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Golden Age Comics! Issue 1: You Never Say Good Luck on Opening Night!


Kirby Krackle

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There was no getting around the fact that Masquerade was a showoff; came with the stagecraft, Pagemaster supposed.  Not that it wasn't eminently gratifying to see the smug little snake shake in his golden horseshoes, but really, a simple "no" probably would have sufficed.   *Oh well,*  Quill thought as he shook his head, *It goes to show, that there are just some things money can't buy-*

 

HEY! We are not goons!” Farthing chimed in, offended. “...could I actually have some bandages for my sisters, please? Thank you

 

*-for everything else, there's good manners.*

 

"Certainly, miss."  And with a few rustles of paper, a ream became a stream of makeshift gauze, quickly binding the injured sisters.  Not too tightly, of course, but they wouldn't be running, even if they did recover consciousness.  "I should say myself that you four were... enforcement specialists?  I find it is best to be precise in matters of job titles; monosyllables frankly convey very little most of the time, and are usually unflattering to boot.  Well, save for things like 'King,' 'Queen' and the like, but such exceptions..."

 

It wasn't that he liked the sound of his own voice, it just helped him keep in rhythm when on a task.  His brain was still running at the back of all his talking, and as he replayed Maxie's panicked speech in his head, one incongruous word jumped back out at him.  *Gardeners.  What does horticulture have to do-*  

He paused, whipping his head around to stare at the forgotten plants, which Morning Glory's magic had caused to grow.  "Say, when you finish up with that, could you take a closer look at these?  Whoever this "Doctor" is, these plants have something to do with him."  Pagemaster trotted over to get a look for himself, inspecting the plants to see if a non-expert eye could reveal anything unusual...

 

Rolling Investigate on those plants.  

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Well, Dusty couldn't really say he didn't see he utmost showboating coming. With a soft chuckle the Stetson vigilante brought his staff back down over his shoulders as he retook to his four hooves, giving his back a rest as he trotted up toward the group of muscle mares whom he had been dealing with before... One seeming a bit too polite toward Pagemaster considering the five of them had utterly humiliated the sisters and their provider.

Either way, as the stallion stepped toward Page and the four sisters he began to think... What fate would these mares serve? Jail time for association obviously, however what would await afterward? Who was to say that after said jailtime a few wouldn't go right back to working for dirty bits again? The four clearly had talent and strength but some, especially in the case of Shilling the Literal Silver Mare, had trouble controlling both it and their tempers... A thought began to spark in the stallion's mind.

"S'cuse me, ma'ams," the staff warrior spoke to the present sisters, "Apologies fer the trickin n' underhoofdness in our fight earlier, but ah'm curious about ya'll.. Ya got some real power behind ya but not a lot of clarity or control, no offense meant uh'course," he nodded, "Ah don't rightly blame ya iffin ya'll wouldn't accept it, but once all legal time is served on your behalf maybe ah can teach ya'll a thing or two... Things my old master taught me and some things I picked up on mah own." He gave a light nod of his head and lift of his Stetson, brimming with the first genuine smile the hobo had made today, "Ah ain't exactly hard tuh find iffin ya'll are interested.. just something to keep in mind." He nodded and turned his back to the group to retake his position by the makeshift entrance.. The rest of the group had things under control. He had offered the former enemies an opportunity to become allies... And in this city, this group would be needing all that they could get.

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A police whistle played once more, with three notes screeching into the night. This was a signal to any fellow officer that could hear: bring the paddy wagon. Swing Beat was proud as the instrument left his lips, grateful for the second chance at life on the straight and narrow. His horn meanwhile was casting a flashing light, red and white, into the night sky for his comrades to follow.

 

Maxie Million was... less than excited about his trip downtown. He grumbled and spat and was generally immature about the whole prospect, more-so as cuffs were slapped on his hooves. He growled more, absolutely humiliated, as the Dunce Cap (a conical iron sleeve used to keep Unicorns in custody) was locked onto his horn. The mob accountant looked like he was back in grade school, just recently chastised by teacher for firing one too many spitballs.

 

Thank you, Princess. But we'll take it from here”, an officer said before the Alicorn defaced national currency.

 

Farthing, on the other hoof, was far more courteous than her employer. All she really did while bandages and shackles were applied was hum softly to herself. And her eyes never left her dear sisters for more than a minute. She definitely wasn't much of a conversationalist, leaving Pagemaster to do all the talking, but she was smiling and nodding, liking more how he spoke than what he was saying. Though, the bigger words did leave her a little cross-eyed.

 

Mono Say What now?

 

[investigate can't do anything outside of analyzing clues. Of which you have none. So collect some! There's soil and berries and the tea itself. These will come in handy for future Investigate checks. In the meantime, I shall roll a straight Intelligence check in secret to see what you can make out at first glance...]

 

The three plants that were important enough to fight over looked out of place even before Morning Glory's magic gave them one doozy of a growth spurt. While Pagemaster could not recall any specifics, he knew these trees were a rare breed and their bounty was only enjoyed by ponies of great privilege. So why are they here in Thoroughbred City, being sold by urban low-lives instead of Canterlot nobility? Why bother muscling out local businesses and bribing city hall? Mysteries were in full gallop tonight.

 

Thank you for your offer”, Farthing extended a hoof to Dusty Roads, intending to give him a hearty shake... until she remembered she had cuffs on. It's not like they restricted her movements at all. Actually, if she gave it just a smidgen more force, the chain binding her would have snapped completely. The nervous smile wasn't fooling anyone.

 

...oops. I mean. No, really! Thank you! I was going to say I'm not really the fighting type. My sisters on the other hoof love getting into trouble... I'm just along for the ride. And I'm the one making sure they don't get too hurt.” Her ears dropped a little. “Guess I really screwed that one up, huh?

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MorningGlory.png

 

Morning Glory was relieved to see the police - though knowing the powers that the crooks possessed, she didn't duck out like she usually would, standing around awkwardly as the police did their business.  Wait, did that one say-

"I'm not a princess!" she said hurriedly, her wings flaring out and her horn giving a brief little flash.  "I'm an alicorn, sure, but I'm not committing treason!  I'm a faithful subject of Her Highness!"  She took a deep breath and folded her wings again, trying to settle the brief panic that came with that word.  "OK, um ... anyway, careful with them - the unicorn's got some excessive power over coinage, and these mares..."  Morning Glory proceeded to explain all that she had been witness to, regarding their special powers, making sure to impress upon the police the seriousness of the situation.  "And this one took *two* hits to knock down.  Two!  Just be careful, OK?"

She turned from the police to walk towards the rest of the group who were gathering over by the trees, but on the way, she stopped for one more important thing... Farthing felt a hoof rest on her shoulder, and there was Morning Glory.  "Hey, don't feel bad.  This isn't your fault - it was their choice.  I've found that even with all the monsters and crooks that I face, the time I felt the most scared is when I had to stand up to the ponies closest to me and tell them that what they were doing was wrong.  If they keep on in this vein, they are going to keep getting into fights - and while they're strong, they're just outmatched by many of the things I see a lot of.  They may currently be going to the one place that will keep them from getting seriously hurt, because they won't be able to make trouble and attract attention from things stronger than they are."

Morning Glory gently smiled to Farthing.  "You seem like a nice pony with a good heart.  I'm not saying you have to abandon them - never do that.  They're family.  But don't let them drag you down with them, either.  I hope to see great things from you."

With that, Morning Glory let the officers take over, and headed on over to the trees.  She hadn't had a good view of this corner, before, and she frankly goggled at them.  "Wow... how did they grow trees inside the warehouse?"  She frowned and narrowed her eyes as she looked at the strange flora.  "Wait ... these seem familiar ... I'm certain there were a number of these plants over at the lab ..."  She realized, then, how telling that was that she would recognize them, and from where, and quickly explained, "When I made my debut, I was cleaning up after a chaos event over on campus.  One of the research labs is still under quarantine.  But I'm sure there were a number of these plants over there.  Just ... much smaller."

(( Knowledge: Physical Sciences +8 as an 'aid another' for Doc Stein, who has a +14, to try to remember just what they were, and why they were at the lab. ))
 

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  • 2 weeks later...

(( You and your rolls. P-tui! ))

 

Well, of course Professor Stein would recognize these plants. She was one of the first in Equestria to have ever looked upon one; having been part of a team of researchers assembled by the great Starswirl the Bearded and funded by Her Majesty. The summons was written by her, personally! Unheard of! But, what should have been an opportunity of great fame and prestige was surprisingly kept off the books. The scientists, in exchange for their silence on these matters, were paid a very generous sum for their work straight from the Princess’s own pocket. That is, instead of the national treasury or a grant from the academy. Each of them also received a letter of recommendation, stating Celestia’s first hoof experience with their unique skills and drive to succeed. Such a thing could get you elected mayor with little effort.

 

This project ended just as quickly as it began. Mostly because after a week and a half of testing, the trees were found to be 100% benign. There was no foul odor, no toxicity to ponies, no danger to the surrounding environment, no delightful singing voice, no hunger for the flesh of the living, nothing. How boring. Especially the lack of a singing voice.

 

Well, okay, the scientists did discover two useful bits of information. One: these trees are tropical in nature. This only really means that to care for them is a chore. Two: the berries of these trees can perform a neat little trick. Pluck them, roast them, grind them and steep them as you would tea leaves. Your reward is a muddy black drink rich in flavors (if a little on the bitter side) and enough pep to get the most run ragged of ponies up and galloping again after a single mug with cream and two sugars.

 

And yet, to this day, Celestia remains silent on the origins of this species, almost like it didn’t exist.

 

Stein happens to be the only pony here tonight who has ever drunk the stuff legally. And boy should she remember it fondly. The boost to her concentration and memory were almost magical. When the project ended and she switched back to tea, it just… wasn’t the same. 

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  • 3 weeks later...

 

MorningGlory.png

 

Morning Glory rubbed one hoof under her chin as Doc Stein mentally filled her in on all the details.  How very curious.  But how to reveal this without giving away how she knew?

"Yes.  Yes.  And they were making a sort of tea from these?  I seem to remember one of the researchers lamenting losing the plants ... it seems the drink made from the berries has a significant benefit towards the ability to concentrate and focus.  Really helps keep one going at the end of a long night without sleep.  There was talk of sending some samples to Unyasi lands, where they would be able to grow much easier than here."

She sighed, shook her head at the memory.  "That was a chaotic night.  But ... how did they get HERE?  That entire area is sealed off, and extremely dangerous.  And the rest should be at Canterlot, in a very well-guarded greenhouse on the palace grounds.  This brew is being sipped only by those visiting the palace ... so how did it end up here, where only traitors and thieves benefit from it?"
 

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Dusty chuckled to the distraught Farthing, shaking his head to her as he leant on his staff; the metal adorned end firmly planted against the concrete flooring. "Don't yall be worryin' 'bout that, miss. Sometimes things are outside our control, its how we deal be dealin' with the consequences that defines who we are, y'know." he nodded; perhaps another verse from his departed master. His eyes peered around the group as everypony went about their own business, tapping on his weapon with a bit of impatience.. until his ears overheard Morning Glory speaking about the plants contained within these walls.

"What's that, miss?" he turned to her, momentarily trotting her way, turning to give Farthing a parting nod before closing the distance, "So then this tea here is some kinda higher society stuff... perhaps somepony who keeps an eye on it is being bribed to give it out to these here fellas? S'just a theory but.. ah reckon ya'll can't put dirty bit grubbing past these types now that we know what kinda money these folks are able to throw around to shush up police." he hmms softly.. the tea was unfamiliar to him, and he wasn't sure how much help he was going to be here..

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"Mono Say What now?

 

Ah, yes, he'd forgotten again.  Some ponies did not spend their lives buried in printed words and numbers, and thus required less facility with them.  "Short words, I mean.  And I am glad to hear that you are considering my erstwhile colleague's offer. There's no shortage of trouble supply in this city for anypony who goes looking for it."  Pagemaster cast a glance around the battered warehouse and sighed.  "Speaking for the city, we cannot afford to refuse any willing and able help.  If your sisters will agree to it, I can facilitate any easement for them that I can."

 

Add one more bullet point to the proposal to increase pay for law enforcement ponies, right.  On to other business.

So, this plant made a stimulant tea, did it?  With few adverse side effects, all-natural, too.  "Well, all it would take is for one seed to slip through.  Wouldn't even show up in the paper trail, if the right, or rather wrong, pony got to it first.  Then all one would need is patience and care..."  He cast a wry look at the accelerated growth.  "Or magic of a certain kind.  In any case, I'm more curious as to why it has never been produced on any wide scale legally, or at least for official use.  Law enforcement ponies could make good use of it, for one thing."  Demonstrably so, if the conversations they overheard were anything to go by.

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Nightguard wasn't getting nearly enough information. There was talking, but not enough substance with him to run with. How could a pony, especially one meant to organize all of this not even know the slightest thing about his boss. Maybe I should get a proper hydra to get this guy to start spilling something however, the arrival of the cops would make that a terrible time to introduce the topic. Plus, you can't get information from somepony that doesn't have it.

 

He turns and picks up the bit that was handed to him by the mare, the one he threw back. It was offered to him after all. He looks about the carnage of the room, seeing all the bits about, the bits that belonged to the criminal organization, the bits that were thrown at all of them. Where would this money go? In the city coffers? That which isn't taken by the police that had already proven to be corrupt? Heroing doesn't put food on the table, and looking at the group that's fought with him, they all had to be hard up on money, he knows one for sure and is pretty sure about the other... well, maybe not the princess. He knew he was having to skimp just to get his little sister a good meal each day.

 

When he approaches the rest of the ponies by the trees, his brass wing is scraping along the ground. He had taken a slightly arcing route so that by the time he reached them, a mound of bits was built up in front of his wing. "There are traitors everywhere." his musings about how the trees could be obtained from such highly guarded areas "If any of you had questions about that, look what we just had to deal with especially in these times." his head tilts to Swing Beat and the other police. "You have to keep your belief in the cause, not in the ponies. You trust the ponies, you're going to be in for a rude awakening, you have to trust in the ideals. I think this group has the ideals far better to deal with the ill gotten money than the enforcements have." as he looks to the group, his eyes stop on Masquerade, a light seems to come on betrayal...

 

He gives a whistle, and gestures for Swing Beat to come to him. He stands tall, his voice authoritative "Maxie needs to be hidden away. Off the books. The news can't know of this. Actually... let it be known the one who ran this got away. Let that be a leak. Do not let anypony know he's been captured." he puts his helmeted face just inches from Swing Beats as he emphasizes those words "Even if the police here need to be locked down with him. This is the middle man... and Maxi Million is going to receive one more shipment from his boss." Nightguard turns his head back to Masquerade, a grin in his voice as there is a trap to be set for this mysterious "Doctor."

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As heroes chattered amongst themselves, Farthing sat quietly, in the deepest thoughts she’s ever thunk before. She considered the doctor, how little she knew of him, and how the gruntwork of his schemes never sat right in her stomach. She thought about her precious sisters and their tendencies towards trouble. They would be breaking the law with or without a paycheck at the end. But back in the day, when they were young and stupid, it was all petty stuff, wasn’t it? Just the occasional mugging or break-and-enter. Nowadays, the three eldest are far more adventurous. Farthing has seen them planning bank heists, for the Sun’s sake! Which meant more chances. More danger. More bandages. And it was all the fault of the fancy new gifts they were using, which she did not like at all. Not one bit.

 

As these powers came to mind, so too did her third issue: these costumed heroes. Tough as her sisters were, these guys were downright uncanny. They were harder, better, faster and stronger. The thought of a rematch with an Alicorn princess, a member of the Nightguard, swarms of paper monsters, the wielder of a thousand pound iron bar, and the wayward ghost of a haunted theatre sounded like suicide.

 

So it was official, she decided. The best medicine was preventative. And no amount of money in the world was worth her family’s safety.

 

I’ll do it.” There was no more worry in her voice. Thanks to the kindness shown to her by these intrepid adventures, she could finally build up the courage. “I’ll help in any way that I can. Just please please please promise me that-

 

Don’t you [deleted] dare!

 

Or not. Shilling was awake and furious. She was also surrounded on all sides by police, all of whom were trying to hold her back before this escalated again. Thankfully she hasn’t turned on her armor. Yet.

 

Don’t you say [delete] to these guys! Our family don’t have no [delete] snitches, you hear me? Stupid [delete] brat! You say anything to these [delete] and you’re [delete] out! You don’t have any sisters anymore!

 

With those cruel words, Farthing burst into tears.

 

~~~

 

Emotions were running high. Which Curtain Call was never a fan of. (Usually. The stage doesn’t count.) And a maiden’s tears stung the worst. Under normal circumstances, the spoony bard would be the first to wipe her eyes and try to inspire a smile. But regrettably, remaining in character was of the utmost importance right now and the Masquerade was an undead abomination that cared naught for broken hearts.

 

Still. He could try.

 

"Please, ye we may contrive this afternoon

And quaff carouses to our mistress’ health

And do as our adversaries do in law,

Strive mightily, but eat as friends."

 

What the string of ponies saw was a tray of this Kaffa tea, in five individual cups, complete with a little creamer and sugar bowl. Wisps of smoke gathered the set together, presenting it nicely before the four heroes. That fifth cup had sitting with it, a single bronze coin that old gray mares insist are still good for making change, Farthing’s namesake. What they did not see was the Masquerade, who had conveniently vanished. 

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Dusty's eyes widened lightly at the sudden outburst from the silver mare, Shilling, currently struggling against a plethora of police stallions as they held her back. Those words were.. Blunt, cruel, uncaring and heartless, and made even more so as the mare Farthing collapsed into weeps and tears. Dusty could stand many things; murderous psychopaths who flung knives and all manner of sharp things at him, radicals too blinded by their goals to see the damage being caused around them, but to see such blatant disregard for family... Dusty's nostrils flared in a snort as he stepped forward to Farthing's side, glaring toward the furious mare.

"N'yall wonder why this one would wanna leave ya in the first place.. she cares for ya'll, wants to keep ya safe and happy, and yet you return it with contempt." He snarled again, "Mah master would have far more words to say to you iffin' he were still with us.. "

And Dusty likely would have said each and every one of them too if it weren't for the intervention of Curtain, currently keeping in character, and being as bucking mysterious and vague as possible before pulling the oldest trick in the book and vanishing from plain sight after muttering another cryptic phrase. Ah well.

Dusty took the cup from the tray, examining the tea within for a long moment, and casting a glance to the one cup obviously meant for Farthing. He looked to the mare whose cheeks were stained with tears, and simply nodded, "...iffin yur wantin' to change things fer the better, miss, that decision be with you n' you alone. Mah offer still stands, after all.."

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MorningGlory.png

 

Morning Glory's mouth watered at the sight of the coffee.  Her sleep had been interrupted, indeed.  Her first full night of sleep in weeks.  And a large part of that pavlovian instinct was from Doc Stein's drooling in the back of her head.

However... first things first.

The strength of the earth coursed through Morning Glory's veins.  With it, she could hold herself to the earth, so that no force could lift her from it - not even her own earth-born strength.  Indeed, she had found that she could press downwards, despite not having something to press upwards against.  Rather similar to floating in place and creating a wind with one's wings, but much more solid.  She wondered if any earth ponies realized this was part of their magic - it was a very pegasus way of using earth pony magic, after all.

But she doubted that Shilling was appreciating it, what with Morning Glory's hoof between her shoulders, pressing the thug quite firmly into the concrete floor with enough force to crush a normal pony.  "Language," she murmured calmly.  "That's no way to speak to your family.  I think you owe somepony an apology."

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Shilling struggled to stay on all fours. Her pride was at stake, after all. She was strong, sure. Even before she got her shiny metal plating. But she wasn’t strong enough to bear the weight of the world on her withers. She groaned once, then fell to her front knees. She even armored herself, but it wasn’t enough. In no time at all, she was on the floor, crying uncle like a grade schooler.

 

Ow! Ow! [delete] OW! OKAY OKAY! OW! I’M SORRY! TELL FARTHING I’M [delete] SORRY!”

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Nightguard's remarks on treachery and trust elicited an arched brow from the bowler-hatted Pagemaster.  "Ah, but there is this difficulty with ideals: they are not necessarily connected to reality.  And ponies are, insane exceptions aside.  And the insane are exceptional, whereas there is not one ideal which has not lain behind some frightful action, usually taken by somepony frustrated by the fact that nopony else was living up to it."  

 

In both of his personas, Quill Pusher was something more of a pragmatist than most would expect of a bureaucrat.  Then again, he was in a position to selectively apply red tape where he felt it would do the most actual good, rather than simply follow the directives of his higher ups.  He nodded to Swing Beat and tipped his hat.  "Like it or not, if we are to do any good in this city, we must trust the ponies in it, as well as each other.  In any case, your plan seems a sound one, Captain; I shall assist in covering the matter."

 

As Masquerade presented the kaffa tea, Pagemaster took a cautious sip.  Hm, very bitter, but in a cleansing sort of way.  It felt like gunk was being stripped off the inside of his mouth.  The second sip, taken after a longer whiff of the pleasing aroma, was more directly pleasant, though it would take some getting used to.  "I shall certainly petition for a wider release of this.  I can definitely see it being traded for wide profits by this 'doctor.'  The relevant question is, however, what was he accumulating all this capital for?"

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I sent some private messages to the Gamemaster to set this up to prevent you guys from seeing me and Kirby post back and forth a dozen times...

 

MorningGlory.png

 

Morning Glory was barely appeased, but Shilling was still swearing and hadn't actually apologized TO Farthing.  And the floor was already starting to crack around the metal mare.  What more could she do to get this criminal to behave long enough for the cops to get her to prison?

You're looking at this all wrong, Bravado.

What?

Trust me.  Right now you're just some opponent that she can endure - she walks away with pride because it took an alicorn to take her down.  You need to take away that pride.  Trust me.  My sister has four foals, my brother has three.  Adults are complicated, but I know how to deal with little foals like this.

Doc, she's older than I am.

What's your point?


Bravado let out a mental sigh, but opened up his mind to Doc's instructions.  Instead of 'how to cast a spell', however, Morning Glory gained an impression of how it felt to live for many, many decades more than she actually had.

With just the slightest bit more pressure on Shilling's shoulders, Morning Glory leaned over and, with a tight voice, barked, "You will WATCH YOUR TONGUE, young filly, or so HELP me I will WASH your mouth out with soap!"

There was a moment of stunned silence as all the sisters stared at Morning Glory in surprise.  And then Shilling, shocked, snarled back, "You wouldn't [deleted] dare!"

Several minutes later, Shilling was dragged in front of Farthing by her ear.  The silvered mare spat out a few more bubbles, then sullenly mumbled, "'msorryferyellin'."

"Louder."

"I'm sorry for yelling at you like that!" Shilling snapped, her eyes bright with unshed tears of shame.

Morning Glory yanked on Shilling and sent her back over by the two other sisters, who were watching with wide eyes and wary eyes.  "Now you three will GO to jail RIGHT now and think about what you've done!  And if I so much as hear that you've given these nice policeponies ANY trouble, so help me..."

The three sisters mumbled assurances that they'd be good, and Morning Glory turned back to Farthing.  Farthing had long since stopped her crying, instead staring in awe at the scene before her, and Bravado wanted to reassure the cute filly, but Doc Stein was on a roll.

"And you.  I'm *very* disappointed in you, young filly.  Letting your sisters drag you into this sort of mischief.  Honestly.  You're old enough to know better.  You go to jail, too, and don't let me hear that you've been carrying on like this again!  There are manticores and chimera and dragons out there that need vanquishing and I've got better things to do!"

You're enjoying this too much, Doc.

Oh, you have no idea.


But then Doc relented and let Bravado add in a quiet word of encouragement, quiet enough for Farthing's ears only.  "That should keep them from thinking you weren't getting punished, too."  Then Morning Glory raised her voice.  "Now, Farthing, you were going to tell us something?"

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The shock of it all took an extra moment or two to truly wear off.  Farthing wasn’t expecting any of this; for her sister to be so heartless or Morning Glory to be so stern. But she was a big girl, and not just in the literal sense. She wiped her eyes clean (not noticing that her cuffs were torn apart), took a deep breath and did as she promised. Despite her sisters grumbling and Maxie screaming

YOU’RE FIRED”.

 

My sisters and me, we got picked up by Maxie about a month or two ago. He was looking for some hired muscle. And well, he plopped this huge sack of Bits in front of us, well… when Sterling gets paid in advance, she gets kinda…

 

AHEM!

 

Sorry! Sorry! I mean…  Sorry. Anyway. None of us have actually seen this Doctor guy. We just kinda hear him. In our brains, or something. Like, we’re just sitting around playing cards and then BOOM; we all hear this big echoy voice outta nowhere. He tells us where to go. What to do. Where to find the Bits he leaves as payment. He never says anything else to us. I don’t think anypony has asked what his actual plans are. Or where to find him or anything. I’m really very sorry but that’s all I know. I’m sorry if I wasted your time…

 

Her ears drooped, and so did her gaze, definitely not feeling like the sharpest knife in the drawer right now. 

 

That's all I needed to hear.

 

The interruption was caused by Just Desserts (Chief Deputy and warden of the city jail), one of the many stocky blue stallions that found themselves in law enforcement, himself (unfortunately) famous due to a curly white mane (and thick Chevron mustache) with rainbow colored flecks scattered about, almost like sprinkles. Swing Beat recognized the commanding officer instantly, as did the rest of the police now on duty, and went to attention instantly. Once they noticed that the Earth Pony was hauling the paddy wagon called not that long ago, they also instantly went to work filling it with criminals.

 

The first of which was Maxie, as per procedure. Keeping the “Dunces” in line tends to be top priority, as it's far too easy to magic a lock open. Which reminded Swing Beat of the little... “conversation” that he and the Captain had. He fumbled as he did it, but was quick to bring his superior up to speed. On everything. Including Farthing's good behavior, willingness to cooperate and the deep rooted corruption in the force.

 

Just Desserts did not look amused. But then, he never did. The stoic stallion surveyed the scene, giving each of the four heroes he saw a good hard look.

 

Ain't gonna lie. Not a huge fan of you guys. Mainly, 'cause I'd like it best if my boys n' I could do the job ourselves. 'Cept lately. Lately, some stuff's been happening that Internal Affairs ain't catching. Maybe on purpose. No way to prove it though. Not yet anyway. So thank you bunch. For helping weed out this mess, even a little bit. We work together and we'll fix this mess toot sweet.

 

His cap was off now, held against his breast. The second in line to commissioner was saluting you. The heroes.

 

...silly question though. None of you seen the Masquerade, have you? Figured it would be with you weirdos. That whatever-it-is was the one what started all this noise. One of the things I can't help but overhear at my desk is one story or another of how that spook will be after them next. From folks I hear were fighting you tonight. He's got the not-so-honest cops running scared. So, if you see it again, tell it I said thanks.

 

ALRIGHT LORDS AND LADIES, LET'S MOVE 'EM OUT.

 

He pounded a mighty hoof against the wagon, now picked up by two other officers. As they dragged the five criminals downtown, another brass colored hoof poked out a bar window and waved.

 

Goodbye, Princess! And thank you!

 

It was Farthing, cheerful again, and surprisingly grateful despite being sent to the clink.

 

Sit down, you [delete] idiot!

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  • 1 month later...

Dusty hummed softly as he just watched the proceedings. The sisters clearly had some... tension between them, but Farthing seemed adamant about staying with them and being there to keep the more sort of temper mares out of trouble. A brave lass she was; stubborn, but brave nonetheless. Perhaps they'd meet again once all the legal proceedings were taken care of.. she seemed at least grateful to be out of this mess for the moment. As for the police force their gratitude was just as Dusty expected; ranging from relieved and thankful to reluctant and grumpy. It wasn't nothing the hobo vigilante wasn't used to at this point... lawponies always seemed wary around civilians taking the law into their hooves, and in a situation where those very civilians may actually prove to be better suited for the situation at hand then even -them-... well it became a matter of bruised pride more than anything.

 

As the questioning began and the sisters spoke, Dusty leaned in and listened carefully... and nothing he heard sounded particularly wholesome or ideal for the situation. Apparently even the employees of this over arching villiany didn't even know who they were being contracted by... the only thing that was known was a loud booming voice and instructions with payment; this didn't bode well. The work stallion grumbled lightly, and fiddled with his stetson as the groups continued in their mutters and matters; thinking over everything he was catching carefully. He'd ask dear Curtain Call later if he had any idea who could be communicating in such a manner.. or maybe Nightguard knew something?

As the question about said Masquerading Curtain Calling Rogue met the group, Dusty rose his head and peered toward the crowd under the rim of his hat, "Can't say ah rightly caught sight of 'im after he up 'n vanished... but I'm sure we'll be see'in it again rightly soon. We'll give it yur message iffin we do." he nods, his emerald green eyes focusing on the crowds once more as they dispersed and the criminals were taken away.. leaving the heroes alone.

Taking his staff over his shoulder and tapping a hoof along the concrete floors of the now very ruined warehouse, the stallion spoke aloud, "So. What's next on the agenda?"

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Nightguard takes one of the cups of Kaffa tea and with a minor adjustment of his helmet he takes a sip of it, bleh, adding creamer... definitely needs a lot of something. He sips at the drink as he watches the ponies around. He definitely finds the methods of dealing with Shilling... unconventional... but now they're receiving help from Farthing. The news she gives though, is less than good. Star Flight curses mentally as he frowns, this means his plan won't likely lead them to the enemy. There has to be another way around.

 

Just Desserts probably isn't too surprised by Nightguards reaction to questions of Masquerades location. The thestral community had been a punching bag for some of the lesser scrupulous cops that the knew to keep quiet when questions come up. When the police leave out, the thestral looks to the rest of the group "We should regather where we met the Masq. There are some things that we need to plan out and figure out what next." he gathers a large chunk of the bits he gathered that were thrown around, trying to get what he can carry "This being one of the things we need to solve together. Grab what you can on your way back." and he turns to start his way back to the theater with the bits.

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MorningGlory.png

 

Morning Glory listened in amazement.  A network of criminal activity, supported by some strange mind-speech?  With nothing for the police to follow back to the boss.

Doc Stein, in the back of Morning Glory's head, was going over the magical equations.  Even unicorns didn't use mind magic at that level, unless it was some specialist she hadn't heard of.  Far easier to just teleport a scroll, either with a spell of your own or, more likely, through a dragon familiar.  To even track such a thing would take months of experimenting to find the right aetherial frequency, to be able to latch into that strange mental communication.

And then, as they were hauling off Farthing, that word again!  Why did everypony assume she was a princess?  "I'm not a-"  ... *sigh*  "Whatever," she mumbled as the cart went rolling off.

As the action finally ended, a wave of exhaustion came over Morning Glory.  She made her way back to the tray of Kaffa tea.  "Ugh.  Well, I don't know about you guys, but I haven't slept in over 20 hours, and I still need to get back to the theatre and fix those holes I put in the walls... I really, really need this stuff."  She took the cuppa kaffa and took a nice, deep draught.
 

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Quill Pusher, the Pagemaster, did not neglect to give a nod and acknowledging salute to Just Desserts as he thanked them and departed.  "On my end, I shall to the best of my abilities see to it that honesty is rewarded as well as dishonesty punished.  There is much in the theory that criminal injustice is allotropic to the social variety, or at least a necessary corollary.  Lost ponies, lost paperwork... they add up if one is not vigilant."  He shook his head, in memories of audits past.

 

The smell and taste of the kaffa returned him to the present and present discussion.  He took some time to listen to all present, rolling their words over in his mind as grounds over his tongue.  "Tsk... we have broken up one part of a larger operation, one which may have roots or tendrils in many of Thoroughbred city's problems.  Speaking for myself, I have a duty to this city to see it run well, and so am committed to seeing this matter through to the end.  I trust you all are as well?  Very good.  As for the suggestion of using the theater as a central meeting place, the plan is a sound one, though..."  He frowned at Night Glider's gathering of the bits.  "I am not certain of the exact propriety of appropriating these funds for our use.  At least, not without documentation of how much, and for what."

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Once the special brew is over the lips and passed the gums, Princess Morning Glory is greeted to a familiar and more than welcome warming sensation. Tingles all over. That's caffeine for you. Unfortunately, the warm quickly becomes hot. Hot becomes boiling. Boiling becomes molten. This was a level of pain that would drive mortal ponies mad. Good thing you're not mortal.

 

One “productive burp”(ejecting both the tea and... butterflies?) later and a good portion of the pain has subsided. You're still not back to 100% but at least now you can stand.

 

The pain was familiar, now that you think about it. And not because so few things in this world can hurt you now. It reminded you of the first day on the job, when everything in the University went screwball. Rubber chairs of all things hurt, when rightfully they shouldn't. This stung in the same way. At the same time, the Captain was showing no signs of discomfort, other than finding the flavor somewhat lacking. The police you saw drinking it, they were fine too. Maxie, fine. The four sisters, fine. Whatever is in this tea, it's only affecting you.

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Morning Glory had gotten hit by a mountain troll's club, body-slammed by a chimera, and scorched by a giant salamander.  These had all hurt, but they were all from the 'scrape your knee' to 'bad dive during hoofball practice' level of hurt.  Really sharp pain immediately, ached for a little bit, then it was gone.  This, however, was a sharp, piercing pain that shot through her, curling her up and dropping her to her knees.

Was this poison?  Was this what poison felt like?  She wasn't even aware of her surroundings, though somewhere in the back of her mind, Doctor Stein was clinically examining it with desperate speed, and trying to come up with some way to counter the effects.  Doctor Stein was also sufficiently removed from the pain that she could watch Morning Glory's peripheral vision and note, clinically, that none of the others seemed affected.  For Morning Glory, though, all she could feel was agony.  Her hoof drove through the stone floor as she writhed and struck at the ground, then a second time, as if physical impact could distract her from the internal gut-wrenching pain.

Then, suddenly, relief.  The brown slime expelled from her, splattering across the floor.  She sucked in a couple desperate breaths, then vomited again.  It was disgusting, it burned like acid in her throat, but she was no longer in agony.  The relief was palpable.  As her vision cleared, she saw bright spots of color floating in front of her watering eyes.  What...

"Butterflies?  Where did ... how did ..."

The realization was slow, confused.  Disbelieving.  Doctor Stein concurred.  Or had Doc Stein come up with it first?  Sometimes it was hard to tell.  "Butterflies in my stomach? ... It's a joke"

She stood back up, feeling a bit unsteady on her hooves.  "Gentleponies ... I believe there may be discordant magic in the tea ... but why were you all spared?"

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  • 3 weeks later...

Nightguard tilts his head to Pagemaster on his statement. "Well, right now... the option left is us to clean up the mess." he gestures to the room that the police left "Not that I wouldn't trust the police after the little fiasco tonight anyways. But I'd rather not leave this in a place after the racket we made for anyone to pick up. I want to take it to a place where we can decide as a whole for what to do with it. The theater seems as likely a gathering place for that where it can be counted and documented." he shrugs "Unless you would prefer to remain in a location that would have attracted attention from the noise we made. I personally would rather avoid any other altercations tonight."

 

Any further thoughts are interrupted by Morning Glory going down. The suddenness of this catching attention of the cup hitting the ground, and her dropping down "Glory!" did she have injuries she didn't realize about. Then she starts vomiting up the brown liquid Wonderful. And I drank the dreck tooBut nothing comes to him, and she seems quickly better, despite butterflies also coming up. Discordant magic. "Great... I've not dealt as much with Discordant magic at the time. That was the sort of thing Princess Luna dealt with directly. I might know someone who knows a couple weird ponies that can give a better idea of why you're affected, but not us. But could that be part of why the tree grew so rapidly?" 

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A momentary thought occurs as Nightguard looks about the room. Chaos in the tea. Cops slinging spells despite not being unicorns. There are multiple things just combining together that's... odd. He goes to pick up one of the batons. Looking over it to try to figure out how it worked. Maybe there's other things that the chaos might be connected to.

 

((Making use of my investigation.))

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