> Enigma
>  by steampunkwatchman
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: Tape Recorders and Telephones
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

		Here I am, preparing to go face a cold blooded murder. I make this recording, my friend, in case I don’t come back, so someone can stop it. For it will continue to hunt until there is no more. You mustn't trust anyone in this town once you find this, even the most innocent can be manipulated. No you must be clever and outwit it, for it is quite intelligent. But to that I must show you a story unlike any other ever seen. The story of how this monstrosity came to be. Prepare yourself!

It began on a day unlike any other, it was strangely dreary for a bright summer day. Most folk wouldn't notice this but, being a detective you start to see things. The birds weren't singing and the wind was picking up. So I quickly finished my morning fly and got back home. Back to my small, three room house, a bedroom, kitchen/lavatory, and living/office space where I spent most of my time. Business however, was as usual, lousy. I hadn't had a major case in nearly two years and with more and more unicorns coming to town I would have to close up and move back to the empire. I guess no one needs a detective to get your problems solved the old fashioned way, not when you can move the sun (The bleeding sun!) with magics.

Good god, I would trade my soul to stay here rather than go back home, where thinking for yourself was frowned upon. A place where only the strong survive and the weak are crushed. Why would fate do this to me after losing so much during the last great war. Giving so much for my country only to be tossed out because I was no longer able to keep to fighting to standards. The place I thought I belonged to, ripped away from me because of a stupid war over a territorial dispute. That's when I realized I didn't want that life. The life of a soldier, so I became what fascinated me. What I always wondered if I could be. A detective.

That’s when the call came, around four, and from the princess herself, asking for my assistance. Now normally I would have said no to helping an Alicorn, but Twilight, well she was different; she understood why I left my home and even offered me a place to stay in Ponyville until I could get on my paws. I took the townsfolk a little getting used to; they didn’t like the idea of living with a griffon. Nevertheless, I soon became accepted, and Twilight, though we were good friends, rarely called me. Her duties took up the majority of her time, and I was usually the last one to know about parties and get-togethers, and I barely could scrounge up enough to go to Canterlot, but I’m glad I got that call. 

Now normally she spoke to me as an old friend would, but the way she talked this time was, well… in a shushed, frantic kinda way, asking… no, demanding my help, as if she was a scared little filly on Nightmare Night. I knew this had to be something bad, to shake up one of Equestria's most powerful beings. Therefore I accepted and prepared to head out to whatever awaited me.
>  Chapter 2: Smiles All Around
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It took me only a few minutes to attach my wings and put on my suit, prepared for both gentlemanly and detective-like escapades (it was the capital after all). I wanted look decent around royalty and the rich snobs who lived there, that way they don’t call the guard on me again, for dirtying up the streets or something like that. Now when I got there I was stopped by two ignorant guards, saying my kind’s not allowed here (which you can imagine pissed me off). Especially, since I was summoned. Before I could tell ‘em to up theirs, however, they were told to let me in. So, I strutted past them to a see what mystery awaited me.

When I got there, Twilight welcomed me in with open wings and wrapped me in a hug, saying it’s been awhile. I simply replied “Yes, yes it has.”

As this was no time for small talk though, she explained to me how they found “it”. “We found it out in the alley. There were no witnesses that we know of, and our only lead is, well... see for yourself…” She didn't finish that sentence and I understood why, no words could describe this horror as accurately as it was, but what I saw was the nearly ripped-to-shreds carcass of a pony, its organs removed in what appeared an almost surgical manner, lungs, heart, everything surrounded by a pool of blood.
Then the face, oh, the face it was all gored blood, drenched, the eyes missing from their sockets, so bad that it was unidentifiable. The worst part of all was the mouth, someone had carved a permanent smile into its face; the almost perfect smile. It was eerily perfect. Too perfect for just some common criminal. I could see why she needed my help. This murderer was clever and confident, leaving a calling card on his victims like this. That only strengthened my fear because I knew it would happen again, to some poor, unsuspecting victim. That's when I asked how old the corpse was. The guards said about 2 days. I would need to examine it closer to see exactly how the victim died, and if I could identify who it was.

We took it the morgue and I began the procedure with the help of the surgeon, who told me what should be where. I didn't learn much that I didn't already know, but I did find out that the murder (whoever it was) had steady hooves. According to the doctor, the organs were cut out in such a way as to have the victim alive the entire time. Besides that, the victim’s body contained some kind of plant residue. Therefore, I took it to a botanist to ask what it was, and what I found was… well, peculiar to say the least.	
> Chapter 3: The Botanist 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Fact is though I wouldn't know that I wouldn't have able to keep that promise. For this was just the beginning and far from over and yet with another question answered more arose. It was going to be one of those days.I've always hated nature. It’s been the ruin of my days for awhile, dropping trees everywhere, and always freezing my wings in the winter. When I got to the botanist’s though, I was greeted by lush beds of Tulips and Daffodils. There were some exotic plants of purple and pink, too, and even the Zigero fruit of my homeland (a spiked, striped, blue fruit you have to break open for it’s sweet juices). These comforts and others helped to put me at ease. I still hated nature, though. (Bloody snow!)

This botanist, Sunflowers, I’d worked with before. This pony was something else, one with nature I’ll say. She even helped me deal with a “personal” plant problem, this nasty stuff called Poison Joke. Despite our relationship, she was a little surprised to see me, seeing how little I frequent Canterlot. After we said our hellos, I went straight to business and I explained my reason for visiting, my mystery residue. 

“I found this in Everfree and, since I’m already here and you know your way around plants, I thought you could take a look for me,” I told her. 

"Really? Well then let me see your sample here."

Almost immediately after putting it under her microscope, a concerned look grew on her face. 

"So, um… uh, Mr. Enigma.” Sunflowers flicked her tail. “How did you come across this again?” 

“Well,” I began, as casually as I could,  “I found it out in the Everfree and I thought it looked interesting, and since bringing it here would be the perfect excuse to come see you, that’s what I did.”

“Stop pretending you have a crush on me by pretending you found a plant, this stuff is serious, where did you really get it?”
I sat back and lamented my poor lying skills with a sigh. Then I told her where and how I found the resin, and described to her, maybe a little too clearly, the scene of the crime.

My retelling left Sunflowers a bit shaken up, and forced her to spend a few moments on breathing… and shuddering.
“Mr. Enigma,” she told me after her breath had somewhat returned, “Your plant is found only in and around Appaloosa.” 

I thanked her and turned to leave when she called out to me. “Be careful, it’s a carnivore.” 

“It’s a plant. I’m gonna go bring in the guy behind it.”

Fact is though, I wouldn't exactly be able to keep that promise. I thought I could just waltz into Appaloosa , find whoever’s responsible, and that that would be the end of it, but I was dead wrong. It was just the beginning, and far from over.For there were many twist and turns ahead. Not, all of them would be so easily solved either.
> Chapter 4: Beady Eyes and an Iron Shell 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The train that Twilight arranged for me... wasn't the best. You have to work with what ya got, though. Really the only good thing that came from riding on this steel monstrosity would be the fact that not a single being would talk to or question me, as long as I kept my head down, of course.

I arrived late in the afternoon, the sun just beginning it’s descent into hues of oranges, pinks, and purples. Appaloosa wasn't exactly what the name suggested. There were still descendants of the original farmers, but things changed with the discovery of valuable minerals under the town. With that discovery, the town boomed and exploded towards progress, even though sometimes progress isn't good. Now all that was left was clouded skies, smoke filled streets, and one of the most lawless towns in the country, which was fine for what I needed. The only real good thing I can say about the place was that you weren't judged (much), so even with my brass leather bound wings I was still welcome-ish to this industrial smog machine.

The first thing I always do when on a case is to try to picture what I would do if I were the convict. So I went for a drink. To a place called the Dusty Egos. Ah, how the name just rolled off your tongue. It was a charming place, with only two broken windows and one  missing floorboard, and bartender to match! A big fella with a scar across his face and chipped tooth, who spoke in a harsh southern accent. 

“Pick ya poison.”

“Cider,” I quickly replied as he began pouring the drink. 

“Ya know, ‘tain't wise bein’ here,” he whispered, “Your kind ain't taken kindly to ‘round here,” he said, flatly splitting a bit.  

“Aye, but I've got a job to do,” I retorted.  

“What kind’r a job?” His beady eyes stared at me scornfully; inquisitively. 

My mind scoured for a quick and believable lie, and I prayed he didn’t see the sweat forming around my brow
“Um… just inspecting the town to make sure it’s in regulations,” I spat out, a bit too quickly. 

“Hmf!” He grunted. “Well as you can see, Mr. Inspector, we are well within our regulations,” he replied, stretching some of the syllables, mocking me.  

“Yes you appear to be.” I swallowed the knot in my throat. “I guess I’ll just be on my way now.” 

When I was leaving I could of swore I saw something in the corner of my eye, but I didn't dare turn around, because I knew that those beady eyes were getting ready to pounce if I didn't play this right. So as soon as I got out of there, I made a mad dash towards the only place a griffon could hide in a town like this, the saloon (the other saloon).

This place was filled with drunkards and fools, who spend so much on the very substance that holds them down. It was as you’d expect from a dirty saloon, with rigged games, watered-down drinks, and pretty mares that’ll just as soon kiss you as kill you. Was it dangerous and dilapidated? Absolutely. Was it a place where ponies would care what you did? Not so much. It was an outlaws safe haven; as long as you didn't cause trouble, you were fine. So I made myself blend. I even joined in a game, called Fates.

The my opponents were a one-eyed changeling, a fiery red-haired mare with a temper, and a gentlecolt with nearly half his body replaced by an iron shell of its former natural glory. The game, as far as I understood, was a cross between Poker and War, with aces being the top tier, and 2’s the bottom. It worked as, you bet a certain amount of bits per each set of cards, and everypony would put a card face down and then flip it up, revealing what they had. The player with the most would take the cards, and if you lost all your cards, and depending on what you bet, you could lose money, property, or even your life. But if you won you could get it all. It was basically War with gambling.

“Bets please,” said the gentlecolt. He turned to me, “Your bet, sir?”

“I’d like to play for information.”

“Well that certainly changes the game, doesn’t it? What do you want to know?”

“What is this?” I said, setting my sample on the table, “And where does it come from?”

“That?” said the mare, “That just looks like plant juice.”

“I think I know what it is,” said the gentlecolt, adjusting his bowtie that I never mentioned before. “If you’d like to know, you must bet a very high price indeed.”

“Well then.” A devilish smile overtook my beak.

“I’m all in.”

The game had begun.
> Chapter 5: Karma’s Cards
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

We were in the last few rounds of the game, and these next cards would decide my fate. I was the only one left, other than the dealer and not counting the recent corpses next to me, who had already paid in full. One card had been dealt, three remained, and I needed a spade to win.

“You know you can still fold…” the gentlecolt commented, a smug look on his face. 

“Hit me,” I replied. The flip showed a blood-red five of hearts. 

“Give up old bird, it isn’t worth it.” (Oi I’m not old!) 

“Hit me,” I said with a little more power behind my words.

This time the king of clubs who seemed to be smiling at my misfortune. 
“You ready to pay?”

“HIT ME!” I screamed in rage at this smug pony who seemed so full of himself. Karma has a way of working in the most opportune times, or when you scream really loud, and the final card showed a beautiful, sleek black ace; an ace of spades. 

“Now then,” I said as the colt’s was consumed by surprise. “Tell me what I want to know.” 

“B-but, I n-n-never lose. How?” He replied, his voice shaken “The old bird knows a few tricks; tell me, how’d you do that?” 

I ignored his question and repeated my own, more firmly, and  stretching the words. I was annoyed with this stuttering fool.

“Tainted R-rainbow, he dis-strubutes it. You can find him at the Dusty Egos,” he responded nervously. 

“You sure?” I asked. “If I have to come back...” I said, shifting to look slightly more fierce. 

“Of course not, sir!” He replied, a bit rushed.

“Good.” I said, as I strutted out through the doors, back to the Egos and this Tainted Rainbow.

When I got there I was met with the same cheery bartender as last time. I smiled as I hollered, my face beaming. “How are ye?”  

“I thought I told you to get lost. It growled in a low voice that sounded like metal scraping bone. 

“Now why would I do that?” I asked.

“Well for one, I don’t like ye, you annoy me,” he mumbled. 

“What do you want!?” he demanded. 

“Do you know the muffin mare? I replied 

“AHHHHHHHH!” “I QUIT! IT AIN'T WORTH IT!” he yelled, screaming in frustration as he bolted out the saloon.

“Well now that that’s done…” I started towards a pony in the back corner, “Tainted Rainbow I presume.” 

“Perhaps,” said a cold voice, “You are either a fool or a genius, saying that.” 

“Well I would prefer the second of the two, if you’d please.” I responded 

“How you know he was my mercenary?” he asked authoritatively. 

“He was in here this morning,” I said. “By checking the employee sign-in sheet on the desk nearby, I saw he got here at five A.M. It is now almost 5 P.M.  and bars usually change their man at noon.” 

“Impressive,” the cold voice responded. “But how did you know they change around noon?” he said, trying to stump me.  

“I drink sometimes.”

“Well you got my attention, what do you want?”

“I require your assistance,” I stated. “It is a matter of grave importance.” 

“Very well…” said the voice as he stepped into to the light, revealing a small. , scrawny, pale unicorn, with a strange gleam in his eyes. “I have many potions that could be of use to you.” His voice no longer matched his geeky demeanor.

“I need you to tell me what potions would have this residue?” I showed him the bag. 

“Well, you must want to stay awake then.” 

“Why is that?” I replied, casually leaning on the wooden support next to me. 

“I use this plant as a sort of mix between an energy drink and liquid adrenaline.” 

“Hmm… do you know of anypony who recently bought some?” 

“Yes, but that would be a breach of their security and without a good reason I can’t tell you.” 

“Great! How much?”  I said with a sarcastic tone. 

“Two hundred bits (two hundred bits! That is a small fortune!), take it or leave it griffon.” His voice was now suddenly harsh.

“Fine.” The winnings from my game earlier disappeared in a poof. 

“I had three customers who bought this in the past week, a mercenary called the Shadow, a calm unicorn who need some for a patient, and some zany pink mare babbling about the best party ever.” 

“You mean Pinkie Pie?!” I asked in utter confusion and surprise. 

“Yes I do think that was her name. Why’s it matter?” he asked, clearly having no idea what could happen. 

“You’ve just screwed us all!” I screamed,  running off to find the fast way to Ponyville.

“Ah, easy money griffon should asked bout the side effects ha ha hope her marbles are still all there when he get’s to her it would be a shame to see it go." Smiling he turns to the new tender ” Bartender a Cider please I feel I have something to celebrate.”
> Chapter 6: Half-Baked
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I sat on the train, fidgeting and wondering, praying to God that this rust bucket would move faster. As if in answer, the intercom announced ten minutes to Ponyville Station, and I rejoiced, for there may yet be time for me to save the town. My pocketwatch read 9 P.M.; she’d be closing soon. For the sake of everypony everywhere, I hoped she’d stay open late.

As soon as the train stopped, before the doors even had a chance to open (thank God for windows), I flew towards the bakery, and crashed through the doors a like madmare. I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived, but I know it wasn’t what I saw. She looked totally normal, with a tune on the tip of her tongue, a smile on her face, and the most positive attitude you could hope to see, doing nothing more than pulling some fresh goods from the oven. Then I crashed through the front door and onto my face.

“My oh my,” exclaimed Ponyville’s resident snob, Filthy Rich.  “Miss Pie, I thought I told you to keep this sort of riff-raff out of here.” 

“Mr. Rich, what was I-,” Pinkie started to say. 

“Don’t give me that! Your shop is already on probation!” he spat. 

“Sir-”

“No excuses, Miss Pie!” shouted Filthy. “I don’t pay you to not do things about this kinda stuff! So do what I don’t not pay you to do and handle this!’

“Relax, sir, and I’ll take care of it,” Pinkie responded, not the slightest bit perturbed.

“You had better,” he snarled, “...or else.” 

Witnessing that scene made me feel awful; Filthy had gone off on poor Pinkie, and it was all my fault. If this happened again, she might lose Sugarcube Corner for good and I couldn’t bear to see that.

I could see in her eyes, the way Pinkie Pie looked at me, that I arrived at the worst possible moment.

“Get up,” she said, still looking at me with those eyes. They were eyes full of sadness and anger, heavy with the weight of never being good enough for her employer. Those eyes… they were the only indication she wasn't as happy as it seemed. The only thing out of place on her bouncy loveable appearance.

“Mr. E…. today of all days to come crashing in,” she said shaking her head 

“Well, you know I have a habit of coming in at the most opportune of times.” I stood and flicked away some dirt with my wing. 

“Right?” 

“Come on,” she said as I stepped towards her, “You know that this is all I have left, I don't want to lose it.”

“Well I’m sorry, it was an emergency.” 

“What do yo- ahh!” Her tail suddenly twitched and broke into a spasm. I remember her screaming at me the moment before I was tackled to the floor. “Get down!”

FWOOSH! The place we had just been standing was now a fiery inferno. 

“Run!” I shouted as another fireball was thrown at us. 

We started out the door and began galloping down the street, throwing carts and barrels and anything we could reach into the path of our devious cloaked pursuer. 

FWOOSH! Another fiery ball of death exploded behind us. 

“Wow, Pinkie Pie, I think this guy really hates your cooking.” 

“Shut up and run! It’s gaining on us!” she retorted as yet another fireball sailed over my head. 

Sure enough, the cloaked figure was gaining on us, the thu-thump of it’s hooves steadily grew closer, which seemed to put Pinkie Pie into a panic and an added burst of speed. I could barely keep up with her as she dashed down the streets and erratically dove to her left and right in hopes of making herself a more difficult target. 

After we had put a few back-alleyways between us and our pursuer, she stopped. 

“Do you hear anything?” she asked me. 

I cocked my head like a dog in order better to listen for the thu-thump of the hooves of our attacker.

“Nothing except for the crickets,” I responded 

“Well, in that case, what’s so important that you had to come crashing through my door like that?” 

“Well...” I paused. I could tell her about the plant residue and the adrenaline serum, but if she was the killer then I was done for. This entire street was nothing but old cottages. Nopony knew we were here. 

“Well?” she asked impatiently tapping her forehoof. 

I swallowed, “ Maybe we should talk about this elsewhere. Somewhere safer. My place, perhaps.”

“Fine,” she said, “Let’s go.”

We arrived at my apartment around 11:00. I unlocked the steel door and lead her into my office/living room area. 

“Ok,” I said as I pulled out a typewriter, “I have a few questions I need to ask you. Do you mind?” 

“It doesn’t feel like I have a choice,” she replied. 

“First off then, have you ever been to Appleloosa?” 

“I have,” she stated simply. 

“Recently?” 

“Yes.” 

“Why?” I inquired, shifting in my seat a bit. 

“I went to visit some old friends. I doubt you know them.”  

“Did you happen to head into a saloon while you were there? The Dusty Egos perhaps?” 

“Yeah I did go in there. My friend Little Strongheart and I had some girl time there. She said she knew the bartender and got us some free drinks.”

Hmmm, I thought. “See anything suspicious or talk to anyone… shady, while you were in there?”

“Not really, although one night, Strongheart stopped to speak somepony when we were headed back to her place from the saloon.” She shuffled in her seat a bit. 

“Did you happen to catch a name?” 

“Yes, Rainbow something,” she replied. 

I stopped for a second debating to ask about the "substance" I found, but decided against it. 

“Well I guess that’s enough. No further questions.” 

“You gonna tell me what that was about?”

“I can’t.”

“In that case, you owe me for the screw up at the bakery,” she snarled.

“Send me the bill I’ll take care of it. Try to stay inside when you can. That lunatic might still be out there.” 

“HMF,” she said as she turned her nose up at me and left.

My my, Filthy owning her bakery has really changed her, I thought to myself as I climbed into bed. Laying down, I looked around my small one bedroom apartment and thought, How am I ever going to pay her? At the moment, it didn’t matter; my eyelids had already grown heavy. 

Some rest will give me some time to reflect on this, I thought as I drifted off into my dreams. Letting my worries slip away as I headed into to the bliss known as sleep.

> Chapter 7: Sweet Dreams
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I felt as though I was floating on a cloud- as light as a feather, so to speak- with the cool air of a fall breeze brushing against my feathers. I opened my eyes and slowly took in my surroundings. 

Ugh… what? I thought, as I looked on what appeared to my old brick home surrounded by empty nothingness.

Could it be? I thought. Was the war just a dream? Had I gone insane!?  Was I dead!? Did the cloaked pony turn me to ashes? 

I stood up and began to wander over to the house. It was just as I remembered it, and as I approached, the crazy yellow doorway of my past opened before me. 

“Wow,” I said aloud to myself. “It’s exactly like I remember it.” Strange does that mean I imagined my interrogation of Pinkie?

The pictures were all in their places, my comfy chair rested by the fire, and my wife's sweet violin sat above the mantle. Oh, how tenderly she would play that violin, creating sounds of such beauty, that they surpassed the sounds of even Nature herself.

I continued through the house to the  kitchen. The kitchen, I remember the parties we would have here, where friend and foe alike would gather and for a while the world didn't matter, for a while we were free from responsibility, obligation, anger and hate. We were allowed for a few hours to be free, to indulge ourselves in luscious foods, and to share stories around the hearth. I sighed as I continued onward through my old house.

I came to my old bedroom. There in my… our, old bedroom, I saw my wife, lying there, peacefully. I knew she wasn't real,  She couldn’t be, could she? but, I needed to see her. I stepped carefully towards the bed, trying to be as quiet as possible, lest I wake her and dispel my beautiful dream. 

I remember how beautiful she looked, with soft, charcoal gray feathers, and bright, entrancing green eyes. I often wondered why she chose me. Back then, I was rash, and not nearly as clever as I am now. Always the runt, always picked last, the weak link. 

On the other claw, she was the spectral opposite of me: one of the most popular girls at the academy, with lads bending bending over backwards to please her. She could have had anyone she wanted, but she choose me. 

Initially, I thought it was because I wasn’t the only one going out of my way to do favors for her; I thought it was a self-respect thing, which was the only thing I had going for me back then. 

When I asked her about it, she replied, “You don’t care about outward beauty, and that is truly beautiful.” 

It was at that moment that I knew we were meant for each other, and we leaned into a soft, gentle, romantic kiss that must sealed the deal up in heaven, because I ended up marrying her two years later. I can still hear the bells.

Back in my bedroom and away from my memories, I smiled, staring at the apparition of one who had once been. There was another presence in the room. “All good things must come to an end, right Luna?”

“Impressive perception skills, Griffin.” 

“Why am I here?” I asked. 

“I thought you might like to revisit old memories. This one was-”

“I told you to stay out of my head,” I cut her off. “Get to the point. Why are we here?” 

“Oh you’re no fun,” she teased, “You need to relax with your running around all the time trying to be a hero.” 

“YOU WANT ME TO RELAX?” I shouted as a small flame ignited in the dream world. “RELAX? THERE IS A MURDERER ON THE LOOSE AND YOU WANT ME TO RELAX!” 

My claws clenched into fists. 

“Griffin, listen t-” 

“NO!” The building erupted into flames around us. “YOU NEED TO STOP GIVING ME THESE MEMORIES, THEY’LL DRIVE ME INSANE!”

“Young one,” Luna’s voice rose. 

“ THERE ARE PONIES DIEING! I NEED TO CATCH TH-”

“SHUT UP!” the fantasy world shattered at the sound of her voice, leaving us standing in an empty void of starlight. “Griffin, listen to me. I know the pain our race has caused you.” 

“No kidding.” 

“We need you, and I am trying to do my job, alright?” 

“I suppose,” I responded, having unclenched my claws and calmed a bit.

“There are some ponies whose dreams I cannot enter,” she told me. “This has never happened before.” 

“Maybe they don’t like your snooping.”

“Griffin it would be best not to drive my patience.”

“ Tell me then.Why?” 

“You are a detective, and I must admit, you have a gift, I need your help.”

“Ok, I guess I can help you, but you have to warn me before you dive into my dreams.” 

“Fine, do this for me and I promise to stay out of your head, most of the time,” she said.

“Do you have any idea who’s keeping you out?” I asked.

“No. I leave this task solely to you, and I’m sure you shall have a suspect soon.”

“Huh, yeah sure,” I said, turning my back to her. 

“Oh… griffin?” 

“Yeah?” 

“You will be hearing from me.” The world dissolved around my and I flew up through the blackness and awoke to the sound of my telephone ringing. I answered immediately.

“Yes?” I said somewhat drowsy

“Mr. Enigma…” said a low, scratchy voice. 

“Yes, who is this?” 

“You are playing a deadly game, Mr. Enigma.” 

“What?” I was now fully awake as if I had just got slapped in the face.

“Back away, Mr. Enigma.” 

“Oh? And what if I don’t?”

“Then you shall face the consequences.” 

There was nothing but silence for a moment, and then the voice spoke again.  

“You have been warned.” 

Click!
> Chapter 8: Digging Deeper
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	I put the phone down and tried to run the past twelve hours in my head. First I was fired upon (no pun intended) by some lunatic last night while seeing Miss Pie. After an exhausting run for my life and a brief Q&A session with Pinkie, I finally get some shut eye only to have Luna invade my dreams to ask for help in finding the ponies whose dreams she cannot enter (lucky bastards), and when I wake up, some smartass whose voice sounds like throat cancer calls and tells me to back off. I don’t even know what I was on, much less how to back off it.

I think perhaps this villain is scared, why else would it send a hitmare and  discount phone voice from The Ring to threaten me? It’s obvious that Luna’s inability to invade privacy is connected to the murders I’ve been investigating, or else there’s not one pony trying to kill me, but many, and I find it highly improbable that I’d have multiple hits out on me at once. No, it had to be one pony, and whoever it was, they were clever, connected, and had way too much free time on their hooves. Still, anonymous phone threats are for amateurs; something has him spooked.

Putting pieces together in my head, it was plain to see that the murderer is the same pony whose dreams Luna cannot enter. What I couldn’t understand was what Little Strongheart might have had to do with it all, and why I was supposed to watch out for the carnivorous plant drink.

I rubbed the sleep from my eyes. 

“What’s my next move?” I pondered aloud (I talk to myself sometimes). “I could go see Sunflower, but she’s in Canterlot, and probably pretty busy. Plus she was totally wrong about carnivorous plants, I haven’t seen those anywhere. Oh well, I guess I’ll go look for Little Strongheart. She’s been visiting Sweet Apple Acres a lot recently, so if she’s in town that’s where I’ll find her.”
I landed softly on the ground, careful not to disturb the dogs, and made my way up to the house. Its shadow covered the whole farm, almost like a metaphor for the oppression it brought. Poor Big Mac could be seen, slaving away in the distance for a master whose greed knew no bounds. I walked straight ahead, up the trail to the manor, ignoring the No Trespassing and Violators Will Be Punished signs. I kept going, past the remains of an old clubhouse where innocent dreams once lived. The poor foals who once played there didn’t need it any longer; there was no time for dreams in the sweatshops. 

Past the clubhouse lay a barn, the most sinister building on the plantation, where the dark screeches of industrial machinery juxtaposed together to form the most ghastly song imaginable. That song heralded death for many a pony, not to mention dragons, griffons, or anything else that could somehow be coerced into labor. Finally I reached the steps and rang the bell to be answered by a young mare whose soul had been corrupted by power and big business. What started as a simple business venture turned into so much more.

I snuck up around towards the back avoiding, the guard with ease. Peeking through the window, I got my first glimpse of how all these dangerous elements fit together. 

“No, you can’t have it!”, screamed a female voice, “That land is our home.”

“You know the rules. You don’t pay the bills you don’t own the land.” said the monster who ruled the plantation. 

“On whose authority?” countered Strongheart.

“Mine, of course,” responded the shell of the pony, gesturing to remind her guest of the mindless drones in the shadows with perpetual grins on their faces. 

“Wh- why are you doing this? We used be friends.”

“Simple.” A grin began to spread across the monster’s face, the whole room darkening in the shadow of her menace, “I want your land, and I always get what I want. Will that be a… problem?”

Oh God, I thought, Strongheart won’t get out alive unless I intervene.

One of the goons pulled a bat from the shadows, and gripped it between it’s teeth, further disfiguring it’s already twisted smile. 

“Now deary, I’m sure it wouldn’t have been a problem, but I have a business to run, and businesses like mine cannot tolerate rogue elements.”

Oh no, it’s happening.

“Boys!” sang the monster with sadistic pleasure, “Play rough.”

“No, please, no!” Strongheart wailed.

Time was up. Time to do something stupid. I backed up, took a running leap, and hoped for the best.

Crash! Glass flew everywhere blinding the goon with the bat causing him to drop it and spit shards of window from his stupid grinning mouth.

I turned to Strongheart and, crap!, I couldn't fly with a buffalo. 

"Quick! This way!” I screamed over the alarms, and the hissing of the monster, stumbling back to it’s hooves.

Gesturing to the window we jumped through and bolted down the hill. 

“Run!” I yelled as I saw swarms of dogs were released and drones came flying and galloping at us. 

We dodged magic blasts that scorched the ground with hate, and the teeth of beasts who knew nothing but of the thirst for blood. We ran through the forest, the prey of of instinct, running from the mighty hunter and his crude instruments of death. We ran and ran, I don't know how long, until a hut could be seen in the distance.

I ran to the door and started banging on it as loud as possible. No sounds came from within, but the sounds behind were drawing closer. The dogs of war had been unleashed and they were closing in on our throats.

“We are going to d-die, aren’t we?” Strongheart stuttered.

“Not if I can help it miss.” I unfolded my wings to their full length, put my claws back and pulled out two small katanas. (I had katanas the whole time! I can be so forgetful!)

“For every drop of blood they draw from me, I shall take twice from them!” I screamed, “So come at me you two bit horn-nosed pansies! Lets see whatcha got! I AM READY!”
> Chapter 9: The Trigon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Suddenly, an attack dog jumped from the bushes. Slice! It went down, my katana cut clean through its thick hide. I pulled the blade out of its body just as another monster of a dog leapt at me. Turning around, I kicked it to the ground and dove after him, stabbing straight through his head. I continued as more and more dogs came like a never ending storm of death, one by one the beasts came, and one by one I severed flesh from bone. Whether it be sliced, diced, stabbed or skewered I vowed to defend Strongheart and I would not stop until all that opposed where slain. I wouldn't rest until I was sure.

Oh, I stabbed and stabbed some more, until no more dogs would emerge from the bushes.

I cried out at the top of my lungs, blood lust and fury coursing through my veins.
“Is that it! I've seen better from foals than the likes of you! I am just getting started, you yellow bellied hacks!”
Throwing away my rationality I taunted my opponents further, the smell of the recently deceased coming to light. Two earth ponies jumped me from behind a oak. Flying in the air, I threw a smoke pellet, blinding them so that I could swoop down to slit their throats. The taste of their crimson blood on my lips made me smile. I would kill them all if I had to.

I was the master now; these cowards would scatter like the scum they are. My voice grew stronger as I challenged the true enemy.

“You! You indescribable slug of horror that not even your own mother wanted to see you! You who is the dark I am the light!  You who is the conductor of this orchestra come forward to face thy destiny! For I am Sir Edwin!”

The bloodlust was overwhelming. At this point, the rage had overcome my sense of self, and I became a predator. In my rage, I heard a voice; a small, meek little voice calling my name, but it was so totally overwhelmed by the delicious cries of pain and agony that were my enemies last breaths. Who was calling my name? What had I been doing before?

“E-edwin!” cried Strongheart, “You need to calm down! Let’s get out of here. I think we’ve had enough blood for one day.”

NO!

“No!” I screamed, “This is my opportunity. I am ending the cycle of pain and torment that is this farm. I shall stop it here!”
She screamed out at me once more, “Enigma! Edwin! We have to go. We have to get out of here before… it arrives”.
That caught my attention.

“I’m not afraid of it”, I yelled, seemingly shaking the earth, “She must pay”.

“Edwin! Listen to me!” she yelled, grabbing ahold of my face “WE NEED TO GO! NOW!”


The bloodlust, the hunger, the anticipation, it was so overwhelming, I paid her warnings no mind. “No, I’m staying. I’m finishing this.”

slap![i/]  

I tumbled backward onto the cold earth. Strongheart stood overhead and learned forward, speaking directly into my ear.

“We have to go now”, she said, and sensing the terror in her eyes, I obliged.

So we ran. Through the dark and twisted orchards, and across the plains of scorched terrain where no life dared to flourish, we ran, and I was glad that we did, for amid the steady beat of Strongheart’s hooves and the scraping of my claws against the stone, I heard a very vexing noise. It was the dull rumble of a thousand hooves in pursuit, and despite my skill, despite my rage, I was glad to be running, for I knew that even with all my spirit, I didn’t stand a chance.

Eventually, almost an hour and two dozen miles later, the thunder of our adversaries had faded away, and we took shelter in a small, dark cave, off the beaten path.

“I-I’m sorry”, I mumbled as I plopped myself down against the stony wall, “I haven’t done that in a while, and it’s not who I am anymore. At least, it’s not supposed to be”.

Strongheart said nothing, but rather collapsed against the wall opposite me, letting her aching muscles slump towards the earth.

“I didn’t hurt you, did I?” I inquired, really hoping the answer was no.

“You didn’t”, she replied, turning her gaze towards me.

“Oh, that’s good. I was worried that may-”

“I have a lot of questions, Mr. Edwin, and before we go any further, you’re going to answer them”.

I wasn’t exactly sure what she wanted to ask, but I couldn’t see the harm in explaining some things to her. Since she might even be able to help with my investigation, I agreed.

“Well then”, she began, “First off, who are you and why did you save me back there? What am I to you?”

I held up my claws and eyed them closely, playing her nonchalantly so that I could hopefully seem cooler.

“I am Edwin Enigma, private detective, and I hunted you down in the hopes that maybe you could answer a couple of burning questions I had. A couple questions related to a very, pertinent investigation”.

“A detective”, she raised a brow, “I supposed that means you’ve got some questions for me then. What are you investigating?”
“Just a couple of hunches”, I grinned as the interrogation did a complete one-eighty, “Do you maintain a close relation with a certain pretty pink party pony named Pinkie Pie?”

“That’s none of your business”, she snapped, “What’s she got to do with this anyway?” 

I settled back against the mossy rock and cast a calm glance in Strongheart’s direction, “Nothing, yet. Pinkie Pie doesn’t mean anything, yet, and neither will you if you’ve got a good explanation for what you were doing hanging around that good-for-nothing Tainted Rainbow”.

She gasped. It wasn’t even a real gasp that she did, just the slightest sudden inhale that most ponies wouldn’t even pick up unless you knew what to look for. When she started fidgeting with her hooves, I knew I was onto something.

“Look”, I said, “I don’t care if it is something sketchy, I’m not law enforcement. I just need to know if there are lives at stake”.

She sighed, “ Alright, I’ll tell you, but you have to swear that this conversation stays between us, and us alone.”

“I swear”, I said, crossing my heart.

Taking a deep breath, she began her story “For years, my tribe and the settler ponies lived in harmony. There was no bad blood between us, until the settlers found something, deep beneath the earth”.

“What did they find?” I asked.

“A deposit”, she replied, “A coal deposit, unlike any other, for the minerals it yielded were blacker than night, and they burned longer, brighter, and hotter, than anything ever seen before. You can’t even fathom the intensity of the flames it brings forth, it is unimaginable, hotter than dragon fire”, she sighed, “Sounds pretty good, right?”

“Right,” I agreed, “So where did it go wrong?”

“My herd warned the ponies; we told them that something that powerful was not meant to be disturbed, but naturally, they didn’t listen, and I can’t say we wouldn’t have done the same in their place. Ah, but you want to know the wrong part about it, well, that blackness of the stone, that wasn’t just for show. The darkness was quite literal, and burning the stones released it, causing crops to wither and hearts to fill with hate, and even the sky grew three shades darker. The balance of the world was thrown off.”

“I see where this is going,” I said

“That’s right, I was conferring with those whose purpose is to maintain the balance. I had to meet their agent, Tainted Rainbow.”
“So, you mean to say, the Trigon exists,” I remarked, processing what I had heard.

“Yes. It does,” replied Strongheart, “What do you know of us?” Her interests peaked

“Only what everyone else does. You are a secret order dedicated to keeping peace and balance among not only the three pony races but all intelligent beings. You know. Anti-Mares of the Shackle type stuff.” 

“Precisely, except the Mares of the Shackle is just an old mare’s tale” she replied, “Now, specifically, Tainted Rainbow’s mission was to root out the culprit behind a string of gruesome murders raging across Equestria.”

“That sounds a lot like my investigation,” I replied, “I’m assuming you’ve been informed about a certain plant based energy supplement, then?”
“Yes, it’s an almost unholy form of adrenaline that keeps you alert for days and yet paralyzes you at the same time.”

Interesting, I thought, “Do you think you might be able to arrange a meeting with Mr. Rainbow anytime soon?”

“Nope,” she replied, “He’s been off the grid for a week and we assume he’s dead.”

“ Great! Mr. Rainbow is dead, which probably means they will be coming after me next. Just what I needed.”

Strongheart leapt to her hooves. “They? Whom do you mean, they?”

“You know! They! With the fireballs and the creepy phone calls and those dead I’m gonna kill you sort of voices. I assume they've contacted you as well.”

“They have,” she replied, “I don’t do this often but if it’s alright with you, I suggest we team up.”

“That’s great and all, but I’m fresh out of leads now, which leads me to ask, did your guy pull anything up before he went missing?”

“As a matter of fact, yes one of our agents was assigned to it.” she replied, “He was on his way to Cloudsdale. If he’s alive, that’s where he’ll be. can't say an exact part of the town but I can tell you that he is a small green pegasus goes by the name Little Leaf”

With that statement, I thought for a moment before a wide smile parted my lips. “We’re being hunted, right? Well our hunters are looking for a griffon and a buffalo, so you know what that means they’re not looking for say? A pegasus.”

Strongheart was aghast. “That sounds risky, and neither of us can do magic. Who could we trust to even do something like that? That knd of magic could have catastrophic effects.”

“A friend of mine, in Canterlot. Of course, to even reach her I need to get outta this place, and to safely do that, I’ll need a distraction. Do you think you could?”

She sighed, “Well I guess.”

“Good. In that case, it was nice formally meeting you, though I’d have rathered it be on better terms, but what can’t be help can’t be helped, and I must be going now.”

She just rolled her eyes and walked to the mouth of the cave, “Ready, then?”

“Does a dragon breath fire?” I replied, making a mad dash for the exit and soaring high into the air, leaving Miss Strongheart, our pursuers, and the earth far below. I was off to Canterlot.
> Chapter 10: Transmodification
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Some time after I had left Little Strongheart to her own devices, I flew and arrived on the outskirts of Canterlot, just as night was beginning to fall. Pulling back with my powerful wings, I alighted on a tree and from there, took a survey of the city. 

I needed a way into the city, and as menacing as I looked, drenched in blood and earth and the like, the Watchmares in their towers of gun turrets would blow me to bits before I could ever approach the front gate. Once inside the wall, I’d have to maneuver my way through the streets without being spotted by any district Overseers or their underling Seers, all of whom would blow me to bits on sight. Once past them, I’d need to somehow break into Princess Twilight’s chambers within Canterlot palace without being spotted by any of the numerous guards or leaving any evidence that I had been there.

It was necessary for me to go through all this trouble because it was imperitive that I met with the princess that night; waiting until dawn would waste too much time, and as terrifying as I looked, there wasn’t any time for a rest or a bath; agents from Sweet Apple were definitely tracking  me.

“Just another day at the office,” I muttered.

Well, in order to get past the guard towers, I’d need some sort of distraction. A rock maybe? I figured the guards would be gullible enough to slip past if I tossed ‘em a rock. It’s not like they were on high alert; Sweet Apple was many leagues away and there was no reason to suspect that I’d be headed to the capital. With that reasoning in mind, I dug around in the mud and found a decent sized stone not far from where I stood.

A rock might distract a couple guards, but sentry guns aren’t programmed to be stupid. I figured an ElectroMagicnetic Pulse would fry the circuits, but that’d do just as well to fuck up my wings. A stunt like that would have to be a last resort.

Princess Twilight’s pet dragon once tried explaining to me how the turrets worked, but alas my eyes glazed over and my mind wandered elsewhere. All I could remember was that the guns were pretty hard to mess with and that Canterlot was not a place you wanted to wander around past curfew, because those machines were pretty bad at discriminating friends from foe.

Suddenly my mind made the connection The turrets were machines, and machines have off switches! With my plan all figured out I set it in motion by tossing my rock as far from the primary guard tower as I could. The soldiers all ran to investigate, save one to watch the tower, but a second stone took care of him. Thank Celestia the engineers didn’t trust the turrets enough to let them watch the tower. 

I dumped the unconscious guard into the nearest shadow, dropped through an open window, crept down a hallway, bonked a second guard on the head, and took his place at the controls, setting the turrets to be a little less aware.

For the first time in a while things were going according to plan. My work in the control room done, I exited through a conveniently placed door at city street level, and merged into the shadows to avoid the Overseers’ watchful gaze. Overseers, of course, are those giant robot heads with a thousand eyes and a head propellor, which patrol every major city following the war. 

I bounded through the streets, ignoring all the dated pre-war political propaganda that I had seen a million times, along with the bums burning trash in the back alleys and the thieves who gambled on the rooftops where the Overseers did not fly. 

The thought of all those sleeping ponies whose homes I was passing, and the fact that Princess Luna could see all their dreams and therefore knew their private lives and personal information made me snicker, but I quickly silenced myself as one of the Watch’s thousand-eyed drones buzzed past and I turned my attention to other things, like stay pressed against the nearby wall, and finding the killer.

Very few guards patrolled the palace grounds; nopony really expected intruders to get through the city’s outer walls, so it was easy for me to approach the princess’ chambers and fly up towards the window.

I rapped lightly on the glass, and she stirred in bed, ever so slightly. I rapped slightly harder and her torso shot up as she sat up in bed and jerked her body in my direction before unceremoniously tumbling out and collapsing on the floor.

She unlocked the window with her magic, and as I entered I could see the same lavender aura at the far end of the room, placing a tea kettle on the stovetop.

“Ed.”

“Good evening, my Princess, I hope you don’t mind my dropping by.”

Twilight rubbed the sleep out of her eyes as she took a seat on a nearby sitting pillow and gestured for me to do likewise, “Bit late for a stroll, isn’t it? Especially for a blood-stroll, the kind of stoll where you’re completely covered in blood.”

“It’s important,” I told her.

“Yeah, that’s pretty obvious.”

I took a look at myself and examined the crimson stained on my claws, and the dried, coagulated blood that had formed a sort of red dust which now coated my feathers. I wondered how I would explain this to her.

“Sugar?” she asked, indicating that an explanation might not be required.

“No, thank you”.

“Alright then,” she said, levitating over a pair of china tea-cups and the kettle, “ Let’s hear what you have to say, I trust you have a good reason as to why this meeting could not wait”.

So I told her all that I had been up to, and by that I mean all that had transgressed and all that I had investigated since we last spoke, and when I had finished, it was her turn.

“Interesting…..” she pondered for a moment “You know you can’t go out in public again; she’ll send hitmares after you and I can’t afford to become politically involved in this.”

“Bit late to worry about her when there’s an even larger evil afoot”.

“Well we need to resolve this Sweet Apple incident sometime”.

I told her that I’d deal with it once the murders had been wrapped up, and then I made a request.

She told me that she’d never tried it on a griffon before, and I told her that there’s a first time for everything, and now I’m telling you to get those dirty thought out of your head.

“Well, what are we waiting for?”

The princess’ horn lit up and she informed me, “This is only temporary. You have until this time tomorrow to do what you need to get done”.

I’ll admit, I screamed a little when the spell hit me. I’ll have you know, though, that it was a dignified scream, and nothing more than a vocalization of the intense agony that I was in.

It was over pretty quickly, but the pain I was in during that brief time was excruciating. It was like when you burn yourself on a hot pan, it’s only for a moment but it hurts like a bitch. Now imagine that that burn was all over your entire body, and that it wasn’t a pan, but literally the sun. Like, if somepony asked me to describe what the inside of the sun felt like, I would ask them if they’ve ever violently changed species.

Once my new eyes had adjusted and my vision returned, and my extremities had pretty much stopped tingling, I took inventory of the changes. My eyes weren’t as sharp, that was obvious almost immediately. The other change that was almost immediately obvious was the fact that I expected the tingling in my nerves to extend to my claws but it did not, since they had been replaced by a dull gray stub. I guess I couldn’t complain about the color, it was pretty much the same.

“You alright Edwa-”

“I’m fine." I said quickly. "Sorry to ask for a favor and then duck out, but like you said, I’m on a time limit, and the guards are probably searching for me”.

The princess offered to cast a cloaking spell, and I accepted, swearing I would solve the case and find the murderer. She of course thanked me/reminded me that I had better ‘cause that was my job and also kind of super-important, and then told me that she had just thought of a way to deal with the incident with Little Strongheart in the Everfree, and that I should get going so she could work.

“Thank you, princess,” I said, bowing my head and turning to leave.

“Hey, remember, just because I said I could clean up the Everfree incident doesn’t mean I can deal with Sweet Apple altogether. That mare and I have a history together. Once that pegasus disguise wears off you’ll have all sorts of trouble on your tail”.
I nodded and took a dive out the window, towards the rising sun. The cloak would only protect me to the edge of town, and I prayed that this new body would be enough after that, because I’d need some time adjusting to my new wings. 

> Chapter 11: The Kings Blunder
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was an odd sensation being a different race I felt lighter and flying was so much easier. At around 8 am I saw the doors to Cloudsdale. The city in the clouds they called it when the Pegasi first devised plans of this place way back when even before the tribes of Equestria were formed and before my kin knew of such a place. It was one of the oldest still standing cities after the war and it’s architecture was incredible. Pillars of rich starlight and fountains or rainbows it was a sight to behold. I noticed that no one was paying me mind or staring for that matter I blended in rather well with the ponies here. It was off putting not being pointed out in a crowd. Strange to “fit in” to not be the black sheep.

“Is this how all ponies feel?” I murmured

I continued to walk around taking in the sights as I went towards the town square looking for my contact. Little Leaf wouldn't be too hard to find I thought. Most of the ponies up here though varying in color remained shades of the sky. Blues,pinks,yellows each corresponding to a time whether sunrise to sundown.

I reached the town square a large building with A large blind alicorn statue in the front was on my left Bookies Law Firm the sign said in stylish gold text. To my right was a few smaller buildings a tailor,a shoemaker, and a small general store. My contact was a small normal looking green pegasus. I walked up to the fountain where he was sitting.

“Little Leaf?” I whispered

“Who wants ta know?” Came the voice of a intercity stallion with an attitude that sounded as if he’d seen things he’d rather not speak of.

“A friend of Stronghearts. She told me you could help me with a -” I dropped my voice as a very unfriendly looking guard walked by.  

“Problem.”

“I sees.” He got up and gestured to me “Follow me ya townie”

We soon made our way downtown through twists and turns we made it to the back of the General Store we walked to the side of the building the Mr.Leaf stole a look and knocked thrice on the wall. 

After a moment and some shuffling from inside a slit opened and a gruff voice said “On a hot summers night would you offer your throat to the wolf with the red roses?”

Leaf looked at the eyes and in a calm tone replied “If thine love is true, lest chaos ensue.”

“Welcome brother.” spoke the voice letting us in to a small room the goon locking the disguised wooden door behind us. A single light bulb turned on and there was a chair with its back faced to us. 

Leaf spoke “General a friend of Agent Black Hoof.”

A scratchy voice answered “Fantastic so she didn’t perish after we lost contact in Sweet Apple Acres?” 

“Evidently she was able to meet up with this pegasus.” gesturing to me the last word sounding as if he threw up in his mouth a bit. “He arrived and asked if we could help him.”

The voice crawled towards me “ Pegasus... who are you and why are you here?”

Leaf nudged me and I spoke “Sir I am uh….” I thought of an alias deciding on one I choose “...I am Leather Wing”

“Leather Wing?” pondering the name he spoke again “How peculiar are you a tailor perhaps armorer?”

“Yes I make cloaks sir.”

“I see, what can I help you with Leather Wing.” chuckling a bit

“I am locating a murder whom I have reason to believe is here in town.” I stated flatly figuring with a stallion like this I ought to be honest he would most likely find out who I was one way or another. Probably knew who I was already with that tone of his.

“Why we all have secrets Leaaather Wing” stretching out the name “So what are you willing to give for such information? Hm? I mean all I have is a stallions word to keep me from taken you out right now.” The words hissing out as if I was talking to a venomous snake poised at the ready.

Scare tactics of course they would use that. My mind said telling me to be quiet but my mouth ignored it's wisdom. “Ah, but that stallions word is worth more than another's is it not?” 

A screeching laughter that sounded like claws on a chalkboard erupted through the small room. 

“You are driving my patience trying to be clever. I am not amused by such things."Pausing for a moment "So, I tell you what you do me a favor and I will tell you this supposed killers last base of operations.”

“Alright, what do you want.” I thought the request sounded easy enough.

More laughter “It is not that simple this is a favor that will be revealed in time. Now do we have a accord?”

I pondered whether or not I should make such a shady deal the Tri-gon did not always employ the most how should I say diplomatic tactics to preserve the peace but that's what they were peacekeepers. I may not of liked it scratch that I hated this idea but I had no other choice the body count was being raised as were the stakes I either called a bluff or folded. Wasn't any way to get around this from what I could see. I mean you can’t win big by risking a little or else we would put casinos outta business. Right?

“What you suddenly become mute? Do we have a deal or not Feather Ring? shouted the voice sounding like someone blew an airhorn in my ears.

“Okay I accept.” I stated sicking a hoof out a bit rattled at his sudden volume.

Then the large chair wheeled around and a hard nosed creature with eyes that burned like hot coals took my hoof it smelled like booze and felt as slimy an eel. The Breezie smiled showing a set of  yellowed teeth.

“Fantastic. Comrade, I am General Bitis now let us (clapping his tiny hooves together two stallions began to pack up) take you to what we found.” Getting up I saw some faded fatigues  and cap that the officers would wear in their increasingly active tribal wars.

We gather our items and left. We had to take the alleyways and backstreets. Bitis said something about this side of town being the fun side. 

"Yeah,I bet." I said looking around on our way we descended through the clouds. 

The city walls closing in on us seeming to suck us deeper the daylight began to fade as we continued the journey down. A mist of  smog began to appear to accompany to severe lack of anything left untainted. Soon some rather unsavory characters stared to pop up here and there. A bum on a street corner or a group of ladies waiting for I don't wanna know. It got to the point when the fumes of where we were at began to feel as if they were choking every ounce of goodness I had left in me. 

Bitis just cackled and cackled carried by his goons who seemed unaware of the sorrows of the others around them.Perhaps he was enjoying it.That is when I heard a scream from the alley we had just past a young mare ran out past us  fear had over came her eyes. a gang of stallions running after her brandishing makeshift weapons the bums hiding in there cans and boxes. My instincts said no but my heart told me that she wasn't going to make it out of there without our help.

Bitis spoke seeing my struggle "By all means help her it won't matter she will be dead next week."

"Your not co-"

He cut me off "Of course not boy! It is a waste of my resources and not part of the deal. You feel the need to save her you go in alone."

"Fine" turning I ran through the maze like corridors following the sounds of her distress. finally I spotted the gang.

"Hey you! they turned "Yea you in the stupid helmet leave that mare alone you mangy dog!"

"Well looks like Gramps over here fancies himself a knight here to save his skimpy princess eh boys? 

"You better leave now before this grandpa whoops your ass."

"OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH EMBER YOU GOT BU-" started up his buddies

"Can it!"  he yelled at them turning to me he pulled out his flaming bat

"Kid last chance ok-" I didn't finish the fool charged I pulled out one of my swords and sliced his leg. His crew stood there stunned.

"Well do something! Ember screamed 

"Yes do something boys and end up like your buddy here."

A moment passed and no one moved until the mare ran off  the boys followed her example tail between their legs. Ember looked up to me begging for me no to kill him.

"I ain't gonna kill you son. Just straiten up your act."

Y-yes sir. he said getting up

"One more thing kid. Respect your elders."

"Of c-course sir!" he spat limping of in the darkness.

I walked back to find Bitis there "Impresssive." He hissed

"Lets just get to our destination please. I am tired of petty crooks and two-bit whores." I said cleaning and sheathing my blade

"But of course let me just run off and get some popcorn." he said bowing 

"Can we just go please." I said in a harsher tone

He nodded keeping a closer eye on me as we walked.

After about an hour of being stared down and listening to the drunk yammering of the ponies we passed and the General shouted “HALT! We here boys!”

We had made our way to the warehouse district alright we were in front of a storage facility.

“So how are we gettin in?” spoke Little Leaf

“Through the front door of course.” the General replied  yelling as his men charged the door.

In an explosion of splintered wood and testosterone we entered the dastardly place if hell was on earth this would be it. A thick ooze covered the walls and thick yellow barrels with unknown contents were everywhere. Then there were the meat hooks holding... well I’m pretty sure it was a pony at one point. Staring into the hollow eyes and villainous smile on the severed head of the  nearly unrecognizable pony in front of me. Decay had a stench like no other it had been there a while.

What is this place said one of the goon dumbstruck by the newly uncovered horrors.

“It was a storage facility for the old Rainbow factory to hold the” Pausing for a minute “by-products.” said Little Leaf who had for he to was mesmerized by the head.

“Poor sap.” The General said  “Alright Bulk take right and Block take left. Time to search this hell hole! 

I started analyzing the space around me I walked around and immediately regretted it. Torture chambers with uses that would your stomach turn inside out and make even the strongest man quiver. Large spikes,Lighting chairs,illegal drugs and other various tools were it this arsenal of despair. Body parts littering the floor around the place. Farther down was another pony bound and gagged bleeding out slowly crying in a circle with odd markings. 

I shouted “THIS ONES ALIVE!”

The rest ran to me as we ripped off her binds and what looked like a newly blind and broken  mare started murmuring “

“nononononononnooonnononono” Trying desperately to fight us as we brought her around we set her down

“Who did this to you?” I said

“The th-” gasping for air she wasn’t going to last long

“Who did this?” I spoke again

“He calls hi-*cough* himself the King. He waants you to knooow that *spitting up blood* you are losing the game. I had to lean in close to hear the last word “....pawn…” Pissing herself she died moments later blood soaking my hooves.

I just stared. The shock over came for a moment. My mind was a compass pointing south I didn’t understand how a pony could have the capacity to create such atrocities. This King was evil no doubt about it. But how and  why? A million thoughts returned to my head. Shaking it as my sanity (or what was left) returned. I looked around for anymore clues other than a strange circle filled with odd symbols I had nothing so I jotted it down. 

We called the local police so they could give the mare a proper burial. I knew that now this had gone way off the edge he had personally called me out and was playing with the lives of others as if the were all apart of his own sick twisted game. I now knew this vile being had a name the King and this being capable of inconceivable horrors was gonna pay for every second of pain he caused. I was going to overthrow the monarchy and no one was gonna stop me.
> Chapter 12: The Tribute
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It had been a good four hours since we turned over the body and went our separate ways. The sudden police presence caused much commotion and we had to take the long way around the under-town within the cloud. Another trip through the muck of Cloudsdale filled with the souls of the dammed and forgotten.  You know they say that it rains whenever a Pegasus dies in Cloudsdale. A sorta tradition to bring new life to the soil below or something and it is odd how it would rain in a cloud city? I mean why would you need it? Sometimes ponies can be so illogical. I thought as I had come back to the upper levels of Cloudsdale back to where the fat cats were But even as these thoughts swirled my head like smoke it poured and poured and poured. Buckets upon buckets of the stuff seemingly never ending as I made a beeline for the library to research that strange symbol I found on the floor beneath the mare. It was closed of course but that was a simple matter it isn’t as if ponies are lining up to steal books. 

“Although I am sure that a few oughta go here” I mumbled as I broke an entering. Add that to my list of crimes I don’t intend on paying for. I scurried over and proceeded to boot up one of the ancient access terminals. 

“My, My, this is older than my father!” I looked deeper at the old box running on what looked like bubble-gum, half a roll of toilet paper, and a spoon. It was a miracle the thing worked at all! And with a buzz the screen in green letters said Welcome and had a search bar beneath it. I typed in symbols searching for the section it would be in. Five whole agonizing long minutes of buzzing another ding came. 

“200 B Historical Archives” I said to myself as I flew to the 200 section.

Scouring the branches of paper it the great forest. Heading deeper into its embrace until I came upon the section I was looking for a branch full of dusty nooks and crannies. From there I spent nearly 2 hours sifting through books ranging from military code to geography of ancient worlds. When I happened upon the book I was looking for a small thin leather bound book. With a title in a dialect I didn’t recognize flipping through it I found my symbol it was dark and although I did not understand its words just the way the words were written looked jarred jagged as if someone rushed the description and the symbol itself looked very powerful; the calligraphy screamed danger and the symbol itself  It was occult like and while hard to describe, think a chalice with fires beneath it and a crown above. The cup is plain with nothing out of the ordinary on it, the fires engulfing it as the bejeweled crown floats majestically above. I stared at the book for a moment mesmerized then shut it;  took one last look around for anything else that may have been of use.  And, seeing nothing I walked towards the exit my mind racing for answers.

“How am I going to read this.” I said aloud I thought to myself when I knew who could. 

I hated it but I knew it would be the only way. Especially at such a late hour. Funny how it was the early morning when I went into that under-town and met it’s unsavory characters. (It is funny how time flies.) So, as I felt the spell wearing off as I ran off with the book a crazed scheme in my head. I knew there was a pony who could read this but he was going to require some persuasion on my part and probably some calming down once I got to him. so with one last look I took off into a dive as I dove for Ponyville book in my mouth. Nearing the ground my velocity caring me faster and faster I felt a familiar pain wash upon my body. 

"The spell! my mind screamed It was wearing off!" Like a hammer the pain came down upon it's anvil and as it became unbearable a bright light sprouted from within me (literally) and in quite the similar fashion to earlier I returned to my old self with the spectacle of the season bringing all eyes on me. Of course, hitting the ground face first didn’t help my situation either.

I must of blacked out for when I arose I heard sirens and saw search lights in the distance. I willed myself to get up my legs not wanting to move. But, they thrashed as the wild animals they were fighting as I dragged my battered body out of the small crater I had created. Feeling the pressure of the situation and hightailed it out of there. Bobbing and weaving between trees and stumps trying to put as much distance between me and my pressures. Odds are they were employed by the soulless creature at the Acres. It would not matter how she would get me some how. 

"Or so she thought..." I said trailing of as I seeing an opportunity and seizing it sighed in relief as I crawled into a small hole. The majority of the lights were back at the crater probably the law enforcement most likely having called for reinforcements they should stay at the scene of the crime. But, as I was expecting some of the dirtier ones on my tail and soon enough they arrived a small squad of about 6 from my count in the hole I was using. 

Scanning the ponies that arrived I looked for a weakness when I saw a young gun. He was probably half scared to death by being blackmailed into service. (more often than not that is how this scum-bucket got it’s cattle) If they didn’t do what that sleazeball said they would have a fate worse than death. Along with their immediate family and friends who would soon follow them into the abyss. Using some classic misdirection I managed to avoid the young gun and his overbearing grizzled cohorts. Slinking away I managed to reach my destination a small building one of the oldest in Ponyville in fact not crumbling mind you it was very well kept but the church wasn’t your state of the art palace either. The mares up stairs did their best to keep it that way. 

I rapped on the door once twice three times before I heard some grumbling and saw a light flicker.

“Enigma you sorry bastard what are you doing knocking down my doorstep at this hour?” said an cranky priest in pink heart pajamas 

“Father I require some advice and a place to hole up you got room in there?” I said with a smile

“My boy for you of course!” the Father set down his candlestick and shut the door behind me.

“A candlestick Father? Really? I thought that the Al-” 

“Shut it! Or I smack the stupid outta ya! The Almighty has the night off and I don’t want to hear anything about your philosophy bullshit. Ya hear!” He jumped 2 octaves on the last word his voice cracking a bit. 

“Okay okay, my apologies father.” I said making a mental note not to bug him in the middle of the night again.

“Tis, fine boy now I am going to get some wine before we talk red or white?”

“Red is fine” I replied wasn’t a fan of wine but it was hopeless to argue with him.

Father Flame (or Hot-Head) depending on who you talked to was a short old stallion who according to him is still in his prime. The guy is definitely not the best example of a priest often going to the bar to have a few “social” drinks after work in his younger years. (As well as, probably last night in all honesty.) But, his heart is in the right place though and the retired fighter is still just as stubborn and short tempered as ever. I met him shortly after I arrived and we became good friends. We have even sparred on occasion as he is still able to hold his own in hoof to hoof. Or would it be hoof to claw? He is a crazy old sod but he is one of the best ponies I have met having never let me down when it counts. He let me stay in the church until I could get on my feet and the guy still heads the annual Wares for Mares drive where local businesses give their wares to the families in need.

“AH HA! I FOUND A GOOD YEAR!” He yelled at the top of his lungs from his cellar the stained glass shook a bit

‘Shit it was going to be one of those nights.” I said aloud as he returned and filled both our cups with the liquid.

“Ah, a fine year indeed.” he said draining the rest of his glass before asking “Now then my boy what is troubling you?”

I took a sip to be polite before telling of my misadventures leaving out some of the more deadly details. I was still in a house of the Celestial you know. As I rapped it up I got to the library and he stopped me.

“So you need me to explain this symbol you found?” he said draining another glass

“Essentially yes.” I said glad he didn't get half way through the bottle yet it was a slow night for him.

“Let me see.” he said I passed my drawing and the book I had tucked under my wing flipping to the page I found. He grabbed his spectacles and began to skim the lines. Squinting to make out the minuscule text.

“You see Father I just don’t understand it. It is in an ancient dialect.” I said hoping to spur him along those cops would pick up my trail soon.

He looked up at me “My boy do you know what this means?” 

I shook my head a gesture I did not like at all.

He took a heavy sigh “ This symbol is called the Tribute it was used long ago before there was a Ponyville or even the tribes existed this was one of the first and most dangerous symbols ever created.”

“Why?” I spoke some worry in my voice I hoped it wasn't to bad.

“My boy the cup represents one mind if filled to the proper level the crown (He drew a line on the paper connecting the two) accepts the offering and can give a variety of things. The flames however (drawing another line) Means that it isn’t accepted and that the user will be punished” He said his voice shaky “If someone is doing this than you must stop them we cannot let them succeed.”

“In what?” I inquired

“In resurrecting the (he dropped his voice) Lilitha Kneph.” (Li-itha K-ne-ff)

“The Lil-” he cut me off

“We do not speak it’s name.”

"But you jus-" I complained, more out of curiosity than vanity.

“Not important if these disciplines are planning a summoning than you must find a way to stop them. Her name translates roughly to Demon Mind or Spirit of Night something like that.” he said heading into a back room 

“Father! Slow down!” I cried this was a lot of info to process. "Murders that is normal. Demon summoning ponies is another matter entirely!"

“Ah here my boy. Take this you shall need it pack this and that and th-” He continued seemingly ignoring me.

“Father!” I yelled at him

He turned “My boy if she comes back than we are doomed I have heard the reports you're on the run. I know your skill I have sparred with you. I know your heart for we have spoken true. My boy, do not be worried I will supply all the materials you need for this trek. You must supply the courage.”

“Father I... I ...that it is insane.” I said “I may be a warrior but I am still only a griffin. A single old bird.” I said slowly I was doubting myself but could you blame what would you do in this situation. My mind was ripe for the picking with the shit I had seen I never wanted to re-live that.

“Edwin." He said turning to me he looked deep in my eyes and spoke these words. "You get some rest and heal think of what you need to do. Fear is very real and you may be scared in fact I am right now scared shitless. I am scared that you may lose but I am even more scared you may lose yourself. You are battle scarred I understand that you should of never had to endure such pain. But, because of that fact that you are here in front of me alive and well shows me you had the bravery we need. You have that commitment that is rare in this day in age for sticking it out and choosing to stay here after such anguish. You made a choice to come to me tonight now I ask you to look into that heart of yours not your head as it will befuddle you with trepidation's of false ideas. These scenarios will try to control you. Fight it and you will emerge the victor. Now go! The bed upstairs is ready for you rest while you can it may be your last slumber in a while. We will have much to do in the morning.” He said it in a voice of such righteous conviction and power that I teared up a bit.

“B-But the Hit-” I stuttered

“You do realize you are in a church right? I would like to see them try and get you.” He said with a slight smile putting me at ease.

As I walked up to my bed I wondered whether I could do this. I could take a hit for sure but I didn’t have magic and my mind was in a fragile state. I hardly slept and thus my defenses weakened causing demons enter me and rekindle old memories I had buried deep within. I was scared Father Flame was right but when I heard his voice how he believed in me. (even if he was just some old stallion in pink heart pajamas) He was one of the first to see the good in me. I just hope that I can do what he asks. After all he has always been there for me I owe him a favor. So, as I crawled into the bed roll I stared at the sky and for the first time in a long time I prayed.

“Look I know I ain’t a saint but I could use a little help here. I know I never really talk about my misdeeds my false crusades in my past that haunt me even now. But, I am going to set that right so if you ain’t going then at least don’t hinder me. For I swear that if you do there will be hell to pay.” I sighed 

A few minutes passed with nothing not even the crickets disturbing this night.

“Fine then remain silent I don’t need you anyway.” I said in some fury and impatience, my emotions were mixed, I couldn’t control myself as I ended up crying myself to sleep. Memories of my past sins coming back to drown me in the sea of my own bad blood. A personal hell and it’s demons were back to great me. I thought of the days events ,reflected on my life of hate and regarded it with the malice it caused me. I thought of the symbol and who the user was. I thought of the demon and the task set out before. and with all that getting caught in the Acres didn't seem that bad. But, as I drifted off into my minds dreamscape I could of sworn I heard a strange sound almost as a response to something but that is all I could manage to make in my dreary state as I finally shut my eyes as fatigue overcame my weary body.