Damien Cremin

Whitegold Manehattan Artisan District Performance Hall-Roof Moving across the rooftops; his hoofbeats soundless and precise, Swift moved steadily towards the Artisan district, and the promise of a key event. As he got closer to his location, the buildings grew taller and grander, rendering roof-jumping impossible. Instead the well groomed agent scaled his way up one of the artistic outer towers, continuing his run from there. He wasn't even that sure of what was happening tonight; some big aristocratic event no doubt. No place for an agent, much less a shamed agent... Still, it was worth a visit. Who knew, perhaps some high class types would run into trouble from opportunist thieves, giving Swift the chance to play hero. It was a long shot, yet better than standing around aimlessly. Or worse, hunting down a nonexistent Alicorn in the grubby underworld... The agent's mind returned to the defences he'd helped set up earlier against the cultists. He wondered if they really were planning to sneak in and steal from the treasury, and how well they'd fare against Whitegold defences. Swift skidded to a halt, the faint sounds from below indicating that he'd come to the right place. Singing. So it was a concert then... not something that Swift would usually have been interested in, but he stayed nevertheless. There was something about the almost distant singing from below that calmed him, and the agent lay upon the roof listening sadly. It seemed almost as if he'd lost something after his position as top agent was revoked. Inspiration to act perhaps, a sort of flair that came with high ranking. The tune continued, and Swift lay alone on the roof; no dashing around, or waiting for something to happen. Just... Listening...

House Whitegold Manehattan Director's Office-Across City Upon the Gale bursting into the room, Swift glanced back at the door, startled by the sudden arrival. After she had finished giving her message, and the director had finished giving his commands, Swift saluted half heartedly, before discreetly leaving on his mission. As he left, sticking to the shadows and moving stealthily through the alleys of Manehattan, Swift thought upon the turn of events. So even Gale had been given a spying task in another city... Gale! Typical, and he was stuck here conducting hopeless searches and delivering messages... And speaking of messages, he now had a decent task to complete. So, those sociopaths calling themselves a cult had plans for an artefact in the treasury. He was surprised; He didn't think that the cult were concise enough to make plans, much less execute them. He neared the main military compound, passing by the guards without pause, and ascending floors to the military command centre at the top. He had little hope for the army being able to successfully stop the cultists from entering the city, but it was worth a shot. The most important thing right now would be to... Swift trailed off as he finished crossing the room to meet the general; a stocky, well dressed stallion hovering over an Equestrian map. His subordinates moved in to guard him as Swift approached, and so the agent spoke up, his voice a bored drawl. "I come bearing a warning from our intelligence. There's a rumour of cultists heading here to steal something from the treasury, so if I were you, I'd up the ante on your border guards for the next few days." With that, and without waiting for an answer, Swift was gone, moving onto the next task. After reaching the Arcane science district, Swift moved silently to one of the impressive towers. He knew exactly where to go; he knew upper-Manehattan like the back of his well groomed hoof. The tower he had entered was centred around magical defences for Whitegold, and upon reaching the top, he approached the head of Arcane defence. This time, the message would have to be delivered exactly and carefully. Unlike the military blockheads, these mages were careful and precise. "I've come with a message," He began casually, "from our foreign intelligence. It seems that a group of cultists intend to steal something from the treasury, I'm sure that you probably have an idea of what it might be. I've been ordered to give you advice to defend the treasury using whatever complex spells are necessary, I'll leave that to you to decide." With that, and a subtle bow, Swift was gone again, sprinting from the tower, his hoofbeats silent on the cobbles. That was all that he could really do for now... It would be impossible to close all the expensive goods stores; Manehattan was full of them, and he doubted that they would cut out a days sales on the advice of a simple agent. A... class 2 agent... Swift bitterly reminded himself. The best that he could hope would be that the dealers would have sufficient defences against any thieving cultists, and there was one fact that he knew about aristocratic dealers. They'd kill over money... And so, his tasks complete, and Manehattan's defences set, Swift melted away once again into the shadows. Now what? He'd heard that tonight there was an important event happening in the artisan district. Maybe he'd investigate... (OOC, okay for all that official and NPC warning stuff, I just used my imagination on how they'd work officially... so if there are any errors then that's my bad.)

House Whitegold Manehattan Undercity Swift suddenly realised that while he had been dwelling on the past, he'd just been standing in the Undercity, ignored by the passing citizens, and blocking the walkway. Embarrassed at himself, Swift immediately started to walk again, his stance indicating authority and class. This sudden change startled some of the surrounding ponies, citizens who had no doubt grown up to fear those of high power and status. That was a good thing too, without fear there was no order... Swift continued to walk through the chaos and decay of Whitegold's underbelly, getting more and more frustrated with each step. What was the director thinking? Even if there was an Alicorn down here, it'd be like searching for a needle in a haystack. A needle with wings and magic that was... He had to persuade his commander to either switch his mission, or at least give him a lead into the case. Anything would do... sightings, rumours... At last, Swift turned, heading back the way he'd come. This was futile... He passed through the Undercity, returning to the surface before heading on home. And by home, Swift meant the 03 HQ. He reached 'The Wall', moving past the military checkpoint without hassle and into the compound behind. His main base wasn't far from there, and Swift reached it in just a couple of minutes. He approached the director's office, knocking simply, before entering. "Sir..." Swift began casually, "I'm reporting back from my task of locating an Alicorn within the Undercity. After a quick scan there, I have discovered that the rumours of an Alicorn were just that. The only thing that I've discovered is that the Undercity is still a cesspit." Swift tossed his mane back, and continued in his drawn out manner. "So, I'm requesting a new directive sir. Perhaps something that I could get my teeth into..." (OOC, so I guess that someone else will play the director?)

House Whitegold Manehattan The Undercity Swift scowled, once again cursing his bad luck. An Alicorn? As if! It was just another example of paranoia from those in high command... They get some intel that other houses are experimenting on Alicorns, and the next thing... To be honest, it was more bad luck than anything else. Bad luck that round about the time that rumours of rival experimentation started to surface, rumours of an Alicorn in the Undercity also surfaced. If they wanted an Alicorn so badly, then why didn't they send soldiers? Why bother an agent with such a wild goose chase? Swift looked disdainfully at his surroundings, the filthy structures, the stained ground, the hurried ponies. Sure was a far-cry from the illustrious environment that he was used to. Maybe if the top agents weren't stationed in secret within the other houses, then he wouldn't have been given such a futile task. Then again, in his mind he was the best agent within the 03... Maybe if he was to find an Alicorn within this mess of an Undercity, then he'd finally get that promotion to a class one. Of course, he'd been a class one until a few months ago... Until that disaster that had claimed half the agents, and left him shamed. Working his way back from that was going to be a task an a half, but it would be worth it to once again rise to the top. The other agents had only kept their positions because they weren't clever enough to run away... He stopped suddenly, the filthy crowd pushing past him without curtesy. If there was an Alicorn down here, then he'd find it. (OOC Wasn't sure how to post, or where to fit into Whitegold, so if I've made a mistake, then let me know.)

Wait, this still hasn't started yet? I thought I'd missed the begining, but... Man... I hope this will be worth all the planning..

Loro was surprised to find that the town was inhabited, and his explorations for mechanical parts were cut short. He couldn't risk being seen... Rift had said that this place was safe, but he still didn't trust the ponies that he saw waking around Hoofington. Sticking to the shadows, Loro returned to the hotel. He nodded to Rift as he entered, heading up to the room. Aura was asleep, tossing and turning a little, and so Loro had to remain quiet.

Realising his own defeat, Salem shot a menacing look firstly at Standoff and Red, and then at Inkscape. He slunk back off into the night, the sounds of combat echoing through the surrounding streets. This place was out of control... If he wanted to get anywhere, then he would have to stamp this out... And that would be easier said than done.

Loro staggered about after the warp, before falling flat on his back. "That was a teleport alright..." he said weakly, staring at the room ceiling. Eventually, he gathered enough strength to sit upright. He was alone in a safe location... It was round about time to work out where he was. It sure wasn't a tunnel, the wide open spaces and towering buildings made sure of that. Not to mention of course, the warring city, shadow demons, mammal inhabitants... It made Loro's head hurt to thing of it, and so he decided to turn his attention to the depot machine he'd attempted. It had been a total failure, more dangerous than useful... An idea hit him. Rift's wrist band! How had he not seen it before?! Rift could teleport around, and if he managed to replicate the system then he could get home! But what about his friends? They'd need some help fighting off the bad guys. Loro whirred thoughtfully, then hopped off the bed. He'd need to gather some more materials... The dragon slipped out of the inn unnoticed, and slunk into the town in search of yet more machine parts.

Salem flailed uselessly against Standoff's grip, his tail caught in a vice like grip. The lizard resorted to slashing out at his captor with razor sharp talons in an attempt to free himself. All of his previous confidence had vanished in place of shock. How were these ponies so powerful!? He'd never met a foe that he couldn't defeat, in all his time as a commander of the desert. Realisation hit him. He'd never met a more powerful foe... because he'd never been out of the desert. He'd been the big fish out there, but here... Salem stopped struggling, and hung from his tail, head held low in defeat.

Speedway smirked. He'd gotten a rise out of Iron! She didn't really seem to care, but it was a start! So, what next? How to cause some trouble... His mind returned to Iron's words. 'Street Racer'... With that, Speedway charged along the road, pushing ponies out of his way, before taking off and speeding across the town at head hight. The citizens were forced to jump out of the way indignantly as he flew past.

Speedway scowled back at Iron Wing. So she had remembered him... well, he could pass it off or something... He was totally caught in the moment, the thrill of braking his usual character filling him. "Quite the popular pony aren't you ma'am." he sneered mockingly at Iron. "Or are these backup troops? They are aren't they... what's wrong, can't handle this two bit town alone?" He felt bad for openly insulting someone who had shown no aggression towards him, but quickly passed it off. Iron was a strong pony, she could handle insults... besides, he needed the practice.

As Speedway reached Ponyville, he also reached a conclusion. He should practice his aggressive personality while he was here. Besides... it would make a change from being weak all the time, from being too nervous to even talk, let alone make friends. As he walked through the town, pushing past other ponies, he noticed the tower again. Best way to make an impression? Hassle the local police! Except... she'd seen what he was really like... she'd know that this was just an act... Nah. This town was full of ponies, she wouldn't remember him. He approached the tower, noticing another group of ponies gathered outside. Uh oh... there were too many... but it was too late. He couldn't back out now, and so he continued towards Iron Wing.

Finally! He was there, the mighty city of Canterlot. In all its beauty, the colt nearly forgot what he had come for, but memories of the carnage that had befallen his friends quickly got him back on track. He ran up to the nearest guard, and began to fumble in his battered saddlebag. At last, Collision pulled out the letter triumphantly. "Got a letter for Celestia!" he announced to the guard. The guard responded by sighing, and replying boredly. "Nice try kid. Run on home, Celestia is too busy for your games." Collision looked back at the guard uncertainly. "Okay..." he replied, pushing the letter back into his bag. "So, the castle is that way huh?" "Yeah," the guard replied, "It's just over..." Before he could finish, Collision bolted off towards the castle, leaving the guard behind. "I'll deliver it by hand then!" he shouted back to the stunned soldier.

Speedway yawned loudly, and awoke stiffly on the grass-free patch of earth that he had fallen asleep on. "Just one more day to kill..." Speedway said to himself. He was determined to make it last, and enjoy himself in his last day. He headed down into Ponyville, as unsure as ever.

"Uhh..." Loro replied uncertainly. "I guess that safety in numbers would be a good idea... If we could find Rift, then maybe he can... warp us there or something." he tilted his head thoughtfully. "But finding Rift could be hard. If he can teleport then he could be anywhere! Searching for him here will be pretty dangerous.

Oh god... Twinkle Snow boss from sonic advance 3. Son of a... that thing was stupidly hard! What is eggman even doing anyway? Surely by now he's realised that he's never going to win...

Loro stared blankly at the wrecked warehouse. "Wow... I really need to work on my technical skills..." he said sadly to himself, before returning to full attention, and facing Aura. "Rift always seems to be running off someplace, or rather... warping off..." There was an explosion from far off in the distance, and Loro winced. "We should find some cover; There are too many guards and shadowy things out here. Man, this place is so confusing! Everything seems to try and kill me... Cept you and Rift that is."

Salem creeped through the streets, heading for the group he'd seen. As he rounded a corner however, he was shocked by the sight that met him. The changeling troops had been floored, and they littered the streets. The culprits? Two painfully familiar faces... Those mercinaries! They seemed to be protecting another pony, while wiping out the troops that attacked. Hissing loudly, Salem ducked and dodged around the heaps of changelings, before lashing at Red with razor claws. His tail whipped around to strike Standoff, the hardened scales moving with reptilian speed.

Loro looked in shock at the open door that Rift had run through. "Should we follow him, or..." The ore dragon trailed off, looking back at his machine. It was spitting sparks everywhere, overheating with excess energy. "I don't think that thing is gonna last much longer Aura... we should get out of here..." With that, Loro darted out of the warehouse door, skidding to a halt, then looking back at Aura.

That's cool bro XDAnyways, I'll probably go and explore or something... so yeah, who knows what'll happen!

Speedway watched as the dragon suddenly flew off, and he tilted his head in confusion. Had he... scared it off? No... the dragon probably hadn't seen him. Maybe it had something to do with the red Pegasus he'd seen flying away. Speedway briefly considered flying after him, after all... dragons rarely flew after ponies for fun. They were dangerous. He shrugged, and collapsed to the ground, lying on his back as the day rapidly ended.

Salem rose to his feet, hearing the changeling alarm. He grimaced at the pain in his jaw, and spat blood. The rebels here were out of control! Sneaking around... attacking officers! The lizard scaled one of the walls again, and stood on the roof, surveying the area. The two mercenaries were walking through a small side street, and Salem nearly tore after them in anger. But there were more important matters... a huddled group of ponies crouched behind a wall a couple of streets away. Silently, Salem descended to the streets again, moving towards their location.

Salem hissed loudly in pain, before realising his mistake. He struggled against Red, before sliding from his grasp and rolling across the roof. Getting shakily to his feet, Salem finally got a good look at his attacker. "You again?!? You just lost me some rebel spies!" Salem exclaimed, allowing his anger to overcome him.

Salem was carefully following the two mercenaries, when he heard something echoing from above. Light Hoofsteps on the... rooftops. The lizard smirked to himself, before slinking out of the fading light and scaling one of the walls. He quickly lay flat, watching the small group move past. Ponies... Salem slunk after them.

Speedway began to walk along the hill, still staring into the sky. A red Pegasus passed overhead, flying frantically and the occasional songbird flitted in the noon light. Speedway stumbled, and his gaze fell upon a clearing ahead. "The dragon..." Speedway muttered in wonder. It looked dejected, sitting alone in the fading light, and Speedway thought briefly before heading down towards him along the hill. He had no idea what his aim was, yet he continued nevertheless.