Adventures of Doctor Sparkle: Honest Jack and The Harlot

Chapters

Chapter One: A Tale of Tragic Incompetence
Chapter Two: Train in Vain
Chapter Three: Playing With Fire
Chapter Four: Raze This Barn

Chapter One: A Tale of Tragic Incompetence

I sat in my study reading in silence. What I read was a dissertation on the future on teleportation magic and the effect it could have on commercial travel in the next few decades; fascinating, truly fascinating. Dim candlelight danced across my study, illuminating just enough for me to read, but leaving the rest of the room shrouded in darkness. I couldn’t tell you what time of day it was as the study was located in the center of my home, with no way for the outside world to disturb it, and I had been in there for hours.

All I knew for certain was that it was a Tuesday, as that was how I spent most Tuesdays. I always felt Tuesdays to be relaxing, they were at such a low point of the week no one ever did anything disruptive, nothing important ever happened on a Tuesday I’d state with confidence. That was until my assistant interrupted my studies and lead an unexpected potential client in, sitting him down across from me. Before I could even put away what I was reading, let alone reprimand my assistant the man began prattling.

His name was Iron Rail, and just like his name sake grease seemed to drip from his thinning hair, and mix with the copious amounts of sweat racing down his chubby face. Iron also seemed to have nervous fingers that buzzed around obnoxiously, constantly folding over themselves or being run through his scalp. He sat across from me, the candlelight hitting him under the chin, and illuminating his face at an unflattering angle. From what I could make out of his blathering he worked for some train company. There was also something about an important final chance, and getting fired, but It didn’t seem worth the effort to find out, so I ignored it.

About five minutes in I made a decision, I was going to wait for him to get his thoughts into order, rather than trying to decipher his speech. So I turned my attention back to the research paper I had started before he arrived. I hopped my company wouldn’t get his hands on this article, he’d probably pass out from fright, assuming he understood it.

“Miss?”

I peeked over the top of my paper, it appeared Iron had finally stopped talking. Now we could get to business. But first I needed to correct something.

“Doctor.”

“Pardon,” his face twisted grotesquely as he tried to understand my obvious statement.

“Call me Doctor, not Miss. Unlike you, my education was not a waste.”

“Oh,” his face lit up with sudden realization, “I’m sorry Miss, uh, I mean Doctor.”

“It’s fine. Anyways,” I continued the conversation, trying my best to hold back a grimace, “you were telling me something, about something.”

“You weren’t listening,” his face began turning red, making his sweat more rapid, and more obvious.

“No, I was not.”

“And why the hell not,” he launched out of his seat, and ineptly began walking around the room, trying to find something to take his frustration out on, before he gave up and turned back on me, “you better have a damn good explanation, or I’m taking my companies money elsewhere.”

“Because, I wanted to give you a moment to get your thoughts in order,” I explained, but held back comments about how that should have been something he did before wasting my time, “now that they are, we should have no trouble communicating.”

“Well, I, uh, I guess that makes sense,” he stammered while straightening his jacket and sitting back down.

“Glad we’re agreed, now please start from the very beginning.”

“The beginning? All right, it was three weeks ago, I was conducting the Ponyville Express to Canterlot. About three hours into the journey we spotted something just up the tracks. Two bright red lanterns, that meant trouble and we knew it, something up ahead must have been wrong with the track, probably flooding, it had been raining heavily the day before. So we brought the train to a stop, and waited to be informed of the issue.

“The two of them came right up to the front of the train, while we waited feeling a bit nervous. One climbed right up to the cabin, while the other held back, and thank goodness for that because she was bit of a brute, but the one that came up to talk to us, whoa, I mean I’d never seen a woman that fine.”

I must have been giving him a strange look because after that he caught my eye and spluttered awkwardly. His chubby fingers nervously began running through his dark greasy hair.

“Sorry, M-Doctor. I was being a might crass.”

“No need to apologize, a description of the assailants involved is extremely necessary. These are the assailants?” Normally I wouldn’t even bother asking that question, because it was easy to deduce from context whom I was after, but with this man I couldn’t be to sure he wasn’t giving me a pointless anecdote. It was also quite entertaining to watch him squirm.

“Of course they are.”

“Well then, in that case descriptions are good. Though, it would be nice if those descriptions went deeper than one you ogled, the other you didn’t.”

“Right, sorry. So she climbed up to talk to us, she had this white gown on, that matched her skin, and her hair was a purple colour the curled all the way down her back, she smiled so sweetly when we first saw her. I swore she must have been some land Barron's daughter to look that good, no way some average girl could pull it off, not now not ever.

“Before even saying anything she blew a kiss to all four of us in the front, and for some reason, we just started smiling like idiots, and we couldn’t stop. It took few seconds to sink in, but we were completely stuck, then she turned back down to her partner. ‘Darling’ that’s what she said ‘darling’ be all sweet for a brute like that, can you believe it? ‘darling, come on up, the spell is working’. Next we heard the large stomping, and that giant blonde woman with a nasty scar over her eye came up to join us. She was wearing leather everything, along with some beat up ol’ hat.

“‘Howdy gentlemen,’ she started with an obnoxious grin, ‘the name’s Jack, they call me Honest Jack, that’s cause I never tell a lie, and I’m not going to start now so listen close’. She pulled two revolvers and a large sack from her coat, placed the guns in the hands of two of the men, and gave the last one the sack. ‘The way this spell works is you have to do as told,’ she continued, ‘though we don’t got control over your exact specific actions, so you three are going to take any valuables from those riding the train, that isn’t a choice, the spell will make you. However you get to choose how you do it, and now I’m going to make a few suggestions, this is the part where you should listen, don’t let your guard down, just because you know you aren’t robbing the train and aren’t going to harm people doesn’t mean they know. We don’t want a passenger with an itchy trigger finger blowing you away do we? Next act fast, if someone shows up to investigate, they won’t hesitate to gun down guys running around the train with guns and sacks of money. Lastly, be big, be loud, be scary, but under no circumstances kill any passengers. I know how this spell works, so you can bet any fancy city lawyer sent to prosecute you will to, and they’ll know you killed them of your own free will, and that will get you a date with the hangman. I’m sure you don’t want that. Okay now that you’ve got it, go get’ she seemed to herd them into the next compartment while the women in white wriggled her fingers and whispered some kind of chant. Next Jack turned to me, ‘and you, you are going to let us right into train’s safe.’

“Next thing I knew that damn harlot was chanting under her breath again and I couldn’t stop myself from leading them to the train car with the safes. Once we arrived I used my own key to open it up, and they just started taking things it was terrifying to watch.”

“Terrifying?” I interrupted, “how could that be terrifying?”

“Because the one that called herself Honest Jack is stronger than anything I’ve ever seen. She hoisted two full safes on to her shoulders and tossed three bags of cash onto her back. The rest, which was actually lighter than what that monster, Jack, was carrying, was magicked into the air by the women in white. Next they got the sack and guns from the other three, and disappeared into the night.

“But that was just the first time. Since then they’re have been six bank robberies that point to them, and three more train jobs. We even tried getting guards, but those that weren’t stopped by the magic, were disarmed by Jack. She’s a hell of a shot, but has never killed anyone, only injuries or disarming.”

“Do you have any leads as to where I might find them,” I asked, getting slightly eager this was somewhat exciting, powerful mind magic, and inhuman strength. These girls were good, though I doubt better than I.

“Yes, we’ve received news that items taken in the robbery have started popping up in the town of Sunprance. Also I’m supposed to give you these,” the man reached into his stained coat and pulled some papers, “wanted posters, complete with all the information we have on the two of them.”

I took the pile and laid all the papers out flat on the table in front of me, placing the two drawings of the women in the center. One had a short pony tail, a tough and serious face, with one nasty scar across her left eye, she was tall and muscular, and unkempt and dirty. The other was soft, clean, and feminine, with long curly hair, and a sly smirk, she was well groomed with plucked eyebrows, clean skin, and with what appeared to be light make up, that was unexpected for a woman of her supposed status.

After I glanced down at the names under each drawing, Honest Jack and The Harlot. That’s what they were being called now. I couldn’t hold back my grin as I looked away from the papers. Good nicknames on my targets always got to me.

“Spike,” I yelled to the door, quickly my portly assistant answered my call and entered.

“Yes Doctor Sparkle,” he said disinterestedly, the boy had an attitude problem, but he at least made himself useful and knew when to leave me be, as opposed to my previous proteges that would just get under my feet. I kind of hoped this one wouldn’t do something stupid and get himself killed, “what is it you want?”

“Get my rifle,” I told him, much to the delight of Iron Rails, “we’re going hunting.”

Chapter Two: Train in Vain

The next day Spike and I were on the three day train ride straight from Canterlot to Sunprance. It was a nice looking train, though my aesthetic eye wasn't very keen. We had a first class cabin in the front car. One side of the cabin had a bed fit for one of the princesses, and the other had a booth with plush soft seats, and a wooden table clearly delicately carved with a fine magical touch. Every few hours a woman would knock, and Spike would answer, she’d offer to get us food and drink. We ate light meals, as I was too busy, and Spike filled up on pastries, I did order tea most times she came by. It made me wish I had brought some of my own tea leaves from my estate. What they had here was dreadful, though better than nothing.

It was the second night, and we would be reaching Sunprance the next morning. I read the files on Honest Jack and The Harlot repeatedly. I wanted to use all the time I could on the long trip to learn every detail about my targets. Spike, on the other hand, had lost interest in the files almost immediately and now just sat staring out the window. Disappointing, but at least he wasn’t interrupting me.

“Have you been this far out west before,” he asked almost as though he could sense it was the last thing I wanted, “I remember reading something about you doing a job around this area.”

“You’re right,” I stated simply, but I could still feel his eyes burrowing into me so I continued, “I was after a maniac who had an obsession with singing and sandwiches.”

“He sounds strange.”

“He was.”

“You called him a maniac,” evidently my assistant was as quick as he was quiet, “what happened to him? Did you catch him? If you did, what did you do with him?”

“Spike, I’m a bit busy at the moment.” I told him, finally looking up from the papers. “Can we talk about this later?”

“Busy?” his tone overflowed with disbelief. “You’ve been reading the same thing for days. What more can you learn?”

“I need to absorb it.”

“Absorb it?”

I didn’t understand the child. Being my assistant was supposed to be mutually beneficial, they learned from me, and I got a pack mule. Spike however, seemed to doubt me at every turn.

“Yes, any and all of these details could help me stop Honest Jack and The Harlot, as they’re called.” To his credit Spike seemed interested in my explanation, as he leaned across the table to listen closer, “this location is the only lead we have. Even the smallest clue as to where they are hiding may be the difference between catching them,” I gave a dramatic pause, “and letting them slip away forever.”

He still looked confused so I shoved the papers towards him and decided to just demonstrate. “Look at these and test me.”

“Oh, alright I guess,” he said, taken off guard, but caught on fast enough. He straightened out the papers and started to read them. “How about hair col-?”

“Blonde, and purple, obvious,” I answered before he could finish asking. “That’s easy, and not that useful as hair is one of the easiest things to change. Challenge me.”

“Primary hand?”

“The Harlot is left-handed, but Honest Jack appears to be ambidextrous.”

“Possible purchases they’d make?”

“Jack appears practical. So she’d only buy the necessities for living, and anything to help with the next job; guns, ammo, horses. Harlot however fancies herself a high class girl, and would spend their money on more frivolous things, such as perfume, make up, and exotic outfits. The more expensive the better. If we’re lucky that might cause problems in their relationship. Though those things can’t be easy to come by out here. It could stand to reason that she makes some of the products herself, in which case we’d look for places that sell needles, fabrics, thread, the works,” I said, looking down at the wooden floor of the cabin, my eyes darting every second or two, staring at nothingness as I mentally worked through my own memory and reasoning.

“How do they talk to others?” Spike quickly fired off when I was finished. He seemed to be enjoying himself.

“Jack does the talking. She’s simple, straightforward, and as far as I can tell, actually honest. Her ways of talking fits in much better to these parts than her partner, but it still seems soft, and even nice in some reports, her tone seems to be light and joking. Harlot is tricky, as she has never directly conversed with anyone besides Jack, so her manner in those situations is biased,” I said, furrowing my brow in thought and aware of Spike leaning in slightly. He was probably interested in the sudden lack of matter-of-fact confidence, but there's only so much you can get from these kinds of reports. “From what I’ve gathered she speaks softly, but her vocabulary seems to show at least a minor education, on top of that her words and tone is reported to show an affection, though this is where the biased is at it’s worst, as that affection may just be for Jack, I have no idea.”

“Okay, how about-”, Spike started before the train screeched to sudden halt, causing him to lurch forward, and into the table. I gently bounced off the cushioned seat, using my hands to keep our tea from spilling. Spike then sat back up, wincing and holding the bridge of his nose. “What was that?”

I smirked as I peered out the window. I couldn't see much because it was still the dead of night, but I could tell we weren’t at the station. “It could be that you and I are unimaginably lucky,” I told him, pouring us both cups of tea, “as it appears our targets have come to us.”

“If that’s true, why are you pouring tea?” he demanded, and stood, to go fetch our bags before I stopped him.

“It’s for the Harlot’s magic,” I said retrieving a small vial from my coat pocket and began pouring its contents into the tea. “This is a focus potion, it was all the rage when I was under Princess Celestia’s tutelage. It would let students stay up for hours to do work and study, but it should also inhibit mind manipulating spells from taking effect.”

I sat patiently finishing my tea, Spike seemed anxious but drank as well.

Just as I finished the last drop the door to our cabin was wrenched open. The conductors were right on time for their muggings. The two carrying guns were big and got real close to intimidate us. I decided it was too close. I starred the barrels down, as they shouted about putting money in the bag. My hands shot forward catching them both off guard, I quickly whispered a spell and snapped my fingers. Right before I grabbed their wrists my hands sparked, and when I made contact that spark ran through both their bodies, they immediately collapsed to the ground unconscious.

Moving across the room, I used the same spell again on the third conductor carrying the sack, he was smaller and younger than other two, and didn’t do a thing to avoid my attack, he just stood their with a horrified expression. After that was taken care of I picked up the two revolvers, they seemed beat up and cheap, but I could still get some use out of them, then I grabbed the sack and tossed it towards Spike.

“Return what’s in there to the passengers,” I told him as I marched across the room and rummaged through our luggage, “if you do it quick, you may actually get to see the fight.”

“Understood,” he said with a mock salute, and ran out of the room, bag in hand.

I found what I was looking for, and pulled it out of my bag. My pride and joy, presented to me upon graduating from Celestia’s private school for the exceptionally gifted, the Runic Lever Action Rifle, a gun capable of blending the wielders magic into the shots, also given the affectionate nickname Celestia’s Might. It had a long shiny steel barrel, the stock was a finely crafted nearly pure white maple wood, the wood even had a large sun carved into the base, as well there was a small hole right above the trigger for you to channel magic into.

I slung the rifle across my back, there was no room to use it inside the train, so I drew one of the revolvers, and quickly headed to the back of the train. I soon reached the end of the passenger cars, this was where they picked up the goods from the conductors. I leaned against the wall, so I couldn’t be seen from the boarding door, and I listened. I heard voices, an argument.

“They are taking too long, something must be wrong, please let’s just go before it gets worse,” this voice was soft and well spoken, The Harlot.

“It won’t take to long, I’m just gonna check things are fine,” and she must be Jack, “and besides, it’s like you said, the faster we make the money the better.”

I could hear the voice getting closer, as someone climbed up to the door, I flicked back the revolver’s hammer. Swinging open the door Honest Jack landed a loud boot inside the train, I grinned.

Spinning around the corner, I heard The Harlot gasp, while Jack tried to aim her own gun. Unfortunately for them the advantage was to me as I leveled the barrel at the first target’s chest, at the same time Harlot was chanting something. Just as I pulled the trigger a blue glow covered Jack’s body.

The bullet connected right in the center of Jack’s chest and the force sent her flying out of the train. Landing with a painful thud, she started breathing heavily as the spell around her faded, it appeared The Harlot cast a shield spell just in time. This is why you take out magic users first.

I stepped into the doorway and aimed at The Harlot, she was panting on the ground, that spell seemed to take a lot out of her. My eyes narrowed I needed to make sure she was taken out fast, the barrel aligned with her skull.

“No,” Jack shouted launching from the dirt. She recovered faster than I expected and was on me in a second. I decided to take the shot anyway, but now that I had to aim around someone I missed by mere inches. In response the blonde giant took a swing at me, catching me right in my wrist. I dropped the revolver and cried out in pain, bones were certainly broken.

Tumbling backwards I landed hard on my backside while Jack charged forward her eyes burning. There was no room to maneuver, matching her physically was out of the question, and there was no way I’d draw another gun in time. I had one option and the odds of it working were not in my favor, I couldn’t believe that one unlikely mistake was going to get me killed.

Only one option remained, running. Closing my eyes, I pictured a location in my brain. I could feel Honest Jack looming over me, her arm pulled back ready for a devastating punch. However she was too slow, and with a puff of smoke, I teleported away.

I found myself sitting on my cabin floor, and down the hall I heard metal crunch from the force of a deadly punch.

“Spike,” I called as I got to unsteady feet, “Spike, get your worthless hide back here, now!”

Running around the corner Spike entered the cabin panting, “yes doc-,” his voice caught when he saw my bloody hand laying limp and my side, “what happened.”

“Jack,” I said simply, “and I need your help to stop her.”

With my left hand I grabbed the rifle barrel poking over my shoulder. I handed Celestia’s Might to my shocked looking assistant.

“Doctor Sparkle,” he said looking the gun over, “I can’t, I mean I wouldn’t know the first thing.”

“I can’t either,” I snapped back, we both looked at my hand, “look, I need the extra firepower, just remember to point the right end at your enemy, and don’t shoot me.”

He nodded firmly, and it felt like some great weight had been lifted off my shoulders, or at least a portion of it. I jostled his spiky green hair, and started casting another teleportation spell.

I was standing outside the train, inches behind Jack. I had come in closer than expected but it would work just fine for me. Jack was carrying their loot, she and The Harlot appeared to be walking away, both of them had their backs to me. I guess they assumed I had run away and were making their escape.

I chanted a spell, and punched my sparking fist into Jack’s back. Electricity ran through her body and she was launched forward several feet, landing face down in the dirt. The harlot was once again fast to react, spinning around, and casting a spell.

“Freeze,” she shouted, knowing how fast she was, I needed her close and off guard so I did as I was told, “good, you aren’t that tough, just an overzealous bounty hunter, in over her head.”

I held back a smirk as she walked towards me with confidence, “if Jack let’s you live,” she whispered when we were next to each other, “you should come by Carousel Boutique in Sunprance three days from now, we might just be able to come to an agreement.”

“Why don’t I just stop you now,” I mocked, The Harlot’s face drained of colour. I drove a sparking fist right for her gut, she started glowing with a weak shield right before impact. It was enough to keep her conscious, as she landed on her back next to Jack, gasping.

I sprinted forward to close the gap, as she flicked her wrist. Hearing something to my right move, I glanced to the side and saw a safe glowing with magic flying at me. I rolled, feeling the rush of air on my back as it barely missed. Pausing for a second to regain my bearings The Harlot took advantage. Casting another telekinesis spell, three large burlap sacks launched at me. I caught one with my own magic and used it to block the second, the third however slipped past and caught me in the forehead knocking me off my feet.

Seconds later I crashed back to earth, my vision to darkening. I lay on the ground powerless, while I listened too both my enemies get back to their feet.

“I’m gonna kill her,” Jack was furious and I heard the click of a gun, “she came here to get us, no other explanation, if we let her live she’ll find us again.”

“Jack, please be reasonable,” The Harlot begged, “you don’t want to be a killer, I don’t want you to be a killer.”

“Rarity,” she hesitated, “I’m sorry but it’s gotta be done.”

There was a shot, and to my surprise I wasn’t dead. Working up all my remaining strength I raised my head and looked around. Spike was standing in the doorway of the train, rifle up and barrel smoking.

“One warning,” he shouted, and it might have been intimidating too, if he wasn’t a kid, and knew anything about how to aim a gun, “you walk away now, or my next shot won’t miss.”

“Jack let’s go,” The Harlot started after a short silence, “what are you going to do at this point, kill a child?”

Jack didn’t respond but I heard a gun being holstered and heavy footsteps fading away. They were quickly followed by The Harlot’s lighter and quicker steps giving chase. Though I was certain the fight was over my body refused to relax until I heard the distant sound of horses galloping.

“Doctor Sparkle,” Spike called over to me, “Doctor Sparkle are you okay?”

I heard Spike rush off calling for help as all the strength left my body. Me head hit the dirt, and my vision faded. Laying passed out in the dirt, blood oozing from my hand and head, this was not turning out as expected.

Author's Note

Thank you for reading! Please tell me what you thought.
I'm also looking for and editor/reviewer to help with future chapters, if anyone has advice on the matter I'll eagerly listen.

Chapter Three: Playing With Fire

I awoke slowly, groggily. My head was pounding, and my right hand throbbed in agony. Groaning loudly I got into a more upright position, heavy blankets making it a difficult task. Something moved at the foot of my bed and I noticed Spike, his head resting next to my feet, and sitting on a small stool. He yawned and shook his head, slowly waking up.

“Doc,” he said rubbing his eyes, “are you feeling okay.”

“Yes, I think,” I informed him, “where are we?”

“Sheriff's house," he replied before his eyes shot open and he leaped to his feet, "oh, the sheriff, he said he wanted to talk to you, I should go get him.”

Before I could even react Spike had run out of the room. Deciding to look around I noticed where I was looked like someone’s bedroom. Family pictures lined the hardwood walls, they were hard to make out, the sun coming through the window was causing a glare. Curtains, and blankets looked homemade and had floral pattern on them. There was a wicker nightstand next to me, and on it lay a framed picture of a smiling girl and an open medical kit.

The door opened and Spike stepped inside the room closely followed by an older man I presumed to be the sheriff. He was graying with wrinkles running along his kind, matured face. A bristly mustache jutted from his upper lip and gave him the appearance of walrus. He limped over and sat down on the stool with a thud, then turned to give me bright smile.

“Thank you,” he said before pulling me into a tight hug, using strength I was unaware he could muster, “thank you so much.”

“Excuse me,” I said when finally released.

“Oh I’m sorry,” he laughed to himself, Spike joined in as well, though it appeared more at my expense, “I’m Sheriff Dust Storm, and you saved my daughter's life.”

“Daughter,” my head was throbbing, I was certain I heard him wrong, “sir I didn't save anyone.”

“Don’t be modest now,” he patted me on the shoulder, “if you weren't’ there, well, I don’t want to think of what could have happened.”

“No really sir, your praise is misplaced, those women that robbed the train are generally harmless.”

“Yes well, you still put up a valiant effort to bring them to justice,” he said with a tone that made it clear he didn't trust my judgment.

“Speaking of effort,” I said turning to my assistant, “what happened after I was unconscious.”

“Yes, that,” Spike said, clearly caught off guard, “well I went to get help, and that’s when I found the Sheriff’s daughter, she’s a doctor. Though not a doctor like you, a proper medical doctor, she and I helped bring you here, into the sheriff's bed, and then she dressed your wounds. Now she’s out getting food for breakfast.”

“How long was I out?”

“A few hours.”

“Well in that case, we’ll have breakfast, then go and investigate the town.”

“Doctor,” Spike questioned clearly shocked, “couldn't they already be fleeing the area, shouldn't we start looking for leads as soon as possible.”

“No Spike, rushing would only get us killed faster in this state. Besides patience is a virtue.”

Not so long after, the sheriff’s daughter returned, and made a large breakfast for us. She was a pretty, young woman named Redheart. She shared her father's kindly smile and stocky build. We all sat around a small wooden table, eating in a pleasant silence. The rising sun tinting the rustic dining room orange.

“So you’re bounty hunters,” Redheart said as she poured a glass of juice, “who you after?”

“The two women that attacked the train we were both on,” I stated simply.

“Oh, so do you have any leads?” Redheart asked clearly enthralled, the sheriff on the other hand ignored me and started talking to Spike, I don’t think he much liked bounty hunters.

“Unfortunately no,” I lied, it didn't seem like a good idea to get the sheriff involved, “we were lucky to be on that train at all, and even luckier to survive.”

“That’s disappointing.”

“These things happen,” I said with a slight shrug, “though I will stick around in town for a few more days, look around see if I can find anything.”

“Stay here,” Sheriff Storm said, suddenly much more interested in the conversation once it appeared we were hopeless in our search, “we owe you, and besides Redheart will need to check on your wounds every so often to make sure it’s all in order, right dear?”

“Definitely,” Redheart said shaking her head, “it would be our pleasure.”

I looked at Spike, and he seemed to have no problems with the idea so I accepted. Idle conversation continued for a few for minutes before it felt appropriate to start asking about what I really cared about.

“Sheriff Storm,” I asked, “I was wondering if I could as you a few questions about the town.”

“Of course you can Missy,” I didn't correct him, as it’s not every day someone's daughter saves your life, while they give you a bed to rest in and food to eat, “what is it you wanted to know?”

“Do you know anything about a place called Carousel Boutique?”

“That poor place,” Dust Storm hung his head low, and Redheart's grin fell away, “Rarity, a nice young woman opened it about a year back. There was a fire, nobody died, that’s at least something to be glad of, but the poor girl lost everything.”

This was going somewhere interesting, “where I could find her?”

"I'm not sure where you could find her. She used to live in her shop, then after the fire she started hanging with a bad crowd in the tavern, now it could be weeks between times I see her.”

“Could you take me to the boutique?”

______________________________________________________________________

Barron, that was the best word to describe it. A charred skeleton of a building sitting on the edge of town. Inside sat the remains of mannequins, on top of piles of ash I could only assume to once be dresses. Blackened carvings of horses danced around happily on the walls of the building, in a twisted juxtaposition.

I tried opening the front door, but instead of gently swinging, the hinges snapped off and it fell into the abandoned building. With a shrug I stepped in, if I was going to have a meeting here in three days I should know it as best I can. Spike followed uneasily and continually glanced to the ceiling seemingly expecting it to fall.

“Spike,” I started while examining the front desk, “how much experience do you have with lever rifles?”

“None,” he said apprehensively, “why do you ask?”

“Because you seemed to have no issue using it,” I explained, catching him with a gaze, “the lever always trips people up on their first try.”

“Well,” he scratched the back of his head, and suddenly found a particularly interesting ash pile, “I may have practiced with yours when you weren't paying attention. Not using any bullets or anything, just you know, looking at it, playing.”

“Playing?”

“Practicing I mean, examining it very carefully. Definitely not playing.”

“Well I’m thankful you did so much ‘examining’,” I said with a grin, “if you hadn't I would not be standing here right now. I think I owe you a proper lesson.”

“Are you serious,” he asked, eyes sparkling with hope.

“Of course I am, it’s not like I’ll be able to get use out of it,” at that moment I placed my foot on the stairs to the second floor, causing it to snap beneath my weight, “we should probably get started now actually. I don’t think there is much more to see around here anyway.”

We moved outside at a slightly accelerated pace and returned to the sheriff’s house to retrieve our luggage. I grabbed my rifle, some ammo, and a handful of empty bottles then led Spike back outside. I placed the bottles on the ground and stood next to Spike roughly ten feet away from them. I drilled him on the basics until no beer bottles remained.

“Spike, you’re draconic, correct?” I asked while he collected the glass pieces into a bin.

“That’s right, my father was cursed by a dragon,” he said uncomfortably, “no real negative symptoms have appeared yet, but apparently it could happen at anytime.”

“Yes, you are the most high functioning cursed being in recorded history. Of course for you it’s had some benefit as well. You can use dragon magic.”

“Well yeah, I guess,” he said with a shrug and handing the rifle back-over.

“Well in that case give me your best fire-breath,” I pointed out into the empty desert to direct him, “there should be safe.”

“I’ll try,” Spike began sucking air through his nose, and puffing out his chest, his face turned red and his eyes popped. After a few seconds he stomped forward and shouted, a small puff of flame accompanying it.

“Sorry,” he said his eyes dipping to the dirt.

“Nothing to apologize over,” I said patting his head, “it was a respectable attempt. Now you’re going to try again but with my help.”

“Alright,” his face brightened.

“Now I will be making a lot of assumptions about how your magic works, so I apologize if anything I say turns out to be incorrect,” I explained to him, this would be the first time dragon magic in any form would be studied, “now moving on. Your first issue seems to be trying to force the magic physically, when you should be directing the energy mentally. You need to stand up straight, regulate your breathing, and in your mind picture the fire rising up from your center, and out of your mouth. The real fire should follow your instructions. Now get in position”

Spike nodded then stood stock still, and began breathing rapidly. I circled around a few times examining all the details before I leveled the butt of the rifle at him.

“Chest in, back straight, chin up, arms flat,” I said correcting his posture, and tapping him with Celestia’s Might for emphasis, “and finally slower breaths.”

I waited a few moments to let him get used to his position. “Ready,” I asked, when he seemed prepared.

He nodded.

“Then do it,”

Spike was motionless for a few moments, but I could see his brow furrow in concentration. Beads of sweat ran down his face. Then without warning his jaw dropped and a plume of fire the size of a horse erupted into the air. The heat was unbelievable, standing next to it felt like stepping inside a powerful furnace.

“How was that,” he asked with a cocky grin, and I couldn't blame him, that power was amazing.

“Now, we’re going to try something interesting,” I said tossing him the rifle, “you’re going to combine that into a bullet.”

He held the gun limply and stared at me in disbelief. “Come on, it’s easy, I’ll show you,” I said rushing over to his side, “okay hold the rifle like you normally do, now place your thumb right in that slot above the trigger. There is will you will send the energy, not out of your mouth, but your thumb. Once that is done, the gun will take care of the rest, channeling the energy into the bullet to be released upon impact with your target.”

“It just doesn't feel natural,” he pleaded, “all my instincts say the fire should be breathed out.”

“You’re thinking like a dragon Spike. You need to be thinking as a spell-caster, now do it.”

Huffing angrily Spike aimed the rifle deep into the desert. Breathing slowly he began focusing the spell once again. A minute later he pulled the trigger and bullet launched off into the horizon. An explosion of fire appeared in the distance shocking my assistant.

“I can’t believe that worked,” he mouthed to himself staring at his hands in disbelief.

“They’re other kinds of magic right,” Spike asked returning my gun, “I mean like Jack, she uses magic right, that how she’s so strong.

“Technically yes but they are less obvious,” I explained, as we went back inside, “there are truly three types of magic. Energy, manipulation, and body. Energy is the most obvious form, and what I use, people take energy from deep inside their bodies and release it in different forms. Next is manipulation, where you can bend the world around you to your will, turning storm clouds into controlled weapons, or the most common form, bending wind for different effects, normally flying. Lastly is body, it is the most subtle form. It’s rare, and there is not really anything you can do to improve it if you have it. It makes you stronger, faster, and a quick healer, judging by our fight Jack has a hell of a lot of it.”

“So follow up question,” Spike said as we sat down at the kitchen table with glasses of water, “can Celestia’s Might absorb other forms of magic?”

“Now you’re asking the interesting questions,” I said with a smirk, “it absorbs energy from your body, so that makes manipulation a no right away. You do not create anything with the magic, you just move what is already there. Body however is a possibility, but since those people have very little control over that magic, it would be extremely difficult. Does that make sense?”

“Yeah, I think I get.”

“Good, now how would you feel going for a second round of practice after these drinks?”

The next few days were a blur of none stop training. I never told Spike because I didn't want to worry him, but I was going to relaying a lot on his skills with my injuries still holding me back. Before I knew it I woke up on the day of my meet up with the Harlot.

“Get up Spike,” I announced tossing a bag of equipment onto him, “we’re almost late for our date.”

Chapter Four: Raze This Barn

Carousel Boutique stood before me, a foreboding fortress.

If The Harlot was in fact Rarity the woman that used to own the building, she knew it better than I, not a fact I was fond of. However this was my best chance at catching them and I had to take it. Though it was worth noting that if The Harlot wanted me dead I would already be, so she'd at least want to talk before trying to kill me, probably.

“I’m going in Spike,” I informed my assistant who moved to follow me before I halted him, “I’m going alone.”

“Why the hell can't I come,” he argued stomping the dirt in frustration, “what was the point of all that training?”

“We have no idea what we’re walking into,” I said crouching down to look him in the eye, “if it’s some kind of ambush I don’t want you getting caught in it. Your job will be to keep an eye out for any suspicious behavior out here, and inform me if you see it, as well as being ready to back me up if you hear any fighting going on inside.”

“I guess that makes sense,” Spike conceded, still clearly not impressed with the plan, “if anything does go wrong, I’ll be in there in an instance.”

“Of course you will,” I chuckled and mussed up his hair.

Drawing a revolver I stepped into the building, the charred door crunching beneath my feet. Silence hung unnervingly in the air, as I kicked up obscuring clouds of dust. I made my way around the room making sure the area was safe, but refusing to venture deeper into the building.

“Hello,” I called down the empty halls once I had checked over the full floor room, “anyone home?”

“This way,” The Harlot’s voice sung sweetly, “I've been waiting.”

I moved slowly after the voice, keeping a safe pace, watching carefully for any traps. I reached the end of the hall, a single door waited for me. Pressing my back against the wall next to it, I reached for the handle. Turning the dusty brass slowly, I took a deep breath. Shoving open the door I leaped around the corner revolver at the ready.

The harlot stood in the center of the room, on top of a small modeling stage, unfazed by the barrel pointed at her skull. Behind her was half a writing desk, surrounded by dilapidated spools. Large shelves encroached on the room, making it feel claustrophobic.

“No need for that,” The Harlot said pointing at my weapon, “it won’t do you much good anyway, I’m a projection.”

She giggled as I cautiously walked to the center of the room and tapped her forehead with my gun’s barrel, causing the image to shimmer.

“You can see and hear me,” I started looking around the room, “so I know you’re around here. What’s stopping me from tearing this place apart looking for your right now?”

“You can try,” she shrugged, “but I’ll be gone long before you get anywhere near me.”

“Fine,” I put my revolver away, “what is it you wanted to discuss?”

“I need your help,” she said turning serious, “Jack is forcing me into this, I’m worried she’ll hurt me if I try to leave. But now you’re here, together we can stop her, as long as you promise to let me go free after.”

“And why should I do that?” I asked circling the projection, while taking subtle looks for where she could be hiding.

“Because I’m innocent, she forced me into this, I’m just as much of a victim as-”

“As the people you controlled, and stole from?”

“Yes, I’m sorry, but it wasn't my choice,” The Harlot’s head slumped solemnly, “and besides, if you don’t promise, I won’t help, and you’ll never catch Jack.”

“Well you certainly know how to make a deal Rarity, why not come out so we can shake on it?”

“So you know who I am,” Rarity didn't seem to shocked. “I had no other way, I lost everything in the fire. Now Jack won’t let me quit.”

“You still broke the law.”

“It was that or starve, Jack’s the really dangerous one, she tried to kill you.”

“I tried to kill her, she also chose to let me live. Just like you chose to steal that money.”

“It wasn’t fair!” She shouted, her voice echoing off the ashen walls, “please, I didn’t have a choice.”

Rarity fell to her knees, and turned away from me. I watched her body shake as the sound of weeping filled the room. I walked over and sat next to the projection, “Rarity,” I said in a comforting tone, “I’m going to help you.”

“Really,” she perked up almost too quick, “in that case, one hour from now, meet me at the Apple family farm, that’s where Jack is hiding out.”

I nodded then got up and left the room. Moving through the empty halls, then I hopped out the front door silently motioning Spike to follow me. We walked all the way back to the sheriff’s house without a word, then I halted in front of the door and looked around to make sure no one was nearby.

“We need to get ready as soon as possible Spike,” I told him firmly, “we’re heading to a farm to to catch our prey, and I have a sneaking suspicion we are being lied to.”

Opening the door to the sheriff’s house immediately released sounds of a loud argument. Wondering what was going on Spike and I followed the noises to their source, the living room. Standing with his arms crossed and looking extremely put out was Sherif Dust Storm, and his daughter Redheart was behind him looking furious. Two other people we had never seen before were in the room as well, a small white haired, elderly woman, she was the one yelling and behind her, a tall muscular man, much more akin to a carefully carved statue than a man, he brushed blond locks hair from his vision as he appeared to try and calm down the older woman.

“Granny, please,” he said placing a large tanned hand on the elderly woman’s shoulder, “he said he can’t help us. Let’s just go.”

“I ain’t leaving till that damn witch is in cuffs,” the grandmother shouted, growing even louder, and shaking her fist furiously at the sheriff, “she’s a criminal and worst of all she’s a danger to our family.”

“I keep telling you, I can’t arrest the poor girl, just because you don’t like here,” Sheriff Strom said firmly, it was clear he was at the end of his rope, “if you provided evidence of any criminal acts it would be different, but you haven’t.”

“She is a criminal!”

“Enough,” Dust Storm shouted, “Mrs. Apple you’re better than this, just because you don’t approve of your daughters alternative lifestyle, does not give you the right to harass an innocent women. Especially Rarity, I think it should be obvious she has been through enough!”

“You think I’m being a bigot-”

“Mrs. Apple, may I speak with you?” I interrupted, causing everyone in the room to notice my presence for the first time. “It has to do with Rarity, and would be more appropriate to discuss in private.”

The two members of the apple family looked baffled by my statement, but also curious about what I had to say. With no more words being expelled they followed where my hand pointed, right out back, where Spike and I had just entered.

“What are you doing,” Sheriff Storm asked, his face contorted with distrust.

“You’ve been more than kind to me and my companion from the moment we arrived, that women seemed to be bothering you, so I thought it was the perfect opportunity to return the favor.” I lied almost effortlessly, if the sheriff were to suddenly get involved right at the end, it would only make things unpredictable.

“Well don’t let things get out of hand, out there,” he informed me, evidently buying the lie, “she may be old, but she’s tough and if you piss her off it may just be the last mistake you ever make.”

“I’ll try my best,” I said with a slight bow, “Spike, why don’t you join the two of them for tea and a chat, while I go outside?” I asked hoping he’d serve as a good distraction from whatever happened between the Apples and me.

Once Spike had waddled over to the couch and started talking about his progress in magical application I turned to the green back door. Pooking my head out I found the two Apples waiting for me, and looking impatient. I stepped out then made sure the door was shut tight, before starting the conversation.

“Hello,” I started, simple, easy, likeable, I reached a hand forward, the blond man shook it, but the older woman looked unimpressed, “I’m Doctor Twilight Sparkle, Celestia’s first graduate since Starswirl, and the worlds leading authority on magical theory.”

The woman still looked unimpressed, her grandson however looked a blend of astonished and baffled. “I’m also a bounty hunter,” this again failed to really move Mrs. Apple, “and I’ve been hired to bring two criminals by the aliases Honest Jack, and The Harlot to justice. I already know the identity of The Harlot, and I believe Honest Jack to be someone on your farm.”

“My granddaughter,” Mrs.Apple said looking at the ground, “my granddaughter Applejack is Honest Jack, and the one you call The Harlot, Rarity, is living with us.”

“An unfortunate circumstance for your family,” I said coldly, “now I’m going ask you a few questions, that could help put this all behind us.”

“How, you gonna kill my AJ,” The elderly woman said all the fiery passion suddenly absent from her voice, she was still looking down but from how her body shook I could tell she was crying. Her grandson stepped forward and began rubbing her back, “I should have done something sooner, but I let her run off and make those awful decisions and now you’re going to kill her.”

“I currently have no plans to kill Honest Jack” I stated factually once again, “there are a few questions I need answered before I’d make that decision.”

“Really,” the woman sniffled, and looked up at me hopefully, I nodded firmly, and she wrapped her bony arms, as far around her muscular grandson as she could manage and began weeping into his shirt.

“Time is of the essence,” I said after a minute, grabbing Mrs. Apple’s attention, “so please, quickly tell me how all of this Harlot and Honest Jack business got started.”

“A few months ago, that witch’s business went up flames. It was tragedy then, but now I wish she went with it,” Mrs. Apple spit venom with that final statement, her previous vigor returning, “after that she started hanging around the local tavern, getting by anyway she could. My poor AJ saw her and took pity, she went into the bar, and bought her a drink, even rented her a room. They started talking, and that damn Rarity started working her magic. She manipulated her at every turn, first playing all sweet and innocent, a poor victim,” Mrs. Apple spit on the dirt and so did her grandson, “once she knew Applejack wouldn’t run away she revealed her plan to start committing heists.

“Aj refused at first,” Mrs. Apple’s eyes seemed to burn with pride at that statement, “but then Rarity started using us against her.”

“How did she manage that?” I asked, Mrs.Apple looked for a second, almost guilty.

“We were never a wealthy family,” she explained with a sad smile, “but when my son and his wife died we were barely able to make ends meet. The witch knew this and convinced AJ her plan would be the perfect way to help. So eventually my granddaughter gave in and they became criminals. At that point it was too late for me to do anything. Applejack doesn’t listen to us, she won’t stop, she is much to enchanted by that women, and thinks she is doing the right thing. And as you’ve seen I can’t go to the law, because if I turned in Rarity with evidence, AJ would go with her and I just can’t let that happen. I should have been there to keep my poor baby off this path, and I’m certainly not going to get her killed for it.”

“I’m not going to kill your granddaughter,” I assured, “I am however going to be heading over to your farm to speak with her. Is she at the farm?”

“”She is, and we’re going to go with you,” Mrs.Apple demanded

“No, you aren’t,” I said firmly, “it’ll be too dangerous.”

“We can talk to Applejack for you, keep her calm,” the blond man said, while his grandmother looked to angry for words, “besides, Applebloom is still at the house.”

“Who is that?”

“AJ’s and my, little sister.”

“Fine, you come with me, what’s your name?” I said pointing at the large man.”

“Mac, friends call me Big Mac,” he said.

“Mac it is, you’re coming with my assistant and me to your farm, you’ll take me inside, assure your sister I mean no harm, then get Applebloom and leave. Mrs. Apple, you’re staying here, no discussion.”

It unfortunately was a bit of a discussion. The elderly woman didn’t want anything to go wrong and fought tooth and nail to try and convince us to bring her. Mac and I held firm till eventually she gave up and promised to stay with Sheriff Dust Storm till we returned. Then we fetched Spike and all our necessary equipment.

The group of us travelled in the Apple families cart, Mac sat up front directing the horses, while Spike and I lay hidden in the back. There we discussed the plan. Mac would lead us inside, we’d be unarmed, then he’d make sure Jack had started talking to us before going to fetch Applebloom. Once they were safely away, more options of how to proceed opened up, if talking didn’t work we could use more forceful means, though we weren’t trying to kill her. Issues would arise when Rarity showed up, but there wasn’t much to be done about that. Once that was settled I passed around a vial for us all to drink from making sure Rarity couldn’t control any of us.

After that I settled in for the long wait, flexing my left hand in anticipation, the right was still stiff and bandaged. The ride took about half an hour, as I stared up at the cloudy afternoon sky. Only one thing informed me of the progress we made, that was the cart shaking as it jostled down the road. It only got worse as we got closer to the farm as the path was much less worn than ones for the the town.

“We’re here,” Mac announced as the cart rolled to a stop, I sat up immediately, while Spike was more groggy. Looking around I saw we sat at the foot of a large, though rickety farm house, next to it sat a large barn, and a chicken coop. Turning around the rest of what surrounded us was just fields of apple trees as far as the eye could see, except for one large pasture that cows were currently grazing. However what was most interesting was an even larger cart packed full of bags of what looked to be cash, sitting right next to our cart.

Leaping over the side of the cart I held my hands high above my head, then started following Mac towards the house, Spike did the same.

Mac opened the front door, the house had many tight wooden corridors that lead to different wider rooms, to our right was kitchen, and on our left was a living room. We heard crying coming from the left, and Mac entered while Spike and I waited at the entrance.

“Now, be a brave girl, for Granny,” I recognized Jack’s voice, she seemed to be barely holding herself together, “I’m leaving you guys enough money, and don’t let them get rid of it no matter what.”

“Y-yes, AJ,” a young girl responded sniffeling, I assumed her to be Applebloom “will you come back?”

“Maybe, in a while sugar,” Jack sounded like she had started crying as well, “I wish I didn’t have to go, I’m so sorry.”

“AJ,” Mac started, his voice level and full of authority, “I need to talk to you.”

“There’s nothing you can say Mac,” Jack shouted back, “I’m leaving and that’s finale, Rarity and I will be fine on our own. We don’t need you or Granny, besides it isn’t safe anymore.”

“I know that,” Mac took a deep breath, “that’s why I brought someone.”

Suddenly it was as though all time in the other room had stopped. No one made a sound, I peeked through the doorway, Mac was pointing to us. It was now or never, when I entered that room, I was going to get shot, or listened to, probably shot. I held my arms high above my head, and took a step forward, then another, and another, eventually I was far enough and saw Jack standing there in complete shock.

Jack was standing in a small dining room that attached to the living room, next to her was a crying little girl with long red hair. They stood in front of a large table with piles of cash and jewelry were stacked atop it. On there right was another door to the long hallway.

“You betrayed me,” AJ accused her brother, when she finally remember how speaking worked, “she’s trying to kill me, and you brought her here.”

“I’m not,” Jack’s hand flashed and she suddenly had a pistol pointed at me, “I am NOT here to kill you.”

“How could you,” she continued clearly ignoring my words, though still keeping her eyes directly on me, “I’m your sister.”

“Jack,” her thumb pulled back the hammer of the revolver, “only one person has betrayed you. But first, let Mac and Applebloom leave the house. If you do plan on shooting me, I doubt you want to do that in front of your sister.”

Jack’s anger washed away instantly, she turned to her forgotten sister, who now looked horrified. Honest Jack reached out to Applebloom who jumped back then rushed over to Mac. Jack slumped down into a chair at the table and dismissively waved her hand, directing her siblings out of the room.

“Rarity,” I said causing Jack to look up at me, “that’s who betrayed you. She doesn’t think you’re useful anymore. She wants me to stop you so she can have all the money for herself.”

“You’re lying,” Jack grumbled, pulling her stetson down on her head, covering her face from the world, “she’d never do that.”

“How did you meet her, Jack,” I asked moving slowly across the room, Spike tensed with every step I took, “was she a poor helpless girl at a bar? A pretty face that just needed someone to rescue her? Was the whole world against her, and you were the only on her side? Well guess what she tried the same thing on me, but this time you were the monster! A monster that threatened her life everyday, and I had to stop you to save her.”

“You’re lying!” Jack shouted, lifting the gun once more, and for a second I thought she might actually shoot me, “you’re lying.”

“You’re not a monster are you,” I soothed in a calm voice, gently placing my hand on the gun barrel, “you’re just a confused girl trying to help her family the only way she knows how. Rarity took advantage of that, now she’s trying to get rid of you.”

“Liar,” I heard a distinct high class voice shout, from the doorway.

Turning, I looked over to the voice just in time to catch a wooden chair with my face. I bounced across the room and slammed painfully into the wall. Spike called out to me, but as the world spun around me I couldn't form a reply. Laying on the ground I heard shoes tap on the wooden floor, as someone rushed to Jack.

“Jack darling are you alright?” I looked over and saw Rarity standing next to Jack, one hand rubbing her back, the other lightly laying on her hand. “I hope you have not been listening to any of that witch’s lies.”

“No I haven’t,” Jack said with a weak shake of her head, “I think it’s about time we leave sugar.”

“There is something else we need to do first,” Rarity’s hand slowly slid from the back of Jack’s hand to the gun barrel as she spoke, “please Jack.”

“No need to,” Jack said rising from her seat, “she won’t find us.”

“Jack, you can not be serious, she found us here, she’ll find us again,” Rarity insisted, stepping in front of Jack, while Spike moved carefully towards me, “besides think about your family, at best she’ll confiscate all the money you left, leaving them with nothing.”

“Rarity,” Jack stepped away from the Harlot, her eyes puffy and red, “she’s right, you are manipulating me.”

“Oh Jack,” Rarity said gently smiling, raising a glowing hand to Jack’s cheek, “shut up.”

Spike helped me to my feet as Jack’ body went completely stiff and her jaw slammed shut. I nervously stared at the gun hanging in Jack’s right hand while Rarity smirked at me over her shoulder.

“This all could have gone so much smoother, but I guess you just really want to die,” Rarity mocked, Spike breathed deeply, but I halted him before he could breath out, “Jack, kill them.”

My hand had only seconds to glow, as Jack turned to us drawing her revolver. Focusing on the dining table I swung my arm across me, as I was just starting see down the barrel. Jack fired while the table crashed into her and Rarity, knocking them both to the ground. I winced as the bullet grazed my shoulder.

Casting another spell the gun began floating from Jack’s hand towards me. Both Rarity and Jack recovered quickly, getting up as I grasped the gun. Making it appear weightless Jack grabbed the table by a leg and launched it towards us. Spike and I dove out of the way, and I could hear it turn to splinters behind us.

As I landed in the dive, I turned it into a roll, and once back on my feet I drew Jack’s revolver and aimed it for Rarity. Unfortunately more than one Rarity was now standing in the room, all with cocky grins.

“Spike,” I called as my assistant got to his feet, “take care of the copies.”

“Yes ma’am,” he said moving past me, to the center of the room. All the Harlots looked at him with confusion as he closed his eyes and began breathing deeply.

With a shrug all the copies hands began to glow and swirl through the air. Books, plates, pictures, even a small vase floated off from shelves in both the dining room and living room. I watched as they moved gently, then froze. For a brief moment they hung motionless in the, then suddenly the began raining down on us.

I tried my best to avoid getting hit but there was so many, moving so fast, I kept getting clipped. Looking over to Spike I grimaced, he didn’t even try to dodge, he just kept focusing on his spell as the objects slowly drew blood.

A cook book hit me in the chest winding me, and I doubled over to gasp for breath. While gasping I noticed things had stopped being smashed into me. The answer for why came in the form of a leather boot catching me full force in the stomach. The powerful kick lifted me of my feet, and when I landed, I vomited on a handmade rug.

Two feet planted themselves next to me, and then one lifted off the ground. Knowing that any second a foot would stomp my skull flat I reached forward, with a sparking hand. A large spark of electricity ran through Jack’s body, and she fell back unconscious, if not dead.

“Spike,” I practically begged as the still objects began floating again.

Breathing deeply, Spike’s eyes burned with determination as blood ran down his face. Letting out a roaring exhale, a blinding cone of fire erupted forward tearing through all the copies, and setting the wooden house alight. The last Rarity gave a cry of agony and fell backwards. With a soft grin my assistant collapsed to the ground.

I moved, then cried out in pain, my whole body screamed, and wanted to rest. Gritting my teeth I forced myself on to my knees, then feet, then I limped across the room, holding up the revolver.

Moving around the fire I heard a low whimping. In the back corner of the dining room is where I found Rarity. Her clothes were incinerated, and the skin revealed below was blackened. She wept, as everything around her burned away. I approached pointing the revolver forward.

“Please,” she begged, her deep blue eyes drenched.

I pulled the trigger.

Mac entered the room, stopping only for a moment to watch his burning home. Then with unflinching determination he helped me move Spike and Jack out of the house before it burnt to the ground. Once it was all safe I collapsed onto my knees next to Jack and Spike. After a few minutes both stirred back awake. Spike's face dropped with sadness and he muttered blame to himself as we watched the house burn down, Jack was much the same.

“This is all my fault,” Jack wept, “I’ve ruined my family. Miss I beg you, don’t get my family involved when you arrest me, they had nothing to do with it.”

“Tragedy isn’t it Spike,” I said ignoring Honest Jack, my assistant looked at me, confused.

“What do you mean Dr.Sparkle?”

“The fire,” I said looking past him and to the large wagon filled with cash, “not only did both The Harlot and Honest Jack die in it, but all of the money was destroyed as well.”

With that I stood and walked off, after a moment Spike followed, and Mac rushed over to his sister to ask if I had just said what he thought I said.

Once at a safe distance from the confused though happy family I spoke again.

“Spike you asked me what I did to that maniac last time I was out here, is that right?”

“Yeah,” he answered clearly still confused.

I smirked at him, “the right thing.”