“My goodness! This travesty must not stand. Come now, darling. We shall mend your pants immediately,” Rarity exclaimed, using her magic to tug me along.

She wasn't particularly strong, but I allowed her to drag me anyway.

“Oh and make us someth'n big. It dont have ta be fast. Its jus gotta be able ta karry all uv us at once while also be'n at least relatively komfortable,” I called out to Pinkie Pie.

“You got it, boss! I’ll make the baddest truck you've ever seen!” Pinkie Pie proclaimed.

“She might need a hand. Go wit' 'er, RD,” I added.

“Aye boss,” Rainbow Dash dutifully replied.

I gave her an appreciative nod, before catching up to Rarity in two long strides. Behind me, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash diverted down a side road, no doubt heading to wherever it was that Pinkie Pie assembled her larger inventions. I was curious as to where that may be, but I had more pressing concerns, so I put those thoughts out of my mind.

“I gotta warn ya Rarity. Dis ain't gonna be like yer usual jobs," I offered.

“I know darling,” Rarity exclaimed somewhat tiredly. “It will be far too utilitarian and it will no doubt be about as rough and brutish as you are. No offense.”

“None taken,” I rumbled.

“I also have a feeling you will require me to restrict my color palate considerably,” Rarity continued.

“Probably. I was dink'n uv black an' white,” I replied. “Black for toughness, an white for deth.”

“How… grim,” Rarity muttered.

“Still fink yer up ta ‘da challenge?" I pressed.

“Well, it's not like I have anything better to do,” Rarity dismissed. With business being what it is, I have plenty of time—time I would have otherwise spent worrying endlessly.”

“Fink uv dis like a challenge den," I offered. “An' if we kome up wit' someth'n great den I'll be order'n at least fifty uv ‘da fings. An’ ‘dat's jus ta start."

“I’m going to need to find some additional help,” Rarity muttered. “I don't suppose you have any bits, do you?”

“I ain't got noth'n ta teef, and nuttin to pay ya wit' save for ma own blood," I answered.

“I’m afraid the exchange rate of cloth to blood isn't terribly good at the moment,” Rarity remarked with a chuckle. “Though I’m sure we can figure something out.”

“‘N da meantime let’s jus focus on da design'n someth'n propa orky," I declared.

“But also something with a little style to it,” Rarity added. “Contrary to popular opinion you need not choose between utility and style.”

“Mmm, fair.”

“Are you absolutely certain you are married to the idea of using only black and white?” Rarity pressed, her lips pulled into a thin red line.

I took a long moment to breathe in and out, cooling my fraying nerves. Around me, various swatches of color were tacked to a board alongside a dozen or so designs for what was supposed to be my military uniform. Only they were all clearly equestrian inspired as they had tall hats, were studded with gems, and had a half dozen bright colors, or all three of said things at once.

“Rarity,” I began again, my voice low and tired. “Kolors... dey have meaning, an' powa ta us orks."

“Yes yes,” Rarity dismissed. “There is great power in proper color coordination.”

“No, not like dat," I retorted. "I mean real powa. 'der iz magic ‘n kolor, Rarity."

“You… you’re serious,” Rarity muttered.

“Deadly so,” I declared.

“Hmm alright then. I’ll hear you out. I owe you that much,” Rarity acquiesced.

"Us orks, were like... earth ponies," I muttered, struggling to find the words. "Kolors karry great powa. Red makes fings go fasta. Blue iz lucky. Black iz tough. White iz deadly. Purple iz sneaky. Yellow iz proppa flash an green iz best kus orks iz green."

“And no. You can't simply paint everything rainbow. That's not how it works,” I hastily added.

“A shame. I have been so tempted to get into dyeing,” Rarity murmured.

“Dats why it ‘as ta be black an' white. 'cos I want ma orks ta be tough, an’ deadly while being proppa spooky. Every intimidated enemy iz a foe we need not fight, afta all," I concluded, crossing my arms over my chest.

“I suppose when you put it that way there is something noble to it all,” Rarity mused.

“Do dis well enough an’ ya'll be sav'n lives," I added.

“That does make me feel better,” Rarity admitted. The mare turned around and looked up at her board of ideas and color swatches. “I suppose we must start from the beginning once more, hmm?”

“I fink dat would be fer da best,” I agreed.

“Fair enough. Back to the drawing board!” Rarity declared.

In a flash of magic, she cleared away all the various concepts and colors save for black and white. She then grabbed a new sheet of paper, and sketched a surprisingly good recreation of my fearsome visage, proper proportions and all. In the drawing I was nude save for a pair of shorts she added, protecting the dignity of my black and white doppelganger.

“Right, so I assume you want the blackest of blacks and the whitest of whites. No eggshell, or off grey?” Rarity began.

“Roight.”

“Going off that…” Rarity paused and turned to me, the pen sitting atop her offered hoof. “Perhaps it is best if you got us started.”

“I ain't much uv an artist but I kan at least get a rough outline," I murmured somewhat awkwardly.

I accepted the pen and stood up from the ruined that had once been one of Rarity’s chairs. Kneeling down in front of the board, I studied the image for several long seconds before nodding to myself.

“Roight. I fink I got somefing.”

It had taken us a day and a half but it was done and I was standing in a freshly modified changing room. The dozen or so pony-sized mirrors taped together were enough to allow me a full three hundred and sixty degrees of vision. Twisting my head this way and that, I was able to inspect my new outfit, a small smile coming to my face as I did so.

The clearest inspiration was the soviet era military uniforms worn mostly by conscripts. I hadn't intended this to happen but as we were coming into winter we would need proper protection. With that in mind, it was made primarily from wool and went almost all the way down to my ankles.

I had ended up using up Rarity’s entire stock but it was done and she had put an order in for more.

The collar was wide, allowing it to be turned up to protect the face from the wind. An epaulet was present on each shoulder, though they bore no rankings or insignia at the moment. Those are those flappy things on the shoulder of military jackets which I didn't know had a name until Rarity informed me of this fact.

The features didn't stop there, however, as two sets of buttons ensured that it would stay secure even in the worst of blizzards. Cuff straps, large pockets, and some belt loops though no belt at the moment, rounded out the rest of the additions. It was warm, had plenty of utility to it, and not only that but it was also intimidating as heck. It was almost completely black with the exceptions being a pair of white stripes that ran up either side of the jacket, ending just under my armpits.

Opening the jacket revealed that there was a stark white vest, and an undershirt the same shade as pitch beneath that. Rarity had almost talked me into adding a tie to the entire thing as she had a great pattern all picked out but that was too businessy in my opinion. That and I hated the feeling of something around my neck, it made me feel uncomfortable for some reason.

A pair of brand new, black leather steel-toed boots completely the outfit. Suitably orky, they each had a large plate bolted roughly to the front, making it that much more intimidating. Sure it might sound a bit silly but trust me, I pulled off the look flawlessly.

“Almost forgot ma hat,” I muttered.

Dropping the soft top military-style hat on my head, I gave it a few twists before finally letting it sit in place. Though it was the same black as most of my outfit, it also had three bright, pearly stars emblazoned on the front. It was one of several concessions I made to Rarity and the only time I allowed her to bedazzle the uniform in any way.

“How is it darling? Everything fitting okay?” Rarity called from just beyond the door to the small changing room.

“Nope,” I declared, stepping out, and flashing her a smile. “I fink it's perfect.”

“Oh my, that is quite intimidating,” Rarity muttered. “But still refined. Why with a bit of alteration it would be perfect for even a casual event.”

“We kan work on a dress uniform annuver time," I dismissed.

“Right, of course,” Rarity acquiesced. “What else did you have in mind?”

“One sec. I jus realized its miss'n someth'n,” I declared.

Stepping past the mare, I grabbed the white dying bucket and dunked my right hand into it. I then brought it up and slapped it firmly against my left side, right over my heart.

“Must you?” Rarity exclaimed tiredly. “I could have added a handprint if that was what you wanted.”

“It would have looked too clean if ya had done it," I retorted.

I held it there for another minute before finally taking my hand away and turning back towards the closest mirror. Sure enough, it looked great and since the ponies didn't have an equivalent of lord of the rings, no one knew I was just ripping it from the writings of Tolkien. As I washed my hand in a bucket of water, Rarity applied some magic to the hand mark, drying it instantly.

“Fanks,” I declared.

“Okay now if you are quite done making a mess of my studio I believe we have another design to work on,” Rarity interrupted.

“I'll trust dat wun wholly ta ya. Jus know ‘dat it ‘as ta look as close ta dis wun as possible," I replied, waving a dismissive hand.

“Oh? I appreciate the trust,” Rarity replied.

“Ya know pony anatomy far betta den I do anyhow," I exclaimed. “Now we jus gotta work on da symbol."

“Ahh yes, the death shield insignia,” Rarity muttered ruefully. “Are you sure you are going with that name darling? I wasn't a fan of the Ironjaws per se but it feels better than death shields.”

“'Der iz powa ‘n names jus like 'der iz powa ‘n kolor," I declared. “We are defendaz an' I want dat fact as ingrained as iz possible."

“A noble goal.”

I nodded mutely in agreement.

“Okay, so the insignia. What were you thinking?” Rarity pressed.

“A black kite shield wit' a bleached hydra skull fac'n down overtop uv it," I answered. “Fink you can do dat?”

“Again, a bit grim but fitting I suppose,” Rarity admitted. “I’ll have enough patches made for when we leave. When will that be, do you think?”

“Dunno,” I admitted. “We were so focused 'n kreation 'dat I haven't checked 'n on Pinkie Pie. I should go do 'dat."

“It hasn't even been a day yet so I can't imagine they’ve gotten far,” Rarity dismissed.

“Uh, Rarity. It's been almost two days since we started,” I pointed out.

“Really? Oh,” Rarity paused and blinked. “No wonder I’m so exhausted and hungry.”

“Take a nap, grab a bite an take kare uv yourself. ‘da rest uv ‘da designs kan wait," I ordered.

“Yes, darling. That sounds like a frightfully good idea,” Rarity muttered.

“Before ya go. I was wonder'n if ya'd be able ta make some armor for me. Not now obviously but later," I pressed.

“I would say no but the moment you mentioned the word armor, images of designs, and plans popped into my mind as if they’ve been there all along,” Rarity exclaimed giving her head a shake. “It is the strangest thing but I’m absolutely certain I could forge you a fairly protective suit given the time and the resources.”

“Dat’s how orks work,” I declared with a grin.

“It's useful. Odd and slightly uncomfortable at times, but quite useful,” Rarity muttered.

“Dat will be our next project. Fa now, get some rest,” I dismissed.

“See you soon darling,” Rarity waved off.

I walked away from the workshop, heading to the exit while Rarity stumbled in the direction of the kitchen. I almost made it to the exit when I noticed Sweetie Belle enter, the filly lighting up the moment she saw me.

“Mister Ghuzrod! Are you and Rarity finally done?” She eagerly asked.

“Mmhmm,” I rumbled. “Rarity an I got a little kaught up 'n our work. Would yer do me a favor an' make sure she eats an' gets some rest? An' maybe a shower too.”

“You got it mister Ghuz!” Sweetie Belle declared, giving me a somewhat lopsided salute.

“Good girl,” I replied, giving the filly’s mane a tussle before stepping outside.

“Right. Where to next?” I murmured.

No sooner had the words left my mouth than I heard the sound of a distant engine starting up. It was loud, like the roar of a diesel on a cold winter’s night. For a moment I just stood there, listening as the vehicle rumbled, the clatter of its inner workings dying down to a distant putter.

“That ain't far,” I murmured.

Heading in the direction of the noise, I made my way out of town before taking a side road that extended from the one that passed by Sweet Apple Acres. After a bit more walking I entered into what was once a thriving farm though now was just an old house, a yard overgrown with weeds and a large workshop, its door hanging open. Inside I could see a few ponies milling about as well as a handful of orks, their faces stained with soot and what looked like oil.

As I approached, I passed by a confused, elderly-looking stallion with a broken chariot wheel for a cutie mark.

“Well I’ll be a monkey’s uncle,” he muttered under his breath. “That blasted thing works.”

“Looks like yer outta job,” I remarked.

“You could say that…” he turned and looked up, up, up at me. “Damn yer a big bastard, aintcha?”

“I’m da boss,” I declared.

“Well then you must be mighty proud,” he replied, gesturing towards the workshop. “I ain't never seen that mare work that hard or that fast in all my years.”

“Hmm,” I muttered.

“Now would ya mind telling that silly girl to go to sleep? She’s been out here for nearly two days without rest,” he half asked, half demanded.

“Can do,” I replied, inwardly rather amused by the parallel between the two mares. “And fanks for da space.”

“No trouble at all,” he exclaimed before trotting off back in the direction of his house.

Approaching the workshop, I inspected the vehicle and found that it was surprisingly simple in its design. It was a truck, a military one but besides that, it was rather plain for lack of a better word. It had an open cab, a large bed in the back, and a pair of bucket seats up front, neither of which were ork-sized. The back was large enough to contain nearly a dozen boys but the cabin was fit for ponies only.

“Well look at dat,” I declared, stopping at the entrance and placing my hands on my hips. “Ya done did da impossible.”

“Oh hey, boss. Great timing,” Twilight remarked, trotting up to me. “We just managed to get it to start.”

“So I ‘erd,” I replied.

“Can we drive it now?” Rainbow Daash asked eagerly. “The boss is here and the truck is purring like a kitten.”

“It still needs some tuning but I-” Pinkie Pie began only to suddenly yawn. “I can do that tomorrow.”

You and Rarity have more in common than you may think. I mused to myself.

“Get some rest little mek. We kan do ‘da rest uv ‘da tuning," one of the ork assistants offered.

“Are you sure? You guys already helped so much,” Pinkie Pie murmured.

“Nuffin we can't handle,” proclaimed another of the orks, puffing out his chest.

“Oh, thats great. I really need a little nappy poo. Bye guys, bye boss man,” Pinkie Pie murmured, stumbling past me and out the door.

“You, carry her home,” I ordered, pointing to one of the orks at random.

“Yes, boss!”

The ork dutifully jogged out of the room, and a few seconds later I heard an excited. “Weeee!” So I assumed he had done as was asked of him.

“Now den,” I began. “Tell me about dis trukk.”

“Explanations later. Driving time now!” Rainbow Dash impatiently interrupted.

“'Plain while on a drive den,” I declared, clambering into the back.

“Oh uh, okay,” Twilight replied, piling in beside me.

“You lot wait here. Don't wanna overload it,” I exclaimed.

The orks that were about to clamber in as well all took a step back, grumbling under their breath.

“If it works gud den ya kan all take a break an go for a spin afta,” I added, to the hearty yells of the excited orks.

“Hold onto something. Pinkie Pie didn't explain much about this thing,” Rainbow Dash warned.

“I really should have insisted that Pinkie Pie install safety belts back here,” Twilight muttered, glancing around nervously.

“I gotcha,” I offered, wrapping a hand around her side and pulling her close.

“Thanks, boss,” Twilight remarked while blushing slightly.

“So, howsit work?” I asked.

“It uses mana crystals for-”

The engine suddenly roared and we lurched out of the workshop only to shudder to a stop right outside.

“Whoops. Forgot about the gear thingy,” Rainbow Dash muttered.

A few award seconds of grinding gears later and we were moving again, this time at a gentler more steady pace.

“Alright, I think I got it!” Rainbow Dash shouted.

Twilight and I waited as Rainbow Dash took a sharp turn at the farm’s edge, heading away from town. We waited to see how fast Rainbow Dash would go, but it seemed like the trukk topped out at maybe twenty miles an hour. Quick when compared to a carriage but not a match for a train. Not by a long shot.

“Damn. That’s as fast as this thing can go?” Rainbow Dash muttered. “Whatever at least it works.”

“You wuz sayin?” I offered.

“Oh uh yeah,” Twilight pipped up, wiggling a few inches away from me. “So it runs on mana crystals. I had a bunch of old test ones kicking around so when Pinkie Pie was trying to figure out a power supply, I offered them.”

“If magic makes it go, why iz it so loud?" I asked, noting that although it was slightly quieter than a normal combustion engine it still sounded like it ran on petrol of some kind.

“The boys said it needed to be louder. Something about that making it better,” Twilight exclaimed, clearly irritated. “For whatever reason, Pinkie Pie agreed and wired a second contraption under the motor just to make the noises.”

“Dat’s funny,” I exclaimed with a chuckle.

“It was a waste of three hours,” Twilight retorted.

“It's important ta dem,” I replied.

“I suppose,” Twilight admitted.

“Where'd ya get da metal?” I asked.

“Pinkie Pie had a lot of it already but we also bought every bit of steel the shops had and that just barely got us over the finish line,” Twilight answered. “It's enough for this but we’re gonna need access to a mine, or something if we wanna make more trucks.”

“Hmmm,” I murmured. “Sometin ta fink about.”

“It should also go about twice as fast but we wanted to get it running before we worked out all the kinks,” Twilight added.

“Makes sense,” I muttered. “Oh an’ have da Boyz make a ton more uv dose mana krystal dingiez. I got a feel'n we are gonna need a lot uv ‘im.”

“That's good to hear as it's the best way to train your magic so I’ve been thinking about buying a bunch of empty crystals for just such a reason,” Twilight replied.

“Dey spensive?” I pressed.

“Nah. Before they are charged they are just useless quartz,” Twilight dismissed. “My mom used to buy them by the ton and just throw them out after I was done with them.”

“Sounds wasteful,” I remarked.

“They haven't really been used for anything major until now,” Twilight pointed out.

I hummed thoughtfully to myself, letting my gaze grow distant once more.

As we trundled out of town I noted that the flat land and many trees were slowly being replaced by rolling hills and sparse scrubland. It was nice to see but nicer still was the look I noticed on Rainbow Dash’s face. When the mare shoulder checked before taking a turn I saw that she was grinning from ear to ear.

No doubt she was relishing the feeling immensely and I made a note to get her a car that was fast. Real fast.

Hopefully, that would hold her over until I got Pinkie Pie to build her a jetpack. Rainbow Dash has a need for speed and was no doubt hankering to go fast.

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