A Master of Deceit

Well, this is certainly new, Remiel thought to himself. After inquiring as to whether Crystal Clear was his escort the mare charged him, lifting him up by his neck and letting him dangle in the air. Remiel tried to breathe, but found it almost impossible with the mare's vice like grip on his throat.

"You'll pay for what you did to my sister!" she growled darkly.

"Crystal, stop!" Gentle Touch shouted at the enraged mare. Crystal turned her head to look at her sister.

"Why?! After what he's done to you, why are you defending him?!"

"Because this is wrong and he didn't do anything!" While that was a lie Remiel was still both touched and confused by the mare's defense of him, but the lack of oxygen was more pressing at the moment. "Let him go!" Finally the hands around his throat released him and he fell to the floor.

"That was very foolish," Remiel said, his voice hoarse from her strangling him.

"What?!" Crystal Clear looked ready to strangle him again.

"Use whatever brain you have to think for a moment," Remiel said calmly, but his eyes were filled with darkness. "Yes you could kill me with very little effort, but then what? Do you really think that Crimson Sky, or Red Hoof as you know him, would let that slip? I'm capable of making him a lot of money and you would be taking that away from him." Crystal Clear gave him a dark look, but bit her tongue. "He'd kill you then there would be no one left to protect your sister, or he would kill you both just because he can. Your actions affect more than just you. I suggest you remember that." Crystal Clear was fuming, but Remiel also saw the horror in her eyes.

"If I wanted to," Remiel continued, "I could tell him everything that just transpired and the same effect would probably happen."

"If you even," Crystal Clear stayed but Remiel cut her off.

"If you think you have any power here than you are an imbecile," Remiel said coldly. "You are nothing but a pawn on the board to be used and discarded when you are no longer needed, or sacrificed to protect the king. You are nothing more."

"I'll-"

"Enough!" Remiel roared with as much authority as he could. He fixed her with a dark look. "Do you think differently? Think for a moment. Have any of those taken prisoner here seen Crimson Sky's face?" Remiel didn't wait for an answer. "Of course they haven't, powers, you didn't even know his real name until I told you. However, I'm more than willing to bet most if not all of them have seen your face."

"What does that matter?" Remiel shook his head, disappointed.

"Simple, should whatever law enforcement agency you have here stumble upon this operation, the poor souls trapped here would be readily able to identify you and the other pawns while there will be nothing to prosecute Crimson Sky. Perhaps a chosen few will be spared as well, but I doubt you would fall into that category." Crystal Clear had a look of defiance on her face.

"What if I told the guard he was in charge?"

"And they would trust the word of a slaver?" The rage in her eyes grew at his words.

"I'm not a slaver!" Remiel gave her a dark look.

"Then what would you call this?" he asked, his voice cold and emotionless. "Do you really think just because you aren't the one pulling the strings that you are therefore absolved of wrongdoing? Do you honestly believe that it matters to those slaving their lives away in that mine? Or is that just the lie you tell yourself so you can sleep at night?" Ice entered Remiel's eyes as he glared at the mare. "I've done things in my life that are horrible, some would call them monstrous, but never have I sunk so low as to enslave others. In my eyes, slavery is worse than murder." Remiel could see his words were having an effect on the mare by how her anger wavered in her eyes. Remiel felt no pity for this creature, were he back on earth, this entire operation would have been dealt with in a matter of hours, and Red Hoof and those who worked for him would all be killed without exception. Slavery was something Remiel despised with a passion. He once had an 'acquaintance' that operated one of his father's diamond mines that utilized the practice. Upon seeing the operation with his own eyes, Remiel's judgment was delivered swiftly and with a lot of lead. It was one of his earlier acts as the Grey King, and it served as a warning to all under his newfound leadership. He didn't have any problems of the like ever since.

"However," Remiel continued, "I have use for you yet, so I shall keep what happened here a secret from Crimson Sky. For the time being at least."

"What do you mean?" The mare asked, some of the fire returning to her eyes, but she couldn't quite bring herself to look Remiel in the eye.

"What I mean is you now work for me," Remiel explained as he decided to climb to his feet. "You do as I tell you without question. If Crimson Sky gives you an order you clear it with me first."

"Why would I-"

"You don't get it," Remiel interjected. "I own you now. Your life is in my hands. If I run and tell Crimson Sky about what just transpired, you die. If you kill me, you die. You have no power here."

"And if I tell Red Hoo-Crimson Sky about what you're trying to do?"

"Neither of us die, right away. Crimson Sky still wants what I know and will tolerate me just long enough to get it, but that would be unwise as well." Remiel motioned to Gentle Touch. "You seem to have forgotten that Crimson Sky gave her to me. That means I can do as I please, without consequence." Horror crossed Crystal Clear's face as she swiveled her head to look at her sister. She didn't know? For some reason, that gave Remiel immense pleasure. "But have no fear. I have no intention of harming or otherwise defiling her. She had already been brought into my plans."

"What are you-"

"You really aren't very good at this, are you? Don't you think it would cross Crimson Sky's mind how odd it was that you knew I was planning something, but not the mare he sent to spy on me?" Crystal Clear's eyes went wide. "Indeed, revealing me also reveals your sister's compliance as well. Would you sacrifice your sister's life just to end mine?"

"You, you monster," she growled at him. Remiel was unfazed.

"Indeed I am," he replied coolly. "Now, take your leave. Return to me tonight, I have things I need to discuss with you." For a moment the mare didn't move. Remiel put more authority in his voice. "I dismissed you, now leave." Crystal Clear clenched her fists and turned to leave, but stopped when she reached the door.

"If you so much as," she started, but Remiel interrupted her.

"Leave." The mare growled in frustration and slammed the door closed and she stepped out. Remiel exhaled deeply. "That went marginally better than expected." He looked to Gentle Touch and her expression was both one of rage and confusion. "Is something bothering you?"

"W-Why?" she asked. Remiel paused a moment.

"Why do I act this way?" Remiel asked for clarity. She nodded her head. "I bet you've been spending your time trapped here waiting for some hero to show up and save everyone, excuse me, everypony." Remiel adopted a faraway look in his eyes. "There are no heroes, no happy endings. There are, however, monsters. Others that will do whatever they want to get what they want. Since there are no heroes, the only way to kill a monster is with another monster."

"So you're a monster?" Gentle Touch asked. Remiel nodded his head. "I don't believe you." Remiel narrowed his eyes at her slightly. "You act mean and scary, but you're not."

"Did you forget I nearly strangled you last night?" Gentle Touch massaged her throat with her hand. "Does that strike you as something a good person or pony would do?"

"Then why are you helping us?" Remiel gave her a confused look.

"Helping you? You're mistaken. I need to leave this place and find my way home. However, Crimson Sky is in the way of that, so he must be removed. To that end I will use whatever means I deem necessary. Whether it be intimidation, blackmail, whatever. Nothing else matters to me. Nothing." Gentle Touch looked unconvinced, but didn't press the matter. "Now, here's what I want you to do today. For now, just keep your ears and eyes open. I want each and every dirty secret, every mutinous thought you can find. Is that clear?" Gentle Touch nodded her head. "Excellent. Now, did Crimson Sky give any other duties to do beside serve me?"

"No, I was told to stay near you and report anything suspicious you do." Remiel thought for a moment. If she was to stay near him then he couldn't have her out gathering information like he needed her to. He would have to make excuses to dismiss her. The time he spends around Crimson Sky would be the best time to do so, he may even dismiss her himself. It was becoming more apparent that he would have to rely on Crystal Clear more than he originally believed, not a very pleasant amendment to his plan.

"I see. In that case there is nothing we can do for the moment but wait for whomever it is that was sent to collect us." Remiel walked over to his chair to wait while Gentle Touch sat on the bed.

"Um," he heard her say softly.

"Yes?"

"What, what's going to happen to us?" Remiel gave her a confused look. "In your plan, what happens to the rest of us?" Remiel shook his head.

"Not my concern," he replied. Gentle Touch looked shocked. "Getting Crimson Sky out of my way is all I care about. What you all do afterwards is of no concern to me."

"Wait," she said, confused. "You're not going to take his place?" Remiel shook his head.

"Why would I want to take over such a small, doomed operation?"

"Doomed?" Remiel nodded his head again.

"Crimson Sky is a smart pony," Remiel told her. "He never planned on this operation lasting."

"How could you know that?"

"It's obvious. He kidnaps those who work in his mine. So many disappearances cannot go unnoticed. I have little doubt that somewhere there is somepony already beginning to put the pieces together. Aside from that he keeps his face hidden from all who are brought here against their will and lies about his real name."

"Couldn't he just create a whole new identity after he ran away from here?"

"Why would he? A figure with no record, not even a birth certificate, appearing out of nowhere with large sums of money is far too suspicious. The fact that he can simply return to his old identity, reconnecting with old contacts and such would be a far smoother transition."

"S-So this is going to end soon anyway?" Remiel nodded his head. "Then why don't you just wait for that?"

"Because I have important things of my own to attend to. Also, I really dislike Crimson Sky."

"S-So you're going to kill him?" Remiel nodded his head.

"That is the only way to assure my own well being." Gentle Touch didn't respond to that. A few moments went by and a knock came at the door. "One moment please." Remiel nodded to Gentle Touch and she went to open the door. Once she opened the door Remiel saw a familiar green pegasus standing in the portal. Gentle Touch stood aside and Swift Wing entered.

"Red Hoof is ready for you," he answered in an emotionless tone. Remiel smiled brightly.

"Then let's not keep him waiting," Remiel said warmly. He got to his feet and approached the green stallion. Suddenly the pony threw something at him. Remiel quickly caught the items and saw that they were clothes.

"Get changed first."

"My thanks." Remiel didn't appreciate the stallion's rude demeanor, but didn't let it bother him. The pegasus left and Remiel changed, telling Gentle Touch to turn away as he did so. Once he was fully clothed he opened the door again and he and Gentle Touch followed Swift Wing to Crimson Sky's study. It was time for Remiel to give the performance of a lifetime.

----------Later That Night----------

"Were you able to find out anything?" Remiel asked Gentle Touch as he relaxed into the green chair. His meeting with Crimson Sky had gone well, mainly it was him outlining and explaining his plan. Crimson Sky seemed enthralled by its simplicity and possible results, and that had the stallion eating out of the palm of his hand.

"Not really," Gentle Touch answered as she shook her head. "Everypony seems too afraid of Crimson Sky." Remiel wasn't pleased with that, but there was nothing for it. "But, there was some talk among the kitchen workers."

"What of?"

"They say there's some ponies in town who are talking about overthrowing Crimson Sky." Remiel sighed heavily. That kind of talk was worthless to Remiel. People would talk about taking action and bringing change but they'd never actually do it.

"Was there anything else?" Gentle Touch shook her head.

"Sorry," she said softly. Remiel gave her a dismissive wave of his hand.

"Don't dwell on it, we must move forward." He didn't look to Gentle Touch but instead focused his attention on the door. He honestly hadn't intended for Gentle Touch to recruit others, but the staff was generally the place to go if you want to find out the dirty secrets. It was even how word spread of his ailment spread so quickly in his own home. No, he would leave the potential recruiting to Crystal Clear. She would be more privy to the discussions between the foot soldiers as well as the one to already know which would be ready to turn against Crimson Sky, but Remiel was not comfortable at all with the knowledge his life lay in her hands. The only thing he took solace in was knowing she wouldn't betray him so long as her sister was caught in the crossfire. The sound of knuckles hitting wood broke the short silence. Remiel nodded for Gentle Touch to answer it. The pink mare opened the door and in walked her sister.

"You actually came, color me surprised," Remiel said smugly. The mare glared at him.

"I only came to check on my sister," she answered. Remiel smirked slightly.

"Well, take peace in knowing she is well and unharmed," he replied. Her eyes began to bitten with rage.

"After what you did to her?" Crystal Clear growled. Remiel gave her a confused look.

"What are you referring to?" he asked. She took a step towards him.

"You bucking raped her!" the blue mare roared. Remiel gave her an amused look.

"Is that your attempt at swearing? Adorable." The mare began trembling with rage. "However, no rape occurred last night nor shall it ever."

"Pony feathers! Everypony is talking about it, they saw how she looked."

"Crystal!" Gentle Touch yelled at her sister. "I told you this morning that he didn't do anything!" Remiel had to keep hood shock from showing. Why was she defending him again?

"What do you mean?"

"He slept in the chair and I slept on the bed, that's all! He didn't rape me!"

No, but I did almost strangle you, so why are you defending me? The mare's actions made no sense to Remiel.

"B-But I saw you this morning, you were a mess."

"Because he wanted everypony to see me that way so they thought he did, but did I smell like I had rutted last night?" What? Remiel's mind froze for a moment. Smell? Then it hit him. If they had had sex then the room would certainly smell like sweat and...other things. At least that's what had heard from Matthew. Remiel had no such experience so he didn't even think about that.

"Somepony saw you run into a bathroom this morning, so I thought you washed it off." Remiel had never been so thankful for one of his coughing fits in his entire life.

"Well," Remiel said, interrupting the conversation between the sisters, "now that you have been enlightened to what has really transpired we can get down to more pressing matters."

"Such as?" Crystal Clear asked, her anger returning when she looked at him.

"How we're going to kill Crimson Sky and escape afterwards of course." The mare's eyes went wide, and a wicked smile appeared on Remiel's face.

-----------Three Weeks Later---------

Remiel sat a wooden desk as he poured over several ledgers, each one belonging to a separate investment belonging to Crimson Sky. One was a simple convenience store that was now being built in three separate cities, another was a nonexistent courier service that was used to mask Crimson Sky's deliveries of the strange crystals he called Source Stones, though Remiel still didn't know to whom the shipments went, and the rest were legitimate investments in several businesses. So far Crimson Sky seemed pleased with Remiel's work, and was overjoyed when he discovered some of these investments were already turning even more profit for him.

Aside from a generous allowance from Crimson Sky, that he had absolutely no use for, Remiel had also been advancing his plans at a slow but steady pace. He had gained four more followers bringing his total to five combat ready troops. A few more and he would be prepared to make his move. However, that may come sooner than Remiel believed. Crystal Clear had told him about a small group of those inside of Mine Town, the settlement that served as Crimson Sky's base of operation, that were prepared to resist Crimson Sky in anyway possible. He was to meet them tonight, after most residents of the manor had fallen asleep. It was risky and he didn't like it. Leaving so late at night was sure to gain Crimson Sky's attention, but hopefully he had built enough trust between them to get it overlooked.

Remiel sighed in relief as he finished his accounting and set down the quill. Why was he so tense? He had been in far more stressful situations before so why was this having such an effect on him? His mind wandered to his family. Were they alright? Were they being cared for? Were they happy? Remiel shook his head to banish the thoughts. Of course they were safe and cared for, he had more than enough money to care for them to the tenth generation and his army of guards were the best trained soldiers in the world. His assassins even more so. Their happiness on the other hand was another matter entirely. He could only hope that they've mourned and moved on.

He shook his head. Now wasn't the time to dwell on those thoughts. His time would be better spent accessing what use this small group would be to him. He had trepidations about using civilians, but Crystal Clear had assured him they were combat effective. He was startled by the sudden 180 her demeanor towards him had taken. While she wasn't entirely kind to him, neither was she nearly as hostile. It was strange, but the mare's hothead attitude had grown on him. He had also grown closer to Gentle Touch. She was no longer timid in his presence, openly engaging him in conversation. He used this turnaround as a way to learn more about the world he found himself in.

Remiel rose to his feet and approached his green chair that also served as his bed. Gentle Touch had offered the bed more than once, but Remiel had grown fond of the chair. It was immensely comfortable.

"Finally done?" Gentle Touch asked.

"Yes," Remiel replied in a tired voice. "It's not too difficult, but keeping track of all this money can be rather tedious."

"What's your plan for the bits after we escape?" Remiel took a deep breath as he thought about it.

"We'll have to see," he replied. In truth he had already planned for that, but he had an image to maintain. Just as he relaxed into the chair the door to his room flew open. In walked Storm Chaser, a grey pegasus with a black mane and tail and bright green eyes, and was quickly followed by Crystal Clear. Storm Chaser was the first pony Crystal Clear had recruited for Remiel, and he was a very study and reliable stallion. Not very physically strong, he was more agile than anypony else. Remiel gave them a small smirk. "A pleasure to see you both as always, but knocking is usually considered polite." Remiel then noticed the grave look on both their faces. "What's happened?"

"Crimson Sky has ordered nopony from the mansion is allowed to leave," Crystal Clear told him. His heart stopped suddenly. Had Crimson Sky discovered their plot?

"Why?"

"A squad of five Royal Guards have arrived in Mine Town," Storm Chaser told him. "I spotted them myself." Remiel relaxed slightly. So they hadn't been found out.

"Why are they here?"

"They're looking for you," Crystal Clear told him. Remiel's eyes went wide. They were searching for him? Why? Then it struck him that Heavy Axe was a former member of the guard. Was he responsible for this? His mind became a blur. "We were told to come and make sure you didn't try and escape." Remiel was silently counting his blessings. Now he could take advantage of this. He shot to his feet and returned to his writing desk. "Storm Chaser, can you slip out this window undetected?"

"Yeah," he replied. "Just need to climb to the roof and take off from there." Remiel nodded his head and began writing a hastily scrawled note. He then handed it to Storm Chaser.

"Is this legible?" The pegasus looked it over.

"Barely," he answered.

"Good," Remiel answered. "Deliver it to the guards. Being seen by one of them is alright, but nopony else is to see you or this note. So if you must, leave it directly in their path. It's more important that you don't blow your cover."

"Understood." He went over to the window, made sure that nopony was outside it, then opened it and crawled out. Remiel called out to him again.

"I'm serious, Storm Chaser, be safe. I need you more than those guards." Storm Chaser smirked at the human.

"This ain't nothing, boss," he said, confident. Remiel nodded to him, and with that the pegasus began climbing to the roof. Remiel closed the window and took a deep breath. This next part was going to be very unpleasant.

"Gentle Touch, I am feeling famished. Would you be so kind as to get me something from the kitchen?" Gentle Touch smiled warmly.

"Of course, Remiel," she answered. "Anything you want in particular?"

"Surprise me," he answered with a kind smile. Gentile Touch did a small curtsey and departed the room. Remiel then turned to Crystal Clear.

"You know Crimson Sky is going to blame you for this," she said.

"I know," he answered, his voice empty of emotion and his face now void of any expression. "But that also gives us a chance to demonstrate your loyalty to Crimson Sky again."

"Are you sure?" she asked. That was something he liked about Crystal Clear, she was quick to understand what he meant now.

"I'm touched, a couple weeks ago you would have jumped at this opportunity."

"And you don't think I want to do this now?"

"Not as much." She gave him a weak smile and an apologetic look. "Lock the door, I don't want Gentle Touch to see this." He turned once more to the window as he heard the mare's footsteps lead away from him. When he heard he footsteps return he braced himself for what he knew would come next. Stars filed his vision with the first blow, and the second made the world go black. Powers be praised for small favors.