> E.S.S (Equestria's Secret Service)
>  by Power Hors3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> E.S.S: 1 - The Job and Tirek
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 1 
(Equestria Secret Service)
The Job and Tirek

Prologue: 

Eight a.m. marked a digital clock over a two doored door. It opened quickly letting passage to a unicorn stallion; his coat was a maroon red. On him he had a dark gray vest, his eyes a dull yet bright shade of yellow. His mane was a dulled silver gray that looked almost black, waved back, short and spiked a bit, and his cutie mark was a faded golden iron piece that held a ball of dull blue matter that glistened a little in the light. He looked over into what appeared to be a collage room with seats inclined towards the middle to face three large worn wipe boards. A few others were in the room with him, others came in and took their seats. He himself choose a seat next to a dirty yellow colored unicorn male wearing a worn jean hoodie, who for a second glanced at him. He didn’t pay much attention to him and faced the front of the room. Glancing at the clock which now read eight O two, another last stallion entered the room, he was a white coated male having a rough shave and had on a dress shirt with the sleeves rolled up. This stallion took a look around the room and groaned, proceeding to take his seat in the front of the room. 
“Greetings and welcomes from the princesses themselves, and blah blah blah, ah yes time take role” Said the instructor at the front of the room, he took out a clip board and started calling out names, “Double Tap?”
“Here.”
“Sweetie Drops?” 
“Here” a light yellow mare answered.
“Cloud Duster?”
“Present”
“Alloy Atomms?”
“Here sir” Answered the maroon red stallion.
“Muffins?”
“Uh, here sir!” Yelled a (not crossed eyed) gray mare.
“Jackson Ice?”
“You know I’m here..” said the dirty yellow stallion.
“And lastly, Wild Berrie?” There is no response. “Well, that’s one less problem” The instructor murmured as he marked the name as: Not showing up.
“Now, my name, for all who care and want to continue in this facility is, Mr. Notts. Allow me to ask you all a question, don’t worry it’s easy. What does E.S.S. stand for?” Mr. Notts asks the entire class. Sweetie Drops raised her hoof. “Yes Miss Sweetie Drops?”
“E.S.S. Stands for: Equestria Secret Service” Sweetie Drops said quickly.
“Correct, and does anyone here know what exactly we do here?” Mr. Notts asked. Double Tap raised his hoof. Notts pointed to him.
“The E.S.S. protects the royalty from any harm.” Double Tap said.
“That’s correct, but there’s more. We also make sure no one has to ever encounter a threat, and if they do we neutralize it or them. We keep the peace on a leash. We make sure if anything out of the normal happens, it’s dealt with and no one ever has to see or hear of it. Can anyone remember the attack by a giant dragon a week ago?” Notts asked and looked around the room. No one raised there hoof except Alloy, the others looked at him in confusion. “Alloy you say..you remember? Interesting, someone forgot to their job.” Notts marks something on the clipboard. “Anyone have any questions?” Everyone but Alloy and Jackson raised their hooves. “You Cloud Duster.”
“What dragon??” He asked terrified.
“Hehe, oh that’s my favorite kind of question, you see here at E.S.S., Celestia has made it clear and has provided us with the skills and training to make ponies forget things, of course it doesn’t always work, in the case of Alloy over there. Now any questions besides the dragon and erasing memories?” No on raised their hoof.
“Good now for a brief history on E.S.S. Celestia founded it after Nightmare Moon’s Banishment. It’s over 900 years old. It’s underfunded. Almost nobody joins, due to the, ahem, risks. Many don’t even care or have interest in it because of that. And finally, we’ve prevented many bad little things from happening to you poor defenseless civilians. Oh and did I mention it’s underfunded? Yes, yes I did, you know why? Because most civilians as I’ve stated don’t know, are afraid, or give a damn about E.S.S. Now I’m getting ahead of myself, that’s all the history I’m giving, I’m not here to teach you our roots and what not, I’m here to train you to become a proper E.S.S. personal and to learn some of the best kept secrets of this planet! Follow me, this classroom is just the introduction room to see how many would come” Notts walks out of the room, the rest of the small class follow behind him in an irregular line, some whisper amongst themselves. Two E.S.S. agents stood in the halls watching them as they all went outside to a courtyard full of equipment some of it old and new. 
“What are we doing here?” Asked Muffins.
“I’m going to show you all something you never knew existed.” Notts said. 
“Why don’t we know?” Cloud Duster asked.
“Because if you did know, I’d kill you, erase your memory, or make sure that, get this, you didn’t know! Eh, I'll show you it later.”
“Oh..uh okay sir.” Duster said nervously.
“Now, physical training, I’m sure you all know what that is. We’ll be doing a lot of that here. Anyone who doesn’t like that, the exits back down the hall the way you came in.” He said and looked at them all seeing if any would leave. “Good come along” Notts smiled and went down a path. 

Away now to a gun range in the E.S.S. facility it is now 2 weeks later. Alloy is shown with an assault rifle levitated by a magical field. He shoots a pony cut out hitting it almost on aim. Notts walked around noting down and observing his rookies. Cloud Duster, Muffins, and Jackson are sitting awaiting their turns. “Good effort Sweetie Drops. Alloy make sure to be more steady. Double Tap, what the hell are you doing? Are you even aiming, go run five laps ASAP! Berrie, I think you’re improving, but I think you did better with the demolition, I’ll talk to you separately.” Notts said. Double Tap flies out and began his laps. “Alright next!” Muffins, Jackson, and Cloud Duster took their spots at the range while the rest sat down and observed. 
“Go ahead and start with the lower caliber, I’ll be watching in a bit. Berrie come over here.” The three began firing at the targets using smaller pistols with rubber bullets. Despite two weeks of training, Jackson wasn’t holding his gun the right way. It was slightly tilted left, and held with a laid back manner. Before he could take a shot, Notts whispered to Alloy, “Hm, you seem to be getting this stuff down. Why don’t you show your partner Jackson here how it’s done?” 
“Sure I’ll help the poor fellow.” Alloy responded, and went to help out Jackson. “Ice, what have I told you? You need to hold the gun straight.”  
Jackson looked at Alloy. “Fool, you know how I shoot! I don’t need no instructor!” He shot his gun, hitting the target in all its positions with relative ease.
“Ha, fine, but you know what the instructor is gonna say.” Alloy smiled, and walked away.

Current Day: 
Two years later Alloy and Jackson are on a mission from E.S.S. to track down a being by the name of Lord Tirek. 
“Man, this op should be easy. I mean, how hard can this Tirek guy be?” Jackson remarks
“I dunno Jackson, seems the whole royal army couldn’t even put a dent into this guy, but then again there all poorly trained” Alloy chuckles. 
“Army? You mean those displays? They can’t do damage to anything,” Jackson laughs. A light flashes in the sky with a great intensity creating an aurora of heat. 
“The hell was that?” Alloy turns to Jackson.
“Dunno,” Jackson readies his gun, “but we’ll probably need these ready.” Another light display flashes above them converting the light blue sky into a darkened red.
“Alright, am I tripping or did the sky just change?” Alloy asks.
“I don’t know what we did, but I don’t want another hit!” Jackson remarks. Twilight is seen flying overhead dodging rays of powerful magic.
“Hu, looks like some sort of fight, entertaining” Alloy peers over to see a large object walking surrounded by smoke. “Whoa what is that thing!?!”Alloy pulls out a sniper he brought for the op and looks through the scope. “Hey Jackson check this thing out!”
“What’s going on?” Jackson looks through the scope. “Damn, that’s one hell of a fight. My money’s on the big one.”
“There’ll be no money if we don’t stop this thing, come let’s get at a distance, make sure he doesn’t stomp on us”
“Alright.” They head towards the Oak Library, but once they come within a 20 yard distance in gets blown up before their eyes”. 
“Well that’s not a spot I would’ve liked to be in.” Alloy jokes, “Doesn’t seem anywhere in this place is safe” 
“We should dig a fox hole that should be safe enough.”
“Dig a hole? Here? I’ll take my chances facing that thing head on!”
Using his magic, Jackson starts removing hunks of dirt. “If you say so, feel free to shoot that thing if you feel like it.”
“Might work for all we know.” Alloy runs towards the being who is only focusing its attention to Twilight and seems to be in a conversation. Alloy sets up his weapon and targets the monster. Three shots fire. Alloy looks up from the scope to see no effect whatsoever. “Dammit…”
“Not too late to join in,” Jackson offers from behind.
“Very generous of you-” Alloy tries finishing but is blocked out by the roar and trees flying in many directions. Bits and pieces scratch up his suit and his fur. He bits down holding in the agony. Parts of the ground split open and cracks form around Jackson’s fox hole. “Jackson let’s cut our losses and get out of here!” Alloy teleports him and Jackson a few miles away. Both of them breathe heavily and see as the disaster off in distance unfolds tearing up the terrain. 	“Whatever that thing is, I don’t think we’re equipped to take that thing. Let’s go back to headquarters.” Alloy final says, Jackson nods, taking a last glance at the unfolding events. And with that, they leave the area.

Back at headquarters Notts is impatiently awaiting them, “Finally! Is the thing down??” 
“About that, no, whatever it is, this Tirek, it had took no damage from our weapons.” Alloy starts.
“No damage?? That thing has been charging everywhere! It even went to the castle and did who knows what with the princesses!” Notts yells.
“Hey, we couldn’t do anything! It was like hell with that thing!” Alloy replies. Jackson nods,
“Not going back out there.” Jackson says.
“Well I have nothing! Maybe this thing will be stopped by some miracle.” Notts takes his seat and moves his hooves across his hair. Alloy and Jackson look at each other briefly and sit down in the quest chairs. The phone on Notts’ desk rings. He picks it up instantly, “This is Notts, yes….really?? Well I’ll be, got it, thanks for the update.” He hangs up and half smiles. “Ha, looks like we got our miracle. According to Agent Sweetie Drops, Tirek has been dealt with and all the princesses are back restoring order.”
“Wait...wha...?” Alloy’s eyes widens. Jackson crosses his arms.
“Well what do ya know” Jackson says, with a small smirk. 
“Princess Twilight finally did something, whatever it was and defeated him.” Notts says as he steps off his office chair, “I need to go to a meeting about the whole thing. You guys take the day off.” Notts grabs his gray jacket and exits. 
“Well how about that,” Alloy smiles.
“We got the day off at least,” Jackson says, they both walk out of the headquarters. 
“Where are you going to go?” Alloy asks Jackson.
“I need to get home, check on my girl. See if everyone is safe,” Jackson tells him.
“Heh, alright be safe now, wouldn’t want you getting trampled by a giant magical creature.” Jackson makes a partial smile,
“Yeah, same goes for you, see you tomorrow Alloy.” He walks away. Alloy goes back into headquarters to the changing rooms he throws away the ripped suit and begins tending to his wounds. Some of the other agents, Wild Berry, Muffins, and Cloud Duster, enter as Alloy cleans his face.
“Did you guys see that thing?? It was huge; I only saw it from a distance!” Wild Berry starts.
“Oh no, I was helping the Wonder Bolts.” Muffins replies.
“It’s dead now, I think. The sky has cleared up.” Cloud Duster says.
“How about you Alloy, where were you in all this?” Wild Berry asks.
“Oh you know, fighting Tirek,” Alloy states casually.
“Haha! You? Oh come on, what are you on?” Wild Berry laughs, Cloud Duster chuckles. 
“Maybe if you read your intel, you’d know,” Alloy says to them with a smile.
“Oh! Are you okay??” Muffin goes over to him with great concern. 
“I’m okay Muffins, Jackson was there with me, we got out before things became too ugly,” Alloy states, he goes over to his locker.
“Why didn’t you take it out? Isn’t that why you’re here?” Wild Berry mocks as he goes to his locker.
“Oh Wild Berry, you ignorant pony. That thing took no damage whatsoever from our weapons, didn’t you see how that thing took all the magic out of others?” Alloy replies as he puts on his vest.
“No damage hu? Fine then, whatever you say Alloy.” Wild Berry takes out his things.
“What are we doing now?” Muffin asks Alloy.
“Boss said to take the day off, so I’m guessing that applies to us all.” Alloy starts for the exit.
“Oh nice!” Muffins smiles joyfully.
“I hear Notts is at a meeting,” Sweetie Drops says as she walks into the room, “He’s with the princesses, you know how that usually goes, he’s probably getting into trouble for not being able to do much.” 
“Poor old Notts, you think this will affect us?” Cloud Duster asks her.
“Hard to tell, but we couldn’t do anything to that beast! Princesses Twilight herself defeated him.” Agent Sweetie states.
“What more do you know?” Alloy turns to her.
“It was all done with magic, that’s why you couldn’t dent him. He was literally a magic power house, inpenetable.” She replies.
“At least he’s gone now,” Alloy smiles at her.
“Yeah, whatever Princess Twilight did, worked,” Sweetie Drops turns to her locker.
“That's a relief, see you all tomorrow,” Alloy opens the door and leaves. Alloy looks up at the castle peaks; the sky is now a clear blue with some clouds. He walks down the street, ambulances and police with a mix of guards are rushing to aid many. Some builds have notable damages with traceable tracks of Tirek leading towards Ponyville. Alloy sits at a bus stop and waits, “Wonder if they’re coming or I’ll have to walk home.” He says to himself and waits 10 minutes, “Yep, looks like I’m walking.” He stands up and starts to walk.
Alloy arrives at his home with evening now showing its colors, a small modern house painted a light blue with its small almost non-existent lawn is his place. He opens the heavy tan door, going inside. “Meow!!!!!!!!” A small gray cat leaps onto Alloy’s face.
“Gah! Down Colla!” Alloy, using his magic, carefully removes the mischievous cat from his already scarred face. 
“Meow. Meow. Meow!” Colla runs off to her bowl that is in the kitchen then hisses.
“I know, I know, you’re hungry. Give me a minute girl. He takes off his vest and throws it on a small brown sofa; he then levitates a bag of cat food and gently sprinkles some into Colla’s bowl. The cat purrs with happiness and begins feasting. Alloy smiles and then hops onto the sofa turning on the T.V. 
“New News about the attack of-” Alloy flips the channel.
“Thank you Princess-” The channel starts. He flips it again.
“In related news, we are safe according to-” Alloy sighs and leaves it on.
“I’m missing my show.” He says to Colla who is now done with her food, “You’re going to get fat if you keep gobbling up all that aren’t you supposed to save some for later?” The cat meows and stares at him. A phone in the kitchen rings Alloy hurries up to answer, nearly tripping over Colla who scatters off after hearing the ringing. Alloy picks up, “Hello? Alloy speaking.”
“Alloy, son! Are you okay??” responds who seems to be his mother on the other end. 
“Yes mother, thanks for calling. Though the event has long passed. How are you and father?” 
“We’re doing just fine; the retirement home wasn’t really attacked.” Alloy’s mother starts.
“Why are you in a retirement home and not at home?’ Alloy asks her.
“Oh, we have that? I think it was your father that dropped me off to visit…someone” She says.
“And where is father now?” Alloy asks.
“Father, uh…I forgot. Something to do with business affairs.” 
“Mom, tomorrow I need you to get your memory checked.” Alloy says with concern.
“Oh don’t worry about me son, I’m okay, how are you?” She starts again.
“Right….so, I’m going to call father now, you stay there in the retirement home.” Alloy hangs up and dials his father.
“Ah, son. How are you my boy?” Alloy’s father almost instantaneously answers.
“I’m well, did you leave mother at the retirement home?” 
“Retirement home? Alloy, your mother is not that old, have some respect now.” Alloy’s father tells him.
“No, no, I mean she is at a retirement home right now, she called me from one.” 
“Ah, okay. What’s she doing there?” he asks Alloy.
“Well, that what I was calling about. Are you busy?” 
“A bit, just closing up some documents. Do me a favor and pick up your mother.”
“Me? I don’t have a car remember, plus nobody hardly uses them, only the rich.” 
“Oh right, you disassembled it in your garage, tell me again, why did you do that exactly, it was expensive?” His father asks sarcastically.
“I needed the part for an invention of mine,” Alloy starts, “You know how I like doing that.”
“That I do, fine, I’ll go and get her in half an hour. Stay safe son.” He hangs up.
“Stay safe? Ha.” Alloy puts down the phone and heads out to the garage. Inside is the half destroyed car with parts of all kinds everywhere. There is a work bench in the middle of the garage with random items put together along with some broken or disassembled weapons. “I should really organize this place sometime.” He sits at his work bench and begins to levitate one of the items. He rotates it and sets it down carefully. 
“Meow?” Colla hops onto the table.
“It’s supposed to be a gun that you wear on your arm.” Alloy tells her. “But I can’t seem to make it practical.” He picks one of the put together weapons. “Now this thing, I think if I can just find a way to make it hold magic, then I could have nearly limitless ammo.” Alloy smiles. Colla jumps on the weapon knocking it to the floor, parts fly off. “Colla! Agh, I’ll fix it later.” He stands and ushers her out, and goes out back into the kitchen, closing the garage door behind him.
Night time had fallen in the grand city of Cantorlot, the events that had occurred that day were now slowing down, there was still the sound of ambulances, and even the beginning of reconstruction could be heared. As for Alloy, he was in bed asleep giving little thought about what had happened. A knock at his window, which faced towards the backyard got him up. Wearily he hesitantly opened his dull yellow eyes and went to it, the knocker was agent Sweetie Drops. 
“Alloy open up already!” Sweetie Drops yells in a whisper. Alloy tiredly opens the window.
“Hu? What are you doing here? What time is it? Did some ecliptic disaster occur?” Alloy asks. Sweetie jumps into the room, she has on a disguise. 
“No, but it is a disaster.” Sweetie starts, “You know how Notts had to speak with the princess?” 
“Yes…that usually happens. What you're getting at is something deeper I presume?” 
“Yes. Alloy, the agency is under threat of being shut down.” Sweetie turns away saddened a bit, then turns back to see Alloy's reaction to this.
“So the Princesses finally decided to put an end to our services?” Alloy says, not all panicked as Sweetie thought he'd be.
“Yes! It's either that or we're going to end up like the royal guards, useless.” She says.
“The royal guards?? End up like them? Ha! No thank you, wait, how do you know this?” Alloy starts.
“Look Alloy, I've always been weary about being unwanted when I saw what the 'Main Six' as they're called, I've seen that they could take down high priority targets...So I've been seeing Notts notes on what happening..” 
“By see do you mean take his paper without him knowing?” Alloy smiles a bit.
“Erm...yes, but that's besides the point Alloy!” She states.
“This doesn't sound to good, do the others know?” Alloy asks her.
“Not yet, you were the closets to me so I came here first.” 
“Closest to me?” He slightly smiles.
“Location wise Alloy” She smirks.
“Oh, right hehe. I'll be sure to notify my partner Ice. He and I have talked about situations like this before, just didn't think it'd happen.” He sighs.
“I have a plan, for me and my partner, Muffins. If tomorrow something happens and we loose our job, come find us in Ponyville.” Sweetie says.
“Will do, thanks for coming by.” 
“See you at work, remember be prepared for anything, even brainwash.” And with those final words, Sweetie hops out the window and runs off. Alloy yawns and closes the window. He gives his situation some thought, falling back to sleep shortly after.

Morning again, Alloy is awake before the alarm goes off. He waits tired in bed until his alarm finally goes off, he gets out of bed and stretches. His cat begins to meow repeatedly for food. Knowing the cat won't shut up until it's feed, it's the first thing he does. After that he does what is his daily morning routine, brush teeth, shower, prepare for work, turn on the TV, and make coffee. The time is 7:30 am when the morning cycle is completed. The remainder of the hour was used up getting to work at 8am. Alloy would usually take the bus, but due to yesterday's events the bus service was still down so he walked and teleported till he reached the familiar E.S.S building doors. He swipes his ID card and enters everyone else is there already in the small auditorium for the daily morning meeting. Alloy takes his spot next to a sleeping Jackson. Notts is at the front of the room, he looks more disorganized than his usual self he begins to speak.
“Ahem, good morning everyone, as you all know about yesterday's events I'll skip it. Now to more...important matters.” He hesitates. Every notices and pays attention, even Jackson looks up from his folded arms. “The Princesses and I had a discussion yesterday and from what they say these 'Main Six' as you all know, have indeed proven to be a great asset to our country. Which leads to all of us. What are we?” He asks out to them, not expecting a response, “We're E.S.S. The secret service that's supposed to protect this country from threats to escalate to the degree that was yesterday. Now what really did happen yesterday? We didn't do anything, we were overpowered, and our own abilities were useless to take down the beast, but these six were able to do it all by themselves! With some ancient power of friendship or something just as ridiculous. Where does that leave us then? No where. As of today our service are no longer needed to the extent that they used to be...we will be only a back up if the six are gone or can't do anything.” A general mumble begins in the room. “I know there are questions so ask away” 
“What are we going to do then??” Cloud Duster asks aloud.
“You all have to take on new jobs, start new lives, but still remain a part of E.S.S. Sort of like sleeper agents in case a tragedy strikes.” Notts answers. More whispers and conversations start up.
“I'm getting out of here this is bull.” Jackson gets up and leaves, others follow, some throwing down their E.S.S IDs, some cursing. Eventually everyone in the facility takes their thing from their lockers and leave the building, including Notts. 

Alloy walks back down the street his expression is one of near disbelief. E.S.S was a sort of hobby for him, something he could feel proud of at the end of the day knowing he had made a difference. It was just a hobby though as stated, but for his coworkers it was their life. Alloy was well off financially so that wasn't an issue, the real issue was the new void that now filled all his spare time. He could go back in his garage and finish unfinished projects he had, but he wanted something more. 

After an hour of being back at home sitting on his couch starting at the TV and pondering  he gets up. “Well that was boring! Hmm wonder if Sweetie Drops actually went to Ponyville yet.  I should check up on Jackson as well...Later!” Alloy throws off his suit leaving just his vest and pink-red shaded tie. He looks at the time on his watch; 10am. He runs out the front door, not locking it, speeding down the streets. His father, who is in a carriage, stops him.
“Alloy! Son, hey where are you going in such a rush?” His carriage stops.
“To Ponyville”
“That little town? What on earth do you want to do there? More importantly, shouldn't you be at work? Or is this part of the job?”
“Hehe, well you see, we were all laid off.” Alloy says briefly.
“I knew it would happen sooner or later, well you have fun on whatever you're going to do over in...Ponyville. I have an important financial meeting with Fancy Pants.” With that Alloy's father is off.
“Goodbye to you too!” Alloy shouts out with a laugh. He continues onward, seeing a purple-like item glimmering in the distance.

End of Chapter 1.
	


	


	

	

> E.S.S: 2 - The Crystal Castle, Ice, and The Library 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S. 2
The Crystal Castle, Ice, and The Library 

Alloy reached his destination (Ponyville) around 1pm that day, the only thing was he didn't know where to find Sweetie Drops. It came the time when he was now lost there. He didn't often go to that town and the only times he had, had been short and brief. Around him the townsfolk had also begun reconstruction of all the damaged properties caused by Tirek. Through all this, what really had gotten Alloy's attention was a giant purple shaded castle that was near the center of the town. That had not been there before the day before. Was it new? If so, how did they build it so fast, and out of crystals?? Actually, some of the townsfolk seemed to be awed by it as well as if they hadn't seen it before. A rather annoying noise began to draw closer to Alloy saying, “Hey, hey hey hey, hey, are you knew? Hey you! Behind you. Hey hey!” Alloy turned to see, a pink mare with puffy hair was bouncing with a smile towards him.
“Uh..heya are you talking to me?” Alloy responds half dazed. 
“Of course! You're new here right??” She asks.
“Sort of, I've been here before, I'm just uh..looking for someone.” Alloy responded.
“Oh! Silly me! I'm Pinkie! Welcome to Ponyville! Who are you looking for?” She asks.
“Pinkie….Pinkie Pie?” He thought to himself.  It couldn't be! She was part of the main six! The reason his job had been taken away. This gave Alloy mixed thought and emotions which he did not express outwardly.
“Helloooooo?” Pinkie waves her hoof in front of his face. 
“Oh, sorry, um, yes I'm looking for someone. A friend of mine who arrived this morning. She's a yellow-tan color for her coat. Her mane is blueish and pinkish, her mark are a bunch of candies I think.”
“Oh! You mean BonBon?” Pinkie asks.
“BonBon…? Umm, she has all the features I described?” 
“Yep! I'll take you to her!” Pinkie grabs Alloy's arm and runs down the streets with Alloy hardly keeping pace. They stop at a house some blocks down. “We're here!” She smiles.
“Thanks, see you around maybe?” Alloy smiles. 
“Maybe!” She bounces off. Alloy knocks at the door hearing some sort of argument going on inside. A light greened mare opens the door and closes it walking out enraged. She hardly notices Alloy standing there. 
“Who are you??” She ask trying to be polite. 
“I'm Alloy, I was told, uh..BonBon lives here?”
“Yes she does now. She inside the door's unlocked.” The mare walks off. Seeing no alternative, Alloy walks in seeing boxes everywhere.
“BonBon?” He asks out.
“Over here Alloy.” Sweetie says in a shaky voice. Alloy walks over to the living room where Sweetie drops is wiping away tears.
“Sweetie Drops are you...okay?” 
“Alloy…call me BonBon please, that's who I'm known as here. And...I'll be fine, just had an argument with a friend, but thanks for asking.” 
“I'm sorry I had to arrive at such a moment, I see you're moving here permanently?”
“Yes” She gets up.
“Where's Muffins?”
“She applying for a job here in town, where's Jackson?”
“He's at home or something, I've been meaning to check up on him, but haven't.”
“Oh, I see. Have you noticed the castle?” she asks.
“Yeah, I was about to ask you on that.” He chuckles lightly.
“It turns out whatever happened yesterday made a castle sprout out of the ground and now is inhabited by Princess Twilight.” She say casually as if giving a report.
“Sprouted out? Alright...things just keep on getting stranger. I've been meaning to ask, why did you move here?” 
“Two reasons, one my best friend lives here, two I want to keep an eye on the main six, it turns out they all live here. A coincidence maybe. It's important too because we no longer have as much access to restricted material.”
“Research hu? Hmm, uh, what do you know about the pink one?” Alloy asks.
“You don't know?” She asks.
“I've never paid much attention to them all until recently.” 
“She's the co-owner of a bakery here in town, local party maker, her element is the element of laughter.” 
“Element...of laughter? Is that code for something..?”
“No, it an actual element like of a mystical power that grants it's power to someone, all magic based. Honestly Alloy, you don't know this?”
“A little, like I said, I never went I depth with it.”
“Here” She takes out a notebook, “I've made these papers on them, read them so you can catch up.”
“After I read all this stuff, what do you want me to do?”
“That's mainly up to you, I would like to perhaps have a one on one conversations with one of them to know how truly powerful they are and their weaknesses, in case they ever become a threat.”
“Hmm, I think I can make something work out. How do we keep in touch?” He asks.
“I haven't thought of that. We could meet up every time we have something important to report. Here in town, there's a place called Hay's Burgers, let's meet there.”
“I'll look for it, anything else before we part?” 
“Yes, since you live in Cantorlot, I need you to take, or do research in their libraries, more specifically, the royal archives.” 
“It's manageable, I'll try.”
“If you do, don't get caught Alloy.”
“Get caught? Me?” He laughs a bit. “I won't Bon Bon,  I'll see you in a day or two.” 
“Be safe, and don't forget about the research” She says to him. He walks out the door and is ambushed by the green mare. He manages to escape her tossing her aside.
“Wow hey! I don't want any trouble now” He backs off.
“I don't either, I want to know what you two were talking about.” She asks him as she brushes off some dust. 
“Did you have to tackle me though?” He remarks.
“Sorry about that, it's been a long day. So tell me”
“Can't you ask her about it?” Alloy asks.
“I want to make sure she doesn't make it up.” she says.
“Make it up? Who are you by the way, never did catch your name.”
“It's Lyra Heartstrings, are you going to tell me?”
“Lyra, you need to have more trust in..Bon Bon” He recalls her new name, “She's a good pony, and from what she says you two are best friends. Trust her, she trust you.” Alloy says then walks off leaving Lyra in deep thought.
“What a crazy mare.” Alloy says to himself when he's out of view from the house. “Research. Something to do!” He smiles. 
“Research?” A familiar voice says from behind. He turns to see Pinkie trailing him.
“I thought I saw an extra shadow earlier, are you following me?” He asks the mare.
“Kinda, I was just catching up to say that there will be a party for you at 5pm today at the bakery.”
“A party for me? What'd I do?”
“You're new here! So that means there is something to celebrate.” She smiles. Alloy begins to question her logic, but goes along with. This could be the perfect research opportunity, and even more he thought. 
“Hmm, as good as reason as any, I'll be there maybe” He smiles back. She passes him an invitation.
“Here ya go!” She smiles once more then bounces off. Alloy smiles to himself. Perfect he thought. He had three hours to spare before the party, in that time he figured he could snoop around the new castle and possibly find out more of it's properties. Alloy went down town towards the castle and sat down on a nearby bench. There he took out the notes Sweetie Drops had given him, flipping through he finds a rough sketch of the castle that Sweeite made. 
“Looks like she's started research in this already. I'll add in some side notes as I go along.” He puts away the journal using his magic to teleport to some unknown place. Casually he walks towards the castle's entrance and, to his surprise, opens the unlocked door. There was no one there as far as he could tell, the light was emitted through the crystal walls creating a haunting appearance. “No guards” He makes the journal appear and writes that down. He steps with caution feeling a chill, he looks at his watch that, on the side, has a thermostat. 50 degrees he takes note. A noise causes him to skew next to a pillar. He watches as Twilight and a dragon walk about the castle conversing.
“Spike this castle is huge, I didn't think we'd get this” She says to the dragon.
“You said some magic or something made it just pop out? A whole castle? Was it buried or something?” 
“I don't think so, I think it was just the tree of harmony giving it to us for protecting Equestria.” she responds.
“Yeah but the others didn't get a castle.”
“It belongs to all of us, it's just I live here that's all”
“It's rather empty here.” Spike looks around. They pass by Alloy's pillar and walk outside closing the door behind them. 
“It's my castle now!” Alloy hops out from the pillar and begins to run around the castle almost like a child. He reaches a room that looks like a throne room. “This looks interesting...” He goes around the room and sees a chair that has the same mark as Pinkie. “What? She has a throne too?” In the center of the room there are lines that lead to each of the chairs. “Some sort of trap door?” After some time he finds out nothing more besides the unique patterns on the walls. He starts heading towards the main door when it is suddenly opened by Spike and Twilight, quickly he rushes over to pillar he had been before. 
“Hold on Spike...I heard something.” Twilight says to Spike. She looks around.
“Uh, I think it's just the castle you know? It's new and stuff right? Probably some creaks Twilight.” Spike assures her.
“I think you're right, this castle is so big, I don't think I'll ever get used to it.” She says to the dragon and they continue away into one of the other halls. Alloy takes his chance to leave the castle.

Some time later Alloy is back in Cantorlot, he is on his way to Jackson's home. The general area Alloy is in is a more run down part of the city, the neighborhood feels unwelcoming and has obvious signs of possible dangers. He realized some of the ponies, the ones on the corners were perhaps drug dealers. “It's always been strange to me that Jackson lives around here” He thinks to himself. 
“Hey you, the one with the vest!” A male pony in a hoodie asks while approaching. 
“Hmm? Yes what can I do for you?” Alloy asks.
“What do you think you're doing roaming this area??” He asks.
“I've been here before, like several times” Alloy says trying to send him on his way.
“Don't stay here long then” The pony says to him, leaving. Alloy looks at him a while than continues on to an apartment complex. Little fillies are outside playing with the sprinklers, others are just chasing each other. In a chair near the front doors there is an older mare is overlooking the children, taking a few hits from a cigar. Alloy proceeds inside going up a flight of stairs to a door marked #56. He knocks a few times times. “Bamm!” The door hits his face. Another angry mare walks out swearing off as she goes.
“Why does this door open outwardly??” Alloy rubs his nose. 
Jackson walks out.“Oh, Alloy sorry about that, my girls not the best today.”
“Yeah, no kidding! What are you doing today?” Alloy asks.
“Looking for work mostly.”
“Work?”
“Yes, the thing ponies have to do to pay rent. Something you don't worry about I'm sure.” Jackson says.
“Ha, right. Have any success?”
“No, that's why my girl was infuriated.”
“Oh I get it now.”
“Yeah, how about you Alloy, what have you been doing?” Jackson walks in and sits. Alloy follows him in closing the door.
“Just, researching. Paid a visit with Sweetie Drops in Ponyville, seems she lives there now.”
“Sweetie Drops hu? I see you're chasing after someone” Jackson chuckles.
“I..uh, I mean she's alright, but no. I'm not looking into..uh being with her.” Alloy replies defensively
“It was a joke hehe, have you seen that new castle there?”
“Seen? I've been in it!” Alloy declares.
“Sneaking around? You try'n get yourself into trouble? Which reminds me, what the hell are you doing roaming around these parts of the hood? You look like a perfect target for a jacking, could get you into even more trouble.”
“Eh, don't worry about me partner, I'll be fine. So want to research with me?”
“You're so naive sometime I swear. As for the research, it depends. What does it involve?” Jackson asks.
“Breaking into royal archives, surveillance of the main six, stuff like that.” Alloy summarizes.
“Sounds risky...does it pay?” He asks.
“Well...not exactly.”
“Sorry Alloy, I'll have to pass on this one. I need a job badly right now, I have about a months worth in the bank. That's not going to last me long.” Jackson says.
“I understand, if you need something to do, call me up. Hehe, I may be hiring one day” Alloy says with a smile.
“I'll keep it in mind, don't get into to trouble.” Jackson warns.
“Trouble me? That's easy, you're the one that needs to stay out of trouble!” Alloy jokes as he heads towards the door.
“Right, says the one who set the office on fire.” Jackson remarks. Alloy opens the door.
“Hey, accidents happen!” Alloy laughs, “See you sometime Jackson.” 
“We'll see, bye Alloy” 
Alloy leaves the building.

Evening now begins to fall upon Cantorlot, Alloy now finds himself eating some plain hay at a side shop. He looks towards the massive library that is the Cantorlot Archives near the main castle. After paying he heads on inside as a normal one would, some secretaries there looks up slightly but keep on working behind their desks. There are a variety of sections there, the one he was looking for was at the very back under lock, since it had entrance into the main castle. Alloy pretended to to look through some books about biology, slowly making his way from one section to another. It was tedious work to fit in there, often the guards would look his way making sure he wasn't going near the restricted sections. He observed as one of the secretaries got up and presented her badge to the guards and passed trough to the area. “Hmm..” He thought, “I could teleport in, no it's likely magic proofed. Woo the sectarians? Nah, too much work. Steel a pass? Bingo.” He then went over to a desk where a secretary was busy typing. 	
“Ahem, excuse me. I'm looking for a specific books on crystals, can you help me find some?” He asked the older male.
“Crystals? You'd be better off finding better ones in the Crystal Empire, but I'll show you what we have here.” The male went on ahead of Alloy going towards the geology section. Alloy peered occasionally to see where his badge was. On his shirt. The male began to show Alloy the different types of books, as he reached up to get one of the books, Alloy snatched up the badge placing it in his vest pocket. 
“This is the one! Thank you so much” Alloy grabbed a random book on obsidian. 
“Glad I could help.” The male says and parts away. Alloy helped put away the other books and sat there for a while flipping through the pages. To his surprise, this book mentioned the elements of harmony, describing there composition as unknown and ancient. 
“The elements, this book can't describe them, I bet once I get into the back I'll surely find something more.”  Suddenly a thought crosses his mind. “PINKIE'S PARTY! I missed it!!” He rages inwardly he looks at the time, nearing 8 now. “No no! Dammit!” He hits his head on the table he's at.
“Are you okay sir? A mare asks him.
“Oh, yes, I was misinterpreting some information in this book hehe.” He answers.
“Okay, hope you can concentrate better.” She smiles and leaves. Alloy sits there a while angry at himself for his forgetfulness. He finally decides it's not worth getting mad over and continues his mission. Quickly he makes his way to the back, the guards use a scanner to see his badge's authenticity. The guards don't question his purpose for being there, letting him pass through the gates. 	
It's darker there than the rest of the library, more ancient and preserved to outside change. He sees random scrolls everywhere, most of them older than he was. The sections there were not to well organized, having sections like, time spells, destruction spells, cure spells. Nothing to specific as he expected, he'd have to look through many scrolls to find what he was after. 
“Might as well begin” he says in a low voice. As the time passed the library closed, but Alloy remained in the back with little concept of how late it was getting. A door opened, someone else entered the large area. Alloy made his way around keeping his distance. The one who entered was the mighty Celestia herself. Alloy gulped becoming unusually nervous, which he was not often. He saw as she wrote something at a small desk near a window then left the room after a while. He sighed and went forward to see what she had written. The scroll which she had written on said: 'My student Twilight, which I my self have learned from has been adjusting to her new castle. After yesterday's big event, our Equestrians has begun to readjust to their lives. Usually I would have E.S.S. clear some of the memories, but I feel that with such a grand event, it would cause damage. E.S.S. has been put on hold from operating for the time being, I still feel concerned about this nation's safety, even with Twilight and her friends, I'll leave E.S.S. as a possibility in the future, for now it'll be paused. Also I think my sister ate the cake piece I left in the fridge' End note. Alloy sighs.
“A possibility...” He had gone though many of the scrolls there that night but found nothing conclusive. Finally it came to the point when he had fallen asleep at one of the desks there.

The library opened that morning as it had always had, Alloy was still asleep in the restricted section. His alarm on his watch was the only thing that managed to awaken him. “Hmm?” He looked around. “The library. I found nothing!” He gets up and starts to leave. Someone else, he just noticed had been in the room at the time of his awakening. 
“Good morning” Luna says to Alloy sending a sudden chill upon him. He turns.
“Princess Luna! What a nice surprise” He says, pretending to belong there.
“You were here all night?” She asks noticing that part of his face hair is flat due to the side he had been sleeping on.
“Oh yes, accidentally fell asleep while in study.” He responds.
“Did you find everything you were looking for?” 
“As a matter of fact, I did need dome help finding something about the” He thinks compelled to tell the truth, “The Elements of Harmony” 
“An interesting subject to study, are you a scholar?”
“Not exactly, I'm more curious about them, seeing how the main six used them and how it has protected our nation over the years.” 
“Yes, that it has. I'm sure my sister may have more knowledge on them, but it's hard to get sometime to speak with her. I think, perhaps speaking with Twilight about it may better aid you in your search.” She suggest.
“I think that'll help thanks.” Alloy smiles. Luna grabs a scroll and starts to head out but stops.
“I didn't get your name, who are you?” She asks.
He thought to himself, if he were to lie would she know? She could be reading his thoughts! So he decided to tell the truth, “My name is Alloy.”
“Alloy? I think I've heard your name somewhere. Well, Alloy, hope you find what you need.” And with that she left the room. Alloy thought for a second and headed towards the desk Celestia had been at last night. There were many scrolls there of the happenings throughout her reign. He thought about taking some but had already spent a long time at the library, and she'd probably notice.

Alloy left the library, the time now 9am. It was the weekend now, time to update BonBon on what he had found out.

End of Chapter 2. 
> E.S.S: 3 - The Trio and A's
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S.: 3
The Trio and A's

Alloy was exhausted from his night, he did not know when he had fallen asleep but whenever it was, it had been at a late hour. He felt a sudden hunger, it had been nearly over 12 hours since his last meal. He rushes home to feed the cat which is extremely disappointed with the lack of food she's had. 	"So sorry Colla, I was on a mission, you know how things are." He says to the cat which hisses at him, still waiting on its food. He smiles a bit and levitates the cat food over, pouring some into the cat's bowl. The cat makes a happy sound and eats away. Alloy himself makes a simple breakfast of eggs and fries with a side of orange juice. Remembering the notes Sweetie Drops had given him, he begins to read them. He had heard about the main six before, who hadn't? They had reformed Luna, Discord, defeated Sombra, Crysllis, and now had beaten the almighty Tirek. In most occasions such as Somba's return and Crysillis' attack, E.S.S had been involved in taking out some of the enemies. With Sombra, E.S.S had been there ready in case the shield broke over the city. At the wedding, E.S.S had fought of many Changelings, that is until a magical blast literally blew them away. Through many such occasions, E.S.S has been there. As Alloy recalled, E.S.S had been around nearing the time Luna had been banished.
He put away the notes and headed to his room, he threw his clothes into a laundry bin. His chest had some fluffy white fur on it that was hidden mostly by the clothes he wore. "What to wear," he looked through his closest, most of the clothes were formal, just the way he liked it. So he choose another vest, another dress shirt and another tie, putting them on quickly. He sniffed himself. "Oh goodness I smell horrible..." He takes off the clothes and heads into the shower.
He comes out, teeth washed and himself washed smelling like soap. He sniffs again, "Mm much better!" Quickly, he puts on his clothes and, taking the notes, and rushes out of the house. Again forgetting to lock the door.
Some time later, 11am, he was back in Ponyville. The buses were now back on schedule and that made everything much simpler. Alloy caught a glimpse of Pinkie as he walked past to find Hay's Burgers. As he turned to look another way she appeared before him, startling him into a defensive position.
"Alloy! That's your name!" She starts, "Where'd you go yesterday??"
"I had something come up, sorry for the trouble of the party" He says.
"Nah don't be! Someone told me you left town so I canceled it before anything went up!" She smiles. Alloy smiles a bit too, wondering how she knew he had left and who had told her.
"Are you planning another party, because I'm not staying long, I don't want you to go through the trouble of organizing it" Alloy finally says.
"Let me think.." She pauses, "You're not staying here long, so I got it!"
"You got what?" Alloy asks confused.
"I'll bake you a special cake! Just for you so you can eat it at home!" She smiles again.
"You really don't have to..."
"It's the least I can do without giving you a party!" She says eager to begin baking.
"Heh, alright thanks Pinkie" He starts to turn to leave.
"Wait! When are you leaving town??" 
"Sometime this afternoon, before 1pm" Alloy estimates.
"It'll be done by then! I'll find you at the bus stop!" She grins and hops away. Alloy felt like it was all unnecessary, but he really liked cake so better for him! And he got it from Pinkie, which he know knew that she was a fantastic baker from Sweetie's notes. Anyways, he resumed his walk to the restaurant, which was not far off. He entered and causally ordered a milk shake and sat waiting for Sweetie Drops. As it so happens, Muffins came in as well a few minutes after and instantly noticed Alloy greeting him with a firm hug.
"Alloy! You came to town! Sweet-, I mean BonBon told me you'd be coming, how are you??"
“I'm doing well myself, what have you been doing?”
"Oh I've gotten a new job at the post office, I used to work there actually, BonBon and I have been also doing research."
"Ah so you're part of the little team too hu?" Alloy asks.
"Mm hmm! I go through some of the letters the six receive, it's all normal bills and stuff so far." She says. BonBon enters the place, orders a drink and sits with them, she is wearing shades.
"Hey you two, you should wear a disguise." BonBon says.
"Those shades really don't do anything" Alloy says to her. Muffins nods in agreement.
"Well... Okay maybe you're right, anyways did you get in?" She asks taking off the glasses.
"Yes, I managed to get in. I wrote some notes in your notebook if you don't mind" He passes the book to her.
"In where?" Muffins asks.
"Oh the Royal Archives." Alloy responds.
"Shh, not so loud" Bonbon looks around. "What'd you find Alloy?"
He leans in, "I was there all night, I saw that there were many high spells there, anyways pertaining to the Main Six, there wasn't much of what we already know. I did actually read some of Celestia's writing which went so far back it was hard to get anything on the elements specifically"
"Good job Alloy, it's a shame their archives don't have what we're looking for" BonBon says.
"I ran into Luna this morning." Alloy says.
"You did?? In the library?" She asks.
"Yes, we had a small conversation, and she suggested I talk to Twilight about the elements."
"Alloy! You could have been held as suspicious! Luna could have had you executed!" She says rather loudly, then lowers her voice, "You got lucky"
"She didn't seem to find it odd that I was there, but I suppose it was a close call" Alloy sips from his milkshake.
"Wow hehe typical Alloy" Muffins smiles. 
BonBon sighs and smiles a bit, "Okay, well I'm glad you're safe, now I have another thing for you to check out."
"Tell me, and I'll get right on it" Alloys says, his milkshake nearly empty.
"There's a guy I know, well that I know little about, but I found out about him a while back when I went into Notts' office. The guy's name is A. He's a male earth class. He was making deals with Notts until I came in and he left. So to the point, I would like to know who he is and what he his deals are about." She says.
"You're sounding more and more like a boss every time we speak" Alloy jokes, "Then again you are really good at what you do."
"Oh Alloy, you know it's just the three of us right now. I'm sorry for sending you off on so many missions...it's not my intention it's just we're short on ponies to help." BonBon says sincerely. Muffins finishes her drink.
"I understand, I'm not complaining. It gives me something to do" Alloy smiles, "Any leads on where the A is?"
"Well...not exactly" BonBom says.
"Wait I know!" Muffins blurts out, "I have this flier thingy!" She takes out a paper from her bag. "It says A's pawn shop right here" She smiles.
"Let me see" BonBon reads it, "Seems like this may be the guy, it has the shop's address and number. Fine work Muffins."
"Glad to help! Hey I have to go make these deliveries, it was nice seeing you two." Muffins hugs them both and rapidly leaves.
"That Muffins is a smart one, a good memory for recalling things." Alloy smiles.
"Indeed, I'm glad she's staying with us." BonBon says with a small sigh.
"What's wrong?" Alloy asks.
"It's just the three of us Alloy...all of the agency either left, became part of the military or something else." She drinks from her cup.
"We're doing a good deal of work without them, and you're the best of the best with this. I'm sure later down the road we'll get more members" Alloys assures her.
"Thanks for that, it means a lot, I've been stressing out on a few this like what if the main six turn on us or what if they're defeated. I don't want to be left defenseless. That military we have is all just for show, have you seen them fight? It ridiculous how Tirek defeated them all..." 
"I know, that's another reason I'm here with you, you have a purpose to keep our home safe." He smiles again, "Oh I nearly forgot to to inform you that I also got into the new castle"
"Thank you...wait what?? You got into Twilight's castle? What did you find??" She asks changing her stressed tone to a sudden surprised one.
"It was open, and inside there was really nothing there. Really empty besides Twilight and Spikes rooms which had some books and furniture. I took some notes in your notebook if you want my full observations. There's nothing really out of the ordinary about it besides the crystal that it's made out of." Alloy summaries.
"I see, again good job. I appreciate it, here have the flier good luck on the mission" she gets up.
"Take care now BonBon, if there's anything more that I can help give me a call."
"I will, see you next week, maybe sooner of something comes up." She leaves the place, throwing away her cup as she goes. Alloy looks at the flier which has an image of the earth pony named A on it. He looks like a rather shady guy wearing a flame shaped necklace.
"A, what a simple name." He thinks and leaves, putting the flier in his pocket and leaving a tip on the table. He goes to the bus stop where he finds Pinkie happily bouncing towards him, he can't help but smile.
“Here you go! As I said” She hands him a box, which he opens. The cake has his name in large letters.
“Looks amazing, what is it made out of?” He asks.
“Strawberry!”
“You're amazing! That's one of my favorite flavors” He smiles more, “Thank you Pinkie”
“I'm glad you like it”
“It really kind of you, I well, feel like I should make it up to you somehow” He says.
“No need! It's my standard to give everyone new something nice and feel welcomed.” She smiles.
“Okay, heh, but if there's something you need in the future, next time I'm around, ask.” He offers.
“I'll keep it in mind!” She says, “See ya around silly!” She goes off and away. Alloy watches her leave then waits on a chair for the bus to arrive. 

The address from the flier takes him to another rundown place in Cantorlot except this time it's nicer than Jackson's neighborhood. There are normal shops such as phone stores, clothing stores and such, mostly a shopping district. He stands in front of the store that has, in big neon letters written: A's Pawn. He walks in, the door had a little bell to signal a customer.
"Welcome to my little shop in the jewel of Equestria! We also sell jewels of you're interested" A greets with a smile, "What're you looking for? We have it all, tvs, phones, rings, weapons?"
Alloy only hears the last part and says, "Weapons hu? That interest me"
"Looking for a little protection ay? Come over to this counter" A leads Alloy to the back counter where he reveals knives of all sizes along with spears, swords, bows and such. He notices a little trap door under the mat where A is standing.
"I'm looking for something more...dangerous, something with kick"
"Kick eh?" He leans in to whisper, "You want to look at the lead shooters?"
"The guns?" Alloy asks.
"Shh not so loud, yes the guns" A says.
" Yes."
"What a great customer!" A goes over to close the shop, "We need to make the exchange quick, you know how the law is" A rushes to the trap door and unlocks it with a key that is his flame shaped necklace.
"What type do you have?" Alloy asks.
"I just got a whole new stock! Come on down" A climbs down, Alloy follows. In the basement, which seems to be larger than the shop above, there are many weapon types as well as regular store supplies.
“Quite the selection, where'd you get them all from?”
“Trading with the officials, some are from out of country, but you don't wanta here bout all that, you're here to buy” A says.
“Officials? Like what kind?”
“Hey hey, that's for me to worry about, now what type of gun are ya looking for?” 
“Have you dealed with a stallion named Notts?” Alloy asks directly, he could tell A was probably not a good fighter, he was just a supplier, and from what it seemed he had no helpers near him or at the store. It was just them.
“I might have, what does it matter to you?” A responds, he knows he's in a bad spot.
“I worked for him. He was my boss before we left.” Alloy answers. 
“Looking for blackmail?”
“No, he was a good boss. I just want to know what was your business with him.” Alloys says.
“Weapons, if that isn't obvious. He sold them to me, I sold some to him. It was all mutual, and it was that way for years. Until recently, it stopped but he gave me more than I ordered, which is good for me.” A grins. Alloy walks over to a crate and opens it, E.S.S. weapons. 
“Yes, I remember some of these from work.” Alloy says.
“And what exactly was that work?” A asks, now feeling more comfortable knowing Alloy is not there as a threat. 
“Just security.” He says.
“Must of been some heavy security then, these weapons are huge! You don't see these around often” A chuckles.
“It was. Well that's all I needed.” Alloy goes back up. A closes the trap door.
“Is that really all you came for?”
“Yes, but I suppose I may visit you again sometime, for some business.”
“Just what I like to hear! Here's my card.” A tosses him a card with his face on it.
“Now before I do leave, is your business with Notts over?”
“Yes, since this little shut down you speak of, he's stopped communicating.”
“Great, don't tell him I came or next time I see you, we'll have different business.” Alloy says in a serious tone. 
“Hey, as long as you don't speak to the authorities about my guns, we're okay” A says.
“I won't.” 
“Good” He reopens the shop, “Looking forward to your business” Alloy walks out of the shop and heads home. 

Arriving home, he remembers the cake he had gotten from Pinkie, which was at the table where he had left it before going to fine A. “Mmm what delicious looking cake.” He said aloud. Colla interrupted him with a meow and a hiss. She scoots her bowl and meows louder. “I didn't forget!” Alloy says to her giving her food from the cat bag. He sits at his 3 chaired table and takes a slice eating it. It was sweet and had real strawberries in it as Pinkie had said. “Amazing!” Levitating a cup of milk over to himself he finished the slice and drank. Afterward he washed the dishes, brushed his teeth, showered, and went to bed early.

The next morning at 9 am Alloy had nothing to do so he was sitting in his sofa seeing the 9am news. Colla is near him sleeping lazily. The phone in the kitchen rings making Colla, as usual, freaks out and runs away, Alloy yawns and levitates the phone over to him and answers. 
“Alloy speaking.”
“Alloy it's me BonBon, you need to get here right away!”
“In a flash.” Alloy hangs up asking no further questions. He puts on his shirt, vest, and watch. Quickly he brushes his hair back to how it usually was and left his house, door unlocked.

Within 30 minutes he reaches Ponyville tired, due to him teleporting his way there. He knocks on BonBon's door. She opens up quickly and steps out. 
“Alloy, good you came, walk with me” She says.
“What's the situation?” He asks as they walk.
“Muffins said the Main Six were headed out altogether somewhere.” 
“And that's important..?” Alloy was confused.
“Yes! Very, you see each time they go out like this, something big happens. In addition to that they all left from the castle. Muffins and I are staying here as usual and are going to see what caused them to leave, we'll look for clues in the castle.”
“How long ago did they leave?” 
“Over half an hour ago, they took a train. The one that leaves to the further reaches of our lands it's costly, but I know you have that covered.”
“Yes, alright, anything I should take?”
“Anything you see fit to take, it'll be a long journey.” BonBon says.
“I'll just be spying, I best get going then” Alloy starts running ahead.
“Good luck Alloy!” She shouts out. 

They go their separate ways, Alloy boards the steam train sometime later with a pack of basic supplies such as water, matches, a change of clothes, food, and a small shelter. Overall the bag weighs 20 pounds.  He takes his assigned chair and looks out the window, the trains in Equestria were fast due to there reliance on both coal, steam, and most importantly, magic. What Alloy saw was the landscape quickly passing by, with 3 minutes they were already out of Ponyville. Making himself comfortable he fell into a deep sleep.

The train stopped and he got off, looking around he was in the middle of nowhere at a desert landscape, the train parted. This was the train's last spot, he had no clue where to go from here. So he began to walk forward from the train's last tracks, he found a balloon on the ground, no doubt Pinkie's, he thought. Going along even more he found more balloons, looking at his watch he noticed it had been nearly closing in to 1pm. Honestly he was exhausted from the heat and walking. 

More time passed and he was in mildly tropical area, it had more shade than the desert, he found a river and drank from it. The balloons lead him to a bridge which as unstable as it seemed, was sturdy so he crossed. Eventually after another hour or so the balloon trail which he usually found one every mile stopped at the edge of the small sub-tropical forest. He wasn't certain where he'd go but forward was the best choice he thought. It was now closing in on evening the sun was beginning to make it's final turn. He was at the edge of a small cliff, looking over he saw a small settlement with simple houses except for the one at the end which was the largest. Sliding down, he made his small tent there and couldn't help but to fall asleep, exhausted.  

It was nightfall when Alloy was awakened by a rather loud noise outside his tent. He was shocked to see two ponies with large smiles staring at him.
“Welcome!” One of them said.
“Where am I exactly?” Alloy asked him, he stood up.
“Our town!” The other replied with the creepy smile.
“It's just. Our town?” Alloy asks.
“Yes! It could be your town too! Come on we'll show you!” They both said. Alloy packed his tent and followed them into town, which was now lighten up by lamps, most ponies where indoors. 
“Wait what's that?” Alloy pointed to a prison, that in it held the main six.
“Oh don't mind that, it's our local prison where non-equals like us are kept.” Said the male.
“Equals?” He asks.
“Yes look!” They both excitedly showed there equal marks. 
“How'd you do that?” Alloy asks. He catches a glimpse of Pinkie in the prison.
“Our leader, Starlight will show you!” One of them says, as he leads them to the biggest house. One of them knocks. Starlight opens.
“Ah a new guest! Welcome welcome” She says aloud offering him entrance. 
“Thanks, nice little place you have here” Alloy flatters her. 
“You think so? It is isn't it? It's a perfect Utopia put together by myself.” She somewhat brags.
“I noticed the cutie marks, what's up with that?” 
“Oh yes, we all have the same ones so nobody is superior to anyone else.” She says.
“How do you get them like that, do you paint them on?” He asks.
“What paint them on??” She says, suddenly feeling nervous.
“Oh it's just a question, sorry if I intruded.” 
“We remove them with a spell I have, I can show you.” She offers.
“I like my mark just fine” He answers.
“Oh but I'm sure once you see the benefits of being just as one, you'll surely want that thing off” She smiles.
“We'll see, speaking of such, I need a place to rest tonight, do you have an extra place around here?” 
“Why yes, I'm sure any of our citizens here would be delighted to have a spot for you, stay here,  I'll go out and ask one of them.” She leaves followed by the other two, Alloy alone in her home.  
“What a wacko place, same cutie marks, plain clothing, same houses it seems, weird smiles, and they have the six in their prison. I could break them out…No I mustn't interfere with them, could have me suspicious once things are over.” He says to himself. After 5 minutes, Starlight enters with a gray-pink mare that as wearing a cooking apron.
“Here you are. Oh my, I nearly forgot to ask your name friend.” Starlight says to Alloy.
“It's Blur, Blur Red.” Alloy makes up.
“Nice name, Blur Red, this is our town baker, she'll be lending you a spot in her home” She smiles. The mare in the apron smiles as well.
“Thanks, I'm truly humbled by your kindness” Alloy says.
“It's getting late, come along” The mare in the apron says. Starlight watches with a smirk as they leave.

At the baker's house Alloy is given a bed, aka the living room couch. The mare is with him staring at his rear, which makes him uncomfortable. 
“Your cutie mark is beautiful...” She starts.
“Beautiful? Hmm never given it's beauty into perspective.” Alloy responds, “What was your mark before you changed it?”
“It was…something else, I'm not allowed to say.” She says rather sadly. 
“Oh, I see, it's alright” He sits on the sofa which is his makeshift bed. She sits by him.
“Blur Red, where do you come from?” She asks.
“A place called Ponyville in Equestria” He lies, but is convincing. 
“Ponyville….yes. I've heard of that place before.” 
“How about you?” Alloy asks her.
“Just a small town somewhere, I can't recall much of it” She answers.
“Are we here alone?” He asks.
“Yes...why?” She says kind of feeling suddenly insecure.
“Just asking, I wouldn't want to disturb anyone that's asleep” 
“My name is Sugar Belle” She says suddenly.
“Oh, uh, lovely name” Alloy says awkwardly.
“Earlier today those six came into town, they all had different cutie marks, but they were still friends”
“Those six, what happened to them?” 
“I..I well, can't really say...” She looks out of her window, “We might be being watched”
“What?” Alloy asks.
“Those six are special, and so are you, I realized it earlier when I spoke to them here.” She continues, seeming to ignore his question.
“When did they arrive?”
“Around mid-day, they were able to roam free around town to see how great it is. And then after some...ahem things happened, they were thrown in our prison...their marks were replaced.”
“With that equal sign you have?” He asks.
“Yes. I've spoken too much already...you make yourself comfortable. I-I need to go. See you in the morning.” Sugar Belle says in a hurry and runs up stairs shutting the door. Alloy sits there looking in the direction she went. He then slowly peers out the window and sees how a white stallion was watching the house from a distance. Shutting the curtain quickly, he laid on the couch and thought about possibly helping out. The main six were captured. Was it still his job to help them? No, his job was to protect Equestria, this had nothing to do with the endangerment of Equestria. Maybe it did though, if the main six were gone, then would that endanger the country? Everything seemed okay back at home, this was an isolated town anyways. He wondered if Sweetie and Muffins were concerned about him being gone so long, and the main six being gone a while too. 
The lantern that lighted the room turned off on it's own. Alloy rolled over on his side. He wasn't trapped here. He could leave right now and go back home. Or were they going to imprison him too? He knew now that if they went as far as to take the main six, he'd have to watch his back. “I'm on my own here” He thought. Nobody could help him if he was taken. This hadn't crossed his mine till now, and it made him begin planning out numerous scenarios until he fell asleep.

End of Chapter 3.  


	
	
> E.S.S 4 - The Baker and The Office and The Business 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 4
The Baker and The Office and The Business 

Alloy awoke by himself, and stopped his watch from ringing it's alarm. He turned over and jumped back a little when he saw Sugar Belle looking at him from the stairs.
“Sorry!” She says suddenly. “I, uh..I made you some breakfast” She smiles making her way into the kitchen. Alloy gets up and follows her.
“Breakfast, you didn't need to” He says kindly.
“Oh but you must be famished! You traveled here from far away.” She says placing a plate of burnt food. He looks at it with disinterest in tasting it.  
“I have some food in my pack” He says.
“...I know..I'm not a good cook with this cutie mark limiting me” She looks away saddened.
“Hey now, that mark can't keep us from making a good meal, how about we cook together? I'm not to bad, at least I think I'm not” He smiles, suddenly realizing that her cutie mark was taking her talents away.
“You would? Really?” She asks as if it were a weird thing to offer.
“Sure thing, breakfast is an important meal after all, let's make it taste good, and you can learn to bake better at the same time.” He says as he looks through he fridge getting out ingredients. She watches as Alloy places things into a bowl and begins mixing. She smiles and helps him mix. 
“I'll mix for you, you can measure” She says. Alloy nods and measures out a cup of milk, flour, and cracks eggs into the bowl. After a few minutes, they have baked a nice batch of muffins.
They sit together and eat, “Blur, these are amazing!” She says.
“You think so? They're alright I guess, I think I may have added a little to much egg.” He says.
“They're perfect” She eyes him. Alloy turns a bit embarrassed and quickly changes the subject.
“Thanks. Hey, have you gotten any new about those in the prison?” 
“Them? Oh yes! We're going to see them today, my friend is with them. He had to go there to help Fluttershy join us.” 
“Wait….what?” Alloy asks confused, Fluttershy joined the town?
“Yes! It was rather sudden yesterday, I hope my friend's alright. Let's finish quickly, we'll be seeing them today.” She says. They eat their meal and head out towards a crowd in front of the prison. Alloy slips away and observers from one of the houses. Sugar Belle looks around but doesn't find him, so she joins the crowd from behind. 
The 5 of the Six are taken out, but not before Party Favor runs out and begs for forgiveness. Alloy watches as Starlight agrees, which causes a general celebration. Suddenly everyone gasps as Twilight steps out, saying she'll join as well. Alloy is shocked. After some dialog, Fluttershy throws a bucket of water towards Starlight, which she dodges. This adds to Alloy's confusion. Party Favor then wipes a drop of water that happened to fall on Starlight. Which cause a big commotion. Sugar Belle goes up to her, she asks why Starlight had her cutie marks still. Alloy finally understood! Starlight was lying to them, she had kept her cutie mark after saying that they were bad and evil. They begin to surround Starlight.
“Oh crap, are they going to kill her??” Alloy thinks aloud. Starlight begins to run away quickly and everyone starts for a cave, except the main six which go after Starlight at her house. Alloy follows causally from behind, making sure he isn't being suspicious. The six can't get in and are aided by the villagers, which seem to all have there cutie marks back on them. They break into her house and exit out through a cave exit. Alloy pants as he tries to keep up. The group pursue Starlight, the main six are lagging behind so Alloy stays behind them. 
In a matter of minutes, the action is over and the Main Six's marks are returned to them. How? Alloy didn't know. The Six rushed off ahead to confront Starlight, Alloy stays behind and watches from the cliff, he takes out a set of binoculars to see. Starlight nearly kills 3 of them, one of who is Sugar Belle, with a magical blast. Twilight creates a shield which had blocked off the attack. Alloy's heart raced suddenly as he thought that would have been the end of Sugar Belle. Starlight creates a flash and disappears into the tunnels of the mountain. 
“She got away.” He says to himself putting away the binoculars. 

After sometime everyone goes back to town, including Alloy, who checks up on Sugar Belle
"Blur! There you are! I'm feel so much better" Sugar Belle hops with excitement.
"You look pretty beautiful too, hehe, I'm glad you got your mark back" Alloy says to her. She blushes a bit.
"Aww thanks Blur. Hey you know what? The town is having a celebration for getting all our marks back. Want to help me bake?" She asks quickly.
"Hmm" He looks at his watch, "Let's do it." He smiles.

They go to her house were they begin a massive baking session. "You've gotten way better!" Alloy says to her, watching how quickly she makes things.
"It's all thanks to getting my mark back" She says with joy.
"That other mark was restricting you from your talent" Alloy say, "I'm happy for you Sugar you're definitely better than me at this."
"I like you Blur, hehe this morning when we baked, I remembered what my true talents used to be like before Starlight took my mark. For once in a long time I felt truly proud of my food again" She says hiding her face a bit. Alloy looks at her a little then responds.
"Hu, well it seems I came here for a reason." He smiles. She smiles a little as well. Together they finish the baking, Alloy helps her carry the food out to the Main Street where everyone in town is putting in something towards making a big party.
"I think maybe it's time I should leave, everything seems fine now" Alloy says to himself, but is over heard by Sugar.
"Leave? You'll miss the party Blur." She says.
He turns back. 
"You guys deserve it, I didn't do much of anything to help"
"Don't say that, you helped me, and we haven't had time to...know each other" She says looking down. Alloy thinks a few seconds then goes on to make her happy.
"Tell you what, I'll stay for the party. Then I'll need to head back home" He says in happy voice.
"Good! Come on Blur, we need to pass out the food!" She takes his arm and together they start to give everyone pastries of all kinds. The main six, he notices, don't stay for long and leave with the town forever thanking them. After the party cools down Alloy and Sugar are sitting at the bakery stand eating.
"Oh man I'm stuffed. It's really good I just want to eat more" Alloys says with his belly now fat.
"Yea! I still got the good baker in me. Haven't been like this in years!" Sugar comments.
"How long have you been here?"
"I believe it's been 3 or more years."
"Living like this? How did you ever put up with it?"
"Honestly now that I look back, I don't know. I think it was just the promises and unity Starlight had created here"
"She has pretty strong magic from what I can tell" Alloy says.
"She does, I mean she could literally take away a pony's cutie mark. Must take a lot of studying for that."
"I bet so, I've never been one for extreme spells like that, but I'm pretty good with more normal spells"
"Me too. Oh, I never asked, but how'd you end up here at this town"
"I was following the main six" he answers directly.
"Why? For their protection?"
"In a way, but really just to observe what they're capable of up close. I'm not too impressed. It was really all the town working together that saved the day."
"They helped the town realize what we were all living through" sugar defends.
"True, they did do their...uh job I suppose" Alloy says.
"Something wrong?" She asks.
"I saw how Starlight nearly killed you up there just before Twilight saved you with a shield spell" Alloy says, "I thought for a second that that was the end of you..."
"Oh Blur.." She hugs him.
"My name is Alloy" He says suddenly.
"Alloy? Why'd you use Blur?"
"I...it's part of my job" he turns away feeling a bit guilty.
"Your...job?"
"It's, well...not technically my job anymore so I'll tell you. I used to be part of E.S.S" He turns back to her.
"E.S.S?"
"It's the Equestrian Secret Service."
"Woah really? That's got to be a tough job"
"It was, until those Six came along and made it a piece of cake."
"What happened??" She asks.
"We were all dismissed." He says.
"Oh...I'm sorry"
"Don't be, it's okay, me and a few others have joined together to basically start up something like it again"
"That's really noble of you guys. So why do you follow the main six?"
"We want to know how they work, what makes them so powerful, and I suppose to also be there in case they aren't there"
"Alloy that's a big cause you have, how many of you are there?"
"Only 3 including me"
"That's...a little. Hey do you think I could join??"
"Sugar, it's a dangerous job. I don't want you being in danger like today"
"Oh come on, I could at least be doing office work and baking for you guys"
"I'll need to give it some thought and ask the others, it's a big decision. I want you to think about this too" He says.
"You're about to leave aren't you..?" She looks down.
"It's about that time." He lifts her chin up, "I'll be back in less than a week" he smiles. She hugs him tightly.
"Alright...don't keep me waiting!" She smiles.

After some final preparations, Alloy leaves the town onward to Equestria. It takes him another day to find the train tracks that lead into Equestria. That night he set up his tent by the tracks and rested his tired hooves. He began to wonder about Sugar. She liked him. Was that a good thing? He didn't want to start getting all emotional over her, it would drag him down. If they got together they'd be in love a while, separate one day, or she'd get harmed and he'd regret it. It's was too much of a risk, besides his life was happy without a special someone. Though he said that, he still couldn't get her out of his mind for the rest of that night.

The next morning Alloy ate a muffin Sugar had made the day before which he enjoyed. He made progress that day, making it to a small town in Equestria, which he rested at for an hour and caught the next train into Ponyville. He reached the town fairly early in the day around 10:30am. Sweetie Drops spotted him as soon as he stepped off the train.
"Alloy! You're back" she walks beside him, "Well, how'd it go?" She asks.
"I'm tired." He smiles, "The six had been captured before I arrived at this isolated town, which was run by a communist type of government"
"That's quite the place, how'd they escape?"
"At a town gathering, they found out their leader had lied to them so they sorta rebelled. Non-violently. The six took that time to escape and the town aided them to get their cutie marks back"
"They lost their cutie marks??"
"Oh yea, so apparently their leader, Starlight, had the know how to remove them."
"That's pretty extreme. So what did they main six do?"
"They showed the town how not to be oppressed and to have their talents. The most magical act was done by Twilight when she saved three of them from being destroyed"
"Destroyed by?"
"One of Starlight's spells"
"Ah, okay. I'm glad you're safe as well Alloy. Good job."
"Heh, thanks. What have the six done here?"
"They arrived late yesterday, they were all really happy and then they all went to their homes"
"Did you get into the castle?"
"I tried, but it was all locked down, besides Muffin's told me Spike and a few other stallions were there. I don't know for what"
"Nothing too exciting then" Alloy smiles.
"Yep. I'd like to know more about this Starlight leader, what happened to her?"
"She disappeared into a cave system, nobody followed after her"
"Hmm, she could be a possible threat. We'll be sure to be on the look out if she surfaces around these parts." Sweetie says. Alloy nods and yawns a bit.
"Oh BonBon, there was this mare I meet in that town, her name was Sugar Belle. She's interested in joining us"
"You told her about us??"
"It was the appropriate moment too, so yes I did. She helped the main six in pursuing Starlight and she's a great baker."
"Okay, we'll have to find out more about her before we go on, I'll ask Muffins to join us at Hay's Burgers at 12 pm."
"Gotcha I'll be there, I'm going to be preparing something. See ya!" He runs off.
"Preparing something? Alloy is so random sometimes." Sweetie says to herself, she slightly smiles.

Alloy sits on a bench at the bus station, he takes out a small map from his pack which had been used to find his way back home. He circles an area right by Ponyville and labels it with an H. "Perfect little spot" he says. He gets up and makes a call on a line phone.
"Hello? Mr. Atomms talking" Alloy's dad answers.
"Hey father, you think I can have some money?"
"Not even a 'how are you doing?' Hu? Alright what's it for and how much?"
"I'm going to build a small business office here in Ponyville."
"Business ay? Sounds good, so how much?"
"I don't know, how much do you think it cost to build a building like that father?"
"Hmm lets see, air, property, water, plumbing, supplies, workers...680,000 bits minimum to build. And cost per month would be 6,250 bits. This all just the least costly option "
"That sounds reasonable, so will you give me the bits?"
"I suppose I will, now before I do, what's this business of yours?"
"It's a uh..an office that...uh, will deal with construction in Ponyville" Alloy says.
"Ah perfect! Cashing in on all the destruction Tirek did! Basic economics. See son, it's just the way I would have done it. I'm proud of you my boy. I'll send you the money via your bank account."
"Um, yeah thanks father" Alloy hangs up. His father was one of those business ponies that made money by investing in things like that, he would always receive tons of money from disasters, which seemed to happen every now and then so that made him basically rich.

Alloy didn't like the way he profited, but it was all just business. His father would attend to the galas and grand parties of Cantorlot and hang out with the elite of the country. Maybe his father had some influence in the politics but Alloy wasn't to sure, he had never asked. His mother had been right along with him as his partner, until she started losing her memory little by little. Alloy's father would still keep her next to him but she'd be so random at times that she became a hazard when doing business so father usually had her stay at the house while he was out. Alloy could tell his father was having a hard time with her, father had tried to give her the best treatment for her memory issues, he cared a lot for her. Together they had become wealthy, it was a typical love story, they meet it college, fell in love, started a small business, it grew, they had Alloy, and then overtime they were making money. Alloy's parents, when he was young didn't have as much time to parent him properly, but he didn't mind. He had his friends to hang out with, but spent most his time with his parents and their businesses. He always spoke his mind which would get him into trouble at times. His parents were there to bail him out though, Alloy hadn't done any far off crimes, he had good morals. It's just sometimes at his school he felt that it was a waste of time because he learned more things that mattered to him from following his father around meetings with scientist and officials. In fact Alloy graduated early because his father knew he was not going to learn from the school so using his money, Alloy was set free from school. He took to inventing or still following his father around on his business runs, that is until E.S.S caught his eye and just had to join.

These things Alloy often reflected on at times. Regardless, his office would be made, and he was happy.

End of Chapter 4.

> E.S.S 5 - From point A to point B
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 5
From point A to point B

The small meeting of the three agents was held once more at the restaurant. Sweetie Drops and Muffins were there before Alloy came in, trying to hold back a smile.
“What's gotten into you?” Sweetie Drops asks him.
“Nothing, heh, so the meeting what's been going on?”
“Hmm, okay. Well the thing with your mission, I've already informed Muffins here about it. Now, the most import part of this will be what to do if Starlight surfaces and our possible recruitment.” Sweetie says.
“What does Sugar Belle do?” Muffins asks Alloy.
“She a baker.” Alloy responds.
“Any...other skill? Stealth? Fighting?” Sweetie asks.
“Well, no, but she's a really good baker. Here I brought back 2 muffins just for you two from her.”  Alloy takes out a baggie that has the muffins and gives it to them. Muffins instantly approves, eating it almost as quickly as she sees it. Sweetie nods a bit.
“I say we let her in!” Muffins proposes.
“I don't know, her food is good, but how will that benefit us?” Sweetie asks them.
“It's food BonBon! And it delicious!” Muffins protests.
“It's not enough...” Sweetie says. 
“Ha, I new you'd say that BonBon” Alloy smiles.
“Oh goodness...what did you do??” Sweetie asks.
“Something good! Follow me.” Alloy leads them out.
“Alloy! We can't always be seen together, ponies may think we're up to something” Sweetie says as she catches up to him.
“Don't worry, I got that covered. Just wait till we get there.”  Alloy assures her. 
“What is it??” Muffins asks.
“You'll see just wait.” Alloy says again. Eventually they walk about 3 miles from the restaurant, arriving at a grassy spot by a tree. 
“We're here!” Alloy stops and turns to them.
“Green pasture? I'm kind of full already.” Muffins says.
“A tree? What are we going to build a tree house?” Sweetie smirks.
“Yes!” Alloy laughs.
“What?” Sweetie asks, now even more confused.
“This tree will be the front lawn, oh we could put a sign here for the place!” Alloy continues.
“Alloy, are you okay?” Muffins asks. Sweetie Drops face hoofs.
“I'm more than okay! Aren't you two excited??”
“All I see is a tree Alloy.” Sweetie says.
“Oh, that's not all! There will be a building up here in less than a month!” Alloy starts.
“A building...Alloy you didn't...” Sweetie begins.
“I did! All with my own money, no cost will be brought upon you two” 
“Hey...uh..what's going on??” Muffins asks them.
“I'm making us a new office” Alloy stands by the tree.
“Woah!!! That's going to be great!” Muffins jumps up and down. Sweetie smiles.
“You've done it again Alloy. Thanks for this huge contribution. Now, what's the office going to be dealing with? Is it just E.S.S 2?” Sweetie asks.
“Nah, it'll be undercover as a construction planning offices. The back area will all be for our new E.S.S.” He smiles.
“You've got it all figured out don't you?” Sweetie smiles a bit.
“That's sorta right, we just need to find employes to work there for the construction offices, like secretaries, janitors, oh and we need to advertize!” Alloy says to them in a speech like stance.  
“I'll print stuff out for employment and put it in everyone's mail!” Muffins comments.
“Perfect! And do you know who will be the office kitchen keeper and main office personal?” Alloy asks them both. 
“Ah, I see now. Sugar will be working here and maintain it” Sweetie says, “Wow Alloy, I'm truly impressed. You know, this will also cover for me finding work here, I'll pretend I work for the construction offices here.” She smiles.
“And all of us will have our own big offices!” Alloy announces, “Hmm, I still need to work out the blueprints for this place, I should have that done by tomorrow.” 
“Hey now, don't over work yourself now.” Muffins says.
“No need to worry Muffins, I have nothing else to do, this is perfect for me” Alloy smiles.
“Heh, we'll leave you to it then. Now onto Starlight.” Sweetie says.
“Well, I'm sure she's out to seek for revenge. It's the typical thing that could happen, and the six live here in town so, let's continue watching over them, but make sure we ourselves aren't being watched.” Alloy recommends.
“Exactly, but if she does try something what do we want to do?” 
“Can't say, if we interfere it could blow all our covers here.” Alloy says.
“She's good at magic too. I think it's best if we just watch and if things get out of hoof then we defend.” Muffins smiles.
“It's the only thing we can do with such a limited staff.” Sweetie agrees.
“I'm going back to the town Sugar lives in tomorrow.” Alloy says, “I'll leave the blue prints ready for you tomorrow Muffins. I'm mailing them so you should receive it at the station tomorrow, all you have to do is hand it to the ponies coming in for the construction.” 
“That's all?” She asks.
“Yep, it has my signature on it, I'll have already paid for everything by then, since I'll go to the bank today.” Alloy assures her.
“Busy all the time.” Sweetie comments.
“Hey, you know me. I have to have something to do or I'll be getting into trouble” He sticks his tongue out, “I'm off now gals. You two have everything under control here.” 
“Be careful out there, we'll be have Sugar answer some questions when she joins” Sweetie says to him.
“Mhmm! And bring a good amount of food too!” Muffins hugs him. Alloy nods.
“I shall. Byeee” He teleports away.

The next day the train speeds away once more from Ponyville at it's rapid pace. Alloy is hyped up for everything that was happening, for the building, for the progress, for Sugar.  He had mailed the blueprints to Muffins and paid for it at the bank, so he expected the office would begin it's construction soon. All night he had toiled on making them causing him to be tired at the moment, he had also packed enough supplies for him and Sugar to make the journey back. He was quick to fall asleep till the train's last stop.

When he got off it was around noon that day, the desert area was as hot as ever, making him wear a wet cloth piece atop his head. When he arrived in the sub-tropical forest it was lightly sprinkling from the skies. There was no weather control here, and in most parts outside of Equestria, so a small sprinkle turned into a hard down pour of water which completely soaked Alloy. He ran to find some sort of shelter, which he found under some trees. There was no strong signs of thunder, so he remained there for at least an hour shivering. The rain ended, resuming to the previous sprinkling it had started with. Once he got to the bridge, he slipped on moss sending him skating to the center of the bridge. He got up in pain, but continued, having no real big damage. Eventually he reached the little cliff that over-viewed the small town. The hour by then was later than the first time he had arrived before, still he made his way into town. The layout looked kind of the same, except he noticed that there were more decorations on the houses. He could already smell the aroma of Sugar's baking, picking up his pace. 
He knocked on Sugar's door, which she opened up quickly and gave him a hug.
“Alloy! You came after all!” She smells him, “You need a shower” She chuckles.
“Sorry about that, the road was much more hazardous this time.” He smiles and enters her home, placing his pack near the entrance.
“Oh my, you must be weary and hungry, do you want something to eat?” She asks.
“That would make my day” He grins. She nods and goes to the kitchen, returning with a half sliced pie with a fork.
“Thanks” He sits where he is and eats.
“Did your group agree on allowing me to join?” She asks as he eats.
“Well, yes, I was pretty convincing, but..” He swallows a piece of pie, “They'll be have some sort of test for you”
“A test? Do you know what it's about?” 
“Nope, all they said was they were questions. Have you given this all any thought, you know, joining and all?”
“Oh yes, all the time since you left.” She says.
“You're sure you want to join?” 
“Yes, I've already packed my things”
“Very well, we usually have an oath we take for this kind of circumstance, but...that was old E.S.S, we'll have to create a new one, heck I think we need a new organization name.” Alloy says.
“A new name, oath, and a new member! How exciting to be joining in so early and be part of the history.” She says with enthusiasm.
“Heh, it is, I'm going to hit the shower now, I won't take long” He takes some clothes out from his bag and heads over to the bathroom.
After a brief 7 minutes he comes out looking like his normal clean self again. He takes his pack over to the couch and sits down and closes his eyes. Sugar sits next to him.
“When are we heading out?” She asks.
“Tomorrow in the morning, do you have all lose-ends tied up?” He opens his eyes.
“Yes, they think I'm moving to Equestria for a business opportunity. It's not a lie right?” She smiles.
“Heh, nah it's not, it's true.” He looks at her, “It's a big decision”
“I know” She leans on him, causing him to want to move away, “What's it like in Equestria?” 
“It's beautiful, the weather is controlled by the pegasi, everyone is friendly as far as I've experienced, well maybe the cities have a little attitude, but it's over all good” He chuckles. 
“I can't wait. I wanted to ask you if you have a place for me to stay once we cross over.” 
“Oh...I completely overlooked that hehe” 
“Perhaps with you?” She asks. He instantly wants to say no, but she had offered her home to him so it would be a jerk move he thought. Still it would be awkward having her this close to him all the time.
“Sure thing, you can stay with me for sometime before we find you a new place to live” He smiles.
“Thanks Alloy it means a lot to me” She hugs him for a while. He forces a smile.
“No problem, hey I'm pretty tired from traveling, I'm going to sleep now. We have a long journey ahead tomorrow.” Alloy says. 
“It's getting late isn't it? Heh, couch is all yours, I'll be up stairs if you need anything” She gets up from the couch. 
“What're you planning on doing with this house?”
“I think I'll keep it as a backup, the fridge only has water and enough food for our breakfast tomorrow. I told my friend here to look over it for me.”
“All planned out too” Alloy smiles.
“Yep! Hehe goodnight Alloy” She goes upstairs.
“Goodnight” He says so she can hear it. Alloy lays down on the couch and stares at the roof. He was eager to make his new E.S.S bigger, Sugar would be the newest member. He really feared for her safety, so much that he thought of appointing her just to do office work as he has said to Sweetie and Muffins. That was one of the reasons Alloy liked working alone, he hated having the risk of someone else getting hurt and more now since it was him that had gotten Sugar to join. His house had an extra room that was a mess since it was used as a storage, he'd have to clean that place out once he got back, put a bed there, and have Sugar move in. He could buy her a place to live like an apartment or something, but it was too late to mention that to her, so he feel asleep.

In the morning Sugar woke him up before his alarm did. She had thrown a large pack from the top of the stairs. 
“Oops, sorry” She smiles, “Good morning, I'll get breakfast started”
“Heh, alright” Alloy sits upright on the couch and stretches. He goes into the restroom to groom up and brush, once he got out he could smell the delicious smell of toast and eggs. 
“Come on and eat” She pulls a chair for him.
“Looks and smells good.” He sits down and eats.
“How long will the journey be?” 
“About all day, it depends on how the weather is” 
“Okay” She eats as well.
“What did you do here after I left?” He asks.
“Me? I began to pack my things and I spent all the rest of the time baking out my inventory, selling most of it so I could have some bits to buy stuff when I go with you.” She smiles, “And I told everyone I was leaving the town, so they all said their goodbyes, I also spent some time with my friends, and now we're here” 
“Nice, hey are you allergic to cats?”
“I don't know why?”
“I have a cat at my house, her name is Colla”
“Oh, I'm sure I'm not” She says. They finish they're meal and put on their packs, lock the doors and windows, and head out.

It is a windy day with a hot feel to the breeze. The town goes out to say they're last goodbyes, some of them wonder about the stallion she's going with. Most of them didn't know him, some knew him only by Blur Red, Sugar's friends were the only ones that knew his name, but still not enough about him.  Alloy himself didn't mind they're concerns, he was focused on other things. They left town and in little time reached the subtropical forest, it was moist from yesterday's rain and today's heat evaporating it. Along they way they talked about simple things, Sugar was interested in Alloy missions. 
“So who are the members of the agency?”
“Muffins is a gray pegasus, BonBon, as she goes by is a yellowish mare.” Alloy says.
“Why'd you choose Blur Red as your alternate name?”
“I've used it before since I'm kind of redish and Blur is just the first thing I came up with” He chuckles.
“Will I have to get a name change too?” She asks excitedly. 
“It's really up to you, though I think BonBon will ultimately decide that for you.”
“So BonBon is your boss?”
“Not entirely, she's the best agent though, that's why I go along with it. Since we're a small group we usually talk about it and come to an agreement, so in a way we're all our own boss.”
“Ohh, okay, what name should I choose if it comes to that?”
“What name do you like?”
“I don't know, I'll need to give it more thought” 
“Heh, alright we have a lot of time to think about it.”
“You live in Ponyville right?”
“Oh, no, that was part of the make up story. I live in Cantorlot”
“The capital of Equestria...wow.” She says in amazement.
“It is a grand place, it has nice weather, it's mostly a safe place.”
“So we're going to have to get up and take buses and stuff to work?”
“Yes, will that be a problem?” He asks considerately.
“Oh no no no, I love the idea. I've always wondered how it'd be to take a bus to work, it feels like a more normal city life. I've heard about it from other ponies, how cities were. All my life I have lived in small towns, never once rode on a bus before” 
“This is all new to you, I'll do my best to make you feel comfortable.” 
“Thanks Alloy.” She smiles. They walk through the rest of the forest by mid-day. The desert area is cooler than the day before, still Alloy provides shade for Sugar by levitating a cloth piece over her head. 
He knew he must treat all females with respect, his mother had told him this every day, and so had his father. His father had said if you don't respect a mare, you have no respect for yourself. It seemed to work out for Alloy, he was always as kind as possible when around them, though sometimes his kindness would be mistaken for having love interest. At those times he'd usually tell them straight up that he was just doing what was right. Anyhow, most of Equestria was run by females so it was best to stay on their nice sides, especially the royalty. 
They reached the tracks and Alloy places his pack down.
“Will there be a train coming?” Sugar asks.
“Not unless someone's coming this way which is rare. So we'll be walking some more till we reach a town. Want a little break?” 
“Heh yes please” She puts down her pack taking out a bottle of water and chugging it down.
“Sorry about the long walking, I would've brought a carriage here but all the companies I know of don't extend their reach all the way here.” Alloy pardons.
“It's okay Alloy, you've done the best you can” She takes out a doughnut, “Here have this, you look famished.”
“Are you hungry? If you are you should eat it” Alloy says.
“Nah I have enough in my pack” She smiles giving it to him.
“Heh, alright” He eats it. After a 10 minute break they get back up on there way. Eventually, around 3pm they reach the same small town Alloy had been at before. Sugar takes a bathroom break, so Alloy looks at his map, placing a black dot on the small town. From here they'd take the train to Cantorlot instead of Ponyville. And so went the plan, the boarded the train and left towards Cantorlot. 
“Do you have any parents left?” Sugar asks.
“Yes, they both live in Cantorlot in a big house.” Alloy says.
“I never really got to know mine, I was put up for adoption at an early age.”  
“Who'd you live with?”
“Most of my childhood was at the orphanage, then when I was 18, I took a grant from the government and went to collage for cooking/baking. I was already good at it so I passed easily.”
“Collage hu? Hehe” He chuckles.
“What's so funny?” She asks.
“I bought myself out of collage, I didn't like it. I learned everything too quickly and found out that what I was learning I was learning better from my father.” He smiles.
“You're wealthy then?” She laughs a bit.
“In some sense yes, kind of, it's mostly money from my father.” He chuckles a little.
“Spoiled little boy aren't you?” She snickers.
“Nah, I pull my weight, I used to go along with my father and mother on their business inquires so I got used to it and eventually helped them out, and hey you gotta take advantage of what you have.” He says with a smile.
“Ah okay” She smiles. The train ride last another 2 hours and Sugar falls asleep on Alloy's shoulder. Alloy looks out the window seeing the landscape pass by. He wondered about the office's progress, and of this test Sweetie Drops and Muffins were preparing. He'd have to worry about it more tomorrow, there was no point in going to Ponyville since by the time they got there it'd be late, and then they'd have to return to Cantorlot. It was a long journey, he didn't want Sugar to get exhausted then do this test and possibly fail because of her tiredness. 
Another hour passed and the train ride ended, Alloy gently woke Sugar up.
“Hey Sugar, we're here” He says in a soft voice.
“We are…?” She opens her eyes and looks out the train window seeing all the castle buildings. She gets up quickly, amazed. Alloy takes her bags for her and they board off the train. Sugar runs on ahead of Alloy, admiring the sites.
“Don't get lost now” Alloy says to her. At this time the streets are beginning to be lighten up by rows of elegant lights, impressive to anyone new. Alloy eventually had to take her hoof and escort her to his home.
“Alloy! We need to go out to see all the lights.” She nearly begs. Alloy sets the packs down.
“Aren't you tired?” He asks.
“I had a good sleep on the train, come on lets go pleassse.” She says again.
“Oh okay, it's still early enough.” They walk out his house and trot from street to street looking around at every little thing.
“That big castle! Is that were Celestia and Luna live??” She asks.
“Ever since I can remember, you want to go there don't you?” He smiles.
“Yes!” 
“It's closed from visitors right now, but tomorrow they open it up at 9am.” He says.
“Aww dang. Can we go tomorrow??”
“If we have time heh, remember, we need to introduce you to the crew and do that test.” Alloy says.
“Right right, lets head home” She agrees. 
They arrive home and Colla springs out onto Alloy's head, hissing viciously. Sugar hurries and levitates the cat off of him, so Colla runs off into one of the rooms.
“I haven't feed her” Alloy smiles.
“So that's Colla” She laughs. Alloy goes into the kitchen and serves the cat food. Colla instantly rushes and devours the food.
“Let's see...I have a spare room, but it's all trashed up.”
“I can sleep on the couch” Sugar says.
“Oh no, I can't have that. You take my bed, it's much more comfortable than this old thing. I'll sleep on the sofa” Alloy offers.
“You sure?” 
“Definitely, I would hate you to feel uncomfortable here.” He tosses his bag onto the couch, “My room is the one all the way at the end, it has a restroom inside so you have everything you need there to make yourself at home.”
“Thanks again Alloy!” She hugs him tightly.
“Have a goodnight, I'll wake you up if you oversleep, heh, it being a different time-zone and everything for you.”
“Okay, goodnight” She looks at him for a bit, smiles, then runs off to her room. Alloy sighs a bit then gets on the couch. He sits on the couch and turns on the T.V to see the night news. Nothing to drastic is happening, the reporter spends most of the time discussing the Princess's castle, tomorrow's weather, and politics, so the usual. He hears a noise and lowers the volume, the noise is Sugar singing in the shower, she sounds beautiful. Alloy smiles a little, and turns off the T.V. He pulls a leaver on the sofa which folds it back letting him rest his legs. He lays down and falls to sleep shortly after.

End of Chapter 5.
	


	
	 

> E.S.S: 6 - Interview with Friends
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 6
Interview with Friends

Alloy woke up before Sugar did, he could hear her snoring down the hall and couldn't help but laugh a little. He feed Colla before she began her relentless meowing, so she was happy. He flipped on the T.V to the morning news leaving it on as he went to a different restroom to shower and do his usual routine. When he got out Sugar was making breakfast and had his plate already made on the table. 
“Good morning Sugar.” He takes his chair.
“Hey there Alloy, had a goodnight rest?”
“Yes, how was your night? Was everything to your liking?”
“Mhmm it was comfortable, do you like hot chocolate? I started making some”
“Of course, thanks for this breakfast.” He says, beginning to eat. She takes the chair on the opposite side of him, taking her plate and eating as well. 
“What time do we leave at?” 
“I dunno, we really don't have a set time. We'll go at 11 so you can see the castle.” 
“Really?? Yes!” She says, spiting some food out, “Oops sorry” She smiles and cleans the mini mess.
“You know, sometimes we're allowed to see Princess Celestia and Luna when there's less ponies visiting” He smiles.
“The...Princesses..whoa that would be amazing!”
“I've seen them both before, even spoken to Luna when I was on a mission” Alloy comments.
“Really? What happened?” She listens eagerly.
“I was sneaking around the national archives, then Celestia came in and I hid, I was afraid she'd sense me and take me out, but she left quickly. And Luna was there in the morning when I, well I feel asleep and woke up, so she asked if I was there all night, and asked for my name.”
“Did you tell her your real name?” 
“Yes, I didn't want to lie to the royalty if I didn't have too, in addition to that, she may have been reading my mind for all I know” 
“Wow, what were you doing in the National Archives?” 
“I was researching the elements of harmony.” 
“I've heard of them before, it has something to do with the main six doesn't it?”
“Yes, I didn't find much on it” He finishes eating. There is a knock on the door so he gets up to answer. At the door is Muffins in her mail uniform.
“Muffins what are you doing here?” He asks.
“BonBon sent me to see the newbie” She whispers.
“Is this part of the questioning test thing?” 
“Kind of, BonBon got a little sick so she asked me to be the judge” She smiles. 
“Okay, what's going to happen then? We're eating breakfast at moment.” 
“Oh sorry! So we're just going to go to old E.S.S and talk about it's history, then I'll ask what her motives are, how she feels about the organization, stuff like that.” 
“Seems simple enough” Alloy says.
“Oh yeah, you can't come with her during the test” Muffins says.
“Alright...what should I do meanwhile?” 
“Hmm, you could go to town and see BonBon, or look at the office”
“The office! Right, how's that going?”
“Everything according to plan” She smiles. 
“Nice. I'll be going soon give me a moment to finish breakfast.”
“Kk, I'll be outside” Muffins says. Alloy closes the door, Sugar is already washing her dishes.
“Who was it Alloy?” she asks.
“One of the agents, she'll be taking you out for the test thing” Alloy answers.
“Will you be coming along?”
“Can't, don't worry I'm sure you'll do great” He assures her.
“Alright” She takes a deep breathe, “When do I start?” 
“Once you step out the front door. She'll be waiting for you, meanwhile I need to take care of some business in Ponyville.” 
“Okay, how do I look?”
“Look? I don't think the test will have anything on looks.”
“I know I know, just seeing if I look ready”
He looks at her, “Hmm, yeah, you look ready” 
“Good”, She heads towards the door, “Wish me luck! Oh and when I come back we're going to the castle.” She smiles and exits the house. Alloy looks out the window, watching them as they go off into the city. He closes the blinds and goes to his room to get a change of clothes. When he walks in he is surprised to see things reorganized, new curtains, new bed covers, and his clothes more neatly organized. He chooses his typical clothing type, a vest and tie then heads out.

Later that day he is Ponyville, he looks at the building spot, the foundations are still being laid down. Next thing was to stop by Sweetie's home to check up on her, so that's where he went. He knocks, Lyra opens the door.
“Oh it's you, BonBon isn't home she went to the doctor's for a check up” She says.
“Alright, I'll come back later.”
“Nah, you can come in she left a long while ago so she should be returning soon” She opens the door. Alloy walks in.
“Thanks” He looks around, the place looks really tidied up since his last visit, “It looks really nice in here, did you guys do a makeover?” 
“BonBon did, yeah I guess it does feel more organized.” Lyra smiles.
“What is she sick from?”
“I dunno it started off as a cold yesterday, it got worst so I told her to see a doctor, so that's where she went”
“Ah alright, how long have you two known each other?”
“It's been about 7 or more years. I lost count” She chuckles a bit, “How about you two?”
“I think it's been 2 years now.”
“What's your profession?” She asks.
“I'm a business guy, I start up local and sometimes big business such as offices and things of that sort.” He says.
“Woah, a rich guy, what's your cutie mark?” She asks.
“It's a golden iron mold that is holding some sort of blue ball of matter.” 
“What's it supposed to mean?” 
“I've always looked at it as meaning to be creative and controlled, since I like to tinker with things and build things up. It may have some more meaning but I don't know.” He looks at his mark a bit.
“That's pretty cool, mine is a harp, I haven't really found out why I mean I don't play that instrument, I sing alright I guess. It's confusing I feel as if it's meaning is something else too” She thinks. 
“It looks pretty nice, much easier to describe than mine” He laughs a bit, she smiles and chuckles a bit as well. The front door open and in comes a sick BonBon.
“Oh hey Alloy” She says sickly and coughs, “And hello Lyra”
“You don't look so well” Lyra says and goes over to her. 
“Hopefully this medication the doc gave me helps” BonBon sits. 
“I heard you were sick, that's why I came to visit” Alloy says.
“That's really kind of you” BonBon says. 
“I'm going out to do some research BonBon” Lyra says, taking a small pack with her. 
“Don't get in trouble again Lyra” BonBon warns. Lyra hugs BonBon.
“I won't” She laughs and rushes out.
“Research?” Alloy asks.
“Yeah, she thinks some weird beings or something exist and that it's all a government conspiracy” Sweetie smiles. 
“Do they exist?” Alloy asks.
“Probably not, whatever they are. She keeps sneaking into restricted places which worries me” She coughs. 
“I see, how'd you get sick?” 
“I was doing an op around the new castle, you know the usual scouting, when I came in contact with this flower thingy that caused me to feel dizzy” 
“A flower? How strange”
“I know what kind of plant it was, it's just odd that they'd be growing here. Besides that the activity the six have been doing is mostly customizing Twilight's castle, nothing special.”
“Oh, hey have you noticed it's been getting colder?”
“Yes, the pegasi are getting ready to make it snow soon.” Sweetie says.
“Already?”
“They're doing it because last one's fall didn't quite soak in or something like that.”
“I don't like the snow, it's just so...cold” Alloy chuckles.
“I assume you know I sent Muffins to test Sugar, I hope it works out.” Sweetie says. 
“I'm certain it should work out, you look tired I'll be taking my leave to let you rest.” He gets up.
“Thanks for coming” She yawns, “Yeah I'm heading to bed.”
“Heh, I'll be going then, hope ya feel better.” He leaves.

Alloy heads back home, and sits in his garage starting to put together some straps over his hoof, measuring it and taking notes. His garage door is suddenly opened, Alloy backs up catiously, seeing who it is.
“Ay you old fool lock your stuff boy!” Jackson laughs. Alloy shakes his head.
“I thought it was the government come to take my stuff” They do a handshake, “How's it been?”
“Rough man, I got two jobs and got fired from both of them.”
“Dang, how'd that go down with your girl?”
“Haven't told her yet” They both laugh, “How about you Alloy? What crazy things have you been doing?”
“Missions, right now just messing with a few things here.” He opens his house door, “Come in”
They go the kitchen and sit, “Missions? What kind?”
“Traveling mostly to scout. Went to this semi-communist place with a bunch of wackos”
“I see your still alive so I'm guess'n it all went good” Jackson says.
“Yes, I got a mare from there that wants to join us.” 
“Really now?”
“Yes. She's currently doing a little test thing with Muffins” 
“Is she cute?” Jackson smiles.
“I mean” He thinks trying not to sound like they had something going on, “Yeah I suppose so” Alloy says.
“Heh, alright then. Hey you got any good beer around here?”
“I might, let me check” He goes to his fridge coming back with a two bottles of cider, “Yea I only have this cider, I don't really drink much”
“Hmm,” Jackson takes it and looks at it's branding, “Better n'othing” 
“Now, why are you here for? I'm sure it's not just to visit your old pal.” Alloy opens his bottle and drinks. 
“Been wonder'n about this thing you got runnin' with Sweetie and Muffins.”
“Wondering what?”
“Are you going to start payin' your employees?” Jackson hesitantly says and takes a drink.
“Eventually, what, you want a job with me?”
“Yeah yeah, you know. What would you have me do? Hopefully not a silly test.” He says to Alloy.
“A test for you? Nah, though I think I could use you in my new office.”
“Your...new office..” Jackson drinks more, “You have an office now??”
“Sort of, it's being built”
“You rich sucka” Jackson laughs, “Fine then what office stuff ya goin' have me do?”
“I need a manager to supervisor my construction company and to do background checks on each new employe” 
“Construction? Man whatcha runnin' here?” 
“I had to make it partially into a construction office to keep the place under cover, but more importantly to convince my father to fund the building of the office.”
“Oh I gotcha now, so I'll be doing all that and get my own office room right?” Jackson grins.
“Sure” Alloy leans back in his chair.
“Man you a life saver, how much am I gonna get paid?”
“I have no idea, how much do managers usually get paid?”
“Shouldn't you know?” Jackson asks.
“I have a basic idea, I think I'll start you off with 60,000...hmm well that's usually for someone with a degree, which you don't have” Alloy laughs.
“Hey man, school is for suckas, so that's a lot of cash”
“Your right, 9,000 a month should satisfy your needs.”
“That's highway robbery!” Jackson protests.
“Hey, it's just begining, besides if you do a good job I'll raise it”
“I need some money now, can I get a little down for entering?” 
“Fine, but only because your my friend, I'll give you an extra thousand this month.”
“Perfect!” Jackson finishes his drink, “When do I start?”
“In about two weeks.” 
“Two weeks! Man I need to assure my girl that I got myself a job, can you sign a paper or something to say that I'm employed??” 
“Of course, I'll mail it to you by tomorrow.”
“I need it today, or she'll kick my ass outta the house!” Jackson pleads.
“Fine fine, let me go print it off, follow me.” They go into a small room in the house that has a desk with a printing device and a computer-like machine. He turns it on and begins to type. 
“Did you want me to join in on missions as well?” Jackson asks.
“It's up to you, I'm doing good so far.” Alloy continues to type.
“Okay brutha, if you need my help, you just ask me alright?” He watches him type.
“Yep, of course after all, I'm your boss.” Alloy chuckles a bit. The document prints, “Here you go.”
“Attom's Construction Dep. What a name, is that the official name too?” Jackson puts the paper in his hoodie's pocket.
“Yeah, I came up with it just now.” 
“You should change it to something like: Dope Construction. Or call it something like Hammer Bros.”
“I figured it should have my last name in it so it could satisfy my father's investment and his name.” Alloy says.
“Right, your dad's the rich one.” 
“Basically”
“Well thanks man, I'ma get goin' now” Jackson heads on out.
“Oh and the address is on the back of the paper, it opens at 6am every morning, and it's out of town so when you go for your first day be on time!” Alloy calls out.
“I will see ya!” Jackson yells back. 

Alloy turns off the computer and sits in his chair rolling around in it then jumps out and heads to his garage. The cat runs in and meows demanding more food. 
“Not now, it's been like two hours you fat thing” He says to it. It hisses loudly and leaves. He continues to put together a piece of metal, welding it so that it fits into his hoof perfectly. The time goes by and eventually Sugar returns coming in from his still open garage. 
“Hey you” Sugar says, “What're you doing there?” Alloy takes off a welding mask he has on.
“Oh just making a little something.” Alloy turns to her.
“It's a mess in here, what do you do in here?”
“I usually draw up some invention and try to make it” 
“That's interesting” She looks around, “What is this?” She points.
“That's a dismantled car” 
“A car?”
“Yes, they're faster than the normal pony and can carry a good load. They never caught on though, I only have this one because my father bought it thinking he'd invest into that industry” 
“Ohh fancy, I do remember hearing about something like this” She recalls.
“How did it go with Muffins?”
“We talked a lot, she's a real sweetheart. Most of the time we were just talking about ourselves, then she started talking about the agency.”
“What'd you think about the agency?”
“It's really impressive I still don't know why Celestia canceled it.” 
“To be honest, she just suspended it for sometime, according to Notts, you know about him right?”
“Yes, Muffins told me about him, I dunno Alloy it seems rather odd don't you think?”
“What is?”	
“That the agency got suspended” 
“I've given it little thought, but now that you mention it, it was really sudden. I thought if it did happen Celestia herself would come to tell us.”
“I think it is weird. Anyways, I believe I am going to be a member now!” She smiles proudly.
“Well well looks like you earned it.” He says.
“Earned what?”
“The castle visit of course!”
“Yes! Are we going now??” She asks.
“Let's do it, but first I'm going to clean off” He says and goes inside.

The rest of the day is spend venturing through the castles in Cantorlot. Sugar is deeply amazed and takes Alloy to every little thing such as painting, statues, and gardens. Afterwards they dine at one of the high-end restaurants. 
“Thanks for taking me out” Sugar says to him as they eat.
“No problem, it's been a while since I've gone around the castles.” He drinks from his glass cup. A waiter serves him some more cranberry juice. 
“When will we begin to do work?” She asks. 
“I can't say, but what I can is that BonBon will probably be the one decide if you go do fieldwork, I have my own suggestions for you.” 
“You do? Like what?” She looks at him.
“I was thinking the office work you know? I don't want you getting into trouble and arrested” Alloy says.
“Oh...I guess I can do that” She says in a saddened tone.
“Hey, don't worry you'll be helping me on missions. You see, I have these earpieces I kept from old E.S.S that allow one to be communicating with someone back at base. You'll be helping me with updates and things like that.” 
“That sound's much better than what I had in mind.” She smiles and takes a drink. 

After dinner they head on home where Alloy finds a note on his door.
“What is it?” Sugar asks him.
“A note from A. He's a guy that sells weapon.” 
“Is it something important?”
“Must be, it says something about...Notts. It's bad news. I'll need to get in contact with BonBon as soon as I can.” He rushes inside and starts a call. Nobody picks up. 
“No success?” Sugar asks, walking into the kitchen with him.
“No. I need to go find her then.” 
“Can I come along?” She asks.
“Since you're part of the agency I say yes.” Alloy goes to his room and grabs his suit. They then run out the house. The time is now 10 pm. 

End of Chapter 6.
> E.S.S: 7 - Notts and Conspiracy
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S 7
Notts and Conspiracy

By the time Alloy and Sugar arrived at BonBon's place it was 12:35 a.m, and Alloy had awakened Sweetie and Lyra. 
“What's this about?” BonBon starts.
“It's about Notts.” Alloy says, pressing his importance.
“Hu? Who's Notts?” Lyra asks.
“It's one of my business partners, some stocks have fallen and I need BonBon to help me figure out how much I might lose” Alloy says to Lyra.
“Ah..hu, economics...whatever I'm going back to bed” Lyra yawns and goes back inside.
“What's happening Alloy?” Sweetie puts on a jacket and heads out with them.
“I received a note from A. It says that Notts is hunting him down and that he caused a fire in his store.” 
“Why does this matter to us?” She asks.
“He had connections with Notts, and he also writes that he may be coming after us next.”  
“What??” Sweetie says, “Why would he come after us?”
“I don't know, but according to A it's a possibility.” Alloy keeps on walking.
“Where are we going?” Sugar asks.
“I-I don't know, let's just get out of Ponyville.” Alloy says.
“Wait, Alloy, what's wrong with you? You seem so panicked” Sugar says. Sweetie nods.
“Sorry, it's..just I'm concerned for our safety.”  He admits. They all remain silent until they reach the Everfree and stop there. 
“Okay, I think I'm safe” Alloy finally says.
“Looks like it, what are we going to do?” Sweetie asks him. Alloy thinks hard.
“I don't know...it's best we...we need to find A.” Alloy says to her.
“You're probably right, if he's after A we might be next as he said. Where is he?” 
“According to the note it says he's hiding out at the Ponyville hospital” Alloy says.
“Let's go then” Sweetie says.
“No, I'll go alone...you two go to the construction site of the offices I'll meet you back there as soon as you can” He says.
“Are you sure Alloy?” Sugar asks, “It could be dangerous.”
“And we need to warn Muffins as well” Sweetie adds.
“Go get her and meet at the construction area.” Alloy starts to pace towards Ponyville, “As for the dangerous part, it might be, that's why I'm going alone.” 
“I want to go with you” Sugar comes up next to him.
“No, I'm going alone.” Alloy says again, picking up his pace. Sugar stays by him, “Sugar I need you to go now, you're not prepared if something happens!” He says in a warning voice.
“But..but what if something happens Alloy??” She says.
“Then...nothing will happen to you at least” Alloy teleports her away before she says something else.

Sugar is teleported back with Sweetie Drops. “What happened?” Sweetie asks as she picks her up. 
“He wouldn't let me go with him..” She cries.
“Now now, it's just the way Alloy is, the only partner he'd take out with missions like this is Jackson, an old college of ours. Alloy knows how to handle himself.” Sweetie says. They start to walk to Muffin's house.
“Are you sure BonBon?” She wipes a few tears away.
“Look, Alloy has been trained as well as possible, I know so because I trained along side him myself” Sweetie assures her. They arrive at Muffin's small house, Sweetie knocks.
“Hmm..uh wha..BonBon? Sugar?” Muffins looks out her top window.
“Come on out we have a situation.” Sweetie says to her. Muffins glides down.
“It's..” She yawns, “Late, something going on?”
“Yes, we need to go to our office construction place, I'll explain on the way” They all hurry away.

Alloy arrives at the hospital and looks from place to place for A. One of the nurses goes up to him.
“Are you looking for someone? It's past visiting hours”
“A male, he has on a flame-shaped necklace. He's a close friend of mine.” Alloy says briefly.
“Well, okay, I'll let you pass. I believe I know what room he's in. Follow me.” She offers. Alloy nods and goes with her. They go upstairs to a room marked: Number 56, “Here it is, hope he's the right one.” She smiles and leaves. Alloy thanks her and enters the dim room. A is sleeping in a bed, he looks injured, as he has on various patches.
“Wake up A.” Alloy shakes him.
“What?? Hey! What's your deal man? I was sleeping, dreaming about the mares and-”
“I don't care about that. You left a note at my door, what's the situation?” Alloy says bluntly.
“Right right, as I wrote, Notts came in and burned my place down, I nearly died!” A says making various expressions.
“Why did he come to do that to you?”
“I don't really know man. He came in with a group of five, maybe seven others in masks. Looked like mercs to me.” A sits in his bed.
“Mercenaries? How interesting. Why do you think he's after my crew and I?”   
“Just a hunch, you know, you guys being involved with him and all.” A takes a sip from a glass of water. 
“I appreciate the warning. Do you think you're safe?” Alloy asks.
“I have a back up plan, you see I own a house her in town so I think I'll stay there for a while, then I'm moving to a remote town”
“How long will you be staying here?”
“Depends on how safe I feel, why?”
“I might need your help with a few things.” Alloy says.
“Well, what is it?”
“I see that you may have some contacts, I need you to help me find out why Notts did this.”
“Me? I mean, yeah I have the know-how about tracking but Notts is a whole new level of threatening.” 
“It's up to you. I need to get going if you have nothing more to tell me.” Alloy says.
“Wait, there is one more thing that may prove to you that he's after you. He asked me when he began to light up my shop, that if I had supplied you with weapons.” 
“Alright. Thanks. Is there a way to contact you?”
“I have a disposable phone I'm carrying. Here's the number” A takes out a card and gives it to him. 
“Right. Bye.” Alloy leaves the room. He starts to go down the stairs when he hears a familiar voice in the lobby. Nott's voice. He rushes back to A's room and locks the door.
“What's the big deal man??” A demands.
“Notts is here, likely after you” Alloy opens the window, “We need to leave now”
“Woah, okay!” A jumps up from his bed.
“Do you think you can make it down?” Alloy asks him.
“Two stories? No problem!” A goes on ahead of Alloy and hops out. Alloy quickly follows, he hears a knock at the door, but is already out. He manages to close the window before taking off after A. They both run at a random direction. 
“Where are you going A!” Alloy shouts from behind.
“I don't know! My house!” A says as he continuously runs.
“I'll go with you for your safety.” Alloy catches up to him. After a few minutes of galloping around they reach A's small private Ponyville home and enter it.
“Want..want a..drink..?” A offers Alloy a bottle of water, he himself being nearly out of breath. Alloy simply nods his head and A throws him a bottle, “He found us!” A says after taking a long drink.
“He found you, he probably didn't know I was there.” Alloy comments taking a few sips at a time.
“Whatever! He's here! I didn't expect him to track me down so fast!” A says.
“He's a professional, plus you're rather easy to find. All he had to do is ask ponies if they've seen a pony like yourself, since you have a unique mark and you're partially burned now.” Alloy takes a seat on an old sofa.
“You really think that's the way he found me?”
“It's just a theory, but if I were him, that's what I would have done.” 
“So, what now?” 
“I suppose you stay here, I'm sure nobody saw us coming this way.”
“You want me to stay here??” A nearly panics.
“There's no real other option, you can't come with me that's for sure.”
“Oh man...this is quite the situation..” A rubs his hair in a stressed manner.
“Just lock the door, keep the lights low, and don't draw too much attention here and you should be fine. If you do go outside, cover your mark, burn marks, and perhaps get a haircut.” Alloy suggest, he gets up and proceeds to the door. 
“I think I can do that. How will I contact you? What is your name??” A asks.
“I'll contact you, forget that disposable phone he could be monitoring all calls. And call me by my code name: Blur Red.” Alloy leaves A's home and heads to his office.

When Alloy gets back Sugar is quick to give him a hug. “Alloy! Are you okay?? What happened? Did you get hurt?” She says in a frenzy. 
“I'm good. As for A, he's now in his little safe-house here in town. Notts showed up at the hospital.” Alloy states.
“What did Notts do? Did you make contact with him?” Sweetie asks.
“I was thinking about it, but he was there after A so I had to make sure he made it out safely.” Alloy sits on the grass.
“So it is true, the whole thing with Notts.” Sweetie says with a sigh.
“I'm afraid so. I still don't have a definite answer to if he's after us. I spoke with A briefly about it and it still not a sure thing, but I'm going to be cautious just in case.” He says.
“Are we going to stay here all night?” Muffins asks.
“I would recommend we all stay together now, but if you guys have other opinions it's okay.” Alloy answers.
“I believe we should stay in pairs of two, I'll have Muffins stay over at my place, Notts doesn't know I live here. At least not that I know of..” Sweetie suggest. 
“Okay, that leaves Sugar staying with me.” Alloy agrees. 
“I'll contact you tomorrow, we have to make some sort of plan.” Sweetie says.
“Of course, it's late, you gals have a good night.” Alloy says to them, he is exhausted but still smiles a little. They wave goodbye as he and Sugar leave.

Sugar and Alloy arrive around 2:30 a.m at his house. 
“Want me to make you a coffee, or something?” Sugar ask him.
“Thanks for the offer, but sleep is the best remedy right now.” Alloy sits on his sofa and takes off his vest.
“Oh, um, okay goodnight then” She smiles and leaves.
“Goodnight Sugar” He says. He gets up and locks his home down, closing the window shades and setting the house's alarm on. He then sat in his sofa for another hour or so making sure no one came along. 

At 8 am the next morning Alloy was awakened by the sound of the phone ringing, he had overslept a little. Still he rushes over to answer it, he expected Sweetie Drops, but instead it was Notts on the phone. 
“Alloy! How's it been going for you?” Notts asks in a friendly tone.
“Good mostly, and yourself?” Alloy asks.
“Oh it's been, interesting.” Notts chuckles.
“How so? Been doing some special missions for the royals or something?” Alloy asks casually. 
“Haha, oh good heavens no!” Notts chuckles louder. 
“Oh? So why are you calling, is E.S.S back on or something?” Alloy asks, well knowing it's a no.
“Not at all, I was curious, you have nothing going on right now right?”
“Not really why?”
“I've got a few things I want to talk to you about, it might get you back into some action.” Notts offers. Alloy thinks a bit the replies.
“Hmm, it has been rather boring around here, what do you have?” He asks.
“We'll need to meet up somewhere so I can tell you. This is all top-secret.” Notts says.
“Seems like something good” Alloy chuckles, “Where do we meet?”
“That's what I like to hear! Meet me at the Cantorlot downtown carnival, I'll be near an instruments stand wearing a trench coat.”
“Want me to bring anything?” Alloy asks.
“No, you won't need anything.” Notts says.
“Cool. I'll meet you there then, you'll be there all day today right?”
“Correct, but don't take too long to get here” Notts hangs up. Alloy sits there a bit with multiple thoughts. He'd need to be careful in case it was a set up. Sugar comes up to Alloy smiling as usual.   
“Good morning Alloy, want me to start so breakfast?” She asks.
“I think we won't have time for that. Notts just contacted me, I need to speak with Sweetie and Muffins.” 
“What's it about?” 
“He offered to meet with me to give me a job of some sort.” Alloy heads to his room and chooses another pair of clothes, he puts on perfume since he didn't have time to shower. Sugar follows him into his room.
“Mm, smells good. So, are you going to Ponyville then?” 
“No, it'd take too much time, Notts wants me to come over soon, but that's where I need you. Making a call isn't safe in case my phone is tabbed, so you'll have to go on your own and tell BonBon, from there you guys can decide what to do next.” Alloy says as he combs his hair. His cat meows for food but he ignores it.
“You...think so? I'll do it, but you be careful Alloy.” She says, “I'll also make sure to feed your cat.” She smiles a bit, trying to hide her sadness. 
“Thank you Sugar, I appreciate it, make sure nothing happens to you, I wouldn't forgive myself if something happened to any of you gals.” Alloy sighs a bit and heads to his front door, he takes out a key and gives it to her and deactivates his house's alarm, “That's my house key in case you need to come back here if something happens.”
“Please take care Alloy...” Sugar hugs him before he leaves. He smiles.
“I will, remember to be quick” Alloy takes off. She stays at his house for a few more minutes, giving the feline food and preparing herself. She wanted to look around Alloy's house to see what more he had, but since time was a factor she decided to leave instead.

Alloy spotted Notts exactly where he said he'd be at, he had made a few rounds to see if there were any other agents that may ambush him. He then approached him and Notts smiled.
“Alloy! You came after all” He coughs a little, he is smoking a fancy cigar.
“Wouldn't want to miss an opportunity” Alloy says calmly. They begin to walk, “So what's this all about?” He asks.
“Many things, you can keep a secret right? Of course you can, you were one of my top agents” Notts says.
“Hmm, judging by your words I'd say it's something a little against the law?” Alloy looks forwards.
“Perhaps. I trust you with this information so don't you go ratting me out, got it?” Notts says in a more serious tone.
“Go on, might as well hear what you have first.” Alloy says.
“I'll get straight to the main things. E.S.S never ended, that was just a cover up to get all the agents that didn't know out. Unfortunately that included many of our good agents such as yourself” 
“I thought the whole dismissal thing was odd” Alloy agrees.
“Planned. By me, and a few others.” Notts says.
“Seems random, why do that?” Alloy asks.
“The Princesses that's why! I have a plan to take at least Celestia out of the picture, that is I did until we got yet another Princess a while ago, so I began planning on taking Twilight out as well. But I thought to myself and decided I should start off small and gradually lead up to them. Since your dismissal, me and others have been taking out officials or replacing them, sometimes bribing, and others threatened.”
“That's quite the thing you have going.” Alloy says, rather casually, “So this where I come in right?”
“Yes, I need more agents to help speed up the process, and you can help, so what do you say?”
“I don't see many benefits in this” He states.
“Benefits?? Alloy, we'd be changing history! We'd re-arm the army, train them better, get rid of the Monarchy and start making Equestria stronger.”
“Seems like some little fantasy you got going, but if you feel that you need me, I'm in” Alloy says. 
“Perfect. First target is a small nuisance to me. I've gotten close to getting rid of him, but he managed to escape twice.” Notts starts.
“Where do I track him to, and how does he look like?” 
“The guy's name is A, he's got blackmail on me. He's an earth pony with this fire necklace he always wears. Last place he was at was the Ponyville hospital. I reckon that germ is still around there, he couldn't have gotten far with the injuries he has.” 
“I'll get on it, any due date you want this taken care of by?”
“Whenever you can, I prefer within this week or we'll loose him.” Notts suggest.
“Got it. How many of us are there? Like the crew you work with?” He asks.
“Don't worry about that right now Alloy, let's just make this your little test before fully joining us” Notts grins.
“Whatever you say.” Alloy says, pretending to not care.
“I'll need to find a way to contact you, let's just meet up at this address when you finish the job” Notts gives Alloy a small note.
“Alright. Goodbye then” Alloy leaves Notts in the carnival. 

Sugar arrived a bit later in Ponyville, she was still trying to get to know her way around the new places. Eventually she found the house in which BonBon and Lyra lived in, unfortunately when she knocked, nobody was there. So Sugar wandered around the town trying to find at least one of the agents. After even more time, with no success, she sat at an outdoor restaurant and laid her head down in frustration. A server came to her and asked for her order, but she was too angry with herself to respond, the server left her alone so he wouldn't cause any drama. 
“There you are” Alloy said to her, coming up to the table.
“Alloy! I'm so sorry! I failed you...I couldn't find them, I tried but...” She cries. Alloy is suddenly shocked, he looks around a bit to see if they were drawing attention then takes a chair.
“It's all good Sugar, nothing bad occurred anyway.” He says.
“But..I failed..” She says with guilt.
“Well, you did, but it wasn't an official mission and everything turned out just fine, so don't worry yourself over it” He lifts her sobbing head. She slowly stops crying and hugs him. For about two minutes she is hugging him, slightly still in tears, “Now now, come on let's get going. We need to find the others” Alloy removes her gently. 
“..Okay...” She lets go. Together they begin their search for the crew.

End of Chapter 7.
	 

	
> E.S.S: 8 - Assassination and the Castle of the Two Sisters
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S 8
Assassination and the Castle of the Two Sisters

After another hour or so of searching, Alloy and Sugar find Muffins at one of the houses she was delivering mail at. 
“Hey guys!” Muffins instantly notices them and rushes up to them, “BonBon's been trying to get a hold of you two!” 
“We have been trying to the same, that's why we came here, where is she?” Alloy asks.
“Oh, I dunno anymore, last time I saw her, she was at the hospital looking for clues or something.” She says.
“I meet Notts this morning, he gave me a mission” Alloy tells her.
“What?? Are you changing sides now?!” Muffins takes a hold of Alloy and shakes him, it causes Sugar to laugh.
“No no! It's just to see what he's up to I swear!” Alloy struggles.
“Oh okay.” She lets go and smiles. Alloy dusts his vest.
“Yes, that why it's important, this means Notts more than likely doesn't know what we have going on with our E.S.S. That's good news, the bad is that his mission for me was to get rid of A...I'm having a hard time in thinking of what to do.” Alloy explains. 
“That's a tough one! Hmm, maybe you can tell him you got rid of A, or frame his death!” Muffins suggest.
“I'd need to arrange something with A, anyways this would cause Notts to gain his trust in me, getting me deeper into his organization.” 
BonBon goes up to them, having over heard part of their conversation, “Interesting, what have you found out about him?” She ask. Sugar is startled by her sudden appearance. 
“He's planning on taking out the royals one step at a time.” Alloy says. Muffins and Sugar gasp a little.
“Notts….doing this...” BonBon is just as surprised as everyone, “We need to take him out.”
“I think so” Alloy says worriedly. 
“This deal with A you need to take care of, do it quickly so we can have more insight on Nott's plans.” Sweetie says, “And you can't be with Notts alone all the time, you need a partner to join you from a distance to watch over you. I'd suggest Jackson but...he's not here.”
“I could arrange it with Jackson, I spoke to him the other day, he'd joining us at the office when it's up.” 
“Really now? Looks like you've got your bases covered.”  Sweetie says.
“He's not it for the field work, but I told him he might have to do some, so this is it.” Alloy adds.
“Perfect, you get in contact with A to prepare this framed death.”
“Oh we're going with the fake death? Alright I can arrange it.” Alloy agrees.
“I saw A today at his house when I delivered mail, he wasn't disguised to well” Muffins chuckles. 
“At least he's still in town” Alloy laughs a little.
“Okay guys I gotta go!” Muffins says and heads off. They all wave to her and she waves back, nearly tripping on a random pony. 
“One more thing, Sugar.” Alloy turns to her.
“Yes Alloy?”
“I'm going to have you stay with BonBon here in Ponyville okay?” Alloy also turns to Sweetie to see if she agrees. BonBon nods her head.
“I can do that” BonBon says.
“B-but why..?” Sugar saddens. 
“I want you closer to the office so you can take care of it, but most importantly I want you to be safe. As I start dealing with Notts, if something were ever to happen, I want you to be safe.” He reiterates.
“And my things..?” She tries to distract.
“I'll have them sent to you, don't worry” Alloy says. 
“Okay...um..thanks” Sugar's voice shakes a bit.
“Don't worry, your safe with BonBon. Now, I need to get going, see you both later” He leaves, feeling he should have said more. BonBon goes to her.
“Alloy's right you know, it's hazardous having others close to you when you can have them in possible danger.” BonBon says. Sugar doesn't respond and looks down, “What the matter Sugar?” she asks.
“It's..it's nothing” Sugar says softly. 
“It's is something I know that look, you like him don't you?” She says to her, well knowing it was true.  
“Is it that obvious…?” Sugar looks at her.
“Saw it from a mile away” BonBon smiles a little, “Come on, it's starting to get cold” They get up and leave.

They arrive at BonBon's house, and they sit on the couch. Lyra is not home.
“This is a nice place, do you live with someone?” Sugar asks.
“Just my friend Lyra, don't worry she's a nice pony.” BonBon chuckles.
“Oh, okay...do you think Alloy will be alright?” 
“He's good, I've told you this before, but if I can assure you some more, I'll say this. His partner Jackson is one of our best, he's a good fighter, they'll have each others backs.”  
“Thanks, at least I know he's safer now.” She says, feeling a little more relieved.
“We're going to have to do some research together since we're here in town.” BonBon says.
“What kind of research?”
“Just some spying, it's simple. There's a coat for you in the closest, its getting pretty snowy out” BonBon opens the closet. Sugar puts on a coat similar to her fur color, “You're still worried aren't you?” 
“Yes...”
“This little mission should help get him off your mind for a bit, come on” BonBon opens the door, they walk out.
“Where are we going first?”
“I haven't gotten much on Fluttershy, she lives in an isolated area so it's been a little more difficult to surviel her.” BonBon says as they walk. There are a little bit ponies on the street as they walk, a cold wind picks up.
“It is getting really cold! Is it always like this around here?” Sugar asks.
“It's usually sunny” BonBon smiles, “It's all regulated around here, so I expect it to be gone soon. Winter is coming to Ponyville in a few days.”
“That's right, it's controlled by the pegasi here isn't it?”
“Yes, it's rather funny because any day you could come into town and it's raining, then snowing, and then sunny the next day”
“I'm going to need to get used to this,” Sugar chuckles. After sometime they approach the Everfree.
“She...lives in there?” Sugar sits at the entrance of the grand forest.
“Around here, not to deep inside the forest, that'd be too dangerous.” 
“Why don't they clear out this forest??”
“My guess is that it's kept for lumber, rare ingredients and it has a castle inside.” 
“Woah...a castle in there..?”
“There sure is, The Castle of the Two Sisters, as it's called.” 
“Celestia and Luna's old castle...who built it?” 
“I don't really know, heck I don't think anyone but the Sisters know.”
“We should build a base there for E.S.S” Sugar suggest.
“I've thought about that myself, but it's been renovated a little by the Main Six, I don't know if they have plans to do something with it, it's been a while since they've been there” BonBon heads into the forest, “Want to take a detour and see the castle?” 
“Yes! If it's not too much trouble.” 
“It'll be a little more dangerous due to a possible snow test in this area from the pegasi, but as long as we're careful we should be good.” BonBon smiles. They take steps into the forest, venturing onwards.

Alloy came to A's house and entered, A was sitting on the couch lazily watching television while eating corn chips. He looks at Alloy.
“Shoot, forgot to lock the door.” A chuckles, and chokes a bit on a chip.
“I have news for you. I meet with Notts.”
“You did? Well spill the beans I want to know” A sits upright.
“He wants me to kill you and-”
“You're here to kill me! Hey man I ain't do anything to you!” A interrupts as he springs out of his chair. 
“Shut up and listen.” Alloy says in a stale tone, “I'm not here to kill you, we can fake your death”
“Oh..” He sighs in relief and sit back down, turning off the TV, “How are we pulling it off?” 
“I'm going to shoot you with blanks, we'll put fake blood on you, and set you floating down the river. I hope you know how to swim.” Alloy says.	
“Sounds easy, is this going to be on a bridge?” 
“Yes, the one near the entrance of Ponyville, I need an audience to be watching so it catches some headlines in order for it to be noticed by Notts.” 
“Wow, you thought of this all on your own just coming here didn't you?” A snickers.
“It's a pretty basic plan, so yes. I even thought of my escape plan and disguise.” Alloy yawns a little. 
“When are we doing this?”
“In less than an hour, I still need to buy a disguise so that's what I'm going to do, you get the fake blood. It better look real and not be just ketchup.” Alloy heads to the door, “Be at the main entrance bridge in less than an hour.”
“I will, I need to do some packing as well” A says.
“Do what you need to do, just don't be late.” Alloy leaves.

Sweetie and Sugar enter the grand palace, the grand doors weigh but are still opened by the magic of the two of them. 
“It looks pretty ruined to me.” Sugar comments.
“I like the look, I can see that the Six tried to clean the floors. Look, see the old flags are held up by new nails.” Sweetie points up.
“They look beautiful, how old is this place?” 
“Over 1000 years old, can't say exactly.”
“And it's all still up??” 
“Impressive isn't it?” They walk in deeper, “I think it's some sort of old magic that's been keeping this place from fully being crumbled to the ground.” Sweetie says.
“It's rather dark in here..are there any candles?” 
“Let me get some on” Sweetie cast a fire spell. All the near by torches turn on at once showing the grand throne room in full light. They both sit in awe.
“Does anyone live here?” Sugar asks.
“As far as I know, no, but you never know some creature probably lurk around here.” Sweetie says in a way that frightens Sugar.
“Do..they have a dungeon here too..?” She shakes.
“They sure did, chances are it's filled with forgotten prisoners when the castle was abandoned.” Sweetie goes on into a hall, Sugar quickly follows close to her.
“Oh...that's..nice, where are we going..?” 
“Hmm, maybe to the dungeons” Sweetie laughs a little.
“You aren't serious are you??” Sugar's eyes widen.
“Nah, it's too dangerous. This place is likely filled with old traps. Stick close by me” Sweetie smiles.
“Hehe I wasn't going to go wander off” Sugar chuckles, “So where we headed?”
“The elements of harmony used to be housed in one of the towers here, I want to see if there's anything left here that will aid in my research” 
“Ohh this is like a treasure hunt. I like it” Sugar smiles. They go up flights of stairs, through grand halls, and come to the top of the same tower Nightmare Moon had been defeated.
“This is a historic place, a very ancient legend was created here.” Sweetie sits there amazed.
“Tit's the spot Celestia took out Nightmare moon isn't it? There are holes on the ceiling” Sugar observes.
“Yes. It's a shame the Everfree is blocking this place from being a museum or an excavation site. Or maybe it's done on purpose to keep anyone from finding out certain...things” Sweetie wonders.
“You thing the Princesses are hiding something here?” Sugar asks.
“I think it's a possibility, remember I mentioned the dungeons? Imagine all those dead that were there when it was abandoned, it must have been horrible.” BonBon says. Sugar feels horrified at what BonBon said, and doesn't respond. BonBon picks around in the place where the elements had been held by six small circular platforms. She spawns her notebook and starts to take note of the little things. Meanwhile Sugar begins to wander around the same room, seeing different paintings and statues of random long forgotten ponies. She touches one of the guard statues and is suddenly dropped into a hole. She yells out for help, luckily BonBon had seen just as the trap door closed and went up to it. 
“Sugar??” She shouts. Nothing is heard, so she begins looking around the statue and pokes at it, until she too is dropped into the hole. 

It was already passed an hour, Alloy was nearing the bridge, he had on a dark coat and had painted his fur and tail into a dark blue so he wasn't easily recognized. As planned A was on the bridge casually picking at his teeth with a pick. At that time, the town was having a sort of celebration near there to celebrate the coming of winter, and that bridge was being used frequently by both visitors and townsfolk alike. In a few moments Alloy executed his plan and shot three blanks towards A's direction causing anyone near there to instantly look that was in horror as A fell into too water, supposedly dead. Alloy then ran away as fast as possible, making sure he was seen enough to cause the ponies there to shout at him and begin chasing him. In a flash he teleported inside a random home and washed off his paint and burned his coat with a fire spell. He then teleported someways down the river in search for A. 
“There ya are, took you long enough!” A calls from a bush. He is shivering, cold and wet. 
“It's a bit cold.” Alloy says, also feeling the elements of nature upon himself, “I think it worked.” 
“Ya think? They were all freaked out!” A laughs aloud.
“Heh, yep. Let's get out of here before they come searching the river for your body.” Alloy and A walk away.
“Where do we go from here?” 
“I didn't think this far into my plan, right now I suggest we just get out of the town.” They walk at a steady pace. Far off sounds of police and panic are heard. 
“What happens if I'm caught man?? I need to change my face or something! I need a new id, a home, and my bank accounts!!” 
“I thought you took care of all that” Alloy says.
“I kinda did...like I switched the ownership of my accounts to your account.”
“What??”
“I 'donated' all my money to you. You'll see it mark up on your account” 
“Oh. Alright, I'll give it to you when I get a chance.” Alloy says. Shortly after their talk they reach the edge of the Everfree, “Be careful and stay close” He says. A nods nervously.

BonBon falls atop of Sugar, nearly knocking her out of breath, “..sorry” She says.
“It's okay...where are we..?” Sugar dusts herself off.
“Judging by the dim lighting, high dust content, cracked walls, and damp air...I think, the dungeons” BonBon says in a cautious manner so she doesn't cause Sugar to freak out.
“...why would that trap door thing lead down here…??” Sugar takes a deep breath.
“Probably in case they had any 'inconveniences' up there.” BonBon says. 
“How do we get out..?” 
“Um, well, there has to be someway, there's always a way” BonBon smiles a bit. 
“It's really dark, I can hardly see you” 
“Then it's best we still close by” BonBon chuckles a bit and starts to go at a random direction.
“Hey wait for me!” Sugar runs up to catch up to her. Around them is a labyrinth of paths to go with, there seems to be worn out patterns on the stone walls which have some sort of directions on each one. Some areas are completely somber while other spots are lighted by some sunlight that some how made it from the surface. 
“This place isn't to underground if we can see some light.” BonBon observes.
“What if it's some old magic, or a system of mirrors that shine the light?” 
“It could be-”
“Gahhh!” Sugar squeals.
“Sugar what is it??!” 
“It's a corpse!” Sugar says with horror. 
“It's okay, just look away, come on let's keep going on this path.” BonBon pulls her along with her magic.
“Can't...can't we just teleport out of here..?” Sugar asks. She resumes her walk.
“It's risky, we could end up teleporting into a trap” BonBon responds. 
“Oh..” They continue on until they reach a large cross section that opens into a large room filled with cages, ancient weapons, and the bones of the dead everywhere. Sugar begins to panic and closes her eyes, “I can't look!” 
“I'll guide you, hold onto my tail.” BonBon says gently. Sugar takes hold of her tail with her magic. BonBon looks at the signs, there are arrows pointing to the top of the beginning of a flight of stairs. She goes that way, avoiding as many bodies as possible. As she looks upstairs she stops causing Sugar to bump into her. 
“Why's we stop..? Is it safe to look?”
“No...it's just” She looks up the stairs at the chamber door, “We need to go up some stairs, but...it's filled with the dead trying to get out..” 
“..let's just get it over with..” Sugar cringes.
“I agree...just, um be careful with your steps.” BonBon takes a step up. BonBon moves aside many bodies, they are positioned in a horrid way that indicates that they had suffered greatly trying to get out of the dungeons. BonBon holds back her vomit as she pulls them off the bars of the grand rusted chamber door. She teleports them both on the other side, but as they appear on the other side, they are flung across the rocky hall. 

A is still shivering with coldness, “Where are we going?” he asks Alloy. 
“I wanted to go to a different town, but the officials are probably checking ever transport route. We'll have to cut through the forest and walk to Cantorlot, it's the shortest route.”
“Yeah, and the most dangerous!” A complains. Alloy sighs and ignores him but A continues, “Do you now what lurks here?? We could easily be killed here! Even by a plant! Nobody would ever see us again!” 
“Well, at least that'd work out for one of us” Alloy comments sarcastically.
“Hey! Just because I 'died' doesn’t mean I need to die for real” A says.
“You're moving to a town still here in the country right?” 
“Yes, why?”
“It could be a liability if you're not careful.”
“I know that!” A shouts.
“Not from what I've noticed, you were way to easy for me to track. In fact one of our agents noticed you earlier today.” Alloy scorns. 
“I'll be more careful” A says.
“I don't think you fully understand. If you are careless, like you have shown to be, it could be a danger to me and my colleges. And if it turn out you're found out, I'll have to clean up after you, and if that happens I may just need to take care of you for real this time.” He says with great seriousness. 
“...oh..okay, I'll go off the grid. I swear” A says. 
“Glad I could get that across to you. Now, you still have weapons right?” 
“I might..I mean yes I do!”He says quickly.
“Where?”
“I have them stashed with some buds of mine.”
“And now they think you're dead. Try getting in contact with them once we reach the capital.” Alloy suggest.
“Ya still need em hu?” A smirks.
“I do. If you can get them, I'll pay you.”  
“Good!” A says. They continue to walk until they reach the castle, “What's this place?”
“It's a castle that belonged to the two sisters.” 
“The Princesses. Might be some valuables in there. I'm going in!” A says without further consideration, and dashes towards the structure. Alloy shouts after him but to no avail and decides to run after him.

“BonBon! Are you okay!?” Sugar gets up from the miniature blast, heading over to BonBon who is on the floor 15 ft ahead of her. BonBon doesn't respond. Sugar lifts her up with her magic and carries her on her back as well as she can. The new place they had entered was a long inclined hall leading upward. It made 90 degree turns to another inclined hall that lead higher and higher towards the ground level. There was even less light here, Sugar had to cast a light spell in order to see a few feet in front of her. 
After a brief 10 minutes she reaches the top, the chamber door is opened. Beside the entrance doors, two hollowed armor frames stand with olden-ed spears. Sugar places BonBon down and starts to take the helmet off one of the guards looking into it and attempting to put it on. Through some forceful actions she eventually snaps it on, her hair made it fit tightly. She sneezed a few times causing dust to come out through the helmet's vents as well as awakening BonBon. 
“Where are we..?” She rubs her head.
“I don't know, but I think it's closer to an exit” Sugar says from within the helmet. 
“Armor? Can you even take that off?” BonBon chuckles. 
“Oh shoot, I dunno” Sugar pulls on the helmet a bit, “I think we're going to need oil, or a saw!” 
“Haha, we'll worry about it later.” BonBon laughs, “You might as well put on the whole suit”
“You know there's two armor suits! You can put one on two!” Sugar begins to get into the whole armor.
“I'd usually say no, but there's no one here left to say otherwise” BonBon chuckles and also starts to enter an armor shell. Sugar smiles
“Yay! Come on I think we're close to getting out!” Sugar trots onwards, “This is heavy” 
“I think these are male models” BonBon comments, “I wonder how much they're worth.”
“I've never seen anything like them, they're all black too” Sugar says, “Do you think these were special designs?” 
“Might have been, after all, they were stationed near the dungeons.”
“Do you think they were...abandoned?” 
“Could have been, we've seen no dead guards at all...” BonBon begins to wonder.
“What's wrong..? There's something not right isn't there??” Sugar asks, feeling nervous.
“It's nothing, just an old mare's tale.” BonBon smiles, the helmet vents are of so her face is shown. 
“Tell me” Sugar says, interested.
“Well, I suppose it's the appropriate situation for it” She says, “Okay but don't get spooked okay?” 
“I'll try heh” 
“Ahem, let me think” BonBon starts,  “Ah yes, so it all started over a thousand years ago just before Luna was banished, it is said that the castle itself was the front grounds for the fight between the two sisters. The guards were divided in which to fight for, but most followed Celestia's commands. While the sisters fought on, so did the guards, one against the other. It was said to be violent as they used any weapons they could. The thing with these guards is that they were far more trained than ours so they fought on for a while. Once Luna had been banished by the elements the guards were still at it, so Celestia had to fight more. She, filled mourning of losing her sister, began to destroy any enemy guards without mercy, apparently she baked them into their armors, so all that was left was there ashes in them.” 
“So this...dust I sneezed...was one of them??” Sugar interrupts.
“I, well I don't know for sure,” BonBon coughs a bit, “Anyways. Since the castle was wrecked, Celestia gave the order to take the food, load up the treasury, and leave the place. The ponies in the dungeons weren't a concern at that moment so they were left behind, as you saw down below. There were magic seals, some still here, left behind so there would be no escape or entrance. Most of it has worn out luckily, that explains why we were thrown across the room. I think it was meant to keep us in, but threw us out instead.”  BonBon sighs.
“That's disturbing, I've never heard of that before.”
“I found out a little bit from old stories and some from old E.S.S documents. I placed them together to see how much they matched up, it seems to be a fact.”
“I'm glad we're getting out of here for sure!” Sugar says, her voice echos.
“I was hoping to make a few lab test with some of the bodies so I could add onto the story, but I think it may be to dangerous for us two alone.”
“Do you think there's anyone, you know besides Celestia and Luna that has a collection of memories from the past?”
“There's Discord, but he's unstable. There are dragons, but they're almost always hostile, most of the young baby ones are friendly, but they don't know about the past. Of course, there are legends of old wizards that have survived all this time, but none that I've been able to track”
“So there are some??” 
“Wizards, yes. Old wizards, well it's hard to tell, some are imposters.”
“I want to meet one, I think Starlight was at a wizard level of magic.”
“I've heard she was strong from Alloy, you've been with her the longest, what do you know about her?”
“Not anymore than you know. She was manipulative.”
“In what was? Did she cast a spell to do that?”
“I don't think so, she's just naturally that way I suppose” They reach a window, Sugar looks out, “It's getting dark out”
“I'd hate to stay the night here, but it may be our only option with all the snow and creatures out there.”
“Aw….I was hoping you wouldn't say that...” Sugar groans.
“There must be some beds still left here.” BonBon says.
“But there isn't any food is there..?” Sugar asks. BonBon shakes her head.

A runs into the open castle doors and looks around chuckling, “These curtains alone are worth a small fortune!” He starts to wonder around slowly so that Alloy catches up to him.
“What are you doing?” Alloy asks taking a few heavy breaths.
“Trying to make a living my friend!”
“Did you have to run off like that?” 
“No, but hey it's starting to get dark out there. And look the lights are on in here.” 
“Suppose it is, what exactly are you looking for?”
“Anything and everything I can carry!” A smirks.
“Fine, but don't expect me to carry anything for you.” Alloy follows A as he goes room by room taking clothes and jewels. Eventually Alloy decides to rest in one of the rooms, telling A to notify him once he was done scavenging. 	
A began to roam deeper into the grand palace until he stopped in place, hearing metal clanks approaching him. He quickly hides by a statue of a stallion in armor and peers to see who it is. To his shock, he watches two knights walk past him, he drops what he is not wearing and runs to Alloy. 
“Hey you wake up!!” A shakes Alloy.
“Hmm..?” Alloy asks lazily, opening his eyes.
“The things in armor! They're alive! They're going to kill us!” A panics shaking him more. Alloy stops him.
“What are you going on about??” 
“I saw two knights trotting in the hall!”
“Perhaps all this scavenging is getting to your head A. You're seeing things.”
“What? No! I did! Come with me, I'll show you!” A declares. Alloy hesitates,  but goes along with the lunatic.
“Come on hurry!” A says. Alloy picks up his pace until A stops, “Look” he whispers and points at the two black knights passing by one of the corridors, “Told ya” 
“I wonder what the two of them are doing here.” Alloy says.
“What?? Aren't you afraid they might kill us or take our souls or something??” A looks at him.
“Nah. They're friendly” Alloy smiles.
“And you say I'm the crazy one! I'm getting out of here-” A watches as Alloy follows the knights, “Hey! No! Dammit...” He follow Alloy. Alloy stocks slowly from behind and throws a rock at one of the knights, quickly hiding. He stop A and hushes him with his magic.
“BonBon! Something hit me!” Sugar freaks out.
“Calm down, it was probably some debris” BonBon chuckles. Alloy holds his laugh. A is confused.
“Why'd you do that for? They're going to spot us!” A whispers to him.
“If they do, it'll be a surprise to them, trust me” Alloy continues. A shakes a bit but keeps following him. After a few minutes the knights stop at a room and go in, closing the door behind them.
“Okay, they're gone let's go!” A begs.
“I'm going to knock, then run” Alloy smiles.
“What? Why??” A asks.
“You'll see, just run when they open to see who it is.” Alloy say.
“Already on it!” A backs up. Alloy rapidly knocks and teleports to a safe distance to see. One of the knights (BonBon) opens the door and looks around. Sugar peers out as well, though more shyly, as she is afraid. They then close the door with a click indicating the lock. Alloy laughs out loud, quickly stopping himself.
Inside the room Sugar is panic, “BonBon do you hear that?? There was laughter out there!”
“I hear it...” BonBon begins to feel some fear.
“Who is it??”
“I...I don't know, maybe the wind howling..?”
“But the knocks!...what was that??”
“...some magic..? Or..nothing. Let's...just try to get some rest” BonBon takes off her helmet placing it in a wardrobe.
“Try...yeah..” Sugar trembles, “It's cold” 
“Tomorrow we'll get out of here don't worry” BonBon says, putting her fear aside. She turns on a candle and leaves it on throughout the whole night for both light and source of heat.

End of Chapter 8.

	
	

	 

> E.S.S 9 - Relief and The Next Steps
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 9
Relief and The Next Steps

Morning came to the castle. Alloy woke up in a bed with candles nearing at the end of their wax. A was sleeping on a couch in the same room, he was snoring at an infrequent rate. It was still cold, Alloy looked out the window and saw as snow was piled higher. Most of the snow had blown in from Cloudsdale as they were making preparations for winter in Ponyville, since it was unnatural for snow to be in the Everfree. There was no food, and it had now been two days since Alloy had showered and to add to it, his cat was probably infuriated. He laughed at the thought. A woke up a few minutes after him and began to complain.
“We're still here! I thought it was just a dream!” A says.
“We'll need to find those knights and get out of here.” Alloy plans aloud.
“Why exactly?” A asks.
“They're my partners, I don't know why they're here.” Alloy finally says.
“Ohhh. You could have told me sooner! How do you know it's them?”
“Their female voices, they're in male armor. Also I saw some of their hair, which are the exact colors.”
“It could just be a coincidence” A says.
“No, the way they reacted wouldn't have been the way a guard would have. I'm sure it's them.” Alloy puts the matter to rest.

BonBon had waken up Sugar, they had taken off their armor except for Sugar’s helmet. 
“Why is it so cold…?” Sugar stretches. 
“Seems we've run out of candle” BonBon looks at the wax piles. 
“Ready to go?” Sugar asks.
“Mhmm, I miss my heater too.” BonBon chuckles.
“Oh shoot, won't Lyra be worried?” Sugar asks.
“She might,” BonBon starts to put on the armor, “I hope she isn't to upset, I still need to tell her that you're staying”
“Right, do you think she'll mind?”
“There's no telling with her, she can be random at times” BonBon smiles.
“How random?”
“She sometimes comes home with random strange objects and won't pay attention to anything anyone says. So that's not to big a deal unless she doesn't do her chores, forgets to flush, or leaves the oven on.” 
“Oh that kind of random” She laughs, “I should be able to fit right in”
“Shh, hear that?” BonBon asks. Sugar becomes silent, foot steps are heard from one of the corridors. 
“Who is it..?” 
“It may be the Main Six.” BonBon wonders.
“Sounds like they're talking” Sugar says.
“Male voices, it's not the Six, but who are they then…?”
“Ghosts!” Sugar shivers.
“Nonsense, don't say that”
“It could be..” Sugar hides in the bed covers.
“Who ever they are I'm sure we're better armored, come on let's go find out once and for all” BonBon opens the door slowly. The halls are lightly lighted by the snow reflected from the snow outside the windows. Sugar hesitantly follows, they're armor loudly clanks on the stone floors causing echos.
“Are we supposed to be sneaking?” Sugar asks.
“Usually yes, but with this armor it hard to do so.” BonBon peaks around a corner, “It's...Alloy and A!” 
“What??” Sugar gasps, “Maybe they're just illusions”
“One way to find out for sure, come let's charge at them!” BonBon starts running giving Sugar no time to deny. They run towards them. Alloy is quick to notice them and laughs, A jumps up frightened, ducking behind a sofa. They come to a stop.
In a manly voice BonBon begins to speak, “Stop right there citizen! This is restricted territory!” 
“Oh my, I didn't notice!” Alloy plays along. 
“There's two of you, off to the dungeon!” Sugar says in a masculine voice. Alloy burst out in laughter.
“What are you two doing here??” He wipes off tears. A looks up from the sofa and sighs with relief. 
BonBon takes off the helmet, “We wanted to take a little detour, but ended up trapped. Why are you two here?”
“Because our friend A here wanted to take a look at the valuables” Alloy states.
“Worth it!” A takes out a pile of shinning jewels and chuckles.
“At least we're all here” Sugar laughs.
“We need to get A to Cantorlot so he can contact some friends. Also I need to meet up with Notts again to see what's happening.”
“We'll go back to Ponyville and await you there upon your return” BonBon says.
“Make sure to hide that armor” Alloy says, “It looks really nice though”
“We get to keep it??” Sugar asks.
“I see why not” Alloy smiles. They begin to walk out towards an exit. A sudden light flashes before them all filling the castle with blinding light. After the flash clears Celestia and Luna step forward. They all bow down.
“You all may rise” Celestia says. They rise, “Hello Alloy, Sweetie Drops, Sugar Belle, and Alfred.”
“Hey it's A!” A declares.
“Silence” Luna half shouts. A makes a forgiving smile.
“Enjoying the old castle?” Celestia asks them all in a motherly voice.
“It's quite breathtaking” Sweetie answers.
“Indeed, many memories created here.” Luna starts to walk around admiring the place.
“You all probably don't know why we're here. Let me inform you all” Celestia starts, “Luna and I know of what you all have been doing, including Muffins. We appreciate your contributions toward our nation. A little under a week ago I was informed of my organization, E.S.S being suddenly suspended, This was not an order of mine, and I've been meaning to get in touch with you all. Unfortunately due to all the rebuilding, my sister and I have been busy.” She teleports Muffins and Jackson into the room. They bow down and join the group.
“Now that you're all here, we'd like to promote your work and suggest a few things” Luna says.
“Firstly, we'd like to assign some missions to you all, one being Notts. As you know he's a threat and must be dealt with quietly. Another thing is Alfred, or 'A' will be relocated as he wishes.”
“Thank you” A says.
“Leave the jewels here” Luna says. A puts the jewels into a pot and leaves them on a cabinet.
“As for E.S.S, I'm giving permission for you five to decide how to organize it, I'll need to be informed and sometimes meet with one of you to better see how things are going.” Celestia says. All nod except A, who isn't included in the 5, “Now that we got that settled, I'll teleport you all to your places. Where would you like to go?”
“A and I would like to go to Cantorlot, A needs to take care of business and I'll be meeting with Notts” Alloy says. Celestia nods and teleports them. 
“I need to be in Cantorlot too Miss” Jackson says. He is quickly teleported away.
“Sugar, Muffins and I will be going back to Ponyville” BonBon says. They are teleported away without the armor except the helmet on Sugar.

Back in Cantorlot Alloy and A appear on Alloy's front lawn. 
“We lived! I'm alive!” A kisses the ground. Alloy opens his door and enters, A shortly after him, “Nice place, it's warm.”
“Yes. Stay in the living room and don't touch anything. I'll be back.” Alloy goes to the kitchen and feeds the aggravated cat, then leaves to take a shower. Meanwhile sits back on one of the couches and turns on the T.V. After some time Alloy walks out with new clothes on and sits on the couch close to A.
“What are we going to do now?” A asks lowering the volume. 
“We'll split and meet up back here. You take care of all your business, I'll take care of mine” He stands and puts on a coat. 
“Got it, I'll leave now” A heads out. Alloy tiredly stretches and gets up and leaves.
Alloy stops by a fast-food place to eat a bagel and drink some coffee, he then heads to the address Notts had given him. The place was in a back ally of a wine place, there was a strong wood door that was the entrance to the area. He knocked twice and waited. A buffed guard pony looks through a peek hole then opens the door allowing him passage. He was lead downstairs where Notts was seated with few others talking and drinking. 
Notts looks in his direction, “Alloy, looks like you did it. I had no doubt, good job” Alloy approaches him. 
“It was easy, anything else?” He asks.
“At the moment no, right now it's time to introduce you to the crew” Notts stomps his hoof and raises his voice. “Attention!” Everyone in the room quiets down and looks at him, “This is our newest member to our insurgent group” 
“Just call me Blur Red” Alloy slightly interrupts. 
Notts nods and continues, “I'd like all of you to familiarize yourselves with Blur Red” Slowly the small group begins to talk, some come up to Alloy.
“Hey new one, my name's Snow Swirl” A mare in combat armor says, “What're your skills hu?”
“Stealth operations” Alloy answers. 
“You any good at that?” A male asks with laughter, “From what I heard you made quite a scene with A” 
“It had to be noticed so Notts could know I meant business” Alloy states.
“Smart move” Snow says.
“How about you two, what are your skills here?” 
“I'm a professional sniper” Snow says proudly.
“And I'm her spotter, Two Eyes” The male says, “We watch each others backs. 
“You two related?” Alloy asks.
“Ha, yes. What gave it away?” Two Eyes asks.
“Your mane colors and similar way of talk. It was just a guess though.” Alloy takes a seat. 
“Your gonna be a good assassin” Snow smirks. 
“Never took much to killing, but it's in the job” Alloy says, “Besides if killing is the only way you can take care of a job, then it draws too much attention and leads to problems down the line.”
“Sometimes that 'attention' is what we need” Two Eyes says.
“We need to show Equestria that we're here and can do something if someone messes with us” Snow continues. 
“But for now we'll be a secret organization” Another male in a mask and dark clothing interrupts, “Couldn't help but overhear your conversations. My name is Silent Death.” 
“Stealth ops I assume?” Alloy asks.
“Correct.” Silent Death smiles slightly. 
“You need to keep your nose out of places it doesn't belong” Snow mocks.	
“It's my job dear” Silent Death laughs showing his strangely curved teeth. Alloy wanted to ask about it, but thought it'd be rude. 
“We might be working together then” Alloy says to Silent. 
“Perhaps, though I prefer going at it alone” Silent stops laughing, “We'll see” He leaves.
“That guy creeps me out” Two Eyes says.
“What because of the teeth thing?” Snow asks.
“Yeah...and he looks like he'd kill us if he had the chance to” Two says. 
“Seems he spends to much time alone, he has poor hygiene and has two many knives” Alloy says. 
“Woah you gathered all that from just talking to him?” Two asks in amazement. 
“I could see the knives in his clothing marks, and as for the hygiene the teeth were a yellow tint.” Alloy says, “I wonder what he noticed from me…”
“At least you're not a creep” Snow chuckles lightly. 
“Heh, yeah. I'm going to speak with Notts, nice meeting you two.” Alloy gets up from his seat and goes to the drinking Notts, “Had enough yet?”
“Booze? It's my day off Alloy, here take a seat by me” Notts laughs.
“Day off aye? How many days off do I get?” Alloy chuckles.
“We can arrange that later, what you think of some of the crew?”
“They're an interesting bunch, where'd you get them from?” 
“Isolated places, some from Equestria, others from other countries. I have a file on them all if you want to know where specifically.”
“Yes, I'd like to know more on Silent Death, I'm getting a negative feeling about him” Alloy says.
“Silent Death, yes he's a strange one. Everyone feels that way around him. From what I've gathered he uses dark magic, that's why he uses a mask he's deformed according to himself.” 
“Dark magic, how trustworthy is his guy?” Alloy asks.
“He hasn't complained about a single mission yet. I don't trust him with my life, but I trust him as far as getting things done is concerned.”
“I'd like to request a mission with him so I can better know his skills.”
“Seems like good idea, just in case” Notts takes a drink, “Next time he heads out, I'll appoint you with him.” 
“I appreciate it” Alloy says.
“Don't mention it, now one last thing have this,” Notts gives Alloy a device, “It's a long range radio so we can communicate if I need you for a mission. This place is open to you as a safe-house if you need aid or have no where else to go. I'll tell Bucky, the guard, that you're welcomed here.”
“Thanks, when do you plan my first mission?” 
“I'm still arranging somethings, so just be standing by”
“Alright, I'm heading back home now. I'll be back perhaps tomorrow to see some of the other members.” 
“Make sure to keep the radio on. Bye Blur.” Notts says. Alloy heads out, Bucky opens the door for him. 

Alloy meet up with A in his yard, “Got what you need done?” Alloy asks.
“Yeah man, everything's chill now”
“Are you certain?” 
“Bro, I can assure you 100%” 
“Right, well you can leave now then.” Alloy says to him.
“Hey! Don't you need weapons??” 
“Not anymore, the royalty has my back” Alloy says, “You're free to do whatever you'd like.”
“Oh yeah...I still can't believe they appeared before us! Okay I'll leave then, good luck with your things”
“Same for you, if you do run into issues I have an office in Ponyville under my last name that you can go to and ask for help”
“Your last name is Atomms right?”
“Yes, oh and I made a run to the bank” Alloy passes him a bag, “It has all your bits” 
“Nearly forgot, thanks man” A smiles and leave Alloy. Alloy goes into his house and sits on his couch to rest.

End of Chapter 9

	
 
	 
	
 
	
> E.S.S: 10 - Supplying and Missions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S 10
Supplying and Missions

Over the next week it began to snow on and off as the pegasus saw fit, but it seemed as if there were weird weather shifts. Meanwhile Alloy was busy with the rest of the reformed E.S.S getting together how things were going to work out from that point on. They'd come up with leaving the office buildings in covert operation from everyone except the two sisters. As for the main six, Celestia had told them to not inform them of E.S.S unless it was necessary to. That meant things were now back to normal as far as security and E.S.S was concerned. Towards the end of that week the building had been constructed, the only thing left was to move in and place in all the furniture. 
“It looks nice” BonBon comments to Alloy. The group of four is standing in front of the building, they are all in some sort of winter clothing. 
“Ready to take our first steps into it?” Alloy turns to everyone. They all nod. With a smile Alloy takes out the keys to the front doors and unlocks them. They start to walk in looking at the place. Inside is a lobby section which has a view of the office upstairs. On the right is a door for employes of E.S.S, on the left is another door for the construction ponies. Alloy flips on some more of the lights to illuminate the place. 
“It's really empty in here” Muffins flies around.
“That's the secretary desk? It's rather lonely, you all will be in the back right?” Sugar asks.
“There's a solution to both problems my friends,” Alloy starts, “We'll have to go shopping for furniture, food, computers, and office supplies. As for the desk Sugar, you'll be working in the back with us most of time, it's only when someone comes in that you'll need to come here to greet.”
“Oh okay” Sugar smiles.
“Shopping? I have a feeling you'll be paying for that?” Sweetie asks, “You've done enough don't you think Alloy?”
“Don't worry about it BonBon, I have it covered. As long as I have the resources to help us out I'll pitch in” Alloy smiles.
“You sure?” Muffins asks.
“Yep, come on let's look at the back area where we'll be, this front section is just composed of 5 small offices and a break room for the construction workers.” Alloy leads them to the back which is of similar size to the front, but has more rooms with no lobby. 
“Looks comfortable” Muffins flies ahead looking into each room, “These offices are for each one of us! I see one marked with my cutie mark!” 
“I've spotted mine too!” Sugar says with excitement and runs to it.
“You shouldn't have” Sweetie smiles and goes to her designated office. Alloy's room is at the far end of the building and has a spacious look with a small room of shower and bathing. Each of the other rooms have the same for the other agents, and in the center of the office rooms is a kitchen, not yet stacked with food, and a tables to dine at. Alloy waits for them at the dining area.
“I love it!” Sugar goes up to Alloy, “I have no idea what I'm putting in my office, I need some staplers, and tape and pictures!”
“Heh, yeah I need to put in desks and chairs. Some pictures would be nice to hang around the place.”
“There aren't any windows though” Sugar complains. 
“It's for safety reasons, as well as security purposes. Oh and there is one window actually, look up” He says. Sugar lifts her head and sees that the top of the dining area has a large ceiling window which allows some sunlight to pour in.
“Woah that's nice!” 
“I like it too!” Muffins flies over them and lands next to them. “Thanks Alloy!” Muffins hugs him.
“Heh, no problem” 
“No problem? This must have cost a small fortune, how much did you pay?” Sweetie asks. 
“A few 10,000. Don't worry about it”
“Alloy! That's...that's a lot!” She says in a loud voice then lowers, “I'm glad you did this, thank you” 
“Aw, don't get too emotional now, I'm about to send you all shopping for things” Alloy chuckles.
“Do we have a budget?” Sweetie asks, she wipes a tear quickly.
“Well, yes. This shopping is coming out my pockets this time instead of my father's. I'm going to lend you my card, the pin's 5544. Spend only up to 5000 at max.” 
“You're even letting us borrow your card.” Sugar starts to laugh, “Hmm maybe we should get some clothes” She jokes.
“And muffins!” Muffins adds.
“Now now girls, let's be kind to Alloy now” Sweetie states, “Although, I did see this comfy blanket on sale...” She smiles. Alloy sighs and smiles.
“Don't get too carried away okay?” He says.
“We won't!” They say together and run off. He takes a seat and sighs again shaking his head with a smile.

Sweetie Drops, Muffins, and Sugar Belle find themselves at a large shopping center in the middle of town. They already have an arrangement of items in the cart ranging from binders to random desk trinkets. 
“When is this short winter going to start?” Sugar asks.
“I hear tomorrow they're making the announcement to start offially.” Muffins says.
“How do they clear it all once it snows?” 
“They have a town tradition here of doing it all without magic, the whole town pitches in and helps clear it up with plows, wake up hibernating animals, and rebuilding habitats.” Sweetie answers and puts in a box of tape in the cart. 
“Really? That must take a lot of work!” 
“Oh it is! But it's worth the effort at the end” Muffins smiles.
“How long does it take?” 
“Usually a day, but it used to take way more, since the groups were unorganized.” Muffins says.
“BonBon?” Lyra jumps in front of them.
“Lyra??” Sweetie jumps a little too, but with surprise.
“Lyra!” Muffins says with a smile.
“Hi Lyra” Sugar says as well.
“What're you three doing here?” Lyra ask them. They keep walking.
“Just shopping” BonBon casually says. 
Lyra looks at their cart and digs through it, “Tape? Binders? Papers?” 
“Yes it's office supplies.” BonBon takes back the items and puts it in the cart. 
“Oh is it that place you work at right? What is called again?” 
“Atomm's Construction” Muffins says loudly.
“That's right” BonBon nods.
“Atomm's hmm, do they have anything there about excavations?” Lyra asks.
“Not for the kind of places you're trying to find” BonBon chuckles a bit. 
“Bummer, if they do though, you let me know!” Lyra gives BonBon a quick hug and starts to hop away, “Oh and see ya Sugar and Muffins!” 
“Byeeee!” Muffins shouts out. They continue shopping till BonBon spots Rarity. 
“Look, it's Rarity, wonder why she's here.” BonBon says.
“Probably..uh, shopping?” Muffins says.
“I think Muffin's is right, besides we don't have to worry about the main six anymore right?” Sugar agrees.
“I suppose not as much, we still need to discuss that with Alloy.” BonBon answers, she glares over at Rarity and watches as she purchases a pack of sewing yarn. 
“What is Alloy up to by the way?” Sugar asks.
“Probably arranging security cameras, making badges, or maybe he's on a date!” Muffins says, she flies up to bring down rolls of paper towels.
“A-A date..?” Sugar becomes nervous suddenly.
“He might be!” Muffins chuckles, “After all, what else does he do with all his free time? Plus he's got the charm to date” 
“I hope he's not” Sugar says with a little bit of anger.
“Oh don't listen to Muffins” BonBon says, she pokes Muffins with her back hoof to let her know not to continue. 
“Hmm?” Muffins asks BonBon. They fall a little back, allowing Sugar to go ahead of them by several feet. 
“Muffins you shouldn't say such things.” BonBon tells her.
“Why not?” Muffins asks confused then smiles, “Oh you like Alloy??”
“What? No. I mean, he's a good friend and all but it's not me that likes him in that way.” BonBon whispers, “It's Sugar that likes him”
“Ohhhh” Muffins smiles a little, “Now it makes sense duu” 
“Yes, so don't say things about him being off with some other mare.” They rejoin Sugar.

At the office, Alloy is asleep on the carpet of his office room. A flash causes him to jump to his feet. Before him is Celestia. He bows down.
“You may rise. I came to warn you of a possible disaster coming tomorrow.” 
“I'm ready for anything” He says.
“I do not know who is to cause it, but tomorrow the weather factory will purposely malfunction due to sabotage.” 
“How do you know this?” He asks respectfully.
“I had a vision in my dream, and they're always on point. Now, I know we can't prevent this small disaster, but I'd like to know at least who caused it, why they caused it, and possibly arrest this pony or ponies.”
“Are you certain we can't stop it?”
She shakes her head, “No, the future needs to stay the way it is or things will become out of order. Besides if you tried to stop it, it wouldn't work out well.” 
“Time is a strange thing. Okay, you can count on us to find out who's behind this.” Alloy states. 
“Good luck to you and your friends.” With that Celestia vanishes. Alloy would've liked some warning before Celestia had awakened him, he was having a good nap. But that was a minor thing, he'd have to let the crew know what was happening so they could choose which of them was going to go to the factory tomorrow. 
He stretches and yawns lazily, walking towards the front side of the offices. “Maybe I should've added a gym” He thinks.
After a time Sugar, Muffins, and Sweetie Drops came back, all carrying carts attached to them, behind them were other colts and mares pulling carts as well. “They blew the budget” Alloy sighs a little and smiles, opening the front door for them. 
“Welcome back” Alloy greets them. 
“We got everything we could think of and everything you said to get.” Sweetie says.
“Hmm, looks like a little much don't you think?” Alloy says as he scans all the items that are still coming in, “I'm guessing we hired them to place everything in here too?” He watches as Muffins and Sugar begin to tell the workers where to place everything.
“I had to, besides we're not going to move all those thing by ourselves right?” Sweetie reasons.
“I suppose you're right.” Alloy hesitantly agrees.
Sweetie gives him back his card, “Here you are”
“It looks so worn out! How many things did you buy??” He jokes.
“I have no idea” She laughs. 
He smiles, “Heh, well after everything's in order I have an important thing to discuss with ya'll.” 
“I'll try speeding up the worker's progress” Sweetie says and leaves. Alloy looks over each of the workers, seeing that each does as they're told. He then goes to his office, which is being put together with furniture, and calls on his newly placed phone. 
Jackson picks up on the other side, “Ye, who is dis?” 
“It's Alloy you hoodlum. I need you to come over to the offices to discuss a few things.
“I thought ya said I had to come in tomorrow though” Jackson says with a hint of complaint.	
“Yeah yeah, well things change, get here as soon as you can, it's semi-important.”
“Semi-important, never heard that one before” He laughs. Alloy hangs up and sits on his new office chair. A worker comes up to him.
“We're almost done here, the charge will be placed on your card correct.” 
“How much was it again?” Alloy asks.
“The moving costs 300 bits.” 
“That's not too bad, yes. Place it on my card.” Alloy says. He nods and leave. Shortly after another worker in another uniform comes to him.
“We're done here, you're paying right?” 
“I thought I paid ya'll already”
“I'm from a different company” She says.
“Really now? Okay how much was it for your services?” 
“450 bits” 
“Geez, okay charge my card.” Alloy says with growing concern. He makes his way to find Sugar Belle.
“Yes Alloy?” She turns to him.
“How many separate stores did you buy from that came to put things in here??”  
“Five” She makes a forgiving smiles.
“Five...” He says and starts to walk slowly away. She walks up with him.
“I'm sorry is that too much for you..?” She asks.
“Sort of..it's um, no big deal..” He says with a little quiver in his voice. He continues to walk to his office leaving Sugar behind in the jumble of workers. Sugar makes her way to Sweetie Drops.
“BonBon!” She shouts. 
BonBon quickly turns, “Something wrong dear?” 
“I think Alloy's mad at us...” She states.
“Mad? Alloy's not one quick to anger, why would he be mad?”  
“We must have over spent by a lot or something. He came up to me just now and asked how many companies we hired. After I told him, he just..well walked away.” Sugar saddens.
“It's alright, no need to be sad by it. I'll talk to him.” Sweetie assures her, “You just keep the workers busy”
“Okay..” Sugar says. Sweetie leaves her to find Alloy. She goes to his office and enters, it is mostly all put together now. 
“Alloy, is there something bothering you that has to do with the final cost of things?” She asks him directly. 
“A little, it's not such a big deal...” He says, not sounding too sure.
“It's something isn't it?” She closes his office door. 
“Yes..” Alloy admits.
“I'm sorry we overspent, I thought it would've been helpful.” 
“Sweetie, it's not the money that you spent today that concerns me, it's my father.” Alloy says.
“What do you mean?” 
“As you may know, he's the one with all the money, not me. I do have some money, saved up from working in old E.S.S and some from working with my father. Anyways, I used his money to buy this place, so I'm just a little worried on how I'm going to pay back his investment.”
“That's what the construction business is for...now I understand” Sweetie sits. 
“Yes, I hope it'll generate enough to satisfy him. The money you spent today was my personal money so don't worry about it. It just reminded me of the money I owe my father is all..”  
“If you need help, you got us to help. Besides we're all in it together.” 
“How has your financial situation been since we left old E.S.S if may ask?” 
“It's...well, it's been a little tight. I've been living off my savings ever since our last check came in. Lyra works some, so it's made it easier for us.”
“Okay, I just wanted to know you guys were okay. Has adding Sugar into your household made it more difficult, if so I can pay you for her living there.” 
“Oh not at all, we're fine the way things are.” 
“Good. I'll be here if you need me, make sure the workers get everything rightly organized.” Alloy says. Sweetie nods and leaves his office room. 

After another hour or so the workers leave the office just as Jackson arrives at the place. He enters and looks around. Sugar is already at her post at the front desk, still organizing a few things. 
“You're Jackson right? I saw you when Celestia spawned you next to us at the castle. We haven't had a chance to officially meet, my name's Sugar Belle.” 
“Nice to meets you Miss Sugar, you must be that new girl Alloy found for the agency. I remember you too from the whole Celestia thing”
“You must be looking for Alloy right?”
“Just about to ask, you know where he is?”
“I believe he's at his office, I'll take you to him.” Sugar rises from her seat and leads him to Alloy's office. She knocks on the opened door.
“Come in” Alloy tells them. He looks up and sees Jackson and smiles. Sugar leaves them alone.
“Hey hey, look at this place! It looks good, though there are no vending machines.” Jackson starts. The do their handshake.
“I'm glad you found this place, we have a lot to go over, take a seat friend” 
Jackson sits, “Ah feels comfortable, this design looks a bit..uh girly but feels great”
“Heh, yeah, I had my staff pick out all the furniture.”
“Oh yeah they're all female, lucky you” He winks. Alloy rolls his eyes.
“Mhmm, whatever you imply my friend. Now to more serious business.” 
“Ready for anything drop it on me bro” 
“Firstly, and most importantly, I have had contact with Notts and have been at his new place with his gang. I've taken one contract to eliminate a guy and completed it, so I'm now welcomed there. My true intention there is to stop his plans to take out the royalty”
“That dirty scum. I never liked Notts, he always gave off a negative vibe. We're gonna kill'em right?”
“I thought about that but his gang looks pretty tough and it'll be hard to get him alone and for none of them to notice.” 
“That's not good. Has he given you any other missions?”
“Not of late, but if he does I need to answer his call”
“Man, this is going to be hard. I'm with you all the way man.”
“I know, thank you Jackson. I want you to watch my back, I doubt Nott's going to contact you, so when I go out on a mission for him, I need you to be ready to respond.” 
“Will do, where's the place located at?”
“A wine place in Cantorlot, I'll give you the address later.” 
“When are we going to start hiring the construction dudes?” 
“We'll start tomorrow, right now there's another thing I need to tell all our agents.” Alloy presses a button on his office phone and goes on the intercom and says, “All members report to my office” He turns it off. 
“Nice do I get one too?” Jackson asks with a smiles.
“I think every office has one” Alloy assures him. The agents enter the room.
“Ready to tell us about that thing you mentioned earlier?” BonBon ask.
“Exactly why I called ya'll up here. Now, earlier today while you three were shopping, Celestia appeared before me again and told me about a disaster in the Rainbow Factory occurring tomorrow. She asked us to find out who causes it.” 
“I can go” Sweetie immediately says.
“That was quick” Sugar comments.
“I've been wanting to go on a real mission for a while, this is my chance to get back in the game.” Sweetie smiles.
“BonBon, take Sugar with you, so she can begin her field work” Alloy suggest. Sweetie nods.
“You guys think I'm ready for this? Where's this rainbow factory anyways? In the sky? How are we supposed get up there..?”
“Don't be nervous Sugar, we have a spell for standing on clouds” Sweetie replies.
“Be careful, if you get off the clouds you'll fall down.” Alloy warns.
“I'll arrange for a few pegasi to transport us there” Sweetie says, “As well as revise that spell, it's been a while since I've used it” She leaves.
“I'll go too! I can fly so if someone falls, I'll catch them.” Muffins says with glee. All nod.
“Well, that's it then.” Alloy sits down. Everyone leaves except Jackson.
“What are we going to do then?” He asks. 
“You can start organizing you office room, it's in the front of the offices since you'll be in charge  of the construction ponies.” Alloy answers.
“And you? What are you going to do?” 
“I still haven't decided. I want to go back with Notts and possibly try getting to know the other's skills.” 
“Dangerous stuff, you want me to come along?” 
“Nah, on later missions yes, but for now I have it under control.” Alloy says.
“Alright then, take care fool” Jackson grins and leaves. Alloy leans back in his chair and rubs his eyes. He was secretly stressed about these things that were going on, he decided to go alone because he was afraid that his friends would be harmed. He had not mentioned going back to Cantorlot to Sugar, BonBon, or Muffins for fear that something would happen. That's why he felt lucky that Celestia had came to give them a mission, it would give the others something to do while he took care of the more dangerous work. 
He glances over to his door and notices Sugar looking in, “Yes Sugar, you needed something?”
“Kind of...I was just, um wondering what you were going to do?” She says quickly.
“Nothing much, just install cameras, organize a few things, and plan out our next move.”
“Oh, so you're..busy?”
“Not at the moment”
“Okay” She comes in and sits, “I wanted to tell you something” 
“Go ahead”  Alloy says calmly.
“I'm afraid of going up there tomorrow...it's high right..?”
“Yes, it's kind of high in the sky. I'm also not a big fan of heights myself.” He clears his throat, “Don't worry, Muffins and BonBon have your back, they'll make sure nothing happens.” 
“I know..but, maybe I can stay here?” 
“You could, but this is field work, we don't get missions often so I'd like you to build up some experience. So when big things happen, you'll be prepared” Alloy says.
“I-I guess you're right..” Sugar says.
“Here at E.S.S we have our different talents, Muffins likes to make muffins, BonBon, she has her candy cutie mark, I like to build things. We should remember that. What I'm trying to say is that if you're nervous you should try to bake, it might relax you and give you something to do. Besides, I've missed your food” Alloy smiles. 
“You're right” She smiles as well, “I should bake, maybe that's what I've been missing!” She runs off, then comes back, “Oh and thank you!” She goes off again. Alloy sits back down and reflects on what he said, closing his eyes slowly falling asleep.

End of Chapter 10.

> E.S.S: 11 - Who messed up the weather?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 11
Who messed up the weather?

Sugar and Sweetie Drops were on-board a chariot pulled by two pegasus stallions on route to Cloudsdale. Sugar looks over the edge and shakes.
“It's not so bad” Muffins flies next to them.
“It's...so high!” Sugar crouches in the chariot, the wind wispping by her hair.
“It's okay Sugar, just wait till we get there, it's beautiful” Sweetie says. Sugar just nods and remains crouched the rest of the ride. 
They make a soft landing on the clouds in a few minutes, Sweetie and Muffins start to walk on the clouds but Sugar remains in the chariot.
“You can get off now” Muffins goes to her.
“Are- Are you sure...what if I fall??” Sugar looks at her.
“I'll catch you, promise!” Muffins smiles. Hesitantly and slowly, Sugar starts to make baby-steps towards the chariot's edge till her hoof touches the soft cold clouds. She gets out fully.
“I'm on the clouds!” Sugar celebrates aloud. 
“Told you you wouldn't fall” Sweetie smiles. Sugar hops around, other pegasus start to stare at the two non-pegasi. Sweetie grabs Sugar's arm, “Come on let's go before they start asking questions.”
“Okay!” Sugar says joyfully. Sweetie takes out two balloons and fills them with helium from a small tank in her bag. 
“Here tie this around you so it looks like it's keeping you up” Sweetie tells Sugar. 
“Good idea!” Sugar begins to tie it to herself. 
The trio of mares go through the main streets of the sky town, many are flying around. All the while Sugar is in awe staring at the some-how standing cloud structures and avoiding looking down.
“This factory makes weather you say?” Sugar asks Sweetie.
“Sure does, it's the main factory in all Equestria.” She responds.
“How does it even do that?” 
“I'm not sure on the details, I believe they have a bunch of machines that make the weather, all they do is decide when to release it in addition to maintaining the factory in operation.” 
“How do we get it in?” Muffins interrupts.
“I was going to ask you about it since you're a pegasus, I thought maybe you'd know some ways in” Sweetie says.
“Let me think...yeah! But it might be dangerous for you two” Muffins says.
“How dangerous?” Sugar starts to worry.
“I'll have to carry you guys one by one from the bottom of the factory clouds. There are large holes there where exhaust from the engines come from.” Muffins says.
“A waste tube basically...” Sweetie is disgusted. Sugar thinks the same.
“When are these holes not emitting waste?” Sugar asks.
“I dunno, I think it's when those big tubes on top of the main buildings stop releasing stuff.” Muffins points up at the funnels that are constantly spewing a variety of different cloud like things. 
“Doesn't look like it's stopping anytime soon. We'll have to break in the old fashion way.” Sweetie says, “We'll need to disguise ourselves as workers. We also need fake wings.” 
“There's a souvenir shop I know of that sells fake wonder-bolt wings, and other colors too” Muffins says with sudden excitement. 
“Perfect Muffins, go buy some and meet us near the factory” Sweetie smiles. 
“On it!” Muffins flies off quickly. 
“What shall we do meanwhile?” Sugar looks to Sweetie.
“We need to get those disguises. I'm sure there's a tailor shop somewhere, or maybe a general store that sells uniforms.” 
“That's going to be hard to find.” Sugar follows after Sweetie, “I've been wondering, what's your real name?”
“My real name? Why would you want to know that?” Sweetie asks.
“Well I've noticed sometimes when Muffins calls you by BonBon she stutters a little as if she was going to call you by something else first.”
“Very observant, I trust you so I'll tell you, it's Sweetie Drops. Lyra doesn't know so don't tell her okay? Just call me BonBon so it sticks and you don't accidentally call me Sweetie Drops.” 
“Okay I got it now, thanks.” Sugar says.
“Since I answered you that question, I'd like to ask you a little question myself.” Sweetie Drops says.
“Hmm, okay go for it” 
“How are things between you and Alloy? I haven't noticed you two interacting as much as I'm guessing you'd like to” Sweetie asks as she faces forwards looking at shop signs.
“Me...and Alloy, heh, well...you're right about us not interacting as much” Sugar states.
“Something happen or you guys just haven't gotten together yet?” 
“It's..the later..” Sugar quivers.
“Don't be distraught dear, you just need to find a time for you two to talk, maybe a date or two will help.” Sweetie says. Sugar nods silently. “Come now, I'm sure you can work something out with him.” Sweetie smiles.
“I guess you're right” Sugar smiles then points, “Look that store seems to have uniforms.” They head on in.
“An Earth pony and a Unicorn? Hu, unlikely visitors but welcome welcome!” An older faded blue pegasus greets. 
“We're looking for the Cloudsdale worker uniforms, do you have any?” Sweetie asks him.
“Why of course, what section are you two working in? Mechanics I'm sure since well, not to offend but magic user usually repair those tricky spots us pegasus can't get to, and the Earth pones usually dump out all the waste.” The old pony says.
“Oh yes, I'm a mechanic” Sugar agrees.
“Yes, and I'm the ahem, janitorial worker” Sweetie says. 
“Heh, I should have both your sizes” The stallion grabs two uniforms from a counter behind him, “That'll be 62 bits total.” 
Sugar spawns the money and passes it to him, “Here you go. Wait we also need a regular um, cloud mover uniform too.” 
“You mean the cloud workers right?” He passes them the uniforms. They have pre-cut wing slots, “Here you go. Sorry for those wing holes, it's a standard”
“That's okay. Thanks” Sugar says and pays for it as well. They walk out form the store, “Perfect, the holes will do nicely fore the fake wings” Sugar comments. 
“Agreed, now where is Muffins? She should be near here by now” Sweetie looks at the sky for her. They continue on there way to the factory.
“Do we really need the wings though? Remember that old guy said they use unicorns and earth to do some work in the factory too”
“While that's true, it's better to wear those wings than these balloons we have” Sweetie answers.
“Oh you're right” 
“It should be easy getting into the place, their security isn't exactly top natch.” She chuckles a little. 
“You've been here before?”
“Not into the factory itself but in some buildings around here yes.” Sweetie says. They sit near the entrance of the grand set of factory buildings. Behind to time, but faithful, Muffins flies down to them wearing the wings making her appear to have 6 wings in total on her back. Sugar laughs ouy loud.
“How are you still able to fly with those?” Sugar says in laughter. 
“It sorta balances with the weight and stuff” She lands near them. Both sets of wings are in a stationary position, no spread out. 
“The colors are a bit off” Sweetie takes her pair off of Muffin's back. 
“Yeah, sorry these were the closest they had” Muffins smiles.
Sugar takes her's and straps them on, “I feel like I'm ready to fly!” 
“Speaking of which, the spell we used will have to be refreshed in an hour. Do you remember it Sugar?” 
“The spell...uh. Yes, sorta” Sugar places the worker uniform on, which conveniently covers up the straps of the fake wings. 
Sweetie sighs and takes out a sheet from her pack, “Here I brought it in case you forgot” She smiles a little and passes it to her, “Go ahead and cast it again so we'll have double protection.”
“You sure?”
“Positive”
“Okay” She reads the sheet a little and cast the spell on Sweetie which cause her to fall through the clouds instantly screaming. Muffins dives down after her. In a flash though, Rainbow Dash saves her and places her back with Muffins.
“Hey thanks RD!” Muffins smiles as she holds up the trembling Sweetie Drops.
“Yeah no problem guys! Just be more careful.” Rainbow says and flies off. Muffins takes her back up with Sugar.
“..The spell, it...can only be placed back after an hour or it cancels out the previous one..” Sweetie shivers a little.
“I'm so sorry let me cast it again.” Sugar cast the spell and Sweetie steps on the clouds once more.
“It's okay...that was an interesting experience..ahem, let's continue” She places on her worker uniform and passes Muffins here designated uniform. 

Together they enter the factory, random groups of worker walk about the lobby entering halls and talking aloud. “This place is bigger than I thought” Sugar comments. 
“Gals. Look over there.” Sweetie grabs them and points at Rainbow Dash who seems to be sneaking along into one of the halls, she is pulling a sleepy turtle on a leash.
“Hey it that turtle I saw when RD saved you S- BonBon!” Muffins states.
“I hadn't noticed it before, what is she doing here..?” Sweetie says.
“Maybe she works here?” Sugars suggest.
“Records show she's not currently employed here, trust me I know.” Sweetie says, “I think she may be the one we're after”
“But BonBon, I thought they're on side remember??” Muffins says.
“Perhaps, but that doesn’t cover up why she's acting this way here.” Sweetie says firmly. Muffins and Sugar look at each other and shrug.
“Okay then, should we track her then?” Sugar asks. 
“Definitely. Muffins, go out to the outside to make sure she doesn't fly away or tampers with things out there.”
“On it!” Muffins flies out. 
“Sugar, you stay with me and look around carefully.” Sweetie follows where they last saw her. Sugar rushes after her. 
“What if it's someone else is the one to tamper with things?” She asks.
“Then I'm sure we'll run into them. Let's make haste, she's a quick one” Sweetie goes even faster. 
All at once Sweetie stops, “She's going into the engine room.” She stealthily goes inside, Sugar following close by. A blue flash strikes by them. Sweetie jumps nearly screaming. 
“She knows we're here..” Sugar tells her. 
“We should try speaking with her”
“Are you certain?” Sugar asks.
“It's the only way we can know what she's up to” Sweetie states.
“Are you two done talking about me?” Rainbow Dash says from atop. 
“Come down here Miss Rainbow” Sweetie looks up.
“Why? I'm on a mission?” Rainbow says. The turtle bumps into her head.
“What mission?” Sugar asks her.
“A secret one duu” She rubs her head, “How about you two??”
“We, um work here” Sugar says ahead of what Sweetie was going to answer. 
“I wasn't told about any secret mission. This is private property we need an official pass of some sort for you to be here.” Sweetie continues. 
“Yea well...I got something important!” Rainbow Dash quickly kicks off a tube causing the place to become very cold. She then goes on to wreck the place and fly away.
“After her!” Sweetie shouts. The room becomes a mess, lightning boats fly everywhere, water burst out creating a small flood, and the air becomes a thick fog.
“I-I can't see!” Sugar screams. 
“I'm close to you! Follow my voice, we need to get out of here!” Sweetie shouts out. Alarms go off everywhere, some other workers come in and try take control of the situation but it is too late. The machines outside the factory hurl a giant ball of snow back out to Ponyville causing an instant snow in. At the factory Sweetie and Sugar aid in helping power down the rest of the factory. There is an announcement on the intercom telling everyone to evacuate except the engineers. Sweetie and Sugar make their way out with the rest of the workers. At the exits there are royal guards over-watching everyone. Once they see the two agents they come up to them. 
“Princess Celestia desires to speak with you two. Come with us.” One of the three says. 
“Do we go?” Sugar looks to Sweetie. She nods and follow the guards onto a chariot where Muffins is sitting down. 
She waves to them, “Hey guys!” she smiles. They sit by her, “I saw her! She dashed off...I couldn't catch up I'm afraid” 
“It's all good. At least we got who it was.” Sweetie says. She itches her back at the wings.
“Hold on. We're taking off” A guard says to them. The chariot lifts up by two stallion pegasus and then they begin to fly off towards Cantorlot. 
Sugar crouches down, “oh...are we flying again..?” 
“Sure are! We get to go the castle! I haven't been there since the royal wedding” Muffins smiles.
“How long will it take..?” Sugar asks.
“20 Minutes.” One of the flier answers.
Close to the time the pegasus guard predicted, they arrive in a Cantorlot garden, no doubt the royal's. 
“You may exit now” A royal guard comes up to them. They hop off, “Please accompany me to the Princess of the Sun” 
Celestia is on a balcony as they arrive to her spot, “You may leave now Max” She tells the guard. He leaves. “Come sit, I've prepared some tea for you three, although I think it has become a little cold now” She chuckles.
“Sweet!” Muffins sits right away and begins to drink. The other two sit as well.
“Now,” Celestia takes a sip, “Who is our little criminal?” The three look at each other, then Sweetie speaks up.
“It appears to have been Miss Rainbow Dash” She answers. Celestia stops drinking her tea as if in a little shock, but calmly continues.
“That's interesting. Did you find out what brought her to doing such a deed?” 
“We attempted to talk with her about, but she neglected to say anything except that she was on a 'secret' mission.” Sweetie says.
“I'll send word to Twilight for her to confront her about it. As for the damage she caused, I'll see that it's dealt with” Celestia says, remaining in her same calm tone.
“Is she..going to be punished?” Sugar asks.
“I'll leave that duty up to Twilight, but if you're interested, I'll have you meet up with her” 
“Meet with Twilight? I've only meet her once at my town” Sugar starts.
Celestia chuckles, “Ah yes Sugar Belle. Twilight mentioned you in a letter. You're from the village Starlight Glimmer was in correct?” 
“Mhmm, I mean yes ma'am.” Sugar says quickly. 
“Don't be shy dear,” She sips more tea, “Though I have been intrigued with your appearance here in Equestria and what brought you to E.S.S.”  
“I..uh..well am kinda embarrassed to say” Sugar's face begins to redden. 
“Heh, it's okay Sugar you don't need to tell me if you feel it's too uncomfortable.” Celestia smiles.
“Thank you” Sugar says.
“This whole deal with former director of the E.S.S Notts is a dangerous matter. How has it been going along?” Celestia asks them. 
“Alloy is the one that's been in charge of it, I've been meaning to talking to him about it. He seems to be pushing us away from it though” Sweetie admits. 
“Pushing away? I would recommend speaking to him about, we wouldn't want something to happen to him” Celestia says, “Which one of you five is the new director of E.S.S?”
“It's been undecided. We've all worked on the decision making all together, well not so much Jackson since he just recently joined us.” Sweetie replies. 
“A sort of counsel you have going then? If what you say about Alloy making the calls for the Notts operations, then get involved in that. Unless you all would like him to be the director.” Celestia suggest.
“He has contributed a lot to the rebuilding of E.S.S. It might not be such a bad idea” Muffins suddenly says with a mouth stuffed with cake. 
“I agree with Muffins here. Alloy has pulled his resources to build the office and has basically lead us on most missions.” Sweetie says.
“I'll see to it that E.S.S gets paid for in all the cost it took to build it. I know Alloy's father. He's one of our high end business-ponies in the land. Alloy is an interesting one, he was on my suggestion list for joining my private magic classes but his father pulled him out before he joined. Perhaps one day Alloy will consider joining the school, after all there are something even he doesn't know”
“Hu, that would have meant he would've been studying with Twilight” Sweetie states.
“What he would've become Princesses Alloy!” Muffins says with laughter. 
“That would be so weird!” Sugar laughs, “Though I think it'd be Prince Alloy.”
“Correct. His destiny however is still up in the air. All of us have something in life to go for, it all depends on whether you take the right paths and put in the effort to see that dream is achieved. All of us have the potential to be great or to be cruel and evil. Our circumstances may vary, and it is the way we react to those situations that determines who we are.” Celestia finishes her tea, “Thanks for joining me here, you all know what you must do.”
“It's been a pleasure” Sweetie says. The three walk out from the castle, but ot before Max, the guard, catches up them. 
“Excuse me ladies, the Princess forgot to mention that you'd all be escorted back to your homes.” He says to them.
“Oh of course, will we be going on the chariot again?” Sweetie asks.
“Yes, not the same one though, follow me” He says in a rush. Sweetie and the rest follow, but Sweetie begins to feel unsure, they are headed away from the castle which is one of the few places in Cantorlot that has the chariots. 
“I think we can catch the train” Sweetie tells him. 
Sugar adds to that, “Yeah I think I've had enough flying around for one day, I feel sick” 
“It'll be a short ride, don't worry.” Max says, “Besides it's the princess' orders”
“I'm sure she'll understand if we take the train.” Sweetie states. Max stops and turns to face all three.
“You need to change your plans then” He says more aggressively, and turns back around. All three look at each other confused. Sweetie stops.
“I don't think so Mr. Max.” Sweetie stomps her hoof. 
“What's going on?” Sugar asks her.
“You two run. Now.” Sweetie tells them. She takes a defensive stance. Max turns around in a moment and shoots four rounds from a hidden gun. Sugar creates a shield in a flash causing the bullets to ricksha in random directions. Ponies around them begin to run and scream. Sweetie jumps at Max, trying to get a hold of him. He teleports just a little out of her way causing her to flip on the ground. She stands upright. 
“Who are you!?” Sugar shouts at Max. Muffins takes Sugar aside for cover.
“A stallion looking to complete his mission!” Max answers them. He begins to shoot at them again. Sweetie moves out of the way, the bullets skim her hair. 
“BonBon!” Muffins shouts out.
“I'm alive, get Sugar out of here!” Sweetie replies. 
Muffins grabs Sugar's hoof, “Come on we need to leave!” 
“We can't just leave her here alone defenseless!” Sugar pulls her hoof out of Muffins.
“The royal guards will get here soon, she'll just distract him long enough for them to get here! Come on!” Muffins, again, takes her hoof and this time takes off from the ground holding onto Sugar. 
“I'm losing my grip!” Sugar says to her. 
“Just hold on a little longer! Use your magic to hold yourself better.” Muffins suggest. Sugar forms a magical grip around their hooves. 
“I think I got it! Where are we going??” 
“Celestia.” Muffins flies towards the towers. A group of guards fly past them swooping in so fast the wind nearly knocks Muffins off course. 
Sweetie Drops looks from behind a corner. Another shot chips the wall, nearly taking her head, “He's a good shooter” She thinks. She looks around her, there is a door near her, baskets of food, and a few crates. 
“Come out and I won't kill you” Max says from a distance, he keeps on nearing her. She launches a crate at him, but misses he grabs the crate she threw with his magic and throws it back towards her with greater force. The crate hits Sweetie's corner shattering it into little wood pieces. 
“Who sent you?” She half-shouts. He teleports himself behind her, but she manages to react in time to kick him in the face sending his firearm to fall out of his reach. She takes it and points it at him, “Who sent you?! Answer me!” She says viciously.
“Ha you damned Earth pony!” He uses his magic to shove her across the street and crashing her into a shop window. She lies there suffering from multiple cuts and bruises. He starts to near her, but just then the guards fly in blocking him. He teleports away, not to be seen by anyone.
“Search the area!” A guard orders the others. On on the guards goes to her and helps her up.
“Ma'am come with me, you need medical attention.” He offers. She slowly nods and, with his help, leave to seek aid. 
Sugar and Muffins land at the garden they arrived at at first, “She should still be here.” Muffins says. The rush up the tower Celestia was at but are stopped by the appearnce of Max who shoots at Muffins, hitting one of her wings. 
“Muffins!” Sugar covers her. Muffins screams in pain.
“Sugar, get out of here! I can handle him!” Muffins stands back up. Sugar forms a shield around them. 
“You think so?” Max reloads his weapon, “I already took care of you other little friend. You think you can really handle me? Ha come and try!” 
Sugar's shield is suddenly strengthened by a yellow glow. Max falls to the ground. His weapon melts into an orange pile of metal. Celestia lifts him up and makes him disappear. 
“Muffins, Sugar. Are you two okay??” She comes to them.	
“Thank you Celestia!” Sugar says in tears, “Muffins got injured by that thing he had! I think he got her wing!”  
Celestia lifts Muffins up with her magic and mends her wound with her magic, “Feel better?” 
“Yes..thanks!” Muffins smiles. She starts to fly around cheerfully. 
“I'm glad to hear you both are safe, word just came of Sweetie Drops, she's at Cantorlot Hospital being taken care of.” Celestia says.
“What happened to her??” Sugar asks, she is trembling a little.
“Fear not, it's not fatal. She was knocked into a shop window. Go see her, and once you all recover, we need to meet again.” Celestia turns and starts to leave.
“Where'd you put that guy, Max?” Muffins asks, she glides down to Sugar.
“I moved him to a prison, his magic will not be able to get him out.” Celestia answers as she goes away. 
“Who was than stallion..?” Sugar asks Muffins as they start to walk out of the castle. 
“I think it may have been an agent of Notts. Max, I don't recall anyone named that in our old agency, that must not be his real name. I recognized his...weapon..yes. I think I know who he is..” Muffins gulps.
“An agent of old E.S.S here to silence us..? Are you sure?” Sugar shakes.
“I'm certain, but we'll need to interrogate him to make sure...” Muffins and Sugar make their way to Sweetie's location. 

End of Chapter 11.
	 
   
> E.S.S: 12 - A Mission with a Shadow
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 12
A Mission with a Shadow

Muffins and Sugar arrive at Sweetie's staying place at the hospital. She seems okay, she has on bandages where her cuts and bruises were made.
“Sweetie are you alright??” Both Muffins and Sugar say to her as they run up to the bed she's in.	“I'm quite alright, just a little injured is all.” Sweetie replies, “Call me BonBon around public places please.” 
“Heh, yeah she's alright!” Muffins hugs her. Sweetie holds back a little pain from the hug.
“How about you two?” She asks them.
“We're good.” Sugar says.
“We went to Celestia, Max showed up and tried to kill us both but Celestia stopped him and imprisoned him.” Muffins smiles.
“Good, he's dealt with, we'll have to notify Alloy and Jackson about this as soon as we can” She starts to get off her bed, “We should go now”
“Celestia wants us to meet with her too!” Muffins adds.
“More reason to hurry up, come let's go” She starts to hop towards the door.
“Do you need some help walking?” Sugar asks.
“We'll get a wheelchair at the entrance and one of you two can push me along if you can” Sweetie hops along to the front counter.
“I'll do it” Sugar says. Sweetie nods and asks for a wheelchair. A nurse takes out a chair for her, Sweetie sits down in it.
They make their way to the train stop and board it, it is now late afternoon.

Alloy himself is boarding a train to Cantorlot, he had received a short notice message from Notts to come as soon as possible. He got off the train at the same train station Muffins and the rest had just boarded. Quickly he makes his way to the wine cellar base, the door opens for him granting him entrance. 
“Blur you made it. To bad it's over already, but I have something new for you.” Notts greets, “Take a seat if you'd like”
“What did I miss?” Alloy asks him sitting down.
“You do remember agent Sweetie Drops and Muffins correct?” Notts starts. Alloy becomes a little uneasy on the inside but replies casually.
“Yes, of course, what are they joining up too?” Alloy leans in his chair a little.
“Not at all, in fact they're aiding the enemy, and they seem to have a new recruit. One of our agents spotted them with Celestia, no doubt they're working together. The agent I sent was close to ridding of them but failed somehow and is currently imprisoned in the Cantorlot underground prison.” Notts summarizes. 
“What's this you want me to do? Get him out or take care of the old agents?”
“Already ahead of me I see. Firstly is our agent, Max. He's not so good at keeping his mouth shut. Max isn't his real name. He's one of our old agents,  Wild Berrie.” 
“Wild Berrie? You're telling me that bloke joined you?” Alloy laughs, “No wonder he failed the mission” 
“Heh, yes he's not so good in acting. Still we either get him out or kill him. Those are your two choices, oh and I'm appointing you with Silent Death.” Notts leaves Alloy. Silent Death approaches him like a shadow and sits with him.
“Looks like we're in this together” He smiles.
“Let's see what you got” Alloy says. He and Silent both leave the wine basement. 
“The sun is going down, thankfully. It hurt my...complexion.” Silent smiles.
“A little vitamin D hurts you?” Alloy asks the being. 
“It does. I like working in the dark, it helps me do my things.” 
“What things?” 
Silent Death vanishes in a shadow and appears a few buildings down in another shadow. Alloy goes to him, “Impressive I'll admit. How do you do it?”
“This little beauty” Silent shows him an amulet, “Full of what you folks call ' dark magic' it's really...helpful” He chuckles darkly. 
“Ah yes the amulets, they aren't good for your health, that's why I've never used them.”
“Tis a little sacrifice I can assure you Mr. Alloy...Alloy Atomms” Silent chuckles a little more. 
“So you know my name, yours can't be really Silent Death either.” Alloy says.
“That's true, but let's say you won't be finding out my real name anytime soon.” He grins. Alloy follows Silent to a cave that supposedly leads to the prisons.
“This place looks old, are there any traps?” Alloy asks.
“I took care of them a while ago, maybe you should loose those...nice clothes, as you call them. It's dirty down here” 
“To late for that now, what's with your apparel? I assume it shades you from the sun.”
“Correct but it does much more than that.” He lifts a layer of clothing to reveal knives, potions, and other random items, “You see it can pack quite the tools!” 
“It's like carrying your own laboratory on you”  
“Precisely!” His laughs echo throughout the cave. “Wait, hmm I'm starting to..sense something...piecing together a few things!” 
“What is it?” Alloy keeps following him until he stops randomly and turns to Alloy.
“You. Your name is Alloy Atomms!” 
“Yes…?”
“But, it isn't!” 
“Wait what?”
“Your name..it doesn't..match! That's it. I know an Atomms, a business stallion”
“That would be my father.” Alloy states. Silent stares at him and shakes his head.
“No, not your father” Silent smirks and continues on deeper into the cave. Alloy wanted to ask him what the hell he was going on about, but felt it strange. Silent knew something he didn't, his amulet must have given him other senses. Whatever the case was Silent was a creep, his dark magic had definitely given him both mental and physical scaring. He was probably just rambling and didn't know what he was talking about, thought Alloy. Silent's very presence made him feel uncomfortable, but Alloy had to keep up his nonchalant act.
“You know these two other ponies. Muffins and Sweetie Drops am I right?” Silent randomly asks. 
“Yes, not sure how well anymore since our split.”	
“You” He sniffs the air, “Smell like you've been around them” He sniffs again, “Recently..”
“Probably because I'm wearing the same clothes I did back at the agency” Alloy states, “How much further do we have till we get there?” 
“..Just a little more. I'll scout ahead” He vanishes before his eyes. Alloy tries to track the different shadows he hops too, but the cave's darkness makes it hard to.
“This guy knows too much. I might have to get rid of him.” Alloy thinks to himself. 
“No ones ahead!” Silent appears five feet in front of him. It startles alloy a bit making Silent laugh a little.
“Good, but it seems to easy. They might be suspecting something” Alloy says. They walk till they reach a barred off area. Silent moves to the other side but when Alloy tries to teleport it cancels out his spell.
“Hahaha...oh right your regular magic isn't going to get you past this magic barricade!” Silent laughs, “But you have to get past somehow” He takes off his necklace and tosses it to him, “Be quick or it'll...start to do things!” 
Alloy looks at the markings and puts it on. Instantly he feels a rapid growth of his magic, it felt good.
“I said quick Alloy, it'll start to make you...addicted!” Silent scares. Alloy flashes over quickly to the other side and takes off the necklace right away, a sudden drain of power makes him fall to his knees. 
“Thanks for that back!” Silent grabs the amulet back, rapidly putting it back on, “Ahh...much better.” 
“Yeah..right...” Alloy stands up, he is still a little hazy.
“Yes it's like that at first, but if you use it more, you'll get used to it!” Silent says. Alloy simply nods and they continue. The prison is generally empty. There is rooms for maybe 1000s but only about 20-50 are actually used. Few guards are on duty, Silent detects them right away and stops, “Do you want to kill them...or wait?” 
“A mix of both and knock them out” Alloy states, his head is still aching. Silent senses he is weak. 
“I'll do it fast.” Silents moves stealthily, shooting a few darts making them pass out. A few prisoners look at the fallen guards then see Alloy and Silent walk along.
“Hey! Get us out!” One says. 
“Yeah do us a favor will ya??” Another starts. Silent goes up the cage and does something to suddenly cause one of them to fall down and weep. Other prisoners shut their mouths after seeing that.
Alloy whispers to him, “What did you do?” 
“I showed him a vision from a possible future.  I don't know what it was but it was meant to scar him. We don't want them all making a lot of noise so I used him as an example for them not to bother us.” He smirks. As they go along, Silent works his way taking out any guard in his sensing range till they arrive at the prison cage they're looking for. 
Wild Berrie looks up in shackles, “Alloy? Silent?..you guys came to take me out??” 
“Depends...did you say anything?” Silent asks.
“Um, no. Why would I?” Berrie asks. Silent looks at Alloy and smiles.
“Watch this Alloy” Silent says. He goes into Berrie's cell and makes Berrie go suddenly blank he falls as Silent does something to him.
“What are you doing?” Alloy observes.
“Scanning his memory, he's easy to read...so...naive. He spoke” Silent stops. Berrie falls to the floor and rubs his head. “You spoke Berrie…” Silent takes out a curved knife.
“No..wait! Alloy do something!” Berrie begs.
“The mission was to get rid of you or get you out, but since you spoke, you're a traitor.” Alloy says pretending to be heartless, “Why should Silent spare you?” Silent glares at Berrie, wanting to just hear the word and end him.
“I..I have family! And..and I know you Alloy! We worked together, you wouldn't kill you own would you??” Berrie tries to be spared.
“Funny, I heard you went after Muffins and Sweetie Drops, weren't they our workers too?” Alloy recalls. Berries eyes widen.
“B-But I was just following orders!” Berrie says.
“And so are we” Alloy smirks. He had found a way to condemn Berrie. He had tried to kill his friends, why shouldn't he die? Or maybe it was that amulet, had it made his heart harden in that little time. Alloy suddenly hesitates, “...Silent, wait. Perhaps Notts has other plans, after all he got close to killing them. Knock him out, and we'll leave.”
Silent stares at Berrie, but obeys and put away his weapon, he cast a spell knocking Berrie out, “You're in charge of this mission...so you make the calls” Silent takes Berrie on his shoulder, and teleports next to Alloy, “Let's go, those darts I used on the guards aren't going to last forever!” 

Alloy and Silent make it back to HQ with Berrie knocked out.  Notts stands and goes to them. “Well done. Did he squeal?” Notts asks.
“Yes...” Silent hisses. 
“You may leave Silent. I need to speak with Alloy alone, take Berrie and chain him up” Notts says. Silent nods and leaves. 
“So you spared Berrie.” Notts states.
“Yes. I wasn't aware that I was in charge of the mission” Alloy says.
“Ha, well good job. We'll question Berrie. He might still be useful, and with our organization being limited, it's wise to not kill them off right away. Good call.” Notts says and starts to walk away, “You can leave now if you want, I'm sure working with Silent Death created a little more experience for you.”
“Right...experience..” Alloy heads out. 

He arrives at his house, feeds the cat, and sits on his couch pondering about the amulet. He starts to fall asleep but a knock at the door prevents that. He opens the door, Sugar is there.
“Alloy! Are you okay??” She quickly comes in and examines him.
“Um..yes, I'm okay.” He says.
“Oh thank goodness! You left a note in your office saying you left on a mission, why didn't you tell us sooner??” 
“There was no quicker way to, plus I couldn't wait for you guys to return” 
“What about Jackson? Wasn't he at the office?” 
“No, he was out looking for employes so I had to go solo” 
“Then..you don't know what happened do you?” 
“Your mission, I was about to ask” Alloy goes to the kitchen and serves himself water, “Want some?”
“Yes please. The mission..well it was interesting, Rainbow Dash was the one responsible..” She says. Alloy chuckles a little.
“Well what do you know? Did you inform Celestia about that?”
“Yes, she said Twilight would take care of Miss Dash.” 
“I hope so. What else happened? Wait I remember now...” Alloy hits his head. He passes Sugar the drink, “You gals were attacked...weren't you?” 
“Yes. Hold on...how did you know??”
“Sorry I nearly forgot that I met the guy who tried to do it. I aided in his escape...I had a chance to kill him..” Alloy reaches for a bottle of wine but puts it back. 
“What?? So that's what your Notts mission was then??”
“Let me explain. I was sent to either kill him or take him back to base. I went with a stallion named Silent Death...we made it to where he was, and Silent had him in his grip ready to end him but...I just couldn't do it...sorry..”
Sugar hugs him, “Don't be sorry Alloy...it was the right thing to do”
“Was it..? He nearly killed you all..if he had maybe..maybe I would've done it..” He clenches his teeth and sits down releasing himself of Sugar's hug.
“Don't be so hard on yourself..we're all okay and the missions were completed right?” She smiles a little, “My first successful mission.” 
“You're..right we're all alive. I was just..never-mind it's nothing” He smiles.
“Are you sure?” She asks, leaning closer.
“Ahem, yeah, so it's getting late. Are you going to stay, or do you want me to call a cabby?” 
“I'll stay, if it's not to much trouble for you..” 
“Of course you can stay, heh you know the place, I'll be in the garage I'm going to work on something” He quickly leaves. 
Sugar watches as he leaves. “I wonder what's up with him..” The cat looks up to her and meows. “Maybe he just wants to be alone, I shouldn't have come..” She sits on the couch. 
In the garage he takes a seat on a rolling chair and takes out a small stone that is filled with some magic from the shelf. He grabs a microscope and looks at it. He then stops, he was angry at himself, he had been so caught up in what Silent said that he had forgotten that his friends had been in danger. And now Sugar was there in the living room trying to see if something was wrong with him. Today he almost lost them, maybe he should've ended Wild Berrie but it was a test from Silent wasn't it? He was seeing if he was willing to kill out of revenge. Alloy couldn't do it...but what was Silent talking about? Alloy was just too curious he had to find out. Sugar was going to bed soon so he'd sneak out and leave to search for answers. 
And so he did, he manually opened the garage, took a gun with him, put a hoodie over his clothes and left. Sugar, sitting in the chair hears the garage and looks out the window. She looks at a hooded pony run from the house, “A thief!” Sugar jumps up and rushes to the garage. It is locked, “Dammit! Alloy!! Are you in there??” She knocks but hears no one and panics. She opens the front door and looks at the garage and goes to it and lifts it. No one was inside, “What..was that Alloy in the hoodie..?” She views to the direction he had run off to and goes that way.   
Meanwhile Alloy made his way to the wine cellar, and went inside. “Well if it isn't Blur” Two eyes greets.
“We heard about your mission earlier today with that shadow guy” Snow adds.
“Ah hu, where is he?” Alloy asks quickly. 
“I believe he out in the night doing things- woah!” Snow jumps up as a shadow takes form into Silent.
“Who me..?” He smiles mischievously.
“Ugh don't do that” Snow says with disgust.
“No need to be rude dear. Now Blur you wanted to speak with me?”  
“Yes, outside” Alloy says. Silent follows him.
“Have. Questions?” Silents asks, well knowing. They start to walk, “It explains why you're in that clothing”
“Yes.” Alloy states. Sugar happens to be close by when she sees them walking and begins to stalk them from a distance.
“It's about you right?” 
“Yes. What you didn't continue in the cave..something I didn't understand.” 
“About your father” He chuckles, “Yeah sorry to be the one to tell you but he's not”
“What do you mean?? I've known him all my life!” Alloy suddenly gets defensive, “Excuse my tone..”
“Hahaha, it's okay to react that way” Silent says, “This amulet as you know enhances my abilities to sense certain things, or spells. It seems you've had one on you for a long time. Once I saw you, I knew who you were, and then I took it upon myself to research a little. There aren't any accurate records of your date of birth.”
“That's not enough evidence...what do you mean a spell?” 
“A brain wash one. Seems you haven't always been Mr. Alloy Atomms” Silent says. Alloy stays silent for a while. Many thoughts shoot through his head. Was Silent telling the truth? He couldn't possibly know this is all true, he was Alloy. Alloy Atomms. But why was there doubt?
“I want to see the records.” Alloy says.
“We'll have to sneak into the National Archives” Silent says.
“Let's do it. I need to know” Alloy says firmly. Silent smiles and nods. They both start to gallop to the building. Sugar only overhears parts of what they had conversation but was now concerned for Alloy. Things about spells, births, and breaking into places? Was this another Notts mission? She picks up her pace, still remaining silent. There were now fewer ponies on the streets, mostly last minute things, jobs, some police, and few shops. 
Alloy and Silent stand before the building. “We could take turns with my amulet or you can hang onto me as we jump from shadow to shadow”
“I'll hold on” Alloy says. 
“Then hold on tight, if you let go...well I don't actually know what will happen!” He laughs. Alloy holds on, “This is my first time trying this!” 
“Wait- whaaaa!” Alloy shouts but is muffled as Silent jumps in and out of shadows till before he realizes what is happening, they are inside a random room in the building. 
Sugar sees what happens and is shocked, “Wha...what..?” She steps into the shadow, nothing happens. The building itself is close to closing down, so Sugar gets in and searches.
“That was...crazy!” Alloy says to Silent.
“It was better than walking.” He says.
“Whatever, we're here for my records” He looks at the tons of scrolls, “They're all organized..right..?” 
“Sure are. You're 'name' is Alloy, so the A section, should have it” Silent says, he goes ahead of Alloy to the section. Alloy starts to catch up but sees Sugar watching him, “Silent I'll catch up with you” He shouts to Silent's way.
“Alloy!” She whispers. Alloy goes to her.
“What are you doing here?” They both say together. She smiles a little.
“Hehe, I'll go first, I'm following you!” Sugar says.
“Why? I'm on a...research mission” Alloy says.
“You should've told me! Who's that guy your with?” 
“Look, you need to go back home, this guy, he can sense things. He could be hostile towards you...you need to leave” Alloy says.
“But..”
“He knows me, I'm safe with him. You might not be, leave before he finds out, you could blow my cover” 
“S-Sorry..” Sugar quivers.
“Sugar..don't be sad. Be quick, I'll be with you soon” Alloy smiles. Sugar looks at him, nods and leaves. 
“Ah found it! Alloy!” Silent shouts. Alloy goes to him and takes the records, he reads them. 
“This..doesn't make sense...” Alloy flips through, “It's only showing my father, no son. Are you sure these are all of the papers?” 
“You're free to check” Silent says, he sits on a chair. Alloy looks through the other papers. Nothing. His name doesn't appear on births, he only finds them dated starting 4 years back. 
“There's really..nothing. I don't understand. I went to school for a few years...there are no education papers about me either.” 
“Four years only hu? What did I tell you? Your past is off the grid!” Silent chuckles a little. Alloy grabs him.
“Then who am I??” He says furiously. Silent vanishes before his eyes with a smile of sharp teeth saying as he goes, 
“You'll just have to figure that out for yourself...Alloy” 
“Damn you come back!” Alloy yells out. There is no reply, only his voice echos. He sits there and goes through the papers again and again. A janitor comes up to him.
“Hey mate, the place is closed” 
“I'll leave.” Alloy stands and exits.

Alloy takes his time walking home. He is in a constant flurry of ideas. Who was he..? Maybe the records were just..missing right?? He laughs a little. It was all just a mistake! That's it. But if it wasn't then what? How would he figure out who he was and why this had happened? Silent didn't know anymore than he had told Alloy but at least he had been of some help. 
Alloy came home and found Sugar asleep on his couch. He looks sadly at her. Should he then leave E.S.S? He had ponies who cared for him, well for 'Alloy' anyways. If he found out he had been someone else, a bad thing, then would he accept it or take his leave? Alloy takes a few sheets from the closet and covers Sugar, then heads to bed. 

End of Chapter 12.
	

	
	 
	
> E.S.S: 13 - Personality Issues with a Mix of Love
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 13 
Personality Issues with a Mix of Love

Sugar had awakened earlier than Alloy, she had slept on the couch but saw that Alloy's bedroom door was opened and went to it. Alloy was still in bed, so she took the chance to go into the kitchen and start to cook. Once she finished cooking, she had hoped Alloy would have gotten up but was sadly mistaken. She peaked again into his room, he was still asleep. After a while she decided to eat then sit and watch the T.V. Eventually Alloy wakes up and heads to the living room where he sees Sugar.
“You're finally up! I made you breakfast, want me to warm it up for you?” She stands, already on her way the kitchen.
“Yes please.” He tries to smile, “I slept..a lot”
“I was starting to wonder if you'd ever get up, Sweetie called a while ago. She said we'd all meet with Celestia later today at one P.M.” 
“Celestia...she might know something..” He says softly, but loud enough that Sugar hears it. 
“Something about what?” She asks as she microwaves the food. 
“It's, something about that guy from yesterday that tried to kill you three.” He lies.
She takes out the food and places it on the table for him, “What were you doing last night with that one guy anyways? You said you were on a mission with him right?”
“Yeah...” He eats the eggs.
“I'm sorry if I interrupted Alloy..”
“No you're fine. I was just worried for you..” He looks at her. She blushes a bit.
“I was worried about you too, that's why I followed.” She smiles.
“If you're curious, he's a dark magic user, he can amplify some of his senses and do other unnatural things.”
“Like that shadow thing?” She asks.
“You saw that? Yes, that's one of the things, I also had had a mission earlier with him yesterday”  He drinks some orange juice. He picks up a baked good, “What's this? It smells good” 
“It's a little new thing I made just this morning, it's like a bagel mixed with a doughnut, it has fruit filling.” She says. He takes a bit and instantly likes it.
“Amazing, you've really outdone yourself, I should have woken up sooner!” He keeps eating it.
“Yes! It's a success” She smiles, “Look it's getting close to one, we should leave!” She stands up. Alloy swallows the rest of the baked goods and they both head out. 

At the castle Sweetie, Muffins, and Jackson are already there awaiting them. “Ay look who's here” Jackson says, he comes over to Alloy and whispers, “Enjoy your night friend?” He chuckles.
“She only stayed over” Alloy says quickly. Sugar goes to talk with Muffins.
“Uh hu sure” He winks.
“Hey, it's none of your business anyways” Alloy smiles, “Oh yeah, did you manage to hire a few workers?” 	
“I got out and looked for the strongest unemployed, I found 5 willing to work”
“Good job, but we need more, they don't all need to be very strong.” 
“Gotcha, I'll get on it later.” Jackson says.
“Are you two done?” Sweetie goes to them, “The Princess is waiting.”
“Heh, yeah. Come on Jackson.” Alloy smiles a little. They all enter the palace and are lead by a guard straight to the throne room.   
“Welcome all. Guards you may take your leave” Celestia says. The guards all leave the room, only the five and Celestia are in the room, “Is everyone well now from yesterday's events?” She asks to specifically Muffins, Sugar, and Sweetie.
“Yes Princess, everything is back to normal.” Sweetie reports.
Celestia nods, “That's relieving to hear. I was going to tell you to interrogate the prisoner, Max, but it appears that he has escaped”
“What? How did this occur?” Sweetie blurts out.
“I can explain” Alloy steps forward. “Yesterday I went on a mission for Notts to either help 'Max' escape or to kill him. I chose to spare him, he was on E.S.S' old agents; Wild Berrie”
“I knew I recognized the weapon!” Muffins adds. 
“Ahem, yes he used the same weapon.” Alloy says. 
Celestia thinks a bit, “What shame, he was a good agent. Alloy, have you found out any more from your time with Notts?”
“I knew they had agents in high positions here, but I don't have a list of who specifically” He says.
“Do you think we can flush them out with one strike at their home base?” Celestia asks.
“I don't think we can, not only are they well trained, they might have other bases that I don't know of” 
“Very well, you may continue your work with him.” Celestia says. She turns to the others, “As for the rest of you, in three days there will be a gala here and I'd like you all to be here for extra insurance that nothing drastic occurs.” All nod, “Thanks for your compliance, is there anything more anyone would like to bring up?” 
“Yes, but I must speak to you about it in private.” Alloy says suddenly. The other four agents look at him a bit confused. Celestia nods in approval, and the others leave.
“Come, let's walk and talk, I don't like being cramped on the throne all day” Celestia chuckles a little and begins to walk, Alloy follows, “What's this you wish to discuss?” She asks him.
“After yesterday's mission for Notts I became curious in what my partner for the mission told me during the mission” 
“This partner, who is he or she?” 
“He goes by the name: Silent Death. He use some sort of shadow magic”
“Sounds like a dangerous stallion, what did he tell you that bothered you?”
“He said...that I wasn't who I thought I was. At first I thought he was just crazy but then at night I went to him for him to explain. He and I went to the National Archives and he showed me that I was off the grid for the early part of my life, my name only appears on things from a few years back.” 
“That's quite strange, how did he know that you possibly weren't yourself?”
“He said he sensed it somehow.”
“Is there any other evidence that he has some truth to what he says? Perhaps doing some DNA test, checking with your family, and looking for other evidence may prove him wrong” Celestia suggests.
“Yes, you're right, but it got me thinking of what would happen if it were true..”
“What you're doing today is what matters Alloy,  the past is gone, we must focus on learning from it, see how we can do in our present, and plan for the future.”
Alloy nods, “Yeah that's right..”
“It seems that you may have some sort of idea about something that worries you” 
“Have you heard about Dr. Flower Pot?” Alloy asks her.
“Certainly, I am the one who gave the order to dismiss him from his position” Celestia says, “Are you thinking you might have been one of his test subjects?” 
“I...don't know for sure. Dr. Flower was one of Equestria's leading scientist in many things including brainwash.” 
“Indeed, his lab was stormed in by old E.S.S and they recovered most of his research including his unethical pony experimentation. All his works are available to E.S.S of course, if you want to look into it” Celestia says.
“Thanks, Celestia, for helping me with this. I have one last question, I think, if I am or was someone else, do I continue doing what I'm doing?”
“That is for you to decide Alloy, if something in your past affects you, you may want to consider taking care of it, but you don't have to. You are a new pony. Maybe, you might just still be Alloy” She chuckles a bit. 
“Heh, you're right again, I'll be off now, I don't want to take so much time away from you” He starts to leave.
“Take care Alloy, don't get to distracted in finding this out. Remember, you still have Notts to take care of” Celestia says.
“I won't let you down!” Alloy says as he exits. 

Outside the way he came in at first, Sugar was waiting for him, “Hey how'd it go?”
“You waited out here for me? You're too kind” Alloy smiles and continues, “I was talking to her about how I am to deal with Notts and what specific information she wants me to find out” They start to walk.
“Oh okay so its things I guess we didn't need to be there for” 
“I suppose not, what are you doing today?” Alloy changes the subject.
“I was planning on uh, doing office work or something, are you free- I mean are you doing anything today?” She says quickly and reddens a bit.
“A bit of research, nothing too important. But I'm sure that office works pretty heavy on you, you must have no time” Alloy says slyly. 
“No I have plenty of time! I mean um, nah not to much work” She smiles a little.
“Heh, let's go out somewhere, together.” Alloy smiles as well, “Anywhere specific you've been wanting to go to?”
“Yes! Um, well a few places actually. I need to go shopping for my baking supplies, but that's boring”
“I'd be glad to accompany you” Alloy says thinking to himself that going out would be the perfect distraction from all that's been going on.
“Come on then let's go! There's a sale today at some of the stores here in Cantorlot!” She grabs his hoof with her magic and takes him along with her. 

The next hour is spent with Sugar taking Alloy from store to store showing off different kinds of cooking supplies, from teaspoons to ladles. She had then taken out multiple coupons and argued with the sales ponies to get the right price which had made Alloy crack up with laughter. 
“Phew that's the last on my list!” Sugar tells Alloy.
“I think you scared that sales-mare half to death” He chuckles.
“Hey the coupon said two mixing bowls for the price of one and she wouldn't scan my paper!” She says pridefully, carrying a bag full of goodies.
“You need help carrying any of that?” 
“Yeah here!” She stacks him with nearly all the bag. He huffs.
“How were you carrying all of this..?” He smiles a little and adjusts the bags.
“I'm strong too you know?” She laughs a little, “We'll be catching the train to Ponyville, let's hurry!” She starts to run ahead. Alloy traces behind her all the way to the trains. They both pay and board. 
As they sit Alloy starts to talk, “Sugar, I've been wondering...”
“Yes?” She makes room for all her things.
“Uh, nothing...” He quiets down.
“Uh uh ask!” She says pointing a ladle at him.
“Heh, alright” He clears his throat a little, “How do you feel about me? As a pony, am I a good pony?”
“Alloy, of course you are, there's no question about it.” Sugar looks at him.
“What if...I were someone else entirely?”
“What do you mean, like a different personality?”
“Sorta, it's hard to explain” Alloy says, trying not get too into his identity crisis.
“I don't know, the pony you are right now is really kind, generous, smart...handsome.” She gives him a little smile.
“That's all I need then, thanks for your honesty” He smiles, but turns to face the window avoiding to get emotional. She looks at him a while but says nothing sitting back into her seat.
Both are silent for a large part of the ride till Sugar finally speaks up, “How about me, do you think I'm good as a pony?” 
“Why of course Sugar, you show all the positive traits, you cook, smile, make others laugh, I'd say you are great” Alloy says.
“How many missions are you going to do for Notts, it's dangerous with that guy” 
“I really can't say, I think as long as I need to. He's up to terrible things as you know, Celestia wants him out of the picture and I'm the only one that can get information from it all.”
“That sounds like it may take a while...” Sugar says to him. 
“I believe so, but it's for the safety of everyone, including you.”
“You said earlier that I'd be using an earpiece to communicate with you during some missions” 
“You still could, but on most missions so far, they've been so random that we haven't had time to hook up anything.” 
“And what about Jackson?”
“Jackson, well he has plenty of work to do at the office now that he's starting to overlook the new workers.” 
“Are you making excuses to work alone?” She asks, not holding anything back. Alloy pauses not knowing what to say, “Well...are you?”
“I-I'd rather not talk about it..” Alloy says.
“Alloy..come on, you know you don't have to do this alone.”
“I suppose not...Can we talk about this later? This place a little too un-private” Alloy says.
“Okay..but we will talk about it, no more avoiding it” Sugar tells him. He nods slowly and goes back to looking out the window. She looks at him worriedly. 

The train arrives in Ponyville and they board off and head to Sweetie's house. “BonBon, Lyra! I'm home!” Sugar announces. Lyra peers over. 
“Hey you two! On a date or something?” Lyra asks them.
“Heh, just because two ponies are hanging out with each other for an hour or two doesn't mean they're together” Alloy says with a little smile.
“So you were!” Lyra laughs. Sugar gets a little red.
“I suppose we were” Alloy chuckles a bit. He goes to set the things Sugar bought on the counter.
“I knew it!” Lyra says to Sugar.
“Um yeah hehe, but we're not together” Sugar says shyly.
“Aww you poor gal, we need to fix that! Lucky for you, I'm an expert at this sort of stuff!” Lyra says in suave tone. 
“I'm sure you are” Sugar laughs a little, “Maybe you can tell me later, we're heading out again right now.” Sugar says to her. Alloy come over.
“Is BonBon home?” He asks Lyra.
“Nope, she went to go talk with Twilight about something, I didn't really hear what” Lyra admits.
“Speak with Twilight? What would that be about?” Alloy wonders as he heads to the door. 
“I dunno, you two enjoy your day!” Lyra waves to them as they leave the place. 
“Sweetie's at the Twilight's place probably to ask her about some magic stuff” Sugar says to Alloy.
“She doesn't really like her though, must have been desperate for some information if she went” Alloy snickers a bit under his breath. 
“I remember Sweetie saying that she didn't like her much before, but I never talked to her about it” 
“Heh, she's always been that way ever since Twilight became an Alicorn Princess, and who wouldn't? Suddenly out of nowhere for us, there's a new Princess. What did it mean? Was the kingdom going to be divided? Nope, everything turned out alright, she just became an extension of Celestia's power to help out the country when there was trouble. She hasn't done all that bad so far, granted she hasn't done much of anything that isn't new” Alloy chuckles.
“I actually never you knew about her until she came to town, even Starlight was a little surprised.” Sugar confesses.
“You didn't miss to much” Alloy says.
“Wait I did hear about some powerful creature that took down all the army. Wasn't that big?”
“Shoot you're right! Yes, that was quite the day...” Alloy recalls, “The next day old E.S.S was dismissed, that's when it all started” 
“Oh, I didn't know, wait what happened to all the old agents?”
“Most got a new job, a select few joined Notts, and then there's us.” Alloy smiles a bit, “I may get in contact with some of them, but they might be satisfied with life.”
“Are you satisfied with the way things turned out?” She asks.
“It's been harder, but I like it. I always have something to do” Alloy says with a grin.
“I asked you on the train why you were making excuses...why then?” She asks again.
Alloy sighs, “It's a mix of many things Sugar, the first being your safety. I..care for you especially, and I'd hate to lose you”   
“And I'd hate you to get hurt Alloy...you need to let us help you more dealing with Notts.”
“There's no much you guys can do to aid me with that since it's only me under cover, and Notts knows you three are with Celestia.”
“But what about Jackson? They don't know anything about him.” Sugar suggest. 
“I don't want him to get hurt either..”
“Alloy, he can handle himself. Introduce him to Notts again and convince him to join”
“But Jackson's busy with the construction task-”
“I'll take care of that, me and the others can over look it. You need at least one of us helping you out there...” Sugar says.
“You're..right, I'll talk to him later today” 
“Good, I'll rest easier knowing you're a little safer..” She leans into him and smiles. 
“And I'll be relieved to see that the construction business goes well. More importantly, you and the others are safer here.” Alloy says he stops walking and turns to her, gently moving her hair, “It'll still be dangerous for you three here now that Notts knows you're apart of E.S.S, watch your backs okay Sugar?” 
“I will, remember to be safe too...” She leans in and kisses him and walks a little back, “Now go and take care of business!” 
“I-I will!” He smiles a little, his heart beats faster and before he knows it, he's running to E.S.S HQ to talk to Jackson.

When he enters the office he walks a little dazed and out of breath from running. He goes to his office room and sits on the chair, spinning twice. Jackson walks into his office. “Hey you aight?” Jackson asks.
“Yeah man, heh. Just um, good” Alloy says he pretends to be stacking papers.
“Have you been doin drugz cuz?” 
“Eh, nooo” Alloy smiles.
“Ah I see now, you took a little trip wit Sugar didn't you?” Jackson laughs. Alloy's complcetion is too red for Jackson to notice that Alloy is nervous.
“Well...yeah okay fine. I'm well, I like her...dammit. Happy?”
Jackson's laughter fills the room, he rolls on the ground and points, “Fool it's about time! You're always so serious, pretending you ain't caring about no one in that way, but ha! Look at you now!” 
“Yeah yeah, calm down there partner, I got something new for you” Alloy rubs his head, he is having a flutter of thoughts. 
Jackson quiets down and stand back up wiping off a tear off laughter, “Oh man, wat you need?” 
“You're dismissed of your duty with the construction, I'm passing that responsibility to Sugar and the gals.”
“Wait what?? Hey I know you love her but you're taking my job from me??” Jackson says suddenly.
“Wo there, I got something else, something more important. It's about time I take someone out to have my back with Notts. I'm going to help you join up with him so that we can both be there.”
“Hmm, about time.” Jackson smiles, “I was starting to think you forgot about me or didn't need me.”
“I was, ahem, trying to not get you involved”
“Why's that? You don't think I can handle myself?” Jackson asks, not mad at all but his facial expression made it seem that way.
“No, it's just...lately I've been..” 
“To caring? Don't worry about me bro, I gotcha. I'll join you with Notts' stupid thing” 
“Heh, thanks for understanding” Alloy says relieved.
“Sometimes it just takes a few ponies to make you see that you're not alone in dealing with this sort of stuff.” Jackson says.
“Since when have you been getting all wise?” Alloy jokes.
“I think I found that in a book or something!” Jackson laughs.
“Ha! Very well then, let's not waste time, we're going to Notts' place.” Alloy says. Jackson nods. They leave the office and head out to Canterlot.

End of Chapter 13. 
	
	

> E.S.S: 14 - Fine Wine
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 14
Fine Wine

Around late afternoon Jackson and Alloy arrive in Canterlot. Jackson starts questioning Alloy, “Hey, you think it's a good idea to just show up at Notts’ place with me, ain't I suppose’ to do some sort of test?”
“You've got a point. Tell you what, wait for me a few stores down from the place while I ask about recruiting you” Alloy says.
“Gotcha bro, I'll be waiting” Jackson agrees. Alloy goes on ahead to the cellar but is stopped short a few shops down when he sees the main wine store having some sort of commotion.  A sudden burst of panic sends a group of ponies running in many directions including Alloy's. Police seem to be chasing someone, a pegasus, who flies his way managing to run into and knock him down. She slips several bottles of wine into his pack.
“Hey! Ever kiss a mare before?” The Pegasus asks as she quickly picks him up.
“Wha…? Who are you?” Alloy asks confused.
“Quick no time to explain! Kiss me dammit!” She grabs him and forcefully kisses him. Her mouth tastes of alcohol, specifically wine. He gags a little but she keeps him there on the spot till the police run past them. “Thanks for the help!” She says to him after there go away, she reaches for the wine she slipped into his pack but he pulls it away.
“I think you've had enough for one day don't you think?” Alloy asks as he spits onto the floor and wipes his mouth.
“Hey those are mine!” She says looking as if she might get enraged.
“You mean the wine you stole?”
“Err just give it will ya!? After all, I gave you a pretty good kiss” She winks.
“Yeah and now I'll have to wash my mouth” Alloy starts walking to the wine store with the wine bottles. She starts to run after him but Alloy picks up his pace, teleporting himself into the shop. The drunken mare hits her face on the glass of the front window. She angrily eyes Alloy as he returns the wine to the seller. She then flies off before Alloy gets out the shop. He shrugs and goes to the cellar where only a few of Notts' crew are at, of course Notts himself is seated at a table inside.
“Blur, what brings you to the base, come to return more wine?” Notts laughs a little.
“You saw that?” Alloy chuckles a bit.
“Sure did, I have cameras installed all around. So what does bring you here?” He asks him.
“I ran into Jackson, that poor bloke is jobless, I've been in contact with him for a while. I was thinking, what does it take to have him join?”
“Straight to the point hu? Have you told him anything about...this place?”
“Not at all, but I promised a job for him. He's really desperate, and you know how skillful he can be.” Alloy adds.
“That's true. Fine, I'll consider it but we need to test him.” Notts sits back and takes a sip of wine.
“How will he be tested?”
“Tell him that I have a job for him. See if he wants in and that it may be unlawful. If he accepts… good, if not... get rid of him. If he accepts hav’ em...” Notts thinks a bit, “Have him blow up a wine shop called Prime Wine, it's the old stallion who runs this place's rival.” Notts smiles.
“Yes sir” Alloy says and starts to go.
“Blur, one more thing.” Notts says, “Remember what to do if he fails. Don't hesitate because I won't”
“Of course” Alloy says with the same casualness as always. He exits the cellar heading back to Jackson.
Jackson spots him and walks up to him, “So how'd it go with the big boss, am I in or what?”
“Seems that way, you have a little test to do for him. I'll cut to the chase, he wants you to blow up a place called 'Prime Wine'. He didn't give many specifications besides that he wanted it done”
“Damn, am I gonna have to kill some ponies? Innocents?”
“Do it after hours, he never specified what time” Alloy suggests.
“Ha you're right! I'll do it tonight.” Jackson smirks.
“I'll come along to make sure it all goes as planned and that no one see you. Do you need explosives?”
“Well. Yeah, do you have any?”
“I can get you some. Let's meet up at the store at 11pm, it should be closed by then from my guess”
“Gotcha, I'll meet you there”
“Don't be late, wear darker colors, and don't be seen” Alloy warns as he starts to head in another direction from Jackson.
“I'm no rookie. See ya” Jackson says. With that note, they part ways.

Later, as they had said, Alloy and Jackson meet up near Prime Wine. Alloy passes him a bag, Jackson opens it to find glass baubles. “What are we doing? Decorating a Heart's Warming Tree?” Jackson asks Alloy.
“They're filled with C4, the top is where you set the charge.” Alloy explains.
“Woah, remind me not to let you to help decorate my house!” Jackson smiles, “How many do we have?”
“Three, it doesn’t take that much to cause visible damage.”
“You got that right!”
“Besides, these are special, my own little enhancement. It's more...well, explosive” Alloy grins, he starts to pick the back door but finds it open.
“That's a bit odd, the guy must've forgotten to lock it or somethin'”
“No, it was forced open. We may have company, perhaps...Notts' agents” Alloy takes out a pistol, “Watch my six. We'll search the place before setting any charges.” Jackson nods, he himself takes out a small revolver. The back had only a coat rack and janitorial supplies. The front looked empty, only two tables and decorations except the counter. Alloy points his gun at a figure.
“Who's there?” He demands. Jackson turns to point at it as well. Wild Berrie unveils himself.
“Surprise!” Wild Berrie says. Alloy and Jackson put away their guns.
“What are you doing here?” Alloy asks. Jackson stands-by.
“Notts sent me here to see if it was true that Jackson was coming. I see he's here” Wild says.
“Yeah nice to see you to” Jackson says back.
“That's all I'm here for, I'll be observing from a distance outside, be quick. I have things to do” Wild smirks.
“Whatever, just don't be too close” Alloy says. Jackson unpacks the C4 and sets one up at the front door.
“Ta ta!” Wild leaves in a rush.
“What a strange thing for him to be sent” Alloy says, “Here, I'll set one up in the cellar” Jackson tosses him one. As he descends into the basement, another shadowed figure appears down there. “Silent?” Alloy asks. No reply. Alloy turns on the lights to reveal the female pegasus from earlier, “You??”
“Ay...it’s that guy..!” She says, obviously already wasted with alcohol. She has a bottle of gin in one hoof and a fresh bottle of wine in the other. “What're…what’re youuuu doing here..hu?”
“I could ask you the same. I'm security, leave before I make an arrest” Alloy threatens.
“Oh...you wouldn't do that to me...I'm here for the boooze!” She slurs.
“I don't have time for this..” Alloy forms a force field around her and takes her upstairs.
“Hey! Where are we uh goin'?” She says taking a sip of gin. Jackson looks over.
“Da hell is this? Another agent?” Ice asks Alloy.
“A local drunkard. I found her stealing and drinking downstairs. Watch over her will ya?” Alloy sets her down, he rushes downstairs, placing the charge and times it to three minutes. Then he goes back upstairs.
“Do we take her with us?” Jackson has the mare in a force field.
“Yes! Let's leave.” Alloy picks up the bag. Jackson takes the mare. They run out the shop and wait for the time.
“Hey...you guys are like...jello, want a drink?” She offers.
“Later” Jackson answers. The explosion rings out causing havoc in an instance.
“Wow...heh, I think we over did it” Alloy comments. They all start to walk further away.	
“What do we do with her?” Jackson signals at the mare who is acting like a child playing with her mane.
Alloy sighs, “We can't leave her out here to do more stupid things. I'll...ugh, I'll take her to my place till she sobers up.”
“It's your choice.” Jackson passes her to him.
“Have a goodnight Jackson, I'll contact you tomorrow about the job”
“Will do, take care.” Ice parts ways from Alloy and the mare. All the while the pegasus keeps drinking what's left of her beverages.
“That's about enough. Get up” Alloy says to her but she ignores him attempting to hit him with a bottle, “This is going to be difficult...”
Eventually, after much effort, Alloy arrives home with the mare already falling asleep on him. He pushes her off of him onto his couch, “Hopefully you don't wake up till later” Alloy yawns and goes to his room. Colla looks at the stranger, hisses, and leaves to Alloy's room.

The next morning, Alloy made sure to wake up before the mare. He checked and sure enough, there she was still passed out on the couch, so he brought a bucket up to the couch in case she vomited. Another hour passed and the mare slept on while Alloy made and ate breakfast. At last the mare opened her eyes.
“Where the...” She leans over and throws up in the bucket.
“Finally awake. I left that bucket there for you, even made you some breakfast when you’re ready.” Alloy walks up to her.
“Hu? It's you...that guy from the Prime Wine place!”
“Yes, unfortunately that place was destroyed last night, you're lucky to be alive.” He passes her a towel to clean her face.
“Eh, thanks. This must be your home ey? Looks nice!” She cleans her face, “Where's your restroom?”
“Down the hall first door on the left” He points. She nods and goes. Meanwhile Alloy cleans the bucket and the couch.
“You’re so kind, bringin’ me here and taking care me, you have my thanks.” She tells him when she's out.
“It was the right thing to do, I suppose.” He says as he washes the bucket, “What's your name by the way?”
“I'm Cara Clover. What about you?”
“Alloy Atomms, well that's what I go by” He says, still recalling his shaky identity.
“Thanks Alloy, I guess I should get leaving then.”
“Not so fast” Alloy stops her, “I made you breakfast”
“Oh yeah nearly forgot” She smiles and goes to the table, “What'd you make?”
“Two omelets, I'm not much of a chef but they should be good” He sits on the opposite side to talk.
“You live here alone?” She asks.
“I have a cat but she seems to be hiding”
“So you do live here alone” She chuckles as she eats, “I'm..uh, well..sorry. For what happened at the first wine place, I was well you know...not sober”
“It's all good I suppose, you still managed to break into that other wine place”
“Hehe that's true! What were you doing there? I don't recall to well”
“Security, there was some sort of alarm you set off and I was sent in to investigate. Like I said before, the place blew up, I don't know why”
“Blew up...oh well at least we're alive. You work in security? I never knew, aren't you supposed to arrest me or something?”
“I could, but we're more concerned with the explosion than with your break in”
“What if I caused it??” She says nervously.
“I doubt it, you came there to drink not to blow it up right?”
“Yeah...”
“How about you, do you work?” He asks her.
“Me? No, my papa's been giving me some money...but he's starting to not give me as much”
“Sounds to me like when he stops you'll need work. Is that why you were out drinking?”
“Sorta, yeah I got mad at him so I...well I tend to drink a lot anyways when I'm in some sort of pain.”
“I'm sorry to hear that. If you ever are in need of work, I have a business in Ponyville called: Atomm's Construction.”
“I thought you were security?”
“That's my part time, because life gets boring sometimes” He smiles.
“I'll look into it. I should leave now, I got some things to settle” She stands and heads to the door, “And...thanks again”
“Yep, take care” He takes her dishes putting them into the dishwasher. She leaves.

Some time passes and Alloy returns to the Notts' wine cellar. “Blur, I saw the destruction of the wine place. Nicely done, I hear you accompanied Jackson in it.” Notts compliments.
“That's right, you sent Wild to check in” Alloy replies.
“Insurance, you understand. Ha, it's good to see that you still work well with Jackson”
“It was rather easy, really petty blowing up a store. Can't say I enjoyed it”
“No one died, it was the job and you saw it through, don't think about it too much”
“Yeah, I know. Anyway, should I let Jackson know he's in now?”
“I already sent someone, Wild Berrie, to tell him” Notts leans back in his chair.
“Right. What's the plan, all I've been doing is sitting around waiting” Alloy takes a seat.
“I'll let you know don't worry, we're building up our crew first. We have 50 members.”
“Not bad, how many do we have undercover?”
“Three in important positions, if you want to know who I can give you a list”
“Yeah sure, it'll be good to know what I'm working with” Alloy says.
“Very well, here” He takes a notebook from his coat, “I do believe that it has all our other member whereabouts so I'll be needing it back once you're finished looking at it.” Notts says. Alloy looks at all the names, the three Notts had mentioned were 1 royal guard, a council member, and an officer. No other members of old E.S.S were listed besides Wild Berrie and two crossed out names, most likely killed or arrested. The others on the list were assets like Silent Death, Snow and Two Eyes, it had their skills and number of missions. In fact each had a number by them that signified a page dedicated to a profile about them.
“Quite the team we have” Alloy passes the notebook back to its owner.
“Yes, but those are not all our supporters. We have contacts with the Changelings, Griffons, and Yaks.”
“The Yaks? We haven't been in contact with them for a long time”
“I have, and let's just says some have a grudge with Equestria's royals.”
“And the Griffons, well I figured, they're well for mercenary work.” Alloy says.
“Indeed they are. They'll do anything for some bits” Notts grins. Jackson and Wild enter.
“This is the place? What are you guys some underground brewers?” Jackson laughs. Notts stands to greet.
“Ice. Looks like you made it. I was just talking to Blur about your success, well done”
“Piece of cake Boss.” Jackson sits next to Alloy, “This place looks chill, I can get used to this. Hey, can I get a cold beer or somethin'?”
“Sure can” Notts opens a fridge and passes him some beer.
“Very tight” Jackson drinks.
“Make yourself at home because it's going to get interesting soon. It's a good thing you have your old partner Blur here”     
“Some sort of mission your planning hu?” Alloy asks.	
“Yes. It might get personal so I'll talk to you guys about it in a few days if not sooner.” Notts goes away into another room.
“Personal? You don't think that fool's referrin' to...well you know who” Jackson whispers to Alloy.
“Yes. He’s probably is referring to them. I knew he'd have us do it eventually..” Alloy gets up, “You can stay here if you'd like or we can leave”
“Leaving already?”
“Yes, I got what I came for” Alloy heads for the door, “If you want, talk to some of the agents, get to know them”  
“Probably for the best, where will you go?” Ice asks.
“I don't know, maybe check up on things. Be careful.” He leaves.

Alloy went to take a trip down memory lane, to the old E.S.S building, he had access to it of course. He was there on his own account though, to research the files on Dr. Flower Pot. Inside the building, it had remained the same only the office rooms and armory were empty. The files however, were still in the small library, he took everything labeled with Flower's research and anything that he was involved in.
“What do we have here?” A familiar phantom voice asks.
“Silent Death. Interesting to find you here as well.” Alloy says to the forming shadow.
“Come to do research? Yes, you did, didn't you? I can see from those files on...Dr. Flower. What a crazed stallion.”
“What do you know about him?”
“I know that he's the one that lead me to this crystal. I was hired years ago by him to retrieve it for him, but..” He laughs, “I kept it myself!”
“You didn't really know about his other researches then?”
“I didn't care after I got my crystal and made it my amulet, so no, not really. Why is there something about him that interest you?”
“He was the head of the scientific department at one point but was fired after it was discovered that he was doing unethical things, like brainwash.”
“Oh right, you're still worried about your identity aren't you? And this is a possible lead”
“Exactly, the stallion is still alive so maybe I can find him and ask, if not my researching may point out who I am”
“Tell you what, I'll see if I can find out the whereabouts of this guy.” Silent offers.
“That would be helpful.” Alloy says not at all expecting it. Silent nods and vanishes. Alloy leaves the building and gets on a train to Ponyville.

There he checks up on the office, which has other ponies now, hired for construction. Sugar comes up to him.
“Alloy you're here!” She hugs him, “I've been wondering, what exactly are we going to have them do?”
“Some work rebuilding, we should see how many places around here need to be worked on” He says.
“I compiled a list of possible places, here I left it for you to decide” She passes him the list.
“Great, I'll check off which ones may work” He says as he goes to his office. He takes some time putting checks on the most destroyed part of towns. His office phone rings.
“Yes this is Alloy” He answers.
“Alloy, there's this guy that wants to see you, he says he's your father?” Sugar says.
“Ah yes, I knew he'd turn up sooner or later. I'll go to him” Alloy hangs up, stands, and leaves. At the lobby his father is seated, reading a magazine.
“Son. Look at this place, looks nice. Hmm, looks like you have workers too” He puts down the magazine.
“Thanks, and yes these workers will start to actually work soon, I was just planning out the jobs.”
“Were you now? Show me your office, let's see the big pony's workplace”
“Heh, right this way” Alloy leads him to the back area straight towards his office.
“This back area is different than the front area, what's it for?” His father asks him.
“I decided it's be for the more respected workers, and also for the more office work type. You know, the ones that deal with accounts, paper work-”
“Got it and this-” They step into Alloy's office, “Is the best one isn't it? I like the look”
“Well, you know, the boss pony's supposed to have the best office right?” Alloy chuckles. His father smiles and sits.
“Then it's operational. Good, you'll have to start paying back what I paid, remember.”
“Of course, it's not like I'm going anywhere. I've been um, meaning to ask you something else”
“Yes son? I'm all ears” 
“I was filling out paperwork, official documents to have this construction business but when I was putting my personal documents I noticed that all my early life wasn't there…only three years of my life are registered.” Alloy makes up the situation.
“How odd, I'm sure someone in Canterlot must have screwed up some of the paperwork. Don't worry about it son, if there are any problems with the documents, I can step in and fix it”
“I wasn't too worried, it might have been an inconvenience later down the road”
“I understand son, I'll see what I can do.”
“How's mother doing?” Alloy asks.
“The same, mostly rambling about past events, I visited her yesterday. She was smiling the whole time” He grins.
“I'll have to pay her a visit one of these days, Ahem, well thanks for coming by father, I'm glad you like the way things are going”
“I had no doubt, after all you learned it from your mother and I how to do business” He stands, “Just take care son, make sure to stay on top of things.”
“Bye father, thanks for all the help” Alloy says. His father smiles and leaves. Alloy had to make sure he was actually doing things for this construction gig. He had neglected stacks of paperwork, warrants, request, city permissions, equipment, and many other things. So for the rest of the day Alloy took the initiative to get everything sorted out.

Hours passed, but Alloy didn't take notice, he was consistently filling out all he had to. Sugar knocks at his door.
“Alloy?” She says. He keeps on writing, “Alloy.”
He looks up, “Sugar, sorry, I was just trying to get this one page done.”
“Is that all you've been doing today?”
“Sure is, it's got to get done someday. Today” He smiles a little and writes some more on the page he's on.
“I can take care of that for you Alloy” She offers.
“Thanks, but I'm sure I've assigned you with a lot already. Besides, these require my signatures and personal writings”
“Are you certain?” She asks.
“Mhmm, hey, you know what? You should take a break, go out with Sweetie to buy your dress for the gala.”
“The gala! I nearly forgot!” She says, “You're right, but have you gotten what I told you to do, done?”
“Yes, Jackson is now in. How are you handling the business?”
“Sweetie helped me a lot in getting more workers, that's what I was doing all day today and the later part of yesterday. All we need if the jobs to well...you know the rest.”
“Nicely done, now go and relax Sugar, you deserve it. Take Sweetie with you as well, give her my thanks.” Alloy says.
“Okie doki, don't forget to take a break yourself!” She smiles, hugs him, and leaves quickly. Alloy smiles a little and leans back in his chair, about to stretch. His desk phone rings again, interrupting him within seconds.
“Yes?” He answers.
“There's a mare that appeared here just as I was walking out, she says she knows you?” Sugar asks.
“What's her name?”
“Cara Clover” She replies.
“I know her, I'll take care of it, tell her to wait in the lobby for me” Alloy says.
“Um, okay. Of course” Sugar hangs up. Alloy thinks a little but gets up to go greet Cara. Cara was seated in the lobby as said, except Sugar was still there near her. Sugar goes up to him.
“Hey, just before I leave, how do you know her? She smells a bit like alcohol.” She says.
“I meet her last night, I said I could provide her a job if she needed one” Alloy responds.
“Las..last night??” Sugar gets suspicious.
“Yes, I can tell you the whole story later, right now I have to take care of our guest.” Alloy finally says. He parts from Sugar and goes to Cara.
“Pretty fancy place you have here, I didn't know you were rich” Cara chuckles a bit.
“Rich? Heh, far from it. I'm glad you could find the place” Alloy says. Sugar stares at the two then leaves.
“So, you said you had a job for me now?”
“Ah yes, you came in the nick of time too. I was just filling out my worker's paperwork. Follow me” Alloy leads her to his office, “I'll just have you fill out some paperwork as well”
“It's for what specifically in the construction thing?” She asks.
“Depends on what you'd like to do, here's a list of positions I have available” Alloy takes out a sheet of paper for her to look from.	
“Hmm, demolition? I like the sound of that one, do I need to have a diploma or something to work here? Cause well, I don't” She says worriedly.	
“All you need to do is do the job correctly, do you have experience in demolition?”
“Yes, but it's not on any document for me to prove it...” 	
“Don't worry about it Cara, I can make the exception” Alloy passes her another form that has the Demolition paperwork, “All you have to do is fill it out the best you can and I'll take care of the rest”  
“Oh you're too nice Mr. Atomms.” She takes the paper.
“Please, call me Alloy. Mr. Atomms reminds me of my father's name, heh, and it's his title to keep for now” He smiles.
“Okay” She smiles as well, and stays there filling out her paperwork for about five minutes, “Here you are Alloy”
“Thank you” He takes it, signs it and puts it in a separate file.  
“When do I start working?”
“I don't necessarily know yet, but I'd say soon. Thing is we have to be contracted first by someone that needs our services” He chuckles a little, “I got a few places in mind, I'll let you know when”
“Oh I see, okay” She smiles, “Um...well thanks for the job and all, I feel like I owe ya something”
“Don't feel that way Cara” Alloy stands up to get a drink of water, “You were in need, and I had spots available. Simple as that” He drinks.
She goes up to him with a dreamy expression, “Alright Alloy, I'll be leaving now, thanks again” She gives him a kiss on the cheek and leaves. Alloy stands there a bit confused for a sec. He goes back to his desk and finishes his water.
“What am I some sort of magnet?” He chuckles to himself and sighs, “No time to think about that, I have work to do” He once again begins to work on all the papers.

End of Chapter 14.
> E.S.S: 15 - A Needed Vacation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 15 
A Needed Vacation 

“Hey, do you like my dress?” Sugar asks Alloy. Alloy is asleep on his desk, the paperwork lays finished. “Alloy, are you sleeping?” She shakes him a bit. He opens an eye.
“Yes..?” He lifts his head, “You got the dress, it matches nicely with your coat colour, I like it” He rubs his eyes.	
“Thanks! I had some help from the gals” She twirls around in her dress showing off it's vibrant colours, along with it beautifully woven pattern. “It was one of Rarity's top dresses.”
“Really now? I hear she makes the best, I can see why'd you chose one from her” He fixes his hair a little and organizes the papers. “Wait, is today...another day?”
“Don't tell me you slept here all night??” Sugar worriedly asks.
“I reckon I did, oh well I got everything done it seems.” He walks to Muffin's office door and leaves the papers for her to take later. 
“Do you want some breakfast?” She asks taking his hoof.
“Not at the moment, I don't want you to ruin youd dress” He says.
“I can take it off real quick” She starts to undress. Muffins walks in, her jaw drops.
“Oh! Am I interrupting something?? Sorry!” She says. Sugar turns to her,
“Muffins! No, not at all I was just taking this of so I could cook” Sugar smiles. Alloy is wearily standing by his office door.
“Okay! Looks like you got the papers in Alloy, I'll take them to the postal office asap!” She grabs the papers. 
“Hold on Muffins! I'll go with you!” Sugar rushes to her.
“I thought you were going to cook for Alloy?” Muffins asks.
“He says he's not hungry, hehe, come on” Sugar takes Muffins with her using her magic.
“Uh, bye Alloy!” Muffins waves as she's being carried away. Alloy waves back with a small smile. 

Sugar stops using her magic and sets Muffins down, “Excited to deliver mail?” Muffins asks with a smiles. She takes her saddle bag full of letters and places it properly. 
“I just wanted to see one of the papers Alloy just placed” Sugar follows Muffins as she delivers cards. 
“Which one is it?” 
“It's for the new employees, I just wanted to..um, make sure they're properly addressed” Sugar smiles. Muffins thinks a little,
“Hmm okay! Here!” She tosses her a stack of papers, “Be quick okay?”
“Thanks!” Sugar picks up the stack and searches for Cara's paperwork. “Hmm” She says to herself, “It doesn't show that she had experience. Alloy just let her pass!” She becomes suspicious and looks more into the matter, “It has her phone number and address too. Maybe I should pay this new mare visit..” She says with a grain of hate. 
“Are you done?” Muffins takes the papers.
“Oh yes, hehe everything seems in order!” She gives her Cara's papers as well.
“Okay, I gotta go deliver these bye!” Muffins flies off with a smile. Sugar smiles as well, not of happiness, but of a plan she's brewing in herself. 

Alloy steps out of the office building and spots Sugar, he moves close to her, “Did you get to pass those papers already?”
“Hm? Oh um, yeah for sure.” She grins, “Say, where are you going?”
“I think I should head home, my cat's probably hungry.” He says.
“Why don't you um, move your cat to the office, that way she'll always be cared for?” 
“That's a good idea, I'll consider it” Alloy and Sugar begin to walk.
“Maybe you should move here, to Ponyville too, I mean it's pretty far to travel every day to here.” 
“Maybe when this whole Notts thing is over.” Alloy thinks.
“Oh come on, maybe we can be closer” She says, attempting to sway his thoughts.
“It's also for safety, you know that. Don't worry I'll move once this whole thing blows over.” They near the train station, “I left a list of the jobs we now have, can you be a dear and make sure our workers are assigned to them properly?”
“Yes, anything else?”
“Mhmm, I ordered a lot of tools, machines, and a bunch of construction things. They're supposed to be delivered today to the office. Can you see when they come so we can start working?”
“Yeah, no problem. I'll have Sweetie help me”
“Good, thanks for the help” He smiles.
“Hey um, what're you going to do over there in Canterlot besides feeding the cat?”
“I thought I'd discuss a few things over with Jackson” 
“Any plans on returning here today?” Sugar says, her eyes widen.
“Well...probably not, sorry” 
“It's fine..just take care okay?” 
“I shall, you do the same” He kisses her quickly then heads to the trains. She watches as he parts away.
“What if he's going with that mare..? Maybe I'm just over-thinking...” She says to herself.

Alloy came home around 10 A.M. his cat was already full of fury. It meowed at a nerve-wracking tone as if it was being starved. He rolls his eyes and feeds the cat, who upon hearing the food bag, rushes to to dine. “Looks like Sugar is right, we're moving you to Ponyville.” He says to her.
“Meow?” It asks as it eats.
“Don't worry girl, you'll have much more space and food” 
“Meow!” It answers happily. Alloy looks at the clock, then decides to go to Notts' HQ. As he walks on the street, Cara glides down to him acting really playful.
“Hey Alloy” She greets with a sweet vice. 
“Cara, how are you doing? I have the job ready for you, I'll have you start tomorrow” Alloy says.
“How nice! Hey, do you want to go to eat or something?” Cara offers.
“I haven't eaten all day, but I have some important business to take care of with the security ponies.”
“You do? Okay, heh see you later then” She smiles and flies off quickly.
“I wonder what's up with her?” Alloy asks himself. He proceeds to Notts' place. He enters and finds Jackson merrymaking there. 	
“Hey it's my boy Blur!” Jackson says with a smile. Wild Berrie is with him, both are drinking.
“Enjoying yourselves much?” Alloy takes a seat. 
“Don't be so series friend” Wild says tossing him a wine bottle, Alloy catches it.
“Is Notts here?” Alloy sets the bottle down, not opening it. 
“Nope! He went to..something, some sort of business” Wild says. Silent appears next to Alloy.
“I found something that make interest you.” He says to Alloy. 	
Alloy nods, “I'll catch up with you later Ice, I need to talk to him for a bit”
“I ain't going anywhere!” Ice cheers and clashes bottles with Wild. Alloy shakes his head and follows Silent to another part of the cellar. 
“Your friend over there has been here for a long time, drinking mostly with Wild. He's lucky he hasn't caused any sort of ruckus” Silent says.
“What a fool. I'll have to drag him out later, anyway what's this you wanted to tell me?” Alloy asks.
“I found out where the good old doctor is.” Silent says they continue walking, the cellar seems to have a tunnel system, “He's in the gryphon kingdom, he's hired mercs to accompany him while he's doing his research. I figured this out by some of Notts' Gryphon contacts.”
“That was fast. Thanks for the information. How far do these tunnels go?” 
“I've scouted most of them and they seem to all lead to an underground river system that leads to, well somewhere I don't know” Silent admits. 
“I see that some of the first part, the one that closest to the cellar, are rooms.”
“Correct, mostly for housing and the armory” Silent says, “Are you going after Dr. Flower for sure then?” 
“Yes.” 
“Ha, I knew you would” They turn around and walk back to the cellar, “Be aware of your surroundings when your there, have you ever traveled to the Gryphon Kingdom?”
“Not at all, I've heard about it but never thought of going”
“Do the research and be well supplied.” Silent says as he vanishes. Alloy nods and goes to deal with Jackson. 
“Ice, come here a moment” Alloy says to Ice.
Jackson turns, “What?”
“Come over here.” Alloy motions with his hoof. Ice lazily gets up and moves to Alloy.
“Yea?” Ice says.
“What are you some reckless teen? Get it together mate” Alloy says with a parent like tone.
“It's just uh part of the disguise or something” Ice says rather stupidly. 
“Look, we're here for a reason. Get your 'disguise' together.” Alloy says and leaves him. Wild looks as Alloy opens the doors to exit out. 
“Wow, that Alloy, always such a serious loser. He can never have fun” Wild says to Jackson as he sits.
“Uh hu, he's just doing his job.” Ice says feeling a little guilty.
“Job? This isn't E.S.S, we can do whatever we want Ice. Alloy's just being too uptight.” Wild laughs.
“Yeah...” Jackson says. He gets up and leaves as well without saying anymore. 
Alloy walks down the street a bit angered, but mostly hungry. He stops by a sit-in stand and starts to eat. Cara so happens to fly by and swoops down.
“Hey Alloy” She says once again and takes a seat next to him.
“Hmm? Yeah what do you want?” He says rather rudely.
“Something wrong?” She asks.
Alloy notices his tone, “Sorry, I just have a lot on my mind” 
“You should relax Alloy, you seem to always be busy from what I can see, you're managing two jobs.” Cara says.
“You might be right...maybe I'm putting too much on my plate at once..” Alloy stares at his food. Cara looks at him worriedly.
“Ay, don't be gloom. Let's take a walk and talk to keep those negative thoughts off your mind” She offers. Alloy stands and agrees.
“Heh, alright Miss Cara, let's go walk.” He packs his meal to-go. Cara smiles and straightens her hat as they walk. 
“How long have you lived in Canterlot?” She asks. 
“As far as I can remember, all my life. How about yourself?”
“Just a couple of years, my pop's a merchant. So we traveled a lot, we decided too settle here since his business boomed.” 
“A merchant, what does he sell?”
“All sorts of things, old items, these hat” She shows Alloy her hat, “And exotic foods”
“Where are ya'll originally from?
“A small village up north, we almost border the Crystal Empire. A few years ago, it was mostly destroyed by harsh storms that came down from the accursed Empire.”
“I hear the Empire is doing well now.” Alloy comments.
“It sure is, they have new royal figures there, but papa didn't want to move back so here we are. Lucky too since we crossed paths” She smiles a little. Alloy starts to get an odd feeling about her. They sit at a fountain, “How about your family?”
“Not much to tell, we were here for at least three or four generations. My father had inherited wealth from his father before him. He expanded on it by making good businesses that flourished, mainly in investments and such. My mother was also a great business mare, she came from a lower wealthy class.” 
“Ah I see now, your father has the cash. That explains the construction building's name.” She says.
“Pretty much, you know Cara, thanks for taking me out like this. It really helped me clear my mind” Alloy leans back on a rock. 
“Anytime boss, heh, maybe next time you can take me out someplace” She winks. It then hit Alloy right in the face, how could he have been so naive to realize it? She was so obviously hitting on him, he had be so busy in his mind to know, this explained a lot. 
“Ahem, yeah maybe” He replies nicely and gets up, “I have to go now Cara, thanks for the little walk” He smiles a little and turns around to head out.
“Wait, where are ya going?”She asks almost begging.
“Er, just some things at the office I need to really get working on.” He says quickly and picks up his pace. She looks at him awkwardly.
“Um, okay see you tomorrow boss” She says with a confident smile. 

Alloy rushes home, he gets his cat into a cage and leaves the house. As soon as it's available he boards the train to Ponyville. All the way he is thinking about is keeping things together. He was overloading himself with things, he truly needed a vacation. As he steps off the train, Sugar is awaiting him. 
“Hey Sugar how's it going, I brought my cat” He smiles. She doesn't smile, in fact her expressioon was the exact opposite, “Is...something wrong?” he asks.
“Is something wrong…??” She steps forwards looking him in the eyes, “What's wrong?? I'll tell you what's wrong! I saw you with 'Miss Cara', you two were walking down the streets talking!” 
“Yes, I ran into her. Wait, you were in Canterlot?” He says, remaining calm.
“Yes! I followed you to see if you were...with her!” She cries. They start to create a scene, other ponies look at them. Alloy looks around his coolness shell breaking ever faster.
“Hey now I can explain, just not here. Come let's go somewhere else” He tries to appease her.
“No! I don't believe you! Leave me alone!” She yells out and runs away crying. Alloy stands there torn up inside. He takes the cat in the cage with him and goes to the office. Once inside he unleashes the cat and sets it's food and water. Sugar is nowhere to be seen, in fact the only ponies there are the construction ponies, him, and Sweetie Drops who is ordering them around.
“BonBon…” Alloy calls for her. She comes to him.
“You look exhausted, is something going on?” She asks.
“Eh...yeah. Look, I'm taking a little vacation for a few days, can you take care of the office?”	
“A vacation? Yes, I can take care of things here, but tell me, what's wrong?” She asks again. 
“I..can't say. I..screwed up somehow, I need time to..er find myself again.” He says rather rushed. Sweetie looks at him unsure.
“Whatever it is, take care of yourself okay? We all need you here” She says.
“One more thing, I'm leaving my cat, Colla here at the office. Whenever you guys can, feed her and change her litter box” He heads to his office, Sweetie follows him.
“How long will you take?” 
“A week, maybe two...don't worry I'll be back” Alloy says.
“Where are you going to?” 
“It's someplace isolated, I can't go into detail because I don't know where exactly yet.” He grabs some papers from his desks and moves back to the front. Sweetie gets in his way.
“I'll do all I can, but Alloy, please don't do anything stupid..” She looks him in the eyes.
“I won't, thanks for everything Sweetie, your the best!” He leaves E.S.S quickly. Sweetie Drops was worried for what brought this sudden conflict, but it wasn't her place to intervene. She had a job to do here, and for the Princess.  

Meanwhile Alloy had returned home and had begun to pack for his journey the Gryphon Kingdom. He wouldn't delay his trip ant further, he needed the break. Jackson was acting like a fool, Cara was being too nice, Sugar was mad, Notts had plans to kill them all, and his father wanted his share of the investments. And through all this he didn't even know if he was truly himself, he might as well get that problem out of the way first. He put the last of his supplies into his bag and opened his door, Notts was standing there. 
“Going somewhere?” He asks.
“The Gryphon Kingdom, for a vacation” Alloy says.
“Vacation? There? Well in that case my sources were correct. I have a mission for you there” Notts says.
“I can do it, what is the mission?”
“Some of my contacts there need to be informed about these things” Notts passes Alloy a scroll,  “Give this to them, it has instructions on our next moves.”
Alloy takes it, “I'll deliver it. Anything else?”
“I need you to get rid of someone, Dr. Flower Pot. He's a potential inconvenience. He's been wasting funding money on useless things, he's had too many chances.”
“I'll take care of it” Alloy says, he starts to go.
“Good, remember, those gryphons are a little hateful towards our kind” Notts warns. Alloy nods and keeps on going. He doesn't stop till he buys his ticket for the train to take him as far they can.

Back at the office Sweetie Drops is shuffling through paperwork at Alloy's desk when she stumbles across the files on Dr. Flower Pot. “What is this..?” She says to herself. Sugar steps into the office.
She begins to yell, “Here you are doing paperwork as if nothing happened?!” She looks at Sweetie Drops who is confused.
“Sugar..?” She puts the papers down, “What's going on?”
“Oh...BonBon, I didn't realize it was you..hehe” She says uneasily. 
“I know it's none of my business, but did something occur between you and Alloy dear?” 
“Yes...sorta..” She sits down where she is and puts her head down. Sweetie comes over to her and puts a hoof over her head.
“Tell me what happened” 
“He..I saw him with another mare!” Sugar cries. 
“There there, are you sure they were 'together'?” 
“I saw them! The way she looked at him...and the way they were talking!” Sugar yells out and weeps. 
“There's one way we can get to the bottom of this to make sure, we speak to Cara” 
“Wait..where's Alloy?” Sugar asks.
“He..left on vacations he said..”
“Probably with Cara!” Sugar cries more. Sweetie sighs and picks her up.
“I don't think he'd do that Sugar, I've known Alloy for a long time, he wouldn't go that far as to hurt you that way” She says gently.
“..I guess we'll see..” Sugar and Sweetie leave Alloy's office. 

End of Chapter 15

	
	
	
	
   
> E.S.S: 16 - The Gryphon Kingdom and a Gala
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 16
The Gryphon Kingdom and a Gala

The train arrived for hours until it reached a mountain area. He stepped of with a bag full of supplies, there was a shop there by the train stop that sold fuzzy hats, it was mostly gear for the mountains. There he browsed for long-lasting foods and filled his canteens full of water, also he purchased a map of the area. At the top of the map was a little bird icon that symbolized the kingdom, it was a long ways up from where he was now. Alloy started his climb up, there was a rocky road that spiraled to the top that was littered with holes, chasms, and wrecks. It took hours but eventually he reached the top of the mountain by late afternoon. The place, visually, was a messy place. Destroyed houses, low-maintained roads, broken carts on the sides of roads, and plenty more. No sort of tourist shop was in site, only a bunch of gryphons walking and flying around in mutual silence. Only a few were interacting, mostly with betting games, sales, or small talk. One or two were fighting each-other. Alloy needed information on Dr. Flower's whereabouts, but it didn't seem that anyone would be willing to aid him. He found an older half blind gryphon that was shouting at some youngins.
“Excuse me sir” Alloy coughed a little. The old gryphon kept yelling at the youngsters, “Sir” He says a bit louder.
“What? What? What is it??” The gryphon turns to him.
“Er, I need some help in locating someone.”
“Yeah? And what you think I can help? Well I can! For some bits of course” He says with a greedy smile.
“Depends on if you know about this guy first” Alloy says.
“Fine, tell me who and if I know, you give me the bits yes?” He grins again.
“Deal.” 
“You're a pony eh? Haven't seen your kind up here in...Uh I don't remember, heh or care.” The old guy says.
“Right, so this is a pony I'm looking for is a unicorn, he has a pot full of soil as a mark on his flank which ironically is his name as well” 
“A flower pot..? Yes...I think I know who! He had a bunch of those damn trouble making mercs with him..” The geezer says and extends his claw had, “Bits for the info” Alloy nods and gives him 10 bits. The gryphon smiles and places the bits in his hat. 
“Now, tell me all you can” Alloy says. 
“Not here, we don't want to be caught talking about it...well, let's just go. Quickly my home is near here.” He starts to fly slowly, some feathers fall out. Alloy follows him as fast as he can. 
The old gryphon's house was not too far away, it was, like the other buildings around them, in ruins. He flew in from the top and open up his cracked door Alloy, “You might as well know my name, folks around here call me Grandpa Gruff.” He closes the door after Alloy enters.
“And I'm Blur.” Alloy sits on a shaky stool. 
“What are you really here for? Our idol of gold or something??” Gruff questions him.
“Not at all, I told you, I'm looking for Flower Pot.”
“Ha! I'll tell ya something, that Flower fellow, he was picking around looking for the idol as well!” 
“Do you know what for?”
“Eh, beats me! Anyways, Flower came here about a year or two ago. If memory serves me right he came with only himself and bags of bits!” Gruff coughs a little, “At first I thought he was going to get ambushed or something, but he started to shout out for the most ruthless of our mercs to come and join him and get paid. So that's just what happened...”
“Seems like it, where are they hiding out now?” 
“There are a few cliff side towns along the mountain, he's usually at one called Old Dragon's Nest” 
“You're certain?” Alloy asks.
“Yes! I am, what's your business with him anyways?”
“My business is my own, are there any hotels or inns I could stay at?”
“Yes, a few, but it'll cost you” Gruff chuckles a bit.
“Fine with me. Thanks for the info” Alloy starts to walk out.
“Yeah, just remember it wasn't free!” Old Gruff laughs. Alloy closes the door and starts to walk around the street semi-randomly. He takes out Nott's scroll, it was for a group of gryphons that had some sort of gang symbol. The scroll included instructions for Alloy on code words and such for whenever he encountered a member of the group. As he put it away he began to look around for any gryphon that may carry the symbol. He easily spots one on a gray gryphon who has it marked on his left wing.
Alloy calls out to him, “Signs of the down cast!” He shouts out at him. The gray gryphon turns around with two small firearms ready in claw. Alloy forms a shield of magic which deflect the small barrage of bullets the guns unleash.  
The gryphon lands on Alloy's shield making it hard to keep up, “Oh looks like someone's been meddling in things they're not supposed to!” It screeches, “Once your shield collapses, I'll shoot your brains out!” He reloads his guns.
“What are you, trying to get on Notts' bad side or something??” Alloy shouts at it. The gryphon's expression changes to one of sudden surprise.
He gets off Alloy's shield, “He sent you? Fine, put your shields down, you're good” Alloy nods, he takes away his shield, “At least you had good reflexes” He laughs, “Name's Blind Spot, but I suppose you just made a mockery of my name” 
“And my name's Blur, that's my job” He says slyly, “I got a message for your leader” 
“Great, you can give it to him personally. I'll escort you” Blind says to him. Alloy nods and follows him on hoof. 
After sometime they reach a cliff side, “Okay, I'll carry you here on my back” Blind says. Alloy teleports to the other side.
“No need” Alloy says. Blind frowns a little but smiles.
“Alright, good I didn't want to carry you anyways” They continue on for about 20 minutes until they reach a small town. It's actually in better shape than the capital, with it's more patched up building, agriculture, and shops. 
“What type of government is there here?” Alloy asks.
“There is none. There are only small local ones, mostly mayor types. Some alliances here and there, but no one is big enough to make any real change. Either way all us gryphons don't really attack each other, we all keep to ourselves and that's that” Blind says. A few little ones come up to Blind and hug him.
“Daddy who dat?” A little gryphon points to Alloy as Blind picks him up.
“That's an associate, go along to mother, it's getting dark now” Blind says to the kid and the other small ones. They all nod and rush away quickly.
“How many kids do you have?” Alloy asks.
“I've have five kids, they're all ten or younger. Enough about them, just keep following me, no more questions, you seem like a tourist or something” Blind frowns a bit. Alloy nods and follows. Nearing the center of the small town, they stop at a random house. Blind knocks, says a few things, and soon the door is opened to them. Inside a bunch of gryphons suited in light armor are sharpening knives along with swords, some have guns, bow & arrows, and other weapons. Others are conversating in a low voice, eating, or drinking. There's a few of them even sleeping in hanging hammocks. Overall, it's like a larger version of Notts' wine base. 
Another darker colored gryphon comes up to Alloy and Blind Spot and looks at them with an emotionless face, “Who's this, another random runt that hasn't had the mercy of being killed?” He says in a dark low voice.
“He's a messenger from Notts” Blind Spot replies. The other gryphon looks only at Alloy with his deep black eyes he grabs Alloy by his bag's harness.
“I don't like weak ponies. I don't like any ponies at all. There all below us you got that?” He says to Alloy.
Alloy looks at him dully and says, “Whatever suits you. I'm only here to give the one in charge the needed information” The gryphon sets him down. 
“Good. We understand each other. Do something, try anything, and I'll make sure you don't wake up again.” He says ruthlessly. Some of the other gryphons look at the scene but shortly resume they're own business. 
“Where's Top Nest at, this unicorn has a message from Notts form him” Blind Spot asks the big guy.
“In his usual spot. Be good or I'll break you, unicorn” He says and leaves them with his final words.
“That's Break Neck, he's one of our strongest warriors here. It's best to not mess with him. Let's keep going, Boss is in his office” Blind says to Alloy. Alloy casually nods and they go on to the very back of the place. Blind knocks on the metal door, there is a buzz and the door unlocks allowing them in. In the middle the room sits a large dark brown gryphon he had on heavy armor and looked as if he was the strongest one amongst them. He stands up.
“Greeting Unicorn. I am Top Nest. I believe you have something to give me?” 
Alloy goes up to him, “Yes, here it is” Top takes it.
“It must be important if Notts sent you, he usually makes calls or has a pegaus fly it over here.” Top says then sits down and reads it his eyebrows rise, “Very interesting...looks like we got an important job.” Top turns to Blind, “You go tell the others to come here.” Blind nods and exits. Top now turns to Alloy, “You can stay here as long as you'd like. A friend of Notts is a friend of mine” He smiles. 
Alloy grins a little, “I won't take too long here, though I may need one of your warriors to guide me to Old Dragon's Nest.”
“Very well, after this meeting I'll assign someone with you Mr.-”
“Blur.” Alloy replies.
“Yes, Blur. Take a seat we'll have everyone crowd in here soon” Top states. In moments the room is filled with the feathered creatures sitting and making their way in, some pushing others aside and grunting. Top Nest stands up and makes a strange pitched noise that hurts Alloy's ears but silences the other gryphons into attention. 
“Now listen hear all!” Top shouts, “We got a mission to do, prepare yourselves! Notts wants us to make our way to Appaloosa and hunt down some traitors” The group begins to mumble amongst themselves. “There's good money to be made, I'll choose who's to go” He says, the gryphons start to smile at the mention of money. “That being said, I need someone to lead this unicorn, Blur, to Old Dragon's Nest. Any volunteers?” Everyone quiets down. Nobody says a word, “Fine. Blind Spot, go with him” 
“Sir, I'd like too but-” Blind starts.
“You dare disobey an order!?” Top says with authority. Blind says no more and nods, “Good, that's settled. Blur and Blind leave now, we have more planning to do.” And with that, Blind was now assigned to aid Alloy in his journey.

In Cantorlot, the Grand Galloping Gala had commenced, all three female agents were there, even Lyra had tagged along to spend time with them all. 
“BonBon...I don't want to be here..” Sugar says.
“You need to put your emotions away for tonight, we're here to ensure the safety of everyone.” Sweetie says to her. 
“I-I..know..but, it hurts” Sugar says.
“Now now, stay with Muffins, I have to take care of Lyra” Sweetie says and leaves her. Sugar sighs and goes with Muffins.
“Isn't it pretty here Sugar?” Muffins smiles and dances a little, “All the fancy ponies are here!”
“Yeah...I guess” Sugar sighs again.
“Oh what's wrong?” Muffins asks the depressed mare.
“I..we need to focus on the mission, don't worry about me Muffins” 
“Hmm, okay! But, don't be so sad, this place is a big party!” Muffins smiles and spins her around. Sugar smiles a little then suddenly jumps.
“Wha..what is that..??” She points at a draconequus who is accompanied by a large jello-looking slime ball. 
“That's...Discord! And I don't know who that other fellow is, he looks kinda cute though!” Muffins smiles. Sugar is trembling with fear.
“C-cute…?” 
“Yeah! Come on we should go greet them!” She smiles.
“No thanks! Um..you can do it” Sugar suggest.
“We have to stick together come on Sugar” Muffins drags her along, but before they reach Discord, the two things teleport away, “Aw, they left!”
“Good! Maybe we should warn BonBon about it!”
“Discord is a friendly being now, don't worry.”
“I heard he was the Lord of Chaos! He was imprisoned in stone!”
“Shh, yeah that's true but he's been reformed” Muffins whispers.
“Wha..I can't believe that..are you sure?” Sugar looks around them, nervous that at any moment Discord might appear behind them.
Muffins sighs and smiles, “If you want we can go tell BonBon, she'll tell you the same thing” 
“Yes, let's find her.” Sugar starts to walk, already searching. 

After a few minutes, the two find Sweetie and Lyra in a food line. Sweetie looks over to them, “Something happening?” She asks.
“Yes, no..kind of..” Sugar starts.
“Lyra save my spot” Sweetie says to Lyra who nods having already stuffed her mouth with some treats, “What's going on then Sugar and Muffins?”
“Discord is here and Sugar is freaked out” Muffins speaks up.
“Oh, yes. I spoke not to long ago, to Celestia about him and his guest. He's all clear, she asked me to check up on him sometime when I could” Sweetie replies.
“Then..,it's all good??” Sugar asks.
“Yes, but I personally don't trust him to well” Sweetie admits, “I recommend not minding him, focus on any possible Notts agents” Sweetie says and leaves the both.
“It's hard not to focus on that creature...” Sugar closes her eyes.
“Don't worry Sugar, come on let's scout around the entrances” Muffins recommends.
“Fine...” Sugar says, still feeling nervous. Muffins grins,
“It'll all be good, all the powerful ponies are here just in case something happens” They start to go to the less populated areas of the grand party, there were some gates for guards to rush in, other places for escaping in case of emergencies. “We should look through the barracks of the guards, most of them are on duty, so if there's something out of place we may get a lead”
“Do you think somethings going to happen..?” Sugar asks as they both enter a guard door.
“Nah, but if does we'll be ready!” She grins.
“I hope nothing happens...did you see that?!” Sugar jumps as a shadow seemed to have moved from it's spot.
“Saw what?” Muffins looks towards Sugar's direction, “I don't see anything.”
“A shadow...” Sugar thinks back when she saw Alloy and that other stranger slip into a shadow like a phantom, “We...might not be alone..” 
“It seems empty here to me” Muffins says, “Hellloooooo!” She shouts aloud. Only her voice echos, “See, nobody.”
“Maybe you're right, I'm just imagining things” Sugar laughs a little, trying to remove the thought. They continue to look around, everything looks in place, there were swords, armor, spears and bedrooms for the guards. 
“All clear, let's go to another section” Muffins says. They go past another set of gates to another section of the castle, there was no one anywhere to be seen except outside. Large colored windows showed some outlines of the guard stationed outside the building. 
“Who even lives in the castle?” Sugar asks Muffins.
“Celestia, Luna, the servants, and the guards. The usual ponies, oh and the cooks!” Muffins' stomach growls. 
Sugar chuckles,“You should have grabbed some food”     
“We could go back but maybe there's a kitchen near here!” Muffins says with some excitement, picking up her pace.
“Do you think there's anyone here…?” Just as Sugar asks that a group of servers go past them from a kitchen not to far ahead, “Nevermind” 
“Food! Come, to the kitchen!” Muffins flies in the direction from where the servers came from. Sugar speed walked the best she could in the dress she was wearing. At the entrance of the grand kitchen, two guards were stationed. 
“Halt!” They guards both say simultaneously. 
One continues, “State your names” He takes out a list that Muffins and Sugar can't see what is about.
“She is Sugar and I am Muffins” Muffins speaks up.
“I asked both of you to state your names” He says rudely.
“Agent Muffins. Soldier” Muffins frowns. The guard looks at his list.
“Agent...excuse me, my apologies” He says, “Is there something going on?”
“Agent Sugar and I were just stopping by to get a quick snack, hope you don't mind” Muffins says with a firmness in her voice that Sugar never thought was possible.
“Yes, of course” The guard both step aside and allow them entrance.
Sugar stares at Muffins, “We..can do that?”
“Hmm? Yeah hehe, I don't like doing it but sometimes it's necessary” Muffins smiles. She start to lift her nose and sniff around the kitchen, chefs and cooks are hard at work preparing various meals for the Gala's guest. “Don't be shy, get something Sugar” Muffins says as she herself takes a cupcake and consumes it.
“Are you sure?” Sugar asks, she herself being hungry.
“Here!” Muffins stuffs Sugar's face with a cupcake. The others in the room don't pay much mind to the two intruders, both begin to eat more and more from the plates being prepared.
“This food-” Sugar munches, “Is so...good!”    
“For sure!” Muffins eats more, “Okay okay...we need to get back to work now” Muffins cleans her face. Sugar nods but sees a shadow near them move again. She jumps, bumping into Muffins, “You okay?”
“Hu? I saw the shadow again..” Sugar swallows.
“If you see it again then you may have a point..” Muffins whispers to her. Sugar nods nervously. After cleaning up, the gals leave the kitchen and proceed back to main hall. There is a little dance going on in the middle, most are enjoying themselves. Discord can be seen with the gooey creature roaming around attempting to speak with Fluttershy and this hippie-dressed mare. Both Sugar and Muffins go on and mingle into the dance.

Alloy and Blind Spot were both on a hike to Old Dragon's Nest, the day had now become night. The only light source was Luna's light from the moon and the far off the stars. Occasionally on their walk they'd see a few small farm lands, barns or even more smaller villages. It seemed that every other town was in better shape than the capitol. The gryphons were not moping around, they were moving on with their lives. Though they were all in slight poverty and rude, they continued to live with fallen pride. “I don't know much about this kingdom and why it's in shape it is, is there something you can tell me about it Blind?” Alloy asks.
“If it keeps you company, fine. Let me tell you why we are in the state we are in now” He coughs a little, “Now, the reason the capitol is utter trash is because we had a big golden thing, a sort of idol that represented our prideful people, the gem of our high point. A creature stole it and fell into a dangerous ravine and was never heard of it again. After that the gryphons became depressed, someone had taken what all cherished the most. Riots occurred, trade stopped, and the government collapsed. Years passed, and all that remains are clans. We had a line of kings, the last being after the treasure was taken. Nobody has taken the throne, probably because it's not worth ruling this place”
“Quite the story, is there any major things that may cause conflict”
“Not that I know of, everyone keeps to themselves. If you get in a fight, it's your fault and you deal with it alone. Unless of course, your clan helps you, but I wouldn't rely on it. It's best to stick out for yourself and your family.”
“I see, it's a dog eat world here” Alloy says.
“That's the way it always been Unicorn, though your kingdom may appear well, there is always conflict, even if it's non-violent. It's the way the world works” Blind says as he stares slightly into the night sky. Alloy nods in agreement. 
“We'll stop here for the night” Blind says as they see the lights of a small town. When they reach the town gate, one guard opens the door,
“State your business!” He orders.
“We're looking for a place to stay, we have bits” Blind says.
“Paying passers are welcomed” The gate opens revealing the inner small town, it is lined with a market area (closed for the night) and several homes. “None of these places are cheap Blur, so expect to pay a hefty amount”
“I got that covered, how about yourself?” Alloy asks.
“I have no need of a bed, I'll sleep outside.” Blind says.
“I'll pay for you, besides it smells like it'll rain tonight” Alloy offers.
“You'll pay? That's a first. In that case, I'll take a bed at the inn” Blind smiles. Alloy opens the door of the nearest in, just then a pegaus mare is thrown out from there.
“You bunch of feathered bastards!” She shakes her hooves at the inn keeper who slams the door. Alloy picks her up.
“Are you okay ma'am?” Alloy asks her.
“Do I look okay??” She dusts off her leather jacket and lights a cigar. She takes a second look at Alloy, “Say what are you doing here? I haven't seen any other pony around here in a long time”
“Just traveling” Alloy states.
“Must be a heck of a tourist to end up in this junk yard” She says. Blind frowns, “No offence to you, big guy” She says to Blind.
“Are you done talking to this...thing?” Blind asks Alloy.
“Almost, here take some bits and buy the rooms” Alloy gives Blind the bits. He gladly takes it and goes inside the inn.
“You're traveling with a gryphon? I often do that myself, unfortunately they're all about the shiny bits.” She chuckles, “I myself am out of bits, figures, I was robbed!” She frowns and spits at the ground, then puffs some smoke.
“That's a real tough spot. What are you doing here?” Alloy asks.
“I live here, if you can believe that. My brother, A, left me here to sell arms”
“A is your brother? I know that sly guy, I did some business with him.” 
“Is he still a cowardly wimp?”
“Sure is” Alloy says, they both chuckle.
“Glad to know he's still alive, I haven't heard from him in a few months.”
“That's because he's supposed to be dead, he's been keeping a low profile.” Alloy says, he starts to walk, she follows him.
“Dead?? What the hell did that bloke get into this time?” She asks.
“Apparently he had some loose ends that didn't quite get tied up” Alloy says.
“How do you know this?” 
“I can't say, for my own security, but he's alive. At least I think, I haven't seen him in a few weeks, which is good” 
“Oh...well, I reckon I should go find him” She limps ahead of him.
“Are you sure? You don't look like you're in the condition to do so” Alloy says.
“Of course I'm not, I can't even fly anymore, my wing fractured a while ago and there aren't any cheap doctors to fix me up” She sighs and continues to the gates.
“Stop. Let me help you, you can't go on like this” Alloy says to her. She turns to him.
“You would..?” She then laughs, “Don't be joking around with a disabled mare, I can take care of myself” She frowns.
“I try not to joke about these matters, I may not know you, but I know you need help. Here.” He tosses her a bag of bits, “This should be enough for your travel expenses” 
She looks at the bag and picks it up, “T-thank you...what's your name?” 
“Blur, and yours?” He asks.
“Ranna. Thanks a million Blur.” She smiles and leaves the town. Alloy grins a little and returns to the inn.

End of Chapter 16.
	 
	 
	


> E.S.S: 17 - The Mess of a Gala
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 17
The Mess of a Gala

At the gala, the night had brought many quest, everything was going just as planned. Sugar sat at a table as Muffins twirled around on the dance floor. She sipped some punch from a glass cup and sighed, “I wonder where Alloy went..” Sugar says in her head, “It not like him to run off. I haven't seen that Cara girl either. Well then again she is just a worker, she's probably at home...” She tried to convince herself of that but her other side kept bringing up suspicions of her and Alloy. Her attention was then distracted by the place going dark with a sudden light flashing onto a stage that had Discord on it with a microphone. 
“Check check, is this thing on?” Discord started, “Good evening fillies and germs!” He went on. Sugar made her way to Muffins. They hide behind a pillar.
“What is he doing?” Sugar asks Muffins.
“I dunno seems like a..uh stage improv?” Muffins answers. There was a drum roll, but no laughter. “Let's just see what happens I guess” Discord changed outfits into a red shirt, he then said another joke which only caused Celestia to chuckle a little.
“He's really not good at this is he?” Sugar chuckles a little. Muffins smiles with agreement. He kept on going, the crowd not laughing. He eventually grabbed a large hammer, smashing a watermelon. Someone in the crowd (Maud) made a sly comment which caused the audience to start laughing at Discord. 
“What happened? Why's everyone laughing?” Muffins asks.
“I think someone said something, I couldn't hear” Sugar says.
“What...is that??” Twilight points to a large green wave of slime that begins to covers everything in the room.
“Woah??” Sugar steps away from the slime. Muffins hovers above it before it touches her. 
“It's the Ooze guy!” Muffins notices, “Look Lyra's stuck in it!” She points.
“I think everyone is stuck in it!” Sugar panics. One of her hooves gets stuck in the slime, “I can't get it off!” She pulls and pulls, but her whole lower body is submerged in the green goo. 
“I'll try to pull you out!” Muffins tugs on Sugar's tail but is caught up by the goo as well, “Oh..looks like we're both stuck!” 
Sugar teleports. “Not anymore, as long as that stuff doesn't touch my horn we're good.” She teleports Muffins away to a clean spot.
“Nice job! Hey look, the ooze is residing!” They look around as the green stuff leaves and forms into a large sentient Ooze being.
“Guess that's good..?” Sugar says, suddenly Discord lifts a pony using magic and tears open a hole in space, “Okay...what..??” Sugar was puzzled.
“Stand back! We don't know what's going to happen!” Muffins jumps in front of her. They observe as a conversation takes place and Discord restores everything back to normal within seconds.
“What was that all about??” Sugar takes a seat and rubs her head, completely confused. Sweetie comes up to them.
“It was some sort of fit he was having with a friend.” Sweetie sits, “Everything is back to normal according to the Princess, who seemed a little excited for some reason...”
“That's good, the party will continue!” Muffins smiles. 
Sweetie nods and asks, “Have you two spotted anything out of the usual besides Discord's actions?”
“Nope!” Muffins smiles.
“I thought I had, but it was probably just my mind playing tricks on me” Sugar inputs. 
“You're still stressed dear?” Sweetie sympathizes. Sugar nods wearily, “Come, let's take a walk so we can talk.” Sugar stands and follows Sweetie to an outside area.   
“Are you sure you don't know where he went off to?” Sugar asks Sweetie.
“I may have a lead, but I'm not sure” Sweetie looks off into the distance.
“You do? Please tell me” Sugar looks at Sweetie.
“Very well, I'll try wording it so you can understand, because I myself am not sure about this all.” Sweetie sits, “I was in Alloy's office and came across some files he could have only gotten from the old E.S.S building. They were on a cruel doctor named Flower Pot. I did some digging afterward on the guy and found out that he was head of the science department of Canterlot, but was suspended due to unethical practices.” Sweetie takes a breath.
“I don't get it, is Alloy after him or something?”
“He may be, Flower Pot was never arrested because he disappeared. I found more things in Alloy's office...I shouldn't have been looking but I was curious and worried. I found mapped out areas of the Gryphon Kingdom, he must have gone there. We'd have to search his house and see if he did indeed pack up for such a journey, maybe look into the train records.”
“Yes. We need to do that BonBon” Sugar says, she is no longer depressed, “At least now I'm more relieved to believe he's not with some other mare. Although...it does worry me to hear that he might be in danger..”
“He can take care of himself, perhaps we should just allow for him to come back. You can question him then.” Sweetie stands.
“Can you help me in finding out if he really left to that place?” 
“I suppose so, but I don't want to get distracted with the Notts situation.” She starts to walk randomly and peers around a corner.
“Is..something wrong?”
“Shh, just keep up the conversation.” Sweetie says, “Yes, I'll help you with it.” 
“Umm, thanks, I appreciate it.” Sugar goes to where Sweetie is. “Who is it..?” She whispers.
“Nothing. I just thought it looked a bit suspicious, it was just a couple.” Sweetie sighs a little.
“Oh, good” Sugar smiles. Sweetie puts her hoof up to Sugar's face.
“Wait...Sugar, we have a situation. Follow me and stick close” Sweetie starts to pick up her pace. Sugar looks around them then follows.
“What is going on?”
“Shh. Just pay attention. Make sure we aren't being followed. Don't make noise” Sweetie stops and looks around another corner, “Someone's trying to break into the castle.”
Sugar nods, “I think...there's someone following us..” Sweetie turns and sees a dark hooded pony coming in their direction. The figure stops.
“Are you two lost?” The figure asks, it's voice sounds oddly off yet familiar.
“Um, yes actually.” Sweetie speaks up, “Are you lost?” 
“Hmm...no, looks like I found what I was looking for.” It says. Sweetie frowns.
“Oh yeah?” Sweetie takes a defensive position.
“Yeah!” The feminine voice shouts and prounces onto Sugar and Sweetie. Sweetie knocks her off and takes off her hood, it is Lyra.
“Lyra??” Both Sugar and Sweetie ask. Lyra giggles.
“I followed you two. What are you guys doing all the way over here?” Lyra asks, still smiling. 
Sweetie sighs, “We got lost” 
“I know the way back!” Lyra says. Down the hall there is the noise of glass being broken. Sweetie's teeth tighten.
“Um, maybe we should leave?” Sugar asks them both.
“We should warn the guards!” Lyra suggest.
“Yes.” Sweetie sighs, “Hurry then, both of you!” She starts to run back from where they came.
“I thought you didn't know the way back!” Lyra laughs as they gallop.
“I think I'm remembering!” Sweetie tries to smile a little. Sugar looks behind them and sees a shadow moving down the hall. She blinks and it's no longer there. 

They re-enter the gala and come up to a guard, “Hey you! There's somepony's breaking into the castle!” Lyra says frantically. 
“Ma'am calm down and tell me everything.” He says. Lyra begins to explain.
“Dammit Lyra, this could have been something else..” Sweetie says to herself and looks away.
“Maybe I can go with the guard and you can stay with Lyra” Sugar whispers to her.
“Yes, that may work. But be careful, I'll warn Muffins as soon as I can” Sweetie says. Lyra and the guard turn to them.
“The guard needs someone to lead him there” Lyra explains.
“I'll go, you guys stay here” Sugar offers.
“Very well, let's go ma'am” The guard states. Sugar nods and leaves with the guard.
“I hope they catch them” Lyra worries.
“I'm sure they will, come let's find Muffins and tell her” Sweetie says, she herself is worried. Lyra agrees and they go.

“How long ago did you three hear this noise?” The guard asks Sugar.
“Not less than five minutes ago..” Sugar answers as they run.
“Why were you three over here anyways?” 
“Investigating the ones who were breaking in” 
“Why would you do that alone?”
“I'm part of E.S.S” Sugar replies, trying to act her role.
“E.S.S…You mean that's still a thing?” The guard says in near disbelief.
“Yes, I bet you guys don't hear much about us” 
“Not at all, it's all, well, secret. You guys have access to everything!” 
“We do? I mean, yes we do” Sugar remembers. They approach the spot the glass was broken at. It was a window bigger than the two of them. 
“Guess we'll enter. You first” He says. Sugar looks at him, 
“Afraid of something in there?” She lifts an eyebrow.
“Um, no. It's just ladies first.” He says nervously.
“Fine” Sugar hops inside watching out for glass. The guard follows her. “Looks like whoever it was, wasn't careful. They cut themselves.” She points at a trail of blood leading to a restroom.
“How nice...I don't like seeing blood” He quivers. Sugar rolls her eyes.
“Don't be a big baby, let's go and check the restroom.”
“Together..??” He says quickly.
Sugar sighs, “Yes, it's not like we're going in there to use it, now come on”
“I, um of course” He gulps. Sugar opens the restroom door slowly, the faucet was left on a little and there were paper towels on the floor, some with blood. “They must have made a quick stop and left”
“Yes. I'll have to take some of this paper with me.” She rolls up some of the bloodied paper and put it in her dress pocket, “Just in case we don't catch them, we'll have a blood sample.”
“Yeah..blood sample..” He closes his eyes.
“Don't pass out on me. I need you to tell me what section of the castle we're in”
“I believe it's the paintings hall. It has art stuff” 
“Must be here to steal one of them..” Sugar thinks. She then exits, “We'll search the area.”
“Reckon so, we should start with the most valuable art pieces.” He suggests. 
Sugar nods,“Lead the way” She says. They start to walk around, the place is dimly lit by candles and some magical stones. Not too far into they're walk they hear someone dragging something.“Stay close, I think we got our criminal” She says. He takes out a spear.
“Ready.” He says. They come to a corner, Sugar looks around to see a pegasus dragging a picture that is about her size, her left wing is wrapped in paper towels.
“Stop right there!” Sugar and the guard jump out shocking the thief. The pegasus puts down the painting and makes a run for it. She is suddenly stopped by a force field of Sugar's magic. “Quick grab her! I can't hold onto her for much!” The guard cuffs the pegasus. Sugar puts down the field. “Phew..” She wipes her brow.
“Let me go!” The pegasus screams at them.
“Not yet, tell us what were you doing here?” Sugar comes up to the mare.
“What does it look like?!” She says rudely. 
“That's that. Ma'am you are under arrest for attempted thrift.” He tells the pegasus. He then goes on to recite lines of rights which Sugar drones out. 

Later Sugar and the guard, with the prisoner, return to the main gala hall. Other guards escort the pegasus out. “Hey misses” The guard says to Sugar.
“Yes?” Sugar replies.
“Thanks for aiding in catching that crook”
“I did all the work” Sugar chuckles.
“You're right about that, seeing how you handled things...well, I hate to bother asking but..” 
“Go on?”
“I was curious if there were any spots available in E.S.S. I feel I was pretty useless in what happened, maybe if I joined and trained with you guys I can better serve my country.” He says.
“We'll see if you can, I'll have to talk to my superiors. What's your name?” Sugar asks.
“It's Dotted Field. I'm in the 7th guard unit here at the castle. I have a good record and-”
“Okay I get it, you don't need to tell me that” She smiles, “We'll leave that for your interview. Hope to hear from us soon” She leaves. He salutes. Sweetie Drops was standing near by,
“I heard that little conversation you had. Seems like you handled things professionally” Sweetie praises.
“Thanks” Sugar smiles, “I feel so much better now” 
“That's really good to hear, I'll look into this guy's profile and converse with Alloy upon his return”
“Okie doki” Sugar sits in a chair and drinks some water, “We can now relax right?”
“Hehe, nope, we still have to be on the lookout” Muffins says as she flies up to Sugar and Sweetie. They all sit and converse for the rest of the time there.

Alloy was awake at the inn, he looked out the window and gazed at the stars above. “Why are you here for anyway? You got the message why prolong your stay?” Blind asks him as he polishes his guns.
“I'm here on a side mission to assassinate Dr. Flower Pot” Alloy replies, turning to face Blind.
“That old guy? Ha, he's better off dead anyways. He's caused nothing but trouble”
“What do you mean?” Alloy leans back in his straw bed, now intrigued.
“He's been working on some strange projects, ever since he arrived, some have disappeared.”
“Do you know if it's because of him though?”
“Not certain 100%, but I've heard from some of the ones who chose to work for him that he likes to use test subjects. And where do you get test subjects? Ha, not from us. No one here would volunteer. So he must be getting them somehow..” Blind puts away his guns, laying back in his bed.
“Interesting theory, I suppose we'll find out” Alloy says.	
“I'm only taking you to Old Dragon's Nest and that's it. I'm not going in there to find the guy”
“Oh of course, how could I be so rude to assume that” Alloy tosses him a bag of bits, “It's yours if you come along.”
Blind happily takes it, “You know, I'm starting to like you” He chuckles. 
“Good to know you're coming along.” Alloy smiles a bit then turns around in his bed and blows out his candle.

In the morning, Alloy and Blind continue their journey. The day was hot, but a light breeze made the weather tolerable. “How long is the way there?” Alloy asks.
“If we flew, we'd probably already be there.” Blind says smugly.
“May I should become an Alicorn” He jokes.
“How the heck is that even possible? Adding new body parts to one's self?” Blind asks him.
“I'm not to sure on how, but I think it requires a lot of magic” Alloy wonders, “That or someone's rarely born into it”
“What's so special about it anyways?”
“I think it's just more convenient or something. It brings with it a title of power” 
“Pfft, figures.”
“What brings power here? The money?” Alloy asks.
“Yes. But not only that, strength. You make a name for yourself by the way you fight” 
“What's your title?”
“Glad you asked, I'm not as arrogant as most here, so truly I have no big title” Blind chuckles a bit, “I just try providing what I can for my family. That's why I'm here with you right now” 
“Very noble of you” 
“If that's what you want to call it. It's my duty more like it. Once my children reach a certain age, they'll have to go fend for themselves.”
“Of course, that's how it's supposed to be. Though, I can imagine it's much harder to do that here”
“It is. When I was seventeen years of age I left my father's house with only my personal belonging. I wasn't certain, what to do with my life, but eventually I got involved in the clan that I'm currently in. I trained and became familiar with everyone there. I meet my wife, had a small ceremony for the wedding, had kids within the first three years. And then I continued till today.” Blind coughs, “Well that's basically my life story”
“I would tell you mine, but I don't actually no it..” Alloy chuckles a little. 
“What are you saying, you have amnesia?”
“Something like that. If you want, I'll explain it to you the best I understand it.”
“Why not, I already told you about me, it's your turn” Blind yawns a bit.
“So be it. I'm hunting down Dr. Flower Pot because I have reason to believe that he may have tested on me, and erased my early life's memory.”
“Do you remember anything from the past?”
“I do, but they may be implanted memories. I believe only the last three or four years have truly been my real memories.” Alloy sighs.
“Tough, are you going to kill him for personal revenge?”
“No, I just want to know...who I was. The killing part is just my job” Alloy states. Blind silently nods. They go on for about three hours, till they reach Old Dragon's Nest.
“Here we are.” Blind declares. “This town is a mess of bandits, mercenaries, and low-lives. Watch your back and your bits.”  
“We need to find the Doc.” Alloy says with anxiousness, “The sooner, the better, I have things to take care of back home”
“I'll go scout into the city. I'll locate some of the Doctor's workers. Be back in a flash” Blind lifts his wings and takes off in a wind rush that flows through Alloy's hair. Alloy looks around him, there are some gryphons staring at him. Some look like they'd try to attack him if he walked their way. He didn't pay much mind to them, he was hungry. There were lines of food places along the streets, he just had to pick one that looked appitizing. He made a stop to one, looking at the menu, it had meat of all kinds, some soups, but it still had meaty things in it. Alloy's stomach growled. There was some fish, at least that was more natural, but not really. He had to eat so he paid for a fish soup. Sitting down, he swirled the soup looking at the fish bits with some disgust. 
“My stomach's going to kill me regardless...” He sips the soup, holding back his gag reflexes. “It's...not that bad..” He tells himself, continuing to eat till the bowl is finished with a burp of a satisfied belly. Closing his eyes he sits back in the wooden chair he's in and drinks down all the water in one of his canteens.
“Didn't like it?” The cook asks him with a chuckle that made fun of Alloy's appetite.
“I'm certain it taste delightful for your species, but me...I eat mainly the green stuff..” Alloy says wearily.
“Hahaha...of course. We have none of that prepared here, you might as well so eat the grass on the ground!” He mocks. Alloy gets up and starts to leave.
“Yeah, maybe that's not such a bad idea...” Alloy says lastly.  Blind flies to him, landing in front of him.
“You don't look to well” Blind chuckles, “You ate something didn't you?”
“Yes..” Alloy still feels the taste.
“The food they serve here is pretty bad, even for my taste.” Blind tries to somewhat comfort him.
“That's relieving to hear, did you find anything?”
“Sure did, I flew above the area and spotted some goons of his moving supplies into a large building. No doubt one of his labs.”
“How guarded is the place?”
“We can take them. You're fast enough” Blind says.
“Lead the way” Alloy smiles a little, drinking more water. He burps again. Blind laughs a little and turns, heading to the lab. 

Old Dragon's Nest was one of the bigger towns in the kingdom, it was not on the official maps because it was founded by thieves after the collapse of the Kingdom. The place was made up of mud brick buildings, straw, wood, and some concrete. At the center of the town laid a large egg-shaped silver idol that served as it's main attraction of sorts. The place was rocky and was near the edge of a cliff, a small creek went randomly along the streets, so the place was wet half of the time. Upon reaching near the building mentioned by Blind, Alloy saw that it was one of the concrete ones, it had guard posts around the perimeter complete with a big fence wall.
“This is bigger than I expected” Alloy says.
“Backing out already?” Blind taunts.
“Not for a second. How do you want to do this? Stealthy or guns blazing?” 
“Why not a bit of both?” Blind smiles.
“Ha, that's the way I like it. Plan time, you can take cover behind my shield and shoot back if we're surrounded. We'll get in through by teleporting behind a guard post, we take out those guards and we'll go from there.”
“Ready then partner” Blind confirms. Alloy teleports them on the rails of the closest guard post. Blind quickly knocks out two of the guards.
“Hey Blind, take his uniform. Perhaps we can have me as a captured prisoner, that way you can escort me without drawing too much attention” Alloy whispers.
“As you wish” Blind puts on the uniform. “It's a little big on me”
“It'll work” Alloy says. Blind nods.
“Come along now prisoner” Blind cuffs Alloy, “Uh, where do we go?”
“I don't know, find an entrance.” 
“There's one there” Blind points. 
“Then let's go, no time to waste.” Alloy says. Blind takes Alloy inside the large building, inside there wasn't much just a long hall that extended through the whole place. “Find an elevator or stairs, this top half must be just the barracks” 
“Stairs, here” Blind takes Alloy down a flight of stairs. “Level 1? How deep is this place?” As they descend further, the concrete walks turn into rocky ones, the stairs into ones of wood.
“It's getting cold.” Alloy comments. Some other gryphons pass them without question. “Looks like it's working”
“That's a relief” Blind says. The light bulbs above flicker, then start to go off. “What now??” The power goes out leaving some floodlights on. 
“Emergency Power on. Weather alert” A speaker announces. 
“Must be raining outside, I saw how the creek may have some effects on the area” Alloy says. They continue to walk randomly around the cave system. Supplies lay everywhere, gryphons move around things, and some in lab coats test substances. 
“They must have a large operation down here.” Blind looks around, “This is bigger than I thought as well...”
“Can you still handle it it if it gets messy here?” Alloy whispers.
“Yes, but it'll get tough” Blind admits. 
“You there. What's this Unicorn doing here?” Another guard asks Blind.
“I caught him snooping around the perimeter. I was bringing him to the Doc to see if he wanted to do something about him.” Blind answers.
“Go on then, the Doctor could use more test subjects.” He chuckles darkly. 
“Where is the Doctor now?” 
“Probably in his testing rooms. You know, the one close to here” 
“Er, right. Come along unicorn” Blind pulls Alloy along, “I have no idea where it could be”
“Just look at the signs” Alloy whispers. Blind looks around, the different sections are labeled with letters and numbers. Some have names, last one bearing Dr. Flower Pot's name. 
“I see it.” Blind takes him to the end of the hall. A sign on the door reads 'knock before entering' so Blind knocked. 
“Just a moment” An old voice said from within. A camera on the outside zoomed in on them. A buzz was heard, opening the door. An old unicorn with a large round gnome beard stood before them in a white and light blue lab coat. “Another one? Isn't this a rarity, but what have I told you bird-brains about where to take the prisoners??” 
“Pardon the mistake, I just thought it'd spike your interest if I brought you this one to you” Blind says.
“Good thing you did, this one looks...familiar. Bring him in” Dr. Flower Pot allows them to enter, closing the door behind them. In the room lies and array of different experiments on tables, some brains in jars connected to wires, and skeletons from all types of creatures. “Sit him town over there and strap him.” The Doctor waves to a comfortable looking couch with straps. Blind obeys and straps Alloy down. “You can leave now Gryphon.” He says still turned around. Blind looks at Alloy, he nods.
“Yes sir” Blind exits the room leaving the two together.
“Gryphons, they're really good at handling the muscle work, they can hold weapons better than almost any species. But they're dumb and brute at times, hehe, most of the time. They listen as long as you have coin though” Dr. Flower says to Alloy, turning to him. 
Alloy coughs, “Apparently so”
The Doctor unstraps him, “No need for these I hope.” Alloy hops down, “Tell me, why are you here?” 
“I came to ask a few questions”
“I may have answers, but I think….I swear I know who you are. May I take a look at the back of your neck?” He asks Alloy. Alloy nods. Flower moves some of his mane hair aside and looks thoroughly finding a little mark, “Yes...you are who I think you are” He chuckles.
“Who am I?” Alloy asks him, trying not to seem desperate. The Doctor examines him then gets on a rolling chair and flips to a computer terminal.
“You're Alloy Atomms.” He smiles.

End of Chapter 17.  
	 
	
	
	
> E.S.S: 18 - A walk down Memory Lane
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 18
A walk down Memory Lane

“I know that” Alloy says to the doctor. Flower spins in his chair to the terminal.
“I hate these power failures.” Flower says typing things in. “This place has major structural flaws, I found it abandoned years ago and set in my equipment” 
“That's..interesting. Look, I need to know who I was” Alloy pushes forward his questions.
“Isn't all that matters is who you are now?” Flower Pot smirks, still facing the terminal. 
“Was I a part of one of your experiments, tell me” Alloy demands.
“It's confidential” Flower chuckles.
“I have clearance for this information. I'm part of E.S.S” Alloy says.
“Oh you are? I haven't had time to keep track of you since my research in Canterlot was left behind” Flower types that in some notes.
“I'm not here to catch up on things about my new life. I'm here to remember my past.”
“Aren't you happy? I made sure you were well taken care of with the Atomms, you were put up on a high place” Flower smiles. The regular lights come back on, “Presto”
“I'd be happier to know what I was, if I was a bad pony, someone with regrets, a life, maybe my old family...” Alloy stresses.
“You want to know so much, but I can only give you pieces at a time” The Doctor says. He turns to face Alloy.
“Fine. Just...we have a lot of time” 
“Indeed we do. But if you're part of E.S.S, you must know I'm a criminal...” A field of force surrounds Alloy, “For insurance you'll have to stay in here. Your magic can't get past it.” He chuckles.
“Yes, I know you're wanted, but I'm not here for that I'm here for me” 
“Like I said, insurance.”
“However you'd like. Can you explain to me who I was…?” 
“Get comfortable and prepare yourself for what I'm going to say” The Doc shifts in his chair, he levitates a file book and flips a page, “Story time.” He flips through some other pages, “Alloy. The name was chosen at random by my computer.  Your previous name was...it's not here. You must have chosen not to have it written down” 
“What?? It must be somewhere! Look for it”
“Calm down Alloy. That's not the most important thing to worry about” The Doc continues, “You came to register as a volunteer at the age of nineteen. The place you went to was the Canterlot science building, it was for a program named Green Grass. Hahaha...yes I remember it's original purpose was to to test for cancerous cells in the body. Of course that was just a cover for my true experiments...”
“So I was tricked into thinking I'd help out Ponykind?” Alloy says with a sigh.
“You did, many did so don't feel bad. Listen here, this is my favorite part.” Flower says, “You were put under some sleeping gas, and I injected the back of your neck with a chemical that allowed me to tell you whatever I wanted to and you'd listen. So you did, you worked for me for some time after that, while I prepared for my test: to input someone back into society with a whole new identity without remembering their past. I did a lot of work on you, I even got the Atomms to take you in as their child”
“Stop...wait, my parents...they were a part of this..?” Alloy struggles to believe that.
“They sure were, after sometime though your 'mother' thought it was unethical and tried to revert the process. Lucky me I got to her before she caused any damage, I deleted part of her memories.”  
“No...so it's...because of you that she's the way she is...” 
“It didn't turn out the way I had planned it, it caused her permanent damage” Flower casually says. Alloy frowns his heart begins to hurt. “As for you father, I had no choice but to do the same to him, he turned out okay. He never remembers me or what happened, I made him believe that you're his real son and that your mother had a stroke that damaged her memory”
“Why...would you do this..?”
“Research. We need to make progress somehow” Flower smiles.
“How is this progress??”
“I put it this way: a criminal who has committed crimes can rejoin society as a brand new person, without fear of them having the violent thoughts they used to have, that way they can be a functional part of society again”
“That's just as bad..you took away their lives!” Alloy looks down.
“Oh really? Do you know what you did? What you were??” Flower frowns and looks at him. Alloy keeps looking down.
“No...”
“Then don't question me! Because right now, I'm going to tell you just what kind of pony you were!” Flower raises his voice, “You're certain you want to know?”
“Yes...If I'm going to move on, I must know..”
“Good. You were a pretty regular guy, did his work at a cart dealership, made a good wage.”
“I did?”Alloy says trying to imagine himself in that position.
“Yes, here's a little shock to you, you weren't this maroon red color, you were a lighter gray unicorn with...well I think your hair stayed the same. For some odd reason the operation changed your body color, though not right away it happened gradually over time” The Doc writes a few things in his notes, “I can't remember everything about you Alloy, I had many patients”
“Test subjects you mean?”
“Same thing really. Here's another thing, you committed a crime”  
“A crime, tell me” Alloy says, preparing to worry himself.
“Murder” Dr. Flower Pot says in a grave tone, “I don't know who it was you killed, but it's written in your file here”
“I murdered...someone...”
“Apparently so. If it makes you feel any better I do that regularly” He chuckles. Alloy doesn't smile, his brain seems to be piecing things back together. Sudden flashes of memories begin to appear here and there, he starts to lose control and screams. Dr. Flower Pot jumps up, turns down the force field and calls in some gryphons, including Blind. They restrain Alloy to a chair but he spiratically teleports from spot to spot in the room. Eventually he disappears from the room altogether.
“Find him! Track down that Unicorn!” Dr Flower Pot demands, the gryphons rush out of the room beginning their search.

In Ponyville, it was noon time all the agents were at the new E.S.S building. Jackson was leaning back in his chair in one of his old hoodies.
“I called you to the office to see if you know anything about Alloy's whereabouts” Sweetie says to Jackson. 
Jackson drinks from a flask then speaks, “Not entirely, all I can remember is Notts sending him on some mission”
“A mission for him again, he's starting to do to much work for him” Sugar comments.
“That's how it has to be. Actually I got a little bit of a concern fo' us” Jackson says.
“Go on” Sweetie speaks.
“My boy Alloy and I were at Notts' place and he told us he was goin' have a special mission for us soon. Alloy thinks it may be to get rid of you three, well I think so, he wasn't explicit on what exactly we were to do” Jackson sips more from the flask.
“Us? Why us?” Muffins says, then thinks, “Oh I know why, it's because we'd interfere with his plans!”
“Exactly” Sweetie speaks up, “This will cause problems for all of us, when Alloy returns we need to come up with a plan or something”
“I'd start planning now if I were ya'll just in case things don't turn out good for me and Alloy” Jackson recommends. 
“He's right” Sugar says, “Is there a way for you to find out where Alloy went to?”
“Probably, but don't count on it” Jackson gets up and looks in the fridge.
“We'll check the train records, and his office. I have reason to believe that he went to the Gryphon Kingdom.” Sweetie gets up as well.
“I think you may be right..” Jackson closes the fridge and eats a muffin from the counter, “Mm tasty as always Muffins”
“Thanks!  I bake them everyday” Muffins smiles.
“What do you know Jackson?” Sweetie asks.
“Look, I wasn't exactly on my best when Alloy left…there were..well..” Jackson stutters.
“Were what?” Sweetie gets a feel for what he may say, “Were there drinks?”
“Yes...Sweetie you know I can't handle myself” He says. Sweetie looks away.
“Of course you would” She sighs, “Whatever the case, we still have this situation. I'm going to go fill out paper work excuse me” Sweetie goes to Alloy's office.
“Is she mad?” Sugar whispers to Muffins, who shrugs.
“She probably is” Jackson says, having overheard, “I guess I screwed up again' I'm going back to the hideout to find more information..” He takes another muffin and leaves. 
“I guess we'll check out the train records?” Sugar looks to Muffins.
“Oh sorry Sugar I need to talk to BonBon about something” She shyly says. Sugar nods,
“It's okay, it's not to hard to check” Sugar takes her purse and leaves. 

She journeys to the only train station in Ponyville, many came and left here for an easy ride to Canterlot and Ponyville. The place was usually crowded as it was today for Sugar. She made her way to the ticket booth.
“Where to?” A stallion behind the counter asked.
“I need to access to your train records, I'm E.S.S” Sugar shows him her badge. He unlocks a side door to let her in.
“Something going on Miss?” He asks.
“Don't worry about it.” She takes a large binder full of organized dates of train departures. 
“Okay, I'll be at the counter if you need anything” He returns to his post. Sugar searched for the day he departed on, sure in enough there it was. Alloy's name and the amount he paid for. It was for a long ride the edge of where the train could go to. She closes the binder and sets it back with the train guy.
“Thanks, that's all I need” She parts. She returns to the office Muffins greets her.
“Hey Sugar! Did you find out that he left to a far place??” She asks overly happy.
“Yep, it has his name there and all” Sugar smiles a little.
“Good thing we know for sure he left to the place with the Gryphons!” They walk to the back area. 
“What's been going on here?” Sugar asks. 
“Okay...so I didn't want to tell you so soon but...I'm leaving E.S.S” Muffins says with some sadness.
“You are...what will you do now?” Sugar takes a seat.
“I'm going to continue to work at the post office and live life from there” She smiles. “I'll miss working with you guys, but I need less extremities in my life”
“Will your memory be altered or something?” Sugar worries.
“Nah, Sweetie says it isn't necessary for me” She sticks out her tongue, “I'm leaving today..” She hugs Sugar.
“Take care Muffins.” Sugar hugs back.
“You more than me” She chuckles, “We'll see each other around town, we can still hang out” She smiles flying to an exit.	
“That's good, I'll visit when I can” Sugar promises and waves to her as she exits. Sugar walks to the front to see her fly off. Another pegasus wearing a cap flies down to the door, it was Cara.
“Hello Miss, sorry I don't know your name” Cara says.
“It's Sugar, you're Cara right?” Sugar asks.
“Yes, I was called by BonBon on the phone that I was to start work today?” 
“You were? Then I'll take you to her” Sugar says. Cara and Sugar make their way back to Alloy's office. 
“Where's Alloy?” Cara asks Sugar.
“He's away on a business trip” Sugar answers as she opens the door. Sweetie looks up, papers are spread across the desk. 
“Cara good you're here, take this paper and head to get a set of equipment from the employee room. On that paper you'll find the address of the building you will demolish so a newer one can be built” Sweetie explains quickly, “That's all, make haste” Cara takes the paper and hurries out.
“I found that Alloy did take the train” Sugar speaks up.
“Good, then it's confirmed 100% that he left there” Sweetie looks at her paperwork, “This...doesn't make sense..” 
“What?” Sugar asks.
“I got a sealed letter from Celestia that says in detail that we are to reintroduce all previous E.S.S members back into the new E.S.S…” She rubs her head with stress, “I'd have to evaluate them all and set the rules and...”
“Alloy will help you with that once he returns” Sugar tries to comfort her.
“I'm sure he's capable of it but he's going to be really busy dealing with Notts...”
“Is there some way I can help?” 
Sweetie passes her stacks of papers, “Yes, if you could read through these employe health care papers first, then look into Dotted Field's background that'll take a small load off my back.” Sweetie then passes her a pen. 
“Oh..um, yeah I can do that” Sugar smiles, “What do I look for on the papers?” 
“Doctor signatures, recent dates, verified addresses, and make sure their filled out all the way. Then file them over in that cabinet” Sweetie points as she keeps looking at her work. 
“Okay, got it” Sugar sits down and begins her tedious work. It takes the two, hours, but they complete all the paperwork.

“Finally, that's the last one” Sweetie takes her stack of papers, setting them in a box. “What have you found out about Dotted Field?” 
“His record is good, he seems to have everything organized. I think all that's left if for him to meet with us.” Sugar says.
“Usually I'd talk to Alloy about this, but he hasn't come back yet. I think me and you will do it, but first to get all of the old E.S.S members back...” She holds in her hoof all the contact information of the old crew on paper. 
“Are we going to call them all?” 
“That'd be the easiest way to go about it, but some have left to join Notts...I don't know who. I'll talk with Jackson before making any calls.” She sips some water, “Speaking of which, I could call him right now. This will only take a moment.” 
“Okay, I'll be outside, I need some fresh air.” Sugar smiles a bit and exits the room. She strolls to the front area outside where the tree remained. It now had the construction logo on it, she sighed seeing Alloy's last name on it. 
“Something wrong Miss?” Alloy's father came up to her.
“Oh, um no thank you” Sugar says shyly.
“You work here with my boy don't you?” He asks.
“Yes, but he's out of town at the moment”
“Ah yes, I remember you. You're the secretary.” He recalls, “As for Alloy, where'd he go off to this time?”
“He didn't say, only that'd he be returning within a few days” Sugar says.
“Hmm, very well” He looks at her a bit, “Something tells me you know Alloy in more than just a business matter. I don't mean to intrude, but am I correct?”
“”Er, yeah….hehe” Sugar blushes a bit.
Mr. Atomms chuckles, “I thought Alloy was hiding something from me, figures. I'm just here to check on how things are running-”
“Sugar! I'm done with the call!” Sweetie shouts out from the front door, then looks at Mr. Atomms, “Oh Mr. Atomms, my apologies, I didn't see you there” She walks out to greet him.
“BonBon, it's been sometime, are you and Alloy still working together? I thought that old secret service thing was done?” Mr. Atomms asks.
“Well, it sort of is” Sweetie replies, not knowing what else to say, “You came here to look around? Come in Sir” Sweetie leads them both inside. Mr. Atomms starts to walk around to the employee section.
“What are you going to tell him?” Sugar whispers to Sugar.
“I don't know...I would usually tell him that Alloy's on a mission, but I can't since he believes Alloy is out of E.S.S...I don't know if Alloy would like for me to tell him” Sweetie whispers back. Mr. Atomms returns to them.
“Looks like everything is in top condition. I assume all the employees are out working yes?” He asks them.	
“Yes Sir” Sweetie replies.
“Good, that'll keep this a secret service talk private then. Now explain to me what Alloy is doing.” He turns to them. Both Sweetie and Sugar gulp.

Blind Spot was among those in search for Alloy, he was ordered by another gryphon to join their squad and search the streets of Old Dragon's Nest. “I'd better get paid extra for this..” Blind said in his mind. He had already been searching for well over three hours with the rest. He'd have to split off from them but hadn't gotten the perfect chance to, that is until now. It was raining lightly since they had entered the lab, but now the rain was becoming a heavy down pour. 
“Everyone back to the lab!” The squad commander ordered. They all began to fly back, all except Blind. He scraped the lab uniform by the nearest trash bin.
“Much better” His under armor had been stressed on him over the lab one. “Time to search for this guy” He says to himself. The streets had risen five inches in rain water already. All the stores were closed down, with everyone else finding higher ground. He decided to find a place to rest himself, there was no use in search in the current conditions, he was tired, hungry, and soaked in water. Flying the best he could, he went into a cave and took off his armor for it to dry. A little bag contained some pieces of dry bread for him to eat. Blind was prepared for many situations, he had trained himself in survival, he made his fire grabbing dry twigs in the cave. 
“Blind” A voice says from deeper in the cave.
“Alloy?” Blind asks. Alloy walks up to him, he is injured with a bullet wound, “What happened to you?”
“I ran away...I got shot, I couldn't dodge them all..” He sits next to Blind. Alloy was keeping his blood from flowing out with his magic, but he was struggling to keep it that way.
“Why'd you run away for, it caused such a mess for me” Blind chuckles a bit.
“Memories, I couldn't stop them from going through my head...” He bites his teeth in pain.
“Let me tend to your wound, lay on you back” Blind takes out a tweezers, cotton, disinfectant, and a sewing needle from his bag. Alloy slowly lays on his back, switching off his magic. Blind works quickly, taking out two small caliber bullets, “Two so far, I think that's all of them” He disinfects the wound, “Lucky it didn't hit anything vital” 
“I don't know what to do Blind” 
“I'm no doctor or psychiatrist, there's not much I can do to comfort you. I'll help you heal” Blind says.
“Thanks, that's good enough for now while I have time to think...I hurts to think.” He says, “Faces keep popping up, I had a brother..I think..I call him that in my memories. I took care of him, I had a job..I wasn't to badly off..” Alloy says randomly. 
“Just rest. And don't lay on your chest's side, it'll damage the wound.” Blind goes out to the edge of the cave opening to look out while Alloy stays inside sleeps. Alloy wakes up randomly and sleeps some more all the while he thinks, memories flood in, and then they vanish. 
What was he to now? Resume his life as normally as possible? There were so many things that he had to deal with in his Alloy personality. What about his old self though? Surely he had problems of his own, hopes, dreams, and family. Through all this one memory of a light gray unicorn with hair like his kept coming up. He was smaller than Alloy, and called him brother. Who was he? Did he really have a younger brother...what was his name? Perhaps they had erased his memories as well. 
Alloy stood up, Blind was asleep. He made his way to the edge and looked over, the raining had long stopped leaving the early night fresh. He had to find out more of this brother of his, that was now his top priority. Forget E.S.S, Notts, Sugar…he wanted to forget them but that wasn't reality, everything was still happening, ponies were still counting on him to be there. He tried to not care about this all, but he just had to find out his past. There was too much for him just to let pass by, he was here, and one guy knew everything he didn't: Dr. Flower Pot. 

Mr. Atomms sat in Alloy office chair as Sweetie explained as much as she could to the stallion. Mr. Atomms nodded. “I suspected something was going on” He stands up reaching for a bottle of water. “He should have told me something sooner. I noticed something was off when I saw that all the money I had put it had been paid back to me by the government”
“Are you going to let us continue our work?” Sweetie asks.
“I have to say yes, it's dangerous not to have a secret service. You all need to be careful. Speaking of which, where's Alloy?” He asks, retaking his seat.
“We believe he's in the Gryphon Kingdom. He's on a mission for our former boss.” Sweetie says.
“Why exactly?” 
“He's been undercover with them to find out their plans” She replies. Atomms rubs his hair.
“I don't like him doing these things...” He says with shakiness in his voice. They all stay silent for some time.
“We all worry about him and each other here...we know it's hard to do certain things but we have to do it to protect the ones we love.” Sugar speaks up.
“You gals can't be more right.” He stands and heads for the door, “Take care of each other then, I'll be visiting more often to check up on things” He smiles and leaves. 
“Poor Mr. Atomms, he's probably worried sick...” Sugar says with a sigh.
“I can see it through his smile, he still has his doubts, but let's do our best to deal with our situations” Sweetie returns to Alloy's desk, “Time to make a bunch of calls” 
“How many are we calling?” Sugar asks.
“Fifteen...according to Jackson seven have been killed, five have gone to work with Notts, and the others are no longer within within range of returning back.”
“What do you mean by range?”
“They've either committed a crime or are too far away to come here daily” She sighs.
“How do you feel about this?” Sugar asks.
“Things were better with the old agency, but that was an illusion. The old agency was corrupted by Notts. I'm happier here with the you all, and the fifteen that I'm calling, they're good ponies. We'll be even stronger with them” She smiles and begins to dial the first number on the list. Sugar smiles as well, she leans back in her chair thinking of Alloy.


End of Chapter 18.
	
	
	  
	 
	
> E.S.S: 19 - Taking back what's Mine
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 19
Taking back what's Mine

Sugar had spent all of the night making the calls, both she and Sugar had fallen asleep in the office, without locking it down or turning off the lights. They were finally awakened by a buzzing noise coming from Alloy's desk.
“Someone's at the front...” Sweetie lifts her head wearily. She looks at the camera screen, it was Lyra and Dotted Field. “We have company, I'll speak with Lyra..” She stretches and goes. Sugar lazily stands up and falls onto the floor. She naps on the floor for five more minutes then forces herself up, going to the front. Lyra and BonBon were talking while Dotted awaited patiently for Sugar to meet with him.
“Hello” She greets tiredly. He stands, walking to her. 
“Hello Miss Sugar, I'm here for my interview” He says. 
“Yeah..? Right this way..” Sugar was too sleepy for this, she lead him to the back, made coffee and sat in her office room. Dotted takes a seat waiting for her to start. 
Sugar takes her time to drink half the coffee and starts, “So..Mr. Dotted Field, what are your interests?” She looks at a paper with questions written by Alloy and Sweetie Drops.
“My interests are mainly to protect my country. Outside of work though, I enjoy flying out by myself or a friend.” He answers, “How about you?” He says in a different tone that wakes Sugar up.
“Me? Um well I..I work here most of the time, outside of that I like to cook” She says quickly.
“Cooking hu? Do you make food for the office here?” He asks.
“Occasionally, it's in my cutie mark's nature to be a good cook and baker” She smiles, then gets back on task, “Er, anyways; What brought you to joining, it was seeing E.S.S in action at castle correct?”
“Sort of, it was seeing you preform better than I did” He smiles a little to her. She becomes a little nervous but continues.
“Yes, I remember, what are your previous professions?” 
“I worked with the army since I registered for it in high school, from there I was promoted till I reached the level of royal guard. I was just instituted there a month ago” He leans back a bit, “How long have you been here?”
“Not to long, I'm actually the newest member, aside from maybe you if you join” She says.
“Is that so? Heh, they're letting a rookie do this kind of work already?” He mocks playfully.
“Hehe, we're not that big on members at the moment, so we have to make due with what we have” She laughs casually.
“If I work here, I'd try making your work easier” He smiles, “Whats the next question.” Sugar's heart suddenly starts to feel something, but she continues,
“If you are to join, do you recognize all the risks, and that what happens in this organization remains secret, being shared with no one but us?” She asks, now more serious.
“Yes, I've done my research before coming here today, I understand that by joining I'll be intrusted with Equestria's security to a maximum” He replies. Sweetie enters the room to watch.
“Good. Are you willing to part with all other jobs you have? And are you ready today to join into the organization?” Sugar asks, she takes out a pen and paper.
“Yes.” He says firmly.
“Then I'll have you sign here. If you read below it has the consequences of betrayal. It also list other risks and challenges that may occur during your working here.” She states.
“A memory wipe after I leave the organization…?” He looks at a line of the contract uneasily.
“Yes, it is a standard for security measures.” Sweetie speaks up from behind.
“Okay...let me think about this a bit..” Dotted says as he holds the pen.
“Don't be uneasy about signing, if you don't want to, the door is right there” Sweetie says in a blunt business manner.
“No..it's just. I'm in” He signs his signature, giving it back to Sugar. 
“You will be put on a trial time to see what you are capable of and to show us your trust. You will be granted no access to this back area unless escorted by one of the agents.” Sweetie states and leaves the room.
“How long is this trial for?” Dotted asks Sugar.
“I don't know, it's probably as long as she wants it to be” Sugar says, drinking the rest of her coffee.
“You're new here, can you help me out on what to do?”
“I might be able to, but it may not be granted to me to help.” She says.
“How was your trial?”
“Things...were different for me, when I joined E.S.S was at a low point, so I think it was easier for me then it will be for you.” Sugar says.
“Oh..I see..” 
“I went on missions with them to observe how they did things, eventually we started here at this building and they granted me more information and access cards, and my official E.S.S badge. It was all really thanks to Agents Alloy, Sweetie, and Muffins that this this was started up.”
“They're the founders?” 
“Yes, and another guy, Jackson, but he mostly does other work outside the office. I think what made them trust me more was when Celestia appeared before us all and put E.S.S back into power.” 
“Woah..really? What happened to E.S.S?” He starts. There's a knock at the door, Sweetie opens the door. 
“Sugar may I have a word with you?” She asks. Sugar nods and goes with her and closes the door, “Don't reveal too much to him. He's new, we don't know his true intentions, and with all new agents, we train up to know these things. That's why I limited his access here.”
“I've noticed things were different with me weren't they?” Sugar asks shyly.
“Yes, I'll admit that with you, things went by faster than usual. That was partially because of your connection with Alloy, but then again you did prove that you could be trusted.” Sweetie says. Sugar looks down a bit, “Don't feel bad about it, in fact you should be proud that you're able to rank up to know all these things and have that badge you have. You'll be one of our best agents” She smiles. Sugar smiles with her.
“Thanks hehe, what do we do with Dotted Field then?” 
“For today, that's it. We don't have time to deal with him at the moment, later all fifteen agents I called will be coming here for a major meeting and I want you to be here for it” Sweetie says.
“I wasn't planning on going anywhere” Sugar chuckles. 
“Good, release Dotted to go home. Tell him we'll contact him back tomorrow” Sweetie pats Sugars shoulder and goes to her own office. Sugar smiles a bit, reentering her office room. Dotted was sitting down waiting patiently. 
“What now?” He asks. 
“Nothing for today, it was just your interview and signature. We'll contact you tomorrow” Sugar replies.
“And my oath?”
“That'll be at a later date, probably after your trial period” Sugar thinks. Dotted stands.
“Alright, I'll see you tomorrow maybe” He says. Sugar escorts him out.
“Heh, maybe. Keep your phone ready for our call” Sugar says, opening the door for him. He nods and starts to leave, turning back to say,
“I'll be waiting for it” He winks. Sugar closes the door, and makes her way back to her office slouching in her chair to yawn and rest. After some time and some coffee, Sugar goes to speak with Sweetie. 
“Are you still tired Sugar?” Sweetie asks, she is back in Alloy's office making sure everything is up to date.
“A bit, I'm starting to wake up know, are you still working?” 
“Yes, but it's not a lot. Everything seems to be quiet for now, all we have on the agenda today is the meeting with all the agents.” Sweetie gets of the chair, heading out to the lounge. Sugar follows.
“How long will that take?” 
“No idea, if you can, would you make food for us all for the meeting?” Sweetie makes herself a bowl of cereal.
“For everyone..?” She smiles, “Of course! I haven't been cooking in forever! What should I make??” 
“Now you're awake” Sweetie laughs, “I'll leave that up to you, consider it a special mission” They both laugh.

Over the night Blind had been awakened time after time from Alloy's random noises, it irritated him, but he knew he couldn't help it. The morning came and he had risen, going out to get food for the both of them. Once he returned, Alloy was awake walking in circles talking to himself.
“Hey freak, I brought us food” Blind says taking out a bag of noodles. Alloy pays no mind, keeping on talking, “Alloy snap out of it!” Blind grabs his head, “Shut up! You've been making noises ever since we came here!”
“What..? Blind!” Alloy yells.
“Yes?”
“You brought food!” Alloy pushes Blind aside with his magic and begins to eat. Blind wanted to say something but ate as well.
“He's losing it” Blind said in his head.
“Say, how would you like to go back to Dr. Flower's lab?” Alloy randomly asks, his mouth stuffed with noodles.
“Are you mad?? What are you going to do, turn yourself in?” Blind frowns.
“Yes!” Alloy smiles. Blind face palms,
“What..? After all we did to get out of there!?” Blind was starting to think Alloy was completely lost.
“It's part of the plan Blind, I'll have myself capture so I can find out more information. I'll appease to him somehow, you can do your guard act.” Alloy takes out a small ear mic, “Here, when I say the word you'll come in, free me and we light up the place!”
“Why am I agreeing to this...” Blind takes the ear piece, “This better work, and I'd better get paid extra” 
“I can work that out once we make it out” Alloy laughs.
“Okay, well I've been wanting some action lately anyways” Blind smiles. 

Later nearing noon, the two go back to the lab. A guard opens the door for them, “It's the unicorn! Did you capture him??” He asks Blind.
“What does it look like? Of course I did, tell the boss” Blind replies. He nods and radios in to Dr. Flower Pot. 
“He's really happy, come on I'll take you to him” The guard flies down to them and leads them back down to the Doc. Dr. Flower opens the door.
“You got him again? You'll need a promotion after this” Dr. Flower congratulates Blind. Blind salutes and leaves Alloy and the Dr alone. Alloy is strapped to the chair once more, with a field of energy surrounding him. 
“Happy to see me again? How dare you try escape like that!” Dr. Flower rages.
“I did it because I was scared!” Alloy shouts back, “I didn't mean to, there were things..in my head I couldn't control”
“Is that so? Then the memories can be returned then...” Dr takes note, “Okay, don't run off again Mr. Alloy.”
“Tell me more about my old self, I kept on seeing...who I think was my brother” Alloy says.
“Your brother, Hertz.” Dr Flower says.
“Hertz? What like the frequency measurement for cycles, sound and stuff?”  Alloy asks.
“Yes, an odd name, but then again your name is Alloy which is a mixture of metals or elements.” The Doc smiles.
“But that's not my real name is it? You know don't you?” Alloy frowns.
“I might have remembered now” He chuckles darkly, “What does it really matter? A name is but something to call someone by, you could be called Fluffy, Sky, Ben, Bob, the list goes on.” 
“Yes, but this name was mine” Alloy adds.
“Was yours, you have a new one that fits you well don't you think? Alloy, a mixture of things, you being you and your past self. Two lives mixed into one” Dr. Pot laughs. Alloy smiles a bit.
“I guess you have a point...” Alloy then sighs, “Is my brother still alive?”
“Who knows, he was younger than you by a few years. I was going to to do the same that I did to you to him, but he ran away before I even knew he was your brother. Your E.S.S, you can find him I'm sure, his name is pretty unique, and you say you've seen him” 
“Only in my mind...was he gray and had his hair similar to me?”
“Haha, yes. So you do remember. He was like you but younger as I've said” He chuckles, “Anything more?  
“I-I don't think so..for now” 
“You plan on finding him then? Your brother.” 
“Yes, but since I have a brother, are my parents alive?”
“I don't know, I never checked on them” Dr. Pot admits. 
“What now, can I leave?” Alloy says. Blind is listening in. 
“Leaving so fast? I still have a few...tests I'd like to do” He smiles.
“Like what?” 
“Simple. Painless.” Dr. pot starts, “Some brain scans, I want to see how your brain has developed your new personality. That's all” 
“I can do that.” Alloy agrees.
“You don't have too big of a choice, but I like that you're complying” He turns down the force field and brings over equipment, he cleans Alloy's head and places a helmet with multiple wires running through it. He turns on a machine that feeds information from Alloy's brain to a terminal where Dr. Flower begins to see and then write down notes. 
“How long will this take?” Alloy asks.
“It's not too much time. I'm calling in some fellow physicians to examine you” Dr. Pot radios in and soon two gryphons enter the room, one male, the other female. They both have lab coats on.
“It's the unicorn you wanted us to see. Shall we start the exam? We'll need his straps off” The female says.  
“Alloy, don't go crazy again.” Dr. Pot warns. Alloy nods and stand as the straps are taken off. 
“Good. Stand still” The male gryphon says. They do a basic exam to see his overall health, looking at his eyes, ears, his heart beat, diet, breathing, sickness records, and questions on drug usage, drinking, ect. After this they take notes and leave Alloy alone. Dr. Flower looks at the results, smiles, and sends them out. 
“Looks like you perfect, well not really, you have a bullet wound. We can fix that real quick” Dr. Flower says.
“I'm far from perfect Doc, but that wound does need attention.” Alloy states. The Dr nods and calls in a medic group, they bring in a small bed with equipment. Alloy is asked to get on, after he does they put on a gas mask to sleep him while the operation goes through.

Meeting time approached for the two agents at the office. Sugar was busy baking while Sweetie ensured she had all she needed, even preparing a small speech. As Sweetie recited, Celestia appears in her office, starling Sweetie a bit. She bows. 
“Rise, I asked you about the other agents, how's that going?” Celestia asks.
“Preparing for a meeting as we speak ma'am” Sweetie states.
“Oh, did I interrupt? My apologies” Celestia chuckles lightly.
“No problem at all, is there something you needed?”
“Yes, I'll be staying here for the meeting duration. I wanted to talk to you to thank you and the other agents for your work so far. I know it's probably hard to manage with such small numbers, that's why I ordered for the other agents to return. I prepared my own speech.” Celestia sits where she is.
“No need to thank us Princess, it's our duty” Sweetie sits in her office chair.
“It is, and well done carrying it out. How many are coming?” 
“Fifteen, I hope” Sweetie fixes some papers.
“You'll need a bigger office” Celestia chuckles, “The E.S.S building in Canterlot will be locked down and demolished, Everything there is to be moved here”
“Understood”
“I'd like this building to have a sub level for the agency. This construction gig is to risky, have it  moved locations so we can dedicate this only for E.S.S” 
“I'll speak to Alloy on that” Sweetie assures her.
Celestia nods, “I was going to speak to him, but he doesn't appear to be here” 
“He's out on a mission” Sweetie states.
“How long has he been out for?” 
“Three days almost.” 
“For Notts I assume? We need to close up what's happening with him, I'm getting strong feelings that the more he's out there, the more dangerous things are becoming” Celestia says worriedly, “However, these things take time and I have my full trust that this can be taken care of” Celestia stands. Sweetie stands as well and opens the door.
“Thank you Princess, it's time for the meeting” Sweetie says going to the lobby where Sugar was setting down food on the tables. “Sugar stay here with the Princess, I'll go greet the guest and bring them over back here” 
“Gotcha, everything's ready” Sugar says. Sweetie nods and goes to the front doors. Already, two previous agents were waiting at the front. 
“Agent Sweetie Drops, nice to see you” One says. The other smiles.
“Come in you two, the meeting is in the back area, you can't miss it” She says kindly. They go to the back. 
Sugar finished setting all the food and saw the two old agents come in and greet Celestia with a bow. They then sat and waited, soon enough all said fifteen agents showed up. Sweetie locked down the place and took her spot at a pulpit in front of all the agents. She kept her composure firm, readying herself to talk. “Greeting everypony, you all know who I am; Sweetie Drops. Thank you all for coming here today, Alloy Atomms couldn't make it here to make his appearance.” She starts. Jackson comes inside, he had come in with the other agents and sat next to Sugar. Sweetie continues, “I couldn't say much in the call I gave all of you, this is why we're here. We are the new E.S.S, the old one was never closed down it was a trick set up by our former respected Director Notts” There is general surprise and gasps, “As we speak Notts plans on doing terrorist acts upon Equestria, and we need to step up the call. We need to join back to protect again, to serve again, to be an organization to be reckoned with again!” There are some claps, “Ahem, our guest Celestia will now take the stand here and say a few words.” Celestia stands, making her way to the pulpit. 
“Thanks Agent Sweetie Drops” Celestia says. Sweetie takes her place back with Sugar and Jackson. “As Sweetie has stated, we need you all to rejoin. What Notts did has crippled our security. If it wasn't for Agents: Alloy. Sweetie, Jackson, Muffins, and now Agent Sugar, E.S.S wouldn't be here today” Some look over to see the new Agent Sugar, “They have their work cut out for them, serving as the only E.S.S on the field. That's right, only them, and so I, as your ruler call upon you all on this day to consider retaking your places in the agency.” There is some talk among the group, “Your ranks will be reestablished, your badges returned, your pay rolls back, and of course everything else that old E.S.S had.” There is some more clapping. Celestia smiles. 
“I think it's going to work” Sugar whispers to Sweetie.
“I believe so too, thank goodness..” Sweetie sighs with relief.
“Old agents hu? Good thing I came to see for myself that they returned” Jackson chuckles softly. Celestia continues here speech, finishing off with thank yous and her blessings before leaving. Now it was only the old agents and the trio left. 
“You may all eat as you please, for any questions come to us at this table” Sweetie announces. Everyone starts to eat and speak. 
“So are you the new Director now Sweetie?” An old agent comes up to her.
“Not that I know of Sean, but I do have a higher rank now” Sweetie chuckles, “Sugar this is Sean Gas, he was our old computer nerd” 
“Hello, I'm Sugar” Sugar introduces herself.
“The newbie, I'm Sean, the nerd as Sweetie pointed out. I'll make sure all our lines and connections are secure.” He states.
“You can actually start on that now” Sweetie says. She and Sean leave the table.
“Do you know all these ponies Jackson?” Sugar asks the dozing off pony.
“Sho do. Some of them don't like me me cause I got my own style of handlin' things” Jackson lifts his head laughing a bit. “I'll tell you all their names” He starts to point, “Susy Splitter, Anderson Bears, Double Tap, Cloud Duster, Kare Leaf, Rosey Chairman, Genie Silk, Zack Bead, Black Pearls, Raya Mixer, Al Gat, Butter Hugerr,  Jackie Diamond, Linda River, and Sean Gas who you've met” Jackson takes a dink of soda from the table.
“You remember them all? Wow, that's a lot of names.” Sugar says, she herself eating.
“Of course, these folks saved my life, kept me informed, provided me with protection, joked around as well as served with them” Jackson says with a grin. 
“I should probably familiarize myself with them then” Sugar scoots out of her chair, going to see the old agents.

A dream. Several dreams. As the procedure went by for Alloy, he dreamed about many odd things that he couldn't understand, but one stood out more from the rest.
“Brother go quick they're coming!” A gray unicorn told him. He was Hertz, his younger brother.
“I'm going as fast I can Hertz!” Alloy replied to him, he limped over to an alley. “I think...this is it, Hertz come here..”
“Yes..?” Hertz asks, his eyes watered.
“You need to get out of here now...I can't go much further..you can escape. I'll give you time..” Alloy says. Hertz breaks into tears.
“I can't leave you!” He sobbed.
“I said go! Please...go..” Alloy pushed Hertz to the top of a fence. Hertz turns back to see Alloy.
“Will we see each other again brother…?” 
“We will...I promise Hertz..I'll find you. Now go..I love you..” Alloy shouted back as Hertz began to run in tears away. 

The dream ended, Alloy was crying as he awakened. He was strapped down. Around him the place was shot up. Blind comes up to Alloy and unstraps him.
“I heard you crying in pain so I came in and dealt with them all myself, well not everyone...the whole base is now after us! Get up!” Blind picks him up.
“We are...but is the Doctor..” Alloy walks fast with Blind.
“He's dead.” Blind replies.
“Dammit..I needed more information. I need to get things off his terminal!” Alloy turns back but Blind grabs his shoulder. 
“Alloy. Look at me. We're out numbered here, there's no time to waste or we'll die. We can find out more somewhere else now let's go!” 
“You're right...okay..okay..” Alloy follows Blind. The alarms blare out sending gryphons to attack them. Blind plainly kills several of the ones near them. 
“There's a lot...too many. I can't shoot them all. Teleport us out!” Blind grabs Alloy and points him upwards, “Go up unicorn!”
“Hey! I don't work like that!” Alloy laughs, teleporting them all the way to the outside. He collapses, “I guess...I'm weak right now..” He takes his breath.
“Weakness can wait later, get up!” Blind, again picks him up, “We have a large headstart, they're looking for us down there.” He comments. They make it out of the general lab's area and go into the city.
“We can't stay here for long, they'll for sure come here” Alloy says out of breath. 
“I'll fly us out of here, we'll be safe once we get back to my home village” Blind throws Alloy on his back, “Hang on!” 
“I don't thinks this is a good-” Alloy starts to say, but is lifted into the air as Blind rapidly takes off, He uses his magic to grip onto Blind's back.
“Not so tight! I'm trying to fly here!” Blind yells out. Alloy loosens his grip “There's a storm coming, there's going to turbulence” 
“I've never flown for a long period of time! This is amazing!” Alloy smiles with joy as the wind flows through his hair. They continue flying, there are some rough winds that pick up but Blind was a strong flier, gaining control. 
“This doesn't look good we need to land!” Blind yells over to Alloy who is having the time of his life. 
“Do we have to?” Alloy asks acting almost like a filly. Blind rolls his eyes, he starts to descend lower, a strong wind hits them knocking Alloy off the bird-hybrid’s back. He teleports frantically lower and lower till he crashes into a tree. He manages to catch a glimpse of Blind trying to land but falling as well in a near by tree. He then passes out as hard rain falls onto the land scape. 

End of Chapter 19.

   
	

> E.S.S 20 - The Hunted.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 20
The Hunted.

Sweetie Drops took the executive decision to commence the reconstruction of the old into the new E.S.S. She employed Atomm's construction to begin adding in the basement are, she had to wait for Alloy to see on how exactly it was going to be laid out, but meanwhile the whole front part of the office was demolished to make room to start digging down. 
“It's funny how we employed our own business to so this” Sugar says to Sweetie who is back in Alloy's office going over papers.
“It's a good thing that Celestia is funding all this as well, Alloy would be stretching his money thin. It also feels great to have all the agents, too bad they can't all be here since it's too small.” Sweetie comments. 
“Aren't we supposed to call Dotted Field back in?” Sugar asks.
“I forgot, hehe go call him in, I have a job he could do” Sweetie replies. Sugar grins a bit and exits, going to her office room. She sits down and makes the call.
“Hello. This is Dotted Field speaking” He answers.
“And this is Sugar with E.S.S we'll need you here at the office as soon as possible” Sugar says in a business tone.
“Oh, I thought you just wanted to chat, I'll be right over” He chuckles a bit and hangs up. She sits back in her chair. Alloy's cat brushes past her. She looks at the cat, it had been going on and about anywhere it wanted. It only showed up for food and water.
“I think this guy is trying to start something...” She disregards the cat and starts to think about Dotted, but turns her thoughts to worrying about Alloy instead. She missed him very much, he had been out for over four days now without any word whether he was okay or not. She had to worry about this, but at the same time focus on her work at the office, Sweetie had helped her out a lot ever since she came into E.S.S but was always so busy with running the place. 
She went over to Alloy's office, Sweetie looks up, “Something you need dear?” 
“I'm going out for a quick walk, I'll be back in a bit. I called Dotted, he should be here soon”
“Very well, don't take too long” Sweetie says and resumes her work. Sugar closed the office door and started to walk away from the building. Construction workers moved around her, taking measurements and digging down. Cara was among them, she came up to Sugar.
“Sugar, I don't mean to be of bother, but is Alloy here today?” Cara asks.
“Um..no he's not why?” Sugar now wanted to question Cara more, she was part of E.S.S after all, she could research her and track her if it came down to it.
“Just, wanted to talk to him” Cara replies. 
“Is that so? Alright, he's still out.” Sugar starts to walk away.
“Wait, are you sure you don't know when he's returning?” Cara stumbles back to Sugar.
“No. You should get back to work” Sugar says, “I have work of my own to do” She paces away. Cara frowns a bit but listens and goes back to work.
Sugar went to go visit Muffins, she had the day off that day. “Sugar hey!” Muffins flies to Sugar giving her a tight hug, “Are things good over at the office?”
“Yes, we reemployed fifteen old E.S.S members.” 
“What?? Really who are they??” Muffins goes into her home, Sugar follows her.
“I can't remember all their names I think I remember um...Al, Anderson, Sean..?” Sugar recalls.
“Yeah! I know those guys! I should go visit, are they all at the office right now??” 
“Nope, we're expanding the office to fit them all” Sugar chuckles a bit and sighs.
“Are you sad about something? I can notice..” Muffins sits on the couch and pats it so Sugar knows to come and sit.
“Yes...” Sugar looks down a bit, “It's..Alloy..”
“He's still out right..?” Muffins asks.
“Yeah..I can't handle it anymore..” She tears up, “He's been gone too long! And when he left we were...”
“Something happened between the two of you?” Muffins says in a comforting tone.
“We were..in a little fight. It was my fault..I thought he was with another mare..actually I don't even know if I'm wrong...he could be with her..” She cries a bit. Muffins gives her a tissue. 
“Who do you think he's with..?”
“Cara, the new one in the construction business! I saw them together in Canterlot before he came back and left suddenly..” She cries more.	
“He was probably employing her, that's why she's working right?” Muffins says. 
“She keeps asking for him every time I see her..it makes me suspicious...”
“There's no need to be suspicious, I've known all about Alloy, he's a loyal stallion. Don't confuse his generosity for flirting with that mare. As for him being gone, that's the way we role in E.S.S, missions can last a long times, going solo is dangerous, but he can do it. I remember when I went on my first solo op, it wasn't as hard as what Alloy is currently doing, but I was still nervous and scared. I missed everyone back at the office...what I'm getting at is; he misses you too Sugar” Muffins smiles. Sugar wipes her tears and smiles a bit.
“Thanks for telling me that Muffins..I feel a little better now..” Sugar cleans off the tear marks. 
“No problem Sugar! Glad to help” She says in her naturally happy tone. 
“I need to go now or Sweetie will nag me about it hehe, thanks again see you later!” Sugar leaves Muffin's home and races back to the office with new found hope and happiness in her heart.

Alloy woke up in the tree, his sides hurt due to him resting upon tree branches. Carefully, he teleports off, down to the base of the trunk. He saw Blind resting on the top of another tree, not to far from where he was, so he grabbed a small stone, tossing it at the sleeping bird. 
“Blind Spot! Get up!” Alloy yells up to him. The gryphon twitches a bit and turns to Alloy.
“I think I broke something..teleport me down carefully!” Blind calls out from above. Alloy teleports him near himself. “Yeah..it's my left wing..” Blind feels it with his claws, “There's nothing we can do about it here, eh..where are we?” 
“I thought you would know this” Alloy chuckles a bit, “I'm guessing you don't know because you usually fly not walk”
“Correct, I know 'where' we are, the forest of the Giant Bird, I just don't know exactly 'where' in it we are..maybe near the end of it, we flew past most of it. If we head west we'll reach a town eventually” Blind plans aloud.
“That sounds just about as good as anything!” Alloy looks at a compass he had in his pack. “That way!” Alloy starts to walk ahead, Blind follows from behind, occasionally touching his broken wing. They walked on for miles to the west, Alloy was focusing on a few things as they walked, his brother and Sugar. If Alloy found his brother, he could explain to him everything that had happened. And for Sugar...he felt bad. They had left off in a bad spot, how could she have been so ignorant to Alloy? Calling him out like that, it hurt his heart. Although he hadn't done anything, he felt as if he did and kept going over what his mistake was. 
“What are you going to do now, after this ABlur?” Blind randomly asks, to make conversation. 
“I suppose I'll return back to Notts' HQ and then start my own private search for my brother. Oh and of course get your payment” Alloy replies. 
“You know..I noticed your badge when you passed out the other day. You're part of E.S.S. Mr. Alloy Atomms” Blind says. Alloy thinks fast.
“Ahem, yes my old badge, I still carry it around by instinct” Alloy makes up quickly.
“I don't care whether or not you are part of E.S.S or with Notts. Or both, it's just part of the job.” Blind says, well knowing Alloy was probably under cover, “I do whatever it takes to protect myself and my family, we as gryphons are contracted by many to do a job, Notts was just the latest employer.”
“Yes, I'm E.S.S. My true mission is to find out all about his underground schemes and to stop it. Please keep calling me by my agname, my other name: Blur.” Alloy admits and says, “Since we're on the same page now, do you know of any of his plans?”
“No, we are just called up at random to do things for him, we do other contracts meanwhile. But, if we're being honest here now, I don't like it. Killing innocents is not what I do, and lately Notts' has been getting into terrorist acts. I'm sure the other gryphons would agree with me on that...but the damned money makes us do it. Always..the bits..” Blind chokes up on those last words and goes silent.
“I don't do my work for the money. I do it, like you said, to protect the ones I love. And if that means getting myself into danger like doing these missions to accomplish it, I will continue. What I'm getting to is that you don't need to rely on the coin to make you do these things, but you're a mercenary, I suppose you can't do that much to help that” Alloy comments.
“It wasn't always like this...as the old gryphon at the capital always says; 'Our land used to be a rich and powerful one. All connected to a big prideful treasure that made us feel good. Jobs we're normal and not as high risk, there was a justice system, schools, everyone was happier.' I spent some of my teen years thinking that maybe I could go find our treasure again we would return to the glory...” Blind says with a heavy heart.
“Things can't return to the way things were, well not right away, if you did ever find that treasure, many things would have to happen before things get better.” 
“Yes...but at least we'll begin to feel united..and maybe, just maybe we'll stop doing the things we do..” 
“I'd help you search for this treasure if you're still up for it” Alloy offers.
Blind chuckles, “Now that would take a long time. Don't worry Alloy, the idol isn't the only thing that will 'save' our nation, it's working together.” 
“If only everyone shared that vision” Alloy says.
“I have a feeling we all do...it's just we're too prideful to admit it and too attached to the damn idol” Blind reflects. Alloy simply nods. They are at the edge of the forest now, the town merges into the forest, now a few shops and gryphons could be seen. Some looked to them seeing that they were both dirty, hurt, and of course, that one was a unicorn. 
“I need to get back home to take care of all that is happening.” Alloy says, “Perhaps you and I should keep in contact for you to aid me in stopping Notts. I'd be willing to pay you more” 
“Let me think about it. I want to help, but I need to..think about it” Blind coughs, feeling he's being to soft. “I'm going to fix my wing in this town. Stay here a while somewhere, eat something or whatever” He goes away. Alloy takes a seat on a wooden bench and rest. Several gryphons pass by and stare, Alloy notices and stays aware. 
“You Unicorn. I haven't meet one in real life before” A teenaged male gryphon come up to him, “Do you really have magic?” He asks Alloy. 
“Yes. Say, do you know any places that are good to eat at?” Alloy now asks the teen.
“For sure! Come with me” He excitedly says. Alloy figured this gryphon was probably of the scholarly type, and not like the other gryphons that wouldn't care to help, so he followed him around the town to a few food shops. 
“This one” Alloy stops seeing the food was most editable for his kind. 
“It doesn't have that much flavor” The teen comments.
“It's all I can eat here kid” Alloy says, buying noodles again. “Noodles seem to be the only thing I can find, do you know where the fruit or vegetable shops are?”
“Ohh right, you're a unicorn duu!” He laughs, “Yes, there are a few around here, follow” 
Alloy eats the noodles as he goes with the teen, “Hey, what's your name?”
“Philip. Yours?”
“Blur” Alloy says.
“Nice to meet you Blur, are you visiting around here?”
“Yeah, you can say that.” Alloy replies.
“Oh, I live here of course, we don't get many unicorns around here. Actually I think you might be the first! I like to study different species, I'd like to make a job of it, but nobody here thinks it's good..” Philip chuckles a bit and sighs.  
“Don't stress on it, if you got out of this place and came over to Equestria, you'd possibly accomplish that dream.” Alloy says.
“I thought of moving, but it's just...a um, scary thought. Not scary, just, new..hehe” Philip laughs again.	
“I'll give you this card of mine if you need help getting out of here” Alloy opens his pack and takes out a small card with a number on it. Philip takes it.	
“I might use it” He acts like he doesn't care. 
“It's up to you, not me.” Alloy says as they stop at a fruit market. “This looks promising..” Alloy looks through the various fruit, some of which he had never seen.
“Hurry up and buy” The seller groans. Alloy makes a few quick choices, putting things in his bag and paying. Philip is still there.
“Well that's all I need kid. Thanks” Alloy says. 
“Oh, uh of course” Philip starts to leave, “Bye.” He goes. Alloy heads back to the little center of the town and sits to eat. Blind sees him and come up to him.
“I'll be able to fly, but not soon so we're going on foot, or hoof in your case” Blind states.
“I didn't expect to be up in the air again. Very well, lead the way.” Alloy says. Blind nods and the two start their long walk to capitol.

Dotted Field arrives at the offices and looks around seeing the construction taking place. Sugar walks up to him, “You guys are making a big remodeling!” He says.
“Yeah, it's for all our agents, we have fifteen more” She smiles.
“That was fast!” He says in surprise. 
“Oh they're all old agents” They walk to the untouched back part of the offices. “Sweetie has a job for you” 
“What is it?” He asks. Sugar shrugs, they step into Alloy's office, “A bigger office, is this the boss' place?” 
“Yes, take a seat Mr. Field” Sweetie says, seeing him enter. “Sugar you can leave or stay” Sugar nods and waits outside.
“My task ma'am?” Dotted asks.
“Simple, stay alert of our perimeter while our construction goes on.” Sweetie states. “If you need a weapon, well...” She opens the desk, there are guns, but Dotted wasn't trained with them. She closes it, “You'll depend on your armed combat”
“Understood ma'am. Anything else?” He asks, already standing up. 
“No. It's really simple so if you slack off, it may really simply turn into a bad situation. You got me?” 
“Yes.” He takes his leave, Sugar is waiting to escort him outside. “Where's everyone? All those agents?” 
“Not here at the moment. What'd she say?”
“Protect this perimeter. That's something I'm used to” Dotted says. Sugar smiles a bit and leads him out. It is a hot day, most of the snow had been cleared away now, the heat could be noticed on the workers' faces as they sweat and move dirt. 
“That's really easy, I'll be in the office if something happens. Good luck” She chuckles and leaves him to it. 
Dotted did as was expected, he roamed around the office building, sharply looking for any strange activity. Sweetie was monitoring him through the cameras, Sugar was there as well but sat doing paperwork. 
“Anything interesting happen yet?” Sugar asks Sweetie.
“He seems okay for now” She replies and takes a sip off coffee. The camera feed cuts off, the building's power is shut down. “Must be the construction ponies cutting off the power for safety. Looks like I'll have to monitor him myself, take this paperwork to the lobby so the sun can light you” Sweetie takes a clip board and paper, leaving Sugar. She takes a seat and sits at the edge of the broken concrete to watch Dotted. 
“It's so hot outside...” Sugar comes up to her. “Do you need a drink?” 
“Yes please, just get my coffee.” Sweetie smiles a bit. Sugar goes back in, heading towards Alloy's office. 
“Hmm, coffee..coffee..ah there it is!” She lifts it with her magic. Just as she opens the door, there a sudden explosion that knocks her down. With ringing in her ears, she stands up and heads to the outside.
“Sugar! Get down.” Sweetie pushes Sugar back inside, she is scratched up.
“What's going on??”
“A pipe blew up. Must have been under high pressure..” Sweetie replies.
“Why are we back in here for?” 
“Just in case something else blows up. We'll wait for them to fix it outside.”
“And Dotted?” 
“He's fine, no one got hurt...” Sweetie says. Her ears perk up, she hears gun shots, “On second thought, this may not have been an accident!” She pulls Sugar into Alloy's office, taking out the guns.
“What..i don't know how to use those.” Sugar says as Sweetie passes her a small pistol.
“You start today! Watch me quickly.” Sweetie takes out a similar gun, “Reload here, aim, pull trigger. That one has nine rounds. Point at the enemy.”     
“But I don't want to kill anypony!” 
“Then don't! Shoot at their legs, arms, it may still kill them but that's your best choice!” Sweetie opens Alloy's office door. Sugar sticks by close by Sweetie, trying to figure out how to hold the strange gun device. At the edge of the hall where the construction line is drawn, Sweetie peeks around, the construction ponies are all gone, except Cara who jumps into the hall by them.
“What's going on!?” Cara panics. Sweetie scoots her away from them.
“Silence! We'll take care of it, stay put!” Sweetie half shouts. She turns to Sugar, “Sugar, you stay with her” 
“But you said we'll take care of it?” Sugar starts.
“We have no time to argue, stay, it's an order.” Sweetie states, and leaves them. 
“What...is happening..?” Cara whispers to Sugar.
“I don't entirely know myself, tell me what you saw” Sugar and Cara hide behind a desk.
“Okay..I saw three ponies, they were wearing some sort of armor and holding..metal tubes that shot out metal pieces..We were fixing up the pipe when they suddenly came and threatened everyone, naturally eveypony fled, I was confused until I saw Sweetie's head and I came in here with you two..” She has fear in her eyes.
“This doesn't sound too good..” Sugar states, becoming worried.

Sweetie carefully looks around her, she holds a pistol in her hoof. Hiding behind equipment, she makes her way around the building and points at a stallion. “Put your hooves up where I can see them, no magic!” 
Dotted Field turns around, he has a frightened expression, but changes it to a calm one once he sees that it is BonBon. “It's you...I didn't know what to do, they came out of nowhere from the sky.”
“Are they all pegasi?” Sweetie asks.
“Yes, that's what I saw, they left I believe, I haven't seen them anymore.” He says. Sweetie holsters away her gun and sighs.
“Must have been a warning...come inside the office” Sweetie turns, leading him back inside. Cara and Sugar look up as the two other agents come in.
“Is everything okay now..?” Sugar asks Sweetie.
“Yes, just a little..” Sweetie looks at Cara, “Misunderstanding. It's safe to go out now. Cara take the day off” 
“But Miss BonBon, we were fixing the pipe” Cara says. 
“Right, do that first. I'll contact the other workers to come back in” Sweetie leaves them all to make the calls. Cara takes a seat.
“What really happened?” Cara asks Sugar. 	
Before she can answer, Dotted speaks up, “It was a misunderstanding as BonBon said it was”
“But those pipe things...what were they?” Cara questions.
“Don't worry about it, you can go take a break while the others arrive” He says. Cara gets up and leaves.	
“Thanks for that, do you know what the pipe things were?” Sugar asks him.
“No, but I assume you know because you have one in your pocket” Dotted smirks.
“Oh, um, yeah I do know.” Sugar shyly says. 
“What is it?” 
“They're guns, they shoot out small metal tubes that create a lot of damage on impact.”
“A gun..yes, I believe I did hear about those before. I've never seen one”
“They're really rare to come by in Equestria, they're banned”
“Yes, I've heard about only high officers having them, how do they work?”
“Well...um, I don't use them myself so..I don't know really..” Sugar says. 
Sweetie come up to them, “And you shouldn't use them, only as an emergency. Guns are banned for a reason, because they can kill fast. Faster than somepony can duck, create a shield, draw another breath...” 
“They could make us stronger, we could dominate other countries” Dotted starts to think aloud.
“Mr. Dotted Field, knowledge of guns has been restricted to only those in high power or authority, all the world leaders have banned them, it's been that way for a very long time, that's why ponies hardly know of them. We have them because we're the E.S.S and need to deal with special threats. In fact we rarely use them ourselves, and I'm okay with that.” Sweetie says, trying to get his mind off of the topic.
“We could do so much..how do we know other private parties don't use them?”
“We know of two that use them.” Sweetie frowns, “I'll have no miss-usage of the guns in the agency, we're currently dealing with one of the groups that has these weapons. It is standard that we show you how to use them, but hear me when I say that if I ever find out that you or any other agent sells the guns, tells outsiders about them, or harms anyone with them, they'll be immediately taken out of the agency.” She leaves to Alloy's office and closes the doors.
“She must take the whole gun thing really seriously.” Dotted sighs, “The other place I heard that word is water gun, drill gun, figures it's root comes from something dangerous”
“She's just being cautious with you, don't worry.”
“Heh, I won't worry about it, our drill sergeants were pretty tough on us too” Dotted smiles, “I guess I'll resume my watch over the place” He starts to head on out. Sugar goes to Alloy's office.
“Everything alright Sweetie?” She steps in.
“Yes..I might have been a little over-exaggerated, but it's all true..guns are a bad thing.” Sweetie is laying back in Alloy's chair.
“You need a break, do you have any paper work to do?”
“No, I've got everything done. I even sent some agents to serve as extra security to the Canterlot  Castle, and some I've ordered to lookout for Twilight's Castle. Twilight doesn't have any guards looking over it, it's just a big empty building, it's good to have a little protection for her..” She closes her eyes. “I'm going to..take a small nap, just make sure no one comes into the offices..”
“Sure thing Sweetie” Sugar slowly steps out, closing the door silently.  

Mid-day in the Gryphon kingdom, the Capitol was now in their sights. “Thanks for escorting me here, I'm capable of going from here Blind”
“Uh hu, don't mention it. I assume you'll resume your search for your brother once you return like you said?”
“Yes, but of course I have a ton of work waiting for me as well...” Alloy walks a bit ahead and turns to Blind, “Remember that you can notify me of some of Notts' movements, I appreciate the help” 
“I don't want to be used by a mad pony, I'll let you know what happens here. Have a, er safe journey I suppose. I'm becoming too nice, forget about the money you promised, you gave me enough.” Blind leaves. Alloy chuckles a bit and goes into the ruined capitol. 
“Hey I know you!” Pinkie hops to him.	
“Pinkie? What are you doing in a place like this??” Alloy turns, thinking maybe she was just an illusion. 
“Okay, so the map table in Twilight's castle decided to send Rainbow Dash and I to the Gryphon Kingdom so we can solve a friendship lesson!” She says quickly and in one breath, “And you??”
“I'm just on vacation, just leaving actually” Alloy says.
“Talk about exotic! You sure go far for this...um.. place” She giggles, “Say you haven't seen a priceless idol laying around have you?”
“I've heard about it, but no I haven't run across it, why?”
“Rainbow Dash and I think it could bring this kingdom back to joy and prosperity! Oh well, she left on without me, I better go find her!” Pinkie hops away, “Byeeee!”
“Heh, yeah bye.” Alloy begins his descent down the mountainside. “Guess, Blind's vision may come true after all, the main six always seem to solve problems. Good luck to them with this place.” Alloy chuckles to himself. Hours pass, with all the fatigue and pain he climbs aboard the train and sleeps. 
“I can do this, trust me” Alloy tells his brother.
“But what if you fail and they come after us?” Hertz asks.
“They need to be exposed for their crimes somehow brother. I've been collecting information on them for a while now”
“I know, you tell me that all the time...shouldn't we notify the police or something?”
“Not yet, I need just a bit more evidence, this is my chance, today they're doing a little volunteer  thing at the medical station. If I can get in and take pictures, it'll be the nail on the coffin!” Alloy smiles. His brother looks at him worriedly. 
“Can I come with you then like last time?” Hertz asks.
“No, not this time, at least not inside. It'll be suspicious if you come too, but you can help. You can wait for me in a near by restaurant, oh and I need you to teleport the camera to me.” Alloy passes him a small camera.
“Got it, anything else?”
“Nope, just wait for me to get out...” Alloy looks at the camera, “Hurry we'll be late!” Alloy runs out the door of a small house in Canterlot, his brother closes the door, following quickly behind him. They make it to the Canterlot building of medical research, as told, Hertz waits outside for Alloy, he teleports the camera to him once Alloy signs in. 
“Excuse me sir.” A nurse asks, “Sir...hello? Sir wake up wake up” 

Alloy opens his eyes from his dream, back on the train, a mare was shaking him up, “Oh good you're awake, this is your stop, Ponyville” 
“My..stop..? Yes, of course. Thank you” He gets out of his seat, it was 3 A.M. in the morning in Ponyville. Alloy had slept through the whole trip. This little dream gave him more insight, but he needed more. He steps off the train and looks around. “Ponyville..my stop? Guess I can sleep at the office..” Alloy walks onwards, eventually getting to the office, “E.S.S….what's this??” He looks at the front of the building that is missing, “I'm gone for five days and this happens!?” He runs inside, all the back area is intact. The lights now work again, “I'll deal with it in the morning..”  Alloy pulls out his bed and lays down closing his eyes. 

End of Chapter 20.
	  

	   

> E.S.S: 21 - Back in Routine
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 21 - Back in Routine

“Yes, I found him here in the morning when I came into the office” Sweetie tells Sugar. They are both in Alloy's office, seeing as he sleeps on.
“At least he's here right…?” Sugar goes to Alloy and strokes his mane, “He sure does stink though, look at him, his clothes are torn, dirty, and...is that blood??” Sugar looks where he was shot.
“It seems he got shot, and he somehow healed from it. Look here where it's stitched up.” Sweetie says, she steps away as Alloy opens his eyes.
“Hey you two...” Alloy smiles, “Conducting experiments on my corpse already? Come on I don't look that bad”
“Alloy where have you been for so long!?” Sugar smothers him and kisses him.
“Woah, hey, I missed you too...” He kisses her back.
“Well, that's that. We have work to do when you're ready Alloy” Sweetie coughs.
“Yea, what happened to front part of the office…?” He asks, Sugar leans on him.
“We needed more space for fifteen agents, from old E.S.S, Celestia's orders.” Sweetie takes a seat.
“Wow, that was quick! What else has happened?” Alloy lays back a bit.
“Your father knows of the agency..” Sweetie says quickly. Alloy was about to say something but changes his mind.
“Ah, well it's about time, he was bound to figure it out. He's a clever guy like...me” Alloy stops and gets up, “Ahem, I'm going to shower and change. We'll catch up after that.”
“Certainly. Come on Sugar” Sweetie says. Sugar gives him one more kiss and gets out. Alloy sighs and does what he said he'd do. After his shower, he gets out and sits at his desk looking through paperwork.
“They've been busy, hmm what's this?” He looks at an empty page of blue prints, “Must be for the rest of the building, might as well start.” He says, taking out a pencil and ruler. Sugar knocks at his door, “Come in”
“Hey Alloy, hope you're not busy..” She says, taking a seat.
“Not at the moment I'm not, what's up?”
“I'm sorry I got mad at you and-”
“Not necessary Sugar, it's okay.” Alloy says and draws a line. Sugar gets up and sits on his lap.
“Are you sure, I was mean and-”
“Sugar, um, I do have to get some work done...” Alloy says, trying to draw another line. Sugar hops off.
“Oops, hehe, maybe we can go out later?” She asks. He nods.
“Yes, say Sugar are you busy right now?”
“Nope, something you need dear?”
“I need you to...hmm never mind, I'm going to Canterlot later anyways.” Alloy resumes his work. He then stops and stand up, “I need to catch on a few things with Sweetie” He leaves his office. Sugar follows him. Alloy knocks on Sweetie's door. “Sugar can you let me have a quick word with Sweetie?”
“Okay, I'll be in my office.” Sugar walks away.
“Come in” Sweetie answers from inside.
“I want to to thank you for picking up my slack..” Alloy sits in a chair.
“It wasn't too much that I couldn't handle, but I didn't expect you to be gone for so long either. I had to make a lot of choices that I would have liked to talk to you first about, like your father, old E.S.S, and the construction.”
“Forgive me for my absence, I did take longer.”
“What did you do over in the Gryphon kingdom?”
“I delivered a message to one of Notts' allies, and a side mission to assassinate Dr. Flower Pot”
“Flower Pot...The Doctor Flower Pot?”
“Yes, I got in situation when dealing with him, a gryphon killed him before I got to him...and well injuries and such, it took a while to do that all”
“Makes sense” Sweetie says as she drinks coffee.
“Last day there I ran into Pinkie Pie. Apparently they're on a mission there too”
“Really now? Hu, what do you know?” Sweetie chuckles, “Anyways something happened to us here yesterday too. Notts' sent in three armed pegasi to warn us...Alloy this is getting out of hoof.”  
“I'll talk to Jackson about it. I think it's time we did damage to his plans.” Alloy stands up, “Oh and I noticed the blueprints. I'm working on it”
“Good, what do you want me to do?”
“How about you, Sugar, and Muffins go to Canterlot and get all the files to here?”
“Alloy..Muffins is no longer at the agency, she resigned”
“Probably for the best...ahem, that's all.” Alloy says.
“We have a new agent named Dotted Field, his profile is on your desk.”
“Take him with you to get the files, it'll serve as a little test sorta, at least to help you gals carry the stuff”
“On it, I'll leave with Sugar right away.” Sweetie stands and exits along with Alloy. “Sugar let's go. Canterlot.” Sweetie knocks on her door. She steps out.
“Okay! Let me get my things.” Sugar steps out getting with her purse she's putting on a hat. “Alloy, I guess you changed your mind?”
“Yea heh, it'll serve you well being out of the office” He smiles. Sugar smirks kisses him, and leaves with Sweetie.
A short time after they leave, Alloy calls Jackson, “This is Alloy.”
“You're back, how'd it go?” Jackson picks up quickly.
“Great, I need you here now. No time to waste”
“Yeah I'm on the train here already heh” Jackson says. Alloy hangs up, continuing the blue prints. He starts to hear as the construction workers work outside and goes to them.
“Hey listen here all, I have updated blueprints” He announces and walks up to a manger he had hired to show him.
“Hmm, two stories down. Do you want to make an extension to the area you have in the back?” He asks Alloy.
“Yes, don't worry about that yet, I'll have more updated schematics later. Oh and I've listed materials and such, I'd like you to order them”
“Of course sir, will do” He takes the prints and starts to shout out orders to the rest. Alloy watches a bit and begins to head on back in. Cara, seeing he was now here, runs up to Alloy.
“Mr. Alloy, you're back!” She says excitedly.
“Oh, um you missed me?” Alloy asks, a bit confused.
“Well of course! Why wouldn't I miss you??” Cara asks.
“Ah, okay. I appreciate the concern, I'll be needing to return back to work now Cara” Alloy walks a bit forwards.
“Yes, we'll talk again soon, maybe we can go somewhere after work?”
“My schedule today is busy, perhaps at a later date?” Alloy turns his head back.
“Okay, I understand.” She nods. Alloy turns back, heading right back into his office.
In about twenty minutes, there is a knock at his door, Alloy had fallen into a nap so he lifted his head off the desk, “Come in...”
“Alloy, what are you on? Passed out on the desk already? Come on it can't be that bad” Jackson comes in joking.
“Jackson, what the hell happened yesterday?”
“I was going to contact the office, but I wasn't told about the attack..” He sits. Alloy rubs his own head.
“Very well...have you heard anything?”
“Yeah, everyone at the base thinks you are dead fool. Why'd you take so long??” Jackson chuckles.
“I got into, situations”
“Yeah, no kidding!”
“What else has there been talk about?” Alloy asks.
“Nothing much, everything seems a little quiet and Notts' been going out more often with some of the higher ups. I only hear rumors from the ranks above me that they're setting explosives in the tunnels. I haven't gone to see myself since I'm being watched now. It was risky coming here today, but I was already on my way when you called me”
“Goodness, explosives...we need to go check that out.”
“Before we get to that, er, my apologies for getting all drunk the other day”
“Ice, just focus on what's going on. I know you can get out of hoof at times, but at least you've gotten some information.”
“Yeah, so uh, we going to see the tunnels now?”
“No, we need to stay at this office. There's no one taking care of it if we leave.”
“Guess so, oh and the front half is gone, you're expanding it already?”
“Yep, it came as a surprise to me, all those old agents back with us..makes me feel good” Alloy smiles a bit, “I think that's reason to celebrate” Alloy stands and goes to a small fridge in his office room, getting out a full bottle of whiskey.
“Ay, now we're talking” Jackson grins.
“Not too much, this stuff is expensive and strong. Maybe one or two shots” Alloy chuckles.
“Just one or two?” Jackson takes the bottle with his magic and looks at it, “Yeah this stuff is good!”
“Jackson, just two” Alloy warns. Jackson laughs and passes it back to Alloy. Alloy takes out the two shot glasses, pouring in some of the fine whiskey. Jackson drinks it right away.
“Mm, this is great. If I were a lesser guy, I'd take it all from ya” He grins. Alloy slowly sips from his own.
“No missions have you been given to you?” Alloy asks.
“Yeah, sorta, real petty stuff like organizing some files, or taking watch over the place. More like chores really” Jackson finishes his small cup. Alloy pours his second glass.
“Odd, and he sends me to go all the way to the Gryphon's place? I guess it benefited me for the exercise” Alloy chuckles, finishing his cup.  
“Uh hu, what'd you even do, besides your 'situations'” Jackson starts his second one.
“I met a guy, he's part of a Gryphon clan of warriors turned mercenaries. He doesn't like Notts' things either, he may send us some information in the future.”
“Wow, you've made friends already over there. I should've tagged along” He burps a bit.
“That gryphon, his name is Blind Spot. He was a big help.” Alloy sits back drinking. Jackson finishes his. Alloy poofs the bottle back in the fridge. “And I gave a card to a kid there who wants to be a zoologist of some kind. I doubt he'll call but he might”
“Hu, cool, say, how was it over there?”
“The capitol was trashed, and the kingdom as a whole is divided. There is no form of government”
“Shi..really? I always expected it to be all high-end” Jackson thinks a bit. “Anything else happen?”
“Well...”  Alloy starts, “No, heh at least I don't think so”
“Hmm, alright. Hey, where's my office at? It's all destroyed now!”
“I'll be downstairs” Alloy stands up and opens his office door, starting to walk.
“Alloy, where are you going?” Jackson walks to him. Alloy says nothing and starts to walk through the back lobby. He walks away from the office till he reaches the tree. “Yo Alloy, something up with you?”
“Hm? No..” Alloy puts his right front hoof on the tree and sighs. Jackson gives him a worried look.
“I'll give you some space if you need some. I'll be in the back lobby area” Jackson heads on back in. Alloy sits under the tree, he rubs his head. Small memories kept flashing through his head, all this talk about his little adventure kept making them start back up. He closed his eyes and feel asleep once more, under the tree.
He was awakened by Cara a few hours later. “Sir. Mr Alloy, are you alright?”
“Yes..” Alloy stands up and yawns, “How long was I out for?”
“I don't know, it's my break right now, I just now saw you here under the tree”
“It's noon then?” Alloy asks.
“Just a little past that Alloy, sir” Cara smiles. Alloy looks around, the day was hot like yesterday.
“I'm going to see what you've all gotten done so far” Alloy goes to the building and sees that the ground has been so far squared down two stories. “Blueprints..” Alloy leaves Cara, going back into his office. He passes Jackson without saying a word and closes his office door, locking it. He starts to quickly draw up updated blue prints, ones that lead under his office.

In Canterlot, the three appointed agents were loading up files upon files of secret material into a large moving carriage.
“Just the files Alloy said?” Sugar asks Sweetie.
“Yes, but there are some vests and other supplies that might prove useful. We're going to pack those in as well” Sweetie states. Dotted drags a large box of ammunition into the truck.
“This is a pretty big office, why move from it?” He asks.
“We're too close to the enemies' place.” Sweetie replies, moving more boxes on board.
“Yes, but wouldn't it be good to have a E.S.S agency place in the capitol?” He presses his reasoning.
“There are, safe houses. I haven't gone to them in a long time. Ah yes, and there's a designated place in the main Castle itself for us. I've placed a few agents there already.” Sweetie says.
“Good idea, I'll get back to moving stuff now” Dotted smiles and continues.
“When's the demolishing of this building taking place?” Sugar now asks.
“It's over due, which is good because of all this stuff. I don't know honestly” Sweetie grabs the last of the folders into a large box. Mr. Atomms walks by on the sidewalk and sees them working, he decides to come up to talk.
“Hello agents” Mr. Atomms greets with a warm smile. Sugar races up to him.
“Hi Mr. Atomms I have good news for you!” Sugar says.
Mr. Atomms grins, “Ah, at last. Is my boy home?”
“Yes! He's back in Ponyville.”
“Perfect, I'll have to give him a visit, unless you can tell him to visit me?”
“I'll tell him for you Sir” Sugar smiles.
“I appreciate it, I'll be on my way now, I don't want to interrupt an important mission” He chuckles and goes on his way.
“Hmm, what does Alloy's father do exactly?” Sugar asks Sweetie.
“He manages many stocks in the Equestrian market. He also patrons business occasionally and makes money off of them.” Sweetie walks into the office. “Dotted? Where'd you go?”
“Over here ma'am!” Dotted says from inside the auditorium. Sweetie and Sugar both go there and see as Dotted flies down to the podium, “There are a few papers in here too, do we grab them?”
“Yes. Hmm, that's a good idea. Everyone split up and check for any stray papers. We need everything out of here” Sweetie orders. Everyone dashes away in search.
After thirty minutes, they regroup at the entrance, each with a small stack of papers, “Everyone make sure we got everything?” Sweetie asks them. They all nod in fatigue. The heat was getting to them there too, since the building's power was shut off, it left no form of air condition for the group. “Good, let's leave.” They walk outside to the carriage to see that two stallions had hitched themselves to the front and start to move.
“Hey stop right there!” Sugar yells out. Dotted flies ahead of the two stallions, standing in front of them. They push him aside and run in fill gallop.
“After them!” Sweetie runs. The three dash, following the runaway cart.
“I can catch up to them quickly!” Dotted says from above, flying to the top of the cart. To his horror, one of the stallions pulls out a small fire arm, shooting it in his direction. The bullet skins past one of his wings, he closes his eyes in pain and ducks on the roof. Sugar teleports a box of goods on the road ahead of the runners causing them to skew and collide into a food stand. Dotted jumps off the roof onto the downed goons and starts to punch them, Sugar takes away the weapons. Sweetie grabs one of the guys and cuffs him to the food stand's bars.
“Dotted that's enough! Stand down! Bring him here so I can cuff him!” Sweetie orders. Dotted stops instantly and picks the male up, giving him over to Sweetie. Sweetie cuffs him.
“Good work.” She tells the two agents and turns to the confused stand seller. She smiles and says, “Ahem, do you mind calling the police?”
“O-oh of course!” The mare behind the stand says, she goes quickly over to a phone booth and calls.
“Who are these two?” Sugar whispers to Sweetie.
“Likely Notts' hired goons...Keep an eye on them.” Sweetie walks to the mare who's on the phone. She flashes a light and comes back over to the other agents.  
“What was that you did?” Sugar asks, having seen the flash.
“Just a photograph.” Sweetie smiles a bit and walks to one of the goons, “Notts right?”
“I'm not saying anything..” He says.
“How much did he pay? Is it really worth your silence, over a possible larger sentence in prison?” Sweetie asks. The goon looks nervous now and sighs,
“650 bits..each.” He says. The other one nods.
“I'll have further questions for you two at the police station.” Sweetie backs away from them as a police carriage pulls up. The goons are put in the back with lock and bars, an officer converses with Sweetie a bit they both chuckle. Soon they leave.
“Who's going to do the questioning?” Dotted asks Sweetie.
“I don't focus my talents on interrogation, that can be left for Alloy or another agent. Don't worry about it, they seemed to crack under what I said hehe” Sweetie replies. She pushes the their carriage back onto the road. She hitches herself to it. The others do the same so that the three of them are pulling the load.
Upon arriving at the train station, the employes help load the files onto the train as Sweetie over-watches. In a matter of minutes they all board the train, straight to Ponyville. Sweetie sits near the back to make sure no one went to the back of the train where the files were. Dotted and Sugar shared a spot near the middle of the same train cabin.
“That was fun, I never see much action in the royal guard corp!” Dotted says in a low and excited voice.
“I prefer not getting into danger myself hehe..” Sugar looks out the window.
“I understand, because it's well uh, dangerous like you said. I'm going to guess that you're not one of the usual field agents?” He asks her. Sugar turns to him.
“I've been getting into random field situations it seems” She chuckles, “But yeah, I prefer being in the office. Plus the kitchen is close by so I can bake things on my spare time”
“Oh yeah you like to bake? And I like to eat! You'll have to make something once we arrive back at the office” Dotted smiles.
“I made some donuts this morning, they're probably all gone by now since the construction crew is sorta using our back lobby as a break room as the construction under goes. Don't worry, I can always make more” She smiles a bit herself.
“Beating up bad guys and eating tasty treats? I can get used to this” Dotted chuckles. Sugar giggles a bit.

Arriving at Ponyville, there was a carriage waiting for them to put their things, the train's staff helped out as they did in Canterlot. Sweetie hitches the saddles onto Sugar and Dotted. “Once we're back at the office, we'll have to place these all in our offices.” She states as she hooks herself up. They both nod and start to pull the cart.
In about twenty or so minutes, they reach the office. The construction crew was done for the day having laid a new bottom foundation for the ground floors.
“The sure work fast” Sugar comments, approaching a little make-shift bridge from the point of the pit and their offices. Carefully they back up into the back office lobby. Alloy and Jackson come out of his office and help them fully back up.
“Good work all of you, this is more than I expected. I should've come along to help” Alloy says. He starts to grab file boxes. Jackson does the same. “I'll have most of them in m office for now”
“Alloy, before you start I need to talk to you about something” Sweetie says.
“Do it as we move the files.” Alloy says as he levitates more boxes, carrying them towards his office.
“Yes, multitasking.” Sweetie grabs a few boxes and goes next to him, “Some hired goons from Notts nearly stole all these files.”
“You're certain they're from Notts?” Alloy asks, placing the boxes in a corner.
“I don't know who else it could be.” She says.
“Did they directly say they were with Notts?”
“Not directly, but I asked how much he paid them, they responded that it was 650 bits.” 	
“They could be misleading you” Alloy takes more boxes, Sugar passes them with three boxes levitating above her.
“I wanted to cross check with you, the goons are at a Canterlot jail cell awaiting interrogation.”
“Aw, you shouldn't have” Alloy chuckles, “I'll go with Jackson tonight to see what I can get. Finish unloading here”
“Certainly Alloy.” Sweetie says and whispers, “Also Dotted field handled the goons pretty good. I think we can start counting him in. Perhaps we can have one of the other agents take him under their wings to train?”
“If you think he's good, then I'll agree with you, you have a good eye for the recruits.” Alloy smiles, “I want him to stay here for now, I'll contact one of our agents to come down to Ponyville and help him tomorrow.”
“Got it, glad you're back to oversee everything. Who knows heh, you'd make a great Director of E.S.S”
“You're too charming Sweetie, thanks. Perhaps I'll step up to it, but things are handling okay so far.” Alloy smiles a bit and goes over to Jackson.
“Let's go to Canterlot, we have some interrogating to do” He tells Jackson
“Oh goodie! Let's head on now” Jackson grins, he puts a box down. They start to leave but not before Sugar rushes up to Alloy, nearly knocking him down.
“Don't forget to saw good bye sweetheart!” Sugar kisses Alloy, “Oh and weren't we going out later today? Oh yeah and your father said to talk to him when you can!”
“It may need to wait for another day. Don't worry. As for father, I'll do that when I'm over there” Alloy nuzzles her. Jackson rolls his eyes and pulls Alloy away with his magic, “Bye Sugar!”
“Bye Alloy!” Sugar waves. Jackson stops pulling him and laughs.
“All that lovey wuvey stuff is making me sick. Ha get a room already!” Jackson says as they trot towards the train station.
“You're just jealous.” Alloy smirks. Jackson laugh some more.
“Just uh, keep it out of work” He replies.
“Hey, I'm the highest rank around here, I do as I please!” Alloy sticks out his tongue.
“Pft, okay man” Jackson chuckles. “You know, I've been wondering, where are all those construction ponies suppose' to be centralized now?”
“Good question, um I suppose my father can take care of that. I should talk to him about it” Alloy takes a mental note.
After a quick train ride, they arrive in Canterlot, heading to the primary police station around the area of the old E.S.S building.
“Yes something the matter?” A police mare asks from the from windowed counter.
“E.S.S. we're here to talk to the two stallions that tried to hijack a carriage earlier today” Alloy says, presenting his badge.
“I'm surprised you didn't take them yourselves.” She smiles, she was familiar with E.S.S.
“I know Miss Cheir, heh it's just the office is undergoing some major structural changes” Alloy puts away his badge.
“Alright Alloy, Jackson. You both know the drill, don't make a mess.” Cheir presses a button, allowing them access to the back where the cells are. They walk through a hall, some police are stationed around the perimeter. The ponies in the cell seem like low-crime offenders. Equestria was a pretty safe and happy place, not too many resorted to criminal activities. They reach a cell separated from the rest, designated for E.S.S prisoners.
“That's them, hmm, they don't look like much” Jackson comments. A police opens the cell door and locks it once the two are in. Alloy and Jackson take a seat.
“You two are the interrogators?” One says.
“Yes. Tell, first question, who paid you 650 bits each to do this job?” Alloy asks calmly, he takes out a little note book from his pocket.
“Some fellow that came up to us earlier today. He saw the ponies packing up things into a carriage and offered to pay us. So we agreed.” The other says.
“Describe this guy” Alloy says.
“Look..Mr's we don't want to get into any trouble we just..messed up” The first stallion says, his voice shaky. Jackson lifts an eyebrow and chuckles.
“There will be no trouble if you tell my friend here what he asked” Jackson frowns.
“Okay..okay, he was wearing a coat, kinda seemed like he was uncomfortable in it. He sounded like he had a raspy voice, but I could tell he was a bit of a younger guy.” He says quickly. Alloy writes it down.
“What was his fur color?” Alloy asks in his neutral tone.
“He was well covered up, but I saw that he was like a light gray.” He says.
“My old fur color...okay got it.” Alloy writes that down and gets up. Jackson looks at Alloy a bit confused
“Is that all Sir, will we be free to go now?” The other one asks.
“Did he give you any weapons?” Alloy asks. He is facing the wall.
“Yes, these pipe things, he showed us how to use them real quick but I didn't really use it well. I pulled the trigger and missed at that one guy who started to beat me up..” The first guy answers, he has a few bandages on his face.
“Thanks. That's all gentlecolts. Ice, let's roll.” Alloy says. Jackson stands up and follows Alloy out as the guard opens and re-locks the cell door.
“That was easy, these guys are wimpy” Jackson chuckles softly.
“They're good ponies, just caught up in something in way over their head. Still, it is a federal level charge to steal from our organization. I'll minimize it to petty theft” Alloy says to Ice.
“Sounds a little soft, but you're the one in charge.” Jackson comments, “What will we do now?”
“I want you to go to Notts' HQ and seek for a stallion like the one they described.”
“Then what?”
“It's just to confirm somethings, and announce that I'm back, the mission was a success. If it's possible, find out about more on the explosives.” Alloy says. They exit the building, Cheir waves bye.
“Alright, I'll go. Where will you be headed?” Jackson asks.
“To see my father. Be careful” Alloy starts to leave. Jackson nods and heads in his separate direction.

End of Chapter 21.
	
	  
	
	
	

	

	  
	

> E.S.S: 22 - Brother's Business
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 22 - Brother's Business

Alloy trotted along the familiar streets of the financial district of Canterlot. With the late evening now shading into night, he walks into a larger building co-owned by his father. The secretary at the front desk recognizes him and greets.
“Mr. Alloy Atomms. Your father is expecting you. He's on the fifth floor in his office” He tells Alloy.
“Thanks Greg.” Alloy says, entering the elevator. Pushing the fifth floor button, he waits as it rises up. Followed by a ding, the doors open. Several office blocks were on that floor with some late shift worker beginning their work. Alloy passes them all and knocks at the door of his father.
“Come in Alloy” His father says through a small speaker outside the office. A little buzzing noise is heard and the door unlocks. Alloy enters and sits.
“Hello Father. Business going well?” Alloy starts.
“As always” His father smiles, “I've heard you've been busy yourself with E.S.S still?”
“I know you know now, forgive me for not telling you. It had to remain secret, you understand”
Mr. Atomms sighs, “Yes, I just don't like you getting into danger son..”
“It comes with the job, was there something you wanted to see me for?”
“Yes, to see you alive and well..and to tell you that I've already found a place to relocate your construction workers.”
“Thank you, I was going to ask about that.” Alloy smiles he goes up to his father and hugs him.
“I'm so glad to see you're back, even your mother appeared to be worried.” Father says with a little bit of tearing up in his eyes. Alloy sits back down.
“Is mother back at the nursing home still?”
“Yes, I visited her today before I ran into Sugar and Sweetie at the old E.S.S building. I noticed the new kid, looks like you're growing”	
“Heh, seems like it. I assume Celestia has spoken to you about the agency?”
“Not directly, but I've gotten back all the money I invested into the building. That new E.S.S place is now owned by her.” He chuckles a bit.
“I saw the paperwork on my desk on it. Very good, now I don't have to leach” Alloy smirks, “I don't mean to cut our talk short, but I'd like to go see mother”
“Not at all, I understand. I need to leave the office now as well, a lot of new things have popped up and have kept me busy” His father says, standing up.
Alloy stands as well, “Same for me. Good bye Father” Alloy leaves the office.

The nursing home, usually for the older folks, had his mother there as well. Alloy walked in, signed the paperwork and went to a housing room where his mother stayed under care of a nurse.
“Alloy, my little boy! Come give mother a hug!” His mother stands up quickly, hugging Alloy before he can.
“Mom..it's so good to see you again” Alloy says. The nurse leaves the room.
“How's the job with your father going?”
“It's pretty well, you know him, always keeps me busy” Alloy smiles and sits on the couch with mother.
“Tell him that I want to go out and work. I still need to check and see if the Gala designers get there in time”
“Oh mother, the Gala's already passed this year” Alloy says with a shy smile.
“It has..? Oh, hehe my mistake. Can you pass the tea dear?”
“You have some coffee, would you like me to make you a cup of tea?” Alloy says looking at a cup near her bed that's filled with coffee.
“Um, nah the coffee is fine Alloy. Have you grown your hair longer? And when's the last time you've shaved hon?” She moves his hair.
“It's been a week or so, I should probably get to that.” He feels his own rough beard. He starts to think about what Dr. Flower Pot had done to her and starts to hug her tightly.
“Is everything okay son?” She asks. Alloy starts to tear up, eventually crying on her shoulder, “There there..it'll all be fine you'll find your brother..”
Alloy wipes his tears, “My..what..?”
“Oh wait, sorry you don't have a brother.” She chuckles.	
“Mom, wait, yes I do have a brother...do you know anything about him?” Alloy asks, he had triggered something in her memory.
“A brother..yes..gray coat..” She stares off into space.
“That's the one, can you tell me anymore?”
She looks blankly at him, “Sorry dear, I can't remember to well, have you gotten me the tea?”
“Oh, right here's the um..coffee” Alloy levitates the cup over to her.
“Thanks dear, hmm where are we?” She asks as she sips.
Alloy sighs a bit and smiles, “We're at a nursing home. I love you mom, I have to go now” Alloy gets up and heads to the door. She stands as well.
“Bye bye son, say hello to the office people for me” She smiles, the nurse comes in the door as Alloy leaves.
He went home to find a little notice paper on his front door. Alloy grabs the paper and enters; the place smelled fresh due to little automatic scent sprays. He quickly shaves, takes off his work clothes and hops into bed. “Poor Mrs. Atomms...she must have suffered so much when the doctor did that to her..And Mr. Atomms isn't even aware of all that happened..” He rolls over on his bed. He starts to close his eyes when the phone near his bed stand rings. “Alloy speaking?”
“Alloy! They know! I'm at the national archives, they haven't gotten to me but they're heading to your house!” Jackson blurts out. Alloy gets up quickly.
“I'll go there as soon as possible!” Alloy says.
“Careful as you do, I have to go now!” He hangs up. Alloy puts on his clean suit and tie. He grabs his gun, putting it in a holster. There's a loud knock at his door.
“Shoot..” Alloy takes out his gun and makes his way to the door, he peeks out the window to see five stallions outside, one crashes into the window, nearly knocking Alloy back. The stallion in a mask shoots at Alloy. Alloy teleports behind a kitchen counter and shoots a large fan above the stallion causing it to crash on him. The door is crashed down, the other four enter, shooting automatic weapons in Alloy's direction. “Can't take them all like this...” Alloy teleports to the back yard and jumps over the fence, once the goons realize Alloy's gone, they chase after him.
“Traitor!” A pegasus on yells out from above, raining down bullets. He forms a temporary shield above himself. Bullets ricksha off and hit the pegasus' vest he gets injured and makes a crash landing. Two more pegasus fly by Alloy, knocking him down, he gets hit in the face. Alloy uses his magic to grab the left wing of one of them, causing him to slam into the other flier.
“Ha.” Alloy laughs a bit and pants, he jumps over several more fences before falling into a small swimming pool. The last goon picks Alloy up and punches him several times in the stomach and face. He was an earth pony. Alloy back up, wiping away blood. “Notts send you!?”
“A stallion working for Notts did traitor, and he wants you dead!” He throws a punch which Alloy dodges. Alloy grabs the goon's shoulder and throws him into the pool. Another stallion, the owner of that house comes out and starts to yell.
“What in Celestia's name's going on here!??” He demands. Alloy picks up the goon with his magic.	
“You can tell that other guy who sent you to shove it!” Alloy throws the goon away onto the roof of the house. It knocks him out. The owner runs up to Alloy.
“Explain yourself!” He demands.
“E.S.S this is a government situation. Call the police.” Alloy shows his badge and walks away, opening the fence and leaving.

In a hurry, Alloy runs into the Nation Archives. The place was well guarded, so he knew he was safe there. Quickly he makes a call on one of the pay phone.
“Yes..?” Sweetie answers.
“Sweetie, alert the agents in Canterlot that we have a hostile situation. My cover has been blown..” Alloy catches his breath.
“I'll do that right away Alloy! Are you safe??”
“Yes, for now. I'm meeting up with Jackson here in the Nation Archives. Make the calls, bye” He hangs up and searches for Ice.
“Right here Alloy!” Jackson runs up to him, “You're good, let's go to the back, I've already notified the security here to lock down this place.
“Great..,what happened?” Alloy cleans off some more blood off his face.
“I was finding out more about the bombing plans, it was going good but when I mentioned that you were back, Notts flipped out and said he thought Dr. Flower Pot had killed you!”
“So..he sent me there to die..how did he know I was E.S.S…?” Alloy takes a first aid kit from a wall and sits.
“I don't know, but he ordered some guy to hunt you down and told me to run and soon the ponies there started to chase after me..I shot back at them. I reckon I might of injured a few of those bastards!” Jackson laughs. Alloy smiles just a bit, he disinfects his wounds, “And you got beat pretty good.”
“Yeah...They were all using automatics..” Alloy says, he places a bandage on his cheek.
“Damn, then I suppose you're lucky you didn't get hit...” Jackson leans back in his chair, “Oh yeah, what now?”
“I have...no idea actually” Alloy sighs. He stands, “Now that I'm here I'm going to do some research”
“Go ahead, I'll be here” Jackson flips on his hood and closes his eyes. Alloy nods and goes to search for Hertz' name under the letter H. He didn't know the last name so it made it difficult to look.
“No reference to him here..” Alloy says as he finishes the H names labeled: He. Alloy starts to go back to Jackson, the power goes out in the building.
“Guess we have company” Jackson opens his eyes, taking out his pistol. Alloy stands next to Jackson.
“Figure so..” Alloy takes out his gun as well. A sudden flash of light occurs. Smoke fills the area. Jackson passes out in front of Alloy, and soon, he too falls on the floor, passed out.

Alloy opens his eyes, he looks around. He is tied up in a room, his horn has a little strap on it that renders his magic useless. Jackson is on the other side of the room he is awake, with the same things Alloy has. Alloy feels a little muff on his mouth so that he can't yell or speak. The room itself looks rather comfortable, it has a nice sofa, beautiful pictures, and a light blue color. The only door in that room swings opens. In steps two masked ponies and the one they're following, a light gray stallion in a nice dark suit.
“Awake at last the both of you” He speaks. Alloy's head suddenly feels as if it were being fried, he cringes closing his eyes. The stallion in the suit is a little confused as is Jackson. “Ahem, you guys don't know why you're here, so I'll remove your muffs as long as you two agree not to yell. Agreed?” Alloy and Jackson nod. He smiles and removes the muffs, “One at a time, ask your questions E.S.S agents”
Jackson nods to Alloy for him to talk. “Who are you with?” Alloy asks in calm manner.
“We are with the Information Freedom of Equestria. Or, IFE for short.” The pony in the suit replies, he takes a seat.
“So...you're not with Notts?” Jackson asks.
“Notts? I have no idea who that may be.” The guy says.
“Well, that's comforting, why do you have us here for then?” Alloy asks.
“Simple, I just want the files you guys have locked away to be released to the public”
“What files?” Alloy asks.
“All of the ones E.S.S has.” He answers with a chuckle.
“How did you know we were in the Nation Archives?” Jackson asks.
“It was a complete coincidence”
“Whatever it was, we were there because my partner and I were being persecuted by a terrorist organization” Jackson frowns.
“That's not a problem of mine” He says.
“And you want to release all these files out because..?” Jackson questions.
“It's in the name, Information Freedom.”
“How exactly do you think we'll do that tied up here? And even if we did agree, the only thing it would cause is mass panic” Alloy starts.
“Indeed it might, but you've been holding back things for much too long” He stands up walking over to them.
“This isn't the way to do things. Kidnapping two E.S.S agents, that won't do anything.” Alloy smirks.
“It might not right away, but you'll have to stay here for a while until we come to an agreement.” He puts the muffs back on them and exits the room with the others. Alloy and Jackson sigh and remain there as time passes. The ceiling starts to cave in suddenly, it breaks open, two of E.S.S enter, guns loaded. They quickly untie Alloy and Jackson, removing the muffs and magic disabling devices.
“Thanks you two..” Alloy coughs a bit.
“Agents Anderson and Susy Splitter reporting in. Rescue mission of you two” Anderson takes off his mask.
“Took you guys a while” Jackson smirks.
“We have little time to talk, let's go now. We're in a warehouse.” Susy says. Anderson puts his mask back on. “Let's head out. Hold onto one of us, both of you” Alloy holds onto Anderson, Jackson with Susy. The two agents press a button on their belts, causing them to go back up through a zip line attachment. They zip up to the roof.
“Looks like we got some attention.” Alloy says, he looks down the hole and sees as five masked ponies enter the room below. The one in the suit shouts out orders to “Find them”. He then looks up and sees Alloy and the other atop the roof, he yells and points up.
“Teleporting, let's go as far as we can. We're near Cake Road. Meet us in the main market area!” Anderson and Susy teleport away. Jackson and Alloy do the same.
In a fraction of a second, they're all teleported at semi-random spots on Cake Road. Quickly, they find each other, “This should be far enough sir.” Anderson says. He and Susy teleport their armor, masks, and guns away.
“Good work as always.” Alloy smiles.
“We're glad to see you both again, it's been a while” Susy hugs them both.
“We'll keep moving, where to is your choice Alloy” Anderson says.
“The safe houses we have aren't safe anymore. It's likely Notts is over-watching them; the Canterlot castle is okay, but drawing attention there is not a good thing. You guys can go back to your post, Anderson and Susy. Jackson and I will head back to Ponyville”Alloy says.s They nod and leave.
“The IFE, now we got them to worry about.” Jackson groans.  
“They seem less hostile, but will likely...” Alloy touches his own head having random flashes, “Yeah, let's return to Ponyville..”
“Everything okay Alloy?” They start to walk.
“Mhmm, just a migraine” Alloy says. After some time they reach the train station without further delay. Alloy sits back and let's out a long yawn.
“Dang, I wonder..if. Alloy, we need to go back to my apartment! What if they got my girl man??” Jackson panics, he rushes off the train, Alloy follows quickly behind him.
“Jackson! Hold up, we'll call some of the agents here to get her.” Alloy shouts out, running.
“Nah man, who knows if they'll get there in time.”
“I'll call right now, you're in danger just being here. We don't have the resources to have you here Ice.”
Jackson stops and sighs, “I know..call Susy and Anderson then..” Alloy nods and makes a quick call on a pay phone near the station, after which they re-board the train.
“They'll take her to the Canterlot Castle where she'll be protected better than we can”
“Yeah...I guess. Heh..I don't really care about her that much but I don't want to ruin someone else's life because of myself” Jackson laughs and coughs. Alloy shakes his head.
“Well at least you care enough to seek her protection. You never do last long in relationships” Alloy smirks.
“Yeah I know, and it's the way I like it.” Jackson crosses his hooves, “Can't get too attached”  
“If you say so” Alloy sits back and closes his eyes.
“What are you planning on staying with Sugar for a while?” Jackson asks.
“Yes, as long as I can..” Alloy says, “Who knows for sure though...with my lifestyle you may be right by me putting her into danger..”
“Yep, risky risky man. Say if those IFE guys come after us again I'ma punch that sucka in the black suit.” Jackson chuckles, “I'll be ready this time. I'm going to gear up once we're in Ponyville”
“I think I'll do the same, we can't be getting one up'd like this anymore” Alloy says, he starts to doze off. Jackson nods and stays aware of the surrounding while they ride.

When they arrive Jackson wakes Alloy up. “Jackson! It was him!” Alloy suddenly says.
“Wha..? Come on let's get off” Jackson steps off. Alloy does the same, but has a dumbfounded expression.
“Jackson..it was him..”
“Da hell you going on about?” Ice asks.
“That guy from the IFE...”
“Yeah? Who was he?” Jackson presses.
“No one. Heh..” Alloy smiles in an odd way.
“I have no idea what you're talking about, are you still in dream land? This is real life” Jackson chuckles. Alloy nods randomly.
“Yea...so the office, hmm it must be closed. Good thing I have the keys”
“Well, there is a giant hole in the front, I don't think we'll be needing them” Jackson recalls.
“Right, um you're right” Alloy says. They reach the office and enter. “We'll be sleeping here tonight, I'll be in my office researching”
“Yeah, I'll sleep on this couch, want me to take watch?”
“Won't be necessary, I'll be up for a long time. I'll wake you up if I need you” Alloy says, he goes in his office, leaving the door open. He stays up late, he opens up E.S.S files on Hertz, apparently he was a lawyer working in Canterlot. He had a good record in cases. Why then did the IFE guy look the same as Hertz? It couldn't be the same stallion, but the guy from the profile looked just like the pony he had meet in the warehouse. As he read on and flipped through pages it became more and more apparent that they were the same person. E.S.S had it's own files on civilians, but sometimes feel short. He had gotten lucky finding these files, that would mean the files on Hertz in the library might have been purposely taken away. “So much for Freedom of information” Alloy smirks. After a few more hours he falls asleep without warning to Jackson.
In the morning Alloy wakes up before Jackson and looks over the office. The other agents hadn't arrived yet. “Hey Jackson” Alloy walks to him”
“Ye man..?” Jackson asks, eyes still closed.
“It's morning bud.”
“We working on something..?” He gets up and yawns.
“Heh, yeah all the time.” Alloy goes back to his office, “Say could you search this place for any armor? Maybe some heavier weapons?”
“Finally something good I can do that doesn't involve assorting files for Notts” Jackson happily begins to search through the many boxes of files and things from the old E.S.S building. Soon, within the hour, Sugar, Sweetie, and Dotted come into the office and see that Alloy and Jackson are there.
“Who are they?” Dotted asks Sugar.
“That's the guy in charge, Alloy.” She points to Alloy's direction.
“And I'm his partner Jackson” Jackson interrupts, Dotted looks at Jackson's appearance, a dirty hoodie, a rough shave, and overall thugish look.
“Nice to meet you Mr. Jackson.” Dotted and him shake hooves.
“Yeah, say do any of you two know where the weapons are stashed?” Ice asks.
“I packed a few over here” Dotted takes him to the boxes. Sugar goes to Alloy's office, Sweetie and Alloy were discussing last night's events.
“Alloy...you're alright..” Sugar starts. Alloy and Sweetie looks over.
“Yes, it was a close call but here I am thanks to our agents” He says.
“It was, I'd like also to say that Jackson's mare-friend is secure at the castle.” Sweetie comments and leaves the room.
“Perfect, we got things situated.” Alloy sits back and yawns.
“What's going to happen?” Sugar takes a seat.
“Construction will go on, we'll start figure out ways to tackle the Notts issue, and as for the new threat of the IFE, well I don't know I think I may be able to shut down whatever they're doing on my own” He replies.
“By yourself..?”
“Yes, the other agents we have are specialist and can handle Notts, and the IFE is...simple for me”
“But..they're armed.” Sugar says worriedly.
“And I'll be armed.”
“At least take Jackson...” Sugar says, her voice quivering.
“Okay, I'll do it” Alloy says, he opens some files.
“Anything you want me to do Alloy?”
“Oh yes, there are a lot of files here that need to be organized. Sweetie will be here with you and of course Dotted.” He gets up, heading to the door.
“Where are you going?” Sugar follows.
“I'm getting with Jackson and heading out now” Alloy states.
“N-now? And breakfast?” Sugar asks.
“Quick okay? Breakfast.” Alloy goes to the kitchen.
“I'll make you something real quick, oh and for Jackson too” Sugar rushes and starts making pancakes.
“Yo Alloy. Look here” Jackson says, he is wearing combat armor and has a sub-machine gun hanging from his right side. A few combat knives are stored on his person, a few different grenade types, and a back up pistol.
“Looks threatening, we need a way to cloak that all before we arrive at their warehouse.” Alloy remarks.
“And we'll need to arm you up too bro” Jackson teleports over some heavy armor.
“I'll go light, vest under my suit, two pistols packed in” Alloy says, “I don't expect much combat”
“Now that's a test of your luck, you sure?”
“Yes” Alloy says.
“Done, here you go guys!” Sugar says placing two large plates of pancakes on a table.
“Yes!” Jackson sits down and starts right away. Alloy takes a seat and eats slowly.
“Thanks Sugar” Alloy smiles. Sugar nods and makes some more for her and the other agents.
After a small time, Alloy and Jackson finish up and head out. “Stash all our armor and supply in a suit case. We can't be carrying it around.”
“Got you covered” Jackson poofs over an empty suit case. “Then when we're close, we'll teleport them onto us”
“That's the plan”
“Speaking of plans, what exactly are we doing?” They start walking out. Sugar jumps on Alloy's back, giving him a little kiss.
“Byeee!” Sugar hugs him. Alloy smiles.
“I'll be back soon, take care of the office” Alloy says.
“Will do, and you be careful on your mission!” Sugar gets off and leaves the two.
“Ahem, so what we're doing is convincing them to stop their actions.” Alloy says.
“And if they don't?” Ice asks.
“We convince them harder a different way” Alloy smirks. They continue to the train station.
“This will be fun” Jackson says as they board and head towards the mission’s challenges.

End of Chapter 22.
	
	
	


	
	

> E.S.S: 23 - Family's Feud
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 23 - Family's Feud

Canterlot, the grand capitol of Equestria. So peaceful, calm, and beautiful; yet under it's streets in the tunnels, Notts was slowly gaining a force that could change everything and IFE was just as much a danger. Alloy didn't know what his enemies were fully capable of, especially with IFE, an organization he knew virtually nothing about. Why then he willing to risk himself and his partner going their and dealing with it themselves? Maybe it was because he thought that he could get closer to Hertz without having to use all his resources, perhaps he was too confident. Regardless, what was going to happen was already in play.

Jackson and Alloy had gotten off the bus and were already scouting around the warehouse they had been captured in just yesterday. “Ain't look like no one's there” Jackson comments.
“It does look empty from out here, there's no movement, let's get a closer look” Alloy suggest; they sneak to the warehouse windows, peaking in. “Nothing but boxes”
“I'm willing to believe they got the hell outta here by now” Jackson says, “Want to go in and search the place?”
“Definitely” Alloy says, already entering the unlocked warehouse. “No security it seems..” Around them, as seen through the windows, the place is composed of crates and boxes, it seems untouched, but Alloy could tell they've been recently moved.
“They put the place back together ay?” Jackson comments.
“Sure seems like it, and they did so with cation” Alloy goes to the room they were put it in; it was now empty with the roof having been fixed. “They work fast, but there are some hairs from their manes on the floor” He picks up some hair samples and places them in a napkin and back in a suit pocket.
“Do we leave now?” Jackson asks, as he looks around.
“Yes, no point in staying here any longer.” Alloy starts to head out, when they both suddenly hear a conversation. “Shh, there are ponies outside..”
“Notts said they'd be in this warehouse” Someone says.
“I don't know, looks like a regular place to me” Another comments.
“This IFE should be here, Notts said we had to get rid of them here, so we're going in” The first states. The main doors open, Alloy and Jackson quickly hide out of site.
“Nothing. You sure this is the right place?” The other asks.
“Yes it is, but looks like we're too late” He points his gun around at the crates. “What a disappointment, I was really hoping to shoot something today.”
“Oh yeah whatever, you've never even shoot someone before!”
“Even more reason to be disappointed” He chuckles. They start to search the area.
“I'm telling you, no one's here” The other says with an annoyed sigh.
“Fine let's leave, but you're telling Notts.” He says. The other mumbles something. After they leave, Alloy and Jackson come out from hiding.
“Guess we're not the only ones Notts is after” Alloy smirks a bit.
“That's relieving, I suppose.” Jackson says, they get out of the warehouse. As they do so they could see that the two stallions were now someways down the road, still debating what to tell Notts.
“Well now what Alloy?” Jackson asks.
“I believe we should follow them, they seem to know about the IFE more than us.” He replies, Jackson nods and so begins the following of the Notts agents. As they follow they could briefly hear them arguing and blabbering on about their job. It is not till one of them turns a bit and see Alloy and Jackson at some distance that they suddenly stop their talk and begin to whisper.
“Think they know it's us?” Alloy asks Jackson.
“Dunno, never seen them befo at the hideout” Jackson says, they change directions in order to dismiss the possible suspicion of them tracking the two.
“We won't be able to follow them...what a shame, reckon we leave to check up on the agents around Canterlot.” Alloy stops at a jewelry store.
“You know, you didn't need to escape yesterday. It would have been much easier” The stallion in the suit says, coming out of the store. Jackson hops back, Alloy looks at him with some surprise.
“Didn't leave us much of a choice.” Alloy says, “I assume you must be someone important to have tracked us here just to chat”
“Heh, indeed, as you know” The stallion chuckles.
“A lawyer on your spare time, you live here in Canterlot. A regular citizen with no crime record, yet you've been secretly conspiring against your country all long”
“Perhaps” He starts to walk, Alloy and Jackson follow, “Or maybe I just want it to be even better.”
“Knowledge of bad things won't make things better. Yes, it will make you feel more intelligent, but ponies will start to take advantage of what they start feeling is right.”
“Better that than being negligent.”
“The ponies of Equestria aren't unintelligent, they know there is danger, they know not everything is flowers and sunshine.” Alloy says. Jackson nods.
“Ye man, if ya go to the poorer areas, even around here you can see the reality some ponies live in. While it's true most are well off, the system fails in some spots. It ain't perfect” Jackson inputs.
“How exactly do you think knowing about weapons of destruction, forbidden spells, and dangerous materials benefit Equestria as a whole?” Alloy asks.
Hertz chuckles, “Don't you think we can better protect Equestria? Imagine if one day a bunch of dragons come in and start wrecking everything, who's going to stop them? The Princesses? The army? The Main Six? No, because if we loose a princess, the nation goes down, the army doesn't have the equipment to take them on, and the Main Six can fail.”
“We have allies, we have spells good enough that are used by the army that can take them. And from what I've been seeing so far, the Six can handle disasters quite okay” Alloy says, they walk to a building, a lawyer office place. All of them enter, going to an elevator.
“And what of the citizens agent? How will defend themselves?” Hertz asks.
“That's why we exist Mr. Hertz, to prevent events, to help citizens” Alloy says, Jackson is a bit surprised Alloy found out so much about this stallion.
“Then what, brainwash them?” Hertz says as the elevator opens up on the fourth floor.
“It is necessary, so they don't know us as the ones who helped, and so they can go on living their lives.” Alloy says, they walk to an office room. Hertz takes a seat at the desk, the other two sit in the guest chairs.
“Necessary you say, I don't believe that. Celestia is the one who founded E.S.S right? How long has she been in power? A thousand years? Maybe more?” Hertz makes some coffee.
“What are you trying to say? It's been perfectly fine with her rule.”
“I suppose so, I just...think that things haven't been running as smooth as you make it seem.”
“If you're talking about corruption, then that's something you're going to see everywhere. We've managed pretty well as far as that goes.” Alloy states. Hertz drinks from his coffee cup, thinking a bit.
“You seem to know more about me than I know about you. So what's next agents? Going to arrest me now?” Hertz says in a casual tone.
“Not yet” Alloy says, Jackson looks at him a bit puzzled. Alloy turns to Jackson, “Can you wait outside?”
“Yeah sure” Jackson says and leaves the room.
“Something you want to say?” Hertz keeps drinking his coffee.
“Anyone can join E.S.S you know, it's not closed off to you or any other lawful citizen. It requires training and keeping knowledge safe of course, but it's an option. Heck, it's even listed under the criminal justice career choices at schools.” Alloy says in a more relaxed manner, “Not many join, why do you think that is?”
“I..know it's an option, but as for why ponies don't often join is beyond me.”
“I'll tell you why. Ponies are afraid, don't think they'll make it; it's a risky job, perhaps the most dangerous one on a job's list. And they don't know what to expect”
“What you say sounds reasonable...” Hertz finishes his cup.
“Do you have any siblings or relatives?”
“Why do you ask?”
“We don't exactly have a complete record of your family” Alloy says.
“Oh right, I took those out of the Archives” Hertz laughs a bit, “None that I knew are still alive”
“Are you certain?” Alloy asks, he wanted to be sure. If so, he thought his old self was had died.
Hertz stands up, “You might want to get down”
“Get what?” Alloy asks, just as a window at the office breaks open. He jumps to protect Hertz, three of Notts' agents point guns at both of them.
“Jackpot, Hertz and Alloy in the same place.” One smirks through a mask. “Make any sudden move and it's all over. Hooves up!” Alloy and Hertz do as he says. Jackson burst into the door, tossing the office chairs at two of them and shooting the other one in the head. The two fall out the window to the ground below, the other one lies on the floor with a stream of blood coming from his head.
“Kaboom, saved. Thanks” Jackson chuckles, he holsters his gun.
“That's going to leave a mark on the carpet” Hertz says, he levitates the dead stallion  and tosses him out the window.
“I owe you one Ice” Alloy sits on the floor. Hertz looks at him.
“Tried to save me then Alloy? Didn't expect that.” Hertz looks down at the sidewalk where some ponies were now gathering along with police.
“Instinct..” Alloy stand back up and goes to Jackson to whisper, “There's already a scene below, we'll have to leave hertz here.”
“What? Are you insane? We just got this idiot and you want to let him go? I'll arrest him, you go down and take care of what's going on” Jackson says. Alloy nods slowly.
“That's a better idea..” Alloy says and leaves the room. Jackson takes out cuffs.
“Hey you, in the cuffs now” Jackson shouts to him. Hertz turns over, he appears to be in a deep thought.
“I think I've seen your partner before...I can't tell where though.” He says.
“Does it look like I care?” Jackson cuffs him by force. The cuffs are enchanted so the wearer can't use their magic. Hertz says nothing more as Jackson escorts him out. Various employees at the office watch as their collage is taken away by the unicorn in the hoodie. They whisper among themselves in confusion. Jackson hates their stares. “E.S.S move aside and don't interfere” He says, showing his badge to them all. They all sheepishly move away and resume their work.
“They must think I've done something bad if an E.S.S agent came to get me” Hertz comments to Jackson in a low voice.
“Boy, shut it” Jackson frowns as they get in the elevator.

Down below, Alloy steps by the fallen bodies, police are already holding back the crowd. A detective is on the scene.
“Don't tamper with evidence you” The detective looks to Alloy.
“E.S.S.” Alloy shows him his badge.
“Ah perfect, that makes my job easier. You know what happened?”	
“These three assaulted a lawyer in this building above, we happen to be there by chance and dealt with it.” Alloy summarizes.
“Reason for assault?” He asks Alloy.
“They wanted him dead, my guess is some of the lawyer's clients weren't too happy with the trials.” Alloy says.
“And this lawyer, is he alive?”
“Yes, though we have taken him into custody for protection and questioning” Alloy says, “We'll have an official report ready for the justice department soon”
“Works with me, and these three bodies?”
“Either you tell the ambulance ponies to take them to the morgue, or I tell them. Oh and, they're equipment now belongs to E.S.S” Alloy vanishes away the guns and vests. The detective nods and notifies the police. He starts to leave the scene, he could hear some in the crowd whisper about what happened and mumble about E.S.S.
“Must be something bad if that guy's here...” Alloy hears one say.
“Think it'll be on the news?” Another asks.
“No, they don't report things when they're involved..” Someone replies. Alloy keeps walking, the citizens hadn't had time to see much of what happened, so he walked on, not worrying about any brainwashing. Jackson came his way with Hertz in cuffs.
“Everything taken care of?” Jackson asks.
“Yes, let's go to the castle. We'll hold him there” Alloy says. Jackson agrees taking Hertz along with them.

At the castle, Alloy and Jackson are greeted by Suzy. “Caught someone important I see” She says as she opens the door for them in the castle.
“Sure did, are the cells ready?” Alloy asks.
“As always Alloy” She smiles.
“Good, Jackson I'll take him from here, go see if your mare is doing okay” Alloy says, taking hold of Hertz, who has on a black veil.  
“I was just about to say that” Jackson smiles and leaves to talk to his mare-friend; Suzy walks along with him.
“Nice, I figured we'd have a place in the castle for E.S.S” Hertz comments. After Alloy puts him in an enclosed cell, his veil is removed.
“Want anything to drink?” Alloy asks as Hertz takes a seat.
“Water will be fine”
“Alright.” Alloy leaves the room, returning soon with bottles water. Hertz takes it.
“This room is magic proofed.” Hertz says as he drinks, “Looks like I'll be staying here a while.”
“Will there be any attempt to get you out?” Alloy sits.
“I told my ponies not to come after me.” Hertz says with a small grin, “There's no way we could take on so many anyways” He relaxes in his seat.
Alloy is having a hard time what to say next, they sit in silence for some time.
“Are we going to do anything here? I have clients to defend in court” Hertz finally asks.
“Er, don't worry about it. I told my agents about that when I went to go get you water. They'll make sure they get representation Mr. Hertz”
“How nice” Hertz smirks.
“Just doing my job” Alloy states, “Ahem, I suppose I'll start asking more questions. When was the IFE founded?”
“Twenty years ago”
“By who?”
“Hell if I know, it was all extremely secretive back when it happened”
“Fine, are there any other leaders besides you?”
Hertz sighs and smiles, “There might be. How about we do a little information swap? You tell me stuff, and I'll tell you stuff.”
“Hmm” Alloy thinks, he know he shouldn't but Hertz was his brother even though Hertz didn't know it, “Yeah sure, ask first”
“So kind; okay, how many leaders are in your agency?”
“One. That's me”
“Ah, such a great honor Mr. Alloy”
“Your leaders?”
“Me and Two others. Matt Prime and Recky Potatogrower. Question, how many of you are there?”
“In E.S.S. there are twenty, as I mentioned before, not too many join” Alloy says.
“Lower numbers than I expected...” Hertz says in a both surprise and hinted happiness.
“A few weeks ago we were larger in number, there was a divide in our agency that caused many to leave or...Ahem. My question, what locations are you guys in?”
“Only Canterlot, you guys?”
“Ponyville, Canterlot, and the Gryphon Kingdom.”
“What..the Gryphon Kingdom exist still?” Hertz sips some water.
“My question” Alloy chuckles, “What happened to your brother.”
“You..guys have files on him?? I thought I cleared everything..He's dead..” Hertz struggles to say.
“Records on Dr. Flower Pot's notes says he's alive..” Alloy states.
“Flower Pot...I've never heard of him before, what was he involved in?”
“Many thing, one being brainwash.”
“What happened with him?”
“Don't worry about that stallion, you want to know of your brother no?”
“Y-Yes..but I haven't heard a thing about him in a long time and you're saying he's possibly alive?” Hertz says in a choppy voice. Alloy says no more and leaves the room. He couldn't reveal himself just yet, it'd be too much to say at once. He went over to Jackson, who was talking with his mare-friend.
Ice turns, “Alloy, how'd it go with that fool?”
“Well enough, they shouldn't interfere with us. They're pretty small in numbers and they're only here in Canterlot. Ah yes and they have three leaders including himself” Alloy sighs and sits close by.
Ice's girl friend looks at them both, “So you guys are getting' into trouble hu? What's with all this secret service stuff??”
“Eh, don't worry about it Kally, ain't nothin' bad gone happen.” Ice tries to comfort. Kally rolls her eyes and gets up, leaving to another room.
“You're right to a certain point Ice, we can take our worries off Hertz' ponies and focus onto Notts.” Alloy moves to Ice.
“Suppose so...what are we going to do about him then? Hertz?”
“We'll keep him here, no one's coming for him” Alloy crosses his arms. “As for Notts, I think we'll need to do a big flush out. We'll have special forces join us, guards will make sure nopony comes near the perimeter.”
“Oh man, finally! I've been wanting to get back at him in a long time. And I mean before he turned on us” He chuckles. Alloy smiles a bit in agreement.
“You know what? I'm hungry, want to go get something?”
“Yeah.” Jackson stands up, “I heard they opened a new place right by where old E.S.S building was.”
“They did now?”
“Mhm, so what do you say?”
Alloy's stomach growls, “Yes, let's go”
They rush off to this new place in Canterlot, the place's name was, 'La Petit Fast Place' aka, 'The Small Fast Place' Alloy looks at the menu of the place, “Hmm” He looks at the noodles and cringes remembering the Gryphon's place. He looks at the salads, “That one looks like a great one” Alloy points.
“Number 8 then sir?” The cashier asks, already punching the numbers into the register. Alloy nods, Jackson step up to take his order.
“Fo me, two number 3's and uh large drink.” Jackson says. The cashier nods.
“For her or to go? And are you paying together?” He asks from the counter, pacing him a large cup.
“Yea, for here and I'm payin'” Jackson takes the cup and poofs his wallet in front of him.
“Thirteen bits is your total.” He says. Jackson pays and goes to fill his drink. Alloy sits near a window, looking at the rubble that remains of the E.S.S building. Ice takes his seat and looks out as well.
“Look at that, why'd they demolish it again?” Ice asks as he sips, waiting on their order.
“I think it was vulnerable spot” Alloy replies.
“Yeah? That place we have in Ponyville is the same way, I mean Notts already sent is goons there before”
“Indeed, at least the distance is further away from his place.”
“At least we got that going for us...”
“Something wrong Ice?”
“Yeah..sorta. Dunno, just feel a little out classed.”
“We have all the resources at our disposal”
“But Notts..,I hate to admit, he makes pretty good plans, he's resourceful, he knows what he's doing. Hell, he had all this planned out for who knows how long! He manged to split apart an agency that has lasted for a thousand years..”
Alloy looks around them to make sure they're no drawing attention, “If you want to talk about this, let's do it outside”
Jackson nods; they wait for their order to come up and then leave outside. “I guess I'ma being a little pessimistic..”
“You do have truth to what you say, I don't think we should worry about it. We've got full support as I've said.  We've got this, at least we've got IFE under control.” Alloy says, Ice nods and they continue to eat and talk, walking down the street.
A weak looking in stallion approaches Alloy and Jackson as they walk. He speaks in a dry tone, “You two there...spare any bits for me..?”
Alloy looks at the stallion, “Yeah sure” He takes out ten bits passing them to him. The stallion smiles and transforms into Silent Death.
“Thanks for that, I needed some bits for my dry cleaning” Silent smirks.
“What do you want, come to hunt us down?” Alloy frowns, Ice already has his gun out, ready to shoot.
“Relax, I'm not here to kill you, yet. I haven't been ordered to. Just here on my own, for myself, well that's a lie, I came to tell you something Alloy.” Silent moves closer to them.
“That's close enough” Jackson tells the shadow. Silent  simply laughs and vanishes, he reappears next to Ice and does something that causes him to fall to his knees, dropping his gun.
“What the hell did you do?!” Alloy demands.
“He'll be alright, I just played a little mind game..” Silent chuckles.
“He better be okay! What do you want to tell me??”
“I heard Dr. Flower Pot hit the bucket...I'm here for my own interest..what did he have in his laboratory..? Anything, shiny, crystal like..?”
Alloy looks down at Jackson and sighs, “I didn't notice anything like that, I'm sure he ought to have something like that..”
“Yes he does have something like that...but did you see anything like that??” Silent slithers close to Alloy's face.
“There was..a lab area down some floors..he had numerous chemicals and items there, dark stones I'm sure..” Alloy backs away, feeling a cold feeling rush through his body.
Silent grins, “Yes...I'm going there myself, you won't need to worry about me..for now..” He fades away into a shadow, chuckling darkly with the last thing Alloy seeing being his sharp teeth.
Jackson gasps and stands up, soon after nearly falling before Alloy catches him, “You alright Ice..?”
“It felt like ice..a cold darkness..I-I don't know what that fool did to me..” Ice coughs a bit, regaining balance. He rubs his head and picks up his gun, putting it away. Alloy looks around him, the street was frozen except the spot they were at, any ponies in their sight were petrified, but soon began to blink and start to walk, some of them collapsing, complaining of head pains.
“I don't like that thing..” Alloy says, “It doesn't seem to have regard for what it does, his powers seem to be over anything I knew was possible”
“He's in the dark arts that's for sure, we got a bunch of stuff on it back at HQ...” Jackson shivers a bit. Both of them continue walking.
“I wonder where Notts found a guy like him; Silent Death doesn't seem to be the type of creature to need anything from anyone” Alloy thinks.
“Guess we'll just have to ask Notts himself” Jackson chuckles and coughs.
“More crystals.., now that I think about it, sending him on this crystal hunt was probably a bad idea..”
“Hey that guy's now out of the picture for a while, one less crazy to worry about.” Ice flips on his hood.
“Perhaps, but if he gets his hooves on more dark magic containing crystals..what will happen?”
“You worry too much, there's probably nothing there. I'm just glad he's gone man” Jackson says, he himself now starting to worry. Alloy grins a bit, but quickly resumes his regular resting expression, thinking about what he was to do next.

End of Chapter 23.
	
	
	
	

> E.S.S: 24 – Double Menace
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 24 – Double Menace

Alloy and Jackson rested and spent time at his home for most of the day.
“Are you moving out of here?” Jackson looks at the bullet holes left from the assault on his house.
“I like Canterlot a lot, this house is nice...minus the wreck made by Notts' goons” He turns on the T.V. “I'd probably be best for me to leave this place temporarily; I'll move into an apartment in Ponyville.”
“I figure I should to, want to be roommates?” Ice drinks some beer from the fridge.
“It'd be more convenient and safe. Yes, don't see why not.” Alloy flips to the weather channel. “Maybe an extended stay hotel would be good.”
“Sounds expensive” Ice says.
“You get paid well enough, beyond well enough. What do you even do with your money?” Alloy asks, he shuts down the T.V.
“I send some to my less fortunate family members, sometimes.” Jackson finishes his beer.
“Hmm, I've always wanted to ask you; why do you dress the way you do?”
“Dunno, I guess it's because it feels right, before I had this job I was, as you know, fairly poor. I was a guy who needed money and couldn't keep a job. I dressed like this daily, so I thought, why not stay that way. It's like a sort of reminder...” Jackson smiles a little, “How about you, fancy vest, tie, suit.”
“Professionalism, and my...father” He turns around to face the broken front window, “Feels right too”
“What's going to happen to all the junk you have around here? Like in your garage.” Jackson asks, in an almost teasing way.
“My inventions?” Alloy stands up, and goes to the storage area. Ice follows; when Alloy opens the door Ice chuckles.
“Yep, junk”
“Maybe to you, but most of this stuff can be useful someday.” He picks up a glove like item that has some things attached to it.
“What the hell's that suppose' to be?” Ice sits on a stool, messing with some other things in his reach.
“It's supposed to make you jump higher, if you wear all four on each hoof. I only ave that one though.” He moves it around showing the spring and hydraulics on it.
“Looks like that thing will kill you before you can get off the ground” Ice snickers, he levitates another thing to Alloy, “And this? Looks like a flap of plastic and cables”
“I'm not a good clothes maker, but it's meant to absorb most of a magical attack and transfer to the user, or use the magic to generate a shield.”
“Woah, I thought it was one of those blanket warmers for when it's cold!” Ice laughs some more. Alloy takes it away from him,
“Just wait till I finish it; it'll be good for the agency.” Alloy says.
“You know what would be cool? Full rounded metal armor. Like that knight stuff we saw in the castle, but bigger and stronger.”
“I've been thinking about it, but we're not really heavy combatants.”
“We will be soon if we're dealing with Notts” Ice reminds him.
Alloy looks at the magic absorbing vest, “The knight armor from the castle has some sort of magical spell on it that makes the armor nearly unbreakable. If we could find what spell that is, we could use it for anything, including your hoodie.”
“A bullet and magic proof hoodie?? Count me in!” Ice smiles and hops off the stool. “Let's get started now, I'll carry some of that stuff for you!”
“Didn't expect you to get that excited, take my tool boxes, don't flip them around. I have thing with wheels to carry everything. Be careful with them.” Alloy says.
Jackson had already started packing up everything on it, “If you're going to make stuff, maybe we should rent a house instead.”
“Yea, alright. Meanwhile I'll stuff all this in my office.” Alloy opens the garage door. He himself, grabs some stuff to carry out. He closes it once they're out, carrying all the things, they board it at the train station, on course to Ponyville.

“Sweetie, do you think they're okay...?” Sugar asks as they sort through files.
“Yes, they seemed to be prepared enough” Sweetie replies, “Besides, if anything goes wrong, we have agents in the area to support them.”
“Is there anyways we can check...?” Sugar nearly begs.
“Yep” Sweetie says casually.
“There is...?” Sugar moves to Sweetie.
“Mhm, all we have to do is contact look at a monitor and check on their location. We have chips on them now”
“We…do? Do I have one?”
“Not yet, so want to check?”
“Yes!” Sugar drops a box of files. Sweetie smiles and goes into her office; Sugar following closely behind.
Sweetie turns on the primitive looking computer. Computers were never widely used, only by E.S.S usually; it was a light gray screen with only a few options. “Let's see...um, yeah I never learned to use these things. Let me make a quick call.” Sweetie picks up her office phone. “Hello Sean, this is Sweetie, how do I check on agents' location on this thing, yes the computer or whatever it's called. Move the knobs to...check? Okay it opens more things. Down to Agents, okay. Oh I got it, so if I press enter there it opens up a file on them? Thanks I got it now.” She hangs up after opening Alloy's file.
“What does it say?” Sugar asks impatiently.
“It says they're on the train on his way here, look” Sweetie show Sugar two little dots that represent Alloy and Jackson. It has a line that show the direction the train is traveling.
“Yes! They're coming back!” Sugar hugs Sweetie briefly, “How does that work?”
“The tracking? I have no idea” Sweetie chuckles, “I bet Sean Gas could explain it to you, though honestly I have a hard time understanding him myself.” Alloy's phone rings in his office.
“A call, should we pick up?” Sugar asks, heading to his office room. Sweetie nods, going ahead of her.
Sweetie pick up, “E.S.S”
“Er, this is ahem, Blind Spot”
“Who? Do we know you?”
“One of you ponies must, his name is Alloy Red, uh, Blur Red? Alloy. Yeah, Alloy.” Blind Spot coughs.
“Alloy isn't available at the moment, want to call him back later?”
“No, I don't get access to one of these phone things often, this is the only time I can tell him.”
“Tell me then, I'm an agent here.” Sweetie sits.
“I have no choice, it's about Notts.” He says. Sugar's ears perk up.
“Go on...” Sweetie says.
“We're going to Canterlot soon, a week. I can't do anything but warn you. Our numbers on our side are thirty-two...all armed. We're coming in from the tunnels east of Canterlot...I got to-” Blind hangs up.
Sugar looks worriedly at Sweetie, who’s writing down the information given. “I don't know who that was, but he gave us information, I hope Alloy knows what it means.” Sweetie says.
“It must have been one of his contacts...but from where?” Sugar sits.
“We’ll ask him when he’s here.” Sweetie sits back in the chair, yawning.
Dotted enters the office, “Something the matter?” 
“Don’t concern yourself with this business, I’ll inform you if we need you” Sweetie says, her eyes are now closed. “Oh and, shut the door on your way out.”
“Yes ma’am” He habitually salutes and leaves, closing the door.
“Why don’t we tell him?” Sugar asks.
“It’s all about ranks...” Sweetie yawns again.
Sugar lays on all fours, “What are these ranks anyways? What rank even am I?”
“I’ve been meaning to explain it to you…” Sweetie starts, “basically there are five main ranks, each having two sub ranks in them. For example, Prestarter, the first rank, has Prestarter 1 and 2. Next ranks are, Associate, Senior, Senior Knight, and Director. 	
“Sweet, what am I?” Sugar asks.
“With the level of information you’ve been granted, you’re 2nd level Senior. I’m 2nd level Senior Knight, and Alloy is Director even though he doesn’t like being called that. Jackson is the same as me, most of the agency we have is either 1st rank Senior Knight, or 2nd rank Senior Knight, with the exception of you and Dotted Field who is a 2nd rand Prestarter.”
“Ooh okay, so that’s why badge has that on it. I’m pretty high ranked” Sugar smiles.
“Hehe, yep, usually it doesn’t happen that fast, even for Dotted field’s 2nd rank in Prestarter.” Sweetie gets up, stretches and starts heading out the office door, “Come along”
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see” Sweetie smiles. They walk out to the construction zone, the walls and floor is being set up for the bottom level. Alloy and Jackson are seen off in the distance trotting towards the office.
“Ohhh I see what you mean!” Sugar dashes off towards them, she teleports herself onto Alloy’s back. He nearly falls, but catches his balance.
“Oof! Heh, hello Sugar” Alloy grins; Jackson smirks and goes on ahead of them.
She hugs Alloy tightly, “How’d it go? You didn’t get hurt did you?”
“Not at all, it went by really smoothly” he replies.
“What went down?”
“We got the IFE leader; Hertz in custody. We had…a little resistance. Nothing major.”
Sugar hops off his back, “I’m glad you’re okay” She kisses him and giggles.
“What have you gals been up to here?”
“Just as you assigned, file organization” Sugars says; they walk into the office building.
“Be back in a bit, I want I check out some things with the construction, he leaves before Sugar says another word.
Going up to his assigned manager, Alloy talks to him, “Can I see the blueprints please?”
“Yes, of course sir” The manager passes him the layouts. Alloy walks around the area, looking at details in the walls and floors. “Something’s…missing.” Alloy traces around a line on the blueprint. 
“What’s wrong Sir?” His manager asks, having overheard Alloy.
“I screwed up on something” Alloy spawns a pencil, drawing some new room in the blueprints, “I’m adding this room here, for machinery to power the bottom floor.”
“Alright, we’ll get started on that. One thing tough, one of our workers, Cara, hasn’t showed up to work in two days. Do you want me to send someone to check up on her?”
“That’d be the best thing to do” Alloy hands him back the blueprints, “Good work” He leaves him.
Alloy returns to his still crowded office, he sits on the rolling chair, “Finally…” He closes his eyes, but is interrupted a few seconds later.
“Alloy” Sweetie enters. 
“Yes…?” Alloy opens an eye. 
“I got an invitation from Muffins today for a wedding. I’ll be taking the day off, going with Lyra. Is that okay with you?” 
“Who’s wedding?” He closes his eye.
“Cranky and Matilda’s, they’re the donkey residents here in Ponyville.”
“Go ahead, take the day off, you deserve it” Alloy smiles. 
“Thank you, hehe I’ll let you rest now” Sweetie leaves. Alloy adjust himself in his chair, getting comfortable. Sweetie rushes back in, “Alloy! I nearly forgot, you go a call from a Gryphon, it seemed important, I wrote what he said and left it on your desk” 
“Gryphon! Thanks!” Alloy look upon his desk, grabbing the note. Reading it briefly, he frowns, “We need to warn the agents”
“Now Alloy?” Sweetie asks.
“As soon as possible. Contact Anderson in Canterlot, let him know to scout the tunnels below the castle and around the Canterlot area. They may arrive sooner than a week”
“On it, anything else?” 
“Just letting you know, that’s one of my contacts, he took a big risk letting us know” Alloy rubs his eyes.
“Perhaps we could save him?”
“If it was possible, I’d have him captured during their attack…I’ll sketch how he looks and send it to Anderson.”
“Good idea, I’ll go make the calls now” She rushes out.
“Perfect…” Alloy sits back again, his heavy eyelids closing. It is not to long before his phone rings, alerting him to wake up, “E.S.S. Alloy talking.”
“H-hello, this is…um Philip” A shaky voice says from the other end.  
“Oh it’s you” Alloy chuckles, “You got fortunate enough to use a phone I hear.”
“I’ve never used one of these in my life! I had to go to a city to get this thing and even then it costed several bits to call and-”  
“Great, something you need?” Alloy rubs his eyebrows.
“Yeah, get me out of here already!” Philip says with a half-hearted chuckle.
“Okay. Where are you specifically?”
“I’m at a place called Saint C’s, it’s an orphanage in the city of GoldenClaw.”
“Sit tight, I’ll have someone get you, if not, myself. It may take a while”
“O-Okay, I got myself into some trouble, come armed” Philip hangs up before Alloy can ask. He redials but gets no pick up.
“Dammit” Alloy stands up, makes coffee and thinks of his options. “Go by myself and save resources, send someone over there, have him come over here, hire…someone. Ranna…she may still be there.” He leaves the room, going over to Jackson, who is chilling by some weapons conversing with Dotted. 
Ice notices Alloy right away and turns pointing a pistol, “And there, a quick draw” Ice chuckles.
“Stop fooling around” Alloy says, using his magic to take the pistol apart, “I need to talk to you, in private.”
“I just put that back together!” Ice chuckles and tosses the pieces to Dotted, “See if you can do it” 
“Yes sir!” Dotted says, looking down at it.
Alloy and Jackson go to his office, Alloy closes the door, “While at Notts’ place, did you by any chance hear anything in A? Besides him being dead?”
“I don’t think so man” Ice sits.
“A has a sister who lives in the Gryphon Kingdom. She was going to go search for him, but I need to go back to the kingdom to pick up one of my contacts.”
Jackson rubs his head, “How many things did you do over there??”
“Focus Ice, do you recall anyone mentioning A’s sister?”
“Eh, maybe…what’s her name?”
“Ranna”
“Yea I think so, but it was just a sorta random thing when they talked about A’s death.”
“It’s not enough…” Alloy stomps his hooves and sits at his desk. 
Ice yawns a little, “So, are you actually going back?”
“I don’t have much of a choice, but this time, you’re coming with me” 
“Hell yea! When do we go?” Ice springs up, already spawning equipment.
Alloy thinks, “On second thought, I may take Dotted”
“What? Him?? He’s just a Prestarter! He can’t handle that sorta mission” Ice complains.
“True, but he’ll be with me”
“It’s doesn’t line up with the rules Alloy.”
Alloy snickers, “I’m Director level, so I can change that.” 
“Oh BS!”
“I’m only kidding, I’m not taking him. Stay here and prep the gear, I’m telling Drops.” Alloy laughs as he leaves the room. Ice sighs in relief, starting to go through the gear.
Alloy knocks on Sweetie’s door. “Come in” She says.
“Drops, I’m going out on another mission with Ice, it’s a recovery.” He says, taking a seat.
“Another one already, what are we recovering, where, how long?”
“It’s a who, a gryphon kid I met, so that leads me back to the Gryphon kingdom. As for hoe long, maybe a day or two.”
Sweetie sighs, “At least you’re not going alone this time. How about EFI? And I won’t be here tomorrow, who’s next in command in this area?” She asks and looks through some files, “The next in line is Rosey Chairman. Shall I call her here?”
“Yes, she’s stationed here in town correct?”
“Yeah, but what about Sugar Belle? She missed you so much when you left last time…”
“I know she’ll understand…besides, she’s safe here.”
“Yes, but you’ll be in danger. I know this may sound crazy, but what if she went with you?”
“That’s out of the question.” Alloy frowns, “I don’t want her in danger.”
“I know, but she needs to learn doesn’t she? You can’t just keep her sheltered here forever, she’s E.S.S. and as such she should have the opportunity to act and learn”
“It’s just…I-I…”
“I know, you care about her a lot, but if you didn’t want her in danger, you shouldn’t have let her join the agency…”
Alloy looks away, he has a few tears forming, “I know…okay…” He stands up turning his body, facing the door, “Not this mission…” He leaves.
Sweetie nods, “Okay…”
Ice comes up to him, wearing his gear already. “And here’s yours” He poofs gear onto Alloy.
“Almost. I have to tell Sugar a few things”
“Tell me what?” Sugar step up to him.
“Sugar…I’m going on a journey with Jackson.” Alloy says.
Sugar gazes into his eyes worriedly, “You just came from a mission…where are you going?”
“Back to the Gryphon Kingdom, I’m picking up a kid that wants a better life.” 
“Okay…do be careful” She kisses him.
“Nothing to worry about, Alloy and I can do this mission really quick.” Jackson comments, he goes outside.
“He’s right Sugar, this shouldn’t take as long as last time.” He hugs her, she hugs tighter.
“Bye Alloy…” She lets go of him; he smiles and goes. 

Outside, Jackson is waiting for him outside by a bulldozer, “Ready?”
“Definitely” Alloy picks up a bag had packed for him. “What’d you pack?” He asks as the walk towards the train station. 
“Dry foods, maps, mountain gear, guns, tents, that sorta stuff” Ice says.
“No wonder this is so heavy; we may go on a side mission to find Ranna” 
“For all we know she might already be back in Equestria’s lands.”
“We’ll ask around if anyone’s willing to help” Alloy says.
“I don’t like the idea of being around so many Gryphons, what’s the situation?”
“I know the Gryphon kid, Philip, said to come armed, so we may encounter resistance of some kind”
“Why are we getting this guy again?”
“I told him I’d help him get a better life here” Alloy recalls. 
“Better be worth it, you said the place was a dump right? I’m not so sure anymore…” Ice says.
“Worrying already? Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash went there too. Who knows, maybe they did something”
“I haven’t heard anything about them being dead so I’ll take that as a plus” Ice snickers. They walk on for a few more minutes, purchase tickets and board the train.

At the office, Sweetie has just finished making the calls to the other agents, she begins to pack up some things in a bag. Dotted peers in.
“Excuse me ma’am” He starts.
“Yes Mr. Dotted? Come in if you need to” Drops says.
Dotted enters, “I was thinking, should I have a code name?”
“It’s recommended that you have one in use of missions. You can use your real name if you’d like. I personally use BonBon as my code name, Alloy uses Blur, and other agents use whatever they feel like.”
“It can be anything right?”
“Anything you wish.” Drops, steps out of her room, Dotted follows her out, “Anything else?”
“Yes, I wanted to comment that the top half that was removed during the construction is being added back on today, would you like me to guard the area in front?”
“Continue your normal perimeter sweep, but yes, add more focus and time looking over the front” Drops moves past to Sugar’s office, where she can see through the small window on her door that she was inside. She knocks, Sugar quickly opens up.
“Something the matter?” Sugar asks.
“I wanted to tell both you and Dotted that tomorrow I will be attending a wedding and will not be coming in for work.” Drops states. 
“Who’ll take command ma’am?” Dotted asks. Sugar was thinking the same thing.
“Rosey Chairman, she’s coming in just a bit to introduce herself to you two. I’ll also be showing her around this place, she came here during the agent meeting. She’s an interesting mare, very strict like me, so I expect you to treat her with the same respect understood?”
“Yes ma’am” They simultaneously say.
“Good we’ll all wait for her here in the lobby.” Drops sits, adjusting her hair and straightening her tie. 
Within a few minutes, a large mare walks in past the construction workers, and up to Sweetie Drops. She has a netural expression as she addresses herself to her, “Senior Knight Sweetie Drops.” 
“Senior Knight Rosey Chairman, glad you could make it on this short notice.” Drops states.
“The feeling is mutual, what am I working with?” Rosey asks, already strolling around the office. “Civilian construction workers in front, agents at base, two.” She says to herself.
“Yes, the civilians shouldn’t become a problem.” Sweetie says.
“Yes…of course. Alloy’s in charge as you stated at the meeting, where’d that stallion run off to this time?” Rosey asks, turning on the faucet and switching lights off and on.
Sweetie goes up to here, “A mission in the Gryphon Kingdom, to retrieve a contact.”
“He’s getting a gryphon kid” Sugar interrupts. Rosey looks at her and lifts an eyebrow.
“A gryphon kid…? What’s the importance of this kid to us? Does he have valuable information?”
“I…uh don’t know.” Sugar says shyly. “He said he was trying to get him a better life”
Rosey shakes her head and pulls Drops aside, “We’re wasting time with the kid, we’re not a charity Drops.”
“Rosey, I know, but he’s the Director, if he feels it’s necessary then it is.” Drops states, maintaining a monotone voice.
“Very well, I shall have to have a word with him upon his arrival” Rosey whispers. Dotted and Sugar are a little behind, wondering what they were speaking about. “And with these new agents. I’ve seen the files; their promotions are too ambiguous”    
“Alright Rosey, shall I give you a further tour?” 
“Not necessary Drops, I think I can acquaint myself just fine. Enjoy your day off” Rosey walks along, “Actually, yes one thing. Will I be taking your office or Alloy’s?”
“Mine, Alloy didn’t leave me any instructions on lending his.” 
“Very well. Thank you.” She finds the one marked with Sweetie’s name and enters.
Sugar speaks up, “So, will we need to introduce ourselves?”
“Later, she has a folder on both of you. Just listen to what she has to say and everything should go perfect.” Drops heads out. 
“Oh, uh okay. Have a good day off tomorrow!” Sugar says.
“Yep, and you two too” Drops leaves.
Sugar turns to Dotted, “So what do you think?”
“Simple, we do as Rosey says and everything goes as planned.”
“She seemed stricter than Drops” Sugar says.
“I like her, reminds me of the army” Dotted says, resuming his post around the building. Sugar smiles a bit, but feels something wrong. Returning to her own office, she finds she has nothing to do. 
There’s a knock at the door. “Sugar, it’s Rosey. Come to my office”
“Y-yes ma’am” Sugar quickly opens the door, following her to the office room. “Something you need?”
“Yes. Take a seat.” Rosey says, waiting for her to do so. Sugar sits, “You’re a newer agent here. A few weeks into this organization. Tell me, how did you get into this organization? I’m afraid the records aren’t clear.”
Sugar feels uneasy, “Well I um…Alloy came to my village and I added him on his mission. We talked and I ended up coming here…”
“Yes, that’s as much as the records say, in Alloy’s words: I found her ability to help me on my mission exceptionable to consider her as a potential member of E.S.S” 
“He wrote that…?” She blushes. Rosey takes notices of Sugar’s redness. 
“Miss Sugar, I’m not one to usually intrude in personal affairs, but from the little time I’ve seen you with Director Alloy, it has become clear to me that you two are together?” 
“Y-yes…?”
Rosey smirks a bit and sighs, “What I’m going for here is, your records show no experience in combat, any schooling that would prepare you for E.S.S. Do you feel as if there is another reason you joined…?” 
“I…um…maybe”
“Alloy?”
“…yeah…” Sugar says, “But I really like it here, I’ve been learning a lot over these weeks.
“Yes, that is true, your help during the Gala was exceptional.” Rosey smiles, “I don’t mean to doubt your…abilities, so I’ll have you run a little errand for me.”
“Yes ma’am?”
“Check in on all our agents in Ponyville. I have a list where they’ll be posted. Usually I’d be doing this, but I have to be here. I leave it up to you” Rosey passes her a list. 
“I’ll check right away Rosey.” Sugar leaves, Rosey nods and smirks.

Sugar walks away from the building, “My very own mission. By myself…wow…” She thinks to herself, going on into Ponyville.

End of Chapter 24. 
 

	
	  
	

> E.S.S: 25 – Start of a Wedding
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

E.S.S: 25 – Start of a Wedding
“Oh you’re not attending Sugar?” Lyra asks Sugar about the wedding. 
“I wish I could, but I have work” Sugar says, sitting on the sofa. “How long will it be for?” 
“A couple of hours” Lyra smiles, “BonBon and I will have so much fun! Oh but you’ll be with your specialsomepony at work hu?”
Sugar blushes a bit, “Uh…nah, he’s gone out yesterday, he’ll be gone for another day or two” 
“Aww poor Sugar!” Lyra hugs her. Sweetie steps into the room.
“Lyra come on, we have to set up the decorations at town hall remember?” BonBon states.
“Oh right! We do! Bye Sugar!” Lyra dashes out. 
BonBon comes up to Sugar, “If anything happens, contact me, I’ll have my things with me for an emergency”
“Will do, have a good day” Sugar smiles. BonBon nods, exiting. 
It was now early morning, Lyra and BonBon were at the city hall setting up the planned decorations, “I have to admit, when Matilda said that we needed this place ready by today, I was a little nervous.” Lyra smiles.
“With you by my side, I knew we’d get it done in time” Lyra smiles back, looking at BonBon; they bump flanks. 
“There’s nothing like a best friend, is there?” BonBon and Lyra start getting out more of the ribbon decorations. 
“Anything’s possible when you know somepony as well as we know each other!” Lyra says. A sudden roar in the distance is heard.
BonBon freezes, “What was that?”
“There’s some monster attacking Ponyville or something.” Lyra says casually.
“What is it this time? A creature from the Everfree Forest?”
“Uh, I think it’s some sort of bugbear.” Lyra giggles.
“Did you say Bugbear? It found me!” BonBon panics.
“What are you talking about Bon Bon?” 
“My name isn’t Bon Bon. It’s ‘Special Agent Sweetie Drops’. I work for a super-secret anti-monster agency in Canterlot, or at least I did until the bugbear went missing from Tartarus a few years back.”
“What are you talking about…?”
Bon Bon takes out the brief case that had her supplies in it, putting on the gear as she talks, “When it escaped, we had to shutter the whole agency. Every last shred of evidence of the organization's existence was destroyed. Celestia demanded complete deniability.”
“...What?” Lyra was confused. 
“It was me who captured the bugbear. I had to go deep cover here in Ponyville and assume the name Bon Bon. I never thought it'd be able to track me, but now it has.”
“Are you saying our whole friendship was based on a lie?!” Lyra gets mad.
“I'm sorry, Lyra! I couldn't tell you for your own protection!” Sweetie Drops tries to reason.
“B-b-but the lunches! The-the long talks! The benches we sat on!” She tears up, “None of that was real?!”
Sweetie puts her hoof under Lyra’s chin and looks her in the eyes, “It was all real. You're my very best friend.” The bugbear roars off in the distance, “I've got to go find a crowd to blend into before I put you in danger! I'll see you at the wedding.” She slips on some shades and grapples down the nearest window.
“Fine! But we're going to talk about this later!” Lyra shouts out from the window. Sweetie sighs to herself, joining the crowd watch as the mane 6 tackle on the beast. She uses a radio device to contact Sugar.
“Come in, this is Drops, we got a situation.” She speaks in. Sugar was sitting at her desk randomly looking through many of the agency’s past missions. Hearing a buzz come from her computer, she sees that it’s a voice chat from Sweetie, quickly she puts on a headset.
“Yes Sweetie? Something wrong?” Sugar replies.
“A bugbear is attacking Ponyville, I may need back up if the Mane 6 are taken down by it”
“A…bugbear…?” Sugar asks.
“Yes, it’s a creature that went missing a couple of years ago from the anti-monster agency. I.E: E.S.S” 
“Monsters? I was just reading up on something about that in the files.”
“Alright, very good, we have to deal with these creatures too. I want you to notify Agent Rosey.” Sweetie cuts off.
“O-okay…” Sugar takes off the headset, quickly stands from her spot and gallops into Sweetie’s office where Rosey was also skimming trough files. 
Rosey looks up, shutting the file, “Urgent?”
“Kinda, that’s a bugbear attacking the town…”
“That thing is still alive? Strange that it shows itself here after a long time…who reported this to you?”
“Agent Sweetie Drops, she says if it gets out of control to send back up”
Rosey chuckles, “Out of control? Dear don’t you know that the Mane 6 can handle this? A bugbear to them should be nothing, especially if a creature like Tirek was taken down by them.” 
“You’re not worried…?” Sugar asks.
“Not at all, unless Sweetie Drops is engaging this creature by herself, and since she’s not, there’s nothing to worry about. What we should focus on is that blasted Notts” Rosey frowns. 
“Y-yeah I suppose”
“It’s our mission, Sugar, to protect Equestria both from monsters and terrorist. The monsters are now being dealt with by the six, so that gives us the space to focus on the terrorist.” Rosey gets up, “Have you looked at the files on recent years of our agency?” 
“A little, I was looking more on the past.” Sugar says.
Rosey passes her some files, “Let me show you a recent trend if you will, since the appearance of the Six.” She opens them, lying them in a linear fashion of events.
“Nightmare Moon comes back, Mane Six defeat her. The agency, we were all busy looking for Celestia’s whereabouts.” She goes down, “Canterlot wedding of Shining Armor and Cadence; Queen Chrysalis attacks in full force, our agency was out numbered, we fought off as many changelings as we could, but ultimately, the Mane Six did their thing and blasted them all to Celestia knows where.” She flips another page, “Discord, lord of chaos returns, agency was in shambles things didn’t make sense, like properties of matter and physics didn’t apply! We did our best to save ponies from the madness that insured. Ultimately, the Mane Six stopped him.” 
Sugar nods, “I’m seeing the pattern…”
“Hey it wasn’t all bad, we stopped more attacks from conspirators and terrorist during that time.” Rosey closes the files, “Anyways, that’s why I’m sure it’ll be okay.” 
“Thanks Rosey, is there something you’d like me to carry out?”
Rosey sits back down, “Check up on things around town, see if things are calm with that bugbear attacking” 
“On it” Sugar leaves.   
As Sugar goes around town, there was only minor destruction, in fact most of the citizens were going about their normal routine, as if they were all accustomed to this. “I guess Rosey was right about the main six…everyone already knows everything’s going to be okay” Sugar says going to one of the agent’s posts. 
“Agent Sugar” Black Pearls speaks up; he was knight-leveled agent. 
“Hi, was checking how things are around here.” Sugar says. 
“Calm” Raya, also knight-leveled, flies down from a window says. 
“Have you guys heard of the Bugbear thing?” Sugar asks.
“Yes, Rosey sent us all a message on it. We are aware and prepared for it, if it comes down to it” Black smirks. 
“Did Rosey send you here again?” Raya asks.
“Not exactly, she wanted me to check around town for signs of struggle, I just decided to come here” Sugar replies.
“Nothing to report, things are chill” Raya yawns, “I wouldn’t worry much. Say, don’t you need some training?”
“I’m open to learning new things” Sugar says.
“We’ve looked at your profile and -” Raya is cut off.
“Think you need to be more physically fit” Black chuckles.
“No offence of course, just an agent must tackle on long periods of running about on the field” Raya continues, glaring at Black who interrupted. 
“I think you two are right, all I’ve been doing is sitting at the office most of the time doing paperwork.” Sugar says, she wasn’t mad, in fact she had wanted to get out more.
“Perfect, because I so happen to be the trainer for that” Black chuckles some more. Raya shakes her head.
“All you do is use your magic, that’s nothing physical” Raya argues.
“It takes a lot of energy; you wouldn’t know since you’re a Pegasus” Black comments.
“Hey! What’s that supposed to mean?? Flying takes a lot of energy too!” Raya frowns getting up on his face.
“Um…guys?” Sugar starts.
“Just a minute” Raya says, she looks at Black, “I guess you’re lucky because she’s a unicorn hu?”
“I didn’t mean anything by it Raya…” Black nervously smiles. 
Raya smirks, “Okay, so where are we training her?”
“We? You only train the Pegasus.” 
“But I’m much better at running the coursed than you are” 
“Only a couple of them, besides the nearest course is the military’s, we’d need to get permissions.”
“You’re just afraid I’ll beat you” Raya flicks her tail at him and goes to Sugar, who was entertained watching them talk.
“A military course?” Sugar asks.
“Mhm, don’t be nervous, we’ll take it easy” Raya says. Black sends a message to Rosey to let her know.
After some walking, the three arrive at the training ground. Black had put on some drill sergeant clothing, Raya was in a regular outfit, and Sugar still had her office clothes on.
“First, take that stuff off, this may get messy” Black says. Sugar removes the office clothes. “Okay, I’ll explain this course. First, you’ll be running for thirty seconds to the first mound where you’ll have to climb up some fishing rope to the top, there you must either fly, teleport, or jump across a series of platforms and run to me. Simple enough”
“I can do this” Sugar says to herself, she steps up to a starting line.
“I’m going to time you on this to check your time. I’ll be at the end of the course and Raya will be your safe guard in case you fall.” Black teleports to the end point, “GO!” He yells out. Sugar gallops as fast as she can to the mound, it takes her fifty seconds to reach it, it was hard to climb the ropes, her hooves slipped occasionally. After reaching the top she looks down at a fifteen-foot drop. Raya was looking up at her watching as she begins to teleport. The platforms were of various sizes so teleporting to the exact spots was difficult for her. She was already fatigued as she teleports to a small one, losing her balance, she falls screaming out. In a flash, Raya catches her, setting her back on the platform.
“Keep going Sugar, you got this” Raya winks. Sugar nods continuing to the last point then running to Black. She was breathing heavily, she tripped up a few times but got up and fell at the side of Black. 
“W-water…” Sugar huffs.
“Three minutes.” Black says, “Not bad Sugar. Raya, give the mare some water.”
“I thought you brought the water?” Raya says, hovering in the air. 
“I told you to bring it though…” Blacks sighs.
“No you didn’t!” Raya says. Sugar watches them go back and forth in their pointless argument until one of the troops from the military interrupts.
“Excuse me civilians. This is a military training ground.” He states.
“E.S.S!” Both Black and Raya say at once, showing him their badges. The stallion nods and leaves. 
“Okay Sugar, so we don’t have water, but we can take you to a bar to get a drink” Raya says. Black was shaking his head, “Hey! Cut that out! It’s not my fault!” Raya says to Black, having seen him from the corner of her eye.
“Sounds…good…” Sugar sticks out her tongue, panting. 
Black picks her up, “I’ll teleport us to the nearest place.” He says, he turns to Raya. “You know the one Raya”
“Mhm, I’ll meet y’all there.” She says as if nothing had happened. Black nods and teleports them to a place called: The Watering Hole.
“Three drinks, you know the ones” Black says to the bar tender, she nods serving the drinks in a moment.
“I don’t drink much Black, plus it’s not really refreshing for hydration.” Sugar says.
“Oh yeah, nearly forgot, heh” He orders a water on the side, which is given to him right away. Sugar gulps it down.
“Ah...better!” Sugar drinks it all. Raya flies in, taking her drink.
“A little too early to be drinking don’t ya think Black?” Raya starts.
“Eh, it’s not like I ordered anything too strong Raya” Black drinks, Raya takes her mug and joins him.	
“You were a baker right Sugar?” Black asks. Sugar nods, ordering another water. “I was a police pony, served five years in Ponyville till I became a part of E.S.S”
“What brought you into the agency?” Raya asks Sugar.
“Um, well…I wanted to make a difference” Sugar smiles.
Both Raya and Black snicker, “Oh we know it’s not ONLY because of that” Raya comments, causing Sugar to blush. “You’re with Alloy aren’t ya?”
“Y-yeah” Sugar decides to take a sip from the beer. “So um, how about you Raya?”
“About me, I’m here for…similar reasons” Raya replies, nuzzling Black a bit.	
“Oh I get it now” Sugar giggles.
“Other than that, I do like working in the agency. I’ve gotten to get the hang of saving ponies. It’s fun” Raya grins.
“Fun, yeah” Black says, “What I’m going for is that if you want to stay in this agency, it can’t be just for the relationship. It has to be something you want to do. If Alloy left you during some time here, or you left him, it may affect you psychologically.”
“The same applies for us” Raya states, “Although we’re married, if Black or I died during a mission, it may impact us badly on performance.” Sugar sits back, she takes a little more from the drink.
“I never thought about it that way…” Sugar looks into the cup.
“Give it some thought on your own time hehe, we need to get you back to training. We’ll bring water this time” Raya smiles. Sugar nods briefly and gets up.
“What do you guys think of me? Joining and ranking so fast?” Sugar asks. 
Black and Raya look at each other, “Um, well dear we think you’re capable…” Raya says.
“You definitely seem to have drive.” Black adds.
“No I don’t mean the way I preform…” Sugar sighs.
“We know what you mean Sugar…” Raya says, they all walk out, Black pays for the drinks, “You want me to tell you what my first impressions were”
“Yeah…” Sugar says.
“Before I do, have other been saying bad things about you in the agency?”
“A little…” Sugar’s voice shakes.
“They’re just surprised, they see you rising so fast and wonder why, some may even be jealous. As for what I thought, being a trainer, thought that your physical appearance didn’t impress me. That’s no big deal though, we can train you well” Raya tries to comfort. Black nods. 
Sugar smiles a bit, “Thanks…it’s good to know some in the agency are nice”
“If Rosey gave you a hard time, that’s just the way she is. She’s one of the oldest members.” Black comments, “Now, let’s get back to that course, I bet you can beat your time” They all leave towards the course.

End of Chapter 25.