The Bounty of Evil

“Rainbow what happened back at the ship?” Twilight asked concerned for her friend after a fight with one of the assassins, Deathstroke or formerly known as Lightning Dust, which left her, for lack of a better word, scarred.

“Like I said before, I don't want to talk about it alright? All I want to do now is find Sionis so i can personally ask her why she did all this and on Hearth’s Warming Eve.” Rainbow told Twilight angrily. Deciding she should take her chance now Twilight decided to ask her a question that’s been bugging her.

“Ummm Dash can I ask you something? Its going to sound weird.”

“What.”

“For a while now I keep getting these flashbacks in my head and they make no sense. Do you know what that’s about?”

“I don't know, what do these flashes show you?” As Rainbow asked as Twilight thought hard as she tried to remember.

“They show me as a filly and I hear someone say I love you and that's it.”

“Maybe its a flashback with you and your mom or something.”

“No, no it showed me with another filly I-in a garden. I don’t know Dash but for some reason I keep getting them when I hear Sionis’s name.” Twilight said as she scrunched her face as she tried to find out where these memories are coming from but to no avail.

“Why would you get flashes when you hear her name? Do you know her or something?”

“W-WHAT?! NO! I never heard of her until tonight, why would you think that?!”

“Easy egghead I didn't mean anything about it, I just thought it was weird that you would get flashes when you hear her name. You know….now thinking about it, it is kinda odd.”

“What?”

“If Sionis is as dangerous as she is. Why didn’t Princess Celestia tell us about her before?” Rainbow asked Twilight.

“Um…. she has to have had a reason not to tell us. I mean she didn’t tell us about Discord but we still pulled through there.”

“Yeah after he flipped our personalities around! I mean come on Twilight this is a little bit more personal than that.”

“I still can’t believe she’s the same age as us and she is the head of the mob. How is that even possible?”

“Who knows all I know is that I cant wait to meet her face to face without that stupid mask on her, what's the deal with that anyway?”

“I think we can ask her that when we get her.” Twilight told her before turning her attention to a pair of towers. “You know penguin mentioned something about Lacey Towers before…. you don’t think-”

“That Sionis lives there? I had a feeling.” Twilight was about to say more when she was interrupted by Pinkie.

“Look girls the Penguin wasn't kidding, her place is full of swat teams.”

“Great, lets get in there and say hello to Soins-”

“Oatmeal are you crazy?! Those meanie pants could kill you!”

“Pinkie what are you talking about, their on our side.”

“No they’re not! I read the script and they’re really big meanie mick meanie pants!” Pinkie told her causing Rainbow to just stare at her.

“Um…. Pinkie you worry me at times.”

“Everypony says that but do they listen to what I’m saying?” Pinkie grumbled to herself as she walked off down the street a little ways.

“Anyways…. who wants to go up first?” Rainbow asked sarcastically.

“Ah guess Ah can have a go first.” Applejack said as she walked to the entrance as it was guarded by two swat team members who had both of their faces covered but one as a colt and the other was a mare.

“Um… Excuse me officers but me and mah friends are here for Sioins.” Applejack said

“Go away.” the colt said in a scruffy deep voice

“Pardon me?”

“He said go away, what part of that do you not understand?” The mare officer said. Now Applejack was a patient mare normally so she tried again.

“Now look here, me and mah friends are here for Sionis, so can we go in.”

“Miss I’m going to tell you again, the six of you need to get out of here right now, we have everything under control. Besides little girls like you six shouldn't be out here anyway.” the colt said. Applejack was shocked on what he said as she went back to the group with a sad look on her face.

“AJ what happened.” Twilight asked

“They told meh to go away.”

“Why did they tell you to go away? Did you say something?”

“Ah don’t know what happened. Ah just tried tah be polite but he just told me to go.”

“Its alright darling you just stay here while I will ask them politely like a proper lady.” Rarity said as she walked up the the two officers.

“Look here, i already told your friend before to go away.” the colt swat officer said who sounded annoyed.

“Oh please officer can you please let us in like the nice and gentle colt that you are.” Rarity said as she gave him puppy eyes.

“No.”

“No! Why not?”

“Look nice try but first off I have a marefriend and two you're not that hot sweet cheeks, i give you a six maybe seven-” The stallion never finished his sentence as he was swiftly bucked in his nuts by Rarity and sent flying into a wall. While he slid down Rarity just stood where she was, shocked that she acted so angrily at the stallion when he was just doing his job.

“WHAT THE BUCK MISS! You just assaulted an officer of the law!" The angry mare said as she went to go check on her partner.

“I am so sorry, I-I don't know what came over me.” Rarity said as she was still shocked on how she acted.

“Frank are you okay?” the mare asked as she sounded worried.

“Oh sweet Celestia I don't think I can feel them, damn it.” The colt cursed as he tried to get up. The mare turned around to try and arrest Rarity but was met with a white hoof connecting with her jaw and she was knocked out. After she knocked out the mare officer she gazed at her hooves as she tried to bear hold of the situation.

“I cant believe I just did that.” Rarity said to herself as she heard loud coughing coming from the stallion who was still trying to get up. She knew that it would be a likely chance that she would be arrested for her actions but she thought to at least do the right thing as she went over to the coughing officer.

“I am so...so sorry that I hit you and your partner. I don't know what came over me.” Rarity said as the face covered officer looks up at her.

“You know, usually i'll tell you to buck off and slap the cuffs on you….. but after I was being rude to you and your friend, I say were even.” The swat officer said as he gave a smile underneath his mask.

“Thank you officer.” Rarity said in a kind voice as she looked towards the unconscious mare.

“Don’t worry about her, she will be fine. When she wakes up I’ll tell her it was all a misunderstanding and please call me Frank.”

“Okay then…... Frank, can you get up.”

“Yea, I think so.” Frank said as he got back on hooves with the assistants of Rarity. As Frank got up he looks behind Rarity to see the rest of her friends still waiting for her to return. Rarity saw where Frank was looking as she said that she will bring the rest of them over. As she did that, officer Frank turned and picked up his unconscious partner and brought her inside the building, in the main lobby where he lied her down on a the lobby coach. After he did that he went back outside to see Rarity brought the rest of her friends.

“Rarity what was taking so-” Twilight stopped mid way when she saw a police officer walking behind her.

“Oh it was just a minor misunderstanding is all Twilight.” Rarity said as the two ponies walked up to beside her.

“Yeah sorry about the confusion ma’am. Is there anything we can do to make-up for it?” Frank asked as he rubbed the back of his head with his hoof. Twilight smiled a little at this.

“Actually officer… there is. How many more of those outfits do you have?”

“Ummm….Why are you asking.”

“Well we need to see what Sioins is up to and you said to my friend that only officers are allowed. So I was thinking that you would let us borrow some outfits so we can go in.”

“Look do you want me to be honest here…...You six are in danger and my best advice is that you all leave the city and go somewhere safe.”

“What? If this is about the assassins we can handle them.”

“It’s not. Look I’m lucky if I keep my job after this but the police force is corrupt and they’re also trying to kill you six along with the assassins. I know that you’re trying to stop Sionis, I respect it, but maybe you could try later?”

“We would be but Sionis made this personal when she ordered a hit on us.” Rainbow said as she walked to the SWAT truck.

“Look you're just going to get yourselves killed. This isn’t like the time you six faced Discord or the changelings, Sionis is different. There are things about her that you don't know.”

“Like what.”

“She wasn't always like that.”

“What….What do you mean.”

“I don’t fully know but I do know one thing while I was going through her files at Canterlot while I was a royal guard there I discovered that she lived in Canterlot 7 years ago when she was a filly, same age as you all were. It said she ran away for unknown reason but that’s where the file ended. I don’t know much else.”

It’s fine officer but we need to get in and this isn’t going to stop us so you are either going to help us or we’re going to go in the hard way.” Twilight said. Frank sighed as he saw the determined look in her eyes.

“Ok…..Ok you win I’ll help but be warned. If one of them find out who you six are…..you're as good as dead.”

“Thanks for the warning Frank.”

“Don't mention it but before we go. Could you promise me something.”

“Sure what.”

“When you do find Sionis. Be careful okay, she is unpredictable.”

“You got it Frank.” Twilight said as she pulled the mask over her head and hopped into the vehicle.

“How much longer til we get there?” Rainbow asked as she scratched the edges of her mask in the moving van. The group had decided to play it smart and blend in with the officers rather than bust in through the Police Station like mad mares and so took to wearing disguises and using a van with the help of two non corrupt officers.

“Not to much longer and try to avoid talking. Leave that to us.”  The mare officer, who they learned was called Flare, said as they went over a small bump in the road.

“And no matter what happens in there. Keep calm, because like I said they find out who you six are…..You’re dead.” Frank added as he drove them to the police station.

“Yeah and believe me you don’t want Blue Shield to catch he…. likes mares.” Flare said with contempt making Fluttershy make a tiny gulping sound.

“What do you mean?” Rainbow asked

“Lets just say you don't want him getting his hooves on you alright. I don't know how much you want me to simplify it for you.”

“Wait Flare, how could the SWAT team be in on the bounty? I thought it was just for criminals?”

“The SWAT team are criminals. They’re corrupt and frightened cops. Blue Shield was appointed by Loeb, rotten son of a bitch, and is every bit as crooked as the dead commissioner. Personally I don’t care that Black Mask killed him but it’s still not right.” Flare said as the van stopped. “We’re here. Get on out and head on in you six. Anypony gives you any trouble leave it to us.”

“Thank you.” Fluttershy whispered as all the Mane Six headed inside the police station.

Before they could open the door to the station Frank put his hooves up and stood in front of the mane six.

“Remember when we go in fellow us and do not make eye contact, even though you six are wearing those masks the thing that you have to know is that they don't like to be stared at…..alright?” Frank asked as the six nodded their heads. “Alright lets go.”  With that Frank opened the doors to the police station and soon saw the hundreds upon hundreds of SWAT ponies in the place.

“Geez. Who brought in the clown cars?” Rainbow asked quietly as they walked by several ponies who smirked at them.

“HOLD UP!” Frank, Flare and the mane six see a SWAT officer walking up to them. Fluttershy was shaking like mad until she felt a hoof on her shoulder to see Applejack, which calmed her down.

“Hey Frank, Flare what the buck are you doing here.”

“oh you know, we were tired of the cold.”

“No kidding-” The officer then noticed the six masked SWAT officers behind the two.

“Who the buck are them.”

“Their part of our squad.”

“Squad? I didn't know that you two got a squad let alone six.”

“Well surprise surprise we do.”

‘Alright then-”the SWAT officer said as he walked past Frank and Flare and he stood in front of the mane six “What are your names?”

“C’mon Brave Heart back off the rookies.” Frank said as he pushed the big stallion back a little. The stallion, Brave Heart, immediately backed off from the mane 6 and went back to his station. “Dumb ass.” Frank muttered under his breathe.

“Come on lets go.”

“Where are we going.” Twilight asked in a hush ton’ hoping that no one would hear her.

“We're going to Blue Shields office. If there’s anything that we need to know about Sioins it will be there.” Frank answered as a voice came thru the intercom.

“Attention all SWAT members, come down to the briefing room immediately….. Thank you.”

“Damn it. Look you six get going to the office. Me and Flare have to go to the stupid meeting. Make sure nopony sees you or hears your voice okay?”

“Got it.”

“Good luck.” Frank said as him and Flare walked away with the other SWAT members to the briefing room.”

“Alright girls lets go.” Twilight said as the rest nodded as they walked through the now empty hallways.

“Where in the name of Tartarus is his office.” Dash asked as she was already losing her patience.

“It has to be somewhere……lets just kee-”

“Hold it right there you six.” The mane six froze in fear expecting that they have been caught. As they turned around to face the voice they see a big white stallion with blue mane and a scar over his right eye.

“Where are you six going…..Don't you know there is a meeting.”

“Really? Whoops we just got lost okay? New on the job and all that.” Rainbow said trying to make her voice sound less conspicuous.

“Yeah well get moving. It’s this way.” The stallion said as he pushed them towards the meeting.

“Oh crap… Ah gotta go.” Applejack said causing the group to stop.

“AJ are you bucking kidding…… now?” Rainbow asked with a hush whisper.

“Look we been out here for hours and I didn't get the chance to go alright…..But now I really need to go.” Applejack as she tried to hold it in.

“You have to hold it alright.”

“Damn it.”

“If there’s nothing else you six we’re right at the meeting.” The big stallion said as he pushed open the doors to the meeting. As they walked inside they saw a whole bunch of SWAT officers. And in front of them there was a big stallion who had a blue fur and a black mane.

“ALRIGHT LADIES LISTEN UP! While you all were cleaning up the mess at Blackgate, I was making us some money. I was able to cut a deal with our good friend Black mask. She says that if we take out the mane six before the assassins do…..Then we get the fifty million bit prize. And if some of you are not that good with the math, that means early retirement for all of us.” Blue Shield announced the other SWAT officers were nodding their heads and cheering until they were shushed by Blue Shield.

“ENOUGH! We only get one night to do this. So whatever they put you on tonight- I want you to blow it off. Finding and killing the Elements of Harmony is your number one priority. That clear.” All the SWAT officers nodded their heads.

“Good, any questions.” He asked as one officer raised his hoof.

“How are we gonna keep this from Princess Celestia and the rest of the force.”

“Well for starters, You're going to keep that trap of yours shut. Anyone else.” Another officer raised his hoof.

“Sir, what about the assassins. Will they see us as competition.” The officer asked as the rest nodded their heads with worry. “Yeah I didn't sign up to be on those guy’s hit list.”

“Look. Y’all put your lives at risk when you signed up for SWAT. Now you want to make the big money, you're going to have to accept bigger risks. That's how it works okay. Anyone else.” He asked as nopony raised there hooves.

“Good now if you all would excuse me I have to make a call…….You six-” as he pointed towards Twilight and her friends “Come with me.”

“Ummm...Yes sir.”  Fluttershy said as she and her friends followed Blue Shield to his office.

“Okay is that door closed?” Blue Shield asked to nopony in particular.

“Yes sir.” Rainbow said as she locked it.

“Good because I have to make a call and its a good thing that i have the phones with projections. Better than holding a bucking phone in your hooves…… am I right rookies.”

“Yes sir.” they all said in unison. The phone began to rang as the projector came on. At first at was static until a clear image of a pony was visible and they were shocked to see the pony was none other than Sioins herself as she was still wearing her black skull looking mask. She was sitting in what it looked like to be her office and she was guarded by two mask wearing colts.

“Ahhh…..Blue Shield how is my favourite scumbag doing.”

“Cut the bull crap. What do you want Sionis?”

“Can’t a girl just call and say hi.” She said in a seductive voice.

“Look Sioins this is serious.”

“Is it now…...Oh do go on.”

“Princess Celestia is after you. Do you even realize that if you get caught there is nothing that to stop her from putting you in jail for good. I mean you're just 18 and it would suck to spend the rest of your life behind bars.”

“Awwww…. Are you worried about me that's cute…..I think I shed a tear.”

“Look all I’m saying here is that the Elements of Harmony are after you. They stopped Discord and the Changelings for Celestia sakes. Aren't you worried.”

“Hehehehehehe……..Worried about what. They cant stop me, how can they when they are already starting to lose it.” She said as Dash looked towards the projection with anger boiling up.

“What.”

“You don't need to worry about that. All you need to worry about is killing the Elements of Harmony.”

“Sooo…..We're still good on that deal then right.”

“Of course we are Shieldie. You kill them-you get the prize money.”

“Are you sure about that.”

“Are you calling me a liar.” Sioins said in a venomous tone as Blue Shield shattered a little but kept his formal pose.

“No, of course not. I’m just worried is all.”

“About what.”

“I mean you killed Loeb and he did so much for you. How do I know that you won't do the same to me.”

“Hehehehehe…….”

“Can you quit with the foolish like laughing now? It’s sounding stupid now.”

“Watch your tone.”

“No, Loeb did everything for you. He erased all the evidence from your cases and he was able to keep the cops off your back. Why did you kill him.” Blue Shield said with anger

“........You want me to be honest with you……. I didn't need him in the first place.”

“W-What. What do you mean.”

“Don't get me wrong, he did help out a lot but-”

“So wait you didn’t need him in the first place?! THEN WHY DID YOU NEED HIM AT ALL?!” Rainbow growled at the projection of Sionis.

“Blue Shield who are they?”

“Oh them, there just the rookies….don't worry they won't say a word.”

“Oh I know they won't. I think it would be the best for their health if they keep this quiet.”

“I understand.” Blue Shield then turned towards the mane six “You six got that.” They all nodded their heads as Dash was about to lose it.

“Well that's good…..Look I would love to stay and chat but I need to go to Manehattan merchants bank and make a……..deposit.”

“Understood, I’ll try and hold off the police force for you.”

“Wonderful….Oh and Blue shield, if you don't want to end up like Loeb…..Don't piss me off.”

“Yes mam.”

“Oh and one more thing...for your rookies-” Sioins said as she stared at the mane six “How’s Scootaloo…..Dashie.” At these words the six masked ponies suddenly began panicking. Sionis knew.

“Wait you’re the-” before Blue Shield could even finish his sentence Rainbow flew up and bucked him right in the chest.

“Oooo. Temper temper Dash.”

“I WILL BUCKING KICK YOUR SORRY FLANK AND THEN USE YOUR INTESTINES AS A CONDOM WHILE I FORNICATE WITH YOUR SKULL!”

“Do what?”

“I’M GONNA SKULL BUCK YOUR CORPSE!”

“Are these the friends that you made Twilight?”

“How in the-”

“I had to know your names when I put the hit on you duh… but you and I know each other very well though. You know me.” Black Mask said as though she was begging to her. Twilight’s head started to hurt before Rainbow smashed the communicator.

“I know where she is.” Twilight said as she made the others follow her. They soon got to the front of the station and were about out of the door when.

“ATTENTION, ATTENTION ALL SWAT OFFICERS. THE MANE SIX ARE IN THE STATION. KILL THEM NOWWWW!!!!!” Blue Shield yelled over the intercom.

“Well I guess this means we can ditch these then.” Twilight said as she took off her mask and her armor. The others did the same and ran out the station but not before Applejack beat the crap out of one officer and broke his leg.

“So Twi’ where is Sionis?” Applejack asked as they all galloped after her.

“She’s at the central bank. The only reason I know is that she mentioned a withdrawal.” Twilight said as she traveled along the snowy side walk. A few minutes passed but they soon made it to the bank. Rainbow and Fluttershy carried two at a time up to the roof and placed them gently near an entrance.

They then entered the bank to see a horrifying sight as they saw dead guards everywhere as noises where coming from the vault of the bank.

“W-what kind of pony does this?” Fluttershy whimpered as she saw the corpses all around. They looked around and soon found a vent that could fit each of them one at a time. They crawled through and soon we’re on a weak floor.

“Now remember what Frank said, She is unpredictable.”

“I cant wait to meet her face to face.” Rainbow said with anger.

“Alright then at the count of three we break the wall, take out any guards that she has, arrest her and go home, understood.” They all nodded.

“Alright then…..One…...Two…..Three!” Twilight yelled as they all used their force to break the weak ceiling and land on the floor below.  The falling stones knocked down two thugs but the rest of them still had their guns trained on all six ponies, with extra attention being put on Rainbow.

“Well well if it isn’t the guests of honor.” A familiar voice rang out as Twilight and the others looked up to see none other than Black Mask herself.

“SIOINS!!!!” Rainbow Dash roared as she was about to charge Sioins, only to be stopped by guns aiming down at her.

“Hello Dashie, still got that temper. I thought you got over it when you knocked out Blue Shield.” Dash just growled as she knew there was no way she can get to her without her guards filling her with bullet holes.

“Dash don’t rush into this like it’s an action movie. This is real and you could get hurt.” Twilight whispered which caused Rainbow to snort and back off for the time being. “Now what do you want Sionis? Killing us isn’t going to prove anything.”

“You're right it isn't….. but there's more to this then you know.”

“What is it about then Sioins?”

“......Its about you and me.”

“What?”

“Like I said back at the station. I know you Twilight. I know you better than your so called friends do. Besides-” Sionis said as she took off her mask as her black mane flowed and her red crimson eyes met Twilights as she had a warm smile on her face.  “How could you forget this face.”

At the sight of her face, Twilight then began to get more flashes in her head.

“TWILIGHT!” Rainbow yelled but before she could rush to her friend she was pushed back by a thug.

“Don’t… this is between me and her.” Sionis snarled as she walked towards Twilight.

“W-what’s happening? What d-did you do… Sionis?!”

“What did I do…...I think you should be asking that to your ruler.”

“What are you talking about.”

“Let me ask you…..What has Celestia say about me humph…...That i was heartless, dangerous or ruthless. I bet she did…... but at any point before she sent you six off to find me….Did she ever tell you why I’m like this or why your head hurts every time you hear my name?”

“S-shut up! AAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!” Twilight roared as more images flooded her mind. Sionis snorted as she saw Twilight still rubbing her hooves against her head.

“Perhaps another time then. Oh and just so you know I’ve borrowed your little assistant for a short while. Hope you don’t mind.” Sionis said as she smiled and put her mask back on.

“S-Spike….but how? He was in Canterlot.”

“hehehehe…..You think that corruption is only here. You have to learn Twilight that I have eyes and ears everywhere, even in Canterlot.”

“You hurt him…”

“Oh please I have no attention of hurting him. If you want him back come by my office. And I promise that I’ll have more answers for you.” Sioins said.

“Why? Why are you doing this?”

“All I’m doing is trying to help you Twilight Sparkle. You’ll thank me later.” Sionis said as she hopped on to the van and it drove off.

As they were driving off, Sioins gaze back to the bank that they were driving away.

“I’m so sorry Twilight.” Sioins whispered as she sheds a tear.