open Nothing personal, it's just business...

[nx9100 1,013]

@@Gloomfury,@,  @, 

 

"Glad to have your approval," Ennex replied to Malachi, while watching the workers go about their business.  "Knowing this project is being handled by a reliable outfit puts my mind at ease.  As for why we are here," he said, turning to Caliber, "this is an important project for my organization.  And-" a glance at Malachi "-for our investors.  I want to keep a close eye on things, to make sure everything goes according to the plan.  And I don't remember any talk of food," he commented, raising an eyebrow.  "You are free to wander if you wish.  I thought you would want to get familiar with the project to give Sakuya an update when she returns."  He noticed the near-golden colored pony was waiting at the entrance to the site.....

Edited February 16, 2015 by nx9100

[P-Jay 1,987]

"you said you knew several restaurants. thats knda the reason i got in the carrige. but! i guess ill be content with just tagging along. for now." caliber said "and your right. sakuya would like an update on the construction. i think. and you said i could wander around? thats cool and all but ill just stay here. i might get lost. so what do ponys like yourself do for fun?" he said, looking at malachi

[Gatekeeper Giggle 2,902]

@@nx9100,

 

Dividend Yield saw the carriage pull up to the construction site. Curious as to who it could be, he discreetly looked inside. He was startled to find Ennex inside. Oh, he didn't know for sure that it was Ennex, but who else could it be? The stallion's posture, demeanor, body language, and appearance all pointed towards somepony who was used to being in command; somepony who was ready to kill at a moment's notice. The other ponies around him were no doubt bodyguards of some sort. This wasn't in the plan, Dividend would just have to improvise.  He walked up to the carriage. 

 

"Greetings! Do you know where I can find a Mr. Ennex?"

[Unicorncob 5,679]

The pegasus entered one of Manehattan's most lavish hotels and received his room key from the front desk; the stallion behind it was called in advance regarding his arrival by his butler. His luggage had already been moved up into a luxury suite on one of the higher floors. He entered the elevator and took the journey up to his room, entering to find a suitcase and briefcase on the large bed.

 

He fished out a small key from his saddlebag and inserted it into the small slot on the briefcase, clicking it open, and inspected its contents.

 

Excellent, he nodded with a smirk as he approached the bed. Everything's here. I'll make sure Bucksworth is payed a little extra for this.

 

He closed the briefcase and tucked it beneath his wing, then exited the hotel room, down the elevator, and left the hotel itself.

 

Back toward Ennex's building.

[nx9100 1,013]

@,

 

"I am Ennex," he replied, studying the formal-looking golden pony standing there.  "Ah, you must have been my morning appointment.  My apologies for the change in venue, but my attention was required outside of the office this morning."  He waved a hoof around the site.  "My latest project, a new casino-hotel, right in the heart of the city."  Suddenly, he remembered his companions.  "Where are my manners?  This is Malachi, my business partner for this project.  And," he pointed to Caliber, "Caliber, who works for an associate of mine."

[Unicorncob 5,679]

The pegasus returned to Ennex's office building, making sure he avoided the guards' vision as he slunk into an alleyway. He took careful glances behind him to make sure nopony had followed. A tension was heating up in his chest; he'd never attempted this in broad daylight before, but there was always a first for everything.

 

He sneaked behind some trash cans, just beneath a fire escape, and pawed at the ground, making sure it was nice and dry. Nodding, he set the briefcase down and fished the small key back out of his saddlebags, inserting it into the briefcase lock and clicking it open.

 

 

He quickly pulled off his black shirt and folded it before setting it on the ground next to him, taking another quick glance out to make sure he was still alone. He took off his saddlebags and sat down on the ground.

The first item he grabbed from the briefcase was a small tube of 'Quick-Drying Cutie Mark Removal Paint'; some makeup he'd 'borrowed' from his sister. He opened the tube and carefully lathered the moist tip over his flanks, his cutie mark completely disappearing. The makeup easily came off with soapy water, so there was no danger. As the name suggested, it took at least half a minute for the paint to completely dry up.

 

Once done, he reapplied the tube's lid and set it back in, pulling out another item from the briefcase; a pure white formal shirt. He pulled it on and buttoned it up, adjusting it so it sat comfortably on his small frame. Here, he put his saddlebags back on his back.

Next was a long, black cloak, which he pulled over himself and clipped on so it sat nice and tight, but not enough to cause discomfort.

Finally, the most important part of this strange ensemble; a perfect white felt mask, the eyes slitted for a slight intimidation factor should he ever be seen. He slipped it on and tied the long tags tight around his head. The hood of his cloak went over his head.

 

Finally changed, he set his black shirt into the briefcase and closed it, propping it against a trash can out of sight. He re-emerged from behind the cans and gracefully leapt onto the fire escape, slinking up each stairwell until he reached the roof. He could feel the sun bear down on his cloaked body, but not enough to cause discomfort.

 

Now then, where's that little patch? He mulled, sneaking carefully around the space for an entrance point.

[nx9100 1,013]

@@Unicorncob,

 

The wall panel slid open, and Ravage stepped out into his employer's empty office.  The lights were off, and the sunlight shining through the windows behind the desk cast shadows around the room.  As the hidden panel slid shut behind him, molding itself seamlessly into the wall, he took a look around.  Where is he? Ravage thought to himself.  I was not informed of any change in venue!  But this kind of thing happened more often then he preferred, which caused him no end of annoyance.  After all, how was he supposed to provide decent protection, if he didn't even know where his charge was?

 

He turned to head out the main door to check with the secretary on Ennex's location (which would no doubt frighten her as she thought the office was empty), when something caught his attention.  A slight creek, so soft most ponies would never hear it.  But his military-trained senses did, making him pause, and slowly look around the room.  A rodent, this far up the tower?, he thought.  Another, almost unhearable creek.  No, an intruder I believe.  If so, somepony has made a grave error.  Moving with the greatest stealth, he slowly crept back into the corner of the room, his black fur and bodysuit causing him to practically vanish into the shadows.  Using techniques learned long ago, he slowed his breathing and heartbeat, carefully controlling both to avoid detection.  This should prove interesting, he thought, watching the window for any sign of his prey....

Edited February 19, 2015 by nx9100

[Unicorncob 5,679]

@@nx9100

 

The disguised stallion found the hole in the roof, and carefully peered inside. It was darkened, with light coming from the windows and shadows all around. Perfect for if any annoyingly curious security decided to pop in.

Before he entered, he reached into his saddlebags and grabbed two pairs of white socks, slipping them onto each hoof. Wouldn't be wise to leave any prints, now would it?

 

He slipped through the entrance with ease, landing light as a feather on the floor. He took a cautious look around the office, not detecting a single soul in the room. Though he couldn't shake the feeling he was being watched, but he hadn't seen any security cameras.

 

He dismissively shook his head and got to work, grabbing the small artefacts and slipping them into his saddlebags. Hopefully he'd have enough room for each one.

 

He still hadn't shaken off that feeling somepony was watching him, though that may be the jitters from working in daylight as opposed to the omnipotent cowl of night. Regardless, he decided not to take too much time and get in and out quickly.

[nx9100 1,013]

Ah, from the ceiling, Ravage noticed, eyes studying the hastily-applied patchwork above the center of the room.  That should have been obvious.  I am shamed.  He watched the masked intruder carefully gather up some of the items around the room.  With the way he was moving, it was clear to Ravage that this pony was experienced in his own right.  He has done this before, and is no doubt skilled in slipping away.  I must be quick.  Deciding that the time was right, he quietly stepped out from the shadows, standing tall, holding his head at full height.  Appearances, after all, were everything in first impressions, and he knew how to appear intimidating.  A few more silent steps to draw closer, to almost a pony-length away...

 

"You will stop," he said, his deep, (Russian) accented voice full of authority, "and relinquish those items.  Failure to comply would be most, unpleasant...."

[Unicorncob 5,679]

@@nx9100

 

The intruder did indeed stop for the voice behind him, freezing with an artefact in his hoof, and let out a long quiet sigh through his nose. His hunch was correct.

 

Not even turning around, he regarded the voice's owner. "You were here the whole time, weren't you? I'm impressed." He slowly turned to look up at the, admittedly, rather intimidating stallion. This guy was much too imposing to be security, lest he scare off every single visitor. He had to be a higher-up; a personal bodyguard, perhaps.

 

"I do intend to return these items, of course," He smirked under his mask, then looked at the artefact in his hoof, examining it, "after I've done a little looking into them. I'm sure your employer wouldn't miss them for a day or two." Even in the face of somepony who could physically tear his small frame in half, he kept his cool; this pony wasn't stupid, perhaps he could see reason.

 

After all, he did intend to return them...provided they weren't too valuable on the market.

[nx9100 1,013]

Now, this was confusing to Ravage.  Plan to return them, he thought, keeping his face still as stone, then why steal in the first place.  The fact that the other was not appearing intimidated by him, nor showing any sign of fear, wasn't lost on Ravage.  He is not just a random intruder.  Rather, a highly-skilled one.  He knows what he is doing, and knows what I can do.  Interesting...  He stood there, letting the silence of the room hang over both of them.  "I am afraid I cannot permit that," he finally said.  "If you only wish to borrow, you need speak with my master.  He might be inclined to allow you to inspect them.  Until then, however," his eyes narrowed, "you will return them, and leave this place."

[Unicorncob 5,679]

@@nx9100

 

"Now where's the fun in 'just asking'?" The burglar chuckled, smirking under the mask's slitted eyes as he looked up at Ravage, "I don't believe anypony in their right mind would even let somepony dressed like this into the building, let alone inspect their collection of rare artefacts. I'm guessing, Zebrican?" He chuckled.

 

He was fully aware that he was risking a possibly fatal beatdown from this colossal stallion, but that was part of the thrill, wasn't it? Evading capture through the narrowest gaps.

"Besides, what's the big deal if I may decide to return them?" He asked, inching ever so slightly back beneath the hole in the roof. "Nopony has to be hurt over a few trinkets, eh?"

[nx9100 1,013]

"A few trinkets," Ravage muttered, eyeing the other's movements.  The ceiling... "What they are does not matter.  You have entered our domain uninvited, and taken from us.  It is simply a matter of honor at this point."  He stepped forward towards the other.  "To allow you your escape at this point would dishonor my oath to my master.  As for being hurt..."  he raised a single hoof, "that depends on your next action.  I ask again, return what you have taken." 

[Unicorncob 5,679]

@@nx9100

 

The pegasus let out another sigh; there's no reasoning with this pony is there? He'd much rather get out of this unscathed...and then again, it's not like he needed all of these, was it?

 

"Alright big guy, you win," he mumbled, setting the artefact in his hoof on the office desk, and emptying his saddlebags of the rest of them...or at least, it looked like all of them. "Kudos to you, you're the first to actually catch me."

 

He sat on his haunches and looked around the office, secretly planning an escape route. "Your employer actually can hire some capable help. Certainly looks like he can afford it, too."

[nx9100 1,013]

Face still frozen and expressionless, Ravage watched as the would-be thief emptied his bags, sat down, and looked around.  Now what is he planning?  "You are correct," he replied.  "He can afford all that he requires.  But I do not desire money.  There are other forces that earn him my loyalty."  The slightest of frowns crossed his face.  "You act like a thief, but move with much greater skill.  I assume you have either developed this on your own, or have been trained."  He dropped his raised hoof back to the ground.  "From that, and your demeanor, I conclude that you are not just a thief looking to steal your livelihood.  Tell me, why are you here?"

 

This one could be useful...

Edited February 19, 2015 by nx9100

[Unicorncob 5,679]

@@nx9100

 

The thief smirked up at Ravage, thinking that while in this persona it was safe to reveal his intentions.

"Would you believe 'simple curiosity'?" He answered, with a slight tilt of the head. "I heard about a big-name crime lord around these parts of the city, so I came and did some digging around. And from what I've seen, it would seem this 'Ennex' would be just the pony I'm looking for."

 

"Don't be mistaken, I'm not here to tear down your boss's enterprise or anything," He chuckled, shaking his head, "I just came looking for a little...challenge, that's all."

[nx9100 1,013]

"Ah, now we get to the truth of the matter," replied Ravage.  "I now of your type.  A thrill seeker.  You are not here to steal out of need or want, but for the simple act, to see if you can get away with it."  And for the first time, his mouth formed the slightest hint of a grin.  "And if it is a challenge you want, I would be more then happy to accommodate you..."

[Unicorncob 5,679]

@@nx9100

 

"Am I that open a book?" The thief chuckled admittedly, "Or are you just that perceptive?" It was true; having a copious wealth at his disposal, he had no need for money. He simply stole for the thrill of it.

 

He caught the grin, and returned the large stallion a smirk. "You would, would you? Please, pray tell."

[nx9100 1,013]

This time, Ravage allowed the grin to cross his face.  He waved a hoof at the broken ceiling tiles, where a red pegasus named Riley had crashed through not a day before.  "Go ahead," he said in his deep voice, "make your attempt.  Do not believe that your small movements have not gone un-noticed."  His legs tensed, as if ready to spring.  "I could use some... exercise today..."

[Unicorncob 5,679]

@@nx9100

 

The thief let out another chuckle, glancing up at the ceiling hole. "Are you that sharp, or was I just that obvious?"

He stood back up, between the desk and the absolute tank of a pony that looked ready to trample him at any given notice. A slow glance to the artefacts still propped on the desktop.

 

"You have a quick head, I'll give you that," he smirked, narrowing his eyes behind the mask, "but, how are your reflexes?"

 

Without warning, he swatted his hoof against one of the Zebra treasures, sending it in Ravage's direction. He then backflipped onto the desktop, using the rebound on his hindlegs to leap up to the hole in the ceiling.

[nx9100 1,013]

His legs already tensed, Ravage leaped after the would-be thief.  Granted, the artifact collided with his chest in midair, but he simply ignored it, and the sharp pain that shot through his chest as it bounced off.  It has been too long since I had a good challenge! he thoughts cried, as he reached after the intruder, just missing the other's hind legs, and grabbed onto edge of the ceiling hole...

[Unicorncob 5,679]

@@nx9100

 

The pegasus leapt up back onto the roof, watching over his shoulder as Ravage grabbed onto the edge of the hole and began pulling himself up.

"Hm, your reflexes are just as good," he nodded, sounding...impressed with his opponent, "that or your resilience. Either way, this chase is still on, if you wish." He back up in the direction of the fire escape, hoping either the stallion would give up or he would provide him a good challenge like he promised.

[nx9100 1,013]

With a growl, Ravage pulled himself up onto the roof, only to find the target backing up in the direction of the fire escape.  "You are resourceful prey," he said.  "It will be an honor to bring you down."  standing up to his height, he slowly approached the other, almost as if stalking him...

[Unicorncob 5,679]

@@nx9100

 

The thief kept his gaze on Ravage as he slowly backed up, leaning down as if to pounce, and then froze in place.

"And you're a resilient hunter," he smirked, "but nopony can say they have caught Ghost yet, and I'd hate to have a mark on my record."

 

With that, he suddenly dashed toward the fire escape, leaping over the rail and rolling forward into a dive, using his wings to glide to the alleyway below.

[nx9100 1,013]

The moment the intruder dashed towards the fire escape, Ravage also took off after him.  While the pegasus had the advantage of flight to assist in his fall to the ground, the Earth-pony had to find other means.  Without hesitation, he leaped off the edge, straight at the wall of the next building.  Using his legs like springs, he pushed off the wall, back at his own building, but on a downward angle.  Continuing this method, he 'bounced' back and forth between the two buildings, eventually making it to the ground.  Taking a moment to level his breath, and ignoring his protesting muscles, he looked around for his prey....