Iron and Blood: We Dear Sisters

Pinkie and Marble huddled close to one another as they sat in the back of a putter-wagon, the same one they rode in a week ago. The sounds of the city echoed into their cage through the mesh windows. “It’s so loud…” Marble moaned as she covered her ears.

“Is this what big cities are like?” Pinkie rubbed her ears. The cascaded of sounds mixed in her mind. Numbing her thoughts. She couldn’t imagine living day after day in a place like this. Her small town of Ashmore seemed more like a blessing every second the sounds of the city played in her head.

“You’ll get used to it little one.” The pegasus mare spoke as she laid her head on the human’s shoulder.

Pinkie looked back at the mare and rubbed her ears. “How?”

The mare smiled. “Just ignore it.” She hummed. Hearing no response, the mare looked at the twins. “Pinkie?”

Pinkie let out a sigh as she looked down at her dangling hooves. “Understood, Posey…” Pinkie and her sister had learned her name on their second day of being Ratchet’s and Willow’s slaves. Pinkie messed with the handcuffs on her wrists, hearing the metal scrap against metal she let out a heavy sigh as her mind drifted to the sounds of the city. She looked up at the mesh window overhead. She wondered what lied beyond them…

“What are you doing?” Marble asked as she saw her sister stand up on the bench they sat on.

“I want to see what’s out there!” Pinkie whined as she stood on her tippy hooves and looked through the wire mesh. Curiosity overwhelmed Marble forcing her to stand up and join her sister. Posey smiled as she studied their curiosity.

“They remind you of your younger self?” The human asked Posey.

Posey smiled. “They do Richard, they do…” Her smile left as she looked down at her own handcuffs. “A shame their innocence has been taken from them.” Richard gave a silent nod in agreement to her statement.

As the twin’s looked out the wire mesh windows, their gaze fell upon a market square surrounding a large statue of a unicorn mare holding a lantern in one hand and a spear in the other. The sights of shops and tents could be seen for what looked to be miles. The smells from the food vendors entered their nostrils, making their fur stand on end, sending shivers down their spines and making their stomachs growl.

In the background far in the distance they saw the castle standing majestically over all who gazed upon it. It looked grander in the sun light as its white marble construction reflected the sunlight.

“What’s going to happen to us?” Marble asked.

“They’re selling us.” Posey replied flatly.

Feeling her throat tightening up, Pinkie looked to her left and saw a wooden platform a few feet from the putter-wagon. “Are they going to split us up?” She shivered.

“I don’t want to lose you!” Marble clung onto her sister.

Posey let out a sigh. “Come here.” She waved to them. The twins put their bound hands to their chests as they walked up to the mare and sat beside her. Posey exstended her wings and laid them over the twins. Pinkie felt warm at the delicate touch of the feathers. She looked over at the mare’s right wing and studied and counted each feather. Marble was just as fascinated by their color and how they reflected the light.

Richard who sat in the corner, watched the trio with a smile on his face as memories before the war, before his capture filled his mind.

The latch to the putter-wagon’s tailgate sounded off as it fell open. The doors to the camper shell opened revealing Ratchet and two of his employees. Ratchet had a broad smile on his face as he placed his hands on his hips. “How are my slaves doing on this fine morning?” The twins looked at him with confused and flat stares. Posey and Richard stayed silent as they kept their heads down.

Ratchet frowned. “Come on now, no one likes a depressed slave.” He snapped his fingers. His employees activated their horns and grabbed the twins’, Posey’s and Richard’s handcuffs and lead them out of the vehicle. The twins cowered from the judging eyes of passersby’s as they walked to the platform in the center of the market. Ascending the steps, they were guided to the center of the platform. Facing them towards the masses, Ratchet’s employees attached their handcuff to chains bolted to the platform.

Forced to stare out at the market, Pinkie and Marble studied their surroundings. From what they saw earlier, the market looked grand and majestic, but now being in the thick of it, it felt more imposing and claustrophobic. The mountain didn’t help matters as it blocked most of the sun, casting the market in shadow. The castle on said mountain looked down at all, telling them who held all the power.

Moving their attention to the crowds, the twins watched the ponies mulling about their day. It was strange seeing so many unicorns not in military clothing. So many looked normal, like them. Minus the horns on their heads. But the more they stared at them the more they remembered the residents of their home town… Then they saw the slaves in the sea of unicorns. Seeing the collars around their necks and the leashes their master’s or mistress’s held sent shivers down their spines.

Walking up to Willow who sat down at a table at the backside of the platform, Ratchet leaned on it and gave her a warm smile. “So, are we ready to make the announcement?”

Willow returned the smile. “Yes, we are…”

“Hey!” A unicorn stallion yelled. “When will we be able to sell our slaves?”

Ratchet looked over Willow’s shoulders, while she turned her head. They saw him and a group of other slave merchants glaring at them. Behind them were their own putter-wagons filled with slaves. “You’ll have plenty of time to sell your products.” He gave them a forced smile. “You have the best seats in the house you’ll get your money’s worth.” He leaned in close to Willow. “How much are we taking from them again?” He whispered.

“Ten percent.” She stated flatly.

He rolled his eyes. “Next time we’re taking fifteen…” He turned around and faced the crowed proper. “Ladies and Gentlecolts!” He clapped his hands. “I’m glad to say the Northern Canterlot Slave Trading Company is open for business!” Some ponies in the crowd stopped and looked toward the platform. Others who had watch them prepare the platform walked up closer to hear what he had to say. “For the spring festival, we are offering a special on certain slaves, like these two!” He pointed at the twins. “Eleven-year-old twins! Going for a thousand bits!”

Some began to talk amongst themselves and one another as they eyed the twins.

Pinkie and Marble felt a wave of embarrassment as they found themselves at the center of attention. Their tails wrapped around themselves in a vain attempt as some sort of comfort from the eyes staring at them… Judging them. Their ears fell flat. What horrors awaited them?

“Oh, our first customer,”

Hearing hoof steps walking up to them, the twins looked to their right and saw a tall unicorn stallion in his mind-forties. His shoulders were broad. His snout squared. His golden-blue eyes stuck out like a sore thumb from his dark grey fur and his indigo-black mane.

“Welcome?” Ratchet offered the stallion his hand.

“Diamond Star.” The stallion replied, taking his hand. His deep voice piercing the noise of the market.

“Glad to meet you.” Ratchet looked at his slaves. “So interested in buying?”

“I am.” Diamond placed his hand back in his overcoat’s pocket. He ignored the human and pegasus and stared at the twins. “So, these two are twins?” He pointed at them.

“Yes.” Ratchet crossed his arms and smiled.

Diamond gave a little smirk. “They don’t look like twins?”

“I got the paper work.” Ratchet felt a pain dance across his brow at his tone of voice.

“I believe you.” Diamond ignored the glare as he studied the twins. He was awed at how different they were from one another. Sure, non-identical twins were not that uncommon, but at least they had some similar features that told others that they were twins, but Pinkie and Marble couldn’t be more strikingly different from one another. With Pinkie’s pink fur and magenta mane and tail, and her bright blue eyes from Marble’s grey fur and black mane and tail, and her bright purple eyes.

Diamond’s gaze slowly drifted to Pinkie. He like the bright colors she had. ‘She would be a pleasing contrast to my other slaves…’ He bent down to be eye level with her. Pinkie shivered and tried to cower against her sister. ‘She’s a little nervous.’ He took note. “Are you a hard worker little one?”

Pinkie stared into the stallion’s eyes. They held so much authority so much confidence. It scared her. “Yes… Sir…” She managed to say as she couldn’t tear her gaze from those eyes of his.

Diamond smiled as he stood up. “She seems well behaved.” He walked up to Ratchet. “Timid, but I can work with that.” He looked back at her one more time. “How much for just her?”

Ratchet sighed. “Look, we’re not selling them separate. The twins are a package deal.”

Diamond sighed. “I really don’t want two young slaves.” He smirked as he pulled out his wallet and took out a wad of bank notes. “I’m willing to pay two-thousand bits for her and only her.”

Pinkie shivered like a leaf. She looked back at her sister. Tears poured from her eyes as she started to hyperventilate. “No…”

Marble felt her own emotions boiling, but she needed to be strong for her sister. “Pinkie it’s alright.”

“Quiet little ones.” Posey whispered sharply.

Pinkie and Marble swallowed their fears and tried their best to block out the stallion’s conversation.

Ratchet and Willow stared at the wad of bits. A bead of sweat rolled down Ratchet’s brow. “Well, I don’t know?”

Diamond sighed. “Maybe if I offer fifteen-hundred bits and a fifty percent discount of travel expenses when you use my rail line.”

“And what line would that be?” Willow asked with a smile as she tapped her fingers together.

“The Golden Star Express my dear.” Diamond held out a business card. “So do we have a deal?” He waved the card.

Ratchet stared at the card. He looked over at his partner who gave him a vigorous nod. “Well shoot…” He took the stallion’s hand. “You have a deal!” He looked over at his employees and snap his fingers, pointing at Pinkie. “Need help loading your new slave?”

“Sure, why not.” He pointed at a putter-truck a few feet away. “I hired a transport truck. The driver can help your stallions.”

‘Deal…’ Those words swam in Pinkie’s head. Feeling hands on her, she snapped from her haze and began thrashing around as Ratchet’s stallions and Diamond’s driver dragged her off the platform. “MARBLE!” Pinkie cried as she tried to break free. She looked back and watched Marble reach out but the chains kept her from running to her.

“PINKIE!” Marble cried.

Pinkie sobbed as she squirmed. “LET ME GO!” One of the stallions carrying her used his magic and shocked her. Pinkie growled at the pain coursing through her body. The overwhelming sensations numbed her body long enough for them to get her to the truck and toss her in. Alone in her new metal cage, Pinkie laid on the floor and struggled to regain control of her limbs.

Hearing her sister’s muffled sobs, Marble hung her head low. She was now truly alone… her last sister taken from her. She felt her limbs give out and she fell to the floor and landed on her butt. “Get up!” One of Ratchet’s stallions commanded her with a kick. Marble cried out as she recoiled from the pain.

“Nice doing business with you.” Marble looked up and saw Diamond walking off the platform. Feeling her gaze, he turned around and looked at her pathetic state. “Sorry little one.” He stated flatly and with no emotion as he walked off the platform to his putter-truck.

Marble felt sick as she slowly stood up and stared at her hooves. Her mind in a wild haze.

Getting to the truck, Diamond opened the passenger door. “Is she loaded up?”

Pinkie hearing his voice, uncurled from her fetal position and lifted her head to look at the little window that looked into the cabin.

“Yes, she is.” The driver responded.

“Good. Let’s get going before traffic gets rough.” Diamond got into the truck. Pinkie felt the vehicle shift weight. “I still need to stop and pick-up a gown and a collar for her.”

Pinkie braced herself as the truck lurched forward. Seeing the buildings around her move through the wire mesh windows at the top of the cage, she curled up into a ball and laid her tail over her. “No…”

Seeing the vehicle driving away with her sister, Marble clenched her hands as she tried to break free from her restraints. Her eyes felt like they were on fire. Her throat felt dry like a barren desert. Her tail wagged uncontrollably from her stress that threatened to take years off her life.

“How much for her?”

Marble looked to her right and saw a unicorn mare in her early fifties. Her face was soft and her cheeks round and soft looking. Her white mane was short and about chin length. Her tan fur shined gloriously in the sunlight. Her stature was short but her posture showed that she held her own and carried an aura of authority. Especially with those red eyes of hers.

“About eight-hundred bits. Miss?”

“Jupiter. Mrs. Jupiter.” She pulled out a check and wrote in it. “Could you help me load her into my car? If that’s okay with you. I see you’re starting to get busy.” She motioned to the line of ponies looking to buy.

“Sure, I don’t mind.” Willow laughed. “I like it when we’re busy.”

The putter-truck rocked back n’ forth as it climbed the small mountain road weaving through the trees and along the terrain of the hilly landscape to a secluded home on the outskirts of the city. The ride for Pinkie felt like eons. The humid air that occupied the landscape made the back of the truck unbearably hot. Her body felt sticky as she laid on the floor, staring at the ceiling of the camper shell, counting the rivets that held it together.

Feeling the vehicle make a sharp turn to its right. Pinkie groaned as she tried to stop herself from sliding around as the truck was now shifting positions more often. “What the hell!” Pinkie cursed as she braced herself as the vehicle stopped.

Curiosity getting the best of her, Pinkie stood up on tippy-hooves and looked out the mesh windows. Through the mesh, she could see a vast gravel courtyard surrounded and shaped by soft grass, flowers and trees of all kinds. Just beyond the courtyard was a three-story mansion, made of brick and adorned with plantation windows. Five chimneys poked out from the concrete-tiled roof and showed signs of activity as black smoke wafted out of their maws.

Hearing the passenger door open, Pinkie jumped away from the window and stared at the camper’s door with wide eyes. The door opened revealing Diamond holding a leash and a collar in one hand. “Welcome to your new home.” He gave her small smile.

Marble sat in awe at the interior of the putter-car she sat in. The lavish ivory-white leather seats and cream-tan colored carpeting made it seem bigger and brighter. The dark wood trimmings were a welcomed as they broke up the dominating white that filled her vision. The vehicles back in Ashmore had nothing on this she thought as she found herself the odd one out in the overload of luxury.

Turning her attention from the car, she looked at her new mistress and her driver. The driver was a unicorn in his late teens. His outfit was a casual business attire, white polo with black slacks that went well with his light blue fur and grey mane.

Her mistress, Mrs. Jupiter kept her eyes on a magazine. Her short curly mane blocked most of her face, not allowing Marble to get a read on her current emotion. But she didn’t need to wait long to find out as Jupiter turned around and looked at her straight in the eye. Jupiter saw her mixed emotions and let out a soft sigh. “We’re almost there my dear.” She gave her a smile.

Marble didn’t know what to make of her kindness. It was making her feel uncomfortable. She looked down at her lap and let out a sigh. Jupiter let out a sigh as she turned her attention back to her book.

Realizing fidgeting with her fingers wasn’t helping her ease her mind, Marble looked out the windows and watched the cityscape pass her by. It amazed her that buildings could reach so high. She had never seen such a sight. Ashmore was a town disconnected from the rest of the world, and even the country it called home.

“We’re here, where do you want me to stop?” The driver spoke up.

“Just stop right her, dear.” Jupiter pointed. The vehicle made a slow stop in front of a forty-five-story building within the heart of downtown Canterlot. “Welcome home my little filly.” Jupiter smiled as she looked back at Marble.