Iron and Blood: We Dear Sisters

Pinkie laid on the ground, her naked body shivered from the cool concrete floor. Her mind was cloudy from the sensation of Scarlet’s vagina rubbing against hers. Scarlet let out several grunts as she held Pinkie’s left leg for support. “Oh, baby filly…” Scarlet hummed seductively, “By your little moans, I know you’re close.” She increased the rocking of her hips. Pinkie pulled at her mane as she felt the strange sensation building within her. She felt it plenty of times before, it felt good… it felt wrong… and that’s what scared her.

Scarlet giggled as she yanked on Pinkie’s leg. “That’s it!” She laughed. “Fuck!” She let go of Pinkie’s leg and laid on top of her. “You seemed to enjoy that?” She touched her snout against Pinkie’s. “We keep this up, you’re going to be an expert.” She kissed her.

Pinkie shivered as she closed her eyes. She just laid still letting the mare’s tongue explore her mouth. Her shame and confusion paralyzing her once again. She hated that, why couldn’t she be stronger…

“My little plaything.” Scarlet pulled away from her kiss and looked into Pinkie’s blue eyes. “I wish we could lay next to each other all day, sadly we can’t though. But not for long, soon this war will be over and you’ll be my slave.” Scarlet got off of her and sat up on her knees, her butt pinning Pinkie’s waist to the floor. “Shit, if only I was the foreman, I would’ve made you my slave, like he did with your sister.” She frowned as she glared off into space. “But I’m not.”

Pinkie stared up at the ceiling her mind steeped in a muck of horrified thoughts of being with her for the rest of her life. “W-When…” She struggled to talk. “D-Do you think the war will be over?”

Scarlet smiled at her as she picked up her military outfit and Pinkie’s slave gown from the table with her magic. “Not, sure, but I hope its soon.” She dropped Pinkie’s slave gown on her face. “Get dressed, we've been gone too long.”

Pinkie pulled the article of clothing from her face. “But you told them that I had another job to do…” Her eyes widened at her own words. Was she trying to reassure her? The mare molesting her? She felt her blood ran cold. ‘What am I doing?’

Scarlet gave her a sly smirk. “Oh, look at you, wanting another round?” She hummed seductively. “I would love that but, I have a post I need cover for someone else.” She put on her shirt. “Don’t feel lonely while I’m gone.” She bent down a planted a kiss on Pinkie’s lips. This time Pinkie didn’t shiver or close her eyes, she stared into the mare’s eyes. Scarlet pulled away and gave a sigh. “That’s my filly.”

Maud stood over the kitchen sink washing dishes she used to make breakfast for her master and herself. She worked silently as she expertly cleaned them. “Err…” Maud placed a hand on her belly. She let out a heavy sigh as she leaned against the counter.

“You alright?” Nightingale asked from the dining table a few feet from the kitchen proper.

Maud looked over her shoulders and saw he hadn’t looked up from his morning paper. As she kept staring, she couldn’t help but think of her father. Reading the paper at morning and at supper. She shook her head at the thought, Nightingale was nothing like her father. Then why did she think of her father when looking at him.

“No?” Nightingale pondered as he looked up from his newspaper.

“I’m alright.” Maud rubbed the spot where the pain was and got back to task. “It’s just the foal.”

Nightingale stared at her for some time before looking back at his paper. “Pace yourself.” He took a sip of his coffee. “You have a big day today.”

Maud stopped scrubbing as she stared at her reflection on the glass’s wet surface. “What am I doing?”

Nightingale finished his cup of coffee before answering. “I’m going to have you make some rounds around the camp.” He stood up and walked over to the sink. “I want you to make a report on how things are going. The guards know you’re my slave so they shouldn’t give you too much trouble, but if they do just show them this.” He placed his used cup in the sink and pulled out a card from his jacket’s pocket.

“What’s this?” Maud wondered as she stared at the laminated yellow paper card.

“A slave task identification card.” Nightingale took out a cigarette. “You seem like you are accepting your new role. To make it short, you’re earning my trust. You managed to stay out of trouble these four months. So, you deserve some more responsibilities,” He looked at his office table. “Other than being my secretary”

Maud held the card in her hand. She ran her thumb across its smooth surface. A warm feeling came over her. This little piece of paper was her ticket to seeing her sisters without the fear of reprisal. Her joy quickly stopped. She wasn’t bulletproof. She had to come up with a sneaky way to see them without raising suspicion. “Thank you,” She looked at the stallion. “Master.” She clenched her teeth, she still hated saying that word.

“Don’t abuse it.” He sighed as he walked up to his desk picking up a folder. “It’s a privilege.” He placed the folder on the counter near the sink. “Once you’re finished, complete what’s in this by the end of the day.” He walked away and up a flight of stairs to the second-story portion of his office tower.

Maud stared at the folder and swallowed the lump in her throat. ‘Play it safe Maud… Play it safe…’

Maud jumped off the steps of the office tower. She pulled the coat her master had given her over her slightly protruding belly and buttoned it up. Shivering at the slight chill of the fall air, Maud opened the folder and looked inside. One of her first tasks was to speak to one Captain Folly, the overseer of the mine. She needed to check with him on the condition of the mine. Her heart skipped a beat as she thought of Limestone and Obsidian. ‘It’s been so long since I’ve seen them…’ she cried internally. She bit her lower lip. She was going to have to think of something. Her need to see them made her body feel clammy. ‘I got this…’

Maud placed the folder against her chest and made her way toward the mine.

As she walked along the gravel covered road, Maud noticed that a majority of the guards paid little attention to her. Some gave her slide glances or a frown or two, but many kept to their tasks. ‘I guess the foreman has his guards’ respect?’ Maud wondered as she walked through the gate of a chain-linked-fence.

The guards standing by the gate, gave her a look. “Stop right there, slave!” One of the guards stated as he walked up to her. “Where are you going?”

Maud took out her slave card and handed it to him. “My master wants me to meet with Captain Folly.”

The guard stared at the yellow card. “Is that so?” He smiled as he lowered his head to be eye level with her. “Captain Folly is over there in that building.” He pointed over at a single-story concrete building at the west side of the open pit mine. Maud looked at the building and nodded as she went to grab the card. The guard smirked as he pulled it away from her. “But you better behave yourself. Remember what you are, slave.” He hissed as he handed her the card.

Maud frowned at the guard as she took her card back. “Understood.” She walked past them.

The guard stared at her as she made her way to the building. “Shit colt, we could’ve taken her for a spin!”

The guard looked at his comrade. “Yeah, if you want to lose your fucking job.” He shook his head. “I thought you weren’t dumb, Muller?”

“She would’ve kept her mouth shut.” He rolled her eyes. “Scarlet has a little filly she’s been fucking. Why not give her a good fucking? I’ve been missing the touch of a mare you know.”

The guard shook his head. “No, you want to know why?” He frowned at Muller. “Three reasons. One, were not Scarlet, fuck that crazy bitch. Two, I want to keep my job. And three, she’s pregnant, but I guess you’re blind.”

Muller rolled his eyes. “Scarlet is doing just fine.” He rolled his eyes. “If she hasn’t gotten reprimanded then we’ll be fine!”

His comrade shook his head. “I guess you’re right, can’t afford to fire her. Low on ponypower.” He placed a hand on his service pistol that was still holstered on his side. “But I still wouldn’t risk it!”

“You’re no fun Bolt.” Muller crossed his arms as he leaned on the pillar of the gate.

Bolt just shook his head as he looked at the building. “If you’re craving pussy, fuck one of our fellow guards. I know they’re craving a good dicking, like you, you thirsty moron.” Muller gritted his teeth and looked elsewhere as to not look at Bolt directly.

The sounds of typewriters filled the air as Maud entered the building. She scanned the unicorn mares working away at their desks. Studying their dull expressions, they gave their work. Turning her gaze from the mares she saw a unicorn stallion standing at the back of the building in front of a blackboard. Papers were taped to its surface. Data on the mine Maud presumed as she made her way up to the stallion who was talking to a small group.

One of the stallions noticed her approaching and alerted the stallion. He turned around and eyed Maud as she neared him. “You must be Nightingale’s slave?”

Maud stopped and gave a bow. A bow she had done multiple times after becoming a slave. She still couldn’t get use to that fact… “Yes, Captain.” She rose from her bow, her body shivering at his words. Four months as a slave… how could it be that long? “My master wanted me to get a report on the mine and its facilities.”

Captain Folly sighed as he crossed his arms. “A camp audit… Damn its that time of the year?” He looked at the blackboard. “Let me get some papers for you.”

Maud stood still and watched him walk over to a desk to her right. The stares from the other unicorns he was talking to slowly alerted her to the contempt that was sent her way. She hesitated for a bit, before turning to face one of the guards staring at her. The stallions she looked at quickly looked away and stared at a stack of papers in his hands.

“This should be everything the foreman needs.” Captain Folly approached Maud, handing her a small stack of papers held together by a large paperclip. “is there anything else he wanted?” He watched Maud place the papers in her folder.

Maud stared at the papers giving them a quick once over. Seeing that they were indeed the papers she needed, she placed the folder close to her chest. “He…” She thought about what she was about to say. “He wanted me to talk to some of the prisoners working the mines.” She lied.

Captain Folly crossed his arms. “What for?”

She looked at the stallions behind him and saw their questioning gazes. “To tell them to double their quota.” She tightened her grip on her folder. “Only a few at random. To see who has what it takes.” She scolded herself at the absurdity of it all, what a stupid lie…

“Interesting?” Folly hummed as he rubbed his chin. “Pick the best of the best. That’s one way to boost our numbers.” He looked at the blackboard. “Go ahead, you worked the mines before, you know your way around.” He looked back at her. “If any of the prisoners give you trouble, let my guards know.”

“Yes, captain.” Maud bowed.

“Go, and make it quick.” He waved her out.

Maud quickly turned around and left. Stepping out of the building, she let out her nervousness with a heavy sigh. ‘I get to see them…’ Her eyes widened. ‘How am I going to do it?’ She made her way to the mine as her mind mulled over the how.

Limestone struck the ground with her pickaxe. Her swollen left eye blinked causing her to groan out a hiss. Hissing out her pain, she gently touched it as she looked up at a guard. The guard feeling her gaze, looked down at her from the terrace he stood on and glared at her with harsh eyes. She gritted her teeth and narrowed her eyes. “Get back to work.” Hearing a low voice, she turned around and saw Obsidian digging into the ground with his shovel.

Limestone stared at him for a few seconds. “How can you just let them take her!” She finally spoke.

Obsidian stopped digging and gave her a heavy sigh. “What can I do Limestone?” He leaned on his shovel. “What can I do, that won’t get me killed?” He went back to work with a huff. “What good would that do? Trust me, I’m worried! I’m worried every damned night, but If I get myself killed, that won’t do her, you, my sister, and my sister-n-laws any good!”

Limestone stared at her brother-in-law and watched his body shiver. “Sorry…” She went back to work.

Obsidian let out a sigh. “Trust me, I wish I was able to sit beside my sister during breakfast and lunch.” He huffed as he tossed a shovel-load of rocks into the cart behind him. “She seems so lost.”

Limestone huffed as she slammed her pickaxe into the dirt. “Pinkie and Marble are acting lost as well.” She growled as she pulled at her tool. “They don’t seem themselves. I’ve tried asking Snowy and all she told me is that a guard has been harassing them… Mostly Pinkie…” She sighed as she stared at the rocks by her hooves. “I’m scared for them…”

Obsidian looked at her tired eyes. “We need to stay strong.” He looked at the head of his shovel. “We can’t let them break us…” Hearing hoofsteps, he looked over his shoulders and saw a pair of guards walking up to them. “Shit…”

“You two, with us!” One of the guards snapped his fingers. The other guard placed a hand on his whip.

Obsidian and Limestone dropped their tools and put up their hands. “Where are we going?” Obsidian asked.

“Just shut it and follow!” The guard rolled his eyes as he led them over to a small wooden shack at the base of the mine close to a gravel path that wormed its way up to the top of the mine. Limestone got close to Obsidian as they neared the shack. Opening the door, the guard waved them in. “Make it quick.” He spoke to the pony within.

Limestone’s and Obsidian’s eyes lit up as they saw Maud. Maud turned around. Her face was stern as she looked at the guard. “Will do.” She nodded to allow them to enter. They entered the shack as the guard closed the door.

“Maud?” Limestone went to hug her, but Maud held up a hand.

Maud ears swiveled as she listened to the guards walking away. “Okay, the coast is clear…” She let out a groan as Limestone gave her a death grip of a hug. “I missed you too.” Maud returned the hug.

Obsidian joined in the hug and gave her a hearty squeeze. “Where have you been?” He held her face in his hands. “Are they hurting you?”

Maud shook her head. “No…” She held their hands. “It’s just… The foreman… He made me his slave…”

Their hearts dropped. “What?” Limestone felt feverish. “Why?” She started to hyper ventilate.

“Lime, calm down.” Maud placed her hands on her shoulders.

“Why are you a slave?” Obsidian crossed his arms. “Did he make you his?” He felt his throat tighten up at his own question.

“No… I’m not a slave for those reasons.” She shivered just imagining that thought. “I became a slave, because I’m pregnant.”

Obsidian felt numb as his world faded all around him. He felt light headed as his wife’s words swam in his head. Limestone’s joy barely registered as he braced himself against the wall. A part of him was proud that he was a father, but the other half hated the world for having his child born in such a place and in such a situation.

“Sweetie?” Maud’s voice called out to him. “Obsidian?” He felt her shake him. “Are you alright?”

“You’re pregnant?” He looked at her with wide eyes. “Why now?”

Maud tightened her grip on her husband’s hand. “It wouldn’t have mattered when. Pregnant then or pregnant now.” She placed a hand on his cheek. “All that matters is the here and now.”

Obsidian grabbed her hand and squeezed it. “But you’re a salve, trapped in this hell hole!”

Maud shook her head. “If I wasn’t the foreman’s slave, our foal would’ve been aborted!”

“Aborted?” Limestone stared at her sister with wide eyes. “They were going to kill an unborn foal?”

Obsidian placed a hand on his wife’s belly. “Why did he make you, his slave?” He looked into her eyes. “Why did he save our child?”

“I’m not sure?” Maud placed her hand over his. “He didn’t have to, but he did.” She let out a sigh. “I’m scared to know the answer. I’m scared he’ll find out you’re the father.”

Obsidian sighed as he looked at the ceiling lamp above them. He watched the lightbulb flicker from the lack of sufficient electricity. “We’ll keep it that way.” He held her head in his hands. “We’ll make it work. If I have to keep my distance to protect you, to protect our foal, then I’ll do it.” He kissed her.

Maud smiled as she rested her head on his chest. “I wish I could stay longer…”

“Why are you here?” Limestone asked.

“Doing some errands for my… Master.” Maud bit her lower lip. “And I decided to add a little detour, to see you two. To see the twins and Ruby.”

“What did you say to get them to allow you to?” Limestone grabbed her tail.

“I said the foreman wanted to test certain prisoners. To double their quota…” Maud fidgeted with her fingers. “I’m sorry?” Obsidian let out a sigh and held his wife close.

Limestone bit her lower lip and looked at the ground. She ran her fingers through her tail. “No need to apologize… I can handle the work load.” She let out a heavy sigh. “But I’m not sure about twins or Ruby. They seem shaken up, especially Pinkie. I’ve only seen her from a distance, but she doesn’t look like herself?”

Maud shivered. “Oh no…”

“What’s wrong?” Obsidian asked.

Maud felt her mouth began to dry. “Pinkie… She told me that she was raped by a mare named Scarlet.”

Limestone felt sick as she leaned against the wall. “What?” She ran her hand through her mane. “What are we going to do?”

Maud placed her hands on her sister’s shoulders. “Lime, calm down!” Maud rested her forehead on her sister’s. “I’ll try to speak to the foreman again. I told him several months ago. I hope what I told him made a difference?”

“You really think it did?” Obsidian crossed his arms

Maud looked down and stared at the rusted nails that held crate behind Limestone together. “I hope so… But I know deep down its stupid to think that… But I need hope.” She looked at her husband. “It’s the only thing I can do.”

Obsidian nodded as he looked at the door. “So how are you going to make this convincing?”

“Yell at me.” Maud said out loud, but her eyes stared at her sister. “Call me names, anything to convince them.” She placed her hands on Limestone’s shoulders. “Understand?”

Limestone nodded as she hugged her sister. “Will see you when we can.” She walked up to the door. Taking a deep breath, she threw open the door. “Screw you!” She yelled as she turned around as she stepped out of the shack. Prisoners and guards nearby looked over at the commotion. “You want us to double our quota! And for what?” Obsidian held Limestone by the shoulders.

“You heard me!” Maud raised her voice. “The foreman wants numbers. And you’re more than capable of doing so!”

“Says you! You traitor!” Limestone spat as she held onto Obsidian.

“Is everything alright?” The guard that had led them to the shack asked as walked up to them.

“Yes…” Maud stared at her sister and husband as they wandered back to their spot on one of the mine’s terraces.

“Then what’s with the yelling?” He stared at the duo as they wandered back to the mine.

“They didn’t take it well.” Maud eyed the mine’s terraces.

“Well, you did tell them to double quota.” The guard laughed. “Kind of cruel.”

Maud stared at several ponies toiling away. “I need to get going.” She looked at the guard. “Those ponies look like they’re qualified.” She pointed at them. “Let them know.” She picked up her folder and made her way toward the pulverizer warehouse.

“Understood… slave.” The guard looked at the ponies she pointed to and shook his head. “Let’s see if this boosts numbers?”

Exiting the mine, Maud looked back at it and watch the multitude of prisoners working away at the earth. The depth of the mine made them look like small ants. She felt mighty over them. It made her feel sick. Shivering, she let out a sigh and walked over to the pulverizing warehouse.

Nearing the building a chill danced across her back. She stared at the building that was the scene of her sister’s torment. Her rape. Frowning, she entered the building.

The mind-numbing sounds of the pulverizer filled her ears. Folding her ears back to dull the noise, she scanned the sluices and saw her sisters a few feet from her. Their backs were to her making them unaware of her presence. Turning her eyes to the catwalks above, she scanned the guards until her eyes locked on to Scarlet. Her teeth grinded against themselves as she saw her eyes staring at her sister seductively. Pressing the folder close to her chest, she made her way up to the offices.

Seeing movement in the corner of her eye, Scarlet turned her attention from Pinkie to the source. Her eyes went wide as she saw Maud walking up the steps to the office. “Shit…” She tightened her hands on the catwalk’s railing. “Fuck!” Scarlet hissed as she ran her hand through her mane as she made her way off the catwalk.

Hearing her frustration, Pinkie looked up at where Scarlet was standing. A shiver danced across her back. Looking around, she tried to figure out what made her upset. Seeing her sister entering the office on her right, Pinkie felt a chill wash over her body. “Maud?” Marble hearing her sister’s name looked up and saw her sister staring. Seeing what her sister was looking at, her own body shivered.

Maud stepped into the office and looked around. The space was bare and in a sad state. The sheet metal walls were covered in rust at their base. The wooden floors lacked color and were covered in a layer of dust. There were only three desks at the back wall near the window that overlooked the warehouse floor.

A unicorn mare sitting at one of those desks looked up from her paperwork. She looked at Maud with stern eyes. “What are you doing here?” She stared at the folder. “Your master sending you to do his work?” She moved some of her mane from her eyes. “Lazy stallion!” She hissed as she fiddled with the fan beside her, trying to get it to spin faster.

Maud stepped up to the mare. “My master wants a report on how the camp is running.” She placed the folder on the desk. “I need a report on the warehouse and its output.” She saw her nameplate on her uniform. “Captain Polly.”

Polly glared at her as she picked up the folder. “All is well.” She pulled out a piece of paper and began writing in it. “So, you’re doing his errands?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Maud looked out the window and saw her sisters staring up at her.

Polly eyed her, “So, how's it going?” She saw that she was staring out the window. Looking over her shoulders, she saw two of her prisoners staring up at the office. They saw her and quickly looked away. Polly chewed her cheek as she looked back at Maud. “You know them?”

Maud felt a chill run down her back. “Um…” She placed her hand on her belly.

Polly raised her brow. “So, you do?” She turned her attention back to the paper. “Who are they to you?”

“They're my sisters.” Maud let out a hiss as she rubbed her belly.

Polly studied her mannerism as she mindlessly filled out her paperwork. “How far along are you?”

Maud was confused by the mare’s question. “How?” She let out a sigh. “Six months…” He looked down at herself. “It’s it that obvious?”

Polly smiled. “Sort of.” She handed the folder back to her. “Especially when it’s your first. It’s hard to hide the signs.” Maud sighed as she looked out the window and saw her sisters working away. Polly looked out the window as well and let out a sigh. “Those two haven’t been doing so well, especially the pink one.” She looked at Maud. “Maybe you can cheer them up or something.”

Maud chewed her cheek. “Maybe if you stopped Scarlet for harassing them, then they would work better.”

Polly placed her head in her hands. “Look, I know some of the guards get out of hand with how they dish out punishments… But there is nothing I can do.” Polly took out a cigarette. “And I won’t. And I can’t.” She lit it and took a long drag. “You earth ponies are gonna have to learn it’s the survival of the fittest. Either you make it or you don’t. Just be glad you’re here and not at some other camps where you’d be dead in a few weeks at most.”

Maud hung her head.

“Look, I’m allowing you to say hi to them, in hopes it boots their moral.” Polly leaned back in her chair and sighed. “I’ll be watching from here, so if my guards give you trouble, I’ll know. But make it quick, we got quotas to hit.”

Maud bowed as she exited the office, as she opened the door, she saw Scarlet standing in front of her. Maud felt a chill run down at her spine. She was so close, so close to the mare who took her sister’s innocence from her. She felt her grip on the folder tighten and her jaw lock up.

“Scarlet, perfect timing.” Polly called out. “Can you come in; I need to talk to you.”

Scarlet looked at her captain and gave a small nod. “Watch yourself, slave!” She hissed as she walked past Maud, shoving her shoulder into hers. Maud looked back at the mare and ground her teeth as she exited the office.

Walking down the steps, Maud saw her sisters, and Ruby looking at her as she neared. Maud let out a shiver as she saw her sister’s hollowed eyes, especially Pinkie’s. It felt like her baby sister’s eyes would rip out her soul.

Seeing a guard, Maud waved them down. The guard seeing her walked up. “What is it slave?” He crossed his arms.

“I need to speak to them.” She pointed at Pinkie, Marble and Ruby.

The guard gave a huff. “Got permission?”

“Captain Polly.” Maud tilted her head at the office.

The guard looked up at the office as he chewed his cheek. “Fine, you can go into the hall over there, but make it snappy!” He snapped as he gave her a stern glare.

Maud ignored his stare and gave him a small bow before walking up to her sisters. “Come, quickly.” She commanded them. Her sisters quickly followed after her. Hearing the door squeal close as they entered the hall, Maud quickly turned around. “Oh, I missed you!” She bent down and brought them into a hug.”

They excepted her loving gesture. Pinkie however did not. She groaned against the affection and pulled away from the embrace. Maud looked stunned as she saw Pinkie glare at her with pained filled eyes. “Where were you?” Pinkie growled.

Maud felt a heaviness wash over her. “Pinkie… I, I’m sorry…”

Pinkie let out a growl. “Sorry?” She felt her throat tighten up. “Why didn’t you come back! Why did you leave me!”

Maud hung her head. “Because they took me away.”

“Why?” Marble asked as she placed her hands on Pinkie’s shoulder in an attempt to calm her down.

Maud placed a hand on her belly as she sat on her knees. “Because I’m pregnant.”

Ruby’s and Marble’s eyes lit up. Pinkie felt a chill run down her back. “You are?” Ruby smiled. Maud nodded. Ruby let out a squeak as she hugged her sister-in-law tight. Marble joined her as they burred their faces into Maud’s chest. Pinkie just kept staring as her young mind processed the information.

Seeing her sister lost in her thoughts, Maud got closer to her and placed her hands on her shoulder. “When they found out, they were going to kill the foal. But the foreman stopped it by making me his slave. That’s why I wasn’t in the cafeteria. That’s why I was gone for so long…” She brought her sister in for a hug. “I just earned his trust to roam the camp by myself.” She kissed her. “I would’ve come sooner. I swear.” She held her head in her hands.

Pinkie’s eyes filled with tears. “Why?”

Maud felt her chest get heavy. “Why?”

“Why are they hurting me?” Pinkie gripped her sister tight. “Why is she hurting me?" She sobbed into Maud’s shoulder.

Maud ran her fingers through her sister’s mane. “I don’t know?”

Marble and Ruby looked at the distressing scene unsure of what to do.

Maud kissed her sister on the head. “I’m trying to keep you safe…” Pinkie gripped Maud’s gown and let out a growl. “Pinkie?”

“Then try harder!” Pinkie pulled from her embrace. “Please!”

Maud ran a hand through her mane. “I'm trying, I pleaded to the foreman several months ago.”

Pinkie’s body shivered like a leaf. “She’s still hurting me!” Maud’s face went pale. “She said you’re never going to be there for me! But you’re here! You’re here and she’s still hurting me!”

“Pinkie!” Marble huffed. “She’s trying!”

Pinkie let out a pathetic sob as she fell to the ground and rocked back-n-forth on her rump.

Maud let out a sigh as she pulled her sister int a hug. Pinkie resisted at first but she eventually gave in. “We’re prisoners her Pinkie… We have no power, no control…” She waved for her other sisters to join in the embrace. They complied and gathered around her. “All we can do is stay strong.” She kissed them. “Don’t let them have power over you.” Pinkie didn’t respond as she kept her body against hers. Marble wiped away her tears and gave a nod. “We’ll try.” Ruby said softly.

Maud gave them one last squeeze. “I need to go.” She stood up and helped them off the ground. “I’ll be back when I can.” Her sisters looked up at her with mixed emotions. Ruby showing hope. Marble showing acceptance of the situation. Pinkie still showing near defeat. Maud knew that one visit wouldn’t fix the situation. Visits to be honest would only put an insufficient bandage on the wound that was festering out of control. She needed to get to the root cause. Scarlet…

Opening the door, she watched her sisters walk back to their stations. She could see their despair in their strides. She let out a heavy sigh. Even if the odds were stacked against her, she was going to try everything in her power to keep their life in this camp as safe as she could. “I need to speak to my master.”

“Or keep your mouth shut!” Maud whipped her head around and saw Scarlet standing behind her. Scarlet gave her a scowl that could cut glass. “You say anything to the foreman, your sisters are fucked!” Scarlet got in her face.

Maud swallowed her fear. “I don’t believe you.”

Scarlet pushed Maud against the wall. “You what?” She activated her horn. A pool of aura engulfed Maud’s neck. “I will hurt them if it means you keep your mouth shut!”

“How pathetic.” Maud choked. “But… It’s expected of a mare… Like you to do…” She tried to pull against the magic around her neck. Her body shivered at its cold touch.

Scarlet growled as she tightened her grip around Maud’s neck. “Why you little bitch!”

“Private what are you doing?” A guard who stepped into the hall asked.

Maud gasped against the pain. Gritting her teeth, she dropped her folder and took a swing at Scarlet. Her right fist made contact against Scarlet’s left eye. Scarlet let out a yell as she placed a hand on her eye. Maud took the opportunity to tackle her to the ground. “Say away from my sister! You fucker!” Pinning the mare, Maud took several swings at her face.

Activating her horn, Scarlet used her magic to push Maud off her and throw her to the ground. Scarlet returned the favor and unloaded her fury on Maud.

The guard and a few others ran into the hall and pulled Scarlet off of Maud.

“The fuck?” Scarlet yelled.

“Calm down, private!” One of the guards higher in rank yelled. “You know the rules!”

“She hit me first!” Scarlet growled as she wiped the blood drooling from her snout. “The fucking dirt eater!”

“The foreman owns her, not you!” The guard huffed. “He’s in charge of her punishment. And besides, you think I’m dumb? I saw you choking her.” He sighed as he watched his fellow guards lift up Maud. Seeing her bruised face, he rubbed his brow. “Hell, just count your lucky stars that you only struck her face.”

“What?” Scarlet braced herself against the wall. “The fuck does that mean, sergeant?”

The sergeant shook his head. “Didn’t get the memo?” Scarlet shook her head. “She’s pregnant!” Scarlet eyes went wide as she stared at Maud. Maud glared at her as she touched her bruised right eye. “Get it now?” Scarlet looked at her sergeant and nodded. “Good, now back to your post!” Scarlet saluted her sergeant and left the hall back into the Wearhouse floor.

The sergeant sighed as he picked up Maud’s folder. “You alright?”

Maud took the folder. “Yes…” She rubbed her hand across her snout and looked down and saw blood.

“Head to medical.” He sighed. “Damn it, I have to report this.”

“Don’t.” Maud fixed her mane.

“It doesn’t work like that salve.” He crossed his arms. He sent daggers her way as he glared at her. “You know how much trouble you’re in?”

“I don’t care.” Maud sighed as she fixed the folder and its papers. Placing her folder to her chest she began walking down the hall.

“You don’t care?” The sergeant laughed. “You should.”

“I’m going to tell him.” Maud stopped at the door and looked at the guard. “Which story would he believe then?”

“He would never believe a word you say low life.”

Maud smiled. “So sure, about that?” She walked out of the warehouse.

The sergeant frowned as he placed his hands on his hips. “Fuck…”

Nightingale walked down the steps that lead to his bedroom that was above his office. Rubbing the back of his neck he finished the last of his tea, when his eyes fell on Maud, who sat at over the sink. He saw her bruised face. Nearly choking on his drink, he forced a swallow as he made his way up to her. “Slave? You alright?” She didn’t respond as she attended to her wound. “Maud?”

She looked over at her master and saw him standing over her. She shivered as she turned her attention back to herself. “I’m fine…”

“Like hell you are…” He sighed. “Let me see.” He activated his horn and took the rag from her hands. “What happened?”

Maud stared at herself in the mirror as she watched him tend to her. It was strange, unicorns believed that earth ponies were beneath them. Unworthy of equal treatment, but yet he was treating her with some respect. ‘Just enough to keep us functioning…’ She mused. “Scarlet.” She finally spoke as she mulled over her thoughts.

Nightingale sighed as he rummaged under the kitchen sink. “How did you end up near her?” He pulled out a basket. Maud felt cold as she thought of a reason that wouldn’t get her sisters in trouble for her mistakes. “Wanted to see your sisters?” Maud stared at him though the mirror with wide eyes. Was she that easy to read?

“Y-Yes…”

Nightingale sighed as he poured some peroxide on the rag. “Be more careful next time…” He ran the rag on her cut lip. “You’re pushing you luck already.”

“Protecting my sister…” Maud stated flatly.

“Protecting?” He raised a brow.

“Scarlet is still raping my sister!” She turned around and glared at him. “I thought you would do something about it!” Her anger took over and she took a swipe at him.

He grabbed her arms with his magic and held her arms in the air. She groaned as she found herself in an uncomfortable position. She stared with trembling eyes at his stern expression. “I did nothing because there is nothing I can do?” He deactivated his magic.

She fell to the floor. She let out a groan as she looked up at him with hurt in her eyes. “Why?”

“I’m short staffed.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “There are some that I would like to replace, but the war has taken most if not all the available soldiers.” He looked back at her with stern eyes. “I’m sorry, but your sisters are going to have to learn their place.” He leaned over and placed a hand under her chin. “Just like you.”

Maud’s jaw tightened as she mulled over his words. She pulled her head away and stood up. “Understood…” She felt the dread and despair bubbling to the surface. “Master…” She walked up the stairs to her room.

Nightingale stared at the top of the stairs. Placing his hands on his hips he let out a sigh as he looked at the sink. “Damn it…”