Chapter 3: The Friend and The Foe
The Crosser:
Oh you're still here. Well I can't say whether it's because you are actually curious about this character and this universe or you're hoping this story will have a happy ending … … … I am so sorry to say that I cannot say this story will end happy. For that I will leave for you to find out. I would stay and guide you through but I'm afraid I have other matters to attend. I may reappear in the future but I also may not, for now just enjoy
Resume:
The next day was as slow as turtles. Physics in the morning didn't help at all as the teacher himself fell asleep. Language Arts only went over how to date and quote old books. Mathematics is when things really began to get interesting. Swiftfoot noticed Rarity constantly looking his way with her sketch pad. When she saw her cover was blown however she quickly reframed from drawing. Come Artists Class and there she was in her own secluded area working privately and sternly, letting nothing stop her. Swiftfoot rolled his eyes and walked over to her, looking over her shoulder to see what she was up too.
"Well do you like so far?" She said as she turned to him showing the drawing in her hand.
Swiftfoot couldn't believe his eyes. It was a suit design alright but not like her typical styles. This style had a hooded coat going down just above his ankles held closed with a waist belt.
"The rest of the outfit isn't finished yet, I'm not even done designing the coat itself, I can't figure out the coloration of it all, tell me do you like Emerald?" She asked as Swiftfoot held the sketch in his hand.
"Wait, when did we ever talk about you making me an outfit?" Swiftfoot asked as he set down the sketch. Rarity simply laughed as she picked up the sketch.
"Oh please darling, it's the least I could do after you saved Sunset." Just the mentioned of her name to him seemed to set him off as he lowered his head in shame.
"Oh what is it sweetie, did something happen between you two?" Rarity asked. Swiftfoot just raised his head as he sat down next to her.
"Yeah something like that." He stated.
This Morning:
SLAP!
"Ow seriously Badger?" Swiftfoot yelled. The other man in the room wore a similar coat only his had a leather hood hiding his face.
"Yes seriously, not only have you put yourself at risk already but this Probation the police has put everything we've worked for at risk as well, everything your father has worked for would be gone had I not intervened." Badger stated as he closed the door behind him.
"Yeah and we wouldn't know anymore on The Kurthrecs had I not done what I did." Swiftfoot retorted as he walked over the counter to his small kitchen placing a map of Canterlot over it.
"Which is what exactly?" Badger asked as he walked over the counter as well.
"We know The Kurthecs are operating mostly in the undergrounds as well as any point with ease of access to them, train stops, gas stations, even the docks and schools." Swiftfoot explained.
"Alright but The Kurthrecs is a Drug Gang why would they need Gas Stations if they already have the docks and train stops, I assume the schools are where their dealings go down." Badger mentioned as he looked over the map.
"That's what my dad thought as well, even I wondered that until I came across this when I infiltrated a group robbing four days ago." Swiftfoot said as he placed an odd stick on the table.
The Stick itself wasn't too impressive. It was about three feet long that curved towards the top and branched off forming a T of sorts. It had this weird scribble design reaching all over it but it didn't look old, if anything it looked recently polished as the morning sun shown over it.
"A Stick?" Badger questioned as he held it with curiosity.
"Not just any stick, I did some research and I found out The Museum of Man is missing an object of history, Biblical History, The Staff of Moses." Swiftfoot stated. Badger looked confused as he set the stick down on the table.
"An Object of great power, are you telling me The Kurthrecs are hunting for Magic?" Badger asked as he stood next to Swiftfoot.
"That's exactly what I'm saying, The Staff isn't the only thing missing, a number of object have been reported missing all over the city, most being returned within a month but a lot still missing and have been for the past two months." Swiftfoot explained as his alarm went off.
"Ah crap I got to go; I've still got school unlike you." Swiftfoot said as he grabbed his backpack and darted for the door.
"Well I guess, it's good you're in Canterlot High then." Badger stated stopping Swiftfoot at the door.
"And why is that?" Swiftfoot asked.
"There is a group there that has been reported to have shown feats of powerful Magic at their disposal, do take heed, if The Kurthrecs are indeed looking for Magic then their next target may very likely be them, it will be your job to protect them should the time come." Badger ordered as he turned his back to him.
"You know how I feel about protecting others." Swiftfoot said before e reached for his door.
"You fear failure just like before." Badger said before Swiftfoot opened the door and walked away. "I will see myself out then."
Swiftfoot scoffed at the idea, but he understood his place in all this. The group that he is in was counting on him, and he has almost compromised them twice. This group in known as The Cloaks, they work in secret to protect what is known. He would have to protect this other group from The Kurthecs but he would have to find them first. Then as if by a stroke of luck he bumped into Sunset Shimmer, who has been trying to get his attention for the past five minutes.
"Swiftfoot hello you there?" She asked as he cleared his vision looking up to her.
"Oh hey what's up?" He asked as they kept walking.
"Apparently you, your head must have been so high up in the clouds, I've been trying to get your attention for a while." Sunset commented.
"Oh sorry, yeah I've got a lot going on right now and it's just been … Hell." Swiftfoot tiredly stated as he rubbed his forehead.
"I bet, with The Play and schoolwork among whatever else you do at home I imagine your life is pretty jam packed." Sunset mentioned before sipping her coffee.
"Like you wouldn't believe." Swiftfoot commented as they stopped at an intersection.
"Well hey, maybe I can help with the load; I mean we live right next to each other so it won't be a huge problem at all." Sunset offered. Swiftfoot smiled as the light turned green and they were given the walk signal.
"I appreciate the offer but some of my things can only be handled by me." Swiftfoot said. Sunset rolled her eyes as she smiled.
"Oh I understand, we each have our demons to fight." Sunset said as the smile ran away from her face when she began to reminisce her mistakes.
"Something like that." Swiftfoot said as he looked to Sunset losing her smile.
Swiftfoot noticed that as her paced slowed when they reached the sidewalk her thoughts began to trail off. He debated on comforting her or not as he looked to her free hand.
"Hey, if you want to help alright come to my place tonight, dinner's on me." Swiftfoot said her he took her hand softly.
Then he saw it again, her eyes began to faintly glow on contact and she began to see everything again only this time she saw what happened this morning as well. Confused and conflicted they both became as she just ran up ahead of him towards the school.
Now:
"So that's the basics." Swiftfoot said as he sat next to Rarity.
She starred at him in question after he explained almost everything this morning. He left out the parts about Magic Hunting Gangs but Rarity seemed to absorb the story pretty well.
"Well that doesn't sound like Sunset at all, she's not one to just up and run on people especially after offering them assistance on something." Rarity said as she sat in confusion.
"I wouldn't know, I don't really know her too well. Could you maybe check on her and give her my apologies when you do?" Swiftfoot asked as the bell rang.
"Well I can't make any promises; no one has really seen her today." Rarity stated as she and Swiftfoot got up to leave.
"What do you mean?" Swiftfoot asked as he put on his backpack.
"Well, what's really strange is she's not answering her phone at all, or responded to any of our texts and on top of that no one has seen her around school." Rarity explained. Swiftfoot thought for a moment before shock came to his face.
"Oh crap." Was all he said as he remembered the robbers from four days ago.
"What, what is it?" Rarity asked as she stopped at the door.
"Uh tell Rainbow I'm skipping P.E., I should be back by Final Period." Swiftfoot said as he grabbed the nearest Baseball Cap and ran down the halls.
"What's going on?!" Rarity demanded as she chased him.
"Look I can't explain right now but if I don't go now she might be in danger!" Swiftfoot mentioned right before he ran right into a diamond wall and fell to the floor.
"What the Hell!" He yelled as he stood up and examined the wall.
"You're not going anywhere until you explain yourself young man." Rarity stated as she slowly walked up to him and caught her breath.
Students in the hall were watching the whole thing as Rainbow Dash came running up yelling at everyone to get back to class.
"Alright what's going on here?" Rainbow Dash asked. Swiftfoot held a stern face as he examined the two girls.
"Apparently Swiftfoot here might know what happened to Sunset, go and get the other Girls we may need a rescue mission." Rarity suggested. Rainbow nodded and sped off to go gather everyone.
"That's not a smart move." Swiftfoot said as he stood there.
"And why not darling, you seem to be holding all the cards so what else am I to do?" Rarity questioned readying a diamond shield in her free arm.
"Because if I think happened actually happened then your friend is in serious danger and keeping me from doing my job is only increasing the risks here." Swiftfoot mentioned.
"That still doesn't explain why we should trust you." Rairty puffed as the rest of her group came up behind her.
"What's going on here?" Applejack asked as she examined the scene.
"Isn't he the new student?" Twilight questioned.
"Yes darling he is, Applejack be a dear and run the Truth Test on him, He knows what happened to Sunset." Rairty ordered. Applejack nodded while the others waited and watched. Pinkie grabbed a sprinkle shaker just to be safe.
"Umm Pinkie?" Fluttershy questioned giving a worried look to her friend.
"It's just in case he doesn't talk." Pinkie stated as everyone rolled their eyes.
Applejack stood before Swiftfoot and quickly examined his posture. He looked calm, almost too calm, his breathing was steady, he held a very blank face as he adjusted his baseball cap. He was almost unreadable but after examining him for a few moments Applejack noticed he may have a couple of tells and decided to test these.
"Is that real leather?" She asked pointing to his coat.
"Yeah." He stated confusingly. He kept eye contact and his breathing was steady indicating he was telling the truth.
"Carry any weapons under that?" She asked.
"No." The answer was quick before he took a deep breath.
He may have kept eye contact but his breathing went unstable for a second. Lie! Applejack quickly grabbed his arm and rolled up his sleeve to reveal a wrist blade of some sort hidden under his coat. Without hesitation he pulled away and rolled down his sleeve.
"Sugar I can tell when anyone is lying, so do us both a favor and don't lie, from what I've heard about you, you're already in deep trouble let's not make it worse than rotten apples." Applejack said as se looked him sternly in the eyes. Swiftfoot only nodded.
"Now, where is Sunset?" Applejack asked.
"I don't know for sure." Swiftfoot answered with an unsteady breath.
"Could she be hurt in anyway?" Applejack asked.
"Yes." Swiftfoot answered steadily.
"Why do you think she was taken?" Applejack asked.
"I didn't say she was taken." Swiftfoot stated.
"No but you believe it don't you?" Applejack asked.
Swiftfoot hesitated and thought about his answer for a moment. What did he believe actually happened.
"Yes." He answered. "I believe it's because she's a magic user." Swiftfoot stated.
"Why would anyone want a magic user?" Fluttershy asked.
"Why else do you think, they want it for themselves, selfish pricks." Rainbow Dash commented.
"Rainbow!" Rarity Gasped.
"Girls I'm trying to focus here." Applejack stated before turning back to Swiftfoot.
"Do you know who is doing this?" She asked him.
"No." He answered quickly.
Applejack looked at him for a good while, thinking carefully how he answered. It was clear he was lying about a few things, but he seemed really concerned about Sunset. She debated internally about him before she turned to the rest of the group.
"Alright Rarity drop the wall, take Dash and Pinkie and go with him, Fluttershy, Twilight and I will stay behind and explain everything to Principle Celestia and Vice Principle Luna." Applejack ordered.
"But Applejack!" Rarity pleaded.
"It's fine Rares, I believe him … mostly. Which is why I think it's best you three go with him in case things get hairy while the rest of us explain the situation to The Principles." Applejack explained as she patted her friends shoulder.
"Alright Rescue Mission is a go!" Rainbow Dash said as she jumped for joy.
"Race you to the school's door!" Pinkie called out before running off.
"Hey no fair!" Rainbow yelled as she ran after her.
The rest of the group said their goodbyes and good lucks to each other before parting ways as Rarity lifted her Diamond Wall and slowly walked up to Swiftfoot. The Tension was so sharp you could cut a fine steak with it.
"Do you know where she might be?" Rarity asked as she held her right arm in fear of his answer.
"I have an idea." He said before turning and walking away.
Meanwhile:
Sunset slowly woke up with a headache. She stood up slowly as she held her forehead in pain. When her eyes began to focus she slowly took a look around to see where she was. It looked like an old Opera House, old and ageing. Dust flew visibly through the air as she coughed, the wood of the chairs was rotting, and the paint on the walls had been peeling. She knew she was in trouble already as she began to recollect what happened early in the morning. After she had ran away from Swiftfoot all she saw was a metal bat before she blacked out. She regretted that, running away, she wanted answers but at the time she was more worried about her friends safety and when she had learned some group was hunting down magical objects she immediately put their safety first.
"Oh hElLo PUppEt!" a strange voltanic female voice echoed.
"Who's there?" She yelled as she looked around.
"Oh she's awake?" Another more stable male voice asked.
"YeS shE's AWakE!" The Voltanic voice said.
"Hey how much of the bosses stuff have you had?" The normal voice questioned.
"dOEs it MATter!?" The stranger voice yelled.
"No I suppose not, anyways I'm sure Neo is getting her."
Before Sunset could runaway she felt a hand grab her from behind. She turned her head to see a short girl in pink and brown hair pushing her away from the lobby and onto the main stage where two other figures sat at a table set up with a game of cards.
"Why are you doing this?" She asked as who she assumed was Neo let her go.
"WhY shE ASks? WHy INdEEd!?" The skinny female questioned as she sat with her arms and stretched her legs over her head using her feet to play the game.
"Sy please, show our guest some respect" The big buff man ordered as he adjusted his sunglasses before standing and turning to Sunset.
"Little Girl the why does not matter, what matters is that we keep you alive long enough to deliver to our boss with your geode." The man explained.
"CaREful Tirek yoU mIGhT be GIviNG awAY tOo mUCh inFORMation, The Boss wOn't be hAPpy." Sy stated.
"Oh to hell with The Boss, if he wants Magic so much he can come down here himself and get it." Tirek yelled as the lobby doors swung open with a loud thud.
Everyone turned in fear as a group of black suited men walked and formed a line for an elderly man slowly making his way to the group.
"Tread carefully Tirek, your wishes may just come true when you least expect them. You may be my second in command but you still lack Faith and I find that … disturbing." The Elderly man said as he made his way to Sunset.
"My apologies Lord Skotadi." Tirek stated as he knelt before the elder.
Lord Skotadi took a deep breath as he starred into Sunset eyes with his own grey, clouded eyes. A cloak and hood covered most of his body and his face from what Sunset could see was deformed.
"Ah child you are the real deal, you carry magic in your vains, you would make a fine replenisher." Skotadi stated as he stroked a soft wrinkled hand through her hair.
"You'll never take our Magic!" Sunset shot right before she slowly began to feel her magic being drained.
"It's too late child, your magic never truly belonged in this world, consider this a cleansing favor." Skotadi stated as he raised a hand above her head.
She wanted t run, she wanted to scream, she wanted to punch this pervert in the mouth as his hand slipped down to her shoulder. But for whatever reason she found herself stiff as if a force had been holding her in place.
"And when I'm done with you child I will find the rest and I will drain them as well." Skotadi said as he looked cheerful into her eyes.
Just has he was about to suck in the air around her they all heard some music playing as the lobby doors opened again. Everyone turned to the doors to see Swiftfoot walking in with an old Stereo player singing along to the song.
"When Rome's in ruins, we are the lions, free of the coliseums! In poisoned places, we are anti-venom; we're the beginning of the end!" He sang dancing down the line of black suited men.
"ENOUGH!" Skotadi demanded as the music kept playing.
"WHAT IS THE MEANING OF THIS!?" Skotadi questioned as Swiftfoot put down the Stereo.
"Oh come on man this is a theatre, music's gotta play." He said as he kept walking up to them.
"Uh actually this is an Opera House." Tirek stated as Swiftfoot reach the main stage.
"Yeah whatever man listen I'm going to need you to let the girl go before shit starts to hit the fan." Swiftfoot demanded.
"Oh really Swiftfoot, last time we encountered you had an army to fight mine, now you are just one boy playing the Hero." Skotadi accused.
"Yeah which is why I'm glad I brought some friends, NOW!" Swiftfoot yelled as he punch Skotadi square in the face, knocking him to the ground and catching Sunset as she fell from his grasp.
Rainbow ran as fast as she could around the Opera house knocking out as many black suited men as she could giving Rarity and Pinkie time to rush in and provide assistance to Swiftfoot keeping the other three Gang Members away from him and Sunset.
"Awe YEAH!" Rainbow yelled as she finished knocking out the guards.
Just then she was met with Neo who knocked her across her hips sending her into the walls. She groaned as she watched Neo run up to her. Rainbow scoffed as she got up and began running laps around Neo.
"That all you got?" She questioned just before Neo disappeared before her eyes.
"WHAT!" She yelled before she turned and saw Neo keeping up with her speed.
"Alright let's see just how fast you are!" Rainbow demanded as she and Neo raced around The Opera House.
Pinkie and Rarity were tag teaming against Sy and Tirek. Rairty would block incoming attacks as Pinkie would send sprinkles of explosions their way. Tirek body slammed on top of them but was met with Rarity's Diamond shield and was sent into the air when Pinkie splattered him in sprinkles that exploded seconds later. Sy slithered her way in between Pinkie's explosions up until she found herself caught in a cage of diamonds. Pinkie then began counting down with her finger before Tirek landed on top of the cage shattering it and flattening Sy when she hit zero.
"We did it!" Pinkie yelled as she was about to high five Rarity but caught herself before the Sprinkles on her and exploded.
"We'll celebrate when we all get home Darling." Rarity said as she watched Rainbow and Neo race around the stage.
Swiftfoot helped Sunset up as Skotadi slowly stood up and faced them.
"This isn't over Swiftfoot Feather, I will get the girls' Geodes and then nothing will stop me!" Skotadi said before turning away in an attempt to run away. Only to be stopped by Rarity and Pinkie Pie.
"Lord Skotadi, in the name of The Creed and for the sake of Humanity I'm placing you under arrest!" Swiftfoot said before revving up to punch him again, only to be caught by Neo.
"Oh no you don't!" Rainbow called as she tackled Neo across the room.
"Swiftfoot careful he can drain our magic." Sunset warned as Skotadi smiled.
"I assure you child I can do much more than that." He said before turning into a puff of dark clouds and floating away.
Before anything else could be said or done all of his lackeys and henchmen began to puff into smoke as well and disappear into thin air. Swiftfoot turned to Sunset in worry and she looked back at him, thankful that he came to her aid.
"Wait THAT'S IT!" Rainbow yelled.
"So I imagine there's some explaining to do." Sunset mentioned.
"Uh you think, that Shorty could keep up with me, no one can keep up with me!" Rainbow exclaimed as Swiftfoot rolled his eyes.
"Well we did take on a she-snake and a he-demon counterpart so I'll bake some cake." Pinkie said before rushing back to Rarity's car.
"Always thinking with her stomache she is, though Swiftfoot dear we really would appreciate an explanation at some point in time." Rairty said before running after Pinkie.
All that was left now was to get home and explain this to the Principles, which was easier than expected for Swiftfoot. The worst that had happened was a small three day detention for skipping class. After he was cleared to go he went home hopping to have a calm relaxing evening with no disturbances what-so-ever. However when he opened his door he was met with a surprise.
"SURPRISE!" Everyone yelled as Jackal pounced him.
"Umm What's this?" Swiftfoot asked as he picked up his dog and walked into his apartment.
"Well after saving our friend for a second time we all thought you deserved a party." Twilight said as she opened the Pizza boxes.
"That and Pinkie wanted to throw you a 'Welcome to our School' party." Rainbow added as Pinkie came out of his kitchen with a mixing bowl.
"Hey I said I was going to bake some cake." Pinkie mentioned as she licked her spoon.
Swiftfoot couldn't help but smile as everyone shared a laugh. However he was conflicted by this event, he almost felt he didn't deserve it. No one really took notice as they began conversing amongst themselves. After watching them for a bit Swiftfoot was about to join them, that was until there was a knock on the door.
"I wonder who that could be." Fluttershy said as she pet her bunny.
"I'll check it." Swiftfoot said before turning to open the door.
He sighed when he opened it and found Shining Armor standing before. There was a stinging silence between them as stern looks were shared between them.
"Shining Armor?" Twilight question as she now stood inbetween them.
"Hey Twilight, I need to borrow your friend for a minute." Shining said, not breaking eye contact.
"Um Shining we're kinda in the middle of a welcoming party so if this could wait until tomorrow-" She started awkwardly.
"I said just a minute Twi, I promise I'm not arresting him." Shining stated before Twilight just hung her head in defeat and walked away closing the door behind her and leaving the two outside in the hall.
"So I imagine you know why I pulled you out of that?" Shining questioned.
"I'll be packed by the morning and gone the next day." Swiftfoot said. He knew what was coming next, they did this to him every time he broke the rules.
"No actually." Shining started as he handed Swiftfoot a small packet of papers.
"You get to stay here in Canterlot under one condition that is." Shining said as Swiftfoot took the paper and read over them.
"My job will be to protect them." Swiftfoot said aloud from the packet.
"Exactly, and as an added bonus, you give your information on how you found her we'll reduce your sentence, all you have to do is sign and we can make it happen." Shining said as he handed Swiftfoot a pen.
Swiftfoot hesitantly took the pen. He looked at the packet and too the room where his new friends sat waiting for him.
"Can I have some time to think about this?" Swiftfoot asked.
"As your Probation Officer I can give you one week to think this over." Shining stated.
"Thank you." He said before turning away and returning to the party.
"You're welcome." Shining said as he stood there in worry, but smiled when he heard the laughter of the group.
"WHO WANTS KAREOKE!?" Pinkie yelled through the door.
The Crosser:
You see this is a moment of bliss. A boy who had lost his previous family had found another. This was one that was caring and kind, unlike the family he was forced into by his father's final wishes, The Cloaks. I know where this story will go and I know I stated earlier how this is supposed to be a tragic story but the tragedy does not lay within the story, no it will lay at the end of the story. But until then let us enjoy the bliss and humor that has yet to come and if you haven't already, please, have a good day and a lovely evening.
End.