The Syndicate - 3: On The Move (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 3 - On The Move (chapter title subject to change)
Last revised/edited August 23rd 2012

>Minutes of silence pass while you and Rainbow calmly enjoy the passing landscapes out the window of your private room on the train to Ponyville
>Rainbow has been getting more and more antsy by the minute
"You uh.. doing okay over there?"
>RD:"Ugh, I hate just sitting here moving so slow!" she immediately responds "We could get there in half the time if I could just fly all of us.."
"Hmm... well what if Vinyl used another weightless spell on us? Think you could handle it for that distance?"
>RD:"It would probably get really uncomfortable for all us before long but I think I could manage."
"Well let's wait a while longer then, rest up a bit and cover some more ground before we take off."
>A few more moments of silence pass
>Rainbow glances back at you, your arm still resting over Vinyl as she sleeps with her head resting on your lap
>She returns her gaze out the window and begins to speak softly
>RD:"So, you two are getting pretty close now, huh?"
>Well, this was unexpected
>You didn't really think of it that way
>Sure, you two were becoming good friends, but you've still only known her for a little over a week
>Vinyl had gone through some things; you know, being moments away from death earlier and all; and you just wanted to be there for her, like she was for you when you first arrived in Equestria

"Rainbow, you and Vinyl are the only friends I have in this world so far. She picked me up off the streets of Manehatten and took me in, not knowing what I was or where I came from. Right now I'm just returning the favor. So, sure, maybe we are getting a little close already, but.. I don't think I could ever get romantically involved, if that's what you're asking.."
>RD:"If you sa- ..wait, are you considering me a friend already?" she asks, now looking at you curiously
"Yeah I know, we've only known each other for like half a day, but I've seen more than enough to know that we can always count on you. I think Vinyl was right when she said you were the most loyal pony I would ever meet. Besides, a best friend of her's is good enough in my book." you finish with a smile
>RD:Heh, you know, you're alright yourself. Not a bad show you put on earlier either."
>You look down at Vinyl, and begin to focus
>You're surprised at how easily you seem to slip the goggles off her head and into the air in front of you
>Rainbow doesn't seem to notice, her eyes fixed out the window once again
>You float the goggles above Rainbow's head, quickly dropping them around her head and over her eyes
>She jumps back in surprise
>RD:"Whoa, hey, what the-"
>She turns to you, seeing you still sitting back in your seat
>RD:"Ah, I get it.." she says with a chuckle "Not bad for you I guess, but that's child's play for even a filly unicorn. You're gonna have to do better than that to impress me!"
"Ha, who said I was trying to impress you anyway? Besides, you saw what I did to Miro's office."
>RD:"Sure, but even that could easily be beat by an experienced unicorn. You still got a ways to go man." she says with a laugh
"You know, considering I just found out about this little power last night, I think I'm doing pretty damn good. Too good, in fact, really it shouldn't be possible at all."
>You ponder on this for a while, but run out of fucks to give soon enough
>You had a new rather strong telekinetic power, that's all you cared about

>Vinyl woke up from her nap around an hour later, and before long she cast the weightless spell and Rainbow took off at full speed with you two in her clutches
>You had all stopped a few times to stretch and give Rainbow a small break, while you took in the sights
>Shortly before nightfall, you arrive in Ponyville
>Rainbow was right, it was a small town
>This should be perfect, but you'll still have to try and lay low incase they do have scouts around here
"So, just where exactly are we heading to in this little town of yours Rainbow?"
>RD:"Oh I don't actually live in Ponyville, but- ah, here's fine."
>She drops you and Vinyl off at the edge of town
>RD:"Go ahead and take a stroll through town, check the place out. Meet me at Twilight's house, you remember where it is right Vinyl?"
>VS:"Yeah man, you really think I could forget a place like hers?" she says with a giggle
>RD:"Great, see ya soon!" she says dashing off down the street at lightning speed
"Hmm, just what is she up to.."
>VS:"Oh I think I have a good idea, but let's just get going, no need to worry about it."

>As you walk through the middle of Ponyville, you get looks from just about every pony who notices the two of you
>Some stare at Vinyl, their eyes glistening at the sight of a celebrity in their little town
>Thankfully she had her goggles back and covering her eyes
>Others stepped back, frightened at the sight of you, a creature they had never seen before
>Nopony seemed to run off; seeing you with somepony like Vinyl must have meant something
>Tired of all the looks, you decide to break the silence with Vinyl
"So, who is this 'Twilight' that Dash was refering to?"
>VS:"Twilight Sparkle is her name. She's a very talented and knowledgable unicorn from what I remember, and also the wielder of- Ah, nevermind that part."
"Cool, maybe we could learn a lot from each other." you say with a smile
>VS:"... I have a feeling you're going to regret saying that."
>Whelp, that smile didn't last long
>Whatever, you weren't going to think about it until after you met her

>Before long, you end up on the other side of Ponyville, coming up on Twilight's house... tree...
>Okay, that was different
>You went on ahead anyway
>Walking up to the house, about to knock on the door, you see it swing back open to reveal a purple unicorn looking right at you with much excitement in her eyes
>Twi:"Whoa, Rainbow was right! A real human! Here!"
>Twilight jumps from the doorway, walking circles around you, scanning you up and down with her wide-open eyes
"Hey, do you uhh.. mind if I co-"
>You're cut off as she connects her head with your back, pushing you into her home
>Vinyl steps in behind you two, closing the door behind her

>Twi:"This is unbelievable!" she exclaims, still examining every bit of your body
"... do you mind?"
>You're trying to follow her movements when you notice Rainbow Dash sitting on a couch trying not to lose it over what was happening
>You begin walking toward Rainbow, giving her a disappointed look, trying to ignore Twilight
>Rainbow spots the look on your face, and begins to calm down, looking a little nervous
>You walk up to the couch next to her and sit down
>Twilight is still following you around; she had asked a few other questions but you were ignoring them completely
>After you sit down, you stare at Twilight
>She gets right up to your face, staring into your eyes, making some comment about how small they were or something
>Twilight doesn't notice until she's in the air halfway to her destination, that you had picked her up with your mind and were moving her to a nearby chair
>As she hovers over said chair, you let go of your hold, watching her drop into her seat
>Still staring directly at you, she speaks "No way, you can use magic!?"
"Not really, Twilight. It's similar, sure, but... well I can't really describe it. I've only been able to do anything like that since last night."
>Twi:"Hmm, still impressive if you ask me... Spike!"
>Out from an upper part of this tree-house comes a small purple and green... dragon?
>Spike:"What's up Twi-" he stops after spotting you "Whoa, are you the.. human?"
*sigh* "Yes, I'm a human... What the hell are you, a dragon?" you say with a chuckle
>Spike:"Uh, well yeah. In fact, I am a dragon!"
"Wait, seriously? You look kinda small for a dragon.."
>Twi:"Well, he is a baby dragon after all. But he's still my friend and a good personal assistant."
"I see. Wait, what do you need an assistant for?"
>Twi:"In case you haven't noticed, this is a library, and it can be a lot of work for one pony to manage."
>Suddenly the ridiculous number of books and bookcases in here made sense
>Twi:"I'm in charge of directly reporting my findings to Princess Celestia herself; mostly what I learn about friendship, but discoveries like this are important too."
"... Friendship? Really? Should I even ask?"
>Twi:"Heh, it's kind of a long story. Spike, I need you to write a letter to the princess."
>Spike:"Ready!"
>Spike fetches a quill and scroll and begins to copy down what Twilight says to him; a short message regarding you, a human, being here and what she should do
>Twi:"...Your faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."
>Spike rolls up the scroll and breathes a little green flame over it, vaporizing it completely
"Uhh... wat"
>Twilight giggles "He just sent it to the princess."
"So you're a student of the Princess huh? Must be quite an honor. I wouldn't mind meeting her some day."
>Twi:"It's only the best honor a pony could ask for! And you know what, maybe you will just get that chance"
>By now Rainbow and Vinyl had gone off to have a little conversation of their own

>After a brief moment of silence, Twilight begins with the questions again
>Twi:"So, I see you brought Vinyl along. I gotta say, you're lucky to have a friend like her, it'll definitely boost your repuation. What's your story anyway, how did you get here, and how did you meet Vinyl?"
>You begin elaborating on what you've been through in your week-and-a-half in Equestria, but giving the most detail to what's happened in the last day
>Twi:"SHE DID A SONIC RAINBOOM INDOORS!?" she shouts, looking over to Rainbow Dash
>Rainbow and Vinyl stop what they're doing and look over to you and Twilight, Rainbow giving her a nervous look
>You look over at Rainbow with a smile
"Yeah, you should have seen it! She totally wrecked their collective shit, it was the most amazing thing I've ever seen!"
>Rainbow sees the smile on your face, snapping her out of confusion "Ha, yeah, I guess it was pretty awesome. It worked perfectly too!"
>Twi:"Rainbow, that's incredibly wreckless, even for you! Just what were you thinking!"
>Vinyl sighs, stepping in, looking at you
>VS:"So I take it you told about our little run-in with the Syndicate huh?"
"Well, yeah. We're going to need allies Vinyl, no need to hold much back. Besides, if Twilight here answers directly to this Princess, who's apparently a benevolent ruler of this land, then we can trust her. We might even put a stop to the Syndicate rather soon with their help."
>Twi:"Just what are you going on about? I know the Syndicate is a little shady, but do you expect me to believe they're really as bad as you say?"
>At this moment, Spike burps up another green flame, this one conjuring a scroll
>Twilight immediately snatches it with her magic and begins to read it to herself
>Twi:"Well Anon, looks like you'll get your chance to meet Princess Celestia after all. She's going to send a charriot to us tomorrow morning, and we're to head to Canterlot right away."
"Well, that was fast."
>Twi:"For a sentient species as rare as yours, this isn't very uncommon. I just wonder what she knows about humans specifically, I mean who knows how long it's been since there's been one in Equestria anyway?"
>Vinyl cocks an eyebrow at you and you catch it out of the corner of your eye
"Sorry Vinyl. And, sorry to you too Twilight."
>Twilight gives you a confused look
"There's a couple big pieces of information I've withheld from you Twilight. But now that I know I'll get a meeting with the Princess, I'll save it for then."
>Twilight attempts to speak, but stops herself for a moment before letting out a sigh
>Twi:"I guess that's fair. After all, I'll be there too, so I can wait.. Anyway, let's move on shall we? How about I fix up some dinner for all of us?"
"Twilight, you read my mind." you reply as she smiles, trotting off toward her kitchen
>You now realize you haven't eaten a single thing all day
>It doesn't matter what Twilight's idea of good food was, you were too hungry to care

>The night went on a while longer, mostly involving small-talk between you, the three ponies, and Spike
>Twilight and Rainbow would tell you and Vinyl about their adventures, four of their friends that you would be meeting tomorrow, etc.
>Soon enough, you all turned in for the night
>Rainbow flew back to her own house, telling you it wasn't very far
>You had passed out on Twilight's couch, Vinyl on a nearby love-seat

---

>You awaken the next morning to sunlight beaming through a window directly at you
>Instead of getting up, you roll over and look over to the love-seat next to you that Vinyl was still sleeping on
>She looked very comfortable there, sleeping on her back with all fours facing upward, limp
>Just like a dog, you thought
>There was one thing, though...
>Her marehood was right in the open, much more visible than it ever had been, facing directly at you
>The curious part of you had taken over, not allowing your eyes to move from the sight before you
>After "studying" it for a few moments, your trance is broken by the sound of a loud belch behind you
>Peaking his head over the other side of the couch you were on, no doubt taking in the same sight, was Spike, who had now just burped up a scroll
>The belch startled Spike enough for him to fall back to the ground
>He picked up the scroll and began to read
>You sit up and lay back the other way, peaking your head over the side of the couch down to Spike
"So, what does it say? It's from the princess right?" you ask quietly, again startling Spike
>Spike:"Wha- Oh, hey. Yeah of course it's from the princess. She says your charriot will be here in about two hours."
"Hmm.. might as well get up then.."
>Spike:"You, uh... you sure you don't wanna, you know.. "study" your mare friend over there a bit more?" he says with a giggle
>You glare at him
"Oh, yeah, because you totally weren't doing that too." you say with a smirk "Besides, she's n-"
>You stop as you turn your head and see a bit of blush on her cheeks
>She was awake
>What a fucking tease
>You sit back up on the couch and begin to speak at normal volume
"You know Spike, I was actually going to go in and give her a surprise awakening, considering that invitation she's giving me." you say sarcastically "But, I just don't think it would be so entertaining, you know, considering she's already awake and all."
>Vinly flinches at the comment, slowly rolling to her side, blushing even more now
>You can hear spike trying not to lose it
"Hey Spike, mind waking up Twilight?"
>Spike:"Huh? Oh, sure.."
>Spike walks off and up toward Twilight's bed

>Vinyl smiles at you, still laying down on her side
>VS:"You shouldn't tease me like that man." she says with a quiet giggle
"Oh, because spreading your legs in front of me is any better."
>The two of you share a laugh, as you look up into the loft where Twilight sleeps
>You spot her peaking over at you and Vinyl, Spike whispering something into her ear
>Twilight spots you staring at her, trying not to flinch back at being discovered
"Morning Twilight. Been awake long?"
>Twi:"Who, me? Nooo" she says trying to hold back a smile "It's time we got up anyway, I've arranged for us all to have breakfast soon at Sugarcube Corner."
"Sugarcube Corner eh? Wait.. you arranged for it?"
>Twi:"Yeah, you're going to meet some of our friends before we leave for Canterlot."
"Ah, wonderful. Well I'm going to catch some fresh air."
>After getting up from the couch and stretching out, you head over to the front door and wander outside
>You had arrived in Ponyville at sundown so you didn't get a great look at it, even from the air
>The open landscape and vibrant color was incredible, simply dwarfing everything you've seen in all your time in Equestria
>That whole week and a half..
>Considering your entire time here existed in Manehatten until yesterday, that shouldn't be surprising
>Still, you couldn't help but quietly exclaim the fact to yourself out-loud
"This place is.. beautiful.."
>"Beautiful, huh? So does that knock me off the top of you list then?" Vinyl asks, walking out of the door behind you
>You look down at her, she's looking ahead with a smile
>Looking back out over Ponyville, you respond
"I dunno Vinyl, you may have a serious contender here." you finish with a laugh, in which she joins

>Vinyl shuts the door behind her with her magic
>VS:"Hey, umm... sorry about earlier." she says, still looking off into the distance
"What? Oh, that.. Hey, don't worry about it Vinyl. I mean, it's.. not like I haven't thought about it.."
>Vinyl's face turns beat red, as she attempts to hold her composure
"It's just.. still kinda early for that, ya know? I've only been here for a week and a half, so I can't really say that I'm comfortable with the idea yet.."
>Vinyl sits down, her face regaining it's natural white
>VS:"Don't sweat it man, I just wanted.. to mess with ya, is all."
>You sit down next to Vinyl and wrap an arm around her, both of you still looking out over Ponyville
"Look Vinyl, you and I both know ther-"
>You're cut off by the sound of the door opening behind you
*sigh* "Let's go over this later okay?" you say as you both look behind you
>Twilight and Spike walk out of the house giggling
>Twi:"Are you two love birds ready?" she says as they walk by you and Vinyl, heading into town
>Vinyl doesn't say anything, instead slowly looking up toward you
>Without much effort, you pull her goggles above her eyes with your mind
>She looked a little sad
>Time to change that
"Well how about it, 'love bird?' Shall we?" you say with a ridiculous grin
>She smiles and stands up, as you both begin walking in the direction of Twilight and Spike
>Vinyl magics her goggles back down over her eyes
>VS:"Smooth, I'll give ya that." she says with a giggle "Sorry again, Anon.."
"Vinyl, seriously, don't worry about it. Maybe when the Syndicate is dealt with, we can move on, and I can think about settling down again."
>That comment brough a smile to her face
>VS:"I think I can deal with that." she says, giggling again

>You had been walking into Ponyville with Vinyl Scratch, Spike and Twilight Sparkle a short ways ahead of you leading the way
>Soon enough you watch them walking into a building, which, sure enough, is Sugarcube Corner
>Walking up to the front door with Vinyl behind you, you push open the door and take a look inside
>Before stepping all the way in the building, you spot a hooded pegasus sitting at a table
>He looks over to the door, seeing you half-way in, frozen in place, staring at him
>"...ah shit." he mumbles to himself
>Twilight and Spike turn from their seats at a large table to welcome you over, but don't get a chance to speak
"Syndicate, huh? Pleasure meeting you here."
>"Oh, just wait. Soon enough there's going to be a lot more where I came from!"
"Ha! Not if I don't give you a chance to escape and tell your friends!"
>The pegasus jumps up and dashes out through the big window in the front of the building, taking off down the street just above the buildings
>You immediately mind-grab the chair he was sitting in, run back into the street, and toss it at him
>He looks back just in time to avoid the bulk of the hit
>Meanwhile Vinyl is shooting magical bolts at him, but not getting any hits
>Just when you thought you'd be losing him, a rainbow-colored blur comes shooting in from above, taking the Syndicate pegasus down to the ground with great force
>You and Vinyl take off, soon ending up at the small crater they created

>RD:"Are there any more of you in Ponyville!?" she screams, having the other pegasus pinned to the ground
>"Ha! Like I'd tell you!"
"If you value your life, I'd answer her."
>He looks up at you, noticably a bit scared at the threat
>"Haha, you wouldn't kill me!"
"Oh? Your leader wants nothing but the three of us dead, so what makes you think we won't return the favor?"
>"Pfft, you can't scare me ya know. Say what you will, I won't talk."
>VS:"Suit yourself."
>Vinyl walks up to the pegasus, nudging Rainbow off of him
>She punches him with one of her front hooves in the side of the face, turning his head sideways
>Afterward, she places both hooves on either side of his head, twisting it further back, until his neck snaps
"Wha- Holy shit Vinyl, what the fuck!?"
>VS:"He wasn't going to talk Anon, and I wasn't going to let him escape to tell his boss where we are."
"Yeah, but.. ahh fuck.. Well, what now? We can't just leave a dead Syndicate pegasus lying in a small crater in the middle Ponyville."
>VS:"Step out of the crater, I'll deal with it."
>Rainbow, still speechless, manages to float up to above ground level, as you and Vinyl walk out
>Vinyl's horn begins to glow, as a bunch of the new loose dirt starts filling up the crater, eventually burying the pegasus
>VS:"There. Problem solved. Now lets get going before we draw much of a crowd."
>You figure anypony that saw that probably just thought Rainbow crashed and Vinyl was covering up the hole she made

>Looking down the street, you see Twilight and Spike watching, fightened and confused as to what just happened
>Good thing Rainbow hit the pegasus with enough force to create a crater around him, so no other pony saw what exactly happened in there
"You know what, you're right Vinyl. They're no doubt ready to do the same to us, so we're better off safe than sorry."
>As the three of you slowly walk back toward SugarCube Corner, you turn to Rainbow, who still hasn't said a word and is obviously uncomfortable with what just went down
"Rainbow, I'm sorry you had to see that. Yo-"
>RD:"No Anon, it's.. okay.. I don't like it at all, but I understand what we've gotten ourselves into. And I'll stick it out with you both until the end!"
>Vinyl chuckles "Same 'ol Rainbow Dash. Look, I know you want to have our backs and all, but you're probably better off staying out of this."
>Rainbow stops
>You and Vinyl stop, looking back
>RD:"Oh come on, don't say that! I'm not going to let you two take them on without me, I'm as much a part of this as you two!"
*sigh* "Rainbow, Vinyl is right."
>Rainbow looks at you and drops her jaw in disbelief
"However, considering that little stunt you pulled back in Manehatten, it might not be difficult for them to track you down, especially if you're performing at any shows. Somepony will catch wind of it, and they'll get to you. That being said, I want you to stick with us. I hate to say it because it's going to put you in even more danger, but all three of us are safer it we stick together."
>RD:"Alright, now that's what I'm talkin' about!"
>Rainbow Dash, seemingly not worried at all about what lies ahead, continues to move with you and Vinyl toward your destination
>RD:"Hey, ya know what? Maybe Twilight and our other four friends can help out too."
"Rainbow, I really don't want to put any other ponies in danger."
>RD:"Nah you don't understand Anon, the six of us are.. well.. Actually, let's hold off on that until we meet the Princess. Trust me though, the Syndicate wouldn't dare mess with all of us!"

>Just then, you approach Twilight and Spike in front of Sugarcube Corner, now with four other ponies standing around them giving you rather awkward looks
>Before you get too close, Twilight breaks from her group and trots over to yours
>Twi:"Hey, just what in the heck happened over there!?"
"That pegasus belonged to the Syndicate. Now's not the time for details Twilight. Can we just get on to breakfast and get ready to leave?"
>Twi:*sigh* "Of course, but you're going to meet our friends here too. After all, they're all coming with us to Canterlot."
"Wait, what? Twilight, this is a rather serious situation, what possible benefit could there be for your friends to tag along?"
>Twi:"Oh, the six of us are more than just friends Anon. Just trust me okay, you'll find out when we get there. You have your secrets, and we'll have ours" she finished with a grin

>You go on to meet with the other four ponies: Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie
>Vinyl pays Pinkie and the Cakes for the broken window, and you all sit down for the best breakfast you've had in your short time in this world
>You quickly grow to like these new ponies; they're each so unique and friendly, it's difficult to believe
>After all, you never got such treatment and friendship back in Manehatten, or ever before as far as you were concerned
>Hell, before even properly meeting you, Rarity exlaims to you that she absolutely must craft some new apparel for you
>How awesome is that? You'll have to go over it with her as soon as you get back to Ponyville
>Before long, a royal charriot arrives, and you're all off to Canterlot...