Huntress of the night

Two days later, midway between Ponyville and Canterlot

Rarity shifts uncomfortably in her seat on the train, staring at the simple letter written in simple blue script

Come

With a poorly restrained shudder she thinks back to the night after the gala, Luna's threats and Sweetie helping her "I need to get that filly an IQ test someday."

A stallion across from her grins "They don't properly measure intelligence, just book smarts; not the application of such knowledge."

Rarity snorts "Twilight lauds their accuracy."

"And she would say the same thing about cutie marks, a thing that you are an exception to. You have a gem cutter's cutie mark, yet you do not do so for a living. For it to be accurate, it might need to be a sequin or something, rather than three quartz crystals."

"I... how do you know all of that? Am I that famous in Canterlot?"

The stallion shakes his head "Nope, I can just read ponies. How I knew it wasn't your occupation is that you lack the toned physique of one who works with their hooves. One who labors over heavy gems and crystals and mines to find even the most semi-precious minerals. And your mane and tail are agonized over instead, something that most gem setting ponies avoid, instead opting for a short mane and tail with the most basic of care applied."

Rarity huffs "Okay, you read right. I'm a seamstress. But you probably knew that already."

"I did, but only because of your sketchbook's reflection off the mirror above you." he replies, grinning.

"Who are you? A PI?"

"No, I'm just observant. My name is Kalt, Grüss Kalt." Grüss bows, smirking.

A foreign name. Oxtarian or Germane I think. "You aren't from around here, are you?"

Grüss grins "You are correct. I'm from Germane, as you can tell from my name."

Rarity nods and looks him over, pale grey coat, dark blonde mane and tail unkempt under a wide-brimmed forester hat, a simple vest and a thermometer in an ice cube for a cutie mark "Judging from your clothes, you're from a colder climate, not the crystal empire but somewhere mountainous. Your cutie mark probably represents a hardy nature, especially in cold. You aren't a pegasus, so that means you don't assist with the weather, which leaves that you are a rescuer for lost mountaineers or a guide. Am I wrong?"

He grins "Close, but no faggot Ms. Rarity. We're almost in Canterlot now so I suppose I'll be seeing you?"

Rarity blinks and notices the approaching station "Well... thank you for the distraction. I hope we meet again Mr. Kalt."

He nods, tipping his hat "My pleasure."

Rarity inhales, steeling her will "You can do this Rarity, Princess Luna is your friend."

The guards stand at attention and offer no resistance to her simply walking through the doors to the castle "Keep up the superb vigil darlings."

Though she couldn't see it, she could tell that both of them were blushing fiercely I can still charm the best of them

Standing in the middle of the hallway is Blueblood "I was hoping that you'd say 'No'... Please reconsider Ms. Belle."

With a snort, Rarity stops, leveling an annoyed gaze at the prince "Why do you care so much about whether or not I accept? Do you want the job yourself?"

Shrinking under her glare for a second, he clears his throat to recompose "Not at all Ms. Belle. I simply don't wish to see an intelligent mare such as yourself use tricks and weapons to maintain peace in Equestria. Nor to see you lose your life in the process. If you die, nopony would know the truth save for Princess Luna and I. I wish to see what you can do, what magnificent ideas will arise from your mind. I'm not coming onto you, if that's what you're thinking."

Rarity scoffs and raises her nose in the air "Why would I care if an insect like yourself likes me?"

Wincing, Blueblood sighs "I... I knew the old Hunter... he was my best friend and was killed in his own home... because of the son of a tyrannical underworld boss. Not in the line of duty, just as he was sitting down to drink his morning coffee. They beat him over the head with a rock and broke every bone in his body, grinding him into the carpet until only ichor and bloody gristle was left. I... he lived alone, had no family, and I was his only friend... You have close friends and family to care for. If they ever find out who you are, they won't care if you're the element of Generosity, a fashion designer whose only fault is that she bears grudges to the death and a line of horrible fall parkas. I don't think that kind of death- ow!"

Rarity growls "I regret ever making those parkas. I burned them far from civilization and buried the designs underneath my basement! Never speak of them again!"

Blueblood rubs his face "You didn't have to hit me for it..."

"I need to do this, otherwise Luna would've used my sister instead. If I die, I'll know that at least my sister will be okay. That's all that matters to me."

Blueblood sighs "There's... no chance of me talking you out of this, is there?"

"No, now lead me to Princess Luna's quarters please."

Pushing heavy, dark blue and black doors open, Rarity waves Blueblood off but he follows, whether out of concern or bravery, Rarity couldn't care less.

Luna's horn glows for a second, several torches lighting in response "Hello Rarity Belle. I am overjoyed to know that you came immediately upon receiving my letter."

Rarity nods "It's rude to keep a lady waiting is it not?"

Luna grins "I made it clear that I am not a lady. But you are correct, it is rude to keep your employer waiting, especially on the follow-up interview."

Rarity nods and looks around the room "This is your room?"

Luna nods "Yes. Bare minimum, dimmed, cool, and moist air. I like to think of it as a reflection of functional beauty, rather than superficial. No offence meant."

Rarity flicks her mane "None taken. Now, why did you want to see me?"

"I desire to ascertain your levels of fitness in order to create a regiment to assist in you reaching beyond your potential. First off is Physical combat. Blue Blood, go retrieve Midnight Rose if you will."

Blueblood shivers "Her? She's always smelling me and trying to bite my neck..."

Luna rolls her eyes "You will survive without a pint or two of blood."

Grumbling, Blueblood exits the room.

"Why do you need this 'Midnight Rose?' Is she a trainer or something?"

Luna shakes her head "No, she's a guerilla warfare specialist and has similar weight and height."

"Get off of me!!!!" Blueblood yells, charging through the doors followed by a dark magenta blur which tackles him to the ground.

"I just want to see if you live up to your namesake!" the now stationary blur says before being yanked off Blueblood by Luna's magic.

Rarity helps Blueblood up and appraises the levitating pony. Dark magenta coat with a lighter shade mane and tail, both which are obviously cut without care. Bat pony, dark lavender irises and a thorned black rose for a cutie mark. No obvious muscles like that of Applejack so she must either use retaliatory tactics or uses the opponent's power against them. Slim for a mare and with the magenta scale colors doesn't leave a lot for accentuating... maybe a light violet? Hmmmm...

Luna rolls her eyes "I had so much hope that you had taken to analysis but then you go and think of fashion..."

"How did you- right, reading my mind..."

"Soooo... why do you need me Luna? It isn't night time yet." Midnight asks, cocking her head

"I require you to do a complete physical endurance examination of Rarity Belle's abilities."

Midnight salutes and Luna disperses the field around her "Okay Rarity, I'm going to spar with you, okay?"

Rarity nods and rears onto her hind legs in a fighting stance "I'm ready."

Midnight grins and does the same "Okay, ready?"

Rarity nods and suddenly Midnight disappears "Wh-where'd she- oof!"

Midnight reappears on top of Rarity "Never take your eyes of your opponent, even to nod. Keep your eyes on their hooves, not their eyes or legs, they can distract you."

Rarity nod and stands back up "Princess Luna, could I borrow a mane tie?"

"I have one." Blueblood says, gently putting Rarity's mane in a pony tail "Does that work for you Ms. Rarity?"

Rarity nods and resumes her fighting stance "Thank you Blueblood"

Midnight disappears again but this time Rarity dodges a jab aimed at her chest, Midnight reappearing for a second before jumping back to where she originally stood, a grin on her lips "Nice dodge! You learn fast."

Luna nods "Yes, I assumed that Midnight would have knocked you down several times before you'd get the hang of dodging... how did you do it?"

"I used my ears. Your fangs whistle ever so slightly when you move, darling."

Midnight blinks and licks her fangs "Really? You're hearing must better than mi- ow!"

Rarity grins, standing in triumph over Midnight "Never take your eyes off your opponent dear."

Midnight chuckles "You got me there Rarity. That wasn't exactly fair, but you got me all the same."

Rarity grins "A lady plays fair only in sport, in domestic life, she is a silent fighter jabbing another lady's weaknesses like a surgeon."

Midnight stands up again "I never saw the point in being a lady. Though I was raised with 5 brothers so..."

Rarity nods and the sparring continues, Blueblood hissing in pain every time one of them lands a hit.

Luna rolls her eyes and motions for Blueblood to sit with her "Why are you being such a coward Blue? You would cheer on her predecessor with much gusto. Is it because of your connection?"

Blueblood grits his teeth "What do you think?"

Sighing, Luna observes the fighting with vague interest, plans forming in her mind.