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

[Gloomfury 243]

@@nx9100,

 

Malachi could see that her heart has gotten darker. But there was still light. She must have seen something really bad to make the darkness grow. But it was a good thing that it didn't completely take over her, which made her still fill shame. Malachi kept his small smile and got closer to her. He lift her chin up with a hoof so he could look into her eyes. The look he gave her was filed with love and understanding with no hint of disappointment or anger. "I missed you." He then gave her a loving kiss.

[Gatekeeper Giggle 2,902]

 

 

@Stormgiggle,   "Easy control?" Ennex asked, taking a seat in his large green-leather chair behind his desk, "You have my attention."  He leaded forward, pressing his front hoofs together in front of him.  "I take it you have a proposal for me?"

Dividend Yield laughed. "Easy? I believe that you will find that nothing worthwhile will is ever easy, Mr. Ennex. And this proposal is most definitely worthwhile. I have a step by step plan that can take complete control of this city, but I need your help to do it, and you can't do it without me. You don't have the vast resources necessary to pull of the plan I have in mind, and I need your knowledge of Manehatten to pull it off. You've been operating here for years, you know the lay of the land far better then I. But, before we get into the details of the plan, I want to make one thing very clear. If we're going to do this, it has to be as full partners! A 50/50 split of the profits for each of us! If we can't work as partners, then the plan is doomed from the start, because we need to be able to trust each other for this to work!" Dividend Yield stuck out his hoof, clearly expecting Ennex to shake it. "So what do you say? Partners?"

 

@@Unicorncob,

@,

 

Unbeknownst to Caliber and the mysterious thief, Rhythmic Rhapsodist had secretly followed Caliber after their conversation, and had watched the whole conflict from the rooftops. For now he was perfectly content to watch from the shadows...

[P-Jay 1,987]

caliber sighed, and adopted a defeated face. "fine you win. no telling anyone, and anything. here," caliber said as he tossed up the golden apple. "you can have that too, just make sure you dont tell anyone you outmaneuvered me.

 

'heh, checkmate' he thought 'he dosent know...'

[Unicorncob 5,681]

@

 

Ghost chuckled as he caught the apple in his wing and put it into his saddlebag for later.

 

"My lips are sealed, my friend, just make sure yours are as well," he warned, putting a more stern voice on as he pulled the sword back out from the roof, "because I know where you operate, and if I find out you've gone back on your word, I'll be back for this, and I won't return it so easily."

 

With that, he tossed the sword down, and disappeared across the roof.

[P-Jay 1,987]

caliber caught the sword, and, after making sure it was in its sheath, he turned around and looked into the darkness.

 

"whoevers out there, show yourself." caliber said loudly to the night.

 

'god, DAMN! is manehatten always like this? something always around the corner? if so, i like it here!' caliber thought.

[Unicorncob 5,681]

@@nx9100

 

Now that that nonsense was dealt with, Ghost could make his return to Ravage. He leapt from rooftop to rooftop, remaining as inconspicuous as possible to the pedestrians below. He'd have to look at his shiny new prize a little later.

 

Once he'd made it to a building right next to Ennex's tower, he slid down a drainpipe into the alley, and looked around for his contact.

 

Hopefully that little run-in with his target's apparent bodyguard hadn't made him late for the meeting, and he also hoped he'd keep his mouth shut about seeing him.

 

Because he wasn't bluffing about coming back for the sword.

[Gatekeeper Giggle 2,902]

Now that both the thief and Caliber were gone, Rhythmic Rhapsodist saw his opportunity. The apartment was now completely unguarded, and whatever safeguards it had in place had most likely been removed. Swooping through the window like the thief had done, he surveyed the apartment. 

 

"Wow! Just look at all this cool zebra stuff!" He said out loud to himself. "These masks are almost certainly priceless, one-of-a-kind antiquities. And who knows what wondrous effects all these potions have?" He took all the masks off the wall, gathering them in a pile in the middle of the floor. He took whatever potions he could keep, and left the rest where they were. "Whoever owns this apartment, it probably took them years to put all this stuff together." He then went under the kitchen sink, pulling out some choice chemicals. Next he looked around the apartment until he found some matches. "Ah well, ashes to ashes, dust to dust." He soaked the masks, and a large portion of the apartment in chemicals, and then dropped a lit match on top of the masks. There was a loud WHOOSH, and the pile of masks went up in flames. Rhythmic Rhapsodist gleefully watched as the fire grew higher, and then flew out the window when it was no longer safe to remain inside. "Well, that's step one done. Now, for the next step..." He muttered to himself, flying back to Ennex's place. 

[nx9100 1,013]

@@Gloomfury,

 

 Sakuya allowed herself to melt into him, thankful that he didn't appear put off by her anger.  Maybe he understands, she thought, maybe he still sees some light left in me.  During the trip back from Cloudsdale, she had been doubting herself, wondering if she had completely given into the darkness.  But Malachi's actions convinced her that she still had some light left deep down.  Breaking the kiss, she smiled at him.  "Just hold me," she said, nuzzling against him...

 

-----------------

 

@,

 

 Ennex grinned.  So, he wants my help?  This could prove interesting.  He took a moment to think it over.  But what about Malachi?  I mean, we only agreed to work together on the casino, not business in general.  Coming to a decision, he stood up, reached across the desk, and shook Dividend's hoof.  "Agreed," he said.  "Assuming I like and approve of your plans, then we have an accord.  Now," he sat back down, "tell me what I can do for you..."

 

-------------------

 

@@Unicorncob,

 

 Ravage stepped out from the shadows.  "You're late," he said, his deep voice free of any sort of annoyance or emotion.  "Were you able to complete the task I sent you on?"

[Gloomfury 243]

@@nx9100,

 

Malachi dropped his bat and hold Sakuya close to him. One hoof rubbing her back gently  the other running though her mane. He lightly res his head on top of hers, nuzzling her back lovingly. He thought it was best that he didn't say anything else till she wanted to. A sew of the workers stopped to watch them. But an evil look from his demon eye made them keep walking.  He then went back to comforting her.

[Unicorncob 5,681]

@@nx9100

 

Ghost perked up and turned, his contact standing there beyond the shadows. He was good at that, he noticed.

 

"Apologies, I was...delayed," he explained, fishing out the envelope from his saddlebag, "your info's right here, on the blank side. There was a door I couldn't open, some kind of enchantment on it."

 

As he hoofed the envelope to Ravage, he took the free minute to inspect this golden apple from earlier...and noticed something peculiar with it.

A tracking spell? He hissed in his head. That stallion actually thought ahead?!

 

He'll have to discard this, fast.

[P-Jay 1,987]

caliber stoped at the site to see malachi and sayuka nuzzling, double r was gone, but so was ennex and that one guy. diamond-something. he walked over to sayuka and handed her the box. "here ya go! just like you asked. now, if you'll excuse me, ill be on top of the car. thinking." like he said, he jumped up and started to polish his sword, thinking. 'huh. that ghost character is now in the building over there...but who works there? and what would they want with sayuka? aarrrggh. i cant think straight. i need something to eat.' he thought as he took out some crackers and munched down on them

[nx9100 1,013]

@@Gloomfury, @, 

 

Giving Malachi a final squeeze, Sakuya moved free, and took the check Caliber brought her.  "Thank you Caliber," she said, wincing once more when noticing his horn.  Looking down, she muttered a strange phrase, and waved a hoof over the keyhole.  With a 'click', the lid popped.  She pushed it all the way open, and studied the contents.  Two pouches, one corked bottle, and a small picture frame, depicting a smaller version of herself next to a Zebra mare...

 

--------

 

@@Unicorncob, 

 

Ravage took the envelope, casting a questioning look at Ghost.  "Couldn't get in a room?" he asked.  "I assumed somepony with your skills would have found some way in."  He studied the notes written down.  Nothing I haven't seen there myself, he thought.  Then, one detail caught his attention.  A locked chest?  That was not present when I infiltrated the apartment.  Perhaps something to follow up with...  "What was the delay?  The mare just got back from her errand, and has not returned home yet."

[Unicorncob 5,681]

@@nx9100

 

Ghost cleared his throat as he searched his brain for the right words, casually discarding the apple as if it were nothing but trash, allowing it to roll onto the street. Hopefully some curious foal would pick it up.

 

"Yes well, that's actually why I couldn't get the door open. I was working on it, then this stallion entered. I took cover and watched him take the chest and leave."

 

He took another glance behind him. "He took his time in the apartment, that caused my delay."

Edited March 7, 2015 by Unicorncob

[P-Jay 1,987]

caliber perked up. while sayuka was talking. "sorry, gotta go!!" he said and booked.

 

after running for a few minutes, he saw his apple on the street. some hobo was about to pick it up.

caliber came to a stop and pulled his sword and pointed it at the hobo. "best run, man." he said.

 

after the hobo was gone, caliber looked at the golden apple. huh. he looked around, and saw two shady characters talking in a allyway. then with a perfect toss, made the apple roll right between them.

Edited March 7, 2015 by Peytonjay

[Gatekeeper Giggle 2,902]

 

 

Ennex grinned.  So, he wants my help?  This could prove interesting.  He took a moment to think it over.  But what about Malachi?  I mean, we only agreed to work together on the casino, not business in general.  Coming to a decision, he stood up, reached across the desk, and shook Dividend's hoof.  "Agreed," he said.  "Assuming I like and approve of your plans, then we have an accord.  Now," he sat back down, "tell me what I can do for you..."

 

Dividend Yield smiled as he and Ennex shook hooves. "I'm glad we could reach an agreement. I look forward to working with you." After the hoofshake, Divided Yield's expression got much more serious as he got down to business. "Now, the first stage of the plan is the hardest to accomplish, but it is the most important step, and the most rewarding. To control the city, we must first control the police. To do that, we convince and coerce the city into privatizing it's police force. I'll go hire a battalion of griffon mercenaries, and organize them into a private security company. I'll then approach city hall, and acting the part of a concerned citizen worried about the safety of the city, and convince them to replace their current police force with my private security company. Meanwhile, you use your... talents to blackmail, bribe, and coerce the politicians to vote in favor of our scheme.  If they vote in our favor, then all is well, but if they don't then I have a contingency plan in place. All we'll need to then is stage a series of high profile crimes across the city, while using the media to convince the public that the police force is woefully ineffective. The politicians will be under so much public pressure, that they'll have to go along with our plan. After the police force belongs to us, then we enact stage two..."

[nx9100 1,013]

@@Unicorncob,@,

 

"Another pony was there?" Ravage said, his voice slightly shocked.  "Tell me you did not-"  

He paused mid-sentence, as a golden apple rolled in between the two of them.   In an instant, his head was turned around, eyes glued to Caliber.  The unicorn.  His eyes quickly glanced around, noticing Sakuya and Malachi nearby, along with other ponies wandering down the street.  If he made a move here, everypony would see it, and no doubt call authorities.  This was NOT going the way he preferred.  He committed the unicorn's likeness to memory, as his red eyes bored into Caliber.  "Deal with this," he said to Ghost, "I will meet you later at the Pier 13 warehouse*."  Then, eyes still glaring at Caliber, he melted back into the shadows...

 

*same warehouse they were at before

 

--------------------------

 

@,

 

Ennex sat quietly, while Dividend laid out his plans.  "An interesting plan," he said, when the other finished.  "Normally, I try to avoid interacting with politicians, as they bring too much media attention."  He grinned.  "While my Company operates legitimate businesses, I prefer to keep my... other dealings, more behind the scenes."  He leaned back in his chair.  "If you could, I would rather keep things a bit more, discrete.  Allowing the leaders to appear to be in control while I, excuse me, WE, control things from the shadows, allows for much more freedom, I find.  But, if you feel this is the best course of action..."

[Unicorncob 5,681]

@@nx9100

@

 

Ghost let out a grunt of exasperation as he watched the golden apple roll between him and Ravage, and turned to see Caliber standing into the alley.

 

He listened to the larger stallion's instructions, and nodded in compliance. Normally, he wouldn't take orders from anypony while on a job, but it was absolutely necessary that he dealt with his nuisance here and now.

 

"So," he spoke up to Caliber, "before we do this, humour me. Did you have a particular reason for tracking me?"

[P-Jay 1,987]

"im sayukas bodyguard. im pretty sure that means to find out everything about anything that could threaten her. that, and you lied. dontcha wish you told the truth now? now..." caliber said as he unsheathed his sword. "what do you mean by 'before we do this?' surely you dont think you could dispose of me, do you?"

[Unicorncob 5,681]

@

 

Ghost let out a loud, long sigh through his nose.

"Your little 'noble hero' act is getting really tiresome," he chided, rolling his eyes beneath his mask, "and I don't recall lying to you. I told you who I was, and I chose to keep my reasons to myself."

 

"Honestly, if you'd follow a pony to the ends of the world for lying to you, you obviously haven't got much to do with your time," he carried on, half hoping his little comments would leave this hothead careless enough for him to make an escape. "Ponies lie, I know it's a big shock but that's how it is."

[P-Jay 1,987]

"yeah, i dont really have much to do. i mean, hello? traveler? but what do you mean by noble? shit, I'll kill you right here and now." caliber said his eyes darkening "there's a reason i don't stay in towns long. but i wont. you seem like a reasonable guy. why don't you give me that mask, and tell me your real name. ill let you live then. as a sign of humility. well? whats it gonna be?"

 

'that mask is one that belongs to someone whos never been caught. heh, pretty awesome trophy.' caliber thought

Edited March 7, 2015 by Peytonjay

[Unicorncob 5,681]

@

 

Ghost smirked beneath his mask. Good, he's getting nice and angry.

 

"There are two things wrong with what you just said," he explained, holding up his left hoof, "One; you couldn't catch me last time, what makes now any different?" His hoof lowered, and the right one went up. "Two; If I gave away my identity to somepony pointing a weapon at me, I wouldn't be a very good thief, now would I?"

 

He shook his head, and took a glance behind him. "No, I think I'll keep my mask, and my identity, to myself. Why don't you go find a liar to stalk? I'm sure there are plenty of politicians in this city."

[P-Jay 1,987]

caliber grinned "first off, i let you get away. the tracking spell would be kinda useless if i got you. whos your big buddy? second off, your buddy said to deal with me. deal with this, to be accurate. so your not gonna run. third off, you lieing isn't the only thing making me track you. you broke into sayukas apartment, remember? the lier bit is just extra fuel. nothing more." caliber began to walk towards him "and its a shame that you wont oblige. really is. ill just have to take that mask by force."

 

'ill have to disable him before he gets a chance to run...'

 

caliber kicked the apple at his leg. then rushed forward with his sword

 

((about to play chess, might not reply in a hour or so))

[Unicorncob 5,681]

@

 

"Pfft," Ghost scoffed, smirking with bemusement, "come and take it then."

 

He easily dodged the apple, watched as Caliber advanced. Wait for it...

 

Once he was close enough, he leapt up, leapfrogging on the unicorn's head and landing gracefully on the ground, using the momentum to lunge onto the drainpipe and back onto the roof.

 

He'd turn around and make a snarky quip at the wanderer's expense, but his priority was to lose him, and now. So he quickly leapt from rooftop to rooftop, occasionally gliding into and alley and climbing back up a wall to make sure he'd lose him.

[P-Jay 1,987]

 

'he wants to play, lets play' caliber thought and teleported to a roof top near him. 'argh, cant teleport anymore. its to much strain...'

 

caliber began to leap buildings as well, always keeping one or two rooftops close, and trying to close that gap. 'i will not fail.' caliber thought. 'and when i catch him, im gonna flay him alive'

Edited March 7, 2015 by Peytonjay

[Unicorncob 5,681]

@

 

Ghost glanced over his shoulder and spotted a grey figure a few rooftops behind. He swore under his breath and kept going.

This stallion is way more trouble than he's worth.

 

He glided down into an alley and took a quick look around him. Some trash cans, a wooden fence into another alley, and a drainage pipe onto another roof.

 

I can use this.

 

He ducked behind the trash cans and awaited the stallion's inevitable arrival. He didn't have enough time to change, but perhaps...