And I thought we were normal. How wrong I was.

   I once again approach the backside of the super market after checking the time, now 12:34/0034, and the only thing I can really say is that I'm tired, pissed off at the situation I'm in and wishing that I would finally have a long overdue panic attack. I guess I'm too calm for that though. After sneaking my way to the back door I take out the book and I check the table of contents where I find a chaper that seems like it make have my answer: Breaking And Entering.

Chapter 7: Breaking And Entering

Spell : Lock-pick Conjuring

While this spell could probably be found in most spell books I feel that it would be a good idea to add it in. As the name would imply this spell allows you to form a small set of lock-picking tools out of your magical energy. These picks however do break like the average pick. These are free however and they come with a fashionable and discreet carrying bag which you can attach to and remove from your clothing at will. Also, while the picks may disappear and break the bag won't but it is also a one time conjuration. My advise; don't lose it. Simply form a rough outline of a generic keyhole and begin to fill it with magic. ill warn you though; this spell does take a good bit of magical energy, but has a 100% cast rate. This is because this spell causes magical recoil. even if you run out of magic completlely it will just destroy your body a bit, but if you are lacking a good amount of magical energy you run the risk of seriously injuring or killing yourself. Also if that wasn't enough this spell will stall your magic regeneration for 8 hours 34 minutes and 57 seconds if any recoil occurs. (It took my forever to get that timed exactly.) I'll draw up a diagram of how to pick a lock if you don't know how to though...

Well that was a draw out explanation. At least she was nice enough to leave a labled diagram on how to pick a lock. I think as I put the book on the ground and form the seal in my mind. Here goes nothing. I immediately throw as much energy as I can into the hole which for some reason was an odd mix of both sapphire and scarlet coloured magic and I manage to fill it to the edge quickly and I keep pushing more in. I can feel pain all over my body and my concentration is beginning to waver. Just a little more. I think as I exert as much energy as I can into it and the keyhole finally fills and I feel a surge of pain run along my left arm and my light spell abruptly ends. I guess that is the end of magic for awhile. I open my eyes which I apparently had closed at some point during the spell and I look down to the tools in front of me.

   I see a small sapphire coloured tool which I guess is the tension wrench according to the diagram which glows slightly. Along side it is a scarlet... star pick as the diagram describes it which also emits a slight glow which allows me to see the small black case which lies between them. I grab the pouch with my left and affix it to my left pants leg and to my surprise I feel the material change into the same material as the pants.

   I grab the wrench with my right hand and pull up my left sleeve. I slowly move the tool over my left arm and the glow illuminates my arm enough for me to see the the various crevasses which are torn into my arm and blood flows slowly from them. Another shirt ruined. I think as I pull my sleeve back down.

   I pick up the pick with my left hand which feels oddly natural even though I'm right handed and using my right hand might make more sense. I fumble around in the darkness for the next five minutes trying to find the door again. After finding the door I look at the diagram one more time by the light of my new tools before attempting to pick the lock.

   I insert the wrench and put a very small amount of tension on it. I then insert the pick and slowly go through the process of getting each cylinder moved. After about a minute I succeed in opening the door and I remove the instruments of my newfound ability. I keep them both in the hands they were originally in an I'd enter the building under their dim illumination which only serves to keep me from walking right into a table.

   I walk the perimeter of the small room a few times to get a feel for its layout. A medium sized table sits in the center of the room there are two doors, one of which has a electronic lock and the other which seems to go out into the main store, and a wooden countertop runs along two of the walls. I guess this would be the employee break room. I hold up the pick out over the countertop and check for anything useful. I find a chocolate candy bar which I proceed to eat without the use of my hands and I also find a schedule detailing the guards on duty. Seems like tonight it's one guard by the name of a NightScreen.

   Before leaving the room I check the table to make sure I didn't miss anything. I don't find anything besides a small folded piece of paper which I proceed to read.

Dear Sonata,

I hope you night is going how well as mine is. As you can probably guess it's me, Berry. I'm glad to see you got your book back and don't worry nopony read anything out of it. While I'd like to annoy you with my witty banter, il, just tell you straight up why I wrote this. I was thinking and it doesn't seem very teacher-like of me to just send you out without much instruction so I thought I'd help you out a little. I already did a run through of this place to figure out a few things that may help you. There is a total of 12 cameras in the main section of the store and one in the break room which I was I nice enough to disable for you. I figured out the combination for the door, 1874, using a trick that I'll teach you later. So here's a few options for you. You could go up into the guards room through the door in the break room and take him out. Or maybe cause something to freeze his computer screens so they won't update? You could also try to steal what you need while trying to avoid the prying eyes of the cameras. Finally, you could check their pharmacy for anything you could use; I'm not sure what it has because I thought it'd be fun to leave something extra for you to do. Below you'll find a map I put together which shows the isles and the locations of the cameras and the pharmacy. You'll have to use your judgement though to figure out what ways the cameras are facing. Just remember; for each crime you commit there will be a consequence and I will be watching closely to see the choices you make.

From,

Aunt Berry

Well isn't this nice? She DOES care. I think as I finish reading the neat cursive writing under the low light of my wrench. I'm going to hurt my eyes if I read like this for too long. I muse before looking down at the roughly drawn map of the store and grabbing the pen which was lying next the note. Time to draw a path to follow.

   After forming what I believe to be the best route I fold the paper until it only shows the map and I walk out the door. I quickly turn the first corner I walk along the wall and then turn and walk along the next wall. As I reach the first camera I lay as close to the wall as possible hoping to sneak under its view. I successfully make my way past the camera and it doesn't seem as though I alerted anypony. I walk farther along, sprinting past the next marked camera and sneaking under the next one.

   As I reach the produce section I contemplate just grabbing some vegetables and leaving. While it would be easier there no fun without a good risk. Besides I'm not to keen on just eating salads and eggs for the next week, some rice would be nice. I walk farther along and I slip past the next camera's prying eyes before making it to the pharmacy's doorway. I've got to fast on this one. I think before grabbing the cold handle with one of my gloved hands.

   I twist the handle and push the door open slightly. I slip through and close the crack in the door before scooting backwards until I hit the wall. So far so good. I think as I turn around and start looking at the medicines before me, hoping to find a fast acting sleep medication. A syringe filled with tranquilizer would suffice though...

Pain relievers, no. Sleeping aids won't be fast enough. Vaccines; I'm not trying to give him a clean bill of health. I'm to make fall asleep. Assorted laxatives, maybe. after sorting through a few dozen type of drugs I find one that should work, a syringe which is only about the size of a small pen filled with a fast acting sleeping agent which I guess they use to take care of any patients that may be panicking. i guess if by chance somepony did get hurt in the immediate area treating them on the spot would be beneficial.nice to see some places are preparing for the unlikely and unfortunate situations that may arise, but in this case their efforts against them serve to enable them. I hate to say it but I'm actually enjoying this a little. I wonder if I could get some of the cash registers open... Wait, what? No I'm not going to steal anymore than I have to. I think before grabbing the small device.

   I slip out the door and I move as quickly as I can back to the break room where I stop for about 5 minutes to rest and hopefully induce my over-due panic attack. Nothing. No matter what happens I can't seem to not take it in stride. I guess it's an advantage right now though.

   I walk over to the locked door and I enter the code into the door and turn the handle which to my happiness opens with ease. I can see the faint reflection of light off of what I guess is a concrete staircase and I proceed to walk up the staircase slowly being careful not trip in the darkness.

   As I turn to face the next passage I can see faint light coming from the room ahead. I reach the top of the stair case and the sight ahead of me is a little bit scary. I can see the views of the cameras on the wall where the monitors are built in and the light from the casts a dark shadow over the pony o see in the chair in front of them. From what I can see the pony is wearing a hat and seems to be of a stockier build, but luckily he seems to be pretty relaxed right now. I grip the syringe in my left hand and push on the end slightly to make sure it isn't stopped. Luckily a small trail of liquid comes out of the end of it and I can proceed.

   I crouch low and slowly make my way forward, focusing on what I'm about to do and gripping the medical device tightly. This is it. This either make or break my robbery. I think as I close the remaining distance between us. I stand up behind him and hold the syringe pointed directly into his fat neck. Now.

   I thrust my hand forward and the syringe pierces his neck with ease and push down quickly on the end of the syringe and inject all of the remaining fluids into him. Living up to to description before he can even being to yell he goes limp in his chair. I stand there for another minute or two just holding myself there. I actually did it. I got him. Wow. I think before pulling the tool out of his neck and wiping it on my blood soaked sleeve. I'm gonna keep this thing like a charm or something. I think before setting on the table in front of me.

   I look at the guard and give him a couple of taps on his face but he doesn't respond in anyway. Out like a light. I turn to the desk in front of me and see a control board. After pushing the guard in the chair out of the way, I overlook the control board carefully. On the top of the board are twelve switches with small prices of tape which are number accordingly. Quickly deducting what they do I flip the first switch and one of the monitors views is replaced with a simple line of text stating, OFFLINE. Easy enough. I flip the rest of the switches and thankfully each camera deactivates correctly.

   Satisfied with my work, I move the guard and his chair back into place and grab what I will now refer to as my lucky syringe and put it into my lock pick case where it fits quite well since it isn't much bigger than a pen. Before walking away I look the guard over and I see couple of interesting objects. I can see a small item sticking out of a pocket on his shirt and another handle looking object is exposed by his right pants pocket.

   I pull out the object from his shirt pocket first and it turns out to be an odd Y-shaped device. I grip in my left hand and I notice a small button on it. I push in the button and an arc of electricity jumps between the two ends of the device. So it's like a taser knife? I'll be keeping this. I think before putting the device into my right pants pocket. I take out the other object but I it back immediately. Why would I want a regular taser? It only has one use.

   I begin to walk away but I stop and turn around to face the guard and I place both of my hands on the back of his head in a ceremonious manner.

"And you would've been dead." I whisper before walking out of the room quietly with my new tools in their pockets.

   I freely stroll out into the main room, grabbed a basket and walked through the isles grabbing assorted canned goods and other junk food. I then close all of the doors turn the cameras back on and walk out the back like I own the place with my groceries. Nopony saw a thing and I walk home in the dark by the moon light and to think its only 3:30.

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   I finish climbing down the ladder into my living room and I simply fall face first onto the couch. Once again, walking to my bed would've been too much work.

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   To my discontent I almost immediately wake back up within my soul's world and I swear, "Dear fuck, not this again." I hope this will be more enjoyable than last time.

"That would depend on what you believe to enjoyable." I hear a disheartening voice respond to from my left.

"I doubt this is what he enjoys though." Another voice responds from my right.

"And you would be correct to think that." I say before hearing the sound of water moving behind me ad I turn around to see the same entities from my second arrival.

   The one who's name I vaguely remember as being Hitsuki or some weird ass name of the sort is now wearing a scarlet dress which seems to be reminiscent of the fifties and holds a large umbrella of the same colour. The Phoenix I see next to hear how ever looks the same as before in her blue hoodie and with her large wing slowly falling apart a d repairing themselves. I hope every night isn't like this.

"So what's your plan this time?" I question before preparing myself to run like hell again.

"Don't worry you want be here long." The one in the dress respond before throwing me a small metal spike which, to fit the theme most likely, has a scarlet tint and the half Phoenix throws me a cleaver which unlike the spike I don't even try to catch. I pick it up off the ground and the cold blue handle almost seems to excite me.

"Here's is what you're going to do. Just try to kill is before we kill you. Simple enough?" Good." The Phoenix explains before both of them disappear and I bring up what I feel like to a defensive stance. What the hell? At least give me a heads up. But where are they.

   Before I can even utter a phrase a feel something similar to raging flame engulf my left and I fall down to the floor as the seemingly endless pain grows stronger. I look down to my right leg and I see so etching terrifying. A large blue flame is growing up my leg from my kneecap and the pain feels unbearable. I scream and look up with my agony.

   Above me I see the Phoenix, who I know vaguely remember as being named Safaia, is standing above me with a frown.

"It's a shame. I expected more." She mutters as the unholy flame grows to my waist.

"Yes it's a real shame. Oh well there's always next time." I hear Hitsuki say and I look to my left to see here standing over me as well holding what look like a spike made of the same material as the plating on my hand. Dear fuck this hurts. I think before she slams the spike down into my skull and my mind goes blank. Fuck.

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   I wake up abruptly and swear before picking myself up off the floor. What the hell? I think before rubbing my forehead amd check my leg for and burns. Nothing. How am I even alive? Or does what happens there not effect what happens here? I then look around and notice I'm on the floor. Really? I fell off the couch? I stand up and check the time 6:34 and I walk into my room, grab a new set of clothes and walk into my bathroom to take a shower. Time to get the hell up...

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   I stand next to the ladder and make sure all of object are in their correct places. Watch in the left vest pocket, book I. The right vest pocket, taser in my right pocket, pen syringe in left pocket, wallet in the pocket with the syringe and my lockpicking tools hidden in their pouch on the inside of my vest sideways and facing towards my center so that I can access them quickly.

    I climb up the ladder without any real haste, being especially careful to not spill any of the tomato soup I'm having for breakfast.

   I reach the top of the ladder, without spilling any of my food thankfully, and I close the door behind me before taking a sip of the thick soup.

I hear a peppy voice to my left greet me, "Good morning Sonata," and I lazily shift my gaze to the mare beside me dressed in a simple pink T-shirt and a pair simple jeans.

"And a good morning to you Berry." I respond after swallowing my mouthful of soup. "Why are you here?"

"Oh you know; stopping by, enjoying the scenery and enjoying everything this world has to offer." She says as we walk along towards the outside of the forest.

"Everything as long as its profitable I would guess." I say before taking another sip from my can.

"Now you're getting it." She says before pulling out a small note from her pocket and handing it to me. "I guess I wouldn't be a good teacher though if I didn't give you a grade on your assignment." She finishes and I unfold the paper which only has a few lines of information.

Grade: 74/100

Debt before job: 4,326,876.19 bits

Debt after job: 4,326,876.19 bits

Payment: Knowledge

Remarks: Toke too many risks, was too dependent, and nearly failed job at multiple points.

"Only a 74?" I say before handing her back the note and taking another drink of my soup. I thought I did pretty well actually.

"You read the remarks didn't you? You're still an amateur so I expected some mistakes, but I also expected some caution on your part. You just went in head on. While you may have had a plan you never stopped to consider alternative routes." She says before taking out a flask. "I've got my work cut out for me." She mutters before downing a few gulps and putting the flask back in her pocket.

"Fair enough. Why do I have a debt though?"

"Well Spacial and I were thinking and we decided to cut you a deal. We don't believe that you're very fond of this fate and we decided that we'd be nice ad give you a way out. The debt you saw is the total amount of bits we spent to save your ass along with some added bits to pay for the risk factor. Once you pay that off you then have to pay me for teaching you. After that you must finally pay a bit more as an insurance policy for us in case you leak any secrets. Once all of those bills are paid you can leave a free stallion. This is how your payment will work. I'll take 1/3 of the amount of bits that would've been paid to you and put it against your debt and the remaining 2/3 will go to you. As an option you can choose to receive the maximum amount of money for a job but nothing will go to your debt payment as a result. You're welcome." She says with a smirk.

"Thank you." I say simply. I have a chance to get out of this mess. A very steep slope to climb but I have a chance.

"Anytime. I'll talk to you later then." She says before turning to walk away.

"Wait a second." I respond as we exit the forest.

"Yes?" She moans and turns back to me.

I take out the syringe and taser and hand them to her. "Get me some refills of a sleeping agent that I can use for the syringe, colour the liquid scarlet and get change the Y-shape and that taser to just be a 'l' type of shape. Just add more to my debt and I'll pay it back later." I demand before walking off and I hear what sounds like rocks falling to the earth and I turn around to see only the remains of a magenta mist. Odd. I think as I throw the empty soup can off into the forest. Oh no, I littered.

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