Slavegear - Part 2

Moon sighed as she stared up at the stars and the moon. "I take no joy in killing, but if it has to be done then it will be done. I will also look out, make sure your brother is alright."

"Ponies, we do stupid things when we're scared. I was so terrified, once, that I tried to kill Princess Celestia. And then, when I had escaped her, I tried to kill her again. Terror brings violence, violence brings more violence, until we forget what it means to be alive. I don't want a fight, I just want to go home and see my daughter." she looked down at the ground below.

"We all make mistakes, it's how we learn from them that counts in the end."

Twilight takes a deep breath and opens the door, ready to face Harlequin.

(Al)
"Well, just like a regular day at work."

He looks around for nothing in particular, though he notices the activity in the storage room.
~Huh, not a bad idea.~

Another turn of his head lets him see a grey colored unicorn walking to the door of the balcony. He first doesn't care, but then turns his head to her again, seeing on the mare's back two odd bulges.
"Wait a minute..."
~So, horn + wings = alicorn. Alicorn = handful of ponies. Now, the most likely one is... A bounty!~

With a greedy look on his face, he follows Twilight Sparkle.

(Tarmikos)
Tarmikos locked eyes with Eva, his vision slightly blurred from the tears. He wiped the moisture away from his face,

"Yes" his voice was sullen. "but it's pointless now to do anything. May as well just end me here and now. At any point, I could turn hostile and it won't be under my control. It will be the massacre all over again."


(Omega)
"It was just a bit of extra precaution, with the fugitives on the run and everything" Omega removed the jacket neatly folding it in his arms "But I suppose I was being over cautious. The chain can be manipulated using Tilerium enhancements and a pair of bracelets, which are in the front pocket of the jacket."


(Radiance)
"I will do my best Johan," Radiance responds to him looking up and basking in the light of the moon.

(Wyvern, Derpy, V'tara)

"Yeah" Kaylee nodded: "The Silent Cloak, should make it easier to sneak around, if necessary" she looked around, checking if the hallway was clear:
"Now that we've got the gear, we can start looking for the Tiara or Dr. Zarovee. Though we should rendezvous with the rest of the group to give them the gear first. Maybe they've already spotted the Doctor or the Tiara"








(Moon, Radiance)

Johan nodded to you and released a small smile. He turned to look at the horizon again and stayed silent for a while, before he asked:
"..why'd you guys wanted to go to the ball?... did you find what you're looking for?"









(Omega)


The soldier extended his hand, to receive the jacket:
"Sir, you didn't answer my question" he looks annoyed: "Can this item be weaponized or turned into an explosive?"

You notice the butler whisper something into the collar of his own shirt. After that the butler returned to stand still, ready with his metal detector.








(Tarmikos)

Eva was quietly looking at you for a long time, before you saw something fall out of her sleeve:
"Tarmi... you're going to fall asleep now... and when you'll wake up, you'll be in a safe place. I promise"

You feel another syringe injection in your neck, and then everything faded to darkness.











(Twilight)


As you open the door, you only see an empty balcony in front of you. The noise of the ball stayed behind. Fresh air and a beautiful night sky opens before you.
There was nobody here.

You briefly hear the door close behind you, before your suddenly punched into the back of your head, and a shadowy figure drops from above, smashing you into the ground.

As you hit the pavement, you feel the weight of a pony, sitting on your back and pinning you hard into the ground. The cold steel of a blade, appeared dangerously close to your neck.



"... move a muscle and I'll open your arteries" a mare's voice whispered right over your ear, and you noticed a white mask in the corner of your eye.
"..don't even think about screaming..." the knife came closer to your neck:


"... chasing an assassin, alone... that was pretty reckless" You could feel her pinning you hard to the ground, it was extremely difficult to move:

"... why do you follow me?" she whispered

"UNGH!"

As she crashes on the floor she hisses in pain.
"That smarts..."

As she feels the mare threathening her, she feels oddly at ease.
"So, you're the real Harlequin. I want to talk to you for a moment, if possible."

"We came to look for someone, but I can't trust myself near them now. Because of that thing with Marek. I feel like a ticking time bomb. Also, I have the nagging feeling to bite someone, but I know I really shouldn't. I can't." she sighed, looking at the moon again.

"I'm terrified of hurting someone else." a few tears rolled down her cheeks "I'm not new to killing, but I don't think I could live with more blood on my hands. And, I'm so scared I'll hurt someone innocent again..."

(Twilight)

"...I have orders to bring you back to the country of Artemis, for a trial in the court of law" the mare whispered:

"..your comrades gave me the impression that, they did not want to cooperate. I thought about separating your group and knocking them out one by one, but it would probably take a long time. You're making it easier for me..." she waited a moment, before she spoke again:


"I don't understand why you'd want to talk to me. I'm just a harlequin. I'm not significant"









(Moon, Radiance)

"Moon.." Johan quietly said. He thought for a moment, then briefly touched your shoulder: "If.. if Marek really programmed you to hurt someone.... then, if you want... I'll stay next to you, and.. if something happens, I'll try to.. stop you.. somehow.. without hurting you.

I know I'm really weak and not physically fit, but.. maybe even someone like me can do something, if they're determined enough. I'll try my best, I promise"

He looked at Moon: "And... if.. if you need someone's.. blood.... you can take mine. I don't mind, really. Its ok" he released a small smile.

"No" she shook her head and looked down "I never bite innocent ponies, not ever. I did it once, and apparently it hurts loads. I don't want to inflict pain, unless I have to. Makes me more of a monster."

She gazed at the moon "The view is better from home, the moon shines down on the forest, bathing it in its gentle glow. Beautiful."

(Omega)
Omega's face turned to an expression of realisation that he hadn't answered the guard's question yet. "Oh, yes, it can be weaponised, but it's just as dangerous to the user if they lack the training. So I don't think it should pose too much of a problem"

(Radiance)
"Standing in Equestrian moonlight." Radiance added in "Now there's something I never thought I'd miss."

(Twilight)
"I wanted to know what your goal was. And since the goal is relatively peaceful, I wish to hear the points of view of your taskmasters. If they are willing to talk, I'll explain my point of view, what desicions I'm going to make and why."

She tries to wriggle to get slightly more comfortable. "Could you please get up a bit? I'm having difficulty breathing, not useful for talking."

Rain frowns and gets up as she sees Twilight go to the balcony... Shestands in front of the door and pulls it open, her hand moving to her leg and a small conceild crossbow opens upwith a soft click... Harle feels nothing pressing on her... Not a foot... No boot no metal nothing... But for sure Rain had a that crossbow aiming at her skull, "nice to see you again harle please keep in mind that even though your a mindless killer if i even see that blade move... I dont plan on missing a second time..." she huffs, "give me a reason i shouldnt put this bolt in the back of your head."

(Twilight)

"I'm afraid I can't. The purpose of my posture, is to prevent you from counter attacking, not to make you comfortable"

Harlequid looked around, briefly scanning the area, then looked at you again:

"I work for Artemis. My master ordered me to bring you in for a trial in the court of law. If your friends told me the truth and you were indeed framed, then you have nothing to fear.
You and your friends must surrender into my custody and I will escort you back to the country of Artemis.

I will ensure your safety during the journey, I promise. Once you appear in the court of law, you will have a chance to present your testimony and any proof you may have. The trial will be conducted by Union judges, not only Artemis"




Harlequin scanned the area again, before she continued: "The views of Artemis leaders are.. varied. A lot of them are scared. Most of them angry. They have damning physical evidence that points to you, as the suspects of the crime that took place two days ago.

If you have a testimony or proof that claims otherwise, you will have a chance to present it, when you appear in the court"



She briefly paused:
"My second objective, is to find the truth about Slavegear. There are still inconsistencies present in our evidence.

Some of the camera footage seems odd. Your psychological profile contradicts your actions. I must investigate further, before I can reach a conclusion.
Ideally I prefer to hear both sides of the story, before I form an opinion. You friends told me a very odd tale, about a batpony who framed you for all this.

Personally I find it unlikely. The batponies were liberated from slavery by the Union. They have no obvious reason to lash out against the entire world. If there is anything you can tell me on the matter, I will listen"












(Moon, Radiance)


".... Moon.. you're not a monster" Johan quietly said.
He stood in silence for a moment, then looked at you and gave a slight nod: "..shall we look for your friends? Perhaps they can help us.."










(Omega)


The guard took the jacket from you and placed it into some kind of hardened container:
"...we'll be keeping your items outside of the mansion, in the guard outpost. Any weapons inside the mansion are strictly forbidden. You will have a chance to pick up your items again, on your way back. Have a good evening sir"

The butler quickly came up and began waving his metal detector around you. Then he waved you through a walkthrough detector, that seemed to have magical symbols carved into it:
"...please proceed through the magic detector sir" the butler nodded: "After that turn right, and the ballroom will appear on your left sir. Have a good evening"

(Rain)


Everything happened so fast, your eyes couldn't trace the movement.
Your crossbow was suddenly kicked out of your hands, and it flew off the balcony. Harlequin turned into a complete blur, her movements too fast to register.

The next second you suddenly crashed flat on your back, the wind completely kicked out of you. Only after you hit the ground, you slowly registered that you were violently kicked into the solar plexus, your stomach and neck.

The kicks happened so fast, you only registered them, after you already fell.


As you look around, you only see Twilight, still laying on the ground. Seemingly unharmed, with no visible injury.


Harlequin was gone.

You didn't see her run past you. She must have either jumped off the balcony or flew up. The sheer silence with which she disappeared, was eerie.














(Twilight)


You felt some sort of movement above you, and Harlequins weight disappeared. Her blade vanished as well. As you look around, you see Rain, laying on her back, a few feet away.

Harlequin was gone.
She vanished with an eerie silence.

(ugh i want to delete my post ugh but my phone died... Soooooooooo ima just make my post again)

(so much for that)

She sighs and moves catching her small crossbow before it gets too far ignoring the pain she slips the bow through the wooden bars "goddamnit Harle! I need to talk to you and thats hard when I know you have a weapon and theres a possibility of you stabbing me AND bat ponys want your head!" she calls up at the roof as she gets up her right eye flickering a bit, "come on" She pulls the bolt out and throws it up to the roof where she knew harle went as the ground eould have been a dumb idea.

"I am a monster. I know I am" she looked at Johan, her eyes turning bright red and her fangs shining in the moonlight "I am a monster by nature, and nothing can change that."

"Friends? Oh yeah, of course. Maybe we should. Lets go."

After harlequin left the scene, Twilight gets up again, dusting herself off. She then goes to ponder about something for a bit.
~Mixed feelings... We all have those. My words will not fix that, especially since they're so unlikely. I'm entirely willing to head to the courthouse, but first I must get the proper evidence. And maybe freedom.~

She touches the base of her neck, aware what was stored there. She gives a deep sigh, knowing how futile it all is.

Then, she feels a tap on her shoulder.

As Twilight turns around, she sees the exact opposite of her. Instead of a young intelectual with a good future is a washed out jock who's prime was in high school, where his future has withered away. The man did not look fitting for this place, and smelled even less so. But the greed on his face made no mistakes: He meant business.

(Al)
"Let's rock."
After saying those two words, he swings his fist right into Twilight's face. The blow packed enough to knock the mare out.

With his target unconsious, he begins to drag her inside, to get a bounty for his hit.

(Omega)
"Thanks," he nodded to the soldier and the butler "you two enjoy your night as well." Omega enters the ball confused at the odd choice in music playing, but considering current events it didn't surprise him. He felt a touch out of place with his current look and he could feel the others staring at him. He still did his best too looked relaxed keeping his eyes open for anything suspicious.

(Radiance)
"Physically being different is not all bad." Radiance says trying to reassure her "it's how we act with what we've been given that truly defines us."

Kaylee Brown wrote:(Wyvern, Derpy, V'tara)

"Yeah" Kaylee nodded: "The Silent Cloak, should make it easier to sneak around, if necessary" she looked around, checking if the hallway was clear:
"Now that we've got the gear, we can start looking for the Tiara or Dr. Zarovee. Though we should rendezvous with the rest of the group to give them the gear first. Maybe they've already spotted the Doctor or the Tiara"








(Moon, Radiance)

Johan nodded to you and released a small smile. He turned to look at the horizon again and stayed silent for a while, before he asked:
"..why'd you guys wanted to go to the ball?... did you find what you're looking for?"









(Omega)


The soldier extended his hand, to receive the jacket:
"Sir, you didn't answer my question" he looks annoyed: "Can this item be weaponized or turned into an explosive?"

You notice the butler whisper something into the collar of his own shirt. After that the butler returned to stand still, ready with his metal detector.








(Tarmikos)

Eva was quietly looking at you for a long time, before you saw something fall out of her sleeve:
"Tarmi... you're going to fall asleep now... and when you'll wake up, you'll be in a safe place. I promise"

You feel another syringe injection in your neck, and then everything faded to darkness.











(Twilight)


As you open the door, you only see an empty balcony in front of you. The noise of the ball stayed behind. Fresh air and a beautiful night sky opens before you.
There was nobody here.

You briefly hear the door close behind you, before your suddenly punched into the back of your head, and a shadowy figure drops from above, smashing you into the ground.

As you hit the pavement, you feel the weight of a pony, sitting on your back and pinning you hard into the ground. The cold steel of a blade, appeared dangerously close to your neck.



"... move a muscle and I'll open your arteries" a mare's voice whispered right over your ear, and you noticed a white mask in the corner of your eye.
"..don't even think about screaming..." the knife came closer to your neck:


"... chasing an assassin, alone...  that was pretty reckless" You could feel her pinning you hard to the ground, it was extremely difficult to move:

"... why do you follow me?" she whispered

"Where did everyone else even go?" Lord Wyvern asks Kaylee as he looks around.

Who the hell did this Al guy think he was, Rain watched as he delivered the blow but after that he didnt even get a chance to grab Twilight before receving a swift... Full force steeltow boot kick right to the groin, and a second kick right to the stomach a plastic dirk os pulled from her boot and aimed at his throat "What thd FUCK do you think your doing?!" she growls threatening to lurch forward abd embed the plastic blade in his gullet.

After being dragged for a bit, enough to be somewhat inside, the blows land. He staggers a bit backwards, though he seems to take it quite well.

"Urgh... I'm helping a fainted woman out. I could ask you, but I think the sound of the red flag is clogging your ears!"

From the attack of Rain, Twilight has been dropped on the floor, the fall making her stirr slightly.

"Ill take ot from hers thanks..." she growls picking up twilight and draping the girl over her shoulder before walking away sheathing her plastic blade and walking over to thr vetrans area where she sits twilight down at a table, walks to the food area, gets her a few peices of cheesecake and waits for her to wake up.

(Al)
"If you knew what's best for you, you'd let her go now. Unless you are still clueless who this ALICORN is." He says Alicorn particulary loud, so all the other guests hear.

(Twilight)

Soon afterwards, Twilight does get up. She tries to recollect what she has gone through.

~Okay... First I got to talk with her, then that one mare decides that scaring her off is the best idea. As I was thinking, I was attacked by a stallion, and now I'm here. Best to not waste any more time.~

She gets up again, rubbing her rapidly swelling cheek.

~Crap, this is getting more difficult by the minute. Everyone's looking.~

"Sir this mare is a close "friend" of mine... Are you assuming that my lover is the cause of the slaughtering of thousands?" she growls and grabs twilight, "i dont know who you think you are but I am quite distraught that you would ASSAULT A WOMAN" she yells with a growl her eyes burning into his, "people like you make me sick!" she spits, taking twilight by the arm "come on dear" she leans in as she takes her by the arm, "i know you might not like it but just go with it..." she gently tugs her as a jesture to follow.

(Twilight)
The mare frown at the other mare, with a hint of annoyance. "Get your hands off me this instant." She pulls herself loose and walks to the stallion, standing in front of him. "Sir, I do not know what your reason was for that assault on me, but I am not the one you're looking for."

Al doesn't seem bothered by the comments from Rain, being used to them from his job. "Oh really? Prove it then, ma'am."

Twilight simply pulls out her invitation. "If I got in with this, it must be real. I get it a lot that people see me for something even more grand, but I assure you, it's something at birth. Though, you seem oddly out of place here. How did you get in here, servant?"

Al almost begins to laugh. "Servat? That's a step up. I'm a shoe salesmen. I got here through-" He stops as Twilight lays a hand on his shoulder in pity.

"Shoesalesmen... It's all clear now. The lowest possible standing you can be, no wonder you're this frustrated with the world... Go, and feast here to your heart's content! But please refrain from hitting me from this point on."

Al looks a bit dumbfounded, but takes it. "Okay, bye!"
With those words, he makes his leave, leaving the two mares behind.