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

[nx9100 1,013]

Glancing at the clock, Ennex sighed.  Her first contract on her own, and she's late, he thought to himself.  Getting from behind his desk, he crossed the office and pushed open the door.  "I'm leaving the building for a while," he told the secretary, "and not sure what time I will return."  Without waiting for a reply, he continued on to the elevator.  Looks like I'll have to go do the delivery myself, he decided.  After riding to the ground floor, he exited the building, heading in the direction of the waterfront...

 

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

 

"Well, if you boys are through with that," Sakuya said, noticing Caliber rubbing his now-sore leg, "I need to continue on."  Let's see how he takes it, she thought.  If he can't handle a single strike, he's no good to me...

[P-Jay 1,987]

caliber grared at him "i said sorry!!" as they began to walk "you're lucky you're my clients friend, or i'd kick you into next week!"

 

"hey!! im talking to you!" caliber ran towards him then back to sakuya "oh and you still haven't told me that idiots name.

 

muttering angrily slashing his sword at the air, he began to walk

Edited February 11, 2015 by Peytonjay

[Unicorncob 5,690]

The pegasus whispered a thank you to the Princesses that things were finally moving along again, and he emerged back onto the street to continue his pursuit. Once again, he kept a few paces behind the party ahead, only taking occasional glances toward them to keep on their trail, so to not alert them.

 

Though, with this Caliber's constant yelling and name-calling, he was starting to wonder if his little mission would be worth all the effort.

[nx9100 1,013]

"Alright, that's enough!" Sakuya snapped at Caliber.  "If you want to work for me, you better back off of Malachi!"  Just to add emphasis, she reached over and rubbed a hoof over Malachi's shoulder affectionately.  "I'd hate to see my... friend... forced to damage you before I can offer a job."  She lowered her eyebrows.  "Good employees are sooo hard to come by these days..."

 

 

(@, remember, he might be busy with life/school/work/etc.  give a chance for him to reply.  example, i'm at work, so if i don't reply, 'cause i'm busy.)

[Gloomfury 243]

"Yeah, you go ahead and think you hot stuff who's shit don't stink. I bet if you didn't have ya sward you'll be nothing but a mook with a high opinion of himself. You're in my city kid, show some respect." He looked over to Sakuya. "Why do you even want to hire  this crap sandwich? I know better guys who who actually have skill."

[P-Jay 1,987]

"tch! id like to see him try to hurt me..." caliber muttered darkly "whatever it dont hurt no more! i dont even care!"

 

'gonna have to be on guard with that one...malachi, was it? gonna have to get him back...maybe cut his tail...' caliber thought 'but at lest i have a job now... seems nice, but...whats the word? manipulative. gonna have to be careful around her, too.'

[nx9100 1,013]

"Simple," Sakuya replied, looking at Caliber.  "Since he's new in town, nopony here will know him.  He'd be able to get around un-noticed, and, most importantly," she lowered her voice, "Ennex won't know who he is either."  She didn't know why, but having somepony working for her who wasn't on her boss's payroll just felt, invigorating... 

Edited February 11, 2015 by nx9100

[Gloomfury 243]

Malachi made a face. "Fine, whatever. But if you want a top notch pony to work for you just ask me and I'll call a friend or two. In fact, I can call my friend I told you about. He may be part of my family but he mostly dose his own thing. But thing against a guard dog is an attack dog." He smirked.

[nx9100 1,013]

"You may be right," she agreed, "but I like the idea of an outsider.  He won't have made any enemies here yet."  She turned back to Caliber.  "Which brings me to my offer.  You see," she took a deep breath, "I work for one of the city's biggest crime bosses.  The only issue is, I'm always being watched by one of his goons, especially he long-time personal"- she glanced at Malachi with a smirk -" 'guard dog'.  What I'd like is somepony working only for me.  Kinda like a bodyguard/assistant sort of thing."  She nodded at his sword.  "And you may get a few chances to use that, as well."

Edited February 12, 2015 by nx9100

[Unicorncob 5,690]

A smirk crept on the pegasus' face once he'd overheard Malachi's words. He liked his style. Maybe, through some insane and quite possibly chaotic turn of events, if he was ever let into this little operation, he might just get along with him. They could take turns calling out Caliber for being a pompous ass.

 

If this guy kept, well, flaunting his sword like this around here, especially with these kinds of ponies, he wouldn't last a week. A wise pony never tries throwing his weight around outside his own territory, lest he gets it thrown back.

 

He kept an ear open and listened in to this lucky stallion's business opportunity.

[P-Jay 1,987]

"hmmm...well i always like cutting stuff..." caliber said "but with the whole crime-boss deal, i'll have to charge extra. but other than that, you got yourself a bodyguard!"

 

'heh, perfect maybe a can get enough bits to get that amulet i saw a couple miles back...' caliber thought

 

"well, i could overlook malachi, but i'll be happy to work." caliber said "so! what do i do first?"

Edited February 11, 2015 by Peytonjay

[nx9100 1,013]

((sorry for delay, real-life stuff and all that.  heading to bed after this....))

 

"Great!" Sakuya said, a big smile covering her face.  "First, though, I have to go on a delivery today."  Their path had finally taken them close to the waterfront, and she pointed to a warehouse across the street.  "You two will have to wait here, or find something else to do until I get back this afternoon-"

 

"So, there you are."  She broke off mid sentence, turning to face a blue stallion in black-rimmed glasses stepping out from the entrance to the warehouse.  "When you didn't show up at the office this morning, I assumed you would be here.  But I see you have been-"  he looked at Malachi "-delayed.  Interesting."  Ennex studied Sakuya with stern eyes, and she winced under his gaze.  "I trust you're ready for your assignment now?"

 

"Yes," she replied quietly, looking away from him.  "I'll be leaving shortly, once the workers are ready to go."

 

"Oh, they already are.  Just waiting for you."  Ennex turned to look at Caliber.  "And you are?"

 

"He's with me," Sakuya said, before Caliber could reply.  She noticed the doubt in Ennex's eyes, probably wonder why she, of all ponies, would hire a unicorn.  "A new, assistant.  You did say I was going to have more duties, right?  I figured I could use some support."  When he didn't reply, she decided to make her exit, and turned to Caliber.  "Remember," she whispered, "you work for me, not him.  Try to stay out of trouble until I get back."  Then, she leaned into Malachi, touching her nose to his cheek.  "Promise this won't take too long.  I'll be back before you know it."  

 

Her movements didn't go unnoticed.  Ennex watched them, eyes blank and expressionless, but the wheels we turning inside his head.  He could tell that something had happened after he left them the previous evening.....

Edited February 12, 2015 by nx9100

[P-Jay 1,987]

calibers thoughts were racing

 

'hmmm...after 'meeting' all of them, ive deduced this much: they've all got darkness in they're hearts...but malachi and sakuya seem not ALL bad. though i certainly won't get malachi anything for his birthday...gonna have to be on guard wit them...especially the one i dont knw...im guessing that this is the crime boss...'

 

after polishing his sword, caliber looked around, and sat down with his eyes closed...

 

'i feel like somethings about to happen, so gotta be on guard...this way, using my sense of smell and hearing, i can detect everything around me. lets see what happens...'

Edited February 12, 2015 by Peytonjay

[Gloomfury 243]

@@nx9100,@,

 

 "I'll be counting the minutes, mio tesoro." He said with a smile before kissing her cheek lightly. He didn't care that others, let alone Ennex were watching. He cared for Sakuya and he didn't care who knew it. "And don't worry, I'll keep an eye out for your little mook." He said flashing Caliber an annoyed look.

[P-Jay 1,987]

'now that i have a client, ive gotta act professional. so, no more outbursts...' caliber thought

 

caliber opened his eyes 'hmmm...its midday, time to make sure none of my stuff hasbeen stolen.as i do every morning, every midday, and every night.'

 

he began taking inventory.

 

"hmmm...got my spellbook, still don't know what it says, perhaps sakuya would know...my sword, of couse. my mask, my golden apple, my fire ruby...wheres my...? oh! here it is. well thats everything. good." he muttered

 

caliber sa back down, waiting.

Edited February 12, 2015 by Peytonjay

[Unicorncob 5,690]

The pegasus, ducked behind a large shipment crate, spied on the little meeting and watched as Sakuya took her leave. It seemed she and this 'Malachi' were an item, could help to keep that in mind.

His original plan was to track her on this little run, but after this new pony entered the picture, it was time for a rewrite.

The way he spoke and carried himself, and Sakuya seems to answer to him. Not to mention the whole professional look about him.

 

There was no doubt this guy was in charge. Possibly this 'Ennex' character he's heard so much about.

 

A smirk crept onto his face. Jackpot.

 

I'm sure Mr. Ennex won't mind if I take a sneaky little look around his little complex here. Or if I slip in through the back door. Nothing wrong with a little sightseeing, right? That's what tourists do, after all.

 

But before all that, he'd have to get closer. Which meant those three over there would have to move. He waited and watched them to see what happened next.

[P-Jay 1,987]

"hm?" caliber opened his eyes 'strange i thought i heard something.' he thought 'hmmm...a thief? no. this soon? i understand my items are valuble, but this is ridiculous. no, its gotta be something else. this guy IS a crime boss, after all. maybe a spy. yes thats probably the answer. maybe if i start listening again ill find out something. after all, not a lot can get past my other senses. just gonna have to wait.'

 

again caliber closed his eyes.

[Unicorncob 5,690]

A glint suddenly caught the pegasus's eye, and he glanced toward Caliber. He couldn't tell exactly what he was holding, but one was golden and the other was a shining red jewel. He could definitely be sure of that.

 

The gold one was round and rather small, about apple-sized. A golden apple, perhaps? Those were incredibly rare, and even more valuable.

 

Hmm, seems the noble hero's got his hooves on some valuables, He thought. Maybe if I get the time, I can...'lighten his load', so to speak.

 

I'll have to keep an eye on you, after all...

[nx9100 1,013]

((Finally got a few moments....))

 

"Thanks," Sakuya said to Malachi, herself trying to ignore Ennex's penetrating eyes.  "Caliber, try to stay out of trouble for one day, alright?"  And with that, she turned and marched over to her boss.  "Well, guess I'm off co Cloudsdale, then."

 

"I guess you are," he replied, his voice stern, expression neutral.  "They are waiting for you out back by the loading dock."  She nodded, and headed around the side of the building, tossing a quick smile at Malachi before rounding the corner and heading out of sight...

 

--------

 

"Well now," Ennex began, "Good morning, Malachi.  I wasn't expecting to run into you again so soon."  His eyes narrowed slightly.  "And in.. certain company.  I trust you had a pleasant evening?"

 

Even as he spoke, he cast a glance at Caliber.  Why would Sakuya, with her history and feelings, want to hire a unicorn.  This should prove interesting... he thought.

Edited February 12, 2015 by nx9100

[P-Jay 1,987]

"hello, my name is caliber, and sakuya hired me to be a bodyguard and/or errand runner. pleased to meet you" caliber said, trying to sound professional, "i come with years of fighting and traveling the roads, so i know how to handle myself."

 

 

 

 

 

(hey, if its okay, could caliber be slightly better at combat them malachi?)

[nx9100 1,013]

"Do you now?" Ennex replied, studying the unicorn.  "You must have some special experience, for Sakuya to want to hire you."  He grinned wickedly.  "She is not very fond of unicorns, so this comes as sort of a surprise to me.  But perhaps she is finally overcoming her past.  Either way, it doesn't matter much to me.  I have-" he glanced at Malachi "-other concerns to think about.  

[Gloomfury 243]

@@nx9100, @, ((With his sward only. And only a little. Malachi ain't a Capo for nothing.))

 

Malachi smiled at Ennex. "Morning, Ennex. And it was more then pleasant." He as he went over and placed an arm around his neck as if they were long time buddies. "I hope your hangover ain't too bad. You were really knocking them back. Maybe next time he could just have a big dinner and eat till we can't stand." He laughed.

[nx9100 1,013]

"Perhaps," Ennex agreed, again studying Malachi.  His eyes glanced at the are over his neck.  "There are several fine restaurant that we could enjoy.  But for the moment, let us attend to business.  I'd like to head over to our new casino.  Before leaving the office, I arranged a construction crew to come in and start outfitting the building.  Let us go check on their progress."  He waved a hoof, and two stallions pulled a carriage up to them.  Opening the door, he gestured for Malachi to climb in, and turned back to Caliber.  "How about you?  Care to join us?  You can fill in Sakuya later on my pet project."  

[P-Jay 1,987]

caliber was getting board. hes a traveler. he dosent DO sitting and doing nothin.

 

"sure, i could eat. lets go to all seven of em!"

 

'hes obviously rich, so maybe that means hes got some rare items too...if i play my cards right, maybe ill be getitng more than just an amulet...' he thought

Edited February 12, 2015 by Peytonjay

[Unicorncob 5,690]

The pegasus let out a quiet hum, watching Ennex and Malachi interact. The boss didn't seem too fond of what his associate was saying, or of the physical contact. Perhaps either a rocky partnership, or Ennex was as stoic as the Pope is Catholic.

 

Regardless, it was rather difficult to hear the conversation from this distance. He'd have to get closer. He glanced around him to find a hiding spot nearer to the trio. He spotted a large wooden crate, which should suffice if he kept crouched down and totally out of sight.

 

He'd have to keep an eye on Caliber; as obnoxious as he was, he couldn't help but think he knew somepony was here. Of all the ponies he was spying on, he'd have to be the most careful with him. Which was rather ironic, in his eyes.

 

Taking an inaudible deep breath, the stallion made his move, slinking out from behind the container and dashing as quietly as possible to the crate, gliding the last few meters and ducking behind it.

 

Now he was in perfect eavesdropping distance. Hopefully nopony had caught him.