> The Other Side of the Law
>  by Herr Director
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Grim News
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Today seemed like a perfect day for Shining Armor. Everything seemed to go his way. Shining Armor sat in his office in the Royal Barracks. Since tensions with the Gryphon Empire were rather high at the time, his troops were all at the front lines, where all seemed peaceful. In fact, the only two ponies in the Barracks at the time was him and Flash Sentry, who had earned some downtime and was helping him type his resignation letter. Flash had just stepped out for some air, and Shining was alone to his thoughts. He looked over his office. Behind him was a cabinet housing all his medals and various war artifacts. Two racks stood in the corner, one for his dress uniform, and one for his battle armor, which like his namesake, was polished immaculately. His desk was clear of all things except a mostly empty bowl of apples, a picture of his mom, dad, and sister, his typewriter, and one of his marefriend. Princess Cadence sat in the corner of his desk, smiling at him every day.
Soon my dear, he thought as he gazed at this picture. Soon I will propose to you, and we will be wed as Mare and Colt.  Sadly, this would not be the case. Flash Sentry burst through his door.
"Sir!" He gasped, stopping in front of his desk. "I have bad news!" Shining stood up. This sounded really serious, and he did not take serious things lightly.
"What is it?" he ordered. "Are the Gryphons attacking?" Flash shook his head quickly.
"No, it's worse sir." Flash Sentry panted out. Shining said nothing, his eyes silently begged the corporal to continue. "It's your marefriend sir. She's disappeared." Shining Armor's mouth moved, but he was deprived of words. Finally, he found his voice.
"What did you say?" Flash looked down.
"Princess Cadence has disappeared." he said, his voice grim. "Nopony knows what happened to her, or where she is. She's gone... sir." Shining's brain was reeling. Never could he have imagined that such a staple figure of his life would just up and vanish. He took a few deep breaths, silently shaming himself for looking unprofessional in front of a lower rank.
"I... I need to see Princess Celestia." Shining said, stumbling slightly toward the door. On his way out, he looked back. "Don't you dare touch anything." And with that, he shut the door. Flash Sentry was rather disappointed with that last statement. That dress uniform sure looked fancy.
I bet that would look great on me, Flash thought as he looked hungrily towards the uniform. What the Captain doesn't know, won't hurt him... 

Shining Armor galloped through the halls of the palace. A few staircases and turns later, he arrived at the imposing double doors that led to the Throne Room. Fortunately, The Solar Court, for once, was not busy that day. 
Lucky me, Shining thought. No wait. Especially since this matter cannot wait. He opened the doors and stepped inside. The large throne room had few ponies besides the guards and advisers. More importantly though, at the end sat Princess Celestia. She smiled as Shining approached her.
"Good day, Captain," she greeted. "I take it you have heard the news." She sounded remarkably calm, given that her niece had just vanished off the face of Equis. 
Shining bowed out of courtesy. "Indeed I have," he replied, regaining his respectful demeanor. "With your permission, I would like to gather a platoon to mount a Search and Rescue for Princess Cadence." He made his goals straight and to the point. No sense in beating around the bush. However, the princess looked on him with pity.
"Captain Armor," she began. "I know that you and Cadence were very close, but you know as well as I do that we simply do not have the stallionpower to do such a thing." Shining frowned, for he knew she was right. Most of the troops who would be normally off-duty were out protecting the east border from the Gryphons.
"Well..." he said, thinking, "What about Prince Blueblood's soldiers? Are they not available?" The princess looked again with pity.
"I've already asked him," she sighed. "My nephew says he needs his troops on guard, and they cannot stray from the duties he provides. It pains me to say this, but we cannot mount a rescue operation at this time." Shining hung his head, down trodden.
"Oh." was all he could muster. "Okay, I see. Please forgive me for wasting your time princess." He left without another word from either of them.

When Shining arrived back at his office he slumped down in his chair. Even when Flash Sentry came back from his bathroom wearing his dress uniform, he did not sound angry, only defeated.
"Just hang it back on the rack Corporal." he mumbled. Then he did something very uncharacteristic of the proud Captain. Shining Armor threw back his head and cried. Tears flowed from his eyes, and sad, hopeless wails came from his mouth. He did not care that Flash was still in the room, he did not care that he had tried on his dress uniform, he did not care about anything. He just cried. After a few minutes, Flash brought him a tissue, which he made good use of. Flash felt like he should say something to comfort his superior and friend, but nothing came to his mind. So he just sat and waited.
By this point, Shining had moved from full blown crying to quiet weeping. He turned to his subordinate.
"That's that," he sobbed. "There aren't enough troops to save her. We will have to wait weeks before we'll have enough, and by then... it will be too late."
Flash put his hoof on the officer's shoulder. "Don't worry sir," he assured. "We'll figure something out." Shining looked up at him, his eyes red and irritated.
"I'm glad you want to help me," he said. "But just you and me won't cut it."
"Don't give up sir." Flash said. "There's still hope. We'll find a way. You always find a way."
That way came in the form of the apple salespony who filled up the bowl of fruit on Shining's desk once a week. The red farm pony trotted up to the desk with a small pail of apples and dumped them in. the bowl. Shining opened a drawer to get out the money he owed the stallion, only to be stopped by a red and blond furred hoof.
"I hear you're in a tight spot." The pony said. His voice was low and thickly accented. "I think I know somepony who can help you." Shining's ears perked up. He gave the stallion his full undivided attention.
"What's he talking about sir?" Flash asked, confused.
"Could you step outside for a moment Corporal?" Shining replied. It wasn't a question. Flash did as he was told, and left the two other stallions in none but each others company.
"Let me tell you something," the stallion leaned in closer, his voice dropping lower until it was just above a whisper, and Shining could smell the apples on his breath. "Dead-shot still lives."
Shining was taken aback. "But, he's been dead for two years!"
The stallion merely chuckled. "Eeyup. Funny how some ponies jump to conclusions so fast." He took a piece of paper out of his saddlebag. "You got two days." he stated firmly. "Take his offer, or leave it." And with that, he left the room as Flash re-entered.
"What was that all about?" he asked. However, Shining didn't look up from the paper the stallion had given to him. On that paper was an address in Fillydelphia, with a place to meet the mysterious individual. When he finally did, the captain had a determined look in his eye.
"Lucky you Corporal," he said. "You may be able to help me yet. Pack your bags. We're going to Fillydelphia."
	
> Family Business
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The Friendship Express pulled to a halt in front of the Fillydelphia train station. The usual crowd of ponies bustled in and out of the train cars, as it prepared to make the return trip to Canterlot. Among those arriving, were two Royal Guards, though few could tell since they were out of uniform. Shining Armor and Flash Sentry stepped out of the busy train station into the cobbled streets of Fillydelphia.
"So, Captain," Flash inquired. "Where to next?"
"Let me see," Shining took out the piece of paper that the apple stallion had given him. "We need to go to the Knoxford Apartments."
"You know where that is?"
"No, I don't go here very often, even for work." The two walked around, until they at last found an information booth with a map of the town. "Flash, look here." Shining called Flash over and pointed at a spot on the map. "That's where we need to go."
"What do you know?" Flash said in surprise. :It's just down the street too! Let's go." He then faltered a bit. "Uh, not that I'm trying to give orders or anything, heh." he said with a nervous laugh
"Calm down now Corporal," Shining reassured. "This is an informal visit. Rank doesn't matter here like it does on duty."
The two walked down the street. It was fairly clear of hoof traffic. Carts and carriages dominated the lanes. The stallions kept going until they reached their destination. The Knoxford building stood five stories tall. It looked fairly nice, and well kept for an apartment building. Inside, the lobby was small, but cozy. A single reception mare sat at a desk by the stairs. She looked rather bored.
Shining stepped up first. "Excuse me?" he asked. The mare looked up lazily. "We're here for the resident in room 215." The mare nodded, and reached up and rang a bell on the wall, marked with 215. "Thanks." he said, as the two stallions ascended the stairs.

The two came to the second floor and, after a minute, came to room 215. Shining knocked on the door.
"Hey!" He rapped. "It's Shining Armor. Open up!" He tried the door. It was unlocked. The room inside was rater dark. The guards stepped into the dim space.
"This place gives me the creeps." Flash said as he shut the door. Shining said nothing, scanning the room. At last he spoke out.
"If the rumors are true and you really are alive," he said curtly, "Cut the drama and get to the point." Sure enough, a voice laughed from the shadows.
"Shiny, Shiny, Shiny. You really haven't changed a bit have you?" The voice was low, and hollow sounding.
The lights flickered on. The room had some pretty decent furniture and decor. A phonograph sat on the coffee table, and a harmonium stood in the corner "Behind you." Flash Sentry nearly jumped out of his skin, seeing as he was closer to the door. Standing by the light switch was another unicorn stallion. He had a dark tan coat and a grey mane. His cutie mark was a bullet with a trail behind it.
"Rusty 'Deadshot' Bullet," Shining was awestruck. "You son of a gun. I busted your gang again and again, but you never said die. After all these years-"
"Aww come off it, Cousin," Deadshot said with a grin. "Two years ain't that long."
"Whoa whoa whoa, hold up," Flash interjected. "You mean to say that you, a criminal, a boss of criminals in fact, is related to the Captain of the Royal Guard?"
Deadshot laughed. "That's right. You're a fast learner kiddo. You'll be useful to the plan."
"Wait," Now it was Shining's turn to be confused. "Plan? Plan for what?"
"I was worried Big Mac wouldn't make it clear enough." Deadshot shook his head. He looked up abruptly "I'm here to help you find your girly girl! What did you think? Biscuits and tea? Maybe a harmonium concert?"
"Oh." Shining wasn't quite expecting that. but he wasn't sure of his cousin's true intentions. "But why? Why do you want to help me?"
"As a mob boss, I consider myself a family stallion," he replied. He took a cigar and lit it. "When you remove all our differences, we're family, you and I." Deadshot's cocky grin never left his face. "Families stick together, yeah? So, you in?"
Shining was very hesitant. He didn't want to have any dealings with his cousin, especially since he was a former criminal. On the other hoof, he could be the last hope he would ever have of seeing Cadence again.
"You may be a rotten scumbag," Shining began, "But you may be the last chance I have of seeing Cadence." He paused, and stuck out his hoof. "I'm in."
Deadshot nodded. "Figured you would. What about Junior here?" He cocked his head towards Flash Sentry.
"Uh, me too." Flash said quickly.
"You sure about that, Junior?" Deadshot turned serious. "Once you join, you go by my rules, and there's no going back until we get the job done. Capiche?"
"Yes!" Flash voiced raised a bit. " uh, capiche. I want to help you guys."
"That's the spirit!" Deadshot patted him on the back. "Ya know what, Shiny? I'm really starting to like this kid!" He then left and opened a drawer. "Okay guys. The first step is to get finances." He pulled out a floor plan of a building. "We pull this one bank job and we'll be set for all the bits we need!"
"No way!" Shining said angrily. "There is no way I am robbing a bank! If anypony sees me there, I'm screwed!"
Deadshot wagged his hoof in front of Shining's face. "Uh-uh," he said, almost tauntingly. "My rules now. Besides, I have a solution to your identity crisis." He took a spell book from out of another drawer and flipped it open to a page. "I am a bit knowledgeable around advanced magics. Really helps with evading authorities, you know." he explained. He pointed to a spell. "This spell will change your appearance to others. Nopony will have any idea it's really you."
Shining let out a deep breath. This whole rule breaking and illicit activity deal was going to be very difficult for him to adapt to. "Fine." he said at last. "Out of curiosity, which bank are we robbing?"
"I have a feeling you're going to like this." Deadshot smirked. "Let's just say that Prince Blueblood is going to be giving you two a late, and much deserved bonus." Shining Armor and Flash Sentry looked at each other and grinned mischeviously. After much humiliation at the hooves of the Prince, some much needed revenge was in order. "Thought so." Deadshot nodded. He began to point at the map. "Okay gents, here's the plan..." 
> Breaking the Bank
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The Royal Canterlot Bank was just closing up for the night. The tellers left for their homes and the guards headed to the break room. Nopony had ever even attempted to steal from the Royal Canterlot Bank, and in the eyes of the guards, nopony ever would. Ironically, just two blocks away, in a small carriage, a mob boss, a corporal, and the Captain of the Guard, planned to do just that.
The three stallions sat around a pop up table with a map, and equipment on it. The leader, Deadshot, pointed to the map and the gear.
"Alright guys," he said. "Let's recap the plan"
"Okay," Shining began. "While Flash holds our getaway carriage, you and I go to the roof and drop in through the skylight here." He pointed to the lobby on the map. "We go to the security room and turn off the cameras."
Deadshot took over. "Very good. Then we block off the door to the break room to delay the guards if they catch on, and blow open Blueblood's vault. We grab the bits and come back here through the back streets. Then?" he looked to Flash.
"You guys drop down into this ally where I will be waiting to take us to the safe house." Flash explained. "When we're in the clear, we take this back to the safe house in Ponyville."
"Fantastic guys." Deadshot congratulated the two. "You guys are ready to go. It's like you were born for this moment."
"Heh, yeah" Shining laughed halfheartedly. He did not feel proud of himself at all and his moral compass was spinning out of control. Is this really my true calling? He thought. Was I meant to be a criminal like my cousin all this time?
"Alright." Deadshot's voice interrupted Shining's thoughts. "Let me explain what we're going in with." He placed three guns, three fedoras, an syringe, and two ropes onto the table. "These," he said, gesturing to the hats, "have been enchanted by me so that we can speak to and hear each other when we are split up." Shining laughed.
"Fedoras? Really?" he guffawed only to receive a sharp jab in the side by his cousin.
"I don't remember asking you." Deadshot said coldly. He then moved on to the guns. "Salt & Wheatson .357 Revolvers. Six shots in each, plus three speed re-loader clips. That's twenty-four shots total, so make them count. If all goes well, we won't need them." He picked up the ropes. "You and I," he spoke to Shining specifically, "need these to drop through the skylight into the bank, and to get back out." Lastly, he held up the syringe and turned to Flash. "This is adrenaline," he said. "When we get in the carriage, pop the cap and inject it into your leg. It makes you run faster. and you won't get tired so easy."
"Got it." Flash affirmed.
"Good." Deadshot replied. He noticed Shining's look of uncertainty. "What's the matter Shiny?" he taunted. "Getting cold fetlocks now?"
"It's just hard for me to go through this change, okay?" Shining Armor defended himself. Deadshot held up his hooves. 
"Hey, don't blow a fuse," he said. "We just can't afford you backing out on this now."
"Yeah, don't worry Captain," Flash joined in. "Once we do this, we'll be on our way to finding Princess Cadence."
Shining smiled faintly. "You guys are right. I can get through this. I mean, I've been in the heat of battle and still got out with my head in one piece." 
"Atta boy there Shiny," Deadshot thumped Shining on the back. "That's what I need to hear. Now we we need to keep our act together. We'll move out soon." He paused. "One last thing. I gotta disguise you two." His horn lit up. Shining felt a strange sensation come over him. His flesh and fur tingled harshly. It slightly hurt, but the feeling soon passed. When Shining looked down at his hooves, he saw no change.
"Uh, did it work?" he asked. "I don't feel any different." He looked over at Flash to see that he had changed.
Flash now looked different. His coat was green and his mane was dark yellow. His voice had gotten slightly deeper.
"You sure look different, sir." Flash said. "For one, your coat is cream colored, and your mane is red. You also sound younger." To Shining, his voice sounded the same. To the others, it was higher. Deadshot, surprisingly, looked the same, he apparently saw no need to use the spell on himself
"Everypony thinks I'm dead," he explained. "I don't need a disguise." He took out a cigar case and offered them to the two other stallions, who both refused. Shrugging, he took a cigar and lit it. "Now ready up guys," he said between puffs of smelly cigar smoke. "Tonight, we make history!"

About a half hour later, Deadshot and Shining had moved up behind the bank. A maintenance ladder led up to the roof of the bank.	
"Testing, one two three, testing." Deadshot spoke into the brim of his hat "Flash, can you hear me?"
"Loud and clear!" came the reply.
"Good." He nodded to Shining. "You wanna go up first?"
Shining grabbed onto the rungs of the ladder and climbed. The rungs were cold and bitter, and he wanted nothing but to let go in order to be free of the cold. Soon, however, he reached the top. The view of the plaza in front of the bank was pretty good. It was deserted, so they would not be seen. Moments later, Deadshot arrived alongside him with the ropes. He spit out the nub of his cigar and crushed it under his hoof
"Shiny," he said. "You do the honors and pop open the glass." Shining moved to the skylight. He found a latch on the side. When he unlocked the latch, he was able to open the glass window. Deadshot tied up the ropes to a secure spot and dropped them into the lobby inside. Again, Shining took point and descended into the bank.
The lobby was large, and dimly lit, most of the lights remained off after hours. Only two guards were there, and they were both snoring loudly, each in a very deep sleep.
I need to get the Lunar Guards in here, Shining thought. These guys can't stay awake!
He hit the floor with a soft 'thud' and slunk over to the shadows. Deadshot joined him, and the two ponies tip-toed (Shut up Lyra) over to the security office. Deadshot moved ahead, and opened the door. A solitary guard sat in a seat overlooking the monitors. He seemed to pay little attention.
"Let's take this sap out." Deadshot whispered. He moved slowly toward the guard
Don't kill him, don't kill him, please don't kill him. Shining thought frantically. Even though this guard was in the way of his new goals, Shining still was a good guy at heart. Deadshot took a mug from a table and levitated it over the guard's head, bringing it down with a 'clunk'. The guard gasped and then slumped down in his seat. Shining let out a breath of relief, seeing that the guard was still alive. Deadshot pressed a few buttons.
"Good news Shiny," Deadshot said. "The cameras are off and the guards are locked in the break room. Let's go before they escape."

In the break room, most of the guards were asleep on the couches, empty cider bottles in their hooves. The last three awake were playing cards. One laid down his cards.
"Full house!" one said. "Hand it in!"
"Not so fast." another piped up. He lay out his hand to produce a four of a kind.
"I can top you both." the last one spoke calmly as he revealed-
"No way!" the other guards said in unison. "A straight flush?"
"Come on dude, we know you cheated."
"Oh no, not this time, I swear."
"Fine. But I'm watching you next time." The other guards passed the third one the money.
"And the first thing I'm gonna spend it on is a round of drinks at the bar next door." he boasted. "Let's go, guys, we earned it." As he went to the door and tried to open it, the doorknob would not turn. "The hell?" The three tried busing it down together, only to attract the attention of the others.
"Hey, keep it down would ya?"
"This is serious, we're locked in!" The guards descended into a series of arguments and disagreements as they tried to open the doors.

As Shining and Deadshot made their way toward Blueblood's Vault, they passed the breakroom. Thumping and yelling could be heard from inside.
"That'll hold those lazy dolts for a while, right Shiny?" Deadshot laughed. His laughter was short lived as two more guards rounded the corner. They assumed combat poses.
"In the name of Princess Celestia, we order you to surrender," one threatened. "If you continue to resist, we will use deadly force."
Deadshot snarled, his face now contorted in anger. "You can't kill me." he said simply. He raised his pistol and fired two shots.
The guards fell to the floor, a new hole embedded in their skulls. Blood still spurted from the holes in bursts before slowing to a trickle. a pool began to form around their heads. Shining felt tears coming to his eyes. He turned away from his cousin and wept silently, as the tears left his face and splashed on the ground.
"It was either them or us." Deadshot spoke. His voice was devoid of emotion. "You honestly didn't expect to get through this whole thing with out killing anypony, did you?"
"But they were guards," Shining said, his voice shaking. "They had families. You don't know that like I do. Don't you have any empathy."
"Doesn't matter who they are," Deadshot explained. "When somepony wants you dead, the only thing you can do is replicate those feelings and beat them to it. That's how I see it" He frisked the guards' bodies and picked up a small object. It was the key to Blueblood's vault 
"You never said anything about killing the guards to get a key!" Shining was mad, realizing he had been deceived
"Well I didn't wanna make you go all squeamish pansy-ass good guy on me." Deadshot walked past him towards the vault. "Now let's move on and pray that nopony else gets in our way, yeah?" Shining didn't say a word, but he trotted to catch up. The two had reached the vault. The door was made of stone and was very large. Deadshot took the ill gotten key and stuffed it into the lock. The vault door slowly opened. Inside, mountains of bits and precious stones were everywhere you could look.
"Holy crap..." Shining just stared at the treasure. He had known Prince Blueblood had a lot of money, but he never had any idea that it was this much. It was almost scandalous.
"Beautiful, ain't it?" Deadshot said, his trademark grin returning. "Just imagine how much is in the Princess' coffers." He took out a large bag and removed from it a few slightly smaller bags. "Take as much as you can. Fill up all the bags. Bits only, no gems or anything like that." Deadshot got to work right away. He shoveled money into his bag faster than Soarin could shove pie in his face. Which, for those who don't know, is pretty fast. Shining did the same, scooping bits into his bag at a fast pace. The two worked quickly until all the bags were full. Looking at the stash as a whole, you could barely tell if anything was removed from the hoard. They put all the bags into the large bag. Surprisingly, they all fit into the bag, which was not much bigger. Must be enchanted. Shining thought. which Deadshot placed on his back. He winced.
"Uh, Shiny?" he asked. "Do you know a spell that can make this lighter? The Enchantment already on it doesn't reduce weight."
Shining racked his brains for a moment, then cast his spell. His horn lit up, and the bag glowed blue for a moment, before the glow faded away. Deadshot gave him a hooves up. "Thanks Pally!" he grinned "Now let's get outta here before I have to shoot some more stiffs." 
Shining exited the vault first, when he was assailed by a magical blast. His vision left him and colorful stars danced in front of his eyes. His hearing was fuzzy. He heard shouting, several loud pops and a few thuds. Hoofsteps thudded up to him. He was being dragged away.
When his senses returned, he was behind a desk. Deadshot was next to him, gun in hoof, looking over the desk. he noticed that Shining was awake.
"'Bout time," he said snidely. "Cut the pounds man, you weigh a ton." He looked over again. "We need to move before they send in another squad. Can you stand-"
"You killed an entire squad of soldiers!?!" Shining sat up in disbelief.
"Was a huge waste of bullets, I agree- oh, crap." A look of horror crossed Deadshot's face. "You've been undisguised." Shining tried to call his magic to renew his disguise, but nothing happened. Not a single spark of energy.
"I cannot use my magic." Shining said in shock. "None at all."
Deadshot helped him to his hooves. "Then let's get the hell out of here." The two ran out the back door. They were in the alley behind the bank again. However, Royal Guard carriages blocked all of the exits. Deadshot and Shining looked around. There was only one option. "Up and out Shiny." Deadshot began to climb up the ladder to the roof with Shining close behind.
The roof was wide open. In the distance, a squadron of Pegasi was visible, coming to take the two robbers away. Shining was dazed. What would they do now? Deadshot interrupted his pondering. He grabbed Shining's hoof and threw the two over the edge of the roof. They landed on another rooftop across the alley. It took Shining a moment to recover.
"What... the... hell!" he shouted. "At least tell me before we throw ourselves off the roof!"
"If I had said anything about it, you would have said no," Deadshot was already on his hooves and pulled Shining up again. "Now let's move."
The two galloped across the rooftops, jumping from building to building with a team of Pegasi in pursuit. Deadshot reached for his gun once more, but Shining stopped him this time.
"No!" Shining said urgently. "No more killing!"
"Okay," Deadshot said. "What's your plan."
"Just gimmie a sec."
"How 'bout I give you five before I cap these bastards." Shining's mind raced. Being a soldier meant knowing when not to kill, and how to do so while still mobilizing an enemy. Formulating a plan, Shining picked up a shingle from the roof and chucked it at a guard. It hit him square in the head, sending him to the roof and knocking him out. He was not dead.
"Shiny get ready!" Deadshot called. Here comes the jump." He spoke into his hat. "Flash, we're coming in hot, pop the roof of the carriage." They were nearing the end of the rooftop. "Shining, trust me this time." Deadshot's voice was now calmer and more reassuring.
"Okay, I'm ready." Shining said determinedly. 
"Ready? Now!" The two jumped. The wind sailed though Shining's mane. His eyes were closed. With a thump, the two landed on the carriage seats. Shining opened his eyes. He let out a sigh of relief. He was safe now. Everything would be all right. Deadshot would take care of everything now. "Flash pop the syringe, now!" Flash didn't need to be told twice. He took the syringe and injected it into his leg. It hurt at first, but the pain went away as the adrenaline took over. With his new found strength, Flash galloped down the street faster and farther than the guards could even hope to catch up to. He was gone over the horizon... in a flash. 
Ha ha, get it? Okay. Point taken. The author felt rather downtrodden that nobody thought his witty pun was funny. Part of him simply wished that someone in the comments section would tell him otherwise. Gloomily, he terminated the chapter, waiting to begin anew with another chain of events in the story, in the next chapter.
	

	  
> Going Off the Grid
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	It was night time in Ponyville. Most of the residents of this Bavarian style town were asleep, getting their bodies and minds prepared for the next day's work. However, some of the ponies were still very much awake.
The carriage pulled up in front of the Ponyville Saloon. Flash Sentry breathed heavily. Now that the adrenaline had worn off, he was very, very tired. He unhooked himself from the carriage and joined the other two inside the cabin of the coach.
His co-conspirators were taking out the bags of bits they had "liberated" from Blueblood's vault. Flash was astounded that they managed to make off with that much money.
"By Celestia," he said in awe. "I've never seen that much money."
Deadshot laughed. "Good thing I didn't take you into the vault. You would have been pissing yourself!"
"It was enough to surprise me!" Shining said, smiling. 
Deadshot was busy counting the bags. "Okay," he said happily. "We have plenty of surplus cash. How about this." he grinned at the two. "I'll buy us all some drinks for a job well done. How does that sound."
"Err," Flash said sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head. "I don't drink alcohol."
"Don't fret, Junior," Deadshot said. "You don't have to. I'm sure there's something in there for you." He stood up. "Let's go!"
The three entered the bar. It had an average amount of customers at this time of night. A quartet of musicians played on a stage at the end of the room.
That cellist looks familiar, Shining thought to himself. Didn't she play at the Gala that one time? Deadshot stepped up to the bar. He ordered for the trio.
"We'll take one eight year bourbon, a bottle of your finest wine, and a mug of apple cider. Non alcoholic if you can." he added. The bartender nodded and prepared the drinks as the stallions sat at the counter. The drinks were passed out to them. Shining was rather embarrassed, but flattered that his cousin had ordered him the full bottle of wine. It seems like he was trying to build up his image from the dark side that Shining had witnessed in the bank. Flash received his cider and Deadshot his bourbon. He drained the glass of amber just as the band stopped playing. Deadshot stood up and turned to the other two.
"I'll be back soon," he assured. "There's something important I gotta take care of." and with that, he left, following the band through the back door.
Shining used the now empty glass of bourbon to pour his wine. He turned to Flash
"Flash," he began, his voice low. "There's something important I gotta take care of as well. It's about the bank."
"Okay, what happened?" Flash leaned in, interested.
"When we were in the bank, there were guards that we didn't expect to be there. He," Shining gestured toward the back door in which Deadshot had left. "killed them in cold blood without blinking." Flash's jaw inched it's way toward the ground until it could physically go no lower without hurting Flash. "Just think if those guards had been you or me. We'd be dead without a second thought on his part.
Flash looked confused. "Are you saying he can't be trusted?"
Shining shook his head. "No. I can't believe I'm saying this, but he seems like he's for real. I'm saying that we need to be careful around him."
The two sat in silence and did not speak until Deadshot returned and told them to return to the carriage. A few minutes later they arrived at the hotel they were staying at that night. Deadshot dismissed the stallion he had paid to pull the coach. He opened the back compartment of the coach. Inside were two double bass cases.
"Shining, help me levitate one of these and follow me." Shining obliged. The three walked to the edge of town, the cases floating eerily behind them. The night was very cold and dark. Deadshot stopped them at the river. "Pop the cases." he instructed. Shining opened his case. The large violin like instrument sat there. Nothing seemed special or unusual about it.
"Any reason why you bought two of these?" Shining questioned. "I don't think any of us know how to play anyways."
"It's not the instruments we're after," Deadshot's eyes twinkled, as if he was telling a joke. "It's what's inside. that counts." Deadshot felt over the instruments for a moment. He undid a secret latch on each one. The fronts of the instruments swung open to reveal an astounding and frightening sight. 
The bodies of two ponies lay inside the wooden frames. One, a unicorn was stark white, the other, a pegasus, was a soft orange. Both had blue manes. their cutie marks looked very familiar. There was no sound from any of the three. At last, Flash broke the silence. 
"Hold on," he said in shock. "That's us, isn't it."
Deadshot nodded. "That's right. Had these bad boys made when you agreed to join me. Turned out pretty good, wouldn't you say?"
"Why did you make clones of us?" Shining said. "And what happens when they wake up?"
Deadshot had an answer as always. "They ain't fully developed yet." he explained. "Right now, they're in some kind of coma. They won't wake up, and they won't feel pain. The only problem is, they aren't you exactly. They're you from two days ago when the sample was taken. I still don't know how Tavi grows them so fast. Luckily, that discrepancy is almost undetectable for now. Though it will be strange when your bodies don't age."
Flash understood now. "So what do we do with them and why do we need them?" he asked.
"This is your guys' alibi." Deadshot took Shining's body and broke off the clone's horn with a sickening snap. He then beat the clone Shining's face in with his hoof. He kicked the bloodied body several times and dumped it into the river. He did similar violent acts to Flash's clone and dumped that into the river as well. "While you're getting treated in the Canterlot hospital, nopony will realize that it's really us that's getting into all the trouble we will no undoubtedly get into." Deadshot grinned evilly. "That's also called anger management." The two other stallions cringed, and Deadshot burst out laughing. "I'm kidding on that last part!" he said. Now let's get back to the hotel. There's something very important you guys need to see back at the hotel."
The three arrived back at the hotel room. It was cozy but small, and there was only one double bed. Deadshot took out a file with papers in it.
"Let me see," he rummaged through the file. "Ah yes!" He cleared his throat and read: "The first part of our operation went smoothly. The package has been obtained and nopony suspects a thing. Once we get the package to Trottingham, everything else will be a piece of cake." Deadshot looked skeptical. "This sounds like some shady royal deal or some strange like that. I know this may seem crazy, but I think that this is worth investigating. And no Shiny, that ain't the money talking this time." Deadshot put away the papers and flopped onto the couch.
"I don't know about you two," Deadshot said, "but I got the couch. You better hope Junior doesn't roll over in his sleep, Shiny. Get some sleep, tomorrow we take off for Trottingham." Tired as ever, Flash had already climbed into bed and was snoring away peacefully. This astounded the Mob boss. "Cripes. I've never seen anypony conk out that fast."
Shining hesitantly got into the bed next to Flash. He made sure to stay as far away from the snoozing corporal as he could as he heard snoring coming from the couch now as well.

Half an hour passed and Shining still lay in bed staring at the ceiling. It had nothing to do with his sleeping co-conspirators. He was worried. Worried about one mare in particular.
What will Twily think of me? he asked himself. "I need to see her before we leave for Trottingham tomorrow." he mumbled softly. Quietly , he got up out of the bed and left the hotel in search of the Golden Oaks Library. I have to say goodbye.

Twilight Sparkle could never say no to a good, late night study session. She lay awake on the floor of her library, a single candle next to her lighting the book she was reading. Nearby, Spike had made himself a sort of bed made out of the books Twilight had finished reading and was a sleep. Twilight was interrupted by a knock at the door of the library. She nudged her number one Assistant awake.
"Hey Spike, can you get that?" Twilight asked. Spike blinked and shook the sleep crust from his eyes.
"Huh, what?" he looked around groggily. There came a few more knocks "Oh, yeah. Sure thing." Twilight was confused. Who was visiting her at this hour? Spike opened the door, and Twilight heard a very familiar voice. One that she loved and cherished.
"Hey Spike. Is Twily home?" The voice of her brother was like a warm cup of chocolate on a cold day for Twilight, as she had not seen her brother for a very long time.
"Hey B.B.B.F.F." Twilight said as Shining Armor entered the room. "How has it been going?" Suddenly sadness came over her as she remembered. "How are you taking the news?"
Shining smiled. "It's been tough. But it could be worse." He sat next to her. "I just wanted to see you. I want to let you know that I'm gonna find Cadence."
"But Princess Celestia said that there weren't enough guards to mount a search and rescue." Twilight said, her voice rising slightly.
Shining rested a hoof on her back, calming her. "I know. It's an unofficial operation." he said. Then, he leaned in close to her. "But there's something important you need to know. He shifted a bit. "Soon, you will no doubt hear some unusual things about me. Some of them may seem kind of scary. But I want you to know that no matter what you hear, no matter what you are told, I'm fine, and I'm doing my best to save Cadence. You can't tell anypony I was here, okay?"
Twilight started. "But what about-
"Okay?" Shining looked very serious now, and Twilight knew he was not joking around.
"Okay. I promise." She sighed. "Just be careful."
Shining kissed her on the cheek. " I will. Just remember that no matter what, I'm fine, and I'm looking for Cadence." He stood up. "I love you Twily. Goodbye." And with that, he teleported out of the library.
Spike walked over to her. "Geez Twilight," he said. "What do you think that was all about?"
Twilight hung her head. "I don't know Spike. I just don't know." She walked over to the window and looked up at the night sky. A solitary tear made its way down her cheek and on to the floor. "Oh Shining, what kind of trouble have you gotten yourself into now?"
	
> On a Rail
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The train pulled up to the Ponyville Station. Among the dozens of ponies who boarded the train, three stallions in particular got on to the locomotive, tickets in hoof. They made their way to the second car. Shining and Flash entered their compartment. Deadshot stood by the door. 
"Okay guys," he said. We'll be at Trottingham in a few hours. Get some more shuteye, and come up to compartment 105 if you need me. Capiche?"
"Capiche." the other two stallions affirmed. Deadshot nodded and turned to leave.
"See you in Trottingham, boys." He left the compartment, and the two former guards, to their own devices.
A few minutes later, the train left the station on it's way west to Trottingham. Flash stared out the window at the scenery whizzing by in a blur, while Shining nodded off to sleep. Last night, he was kept up by his thoughts. He hoped that Twilight would be true to her word, and he didn't want her to worry that much. Soon the bodies of him and Flash's clones would turn up and be admitted to the hospital in Canterlot, according to Deadshot. He felt safe, as Deadshot had assured him that the only threat was a single car full of military supplies and a small squad of guards. His eyes grew heavy and his vision went dark as sleep overtook him.

Shining was rudely awoken to the sound of a sharp knocking at the door of their compartment. Across him, Flash woke up groggily, having fallen asleep at some point as well. Shining peered through the glass window in the door. A duo of Royal guards stood in the hall. Shining opened the door. The guards looked rather surprised to see him. The one on the left spoke first.
"Captain Armor! Corporal Sentry!" he said happily. "What a surprise. We didn't expect to see you on this train."
"Oh, yeah." Shining was worried now. What if the clones had already been found. He would certainly be found out. "It's... er, an off duty trip. I guess my paper work didn't make it to command."
"No problem, Captain," the guard stuck out his hoof. "I am Captain Steel Sword. It's an honor to meet you." The two ponies shook hooves. "We had word that a wanted criminal was on this train and we want to apprehend him before he can cause any more harm. I know you're off duty and all, but could you and Corporal Sentry help us?" Shining had no choice but to accept. "Yeah. No problem." he said simply.
The group of soldiers moved to the front car. Closer and closer to compartment 105 where Deadshot was. Had he been found out? Or were these soldiers more of Deadshot's "partners"? It turns out the former was correct. The car was devoid of ponies, save for 105. It seems that the guards had cleared out the other compartments. Deadshot was on the seat, restrained by two more guards. 
"Here is the stallion responsible," Steel Sword said with a smile. "Rusty Bullet. We caught him a few minutes ago. Turns out he wasn't dead as we thought." Shining's mind raced with a way to get his cousin out of his predicament.
"I have personal business with this stallion." he said. "Flash and I will take custody of him."
"But Captain," Steel sword said, still smiling. "You're off duty. Leave it to us. And besides," his smile turned to an evil smirk. "I think there are accomplices on this train as well." Shining's eyes widened as he and Flash were shoved into the compartment. The three subordinate guards stood in the doorway. They drew their Hoofington Army Model revolvers out from within their armor and trained them on the conspirators. "I wish we could have met under better circumstances, Captain." Steel Sword said as he levitated a scroll from his armor and began to read it. "By order of his Royal Highness, Prince Blueblood, you, Shining Armor, Flash Sentry, and Rusty Bullet, are hereby under arrest on the accounts of Grand Larceny, Breaking and Entering, Resisting Arrest, and," The other captain's eyes twinkled in a similar manner to Deadshot's, as if he was telling a joke. "Murder." Steel Sword rolled up the scroll and stuffed it back into his armor. "You have the right to remain silent, blah blah blah, threat threat threat." he sang in a sort of twisted sin-song manner. "I'll see you three in prison. Ensure that they do not leave this car." he said to the guards, and he left the compartment.
There was silence for what seemed like hours, even though it was only a few minutes. Shining was loosing hope. He looked to Deadshot for some kind of plan, but he gave no indication of one. Shining sighed in defeat. He had failed. He failed to rescue Cadence, he failed Twilight in that he would be careful. He even felt like he had failed his cousin in that he had let himself be seen at the bank.
However, not all hope was lost. Surprisingly, it was Flash who took the initiative.
"Ahh!" he cried out as he sank to his knees. "Ohh, no. Sweet Celestia, make it stop, ahh!" he grunted, his hooves clutching his stomach	
"What the hell's wrong with you?" the guard restraining him said. The soldiers looked at one another, confused.
"You gotta get the doc, aagh." Flash pleaded between cries of faked pain.
"Okay, we'll get you to the medic." The soldier moved down to pick up Flash as the other guards lowered their pistols. Flash took his shot and bucked the guard in the face, knocking him out. Before the others could raise their guns once more, Shining and Deadshot were upon them. Shining punched his guard in the face until he lost consciousness. Deadshot wrapped his arms around his guard and suffocated him until he fell to the ground, sleeping. When the guards were all unconscious, the three remaining stallions frisked their bodies, relinquishing them of their pistols and ammo. 
"Good thinking, Junior." Deadshot patted Flash on the back. "You could learn a lot from this kid, Shiny. Now we gotta get to the military car. We'll hold out in there until we get to Trottingham."
The three stallions ran into the hall. A solitary guard stood near the back of the car. Upon sighting the trio, he ducked behind a divider and called back to his allies. "They're escaping! Get the passengers to the back and bring me backup now!" While the guard was still yelling, Deadshot moved up and pistol whipped him hard across the head. He gave a cry and slumped against the wall. Shining checked the guard's pulse before he moved on to the next car to ensure that he was alive. Satisfied, he turned around and joined the others in the next car.
Several guards had taken cover in the compartments and took turns shooting at the three. Bullets whizzed all around, making holes in the paneling of the train car. Deadshot took point, firing his ill gotten pistol. To Shining's utmost surprise, Flash leaned around the corner and joined in, shooting at the other stallions. A minute of gunfire later, the Royal Guards lay either dead, or otherwise incapacitated. The car smelled of blood and gunpowder. Deadshot, Flash, and Shining stepped gingerly through the mess of bodies. Deadshot opened the door and stepped out on the platform between the cars. When he tried to open the door to the next car, he found that the door was locked.
"Dammit," he swore. "We gotta find another way. The military car is right after this one." Shining looked around until he spotted a ladder leading up to the rooftops of the cars.
"We can go over the car." Shining said as he reached for the ladder. The others followed suit and the three surfaced on the roof of the car.
The wind was to their backs as the stallions inched their way across the roof. This would have been simple, if it weren't for the Military train moving up beside theirs. Guards popped out of hatches in the roof and took out rifles. They shot at the trio without mercy.
"Get down!" Shining pulled down his two companions. He took his pistol and blindly fired it at the other train as they crawled across the rooftop. The guards stopped shooting and took cover. Shining reloaded and fired again. The guards had resumed taking potshots, but not as often. Shining peaked over to see that one of the guards had a severe wound in his chest from one of Shining's bullets. Shining was instantly panged with guilt. He had done it. He had actually killed a guard. He stopped moving, only to feel a bump on his rear and hear a startled "mmmph" as Flash inadvertently bumped his head against his posterior.
"Geez Captain, keep it moving... sir." Flash added. Shining obliged and managed to make it to the end of the car without further incident.
The three dropped down into the space between the cars. Deadshot kicked down the door. In the military car, crates were stacked up on the walls. In the center, a stairway led up to a hatch on the ceiling, like the ones on the other train. Steel Sword was there, along with three others. Steel Sword looked up at the three.
"I see you apprehended my troops," he said evilly. "More charges for the list!" Flash raised his pistol and fired at the captain. It only missed him by inches. The guards took cover. With a brief "You'll pay for that!" Steel Sword fled back to the next car. A brief shoot out resulted in the usual bodies and powder smoke. Once the guards had been slain, Shining went to the end of the car. He stepped outside and unhooked the other cars behind them. The passengers and other guards on the train would be safe from the fight that would definitely ensue. As he did this, Deadshot took a crowbar from a nearby tool rack and started opening and rummaging through the crates that lined the room. He tossed the contents of them on the floor.
"More guns, more ammo, some rifles, what the? Holy crap..." He called the others over. "Guys, look at this!" Inside the box was a huge gun. It had six barrels and had a shiny brass finish. A large drum was at the bottom, which held the ammo for the monster weapon. 
"Must be some new experimental weapon, I guess." Flash offered. 
Deadshot's trademark grin grew even wider. "Then let's do the fuzz a favor and test it out, shall we?" The three stallions lifted the heavy weapon up to a hatch on the ceiling. There was even a rail to mount it on. Deadshot opened the hatch and pulled out the enormous gatling gun. He aimed it at the other train and pulled the trigger. The barrels began to spin and bullets shot out of the end at a fast pace. The other train pulled away.
"Eat lead you yellow bellied idiots!" Deadshot called as he rained death onto the fleeing train. Flash tapped him on his shoulder in the middle of his celebration.
"Uh, sir?"
"What is it, Junior?"
"I don't think it's over yet."
"What makes you say that?" Flash pointed above Deadshot. He turned to see three military airships closing in fast on the train. Their weapons looked ready to fire.
Deadshot merely laughed. "They can't hurt us with passengers still on this train."
Shining rubbed the back of his head, an became very interested in the floor for some reason. "Um... actually..."
"You let them go didn't you."
"*sigh* Yes."
"Luna dammit, Shiny. Well, only one thing to do then." Deadshot swiveled the gatling gun around and aimed it at the airships. "Go down fighting." The gun fired. The fire srpead was so large that all three airships sustained some kind of damage. It shot large holes in the airships' balloons. One bullet punctured the helium sac of the center ship. The ship went down with a crash. Deadshot kept firing as he laughed maniacally. Until he heard a click. The gun had stopped. He pulled the trigger again. Click click click. "...Crap..."
The airships dropped at least twenty guards on the roof of the train. The trio ducked back inside and sealed the hatch. Deadshot rummaged through the weapons and tossed some to Shining and Flash.
"Get ready for-" Deadshot was cut off by guards bursting into the car. Shining counted that at least twenty of them surrounded the three stallions. "a fight..." Every guard had a weapon trained on them. Deadshot stepped forward. He dropped his gun on the floor. Shining saw that there was no escape this time. He solemnly dropped his pistol as well. Flash did the same.
Deadshot spoke to the guards. "We've had our fun. You can take us away now. We'll go quietly." 
	
> A Diabolical Plan
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The guards escorted the trio on to one of the airships. All the while, they said nothing. It was only when the guards thew them in the small, confined brig of the airship, did Deadshot break the silence.
"Looks like I wasted the money on those clones." he said, hanging his head in shame. Shining and Flash didn't know what to say. They had never seen the proud Mob boss look so hopeless before "I'm really sorry guys," He apologized. "I should have known that bank job was too risky. Now you guys have to pay alongside me for my mistakes. You're right Shiny, I am a rotten scumbag."
Shining and Flash stood up and walked over to Deadshot. They sat beside him and put their hooves over his shoulders in an attempt to comfort him.
"Hey Deadshot-" Shining began to say some kind words, before Deadshot cut him off.
"Don't call me that!" Deadshot spat. "I don't deserve that name anymore. Just call me Rusty Bullet, 'cause that's what I am. I ain't any better than that now- OW!" Shining hit Deadshot across the face with his hoof.
"Don't talk like that!" he half yelled. "If it weren't for you, we would never have got this far." He took a deep breath. "What I'm trying to say is that Flash and I appreciate all you've done for us so far."
"Yeah Deadshot." Flash piped up. "Even though you're a criminal an all, you really went out of your way to help us." 
"I suppose you two are right." Deadshot said. "I am being too hard on myself. But I can't guarantee a way out of this."
"Then I guess we'll just wait and see what happens." Shining said, and the three stallions sat on the bench in their cell, and didn't say another word for the rest of the journey.

A couple hours later, the door of the cell was unlocked. Six Burly guards stood outside.
"Look pretty," The senior officer of the group said. "You got a date with the prince himself." There were too many guards to fight, so the trio allowed themselves to be escorted up on deck.
The main deck of the war dirigible was rather large and flat. Prince Blueblood sat on a large chair placed in the middle of the deck, surrounded by his own escort. Another slightly larger airship could be seen off the port side, presumably Blueblood's own private craft.
"How kind of you three Gentlecolts to join me," The prince's voice had a mocking air to it. "Please make yourselves comfortable." Three servants brought out chairs and set them in front of Blueblood. "Sit." he ordered. The guards forced the trio down into their chairs. "Now, you three caused a lot of trouble for me lately." He rose form his seat and walked over to each of them. "I was rather shocked to hear that you were a participant in robbing me of some of my funds, is that so, Captain?" he said as he passed over Shining. Shining shivered at his voice, it was full of loathing and spite. "And you," Blueblood move on to Flash, who was visibly shaking. "You had so much potential. It's a shame you had to go and squander your life like this." At last, he came to Deadshot. "And you. You most surprised me." He grabbed on to Deadshot's cheek and pinched it slightly. "I thought you were dead."
"You can't kill me." Deadshot said, his grin surfacing for the prince. It was a plain and simple statement. Blueblood snickered and withdrew his hoof.
"Well, I suppose we'll put that to the test soon enough." Blueblood looked at his hoof rather distastefully. "Eugh, smells like peasant. Servant!" He called. A servant hurried over with a towel. She shined Blueblood's hoof until he told her to stop. She ran back to wherever she came from just as quickly as she had come.
"Now that that's out of the way," Blueblood smiled evilly. "You three will be taken to the Hoofington High Security Prison until I decide what to do with you.And I promise your deaths will be quick, for I am not a harsh stallion."
"Wait, you're going to have us killed?" Shining's horn lit up. "You can't do that!"
"Oh but I can," Blueblood assured. "Grand larceny and murder are capital crimes, and you did just heartlessly slaughter one of your own. You better stand down, Captain" Blueblood's expression did not change. "After all, I don't want to have to kill you in front of your mare friend."
"What?" Shining ceased his magical output. "Cadence is gone, though."
"She might be a little closer to home than you think, ha ha." Blueblood pointed over to his airship. Shining was astounded.
On the deck of Blueblood's ship, there was a mare. A bound and gagged mare. An alicorn, in fact. An elegant, pink, very familiar alicorn. "YOU SICK BASTARD!" Shining yelled at Blueblood. He lunged at him, only to hit by a stunning bolt sent by one of the guards. Shining collapsed to the deck. He panted deeply as Deadshot and Flash picked him up and sat him back in the chair. "Why are you doing this, Blueblood?" he spat between ragged breaths.
"It's rather simple," Blueblood explained. "With my cousin out of the way, I am the first in line to the throne. This way, I will assure my rule as Prince of the Sun. And before you ask about Auntie Celestia, let me remind you that accidents can happen. Ha ha ha." The Prince rose up from his chair and his escort took him back to his Airship. "Enjoy the rest of your sorry little life, Captain!"
"Right, take these prisoners to the brig, and set a course for Hoofington High Security Prison!" the captain ordered, and the three were taken back to the brig in silence.

"I should have known that pompous twit was behind this." Shining ranted as the others listened patiently to him. He was furious with himself for not seeing the truth earlier. He flopped down on the bench. "I can't believe I didn't see it before. Now we're all gonna die because of my inability."
Deadshot scooted over to his cousin. "Hey, Shiny, don't feel bad. I have a feeling we can still save your mare, and expose that lousy hypocrite for what he really is."
"Oh yeah? How so?" Shining said halfheartedly. "Hoofington Hi Sec is one of the most closely guarded prisons in Equestria. Only the worst of the worst go there."
"Well you're with one of the baddest crooks alive." Deadshot said. "And I'm still here. That place ain't so bad anyhow."
"How did you escape?" Flash scooted in now. The three were huddled together closely now.
"All it took was some shivs, a little formaldehyde, and some donuts. Too bad I can't do the same thing this time. I think they check the donuts and take inventory on the formaldehyde now. But I think I have a plan. We just need more shivs, a bit of luck and a guitar. Anypony know where we can get a guitar?"

A few hours later, the ship pulled in to the docks at Hoofington High Security Prison. Shining, Flash, and Deadshot were hustled off the ship and into the main building. Mugshots were taken, uniforms were issued, and cells were assigned. The first day was pretty harsh. Shining almost choked to death on the awful dinner he was served, and Flash dropped the soap in the shower. Fortunately, he managed to make it out without injury. 
After a rough first day, the three met up once more in the prison commons during the evening free period. The commons was a large courtyard in the middle of the prison. Guards armed with rifles stood in towers in the corners of the courtyard. Deadshot, Flash and Shining sat around one of the tables strewn about the prison.
"I almost choked on the food they serve here." Shining started. "Stuff's tougher than rubber. Tastes like it too."
"Well I dropped the soap in the shower." Flash said. The other two gasped. Flash put up a hoof to calm his fellow inmates. "But I managed to get out scot free. Don't know how I pulled that one off."
"Guess you were as quick as a flash, then." Deadshot complimented. "I sold some of my secret stash of cigars to get our guitar. It's back at my cell." 
"Why do we need a guitar, anyways?" Flash questioned.
"Well, here's the plan," Deadshot began. He looked at Shining. "To do this, we gotta kill some more. Can you do that, Shiny?"
Shining closed his eyes. It would be hard to overcome this, but Prince Blueblood had made it clear that he would show no mercy to Shining, or his friends. To make things worse, he had Cadence in his clutches. Shining wouldn't stand for that. His job was to protect Equestria from evil, and if this wasn't evil, he didn't know what was. He opened his eyes.
"I'm ready to do what I have to." he said. "Leave nothing out."
> Rusty Cage
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	"9:30! Lights out. If I hear a peep outta any of you sorry lot, you WILL be punished." the guard yelled as the cell block went dark. At Hoofington High Security Prison, lights out was at 9:30. No exceptions. Any noise by a prisoner would result in beatings. Prince Blueblood ran his prison like a dictator and one hoof out of line could end up with the most serious of punishments.
It was this rule that would result in the freedom of three particular inmates. In Block A, Cell 180, prisoner 1188A, Rusty "Deadshot" Bullet sat up on his bed. It was time to enact the plan. He took out the guitar and began to play. A few cells down, in Cell 192, Prisoners 1189A and1189B, Shining Armor and Flash Sentry respectively, readied themselves, their hooves curled around the shivs they were concealing. Deadshot now began to sing, attracting the attention of the guard

"You wired me awake, and hit me with a hand of broken nails."

"I said no talking." The guard yelled. He stomped over towards Cell 180. "You put that away and shut up, or I'll make it so you wont sit for a damm week, 1188A." The guards at Hoofington Hi-Sec called the prisoners by their numbers rather than their names. Regardless of the guard's threats, Deadshot leaped into the next line.

"You tied my lead and pulled my chain to watch my blood begin to boil"

As the guard passed in front of Cell 192, Shining took out his shiv. He reached though the bars and grabbed the guard. His shiv flashed across the guard's neck, slicing the jugular vein. The guard let out a gurgle as blood spurted out of the slit in his throat, and then slumped against the bars. Blood dribbled down the guard's chest and armor.

"But I'm gonna break. I'm gonna break my, gonna break my rusty cage and run"

Shining frisked the guard's body, until he found the key. He unlocked the cell door and stepped out into the Cell Block. Flash hurried over and pulled a lever on the side of cell 190. This was the master control for all of the 190 cells. Every prisoner in a 190 cell was free.

"I'm gonna break. I'm gonna break my, gonna break my rusty cage. And run."

"We're free boys!" One prisoner shouted. The prisoners in the other cells began yelling and shouting, begging Flash to free them as well. Guards came out of the warden's office at the end of the block to stop the prisoners. Flash moved over to the 180 lever, but he was stopped by a guard. He swung his club menacingly. Flash darted out of the way of the club and stabbed the guard in the leg with his shiv. The guard's cry of pain went unheard amidst the shouting and fighting. Flash stabbed the guard several more times, until he was sure he was dead. Blood covered flash's shiv as he pulled the 180 lever.  All throughout the commotion, Deadshot kept playing, never missing a single note, chord or beat.

"Too cold to start a fire, I'm burning diesel, burning dinosaur bones."

Shining snuck through the crowd to the warden's office. He stepped inside. Behind the desk was a rifle rack, and a control panel that controlled the blast doors that kept the prisoners wherever the guards needed them to be at the time. Shining closed the doors to the other cell blocks and the barracks, so he could delay the reinforcements that would inevitably arrive for the prison guards. He went back out into the cell block, grabbing rifles and ammo for him, Flash, and Deadshot, once they got him out of Cell 180

"I'll take the river down to still water, and ride a pack of dogs."  

Many of the prisoners ran out of the Cell Block toward the cafeteria, probably to take revenge on the cafeteria workers for providing inedible sustenance. Those that stayed beat down on the guards that were unfortunate enough to remain in the block.

I'm gonna break. I'm gonna break my, gonna break my rusty cage and run."

Flash pulled the 180 lever. Deadshot's thoroughly oxidized iron cell door slid open with a loud rattle and a clang.

"I'm gonna break. I'm gonna break my. Gonna break my rusty cage."

Deadshot stepped out of the cramped cell. He slung the guitar on his back. Shining hurried over to the two, rifles and ammo in hoof. Blood stained their orange prison uniforms.
"Let's run." Deadshot said. Shining passed out the rifles and ammo. Each stallion took one rifle and several clips of ammo. The three reunited, they headed out of the cell block.

The trio galloped down the hall to the south barracks. The room would have been devoid of guards due to the break, but two stragglers were left behind they did not notice the trio. Deadshot raised his gun, but Shining placed his hoof on the gun and lowered it. He stepped forward and hit the two guards on the backs of their heads before thy could react.
"They don't need to die." Shining explained as he turned back toward his friends. "Leave them out of this."
"The captain's right, Deadshot," Flash added. "We should still only kill if it is absolutely necessary."
Deadshot nodded, but it was a pitiful nod, as if the fact saddened him. "You're right. When I was still an underling back when my ma was still in charge of the Mob, that was her policy. I guess I've forgotten that rule all these years. look at me now-"
" Hey! Now is not a time for self pity," Flash interrupted. "Save it for when we're not in danger of being jumped and shot at."
"Right, I'm sorry. Let's keep going." The three ran out of the other door into a large hangar. This hangar was one of two at the prison which housed airships to serve the needs of the prison personnel. One was blown up ready to go.
"How did you know there was one ready to go?" Shining looked at Deadshot in surprise.
"I didn't," Deadshot replied with his grin. "That's where the luck comes in." Unfortunately, luck was not as kind as it could have been, for there were several guards who were not attempting to contain the prisoners in the hangar. They raised their rifles and fired without a word. The three ducked for cover behind some barrels and crates. Deadshot stood up to shoot, but Shining beat him to it. He stood up and fired shot after shot. His soldier training paid off, as he did not miss. After he ducked back to reload, there was a considerably less amount of incoming gunfire.
"Geez, Shiny, you need to do that more often." Deadshot laughed. "Leave some for us though. Flash and Deadshot took their turn, finishing off the rest of the guards. When the bullets stopped, the three were a bit lighter on ammo, and the guards were a bit lighter on flesh. 

Deadshot lead the charge to the airship. It was one of the new Zeppelin models, which was much more secure than the old Dirigible models Together, the trio ran up the gangplank to the belly of the ship. 
"Quick, pull up the gangplank." Deadshot ordered. Flash obliged, and turned the crank that retracted the wooden plank. Deadshot and Shining climbed the stairs into the main Zeppelin carapace.
The inside of the carapace was very expansive. Gas sacs hung along a catwalk further up, which contained the helium that let the airship float. Tanks that held ballast water and extra helium were located lower down. At the front, there was a door that led down to the weapons deck and the bridge. Shining threw open the door and went down into the front crew area, with Deadshot close behind.
The Bridge was a rather wide room. Controls for the ballast and gas tanks were on one side of the room. Engine monitors and controls were on the other. The wheel and various gauges lined the far side, with a window covering the wall. It seemed now that the other prison guards had contained the break out attempt. They did not seem to quite yet notice the three prisoners.
"Let's throw these guys a surprise party! Get on those guns you two." Deadshot took hold of the wheel. Shining and Flash ducked downstairs to the weapons deck. Cannons lined the long room. At the front were two of the Gatling guns, like the one on the train.
"These aren't supposed to see service for at least another year." Shining said as he walked over to the left gun. It was polished to a beautiful reflective sheen.
"I guess Prince Blueblood pushed them into service sooner or something." Flash offered. "He seems to be full of surprises nowadays."
"Point taken." Shining manned the behemoth weapon. It was full up on bullets. Flash manned his gun as well, aiming it toward the guards. The floor shifted as the airship chugged to life. The propellers in back sent a loud chugging sound throughout the entire ship. The guards on the floor looked up and pointed at the ship.
"Now!" Shining yelled. He pulled the trigger. The barrels of the Gatling spun and fired. The guards never stood a chance.

The Zeppelin flew out of the hangar. Guards below shot at the massive airship but were drenched as Deadshot released one of the ballast tanks. The airship shot upwards suddenly. Shining and Flash were floored as the ship ascended. After getting their bearings, the two joined their co conspirator on the bridge.
"We did it guys!" Deadshot cheered. "We made it out of that crap-ass place!" Flash whooped and started dancing around the room.
"Yeah! no prison life for me!" he shouted happily. Shining went over to his cousin and embraced him.
"What would we do without you."
"Probably sitting in your office crying, and not trying to break me in half."
"Oh! Heh, sorry." Shining got off of Deadshot. "Now, we need to go to Trottingham. That's where Blueblood's mansion is, and that's where he's probably keeping Cadence."
Flash looked at Deadshot. "It's probably heavily guarded. Any ideas, Deadshot?"
Shining interrupted. "Leave the planning to me. I know more about that mansion that either of you. Deadshot, is it allright if I make the plan this time?"
Deadshot nodded. "Fine by me, what is it that you have in mind?"
Shining stole Deadshot's trademarked grin. "I got to bring that corrupt piece of dirt to justice, and here's how we are gonna do it."