Amongst Shadows

      The Smile Fades

Equilibriun looks at his alarm clock. Seven AM? Best get up. I've got work to do. Equilibriun lifts his head from it's previous location, a pillow, and looks around his room. His walls are covered in papers of significance to his current assignment. Sure, somepony could find these here. But they couldn't read them; the documents are bewitched so that you have to look at them while wearing some special glasses. And then, the text is written in Svanessa, a language devised by his own order.

He peels his blanket off, and gets his hooves on the floor. Equilibriun then groggily walks to his mirror, which was directly in front of his single-bed. He examins his own features, looking at the long stretch of flesh poking out in the midst of his coat. Equilibriun had got that scar from some un-important representative who came from a decrepit little country out in the east. Equilibriun foolishly let his progress go to his head, and therefore comprimised his cover by trying to take out all of the guards at the party.

He chuckled at his own youthful clumsiness. (Equilibriun is about twenty-two in human years) He checked his mane, combed it back to it's spectacular sleekness, and opened the drawers. Equilibriun searched through his various belts, looking for the one that carried his favorite extending blade. He found it under three belts (one carrying a long falcata, the other two holding throwing knives) and strapped it on his back. Shutting the drawers, he promptly rounded on his cloak rack, choosing a simple brown cloak. He threw this over himself, making sure it covered his weapon. Keeping his hood down to "expose his luscious mane," as he had called it, Equilibriun walked to the door, forgot about his watch and went back for it. Making doubly sure he had everything, he opened his creaky door and stepped out into the hall. He hurried down a flight of stairs and made it outside.

The sun was just rising in the east, spreading beautiful colors outward. Shaking the drowsiness from himself, Equilibriun starts a purposeful canter in the direction of the town's fair. Playing the part, Equilibriun joyfully nodded to every pony that he saw on the streets. Another wonderful day for another smashing mission, Equilibriun thought as he passed a group of Pegasi. Their heads turned as he trotted by, curious why this pony was wearing a cloak in the middle of summer. Shaking their heads and muttering something about "young ponies" they continued walking to the ice cream shop.

His destination was a few hours away now. Equilibriun passed various assorted stores and markets stalls selling products such as: "Bern's All-Purpose Formulas" and "The Ultimate Magical Creatures Care Book: For All Your Monstrous Pets." There was even a stall that was selling what looked like moldy bagels. According to the vendor it would cure any ailment. More like cause a widespread disaster. Equilibriun looked with much distaste at all of these ponies absent-mindedly buying packaged calamities. One good thing came out of this though. The market district was adjacent to the open district, where jousting and other fairs cropped up every year. Of course, they had to pay a heavy "incentive" to the town's boisterously corrupt mayor. Equilibriun would take such good care of that mayor. But alas. He must stay within the boundaries of his current contract.

The sun had achieved a record height right in the dead center of the sky. Noon. It took him quite a while to walk across town and reach his target destination. Especially considering that every begger and vulturous pony on the streets had wanted something from him. But ah, enough complaints. Equilibriun was here, and HE was near. His target was laughably an entertainer. It was a petty job, but somepony was paying enough coin to have this poor guy wiped off of existence. And so it was his order's duty to perform this service, no matter how miniscule. The only reason Equilibriun was here was because the client wanted the pony to commit suicide. Wanted it to look innocent. Well, innocent enough, that is. So that is why Equilibriun was here now. He is the Senior Instigater, and he was hoof-picked by the order's leader for this assignment. He had to do it.

Equilibriun gazed at the many amusement attractions briefly, then slowly walked to the entrance. The whole fair vicinity was roped off, and it was illegal to just step over the pathetic barrier and into the fair. He could have done that, but he didn't want too much attention drawn towards himself. So he payed the two bit entrance fee and roamed the park, looking for that buffoon of a pony he was supposed to deal with.

He found the fool on a stage in front of a large attentive audience. Ah, looks like I'll have to wait a while. Equilibriun didn't mind none too much though. In his line of work, patience was a key element of success.

And so he waited. And waited. And waited. For several hours, Equilibriun stood there and falsely laughed (along with the crowd) at this idiot's crude and tacky jests. After the sun had passed the mid-sky, and began it's slow but sure descent, the "entertainer" hopped off stage and walked to his costume trailer. Equilibriun sprang forward and began a conversation with him.

"Uh--excuse me mr.--?" Equilibriun cleverly executed his move. The brown Pegasus turned and faced Equilibriun, his face full of laughter.

"Jokali. Call me Jokali." Jokali beamed and thrusted his front hoof out.

Equilibriun took it and shook it vigorously. "Pleasant to meet you. Many call me Clarse. Look, I just wanted to say that--" Equilibriun began, but was cut short by Jokali's booming voice.

"It is an honor, Clarse. Listen, I've got to go and freshen up. Why don't we continue this down at the carousel, later tonight. Then we can talk all we want." Jokali abruptly turned and walked away. He left a disgruntled Equilibriun in his wake.

Blast it! Equilibriun angrily thought. He reminded himself the importance of patience, and walked to a lemonade stand, where he bought a drink for three bits. Then he proceeded to plant himself firmly on a beaten wooden bench and slurp his beverage.

As time wore on, Equilibriun gained a nice headache from all of the screams of ecstasy and erratic children yelling at their mothers to let them get big pink or green stuffed turtles and rabbits. He shook his head sadly, pulling his hood down to drown out the racket. Rubbing his temple, Equilibriun was approached by a magenta Unicorn. Her mane was an icy blue, and her cutiemark was a red envelope. And her eyes were a special kind of green.

"I haven't seen you around here before." She happily announced. Waiting for a reply, she examined this hunched figure. Not receiving one, she continued her interrogation. "What is your name?"

Equilibriun had sensed her coming. Not wanting to deal with any of these raucous locals, he had tried to remain silent. When that failed, he responded. "Clar--" As he had started to say Clarse, he had looked up into her eyes. Something made him stop. Feigning a cough, he said, "Excuse me. Equilibriun." He didn't know why he told this stranger his real name. He reasoned with himself that he wasn't going to be here much longer, so it didn't matter anyways.

"Hello Clar--Equilibriun." She giggled a little at her own joke. "My name is Strossella. I saw you rubbing your temples, and wanted to help."

"Help?" Equilibriun was confused. How could she help?

"Yes, help." Seeing his bemused face, she elaborated. "I'm a Unicorn. Not to mention I'm good with Restoring Spells."

"I appreciate the offer but--" He jerked his head at the clock hanging up in the candy store.

She looked dissapointed. "Oh... I understand." Her voice grew less cheerful. "I'll let you get back to it." She turned and trotted away. Equilibriun watched her until she rounded a corner. He sighed. Then he got up and began making his way towards the carosel.

When he arrived at the brightly lit carousel with it's many fixed carts rotating with gleeful children in them, Jokali wasn't there. Equilibriun was fuming. This whole assignment has just been a game of wait-and-see. He was tired of it. Wishing that Jokali was here so he could strangle him, a brown Pegasus arrived and looked around. Spotting Equilibriun, he jogged over.

"Hello friend!" He said when he reached Equilibriun.

"It is important we get right to business." Replied Equilibriun, loosing his outward anger and conveying much sorrow.

"What is it?" Genuinely interested, Jokali waited with bated breath. It was unusual for ponies to have such high enthusiasm for him, and he could never get enough attention.

Equilibriun spoke gravely. "It is not a happy matter. I'm am sorry for bringing this news to you, but your wife was killed in a fire accident two weeks ago." Jokali's face fell. Winding Jokali ever tighter around his hoof, Equilibriun continued. "Everything in your apartment was destroyed, including an ornate wooden box." Jokali's previous attitude vanished. It was replaced by a pony on the verge of mental breakdown.

"Two weeks?" Jokali mouthed unbelieving. "But, I've only been gone for fifteen days! I was to return tomorrow!" His eyes widened in bewilderment. Then...he broke. Jokali's heart couldn't take it. For just before he left he and his wife had gotten in a sore arguement. He had left his apartment with his wife's screams following him all the way here. And he had regretted all of the hurtful things he called her. Tomorrow was the day he was to come home from the festivities. Jokali had bought a large cluster of lavenders, her favorite flower, and was planning on giving them to her upon his arrival.

"Was it--Was it quick?" He desperately asked Equilibriun.

Equilibriun had him just where he had hoped. "The fire was started by the open hearth. We think she had been sleeping and hadn't awoken until it was too late. She had suffocated from the smoke and her body was completely burned." Equilibriun said this in a matter of fact sort of way. Jokali started sobbing. He bawled, drawing all of the surrounding ponies' eyes towards him. Jokali then sat on a bench, and buried his head in his hooves.

"It really is a tragedy." The words were comforting, but Equilibriun's voice was flat. He stood up from the bench and walked forward a bit. Then he turned to the devastated Pegasus.

"Please, just try and move on. It could've happend to any pony." With that he walked away from the crying brown Pegasus, with sad blue eyes.

Equilibriun inwardly smiled at his success. That was far too easy, he thought. I'll make sure to look in to the papers for the results. As he walked by the many shops and attractions on his way to the exit, he saw that same magenta Unicorn again sitting outside a coffee shop. As he walked by she looked up from the book she was reading and saw him. She snapped the book shut and ran to catch up with him. He hadn't stopped.

"A chance seeing you again." She panted as she slowed to his pace.

"I don't believe in chances." Equilibriun said.

"Still, I hardly thought that I'd see you once more." She said. Then, "And I'm glad I did."

Equilibriun suddenly stopped. "Why?" His voice was severe.

"Because I want to know more about you." She had been surprised by both his tone and his abrupt halt. "It isn't everyday that I meet some pony that looks as interesting as you."

"Looks like this dull cloak doesn't work anymore." He said under his breath.

She heard him. "What was that?"

"I said, where do you come from?"

She looked deep into his eyes, searching. Then she said, "I come from Vriddle Wood. Its a small settlement about three thousand leagues from here."

"Oh really? And what brings you here?" He wanted to keep the conversation as far from himself as possible.

Her brilliant emerald eyes became sorrowful. "Bandit raid." Strossella's voice grew fainter. "My whole family's estate destroyed. My ma and da, dead." She remembered that hot summer night. She remembered her father's hoarse voice, screaming for her to run.

Equilibriun was taken aback by this news. "Bandit raid? Bandits were all disbanded when King Sol came to power."

"Yes, here they were. But not out there."

Equilibriun was alarmed that he felt truly sorry for this young mare. Losing all of her family in one foul swoop.

"I'm sure your family were good ponies."

She just looked at him and ruefully laughed. "My ma beat us and my da was a cowardly thief." She paused. "But yes, they were good ponies."

Equilibriun felt a yawn come up, and suppressed it. "This has been lovely, but I really need to get back to my room."

She looked distraught. "Can I--Can I come with you?"

"What? No!" The nerve of this mare!

Strossella nervously looked around. "I know we just met (almost literally) but I don't have anywhere to go. I've had to sleep out in the open on most nights."

"Sweet Celestia." Equilibriun breathed. "How long have you been here?"

"Seven months. I got here seven months ago and have barely scraped by. I mostly just hang around the market district and--" She suddenly stopped.

"And what?"

"Well, let me just say that my dad was good for teaching us how to survive."

"You stole!?" Hissed Equilibriun. He was mostly surprised. This pony seemed so innocent.

"Yes I cut some ponies' purses and stole food. But it was only a little here and there! I had to do it to survive!"

Her emerald eyes pierced his green eyes as he rolled his choice around in his head. He really felt sorry for her. It reminded him of a small starved pony that he had seen two years ago. This pony was a light green Pegasus, her small body so weak from lack of food. He had gave the small little filly fifteen bits, and bought her food out of his own purse. Sure, Equilibriun was an assassin. But he had a weakness for the defenceless. He had made his decision.

"I suppose it would be f--" Was all he could say before she rushed forward and hugged him, causing his hood to slip down.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you!!" She cried. Looking a little embarrassed, she rushed to grab her book and rejoined him. Equilibriun glanced at the cover of the book. A Complete Study of Magic: Beginners' Guide was what was printed in gold ink on the front cover.

"A Complete Study of Magic?" He asked.

She blushed. "It was a book my father gave to me as a gift on my last birthday. In it teaches me how to do so many things." Her face lit up. "Magic is fascinating!! Did you know that there is a spell to increase fortitude and improve reaction capabilities?" She said this all rather fast.

"Er--no." He said half-heartedly. She is going to keep me up all night, isn't she? he asked no pony in particular.

"Well--" Then she launched into a full account of all of the spells she has learned thus far. Including: Alleviation, Petrification, Illumination, and an apparently difficult one that if you didn't perform just perfectly, could lead to loss of hair. It felt like years, but it was only three hours later of incessant yammering that found the two outside Equilibriun's temporary home.

"We're here." Equilibriun stated, cutting Strossella off mid-sentence.

She gazed at the brown brick building. "Doesn't look like much."

"That's because it isn't." Equilibriun said tiredly. He opened the front door and went up one flight of stairs. He then found his door and found it unlocked. Must've forgotten to lock it, he thought. Pushing the door open, Equilibriun trotted into his room closely accompanied by Strossella.

Strossella turned her head to and fro, amazed by all of the papers hung up on the walls.

"And I thought I liked reading." She muttered.

Equilibriun showed her to the bathroom. "Stay in here while I change."

"Change? It isn't like you're wearing much!"

"Just stuff it and stay in here." He said doggedly. Then he shut the door before she could make another obvious point. He walked to his cloak rack, pulling his brown cloak off as he went. Then he walked over to his mirror. He stared at his exhausted, but handsome, features. Equilibriun pulled the straps loose and stuffed his extension-blade belt into the drawers. Then he retrieved Strossella.

He knocked on the door. "You may come out now."

"Can I?" She scoffed.

"No."

"What?!" She lost her attitude immediately. "C'mon, let me out!"

"If you say so." Equilibriun unlatched the door. He stood back as she swung the door open. She came out and looked around once more at all of the documents covering the walls. Equilibriun noticed where her attention had been fixed.

"Those are just some papers for my--er--job."

Her eyes narrowed. "Right." She said this very slowly. Then, "Where do I sleep?" Equilibriun hadn't considered this. He quickly cleared a spot on the floor and told her that was where she was sleeping.

"On the ground?" Once more she played his tune so well. "But I've slept on the ground for months! Can't I sleep in the bed?" She indicated the single bed against the wall.

"Not likely, no. That is where I intend to sleep." He was really getting irritated.

"Can't we just sleep in it together?" Her eyes seemed to grow shinier and even more beautiful.

Equilibriun sighed. "Fine." He then pointed to the bed. "After you." He mocked.

"With pleasure." Then Strossella crawled into the single bed. After she had gotten in, Equilibriun had one final question.

"How old did you say you were?" He asked.

Strossella responded frankly, "I didn't." Then she turned towards the wall and closed her eyes.

He wasn't the most comfortable with this, but he wasn't about to sleep on the floor like a pet. And he WAS very tired. So Equilibriun trotted to the single bed, and climbed in. As he lay his head on the pillow, he thought of everything that he had done in his life. He thought of the many ponies he had killed. Of all the lives he has ruined. And then he thought of Jokasi. A twinge of guilt crept into his heart, along with a seed of doubt. Is what I'm doing, the right thing?