Abnormal Norman 40: Astounding Connections

Abnormal Norman 40: Astounding Connections

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Be Lyra

Bedroom

 

>Alright, good news is, my headache's going away.

>Bad news is, I'm stuck with a job.

>Spying for Norman on that scientist gang.

>Still, I have to say, I'm impressed he managed to put some cameras into that facility.

>Judging by the two camera spots, its heavily guarded.

 

>You continued to look on to the small device's screen.

>You see an empty office. Its been empty for hours.

>Normally, you'd turn in for the night.

>But the suspense is killing your urge to sleep.

>Dammit Norman!

 

>Three minutes later, the door opens.

>Oh boy, here we go.

>A woman in a labcoat with a ridiculous hair-do comes in.

>As she goes in, someone else follows.

>A man of purple complexion and a yellow hoodie.

>Good god, it's Adam Atomic!

>You recognize him from your class in Algebra.

>Guy was a beast in that class.

>...wait a minute.

>Midnight, scientist with a larger rack than Principal Celestia and a boy of 18?

>I may be watching /ss/ soon.

>You listened closely to the conversation.

 

Cherry:Adam. Good of you to see me at such a late time.

Adam:Don't worry Ms. Jubilee. I never sleep, especially during times like these. I need all the money I could get.

Cherry:Yes, well, it's nice to see such aspiration from our younger generation. Anyways, I called you here for personal business.

Adam:What's it about?

Cherry:I would like to offer you a long-term job.

Adam:Ahh.

Cherry:I'm prepared to compensate you for this. $30,000 dollars a week.

>Adam's balls dropped.

Adam:T-T-THIRTY WHAT?

Cherry:Yes.

Adam:MS. JUBILEE! Surely you're joking!

Cherry:Do I look like I'm joking? You have contributed more than enough for our facility and our cause.

Adam:I...I...

Cherry:All you need to do is to increase our security in one of our more...dangerous facilities.

Adam:Err...

Cherry:Trust me. I've seen your work. Your mind has achieved greatness far greater than any of our present scientists in this facility.

Adam:W-wow...I'm...I'm flattered but...

Cherry:If you work for us loyally, we'll even pay for your college.

Adam:Oh jeez, I...

>Cherry walks to Adam.

Cherry: We see potential in you. You've done more than alot without question, and if you do well in the future, you shall reap benifits. Benefits that will benefit you for a lifetime.

Adam: Wow...I...

>*ring* *ring*

>Cherry's phone rings.

Cherry:Sorry I have to take this.

>She goes out.

Adam: HOOLLYYYY GUACAMOOLLEEEYY!

>Adam goes on to shout and yell for getting a job that pays too well.

>He goes on, jumping and trying to control his excitement.

>$30,000 bucks ain't bad.

Cherry comes in.

Cherry: Sorry about that. Just had some security issues with one of our other facilities. So, what do you say?  You up for it?

Adam: I...I mean, YEAH! But I need to see what I'm dealing with here. Can't be too sure of myself."

Cherry: Excellent. Come. Follow.

 

>Adam follows Cherry outside the door, and that's where your spying ends.

>Hmm. Adam's unknowingly working for Viri Scientia by the looks of it.

>Better take note of that.

 

The next day, Wednesday.

 

Be Derpy

Waking up

 

>Ahh, another fresh day.

>As if yesterday wasn't too pressuring.

>Just glad Lyra's alright and well.

>Time to cook some good old fashioned 'eggs in a basket' for me and my roommate.

 

>You heat up the frying pan and readied your loaves of English muffins for the day.

>Down comes Gilda, smelling the breakfast.

>"Smells great, gray!"

"T-thanks."

>She goes on to check the news.

>Alright Derpy, this is your chance.

>You have thirty minutes to talk to Gilda about Saint's Bro.

>Don't screw this up.

>Remember, this is for the greater good.

>Do this for Norman and the city!

 

>With the 'eggs in the basket' done, you bring it to Gilda.

>"Oh wow, thanks, Gray."

*chomp*

>"Man, these look cool. What do they call these?"

"Eggs in a Hanky. My dad used to cook these up for me."

>"At least you learned something from your dad. *nom*"

"What do you mean?"

>"Well, guess there's no point hiding it. We both had our run in with illegal stuff before."

"Err, alright..?"

>" My mom and dad died when I was just a little kid. Killed by gangs."

"Oh...I'm so sorry."

>"Dad was gonna take me fishing one day. Guess when the day came, I just thought of nothing but to move on."

"If your parents were killed by gangs, why'd you join in with Saint's Bro?"

>"Saint's Bro was different. They take care of their people and the people trusts the big boss with their lives."

"Really?"

>"Before Nolan came in to the top, Fancy Pants was the top boss. Great guy. Charasmatic, charming and suave, yet completely loyal to his wife and family."

"I guess with Nolan on the top, he retired?"

>"Poisoned, though the obituary just read stroke so the truth about him with a gang is kept at bay."

"So what makes Saint's Bro so different?"

>"Saint's Bro works on order. With their command, they can have peace through unity under Nolan's command. They can eradicate crime once Nolan legally gains a more lethally high status."

"But if they're so good, why the muffinphetamine? Why sell drugs?"

>"Because in order to maintain order, you must have control. Nolan does alot of illegal things to get to the top, but they're all crimes higher than simple muffs distribution. Since muffs are a pretty sensitive topic on the mayor's 'No Drugs' campaign, Nolan uses the muffs to distract the police so they don't bug Nolan with more serious offenses."

"Wow. What were they?"

>"Beats me."

>Whoops, pushing it too much there.

>Better back the duck up.

"S-So, Nolan...he didn't have any other aspirations other than to continue his dad's gang affiliations?"

>"Nolan is...well, he wanted to be an actor. His girlfriend Amy got him into it before they were together."

"Then I guess when she did, that's when they fell for each other?"

>"Yep. All was going smoothly for him, or so Nolan tells me, until his dad died. Pressured by his dad's beliefs and goals for the city, he gave up his dream to act on Broadway to manage his dad's affairs."

"What about Amy?"

>"Amy and Nolan were far into each other. They loved each other to the point where they'd never leave each other's side."

"Sounds like a fairy tale."

>"Heh, well..."

"What about you? You seem to have some sort of love for Nolan." You say in a slight wink.

>"Nolan is...well, I don't really love Nolan in a way Amy does. Nolan's dad took me in, and in turn I made things easy for them. Nolan trusts me like a big sister, and his dad trusts me as his loyal employee. Hard to strain a relationship like that, yeah?"

"I get you."

>"Heh, kinda weird, having this conversation with you."

"R-really?"

>"I never told anyone about my life. Guess it's because I've always been suspicious of everyone."

"What makes me so different?"

>"Your history. I can relate to it, in a way. We've been with bad people, made mistakes with bad men. In the end, one of us stayed, while the other continued on with her life."

>Gilda shed a small tear, though she hides it.

>You've never seen her so...open.

>You're already regretting about taking Norman's job to get info for Nolan.

>But...

>Heroes sacrifice alot of things for the sake of mankind.

>And if breaking Gilda's trust means saving the city from a gang overlord, so be it.

 

>However, that has to wait for later.

>I'm nearly late for school!

"GYAH! Look at the time!"

>You took off your apron and rushed upstairs to get dressed for school.

 

Be Norman

City Rooftops, in costume

 

>The alleys have alot of gang members in sight.

>Most of them are members of the Diamond Dogs.

 

>"HARHARHAR!"

>>"Bucko, you better give us that protection fund you owe us!"

>They're harassing a Chinese restaurant. In public.

>Then again, since its early as heck, there aren't much people in there as well.

>The chinese couple tries to barter.

>>>"P-PLease! We still don't have enough money for our rent, much more for yo-"

>>>>"IF ANYTHING, WE NEED PROTECTION FROM YOU!" the cashier's wife yelled, waving her wooden spoon around.

>The Diamond Dogs are still calmly smiling.

>Four buff roiders are a challenge to anyone stupid enough to challenge them.

>Fortunetely, you're smart enough to challenge them with an upper hand.

>"Lady, just calm down. We're just here to make sure you don't get...accidents." one of the gang members said, pushing a vase to the edge of the table.

 

"I've heard enough. HUMPH!"

>You jumped down and stomped the fourth one on the head.

*SMACK!*

>"WHAT THE HELL?

>>"IT'S THAT DAMN SUPERHERO! GET HIM!"

>The idiots didn't even bring guns! This should be easy!

>You held your fighting stance and waited for them to strike first.

>"HAAARRGH!"

>The first guy gets his baton and tries to swing it towards you.

>With your abnormal speed, you grabbed his arm, elbowed his jaw and smashed the baton right back at him in a span of a single second.

>As he falls unconscious, you take the baton and threw in at the second guy's face.

>With your strength, the baton's force pushes the second guy to the wall, leaving a crack.

>The remaining third guy grabs for some sort of shock gun and shoots it towards you.

>You dodged it in time, rolled to him and grabbed his hand.

"HURGH!"

>You then disarmed him and threw him on the wall.

>With your speed, you grabbed a small pair of chopsticks and as he hits the wall, you pin him with the chopsticks through his shirt.

>The man falls unconscious, but the job's not done yet.

>The first one you stomped on gets back on her feet and grabs the disarmed weapon and aims right at you.

>>"GODDAMN FREAK!"

>Looking around, you saw a small metal plate.

>You threw the plate like a Frisbee onto a side of the restaurant's wall, ricocheting everywhere until it hits the woman's neck, incapacitating her.

>>"HUAAGH!"

>You then strafed towards her and punched her straight in the face, knocking her out immediately.

*WHA-PAK*

>The gangsters lie unconscious.

>>>"Oh my god! Thank you masked man."

>>>>"FInally, someone's doing something good in this town. I've seen you in TV. You're a true hero."

"T-Thanks, I was just passing by, actually and-"

>The cashier greatfully shakes your hand.

>>>"We'll never forget this."

"Well, I better ge-"

>Just then, a customer shouts with a familiar voice.

>>>>"SEEXIIIST!"

"Goddammit, is it...yep, it's you."

>>>>"SEXIST PIG PUNCHING WOMEN! I'LL WRITE THIS IN MY BLOG!" She says, waving her fist in the air. *

[spoiler] Recurring woman, see issues # 11 and 26 [/spoiler]

"Lady, I'm just trying to-"

>>>>"CHECK YOUR PREVELIEGE, SCUM!" The woman says as she flips you off and walks away from the scene.

"I swear she must have leaked out from the internet's SJW sites."

>Ah well, no use pondering on her now.

>It's almost 7:00.

>Morning workout's good for your head. Time to go to school.

 

Canterlot High

 

>Walking through the school halls. Normal as usual.

>Suddenly, Purple comes to your location.

>"Norman!"

"Purple!"

>"Norman, has Brad resurfaced yet?"

"No. I tried calling him yesterday, and nothing."

>>"I visited him yesterday and I found nothing."

"AHH!"

>"AHH!"

"Dammit Gilda! Are you in my locker again?"

>>"Why so surprised?"

>"Norman, you keep a woman in your locker?

"It's Gilda. She just hangs around alot in here."

>>"Being paid to do so!"

"Don't make me open my own locker."

>>"No need, I'll just dig a tunnel to Derpy's locker."

"Ugh. So I heard she got you to look for Brad."

>>"He's completely missing. Gone like a cold winter snowflake."

"Damn."

>"Couldn't we just do my plan and ask the army for our friend?"

"Purple, it's not that simple. The world is built on lies and deceit. They'd just tell us to bug off."

>"Ohh...I hope he's alright."

"Don't worry Purple. Brad's a strong dude. I'm sure he'll come through."

>"And if not?"

"Give me until Friday. If he's not here by then, we'll break in the army base."

>>"You guys do realize there are lots of other army bases around America, right?"

"That's what I've been trying to avoid. Right now I need to deal with the Diamond Dogs."

>>"Your friend is in trouble and you're more focused on a gang?"

"Well what am I supposed to do? Disappear suddenly to search for Brad?"

>"I guess you have a point. I did research on some of the army bases on this world, and most of them are a 12 hour flight."

"Exactly."

>>"So what? You're just going to go around and beat up a bunch of goons to pass the time?"

"..."

>>"Pretty much the point of this little discussion. Your priorities aren't in order."

"Well, what do you suppose we should do?"

>>"Here's an idea. Remember that green girl you hang out with? She was with Brad, wasn't she? Don't you think she knows who one of the soldiers are?"

>Hmm, she's right. If anyone, maybe Lyra can clue us in.

>WHy didn't I think of it before?

>The pressure of plotting against two large gangs is getting to me.

>Gilda's right. I need to set my priorities straight.

"Thanks locker stalker."

>>"Anytime, beanie."

"Come on, Purple. We need to go to the library."

>"Oh, alright.

 

School Library

 

>Booting up the computer in the library.

>You then went to call Lyra, who's apparently still sick.

*beep* beep*

>>"Lyra speaking."

"Lyra! Listen, remember when Brad got kidnapped?"

>>"Norman? Oh, y-yeah I do."

"Can you identify one of the soldiers of whoever captured Brad?"

>There was a short silence.

>Finally, Lyra answered.

>>"I...I remember one of them. The general. Igneous Rock."

>"Igneous? I think I know a pony from my homeworld with that name. He was related to someone I know..."

"Who?"

>"I...I need to revisit my memories."

"Heh. A-anyways, thanks for the info, Lyra. How are you by the way?"

>>"Getting better."

"Seen anything from the device I gave you?"

>>"I need to look at it some more. Confirm my suspicions before I tell you who to tail. This is some dangerous shit you're having me do."

"Sorry about it, Lyra, but it's one step closer to getting free from Nolan's tyranny."

>Closing your phone, you then leave for class.

>Purple's just sitting there looking frustrated.

>Trying to remember who on earth General Igneous is.

 

>Exiting the library, you run into Rainbow.

>"Norm."

"Rainbow?"

>"Any news of Brad?"

"No. Me and Purple's on to it."

>"What about Gilda?"

"I talked to Gilda. She said she's over you and Pinkie."

>"Are you sure about that?"

"I'm sure, right Gilda?" You say, knocking on your locker."

>"Uhh, Norman?"

>You open your locker, and its empty."

"She...ehh..."

>"What?"

"She was just here."

>"You keep Gilda in your locker?"

"Actually, she just stalks me."

>"..."

"Yeah..."

>You look around for a bit.

>By then, you see Derpy by her locker.

>She's talking to it. Safe bet's Gilda's out of hearing reach.

>"So, what's next in your schedule. I know you're going through alot."

"Right now? Keeping Nolan at bay."

>"Meaning..."

"While Purple's trying to find out where Brad is, I'm going to have to buy me some loyalty points from Nolan. I'm going to go and capture a territory for him via destroying a gang."

>"Norman! You could kill yourself!"

"I know, but I have to do it. To buy time and Nolan's trust before I crush it into tiny bits and pieces."

>"Oh Norman..."

"Sorry I have to worry you, Rainbow."

>Rainbow expresses deep sadness, but she wishes you the best.

>"Don't you die on me, or I'll go and kick your coffin off a hill!"

"Trust me Rainbow. I'm on for the job."

>She holds your hand as she lightly punches your shoulder.

>You then fist-bumped her as a sign of good trust, to which she blushes a bit.

 

>>"Well, I see you two are head-over-heels for each other."

"GYAH!"

>"Rarity!"

>Aryan comes out of nowhere.

>>"First Lyra, now Rainbow? You really are a playboy, Norman." Rarity says.

>You can almost hear her gnash her teeth.

>...

>No wait, they're already gnashing.

"Aryan! We're just, well, I was just telling her good luck on her cross-school varsity match."

>"Yeah!"

>Aryan looks in disbelief.

>"Oh come on! You know I have a bro-thing with Norman! He's totally my bro! Sides, I'd rather date Soarin than him...ha-ha..."

>Her disbelief makes her eyebrow raise.

>"L-Listen, I have some soccer practice to get to. See you later guys."

"Yeah. Goodluck!"

>She gives a thumbs up as she leaves.

>>"Aaaanyway, I actually just needed to talk to you."

"Oh jeez, is this about Lyra again?"

>>"Of course not. I thought we already talked about that yesterday * "

[spoiler] See last ish [/spoiler]

"So, what's this about?"

>>"Well, since Pinkie's too busy managing her party sched, you think you can come later to help out?"

"Err, well..."

>>"Let me guess...Lyra?"

"Close but no cigar."

>>"Sigh..."

"Sorry Aryan."

>>"What's happened with you guys? Rainbow's stuttering, Twilight's spazzing more than usual, Fluttershy can't even look me in the eye and you don't even want to hang out with me!"

"Wait, w-were you asking me out?"

>>"I was checking to see how available you are." She says, brushing her arm against you.

"Well, things changed. Sorry."

>>"Norman, I know you and Tavi told me to back off, but just tell me if everything's alright."

"Everything's fine."

>>"..."

"Look Aryan, I know you're a bit worried, but I just have alot of priorities to do."

 

*RRIIIIIIIIIIINNNNGGGG*

 

>The school bell rings.

"Well, we better go to class."

>Aryan just looks at you, disappointed.

>Remembering that she can't keep her mouth shut, you control the urge to tell her the truth.

>Right now, you don't need high school love triangle dramas.

>I'm going to war, and winter draws near.

 

LUNCH TIME

 

Be Nolan

Canterlot High Grounds

 

>Sitting under the shade of the trees, you check your schedule on your tablet.

>So many meetings, so little time.

>You haven't even taken your girlfriend out on a romantic roadtrip.

>sigh.

 

>Closing your planner, you open your internet browser and went on to watch clips of broadway musicals.

>Sweeney Todd, Les Miserables, Annie...

>How you dreamed of becoming an actor * .

[spoiler] Discussed further in Issue # 31 [/spoiler]

>"How's my favorite man in the world?" Amy says.

"Amy."

>You two share a short kiss as she sits under the tree with you.

>"What are you up to?"

"Ah, the usual. If I'm not acting like some serious motherfucker, I'm here, being soft as I remember my old fantasies of going to Broadway.

>"Well, this is the path you chose. Either way, I support both."

"You're always my little angel, Amy."

>She snuggles closer. You open your tablet.

>"So, how's getting Norman's trust going along?"

"You saw what he did. He threatened to kill me. * "

[spoiler] See Issue # 35 [/spoiler]

>"That was just the heat of the moment. I'm sure he'd forget all about that once he makes use of the weapons you have."

"Heh. The material and the craftsmanship on those were top notch."

>"Don't you have like a personal blacksmith or a guns dealer?"

"Unlicensed weapons are still the best. After all, the maker of those weapons is right here in this school."

>"What? You hired a student?"

"Don't think I'd just hire any student. The man has done alot of things for us. Maybe soon when he graduates, I can hire him as my personal mechanic."

>"You think he'd join your cause?"

"Guys like him like order. I think he'd support my father's ideals."

>"He might, but do you even support your own father's ideals?"

>You stood up and looked at the sky.

"My life may have turned around, but that will not stop me from immortalizing my father's wishes."

>"That's what I like about you. But I still worry about you and Norman's relationship."

"I think you already know what happens should he choose to doublecross us. Not only would his family suffer, but his identity will be made public. After all, money makes the world go around, and I'll still be safe even if he tries to take me to court."

>"Umhumhum. You really are my favorite man." Amy says, rubbing her nose by your cheek.

>You then move away from her and knocked on the tree behind you.

>*knock*

>Out goes Gilda, peeking out.

>"Gyah! Gilda!?"

>>"Don't worry, I just came in. Made alot of trap doors and panels around this place."

"You sure you're not Viri material? They do the same thing around the city as well."

>>"Don't make me throw a mango at your head."

"Heh. So any signs of Norman going all out against me?"

>>"Nothing so far. He seems more concerned with his relationship with his friends about his... fetish for fighting evil in pajamas."

"Hah. Keep up the good work."

>>"Yeah, sure."

>Gilda then disappears through the tree.

>"Gilda's reliable as always."

"Yeah."

>"Where did your dad pick her up anyway?"

"It's a long story, but she has the hots for Diamond Dogs and Viri Scientia."

>"What they do?"

"Apparently, Viri hired a bunch of Diamond Dogs to steal a space rock from Gilda's parents. *"

[spoiler] See flash back issue # 28 [/spoiler]

>"What happened?"

"Parents died, rock went missing and Gilda went to live with her grandmother. She joined us when she was still a pre-teen, I think."

>"Damn. Kid's a protégé."

"Damn right. She saved my life once, but that's for another day's story."

 

Be Norman

After-School Detention, Day 3

 

>Well, day three of detention with Derpy.

>You slightly nudge your elbow to her.

"Where's Gilda?"

>"Outside, by the bushes."

"Can she hear us?"

>"I...err..."

"You what?"

>"I gave her some booze so she wouldn't eaves drop on us."

"Holy shit, where'd you get the booze? No, scratch that, how did you get the booze IN the school?"

>"I just found Berry's stash and I thought 'why not' so I gave some to Gilda and turns out she's a light-weight."

"..."

>"Yeah..."

"Berry's the drunk one, right?"

>"Actually, she's just great at drink mixing. She rarely drinks herself."

"Huh..."

>"So...about Gilda..."

"You talked to her yet?"

>"I tried to, but I'm taking it slow. Don't want her to get suspicious. How goes the search for Brad?"

"Purple's doing her thing, tracking him down."

>"Norm...."

"Hmm?"

>"When Gilda told me of the Saint's Bro's plans, she said that they simply want to control the city to protect them. She said that for chaos to vanquish, order must be placed."

"What?"

>"She said Nolan's goal isn't simply controlling the city through his gangs. He wants to help the city by putting it under his wing."

"That's bullocks. The muffinphetamine is already enough to prove that belief wrong."

>"So I told Gilda, but she said the muffs were simply a diversion so Nolan can do more illegal matters without too many peering eyes."

"Derpy, you shouldn't listen to Gilda. She's a bit insane."

>"I know, but she opened to me in a way I never would have thought she'd do."

"Derpy..."

>"Sigh. Is this really the right way to go? I mean, what if Nolan DOES do the city a favor?"

"Nolan wouldn't do shit for the city. It's the same as when Viri tried to lure me in to their special little club."

>"What did she say?"

"She said that they exist to progress through medical innovations without the health orgs and human rights guys intruding."

>You confide to Derpy your one belief against both of them."

"Derpy, if either of these guys win, the city loses. Both their beliefs will have all of us in jeopardy, and I won't allow it."

>"Norman..."

"I already gave up my friends. Nearly lost my parents trust. All this just to save the city from the larger forces."

>"..."

>Derpy holds your hand and says:

>"I know you made the right choice, and I will too. By tomorrow, I'll have the info for you. I'll try my best."

"Thanks, Derpy."

>Few minutes left until detention ends.

>"What do you think will happen in the end?"

"I...I don't know. I just hope for the best."

 

Be Lyra

Still in bed

 

>Playing your lyre while you look at the small screen in the device Norman gave you.

>A knock on the door disrupts your lyre session.

"Who is it?"

>Your mother opens the door, and leads Norman inside.

"Oh hey."

>>"Now, only thirty minutes, and no funny business you two!" your mom says.

"Like I'd do shite with him."

>"Ha. Ha."

>Norman comes in carrying a briefcase.

>"How are you feeling?"

"Better, yet lazy."

>"I know that feel."

"So, I suppose you need some new info?"

>"Give me what you know."

"Adam Atomic."

>"He works at Viri, I know."

"You knew already?"

>"He was a freelance. Talked with him and he knew nothing about Viri. He even works for Nolan as a freelance."

"Well he ain't a freelancer anymore."

>"What?"

"Last night, I overheard the conversation from your little cameras. The red-haired one, Cherry, she's in the process of hiring Adam."

>"WHAT?"

"Yeah, though Adam hasn't said yes yet."

>"Lauren Faust, do you know what this means?"

"We found our little guy from the inside?"

>"Exactly."

"Well then, problem solved. You go and beat up Adam for info and you get to bring down Viri using Nolan's army of idiots."

>"Look, we don't even know if Adam's a confirmed employee yet!"

"Hmm. I'll keep on looking."

>"Thanks."

"So, what's in the briefcase?"

>"Something for you."

>Norman opens the briefcase to reveal an attaché filled with weapons.

>Pistols, grappling hooks, eavesdropping devices.

"Holy shit."

>"Yeah. Painted crimson red. Sleek and elegant."

>He hands you the grapple gun.

"Whoa..."

>"I know you're not into the whole hero thing anymore, but if things go awry, can I count on you to help?"

"Norman..."

>"I saw you fight Gilda's arch rival on TV. You still have the fighting spirit."

"I only fought her because she pissed me off."

>"Nah, I bet you fought her because there's something more."

"Oh bug off."

>"Well, thanks for helping me with this."

>You threw the grapple gun in the brief case.

"Don't you think you need these more than I do?"

>"I already got mine from Nolan."

"Then where'd this come from."

>"Okay, look. Viri kidnapped me last Monday and made me into their pawn."

"How?"

>"Nanobots in my body. They electrocute me whenever I displease Cherry."

"So in order to free yourself of the nanobots, you needed them to be destroyed?"

>"By an outside source, mainly the Saint's Bro. Nolan and Cherry will have a war if all goes according to plan."

"War?"

>"This winter, we'll be free of them all. Nolan, Cherry."

"And what if Nolan survives?"

>"I'll make sure that he does survive but have his whole company fall to the ground. To the point where he could never have power over me again."

"I bet you secretly wished he'd die with your secret kept in his mouth, huh?"

>"Nolan knows who my other is. Gilda and Amy too."

"So what do you plan with those two girls then?"

>"I plan for Gilda to lose in the war. Amy on the other hand...well, she falls under Nolan as well."

"Look at you, planning for someone to die."

>"Not by my hands at least."

"So this is about some morality thing?"

>"Not just that. I can't kill a person, even when I wanted to."

"What are you saying?"

>"The night you were captured, I threatened to kill Nolan. Held him by my hands."

"What happened?"

>"I stopped. He knew I couldn't do it. Besides, what good would killing him do? Another will take his place in his hierarchy of ganglords."

"So you just hope they'd kill each other's gangs in this little plan of yours."

>"..."

"Yeah. Secrets are a bitch to keep, especially if your friends and enemies know."

>Norman stays quiet.

"So what now, beanie boy?"

>"I'm going to take on the Diamond Dogs, buy Nolan's trust so he won't suspect a thing."

"Do you have info on Nolan that could lead to their demise?"

>"I have Derpy on that."

"The klutz?"

>"She's...apparently soul sisters with Gilda right now."

"Wow..."

>"Yeah. She's giving me the info I need."

 

Be Twilight

Pinkie Pie's House

 

>Setting up the party with Rarity and Pinkie.

>Don't know who else she's inviting, since Gilda's a pretty sensitive topic towards the public, based on my understanding of the justice system here.

>I hope Brad's alright.

>"Daaarling! You seem a bit sad."

"Oh, Rarity. It's nothing. Just thinking about Brad as all."

>"OoooOOohh...someone has a crush~"

"Oh Rarity. Just worried if he's alright or not."

>"Of course he's alright. Norman said he's on a family trip, yes?"

"Haha...yeah...sure."

>On a trip with General Igneous Rock, whom you still don't know who he is.

>Just then, Pinkie slides through the floor with her wet sponges as a substitute roller-blades.

>>"WHEEEEEEEEE!"

"Careful Pinkie!"

>>"Sorry, Twilight. Just so excited. With Mr. and Mrs. Cake out for the week, we can have all of the place to ourselves!"

"This seems a bit too grand, Pinkie."

>>"Well of course, silly! I just realized I can finally wake up every morning again with a calm feeling!"

"Guess this 'Gilda' woman must have spooked you alot."

>>"Like a dancing skeleton. Hihi."

"Still, the place looks too grand. Who else are you inviting?"

>>"Hmm, I guess I over did it. Oh well. Guess I could invite all of Applejack's family!"

"Haha. What about your parents?"

>>"Oh, well mom is too busy caring for my other sisters, and dad's away in the army."

"Army?"

>>"Yeah! He's a stern guy! You wouldn't notice any similarities with me at all."

"W-Wait, who IS your dad?"

>>"My dad?"

"Your dad's name."

>>"Igneous Rock. Why do you ask?"

>With that, you drop the tray of cupcakes you were holding.

"Oh my..."

>>"Twilight? Are you alright?"

>"You look like you've seen a ghost, darling."

>Pinkie's dad...is the general!"

"I...I have to go."

>>"Twilight? W-Was it something I-"

*doorslam*

 

Be Norman

City Rooftops, Night

Wearing the Burst Blood outfit *

[spoiler] Disguise during gang purposes, see Issue # 27 [/spoiler]

 

>By the rooftops with Gilda.

>"You sure you can take on a Diamond Dog's hideout with just the two of us?"

"This isn't just any hide-out. This is THE main hide-out."

>"An old abandoned jewellery factory. How quaint. How'd you know this is the main hide-out."

>You bring out a huge map.

"With this."

>You show it to Gilda.

>"Where did you get this?"

>...

>OH shit, I forgot...Cherry gave that to me.

"I got it off some of the Diamond Dog's junkies."

>"I dunno, looks pretty professional looking for me."

"Oh give me that."

>You took the map away from Gilda.

>"So, what's the plan?"

"Plan? We storm in, beat up the king, beat up his next of kins and then..."

>"What?"

"That little part's my little secret."

>"I swear, if you're leading me into a trap..."

"Would I do that? I'm sort of getting attached to you anyway."

>"Oh shut up."

"Heh."

>Alright, Operation Diamond Dogs is a Go!

 

Be Lyra

At Home

 

>Still looking at the device Norman gave you.

>It's so boring.

>She's just sitting there, doing paperwork.

>I wonder how the other camera is doing.

>Switching to the other camera, you notice that its gone dark.

>Signal lost or something like that.

"Hm. Weird."

>Last night, that was working fine.

>Oh well, back to the more important room.

 

Cherry continues to sign some signatures on the desk, until such a time where she gets her phone.

>Oh boy, here we go.

 

Cherry: Speaking...

>Shame I can't hear who she's talking to.

Cherry: You got the results? Well?

>...

Cherry: A perfect match hidden in a different casing?

>What is she talking about?

Cherry: Right. I need you to detain him.

>Detain?

Cherry closes her phone.

>She continues to sign some more signatures.

>This time, she stops a bit more frequently.

>She appears to be troubled by something.

>Thinking real hard.

>Her eyes shifted across the room.

>She looks directly at the camera.

 

"Oh. Shit."

 

>She stands up and grabs a small chair.

>She then stands on it and looks closer to the small little tit of a camera attached to the side of their CCTV camera.

>Using her nail, she detaches Norman's camera.

>Looking closer, she then gets her phone and calls someone.

 

Cherry: I found another one. In my own room. Find Adam Atomic and detain him NOW!

 

"Son of a..."

 

End of Chapter 40