The Accord

Broadsword took the lead as they veered into the dark depths of an alleyway, looking back behind them to make positively sure there were not followed Broadsword looked twords the walls around them. Garbage littered the floors and no doors were visible that entered into the building walls that enclosed around them. Broadsword smiled and nodded. "You couldn't have picked a better spot." Broadsword placed his hooves upon a wall, which both hooves pierced into a line of shadow. Closing his eyes and speaking aloud.

"The veil is thin, and I pledge with sin, that I allow you to borrow my precious skin."

The air around the three grew thin, the alley losing it's temperature steadily and fast. A sinister feeling creped down the colt's spines as the very shade they walk in felt almost alive. Another voice rang out to them in whisper.

"If the viel isss indeed thin, I acknowledge your sssin, and I accept the gift of your preciousss ssskin."

Broadsword's hooves sank into the wall, in response the colt attached his hooves to something and yanked something from solid matter; he began to pull a shadowy figure from the wall. The shadow slowly grasping form as there were not two Broadswords standing before them. Only one of them had visible holes punched through his flesh.

"Ahh Broadssword, it hass been awhile ssssince you sssumoned me."

"Hello Pitch, you can cut the theatrics these two know what you are."

The one Broadsword dubbed Pitch nodded and began to warp into a new form, taking the visage of a changeling. Green soulless eyes ever polymorphing dark green skin, and dark gray mane that pulsated like embers, the very sight of this Pitch character was unnerving to just look at. Pitch turned to Storm ad Desert, holding a hoof to his chest and bowing his head slightly. "Gentlecoltsss..."

"Good to meet you pitch," Storm said, nodding in greeting. "I'm Storm Chaser, and this is my friend Desert Sun."

"You certainly know how to make an entrance."

"Well atleasst your new alliesss have mannersss Broadssword. Lasst I recall, the foolss you rode with had to be punisshed for their inssubordination."

"And last I recall, pretending to be the poor guy's wife and turning your head one hundred and eighty degrees wasn't the smartest way to end the ties with someone who was going to backstab us."

"Let us reminissssce later my friend. You have traveled far from your little abode in Old Ponyville Broadsssword, what isss the pleassure of this occassssion? You know my sservicess do not come cheaply."

"We're going after an Inquisitor," Storm said. "By the name of Fact Finder. Dark blue fur, black mane, Cutie mark of a detective's spy glass."

Pitch's head cracked, and sharply snapped in Storm's direction, the holes in his flesh writing open and closed more frequently and his mane danced within an intangible wind.

Broadsword cleared his throat to regain Pitch's attention "I know I have already swore an oath for you to use my body, and we have very little money, but please hear us out. We want to take down Fact Finder, and we need your help finding him and infiltrating whatever hole he's hiding in to kill him."

"Oohh myy. A rather daring quesst you undertake." Pitch licked his lips and cracked his head unnaturally to the side, his body sank into the broken cobblestone beneath them. "I must sssay I am intrigued by your new alliessss here." Pitch's voice rang from behind Storm and Desert, as he now stood right behind them. Blinking from view not giving Storm the chance to react, Pitch placed himself face to face with the Stormwing. Pitch grins devilishly, now disturbing every right Storm had to his boundaries of personal space. "What marvelousss bodiess you have...I believe I can help you, however the isssue of payment now comes to play. What are your termsss?" Pitch's tongue escaped from his mouth and flicked Storm on the nose like a serpent. "Ssspeak now and pray your offer pleassess me."

"My offer is this," Storm said, refusing to give the Changeling the satisfaction of a reaction. "Fact is a wealthy Inquisitor, and no small part of that is money that was stolen from me when he betrayed me to the Archmagister. I care nothing for it now. Help us, and all of what's left of my fortune will be yours." Storm knew what Pitch most likely wanted, but he hoped money would be satisfactory enough...

"...Your offer is null to me." Pitch hissed some still giving a Cheshire cat grin leaning his neck back his eyes closed. "However, I will ssstill agree to help you, two fold. I owe Broadsssword that much is certain, and secondly. When your tassssk isss complete, I will take Fact Finder'ssss place."

"Sounds legit to me." Broadsword replied compliantly.

"Fair enough." Storm said, inwardly thankful that his fears hadn't been founded.

"However that does blow a small hole in our plan, we we're going to pin a huge scam on the guy just in case we aren’t able to finish the job." Broadsword said looking to the street in a contemplative fashion.

"A plan you ssay?" Pitch decided he would not gain much reactions out of Storm, thus his sights now set on Desert, A sickening noise akin to bones breaking echoed in their ears as one wing sprouted from the Changeling's flank. Taking a step twords Desert, the one wing curled itself around Desert's side, the wing's feathers felt of fleshy tendrils that clung upon him, reeling him beside Pitch. "You three ssound asss though you have a very dasstardly sscheme afoot. Now that I will join your merry band of murder..." Pitch leaned his face beside Desert's. "Reveal everything won't you?" Pitch hissed.

"Of course..." Desert said, clenching his teeth in a failed attempt to suppress a shudder. "Anything for our new ally..."

He looked to Storm, a pleading look on his face

"Fact Finder is a murderer and a scoundrel," Storm said, stepping in to help his friend. "He's also in possession of stones that are valuable to us. That's all you need to know."

"SSStoness? Now now my friend you're going to be more sspecific then that." Pitch turned his attention to Storm, but that doesn’t mean he's going to keep his clutches off of Desert.

"Heard of a Dispell Blade Pitch?" Broadsword interjected. "Fact is sitting on a tower of the things."

"My my..." The changeling oozed into a liquid paste running off of poor Desert, who by this point is going to have lucid nightmares for the upcoming weeks. The puddle wriggled it's way to Broadsword's hooves, The slime stopped just short of the colt and rose back to form Pitch. "Anti magic stonesss, now I really wissh to obtain Fact Finder'sss place. I must admit Broadsssword you tend to put othersss in the oddesst of predicamentssss."

Broadsword took nerve patting the Changeling on the writhing shoulder with little hesitation or loss of fortitude. "Good to have you aboard Pitch. So you'll scout ahead then right?"

"Indeed, I ssshall return momentarily, in the meantime gentlecoltsss make yourssselvess comfortable at the nearessst tavern..." Pitch trotted himself to the wall where he was pulled from and began to ooze himself back into the solid matter like it was water. Before turning his head back to the three, though his head now that of Desert's visage, he even spoke perfectly in Desert's voice.

"It's not like you can hide from me if you wanted too anyway...." With a sinister chuckle the changeling escaped through the writhing wall.

"See what I tell ya? Pitch is a swell guy." Broadsword turned back to his companions with a smile.

"SWELL?!" Desert barked, clearly outraged. "That was among the most uncomfortable moments in my entire life! And there have been quite a few!! How dare he take on my persona without my consent!"

"He did need a disguise for the scouting." Storm said, trying to calm his livid friend.

"I hate working with Changelings..." Desert grumbled. "This Pitch is even more dreadful than that intolerable Cipher!"

Broadsword arched a brow at that last remark. "Are you implying you've done business with Changelings before?"

"Yes... once..." Desert said shuttering at the memory.

"His name was Cipher, he was a retriever working for a greedy private collector." Storm explained.

"Well I'll be dipped, and here I thought i was special when I started working alongside Pitch. Looks like those Changelings get around more often then I thought. Though I would get use to Pitch more often if I was you." Broadsword stated a warning to Desert. "Pitch operates in Canterlot, and now that he's got an idea of your body, he may pop up from time to time on you."

"Oh.... Splendid..." Desert looked like he was about to faint.

"And it still is pretty special to know a Changeling," Storm said. "We use to get around. A LOT. And we've only met one. So they're still pretty rare to see."

"Oh take it easy, like I said Pitch doesn't really do his work with house members. Maybe use your likeness for public appearances, but he only works with unaligned ponies. Though I'm sure that won't stop him from giving you a friendly spook every once and awhile."

Broadsword turned his gaze over to Storm. "That goes for you too so don't get cozy thinking this is all on him."

"It's my job to plan and execute surprise attacks, that includes how to AVOID being surprised," Storm said, shrugging. "If he can get the jump on me, I DESERVE the scare."

"Well then next time your at the Hornless Minotaur be sure to buckle your pants. Pitch is a common visitor. So now all we do it wait for Pitch to show back up. Either we can just stay here, or hit the bar. Though that's up to boss man over here." Broadsword sat his flank down to the ground pointing over to Desert with a stupid smirk. "I mean we're getting paid to watch his ass right?"

"After that experience, a drink sounds rather good at the moment." Desert said obviously still bitter. "Just remember to play the subservient bodyguard... bottom feeders." He added with a small smile.

"...We're in a dark alleyway and the only thing that would stop me from bucking you in the teeth is Storm. You have five seconds to rephrase that." Broadsword retorted. "Five...Four...Three..."

"Oh look we're going out into public!" Desert said, moving quickly and dragging Storm in a position of blocking Broadsword. "Where it is generally frowned upon for an Earth Pony to attack a highly respected Unicorn! So sorry old chap, we'll have to finish this conversation later!"

"...Wuss." Broadsword lurched himself form his sitting position following behind the two, taking one last gaze back into the alleyway as if Pitch would pop out at them.

"Now then," Desert continued. "Our friend told us to wait in a tavern correct? I know of one that is nearby that should suit us well. I will allow you to have a drink, but just one. Can't have you falling over drunk if I'm attacked, now can we?"

"Oh thank you sir," Storm said, sounding genuine but inwardly rolling his eyes. "You're very kind."

"I'll take a shot of Bashing Horseshoe Vodka." Broadsword jumped upon the call of drink, just incase their option of alcohol was up to them.

"Very well," Desert said, rolling his eyes and playing the part of taskmaster very well. So far, their ruse was working flawlessly. They received the occasional side-glance from Unicorns who were curious as to why there were Earth Ponies in Canterlot who were not slaves, but no one paid any real attention to them.

It was rather hard for Broadsword to not want to ravine off course and take a gander at some vendor shops along the street, so many magical dodads, the Minotaur could use...not to mention maybe afew magical toys for him and his little brother. They reached the tavern doors, Broadsword's face turned sour seeing how...posh the inside was, this didn't feel like a pub, it felt like a bunch of high class ponies drinking form floating wine glasses, all chuckling to each other and being all around smarmy pricks. "...Oh dear Celestia, I miss the Minotaur already..."

"Ah yes," Desert took in a deep breath. "Finally some class, I've spent to much time doing dirty work, it's good to finally see a building up to standards. Now, you two mind yourselves, and don't touch anything! Your filthy coats would dirty up this fine establishment!"

"Understood." Storm said, holding back a smile. Despite what others might have thought, Desert was more than capable of handling dirty environments, and sometimes even preferred them. Hence his home in the woods. His friend enjoyed class, but wasn't completely like the snobs that occupied most of Canterlot

"...Bite me" Broadsword muttered, keeping his head and ears down, his tail dragging along the floor. Storm could plainly see this was not Broadsword's element.

"Who are these two?" The Bartender asked Desert, looking at the Storm and Broadsword with distain. "Slaves aren't allowed in here."

"They're not slaves, they're savages I hired to assist me in menial tasks." Desert answered, waving a dismissive hoof. "I don't trust them not to get lost without me with them, you know how dim Earth Ponies can be, so I keep them with me."

"Of course Professor."

"...Pretty sure I want that vodka now." Broadsword grumbles.

Desert ordered the drinks, white wine for himself, hard cider for Storm, and the Vodka (albeit reluctantly) for Broadsword.

"Thank you lord." Broadsword's face sprung up at the sight of the shot, taking a seat he lifts the shot glass to his two comrades. "....What aren’t you guys gonna-....Oh right..." Broadsword lowered his glass and downed the shot with a single swig, no reeling of his face, but what do you expect from a mercenary? When alcohol often becomes your primary source of water. "Daahhh, haven't had a shot of this stuff in years."

"Where did you find him anyway?" Desert whispered, giving Storm a disappointed gaze.

"In....a bar...."

"Not surprising..."

Broadsword was oblivious to the two speaking about him in their hushed tones, his attention fixed on the band playing smooth and regal music. Broadsword gave a small huff. "I guess I could get use to these tunes, but nothing beats High Note's ragtimes and shanties. Even when Obelisk starts throwing furniture at the guy..." Obviously lost in thought to himself...

"High Note?" Storm asked. "Is that a band?"

"Oh no that's the cousin of the Minotaur's owner, Fine Print. He's alittle nutty and for some...good reasons...but he's a nice guy, he keeps everyone happy and entertained. The poor bastards who walk into that death trap of a town deserve all the joy they can get, and not the joy the cult offers. Real honest to Celestia happiness. That’s why me, Obelisk, Fine Print, Pitch, and High Note are long term residents...to make sure any soul who walks in feels safe for at least the night."

"They're lucky to have such guardians," Storm said. Out of the Corner of his eye, Storm could see Desert react slightly when the Cult was mentioned. "Safe havens are a rarity these days. No pun intended..."

"Especially when your little brother's cutie mark shows the tell tale signs of him wanting to be a pirate." Broadsword looked up with a smirk. "Skull and Crossbones. My little brother turned out to be the black sheep in the family. My family line were all proud warriors or knights, but not Shortsword. Which was also partly my fault. I read him a story one night about a pirate lord named Captain Redhooves. The little guy fell in love with that story so much that while reading story to him, he said he got his cutie mark. You could imagine the look on my face when I saw that pony skull on his flank." Broadsword gave a small laugh, a smile wiped across his face remembering the incident all too well.

"I know that feeling," Storm said with a small smile. "I am... I WAS the only Earth Pony in my family. Kinda stick out when all your siblings are Unicorns and Pegusi."

"That only means that you just have the horse power to break someone's face when they get out of line." Broadsword laughed out abit, trying to take another shot of the vodka, forgetting it was empty. "Oh yeah that’s right...Fine Print usually fills me up without me asking..." Broadsword shot the two ponies a dirty look and pointed at them. "Don't crack a joke at that or I'll hit you."

"You wound me by your accusations that I would dare stoop to your level!" Desert said, mocking insult. "At least, not while in public."

"You'll get no such promises from me." Storm said, taking another swig of cider.

A rather regal gentlemen walks up behind Desert while speaking to his companions. The stallion clears his throat to gain his attention. "Terribly sorry to pry you away from your...company...fine sir but I do have a message for you." The stallion reared his head down to hide his mouth while he spoke, an unsettling yet familiar voice escaped from lips. "I acknowledge your sssin, and I accept the gift of your preciousss sskin."

"Ah good," Desert said, doing his absolute best to prevent himself from reacting. "It sounds our friend found the information I was looking for." He looked over at the two Earth Ponies. "You know, the books full of big words that you can't read?"

"Oh you mean the ones with mare's flashing their good bits around?" Broadsword replied, snark in his tone of voice, looking to the stallion. The both of them giving a slight nod, reassuring Broadsword that this fellow was indeed Pitch.

The four ponies exited the tavern post haste, following the extravagantly posh looking Pitch back into the same alleyway as before. It took them afew minutes to return to the darkest end of the alley. Pitch entered the blackest shade and vanished from sight. Only to rise from the floor within the middle of the group of ponies. A toothy grin slapped across his face now taken his original form. "It would ssseem I have outdone myssself. Not only have I disscovered your Fact Finder'sss location. His stronghold is just within dissstance of my dark tunnelsss. At your ready gentlecoltsss, we may walk right into our friend'sss abode and take him by ssurprisse."

"I'm ready." Storm said confidently. "Let's put this devil in the ground and be done with it."

"Storm..." Desert didn't sound so confident.

"Don't even try Desert. I'm going to kill him."

"Alright, if you're sure, I'll stand by you."

"As so you're actually going to fight with us? Well then what can you bring to the table then? Weapon...erm...magic of choice?" Broadsword turned to Desert wondering how this fellow can benefit them in combat.

"I'll have you know I am not helpless," Desert huffed. "I've been in my fair share of scrapes. I don't know any lethal magic, but I can use stuns on opponents and heal my allies, along with giving them a burst of energy."

"Good then." Broadsword nodded his head in approval. "So then the plan has changed slightly. As part of the deal for Pitch's help, we sneak in, find Fact, slice him down before any of his flunkies show up, and let Pitch assume his form for easy access to the stones and to get out with no resistance."

"Fine, whatever, let's just get this done." Storm said, obviously distant.

Pitch placed his hoof upon the surface of the alley's wall, the holes in his flesh pulsated, angulations larger and smaller in rapid sets, the tempo of it all getting faster. The wall's red color melted away as a sea of black matter formed a portal. Broadsword wasted no time and raced into the vortex disappearing into it with a blink of an eye. "Thatsss one. Ssstorm, Dessert." Pitch hissed awaiting the other two to walk through the tunnel.

Storm nodded and the two entered the portal.