All my life,
I've dreamed of flying high with my heroes.
But not any more.
Those were the thoughts that plagued her mind. Thoughts, she could never forget. The Wonderbolts were her idols, as much as anypony else. And yet they turn her down, because of the damage she had caused. And the ponies who were in mortal danger; because of what she had done. Even when flying aimlessly in the night sky above equestria, those very thoughts still come to her mind.
Lightning Dust couldn't tell where she was, but she didn't care. As long as she was away from her former idols, the more comfortable she felt. She also had nowhere left to turn. And nopony who would trust her.
Since she'd been expelled from the Wonderbolts Academy, she had been constantly traveling. Looking for work wherever she could. Her carelessness however, had cost her dearly though. In spite of it all, she kept flying; searching for more work to keep herself from starvation and dehydration.
Lightning Dust could not fly for long though. Reckless as she was, she had to descend at some point. She glided carefully to the forest canopy below her. She felt the soft soil beneath her hooves, when she landed. Coniferous trees, and thick bushes surrounding her. Once again, she had no idea where her instincts are taking her.
I'm not sure why, She thought confidently, But I'm gonna keep going!
She kept her pace to a stroll. She also kept herself quiet, so as to not disturb any wild animal that may cross her path. Constantly, she scanned her surroundings. Hoping nothing tries to eat her. A while back, she did receive a hunting knife from one of her past jobs. It was kept in a holster, attached to a belt just above her plot. So that way if anything crosses her path, she'll be prepared. She also had a satchel with her savings, slung over her shoulder.
So far nothing alarming. The only thing she saw, was the dirt path in front of her, and conifer trees on either side. She kept thinking about the academy, and those who hated her. More so, she thought of a particular rainbow maned pony by the name of Rainbow Dash. She was the one who called her out on her actions. And she was a wing pony! She was also the one who got her kicked out.
The snitch!, She thought bitterly, Somehow, I'll make her pay!
She resented her for it ever since. She grimaced and clenched her teeth, just by the thought of her. Rainbow Dash became a leader in her place, which made her all the more furious. She prevented a tear from running down her face; not wanting to lose her pride. Even if nopony was around.
*Rustling*
Alarmed, she looked behind to where the noise came from. She had felt a cold chill down her spine as if somepony was watching her. Her breathing was heavy, her wings ready to take flight. Frightened for what may happen next; which she knew would be soon.
No, She told herself, I gotta be strong!
She heard the noise again, louder than before. She reached to the holster, with her mouth, for the hunting knife. The blade made a shhink sound when she unsheathed it. She clenched it with her teeth, the blade held sideways. Regardless, she was frightened.
*Chuckling*
So she was right. Sompony was watching her. A brown obese earth pony stallion in burlap, was galloping towards her. She reacted on time, evading his attack. He had a hatchet between his teeth. His intent was obvious.
"Now then," He chuckled, muffling with his hatchet in his mouth, "What's a pretty mare like yourself, doin' here?"
"Mind your business!" She muffled defensively.
"Feisty, aren't we? Just give me all your bits, or I lop off them wings of yours instead!"
Lightning Dust didn't have much on her, only two bits. But she was not going to give them up to this mugger.
He lunged towards her, hatchet in his mouth. She was much faster than him, so she avoided him easily. Outflanking him in the process. Now its her turn. Flapping her wings quickly, she flew at sonic speed. She prepared the knife in her mouth, held it tightly, and moved in.
*Krrck*
The mugger stallion wheezed in pain. Her hunter knife had impaled him in the heart. Dark blood oozed from the wound, profusely. His hatchet fell from his mouth, falling against the soil. Blood dripped down from his jaw. She released the knife from his chest, unsheathing it from his near lifeless body.
"How... di-" He started choking on his own blood, "ya-"
"You should have listened."
She decided to search his body, to see if he had any bits on him. She looked through his burlap shirt for a pocket. Feeling with her hooves she found ten bits. She also decided to grab the discarded hatchet as well.
"Not bad," She said to herself, "Not bad at all."
And she left him there, dead, relieved by her success. She had almost killed several ponies by accident. But she killed that stallion intentionally. Something she had never done before.
It took her a good hour or so, getting out of the forest. She had then found a clearing, and a small village. The village itself was comprised of small buildings, with straw roofs.
Simple, She thought disappointed, But it'll have to do.
The moon had shone brightly over the village, as she entered. Some of the houses and other buildings still had lights on, she noticed, through their windows. She kept walking until she came to the central of the village.
She intended to stay in an inn. Which there so happens to be one, given a sign post in front of a large building with a cobblestone pathway leading to the door. Marble Spice's Tavern the sign read. She made the decision to try it out. Using her hoof, she opened the door, inside there was a nearly empty tavern. It was rather quiet for one. A few wooden tables, empty bottles, as well as some lit candles on the tables, wax dripping down across the wood.
She stepped inside, not attracting to much attention. There were only a few ponies in this tavern so she had to be careful. Only a few stallions eyed her as she walked in. A thin stallion, a bartender, greeted her when she came up to the bar.
"Good evening, m'dear! How can I help you?"
"A room please." She asked.
"Do you have enough?" The bartender asked, "It's ten bits for a night."
"I have thirteen."
"Oh." He seemed a little embarrassed for his foolishness. He gave her a small key for her room.
"Alright then," He gave her a key from beneath the bar, "Just up the stairs, third door on the right.
She looked over what looked like a menu above him. finding the cheapest drink she could afford.
"And maybe a pint of cider, if you will?" She asked. It was exactly one bit for cider
He moved over to a keg with a spigot. He grabbed a glass mug, held down on the spigot as cider poured into it. He then gave it to her, foaming at the brim. She made a move upstairs... until she was interrupted.
"Wait!" The bartender called, "No drinks allowed upstairs."
She groaned at that. All she needed was some rest, but inevitably she had to finish her cider first. She went over to one of the empty tables to sit. Some the patrons in this tavern minded their own business, others tried getting her attention. She took a sip. It tasted bitter, but it will have to do.
"Hey greeny? Preen them wings will ya?!" A stallion joked, and laughed hard at it.
Soon others joined in his laughter. She got what he men't, and was rather disgusted by it. Many ponies had called her a disgrace, after she was kicked out of the academy. And had also became a laughing stock on some of the jobs she did. Like crashing into others when she had made pie deliveries, or getting locked in a supply closet for hours. The fat stallion she encountered in forest thought of her to be a joke. But he had underestimated her, and died in his theft attempt.
"Don't listen to them."
She turned to where she heard the voice. He was a griffin she realized, wearing a long gray-green cloak. He had gray feathers, brown fur and a black beak. His wings were not in prime condition, but looked like they still functioned. He had one eye, the other had a slash scar over it. He seemed to have an interest in her for some reason.
"You seem stressed," He speculated, "Something getting you in a foul mood?"
"What's it to you?" She replied rudely.
"Only asking."
She wasn't sure what to think of this stranger. Of course she was on edge, but why should she tell him that? The griffin looked at her, cocked his head to one side as if he was staring at something.
"Hmm." He pondered, "What is a pegasus like you, doing with a hunting knife and a hatchet?"
So it was my weapons he was looking at. She realized.
"Who are you? And why do you keep asking stuff about me?!" She demanded.
"My name is Pontus. And I was only curious." He answered calmly.
She was surprised he did not show any hostility towards her, despite how she asked. He seamed to have been tolerant of her kind attitude. Which made her curious. Either way, this griffin had no business knowing of her ordeal.
"Just mind your business, okay?" She wanted to be left alone. She had taken a long gulp of her cider.
"A word of advice," Pontus started, "Clean that knife of yours."
Lightning Dust nearly choked on her cider in horror. She realized the lower half of the holster was drenched, and dripping with dark blood. She knew she couldn't hide this.
"Blood will make the blade rust. It's best to wipe it off with a small cloth." He then added darkly, "I may have a few ideas why you did not clean off the blood. Pony blood. A scuffle with a certain mugger perhaps?"
How the hay did he know that?! She thought guiltily, How could he have known that?!
"No matter. I've got resting to do."
Pontus got up from his table and headed straight up the stairs. Lightning was confused, wondering how he knew she killed that mugger. She finished her drink, and headed after him. Her room was already up there anyway. She spotted him turning a key into, what looked like to be, his room. She zipped towards him in not even a second. Before he could enter...
"Hold on a second!" She demanded, preventing him from entering, "First: How would you know if I killed sompony? And second: Why would you think it was some mugger?!"
He chuckled at that. Suddenly not sure whether or not to be afraid.
"I saw it on my way here." He had told her.
"Wha- How could you have seen it?"
"I was soaring on my way here," He started, "But then I noticed that plump, good for nothing thief, trying to make with some mare's bits. I slowed a bit to watch what happens next. And you gutted him like the pig he is."
He seemed amused by that. He then reached underneath his cloak, and hearing a long shhink noise, she could only fear for what may come. He had unsheathed a broad sword, beautiful in its appearance. The hilt and pommel were decorated with silver, the handle brown leather.
Alarmed, she tried to reach for her knife. But then he held his left talon hand, in a gesture that men't "stop".
"Heh," He mused, "If I wanted to kill you, I would have done it already."
"Then why'd you pull out a sword?" She questioned.
"I don't plan to kill you. If that's what you're wondering. I heard about you before, Lightning Dust."
He knows my name? She was a little unnerved by that.
"How do-?"
"I wish to speak with you," He interrupted and insisted, "On a subject you might want to hear. Care to listen?"
She had no clue as to what she should hear, and whether to except his offer or not. But she decided to take the chance.
"Okay then," She answered and asked, "What do you want?"
The room was rather small, and had a very plain smell. But she went along with it anyway. Pontus made his way to a small table, much smaller than the ones downstairs.
"Please," He insisted plainly, as he sat in wooden chair,"Sit down, make yourself comfortable."
Lightning Dust had no idea what to think of this griffin's hospitality. She came up to the small table to join him, not exactly knowing what to expect this time. It might be a trap of some kind. If so, she won't fall for it.
"Look," She began, "I don't know why you invited me here, but-"
"I only want to make an offer." He interrupted. The look in his eyes, was a serious one. She may have to be more careful.
"Alright, what is it? What's your offer?"
A wry smirk appeared across his beak, "I need somepony dead, but I can't kill him personally."
She could not believe what she was hearing, "You want me to go out and commit murder?!"
"Yes. But there would be payment involved."
"You're paying me to kill somepony?!" Lightning Dust was not expecting this at all.
His brow had been raised, "Well considering you killed that mugger without a problem, I wouldn't have thought you to show aversion."
"No," She corrected, "It's not that. It's just... He wanted to kill me, so I defended myself; that's all."
"But you are out of work, are you not?" He said slyly, "Surely you wouldn't be so scrupulous as to refuse my offer. If that is the case... Then I'd no other choice but to kill you, since you heard of what I speak."
She now has to consider her words as carefully as possible. To be hired to kill ponies for a living sounded too much--even for her--but getting killed by a griffin like this guy was also pretty bad too. It would have been a very horrible way to go. This was an incredibly difficult decision to make: to kill somepony, or be killed for knowing too much. She made her decision...
"Who is he?" She asked coldly.
The griffin's grin widened when he heard that. "Wise choice." He then handed her a wanted poster. The poster depicted a bald lanky stallion with a crooked smile."This guy, his name's Jackpot Slim. He recently stole a total of 2500 bits from me, while we played a game of Blackjack. The rat cheated and took off with my money!"
"I get it. You want me to kill him." Lightning Dust already knew it. "Why can't you just kill him by yourself?"
"Because he knows who I am. And he expects me to go after him. Hence is why I want you to do the job for me. He's never seen you before, so this should be easy for you."
There's gotta be more than what you say.
"He's probably got some guys to back him up, right?" She had to ask. It was very likely he wouldn't be alone.
"Not many... only two." Pontus answered. "I've seen them before, they won't be hard for you to take care of."
She thought of something else important, "Are they armed?"
"With pocket knives, I think. But you have the bigger knife, and the greater speed. Jackpot Slim is a coward and always run from a fight. You shall have no trouble at all."
She put a hoof on her knife. There was no backing out now, she had to do it. She knows what he looks like at least. All she had to do was kill him and that was it. He said he'd pay her for it, but how much she wasn't sure.
"Where would I find him?" Another important thing to ask.
"Not far. I've played with him an hour ago."
That's a lot sooner than I thought. Her eyes widened a bit from the surprise.
"He has a room here, in fact. Just outside this very room. His is on left down the hall, next to the staircase."
Lightning never thought it would be that close. With ponies downstairs, it would be a disaster if anypony were to hear any screams of agony. If so, she'd have to get out as quick as possible. Or unless she could kill them quickly, and they don't scream. Either way, it didn't matter.
"I suggest taking a bit of caution." Pontus then warned, "There is a chance you may fail, but I suppose you've got this covered."
Yeah, 'cause that's helpful! She would rather not doubt herself now. "It'll be easy."
"Very good." He thanked her, "Return to me once you get the job done. I'll reward you with enough to get by on your own."
With that said, she headed out the door. As she turned the knob Pontus stopped her for a moment. What could he want this time?! She thought impatiently.
"Whatever you do... Do not mention my name!" His eyes were narrow slits when he said that.
"I got it!" She said with impatience.
Lightning Dust couldn't just barge in through the door, that would bring more attention then needed. She would have to be rather stealthy. But how? How could she execute this pony without too much to worry about? She had pondered this just outside Pontus's room, pacing back and forth. She needed to think through this as best she could.
But then the thought came to her: What if I came in through a window?
That would mean going outside, but that did not matter all that much. And she knew how she was going to do it. She flapped her wings vigorously, as she attempted to speed down the hall. Without a moments notice, she dashed forward clearing past the hall at near blinding speeds. It became harder to see, everything went by so fast. She flew down the stairs and into the bar, causing tables and beverages flying off in different directions. Ponies were infuriated that their drinks had spilled on them. She then bolted straight out of the door.
Outside the inn, she knew she had to find a window into Jackpot's room. She flew up high because she wouldn't get anywhere faster. She had zipped to the side of the inn, and thankfully discovered the window. It must have been sheer convenience, but she didn't care. She had to make sure wouldn't be seen, so she went under the window for cover. Sticking her up to see, she witnessed three ponies inside the room. Including her target: Jackpot Slim.
The bald lanky stallion must have talking with his friends, even though she can't hear them very well; the most she could hear was very muffled. As she flapped her wings, she reached for her knife with her mouth. She gripped the pommel as firmly as she needed to, making sure it doesn't fall on the muddy ground below. She could taste a bit of iron from the mugger's blood.
If the window's locked, she planned, I'll just break in and hope nopony else hears. The last thing she wanted was to get caught killing. She needed the money so she has to get this right, otherwise she won't get paid and will most likely die.
Lightning poked her head up a little. Peering through the window, she could see them still talking. She raised her hoof up a little, to reach the window. She needed to know if it really was locked. Fortunately, she managed to push the window up to a crack. Interestingly enough, neither of the ponies inside noticed it. She continued to push it up a little more, feeling daring. As she opened the window more, their conversation could be heard clearly.
"--with the money?"
"What'ya think we're gonna do with it?" She heard Jackpot Slim say sarcastically in a thick Manehattan accent. "I need new things don't I?"
"Like what?" One of them asked.
"A new suit's one thing. With all those bits I won from that griffin, I'll do a little more than jus' spendin'!" He was obviously enthusiastic, "We'll hit the next town, and gamble some more. And hopefully we'll get enough bits to make it big, for the real deal: Los Pegasus!"
They all whooped excitedly when he said that. She continued to push the window up while they weren't looking. Hopefully they were way to busy cheering, that they won't see her coming. She managed to open the window wide enough to squeeze through. Still flapping her wings, she was somehow able to slip through very easily. They were still too indulged in their merriment to notice her. She needed cover, and fast. Scanning her surroundings, she spotted a cardboard box to hide behind. She rushed behind the box as quietly as she could.
"Hey, hey, hey!" Jackpot yelled, "Who left the window open?!"
"Don't know, boss."
"Go close it! Yous don't know who'll hear us!"
The stallion went over to do as his boss ordered. She still hid behind the box, and into the shadows. She hoped he's to occupied to notice her. He however, dropped keys which made a small chinking metal sound. So far, he just went back over to where he stood. She peered from the box to continue watching. Jackpot returned to his enthusiasm. She reached her hoof out for the keys. If they locked the doors, they won't escape without their keys. She reached her hoof as slowly as she could, making sure they don't hear or notice her in any way. Her hoof touched the cold metallic keys.
Almost got--
"Hey!" The sudden shout made her jerk her hoof back. "I saw that! Someponyelse is in here, boys! Go fish 'em out!"
"Yes, boss!" both of them shouted.
Her cover's blow... but that doesn't mean she's failed, yet. She snatched the keys away from its spot, and shoved them behind the box. Immediately, they were headed toward the box she took for cover. She may have lost the element of surprise, but she can make other plans for drastic measures like this. She may as well show herself, and look cool doing it.
"S'up?" She said as she leaped in front of the box, knife between her teeth.
"What the--?"
She dashed straight into one of them. She swung her knife to his throat, blood pouring from the wound as well as his mouth. Within seconds, the stallion had fallen. Jackpot's other guard's widened fearfully, as if his pupils shrunk down to pinpoints. Glaring, she made a sinister smile across her face, which made him even more afraid. He bolted to the door, only to realize he did not have the keys to open it and escape.
"HELP!!!" He shouted, "SOMEPONY HELP ME!!!"
Jackpot smacked his hoof across the petrified stallion. "What're you doin'?! Go get her!"
"B-b-b-b-but I can't do it by myself!" He whimpered.
He slapped him again. "Pull yourself together, you idiot! Go grab the keys! Do it or you're fired!"
"Okay!"
He sprinted to where she hid the keys. She knew he would do so. Dashing to the box she cornered him. The stallion made a yelp, before she stuck him. The knife went through his chest easily. She quickly removed the bloody blade from his lifeless body. With that done, her attention drew to her true target: The lanky stallion, Jackpot Slim. Knowing full well that his protectors are dead, He had nowhere left to go. She dashed toward him swiftly, pinning him up against the wall. Staring into his eyes, filled with terror, she made that sinister smile again.
"P-p-p-please!" He stuttered. "D-d-d-don't do this! I'll pay you anything! Anything!!! You name it, it's yours!"
"Thanks..." She muffled, knife still in her teeth. "...but no."
She had been walking back to Pontus's room to collect her payment. Her job was done; Jackpot Slim is dead, as well as both of his friends. Lightning Dust used the keys to unlock Jackpot's room door. She could have gone out in style, but didn't bother. She had sheathed her knife in its holster, and carried a purse of bits; Pontus's money, in her mouth Once she reached his room, she knocked three times and waited. Not a moment sooner, Pontus answered.
"You're back?" He asked. His crooked smile widened even further, "Excellent!"
"It's like you said: it was easy." Lightning answered. She handed him his pouch of bits.
"Many thanks, Lightning Dust!" The griffin then reached into his pouch, and handed her several bits.
"Don't mention it." Lightning slung off her satchel and placed her bits inside. As she was about to turn away, the griffin stopped her.
"Wait! I have something else for you." She figured she'd turn back, even though it might be another trap.
She rolled her eyes as she said: "What do ya got for me this time?"
Through his talons, he handed her something she's never seen before. It looked like a pair of armored boots, but with curved blades coming out from the sides like claws. They must have been gauntlets of some kind, but with blades. She grabbed them and decided to try them on. She slipped her front hooves in them easily; a perfect fit.
"I assumed you were getting tired of carrying that bloody knife," He explained, "so I thought it would be best you had something better fitted for your kind."
"What are they?" She felt the need to ask.
"Specialized hoof talons. I've smuggled them from an organization, which carries weapons like these. There's also a type specifically for earth ponies, but these however are fit for pegasi like yourself."
"An organization huh? Neat!"
"Take care, Lightning Dust. Also," He reminded himself, "now that you've completed your job for me, are you willing to take offers from others, to kill?"
She thought about it for a moment, and then made her final decision: "If it means earning tons of cash, then yes."
"And with those weapons, you'll be recognized as a mercenary by some. Take their offers, and you'll be rewarded."
With that said, she was on her way. But there was still one thought that came to her mind: Rainbow Dash. She'll have to train herself to use these weapons, but once she's perfected the use of her weapons, nothing will stand in her way.
I'm comin' for ya, Rainbow Dash! she thought darkly, And when I find you... you won't have a hope in tartarus!
