Strategy

“I remember everything from when I was... gray,” Rarity said to Rainbow Dash as they took a careful stroll through what had become of Ponyville. ”Both times. And, though I hate to say this, he did not merely make me do bad things. He made me want bad things. Throughout the time, I simply was another pony altogether.”

They had paired up at a suggestion of Vi, who had argued that the weakest ones among them shouldn’t walk around town on their own, and had named herself, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity as the three ponies who most fell into that category, and Rainbow Dash and Twilight as the two most capable of providing protection. Fortunately, there was no loss of pride, for her, in admitting that she was indeed rather defenseless, and neither was it lost on her that there had been instances of ponies being seriously hurt. That was why she had asked Rainbow to accompany her. Her boutique was no longer running, her work had become pointless, and she could hardly stay at home all day.

Dear Rainbow Dash did not seem to be feeling cheerful – to say the least – however, this was unlikely to be an artifact of her present company: the pegasus’ mood had been at a perpetual low ever since Discord’s dominance had been established. The fact that there was now a large barrier preventing anypony from putting more than a few dozen yards between herself and the town certainly didn’t help.

“I find it rather difficult to believe in our collective stamina, considering how easily I myself have been corrupted... twice.”

Rainbow Dash grunted. As her only other response, she kicked a piece of rubble on the road, which spontaneously exploded into a small cloud of purple dust. Both of them winced, even though it wasn’t the first time something like this had happened.

“Screw this,” Rainbow cursed. She looked around. “I’m not even sure where we are anymore. Do you know? Never thought I’d get lost in Ponyville.”

“This is Ballad’s apartment, I believe,” Rarity said, pointing at the building to her left. It was a simple one-level structure which had undergone relatively little change compared to most others, though several spots on its walls had taken on rather unusual colors.

“No idea who that is. She’s not a pegasus.”

“She’s a unicorn.”

“Do you know what’s fucked up?” Rarity frowned at the swear word but didn’t comment, not that Rainbow was waiting for her to reply. “Fluffy Clouds. One of my weather ponies. She was up earlier than me. I bet she flew out for a trip. On the day that Discord took over, I mean. ‘Cause I haven’t seen her since. She must have been outside when he made that stupid barrier.”

“Rather fortunate for her, is it not?”

“Depends. You think the rest of Equestria’s fine?”

Rarity shrugged. “Not fine, no. They lost their rulers. But I don’t think Discord has done to them what he is doing to us. Although, there is-”

“-the fact that he got day and night all messed up?” Rainbow suggested.

“Yes, precisely.”

“Meh,” Rainbow made. “Meh. Meh. Meh.”

Rarity threw her an amused look.

“Are you sad?” said a voice next to them. They both turned around.

A house was talking to them.

To be more precise, a chimney atop a house.

“Don’t be sad! Be happy!”

“Screw you!” Rainbow was in mid-air momentarily. “What do you know?”

“Don’t be sad,” the chimney repeated, at the same time that Rarity said from below, “Rainbow, darling, you’re talking to a chimney. Come down, please.”

“Be happy!”

“Shutupshutupshutup!” Rainbow turned around and gave the chimney a kick.

“Ow!” it made.

“Rainbow, darling, please. Even if this chimney is sentient, it certainly didn’t choose to annoy you. Get down here.”

“Fine.” Rainbow landed back beside her, but not without throwing an angry look at the top of the house. Then, suddenly, they both heard a scream from somewhere close.

Rainbow groaned. “Stay here.” At full-feathered speed, she blazed off to investigate, but returned less than a minute later.

“Just another stupid prank,” she announced, sounding even more morose than before. “Celestia, I really hate this.”

“What happened?”

“Stallion turned into a mare.”

“What?”

“Don’t worry, it’s not permanent. I’ve seen it before.”

Her left eye twitched. “Who is it?”

“Buck do I know. Some earth pony dude.”

“Don’t be sad!”

“AAARGH! Let’s go before I rip that thing to pieces!”

“What’s he look like? Or she?”

But Rainbow ignored the question. “You’ve ever noticed that no-one is outside?” she instead asked. “If everything else was fine, wouldn’t there be some ponies – dunno – trying to get in? Or at least try to visit family and stuff? You can talk through the barrier, I think.”

“Well, I don’t know why. Have you asked Twilight?”

“No.” They halted as they could hear more voices, this time coming closer. Then, several ponies came running out of an alley to their right, chased by what appeared to be...

... yes, what appeared to be a cake monster. Although it was moving slower than anypony could run, and Rarity wasn’t sure what negative consequence being caught by a being made out of sugary sweetness would entail. But neither was she eager to find out.

“Screw this,” Rainbow repeated. “Seriously. Screw this. Come on.” She spread her wings, indicating Rarity to climb onto her back, who didn’t hesitate to follow the invitation. “Let’s get out of here before this thing gets its way with us.”