//------------------------------//
// Chapter Eighteen: The Pursuit of Property 
// Story: The Manehatten Project 
// by Ddraigtanto 
//------------------------------//

It was happening, or it was going to happen soon: If one repeats a line enough times, eventually ponies will start to believe it as truth. The choice of things Otto had said to that effect had been practically gifted to him, ironically enough, by the gods.
It was very easy to incite fear of an enemy who could replace one's family and friends so perfectly at a moment's notice. And it was even easier still to lay blame and scorn at the hooves of Princess Celestia, when the scars of the attacks from Lord Tirek, Changelings, Nightmare Moon and countless other dangers, threats and evils which had battered at Equestria's door.

Even as he Otto sat at his breakfast table, munching on toast and reading the latest little letter from his daisy-pushing predecessor, he was beginning to hear word of peaceful protests aimed at Canterlot, voicing their fears and anger at Celestia herself... It also helped that some of the ponies in such rallies may or may not have been on Otto's payroll. What? Manehatten Ponies were already frightened, what was one pony paying another to loudly say what everypony was already thinking?

Of course, there was then counter protests: A loyalist faction had erupted in Manehatten, known as the Acolytes of the Solar Princess (or the ASP). Their leader was a white furred, golden-maned unicorn named Zunbil Zoor (or 'Rubyeyes' since his glittering ruby red eyes looked like they were carved straight out of a Crystal Pony's face!), and he was just handsome and charismatic enough to swoon over enough ponies to be a problem. He'd broke out the peanut butter for this breakfast, he'd not expected this faction to get as bad as it had, and he knew he was going to have a rough day.

...Things were peaceful for now, but he'd been hearing whispers of more militant ponies within the ASP, known as the Zealots of the Solar Empire: These ponies were no mere activists; these were ponies from some of the most violently loyal families to Celestia in Manehatten, perhaps even Equestria as a whole. But not the Royal Sisters, no: Celestia alone. Their ancestors had been the soldiers who fought her sister and her minions, and most likely held no love for Princess Luna: Perhaps they could be manipulated, have their newfound fire turned on Canterlot itself, and cause more harm to their beloved Princess than good. But for now, they were going to cause nothing but trouble, especially if they were even going to give his mercenaries trouble. He needed to pick up the pace, and perhaps, up his game: Starlight preferred him to avoid violence, but the Amulet said otherwise; it was time for him to show he had teeth.

"You're laying that peanut butter pretty thick." Starlight muttered, watching him from the corner of her eyes as she tucked into some porridge.
"Yep." Otto nodded. "Finally managed to find a toaster repair pony, and I'm taking full advantage of it now. I always feel like I preform and talk better once I've had some peanut butter. it gets on the roof of my mouth a lot though. Still, it helps put me in a better mood when I know I'm going to have a bad day..." He went quiet, thinking. "Something has to be done. I NEED to find that spell soon. Whatever Sombra was working on. I know it has to be in the Crystal Empire somewhere."
She nodded in reply. "...I, I could go up to the Crystal Empire myself?" Starlight offered: "I know what to look for, and where I could start looking for leads."
"You, you want to leave?"
"Yes. I think it would help if we're not both just sitting here in Manehatten. The Crystal Empire is going to be on our priority list anyway. If I go to the Crystal Empire, you can still manage things here in Manehatten. And I know you've got plans. We can tackle two issues at once."
"Yes..." Otto frowned. "Yes, I suppose you're right."
The mare didn't miss Otto's concerned looks. "It's not going to be forever. Maybe a week or two, tops. And, I'll keep in contact via letters as and when I can. Once I get back, you'll be able to become an alicorn. Isn't that worth it?"
"I suppose." He forced a smile. "I will admit, however, I had grown quite accustomed to having company on a regular basis... I'm going to miss you, you know."
She smiled, trotting over and giving him a quick kiss to the cheek. "I know, and I'll miss you as well. But it's only for a week."
"I know, I know. And I'll have to focus on my work as well. Your argument makes too much sense to refuse, so I don't have much of a choice but to agree. Let me walk you to the train station, though. Just so I can see you off."

So that was it, it was settled. The pair got themselves ready, suited and dressed up for occasion: Starlight had packed a travel cloak, money and some other kit to help her out on her travel, and Otto had gone to suit up, then pick up his phone from his office.
He walked in, closing the door, and searching his desk, upon which was the Alicorn Amulet, placed inside a jar display. He froze as his eyes fell upon the ruby set into the amulet's front. It's shine was hypnotic, and he barely even noticed himself set his horn aglow, and remove the amulet from its display, tucking it inside his jacket "just in case" he told himself.

They took Otto's personal carriage, black, fully enclosed and protected, at least for its passengers. It was a good call, since the ASP and ZSE were holding a protest outside of Manehatten's train station: A large crowd, restrained by the police, just. It was enough for Brass Tacts to get nervous.
"There's a lot of sunbutts out there." He frowned. "Are you sure you want to do this, sir?"
"Yes, Brass." Otto snorted. "I'm not going to have my actions dictated to me by some radicals led by a red-eyed troublemaker." He watched as the carriage pulled up outside the station. "I'm here to see Starlight off to the Crystal Empire, and I shall. Now get the door."
Reluctantly, the bodyguard agreed, opening the carriage door for Otto to step outside into the street, seeing the screaming, angry crowd for himself. As he walked to the station's entrance with his companion, he wondered if Celestia knew about these protesters, and that many in their rank threatened violence in her name, and if she did, did she care to stop them? Otto seriously doubted she'd remained ignorant to ponies picking fights on her streets.
Otto was glad to get inside; his arrival on the scene had come as a surprise for the protesters, and they'd exploded into newfound energy. Brass Tacts watched from the sidelines, watching from the windows with growing worry about the situation. Otto had left him to it, trotting off to the platform with Starlight. They shared a final hug as her train to the Crystal Empire rolled to the platform.
"Goodbye, Starlight." He said, forcing a smile. "Good luck."
"Thank you. Good luck to you too."
With that, she was gone, off on a train to the North. He stood there on the platform, watching as the train vanished into the horizon. As it vanished, he suddenly became aware of the sounds of loud banging near the station's front. He turned, just in time for Brass Tacts to gallop over to him.
"Sir!" He cried. "Sir! We gotta go!" He panted. "The Zealots! Sir, the zealots!"
"CALM DOWN!" Otto barked at the panicking bodyguard; this had been his first time this large pony had been in a serious danger zone, and he was not impressing Otto one bit. "What's going on!?"
"They, they're getting really nasty out there. Starting to throw things. If things get any worse we're looking like we're going to have a riot on our hooves!"
Otto scowled, pacing. He felt the Alicorn Amulet dig into his chest in his pocket. Taking it from his coat, he stared at it, before snorting, and placing it around his neck. "Alright. You listen to me, and you listen well: Get yourself together! If you don't calm down right now I'll throw you to those damn zealots and they can rip you apart for all I care!" The bodyguard flinched, standing up straight. "...Good. Now, you are going to call the mercs, get them here, and crack down on this nonsense before it begins."

So they fled. Otto refused to run, and walked in a firm stride through the station, and out into the chaos as his bodyguard struggled to keep pace and shield his boss. He saw the protesters getting up in the faces of the police, who were NOT prepared for a riot. That being said, it was looking almost like most of what Brass Tacts had said was exaggerated, but things WERE stating to be thrown, albeit by pony a tiny handful of the protesters . Zealots were trying to push past the lines of police to get to the mayor, throwing rocks, bottles and all manner of things.
Otto snarled at this display, suddenly finding a rock fly past him, hitting a wall. He scowled, glaring at the pony who threw it, a large, angry looking pegasus. It got him thinking, however, as he climbed into his carriage.
"Starlight was in the Equestrian S6 train on it's way to the Crystal Empire." Otto spoke. "When we get back home, I want people on phones. If Starlight isn't safe and well in S6, then heads are going to roll. Understand?" Brass Tacts nodded at this. Otto stretched his neck a bit, feeling tense. He turned to look out the back window, seeing a few especially determined pegasi following behind. He scoffed, sitting back in spite of the continuous banging of rocks from against the carriage as they continued to chase them: They were brave, but they were going have their wings broken by griffins if they were serious.

They weren't, it seemed: Otto's house was peaceful as he returned and entered, his heart racing but his limbs energized with adrenaline. This attack had filled him with new ideas! Celestia's zealots had attacked him directly, and chased him back to his home, and she'd done nothing to stop them. ...She could well have sent them herself for all anypony knew. Unknowingly, they'd given him the ammo he needed. But, more could be done... He explained his plan to his bodyguard, and the griffin mercs in his company at present, and then nodded.
"So, Brass. Go run me a bath. I need to get some fresh air outside. You two griffins come with me. I want someone with ACTUAL competence looking out for me."
He quietly walked out the back yard, with a glass of cider in hoof. As he sat and drank he, his horn glowed, picking up a large rock from the garden. With the strength of his Alicorn Amulet enhanced magic, he winced, breathing deeply, before launching the rock high into the air, where he suddenly brought it back down again at speed. The rock smashed against his own head, and he blacked out...

"Our mayor, Otto Cratic, was rushed to hospital today, after suffering a serious head injury. Two pegasi, known to be members of the Zealots of the Solar Empire, were arrested under suspicion of attempted murder, as the pair had been seen following the mayor's carriage after escaping police containment in the Manehatten Station Riot. This story is backed up by two griffin bodyguards, who witness the attack as the mayor was enjoying a glass of cider in his back yard. This vicious and cowardly attack failed to kill the mayor, however, who is now currently in a stable condition in Manehatten City Hospital. Although expected to be kept for observation by medical staff, initial reports suggest the mayor is in good spirits, and keen to return to work as soon as possible, in spite of the violence perpetrated against him. This is Ticker Tape, reporting from Manehatten City Hospital for Manehatten News Network."

Otto was doing more than stable. He had the mother of all bruises on his face, and a pretty nasty scar hidden under his mane, but his magic was strong enough to protect him from serious brain damage. But this, coupled with the anger of the crowds and the pegasi who'd stalked his carriage on the way home, gave Otto all the ammunition her needed to step things up to a whole new level. For that, though, he needed equipment, and sadly, there was only one pony with the means to produce what he needed, and would be willing to betray Princess Celestia for all the gold Manehatten could offer: Sir Pluto Cratic, CEO of the weapons manufacturer known as Filliburtons. Maybe Otto really was suffering from concussion, because as he sat in a hospital bed, he was sending word for that pony he once called a father to meet him in Canterlot, ASAP...