Rarity, POWby Amethyst_DawnChaptersAlone, Am I?The Lilac Duchess.Intermission: Last Stands, New Love.UndestroyedThe White PhoenixAlone, Am I?The Iron door flew open with a loud clang as it collided with the stone wall. The battered shape of a ivory Unicorn being thrown in forcefully could be vaguely seen in the dim torchlight. She tried to stand onto her hooves, but only succeeded in lifting her forward half as she looked out to the door: "Please! I beg you to release me!" She sobbed, "You've got the wrong pony!" They didn't, and she knew it, but at least she could try to escape this... this hellhole. She looked up at the guard, who looked back down at her with a wicked smile. "Don't worry too much, Earth Lover." He sneered. "That feeling you think is pain will be replaced soon enough..." He slammed the door with a deranged laugh, and she heard his hoofsteps fade into the distance. 'Jack Lover...' 'Mudkeeper...' 'Earth kisser...' She had been called all these and more as the clubs struck her ribs, and the whips lashed against her back. 'Why did I ever choose this era to go on a vacation in Marelin...?' -=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity, famous gown designer and seamstress, sat alone at a table on the veranda: overlooking the scene below. Several Pegasi and Unicorns had gathered below, and were waiting for somepony in front of a large podium. "Can you see well, my dear?" A firm voice asked from behind. Rarity nearly choked on her tea, and lifted her head to see a pale brown Unicorn stallion with a slickly combed, dark brown mane. A small, rectangular mustache rested beneath his nostrils, and fierce blue eyes shone from under his brow. He wore the suit she had made for him on request: a whit button-up shirt with a black tie, covered by tan trench coat. The trench coat bore a red band on the elbow, and the band bore the symbol of a curvy, white 'X' inside of a black circle. His black pants added a slight air of authority, and his left breast pocket bore a medallion similar to the emblem on his forearm. "M-M-Mister Hitter!" She stammered, setting down her drink. "Aren't you supposed to be speaking in three minutes? You should be down there, not bothering with silly me!" Hitter raised a hoof for silence, and lowered it once she was quiet. "My friends call me Golf, Madame Belle, as I hope you would too." He stated, causing her cheek to turn a bright shade of pink. "I just wanted to thank you again for making me this lovely suit: you cannot imagine how much easier it will make the spreading of my cause..." Rarity nodded bashfully: "I-it was no trouble at all, G-Golf." She swallowed. "But what is your cause? You've talked about precious little else, but I somehow missed what it is." She ventured. Golf's expression darkened. "I'm here to rid the world of a useless vermin, Madame Rarity," he said, voice oozing with hostility: "I hold no doubt you will see my point, in time. My strength lies in the East, after all." "Hitter werden gesprochen in einem Augenblick, bitte nehmen Sie Ihre Plätze. Hitter werden gesprochen in einem Augenblick, bitte nehmen Sie Ihre Plätze." The announcer called out, stepping off the stage. "Looks like it is time for me to go, Madame." He sighed, lighting his horn. "I hope my speech will not disappoint you," "I doubt it could, Golf." She sighed, watching as he teleported just offstage. She observed as he took his place at the podium, raised a hoof ceremoniously before him, and lowered it in time to start his speech: "My Fellow Unicorns, my dear Pegasi," he began in a soft tone, before leaning both hooves on the podium and leering out to the crowd: "the time has come to address the Oliphant in the room. A plague had drifted across our fair lands for too long, a plague that takes up valuable flesh, and takes the jobs that could easily belong to us! These lesser beings have been gaining our sympathy be playing the 'Hard Work' card when we could easily take their place at a fraction of the effort! "You may be wondering, 'What is this plague? Who are these horrors that have befriended us, and blinded us to their uselessness?'. I'll tell you the names granted to this terrible plague: Donkeys, Mules, Earth Ponies..." He let that sink in as the crowd murmured amongst themselves, smiling as he had caught there attention. Rarity quirked an eyebrow as her pupils shrank, and shakily lifted her tea to her mouth. 'He can't really be saying...' "But!" Hitter barked, eying the crowd: "You may be wondering, thinking 'They aren't that Bad'! I tell you that these vermin are a waste of flesh: they take jobs our kind could use to reduce the unemployed, they dare to think only they can farm like experts, they dare say we higher tribes depend on them! "I ask you, what are these wastes of flesh good for? These arrogant bastards who think the weight of the world rests on their shoulders? Have they forgotten that the Pegasi control the weather, and the Unicorns provide them with protection? I'll tell you what they're good for: eating food that could be served to the weak and homeless Pegasus! Doing the work of an unemployed Unicorn, and taking money from those who would need it! "You might say, 'But there are homeless Earth Ponies, and Donkeys, too!" To which I'd reply: yes, because those creatures were thrown out of businesses that realized the might of the Unicorn, and the speed and endurance of the Pegasus! I say it's time to let Evolution take it's course: give Mother Nature a push in the right direction!" Rarity watched in mixed awe and horror as the crowd murmured angrily amongst themselves, and she almost found herself believing the words coming from his mouth. She didn't see some smaller figures shrink hastily from the crowd. Hitter smiled Darkly. "I'll tell you what they're good for: they're meat for our dogs!" Everypony in the crowd roared in approval, including the mares and foals. Rarity's pupils shrank at the heated spectacle. "They're fertilizer for our plants!" The ground began to tremble as the thunderous din of pounding hooves echoed through the streets, and Rarity's tea and saucer fell to the floor with an unheard crash. "They're fuel for our fires!" Rarity shrank into her seat as the ruckus turned to a steady thrumming of pure hatred. "Let their skin be used as our cloth! Let their bones decorate our walls! Let us rid ourselves of these blemishes to Ponykind! these Dots on the skin of perfection!" Rarity's eyes rolled back into her head, and she fell, knowing no more. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- She had expected great things to come from that speech, great truths to fly forth from the mouth that she knew could sway a country. What she saw instead was horror. What she heard was blasphemy. What she knew was War. She pawed at the floor with a hoof, remembering how hurt Hitter looked when she called him out on his mindless persecution. 'No,' she thought, standing herself firm as she shook her head, 'It's worse than mindless persecution: it's persecution of living souls without a second thought. He wants to kill off entire races merely because he deems them to be useless. He has merely forgotten their uses, and therefore forgotten that they are as alive as he and I...' "Oh, Hitter," she sighed, "how you have betrayed yourself... and to turn around and put others like me through this..." "At least... you're... cough... a Unicorn." A weak voice moaned from behind her, causing her to jump. She wheeled around, and looked into the infernal blackness that was her cell. Sadly, she couldn't see far past her own nose. "Who's there?" She asked in a panic, slowly stepping backwards towards the door. "Oh... that's right, you're new." The voice whispered, as if it had not the strength to speak any louder. "You're eyes can't really adjust yet. "Well, I was unfortunate enough to be playing at a concert in Marelin when Hitter first started spreading his filth across the city. And once they saw my tribe, Rarity, well... let's just say with all you've been through, you've gone about halfway through what they've done to me..." Rarity tried to light her horn to see better, but she found herself with another screaming headache as the disabling spell held her magic at bay. Whoever this pony was, they knew Rarity's name, and she was still deciding if that was a good thing, or a danger to her. She heard a scraping sound, like a body being dragged across gravel, and soon a shape began to take form in the shadows. The poor pony seemed to move an inch with each step, and once they came closer, Rarity saw that they walked with an intense limp in their left hind leg. Rarity gasped when she recognized the dark grey coat, now matted with mud, and the once pristine, slick black mane now tattered and worn. She also recognized the unmistakable treble clef cutie mark, now with a deep scar across the left sign. "O-O-Octavia?" Rarity choked at seeing her friend's current condition. She ran forward to embrace the wounded pony in a comforting hug, but stopped when she saw a freshly-healed gash all the way down her limping leg. "Wh- what have they done to you?" "I'd rather not go into detail, I don't want to upset you too much." Octavia mumbled, stretching her jaw with a sickening crack. "Suffice it to say that they only throw scraps down here every other day. But, now that you're here..." she eyed Rarity with a reddened eye, "... that might just change." "How do you mean, Octavia?" Rarity inquired, curious as to what the maltreated mare might be insinuating. Octavia smiled, possibly her first since she was sent here, and spoke. "I've only been in this dungeon for around a month, yet even I've heard of the infamous Lilac Duchess, and why she was so hard to find." Rarity returned the smile, and raised her head slightly. "I see that my reputation precedes me..." Author's Note Yes, unlike the past two, this will be a long one! Let me know what you think of it so far, and I'll see you in Part Two! Until Next Time, God Bless You! ~Amethyst Dawn. The Lilac Duchess.Rarity stepped out from Hitter's hotel in a righteous fury, as another pony she thought noble turned out being a monster. And to think, this was even worse than Blueblood, if that was conceivable! Mass extinction? Natural selection? Declaring war on an entire Tribe? This was unheard of, blasphemous, and downright uncouth! Hitter seemed hurt by her actions, but had refused to let her be harmed. "Let her leave the city, and go home." He had said. "She is not a threat to us here... yet." Ooh, "Yet" was an important amendment for him to make. More than he knew! Once she bore word of this to Celestia, they would certainly accept refugees, and declare war on this country if it sided with- with him.. She hopped on the bicycle she had rented, and sped off along the cobble stone streets. She could hear the screams of terrified ponies all around her, amongst the ruckus of violent shouting and houses breaking from the onslaught, and fought to keep pedaling to the seaport. Her time to aid will come, certainly this measly threat could be stamped out easily... "Here's another one, boys!" She heard a vicious scream beside her as she flew down the street, and screeched to a halt when something warm and wet flew across her face. She wiped a good portion of the substance off with a hoof in disgust, before staring at it in absolute horror: "is this-... b-b-... blood...?" She dared not to turn, and see what had caused this to spray so violently. She set herself back on balance: and sped of with redoubled speed, heading for the nearest alley as the sounds of laughter, cheering, screaming, and destruction echoed through the streets. She pulled into the brick alley, leaned her bike against the wall, and fled out of the city. When she finally got to the seaport, some of the blood on her coat had dried, and matted her pristine hair down with a sickly red stain. She walked up to the security guard, but paused in worry when she saw his tribe. "Miss, are you alright?!" He asked in concern, after noticing her appearance. He was about to approach her, but was thrown back as Rarity tackled him into the station: hiding them both behind the counter. "What's going o--?" "Run," Rarity hissed, catching the guard's attention even further. "Run with me, you won't last long here!" "What are you talking about?" He inquired worriedly, about to peek over the counter when Rarity jerked him back down, panting heavily. She was too weary to speak coherently, so she clumsily thwacked his head and his side: "No horn, no wings." She panted, "You'll be dead within the hour, if we don't-- shush!" She pressed her hoof against his lips as she heard a scream come from outside, and heard the running hooves of several ponies chasing a single runaway. There was a gush of wind, and a scream of "Put me down!" before they both saw the shape of a pony fall outside, and heard a terrible squelch and crunch as bone and flesh met pavement. Blood spattered into the station, and the guard cowered in fear. "What's happening out there?" He whispered harshly. Rarity stood, and kept him down. She observed the ongoing rampage of mindless destruction, and heard the booming voice of Hitter summoning them back to the stage. "Extinction," she answered darkly, staring at all the bodies that had already been gathered in the past two hours. "Where can we hide?" "Nowhere, not here... we need to leave the country... we need to get back to Equestria." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- "No, Rarity." The Unicorn's jaw dropped at the sound of Celestia's reply. "But-... But how could we not help stamp out this outrage?" She pleaded. "I saw and heard for myself what their victims are being subjected to, we have to do some--" Celestia raised her hoof for silence, and set it down with a sad sigh. "Part of being a ruler is making hard decisions for the good of our subjects, Rarity." She said in a dark tone. "I will not risk attacking a menace on the soil of a sovereign nation that might not want us to rid it of them, it most certainly would be seen as a direct act of war. We will accept refugees, but until this is able to be acknowledged as a direct threat to Equestria, sending an army onto the Monarchy's soil could lead to disastrous consequences." She paused, and looked at Rarity with a cunning smile. "However... there is a way we could help..." "Yes?" Rarity inquired, practically begging to be a part of it. "Rarity," Celestia offered with a hint of determination, "have you ever considered espionage?" -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity stood at the edge of a large table- what was designed to look like a map of the known world- surrounded by the High Authorities of the EUP. Spitfire: High Commander of the Wonderbolts. Titania: Grand General of the Maggi. And Thunderhoof: Leader of the Earthen Elites. The cerulean Unicorn directed the tip of her staff to the patch labeled "Equestria", and motioned it slowly towards a section marked "Germareny": "There is one last ship headed towards Germareny at the end of this month, Rarity." She stated, retracting the pointer and setting it to the side. "We want you to have learned at least a few basic combat spells, and one advanced communication spell by then. And we'll need a name for you, as you'll be working as a local florist, codenamed Lilac Duchess. But we need you to cooperate with us on a casual name for you to use." She explained. "I rather like the sound of Lilac Duchess," Rarity said with a distant smile, "perhaps we could just use that?" "As both name and codename? Not worth the risk, Miss Rarity." Spitfire scoffed. "This is a covert operation, and a link that obvious will undoubtedly attract attention, and suspicion." "Exactly... it could just be smart enough to work." Celestia said, stepping into the room after hearing the last few minutes of the meeting. "I'm with The Princess on this," Thunderfoot growled in admiration, his blue mane bobbing as he nodded, "if Germarenian intelligence is anything like our own, that might be too obvious to even be considered. And if Rarity wants to risk her neck with such a contrived plan, that's her business. We might always learn from our mistakes, if she gets her throat slit too soon." Rarity quirked an eyebrow at him. "Very comforting, you are, to be sure." She deadpanned. Celestia placed a hoof on her side, and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Are you sure this is something you want to do, Rarity? Even if you go by any other name, it's not a matter of if you get caught, but of when. Are you willing to take that chance?" "I cannot sit back and do nothing, Princess, while innocent ponies are murdered on the streets." Rarity sighed, looking to the table. "The Duchess will aid, what do I do?" "You haven't visited any of your friends on your way here, have you?" Titania asked. "No," Rarity informed, curious as to her reasoning. "In that case, you disappeared during the uprising, and we have no idea where you are. You might even be dead, as far as we know." The General informed, watching as Rarity nodded soberly. She was worried about poor Sweetie's reaction to her disappearance, but she needed to help these ponies: no matter the cost. It was the generous thing to do. "You'll need to change your look as well as your name, Rarity." Celestia stated, walking towards the table. "And you'll need makeup for your cutie mark." "Oh, don't worry about makeup." Rarity smiled coyly. "I wore a dress, so nopony saw my flank while I was over there. And as far as disguises go, I think I know a couple that would let me blend right In..." She tittered knowingly, remembering a particularly comfortable outfit from long ago. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- She stood on the deck of the massive freighter, and watched over the railing as the docking process began beneath her. She had traded in her usual, curly mane style in favor of letting her hair fall limply over her shoulders, and her bangs were cut short just above her eyes. She wore a black sweatshirt, and small black shoes covered her hooves. A large red beret rested lopsidedly on her head, and her eyeliner took on a darker blue hue than normal. "Lilac!" She heard the Captain bark impatiently. "Your luggage has already been offloaded, I do hope you get off before we have to depart!" "Sorry!" She called over her shoulder, rushing to the exit ramp. She had learned how to add a certain youthful effect to her voice when needed, and it had convinced the Captain that she was closer to twenty than she was. She ran to the bottom, and glanced around excitedly as if she'd never seen the glorious city before: dancing in place on her hooftips with a wide smile, and even wider pupils. A familiar crew member took notice of her, and approached. "Rarity?" He asked, before perking up and walking over. "I thought I recognized you! I've been tending to the Cargo, but I thought I saw you onboard!" She froze, and turned to see that the guard she had rescued was now in a sailor's uniform. She was sweating bullets on the inside, but did her best to keep her cool, as she looked over to him. "I'm afraid you've mistaken me for somepony else, my good sir!" She said apologetically, giving her head a subtle shake. "I've just come here to make a better profit with my flowers." Catching her drift, and nodding in satisfaction, the stallion played along. "O-oh, I'm sorry, Ma'am." He said, not really being the best actor, but not so bad that anypony would take notice of the conversation. As he passed her on his way to the ramp, he whispered "Falcon has flown, and perched atop the roof." into her ear. She nodded with a quiet "Thank you," in return. And took up her luggage with her magic. According to the stallion, Hitter had taken place as commander of the Germarenian Armies. She had not expected the former guard to be her first contact, but she remembered that she was to expect the unexpected from now on. She walked through the city streets, which must have been cleaned a few times since last month's attacks, as they lacked the strong stench of death that was ever-too-present last time. There were several Earth ponies walking the streets with their heads held at all angles, but they all wore tan bands on their arms, each with the black mark of a small stone. Rarity could only guess what kind of slur was meant by the depiction, but kept it to herself as she continued to put out an image of awestruck wonder at the fanciful décor around the ancient city: it was enough to know that they weren't all destroyed in the past month, though their numbers were obviously diminished. Most buildings were in pristine condition, and the grandest were in even greater care, with banners of the symbol she helped create hanging on walls to promote the execution of the entire Earthen Tribe. The thought that she could've aided this disaster in coming about burned at her mind, almost as if a cayenne pepper was bleeding into her soul, and eating at her will. She had to do something to fix this... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- After a few hours in the dark, cavernous cell had passed, the sound of approaching hoofsteps could be heard coming from the outside. The small slit on the bottom of the cell door slid open, and a large, covered tray came sliding through: stopping just inside the torchlight. "Lunch, sent straight from the Leader." The guard grumbled. "He must consider you worth keeping, if he provides you with meals as grand as these." Immediately, Rarity's eyes brightened, and she snatched the tray up. "Thank you." She called softly. Octavia smiled, and shook her head. She turned, and was about to limp back to her bed when she heard a sliding sound to her left. She turned her head back to see the tray, lid off, resting on the ground beside her: filled with all sorts of quality dishes she had not seen since she left Canterlot. She looked up to Rarity, who had taken a small plate of hay fries, and was now quietly gorging herself on the measly morsels. Rarity looked up to the confused pony, and smiled warmly. "Go on, eat up! You need it more than I, at the moment." She said in a bright tone. "I doubt being sent such splendorous meals will last forever, so it's best to get an early start on adjusting to a, uh... smaller diet." Octavia nervously sat next to the plate, and eyed Rarity curiously. "Are... are you sure?" Rarity practically swallowed the last fry whole, and motioned her hoof in a 'shoo-shoo' fashion, indicating she didn't mind. "Well... thank you, Rarity." Octavia sighed, starting to tear up. She lifted the fresh Hayburger to her lips, and spent a moment drinking in the fresh, deep-fried scent. When she eventually took the first bite, it was all she could do to stop herself from screaming in joy at the vibrant tastes cascading through her mouth: deep-fried hay, encased in fresh, organic homemade honey batter. A small dousing of mayonnaise and a few ripe pickles to add flavor, and a hint of sage for that subtle, herbal taste no burger should be without. The bun itself was unmistakably imported from Equestria, as it held the slight country flavor of homemade bread, specked with the refreshing saltiness of her homeland's dough. And the sweet, sugary taste granted from the daisies used during the baking. She opened her eyes to see a smiling Rarity looking back to her in concern, and felt cold tears trickling down her throat. She smiled, and took another bite out of the burger: this one considerably larger. "Darling, are you alright?" Rarity asked tentatively, reaching out a hoof to the crying mare. Octavia gasped for air as she inhaled the burger, as she was sobbing uncontrollably. "I-... I've never-... never felt better-... in all my life!" She choked, swinging her arms out in a single, swift motion. She captured Rarity in a crushing embrace, holding her as close as she could as the tears tickled her throat. "This is the nicest thing... anypony has ever done for me, Rarity. Thank you... thank -hic- you... thank you." Rarity wrapped her arms around Octavia, and smiled warmly. 'I'm... I'm glad I was captured... if this is what comes of it.' She sighed inwardly, tightening her side of the embrace. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity twisted the cardboard sign around, signaling that her new shop was now open to costumers. She turned to the freshly organized setup of living flowers, nodded in satisfaction, picked up a damp cloth, and walked outside to check on the sign. "The Lilac Duchess', flowers to impress." It read: painted in bold, purple lettering. She had just started mopping the dust off the sign when she caught a small movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned her head, but saw nothing on the walks, or on the streets around. She stared out for a mere moment before shrugging it off as another newspaper blowing downtown, and turned back to her work. After she had finished polishing the sign, and had stepped back to acknowledge her work, she moved to polish the bike she had rented. Before she could reach it, however, she was scared out of her wits by a hoof on her shoulder. She leapt into the air with a startled squeal, and cowered behind the sign. "O-oh my, I am so sorry, Fraulein." A light brown Earth Pony stammered, hurriedly walking up to her. He seemed just barely older than she, and his light grey mane had a streak of pale red through it. His upper lip played host to a small mustache, his chin was home to a small beard, and his short tail was cut into a point: making it resemble a two-toned crescent moon. His Cutie Mark was three small flowers orbiting a white rose, and he looked down at her through bright blue irises. Rarity accepted his offered hoof, and let him stand her up as he dusted off her coat, and set his hoof out again when he was done. "A thousand pardons, Fraulein, I didn't mean to startle you so much." He stated in a soft tone. "I was looking for the Duchess, is she here?" "You are currently speaking to her, Mister...?" Rarity inquired, taking his hoof with a shake. The stallion's eyes widened as his pupils shrank. "My dear, I apologize for the misunderstanding!" He blurted, bowing before her. "I presumed a Duchess would be, well, a little older." Rarity lifted a hoof to stifle her chuckles, and watched gleefully as he stood back up. "I think there's been more than a little misunderstanding, sir, Duchess is my name, not my status." She giggled. "Though you still haven't tossed me your own name...?" The stallion rubbed the back of his neck. "Well then, I apologize once again. My name is Phoenix, Phoenix Pyre, Frau Duchess: I am seeking any employment I can get in these... troubled times." Rarity considered the probability of him being a spy, but decided against it. Him being an Earthen, and all. "Come inside, and let's talk." She offered. "I'll consider taking you on, but I'll need to know a little more about you first." Phoenix nodded, and once they had gone inside, Rarity set the steaming cup of tea on the pinewood table in front of Phoenix: and sat herself down on the velvet couch opposite him. The interior of the florist shop was similar to her old boutique, if only in that the workspace and living space were often intertwined. She adjusted the beret that began to slide down to eye level, and took a sip from her own cup. "First off, how much are you willing to work for, Mr. Pyre?" She asked, setting the cup and saucer down onto the table. "Just Phoenix, please. I only desire six marks a day, and a place to sleep, Frau Duchess." He stated unsurely. "If it is not too much to ask, I also wish for a place in which me and my sister are to hide during the Cull." "The 'Cull'?" Rarity asked, concerned now more than ever. Phoenix nodded soberly. "It is not yet confirmed, but there have been discussions among others of gathering the Earthens, and either forcing us into hard labor, or killing us off in groups." Rarity nearly choked on the air she was breathing, yet the surprising thing was how little she was surprised by this update. She knew of the atrocities committed in the heat of the moment, but she had held a faint hope that they would just ship the Earth Ponies off once they had cooled down. Even now, however, Hitter supporting the Cull of a race was still hard to grasp. How on Equus could someone so kind, chivalrous and collected hate an entire tribe with such a burning passion? "Fraulein? Are you alright?" Phoenix asked, worried for her health after her two minutes of silence, and staring into space. Rarity snapped out of her thoughtful trance, and looked him in the eye. "Yes, yes, I'm fine, thank you. You will be paid six marks an hour, and both you and your sister are welcome to stay here as long as you need to." She offered, extending a hoof. Phoenix took it in his, and gave it a grateful kiss, before bowing down. "I thank you, Duchess, I won't let you down." She reached down, and gently lifted his head by his chin, until their eyes met: "On the contrary, Phoenix," She stated, "it is I who will not let you down." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- "So, you say your sister is to be staying here as well?" Rarity asked, preparing the bed for use. Fortunately, it was just large enough for two, so she'd be sleeping on the couch for the next who-knows-how-long. "Yes, we'll just have to pick her up. She shouldn't take up that much space. And she's very quiet..." Phoenix trailed off, moving the nightstand just out of reach from the bed. Rarity noticed a distant look in his eyes, almost as if he were gazing at a landscape. "How old is she?" She asked, trying to keep up a conversation as they adjusted the bedroom. "Nine, almost ten." Phoenix stated with a fond smile. "She just got her Cutie Mark in painting this week, if you can believe it." Rarity nodded, and reset the china onto their display. She knew from experience that this filly should be old enough to be trusted around fine china without supervision. Especially since she had the careful, steady, gentle hooves of a painter. Even if she were to attempt to handle the dishes, she'd know to be extremely careful with them. "Are you sure you want to leave those out, Lilac?" Phoenix asked cautiously, noticing the plates she was organizing. "Is your sister careful?" She rebutted. Phoenix shrugged. "Well, yes. But she's still just a filly, and she doesn't have a lot of experience with... breakable things." He cautioned. "I'll just tell her these are like one of her paintings," Rarity said with a smile. "delicate, and yet useful. Inspirational, even." Phoenix quirked his brow, and chuckled. "That might actually work, Lilac." After a few minutes of silence, unless you count the scraping of furniture moving across the floor, Phoenix took a turn staring a conversation. "Why is your Cutie Mark three diamonds, instead of flowers?" "Oh, my special talent is helping others to look their best through my dresses." She answered out of habit. She immediately smacked herself in the face for blowing her cover, and hoped beyond hope that by some miracle he didn't hear her. That's one habit she didn't even think of correcting during her training, limited as it was. "Huh, working outside of your talent? I can't help but admire that. There's not much call for a seamstress over here, nowadays." Rarity's jaw dropped, and hung loosely for a second. She could not believe how lucky she was at this stallion's understanding, even that the circumstances seemed to be lining up perfectly for her. Her mission was to send any information she got on the movement to Celestia, and she had already gathered a few useful tidbits. She was also free to supply refuge to any Earth Ponies hiding from the movement, and she already arranged for two to stay with her. And this was only her first day here! "Those Shadow Spade books were no waste of time, after all." She scoffed to herself. "Certainly made espionage training a lot easier to understand..." "She'll be waiting for me by now, Lilac. Do you want to come with me?" Phoenix offered once they had finished, walking towards the doorway. "I'd love to," she replied, trotting out as he held the door. They had walked for about four hours, turning constantly down several decrepit streets and alleys, before they stopped in the middle of an empty lot. Phoenix stepped forward slowly, and called out into the air. "Misty? It's safe to come out now, I've found a home for us." He called softly. After barely a moment, Rarity caught a movement in the corner of her eye, and turned to see a hoof gingerly making it's way out of a cardboard box. Soon, the hoof was cautiously followed by a little head, looking out with shining, hopeful eyes. The filly was easily told as a child, definitely no higher than Scootaloo, but with a pale blue coat reminiscent of a seashore at dawn. Her mane was a soft lime, striped with a more cucumber shade: and tied into long, thin braids on either side of her head, just behind each ear. In a peculiar twist, she also had a small horn peeking from her forehead, signaling her as a Unicorn. Her Cutie Mark showed her talent proudly: a thin, green-handled paintbrush dabbing into the white paint on a large palette. The palette also held colors of blue, red, green, yellow, black, and beige, and had the look of oaken wood. Rarity could only use one word to describe such a filly: 'She's... adorable...' "Misty?" Rarity asked tenderly. "That suits her quite well, just by looking at her." "Seamist Pyre, actually." Phoenix chuckled. "I just call her Misty, though." Rarity nodded, and extended a hoof out to the foal, who cowered slightly at the gesture. Seamist looked up to her brother, who nodded supportively. Slowly, she turned back, and quietly took it with a nod. Rarity smiled at her. "My name is Lilac, Seamist." She stated simply. "It's a pleasure to meet you!" The filly's eyes widened, and a small grin spread across her muzzle. She opened her mouth slightly, and rolled her tongue around: contorting her face into an adorable scrunch of concentration. Rarity looked on in concern, which then doubled when she heard Phoenix gasp. "What's wrong with her?" She asked, looking back at the teary-eyed stallion. Phoenix stepped forward slightly, and spoke in a tone of pure wonder, and joy. "She's trying to speak!" Rarity's eyes widened in surprise. "So, she's mute?" She asked cautiously, not wanting to offend either of them. "Not really," Pheonix sighed, "she's just never tried. Doc said it was a mental problem. Psychological, more than anything else. She can squeak, and squeal, but she doesn't know how to talk. And she's usually just too shy to try. You must have made quite an impact already!" Seamist tugged on Rarity's sweater, and nodded her head, causing the bangs of her mane to bob a little. She picked up a stick with her magic, and started writing in the dirt: "Nice too meet you too!" Phoenix chuckled as Rarity gawked at the mixture of her apparent affect on the dear child, and the impressive lettering. "Not even your parents could get her to try?" She immediately regretted asking, though, once both their expressions darkened. Seamist's eyes watered a little, and Phoenix took her into an embrace, before setting her on his back. "No, they couldn't. Not even dear mother could get her to speak." He sighed, before turning around, and walking off back towards the street. Rarity ran after them, desperate to apologize. "I'm so sorry if I offended you, I just--" "You didn't know," Phoenix said kindly, a hint of sadness peeking at the back of his voice, "you'll get the full story about what happened to mom at the house, after I put Seamist to bed." "What about your father?" Phoenix froze in his tracks, and Seamist seemed to try and shrink into his mane. He slowly turned, and looked back at her with eyes so dark she might have sworn they were incapable of holding light, if she had not seen him before. "Yes... you'll hear about him too..." he growled, before turning back and quickening his pace. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- "What happened after that?" Octavia asked eagerly, now able to start barely bending her hind leg again. Rarity used another piece of her prison uniform to add to the bandage on her friend's leg, and applied more wine to it: causing the grey mare to flinch. About three hours in, Rarity had decided to tell Octavia everything she could about her time as the Duchess, while she helped her with her wounds. "Sorry, 'Tavi." Rarity said calmly. "I warned you that healing this would sting." "I know, I just can't help my reflexes." Octavia sighed. "Where did you learn how to apply first aid using wine and prison food, anyways?" "You'd be surprised what sort of information the Diarchal Government can cram into your head over the course of a month." Rarity tittered. "Plus, with each letter they sent me, there were useful tidbits of survival skills and combat tips for me to memorize. Intended as a 'bonus course' for my own good, if I ever need them, I suppose." "'Letters'?" Octavia asked again, this tale seemed to get curiouser and curiouser. "Yes, letters." Rarity stated, ignorant of Octavia's puzzlement. "But, how come the Germarens let you sent letters out to Equestria?" Rarity chuckled smugly. "Because they never knew! Now let me finish..." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- After a few more hours walk, they got back inside the Flower shop. Once she stepped in, Rarity's horn glowed a slight gold for a second, and she felt a familiar aura approaching. She nervously glanced to the outside, and spoke to her new tenant. "I'm going to have to take care of some business, Phoenix." She stated nervously. "You can go ahead and make yourself and the little one comfortable, I'll be down in five minutes." Phoenix nodded, and watched with a smile as she ascended the stairs to the workstation. She walked up to the window, and shoved it open just in time to let a wisp of smoke through. The smoke swirled in front of her snout for a second, before materializing as a small parchment, wrapped up with a blue band, and sealed with a silver button. Rarity caught it in her magic, and popped the seal without hesitance. She unrolled the letter, and read it over: "Dear Rarity, I ask if you have any word of the movements, or have sent any refugees. Princess Celestia She rolled it up, and set it aside. She took out her own quill and parchment, and wrote a quick reply: "Princess Celestia, I have learned that there are rumors circulating of a massive cull on the Earth Ponies, and they have all been marked with a band around their forearm. I have also taken in two refugees: an earth pony named Phoenix, and his sister, a small Unicorn filly named Seamist. I wish to reveal my true identity to them, as I doubt they are a threat: I think they might actually be useful to us, and our purpose. I ask permission to include them in my mission. She levitated the reply, and with a flick of her horn: sent it out the window in a burst of violet flame. She trotted down the stairs, and saw Phoenix preparing a pot of tea in the kitchen across from the stairway. He noticed her startled expression, and smiled sheepishly. "I apologize, I thought you might like some tea." He offered, carrying the steaming kettle out of the kitchen with his mouth. "It's quite alright, and very kind of you, darling." Rarity said with a wave of her hoof. "I just wasn't expecting you to play host." Phoenix turned a slight shade of red after hearing her address him as 'darling', and cleared his throat. "It's no problem, Duchess. Forgive me if I seemed forward..." Rarity quirked her eyebrow, unsure of how to respond as he poured her tea, until a realization dawned on her. "Oh! My dear, you must pardon me, I often refer to ponies in that regard. I-I-I meant nothing by it!" Phoenix's heart slowed to a steady pace, and he nodded in understanding as he set a tray of cookies in between them. He sighed, and set his own tea and saucer down. "So, you want to hear what happened to our parents?" He asked unsteadily. Rarity could see a bead of sweat form on his brow, and she hesitated to let him go on. "Not if you're uncomfortable telling me, Phoenix." She comforted. He shook his head. "You might need to know, if I'm going to be working for you." Phoenix gave one last breath, and... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Silence. "And what? What happened?" Octavia asked calmly, setting the lunch Rarity had given her to the side of the bed. Rarity's head popped over the side of the top bunk, and she gave off a slightly embarrassed look. "I... don't really remember all the details. I'd started crying about halfway through it, and only memorized the outlines of it. Suffice it to say: his father and mother became more distant over the years, fighting more and more, even resulting to physical blows! They still lived together, and raised their children as best they could, but they grew to resent each other, until each day was host to a little war all it's own. "Eventually, word had spread about the angry mob of Tribe-Haters travelling through the town, killing with mob mentality. The same day I was in Marelin: the father saw the throng thundering through the streets in their bloodthirsty lookout for new victims. He turned on his heel, tripped his wife with his magic, and threw her out to the mob, screaming 'Here's another one, boys!'" Octavia's mood darkened at the story, she lowered her head a little, and saw tears forming in Rarity's eyes. "I... I won't go into too much detail as to what they did to her, but I will say that he said her blood ran down the street like a river, and it carried little bits of her with it. "He said his father joined them after they made a spectacle of their mother, and disappeared with the crowd. They never saw, or heard from him again..." More silence. That uncomfortable, brooding silence where you think it can't get any worse... before you realize that the story might only get worse. "What happened then?" Octavia asked, hoping the story would get better. Rarity shook her head out of her trance, and smiled warmly. "Well, for the most part, nothing noteworthy happened for a few months. The only important events were Celestia approving of their aid, I started trying to teach Seamist how to speak, and I helped her learn magic, as best I could. We took on another refugee, and Phoenix and I grew rather... well, close..." Octavia levitated an eyebrow, and the corner of her mouth moved upwards. 'This should be interesting...' Rarity took notice of her cellmate's smug expression, and corrected course: "Nothing like that, 'Tavi, we were only friends." She stated. "But even with such great friends helping me, it wasn't long before things went south... "...far, far south..." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Phoenix took down the picture of him and Seamist from the mantelpiece, and set it in the box he was carrying. His mane was a little unkempt from his lack of sleep, and he shuffled around in a desperate attempt to gather all traces that he was ever here. "They had to start the gathering now..." He grumbled, making no effort to hide his panic. "I'm glad we set up that false wall upstairs, hopefully it's enough to fool the Dotsy officers..." A thunderous, Kelpic voice boomed from the floor just above their heads: "Ye'r a very reassurin' bugger, you know that? W'can hear every word y'ar spittin'!" About two months in, rumors of the 'Cull' gave way to confirmation of gathering all the Earth Ponies, Mules, and Donkeys in Germareny, and setting them in secluded parts of the cities named Ghettos. News of what happened to those that refused spread across the city like wildfire, as the spellfire echoed through the streets. Even the foals were not spared, if they had an attitude about them. Rarity tried her best to comfort the poor stallion, but his nerves were right to be on edge. Plus, he always thought faster when his heart rate increased. She tapped a hoof on her head, until an idea popped through. "Maybe we could move to the country!" She said, raising a hoof triumphantly. "Where snipers could hide in the trees? No, thank you!" Phoenix scoffed. Rarity smiled smugly. "Who said anything about trees? Didn't you say your mother used to own a house on three hundred acres of open fields?" Phoenix paused, and turned his head. "I'd say that's a smart idea, Rare, but what if he's there?" Rarity levitated a steak knife with a bored expression, and slowly glided the blunt end across her throat. "We might be able to... dissuade him from doing anything stupid. A little bleeding might cure his sick mind, if you know what I mean." "When did you grow so cold-blooded?" Phoenix smiled back, making it clear he wasn't objecting. "I'll just make sure Misty isn't in any danger while we finish him--" He was unable to finish his thoughts as Rarity screamed at the sight of little Seamist running through the door: her shiny coat caked in dust and blood. "Misty!" Phoenix cried, taking the filly into his arms. He held her close, and stilled as Rarity looked her over for injuries. The blood was not her own, and the quantity reminded Rarity of when she herself fled the city. "What happened out there?" Rarity inquired. She spoke. Seamist Pyre. Spoke. One word escaped her lips. It was her first word. And it would be the one word that she would remember for all eternity: "Eck--... Ext--... Extinction..." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity drove the covered wagon out of town, with Phoenix and Bagpipe pulling on the end, and Seamist sitting to her side. She had gotten the Earth Ponies past the city guards by using her makeup skills to make them look beaten and bruised: and Phoenix had even persuaded her to use a whip on him when he became stubborn, which was more often than she liked. Once they got about ten miles from Marelin, she stopped the carriage, and hopped off her seat to go check on him. She couldn't help but be worried, though Seamist wasn't even phased by the whole experience, she had tried to persuade Rarity that her brother was strong by pointing to him, and then to her flexing forearm. Even though she still rarely spoke, she communicated quite incredibly clearly without the use of words. "Are you alright?" Rarity asked, setting a hoof on his shoulder. "I'm fine, thank ye for asking!" Bagpipe blurted in an irritated tone, bobbing his head around as he spoke. He was a rather pudgy pony, with a dark orange coat and a thick, curly red mane. He wore a flannel shirt with a plaid skirt he insisted was called a 'kilt'. Rarity- despite having a soft spot for Kelpic fashion in the spring -loved to tease him about it when she got the chance. Phoenix looked up at her with a tired expression, and smiled warmly. "Wherever did you learn to use a whip? It made noise loud enough, but our mother swatted us harder than that!" He stated with a laugh, easing Rarity's nerves. "How far is it to your mother's old home?" She asked with a relieved giggle. Phoenix examined the surrounding forest, looking for landmarks, before his eyes rested on a large boulder on the side of the road. "About thirty miles, Rare." He said, looking to the horizon. "If I keep going at this rate, we should be there before dark..." He trailed off when he noticed Rarity's horn glowing, and he heard a slight 'chink' behind his head, and beside him. Before he could speak: Rarity had levitated him into the driver's seat, laid him down, and attached herself to the yokes. He was about to speak when she turned to Bagpipe, motioned for him to climb aboard- which the brute was only too glad to do -and took off at a brisk pace: headed straight down the road. Phoenix's jaw dropped at the sight of her strength. Even though he had listened to her tales of when she was one of the Bearers of Harmony back in the homeland, he never fully realized what she was capable of. Only now did he understand her strength: she had knocked a Manticore back with a single kick, she was able to pluck a scale from a serpent, and now she was able to haul a laden wagon at twenty miles an hour like it was a paperweight. Mind, he would be able to do the same on flat ground, but he had not expected a refined lady as herself to be that acquainted with manual labor. After pulling for a while, and switching places a few times, they made it to a large, open field that was home to a large mansion in the midst of it. The empty land would provide them a spectacular view of the surrounding area, alerting them to any that approached. Unfortunately, that also meant that if he was there, he already knew of their coming. Oh, how they hoped he was the only one there, if there was anypony. After a short while of pulling, they finally arrived at the dusty front door- which was remarkably well-polished underneath the dust -and Rarity instantly took to picking the lock with her magic. The door replied to her invasion by silently swinging inwards, casting sunlight into the abandoned interior. Dust and cobwebs decorated the plush furnishings, yet they somehow still shone without stain or blemish. Rarity tried the switch by the door, and the room lit up with a sickly grey glow as the torches came to life: casting gentle shadows across the inside of the massive hall. There was a deathly smell coming from further in, but it seemed as if it used to be far stronger. Rarity gently stepped inside, and screamed in horror as she looked to their left. She pushed Seamist to stay outside with Bagpipe before the curious filly could sneak a look. Phoenix walked in while Rarity still held a hoof to her mouth in fear, and saw what had startled her: a pair of Earth Pony skeletons laid gently on the floor, dust piling up around them in a large mound. "Opa and Oma..." He lamented, stepping up to the deceased pair. "We hadn't heard from them in five years... "They must've had a stroke, or heart attacks, or something." He noticed Rarity giving him a shocked look as she wondered how he could simply comment on the deaths of ponies that close to him as if it was to be expected. He smiled at the memories of his grandparents, and looked back to her: "Ever since we moved further into the heart of Germareny, we never had much opportunity to visit them, or vice versa. Mother used to get letters from them, until they stopped coming five years ago. We expected invitations to a funeral, but when none came: we assumed they just stopped trying to get us to visit." He explained, picking up his grandmother's skull. "Can we bury them out in the fields, in the back?" Rarity thought for a moment. She wasn't going to deny him a decent burial for him ancestors. Far be her from it! She nodded, but offered an idea of her own, which seemed to please him even more... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The shovel scraped against the dirt as it patted down the last section of the mound down. Rarity lifted it over her shoulder, and smiled down at the pair of graves in respect. Firework Burst Beloved father, and grandfather. 1822-2390 Sparkle Burst Beloved mother, and grandmother. 1824-2390 They used two stone tabletops Bagpipe had hauled from the inside for the headstones, and Seamist carved the inscriptions: using an old hammer and chisel. Her artistry never ceased to amaze Rarity. They had buried them on either side of the main walkway leading to the front door, just a couple yards behind Rarity's florist sign, which was also painted by Seamist. They still had a lot of moving in to do, and enough time to not have to worry about much. She was about to compliment the filly on her handiwork, when another scroll materialized beside her. She snapped the seal, and carefully read it: Rarity, This is a notice of war, in case you haven't already heard of it. Hitter has invaded Equestria: his first attack was on Sweet Apple Acres. We do not know why he has attacked that area specifically, but all the residential family is safe, though with minor injuries. As of now, we are at war with Germareny, and we will be needing any information from you that you can gather. Stay safe, keep all refugees you can safe. Princess Celestia. Rarity sighed with relief, and handed the note to Phoenix. He read it over, and frowned. "Your country is in trouble, if he's attacking this early." He stated dryly. "He's not one to have false confidence in his troops." Rarity stiffened. She knew he was right, and she knew Hitter as well. She ran to the wagon, pulled out a pen and parchment, and wrote into it urgently: Princess Celestia, What direction did Hitter attack from? She sent it off with lighting speed, and waited for a reply. Phoenix walked up behind her, and placed a hoof on her shoulder to comfort her. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you panic." He offered. "It's not that, I just remembered something of importance to my country's position in this new war." She assured him, just as a reply whisked up beside her. From the west. What do you have? She hastily wrote a simple reply: Keep your eye on the rising sun! She then turned when she heard galloping, and looked around the wagon to see an approaching stallion. She couldn't tell his race, but his color wasn't one she was used to seeing: he was a deep blue coloration, with a wavy light blue mane with magenta highlights. The most noteable detail, however, was the fact that he wore a Dotsy outfit. And once he got closer, Rarity could see that he was unquestionably a Unicorn. Bagpipe peeked his head from the interior of the mansion, and looked outside to see what was going on. Rarity turned back to Phoenix, and smiled nervously. "I hope you can understand why I did this..." "Did wha--?!" *THWOCK!* She retracted her hoof as he fell over backwards, possibly not going to wake up until the next morning. Bagpipe's jaw dropped as his eyes bulged, and he slowly retreated behind the comforting safety of the door as the inside of the house grew a sudden appeal. "That," she answered nervously, signaling for Seamist to take cover, and walking around the wagon. As the stallion neared, she saw that he had a foal on his back, and there was blood on the side of his uniform. He stopped right in front of her, muttered out a weak "Help... him..." and collapsed on the ground: dumping the foal onto the grass roughly. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- "That colt was little Grainwood, the only foal to show kindness to Seamist before she and her brother went on the run." Rarity explained, smiling warmly at the memory, while looking down at Octavia from the top bunk. "A Dotsy had carried him to safety, despite losing his own life in the process. Just goes to show not all in that militia agreed with Hitter's Dot Regime." The sun had set several hours beforehand, but neither had any sleep in them tonight. It was mostly because the gallows were right outside their window, and one in particular still had a familiar body hanging from it: his wings were forcefully shattered in several places, and several scars oozed blood onto his once brilliant light blue coat. Rarity already rued the day she'd have to tell Rainbow about this. For now, she was continuing with her story, hoping it would take Octavia's mind off the pain in her leg. The grey mare seemed to look up to her now, and each time a new section of the story began, her eyes would shine like diamonds in anticipation. Time would tell if that glow would linger, as the tale went further into what happened in those years. She debated with herself just how far she should go into her story, she didn't want Octavia to hear the unpleasant parts, but those were yet to come. And a part of her knew that no matter what she went through, Octavia has probably either seen just as bad or worse during her time in this Dotsy dungeon. "You're doing it again, Rarity. What's wrong?" Rarity snapped out of her thoughts, just to see a puddle of her own tears staining the floor beneath her. She shook her head of those dark memories, and smiled warmly once more. A little too sincerely, to Octavia's eye. "Where was I?" Rarity asked, trying to hold back tears. "Well, before you trailed off, you were talking about the child that the Dotsy died for. Grainwood, I believe." "Yes, well, you would not believe how adorable Seamist was when she found out her only friend outside of me was staying with us..." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- "Granood!" Seamist called excitedly in her little squeak of a voice, hopping up just as the young colt opened his eyes. Rarity had to hold her back to keep her from accidentally injuring the poor child. Surprisingly enough, Phoenix had awoken before the sun had set, and was able to help Rarity bandage up the foal. He was the one who identified him as Grainwood. For now, yellow foal's eyes peeped tiredly from their lids, and focused on the white fog in front of him. "M-... Mama?" He groaned. Rarity lifted a hoof to her mouth in a light gasp: she had not even given a thought as to where the colt's parents were! If the Dotsy had died trying to free the lad, what disaster had befallen his parents? "No, little Grain," Phoenix said softly, brushing some hair out of Grainwood's face, "it's just us." Grain allowed himself a little, weak smile. "Phoenix?" Phoenix nodded with a smile, and Seamist sighed in relief at her friend's response. "I cooked the lad a wee bit o' broth, if he's up fer it." Bagpipe offered, carrying a steaming mug into the room. Grain took it in his hooves, and drank it down greedily. After downing the beverage, he looked around the room, and spoke in his soft little voice: "Where's Tremor?" Silence. They could only wonder if he was referring to-- "The soldier that rescued me, where is he? I saw him take a couple shots, did you--" When he saw them all avoid eye contact, his expression fell. He lowered his head morosely, and started to cry. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity saw Octavia start to doze off, so she smiled, and lowered herself into her own bed. She was just about to shut her eyes when the door flew open, and in stepped an all-too familiar figure: "Madame Rarity, I presume?" The stallion muttered, adjusting the band on his pale trench coat. "Or, maybe you prefer to go by Lilac, hmm?" Rarity snarled at the silhouette, showing her teeth. "Hitter..." Author's Note Sorry this took so long, guys: looks like this might be a longer fic than originally planned! Next part might take a while, as this fic is supposed to present closure on the others, too! If you see any issues, please don't hesitate to point them out, and I'll fix them ASAP! Thank you for reading! Until Next Time, God Bless You! Intermission: Last Stands, New Love.Rarity's teeth shone brightly in the torchlight as she glared at the hated figure that now stood in the doorway. Hitter grabbed one of the torches, and walked towards the bunks, yet stopped as Rarity leapt down and stood protectively between him and Octavia. "That's far enough, cur!" She spat, eyeing him in mistrust. He seemed hurt by her actions, and she saw a silver shine in the corner of his eye. "Why do you hate me so much, Rarity?" Hitter asked, his voice cracking ever so slightly. "All I ever wanted to do was purify all of Equinity, and help us, the master tribe, to grow. Surely, you cannot blame me for wanting the best for our ponies?" "You think killing off thousands of innocent ponies is for the 'Greater Good', and you wonder why I hate you?" Rarity hissed, the tone in her voice was one of pure hatred, and carried a deadly sound nopony had heard from her before. "You killed my friends, and you expect me to forgive you just like that?" Hitter levitated the torch to a far corner of the room, and lit another, and another, and another. Soon, the entire room was brightly lit, burning Rarity's eyes. She felt a clicking on her forehead, and her eyes adjusted just enough to see her Horn-Lock collapse to the floor. "Come with me, and I'll let you personally make sure your friend here makes it to the safety of Equestria." Hitter offered, gesturing to Octavia. Rarity considered the offer, and looked up to him. "It's a deal." She stated after barely a thought, much to Octavia's horror. "But, what happens to me?" Hitter smiled softly. "You get limited freedom, and I'll see if I can't persuade you to the light." "Very well," Rarity said bitterly, "but first, I need to make sure Octavia is indeed safe at her home..." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity ducked behind the wall beside mansion window, holding a spellrifle in her hooves. It had been several months since they taken Grainwood in, and she had accepted seven more refugees in time. But they had let down their guard, and the last one was followed. Fortunately, they had been able to easily disperse the Pegasi that were attacking them, and managed to retrieve some weapons in the process. The Spellrifle was an interesting construction: operating in similar in function to our own human rifles. Only instead of bullets, it functioned by using a bar of metal that could be charged with Unicorn Magic. And since Rarity was the only adult Unicorn in the mansion, they had to all be in the same room to fight. The constant reloading took a toll on her, and was fighting collapsing from exhaustion. Even as they fought on, she couldn't help but overhear Phoenix and Bagpipe talking on the other end of the window. "Bag, did you ever think we'd go out like this?" Phoenix asked. She could hear a tremble in his voice that brought tears to her eyes. "Nay, laddie." Bagpipe commented. "This i'n't going to be yer end. You and yer marefriend are too import'nt to this country to die here. I have a feelin' you two might even be the pair that stops this war, the rest of us are onl' 'ere to help you." "Bag," Rarity called sternly, "you better not be thinking of doing anything stupid!" Bagpipe shook his head, feigning ignorance. "Nay, lass. In all me born days, I've never done a thoughtless thing." A bolt of fire whisked past Rarity's ear, and struck the wall in front of her: alighting another section of the house into flame. She quickly span around, and shot several rapid bolts out the window. Three soldiers had fallen from her attack before she ducked back. She was trying her best to fight on, but this firefight had lasted three days already, and she didn't know how long she'd be able to fight anymore. She felt ready to collapse, and just as she was wobbly enough to do so, a strong scent penetrated her nostrils. Phoenix had ducked in beside her, holding up a large mug of jet-black coffee. She graciously took it, and thanked him before she downed the black liquid, and immediately felt energy coursing through her veins. She looked between Phoenix and Bagpipe, who had now taken shelter behind an overturned table. "Are the children in safety?" "Yes, ma'am." Bagpipe called. "I'd say where they are, but I don't want those pigeons outside to overhear. Let's just say they're a li'l dirty." Rarity paused for a second in thought, but shrugged of her concerns. Hiding the children in the graves wasn't the worst place he could've thought of: he might have hid them in the attic, or the basement, come to think of it. Neither of which would work all that well, with the house both on and under fire. Before she could think any more, there was a thunderous boom outside, followed by a searing heat in the room as Rarity found herself blinded, and flying through the air. She felt herself land on the dirt with a crunch, and looked up to see the cause if the horrible explosion. A large, wheeled cannon was aimed directly at the house, and had fired into the room where she had taken refuge. She tried to stand, in order to flee, but only succeeded in wobbling to her knees. "The Unicorn is down, open fire!" She looked up, and saw seven unicorns focusing their magic into the barrel of the cannon. It aimed towards where the other refugees had hidden themselves, and charged up. What happened next was nothing but a blur. She heard a massive bellow of "NO!", and heard spellfire coming from the air. When she looked in the direction of the call, Bagpipe was running full speed towards the artillery as bolt after bolt was shot into him mercilessly. "Ready!" He charged the massive cannon as it swerved towards him. "Aim!" He leapt into the air as his primal yell drowned out all other noise easily. "Fire!" He dove forward as the barrel started to glow, and with a cry of "RUN!" he had plugged himself into the cannon: sealing it completely. There was a blinding flash, and Rarity felt four tiny hooves embrace her as the deafening thunder caused her to scream in agony. To her, the noise was so loud that all she heard of it was a tense ringing, but it stung her ears like nothing else could. She felt herself be lifted off the ground, and heard the screams of several ponies as she was carried away. After looking up to see the house engulfed in flame, she blacked out. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- She opened her eyes, despite their groans of protest, and found herself sitting next to a crude campfire in the middle of a dark forest. On either end beside her was Grainwood, and Seamist. And in front of her was the one who had obviously risked his own life to make sure they had all gotten to safety... Phoenix. His mane was a tattered, singed mess, as was his coat. He was bleeding slightly from several scars, and a single hole through his foreleg shone with cauterized blood. His eyes were focused on the fire as he was roasted a few alfalfa sausages. As she looked at his scarred face, and then into his shining eyes, she felt her heartbeat accelerate dramatically: and her face seemed to burn like fire. 'Uh oh...' She turned her face away, and hoped that her limp mane hid her growing blush well enough. She criticized herself for this predicament. How could she not have seen this coming? This was something she was not prepared for in the slightest! She didn't have her dresses, she didn't have her fainting couch- mostly thanks to those darned Dotsies burning their house down -she didn't have anything to prepare herself for this! "Nice to see that you're awake, we'd begun to worry after the third night." 'How long has his voice been so smooth?' "Y-yes, I guess I just... dozed off." She offered weakly, before a thought slapped her in the face. "Did... any of the others make it out, Phoenix?" Phoenix looked her in the eye, and his dark expression told it all. Rarity' head drooped, and the heat in her face subsided. Where would they go now? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity tore up inside at the sight of the Princesses before her, still as beautiful and regal as ever. Hurriedly, she shooed Octavia over to them, and tried her best not to cry as the mare hesitantly obeyed. Hitter stood beside her, and she swore she saw a small smile of sincerity on his cheek before he quickly hid it. "Your friend is safe, Rarity." He muttered. "I hope you'll honor your side of the deal?" Rarity smiled politely, despite her stomach's protests. "I'm your prisoner, and you may do with me as you wish." "You make it sound like I'm going to have my way with you, Rarity." Hitter chuckled, turning her back towards their dirigible with a hoof. "I assure you, I hold nothing but the best intentions at heart. I only seek purification." '... Sometimes, a small impurity can be beneficial, Hitter...' Rarity mused as she climbed aboard, stealing one final glance at her homeland. Author's Note Yes, I know I don't usually do intermissions, but I wanted to give you guys something to chew on while I figure out what to do next. I do know which direction the story is going in, I just don't yet know how to get there yet. And no, I'm not giving out any spoilers! (t might be quite a while until the next update. Until Next Time, God Bless You! ~Amethyst Dawn. Undestroyed'Who would've guessed that running through a forest would be so relaxing?' Rarity thought. She was sweating like crazy: ducking and dodging foliage while evading the silhouetted figures behind her. She had to avoid being caught this time. She ducked a branch quickly, only to have a spider web stretched across her face. She squealed in a shrill voice as she wiped the repulsive substance off, alerting her pursuers to her position. "Over here!" Came a call from behind her. "I see her!" At the sound of the voice, Rarity turned in time to see a blur of white approaching her. She spun on her heels and darted farther into the wood, remembering how her tails couldn't make sharp turns well at this speed. She ran around a large oak, and hid behind it as the blurs darted past her. She then heard a cry of "D'oh, come on!" as she ran back to the east. Sweat dripped from Rarity's brow as she jumped over a rotten log, only to have the shapes glide over it with seamless ease: they seemed to be more experienced at this than she was. She was too busy admiring their skill to notice a larger shape running beside her before he gained ground, turned, and lunged at her from the side. She felt a rough form ram against her own, and next thing she knew she was pinned to the ground. "I got her!" Phoenix yelled, grinning as Seamist and Grain jumped out of the shrubbery on their left. "Aw, man," Grain chuckled. "I wanted to catch her this time!" "We definitely took longer to catch up with her this time, and that means she's improving along with you two." Phoenix chuckled. "Am I right, Ra--... Rarity?" Rarity's eyes were glazed over, and the corner of her mouth had curved into a small, satisfied smile. Her eyes blinked slowly as the scent of Phoenix's sweat went into her nostrils like perfume, and she felt her face heat up again. "Rarity, are you zoning out again?" She snapped herself into reality, and desperately tried to hide her red face as he helped to stand her up. "Y-yes, I'm so sorry, Phoenix, it--... I just--" "I understand, Rarity." Phoenix sighed. "It's hard to watch your friends die, while you live on." Rarity was about to correct him, but she stopped as two realizations crossed her mind: if she told him now, there would be no room for the dramatic reveal she had planned since she was six. And the thought that she had hardly given thought to the deaths of the other refugees made her feel guilty. If Phoenix knew about that, he might regret saving her life! What interest could he have in her, if she was as heartless as a Dotsy? But then, they had only been in the woods for two months, and the children seemed to recover quickly. But then again, both had had some pretty dramatic previous experience with death. Seamist had seen her mother literally torn asunder by an angry mob, then seemed pretty perky within a month's time. Fighting the urge to tell Phoenix everything, Rarity smiled weakly at him. "Y-yes, it's a little..." She trailed off as she looked around the wood. "Where's our camp?" "Back this way, Rare!" Grain called, turning to run back into the woods. Seamist gave an excited nod, and ran after him, giggling. "Should they run off like that, while we're still in hiding?" Rarity inquired turning to-- oh my, how his coat seemed to shine in her eyes, when the sun hits it just like that... "I'd answer that, but I don't want to jinx it." Phoenix sighed, walking beside her. Rarity nodded in understanding, and walked along beside him in quiet content. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- She looked off the deck of the airship Roquefort, as Equestria disappeared into the distance. She sighed heavily, and hung her head over the rails. Oh, how tempting it was to greet the Barraki-infested waters below as they got closer to Germareny, all it would take is a simple jump. But, she decided against it. She promised Octavia that she would see this damned war through to the end, so she would do her best, in order to try and do just that. Hitter wasn't making it any easier for her, though, despite his best efforts. He tried to make sure she was comfortable, but that only served to make her less so. What does it mean about her when a beast such as him took genuine interest in her, when all the true nobles back in Canterlot only ever referred to her as 'Charmingly rustic'? Rarity shoved such thoughts out of her head, this was not the time to give in to depression. A desperate plan had begun to form in her mind, a plan that just might be crazy enough to work. She’d just need a tool… "Enjoying Impress view, Miss Rarity?" She turned to find a familiar filly staring up at her. This little squirt was somehow promoted to be Hitter's personal assistant, even though she was barely as old as Sweetie Belle! She was also rather gangly for her size, and hovered on her wings with an ongoing buzz. Rarity remembered this foreigner and her father from a concert about six years ago, despite how much she'd changed since. "Zippowill," Rarity questioned calmly, "why ever did you choose to work with Hitter?" Zippo looked at her as if the answer should be obvious, and chuckled to herself on a high-pitched hum of a laugh. "Because if I wasn't Hitter's Assistant, Rarity, I wouldn't be able to give to you this very well!" She chirped, handing over a small parcel. Rarity took it curiously with her magic, and held it up. It was rather awkwardly shaped, and was wrapped completely in a cloth tied with a thin black twine. Rarity was about to ask what it was, when she felt some of her magic drain into it. Rarity cringed at the familiar sensation, and looked up to the filly. "What is this?" "A tiny tool, Rarity," Zippowill whispered as she leaned down, and placed a hoof on Rarity's shoulder. "Don't unwrap until you're in own quarters." With that, she was gone. Rarity looked confusedly at the small… thing in her hooves. She placed it in her pocket, and resumed her gazing. She had discovered another ally, from yet another unexpected place. She just hoped this one lives through the war… -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The Camp was a humble sight: a mere gathering of logs, twigs, leaves, mud, and moss, designed to blend in with the hilly forest scape. Rarity crested the hill just as Grainwood opened their largest home's door, and went inside with Seamist. "Do you think we should give them some privacy?" Phoenix joked, gaining a punch in the shoulder from a giggling Rarity. "Darling, they're ten." She chuckled. "So... that's a yes?" She smacked him again, chuckling at his antics. He was always making her laugh lately: and she couldn't tell if it was out of his good humor, or if he was trying to cheer her up. Of course, she knew she might just be laughing because that odd fluttering sensation she got in her chest whenever she was alone with him tickled her insides like a feather, but she preferred to think that it was the joke itself. It was a rather clever joke, and she admired how he could make light of any situation he needed to. Oh, how amazing she found that in her eyes, he knew precisely when to be serious, and when to joke. He was clever like that, and witty, and calming… and comforting… and certainly not bad to look at… Rarity shook her head in an attempt to clear her mind of the pesky fog, and stopping herself from getting lost in his eyes… again. Unfortunately for her, he seemed to take notice. “Are you sure you’re alright, dear?” Time stopped, her blood burned, and her body froze. She felt like her face had been dropped into a vat of boiling tar, and her tail instantly frazzled with a loud-- *POMF* Oh, how she hoped she wasn’t mishearing what he just said. Then again, it could be that she was reading too far into it. After all, she had called him pet names like that in the past, and meant nothing by it... … Or… did she? Thinking back, she couldn’t help but focus on how she was acting around him. Lately, it had escalated, of course. But before that, she always seemed to be protecting him and their-- his sister, as if they were her own family. She never cared for anypony like this before, aside from her own family. It was strange to feel like this around ponies she’d only known for around a year, rather than her- or their –whole life. She slowly allowed herself to relax, and gazed out to their little encampment. Grain and Seamist were now playing tag in the dirt in between the huts, and making royal messes of each other: laughing and giggling all the way. They played so joyfully and innocently, without a single care in the world. It made her heart yearn for the times spent with Sweetie Belle back in Equestria, but also kept her satisfied with the time she was spending with them. She then turned to Phoenix: he was always so calm, collected, and concerned for her well-being. The very sight of him once again made her smile as her face heated up, but she didn’t mind it this time, she was lost in his sapphire eyes once again. He had shown his courage, chivalry, and nervousness. He was strong, yet vulnerable, and that made him glow all the more in her eyes. Yes, yes, this was her family. Not like Sweetie, or mother, or father. But… more like her own family: something she was able to build from the ground up, and earned through trials she had never seen before. She had fought for this family, she had defended and protected this family. She was prepared- and willing -to die for this family, if the worst came to pass… She was the mother of this family, and Phoenix would be the father. Together, they would raise Misty and Grain, not as their own: but as if they were an elder youth, looking after their younger siblings. “You’re starting to worry me, Rarity.” She snapped out of her trance, and realized the sun was setting over the horizon: and the foals had already set up a fire. Sweet Celestia, she must have zoned out for over a half hour! No wonder the poor boy was concerned, while she stared into his eyes for so long. She could see a reddish tint to his cheeks, and he looked her in the eye in worry. She cleared her throat, and her face burned hotter than ever before: “Y-y-yes, well, I’m fine… I just… need to tell you something…” His eyebrow raised, displaying his interest, and prompting Rarity to continue. This was it. This was the moment to do it. She felt even more blood rushing to her face as she slowly scooted closer to him, closing the distance between the two of them. She laid a hoof on his shoulder, and looked him deep in the eyes, begging for this moment to never end. Oh, how easily she was lost in those diamonds: they shone with gentle firmness, and hard beauty. The eyes really are the gateway to the soul, for in her mind, everything great about him was reflected in his eyes. Everything from the warming glow of his compassionate heart, to the resilient strength behind the indestructible nature of his courage, to the subtle twinkle of immense intelligence that went into every action he performed. “Phoenix, I... I lo--” “When you two lovebirds are done staring into each other’s eyes, could you come over for supper?” Grain called from the camp. “You bugged us last night about putting out the fire before the smoke builds too much, after all.” Phoenix glared at the colt for the untimely interruption, but Rarity was merely heartbroken: she couldn’t face another interruption like this, she needed to act, and now was proven to be yet another bad time. She clenched her eyes and jaw as she stood, and ran to the largest of the huts. Her tears and sobs streaming a trail behind her. She heard Phoenix utter a call for her to wait, yet she refused to heed it as she slammed the hidden door behind her, letting her limp mane fall over her eyes as anguish wracked her. How long must she bear this alone? She shouldn’t have to hold this in, so she wouldn’t. She. Was. Done. She was done with these interruptions, with the badly-timed tries, with her pathetic sulking like a caged animal. Out here, she was free. Despite having to constantly watch her back, she felt freer out here than she ever did at home… probably because out here, she had to work for her independence. She felt fresh tears tickle her cheek as she choked out sob after sob, mental eye focusing back on the stallion that had plagued both her mind and heart for months now. No, she had to tell him… she will tell him. Tonight! No matter what she had to do, he would know tonight… She looked up, and walked over to the suitcases that Phoenix had managed to salvage from the wreckage of the Estate, during one of the few times they dared to return. She walked over to the large red one she knew was hers, and opened it as she shifted her gaze to a large object, covered with a sheet she had made out of moss. Fortunately for her: this time, she was prepared… -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Phoenix and the children stayed outside for a while to eat their supper, since Rarity had refused on the grounds that she ‘wasn’t hungry’. She knew he didn’t believe her one bit, but he obviously knew better than to try and force a lady to eat when she refused. Another tip from their mother, undoubtedly. She sighed, as the article was a tighter fit than she remembered, but she considered that the tautness might just suit her purposes all the more. Just when she had barely finished preparations, there came a blunt knocking on the hidden door: “Rarity, may I come in?” “Yes, do come in!” She chirped, flushing at the high pitch that flew from her throat. Not exactly the tone she was used to, certainly. She hoped he either didn’t notice, or didn’t find it odd. Third option being he dismissed it as her having killed another spider, and washing it off her hooves. 'Oh, how I hope he doesn’t think I'm washing off spider gore in the drinking water again...' she chuckled to herself. 'That was only one time...' Phoenix opened the door, and seemed to have prepared himself for anything... Uh… Make that almost anything, apparently… His jaw dropped from what he saw, making her giggle delightfully. Rarity was dressed in a black, silken dress with a white shirt collar peeking out around her neck. She was laying on her right side, with her left knee slightly crossed over her hindleg as her left hoof rested on her hip. Her right hoof dangled lazily over the side of her famous ‘fainting couch’ -which had somehow survived the fire- and her lips were curved into a loving smirk, painted just slightly in a pink, yet rosy color. Her mane was combed back into its normal style, for the first time in far over a year. So, to him, it helped her look up to her namesake: a true rarity among mares. And in it rested a black rose that supported a small, thin veil which barely covered her right eye. A small fur was draped over her shoulder, and her eyes shone in the torchlight, as did the pink on her cheeks. She smiled wider as Phoenix’s face flooded with color, and he seemed to find himself at a loss for words. His tongue moved, but the sound stuck in his throat, as his heart skipped. Neither made any noise, but the atmosphere spoke volumes: Rarity was calm, collected, and prepared, having planned this moment precisely since she was a child. Phoenix was nervous, frozen, and completely lost as to what was going on. His heart raced, but his mind was stopped by the flawless magnificence of the mare before him. He had definitely heard of her fashionista ways before, as she remembered telling him how she preferred to be prim and proper. But, unbeknownst to her, he never truly expected to see such radiance from any being on Equus. For a moment he thought he had passed into the shores of Everpeace, far beyond death’s door, and was looking into the presence of an angelic being from the world’s end. He knew this was Rarity: for her eyes still shone like sapphires. But… this was indeed the Rarity he knew, only more so. More radiant, more calmed, and more pure. More… “Breathtaking…” That was exactly what she was hoping to hear, though actually hearing it roll off his tongue made her little cup of joy overflow. Smiling, Rarity slowly shifted herself to an upright position, and patted the seat next to her. “I believe it’s time we had a little talk, Phoenix Pyre…” she cooed. She grinned even broader as beads of sweat formed on his brow. He slowly approached, and sat down next to her. His face had turned from brown to dark red within minutes, and he had no idea what was happening. Rarity took a deep breath, smiled warmly, and skootched closer to him. Forcing him to make eye contact, and letting her get lost in those gorgeous sapphires once more. “What do you want to talk about?” Phoenix said nervously, looking out a concealed window. It was then that Rarity realized, this was hardly the time: they were on the run, others had died to save them barely two months ago, they were being hunted as they speak, they had finally found a good spot, things were going well, she had finally gathered enough courage, and good god how she wanted to just kiss him and get it over with. She snapped herself out of her trance long enough to realize that her eyelids were sinking shut, and she was slowly leaning towards him. Both their faces burned in realization at what was going on, but neither made a solitary move to stop it. A thousand worries ran through Rarity’s head: is this the proper place to start off? What if he doesn’t love her back? What if he didn’t enjoy their kiss? What if she didn’t enjoy it? What if he hates her for even considering them anything more than friends? What if this destroys their friendship? Why was she suddenly so bold, after three weeks of nervous shyness? She calmed herself, and felt her brow grow sweaty as these few split seconds turned into an eternity: She was fed up with hiding this, with being alone, with being unloved. She was fed up with being so close to him, while also feeling completely isolated. She let her eyes shut after a half-second, and pushed forward even faster: these inches were too close to miles for her liking. Crossing them took decades, and she felt even more alone and fearful the closer she got. Then, the unexpected happened. Phoenix, despite his previous shyness, met her halfway. The force behind their meeting pushed her head back several inches, making her eyes shoot open, and causing her to look at him in surprise. She felt goosebumps spike up all over her, and her blush became all any could see of her face. Slowly, she slid her eyes shut once more, and pushed forward: lifting a hoof around his neck. His lips were soft, and tasted of that evening’s elderberry dinner. And her nose tickled at his rugged, deep breaths. She could smell his scent even stronger: and it held her in place. He met her halfway. The burst of emotion that came out in that solitary moment was enough to warm their hearts of all wounds. Phoenix and Rarity no longer cared for anything: the war didn’t exist, the cold didn’t exist, and the Dotsies didn’t exist. Even Hitter himself didn’t exist in their minds. For in that moment: there were only two ponies in Germareny. Rarity was in bliss at their lips’ steady contact, despite how awkward it was. Neither of them cared, they both knew what this was. This was love. And for the first time in forever, they both felt soothed, and protected. They both felt the warmth of the other against them, and it gave them courage. They were no longer split, they were finally one. And nothing would ever get in between them again. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Outside, two foals excitedly giggled as the scene unfolded: watching every inch of it. Until soon enough, they became embarrassed by the spectacle, and stepped down from their perch to give the pair some much-needed privacy. Seamist smirked, and held out her hoof towards Grain, nodding towards it with her head. He grumbled, and handed over the five marks he had kept on his person: “I could’ve sworn it would take her a couple months…” Seamist chuckled, and shook her head. “Nope: three weeks!” She practically sang. Grain smiled warmly at her. “I like it when you speak, your voice is pretty.” Seamist lowered her head in a blush. But soon she shivered, looked up into the black sky, then back to her hut. Grain followed her actions, and looked to his own adjacent hut: “Yeah, we should probably get to bed…” he agreed. They both said goodbye, walked to their huts. And all had called it a night. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity opened the door: fighting the unwanted memories out of her head. Such a storm of unneeded nostalgia made her sick, and she didn’t feel like hurling her lunch again. She slowly sulked over to her bed, and took out the small wrapping that Zippowill had given her. She slowly undid the twine, and watched as the single cloth flap fell off of the peculiar object: revealing it entirely. It was a small locket: wrought in great detail by the most talented silversmith, and a single white jewel shone in its center. Its metal was curved and bent gracefully to resemble a heart, and several decorative gears filled its innermost core around the gemstone. Rarity was confused by it, until she noticed small writing on the cloth: 3, 3, 2, 1. Activate when needed. “Well, that’s a fat lot of use now, isn’t it?” She grunted, tossing it carelessly onto the nightstand. With a sigh: Rarity plopped herself down onto her bed, and felt warm tears force themselves towards the front of her eyes. She hid the parcel in her desk drawer, saving it for later: whatever it was, she could only hope it was a way to get her out of here. She slowly rolled onto her back, and stared at the ceiling above her. She could pick out the individual niches and cracks, but what she saw instead were hills and rivers: a perfect map of their dear forest. She traced along the ‘rivers’ with her eyes, remembering all the times they’d all take a dip on a particularly hot day: the children laughing, splashing in the water. Phoenix and her watching them play, snuggled up to each other. Sneaking a smooch every once in a while, as they grew together. Those times were the best of her life, and now, all that remained of them were haunting memories. She wished she could reach out, and touch them: but those days were gone. The tears returned, as she found herself slowly drifting off to sleep as she sobbed. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- “Can I call you mama?” Rarity bolted upright from her relaxed position, under the shade of a great oak, and turned to the little filly: who was looking at her hopefully. Phoenix stirred from his nap at her head’s sudden absence from his stomach, and rubbed his eyes sleepily. “I’m… not sure if that’s wise.” She said gently, picking up Seamist with her horn: “I wouldn’t want to replace your mother. Plus, with me courting your brother and all…” “But, you’re a lot like her.” Seamist pleaded, grabbing a lock of Rarity’s mane. Rarity went silent, until she heard Phoenix speak up: “Indeed, you resemble her a lot… I don’t know why I never really noticed it before…” “How do I resemble her?” Rarity asked unsurely. “Is it my hair, or my coloring?” “Your heart,” Seamist sighed, snuggling up to the shocked mare. “My… what?” “Your heart, Rarity,” Phoenix chuckled: “now I know what the resemblance is: I remember feeling its glow when I first saw you straightening your sign, and you practically shone with warmth. It’s that that drew me to you, when I was looking for a safe place to hide: just the sight of you was reassuring, and I knew you were the perfect pony to go to for help.” Rarity teared up, and looked between the two: should she? Shouldn’t she? She saw no reason why not. She looked eagerly to Phoenix, and he nodded. Rarity cooed, and held Seamist as close as she could: sobbing. “I…” she choked: “I would be honored… for you to call me mama…” Seamist started to cry as well, and they remained in the embrace for quite some time. Phoenix only smiled to himself: deep in thought. “You’d make a fantastic mother.” Rarity sobbed for a few more moments, before slowly turning her head: “What?” Obviously, he didn’t intend to say that out loud. She could tell by the change of his façade: instantaneous from calm and thoughtful to nervous and jumpy in the blink of an eye. Rarity smiled coyly, and shooed a cheerful Seamist back to playing in the creek. She slowly turned back to Phoenix with a smug smile, and a cocked brow: “I’d make a fantastic mother, hmm?” She giggled: she loved the deep pink shade that flushed into his face as soon as the words slid off her tongue. She decided to play with him a little, and see just how red his face could get. “You know, darling, that’s not a bad idea…” Silence. Utter silence prevailed as he reached scarlet. “… certainly, a child would be something we could both enjoy…” He fell straight into cardinal. “… I’ve heard a child is a load of fun, even the very conception of it…” Carmine, by then: he looked like a sweaty, overripe tomato. One more… “… and it might be an interesting thing to try…” She leaned in close for the kill: “… Soon.” Ladies and Gentlecolts, we’ve reached rosewood. Repeat: we have reached rosewood. He was sweating profusely by now, and his face was so red that he would’ve blended in with a brick wall. He was lying on his back, and had slowly been scooching back with every advance she made. She set a hoof over his side, and gave him the most alluring, irresistible smile she could: the shape remaining somewhat smug, with half-lidded eyes added in for effect. Her eyebrow was arched as she gave him a knowing look. Her hot breath tickled the fur on his muzzle, and he crunched his nose a bit as the sensation. She planted a firm kiss on his lips, and slowly lifted her head regally. “Of course, there’s nopony around to marry us, so we’ll have to wait until we find a trustworthy town.” She said flatly as she rolled onto her back. She took note of how his expression morphed in the corner of her eye: two parts relieved, and one part disappointed. She chuckled to herself, taking pride in her work, she even impressed herself there! But, all joking aside, she wondered if she would indeed make a good mother… or wife… She was starting to regret that last jibe: she felt like she hit a low mark when she voiced how alone they were in a country that was turned against the-- “I might know a town…” Phoenix pondered, tapping his chin: “it’s all Earth-pony, and it’s isolated. I doubt that the Dotsies haven’t found it yet, but it’s reclusive enough to be worth a try.” Rarity froze, yet instantly knew what to do: “We need to let the children have their say in this.” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- “Yes!” Little Seamist’s cry echoed in their hut, as she bounced up and down excitedly. Grain kept a thoughtful expression, but remained quiet. “Misty, we want you to understand something.” Phoenix cautioned. “Here, we’re safe: we’re lost from all prying eyes. If we go back into civilization, there’s a chance we will be caught, and placed into the Ghettos, or even killed. We’ll only go if the vote’s unanimous: meaning you’re all willing to take such a risk.” Seamist stopped her bouncing at the word ‘Ghetto’, and the heartbroken look in her eyes made Rarity regret even bringing this up. “It’s worth it to me.” All eyes turned to Grain, who was still looking morosely at the floor. He looked up slightly, and managed a brave grin: “I was raised on stories of ponies who were willing to die for things most thought trivial, and now that I’m living in those same times: it’s time for us to test our resolve. Would we be willing to risk death, for two ponies more in love than I’ve ever seen to get married? I’m scared of death, but…” He looked up to them, and held his head high: “I’m willing. I think it would be a great way to show that there is still hope: no matter how much that demon in the trench coat tries to destroy it.” Phoenix’s jaw hung loose, and Seamist’s eyes were the size of dinner platters. Rarity was moved, as they all were, but she was less surprised by his phrasing. She teared up at his courage, and opened her forearms for an embrace: an offer which he gladly accepted. “Where on Equus did you learn to talk like that?” Phoenix said: mouth still agape. Rarity looked over her shoulder at him, and smiled. “Surely, you didn’t think I’d keep those books you salvaged to myself, did you?” Phoenix remained shocked, but Seamist seemed satisfied, as she ran over: and planted a little, innocent kiss on Grain’s cheek. Rarity chuckled at the display of thanks, while Grain merely smiled. Rarity turned to Phoenix: “How far is this town?” She asked. “It’s… about two weeks’ hike east from here, across some pretty rough country…” He stated, opening the eastern ‘window’- which was little more than a well-camouflaged flap in the hut’s wall –and gazing out to the horizon: trying to recover from what he just witnessed. “…which should be an advantage to us: thanks to our daily drills.” “Perfect, we’ll need to whip up some packs for supplies…” Rarity nodded, bouncing her hoof in midair as she counted things off: “Sticks, grass, and a little bark should make decent enough packs. Worse comes to worse, we could always eat them. We should only bring the necessities: furs, food, water, and the like. We can send someone for the books and furniture after…” She stopped, and looked over to Phoenix curiously. “What’s the name of this town, anyways?” Phoenix smiled a bit, at the memory of his last visit there. “Brookhaven, Rarity.” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- After three days of preparation, the group finally set out for the isolated down of Brookhaven: in hopes of finding it unnoticed. “What are the odds that the Dotsies haven’t found this ‘Brookhaven’, yet?” Rarity inquired, after an hour’s hike. “Based on my math: Fifty-fifty.” Phoenix admitted. Rarity smiled gently as she looked back to the foals: “Well, considering how every other town was already found, or burned: I’d say the odds are in our favor.” She chuckled, prompting a small smile from the tense stallion. While looking back, she noticed Seamist take a rather nasty stumble in the snow. She stopped as Grain helped her back up, and took note of her shivering. She slowly fell back, and levitated both filly and colt with her magic: placing them in a couple of large, snug pouches she had made care to fasten onto her own pack. Phoenix smiled as the foals looked around in confusion: “So that’s what those are for, eh?” Rarity smirked. “Surely, you didn’t think I’d doom these poor children to hiking in the snow for hours by themselves, did you?” “How very generous of you,” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity woke with a start, when there was a rapid knocking on her door. She slowly lifted her head, and looked over to the clock: 3:42. “Frau Rarity, Master Hitter requires your presence.” A familiar voice called from outside. Rarity groaned: “At four in the morning, Zip?” There was a long pause as Rarity stood up, and put on one of her new dresses. “It’s… the afternoon…” Zip replied. “How much sleep did you miss on that ship?” Rarity opened the door: casting light on her baggy eyes, and loose mane. “Ugh… all of it…” She mumbled, yawning widely. She slowly sulked out of the doorway, and gladly accepted Zip’s offered shoulder: she doubted she would’ve been able to walk that far. Zippowill foundered under Rarity’s weight for a second, before gladly supporting the tired mare. Rarity made an effort to thank her for her generosity, and she merely smiled in return. After getting help walking to Hitter’s meeting room, memories started flashing into her head: A single, filly, alone in the snow… A once-heavenly palace set ablaze… A mighty dragon reducing a threatening hoard to ash… … And another one woken angrily from his hiding… It all came back to her: she remembered that hike through the woods as the seasons shifted, and arriving at the old town… “What are you thinking about?” Zip inquired, using her wings to help her support the exhausted mare. Rarity looked at her with a small smile. “My family, dear,” she answered plainly. “My family, our adventures, and their darling little stories…” Zip nodded understandingly, and smiled supportively: “I heard about that battle, big one, a giant duel there: ended in retreat, many uncaptured. Your family: still alive, yes?” Rarity’s smile drooped, as did her entire head. Zip immediately cursed herself, just before she heard a faint mumble escape her charge’s lips. “I... hope so. But... I..." Rarity let her head fall limply over her chest. "I doubt it...” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The howling blizzard beat ferociously against Rarity’s face as she desperately tried to keep the fire alive: rubbing the sticks together like mad. Phoenix shuddered in the abyssal chill as he struggled to put up the last log, in hopes to shield them from the wind. Seamist and Grain were huddled against Rarity to gain warmth, and the fire finally kicked up. Phoenix slowly sulked back: shivering as his sweat practically froze in the cold: “I g-g-got the w-wall up-p, Rare.” He quivered, collapsing from exhaustion near the fire. Rarity choked back tears as she took one of the blankets from her back, and floated a blanket to him: “Will you accept this now?” Phoenix could only manage a small nod, as his eyes looked to the stacking snow around them. Rarity could tell he was weak from the cold, but he had insisted she needed to be warm, after he caught her shivering out of the corner of his eye. She cursed her sheltered life, and made a mental note: in exile, one packs warm. “All my years of knowing these woods: and I’ve never even heard of a blizzard this strong…” Phoenix mumbled, inching closer to the fire. “Do you suppose the Pegasi around here are hostile to us?” Rarity inquired, securing the foals in a thick blanket as she walked around the fire to her love. Phoenix gave her a small smirk: “Doubtless, but that has n-nothing to do with the weather, my dear. Here in the woods, we are at the mercy of nature: not the other way around.” Rarity nestled in next to him under the blanket, and wrapped a forearm over him to keep them together. “So… it’s like--” “--it’s like the Everfree Forest of your lands, yes. But that is just what most woods are like out here.” He interjected. Rarity nodded, and looked into the sky: which was constantly obscured by the white streaks of the falling snow. “The only time I remember hearing of a storm like this, was when mother would tell us the tale of Eisdrache Beflammung …” Rarity lowered her head in time to see a single, silver tear trickle down Phoenix’s cheek, as he smiled in his fond nostalgia. She felt a tear come into her own eye as she nuzzled his chin: “Do you remember it?” “Like it was my own life…” “Then tell me,” Phoenix returned the embrace: settling his chin on her forehead, just below her horn as she breathed his scent. He started to whisper the tale as the children fell to sleep: “Mother’s grandmother told her of the spirit in the mountain: an immense shapeshifting Lindworm by name of Eisdrache Beflammung, or Cold-drake the Flaming in the Common. She was named such for her mighty power over ice, wind and fire. “Legend has it that she was the protector over the lands of the mountain of Seelensplitter, and her great blizzards drove many sentient beings close out. Not until a Unicorn by the name of Fire Thought pleaded to her for land and protection, in return for food, companionship, and praise. “Being a drake of ice, she was at first appalled by the notion of having several mortal creatures dragging themselves all over her land. But, he amused her: so she agreed, on the condition that all of his promises were to be met.” Rarity listened intently to the story, and felt both herself and Phoenix growing warmer. Howls in the distance kept her wary, but she felt herself drifting. “She would often disguise herself as a white falcon, and observe the ponies from the rooftops. She was impressed by their diligence, and intrigued by their companionship and teamwork. She admired the way each looked out for the other, and how love bloomed between them over time. For Lindworms, the males were lucky if a female ever let them into their territory, let alone into the den. And the males more often than not killed their mates as soon as their eggs were laid, and took off with her horde. She longed for the love of another, rather than the lust common of drakes. Slowly, a plan for the next day formed in her mind. “On the morrow, she sat smiling from the perch outside her cave as Fire Thought came up the mountain to deliver her monthly treat: ten well-cut rubies. For her, it was scarcely a second of chewing, but she was strangely generous for a dragon, and didn’t want the poor ponies to exert themselves on something she could do at half the effort. “When Thought reached the top of the path, he knelt before her: and presented the gemstones. She thanked him, and took them into her den. When she came back out, he was already headed down the path…” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ”Fire Thought!” The great white worm smiled cunningly as her voice echoed across the mountainside: stunning the pony five yards from her. Her scales shone with cyan when the light hit them, helping her appear as the ice she welded in her throat. The scarlet Unicorn slowly turned his head in worry at her new tone, plainly worried of what he did to upset her so. His golden mane blew in the air as he galloped back to her, and she admired each hair of it. “What did I do, oh great Eisdrache?” He begged, kneeling before her. “It has been three years since you came to me, pleading for a home, am I not right?” Eisdrache boomed, flaring out her vast wings from her wrists. She drank in the terror of the cowering noble, yet regretted that decision immediately after. “Y-y-you are correct, mighty guardian.” He called in a quailing tone. “Then why haven’t all your promises been fulfilled?” He looked up at her in worried forgetfulness: “Pardon me for questioning your memory, for I am doing so for my own, but what accord haven’t we met? We’ve provided you with food, praise, and companion… ship…” She smiled at his hesitant tone. “Indeed, you worship me as a demigod: yet you deny me the third aspect of our contract?” Realization flashed across his features, and he looked up at her with great apologies written across his face: “Great Lady of the Mount, I cannot believe I have forgotten such an important promise! I take full responsibility for this treachery upon myself, for my ponies made no such oath.” She smiled, and exhaled a warm breath onto him: “A simple mistake to mend, if we merely agree on a solution.” “Whatever you suggest, Mighty Guardian,” Eisdrache scratched her chin with a claw, before bending down to the pony, and displaying her toothy maw with a grin. “You ponies are to hold a festival tonight, if I’m not mistaken.” Fire nodded curiously. “Indeed, do you wish to be present?” Eisdrache’s smile broadened. “As I thought, you are on the same train of thought as I. But, I would be rather frightening in this form, and the falcon is too conspicuous nowadays.” Fire quirked a brow: “You were the falcon?” “Yes, but there will be a time to address that later. For now, I must try something…” She focused on Fire’s form, as a golden glow slowly resonated from her own: and vibrations shook the outcrop. Fire Thought shielded his eyes from her radiance with a forearm, and slowly turned once she had finished. What greeted his eyes took the breath from his throat: Before him stood a beautiful Unicorn, with a coat as blue as a beautiful autumn sky, and a flowing mane that sparkled like the winter icicles in a moonlit cavern. Her ruby eyes shone in fiery contrast, yet remarkably complimented her cool coloration rather well. A luminescent, cerulean dress decorated with icy patterns adorned her slim form: as is slowly faded into translucence on her back legs. She stepped forward delicate forearms, hesitantly. “H-how do I look?” She asked, giving off a nervous smile. Fire’s words couldn’t escape his tongue as he beheld what stood before him: a creature with the might of a dragon, turning out to be as delicate as… as an… “Edelweiss…” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Phoenix smiled as he felt Rarity’s breaths even out, as she slowly welcomed the dream world before her eyes. “Needless to say, she went to the festival, and enjoyed the newfound bond between her and her charges. She became an even greater guardian, and was known no more as Eisdrache. Now, she was known as Edelweiss: the gentle, winter flower.” He scrunched his nose in thought: “Some variations of the legend go on to say that she became Fire’s bride, but I’m not sure if that was in the original tale or not. Regardless, Brookhaven became a sacred city: and a stronghold for the Earth Pony tribe. Other tribes are welcome, and tradition always has a Unicorn as the mayor, but it remains mostly Earthen in population.” He felt his fiancé doze softly, and he kissed her on the forehead. “Sleep well, my Edelweiss.” When he closed his eyes, he was too late to notice a small, peaceful, blushing smile form on her face. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity opened the office door, weary from the short walk from her suite. The smiling face of the figure behind the large desk made her sick to her stomach. Hitter was sitting up behind his large desk: His mustache had grown little, but his hair was slicker than she remembered and very well-combed. He smiled at her as if she were an old friend, and that made her insides churn. To make it worse, he was wearing the coat. Her coat. One designed with intense, fond care: the admiration of the wearer made clear with each stitch and sow. And now, her hard work and tender, loving care was reduced to nothing less than the symbol of one Stallion’s hatred for another: and the ultimate sign of his unwavering loathing for an entire tribe. That clinched it. A moment before, she thought she couldn’t feel any sicker. Now, seeing him proudly displaying the biggest mistake she ever made- as if it was a gift from the gods –made her feel even worse. She felt her insides churning with the force of an imploding star, before her lightheadedness took control. Right then, right there: she lost her lunch on the bastard’s carpet. Hitter’s smile vanished, but not because of the new blemish on his runner. He briskly walked over to her, and offered a forearm supportively. “Are you alright?” She couldn’t tell if she should admire his chivalry, or be disgusted by his unflinching attention to her. She always thought of him as a monster, yet here he was: fretting over her health like an old friend. The fact that a pony who condoned the cull of an entire tribe was still equine enough to care for another created a paradox in her mind: how could this be? Regardless, she accepted his help, and he signaled for Zippowill to get a mop. Rarity let him escort her to a lounger to the side of his desk, where he sat her down with care: and used his magic to lift over some tea. She greedily accepted it, but paused to glare at him: stopping the cup just before it reached her lips. Much to her shock, and confusion, there was an immediate look of pain in his eyes: as if that glare alone managed to hurt him more than any bullet would. “It’s not poisoned, Rarity.” He said softly. When she carefully took a sip, but continued to shoot daggers at him with her eyes, he backed away: and went back to working the papers at his desk. She eyed his movements carefully. Before, she remembered each of his movements being calculated, as if he had planned out everything that went by. Now, however, he showed some nervousness: his hoof shook slightly as he grappled the next document, before he read it over, and signed it hurriedly with a quill. He seemed to feel… exposed? He glanced at her from his peripheral, and sighed: “Why?” Rarity stopped in the middle of a drink: and lifter her head to get a better look at him. “Beg pardon?” “Why do you constantly examine me, looking for a weakness, as if I’m a dragon that needs to be slain?” The sound in his voice was not one she had anticipated: the sound of genuine sorrow at her rejections constantly threw her off, and bothered her to no end. She felt guilty for not being more sensitive to him, but she always ended up reminding herself that this pony was more monster than equine. She contorted her face as he looked over to her: obviously injured by her silence. Why was he so hurt by her? This stallion could sway an entire nation with the sound of his voice, and signal a million troops to march with the raise of a forearm. He could also keep his blood-hungry horde at bay with a single, cold look. He was insensitive enough to watch his enemies hang before him, like a vulture waiting to strike… And yet, here he was: a little, pathetic shine in his eyes after hearing nothing but silence from her. He rested his head in his forehooves: and gave out a long sigh. “Can you not see? All I seek is the good of my ponies, and for the world they’ve built to thrive…” “With you at the helm, I don’t doubt.” He looked up, while Rarity leered at him in disgust. “You say you want the good of all, does that only come when you’re seated on top of the world?” “Of course, you silly bitch!” Hitter stood suddenly from his chair: forehooves on the desk, while small strands of his mane came undone. Beads of sweat formed on his brow, and his eyes were dark, and brooding. “The world works itself into a frenzy to let the weak and useless live, while the fit are cast into the streets to fend for themselves. In order to purify our world, we need to be rid of the useless… no matter how much they’re loved…” He choked on that last part, and a tear showed in his eye. What was it about him that created this swirl of unsorted emotion in her mind? She hated him, yet pitied him as well: knowing there must be more to this conquest than he’d let on. There was a familiar look in his eyes, one she’d seen once before: the pain of choosing duty over family. After a few minutes, and more than desperate to change the subject, for fear that she might come to sympathize with the monster, Rarity asked a question that had her bothered: “Why did you request my presence?” Rarity asked it more bluntly than she had thought, letting her smile to herself. She, herself, was growing weary of the silence. Hitter took notice, and seemed to let a small smirk creep onto his lips at the sound of her calm voice. “I have some appointments, later today, Rarity.” He stated simply, retaking his seat. “In all honesty, I wished you to sit there, as one of my displays.” Rarity was hardly shocked by this: the common culture of the area was that mares in politics were seen more than heard. She didn’t mind that, though: what power would she have anyways? She was, however, slightly put off by his forwardness: ‘one of his displays’, indeed! Fortunately enough, she had a reason to be patient with his insensitive rantings… -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- “Is this Brookhaven?” Rarity asked breathlessly: looking at the incredible rusticity of the design. The town of Brookhaven was a marvelous sight to behold: the majority of the architecture was log-based, with every doorway, wall, window, roof, and door having obviously been meticulously carved from the surrounding forest. Each individual log was carved with painstaking details, so as to fit in like pieces of a puzzle, and an odd lettering of runes were burned into the doorways. A large mansion of identical grandeur overlooked the village, as it sat upon an outcrop of the mountains above. “Velcome to ze sacred village of Brookhaven, travelers!” Rarity jumped to the side as a deep-voiced, white Pegasus with a thick accent greeted them. She had not seen him, as he blended in with the snow quite well: his white coloring giving a slight sheen to his coat, and a light-light-blue mane that shone like ice. He was garbed in a white cloak: with mystical blue trimmings, and a collar that’s spikes stood up like stalactites. A long horn emerged from his brow, and if she looked closely: Rarity could see transparent blue patterns on it, resembling the winter wind. The most striking attribute to this pony was the fact that he seemed to not have any pupils in his eyes: they were entirely white. Yet, somehow, he seemed to be able to make them out just fine. “Who might ve have ze pleasure of accommodating?” He asked with a deep bow. “My name is Phoenix Pyre,” Phoenix spoke up, stepping between the off-putting stallion and Rarity. “I’ve traveled hear with my sister, her friend, and my Fiancé, Rarity.” “Are you sure you mean Rarity?” the stallion asked. “Or perhaps you refer to Lilac Duchess, my friend?” Before they could react, he had already lifted a hoof to his mouth, and let out a low, three-part whistle: alerting the surrounding houses. It was at that point that Rarity lost all hope: they were suddenly surrounded by ponies, in the middle of winter, with a creepy Unicorn stallion staring them down. There was a ruckus from behind them as something large approached. Rarity turned, and froze: From behind them, a great dragon approached: with a wool-covered pony riding on its back. His purple scales shone in the winter snow, and his green spines jutted from his back like mountains. His rippling muscles showed through his hard scales, and quivered as he strutted forth on all fours, and bent to allow his rider to dismount. He was easily twice as big as any pony: making him six times as big as when she last saw him, years ago. “S-Spike,” Rarity shrieked, her jaw hanging limply from her skull: “I-is that you?” The beast smiled smugly at her inquiry, and fanned out its great wings proudly: “It’s nice to know that I’m still recognized.” He chuckled in a far deeper tone than what she remembered. He slowly stood to a bipedal position, and extended a huge claw out to her: “How have you been, Rare?” She just stared at his claw: wide-eyed at how much he had grown over a few short years. Eventually, she lifted a hoof to meet him, and was surprised by just how gently he shook it. She couldn’t help but look him up and down as they shook: eyeing the differences between this beast, and the child she knew back in Equestria. “Rarity,” Phoenix cut in, eyeing the dragon cautiously: “who’s this beast?” Rarity slapped a hoof onto her face when she realized she’d forgotten to tell Phoenix about Spike, and turned to face her stallion: nervously wondering where this meeting would go. “This, dear, is-- err… was, I should say… dear little Spike: the baby dragon from back home.” She iterated. “I believed I have mentioned him before?” A look of recognition shone in Phoenix’s eyes for a split second, as he remembered stories of the kindest of dragons. He looked up at Spike, and smiled with great enthusiasm: “So you’re the baby dragon I’ve heard so much about?” He chuckled. “Rarity didn’t exaggerate, you’re a small one.” Rarity, Spike, and his rider- Who was most likely Twilight -all turned to face Phoenix: each wondering if they should laugh at the irony, or be concerned about Germareny’s dragons. “He’s… small?!” The rider called, opening the scarf around her face: ultimately revealing, sure enough, two amethyst eyes, and a purple colored coat and horn. “He’s one of the biggest dragons I’ve ever seen, aside from the Dragon Lord! How could he be small?” Phoenix was about to answer when Rarity ran up to Twilight, and embraced her: “There will be a time for that later, Twilight! Oh, dear, it’s been far too long since I’ve seen a familiar face!” Twilight smiled fondly, and returned the hug. The mysterious Count, who had stood aside for all this, walked up to them: and whispered in Twilight’s ear. She nodded: clearing her throat, and releasing Rarity from the embrace. “The Count wishes us to all go to the palace. He’s had a fire set up for your arrival, and he’s hoping you four will be our guests.” Twilight said, gesturing to the peculiar leader. The group of four, too travel-weary to think about anything, instantly agreed to stay: since the town was allied. And they were soon escorted through the town by the Twilight, Spike, and the mysterious Count. Rarity couldn’t help but notice that there was something off about their host: why didn’t he have pupils, how could he see? She was too overjoyed by the sight of a friendly face to be too concerned, but she put the worries in the back of her mind, for resurrection later. But… how did he know they were coming? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Hitter shuffled papers around before his eyes, slowly establishing a rhythm as the world seemed to speed up before Rarity’s eyes: Officers, Lawyers, and Dignitaries for Germareny and allying countries walked in and out of the office, each entering with a hoof held high in their march. Rarity could only sit back and watch in bored apathy as the droning beat of the day went on… Stomp-romp-a-romp, stomp-romp-a-romp, shuffle-shuffle… Stomp-romp-a-romp, stomp-romp-a-romp, shuffle-shuffle… Stomp-romp-a-romp, stomp-romp-a-romp, shuffle-shuffle… Occasionally, she was granted a kiss on the hoof from important allies, or a sidelong smile from important officers. But mostly, she just sat there, looked pretty, and did as she was told: never offering up a word. The beat of the day went on, until the day’s end: when Hitter bade her goodnight, and thanked her for her cooperation. As she plodded back to her room, the haunting rhythm never left her ears… She flopped on the bed, looked up, and lifted her voice to deaf ears as she sobbed: “Whatever he says, I just follow it It’s not like I have choice either way It all counts forward To my own Destiny… She lifted her forward half, and supported her shoulders on one forehoof as the other was pressed against her aching forehead. I can see there’s not much hope left It seems so close, yet it’s so far… I see my heart broken as it should be, Oh, I just know there’s nothing for me out there! She leapt of the bed, ran tiredly to the window, and flung open the shutters as her passion rang out into the night: I want to glow, and stand strongly I want be more than a tyrant’s trophy! I can’t soar, wind is howling It’s dragging me down like a river slowly! Soon, a realization crossed her mind. She turned back to a large, authoritative portrait of Hitter on the opposing wall, and remembered when she first met him: as well as his earlier display of emotion that very day. She slowly walked over to it… Every gesture, every move that he makes, Makes me feel like never before: Why do I feel, Like he’s as Equine as I am? She ran a hoof across the portrait’s face, as a tear slid down her own cheek, and she found herself wondering if he was truly beyond hope. Ooh, these emotions I never knew, Of something more possible than I thought… He is more than the beast I saw, I need to help him, if I only knew how! She smiled, whipped around, and bore her newfound optimism through her melodies: I want to glow, and stand strongly I want help the tyrant whom enslaved me! Show me more, so I can see How to help another Equine, like me. I want him to come see the world, All the places there’s purity Can he feel the things I feel… Right now, could he? She slowly walked back to the doorway, eyes focused on the star: whose light had faded from bonfires in the city. Regardless of their origin, she felt hope for the creature behind all this. Take my hoof, There’s a truth he needs to know~! Then, she ran to the window, leapt onto her balcony, and gave her soul to her voice: I want to glow, and stand strongly I want be more than a tyrant’s trophy! Show me more, so I can see How to help another Equine, like me. He needs to know…” She slumped on the railing of the balcony with a tired smile, and slowly accepted the blackness that encompassed her. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The inside of the great mansion was warm, welcoming, and cozy. The interior had the same design as the exterior: with log pillars, wooden furniture, and even beautifully intricate chandeliers that hung from the ceiling like lichen. Rarity had to stop, and admire exactly how much work and passion had gone into the design of each and every plank and nail: no two pieces were ever exactly the same, yet they seemed to fit together flawlessly, as if they were a flat-sided jigsaw puzzle. Twilight and the ‘Count’ led them into a grand living hall, with several tables along the inside. There was a massive fireplace at one end: easily the size of their former hut, with a blazing bonfire on the inside of it. This was undoubtedly the core of heating for the palace. As the Count walked over to a clear spot, he lifted his hoof so that the bottom was just before his chin. He blew a small gust of air across his frog, and a sudden jet of flames leapt from his hoof, and sailed into the furnace. Rarity stared at him in awe: again, his sight proved to be unaffected by his strange eyes. In fact, his aim seemed to be incredibly impeccable: as the demonstration of his pyromancy hit exactly where the fire had started to slacken, rekindling it to its former warmth and might. Twilight was also aghast at the display: “How did you do that?! Pyromancy is an advanced spell that only Alicorns and Dragon Mages are able to master, and you didn’t even light your horn!” Twilight spat, obviously fighting the urge to break down. The Count Smiled wickedly, and held up a corner of his cape with a forehoof: “A true master of the arts never reveals his secrets, unless to their student!” With that, he overdramatically flung his cape over his head: resulting in the cloak spiraling into itself, until he disappeared without a trace. Stunning most present. Phoenix, on the other hoof, raised a brow at the display, and smiled: “Count Scorch Frost, I thought I recognized you.” The Count walked up from behind Phoenix, and put a hoof over his shoulder with a smile: “Indeed? Even though you were scarcely as tall as a willow weed when we last met, Phoenix Pyre?” He chuckled. “Then again, even at that age, it must be hard to forget a face like mine.” “How do you know this… ‘Count Frost’?” Rarity inquired curiously, glancing over to her stallion as the peculiar pony headed to Twilight. “Our mother used to bring us here once every two years, and the last time wasn’t long before we stopped getting letters from her parents. She wanted us to experience what it was like to live in a city that was as close to perfection as we could get outside Equestria.” Phoenix explained. “…” Rarity opened her mouth to inquire as to how he knew the count, but quickly shut it again. Obviously, as a frequent visitor, he would have a familiarity with the charge. Instead, she turned to Twilight: “That begs another question, Twilight: why are you here?” She asked quietly, hoping not to offend their host. “In order to win this war, Equestria needed a foothold in Germareny. Since this place is largely Earth in population, and we could get here unnoticed, it seemed like a perfect candidate.” Twilight explained. Count Frost was twirling a large snowflake in the air before him, and punctuated her sentence without missing a beat: “Plus, when we heard of Hitter’s plans being realized, our people were only too eager to set up fortifications for a Princess and her Dragon: Having not seen Lady Edelweiss for around a century, we needed another guardian. But, if you’ll forgive my forwardness, Lilac, that then begs the answer for why you four came hither.” Rarity smiled nervously, and looked to Phoenix, who opted to answer the question for her. “We’re here to be married, as this was our last hope of achieving such a goal.” Silence. Indeed, the statement seemed to freeze the world around them, as Rarity felt the air thicken with tension: even to the point where you could cut it with a butter knife. She could see the spines on Spike’s back bristle slightly, and his jaw clenched barely enough to be seen: to her it spoke of both jealousy, and pride. Twilight’s façade was one of unsureness, and excitement. Scorch Frost seemed to be the only one that remained unmoving, and observed his surroundings with disinterested neutralism. “Rarity… That’s wonderful!” Twilight beamed, flaring her wings with a broad smile. “I always knew you’d find somepony who’d suit you, and that it happened this year- of all years –is even more encouraging! Would you like me to perform the ceremonies?” Spike, who had remained eerily silent, stretched a wing in front of the Princess: so as to block her from tackling them to the ground in her excitement. “They’ve come a long way, in the middle of winter, Twi.” He growled: keeping calm, while giving off enough sternness to calm Twilight as well. “They’ll need their rest in order to make… wise decisions.” He folded his wings, and looked to the setting sun. “I have a feeling we’ll all need our rest…” Author's Note I'm still new to writing a romance angle, so I hope this worked out well in the end. Also: I pray this chapter lived up to it's predecessors, both in story and style. And if you catch the Tarzan reference, you get a cookie. And due to the original chapter's size, I split it into halves, this being the first. So, yeah: this is still going on. As always, feel free to point out any mistakes or complaints, and I'll take note of them, and improve them when I can: thank you all! Until Next Time, God Bless You! ~Amethyst Dawn. The White PhoenixRarity slowly stirred in the great bed, waking gently from a slight unrest. She fluttered her eyes open, and immediately found herself staring directly into Phoenix’s gaping maw as he snored silently: he was obviously much more relaxed than she was at the moment. She smiled softly, and drank in the soft sounds of his breathing. After a little while of continual restlessness, she began to gently toss and turn: trying and failing to relax once more. She didn’t know what it was, but something wasn’t letting her sleep, and her nerves told her she didn’t need it anyways. ‘Oh, is that what this is all about?’ She thought to herself, rubbing her temples tiredly as realization dawned on her. She looked over to Phoenix, and smiled warmly at the sight of his chest still rising and falling gently, signaling her of his peaceful slumber. With a silent grunt, she slowly inched her way out of their bed, and into a pink set of slippers that Scorch Frost had set out for her. She threw on her salmon nightgown, and walked over to the door, making her surest to remain completely and utterly silent: so as to neither awaken Phoenix, nor the children. Silently, and indeed almost invisibly, she closed the door behind her: and glided down the hall. It didn’t take her very long to reach the living room, with the great fireplace that glowed brightly in the night. She calmly walked to the adjoining ‘kitchen’- which, by her knowledge of the palace, was more like Scorch’s mini-fridge: and made herself a small sandwich. Cucumber, of course, and poured herself a cold glass of milk to go with it. She was told that she was free to do as she pleased earlier, when they were being shown to their room. After preparing her little snack, she sulked back towards the giant furnace, and took a seat by the nearest couch: keeping herself in the light, as the rest of the great hall remained cloaked in nightly darkness. The firelight danced across her form, and licked the surrounding room in a way most would find creepy, or unnerving. Rarity, however, had found it far beyond comforting: and so very warm compared to her last month or so. She stared thoughtfully into the fire: casually taking a bite of her meal, before she washed it down with some milk. And even though it wasn’t anywhere near ladylike, she discovered herself swirling the milk around in her mouth: savoring the rich flavor she never thought she’s miss so much, before swallowing. She thought about what the morrow would bring, and what it would mean for her and her business. Surely, she couldn’t leave home: and it was rather selfish of her to consider making Phoenix leave his. “Don’t tell me you couldn’t sleep, Rarity.” A deep voice said from behind her. Rarity froze at the sound, and turned around: looking over her right shoulder. Though, all she could see was a spiked shape slithering in the shadows near the kitchen. ‘Well, pooh…’ She thought, as a flat spade at the end of the shape faded into the darkness. ’I thought that was the cutting board…’ A great, scaled head appeared to her left, supported by a long neck that snaked around to the front of the couch. Unfortunately, she had not seen him until she turned back, and the sudden sight startled her: causing her to drop her snack with a quiet shriek. “Apologies if I’ve scared you, Rarity.” Spike said, allowing most of his body to walk into the light. She simply stared as he lay down next to her couch: in a manner not unlike the kingly look of a lion. His tail appeared around the other end, and gently lifted the sandwich into her hooves with its dagger. “You… look even bigger in the dark…” She mumbled, not realizing that she had spoken her thoughts. The Dragon chuckled: “Call it a growth spurt, or an illusion.” He shrugged. “Twilight noticed it earlier in the year: I’ve been growing substantially each night…” Rarity nodded, pretending to understand, and shuffled awkwardly as heavy silence swallowed the room. She could hear his growling breath as he stared out the grand window, and she could smell the faintest scent of what seemed to be smoked salmon. Her stomach growled at the mere thought of it. “You’ve certainly… grown.” She ventured again, swallowing nervously as her friend gave her a puzzled look. “S-since I last saw you, I-I mean.” Spike nodded, and lazily scratched his chin with a claw. “It has been a few years. Though, not much has changed with us since you left on your vacation. You, on the other hand…” He lowered his claw, and swerved his long neck to glance at her: “Seems you’ve been through a lot.” Rarity shivered from the memories, causing Spike to look away. He obviously didn’t mean to bring back the pain: poor dear was just making conversation. “I have, Spike, both good and bad.” She said softly. She would have extended a hoof to him, but just the simple act of turning his huge head put him out of her reach. The dragon looked curiously at her, and rolled onto his side: “I can only imagine the bad, Rares.” Spike growled bitterly, before casting a sly grin her way: “But, I can certainly see the good myself…” he added, nodding up to the bedrooms. Rarity felt her face heat up as she coughed nervously: “Ahem, yes, well… these things happen…” “As they should, Rares: a mare like you only deserves the best in a mate,” Spike said in a kind tone, that hid a little disappointment as he turned his head away again: “…and he seems to fit the bill.” Rarity hung her head. “I-… I’m sorry, Spike.” She said solemnly: resolving herself to address the Oliphant in the room. “I know how you felt about me, yet… I ignored it. I’d always hoped it would go away, when I realized. And when it didn’t, I didn’t know how to tell you the truth. And worse, more recently: I’d… forgotten it entirely. I’m sorry for never acknowledging your feelings… and for not telling you sooner that I… could never...” She felt the room grow warm suddenly, and looked up to see spike giving her a stern, yet gentle glare: his right wing stretching out to comfort her like a blanket, while his body radiated heat in his strict temperament. “Rares, don’t you ever blame yourself like that again. I know you knew: you’ve led me on enough times that I eventually realized, but I still never held it against you. “Yes, yes, I know that sounds off, but I was only sixteen back then. Do you know how young that is for a dragon? My mindset wasn’t exactly based in reality, I can tell you that much. And after you disappeared, well… the only story I ever got until recently was that you were missing: most likely taken prisoner, or even dead. With no say in what went on with the war, the only thing a kid like me could do was… move on, eventually. “And then, well… Applebloom came along to comfort me, and… well… I was finally able to do just th--” He stopped himself short when he caught a peculiar glimmer in Rarity’s eye. “What?” Rarity held a hoof to her mouth to hide her snickering, aggravating the dragon further: “Seriously, what is it? Do I have Dotsy in my teeth?” Rarity was in a giggling fit by now, and had to take a few breaths to calm herself before speaking, still wearing a mischievous smirk: “Oh, my… I’m so incredibly sorry, it’s just… that tone you took! You… and-… and Applebloom? My stars, they grow up so fast.” Spike suddenly became very flustered, and rubbed the back of his head with a claw. “Well, I dunno if I’d say that we’re… you know. We’re just… a, uh… friendly… species… thing. Yeah, yeah that’s it! Celestia says it might help us get dragons involved in the--” He was interrupted by another fit from the mare: causing him to give a small, rueful smirk as well. “It’s… I’m that obvious, huh?” Rarity caught her breath once more: “Your crushes aren’t ever really subtle, Spikey.” She heard a chuckle escape his throat, and smiled innocently at him: relieved that they had both moved on. “Do you think she knows?” Spike asked, obviously bothered by the thought. “Based on experience, it’ll take her another month or two before she realizes it. If it’s mutual, though: she might just make the first move…” He nodded in understanding, and she could see his cheeks burn slightly at the thought. They both stared into the fire, until the silence was broken once more: this time by the dragon. “So… Phoenix,” Rarity felt her own face warm up so quickly, that for half a second: she almost swore it had caught on fire. “Yes?” She asked, suddenly greatly uncomfortable. Spike either didn’t notice, or didn’t put it to mind, as he proceeded: “About him… how did that happen, anyways? I can guess, but I don’t want to make a fool of myself.” Rarity took a deep breath, and told him her story as far as she could remember: from the first day in Germareny, to her flower shop, to their house, and eventually the journey through the woods. She spared some details, including a few that just the memory of made her face heat up. She did, however, go into immense detail of her time of unrequited love: and he smiled as memories of a certain blonde Unicorn back in Ponyville jumped around in his head. When she was finished, she could tell that Spike was impressed: even with the calm façade he put on. He nodded, and looked away as he yawned: obviously out of tire, rather than boredom. She chuckled nervously as what had first kept her awake smashed back into her memory like a spellfire bolt. Spike noticed- of course he did…- and looked over to her, seeming to read her mind: “Well, then. Now that I know your story, and you know mine, why don’t we discuss why you’re up so early?” Damn. She was hoping to avoid the topic, but here the drake was, cutting straight to the point. Just like old times… “Well…” she began, hoping to find words that would help her fears sound reasonable. After what seemed like an hour’s pause, she finally decided to just tell it like it was: “I… don’t know where to go.” Spike quirked a brow, retracted his wing, and lolled his body lazily to the side: showing that he was listening. “I know that Phoenix and I being married tomorrow is no mistake, by any means. But… where do we go, when the war is done? Do we stay in Germareny, after all this, or am I to be selfish: and ask him to leave his home just because of where mine is?” While she paused, Spike scratched his chin. But he apparently didn’t need to think long before an answer came to his mind: “You’re assuming this war will end in our favor,” Rarity found herself giving Spike a horrified glance, fearful of what he meant. The dragon seemed to pay no heed, and continued. “Rarity, this war has already put two of our friends out of service: and Fluttershy is barely holding on in her work as a medic. And Pinkie…” Rarity raised an eyebrow worriedly: “W-what about Pinkie?” Spike’s expression darkened, telling the mare all she needed to know. ‘Of all the things that could happen,’ She thought. ‘May Hitter be damned for his crimes…’ “Besides that, most of the Earth Ponies and Mules left in Germareny are dead. Their homes have been burned, and the streets are patrolled by Dotsies: whose numbers grow every day from Marelin. Their refugees are being hunted down, and slaughtered. And the Ghettos have been given over to pyromaniacs, with the promise of no punishment for whatever they do in there, or whoever they hurt. This war might not ever end, not truly, anyways. “There is no home for him here, Rarity, only death. This city as well can only burn in time, the only hope for these races is in Equestria, if that is even safe anymore. This may be his homeland, but the blood you and I have seen will take centuries to clean from the streets.” Rarity felt her heart sink, she knew he was right. Something still felt wrong about ripping him out of his roots: and expecting him to grow elsewhere, though. “He’s right, you know.” Both mare and drake turned in surprise to see Phoenix standing on the terrace where Rarity had come from, smiling down at the two. “How l-long have you been standing there?” Rarity asked, shivering slightly from a sudden burst of cold. Phoenix chuckled. “I heard the whole thing, dear: our bed got a little chilly after you left.” Rarity flushed deeply at that statement, where Spike just quirked an eyebrow in innocent confusion. Phoenix was clearly enjoying himself at their reactions, and walked down the stairs: “However, I do agree with your little dragon friend on this. Germareny is my homeland, but it’s no longer my home.” He nodded thankfully to Spike as he sat down next to Rarity: wrapping a hoof around her, and curing her of the sudden chill. She nuzzled into his warm neck, and nickered joyfully as she enjoyed his warmth. She heard Spike chuckle at the display, and opened her eyes in time to see him stand: giving her a good idea of just how large he had grown in just the last ten hours. ‘Applebloom has good taste…’ she chuckled to herself, nuzzling a little deeper into her fiancé’s embrace. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Rarity.” Spike offered, she could hear the smile and the pride in his voice. “And congratulations, to the both of you.” They both thanked him fondly, and he glided noiselessly into the shadows behind them once more. Afterwards, the loving pair stared into the fire: until she felt well-deserved sleep creep up on her. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- “… I know p-pronounce you… excuse me… Mare and C-Colt.” Rarity could tell that Twilight was holding back a sniffle with those words, and she could even see tears in the poor dear’s eyes. Rarity was choking back tears as well: this was a day she would not soon forget. She only wished her friends could be here. In a touching display of honor and respect, the Count himself had made sure that the entire palace was decorated for the events, doing far more than his fair share of the work himself: he wanted this to be flawless, despite Rarity insisting that simplicity was an option. “… You may now kiss the bride.” Twilight seemed to say that a little too eagerly… Didn’t matter to Rarity, though: for she turned to Phoenix, and he to her. And they became lost in each other’s eyes; each could swear that the other was made of pure, shimmering summer moonlight. Yet what seemed like a joyous eternity to them was merely a split second to those who were watching. Phoenix started leaning forward, yet she was far too impatient to let him travel all the distance. However, she made a note to try and curb her excitement from this point on: as she ended up not just kissing him, but all-out tackling him as well. That provoked a few hoots and cheers of congratulations, laughter, and adoration from the townsfolk. Even Twilight herself grew red in the face as she chuckled. When their lips finally parted, Phoenix was smiling dumbly at her eagerness, and giving her a rathermeaningful look: one which she agreed to completely. “How about after we mingle, Darling?” She cooed, earning a chuckle from her new husband. “Of course…” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity stomped down the hall, an odd mixture of hope and fury coursing through her veins. She felt lightheaded, and she almost passed out whenever she tried to run these past few days. Zippowill kept saying something about a ‘small problem’, when she took notice of Rarity’s ailment, but she never told her what she meant. Damned infuriating: that’s what it was. She opened the door to Hitter’s office, before taking her usual place on his couch: sitting up like a trophy. She had long since given up on glaring at him, as she in turn decided that the better way to change him would be to butter him up a bit. She sat in respectful silence throughout the day, and much to her amusement: that seemed to make him even more nervous. He kept glancing back her way, but quickly turning back after she’d offer him a sincere smile. Finally, after endless hours of baited silence, he spoke. “What are you planning?” He hissed, looking at her suspiciously. “I see good in you, Hitter.” Rarity stated simply. “I saw that smile on your face when we returned Octavia to our home, I’ve seen glimpses of what lies beneath that murderous façade you put on: there’s somepony under there, somepony who doesn’t want this endless destruction.” She was expecting several reactions to her speech, not one of which was the one she received. Hitter bowed his head, rested it in his hooves, and chuckled. Not a rueful chuckle, nor a warm chuckle: but a genuine snicker, as if what she said was amusing. “Of course you saw that, Rarity. Confusing as it may seem: I still hold nothing but the good of our kind at heart. When all these useless races are wiped out, I’ll be sparing their descendants from being kicked and beaten in the street, all because of the unfortunate race they were born into. “I also spare them from further pain and torture, if they do not resist. Those that surrender themselves are executed so humanely that they often don’t even know they’re dead.” Rarity blinked, and her smile vanished. The worst part was, she didn’t know how to argue with him on that. She felt her head ache as she searched for a flaw in his logic, but he had caught her so unprepared that even after searching she still came up blank. “Is that not a good thing, then?” Hitter turned to her with a confident smirk as an upbeat rhythm hummed through the air, while Rarity wracked her brain in search of an answer… Hitter smirked: “So you’re saying that I should let them live on, when they will slowly starve out anyways? I think it would be merciful to kill them all now rather than let them kill themselves with their ignorance.” Rarity clenched her teeth as her head ached. “No, no: not at all! I’m saying that things were fine the way they were, for not only did you needlessly cause the deaths of thousands of Earth Ponies: but there are several dead Pegasi and Unicorns who could have lived far longer, were they not busy getting themselves killed for your cause.” “So what you’re saying is that I should have let the Earth Ponies starve out our kind, because they insist on taking jobs that we could do with half the effort?” Hitter laughed coldly. “Evolution needs to take its course, Rarity. And how many of my soldiers are dead by your hoof alone, when you could have spared them by joining me in the first place?” “That was in self-defense, and you know it.” Rarity said defiantly, walking up to his desk. “And don’t try to change the subject! I’m not saying that anypony has to die, I’m simply stating that--” Hitter slammed his hoof on the desk for silence as he barked at her, making her cringe from the presence he placed before her as the beat rose to fruition: blooming into a powerful orchestra that thrummed with dramatic intensity. “You thankless mud-lover, get out of my way! Those ponies will be taught the truth And they'll hear it from me…” It took all the willpower Rarity had left to stand up to him: as belted out her own verse, brightening the music slightly as well. “Stop! My dear Hitter, this is not the way I know you're better than this hostility!” Hitter groaned, rested his forehead on his hooves, and continued in a pained tone. “You haven’t tried to know me at all Don't understand the meaning of my fall What my charges would think if I ever Failed at this cleansing!” He lifted his head back up, leaned forth over the desk, and roared in her face with a hurt tone. “I'm their leader – that means I cannot break No matter what be the cost of the path I take Whatever I have to do to win in the end” She tried to join back in, but he would cut her off sharply each time. “Stop! Yours is not the answer Wait! And I can clearly see Listen! You can redeem yourself Not by helping Earthens, but by joining me… “I know you want friends who admire you You want to be the hero with the answers, too But there's a better way, there's a better way~!” Struggling to rejoin the beat, Rarity finally fought her way back in: “There's so much more still left To learn about the world I see the light that shines in you I know you can be strong when unfurled. “You can stop right now And try another start You'll finally free yourself from the dark And see the light And see the light that your lead can mark!” Hitter groaned in frustration at her resistance, and stood up to pace the room. He was clearly fed up with her ability to disregard his word, and was thinking of new ways to reach her as the orchestra played on. Something clicked in the tyrant’s mind, and the level of confidence in the smile he gave Rarity sent shivers down her spine. His deep laughter echoed through the room, giving all who heard it a feeling of great cold. The tone of the orchestra lowered to an eerily deeper, slower revision of the rhythm. Hitter stepped around her like a shark: his voice flowing dangerously low, and smoothly seducing. “You surely need to see the truth, Rarity. So please, listen to me…” Rarity was frozen uncomfortably by the soothing tone of his voice as he stalked around to her front again. “Please listen, my darling, when I say that I can offer you everything you could want… power, influence, money… love…” He sat down in front of her, and placed a hoof under her chin as the tune carried forth once more from his mouth. “I can show you the burden I haul Teach you the true meaning of my faults What your powers can be if you’d care to Listen to reasoning! “I have studied the paths you've had to take I smell the stench from the piles of bodies you make Whatever you’ve had to do to win in the end…” Rarity felt her stomach heave from the memories of what she’d had to do to survive, and she found herself unable to fight his reasoning. “Think! You’ll see you’re not unlike me Look! And it is plainly seen Listen! You are a murderer, too But by helping others, you are killing these “I know you want your name etched in hard stone You want to see your ponies returned to their home But there's another way, there's another way “Sit by my side and I can Give you all the world! I can keep all your friends safe You don’t have to ever try and change! “You can join me now And make another mark You'll free your mind from their oppressive bark And be the one And be the one that has lit a spark!” Rarity fell to her haunches as she felt oddly satisfied. Had he just opened himself to her, or did he just get her on his side? She honestly couldn’t tell. She had no will to fight, her identity felt shattered, and she felt cold. Hitter bent down, and helped her up with a hoof around her shoulder. And much to her disgust, she welcomed it. But she found herself feeling suddenly faint, which was not something unnoticed by Hitter. “Come now, Rarity. You’ve been increasingly faint the past few days, and you’re eating weirdly. Let’s get you to your bed: I’ll have the doctor look you over.” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- *THOOOMB!* Rarity and Phoenix both awoke with a scream as the floor above their tower suite disappeared in a flare of heat and color, collapsing the ceiling on top of them. They emerged, miraculously unscathed, as what remained of the floor above erupted over onto the next tower: igniting it as well. Rarity looked out into the blizzard-thick night, and saw something that caused tears of horror to appear in her eyes: Just outside the walls of Brookhaven, countless torches flickered through the snow, stretching as far as the eye could see. They illuminated what seemed like thousands of swarming shapes that were undoubtedly soldiers. But what really scared her was the dozens of menacing machines: that could loosely be described as what giant metal matchboxes would look like if someone sewed a button on the top, and stuck the needle into the thin side of the button. She had never seen such constructs before, and she didn’t dare guess what they were for. But, it turns out she didn’t have to, as one of the ‘buttons with needles’ swiveled, and— “That’s a CANNON?!” She shrieked in terror as the creation fired at the town. A glowing ball of crackling energy shot into the city with a bang, and exploded on impact: lighting up the building with a horrifying mixture of lightning and fire, and sending debris flying every which-way. She looked back to the army, and could barely make out the form of Hitter himself: identified by his trench coat. He stood on a stone that jutted violently from the ground: overlooking the assault on the ancient city. “You fools! Don’t fire those Mäusen at the palace yet! Bring me the Lilac Duchess: alive, and unharmed!” His voice commanded angrily, enhanced by something she couldn’t see. “Kill all the others!” Phoenix wasted no time in grabbing her, and escaping down the stairs as another explosion sounded from the town below, and an alarm rang through the city. By the time they returned to the great hall, Twilight had mounted Spike, and was carrying a large-barreled Spellrifle- almost twice her size -in her aura. “What’s the quickest way out there?” She barked at Count Frost: Spike clawing at the ground in a draconic fit of eager fury, and bloodlust. The Count smiled, and gestured to the giant window with his horn: causing it to explode outwards in a fireball, and leave a more than big enough hole for both Dragon and Rider. Twilight thanked him as Spike charged out the window with a fearsome roar: taking to the dark sky with a burst of fire. The Count turned his pupil-lacking eyes to the newlyweds, and sighed in relief. “Thank the Lady for your survival, are you two alright?” Rarity nodded. “We’re fine, but your tower suite is destroyed.” Scorch Frost chuckled, returning to his cheerful attitude. “As long as nopony’s hurt, all it does is spare my servants from doing your laundry.” Rarity felt her face flush with heat: and stammered as she tried to remember what she was going to say. “Your eminence, it looks like the entire Dotsy army is out there, and they’re firing on your city.” Phoenix said sternly. “How can we help?” “Get your wife, and your little ones to safety, Phoenix. Our city has no shortage of defenses, we’ll be fine.” The Count assured them. “Oh my god, Phoenix: the children!” Rarity panicked, pawing at her husband’s chest: “We need to find them! They must be scared out of their minds!” As if to punctuate her fears, another explosion rocked the mountainside: lighting the room with an eerie orange glow, and eliciting shrieks from two very familiar voices somewhere in the building. Upon hearing them, Rarity spun on the Count, eyes moist with worry: “Where are they?” Scorch Frost gestured down the hall with an equally concerned expression. “They’re in the spare suite, just up the stairs, first door on the right!” He had barely finished when the couple had disappeared in a blur: Rarity in the lead, with Phoenix just behind. She practically shattered the door as it flew open, and they rushed in to embrace the cowering foals. Though startled by the sudden contact, Grain hugged Rarity tightly as he sobbed, and Seamist was clinging to her brother in silent terror: tears matting the fur on her cheeks. “Sh-sh-shh…” Rarity soothed, stroking Grain’s mane. “What’s going on out there?” The colt whimpered, clutching to the fur on her chest as his fearful eyes begged for an answer. “War, my child.” came the simple reply. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Phoenix led their small group through the downtown. Or, what was left of it. Smoke billowed from the fresh ruins as fires leapt up in scattered locations, casting their orange sheen on the fresh-fallen snow. They could hear the battle waging on in the outskirts of town: and Rarity found herself oddly thankful of their warrior culture, as only the children weren’t allowed to fight. Another fireball smashed into the town as the machines fired on: hoping to exterminate whatever life was left in the ruins. They had to make it to the east gate! Unless… “We need to go towards the mountain!” Rarity stated urgently. Phoenix looked back towards the mansion, just in time to see another tower hit with one of the magical cannonballs: causing it to burst into a pillar of fire as the screams of those trapped inside pierced the night. He turned back to her: and quirked an eyebrow with an unamused expression. “Yes, really,” she deadpanned, “I have a feeling that they’re herding us into a trap: and directly where Hitter wants me to be.” A second hit the town about twenty yards behind them. “How do you know?” Phoenix asked, genuinely concerned. Rarity opened her mouth to speak, but found herself muted as another missile missed them by only a few yards: scattering fiery debris of all sizes. They all cringed from the explosion, and Rarity now had a large splinter of wood stuck through her left ear. Seamist shouted a very unladylike word when she was conked over the head by a small stone, and Phoenix’s flank was bruised and bloody from being clouted by a wooden plank. Grain just ducked a large section of wall by half an inch, and proceeded to quietly complain to himself about them standing out in the open like idiots. “Darling, that is how I know.” Rarity groaned, plucking the intruding object from her head. “His shots are forcing us to retreat to the eastern wall. He always attacks to the east of his enemies.” Phoenix opened his mouth, but quickly shut it: deciding that she was right. “Where to?” Rarity paused for a moment, before pointing to the Cliffside: “The mountain path, it should take us to Edelweiss’s cave, judging by your story.” Phoenix shook his head as they all turned to head back into the city. “You think she’s home?” Rarity smiled. “No, but we will be.” They had just passed the first building when they heard an almighty roar thunder through the town, and into the woods: “ENOUGH!” The awful din of fighting stopped, and they all looked up to the palace, in time to see a monster slither out of the side of it: The best way Rarity could describe the beast was to imagine a dragon, only let each scale fray into several hair-like strands, and then to cover the gigantic wings in silvery-blue feathers. Its hide, fur and all: looked as if it was carved from diamond, and streaks of golden ruby ran along its form like vines. Its head was like that of a dragon, yet resembled a pony in a way Rarity couldn’t place. And the eyes shone with white light: forbidding anypony from looking to long. Nine golden horns frilled from the back of its head: three running forth along the left cheek, three along the right. The three on top had grown into an intertwined braid: encircling a great, pink amethyst that shone in the firelight. In size, the creature was minutely smaller than the Dragon Lord, though still big enough to tower over Spike like a monolith. It lifted a great claw out of the hole, and set it on the mountainside, before stepping a little further with the other. It fanned its wings out to their full size, and spoke again in the authoritative, earth-shattering voice: “BEGONE FROM MY HALLS, ‘ERE YOUR FOUL STENCH BOTHERS MY NOSTRILS FURTHER! I AM EISDRACHE UNTERGANG: SON OF LADY EDELWEISS, AND HEIR OF BEFLAMMUNG. THE WIND AND SKY ARE AT MY COMMAND. I CHARGE YOU FLEE FROM MY CITY: BEFORE I REDUCE YOUR SOULS TO TINDER!” Rarity felt the need to run from his voice alone, but the sheer spectacle held her in place. She heard Phoenix mutter something about a ‘Kirin’ to her left, but she paid no mind to it: where had this beast been hid--? “Count Frost…” She muttered, as realization clicked into place. The world remained silent, until Hitter’s voice rose to an equal volume: though sounding more amused than stern. “Not impressed, Halfling.” He countered, before looking slightly over his shoulder. “Kill it.” All of the cannon-machines focused their barrels at the beast, and fired at will. Most of the random blasts harmed him about as much as a bee sting, but one shot struck Untergang square in the chest: knocking him back onto his own palace. “SO BE IT…” The Heir of Beflammung took to the sky in a geyser of ice and flame, before descending on the enemy like a thunderbolt with a roar like a hurricane. A circle of bitter flame billowed out from where he landed: setting many soldiers running with horrifying screams as fire consumed them. Untergang reached out of his shallow crater, and grabbed one of the bizarre cannon-machines as the town launched their own charge into the enemy: pushing them out towards the forest. He threw the construct into the air, and it crashed with a screeching thud of metal on concrete: miraculously intact, considering the altitude it fell from. Rarity gestured for Phoenix and the foals to take cover behind it, as she searched around the front. She found the entrance easily enough: a large circle of steel with a hinge was labeled “Klappe” in black letters over the camo-green-and-cream-colored. Rarity couldn’t help but chuckle at the way Dotsies mastered subtlety. Refocusing on her purpose, she levitated a brick: and readied it for a quick swing. She manually turned a large wheel on the roof, and stepped back with a shriek as the hatch opened, and the body of the operator rolled out with a putrid crackling sound that all but told Rarity what had killed him. She held a hoof over her mouth: fighting back vomit as she pushed him down the hill, letting the poor soul’s lifeless body roll into a ditch. She swore under her breath, hoping she’d never get used to seeing so much death. She cautiously stepped into the vehicle, and gaped as it looked in perfect working order: exception being a small screen that was cracked, and held a small trickle of blood. No point in wondering how that happened. “Found anything?” The muffled voice called from the other side of the floor. Rarity leaned her head to call over her shoulder, still keeping an eye on the panels and buttons. “Well, Darling, that depends: If we can find somepony strong enough to flip this thing upright, and work it, I think I just found our ride up the mountain…” There was a moment of pause, before the brown stallion poked his head in. “And if we can’t?” She allowed a small smirk to form on her lips. “Then we’ve found shelter from the storm.” After making sure the children were safely inside the wrecked machine, and making sure they locked the hatch from the inside: Rarity and Phoenix had ventured towards the battlefield to notify Twilight and Spike of their plans. They had just ducked behind a crumbled wall to avoid another blast when they heard panicked cries coming from the front lines. Rarity poked her head around to survey the battle. From her vantage point, she could see the entirety of the outer walls. She saw Untergang and Hitter engaged in a duel of magic and brute strength: each looked like they could go on for years. The dragon spawn released a blizzard of icy daggers towards Hitter: only for the Unicorn to grab the shards with his magic, and whip his head around to send them back to the unsuspecting Count. Rarity cringed as the countless icicles pierced through the beast’s neck as soon as his guard was dropped, leaving behind holes that leaked black with blood, and causing him to roar in pain. He had just regathered his wits when the blades swept back in from behind, and buried into his back before he could defend himself. “Did you honestly think that I would attack a god without preparing first?” Hitter chuckled, amplifying his voice once more. “Give my regards to Cerberus, and tell him that Fear says hello.” With that, Hitter lit his horn, and signaled for a volley from his devices. The Count reared up with a shriek as countless blast after blast bashed into the base of his neck, until a tremendous crack like thunder echoed through the blizzard: and Untergang’s severed head and neck crashed to the snowy ground, spilling black blood. Instantaneously, the winds stopped howling, and the snow ceased. The darkness beneath the overcast night sky prevailed: making the world feel small: and bleak. Silence prevailed as the townsfolk’s morale was literally slain, and the enemy was once again awed by the power of their leader. “Scorch!” Rarity felt herself scream before she could stop herself. Hitter’s ear flicked, and he turned towards her. Rarity was frozen in place as his gaze fell on her, before he smiled like a toddler who’d just discovered a candy bar before dinner, and turned to his soldiers: “Advance on the city! The Lilac Duchess lies within! Leave nopony else alive!” Rarity shuddered as a shape descended, latched around both her and Phoenix, and carried them back where they came. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Seamist peered out the front window of their new shelter, and smiled widely as several explosions lined the sky: spells fired by mages to knock down the enemy Pegasi. “Fiewuks!” She giggled, looking back to Grain as she tapped on the glass. “Grin, Fiewuks!” Grainwood smiled broadly at her, and felt his heart soar with her innocent enthusiasm. “That’s right, Seamist!” He chuckled. “The fireworks are keeping us safe.” The electric blue filly giggled again, before rolling onto her back with a quiet thud and batting at one of her braids with a hoof: taking wide-eyed interest in her new game. Grain turned his head with a blush, and muttered something about diabetes. They were both startled by a loud banging on the roof: as if somepony had just clambered on top. Then, voices started to chatter on top: “Is this the right one?” A deep male voice questioned. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- “There was only one tank thrown into the city, Darling.” Rarity claimed, before pointing to an ‘X’ painted with red. “And it has the little mark we left on it, see? A pity we can’t run it.” Spike spoke up again: “There’s a chance a Mage might mistake you for Dotsies if you use the Construct, Rarity. And if we mark it to show that you’re an ally, Hitter might focus his fire on you.” Before Rarity could offer a possible solution, they heard the clink of the lock, and the hatch flung open: quickly followed by Seamist and Grain popping out and embracing the newlyweds. Rarity and Phoenix welcomed them with open arms, and Spike allowed himself a chuckle at the sight of their bond. “As touching as this scene is,” Spike cut in after a moment of lingering: “you need to start moving. The path to Lady Edelweiss’s Caves is behind the old blacksmith shop at the back of town, you can’t miss it.” “Thank you, Spikey.” Rarity said warmly, wrapping her arms around the dragon’s forearm. “Stay safe.” Spike patted her back with a claw, and nuzzled her gently with his great head, letting a single tear fall from his eye. “Don’t worry about me, Rarity. Just keep your family safe, I’ll be fine.” With that, he gently laid each of them onto the ground, and took off with the ‘Maus’ in tow. “Let’s go!” Phoenix commanded bluntly. “If luck is with us, we can evade the enemy, and make it back there before daybreak.” Rarity swallowed, and nodded as she heard more Mausen approaching their location. “Yes, let’s hurry along. It’ll be harder to hide now that the walls are down…” Barely a second had passed before the quartet were booking it through the streets: the sounds of war chasing after them. After the Dotsies broke through the defenses, the city soon became overrun with bloodshed and battle: and several screams, spellfire, and explosions could be heard alongside the mechanical droning grind of the Mausen Constructs. It seemed that each alley they ducked into was the home of a Construct, and each doorway held a soldier. They were being hunted, and their defenders were being slaughtered. “What a lovely way to spend a Honeymoon…” Rarity mused. Occasionally, they had run across Twilight and/or Spike as they shredded through the enemy like water through paper: leaving a safe path for them to follow. Spike was using the vehicle they’d given him as a club against others, and sending soldiers screaming as his breath scorched their flesh. They had just taken refuge in an alley when they were blocked from behind by a collapsing wall, and one of the Constructs was currently watching the street in front of them, as was evident by the spells that were fired whenever anypony tried to cross. And the next alley was blocked by two officers, with their backs the family. “We’ll have to cross one at a time, when the pilot isn’t looking.” Phoenix grumbled, poking his head out just enough to see where the turret was focused. “Who’s first?” Rarity questioned. Phoenix rubbed his forehead. “I’ll go first, and dispatch the guards. Then you cross when you can. Then we can scout for a second, and signal the children once it’s safe.” Rarity nodded, and shooed the two foals back as Phoenix poked his head out. He ran across the street, and ducked into the alley: swiping his hoof across both of the ponies’ necks in a single blow, their unconscious forms flopping into the snow. He signaled back to them with a hoof, and Rarity turned to Grainwood: “Phoenix and I are going to be gone for a little while, you two are going to stay here until we say otherwise,” she said gently, before leaning in, and letting her tone become beyond stern: “am I understood?” Grainwood nodded worriedly, and Seamist just hugged Rarity’s foreleg. Rarity pulled them in for a final embrace, before checking on the Construct, and dashing hurriedly into the next alley. She was too fast to notice the barrel of the Maus slowly turn back to their street, and start priming. After a few more streets were successfully scouted, Rarity dashed along the last one: skidding to a stop just behind Phoenix. “Is it safe?” Rarity inquired silently, setting a hoof on her husband’s shoulder. “No,” he answered, gesturing to a small troop of Unicorns that patrolled around a large building, which Rarity could only assume was the Hospital based off the signage. “But,” He continued in a voice just beneath a whisper, “it’d be pushing our luck for us to go back, too: the pony inside that metal monster won’t look away forever.” Rarity was about to voice her agreement: when the world turned into heat, light, and screams. Twilight flicked the pony-shaped piles of charcoal into the wind with her magic, and turned to the pair. Her eyes went wide as she noticed a peculiarity. “The children?” She asked with concern. “They’re taking cover in a back alley while we scout ahead, Twi.” Rarity answered, not missing a beat. “They’re competent for situations like this: we did constant exercises while in exile.” Twilight considered that, and decided to trust her friend’s instincts. “Well, I’ve been having trouble with a Tank acting the sniper downtown: the operator’s been keeping me grounded until I can get a clear shot.” A lightbulb clicked inside Rarity’s head: “The street we left Misty and Grain at has a straight view on a Construct, might that be the one?” Twilight shrugged. “Worth a sh--” Before she could finish her sentence, an explosion rocked the streets, and they heard an all-too familiar voice cry out: “NO!” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- After Rarity left them behind, Grain sat down in the snow, and contemplated going after them. He was held in place, however, when Seamist nuzzled up against him, and relaxed as if she were asleep: head resting peacefully on his shoulder. “How?” He asked, before he could stop himself. He cringed a little as the filly’s eyes flittered open, and she smiled at him. “How, w-what?” She asked, straining on each syllable. He couldn’t help but smile, as he wanted her to talk all day. “How are you able to remain so carefree?” He asked. “All we’ve been through, all you’ve seen: and you still have a smile on your face… and an almost absolute abundance of happiness… how?” Seamist gave him a bizarre smile, as if the answer was tap-dancing on his nose. She scrunched her nose up in concentration, and said two simple words: “Shin up,” Now it was Grain’s turn to look confused. “It’s that simple, huh? Just keep your chip up?” Seamist nodded, and returned her head to his shoulder. “I wish you’d talk more, Misty.” He mumbled, prompting her to give a small, satisfied smile. They sat there for a long time, watching as the snow slowly melted, before Seamist tapped his shoulder, and gestured to a spot in the snow with her eyes. Grain looked, and stifled his gasp at the shadow of a Pegasus: cast from the rising sun hitting the pony that had perched atop the building beside them. No sooner did they start to retreat, when the Pegasus landed behind them: grinning evilly. “What have we here? A new recruit, and some firewood… Looks like my lucky da--” With a shout of defiance, Seamist cast two simple light spells that flared instantly: right in front of the soldier’s eyes. He grunted in pain as his eyes clenched shut, and took a few steps back. Grain was about to cry for help, when Seamist slid under the blinded pony, and bucked his stomach with all four hooves: knocking the breath out of him as he toppled to the side. She ran back to grain, and pushed him behind a pile of bricks: before running towards the alley’s exit, and standing in the open. The soldier stood, rubbed his eyes, and turned towards the filly with anger in his eyes. “You little twerp,” He grumbled, charging towards her: “c’mere!” She leapt upwards once he drew near: hoping to sock him. But he saw the strike coming and sent her sprawling into the street with a harsh strike, making Grain’s jaw drop. Barley thinking as his vision flooded with red, Grain ran up behind the soldier: only to be met with the butt of a rifle striking his jaw, and flinging him against a wall. Shaking his head, Grain stumbled out of the alley, and looked up to see the soldier pointing the rifle directly into Seamist’s neck: pinning her in place. The Pegasus smiled wickedly, cocking the gun: “I’m going to enjoy this…” Grain’s pupils shrank as he focused on the unfolding scene, and his eyes darted towards downtown when he heard a sharp whirring. What awaited his gaze prompted him to action. Thinking fast, he gave a battle cry, and with a barreling slide: knocked Seamist into the next alley. Seamist looked up just as the Construct fired: and both her friend and the enemy soldier were obscured by the explosion. “NO!” She shouted painfully: vision readjusting. The first thing she saw was a giant crater where her friend used to be, and two trails of red leading through the snow. She followed one with her eyes, until they focused on the still form of Grainwood: lying alone in his own little crater. “Granood!” She cried. Her voice reached new octaves in her panic. The melting snow flew to the sides in her wake as she ran to his side, stopping just in time to see the horrifying wound that used to be the right side of his back half. The snow around him was beyond stained with red, and he coughed violently: spurts of his own blood firing from his mouth. Seamist cautiously approached him, and sat down where he could see her easily. His eyes looked in her direction, remaining hazy and unfocused. His expression blank, he looked down to his nose, and saw the crimson snow beyond. Putting two and two together, he smiled weakly: “I guess… I guess this means I get to see mom and dad again…” He choked. His was voice barely more than a whisper. Seamist shook her head desperately as tears stained her eyes. She seized Grainwood’s forehooves in her own, and tried to drag him through the snow. He looked at her sadly: “Misty…” “Get help!” She grunted, tugging him along with all her might. “Mist,” he tried again, fear staining his weakened voice, “you have to leave…” “No! Get help!” She repeated, pulling him even harder: tears starting to leak from her eyes. Finally, her grip slipped, and she fell on her back: sobbing violently. “Can’t lose…” she said: choking on her own tears. “Can’t lose you…” Grain felt himself grow colder by the second, but he couldn’t leave yet. Calling up his last bit of strength: he crawled up to her with his only working limbs- his forelegs -and nuzzled up against her, before giving her a small kiss on her cheek. The filly’s eyes popped open, and she looked down at him. Growing weaker, Grain could only manage a smile as he collapsed into the snow. Seamist immediately grabbed him, and set his back on her lap: holding his head up with her forearms. His eyes scrunched shut as he coughed again, flicking blood onto her coat. Seeing her tears, he smiled gently, and lifted his hoof just long enough to bump her chin: pushing it upwards. He went limp. She looked back down to him, noticing the distant look in his eyes. Tears flowing in denial, she held her ear next to his muzzle: nothing came, not even a breath. She shuddered quietly, turning to kiss him on the forehead. “I will save… words for you, Gran… You’re the… the o-only one who lo-*hic*-ved me--… my voice, more than anything…” Hugging his cold form into her chest, wails of anguish wracking her body, she didn’t even hear the soft gasp from immediately behind her: “Oh… oh my god…” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity looked on in horror at the war’s latest victim: one hind leg missing, and blood soaking the snow like a river. She couldn’t cry, she couldn’t even move. She refused to believe what she was seeing. Her stomach heaved dryly as her mouth hung open, and she barely saw Twilight’s reaction to the heinous scene. The Alicorn levitated her titanic spellrifle, aimed now that she had a clear shot, and unloaded it at the awaiting Mausen Construct: “BASTARDS!” She roared: firing until the vehicle was nothing more than a bitter memory. Not even a speck of ash was left of the damned thing once her weapon was emptied. She looked back to Rarity in time to see the snow around the mare start to pop and fizz, as it turned into steam almost instantaneously. There was a dark look on Rarity’s face, and she wrenched Twilight’s spellrifle into her own field, before charging it with her sizzling magic. “Rarity, what are you doing?” Phoenix asked, slowly removing the colt’s lifeless form from his sister’s hooves. Rarity turned back to him grimly, her voice carrying tones she’d never uttered before: “Twilight, be a dear, and take Phoenix and Seamist to the caves. And call all survivors you can out of here, NOW.” Twilight would normally have argued, but the hollow tone in her friend’s voice scared her. She nodded, and picked up Rarity’s family in her aura, before enhancing her voice to call out to her troops as she ran back up the mountain: “RETREAT BACK TO THE CAVES! THE CITY IS OVERRUN! RETREAT!” Phoenix struggled against Twilight’s magic, but to no avail. Seamist gave a hurt cry of “Mama!” before they were sped away by the Princess. Rarity watched with a smile as she saw several of the town's warriors obey immediately: ducking away from any spellfire hurled their way. Once her rage peaked, she gave a ferocious shout that stopped the charging army in their tracks, and charged towards the enemy: firing openly onto them. Several squads were reduced to ashes by the time she reached the front lines, and she took out five more soldiers with her horn before she was quickly overwhelmed: ten ponies struggling to hold her down. She snorted and bucked as she tried to struggle her way out, but her rage was starting to simmer, and her energy was spent. She focused her vision on the approaching figure as several ponies backed out of his way. Hitter bent down to her level, and smiled: “Escort her to the nearest dungeons, and order off the attack.” He chuckled, looking over his shoulder towards his General. “We got who we came for.” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity stirred, and looked around groggily. From what she could gather in her half-asleep state, she was lying on a hospital bed, and there were voices arguing to her left. “Did you kill it?” “No, but time will tell if we even need to.” “Well, I’m not letting her--” “Forgive me for my interruption, gentlecolts, but she’s coming to.” Rarity’s eyes finally came into focus, and she saw three ponies standing over her: Hitter, a Doctor, and a Nurse. She blinked a few more times, before the color was restored to her sight as well, and her lips found their purpose again: “H-how long was I out?” She pleaded. “What’s going on?” The doctor opened his mouth, but Hitter spoke first: “You’ve been infected, Rarity. A parasite has decided that you were a fit host. We must act quickly, and kill it: if it’s allowed to grow…” he looked away, “there won’t be any hope for you.” “What!” Rarity gasped, eyes going wide in her terror: “Where would I even have caught this… this… parasite?!” Hitter shook his head. “The woods, or Brookhaven. I don’t know.” The doctor carefully moved Hitter aside before he could say any more, and removed the IV from Rarity’s forearm. “It’ll take us a few days to prepare for the operation, Sir.” He stated plainly. “You’ll have to wait until then.” “Very well…” Hitter growled, “but once she’s sober, send her back up to my office.” The doctor nodded, and watched patiently as the tyrant stormed off. Rarity rose an eyebrow at the scene before her: still processing the discovery of the para- “It’s not a parasite, Fraulien.” The doctor whispered, once he was sure Hitter was out of earshot. “Pardon?” He turned to her with a weary look, and started to speak. He decided against it, however, and merely held up an X-ray. Rarity only needed to take one look before her blood boiled fiercely. Her face contorted into a new form of rage, yet her tone miraculously remained calm: “And he wanted you to kill it, hmm?” She growled, before jerking herself into a standing position, and running out the door. Her mind flashed through the past three years: “…I say it's time to let Evolution take its course: give Mother Nature a push in the right direction…" “…Why did I ever choose this era to go on a vacation in Marelin...?” "..Have you ever considered espionage…" “…This is the nicest thing... anypony has ever done for me, Rarity. Thank you... thank you... thank you…" “…Why did I ever choose this era to go on a vacation in Marelin...?” "…Huh, working outside of your talent? I can't help but admire that. There's not much call for a seamstress over here, nowadays…" "…I hope you can understand why I did this..." “…You and your marefriend are too important to this country to die here…” “…I believe it’s time we had a little talk, Phoenix Pyre…” “…Can I call you mama...?” “…Why did I ever choose this era to go on a vacation in Marelin...?” No more… no more! After all she’d been through: she’d started to fall for his lies! She was done with this war, she was done with Hitter, and she was done with pain. “It’s time to end this…” she hissed dangerously, opening the door to his office as she pulled out her locket. Zippowill looked up at her, pupils shrinking as she saw the look in Rarity’s eyes, and what she held in her aura. She dashed out of the room as the infuriated mare bucked down the door, opened the locket, and entered the passcode: 3,3,2,1. The locket started to buzz, and click. And Hitter was taken aback by her intrusion. Not waiting for a greeting, she walked around his desk: and pounded her hooves onto it so hard that it cracked. She drew out the locket just as it finished its transformation: revealing a small spellrifle, pre-loaded with deadly magic. She swiftly ducked the device under his chin: and smiled a cold, lifeless smile. “Send me a postcard from Hell!” With that said, there was a loud bang, and Hitter fell: splayed onto the ground. He was dead, at last. Rarity held up the small pistol that was concealed in her locket, and kept it pointed straight as she examined the metal bar. She heard the guards approaching. One shot left. She heard the officers start to burst down the door as she carefully reversed aim… *CRACK* *CRASH* When the guards plowed in, there was nothing left alive in the room. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Twilight stood next to the tombstone silently, as what remained of her friends wept. Indeed, it seemed like half the country had attended the funeral of Rarity Belle-Pyre, even a unicorn mare robed in black, whom Twilight barely recognized. The sermon didn’t last long, an hour or so at most. But the testimonials alone lasted four days, and those were only the ponies who wanted to speak up! Twilight wondered just how many lives Rarity had touched. When it was her turn to come to the stand a final time, she complied, and spoke the final testimony: “You all know me, the ‘Princess of Friendship’. You all know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without Rarity… or any of my friends. Rarity experienced this war in a way that would break most Equestrians, and she died to end it. She made sacrifices beyond anything any hero I’ve ever heard of before had to give, and she did it all for us, and for the Earthen Tribes. “The war isn’t over yet, my little ponies. There is still much preparation to do, and many more battles to fight. She’d want us to fight on: so let’s not let her die in vain.” After the funeral, the crowd dissipated at a respectfully sluggish pace. Until after hours of waiting, it was just her, Phoenix, Seamist, and the hooded mare. Twilight dared not keep silent anymore. “Do you know how much you risked by coming here?” She said in flat tone, turning to the mare. Phoenix raised an eyebrow bitterly as he turned to look at Twilight. “How much could a sweet old lady risk by paying her respects to a hero, Twilight?” He said: voice cracking as he turned. With that, he was gone. Seamist was tagging along behind him, still crying violently from the service. Once they were out of earshot, the mare spoke. “Indeed then, Princess. What harm can a lady cause?” She shot, pulling her hood back to reveal blue eyes: as well as a long, cyan mane, and a light purple coat. “When can I retire?” Twilight stared at the grave, not even looking back at the mare. “When the last trace of this menace is buried in his grave, you’ll be free.” “But not before, Princess? You act as if danger is anything new to me, or even something to avoid.” Twilight looked curiously at her, and she returned with a look of spite and anger: “I’ve seen this war closer than most, Princess. In case you’ve forgotten, I was at the heart of it! You act as though avoiding death is the best way to live, as if establishing peace in the world once more will cure all our problems, as if this was not a worthwhile event.” She paused just long enough to see Twilight’s face turn from curiosity to horrified confusion. “Twilight, if this war had never started, would that hatred have been addressed? Would that sick, festering boil have been brought to light if it weren’t for the pain it caused? There always were prejudicial problems in this world, Twilight. Equestria has just been too blind to truly care. Remember the Yaks, and how their borders were closed to us? Or how the Griffins isolated themselves for thousands of years after we were at peace? Ever wonder what we, as a country, did to offend them? “And then Hitter came along: fueling hatred for races he deemed useless, and damning them as if he were a god. If he had not acted, his hatred would have been passed onto his children and his pupils: until the threat was even bigger, and we were even less prepared. “World peace is always something to strive for, Princess. But sometimes war is the only way we can discover what drives one pony to kill another: whether it’s greed, hatred, or even love. A fire needs not only to spark, but to start, and grow before the water is useful. We need to cure the entire illness of hatred, not just those smallest of symptoms, like war. “I’ve lost a lot of loved ones, dearie. I know what it’s like to watch your friends and family die in front of you, but they didn’t die in vain. We now know that the world needs friendships, which love needs to be seen. That ponies need to be shown the benefits of living in joyous cooperation: not dwelling in constant coexistence filled with contempt. Do you understand what I’m saying?” Twilight stood in stunned silence, before nodding slightly. “I know what you’re saying, and every bit of it is true. But until further notice, you don’t exist: not even Celestia knows you’re here. I don’t want to risk losing another one of my friends to this damned war… “… Are we clear, Lilac Duchess?” Author's Note And I'm finally finished! Thank you all for taking this journey with me, and I hope I didn't disappoint! As always, please notify me of any mistakes, inconsistencies, typos, etc. And please let me know what you think below! Until Next Time, God Bless You! ~Amethyst Dawn.
Alone, Am I?The Iron door flew open with a loud clang as it collided with the stone wall. The battered shape of a ivory Unicorn being thrown in forcefully could be vaguely seen in the dim torchlight. She tried to stand onto her hooves, but only succeeded in lifting her forward half as she looked out to the door: "Please! I beg you to release me!" She sobbed, "You've got the wrong pony!" They didn't, and she knew it, but at least she could try to escape this... this hellhole. She looked up at the guard, who looked back down at her with a wicked smile. "Don't worry too much, Earth Lover." He sneered. "That feeling you think is pain will be replaced soon enough..." He slammed the door with a deranged laugh, and she heard his hoofsteps fade into the distance. 'Jack Lover...' 'Mudkeeper...' 'Earth kisser...' She had been called all these and more as the clubs struck her ribs, and the whips lashed against her back. 'Why did I ever choose this era to go on a vacation in Marelin...?' -=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity, famous gown designer and seamstress, sat alone at a table on the veranda: overlooking the scene below. Several Pegasi and Unicorns had gathered below, and were waiting for somepony in front of a large podium. "Can you see well, my dear?" A firm voice asked from behind. Rarity nearly choked on her tea, and lifted her head to see a pale brown Unicorn stallion with a slickly combed, dark brown mane. A small, rectangular mustache rested beneath his nostrils, and fierce blue eyes shone from under his brow. He wore the suit she had made for him on request: a whit button-up shirt with a black tie, covered by tan trench coat. The trench coat bore a red band on the elbow, and the band bore the symbol of a curvy, white 'X' inside of a black circle. His black pants added a slight air of authority, and his left breast pocket bore a medallion similar to the emblem on his forearm. "M-M-Mister Hitter!" She stammered, setting down her drink. "Aren't you supposed to be speaking in three minutes? You should be down there, not bothering with silly me!" Hitter raised a hoof for silence, and lowered it once she was quiet. "My friends call me Golf, Madame Belle, as I hope you would too." He stated, causing her cheek to turn a bright shade of pink. "I just wanted to thank you again for making me this lovely suit: you cannot imagine how much easier it will make the spreading of my cause..." Rarity nodded bashfully: "I-it was no trouble at all, G-Golf." She swallowed. "But what is your cause? You've talked about precious little else, but I somehow missed what it is." She ventured. Golf's expression darkened. "I'm here to rid the world of a useless vermin, Madame Rarity," he said, voice oozing with hostility: "I hold no doubt you will see my point, in time. My strength lies in the East, after all." "Hitter werden gesprochen in einem Augenblick, bitte nehmen Sie Ihre Plätze. Hitter werden gesprochen in einem Augenblick, bitte nehmen Sie Ihre Plätze." The announcer called out, stepping off the stage. "Looks like it is time for me to go, Madame." He sighed, lighting his horn. "I hope my speech will not disappoint you," "I doubt it could, Golf." She sighed, watching as he teleported just offstage. She observed as he took his place at the podium, raised a hoof ceremoniously before him, and lowered it in time to start his speech: "My Fellow Unicorns, my dear Pegasi," he began in a soft tone, before leaning both hooves on the podium and leering out to the crowd: "the time has come to address the Oliphant in the room. A plague had drifted across our fair lands for too long, a plague that takes up valuable flesh, and takes the jobs that could easily belong to us! These lesser beings have been gaining our sympathy be playing the 'Hard Work' card when we could easily take their place at a fraction of the effort! "You may be wondering, 'What is this plague? Who are these horrors that have befriended us, and blinded us to their uselessness?'. I'll tell you the names granted to this terrible plague: Donkeys, Mules, Earth Ponies..." He let that sink in as the crowd murmured amongst themselves, smiling as he had caught there attention. Rarity quirked an eyebrow as her pupils shrank, and shakily lifted her tea to her mouth. 'He can't really be saying...' "But!" Hitter barked, eying the crowd: "You may be wondering, thinking 'They aren't that Bad'! I tell you that these vermin are a waste of flesh: they take jobs our kind could use to reduce the unemployed, they dare to think only they can farm like experts, they dare say we higher tribes depend on them! "I ask you, what are these wastes of flesh good for? These arrogant bastards who think the weight of the world rests on their shoulders? Have they forgotten that the Pegasi control the weather, and the Unicorns provide them with protection? I'll tell you what they're good for: eating food that could be served to the weak and homeless Pegasus! Doing the work of an unemployed Unicorn, and taking money from those who would need it! "You might say, 'But there are homeless Earth Ponies, and Donkeys, too!" To which I'd reply: yes, because those creatures were thrown out of businesses that realized the might of the Unicorn, and the speed and endurance of the Pegasus! I say it's time to let Evolution take it's course: give Mother Nature a push in the right direction!" Rarity watched in mixed awe and horror as the crowd murmured angrily amongst themselves, and she almost found herself believing the words coming from his mouth. She didn't see some smaller figures shrink hastily from the crowd. Hitter smiled Darkly. "I'll tell you what they're good for: they're meat for our dogs!" Everypony in the crowd roared in approval, including the mares and foals. Rarity's pupils shrank at the heated spectacle. "They're fertilizer for our plants!" The ground began to tremble as the thunderous din of pounding hooves echoed through the streets, and Rarity's tea and saucer fell to the floor with an unheard crash. "They're fuel for our fires!" Rarity shrank into her seat as the ruckus turned to a steady thrumming of pure hatred. "Let their skin be used as our cloth! Let their bones decorate our walls! Let us rid ourselves of these blemishes to Ponykind! these Dots on the skin of perfection!" Rarity's eyes rolled back into her head, and she fell, knowing no more. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- She had expected great things to come from that speech, great truths to fly forth from the mouth that she knew could sway a country. What she saw instead was horror. What she heard was blasphemy. What she knew was War. She pawed at the floor with a hoof, remembering how hurt Hitter looked when she called him out on his mindless persecution. 'No,' she thought, standing herself firm as she shook her head, 'It's worse than mindless persecution: it's persecution of living souls without a second thought. He wants to kill off entire races merely because he deems them to be useless. He has merely forgotten their uses, and therefore forgotten that they are as alive as he and I...' "Oh, Hitter," she sighed, "how you have betrayed yourself... and to turn around and put others like me through this..." "At least... you're... cough... a Unicorn." A weak voice moaned from behind her, causing her to jump. She wheeled around, and looked into the infernal blackness that was her cell. Sadly, she couldn't see far past her own nose. "Who's there?" She asked in a panic, slowly stepping backwards towards the door. "Oh... that's right, you're new." The voice whispered, as if it had not the strength to speak any louder. "You're eyes can't really adjust yet. "Well, I was unfortunate enough to be playing at a concert in Marelin when Hitter first started spreading his filth across the city. And once they saw my tribe, Rarity, well... let's just say with all you've been through, you've gone about halfway through what they've done to me..." Rarity tried to light her horn to see better, but she found herself with another screaming headache as the disabling spell held her magic at bay. Whoever this pony was, they knew Rarity's name, and she was still deciding if that was a good thing, or a danger to her. She heard a scraping sound, like a body being dragged across gravel, and soon a shape began to take form in the shadows. The poor pony seemed to move an inch with each step, and once they came closer, Rarity saw that they walked with an intense limp in their left hind leg. Rarity gasped when she recognized the dark grey coat, now matted with mud, and the once pristine, slick black mane now tattered and worn. She also recognized the unmistakable treble clef cutie mark, now with a deep scar across the left sign. "O-O-Octavia?" Rarity choked at seeing her friend's current condition. She ran forward to embrace the wounded pony in a comforting hug, but stopped when she saw a freshly-healed gash all the way down her limping leg. "Wh- what have they done to you?" "I'd rather not go into detail, I don't want to upset you too much." Octavia mumbled, stretching her jaw with a sickening crack. "Suffice it to say that they only throw scraps down here every other day. But, now that you're here..." she eyed Rarity with a reddened eye, "... that might just change." "How do you mean, Octavia?" Rarity inquired, curious as to what the maltreated mare might be insinuating. Octavia smiled, possibly her first since she was sent here, and spoke. "I've only been in this dungeon for around a month, yet even I've heard of the infamous Lilac Duchess, and why she was so hard to find." Rarity returned the smile, and raised her head slightly. "I see that my reputation precedes me..." Author's Note Yes, unlike the past two, this will be a long one! Let me know what you think of it so far, and I'll see you in Part Two! Until Next Time, God Bless You! ~Amethyst Dawn.
The Lilac Duchess.Rarity stepped out from Hitter's hotel in a righteous fury, as another pony she thought noble turned out being a monster. And to think, this was even worse than Blueblood, if that was conceivable! Mass extinction? Natural selection? Declaring war on an entire Tribe? This was unheard of, blasphemous, and downright uncouth! Hitter seemed hurt by her actions, but had refused to let her be harmed. "Let her leave the city, and go home." He had said. "She is not a threat to us here... yet." Ooh, "Yet" was an important amendment for him to make. More than he knew! Once she bore word of this to Celestia, they would certainly accept refugees, and declare war on this country if it sided with- with him.. She hopped on the bicycle she had rented, and sped off along the cobble stone streets. She could hear the screams of terrified ponies all around her, amongst the ruckus of violent shouting and houses breaking from the onslaught, and fought to keep pedaling to the seaport. Her time to aid will come, certainly this measly threat could be stamped out easily... "Here's another one, boys!" She heard a vicious scream beside her as she flew down the street, and screeched to a halt when something warm and wet flew across her face. She wiped a good portion of the substance off with a hoof in disgust, before staring at it in absolute horror: "is this-... b-b-... blood...?" She dared not to turn, and see what had caused this to spray so violently. She set herself back on balance: and sped of with redoubled speed, heading for the nearest alley as the sounds of laughter, cheering, screaming, and destruction echoed through the streets. She pulled into the brick alley, leaned her bike against the wall, and fled out of the city. When she finally got to the seaport, some of the blood on her coat had dried, and matted her pristine hair down with a sickly red stain. She walked up to the security guard, but paused in worry when she saw his tribe. "Miss, are you alright?!" He asked in concern, after noticing her appearance. He was about to approach her, but was thrown back as Rarity tackled him into the station: hiding them both behind the counter. "What's going o--?" "Run," Rarity hissed, catching the guard's attention even further. "Run with me, you won't last long here!" "What are you talking about?" He inquired worriedly, about to peek over the counter when Rarity jerked him back down, panting heavily. She was too weary to speak coherently, so she clumsily thwacked his head and his side: "No horn, no wings." She panted, "You'll be dead within the hour, if we don't-- shush!" She pressed her hoof against his lips as she heard a scream come from outside, and heard the running hooves of several ponies chasing a single runaway. There was a gush of wind, and a scream of "Put me down!" before they both saw the shape of a pony fall outside, and heard a terrible squelch and crunch as bone and flesh met pavement. Blood spattered into the station, and the guard cowered in fear. "What's happening out there?" He whispered harshly. Rarity stood, and kept him down. She observed the ongoing rampage of mindless destruction, and heard the booming voice of Hitter summoning them back to the stage. "Extinction," she answered darkly, staring at all the bodies that had already been gathered in the past two hours. "Where can we hide?" "Nowhere, not here... we need to leave the country... we need to get back to Equestria." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- "No, Rarity." The Unicorn's jaw dropped at the sound of Celestia's reply. "But-... But how could we not help stamp out this outrage?" She pleaded. "I saw and heard for myself what their victims are being subjected to, we have to do some--" Celestia raised her hoof for silence, and set it down with a sad sigh. "Part of being a ruler is making hard decisions for the good of our subjects, Rarity." She said in a dark tone. "I will not risk attacking a menace on the soil of a sovereign nation that might not want us to rid it of them, it most certainly would be seen as a direct act of war. We will accept refugees, but until this is able to be acknowledged as a direct threat to Equestria, sending an army onto the Monarchy's soil could lead to disastrous consequences." She paused, and looked at Rarity with a cunning smile. "However... there is a way we could help..." "Yes?" Rarity inquired, practically begging to be a part of it. "Rarity," Celestia offered with a hint of determination, "have you ever considered espionage?" -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity stood at the edge of a large table- what was designed to look like a map of the known world- surrounded by the High Authorities of the EUP. Spitfire: High Commander of the Wonderbolts. Titania: Grand General of the Maggi. And Thunderhoof: Leader of the Earthen Elites. The cerulean Unicorn directed the tip of her staff to the patch labeled "Equestria", and motioned it slowly towards a section marked "Germareny": "There is one last ship headed towards Germareny at the end of this month, Rarity." She stated, retracting the pointer and setting it to the side. "We want you to have learned at least a few basic combat spells, and one advanced communication spell by then. And we'll need a name for you, as you'll be working as a local florist, codenamed Lilac Duchess. But we need you to cooperate with us on a casual name for you to use." She explained. "I rather like the sound of Lilac Duchess," Rarity said with a distant smile, "perhaps we could just use that?" "As both name and codename? Not worth the risk, Miss Rarity." Spitfire scoffed. "This is a covert operation, and a link that obvious will undoubtedly attract attention, and suspicion." "Exactly... it could just be smart enough to work." Celestia said, stepping into the room after hearing the last few minutes of the meeting. "I'm with The Princess on this," Thunderfoot growled in admiration, his blue mane bobbing as he nodded, "if Germarenian intelligence is anything like our own, that might be too obvious to even be considered. And if Rarity wants to risk her neck with such a contrived plan, that's her business. We might always learn from our mistakes, if she gets her throat slit too soon." Rarity quirked an eyebrow at him. "Very comforting, you are, to be sure." She deadpanned. Celestia placed a hoof on her side, and leaned down to whisper in her ear. "Are you sure this is something you want to do, Rarity? Even if you go by any other name, it's not a matter of if you get caught, but of when. Are you willing to take that chance?" "I cannot sit back and do nothing, Princess, while innocent ponies are murdered on the streets." Rarity sighed, looking to the table. "The Duchess will aid, what do I do?" "You haven't visited any of your friends on your way here, have you?" Titania asked. "No," Rarity informed, curious as to her reasoning. "In that case, you disappeared during the uprising, and we have no idea where you are. You might even be dead, as far as we know." The General informed, watching as Rarity nodded soberly. She was worried about poor Sweetie's reaction to her disappearance, but she needed to help these ponies: no matter the cost. It was the generous thing to do. "You'll need to change your look as well as your name, Rarity." Celestia stated, walking towards the table. "And you'll need makeup for your cutie mark." "Oh, don't worry about makeup." Rarity smiled coyly. "I wore a dress, so nopony saw my flank while I was over there. And as far as disguises go, I think I know a couple that would let me blend right In..." She tittered knowingly, remembering a particularly comfortable outfit from long ago. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- She stood on the deck of the massive freighter, and watched over the railing as the docking process began beneath her. She had traded in her usual, curly mane style in favor of letting her hair fall limply over her shoulders, and her bangs were cut short just above her eyes. She wore a black sweatshirt, and small black shoes covered her hooves. A large red beret rested lopsidedly on her head, and her eyeliner took on a darker blue hue than normal. "Lilac!" She heard the Captain bark impatiently. "Your luggage has already been offloaded, I do hope you get off before we have to depart!" "Sorry!" She called over her shoulder, rushing to the exit ramp. She had learned how to add a certain youthful effect to her voice when needed, and it had convinced the Captain that she was closer to twenty than she was. She ran to the bottom, and glanced around excitedly as if she'd never seen the glorious city before: dancing in place on her hooftips with a wide smile, and even wider pupils. A familiar crew member took notice of her, and approached. "Rarity?" He asked, before perking up and walking over. "I thought I recognized you! I've been tending to the Cargo, but I thought I saw you onboard!" She froze, and turned to see that the guard she had rescued was now in a sailor's uniform. She was sweating bullets on the inside, but did her best to keep her cool, as she looked over to him. "I'm afraid you've mistaken me for somepony else, my good sir!" She said apologetically, giving her head a subtle shake. "I've just come here to make a better profit with my flowers." Catching her drift, and nodding in satisfaction, the stallion played along. "O-oh, I'm sorry, Ma'am." He said, not really being the best actor, but not so bad that anypony would take notice of the conversation. As he passed her on his way to the ramp, he whispered "Falcon has flown, and perched atop the roof." into her ear. She nodded with a quiet "Thank you," in return. And took up her luggage with her magic. According to the stallion, Hitter had taken place as commander of the Germarenian Armies. She had not expected the former guard to be her first contact, but she remembered that she was to expect the unexpected from now on. She walked through the city streets, which must have been cleaned a few times since last month's attacks, as they lacked the strong stench of death that was ever-too-present last time. There were several Earth ponies walking the streets with their heads held at all angles, but they all wore tan bands on their arms, each with the black mark of a small stone. Rarity could only guess what kind of slur was meant by the depiction, but kept it to herself as she continued to put out an image of awestruck wonder at the fanciful décor around the ancient city: it was enough to know that they weren't all destroyed in the past month, though their numbers were obviously diminished. Most buildings were in pristine condition, and the grandest were in even greater care, with banners of the symbol she helped create hanging on walls to promote the execution of the entire Earthen Tribe. The thought that she could've aided this disaster in coming about burned at her mind, almost as if a cayenne pepper was bleeding into her soul, and eating at her will. She had to do something to fix this... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- After a few hours in the dark, cavernous cell had passed, the sound of approaching hoofsteps could be heard coming from the outside. The small slit on the bottom of the cell door slid open, and a large, covered tray came sliding through: stopping just inside the torchlight. "Lunch, sent straight from the Leader." The guard grumbled. "He must consider you worth keeping, if he provides you with meals as grand as these." Immediately, Rarity's eyes brightened, and she snatched the tray up. "Thank you." She called softly. Octavia smiled, and shook her head. She turned, and was about to limp back to her bed when she heard a sliding sound to her left. She turned her head back to see the tray, lid off, resting on the ground beside her: filled with all sorts of quality dishes she had not seen since she left Canterlot. She looked up to Rarity, who had taken a small plate of hay fries, and was now quietly gorging herself on the measly morsels. Rarity looked up to the confused pony, and smiled warmly. "Go on, eat up! You need it more than I, at the moment." She said in a bright tone. "I doubt being sent such splendorous meals will last forever, so it's best to get an early start on adjusting to a, uh... smaller diet." Octavia nervously sat next to the plate, and eyed Rarity curiously. "Are... are you sure?" Rarity practically swallowed the last fry whole, and motioned her hoof in a 'shoo-shoo' fashion, indicating she didn't mind. "Well... thank you, Rarity." Octavia sighed, starting to tear up. She lifted the fresh Hayburger to her lips, and spent a moment drinking in the fresh, deep-fried scent. When she eventually took the first bite, it was all she could do to stop herself from screaming in joy at the vibrant tastes cascading through her mouth: deep-fried hay, encased in fresh, organic homemade honey batter. A small dousing of mayonnaise and a few ripe pickles to add flavor, and a hint of sage for that subtle, herbal taste no burger should be without. The bun itself was unmistakably imported from Equestria, as it held the slight country flavor of homemade bread, specked with the refreshing saltiness of her homeland's dough. And the sweet, sugary taste granted from the daisies used during the baking. She opened her eyes to see a smiling Rarity looking back to her in concern, and felt cold tears trickling down her throat. She smiled, and took another bite out of the burger: this one considerably larger. "Darling, are you alright?" Rarity asked tentatively, reaching out a hoof to the crying mare. Octavia gasped for air as she inhaled the burger, as she was sobbing uncontrollably. "I-... I've never-... never felt better-... in all my life!" She choked, swinging her arms out in a single, swift motion. She captured Rarity in a crushing embrace, holding her as close as she could as the tears tickled her throat. "This is the nicest thing... anypony has ever done for me, Rarity. Thank you... thank -hic- you... thank you." Rarity wrapped her arms around Octavia, and smiled warmly. 'I'm... I'm glad I was captured... if this is what comes of it.' She sighed inwardly, tightening her side of the embrace. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity twisted the cardboard sign around, signaling that her new shop was now open to costumers. She turned to the freshly organized setup of living flowers, nodded in satisfaction, picked up a damp cloth, and walked outside to check on the sign. "The Lilac Duchess', flowers to impress." It read: painted in bold, purple lettering. She had just started mopping the dust off the sign when she caught a small movement out of the corner of her eye. She turned her head, but saw nothing on the walks, or on the streets around. She stared out for a mere moment before shrugging it off as another newspaper blowing downtown, and turned back to her work. After she had finished polishing the sign, and had stepped back to acknowledge her work, she moved to polish the bike she had rented. Before she could reach it, however, she was scared out of her wits by a hoof on her shoulder. She leapt into the air with a startled squeal, and cowered behind the sign. "O-oh my, I am so sorry, Fraulein." A light brown Earth Pony stammered, hurriedly walking up to her. He seemed just barely older than she, and his light grey mane had a streak of pale red through it. His upper lip played host to a small mustache, his chin was home to a small beard, and his short tail was cut into a point: making it resemble a two-toned crescent moon. His Cutie Mark was three small flowers orbiting a white rose, and he looked down at her through bright blue irises. Rarity accepted his offered hoof, and let him stand her up as he dusted off her coat, and set his hoof out again when he was done. "A thousand pardons, Fraulein, I didn't mean to startle you so much." He stated in a soft tone. "I was looking for the Duchess, is she here?" "You are currently speaking to her, Mister...?" Rarity inquired, taking his hoof with a shake. The stallion's eyes widened as his pupils shrank. "My dear, I apologize for the misunderstanding!" He blurted, bowing before her. "I presumed a Duchess would be, well, a little older." Rarity lifted a hoof to stifle her chuckles, and watched gleefully as he stood back up. "I think there's been more than a little misunderstanding, sir, Duchess is my name, not my status." She giggled. "Though you still haven't tossed me your own name...?" The stallion rubbed the back of his neck. "Well then, I apologize once again. My name is Phoenix, Phoenix Pyre, Frau Duchess: I am seeking any employment I can get in these... troubled times." Rarity considered the probability of him being a spy, but decided against it. Him being an Earthen, and all. "Come inside, and let's talk." She offered. "I'll consider taking you on, but I'll need to know a little more about you first." Phoenix nodded, and once they had gone inside, Rarity set the steaming cup of tea on the pinewood table in front of Phoenix: and sat herself down on the velvet couch opposite him. The interior of the florist shop was similar to her old boutique, if only in that the workspace and living space were often intertwined. She adjusted the beret that began to slide down to eye level, and took a sip from her own cup. "First off, how much are you willing to work for, Mr. Pyre?" She asked, setting the cup and saucer down onto the table. "Just Phoenix, please. I only desire six marks a day, and a place to sleep, Frau Duchess." He stated unsurely. "If it is not too much to ask, I also wish for a place in which me and my sister are to hide during the Cull." "The 'Cull'?" Rarity asked, concerned now more than ever. Phoenix nodded soberly. "It is not yet confirmed, but there have been discussions among others of gathering the Earthens, and either forcing us into hard labor, or killing us off in groups." Rarity nearly choked on the air she was breathing, yet the surprising thing was how little she was surprised by this update. She knew of the atrocities committed in the heat of the moment, but she had held a faint hope that they would just ship the Earth Ponies off once they had cooled down. Even now, however, Hitter supporting the Cull of a race was still hard to grasp. How on Equus could someone so kind, chivalrous and collected hate an entire tribe with such a burning passion? "Fraulein? Are you alright?" Phoenix asked, worried for her health after her two minutes of silence, and staring into space. Rarity snapped out of her thoughtful trance, and looked him in the eye. "Yes, yes, I'm fine, thank you. You will be paid six marks an hour, and both you and your sister are welcome to stay here as long as you need to." She offered, extending a hoof. Phoenix took it in his, and gave it a grateful kiss, before bowing down. "I thank you, Duchess, I won't let you down." She reached down, and gently lifted his head by his chin, until their eyes met: "On the contrary, Phoenix," She stated, "it is I who will not let you down." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- "So, you say your sister is to be staying here as well?" Rarity asked, preparing the bed for use. Fortunately, it was just large enough for two, so she'd be sleeping on the couch for the next who-knows-how-long. "Yes, we'll just have to pick her up. She shouldn't take up that much space. And she's very quiet..." Phoenix trailed off, moving the nightstand just out of reach from the bed. Rarity noticed a distant look in his eyes, almost as if he were gazing at a landscape. "How old is she?" She asked, trying to keep up a conversation as they adjusted the bedroom. "Nine, almost ten." Phoenix stated with a fond smile. "She just got her Cutie Mark in painting this week, if you can believe it." Rarity nodded, and reset the china onto their display. She knew from experience that this filly should be old enough to be trusted around fine china without supervision. Especially since she had the careful, steady, gentle hooves of a painter. Even if she were to attempt to handle the dishes, she'd know to be extremely careful with them. "Are you sure you want to leave those out, Lilac?" Phoenix asked cautiously, noticing the plates she was organizing. "Is your sister careful?" She rebutted. Phoenix shrugged. "Well, yes. But she's still just a filly, and she doesn't have a lot of experience with... breakable things." He cautioned. "I'll just tell her these are like one of her paintings," Rarity said with a smile. "delicate, and yet useful. Inspirational, even." Phoenix quirked his brow, and chuckled. "That might actually work, Lilac." After a few minutes of silence, unless you count the scraping of furniture moving across the floor, Phoenix took a turn staring a conversation. "Why is your Cutie Mark three diamonds, instead of flowers?" "Oh, my special talent is helping others to look their best through my dresses." She answered out of habit. She immediately smacked herself in the face for blowing her cover, and hoped beyond hope that by some miracle he didn't hear her. That's one habit she didn't even think of correcting during her training, limited as it was. "Huh, working outside of your talent? I can't help but admire that. There's not much call for a seamstress over here, nowadays." Rarity's jaw dropped, and hung loosely for a second. She could not believe how lucky she was at this stallion's understanding, even that the circumstances seemed to be lining up perfectly for her. Her mission was to send any information she got on the movement to Celestia, and she had already gathered a few useful tidbits. She was also free to supply refuge to any Earth Ponies hiding from the movement, and she already arranged for two to stay with her. And this was only her first day here! "Those Shadow Spade books were no waste of time, after all." She scoffed to herself. "Certainly made espionage training a lot easier to understand..." "She'll be waiting for me by now, Lilac. Do you want to come with me?" Phoenix offered once they had finished, walking towards the doorway. "I'd love to," she replied, trotting out as he held the door. They had walked for about four hours, turning constantly down several decrepit streets and alleys, before they stopped in the middle of an empty lot. Phoenix stepped forward slowly, and called out into the air. "Misty? It's safe to come out now, I've found a home for us." He called softly. After barely a moment, Rarity caught a movement in the corner of her eye, and turned to see a hoof gingerly making it's way out of a cardboard box. Soon, the hoof was cautiously followed by a little head, looking out with shining, hopeful eyes. The filly was easily told as a child, definitely no higher than Scootaloo, but with a pale blue coat reminiscent of a seashore at dawn. Her mane was a soft lime, striped with a more cucumber shade: and tied into long, thin braids on either side of her head, just behind each ear. In a peculiar twist, she also had a small horn peeking from her forehead, signaling her as a Unicorn. Her Cutie Mark showed her talent proudly: a thin, green-handled paintbrush dabbing into the white paint on a large palette. The palette also held colors of blue, red, green, yellow, black, and beige, and had the look of oaken wood. Rarity could only use one word to describe such a filly: 'She's... adorable...' "Misty?" Rarity asked tenderly. "That suits her quite well, just by looking at her." "Seamist Pyre, actually." Phoenix chuckled. "I just call her Misty, though." Rarity nodded, and extended a hoof out to the foal, who cowered slightly at the gesture. Seamist looked up to her brother, who nodded supportively. Slowly, she turned back, and quietly took it with a nod. Rarity smiled at her. "My name is Lilac, Seamist." She stated simply. "It's a pleasure to meet you!" The filly's eyes widened, and a small grin spread across her muzzle. She opened her mouth slightly, and rolled her tongue around: contorting her face into an adorable scrunch of concentration. Rarity looked on in concern, which then doubled when she heard Phoenix gasp. "What's wrong with her?" She asked, looking back at the teary-eyed stallion. Phoenix stepped forward slightly, and spoke in a tone of pure wonder, and joy. "She's trying to speak!" Rarity's eyes widened in surprise. "So, she's mute?" She asked cautiously, not wanting to offend either of them. "Not really," Pheonix sighed, "she's just never tried. Doc said it was a mental problem. Psychological, more than anything else. She can squeak, and squeal, but she doesn't know how to talk. And she's usually just too shy to try. You must have made quite an impact already!" Seamist tugged on Rarity's sweater, and nodded her head, causing the bangs of her mane to bob a little. She picked up a stick with her magic, and started writing in the dirt: "Nice too meet you too!" Phoenix chuckled as Rarity gawked at the mixture of her apparent affect on the dear child, and the impressive lettering. "Not even your parents could get her to try?" She immediately regretted asking, though, once both their expressions darkened. Seamist's eyes watered a little, and Phoenix took her into an embrace, before setting her on his back. "No, they couldn't. Not even dear mother could get her to speak." He sighed, before turning around, and walking off back towards the street. Rarity ran after them, desperate to apologize. "I'm so sorry if I offended you, I just--" "You didn't know," Phoenix said kindly, a hint of sadness peeking at the back of his voice, "you'll get the full story about what happened to mom at the house, after I put Seamist to bed." "What about your father?" Phoenix froze in his tracks, and Seamist seemed to try and shrink into his mane. He slowly turned, and looked back at her with eyes so dark she might have sworn they were incapable of holding light, if she had not seen him before. "Yes... you'll hear about him too..." he growled, before turning back and quickening his pace. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- "What happened after that?" Octavia asked eagerly, now able to start barely bending her hind leg again. Rarity used another piece of her prison uniform to add to the bandage on her friend's leg, and applied more wine to it: causing the grey mare to flinch. About three hours in, Rarity had decided to tell Octavia everything she could about her time as the Duchess, while she helped her with her wounds. "Sorry, 'Tavi." Rarity said calmly. "I warned you that healing this would sting." "I know, I just can't help my reflexes." Octavia sighed. "Where did you learn how to apply first aid using wine and prison food, anyways?" "You'd be surprised what sort of information the Diarchal Government can cram into your head over the course of a month." Rarity tittered. "Plus, with each letter they sent me, there were useful tidbits of survival skills and combat tips for me to memorize. Intended as a 'bonus course' for my own good, if I ever need them, I suppose." "'Letters'?" Octavia asked again, this tale seemed to get curiouser and curiouser. "Yes, letters." Rarity stated, ignorant of Octavia's puzzlement. "But, how come the Germarens let you sent letters out to Equestria?" Rarity chuckled smugly. "Because they never knew! Now let me finish..." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- After a few more hours walk, they got back inside the Flower shop. Once she stepped in, Rarity's horn glowed a slight gold for a second, and she felt a familiar aura approaching. She nervously glanced to the outside, and spoke to her new tenant. "I'm going to have to take care of some business, Phoenix." She stated nervously. "You can go ahead and make yourself and the little one comfortable, I'll be down in five minutes." Phoenix nodded, and watched with a smile as she ascended the stairs to the workstation. She walked up to the window, and shoved it open just in time to let a wisp of smoke through. The smoke swirled in front of her snout for a second, before materializing as a small parchment, wrapped up with a blue band, and sealed with a silver button. Rarity caught it in her magic, and popped the seal without hesitance. She unrolled the letter, and read it over: "Dear Rarity, I ask if you have any word of the movements, or have sent any refugees. Princess Celestia She rolled it up, and set it aside. She took out her own quill and parchment, and wrote a quick reply: "Princess Celestia, I have learned that there are rumors circulating of a massive cull on the Earth Ponies, and they have all been marked with a band around their forearm. I have also taken in two refugees: an earth pony named Phoenix, and his sister, a small Unicorn filly named Seamist. I wish to reveal my true identity to them, as I doubt they are a threat: I think they might actually be useful to us, and our purpose. I ask permission to include them in my mission. She levitated the reply, and with a flick of her horn: sent it out the window in a burst of violet flame. She trotted down the stairs, and saw Phoenix preparing a pot of tea in the kitchen across from the stairway. He noticed her startled expression, and smiled sheepishly. "I apologize, I thought you might like some tea." He offered, carrying the steaming kettle out of the kitchen with his mouth. "It's quite alright, and very kind of you, darling." Rarity said with a wave of her hoof. "I just wasn't expecting you to play host." Phoenix turned a slight shade of red after hearing her address him as 'darling', and cleared his throat. "It's no problem, Duchess. Forgive me if I seemed forward..." Rarity quirked her eyebrow, unsure of how to respond as he poured her tea, until a realization dawned on her. "Oh! My dear, you must pardon me, I often refer to ponies in that regard. I-I-I meant nothing by it!" Phoenix's heart slowed to a steady pace, and he nodded in understanding as he set a tray of cookies in between them. He sighed, and set his own tea and saucer down. "So, you want to hear what happened to our parents?" He asked unsteadily. Rarity could see a bead of sweat form on his brow, and she hesitated to let him go on. "Not if you're uncomfortable telling me, Phoenix." She comforted. He shook his head. "You might need to know, if I'm going to be working for you." Phoenix gave one last breath, and... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Silence. "And what? What happened?" Octavia asked calmly, setting the lunch Rarity had given her to the side of the bed. Rarity's head popped over the side of the top bunk, and she gave off a slightly embarrassed look. "I... don't really remember all the details. I'd started crying about halfway through it, and only memorized the outlines of it. Suffice it to say: his father and mother became more distant over the years, fighting more and more, even resulting to physical blows! They still lived together, and raised their children as best they could, but they grew to resent each other, until each day was host to a little war all it's own. "Eventually, word had spread about the angry mob of Tribe-Haters travelling through the town, killing with mob mentality. The same day I was in Marelin: the father saw the throng thundering through the streets in their bloodthirsty lookout for new victims. He turned on his heel, tripped his wife with his magic, and threw her out to the mob, screaming 'Here's another one, boys!'" Octavia's mood darkened at the story, she lowered her head a little, and saw tears forming in Rarity's eyes. "I... I won't go into too much detail as to what they did to her, but I will say that he said her blood ran down the street like a river, and it carried little bits of her with it. "He said his father joined them after they made a spectacle of their mother, and disappeared with the crowd. They never saw, or heard from him again..." More silence. That uncomfortable, brooding silence where you think it can't get any worse... before you realize that the story might only get worse. "What happened then?" Octavia asked, hoping the story would get better. Rarity shook her head out of her trance, and smiled warmly. "Well, for the most part, nothing noteworthy happened for a few months. The only important events were Celestia approving of their aid, I started trying to teach Seamist how to speak, and I helped her learn magic, as best I could. We took on another refugee, and Phoenix and I grew rather... well, close..." Octavia levitated an eyebrow, and the corner of her mouth moved upwards. 'This should be interesting...' Rarity took notice of her cellmate's smug expression, and corrected course: "Nothing like that, 'Tavi, we were only friends." She stated. "But even with such great friends helping me, it wasn't long before things went south... "...far, far south..." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Phoenix took down the picture of him and Seamist from the mantelpiece, and set it in the box he was carrying. His mane was a little unkempt from his lack of sleep, and he shuffled around in a desperate attempt to gather all traces that he was ever here. "They had to start the gathering now..." He grumbled, making no effort to hide his panic. "I'm glad we set up that false wall upstairs, hopefully it's enough to fool the Dotsy officers..." A thunderous, Kelpic voice boomed from the floor just above their heads: "Ye'r a very reassurin' bugger, you know that? W'can hear every word y'ar spittin'!" About two months in, rumors of the 'Cull' gave way to confirmation of gathering all the Earth Ponies, Mules, and Donkeys in Germareny, and setting them in secluded parts of the cities named Ghettos. News of what happened to those that refused spread across the city like wildfire, as the spellfire echoed through the streets. Even the foals were not spared, if they had an attitude about them. Rarity tried her best to comfort the poor stallion, but his nerves were right to be on edge. Plus, he always thought faster when his heart rate increased. She tapped a hoof on her head, until an idea popped through. "Maybe we could move to the country!" She said, raising a hoof triumphantly. "Where snipers could hide in the trees? No, thank you!" Phoenix scoffed. Rarity smiled smugly. "Who said anything about trees? Didn't you say your mother used to own a house on three hundred acres of open fields?" Phoenix paused, and turned his head. "I'd say that's a smart idea, Rare, but what if he's there?" Rarity levitated a steak knife with a bored expression, and slowly glided the blunt end across her throat. "We might be able to... dissuade him from doing anything stupid. A little bleeding might cure his sick mind, if you know what I mean." "When did you grow so cold-blooded?" Phoenix smiled back, making it clear he wasn't objecting. "I'll just make sure Misty isn't in any danger while we finish him--" He was unable to finish his thoughts as Rarity screamed at the sight of little Seamist running through the door: her shiny coat caked in dust and blood. "Misty!" Phoenix cried, taking the filly into his arms. He held her close, and stilled as Rarity looked her over for injuries. The blood was not her own, and the quantity reminded Rarity of when she herself fled the city. "What happened out there?" Rarity inquired. She spoke. Seamist Pyre. Spoke. One word escaped her lips. It was her first word. And it would be the one word that she would remember for all eternity: "Eck--... Ext--... Extinction..." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity drove the covered wagon out of town, with Phoenix and Bagpipe pulling on the end, and Seamist sitting to her side. She had gotten the Earth Ponies past the city guards by using her makeup skills to make them look beaten and bruised: and Phoenix had even persuaded her to use a whip on him when he became stubborn, which was more often than she liked. Once they got about ten miles from Marelin, she stopped the carriage, and hopped off her seat to go check on him. She couldn't help but be worried, though Seamist wasn't even phased by the whole experience, she had tried to persuade Rarity that her brother was strong by pointing to him, and then to her flexing forearm. Even though she still rarely spoke, she communicated quite incredibly clearly without the use of words. "Are you alright?" Rarity asked, setting a hoof on his shoulder. "I'm fine, thank ye for asking!" Bagpipe blurted in an irritated tone, bobbing his head around as he spoke. He was a rather pudgy pony, with a dark orange coat and a thick, curly red mane. He wore a flannel shirt with a plaid skirt he insisted was called a 'kilt'. Rarity- despite having a soft spot for Kelpic fashion in the spring -loved to tease him about it when she got the chance. Phoenix looked up at her with a tired expression, and smiled warmly. "Wherever did you learn to use a whip? It made noise loud enough, but our mother swatted us harder than that!" He stated with a laugh, easing Rarity's nerves. "How far is it to your mother's old home?" She asked with a relieved giggle. Phoenix examined the surrounding forest, looking for landmarks, before his eyes rested on a large boulder on the side of the road. "About thirty miles, Rare." He said, looking to the horizon. "If I keep going at this rate, we should be there before dark..." He trailed off when he noticed Rarity's horn glowing, and he heard a slight 'chink' behind his head, and beside him. Before he could speak: Rarity had levitated him into the driver's seat, laid him down, and attached herself to the yokes. He was about to speak when she turned to Bagpipe, motioned for him to climb aboard- which the brute was only too glad to do -and took off at a brisk pace: headed straight down the road. Phoenix's jaw dropped at the sight of her strength. Even though he had listened to her tales of when she was one of the Bearers of Harmony back in the homeland, he never fully realized what she was capable of. Only now did he understand her strength: she had knocked a Manticore back with a single kick, she was able to pluck a scale from a serpent, and now she was able to haul a laden wagon at twenty miles an hour like it was a paperweight. Mind, he would be able to do the same on flat ground, but he had not expected a refined lady as herself to be that acquainted with manual labor. After pulling for a while, and switching places a few times, they made it to a large, open field that was home to a large mansion in the midst of it. The empty land would provide them a spectacular view of the surrounding area, alerting them to any that approached. Unfortunately, that also meant that if he was there, he already knew of their coming. Oh, how they hoped he was the only one there, if there was anypony. After a short while of pulling, they finally arrived at the dusty front door- which was remarkably well-polished underneath the dust -and Rarity instantly took to picking the lock with her magic. The door replied to her invasion by silently swinging inwards, casting sunlight into the abandoned interior. Dust and cobwebs decorated the plush furnishings, yet they somehow still shone without stain or blemish. Rarity tried the switch by the door, and the room lit up with a sickly grey glow as the torches came to life: casting gentle shadows across the inside of the massive hall. There was a deathly smell coming from further in, but it seemed as if it used to be far stronger. Rarity gently stepped inside, and screamed in horror as she looked to their left. She pushed Seamist to stay outside with Bagpipe before the curious filly could sneak a look. Phoenix walked in while Rarity still held a hoof to her mouth in fear, and saw what had startled her: a pair of Earth Pony skeletons laid gently on the floor, dust piling up around them in a large mound. "Opa and Oma..." He lamented, stepping up to the deceased pair. "We hadn't heard from them in five years... "They must've had a stroke, or heart attacks, or something." He noticed Rarity giving him a shocked look as she wondered how he could simply comment on the deaths of ponies that close to him as if it was to be expected. He smiled at the memories of his grandparents, and looked back to her: "Ever since we moved further into the heart of Germareny, we never had much opportunity to visit them, or vice versa. Mother used to get letters from them, until they stopped coming five years ago. We expected invitations to a funeral, but when none came: we assumed they just stopped trying to get us to visit." He explained, picking up his grandmother's skull. "Can we bury them out in the fields, in the back?" Rarity thought for a moment. She wasn't going to deny him a decent burial for him ancestors. Far be her from it! She nodded, but offered an idea of her own, which seemed to please him even more... -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The shovel scraped against the dirt as it patted down the last section of the mound down. Rarity lifted it over her shoulder, and smiled down at the pair of graves in respect. Firework Burst Beloved father, and grandfather. 1822-2390 Sparkle Burst Beloved mother, and grandmother. 1824-2390 They used two stone tabletops Bagpipe had hauled from the inside for the headstones, and Seamist carved the inscriptions: using an old hammer and chisel. Her artistry never ceased to amaze Rarity. They had buried them on either side of the main walkway leading to the front door, just a couple yards behind Rarity's florist sign, which was also painted by Seamist. They still had a lot of moving in to do, and enough time to not have to worry about much. She was about to compliment the filly on her handiwork, when another scroll materialized beside her. She snapped the seal, and carefully read it: Rarity, This is a notice of war, in case you haven't already heard of it. Hitter has invaded Equestria: his first attack was on Sweet Apple Acres. We do not know why he has attacked that area specifically, but all the residential family is safe, though with minor injuries. As of now, we are at war with Germareny, and we will be needing any information from you that you can gather. Stay safe, keep all refugees you can safe. Princess Celestia. Rarity sighed with relief, and handed the note to Phoenix. He read it over, and frowned. "Your country is in trouble, if he's attacking this early." He stated dryly. "He's not one to have false confidence in his troops." Rarity stiffened. She knew he was right, and she knew Hitter as well. She ran to the wagon, pulled out a pen and parchment, and wrote into it urgently: Princess Celestia, What direction did Hitter attack from? She sent it off with lighting speed, and waited for a reply. Phoenix walked up behind her, and placed a hoof on her shoulder to comfort her. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to make you panic." He offered. "It's not that, I just remembered something of importance to my country's position in this new war." She assured him, just as a reply whisked up beside her. From the west. What do you have? She hastily wrote a simple reply: Keep your eye on the rising sun! She then turned when she heard galloping, and looked around the wagon to see an approaching stallion. She couldn't tell his race, but his color wasn't one she was used to seeing: he was a deep blue coloration, with a wavy light blue mane with magenta highlights. The most noteable detail, however, was the fact that he wore a Dotsy outfit. And once he got closer, Rarity could see that he was unquestionably a Unicorn. Bagpipe peeked his head from the interior of the mansion, and looked outside to see what was going on. Rarity turned back to Phoenix, and smiled nervously. "I hope you can understand why I did this..." "Did wha--?!" *THWOCK!* She retracted her hoof as he fell over backwards, possibly not going to wake up until the next morning. Bagpipe's jaw dropped as his eyes bulged, and he slowly retreated behind the comforting safety of the door as the inside of the house grew a sudden appeal. "That," she answered nervously, signaling for Seamist to take cover, and walking around the wagon. As the stallion neared, she saw that he had a foal on his back, and there was blood on the side of his uniform. He stopped right in front of her, muttered out a weak "Help... him..." and collapsed on the ground: dumping the foal onto the grass roughly. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- "That colt was little Grainwood, the only foal to show kindness to Seamist before she and her brother went on the run." Rarity explained, smiling warmly at the memory, while looking down at Octavia from the top bunk. "A Dotsy had carried him to safety, despite losing his own life in the process. Just goes to show not all in that militia agreed with Hitter's Dot Regime." The sun had set several hours beforehand, but neither had any sleep in them tonight. It was mostly because the gallows were right outside their window, and one in particular still had a familiar body hanging from it: his wings were forcefully shattered in several places, and several scars oozed blood onto his once brilliant light blue coat. Rarity already rued the day she'd have to tell Rainbow about this. For now, she was continuing with her story, hoping it would take Octavia's mind off the pain in her leg. The grey mare seemed to look up to her now, and each time a new section of the story began, her eyes would shine like diamonds in anticipation. Time would tell if that glow would linger, as the tale went further into what happened in those years. She debated with herself just how far she should go into her story, she didn't want Octavia to hear the unpleasant parts, but those were yet to come. And a part of her knew that no matter what she went through, Octavia has probably either seen just as bad or worse during her time in this Dotsy dungeon. "You're doing it again, Rarity. What's wrong?" Rarity snapped out of her thoughts, just to see a puddle of her own tears staining the floor beneath her. She shook her head of those dark memories, and smiled warmly once more. A little too sincerely, to Octavia's eye. "Where was I?" Rarity asked, trying to hold back tears. "Well, before you trailed off, you were talking about the child that the Dotsy died for. Grainwood, I believe." "Yes, well, you would not believe how adorable Seamist was when she found out her only friend outside of me was staying with us..." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- "Granood!" Seamist called excitedly in her little squeak of a voice, hopping up just as the young colt opened his eyes. Rarity had to hold her back to keep her from accidentally injuring the poor child. Surprisingly enough, Phoenix had awoken before the sun had set, and was able to help Rarity bandage up the foal. He was the one who identified him as Grainwood. For now, yellow foal's eyes peeped tiredly from their lids, and focused on the white fog in front of him. "M-... Mama?" He groaned. Rarity lifted a hoof to her mouth in a light gasp: she had not even given a thought as to where the colt's parents were! If the Dotsy had died trying to free the lad, what disaster had befallen his parents? "No, little Grain," Phoenix said softly, brushing some hair out of Grainwood's face, "it's just us." Grain allowed himself a little, weak smile. "Phoenix?" Phoenix nodded with a smile, and Seamist sighed in relief at her friend's response. "I cooked the lad a wee bit o' broth, if he's up fer it." Bagpipe offered, carrying a steaming mug into the room. Grain took it in his hooves, and drank it down greedily. After downing the beverage, he looked around the room, and spoke in his soft little voice: "Where's Tremor?" Silence. They could only wonder if he was referring to-- "The soldier that rescued me, where is he? I saw him take a couple shots, did you--" When he saw them all avoid eye contact, his expression fell. He lowered his head morosely, and started to cry. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity saw Octavia start to doze off, so she smiled, and lowered herself into her own bed. She was just about to shut her eyes when the door flew open, and in stepped an all-too familiar figure: "Madame Rarity, I presume?" The stallion muttered, adjusting the band on his pale trench coat. "Or, maybe you prefer to go by Lilac, hmm?" Rarity snarled at the silhouette, showing her teeth. "Hitter..." Author's Note Sorry this took so long, guys: looks like this might be a longer fic than originally planned! Next part might take a while, as this fic is supposed to present closure on the others, too! If you see any issues, please don't hesitate to point them out, and I'll fix them ASAP! Thank you for reading! Until Next Time, God Bless You!
Intermission: Last Stands, New Love.Rarity's teeth shone brightly in the torchlight as she glared at the hated figure that now stood in the doorway. Hitter grabbed one of the torches, and walked towards the bunks, yet stopped as Rarity leapt down and stood protectively between him and Octavia. "That's far enough, cur!" She spat, eyeing him in mistrust. He seemed hurt by her actions, and she saw a silver shine in the corner of his eye. "Why do you hate me so much, Rarity?" Hitter asked, his voice cracking ever so slightly. "All I ever wanted to do was purify all of Equinity, and help us, the master tribe, to grow. Surely, you cannot blame me for wanting the best for our ponies?" "You think killing off thousands of innocent ponies is for the 'Greater Good', and you wonder why I hate you?" Rarity hissed, the tone in her voice was one of pure hatred, and carried a deadly sound nopony had heard from her before. "You killed my friends, and you expect me to forgive you just like that?" Hitter levitated the torch to a far corner of the room, and lit another, and another, and another. Soon, the entire room was brightly lit, burning Rarity's eyes. She felt a clicking on her forehead, and her eyes adjusted just enough to see her Horn-Lock collapse to the floor. "Come with me, and I'll let you personally make sure your friend here makes it to the safety of Equestria." Hitter offered, gesturing to Octavia. Rarity considered the offer, and looked up to him. "It's a deal." She stated after barely a thought, much to Octavia's horror. "But, what happens to me?" Hitter smiled softly. "You get limited freedom, and I'll see if I can't persuade you to the light." "Very well," Rarity said bitterly, "but first, I need to make sure Octavia is indeed safe at her home..." -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity ducked behind the wall beside mansion window, holding a spellrifle in her hooves. It had been several months since they taken Grainwood in, and she had accepted seven more refugees in time. But they had let down their guard, and the last one was followed. Fortunately, they had been able to easily disperse the Pegasi that were attacking them, and managed to retrieve some weapons in the process. The Spellrifle was an interesting construction: operating in similar in function to our own human rifles. Only instead of bullets, it functioned by using a bar of metal that could be charged with Unicorn Magic. And since Rarity was the only adult Unicorn in the mansion, they had to all be in the same room to fight. The constant reloading took a toll on her, and was fighting collapsing from exhaustion. Even as they fought on, she couldn't help but overhear Phoenix and Bagpipe talking on the other end of the window. "Bag, did you ever think we'd go out like this?" Phoenix asked. She could hear a tremble in his voice that brought tears to her eyes. "Nay, laddie." Bagpipe commented. "This i'n't going to be yer end. You and yer marefriend are too import'nt to this country to die here. I have a feelin' you two might even be the pair that stops this war, the rest of us are onl' 'ere to help you." "Bag," Rarity called sternly, "you better not be thinking of doing anything stupid!" Bagpipe shook his head, feigning ignorance. "Nay, lass. In all me born days, I've never done a thoughtless thing." A bolt of fire whisked past Rarity's ear, and struck the wall in front of her: alighting another section of the house into flame. She quickly span around, and shot several rapid bolts out the window. Three soldiers had fallen from her attack before she ducked back. She was trying her best to fight on, but this firefight had lasted three days already, and she didn't know how long she'd be able to fight anymore. She felt ready to collapse, and just as she was wobbly enough to do so, a strong scent penetrated her nostrils. Phoenix had ducked in beside her, holding up a large mug of jet-black coffee. She graciously took it, and thanked him before she downed the black liquid, and immediately felt energy coursing through her veins. She looked between Phoenix and Bagpipe, who had now taken shelter behind an overturned table. "Are the children in safety?" "Yes, ma'am." Bagpipe called. "I'd say where they are, but I don't want those pigeons outside to overhear. Let's just say they're a li'l dirty." Rarity paused for a second in thought, but shrugged of her concerns. Hiding the children in the graves wasn't the worst place he could've thought of: he might have hid them in the attic, or the basement, come to think of it. Neither of which would work all that well, with the house both on and under fire. Before she could think any more, there was a thunderous boom outside, followed by a searing heat in the room as Rarity found herself blinded, and flying through the air. She felt herself land on the dirt with a crunch, and looked up to see the cause if the horrible explosion. A large, wheeled cannon was aimed directly at the house, and had fired into the room where she had taken refuge. She tried to stand, in order to flee, but only succeeded in wobbling to her knees. "The Unicorn is down, open fire!" She looked up, and saw seven unicorns focusing their magic into the barrel of the cannon. It aimed towards where the other refugees had hidden themselves, and charged up. What happened next was nothing but a blur. She heard a massive bellow of "NO!", and heard spellfire coming from the air. When she looked in the direction of the call, Bagpipe was running full speed towards the artillery as bolt after bolt was shot into him mercilessly. "Ready!" He charged the massive cannon as it swerved towards him. "Aim!" He leapt into the air as his primal yell drowned out all other noise easily. "Fire!" He dove forward as the barrel started to glow, and with a cry of "RUN!" he had plugged himself into the cannon: sealing it completely. There was a blinding flash, and Rarity felt four tiny hooves embrace her as the deafening thunder caused her to scream in agony. To her, the noise was so loud that all she heard of it was a tense ringing, but it stung her ears like nothing else could. She felt herself be lifted off the ground, and heard the screams of several ponies as she was carried away. After looking up to see the house engulfed in flame, she blacked out. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- She opened her eyes, despite their groans of protest, and found herself sitting next to a crude campfire in the middle of a dark forest. On either end beside her was Grainwood, and Seamist. And in front of her was the one who had obviously risked his own life to make sure they had all gotten to safety... Phoenix. His mane was a tattered, singed mess, as was his coat. He was bleeding slightly from several scars, and a single hole through his foreleg shone with cauterized blood. His eyes were focused on the fire as he was roasted a few alfalfa sausages. As she looked at his scarred face, and then into his shining eyes, she felt her heartbeat accelerate dramatically: and her face seemed to burn like fire. 'Uh oh...' She turned her face away, and hoped that her limp mane hid her growing blush well enough. She criticized herself for this predicament. How could she not have seen this coming? This was something she was not prepared for in the slightest! She didn't have her dresses, she didn't have her fainting couch- mostly thanks to those darned Dotsies burning their house down -she didn't have anything to prepare herself for this! "Nice to see that you're awake, we'd begun to worry after the third night." 'How long has his voice been so smooth?' "Y-yes, I guess I just... dozed off." She offered weakly, before a thought slapped her in the face. "Did... any of the others make it out, Phoenix?" Phoenix looked her in the eye, and his dark expression told it all. Rarity' head drooped, and the heat in her face subsided. Where would they go now? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity tore up inside at the sight of the Princesses before her, still as beautiful and regal as ever. Hurriedly, she shooed Octavia over to them, and tried her best not to cry as the mare hesitantly obeyed. Hitter stood beside her, and she swore she saw a small smile of sincerity on his cheek before he quickly hid it. "Your friend is safe, Rarity." He muttered. "I hope you'll honor your side of the deal?" Rarity smiled politely, despite her stomach's protests. "I'm your prisoner, and you may do with me as you wish." "You make it sound like I'm going to have my way with you, Rarity." Hitter chuckled, turning her back towards their dirigible with a hoof. "I assure you, I hold nothing but the best intentions at heart. I only seek purification." '... Sometimes, a small impurity can be beneficial, Hitter...' Rarity mused as she climbed aboard, stealing one final glance at her homeland. Author's Note Yes, I know I don't usually do intermissions, but I wanted to give you guys something to chew on while I figure out what to do next. I do know which direction the story is going in, I just don't yet know how to get there yet. And no, I'm not giving out any spoilers! (t might be quite a while until the next update. Until Next Time, God Bless You! ~Amethyst Dawn.
Undestroyed'Who would've guessed that running through a forest would be so relaxing?' Rarity thought. She was sweating like crazy: ducking and dodging foliage while evading the silhouetted figures behind her. She had to avoid being caught this time. She ducked a branch quickly, only to have a spider web stretched across her face. She squealed in a shrill voice as she wiped the repulsive substance off, alerting her pursuers to her position. "Over here!" Came a call from behind her. "I see her!" At the sound of the voice, Rarity turned in time to see a blur of white approaching her. She spun on her heels and darted farther into the wood, remembering how her tails couldn't make sharp turns well at this speed. She ran around a large oak, and hid behind it as the blurs darted past her. She then heard a cry of "D'oh, come on!" as she ran back to the east. Sweat dripped from Rarity's brow as she jumped over a rotten log, only to have the shapes glide over it with seamless ease: they seemed to be more experienced at this than she was. She was too busy admiring their skill to notice a larger shape running beside her before he gained ground, turned, and lunged at her from the side. She felt a rough form ram against her own, and next thing she knew she was pinned to the ground. "I got her!" Phoenix yelled, grinning as Seamist and Grain jumped out of the shrubbery on their left. "Aw, man," Grain chuckled. "I wanted to catch her this time!" "We definitely took longer to catch up with her this time, and that means she's improving along with you two." Phoenix chuckled. "Am I right, Ra--... Rarity?" Rarity's eyes were glazed over, and the corner of her mouth had curved into a small, satisfied smile. Her eyes blinked slowly as the scent of Phoenix's sweat went into her nostrils like perfume, and she felt her face heat up again. "Rarity, are you zoning out again?" She snapped herself into reality, and desperately tried to hide her red face as he helped to stand her up. "Y-yes, I'm so sorry, Phoenix, it--... I just--" "I understand, Rarity." Phoenix sighed. "It's hard to watch your friends die, while you live on." Rarity was about to correct him, but she stopped as two realizations crossed her mind: if she told him now, there would be no room for the dramatic reveal she had planned since she was six. And the thought that she had hardly given thought to the deaths of the other refugees made her feel guilty. If Phoenix knew about that, he might regret saving her life! What interest could he have in her, if she was as heartless as a Dotsy? But then, they had only been in the woods for two months, and the children seemed to recover quickly. But then again, both had had some pretty dramatic previous experience with death. Seamist had seen her mother literally torn asunder by an angry mob, then seemed pretty perky within a month's time. Fighting the urge to tell Phoenix everything, Rarity smiled weakly at him. "Y-yes, it's a little..." She trailed off as she looked around the wood. "Where's our camp?" "Back this way, Rare!" Grain called, turning to run back into the woods. Seamist gave an excited nod, and ran after him, giggling. "Should they run off like that, while we're still in hiding?" Rarity inquired turning to-- oh my, how his coat seemed to shine in her eyes, when the sun hits it just like that... "I'd answer that, but I don't want to jinx it." Phoenix sighed, walking beside her. Rarity nodded in understanding, and walked along beside him in quiet content. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- She looked off the deck of the airship Roquefort, as Equestria disappeared into the distance. She sighed heavily, and hung her head over the rails. Oh, how tempting it was to greet the Barraki-infested waters below as they got closer to Germareny, all it would take is a simple jump. But, she decided against it. She promised Octavia that she would see this damned war through to the end, so she would do her best, in order to try and do just that. Hitter wasn't making it any easier for her, though, despite his best efforts. He tried to make sure she was comfortable, but that only served to make her less so. What does it mean about her when a beast such as him took genuine interest in her, when all the true nobles back in Canterlot only ever referred to her as 'Charmingly rustic'? Rarity shoved such thoughts out of her head, this was not the time to give in to depression. A desperate plan had begun to form in her mind, a plan that just might be crazy enough to work. She’d just need a tool… "Enjoying Impress view, Miss Rarity?" She turned to find a familiar filly staring up at her. This little squirt was somehow promoted to be Hitter's personal assistant, even though she was barely as old as Sweetie Belle! She was also rather gangly for her size, and hovered on her wings with an ongoing buzz. Rarity remembered this foreigner and her father from a concert about six years ago, despite how much she'd changed since. "Zippowill," Rarity questioned calmly, "why ever did you choose to work with Hitter?" Zippo looked at her as if the answer should be obvious, and chuckled to herself on a high-pitched hum of a laugh. "Because if I wasn't Hitter's Assistant, Rarity, I wouldn't be able to give to you this very well!" She chirped, handing over a small parcel. Rarity took it curiously with her magic, and held it up. It was rather awkwardly shaped, and was wrapped completely in a cloth tied with a thin black twine. Rarity was about to ask what it was, when she felt some of her magic drain into it. Rarity cringed at the familiar sensation, and looked up to the filly. "What is this?" "A tiny tool, Rarity," Zippowill whispered as she leaned down, and placed a hoof on Rarity's shoulder. "Don't unwrap until you're in own quarters." With that, she was gone. Rarity looked confusedly at the small… thing in her hooves. She placed it in her pocket, and resumed her gazing. She had discovered another ally, from yet another unexpected place. She just hoped this one lives through the war… -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The Camp was a humble sight: a mere gathering of logs, twigs, leaves, mud, and moss, designed to blend in with the hilly forest scape. Rarity crested the hill just as Grainwood opened their largest home's door, and went inside with Seamist. "Do you think we should give them some privacy?" Phoenix joked, gaining a punch in the shoulder from a giggling Rarity. "Darling, they're ten." She chuckled. "So... that's a yes?" She smacked him again, chuckling at his antics. He was always making her laugh lately: and she couldn't tell if it was out of his good humor, or if he was trying to cheer her up. Of course, she knew she might just be laughing because that odd fluttering sensation she got in her chest whenever she was alone with him tickled her insides like a feather, but she preferred to think that it was the joke itself. It was a rather clever joke, and she admired how he could make light of any situation he needed to. Oh, how amazing she found that in her eyes, he knew precisely when to be serious, and when to joke. He was clever like that, and witty, and calming… and comforting… and certainly not bad to look at… Rarity shook her head in an attempt to clear her mind of the pesky fog, and stopping herself from getting lost in his eyes… again. Unfortunately for her, he seemed to take notice. “Are you sure you’re alright, dear?” Time stopped, her blood burned, and her body froze. She felt like her face had been dropped into a vat of boiling tar, and her tail instantly frazzled with a loud-- *POMF* Oh, how she hoped she wasn’t mishearing what he just said. Then again, it could be that she was reading too far into it. After all, she had called him pet names like that in the past, and meant nothing by it... … Or… did she? Thinking back, she couldn’t help but focus on how she was acting around him. Lately, it had escalated, of course. But before that, she always seemed to be protecting him and their-- his sister, as if they were her own family. She never cared for anypony like this before, aside from her own family. It was strange to feel like this around ponies she’d only known for around a year, rather than her- or their –whole life. She slowly allowed herself to relax, and gazed out to their little encampment. Grain and Seamist were now playing tag in the dirt in between the huts, and making royal messes of each other: laughing and giggling all the way. They played so joyfully and innocently, without a single care in the world. It made her heart yearn for the times spent with Sweetie Belle back in Equestria, but also kept her satisfied with the time she was spending with them. She then turned to Phoenix: he was always so calm, collected, and concerned for her well-being. The very sight of him once again made her smile as her face heated up, but she didn’t mind it this time, she was lost in his sapphire eyes once again. He had shown his courage, chivalry, and nervousness. He was strong, yet vulnerable, and that made him glow all the more in her eyes. Yes, yes, this was her family. Not like Sweetie, or mother, or father. But… more like her own family: something she was able to build from the ground up, and earned through trials she had never seen before. She had fought for this family, she had defended and protected this family. She was prepared- and willing -to die for this family, if the worst came to pass… She was the mother of this family, and Phoenix would be the father. Together, they would raise Misty and Grain, not as their own: but as if they were an elder youth, looking after their younger siblings. “You’re starting to worry me, Rarity.” She snapped out of her trance, and realized the sun was setting over the horizon: and the foals had already set up a fire. Sweet Celestia, she must have zoned out for over a half hour! No wonder the poor boy was concerned, while she stared into his eyes for so long. She could see a reddish tint to his cheeks, and he looked her in the eye in worry. She cleared her throat, and her face burned hotter than ever before: “Y-y-yes, well, I’m fine… I just… need to tell you something…” His eyebrow raised, displaying his interest, and prompting Rarity to continue. This was it. This was the moment to do it. She felt even more blood rushing to her face as she slowly scooted closer to him, closing the distance between the two of them. She laid a hoof on his shoulder, and looked him deep in the eyes, begging for this moment to never end. Oh, how easily she was lost in those diamonds: they shone with gentle firmness, and hard beauty. The eyes really are the gateway to the soul, for in her mind, everything great about him was reflected in his eyes. Everything from the warming glow of his compassionate heart, to the resilient strength behind the indestructible nature of his courage, to the subtle twinkle of immense intelligence that went into every action he performed. “Phoenix, I... I lo--” “When you two lovebirds are done staring into each other’s eyes, could you come over for supper?” Grain called from the camp. “You bugged us last night about putting out the fire before the smoke builds too much, after all.” Phoenix glared at the colt for the untimely interruption, but Rarity was merely heartbroken: she couldn’t face another interruption like this, she needed to act, and now was proven to be yet another bad time. She clenched her eyes and jaw as she stood, and ran to the largest of the huts. Her tears and sobs streaming a trail behind her. She heard Phoenix utter a call for her to wait, yet she refused to heed it as she slammed the hidden door behind her, letting her limp mane fall over her eyes as anguish wracked her. How long must she bear this alone? She shouldn’t have to hold this in, so she wouldn’t. She. Was. Done. She was done with these interruptions, with the badly-timed tries, with her pathetic sulking like a caged animal. Out here, she was free. Despite having to constantly watch her back, she felt freer out here than she ever did at home… probably because out here, she had to work for her independence. She felt fresh tears tickle her cheek as she choked out sob after sob, mental eye focusing back on the stallion that had plagued both her mind and heart for months now. No, she had to tell him… she will tell him. Tonight! No matter what she had to do, he would know tonight… She looked up, and walked over to the suitcases that Phoenix had managed to salvage from the wreckage of the Estate, during one of the few times they dared to return. She walked over to the large red one she knew was hers, and opened it as she shifted her gaze to a large object, covered with a sheet she had made out of moss. Fortunately for her: this time, she was prepared… -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Phoenix and the children stayed outside for a while to eat their supper, since Rarity had refused on the grounds that she ‘wasn’t hungry’. She knew he didn’t believe her one bit, but he obviously knew better than to try and force a lady to eat when she refused. Another tip from their mother, undoubtedly. She sighed, as the article was a tighter fit than she remembered, but she considered that the tautness might just suit her purposes all the more. Just when she had barely finished preparations, there came a blunt knocking on the hidden door: “Rarity, may I come in?” “Yes, do come in!” She chirped, flushing at the high pitch that flew from her throat. Not exactly the tone she was used to, certainly. She hoped he either didn’t notice, or didn’t find it odd. Third option being he dismissed it as her having killed another spider, and washing it off her hooves. 'Oh, how I hope he doesn’t think I'm washing off spider gore in the drinking water again...' she chuckled to herself. 'That was only one time...' Phoenix opened the door, and seemed to have prepared himself for anything... Uh… Make that almost anything, apparently… His jaw dropped from what he saw, making her giggle delightfully. Rarity was dressed in a black, silken dress with a white shirt collar peeking out around her neck. She was laying on her right side, with her left knee slightly crossed over her hindleg as her left hoof rested on her hip. Her right hoof dangled lazily over the side of her famous ‘fainting couch’ -which had somehow survived the fire- and her lips were curved into a loving smirk, painted just slightly in a pink, yet rosy color. Her mane was combed back into its normal style, for the first time in far over a year. So, to him, it helped her look up to her namesake: a true rarity among mares. And in it rested a black rose that supported a small, thin veil which barely covered her right eye. A small fur was draped over her shoulder, and her eyes shone in the torchlight, as did the pink on her cheeks. She smiled wider as Phoenix’s face flooded with color, and he seemed to find himself at a loss for words. His tongue moved, but the sound stuck in his throat, as his heart skipped. Neither made any noise, but the atmosphere spoke volumes: Rarity was calm, collected, and prepared, having planned this moment precisely since she was a child. Phoenix was nervous, frozen, and completely lost as to what was going on. His heart raced, but his mind was stopped by the flawless magnificence of the mare before him. He had definitely heard of her fashionista ways before, as she remembered telling him how she preferred to be prim and proper. But, unbeknownst to her, he never truly expected to see such radiance from any being on Equus. For a moment he thought he had passed into the shores of Everpeace, far beyond death’s door, and was looking into the presence of an angelic being from the world’s end. He knew this was Rarity: for her eyes still shone like sapphires. But… this was indeed the Rarity he knew, only more so. More radiant, more calmed, and more pure. More… “Breathtaking…” That was exactly what she was hoping to hear, though actually hearing it roll off his tongue made her little cup of joy overflow. Smiling, Rarity slowly shifted herself to an upright position, and patted the seat next to her. “I believe it’s time we had a little talk, Phoenix Pyre…” she cooed. She grinned even broader as beads of sweat formed on his brow. He slowly approached, and sat down next to her. His face had turned from brown to dark red within minutes, and he had no idea what was happening. Rarity took a deep breath, smiled warmly, and skootched closer to him. Forcing him to make eye contact, and letting her get lost in those gorgeous sapphires once more. “What do you want to talk about?” Phoenix said nervously, looking out a concealed window. It was then that Rarity realized, this was hardly the time: they were on the run, others had died to save them barely two months ago, they were being hunted as they speak, they had finally found a good spot, things were going well, she had finally gathered enough courage, and good god how she wanted to just kiss him and get it over with. She snapped herself out of her trance long enough to realize that her eyelids were sinking shut, and she was slowly leaning towards him. Both their faces burned in realization at what was going on, but neither made a solitary move to stop it. A thousand worries ran through Rarity’s head: is this the proper place to start off? What if he doesn’t love her back? What if he didn’t enjoy their kiss? What if she didn’t enjoy it? What if he hates her for even considering them anything more than friends? What if this destroys their friendship? Why was she suddenly so bold, after three weeks of nervous shyness? She calmed herself, and felt her brow grow sweaty as these few split seconds turned into an eternity: She was fed up with hiding this, with being alone, with being unloved. She was fed up with being so close to him, while also feeling completely isolated. She let her eyes shut after a half-second, and pushed forward even faster: these inches were too close to miles for her liking. Crossing them took decades, and she felt even more alone and fearful the closer she got. Then, the unexpected happened. Phoenix, despite his previous shyness, met her halfway. The force behind their meeting pushed her head back several inches, making her eyes shoot open, and causing her to look at him in surprise. She felt goosebumps spike up all over her, and her blush became all any could see of her face. Slowly, she slid her eyes shut once more, and pushed forward: lifting a hoof around his neck. His lips were soft, and tasted of that evening’s elderberry dinner. And her nose tickled at his rugged, deep breaths. She could smell his scent even stronger: and it held her in place. He met her halfway. The burst of emotion that came out in that solitary moment was enough to warm their hearts of all wounds. Phoenix and Rarity no longer cared for anything: the war didn’t exist, the cold didn’t exist, and the Dotsies didn’t exist. Even Hitter himself didn’t exist in their minds. For in that moment: there were only two ponies in Germareny. Rarity was in bliss at their lips’ steady contact, despite how awkward it was. Neither of them cared, they both knew what this was. This was love. And for the first time in forever, they both felt soothed, and protected. They both felt the warmth of the other against them, and it gave them courage. They were no longer split, they were finally one. And nothing would ever get in between them again. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Outside, two foals excitedly giggled as the scene unfolded: watching every inch of it. Until soon enough, they became embarrassed by the spectacle, and stepped down from their perch to give the pair some much-needed privacy. Seamist smirked, and held out her hoof towards Grain, nodding towards it with her head. He grumbled, and handed over the five marks he had kept on his person: “I could’ve sworn it would take her a couple months…” Seamist chuckled, and shook her head. “Nope: three weeks!” She practically sang. Grain smiled warmly at her. “I like it when you speak, your voice is pretty.” Seamist lowered her head in a blush. But soon she shivered, looked up into the black sky, then back to her hut. Grain followed her actions, and looked to his own adjacent hut: “Yeah, we should probably get to bed…” he agreed. They both said goodbye, walked to their huts. And all had called it a night. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity opened the door: fighting the unwanted memories out of her head. Such a storm of unneeded nostalgia made her sick, and she didn’t feel like hurling her lunch again. She slowly sulked over to her bed, and took out the small wrapping that Zippowill had given her. She slowly undid the twine, and watched as the single cloth flap fell off of the peculiar object: revealing it entirely. It was a small locket: wrought in great detail by the most talented silversmith, and a single white jewel shone in its center. Its metal was curved and bent gracefully to resemble a heart, and several decorative gears filled its innermost core around the gemstone. Rarity was confused by it, until she noticed small writing on the cloth: 3, 3, 2, 1. Activate when needed. “Well, that’s a fat lot of use now, isn’t it?” She grunted, tossing it carelessly onto the nightstand. With a sigh: Rarity plopped herself down onto her bed, and felt warm tears force themselves towards the front of her eyes. She hid the parcel in her desk drawer, saving it for later: whatever it was, she could only hope it was a way to get her out of here. She slowly rolled onto her back, and stared at the ceiling above her. She could pick out the individual niches and cracks, but what she saw instead were hills and rivers: a perfect map of their dear forest. She traced along the ‘rivers’ with her eyes, remembering all the times they’d all take a dip on a particularly hot day: the children laughing, splashing in the water. Phoenix and her watching them play, snuggled up to each other. Sneaking a smooch every once in a while, as they grew together. Those times were the best of her life, and now, all that remained of them were haunting memories. She wished she could reach out, and touch them: but those days were gone. The tears returned, as she found herself slowly drifting off to sleep as she sobbed. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- “Can I call you mama?” Rarity bolted upright from her relaxed position, under the shade of a great oak, and turned to the little filly: who was looking at her hopefully. Phoenix stirred from his nap at her head’s sudden absence from his stomach, and rubbed his eyes sleepily. “I’m… not sure if that’s wise.” She said gently, picking up Seamist with her horn: “I wouldn’t want to replace your mother. Plus, with me courting your brother and all…” “But, you’re a lot like her.” Seamist pleaded, grabbing a lock of Rarity’s mane. Rarity went silent, until she heard Phoenix speak up: “Indeed, you resemble her a lot… I don’t know why I never really noticed it before…” “How do I resemble her?” Rarity asked unsurely. “Is it my hair, or my coloring?” “Your heart,” Seamist sighed, snuggling up to the shocked mare. “My… what?” “Your heart, Rarity,” Phoenix chuckled: “now I know what the resemblance is: I remember feeling its glow when I first saw you straightening your sign, and you practically shone with warmth. It’s that that drew me to you, when I was looking for a safe place to hide: just the sight of you was reassuring, and I knew you were the perfect pony to go to for help.” Rarity teared up, and looked between the two: should she? Shouldn’t she? She saw no reason why not. She looked eagerly to Phoenix, and he nodded. Rarity cooed, and held Seamist as close as she could: sobbing. “I…” she choked: “I would be honored… for you to call me mama…” Seamist started to cry as well, and they remained in the embrace for quite some time. Phoenix only smiled to himself: deep in thought. “You’d make a fantastic mother.” Rarity sobbed for a few more moments, before slowly turning her head: “What?” Obviously, he didn’t intend to say that out loud. She could tell by the change of his façade: instantaneous from calm and thoughtful to nervous and jumpy in the blink of an eye. Rarity smiled coyly, and shooed a cheerful Seamist back to playing in the creek. She slowly turned back to Phoenix with a smug smile, and a cocked brow: “I’d make a fantastic mother, hmm?” She giggled: she loved the deep pink shade that flushed into his face as soon as the words slid off her tongue. She decided to play with him a little, and see just how red his face could get. “You know, darling, that’s not a bad idea…” Silence. Utter silence prevailed as he reached scarlet. “… certainly, a child would be something we could both enjoy…” He fell straight into cardinal. “… I’ve heard a child is a load of fun, even the very conception of it…” Carmine, by then: he looked like a sweaty, overripe tomato. One more… “… and it might be an interesting thing to try…” She leaned in close for the kill: “… Soon.” Ladies and Gentlecolts, we’ve reached rosewood. Repeat: we have reached rosewood. He was sweating profusely by now, and his face was so red that he would’ve blended in with a brick wall. He was lying on his back, and had slowly been scooching back with every advance she made. She set a hoof over his side, and gave him the most alluring, irresistible smile she could: the shape remaining somewhat smug, with half-lidded eyes added in for effect. Her eyebrow was arched as she gave him a knowing look. Her hot breath tickled the fur on his muzzle, and he crunched his nose a bit as the sensation. She planted a firm kiss on his lips, and slowly lifted her head regally. “Of course, there’s nopony around to marry us, so we’ll have to wait until we find a trustworthy town.” She said flatly as she rolled onto her back. She took note of how his expression morphed in the corner of her eye: two parts relieved, and one part disappointed. She chuckled to herself, taking pride in her work, she even impressed herself there! But, all joking aside, she wondered if she would indeed make a good mother… or wife… She was starting to regret that last jibe: she felt like she hit a low mark when she voiced how alone they were in a country that was turned against the-- “I might know a town…” Phoenix pondered, tapping his chin: “it’s all Earth-pony, and it’s isolated. I doubt that the Dotsies haven’t found it yet, but it’s reclusive enough to be worth a try.” Rarity froze, yet instantly knew what to do: “We need to let the children have their say in this.” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- “Yes!” Little Seamist’s cry echoed in their hut, as she bounced up and down excitedly. Grain kept a thoughtful expression, but remained quiet. “Misty, we want you to understand something.” Phoenix cautioned. “Here, we’re safe: we’re lost from all prying eyes. If we go back into civilization, there’s a chance we will be caught, and placed into the Ghettos, or even killed. We’ll only go if the vote’s unanimous: meaning you’re all willing to take such a risk.” Seamist stopped her bouncing at the word ‘Ghetto’, and the heartbroken look in her eyes made Rarity regret even bringing this up. “It’s worth it to me.” All eyes turned to Grain, who was still looking morosely at the floor. He looked up slightly, and managed a brave grin: “I was raised on stories of ponies who were willing to die for things most thought trivial, and now that I’m living in those same times: it’s time for us to test our resolve. Would we be willing to risk death, for two ponies more in love than I’ve ever seen to get married? I’m scared of death, but…” He looked up to them, and held his head high: “I’m willing. I think it would be a great way to show that there is still hope: no matter how much that demon in the trench coat tries to destroy it.” Phoenix’s jaw hung loose, and Seamist’s eyes were the size of dinner platters. Rarity was moved, as they all were, but she was less surprised by his phrasing. She teared up at his courage, and opened her forearms for an embrace: an offer which he gladly accepted. “Where on Equus did you learn to talk like that?” Phoenix said: mouth still agape. Rarity looked over her shoulder at him, and smiled. “Surely, you didn’t think I’d keep those books you salvaged to myself, did you?” Phoenix remained shocked, but Seamist seemed satisfied, as she ran over: and planted a little, innocent kiss on Grain’s cheek. Rarity chuckled at the display of thanks, while Grain merely smiled. Rarity turned to Phoenix: “How far is this town?” She asked. “It’s… about two weeks’ hike east from here, across some pretty rough country…” He stated, opening the eastern ‘window’- which was little more than a well-camouflaged flap in the hut’s wall –and gazing out to the horizon: trying to recover from what he just witnessed. “…which should be an advantage to us: thanks to our daily drills.” “Perfect, we’ll need to whip up some packs for supplies…” Rarity nodded, bouncing her hoof in midair as she counted things off: “Sticks, grass, and a little bark should make decent enough packs. Worse comes to worse, we could always eat them. We should only bring the necessities: furs, food, water, and the like. We can send someone for the books and furniture after…” She stopped, and looked over to Phoenix curiously. “What’s the name of this town, anyways?” Phoenix smiled a bit, at the memory of his last visit there. “Brookhaven, Rarity.” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- After three days of preparation, the group finally set out for the isolated down of Brookhaven: in hopes of finding it unnoticed. “What are the odds that the Dotsies haven’t found this ‘Brookhaven’, yet?” Rarity inquired, after an hour’s hike. “Based on my math: Fifty-fifty.” Phoenix admitted. Rarity smiled gently as she looked back to the foals: “Well, considering how every other town was already found, or burned: I’d say the odds are in our favor.” She chuckled, prompting a small smile from the tense stallion. While looking back, she noticed Seamist take a rather nasty stumble in the snow. She stopped as Grain helped her back up, and took note of her shivering. She slowly fell back, and levitated both filly and colt with her magic: placing them in a couple of large, snug pouches she had made care to fasten onto her own pack. Phoenix smiled as the foals looked around in confusion: “So that’s what those are for, eh?” Rarity smirked. “Surely, you didn’t think I’d doom these poor children to hiking in the snow for hours by themselves, did you?” “How very generous of you,” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity woke with a start, when there was a rapid knocking on her door. She slowly lifted her head, and looked over to the clock: 3:42. “Frau Rarity, Master Hitter requires your presence.” A familiar voice called from outside. Rarity groaned: “At four in the morning, Zip?” There was a long pause as Rarity stood up, and put on one of her new dresses. “It’s… the afternoon…” Zip replied. “How much sleep did you miss on that ship?” Rarity opened the door: casting light on her baggy eyes, and loose mane. “Ugh… all of it…” She mumbled, yawning widely. She slowly sulked out of the doorway, and gladly accepted Zip’s offered shoulder: she doubted she would’ve been able to walk that far. Zippowill foundered under Rarity’s weight for a second, before gladly supporting the tired mare. Rarity made an effort to thank her for her generosity, and she merely smiled in return. After getting help walking to Hitter’s meeting room, memories started flashing into her head: A single, filly, alone in the snow… A once-heavenly palace set ablaze… A mighty dragon reducing a threatening hoard to ash… … And another one woken angrily from his hiding… It all came back to her: she remembered that hike through the woods as the seasons shifted, and arriving at the old town… “What are you thinking about?” Zip inquired, using her wings to help her support the exhausted mare. Rarity looked at her with a small smile. “My family, dear,” she answered plainly. “My family, our adventures, and their darling little stories…” Zip nodded understandingly, and smiled supportively: “I heard about that battle, big one, a giant duel there: ended in retreat, many uncaptured. Your family: still alive, yes?” Rarity’s smile drooped, as did her entire head. Zip immediately cursed herself, just before she heard a faint mumble escape her charge’s lips. “I... hope so. But... I..." Rarity let her head fall limply over her chest. "I doubt it...” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The howling blizzard beat ferociously against Rarity’s face as she desperately tried to keep the fire alive: rubbing the sticks together like mad. Phoenix shuddered in the abyssal chill as he struggled to put up the last log, in hopes to shield them from the wind. Seamist and Grain were huddled against Rarity to gain warmth, and the fire finally kicked up. Phoenix slowly sulked back: shivering as his sweat practically froze in the cold: “I g-g-got the w-wall up-p, Rare.” He quivered, collapsing from exhaustion near the fire. Rarity choked back tears as she took one of the blankets from her back, and floated a blanket to him: “Will you accept this now?” Phoenix could only manage a small nod, as his eyes looked to the stacking snow around them. Rarity could tell he was weak from the cold, but he had insisted she needed to be warm, after he caught her shivering out of the corner of his eye. She cursed her sheltered life, and made a mental note: in exile, one packs warm. “All my years of knowing these woods: and I’ve never even heard of a blizzard this strong…” Phoenix mumbled, inching closer to the fire. “Do you suppose the Pegasi around here are hostile to us?” Rarity inquired, securing the foals in a thick blanket as she walked around the fire to her love. Phoenix gave her a small smirk: “Doubtless, but that has n-nothing to do with the weather, my dear. Here in the woods, we are at the mercy of nature: not the other way around.” Rarity nestled in next to him under the blanket, and wrapped a forearm over him to keep them together. “So… it’s like--” “--it’s like the Everfree Forest of your lands, yes. But that is just what most woods are like out here.” He interjected. Rarity nodded, and looked into the sky: which was constantly obscured by the white streaks of the falling snow. “The only time I remember hearing of a storm like this, was when mother would tell us the tale of Eisdrache Beflammung …” Rarity lowered her head in time to see a single, silver tear trickle down Phoenix’s cheek, as he smiled in his fond nostalgia. She felt a tear come into her own eye as she nuzzled his chin: “Do you remember it?” “Like it was my own life…” “Then tell me,” Phoenix returned the embrace: settling his chin on her forehead, just below her horn as she breathed his scent. He started to whisper the tale as the children fell to sleep: “Mother’s grandmother told her of the spirit in the mountain: an immense shapeshifting Lindworm by name of Eisdrache Beflammung, or Cold-drake the Flaming in the Common. She was named such for her mighty power over ice, wind and fire. “Legend has it that she was the protector over the lands of the mountain of Seelensplitter, and her great blizzards drove many sentient beings close out. Not until a Unicorn by the name of Fire Thought pleaded to her for land and protection, in return for food, companionship, and praise. “Being a drake of ice, she was at first appalled by the notion of having several mortal creatures dragging themselves all over her land. But, he amused her: so she agreed, on the condition that all of his promises were to be met.” Rarity listened intently to the story, and felt both herself and Phoenix growing warmer. Howls in the distance kept her wary, but she felt herself drifting. “She would often disguise herself as a white falcon, and observe the ponies from the rooftops. She was impressed by their diligence, and intrigued by their companionship and teamwork. She admired the way each looked out for the other, and how love bloomed between them over time. For Lindworms, the males were lucky if a female ever let them into their territory, let alone into the den. And the males more often than not killed their mates as soon as their eggs were laid, and took off with her horde. She longed for the love of another, rather than the lust common of drakes. Slowly, a plan for the next day formed in her mind. “On the morrow, she sat smiling from the perch outside her cave as Fire Thought came up the mountain to deliver her monthly treat: ten well-cut rubies. For her, it was scarcely a second of chewing, but she was strangely generous for a dragon, and didn’t want the poor ponies to exert themselves on something she could do at half the effort. “When Thought reached the top of the path, he knelt before her: and presented the gemstones. She thanked him, and took them into her den. When she came back out, he was already headed down the path…” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- ”Fire Thought!” The great white worm smiled cunningly as her voice echoed across the mountainside: stunning the pony five yards from her. Her scales shone with cyan when the light hit them, helping her appear as the ice she welded in her throat. The scarlet Unicorn slowly turned his head in worry at her new tone, plainly worried of what he did to upset her so. His golden mane blew in the air as he galloped back to her, and she admired each hair of it. “What did I do, oh great Eisdrache?” He begged, kneeling before her. “It has been three years since you came to me, pleading for a home, am I not right?” Eisdrache boomed, flaring out her vast wings from her wrists. She drank in the terror of the cowering noble, yet regretted that decision immediately after. “Y-y-you are correct, mighty guardian.” He called in a quailing tone. “Then why haven’t all your promises been fulfilled?” He looked up at her in worried forgetfulness: “Pardon me for questioning your memory, for I am doing so for my own, but what accord haven’t we met? We’ve provided you with food, praise, and companion… ship…” She smiled at his hesitant tone. “Indeed, you worship me as a demigod: yet you deny me the third aspect of our contract?” Realization flashed across his features, and he looked up at her with great apologies written across his face: “Great Lady of the Mount, I cannot believe I have forgotten such an important promise! I take full responsibility for this treachery upon myself, for my ponies made no such oath.” She smiled, and exhaled a warm breath onto him: “A simple mistake to mend, if we merely agree on a solution.” “Whatever you suggest, Mighty Guardian,” Eisdrache scratched her chin with a claw, before bending down to the pony, and displaying her toothy maw with a grin. “You ponies are to hold a festival tonight, if I’m not mistaken.” Fire nodded curiously. “Indeed, do you wish to be present?” Eisdrache’s smile broadened. “As I thought, you are on the same train of thought as I. But, I would be rather frightening in this form, and the falcon is too conspicuous nowadays.” Fire quirked a brow: “You were the falcon?” “Yes, but there will be a time to address that later. For now, I must try something…” She focused on Fire’s form, as a golden glow slowly resonated from her own: and vibrations shook the outcrop. Fire Thought shielded his eyes from her radiance with a forearm, and slowly turned once she had finished. What greeted his eyes took the breath from his throat: Before him stood a beautiful Unicorn, with a coat as blue as a beautiful autumn sky, and a flowing mane that sparkled like the winter icicles in a moonlit cavern. Her ruby eyes shone in fiery contrast, yet remarkably complimented her cool coloration rather well. A luminescent, cerulean dress decorated with icy patterns adorned her slim form: as is slowly faded into translucence on her back legs. She stepped forward delicate forearms, hesitantly. “H-how do I look?” She asked, giving off a nervous smile. Fire’s words couldn’t escape his tongue as he beheld what stood before him: a creature with the might of a dragon, turning out to be as delicate as… as an… “Edelweiss…” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Phoenix smiled as he felt Rarity’s breaths even out, as she slowly welcomed the dream world before her eyes. “Needless to say, she went to the festival, and enjoyed the newfound bond between her and her charges. She became an even greater guardian, and was known no more as Eisdrache. Now, she was known as Edelweiss: the gentle, winter flower.” He scrunched his nose in thought: “Some variations of the legend go on to say that she became Fire’s bride, but I’m not sure if that was in the original tale or not. Regardless, Brookhaven became a sacred city: and a stronghold for the Earth Pony tribe. Other tribes are welcome, and tradition always has a Unicorn as the mayor, but it remains mostly Earthen in population.” He felt his fiancé doze softly, and he kissed her on the forehead. “Sleep well, my Edelweiss.” When he closed his eyes, he was too late to notice a small, peaceful, blushing smile form on her face. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity opened the office door, weary from the short walk from her suite. The smiling face of the figure behind the large desk made her sick to her stomach. Hitter was sitting up behind his large desk: His mustache had grown little, but his hair was slicker than she remembered and very well-combed. He smiled at her as if she were an old friend, and that made her insides churn. To make it worse, he was wearing the coat. Her coat. One designed with intense, fond care: the admiration of the wearer made clear with each stitch and sow. And now, her hard work and tender, loving care was reduced to nothing less than the symbol of one Stallion’s hatred for another: and the ultimate sign of his unwavering loathing for an entire tribe. That clinched it. A moment before, she thought she couldn’t feel any sicker. Now, seeing him proudly displaying the biggest mistake she ever made- as if it was a gift from the gods –made her feel even worse. She felt her insides churning with the force of an imploding star, before her lightheadedness took control. Right then, right there: she lost her lunch on the bastard’s carpet. Hitter’s smile vanished, but not because of the new blemish on his runner. He briskly walked over to her, and offered a forearm supportively. “Are you alright?” She couldn’t tell if she should admire his chivalry, or be disgusted by his unflinching attention to her. She always thought of him as a monster, yet here he was: fretting over her health like an old friend. The fact that a pony who condoned the cull of an entire tribe was still equine enough to care for another created a paradox in her mind: how could this be? Regardless, she accepted his help, and he signaled for Zippowill to get a mop. Rarity let him escort her to a lounger to the side of his desk, where he sat her down with care: and used his magic to lift over some tea. She greedily accepted it, but paused to glare at him: stopping the cup just before it reached her lips. Much to her shock, and confusion, there was an immediate look of pain in his eyes: as if that glare alone managed to hurt him more than any bullet would. “It’s not poisoned, Rarity.” He said softly. When she carefully took a sip, but continued to shoot daggers at him with her eyes, he backed away: and went back to working the papers at his desk. She eyed his movements carefully. Before, she remembered each of his movements being calculated, as if he had planned out everything that went by. Now, however, he showed some nervousness: his hoof shook slightly as he grappled the next document, before he read it over, and signed it hurriedly with a quill. He seemed to feel… exposed? He glanced at her from his peripheral, and sighed: “Why?” Rarity stopped in the middle of a drink: and lifter her head to get a better look at him. “Beg pardon?” “Why do you constantly examine me, looking for a weakness, as if I’m a dragon that needs to be slain?” The sound in his voice was not one she had anticipated: the sound of genuine sorrow at her rejections constantly threw her off, and bothered her to no end. She felt guilty for not being more sensitive to him, but she always ended up reminding herself that this pony was more monster than equine. She contorted her face as he looked over to her: obviously injured by her silence. Why was he so hurt by her? This stallion could sway an entire nation with the sound of his voice, and signal a million troops to march with the raise of a forearm. He could also keep his blood-hungry horde at bay with a single, cold look. He was insensitive enough to watch his enemies hang before him, like a vulture waiting to strike… And yet, here he was: a little, pathetic shine in his eyes after hearing nothing but silence from her. He rested his head in his forehooves: and gave out a long sigh. “Can you not see? All I seek is the good of my ponies, and for the world they’ve built to thrive…” “With you at the helm, I don’t doubt.” He looked up, while Rarity leered at him in disgust. “You say you want the good of all, does that only come when you’re seated on top of the world?” “Of course, you silly bitch!” Hitter stood suddenly from his chair: forehooves on the desk, while small strands of his mane came undone. Beads of sweat formed on his brow, and his eyes were dark, and brooding. “The world works itself into a frenzy to let the weak and useless live, while the fit are cast into the streets to fend for themselves. In order to purify our world, we need to be rid of the useless… no matter how much they’re loved…” He choked on that last part, and a tear showed in his eye. What was it about him that created this swirl of unsorted emotion in her mind? She hated him, yet pitied him as well: knowing there must be more to this conquest than he’d let on. There was a familiar look in his eyes, one she’d seen once before: the pain of choosing duty over family. After a few minutes, and more than desperate to change the subject, for fear that she might come to sympathize with the monster, Rarity asked a question that had her bothered: “Why did you request my presence?” Rarity asked it more bluntly than she had thought, letting her smile to herself. She, herself, was growing weary of the silence. Hitter took notice, and seemed to let a small smirk creep onto his lips at the sound of her calm voice. “I have some appointments, later today, Rarity.” He stated simply, retaking his seat. “In all honesty, I wished you to sit there, as one of my displays.” Rarity was hardly shocked by this: the common culture of the area was that mares in politics were seen more than heard. She didn’t mind that, though: what power would she have anyways? She was, however, slightly put off by his forwardness: ‘one of his displays’, indeed! Fortunately enough, she had a reason to be patient with his insensitive rantings… -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- “Is this Brookhaven?” Rarity asked breathlessly: looking at the incredible rusticity of the design. The town of Brookhaven was a marvelous sight to behold: the majority of the architecture was log-based, with every doorway, wall, window, roof, and door having obviously been meticulously carved from the surrounding forest. Each individual log was carved with painstaking details, so as to fit in like pieces of a puzzle, and an odd lettering of runes were burned into the doorways. A large mansion of identical grandeur overlooked the village, as it sat upon an outcrop of the mountains above. “Velcome to ze sacred village of Brookhaven, travelers!” Rarity jumped to the side as a deep-voiced, white Pegasus with a thick accent greeted them. She had not seen him, as he blended in with the snow quite well: his white coloring giving a slight sheen to his coat, and a light-light-blue mane that shone like ice. He was garbed in a white cloak: with mystical blue trimmings, and a collar that’s spikes stood up like stalactites. A long horn emerged from his brow, and if she looked closely: Rarity could see transparent blue patterns on it, resembling the winter wind. The most striking attribute to this pony was the fact that he seemed to not have any pupils in his eyes: they were entirely white. Yet, somehow, he seemed to be able to make them out just fine. “Who might ve have ze pleasure of accommodating?” He asked with a deep bow. “My name is Phoenix Pyre,” Phoenix spoke up, stepping between the off-putting stallion and Rarity. “I’ve traveled hear with my sister, her friend, and my Fiancé, Rarity.” “Are you sure you mean Rarity?” the stallion asked. “Or perhaps you refer to Lilac Duchess, my friend?” Before they could react, he had already lifted a hoof to his mouth, and let out a low, three-part whistle: alerting the surrounding houses. It was at that point that Rarity lost all hope: they were suddenly surrounded by ponies, in the middle of winter, with a creepy Unicorn stallion staring them down. There was a ruckus from behind them as something large approached. Rarity turned, and froze: From behind them, a great dragon approached: with a wool-covered pony riding on its back. His purple scales shone in the winter snow, and his green spines jutted from his back like mountains. His rippling muscles showed through his hard scales, and quivered as he strutted forth on all fours, and bent to allow his rider to dismount. He was easily twice as big as any pony: making him six times as big as when she last saw him, years ago. “S-Spike,” Rarity shrieked, her jaw hanging limply from her skull: “I-is that you?” The beast smiled smugly at her inquiry, and fanned out its great wings proudly: “It’s nice to know that I’m still recognized.” He chuckled in a far deeper tone than what she remembered. He slowly stood to a bipedal position, and extended a huge claw out to her: “How have you been, Rare?” She just stared at his claw: wide-eyed at how much he had grown over a few short years. Eventually, she lifted a hoof to meet him, and was surprised by just how gently he shook it. She couldn’t help but look him up and down as they shook: eyeing the differences between this beast, and the child she knew back in Equestria. “Rarity,” Phoenix cut in, eyeing the dragon cautiously: “who’s this beast?” Rarity slapped a hoof onto her face when she realized she’d forgotten to tell Phoenix about Spike, and turned to face her stallion: nervously wondering where this meeting would go. “This, dear, is-- err… was, I should say… dear little Spike: the baby dragon from back home.” She iterated. “I believed I have mentioned him before?” A look of recognition shone in Phoenix’s eyes for a split second, as he remembered stories of the kindest of dragons. He looked up at Spike, and smiled with great enthusiasm: “So you’re the baby dragon I’ve heard so much about?” He chuckled. “Rarity didn’t exaggerate, you’re a small one.” Rarity, Spike, and his rider- Who was most likely Twilight -all turned to face Phoenix: each wondering if they should laugh at the irony, or be concerned about Germareny’s dragons. “He’s… small?!” The rider called, opening the scarf around her face: ultimately revealing, sure enough, two amethyst eyes, and a purple colored coat and horn. “He’s one of the biggest dragons I’ve ever seen, aside from the Dragon Lord! How could he be small?” Phoenix was about to answer when Rarity ran up to Twilight, and embraced her: “There will be a time for that later, Twilight! Oh, dear, it’s been far too long since I’ve seen a familiar face!” Twilight smiled fondly, and returned the hug. The mysterious Count, who had stood aside for all this, walked up to them: and whispered in Twilight’s ear. She nodded: clearing her throat, and releasing Rarity from the embrace. “The Count wishes us to all go to the palace. He’s had a fire set up for your arrival, and he’s hoping you four will be our guests.” Twilight said, gesturing to the peculiar leader. The group of four, too travel-weary to think about anything, instantly agreed to stay: since the town was allied. And they were soon escorted through the town by the Twilight, Spike, and the mysterious Count. Rarity couldn’t help but notice that there was something off about their host: why didn’t he have pupils, how could he see? She was too overjoyed by the sight of a friendly face to be too concerned, but she put the worries in the back of her mind, for resurrection later. But… how did he know they were coming? -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Hitter shuffled papers around before his eyes, slowly establishing a rhythm as the world seemed to speed up before Rarity’s eyes: Officers, Lawyers, and Dignitaries for Germareny and allying countries walked in and out of the office, each entering with a hoof held high in their march. Rarity could only sit back and watch in bored apathy as the droning beat of the day went on… Stomp-romp-a-romp, stomp-romp-a-romp, shuffle-shuffle… Stomp-romp-a-romp, stomp-romp-a-romp, shuffle-shuffle… Stomp-romp-a-romp, stomp-romp-a-romp, shuffle-shuffle… Occasionally, she was granted a kiss on the hoof from important allies, or a sidelong smile from important officers. But mostly, she just sat there, looked pretty, and did as she was told: never offering up a word. The beat of the day went on, until the day’s end: when Hitter bade her goodnight, and thanked her for her cooperation. As she plodded back to her room, the haunting rhythm never left her ears… She flopped on the bed, looked up, and lifted her voice to deaf ears as she sobbed: “Whatever he says, I just follow it It’s not like I have choice either way It all counts forward To my own Destiny… She lifted her forward half, and supported her shoulders on one forehoof as the other was pressed against her aching forehead. I can see there’s not much hope left It seems so close, yet it’s so far… I see my heart broken as it should be, Oh, I just know there’s nothing for me out there! She leapt of the bed, ran tiredly to the window, and flung open the shutters as her passion rang out into the night: I want to glow, and stand strongly I want be more than a tyrant’s trophy! I can’t soar, wind is howling It’s dragging me down like a river slowly! Soon, a realization crossed her mind. She turned back to a large, authoritative portrait of Hitter on the opposing wall, and remembered when she first met him: as well as his earlier display of emotion that very day. She slowly walked over to it… Every gesture, every move that he makes, Makes me feel like never before: Why do I feel, Like he’s as Equine as I am? She ran a hoof across the portrait’s face, as a tear slid down her own cheek, and she found herself wondering if he was truly beyond hope. Ooh, these emotions I never knew, Of something more possible than I thought… He is more than the beast I saw, I need to help him, if I only knew how! She smiled, whipped around, and bore her newfound optimism through her melodies: I want to glow, and stand strongly I want help the tyrant whom enslaved me! Show me more, so I can see How to help another Equine, like me. I want him to come see the world, All the places there’s purity Can he feel the things I feel… Right now, could he? She slowly walked back to the doorway, eyes focused on the star: whose light had faded from bonfires in the city. Regardless of their origin, she felt hope for the creature behind all this. Take my hoof, There’s a truth he needs to know~! Then, she ran to the window, leapt onto her balcony, and gave her soul to her voice: I want to glow, and stand strongly I want be more than a tyrant’s trophy! Show me more, so I can see How to help another Equine, like me. He needs to know…” She slumped on the railing of the balcony with a tired smile, and slowly accepted the blackness that encompassed her. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- The inside of the great mansion was warm, welcoming, and cozy. The interior had the same design as the exterior: with log pillars, wooden furniture, and even beautifully intricate chandeliers that hung from the ceiling like lichen. Rarity had to stop, and admire exactly how much work and passion had gone into the design of each and every plank and nail: no two pieces were ever exactly the same, yet they seemed to fit together flawlessly, as if they were a flat-sided jigsaw puzzle. Twilight and the ‘Count’ led them into a grand living hall, with several tables along the inside. There was a massive fireplace at one end: easily the size of their former hut, with a blazing bonfire on the inside of it. This was undoubtedly the core of heating for the palace. As the Count walked over to a clear spot, he lifted his hoof so that the bottom was just before his chin. He blew a small gust of air across his frog, and a sudden jet of flames leapt from his hoof, and sailed into the furnace. Rarity stared at him in awe: again, his sight proved to be unaffected by his strange eyes. In fact, his aim seemed to be incredibly impeccable: as the demonstration of his pyromancy hit exactly where the fire had started to slacken, rekindling it to its former warmth and might. Twilight was also aghast at the display: “How did you do that?! Pyromancy is an advanced spell that only Alicorns and Dragon Mages are able to master, and you didn’t even light your horn!” Twilight spat, obviously fighting the urge to break down. The Count Smiled wickedly, and held up a corner of his cape with a forehoof: “A true master of the arts never reveals his secrets, unless to their student!” With that, he overdramatically flung his cape over his head: resulting in the cloak spiraling into itself, until he disappeared without a trace. Stunning most present. Phoenix, on the other hoof, raised a brow at the display, and smiled: “Count Scorch Frost, I thought I recognized you.” The Count walked up from behind Phoenix, and put a hoof over his shoulder with a smile: “Indeed? Even though you were scarcely as tall as a willow weed when we last met, Phoenix Pyre?” He chuckled. “Then again, even at that age, it must be hard to forget a face like mine.” “How do you know this… ‘Count Frost’?” Rarity inquired curiously, glancing over to her stallion as the peculiar pony headed to Twilight. “Our mother used to bring us here once every two years, and the last time wasn’t long before we stopped getting letters from her parents. She wanted us to experience what it was like to live in a city that was as close to perfection as we could get outside Equestria.” Phoenix explained. “…” Rarity opened her mouth to inquire as to how he knew the count, but quickly shut it again. Obviously, as a frequent visitor, he would have a familiarity with the charge. Instead, she turned to Twilight: “That begs another question, Twilight: why are you here?” She asked quietly, hoping not to offend their host. “In order to win this war, Equestria needed a foothold in Germareny. Since this place is largely Earth in population, and we could get here unnoticed, it seemed like a perfect candidate.” Twilight explained. Count Frost was twirling a large snowflake in the air before him, and punctuated her sentence without missing a beat: “Plus, when we heard of Hitter’s plans being realized, our people were only too eager to set up fortifications for a Princess and her Dragon: Having not seen Lady Edelweiss for around a century, we needed another guardian. But, if you’ll forgive my forwardness, Lilac, that then begs the answer for why you four came hither.” Rarity smiled nervously, and looked to Phoenix, who opted to answer the question for her. “We’re here to be married, as this was our last hope of achieving such a goal.” Silence. Indeed, the statement seemed to freeze the world around them, as Rarity felt the air thicken with tension: even to the point where you could cut it with a butter knife. She could see the spines on Spike’s back bristle slightly, and his jaw clenched barely enough to be seen: to her it spoke of both jealousy, and pride. Twilight’s façade was one of unsureness, and excitement. Scorch Frost seemed to be the only one that remained unmoving, and observed his surroundings with disinterested neutralism. “Rarity… That’s wonderful!” Twilight beamed, flaring her wings with a broad smile. “I always knew you’d find somepony who’d suit you, and that it happened this year- of all years –is even more encouraging! Would you like me to perform the ceremonies?” Spike, who had remained eerily silent, stretched a wing in front of the Princess: so as to block her from tackling them to the ground in her excitement. “They’ve come a long way, in the middle of winter, Twi.” He growled: keeping calm, while giving off enough sternness to calm Twilight as well. “They’ll need their rest in order to make… wise decisions.” He folded his wings, and looked to the setting sun. “I have a feeling we’ll all need our rest…” Author's Note I'm still new to writing a romance angle, so I hope this worked out well in the end. Also: I pray this chapter lived up to it's predecessors, both in story and style. And if you catch the Tarzan reference, you get a cookie. And due to the original chapter's size, I split it into halves, this being the first. So, yeah: this is still going on. As always, feel free to point out any mistakes or complaints, and I'll take note of them, and improve them when I can: thank you all! Until Next Time, God Bless You! ~Amethyst Dawn.
The White PhoenixRarity slowly stirred in the great bed, waking gently from a slight unrest. She fluttered her eyes open, and immediately found herself staring directly into Phoenix’s gaping maw as he snored silently: he was obviously much more relaxed than she was at the moment. She smiled softly, and drank in the soft sounds of his breathing. After a little while of continual restlessness, she began to gently toss and turn: trying and failing to relax once more. She didn’t know what it was, but something wasn’t letting her sleep, and her nerves told her she didn’t need it anyways. ‘Oh, is that what this is all about?’ She thought to herself, rubbing her temples tiredly as realization dawned on her. She looked over to Phoenix, and smiled warmly at the sight of his chest still rising and falling gently, signaling her of his peaceful slumber. With a silent grunt, she slowly inched her way out of their bed, and into a pink set of slippers that Scorch Frost had set out for her. She threw on her salmon nightgown, and walked over to the door, making her surest to remain completely and utterly silent: so as to neither awaken Phoenix, nor the children. Silently, and indeed almost invisibly, she closed the door behind her: and glided down the hall. It didn’t take her very long to reach the living room, with the great fireplace that glowed brightly in the night. She calmly walked to the adjoining ‘kitchen’- which, by her knowledge of the palace, was more like Scorch’s mini-fridge: and made herself a small sandwich. Cucumber, of course, and poured herself a cold glass of milk to go with it. She was told that she was free to do as she pleased earlier, when they were being shown to their room. After preparing her little snack, she sulked back towards the giant furnace, and took a seat by the nearest couch: keeping herself in the light, as the rest of the great hall remained cloaked in nightly darkness. The firelight danced across her form, and licked the surrounding room in a way most would find creepy, or unnerving. Rarity, however, had found it far beyond comforting: and so very warm compared to her last month or so. She stared thoughtfully into the fire: casually taking a bite of her meal, before she washed it down with some milk. And even though it wasn’t anywhere near ladylike, she discovered herself swirling the milk around in her mouth: savoring the rich flavor she never thought she’s miss so much, before swallowing. She thought about what the morrow would bring, and what it would mean for her and her business. Surely, she couldn’t leave home: and it was rather selfish of her to consider making Phoenix leave his. “Don’t tell me you couldn’t sleep, Rarity.” A deep voice said from behind her. Rarity froze at the sound, and turned around: looking over her right shoulder. Though, all she could see was a spiked shape slithering in the shadows near the kitchen. ‘Well, pooh…’ She thought, as a flat spade at the end of the shape faded into the darkness. ’I thought that was the cutting board…’ A great, scaled head appeared to her left, supported by a long neck that snaked around to the front of the couch. Unfortunately, she had not seen him until she turned back, and the sudden sight startled her: causing her to drop her snack with a quiet shriek. “Apologies if I’ve scared you, Rarity.” Spike said, allowing most of his body to walk into the light. She simply stared as he lay down next to her couch: in a manner not unlike the kingly look of a lion. His tail appeared around the other end, and gently lifted the sandwich into her hooves with its dagger. “You… look even bigger in the dark…” She mumbled, not realizing that she had spoken her thoughts. The Dragon chuckled: “Call it a growth spurt, or an illusion.” He shrugged. “Twilight noticed it earlier in the year: I’ve been growing substantially each night…” Rarity nodded, pretending to understand, and shuffled awkwardly as heavy silence swallowed the room. She could hear his growling breath as he stared out the grand window, and she could smell the faintest scent of what seemed to be smoked salmon. Her stomach growled at the mere thought of it. “You’ve certainly… grown.” She ventured again, swallowing nervously as her friend gave her a puzzled look. “S-since I last saw you, I-I mean.” Spike nodded, and lazily scratched his chin with a claw. “It has been a few years. Though, not much has changed with us since you left on your vacation. You, on the other hand…” He lowered his claw, and swerved his long neck to glance at her: “Seems you’ve been through a lot.” Rarity shivered from the memories, causing Spike to look away. He obviously didn’t mean to bring back the pain: poor dear was just making conversation. “I have, Spike, both good and bad.” She said softly. She would have extended a hoof to him, but just the simple act of turning his huge head put him out of her reach. The dragon looked curiously at her, and rolled onto his side: “I can only imagine the bad, Rares.” Spike growled bitterly, before casting a sly grin her way: “But, I can certainly see the good myself…” he added, nodding up to the bedrooms. Rarity felt her face heat up as she coughed nervously: “Ahem, yes, well… these things happen…” “As they should, Rares: a mare like you only deserves the best in a mate,” Spike said in a kind tone, that hid a little disappointment as he turned his head away again: “…and he seems to fit the bill.” Rarity hung her head. “I-… I’m sorry, Spike.” She said solemnly: resolving herself to address the Oliphant in the room. “I know how you felt about me, yet… I ignored it. I’d always hoped it would go away, when I realized. And when it didn’t, I didn’t know how to tell you the truth. And worse, more recently: I’d… forgotten it entirely. I’m sorry for never acknowledging your feelings… and for not telling you sooner that I… could never...” She felt the room grow warm suddenly, and looked up to see spike giving her a stern, yet gentle glare: his right wing stretching out to comfort her like a blanket, while his body radiated heat in his strict temperament. “Rares, don’t you ever blame yourself like that again. I know you knew: you’ve led me on enough times that I eventually realized, but I still never held it against you. “Yes, yes, I know that sounds off, but I was only sixteen back then. Do you know how young that is for a dragon? My mindset wasn’t exactly based in reality, I can tell you that much. And after you disappeared, well… the only story I ever got until recently was that you were missing: most likely taken prisoner, or even dead. With no say in what went on with the war, the only thing a kid like me could do was… move on, eventually. “And then, well… Applebloom came along to comfort me, and… well… I was finally able to do just th--” He stopped himself short when he caught a peculiar glimmer in Rarity’s eye. “What?” Rarity held a hoof to her mouth to hide her snickering, aggravating the dragon further: “Seriously, what is it? Do I have Dotsy in my teeth?” Rarity was in a giggling fit by now, and had to take a few breaths to calm herself before speaking, still wearing a mischievous smirk: “Oh, my… I’m so incredibly sorry, it’s just… that tone you took! You… and-… and Applebloom? My stars, they grow up so fast.” Spike suddenly became very flustered, and rubbed the back of his head with a claw. “Well, I dunno if I’d say that we’re… you know. We’re just… a, uh… friendly… species… thing. Yeah, yeah that’s it! Celestia says it might help us get dragons involved in the--” He was interrupted by another fit from the mare: causing him to give a small, rueful smirk as well. “It’s… I’m that obvious, huh?” Rarity caught her breath once more: “Your crushes aren’t ever really subtle, Spikey.” She heard a chuckle escape his throat, and smiled innocently at him: relieved that they had both moved on. “Do you think she knows?” Spike asked, obviously bothered by the thought. “Based on experience, it’ll take her another month or two before she realizes it. If it’s mutual, though: she might just make the first move…” He nodded in understanding, and she could see his cheeks burn slightly at the thought. They both stared into the fire, until the silence was broken once more: this time by the dragon. “So… Phoenix,” Rarity felt her own face warm up so quickly, that for half a second: she almost swore it had caught on fire. “Yes?” She asked, suddenly greatly uncomfortable. Spike either didn’t notice, or didn’t put it to mind, as he proceeded: “About him… how did that happen, anyways? I can guess, but I don’t want to make a fool of myself.” Rarity took a deep breath, and told him her story as far as she could remember: from the first day in Germareny, to her flower shop, to their house, and eventually the journey through the woods. She spared some details, including a few that just the memory of made her face heat up. She did, however, go into immense detail of her time of unrequited love: and he smiled as memories of a certain blonde Unicorn back in Ponyville jumped around in his head. When she was finished, she could tell that Spike was impressed: even with the calm façade he put on. He nodded, and looked away as he yawned: obviously out of tire, rather than boredom. She chuckled nervously as what had first kept her awake smashed back into her memory like a spellfire bolt. Spike noticed- of course he did…- and looked over to her, seeming to read her mind: “Well, then. Now that I know your story, and you know mine, why don’t we discuss why you’re up so early?” Damn. She was hoping to avoid the topic, but here the drake was, cutting straight to the point. Just like old times… “Well…” she began, hoping to find words that would help her fears sound reasonable. After what seemed like an hour’s pause, she finally decided to just tell it like it was: “I… don’t know where to go.” Spike quirked a brow, retracted his wing, and lolled his body lazily to the side: showing that he was listening. “I know that Phoenix and I being married tomorrow is no mistake, by any means. But… where do we go, when the war is done? Do we stay in Germareny, after all this, or am I to be selfish: and ask him to leave his home just because of where mine is?” While she paused, Spike scratched his chin. But he apparently didn’t need to think long before an answer came to his mind: “You’re assuming this war will end in our favor,” Rarity found herself giving Spike a horrified glance, fearful of what he meant. The dragon seemed to pay no heed, and continued. “Rarity, this war has already put two of our friends out of service: and Fluttershy is barely holding on in her work as a medic. And Pinkie…” Rarity raised an eyebrow worriedly: “W-what about Pinkie?” Spike’s expression darkened, telling the mare all she needed to know. ‘Of all the things that could happen,’ She thought. ‘May Hitter be damned for his crimes…’ “Besides that, most of the Earth Ponies and Mules left in Germareny are dead. Their homes have been burned, and the streets are patrolled by Dotsies: whose numbers grow every day from Marelin. Their refugees are being hunted down, and slaughtered. And the Ghettos have been given over to pyromaniacs, with the promise of no punishment for whatever they do in there, or whoever they hurt. This war might not ever end, not truly, anyways. “There is no home for him here, Rarity, only death. This city as well can only burn in time, the only hope for these races is in Equestria, if that is even safe anymore. This may be his homeland, but the blood you and I have seen will take centuries to clean from the streets.” Rarity felt her heart sink, she knew he was right. Something still felt wrong about ripping him out of his roots: and expecting him to grow elsewhere, though. “He’s right, you know.” Both mare and drake turned in surprise to see Phoenix standing on the terrace where Rarity had come from, smiling down at the two. “How l-long have you been standing there?” Rarity asked, shivering slightly from a sudden burst of cold. Phoenix chuckled. “I heard the whole thing, dear: our bed got a little chilly after you left.” Rarity flushed deeply at that statement, where Spike just quirked an eyebrow in innocent confusion. Phoenix was clearly enjoying himself at their reactions, and walked down the stairs: “However, I do agree with your little dragon friend on this. Germareny is my homeland, but it’s no longer my home.” He nodded thankfully to Spike as he sat down next to Rarity: wrapping a hoof around her, and curing her of the sudden chill. She nuzzled into his warm neck, and nickered joyfully as she enjoyed his warmth. She heard Spike chuckle at the display, and opened her eyes in time to see him stand: giving her a good idea of just how large he had grown in just the last ten hours. ‘Applebloom has good taste…’ she chuckled to herself, nuzzling a little deeper into her fiancé’s embrace. “I’ll see you tomorrow, Rarity.” Spike offered, she could hear the smile and the pride in his voice. “And congratulations, to the both of you.” They both thanked him fondly, and he glided noiselessly into the shadows behind them once more. Afterwards, the loving pair stared into the fire: until she felt well-deserved sleep creep up on her. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- “… I know p-pronounce you… excuse me… Mare and C-Colt.” Rarity could tell that Twilight was holding back a sniffle with those words, and she could even see tears in the poor dear’s eyes. Rarity was choking back tears as well: this was a day she would not soon forget. She only wished her friends could be here. In a touching display of honor and respect, the Count himself had made sure that the entire palace was decorated for the events, doing far more than his fair share of the work himself: he wanted this to be flawless, despite Rarity insisting that simplicity was an option. “… You may now kiss the bride.” Twilight seemed to say that a little too eagerly… Didn’t matter to Rarity, though: for she turned to Phoenix, and he to her. And they became lost in each other’s eyes; each could swear that the other was made of pure, shimmering summer moonlight. Yet what seemed like a joyous eternity to them was merely a split second to those who were watching. Phoenix started leaning forward, yet she was far too impatient to let him travel all the distance. However, she made a note to try and curb her excitement from this point on: as she ended up not just kissing him, but all-out tackling him as well. That provoked a few hoots and cheers of congratulations, laughter, and adoration from the townsfolk. Even Twilight herself grew red in the face as she chuckled. When their lips finally parted, Phoenix was smiling dumbly at her eagerness, and giving her a rathermeaningful look: one which she agreed to completely. “How about after we mingle, Darling?” She cooed, earning a chuckle from her new husband. “Of course…” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity stomped down the hall, an odd mixture of hope and fury coursing through her veins. She felt lightheaded, and she almost passed out whenever she tried to run these past few days. Zippowill kept saying something about a ‘small problem’, when she took notice of Rarity’s ailment, but she never told her what she meant. Damned infuriating: that’s what it was. She opened the door to Hitter’s office, before taking her usual place on his couch: sitting up like a trophy. She had long since given up on glaring at him, as she in turn decided that the better way to change him would be to butter him up a bit. She sat in respectful silence throughout the day, and much to her amusement: that seemed to make him even more nervous. He kept glancing back her way, but quickly turning back after she’d offer him a sincere smile. Finally, after endless hours of baited silence, he spoke. “What are you planning?” He hissed, looking at her suspiciously. “I see good in you, Hitter.” Rarity stated simply. “I saw that smile on your face when we returned Octavia to our home, I’ve seen glimpses of what lies beneath that murderous façade you put on: there’s somepony under there, somepony who doesn’t want this endless destruction.” She was expecting several reactions to her speech, not one of which was the one she received. Hitter bowed his head, rested it in his hooves, and chuckled. Not a rueful chuckle, nor a warm chuckle: but a genuine snicker, as if what she said was amusing. “Of course you saw that, Rarity. Confusing as it may seem: I still hold nothing but the good of our kind at heart. When all these useless races are wiped out, I’ll be sparing their descendants from being kicked and beaten in the street, all because of the unfortunate race they were born into. “I also spare them from further pain and torture, if they do not resist. Those that surrender themselves are executed so humanely that they often don’t even know they’re dead.” Rarity blinked, and her smile vanished. The worst part was, she didn’t know how to argue with him on that. She felt her head ache as she searched for a flaw in his logic, but he had caught her so unprepared that even after searching she still came up blank. “Is that not a good thing, then?” Hitter turned to her with a confident smirk as an upbeat rhythm hummed through the air, while Rarity wracked her brain in search of an answer… Hitter smirked: “So you’re saying that I should let them live on, when they will slowly starve out anyways? I think it would be merciful to kill them all now rather than let them kill themselves with their ignorance.” Rarity clenched her teeth as her head ached. “No, no: not at all! I’m saying that things were fine the way they were, for not only did you needlessly cause the deaths of thousands of Earth Ponies: but there are several dead Pegasi and Unicorns who could have lived far longer, were they not busy getting themselves killed for your cause.” “So what you’re saying is that I should have let the Earth Ponies starve out our kind, because they insist on taking jobs that we could do with half the effort?” Hitter laughed coldly. “Evolution needs to take its course, Rarity. And how many of my soldiers are dead by your hoof alone, when you could have spared them by joining me in the first place?” “That was in self-defense, and you know it.” Rarity said defiantly, walking up to his desk. “And don’t try to change the subject! I’m not saying that anypony has to die, I’m simply stating that--” Hitter slammed his hoof on the desk for silence as he barked at her, making her cringe from the presence he placed before her as the beat rose to fruition: blooming into a powerful orchestra that thrummed with dramatic intensity. “You thankless mud-lover, get out of my way! Those ponies will be taught the truth And they'll hear it from me…” It took all the willpower Rarity had left to stand up to him: as belted out her own verse, brightening the music slightly as well. “Stop! My dear Hitter, this is not the way I know you're better than this hostility!” Hitter groaned, rested his forehead on his hooves, and continued in a pained tone. “You haven’t tried to know me at all Don't understand the meaning of my fall What my charges would think if I ever Failed at this cleansing!” He lifted his head back up, leaned forth over the desk, and roared in her face with a hurt tone. “I'm their leader – that means I cannot break No matter what be the cost of the path I take Whatever I have to do to win in the end” She tried to join back in, but he would cut her off sharply each time. “Stop! Yours is not the answer Wait! And I can clearly see Listen! You can redeem yourself Not by helping Earthens, but by joining me… “I know you want friends who admire you You want to be the hero with the answers, too But there's a better way, there's a better way~!” Struggling to rejoin the beat, Rarity finally fought her way back in: “There's so much more still left To learn about the world I see the light that shines in you I know you can be strong when unfurled. “You can stop right now And try another start You'll finally free yourself from the dark And see the light And see the light that your lead can mark!” Hitter groaned in frustration at her resistance, and stood up to pace the room. He was clearly fed up with her ability to disregard his word, and was thinking of new ways to reach her as the orchestra played on. Something clicked in the tyrant’s mind, and the level of confidence in the smile he gave Rarity sent shivers down her spine. His deep laughter echoed through the room, giving all who heard it a feeling of great cold. The tone of the orchestra lowered to an eerily deeper, slower revision of the rhythm. Hitter stepped around her like a shark: his voice flowing dangerously low, and smoothly seducing. “You surely need to see the truth, Rarity. So please, listen to me…” Rarity was frozen uncomfortably by the soothing tone of his voice as he stalked around to her front again. “Please listen, my darling, when I say that I can offer you everything you could want… power, influence, money… love…” He sat down in front of her, and placed a hoof under her chin as the tune carried forth once more from his mouth. “I can show you the burden I haul Teach you the true meaning of my faults What your powers can be if you’d care to Listen to reasoning! “I have studied the paths you've had to take I smell the stench from the piles of bodies you make Whatever you’ve had to do to win in the end…” Rarity felt her stomach heave from the memories of what she’d had to do to survive, and she found herself unable to fight his reasoning. “Think! You’ll see you’re not unlike me Look! And it is plainly seen Listen! You are a murderer, too But by helping others, you are killing these “I know you want your name etched in hard stone You want to see your ponies returned to their home But there's another way, there's another way “Sit by my side and I can Give you all the world! I can keep all your friends safe You don’t have to ever try and change! “You can join me now And make another mark You'll free your mind from their oppressive bark And be the one And be the one that has lit a spark!” Rarity fell to her haunches as she felt oddly satisfied. Had he just opened himself to her, or did he just get her on his side? She honestly couldn’t tell. She had no will to fight, her identity felt shattered, and she felt cold. Hitter bent down, and helped her up with a hoof around her shoulder. And much to her disgust, she welcomed it. But she found herself feeling suddenly faint, which was not something unnoticed by Hitter. “Come now, Rarity. You’ve been increasingly faint the past few days, and you’re eating weirdly. Let’s get you to your bed: I’ll have the doctor look you over.” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- *THOOOMB!* Rarity and Phoenix both awoke with a scream as the floor above their tower suite disappeared in a flare of heat and color, collapsing the ceiling on top of them. They emerged, miraculously unscathed, as what remained of the floor above erupted over onto the next tower: igniting it as well. Rarity looked out into the blizzard-thick night, and saw something that caused tears of horror to appear in her eyes: Just outside the walls of Brookhaven, countless torches flickered through the snow, stretching as far as the eye could see. They illuminated what seemed like thousands of swarming shapes that were undoubtedly soldiers. But what really scared her was the dozens of menacing machines: that could loosely be described as what giant metal matchboxes would look like if someone sewed a button on the top, and stuck the needle into the thin side of the button. She had never seen such constructs before, and she didn’t dare guess what they were for. But, it turns out she didn’t have to, as one of the ‘buttons with needles’ swiveled, and— “That’s a CANNON?!” She shrieked in terror as the creation fired at the town. A glowing ball of crackling energy shot into the city with a bang, and exploded on impact: lighting up the building with a horrifying mixture of lightning and fire, and sending debris flying every which-way. She looked back to the army, and could barely make out the form of Hitter himself: identified by his trench coat. He stood on a stone that jutted violently from the ground: overlooking the assault on the ancient city. “You fools! Don’t fire those Mäusen at the palace yet! Bring me the Lilac Duchess: alive, and unharmed!” His voice commanded angrily, enhanced by something she couldn’t see. “Kill all the others!” Phoenix wasted no time in grabbing her, and escaping down the stairs as another explosion sounded from the town below, and an alarm rang through the city. By the time they returned to the great hall, Twilight had mounted Spike, and was carrying a large-barreled Spellrifle- almost twice her size -in her aura. “What’s the quickest way out there?” She barked at Count Frost: Spike clawing at the ground in a draconic fit of eager fury, and bloodlust. The Count smiled, and gestured to the giant window with his horn: causing it to explode outwards in a fireball, and leave a more than big enough hole for both Dragon and Rider. Twilight thanked him as Spike charged out the window with a fearsome roar: taking to the dark sky with a burst of fire. The Count turned his pupil-lacking eyes to the newlyweds, and sighed in relief. “Thank the Lady for your survival, are you two alright?” Rarity nodded. “We’re fine, but your tower suite is destroyed.” Scorch Frost chuckled, returning to his cheerful attitude. “As long as nopony’s hurt, all it does is spare my servants from doing your laundry.” Rarity felt her face flush with heat: and stammered as she tried to remember what she was going to say. “Your eminence, it looks like the entire Dotsy army is out there, and they’re firing on your city.” Phoenix said sternly. “How can we help?” “Get your wife, and your little ones to safety, Phoenix. Our city has no shortage of defenses, we’ll be fine.” The Count assured them. “Oh my god, Phoenix: the children!” Rarity panicked, pawing at her husband’s chest: “We need to find them! They must be scared out of their minds!” As if to punctuate her fears, another explosion rocked the mountainside: lighting the room with an eerie orange glow, and eliciting shrieks from two very familiar voices somewhere in the building. Upon hearing them, Rarity spun on the Count, eyes moist with worry: “Where are they?” Scorch Frost gestured down the hall with an equally concerned expression. “They’re in the spare suite, just up the stairs, first door on the right!” He had barely finished when the couple had disappeared in a blur: Rarity in the lead, with Phoenix just behind. She practically shattered the door as it flew open, and they rushed in to embrace the cowering foals. Though startled by the sudden contact, Grain hugged Rarity tightly as he sobbed, and Seamist was clinging to her brother in silent terror: tears matting the fur on her cheeks. “Sh-sh-shh…” Rarity soothed, stroking Grain’s mane. “What’s going on out there?” The colt whimpered, clutching to the fur on her chest as his fearful eyes begged for an answer. “War, my child.” came the simple reply. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Phoenix led their small group through the downtown. Or, what was left of it. Smoke billowed from the fresh ruins as fires leapt up in scattered locations, casting their orange sheen on the fresh-fallen snow. They could hear the battle waging on in the outskirts of town: and Rarity found herself oddly thankful of their warrior culture, as only the children weren’t allowed to fight. Another fireball smashed into the town as the machines fired on: hoping to exterminate whatever life was left in the ruins. They had to make it to the east gate! Unless… “We need to go towards the mountain!” Rarity stated urgently. Phoenix looked back towards the mansion, just in time to see another tower hit with one of the magical cannonballs: causing it to burst into a pillar of fire as the screams of those trapped inside pierced the night. He turned back to her: and quirked an eyebrow with an unamused expression. “Yes, really,” she deadpanned, “I have a feeling that they’re herding us into a trap: and directly where Hitter wants me to be.” A second hit the town about twenty yards behind them. “How do you know?” Phoenix asked, genuinely concerned. Rarity opened her mouth to speak, but found herself muted as another missile missed them by only a few yards: scattering fiery debris of all sizes. They all cringed from the explosion, and Rarity now had a large splinter of wood stuck through her left ear. Seamist shouted a very unladylike word when she was conked over the head by a small stone, and Phoenix’s flank was bruised and bloody from being clouted by a wooden plank. Grain just ducked a large section of wall by half an inch, and proceeded to quietly complain to himself about them standing out in the open like idiots. “Darling, that is how I know.” Rarity groaned, plucking the intruding object from her head. “His shots are forcing us to retreat to the eastern wall. He always attacks to the east of his enemies.” Phoenix opened his mouth, but quickly shut it: deciding that she was right. “Where to?” Rarity paused for a moment, before pointing to the Cliffside: “The mountain path, it should take us to Edelweiss’s cave, judging by your story.” Phoenix shook his head as they all turned to head back into the city. “You think she’s home?” Rarity smiled. “No, but we will be.” They had just passed the first building when they heard an almighty roar thunder through the town, and into the woods: “ENOUGH!” The awful din of fighting stopped, and they all looked up to the palace, in time to see a monster slither out of the side of it: The best way Rarity could describe the beast was to imagine a dragon, only let each scale fray into several hair-like strands, and then to cover the gigantic wings in silvery-blue feathers. Its hide, fur and all: looked as if it was carved from diamond, and streaks of golden ruby ran along its form like vines. Its head was like that of a dragon, yet resembled a pony in a way Rarity couldn’t place. And the eyes shone with white light: forbidding anypony from looking to long. Nine golden horns frilled from the back of its head: three running forth along the left cheek, three along the right. The three on top had grown into an intertwined braid: encircling a great, pink amethyst that shone in the firelight. In size, the creature was minutely smaller than the Dragon Lord, though still big enough to tower over Spike like a monolith. It lifted a great claw out of the hole, and set it on the mountainside, before stepping a little further with the other. It fanned its wings out to their full size, and spoke again in the authoritative, earth-shattering voice: “BEGONE FROM MY HALLS, ‘ERE YOUR FOUL STENCH BOTHERS MY NOSTRILS FURTHER! I AM EISDRACHE UNTERGANG: SON OF LADY EDELWEISS, AND HEIR OF BEFLAMMUNG. THE WIND AND SKY ARE AT MY COMMAND. I CHARGE YOU FLEE FROM MY CITY: BEFORE I REDUCE YOUR SOULS TO TINDER!” Rarity felt the need to run from his voice alone, but the sheer spectacle held her in place. She heard Phoenix mutter something about a ‘Kirin’ to her left, but she paid no mind to it: where had this beast been hid--? “Count Frost…” She muttered, as realization clicked into place. The world remained silent, until Hitter’s voice rose to an equal volume: though sounding more amused than stern. “Not impressed, Halfling.” He countered, before looking slightly over his shoulder. “Kill it.” All of the cannon-machines focused their barrels at the beast, and fired at will. Most of the random blasts harmed him about as much as a bee sting, but one shot struck Untergang square in the chest: knocking him back onto his own palace. “SO BE IT…” The Heir of Beflammung took to the sky in a geyser of ice and flame, before descending on the enemy like a thunderbolt with a roar like a hurricane. A circle of bitter flame billowed out from where he landed: setting many soldiers running with horrifying screams as fire consumed them. Untergang reached out of his shallow crater, and grabbed one of the bizarre cannon-machines as the town launched their own charge into the enemy: pushing them out towards the forest. He threw the construct into the air, and it crashed with a screeching thud of metal on concrete: miraculously intact, considering the altitude it fell from. Rarity gestured for Phoenix and the foals to take cover behind it, as she searched around the front. She found the entrance easily enough: a large circle of steel with a hinge was labeled “Klappe” in black letters over the camo-green-and-cream-colored. Rarity couldn’t help but chuckle at the way Dotsies mastered subtlety. Refocusing on her purpose, she levitated a brick: and readied it for a quick swing. She manually turned a large wheel on the roof, and stepped back with a shriek as the hatch opened, and the body of the operator rolled out with a putrid crackling sound that all but told Rarity what had killed him. She held a hoof over her mouth: fighting back vomit as she pushed him down the hill, letting the poor soul’s lifeless body roll into a ditch. She swore under her breath, hoping she’d never get used to seeing so much death. She cautiously stepped into the vehicle, and gaped as it looked in perfect working order: exception being a small screen that was cracked, and held a small trickle of blood. No point in wondering how that happened. “Found anything?” The muffled voice called from the other side of the floor. Rarity leaned her head to call over her shoulder, still keeping an eye on the panels and buttons. “Well, Darling, that depends: If we can find somepony strong enough to flip this thing upright, and work it, I think I just found our ride up the mountain…” There was a moment of pause, before the brown stallion poked his head in. “And if we can’t?” She allowed a small smirk to form on her lips. “Then we’ve found shelter from the storm.” After making sure the children were safely inside the wrecked machine, and making sure they locked the hatch from the inside: Rarity and Phoenix had ventured towards the battlefield to notify Twilight and Spike of their plans. They had just ducked behind a crumbled wall to avoid another blast when they heard panicked cries coming from the front lines. Rarity poked her head around to survey the battle. From her vantage point, she could see the entirety of the outer walls. She saw Untergang and Hitter engaged in a duel of magic and brute strength: each looked like they could go on for years. The dragon spawn released a blizzard of icy daggers towards Hitter: only for the Unicorn to grab the shards with his magic, and whip his head around to send them back to the unsuspecting Count. Rarity cringed as the countless icicles pierced through the beast’s neck as soon as his guard was dropped, leaving behind holes that leaked black with blood, and causing him to roar in pain. He had just regathered his wits when the blades swept back in from behind, and buried into his back before he could defend himself. “Did you honestly think that I would attack a god without preparing first?” Hitter chuckled, amplifying his voice once more. “Give my regards to Cerberus, and tell him that Fear says hello.” With that, Hitter lit his horn, and signaled for a volley from his devices. The Count reared up with a shriek as countless blast after blast bashed into the base of his neck, until a tremendous crack like thunder echoed through the blizzard: and Untergang’s severed head and neck crashed to the snowy ground, spilling black blood. Instantaneously, the winds stopped howling, and the snow ceased. The darkness beneath the overcast night sky prevailed: making the world feel small: and bleak. Silence prevailed as the townsfolk’s morale was literally slain, and the enemy was once again awed by the power of their leader. “Scorch!” Rarity felt herself scream before she could stop herself. Hitter’s ear flicked, and he turned towards her. Rarity was frozen in place as his gaze fell on her, before he smiled like a toddler who’d just discovered a candy bar before dinner, and turned to his soldiers: “Advance on the city! The Lilac Duchess lies within! Leave nopony else alive!” Rarity shuddered as a shape descended, latched around both her and Phoenix, and carried them back where they came. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Seamist peered out the front window of their new shelter, and smiled widely as several explosions lined the sky: spells fired by mages to knock down the enemy Pegasi. “Fiewuks!” She giggled, looking back to Grain as she tapped on the glass. “Grin, Fiewuks!” Grainwood smiled broadly at her, and felt his heart soar with her innocent enthusiasm. “That’s right, Seamist!” He chuckled. “The fireworks are keeping us safe.” The electric blue filly giggled again, before rolling onto her back with a quiet thud and batting at one of her braids with a hoof: taking wide-eyed interest in her new game. Grain turned his head with a blush, and muttered something about diabetes. They were both startled by a loud banging on the roof: as if somepony had just clambered on top. Then, voices started to chatter on top: “Is this the right one?” A deep male voice questioned. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- “There was only one tank thrown into the city, Darling.” Rarity claimed, before pointing to an ‘X’ painted with red. “And it has the little mark we left on it, see? A pity we can’t run it.” Spike spoke up again: “There’s a chance a Mage might mistake you for Dotsies if you use the Construct, Rarity. And if we mark it to show that you’re an ally, Hitter might focus his fire on you.” Before Rarity could offer a possible solution, they heard the clink of the lock, and the hatch flung open: quickly followed by Seamist and Grain popping out and embracing the newlyweds. Rarity and Phoenix welcomed them with open arms, and Spike allowed himself a chuckle at the sight of their bond. “As touching as this scene is,” Spike cut in after a moment of lingering: “you need to start moving. The path to Lady Edelweiss’s Caves is behind the old blacksmith shop at the back of town, you can’t miss it.” “Thank you, Spikey.” Rarity said warmly, wrapping her arms around the dragon’s forearm. “Stay safe.” Spike patted her back with a claw, and nuzzled her gently with his great head, letting a single tear fall from his eye. “Don’t worry about me, Rarity. Just keep your family safe, I’ll be fine.” With that, he gently laid each of them onto the ground, and took off with the ‘Maus’ in tow. “Let’s go!” Phoenix commanded bluntly. “If luck is with us, we can evade the enemy, and make it back there before daybreak.” Rarity swallowed, and nodded as she heard more Mausen approaching their location. “Yes, let’s hurry along. It’ll be harder to hide now that the walls are down…” Barely a second had passed before the quartet were booking it through the streets: the sounds of war chasing after them. After the Dotsies broke through the defenses, the city soon became overrun with bloodshed and battle: and several screams, spellfire, and explosions could be heard alongside the mechanical droning grind of the Mausen Constructs. It seemed that each alley they ducked into was the home of a Construct, and each doorway held a soldier. They were being hunted, and their defenders were being slaughtered. “What a lovely way to spend a Honeymoon…” Rarity mused. Occasionally, they had run across Twilight and/or Spike as they shredded through the enemy like water through paper: leaving a safe path for them to follow. Spike was using the vehicle they’d given him as a club against others, and sending soldiers screaming as his breath scorched their flesh. They had just taken refuge in an alley when they were blocked from behind by a collapsing wall, and one of the Constructs was currently watching the street in front of them, as was evident by the spells that were fired whenever anypony tried to cross. And the next alley was blocked by two officers, with their backs the family. “We’ll have to cross one at a time, when the pilot isn’t looking.” Phoenix grumbled, poking his head out just enough to see where the turret was focused. “Who’s first?” Rarity questioned. Phoenix rubbed his forehead. “I’ll go first, and dispatch the guards. Then you cross when you can. Then we can scout for a second, and signal the children once it’s safe.” Rarity nodded, and shooed the two foals back as Phoenix poked his head out. He ran across the street, and ducked into the alley: swiping his hoof across both of the ponies’ necks in a single blow, their unconscious forms flopping into the snow. He signaled back to them with a hoof, and Rarity turned to Grainwood: “Phoenix and I are going to be gone for a little while, you two are going to stay here until we say otherwise,” she said gently, before leaning in, and letting her tone become beyond stern: “am I understood?” Grainwood nodded worriedly, and Seamist just hugged Rarity’s foreleg. Rarity pulled them in for a final embrace, before checking on the Construct, and dashing hurriedly into the next alley. She was too fast to notice the barrel of the Maus slowly turn back to their street, and start priming. After a few more streets were successfully scouted, Rarity dashed along the last one: skidding to a stop just behind Phoenix. “Is it safe?” Rarity inquired silently, setting a hoof on her husband’s shoulder. “No,” he answered, gesturing to a small troop of Unicorns that patrolled around a large building, which Rarity could only assume was the Hospital based off the signage. “But,” He continued in a voice just beneath a whisper, “it’d be pushing our luck for us to go back, too: the pony inside that metal monster won’t look away forever.” Rarity was about to voice her agreement: when the world turned into heat, light, and screams. Twilight flicked the pony-shaped piles of charcoal into the wind with her magic, and turned to the pair. Her eyes went wide as she noticed a peculiarity. “The children?” She asked with concern. “They’re taking cover in a back alley while we scout ahead, Twi.” Rarity answered, not missing a beat. “They’re competent for situations like this: we did constant exercises while in exile.” Twilight considered that, and decided to trust her friend’s instincts. “Well, I’ve been having trouble with a Tank acting the sniper downtown: the operator’s been keeping me grounded until I can get a clear shot.” A lightbulb clicked inside Rarity’s head: “The street we left Misty and Grain at has a straight view on a Construct, might that be the one?” Twilight shrugged. “Worth a sh--” Before she could finish her sentence, an explosion rocked the streets, and they heard an all-too familiar voice cry out: “NO!” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- After Rarity left them behind, Grain sat down in the snow, and contemplated going after them. He was held in place, however, when Seamist nuzzled up against him, and relaxed as if she were asleep: head resting peacefully on his shoulder. “How?” He asked, before he could stop himself. He cringed a little as the filly’s eyes flittered open, and she smiled at him. “How, w-what?” She asked, straining on each syllable. He couldn’t help but smile, as he wanted her to talk all day. “How are you able to remain so carefree?” He asked. “All we’ve been through, all you’ve seen: and you still have a smile on your face… and an almost absolute abundance of happiness… how?” Seamist gave him a bizarre smile, as if the answer was tap-dancing on his nose. She scrunched her nose up in concentration, and said two simple words: “Shin up,” Now it was Grain’s turn to look confused. “It’s that simple, huh? Just keep your chip up?” Seamist nodded, and returned her head to his shoulder. “I wish you’d talk more, Misty.” He mumbled, prompting her to give a small, satisfied smile. They sat there for a long time, watching as the snow slowly melted, before Seamist tapped his shoulder, and gestured to a spot in the snow with her eyes. Grain looked, and stifled his gasp at the shadow of a Pegasus: cast from the rising sun hitting the pony that had perched atop the building beside them. No sooner did they start to retreat, when the Pegasus landed behind them: grinning evilly. “What have we here? A new recruit, and some firewood… Looks like my lucky da--” With a shout of defiance, Seamist cast two simple light spells that flared instantly: right in front of the soldier’s eyes. He grunted in pain as his eyes clenched shut, and took a few steps back. Grain was about to cry for help, when Seamist slid under the blinded pony, and bucked his stomach with all four hooves: knocking the breath out of him as he toppled to the side. She ran back to grain, and pushed him behind a pile of bricks: before running towards the alley’s exit, and standing in the open. The soldier stood, rubbed his eyes, and turned towards the filly with anger in his eyes. “You little twerp,” He grumbled, charging towards her: “c’mere!” She leapt upwards once he drew near: hoping to sock him. But he saw the strike coming and sent her sprawling into the street with a harsh strike, making Grain’s jaw drop. Barley thinking as his vision flooded with red, Grain ran up behind the soldier: only to be met with the butt of a rifle striking his jaw, and flinging him against a wall. Shaking his head, Grain stumbled out of the alley, and looked up to see the soldier pointing the rifle directly into Seamist’s neck: pinning her in place. The Pegasus smiled wickedly, cocking the gun: “I’m going to enjoy this…” Grain’s pupils shrank as he focused on the unfolding scene, and his eyes darted towards downtown when he heard a sharp whirring. What awaited his gaze prompted him to action. Thinking fast, he gave a battle cry, and with a barreling slide: knocked Seamist into the next alley. Seamist looked up just as the Construct fired: and both her friend and the enemy soldier were obscured by the explosion. “NO!” She shouted painfully: vision readjusting. The first thing she saw was a giant crater where her friend used to be, and two trails of red leading through the snow. She followed one with her eyes, until they focused on the still form of Grainwood: lying alone in his own little crater. “Granood!” She cried. Her voice reached new octaves in her panic. The melting snow flew to the sides in her wake as she ran to his side, stopping just in time to see the horrifying wound that used to be the right side of his back half. The snow around him was beyond stained with red, and he coughed violently: spurts of his own blood firing from his mouth. Seamist cautiously approached him, and sat down where he could see her easily. His eyes looked in her direction, remaining hazy and unfocused. His expression blank, he looked down to his nose, and saw the crimson snow beyond. Putting two and two together, he smiled weakly: “I guess… I guess this means I get to see mom and dad again…” He choked. His was voice barely more than a whisper. Seamist shook her head desperately as tears stained her eyes. She seized Grainwood’s forehooves in her own, and tried to drag him through the snow. He looked at her sadly: “Misty…” “Get help!” She grunted, tugging him along with all her might. “Mist,” he tried again, fear staining his weakened voice, “you have to leave…” “No! Get help!” She repeated, pulling him even harder: tears starting to leak from her eyes. Finally, her grip slipped, and she fell on her back: sobbing violently. “Can’t lose…” she said: choking on her own tears. “Can’t lose you…” Grain felt himself grow colder by the second, but he couldn’t leave yet. Calling up his last bit of strength: he crawled up to her with his only working limbs- his forelegs -and nuzzled up against her, before giving her a small kiss on her cheek. The filly’s eyes popped open, and she looked down at him. Growing weaker, Grain could only manage a smile as he collapsed into the snow. Seamist immediately grabbed him, and set his back on her lap: holding his head up with her forearms. His eyes scrunched shut as he coughed again, flicking blood onto her coat. Seeing her tears, he smiled gently, and lifted his hoof just long enough to bump her chin: pushing it upwards. He went limp. She looked back down to him, noticing the distant look in his eyes. Tears flowing in denial, she held her ear next to his muzzle: nothing came, not even a breath. She shuddered quietly, turning to kiss him on the forehead. “I will save… words for you, Gran… You’re the… the o-only one who lo-*hic*-ved me--… my voice, more than anything…” Hugging his cold form into her chest, wails of anguish wracking her body, she didn’t even hear the soft gasp from immediately behind her: “Oh… oh my god…” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity looked on in horror at the war’s latest victim: one hind leg missing, and blood soaking the snow like a river. She couldn’t cry, she couldn’t even move. She refused to believe what she was seeing. Her stomach heaved dryly as her mouth hung open, and she barely saw Twilight’s reaction to the heinous scene. The Alicorn levitated her titanic spellrifle, aimed now that she had a clear shot, and unloaded it at the awaiting Mausen Construct: “BASTARDS!” She roared: firing until the vehicle was nothing more than a bitter memory. Not even a speck of ash was left of the damned thing once her weapon was emptied. She looked back to Rarity in time to see the snow around the mare start to pop and fizz, as it turned into steam almost instantaneously. There was a dark look on Rarity’s face, and she wrenched Twilight’s spellrifle into her own field, before charging it with her sizzling magic. “Rarity, what are you doing?” Phoenix asked, slowly removing the colt’s lifeless form from his sister’s hooves. Rarity turned back to him grimly, her voice carrying tones she’d never uttered before: “Twilight, be a dear, and take Phoenix and Seamist to the caves. And call all survivors you can out of here, NOW.” Twilight would normally have argued, but the hollow tone in her friend’s voice scared her. She nodded, and picked up Rarity’s family in her aura, before enhancing her voice to call out to her troops as she ran back up the mountain: “RETREAT BACK TO THE CAVES! THE CITY IS OVERRUN! RETREAT!” Phoenix struggled against Twilight’s magic, but to no avail. Seamist gave a hurt cry of “Mama!” before they were sped away by the Princess. Rarity watched with a smile as she saw several of the town's warriors obey immediately: ducking away from any spellfire hurled their way. Once her rage peaked, she gave a ferocious shout that stopped the charging army in their tracks, and charged towards the enemy: firing openly onto them. Several squads were reduced to ashes by the time she reached the front lines, and she took out five more soldiers with her horn before she was quickly overwhelmed: ten ponies struggling to hold her down. She snorted and bucked as she tried to struggle her way out, but her rage was starting to simmer, and her energy was spent. She focused her vision on the approaching figure as several ponies backed out of his way. Hitter bent down to her level, and smiled: “Escort her to the nearest dungeons, and order off the attack.” He chuckled, looking over his shoulder towards his General. “We got who we came for.” -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Rarity stirred, and looked around groggily. From what she could gather in her half-asleep state, she was lying on a hospital bed, and there were voices arguing to her left. “Did you kill it?” “No, but time will tell if we even need to.” “Well, I’m not letting her--” “Forgive me for my interruption, gentlecolts, but she’s coming to.” Rarity’s eyes finally came into focus, and she saw three ponies standing over her: Hitter, a Doctor, and a Nurse. She blinked a few more times, before the color was restored to her sight as well, and her lips found their purpose again: “H-how long was I out?” She pleaded. “What’s going on?” The doctor opened his mouth, but Hitter spoke first: “You’ve been infected, Rarity. A parasite has decided that you were a fit host. We must act quickly, and kill it: if it’s allowed to grow…” he looked away, “there won’t be any hope for you.” “What!” Rarity gasped, eyes going wide in her terror: “Where would I even have caught this… this… parasite?!” Hitter shook his head. “The woods, or Brookhaven. I don’t know.” The doctor carefully moved Hitter aside before he could say any more, and removed the IV from Rarity’s forearm. “It’ll take us a few days to prepare for the operation, Sir.” He stated plainly. “You’ll have to wait until then.” “Very well…” Hitter growled, “but once she’s sober, send her back up to my office.” The doctor nodded, and watched patiently as the tyrant stormed off. Rarity rose an eyebrow at the scene before her: still processing the discovery of the para- “It’s not a parasite, Fraulien.” The doctor whispered, once he was sure Hitter was out of earshot. “Pardon?” He turned to her with a weary look, and started to speak. He decided against it, however, and merely held up an X-ray. Rarity only needed to take one look before her blood boiled fiercely. Her face contorted into a new form of rage, yet her tone miraculously remained calm: “And he wanted you to kill it, hmm?” She growled, before jerking herself into a standing position, and running out the door. Her mind flashed through the past three years: “…I say it's time to let Evolution take its course: give Mother Nature a push in the right direction…" “…Why did I ever choose this era to go on a vacation in Marelin...?” "..Have you ever considered espionage…" “…This is the nicest thing... anypony has ever done for me, Rarity. Thank you... thank you... thank you…" “…Why did I ever choose this era to go on a vacation in Marelin...?” "…Huh, working outside of your talent? I can't help but admire that. There's not much call for a seamstress over here, nowadays…" "…I hope you can understand why I did this..." “…You and your marefriend are too important to this country to die here…” “…I believe it’s time we had a little talk, Phoenix Pyre…” “…Can I call you mama...?” “…Why did I ever choose this era to go on a vacation in Marelin...?” No more… no more! After all she’d been through: she’d started to fall for his lies! She was done with this war, she was done with Hitter, and she was done with pain. “It’s time to end this…” she hissed dangerously, opening the door to his office as she pulled out her locket. Zippowill looked up at her, pupils shrinking as she saw the look in Rarity’s eyes, and what she held in her aura. She dashed out of the room as the infuriated mare bucked down the door, opened the locket, and entered the passcode: 3,3,2,1. The locket started to buzz, and click. And Hitter was taken aback by her intrusion. Not waiting for a greeting, she walked around his desk: and pounded her hooves onto it so hard that it cracked. She drew out the locket just as it finished its transformation: revealing a small spellrifle, pre-loaded with deadly magic. She swiftly ducked the device under his chin: and smiled a cold, lifeless smile. “Send me a postcard from Hell!” With that said, there was a loud bang, and Hitter fell: splayed onto the ground. He was dead, at last. Rarity held up the small pistol that was concealed in her locket, and kept it pointed straight as she examined the metal bar. She heard the guards approaching. One shot left. She heard the officers start to burst down the door as she carefully reversed aim… *CRACK* *CRASH* When the guards plowed in, there was nothing left alive in the room. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Twilight stood next to the tombstone silently, as what remained of her friends wept. Indeed, it seemed like half the country had attended the funeral of Rarity Belle-Pyre, even a unicorn mare robed in black, whom Twilight barely recognized. The sermon didn’t last long, an hour or so at most. But the testimonials alone lasted four days, and those were only the ponies who wanted to speak up! Twilight wondered just how many lives Rarity had touched. When it was her turn to come to the stand a final time, she complied, and spoke the final testimony: “You all know me, the ‘Princess of Friendship’. You all know that I wouldn’t be where I am today without Rarity… or any of my friends. Rarity experienced this war in a way that would break most Equestrians, and she died to end it. She made sacrifices beyond anything any hero I’ve ever heard of before had to give, and she did it all for us, and for the Earthen Tribes. “The war isn’t over yet, my little ponies. There is still much preparation to do, and many more battles to fight. She’d want us to fight on: so let’s not let her die in vain.” After the funeral, the crowd dissipated at a respectfully sluggish pace. Until after hours of waiting, it was just her, Phoenix, Seamist, and the hooded mare. Twilight dared not keep silent anymore. “Do you know how much you risked by coming here?” She said in flat tone, turning to the mare. Phoenix raised an eyebrow bitterly as he turned to look at Twilight. “How much could a sweet old lady risk by paying her respects to a hero, Twilight?” He said: voice cracking as he turned. With that, he was gone. Seamist was tagging along behind him, still crying violently from the service. Once they were out of earshot, the mare spoke. “Indeed then, Princess. What harm can a lady cause?” She shot, pulling her hood back to reveal blue eyes: as well as a long, cyan mane, and a light purple coat. “When can I retire?” Twilight stared at the grave, not even looking back at the mare. “When the last trace of this menace is buried in his grave, you’ll be free.” “But not before, Princess? You act as if danger is anything new to me, or even something to avoid.” Twilight looked curiously at her, and she returned with a look of spite and anger: “I’ve seen this war closer than most, Princess. In case you’ve forgotten, I was at the heart of it! You act as though avoiding death is the best way to live, as if establishing peace in the world once more will cure all our problems, as if this was not a worthwhile event.” She paused just long enough to see Twilight’s face turn from curiosity to horrified confusion. “Twilight, if this war had never started, would that hatred have been addressed? Would that sick, festering boil have been brought to light if it weren’t for the pain it caused? There always were prejudicial problems in this world, Twilight. Equestria has just been too blind to truly care. Remember the Yaks, and how their borders were closed to us? Or how the Griffins isolated themselves for thousands of years after we were at peace? Ever wonder what we, as a country, did to offend them? “And then Hitter came along: fueling hatred for races he deemed useless, and damning them as if he were a god. If he had not acted, his hatred would have been passed onto his children and his pupils: until the threat was even bigger, and we were even less prepared. “World peace is always something to strive for, Princess. But sometimes war is the only way we can discover what drives one pony to kill another: whether it’s greed, hatred, or even love. A fire needs not only to spark, but to start, and grow before the water is useful. We need to cure the entire illness of hatred, not just those smallest of symptoms, like war. “I’ve lost a lot of loved ones, dearie. I know what it’s like to watch your friends and family die in front of you, but they didn’t die in vain. We now know that the world needs friendships, which love needs to be seen. That ponies need to be shown the benefits of living in joyous cooperation: not dwelling in constant coexistence filled with contempt. Do you understand what I’m saying?” Twilight stood in stunned silence, before nodding slightly. “I know what you’re saying, and every bit of it is true. But until further notice, you don’t exist: not even Celestia knows you’re here. I don’t want to risk losing another one of my friends to this damned war… “… Are we clear, Lilac Duchess?” Author's Note And I'm finally finished! Thank you all for taking this journey with me, and I hope I didn't disappoint! As always, please notify me of any mistakes, inconsistencies, typos, etc. And please let me know what you think below! Until Next Time, God Bless You! ~Amethyst Dawn.
