The Sins of The Father Pt. 3

"Well, lead the way," giving Twilight a warm smile.
>"Let's start off with Rarity. Her boutique is just around the corner," Twilight explains.
>"Anyways, what brings you to Ponyville,Anon?" She inquires.
"Figured I need a little rest time I suppose," you say with a chuckle.
>"Do you have a place to stay already? I have a spare room if you like"
"Me? Yeah. Staying with an associate," You explain. "Thanks for the offer, though."
>She nods and trots along your side until you reach a rather curious looking building. It does look like a mini circus tent of sorts.
>"Rarity? Are you there?" Twilight calls as she lightly raps the door.
>"Twilight?" A little filly on a window asks.
>The two of you look up to see a white filly with a curly violet hair. She disappears and soon you hear heavy thuds as she runs for the door.
>"Hey Sweetie Belle!" Twilight beams. "Is your sister home?"
>The little filly shakes her head no. "She just left a few minutes ago. Something about having some stuff shipped to Manehatten I think. She told me she managed to sell like...a bajillion of those dresses to some pony running a store there!"
>So that's why her name sounds familiar.
>Twilight's ears droop and she looks at you sadly. "Oh. I was about to introduce Anon to her," She trails off.
>By now Sweetie took notice of you and scooted closer. The curious look on her face finally gives way for a big smile.
>"Hi! I'm Sweetie Belle," she offers a hoof to you.
"Heya. Name's Anon," you crouch at her height and shake her hoof. "Pleasure to meet ya."
"Tell your sister I said hi,okay?" You add while riffling her mane.
>She giggles and nods enthusiastically. "Okay! But I need to introduce you to my friends too. Have you met Scootaloo and Applebloom already?"
>You shake your head no. "Not yet I'm afraid. Maybe some other time?"

>" . . ."
>"Well, we can still meet Pinkie if you like," Twilight offers. "And maybe we can grab something to eat too!"
"That I can get behind. Great timing since I haven't eaten since before boarding the train," You smile as she pushes your back. The mention of food really made your stomach grumble.
>"Then you'll love Sugarcube Corner! They got the meanest baked treats in town!"
You chuckle as you pick up the pace to keep up with her. "I'm good as sold. Your treat?"
>"Of course! Everything for my most favorite human!"
"Huh. As far as I can remember, I AM the only human here." You laugh with her.
>"Here we are. The best bakeshop in town!" She proudly says as she motions for another quirky looking shop. You were used to grey and drab shops back in Manehatten.
>From here you can already smell the delicious scent of cinnamon wafting from inside. Goddamn did your mouth water.

>"Welcome to Sugarcube Corner," a mare beams and gives you a warm smile. "Can I help you.....sir? Oh,Hi Twilight! Is he your friend?"
>"Good afternoon to you too, Mrs. Cake." Twilight greets her with the same gusto. "Anonymous, Mrs. Cake."
"It's nice to meet you, Ma'am" You say as you offer a hand.
>She shakes it and ushers the two of you to a table.
>"I assume you're here for Pinkie?"
"...And maybe some of those cinnamon buns too?" you add hopefully.
>Mrs.Cake laughs at that and then lightly pats your hand. "I just finished baking a batch. I'd be more than happy to give you some as a welcome gift!"
>"As for Pinkie, I had her run and errand, unfortunately," Mrs. Cake explains. "But she left something for this kind of occasion."
>Mrs. Cake reaches below the register and gives you a small box. On the side was a ratchet key with a note stuck to it.
"Wind me," You mutter as you read the paper.
>You barely touch the key when the box lid swings open then a shower of confetti fills the room and a record player CLEARLY too large for the box pops out.
>"IF YOU'RE LISTENING TO THIS THEN IT JUST MEANS ONE THING....." The recorder starts.
>"A NEW PONY IS IN TOWN AND I NEED TO MEET THEM ASAP!" It goes on enthusiastically. "But unfortunately, I'm away running an errand.."
>"BUT NO MATTER! I'LL THROW YOU THE BESTEST WELCOME PARTY ONCE I GET PACK. PINKIE PROMISE!"
>"And OH! Please check the bottom of the box for your very first welcome cupcake!"
>The recorder then stops and springs out. And as the recording has promised, a single pink cupcake was indeed at the very bottom of it.
"Well would you look at that," You chuckle as you look at the cupcake.
>"OMIGOSH I TOTALLY FORGOT!" Twilight suddenly blurts out. You were taken aback and almost dropped the cupcake.
>"Anon I'm really really sorry but I need to get back at the library ASAP," She explains.
>You just shrug and take a bite at your cupcake.
"No worries. I can just drop by at the library or some other time if you want," You assure her.
"And besides, I can handle my own anyways. Already bought a map of Ponyville so I'm set."
>"Are you sure you're okay?"
You offer her a smile and ruffle her mane. "No worries, okay? See you later, Twi."
>She zooms out, leaving you and your cupcake alone.
>"Anon? Where's Twilight?" Mrs. Cake asks while he places another box at your table.
"She said she has to go back to the library to do something."
>"I see. In that case, take this buns with you," She gives you that warm smile again. "I hope to see you again!"

>After thanking Mrs. Cake, You head out again to check what Ponyville has to offer.
>Turns out almost everypony wanted to talk with you and gave you some of whatever they were selling or carrying.
>You can't possibly carry them all so you ended up giving some to a bunch of fillies you passed by
>It was already quite dark when you've decided to head back home
>This town really transforms after hours. From the bubbly and cheery mood during daylight turns rather unnerving at night.
>You were already halfway home when you hear a commotion coming from an alley


>"Come on, mang. A deal's a deal. Miss a payment, we get some quality funtime with you," a rough looking pony sneers.
>"I'll come up with the money next week, I swear! Just give me more time!" The kneeling pony pleads.
>"Time's over, bub! Now we make you squeal like a little piggy! Reeeeeeeee!" Another pony holding a baseball bat muses.
>"You! Mister! Please help me!" He shouts when he sees you at the end of the alley.
>The two thugs look at you menacingly. "What the fuck are you looking at, you fucking monkey? Get the fuck outta here!"
You just raise your arms and back away slowly. "Hey man, Sure. Jus' an innocent bystander."
>"Yeah that's right! Nothing to see here,pal." The pony with a baseball bat adds.
>"Hey! Wait! Please help me!"

>"Sorry sir, but the store is already closed. Just come back tomorrow, will you?" The stallion behind the counter says.
"I'd hate to bother you but," the commotion just beside the shop gets both your attention. "I kinda need it now," you add while motioning for the commotion outside.
>The stallion realizes what it's for and clucks. "For a little 'mergency,huh? Whaddaya need?"
"A crowbar if you have one,please."
>He smiles and takes one from the wall. "Now, that's a spare one we got here so...it's on the house," he adds with a grin.
>"Git those bastards real good,yeah? That pretty troublesome duo wouldn't be missed anyways."

"Excuse me sir," you say as you tap the thug pony lightly in the shoulder with the crowbar.
>"What the fu-." You cut him off with a backhand swing that connects with his face.
>The guy staggers sideways and falls at a pile of garbage.
>The other thug holding the pony shoves his victim aside and magically levitates a knife but steps back a bit.
"Heeeeey man, where are you going? Not up for a little fun?" You ask.
>"I don't know what you are or what your problem is but..take one more step closer and I'll slit your throat!" He stutters as he waves his knife at your face.
"With what, that piddly-ass cheap punk knife of yours? Get the fuck outta here before I carve your head up."
>He wavers a bit but drops his knife. He then breaks into a sprint while shouting profanities at you.

"You okay buddy?" You offer a hand at the still dazed stallion.
>He rubs his snout and shakes his head a bit. He finally reaches out and grabs your hand.
>"I-I..thank you sir," She stutters as he shakes your hand quite vigorously. "How can I ever repay you?"
>Bingo
"What's your name, son? And those ponies are?" you jab a finger at a still knocked out stallion.
>"Bits. Silver bits." He straightens up and arranges his tie. "I run a small trading outpost just outside the town."
>"Those ponies were...you can say ask for money for 'protection'," he says delicately. "They've told me they're doubling my fee and there's no way I can afford it so this happened."
>You chuckle as you give him a pat on the back.
"Just stick to me, pal. I got your back." You assure him
>His eyes go wide and he's starting to smile. "Really? Fantastic! I must insist that we come back to my office for a little chat."
>You shake your head no as you lean the crowbar at the side of the building.
"You know Bugsy?"
>He ponders a bit. "The guy that runs that tavern?"
"Yeah that guy. Just drop by sometime and we'll talk there.As for now, might be a good idea for you to skedaddle already," you offer.
>He nods enthusiastically and grabs your hands again. "I thank you again for that little favor you did to me. I'll make this very much worthwhile for you," he promises.

------------
"Heya Bugsy," you say while taking a seat on one of the barstools.
>"Watcha having,bud? Good thing you swung by," he explains as he slides a rolled paper at you. "You got a telegram."
"Something light," you mutter while you unravel the message.
>Bugsy slides a mug of cider at you and watch in mute interest as you read the scroll.
>Al coming over? This is interesting.
"Heya Bugsy, you got some more spare rooms?
>Bugsy arches an eyebrow at you. "More guests?"
"Didn't tell me why though. Looks like I'm heading out tonight. His train is supposed to arrive later before midnight."
>"Ya need me to wait up for you guys?" He asks as he takes your now empty mug.
>You shake your head no as you stand up. You take out your Browning and make sure you got a round in the chamber.
>"You be careful, Anon." Bugsy offers as you head out. "I'll have the rooms ready by the time you arrive."
"Will do. Don't wait up. Go get some rest, pal," you offer him.

>"Afraid tonight's train would be a bit late," The station manager explains. "Lost some pressure en route to Fillydelphia."
>You grunt in resignation and lean on a column.
"How long?"
>"An hour or so, give or take." the mare says apologetically. "Would you like to step inside the office? I got some coffee brewing."
"Thanks for the offer. I'll just wait here."
>She shrugs as she goes back inside. "It's pretty chilly out here. Just tap at my window if you wanna go inside,okay?"
" . . ."
>You stuff your hands inside your jacket and slump at your seat. The wind's picking up and that offer sounds about tempting now.
>You decide against it and wait it out on the platform instead.
>Barely an hour has passed when you hear the faint sound of an engine at the distance. Finally!
>It takes a few more minutes till the train finally comes to a halt. You notice that there's little or no passengers on this train.
>Then you realize a few Royal Guard troopers are forming up behind you.
>Slowly you feel a ball of ice form in your stomach. Royal Guards were never good news.
>Your hand was subconsciously reaching for your gun when Al suddenly pats your back. You turn and see a familiar face flanked by your two associates Ted and Chip
>Al laughs boisterously as he takes notice on your uneasiness towards the Royal Guards. Chip and Ted just gives you nods of respect.
>"Easy there, Anon. They're our friends," he motions at the Guards.
>He looks at the more senior looking guard. "Now what?"
>The pony clears his throat and stands at attention. "The Captain sends his regards and has sent a carriage to pick you up. We'll be departing shortly."
>"Marvelous! Make sure all our stuff is well accounted for," Al says the group walks toward the exit.
>The senior officer nods and whistles for a Guardsman to handle it. He then leads you to a waiting carriage.


"So...?"
>Al looks at you quizzically. "So?"
You look at him confused and open your arms. "Mind filling me in?"
>He laughs heartily and slaps your knee. "It's a secret," he says with a twinkle in his eye.
"Wow. We going on a fuckin' slumber party or something?" you ask,dripping with sarcasm.
>Al laughs harder and now Ted's arm takes the brunt of his slaps.
>"You'll see. I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise for you. This is big, Anon."
You slump at your seat and cross your arms. "Fine. This has to do anything with my job?"
>Al Shakes his head and levitates a cigar his mouth. Ted then flips open a lighter for him.
>"That takes the back seat for now," he explains in between puffs. "Boss says this one gets top priority."
"This important,huh?" Interesting.

>The carriage leads you at the edge of the town just by the Everfree forest. You can faintly see the outline of a fort and the carriage abruptly stops.
>"Well, looks like we're here. I hope they haven't started the slumber party yet!" Al jabs at you.
>You just laugh it off as the four of you exit the wagon. It's a fairly small fort-no...looks more like an outpost.
>But it seems that security in this outpost is tight. You can see a dozen or so Guardsmen in pairs patrolling about.
>From the outpost entrance, A solitary stallion emerges. He looks at you momentarily then trots towards Al.
>"Are you the ones sent by Lucky Strike?" He inquires.
>"The Boss,you mean? Yeah we're it." Al extends a hoof. "You must be the Captain."
>The Captain looks at Al's hoof for a moment then finally takes it. "Please come inside."

>The Captain leads you inside and stops in front of a bookshelf. And with a tap, it rises up a little then slides aside.
>"We use this safehouse when the Guardsmen needs to talk of matters that Princess Celestia needs not to hear," The Captain explains as he motions for the group to follow him below.
>Al just clucks and whistles as he takes the first step down. "Magic-proofed?"
>The Guardsman nods. "The whole perimeter has a magic barrier but the room below has it's own for...insurance."
>This time you got warning bells chiming inside your head. You let The Captain walk a bit more and lightly grab Al by the collar.
"Sweet Jesus," You whisper harshly. "Al don't tell me we're gonna help them stage a coup against Celestia."
>Being a member of a crime family is an already guaranteed reason for them to put you behind bars. Getting caught inciting a rebellion is worse and makes you lose your head.
>Al just scoffs and laughs at your remark. "Stop reading too much of those fantasy books. You'll find out soon enough."
>At the foot of the stairs was a large barred door in which The Captain pushes to reveal the room inside.
>It was quite a large room. There were four Guardsmen standing by the sides of the room while a large oaken table occupies the middle.

>There were already others seated and you're familiar with some of them
>Al whistles and leans at you to whisper. "Rosy Thorn from Fillydephia. Screech from Griffonstone. Dodge from Appleloosa," he names out.
>"And even Straight Flush from Las Pegasus is here. Looks like this really is a big operation."
"All bigshots,eh?" You inquire as Al and you take a seat. Ted and Chip had to stay outside.
>Al grins at you. "No small fish here, that's for sure."
>The others acknowledge your presence and nods at you.
>The Captain clears his throat and takes his place in front of a large map of Equestria.
>"Gentlecolts and griffons, allow me to express my gratitude on partaking on our invitation," he starts. "I hope we can put our differences aside for the meantime to work on a common goal."
>"Now, I must apologize on the amount of secrecy and security you had to go through as this is a highly sensitive matter. Princess Celestia or anypony must certainly not know about the particulars of this meeting. Do I make myself clear?" The Captain warns.
>The group grunts in approval as the Guardsman motions toward the map.
>"As you know, there has been a surge on interest on a group that advocates equality for all," he explains. "They call themselves Equalists."

>"Now, I must say that their agenda sounds noble when seen in it's face value. But as my informants has gathered, they are pushing for a total reworking of Equestrian society."
>"Simply put, they aim on abolishing the current monarchy and to replace it with their own collective."
>Straight Flush leans forward and smiles. "It's a clear act of sedition. Just have the head honchos locked up. Why bother calling us up anyways?"
>The Captain shakes his head in disagreement. "Princess Celestia sees no reason to do so as the group in question gives no outward motives hinting to such agendas. And what worries me is that the Equalists now has the sympathy of some of the ministers."
>"They've been actively encouraging Princess Celestia to agree on a memorandum that allows a general election of some sort." The Captain continues.
>"And the specifics of this elections would be?" Rosy Thorn asks.
>"Most possibly a vote of confidence on Princess Celestia," The Captain concludes somberly. The revelation causes hushed whispers from the group. "The Princess still believes she has the favor of the masses but the fruit the Equalists offer is a temptation very hard to refuse."
>"Such vile, two faced creatures, the bunch." The Captain grits his teeth in anger. "By me asking the lot of you for assistance speaks of great lengths on the severity of this problem." He says looking quite displeased.
>Al gives him a wide grin and laughs. "Why would we help you Canterlot stooges in the first place?"
>The Captain returns an equally sarcastic smile to Al. "It gives the masses false hope. False courage," he goes on. "And we know how foolhardy ponies become when given such a false sense of security,yes?"
>"And besides, they've recently encouraged ponies to openly defy organizations such as yours," he finally reveals. "I'm quite sure your friend Dodge here knows what I'm talking about."


>Dodge exhales a cloud of smoke before talking. "Afraid so. Some of the business owners under my territory outright refuse to transact with my family now. I had the best of my collectors chased out of the county twice in a short span of days."
>His eyebrows furrow, his eyes steely. "You know you gots a problem when the whole townfolk turns on you. A few ponies can be roughed up. A whole town is too much of a handful. This problem needs to be squashed as soon as possible."
>This draws out another round of hushed whispers from the group. Then Screech from Griffonstone finally speaks up.
>"What do you propose then?" Aiming his question at The Captain.
>A small smile forms on the Guardsman's face. "Me and my men cannot be seen actively disrupting their meetings and rallies. The Crown can no longer lose face as we are in a rather precocious position. Public opinion is very volatile and can easily be swayed in the favor of Equalists."
>"So, you want us to go to their little picnics and kick shit up?" Al asks with a chuckle. "In short, do your dirty work?"
>"Drastic times call for drastic measures," The Captain says coolly.
>"Of course we also need some assistance from your clique," Screech says slowly. "What can you offer to help with progress?"
>"You have my blessing in this matter," somepony from the shadows say.
>The Guardsmen stand at attention and the group looks behind as the Lunar Princess materializes from the darkness.