The Gentleman

"Work faster!" The plump lady yelled as she walked up and down, observing each tables of dresses. Over a dozen women stood in rows stitching and sewing dresses together as fast as they could, a lot of them come out ragged and ugly. The woman didn't seem to care, throwing them into baskets and sending them off into another room. Rarity sat in one of the rows, taking her sweet time with each dress that came to her.

"What's all this? It's been three hours and ya only done two dresses!?" The woman shouted at Rarity.

"Well, ma’am, you see... I..."

"No excuses! So far ya only earned forty bits! You'll be lucky if I gave ya that much! Work faster!" the bulky woman shouted in Rarity's face, spewing fowl breath that almost made poor Rarity give up what little she had in her stomach. Knowing she needed more than just forty bits she tried to work faster, at least until the overseer was out of sight. It was a horrid job, stitching the patchwork dresses together. They were ugly, hardly fit for a commoner. She looked to her own dress, the last memento she had of Montague and saw that it had turned no different now then these abominations, a reminder of her reduced status in the world.

By the end of the day she had a hundred-twenty bits, enough to buy food and a place to sleep for the night. Dragging herself from the dreaded dressmakers shop she started to look for an inn, finding one down the street from the dressmakers. She bought a room for the night, a small, dirty cube yet finest she could afford.

"What a dreadful day..." She said to herself, taking a bite on a small piece of bread she had bought on the way. "I miss my home... My family..." She sighed, eating another piece of bread then wrapping it up to save for tomorrow.

"It cannot be all bad!" She told herself. "This is what I have been waiting for, right? To travel? Help people around the world? That's what I'll do... Travel the world”. She forced a smile as tears began to roll down her cheek. “Travel the world with you, Montague”. She kept a smile on her face. "Oh, the places we'll see. The things we'll do. We will help the needy and after a hard day’s work you will take me into your arms and tell me how much I mean to you. And I will tell you how much you mean to me. Then we will kiss and talk about our next... Next destination... Who to help next..." Tears fell faster and she could no longer keep the smile. "That's what we'll do, Montague. That's what... We'll do..."

Rarity buried her face into the dusty pillow on her bed, trying to hide her sobs. "Mother... Father... Montague..." She hugged her pillow as she cried herself to sleep.

XXXXXX

The next morning Rarity started her day by finishing the last of the bread. She looked at the rags she had on, a substitute for Montague’s dress. Trying to avoid getting it even dirtier, she folded the stained white dress and hid it under the bed, hoping no one would find it. Rarity looked herself over in the small mirror that hung from the wall just across from her bed. Bags formed under her eyes heavy with tears and lack of sleep and the only thing she could say to herself is that a pretty girl once looked back at her from the mirror.

She knew that if she wanted to continue living she had to go back to that horrid dressmaking shop. She fixed the rags as best she could and left the Inn, spending the rest of her money to keep the room for another night before leaving.

XXXXX

"No more room for ya!" The plump woman said to Rarity before she could make it inside.

"E...Excuse me?" Rarity said, backing away.

"You’re too slow! Ain't any more room for ya here! Get ye gone!"

"You don't understand!" Rarity said. "I need this job! I..."

"I said get ye gone before I call the guard you street rodent! You’re young and pretty... Could probably make money sellin that body of yurs. But you ain't makin it in here. Go!"

Tears began to gather in Rarity's eyes but her sadness soon turn to rage. Her alicorn began to glow with rage but she soon calmed down, seeing the town guard walk by. She sighed and walked away, the woman simply laughing at her as she did.
Rarity wandered the streets again, looking for a job. No one seemed willing to help her. No one would even give her a glance. She went down by the docks, watching the ships go by as she lay against a crate.

"What am I going to do?" she asked herself, burying her face into her arms. "I have one more night at that horrid Inn then.... I'm out on the street..." She sat there, closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep, feeling too tired to do anything else.

XXXXXX

When Rarity awoke she found that she was no longer at the harbor. She felt groggy and weak, also unable to move. As she slowly shook off the effects of sleep she saw that she was tied down to a wooden bed, ropes knotted and digging into her skin. Some rope was tied around her mouth, preventing her from screaming loud enough for anyone to hear. The room she was in was completely dark and the horrid smell made Rarity want to vomit what little food she had left. She struggled to get out of her restraints, only to find the rope digging into her more. After sometime, she could hear footsteps coming from somewhere. At the corner of her eyes, a door slowly opened, a man with a candle walking in. He wore a fancy black coat and a top hat. His eyes looked blank, as if he were only a husk.

"Hello, my dear. Welcome to the Asylum." He said with a deep voice, smiling a wickedly. "I hope you find your room to be... Suitable. You will be here for some time. I am surprised really... To find such a beautiful young lady in the streets. You are perfect." He placed the candle on a nearby desk, letting the man get a better look.

"So many places to cut..." He said. "Yes, you are perfect. So perfect. I want to start right now..." He looked at a tray of rusty tools, picking one up and sliding his finger against it. "I can't wait... I need you right now. I need to feel this blade cutting deep into you, my dear... I need it so badly... You will enjoy it too, yes?"

He started to come closer and Rarity began to scream as loud as she could. It wasn't enough, the ropes were too tight. He placed the knife blade against her face, his eyes quivering with excitement, a moment that ended when a loud knock came to the door.

"At this hour? Right now?" He said. "Maybe I should ignore it, yes? Why should I let unexpected company ruin our fun, my dear?"
Another knock came, the man's eyes almost shifting to the back of his head. He threw the knife down in rage and grabbed the candle. "I won't be long, my flower. Stay there..." He closed the door, Rarity hearing a clicking sound as he locked the door. Warm tears fell down her face, feeling helpless.
The man came to the front door, hearing rain and thunder on the other side. He opened the door slowly, peeking out.

"Hello?"

"Uncle Horton!" someone yelled, the man opening the door all the way.

"Little Fiona? Is that you?"

"Now, now, uncle! I told ya to call me Pinkie. Everyone does, ya know." Pinkie said covered in a thick blanket along with Fluttershy. "Sorry to impose, uncle but we were wondering if we could trouble you for a bed tonight. We’re leavin Port Canterlot in the morning. Makin for Port Sunrise, we are. Me and my friend Fluttahshy that is."

Horton looked at the young lady, seeing she was beautiful. There was a sudden twinkle in his eye, a longing. He fought it back. "Yes... Yes there is a room available if you don't mind sleeping in your aunt’s room. It hasn't been used since the day she pasted."

"Truly? That's wonderful! Thank you, Uncle!"

"Come in... Come in... You'll catch a cold out there..."

Both girls walked in, getting rid of the blanket. Fluttershy looked around the house. It was a large home, each corner of covered with a picture. They walked along a dirty red carpet that looked as if it were never cleaned.

"I'll serve us something to drink. Tea? Perhaps something a little stronger?"

"Tea would be lovely. Thank you." Fluttershy said.

"So polite... You have a good taste in friends, Fiona."

"Stuff the 'Fiona' stuff, uncle! It's Pinkie!"

"Right, right, of course. I'll be right back." Horton stepped into the other room, leaving the girls along.

"Glad we came here, I am. Uncle's always been a wee bit strange but always good to me. I used to spend my childhood 'er. That was till Auntie Sofia passed away. Been livin alone since then."

"Oh..." Fluttershy said, looking around nervously. She held Angel's cage tightly against her. The house was dark, lit only by two or three candles. "Now don't be scared. Uncle Horton's gonna treat us right, he will. You'll see. Then tomorrow it's off to Port Sunrise. At sunrise!" Pinkie laughed.

Fluttershy forced a giggle, still feeling anxious of her surroundings. "Maybe I'm just nervous... About my father." Fluttershy fiddled with her thumbs, trying to calm down. Pinkie walked over and sat down next to her, putting an arm around her.
"Eh there... It's gonna be fine. You gonna be all right. I won't let anything happen to ya. I promise."

Fluttershy laid her head on Pinkie, a warm feeling overcoming her. It had been so long she since she found trust in someone like this. There was a sense of safety, a comfort when Pinkie was around. Almost as if she wanted to smile all the time and she did.

"Eh... I hope this won't be too personal of a question but... Where's ya mum?" Pinkie asked.
Fluttershy looked up at Pinkie's kind wide eyes. "She passed away nearly two years ago. She was all I had left besides Angel."

"I'm so sorry to hear that, Fluttahshy, I am."

"No, it's all right. She always said that even though we never had much, she lived a wonderful life. She said it was because I was her daughter but I think I only made things harder on her. When she got sick I was so helpless... We did not have the money for proper medicine. If only I could have made some money maybe mother would have..."
"Don't go blaming yourself, Fluttahshy. You can't just take all life’s problems onto yourself. When your mum said she live a wonderful life cuz of ya so you should be proud. I know it was honest."

Fluttershy smiled. "Thank you, Pinkie."

The two girls hugged as Horton watched from a little hole in the kitchen wall. His eye twitched uncontrollably as he looked at Fluttershy. Never had he seen so much kindness, so much loving. He dug his nails into his legs, wanting to cut it all out from her skin. He took a moment to take control of himself, hearing the tea begin to boil. He pours three cups; his hands shaking violently as perverted thoughts of Fluttershy ran rampant through his mind. Tea in hand, he left the kitchen.

"Tea is all ready, girls. I hope you enjoy it... It was Sofia's favorite brew." He said, taking up a cup for himself.
Fluttershy took a whiff of the tea. "It smells lovely." Fluttershy said with a smile, taking a sip. Pinkie did the same.

"So why the sudden trip to Sunrise, 'Pinkie'?" Horton asked, placing the tea on a small cup and onto the table.

"Visiting some' a Fluttahshy's family's all. She hired me to throw a party for them."

Horton smiled. "You have made quite a business with these parties. I am thrilled for you."

Pinkie sipped the tea again as thunder rolled over, rain pouring harder.
"Nasty storm out there... So glad you decided to stay. No telling how long it will last, no... No telling at all." Horton smiled.
The three talked for a while, Pinkie and Horton catching up on old times and family matters before Pinkie realized that Fluttershy had fallen asleep on her shoulder.

"It's getting late... I'm sure you will want to leave as early as possible. Boats can get crowded fast..." Horton said. "There are two rooms. You may have Sofia’s room. It might be a little dusty since I had not dared go in after her passing. Your friend can have the guest room."
"Sounds peachy. Thank you again, uncle." Pinkie said, nudging Fluttershy. "Come on, Fluttahshy. Time to get some sleep.”

Fluttershy simply moaned, blinking her eyes as she awoke just enough to walk to bed. Pinkie helped her to her room upstairs, Horton following behind. Fluttershy regained herself and after saying good night to Pinkie and Horton, opened the door to the guest room and vanished beyond the door. As Pinkie went into her own room, Horton idled in the hall. Horton looked at the knob Fluttershy had touched, crawling over to it slowly. He could almost see where her hand had been against the brass handle knob. He closed his eyes and began to lick it softly, evil thoughts running through his mind. It was then he remembered his new guest in the 'Asylum' as he called it.

"No... no, no, no... This one is much better. Why have one? I must have both. I have to have her. So soft. So innocent. I want her... I want her..."

He pushed himself away from the door. "No, not yet... Have to wait... Pinkie must not know. Have to make preparations. Have to be patient. Yes. Patient."

He crept down the stairs, going back into the parlor to wait. It wouldn't be long before Fluttershy was asleep. That is when he would strike.

XXXXXX

"There ain’t no way!" Mac yelled, leaning over the table. "Look, I know ya’ll’re old friends and all but I won't just let you drag my sister off to some far off place. I'm her older brother. If someone's gotta do this let me go."

"This ain't up for debate, Mac. You need to stay and watch the farm. There's just something’s I need to do and you need to man up and do your duty while I do mine, you hear me? Jack said, slamming her hands against the wooden table.

"Jack...?" Granny Smith said, looking at her from where Mac sat. "Is this what you really want, my dear?"
Applejack's eyes softened, looking at her fragile granny. "I don't know, granny... I guess I never thought about what I want. To be honest I always feared I would be on this farm forever. It scared me to know that this'll be the only life I ever lived. But now the opportunity to go far away has come up and... Somehow I can only think of how much I'm gonna miss the sunrises here on the farm. How much I'm miss you and Mac and little Bloom..." Tears began to roll down her face. "But I gotta be honest with myself... I know there's somethin I need to do. Somethin only I can do. I have to go, granny."

"No!" Bloom yelled, running over to her sister. "Applejack, don't go! I...It's gonna be my birthday next month. You gotta be there, you just gotta!"

Applejack's heart broke, seeing her darling little sister's face wet with tears.

"Bloom... I want you to be strong... You gotta be the man around the house for' while, kay?"

"Hey!" Mac yelled.

"You, mister, need to earn that title." Applejack said, shooting a look at Mac. "When I get back there better be a farm, Mac. If I hear you spent everything on booze..."

Mac's face became serious, shooting a harsh glance at Applejack. Somehow, Jack could see something in his eyes. A sort of sparkle. It made her want to smile. She stood up.

"I have to go. Twi is waitin for me outside." Applejack grabbed her rifle and hat, putting it on as she headed towards the door. When she stepped outside, everyone followed her. It was almost dawn, the sky a deep, dark blue. Applejack turned to face her family.

"You all take care now..." She said sadly. Mac gave her a big hug, trying not to cry as he did. Granny walked over, limping on a walking stick as she gave her granddaughter a hug. Bloom, who was still crying, crossed her arms and looked away. Jack looked down, understanding Bloom not wanting to say goodbye. She turned and walked toward the carriage, only taking a few steps before she felt tiny Bloom latch onto her, giving her a big hug. Jack knelt down and embraced her, petting her hair softly. "When I get back I'm gonna bring the best present back ever, you'll see."

"If ya bring yourself back... That's mite good enough for me, sis. I love you."

"I love you too, Bloom. I love you so much." Applejack hugged her tighter. Finally Applejack got into the carriage where Twilight and the Princess sat. The driver whipped the horse and they started down the road. Bloom began to walk toward the carriage, slowly picking up speed. She started to run.

"Jack! JACK!"
Applejack could hear Bloom yelling, looking at the window to see her running after them.

"JACK! Please! Don't go! Don't go! Jack!!" Bloom tripped and fell, her dress getting dirty. "Don't go..." Her years stained the dusty path as she cried.

Mac came over and hugged her, both watching the carriage move into the distance and out of sight.