Chapter 1: The Hunt

Rarity ran.

She wasn't sure how long she had been running. Her lungs burned. Her hooves and legs ached. Her once pristine coat was coated with sweat, spotted with blood from the scratches caused by a fall. Her mane and tail, once banners of flowing elegance, were now tangled with bits of bushes and twigs caught within them.

She'd been running for hours certainly. With only short pauses to catch her breath and listen desperately for signs of her persuers. She had, thankfully, yet to see any of them. But there was no mistaking the intent behind the baying cry of the hounds on her trail.

The mostly hard packed surface of the foothills at least provided good footing. And she had used the most of it. Keeping as best she could to hard packed areas that would leave little or no trace as of her passage. Perhaps she had finally managed to outrun her pursuers. They had the advantage of endurance and knowlege of the terrain, while she had speed and determination.

But her endurance was nearly spent. Exhaustion and dehydration were taking its toll. She was going to have to rest and find water, soon. Even as those thoughts crossed the pony's mind, a shaft of late afternoon sun suddenly glinted off azure salvation.

A stream! A Celestia-blessed stream. She had not heard the hounds for almost twenty minutes now. Water, combined with even a short rest could be all she needed to springboard herself out of the trap she found herself in. At least the trap was an elegant one, the unicorn thought walking the last few steps up to the stream.

As the pony's front hooves entered the streams edge she sat down, bent her neck forward and began noisily slurping in water. Wish as she might, the clumsy method of drinking was the only one open to her. And, despite the tempation, she took in only a small amount of water at a time. Rather the burying her nose into the stream and gulping in gallons. Doing so would almost certainly cause cramping which could be fatal to her chances.

After several minutes of careful drinking the mare's thirst was finally slaked. Pausing, she decided to use the reflection of the water to examine the physical part of the trap she was in.

A black bridle made of dark bands with silver accents was fastened to her head. Two headbands, one in front and one behind her ears met at a silver connector just below each ear. From there a band dipped down to wrap around her throat. Her airway was in no danger but the snugness was a steady declaration that the bridle was there to stay.

Also, from the connector there descended a cheek piece running down either side of her face until it met at a noseband that snugly encircled her muzzle and formed the support for the bit that was firmly wedged into the back of her mouth. It was this bit that prevented her from drinking in a proper manner. It also rendered her speech somewhat incomprehensible.

Bending her nose toward her chest the unicorn was finally able to see what was preventing her from using even a speck of her magic. A final band ran from the forward headband down between her eyes to the noseband along the top of her nose. Halfway down the strap was a silver inhibitor ring that had was at the base of her horn. Anchored fore and aft as the ring was by the strap there was no chance of the ring sliding free.

In fact, there was no chance of the bridle sliding free at all. Every piece was snug and fitted to her as if it had been made just for her. There was not a single buckle, snap, zipper or rivet to be visible. She fumbled with her hooves trying in vain to find some slack somewhere in the bridle and as she did her mind cast back to how the fiendish device had come to be fastened onto her.

She had come to the Badlands in search of gems. With three stores running, her use of gems had more than tripled and her supply was exhausted. She needed to refill her gem stocks and fast.

Usually she would have help. Spike was always willing to assist her. But she went to visit Twilight to see if Spike was available the young drake informed her that Twilight was currently in Canterlot. It seemed that she had been summoned there by the Princesses for some sort of historical diplomatic research project. Something to do with some old treaties.

Spike explained that he been told to stay at Twilight's castle to manage things and continue to help Starlight Glimmer as she learned about friendship herself. Spike did however give her one of a pair of matched crystals he had been given from the Crystal Empire. The crystals could send messages back and forth. That way she could check in every evening with Spike and let him know how things were going. Not that she expected difficulties but preparedness paid.

Sweetie Bell was an option for short trips but she could not afford to miss the two weeks of school the trip would need. So, after making arrangements for Sweetie Bell to stay with the Apples, Rarity planned out her now solo trip in detail.

Four days journey to reach the prime gem hunting grounds of the badlands. Four days of camping while hunting for gems. A day to sort and catalog. Finally, five days to return with a cartload of gems. She had added the extra day for her return trip expecting to be somewhat tired and to be pulling a cart laden with gems.

Supplies would include food, water, basic medical supplies, warm blankets for the chilly nights and Spike's crystal.

Things had gone well. At least at the beginning. She had made good time. Reaching the Badlands a full day early. Rarity had decided to push deeper into the area than usual hoping to find larger and rarer specimens of gemstones. The decision had paid off. After only three days her cart was full of gems and other than some animal tracks the only sign of any other living thing in the area had been some abandoned works by a clan of diamond dogs.

With a full day of gem hunting left in her schedule the unicorn had decided to see if she could find anything rare, unusual or unique. Tuning her finding spell for such stones she followed traces of something that had a special feeling to it through her magic.

Finally, after four hours of searching, Rarity found herself before a wall of earth comprised of the layers of an old stream bed. Something had carved a path perpendicular to the stream bed and the layers of earth were revealed. A couple of feet from the top were half a dozen onyx rods.

While onyx wasn't terribly rare or valuable these pieces of onyx were definitely unusual. First, onyx was usually found as stones, not rods. Certainly not rods five or six inches long and an inch in diameter. The rods were black in colour, shot through with streaks of white.

The fashionista's mind lit with the possibilities inherent in the use of such gems. This was exactly the sort of thing she had been looking for. The first two came free with her magic and she deposited them in her saddle bags. The next one proved to be difficult but came free when Rarity pulled out the gem with a combination of her magic and biting down on the rod and pulling it out manually.

The fourth, however, was her undoing. Like number three it would not come free by her magic alone. She managed to wiggle it out so that only one end was still stuck in the wall, but it wasn't enough. Rarity stretched her neck out again and grasped the rod in its centre and pulled for all she was worth.

The rod came free. As it did so, there was a flash of light and she had a split second impression of something exploding outwards from the ends of the rod. Sudden pressure clamped around her face as she felt a surge of her magic which ended as all sense of sorcery was cut off.

"Whggbrl ig thig", came from her mouth as the rod became a bit gag that effortlessly garbled her speech into gibberish. Her instinctual rearing back was cut short by a thin pair of reins that were attached to a rock spur and whatever it was wrapped around her head. As the seconds passed which tried to pull herself free, in vain.

A sudden loud 'Crack' sounded from overhead. Startling the white unicorn, it gave her extra impetus that broke a linkage in the reins and freed her from them. The momentum was more than she could control and she was sent sprawling to the ground. Looking up she could see a bright flare of light a thousand feet up in the sky.

What was going was obvious. She, Rarity, Element of Generosity, had fallen victim to some sort of trap laid either for her or a unicorn in general. If not for that extra bit of strength surprise had lent to her she would still be tethered in place. A helpless captive waiting for the hunter to check his snare.

But that strength had come and while her magic was most definitely restrained, the rest of her was not.

She had immediately began to run toward her encampment. There were supplies there she could use to free herself from the then unknown device around her head. Barring that she could at least use Spike's crystal to let him know she was in trouble. But twenty minutes into the effort a chorus of howls rose up in her path. Cutting her off from the supplies that promised hope.

With no other choice she had turned and ran in the other direction. Even now, remembering those howls sent chills down her flanks. So loud, so close, so... Actually sounding nearby right now!

Sudden lighting gathered in Rarity's limbs, jerking her upright. She had been woolgathering and had wasted what advantage she had. Cursing her mental indolence, Rarity shot forward at a gallop just as a diamond dog burst out from behind a rock. The dog was only a few dozen yards away as the pony accelerated with a turn of speed that would have made Rainbow Dash proud.

The dog paused for a moment to give cry and set off in pursuit of the fleeing pony. His job was now to stay close and harry the quarry. His brothers were closing in and this long pursuit was finally entering its final stages.

The next hour for Rarity was a whirling nightmare of close encounters with dogs. More than once she only just avoided the loop of a lariat that came snaking out to encircle her neck or a hoof. One dog had even tried to snap wrap the tip of a whip around her leg. She had dodged that as well, but the whip had instead left a burning caress across her left hip.

Finally, a dog managed to connect with a lariat. While veering away from one rope she turned straight into the path of another. The braided cord snugged down to the base of her neck and tightened as the dog held firm and took up the strain.

The unicorn realized she only had one chance. She had seen Applejack using her lasso on the Apple farm more than once and knew that trying to drag the diamond dog along to shake him loose was a losing proposition. Her chance lay in turning and charging the dog holding the rope, running him down and forcing him to release the tether.

Even as those thoughts ran through her head Rarity was rearing up and wheeling on her rear hooves to charge toward her target. But, just as her front hooves touched earth, a second loop dropped over her head from the other direction. It slid down her neck until it reached the first line and was jerked tight by the beginning of the momentum of her charge.

"It's all over now but the heroic last stand", thought Rarity. She was now trapped by two twenty foot tethers. No matter which way she moved she would be tightening one rope or the other around her throat. "I'll show them how a heroine of Equestria dies", went through the unicorn's head as she prepared for her final struggles.

Which didn't happen. As the minutes ticked by the dogs on either side of her were reinforced by two more who also took hold of the ropes holding her in place. But no move was made to tighten the ropes, drag her off to a horrific fate or to attack her.

More dogs arrived and after ten minutes a full dozen were present. Including one who was she judged to be their leader by his finer clothing and his bearing.

He closed to within ten feet of her and spoke with the high pitch voice of his species, "Greetings pony, you have lead us on a long and difficult chase. Despite being cut off from your magic, on unfamiliar terrain and being outnumbered you have lead us on one of the longest pursuits yet."

Rarity was surprised. The Diamond Dog had spoken intelligently, as a well mannered being. Completely unlike the other diamond dogs she had met. It did not make him less an enemy or make her straits any less desperate but he was definitely a cut above those of his folk she had encountered before.

The dog continued, "Because of your valiant struggle I am willing to make you an offer. Submit."

Rarity's disdain for the offer must have shown as the dog said, "Yes, you heard me. Submit to your captivity. Make no further resistance to us and I can afford to treat you gently."

"You cannot escape, but you could still struggle. Still fight. If you choose this path I and my pack will have to use force to subdue you."

The dog look down, "This would sadden me. It would be a crime to mar beauty such as yours with whip marks and bruises from clubs. Please. Submit."

Rarity was shocked. Not just at the offer, but at the realization that she was considering it. The dog had summed things up accurately and despite his flattery she only had to look at his companions to see whips, clubs and ropes attached to their vests. All stood ready to use.

"Hgg wogg I", she paused, frustrated at the bit garbling her words. "Sggmid", she finished.

"Intelligent as you are lovely", flattered the dog. "Just lay down. Stretch out your legs in front and behind you and bow your head to the ground."

"My pack will hobble you, attach lead lines to your bridle and remove the nooses and your bit", the dog informed Rarity.

"From there on, so long as you obey my commands with alacrity and make no attempt at resistance or escape no harm will befall you while you are in my keeping."

Rarity saw no other choice. She was caught and at the mercy of her captors. She could indeed still fight and had she at least her magic she would. But with no magic, no mobility and no endurance left she had no hope of fighting her way clear.

She looked at the pack leader and nodded. Lowering herself to the ground as she had been bid she could not prevent a small whimper as the pack moved forward to secure their prize. The first dog to reach her knelt down beside her and placed a paw on the back of her neck. Steadying his grip he clipped a line to a ring on the bridle's nose band. Another dog did the same on the other side.

Two other dogs ran the ends of the line out to the holders who took hold of the ends of the new lines and dropped the ends of the lariats that were around Rarity's throat. The two dogs on either side of her began running the lariat ends back up through the eyes in preparation to pull them off her throat completely.

Rarity wondered why they would do this instead of simply loosening the lariats and lifting them up off her over her head. Then she realized why. The method the dogs were using gave Rarity no chance of a sudden move and bolting free. New bonds in place before the old ones removed.

The dogs beside her finished undoing the lariats and moved in front and behind her. Each dog securing a pair of leather hobbles connected by a short but strong looking chain to her rear and front hooves. Finally, the two close-in dogs moved back to their positions beside her head.

Gripping each lead line close to its connection point on the bridle both dogs commanded, "Up, pony" at the same time while standing and pulling upwards on the leads. Rarity had no choice. Legs shaking from controlled fear and exhaustion, she stood. As she stood a third dog approached and dipped under her barrel. A quick glance down showed a line being connected to the two sets of hobbles.

Rarity realized that this connecting line would prevent her from bucking or kicking out. Any attempt to do so would yank the opposite pair of hooves out from under her and dump her to the ground. As the leader began to approach Rarity realized something else. This wasn't the first time this group had done this. No one displayed this level of competence and skill without practice and experience.

Which meant ponies had been trapped, pursued, captured and rendered helpless by this group for some time now. That realization chilled Rarity as the leader of dogs reached her.

"I know that could not have been easy for you", said the dog reaching toward her face.

Rarity instinctively shied away, or tried to. With the lead lines held close in, the dogs were able to limit her motion to only a few inches with ease.

"Pony, I had not thought you so enamored of your bit that you preferred having it in. Or would you rather hold still and have it out?", said the leader. Humour evident in his voice.

"Og pleeg", garbled Rarity, lowering her head and eyes submissively.

"Very well," said the dog, reaching down and undoing some sort of hidden clasp. When he straightened Rarity could see the bit dangling on a short strap in his front paw.

"Thank you, sir", said Rarity. Her limbs were still trembling and try as she might her voice carried the tremor as well.

"There is no need for such fear, brave one", assured her captor upon seeing Rarity shaking, "You are of great value to us alive and well."

"You no doubt have many questions, and I will try to answer as many as I can," continued the dog. "However, it is late and we cannot reach our main camp before nightfall so such questions must wait until we set up an overnight camp."

As the dog turned to go he beckoned to Rarity's rein holders. "Follow", he commanded all of them.

But as the three dogs stepped forward Rarity found that her legs would not respond. The dogs were brought to a sudden halt as the two line holders were checked in their movement by the dead weight of Rarity's immobile form. Annoyed, one of the dogs began to draw a whip from his belt. No doubt to use it to 'encourage' Rarity to move forward. The leader saw the motion and taking in the scene he made a gesture to the keeper, who lowered his whip.

"Now, brave one', chided the dog, humour colouring his voice, "You did promise to obey my commands. Have you changed your mind?"

"I want to obey, sir", quavered Rarity, "but I cannot seem to make my body move."

"Pony", said the leader, sudden concern in his voice and on his features, "My name is Raarg, tell me what you are feeling right now."

"I...I don't know, Raarg", stammered Rarity embarrassed. "This is so unladylike."

"I'm afraid. No, not afraid. Terrified. I...I can't think", the words tumbling from her now.

Spasms began to roll freely up and down the form of the alabaster unicorn. "I'm shaking so much, I can't move," Rarity gasped. Even her breathing was shaking now.

"I...I...I", were the last words she spoke as her eyes rolled up into her head and she collapsed in a heap before the astonished rein holders. Rarity's entire body began to twitch and seize on the ground.

While Rarity's keepers may have been surprised at the sudden collapse of their captive it seemed their leader was not. Even as she fell, Raarg was in motion. He scooped up Rarity's head a few bare seconds after it hit the ground. As he pillowed Rarity's head in his lap and proceeded to bark sharp, precise orders to his followers.

"You, get me all the water we have", pointing at one dog.

"You", he snapped to another, "help me get this bit back into her. We have to keep her airway clear and make sure she doesn't swallow her tongue."

"You two", he barked, pointing at another pair, "Take off your vests and start rubbing her down."

"The rest of you", Raarg shouted, "find all the sugar and salt you can and mix it with the water."

"You will not die this day, Valiente", crooned Raarg in Rarity's ear as his dogs leaped to obey, "While I live, Brave One, you shall not die."

Time passed.

Rarity woke slowly, in confusion. Her limbs did not seem to want to work. She knew she knew why but she could not remember the reason. Also, something seemed to be stuck in her mouth. She tried to push the offending object out with her tongue and prodded by that stimulus her mind finally engaged.

The trap. The chase. Her capture. The sudden shaking and fear, followed by blackness. Rarity opened her eyes to see several diamond dogs nearby starting a fire, getting water from a familiar stream and otherwise setting up a camp. By the amount of ambient light she could tell it was near sunset. Rarity then began to lift her head to look around but was stopped halfway by one of the lead lines that were still attached to her bridle. Her head flopped back down onto a pillow of clothes, just the effort of lifting her head had been surprisingly exhausting.

"No, Valiente", said Raarg from behind her head. "Lay still and I will remove the bit again and you can speak again", he continued. "However, I shall talk first and try to anticipate your first question and above all else you must lay still."

He began to speak as he once again unclasped and removed the bit from Rarity's mouth, "What happened Valiente, is that a combination of things combined to almost kill you. You had expended every reserve of energy your body had. You had also sweated out almost every grain of salt in your body. You had been unable to cool down properly after your great effort today, which did not allow your body to wash away the poisons such an effort creates in a body. And finally, you were not able to buttress your body with your magic."

"Combined, the combination reduced your muscles to spasms and unhinged your mind. Had you managed to escape I and my pack, the combination would have killed you within the hour without help", summed up Raarg. "It was a close run thing as was", he concluded, laying a paw on her neck and stroking it.

Rarity cleared her throat. It felt like she had been gargling straight pins but oddly Raarg's ministrations seemed to be helping. "Thank you, sir", Rarity said in a quiet voice, "What is to happen to me now?"

Raarg answered while continuing to stroke Rarity's neck, "You are in no condition to walk, Valiente. In fact, I would prefer you to not move at all for at least a day. But we have few supplies with us and you need more salt and more food."

"I see", Rarity replied, "If I cannot walk and you have no supplies with you is it safe to assume you have some sort of plan for me?" For some reason Raarg's paw running down her neck repeatedly was very calming, almost soothing.

"We have all the needed supplies at our main camp, and you will reach it by the simple method of my carrying you there", said Raarg pausing his stoking Rarity's neck to lift her head into his lap, her face outward. "One more question only and then you shall be quiet while I feed you", he gently commanded.

"As I am weakened to the point where lifting my head is an effort I will gladly obey you Raarg", sighed Rarity. "My name, by the way, is 'Rarity'. Why do you keep calling me 'Valiente'?"

"I seem to recall hearing your name somewhere. No, do not answer", Raarg said as Rarity opened her mouth to do just that.

"It will come to me. But as to why I have dubbed you 'Valiente' it is because it means valiant. Which you most certainly are."

One of the other dogs handed Raarg a small wooden bowl with a wooden spoon in it. Something steamed from within. "Now then Valiente", said Raarg beginning to spoon a broth into Rarity's mouth, "Rest, eat and tomorrow we shall reach our main camp."

Rarity ate the spooned broth and learned that even that little of an effort was almost all she could do. The broth itself was a thin, yet savory broth that was both sweet and salty. Most importantly it was hot and made for a pleasant warmth in her belly.

Once the bowl had been finished two of the dogs took off their vests and laid them over Rarity's form. The combination of exhaustion, warmth and Raarg resumption of stroking Rarity's neck had her closing her eyes despite her best efforts. Rarity's last thoughts as she drifted off to sleep were that Raarg was stroking her neck in almost the exact same manner that in which she should would pet Opal back home.