E.S.S: 17
The Mess of a Gala
At the gala, the night had brought many quest, everything was going just as planned. Sugar sat at a table as Muffins twirled around on the dance floor. She sipped some punch from a glass cup and sighed, “I wonder where Alloy went..” Sugar says in her head, “It not like him to run off. I haven't seen that Cara girl either. Well then again she is just a worker, she's probably at home...” She tried to convince herself of that but her other side kept bringing up suspicions of her and Alloy. Her attention was then distracted by the place going dark with a sudden light flashing onto a stage that had Discord on it with a microphone.
“Check check, is this thing on?” Discord started, “Good evening fillies and germs!” He went on. Sugar made her way to Muffins. They hide behind a pillar.
“What is he doing?” Sugar asks Muffins.
“I dunno seems like a..uh stage improv?” Muffins answers. There was a drum roll, but no laughter. “Let's just see what happens I guess” Discord changed outfits into a red shirt, he then said another joke which only caused Celestia to chuckle a little.
“He's really not good at this is he?” Sugar chuckles a little. Muffins smiles with agreement. He kept on going, the crowd not laughing. He eventually grabbed a large hammer, smashing a watermelon. Someone in the crowd (Maud) made a sly comment which caused the audience to start laughing at Discord.
“What happened? Why's everyone laughing?” Muffins asks.
“I think someone said something, I couldn't hear” Sugar says.
“What...is that??” Twilight points to a large green wave of slime that begins to covers everything in the room.
“Woah??” Sugar steps away from the slime. Muffins hovers above it before it touches her.
“It's the Ooze guy!” Muffins notices, “Look Lyra's stuck in it!” She points.
“I think everyone is stuck in it!” Sugar panics. One of her hooves gets stuck in the slime, “I can't get it off!” She pulls and pulls, but her whole lower body is submerged in the green goo.
“I'll try to pull you out!” Muffins tugs on Sugar's tail but is caught up by the goo as well, “Oh..looks like we're both stuck!”
Sugar teleports. “Not anymore, as long as that stuff doesn't touch my horn we're good.” She teleports Muffins away to a clean spot.
“Nice job! Hey look, the ooze is residing!” They look around as the green stuff leaves and forms into a large sentient Ooze being.
“Guess that's good..?” Sugar says, suddenly Discord lifts a pony using magic and tears open a hole in space, “Okay...what..??” Sugar was puzzled.
“Stand back! We don't know what's going to happen!” Muffins jumps in front of her. They observe as a conversation takes place and Discord restores everything back to normal within seconds.
“What was that all about??” Sugar takes a seat and rubs her head, completely confused. Sweetie comes up to them.
“It was some sort of fit he was having with a friend.” Sweetie sits, “Everything is back to normal according to the Princess, who seemed a little excited for some reason...”
“That's good, the party will continue!” Muffins smiles.
Sweetie nods and asks, “Have you two spotted anything out of the usual besides Discord's actions?”
“Nope!” Muffins smiles.
“I thought I had, but it was probably just my mind playing tricks on me” Sugar inputs.
“You're still stressed dear?” Sweetie sympathizes. Sugar nods wearily, “Come, let's take a walk so we can talk.” Sugar stands and follows Sweetie to an outside area.
“Are you sure you don't know where he went off to?” Sugar asks Sweetie.
“I may have a lead, but I'm not sure” Sweetie looks off into the distance.
“You do? Please tell me” Sugar looks at Sweetie.
“Very well, I'll try wording it so you can understand, because I myself am not sure about this all.” Sweetie sits, “I was in Alloy's office and came across some files he could have only gotten from the old E.S.S building. They were on a cruel doctor named Flower Pot. I did some digging afterward on the guy and found out that he was head of the science department of Canterlot, but was suspended due to unethical practices.” Sweetie takes a breath.
“I don't get it, is Alloy after him or something?”
“He may be, Flower Pot was never arrested because he disappeared. I found more things in Alloy's office...I shouldn't have been looking but I was curious and worried. I found mapped out areas of the Gryphon Kingdom, he must have gone there. We'd have to search his house and see if he did indeed pack up for such a journey, maybe look into the train records.”
“Yes. We need to do that BonBon” Sugar says, she is no longer depressed, “At least now I'm more relieved to believe he's not with some other mare. Although...it does worry me to hear that he might be in danger..”
“He can take care of himself, perhaps we should just allow for him to come back. You can question him then.” Sweetie stands.
“Can you help me in finding out if he really left to that place?”
“I suppose so, but I don't want to get distracted with the Notts situation.” She starts to walk randomly and peers around a corner.
“Is..something wrong?”
“Shh, just keep up the conversation.” Sweetie says, “Yes, I'll help you with it.”
“Umm, thanks, I appreciate it.” Sugar goes to where Sweetie is. “Who is it..?” She whispers.
“Nothing. I just thought it looked a bit suspicious, it was just a couple.” Sweetie sighs a little.
“Oh, good” Sugar smiles. Sweetie puts her hoof up to Sugar's face.
“Wait...Sugar, we have a situation. Follow me and stick close” Sweetie starts to pick up her pace. Sugar looks around them then follows.
“What is going on?”
“Shh. Just pay attention. Make sure we aren't being followed. Don't make noise” Sweetie stops and looks around another corner, “Someone's trying to break into the castle.”
Sugar nods, “I think...there's someone following us..” Sweetie turns and sees a dark hooded pony coming in their direction. The figure stops.
“Are you two lost?” The figure asks, it's voice sounds oddly off yet familiar.
“Um, yes actually.” Sweetie speaks up, “Are you lost?”
“Hmm...no, looks like I found what I was looking for.” It says. Sweetie frowns.
“Oh yeah?” Sweetie takes a defensive position.
“Yeah!” The feminine voice shouts and prounces onto Sugar and Sweetie. Sweetie knocks her off and takes off her hood, it is Lyra.
“Lyra??” Both Sugar and Sweetie ask. Lyra giggles.
“I followed you two. What are you guys doing all the way over here?” Lyra asks, still smiling.
Sweetie sighs, “We got lost”
“I know the way back!” Lyra says. Down the hall there is the noise of glass being broken. Sweetie's teeth tighten.
“Um, maybe we should leave?” Sugar asks them both.
“We should warn the guards!” Lyra suggest.
“Yes.” Sweetie sighs, “Hurry then, both of you!” She starts to run back from where they came.
“I thought you didn't know the way back!” Lyra laughs as they gallop.
“I think I'm remembering!” Sweetie tries to smile a little. Sugar looks behind them and sees a shadow moving down the hall. She blinks and it's no longer there.
They re-enter the gala and come up to a guard, “Hey you! There's somepony's breaking into the castle!” Lyra says frantically.
“Ma'am calm down and tell me everything.” He says. Lyra begins to explain.
“Dammit Lyra, this could have been something else..” Sweetie says to herself and looks away.
“Maybe I can go with the guard and you can stay with Lyra” Sugar whispers to her.
“Yes, that may work. But be careful, I'll warn Muffins as soon as I can” Sweetie says. Lyra and the guard turn to them.
“The guard needs someone to lead him there” Lyra explains.
“I'll go, you guys stay here” Sugar offers.
“Very well, let's go ma'am” The guard states. Sugar nods and leaves with the guard.
“I hope they catch them” Lyra worries.
“I'm sure they will, come let's find Muffins and tell her” Sweetie says, she herself is worried. Lyra agrees and they go.
“How long ago did you three hear this noise?” The guard asks Sugar.
“Not less than five minutes ago..” Sugar answers as they run.
“Why were you three over here anyways?”
“Investigating the ones who were breaking in”
“Why would you do that alone?”
“I'm part of E.S.S” Sugar replies, trying to act her role.
“E.S.S…You mean that's still a thing?” The guard says in near disbelief.
“Yes, I bet you guys don't hear much about us”
“Not at all, it's all, well, secret. You guys have access to everything!”
“We do? I mean, yes we do” Sugar remembers. They approach the spot the glass was broken at. It was a window bigger than the two of them.
“Guess we'll enter. You first” He says. Sugar looks at him,
“Afraid of something in there?” She lifts an eyebrow.
“Um, no. It's just ladies first.” He says nervously.
“Fine” Sugar hops inside watching out for glass. The guard follows her. “Looks like whoever it was, wasn't careful. They cut themselves.” She points at a trail of blood leading to a restroom.
“How nice...I don't like seeing blood” He quivers. Sugar rolls her eyes.
“Don't be a big baby, let's go and check the restroom.”
“Together..??” He says quickly.
Sugar sighs, “Yes, it's not like we're going in there to use it, now come on”
“I, um of course” He gulps. Sugar opens the restroom door slowly, the faucet was left on a little and there were paper towels on the floor, some with blood. “They must have made a quick stop and left”
“Yes. I'll have to take some of this paper with me.” She rolls up some of the bloodied paper and put it in her dress pocket, “Just in case we don't catch them, we'll have a blood sample.”
“Yeah..blood sample..” He closes his eyes.
“Don't pass out on me. I need you to tell me what section of the castle we're in”
“I believe it's the paintings hall. It has art stuff”
“Must be here to steal one of them..” Sugar thinks. She then exits, “We'll search the area.”
“Reckon so, we should start with the most valuable art pieces.” He suggests.
Sugar nods,“Lead the way” She says. They start to walk around, the place is dimly lit by candles and some magical stones. Not too far into they're walk they hear someone dragging something.“Stay close, I think we got our criminal” She says. He takes out a spear.
“Ready.” He says. They come to a corner, Sugar looks around to see a pegasus dragging a picture that is about her size, her left wing is wrapped in paper towels.
“Stop right there!” Sugar and the guard jump out shocking the thief. The pegasus puts down the painting and makes a run for it. She is suddenly stopped by a force field of Sugar's magic. “Quick grab her! I can't hold onto her for much!” The guard cuffs the pegasus. Sugar puts down the field. “Phew..” She wipes her brow.
“Let me go!” The pegasus screams at them.
“Not yet, tell us what were you doing here?” Sugar comes up to the mare.
“What does it look like?!” She says rudely.
“That's that. Ma'am you are under arrest for attempted thrift.” He tells the pegasus. He then goes on to recite lines of rights which Sugar drones out.
Later Sugar and the guard, with the prisoner, return to the main gala hall. Other guards escort the pegasus out. “Hey misses” The guard says to Sugar.
“Yes?” Sugar replies.
“Thanks for aiding in catching that crook”
“I did all the work” Sugar chuckles.
“You're right about that, seeing how you handled things...well, I hate to bother asking but..”
“Go on?”
“I was curious if there were any spots available in E.S.S. I feel I was pretty useless in what happened, maybe if I joined and trained with you guys I can better serve my country.” He says.
“We'll see if you can, I'll have to talk to my superiors. What's your name?” Sugar asks.
“It's Dotted Field. I'm in the 7th guard unit here at the castle. I have a good record and-”
“Okay I get it, you don't need to tell me that” She smiles, “We'll leave that for your interview. Hope to hear from us soon” She leaves. He salutes. Sweetie Drops was standing near by,
“I heard that little conversation you had. Seems like you handled things professionally” Sweetie praises.
“Thanks” Sugar smiles, “I feel so much better now”
“That's really good to hear, I'll look into this guy's profile and converse with Alloy upon his return”
“Okie doki” Sugar sits in a chair and drinks some water, “We can now relax right?”
“Hehe, nope, we still have to be on the lookout” Muffins says as she flies up to Sugar and Sweetie. They all sit and converse for the rest of the time there.
Alloy was awake at the inn, he looked out the window and gazed at the stars above. “Why are you here for anyway? You got the message why prolong your stay?” Blind asks him as he polishes his guns.
“I'm here on a side mission to assassinate Dr. Flower Pot” Alloy replies, turning to face Blind.
“That old guy? Ha, he's better off dead anyways. He's caused nothing but trouble”
“What do you mean?” Alloy leans back in his straw bed, now intrigued.
“He's been working on some strange projects, ever since he arrived, some have disappeared.”
“Do you know if it's because of him though?”
“Not certain 100%, but I've heard from some of the ones who chose to work for him that he likes to use test subjects. And where do you get test subjects? Ha, not from us. No one here would volunteer. So he must be getting them somehow..” Blind puts away his guns, laying back in his bed.
“Interesting theory, I suppose we'll find out” Alloy says.
“I'm only taking you to Old Dragon's Nest and that's it. I'm not going in there to find the guy”
“Oh of course, how could I be so rude to assume that” Alloy tosses him a bag of bits, “It's yours if you come along.”
Blind happily takes it, “You know, I'm starting to like you” He chuckles.
“Good to know you're coming along.” Alloy smiles a bit then turns around in his bed and blows out his candle.
In the morning, Alloy and Blind continue their journey. The day was hot, but a light breeze made the weather tolerable. “How long is the way there?” Alloy asks.
“If we flew, we'd probably already be there.” Blind says smugly.
“May I should become an Alicorn” He jokes.
“How the heck is that even possible? Adding new body parts to one's self?” Blind asks him.
“I'm not to sure on how, but I think it requires a lot of magic” Alloy wonders, “That or someone's rarely born into it”
“What's so special about it anyways?”
“I think it's just more convenient or something. It brings with it a title of power”
“Pfft, figures.”
“What brings power here? The money?” Alloy asks.
“Yes. But not only that, strength. You make a name for yourself by the way you fight”
“What's your title?”
“Glad you asked, I'm not as arrogant as most here, so truly I have no big title” Blind chuckles a bit, “I just try providing what I can for my family. That's why I'm here with you right now”
“Very noble of you”
“If that's what you want to call it. It's my duty more like it. Once my children reach a certain age, they'll have to go fend for themselves.”
“Of course, that's how it's supposed to be. Though, I can imagine it's much harder to do that here”
“It is. When I was seventeen years of age I left my father's house with only my personal belonging. I wasn't certain, what to do with my life, but eventually I got involved in the clan that I'm currently in. I trained and became familiar with everyone there. I meet my wife, had a small ceremony for the wedding, had kids within the first three years. And then I continued till today.” Blind coughs, “Well that's basically my life story”
“I would tell you mine, but I don't actually no it..” Alloy chuckles a little.
“What are you saying, you have amnesia?”
“Something like that. If you want, I'll explain it to you the best I understand it.”
“Why not, I already told you about me, it's your turn” Blind yawns a bit.
“So be it. I'm hunting down Dr. Flower Pot because I have reason to believe that he may have tested on me, and erased my early life's memory.”
“Do you remember anything from the past?”
“I do, but they may be implanted memories. I believe only the last three or four years have truly been my real memories.” Alloy sighs.
“Tough, are you going to kill him for personal revenge?”
“No, I just want to know...who I was. The killing part is just my job” Alloy states. Blind silently nods. They go on for about three hours, till they reach Old Dragon's Nest.
“Here we are.” Blind declares. “This town is a mess of bandits, mercenaries, and low-lives. Watch your back and your bits.”
“We need to find the Doc.” Alloy says with anxiousness, “The sooner, the better, I have things to take care of back home”
“I'll go scout into the city. I'll locate some of the Doctor's workers. Be back in a flash” Blind lifts his wings and takes off in a wind rush that flows through Alloy's hair. Alloy looks around him, there are some gryphons staring at him. Some look like they'd try to attack him if he walked their way. He didn't pay much mind to them, he was hungry. There were lines of food places along the streets, he just had to pick one that looked appitizing. He made a stop to one, looking at the menu, it had meat of all kinds, some soups, but it still had meaty things in it. Alloy's stomach growled. There was some fish, at least that was more natural, but not really. He had to eat so he paid for a fish soup. Sitting down, he swirled the soup looking at the fish bits with some disgust.
“My stomach's going to kill me regardless...” He sips the soup, holding back his gag reflexes. “It's...not that bad..” He tells himself, continuing to eat till the bowl is finished with a burp of a satisfied belly. Closing his eyes he sits back in the wooden chair he's in and drinks down all the water in one of his canteens.
“Didn't like it?” The cook asks him with a chuckle that made fun of Alloy's appetite.
“I'm certain it taste delightful for your species, but me...I eat mainly the green stuff..” Alloy says wearily.
“Hahaha...of course. We have none of that prepared here, you might as well so eat the grass on the ground!” He mocks. Alloy gets up and starts to leave.
“Yeah, maybe that's not such a bad idea...” Alloy says lastly. Blind flies to him, landing in front of him.
“You don't look to well” Blind chuckles, “You ate something didn't you?”
“Yes..” Alloy still feels the taste.
“The food they serve here is pretty bad, even for my taste.” Blind tries to somewhat comfort him.
“That's relieving to hear, did you find anything?”
“Sure did, I flew above the area and spotted some goons of his moving supplies into a large building. No doubt one of his labs.”
“How guarded is the place?”
“We can take them. You're fast enough” Blind says.
“Lead the way” Alloy smiles a little, drinking more water. He burps again. Blind laughs a little and turns, heading to the lab.
Old Dragon's Nest was one of the bigger towns in the kingdom, it was not on the official maps because it was founded by thieves after the collapse of the Kingdom. The place was made up of mud brick buildings, straw, wood, and some concrete. At the center of the town laid a large egg-shaped silver idol that served as it's main attraction of sorts. The place was rocky and was near the edge of a cliff, a small creek went randomly along the streets, so the place was wet half of the time. Upon reaching near the building mentioned by Blind, Alloy saw that it was one of the concrete ones, it had guard posts around the perimeter complete with a big fence wall.
“This is bigger than I expected” Alloy says.
“Backing out already?” Blind taunts.
“Not for a second. How do you want to do this? Stealthy or guns blazing?”
“Why not a bit of both?” Blind smiles.
“Ha, that's the way I like it. Plan time, you can take cover behind my shield and shoot back if we're surrounded. We'll get in through by teleporting behind a guard post, we take out those guards and we'll go from there.”
“Ready then partner” Blind confirms. Alloy teleports them on the rails of the closest guard post. Blind quickly knocks out two of the guards.
“Hey Blind, take his uniform. Perhaps we can have me as a captured prisoner, that way you can escort me without drawing too much attention” Alloy whispers.
“As you wish” Blind puts on the uniform. “It's a little big on me”
“It'll work” Alloy says. Blind nods.
“Come along now prisoner” Blind cuffs Alloy, “Uh, where do we go?”
“I don't know, find an entrance.”
“There's one there” Blind points.
“Then let's go, no time to waste.” Alloy says. Blind takes Alloy inside the large building, inside there wasn't much just a long hall that extended through the whole place. “Find an elevator or stairs, this top half must be just the barracks”
“Stairs, here” Blind takes Alloy down a flight of stairs. “Level 1? How deep is this place?” As they descend further, the concrete walks turn into rocky ones, the stairs into ones of wood.
“It's getting cold.” Alloy comments. Some other gryphons pass them without question. “Looks like it's working”
“That's a relief” Blind says. The light bulbs above flicker, then start to go off. “What now??” The power goes out leaving some floodlights on.
“Emergency Power on. Weather alert” A speaker announces.
“Must be raining outside, I saw how the creek may have some effects on the area” Alloy says. They continue to walk randomly around the cave system. Supplies lay everywhere, gryphons move around things, and some in lab coats test substances.
“They must have a large operation down here.” Blind looks around, “This is bigger than I thought as well...”
“Can you still handle it it if it gets messy here?” Alloy whispers.
“Yes, but it'll get tough” Blind admits.
“You there. What's this Unicorn doing here?” Another guard asks Blind.
“I caught him snooping around the perimeter. I was bringing him to the Doc to see if he wanted to do something about him.” Blind answers.
“Go on then, the Doctor could use more test subjects.” He chuckles darkly.
“Where is the Doctor now?”
“Probably in his testing rooms. You know, the one close to here”
“Er, right. Come along unicorn” Blind pulls Alloy along, “I have no idea where it could be”
“Just look at the signs” Alloy whispers. Blind looks around, the different sections are labeled with letters and numbers. Some have names, last one bearing Dr. Flower Pot's name.
“I see it.” Blind takes him to the end of the hall. A sign on the door reads 'knock before entering' so Blind knocked.
“Just a moment” An old voice said from within. A camera on the outside zoomed in on them. A buzz was heard, opening the door. An old unicorn with a large round gnome beard stood before them in a white and light blue lab coat. “Another one? Isn't this a rarity, but what have I told you bird-brains about where to take the prisoners??”
“Pardon the mistake, I just thought it'd spike your interest if I brought you this one to you” Blind says.
“Good thing you did, this one looks...familiar. Bring him in” Dr. Flower Pot allows them to enter, closing the door behind them. In the room lies and array of different experiments on tables, some brains in jars connected to wires, and skeletons from all types of creatures. “Sit him town over there and strap him.” The Doctor waves to a comfortable looking couch with straps. Blind obeys and straps Alloy down. “You can leave now Gryphon.” He says still turned around. Blind looks at Alloy, he nods.
“Yes sir” Blind exits the room leaving the two together.
“Gryphons, they're really good at handling the muscle work, they can hold weapons better than almost any species. But they're dumb and brute at times, hehe, most of the time. They listen as long as you have coin though” Dr. Flower says to Alloy, turning to him.
Alloy coughs, “Apparently so”
The Doctor unstraps him, “No need for these I hope.” Alloy hops down, “Tell me, why are you here?”
“I came to ask a few questions”
“I may have answers, but I think….I swear I know who you are. May I take a look at the back of your neck?” He asks Alloy. Alloy nods. Flower moves some of his mane hair aside and looks thoroughly finding a little mark, “Yes...you are who I think you are” He chuckles.
“Who am I?” Alloy asks him, trying not to seem desperate. The Doctor examines him then gets on a rolling chair and flips to a computer terminal.
“You're Alloy Atomms.” He smiles.
End of Chapter 17.