Agent Six, Reporting For Duty!

by SecretAgentPony

Rating: everyone
Tags: Romance, Adventure
Length: 12801

From Braytain comes an ex-member of the royal guard. Loyal yet dependent, Agent Six arrives in Ponyville years after a heart-breaking breakup with an ex-fiance and is willing to take on any job as an agent-for-hire, so long as she is fighting for good. We will soon discover however, that her name is not what it seems.

(NOTE: This story is based off of the Twitterponies Roleplay. The only character that own is Agent Six (A.K.A Diamond Shield and the fiancé from her dreams/flashbacks.)

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2013-08-16 15:18:12 UTC

Chapter 1

       Enter a pony called Agent Six, trotting into Ponyville hauling a wagon behind her. The wagon is full of her possessions from her home in Braytain. She has just moved into town, therefore she has no idea where she can stay or to purchase a home. Agent Six keeps an emotionless expression on her face as she trots around the unfamiliar scenery. Agent Six spends quite some time searching for the town hall, even using her precious time to ask around town. Though for reasons that she did not know, ponies passed her by without answering.

        Agent Six grumbles. One would think the ponies that are as nice as the citizens of Ponyville would at least point town hall out to her. All she can think to do is to follow a sign to one of Ponyville’s local lakes. It is currently 4:04pm in Equestrian Standard Time “May as well set up camp for the evening.” Agent Six thinks to herself. She yawns wearily, it had been quite a long trip.

        Agent Six arrives at the lake and proceeds to unhitch herself from the wagon and set up a lounge chair with an umbrella, blanket, and pillow. There is no need for a tent, for the Ponyville weather team announced clear skies throughout the night. She uses her magic to pour a glass of what is left of some strawberry juice into a wine glass. She lies in the lounge chair while she adds a packet of salt to the concoction. Agent Six levitates the glass to her mouth and sips from it, giving a satisfied sigh. She sets the glass down and falls asleep in the lounge chair.

     The next morning, Agent Six is awake in her lounge chair. She has been awake since sunrise, sipping what’s left of her strawberry juice. About ten yards away, a unicorn mare with a white coat and fabulously swirly purple mane sets up a lounge chair of her own. Agent Six nods a greeting to the mare, though she doesn’t return the greeting. “She must be distant. That or she is busy.” Agent Six thinks.

      “Lovely day for a salty strawberry flavored drink.” She says while looking out at the horizon, again sipping from the glass.

      Agent Six floats a book out from her nearby wagon and opens it up to read it. This book happens to be her diary. A diary that was given to her years ago by a stallion that she used to love. Ever since that day, Agent Six had made a traditional habit of writing one entry in the book every Friday evening.

       A special enchantment was cast on the book by Agent Six years ago just in case unwanted intruders attempt to read it. When somepony other than Agent Six opens the diary, the enchantment flashes an illusion in the eyes of an unsuspecting reader that makes them think they are reading a different book, based on their literary interests. Even the cover is disguised. This enchantment is her idea of a professional sneaky illusion technique, while others would call it a nuisance. Agent Six closes the book and levitates it back into her wagon so that she may sunbathe.

     Within two hours later, Agent Six packs up her lounge chair along with her bedding and hitches herself to the wagon. “Back to town I go” She says and proceeds to make her way back to town. Agent six hopes that she will eventually be able to locate town hall or be directed to it. She hates having to wait for too long. Hardly breaking a sweat, Agent Six arrives back in Ponyville, she doesn’t show it but she is fairly exhausted.

         Agent Six trots past a green coated Pegasus mare with a lighter shade of whitish green mane and two stallions that are trotting alongside her on the street.

     “Where is the mayor of this small town?” Agent Six wonders. To her unawareness, a green Pegasus stallion with a darker green mane waves to her in greeting while she pulls her wagon around in her search for Town Hall. Her main focus is to find a place to settle down and she is not about to take notice to a pony that would clearly waste her time. As she is trotting, she feels a hoof reaching into one of her pockets. Upon instinct, Agent Six uses levitation magic to lift the hoof and slam a tan-coated thief to the ground in front of her.

     “Have you ever heard of keeping your dirty hooves to your dirty self?” She asks the thief, who is staring up at her in fear. “Now off with you!” She shouts coldly. The stallion rises and darts away. One would find that Agent Six is no pushover. She continues on her way.

     Then, a very peculiar looking tree catches her eye. The tree appears to have a door, few windows, and a balcony. Agent Six trots to the tree and unhitches herself from the wagon and trots to the door. She knocks on the door, a voice calls from inside. “Come in!”, the voice said. Agent Six opens the door and trots inside.

    When she trots inside, her eyes widen at the sight of a baby dragon with purple scales and green spines and shelves filled neatly with books. It appears to be a library. Her interest has certainly been piqued; A baby dragon residing inside of a tree? How interesting, Agent Six thought to herself.

     “What in the Queen’s name is this?” Agent Six asks, observing the dragon and the inside of this very interesting tree. “Hey dragon. You don’t bite, do you?” Agent Six asks the little dragon.

    The dragon eyes her. “Depends: You’re not food, are you?” The dragon smirks. “Hey, you had your chance, Scientist the Fox. You wanna talk to me? Get back in the tub. I’m busy.” He says to a grey fox that is trying to escape from a bath tub. Very strange indeed.

      Agent Six eyes the dragon, who is now drooling over a ruby that is magically suspended by a unicorn guard mare with a white coat and blue mane. “That’s classified. At least until you’ve answered my question. Do you bite, do you?” She asks again.

    “I bite gems, that’s for sure.” The dragon says while he jumps for the ruby.

    “Fair enough. Now to answer your question. No, I am not food. I am just a poor and rich Braytish mare looking to buy a mansion.” Agent Six explains to the dragon as the blue maned mare teases him with a ruby and requests a glass of water.

“I’ll be with you in a second, rich poor pony.” The dragon zips into the kitchen and returns with a glass of water for the guard. “Here. Can I have that ruby now?” He asks the guard, who levitates the glass with her magic and gives the gem to the dragon.

     “That is very disrespectful and degrading. It is foolish to tease a baby dragon like that.” Agent Six says to the mare. Agent Six looks around.

    The guard turns to Agent Six “He knows I joke with him, ma’am. But thanks for the concern.” She smiles and ruffles the dragon’s scales.

    The dragon munches on the ruby. “But I don’t bite ponies. So what do you need, mansion-wanted rich poor pony?” the dragon asks.

     One may ask how she can possibly be poor, yet rich at the same time. To put it simply, Agent Six is rich in wealth and beauty. But very poor happiness. Poor in Happiness, and joy. But most of all, she is poor in love. Nary a single drop of it resides in the delicate container called a heart.

     “I cannot locate Ponyville’s town hall, little dragon. Would you be so kind as to direct me to it?” Agent Six asks the dragon.

     The dragon points Town Hall out to Agent Six. “Over there, by the bakery.” The dragon replies, and then turns to the gray fox. “As for you, fox: if you’re going to mope, mope outside. No moping in the library. But if you’re a good fox, then you can stay.” The dragon says to the fox.

   “Thank you.” Agent Six nods to the dragon and canters on her way out. On her way, she looks to the fox. “Mope all you want. It doesn’t change a thing.” With that, she makes her way to Town Hall after getting hitched back to her wagon.

      Midway through her trek to Town Hall, Agent Six canters past a dark gray earth filly with a white mane and blue glasses while hauling her wagon. “Good evening little one.” She nods to the filly.

   The filly backs up a little and fixes her glasses looking at Agent Six. “Excuse yo—uhm, what’s that?” The filly asks.

     Agent Six stops. “What is what?” She returns a question to the filly.

     “What’s all that junk—I mean, stuff?” The filly peers at Agent’s Six’s things.

     Agent Six raises an “eyebrow” at the filly. “The things that you nearly called “junk” happen to be my belongings.” She says to the filly. “It’s contents…are classified. What is a filly like you doing on such an oh-so lovely day?”

    “Hey! I’m not a nerd!” the filly shakes a hoof at a brown earth filly with an orangish mane, who gallops off. “Coward.” The gray filly growls under her breath. “Contents are classified? What’re you?” Some sort of agent?” The filly laughs at Agent Six.

      Agent Six smirks “Well I suppose that you could-“ she begins to speak. Then before she knows it, the gray filly is chasing the other filly around in a rage. Agent Six sighs and lifts the two fillies up in a levitation spell. “All right, break it up kids.”

     The gray earth filly makes a leap for the brown filly. “Get back here Penny La--!” Just as they are about to collide, they are both lifted into her spell. “Hay! Like, what gives?!” While the grey filly does not look amused, the filly called Penny seems to be having fun.

    “I /don’t/ want to spend my first actual day here watching two children fight.” Agent Six says to the fillies. “You..” She points to Penny. “Apologize” She points her hoof to the gray filly, who grins.

    “Apologize for what?” Penny looks blankly at Agent Six.

    “For upsetting this filly.” She says to Penny. “And you.” Agent Six looks to the gray filly. “You apologize too. Nerds are-“ The kids start to bicker again. “HEY! That is /enough/!” She yells. “Apologize. Both of you.”

    The gray filly crosses her hooves. “Fine. Sorry or whatever.”

     Agent Six rolls her eyes and frees the gray filly from her levitation. “Good.”

      “Yeah. I’m sorry too. I mean, it’s not /all/ your fault that you’re a nerd.” Penny says happily.

     Agent Six sets Penny down gently as the gray filly splats on the ground. “Oof! I meant GENTLY!” She says while rubbing her head.

     “Now run along. Preferably in separate directions please.” Agent Six says irritably to the fillies.

“My pleasure!” The gray filly scoops her dropped books and rolls her eyes while trotting away.

“Later Silver Spoon!” Penny exclaims and skips on her way home. “What a nice lady.”

   Agent Six merely shakes her head and continues on her way to Town Hall. “My mummy always told me “Never apologize unless you mean it”. Honestly. Kids these days.” Agent Six stops when a whitish tan unicorn mare with a brown mane approaches. “Oh, now what?”

    “What was that about?” The mare asks as she approaches Agent Six.

         Agent Six looks to the mare. “Oh, just some foalish squabbling.” She simply replies.

    “I see…” the mare goes into thought. “You look like an agent of Canterlot. Do you work under Mycroft?” She asks curiously.

   Agent Six eyes the mare. “Mycroft? Sorry, but I’ve no idea who that is. Am I an agent?” Agent Six takes a brief pause. “No…in fact, I just moved here from Braytain.”

    “I see. I’m Elizabeth.” Elizabeth holds out a hoof.

     Agent Six shakes her hoof. “You can call me Agent Six.”

      “Nice to meet you. I thought you said you weren’t an agent?” Elizabeth tilts her head in confusion.

   “I’m not. It’s my personal designation. That is, since I am looking for work. I do have a real name. I just do not feel comfortable in sharing it with ponies that I don’t trust quite yet.” Agent Six explains to Elizabeth.

   “Well, perhaps you can help me then. I’ve got the coin to pay you with.” Elizabeth smiles at Agent Six.

      “What is it that you need?” Agent Six asks Elizabeth with interest.

   “Well, everypony has turned me down when I asked for help. But they’re here again…the…it would be better if I showed you…” Elizabeth says to Agent Six.

    “Very well. But I need an inn first.” Agent Six replies to Elizabeth. “Help me to check in to an inn and I’ll begin to help you. Lead the way.”

    Elizabeth nods. “Alright.” Elizabeth begins to lead Agent Six to the inn. “You see, I have this power. With which I can open doors to other worlds.” Elizabeth explains.

    Agent Six blinks at Elizabeth. “To…alternate worlds? What kind of gadgetry do you have for such travel?” Agent Six asks.

            Elizabeth looks around and seems to spot an odd tear in the air. “Look…”

       Agent Six eyes the tear. “What is it?”

     “A window…to another world!” Elizabeth exclaims.

   “Hmm…can you explain to me of what you want done?” Agent Six asks Elizabeth. “I am not exactly suited for otherworldly travel.”

   “Well, I’m looking for somepony. In this world, he’s gone. But in other worlds, he lives. He’s alive.” And I can’t do this alone.” Elizabeth debriefs Agent Six.

    “I see Elizabeth. Alright, I’ll help you. But I need to rest for the night.” She says as they approach the inn.

   “Meet me here tomorrow. At around noon, okay?” Agent Six asks Elizabeth as she unhitches herself from the wagon.

    Elizabeth nods. “Alright. Could I show you a sample of my power?”

    “Perhaps tomorrow. Good night.” Agent Six nods to Elizabeth and proceeds to unload her wagon.

   “Good night Agent Six.” Elizabeth nods back and canters off.

    Agent Six takes all of her belongings inside the inn and approaches the reception desk. “Hello. I am here to rent a room.” She tells a stallion at the counter.

    “Okay. Name please?” The stallion asks, taking a pen in his mouth.

     “My name?” She sighs as the stallion nods. “My name is…” Agent Six writes her real name down. “There.”

   “Thank you.” The stallion surrenders a room key to Agent Six. “I hope you enjoy your stay.”

    “You too.” Agent Six takes her room key and levitates her possessions to her designated room. Upon entering said room, she sets everything aside and flops onto the bed to rest.

Chapter 2

         With an ever-cold scowl on her face, Agent Six slumbers in her bed in her hotel room. A scowl is usually a sign of plain anger or frustration. This begs the question: What would have her feeling so frustrated? Could it be a bad dream? Could it be a relentless memory? Perhaps the source of her scowl will reveal itself soon enough.

       Agent Six opens her eyes as she sits up in bed. She sets free a silent yawn in the process of waking up. “Ugh” Agent Six groans. “My dear friend, to me.” Agent Six’s horn glows a hue that is as green as her eyes. From a nearby saddlebag, a quill and a hardcover book whose cover is blank levitates into her front hooves. “Good morning my trusted friend. Ready to hear the latest in my life news?” Agent Six smiles softly. It is not a smile of happiness, but rather the smile bodes a bond of secret trust. She opens the book up and begins writing in the book.

“ (8/4/13)

     Dear Diary,

       It’s me again. It has been another week. Every Friday, I write in you to convey my feelings. Or…rather what feelings I have left. I deeply apologize for deciding to write today. I was in the turmoil of finding a place to reside in this small town, Ponyville. A town where, once again, I am not truly alone. Such is my life. I am never able to be in a true state of solitude. Ever since…that day 15 years ago, I have not been the same. Do I miss my queen and country? One could say that I do. Braytain is where I was born and raised. But that was then, the past. This is now, the present. Only the gods of time know what lie in the future

      Sincerely, your only friend

      Diamond Shield “

      Once her weekly morning ritual is done, she floats her best friend and quill back into the saddlebag. As if randomly, a tear makes an effort to trickle its way down her left cheek. Upon a strong instinct, she wipes the tear away and gets out of bed to stretch. Agent Six trots into the bathroom and turns a faucet to turn her shower on. Agent Six closes her eyes to visit better memories of her life.

          Agent Six recalls a rather warm summer evening. An evening that was the best day of her life. Truth be told, she used to be happy. Happy with her life, her job, and with a stallion who she once loved. On a hilltop, a handsome blue-eyed unicorn stallion with a black coat and white mane and donning a gray tuxedo took a seat by her side.

       “Hello my love. I apologize for being late. I’m afraid street traffic was a trifle difficult to maneuver through.” The stallion said as he sets a basket down.

        The mare who formerly called herself Diamond Shield smiled at the stallion. She was wearing an azure dress, donning a hibiscus in her mane, which was styled into a bun to match the beautiful evening. “Got stuck in traffic, huh? What have I told you about the traffic? Always be—“ She began to say.

      “Always be the first on the street. I know, I know. I hate it when you use my lectures against me.” The stallion teased.

     Diamond smirked. “Do you now? Last time I checked, you loved the stern logic within a lecture.” She leaned on the stallion, sighing happily.

    The stallion chuckled as he stroked Diamond Shield’s mane. “Well, I suppose you got me on the one.” He chuckled again while Diamond giggled.

       “Too right. So, what brought you to request that I sit upon this beautiful twilit hilltop?” Diamond asked softly.

     “Always one to cut straight to the flesh of the topic, aren’t you dear? You are quite like a kitchen knife.” The stallion said in a flirtatious manner, causing Diamond Shield to blush. “Well, I suppose I should not disappoint you then. So here it is.” The stallion pulled himself away to make space between himself and his beloved marefriend as he reached into his tuxedo pocket. “Diamond Shield, my love…” He pulled a small padded box from the pocket.

      Diamond stared at the stallion with wide eyes. “Y-yes?”

       The stallion opened the box to reveal a beautiful, well cut diamond ring. “Will you do me the valued honor of being my bride?” The stallion grinned with joy in its purest form.

        Diamond Shield gasped, at first in surprise and then in pure joy. “Y..y-yes! My beloved…” She is so happy that she cannot even say his name. “I will marry you.” She hugged her beloved fiancé. “I will marry you.” She sniffled, tears of joy trickling down her cheeks.

     The stallion returned her loving embrace. “I love you, Diamond Shield.” He rubbed her back. “You are the cloud for which my heart soars.”

       “Poetry. Sweet poetry.” Diamond Shield  sighed happily.

    “Yes…” The stallion smiled, and then whispered to a hidden radio in his pocket. “Phase one. Phase two will commence in one month.”

    A voice whispered back. “Roger that. Keep up the good work.”

    “Yes sir.” The stallion whispered back.

        Diamond Shield had her eyes closed. “What was that, my dear?”

     “Er…n-nothing my dear.” He said, opening the basket that he had brought. “Let us eat while we enjoy the sunset, together.” He wrapped a hoof around Diamond Shield. That was the day a tragedy was set in motion.

         Minutes later, Agent Six opens her eyes and steps out of the shower. With a soft sigh, she turns the faucet to shut the shower off. A towel wraps itself around her through magic as she steps out of the bathroom. “I try to forget. I try so hard to forget…but how can I?” Agent Six asks herself as she takes the time to dry off. Remembering that she is to meet Elizabeth outside of the inn at noon, she puts her outfit on and leaves her room. Approaching the exit, she sighs once more as she opens the door and steps outside.

      She waits beside the door, keeping a watchful eye out for Elizabeth. A passing guard nods a greeting. “Afternoon ma’am.” The guard says.

       Agent Six nods a greeting back to the stallion. “Good morning, officer.” She greets the stallion.

        “Trying to get a room here?” The guard asks. The guard is yellow in color. His eyes are a grey color, as is his mane. Why, he doesn’t look a day over twenty-one. As for his cutie mark, it appears to be a book with a flaming hoof on it.

      Agent Six shakes her head. “No. I got that objective done yesterday. I’m just waiting for somepony, that’s all.”

   “I see. What’s your name ma’am?” The guard asks with a grin.

      “What is it to you?” Agent Six eyes the guard. She sighs. “If you must know, my name is Agent Six.”

        “Agent Six. That’s a nice name.” He gladly shakes her hoof. My name is—“

      As if on a hateful instinct, Agent Six pulls her hoof out of the guard’s grasp and shoots a glare at him. The guard backs away a bit in alarm. “If you would kindly excuse me officer.” Agent Six huffs and trots back into the inn, leaving the guard to question to question what her anger was all about.

     Agent Six stomps into her hotel room and slams the door. “Stallions.” Agent Six sighs, trying to cool her nerves. “I need to go out for a while. I’ll wait for Elizabeth later.” She utters to herself as she floats her saddlebags on and leaves the room again. Perhaps the fresh air will do some good. She filled the bags with supplies such as food, water, and other things.

     Once prepared, she leaves the inn and makes her way in the direction of the Dragon Lands. And to her unawareness, a place where ponies are very much preyed upon for their emotions. A place that she may soon be a victim of. Or so this story would seem. While she trots, her mind shifts to an early “chat” that she had with a certain stallion whom she loved.

         “I remember the day that we had met. It was like a dream come true. I was merely a half-blunt instrument working for queen and country. Though I was often happy, I always did have a hateful side to me. A hatred for those who would dare threaten our citizens. For those who would betray the queen for their own selfish desires. And you were the one and only balance that I had. You were the scale that weighed my happiness…and the hatred that I held inside. And now, you are a subject of my hatred. Were we truly right for each other?” Diamond Shield had asked the stallion and simply trotted away, hoping to never see him again.

        Back in the reality of the present, Agent Six munches on a carrot stick while approaching a foreboding castle not too far ahead. “Sweet Queen of Braytain…” Her mouth hangs open as she looks ahead at the castle. Slowly getting closer to the castle and what appears to be a village in constant disrepair, Agent Six observes the architecture. “This cannot be Princess Luna’s castle, can it?” Such a silly question, of course it’s not hers. “I hope not. It looks horrendous. The Queen of Braytain would surely faint at the mere sight of it.”

     Agent Six shrugs to herself. “Well, I do hope the locals treat a lady properly. If there is anypony here that is.” Agent Six says coldly to herself and trots onward into the village. It seems empty, but there may be eyes locked on her. Creepy insect-like eyes watch as she approaches a fountain that is filled with a horrid green fluid. Her expression turns to disgust as she eyes it. “If this IS Luna’s castle, she sure does not take proper care of her sewage system.” Agent Six eyes the liquid, oblivious to what it really is.

       “Hm.” She levitates a test tube from one of her saddlebags and pulls the cork off with her teeth. “Mm!” She scoops some of the liquid up in the test tube and pops the cork back on. “There.” She puts the test tube back into the saddlebag for safe-keeping. With something to examine, she turns around and trots back on her way to Ponyville.

      “Princess Luna lives in Canterlot as far as my knowledge goes. So…who lives in the castle back there?” Many questions flow through her mind. Once again, her mind returns to the past as she makes her way back to Ponyville.

      “Why am I blindfolded? What is the big surprise?” Diamond Shield asked her fiancé.

       “Patience Diamond.” The stallion chuckled. “The big surprise is a gift that I’m sure that you will one day cherish. Of that I am sure.”

        She rolled her eyes from behind the blindfold. “I already have your love. What could you give me that could possibly equal that?” She wondered as her blindfold was taken off, revealing a hardcover book in her lap.

     “Surprise.” The stallion grinned.

        Diamond blinked. “A book? I don’t understand.”

        “It’s not just /a/ book. It’s your own book. A diary.” The stallion gave Diamond a soft nuzzle.

        “Oh. Oh!” Diamond smiled. “Oh sweetheart. I’ve always wanted a hardcover diary. How did you know?” She examined the book, happily.

    “Oh, I have my ways…” The stallion replied to Diamond Shield, then turned away to hide a regretful frown. “I have my ways.” The memory fades back to reality.

        Soon, Agent Six returns to Ponyville while munching on another carrot stick. Her current destination is the library. When she arrives, she opens the door and trots inside, heading upstairs hearing grunting sounds. “Good afternoon little dragon.” Agent Six eyes the familiar baby dragon, who seems to be trying to wash a cloud bed. Or to move it. “Do you need help?” Agent Six asks the dragon.

      “I can do it! And you get downstairs, the upstairs of the Treebary is off limits.” The dragon replies in a rather stern-ish tone.

      Agent Six nods to the dragon silently. “Yes sir. Sorry sir.” Agent Six canters back downstairs. Eyeing a few books, Agent Six calls up to the baby dragon. “Young dragon, do you have a microscope or anything that I could use?” Agent Six asks.

       The little dragon comes downstairs. “Sure, in Twi’s lab in the basement. But we can’t go down there without her permission. Sorry. Maybe later?”

       Before she replies to the dragon, a purple Alicorn clipts into the Treebary. Agent Six’s eyes widen at the sight of the Alicorn. “Sweet Queen of Braytain…that is the newest princess of Equestria; Twilight Sparkle.” She whispers to herself. She then clears her throat. “Anyway, I suppose I could wait for a little while. You see, I have this strange green liquid...” Agent Six levitates the test tube out of her saddlebag. “…to analyze.“

   “What is it?” The dragon asks.

    She puts the test tube away. “I’m not sure. That’s why I came to analyze it. I scooped it up from a fountain at some eerie looking castle. Looks to me like sewage. Agent Six explains to the dragon. But I don’t know for sure. Only a clear analysis will confirm or deny what it is.  I thought that a library like this was bound to have microscopic equipment. Seems I was right. Oh, of all the days I chose to leave my equipment behind, it just had to be today.” Agent Six takes a mental note to mind. “By the way, I don’t believe I got your name yesterday.” Agent Six says to the dragon.

    “I’m Spike!” The little dragon introduce himself with enthusiasm.

    Agent Six offers a hoof to Spike for a hoof-to-claw shake. “Spike. Charming name. You can call me Agent Six. And before you ask, no. I am not a secret agent. “Agent Six is…just my name. Even if I were a secret agent, that information would be classified information.” Agent Six says to Spike as she turns to leave the library and make her way to Town Hall to hopefully speak to the mayor.

    “Uh huh…” Spike did not seem to be listening.

     Upon approaching Town Hall, she notices a charity fashion show of sorts that is going on nearby, but doesn’t bother to check it out. Then, as if from out of nowhere, a big red dragon crashes down on a gazebo somewhere near the show. Agent Six nearly stumbles from the shockwave. Screaming ponies flee the scene ahead. Agent Six rushes over to see what is going on. She stops next to an elderly-looking earth mare beside a food buffet.  “What in the muddy blazes?” Agent Six looks up at the red dragon.

      The dragon roars and blackens the sky with a flying river of smoke, his eyes sparking as he scans the stunned ponies in front of Town Hall. The dragon seems to spot a tactical advantage; the fountain. The dragon opens his mouth and a gout of orange-red flame scorches the fountain. The dragon’s fire, hotter than lava causes the water in the fountain to fill the air with steam. Steam that blinds any attacking Pegasi. This only causes more chaos. The dragon has to make this fast, lest he attract dangerous attention. His eyes lock onto one pony after another. It is seeking…searching. The downdraft from its wings sends leaves and papers flying. The area looks like it is in the grip of a tornado.

      A stallion; Prince Blueblood is hiding behind the brown earth mare in fear. “MOMMY!” He flings from behind the mare and runs for his life. “I’m too young to die!”

    Agent Six glances at the fleeing prince. “Drama queen.” She mutters.

       Then, the dragon’s eyes lock onto Prince Blueblood. It spirals up into the air at about one hundred meters high, then it proceeds to dive downward, talons extended. Said talons flash like scythes. The dragon swoops, grabbing Blueblood in the process. The dragon raises its wings and speaks for the first time. What it says is unknown.

    “AAAAAHH! Un-talon me, brute! I am Prince Blueblood, his Royal Highness of Canterlot!” Prince Blueblood shouts. But while the dragon speaks, he shuts up.

     The dragon looks around at some gathering Pegasi. In the crowd, the prince Shining Armor is casting a shield spell of sorts. All the while, Agent Six sends blasts of magic, which seem to have no effect on the dragon. As a distraction, the dragon spews a lake of fire from his maw. The result of which engulfs a familiar unicorn’s dresses in flames. Agent Six had seen this mare before, at the lake.

    “MY DRESSES!! MY WORK!!!!!!” The mare gallops to the disintegrating dresses and scoops the ashes up in her hooves, crying. “WHYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY?!”

        Below the dragon, Town Hall is a fiery, steamy, smokey, and above all chaotic mass of fleeing ponies and ashes. With a screaming Prince Blueblood in talon, the dragon takes off away from Ponyville.

     Ceasing hornfire, Agent six watches the red dragon shrink in the distance. “Is everypony alright?” She asks everypony who is trying to calm down. Some give unsure nods, and cry from the fear. “. . .”

Lying in what remains of the dresses, the white unicorn mare cries a river of tears.

        “Now now Rarity. Come on, we can fix this.” The brown earth mare says. “We can send the dragon king a bill for the damage.”

    Rarity sniffles and looks up at the mare. “R-really?”

     “Of course. As his agent, anything that the red dragon does is the responsibility of the dragon king. By the treaty of 1857, he is fiscally responsible for his…minions actions.” The mare says.

       “Oh wonderful Mayor Mare.” To the mayor’s amazement, Rarity displays an itemized list. “What? This is Ponyville. Expect the unexpected. Now if we add this, and that,, oh and this was very expensive…the total comes to twenty-three thousand bits, Ms. Mayor. All for charity of course.”

     The mayor nods. “Then we add in the cost of a replacement gazebo and the cost of calling the fire department. And my PODIUM! It’s scorched! Ohh they will pay for that…eight-hundred and seventy-six bits.”

     “Mhmm. And don’t forget all of the collateral damage, and emotional damage as well Ms. Mare.” Rarity nods back and trots off with a light yellow Pegasus mare with a pink mane.

The mayor nods again. “Oh yes. Fluttershy! Can you go and tell Spike of what has happened?”

   Agent Six approaches Rarity. “Excuse me. Are you alright?” She asks.

    “Yes, getting better. Thank you dear.” Rarity says to Agent Six.

    “Well /that/ sure was unwelcome. And unruly. Agent Six scoffs to Rarity. “Dragons.”

         “Well, one cannot expect civilized behavior from the uncivilized.” Rarity replies to Agent Six and continues on her way.

     “Yes…” Agent Six says to Rarity in agreement. “Considerably.” She then approaches the mayor. “Are you by chance the mayor of Ponyville?” She asks.

     The mayor nods to Agent Six. “That I am.”

     “Good. My name is Six. Agent Six. We need to talk.” Agent Six says to the mayor.

     The mayor smiles weakly at Agent Six. “Does it involve a prince-snatching dragon, my little pony?”

    “No. I would like to inquire about purchasing land for a mansion. Agent Six replies to the mayor. “I could care less about your cowardly prince and that red dragon.” She mutters coldly under her breath.

   “And you think that now is the best time for this?” The mayor asks, maintaining her weak smile.

    “No. But as the mayor, you should at least allow me an appointment at a later date.” Agent Six says to the mayor.

     “Of course, I will draw up the lease paperwork later.” The mayor nods.

    “Fine. In the meantime, I need to return to the inn. It has been a long day. Farewell.” Agent Six nods to the mayor and trots off on her way to the inn. Suddenly, Elizabeth gallops up to Agent Six.

         “What Happened here?!” She asks with worry.

      Agent Six to Elizabeth as she trots. “Dragon attack.”

    “Oh dear. I actually know someone who can deal with this type of stuff. She’s really good at it.” Elizabeth says.

     “It would be best to leave it to the authorities, Elizabeth.” Agent Six nods.

    “Right.” Elizabeth nods back.

    “That being said, Elizabeth, I need to go to the inn. I am very sleepy. Have a good evening.” Agent Six continues her trek to the inn to sleep for the night.

Chapter 3

       Having been awake since the early morning, Agent Six is analyzing the strange green liquid that she scooped up in the previous afternoon. To her surprise, it is not sewage, but something else entirely. Toxic waste perhaps? She sniffs it, taking in a sweet scent. “It has a scent. A bittersweet scent, like honey mixed with something else. How odd.” Agent Six continues analyzing the liquid.

     A female voice from a few rooms over begins to yell. “Where is it? I can’t FIND it! This is SO BAD!!” Whoever the voice belongs to, she is making a lot of noise. The noise proves to be an annoying distraction to Agent Six’s research.

     “What is all of that racket about?” Agent Six leaves her room and travels to the voice’s room. “Hey!” Agent Six knocks on the mare’s door.

   The mare throws herself against the door from the inside as Agent Six knocks. “WHAT?!”

       “Whoever you are, I politely ask you to tone that racket down. I am in the middle of classified research! And I cannot work with all of this intolerable noise.” Agent Six calls to the voice.

    The voice calls back. “Then I suggest that you stop conducting research at a public inn! I paid for this room and I can be a nuisance if I want to!”

     “And furthermore—“ Agent Six starts, but is interrupted by the voice. “Don’t make me have to get a guardpony in here. Keep. It. Down.” Agent Six turns away from the mare’s room to return to her own. The voice shouts a little as Agent Six trots into her room and slams the door.

         The nerve of some ponies.” Agent Six mutters to herself and trots back to her research. “Hmm…” She flips a page. “Mmhmm…” Then she comes to remember something. “Blast it. Don’t tell me that I’m out of strawberry juice.” Her left hoof collides with her forehead. “I’ll finish my analysis on this green liquid later. I can’t think straight without my usual strawberry juice.” Agent Six puts the cork back on the test tube and tucks it away in her saddlebag. “For safekeeping…” She then puts her equipment away and trots to the door to leave the room. But to her astonishment, the door does not budge. “What the-?” She tries again to open the door. No use.  Agent Six’s expression turns cold. “Well this is nice.” Unbeknownst to her, a certain voice is not who she seems. Agent Six turns to face the window. “There’s more than one way out of here.” She trots to the window and looks around to make sure nopony is watching. “Mm!” She shatters the window by leaping through it, landing safely on the ground outside. She trots past a few shocked ponies while brushing shards of glass out of her mane. “Nothing to see here. Move along.” She says to the small crowd and trots on her way to the market. She can only imagine the anger that she will face from the inn’s manager.

       Shortly after she shakes the thoughts out of her head, she arrives at the market. She stops to look at an advertisement posted on a tent. “Hmmm…a teacher named Cheerilee seems to be offering job positions. Teaching positions. Hmmm…teaching Vocabulary could be an excellent job to cover my finances.” Agent Six takes the ad off of the tent and packs it into her saddlebag. While she arrives at a fruit drink stand, Agent Six ponders about what might have jammed her room’s door. She suspects that it may have something to do with the mare that she was yelling at.

     Agent Six eyes only lock onto twelve packs of cherry juice. “This will do.” She floats bits to the pony that runs the stand and in turn is given a twelve pack of cherry juice and packets of salt. “Thank you. Have a good day.” She says and trots on her way to the address on the advertisement. As she trots, another flashback floods her mind.

    “Diamond Shield, thank you for coming sweetheart.” The stallion said to Diamond Shield, with a smile on his face.

    “My love…” Diamond approached the stallion, smiling back. “I came as soon as I got your letter. Have I ever mentioned how beautiful your writing is?” She wrapped her neck around the neck of her beloved fiancé.

     He chuckled. “Yes. I do believe that you have. More times than I can count. Have I mentioned how much I love you?” He asked while pulling out of the neck-hug and staring in Diamond’s sparkling green eyes.

      Diamond Shield blushed. “Your love for me extends further than the sky reaches for the sun and moon. Both are equal in incomprehensible beauty.”

       “That is true. But to be truthful Diamond Shield, your beauty surpasses both of them combined. You are the light of my life. The sparkles that shine in my eyes. The key that unlocks the delicate container that we equines call a heart.” He flirted with passion.

     Agent Six sighed softly. “I mean that much to you?” A tear runs down her cheek.

      “Diamond Shield, you mean the entire world to me. Whatever you want, I shall provide. If I could, I would give you the stars that appears from Princess Celestia’s grace in the night sky.” The stallion says, smiling and wiping the tear away.

      “Oh…” Speechless, Diamond Shield simply hugs the stallion.

      Once again back in reality, Agent Six arrives at Cheerliee’s residence and knocks on the door. A mare comes to the door and answers it.

   “Hello. I’m Ms. Cheerilee. Can I help you?” She asks with a smile.

     Agent Six acknowledges Cheerilee. “Good afternoon Ms. Cheerliee. My name is Agent Six. I am here in regards to your advertisement.” Agent Six says and levitates the “help wanted” advertisement from her saddlebag.

       Cheerilee sees the advertisement that Agent Six levitates. “Oh! Well please come in Agent. Have a seat.” She motions to a chair inside. To which Agent Six politely obliges. “Can I get you something? Lemonade? A cup of tea?”

        “A cup of tea would be nice ma’am. Thank you.” Agent Six replies.

           Cheerilee smiles and goes to brew some tea. She soon returns to take a seat. “While I’m waiting for the tea to brew, you are interested in the Vocabulary position?” She asks.

    “I am.” Agent Six nods to Cheerilee. “Teaching is not my topmost talent. But I am rather good with kids.”

      “Being good with foals is important.” Cheerilee maintains her smile at Agent Six. “The vocabulary position does come with an established curriculum.”

        “May I see the curriculum please?” Agent Six asks Cheerilee.

      “Um, it’s in my filing cabinet at the schoolhouse.” She informs Agent Six, hearing the kettle whistling. “Excuse me please, that’s your tea.” Cheerilee goes to fetch a cup of tea for Agent Six.

    Agent Six nods. “I understand. I would very much like to see the curriculum at the earliest opportunity Ms. Cheerilee. Assuming that I get this job.”

    Cheerilee trots back into the living room with a cup of tea. “Well, Ms. Moynihoof and I are accepting résumés’ from prospective candidates to review. Do you have a résumé?” She asks Agent Six.

    “I do.” Agent Six levitates her résumé to Cheerilee from her saddlebag. Cheerilee looks it over. “As you can see, Ms. Cheerilee, my previous career revolved around serving my queen and country for about twenty years. If not slightly less.”

   Cheerilee continues to look the resume over and trades it for the cup of hot tea beside a service of honey, sugar, and cream. “Thank you. May I have this?”

   “You may.” Agent Six takes a sip of the hot tea after mixing honey into it. “Ahh…”

    “Thank you. I will place it in the file with the other applicants.” Cheerilee sets the résumé aside.

        After drinking the tea down, Agent Six levitates the cup to Cheerilee and stands up while offering a hoofshake. “Thank you for your hospitality.”

    “And thank you for your interest. I’ll touch base with you either way with regards to the open Vocabulary position.” Cheerilee says, happily shaking Agent Six’s hoof.

    “Wonderful. Thank you for your time and consideration. Have a good day Ms. Cheerilee.” Without another word, Agent Six leaves Cheerilee’s house and makes her way home. Or rather the inn, which is currently her home.

     Upon return to the inn, the manager of the establishment approaches her, not looking very happy. “You!”

       Agent Six stops on her way to her room. “Me?”

     “Yeah, you. Who the buck do you think you are breaking one of my inn windows?!” The manager yells.

         “Hmm…I do believe that my name is Agent Six, good sir.”

    The manager glares at her. “Don’t play smart with me, lady. Do you have any idea how much those windows COST?!”

    Agent Six shows no sign of flinching from the manager’s yelling. “I would suppose the price ranges from between fifty to two-hundred bits.”

         “That’s—hey, that’s right.” The manager says. “You’re pretty good with estimated guesses, aren’t ya?”

     Agent Six smirks. “I suppose I am. Now, I will gladly pay to rebuild the window. But first, I would very much like to explain why I broke it In the first place.” She tells the manager.

     The manager raises an eye. “I’m listening.”

        “You see, I was going to leave my room in the civilized way by using the door. But something kept me from opening it.” Agent Six explains. “I think we should investigate the cause of that. What so you think?”

    “Hmmm…alright. Please lead the way, Ms. Six.” Says the manager.

     “Right.” Agent Six trots to her room; room number zero-zero-seven. “Here we are.”

      Some kind of green goo catches the manager’s eye. “What is that?” He points the goo to Agent Six.

       Agent Six examines the goo. “I don’t know. Whatever it is, it’s what was blocking the door. Looks like resin though.” She says as her horn glows.

    “R…resin?”The manager gives Agent Six a puzzled look. “Like from a bug?”

     “Yes…something like that.” Agent Six, using her magic, dissolves the resin from the crevices of the door. “I think I might know who did this. But I can’t be sure. Whatever the case is, I need to rest. Good night mister.” She says to the manager, who nods and goes back to his office.

     When the manager is out of sight, Agent Six trots to the room of the voice who she argued with earlier. Her horn glows again. “This should teach that rascal.” She uses her magic to slowly weld the door shut. Much like the resin did. Once her mission of payback is complete, she retreats back into her room and sits upon her bed. “Mission…” She yawns. “…complete.” She lies down and drifts off to sleep.

     Hours later, Agent Six wakes up to find another tear flowing from her left eye. She sits up and wipes it away. One might wonder why tears occasionally flow from her eyes. Why is she so sad? This question will soon be answered. “I need a drink.” She says to herself, levitating a wine glass, a can of cherry juice, a stirring spoon, and two packets of salt. She pours some cherry juice into the glass and proceeds to stir it into the concoction. She floats the spoon and half-empty can onto her end table. “. . .” Agent Six lifts the glass to her mouth to drink. As for the empty salt packets, she simply teleports them into that unknown voice’s garbage can. “. . .these tears are so annoying.” She gulps the rest of the drink. With no thought, she drops the glass on the floor.

       Upon hitting the floor, the wine glass shatters into small shards of glass.  “Aaahh…” Then there is a sudden rumble in her belly. That drink left an awfully big space in her belly. Deciding to satisfy her hunger, she gets out of bed and leaves the room. “Ugh…” She woozily makes her way to the inn’s diner.

      Upon her arrival, she approaches a waiter. “Hello ma’am. Are you a resident of the inn?” Agent Six nods to the stallion. “Very well then, follow me please.” He directs Agent Six to a vacant table near a stallion with a cinnamon-colored coat, darker brown mane, and brown eyes. He also sports some fuzz on his face.

      “Here you go madam.” The waiter says and hoofs over a menu.

        “Thank you.” She says to the waiter and looks the menu over.”

     “Excuse me. What’s the cheapest thing you have here?” The cinnamon coated stallion asks his own waiter.

    “The bread sir, it’s free.” His waiter replies.

     “I’ll have a couple baskets of those then.” The stallion says. The waiter nods and goes to fulfill the order.”

     After looking the menu over, Agent Six hoofs it over to her waiter. “I’ll have the filet haygnon. And a glass of ice tea.”

           “Coming right up, Ms.” The waiter takes the menu and goes to have the meal prepared.

             The cinnamon-coated stallion looks at Agent Six. “You should have the bread. It’s free.”

       Agent Six doesn’t return eye contact with the stallion. “.The term, “free’ isn’t a word in my dictionary.”

            The stallion smirks. “Well, some of us lavish in the free fruits of life.”

     “Speak for yourself.” She says to the stallion. “Others, like me, lavish in salted drinks and the choice to live alone.”

     “Oh, I know what that’s like. Being smarter than everyone I know and rubbing it in their faces seems to drive them away.” The stallion nods to Agent Six.

     “. . .” At this, Agent Six turns her head to look at the stallion. “No…you DON’T know what it’s like.” She turns her head back.

      “Then tell me, what’s it like?” The stallion asks. Agent Six simply shakes her head at his question as her meal arrives. “…I’m gonna assume that you’re just throwing a tantrum, and hoping salt will help you, when it’s actually killing your body.”

    “Don’t talk to me please.” Agent Six takes a bite out of her filet haygnon. “No stallion…” She swallows. “Not even you can understand.”

    “I don’t really care about understanding. I was just trying to get a free salt from you.” The stallion replies.

         Agent Six stops listening to the stallion as she eats. “This conversation is over.” The stallion shrugs.

     Agent Six drinks her tea down. “Nopony gets ANYTHING out of me for free. End of story.” She finishes her meal and summons her waiter. “Check please.”

    The waiter sets a bill down. “I hope you enjoyed your meal. Please have a good night.”

     “Of course.” Agent Six sets some bits down to pay for the hearty meal and rises to leave the diner. “Good night.” She makes her way back to her room. When she enters her room, she lies down and tucks herself into bed. “The sky without stars…what is that like, compared to me? Agent Six asks herself. “Or rather, what am I compared to them?” She closes her eyes. “Nothing…I am nothing compared to the endless sky and what drifts on it.”

Chapter 4

       Agent Six opens her eyes, waking up with a yawn. She gets out of bed as she stretches and puts her clothes and saddlebag on. She trots to the door and leaves her room. Making her way to the exit, she ponders when the mayor will be available. She trots out of the inn and makes her way to a shop known as Quills and Sofas. Meanwhile, another memory plays in her head.

     “I certainly cannot wait until our big day.” Diamond Shield said to her fiancé. It had been three weeks since they became engaged.

     The stallion smiled at Diamond. “I know honey. But you know that there is no other option.”

       “I know.” She smiled back. “I’m just ecstatic is all. It will be the day that you and I have waited years for. We will have a happy family. It’s hard not to think about.”

   “Yeah. I am excited too. You look so beautiful…”

      Diamond Shield blushed “Thank you. Might I just say how dashing you look?” She smiled.

        “My darling…” The stallion lifts Diamond Shield and leaned her back to plant a kiss on her cheek. “If it would please you…”

     Diamond Shield’s eyes sparkled. “You are far more dashing than Prince Blueblood of Canterlot.”

        The flashback ends as Agent Six shakes her head. “Hmm…” Agent Six eyes a sign on a building. “Quills & Sofas.” After a little consideration, Agent Six trots into the shop. “Hello…” She greets the shopkeeper at the counter as she approaches.

        The shopkeeper turns to face Agent Six. “Hello there madam. How may Davenport help you today?” Davenport asks in a pleasant tone.

      “I would like to purchase some fine phoenix feather quills.” Agent Six says to Davenport.

       “Ooooh, a mare with expensive tastes.” Davenport grins.

           Agent Six chuckles. “I DO have rather expensive tastes.”

     “I like that. You’ve no idea. As a bonus offer, if you buy a dozen phoenix feather quills, you get fifty percent off on a comfy padded sofa of your choice.” Davenport offers.

      “Hmm…” Agent Six spies a tiger-stripe designed sofa. “I’ll take that one. The one with the stripes.” Agent Six sets a bag of bits down on the counter.

     “Delightful. Would you for the sofa to be delivered to your home? It’s free.” Davenport says, hoofing a dozen phoenix quills to Agent Six.

    “Yes.” Agent Six packs the quills neatly into her saddlebag. “But not right now.”

    “You would like us to keep the sofa? For how long?” Davenport asks.

      “Until I have a proper home. At this moment, I have only an inn room. As soon as I have a home to call my own, I will let you know. Have a good day.” Agent Six says to Davenport and turns to leave the shop.

             “Good day, Ms. Thank you for choosing Quills & Sofas!” Davenport waves.

          Upon exiting the shop, Agent Six levitates the liquid-filled test tube and examines it. She frowns, discovering that the liquid seems to have undergone serious discoloration from containment. She pulls the cork off with her teeth and pours the stuff out. She puts the cork back on the test tube and places it back into her saddlebag. Deciding that she has not done enough research, Agent Six trots on her way to where she got the liquid in the first place.

     En route, Agent Six ponders what the green liquid actually is. She has already eliminated the possibilities of sewage and toxic waste. So what else could it be? Only one way to find out, she thinks. She sighs, eager to find out what it is.

    Soon enough, she arrives within the darkened territory. Being wary, she approaches the liquid-filled fountain.  She kneels beside the fountain and takes the test tube out again. “Here we go.” Agent Six lowers the test tube toward the green liquid, unaware that a potential threat approaches from behind. Her ears perk up. “I’ll be with you in a moment. You poor ponies have an awful sewage system. Or something to an oddly sweet effect.” Agent Six says while filling the test tube.

      The figure hisses at her. “Ponies? I think not. What are you doing here?” The figure asks.

    “Did you just-?” Agent Six turns, only to come face-to-face with a changeling. “Oh…a spyling. And a male one at that.”

      The creature that Agent Six called a “spyling” grins a fanged grin. “Spy? You wish. You do realize that you are in our domain, right pony?”

     “I did not realize that until now, changeling.” Agent Six shoves the changeling away lightly with her hoof. A small dog growls while hiding behind the changeling’s wings. “And if you must know, I am here to analyze this green slime.”

     The changeling budges slightly from her push. “That “green slime” is our food. And I would like for you to leave it alone.”

     “Your food…? Fine. I’ll let your food be…IF you tell me just what this stuff. Clearly it is not sewage. What is your food called, Mister…?” Agent Six asks.

      “Calm down, fluffy.” The changeling says to the dog, who is now barking at Agent Six. “I’m Raptor. An Alpha here. And this is called Amrita. Which I would prefer that you do not contaminate it.”

     Agent Six levitates a biscuit to the dog. The dog sniffs the treat and proceeds to eat it. She takes Raptor’s words in. “Fine. Fair enough…” She sticks the test tube in Raptor’s mouth like a foal’s bottle. “Take your Amrita back. Thank you for answering my question. I must say that for a stallion of your uncivilized race.”

   Raptor takes the test tube out of his mouth and eyes Agent Six. “You’re trespassing, you know that right? What is your name intruder?”

       Agent Six smirks. “Aww…am I trespassing? You poor thing. I only thought to get information. Quite frankly, I am not a fan of your kind. You feed on equine emotions. A characteristic that is, in my point of view, useless. Perhaps your kind need bread in your savage daily lives. As for what my name is, that is…privileged information.”

    Raptor rolls his eyes. His head is covered in dog treat crumbs. “Suit yourself Ms. But why do you need information about us?” He asks.

       “I did not say that I wanted information about your kind Raptor. I really just needed information on your…” Agent Six eyes the fountain before returning her attention to the changeling before her. “…food as you called it. I came here while exploring the other day. As I had mentioned before, I did not realize that I had entered your kind’s domain. I apologize if I came off as an intruder.”

    “Hmm…as long as you don’t prove to be a threat against us, I see no problem with you being here.” The changeling eyes Agent Six. “But you can’t stay here…well, not long anyway.” He smiles at her.

    Agent Six tips Raptor’s head up by placing her tail against his chin. “Tell you what. As long as you do not prove a threat to me, I won’t be a threat to you. BUT…” She gets eye to eye with the changeling. “If you ever cross me like you would have done today, I can guarantee that you will regret it.”

    “Hm…” The stallion nods dubiously. “I see. Well good day anyway.”

     “I mean what I said. You would regret it for the rest of your days Mister Raptor. You have been warned. I know a stallion’s weakness. Even that of your kind’s. Good day. And you can keep the test tube.” Agent Six turns to trot back on her way home.”

     “What a strange mare.” Raptor whispers to the dog.

           Soon, Agent Six arrives back in Ponyville. She passes by two stallions. One of which is very pale. She hides a cringe. Are stallions usually so pale? Sheesh. She thinks to herself. Like the night before, a rumble makes itself known in her belly. How lovely. She trots into a restaurant and saltlick bar to dine and again drown her sorrows away. Sorrows that she wishes would die.

        Agent Six takes a seat and addresses the barkeep. “Get me a plate of hay fries with a side of salad.” She says.

     “Alright. Would you like anything to drink?” The barkeep asks.

    “Apple juice. With a saltlick in it, please.” She replies.

    “Comin’ right up.” The barkeep submits the order as she goes deep into thought. Soon after, her meal arrives with her drink. “Order up!” The barkeep announces.

       “Thank you.” Agent Six starts to dine on her meal.

      “It is such a beautiful evening. Wouldn’t you say?” Diamond Shield asked her fiancé.

      The stallion wrapped a hoof around her waist. “It certainly is, my sweet Diamond. But as always, your beauty surpasses that of the sun and moon.”

       “Yes, about that complement.” Diamond Shield frowned.

      The stallion frowned back. “Hm? What is my dearest? Have I offended you?”

     “N-no. I appreciate the complement. It’s just that, I don’t want to surpass the sun’s beauty. Nor the moon’s. I want my beauty to have a uniqueness that only you can see.” Diamond Shield said, her smile returning.

    “. . .” The stallion grinned, taking this into consideration. “Of course my dear. If that is what you wish.” He nuzzled her mane.

      Diamond Shield giggled. “I love you…”

     “As I love you, Diamond Shield. We shall never drift apart. We never will.” I promised.” The stallion said softly.

     By the time this flashback comes to a halt, Agent Six’s plate and glass is empty of all contents. She puts some bits down on the counter to pay for the meal. “Thank you…” She stands up from her seat and stumbles her way out of the bar. Her eyes are noticeably dilated, a clear sign that the saltlicks have taken effect. She shakes her head, making her way home. “Auck…my head…perhaps now is the time to return to the inn.”

     With no personal objection, Agent Six trots on her way to the inn for some needed rest.

       Agent Six opens her eyes, waking up with a yawn. She gets out of bed as she stretches and puts her clothes and saddlebag on. She trots to the door and leaves her room. Making her way to the exit, she ponders when the mayor will be available. She trots out of the inn and makes her way to a shop known as Quills and Sofas. Meanwhile, another memory plays in her head.

     “I certainly cannot wait until our big day.” Diamond Shield said to her fiancé. It had been three weeks since they became engaged.

     The stallion smiled at Diamond. “I know honey. But you know that there is no other option.”

      “I know.” She smiled back. “I’m just ecstatic is all. It will be the day that you and I have waited years for. We will have a happy family. It’s hard not to think about.”

   “Yeah. I am excited too. You look so beautiful…”

      Diamond Shield blushed “Thank you. Might I just say how dashing you look?” She smiled.

      “My darling…” The stallion lifts Diamond Shield and leaned her back to plant a kiss on her cheek. “If it would please you…”

     Diamond Shield’s eyes sparkled. “You are far more dashing than Prince Blueblood of Canterlot.”

        The flashback ends as Agent Six shakes her head. “Hmm…” Agent Six eyes a sign on a building. “Quills & Sofas.” After a little consideration, Agent Six trots into the shop. “Hello…” She greets the shopkeeper at the counter as she approaches.

     The shopkeeper turns to face Agent Six. “Hello there madam. How may Davenport help you today?” Davenport asks in a pleasant tone.

     “I would like to purchase some fine phoenix feather quills.” Agent Six says to Davenport.

        “Ooooh, a mare with expensive tastes.” Davenport grins.

     Agent Six chuckles. “I DO have rather expensive tastes.”

     “I like that. You’ve no idea. As a bonus offer, if you buy a dozen phoenix feather quills, you get fifty percent off on a comfy padded sofa of your choice.” Davenport offers.

      “Hmm…” Agent Six spies a tiger-stripe designed sofa. “I’ll take that one. The one with the stripes.” Agent Six sets a bag of bits down on the counter.

     “Delightful. Would you for the sofa to be delivered to your home? It’s free.” Davenport says, hoofing a dozen phoenix quills to Agent Six.

    “Yes.” Agent Six packs the quills neatly into her saddlebag. “But not right now.”

    “You would like us to keep the sofa? For how long?” Davenport asks.

      “Until I have a proper home. At this moment, I have only an inn room. As soon as I have a home to call my own, I will let you know. Have a good day.” Agent Six says to Davenport and turns to leave the shop.

            “Good day, Ms. Thank you for choosing Quills & Sofas!” Davenport waves.

          Upon exiting the shop, Agent Six levitates the liquid-filled test tube and examines it. She frowns, discovering that the liquid seems to have undergone serious discoloration from containment. She pulls the cork off with her teeth and pours the stuff out. She puts the cork back on the test tube and places it back into her saddlebag. Deciding that she has not done enough research, Agent Six trots on her way to where she got the liquid in the first place.

     En route, Agent Six ponders what the green liquid actually is. She has already eliminated the possibilities of sewage and toxic waste. So what else could it be? Only one way to find out, she thinks. She sighs, eager to find out what it is.

    Soon enough, she arrives within the darkened territory. Being wary, she approaches the liquid-filled fountain.  She kneels beside the fountain and takes the test tube out again. “Here we go.” Agent Six lowers the test tube toward the green liquid, unaware that a potential threat approaches from behind. Her ears perk up. “I’ll be with you in a moment. You poor ponies have an awful sewage system. Or something to an oddly sweet effect.” Agent Six says while filling the test tube.

      The figure hisses at her. “Ponies? I think not. What are you doing here?” The figure asks.

    “Did you just-?” Agent Six turns, only to come face-to-face with a changeling. “Oh…a spyling. And a male one at that.”

     The creature that Agent Six called a “spyling” grins a fanged grin. “Spy? You wish. You do realize that you are in our domain, right pony?”

     “I did not realize that until now, changeling.” Agent Six shoves the changeling away lightly with her hoof. A small dog growls while hiding behind the changeling’s wings. “And if you must know, I am here to analyze this green slime.”

     The changeling budges slightly from her push. “That “green slime” is our food. And I would like for you to leave it alone.”

     “Your food…? Fine. I’ll let your food be…IF you tell me just what this stuff. Clearly it is not sewage. What is your food called, Mister…?” Agent Six asks.

      “Calm down, fluffy.” The changeling says to the dog, who is now barking at Agent Six. “I’m Raptor. An Alpha here. And this is called Amrita. Which I would prefer that you do not contaminate it.”

     Agent Six levitates a biscuit to the dog. The dog sniffs the treat and proceeds to eat it. She takes Raptor’s words in. “Fine. Fair enough…” She sticks the test tube in Raptor’s mouth like a foal’s bottle. “Take your Amrita back. Thank you for answering my question. I must say that for a stallion of your uncivilized race.”

   Raptor takes the test tube out of his mouth and eyes Agent Six. “You’re trespassing, you know that right? What is your name intruder?”

    Agent Six smirks. “Aww…am I trespassing? You poor thing. I only thought to get information. Quite frankly, I am not a fan of your kind. You feed on equine emotions. A characteristic that is, in my point of view, useless. Perhaps your kind need bread in your savage daily lives. As for what my name is, that is…privileged information.”

    Raptor rolls his eyes. His head is covered in dog treat crumbs. “Suit yourself Ms. But why do you need information about us?” He asks.

    “I did not say that I wanted information about your kind Raptor. I really just needed information on your…” Agent Six eyes the fountain before returning her attention to the changeling before her. “…food as you called it. I came here while exploring the other day. As I had mentioned before, I did not realize that I had entered your kind’s domain. I apologize if I came off as an intruder.”

    “Hmm…as long as you don’t prove to be a threat against us, I see no problem with you being here.” The changeling eyes Agent Six. “But you can’t stay here…well, not long anyway.” He smiles at her.

    Agent Six tips Raptor’s head up by placing her tail against his chin. “Tell you what. As long as you do not prove a threat to me, I won’t be a threat to you. BUT…” She gets eye to eye with the changeling. “If you ever cross me like you would have done today, I can guarantee that you will regret it.”

    “Hm…” The stallion nods dubiously. “I see. Well good day anyway.”

     “I mean what I said. You would regret it for the rest of your days Mister Raptor. You have been warned. I know a stallion’s weakness. Even that of your kind’s. Good day. And you can keep the test tube.” Agent Six turns to trot back on her way home.”

     “What a strange mare.” Raptor whispers to the dog.

          Soon, Agent Six arrives back in Ponyville. She passes by two stallions. One of which is very pale. She hides a cringe. Are stallions usually so pale? Sheesh. She thinks to herself. Like the night before, a rumble makes itself known in her belly. How lovely. She trots into a restaurant and saltlick bar to dine and again drown her sorrows away. Sorrows that she wishes would die.

        Agent Six takes a seat and addresses the barkeep. “Get me a plate of hay fries with a side of salad.” She says.

     “Alright. Would you like anything to drink?” The barkeep asks.

    “Apple juice. With a saltlick in it, please.” She replies.

    “Comin’ right up.” The barkeep submits the order as she goes deep into thought. Soon after, her meal arrives with her drink. “Order up!” The barkeep announces.

     “Thank you.” Agent Six starts to dine on her meal.

      “It is such a beautiful evening. Wouldn’t you say?” Diamond Shield asked her fiancé.

      The stallion wrapped a hoof around her waist. “It certainly is, my sweet Diamond. But as always, your beauty surpasses that of the sun and moon.”

    “Yes, about that complement.” Diamond Shield frowned.

   The stallion frowned back. “Hm? What is my dearest? Have I offended you?”

    “N-no. I appreciate the complement. It’s just that, I don’t want to surpass the sun’s beauty. Nor the moon’s. I want my beauty to have a uniqueness that only you can see.” Diamond Shield said, her smile returning.

    “. . .” The stallion grinned, taking this into consideration. “Of course my dear. If that is what you wish.” He nuzzled her mane.

    Diamond Shield giggled. “I love you…”

    “As I love you, Diamond Shield. We shall never drift apart. We never will.” I promised.” The stallion said softly.

     By the time this flashback comes to a halt, Agent Six’s plate and glass is empty of all contents. She puts some bits down on the counter to pay for the meal. “Thank you…” She stands up from her seat and stumbles her way out of the bar. Her eyes are noticeably dilated, a clear sign that the saltlicks have taken effect. She shakes her head, making her way home. “Auck…my head…perhaps now is the time to return to the inn.”

     With no personal objection, Agent Six trots on her way to the inn for some needed rest.

            The next evening, Agent Six trots around Ponyville after a terrible morning hangover. Nearby, a familiar green-coated Pegasus stallion has his eyes on her. Agent Six looks in his direction. “What are you looking at?” She asks coldly.

       “Just the little outfit you’re wearing. What gives?” The stallion asks.

    Agent Six approaches the stallion. “Do you have a problem with my outfit?”

    “No. Just wondering what it’s for.” He shrugs.

     “The purpose of my outfit is classified.” Agent Six replies to the stallion.

         The stallion raises an eyebrow. “Classified. Riiight.”

        “Yes. Classified.” She flips her mane. “You stallions are far too curious. Perhaps even for your own good.”

     “Maybe we don’t want suspicious-looking ponies around…” The stallion replies.

     “Suspicious? Me?” Agent Six scoffs at the nosy stallion. “Who asks a mare about her outfit? THAT is suspicious.”

      “Who goes around wearing THAT? It’s bound to cause some curiosity.” The stallion says.

      Agent Six narrows her eyes at the stallion. “You are really starting to annoy me, stallion. I rather like my outfit.”

        “Maybe I should go then?” The stallion asks.

      Agent Six looks away. “Perhaps you should.” She and the stallion part ways. “Hmph…”

      A pony dressed in a black military-like outfit approaches Agent Six. “Ma’am, I advise that you read this.” The pony says, hoofing a note to her.

    “. . .?” Agent Six eyes the pony, and then takes the note to read it quietly to herself. “I am the commander of a small group of highly trained units, and I’d like to meet you. Be at the park in twenty. –EQV” Agent Six balls the note up and tosses it aside. “This MUST be a trap.” Agent Six rolls her eyes and makes her way to the park to meet with this anonymous commander. Her horn glows, just in case her suspicions of a trap are correct.

     It becomes apparent that the commander has found her first when he approaches her. An earth stallion. His coat is white in color. His mane is black with yellow stripes and his eyes are a dark blue hue. “Hello.” The stallion says, bearing a patch with the initials on the note.

    Agent Six stops to look at the stallion. “Are you the one who wanted to see me?” She asks.

    “Possibly.” The stallion replies.

     Agent Six maintains her horn’s glow, but it is not bright enough to see. “Who are you?”

     “Well, I could be an enemy, or an ally. Whichever you’d prefer.” The stallion grins.

         “I don’t want you as either. Stallions are not exactly my favorite choice for allies. Or enemies. Your sort can be deceptive.  She explains to the stallion.

       “Oh no, I don’t mean me personally. I meant the Vanguard. I’d like to see you as a member.” The stallion says.

     “What is the Vanguard?” She asks.

         “It’s an elite team of stallions and mares like you.  Trained…ready to serve.” The stallion simply explains.

     “What makes you think that I am a trained mare? Agent Six asks the stallion. “I am but an ordinary Equestrian citizen.”

          The stallion chuckles. “Now you and I both know that what you’re saying is a lie.”

     “What do you know about me, stallion?” Agent Six asks, her voice as frosty as ever.

       “More than you’d think.” The stallion says.

    Agent Six cocks an eyebrow. “Care to elaborate?”

       “I know what kind of work you’re into. And we have work for a pony such as yourself.” The stallion answers.

      “All of my previous jobs entailed was guarding my queen and country.” Agent Six replies to the stallion. “Any other information is classified.”

       “Ah. Classified. That’s the kind of work I was speaking of Ms.” The stallion says, still grinning.

      “. . .” Agent Six smirks at the stallion. “I must say that for a stallion, you are quite clever. But any pony can say “classified”, and not know the meaning. We seem to be on a similar page in regards to status. Flattered as I am by your offer however, I’m afraid that I must decline. But…” Agent Six levitates a card to the stallion while her horn glows slightly brighter. “If you should ever need my services, you know who to find.”

    The stallion nods to her. “Soon.”

    Agent Six nods back. “Good day.” Agent Six puts a pair of shades on as a nearly blinding light comes from her horn. The stallion seems unfazed. When the light clears, she is no longer in front of the stallion.

    Agent Six reappears in her room at the inn. “Hmph. Stallions always need help. They’re too muddy lazy to help themselves.” Agent Six teleports herself into bed with a yawn and dozes off for yet another night.