Red sighs as he gets off the plane stretching and cracking his back as he takes in his surroundings thinking to himself.

Five years I've been away from home despite washing out of the army I managed to impress somone enough they offered me a job as a recon specialist. Since then I have been on call travelling the world meeting intersting people and the occasional assassination of a drug cartel leader or a hostage rescue I wonder if zero still lives in canterlot.

Once he was done stretching he picks up his duffel bag carrying his equipment a titanium alloy face mask shaped like a wolf it could stop low caliber bullets and even a few assault rifles some polycarbonate body armour lightweight and durable a pair of custom gloves with knuckle dusters built in two elbow pads made of a lightweight metal and two knee pads made from the same alloy as the elbow pads.

He checks himself over cheking he had his wallet with 500 dollars in it inside his leather jacket as well as his combat knife that was strapped to his shoulder easy to reach for him lastly he pulls out a pair of tainted green and blue sunglasses and places them on his face checking a small pocket mirror he has to make sure his hair was straight and spiked not jet lagged just the way he likes it he moves out of the private airfield and heads over to a taxi station.

Resopine hails a taxi as he gets in the cab driver looks at him and asks.

"Where you going to."

Which red replied to.

"Bonbons chocolate emporium my sister recommended it to me as the one of the two best places for hot chocolate in the city."

The cab driver blinks In surprise as he say.

"You must not know thats in the shadows territory if I'm driving into there turf its going to cost you extra."

"It's fine I can pay it how much."

"125bucks. The crabby replies."

"Done so can we get going I want to get there before it gets dark."

"You got it." The cab driver says as he pulls out the cab bay and drives to the emporium.

During the cab ride red thinks to himself just what has happend since I've been gone to increase the price like that so much

Once the cab driver pulls over red pays him the money and asks.

"So why did it cost so much to get here last time I was in the city five years ago it was not this expensive."

The cabbie just takes the money and grumbles .

"Tourist."

Wondering what he ment red walks to the front of the store and opens the door smelling the sweet scent of the homemade chocolate that was sold.

Red smiles as he walks in and recognizes the girl at the counter.

"Hey bonbon it's been a while since I last had any of the homemade hot chocolate you used to sell at CHS glad to see you".

He asks as he sits on a stool near a small countertop placing his bag on the floor next to him to keep it safe since the equipment was really expensive.

Bonbon turns and looks at the man not recognizing him but feeling she knows him.

I'm sorry I dont recognize you sir but you do seem familiar and I'm sorry but the price has gone up in the past few years it's now 25 dollars since the shadows took control they have been demanding protection money from all the businesses if you dont pay they double it and smash your shop each week till you pay it off.

Red blinks in surprise at the price and the name as he asks.

Who are these shadows I keep hearing about they was not here five years ago and are they really that bad people keep increasing prices to even take a cab here.

She nods as she replies.

They are and there one of three biker gangs that run the city you have the new guys called the Dragon Riders they have control of the old blood stone dragon's territory. They took it over a few years ago and from what I hear they treat the people and shop owners with respect.

Then theres the centaurs who control the north side there a ruthless bunch that regularly attack the police and rob people in broad daylight but they also seem to have there own set of rules for conduct so be wary of making a enemy of anyone of them.

And the shadows hold the south but there territory has been slowly shrinking over time and well you know the rest they force shop keepers to pay them or they destroy there businesses and they hold the occasional cabbies up.

Anyway I think I recognize that hair of yours you were a senior at canterlot high school my freshman year redsopine right.

That's me but you forgot i was a regular buting from you at the school and I must say the one of the things i have missed was the homemade chocolate you used to sell at school to buy this place.

Red places a 50 dollar bill on the counter.

For the hot chocolate and for informing me what I missed while I was away.

He then places a hundred on the counter.

That's to help keep them off your back for a while.

Bonbon smiles as she takes the money.

"You always was to kind for this city not even a day back and your spending alot just to help somone you knew from school but could you put your knife away or hide it if a shadow sees you with it that might shot you or mug you for it Red."

I wouldn't have it any other way. Says red as he puts his knife inside his jacket and sees a man walk in thinking.

where have I seen him before

Last night around 7:45 PM

A man was driving in a police cruiser down the streets of Canterlot wearing a blue police uniform, with a police badge on the left part of his chest, a black tie, blue pants and black loafers, on his face he wore black-rimmed eyeglasses and had black shaggy spiked-down hair with light blue highlights on the tips of his spikes.

This was Dual Blade an officer of the law for 4 years, he started police work when he was 21 after graduating from the academy. He has a history of causing a few casualties such as accidentally killing suspects and reckless driving when chasing after a criminal. But he was known on the force as a good and intelligent officer who knows everything he needs to know on how to subdue and arrest a suspect along with being a good teammate for everyone in the department.

Currently the man was patrolling the streets like every normal night before he heard a radio screech coming from his car’s police scanner.

“Any available units we received a disturbance in a mall on Daring Avenue, caller stated the suspect is armed, any units nearby please respond immediately”

Dual looked up and saw that he was actually close to Daring Avenue, but he had to be careful. Daring Ave. is a part of The Shadows turf, but he took the chance and picked up the radio, putting his to his mouth. “This is Car 14 Adam, en route, ETA: 4 minutes…”

“Copy that 14 Adam, other available units Code 4.”

Dual put his radio back on the scanner and turned on the siren, which blared loudly in the streets of Canterlot.

Once Dual arrived at Daring Ave and already he could sense danger since all The Shadows already know who he is, but they know if they popped him they would have the cops on their asses, but regardless he could practically hear gun clacks already.

Dual approached and entered the mall looking around before he noticed a Shadows member waving a gun at a shop owner. He was a male with blue hair carrying a Glock 19, he knew who was standing there...it was Gallus. He was a low leval shadow lackey who always got away with his past offences due to lack of evidence or a bullshit airtight alibi that was always provided by his friends, Dual took out his Beretta M9 and pointed it at Gallus. “CANTERLOT POLICE DEPARTMENT PUT YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR GALLUS!!!”

Gallus turned around and looked at Dual smiling. “Well well look who decided to show up...Mr. Dual Blade of the Canterlot PD...what is it this time? Come to take me to court so I could walk out of there free of charge while you get another penalty?”

Dual growled. “Not this time Gallus...this time I’m gonna lock you in a cell where you belong...the whole department knows you stole from thoese houses and cars and now you're sticking up a store and a shadow what happend your friends not good enough for you? Yeah...this doesn’t look good for you…”

“Calm your tits officer, I’m just collecting protection money but this asshole isn’t giving me a dime...so why don’t you just turn around and walk away before the others show up and you get into a shoot out…” Gallus smirked. “Because we all know...another penalty will equal...bye-bye badge.”

Dual clicked the hammer on his Beretta. “Let her go and I’ll make sure you’ll get a good cell…”

“Heh...as much as I want to see your job fall down the drain...I’m gonna have to decline…” Gallus then grabbed the shop owner from behind the counter and put the muzzle of his gun to her head with an evil smile. “Now get out of here...or else you’re gonna have another body on your hands Officer.”

Dual shouted to him. “Let her go...or I will shoot…”

“Heh, shoot?” Asked Gallus. “Let’s face it Blade...if you shoot me and I die you’ll be gone from the force...your job is hanging by a thread officer...choose wisely.”

Dual and Gallus just had a small stare off before Gallus smiled and just threw the mare at Dual who caught her in his arms.

He then watched as Gallus ran past both of them into the mall, the officer put the mare back on her feet, gave her a single nod and chased after the suspect.

He pressed the button on his police walkie-talkie. “This is Officer Blade, I’m chasing the suspect in Canterlot Corner Mall, suspect’s name is Gallus, IC1 Male, 6 feet tall, blue hair, medium built, wearing a shadows black leather jacket, blue jeans, and black boots!!”

Dual kept chasing Gallus all across the mall, jumping over food court tables, and avoiding mall stands, the officer pointed his gun towards the running suspect and shouted. “Stop or I’ll shoot!!!”

Gallus looked back at Dual but kept on running which only made Dual even angrier. “I WARNED YOU!!!”

The officer pulled the trigger on his Beretta and with a loud bang, a bullet was planted right into Gallus’ right shoulder though his back . Gallus dropped to the ground with a thud and the surrounding people in the area started to run away after hearing the gunshot.

Dual got a little bit scared as he turned on his radio and spoke into it. “Suspect down, I repeat: Suspect is down…”

The officer slowly approached the downed Gallus and kicked his Glock away from him when he saw it on the floor, he then lightly kicked him with his foot and turned him over, seeing that his eyes are closed, he looked down and saw the shot went right through him and his white shirt was forming a blood stain from the shot.

Before he could inspect to see if Gallus was still alive he sees a bunch of shadows rounding a corner and takes off out the back of the building and runs for his car getting into it he drives away out of there territory.

Dual slipped his gun back in his belt holster and pressed the button on his radio. “This is Officer Blade, Badge 1247 reporting suspect status is unconfirmed belived dead but more shadows showed up and forced me out of the area

“Roger that, backups on the way detective...by the way Blade...the lieutenant wants you to write a report on what happened there.”

“Roger that...over and out…”

(Dual goes to the station and starts to write his report but then his lieutenant heard he might have killed someone again so instead of having him finish the report he called him into his office)

Dual Blade was sitting at his police desk writing his report before he heard someone walk up to his side, the detective looked at who was coming up to him and saw it was the lieutenant. “Officer Blade...report to my office...right now!”

Dual arched an eyebrow and got up from his desk, following his boss to his office and shutting the door. “What is it lieutenant?”

The lieutenant went to his desk and sat down, looking at Dual angirly. “What were you thinking Blade...we’ve had a whole bunch of casualties on you but this was a whole nother level.”

Dual sat down. “I was trying my hardest lieutenant..I didn’t mean to kill Gallus but he had a gun...I had to save that shop owner...”

“Shooting the suspect in the back is not a necessity!”

“I did what I had to do, he was running away and I warned him, in fact I think I saved a lot of lives now that Gallus gone…”

“Officer, this is a whole lot more than saving lives...you fired your weapon needlessly when chasing the suspect...you shot him in the fucking back!!”

“He had a gun lieutenant, I told him to stop or I’ll shoot.” Dual put his hands on his boss’ desk.”

The police lieutenant stood up and shouted at Dual. “WE NEEDED him ALIVE GODDAMN IT, YOU CAN’T KEEP DOING THIS OVER AND OVER AGAIN!!!”

Dual stood up and shouted back. “I WAS DOING MY FUCKING JOB!!!!!!!!!!!!”

“NOT ANYMORE BLADE, CONSIDER YOURSELF EXPELLED FROM THE DEPARTMENT, GIVE ME YOUR BADGE AND YOUR GUN!!”

Dual took out his badge and his Beretta M9, shoving them in the lieutenant's hands. “FINE HERE! I HOPE YOU FUCKING CHOKE ON IT.”

Dual Blade went to the office door and looked back at his former boss. “I actually tried to bring justice into this city y’know…”

“Justice and Murder are two completely different things Blade...that’s what got you here in the first place…”

Dual moved his glasses up with his middle finger and walked out of the office then went into the locker room, changing into his normal clothes which consists of a black open zip-up hoodie with a white t-shirt, blue jeans, and black sneakers. He then proceeded to walk outside of the department building holding up one last middle finger at the building before walking away.

Dual Blade walked along the streets of Canterlot, looking around with his hands in his pockets, he had to be careful around where he was. He was actually in The Shadows’ territory, they were ruthless if people rile them up. He didn’t want to make eye contact with anyone even though he felt The Shadows’ gaze when he walked past them.

He was involved with a few arrests involving the two biker gangs, The Shadows and The Centaurs that his face became a staple in their minds, they know full well of his status as a police officer, meaning him being on their turf was not a very smart idea and could likely be a death wish for the ex-cop.

Dual knows about the three biker gangs that run the city. The Shadows, The Centaurs and the new biker gang that was just setting up, The Dragon Riders.

He knows The Centaurs control the north side, they mostly rob people and attack police officers in broad daylight and The Shadows are right now taxing cab drivers in order for them to drive on their turf and making shops pay for protection so they can get more money after losing some of their businesses.

He doesn’t really know what The Dragon Riders do mostly, since he’s never really been involved with them, but he’s heard on the news that they’re actually good people.

Dual looked up and saw a sign that said “Bon Bon’s Chocolate Emporium” written in bold lettering, he smiled and walked inside the establishment.

“Hey Bon Bon!”

The owner looked at the ex-cop with a smile. “Oh, Dual Blade, good to see you again!”

“Likewise.” He walked further inside and sat next to another guy who was drinking a hot chocolate. “The usual please, m’lady.”

“One Deluxe Chocolate Emporium Milkshake coming up.” Bon Bon winked as Dual put down $10 on the counter.

He looked to his left to see a red and green haired guy drinking hot chocolate, he thought to himself. ‘Hmm...that guy looks awfully familiar…’

Red looks at the man and raises his cup in greeting.

I've seen that look before it's of a man who's just lost his job for a reason they feel is injust am I right.

Bon Bon returned with Dual’s deluxe milkshake and put it in front of him. “Here you go, just the way you like it”

Dual smiled and started to drink. “Thanks”

So what happened then boss mad at you from doing to good or a screw up.

Red asks curiously to the man next to him as he drinks his hot chocolate.

Dual looked to his left and sighed. “Doing good...I can never get any respect from the damn lieutenant...

”Military or police? Red asks interested in the topic as he leans over.

Dual leaned a bit away from him. “Police...”

Good men though the lieutenants are hard to please because there always thinking of the station's rep and to keep there men safe.

So what happened you go to far apprehending a perp.

“No, I shot a gang member who was a well-known yhief in the back when he was running...

Oh damn that's a hard call either take the chance he could get away and hurt somome or take them down I would have probably done the same as you did

“I know right? The skipper was like-“ Dual began to mock his former boss. “We needed him alive!”

“Yet we won’t understand that I actually made this town a whole lot safer now that he’s gone...stole from 12 houses high grade security high enough that the shadows couldn't get into them without getting a merc security force on there asses in under 2 minutes .” He looked at Red. “Most of those cases were dropped due to lack of evidence but every time we brought him in...we always walked because all of his alibis were airtight...”

“And I also warned him...I told him to don’t move or I’ll shoot...he decided to run so I shot his ass and lucky for me...that shot was fatal and he died i think but my job died along with him...”

Well I can see by the look on your face you wasn't aiming to kill it was a lucky shot or unlucky for youI know.

...but to be honest with you...I don’t regret shooting him, again...he always walked whenever he brought him in...now I’m glad we won’t hear another bullshit airtight alibi of his...I've made this city a better place and I wont deny that...”

Well I see your a good man of strong convictions who's not afraid to do the right thing consequences be dammed so what outfit was he.

“He was a member of The shadows, one of the three biggest biker gangs in this city” He took another drink his milkshake like it was no big deal.

Bonbon gasps as she hears that.

Wait you shot a shadow today and you was fired for it then again that makes more sense since by cutting you from the force they avoid backlash to the others working there territory just be careful dual.

“Yeah yeah I know...but it’s not just them, I also have a history at arresting a few Shadows and a few centurs and I was one of the officers who took down The Bloodstone Bikers...so its not like any of the bikers are strangers to me...they know who I am

''Huh I thought it was that new crew that took them down and took over their territory

“Well, we actually took them down...The Dragon Riders just weakened them for us so we can arrest them easily

”Fair enough still stay safe.

Red says drinking his drink as somone enters the store shouting.

HELP ME PLEASE!

canterlot high school 3:15 PM

Lighting Dust pants sweat dripping from her brow as shes breathing heavily as next to her is a girl with rainbow coloured hair also panting and grinning as the gym teacher walks over.

"Not bad girls not bad you both tied keep it up and you both are on the track team now hit the showers and head home"

"Thanks coach but I'm just going to grab my stuff and jog home". Says Lighting dust as wipes her gold coloured hair out of her eyes and smirks at Rainbow Dash. "Gotta get in as much training as I can to beat you next time cya" with that Lightning dust grabs her bag from nearby and checks her clothes are in there before jogging to the edge of the curb checking for any passing cars seeing it is clear she starts heading home at a brisk pace so she dont cramp her muscles up.

As Lightning dust jogs around town taking the long way home she is suddenly grabbed by a group of people in a alleyway wearing shadows insignias and clothing as the one in front says.

"Well well lads it seems somone has decided to be our entitlement just when we was getting bored now toots you have 2 options either you call your daddy and tell him to pay us to leave you alone or you can have a 5 second head start to run away if you can lose us your free if we catch you though well let's just say you wont be walking any time soon so what's it gonna be"

Upon hearing these words Lightning fust thinks to herself FUCK FUCK FUCK I GOT NO MONEY ON ME and I left my phone at home she starts running as fast as she can out the other side of the alleyway as jeers and shouts are coming from behind her she rounds a corner in a blind panic and is nearly tackled to the ground as a shadow and a dragon rider with white hair was fighting each other she kicks the shadow in the head hearing gunshots behind her and seeing the raiders was armed she runs into a open door in the next alleyway shouting HELP ME PLEASE! She suddenly realizes there's 5 shadows in the back and rushes into the store before being tackled to the ground hard.

"Well lookie here its the daddys girl the boss wants dead he's gonna have fun with her".

Dual nearly choked on his milkshake due to hearing her scream for help, he places it down and turned around towards the gold haired girl. “What’s the matter?!”

Redsopine looks over to confused when suddenly the girl is tackled to the ground by a couple of thugs as more more who glare at her guns in both there hands as one says looking at dual " AH FUCK ITS THAT DO GODDER COP GET HIM

Dual gets up as one thug was running to him, he took his milkshake and splashed it into the thug’s face. As he backed up, Dual punched him in the face and delivered a hard kick to his torso, sending the assailant backwards and crashing into a table.

“You owe me a new milkshake, jackass!”

Red looks at the thugs and the girl and back a Dualblade. " I'm gussing thoese guys are shadows right and they dont like you" Red sighs and puts another hundred on the counter " sorry about the damages bonbon" he says as he takes the cup hes holding and slams it over one of the thugs face scalding them with the hot drink before slamming them though a table.

" WHAT THE FUCKS GOING ON IN HERE YOU TWO SHOULD OF DRAGGED THAT BITCH OUT HERE ALREADY WE GOTTA MOVE ANYWAY THE RIDERS ARE ATTACKING" shouts thug as he runs out the back before he sees the scene and pulls a gun out pointing it at Red And Duelblade "OK DONT MOVE A FUCKING MUSCLE YOU TWO WHOS RESPONSIBLE FOR TH AHGGGGH! he suddenly screams out in pain as lighting dust grabbed a piece of broken ceramic and slammed it into his leg as the thug looks at her. " YOU BITCH YOUR GONNA PAY FOR TH! once again he gets cut off this time by bonbon slamming a serving tray into his face knocking him back into a table the gun flying from his hand before Redsopine rushes him with a tackle sending him into the raling as duelblade uses a chair to jump onto a table and leaps off it drop kicking the thug over the raling as he lands on the table below breaking it as people shout up WHAT THE FUCK WAS THAT?.

Red looks outside a window and sees gass rising up outside and yells out. "TEARGAS COVER YOUR MOUTHS NOW." he quickly tears a chunk of his jacket off and uses it to cover his mouth as a group of shadows rush the stairs with a few assault rifles and points them at the group as red says so much for my vacation.