12 years ago the Royal Sisters had issued an arrest warrant for a Unicorn Stallion only known as "the Vigilante". Now, both of the Sisters believe that they might actually be finally catching up to this pony. Within his abandoned hideout, all the paper files and videotapes the Vigilante stole. As well as everything he's written down and recorded. Maybe now they could find a pattern based on the information they find, and figure out the reasoning for the Vigilante's actions.
Princess Celestia, now with Scorn the Klyntar, and Princess Luna are now waiting for those documents to arrive. They chose to do their investigation in the Canterlot Castle library. A Royal Guard then came up to them and bowed.
"Your highnesses. The items you have requested from the Vigilantes' hideout have arrived" he said.
The library's doors then opened and in came carts upon carts of files, offloaded by the guard's magic as they went by. After about thirty carts went by the line ended and the large round table the Princesses were going to use was cram packed. Some files and tape recorders were even spilling off.
"Uhh, the hideout was very cluttered your highnesses" the Guard laughed nervously.
"Indeed, you are dismissed" said Princess Luna.
The Royal Guard left the library and the princesses with Scorn immediately went to work. At first they sifted mainly through the personal files of other ponies which included medical records, among other things. They also found the spell books that Twilight Sparkle had reported stolen. There were even first hoof observation files made by the Vigilante. Then suddenly, Princess Celestia came to a realization.
"It wasn't just criminals this pony was watching, he knew everything about everypony. Why?" Princess Celestia said.
"Perhaps the answers we are looking for are in here" said Scorn.
She was holding up a box in her tendrils, it was labeled "Personal Logs".
"Yes, these should give us an idea of how the Vigilante thinks" said Princess Celestia.
Whilst looking at the logs, both paper and on recording devices, the Trio found it had logs of many different ponies, including the Vigilante.
"Ah ha! We are finally triumphant in identifying the Vigilante. His name is Aiden Pearce" said Princess Luna.
Luna brought over a cassette player to play the audio tapes.
"Alright Aiden, lets see what you were thinking" stated Princess Celestia as she pressed play.
The first logs were mainly about his foalhood...
'I made fast progress with my magic, I even made some of my own spells, but that was because I was very motivated. Considering the town me and my family lived in. Also what my father told me about the type of people that lived here. I wanted to be prepared for anything. When I learned that magic stamina was different than physical stamina I decided to learn how to fight without magic. There were ways to suppress magic so I had to be ready for if that happened to me. I started doing physical training and weight lifting, learned how to shoot. I needed to maximize my energy to keep fighting.'
Next log...
'The first time I committed an act of vigilanteism was when I was 17. My dad showed me that days news paper, it was about recent mass foalnappings that occurred throughout the town. I looked at my little sister and couldn't stand the idea of her being foalnapped by whoever these fucks were. I did some digging and reconnaissance using a spell that enabled me to connect with cameras. This allowed me to see through walls and listen in on conversations I should not be hearing. These ponies bought off the Royal Guard that were stationed at my town, I couldn't believe my ears.
I found their base of operations and if the Royal Gaurd wasn't going to do anything, then I was. However, I couldn't do it alone, so I found some pony to help me. His name was Jordi Chin. He didn't particularly care about me but my offer of all the money we find from these slave traffickers was unbearable to him. He became an adolescent "friend" who I could call upon to help me. Jordi was from a rich family that really only cared about money.
I also learned how powerful blackmail could be that day. Because after me and Jordi destroyed their operations, we found a large stockpile of files that had all the Royal Guards dirty little secrets. The ones that didn't have secrets had their families in danger. No wonder the Royal Guard didn't mess with them. I just couldn't believe the amount of bad people I saw and it seemed like no pony, not even the princesses, noticed. It has to stop.'
Next Log...
About my friend Jordi Chin, he can sometimes be annoying because he's eccentric. Always wants to wear a suit. His family is very rich and are always looking looking for more ways to make money. Because of the big payoff I gave Jordi when we busted the slave traffickers, his family offered me a deal. I would bring them large amounts of money and they would give me 25% of the sum. I would bring that 25% to my family. Everything I did, oftentimes violent, was always for my family. I was a lot like my dad. Whatever he did, he always did it for his family'
The next log was about Aiden getting his cutie mark...
'The cutie mark defines the pony. Mine represents my desire to protect those I care about and the innocent. However the spikes on the shield mean I also want to hit back with great lethality and effectiveness. I got mine when my sister was out with her colt friend and was attacked. They beat up Nicky's colt friend and nearly raped her, but I was there. I was monitoring the date just to make sure Nicky was safe. I felt all the rage a pony could possibly feel as I shot the thugs dead with my magic from the shadows. After I got home I looked myself over for injuries I found that my flank was no longer blank. That shield with sharp spikes is who I am.'
The most resent two logs were recorded after the incident of Chicagcolt that occurred about five weeks ago...
1: 'Damien Brinks was a Pegasus stallion who wanted the power of a stone called the Bellwether Stone, witch he used to cause the tornadoes in in Chicagcolt. It was one of the many enchanted items Iraq had, along with his massive pile of Blackmail. I came to him in the first place because I needed to get as much money to the Chin family as possible. This is because of my deal with Jordi Chin and his family. We were in the middle of robbing the Merlot Hotel when we came across a videotape that was modified to fit in a specific player. We didn't think much of it at first since we were there for the money.
However, that video was so dangerous that Lucky Quinn, who thought that we were after the video, ordered a hit on both of us. My niece died as a result. My sister cried for two days and two nights and my nephew Jacks stopped talking altogether. I hated seeing them in their broken state.
2: 'I wanted my family, and Lena, but I was just so selfish. I kept going after the ones involved with my niece's murder instead of being with my family to help them heal. I wasn't killing others for my family but for my own satisfaction. I kept trying to rationalize it in my mind that I was going to make things better by killing the ones involved with Lena's death. Lucky Quinn was right, if I had walked away he would have forgotten about me and I could have lived my life. Even Damien Brinks made me question my actions when he reminded me that I had just killed others, not because they were bad but just because they were in my way.
Everyone wants something, Maurice Vega wanted to get out of a life of crime and be with his wife, Abigail. I was part of the reason why he lost her, because I didn't die. When something terrible happens you become overwhelmed. You want it. You don't know how but you want it. You do irrational things because the trama changes how you think. The thing is, I thought punishing the one who took away Lena would make me feel better, it didn't. That's because I still didn't have what I wanted, family.
If you don't stop at a certain point your actions will defeat the purpose of whatever you're trying to do in the first place. You won't get what you want so It's counterproductive. I should've walked away. You have a great power when you feel hate. You can end the conflict right then and there if you let that hate go. Just giving into the hate seems weak to me now. Not hating takes a strong mind. So that would mean that whoever doesn't hate and forgives is mentally very strong. I was weak'.
Next log...
I decided to help Maurice find his wife as my final act of Vigilanteism, then I would be done. The reason why is because when I found out more about Maurice, I saw myself. He was trapped and bad things were happening to him, just like me when Nicky was foalnapped. You know the saying, treat others how you would want to be treated. I would want help, so I decided to help Maurice.
I had a lead, a pony I saw with other slave traffickers. I needed more information but this pony's file was in Canterlot Castle. Me, Maurice, Raymond, Tobias and Jordi had the plan all worked out. Then a large Royal Guard transport carriage appeared and one of them said "we found some of the slave victims" and as those victims came out, we saw Abigail Vega. Maurice immediately ran to her and they embraced each other.
I found out that night that the Royal Guard can take down bad guys. The rules that they have are there for very good reasons. The rules are there to keep hate under control and to prevent irrational actions. When I retired and stayed out of the way, there was peace, love and friendship. When Nightmare Moon appeared she was defeated. Luna was spared in the process and nightmares are now being stopped. I would've killed Nightmare Moon, along with Princess Luna as a result, without a second thought. Discord, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie Lunamoon, a few others, even an invasion, all stopped without me. Equestria is prospering better with these individuals alive. Equestria doesn't need the Vigilante.'
The player clicked as it stopped. Both sisters and Scorn were shocked.
"Did this pony become Reformed on his own?" Asked Princess Luna, Flabbergasted.
"I'm not certain, but this pony is definitely in the process of being reformed" said Princess Celestia.
"We need to find this pony. He may be able to help us with the problems we were discussing earlier" said Scorn.
Chapter two: 30 days earlier
Aiden Pearce crossed over the last hill that overlooked Ponyville. Around him was the band of misfits that he calls his friends.
A blue unicorn, Raymond Kenny. Cutie mark is a file folder that shows his talent for handling information. He's Ex-Blume and helped with the establishment of the Central Information System, AKA CtIS. A system witch gathers, prints, stores, and moves paper files and cassette recordings. He also had a vendetta with Princess Celestia that didn't involve Blume or CtIS but Aiden convinced him not to seek vengeance after Chicagcolt.
A red Earth Pony, Jordi Chin. Cutie mark is a dagger behind a cloak witch means he dose shady work. Eccentric and always wears a suit, even right now. Other than that, not even Discord knows what's going on inside this guys head.
A Zebra named Tobias Fewer. So paranoid that he doesn't even speak Rhyme. He made many brews and enchanted stones that helped out Aiden. Including a stone that garbles your voice and makes it unrecognizable.
A pink Pegasus, Abigail Vega. Cutie mark is of a snowflake that shows her expertise when it comes to winter weather. Maurice's wife, Aiden was not sure why she still loved Maurice. Maybe the same why his sister Nicky and nephew Jacks still love him. They just do because they're family.
A White Pegasus, Maurice Vega. Cutie mark of a hoof gun that shows he's an expert with a pistol. He's with the group but Aiden didn't consider him a friend.
"We're free, we can start over and live. It's feels good to have friends" said Morice happily.
Suddenly, a hoof roughly grabbed Morice by the right shoulder, it was Aiden.
"Let me make something abundantly clear, we are not friends, never will be, and I will never forgive you for what you did" said Aiden hatefully.
Aiden then released Maurice's shoulder.
"You know you're going to have to act like he's your friend. The Elements of Harmony will start to catch on since they look for problems happening between friends" said Raymond.
Aiden turned away and started moving forward again, the rest of the group following suit. Jordi moved a little faster to get beside Aiden.
"You really need to relax and let yourself loose. Come on, introduce yourself as the nice pony you want to be. Watch, it's easy to make friends" said Jordi.
He then trotted up to a pink Earth Pony with three coloured balloons as a cutie mark.
"Hallo, the names Jordi. What's yours?" Jordi asked.
The pink pony on the other hoof just gasped a ridiculous amount of air and then sped of elsewhere. Thus leaving Jordi by himself with his friends laughing behind him. Aiden then walked up to him, snickering.
"Thanks, I feel better already" said Aiden before he walked off ahead.
Jordi sighed, annoyed at Aiden prodding him for his misfortune.
"You're still a dick" Jordi grumbled.
The group then continued on their way. Everypony they past always said a friendly hallo with a genuine smile.
'Ponyville really is the nicest place in Equestria' thought Aiden.
Meanwhile...
Twilight Sparkle was enjoying her mid day break with Venom, Spike, and Lasher when suddenly the doors burst open and in bounced Pinkie Pie suited up with Hysteria.
"Hiya Twilight! A bunch of new ponies and a Zebra came into Ponyville" Hysteria-Pinkie squealed with huge grin.
"Wow, that's amazing" said Twilight.
It was at this point that Venom then extended his head out.
"Sounds interesting" said Venom.
Hysteria-Pinkie then zipped quickly to Venom and Twilight's side, making Twilight flinch.
"Okay, here's the plan..." Hysteria-Pinkie whispered.
Back to the group of new arrivals...
After conferring with the mayor concerning the paperwork and down-payment relating to their new homes, Aiden lead his group to said homes. Maurice and Abigail's house was a standard two story building with everything a married couple would need. Raymon's house was a two story row house, also with everything someone would expect to see in a home. Bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, and a fireplace. Tobias basically settled into a bunker. He decided to buy a basement underneath one of the row houses and cover up all the small windows by taping paper on them. Jordi was spoiled by his parents since they bought him a small mansion.
"Why did that Mare just run away? I mean, any mare would want a piece of this" said Jordi as he gestured to his body.
Aiden just shrugged.
"I have no idea" said Aiden plainly.
"I swear to you that she is going to be in bed with me, one way or another. Even if it's just for one night" Jordi declared.
"Well, good luck with that" Said Aiden as he walked away.
Aiden didn't immediately go to his house just yet, he needed to go to the market to get some food since there is none in his bran new home. It's a considerable distance from the other houses but that's how he wanted it. He wanted to be alone to think. As he walked, Aiden occasionally received a friendly greeting like before from any passerby that got close enough. He knwew more about these ponies than he should have. All he needed to do was call up his photographic memory and "display" the information around the pony he was looking at.
He saw a red-orange pony.
Name: Peach Juice
Race: Pegasus
LSD addiction
Gender: Female
Age: 38
Occupation: Peach Juicer Operator
Income: 27 000 bits
Aiden then focused on a brown pony.
Name: Robert Cocoa
Race: Unicorn
Plans to propose to marefriend in two days
Gender: Male
Age: 28
Occupation: Chocolate Flavour Development Technician
Income: 49 500 bits
Then a large, very muscular, red pony
Name: Macintosh Apple
Race: Earth Pony
Secretly has crush on Rainbow Dash
Gender: Male
Age: 28
Occupation: Apple Farmer
Income: 33 000 bits
He went to a few vendors, bought a loaf of bread, some carrots and butter. One vendor immediately caught his attention. Applejack was running the vendor. You didn't have to steal a file to know who she was. Element of honesty, five other well known friends, openly proud of her work, works on the family farm named Sweet Apple Acres.
'I should probably avoid her. She'll see through any lie I could tell about my past. Then again, if I'm going to live here I probably will meet her at some point' Aiden thought to himself.
He turned to walk away and another thing caught his eye. A little ways away was building that was very colourful. As Aiden got closer he could see exactly what this was. Of all the times he had seen bakeries he had never seen one so painstakingly detailed to look like a gingerbread house.
'I've got to check this out. Could be a point of interest' Aiden thought to himself.
When Aiden entered the building his nose was immediately bombarded with the smell of sweets. It wasn't unbearable but still strong. He looked around for a moment and saw a Griffin. This Griffin seemed to be talking to a little colt but they did not look happy. Approaching closer he could hear what the Griffin and colt were saying.
"Please, don't hurt me" said the colt, visibly shaking.
"I saw you with the last lollipop, dweeb, and I want it. So give it up" demanded the Griffin.
'Sounds like she is- No! I'm supposed to avoid intervening and beating up bad people' though Aiden.
"Give. It. Up" the Griffin demanded again.
This time it seemed like the Griffin was going to grab the colt.
'Then again. I could try talking to them' Aiden reasoned.
With his mind made up he put himself between the Griffin and the colt.
"Leave him alone!" Aiden asserted.
All activities went quiet. The clock could even be heard.
"Oh? And you're going to stop me?" Mocked the Griffin.
"Walk away. You will be doing yourself a favour" said Aiden.
'Believe me, I know what I'm talking about' Aiden thought to himself.
"Get out of my way loser" said the Griffin.
She cracked her knuckles.
'This was inevitable wasn't it?' Aiden mentally groaned.
A fist came up and swung forward and was deflected by a hoof. Aiden activated his horn and held down the Griffins wings with telekinesis. He swiftly moved another hoof up and landed a solid hit on the Griffins beak. The force of the punch knocked the Griffin to a table that was thankfully bolted down. Aiden rushed over and pinned the Griffins head down with his left hoof while twisting the Griffins right talon behind her back with his right hoof.
"Are you going to leave or do I need to break your arm and throw you out?" Asked Aiden.
The Griffin tried to struggle out of Aiden's grasp but Aiden twisted her arm further and she yelped in pain. The Griffin knew she couldn't get out of this.
"Ok Ok!" The Griffin squawked.
Aiden then swung her around and shoved her to the exit and the Griffin immediately left the bakery. Aiden looked around and realized that everypony had their eyes on him. Suddenly, one pony started applauding him and that was followed by the rest of the costumers.
'I'm drawing to much attention to myself, again!' Aiden scolded himself.
Aiden started walking to the exit but was bombarded by questions and comments.
"Hay, what's your name?"
"Rainbow Dash gave Gilda something to think about but you really gave Gilda something to think about"
"Thank you for driving that bully Gilda away"
"Have you thought of joining the Elements of Harmony or the Royal Guard and kicking flank?"
Aiden crossed the threshold to the outside and immediately made a quick trot to his house. The home was a single story house with a basement on the outskirts of town that had the basic furnishings. He got his key out with his magic and opened his door quickly. He closed and locked the door with the same amount of haste. Setting down his saddle bags, Aiden sat down on a kitchen chair.
'This isn't good, I've only just arrived and I already have punched somepony in the face. How do I stop?' Aiden asked himself.
A very sudden and quick succession of knocks interrupted Aiden's train of thought. He went to the front door and looked through the peephole. There was nopony there but Aiden saw an envelope on the pathway. Curiosity winning out, Aiden opened his door and picked up the envelope. He opened it and found a letter which read as follows.
Dear new friend
You are invited to the Castle of Friendship at noon tomorrow. The Pegasui are making the weather good just for you tomorrow.
From: your friend-to-be
Aiden became very concerned and confused. Whoever this pony is doesn't seem to know what his name is. There was no way that anypony would know that he was the Vigilante. He didn't even wear his trench coat, mask, or baseball cap. Then again, he was being invited to the Castle of Friendship. So maybe the Princess just wants to get to know him, or make him feel welcome in the small town. Small towns are tightly nit communities after all. Maybe it's to scold him for punching somepony. He doubts that though, the letter seems to friendly for that. The letter would have told him to go to court if it was for anything legal. Also, if he was discovered to be the Vigilante by the authorities there would be Royal Guards surrounding the house right now.
'I think I'll probably find out when I'm there. I should keep my guard up just in case' Aiden thought to himself.
Meanwhile...
Twilight and Venom thought that The party was coming together well for the new arrivals tomorrow. Decorating was much easier with the Symbiotes and their tendrils. Also, Rainbow Dash's speed was enhanced by Slasher's bond so most of the decorations were put up by her. Applejack, Phage, Pinkie and Hysteria had made all the food in record time as well because of their bond with the Symbiotes. Suddenly, Pinkie, who was not suited up, burst in through the doors.
"Hiya! This is really exciting. We were selling a cupcake to some pony and then I saw Gilda bullying a little colt so I was about to jump over to her to stop it but one of the new ponies walked up to Gilda and was like 'hay, you can't bully him' and was trying to reason with her but then Gilda became hostile and was about to give this stallion a knuckle sandwich but then the stallion brought up his hoof and POW he punched her square in the beak and then he used his magic to hold down Gilda's wings while holding her face on a table and twisting her right arm straight up then he was like 'you are going to leave right now' and the stallion let her go and Gilda left with her tail tucked between her legs and I mean she really moved and then the stallion left while every pony in Sugarcube Corner stared with their mouths open, including us" rambled Pinkie.
Slashers face pealed back and revealed Rainbows' face.
"Wait a minute! You didn't ask what his name was?" Asked Rainbow.
"When a hero leaves, you never interrupt their dramatic exit" said Pinkie.
"Sounds like this Guilda won't be coming back any time soon" said Phage.
"Sounds like my kind of guy" said Venom.
Everypony in the room looked at each other nervously for a moment and then Twilight spoke up.
"I know Gilda is mean but did he have to hit her?" Said Twilight.
"The way Pinkie makes it sound I don't think this guy had much of a choice" said Spike.
"Maybe, but I still want to talk with this stallion" said Twilight.
"Don't worry Twilight, we've already sent out the invitations. You'll be able to talk to the guy when he's here" said Pinkie.