Manehattan... city built with the blood, sweat, and tears of us pyons. An honest city full of honest folk of both two legged and four legged variety. Here, amongst the towering monolith, true testament to what we so called commoners can achieve given time and freedom, the people live their lives, busy as bees, putting the likes of the Canterlot rabble to shame with their gains, and yet keeping true and seeing the world as it is, not as they wished it were. And as the asses of the Parlaement brey, demanding more skin of their backs and more tax to pay for their pet projects, the merchants and workers of this place continue to build a better Equestria.
Too bad. Fluttershy gushed to me of the plays and shows of the old theaters, practically aglow as she recounted her days with Cloud in this city, and I would have liked to see more of it. But... I have less pleasing matters to attend to. Amongst the filth of this gem, the leeches and abusers crawl, and at the behest of the Gendemary chief and the Mayor, I am to provide the people of this place a service. World of difference between killing and enjoying it, But I think I can take a little pride in doing what I can to lance the boils of the back of this place.
-Ezekiels log
A lone man pulled his hood over his head as he locked the door to his room, the stench of the alley filling his nostrils fully as he turned back around. Taking a deep breath, then letting out slowly, Ezekiel regarded the sad scene before him. Amongst the trash rats ran and scampered over leftovers and used diaper, tracking shit across the cobbled road as they fled. Overhead, pigeons cooed on windowsills, blinking and tilting their heads as they regarded the scene below. At the end of the alley, a earth pony in tattered and stain rags tilted his head back and took a gulp of coffee.
Adjusting the hidden blade on his right wrist, a scowl crossed the rugged features of the young man. While he could have easily afforded a room at any of the hundreds of ritzy and posh hotels, Ezekiel often choose places like this because the offered the one thing he truly needed: privacy. Aside from a few hard or empty stares, none of his neighbors had said so much as two words to the human, a courtesy Ezekiel appreciated. Overhead, lighting flashed across the night sky, thunder rumbling in its wake. Looking up, Ezekiel winced as a drop of rain hit his eye, its fellows quickly joining in the fun of splashing across the young man's face. Looking down again, Ezekiel flexed his right hands fingers, and with a shunk the blade slide out. Nodding with satisfaction, Ezekiel pushed the blade back in, then adjusting his hood to offer more protection, both from the rain and prying eyes, the human walked to the alley entrance.
As he walked, the earth pony looked up, eyes bloodshot and glazed. Giving a slight wave as the human walked up, he slurred "Hey mister, got a bit? Even a plugged copper will do her, you know?"
As Ezekiel passed, he flipped a gold bit in the paper cup the pony had, eliciting a drunken shout as the still hot drink splashed over the ponies hooves. Looking up again, the pony spat at the humans feet.
"Dab cunt!"
Ezekiel continued on, eyes subtly spanning the crowd and streets as he moved through them. Mingling amongst the various tourists as they roamed the streets, Ezekiel made his way to a Neighpon food cart, a radio playing the local baseball score on a shelf over the small kitchenete. Taking a seat at on of the offered stools, the huma regarded the beige furred pony. Turning from his wok, the pony tugged at his fu manchu a moment, raising a brow.
"What can I get you my boy?"
"Bloody mary..."
Brow now furrowing, the pony said "Can't say I got any tomato juice..."
Ezekiel leaned forward.
"Figured the bad weather must have killed this seasons crop."
The pony nodded.
"Someone should show up with a fresh supply soon. Ahh, there she is...."
Ezekiel regarded the mirror hanging over the oven a moment. Behind him, a blue furred green maned unicorn was limping to the cart, eyes darting nervously as she licked her lips. Over her body, patches of fur had begun to fall out, adding insult to the injury of the slight sticking out of the ponies ribs. Under her eyes, bags hung as though the filly hadn't slept in days, and pausing, the mare hacked and retched. Rubbing her nose with her pastern, the mare sniffed, and continued on to the cart. As she drew near, Ezekiels lips thinned as the human supressed the urge to retch. He thought the hobo smelled bad, but this wreck of a mare was a sty. As she sat, Ezekiel regarded out of the corner of his eye. Her teeth were a nightmare, and she was shaking. Dust head, clearly. Probably opium, the human thought.
Picking up a glass, the mare growled "Hey altacocker, turn that shit off..."
Picking up his own drink, Ezekiel sipped, then said "We're listening to that miss..."
Sneering, the mare spat "Well, I guess you ain't no more, are you, bitch?"
Pursing his lips, Ezekiel gave a couple of nods. Suddenly, his fingers flexed, his right arm blurred... as the mare urked and jolted in shock, Ezekiel took another sip of water. Eyes wide, the mares mouth worked, but only wheezes and gasps sounded. Slowly, her hoof went to her throat, where blood had begun to spill from the newly made gash. Looking at Ezekiel with disgust, the shop owner whispered "Clean kill child. Finish what's on your plate."
Sighing, Ezekiel set his glass down, then regarding the mare, said "Sorry ma'am... can't let you and yours do it no more..."
Laying a hand over the back of the mares neck, Ezekiel plunged his blade through the upper part of the ponies ribs to her heart. Letting out a gurgle as her eyes finally rolled back, the unicorn slumped against Ezekiel, who deftly pulled a notepad from the mares saddlebags before leaning her against the carts counter. Shaking his head, the old pony sighed.
"What a waste..."
Flipping open the notepad, Ezekiel frowned as a photo fell out. Picking it up, Ezekiel moved away from the cart, and after pulling a page from the now dead notepad, dropped the pad on the street. The old stallion would take care of the rest. But for the human, the night was just starting.
...........................
Warehouse 3, docks, Manehattan
A red furred purple maned unicorn smirked across the table at his beige colored gryphon companion, and with a flourish laid his cards down.
"Read em and leak out your eyes cutie... full house."
Groaning, the gryphon threw up his cards.
"Shit on toast! That's the fifth hand damn it! You gotta be cheating or something!"
Smirking, the stallion began pulling the bits towards him and the bag he floated against the edge of the table.
"No need for sour grapes mate. Next bar runs on me..."
Seeing the gryphon, the stallion smirk widened.
"You know... you seem a little tense... and the boss did say we could break the little wing pup in..."
The gryphon glared at the stallion.
"Don't say it..."
Still smirking lewdly, the stallion continued.
"Come on, don't tell me you've never tended a new field. They cry a little, at first... but a little bit of this and that, and a few gentle nudges, they're better then any mare you've had..."
The gryphon gulped his ale, trying to tune out his appointment.
"And the way they squeal and beg for more at that point... and the colts are the best... watching that false pride give way..."
Blam! The tankard came down with a thud, and hackles raised, the gryphon hissed "You best shut your gob mate, before I forget how much I'm getting paid for this shit..."
Licking his lips, the stallion rose, and walked to the hot plate they had set up. Horn glowing, he lifted the coffee pot being warmed on it.
"Hey, the boss did say they wouldn't mind. Sides, its not like I partake all the time. Just for the really cute ones."
The gryphon gulped back the bile he felt
"Your sick man. Really..."
The stallion shrugged, and began to pour his cup. Over the slight clink of the pot being put back, a muffled whumpf echoed through the warehouse. Ears perked, the stallion muttered "Hey. You hear that"
Not hearing a reply, the stallion turned back, and gaped in shock, his tin mug falling from his magic with a clang upon the floor. Wings twitching against his side, the gryphon lay slumped on his side, eyes glazing as his body convulsed, a crossbow bolt jutting from his neck. From behind a stack of crates, Ezekiel walked, steps silent, eyes locked on the unicorn. Pressing a finger to his lips, he made a shushing noise.
"Quiet now... your boys are napping. Thought you and me could have a little chat..."
Eyes bulging, the unicorn ran to the right, then tumbled forward with a cry as a thrown chair knocked the stallion ass over tea kettle. As the stallion fumbled to right himself, Ezekiel was at his side in a flash, and just as quick, was knelt down, pinning the pony with a hand to his throat.
"Now... what say you be a good little pony, and talk to me..."
Eyes still bulging, the stallion grinned madly.
"Fuck... you..."
A muffled bang echoed, and Esekiel jerked away, grimacing as he wiped the newly made crimson gore from his face. Clearing his eyes, he regarded the newly made corpse. Grin still place, the stallions once filled eye sockets were two still smoking holes, the back of the sockets blown in to send shards of bone into the brain, along with removing a chunk of the forefront of the organ. Kneeling forward again, Ezekiels brow furrowed. Flash bang spell, judging from the light and noise. Non lethal, normally, but when released like it was... an excellent way to still a wagging or soon to be doing so tongue.
Walking to the table the two had been playing cards at, Ezekiel yanked the dirty cloth they had down off, sending cards and half full tankard flying. Taking out his field knife(1), he smashed the end of the handle against the lock, and pulling the now broken metal from the ring, opened the cage. Reaching in, he grabbed the small blue and green maned pegasus colt inside, his teal eyes wide with terror. Sitting him on the edge of a crate, Ezekiel ducked down, a finger an inch from the colts muzzle.
"You will not fear me. Clear."
Sniffing, the colt nodded, his wings clenched tightly to his side, ears clenched just as tightly to his head. Pulling back his hood, Ezekiel grimaced a moment, then putting a hand on the back of the colts, drew him to his chest.
"Sorry..."
......................................
Rain had begun to fall as Ezekiel and the colt walked up the the heavy wooden door. Pulling the rope over it, they waited, then both tensed as a bolt was pulled. Hinges squeaking, the door was opened, and out stepped a wisened and maternal elderly human, one eye covered with a black patch. Her body was covered in a black robe, her gray hair covered in a white cloth. Her voice quivered with age as she recited:
"For those fly, for those who run
a home, a hearth, for they who've none."
Ezekiel replied:
"For those who keep them from homes path
Shall face a storm, Assassin's wrath."(2)
The woman smiled, and looking down, cooed "And you must be our newest friend. Oh, you poor little dear, come in, come in! You'll catch your death out here."
Smiling uncertainly, the foal nodded, and began walking towards the warm light before him. Looking back once more, he gave a small "thank you." then disappeared into the room. Folding her hands, the female smiled gently at Ezekiel, who was undoing a pouch at his side. Holding it out, he said "I'm sorry this is so sudden sister. Here, some coin so other shall not want."
Gently pushing the pouch back, the sister shook her head.
"He will be cared for, my child. You needn't worry."
Nodding, the Assassin began tying the pouch back. Looking over his shoulder, the woman said warmly "Well, our home is quite popular tonight."
Turning, Ezekiel regarded the two Guard ponies, a unicorn and pegasus respectively, who had walked up as the two humans spoke. Bowing his head, the pegasus said humbly "Forgive our intrusion sister..." at this the unicorn snorted, earning a frown from both Ezekiel and the winged guard. Continuing unabated, the pegasus continued "Sir, you'll have to come with us. The Mayor has instructed to escort your person to the train. Your passage there on has already been handled."
Nodding, Ezekiel walked down the steps to the street, and as the door to the building was closed, the three began their trek to the train station.
...........................
Celestia's work had begun at six on the dot, as it always had during the spring months, the warmth of the sun stirring Esekiel from his slumber. Stretching in his seat, the human laced his hands behind his head, ears open to all around him. Behind his seat, two over dressed bell dame canterlots chatted softly, ones horn aglow as read the paper as the other fanned herself with a (what else) fan.
Tutting to herself, the mares companion said "Oh dear, those buffaloo are raising a fuss once more. The Appleoosians herd seems civil, but did you hear what they did to that poor Cheery Jubilee!"
Clicking her tongue, the noble shook her head.
"I know... to think they take such extremes over such things. And isn't it awful how they treat their own mares and foals! Never mind how they use those who they take in those raids of theirs."
Tsking again, her friend said primly "Now, you know I'm not one to judge others..."
"I know..."
"But surely the buffaloo can be more open. They may lose their culture, but they shall gain civility. And really, their are such children with their lands! Claiming to care for it when the Great Plains are proof of the opposite..."
"I know..."
Grimacing, Esekiel tuned the two out, turning his attention to the earth pony as he walked into the car, and blew a whistle gently.
"Next stop, Ponyville, next stop!"
Standing, Esekiel adjusted the sleeves of his duster to better hide his weapons, the pushing his hands into his pockets, walked from the train and onto the platform. Walking past the other train riders, he wiped the sweat from his brow.
"Esekiel."
Eyes widening, the human turned towards the voice.
"Fluttershy..."
............
Twilight grimaced as she rubbed her temple.
"Really Cloud..."
The pegasus merely hummed cheerfully as she bustled around the kitchen, putting the coffee on.
"Take yours black, right
Eyes narrowing, the purple mare growled "First of all, I'd never risk burning a hole in my stomach with that mud water. Secondly, your dodging me again."
Turning back, hopping now on three legs the fourth held up her coffee, which she sipped from, Cloud smacked her lips.
"Ambrosia... so hows your brother."
"He's fine.... Cloud, look..."
Setting the cup down, Cloud smiled brightly as she say next to Twilight.
"And Sparkler, and your parents>"
"She's fine, my mom and dad... no idea...."
Smile fading, Cloud extended a wing over Twilights withers, then gave her a snug.
"Still not ready, huh..."
Looking down, a bitter smile crossed Twilights muzzle
"Can't blame them. Who'd want to admit the pride and joy is a monster...."
Leaning forward, Cloud nuzzled the scar under the opposing mares eye.
"Come on Sparkler..."
"Once word got out... Celestia cleared me, and even said she understood why I did it... but.... Fluttershy's perhaps the kindest words I've had in months..."
Grinning sheepishly, Cloud rubbed the back of her neck.
"That might be on me, Twi... she sorta knows about that cave in we were stuck in..."
"Fuck..."
"Yeah... Had a few weeks on the couch for that one, Duchess. Usually, as long as I'm honest and we still love each other, that sorta thing doesn't bug her, but.... she knows we got history."
"She shouldn't worry. The reason I like her is because I know I could never compete with her in regards to you... Its okay Cloud. I know as we are now is all we'll ever be, and I will never come between you and her, and couldn't if I wanted to..."
"I do love you, Twi. Maybe not as Flutters, but... look at me, please"
The unicorn did so, her ears flattening down as the pegasus nuzzled her neck and whispered "I love you as someone I simply would have been, and would be, lost without. If you got killed, or... well, if you got hurt, it would devastate me inside. I'd come back, Flutters and Bunny need me, but a piece of my heart would die if you did..."
Raising her head again, Cloud gave a chaste kiss on the unicorns lips, and leaning back, asked "Understand>"
Sighing, Twilight nodded, shivering as Cloud's wing was drawn away. Face growing stern, Cloud said "So then Major, what business do you have here.
Flipping open the folder, Twilight said "She's coming back... Nightmare moon..."
Author's Note
1) A Rambo style bowie given to him by his adoptive father. Like all Kickers of age (a), the giving your first weapon (traditionally done by pegasi, though Ezekiel's father was so impressed with his abilities as a sparring opponent for the other clan brats (a few times beating a practice bladed opponent one handed) an exception was made) is ones first steps as a full clan member. No longer a child, you are expected to put your family, your clan, before all else, and are excepted to bear the burden of your decisions no long affecting only yourself, but your clan.
A,,, Basically, if your not a pony, you can't be called Kicker. An old tradition from well before the great frost, it more or less just a formality. While they do not bear the name, they are still full members of the clan, and are no less valued then any other.
2)Soon after Assassin's and Templars settled and made peace, the took it upon themselves to offer protection to the various asylums that had begun to crop. Originally orphanages for parentless or abandoned human or pony foals, the Sisters who ran them had begun to offer sanctuary to those fleeing the defunct clans or those fleeing marriage contracts. Both human clans guard these places with a will, and now only fools would dare molest an asylum.
