In the Footsteps of a Giant

Princess Celestia stood on the balcony of her private suite at the top of Hurricane tower. The view offered by the vantage point was unparalleled, even Ponyville could be seen in the distance. She heard the curtains shift as her sister passed through them, walking slowly to stand by her side.

"How do you fare, sister?"

"I've been better, Luna, but I'm doing okay."

"Have you summoned him back to Canterlot?"

"Yes, he will be arriving by train, tonight."

"So the deed will be done tonight, then?"

"No... there is another. They already care for each other, he may yet bond with her."

"You recall what occurred last time, sister."

"I do, but this is different. Besides, worst comes to worst I can do it the hard way."

"Hmph, you always make things so complicated."

"The least I can do is try and give him a happy life."

"I suppose..."

In the distance, a whistle blew, signaling the arrival of the Canterlot-Ponyville express. A white unicorn mare drew a few stares as she disembarked with a sleeping baby dragon on her back. A porter struggling with several large cases tried his best to keep up with her.

Rarity happily hummed to herself as she bustled about her new shop. Right on Rodeo drive. Not two blocks away from Hoity-Toity's own boutique. It was like a dream come true! Well, the cost was too high... far too high. She would gladly have given it all up and more to have Twilight back. That wasn't going to happen, though, and she knew her friend would want her to carry on. Switching to a more melancholy tune, Rarity continued setting up her mannequins in the display window with only slightly less enthusiasm.

Spike had been moping about all morning. Growing impatient with the dragon, the white mare ordered him to fetch the rest of the luggage from the train station. He seemed to perk up at the order, and enthusiastically took off. She noticed his change in attitude when he had a task to do, and a mental list was slowly growing as she thought of new chores that needed doing. Her thoughts were disrupted as the door to her shop slammed open and a grey stallion pranced in.

"Let's get this over with!" He moaned in a reluctant tone.

"Get what over- Oh! Mr. Toity! To what do I owe the pleasure?" Rarity recovered from the interruption quickly.

"Rarity? Oh how wonderful! You've finally decided to set up shop in Canterlot! I thought I'd be dealing with some two-bit hack when Celestia ordered me to include a minimum of three designs in my line from some new dressmaker down the street. And please dear, call me Hoity."

"Y-you remember me? I- I'm on a first name basis with the best designer in Equestria?" She pulled her red couch near, in case she decided to faint.

"Of course I remember you! I first noticed your designs three years ago at The Gala, a few dresses caught my eye that I had never seen before. The next year even more ponies were wearing your designs, and of course you made quite the impression last year."

"Oh, yes... heh heh, sorry about that."

"Oh, I wasn't referring to the chaos that erupted, I was talking about the dresses. Not only were several ponies wearing your other designs, but you created an entire line just for your friends! That kind of creativity is hard to forget, my dear."

"Well, thank you ever so much... Hoity. (eeeeee!) Oh, you've just made my day! But I'm afraid you're probably the only one who would be interested in my designs. I would be eternally grateful if you would include a few in your line this year."

"Rarity, I would love to include your designs in my fall line, I have yet to see a failure among any of your works... the obvious excluded, of course. As far as generating interest goes, I doubt you'll have a problem with that! First you spend the evening of The Gala with Prince Blueblood, then reject him. That alone made your name common among the nobility. Not three months later you catch the eye of Fancy Pants, take charge of the Canterlot social scene, then suddenly disappear! You, my dear, are a mare of mystery. That makes you interesting, and being interesting will do more to sell your dresses than I ever could."

"Do you really think so? I didn't think I had made such a splash! Oh, where do I start?"

"Well, to be perfectly honest, I had come over to demand that these designs be used, instead of whatever you had." Hoity pulled out a folder with a few pages of dress designs within. "But that was before I knew who I was dealing with. Since I brought them, would you mind taking a look? It's so hard to get an outside opinion that's worth anything."

"Oh, I'd be delighted, darling! Let's see what you've got."

Hoity spread the designs onto a table, and the pair began to go over them one by one. There were three designs in all, the images capturing close-ups of finer details and sketches of the dresses from every conceivable angle. Deferring to her superior's experience, Rarity tried to focus on only making small changes, a hem here instead of a cuff, less lace, slightly longer skirt. When they were done Hoity beamed in appreciation.

"My word, Rarity, you've taken my fall line and made it even more stunning!"

"Your whole fall line is only three dresses?"

"Of course, dear! Anypony who want's to wear me has to have refined taste or mountains of bits... preferably both."

"I don't understand, I thought you liked making dresses."

"I love making dresses, but I have to cater to my clientele. Two types of ponies come in to my boutique. The first are the Canterlot elite, whom come by frequently for the multitude of events they must have a new, custom dress for. They never order anything from my main line anyway, and since my a la carte dresses are anything but cheap, it's become sort of a contest for them to see who can make the most expensive Hoity custom. The second are regular ponies looking for a stunning, beautiful dress for only the most special of occasions, like weddings. By limiting my line to only three styles, I can make more of each, more cheaply. That makes them more accessible to normal ponies."

"I see, I never really thought about that. Ponyville is so small, I was able to keep up with demand even though each dress was unique."

"Ah, but now you've given me an idea. I've already started production on the three dresses I've shown you today, but the changes you made to each design are small and rather easy to accomplish in house. If you'll allow me to market your ideas as a collaboration of sorts -a Rarity customized Hoity dress, if you will- I think you can really make a name for yourself in every echelon of Canterlot!"

"So my designs would be a step up above your base line, but still affordable?"

"Exactly, my dear! And once again we would add to your mystique. Who is this 'Rarity' who can improve on Hoity's own designs?"

"But then wouldn't your customers start to ask questions? They'll come looking for me. I would be taking business away from your boutique!"

A look that was both nonchalant and predatory crossed the grey stallion's face. "Think nothing of it, my dear. I wouldn't be a very good designer if I couldn't survive a little competition."

Tim stepped out and the crowd erupted in cheers. He looked around the arena at the eleven other gladiators he was to face. The titan still had trouble referring to himself as a 'gladiator', it was just too surreal. He had only recently come to understand the word the diamond dogs used for the term. His new armor gleamed in the midday sun, the bright metal reflected the light a thousand different ways. It would have been impressive if it didn't end at his waist, instead it looked like he was going into battle wearing only shiny pants. He noticed his opponents were armored, as well, but in full body suits. Then the glint of weaponry caught his eye, each dog had either a sword and shield or a spear. Tim looked down at his wood club... this was bull! Why didn't they give him a real weapon? The titan didn't relish the thought of killing, but if he was going to go head to crotch with swords and spears, he was willing to try.

At the other end of the arena, Bone Crusher's mind was racing. If he -heck if any of them- were going to survive, they would have to work together to take the Titan down. The problem with that idea was that the thing was the Emperor's new toy, if they accidentally killed it... On the other paw, the Titan hadn't actually killed anydoggy yet. Sure, he smashed in Juggernaut's face, but he survived. Maybe the thing would take it easy and only knock everydoggy out, but for that to work, he'd have to convince them all to avoid hurting the Titan. An ear-splitting roar shattered Bone's thoughts, ah the best laid plans of dogs and ponies.

The other ten gladiators had decided to take the first option, rushing in to take on the Titan as one. A lucky spear had scored the flesh of the monster's hide and blood was spilling out. The not so lucky spear wielder was on the ground, his chest plate caved in to such an extent that there was no doubt of his condition. The other nine kept their distance, circling the Titan as he stood, holding his hand to the wound. As they tried to flank him, he suddenly jumped with a burst of speed to one side, swinging the club in a low arc. One of the gladiators saw the move coming and jumped away in time to receive only two broken legs, the other two in the club's path were not so lucky. One was caught by surprise, taking the club in her ribs, crushing her ribcage and puncturing her lungs. The other saw the threat at the last second and turned away, his back took the blow, crushing the spine.

The remainder saw the Titan leave an opening, and two gladiators rushed in to attack. Tim could feel the blows glance off his armor as he sprinted away. The attackers gaped in amazement as the monster made his way across the arena with blinding speed. Sure, some dogs could run faster, but still. How could something that big move that fast? At the halfway point, Tim turned to face three pursuers, one of which slid to a stop just out of reach. The Titan pulled back and kicked a spear wielder as the dog tried to stab his leg. The spear dog went flying as the other moved in, swinging her sword uselessly against an armored knee joint. The hapless swordsdam brought her shield up as Tim brought his club down, breaking shield, shoulder and arm.

Bone Crusher watched incredulously as the carnage unfolded before him. How were they supposed to win against something like that? It was bigger, stronger and just as fast as any of the best gladiators in the arena. True, the thing had it's back turned to him at the moment, and he could jump up and cling to the armor to get a stab at it's kidney. Even if the plan worked, Bone had no doubt in his mind the Emperor would not be pleased, and nodoggy displeased the Emperor for long. Still, he had to try something. He rushed up to the Titan and whacked the back of it's leg armor with his shield. Without pausing to see the result, he jumped away, rolled and ran until he heard the monster roar once more.

The third pursuer had seen Bone's intended sneak attack, and prepared to strike when the Titan was distracted by the fool. Sure enough, the beast turned when it felt the assault and tried to retaliate. The dog took his chance and threw his spear with all his might. The weapon sailed gracefully through the air before lodging itself in the shoulder of the Titan with a meaty thunk. Loosing a primal scream of pain, Tim turned on his assailant and bore down on him. The adrenalin quickly made the pain from the wound disappear. The Titan, using his left hand now, brought down the club with all his might as the dog desperately tried to escape. The result was a bloody, chunky smear on the ground where the dog's head used to be, his armor deformed to a point beyond recognition.

Bone felt the ground itself pulse as the club struck the earth, if it hadn't been a roughly carved tree, it would have broken at the impact. He watched in abject horror as the Titan slowly righted itself. The look on it's face was no longer one of uncertainty, determination and a little fear, there was only rage now... a wild, uncontrolled rage. The veteran gladiator felt little relief when the Titan turned on the other three dogs and charged. Blood ran down his back, covering his leg armor with a red sheen, the wound on his front near the ribs was torn anew at the exertion, adding to the grim dye. The three scattered before the onrush of vengeance incarnate, trying desperately to extend their lives by seconds.

Tim quickly caught up to one of the dogs, another spear wielder. He swung the club in a low arc, knocking the gladiator off his feet, as he hit the ground, his leg snapped and bent at an unnatural angle. The titan stopped and raised his club, despite the dog now being out of the fight, Tim brought his club down onto it's head, killing it. In his rage, he only knew the dog would never hurt him again, and that there were three more that could. Looking around, he saw two running to the far wall, and one just standing there, watching him. Focusing on movement, the Titan raced after his fleeing prey, catching them at the far end of the arena. With their backs to the wall, the two remaining dogs had one choice of escape, as one they tried to run in opposite directions. Tim caught the one on the left with the tip of his club, sending him rolling on the ground into the other, tripping him up. As the two tried to disentangle, the giant raised his foot and with his face twisted in anger, stomped on the pair until they stopped moving.

With the grisly deed done, Bone Crusher watched, as if a spectator, as the Titan turned to him. Walking slowly now, the beast's breath came fast and ragged. He dragged his club on the ground, wincing at the pain in his shoulder, yet his eyes still burned with a fierce hatred. Bone knew when the game was up, the Titan was tired, but he was far from done. There would be no escaping the thing. He may be able to kill it, with a suicidal attack, but that would just put his family on the Emperor's shit list. His only option was to die with dignity... or was it?

With a nod of determination, Bone Crusher knew what he had to do. He raised his sword and shield, then forcefully threw them to the ground. He then valiantly lay on his back with his paws in the air and let out a piteous whine.

The faintest of hopes was born when he saw confusion begin to creep into the Titan's rage.