FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Introduction

The night was approaching the later hours when the young colt walked into a tavern, so called the "Iron Yoke". His cloak covered his head and his flank carefully. He eyed the patrons as he made his way to the far booth with a cocky grin. Some of the patrons sneered as he made his way past them, sharing angered grumbles. He found a seat across from his contact with his grin never dying, but his eyes showing he was ready to get down to business.

"Heard any good news?" He asked.

The older colt that sat across from him raised an eyebrow. His horn sparkling in the light of the hearth.

"Not after that last job I gave you, Raindrop." He replied with disdain. "You botched everything and nearly got me caught! You're lucky I don't run you through right now!"

"Oh, come on now, Relan. The job couldn't have gone better. I got the sword didn't I? Even made a healthy profit. It was a fair exchange."

Relan lifted his mug and downed the last half of his hot chocolate before he slammed it back down on the table. "Getting it done isn't good enough Drops. If I get caught we both lose out. To many witnesses caught a glimpse of you and that's all it takes to land everyone in a dark and dank dungeon."

Raindrop gave a shrug. "No one could have done it better than that. It was damn near flawless."

"Oh really? Because from what I heard, is that it was luck that saved your plot. You knock one guard out and it set forth a rather unfortunate series of events."

"It was all intentional, I figured if I caused a panic it would be easier to slip by unnoticed." Raindrop rebutted.

Relan just shook his head in disbelief. "By setting the whole place on fire and killing a half dozen ponies?"

"Name one other pony that could get it done better than that." Raindrop gestured to the barkeep to bring a hot chocolate for himself and Relan.

"Oh, Arina, Thals, even Paekas. Just for starters." Two mugs were placed next to them.

"Ha! What a load! Those guys are all amateurs compared to me." He grabbed a mug and drank heavily from it.

Relan just sighed deeply and sipped from his drink. "The one thing they don't have that you do, is spirit." A smirk spread across his face. "And an ego the size of Equestria itself."

"And natural skill." Raindrop added with no hint of humility or jest. "Just face it, I'm the best you got."

Relan frowned worriedly. "I hope not..." He mumbled.

Raindrop ignored the comment and drank until his mug was empty. "My original question still stands." He said breathlessly.

Relan mulled over his thoughts for a moment. "Ah... Well, I suppose there is one thing." He muttered. "I heard rumor of a Royal convoy that's going to make it's way through Everfree."

"A Royal convoy you say?" Raindrop asked with a thoughtful expression. "They must have some serious loot." He added hungrily.

"Yes, and as such it will be heavily guarded by the best. Led by none other than the Vigil himself." Relan explained.

"So? What are they carrying with them?"

"No one knows. The informants say that everyone is being real tight lipped. We won't know until we take it. However, we do know the one going through Everfree is the real one. The fake is going through a more conspicuous route."

"Wait wait wait. Who's we?"

"Look, Drops. I know you think you can do this alone. But everyone insists that I make you bring backup this time, just in case you're compromised. Consider us a necessary evil. We'll all get an even cut."

Raindrop sighed deeply. "I'll only accept these terms on one condition. When I do all the work, I get all the money."

Relan laughed in amusement. "Very well, you got a deal!"

"So who do we got coming along." He asked.

Relan thought for a moment. "I was thinking about hiring the twins from Stalliongrad. You know, Kisiev and Miekal. Myself, of course and a new guy. His names Johnathan, or so he says. I've got some ponies snooping around for information on him. You know anything about him?"

Raindrop thought for a moment. "Can't say I do. He give you a last name?"

"Yeah, says it's Braeburn."

"Still doesn't ring any bells." Raindrop shrugged. "Is he a foreigner or something?"

"No, I don't think so. However, he does have a heavy western accent. Think he's from the Milds?"

"I dunno! I've never met him!"

"Well at any rate, he'll be joining us."

Raindrop frowned. "Like I have a choice." He didn't honestly believe that he needed help with the convoy, but he did like having the company.

Relan passed a small note to him. "That's where and when we'll be set up. Don't be late and don't mention this to anyone else. The team is full so we don't need anyone else begging to get in on it."

"Gotcha." Raindrop grabbed the note and exited the booth. "I'll be seeing you later, Relan." He turned to leave. His mind swirled with the thought of royal treasure. This would be a heist to remember! His cocky grin growing at the thought of how awesome he would be.

Meeting Up

Raindrop flew over the Everfree, trying to spot the group that would be waiting for him. It was getting dark and the convoy would be in position soon. He, as well as everyone else, had trouble navigating these unpredictable woods. Where everything grew by itself and didn't rely on intervention by ponies. It didn't bother him much to be within the forest. For the reward would be great. He spotted a small flag waving above the forest canopy. Black with the outline of a dagger, one of Relan's call-signs.

He came to a smooth landing next to Relan as he sat against a tree. He seemed unfazed at Raindrops arrival.

"About time you showed up. I was wondering if we were going to have to start without you." He mumbled.

"If you haven't started yet, I'm not late." Raindrop looked around the small clearing and saw two other ponies. They were talking amongst themselves. "Are we ready?"

Relan nodded and stood up. "We'll need to make a game plan. This won't be easy."

"Of course it will be, you've got me after all!" Raindrop chimed, his smile covering his self-doubt, if any was to be had. "C'mon, let's get going. I wanna meet these guys."

Relan followed Raindrop to the two earth ponies. They looked at Raindrop with a chuckle, noticing his rainbow mane under his hood.

"Thees is little Rainbow? You said he was big." One of the two identical ponies said, his voice was deep and rough.

"If you would recall, I said his ego was big." Relan sighed. "Raindrop, the one on the left is Miekal," Miekal bowed slightly. "and the other is Kisiev."

"Much obliged. Though I expected somepony with your reputation to be... bigger." His Stalliongrad accent was heavy. Both of them were large stallions and appeared to be strong. They wore heavy armor and many scars.

"Well like my associate said, my ego is indeed quite large, but my skills are second to none!" Raindrop exclaimed. "My services will be invaluable!"

The twins eyed each other for a moment. "So the rumors are true?" Kisiev asked, looking nervous.

"Of course! I've done some pretty amazing things. I wouldn't be surprised if my name gets around."

They both spoke to each other in their native tongue until Relan interrupted. "Look guys, he'll do fine. I have faith in him." He was lying and they eyed him suspiciously, but they seemed to buy it.

"Where's the other guy?" Raindrop asked, looking around the small clearing.

"He's on reconnaissance." Miekal stated. "The convoy is not far down the road."

Raindrop looked back to Relan. "You trusted him with recon? I thought you were gonna keep him a small player."

Relan shrugged. "I did some digging, but nothing turned up on him. So I talked with him and it turns out he's looking for money to start up a farm. Nothing more. If this all goes as planned he should have enough. Then he will leave the underground, simple as that."

Raindrop sighed. "Alright..." He really didn't like having to depend on other ponies like this. He didn't survive so long by trusting other thieves. Especially one with "Good intentions".

"Anyway, the plan is simple." Relan said. "The twins and I are going to distract them while you and Braeburn take the goods. Since they're royal guards they will probably be ready for anything we throw at 'em. We just need to be faster and smarter."

Raindrop laughed at the statement. "Well, this will be a cakewalk then. Guards are idiots."

Relan frowned. "Yes... Usually they are. However, the Vigil, as we discussed will be leading this particular convoy. He's not exactly a pushover Drops..."

"Yes, he is ferocious warrior." Kisiev added. "A couple of men from my late crew met their fate at his blade."

Raindrop sighed. "I still don't see why you guys worry. There is no way I won't succeed."

The other three frowned at his words and sat next to each other silently. Raindrop removed his crossbow from his pack and fiddled with the loading mechanism. The others followed suit with their weapons. Relan removed his dagger and hovered it before his eyes carefully, as if inspecting it. It looked well seasoned with many nicks and scratches. The twins both unsheathed their long-swords and stuck them into the ground with wide smiles.

"You should have brought bigger weapon." Miekal said.

"It's not the size, it's how you use it." Relan stated with a smile. "More pony's have fallen to this dagger than the rest of them combined."

"Rest of them?" Kisiev asked.

Raindrop smiled as Relan opened up his cloak to reveal two bandoliers crossing over his chest, holding twenty well polished daggers. Looking substantially better than the one that floated before him. He covered himself once more. "This one is more... sentimental than the others." He explained. "When a job like this comes along I have to bring the others, but on more subtle missions..." He waved the dagger around. "This one was used by my father. A good luck charm."

"Oh c'mon, Relan. You can't rely on luck all the time. The only thing you can rely on is skill with any amount of certainty." Raindrop said. "I know you have a fair amount of it."

Relan cocked an eyebrow. "Oh really? Do I have more than you?" He asked sarcastically.

Raindrop laughed. "Don't feel bad or anything, but there's no way."

The twins gave Relan a curious glance. "Yes... He is always like this." He explained.

After several minutes of discussing and readying their weapons, Raindrop became bored. He adjusted his crossbow carefully and ignored the conversation between the others. He was ready to begin the job, his hooves were nearly trembling with excitement.

"Ready to start the job y'all?" A voice said directly behind him. It was light and cheery.

Raindrop was startled but managed to stifle a yelp as he turned to see the newcomer. An earth pony with a wily grin and bright eyes. A crossbow was sticking out from his pack and a quiver of longer bolts was strapped to his side. He had on one of those strange western hats. "We're waiting on you! So the question is, are you ready?"

The grin didn't cease on Braeburn's face. "I would reckon. There's only one little problem, Relan."

"What's that?" Relan asked with no hint of worry.

"I didn't catch a glimpse of the big guy, also there's less guards than we thought."

"Wait, what?" Relan looked confused. "The Vigil isn't there?"

Braeburn shook his head. "No. The guards don't look like much neither. I counted 13."

Relan thought for a moment. Is it possible that we got the wrong one? He wondered. His sources had always been right in the past. It wasn't likely that it was a trap, but anything was possible.

"What do you make of that?" Raindrop asked, while loading a bolt into his own crossbow.

"Sounds off." Relan replied. "There's no way they would let royal cargo go without heavy guard. Even if it was a fake they would have to have a believable guard escorting it. Something's up." He paused to think for a second. "Maybe they figured it would be safe enough for minimal guard?"

"Or maybe the entire Equestrian army is shadowing it, for all we know." Raindrop pointed out. "We're flying blind in these woods, there's no way for us to know what we're walking into."

Braeburn looked around nervously.

"I doubt that, Drops. However, it is possible that there are more guards shadowing it." Relan admitted. "We need to prepare for the worst scenario here. The twins are going to be with me to confront the immediate guards." The twins nodded in unison. "I want you two to be my eyes in the sky." He said, gesturing to Raindrop and Braeburn.

"Uh... maybe all this darkness is getting to you. This joker doesn't have any wings." Raindrop said, looking at the earth pony standing next to him.

"You would do well to not underestimate him." Relan said. "There's a reason we chose him for recon."

The grin on Braeburn's face grew to a smile. "It's amazing what ya can learn in the Milds." He said with a flush. "There's just some things they don't teach y'all in the city."

"He's just gonna be the sharpshooter, Drops. I've been thinking about how we're gonna pull this off. I think we'll be better off fooling them into thinking there's a great many of us. This is where you come into the plans. How fast can you reload that thing?"

"As fast as I need to." He replied.

"And how fast can you fly?"

Raindrop smiled. "I can totally pull that off."

"Alright, you two find vantage points over the road. There's plenty of cover in the trees off to the side. I don't want you to fire until I give you a signal. It'll be when I twirl my dagger in the air. Shoot to kill when it's time. Raindrop, I want you going as fast as you can manage. I want it to seem like there's fifteen other ponies sitting in the trees."

"Give me some credit, Relan." Raindrop said as he finished loading his crossbow. "I can give you fast, as long as I get a bigger cut." He finished with his trademark cocky grin.

Relan rolled his eyes. "Fine. I'll take it out of my own cut... just do it."

Raindrop winked and stood up. "C'mon new guy. Let's go cover their flanks."

Braeburn tipped his hat to the other three before taking off after Raindrop.

Heist

Raindrop came to a sturdy looking tree next to the road and easily glided up to a bulky branch with a clear view of the road, feeling fairly certain that he couldn't be followed by Braeburn this high up. He aimed his crossbow carefully toward the road and waited, the darkness in the forest deepening to a pitch. Meaning the convoy would have to be lit with lanterns, making it easier to see and making him harder to spot. This would be every bit as easy as he thought it would be.

"So how's it looking?" Braeburn's voice asked from right next to him. Raindrop jumped in surprise.

"How did you get up here?!" Raindrop queried.

"I climbed." He replied with a shrug. "Not a hard thing to do if ya got practice. Besides, Relan wanted us to stick together 'til you gotta make your moves."

"He never said that." Raindrop said as he turned his attention back to the road.

"He didn't, but we can at least kill time while we wait." He suggested. "Those pokes were takin' their merry little time." He reached into his saddle bag and removed his crossbow. It was a sharpshooter model, longer and more sleek than Raindrop's. The makeshift scope looked like it was made from scraps, but the 2x sight made it a bit easier to pick your target. The change up was it took longer to reload and more strength was required to torque it than a standard crossbow.

"I suppose..." Raindrop said with a heavy sigh.

"What, not one for a little chatter?" Braeburn prodded him. "Could be worse." He loaded a bolt into his crossbow and began to torque it.

"I just don't care to talk before a heist. Especially when we're in position waiting for said heist to start."

Braeburn nodded. "You didn't seem so shy before. In fact you seemed awfully... confident."

"Look, I know your not so used to this sort of thing, so let me tell you something. In this line of work you must be absolutely confident in your own abilities, or they will catch or kill you. Talking is one of the many things that will likely earn both." Raindrop explained.

"Oh?" Braeburn said as he finished torquing and aimed to the road. "What makes you think I haven't done this before?"

"Relan told me this was a one time thing for you. That once this goes down you'll go back to the Milds with all your money and start up a farm."

"Well, sure enough if we pull this off I'll leave the underground. But I've been doin' this for a long time. I make sure my name doesn't get around."

"How's that? You kill everyone who works with you?" Raindrop asked with jest.

Braeburn chuckled. "No, nothing like that. I usually use an alias or avoid giving a name entirely."

"So why'd you tell us your name this time?"

"If we manage to pull this off, we'll be in the history books. I figured I might as well be remembered for something." Braeburn shrugged. "Even if it's for stealing royal treasure."

Raindrop felt his respect for this individual grow. "So is Braeburn your real name?"

"That's up for you to decide. I may be lying." He replied with a wily grin. "You'll never know."

They sat in silence for what seemed like hours in the darkness. Waiting and listening for the caravan to get into position. Soon they could hear it approaching. There was a faint light coming down the road along with the voices of two ponies. They didn't sound very tough.

" ... forest is cursed. The silence is what's getting to me." The first one said.

"Along with the darkness and the snapping of twigs." The second teased. "Is this your first time coming through here?"

"Yes! What pony in his right mind would want to come through here?"

"Somepony who doesn't want to be seen." The second rebutted. "Maybe even somepony who was ordered to by either of the princess'."

"Hah! Look around you! The princess' wouldn't be caught dead in these woods and neither should we. Who knows what kind of horrible creatures lurk around us?"

Raindrop smiled. If only you knew. They walked into view and the silhouettes of Relan and the twins walked into the center of the road. The caravan stopped and the guards took defensive positions immediately.

"Stand aside citizens!" The one standing up front ordered. "In the name of the Princess'!"

"Only ten of you?" Relan asked. "You'd think the Princess' would take better care of their possessions."

Ten? Raidrop wondered before confirming it with his own count. What happened to thirteen?

Four daggers floated out from his cloak and the twins drew their swords. Raindrop and Braeburn readied themselves to fire.

"I got the ones on the far right." Braeburn whispered.

"Alright then, don't be afraid to ask for help." Raindrop replied quietly.

Braburn smiled in response.

The guards all drew their weapons and eyed the criminals cautiously. "Last warning! Stand down now and we will let you go. Any aggressive actions will be met with lethal force."

Relan lifted his favorite dagger in front of his face and let it float there. "Surrender now and we'll leave you all alive."

There was a standstill for several seconds. The dagger twirled through the air.

Raindrop and Braeburn both launched their bolts simultaneously. The two bolts killed the guards pulling the cart, with bolts between their eyes.

Raindrop didn't have time to think before he took off to his left trying to get his crossbow reloaded as quickly as possible. He cranked it furiously until it would crank no more. He stopped in midair suddenly and aimed swiftly. There was a guard dashing toward Relan who was already fighting two others. He fired his bow and dashed to his left and circled slightly around the cart. He didn't know if he downed the last one but he didn't have time to care. He furiously dashed, reloaded and fired with what he assumed was deadly efficiency. Yet the fight kept on going.

"They've got reinforcements!" Relan yelled. "Grab bag Braeburn!" Relan fought ferociously against the guards as a few more emerged from the forest edge. The twins were also standing strong, but it was clear that they wouldn't be able to hold forever. It seemed a hail of bolts landed around and on the occasional guards. Raindrop was doing fine work.

Braeburn landed on the ground with a heavy thud before taking off toward the unmoving cart. Some guards took the occasional swing at him and only received a well placed hoof to their jaws. He got to the door quickly and wasn't surprised to see it latched. One of the twins made his way over to defend him as he removed a lockpick from his pack.

"Keep it fast! Keep it steady!" Relan ordered over the clamor of battle.

Raindrop continued his maddening pace, but he could feel his bolt supply diminishing quickly. Soon he would be left with just his rapier. The guards were quickly becoming overwhelming. Blood was spilling onto the dirt road, it was beginning to pool. Just when he paused to fire, he heard a quiet whistle. One that sounded like a bird sitting in the tree right next to him.

A hoof landed across his face suddenly. He was sent careening to the ground by the force of it and his crossbow flew from his hooves. He landed on his back and heard a sickening snap with a shooting pain accompanying it. He kept himself from crying out and quickly regained his hoofing. An earthpony landed before him and began to lash out with his hooves. Raindrop narrowly dodged the blindingly quick movements and drew his sword.

"More contacts!" Relan yelled as several earthponies fell from the canopy and struck out at the guards as well as his crew. They all moved with grace and swiftness, they seemed to be only using their hooves. He could hear their punches breaking the bones of the guards they struck. Relan was furiously dodging the punches of one that was transfixed with him.

"You are a perversion of the natural way! Perish!" He yelled, as Relan ducked below his right hook narrowly. Quickly focusing all five of his daggers into defensive position.

"Can you not hurry?!" The twin defending Braeburn yelled. Desperately defending against one of the newcomers.

"Not exactly! This thing is royal quality!" He replied. "Just a bit longer!"

It was no use. The twin was struck down by the unyielding hoof of his adversary, his neck broke at the suddenness of it.

"Miekal!" His brother yelled in fury. Bowling through a small group of guards and barreling into the smaller earthpony. Braburn kept working on the lock carefully as Kisiev stomped the newcomer into the dust.

Braeburn could feel the sweat dripping from his brow as the lock refused his entry. He saw a shadow that was not his appear on the cart's side. He reacted quickly and rolled to the side. A hoof smashed through the lock where his head had been just a second before. The earthpony pulled his hoof from the door and turned to him with a disgusted frown. The door cracked open lazily.

Figures... Braeburn thought to himself with a sigh from the flat of his back.

" Just die, you Celestial Slave!" The earthpony spat.

Raindrop was doing pretty well against this new target. He was dodging the punches easily, but he couldn't land a hit on him. They were exchanging many blows but neither of them were hitting a single mark.

"Surrender, you ignorant zealot!" The pony said, still trying to land a hit but failing each time.

"I don't surrender to losers!" Raindrop chided. "But if you would like, I could perhaps give you a little lesson!" Raindrop pierced his shoulder, causing him to jump back and regain his bearings for a moment. "Come now, the only thing worse than a loser is a sore one!"

The pony was grinding his teeth in anger. "You fool. I will not have mercy on you!"

"Were you expecting any different from me?" Raindrop taunted.

Raindrop made a dash at his opponent, but quickly came to a halt. The shadows beneath the earthpony's hooves were moving. He didn't seem to notice. Yet they moved with unnatural fluidity, magic...

The shadow formed into a long sharp spike and drove through the chest of the earthpony causing him to yelp in surprise and pain, he died quickly. The shadow dissipated and the body fell to the ground lifelessly.

A bright light completely enveloped the forests darkness. Temporarily blinding everyone that was fighting. Then the entire area fell directly into hell.

Lightning and fire began to rain into the fray. Unicorns seemed to faze in the clearing from the darkness. Attacking the earthponies and the guards that continued to pour in from the forest. Relan fought furiously against everypony that dared challenge him. His daggers stabbing and slashing madly into the flesh that surrounded him. The value of the treasure was decreasing exponentially. Blood covered the ground totally, someponies were unable to keep their footing on the slime that began to envelope the entirety of the field.

The guards continuous supply of reinforcements didn't seem to slow. A constant influx of them made this scenario impossible to imagine in their favor. The earthponies fought with ferocious skill, still a great many of them continued to fight among the endless troops. The unicorns benefited with their superior magic. Defending and attacking with relative ease, their dark purple robes adding to their majesty and intimidation.

Relan looked around the battle field and recalled the words of Raindrop. Or maybe the entire Equestrian army is shadowing it, for all we know. Relan smirked to himself as he fended off a blow from a guard.

Braeburn rolled from side to side as the earthpony above him tried to stamp him out. He bucked the stomach of his attacker, he rolled off to the side. Braeburn got back on his hooves and shifted his hat slightly before going back to the broken door. Kisiev was fighting off several ponies next to him with an intense vigor. So far none of the unicorns had made their way to the cart.

He opened the door easily and jumped inside the cart. He was surprised to see it was lit on the inside, but pleased to see a glimmering chest sitting pretty at the far end, more than a foot from the wall. He walked over to the chest with a hungry gaze, out of the corner of his eye he caught a glimpse of a huddled mass in the corner. He looked to it and saw a pair of lavender eyes watching him fearfully. It was just a little filly with a small horn poking out from her hood. Braeburn looked at her curiously.

Raindrop stood his ground and eyed the forest around him cautiously. He could feel a pair of eyes watching him. The battle happening not twenty feet away seemed like it was in a different world now. The stomping of guard's boots clear in the still night air.

"What? Don't want to show me your pretty little face?" He said to the darkness.

The darkness seemed to reel and weave through the trees. It made him feel like he was floating through empty space, he became disoriented for a second. In that second he saw several tendrils of darkness lash out at him.

He dodged to the side and ducked under another as it flew over him. Another came through for a lower strike and he jumped over it easily.

"My my... You are a quick one." A demeaning feminine voice said from the darkness. A unicorn appeared before him from a shroud of darkness, followed by two others. She wore purple robes along with the two others and her eyes were a fiery green. An amused smile dominated her face.

"I want this one, you two go fetch Dawn." She ordered coldly.

"But... Milady..." One of her followers objected.

"Do it, or I'll kill you both." She said simply, not removing her amused smile.

They both moved into the battle without hesitation.

"Do they get any treats if they do good?" Raindrop said smugly.

Her smile dissipated. "Let's not fall into idiotic banter. I want to play." Her eyes seemed fixed on his.

If a fight was what she wanted, he would be more than happy to oblige. He dashed at her with his sword aimed at her throat. She looked quite bored as he charged at her with lethal intention. The shadows seemed to leap to her defense and her horn glowed an eerie darkness. The shadows stabbed and slashed at him, but he made his way through them with a fair amount of effort. He lunged at her with his mark in clear sight. His sword was stopped before it could hit it's target. A single blade of shadow stood between it and the mare. The shadow was coming from the ground, behind a single blade of grass. He had never seen magic like this before, but it didn't seem that impressive.

"Ooo. You were so close." She said with mock sympathy. "Care to try again?"

Raindrop pulled from the shadow and it dissipated quickly. He struck out again at a different angle, but another shadow blocked his path.

"Third time's the charm." She said with a sweet laugh. It made his spine tingle.

This time he flew into a flurry of strikes, yet each one was blocked by her magic. She only stood there and made no effort to move. He was becoming weary and stepped off for a second.

"You damned coward! Hiding behind your magic!" He chided breathlessly. "Why don't you lift your hooves and fight for real?"

"You are so awfully dull." She said, ignoring his comment. "Can't you move any faster? By your display earlier I thought you would at least scratch me." She frowned in disappointment.

Raindrop was grinding his teeth in frustration.

Relan was down to his last three daggers. He had taken so many lives that he was becoming weary of fighting. It was time to call it in.

" Raindrop, Twins, Braeburn, time to call it! Get out while you can!" He yelled over the continuing hostilities. The ground began to vibrate and wild yells sounded off through the forest. He made a break for the forest and made off with his life.

Braeburn continued to watch the young unicorn. What's a young'n like that doing in here? He wondered to himself. He heard Relan's voice yell something, but couldn't make it out. He listened intently to see if he would yell it again.

"Check the cart and make sure the chest is still there!" He heard a deep voice yell.

Braeburn quickly jumped over the chest and ducked behind it. He heard the door creak open and a voice call. "All clear! It's all still here!" The door creaked shut.

He gave a sigh of relief and Listened carefully.

"You soldiers guard this with your lives." A deep voice commanded. "We'll clear out the rest of these traitors and move on as planned."

Braeburn felt the cart rattle slightly. He looked to the unicorn in the corner, she was still watching him fearfully.

The cart rattled once more, this time it was slightly more violent. Braeburn pressed against the chest slightly for stability.

"Vigil! The beasts of the forest are moving in!" A soldier yelled.

"Oh for Celestia's sake!" The Vigil swore. "Get ready for more! Get into defensive positions!"

Braeburn could hear quite the racket coming from outside. It sounded like an army was marching through the forest, rambling and making a general fuss. Then the roar of an angry troll reverberated through the air. Braeburn sighed deeply. The little filly whimpered pitifully.

"Shhh." Braeburn attempted to comfort her. "We're all gonna be fine." He said with a friendly grin.

Her expression softened at bit at his kindness. He made crawled over to her quietly and put a hoof over her shoulder, she cringed at his touch.

"I won't let anything happen to ya." He said quietly. The sound of battle became clear once more. She gripped on to his hoof tightly.

He watched the chest with a longing expression. Well... I guess if I survive this, I'll be executed later. He thought to himself. There's no way I'm gettin' this chest outta here now.

There was a heavy crashing sound that didn't sound to far off. The filly looked up at him with a worried expression. He just smiled in response. Now I got this little one clingin' to me for dear life. I'm not good with children... They sat there for what seemed like hours in the relative silence of the cart, but it was at most a couple minutes.

The roof of the cart was torn off and thrown to the side. Braeburn could see the hand of a troll reach in through the top and feel around. He put himself in front of the little unicorn fully intending to block it from getting to her, but instead the hand found the chest and grabbed it. The hand went through the side of the cart, taking the chest and the entire side wall with it. Braeburn could see the new army that had gathered just outside the cart. A bunch of poorly armored and armed humanoid rats.

"Kill ponies, kill ponies now!" One of them shrieked. Pointing to Braeburn and the filly. Most of the little creatures immediately began to make their way to them.

Braeburn lifted the little unicorn to his back. "Hold on tight, little miss!" He ordered, she complied.

He jumped over the creatures and landed outside of the cart gracefully before taking off in the opposite direction the troll had went. He was plowing through the rat creatures, none of whom were paying much attention. There were so many bodies littering the ground that he was afraid he would trip. There were still a couple unicorns and earthponies fighting off the rats, but none of them paid him a heeding glance. The guards were falling back into the dark forest, abandoning the now empty cart to itself. Fires were raging through the underbrush and were beginning to eat away at the trees.

"Archers!" One screamed.

Arrows began to fly past him as he ran into the darkness of the forest. Feeling lucky to have gotten out with his life. He checked the filly on his back, she was unharmed and still clinging for dear life with her eyes shut tight. He smiled as he turned back to the darkness.

Raindrop blocked one of the shadows from the unicorn and jumped from another. Every one of his attacks were proving fruitless. He was trying to get into a solid stance but she kept him off his balance, she smiled at his ineptitude.

"Damn you!" He cursed as he made a quick jump to her. Readying his sword for a heavy strike.

"There it is!" She yelled suddenly, her horn sparked with magical concentration. Raindrop saw dark spikes shoot from the ground as he sailed through the air, unable to change direction before they pierced his outstretched wings.

Raindrop grunted in pain as the magic lifted him to the air and angled him back to the ground. He slammed into the forest floor at full force, his breath escaped him and his bearings were lost. He could hear his sword bounce and roll a fair distance away. He was unable to pinpoint it's exact location. The tendrils kept him pinned to the ground for several seconds before they finally dissipated and were immediately replaced by the hooves of the mare.

"That was easy." She sneered. "I was hoping for more."

Raindrop bit his tongue and focused on trying to get himself free.

The sound of hooves passed right next to them. Raindrop and the mare that was pinning him both turned to see, Braeburn ran by with a small unicorn on his back. The filly's lavender eyes watched them as they passed.

"Dawn!?" The one pinning him said in surprise. Her weight shifted slightly as she began to cast a spell. Raindrop bucked her hard in the stomach, she doubled over and landed on her back. Her focus was lost.

Raindrop rolled back onto his hooves and looked around quickly for his sword. It lay only five feet away. He picked it up and readied himself to strike at the unicorn. She was gasping for breath but she was standing and shooting him an angry glare, her horn emitting an aura of darkness.

"You stinking cur!" She seethed.

"Shut up you bitch!" Raindrop took a swipe at her. She slid to the side, dodging it easily.

"This game is over! I don't have time for you!" She yelled.

Her horn glimmered brightly. Raindrop felt a heavy force slam against him and send him careening away from her. His sword once again flew from his grip. The ground was unforgiving as he rolled across it and slumped against a tree. He could barely muster the will to maintain consciousness. He watched helplessly as the mare took off after Braeburn. Angry that he let a unicorn beat him in a match of strength and cunning. If he ever saw her again, he will have the victory he is owed. Darkness dominated his mind shortly after.

Suspicion

Raindrop felt his mind spark back into wakefulness slowly. Darkness gave way to morning light under his closed lids. He groaned softly as pain sprang to life throughout his body. He moved to cover his eyes but his hooves stopped short at the rattling of chains. He opened his eyes and struggled against them for a moment.

"Finally awake?" A deep voice asked.

Raindrop looked to the far end of the cart and saw a large pony covered in royal plate armor, the Celestial emblem emblazoned on his chestplate.

He took in his surroundings. He was chained to a wall in a cart that appeared to be half-destroyed. But it was moving slowly along the road. There were some streaks of blood on the floor, which looked to only be his own. He appeared to be bandaged rather lazily but it seemed enough to stop the bleeding.

"I have some questions for you." The guard continued. "But first I would like you to know that I do indeed know who you are. The infamous Rainbow Calamity."

Raindrop smirked. "Couldn't get an actual name?"

The guard frowned. "While I'm sure you have one, I do not need to know it. Some of the guards I brought on this mission have seen you before, at very elaborate robberies."

"That's not true." Raindrop shrugged innocently. "I work at the candle-makers on the east side. The Wick Waxers Emporium. I'm sure they're just confusing me with somepony else."

The guard cocked an eyebrow. "So you're a Wicker?" He asked.

"Yep! I came out here to find some more dyes for our wax. I was unfortunate enough to get caught in that awful battle." He said, trying to sound pitiful.

The guard was silent for several seconds with a suspicious glare. "Then you know who I am?" He asked simply.

Raindrop froze. "Should I?"

He smiled derisively. "Indeed, I'm a good friend of the Wickers." He explained. "I am Vigil, of the Vanderhydes."

Crap. Raindrop thought to himself. Vigil Von Vanderhyde. One of the highest ranking nobles in all of Canterlot. He was a well trained soldier and tasked with being Celestia's personal guard. Shame that Raindrop had never seen him until now.

"So would you like to try again? I must say that the last one was pretty clever." Vigil said with a chuckle. "Or you could just admit to being a thief and accept your fate."

"I don't know what you're talking about." Raindrop said simply. "I'm no thief, I'm just on private business. I would rather not have the Princess' dogs sniffing me out and accusing me of petty thievery."

Vigil stood and walked over to him. "This dog, has a nose for thieves, murderers and above all, traitors. I have a hard time believing that anypony that was in that mess was there by accident." His gaze pierced Raindrop's soul. "Right now, I'm thinking of having you charged with high treason and murder of royal soldiers. The punishment for which would be death by decay." He explained. "Unless of course we could get a verification of your Identity."

" I already told you who I was... You can't prove that I'm the Calamity, as you so eloquently put it."

Vigil scoffed. "I don't need to prove a damn thing! You're the one who's going to need proof, if you don't have it I shall have you executed! Nopony would question it! There's not many Pegasi around with that rainbow mane!" He accused.

Raindrop stood still and eyed the Guard carefully. He decided to remain quiet for the time being.

Vigil walked back to the wall and sat, never removing his gaze from him.

"The Vigil approaches! Make way!" Raindrop heard somepony yelled from beyond his sight. The Vigil had long since left the cart to lead the last of his platoon. Leaving to other guards to watch him instead. It was nearing the twilight hour, they hadn't stopped moving the entire day.

"Hail the Princess, the treasures have been lost!" The Vigil shouted back.

Raindrop could have sworn that he heard shocked gasps as the gate passed by his vision. Some ponies had gathered on the edge of the road to watch as the splintered cart hobbled pass them. Some children ran up to look inside of the cart and looked at Raindrop curiously. One of the filly's gave a smile and a wink. Raindrop winked back to the child, she turned and ran down one of the alleyways.

Raindrop smiled to the guards with a devious grin. They gave him a disgusted look.

The cart came to a stop near the palace gates. The ranks began to form up neatly as the two guards dragged him to the front of the line by the chain of his shackles. They all bowed simultaneously as Princess Celestia walked to them from across the courtyard. Raindrop gawked at her majesty for a moment before bowing. She came to a stop in front of Vigil, with a deep frown.

"I assume by the look of you that it didn't go well." She stated with her musical voice.

"No we didn't fare well at all, majesty." Vigil replied. "We were not ready for the type of attack that was implemented."

Her face looked so very sorrowful. "I am sorry that we left you so unprepared, my Vigil. How many did we lose?"

"A great many. Last count was at 72, but that number may still rise through the coming hours."

They were both silent for a moment before the Princess turned toward Raindrop. He gave a weak smile.

"Who is this with you?" She asked.

Vigil scowled at him. "He said that he worked with the Wickers on the east side. However, I believe he is the Calamity. We found him on the battleground knocked out cold."

She looked him over for a moment. "Are you certain?"

"I believe so, I know the Wickers and their business well. I have never seen a Pegasus with a rainbow mane working there." He explained.

Celestia watched him closely. "Why were you in the everfree, Mister...?"

Raindrop fumbled his words for a second. "I'm uh... Dipper, Sil Dipper." He said dumbly. "I'm a new hire for the Wickers and I was out to find some more interesting colors for our wax, maybe even some new perfumes. The Everfree is a fine place to find such things. Though it can be dangerous, those with bravery will reap the rewards." He finished with a beaming smile.

Celestia cocked an eyebrow. "I suppose that's likely..." She said with a hint of doubt. "Do you have your identification?"

He shook his head. "Sorry to say but I seem to have been robbed."

"We didn't find anything unusual. Just a broken pocket-watch that was tied to his cloak." Vigil said. "Wouldn't be worth the effort to take."

There was a commotion at the entrance of the courtyard, everyone turned their heads toward the racket.

"Get your hooves off me ya scoundrel!" A seasoned voice yelled. "One of my employees is in there! I need to see 'im"

Celestia whispered something to Vigil and gestured toward the gate. Vigil nodded and went to the gate. He and a couple guards walked back to the princess with an elderly mare and a little filly following them, using a cane to help her walk. It felt like hour before she stood before the Princess.

"Hello majesty!" She said with a stiff bow, the filly just stood next to her with a wide grin. "Thanks for letting me in."

"Greetings, Mz. Wicker." Celestia offered. "Is this young colt under your employment, as he claims?"

"Who?" Wicker asked, looking confused.

The filly nudged her and pointed to Raindrop. The old mare turned and looked at him. He just smiled at her.

" Why yes, he is." She said with annoyance. Her cane lashed across his face. _ Whap! _

"Ow!" Raindrop complained. "What was that for?!"

"I told you to be back before sundown yesterday! Where were you?!" She scolded him. Prodding him with her cane.

"I got in a fight and nearly got killed!" Raindrop replied angrily.

_ Whap! _

"What were you doing, getting in a fight like that?! Was it over Ms. Flare again?!"

"No, Mz. Wicker! These stupid guards were..."

_ Whap! _

"These guards saved your life! I expect you to have some respect for them!" She said before turning back to the Princess, she was frowning. "Sorry for the ignorance of my employee, Majesty. He doesn't know his manners, I picked him up off the street about a week back, you see. He was nothing more than a hopeless beggar. I'm currently housing and feeding him in exchange for work."

The Princess nodded. "That was very kind of you. Vigil, you may release him." She ordered. She turned and walked back to the castle

Vigil still didn't look convinced, but he obeyed her will regardless and freed Raindrop.

"Forgive my empty headed workers burden on you, Sir Vanderhyde." Wicker apologized. "The fool isn't quite all there. I sent him on a simple errand and he can't even do that much."

"It's all well and good Mz. Wicker. Just make sure he stays out of trouble." Vigil recommended before following after the Princess. Some guards led the three ponies to the exit and shut the gate behind them.

Raindrop walked next the old mare along with the little filly. "Thanks Wick!" Raindrop said with a smile. Still feeling the stinging of the cane that struck him.

"Not a problem!" Wick replied excitedly. "I got to see the Princess up close! But I still expect payment!"

"My money's at the house. I'll pay you there." He said.

Wicker looked at him angrily. "So what happened? You said that you wouldn't get caught. Were you trying to rob the Princess'?"

"Heh," He chuckled. "I'm not really sure what happened, but I didn't get caught. I'm walking away a free pony. The heist didn't go quite as planned."

She grumbled angrily and shook her head. "You need to be more careful. Now they're going to be watching everything we do."

"Well, I was thinking it was about time that I moved on." He said. "I've been with you for too long."

"Wait, you're moving?" Wick said with a pout, the skip in her step died.

"Very well." Wicker said. "Once you're totally recovered you can be on your way."

Raindrop looked at the bandages around his body and sighed. "So your going to charge me for an extra week?"

"Damn skippy!" She replied with a wink.

Help Wanted

Raindrop had fully recovered and packed before his final week had run out. He had purchased a new crossbow and rapier to replace the ones he had lost. He was just about to leave his home of the past several weeks. His bit reserve was running dangerously low.

He walked out to the front room where Mz. Wicker and her granddaughter were making candles.

"Thanks for the setup." Raindrop said as he stopped next to her, struggling slightly with his saddlebags. "You did good work."

"Son, I've been doin' this for a long time. Never once have I ever hosted someone as entertaining as you." She said with a smile.

"Yeah! You were awesome!" Wick complimented. "Hope you come around and visit us sometimes!"

Raindrop smiled. "I'll think about it. You just keep yourselves golden."

"I would suggest the same. Just come back once in awhile and share your stories. I would be happy to hook you up with a hot meal, no cost." Wicker promised.

"Now that's an offer I couldn't refuse." Raindrop said. "But I got to be on my way before you charge me for another week."

"Damn, you saw right through me." She laughed. "Goodbye then!"

"See you around, Drops!" Wick waved excitedly as he turned to leave.

"Sure Wick, I'm sure I'll see you around sometime." He said as he pushed open the door and walked out into the busy mid-day street.

He had to find another job before he was bit-less.

Raindrop spent the better part of the afternoon asking some contacts of his about work. Almost all of them refused his help or simply didn't have any work on the table. Soon dusk was covering the land in it's red glow, time was not on his side.

So he fell back to his final option for work, the Help Wanted bulletin board. Occasionally you would find ponies asking for specific services, sometimes of questionable nature. It was worth a shot.

He looked over the several pieces of paper hanging from nails. One was for repainting a house, he passed over that one. Another for grooming... a Cat? Pass. One to scrub chimneys, pass.

Then one of them caught his eye, it read as such.

Dear prospective applicants,

I am searching for ponies of outstanding nature and bravery.

You must be able to use a lethal weapon of some proficiency and have a stable mind, able of dealing with extreme pressure and situations.

Some bits will be given upfront and the rest will be given upon success of mission.

More information will be told to those whom are accepted and confirmed as under contract.

To inquire, ask for Vellum at the Canterlot Royal Library.

*Refreshments will be served.

Payment will not be given until the contract is signed.

Failure to uphold contract will be punishable by death in the most horrible fashion imaginable. Followed by eternal damnation in Pony hell.

Raindrop smiled, they pay upfront! Still, this was far more official than anything he had ever done before. However, They pay upfront!

He spun himself around and headed toward the library. Glad that his luck was finally turning around!

To be continued...?