The Syndicate - 2: Syndicate Revealed (dead)

EDIT: October
This series is being dumped. I hate the direction it went, but hey, it was my first story, so learn and move on. I have other ideas for this that I think are much better, so at some point I will likely re-write it. I will leave in some of the same characters and story elements, but the situation is going to change completely.
That being said, read on if you want, I probably won't be deleting these chapters, but just know that it won't be finished, and instead will be redone later on.

Chapter 2: Syndicate Revealed

Last revised/edited August 23rd 2012

>You wake from the sound of loud knocking on the front door to Vinyl's penthouse
>Your eyes struggle to open, as the early afternoon sunlight beams down on you through the bay windows
>Vinly slowly moves from her spot next to you, sitting up and giving a yawn
>VS:"Aww man, what time is it?"
>She looks out the windows to see where the sun is at, and doesn't like it
>VS:"Ah hell, Dashie's here already..."
>Still lying down, you give a tired reply
"Dashie, huh? Nice nickname."
>VS:"Heh, yeah. Probably not the best idea to call her that by the way, she only likes hearing it from.. certain ponies."
>You think about it for a moment
>Might as well listen to her, don't want to piss off her best friend or anything
>... then again, you gotta have some fun some times, right?
"So she's your best friend huh?"
>VS:"Best friends for life. Sure, we don't see each other so much these days, but she's the most loyal pony you will ever meet. Can't go wrong with a mare like her on your side."
>...she's still knocking at the door
>Vinyl, still sitting up on the couch-bed looking out the window, conjures a little magic
>You hear the door unlock and begin to open
>Well, this is... great
>You're still sitting in bed with Vinyl
>What a fantastic sight for her best friend to walk in on
>You finally decide to sit up, hoping not to make an awkward first impression
>Vinyl stands up, glancing at you for the first time this morning, with a smile on her face
>She rubs her head against yours as she walks by, hopping off the bed and to the door
>Just as she hops down, her friend had come walking around the corner, a curious look on her face
>VS:"Heeey, Dashie, long time no see!"
>'Dashie' tackles Vinyl with a big hug
>D:"Yeah, way too long Vinyl! So, uh... where's this friend of yours huh? This, human?"
>She looks over Vinyl's shoulder and spots you stitting up on the couch-bed
>D:"Is, that.. him?"
>She cocks an eyebrow at Vinyl, starting to put two and two together
>D:"You weren't just,-"
>Vinyl cuts her off with a chuckle
>VS:"Haha, nah, we were just hanging out, you know. It's kinda been the first time I've really had time to relax since he showed up."
>Dash gives Vinyl a worried, almost shocked look
>VS:"Chill out Dash, nothing happened.. Hey Anon, mind getting your lazy ass up and introducing yourself?"
>This took you a bit by surprise
>You have just been watching them the whole time so far

>You stand up, straightening up your composure, and aknowledge the ponies
>...It's difficult to speak right away
>You're taken back by the sight of Vinyl's friend, this 'Dashie'
>It wasn't her cyan body color, or big magenta eyes that were staring you down with an anxious look
>It was that rainbow colored mane and tale of hers
>They were so vibrant, it was hard to believe natural color like that could exist in a living creature
>Man, you really want to get out and see the world now
>The sight in front of you was good enough for now though
>VS:"What's wrong man, cat got your tongue?"
>Vinyl giggle'd at her comment, but she knew what it was
>And so did you when you saw her begin to blush
"Uh, no sorry, heh. Just, surprised is all... So, Rainbow Dash, was it?"
>RD:"You got it! Rainbow Dash, fastest flier in all of Equestria!"
"Ha, is that so? Well, you'll have to demonstrate that speed for me some time then."
>She gets seriously excited after hearing that
>RD:"Definitely! You know, you two should come back to Ponyville with me, there's a Wonderbolts show next weekend in Canterlot that I'll be perofrming in."
>VS:"Wait, you got into the Wonderbolts!?"
>RD:*sigh* "No, well... not yet anyway. They're letting other pegasi sign up and show off their own tricks to warm up the crowd before the real show starts. And I just happened to be selected! I'm totally gonna steal that show with my sonic rainboom!"
>You can't help but laugh at that ego of hers
>RD:"Hey, just what are you laughing at!?"
"Haha, oh nothing. I can't wait Rainbow, sounds like it'll be a blast! So what about it Vinyl, ready for a little vacation?"
>VS:"Hmm yeah, sure, why not. It wouldn't hurt to lay low for a while anyway after that little incident last night."
>RD:"Incident? ...Great, what have you got yourself into this time!?"
>VS:"Hey now, it wasn't anything serious, well... not yet anyway.."
>RD:"And just what is THAT supposed to mean?"
>VS:"Well, we uh... it's a long story, one we can't really explain ourselves yet."
"I may have picked up a stallion with my mind and turned him into a javelin to take out another stallion across the club last night."
>VS:"Jeez, way to be subtle Anon."
>RD:"You're... kidding, right? Does your kind really have that kind of power?"
"Not in my world, at least, not that I can remember anyway. But this world of yours seems to have given me something, I'll definitely have to practice with it."
>RD:"Well, what are you waiting for, why not practice now!?"

>Rainbow still doesn't seem to want to believe you, but she's anxious to see something
>Vinyl face-hoofs, but looks to you expectantly
>You look around for something easy, and decide the blankets on the couch-bed would be a good start
>You hold an arm out and begin to focus
>For many seconds, nothing happens
>As you focus some more, the blankets begin to rustle about and gain some lift
>Before long, you stop and lower your arm
>RD:"Really, is that it? I thought you said you threw a stallion across a large room?"
>You respond after having to catch your breath
"Uh, well I did, but, it must have been fueled from my rage, I mean I was really pissed off.."

>A knock is heard at the door
>You and Vinyl glance at each other before walking to the door
>Vinyl opens it to find that nobody is there
>There is, however, a letter on the ground that you both notice
>VS:"It has a Syndicate marking on it."
>Vinyl's horn glows for a moment, then stops
>She picks up the letter and walks back in, closing the door behind her
>VS:"Somep0ny teleported to my door to deliver this, then teleported away. Looks like they know where you live Anon."
"Hmm, so this is a good sign to leave, yes?"
>VS:"I think you should take a look at that letter just in case, see what they actually want with you."
"Yeah I guess."
>You grab the letter from Vinyl and open it up

>Anonymous
>We have been watching you since your arrival in Equestria with great interest. We are now ready to present a business proposition to you, if you would be so kind as to drop by our Headquarters at your earliest convenience.
>We look forward to meeting with you.
>  -The Syndicate

>Vinyl glances up at you
>VS:"That has trap written all over it.."
"I'm going." -you immediately respond, much to the surprise of Vinyl and Rainbow
>VS:"Wha- Dude, you can't be serious!"
"Come on, I'm really curious what they want with me, and what they want to offer. I mean, maybe they're not as bad as you think they are Vinyl."
>She's beginning to look a little angry
"Out with it."
>VS:"Huh? ..Out with, what?"
"You have a history with them or something, don't you?"
>Vinyl looks down, hesitant to respond
"Just last night you told me not to hide anything from you. Well now it's your turn to return the favor."
>Vinyl sigh's, still looking down to the floor
>VS:"Rainbow, do you remember Octavia?"
>RD:"Yeah, how could I not? But... she's gone, so what does she have to do with any of this?"
>VS:"Well, that's the thing... Rainbow, Octavia isn't dead..." she says, trying to hold back tears, looking up to Rainbow.
>VS:"In fact, I'm positive the Syndicate are holding her somewhere, doing Celestia-knows-what with her.."
>Vinyl cringes at the thought
>Rainbow walks up and embraces Vinyl in a hug
>RD:"Vinyl, that's just... crazy! But how do you know for sure? And why didn't you tell me sooner!?"
>You take this time to walk up them and crouch down to their level, placing a hand on Vinyl's head, forcing her to look at you
"Vinyl, we can go over the rest later. But this is an even better reason for me to accept this invitation. We can get in there and see what they're up to, maybe find out something about your friend Octavia."
>VS:*sniff* "Well, sure but... wait, did you say 'we'?"
"Yes, I want you two to come with me. If nothing else, we'll stand a better chance if they try and pull anything."
>RD:"In that case, count me in!"
>VS:"Are.. you sure you about this?"
>RD:"Of course Vinyl, that's what best friends are for right! And especially if it means getting Octavia out, even though I can hardly believe that she might still be alive in there.."
"Look you two. Yes we need to try and dig up some info on Octavia, but we need to get some dirt on the Syndicate themselves too, and find out just what they're up to. As soon as you're both ready to go, let's get moving."

>Vinyl and Rainbow regain their composure, chatting it up a bit more
>You walk over to the couch bed, pulling out a small bag from underneath that holds a few personal items you had on you when you were brought to Equestria
>There was a dead cell-phone, that was obviously useless
>Your wallet, with your ID, a single bank card, about $12 in cash, and some other random bullshit. Yep, that's useless too
>There's one other thing though, that wasn't so useless. At least not anymore. It was the glock 12 you had tucked into your wasteline the night you left
>It still had a full magazine in it
>You'd rather practice your own power now, but you have no idea what you might be getting yourself into
>And who knows what kind of damage a weapon like this could cause in a world that doesn't have such weapons
>For all you know, a typical magic shield might not even stop a bullet.
>You honestly didn't want to test that theory, and only use the handgun as a last resort
>You take it anyway, making sure the safety is on, and again concealing it in the waistline of your pants behind your back

>Vinyl had just come out of the bathroom after cleaning herself up, wearing her goggles of course
>She did just wake up after all
>And so did you... may as well do the same
>Within a few minutes you were done washing up and walked out of the bathroom
>Vinyl and Rainbow were giggling with each other looking in your direction as you came out
>They were talking about you behind your back!
"Okay, just wha- ..you know what, forget about it, glad you two can find something to laugh about right now. You both ready?"
>They nod
>The three of you step out of the front door to Vinyl's penthouse into an open hallway
"So, just where is their hea-"
>You're cut off as a small rift begins opening in front of you all
>A hooded Unicorn steps out and looks at you
>"You would like to meet with us, yes? Then, you alone, step this way."
"Hmm, well that's convenient. Unfortunately, it's all or none, if these two can't accompany me then I won't go."
>*sigh* "As you wish.."
>The unicorn motions you all to go through
>Rainbow looks up at you; you can tell she was nervous
>Before you have a chance to look back to Vinyl, she was already jumping in
>She was really determined
>You and Rainbow go in behind her, the unicorn following and closing the rift behind him

>The three of you find yourselves in a large open room, with little decoration
>The entire back wall is one large window overlooking what looks like most of the city
>You were very high up... for Manehatten, anyway.
>In the center of the room was a large mahogony desk
>Behind the desk was a large leather chair, facing back toward the window, concealing whoever may be sitting in it
>Lined up beside and behind the desk were a few unicorns and pegasi, all wearing much more extravegant robes, laced with gems
>A voice behind the chair speaks up: "Welcome Anonymous. What do you think of my executive office?"
"Umm... you have a nice desk?"
>It was pretty much the only thing in the room after all
>He laughs
>"I've been watching you with great interest, Anonymous- Oh, I'm sorry, how rude of me. I suppose I should introduce myself."
>With the snap of what sounds like fingers, a couple of the guard unicorns use their magic on him
>The chair spins around, and he stands up behind the desk
>He's a... beverage?
>A giant beverage, with arms and legs, giving you a ridiculous cat face
>oh god what
http://i.imgur.com/8p4oM.png

>You and the two mares beside you look on in shock, as you notice what the top of the label says
"Ar- Are you black?"
>"What!?" he shouts in surprise, now looking at himself
>"Dammit! Learn to magic you good-for-nothing unicorns!"
>The unicorns release their magic; what you can now tell was just an illusion begins to disappear, showing their leader's true form
"You- You're a... human!?"
>"Well, look who finally decided to open his fucking eyes.." he says sarcastically, waving an arm at you
>"You may call me Miro, and I run this here Syndicate. And yes, I am a human, just like you."
"I.. but, how long have you been in Equestria, and how did you get here? Are there any others?"
>"Oh, I've been here for- Well actually, I've lost count... but I assure you, it's been a very long time! As for your other questions, well... that'll have to wait for later. You see, I'm a very busy man and I'd like to get straight to busi-"
>He stops himself when he seems to finally recognize one of the mares standing next to you
>"Well well, Vinyl Scratch, what a pleas-"
>VS:"Can it fuckwad." she interupts, taking Miro by surprise
>Miro:"Whoa now, what's with the sudden hostility? ..Oh, you don't still blame me for what happened to your precious Octavia, do you?" he says with a devious grin
>VS:"I know you have her!"
>Miro:"Oh do you now?"
>RD:"So, wait... she is, alive then?"
>Miro:"Oh, now I didn't say thaaat.."
>Vinyl is getting angry, her legs beginning to shake and giving Miro an evil glare

>Miro:*sigh* "Now now, no need to freak out on me in here. But you know what? I'll make you all a deal. Agree to join my Syndicate, and I will answer your questions. Anon, I will tell you all about my glorious uprising in this world, hell I'll even teach you how to control and strengthen that power of yours. As for you Vinyl, I may even release your friend Octavia.."
>VS:"Not a chance in Tartarus we'll join you!"
"Vinyl, please.. That is an interesting offer Miro, but.."
>Vinyl and Rainbow look at you in disgust
"What if we do refuse? Are you going to just let us go, live out our lives, leave us alone?"
>Miro:"Ha! No, I'm gonna kill you! I'm surprised you even had to ask such a question."
>Rainbow's eyes widen
>RD:"Ki- kill, us?" she says, trembling
>Miro:"Well of course, I simply can't afford to have people like you running around in this world if you're not on my side. Then again, that sure could make things interesting..." he finishes, looking up rubbing his chin
"Miro, sorry to burst your bubble, but I don't think any of us like the idea of joining this crazed Syndicate of yours."
>VS:"Damn straight! We also don't really like the idea of dying!" she says as her horn begins to glow
>Miro raises his hand outward toward Vinyl, a serious and disappointed look now on his face
>Vinyl begins grasping for air, as if being choked, as she levitates into the air
"Whoa, what the hell man, are you a Sith or something now?"
>Wait, how did you remember what that was?
>...No time to worry about that now
>Miro:"Hahaha, no, but I gotta say these powers are quite reminiscent of the Force.. Now then, it sure is a shame that you don't like my offer... I don't like having to kill ponies in order to convince somebody, but I suppose it has to be done some times."
"Y- You wouldn't!"
>Rainbow tenses up, as if she's ready to charge at Miro, when one of the unicorns behind the desk uses his magic to hold her in place
>Miro:"Really now? Sure, I admit I never wanted to kill Vinyl, even after she broke a rather large agreement of ours a while back, but... well, that's why I still have Octavia, after all." he finishes with a smirk to Vinyl, who still grasping for air

>The rage begins building up inside you
>You're starting to lose control
>The room starts shaking
>Miro:"Yes, yes! Show me that power of yours!"
>You suddenly hear a voice in your head.. it's Vinyl's!
>VS <Anon... Rainbow.. you need, to.. get out of here..>
>She wasn't using her magic to try and fight back, she was using it to open a telepathic link with you and Rainbow
<No way Vinyl, we're getting out of this together dammit!>
>You glance over at her
>Vinyl's face was turning purple, tears escaping from her eyes
>The room is shaking more and more as your anger explodes from the sight
>Miro looks on in excitement, anxious to see what you're capable of
>RD <Anon, if you can hear me in there, I have a plan. If you can trash the window and the unicorn holding me, I think I can get us out of here!>

>Miro tightens his grasp on Vinyl, you hear a light gasp come from her
>With your rage now complete, the giant mahogony desk, leather chair, and every hooded pony in the room lift up, and rocket toward the back of the room, destroying the window as they fly out of the opening
>The very instant this happened, and the magic hold on Rainbow was released, she dashed out of the opening at full speed, off into the distance
>RD <Be ready to jump when I get back!> she says as she zooms off
>Wait... jump? Like, off the building? Just what the hell was she planning anyway?
>For some reason you couldn't do anything to Miro
>He must be very strong
>Miro slowly looks back behind him, then back at you
>Miro:"Dude, what the hell? I fucking loved that desk!"
>Apparently he doesn't have any fucks to give for the sudden loss of his subordinates
>Looking out the window, you can see the two hooded pegasi fly back up and take off after Dash
>Yeah, good luck with that
>VS <Anon, I'm.. sorry... Get, Octavia.. for me..>
>Looks like she's about to give up
>Oh hell no
"Miro, release her. I'll... join you."
>Miro cocks an eyebrow at you, and obliges, releasing his hold on Vinyl
>She drops to the ground, grasping desperately for air
>You drop to the ground next to her and rest her head on your lap, trying to help her breathe
>VS <Anon, you.. fool! How, dare.. you!?>
<Vinyl, shut up and focus on your breathing. I need you to watch out the window for Rainbow, and teleport us to the edge of the room as she comes back>
>She looks up at you in confusion, he face slowly regaining it's proper color

>Miro:"Ahem.. She'll be fine Anon, now... You actually want to join my Syndicate now, huh? Why the sudden change of mind? Couldn't handle watching your loved one die, is that it?"
>You glance back down at Vinyl, her head still in your lap as you stroke her mane with one of your hands to keep her calm
>She's trying not to blush at the comment
>You can't help but smile
>Maybe it wasn't much of an issue here, what with all the different kinds of sentient creatures and all
>You still remember next to nothing of the world you came from, but you knew it didn't feel right
>The purple in Vinyl's face is mostly gone now, her breathing returning to normal
>She struggles to get up, so you help up sit upright
>Miro:"Well now, are you two finished? Can we move on here?"
>And then, you and Vinyl both spot her in the distance
"Why yes, I do believe we can." You say to Miro, giving him a smirk
>You quickly embrace Vinyl in a tight hug as her horn begins to glow
>She teleports you two to the broken window at the edge of the building just as Rainbow Dash zooms back in at ludicrous speed
>As Rainbow enters the building, she ruins the sound barrier, creating a sonic rainboom in the middle of Miro's office
>The shockwave shakes the building with great force, breaking through a few walls, floors, and cielings, ultimately causing a good deal of damage to the inside
>Unfortunately, the rainboom also sends you and Vinyl back out of the opening where the large window once was, at high speed
>It had seriously knocked the wind out of the two of you, but you had planned for something like this
>All you could think to do was hold on to Vinyl as hard as you could and try to remain conscious
>Just moments later, as you're still traveling through the air and losing altitude, Rainbow dashes out of the crater she left in the side of the building and scoops you two up
>Vinyl trys to remain conscious as well, slowly figuring out just what's happening
>When she sees Rainbow struggling to hang on to you both, she closes her eyes and her horn begins to glow
>RD:"Whoa, what gives? You two feel light as a feather!"
>VS:"Heh, yeah man, it's a weightlessness spell. Pretty cool huh?"
>RD:"I'll say!"
>Back up at about the same height of the room you were just in, still not very far the building, you can see Miro standing in the middle of the wreckage, looking out at you
>You could swear he was smiling
>This wasn't over, and you knew he was going to have fun hunting you down and finishing this
"We need to leave Manehatten. Vinyl, do you need anything before we go?"
>VS:"Yeah, just land us on the roof Rainbow, it'll only take a minute."

>Before long you end up back at Vinyl's penthouse
>She magic's open a hidden roof hatch and hops in
>Moments later, she emerges wearing a saddlebag, sealing the hatch
>VS:"Let's go, the sooner we're out of here, the better"
"So you're okay leaving like this so soon?"
>VS:"Honestly, no, but... we don't have much of a choice right now. They know where we both live, it won't take long at all for them to retaliate."
"Yeah, I guess you're right.. I'm sorry Vinyl, about.. Octavia. I know I sa-"
>VS:"No appolgizing man. I know she's still alive, and that's all that matters for now. I just hope they don't do anything with her after that shitstorm we just caused.. Oh hey, Rainbow, mind snatching us up again so we can get going? That spell won't last much longer."
>Rainbow nods, wrapping all four legs around the two of you and taking flight
"I don't think he will Vinyl. Keeping Octavia alive and hostage is a good bargaining piece for Miro to have."
>VS:*sigh* "Yeah, you're right.. Well, let's get going, the sooner we ditch this place the better."
>RD:"Good, I don't want to see any more of that Syndicate, even though they would regret ever messing with me or my friends again!"
"Ha, yeah that's for sure. That was an incredible move by the way, I had no idea such a thing was possible Rainbow."
>She blushes at the comment, looking away to nothing inparticular
>RD:"Heh, told ya I was the fastest flier in Equestria! No other p0ny can do what I did back there, and I'm going to do it again at that Wonderbolts show!"
"Ah right, almost forgot about that, sounds exciting! So uhh... where are we going anyway?"
>RD:"The train I came in on earlier should be leaving back for Ponyville any minute, and that's where we're going."
>VS:"Sweet, good idea Dash, I haven't been there in too long anyway."
"Hmm, Ponyville huh? Must be pretty far if somep0ny like you took a train, Dash. Is it very remote? We don't need the Syndicate finding us any time soon."
>RD:"Yeah, Ponyville is far enough, and it's a pretty small town, it'll be perfect for us! It's close to Canterlot though so it does get some attention, but we should be fine for a while."

>After a couple minutes, you all arrive at the train station
>Vinyl pays for a few tickets, and you all hop on
>Vinyl leads you and Rainbow into a private room, with seats that fold into beds
"Wow Vinyl, you didn't need to get us our own room ya know."
>She chuckles
>VS:"Pocket change, my friend. Don't worry about it, we can't risk being spotted right now anyway."
>You take a seat, Vinyl hopping up and sitting next to you
>Rainbow takes her seat across from you two, looks out the window and sighs
"You okay Rainbow?"
>RD:"Who, me? Yeah, I'm good! Didn't you see what I did to their building!?"
"Haha yeah, I can still hardly believe it. ..Hey Rainbow, do you recall seeing any ponies around Ponyville lately that look like they might be Syndicate?"
>RD:"Hmm, don't think so."
"Good, we shouldn't have anything to worry about right away then."
>VS:"I'm sure they'll be sending scouts just about everywhere, so we might not be safe for very long."
"Well, we'll just have to make sure the scouts don't find us then, right? Or if they do, we'll just... take care of them."
>Rainbow looks at you with a worried look on her face
>RD:"Wh- what do you mean, take care of them?"
>VS:"It's not easy Rainbow, but I know what he means. The Syndicate mean business, and right now they're probably more than willing to kill us at a moments notice. So we have to be prepared to do the same."
"That's exactly right."

>You lean back in your seat, relax, and gaze off out the window, taking in the sights as the train leavs the city
>After a few moments of silence, Vinyl lays down on the rest of the seat you two were sitting on, and rests her head on your lap
>Rainbow watches, giving out a quiet giggle
"H- Hey, what gives Vinyl?"
>RD:"She's tired Anon, just let her be comfy and enjoy the view." she says with a smile, shifting her eyes to look back out the window
>You look down at Vinyl, lay an arm on her and begin to stroke her soft mane once again, as you join Rainbow in enjoying the view outside, glad to finally leave the city you've been stuck in since arriving to Equestria

End chapter 2