"The Royal Persecution Service 01" By lulzies (https://pastebin.com/u/lulzies) URL: https://pastebin.com/c01LUiU9 Created on: Friday 19th of January 2018 10:26:30 AM CDT Retrieved on: Saturday 31 of October 2020 09:10:12 AM UTC >chapter 1 i gues >Rarity found herself waking in the darkness. >She could barely make out the lines of furniture in her state, only made visible by a tiny steam of light coming from some distance. >Her vision started to focus on that tiny stream; which seemed like her only hope in this dark room. >As Rarity slowly regained her sense of sight, her mind was already beginning to set itself in motion. >What is this place? >Rarity immediately attempted to survey the scene, only to realize her inability to stand- or any activity for that matter. >It was not that she was physically bound, but her body refused to follow her will. >In short, she was completely paralyzed. >But this was eerily different from someone’s limb falling asleep or even being chemically disabled, Rarity could find no energy to even react. >Drained, if you will. >Realizing her struggles will do no good, the hapless pony opted to remain still. >Her muscles felt like empty husks, lacking the usual weight and substance it had. >Rarity at least could smile to the thought; perhaps those new diet plans were working out. >While these results are rather… Unorthodox, she could at least joke herself to see the silver lining of this new feeling of her body. >Digging out last nuggets of her strength, Rarity could let out a short chuckle. >It was more like a wheeze a horse makes when it dies, but nevertheless, a chuckle. >Still curious on what was going on, Rarity tried to call for help. >Perhaps she was still in her bedroom, sprawled by her bed looking like a deranged pony. >She could call for her sister, no matter what stares of judgment she could receive from this moment. >Her call was less than effective; it was more like a wisp of breath or a whisper. >Rarity had to cut herself off at the first syllable, but it was all she had to work with. >Taking in a deep breath, Rarity tried once more. >The similar results emerged, albeit this one was at least audible. >As if learning her very first words, Rarity slowly pronounced her sisters name, painstakingly taking her time. >Not expecting much of a response, Rarity finished the name, trying her best to remain a cautious optimist. >Suddenly, she heard a slight groan from her far left. >Slowly dragging her neck aside, Rarity tried to make out the source of the voice. >The ray of light was directly on the pony, acting like a blinding spotlight. >Her eyes adjusted over time, and she was able to make out silhouettes that resembled a pile of assembled twigs. >If one simply looked over it without much thought, the figure could have been mistaken for a broken statuette, or some deranged artwork. >Other assumptions regarding the figure in question were quickly exterminated as Rarity scoped out small movements on what she assumed was some broken toy. >Rarity first believed the movement was a product of the light intruding her vision, or even her over-active imagination (that was more than happy to get her into troubles), but not matter how hard she cleared her mind, it was still there. >Adjusting her eyelids up and down, Rarity did her best to get a clearer look on the unknown, moving object. >To her surprise- and her newly wide open eyes- the shape quickly skidded across a short distance, pulled to one side by another unknown force. >The sudden jerk was enough to set off Rarity’s heartbeats, her small pump beating wildly against her chest walls. >Rarity wasn’t even sure why she was so set off- her agitated state wasn’t anything like she had to deal before. >Her reaction was unlike her general reflexes, this was more… Primal. >Rarity’s eyes began darting around its field of vision, desperately searching for the source of the movement. >Her breathing slowly became audible, gulping away ragged puffs of air to seek out more oxygen. >And within the darkness, Rarity saw a slight shift in the shadows. >The figure seemed stationary at first, but the shifting outlines suggested that it was turning. >Once it had stopped, Rarity felt a rather different feeling in her vision. >A weight was placed on where her pupils held its stare, as if something of her doing was briefly acknowledged. >And as the white outline of a grin began to materialize, Rarity could finally realize… >Something else was staring back. >Blue lights color the surrounding shadows. >Your hands begin to shake again, and you naturally reach for your coat’s pocket. >You feel the small wooden pipe inside, and pull it out without hesitation. >You bite the scarred edge of the blasted instrument, and fish your pockets once more to find the next ingredient. >A tiny vial materializes from the depths of your clothing, and you give its silver contents a good shake. >The contents dance around, and then slowly sink to the bottom. >You open the cork and drop a small dash of it into the pipe. >Harkseed extract ash. Crushed once, dried thrice, and burned twice. >Good for easing nerves, focusing, and keeping balance. >Side effects include disorientation, temporal loss of gustatory perception, and mild chance for rust lungs. >You always hated these blue lights. >Always meant trouble- the kind of trouble that required your help. >You fish out a matchbox from your pocket and prepare a match. >Striking it alight, you dip the tip to where the extract was left. >A familiar stinging deep inside of your nose signals the pipe’s readiness. >You take a deep breath in, letting the gas puncture through your lungs. >Your eyes water and your throat desperately attempts to eject its occupant, but you manage to hold back your cough. >After letting the mixture swim in your chest for a few seconds, you finally allow it to leave. >You let out a long breath, expelling the smoke. >The smoke quickly disperses in open air, and vanishes as quickly as they were created. >Allowing your body to cough a few times, you wipe your mouth and place the items back inside your pockets again. >”Still on that pollutant?” You hear your partner from behind you, and you give a big nod. >”Could you not do that near me?” She adds to her remark. “I wish I couldn’t do that at all, to be honest.” You reply immediately. “Blame your-“ >”I know, I know. ‘Blame my boss’, right?” >You nod. “You know how she likes to-“ >”I know, I KNOW. We have this conversation every day.” She goes, looking frustrated. “Then I don’t know why you keep bringing it up.” >Your partner turns to face you. >”I’m pretty sure we have this exact following talk as well, every damn time.” >You smile. >You enjoy these talks. >More blue lights. >”Excuse me, are you the… Specialists?” A guard comes over asking. >You answer yes. >”Then, do you want to see the scene right now?” He asks, clearly uncomfortable. >Your partner now answers yes, and the two of you are led into the two-story house. >You notice a lot of stares coming from spectators beyond the police line. >However, you doubt it is because of your racial rarity, many would consider that just being rude. >They would be more focused on the coat of arms you bear with you. >A truly rare sight, something that exists more as a bad omen rather than a unique experience. >The sight of the Royal Persecution Service. >You are Anonymous, and that pink cunt has you by the balls to play by her whims. >The three of you enter the building, and your partner immediately begins to debrief you on the victims. >Name, Rarity. Occupation, Tailor. Family, single sister. >Found drained this afternoon after a Pegasus friend attempted to enter her home via an open second floor window. >Her condition has been stabilized, but it will take days for her to recover. >You partner also mentions that there is no information regarding the sister’s whereabouts, and she’s very unlikely to have gone anywhere. >She’s just a child, your partner adds. >You don’t like the sound of this. >While cold and outwardly prickly, your partner really gets obsessed over anything that involves children. >You don’t really blame her for it; any case involving children seems to heighten the issue for a lot of people. >Maternal instincts and whatnot- additionally you’re not a fan of seeing any drained children. >Or worse, child vamp- >You quickly shake that thought away. >You press your temple, and try to inspect the surroundings like a good investigator would do. >Your partner is still talking about something, but you lost interest a while back. >Like clockwork, your hand begins to tremble once more. >”Could you not do that inside?” Your partner’s annoyed voice cuts through the silence. >You pause and stare in confusion; legitimately not sure what would provoke her like that. >She returns the gesture for a good second, before pointing at your hand. >Ah. >You remove the pipe from your lips and shake the match to turn it off. “Sorry.” You apologize. “It has become a really bad habit.” >You quickly pocket the pipe and mentally note it is rude to smoke indoors. >Your partner lets out a puff of air and turns away, satisfied with the results. >Maybe if she keeps it up you’ll get back at her by gassing the waiting room. >You excuse yourself with the guard and head out, but not before looking around the room one more time. >The first floor seems completely clear, there are no signs of forced entry, no signs of struggle, and no signs of blood anywhere. >It just seems like a simple clothing business that just wrapped up its day and was prepared for tomorrow. >Honestly, you don’t even know why you’re checking the first floor; the second floor bedroom is where the victim was found. >Blame it on your partner; she always wanted everything to be done in detail. >Ah, you guess it is somewhat rude to address your partner as just ‘your partner’, even if mentally. >She does have a name you know. >Inkwell. A white, dark brown maned unicorn named Inkwell. >The picture on her thigh seems to indicate she’s good at writing things, but she came with high magical recommendations. >Apparently, this obsessive detail fetishist belongs in the field rather than the office. >You do admit she can take care of herself better than you, but her exemplary prowess with paperwork still leaves you second guessing. >You inhale the smoke deeply, and let it fill you to the brim. >Wait. >You look down to your traitorous hand, who already had fed you a breath of the infernal chemical. >… Maybe you really need to break the habit. >You’re pretty sure you don’t even need to smoke this often; the actual need to have the drug comes much later. >You are very much capable of functioning for a good three hours or so. >You’re becoming too addicted to this nasty dust. >Speaking of which, you check your vial and notice it is almost gone. >You take out your matchbox, and pull out a specially colored one. >Instead of the usual brown tip, this one has an obnoxious green coloring to it. >Not really fond of this activity, you sigh deeply and strike the match alight. >The match emits a blinding glow as it lights, but quickly weakens to a more stable shine. >”… Yes, hello?” You hear a silvery voice from the other side. >It’s her. “Boss.” You reply. “It’s me.” >”Anonymous? Isn’t it a little too late for love calls? I’m a married woman too, you know~” >She’s doing that thing again. “Sorry, but I’m in some dire need of your- ehrm- love, boss.” You answer without much emotion. “Might die from lack of it.” You add. >”Oh no, we can’t have that now; can’t we?” She replies with a slightly deeper voice. >You remain silent; you’ll humor her for a little longer. >”What will I do if my favorite human was to waste away? How will I stave off my loneliness?” >Maybe not. “Ask your husband.” >”But he is too busy all the time, and a mare can get –so- patient, you know?” >”Would be a real help if a certain human was to-“ >”-com-“ >”-fort-“ >”-me?” “Right.” You toss back a bored reply. >”… This used to get a lot more reaction from you, you know?” “Sorry.” >”Aah, I do miss my old Anonymous; he was such a pure, kind hearted soul back then.” “I could act flustered and confused if that is what you want.” >”Don’t, it’s not worth it if it’s not a genuine response from you, Anonymous.” >You hear a tiny sigh. >”No wonder your partner is always so frustrated, you’re always doing this stoic lone wolf act.” >”And not only just frustrated, she’s also sexu-“ >You blow the matchstick off. >You believe you got your message through. >And you swear you can hear her shrill laughter ringing somewhere. >”Done with your smoke break?” Inkwell chastises you with a head poked out of a window. “Miss me?” You tease. >”With every shot so far.” She says, rolling her eyes. >Inkwell retreats inside. >”If you’re done powdering your nose, come upstairs.” She commands. >You nod, and prepare to return to work. >The first room the two of you investigate is the child’s room. >Its door was swung open, with dots of blood splattered to either side. >A long stain dragging downward was also on the outer side of the door, marking it rather nastily. >You grimace and mentally note the pattern. >You peek inside the room, while your partner marches straight in. >Very girlish, very fluffy. >Not much to say to it, you suppose. >Single bed, a lone window on the wall. >Cupboard, a closet, a table with various drawings and written assignments. >A tiny bag hangs from the back of a chair. >You could also mention the various decorations that were littered around the room, but your partner takes the lead. >”Signs of struggle?” She suggests. “Could be. But with whom?” You answer immediately, while leaning forward to check the bed. >Torn sheets, mangled bed ends, splatter of blood on the mattress. >”Could be the perpetrator, or-“ She pauses or a while. >You trace your fingers on the bed ends, feeling the grooves left by the incident. >Teeth marks. >You then turn to look at your partner, realizing she was frozen in place. >You know that look on her face. >And you do admit the same thought was swimming in your head. >While there was no solid backing to your idea, but your gut told you what could have happened. >Toys and dolls were ripped apart, and you could make out bite marks on harder surfaces. >”Don’t tell me you’re thinking the same.” She says with a worried expression. >You pocket your hands and shrug. >Your fingers instinctively reach for the pipe. >An eerie moment of silence passes through the two of you, and it takes a monumental amount of self-control for you NOT take out your pipe. >You honestly don’t want to upset her even more. >”Wh-what’s wrong, officers?” Your local guard escort finally breaks the pause and speaks up. >While your partner begins to mumble to herself on other possibilities, you turn to your escort. >With a bored expression, you explain the situation. “By the order of the Royal Persecution Service, the town of Ponyville is now under quarantine due to suspect activity of vampirism.” >You produce a scroll from your inner pockets. >You hold it up, letting the heavier side roll down. >The guard’s face begins to turn pale. >His eyes races along the font of the parchment, attempting to absorb the content as soon as possible. >However, before he could even make out the words on the scroll, you toss the scroll to the air. >It quickly burns up in a bright pink spark, and dissipates into the air. “Duration. Two weeks.” You continue. >You turn to gain approval from your partner, and she nods with determination. “We certainly hope you would cooperate with us in this incident.” >Your escort begins backing away in panic, and finally runs out of the room. >You hear trotting down the stairs, and hear a very loud and pronounced ‘Captain!’ >You certainly do hope it won’t cause so much panic, but they always do. >They always do. >You feel the air tingle with magic, and decide to look out the window for the full view of the show. >A single wisp of pink light ignites midair, and then begins to stretch over the town. >The glow solidifies into a translucent, magical wall; and begins to swallow the area whole. >The spell was finished in an instant, a sealing magic to prevent anything or anyone from getting out of this immediate area. >If the target was already out of the zone, too bad. >But if they are still among the citizens- >You reckon both you and your partner are going to get really busy soon enough. >You hear a deflating sigh from behind you. >”Do you enjoy doing that creepy guy act?” She chides you, not looking amused. “Maybe. Perks of an edgy job, I suppose.” >You pull out your pipe and bite it down. >As you reach for your vial, a doll is thrown at your head. >You recoil in surprise and look to the perpetrator, Inkwell. >”OUTSIDE.” She scolds. >You begrudgingly start making your way out, mumbling to yourself how on earth this tiny horse command so much over you. >To this thought, you also hear another of boss’ laughter ringing in your head. >Well, you’d be glad she’s with you later on, anyway. >To that thought, you can help but to crack a smile.