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

[P-Jay 1,987]

rebilac looked at him. "of course it was something. im me." he said. "now what do you want?" he took another shot. "and just who are you?" rebilac looked back at his drinks. 'who is this guy? i could take him, im pretty sure i can. but something tells me to wait.' rebilac thought 'this guy seems different. its not every day someone waltzes up to a killer and says sup. maybe i should wait.'

[nx9100 1,013]

@@Gloomfury,

 

"It's an old apartment building," Sakuya replied, leading him down the street, "in the slums district.  Where my mother and I used to live."  She looked down at the chest hanging next to her shoulder.  "I just want to feel close to her right now, so I know I didn't loose myself up there..."

 

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

 

@,

 

 Having visited two different bars, Ravage was starting to grow impatient.  How hard is it to find a single pony in this city-  The sounds of shouting cut him off, and he looked across the street, seeing a group of ponies fleeing out of yet another dive bar.  They appeared to be shrieking in terror.  This looks promising, he thought, and cut across the street, heading right for the door.  A younger stallion running past tried to stop him.  "Hey!  Don't go in there!  Some crazy pony's got a sword!"  

 

"Does he?" Ravage replied, not breaking stride as he continued to the bar.  Before entering, he paused.  Perhaps discretion is the best choice.  With that in mind, he diverted around the side of the building, vanishing into the shadows of the alley...

[Unicorncob 5,679]

@@nx9100

 

Dusk took a look around the neighbourhood the address had led him to. Ravage wasn't lying; this place could certainly do with some maintenance. A smirk escaped him as he joked with the though of a mugger hopping out from an alley and demanding his wallet.

 

He squinted at the worn-out numbers next to the doors of a tall apartment building, then read the note again for clarity. He nodded; this was the place. Again, no room number or floor. He'd just have to guess again.

 

He slunk into the alleyway next to the building and lowered himself behind a stack of boxes under the fire escape. He flipped open his briefcase and, for what felt like the hundredth time that day, changed into his 'work clothes'.

 

Dusk Waltz had gone, and now Ghost was ready to haunt.

 

Keeping the briefcase tucked safely away, he hopped onto the rung of the fire escape ladder and got onto the first platform. He climbed rung after rung of the stairwell, slinking beneath any windows shedding light.

Somewhere between the middle and the top of the building, he came to a window. He had a feeling about this one, that this could be it. He peered inside, seeing nearly nothing but darkness.

 

He grabbed his trusty lockpick out from his saddlebag and stuck it into the window lock, clicking it open within minutes. Slowly and quietly, he raised the window and slipped inside, gently lowering it behind him.

[Gloomfury 243]

@@nx9100,

 

Malachi leaned against Sakuya lightly as they walked. "I've been to the slums a few times. Have a few friends there along with a few businesses. I hear it's a little worse then downtown."

 

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

 

@,

 

 "No one important. I just like talking with ponies who seem like they can really handle themselves in a scrap. But ya kinda overdid it. I would have just took one of their eyes. It's seems to be the trick to make them piss themselves and run away. No point in going full out on someone clearly weaker then you. Just ain't classy." He said before taking a drink from his glass.

[nx9100 1,013]

"Worse?  Yeah, you could say that," Sakuya agreed, also leaning into Malachi.  "At least, is was when I was living there.  I haven't been back since I... since the night Ennex recruited me."  They continued down the street, leaving the more glamours areas behind.  "After loosing my mother, I just didn't have the strength to go back.  But for some reason, I have to now."  She shrugged.  "For all I know, somepony else could be living there now.  But I have to try."

[P-Jay 1,987]

@Gloomfury,

 

"yeah?" rebilac said, his temper rising. "last time i did that, i overshot it. yanked out his brain." rebilac looked at him. "you say you like talking to strong ponys." he said. "what are you, in a gang, or something? you want someone killed? just say so, dont wast my time."

Edited March 12, 2015 by Peytonjay

[Unicorncob 5,679]

@@nx9100

 

Ghost slunk around the apartment, taking mental notes as he went. Place had definitely been abandoned for a number of years, very little in decoration aside from the few...zebra-looking artefacts here and there. Much like the ones in the mare's apartment downtown. The dust lining the floor and little furniture made it obvious nopony had set hoof in here for a long time.

 

Until, he spotted something in another room. A large chest sat at the opposite wall, with a much smaller coating of dust. It also had been here a while, but not nearly as long as the others. This was enough to peak his interest.

 

He sneaked up to the chest and attempted to open it, but of course it was locked.

Lockpick time.

 

Within minutes, the chest's lid popped open slightly with a click, and the burglar peeked inside. A couple of books, and some sheets of paper, totally immaculate and free of dust like time hadn't touched them.

 

One book had a rather...interesting cover, with strange symbols and colourings on it. After a quick flick through it and scanning the strange texts and illustrations, he concluded it was definitely some kind of instruction book. Spells, perhaps?

 

He slipped it into his saddlebag, thinking Ravage would like to have a look at it.

 

The next book, much more plain in appearance, contained writings of day-to-day activities. The name 'Sakuya' popped up now and then. Did this name have something to do with the mare? Was this her name?

 

Nonetheless, it served no real interest or purpose, so he placed it back in the chest. Besides, diaries were not often his choice of loot.

 

The sheets of paper were the last, and it was the front page that got his attention.

 

Grand Plan

 

Curious, he grabbed the papers and began to flick through them.

[Gloomfury 243]

@@nx9100,

 

 Malachi sighed and placed an arm around her as they kept walking. "I wish I met you first before Ennex. Not that I think he;s all the way evil. But the guy could use more light." He chuckled. "Like I'm one to talk. My old man said that it was a demons job to bring darkness into beings hearts. But for some reason he didn't want to. That's why he escape from hell. Note, he dose still do shady things being a Don of a crime family. But he doesn't go out his way to hurt others or bring others close to the darkness. 

 

Mostly because we kill only when needed. And since he met my ma, He grew a little bit of light inside him. And even though Ennex gave you a life just know that the beings around you can influence you in more ways then one. Sometimes not for the best."

 

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

@,

 

 Gloom chuckled. "Nah, I f I want someone killed I would do it myself. And I ain't part of a gang. But I am in with one of the family's. But they let me do my own thing. I mostly come when I'm needed or looking for work. We all gotta eat don't we?" He said with  smirk. "But anyway, I can tell you got yourself a short fuse. I also should tell you that this is my pub. So next time you come here would ya  kindly take it outside? I hate cleaning up blood. Which reminds me, You're gonna have to clean up yourself. At least be a little classy. I'll even let you drink for free for the night."

[nx9100 1,013]

@@Gloomfury, 

 

"You're right," Sakuya replied, "they can influence you.  Ennex has done that to me, at least.  Not that I'm complaining too much, as he did give me a chance at a new life.  But personally, I've always wondered what I meant to him.  Does he really care about me?  Or am I just another tool for him to use?"  She looked up at him.  "I get what you say about your father, only doing what he needs to, not being needlessly cruel.  But with Ennex, I dunno.  Guess I always suspected he was cruel, but dismissed it.  Even helped him at times.  Now though, I know the truth."  Her eyes lit up with slight anger.  "He is evil, maybe not pure, but evil.  And honestly, I'm not sure what to do now.  That's why I want to visit my old home, to maybe get some insight on where I'm going..."

 

They were entering the slums district of the city...

 

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

[Unicorncob 5,679]

@@nx9100

 

Ghost finished reading through the papers, and a small smirk appeared on his face. Now why would this mare have such a detailed plan hidden away in a place like this?

No mistaking it, the plan was genius; almost flawless in theory. But he would expect this kind of scheme from that Ennex pony.

 

Unless... he pondered internally. ...unless it was him who planted this here?

 

It was certainly plausible, considering he and the mare seemed to be rather close, and he sounded like he had quite a few connections.

 

With a nod, he slipped the papers into his saddlebag. Ravage would definitely want to see these.

 

He exited to the main area, and helped himself to one of the small zebra-like ornaments, mentally chiding that he just can't help himself sometimes.

 

He froze as he heard faint hoofsteps outside the front door...that seemed to be approaching.

He slunk back to the open window and leapt out of it onto the fire escape.

 

However, instead of making his way down to flee, he closed the window so there was the slightest sliver of an opening inside.

Perfect for eavesdropping on anypony who'd be interested in an abandoned apartment...like the original owner, perhaps.

[P-Jay 1,987]

"free drinks? give me my money back and we got a deal." rebilac stood up, and walked over to the bodys, and slung three and a half over his shoulder.(one of em were cut in half) he repeated this action till all the bodys were out of the bar. then he walked in and threw some water on the blood. then he sat back down, and ordered more booze. "thanks for the free stuff." he said. "im rebilac, by the way. alternate personality of caliber."

[Gloomfury 243]

@@nx9100, 

 

Malachi stayed close to Sakuya as they walked into the slums. Most of the ponies they past by seemed to back away and give them their space. Probably because Malachi was carrying a bat. Or that they knew who he or Sakuya was. "Well no matter what answer you come up with or what you decide. I'm gonna be hear for you. No matter what." He nuzzled her head lightly

 

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

 

@,

 

"No prob. I like making fair deals." He said as he gave him back his bits.  "And another one, hu? I have friend with the same condition. Anyway, name's Gloomfury. But just call me Gloom or Fury. Only my family use my full name. " He lift his glass up for Rebilac to cling. "Well met."

[nx9100 1,013]

@@Gloomfury,

 

"Thanks," Sakuya replied, returning the affection.  "Here we are," she said, stopping in front of an old apartment building.  The front door was open, but a single sign was nailed to the wall:

                                                                XENNE PROPERTIES:  NO TRESPASSING

"That's interesting," she muttered, pushing open the door.  The hallway was empty and quiet.  "Come on," she said, leading Malachi up a flight of stairs, till they approached a well remembered door, an odd symbol scratched into it.  Recognizing her mother's mark, she smiled, and pushed open the door. 

 

The room looked almost the same as when she last visited.  Well, except for the dust, of course.  Even her mothers few Zebra relics were all still there, not quite in place.  "Amazing," she said, "I figured it would have been trashed or something.  But it's almost like the day I left..."  she broke off, eyes watering a bit, as old memories came flooding back....

 

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

 

@, 

 

Having noticed the body dumping from his place in the shadows, Ravage began to wonder.  He clearly has no concern for his safety.  One cannot simply dump bodies in the middle of the streets without consequences.  Determined to keep his vigil, he waited...

Edited March 17, 2015 by nx9100

[Unicorncob 5,679]

@@nx9100

 

Ghost kept huddled beneath the window, ear perked up to the small gap to hear the door opening, and what sounded like two ponies walking in.

A mare's voice spoke up, commenting about the state of the room before beginning to cough back tears. Obviously this place had meaning to her.

 

He looked back at his saddlebag, remembering the plans and spellbook he'd swiped, and realised this wasn't the time for listening in; he had a schedule to keep.

He sneaked down the fire escape and back into the alley, ducking behind the trash and changing clothes once more.

 

Ghost became a myth once again as Dusk Waltz emerged from the alley, nonchalantly walking back the way he came, toward the city, and then toward the pier.

 

In some time, he'd made it back, and used the empty storage container to shed his public disguise. Ghost had returned, and he leapt up a stack of crates to enter through a window to the warehouse, where he and Rampage were scheduled to meet.

 

He saw nothing yet, but he was savvy to this stallion's style now. Shadow lurker, just like him.

Edited March 25, 2015 by Unicorncob

[P-Jay 1,987]

rebilac was drinking, and noticed he was shivering. 'huh...guess i drunk too much...' he thought. 'but, hey. beers free.' "one more!" he called, "then i gotta go!" he drunk the last one, said, "ill see ya around, gloom." and shuffled out of the bar. he walked past the body he had thrown out, and kicked it out of disgust. then he noticed a rather large stallion staring at him. "what, ya got a problem?" rebilac said, annoyed.

 

(meme. 'one does not simply, dump a body' lol)

[nx9100 1,013]

Ravage simply stared at the drunk, his bright red eyes glowing.  "You're very bold, aren't you?" he asked.  "Just dumping a body in plain sight."  He stepped closer to the other.  "But that does not concern me.  I want to know more about your new employment."  He took a step closer to the other.  "What is your connection to Sakuya?  Why are you working for her?"  His eyes narrowed.  "What is the witch planning?"

[P-Jay 1,987]

"sayuka?" rebilac said, "why do you want to know so much about her?!" he pulled his sword out, "she did say she worked for a crime boss...so, that makes you some guy who wants her dead!!" he was starting to get reckless, "as her bodyguard, is my job to kill you. to protect her." he said, simply. "you run away, i might not chase."

[nx9100 1,013]

Ravage cocked and eye at the other.  "Pulling a sword, how quaint," he replied, not even flinching.  "And no, at this time, I do not wish for her death, as that would displease my master.  I want information."  The slightest of grins briefly formed, before vanishing.  "And you have provided.  You are her new bodyguard.  And since you do not know who she works for, then I presume that you do not work for him either, and report only to her.  Interesting."  He let the silence hang for a few moments.  Is she trying to form her own operation?  And if so, what are her plans for my master?

[P-Jay 1,987]

rebilac narrowed his eyes. "i know who she works for, thanks." he said, "and did i hear you said my sword was quaint? whats that mean?" he was liking this guy less and less. "and i want some answers from you, too!" he said, "now, tell me who you work for. i might just let you keep you legs." 

[nx9100 1,013]

This time, Ravage frowned.  "My master's identity is of no importance," he replied, eyes locked on the other, ignoring the quivering sword.  "And my legs are my own."  His eyes narrowed.  "I have fought enemies far more skilled and powerful then yourself.  You and your sword are no threat to me."  This is getting tiresome, he thought, he is clearly too drunk to get any real information out of.  And I need to return to await the ghost's report....

[P-Jay 1,987]

rebilac growled. "whatever. i got places i need to be..." he started walking away, sheathing his sword. 'how dare he?!' he thought. 'fought people stronger than me...yeah right.' he was so mad, he punched a lamp post, bending it severely. 'whatever. where am i going?' he asked himself 'eh, maybe ill just go to the place sayuka was talking about.'

[nx9100 1,013]

@,@@Unicorncob,  

 

Ravage watched the other wander off, sighing to himself as he punched the lamp post.  What DOES she need him for?  He asked, before turning back to the alley.  No matter, I have an appointment to keep.  He vanished into the shadows....

 

-----

 

Finally, he arrived back at the warehouse, he walked inside, and stepped out from the shadows to the center of the room.  High on the left, he thought.  "I see you have returned already," he said, not turning to look at the other.  "I trust you were not chased off this time?"

[Unicorncob 5,679]

@@nx9100

 

"Now who's the late one?" Ghost chuckled, wanting to get in a harmless little jab before leaping down in front of the imposing stallion, "And indeed I wasn't, in and out without a hitch."

 

"I did catch somepony coming in on my way out," he explained as he reached for his saddlebags, "I'm supposing it was this 'Sakuya', and her stallion friend. Don't worry though, I was outside by the time they came in."

 

He smirked as he held out the spellbook and notes in his wingtips. "Regardless, I think you'll be interested to see what I found in there."

[Gloomfury 243]

@@nx9100,

 

Malachi leaned his bat against the wall and walked up behind her. Placing his arms around her in a warm comforting hug. He didn't say anything. He just wanted her to feel alone while she had her moment.

 

 

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

 

 

Gloom could hear Rebilac yelling at someone from his spot at the counter. His interest getting the better of him, he got up and head to the door to see what was going on. He noticed a set of red eyes in the shadows. He could tell that they belong to a ponies who's killed without remorse. Witch made a smirk grow on Gloom's face. It got bigger when he heard the pony say he's fought stronger then Rebilac. 

 

When they both left Gloom ran over to where the pony was to see if he could track his scent. Lucky for him he was rather potent. He started to follow it all they way to warehouse. when he took a peek inside he could see the pony talking to another. He's been around enough to know a dark dealing when he sees one.

 

He stayed near the door so he could listen in on them.

Edited March 25, 2015 by Gloomfury

[nx9100 1,013]

@@Unicorncob, @@Gloomfury,

 

 

  Ravage gave him a stare, then took the notes and book.  The symbols on the book confirmed his first suspicions.  A Zebra spellbook.  I knew the witch would have something like this hidden away somewhere.  Setting it aside, he studied the notes.  After a moment, a genuine look of shock covered his face.  Grand Plan? he thought, looking it over briefly.  Wait! This is my master's work!  How did he get a hold of it?  "Where did you find this?!" he demanded.  

 

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

 

Sakuya held onto Malachi's arms.  "I'm alright," she said, after a moment.  "It just all came back to me so fast...  just got a bit overwhelmed."  Gently breaking free, she moved through the apartment, taking care not to disturb anything.  "I still can't believe it's so preserved!  I mean, why didn't anypony take over the room after-"  She remembered the sign on the door, having just glanced over it when they arrived.  Xenne Properties?  No, he couldn't have?  I've been managing his books for a few years now! I would have seen something!  But who else would have kept the building so empty?  "You... you..." she muttered, looking around, and seeing Malachi just standing there.  "Sorry, just having a little breakdown."  She tried a weak smile.  "Anyway, we can leave in a bit.  Let me just see if I can find my mother's old spell book....." She started looking around the room...