Petal Stone's Pawn Shop (Open)

Petal Stone laid her reading glasses down onto the thick open tome in front of her and sighed. It was worse than she had thought.

Putting away her glasses and closing the heavy book, Petal Stone drew a third object to her. It was a small ornate vial of blue shining liquid the consistency of honey, sealed close in silver wax. Earlier that day an elderly mare had come into the shop to pawn it, and immediately the younger mare had felt uneasy about it. She knew instinctively that there was something dangerous about it. Something precious, but dangerous nonetheless. She hadn’t wanted to buy it initially. Anything that felt dangerous ended up being trouble, and if not illegal at least difficult to resell, but instinct screamed at her. This object had felt precious, and Petal Stone had to have it. Danger be damned.

Petal sighed again, and took the vial gingerly in her mouth. Climbing a small step stool behind the counter, she carefully stowed the vial within a glass encased shelf with the rest of her “questionable” items, and prepared a fresh label.

The mare descended the stool and collapsed slowly onto the front counter. One hundred and ten bits for that vial. It physically hurt her to think about. One hundred and ten bits in the hole! Was it rare and valuable? Yes. Could Petal Stone resell it without moral and possibly legal consequences? Unlikely. The mare groaned and scribbled out the new label, setting it carefully in front of the vial and locking the shelf tight.

Backing up a step she inspected her work. The fresh label read “Concentrated Essence of Poison Joke”, but all Petal Stone could see was “Nobody in their right mind will ever, ever buy me.”

Scowling, Petal Stone turned away from the shelf and began to viciously count her remaining bits, only looking up as the door chime heralded the entrance of a new customer.

“Hello. May I help you today?” said Petal Stone.

Onyx frowned as she passed through the threshold of the shop, though the gesture was concealed beneath the hood of her cloak. This is most likely a mistake, but I have to check everywhere possible. She snarled at her own thoughts while her chest panged with regret. The mare wasn't used to exploring such common shops, though as her concealed red eyes inspected the store, she did find some of the dusty object to be intriguing. If a non-unicorn got their hooves upon such an object, they might not realize just what value it held. Clearly, she was starting to convince herself that the decision to venture inside had been a good one.

“Hello. May I help you today?” wrote:

Her head turned to the clerk, ears folded back a bit. Speaking of the species.. Now, it wasn't that Onyx disliked the other types of ponies of Equestria, nor did she find her own to be superior- the mare's patience was merely wearing thin, making her a bit cranky. She gave the keeper an acknowledging nod, then quickly browsed the objects around her, secretly seeking out a powerful source of magical essence. It required no spell to perform on her own behalf- it was a talent she had honed on her own.

A little prickling sensation shifted her focus back to the employee. "Good afternoon." Her muzzle poked out a bit, baring its black coloration and a decorative smile. Cautiously she approached the counter. Upon step she took made an odd clanking and rattling sound, which she paid no mind to, nor did she want to bring any attention to it. Onyx stopped a good foot across from the clerk and began scanning the glass cabinet behind her. There were items of greater interest stored there, including a vial with a strange blue substance clotting at the bottom. An oddity, but not what I seek.

She took a moment to clear her throat and straighten her posture. "I am looking for a very particular amulet." The unicorn began, her voice low but even. Her ears twisted back, listening for any possible approach of another pony- it was imperative that no one else overheard her plot. "It looks a bit like this." Her horn illuminated with a feint red light, which was then cast onto a satchel hidden beneath her cloak. The magic she conjured reached into it and produced a small scroll, which unraveled itself and hovered before the other mare. Upon it was a white unicorn head, but the back of it sprouted a feathered wing. The eye was oval-shaped, with a bit of scratches to indicate some sort of gem.

"If you have any information about this particular piece, I would pay well to have it.."

Petal Stone scowled at the drawing openly. An Alicorn amulet. Stories of similar artifacts were well known among her colleagues, and were known to be passed around for. One in particular had been passed through from shop to shop until a merchant with lax morals sold it to a mad unicorn who enslaved Ponyville.

But personal experience meant more than vague stories.

Petal stone reached through the magic aura and pushed the drawing onto the table face down.  "My memory is a bit lax right now." she lied, her blue eyes meeting those of the strangers calmly. Petal wasn't sure what to think about the unicorn. Her talents resided in judging the worth of objects, not ponies. Usually the character of the buyer was of no consequence to her, especially when bits were being promised, but Petal had no desire to cause a repeat of the Ponyville fiasco. Such chaos would eventually lead to an investigation by the state, and the last thing Petal Stone needed was someone expecting the legality of her wares. That vial of poison joke alone could probably shut her down if her gut feeling was right about it. Petal Stone had to be careful.

"Maybe if you tell me what a pony like you would use it for, my memory would improve." she said. "I'm just an earth pony afterall. I don't remember all this magic stuff so well."

Her eyes bore into the Earth Pony. It didn't take somepony with excellent magical talent (like herself) to be able to tell when the truth wasn't being told. She had come to expect such dishonesty- the amulet she sought was incredibly powerful, though not well-known. It originated from over a millennium ago, and back when it was active in the world, it had done great and horrible things. The mare, though irked a bit, didn't let her emotions flow. For years, she had practiced concealing her feelings for her own benefit and those around her, less her magic be unleashed in an unruly manner. Instead, she took a deep, cleansing breath and released it.

Around her slender neck, the amulet she wore burned. It wished to be activated, to release the unicorn's dark essence and rip the information she desired from the Earth Pony with no regard for her well-being. But Onyx, a great manipulator of the darkness and soon-to-be master of it, would not allow the magic to influence her. At least for the time being. It would be so easy to pry into her mind. So very fun to simply snatch what I desire, and leave her a wreck for her reluctance to cooperate. She allowed herself a moment to reflect and imagine how much of a rush such a thing would feel. So very, very good..

Calmly, she lifted a hoof. The simple gesture caused her cloak to slip off from the limb, revealing a silver shoe and a durable slab of armor around her cannon bone. The mare pushed her hood back, revealing her rather elegant face, slender but swirled horn, and a rich mane of red and black hair. Her eyes, red with slitted predator pupils, held themselves steady within the clerk's own. "This piece is nothing to be fearful of." She stated matter-of-factually. "It embodies the Light side of magic. It can only do good onto others, even if the owner's intents are otherwise." The magic around her horn dissipated.

"Personally, I want it to learn that side of magic." This was the truth- Onyx lacked any ability to wield the Light or any form of it. Thanks to her upbringing, she excelled at the Dark, and thus, her very essence was a bit repulsed by its opposite end. "I've always been a thorough student. I've spent years studying one aspect- I'll admit it's a controversial one, but my intentions are pure." She was uncertain how much to reveal about herself, or whether the clerk would either understand or accept her views. Since it was unlikely that she would, the unicorn decided to end it at that, and first see the other's reaction.

Petal Stone's eyes narrowed, pretense falling away as she caught the annoying lilting tone of bravado in the mare's voice. She would not be talked down to. It was time to be serious. "No matter the true nature of an object, it's true value and ultimately it's power over ponies lays in the intent and desire of those seeking it." Petal Stone smiled mischievously, light flashing in her pale blue eyes. "The most dangerous artifact in Equestria are no more of a threat than a rowdy kitten if nopony desires to use them."

Petal Stone walked from behind the counter to the front of the store, turning the sign in the door from "Open" to "Closed", before returning to the counter and resuming her monologue.

"And likewise, the most seemingly harmless of items can cause great chaos if it is desired with enough fervor. Such is the case with the item you describe." Petal Stone paused to survey the unicorn. She had never been very good at reading intentions, but Petal Stone always could tell when a pony wanted something. Such skills had served her well when setting prices in the pawn shop. When a pony really wanted something, they didn't mind paying extra if they saw value in the item they sought. She could tell that thee unicorn in front of her would be willing to pay much for the amulet, and to Petal Stone that fact only increased her concern.

For a moment conflicting emotions battled in Petal Stone's mind. She was wary of the unicorn but she was not wary of money. She was concerned about dealing with the amulet at all, but she wasn't concerned about money. She didn't like getting involved in possible legal issues, but damnit if she didn't like money! Eventually greed won out over any concern over any possible danger the object might cause.

"I know it well. For many years it had been passed from collector to dealer again and again. It is an object that, like honey to flies attracts powerful magic users. Most do not want to get involved, and so sold it off to other dealers. Not a year ago it fell into my hooves, and though I am no unicorn I felt it's potential strongly. More than that I felt the desire that clung to it and the power of those who sought it! What power! What lust! What potential for disaster! I could not allow it to remain in my shop! And so, the amulet you are seeking is not here."

Petal Stone paused to gage the unicorn's reaction before continuing. A smile bloomed on Petal Stone's features.

"But I havn't gotten rid of it yet either."

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"No matter the true nature of an object, it's true value and ultimately it's power over ponies lays in the intent and desire of those seeking it."

She cocked a brow, rather taken back. There weren't many whom would counter her statements, let alone to her face. Oddly enough, it made her smirk with respect and a twinge of fondness. "That is quite perceptive." Her grin died away. [color=red]

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"The most dangerous artifact in Equestria are no more of a threat than a rowdy kitten if nopony desires to use them."

"This is true." There was no sense in arguing such facts. Not when they were so logical. Onyx looked over the mare from muzzle to hoof, her gaze sharp and perceptive. Had the clerk been of another species, she might have been less surprised to find such a stimulating intellect. It just went to show that one shouldn't judge others based on breed, appearance, or profession.

The unicorn remained where and as she was when the mare nonchallantly ventured to the store's front, though her ears did twist and turn to intently listen to her movement. Hearing the subtle sound of the sign flipping, she found herself grinning again, and even allowing for a light chuckle. This one has clearly dealt with seedy characters before. Which was good- for her sake. Perhaps I won't have to do anything to her after this little meeting. It had become custom for her to wipe the memories of those she met, particularly when she mentioned a rare artifact. The last individual to suffer a lapse of recollection was back in Ponyville- some jeweler, whom had been no help.

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"And likewise, the most seemingly harmless of items can cause great chaos if it is desired with enough fervor. Such is the case with the item you describe."

Onyx nodded her head in acknowledgment. Magic was a rather fickle thing. It came in many forms, was used for different purposes, and could always be unpredictable. Even in her own magic, most considered it to be 'evil' because it revolved around darkness, whose reputation was such. And though there were plenty of dangerous and chaotic spells, there were others that were less harmful and even more useful as well. Granted, she personally infrequently used them, preferring techniques that had a greater affect, but they existed. So, if there could be good from bad, it only made sense that bad could come from good- or the Light, in this case.

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"I know it well. For many years it had been passed from collector to dealer again and again. It is an object that, like honey to flies attracts powerful magic users. Most do not want to get involved, and so sold it off to other dealers. Not a year ago it fell into my hooves, and though I am no unicorn I felt it's potential strongly. More than that I felt the desire that clung to it and the power of those who sought it! What power! What lust! What potential for disaster! I could not allow it to remain in my shop! And so, the amulet you are seeking is not here."

At long last, they returned to the subject at hoof. Patiently, she listened, her full attention focused on the mare. Unfortunately, she had not been around when the amulet was first lost from her cult, back after King Sombra was first defeated by the vile alicorn sisters. Before his reign took full hold, she had lost consciousness- cast down by a spell that kept her dormant for over a thousand years. Had she ever had the opportunity to lay hoof on such an object, she would have ensured its protection. Nopony outside of those devoted to the dark arts would have ever had the chance to so much as touch it.

A nostril flared with disappointment. Apparently, she had come very close to acquiring it.

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"But I haven't gotten rid of it yet either."

Thankfully, she didn't succumb too deeply into anger or frustration. Onyx laughed deeply. "Well, that is very good news." The unicorn stated, grinning fully. "Then it seems we can negotiate after all." She looked over a shoulder to the bulge beneath her cloak, on the opposite side of her satchel. "That is, once I see the amulet for myself." Her head turned back to the clerk, and for a moment, the sclera of her eyes beamed a bright green. It happened quick, and could well go unnoticed, but the unicorn had felt her own surge of power in response to her delight.

"No. We negotiate now." said Petal Stone cooly. "Do not take me as a fool, Ma'am. I know the power with which I am dealing and more importantly I can guess of the power of those who seek it. The location of the amulet is my bargaining token and my insurance. "

Petal stone paused and from beneath the desk deposited quills, ink, and parchment, placing them slowly, deliberately on the desk. And after a moment of digging, deposited two dull silver bands beside them.

Years ago, when Petal Stone was young and had first opened shop, she had bought a rare magic tome she had intended to sell. After only a few days in her possession, a jittery unicorn stallion had come into her her shop inquiring about it. Foolishly she had agreed to show it to him, and no sooner had the book entered his vision, Petal Stone's body seized up and fell to the floor, and the unicorn fled, never to be seen again. Petal had spent the rest of the day and evening on the floor, unable to move. No less than three shoplifters rifled through her shop in that time. Petal lost so many bits that day that she had to take out a loan just to pay rent on her home.

Never again would she be that trusting. Not when dealing with valuable artifacts and especially not when dealing with unicorns. Peace of mind meant more to her than good customer relations.

Petal Stone gave a nod to the silver bracelets. "These are called Deal Bonds. I'm sure you have seen objects like this before, but let me explain anyway." Petal held one of the tarnished silver bands up, close to the unicorn's face. They were dingy and stained, but thrummed with an inner magic. "If two ponies create a verbal agreement while wearing these, that agreement becomes a magic bond, and the band becomes affixed to the wearer. The only way to remove it is by completing your side of the bargain." Petal Stone paused, smiling wryly "On the other hoof, if one pony goes back on the deal their band will tighten, and tighten, and continue to do so until either she gets back on track or her foreleg is severed." Suddenly the stains on the bands looked slightly malicious. Petal Stone placed the band back on the table.

"What do you say? Let us make our deal here and wear the bonds. Neither of us has anything to fear if we deal honestly, and we can be done with them once the transaction is made. So shall we discuss payment?"

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"No. We negotiate now." said Petal Stone cooly. "Do not take me as a fool, Ma'am. I know the power with which I am dealing and more importantly I can guess of the power of those who seek it. The location of the amulet is my bargaining token and my insurance. "

Fortunately, Onyx managed to catch herself before revealing her shock on her face. Inwardly, she chuckled, still finding it amusing that there was somepony that had the courage to speak against her. Back before her blackout, the mare was considered to be a member of the elite. It wasn't from her background, either, but rather due to the fact that her Master had been a reigning member of the cult, and had taken her under his wing (relatively speaking). While this kept others from disrespecting her, it also drove them away. Most feared being repremanded by her mentor, and before long, they also came to fear her own power.

The times have changed. She reminded herself. You are nopony now. Just another unicorn. At least she was anywhere outside of the Crystal Empire.

Her eyes fell to the bands that the shopkeeper presented on the counter after a bit of ruffling around. A curious cock of her brow raised. They held a magical essence, but the unicorn had never seen such structures before. She squinted, as if that would help her restore some repressed memory, or stir a sense of recognition. Thankfully, before she could strain herself too much, the clerk began her explanation. Deal Bonds. I've probably never seen these because we had no need for them. Our bonds came from blood and the very essence that was us. Breaking a deal also meant certain death to the betrayer. It was rather interesting to see how others outside of her cult made pacts.

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"If two ponies create a verbal agreement while wearing these, that agreement becomes a magic bond, and the band becomes affixed to the wearer. The only way to remove it is by completing your side of the bargain." Petal Stone paused, smiling wryly "On the other hoof, if one pony goes back on the deal their band will tighten, and tighten, and continue to do so until either she gets back on track or her foreleg is severed."

The mare grinned cynically. "What a marvelous instrument. I'll have to look into getting myself a pair of those." Of course, she'd alter their purpose a smidgen. Rather than to be used to ensure a promise was kept, the bands could very well be converted into torture instruments. Not that I plan on making many enemies in my immediate future. Onyx mentally shook her head, wondering for a moment just where that dark thought had originated. It wasn't like her at all. This amulet..I'll have to take it off soon. I've worn it for too long already- it's starting to seep into my soul. Which meant the transaction had to be swift.

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"What do you say? Let us make our deal here and wear the bonds. Neither of us has anything to fear if we deal honestly, and we can be done with them once the transaction is made. So shall we discuss payment?"

"Sounds fine to me. I never intended on betraying you, or harming you in any way. If I had, I assure you, not only would it have already happened, but you'd never have remembered it did." Her red eyes fell to the band, which reflected ominously in her slit pupils. She conjured magic from her horn and had its red aura slip under her cloak, to the bulge beneath. A moment later, it carried a leather pouch, which was lumpy and stretched to the limit. By the chinging sound it made upon being placed on the counter, it was evident that the baf was filled with Bits.

"I can deal in Bits or gems, if you prefer. Or, perhaps, you'd be interested in a favor?" Being able to call on a powerful unicorn at any time, for whatever reason, would intrigue most, but Onyx figured that this specific mare was more interested in having her payment have some physical weight to it.

The earth pony's ears picked up at the suggestion of a favor. "My preferred payment method is in bits, but I would be curious to hear what...favors you could offer a mare like me. But before we discuss it...."

Petal Stone paused, slipping one bracelet on up to her fetlock, and pushing the second to the unicorn mare. Petal Stone could already feel the band tightening around her leg, lusting for her familiar flesh.

"Ive used these many times. For the spell to take effect, they must be in place for the entirety of negotiations." Petal Stone said, massaging her band slightly so it sat more comfortably. She was pleased the Unicorn agreed to use them. They always set her mind at ease when pricey or dangerous goods were at stake. Of everything she had acquired in her years owning a pawn shop, these had been her favorite.

She had bought them at a lightening auction at the police station. Apparently the evidence locker was becoming overfilled, and the good stallions of the MPD had decided there was no harm in selling off the contents of the closed case files from the last few decades. She had gotten them cheap. Even though they had been labeled as murder weapons, nopony could really figure out HOW exactly they had been used. Much more popular had been the knives and magic books and more grisly objects. Had anyone cared to look through the case file (most helpfully included in with the bands) they would have been treated to a delightfully grim story.

Around 50 years ago a Unicorn mage from Celestia's court fell in love with a young pegasus mare while visiting Manehatten. He dropped everything and moved to manehatten and married her, and for a while they were happy. But even though the unicorn desperately loved the pegasus mare, he did not trust her, for she was an avid socialite and an irreparable flirt. And so the unicorn made a pair of lovely deal bonds from fine sliver, and gave it to her as a necklace making her swear she would always be faithful. The pegasus mare did not know it was enchanted, and sure enough another stallion did indeed come along. The necklace tightened, and tightened, and tightened until the pegasus choked to death, and even in death it continued to tighten until the silver bond severed her neck! What drama! Sometimes Petal Stone reread the police report that had  come with it just for kicks. Everypony loves a good drama afterall.

Petal Stone adjusted her band around her leg once more, feeling pretty confident and safe despite the magical murder weapon around her leg.  Besides, the health of her limbs was unimportant when she was about to fall into fortune, one way or another. The amount of bits that would be exchanged would be obscene, but the idea of a favor presented so much more possibilities. A favor that was bound to completion by deal bonds! Petal Stone's mind wandered with all the pleasant possibilities that could come of being indebted to a powerful unicorn. Maybe she could even.....that is too much to even dare hoping for!

"So. Within the scope of favors, what could be offered here?" Petal asked, careful not to sound too eager.

A grin sneeked across her lips momentarily at the Earth Pony's possible interest. It is always wise to be on the good side of a powerful unicorn. As the other bound herself to the band, she did the same, though through means of magical manipulation than actual touch. Once her magic no longer had any current use, the aura was dismissed from her horn, and her full focus fell onto the metal that tightened around her joint. After studying it for a bit, her attention moved back to the clerk. I'm going to have to try and find these other patrons of hers. Any unicorn seeking magical relics is worth noting down. I might have to explain myself to them some day.

They can be traced easssily enough.. A familiar voice whispered into the depths of her mind. His sudden return made Onyx sneer inwardly- now was not the time for her Master's spirit to awaken. He could sense her hostility, of course, having bound himself to her essence, but rather than feel hurt, he laughed. Just reach out with your mind, my dear. Everypony releassssesss a magical imprint, no matter where they go or what they do. She squinted, scanning the empty air before her. It took a little bit of time to truly focus, but before long, she could sense some feint traces of magic vibrating in the air. Good, good! Her Master complimented. I sssee the amulet is helping to awaken your ssssensses.

Upon the mentioning of her amulet, the unicorn forced a barrier in the inner workings of her mind, sealing her mentor off. She was in the middle of negotiations, and it was clear the Earth Pony already had her doubts about her- she didn't need to make herself any more suspicious. At first, she could feel him pressing against it, enraged that he had been treated in such a disrespectful manner, but in time he succumbed and fell back into her subconscious levels. Freed from his influence, her vision sharpened upon the shopkeeper again.

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"So. Within the scope of favors, what could be offered here?"

"As I mentioned before, I am a very powerful unicorn. But the magic I excel at is frowned upon- even forbidden." She reached out with her senses, fanning her awareness throughout the shop and to the outdoors beyond, seeking out any potential eavesdroppers. When none were detected, the mare relaxed- but not by much. "I'm trying to elevate myself to being a master of the Dark Arts. I am nearly there, but I still need more experience to truly ascend. Setting that aside, I can do great things. And I hope to be able to do even more when the Light can be understood by my essence."

Onyx wasn't sure how much the clerk would follow her, but she at least seemed to have a basic understanding of magic. "My current power can be used primarily for destruction or manipulation, so if there are any enemies you need disposed, that would be simple. I can also cast great spells of protection, or summon guards to do the same." She recalled having conjured stallions of shadow in the depths of Canterlot's library while she was exploring its shelves to keep her alerted to any guards that came too close to her. They had been very useful.

The unicorn looked her up and down. "Of course, I can do everything an ordinary unicorn can as well. My limits are vague- perhaps you could suggest something? What do you desire, my dear?"

Petal Stone smiled, her heart beating. A soft blooming lust took hold of her, and would not surrender it'self unto anything more proper. The amount of bits she could easily demand from this transaction could make her a wealthy mare, but something more daring and exciting had suggested itself in the earth pony's mind. She knew what to ask for, she hoped her nerve would retain it's edge. The thing she wanted was based on chance, and so much assumption. But with the Deal bonds already in place...perhaps.....

"There are many relics scattered across Equestria, and the choicest rarely ever fall into the hands of ponies like me." Petal stone winked graciously. "With a few exceptions."

Petal Stone continued, breathlessly. "You are no a mare content to one place, I can see that. You have traveled and searched long for my amulet. That is what I want. I want to travel and seek out treasures for my shop, and live the stories that I hear from the ponies who come to seek and sell.  So here is my offer:

"I want you to take me with you wherever it is you are going. I want to find adventure and treasure, and return to manehatten a wealthy mare with stories of my OWN to tell.  In exchange for the amulet, I ask your protection and companionship until the day I can return home satisfied in my adventurings."

Petal Stone held her breath.

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"There are many relics scattered across Equestria, and the choicest rarely ever fall into the hands of ponies like me." Petal stone winked graciously. "With a few exceptions."

She tilted her head to one side and arched a brow. "Go on." Perhaps this was going to be much simpler than she predicted. The Earth Pony was a seeker of history- something she was a living artifact of. Granted, she wasn't actually conscious for a thousand years, but her time before the incident was well spent. The mare spent a lot of her time in the crypt beneath the Crystal Empire's main library, but within its dusty corridors was an expansion of relics that were considered to be rare and ancient even then. Perhaps this can all be settled with a few of the lesser pieces.

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Petal Stone continued, breathlessly. "You are no a mare content to one place, I can see that. You have traveled and searched long for my amulet. That is what I want. I want to travel and seek out treasures for my shop, and live the stories that I hear from the ponies who come to seek and sell. So here is my offer:

This was half true. While she had been more than content to stay within the Crystal Empire, certain events prevented her from showing her muzzle there. Then again, the mare really didn't know for certain if anypony would actually recognize her- these were the same ponies that had disappeared along with her, but had they known of her deed (which was, in all honesty, a mistake)? On the other hoof, she had in fact traveled around looking for the amulet, though not to many places. In fact, she had just learned of its existence not too long ago. She merely had been following its magical essence, which matched the one her own amulet produced.

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"I want you to take me with you wherever it is you are going. I want to find adventure and treasure, and return to manehatten a wealthy mare with stories of my OWN to tell. In exchange for the amulet, I ask your protection and companionship until the day I can return home satisfied in my adventurings.

Now this blindsided here to the point that her jaw dropped wide open. And despite her will to retain some dignity, Onyx couldn't help but stare, slightly aghast. After a bit, she shook her head, sending the locks of her red and black mane flying everywhere in disbelief. "I..suppose that can be arranged.." Her red eyes fell to the band on her fetlock. "The only place I currently plan on returning to is the Crystal Empire- the wastelands of snow and ice beyond, that is." She had failed in her prior search of the terrain, and had hoped the amulet would aid in finding what she sought.

"But I believe I have tomes that can lead us to other destinations that might be of interest." The unicorn tilted her head to one side, thinking things over. The arrangement wasn't half bad. "Very well. Agreed. But I will warn you on this- if you do follow my to my destination, you might not like what you find. I have certain obligations to fulfill, and I bound to them. But I do promise you my utmost protection, and would be glad to see you reach your monetary desire."

Onyx grinned.

"Perhaps it is ignorance that speaks for me now, but I hold no fear for this endeavor." Petal returned the grin. What was the use of spending a life among the dusty collections of other's conquests anyway? The earth pony had been in the pawning business since she was just a filly, and it had been a decade since she had even left Manehatten. A safe and comfortable life was indeed something to aspire to, but Petal Stone was still young wasn't she? 26 wasn't that old, after all, but it felt ages when 20 of those years had been spent behind a pawn shop counter.

"Then it is settled. Let us seal the deal." Petal leaned her front against the counter, extending her hoof for a shake. Taking the unicorn's hoof in her's she felt a tingling pang of pain from her leg. The deal bonds always became excited at the onset of a juicy deal. Petal cleared her throat. The declaration of the deal was her favorite part. She could feel the magic clinging to her tongue, ready to be unleashed. As the wording of the agreement formed itself in her mind, she felt the spell undulate and build. She allowed her mind to turn it over gently a moment, finding the exact right words. The better the words she created, the higher the magical tension built, until she felt as if she could scream it! What a glorious power she could borrow from these bands! How like controlling a wild and demanding lover! She imagined this was what unicorns felt like all the time. She wondered how they could stand it. Finally Petal Stone felt the magic was ready.

" I, Petal Stone the Earth pony, in agreement with..." Petal stone paused waiting for the unicorn's name. "Hearby agree to transfer ownership of the Alicorn Amulet, which she seeks, to the capable hooves of the unicorn Onyx Pariah. In exchange, it is thus agreed that the Earth Pony Petal Stone will accompany and be offered protection by Onyx Pariah. Such shall be the ordinance until that day that the earth pony Petal Stone returns to the city of Manehatten willingly and unharmed, on which day the deal shall be considered complete. Is this in agreement?"


Petal Stone was thrumming with excitement, her mind blazing already. She would pack her most useful items and take them with her. The never-tire horse shoes would be a must, and she would have to decide which one of her animal call whistles to take. She could sell most of the mundane stock quickly, but at a loss, and pocket the bits to take with her. Anything she couldn't part with would go in the vault. Then it would just be a matter of locking the shop up. This could be done! This WOULD be done!

Onyx allowed her hoof to be taken, her eyes moving from the band upon the fetlock to the armored shoe on her coffin bone. The material was so pristine she could see her reflection staring back, and for a moment, she felt herself slip off into the past. She had not always worn the armor- in fact, the mare never had a desire to own anything of the sort at all. Rather, it had been magically bestowed upon her- the entire set from neck-to-hip. In all truth, she had never bothered wondering why her mentor had gifted her with it, nor did she understand what sort of use it might have. He never did anything without a reason. I suppose one day, I'll find out.

She was so absorbed in her thoughts that the prickling pain went unnoticed. Even if her mind hadn't been distracted, the unicorn had been put through her paces, and endured far worst torment in her days as an apprentice. But she did sense the magic flowing from the band and linking with the Earth Pony's own, and that little spark was enough for her focus to sharpen again. Rather than to linger on the magical instrument, she studied the mare across from her, around which the essence seemed to swirl and condense. These allow the wearer to use magic, though not of a natural sort. It's artificial.. Curiously, her head tilted to the side. Fake, but strong. Whomever made these knew what they were doing.

Quote :

" I, Petal Stone the Earth pony, in agreement with..." Petal stone paused waiting for the unicorn's name.

"Onyx Pariah." She spoke up, then wondered if the bands would recognize her falsified surname. Onyx had not been born into the 'Pariah' family- no such lineage existed. But it was what she went by ever since she had been cast from the Crystal Empire.

Quote :

"Hearby agree to transfer ownership of the Alicorn Amulet, which she seeks, to the capable hooves of the unicorn Onyx Pariah. In exchange, it is thus agreed that the Earth Pony Petal Stone will accompany and be offered protection by Onyx Pariah. Such shall be the ordinance until that day that the earth pony Petal Stone returns to the city of Manehatten willingly and unharmed, on which day the deal shall be considered complete. Is this in agreement?"

At the mentioning of the amulet, the one around her neck buzzed with life. Onyx spared a glance down to where it rested around her neck, and could see its outline burning green even through her thick cloak. It was as if the piece was eager to find its twin and be reunited. The fact that it reacted on its own was worrisome- and it made her wonder just what would happen if the two were no longer separated. Would the magic they wielded be too much for her to handle when combined? One was almost too much trouble to bare. The safest route would be to keep them apart, until I can learn to control them individually. Her heart skipped a beat. This was actually happening. She would soon finally have the ability to finish her mission.

"This is agreed to." And with those words, their fate was sealed. Onyx would at long last feel accomplished, and at the same time, gained a traveling companion. Despite her surname, the unicorn didn't mind the company of others- most ponies avoided her like the plague, due to their own ignorance. She wasn't a horrible mare. Her magic was dark, sometimes considered 'evil,' but it was as natural as any other element. Now that she was free from the cult (for the most part), she had the ability to explore and interact with whomever she wished. And as far as first acquaintances went, this mare, this..Petal Stone..seemed like an interesting one to deal with.

Petal Stone bowed her head and pulled away from Onyx, magical energy creating momentary static between them.

"It is done." Petal stone said, a look of satisfaction on her face. "I will need a few days to prepare. WHen were you planing on leaving town? Do you have a place to stay?"

Petal Stone's mind brimmed with excitement, and overflowed with mental notations of all she had to do, and which items she would bring. If she was lucky she could even make a trade for some of her contemporary's pieces as well. Foxglove had mentioned he had just bought a drinking horn that turns any liquid poured into it into water. That could be useful if she could get him to sell it, and if it worked.
And of course there was that ghastly moaning topaz. Petal Stone was sure that the ability to manipulate earth to her will could be useful, if she could only get past the awful racket the thing makes. She would have to review her stock, in any case.

When Petal Stone withdrew, Onyx took a limped step back on her three hooves, her focus fixed on the one that displayed the bangle. The fur around it stood on end due to a small electrical shock, which symbolized the forging of the link between the two. She couldn't help but smirk. It always made her flare with excitement whenever she encountered a new sort of magic, and while the band didn't look like much, it wielded a power beyond most unicorns' capabilities. Not hers, of course, but most. So long as the world continues to produce such objects, my hunger for new magical knowledge will never be satiated. But it will make my life an interesting one- and if all goes as planned, I'll have all the time of eternity to discover more.

Planting her last hoof down, the mare shrugged at Petal's inquiry. "I have no schedule to keep, nor a place to stay within this town." She calmly stated. "I have an abode in the Crystal Empire." That no one knew about, of course. If anypony was aware of her little hideout beneath the library, there would be dire consequences. The place was filled with ancient artifacts and tomes of Dark Magic- the Crystal Ponies no doubt wanted absolutely nothing more to do with such. Not that anypony else really did either. "But I believe it would be wiser to practice my magic elsewhere." Even if it was of the Light, the power the amulet contained was enough to attract a lot of unwelcome attention.

Speaking of which.. "Now, then. The amulet- where are you keeping it?"

Petal Stone smiled mischievously, wickedly even. "I don't take my chances with powerful magic." Petal Stone paused. "Most powerful magics." she added with a wink.

Dipping below the counter, Petal rummaged briefly before emerging with a worn saddlebag. "Come with me." she said, leading the unicorn out the back door.