Chapter Two

A shadow swiftly moved through the night covering Ponyville, only stopping when the local guard or moonlight lovers passed by. Once they had moved on, it continued with its mission, their destination being a mansion just at the town's outskirts. They had spent all day, finding out information about this mansion's owner, and discovered something dark from a 'willful' informant, who worked at this mansion. Now, under the cover of darkness, will be his best time to strike, after acquiring a camera from one of the local school paper foals. For right now, he just needed the owner's guest for the night to arrive.

Luck seemed to be on his side, the Astartes seeing tonight's offering heading towards his objective. She was young, last year of elementary school possibly, and more than likely an orphan from the information gathered. Such things were easier to obtain, and the top benefactor held his "donations" over the orphanage's head like a blade. This filly had an orange coat, with matching feathers, and magenta hair of a tomboy, her "School Filly" outfit did not suit this one's image at all. However, there was no choice in the matter, she had the bad luck of being chosen for this task.

When she walked up to the mansion's front door, ringing the doorbell, an elderly unicorn stallion answered. "Yes? How can I help you, dear?" His tone was aged and held a hint of a Canterlot Accent.

"H-Hello, I-I'm Scootaloo." The filly was nervous, her reaction caused the shadow's fists to clench tightly, and felt sickened to allow such to happen… But, this was necessary for his mission to work, and if it did? Such a thing would never happen again. "I was t-told to come here, dressed like this?"

The butler looked at her for a moment, humming in recollection before nodding. "Ah, yes, Ms. Scootaloo. Now I remember." He stepped out of the way, motioning for Scootaloo to enter. "Master High Top is waiting for you in his study. I will show you the way, dear." Hesitantly, the filly walked inside.

Now was his chance, the shadow rushing towards the mansion's garden, avoiding any window that could easily reveal his presence to those inside. Once there, he quickly gripped the stone statues embedded into the wall and any piece jutting out, making his climb up to a large window on the third floor. He had to be careful, to not make a sound and attract unwanted attention… But, such a thing also needed to be done quickly, in ordered to catch whatever he could on camera, vital to his operation.

Once the shadow reached his objective, he pulled the camera up and quickly clicked a switch in order to shut off its flash. That being done, he looked inside the study, seeing a unicorn stallion, coat gray as stone and mane black as the ink he was writing with, finalizing paperwork. This was his target, the one that would ensure the shadow's true objective will be achieved… They just do not know it yet, and require a bit of persuading.

When the door opened, both looked towards it and saw Scootaloo with the butler. "Master High Top, your evening appointment is here to see you." The butler announced, bowing his head respectfully.

"It is about damn time." The stallion grumbled, putting his quill away and standing up, moving from behind the desk. "One would think, with the amount of bits I donate to that poor excuse of an orphanage, they'd be more timely with our arrangement." He eyed Scootaloo carefully, examining her frame. "Alright, might as well get started get started." The butler took that as his cue to leave, closing the door behind himself.

-An Hour and a Half Later-

High Top kept a pleased grin, wearing his matching gray bathe robe, heading back to the study. He had sent Scootaloo back to the orphanage, after cleaning herself up of course. Admittedly, he slightly felt bad about some of the things he had the filly do and taking her purity this night… But, only slightly.

"You still got it, High Top, ol' boy." The stallion chuckled, grasping the doorknob to his study. "Heh, that filly should thank me." He slowly opened the door. "No colt will give her the pleasures-!"
"Sure about that, 'High Top, ol' boy'?"

High Top was frozen in place, seeing a being leaning against his desk, skimming through an assortment of pictures. They adorned smooth teal colored armor with silver trimmings on the shoulders, legs, neckguard, and strange backpack. The stranger wore green scales of some dragon as a cape, barely concealing the combat dagger on his hip, a strange barrel and scope device slung on to his back. Their helmet was angled forward, to a breather on its tip, the red eyes giving off a wrathful being presence. The only markings High Top could see, was a large "A" on his right knee guard and a multi-headed hydra on their left shoulderguard.

"Because, from what I can tell?" The stranger revealed every picture in his hand, which had every indecent position High Top forced Scootaloo into… Tears making the filly's temporary make up run, her screams frozen within an image. "She was in a lot of pain and wanted to stop."

"W-Who are you, and what are you doing here!?" High Top demanded, backing away from the giant. "I demand that you identify yourself, or I will call for the guard!"

"Do you seriously wish to involve the guard, with these in my possession?" They asked, causing High Top to freeze in fear. "I did not think so, as for who I am? Well… Simply call me 'Alpharious'." He slid the pictures into a satchel on their hip. "Now, for what it is I am doing here? Simply, really." Alpharious walked up to the terrified High Top, their helmet glaring down at him. "I want you to pay off the local Day Spa's debt and fund Miss Blossom's campaign against Spoiled Milk."

"What!?" High Top backed up even more, until there was no more room for him to back up into. "Spoiled Milk is a close friend, and her husband is my trusted business partner!"

"Is that so?" Alpharious walked back towards the window. "Would you prefer these photos to show up within the Royal Guard's tip box, or the local princess' desk? I hear a certain rainbow haired mare is protective over that filly. Though, maybe…" He lowly looked back at High Top, the helmet's eyes glowing brighter. "You would like for a cetain filly's remains to be found in a shallow grave not too far from here, and a certain someone to give them away to identify the father of that foal she was carrying?"

High Top suddenly felt his entire body and mind shatter, wondering how Alpharious found out about that secret. "I-I… I'll…" He slumped down, feeling sick. "Do it."

"There's a good lad… We will pretend this night never happen, and on the morning of the registration closing? You will meet a man named 'Salidar' at the spa… He'll be expecting you, for I have already visited him, as well." Alpharious walked up to the window, placing his boot on to the seal. "And remember, I will be watching your every move, High Top… Ol' boy." With that, he leapt out the window, cackling and disappearing into the night's darkness.

-Lotus Blossom's House-

Lotus quietly read her newest issue of Equestrian Fashion, wearing her pink, silk, night gown and slippers. She looked towards the clock, noticing how it was an hour before midnight, and Salidar had not returned from his venture. "Vhere in Equestria did he run off to?" As if her question prompted its own answer, she heard heavy knocking upon the door, a sense of relief washing over her… The metal clank against wood telling her who this was. "One moment! I vill be right zere." She called out, putting the magazine off to the side.

When she opened the door, and saw Salidar standing on the other side, Lotus greeted him with a relieved smile. "Apologies for being late, I was handling some financial business for you." He apologized, the mar giving an 'of course' sigh, stepping aside and allowed him to enter. "But, I believe your problems have been solved."

Lotus blinked, watching the Astartes walk past her and towards the guest room. "Vait, vhat? How did you do zis?"

Salidar stopped, removing his helmet carefully, it releasing a hiss when the mag-lock released. "Let's just say… I am a very persuasive problem solver. The client saw that helping you was in their best interest."

"Oh…" For some odd reason, the mare did not like how he worded that, but allowed it to pass. "By ze way, do not forget to zee Miss Rarity tomorrow, about your zuit! Zere is only two days left, until ze registration closes... And zere is no way you can go with zat armor, and not cause a panic!"

"Alright." Salidar replied, walking into the room. "I will be sure to visit her. Though, you best get some sleep, yourself. Tomorrow will be quiet a day."

"Um... Ok." Lotus replied, blinking, but locked the door and gathered her things. "I am being zerious, do not forget. Miss Rarity iz doing zis as a favor!" Salidar waved in acknowledgement, shutting the door behind himself. "Zat iz a start." Lotus giggled, before going to her own room for the night.

-Rarity's Boutique-

"I must admit, darling. When the request from Lotus Blossom came, I was quite shocked." Rarity noted, getting the measurements around Salidar's frame. "But, I am a mare who enjoys challenges!"

Salidar, on the other hand, simply stood perfectly still for the mare, only moving when she asked him to. Though, due to why he was there, the infiltrator did not like the current attire she made him wear… Only having a sash over his waist, exposing much of the Astartes' bare body. "Anytime, Madam Rarity, this is a request from my dearest friend and host. It would be rude of me not to help any way I can."

She gave a nod, before giving him a curious look. "Though, I must ask you something, and I do hope you mind me asking this…" Rarity seemed hesitant, measuring his waist, Salidar giving a simple nod. "I am thoroughly convinced that many of Ponyville's townsfolk are… Living in their own little fantasy worlds, and ignore the strange… So, my question is, what are you?"

"To put it simply… I am a foreign warrior, who currently is part of a large corporation. While I seem strange to you? We Astartes, as we call ourselves from my homeland, are considered born for many harshness of Equis." He lied, smiling a bit to seem assuring.

"Well, you 'Astartes' are quite godly." Rarity giggled, measuring his right leg. "In many ways." She teased him by flipping the sash up only slightly. "Quite a pleasure to work on an outfit just for you."

Salidar just stared down at her for a few moments, before releasing a heavy sigh. "Honestly, Madam Rarity, any chance this could be hastened some?" His gaze went towards a nearby wall, and the clock which decorated it. "It will not be much longer, until the poles close… And I wish to make a proper introduction."

"Of course, darling. I understand why you are in such a hurry." Rarity smiled, wrapping her tape measure around Salidar's thigh and tightened it. "About time sompeony stood up to that mule of a mare, what she does is just… Just…" She released a sigh of annoyance, before measuring the Astartes' calf. "Horrid! I mean, she sucks the common pony dry, and spends our town's funding on grand parties for the higher classes… Tying a noose around Mayor Mare's neck with funding cuts or pay cuts, if she tried to stop it."

"Why does the local princess do nothing about this?"

"Twilight wants to do something, but…" The mare gained a saddened look about her, taking measure of Salidar's waist again. "As a princess, she is not allowed to get involved in local politics, and can only give advice."

Salidar raised a brow. "That being?"

Rarity had to retrieve a stool, so that she could take measure of Salidar's chest. "Find somepony willing to run against her." She frowned, taking measure of the Astartes' neck. "But… Everypony is too terrified to do so. Those that tried to run, did not receive funding or Spoiled Milk released their secrets for all to know."

Salidar mentally grinned, allowing Rarity to take measure of his arms. If what she said is true, then Salidar already know how to deal with Spoiled Milk. After all, the mare could only be doing this for a decade, while he has been perfecting this art for centuries. If this is to become a battle of sabotage and bribes? Then Spoiled Milk will be thoroughly out classed, her power base crumbling with said mare.

"There!" Rarity smiled, nodding as she got down from the stool. "With these measurements, I should have a suit finished before the registration polls close, plenty of time for a grand entrance."

"Much appreciated, Madam Rarity." Salidar thanked, stretching his tired arms. "Just in time, as well. I have time to handle some very problematic issues for Lotus' campaign."

"No title, and by her first name/ Sure this is not all business, Monsieur Salidar?" Rarity asked, writing the measurements down with a teasing grin.

Salidar glanced down at her, placing a more appropriate tunic on. "Do not read so far into that, Madam Rarity. Lotus preferred I be less formal with her, unless around formal functions."
"You're no fun." She teasingly winked, carefully watching Salidar slide a pair of hastily tailored trousers on. "If you do not mind me asking… What might this problem be? If I recall, you're hurt and should not be moving around very much?"

"Easiest answer?" Salidar slid a pair of work boots on, and stood up. "An unsavory advantage problem." His answer left the mare more confused, but shrugged it off as Salidar limped out the door.

-Mansion of Golden Sails, Tycoon of the Shipment Industry-

The middle aged pegasus counted another bag of bits, for the ninth time in a row this night. His cigar holding muzzle grinning wide with a greedy smile, happy about how much the shipping business has been making him a fortune. Though, nothing made the stallion happier than counting all of his bits and smoking a Griffonstone Cigar, received from ignoring some illegal shipments going in and out on his cargo ships.

"Ah… Nothing is better than counting my hard-earned bits." Golden Sails snickered, walking over to the nearby safe and placed its latest bag inside. "Oh, what am I talking about? Those uneducated hicks are what did all the work, and I just reaped the benefits of their back breaking efforts!" He laughed, sitting back on to the Saddle Arabian crafted office chair. "Life is good, when you're rich!"

The pegasus leaned back into his chair, depositing excess ash on the cigar into an ash-tray. His gaze went to the desk calendar, noticing how close Ponyville's elections were. Around this time, Spoiled Milk visits with a large payment for his assistance and support. While she runs for office, with his backing, the mare usually runs apposed because Golden Sails would increase shipping costs on any business supporting her opponent, or said opponent owns. Spoiled Milk wins her elections, and Golden Sails makes a huge profit, a win-win.

Golden Sails pressed a button on his desk mounted intercom. 'Star Gaze! Is there some poor shmuck planning on running against Spoiled Milk this election?"

"From what I understand, Mister Sails… There is one who is trying to run against her." A young mare replied, Golden Sails' most recent intern assistant.

"Oh? And who is crazy enough to do that?"

"The mare from Ponyville's Day Spa, sir." Star Gaze replied, causing the stallion to raise a brow. "Lotus Blossom, sir."

"That blue candy ass?" Golden Sails guffawed, his fit of laughter dulling hi senses and not noticing a serpent slipping through the window. "Why does that little Spa Whore think she can challenge Spoiled Milk? Ah, oh well… I will just make shipping more expensive for any business trying to supply her spa." The pegasus' grin became even more lustful. "Maybe, to get such prices lowered… I can get a more exotic treatment as compensation."

"Of course, Mister Sails." Star Gaze agreed, dully, as the serpent moved quietly closer to its prey.

"Speaking of exotic treatments, get your little ass up here, Star Gaze!" Golden Sails growled, looking down at the intercom. "I ain't paying you so much to just sit at that desk all day, time for you to work for once!"

"Y-Yes… Sir." Her voice was solemn, obviously not enthused about such plans.

Golden Sails released a hearty cackle, shutting the intercom off with a heavy slam and leaning back into his chair. "A fortune in bits, high class ponies and the like offering countless bribes, and able to make these struggling young interns do whatever I tell them to? I love being ric-!" The serpent wrapped itself around Golden Sails' overweight form, its sudden presence petrifying him in fear, and did not hesitate to sink its venom covered fangs deep into the stallion's neck.

A combat knife effortlessly slid across Golden Sails' unprotected throat, slicing both his wind pipe open and vocal cords loose. His cigar quickly fell down, but easily caught by teal armored fingers and thumb, just before it could touch the ground. "You Equestrians are making my game far too easy, that its becoming boring." A metallic voice caused Golden Sails to look back, gurgling upon the blood rushing into his mouth, hands trying to stop what came from his throat.

The teal armored giant made his eyes go wide, their own red glowing eyes glaring down at him. Slowly, they brought Golden Sails' cigar up to view, then looked down at the nearby trash bin… Filled with crumpled up paper and used cigar butts. Tauntingly, the giant looked down at Golden Sails, aiming his cigar at the trash bin, and then flicked said cigar into it!

Golden Sails went into a gurgling panic, already seeing smoke starting to appear. Though, when he tried to move, the giant's large hand slammed him back into the chair. "Ah, ah, ah~. Can't have you leaving, that would ruin my plans." He took a sharpened letter opener form Golden Sails' desk, forcing it into the stallion's weaker hand. "I heard what you said about Lotus Blossom… I will say this, not going to happen. Why, you are probably wondering?" He forced Golden Sails to face him, leaning the stallion back before he got closer. "Because, you will die this night."

Before Golden Sails could gurgle a protest, the giant forced his hand up and made the stallion ram his letter opener into the premade wound… Slowly following the cut that had already been created.

"There we go." He snickered, letting Golden Sails' limp hand drop. "Subject committed suicide, after setting a fire within his own study, using a lit cigar." They leaned back, watching his victim slowly bled out. "No one will care otherwise… Your vile personality has led many to wish you dead, and be happy that you are gone."

Golden Sails' shocked, blank, stare remained forward, as the fire grew stronger. His killer walking over to the nearby safe, grabbing hold of it and actually ripping the heavy metal container out from the wall. Slowly, they walked back towards the window, giving their victim one last glance before waving good bye and leaping out into the darkness.

Following this, the Equestrian Daily released its headliner story. "Imports Tycoon Commits Suicide, After Setting Fire to His Mansion! Family, Friends, and Employees; Shocked!"

-Ponyville Townhall, Last Day for Registration-

Lotus looked up at the Townhall's doors, heart pounding so loud that she could hear it within both ears. She was hoping that Salidar would be present for this, but the Astartes said he would be along shortly after… Aloe minding the spa, while she handled this. However, she made up her mind, and decided to go through with this endeavor.

With a deep breath, Lotus placed a hand on to the door and pushed it open!
Doing so revealed the townsfolk working what registries were open, a particular one with the banner "Board Leader Candidate Election Registry!". Standing around it were Mayor Mare, Twilight Sparkle, the Elements of Harmony members, and even Spoiled Milk herself; the latter inspecting who had the guts to challenge her reign over the town. When Lotus was spotted, Rarity smiled and became the first to walk up to her.

"Lotus Blossom! Happy to see you make it in time, darling!" Rarity gently hugged the Spa Pony. "Though, best be careful… Spoiled Milk is trying to intimidate any potential competitors." She whispered, Lotus nodding in response.

"Do not vorry, Miss Rarity. I am not afraid of her." Lotus replied, smiling at the fashionista, noticing Mayor Mare and Twilight Sparkle walking up. "I am here to register for ze Town Board Leader Election."

"Are you sure, Lotus?" Twilight asked, glancing back at the distracted Spoiled Milk, who was inspecting the registries for other positions on the board, then back to Lotus. "Spoiled Milk will try to ruin your family business, or worse."

"I am zure, Princess." Lotus confirmed, having already steeled her nerves. "I have vaited long enough to do zis, so there iz no time to vaste."

"Alright, but you must have a sponsor for the campaign." Mayor Mare reminded, pulling out the registry. "All candidates must have valid donators to their platforms."

This was something that Salidar made clear to Lotus, along with what name to put down. "My zponzor iz-?"

"Ah yes, Spa Wench… Who has the funds to waste on such an obvious outcome?" All eyes went towards the entitled voice's source, as Spoiled Milk walked up. "I bet you convinced them to help, by lying in bed with them for a night or two." She snickered, placing a hand under her chin, tauntingly.

Those words caused Lotus' features to become red, from embarrassment. The mare had never been with any stallion, or male of any race, and kept such things sacred… Despite having to take less savory fobs to keep the spa up, but none of them ever involved her giving something so special. Lotus prepared to give a spiteful, venom filled, retort; but was quickly stopped by the townhall doors being forced open suddenly.

"You would be incorrect, in your assumption, Madam Milk." A strong, sly, voice announced, causing all to look towards its source… All but Rarity becoming slack jawed, the fashionista looking upon her work with pride.

Salidar stood within the doorway, silver cane held in front, wearing a teal pin-striped suit with a blue collared shirt underneath. Around his neck sat a teal colored tie, with a silver hydra tie pin at its center, even the cane within his hands held the image of the feared hydra as its head. His cuffs had a styled silver and blue "A" pins, which Salidar took a moment to readjust an out of place cuff. Even the silver buckle of his belt held the same styled "A" on it, leather matching his dress shoes. He looked more like a rich foreign business man, than the armored giant Lotus met a few days ago.

"Madam Blossom offered no such things to me, nor would I dare ask such of a pure flower like her." Salidar made his way over to the group, all noticing a heavy limp in his right leg, Lotus raising a brow in confusion. "Long ago, in my homeland, there was a great civil war between father and favored son, brother turned against brother. Thousands, if not millions, either died or became gravely wounded during this struggle. I was counted among those warriors who were badly injured, my leg nearly being taken off by an opposing regime's warrior." A kind, and warm, smile appeared on Salidar's lips. "When I arrived here, in Ponyville, for a business trip… Madam Blossom noticed my difficulty moving within the streets and gave me a most blissful treatment to aid in my aches and pains within this old war wound."

The group looked to Lotus, who nervously smiled with a nod.

"So, when she told me of her wish to stop some corrupt local politician? Well… I felt my warrior's spirit blaze again, and could not ignore the kindness she offered me." His gaze wen to a surprised Spoiled Milk, giving her an over confident grin. "The Hydra Corporation, along with Mister High Top's own assets, shall be funding Madam Blossom's campaign."

"W-What!?" Spoiled Milk shouted, shocked by the second sponsor. "Why is High Top helping her!?" She pointed, angrily, at Lotus. "His partnership with my husband is second to none, and would not sacrifice it for anything!"

A knowing, and even more confident, grin grew. "I can be very convincing, and Mister High Top found it truly within his own best interests to financially support Madam Blossom's efforts." Salidar answered, as he took the registry from Mayor Mare. "He seemed rather eager, in our business negotiations this morning. So, with our support, Madam Lotus will have the proper funding for this campaign against you."

When he returned the registry, Mayor Mare skimmed over it. "Since only one sponsor is allowed to be officially overseeing a candidate's campaign, the Hydra Corporation will take full responsibility over Lotus Blossom's platform." Salidar gave an understanding nod. "What support comes from outside sources, will simply be passed through your company first and then distributed properly for the campaign."

"That is alright with me. High Top has already assisted in my corporation in opening a bank account here in Equestria." Salidar informed, watching all but Lotus return to what they were doing prior… A steamed Spoiled Milk trying to convince Mayor Mare not to accept what just happened, Twilight shooting down every attempt with Equestria's laws of a fair campaign.

"I didn't know you had a limp, Zalidar?" Lotus whispered, looking up at the unarmored Astartes.

"I don't." He corrected, before pointing at the excited mares in front of them. "However, I just planted a positive look upon your campaign… By playing the caring citizen who looks after old war heroes card."

"Ooooh." Lotus drew out in her whisper, already picking up on Salidar's ploy. "Zen I guess ve best get started on our platform?"

"Thought you would never ask." Salidar offered her his right arm. "Madam Blossom, would you be a dear and assist this old warrior to your spa? We have much work to do."

"It vould be an honor, Mister Zalidar." Lotus played along, gently taking hold of the giant's arm. "I vill also be zure to make zure your leg gets itz proper treatments, personally."

"Oh, ho, ho… You spoil me, Madam Blossom."

Unknown to the mare… She had no idea just how much blood will son be upon her hands, from this strange agreement.