private Enigma's Mysteries (Private w/Illiad Easle)

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@Scarlet Araxia

(It's probably worth mentioning that Hard's natural form is very androgynous bordering on feminine)

Hard settled in for what would undoubtedly be a rather difficult infiltration, finding out where this went so he could break it up from the inside excited him, but he would be careful nonetheless.

 

Trace smiled at Enigma's introduction as he looked about the room he had teleported them into. "And I'm Detective Brick Trace, we should get you some clothes, there should be some around here..."

Trace set about looking before opening some of the drawers of a nearby dresser, pulling out a stack of feminine shirts and pants, he looked back over, "One of these should fit you, Hard seems to have them in about every size."

Once Enigma had put something on the detective would begin, "So, what's the deal with all this then? It's not often Hard gets this riled up about a foalnapping. And I'm sure you have your own questions."

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Illiad Easle

It wouldn't be long until the mob would begin to move again, or at the least, the godfather and a few guards. They'd gather up Enigma, or well, Hard Line disguised as Enigma and then a stallion with two others would enter after them. It would seem a transaction would soon be in place.

Enigma looks at him "Well, it all started as a routine cleansing" she would say "the new owners of the arcade wanted us to find out what or whoever was 'haunting' the arcade and deal with it before they would open the arcade for renovations and then business" she looks to him "Turns out it was being haunted by a employee who stumbled into the pony trafficking ring that was being held there going back decades" she'd roll her shoulders, getting dressed "and well you know the rest. Hard went to get you, and while he did, I got foalnapped by the mob"

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@Scarlet Araxia

Hard would commit every face and mark he saw to memory, preparing to memorize their voices as well so he could identify them in a lineup or provide descriptions for the wanted posters later if need be. Outwardly his face was one of resignation and fear, a perfectly docile captive too afraid to fight back.

He was surprised no one seemed to notice the stallion's disappearance, perhaps he was well known for abandoning his post?

 

Trace looked intrigued, "A cleansing you say? You do them often?" He pulled out a notepad to take down her statements, "What do you know of the stallion who kidnapped you? Ever seen him before? Did he look familiar in any way?"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Illiad Easle

Hard's thoughts were confirmed when he could hear some of the guards outside muttering "Where the hell is Switch?" one would say in a bit of a annoyed tone, "Probably rutting that mare that was here" the other would say.

Soon, the mob boss would look over at the disguised Hard Line and smirked "She's a feisty one, but I am sure she will soon learn her place as your servant" he says, shaking hands with the other stallion, who's guards begun to approach Hard.

"Whenever it is needed" She would say "You'd be surprised how many supposed haunted places are hoaxes or just the building being old and making noises" she'd say before looking to Trace once more "No, but the one who did get me..scar across one eye, messy mane and tail, leather jacket and jeans..oh yes, I heard his name..Switch something..likely something like Switch Blade"

Edited April 24, 2020 by Scarlet Araxia

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@Scarlet Araxia

Hard would continue making mental notes, regretting that he hadn't hidden any sort of recording device on his person. Outwardly he would continue the cowardly facade, attempting to shrink back in his restraints as if to feebly escape the guards.

Trace noted down the description, "Sounds like a match for the guy Hard picked up for us, I'll need you to pick him out of a lineup later to get him on the foalnapping charge, but that'll happen once we can tell people you're free."

He would look at Enigma with a caring expression, "I know this was likely a difficult and traumatizing experience for you, but the more we learn the better we can ensure that it doesn't happen to anyone else. Did they do anything else to you? Hurt you in any way? Do you think you could describe any of the other creatures involved?"

(You don't have to come up with descriptions for the goons, you can just say she relayed the descriptions to Trace, provided she actually did see defining characteristics.)

Trace would sigh, "Then we get to the question of what to do with you while Hard is busy being you. Normally, well, this wouldn't be an issue, but I don't think it'd be fair to force you to stay here. If we could get you a disguise..." Trace would be thinking for a while unless Enigma stopped him.

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Illiad Easle

The guards that were with the stallion that had just bought, who he thought was Enigma, would look the mare over and raise an eyebrow "She's a slim one boss" one would say "pretty though" he grins, as he and the other guards would get Hard up, off of the chair  he was on and begun leading him towards the car that they travelled in. At closer look, it would seem that this stallion was pretty high up in the hierarchy of Equestria, being a very prominent business stallion and lobbier. He was likely a descendant of the ponies who fought for the right to keep slaves during the civil war.

Enigma would relay the descriptions she could remember to Trace, most of which that the goons seemed to be pretty basic, rugged, rough and not very well behaved. They also reeked of cologne. "That's about it, I'm afraid there weren't really any discerning features" she'd say but hten look to him "I suppose laying low in my van or motel room is out of the question?"

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@Crescent Moon

It was worrying to Hard that such a prominent member of society was willing to participate in his trade so openly, it furthered his suspicions that the guard was well in their pocket, as otherwise this sort of stallion would never publicly come close to this sort of situation.

Nonetheless, he maintained his process of memorizing all the details so he could report on them later, but given how it was... there may not be anyone they could securely report to at this rate. He'd have to wait and see how high it went, and maybe he'd have to take it down himself from the inside.

 

Trace would nod, "For all intents and purposes you're considered a missing pony, if anyone were to see you and report you found it could seriously jeopardize Hard's cover and put him at risk. I'm not sure how far we can trust the rest of the guard at this rate, otherwise I'd have you put in witness protection and they'd get you hidden away..."

Trace seemed to have an idea, but not one he was too fond of, "That might work... So, you didn't react much when Hard changed in front of you. Had he done that with you before?"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Illiad Easle

Enigma shook her head "No, he's never done that in front of me before, but I kind of had a feeling he wasn't like you and me" she would then smile "Either way, I try not to judge on appearance but on character, and though I've only known him a short while, I believe that he is a good pony with a good head on his shoulders" she would say "Not all Changelings are evil like Chrysalis and her hive, just like not all of ponykind is good" she would say. 

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@Crescent Moon

Trace pondered something for a moment, "That might work then, good answer." He moved to the doorway and stuck his head out into the hallway, signalling a passing member of the cleaning staff. If Enigma was watching closely she'd see the uniform was for Hay Tower, a rather prominent building in central Manehatten.

Trace told the cleaner, "Tell Mother I need to hide someone, Sloth marked her as friendly."

The cleaner nodded and hurried off, so Trace turned back to Enigma, "Well, I have a solution, you should be safe there for as long as is needed. How do you do in caves?"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Illiad Easle

Enigma would nod and watch, as soon as Trace returned, she would nod "Alright thank you, and I'm alright in caves" she would say "Especially if it's to keep me safe and to help you shut down the ring" she would say "After all this, I do need to finish my job and cleanse the arcade" she'd say "I hate leaving a job unfinished if it can be helped"

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@Crescent Moon

Trace nodded, "Of course, I won't stop you once this is over. If I recall correctly, the ghost was remaining because of the ring, right? So the ring going down would likely help."

It wouldn't be long before there was a knock at the door, Trace opened it to reveal the same cleaner as before, "Mother accepts, provided you explain to her what's going on, personally."

Trace grimaced, but nodded, "Of course, we'll be right down." he turned back towards Enigma, motioning towards the door, "Lets get going then, once we get where we're going we'll be able to send someone to get whatever you need from your van and apartment, provided the mafia hasn't done so already."

The cleaner would lead, and Trace would follow behind as they made their way to the elevator. The cleaner swiped a card and a extra set of buttons appeared below the existing floor buttons, she pressed the one labelled 'Administration' and the elevator set off.

As it made it's way down, Trace turned to Enigma, "Whatever you do, stay calm. If you could be awed, you know, like a tourist, that'd make things easier."

The cleaner chuckled, "That's not how farming works Sloth."

Trace rolled his eyes, and the door dinged before it opened.

It wasn't so much a cave system outside the doors so much as an elaborately carved set of hallways resembling the hallways above, but from solid stone. And throughout the area were dozens of changelings of varying shapes and sizes, they all vaguely resembled Hard when he was undisguised, only their eyes and wings were cyan while Hard's were teal. A few dressed as guards came forward to escort them while the cleaner remained in the elevator to ride it back up to the building above.

If Enigma looked at Trace again she'd see that he too was actually a changeling, same color as the others here, he'd smile and shrug, "I guess Hard was actually more like me than you thought."

The guards would guide them through some of the hallways until they encountered a large pair of double doors. They weren't waiting long before cyan magic enveloped them and the doors opened, revealing a throne room full of Norse aesthetic, sitting on the throne itself was Indigo Blue, renowned business tycoon and the owner of Hay Tower, as well as a number of other prominent buildings in the greater Manehatten area. She looked down on the pair as they entered, Trace bowing formally once they drew close enough.

Indigo would look at Enigma down the length of her nose, "Explain, young mare, why ask my protection?"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Illiad Easle

As they made their way down the cave system, it wasn't hard for Enigma to be in awe, as she actually was in awe. Not just because of how expansive it is, but how beautiful. "You are right, once the trafficking ring is dealt with, it will be easier for the spirit to leave the earthly plane and go into the light" she would say "and as cliche as it is, there really is a light to guide souls into heaven" she smiles a little more, nodding some more "If I could just be reassured my van and equipment are safe, I'll be fine until I can leave" she'd say.

As they arrive at the throne room, she would see the Chageling queen and bow in respect "Well your highness, I had stumbled upon a pony trafficking ring during my job. I had been captured, but Hard Line had taken my place to help infiltrate and see how far deep the ring goes..so I need somewhere to lay low safely until the ring has been dealt with"

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@Crescent Moon

The queen looked intrigued, "A trafficking ring? Indeed? That is quite the issue. You see, I have a rather vested interest in this city, the tourism it has is crucial for our survival. Such a ring could seriously jeopardize our arrangement." She looked thoughtful, turning towards Trace, "This, Hard Line?"

Trace nodded, "Zeb, from the Whitetail hive."

The Queen nodded, "I remember, yes. A good 'ling to have on the inside." she turned her attention back to Enigma, "Now, given the situation we're more than happy to keep you for as long as you need to ensure your safety. I'll have my best infiltrators work to integrate themselves in this organization immediately so it can be fully brought down. As for the mean time, I'm curious about what work you do to encounter the ring, does it by chance relate to that powerful magic you wear?"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Illiad Easle

Enigma would look at the Queen "Powerful magic? Wear?" she would ask, a little bit confused as to what the Queen meant, "Oh well, I do paranormal and supernatural investigations as well as spiritual cleansing" she would explain, then blink, then something clicked within her mind. The Queen had mentioned tourism, her initials would be QI, the initials on the job that was sent to her. She would look to her "Excuse me, but you wouldn't happen to have been QI would you?" she'd ask.

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@Crescent Moon

46 minutes ago, Crescent Moon said:

"Powerful magic? Wear?"

The queen would point to Enigma's neck, "That charm you wear, it contains a powerful magic that I have not often seen."

47 minutes ago, Crescent Moon said:

"Oh well, I do paranormal and supernatural investigations as well as spiritual cleansing

The queen seemed intrigued by that, "Something of a medium? I haven't seen one of that job in centuries. I may have a request for you, once you've settled in of course."

49 minutes ago, Crescent Moon said:

"Excuse me, but you wouldn't happen to have been QI would you?"

The queen looked confused, "QI? Who is that? Indigo Blue is the only form I've taken besides my natural one."

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Illiad Easle

She looks to the charm "Oh this? Right, sort of yes, this was a gift from my supervisor when I graduated from my training" she would say "It not only enhances my natural abilities, but also protects me..to some extent" she'd chuckle "It protects me spiritually but not from physical attacks". She then nods, "A medium and psychic empath" she would nod again "And I'malways happy to pick up more jobs, and I only asked if you ever went by the name of QI, as those were the initials on my current job, and the job involved the old arcade"

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@Crescent Moon

The queen nodded at Enigma's explanations, "That sounds reasonable, it's good to hear that the arcade will be put back in operation, it's been too long closed."

Another changeling entered the room, younger than the others, who approached and bowed before the queen. The queen motioned towards the new changeling, "Ra here will take you to your accommodations, if you'll follow her?" Looking towards Trace, "You're dismissed, you've got quite a bit of work ahead of you if you're going to bring the ring down. I'll have infiltrators prepped for whatever you need them for."

Trace bowed and left the room while the new changeling waited for Enigma to join her.

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Illiad Easle

Enigma would bow "I thank you for your hospitality and your aid" She would say to Indigo "as far as the investigation goes, I'm stepping out, I'll let Trace and Hard deal with that part, and I'll clear and cleanse the arcade when I can return to the surface" she'd bow once more "once again, thank you" she'd say, before turning to the new Changeling and followed her.

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@Crescent Moon

(The investigation won't end if the side with Hard doesn't move)

The new changeling didn't say anything until they were well out of the throne room, walking down a number of ornately carved hallways passing a number of undisguised changelings. All the changelings looked at Enigma as they passed, the smaller ones with amazement and the larger ones with curiosity.

Once they had gotten far enough away from the throne room, the changeling guide finally spoke, "This is a real honor you've been given. Queen Sleipnir does not often allow guests to remain within the hive. Perhaps if you are still here in a weeks time you'll be allowed to join us for the concert, HexComb is coming to town and they always give a special performance to the hive when they do."

They arrived at a large open room that looked like the interior courtyard of a fancy motel. A giant glowing crystal hung from the ceiling to cast an indigo light on the whole room. The guide led the way to one of the doors and peaked inside before opening the door fully. "Here's where you'll be staying for the time being. We don't typically have assigned rooms in the hive, so don't be alarmed if another changeling walks in by accident. Word will spread quickly enough that this one is yours I'm sure. Now, the bed is a special blend of changeling gel made to give it a gelatin-like texture not wholly unlike a waterbed or memory-foam mattress. It can be made firmer or softer through the careful application of magic, though I would recommend you allow a changeling practiced in that sort of magic to do it, lest you turn it solid or liquid by accident."

The guide turned to leave, "If you need anything, just flag down anyling and tell them you need to speak to Ra, that's me, and they'll fetch me for you. Before I forget though, I heard you needed some things from your van and room? Where are those, and what things do you need?"

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Illiad Easle

Enigma would smile and nod as she followed, "A concert? Sounds nice" she would say as she lay on the bed "Ooh this is really comfortable" she'd smile to the guide "And I see, well, I am quite honoured she would give me the shelter that I require." she'd say "And I don't mind if someone comes in here by mistake, so long as they leave immediately upon realising this is where I am staying" she'd close her eyes momentarily "If only this could be a full time thing..me staying in the hive..it feels less..lonely"

Meanwhile, the politician and the guards had loaded Hard into the back of a nondescript van with blacked out windows. It would seem that they were taking precautions to make sure that he wouldn't know where he was going, or at least the route, as they had also blindfolded him. As he was loaded, one of the guards would snicker "You're a lucky mare, the boss is very picky about his slaves, but he treats them pretty well..that is, until he gets bored of them" he'd say, giving Hard a firm spank on the flank, before they got into the front of the van and begun to follow the limousine.

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@Crescent Moon

Hard would flinch from the slap, but otherwise remain submissive, I'll have to watch him closely, perhaps the best way to take this down would be to replace him, force a confession with his own mouth in a public place, that could blow a big hole in this. But we need to see who else is involved.

12 hours ago, Illiad Easle said:

Before I forget though, I heard you needed some things from your van and room? Where are those, and what things do you need?"

 

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Illiad Easle

The guards would chatter among themselves as they drove towards where-ever this politician lived, or was going to keep Hard Line. The chatter was mindless banter that goons usually have between them, but then a few names were heard, ranging from other politicians to celebrities.It would seem that the ring went pretty deep.

Enigma looked up "Oh my laptop and cameras, please" she would say

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@Crescent Moon

Hard was getting more and more worried with every new name added to the list. If this keeps up, it'd take nothing short of the princesses' direct intervention to break up this ring. Even then... with enough nobility involved... there could very well be a coup if we don't do this right.

Ra would nod as she left the room, "I'll have those collected for you then. Again, feel free to ask anyling for anything you need. You are our guest after all, and we aim to please."

[Scarlet SoftPaws 3,581]

@Illiad Easle

The van had stopped, but as the engine was running, they likely had just stopped at a set of traffic lights. Depending on how long they are stopped, it might give Hard Line enough time to perhaps send a mental message to someone he trusted, if he knew who he could or could not trust, given how deep this was getting.

Enigma would smile "thank you again miss" she would say, closing her eyes, reflecting on everything. 

[Illiad Easle 3,175]

@Crescent Moon

Hard didn't want to risk anything, while they apparently hadn't noticed the magic of Enigma's charm disguise, or apparently his own disguise magic, that was likely only because neither of them looked like unicorns and as such didn't need to be searched for magic. Besides, not knowing exactly where he was he couldn't easily look for Trace.

Worst case scenario, he could just kill his way out. The ring would be dealt a blow, ponies would know of their existence, and they could get another infiltration point later. He hoped it wouldn't come to that, he hoped he could at least discover a ring-leader or two first.