Ciraxis

Swift Squall really didn't need this. He hadn't slept at all during last 52 hours and the effects started getting to him. Being hit by surprisingly hard pillows certainly wasn't doing any favors either, when it came to pulling his thoughts together. "Urghhh....ugghhhhh..." Squall rolled over, mumbling 'intelligently'.. This certainly wasn't his day. "At this point...the only mismatch of colors I want to see, is one of those ordered pizzas." noblepony said, using zweihoofer from earlier as a linchpin to pull himself up. "Alright. No." Swift drawled upon seeing more 'ninjas' entering the room. As if on command, large cabinet flew through the room, hurled by unicorn's magic. The poor hyoshigi wielding shadow was flattened against the wall by weaponized piece of furniture - for him, the show was already over. "And stay down..." noblepony growled, turning around to face other ninjas. It was Stife, increasingly odd behavior that finally allowed the unicorn to take a hint. That, along a few hits to the head. Probably. "Wha...?" Squall expressed confusion at spontaneous item creation, as well as 'script' the 'detective' has offered him. The writing was made from comprehensible words, but it was overall complete gibberish. For a moment noblepony even had a feeling that some words were switching places when he wasn't focusing on them. And the name....Strife. Very clever. "Who....what are you?" Squallcoast asked demandingly, with massive blade raising to the air next to him.

"<...You do not understand.>" Squall shook his head and turned around, once more gazing at the city outside. "<I mentioned before, didn't I? We work to live, not live to work.....even if we enjoy it.>" he mused. "<Our choice of employment may give us certain characteristics, but it isn't wholeness of us as a person.>" Squall pointed out. "<The world may not remember Kage Henka, and you may even wished for it to be this way, but it isn't a reason for it to forget Henka Yūrei.>" Swift turned around, and next to his head - levitating in the air - shone a golden coin, sanding out even more due how dim lit was the enormous office. "<Some say, theorize, there are two sides of everything. I believe this is gross oversimplification, but at the same time, that the very core of the theory rings true.>" he said while walking next to his desk. "<This...is the world!>" he suddenly said, waving his hoof at the desktop "<And this, is Henka Yūrei, living in this world.>" the coin flew between unicorn and 'pegasus' before taking positioning above the desk. "<And she believes that she can be either ninja, or a person. But the truth is that with some care, experience....>" the coin started descending "<...and patience, a balance can be achieved.>" Squall finished with a coin now standing on it's edge. "<Of course things are not perfect. Sometimes something happens, close or far, and the tremors of it will disturb the state of events....>" noblepony mused, before kicking the desk. "<....other times it will be someone...>" he continued while pulling coin-Henka upright again "<...who will roll up and knock down what we built for ourselves.>" This time the metaphor took the form of the silver coin, rolling on it's edge. Predictably one one metallic circle crashed into the other, knocking the both flat. "<That, or dozen other things. Of the kind we can predict and kind we can't. Of the kind that's our fault, and those that don't have anything to do with us....But....>" Suddenly, Swift's focus shifted to Yūrei and he smiled. But for the first time, it was the smile filled with genuine warmth, not self assurance. "<Let me tell you something you already know Miss Yūrei. The world isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Sometimes it's a very mean and nasty place, something that a pony of your profession has full awareness off. It doesn't matter how tough you are, world will beat you to your knees and keep you there permanently if you let it. You, me, everypony is gonna hit things as hard as life. But it isn't about how hard you hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward. That’s how winning is done!>" Squall turned his head back to the desktop, while something small and metallic flew from one of his pockets. "<And sometimes, when you really feel like this is the end, when you feel that you can't take anymore hits....>" he mused as the object flew to the laying coin "<...if you do enough of the right choices....>" a pair of tweezers seized the golden disk and lifted it up "<...there will be someone else there to picks you up, dust you off and remind you what great person you are.>" swordpony finished, just like the small tool released the coin, now back standing on it's edge. "<In Equestria we call those 'right choices' friendship.>" he added, picking up her hoof with his own, swiping the coin from the desk, and putting it on her frog*. Only now she could see that this wasn't an Equestrian bit, but some other, unidentifiable ancient currency. "<I won't held you anymore Miss Henka. It's getting late, you no doubt want to do some sight-seeing, and to be honest I have some more paperwork to do if I want to get home before midnight.>" he mused. Behind the, the sound of the opening door could be heard. Telekinesis sure did come hoofy sometimes. "<And.....Yūrei, if you would wish to talk...or just ask me anything, you are welcome in Squallcoast Manor. Just make sure to write a letter beforehoof, I tend to be on the road quite a lot. Don't want you to knock the door uselessly, and waste your time, do we?>" *

"<You may have to brush off your Equestrian before you go 'hunting'. You don't want your pickup lines to sound bad, do you?>" unicorn joked. "<My point is, it doesn't have to be that way.>" Squall answered. "<Did you ever pondered why you live the way you do? Why are you shinobi? Is it because it's something you family always did? Is it because you don't know any other way? Or is it because...destiny.>" the last line was said with great disdain. "<Miss Henka, I may not look the part right now, but I seen lot of things. I've been on four continents and despite many have said, I never seen the instance of 'destiny' other then the one made by pony's own hooves.>" he mused before giving a slight smile. "<And noting in this world had 'always been this way'. Everything has a beginning, something that you, people of East across the ocean often forget - with your zealous commitment to tradition. At the beginning of every custom there was a pony, quilin or any other being who said 'No, I will do the things my way!'. A spirit so fiery that others had been mimicking it ever since. Even if passing years erased a reason why she or he did what she or he did.>" a glint appeared in the noblepony's eyes, something in the conversation stringing a right note in his otherwise stoic persona. "<And then you tell me you are at peace with a memory of you, falling into oblivion?! Those are the words of a defeated mare!!>" Squall said with conviction, and for a moment a passion that he let loose likened him to his namesake. "<A victor must speak not of the current state of the world, but of how it can be changed for better!>" Swift pointed out at the winged mare with his hoof. "<Tell me what you want to be Miss Yūrei! Defeated, or the victor?!>"

"<Well I told you not to rush. There is big city out there, with plenty of stallions who wouldn't mind. Go, have a blast.>" Swift waved his hoof at the view outside the window. "<Shadows need light to exist Miss Henka. This light is an age you live in. Just like shadow needs something to cast it, so you too need current era to have a purpose. And just like the shadow can not change anything about itself, you too are unable to change your existence.>" "<Miss Yūrei, you can task a pony to change the course of history with a slash of a knife, perhaps some of you ancestors did. But with the way you and your Clan live their lives, it also means that the very same history will never acknowledge you. Even if you live you mark on the ages, no one will realize it was you.>" unicorn mused. Squall turned his head around too look at the sitting mare. There was something foreboding in the gaze of his. "<Miss Henka....your Clan could've disappear in the span of the single night....and the world wouldn't notice.>" Swift said in a serious voice. "<No one to pass your legacy on. The story never told. Unseen. Unheard......>" he paused searching for the right word "<....Forgotten.>" "<Now, tell me Miss Henka. Do you want such possibility, to loam over your people?>"

"<This isn't a race Miss Yūrei, I am not putting any time limit for this assignment. I am both a patient pony, and quite busy with various other things.>" Squall said as he stood up and walked to the window. "<You have all the time to make this endeavor successful. And it may sound strange from a stallion who hired you - but if will be in need of resources or gear to pull this off, then don't hesitate to bring this up. I can remedy the shortage of both.>" "<That said there is no reason to not enjoy yourself when able. I assure you with our partnership established you will have much more time to do so.>" With those words noblepony levitated a beverage filled glass. Judging from his statement made earlier, it had to be some kind of juice. "<Speaking of free time, is there is something you enjoy doing outside of work? I know that your...chosen profession demands constant attention, but we work to live, not live to work, isn't it?>" Squall asked. "<Well most ponies know this. I mean some don't, but they weird.>" he mused be fore continuing. "<That and you want you Clan to be something more then just shadows, don't you Miss Henka?>"

"<You see Miss Yūrei, it turns out 190 years ago was quite a special time for certain form of entertainment popular in your homeland. I am sure you familiar with it - the golemmu fighting.>" Squall continued with a smile. If he did notice mare's annoyance then he apparently opted to ignore it. "<It existed long before then, true, but it used to be exclusive pastime of nobility. Two centuries ago however was the time when it become popular with the masses, thanks to rising prosperity of the country. I guess it's thanks to Neighpon tendency of...taking Polyneighsia islands under it's protectorate.>" unicorn said carefully, not sure how much of a patriot his guest was. "<It lowered the cost of the production, and so golems became more available. As a result, small family trades that made the golems grew to the businesses they are today.>" "<Anyway....golem fighting was my only lead I had, so I sent my employees for investigation. And here's the thing. Turns out that just like some companies held formulas of their flagship drinks secret, so does producers of golem frames and parts too keep secrets of their production a mystery.>" Swift kept going, his smile only widening. "<Even golem trainers and maintenance crews of those machines are kept in the dark. True they know of properties of every single part, and are free to mix and match those coming from various manufacturers. More then that, those wealthy or successful enough are able to order a custom made ones for their toys. But how they made in first place?>" noblepony spread his forelegs and shook his head."<This is secret to everyone but the companies that makes them.>" "<So of course I ordered some of those parts and shipped them in secret back in Neighpon. Turns out the materials that's make many of them matches very closely with 'Metal U'. Differences are not surprising really. The methods tend to change, improve over time.>" he mused, more to himself then to Yūrei. "<And here, is where You and your Clan comes in Miss Henka. Your first assignment for me.>" Squall leaned forwards, his expression serious as he pointed at the 'pegasus' with his hoof.. "<I want you, Miss Yūrei, to infiltrate five biggest golem producing companies and bring the secrets of their production to me. Material that allows the creation of miles high buildings should not be used just for some entertainment. As a reward for beginning of our....cooperation, you will receive the land deed for the valley I mentioned. As well as ten time the about of bits I sent in my...invitation.>" business-stallion said while leaning back in his chair. "<And if your shinobi will find other, interesting secrets you will judge as worthy of interest, in the process....>" Swift paused for a moment, thinking over something as crack of thunder rumbled outside "<......I am willing to reward you for those as well.>"

"<Ahh so you are more of pragmatist then? As benefiting you profession I suppose.>" Swift commented while pouring Yūrei her drink. "<I must confess I share similar, if little more liberal mindset. Tradition....what a weird beast it is. Born from necessity, then it's purpose falls into obscurity, until one day a daring mind casts it aside when it becomes liability.>" he mused, getting a little philosophical for a moment. "<But debate about this can wait for later. Let's keep focusing at task at hoof.>" he requested while shifting the now sake filled cup to his guest. "<For hunt I wish to sent you indeed, but not for the metal itself. And yes, I am certain that You and your Clan are the right people for the job. I would hardly bother you with voyage across the ocean if this wasn't the case.>" business-stallion reassured the winged mare. "<Now have patience Miss Henka, the story of mine is not finished.>" "<Now where I was? Ah yes contents of the wreckage. After this metal was found I passed it to the scientists in my employ for identification, experimentation if needed and....forgot about the incident for a few days. You must understand Miss Henka, I am a very busy stallion. Aside from managing my company and other duties on my shoulders, I also wish to have a little life of my own. Not to mention events like these happen all the time. However a week after a discovery I was presented with...very interesting results.>" Squall paused for a moment and leaned back in his chair. "<Despite the best efforts, analyzing those ingots proved to be mostly a failure. My employees found out physical characteristics of this metal, and are quite certain it's not pure element. Rather it appeared to be some alloy, unknown by Equestrians - and even then it's components proved to be mystery. Thus the metal received moniker 'Metal U'. But what even more interesting was what further experiments yielded.>" Squall said, before reaching toward the drawer once more. On the desk landed another, larger, ingot that was soon illuminated by light from Squall's horn. The difference in appearance was astonishing. This new piece of metal was dark green instead of shade of purple, lacked any metallic shine or glow. "<This new alloy was what was produced after some trial and error. And it's characteristics.....>" he paused while levitating some documents from lockers behind him. He then proceeded to read aloud from the pages. <"Exposed to sea and sweet water, corrosion, heat, and most acids with no ill effects. Extremely hard and capable of supporting great weights - but has melting point low enough for processing, and the production itself is also non issue. The experimental building frame built from it shrugged off simulated earthquakes all the way to Magnitude 9, so it's also resistant to vibrations. At the same time it's elastic enough to withstand strong winds without snapping. A very desirable trait when building super-tall structures. We even hit it with simulated tsunami, dragonfire and arcane explosion that would vaporize mithril. Neither of these leaved a scratch on it. The only things that damaged it were carborane acids, and liquid nitrogen - or rather cryogenic temperatures below -180°C, when it becomes brittle as glass.>" Squall finished before putting the papers down. "<So as you see Miss Yūrei this new alloy produced from ingots found in the shipwreck turned out to be true wonder among building materials. Compared to it, even hardest steel seem like a joke, and not funny one either. It surpasses even hardened adamantium. Structures build from it will outlast even pyramids in Pharaoh Vale. We named this new metal.... galvorn.>" Swift fell silent for a moment before continuing. "<As you can imagine I was quite exited by this discovery. With galvorn we can build things that previously were straight up impossible to make - a possibility that my company plans to use to it's full effect....but.....>" noblepony gave a deep sight at this notion. "<While making galvorn using 'Metal U' and...some other substances is easy enough, we have no idea how to produce 'Metal U' itself. Our research yielded no results, and most of the ingots found in containers were used out in experimentation. As you can imagine, this is quite a problem.>" unicorn waved his hoof. "<At this point, I stepped in to resolve this issue myself. To do this I needed to explain the mystery of 'Metal U', and I had only two clues to start with. The date on the ingots, and apparent place of origin - Neighpon. As such I buried myself in historic books about you homeland for straight two weeks. And, pleased to say, my search was fruitful.....>" said Swift Squall said with a content smirk.

"<So we reached an accord. Very well then, allow me to explain circumstances of your first assignment. Please bear with me, this can take a while.>" Swift asked as he opened a cabinet. At the same time, from one of the shadowy corners of the vast office flew one of the chairs, at last offering Henka something to sit on. "<Sake? Sticking to something we know I see. Are you traditionalist Miss Yūrei? By the way which one? I have Seishu, Nigori, Taruzake and Amazake.>" unicorn paused, clearly waiting for 'pegasus' choice. <"Now, back to the task. First, please look outside.>" noblepony asked. This wasn't hard, seeing that the whole left wall was made of glass, and as such one giant window. The single glance was enough to confirm that weather was still horrible, storm clouds making everything so dark that city skyline was barely recognizable - aside from the brief moments when flash of lightning illuminated Fillydelphia. However one particular landmark stood out despite that the darkness, floodlit by reflectors. The very skyscraper that the mare passed on the way to this meeting. Only now, when viewed from the distance one could appreciate how tall it was, even if it wasn't finished yet. "<Quite a sigh isn't it? They working over it even as we speak - deadlines wait for no one. But worry not, at times when weather turns foul - such as today - a magical field is extended to protect building and workers both from the water and lightning.>" Squall explained. "<You see, the very building inside which we are now is nothing but a temporary HQ for my company. This impressive spire you can see - The Tempest Tower - will be true center of my businesses, both present and future. When it is finished, this skyscraper will be highest on the continent.>" he added with smile. "<You may wonder what your mission have with construction. I assure you - quite a lot - which will be clear soon enough.>" noblepony added before pausing. The next thing that he did was to open the drawer in his desk, retrieving a couple of photographs, a map and some documents. Apparently Squall had enough foresight to have them written in Neighponese. First couple photographs showed beached shipwreck in very bad shape. From the looks of it had to be in far north or during winter, judging from all the snow and ice on the rocky coast. But the last one showed something different. It showed inside of the wreck, and what had to be it's cargo. Two rusty containers - both large enough to house a train wagon. "<Two months ago, a survey team on my paycheck was looking for natural resources in northern parts of the continent. This shipwreck was found east from the Crystal Empire. Naturally I immediately dispatched a team both for salvage and to survey it's contents. Finders-keepers as they say. They found no bodies or other remains belonging to the crew, but last photo shows what my workers uncovered in cargo hold. Do you know what was inside those containers Miss Henka?>" Squall asked. Before the 'pegasus' could answer his question, unicorn opened a drawer once more, before laying on the table something that appeared to be metal ingot. "<This. Despite their apparent poor shape , both conditioners were expertly sealed with magic, protecting the cargo from elements. Now please take a look at this piece.>" swordpony asked, pointing with his hoof at the ingot. The metal was phlox in color, but it seemed to radiate barely visible glow in dim lit office. On the surface of the metal was inscription in Neighponese. From it one could read that it was apparently 190 years old.

"<Among other things, yes. Did I mention that the valley also have cave system? Because it does.>" Squall answered Yūrei's question with a tip of additional trivia, before leaning forward in his chair, his hooves forming a bridge before his mouth. "<Oh, so you find my proposition fair then? Should I take it as acceptance of my offer?>" unicorn dropped a question of his own, in regards of their possible partnership. "<Yes or no would suffice. Unless you have other questions....which I am obligated to answer per spirit of the...game.>" Swift reminded the Neighponese mare while waving his hoof. "<You could say that.>" noblepony mused when Henka inquired about friends of his "<While they indeed disguise themselves they do without unicorn's help. You can say that they have....natural talent with it.>" buissnesspony said with emphasis, his aggravating, all-knowing smile still present. "<Those two are indeed very special.>" he added in agreement with 'pegasus' observation. "<But enough about my acquaintances. Let's talk about the first assignment I would have for your Clan. If you willing to work with me.>" Squall said with emphasis on the last part. A small hint that he viewed Henka less as possible employee and more as potential business partner. "<And perhaps after that we can talk about you....if you not against the idea Miss Yūrei.>" unicorn added, turning up his charm. "<Say, would you like something to drink? I am teetotaler myself, but I keep small cabinet for benefit of guests.>"

"<Simply trusted? Good Harmony, no, I am not that naive. A lot of information I got was completely useless - at least in regards of You and your Clan that is. I learned long ago that to find pieces of truth, you need to select right sieve. I am just happy that I chose correctly. Because illusions and deception is exactly what I need. Between us things may be crystal clear, but for others......I want them to see only haze, a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.>" he confessed with slight smile. "<Oh I know that.>" Squall agreed with Yūrei observation. "<I never stated they weren't. It was indeed capital well spent, seeing we have this talk right now. But as I said earlier, they aren't adequate for kind of missions I have in mind. You and your clan, on the other hoof, are.>" noblepony again expressed his belief in Clan Henka abilities. "<Compensation hmmm? You already can say how much I can reward you for your assistance, thanks to my...invitation. But alright, how about this?>" swordstallion hummed why he reached towards the drawer. A second later a very official looking document landed on the desk. "<As I mentioned earlier, not only I have companies of my own, but I am to inherit those of my father and grandfather in the future. My father is owner of media conglomerate, with many any press titles that he owns. As you can guess it's very cheap advertising for my businesses - among other things. My grandfather on other hoof...>" Squall explained while putting his leg on the paper, and shifting it towards Yūrei. "<....deals with with real estate and land tenure trade.>" he finished, while smirk creept on his face. "<In Germaney Mountains there is little known and heavily forested valley, untouched by pony hoof. This valley has a river and a small lake, a number of rare herbs growing here and there, and few meadows on the mountainside - perfect for some small crops. Under any other circumstances it would be tourist destination by now. However there is only one obvious entry to the valley by land - all others required much better physical condition then that of an average pony. Worse yet, air currents above the valley make approaching it by wing a very risky tenure - overall a true logistical nightmare. What do you think Miss Henka? Doesn't that sound like a perfect place....for shinobi retreat?>" he asked while leaning back in his chair. "<Now then, I am far from telling you how to lead your Clan. But wouldn't it be nice to have a base of operation for your people on this continent? Better yet, with this you wouldn't be so reliant on good will and whims of the Shogun. Neighpon is you home, but what if....current or any future leader would find that...shinobi are cumbersome for his politics? Surely you must agree that's it's not wise to put all the eggs in one basket Miss Henka.>" Squall tempted her, while lifting the ownership deed into the air with telekinesis. "<And you may find it hard to believe, but this is just one of the 'bonuses' I am willing to provide for your service. I may have a three companies now....but I am more then willing to expand into other businesses opportunities.>" Swift Squall eyebrows rose and his eye widened at the display before him. "<My my. When it comes to surprises you are agift that keeps on giving Miss Yūrei.>" he said, before rubbing his chin in stunned silence. And few moments passed, and during them Yūrei could see a glint of realization sparkle in stallions eyes, before he once again leaned into his chair. The smirk too, returned, telling the mare that her display told Count Squallcoast more them she may have wished. "<Indeed very impressive. You know Miss Henka, you remind me of the two close friends of mine.>"

"Oh? So it's straightforward matter of a revenge? Insane or not this hedge mage does not beat around the bush! Haha!" Swift said. "I-I am sorry." he added after a second of awkward silence. "Ughhhh...I believe.....that I was ninjed Fire." noblepony groaned further, while trying to pick himself together. He only succeeded with rolling himself on the back. "This...this is the worst. What was in those pillows? Stymphalian Birds feathers?" Squall asked. Swift could only sigh as Xiêyè gave chase to one of the 'ninjas' while Strife engaged another. "Oh and now elders attack. And I tough I couldn't look more bad." he muttered still laying down. But then , swordstallion spotted a slight movement near the ceiling. "Hmm what...?" he mused, before the prowling figure jumped down to attack! "Moto!" swordpony cried, before pushing her out of the harms way with his magic. However the price of sparing his love from sneak attack was getting smacked straight in the face with a pillow. Again. "Ack!" young stallion yelped in surprise just as before. Swift's assailant blinked - apparently as astonished as unicorn himself - before shrugging and hitting the sprawled Count few more times and dispreading yet again. "Eeeeaaahahharruurrahhfrozenpeas." Squall said eloquently when the foe was gone.

The mare wasn't personal with Squall for long. No more then two pats on his face she could feel her limb being caught into firm, telekinetic grasp and pried off. "<Don't. Toy. With. Me.>" he growled coldly, while staring straight at her, his eyes glowing slightly. A few seconds of nervousness silence later he put her hoof back on the floor before releasing it from grip of his magic. "<'Thought' implies benefit of doubt, I know that Yūrei Henka is leader of the clan.>" noblepony said while he returned behind the desk while recomposing himself. Squall could only scoff when his guest 'introduced' herself. "<Nice to meet you, Miss I-Don't-Exist.>" he snarked before more serious expression returned to his face. "<Miss Yūrei... to be honest I almost, almost convinced by your story. You know what tipped me off? You're way too calm. In very impressive way I must add.>" he explained. "<Even an elite shinobi, a shadow warrior would be slightly unnerved when walking into lions den. Not you however, you hold you emotions in check, being completely in control of them - as befitting true leader.>" Swift praised her. "<Well that, and the fact I did background check before sending my invitation. You didn't really believe I would send Your Clan an invitation just like that, didn't you? No, I hired other ninja groups to gather as many crumbles of information about Your Clan as possible. They weren't befitting the future, much more important tasks I have in mind, but they were more then adequate in an effort to know you better. And they indeed confirmed that there is no better candidate then You and your Clan.>" Squall paused while resting his chin on his hoof. "<Miss Henka, I am not interested with just one single job. What I seek is permanent and fruitful partnership. And I can offer you gift that no other employer could give before, my friendship and loyalty.>" he continued "<Of course for this to work...there is need of honesty. Something that You - as I believe - may have an issue with. For understandable reasons.>" Swift expressed sympathy before pausing again. "<Of course.....requesting one to open up themselves so completely without anything to compensate would be bluntly unfair. So....Miss Henka, I heard you have a great fondness for games. So....how about we play Game of Honesty? For lack of secrets on you part....I offer complete transparency from mine in return. I offer to answer all and any of your questions truthfully, now and in the future - as long as our partnership will hold. And in case that you may doubt my word, I offer something much more solid as an insurance. Does that sound like a fair exchange...Miss Henka?>" billionaire asked.

"<There weren't supposed to be. At last not today.>" said stallion. In Neighponese. Fluent one at that. He even got the accent right! "<So Miss...Henka. Henka Yūrei, isn't it? I wasn't expecting you to come in person. Especially now that I can hear you are not in Equestra often.>" unicorn lampshaded shinobi poor grasp of Equestrian. "<Unexpected....but not unwelcome.>" he said, and indeed his voice was clear that he was quite pleased from this turn of events. "<I always prefer to avoid intermediaries if possible.>" Businesspony stood up and walked around the desk. He was wearing a stylish black trench coat with long back-tails and company emblem on the left side of it. White dress shirt with black stripes all over was what he was wearing underneath that. Careful observation revealed that both of those was from the latest Itaily fashion line. But was less significant then the stallion himself. This pony was big, and part of his body not covered by garments showed rippling muscles just under the skin and his orange coat. He moved nothing like a pencil pusher, instead his movements was more similar to a panther - giving away both strength and lightning like reflexes. His gaze however was akin to a hawk, showing sharp mind and experience far beyond his age. "<You can probably already tell who am I...but let's proceed anyway. I am Swift Squall Squallcoast. Count of the Fillydelphia, one of five richest ponies in the world, founder, owner and CEO of Strand Technologies, Squallcoast Constructions, South Equestria Chemicals and of course Tempest Corporation who unites them all. As well as heir of the fortunes of both my father and grandfather, and quite good swordstallion.>" Squall introduced himself before walking towards the window. "<And yes. I indeed have job offer for you. Hopefully first of many. As for why you...it's because I in need of skills that come with your profession.>" he mused.

The two mare didn't bothered which any response beyond a small nod and opening carriage doors. Almost stone like faces the they spotted seemed to confirm they were professionals. Somehow it looked more like they were escorting dangerous convict then awaited guest. Soon the carriage was speeding thought the city, going straight into it's developing part. Yūrei could see construction yards everywhere, a clear sign of prosperity. Of course there was the question, where it come from. Especially after seeing the one yard the were driving past right now. Still not finished, but it was already clear that this building will higher then famous buildings of Manehattan. That's some megatall skyscraper under work here. After a few more minutes before another, much more humble building in terms of high, but still very wide. "This is it. The Boss is waiting." said one of the mares signaling end of the ride, first word spoken to Henka since her arrival. Yūrei - with one of the Mares in Black on either on her sides - entered inside to room that could be only a lobby. The trio stopped before a counter where they were greeted by receptionist. Behind her on the wall - a logo of 'TEMPEST CORPORATION' could be seen. 'Oh? You back faster then anticipated. Go ahead, Boss just returned to the office." Only a short elevator ride separated Yūrei from her secretive would-be-employer. The elevator doors opened.... Leading straight to the huge...gargantuan office. It appears that most of the floor was taken by it. Combined with a large window stretching through the length of it, it resembled more the throne room then residence of some CEO. And at the opposite edge from the elevator was.....a sigle desk. "Faster then anticipated." mused the stallion sitting behind it, who apparently until now was shifting through some documentation. "Splendid job. You two have the rest of the day off. Now please....leave us." said the unicorn, his words accompanied by crash of thunder.

City of Sisterly Love, Fillydelphia. For it, today....was not the best time to leave first impressions. Especially for passengers of now landing vessel from Neighpon. It really wasn't surprising. During the two week of travel in the first class airship they were surrounded by all kinds of luxuries. Now lights of the landing strip were getting closer and closer, and so was unavoidable reality of leaving their comfy cabins and stepping into mother-of-all downpours. It seems that weather ponies had quite a slip up. As airship landed in less-then-gentle manner thanks to rough conditions, it was swarmed by airport staff, doing their best to secure in place the sky leviathan. On the sidelines of the airstrip however, was something that clearly wasn't part of the airport service. A droshky with darkened windows, and before it two mares in black suits and sporting equally black sunglasses. The chick looking pair studied travelers leaving the vehicle, clearly waiting for someone....

"Ohh...." Squall said, deflated. "I like when you are in the uniform, it really brings up your....errr never mind youdidn'theardanyofthis!" he quickly added. "Wait underground nut job? Which one?" noblepony asked for clarification "I mean there is this one under the University...and the other under Fillydelphia Royal Hotel. Oh and you recall that Botanical Gardens I was sponsoring? Well turns out one of those lunatics has taken residence under its as well." Swift added, his tone clear that he wasn't pleased with this recent development. "Well, regardless which one of them it would be, tell me if you need a hoof. I had a similar job way back, in Manhattan. And I assure you Love, Big Orange underbelly is much bigger then one of Filly." However Xiêyè 's lined with disbelief question interrupted all of this sewer speak. And surprise surprise, Mr.Strife wasn't exactly convinced of shinobi existence. "Often enough to be weary of them, yes. Although as long as they are numerous it's little more then annoyance. Things turn dangerous when only one shows up." Swift spoke to the longma as he pulled out the zweihoofer stuck into the wall "What you believe is inconsequential, when confronted with the truth with your own very eyes Mr. Strife. And as Sir. Fēngbào can surely attest - seeing that he hails from the parts of their origin - ninjas very much exist . Try to stick into any, barely political situation in the Neighpon or parts of Long Guo, and you can be assured that you will gain your proof. And not that of the non-existing 'pajama' variety as shown in comics or movies. No, I speak about the real deal." count said ominously. "And to answer your question Mr. Strife, no. Sleepovers I take part in are usually much less eventful. Field trips on the other hoof...." However the next question was coming from Fire. Her accusations made him reel back, clearly surprised. "Hiding?! I...Do you...Do you think I would hide something from You?" he answered, clearly hurt by the accusations. After all Fire was confidant of the secrets he didn't tola his own parents about "I was trying to be a good host, that's all! Bubble told me that we should expect visitors and he turned out right. Some less civil then the others..." Squall gazed at the heap of splinters that was a minute ago an animated totem. And then the ninjas appeared. For a moment Squall appeared unmoved by this turn of events. Then one of his eyes twitched, and his mouth twisted into a scowl. This much ridiculousness in ten minutes was too much for him. "No. Definitely no. Certainly no. NO! No, no, no, no, NO, noo, nonononoNONONONO! What is this? WHAT FREAKING RUBBISH IS THIS?! PAJAMAS?!! Is that a joke? What...WHAT is this? Four freaking ninja wannabes...and a midget? This a joke right? RIGHT?! Because if it is, I WANT A PUNCHLINE!" Squall broke down into a rant, alternately talking calmly and screaming. Apparently the 'ninjas' took the last part literally because as soon as he finished, they jumped the noblepony with their pillows raised. Swift only managed to make a surprised "Ack!" before he and the assailants disappeared in a big ball of violence. After lot of cuss words in several languages from the unicorn, and lot of feathers and one (clearly non-pony) shoe that were sent flying, shinobi scattered across the manor. Squall meanwhile was left sprawled on the floor, thoroughly pillowed and groaning. It was hard to say if it was from the whooping he received or from sheer irritation. "I....I don't want anymore punchlines...."