A City's Understanding

"We're going to be late Rarity! What would I tell the Grandmaster if I am late waiting for my daughter?"

"Daddy! You most be patient. The Gala is not some nightly dance, but an annual ball. I cannot risk not looking my very best."

"I realise that honey, but still. Ugh, never mind. Come when you can. I'm leaving."

"Daddy! You're not going to escort me?"

"That was then."

Father closed the door behind him. I hissed in frustration as I placed on my earrings. Father had been badgering me all day while yesterday he promised to accompany me through the Palace doors. Now, I had been getting ready since morning and was taking my time, but one cannot hasten perfection. The Grand Gala was upon us and I had to look my best, not only for the members of the Order that would attend, but especially for the Grandmaster. Prince Blueblood was going to notice me this night and I was, well, obsessed with fulfilling my own promise. I was going to wear my white dress that I had been crafting for the last month. When I started the dress, I did not know that I would be able to attend the Grand Gala, but once I did, I placed even more effort and time into it. I hope I spent my time well, as it often interrupted my training with Father. Not that I really cared at that point since I had been training for five months by then. I was a skilled fighter and was ready to be initiated. I often questioned my father about the day I would become an official Templar and his only response was "soon." He said that when I was ready, he would give me his ring. I politely declined that offer, but he persisted. My father was a stubborn man and I could only allow him to get his way. I finished placing my earrings on and stepped out into the hallway to check the hour.

"Oh my, is that the time? Father was right!"

I quickly grabbed my shoes and attempted to put them on. Due to my long dress, it was less than easy. But I was used to the situation and methodically put them on in good time. After that, I grabbed my purse and headed out the door. The sun was still up thankfully, but the Gala would start in 5 minutes. I looked around to see if anyone was watching and then began to hurry. Apparently my father took the coach that was going to lead us to the Gala. These were the times where I hated my father, though they never lasted long. Fortune was on my side that evening as I spotted our neighbor, Mr. Stevenson, preparing his coach for the Gala. I slowed down to a respectable walk when I approached him. The young noble tipped his hat at me.

"Good evening, Miss Belle. Did your father run off without you again?"

I nodded. "Of course he did. The man can't keep still for more than a couple's minutes. Would you be so kind as to allow me to travel with you? It would be much more favourable to walking."

He smiled and took my hand. After he led me into the coach, he ordered the driver to get going. Now, Mr. Stevenson was the only son of a very old couple, thus I was the only one with him in the coach. His parents no longer cared for such occasions, leaving him to represent the family every year. It was a very nice coach, even better than my father's I believe and we had plenty of space inside, despite my large dress.

Mr. Stevenson placed both hands on his cane and looked out of the window with a smile on his face. "So, Miss Belle, is there anyone at the Gala you are very excited to see or dance with?"

I placed a thoughtful finger to my chin. I had been expecting a question like this. Inside the wall, it seemed to only contain those who sought another in marriage. It was all the gossip that one would hear in this Royal haven. There was no talk about the outside, about the riots, the Nationalists and their new leader, Sir Charles Tirek. No questions on the topic of the striking workers in the factories or the "peaceful" Unionist protestors. There was never talk about such things. The only topic was "young love" or which prank the Sisters did next. Or how that one lady looked that night, or that man, or his lack of proper etiquette or the that time that one girl swore and gave the room a heart attack. When I was beyond the large walls, I thought the Royals would be an exciting place to live, but I soon found out that it was rather dull, truth be told. Adventure did not lie on this side of the wall. That wall made us all too safe. Safe from the people and safe from the Assassins. The only thing that kept me from dying of boredom was my involvement with the Templar Order. They discussed about the people, about the Nationalists and their Assassin allies. They did not gossip or stir up useless controversy, they made plans and executed them. They schemed and actually tried to make a difference in the world unlike all the others around them. Even though I had no say in their plans nor even sat at their table, I felt proud to be considered one of them. But, at this moment, I had to answer one of those noble questions. Otherwise, I would become an outcast for my improper behaviour.

I withdrew my fan from my pocket. "Oh, I am not too sure there is. I mean, there is the Prince of course, but I believe he has eyes on another."

Mr. Stevenson nodded slowly. "I see. Well, I doubt a young lady like you will not find a partner by the end of the night. I hear there will be many fashionable bachelors present. You are a woman of nineteen, your hand is awfully ready for marriage."

I sighed with contempt. "Who are you? My father?"

I spoke before I thought. I said these words with a hiss that only I could conjure. Mr. Stevenson only blinked in response. I could tell he was offended by my words. His face was mixed with astonishment and confusion. He kept this expression for some time before he frowned at me. "Not very kind words to the one giving you ride to the Gala."

I shook my head. "You are not giving me a ride. Your driver is. Ever thought of him?"

Mr. Stevenson became even more confused. "My driver? Why should I? I pay him for this job and he does it. He is not a noble or even a part of a high class. The job suits him since he is so low."

I leaned forward. "I am sure he hears your very words, Mr. Stevenson. There is not much between us and him. He does your job to the letter, at least give him some respect."

"Respect!?" Mr. Stevenson spat the word like it was infected. "Respect? Why should a man of my lineage give a mere coach driver respect? I am a nobleman, he is a lowly driver. He is doing my bidding and I pay him. There is not much more than I need to do. I couldn't care less about his issues, as long as they don't involve the coach."

It was my turn to glare at the man. "Really? What is he, a slave? Do you even know where he lives, or even his name? You are a nobleman, you should possess the social skills to interact with him. At least that."

Mr. Stevenson leaned back in his chair. His was darkened by the shadows and I saw his white teeth gnashing at me. "I do not need to know his name or where he lives. He does not deserve such an honor."

"We're here, Mr. Stevenson." The driver patted the roof of the coach.

The coach halted and Mr. Stevenson took no heed of his driver. He did not even get up when the driver opened the door for us. He simply placed his top hat on and rested his palms on his cane. His scowl remained fixed upon me. I had no doubt went beyond my bounds. I smiled at him and made my way out of the coach. The driver took my hand and aided my short descent. He whispered a quick "thank you" in my ear. I silently acknowledged the appreciation. I was about to head up the massive stairs to the door when Mr. Stevenson spoke again. "Miss Belle, I hope you remember the order of society. The rich and privileged will always be better than the average people."

I was going to ignore this comment, but I simply couldn't. The ignorance of the statement was far too great to ignore. "If that is your order, Mr. Stevenson, then you have no idea what order is."

I left him with that and made my way up the crowded stairs. At the top was my father, leaning on a wall waiting for me. He checked his pocket watch before looking up at me. "Took a ride with Mr. Stevenson eh? I knew you would. How was it?"

I shook my head slowly. "I should have walked. Now, why are you not inside?"

He grinned at my question. "I promised to escort you inside remember?" He took my arm and we entered the Gala.

"The wine is not the best, but it will have to do."

Another complaint ran from the lips of the Prince. I was growing tired of his particular taste in every beverage imaginable. Do not get me wrong, his complaints were often reasonable, but they were just so many. At least he kept them somewhat quiet and did not announce them to the world, like Sonata, who had been dragged out for causing "disruption" in the Gala. She probably would have gotten away with her antics if she was Royalty, but she wasn't and the Grandmaster did not even come to her aid. The other two Sirens learned from their companion's mistakes and kept to themselves. Father found humour in all of it and laughed most of the time. I had to admit, the whole scene of her running through the place and avoiding the Guards was comical. Apparently this happened quite often as the other Templars did not react to it with any sort surprise, but with more of a disappointed sigh. I could only sip my wine and continue on with the Gala without the jovial girl.

"Ah, Rarity, it's a pleasure to see you here."

I turned to see Frederick Patsi. His wife was not with him and he held a wine glass in his rugged hand. The Templar ring on his hand reflected the gas lights above us. He was just the man I wanted to see. He gave me a quick bow. "How has your first Gala been? I hope the other balls have not worn you out like they did for Fleur. She did not make it tonight if you are wondering, she had, other plans. But that is no problem to me of course. Business always comes first."

Unlike most men of noble blood who would kiss my hand or make some similar gesture, he rested his burly arm on my delicate shoulder, like I was some table to rest on. Fortunately, he did place his weight on me as well. I went along with his little joke and allowed him to stay that way. "Master Patsi, you're just the man I was looking for. I have not heard much from the other side of the wall. Has there been any new news worth discussing?"

He raised a brow at me. "You want to discuss such matters at the Gala? You should let this be the time of revelry and dancing."

I flicked his arm off. "Like every night? I do not take ignorance for joy."

Master Patsi shrugged and started to walk away. He gestured over his shoulder for me to follow. He was hard to keep up with as I had to dodge all the other residents of the Royal grounds. Even having to halt as to not run into the running Sisters. Princess Celestia had some odd object in her hand, but I could not make out what it was. Both her and Luna seemed very excited about something. I knew not to think hard on the subject and met Master Patsi at the end of the room where a vacant bench awaited for us. He allowed me to sit down first. Once he was seated, he leaned back and looked up at the ceiling.

"What would you like to know, Rarity?"

Before I could answer he continued. "I know what you want to know. Sir Charles Tirek has furthered his Nationalist movement. They still only have the Industrial District, but that is a large part of the city. Some Nationalists wrecked the Martin Cathedral and left it in shambles. Their red flags and their red paint smother it all. The Royal Guard had to be called in and they made several arrests. The Bastille is getting full these days. Assassins, Nationalists, Unionists, gangsters, and the rest of the petty thieves. Some Guards transferred an Assassin about two weeks ago to the Palace Dungeon. Her name is Sarah Abigail Sommerset, the Brotherhood's sharpshooter. Cute girl with her curly red and yellow hair, but very ill-mannered and has a nasty temper. Fleur and I met her the other night. She is a target for interrogation and that's why we brought her here. Don't worry, we are treating her kindly, even if she is ungrateful for it. But other than that, nothing much has happened."

I nodded in understanding. If it wasn't for the Royal Guard, the whole city would be tearing itself apart. Hmph, the Nationalists, a name full irony for a party that is wholeheartedly against their own nation. I did not know what the Assassins saw in them. Master Patsi tapped my shoulder. "Oh, I forgot. Rarity, your friend, Twilight Armour, has greatly improved the Royal Guard armour.  It is much more expensive of course. We are thinking of establishing an small patrol with the armour. Maybe even give them their own name. That Twilight is certainly something else, I spoke with her father last week. He said that she was trying to create an aircraft that carries one or two people. Huh, I do not see the need in that when we already have our airships. The Order could use a mind like hers, not that I'm saying ol' Steens is not enough. It's jus.....Rarity? Are you listening?" Even though I was only half-listening, the sound of my name startled me from my thoughts. I had seen a very peculiar man. Now, he did not appear odd, but the way he walked and the way he checked his watch messed with me. I nodded my head quickly to answer Master Patsi's question and then sped off from the bench. Master Patsi said something as I walked away, but I did not understand him. That man, where did he go? I soon found myself alone in the mindless crowds of the Gala.

"Looking for me, Miss Belle?"

The voice came from behind me. I quickly turned and, alas! there he was. A large and angled smile stretched across his face. His face was not the most handsome I had ever seen, but it was not a poor countenance. He had a large and slightly bent nose and brown patches of hair on his sharp chin. All of his hair was a curly brown and they went well with his cerulean eyes. His clothes were not matching in the slightest. He had a mint coloured shirt under his large brown coat. His pants were well-ironed, but were a light gray. His polished shoes appeared larger than they should have compared to the rest of his lean body. I was speechless for a moment as he came upon me so suddenly, but soon regained my composure. "Indeed. How...How do you know my name? I've never met you, sir."

He took a step closer and leaned his face forward, he clearly did not believe in personal space. "Don't be daft. It was obvious, I saw you come in along with your father, Hondo Belle, and you came walking over to me when you saw me. I guess you couldn't keep away, could you?" His words were quick and his sentences to the point. They were like arrows fired from a legion of archers. Suddenly, he took a quick peek at his pocket watch before returning it to its secluded pocket. The watch was silver and possessed many intricate designs. It also had some odd attachments that made it appear modified for its user. I had never seen anything like it. "Now, Miss Belle," He continued in the same manner, "what made your young mind seek after me? I'm quite curious." He finally returned to a proper pose. I realised that he was a good head taller than me. Now, I like to consider myself as a woman above average height, thus this came to me as a bit of a surprise.

"Uhh....I....I'm not sure now that I've thought about it." My brutal honesty left an after taste in my mouth.

The man made a click with his tongue. "Well, no matter, a progressive overture is about to be played in....6 seconds. May I have the next dance?" He forcefully took my hand and, like he said, a song soon began. I did not say "no" to him, but I did not say "yes" either. However, my say did not matter as he swept me to the dance floor. He kept that grin the whole time.

"Gah! Who do you think you are?" I demanded.

"Naw, Miss Belle, do I have to? It'll ruin the surprise." He said. I opened my mouth, but he spun me with a great amount of force. The music was not even fit for such movements. I assumed he was doing it to keep me silent. "Ah, that was lovely, you are a natural Miss Belle."

I growled at him, which made him chuckle. We were going much faster than the dancers around us. With the amount of force he placed in all his movements and the thin body that held him confused me. He was not burly or even have the build of a worker, yet I felt like a feather in his grasp.

"Slow done! Please!"

Once I said this, he stopped his fun and we came to a nice and steady waltz. That grin was still on his face. "Who are you?" I asked again. The grin turned into a frown for a split second before returning to its normal state.

"Ah, suspense. It's fun to poke with. But, do you really need a name? Call me the rapscallion, the fool, or simply, Doctor."

He ended the last word like he expected me to know something. I blinked in confusion instead. "Doctor? Doctor what? Doctor Wh..."

He cut me off with a loud and obnoxious grunt. "Close, but no cigar, if you smoke cigars. Well, I hope you don't, they'll bad for your lungs." The quickness of his voice irritated me. Every part of him seemed to speed up and slow done for no reasons. I could not tell if he even had control of his body. I wanted to end the dance and leave him, but my curiosity held me there.

"Sir, I require your name. Be a good man and tell me it."

He sighed in mock defeat. "Turner. You can just call me Turner, or better, Doctor Turner."

"That was it?" I asked myself aloud. "Am I suppose to feel something or be shocked? Turner is a common name."

His eyes widened. "What? You....You don't know who I am? Well then, uhh....I wasted that time." He checked his pocket watch while we danced. "Oh, I still have three minutes. I guess I can spend them with you a little longer."

I raised a brow at him. His smile became more sheepish as we danced. "Well, Miss Belle, how has your evening been? I hope you have not been talking about grave subjects while attending a Gala like this?" More arrows in my direction. I could not hold up my shield against them and instead returned fire.

"You know what I was talking about with Frederick Patsi no? Your face says it all."

His smile grew and he nodded excitedly. "Oh, yes. I love listening to others, picking up every single detail without even approaching them. It saves time that way. I'll give you a taste." We started to spin faster. His eyes darted around the room. "You see, Miss Belle, I have a sense like no other. Call me arrogant, but it's true. True like nothing else. See that woman in the red dress? Very lovely isn't it? Yes, I say she has talent. Well, from the three rings on her fingers, it is clear she has gone through three husbands, all from a different country by the style of diamond they use. Did they die? No. She's an obvious gold-digger and married them for their money. She probably divorced each of them and used her legal rights to keep half of their wealth. She wears the rings like they were just the usual jewelry and not wedding rings. This shows she has no regrets for her actions. See that man? He is a Nationalist in disguise. He has soot under his chin and on the lower of his neck. He keeps his hat on while indoors and keeps it askew as well which indicates that wearing such a thing is abnormal to him. His suit is also a size too large which shows that the suit is not his. He probably clocked a noble and took his apparel. He did not murder him as there are no signs of harm to the clothes. Now, look at you. By the quickness of your hands, I say you're a thief. Not a professional, but one that does it when necessary. Which is odd since your father is so rich. The dress fits you perfectly in every aspect, thus you made it yourself. With the way you have dealt with me suggests you are used to men handling you. Your fitness is incredible which shows that you have exercised at least biweekly for the past months. Such exercises suggests that you have been training to be something else besides a plain damsel. You also are armed with hidden blades as your wrists are cold and slightly bulge out of the sleeves. Curious, how did you acquire such weapons?"

"Stop it!" I removed my hands from his and stomped my heel into his toes. He yelped in pain and started hopping around. The other dancing couples ceased and stared at what had just happened. Dr. Turner hopped around and grunted, but quickly calmed down. I crossed my arms and glared at him. He was no longer smiling and grimaced instead. He took a deep breath and checked his watch again.

"Just on time, Miss Belle. Well, I must be going, à tout à l'heure."

Without another word he waddled over to the band that played the music. It was satisfying to see him limp. I continued to stare at him while he made his way to the band. When he stopped in front of them, I lost interest and walked away. A man of senses? Pfft. He was just being rude and using idiotic gossip against everyone. There was no way he knew of my ways. I had not even pickpocketed anyone for three months, and the last time was not even for bits. Men handling me? The audacity! I never allowed men to control me. What was he talking about? Wait, how did he know what a hidden blade was? This revelation made me panic. I turned to see that he was gone along with the cello player of the band. In mad fright, I chased after him down the hall next to the band. It was the most logical way they could have gone. The hall was dark and empty. This did not stop me and I ran harder.

"Turner! Where are you?!" I yelled in the darkness.

The hallway seemed to never end. The only sounds were my shoes clicking on the floor. The massive windows let in enough moonlight to allow me to see where I was going. The farther I went, the more and more deathly the place felt. The Palace is a massive place, you must understand. A single hallway could take an hour to walk from one side to the other. This was not one of those hallways, but it felt like one. I took a turn and, alas, the scene before made me scream in terror. There, on the red carpet, laid both Master Jet Steen and Mistress Uplyia de Croust. Their bodies were sprawled out on the floor and blood mingled with the carpet. In the moonlight, I saw their rolled up eyes gaze into space. I did not know what to do. I had never seen such horror before. The Assassin that entered our house was one thing, but seeing two people you knew dead is another entirely. I stood there, frozen, as their lifeless bodies lay there before me. The Assassins that did this, where were they? I dared to look around and saw a broken window. The Assassins were long, long gone. I gulped and leaned over the bodies, making sure none of the blood reached my dress. "Why, why were you out here and away from others? What were you doing?" I asked the bodies. Their bodies were very close to each other, as if they died while hugging. The moonlight allowed me to see lipstick on Steen's lips. It was obvious what they were doing. The old couple were having a romantic moment in the moonlight and were, were horribly interrupted. The sounds of footsteps echoed in the hall behind me.

"What's going on? What's happened!?"

A pair of Royal Guards and some noblemen and women came running down the hall. They had heard my scream and came rushing to the scene. Once they arrived, I silently pointed at the bodies. They gasped in their steel helmets. The women screamed like I did and some even fainted. The men cursed and swore. Some went running back to either spread panic or tell the people nothing was wrong. Out of the pack that came, my father took hold of me. "Rarity? Are you alright? Did you see who did this?"

I nodded. "There were two. I know it. One was a man named Dr. Turner and the other was the cello player. I did not see the cello player, but he was gone when Dr. Turner went down this hall."

Father looked at the crowd around us. "Did anyone see the cello player? What did he look like?"

A Royal Guard answered first. "She, my Lord. I saw the cello player. She had black hair and I believe pink eyes. I saw her when she came in. I checked her case, there were no weapons of any kind in there." Black hair? Pink eyes? The woman sounded familiar to me, but I couldn't place her exactly.

Father pulled me away from the victims. "We must get you somewhere safe. Stick with groups of people alright?" I silently nodded and we made our way back to the main room. While we were alone in the hallway, Father pestered me with questions. "How do you know that the man is named Dr. Turner? Did you talk to him?"

"Yes, Father. I...I danced with him. He knows so much about me. I...I think he knows about me being in the Order. He's an Assassin."

Father nodded. "Indeed he is and one we've known for awhile. His full name is Timothy Wayne Turner. He used to be in the Royal Army as a medic but turned south when his parents betrayed the country. After that, we lost all contact with him and we appeared again under a hood. The man's obsessed with time I hear. He had the nickname of "Time Turner" when he was in the Royal Army."

I raised a brow at my father. "How do we know so much about him?"

Father chuckled. "Heh, only because of Royal documents. Don't expect such information about other Assassins. Most seem to appear out of thin air. Now, we must get going. Assassins don't normally strike twice in the same spot, but we can't get too cautious. Come."

"Well, I told you, the Assassins have already won. We keep to ourselves behind the walls and just WAIT for the wolves to jump over!"

"Aria! This is no time to bicker! We just lost Steen and Croust!"

"Adagio.....Did you really care about them?"

"I...Well....Now that you brought that up....I guess I did."

"For realzies? Those two were like, the worst."

"I was being sarcastic..."

"Ugh, Sonata, just keep your dimwit to yourself!"

"Hey! Well, you should, like-"

"Quiet! All of you!"

The Sirens clasped their mouths shut as my father glared at them. Father rubbed his temples in frustration. All the members of the Circle were gathered in a small room in the higher parts of the Palace. The Gala had been cancelled and the Royal Guard and Police were inspecting the crime scene far below us. I sat at a table in the corner, simply listening to them. The Grandmaster allowed me to enter because I had interacted with Dr. Turner and was the first to find the dead couple. Talking about the Grandmaster, Prince Blueblood gazed out the window thoughtfully. He held the two Templar rings in his hand. The other Templars remained silent as he thought. Aria and Sonata made faces and gave rude gestures at one another while Adagio gritted her teeth as she sat between them. Beatrix played with a pencil in her boredom. She clearly did not care about what had happened earlier. The only ones who did were Blueblood, Father, Fleur and Master Patsi, not including myself. Now, I never knew those two well. I was more upset about how easily they were killed. They probably didn't even see the blade coming for them. The Assassins escaped before anyone even knew they were there. Oh, how easily they came into the Palace. How they appeared like normal people. It rattled me to my core. Dr. Turner could have found a way to kill me even on the dance floor. I danced with a killer and did not even know it.

"Miss Belle?"

I looked up. Prince Blueblood looked straight at me with solemn eyes. His gaze drew all the other Templars to look at me. "Come forward." He said simply. I rose with uncertainty and walked over to him. The Templars remained focus on me. My father held his breath as I passed. The Grandmaster placed one ring on the table and held the other with care. He did not say anything, nor did his stoic expression change. I stopped before him. He lifted the ring to our eye level. "This is a grave time for the Order and we have lost two great assets to our cause. In this desperate time, we cannot risk being undermanned. You, Rarity Elysia Belle, are here by chosen to take the place of the late Uplyia de Croust. Ladies and gentlemen, would you please join me in the initiation."

All of the Templars rose from their seats. The room seemed to darken with all their presence. I kept my head head high as the Prince took a step forward and gently took my hand. The Prince looked firmly in my eyes. I had no choice but the return the gaze. He slid the ring onto my finger. "This era of the world is plagued with street violence and corruption. By leaders who lie to their subjects and drive them to doom. By those who seek treasures beyond the boundaries of our nation and in the process, sabotage the peoples of the other lands. But, we are the hope against this. We are Templars. We are the Harbingers of the New World. We are the Guidance to the people. Lest they be swept away by the floods of the ever-changing society. Remember our Purpose: To guide all wayward souls until they reach the quiet road. To guide all wayward desires until their passioned hearts are cooled. To guide all wayward minds until they are safe and sober thought. By the Father of Understanding's light, we accept you into our fold, sister. May the Father of Understanding guide us."

"May the Father of Understanding guide us." The others responded in unison.

I inspected the ring. It was identical to my father's but wasn't his. I am sure he was disappointed by that, but I could not tell by looking at him. He, like all the others, looked at me with stoic expressions like the Prince. The Prince patted me on the shoulder. "You are following your father's footsteps. You have been entrusted with a position of leadership in the Order. We pray you use it well. You are no longer Miss Belle, but Mistress Belle of the Templar Order. Are you ready to take the fight back against the Nationalists, the Assassins, and the gangs for the purification of Equestria?"

I bowed to him. "Yes, I am ready. When do we start?"

He grinned. "Tomorrow."