Unit 0047

by CompetingCoot

Rating: teen
Tags: Romance, Adventure
Length: 16331

Sweetcloud is an awesome bat pony. She strives to prove that Unit is good somewhere in the inside. Could she be wrong?

Unit 0047 is a thief. He is serious to prove his worth and wealth against other ponies. After all, it's everypony for himself, right? The world is a sinking ship and you've got to scavenge what's left of it and get out of here. The more wealth, the more power.

Sweetcloud is an adventurer. She loves to play and prank other ponies. Besides, all for one and one for all, right? Life is short so you've got to make the most of it with other ponies! The more friends, then the more fun you'll have!

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2013-12-03 03:35:17 UTC

Interrupted

   A train pulled up into a station and loud speakers turned on to make an announcement. Several ponies, pegasus, griffons, and even a bull named Iron Will were not even paying attention as they patiently waited for the pony on the mic to shut up and just open the sliding door. Finally, after a long 30 seconds, the doors opened and everypony went about to their business in the city. A unicorn came last out of the train. He had a blackish-gray coat, a bright yellow mane and tail, and hazel eyes. He checked his leather saddlebag to see if he has everything he needs. Bits, lockpicks, and a speed potion. He wandered through crowds of ponies in the city and saw that there were really tall buildings! Taxis, apartments, hotels, ponies, the ocean! Yes, it's perfect! This was a city built on top of water! It was Manehttan.

   It was such a huge city! A beneficial, profitable huge city. A smile pulled onto the unicorn's lips as he searched for victims. He found a couple that snuggled noses with one another at an outside restaurant. The mare pegasus had left her purse hanging on her chair. Good, she was distracted. The thief simply walked by like any other pony and easily took that purse off the chair without breaking a sweat. Of course, purse-snapping off a chair was easy, he thought. The sly unicorn slid the purse over his neck and hid in a small alleyway. It would be suspicious if somepony saw you rummaging in a mare's purse. He pulled out a few bits, only 7, and an expensive perfume. He left the purse and put those 7 bits and perfume to add to his collection. Another successful steal, he thought, proud of himself. He was about to leave the alleyway when he saw movement in the corner of his eye...There it was again!

   "Who are you? Show yourself!" yelled the thief as his horn glowed green.

   Slowly, he backed into a wall and saw a pair of eyes in the shadow of the alleyway. The eyes were green, yes, but there was a small black slit in the middle of the pupils. The scared stallion yelped when it lunged after him. His back slammed against a wall and he met face to face with a...

   "A bat pony?" sighed the unicorn as he used his magic to get this laughing pest off of him. "Typical. I should've known it was one of your kind."

   The pony kept laughing and the relieved stallion rolled his eyes while he left the alleyway.The bat pony quickly wiped a tear off her eye as she followed the unicorn onto the street.

   "Hey! Come on, I'm sorry! It was only just a joke! Here, let's just restart. My name is Sweetcloud. Sweetcloud Silvergaze!" said the pony as she still giggled.

   "Nice to meet your acquaintance," the thief dully said,"now get lost."

   He smiled in anticipation. That'll surely get rid of her. At first, the bat pony tilted her head in confusion. Then she smiled back up again. Darn.

   "Oh, silly! It's impossible for me to get lost because I'm following you! By the way, what's your name? Huh? Huh? Huh-"

   "For crying out loud, my name is Unit 0047!" yelled Unit.

   It was probably a bad idea to yell that in front of public. Guards immediately turned their heads towards Unit and surrounded him suspiciously. One guard noticed him from a wanted poster stuck on a nearby pole.

   "Hey, it's that prisoner! Seize him!"

   All the guards, that surrounded Sweetcloud and Unit, lunged forward. Luckily, Sweetcloud grabbed Unit before the guards crashed their heads together. The mare was surprisingly strong! She held Unit with only her two hooves!

   "Wow, you must be real famous! Are you a rock star, or maybe a writer, oh wait! You're an Anthropologist! You should meet this wonderful mare-"

   "Sweetcloud! Now's not the time!" Unit yelled when he saw the Royal Pegasus Guards.

   There were 4 of them and they all held spears around Sweetclouds head.

   "Stop! If you turn yourself in, conviction will be less punishable after the Royal Court! Your marefriend here will be up for questioning until she proves to be not-guilty!" convinced one of the pegasus guards.

   Sweetcloud tilted her head again, confused of who the guard referred 'marefriend' to. While Unit blushed at the ridiculous idea. He quickly shook his head from the thought and focused on the matter at hand.

   "Sweetcloud! Please, I'll do anything for you if you get me out of this!" Unit pleaded.

   Sweetcloud looked at the guards then at her new acquaintance. Awww, Unit putted up that puppy face. If she turns this criminal in then she'll be a hero, but if she doesn't then she gains a friend. After a minute of thinking, she finally decided and shook her head.

   "No! Unit is my friend!"

   She tackled through two guards head on and the other two chased after her. Even though they knew each other for only 10 minutes, Sweetcloud had felt something special for her new friend. She didn't want that feeling to go. With twists and turns, she lost the guards in the city and flew Unit to an apartment. She flew to the 3rd floor and opened a window with her teeth and threw Unit inside. He sat on a couch and surveyed of what he could steal here in this room. Even though he owes her for saving him from jail time, he couldn't help himself. It was almost 2nd nature to him to just see what he can steal.

   "Make yourself comfortable! Tomorrow, we'll leave first thing in the morning to stay with my cousin in Hollow Shades until everything blows over." explained Sweetcloud as she closed the windows and curtains in the apartment.

   "But there are still many riches in this city! I wasted half of my well-earned bits-"

   "1: Before I saved you from being in jail for eternity, you said you'll do anything for me if I saved you and I did. 2: Well-earned bits? Save me the lies and go to bed." Sweetcloud said smugly.

   Unit was about to do say something but closed his mouth. He knew she was right and, besides, it was probably for the best to get out of the city for awhile. The bat pony was annoying, but that didn't mean she wasn't smart. Interesting. Unit looked out the window and saw the sun was sinking. Yawn! Sweetcloud stretched and laid down on her bed. Now that he thought about it, Unit never got a clear idea of what Sweetcloud looked liked. Her coat was grey, her hair and mane was dark-blue as nightshade berries, and her wings were violet like any other bat pony.

   Unit blushed when he realized he checked out Sweetcloud. He shook his head and closed his eyes. That would be ridiculous to think of such.

The Hooves, the Mind, and the Muscle

   Unit was always a bit paranoid. He was worried that the guards were going to catch him, worried that he'll spend the rest of his life in jail, worried of what Sweetcloud was going to make him do, and he was worried of how long he'll have to stay in Hollow Shades. That place was creepy! It's the opposite of Manehattan. There's barely anyponies to steal from, Manticores, Timberwolfs, and possibly Ursa Majors lived in the area, and it's just plain boring! He sighed in frustration and continued to zone the talking bat pony out of his ears.

   "...and then I said 'Oatmeal, are you crazy?'" said Sweetcloud as she finished packing her knapsack.

   Ugh! This was going to be a long day.

   Despite Unit's long day, it was a beautiful day in Canterlot. Ponies trotted about in the city, the birds were singing, Royal Guards went on their usual day of standing around, and the first train pulled up into the station. The sliding doors opened.

   "All aboard!"

   Everypony entered the train but there was only one passenger that came out. She had an yellowish-orange coat, multiple colored black, grey, and white tail and mane, raspberry-colored eyes, a tan hat with a light green 'V' on it, and a scout's dark-green uniform. Daring Do walked straight towards to the Keep. Although confident, she eyed many ponies suspiciously as they passed her way. When it's your job saving the day, you'd have a lot of enemies. She was stopped at the Keep's door by a guard.

   "What important business do you have here? If it's politics then you'll have to speak to Captain Armor."

   Daring Do ruffled through her satchel and brought out a pink envelope with a stamp of the Equestrian Insignia.

   "There's a meeting being held here by the Princesses. They said it was urgent?"

   The guard nodded and opened the gate with his horn's magic. Daring Do tilted her hat in reply and walked inside to find Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, a pegasus in a purple and dark-blue costume, and Prince Blueblood. They all sat in chairs except Blueblood, who stood behind Princess Luna.

   "Greetings, Ms. Do. How was your trip?" Princess Celestia asked. Daring Do bowed her head and answered back softly.

   "The train was lovely, Princess Celestia. It was the smoothest ride I've ever been on since Appleloosa."

   The Sun Princess smiled and gestured for her to take a seat. Daring uncomfortably sat on the chair that had a pillow on top of it. It was too comfy for her tastes. A scroll glowed blue as it floated in front of Luna's eyes.

   "Ahem. THou HATH BEEN RECRUITED BY THE PRINCESSES OF EQUESTRIA TO-"

   "Luna, remember what I have said?" asked Celestia.

   Luna blushed in embarrassment.

   "Yes, dear sister. Ahem. We need three of thy help to capture and escort a thief. He's a unicorn and his name is Unit Double-Oh-Four-Seven. We do not know of his origins, where he came from, or who he was, but what we do know is that he was responsible for the reports of treasures that's been missing over years. He was last seen in Manehattan and we believe he'll try to escape. Once thee have captured him, escort him back to Canterlot immediately so he may be brought to justice."

   Daring raised her hoof.

   "Yes, Ms. Do? You don't have to raise your hoof. Just speak out your mind." Celestia assured.

   "Uh, yeah. How are we suppose to get our hands on a thief if we've got a mare in a costume and, no offense, whinny here?"

   Celestia smiled in amusement and shook her head while Luna raised her eyebrow in disbelief. Ponies nowadays had no respect.

   "I wouldn't have called all three of you here today if I had thought you weren't capable of the task. Daring Do, your agility and quick thinking are the hooves of the body. Mare-Do-Well, your unusual, but sacred knowledge will provide the mind of the body. Swarmer Larvae, your willpower and strength will be the muscle of the body," announced Princess Celestia.

   Prince Blueblood shriveled up into green flames and there stood a changeling in his spot! Mare-Do-Well did not react, but merely tilted her head in confusion while Daring Do yelped as her chair fell backwards. The changeling had green armor on that covered only his head, chest, and back.

   "I'm okay..." she muttered weakly as her hoof grabbed onto the table.

   "I would like you to meet Swarmer. He is a lovely changeling and is my assistant." Princess Luna said as Swarmer put on a sheepish smile and waved 'hello' shyly behind her back.

   Mare-Do-Well waved back and Daring just nodded. This "Swarmer" was a strange one.

   "We will give you an hour to prepare for your quest. Once you are ready, a Royal Carriage will await you outside those doors and will take you to Manehattan." said the Princess of the Sun. "Good luck, my little ponies. The lives of future-victims will be in your hands."

   Mare-Do-Well, Daring Do, and Swarmer Larvae all bowed their heads and left separately to their dorms.

   When they both arrived at the train station, Unit insisted that they try to sneak into the train so they wouldn't be caught out in the open. However, Sweetcloud thought that they'd easily blend in with other crowds and that nopony would even recognize them. So she paid for two tickets and they both waited patiently for the train to come.

   "Even if we haven't been caught so far, how are we even suppose to get to Hollow Shades in one go? This train station only takes one route to Canterlot where I'll be seen..." he whispered.

   "Oh please, you won't be seen! Not without that disguise I gave you," Sweetcloud said. "Besides who'll even want to take notice to a pretty mare and a boring unicorn?"

   Indeed, she picked a decent disguise. He wore a pair of sunglasses and a brown cloak-

   "Wait! I'm not boring!" exclaimed Unit. "You'd think I would have an interesting life, if you were a bit more like me."

   "If I was like you, then I'd pretend to have a more interesting life, too!"

   "See? Now, your seeing my exact point of view-hey!"

   "Ha! Ha! Ha!"

   The train finally pulled up into the station and the two friends quickly got inside before others would cram the entrance. Once everypony was settled, the train chugged and left for it's destination to Canterlot.

   "By the way, you haven't explained to me how we were going to get to Hollow Shades before the train gets to Canterlot." Unit stated.

   Sweetcloud didn't say anything but winked. Now he was curious of what she had planned in mind. His curiosity was soon interrupted when somepony came in and announced that the train would arrive in Canterlot in 2 hours. He looked back at Sweetcloud but found that she was asleep on his shoulder. Sigh. Yep, this was going to be a long day.

What in Oblivion?!

   When Princess Celestia said a Royal Carriage, she meant two pegasus guards attached to a chariot. Luckily, the chariot had enough space for the three of them. So they had taken off in flight to Manehattan and the flyers said it was only going to be for 30 minutes. Daring couldn't have kept still; her body was shaking up and down because of her impatience to get to the city. Swarmer was air sick; he was afraid of heights which was ironic since he had wings. Mare-Do-Well was...being Mare-Do-Well; she kept still and hadn't said a single word. Princess Celestia couldn't have picked a better team...

   "So how do the royal guards fly us all the way into Manehattan? I mean, it's already heavy enough, considering the chariot's weight," wondered Daring.

   Swarmer's green face turned his head away from the railing and tried not to throw up.

   "The...the Royal Guards...filled the flying chariots with...magic so it would be easy to...to carry," he explained and leaned his stomach back onto the railing to throw up.

   Daring Do turned around in disgust and looked at Mare-Do-Well curiously.

   "What about you? I've heard that you have special powers. Is that true?"

   She didn't respond. In fact, she never even talked when Daring met her.

   "Hmph. You're more of a mare of action are you?"

   This time, she responded with a simple nod. Daring didn't thought much of Swarmer, but could tell she was going to get along with Mare-Do-Well just fine.

   "Hey, guys. How are we suppose to know what Unit 0047 looks like?"

   Swarmer took off his helmet and inside there was a rolled up piece of paper. He took it out and threw it to Daring. She caught it in her mouth and unfurled the drawing. Huh. He had no cutie mark.

   "We will be arriving to Canterlot in 50 minutes!"

   Sweetcloud poked her head out of the train's window and saw there was a railway crossroad. One that lead to Canterlot and the other that guided its way to Hollow Shades.

   "That should lead to Hollow Shades! Hey, wake up!" she said as she stuck her hoof in Unit's mouth.

   His eyelids lazily opened half-way when he realized he couldn't breathe! Unit panicked and choked for a few seconds until Sweetcloud took out her hoof, leaving saliva all over.

   "Gah...(breathing heavily) what was that!?" he screamed.

   The mare shrugged.

   "What else was I suppose to do? Keep shaking you until you woke up?"

   "YES! That's what normal ponies do!"

   Sweetcloud just waved her hoof coolly.

   "But that's ridiculous. I like my way better! Anyways, that's not the reason why I woke you up; we're about to get off this train!"

   "And why, in the name of Celestia, are we going to do that?" Unit asked.

   "So we won't have to be in Canterlot! Duh!" she answered and opened the window on the train's roof.

   Other ponies started noticing of the two friend's weird behavior and wondered why the bat pony opened the roof window. There wasn't an emergency...

   "Dragon!" yelled a stallion.

   A green dragon's head appeared from behind the waterfall of Neighagra Falls. It roared and came flying it's way to the train.

   "What in oblivion is that?!" screamed another pony as they all ran around in the train.

   "Yeeeep. We're getting out of here." Sweetcloud said as she picked up Unit and went straight through the window.

   She followed the train tracks that led to Hollow Shades and away from the enraged dragon. Unit ditched the disguise and it flew away into the wind.

   The Royal Carriage was half-way to Manehattan when they all saw the dragon attacking the train.

   "We've got to get down there and help them!" said Swarmer who suddenly forgot about his airsickness.

   The guards instead kept flying to Manehattan.

   "Sir, our orders were to escort you safely to Manehattan. Not fight dragons. Let the Royal Guards take care of this."

   "The Royal Guards aren't here! We have to save them! As Princess Luna's assistant and scholar, that is an order!"

   The guards both hesitated and then flew down to the ground. The train was already upside-down in the dragon's claws and the ponies inside were all tumbled against each other. The dragon roared, again, in victory and turned around to see Swarmer and Daring. They both threw a punch at the dragon's nose but it only seemed to annoy it. It dropped the train onto the ground and swiped it's claws at them. They easily dodged the claw and flew a few feet back to keep their distance.

   Meanwhile, Mare-Do-Well ran to the train and used her magic to rip off the sliding door. Instantly, ponies started shoving their way out and away from the battle. The dragon was tired of trying to swipe out the two flyers. It was like trying to swipe at flies so he, instead, breathed out fire. Swarmer's armor blocked most of the damage, but Daring was unlucky. Her right wing caught onto the flames and she plummeted down. He gasped and flew down after her. Almost there...Yes! He caught the weak pegasi in his arms, patted out the fire, and flew away quickly.

   "What are you doing?! We're suppose to distract it!" yelled Daring.

   "I'm suppose to distract it. You're in no condition," he simply replied back.

   He landed near Mare-Do-Well and settled Daring onto the grass.

   "Get the ponies to safety; I got this."

   Mare-Do-Well nodded and dragged the protesting pegasus to safety. Swarmer sighed and flew up to the dragon. His horn glowed and shot out a green laser. The dragon's movements were slow and sticky green goo formed around its body.  Soon enough, Swarmer now had the dragon completely immobilized in a cocoon. Crowds of cheers came from the ground and everypony gathered in rejoice. One of the pegasus guards asked the conductor if there was any missing ponies.

   "Actually, yeah. There was this strange bat pony and another one in a cloak. They left the train through a window when the dragon started to attack. They followed those train tracks over there. Do you think they might be in trouble? Should I go send a search party?"

   The guards glanced at each other then back at the conductor.

   "Thank you for the information. We'll take care of this." The guards went to Mare-Do-Well. "Mam, we believe the one that your team is looking for may be in Hollow Shades, followed by a bat pony. What is your next order?"

   Mare-Do-Well looked at Daring who wrapped her burnt wing with a wet bandage.

   "Go fly back to Canterlot and bring a small unit of troops. I don't know about the mare but we might need some more ponypower to catch them." Daring ordered.

   The guards saluted and flew off with the Royal Carriage. Swarmer landed near the two mares and looked proud of himself.

   "So what are we going to do-oof!"

   He was interrupted when Daring punched him in the stomach.

   "Don't ever save me again. You hear?"

   He nodded and cringed in pain.

Bat Pony Paradise

   They reached at the edge of the forest of Hollow Shades. The trees had obscured the small town, but the train tracks had led them to a station. The moon was out and the light wasn't very visible under the thick forest. Nopony was at the station and the town seemed deserted with all the liten lanterns at their door.

   "Wow, this place is sure a lively one. Where is everypony?" asked Unit.

   "Hmm," Sweetcloud rubbed her chin, "Hey everypony! I'm home!"

   Bat ponies quickly flew down from tree branches and rooftops. They formed into a circle around Unit and hissed.

   "Sssweetcloud, what a pleasant sssurprise," said a young stallion.

   "Hello, Loki! My friend and I are here to stay until things calm down in Manehattan." she said with a wink.

   Unit flinched. Why was she speaking that in public? Loki Lucifer looked at Unit suspiciously then back at Sweetcloud.

   "You're not one for trouble, Sssweetcloud. You're welcome to ssstay here for as long as you want, but don't let him drag you into trouble."

   All the ponies broke the circle and went about to their business. A random mare instantly ran straight to Sweetcloud and hugged her. She had an eyepatch on her left eye and her right eye was colored light blue. She had a dark-black tail and mane.

Author's Note: I'm gonna make this clear. I believe Bat Ponies usually have a natural grey color to their coat and violet wings. Hair, tail, and eye color is the only thing different.

   "Cousin! How are you! Where you've been?"

   "I've been all over Equestria, Carmilla! How's it here in Hollow Shades?"

   They broke the hug and Carmilla explained what's happened since Sweetcloud left. They kept talking until they've stopped at Carmilla's house. Unit noticed that the whole town was just filled with bat ponies. Makes sense: There wasn't a hint of sunlight, it's all gloomy here, and the ponies could keep to themselves and their own race.

   "...and rumor has it that the Pockets' Guild had stolen-"

   "Wait, there's a guild that steals stuff?" Unit interrupted.

   "You mean you haven't heard of the Pockets' Guild?" Carmilla raised an eyebrow, "They are the most fearsome thieves in all of Equestria! Not even Princess Celestia can catch them. By the way, what's your name? My name is Carmilla Ophelia."

   They went inside the house and Carmilla lit up small candles around the room. It was a small place like an apartment. Two bedrooms, one bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room.

   "I'm Unit 0-0-4-7," he stated blankly.

   Her ears perked up and turned around curiously.

   "That's a strange name. Where'd you get it from?"

   "From the prison cells I grew up in."

   She nodded and lit up the last candle. He tilted his head to see her face.

   "How'd you get the eyepatch?"

   When Carmilla wasn't looking, Sweetcloud punched Unit silently on the shoulder. Ow...

   "Oh, it was nothing. I used to be an adventurer like you until I took an arrow in the eye at Horseshoe Bay. They said it was an accident, but I don't believe those dirty, rotten griffons," hissed the one-eyed mare.

   Sweetcloud yawned and looked outside the window. There's no saying if the moon was still out, but she slowly walked to the spare bedroom anyways.

   "I call the bed! Goodnight, Unit!"

   She slammed her door and locked it. Why did she need to lock it?

   "I see why you follow her around. You're lucky to have met my cousin." Carmilla said smugly.

   He raised an eyebrow.

   "That is far from the reason of why I have followed her. Besides, once they've stopped looking for me in Manehattan, I'll return back and go our separate ways. I'm just here because I owe her and nowhere else to run."

   "Well, you've picked the right place. The Pockets' Guild had just moved in here not too long ago. I think you'll be well interested in joining them, hmm?"

   She walked down the hall and into her own room. The door was shut quietly so as to not making any noise of awakening Sweetcloud. Unit sighed and set down his saddlebag on a table. When is this bat pony adventure going to end?

   Tents surrounded a large bonfire with ponies sitting down on logs. 7 Royal Guards and The Anomalous. It was a nickname given to Daring, Swarmer, and Mare-Do-Well because they were, according to a news article, "a completely unexpected team to save ponies from a fire-breathing dragon." They were practically superheroes.

   "Tomorrow, we will search Hollow Shades. I expect every inch to be fully searched in the town. Every house, every building, every garbage can. Everything." ordered Daring.

   She wrapped another bandage around her wing with her teeth and pressured it with a wet towel.

   "Mam, is this petty thief really a big deal?" one of the rookies asked.

   Swarmer pulled out the wanted poster from his helmet and showed it to the guards. They all dropped their jaws. There was a 100,000,000 bit reward.

   "I think I've heard of him. He was the 47th prisoner in Vanhoover. My uncle used to work there as a guard. Sadly, the prisoner broke out of jail only using a sewing needle and a thin piece of lead. He must be a really hard thief to catch," continued the rookie.

   Daring sharpened a spear with a rock and looked at it to make sure it's pointy.

   "That's why we need to wake up 6:00 A.M. in the morning, private. I'd suggest we should all get some rest."

   All the guards went straight to their tents.

   "Private, what's your name?" Daring asked.

   The rookie stopped and looked back at his commanding officer.

   "Blade Candy, mam."

   "You're on first night's watch. Good luck, Candy."

Unfamiliar Emotions

   Knock! Knock! Knock! Unit woke with red eyes and a sour taste in his mouth. He blinked and saw Carmilla walk to the front door and opened it.

   "Delivery for Carmilla Ophelia?" said a mailmare.

   She had a cross-eyed expression and wore a mail carrier hat that was colored blue.

   "Yes. I believe it is a letter from a good friend of mine." Carmilla stated.

   Derpy Hooves nodded and rummaged through her mailbag. She pulled out a pink envelope and Carmilla grabbed it in a hurry. Baffled, Derpy shrugged it off and flew away to her next delivery. Carmilla skimmed through her letter and later burnt it with a candle. Noticed that Unit was awake, she greeted him with a "Good Morning."

   Sweetcloud had woken up to the smell of syrup and hot pancakes. What time was it? She looked up at her bedroom wall. 8:25. She stretched on her bed with a long yawn. It was certainly comfy compared to the couch in her apartment. It was probably ransacked by the Royal Guards by now. She turned her body to the side and sighed. Why did she save Unit? It made no sense but everything happened so fast; she had to choose quick. He was nice...Okay, he was pessimistic at times. Unit had needed a friend didn't he? Her stomach growled.

   "Private Candy."

   Blade woke up (from leaning on his spear) and instantly saluted to the speaker. He's done it in the past few times when he was first assigned in the Royal Guard. Night shifts always had made him so bored and tired that he would fall asleep leaning against his spear. Crap...

"Yes, mam!"

   He instead found one of his comrades smiling smugly at him.

   "Did Ms. Officer get you jumpy?" asked his best friend.

   Blade rolled his eyes and sighed in relief.

   "No, Gemmed. I was just startled is all."

   Gemmed was a Unicorn and his bestest friend. They first met at their posts which was guarding the local marketplace in Canterlot. Blade accidentally stepped on a tomato that had fallen from a food stand and the juice splashed out onto her golden armor. He spent HOURS wiping off that red stain because there was also an inspection that day. Despite Blade's apologies and sore hoof, Gemmed simply said they were even and walked off to their next station. Slowly, over the past weeks, Gemmed grew to trust Blade and pretty soon became the bestest friends. He can never look at a tomato the same way again.

   "That's Private Diamond to you soldier," she teased.

   One by one everypony had woken up, eaten, and packed up their tents all before 6:00 am except Blade, who still stood at his watch post. Once everypony had woken up, Swarmer took out a clipboard and held a quill in his mouth.

   "Formation: Stat!" yelled Daring.

   All 7 Royal Guards lined up facing Swarmer. He went from one guard to another and waited for them to state their statistics.

   "Violet Silk! Rank: Private! Race: Unicorn! Gender: Mare!"

   Dreadfist checked off box 1 and looked at the 2nd guard.

   "Vengeful Blitz! Rank: Corporal! Race: Pegasus! Gender: Stallion!"

   He checked off box 2 and looked at the 3rd guard.

   "Bass Bloom! Rank: Sergeant! Race: Earth Pony! Gender: Mare!"

   He checked off box 3 and looked at the 4th guard.

   "Flaming Gauntlet! Rank: Corporal! Race: Pegasus! Gender: Stallion!"

   He checked off box 4 and looked at the 5th guard.

   "Glacial Spike! Rank: Private! Race: Pegasus! Gender: Mare!"

   He checked off box 5 and looked at the 6th guard.

   "Swarmer, how come their coats are colored grey or white?" Daring interrupted.

   "Everypony's armor is specifically designed for their race. Pegasus' flying is improved, Unicorn's magic is improved, and Earth Pony's strength is improved. The Hooves, the Mind, and the Muscle. As for their color, we just sprinkled a little magic on the armor and it randomly gives you the traditional Royal Guard color of either grey or white. Along with a white-grey or blue mane and tail," explained Dreadfist.

   He looked at the 6th guard and continued on the list.

   "Gemmed Diamond! Rank: Private! Race: Unicorn! Gender: Mare!"

   He checked off box 6 and looked at the last guard expectantly.

   "Blade Candy. Rank: Private. Race: Earth Pony. Gender: Stallion."

   Blade was still tired from his night-shift and standing up, leaning on a spear doesn't make an exact comfortable sleep. Swarmer had finally checked off the last box and turned to face Daring, who was the temporary officer of the Royal Guards by Celestia's permission.

   "Follow the train tracks. Don't get lost and if you do, don't bother coming back to us. I want us to catch this thief so he can serve his remaining years in prison! We arrive there at 10 hundred hours. Now go!"

   All the ponies marched to Hollow Shades. Swarmer looked back at Blade and noticed he was beginning to quickly pack his tent.

   "You rest in your tent, soldier. I'll leave behind one of your comrades. Private Silk, I need you to stay behind with Private Candy!", he said as Violet jogged back at the camp, "You have exactly 5 hours to sleep before we send someone to get you. Don't get into trouble and fight only if provoked."

   Unit was bored. Bored, bored, bored...Sweetcloud was showing him around the small, dark town and, honestly, he kind of liked it. It was a great place to set up a hideout if you're ever in a pickle. But still, he was bored since there was no one to steal from other than bat ponies. And you don't want to steal from a bat pony. He shivered on the inside and continued to trot along with Sweetcloud. They stopped at a small bridge that crossed between something that used to be a river. It was now all empty and barren just like the whole environment of this town. The trees creak, the sky leaks of dew, the ground seemed grey with no grass or flowers growing among them, there was not a hint of sunlight but instead yellow glows of torches set around the town...it was beautiful.

   "...and this here is 'The Ghoul's Tavern' where you quench all your thirst and troubles away. And this building here is called the 'Blood Bank' where you deposit or withdraw all your bits along with a few blood-"

   "Sweetcloud, what do you do?"

   She raised her eyebrow at Unit's strange question.

   "What do you mean? I do a lot of stuff like meeting new ponies, going on adventures, exploring the world-"

   "No, I mean what are you skillful at?"

   Her ears suddenly drooped down at the question.

   "Oh, umm I'm actually not good at anything..." said the now shy Bat Pony, "All I did was ruin things, lost other ponys' important stuff, and was just being stupid and annoying."

   She sighed as she sat staring at the ground; her hoof, unknowingly, making small dust circles on the wooden floor. Instead of feeling sorry, Unit was rather curious and rubbed his chin. This was completely unexpected coming from Sweetcloud.

   "So you've left Hollow Shades so you can have all these adventures, make friends, explore, and you started it in Manehatan?"

   She sniffed and slowly nodded her head.

   "Why in all places did you to Manehattan for an adventure? I mean, Canterlot has a lot more opportunities there and the economy is rather quite-"

   Unit stopped mid-sentence and noticed drips of tears coming out of her shadowed face. He didn't like how Sweetcloud was crying silently and didn't know how to react to this. He looked around the bridge and saw no other ponies walking around. He had an unsettling, unfamiliar feeling that made his stomach churn and his heart swell. He was feeling sympathetic. Silence followed for a minute as Unit let her cry peacefully until he had an idea. Carefully, he lifted a withered, closed lotus that sat on the dry bank of the river with his magic and brought it in front of Sweetcloud's face. She ignored it and continued to silently mourn through her life's past failures. What was she going to do now after Unit goes off back into Manehattan? What was the point of making friends anymore, now? It's a cruel, harsh world out there and Equestria is just one of them.

   "Every flower has its moment of blossom, Sweetcloud," the lotus opened up petal by petal, "You just need a little water is all."

   A green aura surrounded the flower as Unit's horn glowed. It was slowly regaining back it's normal shade of purple instead of it's pale, dead color and was gently placed on top of a small patch of grass near the bank.

   "Anyways, i'm sure you get the-"

   He was interrupted by Sweetcloud's hug. His back was tackled to the floor with her on top of him. She hugged, squeezed, tightened her grip until Unit couldn't breathe anymore.

   "Is it true that you're my friend, Unit?" she said quietly.

   Unit considered of what happened during this adventure so far. He thought about the cons and pros. He thought about what the risks were. He thought about everything.

   "I'd consider you, Sweetcloud, as a great friend. And once they stop searching for us in Manehattan, we can go on adventures all over Equestria. It'd be nice to have someone to share all the bits I have," quietly replied the thief.

   It was now 10:00 am.

There be Pockets and Guards

   Loki had taken job of keeping watch at the station. Usually, there was never any visitors because Hollow Shades was a dark and scary place. Instead of being in the station, he sat on a tall tree branch and waited for his shift to end. Long hours had passed in the morning and he woke up to some voices up ahead the train tracks.

   "I don't know but I'm no narc!"

   "I don't know but I'm no narc!"

   "This Thief here has no cutie mark!"

   "This Thief here has no cutie mark!"

   "Hoof off!"

   "One, two!"

   "Hoof on!"

   "Three, four!"

   Loki dropped down from the branch and all the chanting ponies laid their weapons on him. He found himself facing against a changeling, a pony in a costume, and a pegasus that looked as if in a filly scout's uniform. Behind them were Royal Guards that pointed their spears and halberds.

   "State your business citizen or be off. Do not trifle with our Royal Duties," said Daring in a commanding voice.

   "And how trivial a manner it would've been if I haven't welcomed you into Hollow Ssshades. But please, do tell me of this...Royal Duty ssso that our mayor may be more aware of this predicament," Loki replied as his tongue flickered out of his mouth to create unease among the guards.

   "I'm afraid I'll have to refuse to let loose any information. We're just doing our duties as Royal Guards unless that is a problem?"

   She stared right down at him and Loki was about to say something until he cursed under his breath. This mare was obviously too smart for his liking and was not easily intimidated like most others. He stood out of the way and the guards continued marching on their way. Once they were out of sight, he ran into the dark woods and looked for the shortcut. He has to warn the others.

   The Anomalies had finally reached at the town of Hollow Shades. The guards were a bit unease and Flaming was shivering. They walked through the town and a few bat ponies hissed or hid in the dark. Some brave ones stayed put and glared daggers at them.

   "I don't like this place. It's too cold," he muttered.

   "Psh. It's not cold. The temperature is only 60 degrees out here," replied Glacial.

   She trotted confidently ahead of her comrade and then walked by with Daring.

   "Officer Do, shall we commence the search?"

   Daring scanned around the town then turned to Glacial and nodded her head. Immediately, as she nodded her head, the Royal Guards were already searching for the thief and his accomplice. They knocked on doors, checked the bathrooms, looked under the tables, and even peeped inside the trash cans. There was no Thief.

   Swarmer sighed and looked through his clipboard again to see if there weren't any other buildings to check. The Ghoul's Tavern...check. The Blood Bank...check. The Lonely Herbs...check. He saw Carmilla's house and looked through his clipboard to see if it was already checked.

   "Huh. This house is not on the list. Daring, I'm going to go check that house over there."

   "Be quick. They probably knew we were coming and ran off somewhere else..."

   He held his clipboard in his mouth and knocked on the door. It was quiet for a few seconds and he knocked again. Finally, Carmilla slightly opened the door and poked her head outside.

   "Yeah?"

   "My name is Swarmer Larvae and I work under Princess Luna. It is my upmost duty to check all housed exhibits for security inspection."

   Her eyes narrowed in suspicion and looked at the green armor Swarmer was wearing.

   "Dude, it's either you're disguise spells don't work or I have a gift of seeing through changelings. Get out of here before I call the Rangers on you."

   He pulled out a certificate that read:

   "Under the permission of Princess Luna, Swarmer Larvae is hereby a student and apprentice of her teachings of Magic and Flight until released from his studies. Signed by, Princess Luna."

   It was certainly a short certificate but it seemed legit. Besides, the whole scroll was made from Iron Trees and the ink was red from the feathers of a Phoenix. It would be impossible to make a fake copy. Carmilla knew she had no choice and so she let him in. Everything in the house was clean. The kitchen table was free from syrup, the living room couch wasn't full of dust, and all the bedrooms looked as if it wasn't touched in ages (except hers). Swarmer walked out of the dark hallway and looked around in the living room one last time.

   "Well, it seems like everything here is in order. Thank you for your participation, Ms...?"

   "Achoo!"

   "Ms. Achoo?" he asked as he looked up.

   Hanging above on a chandelier sat Sweetcloud. Swarmer looked through more files on his clipboard and found a picture of the thief's accomplice.

   "That's the mare- oof!"

   Carmilla tackled him against the ground yelled, "Run!"

   Sweetcloud ran through the door and found a group of Royal Guards waiting outside.

   "Seize the bat pony!" yelled Swarmer from the house as he struggled with Carmilla.

   The guards flung themselves to her but she was quick. She jumped over a guard's head, slid under hooves, dodged a spear, and tackled against Mare-Do-Well on the ground. She ran to the train tracks and yelled back, "Sorry!"

   She kept running and running until she stopped to catch her breath. A figure came from the branches of the trees and landed on top of her.

   "You're under arrest for resisting arrest from the Royal Guards, helping the Thief escape, and exiting out of a running train," stated Daring.

   "Okay, the first two, I admit but the last one was because of the dragon. I mean, the guy on the microphone asking you to calm down and stay put was like asking you to jump off a bridge."

   Daring's hoof applied more pressure on Sweetcloud's back. There was a mirage in the air behind Daring and Unit was no longer invisible.

   "You have the right to be-"

   A green blast of magic knocked her unconscious and she fell over.

   "Silent," Unit said and went to help up his friend.

   "Thanks, Unit. Sorry, I guess you're adventure is going to last a little longer."

   While they were dusting themselves off, The Royal Guards caught up to the two with Dreadfist and Mare-Do-Well.

   "Spell-bind them!" yelled Swarmer.

   Gemmed's horn flared with blue magic but was interrupted when a red laser shot her out from the woods. Then another laser shot out and then many more. Soon, ponies in robed hoods and black armor shot magic, threw potions, fired arrows, and brought out swords. Loki Lucifer was among them and ran to Sweetcloud and Unit. He wore a robe and armor too.

   "Follow me, if you want to live a jail-free day! Don't worry about the ponies in black. They're friends."

   They ran through the dark woods and Unit could still hear the battle going on. Branches scratched his face and bushes scratched his hooves. He didn't like nature very much. He would prefer large towns or small cities but never the trees, rocks, or dirt. They've finally stopped at the edge of the forest and could see a giant landscape of toiled dirt. Carrots, tomatoes, potatoes, and wheat filled the hills.

   "Who were they and where are we?" Sweetcloud asked as she catched her breath.

   "We are at the farming land of FillyDelphia. Those ponies back there were...The Pockets' Guild."

   Sweetcloud looked as if deep in thought and then again turned to Loki for more answers.

   "Is my cousin safe?"

   Loki shrugged. He stared at the horizon of the sun that was beginning to settle.

   "Two new guards have taken her away before the battle was commenced. They go by the name of Blade and Violet and has already taken off east to Manehattan."

   "Can't we go save her?"

   He shook his head.

   "They already have a whole army there waiting for us between the waters. It is too risky," he suddenly turned to Sweetcloud and looked her in the eye, "Listen closely, yes, I am part of The Pockets' Guild and I can sssave your cousin but I need to ssspeak to the rest of the members of The Guild for their sssupporting fire power. For a better chance of persuading them, I'll need bits. I ran out of bits for convincing them to fight off the guards. But...I believe your Thief here may require sssome?"

   Sweetcloud turned to Unit and brought out her best, cute puppy face ever! Unit was not happy about this because Generosity was not his strong suit. He remembered, after that they became friends (last chapter), she lectured him about the importance of Friendship and how it could be beneficial. Finally, he sighed and looked at the ground.

   "Can't believe I'm saying this but...alright."

   Sweetcloud squealed and tackled him into another friendly hug. Once more, he couldn't breathe again under her tight hugs. His bits had better be worth it.

Beautiful Days and Good Times

   Fillydelphia. It was beautiful. The sun was shining once more and Unit had another chance to finally steal something! He slung over his saddlebag and trotted out of the apartment. Of course, when you're a runaway thief, you'd want to keep an eye out for the Royal Guards. He may be well known throughout Equestria by now and it was proved to be true when he stuffed a wanted poster in his bag. Now...who will be his next victim?

   Sweetcloud, meanwhile, had just woken up after Unit left. The clock had read 10:40 and she was still tired from last night. After they had escaped the battlefield, Loki had led them through the city, gave them a quick tour, and had rented them an apartment for the time being. He then galloped back into Hollow Shades to round up the thieves, liars, and pickpockets. Sweetcloud got up from her bed and looked out the window. Indeed, it was a beautiful day.

   "I hope you get back soon, Loki. My sister doesn't deserve to be locked up in jail..." sighed the bat pony.

   Manehattan. The city was too bright. The sun had burnt her coat by the time they've reached to Manehattan. Carmilla walked along with the guards as the shackles that weighed her hooves were burning too. She was stopped at the train station when a flying chariot landed in front of her. Two pegasus waited patiently and snorted when they saw Carmilla. Violet, one of the two guards, came into the chariot first. Followed by Carmilla and then Blade, the other guard. The chariot had taken off and the ride was smooth. The seats did not burn and the gold rails were certainly cold. Curious, she turned to Violet.

   "So...how is it possible that the seats are not burning? And the rails? Surely, this golden chariot would've melt by now."

   Violet kept looking forward and still held that same expressionless face along with Blade. Carmilla was about to turn back forward and keep quiet until Violet finally muttered.

   "Magic."

   She blinked at the simple answer and kept silent through the rest of the ride. Magic. It seemed as though ponies always depended on magic nowadays. The chariot landed with a thud onto the hard cement and the passengers had gotten off. Once they've gotten into the jail, Carmila noted that Manehattan was a lively one with several inmates such as griffons, ponies, diamond dogs, minotaurs, and...a dragon. It wasn't a huge dragon but only 5'4 feet tall and it stood on its two legs. It had grey scales with a light purple underbelly and small, thin spikes ran down from its head to its neck. The tip of its tail was sharp and pointy that looked like the tip of a spear. Carmilla noticed that the dragon also didn't have any wings.

   The jail was surprisingly very clean with all the metal doors, floors, bars, beds, and toilets. It was so clean that you could see your blurring face if you concentrated hard enough. There were only two levels of where all the cells were and you could see all the other inmates from the bottom and the others from the top. The only walls that separated anypony was the back of their cell rooms and of what led to other unknown rooms. Carmilla's cell was right up on the 2nd floor between a diamond dog and minotaur. She stepped inside the cell and heard the key clink and clank on the iron door, dooming her future.

   "Hahaha. Hey Rainbow, we got a new buddy here," the Minotaur said at the left cell.

   "Yeah? What's the eyepatch's name? Doesn't look like she's from around here," replied the diamond dog at the right.

   Rainbow, the diamond dog, had a feminine voice while the minotaur was clearly male with his voice deep and raspy. Carmilla stuck out her hoof out of the bars so her new neighbors could know she was listening.

   "I'm Carmilla."

   "Hey, Carmilla. I'm Rainbow and this big fella right here to your left is Tomato. So, what brought you along these parts in  Manehattan?"

   "I helped my cousin and a thief escape from the Royal Guards in Hollow Shades. They say I was their 'accomplice' and arrested me for aiding a criminal and attacking one of Princess Luna's prized pupils."

   "What? That's it? I was arrested for getting into a fight with three griffons in Appleloosa. That was the best bar fight I have ever had..." Tomato said.

   "And I'm in here because I was caught selling fake gems in Las Pegasus. Curse that wretched filly if she hadn't told the guards on me!"

   Suddenly, a purple aura opened all the cells in the rooms and Carmilla quickly took away her hoof before the bars would catch it. Inmates in orange jumpsuits walked out and and stood around talking or stayed back in their cells. Carmilla's two new friends had gotten a good look at her and leaned against the rails on the 2nd floor.

   "Why are we let out of our cells?"

   "It's Social Hour and we get to talk to other inmates and keep to our kind but Tomato and I became friends when we first met in the Mess Hall. Haha! Remember, Tomato? I tripped you and you fell onto your tray of food and we got into a HUGE fight!"

   Tomato nodded and grinned at the old days being in the Manehattan jail for the last 4 years. Rainbow put a hand on Carmilla's shoulder and looked down at the inmates.

   "We may be all murderers, thieves, liars, and criminals but you've got some good times ahead of you and Tomato and I are there to make sure of it."

   Carmilla nodded silently and then saw the dragon that lurked in the corner of where the sun doesn't hit. All the inmates kept away from him and Rainbow followed her gaze.

   "Oh, that's Scarred over there. Don't worry, he can't breath any fire since the guards put that magical collar on him but you should still be wary of him. He can pack a swift punch and tear you with those claws but as long as you don't mess with him you'll be fine."

   Scarred shifted his hazel glowing eyes to Carmilla. Rainbow looked away but Carmilla still stared back at the threatening dragon. Indeed, there was going to be some good times ahead.

My Predator's Cover

   Days have passed ever since that battle in Hollow Shades. Gemmed sighed and continued to stare at the Luna forsaken ceiling. The whole medical bay was too simple, too quiet, too...white. Everywhere she looked there was white. The walls, the beds, the blankets, even the pillows...Why did she have to be the first casualty? It was embarrassing and in the middle of a spell-bind too! She sighed again and turned to her side, facing the window. Gemmed could still recall that awful moment when she was struck down by some cheap dizziness spell.

   "Spell-bind them!" yelled Dreadfist.

   Gemmed's horn flared with a blue aura but was instantly struck by a stinging red blast that came from the left side of the woods. Her body felt weak and the red magic ran around her armor like static electricity. She dropped to ground and felt one of her comrades dragging her off to the cover of the trees. Her eyelids were heavy and her vision was also very blurry. Red bolts of magic were shooting everywhere in all directions and the Royal Guards were shielding behind bushes and trees. The only brave guards that would fight out in the open train tracks was the pegasus team. Corporal's Gauntlet and Blitz and Private Spike herself. Spears clashed against rusty swords and daggers. Glacial Spike was getting a few good hits against the hooded ponies but Vengeful Blitz was barraged under a sea of rocks. The hooded ones now brought sling-throwers that was bringing down all the guards. Arrows, magic, rocks. It was all too much for the poor private and so she slowly fell asleep under the stinging red magic...

   Gemmed woke up to find a vase of flowers sitting on top of her small cabinet. Oh, it was just a dream.

   "Aaah, you're awake," a familiar voice announced.

   Gemmed turned to her left and saw her bestest friend, Blade. He was laying down on the bed next to her and was reading a book.

   "I see you missed me, Blade. Was I gone too long or was I just busy fighting the battles while you were off prancing to Manehattan with that silly little smile on your face?"

   "Well, maybe if you wouldn't keep getting shot all the time, you could've seen me healing and bandaging your wounds while you were unconscious. Hmmm?"

   Gemmed smiled playfully and used her magic to take the book off his hooves.

   "Hey, I was just getting to the good part! She was about to wrestle against this huge crocodile!"

   She ignored his complaints and read the title of the book: Daring Do and The Amazonian Adventure. She stifled a laughter while Blade swiped it back.

   "Where is everypony by the way?" asked Gemmed, "I was told I'm in Manehattan."

   Blade looked up in thought, rubbing his chin.

   "After we escorted that prisoner to jail, Violet was requested to her new post at the train station, Vengeful is in the other medical room, recovering from his rock-filled headaches, and Flaming and Glacial is at the Twilight Tavern just 5 blocks away from here."

   She sighed and looked at her bandage-wrapped side. Gemmed sat up and slowly unwrapped the bandage. Blade cringed when he saw of what looked like a small burnt hole. His eyes were soon growing wide open when a red spark was dancing in the middle of the hole. Gemmed quickly wrapped the bandage around her stomach and back, diminishing the ball of static.

   "Nurse Redheart said the doctors were going to look into it tomorrow."

   "Ow! What was that for, Sweetcloud?" Unit asked as he rubbed the back of his head.

   "You were just trying to steal a lollipop from a colt," she whispered back, "You need to restrain yourself. Running around, stealing lollipops isn't the reason why I saved you back there in Manehattan."

   The two were sitting down on a bench, sightseeing the afternoon at the Pinky Grove Park. Little fillies kicked stones and red balls around while their parents were resting, or even sleeping, on the nearby benches, chatting away about their daily lives. A rainbow colored kite was flowing in the wind just above a tree that stood on a small hill, and under that tree sat a bench, and on that bench sat the Thief and Accomplice. Ah yes, it was a fine day as strollers passed by the two or even stopped to say 'Good Afternoon.'

   "Then what do you suggest I should do? I have plenty of days to kill until Loki gets back here," Unit whined.

   "Well, I think this would be a great time to check out that bookstore over there across the street."

   He sighed and walked behind Sweetcloud through the field. The children were playing a game of kickball and a ball unfortunately hit Unit on the side of the head. Noticing his temperature rising, Sweetcloud quickly kicked the ball back to the grass and led Unit inside the quiet building. She heard him mumble something about 'bad aim' and shrugged it off. They both awkwardly stood at the entrance for awhile, looking around until Sweetcloud saw something out of the corner of her eye.

   "There's the latest book of the series!" gasped the bookworm.

   She pulled Unit towards to the racks and he found himself staring at a familiar pegasus.

   "Daring Do? Despite the fact that she's trying to arrest us and all, isn't her books a bit...childish?"

   The 1st book of the series was shoved into Unit's face.

   "You can't judge a book by it's cover." Sweetcloud replied in a sing-songy voice.

   "But aren't those what book covers are for? To judge?"

   "Unit, you won't know if you'll like or not unless you try."

   He wrinkled his nose at the most common, given answer.

   "So how did you come to read these books?"

   "They looked...interesting. Point taken."

Playing with Mush

   Prison wasn't what she planned all her life but at least she had friends here. Lunch splattered onto Carmilla's tray and it looked like green mush. The cook that served it had a big bowl of that stuff and she smelt like rotten milk. The bat pony turned around to look for a table. Ugh, this was just like her sailor school. You had to awkwardly pick a table to fit in with the others. (Also, this orange jumpsuit was a bit itchy). Luckily, she soon saw Rainbow, the diamond dog, waving her hand over at the corner of the cafeteria.

   "Hey, Rainbow. What is this stuff by the way?" Carmilla asked, indicating the mush on her tray.

   "Don't know. It has no taste, no smell, heck, I don't think this is even food. The cook probably found it under the sewers."

   Tomato, the minotaur, came to the group's table and roughly sat down that made their trays jump.

   "It is a green vegetable, named broccoli, and they have stuff it in a blender to turn it into mush."

   He brought the tray up to his mouth and all the broccoli mush plopped inside. Tomato then threw the tray, carelessly, behind him and chewed with his cheeks bulged. Carmilla set down her spoon and held her stomach.

   "I'm not hungry anymore..."

   Suddenly, a set of hooves grabbed Tomato on the shoulders and flung him off the table. The bulky minotaur landed on his back, sliding across the floor.

   "Hey! You threw your tray on my head! What was that for?!" yelled a flying pegasus.

   He had a dark-grey coat and red mane and tail. There was a scar that ran across from his upper left eye to his cheek. The cafeteria quieted down and watched while the cook went to go get the guards.

   "I said, 'What was that for?' Ha, I bet all you minotaur are always making stupid mistakes without even realizing! Do I have to say it slow for you to hear me? Now answer my question, 'What. Was. That. For-"

   Rainbow punched the pegasus in the face. Some other ponies joined the fight and tackled Rainbow to the ground. Carmilla felt an earth pony try to pull her into the fight but she took her tray and slammed it against its face. Mush flew everywhere and that started an all out food fight. Confusion was everywhere and everypony were punching each other. Tomato lifted a 58 lbs table and threw it across the room, leaving many broken bones. Soon, ponies all around zerged him and toppled weight on one another like football players.

   A thundered lightning bolt shot across the room and everyone was silent. Bass Bloom, the sergeant of the Royal Guards in Hollow Shades, stood in front of the doorway with sunglasses on. Behind her was Blade and Glacial each holding their spears.

   "Well, well, well. What do we have here? I see that we got a couple of troublemakers," she said as she walked towards the pegasus and his gang that attacked Tomato and Rainbow.

   "As you all may well now know, this building here that you're in is called a jail, folks. And what do we have for ponies that are in jails?"

   "Behind bars," the inmates muttered.

   "Ah, you finally remembered. So what happens to the ponies that start to cause trouble in jails as if they hadn't caused enough in society?"

   "Wash the chariots."

   "Oh my Celestia! You guys are so smart I might just give you a sticker...Tomato Scar, you will spending the remainder of the month cleaning the chariots, and the cafeteria, and the bathrooms! I want you to clean everything! From the mouse holes to the trash cans!"

   He was about to protest until Sergeant Bloom glared at him behind her intimidating sunglasses.

   "You're the one who started the fight since you threw that tray over your head. You'll start by cleaning this cafeteria and scrubbing the pots."

   Bass took off her sunglasses and looked at Tomato in the eye. He started boringly back right back and didn't make a peep. She brought out a hoof and grabbed him by the chin. She moved his head left to right.

   "You got some mush on your face. You'll be cleaning that too."

   Glacial and Blade led all the inmates to their cells and silence fell upon the jail.

   Carmilla awoke to find her cell lights turned on. She blinked her tired eyes and tried to get a clear picture of her surroundings. The rest of the other cell lights were still off and there was no noise of inmates talking. It was just silence and it felt like it was still dark outside. Flaming, the corporal guard, opened her cell with the jingling of chains and nodded for her to exit. She was led by this only one guard out of the cell room and into a hall. He opened a door to an interrogation room and let her inside, closing the door behind her.

   Carmilla walked around the table and sat on the cold, metal chair at the opposite end of the door. The room was simple: a table and two chairs.

"I wonder how my sister is doing?" thought the one-eyed pony.

   The door opened and Carmilla looked up to see her old tackle buddy.

   "Hello. We meet again, Ms. Achoo."

   Swarmer seated himself down onto the chair and looked through some files he dropped down on the table.

   "It's nice to see you again too, Assistant."

   "If I may correct you, it's Royal Assistant. Now," he said as he set his arms on the table,"where were we, Ms. Achoo? I believe we should start with your cousin. How did she end up to be Unit Double-Oh-Four-Seven's partner in crime?"

   "I don't think that's how information works, what was it, Swarmer? You see, I get to ask the questions first then it's your turn. You see the pattern or do I have to justify it to make it more clear?"

   "Very well, what's your question? It can't be any information about the jail or about the Royal Guards."

   "Who is this...Unit 0047?"

The Past Agreements

   "Unit 4489! Get your flank back in the cell you maggot!" yelled a guard.

   An earth pony reluctantly sulked back to her room as the guard slammed the gate shut. He then turned back to the rest of the lined inmates and glared daggers at the troublemaking colts. The first one was a pegasus who had a light green coat and grey mane and tail. He was the brains of the group.

   "Oh, Mr. Rock. Why do you even bother being a Royal Guard? Surely, you would've had a more exquisite life than being stuck in a jail with little bad fillies and colts. Hey! Maybe we can work out out a deal, no? I've got just the thing-"

   "Not a chance, Unit 3389. You may have successfully bribed others but you can't bribe a Royal Guard. Now, get back into your cell!"

   Platinum Lemon cursed under his breath and went into cell number 3389. Corporal Rock looked at the second pony of the group. It's an earth pony but was a filly this time. She had a dark blue coat and a bright red mane and tail. She's usually the silent one of the group...but that doesn't mean she's innocent.

   "Unit 0491, what did you do today missy?" interrogated the veteran guard.

   Ocean Targe shrugged but he knew she was up to something because of that innocent look on her face.

   "Come on. Fess up or i'll have to extend your cell time."

   Right after Corporal Rock had said 'cell time', all the lights turned off and darkness filled the room. There was sounds of struggling and keys rattling until the earth pony guard switched the lights back on with his muzzle holding the keys. Unit 0491 was thrown into her cell and so she frowned at her failed attempt.

   "My name isn't Dark Rock for nothing, kids. I was born in a gem cave with nothing but a emerald to suck on for dinner."

   Dark sighed and turned to deal with the last colt. It was a small unicorn who had the most nervous hazel eyes, messiest yellow hairstyle, and dirty, ruffled up dark-grey coat. Corporal Rock kept his distance and stared at the unicorn's twitchy hooves and magic-glitching horn. He was the thief of the group.

   "Ah, Unit Double-Oh-Four-Seven. I believe you were the...chief of that little experiment in the cafeteria? Not to mention that you stole a whole rack of knives which still needs to be handed over young stallion-"

   A knife landed from up above, sliding into the wood floor. The tired guard looked up and found knives stuck in the ceiling, slowly starting to slide out. One hit the floor nearby Unit and he then started running around the room, dodging the falling blades. Quickly, Dark grabbed and restrained Unit, while struggling, and threw him into his cell. The last knife came down unto Corporal Rock's head but it bounced off due to his protective golden helmet. The two colt and two filly inmates awe'd in defeat of their plans.

   "That's it. You'll be spending a lot of time in your cells, thinking about what you've done! Now, excuse me while I get the janitor to clean your mess up."

   He walked past by Unit 0047 and glared at him one last time before he left the room. Unit 4489 poked her head out of the bars to see the others. Purple Tinker was the earth pony who was first sent to her cell and was called a 'maggot'. 4489 had a light-brown coat with a purple mane and tail. She was the freeloader of the group.

   "Hey guys, did I do it wrong again?" she asked.

   The three others poked their heads out as well and looked at her accusingly.

   "Come on, Purple. You were suppose to distract the lunch-lady long enough while we grab the bits from her purse," explained Unit.

   Ocean face-hoofed and Platinum sighed once again.

   "Sorry guys, I don't think i'm cut out for this criminal life."

   "Ah, don't be like that Purple. We just need to find your inner talent. Hey, maybe we can train you in distractions and disguises!" Unit suggested.

   "But how will we get out of our cells, not to mention you need clothes or uniforms to be a distraction or in a disguise?" asked Platinum.

   Unit pulled out a silver key and had a sly grin on his face.

   "I pickpocket Dark when he passed by my cell. Oh well, the Royal Guards will never learn."

   "...and that is all I know and can say." Dreadfist explained as he filed through papers.

   He pulled out a thin yellow paper and slid it across the table. Carmilla caught it and saw that it was a wanted poster for Unit. It was a 100,000,000 bit reward if brought alive, 50,000,000 bits if brought dead.

   "If you think that's a lot of bits just wait to see the bonus."

   Dreadfist brought another yellow paper and slid it across the table. Carmilla's heart skipped a beat.

Wanted: Sweetcloud Silvergaze

Reward if Alive: 10,000

Reward if Dead: 5,000

   Dreadfist took the paper back in a moments notice and slid it back in with the rest of the files stuffed into his knapsack. He got up to leave the interrogation room but stopped for a second when he put his hoof on the door.

   "It's being printed tomorrow morning and the citizens of Equestria will know which ones to look out for."

   He opened the door and headed out-

   "Wait."

   Dreadfist turned back to Carmilla and waited for what she had to say.

   "What if...we made a deal?" she suggested.

   The changeling smiled and closed the door.

   "I'm glad we finally came to an agreement. Now, what is your proposal?"

Between the Long Jump

   "Soooo...bored."

   Unit looked up from his book and saw Sweetcloud hanging from the ceiling. What her hooves were grabbing onto, Unit didn't know and really didn't care. They were both 'hanging' out in their apartment, waiting for the bookstore to open at 11:00 AM. Unfortunately, it was taking too long for Sweetcloud. She looked at the ticking clock that read 10:30 AM.

   "Agh! Forget it, how about we go to the theater?"

   Unit didn't look up from his book.

   "No."

   "No?! We have to wait 30 minutes for the bookstore to open and you're saying 'no' to an open theater just a few blocks away?"

   Unit licked his hoof and turned the page. Daring Do was absolutely a great writer! No wonder Sweetcloud was fawning over an actual book. It was simply amazing. The last time he read a book was probably in his younger years. He remembered stealing that book when the inmates took a trip to the local library. Ah, he missed the old days and his...friends.

   "I can assure you, Ms. Solo, that the young ones won't wreck your books. We have guards stationed all over the windows, doors, and mice holes so they wont escape," explained Dark Rock.

   "Oh, its no the books or the amount of guards I'm worried about, Sergeant Rock. It would be the knowledge that the younglings would possess. Then the possibility of them escaping is surely my next worry."

   "We have made sure of that and safely hid blueprints and any other inappropriate knowledge out of harms or eyes reach. Right, Private Mocha?"

   Coconut Mocha looked up at the mention of her name and rubbed the back of her head.

   "Oh, uh...Yes, Sergeant. I mean, why wouldn't I 'c-cause then I won't be doing my job." she stuttered as she scrunched up her lips and looked the other way.

   "That's good. Now, where did I left my duct tape? I need it for the Bingo game tonight..." wondered Ms. Solo.

    Meanwhile, four little troublemakers were lazily scavenging through the lost ruins of shelves, books, dust, and cobwebs. Purple Tinker was happily reading on a small table with dozens of books behind her. Curious, Platinum Lemon leaned over her shoulder and read the bewildered words.

   "What are you reading there, Tink?"

   She flipped the book over to the front page and it had a picture of a Parasprite.

   "It talks about the scientific discoveries of Parasprites. Did you know that they could eat up to 4,290 lbs of food a day?"

   "Really? Oh, how I would love to catch one! Who knows what that little devil could do in the jail? Hey, maybe if I get the right materials and genetically change its diet, then it can eat the whole jail itself! Purple, you're a genius! Now lets see, I'll need an Abecean Longfin, some bear claws, a canis root..."

   Unit was searching through the shelves, trying to find a good book that could shut Platinum up. He wasn't much of a reader until he found a heavy, thick one with a blue, hard cover. The pages were yellow and wrinkly but what caught Unit's attention was the title: Lawless. Minutes have passed by and he was already on the 67th page.

   "...and so the windows that led to the sky's treasure was forever hidden between the Trees of Sorrow and Pain. Hmmm, 'windows that led to the sky's treasure'...I got it! Guys, gather around!"

   Platinum and Purple stopped to see what Unit had to say while Ocean was balancing books on her head.

   "You see that window up there at the second floor," he pointed, "that could be our way out! We just need to stack some books up there and then we could escape."

   "But didn't you hear what Dark said? He has guards posted at every window." questioned Purple.

   "No one is guarding this one for some reason. I...think its because its hidden between the two large shelves."

   Instantly, everypony got to work and stacked books upon one another until they reached over the railing. Unit went up first and scouted out the area. The Royal Guards were over at the other side of the library, drinking at the cafe.

   "All clear. Now lets hurry before-"

   "Before what?"

   Dark was standing right next to Unit on the second floor.

   "Get back down there or else I'll have to-oof!"

   They all tackled Dark and the Sergeant found his mouth and hooves wrapped in duct tape.

   "Where'd you get the duct tape from?" Platinum asked.

   "Got it from behind the librarian's desk. Come on, we need a few more books to reach the window."

   The book were stacking higher and higher with Dark watching horribly. He tried to say something or scream but its only quiet muffling to the inmates. Finally, the last book was stacked and the window was open.

   "Ha! We finally did it guys. We're about to escape. Now, Dark my old man, its been fun but a child needs to spread its wings don't you think?"

   Suddenly, an alarm was set off with Royal Guards flooding the library. Unit turned to jump out of the window but was quickly grabbed by a pegasus guard before he even had a chance. Dark was released from the sticky tape and glared down at the four with guards surrounding.

   "You were clever for making your own little secret stairway, I'll tell you that but do you know what would happen if you'd jump out of that window or did you forget that you were on the second floor?"

   All the inmates face palmed once more at their failed attempts to escape.

   "...Fine. We'll go to the theater, Sweetcloud."

   "Yay! Come on, Unit. I wanted to go see the reenactment of 'Rodeo and Muliet'!"

Think the Past and Remember the Future

   "Hey, mommy! Mommy! Isn't it that stallion from the picture-"

   "Don't point, sweetie. It's rude! Excuse me, sir."

   A mare pushed past Unit followed by her daughter who held a stuffed bunny on her back. Sweetcloud giggled and sighed as she stared at the mother with her daughter running to catch up.

   "Don't you just love kids, Unit? Oh, they are so sweet, adorable, and innocent! I wish to have my own someday..." she said as her wings fluttered.

   They had gotten back from the theater of 'Rodeo and Muliet' and was wandering around the streets, enjoying the sights and looked for something to do. It was a quiet, peaceful night in Fillydelphia. Lights had a soft glow everywhere from the restaurants, the shops, the tall office buildings, the lampposts, and Luna's moon itself.

   Unit was unsure of how to respond to the topic at hand. He didn't really think much about kids since he knew that a criminal life wouldn't be a suitable job to support one. Another thought had hit Unit in the face. Would he ever be able to just drop his lifestyle and walk away to a new life? He...he can't just break the oath can he?

   A very young unicorn walked out of a prison bus and admired the enormous size of this new that jail he would be in. His future that he would live in. A guard lightly tapped him on the leg with a spear and ordered him to keep moving. Shackles rattled and an earth pony came out of the bus behind him, closing her eyes by the sun's blinding light.

   Two fences with barbwires surrounded the prison with four towers that created a square wall and then there was the jail itself. There were a lot of security as if what the new inmates were entering was an asylum for the mentally insane.

   Inside the jail was an interrogation room, a cafeteria, a small field to exercise, a place to shower, and finally the cell room. There was surprisingly not that many inmates since the unicorn had expected a bit more: There's a pegasus who would not stop twitching his eyes and muttering scientific and mathematical nonsense. The other inmate was an earth pony that sat still and just stared silently at the newcomers. The Royal Guards left the cell room and closed the doors, locking it.

   Seconds had passed and the two new inmates stood there awkwardly, shuffling their feet until a guard came in with coffee in his hoof. He took a long, loud slurp of the hot sugar-filled liquid before he set the mug down at a nearby table and sat down on a chair, reading a newspaper. All four inmates looked expectantly at him, waiting for him to do something. The guard took one last sip of his coffee before he rolled his newspaper and looked at the newcomers.

   "So...I hear that the two of you are really naughty kids and that you need to be taught a lesson for...what's the crime?", said the guard as he scratched his chin, "Oh yes, stealing a hay cart with a month's worth of eggs."

   He shook his head and sucked in his teeth.

   "I hope you'll have a good breakfast today because it ain't eggs. No, you decided to take a little spin to the right and then to the left and then do a double back flip and crash the cart. Vroom! Vroom!...You see, I got Brainiac and Slender Mare over there in the corner," he said as he pointed to the pegasus and earth pony, "and now I got two more friends. Now, what's your names?"

   He took another sip while the earth pony announced herself as Purple Tinker. The guard looked at the unicorn and waited for him to say something.

   "And what about you? Don't you have a name?"

   He shook his head and stared back at the guard.

   "Well now you do. Unit 0047 is your name or at least your prison serial code..."

   A loud buzz filled the room and all the cells opened.

   "Alright my little ponies, it's social hour so make the most of it out of your life," said the guard as he walked to exit the room, "by the way, I'm Corporal Rock."

   The four prisoners stood in a circle and introduced one another.

   "Unit 0047 and Purple Tinker. Welcome to your new life as a full-on criminal! My name Platinum Lemon and this here 4-legged, silent, wingless, biological life form is Ocean Targe. Now, lets trade minds of how we could escape this disastrous excuse of a prison?"

   "Do you think we'll ever get out of this prison, Platinum? I saw the security myself. It'd be impossible," Unit warned.

   "Oh, don't dilly dally on such small security. Tell you what? Lets all make a secret promise that only the four of us would know."

   "You mean an oath?" suggested Purple.

   "Exactly! Now lets see. How about-"

   Unit was interrupted from his thoughts when Sweetcloud put a hoof on his shoulder. They've stopped in front of a fountain which was in the middle of a park.

   "Is everything alright, Unit? I've noticed you've been talking less and less ever since we got to Fillydelphia. Is something on your mind?"

   "Yes."

   "Yes?"

   "Yes, Sweetcloud. I love kids."

Shut Up and Dive

   "Private, get your flank to your station, now!"

   A sleeping guard on a stool had been abruptly woken up and ran to his post near the train station.

   "Keep an eye out for this new wanted criminal. Sweetcloud Silvergaze. Said to be found following the Thief."

   The commanding officer marched off, leaving the guard to his duties. He straightened his golden helmet and rubbed his armor plate chest to make sure it looks presentable. After that, he stood as still as the night itself. Slowly, getting tired...

Rustle!

   The guard's eyes widened and pointed his spear at a bush across the train tracks.

   "Who's there? Show yourself!"

   A glass bottle was thrown at his face and blue liquid spread everywhere. He rubbed his eyes and immediately slumped to the floor, snoring. A head came out of the bush and looked around before its shadow stood over the unconscious guard. Another pony followed suit and began searching the private.

   "Jeez, Loki. Did you have to throw a sleeping potion at his face? He seemed harmless enough so we could've just sneaked past."

   Loki Lucifer hissed with his tongue flickering.

   "It was necessary. That's one less guard we won't have to worry about."

   The hooded stallion took out a wanted poster from the guard's helmet.

   "Looks like your customers have been making friends while you were gone. Especially the Thief. Why, if I didn't follow the Thieve's Code..."

   "We can't do anything about it, now. Come, Midnight. Let us give them a sssurprise."

   Midnight Glass shrugged and followed Loki into Fillydelphia.

   Swarmer was acting rather queer. He was being nervous around everypony and wasn't his usual lawful-self. Tapping his hooves, looking frantically around, sweat rushing down his face. Daring Do decided to get down to the bottom of this and knocked on his hotel door. He opened with a sudden swing. His eyes were baggy from lack of sleep and a look of worry pictured his face. Swarmer head poked out low and was at the height of her chest. That's funny, she never saw him without his green armor before. He looked rather...cute.

   "Hey, Swarmer. I've been noticing you've been acting strange ever since we arrived at Manehattan. Has something gone wrong?"

   Again, he looked left and right as he licked his parched lips.

   "I've ran out of food..." muttered the changeling.

   "So, why don't you go buy some?" she asked as her eyebrow raised, "The Royal Guards supplies us with rivers of bits."

   "No, I have another dietary system other than solid food. My race literally feeds on love to support the heart, but it seems I have ran out of cockroaches."

   There was an awkward silence in the air as Daring stared down at him. Of course, why didn't she realize this before? Daring didn't know wether to buy insects at the that pet store down 8 blocks or...take care of the problem right now. Beads of sweat was already forming as Swarmer slowly closed the door-

   "I'll help you."

   His head poked out again, standing rather taller than Daring, and looked at his volunteer.

   "A-are you sure, Ms. Do? There are rather some side effects when false, emotional love is being sucked out of your very own heart... Do I have your full permission?"

   "Sure, as long as it doesn't hurt."

   "Oh, it will only be a slight sting," he assured as his horn flared green, "Also, you might feel a little drowsy."

   Daring closed her eyes and braced for impact. Pink waves of love coursed through her chest as it was being transferred to Swarmer's horn. As soon as he was satisfied, the magic stopped coursing and Daring blinked dizzily. She was suddenly very tired and wasn't sure how to stand anymore as her flank met the floor while her hoof rubbed her aching head.

   "I am very sorry I put you through this, and I am grateful, Ms. Do. If there's anything you need in the future, I'm your changeling." Dreadfist said as he helped her up.

   "Don't mention it, friend. Now, I gotta go see where Mare-Do-Well is since she usually does her own thing but you take care now."

   Daring walked off into the hallway but stopped and looked back.

   "If you're ever hungry again, just holler and I'll be there. Also, drop the formalities and just call me Daring!"

   She gave a warm smile and continued to the 1st floor. Swarmer closed the door and slid back as he sighed.

   Friend. She called him friend.

   Sweetcloud was bouncing all over a park after they just got back from a candy store. Unit looked at a nearby clock and found that it's 8:36.

   "Sweetcloud, we should be getting home before you arouse too much suspicion." whispered Unit.

   She was skipping and twirling merrily around ponies who smiled at her energetic antics.

   "Oh come on, Unit. Live a little! The night is snowing and Winter is coming! My favorite month!"

   "Uh, you mean season?"

   "No, silly head! Today is the first of December! Or were you too busy keeping me in line? Hey, look, a DJ!" she said as she pulled a white-unicorn aside and set down a record on the turntable.

   With the DJ playing along, Sweetcloud took a mic out of nowhere and sang a familiar, but catchy song.

You've been looking for a mare who's really full of zing

And if you think that your the challenge, try to beat my wing

I'm a fast-flying, super-duper, rainbow-boom

With your clumsy head-start and my cannon zoom

   A few ponies had been attracted by the song with DJ PON-3 at the music and Sweetcloud with her amazing talent of singing.

So if you hear me let me show, show, show

Can you not see that I'm a pro, pro, pro

My wings are ready to explore, explore, explore

Racing you is just a bore, bore, bore, bore

   More ponies looked their way and started forming a circle around the two musical mares. Unit was, unfortunately, engulfed in the dancing crowd and tried to make his way to Sweetcloud without being trampled on.

Got you racing to and fro while I did it so clean

Flying higher than you on a trampoline

Could you handle the speed? Could you fly through the night?

If you could, cutie colt, then your chance will be slight

   The unicorn tripped onto his stomach and found the popular bat pony right above him. He dusted himself off and grabbed her hoof.

   "My Luna. You're like an electric lantern! We need to go before-"

   Some Royal Guards came out of the crowd and shouted, "Halt!"

   Sweetcloud pulled Unit's hooves over her neck and took off into the cloudless sky. The ones that were able to fly followed with spears at the ready. Strangely, she still held the mic and continued to sing with Unit screaming.

'Cause it's 0 to 50 in 2.5

Honey, just feel the breeze...

   A poorly shot arrow ricochet off Sweetcloud's left wing, leaving behind a blood scratch. She yelped and lost control of her wings as they both plummeted down to the earth. With Unit still holding on to her, she quickly lined up her body and held a grinnish look on her face.

Now shut up and dive, dive, dive

Shut up and dive, dive, dive

The Greatest Treasures of All

   "Has there been any reports, yet, from our assistant?" asked Princess Luna.

   An earth-pony bowed her head and answered her goddess.

   "Yes, your majesty. We have received a letter from Mr. Larvae."

   "Proceed then."

   The mare took out a yellow parchment and cleared her voice.

"To Princess Luna,

Our investigations had led us to the imprisonment of Carmilla Ophelia, cousin of Sweetcloud Silvergaze. We believe she had been working with our run-away thief in which he had escaped at Hollow Shades. We do not know of his whereabouts or his accomplice, Ms. Silvergaze. I trust that Ms. Ophelia will cooperate and reveal valuable information to the case. Until then, we shall have our prize.

From, Swarmer Larvae."

   Luna stared out a window where the moon hung over the sleeping city of Canterlot.

   "It seems that our dear assistant is hiding something from us. Very well, we can only rely on Mare-Do-Well for now."

Slam!

   Unit locked the door behind him while Sweetcloud was heavily gasping on the couch. They were in their small apartment.

   "Sweetcloud, you maniac! We almost crashed to our death! Thank Celestia, I used a teleportation spell otherwise I'd have your wings ripped off!"

   "Well, you're welcome, Mr. Grumpy Pants! If I hadn't flew us away from the guards in the first place then we both would be stuck in some stinkin' prison!"

   "Celestia! You're persistent on making enough noise to wake up Equestria! You might as well play 10 instruments at the same time!"

   "I can't play 10 instruments at the same time because it's impossible and it's not enough noise to sustain me!"

   "Why do you even need noise to sustain you?! Does that mean you'll even make a bigger mess of things with your loud mouth!?"

   "Loud mouth?! Talk about a pessimistic jerk!"

   "Fine! If that's how you feel then I guess there shouldn't be any reason to hang around with the likes of you!"

   Unit slammed the door once more and left the building where it was starting to rain. He stumbled in disbelief of what had happened. Was he going to end it here? Would he be able to walk away just like that? Why not? He's done it before. Who cares about some dumb, old bat pony! Unit is just fine on his own! Then why is his chest still swelling?

   He passed by closed shops, wandering ponies, and Royal Guards. He no longer cared anymore but it didn't matter since they didn't notice him. Anger mixed with sadness clouded his thoughts. What just happened? Had Sweetcloud really stood up against him? Maybe he was a jerk after all if she had to do that...

   Unit stopped in the middle of a park and sat on a bench. It was dark outside and the Royal Guards were probably still looking for him and Sweetcloud.

   "Heh, so you two got into a big fight."

   Unit screamed and fell off the bench. A bat pony was sitting right next to him. But not just any bat pony...

   "Carmilla?"

   The eye-patched bat sat on the bench right next to where he was originally sitting.

   "Hey, Unit," she said casually, " Not much luck with my cousin, eh? Jeez, she must've shot you down hard. You were so lost in thought that you never recognized me sitting here!"

   Warily, he sat back down next to her and continued to sulk under the rain.

   "I don't want to talk about it. And why are you here? Did you get a bail or something? Even so, how did you find us?"

   She waved her hoof coolly.

   "Woah, woah. One question at a time. First off, how is my sister doing? Is she doing well to stay out of your crimes?"

   "Nothing really," Unit said while scratching his chin, "Other than what happened before we arrived at Fillydelphia, nothing at all and I made sure of that."

   "That's good. That's good..." she said as she trailed off, "So listen, since we're both criminals, I've done some thinking. Why don't we partner up and take on Equestria ourselves? You don't have to worry about Sweetcloud. I'm sure she'll be fine! I can send her a post-card once the Royal Guards are chasing us. Whaddaya say?"

   Unit twiddled his hooves. (Was that even possible?) He looked up at Sweetcloud and stared her right in the eye.

   "We could be a team? Just me and you? Taking on Equestria's greatest treasures..."

   There was a moment of silence as the two stared at each other. The rain pouring, the eyes waiting, the answer almost breathing.

   "No. I'll have to decline. I'm sorry but... I can't imagine leaving Sweetcloud out of the picture. Even if it meant all of the treasures in Equestria."

   He got up to leave but Carmilla knocked him in the shoulder. He lay there on the sidewalk, unconscious.

   "Sorry, Unit. But i'm afraid you won't have a second chance."

   Swarmer stood at the gates of The Manehattan Jail. Two guards was by his side waiting in the rain with him. Lightning flashed and it showed for a brief moment a shadow of a chariot in midair. The chariot then came out of the foggy rain and landed in front of them with two pegasus attached to its reins.

   Carmilla got out of the chariot, dragging a body bag with her. She threw it in front of Swarmer and he opened the zipper. Inside was Unit.

   "Dead?" he screamed over the pouring rain.

   "No! I knocked him unconscious. Now, it's time to fill in your end of the deal! Release Tomato Scar and Rainbow Song from prison and wipe our records clean from the book including my cousin! Also, take off that stupid wanted poster!"

   Swarmer nodded and ripped the files that was in his hoof.

   "I hope you won't tell anyone about this, Ms. Achoo. Or else I'll come after you! Have a nice day!"

   Lightning cracked while Sweetcloud sobbed on the couch, burying her face in a pillow.