A Gift from the Past (Private) [Concluded]

[CableZ]

A'bek was not accustomed to this sort of thing and frankly it made him uncomfortable, it was certainly something he hadn't expected to do that day. He watched awkwardly as Arabesque woke the criminal up, keeping silent for the most part as the couple exchanged words. A'bek walked over to a nearby wall and leant his side against it, watching quietly as Ashti bumbled about his interrogation. This criminal was a bit of a moron from what A'bek could tell, seemingly more interesting in reputation rather than anything else, the mark of a poor thief if there ever was one. There was no way this idiot had stolen the box on his own, if anything he was probably hired to stall any law he ran into, whether he knew it or not. A's guess that he didn't know his true purpose as he seemed quite cocky, the kind that would stall anyone with annoyances intentional or not. As Ashti turned and asked him if he had anything that could help, A'bek pushed himself from the wall and walked over. Giving the thief an intimidating gaze for a moment he turned to Ashti and thought for a moment.

"I'm afraid I wouldn't be entirely comfortable with using my magic for interrogation, I usually only use it in such a way for defense." He looked at the thief who was looking incredibly smug at the notion of this huge goat not wanting to hurt him. At this, A'bek leaned in which caused the thief to lose his smile. "Although I suppose exceptions could be made." He almost growled. A'bek was not one to make fun of for thinking he was weak, it was something that always held him back in the Order of the Druids. "Regardless there is little in this area that I could use, the city somewhat stifles my magic." He sighed as he stood back up straight and looked down at the couple.

"However I do not believe this one would know much, I believe he is a patsy as some may call it, he was hired to simply get in our way and distract us. Any information he would give us can just as easily be learned by catching up with the real thieves would you not say?" A'bek hoped he was right about this.

"HEY! who do you think you're calling a patsy! I'm a master criminal! Who are you? Nobody!! You can't ju-" At that point several vines burst from the stone wall that the thief was currently strapped too and covered his mouth, muffling him as he seemingly continued to speak.

"Please be quiet." A'bek sighed as if he were getting a headache. "If I remember the layout of the streets around the museum, this tunnel leads toward the streets which must mean they dug through a sewer wall to get here."

"Is that so?" There came a voice from the entrance to the room.

The pony that stood at the archway to the room was a mare, a hardy and tough looking mare at that. She wore a brown coat and matching fedora hat, she had a cocky smirk on her face and some bags under her eyes showing she seemed to work a lot. Walking over to the group, not even batting an eyelid at the fat a pony was strapped tot he wall with roots, she looked at the group with a smirk. The site of this pony caused the thief strapped to the wall to go wide eyed with fear.

"Name's Bugsy Spyglass, I'm the cities head detective. I've been brought in to solve this caper, although I can see you three have already made some headway in that regard" she spoke with a manehatten accent and chuckled at her own words. "I ain't gonna get in yer way as frankly I don't think I could take scruffy here in a game of bulldog" She nudged A'bek with her elbow with a smirk. "In fact I think we could work together, this loser's name is Steal Intent, he has some griffon known accomplices who reside in the warehouse district near the docks, I suggest you guy's look around there while I'm going to look into where someone might fence that box along." He tipped her hat before walking back the way she came. "Oh, and please don't break anymore laws." She looked over her shoulder with a wink, clearly suggesting that she didn't care either way.

A'bek was a little bewildered at what just happened, it seemed everything in this city moved at a breakneck pace.

"Well...um I suppose we have our destination." A'bek sounded unsure because he was still try to process what had just happened.

[Ashti Sandburst]

"I'm afraid I wouldn't be entirely comfortable with using my magic for interrogation, I usually only use it in such a way for defense."

Yeah… Ashti was feeling likewise. Even if having the means, his personal code was against using his skill in this way, in cold-blooded way. He can still intimidate with psychological stuff or bluff, but the Ambassador was fighting only during… fight. For that he break his code, it would requires to brainwash him, dive him into a deep despair, or make him loose his mind.

Although he can still break his code in very very last resort, there was no reason to do it now. Maybe he was too proud or kind, but Ashti was willing to use such means.

Likewise, I was however not thinking to use harmful way.

But when A'bek mentioned the fact to maybe use it, Ashti react with a short "Wait, what?". Well, as A'bek been accused, maybe it would be faire that he decide to this in such way, and Ashti would probably not stop him… His personal code was for himself only : if someone want or plan to do something Ashti don't wanted to do himself, then he will not prevent this someone. It could look like cowardice, but from the moment someone acts in free will, it's then no more the Ambassador's concern.

Arabesque have less state of mind than her husband, but it's because her personal code, unlike Ashti's one, is not fight and duty-centric. But like the Dalai-Llama taught her, she will not let negative feeling lead her.

The two ponies listened to A'bek and nodded to the Ibex's statement, notably Ashti. Ignoring the thief.

It sounds about right... we cannot be sure, but it's probable. Salah?
Uhm. And for the tunnel...

Ashti was about to reveal what he knew on the tunnel... but be interrupted by a voice, coming from behind. The ambassador immediately turned back to the newcomer, in a fighting stance. But lost it when he noticed no hostility oozing from the mare.

When she presented herself, Arabesque bowed the head in greeting, although surprised by Bugsy Spyglass , her look and accent. But she didn't had fun of it.

I'm Arabesque el-Shazia ^^
Ashti Sandburst, nice to meet you...

The Ambassador politely bowed the head as well. Although he was a bit suspicious about the detective.

Arabesque was feeling the same, it looked a bit too convenient to her taste... but, on a second thought, she was a detective, so it was her job to find people... and would not be so surprising. Also, if the informations she provided was right, then...

When the mare finished and left them, Ashti remained sceptical about this event… giving more questions than answers. Then he looked to thief… before noticing that the detective didn't took the thief with her, to send him in jail. It was maybe no her job, but still…

Anyway he next looked to A'bek, nodding.

It looks like…
… a trap, you think?
… I do not know. We could tell it to the police or ask them to check this, but we have no evidences. Also…

A thieving griffon? It sounded familiar to the Ambassador, but he was unable to "put his horn on it". Yet it was not something recent, like something he read or have seen several years ago. But he didn't found it important right now.

Well… let us go to the docks and we will see.

Dozens of minutes later, the thief, Steal Intent, was escorted by the guards to the jail. They have followed the tunnel to the outside and immediately returned to the Noble Heritages Museum where they brought the thief. Ashti didn't have to show evidence, because Steal Intent didn't hesitate to claim the boy's robbery, too proud to go in jail and sure to start a criminal reputation.

Ashti also speak to the Curator about the basement, although being short. A'bek was no more a suspect, but Ashti found it interesting that the Ibex accompany him to the docks. And for Arabesque… well, she had an appointment, so she left this part of the adventure to Ashti.

And now, A'bek and Ashti were standing in the warehouse district, near of a not so-abandoned warehouse.

Hidden behind big empty containers, Ashti was analysing the place with his clairvoyance.

There are no presences around… however there is indeed activity inside of the warehouse. I detect five aurae…

Then he looked to the boat next to them, a boat used for merchandise or smuggling… and ready to go. Ashti have no clue if this boat was the one of the thief's boss, this griffin. Or if it was a genuine merchant one.

What was sure is that there was a crew on the boat. Ashti disabled the clairvoyance and looked to the Ibex.

So... do we wait and make a plan or do we rush in this warehouse and try a surprise effect? What do you think?

[CableZ]

A'bek didn't know what to think as they were making their way toward the warehouse, he wasn't sure if he should even be there but he wanted to prove his innocence but also see what was going on. This was just about most exciting thing A'bek had been involved in, he was never a Druid that did such things. There were druids that did investigations and worked with police but A'bek had never qualified to do such things as he was not a high ranking druid. This was fulfilling a little dream of his which is probably why he was going along with it so eagerly, still he tried to keep a serious face. The problem that arose with A'bek's presence was the lack of stealth options, he was quite conspicuous due to his stature.

Despite his lack of experience he still had some common sense, although he might have gotten some ideas from stories and what not he still did what he thought was the best idea. Looking around, it seemed the docks were closed for the night, which would explain why Ashti had detected no one other than those int he warehouse.

"Five eh...hm." A'bek stroked his chin in thought. "Well I'm confident about my ability to subdue 5 ponies, however if there are Griffons I'm less eager to run straight in so I believe it best we come up with some kind of plan."

Looking around again in the hopes of seeing something that would give him the spark of an idea, however it was nothing far afield that gave him an idea, no in fact it was what was beneath his feet. In repositioning his hooves he had stepped into a puddle, therein lay his spark, ironically.

"I believe I may be able to give us a cover." He smiled at Ashti with a cheeky grin.

Standing up strong, A'bek breathed in and out to prepare himself as this would be quite the intensive spell. As his horns began glowing from the core, giving out a very dull light. From the direction of the ocean, there rolled in huge thick plumes of mist and fog. It blanketed the area so thickly that it was impossible to see in front of your own face, it would certainly stop any boats from trying to set sail as it would be far too dangerous. However A'bek wasn't done yet, as the fog encircled him and Ashti, it seemed to dissipate around them around. A sphere was formed around them that the fog couldn' pierce as it simply disappeared as it got close to them. It provided them with around 2 meters of free space to see, the lights of the warehouse were just visible in the distance, giving them an idea of a direction to head in.

"They'll not see us coming now." A'bek was a little out of breath thanks to his spell, but luckily not to a exhausting extent.

[Ashti Sandburst]

"Well I'm confident about my ability to subdue 5 ponies, however if there are Griffons I'm less eager to run straight in so I believe it best we come up with some kind of plan."
I have faced mush worst. As long as they are normal ponies, I can handle it… now for the griffon, let us hope he do not hold any annoying artefact…

From his place, Ashti scanned a last time the area, hidden, before looking back to A'bek while disabling his clairvoyance. He tried to see or guess what the Ibex was pondering, especially after he spoke about a cover. His smile was hard to decipher… but weirdly, he trusted the Ibex's inner project.

When A'bek used his magic, the Ambassador was a bit worried that the henchmen spot them even if the light from the Ibex's was dull. Fortunately they were all in the warehouse or on the boat. It was the evening or almost, the weather was cold and sky somewhat dark… and it's how Ashti noticed the mist coming from the ocean.

He was surprised, he has to admit. He didn't expect such cover, and the control over the nature displayed by A'bek awed Ashti. And make him wonder what the Ibex could do with a landscape like Deerham ? Sand, warm wind and heat… but he didn't asked. It was neither the time for this nor the mood.

Quickly, the zone was emerged into a thick mist and the sound of panic from the boat resounded: the crew seemed to scream or shout about some stuff, Ashti didn't totally understand but apparently it scared them enough. Maybe they thought of some sailor tales, folkloric legends or something like this. In any case, the people from the warehouse didn't seem to have noticed or heard the crew.

Thinking this mist was double-edged –making them "invisible" but "blind"- , the Ambassador was about to use the clairvoyance again… but instead of "blinking" them, the mist seemed to spare them, to avoid them.

Ashti didn't noticed it immediately, but when he did, his confusion faded. He looked then to the out of breathing A'bek.

Well done, Mister Thorns. Now, my turn to plan something…

The Sandlander didn't know how much time A'bek would need to "recover", but he gave a break to the Ibex, in taking the time to prepare himself mentally to several scenarios, situations that can occur in the warehouse.

… so, with the exception of an improbable twist, we certainly will have to fight…

Shortly after…

Walking discreetly in the mist, they were close of the warehouse as its lights indicated it. And notably a metallic backdoor… but when Ashti tried of his magic to open it, his ethereal magic been dispelled by the door handle. It surprised the Sandlander which tried again, but like previously, his magic been dispelled.

Oh…? Surely an anti-breaking in device…

He tried with his hoof but the handle was blocked, locked, and the metal door too thick to be kick down. Ashti could probably break it, but it would request a lot of strange, several try, and would not be silent.

It seems the only way is to enter thought the main door

…the one facing the boat. So, they will have to be carefully in this zone.

But they didn't have so much difficulty to move. Actually… there was no one there. Sure, the crew were still on the boat, but they locked themselves inside (as his clairvoyance showed it), like if they feared the mist. Now the first and really issue was the main door… it was open wide (or almost), so if it would have been easier to infiltrate than with a closed door, the problem was that A'bek and Ashti could be spotted by henchman before entering inside.

Hm… c'est embarrassant (That's annoying)…

With his clairvoyance he scanned the area for another way, but there were none, at least not from Ashti's range of vision : they will have to rush.

Voices resounded from the warehouse, gangster-like accent like used in the thriller novel. They also used slang making Ashti to don't understand complete what they were speaking about. What he was sure that they were complaining about the mist which invaded the warehouse. They even mentioned the idea to close the door.

They were moving an outside crate that they brought inside, unnoticed the duo, and for Ashti it was the good moment to strike. Standing back to the Sandlander, one of gangster just had time to place the container (the other was walking away) that Ashti bolted in the room and jumped on him.

With a swift forehoof he punched the chest of the pony, striking where the body is weak and immediately dealt a powerful kick to the confused and breathless pony which was ejected against a wall, and accidentally on the door's closing device. Making the warehouse's door to close themselves in a loud noise behind Ashti and A'bek's backs.

…Wow…

It was totally unintentional, because Ashti didn't knew that such device was there, but at least it made one henchponies took down… now, even if there were still some mist in the room, the duo was totally noticeable. And the three other ponies didn't wait to attack the intruders, A'bek notably which was the closest to them.

The gangster earth ponies where not really tough like would be a bouncer, they had a normal build even if they indeed had some muscles. And they were not fased by his size, they were three after-all.

[CableZ]

A'bek still wasn't sure what to make of the situation, it seemed like Ashti knew what he was doing. He was surely confident in this situation and the goat wasn't sure whether to be pleased or worried about that. Still he was in a little to deep to back out now, not that he entirely wanted to back out as despite his trepidation he was still quite excited about it all. As they approached the building and Asthi did..something with his magic, A'bek looked around the area to make sure that no body was sneaking up behind them, thanks to his druid trained eyes he could actually see through mist that would be impenetrable by other eyes. Luckily the mist cloak seemed to have worked for them as not only were they completely unseen by anypony by the mist seemed to have driven off any snooping ponies that may have been working late.

As they entered and Ashti ran to strike the gaurd pony, A'bek was a little shocked. He wasn't expecting things to move so quickly and he certainly wasn't prepared for when the door closed shut behind them. A'bek turned all the way around to stare at the door which is why when the other guards ran to attack him, he wasn't ready. One of them jumped up onto his back and gripped around the goat's neck while another punched his side. Seeing that his comrades were handling the goat, the third guard ran to attack Ashti. Feeling the ponies legs wrapped around his neck trying to pull the wind from his throat but thankfully his fur, thick hide and muscle made it quite the task and it was also the reason the the punches to his side made little impact on the goat beyond just annoying him.

Swinging his head round to the side as he spun his body, A'bek slammed his horns into the pony that had punched his side. The pony was caught on his horns and hoisted up as A'bek lifted his head and threw the pony away with a yelp, the poor guard slamming into some nearby crates. It was at this point that the guard on the monolithic goat's back realized he'd made a bit of a grave error in his judgment in who to attack, A'bek began thrashing around in an effort to get the perpetrator off of him.

While A'bek was a little preoccupied with his own attacker, the one that went for Ashti had spun on the spot while running and tried to kick him with his back legs.

[Ashti Sandburst]

Sincerely, Ashti was not really worried for the Ibex when the three henchmen ganged him up : He was sure A'bek was able to take care of him, and he showed it again. The Sandlander slightly made a face which meant "ouch" when the attacker was caught in the Ibex's horn and threw away against some contents.

However what surprised Ashti was one of the attacks rushing to him, ready to kick him. Frowning yet quiet, the unicorn did a little back jump to avoid the attack, and when the attacker tried to punch him, the Ambassador swiftly took the henchman's hoof, immobilising him, and then dealt him a swift hit in the throat, making the henchman to collapse, almost breathless.

Krav-maga allowed hitting where it hurts, yes, the purpose is to finish the fight as quick and efficient as possible. But Ashti's krav-maga has the purpose to incapacitate attacker in a non-lethal way, and a hit in throat was quick efficient… fortunately it's was not as deadly as some could guess, especially when doing properly. The henchman was just fine, and will probably not regain consciousness before a while…

Yet to be sure, the Sandlander placed a hoof under the henchman's muzzle and indeed felt a breath, weak but still one. The henchman was just unconscious. Although feeling soreness when swallowing and probably have a temporary difficulty to breath normally.

And while Ashti verified if the guy was fine, A'bek defeated have defeated his second opponent as well. Using his clairvoyance, 4 on 5 aurae that Ashti have detected where standing around the duo, weak aurae, unlike the one standing in the bottom of the room, on next upper level.

I know you are there… Show yourself!

Over a footbridge connected to a control room standing above the duo, a silhouette was gazing to the newcomers, hidden by the shadow. He have followed the action since the beginning but preferred to analyse the newcomers. He didn't know what the big white one was, a kind of goat surely, but nothing he ever seen. However the other pony… he was looking like this Relic-hunter. Hm, "Salamalec" ? At least an older version of the pony he have met, 6 years ago.

But he was not totally sure, and there is only one way to confirm it…
The stolen box lying on the desk of the little room overhanging the warehouse, the silhouette walked out of the darkness (at least the ill-lighted up part of this abandoned warehouse, and come forth on the footbridge, sneering.

It was a late 20 early 30 griffon wearing, lean and having some scars on the face as the bodies, wearing an ascot tie and a cane with a gem lying on the top. The griffon clapped, looking to the intruders with a sly smile.

I am not hiding… I was admiring. So, what those gentlcolts are doing in such place…? If you want to visit, I am afraid my partners are…

The griffon looked to the body of the henchmen, unfazed.

… Momentarily indisposed...

Coming closer to the barriers, the griffon nonchalently rested against it, resuming with a casual tone.

What I can do for you, gentlecolts?

[CableZ]

A'bek looked at each of the incapacitated ponies on the ground with a look that said he didn't think much of them, the goat had no care for criminals or the violent sorts, especially not those stupid enough to attack a fully grown Ibex. Shaking his head he turned to see how Ashti had faired and smirked when he saw the two dispatched goons that had attacked him, seemed that the diplomat was more than meets the eye. A'bek wasn't aware that they weren't alone until Ashti shouted up toward the cat walk which caused the goat to turn once again with a raised eyebrow as to what was going on, he had met a few griffon's in his travels so this was no shock but he was a little wary. Griffon's could be immensely strong creatures, with their razor sharp talons and the ability to fly could make them deadly and A'bek knew to stay wary.

As the arrogant Griffon asked what he could do for them, A'bek sighed softly at the question. He could tell that this would be a long interaction and one that would be a bit of an overly dramatic back and forth that he didn't care for, he just wasn't the sort for it. He however was not one to simply stay quiet, and since Ashti had already spoken he felt that he should probably chime in.

"What you can do for us is return the stolen property of my people!" his deep voice boomed and echoed in an intimidating fashion. He knew he would not be able to threaten the Griffon with his voice alone but it would at least show that he was not to be messed with.

[Ashti Sandburst]

"What you can do for us is return the stolen property of my people!"

The griffon was a bit surprised by this outburst, actually. He didn't expect that an outsider would react like this and claim the box… he actually didn't expected any visitors. Heck, how they even know he was there … ?

Unintimidated by A'bek, the griffon however knew, now, that both guests were willing to fight and then he preferred to analyse his hypothetical "opponents" before going into a fight.

From his footbridge, he glanced at the Ibex : is he was a goat, or something ? The griffon didn't know what the Ibexkind was or how they looked like, never heard about. He have stolen the box because he knew about its historical and rarity, he didn't get interested to its story however just the money it can provide him.

Then he looked to the unicorn which… reminded him someone, and unicorn he have met 6-7 years ago. His pelt and mane's colours where familiar… but the only detail the griffon really remembered from their encounter was the cutie mark.

But from there he was unable to see it, hid by the sandlandic jacket of the unicorn. He will have to come closer to see if it's The pony he's thinking about. Now, the problem was that the unicorn was clearly an experienced fighter: The griffon have met enough people, mercenary and gangster, to recognise those which can fight…. This, and the show he has been witness some minute ago with his henchmen…

The griffon himself was not very muscular : lean, nice looking. His only physical feature was a goatee. But it doesn't mean he can't fight, especially that he wore some gadgets…

Pardon? Stolen property… ?... Ah, yes… which ones ?

Ashti, immediately looked around, to the crates, he didn't know which the containers were fulfilled with stolen stuff, smuggled goods or if the boy was hidden somewhere there. Due to not oozing any aura, the Ambassador can't detect the box. So it can be hidden or already far away that he will have no clues.

A box, like very expensive and from lost civilisation. You know, the one from the Elysian Gallery…
Oh… right. And you are…?
… From le Cercle du Reliquaire. The Circle of the Reliquary.
… Never heard of it.

Of course he does, the griffon was member of a crime syndicate called the "Treasurejack", an organisation taking care of smuggling, tomb riding and robbery. One of the several illegal organisations working with the black market and in conflict with the lawful Circle. Treasurejack was founded by pirates centuries ago, and have the characteristic that its members gain ranks in being successful in their missions or in bringing valuable items/more wealth to the organisation.

So, the griffon knew the fact that one of the Circle's elite members was protecting the box; he had been informed of this and then created a scheme to steal the box. What he ignored was the identity of the said Circle's member, just his appearance (and that he was named "Ashti").

… So, you mean a box, hum…? Wait…

Moving a talon inside of his saddlebag, the griffon took a couple of… balls, or something looking like this, and made of glass that the griffon threw to the duo. At the contact of the ground, the balls shattered and freed a kind of gas around the duo. Immediately after they could felt a weird sensation crossing their bodies, at least for Ashti.

Coughing, the Sandlander tried to take a tissue to protect his muzzle… but too late, his hoof didn't obeyed. As his legs. Ashti's body was like paralysed. He still felt his legs but was unable to move them. However his head was still free from the gas, which was weird but at least the Ambassador can still use his brain.

Smiling, the griffon spread his wings on flew to the Sandlander, facing him.

W-what…
What "what"? What you can't move, or what I'm not affected…? In both case, I don't have time to teach chemistry. But…

The griffon held his cane in one talon, while he moved his other claw the long of Ashti's body, his flank to the jacket's end. Ashti was feeling the touch of the talon on his body. The Sandlander never be touched by a griffon, before, or any bird and the sensation was… interesting, although it provoked short pins and needles at the contact of the talon.

Like what you see… ?

The seemly smuggling tone of the unicorn, which managed to get his composure, irritated a bit the griffon. But he didn't mind that much and removed a bit of the outfit, revealing the cutie mark. Now he had his reply.

…Sala…malec. Eheheh hahah aahahah ! Finally…

Ashti was a bit surprised by the griffon's reaction, surprised and wondering.

Yeah…?
You maybe don't remember me… , "Oscar" ? it was so long ago. But you surely remember my sister, Lorelei.
… huh… sure. … who?
A helpless griffon lost in some ruins…
… ?
… Oh, you know what? Never mind.

Taking the cane in his talons, the griffon then unsheathed, revealing a blade hid inside of the (sword) can.

This time, I'll won.

Overconfident, the griffon ignored that his gas was not as efficient on the Ibex. Even if A'bek's limbs were slightly numb, the Ibex was able to move and act due to his size and not enough concentrated gaze to immobilise him.

[CableZ]

As the gas enveloped the duo and they breath it in, A'bek felt his muscles tense almost immediately. First it was out of shock and fear as to what the Griffon had done, but then he felt something more. His entire body began to feel numb as each of his muscles tensed softly, he felt as if he was getting pins and needles in all his extremities. The aching and pain of the numbing feeling that washed over him caused him to wince, he tried to move but it was sluggish as if he were moving through tar. Spacing his hooves apart and straining to look up at the villain before him as he had lowered his head by reflex to avoid the gas, still the fact that he was even able to move proved just how strong he was as he took a shaky step forward with an angered and determined look in his eye.

"You are...annoyingly...arrogant" A'bek struggled to get his words out as he moved forward.

As his body began to fight the effects of the gas more and more, his movement began to free up and become less sluggish. As he turned to face the griffon who was busy goading Ashti and gloating of he presumed victory, A'bek's horns began to get their dull cracked glow that indicated his druidic magic. The mist that was still heavy and thick outside began gushing into the warehouse, covered the floor in a thick fog that the eye could not see through.

"You know...water is an immensely diverse substance" A'bek spoke softly despite the clear anger in his eyes. "In a heartbeat it can go from warm steam or mist, to freezing ice" He spaced his hooves out in a ready stance to move, still staring the griffon down. Now an Ibex was certainly taller than a griffon, just to a lesser degree than a pony. An Ibex was certainly stronger than a Griffon but a Griffon was much faster and more agile than the large goat. Still for what A'bek had planned, there was no need for any physical confrontation. The mist came around half way up the legs of the griffon and A'bek smirked as his horn began to glow once more, there was a sudden crackling noise as if all the energy in the area had suddenly rushed to one area. In fact that was not far from the truth as all of the mist that had covered the floor of the warehouse had rushed around the legs of Oscar, becoming a physically dense collection of contained gas before freezing instantly, trapping the legs of the griffon without escape.

A'bek walked over to the frozen Griffon and paralyzed Ashti with a smirk, the block of ice was too heavy for him to fly away and he couldn't move his legs due to how much ice was enveloping his legs. Pushing the immobile griffon over, A'bek turned to Ashti and lost his smirk.

"Hm...I find myself oddly unprepared, I know a remedy to cure the gas he used but I lack any provisions" He sounded apologetic, he was annoyed mostly with himself that he couldn't help the pony.

[Ashti Sandburst]

Not on his guard the griffon thought the Ibex was just bluffing but when the mist started to enter, Oscar cocked an eyebrow and jumped, using of his wings, to stay at some meters of the duo. Maybe it was a reflex due to these years living in the danger, or his animal's instinct, but something "told" him to move.

Too late, however. When he immediately landed, his legs be caught into ice, magically formed on his paws and talons. His sword cane trapped in the ice as well.

What…

Oscar struggled to break the ice in flapping his wings frenetically or hitting the ice with his beak. In vain. A grin in face, and let a frustrated sight.

Well done… well done…

If he could he would have applauded: It was the first time such situation happened to him and now he has gained some more experience. But also, he knew it was not over, not for now. He didn't own any antidote for the gas although he knew how to do one, Oscar has created it after-all. But there was no antidote to makes it more dangerous and also he was immunised to it.

The gaze itself been studied for pony, mostly and any kind he will have to encounter of deal with the most. Pony was the more common; however he often had to deal with antelope when going in the south.

Ashti for his part had a sign of relieve and bowed to the Ibex.

Sukriya mister Thorns, and sorry to have involved you in such situation.

A minute passed but Ashti as Oscar were still unable to move, but if Ashti thought it was almost over because the griffon was trapped and A'bek just have to solidify the air again, Oscar, him, was a bit more worried due to be down and that there was one foe still active. So, he resumed his struggle while listening to A'bek.

At first he shrugged that the Ibex could know the remedy, it was not impossible but highly improbable. The gaze itself was an old receipt yet Oscar has customised it for the effect work only on a individual kind or spare another.

But when looking to the bottom of the room, he saw a silhouette, during a second before vanishing in the shadow, making Oscar to grind. Seems like his contact just appointed. Time to divert attention.

Well played, I'm surprised that a goat could figure out the remedy… if it's true then your look doesn't match your brain… eheh.

A taunting laugh resounding, before sniffing the air, resuming with a smug.

On this point, do you know how to take a shower too? : We are not in one of your mountain pasture, you know. Hey, Salamalec I am surprised you don't smell : I always thought those sandlandic bumpkin of your considered sunbathing as bath?… such a refined stallion, do you make up too ? … Ah, yes the "kohl", forgot about it, my bad. So, what are you up to?

Ashti was totally quiet, unfased. Even if he could move he would have done nothing. Actually it eve amused him a bit. So, that's the cliché on sandlanders? Well, he was waiting to hear more useless taunt about him or his kind.

I am ambassador and relic hunter, it is all what you need to know.

At these words. The griffon whistled in admiration. Ambassador? Really? That was weird, he always thought Ashti would die in mission before doing one at least useful thing.

Ambassador ? you ? Gosh, You should be really famous among your government…
… I am, appearance are not all. Usefulness, study and popularity help a lot to please.
Oh, sure you have... eheh... oh, right in time.

Then steps resounded, strong and fast, a silhouette came forth from the shadow in a jump, charged and hit A'bek's with his shoulder, like a powerful American football's bump. It was a Minotaur standing here, in their front, a suitcase with the box inside. He immediately putted on the floor the suitcase and lifted the griffon with such strength and ease that the ice broke.

The griffon then held his canesword and flapped backward, leaving some meters between him and the Ibex.

Thanks for the help, now let's go!
…

Taking the suitcase in hand, the minotaur threw it with force to the griffon. Oscar managed to caught the suitcase with his talons , still standing in the air. The minotaur, him, cracked his knuckles, taking a battle stance.

The minotaur had almost the size of A'bek, muscular and having a ponytail as shade- His body has some tattoos too, probably tribal ones, as several scars on the chest. He also had a futurist-looking bangle that Ashti noticed. He was sure it was an artefact due to the magical aura on the kind of energy that he has encountered during his relic-hunts.

Watch out, he have an artefact at his wrist.

[CableZ]

A'bek approached Ashti to make sure he had not been injured, looking down at the Griffon with a raised eyebrow as if to say 'is this guy still talking?' A'bek shook his head slightly, this kind of personality had always grated with him as he just wished the guy would be quiet. Seemed that being gracious in defeat was not a common attribute in the modern world, ah well at least he wasn't going anywhere. A'bek felt a little helpless frankly as he knew how to help Ashti but he simply didn't have the resources to do anything about it, that annoyed him. It was an awkward situation to say the least, with Ashti simply stood there immobile while the Griffon continued talking.

The words didn't effect A'bek as he didn't care what the criminal thought, he would not be laughing if this were in the Ibex capital city, criminals were viewed lowly and were not allowed to speak as such to the one who had captured them. A'bek would have silenced him but there was no point, he wasn't going anywhere and frankly he was a little tired from the gas but thankfully his massive metabolism was starting to burn through the paralyzing fumes. Not being adept or used to this sort of thing, A'bek was now unsure how to proceed. He supposed that he ought to go and retrieve the box and wait for the police to arrive. It was as he turned to walk towards the stairs that lead up to the walk way that he felt a sudden force hit him and send him flying backwards. It was only because of his natural given strength that he was able to stay stood up, instead he simply slid along the floor on his hooves, bracing himself in an attempt to stop as his hooves slide along the floor.

He came to a shuddered halt as he looked up with a furious look upon his face, A'bek was not usually quick to anger but now he was angry. Of all the intimidating sights in the world, one wouldn't think that a angry Ibex goat was one of them but as A'bek's horns began to glow brighter than usual and a white light enveloped his eyes he became a truly scary sight. However the Minotaur and the Goat were both equally matched in strength although A'bek's strength was in his whole body while the minotaur was more strong in his upper body so he could hit harder. However A'bek had a trick up his sleeve for that. As his horns continued to dully glow, there was a slight shuddering beneath him as it sounded as it the earth was cracking. All of a sudden the concrete beneath their hooves began to shatter as tiny rocks began rising from the ground and rolling up A'bek's legs. The little rocks began piling up on A'bek's horns, increasing their length and how sharp they were, leaving A'bek with a pair of large jagged sharp horns.

Scarping his hoof along the ground like a bull would before a charge, A'bek lunged forward. Now unlike a pony's charge, Goats sort of leap from side to side as they dash forward, it made predicting their movements difficult. As he approached the minotaur he lowered himself down as he ran and thrust his head upward toward the minotaur just as he threw the case. A'bek put all his might into the hit, if it even landed was another question however.

[Ashti Sandburst]

The minotaur stared at the ibex, silent. During Oscar's taunts, the minotaur took time to analyse A'bek, to evaluate what kind of opponent he will face. But he admitted that was the first time he saw such goat. Different from the ones he knew.

The minotaur could look like a brainless brute, bouncer. But it was just an apparence : actually he had a very good culture over many subjects even if was almost hired for his fighting skill. A tradition from his island whose his tribe was totally into combat arts.

But despite he knowledges he never heard of the Ibex and their magic. So, he was somewhat surprised when A'bek used the stone as weapons. Thought his horns, right? So, maybe it's what he should break first... and he knew he have the means to do so.

As a reply to A'bek's power up, the minotaur's bangles started to emit light, and light up the scriptures engraved on it and symbol appeared in his palms. It looked like magic but Ashti, looking to the artifact, was sure that was not magic even if the bangles were granting some king of powers.

The minotaur waited that the goat charged him, did the first move... to ease his task. His whistled at the Ibex's move. He could tell that the hit would hurt but he was accustomed to pain. The minotaur waited to see which part the Ibex was aiming, and just before A'bek's hit touch him, he crossed his arms before the impact, as a protection and take it.

The hit broke his guard and make him to steps back under cuts in a gasp of pain. It was hurting yes, but he was thought enough to not only continue the fight, but also to do his move.

You can use magic...? Bad for you...

Now that the Ibex was close to him, he immediately gripped the hornes of A'bek and tis one could felt something wrong, a kind of current crossing his whole body.
It was not something hurtling, but immediately the stones on his horn collapsed under the confused stare of Ashti.

Ashti wanted to use his clairvoyance but for some reason he was unable to process. However he indeed felt like something was different with A'bek.

And the Ibex would quickly noticing that he was no more able to use magic, at least for now. Forcing him to fight in a normal way while the bangles of the minotaur stopped to work.

Then he gave a kneeblow in the Ibex stomach. Before commentating.

Spellbreaking, kid. Deal with it.

Now it was clear for Ashti, the feeling he had... he didn't know how it works but the artifact the minotaur is wearing is apparently able to block the target's connection with the way allowing using magic, or at least to erase the magic and maybe to absorb it. The Sandlander have no clues : he knew what a spellbreaker is, but never saw one before.

Wanna knows more? Then come now and fight like a real male.

A challenging smile in face, the Minotaur then focused strenght in his arm, about to deal a powerful punch.

[CableZ]

A'bek's pupils went constricted when his blow not only didn't land in the way he had intended, but when the minotaur grabbed his horns he knew he was in trouble. An Ibex horn's were not somewhere they liked to be touched, not only were they a point of pride but it was their magic channeling method. Not only that but A'bek simply didn't like being touched, so that coupled with the inborn phobias meant that A'bek was not in a position he enjoyed. He was about to start fighting out of it but he then noticed some odd things falling from the ceiling, they weren't falling fromt he ceiling however. The stones that had strengthened around his horns were tumbling down around him, what was going on? He tried blasting the minotaur back with an ice blast, but all that happened was a little fizzle.

"Uh oh" A'bek gulped.

It was a moment later than he felt a sharp pain in his stomach as the minotaur drove his kneed up into the Goats belly, the wind was driven out of A'bek's lungs and he began gasping for air. Growling angrily, A'bek wasn't about the let this Minotaur get another hit in. Using his considerable strength, A'bek pulled his head up and moved back onto his back legs. Standing at his full possible height, the goat was huge, taller than the minotaur by a few feet. Speaking of feet, A'bek made the same motion that a horse would do in the same position and began kicking his front legs forward, directly into the Minotaurs face. The Man-bull may have still had a grip on A'bek horn but after 3 swift cloven kicks the face he was force to let go due to the power of the blows. As the minotaur clutched his face and stumbled backward, A'bek fall back down on all fours but was far from done yet. Using his momentum to his advantage, He quickly span on his front hooves and delivered and earth shattering buck straight into the Minotaurs gob!

However thanks to the magic use, the charge attack he had done and the kicks and punches, A'bek had used up a lot of energy very quickly and it hit him kinda hard. His fore legs went weak slightly and he struggled to keep standing properly, lowering himself down he sat partially up, sat on his behind and part of his side he weakly supported himself with his front legs while his back legs were laid upon the floor. He wasn't even sure if he'd put the Minotaur down properly, he was still trying to catch his breath after the muscley bugger had knocked it out of him.

"You'll have to take it from here Ashti...I'm a-" He had to stop to catch his breath, Ashti would have to handle things from here.

[Ashti Sandburst]

Seeing the Ibex struggling for air was something that Oscar appreciated. Not only because it meant that he will not have to fight, but also because of the annoyance A'bek brought in his business. The griffon was struggling between helping the minotaur or fly away with the box, but now that Ashti was paralysed and A'bek' is behind the eight ball it would be easy to ride off of them.

While A'bek was in such situation, Ashti resumed something he have tried since his paralysis but always failed : using his magic. He can't use the secular arcanum right now, and would certainly not have the time. Plus it would not be discreet.

So, as everyone was busy, the Sandlander closed his eyes and focused. Silent, he tried to collect his magical energy even if it was not easy due to not be bale to feel his body, save his head. But as his head is not paralysed, he thought that could still be possible and if he succeed then he could use his horn.

About to deal his hit, grind in face, the minotaur stopped when A'bek rose up on his hindlegs. Oscar find this impressive but he was not really intimidated, like for the minotaur. During their lives they have seen many stuff, but the minotaur, Minos, used to be intimidated after the tribal ritual he has been subject back in his youth.

Now that the Ibex was exposing his body it would be easy to deal low blows and even to gore him immediately after, but the Ibex was a worthy opponent and instead of using such tricks Minos preferred to break the Ibex's horns without low tricks as a sign of dominance and trophy. So, he tightened the horn up with force when A'bek hit him in the face.

Accustomed to pain, the minotaur managed to stand he first blows but despite what he thought he released the horn at last cloven punchs his face received, under the pain.

Hmph !!

He let a grunt of pain which makes him very angry and activated his artefact.

the Spellbreaking artefact have two modes : Dormant and engaged. In dormant the artfifact analyse a target and detect its "magical connection". When the target use magic on the minotaur the artifact automatically activate itself and enter in Engaged mode.
The engaged mode allow the minotaur to do two things : Block the magic from the target or absorb the spell or magic energy and be used as a power up or sent to the sender.

The minotaur can chose to have one hand absorbing while the second blocking. But it became quickly impracticable. The artifact can't be either bore by a magic user because its magic energy would be absorbed by the artifact. With these bangles the minotaur was able to beat magic user while his mucles take care of the others.

However even himself doesn't know how the artifact works, Minos supposes that it block the part of the brain allowing to use magic, although he was not sure. (if, for some readers, it's a bit confusing then : imagine that the target is a laptop and the magic the wifi... the artifact disconnect the laptop from the wifi and therefore block any applications using internet/wifi to work...)

Living in Equestria, a land of magic users, Minos knew that his only force would not be enough there and that he was vulnerable to magic. His people, a traditional tribe, was a warrior and warlike art race. Minos was trained as a warriors since his childhood and could never learn magic. So, with this artifact he found a way to overpowering those magic cheaters.

Anyway, Minos was not fast enough to use the artifact and didn't had the time to dodge the incomming buck. He understood it would be harmful and tried to harden his chest's mucles... in vain. After the last hit he immediately collapsed on the ground, groggy. At the surprise of the griffon which panicked inwardly.

He never expected such situation and thought he should maybe have gang up with the minotaur. But it was not too late : Seeing the Ibex catching his breath Oscar frowned and dived towards A'bek, ready to cut him with his sword-cane.

Like a bird of prey he flew to A'bek with a great speed but before the blade slice the Ibex's neck, something hard slapped Oscar's face very hard, enough to threw the griffon on the floor.

It was the suitcase, levitating next to A'bek's head. With the magic he managed to collect, the Sandlander took the suitcase from the griffon's talon and used it as a fly swat. The hardest part was to purloin the suitcase without that the griffon notice it. In his state it was only what Ashti can do. His body was still paralysed and this effort made him the Ambassador to have a slight headache.

Huff... huff... So, what now... ?

The Ambassador moved the suitcase next of the Ibex before stopping his magic, looking around. The warehouse was fulfilled with knocked out henchmen and Minos as Oscar, at least it was what he thought. Suddenly Minos rose up on his legs, vapour from his nostrils. But instead of rushing to the duo he ran to Oscar and lifted him before taking a ball from his the griffon's saddlebag and threw it on the ground, creating a thick smoke. And when the smoke be dispelled some minute later, the two criminals have vanished.

Koff! Koff! … they have flew? The suitcase!

Ashti looked immediately towards A'bek, but noticed that the suitcase was still lying. And it was the most important, for now.

[CableZ]

A'bek was a little too exhausted to be able to dodge the griffons incoming attack but when the winged thief was quickly struck by his own loot, A'bek had to chuckle softly as the thief hit the floor. Looking up at the case for a moment, he smirked before struggling to his hooves. He was in the process of standing up when the smoke cloud enveloped he and Ashti, he looked around for a moment but he was in no position to give case. Least not to a flying griffon who was easily faster than the large goat, and he was still a little weak. Sighing in annoyance at the fact that they were now stood in an empty warehouse (save for the unconscious guards), they had the suitcase at least but it was still annoying to come this far and to have little to show for it. Stretching out his aching muscles slightly, A'bek turned to his companion with a smile.

"Thank you for the assistance, I do not wish to consider what might have happened had you not stopped that feathery fellow in time." A'bek smiled, giving the sandlander a hefty pat on the back with his large cloven hoof. "We ought to tell to authorities what happened here." A'bek said, looking around the scene that had unfolded moments earlier.

"No need for that scruffy" came a familiar voice from the entrance to the Warehouse.

Turning to see whom it was, A'bek saw at the large open doorway to the warehouse was Detective Spyglass from before. She had a familiar smirk on her face as she chewed on a toothpick in the corner of her mouth, either side of her were around 10 police officiers. She nodded to one of them and in an instant the group of officers began establishing a crime scene, with a few of them setting up tape, others bagging evidence, another pony entered and began taking pictures. It all happened in a flash. Meanwhile, Bugsy walked over to the goat and sandlander, looking around as she did so she let out a impressed whistle as she came to a halt in front of the two. He had to tip her had up a little to see all of A'bek as the large goat was out of her vision with the brim of her hat obscuring it.

"Well ain't you two been busy, are you aware that you two just went hoof to..uh..claw, with an agent of one of the most annoyingly hard to catch antique thieves in Manehatten?" She grinned at the boys' ignorance. "Never mind, I see you got the box back, good. We'll need to hold onto it for evidence and forensics but you'll have it back by tomorrow Mr Ambassador, hope you didn't get too roughed up by all this goat boy" She chuckled, nudging A'bek's side with her elbow as she walked past to eye the direction in which the thieves had fled. "They won't get far, and even if they do it'll be a while before they're active again. They gotta lick their wounds and avoid their bosses, fear makes mistakes so we'll get em" Busgy lowered her hat over her eyes as she smirked coyly, looking forward to when she could slap some cuffs on them. Turning with a grin to face A'bek and Ashti again, seeming quite perky. "Heh, anyway we'll need some statements from the two of you, so if you wanna come with me we can take them down at the station..."

~~

An hour or two later, A'bek and Ashti walked out of the doors of the Manehatten main police station, awash with activity as cops and criminals came in and out. A'bek looked around, feeling an odd sense of freedom from emerging from the police station despite the fact he had done nothing wrong. All that had happened was that the two were asked to give their view on what happened and sign a little document saying they would testify in court if need be. Now they were stood on the side walk with little idea on what to do next. A'bek turned his head to Ashti and chuckled.

"It has been quite a night, is there anything left to do?" He asked curiously, unsure of what happened next. "Should you not contact your loved one and let her know what happened?" the goat raised his fluffy eyebrow, wondering if that would still be the normal protocol.