A City's Understanding

"You want to accompany me to the Armour's'? Rarity, it's only going to be a formal meeting to discuss the incident with the payment. Nothing you'll be interested with."

"Well Father, the place is quite fascinating by itself and maybe I could reason with Master Armour's daughter. She was the one who decided to not pay in bitpieces."

"Wait, she still wished to pay? But in what?"

"Old fashion trading. I thought no one did that anymore."

Father leaned back in his chair at breakfast. He was already dressed in one of his finer suits for the meeting. I myself was also dressed in my white day dress. Another one of my superior creations. I had dressed so to help the likelihood of him accepting my company. He had always been one to not create any inconvenience, so my dress would settle his mind for him.

"Alright, since you're already dressed for it, I give you permission to come along."

I smiled broadly. "Thank, you Daddy. I greatly appreciate this." My father still had a both confused and suspicious look on his countenance. I tried to relieve him of his doubt with my toothy grin, but the look remained. I had never been one to directly lie to my father without him catching on, but that did not mean I wouldn't stop trying. He, however, merely sighed and shook his head.

"I know that's not you're real motive, but, I am not one to care much about it." He quickly finished his meal and left to make last minute preparations before departing. This left me alone at the dining table. That was, until Sweetie almost spontaneously appeared beside me. She also had a suspicious look almost identical to Father's. Unlike Father however, I could return the look mockingly back to her.

"Why do you want to go with Daddy?" She asked me.

"Well, Sweetie, you see, that young Officer I....met...yesterday, he wanted me to aid him with a little something. That something would deal with Twilight, Master Armour's daughter. Flashius, the officer, is sweet on the girl and I am going to help them...meet."

"Ew." I blinked at Sweetie's response. I then remembered who I was dealing with.

"Oh, Sweetie, you're too juvenile to realise the full importance of my task. Now, you get along and make some friends today or one of your childish activities."

She remained still and raised a brow at me. "I think you are misjudging this juxtaposition between our daily activities. You are still a teenager. I do not think you qualify to choose what is childish or not."

I opened my mouth to respond, but I chose not to add fuel to the absolutely pointless argument. Sweetie apparently believed she won the dispute and smiled. That mocking grin of hers. I shooed her away with my hands. I had to prepare to depart like Father. I heard him walking through the house. I had better hurry, I thought. Sweetie still stood there and I had to nudge her away to get up from my seat.

"Get on with your day and I will get on with mine." I told my sister.

"Rarity! I'm waiting."

"Coming, Father!"

I quickly walked over to the door where my father was standing.  He was wearing his long black coat, top hat, and was holding his silver cane. I grabbed my parasol from the small closet by the door. The day was warmer and sunnier than yesterday, thus I needed to prepare accordingly. Father patted me lovingly on the shoulder and opened the door for me. I walked out with a smile to my father. He did not exactly return it, but he did not look solemn or angry either. He probably still questioned my motives for coming along. It also seemed that he really did not want me to accompany him.

The cheers and laughter of the outside filled my ears. Canterlotia was a city that was active at any hour of day and any day of the year. However, there was one man that instantly took my interest. He was a burly man in white and purple armour of the Royal Guard. The Guard looked down at me with in silence. I could not see his face or even his eyes as they hidden behind the black lenses of his thick helmet. This type of helmet gave all Royal Guards a sense of inhuman likeness. If their colours were not different, it would to tell if they weren't all doppelgangers of each other. Saying that such a man was intimidating would have been an understatement on par with saying that Canterlotia was an average city.

Father walked by me and patted the Guard on his armoured shoulder. "Legate Roberts, I have decided that I do not require your services today. I shall go alone." The Royal Guard named Roberts breathed loudly through the pipes on his helmet.

"Are you sure, Master Belle? Aiding you will not cause any inconvenience for the Guard." His voice was monotone and dark. Like he had never felt emotion in his life.

Father shook his head and gestured at me. "I have thought this through." The Guard nodded as if he understood my father's answer. He bowed and departed us, the sounds of the heavy metal clanged against the cobblestone. People watched him with curiosity and some with fear. The steam flowing from the engine device on his back allowed me to watch him even when I could not see the purple crest of his helmet. Royal Guards were beyond common in the Capital's streets, but they were not regal like the Royal Army nor careful like the Royal Police, they were something else. Something I never truly enjoyed.

Father then faced me with a confident smile. When he saw that I returned his smile with a worried look, he placed a hand on me and shook his head. "Do not worry, my dear, he was only a security measure for today. Some folk have not been happy with me over the past days. The Royals fear for my life, but they worry too much. Far too much. Now, let's walk to the Armour's home. Do not attract too much attention along the way, hmm? Oh, what am I saying? Of course a beautiful girl like you will turn all the heads." He drew me closer and held me in a doting fashion. I was not convinced that his words were true. It reminded me of Flashius' fear of him yesterday. However, I needed to focus on other thoughts, as I was on a mission for that young Officer.

"Ah, this is the place. Odd abode, isn't it?"

I nodded in agreement. The house still gave me a sense of concern. There was nothing different about it since yesterday, but it felt like I had seen it for the first time again. Father did not hesitate and walked up the steps to the front door. He stopped in front of the door and inspected the odd six-pointed star. "Hmm....We should have a symbol like this for our family," Father said.

"But Daddy, isn't the cross on the ring our family coat-of-arms?" I asked him.

Father chuckled. "Oh Rarity, yes, yes it is, but I was thinking something more abstract, like this. The symbol on my ring has been in the family for a long time, a change is due."

I placed a gloved finger to my chin. "Well, I think some symbol of wealth will do. Something elusive and valuable."

He stroked his chin. "Like diamonds? How about three of them in a fashion like this?"

I nodded in agreement. "Yes, maybe have them blue as well? It would match the blue eyes that run in the family, well, except Sweetie."

Father chuckled heartily and knocked on the door. Similar to yesterday, it swung without anyone nearby. Father was just a surprised by it as I was. Also like yesterday, a bright flash from the "security" camera blinded both of us. I expected Twilight to appear with her quirky clapping, but she did not. Instead, Master Armour walked from behind a pile of odd objects. He smiled in a friendly manner and shook the hand of my father and kissed my hand. "Ah, this is an unexpected visit. Do not worry, we have tea brewed and readied. Straight off the stove. Lady Rarity, if you are here to see my daughter, she is attending a customer on the east side of the house."

He beckoned us both inside. I folded the parasol and hung it on my elbow. Upon entry, Father rudely stared at the peculiar surroundings. I, however, kept my reserve and searched for Twilight. Master Armour guided Father to whatever place was the guest room. I was left to my own means to track down that odd girl. Well, I was alone until another familiar face appeared from a hidden couch. He was holding a bouquet of red flowers up to me. I was taken aback by the boy's action. "Spike? What are you doing?"

Spike nervously rubbed the back of his neck and smiled with closed eyes. "I...Uh....I wanted to give you these. I picked them before sunrise." He handed me the flowers and stepped back.

"How....How did you know I was coming?" I asked.

"Oh, I didn't. I was going to go by your house, but...you're here....so there."

"Well, thank you dearly, Spikey-wikey." I caught myself on the last part. I felt my cheeks heat up. He was grinning from ear to ear, obviously proud of his accomplishment. I couldn't say anything after that and walked away with the flowers. He followed however, constantly stifling a giggle here and there and saying "Aw, shucks." I could only roll my eyes at the cute little boy. Fortunately, I found Twilight talking with her....customer.

"Really? That's fantastic! You will love this then."

Twilight excitedly showed the customer the air rifle she showed me. The customer was a young fair lady with long black hair and pink eyes. Her eyes had dark eye-liner that greatly contrasted with her bright eyes. A long scar ran across her right cheek. Her sharp chin and delicate lips finished her countenance. Now, it was her apparel that intrigued me the most. First of all, she wore tight trousers and knee high, black heeled boots. Most of her clothes were a light gray with some pink in there like the pink treble that was sewn on her left shoulder. They appeared to be civilian enough, but with an odd twist to them. She had the usual lacing and frill of women's apparel but they were designed with the purpose of free movement. The hemline of her dress was only reached her thighs in the front and went down to her calves in the back. It seemed she was a mix of Crystallian and Equestrian culture. The Imperials of the north wore dresses that did not go down to the ankles like most proper Equestrian dresses. One could say she wore a short dress, others could say she was wearing embroidered robes. The oddest part was the hood attached to the back of the "robes."

"Why yes, my life is a little more exciting than most. The thrill of adventure has always intrigued me." The woman said. Her accent was smooth and gentle, like a woman of good stature. Though, I could tell she wasn't.

The woman took the rifle in hand and inspected it. With her careful touch I could tell she was accustomed to handling such weaponry. Her eyes darted off the rifle and onto me. The woman gave a smile and nudged Twilight. Her grin was pearly white and her thin red lips only added to their whiteness. "Well, it looks like you have another customer, Lady Twilight."

Twilight turned to me and waved. "Hello Rarity! What brings you here today?"

I walked up to both of them and placed my hand on the counter Twilight was resting on. "I simply wanted to accompany my father here. Now, have you seen Flashius Senti?"

Twilight shook her head. "No, he hasn't been here for at least a week now. My brother says he's off-duty today though."

The black haired woman kept her eyes on me, studying me. I was uneasy under her scrutiny. She seemed to be reading me like a book, trying to salvage any information she deemed worthy. It was as if she knew exactly who I was. I brushed off her inspection and introduced myself. "Rarity Belle, greetings." I bowed slightly at her. A bow which she did not return.

"Belle? Aren't you a lucky daughter? To be born of such stature. I am Octavia Melody de Symphoharmonica. You can just call me Octavia. Pleasure to meet one of your.....caliber." Her voice was friendly enough, until the last word. Her eyes were plastered on me. I saw the pupils dart between my fingers and my bosom, as if looking for something. I searched her as well. She had an odd red sash tied around her waist. In the middle of the sash was an odd symbol made of metal. The symbol reminded me of triangle mixed with a geometrical compass. I was going to ask her about it when the side door opened and Flashius walked in, oddly still in uniform.

"Hello you all. I have come by to...YOU!" He screamed at Octavia.

Octavia chuckled and placed her hands on her hips. He stomped over to her frowned down on her. She did not budge, or even stop grinning. Spike, Twilight, and I were all confused by his reaction. It was obvious that they had encountered each other before. Octavia finally shook her head.

"Officer, I would not mind if you stopped yelling like that. It's getting old."

He pointed a finger at her chest. "Oh yeah? Well if you would stop harassing the city with all the things you do. I...I should take you to the Bastille right now!"

Octavia pushed his hand away. "Flashius...Your threats are useless. I know you don't have the guts to do it. You never have. If you arrest me, you know what will happen to you." At her words, Flashius backed away and cursed. I slapped my face due to his improper etiquette, especially in front of Twilight. Speaking about Twilight, she had removed herself from behind the counter and placed herself between Octavia and Flashius. "

Alright! What's going on? Flash, what has gotten into you? What has she done?"

Flashius opened his mouth and then hesitated. "I....She....She's a bloody criminal. She....She....Oh Twi, don't let her take anything from here."

Octavia sighed and leaned on the counter. Every movement of her body was filled with mockery and disdain. Her fair countenance was shadowed by her arrogant demeanor. She tapped her fingers on the counter in a steady beat. "Flashius, really? I was merely shopping and you had to come and ruin it. Twilight, I do not know what to tell you about our Officer here."

I had enough of simply listening. "Flashius, what is it that you are trying to tell us? She doesn't look like a criminal, why do you say she is?"

Octavia looked at me with sardonic expression. "Hmph. Look at yourself. Criminals don't need to look the type." It took me a moment to understand her words. How dare she!

"The audacity! Lady Octavia, if you are a lady, I shall ask you to take that back!"

She waved a dismissing hand at my face. "I shall not. Your reaction has only confirmed what you are. Even you yourself think that way." With that, the black haired woman walked away. Before she exited the house, she placed her hood over her head. Her gait had made use of light footing. I barely heard her heels click on the floorboards. If I was not watching her, I probably wouldn't know where she would have gone.

"What a jerk! She shouldn't insult Rarity like that!" Spike yelled.

I stood there, trying to take it all in. How did she know? How did she know of my pickpocket habits and ways? Once she heard my name, my surname, she had been far ruder to me. Was it that I was a Belle? A daughter of the banker? My cheeks were red with anger. Far more anger than I was accustomed to feeling. Flashius crossed his arms and glared at the empty door. Twilight appeared bewildered by it all. Spike stood by my side with his little frown. It was adorable to look at, but I was far too upset to notice. Wait. She called me a criminal and I did not deny it. My eyes darted to Twilight. Apparently she had realised this as well.

"Rarity, what did she mean by that?"

I tried to smile. "Oh, nothing darling. She was simply jealous or was being rude. It's easy to accuse someone of something. That's all." Twilight raised a brow at my response. I was not sure if it was my fake smile or my fake cheery voice. Flashius grumbled and leaned on the wall. He still faced the doorway. I knew some wishful thinking was going through his mind. Wishful thinking that was ill for the beastly woman in gray. Twilight's skepticism remained as she started to walk about, adjusting this or moving that. I had only now remembered why I was there in the first place, but Flashius did not seem in the mood to be bothered.

I looked down at the flowers I was holding. At least someone was treating me like a lady today. I patted Spike on the head. "You've been such a dear these two days. I greatly appreciate it."

He looked at me before giving a formal bow. "Anything for my lady."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, Spike. You should quit it while you still have that face."

"Twilight, did you know who that was?" Flashius asked Twilight.

"She's Octavia. She's come by three times now. She greatly appreciates my inventions."

Flashius huffed and nodded. He had been expecting this answer. I gestured at Spike for him to stay which he did. I walked over to the Officer. He still had a snarl on his face. I stood next to him and whispered. "What was with that woman? You know her don't you?"

The Officer muttered something under his breath. "She....I don't know what to tell you. I'm not sure I'm allowed to. She is mental. Completely mental. You know that Nationalist party that's been rising up lately?"

I nodded. "Yes, the one ran by that vacillating Cicero Scorpan right?"

He nodded quickly. "The same. She's one of them. She hates the Royals and Loyalists. So, she hates me and you, and probably Twi. I don't know why. Some crusade for the workers I bet. Well, she does nasty stuff in the Capital. We can't catch her because she fights like the devil. That and she has plenty of backup. She's a killer, Rarity, simple as that."

"And she was in here?" I asked, concerned.

He sighed. "Yup. I don't want her to touch Twi. I've dealt with these people. They aren't all like Octavia, but they're all killers."

An idea sparked in my mind. I grinned in confidence and nodded my head towards Twilight. "Then you have what you need. If Twilight knows that you just chased a murderer out of her home, she would be rather grateful. A nice way to commence a relationship. You know, like those delightful classics."

His eyes widened with my voice. We were on the same page. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks, Rarity." He started to walk over to Twilight, who was working on some invention with a pendulum. I was going to listen on their conversation, but a voice rang through the halls, calling my name.

"Rarity? Rarity! My meeting with Master Armour is finished. Hope I didn't take too long."

At the sound of my Father's voice, I remembered that he was still here. Now, he was leaving and I still hadn't accomplished what I came here for, but I guess that did not matter. I smiled one at Spike last time before heading towards Father's voice. It had been no more than ten minutes that I had been there.

As I walked, I heard the small footsteps of the little boy following me. I thought of telling him something, but I decided not to. The clutter in the house made my journey to my father a little more stressful, as the constant steam-powered machines screeched and moaned. Gears and other parts of devices were scattered on the floor, making me carefully choose my footing. Father's cane thudded against the floor three times, indicating that he was in less-than-patient mood. I finally turned the corner of some boil maker and there he was. Father had already placed his top hat back on and rested both gloved hands on his silver cane.

"Ah, there you are my dear; I hope that I did not take too long."

I stopped in front of him. "Not at all, Father. Though I will admit that your meeting was rather quick for the topic at hand." My father merely shrugged at this and gestured to the door. It was obvious that he did not want to talk about it with little Spike behind me. I nodded my head in understanding. My father never enjoyed speaking to any member of his family while their were other listeners. At that time, I did not comprehend why, but always simply accepted the fact that he was like that. As his daughter, I owed him this much without question.

"Well, Spike, this is where we part ways for now. I hope the morrow will be blessed for both of us." The boy blushed and stood there with both of his hands in a tight knot with each other.

"Maybe a parting gift?" He asked.

"What exactly do you mean?" I asked him in return. His next response was the pointing at his cheek. I knew instantly what he meant and began to laugh. I almost laughed to the point of my mascara being ruined by my tears. Spike, however, was being quite serious and I only knew this when his little face turned red with what I thought was anger. I was about to apologise when he turned and stomped off in the indignant manner.

My mouth opened and I have extended my hand at him, but he did not care and left. Father gave a short chuckle and placed his large hand on my delicate shoulder. "He'll be fine. Young love is tough."

I crossed my arms. "Really Father? He is no older than twelve, a mere boy. He simply knows the difference between lovely and unlovely. It's adorable to say the least."

Father rolled his eyes. "And you? In my eyes, you are still a girl about to be nineteen years' of age. Do you really know so much more than him? He is the son of an astrologist and the brother of an already accomplished scientist and inventor. Do not mistake his age with his intelligence or wisdom."

I sighed in response. "No need for your insightful opinions, Daddy. We were making our way out, weren't we?"

Father simply smiled and nodded, obviously proud of what he had just said. I could not help but smile in return. Father always had his way like that. No matter our mood, be it grumpy, sad, disgruntled, or even furious, we could not stay that way long when Father was around. He was certainly a man I was proud to call Father, or Daddy. "Wait. Father, how did you make that meeting so short?" I asked quickly.

He shrugged. "I made sure he understood his options."

"Another one? The people no longer have the word "civilised" in their vocabulary."

Father's remark drew my attention to the mass of people in the street. We were almost home, but the way had been interesting. Angry rioters burned images of the Royalty or specific government officials or even high ranking businessmen. One man waved a photograph of Sir Frederick Patsi, saying the man was "Nothing more than a pair of Fancy Pants."

Father told me to cover my face and hide it away from the insurgents. I did so quite inefficiently with my parasol. He also hid his face beneath his black collar and we made our way through the small riots. Most of the rioters were young to middle-aged men in simple black or brown coats. Smoke rose not only from the burning images but also the many cheap cigarettes they smoked. Smoking like that was improper behaviour with ladies in their presence. They seemed to be doing everything they could to defile any miniscule rule of delicacy.

"Father, what is their problem that they cannot be peaceful?" I asked.

"Oh, the usual, they simply want everything their way without government or guidance. They blame the Two Sisters for any troubles that arise in this nation." Father pointed at a demonstrator. The man was holding a newspaper which had the title of something and "Wages." Though I only read one word, I knew what they were protesting about. They were a part of the Nationalist, or Unionist group. Always dissatisfied with wages, taxes and lack of overall power. I had never indulged myself into politics of any kind, but these men and the few women certainly imposed their views on any onlookers. Many expletives of the worse kind were shouted across the streets. Loyalists who supported the Royals returned the curses with hateful shouts at their Nationalist counterparts. My father and I had to traverse through the all the fuss with utmost care. As the racketeers were obviously lower middle-class, the sight of my ornate attire and my father's cane would attract unwanted eyes. However, it just my fear as the rioters made no move on us.

The chuckle that arose from the left of me made me turn my head. There was that odd and rude woman, Octavia, there leaning on a boarded shop. One foot was firmly on the cobblestone while the other was up on the wall. Her gray hood was over her head and only the split-ends of her hair escaped it. She was just there, seeming as menacing as any around us. She had a cigarette in left hand. Not taking any notice to me or my father, she raised the cigarette to her thin lips. I could not see her face except only from the tip of her pointed nose to her smooth chin. The next action though showed me that she knew full well that I was there. Once she was done with her little puff of whatever they put in those cigarettes these days, she threw it down on a newspaper by her foot. The embers set it aflame and I saw the word "Bank" smolder in the fire. One could take this as a threat, but I merely thought it was a coincidence. Who was this woman to go around, stirring up such discord? And threaten my family as well? No, that was not her purpose, whoever or whatever she was. I reassured myself with this thought and followed my father closely through the fuliginous streets.

"Father, do you have any enemies we should know about?" I asked him as we escaped the riot.

Father raised a brow at me and frowned. "I suppose so. The enemies are always changing. Names, ideals, mannerisms, and the such. None have ever approached us directly and we are safe from their eyes. Everyone has enemies, my dear; you don't need to worry about them."

I was not satisfied with his answer. It said so quickly and almost dismissively that I had to repeat his words in my mind. "But, Daddy, who are they? Why would you have any?"

"Rarity, I am banker and a dealer with the Royalty. Those rioters would not hesitate to usurp me or dispose of me in some way. Nationalists have been quiet most years, but apparently they are growing bolder. I am simply doing my job and that to them, is a crime."

"Is there any way to stop them? If they are unjust like this, they are no better than criminals or those gangs that roam the lesser Districts and the underground railways. Letting them rove like this would lack proper justice."

Father nodded in agreement. "I'm glad you think so. The Royal Police or even the Royal Guards step in to halt their little demonstrations, but the Royalty must be careful. Any wrong move could start a even bigger riot or worse, a rebellion. The government has their ways and they only seek peace with their subjects. It is a shame that the feeling is not mutual at the moment. Such is this generation."

I lightly slapped him on the arm. "You forget Father, I am a part of this generation too. I possess the common sense of my elders. You've raised me to be more than a pretty face."

Father chuckled and smiled. "Indeed. You shall soon realise how much of a blessed exception you are compared to the rest of this world. It is ones like you that keep the world balanced and in order. For you understand the world, and understanding is the first step to bringing about a new era of peace. A New Order to call home for the masses. But, let us not wander on such heavy thoughts. It's not even noon and the day's been far too long." With that, my Father twirled his cane in the air whimsically. The day had been unique so far. I was glad that I was heading home, and hopefully, stayed at home. Which was the turn out for that day.

Nothing else happened that day except the usual dressmaking and Sweetie's usual behavior. That night, Flashius visited my window again, but instead of setting up another plan to win Twilight's heart, he was ecstatic about how he talked to her after my departure. He actually asked her out, but her extremely complicated work schedule and own plans got in the way. He was disappointed, but certainly had grown in confidence by it. It was a charming way to end the day. However, such is the way of the world, that the next day would be my first in a new life and world. It was the day that this story becomes so incomprehensible.

I had an odd night of dreams again. This time there was a bearded man on a lonely street repeating the words "Tick" and "Tock" exclusively in that order. I walked up to him. When I was about to touch him, he faded away. The sound of his voice remained. I looked behind me and there was a clocktower, chiming away with the motions of the hands. I felt something in my hand. I looked down and in my palm was a necklace. The necklace was that of a red cross. The same red cross. I clinched it in my hand and placed it to my heart. I remembered no more.