//------------------------------// // Episode 19: Time To Get Our License! // Story: Life of a Wanted Changeling Season 3: Tyrants, Terrorists, and Tiaras, Oh My! // by Down with Chrysalis //------------------------------// As the ponies continue to stare at you, you can't help but think in annoyance, Dear Luna when will people stop staring at me! Don't they know that it's both creepy and rude!? Ugh...I guess I can just use that to make them stop. With that thought in mind you can't help but smirk as you... do the classic standby "HEY LOOK A DISTRACTION" Wind up ointing at something increably distracting by pure coincidence Point in a random direction as you shout, "LOOK! A DISTRACTION!" All the ponies that were staring at you all turn around to stare at what you're pointing at at the same time. You smirk at this as you think, Heh, still got it. With that thought you and Aqua begin to walk through the city, only to stop when you hear the ponies you distracted gasp in surprise. You and Aqua turn around and are shocked as you see the ponies staring at where you pointed in shock. Gaining a confused look to were you pointed and see... A pony wearing a red leather jacket and wearing a owl mask, a blue pony wearing a hockey mask, and another pony wearing a strange pig mask chasing after each other with metal hoofball bats. You can hear the owl mask one shouting about something called "Hoodini" while the pig masked one is saying something about "Knowledge." The weirdest one is the hockey masked one since for some reason he keeps shouting that he's the "Real Delirious." You and Aqua continue to watch the strange scene before Aqua asks, "Should we....stop them?" You look at the scene for a few more minutes before shaking your head and saying, "Nah, we got our own problems to worry about. Besides they haven't hurt anyli-pony yet, just themselves. Come on we got a license to get." You begin to walk away with Aqua soon walking with you with one last glance towards the bizarre scene. SOME TIME LATER You and Aqua have headed deeper into the city in search of the building that'll give you both your license for bounty hunting. Sadly neither of you has managed to find it yet, and to make matters worse ponies are staring at you two again. Deciding to try and ignore the stares you look over to Aqua and ask, Wanting distraction from the judgemental stares, you try to strike up a conversation with Aqua. Namely, with your time long enemy: Lady Luck. "Do you ever feel like there is somepony just waiting to ruin your day at the worst possible moment?" "Hey Aqua, you ever feel like there is somepony just waiting to ruin your day at the worst possible moment?" "What? Like the mailmare?" she questions. "No like...wait, the mailmare ruins your days?" "Well yeah, because all they deliver is bills, bills, bills. It can take the joy out of any day. Thankfully I've avoided them for awhile by not having a home anymore..." "Huh...I guess that's one way to screw over the Government...but no I meant like, do you ever have those days where some cosmic tart of chance named Lady Luck has it out for you?" "Well I guess everypony has one of those days now and again. It's not like Luck itself is out to get you though," she muses. "Oh really, my life begs to differ," you snark. "What do you mean?" she asks. You open your mouth to tell Aqua something when you are interrupted...by a boot to the head. You yell out in pain, but you quickly shake it off as you glare around the area to try and find out who threw it at you. You find one mare smiling triumphantly at you with another boot in her hoof. Your glare intensifies as you yell, "OI! WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA THROWING A BOOT AT MY HEAD!" The mare just glares at you before she says, "Simple really, I was throwing this boot at ya for dragging that poor zebra around like that, you speciest jerk!" Your eyes widen at her accusation as you say in a panicked tone, BrownDog's Comment “What?! No no no! This guy is a criminal.” “Oh really? Why? Because he had the audacity to be a Zebra!” shouts a mare. “No, because he’s an arsonist and wanted by the police you idiot!” “Oh sure he is, because all Zebras are aren’t they! Buck the police” shouts a Zebra citizen. “I didn’t say that! Only this guy! And I ain’t a cop, I’m a bounty hunter!” “It doesn’t matter, you law guys are all the same, Speciest as tartarus!” an Earth pony yells as she throws a newspaper at you. You read the headline. Is Captain Armor’s Second in Command A Speciest? Shining Armor’s Second in Command, Sergeant Flash Sentry, has made headlines recently after he reportedly yelled Speciest comments during the capture of an Earth Pony suspect. The pegasus guard was reportedly to have gone on a tirade at the criminal using several derogatory terms, including Filthy Mud Pony, and Go Back to the Farm. He allegedly stopped when he saw reporters writing down every word he said. “It’s not me! It’s my Grandfather!” he shouted before he was teleported out of the scene by the Captain of the guard himself. No other word has been heard from the Captain or his staff about the incident as all inquiries have yet to be answered. The suspect, a Mr. Artful Dodger, who has a criminal rapsheet for child labor and abuse had this to say. “It’s sickening that in this day and age, that thoughts and terms like that are still being used. He is totally worse than me. That means I get a reduced sentence if he’s blamed more right?” he asked his lawyer who firmly nodded. “Yeah, all Guards and Police are Speciest!” The article continues, but you just facehoof. “Dang it Flash…Look, I’m not a speciest! This guy sets fires to places and steals stuff! His wanted poster is right over there!” you yell at the stupid protesters who see Braze's wanted poster. “He’s right folks, move along, nothing to see here,” some Guards say as they disperse the crowd. One of the guards walks right up to you two. “Sooo…you captured Braze eh? Nice…so I’m guessing you want a reward?” “Umm…Yeah…” you say nervously. “It would be appreciated,” Aqua adds. “Alright, well I’m going to need your Bounty Hunting Licenses and…” “You see…we were both actually on our way to go get them,” “Oh…well I can’t allow that. I’m pretty sure that’s illegal. “OH COME ON!” you yell. “We captured this dangerous criminal! We just want to get paid! We’ll bring him right to you once we get the stupid license!” Aqua harrumphs. “Ummm…yeah no. See, if you don’t surrender that criminal to me, then I’m gonna have to take all of you in and then you’ll end up OWING money…you see what I’m saying here?!” “Oh For Buck’s Sake!” you yell as you dump the Zebra down hard in frustration. “That looks like a hate crime to me!” shouts someone in the crowd. “Oh go buck yourself Hippie!” you harrumph as you angrily stomp away from the scene, looking for the Licensing House. Aqua follows you, and you both hear the Guard chuckling and say, “Whelp, looks like we’re getting that raise after all boys,” and they cheer as they handcuff the duct taped Zebra. SOMETIME LATER...AGAIN You and Aqua now find yourselves outside the Licensing House with your brand new Bounty Hunting licenses, and even a new Updated Bounty Hunting Bingo Book. Now if only getting them wasn't such a pain in the flank. You both shiver in dread as you remember how exactly you got the license... FLASHBACK TIME! Solarkness's Comment Kichi's Comment After hours of searching, you and Aqua finally find the building that hoofs out bounty hunter licenses. However you had to wait even more hours since the line was so long to get to the office pony and the fact that he moved like a sloth didn't help. But eventually you both get up to the counter and ask for bounty hunter licenses. The office pony gives you a look before he asks, "So...what is it that you want...today?" he asks in what you think is deliberate slow talk. "Yeah, hi, the mare and I would like to get our licenses please," you tell him. "Licenses...for...what?" he asks. You roll your eyes, "Buddy, just look at us. What the buck do you think?" "Ah...I see..." he says as he slowly puts a piece of paper before you two. "Sign here..." "Ugh, finally," you say as you grab a pen, but Aqua stops you. "Umm...this is a marriage certificate," Aqua says in confusion. "Wait, what?" you look at the paper and see she is right. "What the buck?" "This is what you asked for...right?" says the sales pony. "No!" both of you yell blushing. "Yeesh, jump to conclusions much?" Aqua says huffily. "Oh...my bad...what license did you want?" "Our Bounty Hunting Licenses!" you yell. "One moment...please..." he says as he slowly shuffles papers. "Oh..." he says after awhile. "Apparently... I can only give Hunting Licenses...to Omnivorous/Carnivorous species like...Diamond Dogs...Griffins...Bat Ponies...Dragons..." "Nooo! BOUNTY hunting licenses you dingbat!" Aqua growls annoyed. "Oh...B...B...Butcher's license?" he asks bringing out another file. "BOUNTY! B-O-U-N-T-Y!!!" you yell tugging at your hat. "So...your bounty hunter license?", the office pony asks in confusion. "Yes-YES! For the love of Luna I already told you! We want to get our bounty hunter license here!", you shout. "Oh...well...I don't know... what you're talking about...", he responds. "WHAT?!" both of you shout. "I...don't give out...Bounty Hunting...Licenses..." he deliberately says slowly. "Then who does!" you roar, showing off your mask's teeth, which doesn't phase him. "You...want that line...over there..." he says pointing to another long line that says "Arts and Crafts" above it. "Arts and...arts and cr...WHY WOULD THAT BE THE LINE TO GET THE LICENSE?!" Aqua screeches. "I'm sorry ma'am...I'm not...at liberty...to say..." "But that's like another 3 hour wait!" "Yes...yes it is...next please..." "AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!" both of you shout to the heavens. FLASHBACK END You and Aqua both shiver at the memory. With a sigh you look over to Aqua and say, "So... It was fun working with you..." Aqua gains an awkward look before she says, "Uhh... Yeah..." "Maybe we'll meet again some day down the road..." you say as you turn to leave "Wait!" you hear her call out. Ugh, what now? Selena huffs. What's your problem? you ask. I had to suffer those infernal bureaucrats same as you, and I'd like to leave this place sooner rather than later. Just hold up a minute You turn around and see Aqua scrunching her face up. "Uhhh... you wanna stick together a little bit longer? I mean, we did just spend 7 hours trying to get these dang things. Do you want to get some food to celebrate or...something?" she asks awkwardly. "No" your mouth says on it's own as Selena momentarily takes control. "Oh, sorry..." Aqua says a bit sadly as she turns to leave. Selena! you chide in your mind. I just want us to go to bed already...she whines. You roll your eyes and call out to Aqua "No wait!" she looks at you and continue, "What I meant was No, thank you... I think it would be better if you don't stay around me too much... I'm just a magnet for trouble" you explain, trying to be delicate, even as you hear Selena groaning. "It's not a problem, really... and I don't really have anything to do" Aqua insists. "Well... I...*sigh* okay" With that said you both begin to head off towards a nearby diner... MEANWHILE, WITH SOMEPONY ELSE The Pony Spartan's Comment POV Change: Luna Luna (disguised as a unicorn night guard) strolls along the streets of Baltimare. Her journey from before wasn't pleasant. She had to accompany Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor at the new Crystal Empire to help out with all the wreckage. She originally planned to go there just to locate The Hooded Offender, but she couldn't just leave without at least lending a hoof. The state the Crystal Empire has motivated Luna, even more, to help The Offender to cleanse the darkness inside of him. "I once had a darkness inside me...I wrecked havoc as he did, and I was saved. He deserves to be saved as well," She mutters to herself. She was currently searching Baltimare, because the night before, some unknown mare had had a Nightmare. Within that dream, the mare had been attacked by what was obviously the Offender, and in the distance Baltimare could be seen. "It's as good as a lead as any," Luna had said to herself. After a whole day of searching, she had no success, though there had been a rally of so called "Social Justice Warriors" after a Zebra arsonist had been jailed, that had been broken up. She then stopped by an arcade to unwind before getting a bite to eat to relax a bit from all the searching. Now, eating a taco and still disguised, she walked down the sidewalk in deep thought. Whatever darkness he may have, it's amazing how long he can go before destruction occurs. I never had that much control over HER... she winces at the memories that come forth of Nightmare Moon. Still, she is gone...but darkness comes in many forms, with many names... Her thoughts are interrupted however when a pony with a smooth red mask bumped into her. She still stood, but the pony fell. "Ooomph!" the stallion cries as he hits the ground. "Sorry," Luna said. "No, I'm sorry." The pony replied. A mare walked up to the fallen pony. "Are you okay CV?" CV is quite an odd name. Luna thought. "Yeah," CV replied. "My sincerest apologies, citizen. I art at fault" she says before wincing at slipping back into Royal Speak. She never was a good actor. CV looks confused at this. "But I'm the one that bumped into-" "I'm off in search! Hark!" she fumbles and runs off from the two. If Luna was paying attention to CV, she would have heard, "She talks in an oddly familiar way." POV Change: You Shaking off the weird encounter, you and Aqua continue towards the diner, as you do you hear Selena say, Bugze, there was something off about that pony. Gaining a questioning look you think, What do you mean, she seemed pretty normal to me. Selena sighs before she says, She just seemed...familiar, and not the good kind either. Just stay clear of her next time you see her alright? You nod your head at this while thinking Okay before you and Aqua enter the diner. BrownDog's Comment You both have lunch in a small diner, both bummed over not getting your bounty. You even bring Nightshade out, who is kind of giving you the cold shoulder. “Hey kid…Nightshade, look, I’m sorry about what happened last night. I didn’t mean to hurt you,” Aqua apologizes. “It’s alright, I’ve been hit a lot worse,” Nightshade says. “I’m sorry about what my Daddy did to you,” she says as she gives you a stink eye. Your ears go down against your head when she does this. “Nah…don’t be kid. It’s alright now…no harm no foal right?” Nightshade just looks down and away clearly not believing her. “Alright, look Kid, believe me when I say it’s OK. Here, I got you this piece of pie. Kind of hoped we could use it as a peace off-.” “MINE!” Nightshade yelps as she snatches the pie and dives into your Inventory. “Thanks lady!” Nightshade calls from inside the bag. She chuckles at that. “Heh, cute kid,” You both then get your regular food and eat, for the most part, in silence. After awhile, she sighs and turns to you. “Look…about last night…” You wince as you remember what you almost did to her. “I never actually said thank you.” You cough in confusion as you clearly weren’t expecting that. “Thank you? Why would you say that? I nearly…” you start before catching yourself. She nods and continues. “I meant before…THAT, happened. When you saved me from Braze,” You think back to last night and you remember that you kind of did knock him out before he could attack her. It was kind of overshadowed in your mind after you became the bigger threat though. “Oh, well you don’t have to. I don’t deserve it for what happened afterwards,” you tell her. “No, no you do. I really did need help when he had that stuff on my horn, and you just happened to be there. It made me realize that, some backup is pretty good to have.” “Well it couldn’t hurt right?” you say. “What I mean is that, we both just got screwed over by those jerk guards today, and we didn’t get paid for our hard work…Things aren’t right between us because of this.” “So what are you saying?” you ask. “I’m saying that…we need a do-over,” she explains. “Huh?” “You and I need to find another criminal, take him down, and get the money for what we’re owed. Sure we could go do that separately, but it’d be a lot quicker and easier if we did it together. What with my speed, and your strength, nopony would stand a chance.” "Yeah...I'm trying to keep the whole cloak thing under wraps. Last night made me see that. "Still, you've got quite the arsenal on you, and you sure know how to take a hit. What do you say?" “I…don’t know…” No, this is good Selena interrupts. Huh? Think about it. If this tart were to work with you, then that would mean there would be less of a chance of you needing to use the cloak. She is a capable warrior, we both know that. I thought you were annoyed by her? My annoyance aside, you know I'm right about this. “Come on man. I know we didn’t get off on the right hoof here, but we could do this.” “I…OK. Why don’t we try ONE bounty together…and then we’ll see what happens after that?” She smirks, “Sounds good to me. So…Know any other bounties out there?” “Umm…” you say as you take out your Bingo book to see. "Well there are a few around this area it says," you say holding it up to her. "There's a pegasus that's wanted for flying under the influence," "Nah, sounds too low key...Oooh, what about this guy?" she says pointing to a picture of a Five Headed Dragon. "I've always wanted to stop a Dragon's fire in his throat. What's he in for?" "Hiram McDaniels, 18 feet tall, 3,600 lbs Wanted For...Insurance Fraud?" "Wait, that's it?" she says confused. "No wanton destruction or arson?" "Nope, just insurance fraud," you tell her. "Well that's no fun...anything else?" "Hmmm...oh...what do we have here?" you say as you smile and point at an entry showing a bunch of griffins. Her face brightens up at the passage. The Extra Lives. Wanted for Smuggling and theft of Rare and Imported Videogames. 150 bits a head for 12 Griffin Crew. Said to be Operating out of Baltimare Harbor. "Griffins eh...sounds like fun," smirks Aqua. "Yeah...and if all goes according to plan, they might have a copy of the Gold Cartridge of Ocarina of Time!" you squee. THE NEXT DAY After resting up for the night, you and Aqua set about talking to Game Stores in the city, looking for information. Some poor Earth Pony kid had had his copy of Earthbound stolen by some Griffins, and with his help, you were able to find what you think is the base of operations at a warehouse on the docks. You both sit on top of an empty warehouse not too far away glassing the area. "So do you see anything?" you ask to Aqua as she looks through some Binoculars. "Well, there are definitely some shady looking griffins coming in and out of the place. I think I caught a glimpse of a game controller in one of their suit pockets." "What about their leader? The dark brown female?" "No sign of "Samus" but one of the males matches the description of "Thwomp"...these guys are such nerds with their code names. She then puts the binoculars down and looks at you as she asks, "So, how do you want to go about this?" "Um..." WHAT DO YOU DO?