for the wear. Her eyes had a somber glance and were fixed on the ground as she spoke. ”Carousel Boutique. Just follow the main road through town, and you will find it to the left just after Town Hall. It is a large, round building,” The Wizard said as his mind worked furiously to analyze the fact that Coco was here. ”Actually,” he said slowly, ”allow me to show you the way.” ”Ooh, that’s very kind of you,” Coco said with a small smile. ”Thanks.” ”You are welcome,” The Wizard said as he put his book in his saddlebag. The trip to Carousel Boutique was less than ten minutes, so he would have more than enough time to get back to his train. Of course, nothing forced him to help Coco, but something told him that it was not a coincidence that she was here. In the off chance she tried something stupid, then it would be good to know quickly. ”Pardon me, but did I see you in the newspaper some time ago? A… fashionista or something…?” The Wizard asked lightly. ”Designer,” Coco answered, and her face dropped down to the ground again. ”Or… former designer… I don’t want to talk about it…” The Wizard shrugged and continued to guide Coco in silence as he thought about his next move. ” I will probably have to monitor this…” he thought. ”Why did she have to come? How annoying.” They were both silent the rest of the way to Carousel Boutique, and The Wizard made an inviting gesture with his hoof. ”Here it is. I am afraid I will have to leave you now, for I have a train to catch.” ”Of course, thank you again,” Coco said with a nervous voice. The Wizard went back the way he came, looked over his shoulder to be certain Coco did not see him, and quickly hid behind a corner. He listened carefully, and heard Rarity’s voice coming from the boutique. He could not make out any words, but there was no mistaking that voice. As soon as he heard the door close he made his way back to the house. He put his ear to the door after making sure the coast was clear. He heard nothing. They were not on the lower floor. The Wizard quickly looked up to the windows on the upper floor and dismissed the idea equally as quick. He was a decent climber, but it would look very strange if somepony saw him, and he did not want to get anypony to get suspicions of him for such a minor detail. ”I will have to look into this later…” The Wizard mumbled to himself as he went towards the train station. ***** Rarity did not really know how to react when she opened the door. Of the ponies to visit her at a random evening, Coco Pommel was not at all who she was expecting. Not that she complained, but it sure was strange. ”Do come in, darling,” Rarity said after the initial surprise had subsided. ”Thanks, Rarity,” Coco said with a tired voice. She stepped into the combined shopping area and home, and was met with about half a dozen of ponyquins with half finished dresses. Rarity closed the door closed behind her guest. Coco took a deep breath and turned to Rarity. She forced herself to look up from the floor and into Rarity’s eyes. They seemed surprised and a little worried. ”I… Rarity, I need your help…” Coco stammered. Rarity gave Coco an encouraging smile. ”Yes, dear?” ”I… I need a place to live…” Coco said with an ashamed voice. Rarity was taken aback. The fact that Coco Pommel came to visit was strange as it was, but this? This was stranger than the time she accidentally turned every street in Ponyville to gold. She was silent for a few moments while she tried to grasp Coco’s request. ”Ooh… alright, I will leave. Sorry for bothering you…” Coco said with a voice on the verge of tears and she began to back towards the door. ”Nonsense, I was just a bit surprised, is all,” Rarity said quickly and put her hoof on Coco’s shoulder. ”Come, I will make your bed.” She wanted to ask Coco quite a few questions, but her intuition told Rarity to let it be for now. Coco would tell her eventually. Rarity guided the starry eyed Coco up to her own bedroom and opened up a closet. Her horn lit up as she levitated out a mattress, a pillow and blankets. ”Just a moment dear, I will have my own bed ready in no time. If you feel like it, you can rest now.” Rarity gestured towards her large bed. ”Or perhaps you would like something to eat first?” Coco looked at her with eyes like a stray dog that have found its master. ”B-but… I can’t take your bed. I will sleep on the floor. I will be fine, promise.” ”Out of the question, dear,” Rarity said with a kind tone that broke no argument. ”You are my guest, so you sleep in the bed. Now, do you want a sandwich with some tea? I am afraid I don’t have much to offer at this hour…” ”Just some tea, if you would be so kind,” Coco mumbled. The flush on her face and submissive demeanor told Rarity that she felt uncomfortable by her generosity. ”Why, certainly, my dear,” Rarity smiled and went down in her kitchen. The tea was almost ready, she had put it on the stove before Coco came. She would not have her customary one and a half cups, but she would make do. She poured the tea in two small porcelain cups and magicked them onto a tray. Coco looked at some of Rarity’s fabrics when she entered. Rarity put the tray on her desk, and sat down on the bed. Coco mumbled something that Rarity did not quite catch and sat down beside her. They drank their tea in silence. ”Soo… how long do you plan on staying?” Rarity asked. ”Make no mistake, you are quite welcome, but I need to know so I can plan my own schedule.” ”I… don’t know,” Coco said silently. ”I have no home to return to, so I guess I will have to stay as long as you let me…” Rarity nearly choked on her tea. Coco had lost her home permanently? What had happened? ”Do you want to talk about it?” She asked carefully. It was apparent that something was clawing at Coco, and keeping silent about it would only make it worse. Rarity knew. If there was something good to be said about the whole Photo Finish fiasco, then it was that she had learned how it felt to have a dark secret. ”I can’t tell you, Rarity,” Coco said. Her cup was shaking slightly in her hooves. ”They… they forced my silence…” Okay, there definitely was something very sinister going on here. Rarity felt her heart freeze as she heard Coco. It was not an accident? Somepony had deliberately forced Coco out on the street? Rarity swallowed her immediate anger and took Coco’s hooves in hers. ”Your secret is safe with me, dear. Nopony will know without your consent. Won’t you tell me, please? What has happened to you?” Coco looked up at Rarity with scared eyes. ”Promise?” She whispered. ”Cross my heart and hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” Rarity said. She did mot make the typical movements, for she was holding Coco Pommel’s hooves. Coco frowned and gave Rarity a questioning look. ”Pinkie Promise,” Rarity explained. ”Breaking a Pinkie Promise is the fastest way to lose a friend.” Coco nodded and took a deep breath. ”Two ponies broke into my apartment a few days ago. They… stole all my money, both in the house and the bank; then they burned my apartment.” Rarity was shocked. Of course she read about things like this in the newspapers sometimes, but she never thought it could happen to anypony she knew. ”A-and then…” Coco sobbed quietly and spilled some tea on the bed. ”And then they took…p-pictures of me… It looked like… like I had an… an affair with Hoity Toity. I… I have no work, no money, no contacts. I have nothing left.” Coco’s dam broke. She leaned towards Rarity and cried on her shoulder. Rarity sat silent and let her. She gently stroked her back. Something told Rarity that Coco did not want to hear any encouragement right now. She just wanted to cry, to let it all out, so Rarity let her. They sat together for more than an hour until Coco’s crying slowed down a little. Rarity lifted up her head and looked into Coco’s red eyes. ”Darling, you must go to the police with this,” she said tenderly. ”N-no!” Coco exclaimed in a frightened voice. ”They said they would return if I did. I can’t go to the police!” Rarity nodded slowly. The burglars might very well be bluffing, but she saw that it was a risk Coco did not want to take. ”Then will you let me talk to Twilight Sparkle? She always has some good advice.” ”The Princess?” Coco asked. ”Do you think she will care about me?” ”She will,” Rarity said with a kind smile. ”I know she will.” Coco looked at Rarity with doubting eyes that slowly gave way to just be tired and wary. She sighed. ”O-okay, we will talk to Twilight. Tomorrow.” ”Tomorrow,” Rarity confirmed. Coco broke away from Rarity and laid down on the bed. Rarity used her magic to switch off the light as she laid down on the mattress. They were both silent for about fifteen minutes before Coco spoke. ”Rarity?” ”Yes, dear?” ”Thanks. For everything.” ”You are quite welcome.” Rarity was sure to put as much warmth in her voice as possible. ***** Fancypants had a frown on his face as he walked up to the Golden Apple Slice Club. He was alone tonight, for this was not a pleasure visit. He did not want to get Fleur roped into this if something went wrong. According to his liege, there was an underground organization at works in Canterlot. A skilled organization, just what he and his liege needed for their plan. Apparently this club was the only way to contact them. Time to see if the rumors were true. ”The Circus, the artists,” Fancypants repeated to himself. Those two words were pretty much all he knew. How his accomplice had learned about them was anypony’s guess. Then again, his accomplice was a mare with contacts… Fancypants licked his lips and casually went up to the door. The suited bouncer at the entrance looked at him once, and nodded. Fancypants nodded back and entered. A wave of trendy music hit him as he stepped into the warm interior. The DJ sat behind her booth, a couple of ponies sat by the bar and marveled at the creations being whipped up at breakneck speed. ”RRRAK, HELLO!” One of the white parrots said as Fancypants entered. Its yellow feather crest rose. ”Greetings,” Fancypants answered the bird. He magicked up some seeds and fed to the parrot as he went up to the bar. ”Lord Fancypants, such an honor. What can I get you?” the bartender asked in his slick voice. ”The usual, one Masterful Maximum Mint Madness, if you please,” Fancypants said. Might as well have something to drink while he tried to figure out what to do from here. ”Coming right up,” the bartender said as he levitated six bottles and a lot of mint leaves into the air. After marveling the bartender’s process of creating the drink, Fancypants took a sip and allowed the sweet, fresh and somewhat biting taste to assault his taste buds. He sat still for a while and drank while listening to the music. The generous amount of alcohol soon made him a bit more relaxed. ”Bartender,” Fancypants said, and the unicorn came immediately. ”It seems I find myself in a bit of a predicament,” he began tentatively. ”Oh,” the bartender said with a look of polite interest. ”I’m sorry to hear that.” ”It seems I have need of some certain ponies for a very… delicate job,” Fancypants continued, hoping for some sign of recognition from the bartender. He was met with a blank stare. ”I… see,” the bartender said neutrally as he poured another drink together without looking. ”I just wondered if you have heard of some skilled artisans, lately. Your club is the meeting point for the most important ponies of their field, after all…” ”Weeeell, there are a couple of artisans who might serve adequately… very skilled… and no questions asked,” the bartender said slowly. Fancypants noted that the unicorn’s look had changed. The polite interest was replaced by a cold and analytical glance. ”Might I meet them?” Fancypants said excitedly. He might have found them, their plan might actually work. ”One Predatory Powerpony Passerby Prank coming,” The bartender said loudly. ”Sign here if you please.” The bartender slid a small paper towards the surprised Fancypants. He looked at it. A receipt. He was just about to sigh as he saw the small words scribbled in the corner. ”Four A.M tonight,” Fancypants looked at the bartender, but he had already disappeared to serve Rapidfire his drink. A Jippiekayay Jalapeño Jumbo Jammer, if Fancypants was not mistaken. Not many other drinks had a jalapeño stuffed into the glass after all. The hours went by slowly, and Fancypants eventually found himself alone in the bar. Even the DJ had gone home for the night. The expensive designer clock woke him up from his tired stupor. Four lonesome tones reverberated through the air. As he looked up, he found himself face to face with the bartender. ”Come,” the unicorn said with a serious voice. He and Fancypants went towards the V.I.P room. ***** ”Leave it to one fool to find another,” The Bearded Mare said bitterly. ”I am surprised Coco has actually grown a spine since last I saw her but I can’t say I like it, m’kay?” The Wizard was still catching his breath. He had arrived somewhat late to the club, and the meeting had already begun. He missed the beginning of the report on the Equestria Games Gamble, and the whole report on the Trottingham Trap, their two active operations. Not that he cared, he more concerned with Coco Pommel. ”What do we do with this, Illusionist?” The Wizard asked nervously. ”You are the one who usually deal with this kind of stuff, what do you suggest?” ”Not much,” The illusionist said with a superior smile, as if he was explaining the simplest thing to a foal. ”I don’t like Rarity either, but as long as only she knows, then this doesn’t matter.” ”But she does have contacts with the Princess of Friendship. That might cause problems,” The Equilibrist said with a ponderous voice. ”RRRAK! RRRAK!” Prankster said from his pin. He flapped over to The Equilibrist and looked at him with expectant eyes. The unicorn levitated up some seeds. ”So, you two fools,” The Illusionist pointed at The Wizard and The Clown,” Will have to be on the lookout. That’s all there is to it. Just don’t do anything stupid for once, watch and wait.” Everypony was silent for a moment, before The Tamer continued his interrupted report. ”As-s I w-was t-trying t-to s-say, the E-Equestria G-g-games-s b-business is t-taken c-care of. Mrs-s Ha-harshwinny’s-s l-last-t-t co-co-competit-tor has been… d-dealt-t wh-with…” The Tamer’s twitchy smile looked too large to fit on his face. His mismatched eyes darted from one end of the room to another without ever focusing on anything. They stopped at The Clown, who gave him a sincere smile. ”And the payment?” The Wizard asked. ”F-fifty t-thous-s-sand-d bits-s will be s-sent-t to the club next-t-t weeeek,” The Tamer responded quickly. He turned to look at The Wizard faster than what could be healthy for the neck. ”So that’s another job well done,” The Escape Artist said with a haughty voice. ”Was there ever any doubt?” ”None,” The Wizard said, now calm again. The Illusionist knew what to do with Coco, he just had to watch and wait. They could take care of Coco later if needed, but that was not his job. The room was silent for a few seconds, before a knock could be heard from one of the two doors, the one that led to the club. The atmosphere immediately shifted. The air felt like charged with electricity. I t was so thick with excitement that it could practically be felt with bare hooves. Their trusted bartender had found another potential contract. The Equilibrist got off his chair and took a small note from the table. He something down on it. Everypony knew what he wrote, just a single word. ”Who?” He slid the note under the door. A few seconds later it came back. ”Fancypants, huh?” The Equilibrist said. ”Wizard, think you can handle this?” ”Of course,” the earth pony said quickly. With a flash from The Escape Artist’s horn, the notes on the whiteboard disappeared. The Bearded Mare slid a small suitcase over to The wizard, who opened it and began to take on the mask. The rest of the ponies left silently. The Wizard looked at the mirror in the suitcase lid and adjusted the last few flaws with the mask. When he was pleased, he took the seat across the door where Facypants would enter. ”Yes?” He said. The door opened. ***** Fancypants was not quite sure what to expect, but this was not it. A large, round table stood in the quite small room, surrounded by about half a dozen chairs. Across the table sat a lonesome earth pony stallion. He could probably be quite dashing, but the empty chairs and large whiteboard behind him gave a more powerful than handsome appearance. The moon shone through a large window where the Canterlot clock tower could be seen. Half his face was showered in silvery moonlight and the other one was hidden in pitch black shadow. He looked like a leader. Calm, controlled, snide, and not shy of using dirty tactics when needed. Fancypants stepped into the room and met the stallion’s glance. It looked like he wore a well-crafted mask, but he was not sure in the odd light. ”So you are The… Circus, are you?” He said calmly. He was used to deal with the most powerful ponies in Equestria, so he was not very afraid. ”I represent them, yes. You can call me The Wizard,” the stallion said. He had a rather inconspicuous accent, as if he had trained to suppress it. ”The fact that you know our name means that you know what we are. What do you want, Fancypants?” Fancypants hesitated. He was about to speak of what could probably be called treason, and he had no idea who the stallion was. What if he was sent by Celestia? ”Don’t be foolish, she has no idea of this. I must trust my mission, and my liege.” He thought to himself. ”I trust you understand this conversation never happens?” he said. ”Of course,” The Wizard said immediately. He made an inviting gesture with his hoof. ”I… I want you to steal something…” Fancypants began. ”What?” ”No turning back now,” Fancypants thought as he licked his lips. ”Celestia’s regalia.” He noted that The Wizard seemed surprised, but not nervous or afraid. ”I will consult my colleagues. You will have our answer tomorrow,” The Wizard said calmly. Fancypants wanted to protest. He did not want to let the pony out of his sight until he was guaranteed he did not work for Celestia, but there was not much of a choice. He turned and left. The Wizard sat for a few seconds and tried to take in the request. He shook his head and opened the door. The rest of the artists entered and listened to Fancypant’s order. The Illusionist had an amused look on his face. ”Well, I say. We might just have been plunged into a historical moment,” he said. ”Why?” The Clown said with a giddy and curious voice. ”What does the regalia matter? Isn't it hard to sell?” ”Impossible to sell, actually,” The Illusionist said with a superior and explanatory voice. ”But if Celestia loses it, she will look like an utter fool. More so than usual, that is. I imagine Fancypants and his noble friends can use Celestia’s damaged reputation to gain more influence or something.” ”That’s good for you, isn’t it?” The Wizard looked towards The Illusionist. ”You are one of his ’noble friends’ too, right?” ”Noble, yes, friend, no,” The Illusionist snickered. ”But you are right, I will probably gain from this affair in more than one way.” ”So you think we should take the contract?” The Equilibrist asked. ”Yes, of course. I won’t let you waste this chance,” The Illusionist responded. ”As strange as it sounds, The Escape Artist is with The Illusionist here,” The Escape Artist said. ”If we don’t, we will regret it our whole lives. And this will be the hardest job we have ever tried, and when we succeed… then we will all know just how good we are.” ”And think of the payment,” The Wizard said with a grin. ”I bet we could demand literally anything.” ”We will all be filthy rich, yes, no pun intended,” The Equilibrist said with a look to The Wizard, who gave a laugh. ”Liar. That was so intended,” The Bearded Mare said as she chimed in the laughter. ”Fine, you caught me,” The Equilibrist said with a resigned voice. ”The Canterlot guard will be very jealous. They have been after me for years.” More laughter erupted. ”T-t-t-wis-st-t-ter?” The Tamer said with an unsettling smile once the laughter had subsided. ”Friends, shall we take this contract?” The Equilibrist asked with a small smirk on his face. The answer was clear. ”Sure. Sounds like fun,” The Clown said. ”Yes,” everypony in the room said together.