Ebony and Ivory: Next Generation.

It was late at night when the brothers plotted their next attack. Luna's moon hung high in the sky spotlighting the stage for their next act. The set piece was nothing impressive it looked the same as the buildings around it. A standard stone bricked two story house but of course that was the point. A passing bystander might have thought it was the house of an upper middle class family. Never realizing it was a house of taking and selling lives like meat. However to a trained eye the place screamed suspicious. Place at different locations were four men dressed in regular clothes nothing too suspicious but they were placed in the perfect formation with each of them having a line of sight to another one.

“So any ideas or are we just going to improvise it.” Ivory asked emphasizing the word improvise. Ebony continued to scan the buildings perimeter and guards.

“Alright I can see four of them outside so we probably have six lookouts with two others looking from afar.” Ebony noted before turning to face Ivory. “Any ideas on how to get past them, captain?” Ebony asked. Ivory took a quick glance at the building and at the four guards.

“Well do we care if we go in loud or should we keep this quiet?” Ivory asked.

“Definitely as quiet as possible we don’t want them to think that we've caught their scent and a brazen attack on the same mercenary group they hired would be a dead giveaway.” Ebony replied.

“Yeah cause the bar sure as hell wasn’t brazen at all.” Ivory said sarcastically.

“It’ll be fine they’ll probably never hear about it and the Black Foot’s superiors will probably chalk it up as another person with a vendetta who got lucky. So that plan?” Ebony asked. Ivory took another look at the buildings defenses before giving a sigh

“Yeah it involves not hitting them from up here. We're going through the sewers and hitting them from below.” Ivory stated beginning to walk back down the alley.

“Wait, how do you know they have a basement?” Ebony asked following after him.

“Pretty obvious, if this place is that important there is no way they would keep it on street level at the risk of natural disaster or fire. They have an underground area and that’s where we’ll find what we need.” Ivory said leading the way.

“Okay good deduction but how are we going to know where it is in the sewer?” Ebony asked following behind.

“Elementary my dear Ebony. Going on the assumption that this place is underground I don’t think it would have been planned in any public documents so they would have done it in secret. In case any law enforcement began snooping around. Chances are the sewers were built long before that basement and if I was a betting man they brought the supplies through the sewers for construction before closing it up. So we go down into the sewer, head down the same street and if we find anything out of the ordinary such as the wrong bricks being used we could assume that it’s them.” Explained Ivory tucking his right hand in his jacket and accenting his detailed hypothesis with a point of his finger.

“Alright, and when you're wrong?” Ebony asked cheekily.

“Well then dear brother we get to do your favorite thing and improvise.” He responded leading the two to the nearest sewer entrance.

The sewer’s of the Griffon Capital were just that, sewers. They stunk to high heaven and were filled with things better left unsaid. It wasn’t the brothers’ first trek into these putrid waterways and compared to the Minotaurs’ system it was a delight. The walls though were surprisingly vibrant for the dark space. Each block a different color, a different shape. A small scowl appeared on Ivory’s face the moment they jumped in. As the two traveled further and further through the sludge Ivory’s scowl grew deeper and deeper. In reaction to Ivory’s worsening frown. Ebony had a smile that grew and grew into the biggest shit eating grin the sewer rats had ever seen. “So, how’s that hypothesis coming along Sherhoof? Does it have a couple of holes?” Ebony whispered into his ear getting just close enough that Ivory couldn’t see the grin but could feel its smugness.

Ivory didn’t dare turn to look at him but instead growled through grit teeth. “You know exactly where it is don’t you?”

“Who me?" Ebony asked as innocently as possible. "Of course, well not exactly but I’ve been counting my steps from leaving the surface to entering the sewer and I’d say we just passed it if my counting is correct.” Ivory’s head shot up. Turning around his face going through a myriad of emotions before landing on silent anger.

“You mean to tell me we already passed it and you didn’t say anything?” He asked digging into Ebony with his own glare.

“Of course. While this mission is important watching you suffer is priceless.” Ebony said turning around and heading back down through the muck. Before following Ivory threw up both of his middle fingers so intensely that his arms were shaking.

Ebony finally came to a stop a few meters back and began inspecting one of the walls. “I swear to the Mother this had better be it because this sewer is getting worse as time goes on.” Ivory said breathing in a fresh puff of the putrid air and wrinkling his nose in disgust. “It’s like a new awful smell is being added every second.” He stated covering his nostrils.

“Relax it’s right here.” Ebony said stepping back wards and unsheathing the sword that was on his left hip. Putting on his solid black mask while Ivory pulling up his hood. Gripping the hilt tightly he muttered a few incantations. Sparks began ebbing off of the blade before bright blue lightning surrounded the blade completely. Raising the sword up high Ebony swung it at the brick wall. White hot lightning erupted from the blade tearing the wall to pieces.

The newly formed entrance opened to an office space not unlike the one at the bar. In the center was a large wooden desk being manned by a feeble looking griffon. Across the room was a single guard clad in armor. Each were in a state of shock at the sudden breach. The soldier was the first to recover. He reached for his sword but wasn’t fast enough. Before he could even touch the handle Ebony plunged his sword into the man’s belly. He let out a gasp of shock and pain. Kneeling over he clutched Ebony’s arm trying to pry the sword from his body. In a swift motion Ebony tore the sword out from the man’s body in a clean horizontal slice caking the walls in the man’s blood. The guard gave deathly groan before falling over dead. Ebony then shook the blood off from his sword before sheathing it. The griffon at the desk was still shock however. One part from his ears still ringing from the explosion and also from how swiftly this masked man disposed of the experienced and well trained guard. The griffon didn’t have time to fully process his thoughts before he felt a cool metal object press against his head. He stole a glance at what the object was and found himself staring down the barrel of a spell gun. He opened his mouth to let out a scream but fear kept his throat silent.

“Hey buddy, how you doing?” His captor asked casually taking a seat on the desk. The spell gun never losing sight of his skull. “So I’m going cut to the chase see that guy behind me?” He asked pointing over his shoulder at the man in black. “That guy is a dick. Now I would like to shoot him but sadly I can’t. You however I can shoot no problem. So you’re not going to be a dick to me are you, friend?” He asked shooting him a friendly white smile. The griffon gave a slight shake of his head still staring at the barrel of the gun. “That’s what I thought. So first I need you to help me find it. A couple days ago it is, to our understanding, that you received a job and-” Ivory was cut off by the griffon who rather excitedly interrupted him.

“Hold on! before you continue I think I know the job you're talking about.” He said looking nervously between the two men.

“Oh really mind telling me what?” Ivory asked. The griffon looked away from the two before replying.

“Is it about the Elements of Harmony job?" Ebony and Ivory exchanged shocked and worried glances. Turning their attention back to the griffin.

"What do you mean 'Elements of Harmony' job?" Ivory asked.

"The boss got a huge contract worth a lot of money. Even so I can't believe he would take it because..." The griffon paused letting out a haggard breath before continuing. "The job is to kill one of the Elements of Harmony. I have an overview of it right here." He said.

Now it was the two brothers turn to be shocked. The griffon couldn't see it but their eyes became orbs of panic. “Show me this overview now!” Ebony barked leaning over the desk. The griffon quickly obeyed and flung open one of the drawers. It was the only piece of paper in the entire thing but it was heavier than a solid steel ingot. The griffon shakily handed the paper over to Ebony who’s mouth stretched in shock at the contents.

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Payment: 20 million bits. 10 million up front the other half at completion.

Job overview: This a difficult one but I promise if done successfully you and your men will be well compensated. You and your men need only kill one of the Elements of Harmony. Bonuses will be given for everyone killed after that along with their family members. The list of bonuses are below. Remember focus on getting rid of one of them before going for the rest. We need only one of them dead for you to get paid after that use your best judgement for the rest.

Spike the Dragon: 5 million bits

Children of the Elements: 2.5 million each.

Other Elements: 10 million each.

If by chance the princesses and their children are there as well here are their prices

Princess Radiance: 10 million bits

Prince Pandemonium: 7.5 million bits

Lucky Moonflower: 7.5 million bits

Prince Gallant Shield: 5 million bits

Reminder no bonus will be given for any of the princesses or Discord and Shining Armor. We would prefer them alive.

Job Description: This is an important job for my client and cannot be fucked up. We will stay in touch and contact you when we formulate a plan to strike at them at their most vulnerable. Use as many soldiers as you think are necessary and you're willing to expend. The only thing we ask is that most of them be comprised of changelings.

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

It was that last sentence that made his stomach twist itself into knots. “Fuck.” Was the only word he could muster before handing Ivory the piece of paper. Even though he couldn't see his face he knew his brother was feeling the exact same thing he was.

“Shit.” Ivory muttered as he finished the last sentence.

“How many soldiers is he bringing?” Ebony asked.

“W-well he hasn’t given a final count until they gets the plan from the employers. But I do know he has placed at least one hundred men, 55 of them changelings in the reserves.” The griffon responded.

Ivory placed his face in his hands racking his brain around this information. Trying to think of a solution. “Thank you, you can go now but before that where do you keep your profits?” Ebony asked.

“Out that door and to the right and it will be behind a big metal door. But it’s almost impenetrable without the key and I don’t know where it is.” The griffon responded. Shaking he stood up giving the duo one last look making sure it was safe for him to leave. Seeing neither of them move to stop him he took his chance and sprinted out the door as fast as his feet could move.

Ebony leaned against a wall processing the grim news. ‘Attacking the Elements of Harmony? Is this how low they’re willing to go?’ He thought to himself. Ivory shot up from his seat on the desk and made his way towards the hole.

“Come on I think it’s pretty clear what we need to do. Find their boss and cancel this contract.” He said stepping through the gaping entrance.

“Wait! That won’t solve anything. They have clearly acquired a very powerful ally if they can throw around this kind of money. Even if we stop take this one out they’ll make a deal with another. If they haven’t already.” Ebony said. Ivory stopped mid step out of the room mulling over what Ebony said. Cursing to himself he turned around knowing his brother was right.

“Then what is the plan?” He asked throwing his arms out irritated.

“First we make this look like a robbery now that we know how dire the situation has become we cannot afford them to catch on. Then we head back home and consult with mother. They’re still clearly waiting for an opportune moment to strike so we head back listen for any news.” He responded taking position in front of the door and unsheathing both his swords.

“Any plan for the robbery part?” Ivory asked.

“Yeah, we improvise and by that I of course mean kill everything in our way. Take what we can carry and get the fuck out of here.” Ebony responded getting ready to kick down the door. “Oh and make it messy make them think there was more than just two of us.” He said before sending the door flying off it’s hinges.

Each carrying a large wooden box full of bits the two walked back through the sewer. Behind them they left a swath of death and carnage. Exploded abdomens, charred bodies, limbs and heads spread across the floor like flower petals in a garden of madness. The door itself was a little trouble at first but it didn't stand long against the barrage of Ivory’s combustion and Ebony’s lightning spells. They took only what they could stuff into their pouches and one big box each. Ebony was breathing heavily as the two trekked a little ragged from the fighting. Lightning based magic was among the hardest and dangerous to use draining the user quickly.

“So what are we going to do with these boxes dump them in the sewer?” Ivory asked. Ebony swallowed hard wiping a bit of sweat from his brow. He recalled an orphanage that had shoddily patched roof as they entered the city.

“I know, follow me.” He breathed.

Caring for orphans was difficult. It was the constant rule that Silver Wing knew all too in her long service of being caretaker for this orphanage. She loved the kids but it was still incredibly difficult at times. So many kids each there for different reasons. Some were there because their parents couldn’t or didn’t want to take care of them so they just left them there. Others were there after escaping their abusive parents and of course the ones who lost their families to tragedy. Most were angry at the world, some were so shaken and depressed they could barely move, there were some that took their hardships in stride serving as big brothers or sisters to the younger ones. It was exhausting work with temper tantrums, tears, bruises but she endured it all so these kids could have a chance at happiness. It was that mantra of hers that allowed her to sleep so peacefully at night. It was then she heard a loud knocking sound. At first she thought it was just the wind. The place had been making all kinds of noises after part of the roof collapsed from a magical outbreak from one of the burst magic girls. When she heard the same knocking she groaned knowing it was someone at the door. ‘Please don’t be another late night drop off. She didn’t want to admit it but getting money for food was getting harder. She swung open the door to not another bundle of joy being left behind but two men each carrying wooden boxes. It was rare for her to open the door at this hour and people to still be there.

“C-can I help you?” she asked taking a step back and grabbing onto the door handle immediately regretting opening the door so widely. It could have been an abusive parent coming to take back their rescued (or as they put it stolen) child. 'How could I be so careless' scolding herself.

“Relax miss we mean you no harm.” the one in black assured. “We have donations for your orphanage." He continued. The two proceeded to open the boxes revealing that they were filled with bits and placed them at her feet.

Silver Wing’s eyes widened at the sight of it all. This wasn’t just enough for the roof but she reckoned there was enough spruce up the entire place, maybe get each of them some new clothes. No one would give this much money without wanting something in return. She raised an eyebrow at the two of them.

“What’s the catch?” She asked. ‘What could it be? A loan? No who asks for loans from an orphanage. Sex maybe? Hopefully just me. Oh who am I kidding this much it could only be for one of the kids. Please dear Celestia don’t let it be that.’ Her mind going to darker and darker places the more she thought about it.

“No catch, no loan, we want nothing from you or your orphans.” He responded almost like he was reading her mind. “Just take it.” He said.

Silver wing slowly grabbed the two boxes and slid them away never losing eye contact with the two as she place them just off to the side and out of reach. The two never moved an inch. She returned to them more than shocked. Is this kind of generosity really possible in the capital of the griffon empire? She always thought only Equestria got this kind of kindness.

“Who do I have to thank for this generous donation?” She asked. This time it was the one in white who spoke.

“If you want someone to thank. Thank the Hive of Queen Chrysalis. Have a nice day.” And with that the two walked away towards the train station. Leaving Silver Wing paralyzed in shock.