//-------------------------------------------------------// The King Mob of Manehattan -by Y-T-Mellon- //-------------------------------------------------------// //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1: The Arrival to Manehattan //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 1: The Arrival to Manehattan The other gang and I stood in an abandoned building, the shadows covering the crates of sub machine guns and rocket launchers. Our gang is actually trying to cheat the others, because none of these guns have any ammo. The others only have shotguns and snipers. They don't have any ammo for what we're dealing with. The watch I have reads four twenty five, the deal should have started twenty five minutes ago. "So Mr. Mous? Where is your boss?" a pale, middle aged man asked impatiently. "He's coming, it isn't going to just happen in two seconds," I said, keeping my pistol at bay. I know patience pays handsomely, but mine is running out now. Crow should have been here by now, him and his big friggen' limo. I look around anxiously, tapping my foot. Silence ensues for ten minutes "Are you trying to give us the slip? You being bait and all?" the man asks again. I silently swallowed and looked around at all his buddies. I'm the only one of my gang to still be here. "I'm sure, just give them some time," I said. He slams his hand down. "I'm done waiting! We have been waiting for thirty minutes, where are your men?!" he yells. "I'm not the boss, and I have no idea whe-" I was cut off by screaming "Everyone down on the ground now!" yelled a cop, pointing a pistol at us. SWAT comes in through the windows. Millions of bullets spread everywhere, men dying one after another. As for me, I'm trying to escape, shooting anything attacking me. The warehouse's door was easy to reach since I was standing next to it from a few feet away. I slammed open the door only to be tackled to the ground by a police officer. I aimed the barrel of my gun to his head. "Better not move, I have fifty bullets, ten are in this gun, and unless you don't have a family, I wouldn't move," I said. He stops trying to move and I get up with him. "Alright, if any of you even dare follow me, this little fellow gets a piece of lead stuck in his noggin! Now put your gun do-" I was interrupted by a SWAT member knocking me out. Five weeks later After court ended with my lawyer literally giving up, I ended up in prison, working on license plates and making sure I don't drop soap. This one guy kept looking at me like I'm a funny toy. My cell mate was charged for major anger issues. Everyday was the same, get up, go make five thousand plates, eat slop, mine rocks for no frickety reason, exercise, shower, eat more slop, and lights out. I will say this, I may a name for myself in that prison. I was able to do multiple favors, including beating the crap out of people. I always got away with it. Nobody sees me in action, but I get a good beating if I wasn't careful. Then, one day, I got my chance at freedom. My golden opportunity. I got out of my cell during the night, and locked it back. I ran out, knowing they didn't have any cameras. I never really saw much of the prison surprisingly. I just remember where to go. I trusted my instincts, sneaking everywhere. I soon found the kitchen and smiled seeing that there was something to use. I always wanted to go out with a bang. I saw what I needed: alcohol, stove, and gas. A gasoline stove. I quickly opened the whiskey and poured a big spot on top of it, I then used the gasoline by pouring a trail from the stove to a brick wall. I put the half empty can sideways so the flames can get into it. I quickly run to turn on the stove and watched as a trail of flames goes out the door. I waited a minute before I heard an explosion, thus making my freedom. The sirens started going off as I left the prison, and I didn't look back. I ran and ran as far as I could. I only stopped when I had to rest. After I stopped, I passed out. When I awoke, I was in a hospital of sorts... A hospital run by horse I found out. I was freaked out at first, but I soon got over it a couple of weeks later. After a chat with the princesses and signing legal requirements, I got a place in Ponyville. That has been my story so far... The present... "Anon! Where are ya, buddy?" asked Rainbow Dash, my best friend. I chuckled slightly, packing up another box in the living room. Rainbow Dash always comes in through a window. "I'm right here, RD, don't get too scared of me leaving," I said. Rainbow scoffs flying down the stairs. "Me? Scared? Please! Besides, you should be scared of Manehatten!" she replies, sitting next to me. "Why?" "Because there are a bunch of gangs there, and you probably don't have any experience in crime fighting," she answers. I smirk to myself, wishing it was true. I sighed as I was finally finished packing. I have lived in Ponyville for at least a year and I decided to move in order to make a better pay in the programming business. "I know a thing or two in fighting," I said, smiling softly. Rainbow scoffs and flies around my small house. She doesn't know about my past, but I hope I never have to tell her. My house only has a couch, a bed, and a kitchen. I would switch to a house with plumbing, but there are no more house with such important utilities as a toilet. Which is why Manehatten is gonna be good for me. I'll have a toilet, a proper kitchen, and a bedroom. I always remember about my past when I look around here in Ponyville one way or another. I don't know how, but I do. Rainbow Dash looks at the box I got and picks something up. She smirks and places a dark red fedora on my head. I look up and Rainbow chuckles. "There, now you can scare ponies off!" she says. I smirk and did my best to look gruff with a gangster impression. "Really? How 'bout you cut the chatter and start giving me the cheddar," I said mockingly. She tries her best not to laugh. I cut it out and picked up the boxes. "Alright now, come one, we need to get these boxes to the train station fast," I said. I looked over to see a rainbow blur. I walk out my house that was beside Sugarcube Corner and walk towards the train station. I set the boxes down in the luggage cart as soon as I got there and looked at my ticket. I smiled when Rainbow comes up. "Hey Anon, I'm gonna miss you okay?" I nodded. "Now, I don't want to sound like Twilight, but don't get in trouble," she finishes. "Alright mom," I said. She scoffs and waves bye. After the ride to Manehatten, I sighed in relief. I hope I don't get into trouble with any gangs. I got out a map of Manehatten and looked around for my house. I walked off with all my boxes to the apartment I'll live in. It wasn't anything fancy, but it was rated three stars. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 2: The Job //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 2: The Job I groaned getting up, hearing my digital alarm clock. Its tremendously annoying beeps were quieted once I turned it off, until it's five o'clock AM again. I look at my small, yet suitable room. It has two bedrooms, one kitchen that connects to the living room, and a small bathroom. A sweet loveable toilet is inside, as wells as a sink! I smiled and got up off my bed. I changed into some black jeans, a red suit jacket with a yellow t-shirt underneath, and a black and grey striped tie. My hair was combed slightly, and I looked at the clothe's rack beside the door, seeing my hat. I wondered wether or not to wear it. I shrugged and decided to wear it while walking out the door. I brewed six ounces of coffee and put a whole lot of sweetener in it. I'm not someone that will never put something sugary into a nice steaming cup of coffee. I look at the time and nodded to myself. I poured some coffee into a plastic container in order to drink it any time I want. I called for a taxi and rode to work. I smiled to myself when I saw the big building that was called "Pontek". Weirdest name ever in my opinion. I have a contract with them, but I can't work with anyone else until I'm done. I walk into the building and saw a unicorn with a black coat, a new looking suit, and a weird haircut. It all went to one side, and to top it off, he has glasses over his blue eyes . That is a CEO that was desperate enough to hire me if I've ever seen one. "Ah! Mr Mous, we have much to discuss, tea?" He asks In a Canterlot accent. On Earth, I call it British. On Equestria, I'm gonna call it British. So basically, it's British. "No thanks Mr Pone, I've got my trusty coffee with me," I said. He laughs, shaking his head. "You and your coffee, it is great to see you again, especially after your last job with my computer! By the way, the method that you suggested was worth the money I spent on you," he said, beaming a little. I smirked and we headed towards the big building. We enter his office a moment later, discussing on what kind of work I'm actually doing. "Anon, I have a small kind of job for you, I want you to unlock my computer," he said simply. I stared at him for a minute. "Was that a joke or are you serious?" I ask. He nods. "I'm serious, someone hacked into my laptop and put a security code on it that I can't figure out," he explained. As soon as he said that, something felt off. I didn't know what it was, but I knew something was off. Instead of trusting my instincts, I shrug it off and start getting to work. I heard a deep gurgle from Mr Pone, and he excused himself. " I had gone to a new place for breakfast today and I think I'm regretting my choice, give me a moment will you?" He asks. With that, he gallops off to find the nearest bathroom. When I look down back to my work, I finished it rather quickly. The screen opened up and the first thing I saw on screen was a transaction log. Most of the purchases were purchased from Pontek. I wondered why Mr Pone would buy from his own company. I looked at all that he purchased and gasped silently. Why would he buy guns from his own company? I copied the transaction files, and looked around to make sure no one notices as I slip a flash drive on. Downloading the files were easy, for it only took two seconds. I quickly took out the drive and hid it in my pocket. I stretch out in time for the CEO to come in and see I'm done. "Nicely done Mr Mous, thank you for your work, I owe you one," he said. I nodded. "Welp, it was my pleasure, I didn't do much poking around, but I'm curious to see what all you have at your company," I said. He smiles in pride. "Oh, why we only make the best technology around Equestria! We make vehicles like planes and cars, we make medicines, and we make the best tea. We also make tests of many sorts," he said. I nodded, smiling, "It sounds like a creative company, how much work have you done?" I ask. "Much, much work," he says. We wave bye as we head our separate ways for now. I went home wondering about one thing on my mind, is Mr Pone a bad guy? Once I got home, I opened up my laptop and plugged in the drive. All the logs opened up and I poked around. Mr Pone has been selling weapons to himself, but he still gets more profit. I sat on my couch stumped at this information. I then decided to look deeper into it. I scrolled down far until something caught my eye. I found an email delivered to Mr Pone from the laptop I unlocked. I opened it up and read it, "Mr Pone, I am starting to get worried about your fake promises. You promised us mountains of weaponry, and yet you still haven't delivered. What in Tartarus is the hold up? Getting cold hooves during our deals. Remember, you owe me big time!!!" I sat there, reading the email, shocked by what I'm seeing. Mr Pone was truthful about one thing, he did much, much work. I got up the next day, sleepless from what I found. I went back to the laptop and read all the logs again. I went deeper into the files to find out that Mr Pone actually owns a gang. Secretly of course. It brought some bad memories in me, but I ventured farther to find he also owns a drug ring. He also turns out to be the king mobster in Manehatten. To see this gave me a heart attack when my cell phone rings. I pick it up saying, "Hello? This is Anonymous Techlines, Anon Speaking," I said. "Hey Anon! Guess who's gonna come over to your apartment!" Said a familiar feminine and raspy voice. "Um, the mail stallion?" I ask. I heard a long pause before hearing a scoff. "That was a joke right?" Rainbow Dash asks. "Yes, and I don't think it's a good idea to come over right now, I have a ton of work today," I said. "Too bad," Rainbow says, hanging up. As soon as she hangs up, I heard a knock at the door. I deleted all the files and put the flash drive in my underwear drawer quickly before springing to the front door. "Rainbow, please go away, I-" I was cut off by someone knocking me out cold. Author's Note Hope you guys enjoyed! //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 3: Drinking Buddy! //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 3: Drinking Buddy! I tried my best to see if I can see a thing, but to no avail. It's really not too different then back on Earth. I wish people don't put paper bags over my heads. I felt myself sit down and the paper bag was lifted off my head. I see Alvin Cal Pone, CEO of Pontek. A disgusting lying pony. I'm not better, but I have standards when it comes to being kidnapped. I rather be put in the back of a truck. It's quite comfortable once you're used to it. I got used to it because I was kidnapped multiple times. It's amazing when you get to realize how much patience I have. "How much do you know Mr Mous?" Alvin asked, patting his hand with the bat with his magic. "I don't think it matters now," I said. "Does anyone else know?" He asks grimly. I spat at his hooves "I wish," I said. Alvin snickers before a baseball bat hits my face. I spat out some blood and smiled through the pain. "No need to batter up some trouble, it's not a walk in the ball park for me," I said, annoying Alvin. "Shut up with the puns," he said. "Okay screwball," I said, earning another bat to the face. "I said shut up," Alvin reminded. "I know, but as much as I'm enjoying this type battery, I'm not gay," I said. He bats me again, making me cry out in pain. "Another word, I dare you," he challenged. Silence ensues. "Right, now I'm going to make a deal with you," he said. I looked up. "You give me money, and silence, and I spare your marefriend named Rainbow Dash. Capiche?" He asks. I reluctantly nodded. I already knew it's a lost cause to say no. He smiles. "It's good we came to an understanding," he said, fixing his disheveled hair. "Now, give me all your cash, and you can go," he said. I looked at the now bloodied bat and sighed. I gave him my money and he let me go. Easily, might I add. I look around to see I'm a street next to Pontek. I walk around and found a bar with only two creatures inside. One's a bartender and one's a griffon. I noticed his revolver instantly, but I sat beside him. The bartender had a silver mane and a goodish yellow coat. His name tag said Whisker. Rather ironic if anything. "Rough night at boxing?" He asks. Shook my head. "Business went south. Turned out the guy I used to work for is a bad guy. He's a technological douchebag if anything," I said. The griffon next to me perks a little hearing me talk. "Hm. Well, whoever it is must be real strong to beat you up that badly," he said. "Nah, he used a freakin bat," I said. The griffon next to me looks at me closely and smiles. "Hey Whisker, can we have two Apple D's please?" He asks. Whisker nodded. I look at the gryphon a little more closely. He has mainly black feathers and grey sidelines of feathers. He has a brown stripe on his back. His talons seem to be sharp, but dull enough to grab me with tearing me. His eyes were golden, unlike many gryphons I've ever seen. I smiled and patted his back before taking a shot. After a couple of shots, we decided not to get ourselves too drunk. "So, human is it? I'm Bullet Count, you?" He asks. "Anonymous, but people call me Anon," I said. He nods, smiling. "I've just moved here from Ponyville, a really peaceful place," I continue. "I lived here my whole life, it was peaceful for me until I was about eighteen. Gangsters took my dad, but I grew up since then, I've been to many places, and I'm my own boss in the weapons legal selling business. It's nice, but I've had a bad time trying to sell weapons here. Have you ever sold weapons without being robbed?" he asks. I took a shot and nodded. "Yeah, earlier in life. I was in the gangster business, but I moved on. I did many things I wasn't proud of. Now, a gangster is blackmailing me, and I can't do anything," I said. The gryphon pats my back reassuringly. "Don't worry Anon, if you've made it this far I'm sure you'll figure something out," he says. I nodded. Then, I got an email on my phone. I open it to see that over half of my bank account's money was gone. I huffed. "Now the guy stole money from me," I said, a little bit drunk. Bullet Count sighs. "It's just how this world is isn't it?" He asks. I nodded. Then, in my slight drunken state, as I looked at how money I have left, I could see straight enough to know I only had two hundred bits in my savings. I snapped out of my state and growled. My business at programming can't be funded anymore. I can't get any money anymore. I can't help Rainbow. I rub my temples and then a thought struck me. "Hey Bullet, how would you like to do something I used to do?" I ask. He looks up. "Whatcha mean?" He asks. "I mean gangster business," I said. He frowns. "I hate gangsters," he stated. "Oh yeah? Well then how about we be a mob? Fight fire with fire. Fight our fears, and us their fears?" I ask. He looks down in thought. He sighs and smirks. We shake hands/claws and return to our drinks. "By the way, what happened to moving on?" He asks. "Patience to die ran out," I said, smiling to myself. I just need to get the proper clothes before doing this, as well as weapons, I thought. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 4: The Rise of The Hellbringers //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 4: The Rise of The Hellbringers After me and Bullet Count decided it was official, and that we will actually create a gang of our own, we named it The Hellbringers. Very fitting if you ask me. My newfound friend Bullet Count had many friends, and said that many of them would probably join. He has friends of all kind, unicorn, pegasi, griffons, earth ponies, and even diamond dogs. He gave me a potion to use that would turn me into a pony. He also took some of my hair and put it in a cauldron, saying it will turn me back to human whenever I feel like it. I will be the first to admit, I looked cool as a pony. I had red fur and yellow hair, with a few black stripes at the tips, styled the way my normal hair is. I was a pegasi, and my cutie mark had a target with bullet holes in it. It was weird at first, stumbling around. Surprisingly, I even had pony clothes. My dark red fedora matches with my black suit jacket with a red collared shirt underneath. I didn't have a tie on, but it was debated it. My pants were my black and grey striped suit pants. Bullet Count had a black leathery jacket that went well with his feathers, and also had two holes for his wings. He looks at me questioningly as he gets out a crate of weapons. "How long have you been in the business before you got here?" He asks curiously. "About six years," I said. He nods, and continues sorting out weapons. "Did you ever do this?" I ask. He shakes his head. "No, but I have an idea. I have some friends willing to join and help us," he said. I nodded and got out a pistol. I don't know how I do it, but I'm able to shoot when I want to. I also strap a shotgun to my back, fixed to not bother my wings. I slip on wing gloves to hide the color of my feathers. I loaded everything up and made sure that my eyes couldn't be seen. "I'm a little rusty, so don't think I'm perfect okay?" I'm ask. He nods smirking. We head out in a carriage with one pony and one griffon in the back, ready for action. We all had an earpiece to communicate. The plan is to look around the store and marking what is and isn't valuable. We use a certain magic to mark it, and it is only visible to us. We decided to take as much as we can in three minutes. The store we are robbing is a jewelry store that has slow days like today. We pull up and the two companions in the back nod, meaning they're ready when we are. Me and Bullet Count get out, looking around the store. "Hello! How can I help you today?" A mare asks behind the counter. She has a dark red coat and a lighter red mane. Her eyes were green like a leaf. "Just looking around," I said. She nods. I look at her desk quickly and notice that everything is neat and in order. I almost assumed she's a neat freak until I noticed everything is either polished hurriedly or waxed to be shiny. "Are you new here?" I ask. She looks at me surprised and nods. I picked up observance while I was on Earth, so that way I could be able to tell how much time we had to get out, or to make the job easier. Right now, it's both. I notice that she kept looking down at the laptop in front of her. "Yes, I just started today, and I'm still trying to get around. Sadly, I'm short staffed today," she said. I smile and nodded. I nudged Bullet and motioned him to check the back. I walk over to the mare to distract her. "Did they all take a holiday or something?" I asked, eyebrow raised. She looks up and smiles sadly. "Yeah, they thought I was able to handle myself here, and they were definitely right. Things have been really slow," she said. I nodded. "Anon, there's something you should see," said Bullet's voice through the ear piece. "Oh, by the way, what is your name?" The mare asks. I felt my mind scream in realization. I forgot to have a code name. I smiled calmly before saying the first name that came to mind. "Fire Shot," I said quickly. She smiles. "But, most of my friends call me Shot." "Anon get over here," Bullet said. I quickly thought of an excuse and hunched over a little. "Oh man, I gotta go to the bathroom, I didn't think that flamethrower grass was serious," I said. I galloped quickly to the back, as the entrance was next to the bathroom. It would look like I did go. I got to the back and saw Bullet, staring at something. "What did you find?" I ask. "Information about that mare," he said. I look at where he's looking to find that three ponies were tied up. That means we aren't the only ones robbing this store. I pull out my pistol with my wing and galloped to the desk to see the mare starting to leave. I hide the pistol under my wing and smiled. "Hey, I didn't quite catch your name," I said. She jumps and looks back smiling. "Sorry, I must go now, work just ended," she said quickly. "This store just opened though," I replied. She paused. She turns around, smiling nervously. I noted myself that she is an earth pony, and yet she doesn't have any weapons. "Oh well, even thieves slip once or twice," I said. She smirked. "What makes you think you can stop me?" She asks. I pull out my pistol with an unamused look. She has a surprised look and growls. Before she made a break for it, I shot her leg. She cried out and stumbled. Billet Count looks at my gun and sees a silencer. "Why did you bring a silencer?" He asks. "Just in case," I said. He shakes his head. He walks over to the mare and picks her up. "We're taking a road trip," he said. I signaled the others to put on silencers and come in the store. They got all they could and I got some as well. Bullet Count had the mare in custody. We all got in the carriage, but me and the mare and one of Bullet's friends in the back. I helped the mare's leg up and she looks at me quizzically. "You shot me," she said. I nodded. "You didn't kill me," she continued. I nodded again. "Why are you healing me?" She asks. I sighed. "Because I'm not the usual gangster douchebag," I said. "Yet, you planned to rob a store?" She asks. I nodded. Silence ensues for a few minutes. "My name is Ruby by the way," she said. I smiled and tipped my hat to her. Bullet Count pulls up at the warehouse we decided to use as our kind of base. It's where the people in our gang either live or wait for missions. Ruby looks around. "So, you have a gang?" She asks. I nodded. "We're called the Hellbringers," I said. She nods. "Nice name," she comments. Then, the phone in her bag she was carrying rang. I got it out. "Don't answer that!" She said. I did the opposite and leaned in. "Hello?" I ask. "Hey, you're not our sis! Where is she?!" Yelled a young voice. I paused for a moment. "Ruby? She's fine, just training at the gun range," I said. "She gave me her phone, saying that if this number called I should pick up. Right now your sister is doing quite well," I said. A pause was heard on the other line. "Can I talk to her?" The young voice asked. "Sure, give me a sec," I said. I look at Ruby. "It's your sister," I said. Bullet Count looks at me worriedly. "Don't worry, we don't know where she lives and we don't know her sisters name," I said. I gave the phone to Ruby and she looks at me. I see the look of someone thinking on wether or not to tell someone they need help, or if they're fine. She seems to come to a conclusion and nods. "Hi? Gemmy is that you?" She asks. "Yes, I'm at a gun range. Are you done doing homework?" She asks. I sighed in relief the same time as Bullet Count. "No, everything is fine," she says. "Okay, I love ya too you little dweeb," she finishes before hanging up. I smiled. "It's the least I can do for you since you fixed me up," she said. I nod at Bullet Count to let go. Ruby looks around the warehouse, seeing many different species. "I'm Bullet Count, co-founder of Hellbringers," he said in a gentleman way. He bowed slightly, and I know exactly what he's doing. "My, what a gentlecolt, and a griffon too!" Ruby exclaimed. I shook my head, knowing what is going on. "Would you like a ride home?" Bullet asks. Ruby blushes a little, nodding. I wave him bye as he leaves, and I go off to get my human serum. I arrive back at my apartment and look at my account to see I had two to five thousand dollars transferred to me and Bullet's account. I heard a knock on the door and headed over to open it. I open it to see a surprised Rainbow Dash. "Hey Rainbow Dash," I said. She rushes upwards and hugs me. "Where were you knucklehead?" She asks. I sighed. "What's wrong?" I ask. She punches my stomachs, but I barely feel it. "You scared me badly!" She said. "You weren't here when I was here, and you didn't return my calls! Luckily I decided to check back here again before going to the police!" She exclaimed. I sighed sadly. "I'm sorry Rainbow, I forgot. I went shopping today and couldn't really find too much," I said. She sniffles into my chest and I sighed. I have to be more careful next time. I don't want to let her know I'm a gangster and that she's a target. After she stayed for a visit, she left and I went to my computer. Alvin gave me a message. "You will have two separate page, five thousand by tomorrow, and five thousand the next Tuesday." "I groan. I look at my personal account to see five thousand in my savings. I noted myself that I owe Bullet Count. I went to sleep that night after I gave Alvin the money through email. I wish I didn't have to have a nightmare of what happened had I didn't. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 5: Weapons Robbery! //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 5: Weapons Robbery! Thanks to all the money we cashed in, we were able to go and make another robbery. This robbery included a weapons store. We were planning to sell some weapons we steal. Counting explosives like grenade, launchers, and some illegal weapons if any. We need to check ourselves first before leaving. We have about two days to do so. As ridiculous as it sounds, it's needed. We are planning to rob an experienced store, meaning the owner knows how to put up a good fight. He's not a good owner though. He's sold weapons to other gangs, such as Pontek. If we kill him, it will be good for us. If we kidnap him, it will still be good. We could make him give us what we want. Of course, I mostly plan to kill him. We are planning to take out the electricity, and take out the owner. Once that happens, a carriage will come by at the back. We will load all the weapons he has, and run off in separate carriages just in case. This will take place at night, and I convinced Bullet Count to have a silencer in order to kill the owner immediately. He can also see in the dark, making another reason why. I sat at my desk located near the west of the warehouse, the entrance not to far away. I heard a knock on my door. "Come in," I said. Looking at some paper work. I almost forgot I was a pony until I checked my watch. "Mr Shot?" A feminine voice asked. I look up to see Ruby, standing in the door way with a certain look. "Ah, Ms Ruby! What a delight! Did Bullet Count invite you over?" I ask. She blushes a little before shaking her head. "No, I want to ask something of you," she said. "Well, two things," she finished. "Go on," I urged. She looks down. "I want to be in The Hellbringers," she said. I frowned. "Why?" I ask. She sighs. "I can't find work, and I can't find a home, and my little sister thinks I work at a gun range. I've been paying this one stallion to not hurt my family, but I'm running out," she said. I nodded. "Is his name Alvin?" I ask. She looks up surprised. "I have a score to settle with him. He's been threatening me, and my best friend. I lost almost all of my money thanks to him. Luckily for me, I found another friend. His name is Bullet Count. We met at a bar, had a few drinks, and after a couple of days, we got settled here. Many of Bullet's friends joined the gang. Started living here too. Then, when we were ready, we made our first robbery," I said. "Turns out, the store we were robbing was technically robbed already by a red mare," I said. She smiles sheepishly. "So Ruby, do you swear you won't betray us?" I ask. "As long as you don't betray me," she said. I smiled. "Good, then it's settled, welcome to the Hellbringers," I said. We shook hooves and she left me in peace. I look at the paperwork on my desk. I had a picture of me and Rainbow Dash beside the small stack. The stack of papers are certain bills. Me and Bullet Count agreed to split some of the work. I'm a kind of mastermind, I plan out stuff and pay bills. Bullet Count takes all we steal and sells or modifies the weapons. Once he modifies them, we use them. Basically, I plan and pay, he sells and makes money and weapons. So far, I've agreed to fix up the warehouse, so that way we have a more friendlier look. That, and the electricity. We've been using magic so far. I sighed and stretched my whole body. My cell phone rings and I pick it up. "Hello?" I ask. I hear Bullet Count mumbling. "Hello?" I ask again. "Hi... I um, I kind of need help with someone," he says. I lean back, taking a wild guess. "Who?" I ask. "Well, she's kind of amazing, and she's cute, and she's a thief... Who stole my heart," he said. I roll my eyes. "All right love bird, I know you like Ruby," I said. I heard silence before a curse word. "Is it that obvious?" He asks. "As an elephant," I answered. Grumbling is heard on the other line and I laugh a little. "Look, just be yourself. It's not like she doesn't like you," I said. I keep the phone in place with my wing as I write with my hoof to sign a bill. "But I recommend we tell her after the robbery," I said. "Wait, we?" He asks. "I'm gonna help you," I said. "Wait how?" He asks. Before I answered, a ring was hear and I look to see Rainbow trying to call. "Hold gotta talk to you later bye!" I said in lightning speed, hanging up. I pick up Rainbow Dash's call. "Hello? Anonymous Techlines!" I say. "Hey Anon! I'm stopping by your place tonight to watch the Wonderbolts! It's gonna be so cool! I bet you're gonna love this one! They're gonna race near a volcano!" She says excitedly. I sighed. "Alright, I'll be there soon," I said. "Work took longer than usual today," I finished. "You better get here!" She says playfully. I hang up and sighed. I'm gonna need so much coffee. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 6: A Date of Bullets //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 6: A Date of Bullets We felt the carriage bump along the road. Of course, I felt a little groggy. We decided I'll trip the electricity. It will also shut down security measures to ensure secrecy. I yawned loudly and heard chuckling. "Hey Fire Shot, you sleepy?" He asks. "Shut up, I had to watch the Wonderbolts five stupid times. I know my best friend is the best, but I don't like it that much," i said. Everyone snickers at me and I grumble. I get off the carriage and Bullet Count walks in the weapons store. "I'm in position," he said. I look at the curcuity box and sighed. "Crap," I said. "What?" He asks. "It's too complicated to do it carefully," I said. I took out my gun and shot randomly. I was even surprised it worked. Silence played out before Bullet Count walks out as I yawn. "What did you do? You said it was too complicated," he said. He sees my gun and looks at the box. "You lazy crap!" He said. I smiled. "That scared me you pony!" He said. I see him tried to hide a smile. We got some weapons and found a jackpot of illegal weapons and drugs. We load it all into the carriage, knowing we'd get good money. I can't wait to be able to buy Rainbow something beautiful. A necklace, a bracelet, or even a new chariot! I kept imagining the possibilities. The train of thought broke when Bullet's phone went off. He picks it up. "Hi Ruby! Yeah? Sounds cool! Eight o'clock? Alright. Yeah! See ya later!" He says. I smiled so widely he groans seeing it. "Don't." "I must," I said. He grumbles as our friends driving give each other puzzled looks. "You better not, I hate the song, it's so childish," he said. "Bullet Count and Ruby, sittin' in a tree, k-I-s-s-I-n-" I was interrupted by a claw on my snout. "Worth it," I muffled. The drivers start chuckling to themselves before laughing uncontrollably. "Shut up!" Bullet said. "In all seriousness, I'm gonna keep my promise to you from two days ago," I said. "What promise? The phone call? You hung up on me you stupid!" He said. "True, but there was a promise. I'm gonna help you score a kiss," I said. He blushes madly. "Why the hell are we talking about it now?!" He asks. The two in the front kept laughing. I am enjoying every bit of this. Bullet Count squaked in his claws. This earned barrels of laughter from me. He keeps blushing madly as I tried to breathe. "Oh my god this is hilarious!" I said. I was right, we got some serious cash thanks to all the weapons. Around not just fifteen thousand, but over fifty thousand. Again, serious cash. Bullet Count had enough to get a really nice gift. I dunno what it is, but he says it's good. I stare through my binoculars to see Bullet and Ruby at a pizza place, eating a pesto pizza. Basically the pizza that tastes good even though it's green. They are having a chat. I fix my communicator to hear it. Hacking into his communicator is easy. Mostly because I designed it, not bragging over how unhackable it is or anything. "Wow, you look great tonight! Have you been working out?" Bullet asks. "Yes I have! Did you notice that badly?" She asks. "I'm regretting my choices already," I said. I see the feathers on Bullet's wings slowly get disorganized and ruffled. He slowly looks around. I then realized I forgot I have a two way mic. He sees me and smiles widely. "Give me a second," he said. He walks away get to the side and gets his cellphone, he puts it beside his head and looks at me across the street. "What the hell are you doing here?!" He asks angrily. "Helping," I said simply. "Right, stalking and following me is helping!" He said. "Trust me," I said. He grumbles before 'hanging up' and returns to Ruby. "Okay, approach with subtlety and patience as a bullet," I said. "Sorry, annoying work people right?" He asks. "That'll do," I said. Ruby laughs. "Alright mystery stallion, where to next?" She asks. "Movies," I said seriously. "Watch Dawn of the Trotting Dead IV," I continued. He thinks about it. "Dawn of the Trotting Dead? Heard the fourth one is out," he said. "Really?! I have been waiting to see that movie! Normally I couldn't since Gemmy would be with me!" She says. I smiled. The ship has sailed in the speed of light. I followed them around during the night, and ended it when Bullet Count got out a box wrapped in paper, he unwrapped it and gave a little pink bow to her. I tilted my head at this strange gift. Why a bow of all things? He could have gotten a crown, necklace, or bracelet or a golden anything! Ruby looks at the bow and I took a closer look. It's only made of the usual silk. Nothing else. "Why did you give her a regular pink bow when you could have given her something expensive!? Abort! Abort!" I said. He glares at me across the street. I shrug. "Fine, your funeral," I said. Ruby lunges at Bullet Count for a big hug. "What?" I ask myself. This is so confusing. Ruby kisses Bullet Count, raising his wings in surprise. "Wings buddy," I said. He lowers them quickly. I see both of them blushing in the passionate kiss. "All for a stinking ribbon," I said. "This is the best gift ever!" Ruby said, hugging the crap out Bullet Count. I chuckle. It was then I realized, I don't need something expensive, and I almost forgot to pay ten thousand to the douchebag. "Good job bro," I said. After the date ended swimmingly, I went to my apartment and saw an email on my computer. It was from Alvin. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 7: Denied Betrayal //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 7: Denied Betrayal I sat reading the email. "Hello Mr Mous, I know what you did. You will pay dearly. I'll tell Rainbow how much you'll miss her," he said. I screamed. I picked up my phone and dialed RD's number. "Please pick up, please pick up, please pick up!" I exclaimed. "Hi! You've reached most awesome at flyer in Equestria!, leave a message worthy of me!" Said her pre-recorded voice. "Crap!" I yelled. I got out my serum and drank my pony serum. I rode a carriage over to the Warehouse. I bust through the doors, fear in my eyes of what would happen to Rainbow. I paused when I heard Alvin's voice. "Come on Bullet Count, it's some random guy you met! He doesn't owe you!" He says. "No! He's my friend!" He yells. I got out my silenced pistol. "You didn't seem to mind doing it when we made the deal! In fact, you jumped at it," he continues. I quietly trot over. "Well he's shown me more kindness you ever did!" Bullet Count yells. "Don't forget, he'll be here any minute. He'll shout out about his girl, and you just happen to guess where. Then, if he says he won't pay, shoot him," Alvin said. I growled to myself. Bullet Count spins around. "Oh crap," he says. I nodded, the barrel of my gun net to his head. "Yeah, crap. So, Alvin, what's next? He shoots me and then you shoot Rainbow? Well, you screwed with the wrong guy, I'll exploit you. With this guy's help. Thank you Alvin, by the way, for making me ticked off," I said. I shoot the phone quickly and point the gun back at Bullet. "Wow, a traitor. I didn't think I'd have one already. Especially from a friend. Small world I guess," I said. "I didn't want to do it Anon, believe me I didn't!" He says. I smirked. "Should I seriously believe you? How long did you want to do it huh? How long before I had a bullet? Two days? What will you do with the Hellbringers? Tear it apart?!" I started yelling. Bullet Count winces at my rising voice. "Just calm down, we can work something out," he said calmly. I kept my frown until I had an idea. "Yeah, we will work something out," I said. I smiled widely and unscrewed the silencer. Bullet seemed to relax. I turn on the audio recording in my phone and turned around. "Best of luck friend," I said, before pulling the trigger. Alvin sighs, hearing my voice on the other end of the line. "You won't get away with this! The police will catch you! I bet Anon is gonna be the one to catch you!" Rainbow yells from her cage. Alvin chuckles darkly, scaring Rainbow a little. "Do you think Anon will actually catch me? No, he won't catch me. He'd kill me, maybe not directly, but he'll kill me," Alvin said. Rainbow looks at him quizzically. "What do you mean? He's no murderer! He wouldn't kill anybody! He's a good guy!" She said. Alvin laughs loudly. "He robbed a jewelry store the other day, and kill my main gun seller today!" He yelled furiously. "That's not Anon! He's never shot a gun! I don't even think he knows how to use a pistol," Rainbow says. "Oh please, ask him yourself. If he pauses, doubt him," Alvin said. Rainbow looks down in thought. After a few hours, a knock was heard. It echoed in Pontek's secret office, and gun shots were heard. A pony in a black suit and yellow mane stepped towards the desk that Alvin sits in. "Alvin Cal Pone, my boss has business with you," I said, being that pony. Rainbow looks at me with a gun and freezes up. "My boss is actually my client. Anyway, he has a clear message for you. He said this was a goodbye from Mr Bullet Fount," he emphasized this comment by pulling up a phone and playing an audio. A gun shot was heard along with a griffon's frightened shriek of pain. I then picked up a plastic bag from my pouch and showed three black feathers, the second one was brown. They all had a little blood. Alvin laughs. "So he has some courage. I hope it was painless. Did he give you money to free this little angel?" He asks, gesturing to Rainbow. I smirked. "He actually wanted to give you something else," I said. "What? Gold? Drugs? Weapons?" He asks. I smiled widely. "He wanted to bring hell," I said. I pull out a pistol and started shooting. Alvin dives under the desk and he gets out a magnum, trying to kill me. "Now!" I yell. Bullet Count got out from behind he corner with a rocket launcher and fires. Alvin screams before jumping out of the way. I smirk as I had hit my target. The wall that was blown off is now replaced with a helicopter. I quickly shot the lock off of Rainbow's cage and picked her up. Bullet Count ran as quick as we could into the helicopter, carrying a stunned Rainbow. Earlier, to when I shot Bullet Count. In the wing. "Okay, if you take another bullet later, I'll forgive you," I said, putting my gun on the table. Bullet Count curses more and more as time passes. "Holy crap that's like a shot in the nuts!" He yelled. I smiled coldly. "Well, imagine I decided to shoot you in the back after you got Ruby," I said. He calms down soon, "Fair enough," he gasped. We got to the table as he relaxed, or tried to. "Alright, so here's the plan, we're gonna fight our way up to his office-" "No, he has a secret office in the fifth floor," Bullet gasped. I nodded. "Should be enough airtime for a helicopter," I said. Bullet nodded. "You were serious about that helicopter? Heheh," he said. I helped him up and plucked three feathers. "Can you help right now?!" He asks. "As soon as I get Rainbow," I said as if I was talking to a spoiled brat. He sighs. The plan will go like this: We will fight our way to the secret office and deliver a catchphrase, blow up a wall and save Rainbow. Meanwhile, while I'm running off, I'll drop an explosive powerful enough to blow up the whole building. If douchebag is alive, I'm going to deal with him personally. Then, once Rainbow is safe, we'll entrust her with Ruby and go back to get as much as we can to sell to the blackmarket. I just hope I don't have to explain anything to Rainbow. Then, I will exploit the Pon ten company to everyone. Everyone will see the monster. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 8: A Seed of Doubt Growing... //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 8: A Seed of Doubt Growing... As we ride a helicopter I hold out my detonator. "Hope you like hell you megalomaniac," I said to myself as I press the button. An entire chunk of building had bursts from its origin, and the entire top half of the building tilted towards the right before caving in on itself. Rainbow looks at the destruction in horror. "I win," I said. Rainbow looks away, horrified at the carnage. "Jeez Fire Shot, what did the guy threaten you with?" Bullet Count asked. "My most closest friend," I said. I look at Rainbow, crying as she is traumatized for life probably. "Are you alright?" I ask. She looks at me before looking back. "Did he ask for this? Anon I mean?" She asks. "No, but it's what the guy gets for threatening my mare," I said. Rainbow looks at the building. "Did he threaten anyone else?" She asked. "Many others," I said. Rainbow nods. "I'm going to drop you off at a friend's house, she'll take good care of you, just wait for Anon to get there, okay?" I ask. Rainbow nods. I watch her to get in the house with Ruby. I walk around the wreckage, getting anything valuable. I then saw the stallion of nightmares in the corner of my eye. I walk over to Alvin, still breathing, barely. He is looking rather well for someone who just survived a building collapse. I walk over. Gun out with a silencer. "I figured out your pattern newbie," he said. Every time you're about to kill, you have a silencer on. Heh, what's wrong with noise? I thought you're from The Hellbringers," he wheezed. I smirked. "I like to make it a surprise. Everything would seem to be going well until I kill someone. It goes unnoticed at first. Until more and more disappear. You won't know who I will hit or what I aim for until it's too late. Then, everything goes to hell," I said I aim the barrel of my gun at him. "Now, do us all a favor and die," I finished. Alvin chuckles. "I made an actual pony out of you," he said. I shook my head. "No, you made a monster who will turn into a demon if you're not careful. Those were the last words he ever heard before a bullet goes into his brain. I sighed as I sat at home, in my human form and an angry pony in front of me. "Anon, you have five minutes to tell me what the hell is going on," she said rather calmly. "Well, where do you want me to start?" I ask. "The beginning, and no jokes or lies," she said. "Okay, so about a week ago, I had a job for Alvin. He wanted me to decode a laptop. Once I did, I found illegal transaction like weaponry from his own company. Turned out, he was a bad stallion. Before I went to the police, he threatened me. If I payed him five thousand the first week and ten thousand the second, I'd be safe. Then, he threatened to hurt you. I couldn't just let him do that. I worked multiple job and then he thought I did something against him. I hired two mercenaries to go get you and bring you back safely. I guess you know the rest," I said. Rainbow nods. "Who were the mercenaries?" She asks. I shrug. "I think their names are Bullet Count and Fire Shot," I answered. Rainbow nods. "Alright, you're not off the hook, but I will ask more questions later," she said. I nodded. As Rainbow Dash leaves, she pauses for a second. "Anon? Have you ever shot a gun?" She asks. I stopped dead in my tracks. "No, why?" I ask. Rainbow looks at me up and down. "Have you ever killed anyone?" She asks. I stopped. Rainbow looks at my eyes, waiting. "Once," I said. "On accident," I finished. Rainbow nods again, staring. I then, made my mistake of looking away. Rainbow noticed I tried not to look at her and her heart skipped a beat. Because I looked away, she knows I lied. "Alright, we'll have a good time, I'll see you later," she said. I waved bye as she leaves, not sure if she feels safe around a now potentially dangerous human. I groaned as I plopped on the couch, dialing Bullet Count. The other end picked up soon. "Hey Anon, are you okay?" He asks. "Yeah, just got finished being questioned by the Rainbow I know and loved," I said. "I think she knows I've lied," I said. "Wait, she never even knew you were a mobster in the first place? That's a little messed up," Bullet said on the other end. "Shut up, you don't have any idea how difficult this is," I said. "Besides, your marefriend is in the gang too," I said. Silence played over. "What?" He asks slowly. I realized I forgot to tell him. "Yeah, didn't she tell you?" I ask. "Anon, I love Ruby, and you put her in the Hellbringers?!" He asks. "Hold on, I didn't say she'd be able to get shot," I said. "What?" "Yeah, she's an Intel mare, that is if she keeps liking that job," I said. A sigh of relief is heard. "So she doesn't get in trouble?" He asks. "The most trouble she could get is getting drunk or something," I said. "That doesn't sound better," he said. "Do you want me to to give her something harder?" I ask. "No, I don't," he said. "Then don't worry, she's a big mare and she can take care of herself," I said. We both chatted some more for a little bit until I needed some sleep. I only wish that I can sleep though. Now, I broke my love's trust. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 9: A Reassuring Talk //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 9: A Reassuring Talk I heard the door bell ring and I called out,"Coming!" I ran to the door and opened it to see all five of Rainbow's friends. Crap, I thought. They all had a bright smile and I faked mine. "Come in guys! It's nice to see all of you guys again!" I said. Rainbow walks in, not smiling. I frowned. "Rainbow? What's wrong?" I ask. "She thinks you're some part of a gang!" Applejack says, rolling her eyes as if Rainbow is ridiculous. Too bad Rainbow's right though. "Wait? A gang? Pfft, okay I feel better now," I said, bullcrapping sensors going off the charts. "I thought she thought I was much worse!" I said. Everyone looks at me with surprise. "Wait, what? What could she think you were?" AJ asks. "A serial killing psychopath!" I said. Bullcrapping is increasing by number over every word. "Why?" Twilight asks slowly. "Because I hired some mercenaries to go and get Rainbow from an evil company that was blown to smitherines. I didn't expect that last part, but it was well deserved for what he did," I said. Everyone looks at Rainbow. "You weren't joking!?" Rarity says. "No, she wasn't joking," I said. Rainbow looks at me with uncertainty. "Anyway, who's hungry? I have some popcorn out for watching a movie," I said. Pinkie cheers and warps out of the room while everyone except me and Rainbow Dash walked. We stare at each other for a little bit. "Rainbow, I'm sorry you had seen that," I said. "I didn't mean for all those ponies to be killed," I lied. She nods. She flies up to me and holds me in a hug. I hear her sobbing, and feel a wet spot on my suit. "Thank you though, thank you so much," she said. I hugged slowly. "Rainbow, that is what I would do though. I would kill for you," I said. She keeps crying and hugging me. I pat her back and sighed. "Okay, cheer up now. We have popcorn and a lot of butter," I said smiling. She seems to cheer up a little and smiles. After the movie of Daring Do, everyone said good bye as they left. Before Rainbow left, she pecks my cheek and flies off. I smiled and waved and went back to work. I saw I had an email before the ponies showed up. "Hello Mr Fire Shot, I will be coming by your warehouse, I am going to offer a deal. It will pay good money if you accept. I had met your friend Bullet Count who said that you needed to agree on it. Come to your hide out in four hours. Try anything fishy, and you will die," it ended. I smirked. "Good job Bullet, I'm gonna need this kind of cash," I said to myself. I drink my pony potion and got dressed. As I got in the elevator, a cyan pony ran up. Crap times two, I thought. It was Rainbow Dash, sitting beside me as we both waited for the first floor. "Hi! I'm Rainbow Dash, what's your name?" She asks. "Um, Fire Shot," I said. She nods. She looks at me again, seeming uncertain. "Do I know you?" She asks. "I dunno, but I know you," I said, knowing a way to escape. "Really?" She asks. "Yep, you're Rainbow Dash! The most awesome at flyer in Equestria!" I said. She smiles widely in pride. "Yeah I am! I'm also in the Wonderbolts!" She said, hovering a bit. I chuckled. Bullcrapping mode is on, lying shall commence. "Yes, my little brother loved your show once, and he still loves it. You're his favorite," I said. "Can you autograph my glove?" I ask, taking the glove of my wing off. She nods and I hand her a pen. She scribbles her signature on it and I put it back on. I chuckled at how cool it looked. "This will bring joy to his little smile," I said. She chuckles. "So, what is Equestrian's most famous flyer doing in this kind of apartment building?" I ask. "Visiting an awesome friend! At first I thought he was a gangster and that he'd kill me, but after a little listening, I figured out he'd kill for me. I um, kind of love him," she says. I felt my heart skip a beat. "Really? What does he look like?" I asked. "He's tall, usually wears a black or red suit. He stands on two legs and gas genetically thingies on his hooves call fingers and toes, and his hooves have two different names called Hands and Feet! He has some shaggy hair he tries to comb and has some admittedly beautiful eyes," she says. I smiled at all the descriptions. "I um, want to ask him out on a date or something, but he's a different species! Than again, griffons and ponies usually date, so I guess it's okay," she said. "I'm sure he'd be fine with it," I said. Rainbow stops and looks at me closely. "Wait," she said. Crap. "I know you! You were one of the ponies that saved me!" She said. I lose my smile and look away. "Yeah," I said. She backs away a little. "D-don't hurt me!" She said. I sighed. "If I hurt you, then I will have an angry brother," I said. Rainbow pauses. "Really?" She asks. I nodded. "I don't like to lie. I admit I killed ponies. Truth be told, I'd do the same thing your friend would do, except I'd do it for the ones I love," I said. "Besides, I only kill someone who deserves death," I finished. Rainbow seems to relax and stepped closer. "Do you ever regret it?" She asks. "If I look at their eyes and really think what they could miss in life. Yes," I said. The elevator dings and I walk out. Rainbow waves bye in a friendly fashion. I smile and wave back. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 10: A New Found Friend! //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 10: A New Found Friend! I sat at my desk as a golden pony stood in front of me. We sat in silence as he is looking over the payments. I broke the silence with a cough. He looks up. "Where's the money? I'm a stallion of my word," I said. He nods and gets out his briefcase and opens it. The bits were in rows, almost like the paper bills on Earth. My friend, Bullet Count, standing next to me had puppy Le the shape of dollar signs. I smirked. "Alright, it seems to be in order, rather bigger than I thought, but I'm not complaining," I said. The pony nods and smiles. I brought out the crates after making sure the money was real. The stallions smiled at everything, from rocket launchers to grenades. Kind of scary what he could do. Of course, I put ammo in it all, for extra charge. After we both got what we wanted, he left and me and Bullet Count did a little dance. "Yes! Another successful deal!" I said. So far, we had a great amount of bits, enough to actually upgrade the warehouse to be an actual building. We have electricity and better plumbing. "It has been so great since we could upgrade this place! I hope we can make the walls stronger!" He said. I nodded in agreement before yawning. "You know, we need some more Intel, local bars aren't cutting it anymore," I said. Bullet Count nods in agreement. He looks at his watch before groaning. "Well, we need our sleep so go on home, I'll try to figure something out. Or I'll have some time with Ruby. I don't know which. We said our good nights before walking off. As I was walking, a mare runs into me rather dramatically. "Oof, watch where-" she pauses seeing my new suit. It was red with a yellow t-shirt underneath, and my wings had brown leather gloves and my dark red fedora was still the same. Since I had recently worked out, my chest actually got a little bigger. The mare smiles deviously. "Watch where you're putting your money, because you won't have any for me," she said. I stood for a second. "What?" I ask. She chuckles. She trots a little, her tail touching my chin, making me blush madly. "Well, let's just say I can make you have a good time, if you know what I mean," she said. I sighed as I figured out what's going on. "No," I said. I start trotting off before she slides in front of me. "Are you sure? You just seem so lonely," she says. "And you're desperate," I said deadpanned. I trot off again before she gallops in front of me. "Please walk me home then, because a mare like me can get into some dangerous-" "Let me stop you right there," I said. "I just want to go home, and I don't want to be intruded. Also, I don't really care," I said. I start trotting again, now mad. I look behind me to see the mare's ears go down sadly, trotting slowly and depressingly while using crocodile tears. I sighed as she then apparently follows me. I finally stopped. "Fine, I'll take you home, but any funny business will be the end of it," I said. She nods. As we are walking, she kept looking at me. I think she knows something's off. Then she starts to shake, looking at what's under my wing. A silencer pistol. She looks forward as she probably just realized what she got into. "Are you a cop?" She asks. I shake my head. "No, but the cops try to look for me," I said jokingly. I see the color on her face drain. "Don't worry, I only shoot if I have a good reason," I said. She seemed to calm down thanks to that. I had an idea. "So, you're desperate for money?" I ask. She quickly shakes her head, scared. "Too bad, I wanted to pay someone to get some Intel and news. Maybe the occasional poisoning," I said. She looks at me surprised. "The last bit is on decision," I said. The mare looks down at the road as we trot. As we came near her house she gives me a card. "It's a business card, call if you need us," she said. She looks at my chest and pokes it. "Even for some other desires," she tries to say seductively. I sat flustered as she walks into her house, giving me a wink. I pulled my hat down to cover my face as I walked back home. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 11: Saving A Friend //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 11: Saving A Friend It has been a long while after many upgrades. For instance, there are many more gangsters and technology has improved.we were able to buy a fancy motorized carriage. I call it a car. It's our very own with a logo on the side. The logo is for The Hellbringers. It has a skull that has two dots for pupils and flames all around it. It has two, twisting horns and a menacing smile. A trident would go through the middle of it, with a few pieces of bones coming out as well. Bullet Count and I designed it. We had our own kind of army in a way. We had many trifles with many gangs. Bloodsoak, Bullethack, and many more. We also had many gangs join us. In return, they have somewhere to live and work. The police actually almost caught us once, they saw us robbing a largely known store called: Neigh-mart. It was amazing to me that we robbed seven of the most famous Manehatten jewelry shops and yet the cops didn't get a scent on us. But when we rob a grocery store, one that's goin out of business even, they saw us in our tracks. I have committed many robberies of weapons stores, jewelry stores, banks, and much much more. Rainbow almost came close to figuring out, but I took a random turn and she didn't find out. Then, I remember Rarity's business was going to be shut down, and I didn't like it one bit. I remember watching television with Rainbow, who had come to visit, along with Rarity. Then, a breaking news report of Rarity's business going down, in a surprising state. "Um, Rarity? Why is your boutique slow?" I ask cautiously. Rarity puts on the darkest smile ever. "Well, I had some issues with someone who was a little angry with where I put it," she said. I instantly knew what it was. "Tell the police," I said. She shook her head. I gave Rainbow an apologetic smile. I got Rarity and went into the kitchen to talk in private. "Rarity, I can help," I said. "What's this guy's name? I can reason with him," I lied. Rarity looks at me. "No, if you know, he'll kill me!" She says quietly. I sighed. "I can fix it," I said. "Please, let me help," I demanded that quietly. Rarity sighs. She nods and tell me everything going on. The douchebag is threatening Rarity, giving her only two options. Leave the place peacefully, or leave the place dead. I was furious. Very furious. As I walk in my office, I called in Ruby. She comes in the office with a puzzled look. "Yes boss?" She asks. "I need some information on a Led Pushki," I said. She nods. She walks over to a cabinet that the Intel ponies put files in. She pulls up a file and starts reading. "Led Pushki, a Russian gangster who is extremely dangerous to cross. His gang seems to be almost as big as yours. He has been known for drug dealing, very useful threats, and dangerous with guns," she said. "Everyone is," I said. "He has three hideouts for his gang, two of them are in abandoned places. The third one is behind the Manehattan Boutique. He has been threatening a mare with death of not only her, but of her friends as well. One bad part about his gang, is that most of the ponies who work for him were threatened," she said. I nod. I got together many gangsters and took an estimated guess on how many I need to bring. I shrugged and beckoned five of them forward, and smirked: "You can put another thing for this Led Pushki. He's gonna regret messing with my friends!" I said darkly. I chucked to myself as Bullet Count walks in on my laughter. He hears me and realizes what's going on before backing away slowly. Ruby giggles at the action and looks at me, shaking her head. It has been a few hours since Rarity got to the boutique, but her mind was racing on how long will it take to get her place out of business. She had two more days until Led Pushki shoves her out in a coffin. She looks at all her paper work, seeing that it will take three days to get out. Rarity whimpers to himself and puts her snout in her hooves. "When will this anxiety end?" She asked herself. A knock was heard at the door, and Rarity looks up to see me as a pony. I was still unrecognizable to her, no matter how detailed her eye was. She gasps at me and gave a fearful whimper, for she saw what was under my wing. My pistol stuck out to her the most, and I tried my best to calm her down. "It's okay miss, I just want to ask a few questions," I said. She looks me up and down. "You're not a cop," she replied. "No, but I know who's been blackmailing you, and I have some beef with him. Know anyone by the name of Led Pushki?" I ask. She shook her head silently. She gestures with her head to the camera in the corner, setting off alarms. "Hmm, alright, thanks for the info," I said. She gives me a look for help. I smirked and nodded. I trot out of the manager's room and walked out. As soon as I did, I turned towards one of the empty buildings. The one on the right is very odd. It's supposed to be abandoned, but the windows aren't barred, and the front door is slightly open without any boards. Abandoned places are usually boarded up. This place doesn't have a board at all. I walk in, pistol out and pointing around. Creeks sounded out as I stepped, hoof by hoof. The walls were peeling with paint and the dust that would confirm whether or not this place abandoned is nowhere to be seen, meaning someone recently walked around here. I started smelling something funny. "Come in Bullet Count, I have a really bad feeling about this. Get some gas masks out here, pronto," I said into the communicator. I wait by the door with my silenced pistol out when Bullet Count comes in, holding two gas masks. His beaks twitches a little as the smell hits him. "Hey Fire Shot, I think there's some illegal drugs here," he said. I took the gas mask and wore it. Bullet Count quickly put his on. "Now we can't call in the others, the diamond dogs have a too sensitive a smell, and the others can't carry big enough guns," he said. I shrug, not caring. "Bullet Count, it's okay, we can take care of the bozos ourselves," I said. He sighs. "Fine, I have a great aim, and you..." I trailed off and looked at what he's got. He has a silenced shotgun, military grade. In his pouch, he has some sticky bombs. My favorite. "You my friend, look like you're in a war," I said. He smirks before walking. "In way, I kind of am," he said. Author's Note The twelfth chapter is coming soon! Grammar editing by: Shine (https://www.fimfiction.net/user/Shine) //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 12: The Agreement //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 12: The Agreement Bullet Count and I stalked the rooms of the abandoned building, trying not to alert anyone of our presence. Then, as I looked around a corner, I found a room full of drugs and weaponry. I heard Bullet trying to get my attention, and turned around to see him pointing at a room full of mostly ponies. The other creatures were hypogriffs. I almost mistaken them for griffons until I saw their back legs. The room was a sleeping room apparently as every creature was snoring away. We snuck past the middle of it all and got to another room in the back. Sitting in a chair, back turned to us, was a red stallion with a black, weird shaped mane, and a killer coat. Literally, it says killer on the back. I look around the room to see many gold objects and clocks. He is extremely particular about time. His desk has a lampshade on it and there was a small amount of paperwork. I silently got over, seeing that the stallion was on the phone. "No comrade, we will not have fight with Hellbringers soon. I am hoping to have a conversation with the leader. Who knows, maybe we will be able to work something out with him. What? We cannot kill him, his right hand stallion is said to be good shot. I know, he is probably bad for business. Don't worry, I am sure to make an agreement with him," he said in a Russian accent, not noticing a thing. I make hoof gestures for Bullet Count to go to the left. I silently stalk to the front right edge of the desk and leaned on it with my light body weight. "No, no gun. If there were gun, we will have bad problems. Problems like us being smoked like delicious carrots. Yes, thank you," he finishes before turning. "Hello Led Pushki," I said. Pushki jumps at the unexpected sound of my voice. "Who are you!? Are you spy?!" He asks aloud. I shook my head. "What happened to trying to have an agreement with me? Guess you are not much of a talker. Rely on bullets much?" I ask. "What? This make no sense, wait... Are you Hellbringers?" He asks. I nod my head with a 'No shit Sherlock' look. "I am so sorry comrades, I have been rather on edge lately. I have a certain business to take care of," he said. "Does it happen to involve a white unicorn?" I ask. His smile drops like his heart stopped beating. "I have many friends you know. I also have a status. I don't appreciate it when someone messes with my friends. Especially someone like her," I nod my head to Bullet Count, who grabs Led Pushki by the throat in order for him to be unable to yell for help. "Now, we can do it two ways," I said. I got out my gun and smiled. "We can make an agreement, or I shoot you," I said. I directed my gun to the stallion's chest. "I hope that I miss the heart," I said darkly. "Because then, you are one inch away from death, but you are miles away from life. The only thing in between is pain without end. So which choice is it?" I ask. "Oh, and don't think calling for help, the building has bombs all over it," I said. Bullet Count looks at me with a death glare. I give my signature smirk and Bullet Count instantly saw my bluff. He tightened his grip. "He isn't joking, if he blew up the last place sky high, what do you think he's going to do with yours? I heard he wanted to try to use extra," he said, smirking. He lets go of Led Pushki and the stallion stumbled before getting his stance back. He breathes in and sighs. "I not want to fight you, I just want agreement," he said. "I thought we could have good team, but I suggest we calm down," he continued. I nodded. "Alright, we can do that, now let us have a nice little talk," I said as he gulps with wide eyes. We sit around a table with a red cloth on it that has gold embroiderings of dragons and fire. The restaurant we're eating at is rather small, but it is crawling my guys at every corner. I keep eating my deluxe hay burger with a nice glass of AJ Daniels. Led Pushki was eating his fancy food along with Bullet Count and his mare friend Ruby. "You are nice business stallion Fire Shot," Led says. "You seem like merciless at first glance, but you prove to be rather elegant," he finishes. "Yes, well I can't take all the credit, my right hoof stallion here was the first to teach me table manners," I said. He laughs out loud at the joke. "I don't get it," Bullet says, getting a giggle out of Ruby. "You speak Equestrian rather well, but you have a certain accent, where were you born?" I ask. "I was born in Bearstoska. Bearstoska was nice home of many bears. Equestrian bears dim witted! I move to city when I was twelve, refugee of war. I grew up in schools much different. I had Equestrian language teacher. I no like many jobs in city, except ones with gun and money!" He said with a little laugh at the end. I joined him with a little laughter as well while Bullet Count and Ruby exchange glances. "How bout you? Are you from city?" He asked me. "No, I grew up in Ponyville, I had some friends, one I especially liked. I moved here to get a new job, and try a new life," I said. I dropped my smile and leaned over. "What I didn't expect, was a bunch of jackasses pissing me off," I said in a whisper. Everyone around the table looks at me with shock at my dark tone. "I started a gang after I found a new friend, and then after a few robberies, same douchebag takes my mare. Now, I'm going to get something straight, do you want to know why the last guy blew up?" I ask. Led has long dropped his smile and cheery attitude and replaced it with fear. "He messed with not only me, but my best friend. She is also someone I just hope to ask out one day. The lesson of this not-so-cheeky bed time story, was that whoever messes with me or my friends, Celestia help them if they survive after my first strike," I said. Bullet and Ruby exchange glances again. I put on my smile and sat up and downed my whiskey. "Does anyone want any AJ Daniels? I'm buying," I said with a complete change of attitude. I instantly knew it was a success when Led Pushki nodded slowly, keeping his eyes on me. "We are good friends, yes?" He asks rather fearfully. "Of course Led Pushki, but first, I want you to do something for me," I said. He nods quickly. "Do you know a white unicorn downstairs from your little hideout? She is one of my close friends, and I hope you are able to get a new place because I want to keep my friends. It's especially better if two friends got along," I said. Led Pushki is now pouring sweat as his anxiousness rises. He now notices my griffons and stallions with guns almost everywhere in the restaurant. He realizes he is all alone with no weapons or men. "Of course Fire, I will move right away," he said. I smiled. "And you won't harm her or her family and friends?" I asked. "I swear on my life," he answers. "Good," I said. "I'm happy we're able to make an agreement." Author's Note I did not mean to publish this chapter early, I thought it was still unpublished. I hope you understand. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 13: Life is Normal... //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 13: Life is Normal... It has been many weeks since the Russian dude and I had our contract. He was a stallion of his word, and moved. Rarity was confused, but she didn't complain. Rainbow still doesn't know my secret, and that's good. She's scared though, kept telling me to go back to Ponyville. It's pretty cool to know that other cities know my gang. They also fear The Hellbringers, but many ponies keep going about their daily lives. I coax Rainbow to come over though, she and I actually started dating. Funny how one movie can make you kiss a mare huh. Bullet Count is still in business, and he loves his job. Ruby is still bringing in some information. I've remodeled the hideout yet again, and now it's like a casino, four star hotel, and a business building wrapped into one. We're doing good on money, and the police still don't have a clue on what to look for. That is until one day, I messed up badly. I kept my gun pointed at the mare behind the count, waiting for Bullet Count to put all the gold bars in the bag. I have a diamond dog searching around for anything valuable and I have a pony keeping an eye out for any security measures. I kept my pistol pointed at the pony in front of me, and my friends seem to have gotten everything when we start leaving. Well, the pony keeping an eye out had turned out to be undercover. He's pretty good for a cop. Fooled everyone, but he was only able to turn me in. In hindsight, I probably should have some background checks for this guy. He acted very nervous throughout the heist. He barely paid attention to the briefing. I thought he was weird, but he acted like any other guy on our side. The part that made me sick, was that the others left me. They immediately drove off without me. I thought they abandoned me as soon as I was caught. Now, I'm sitting in a cell with a guy named Buffalo freaking Bill. Buffalo freaking Bill. He smells like dead rats, and eats like an animal. I sat on my bed as the first day in jail started, and the guy in top bunk leans over. "So, who're you?" He asks gruffly. "Fire Shot," I say. "Okay, who are you really?" He asks. "Fire Shot," I say again, devoid of any emotion. The only reason why is because I'm bored. "You ain't no tough guy from Hellrbingers, they never got caught for at least a year now," he says with an annoyed expression. "Well, the co leader's caught," I say. The buzzer on the wall buzzes and a security pony comes over. "Okay Mr Shot, come with me," he says. Buffalo Bill watches with wide eyes as I walk out to follow him and two other guards. "You're lucky to get a friend you know, I doubt anyone likes you at all, now make this quick so I can take my break," he says. I nod and sit down on a chair. I look up at the glass panel to see two ponies, Bullet Count and Rainbow. "Dude! It's you! You're that guy from the elevator!" Rainbow says. I smirk. "So, you guys remember little old me?" I ask with a gruffness. "Dude! I'm your bro! I would never abandon you! Also, you should do background checks from now on," he says. I gave an annoyed look. "right, not funny, well I have a knowing feeling that we can get you out!" He says. Rainbow nods with his statement, though she has a scared look. "Yeah yeah, so I found out that the guards that caught you are actually drug addicts!" He says. He then whispers," He bought from us most of the time." I nod. "Okay, how is that gonna help?" I ask. He looks left and right to make sure no one's watching. "When I say they are drug addicts, I mean big time," he says. I raise my eyebrow. "They think they can't survive without drugs, and we could do it two ways," he says. "We could either threaten to cut off their supplies or bribe them with more," he says. I face hoof. "There's an obvious choice," I say shaking my head. "If you threatened to cut off their supplies, they would just go off to find another drug dealer," I say. He thinks about this and a face of terror took over. He looks at Rainbow. "Told you it was a good idea to talk to Fire first," he says. "Wait, Rainbow made the plan?" I ask. She kind of looks down in embarrassment, nodding. I chuckled. "Good one," I say. She beams up a little. I know it kinda sounds wrong to say this, but I admire the fact that Rainbow risked her life for a prisoner who is obviously guilty! Of course, that raises some questions for me. "Well, just survive the next few days of prison and you're home free!" He says. They left on that last note, and I'm transported to my cell with Bill. "Holy crap you're the Fireh Shot! How'd you end up here?" He asks once the guards left us in our cells. I smirked. "Double fricken agent," I say. He nods looking down. "But don't worry, I've escaped prison before, and I'm gonna be let out soon," I say. I keep my dark smirk for the rest of the day. I munched on my slop as quietly as possible as the other prisoners were watching me. One prisoner walked up. "What're you in for punk?" He asks. I smile. "Well, I haven't done much," I say. I then started naming all the crimes I've committed. "Murder, drug trafficking, grand robberies, gun and weapons trafficking, more murder, more gun trafficking, illegal grouping, and my worst crime yet: handling explosives extremely illegally while also murdering hundreds." Everyone is silent as they watched me eat my lunch, either horrified or puzzled. One pony recognizes me and trembles. "You're Fire Shot!" He says. "Real perceptive of you Trotlock Holmes," I say. Sherlock is apparently Trotlock in Equestria. I can never figure out how they may these names without laughing at least once. As soon as my name was mentioned, everyone was dead silent, even the guards. The new guards had apparently heard of me, along with everyone else in this prison. The guards went back to socializing while a random stallions walks up. "So you blew up the building?" He asks. I nod without looking away. I dropped my smirk, because just now, I realized how many lives I had broken because they weren't part of it. "You're the one who killed my sister in that freaking blast?" He asks. I stopped chewing and swallowed. I sat silence for a few minutes before nodding slowly. He lifts up one hoof and strikes me across the face, and fell to the floor due to the force of it. Everyone went silent again. "She was not a part of that Celesria damn business! Why did she have to die?!" He yells. I got up slowly and sat down without a word. I just crack a smirk, making everyone's heart skip a beat as they all realized something. I'm not afraid of death. Author's Note I'm sorry I was late with this one, the second chapter will be coming soon though Cute and cuddly hugs for everyone! //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 14: Who Are You Really? //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 14: Who Are You Really? I sigh as I sat in my home, drinking the human vial. I tap my fingers on the sofa, throwing the vial into a trash can. I watch the television, seeing all the crimes everyone has committed today. I'm taking a holiday break for a week, everyone is. Bullet Count is going away to a resort. I on the other hand, am just going to spend time watching the news, have a couple of dates with Rainbow Dash, and chill. Bullet Count was the first to suggest a vacation as I was getting pissed off at some papers. He also gave me some card to see a therapist, saying I wasn't my usual self recently. I call bullcrap on that. I'm still me. I start having a train of thought as I watched TV. I'm not different than when I started was I? I'm still the lovable human of Equestria. Mostly. My mind started thinking about the explosion, when I had killed hundreds and hundreds of ponies. There were three hundred and ninety two injuries, and four hundred and thirty six deaths. I didn't know this until after I got out of prison. I didn't know how many innocent ponies died because of my action. No one was supposed to be hurt if they're not a part of this. It's okay if they are really bad, but if they had no idea what's going on... Rainbow Dash enters my apartment at about two thirty in the morning, hoping to give me a surprise gift. She saw me sleeping on the sofa, my head rolled back and my legs across. She smirked to herself and placed the gift on my coffee table. She looks at me before going into my kitchen to steal one of my chocolate muffins I usually guard with my life with. As she took some steps, my eyes crack open to see if the intruder was there. In my mind, I have no idea who just broke in. I silently grabbed a magnum I keep under one of my pillows. It's too dark as the television turned off automatically when Rainbow went to the kitchen. I silently loaded in one bullet and kept two in my pocket. I got up and swerved around with my gun. "Get down, now," I say darkly. I cock my gun to make my point. Rainbow freezes with the muffin in her mouth and shoots her hooves into the air. "... Rainbow? God damn you scared me!" I yell. She turns around, slowly nibbling the muffin. "What were you thinking entering my apartment without me knowing!?" I ask loudly. Rainbow winces at the unexpected noise level. "i just wanted to get you a gift," she mutters. "What gift?" I ask. She points to the box on my table, and I walked over. I open the brown cardboard box to find a golden ticket. "A ticket?" I ask. Rainbow slowly walks over. "N-no, a ticket to the gala," she corrects. I sighed again. I aim at my pillow and shot. Thankfully, one of my workers gave me an enchanted gun that doesn't make a noise, and it silences everything else. Once it completely stops, it dissapears. Rainbow looks down in shame after she took in what I said. "Sorry I scared you, I wanted this to be a surprise," she mutters. I put a hand on her head, ruffling her hair. "It's okay, but don't do that again next time okay?" I ask. The music in the air was at a fast pace since Pinkie was literally directing them. Twilight was having a nice, pleasant conversation with Celestia. Rarity was handing out ads for her boutiques and 'helping' Applejack decorate her wagon. Applejack would take all the decorations off and throw them away. I was accompanying Rainbow Dash as we were meeting all of the Wonderbolts. "So you're the human huh?" Spitfire asks. I nod with a lazy smile. "Yeah, I'm also Rainbow's date," I say. Rainbow blushes as everyone smirks. "Got any fire power at your place? Like pistols or anything?" Spitfire asks. I raise an eyebrow. "Why you wanna know?" I ask warily. She gets taken back by my attitude, and clears her throat. "I heard you were a g-good shot," she said. I smirk and nod. I drop it and grimaced. "Whoever told you is gonna pay," I say darkly, trying not to laugh. Spitfire's face loses all color as the Wonderbolts start getting nervous. I start laughing uncontrollably. "I'm just screwing with you, yeah I'm pretty good, I've never missed with a pistol. Sniper rifle on the other hand, I'm good with, but don't worry, I'll never aim at your head," I say jokingly/seriously while chuckling. Spitfire lets out a sigh of relief. Rainbow smiles. "He gotcha," she said. The party kept going, and I decided to go get some air. I walk out onto a balcony, feeling the breeze rush past me. There were a few ponies walking around too. I sigh as I kept still, hearing everything going on around me. I get spun around by a magical aura to meet somepony's eyes right up to my face. "I see all! And I see that you do not belong here!" She said. "Really? What gave that away?" I ask sarcastically. "The forces tell me everything! You are not a good man," she continued. I twitch a little in my right eye. "What do you mean miss? I just do some computer work here and there, nothing evil," I counter. The mare shakes her head. "Lies! Everyday you pull out the tube that spits metal! You have the accuracy of a mastered bow stallion! You fire your weapon with precision and silence! Only to gain riches of evil!" The mare screams, causing a really bad scene. Ponies are walking over to see what the commotion is. Including Rainbow Dash. "I don't know what you mean, if you'll excuse me-" I was cut off by the mare freezing me, and grabs the secret gun from my back and aims at me. "You are a dangerous monster! You have killed thousands without caring or even shedding regret! The only regret you have is the building!" She screams, shakily holding the gun. She lets go of me and I keep my hands in the air. "Careful, you don't want to make me angry, besides I don't know what you're talking about!" I yell back. She shakes her head. "Imbecile! You still deny the forces?!" "Yes I do," I say. I quickly rushed forward, slapping the gun out of the magical grip, surprising the mare. I used my left hand to punch her, and grabbed her head. I slammed it down and into my knee, knocking her into what I think will be a comma. I back away slowly, seeing the frightened faces of many. I grab my gun from the floor, making sure it's unscathed and look at Rainbow. Her face is full of fear, and shock. I sighed as I was walking back to the train to Manehatten, alone. Rainbow said she had to be off, something about a cutie map. I know it wasn't true, but I let her go anyway. I sighed again, realizing I need to breathe a little. I know what Rainbow wants to ask me, and I'm not prepared for it. "Who are you really?" //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 15: A Risky Heist //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 15: A Risky Heist This is the most stupidest heist yet. Bullet Count said we had a short window for Canterlot. We could inhabit our gang in Canterlot if we pull off this heist in Canterlot, taking out a big gang. It is kind of confusing, but u don't care. I'm sitting in the carriage, ignoring Bullet Count's ramble, thinking about Rainbow Dash. It has been two weeks since we talked thanks to the scene at the Gala. At least this is a better love story than Twilight. That movie was just 'nope' worthy. I still don't get why the hell that in the first movie, they just stared at each other. Oh well, I return to reality and see a red flashy hotel with four stars on the side. A sign said Living Great Luxury! I immediately sighed in shame at the hotel. Most luxury hotels at least have doors. This hotel has beads. "Is this a hippy's hotel?" I ask. Bullet shakes his head. "No, but a hippy runs it!" He says. "That is worse," I reply, getting out of the carriage. I slam the door close and look at Bullet Count. "Do we really need to take Canterlot? What if the princesses try to find us?" I ask. Bullet Count blew raspberry. "How many gangs do you think are in Canterlot?" He asks. I shrug. "Let us just say a lot, the princesses cannot track any of the gangs down due to they are too busy," he says. "Really? Wow, that's easy game right there!" I exclaim. He nods, and broke his smile. "But if we're gonna stay here for a while, we have to get some recognition," he states. I nod in return. "We have a little party to crash." It's eight o'clock in the evening, most fancy ponies sleep, except me, Bullet Count, and a group of ponies we're in. I keep my fully automatic pistol under my wing in secret, while Bullet Count has some rifle strapped to his back, concealed by a cloak. We both also have our gas masks ready for the night. I keep looking around the festive room. The room has a certain red tint along the blue walls from the lit up fountain in the middle, spurting out chocolate milk. I break my serious glare and lick my lips. I gallop over to the fountain and start filling a glass. Once it is done, I gulp it all up, being a fool for chocolate. Bullet Count face palms, laughing at the silliness. We start chatting with many ponies and griffons. All rich bastards. I keep trying to swig more chocolate than anyone, before almost throwing up. What the dummies do not know, is that me, Bullet, and Ruby (wherever she is) will start stealing some stuff in their private rooms. The hard part is when we change into some gang clothes and start threatening everyone with guns. Including a mini gun, which should pop up a little later thanks to an air time delivery. Bullet Count keeps it in check though, as to thanks to recent events I'm not trusted to have it. I keep my pistol hidden under my vest, hidden under my suit. As I walk around, talking to everyone, I bumped into a Pegasus, and before I snapped at her, I realized she was Rainbow Dash. I cursed under my breather as she turns to look at who's bumped her. I hid my face under my hat, and put on a gruff voice. "Watch where you're going miss," I say. She huffs and turns back around to talk to her friends. I smirk as it worked and continued. Bullet Count points to the back room and I nod silently. I went in, making sure no one followed. I wait a few moments before shutting off the power. Bullet Count is waiting on the roof to get a helicopter. I look at the dash board and turn on some random switches, eventually getting the helipad's. Bullet gets the mini gun and climbs down the stairs with a gas mask. I put on one as well and wait for the shots. I hear the whir of the mini gun before looking at he ballroom. Everyone is knocked out. The plan is: we would get in, turn off the lights to distract everyone, deliver the knock out gas mini gunner and knock everyone out to get their possessions. That includes: wallets, money, jewelry, and weapons if any. We will have ten minutes before the power comes on, or if any of the ponies wake up. This is a stupid heist in my opinion, it's too risky for exposure of our presence. It would give them a reason to fear us though, I dunno. As I got everything up, we head out the front door, leaving the sleeping ponies to their dreams. About two days have passed since then when there was a public announcement in front of the castle made by Celestia herself. I happen to walk by in pony form when I hear," Attention Ponies! There is a gang lose in the city by the name of the Hellbringers. Any suspicious acts of ponies or any other creatures are to be reported immediately!" She keeps repeating those lines and I smirk to myself on how stupid that was. She just told us to be careful, and nothing else. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 16: A Royal Visit... //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 16: A Royal Visit... I sigh as I read through the bills and papers of the gang's warehouse. Bullet is off to go get our mail, and is taking a little too much time. I look up to see Bullet back with the palest face ever. I walk over and he hands me a letter. I read it to find it was from the princesses. Celestia's asking us to meet her in the royal castle. I scoff. "Bullet, we're gangsters, and she expects us to do what she sa-" I was cut off when I notice two royal guards standing in front of our door. "... Okay then," I say calmly and got up. Bullet follows me as we are escorted to a carriage. I make sure they don't notice my revolvers behind my wings, and grinned when they don't check me. The carriage was rather small as we're being carried off to the castle. I look at one of the guards, "Hey, how did you guys find us?" I ask. The guard stays silent and stoic as we bump along the road. "... Do you speak Equestrian?" I ask. The guard keeps silent while Bullet's giving me a death glare. "... So... This is a rather roomy carriage," I say. The guards just keep staring straight ahead. At this point, I just shut up and enjoy the ride. Bullet Count and I sit in chairs in the dining hall, Celestia sitting across from us with Luna. I stared at our food and look up. "Poison?" I ask. Celestia shakes her head as she eats. I look back down and cautiously took a bite of my hay bacon and wait. I look at Bullet and nod before chow ing down cautiously. When we were done, Celestia wipes her snout with a napkin. "I have a proposition." She states. I glance at Bullet Count before staring at the sun princess. "There have been some... Other gangsters that have been harassing us, and we need help." She states. Bullet Count stares, open mouthed. I stared unamused. "Right, and you totally won't betray us later. Look, I appreciate the offer, but I don't think you know who you're talking to," I say. Bullet Count glares at me, silently threatening death. "I blew up an entire building filled with innocents, and you think I'll listen to you?!" I yell. Celestia nods. "Yes," she simply states. I smirk and leaned over closely. "Don't even think about threatening prison because I won't care, I'm not afraid of death," I say clearly. "I know," Celestia says. I lean back, squinting at her. "Then, what will you threaten me with? Slow torture? A slower death? Five hundred life sentences? What is your leverage?" I ask. Luna sighs, sipping her tea. Celestia grimaces. "Nothing. Other than you would obtain honor," she starts. I peek my ears. "Money," I lean in. "And you could be a hero," she finishes. I stared at her on the last one. "A hero?..." Silence enters the room, moments passive as I stared in sarcastic thought. "Hmm, choices choices, be declared a lame flank teacher's pet, or worse... I'll choose the latter. Besides, you have an army, a police force, and possibly spies. Why not send them?" I ask, turning to leave. "Because they're corrupted, and you're not." I stop as soon as she says that. I turn around, rage slightly filled my face. "Celestia, the day I'm a happy ass sparkly pantsy good doer, I'll be dead or pissed off!" I yell. Celestia sighs. "Fine, leave then. I'm sure you'll change your mind later," she says. "I won't," I state. It's right then, my phone rings. I pull it out and it's Ruby. "Hello?" Silence ensues as she told me the situation. Our supply chain we inhabited in Canterlot, thanks to the Russian, was just held captive along with some innocents. I gritted my teeth as I look at Celestia. "Celestia, I hope you realize we are indirectly helping you." Author's Note Yep, this chapter's short, shoot me. I've been very busy lately, and I have had a hard time trying to make chapters. I started making this chapter two weeks ago, and I finally had some time to actually work on it. I have also tried to do something else, and it's not finished, but I'll get to it. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 17: Sound of War //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 17: Sound of War A week has past, and Hearth's Warming is coming up fast. We needed to end this small little gang war fast. I keep checking my magically silenced magnum. "Oh boy, helping a princess indirectly, Bullet, aren't I a genius?" I ask sarcastically. We were in a carriage that had some nice bullet proof armor, weighed about two tons and is my favorite carriage since I just had to spray paint it. Bullet Count sighs in annoyance. "You didn't plan any of this Fire, I am pretty sure you cussed the princess out in your sleep last night," he says in a bored voice, grabbing a few chuckles from our comrades. That Russian dude gave us some help with ammo, saying if it would help us help him technically, he'll help. It's a weird way of looking at it, but it works. I feel like I am built up for this stuff as I feel my trigger finger itching. Bullet Count read my expression and sighed. "Fire Shot, you are gonna get a vacation after this, literally I can feel your sanity slipping." "Don't worry, I'm fine," I say. He shook his head. "No you're not, you need a big vacation after this. I bet some time back at 'hatten will help," he says. It's my turn to shake my head as I put up my magnum. The gang war was sorted into a simple kind of battle. Yes, rules are on everything. Even gang wars. They're simple, bring about eight men, two have pistols, two have rifles, two have smgs, and the last two have whatever. The last two are normally the leaders of the gang, hence me and Bullet Count. We come to a stop as we hear the sound of yelling. "Move it men! We don't know when these Hellbringers are coming! They may already be her so move!" A masculine voice yelled. All of a sudden, the carriage shook and fell over on its side. We got out quickly before a canon ball ripped through it. "They have a freaking canon?! The hell?!" I yell. I glare over at the canon shooter and he yells at my glare. This prompts him to speed up with reloading in order to fire me, but he was too late as I merely got out my gun and sent a bullet to his head. "Dumbass." "Merde! Zey're here!" A French accented pony yells. "Open fire!" The supposed leader yells. Judging by the fact that he's the only one shouting orders, I think he's the leader. Gun fire sounded through the street as bullets fly everywhere. I jump for cover successfully, though Bullet Count wasn't as lucky. A bullet had found its mark in the gryphon's chest, near his heart. He equals out of pain and goes limp. I panic and pull him over to cover. He was only a foot away from safety. I look at his gun wound, my rage starting to boil over. I called over one of my guys to keep watch on him while I take care of this my way. With blood on my hooves and wings, I grab my magnum, smiling with gritting teeth. To say I literally went insane was an understatement at this point. I ran out, guns blazing as each billet was successful at hitting an enemy. I duck for cover again through the window of a cafe. I peek out to shoot two or three rounds before reloading. One of my guys runs over to me, an expression of terror on his face. "Sir, I have something of value, but I don't know how to use it," he says. I extend my hoof to grab it. He gets out a grenade launcher and I look at him like he's stupid. "Okay, point at an enemy, pull the trigger, and try to kill someone else, but judging by the expression you have, you're too damn petrified. So, give it here and I'll get this done and over with," I say. He hands it to me and I get out of cover to fire a few grenades. The battle was over with in either fifty minutes to an hour and a half. I finally get to the boss, and I throw away my grenade launcher since I do not have any more ammo for it. I pull out my magnum, glaring at the boss gang leader. "Heh, hello, my name is-" the leader started, but I shot his leg. He screams in pain, doubling over. "I don't care. You probably costed me my best friend, and you think I care? I have news for you buddy, I couldn't give two craps on what your name is, who you are, or why you did what you did, but when you shot my friend, ohoho," I laugh, walking slowly towards him. I start recording with my phone as I get to him. He looks up, breathing heavily. "Now, I'm going to let you go if you say the magic word for something like that," I say. "Everyone you get an answer wrong, I'll shoot a part of you. Go." "What?!" "Wrong," I shoot his other front leg. "Agh!" He yells. "Wrong again." I shoot his third leg. "Please!" He desperately yells. "You suck at this game," I say. I shot his final leg. "Last chance," I say warningly. He starts sobbing and weeping loudly in distress. "I'm sorry!" He yells. I smile. "Good," I say. "Hope the afterlife is good to you," I state. He goes wide eyed. "B-but you said-" "I said I'd let you go, I never specified where," I say before his brain got a bullet. I nervously sat in the waiting room in the gang's place in Canterlot. I'm glad we decided to make a med-bay. "Mr Shot, Bullet wants to see you," says one of the doctors. I walk into the room, my eyes glued to the gryphon on the table, breathing steadily. "Sup Fire Shot? Did you kill him?" He asks. I nod and pull out my phone to show the video. After the video, he sighs. "You desperately need a break Fire Shot, if you go on like his to no end, you'll go crazy," he says. "Yeah, guess I'll go do that," I say. He nods. "Also, don't tell Ruby, she'll kill me," he says. The door behind me slams open. "Not only will I kill you, I'm going to bring you back to life so that I could kill you again!" Ruby yells. I flinch at the voice. She stomps to me, grabs me by the ear and starts dragging me away. She turns around and slaps me across the face. "I cannot believe you! You brought him to a gang war?! We're not immortal or invincible you moron!" She screams. "If I so much as head that he got hurt again I will personally get down her and beat your ass, do you hear me?!" She yells. I nod, afraid to say anything. She nods with anger and rushes over to Bullet Count. "You're not out of the woods yet, you are still in big trouble." She whispers loudly. Deciding to protect myself, I leave quickly before more yelling ensued. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 18: Nothing Is As It Seems... //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 18: Nothing Is As It Seems... Princesses are terrible at making people wait. I sit in front of the door of Celestia's chambers, tasked with waiting in one spot and be watched by five guards to see if you actually sit right. "... So... See that hoofball game Sunday? Crazy right?" I ask. Silence follows. "Knock knock?" I ask. Silence. "Guess nobody's home..." I feel the awkward silence penetrating my skull like a drill. "... Do you guards ever wonder why you're here?" I ask, desperate for a conversation. "I can actually relate to that," one guard says. "Because you just have to wonder, are we actually creations by Faust? Waiting to do her holy bidding. or some cosmic screw up waiting to be destroyed. I dunno buddy, but it keeps me up at night..." Awkward silence follows as I slowly turn my head to look at him. "What the actual hell are you talking about? I mean why are we here in this hallway waiting for Princess Sun-butt to get out." I say. All the guards chuckle at the embarrassment of their comrade. "Do you want to talk about it?" I ask. The guard in question shook his head furiously. "Are you sure? I have some books on philosophy to get your head straight," I say. Before the guard replied, the door of Celestia's chambers open. "Come in Fireshot," says Celestia. I walk in, the guards closing the door behind me. Immediately, the room felt off. It was like the room itself was fake. I shrug it off and look around. "You need to let the guards walk outside at least once or twice a day," I say. Celestia, in all her glory, was sitting in a chair with the most tired expression ever on her mirror. Behind her is a desk with mountains of unorganized papers probably ranging from important funds to mundane complaints. "... Goes for you too apparently," I say, a little intimidated by the amount of papers. Celestia nods. She brushes her hair straight before getting up to greet me properly. I still feel like something's off. It was like a radiation that I could see, and the source was Celestia. I tense up a small bit as she walks over. "Fireshot, I would like to personally thank you for your cooperation," she says. I shook my head. "It was in my best interest," I say. It wasn't for her or the country, just for me and my buddies. "Where is your friend?" She asks. I scoff. "Why would you wanna know?" I ask. She shoots me a glare. Chills went up my spine. "I want to know my citizen's well-being," she says. I shook my head. "Sure, why not that excuse. Celestia, I can already judge by your looks that you don't give two craps about my gang's interests or well being," I say. "You want something else. What is it?" I ask. She smirks. "Oh, getting smart are we?" She asks. I smirk, shaking my head. "No, just figuring out something piece by piece," I say. She laughs cheerfully like she knows better. "Well, there is no puzzle here, and no mystery. I want you to do something rather, dirty-" "Lemme stop you right there, I am not that kind of stallion," I say. She smirks. "You could only dream of getting me, but no, I need you to, oh I dunno, make an attack by your gang," she says. I look at Celestia, trying to put two and two together. "Who?" I ask. She chuckles darkly. "To me," she says. Silence follows before I bust out laughing. I drop my laughter and frowned. "Right, and I'm a good guy," I say sarcastically. "Why the hell would I attack you?" I ask. She smiles. "Thank you for asking, see ponies think that I have been... different recently. Saying I am making rash decisions and improper accusations, but I need to make it clear that I am still their ruler," she says. I look scan her room as she monologues like a super-villain. I caught a letter on the desk besides her work. It is said to go to a pony named Putakas. "Ponies will start to love me less, and then I'd be taken off the throne," Celestia continues. I notice a flicker of a green fire on the reflection of the mirror. "Then, I will go starving and die," she says. I look at the "Celestia, realizing something. "Alright, I guess you made your point. I'll schedule it for five days, nine o'clock at night. Be unprepared," I say. Celestia lowers her head, smiling darkly. "Good, do not be too late," she says, chuckling. I take my leave, heading out. I walk past one hall, being stared at by many guards. Something was very off, and I start freaking out. I walk faster, faster, and faster as I feel the eyes of guards staring me down with menacing smirks and chuckles. I break into a full gallop as I head to the stairs. As I seemingly fly down the stairs with speed, I have the feeling something is following me. I look to my left at the fifth floor, and see a garbage shoot. I scream internally on the inside as I climb in, smelling the stenches of death's perfume. I start sliding down until a sudden drop surprises me. The metal walls around me fly by faster by the second as I fell to what could be my doom. I land in a dump, smelling like rotten cheese and climb out as quick as I could. I start breathing once I leave the castle's premises. I look back, knowing what kind of creature I had encountered in Celestia's bedroom. I hope I can kill her before it's too late... Author's Note Boom, plot twist. I'm sorry I don't work on this story much, but there is a seperate story that I am making that will be done when it is published. In the meantime, hope you guys enjoyed! //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 19: Count Bullets... //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 19: Count Bullets... I got into my office, where Bullet Count is waiting. I am as pale as Luna's Moon. Bullet Count looks up and tilts his head, seeing my face. "You okay Fire? You look a little si-" "We need everyone on deck," i interrupt, my paleness being overtaken with determination. "I found out about our 'Princess'. She's a changeling." Bullet Count stares at me as I rummage around the bills and papers out of my drawer. "I want all of our own changelings to be supervised in some way shape or form as long as it is an actual supervision. They may or may not be under control of... her..." I slow down, coming to a complete stop as a realization hits me. This was all a trap. _________________________________________________________________________________ I watch Fire Shot, slowing down to a stop as I see the look of solving a puzzle come to his face. He turns to me, smiling wide and excited. "Oh my God Bullet Count! Do you know what this means!?" He yells. I shake my head. "Um, no? I-I still don't understa-" I started, only to be shushed by Fire's hoof. "I'll explain later! For now though, gather up our men! Forget what I said the first time! I have an excellent plan!" He practically yells. He rushes out of the room, leaving an eerie silence. I sighed, shaking my head. I have no idea what Fire Shot's seen or heard, but I guess I'll follow orders. I get out of the office and turn a sharp left in order to go to my space. Suddenly, one of our changelings pop up in front of me, green blood trailing down from his horn to his chin. I jump back in surprise, yelping. He shushes me, looking around. I immediately saw the signs. "Intruder?" I ask. He nods in response, scared as if the tiniest squeak from him will kill him. "Just one?" He nods again. I grimaced, knowing what species it might be judging by what Fire Shot's ramblings. "Enemy changeling?". He looks down, and nods. I nod and rush into my office, turning on the mic. "Everyone, this is a not a drill, a changeling intruder has been spotted by our own forces inside the building. Keep alert for suspicious activity, and do not kill it, we need it alive!. An enemy changeling is in the premises, this is not a drill!" I turn to the injured changeling. "What is this month's password?" I ask him. He looks up in thought. He takes a pencil and paper and shakily draws: password. I sighed. "You're one of ours. I still think this is the stupidest password ever." I watch Fire Shot, calmly having his two back hooves on the desk. Something doesn't feel right. "Hey Fire, what is this month's password?" I ask cautiously. He looks over to me and smirks. "Password, and no it is not stupid! It is genius!" He says. "It is so stupid, that no one would even guess it!" He says. I groan in metaphorical agony. A diamond dog runs in, panting. "Sir! We has the intruder! Can wes bring 'im to yous?" He asks, out of breathe. I nod, Fire Shot just lazily nods. The guards bring in a changeling, calm and collected as he is shoved into a seat in front of Fire Shot. Fire leans forward squinting at our intruder. "Hello Fire Shot. How're you feeling?" He asks. I quickly look between Fire Shot and the changeling a few times before he responded. "I dunno. Buzzing around, busy as a bee. You on the other hand," he says, pulling out a gun. I sat stoically as he points it at the head of our intruder. "... Get off with a warning." I broke my emotionless trance and stared at Fire Shot. "What? But he broke in!" I say, not believing what I'm hearing. Fire Shot smirks. "He's only here to check up on us, making sure we are actually going to prepare for this," he says. I stare at him, wondering what kind of plan is going on through that head of his. As I drive him to his place from the train, Fire Shot stares out the window, expressionless and almost emotionless. I glance at him over my shoulder. "Hey Fire, you okay?" I ask. He snaps out of it and looks at me. "Huh? Yeah, I'm fine! Just nervous is all," he says. I nod. I stop at his apartment building, letting him out. I drive around and park close to the exit and I enter the building. I don't think this is the Fire Shot I know. I quietly follow him until the elevator, where he relaxed. That is until I walked in as the door closed. He opens his eyes and sees me towering over him. "Hey, I think I left something in your pad, can I see if I can get it?" I ask. Fire Shot stares at me, going over what I said like it was a life-or-death problem. "Sure dude, just let me go in first," he says. I nod. We walk in to his apartment, clean and spotless like no one has used it in years, but there was some guy who thought it will be revamped one day. Fire Shot's a bad influence on me if I think like that. In the corner of my eye, Fire Shot lies down on his couch and takes the remote to the TV instantly. "Hey Fire, I was talking to my friend the other day, and he said something about a human, do you know what that is?" I ask. He looks up in thought. "Um, no not really," he says. I quietly went to his kitchen. He's not Fire Shot. I gotta have a topic with him to keep him distracted. "Oh, too bad. Hey, uh, how's your relationship going with the mares?" I ask. I find a silencer and grimace. Where the hell is his spare gun he brags about?! "Oh um, awesome! I uh, hit up about three the other day, and found this smokin' hot mare in a club," he lies. I find a piece of a pistol. "Oh yeah? Cool! I think my stuff is here somewhere," I say. "Hey Fire? Can you look in the bathroom for me?" I ask stupidly like a five year old. He nods and gets up, walking down the hall. I stealthily get to the couch and find another piece of a pistol. I just need a clip to unload. "Hey Bullet, are you sure it is here?" Fake Fire asks. "Very sure!" I respond. I go over to the TV and moved it a little bit to find a stack of clips. "Faust, you'd think he's preparing for zomb-ponies or something," I mutter. I load the gun and put on the silencer. Don't want neighbors hearing this stuff. I ran over to Fire Shot. "Dude, I really don't think it's he-" He was interrupted with a silent shot to his wing. Silence played out for a moment before I instinctively muffled his snout as he screamed in pure agony. He slumps to his right and starts crying in pain. "Pay back for mine," I say. I walk over and look at his blood. As some red blood spills, green stuff also spews out. I gag before looking at it again. "You were Fire Shot, you just weren't in control... hm. Oh well, still, it's pay back for shooting me in the wing." I say, putting the gun in my gun pistol pouch. I look at Fire's face. "Fire Shot, you alright?" I ask. He sobs a little before looking up. "If I ever start talking about a mare like that, does not matter who, shoot my leg," he says. "Because those were the most disgusting thoughts I have ever seen. Good catch none the less, but my freaking wing!?!?" He yells. I smirk. "I learn from the best," I say. Author's Note I'm sorry for being late on delivering chapters, I was pretty busy lately and I have a story in mind to publish when I finish up one of the stories now. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 20: Final Steps //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 20: Final Steps Bullet Count helps me up, as I wipe my tears of pain away like a three year old. "You're right, that does hurt," I say weakly. He nods with a humph. "Yeah it does, now come on," he says. I nod, wincing as I look at me wings. "They'll be fine Fire," he says. I nod. Hell has been set loose, cannons of the fortress/castle are set off, artillery from my guys are going off. Machine guns are to be posted as soon as we break down the door. For the most part, the queen did not look happy. She's looking down at me, scoldingly. I smirked at her expression and held up one of my feathers at her. Bullet Count looks at my wing. "... Wrong feather," he says simply and continues directing fire. I look at my wing and groan. I adjust it a little and earned a gasp from the doppelgänger princess. "I think she realizes you're not controlled anymore," Bullet says. I nod. "Oh yeah, now I'm pissed. I got scared, thrown into garbage, got mind controlled, hallucinated, and had my wing shot at, IN THE SAME FREAKING DAY!!!" I start yelling. My comrades start going at a faster pace at my raising voice. "Oh yeah, I want some sweet ass revenge," I say. I hear the sound of triumph as the gate finally crashes down, providing a nice path. "Onwards my friends! We're going to do some good for once!" I scream, getting cheers all around. Machine guns are promptly posted, fending off the spear-wielding guards with ease. The anti-magic spell seems to work for the most part. I get out a magnum and start shooting rapidly. I keep getting kills, guards that turned out to be changelings run away in fright. I smile almost insanely at all the chaos. I quickly charge into the throne room, finding Queen Chrysalis on the throne, giving orders to drones. "... And make sure he DOES NOT come in HERE! Remember, he's only a pony-" She turns to me and stops. "Gel, I'm only one pony. Though, you gotta admit, I have some kick-ass style am I right?" I ask. The drones hiss at me, earning a head shot each. "We honestly could have had a thing going on for us Chrysy, but you proved stupid. One, I have a co-founder who knows me well, two, no real back up plan for if I break out of your trance. Then, this one messed ya up big time, three, I had everything you planned, mapped out in my head since you gave the instruction when I was controlled," I say. Chrysalis scoffs. "Petty pony, you are not as smart as you think you are," she grins maliciously and throws a vial at me. It breaks on impact, covering me with a green liquid. I stare at it for a few moments. "... What is this? Your saliva? Was it supposed to be acid or-" "How are you not affected?! Aren't you alive?! Aren't you a pony?!" She yells. I scoff. "Not exactly, I was not originally a pony," I say. Chrysalis gasps, backing up, only to hit the throne. "W-What are you?" She asks in fear. I chuckle as Bullet Count walks in. "I guess you could say I'm the Devil, bitch," I say, ending the sentence with a shot from my gun. Her body slumps to the floor, green goo staining the carpet. "... That was way too easy," I say. Bullet nods. "That's right master," he says. I sigh and shoot the fake Bullet's head. The real Bullet Count walks in. "I hate changelings," he says, shooting the dead body again for good measure. Muffled cries sounded in the room. I hear thumping from the throne and shoved Chrysalis' body off. I pushed the oversized chair to see a concealed door in the floor. I unlock it and open, seeing a thin, dirty and pitiful version of what seems to be Celestia, reaching out to knock on a door, gasping at the new faces. I pull her out and she hugs me, crying for the release of her imprisonment. Bullet gives me a worried look. I nod. I start stroking her mane, shushing her, hopefully calming her down. She doesn't really calm down, though she does cry some more. After a month, I was found in a store LEGALLY buying stuff. I was brought in to the newly built Canterlot Castle, to a room bigger than my apartment. I was sat across from the most powerful made in Equestria. She sips her tea, although very shakily. I cleared my throat in awkwardness. She looks up at me and smiles. "Sorry, Fire Shot was it? I um..." She falls silent, trying to pick the right words. "... This is funny, I was kept in a room some ponies used for an outhouse, by an insane mare who didn't know what to actually do, and I'm wanting to personally thank the most wanted criminal in all of Equestria for my rescue." "... If it makes you feel better, I did take back the castle for good intentions," I say. She giggles softly. She stares at me, having a knowing look. "... I think I heard you say you weren't a pony, correct?" She asks. I sighed. Nodding, I took a sip of tea. She takes a sip too. "... Who are you really Fire Shof?" She asks. I sat silently. I take out a vial of my own making, uncorked it and took a sip. The familiar modeling of my body morphs back into human. Although I change back everyday, I never get used to it. Celestia simply stares at me. Then it clicked. "... Anon? Why are you like this?" She asks. I sighed, my clothes also morphing to fit me thanks to a few spells. "It's also funny for me too ya know? I was always wishing to get away from my old life, start fresh as a decent person... Yet here I am, happy with how rotten I actually am... I don't want to pull the plug... I don't want to go back to being normal... What started as simple revenge turned into... This!" I say, using my hands to gesture all of myself. "Now I run a mob that's the most dangerous organization in Equestria... I have to tell Rainbow all this soon though, she's getting an idea of what I'm like, but it's off. At first she joked about it, but as soon as I even mention anything related to mobs, she shuts up like I slapped her or something... It's not easy for me, and I know it's not easy for her either... I just hope I can make it right somehow..." Silence lingers on, Celestia taking another shaky sip of tea, I'm just taking a nibble of cake. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 21: Old Friends //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 21: Old Friends Breathing helps a lot sometimes. Breathing can calm one down, take a grand look on life, realizing you will die and it will be okay as long as you don't go to hell. For me, it just makes me hyperventilate as I'm trying to figure out what to tell Rainbow. This secret of being a gangster thing is starting to do nightmares. I'm still sharp in my programming skills, and acting like i work for a computer company is easy. Except now Rainbow's getting more and more clues about my whereabouts. Rainbow knocks on the door, making me yelp. "Uh, Come in!" I say. She opens the door, and I motion for her to sit beside me. "What is it Anon?" Rainbow asks. "Well... I'm part of..." I stutter. Rainbow nods, gesturing for me to go on. "A kind of corrupted place in society." I say with a nervous smile. Rainbow simply stares at me for a few moments in disbelief. "What?" She asks. "I'm part of a bad group of people." "... A gang?" "... Yes..." Silence ensues for eternity before Rainbow nods. "Okay." Silence. "... I-Is that it?" I ask fearfully. "Well, I took a few wild guesses. I didn't expect it sure, but it was a guess. Well, if that's all, I'm going back to my house. Call me sometime for a date okay?" She asks and pecks my cheek. I just sat in silence as she exits the apartment. "... WHAT?!" Later I sighed at the amount of paperwork this month. A couple of cops using our weapons, some business with a little mishap at a train station involving a failed mugger, and a gang's letter- wait a minute. I raise an eyebrow of interest as I realize there was a gang intrigued by our reputation. I pick it up and read the words aloud to myself. "Dear Fire Blast and Bullet Count, we saw your work in the papers, we saw your work in Canterlot, and we see everything else everyday. We think it's time you let us meet. Toll street, midnight. Courtesy of, Tag from the Sanktas." "So who's going?" Bullet asks, scaring the crap out of me. "I've heard about them, they're a crazy gang, almost like you. I've heard their leader shot up millions of lives, and doesn't regret a single one. Rumors have been spread around that he's from another world." "Really?... Alright, I guess we should go over to them and say hi. This letter came in today right?" Bullet Count nods. "Good, nice to know that they're not disappointed yet." "Yet? What do you mean 'Yet'? Don't you want to see this guy as a friend?" Bullet asks. I nod my head to the side. "He sounds too untrustworthy, but I'll give him a shot. Grab an LMG or something, we may need it," I say, grabbing a pistol from my drawer. I stop for a second, just now realizing what gang 'Tag' is from. "No way. Hmm." "What're thinking about my friend?" Bullet asks, putting the LMG in his holster on his back. "... You'll see, let's go amigo," I say. We walk up to an old looking warehouse, it's shadiness is screaming 'BadGuys Shoot Here'. "Remember Bullet, don't shoot unless I say so," I say. He nods and follows me in. It was dark, little to nothing is visible. I can feel a gun's aim at my head. I stop walking and smirked. "Nice little set up ya got here dude. It just screams ambush," I say. Chuckling was heard and a pony with shades on walks into the moonlight. "Good job man, normally ponies are not that smart. So what happened to you, got fired and started a little set up of your own? That's what I've heard, from rumors anyway-" "Don't care, I'm just wondering if I have to blow crap up. I also wonder if you are who I think you are. Any chances you, I dunno, were from Earth or something?" I ask. The pony in question stops in his tracks and turns to look at me. Tension fills the air, triggers are so close to firing a gun. Two people could start a full out war if they wanted to. I assume his name is Tag, as the pony walks up to me, a stern look liable to turn into a glare. "Yeah, how do you know? Spies are on our side too?" He ask. I shook my head. "Nah, you just remind me of someone who abandoned me. I went to jail that night, then off to prison. I broke out and somehow got teleported over here. My question is-" I step forward, sizing him up, "where were you when I needed you?" I ask in a very menacing voice. He scoffed. "The meeting? Well, let's just say that there were some complications that made me take a one-way ticket to Pony world." "..." "..." We smiled slowly as I stopped myself from being too sinister and slapped his back laughing. "Holy crap dude, it has been way too long! When did ya start your little business here?" I ask. 'Tag' chuckles. "I didn't really start it, Boss did. He went missing though, and I had to take his place. We found his corpse behind a building that belonged to Pontek. We planned to blow it up, but someone beat us to that part," he says. He turns around towards the darkness. "Alright everyone, put your guns down, they're cool!" He says. The light turns on, revealing five shotgun users, four smg users, and one guy chilling with an RPG. Bullet Count kept staring at us confused. "... What happened?" He asked. I smiled over at him. "This is my budd-" 'Tag' nudges me. "Don't say my real name dude, I'm not that comfortable yet," he says. I nod understandingly. "Alright, this is tag, he's also human!" I say. Bullet Count tilts his head. "Judging by what he said earlier he must have been in a similar predicament like me. I'm guessing he also uses the potions that you give me. He's one of the only people I ever got along with on Earth." "Damn skippy. Now, tell me about your story," he says. //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 22: A Cake, Shock an' Awe! //-------------------------------------------------------// Chapter 22: A Cake, Shock an' Awe! After our little meeting with the Sanktas last week, we had a little agreement. One: We are co workers, and will help each other out when necessary. Two: they get discounts on weapons. Three: we can have any information they have. It's a good little companionship. Now, I'm sitting in Manehatten's Hellbringer's office, seeing what all we need to pay for. Electricity, weapon repairs, carriage repairs, and- "WHAT THE HELL?!" I yell loudly, getting out of my chair. Five thousand bits for repairs on plumbing. I immediately took action, turning on the mic. "Hello, will the ONES RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS MASSIVE FREAKING BILL ON PLUMBING PLEASE GET THE HELL IN MY OFFICE RIGHT NOW!!!" I practically scream into the microphone. I see Ruby poke her head in with wide eyes, but a sharp glare from me makes her yelp and jerk her head out of the doorway. I breathe in and out slowly, trying to figure out how the hell someone does this. A few diamond dogs walk into my office, shaking, and probably about to crap their pants if they wore any. "Y-Yes boss?" One asks. I breathed in, and exhaled slowly, and turned the bill to face them. "What does this say?" I ask. They all gulp and look at it. They shrug fearfully, as they cannot read. "It says that we- no, I have to pay FIVE THOUSAND bits to pay for this 'little issue'. Now ally when I look at it, I have to pay ONE thousand. So tell me, why did it go up four thousand more bits for your mistake?" I ask. "How in the whole management of hell, did you do this crap?!" I yell. One of them raises their hand, and I nod. "We saw someone flush a gem in the toilet..." Silence plays out as all emotion I had has now vanished. "We saw that we could not fit bowl, so we dig through most of the pipes instead..." "... Let me get this straight, you intentionally did this, to get something that has next to no real value, and cause so much destruction of our pipelines and- actually, no screw this, hold out your paw everyone," I say. All the dogs do and I take a knife and stabbed them. They all yelp. "Tell me, did I find your common sense now?" "Huh? W-what?" "Apparently not," I say, stabbing each paw again. They all scream in sharp pain before crying a little bit. "How about now, do you have the common sense to let something go if you can't get it without destroying OUR equipment and materials without anyone's say so?" I ask. They all nod, whimpering for their injured paws. "Good, now get out of here and return when your paws are all fixed up. Say you had a cooking accident or something." They nod. "Yes sir," they muttered. One turns his back and mutters a couple of curse words at me. I pick up the knife and use my wing to throw it. The metal digged into the right foot of the one who talked crap about me. "Remember, common Celestia-damn sense," I say. He nods reluctantly and keeps walking. I sighed, tired. The room went silent again as I read through the bills. I stuff various bits into envelopes, and jump when I hear knocking. "Come in," I say, still not looking up. "Hey Boss," Ruby says, trotting over with a calendar. I look up to see that Bullet Count is also there, smiling widely with Ruby. "We got a surprise for you!" She says. I slowly smile, my tired eyes not looking away as I figure it out. "Nah," I simply say, returning to yet more paperwork. "Come on Fire! I haven't seen you get off the desk for two days! Two days, Fire!" Bullet Count says. "Isn't your birthday worth getting off work for?" He asked. I sighed, turning to him with a look of utter unamusement. "...No," I say simply before returning to my paperwork. Aw hell, there's a unique bill. Bills bills bills. Which ones to actually pay and which one to call out the bullcrap. I know for fact that no one would order a freaking chocolate cake of that... Magnitude........... I slowly turn to Bullet Count, a smile of patience following. "Cake huh?" I ask. The couple frowns at my sudden knowledge. "Um... Maybe?" He asks. I sigh, rubbing my temples. "... Did we get the flavor right?" He asks. I chuckle. "Yeah, you got it right. I freaking love chocolate!" I exclaimed, throwing my hooves up with a huge smile. Both of my companions sighed in relief. "I'll have to eat it later though, I got work." "Nope, you're coming with us," Ruby says before dragging me off somewhere. I grumble and gripe, but I don't speak a word against this knowing the attempts would be fruitless. We arrive at the train station in Ponyville after long amounts of bumping and low rumbling. They blindfolded me for no reason. "Guys, I know the layout of Ponyville, you're taking me to Sugarcube Corner right?" I asked as we started to approach the building. "Shush! It's supposed to be a surprise," Bullet said. I roll my eyes under the blindfold. I hear the bells of the door to Sugarcube Corner and a bright as hell light clouded my vision. "SURPRISE!!!" A crap ton of voices yelled. I could finally see and saw everyone around us. Everyone was smiling, Pinkie's smile the brightest. "So! Were you surprised?! Were ya? Were ya?!" Pinkie asked a million miles per hour. "... Totally," I said, knowing my sarcasm would fly over her head. It did. "Woo! That was close! Because this morning my tail twitched, I blinkity blinked six times and my mane straightened down then went back up and then twitched too! Good to know my Pinkie sense was wrong for once!" She said. Her eyebrow furrowed, belly rumbled, and knees wobbled. "What does that mean?" I ask. "Oh I'm just hungry silly-willy!" She said happily before bouncing off to a table with food. "... Alright, so where's the cake?" I asked. I got cake, hung out with Rainbow Dash, and finally drank all the spiked punch I could. Rainbow and I had a contest, and of course, I won. I think... Present "...Truth be told I can't remember," I say to my just-now-sober griffon friend Bullet Count. He sighs. "Then you took a microphone and sung something like 'Pink Fluffy Unicorns, dancing on Rainbows,'" he says. I nodded. "Yeah, I did that too... Now tell me this-" I gesture to the nine meter hole in our office. "Why the hell do we have that?!" I almost yelled. He winced. "Um... I think you said something like, 'I need to show my friends some Shock N' Awe' or something like that. Then you grabbed Ruby, by the scruff of her fur and her tail, and started to spin the tail to 'charge her'. Then you screamed-" Flashback... "Say Ello to mah leetle fweend!" I screamed, laughing maniacally as I started to blast the office from the inside after having a brilliant conversation with Bullet Count. He told me that I'm not good at aiming, so he dared me to blast a bottle across the room. Sure the bottle was knocked over, but I hit everything else! I hit the wall, the calendar, the bottle, the wall, the right side of my cabinet full of expensive stuff, the wall, and I think I hit someone............ Nah.