Huntress of the night

Rarity yawned to herself, waiting for Luna to appear "She said be in the southern corridors at midnight on the dot, and I've been here for ages. Where is she?"

"... So you're the newest Huntress? I should've guessed." someone says from behind Rarity.

She turns and standing in the hallway is a thin palomino unicorn mare, her horn radiating dandelion magic "Hello Rarity. For the following few hours, you are my student in tactical magics and unlocking your magical potential. From now on, you will refer to me as 'Miss', and that title alone. Unlike Luna's application-learning style, you will learn and then be tested after each lesson until you get it right."

"Miss, I have a question." Rarity says, wiping away her tiredness "What would these lessons be in aside from allowing me to access outside magic?"

Moon Dancer adjusts her glasses "At the very base of this, I'm going to teach you how to recognize and utilize elemental magics, such as wind, earth, fire, et cetera. As well as turn your opponent's magic against them by reversal and counteracting. Basically, I am the foremost living authority on combat magic and Luna, while very well-practiced, is not prone to utilizing magic as a tool, but as a secondary skill, as you may already have noticed. Midnight Rose will still be your partner, but she is currently already passed this point in her combat education." she sighs "Tell me, would you consider me, as I am, a threat to yourself in combat?"

Rarity looks Moon Dancer over Thin frame congruent with unicorn lifestyle with less than 10% body fat. Disheveled mane and tail, most likely from poor hygiene considering vibrancy of colors, thick glasses though they are more than likely aesthetic than anything. Overall, bookish, bordering on hermit. Considerable magical ability as a result? "Without magic, no. With magic, you might easily best me."

Moon Dancer's eyes widen and she claps in surprise "Wow, you are a quick study. You're right, I'm not a physical fighter, I'm a magi supreme. Like Twilight, I went to the school for gifted unicorns and focused on magical theory and application, whereas Twilight focused on history." she wipes her glasses on her coat "And yes, you could easily overwhelm me in close combat. But that isn't what I'm going to teach you. Luna said that you utilized Midnight's Thestral magic to levitate yourself and her through the castle while under the effects of Luna's gravity spell. Obviously you know that the horn isn't the sole magical output for Unicorns."

rarity nods "Yes, Pegasi and Thestrals focus magic out through their wings to fly and maneuver through the air, and Earth ponies have their whole body. Anypony can see that."

Moon Dancer nods "You'd be wrong. But nobility aside; Earth ponies are the best at utilizing natural magic because of their richer history and traditions." she smiles and extends a hoof "Observe."

A ball of light forms in Moon Dancer's hoof "This is basic magic, telekinesis, levitation, teleportation, basic non-elemental. Now..." the ball goes from dandelion to white-yellow "This is light magic, illumination and the like. Try it."

Rarity nods and exhales, clearing her mind "Illumination... Rhinestone cut." a ball of white light forms in her hoof "Easy as making a bouquet."

"'Rhinestone cut'? What's that mean?"

"Hm? I have associative memory I suppose. I remembered making a large number of cuts in a dress a few months ago, and a power outage would've set me back a long while if Twilight hadn't taught me an illumination spell." Rarity replies "Is that bad?"

"Not at all. I usually just cast through magical memory, but to each their own style. Now, shift the magic from light to wind or fire."

"... Shift?"

Moondancer pauses "Shift its nature from light to another type. It's easy."

Rarity rolls her eyes "Easy for you, because you're a scholar. Difficult because I'm a seamstress. But I shan't back down from a challenge."

The ball glows brighter and starts to pulse and spin "Fire... 'Fire is the spark of life each soul is made of, and thus changes while constant' that's Hay Cart, yes?"

"Clover the Clever, but doesn't matter." Moondancer corrects.

Rarity grins and the heat in the hall jumps a few degrees, the ball of light radiating heat "So... do you want me to turn it into wind or something?"

Moon Dancer grins "No. Now you run." The mare's forehooves erupt into flames "And hope you don't get burnt in the process."

Rarity blinks slowly and tosses the ball of fire at Moon Dancer's forehead, stunning the mare and dispelling the magic "Or I can just knock you down with magic."

Moon Dancer looks up and rubs her head "Okay, I didn't think you'd actually attack me... impressive. Now, think fast."

Moon Dancer disappears and Rarity pricks her ears, listening She said that she can't fight without magic for that long, so she should be light on her hooves, reserving her energy for mag- there! Rarity blasts a shadowy corner, but all that she hit was the wall itself "What? But she was just- ungh!" Somepony kicks her in the side and a flash of dandelion magic announces whom attacked her.

Rarity summons shields to her blind spots and listens to the air, trying to pinpoint the palomino mare How is- there! she looses a volley of blasts to her side, but they miss and sail into the wall.

A kick shatters her shields, followed by another kick to her side, launching her into the wall. "You're fast, no doubt about it, but you've got a lot to learn about spell casting." Moon Dancer says, reappearing in front of Rarity.

Rarity grins and she swipes at Moon Dancer, missing "What was that supposed to- AUGH!" a ball of fire sails into Moon Dancer's side, launching her several feet down the hall "What was that?!"

Rarity cocks her head and raises her hoof, flicking it again and something glints in the moonlight "A yoyo. I found it whilst waiting for you. I just put a little fire on it and you know the rest."

Moon Dancer gasps in surprise "You didn't light your horn of use any dweomers! I would've seen you cast the spell!"

Rarity giggles "I didn't cast a spell recently. I casted it after your first attack. I was considered the fasted at casting simple spells at college. Helped... persuade some stallions to think with their upper heads. Now, how did you move so fast?"

"An answer for an answer, fair enough. I partially teleported in between two points in space. It's much less draining than a full teleport, but much harder and subtle. Only works on one target though."

"Interesting. What else is on the itinerary?"

The palomino mare grins wickedly "Next we try explosive magic."

Rarity groans, her whole body rigid and sore "Spike~ Spikey-wikey... help me..."

The door to her room opens and Rainbow walks in, a toothbrush in her hoof "What's the sitch?"

Rarity sighs "I had gone to a chiropractor for some work, and I think he was drunk or half-asleep. Could you be a dear and get Spike to give me a massage?"

"Oh, I'll tell him alright... Spike! Your pet Mare wants a good rub down! Brink your hot tube of oil!!"

Rarity groans "Why am I friends with you?"

"Because awesome."

"That's not even proper grammar!"

Rainbow shrugs and leaves, brushing her teeth. Spike steps inside and sits next to Rarity "So... whole body massage or..."

Rarity rolls her eyes "Whole body. And don't be afraid to work out some knots, I'm not fragile."

Spike shrugs and blows on his hands, producing a large bag from Rarity's closet "A relaxing bath is recommended M'lady." he wraps his tail around her barrel and walks towards the large bathroom within the castle.

Rarity slowly dips into the filled tub of water, and quirks an eyebrow at the temperature "It's room temp."

Spike grins and lifts her out and points to a pile of logs underneath the bath "I shall now use my fire to make it the perfect temperature for you. Just tell when it's hot enough."

Rarity blushes and the water slowly rises in temperature "Spike? You're going to make me a very helpless pony at the rate you keep doting on me."

"It's my pleasure, that and I don't have anything else to do for the next few hours. Moon Dancer took Twilight out to the museum to look at fossils or something."

Sounds like the workaholics we know and love... She hums to herself in pleasure "Perfect darling... perfect..."

Spike smiles and sets out a towel and a bathrobe "Call me when you're ready."

Rarity titters to herself, hiding her crimson face "Dear stars above he is perfect! Ugh, it makes me feel so... evil to use him.

"It ain't that bad. You've got your looks and he likes your personality."

"..." A vein in rarity's forehead throbs and she levitates the towel, twisting it into a rat tail "Midnight Rose... why are you in my bath?"

"Huh? I'm here to relax too." the magenta Thestral replies, stretching her sinewy wings "You wouldn't believe the work Luna made me go through last night."

Rarity pauses and lowers the towel "Oh? What happened?"

Midnight groans, rubbing the base of her wings "Wing-ups for two hours straight. You know what those are, right?"

"It's like a push-up, but you use wings instead of your forelegs?"

"Exactly. Pegasi have more stretching and lifting muscles, Thestrals like me have thinner bones and muscles in our wings. And we can't regulate heat there very well because... you know, skin instead of feathers. Then she had me practice a training gauntlet with my ears pinned down! I can't do squat without my ears! My eyes aren't good in the bright lights she had on!"

Rarity nods, rubbing her shoulders "I can relate, Moon Dancer taught me things rapid-fire and she's obviously smart, no denying that. But she kept firing spells like a... what do you call those big barrel-like guns Griffons use? The ones in the north that-"

"Machine guns. Yeah, I had to train with her last month. She gets her message across, but sometimes she... you know."

"Gets as excited as Pinkie Pie?"

"Exactly. She's got even the current captain of the guards scared, and he's Twilight's brother! You'd think he's be used to mares with more magic than they know what to do with!"

Rarity nods "Preach sister, preach!"

Midnight guffaws "Ah goddess I needed this. So, you don't have to answer this but-"

"Just one dear." Rarity replies, sinking into the water.

"... Huh, my cousin lied. Dang. What about that thingy-"

"Cloaca, and yes, that's there too."

Midnight shrugs "Cool. So, how far did she get with you? She start on 'Phasing' yet?"

Rarity groans, rubbing her horn "Yes! I nearly broke my horn in half before she called it a night! And that was after she pulled off Germane supplexes!"

Midnight winces, sinking deeper and sighing "Sounds about right. Yeesh, Luna is a strict teacher, but Moon Dancer? That mare is crazy."

A knock on the door silences their revelry "Rarity? Are you finished yet? If you stay in their too long the water will leech all your body's oils!"

Midnight shrugs and hops out of the tub and opens a window above the bath "You heard him. Just remember, you aren't alone in this."

Rarity leaves the bath, drying with the towel "I'm just dry off now, Darling!"

Spike rubs his hands together and spits some oil from his mouth "... Okay, that was less disgusting in my head..."

"What was that?" Rarity asks, delighting in the warm oils.

"Nothing. I was just muttering about some comic characters I like."

Rarity quirks an eyebrow "Oh? Care to explain it to me? I may not be an avid reader, but Sweetie's friends enjoy the printed adventures of heroes and heroines."

Spike grins "Well, the most popular characters are 'The Power Ponies'. Though very commonly read, I prefer the more indie scenes. 'Chronomalies', 'Elemental heroes', 'D.D.', and 'Genex' are the ones off the top of my head. But 'The Power Ponies' are a lot like you and the girls. They even have a... less than useful sidekick... like me."

Rarity whips her head around "Two things. One, you are very important to us. And two, massagie now."

Spike nods "Well, there's the leader 'Masked Matterhorn', who is a lot like Twilight and is a master magician. Then there's Zapp, the 'Self-proclaimed' queen of the storm. Mistress Marevelous, super strength and immunity to magic and an unbreakable lasso. Filli-second, living energy and speedster, like Pinkie Pie. Saddle Rager, demure so long as an animal isn't in danger, then becomes a living juggernaut covered in spikes. Then there's Radiance, who reminds me of you."

"Mmhm... what's her pow- oh that's nice..." Rarity coos, biting her lips as Spike massages her neck.

"She can manipulate anything reflective from mirrors to gems to glass, or even puddles. If it can hold an image or reflect light, she can use it to blast her enemies. Like if you fired a bit of magic into a mirror angled towards a burglar, you could stun them without turning a corner."

That sounds like... something I could do... maybe comics aren't as... silly as I thought. Spike likes them, so I should try it... it's only fair.

Fluttershy sat in the Canterlot garden, sharing lunch with Green Sleeves, the gardener "Thank you so much Fluttershy."

"Oh it's no problem Green, I enjoy your company."

Green turns to her "I'm a married stallion Fluttershy."

Fluttershy reddens "I know, I mean, I enjoy spending time with- I mean... you were kidding, weren't you?"

Green nods "Sorry, Fresh says I joke too often. Whelp, I have to go stop my daughter from wandering around the castle."

Fluttershy's ears twitch in excitement "Oh? Tree Hugger's here?"

"Yup, she's here to see about the wilting Persimmons. I think you two'd get along. Come on, she should be at the gate talking to a rosebush."

Fluttershy nods but cocks her head Talking to a rosebush? I suppose that makes sense if she's a botanist... I think.

"Thanks for coming to the museum with me Sparky."

"Stop calling me that. I'm not a dog." Twilight sighs, munching on a pretzel.

Moon Dancer grins "I could turn you into a dog. Transmutation isn't that hard."

Twilight rolls her eyes "And illegal without the target's consent."

Moon Dancer shrugs "Semantics. Anyways, about your friend Rarity... what is her deepest desire?"

Twilight pauses "Where'd that come from?"

"She just strikes me as a bit superficial. She carries herself like she's a noble heiress, but she makes clothes in a town full of ponies who rarely wear clothing. It's just a bit counter-intuitive, especially if she's an entrepreneur. So what's the end of which she has gone through such strange means?"

Twilight pauses "That sounds like you want to know what drives her. Why would you want to know that?"

Moon Dancer turns to Twilight "I can either lie to you, or tell you the truth. Tell me which you want to hear, and it'll be up to you to decide whether or not I'm lying."

Twilight glares at he friend "Tell me the truth."

Moon Dancer nods "I want to know so that I can better motivate somepony whom I've been charged with teaching arcane combat. If I can know what she desires most, I can dangle it in front of her, just out of her reach to make her keep moving forward."

Twilight sighs "You don't need to lie, Moon Dancer, but I'm afraid I can't tell you."

She shrugs "Okay, just thought I'd ask you first before I go the unethical route."

"'Unethical'? What do you mean?"

"I mean using mind control and getting her to tell me herself, for example."

Twilight grits he teeth and unconsciously charges her horn "I won't let you."

Moon Dancer frowns slightly "I'm afraid that you couldn't even if you used the power of the element of magic. I'm simply a better magi than you. It's not that I have better breeding or anything, I just have more knowledge, skill, and understanding of magic. You are a scholar and I'm a mage, while often synonymous they are nonetheless different types of magi. You work best in the classroom or a library, I work better in silent contemplation in the middle of a battlefield, tearing out the spines of any enemy that comes close and disintegrating weapons. It's not that I'm better, I just have several advantages that you cannot easily overcome."

Twilight grits her teeth "You can't know that. And besides, why would you train to fight?!"

"Because unlike you, I have a reason to fight. I was chosen to be a killer, you were chosen to be a hero. I just lack empathy, mercy, morality, no concept of the value of life, I killed my parents by accident when I was a filly and I have nothing better to do." she smiles weakly "You have what I lack, but a very unstable world view. That's why you're going to be immortalized in history, and I'm just going to fade away, knowing the secrets of the kingdom until I'm killed and replaced. It's my life, and I enjoy it to a degree."

"How can you enjoy killing?" Twilight asks, lowering her voice as a result of several ponies staring.

"... Well besides the rush of adrenaline and endorphins after overcoming an enemy, I enjoy it because I know that by doing so, I become better. And when I'm the best, it'll be time for me to disappear and be replaced by a brand new assassin." Which turns out to be all too soon. Moon Dancer thinks to herself.

Twilight shudders "Who... who do you work for?"

Moon Dancer sighs "I thought you were smart, you already know. I work for the crown. And besides, in a month I'll be erased. That's what was in my letters. I kept trying to tell you that I was going to be terminated. You never read them, so my message has to be said now, after discovering the answer to a question I've had since I began; 'Do I have a heart?'"

Twilight holds out a hoof "Why are you telling me all of this?"

"Because you were my last chance at escaping the dangerous life I live. Even now, I'm resigned to my fate. I've finished my bucket list of one item: 'Spend a whole day with a true, true friend.'" she sighs and walks around Twilight "Now that that's done, I have my answer to the question of whether or not I have a heart."

Twilight stops her "And the answer?"

"... I don't. I saw this whole outing as tedious and boring. I no longer have any desire to do anything except teach my replacement and be erased from memory and record. I will have never existed." Moondancer answers flatly before teleporting away, leaving Twilight dazed "I... what am I doing here?"

Moon Dancer lands in her house, and sighs, wiping her eyes "I... I don't have a heart, this tightness is from my... synthetic organ... nothing more... not heartbreak... just need... painkillers..." she shuffles to a box filled with several different colored bottles, and tears the top off one, swallowing two pills "Ugh... just need to make it through the month..."

She shuffles to her sparse room and flops onto the flattened futon "At least I said it... and erased her memories. I should feel relieved, but I can't stop shaking... must be a vitamin deficiency or something." Not heartache, that's psychosomatic and I have complete control over my emotions and pain centers. Just need some rest and a multi-vitamin... and I'll be adequately prepared for the train ride to Ponyville.

Rarity closes he bags and levitates them into the baggage compartment of the Train "Has anypony seen Twili-"

Twilight appears in a flash of light "Girls! I'm so sorry! I lost track of time and-"

"It's all right Darling, the train doesn't leave for another five minutes. Settle down."

Twilight sighs "I don't even know how I got to the middle of the other side of town. I was talking to... to..." she pauses "Huh, I can't remember."

Rarity smiles "Well I'm sure it'll come to you."

Twilight nods "Yeah..." But... I can't help but feel it was important... very important...

Rarity unlocks the Boutique and starts unpacking "What a week..."

"I know, can you believe that we got banned from the trains?" Sweetie Belle asks, reading a comic book.

"... How long have you been alone in the house?!" Rarity gasps, picking up her sister.

"About three hours. Why?"

Rarity blinks "Right, you were with mother and Father... where are they, by the way?"

"Looking for Spike. I told them you two are dating now."

"H-how did-" Rarity stutters out, blushing bright red.

"Princess Luna's my pen pal." Sweetie answers, dangling by her forehooves "You may be able to catch them before they get to the library."

Rarity's eye twitches "I'm going to get you for this... but not now!"

She drops Sweetie and gallops out of the boutique, hoping that her parents hadn't met Spike yet. They must never meet! They aren't normal!!

But her worst fears were confirmed.

"-An' I told her not ta mess wit' my briskets an' don'cha know it? She goes an' does it again!" her mother says, and Rarity's stomach drops.

"But enough about Tapioca, tell me, how did you meet my darling lil' Rarity?"

Twilight giggles "I keep telling you that I'm-"

"No need to be shy lil' miss. Knew from the day she got her cutie mark she ain't a straight kickin' wing pony." her father says, bellowing in his thin Trottney accent.

"But you see mister-"

"Just call me 'Magnum', now back to my wife's question, 'ow did you meet Rarity?"

Rarity enters and ducks, avoiding the tackle her father always attempted whenever she entered a room. Some dads always know when their children are entering a room. It's uncanny.

She walks away from her father who laughs "Quicker this time little Gem!"

Rarity rolls her eyes and looks around the library for her mother's trademark beehive hairdo "Ah, Mother! Please allow Twilight to get a word in edgewise."

Pearl Belle rolls her eyes "Fine, but this one ain't nothin' but skin an' bones! She needs a good home cooked meal if she's gonna be the birther in th' herd ya makin'!"

Rarity blushes "I am not making a herd. Twilight is just a dear friend, and I am straight."

Pearl cocks her head "But she's the only one in th' library dear."

"What about-" Rarity pauses "My 'Sister' senses are telling me Sweetie's coming through the door... now!"

The door slams open, a purple blur rolls into the Library and swerves to a stop "I'm telling you tacky-dressed muscle head, I LIVE here!"

Magnum grins, his horn glowing and hooves pinning Spike's down "Dragons don't live in Equestria, ya lyin' snake!"

"Hey! If anything, I'm related to a Gila or a Komodo! Not a- Ah-choo!" Spike sneezes, spitting green flames.

Magnum rolls off Spike and points his horn at Spike "Nice try ya git!"

Spike rubs his nose and looks for what made him sneeze "Oh, hello Rarity. You know this rough stallion?"

Rarity smiles weakly, and nods "Yes... he's my father."

Spike blinks "So... you mind calling him off? I'm not sure how to fight at my size."

Rarity nods and kisses him "Father, Mother, This is Spike. He is the love of my life. And a dragon, but that doesn't matter."

Spike rests his chin on Rarity's head, careful not to ruin her coiffure "... And so that brings us up to speed on what's happened."

Pearl whistles "An' here we thought she was strange, she's just got an odd taste in stallions."

Rarity blushes and moves to say something but Spike wraps her in a hug, silencing her "It'll be okay Rarity."

Rarity pouts but melts from the warmth Spike radiated Why must you be so warm and firm? It's not fair...

Twilight smiles awkwardly "It is a bit odd to see a pony in love with a dragon... but I can verify most of what Rarity said. Spike is a gentledrake-"

Pearl chuckles "That ain't what I meant Twilight, I meant that it's just interestin' ta see. Always thought that she'd marry a snob or something, ain't that right Magnum?"

He rubs the back of his neck nervously "Yeah, sorry about tacklin' ya Spike."

Spike shrugs "Wouldn't be the first time, and definitely won't be the last. Though... Ms. Belle?"

"Please, call me Pearl."

"Pearl... you didn't happen to be an ambassador in Canterlot a few years ago?"

She blinks and nods "Sure was! Best in Zebrican relations don'cha know. How'd you know that? I ain't shaken hooves with any diplomats in a good... How long do you guess Magnum?"

"About a decade."

"Yes, a good ten years. You can't be more than fifteen accordin' to ya story."

Spike smiles "I saw a picture of you with a chief in Celestia's bedroom growing up, always thought that the mare in the picture must've hidden some type of state secrets in that mane of hers."

Rarity snorts "Trust me Darling, she only keeps photos, pens, and inkwells in that mane of hers."

Pearl blushes "She's right. But I don't got no secrets except for my recipes."

Spike laughs "'Never share the secret, less it's family or bond-friend.' Isn't that the saying of the great-"

"A La Mode Pie! You cook?" Pearl gasps.

"Well, considering Twilight burns tea-"

"One time!" Twilight yells.

"-I had to pick-up culinary skills at the castle. Otherwise Twilight would eat out or just slurp ramen."

Pearl laughs "I know th' feelin' dear. Magnum can't cook to save his life."

Magnum shrugs "I can't follow directions very well. Probably why I became a private detective."

Rarity smiles "Yes, Spike is the whole package."

"I had a lazy sister to pick up after, it isn't a big deal."

Twilight grumbles something under her breath.

"So, not I'm not happy to meet Rarity's parents, but why are you visiting?"

"Well... we're going on a cruise I won in a lottery and it's... adult. So we need-"

Spike nods, releasing Rarity from her hug "You need somepony to look after Sweetie Belle. I can understand. I'm sure, knowing her, she's made herself comfortable in the boutique. You don't need to worry about her, the girls and I can watch her."

Pearl smiles and Magnum shakes Spike's claw "Thank you so much Spike. Now we need to get goin' if we're to get to the ship in time."

Twilight and Spike wave them off and Spike grins "I think they like me."

Rarity rolls her eyes, using her magic to make Spike hug her again "Why wouldn't they?"

Spike shrugs "Dragon, taller than anypony else, you're their daughter..."

Rarity chuckles "Yes, well, they aren't the types to be overly protective."

Twilight gasps "Spike! According to 'Courting rituals of the last two millennium and what we can expect in the future', you have to introduce Rarity to Mom and Dad!"

Spike laughs "Twilight, legally I'm your and Celestia's son. She's technically my guardian, but Rarity's met both you and Celestia. So there's no need to."

"But... my parents raised you! Fed you! Housed you! They're your parents, regardless of the law!"

Rarity blinks incredulously "Twilight, did you just denounce the law? How... out of character for you."

Twilight frowns "I may be a stickler for rules, but I think that social norms should still be followed. Spike, how about you take Rarity to Mom's villa? Take a vacation from everything and maybe spar with Shiny?"

Rarity cocks her head "'Shiny'?"

"Twilight's older brother." Spike replies "Are you sure Twilight? Are you sure-"

"As of now, you're too big for your basket, so I'm going to get you a room to call your own. And I don't need a juvenile dragon hanging around the renovations. Go."

Spike tilts Rarity's head up "Do you want me to wait until-"

"I haven't even unpacked, I'll just take some materials for my orders with me. And Sweetie Belle of course. She'd love the fresh air."

Twilight grins "It's settled! Now shoo! Shoo!"

"Uh... okay." Spike mutters, walking out "Did Twilight seem a bit... abrasive to you?"

Rarity nods "Yes... uhm, if it's not too much trouble, could you place me on the ground? It's not that I don't like the gesture, but ponies might see..."

Spike nods and places Rarity on the ground gently, brushing errant strands of her mane and tail back into place.

Rarity blushes "I'm sure I'm fine Spike, honestly, you must want to spoil me with all of this attention."

Spike blushes "I... message received."

"It's not that I don't like the attention, but you seem to be... doting on me too much."

Spike nods "Got it. I'll wait for you at the station."

Rarity sighs "For all of his foolish ways, he's a true gentledrake. I wonder if his parents will like me as mine like him? Well, if they raised a dragon, I'm sure they're open minded."

And with that thought in mind, Rarity made her way home, little realizing the events to unfold.