Fallout Equestria: Desperados V3 (Bonds of Platinum)

Fallout: Equestria

Desperado’s V3: Bonds of Platinum

Ch 24, Faith, Part 5.

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I had been taken to a workshop along the Pier, a brick building that had once been a warehouse, now covered in incense burners, scented oil diffusers, symbols of Thorn, and so much old tech. It reminded me a lot of the Steel Rangers scribes, but with an extra level of tech obsession.

“Where did you get all this?” I asked, looking at the tech, and realizing that a lot of it wasn't just functional, but not from the old world. There were lights, engines, even something that looked like a pipbuck.

“The factories of the Holy city of Avalon are where they are produced. Along with the few factory islands we control.” Sister Sprocket said as she pulled back her red robe. Along with her eye, all four legs were cybernetic, along with her tail, which ended with a claw. But unlike the elegant prosthetics and cybernetic of my home islands, her cybernetics were crude, blocky, and looked like they were simply grafted onto her. She must not feel pain, as there was no way her cybernetics didn't cause excruciating discomfort. “Now give me the tech, so that I may conduct my holy duty!”

“Order, let her study you.” I commanded as I trotted over and presented my pipbuck. “The data is on here by the way.”

Sprocket looked at me, her cyber eye werring as it focused on the pipbuck. Then she pulled out a bone saw. “I need a closer look!”

Order dived in-between us. “You will not harm lady Harp!” it demanded.

Her one organic eye stayed focused on me, it filled with a madness that frightened me. “But she doesn't need her leg, and I can just make her a new one.”

“No thanks, I like having my legs be made of flesh.” I told the crazy bitch.

She clicked her tongue. “You all say that, but eventually come crawling to us when that flesh fails you.” she laughed, and strangely it had a distorted tone to it, as though it was artificial.

Another mare in a red robe then trotted in. “Sister Sprocket! We are not to waste precious holy tech on heathens! Now do as the Bishop’s commands, we have but scant time before that other Bishop starts to wonder.” She was also cybernetically enhanced, with similar legs and tail, but her face was normal…. No, as she got closer, her face was certainly not normal. None of her was! The mare was like a porcelain doll with cybernetics shoved into it. “And you, heathen, care for some tea?” She asked with an unmoving mouth.

…

The first mare, Sprocket, had cables in both my drone and my pipbuck as she uploaded the audio logs to some sort of portable terminal. Where the other mare, Sparking Reactor, and I chatted over some rather awful tea.

“Yes, cybernetics is common where I'm from, as it's necessary due to how common birth defects are. I'm fortunately from good breeding, so I was born without defects.” I told her. “But what about you? I doubt you have the same problem?”

“Oh no, I was a perfectly healthy mare in my youth. Lost a leg to a shark, but that's rarely out of the norm for Kelpies like myself.” She then tapped on her porcelain skin. “But did catch leprosy while tending to my duties among the poor misbegotten of my home factory island. Found it easier to just replace the skin, it was becoming a weakness after all.”

The Wrench Mares, another sect of Thorns Chosen, were absolutely insane technophiles, and supposedly were the only ones allowed to work on any tech the chosen owned. Unfortunately, it looked like they barely understood anything about tech, and were just as likely prey until an engine worked as they lather it in “Blessed Oils.” it baffled me how any of that worked, but it also baffled me that anything out in the wasteland still worked in the first place. Then again, nearly everything ran on magic, and magic can be weird at times.

“So… how do you even make any of… this? Factories I get, but how do you even know how to put them together?” I had to ask, because none of this made any sense to me.

Sparking put her hooves together in prayer. “Her holiness Saint Roseland blessed us with the goddesses templates. Such marvelous things such as the steel pony, of which we honor the saint by applying to ourselves. We have also thoroughly studied what has been left behind and dutifully recreated it.”

Remembering the striped down Vertibucks they called Gulls, I was sure their recreations were pale imitations of what was made in the old war. But as lesser as their tech was, they still had it, and the ability and resources to make more. That alone proved these ponies to be a genuine threat. It was just fortunate that they couldn't take it all inland… yet.

“And this rifle, it's most peculiar?” Sparking asked as she studied it.

“It's a Thaumaturge rifle, it uses magic to make propellant for the ammunition, air pressure in this case, and magic can be used to enhance the projectile wi5h 5he right talisman.” I explained as I powered the bolt launcher. “Unfortunately, unless you have a spark battery, or are a Mirage pony like me, the gun is rather useless.” I pulled the trigger and my rifle let out a powerful burst of air.

Sparking looked disappointed, which was impressive, considering how her face barely moved. “I'll be sure to put in a request for mirage ponies and any tech from them. But if the damnible Buccaneer has them, it will be difficult.”

“I'm finished, sister Sparking.” Sprocket spoke up, finally letting my leg go. “I haven't seen such digital space in tech outside the relics, it worried me that a cursed spirit might have been lurking inside.” I had correctly ordered Order to not reveal himself, worried how the tech over obsessed mares would react. “All that is needed is to deliver the audio files to the Bishop.”

“Please do, sister Sprocket.” As the other mare left, Sparking then turned back to me, her stiff, yet smooth movement was unnerving to say the least. “I'd love to keep you, but Bishop Pitch Blackheart has commanded me to prepare our most holy of arms, and make sure the ammunition is properly blessed. You on the other hoof have a dinner date.'' The sound of what was likely a recording of a pony whistling came from Sparking, and another wrench mare popped into the tent. “Bring her to our Bishop, it's almost time for supper.”

This wrench mare didn't have any cybernetic, but she did have a lot of medical scars. “Apprentice Wrench mare, Rivets.” She said with a salute. “May the saintess and the goddesses bless our travels, no matter how long or short it is.”

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Returning to the building Nightfall was at, I was relieved to see my friends waiting for me, with Fizzy rushing over to hug me. “Oh we were so worried!”

“Thanks, but you're suffocating me.” I told her, and she let me go. “It's fine… were fine.”

“And do we have a plan?” Star asked.

I nodded. “We do.”

Star quickly looked around and whispered. “And… how stupid will it be?”

I sighed. “Not as stupid as the one with Quicktrot.”

“Good, because rushing in to confront her without a backup was really dumb.” Star said with a smirk. She might have found it funny, but I didn’t. She almost died because of me after all. “Right, maybe not the best time for that, sorry.”

“It's fine, but unfortunately this plan relies on Bishop Pitch to work.” I explained.

“And if it was for any situation other than this, I'd be against that.” Lair said as she trotted inside, the little filly clinging to her side. “But when it comes to the clergy, no better ally then a rival member of said clergy.”

The bicorn filly rubbed her eyes and yawned. “Auntie, who's she?”

“Haunt, this is Harp Melody, the other new friend I mentioned.” Lair told the filly.

Haunt's eyes opened wide, and she hopped over to me like a spring. “Ohhh, you look pretty!”

I blushed at the honest compliment. “Thanks, you look adorable yourself.”

She smiled wide. “Auntie helped! Papa tried, but he needed to rest. Said I'd get a new dress soon too, like one a princess would wear!”

Long sigh came from Star, and though I wanted to say something to comfort her, but I knew even trying would only hurt her even more.

“So, that means you're coming with us to the boutique once our business is over.” I said to the filly.

Haunt practically did a little dance there. “Ya, the monastery rarely has such nice things, and I only get to go out when Auntie is free. I want to go with Papa, but Papa is always busy.”

Trotting over, Lair placed a hoof on Haunts head, calming the filly. “Sorry, she easily gets excited after waking up. She's my silly filly after all.”

“Am not!” Haunt pouted, but didn't struggle.

Strangely, for a mare that portrays herself more masculine, Lair had more the aura of a mother than anything. But that wasn't something I was going to pry into right now.

“Right, so what's next?” I asked.

A grumble came from Haunt’s stomach, causing the filly to blush in embarrassment.

Lair chuckled. “Well, before we do anything, we're going to eat. You all, my family, and the good old Bishop too. I believe it's a good opportunity for everypony to air out our differences.”

“I don't like her.” Haunt then said.

Patting her niece on the head, Lair then said softly, “it's okay, nopony likes her.” Returning her attention to me, Lair gave me a wink. “Just keep a strong front and everything will be fine. Think of it like the negotiations with the Rangers, but almost everypony is on your side this time.”

“The goddesses and their prophet are surely not!” Spoke Bishop Purity Spiral from the door. “Unless you think they bless heathens like her.”

“So true mother, it's blasphemous to even suggest such things.” A cold chill ran down my spine upon hearing Utopian Vision’s voice.

The two pegasus trotted it, Utopian as clean and well groomed as ever, still dressed in his priestly robes like before. Purity Spiral was also dressed in robes, much like Pitch's robes, though a bit planer, and with different patterns along the hem.

“Good Bishop, you do know they'd never do anything of the sort, and such accusations of my flock will not be tolerated.” Bishop Pitch said as he pushed his way in. It was odd, both him and Utopian both looked remarkably beautiful for stallions, yet Utopian came off as masculine and fake, whereas if I didn't know better, I'd really think Pitch was a beautiful young mare. “In truth, they are simply pointing out the fact that this is Sanctified Cannons jurisdiction, and the Bishop of the Blessed Spears should be more careful of where she trots.”

Purity Spiral shot Pitch a very dirty glare, of which she quickly pulled back from, and into a very fake smile. “I know this well, but unfortunately we're not on the seas, and resolving such an issue is far more difficult when it's not between ships.”

Pitch trotted past her and behind me, reaching over to adjust my hat, which ruffled my mane a bit. “And that's why we're all here. You, me, the Darkhearts, and a few ponies who seem to know you well enough. I’m sure that this time we can come to a resolution without a shootout.”

“Fair enough, that is, if I can trust you to not have my priest disappear on me.” Purity snipped back.

Pushing Pitch's hoof away, I quickly fixed my mane and hat. “Agree, the less violence there is, the better. Platinum Hill is part of my ancestral heritage and I rather you not start a religious war in it.” I then glared at Purity, “So we're going to be civil ponies and talk this out.”

Purity laughed mockingly as she trotted past us all, and to the next room. “Fair enough, since most of the savages are elsewhere, we might as well talk.”

We waited for Utopian to trot on by, and then Pitch dropped his smile. “You know, she's not actually the worst Bishop I have encountered.”

“Ya, you're still the worst I've met.” Lair snarked.

He rolled his eyes. “That's not what you said last month.”

Letting out an annoyed huff, she trotted right up Pitch, looking ready to hit him.

“Sister dearest.” Hollow called out. “Maybe it's not the time for a lovers quarrel.” Both Lair and Pitch glared at Hollow, but she was unfazed. “you are both so much alike, I'd not be surprised if it were you two who were twins. But that all aside, I'm getting peckish.”

Stumbling in, Swift looked more tired now than he did before. “Food… eat.”

With that we shuffled into the dining room, where several tables had been pushed together to form one long table. It was almost nostalgic as the plates and utensils were all made of silver, even silver goblets were prepared for us. But it also worried me, as Silver was the best metal for detecting poison, and there was a lot of it here. There was also a golden sculpture of a ship as the centerpiece, it was finely detailed and decorated with gemstones.

The walls were decorated similarly as that of Nightfall's room, with paintings of all sorts of ships at sea. The room, though a bit dark, was fairly well lit with lamps and candles, and only a bit of light coming from the closed windows. I could only guess the Bicorns weren't all that fond of the light, and it was possible that they tended to keep things not as well lit.

Nightfall herself was in a beautiful gown, gemstones decorating her mane as she sat at the far end of the tables. Hollow and Lair having taken seats on either side of her, with Swift next to Hollow and Haunt next to Lair. Star and the rest of us took up seats on Lairs side, with Pitch on Hollow's. Purity and Utopian took seats on the far end, giving us all some needed space.

As we settled in, a few priests trotted in within several Tea sets, serving Purity first. “As a show of respect to my most honorable of hosts, I'd like to share a product produced at my plantation. I’m sure you'd find the gunpowder tea to your liking.” Purity said as she took a sip. “Miss Star has already tasted it before, isn't that right?”

The tea was poured into a silver teacup for Star, and she took a sip. “Uhh, yes, it's just as, uhh… lovely as before. Though I prefer a bit of sugar in mine.” one of the priests then poured a teaspoon of sugar into Star's tea. “Oh, um… thanks.”

Nightfall also took a sip of the tea. “Right, your mother was the one to take that island during the war of black smoke. A most intriguing tale to say the least, and mysterious in how she managed to convince the slaves to not just revolt, but pledge themselves to her.”

“What can I say, she had the blessing of the goddesses on her side, as do some of us.” Her eyes scanned the room falling onto me for a moment. “Unfortunately, the production of the tea has greatly reduced due to plague, so if you want any for yourself, the prices have more than doubled.”

“A true shame.” Nightfall said as she placed the tea cup down. “But gunpowder tea has never been my pick of tea. Much prefer rosehip tea, though it is more expensive, it is worth drinking the same tea our Saint drank regularly.”

“Oh too true.” Pitch spoke up. “If only the Redrums would release more of their special blend, but sadly, one must go through the holy city first to obtain even a small barrel of the tea.”

Purity let out a sigh. “Yes, even I struggle to obtain that tea. My bones aren't what they once were, and the Redrum rosehip tea does help with the pain.”

“I can't say I know much about either.” I cut in. “But my family did produce royal tea, though only in small batches, it is still the same tea that was cultivated by Celestia herself.”

“Truly!” Nightfall said, her full attention on me now.

I nodded. “Among other famous teas of Canterlot. But unfortunately they have likely fallen into the hooves of a pony you might know, a Red Steel.”

Hollow nearly spat up her own tea, shock on her face. “You lie, no way such a trollip would have something so valuable. She'd sooner burn it, then cultivate it.”

“That I agree.” I said solemnly. “But recently I have come into some good news. The Coven of Clovers, a local unicorn enclave, has been cultivating Royal Tea as well. And I can confirm it's the real deal. Their leader happens to be a wartime ghoul who worked in the Canterlot palace during the great war, so she knows how to properly brew it. Maybe I can introduce you to her.”

“Ghouls.” Nightfall said bitterly. “A disgrace on the goddesses perfection. But… I'll consider your offer.”

“Oh, I'd love to as well. The Tea whitch, isn't that her name?” Purity asked.

“Magnificence actually.” I answered.

“Whatever.” Purity said dismissively. “I would love to receive a few seeds, and see if I can grow my own. After all, I do have more room to grow it than their little crowded garden.”

Several more ponies trotted in, Bicorns dressed in simple black suits and dresses, who were bringing out food and drink. One of the servants, an older stallion, then spoke up. “Today's dish is a traditional Blackheart Bacalhau, made with a port wine broth, various vegetables, spices, and potatoes. For the wine, a Vintage pomegranate wine has been prepared, its sweetness is subtle, and tannins are soft, making it quite refreshing. We hope you enjoy it.”

I had no idea what a bacalhau was, but the distinctive smell of fish subtitlely came from my silver bowl. The food itself, though well presented, didn't look all that special, with much of the ingredients being just whole vegetables and uncut potatoes. Still, the smell was divine.”

“Mother, are they insulting us?” Utopian then spoke up.

Purity chuckled. “No they aren't, this is just what they think a high class dish is.”

I could feel the irritation in the room as tension built.

“May we say Grace.” Pitch annoned, placing his cloven hooves together. Most of the ponies here did the same, placing their hooves together and closing their eyes. Other than a few, this was pure theater, but one I best played along with. Making sure my friends joined in, we silently joined in. “May this blessing of the Goddesses be not forgotten or be taken for granted. For through our daily bread and wine we find the strength to fight, and through this strength we push back the evil in all of our hearts. With strength of body and purity of heart, we of the saintesses chosen will save this world from evil thrall. But before we can prove ourselves worthy, we must feats, and so we thank the goddesses for this most glorious morsel of food, and ever be grateful.”

“Aymen” many of the ponies said in unison, servants included.

With the prayers done, the Darkheart’s began to eat, taking in small bites.

Taking a small careful bite myself, it contained a vegetable and what I guessed was the fish, I let it fill my mouth as I chewed. Though a bit strange, the flavors were quite rich, and rather delicious. Nothing complex, but the ingredients were clearly high quality and the chef skilled.

Unfortunately, neither Star nor Fizzy, had proper table edict, more scooping food into their mouths. Swift was no better, resulting in Hollow chastising him, and feeding the stallion herself. Strangely, Slowtrot was a bit better, though he just cut everything up into smaller bits before eating. Live, on the other hoof, was trying to copy me, if a bit clumsily, but since I had to learn to eat politely without magic, I was more than willing to show her how to do it.

Purity and Utopian looked rather bored while eating small bites, using their wings to hold their utensils, which I knew from my own family, was considered disrespectful. Even my own family knew how to hold utensils with their hooves, though they mostly just used magic. But wings, they had the tendency to knock things over as they blew air as they moved.

It was clear that the Darkheart’s had little to say to Purity, and Purity wasn't making any efforts to be friendly. All this was theater after all, so to prevent a possible religious war between them, but any more than that was unnecessary. Meaning this was my best opportunity to pry, and make that damn deal with Purity.

I had an audience on my side, though the enemy of my enemy didn't make them my friend.

Putting down the fork, I then addressed Purity. “Good Bishop Purity, I'm to assume our ancestors have a connection, from before the founding of Equestria. A Lancelot I believe, but unfortunately, history from that time is rather… lost. Care to enlighten me about who this pony was?”

A smile crept onto Purity's face as she finished chewing her food. “Sir Lancelot, a pegasus of unmatched beauty and hero of romance.” Purity said with pride before returning to a more neutral expression. “But just like you ponies in Equestria, much of the history was lost. All that is left of my ancestor is myths and legends. But… I do know that Princess Platinum had no right to keep him from Equestria, not when she was the daughter of a traitor.”

That… caught me off guard. “Do explain.” I requested

Purity took another bite of her Bacalhau, letting the moment linger as she chewed,

“Oh, though much of the history was lost, the reasons why… weren't.” Purity said with a smirk. “One of the Pendragons most talented of knights, though second rate to that of Lancelot, rebelled against their king, claiming to be the king's bastard son and heir to the crown. Camelot burned in war, its libraries lost, magic broken, with the king and traitor left dead by each others sword. And so the ruins of Camelot fell to the traitor and king's only successor, Princess Platinum.” Purity clicked her tongue in disgust. “And instead of saving the lands, she ran away, abandoning many to die to the Wendigos. Lancelot, on the other hoof, chose to stay with them, guid them under his banner.”

“The exiles of Albion.” Nightfall said with a laugh. “I remember the story about them and the trouble they caused. Those who didn't settle in the Barbary Islands, settled in Prance if zi'm correct.”

“Prance was Lancelot's home, and even with the Wendigos, he wouldn't abandon it.” Purity said before finishing her meal. “Unlike Platinum, he had honor.”

“Though I believe there is some truth to your story, the fact remains that Celestia and Luna themselves agreed with Princess Platinum in baring Lancelot, and what I guessed was his followers, from entry into Equestria.” I said to Purity, getting a death glare from her. “But something doesn't add up, why haven't I heard of the Bicorns and Kelpie up until recently?”

Lair wiped her mouth with a napkin before answering. “From our own history, it seemed that our ancestors just didn't care to follow the other ponies, and it's possible that the children of the night left Albion long before the children of the day. A most unfortunate mistake on their part.”

“Children of the night, and day?” I asked.

Lair smirked at me playfully as she wiped a bit of food off Haunt’s muzzle. “Bicorns, Kelpies and Thestral are the children of the night. Mainly because we are naturally nocturnal. Where Unicorns, Earth ponies, and Pegasus are the children of the day. It's speculated that if we had joined the children of the day to Equestria, then the Goddess Luna might never have become Nightmare Moon.”

“A most sadden of tragedies.” Nightfall spoke, pretending to wipe off a few tears from her eyes. “It's why our family's sided with Equestria during the war, even sending Luna a gift when she rose to her rightful place as queen. But those boorish Zebras called her a demon, the damnable savages!”

“The Barbary Islands became a right mess when Luna took over Equestria.” Pitch said with an amused smirk. “Not to say it already wasn't a mess, with it being proxy war central. But the Zebras paid double on cracking down any cult of the moon on the islands, where Equestria paid even more to support them. The Blackhearts were nearly wiped out twice in the latter half of the Great War.” He then smirked as he glanced over at Purity. “Speaking of sides, there were quite a few ponies in Prance that aided the Zebras invasion of it. Not to assume anything.”

Purity rolled her eyes. “All conjecture. It is known that my family had remained neutral through the Great War, anyways, our loyalty has always been to the Redrums, even before the Great War.”

That… didn't sit right with me. If what I knew about Thorn Roseland, and her being a Redrum, was right, there was a whole host of possibilities Purity's connection to the Great War. But just throwing out accusations of starting that damn war would get me nowhere. Best to focus on the here and now.

About everypony was done with their meal, and the servants were gathering up the places, and leaving behind a small bowl filled with even smaller fruit inside a gelatinous cube.

“Darkheart’s specialty.” The older servant said. “Pomegranate jello.”

Using a spoon to scoop up a small bite, the subtil sweetness was nearly overpowering. “This is… wonderful.”

“We take great pride in the pomegranates we grow, and make sure they are used for nothing but the best dishes.” Nightfall said smugly. “We hope to grow far more here in Equestria, and use them for the most delectable of drinks and foods. Which may become difficult if somepony decides to become a problem.”

Eyes quickly fell onto an annoyed looking Purity, as she took a bite of the jello, but seemed to not like it at all. “I assure you, the Blessed Spears have no intention of causing any trouble for the Darkheart’s, or for the Sanctified Cannons for that matter. We truly are here to save the lost souls. Nothing more.”

All lies, and everypony knew that, but as with these ponies, and the world in general as it seemed, the theater was still in play. Purity wasn't going to openly announce her true intentions, and we couldn't accuse her of it until we had evidence. Even then, with the evidence, nopony here had the right to cast her down. She had all the power right now, and everypony knew it. But it wasn't like there wasn't room to negotiate.

I still didn't know what she wanted, and if it was dangerous or not, but I did hold the key to negotiate with her. I'd play into her hooves, yes, but when options are limited, one must make sacrifices to get to one's goal.

Also, I don't want to make the same mistake as with Quicktrot Fragment, and fall completely to Purity's mercy.

“So you have no desire for certain artifacts? Artifacts such as Alginate's pistols kept within Princess Platinum's tomb.” I said, causing Star to almost spit up her wine.

“Wait, what?” Star blurted out.

I nodded. “There are replicas on display at the entrance to the tomb, old Flintlock pistols. Celestia herself was the one to claim them after beating the pirate queen Alginate, or so the Platinum Guard says. I'm sure the real deal is safely in the undercroft, among other artifacts my ancestor’s kept.” I then took another bite from my jello, savoring the subtle sweetness. “So Bishop Purity, what if I get those guns for you, would you be willing to move to someplace else?”

“And what, give the church over to the Sanctified Cannons?” Purity asked, though sounding disinterested, her eyes were still firmly locked onto me.

“How about a third party?” Bishop Pitch spoke up with a smile. “With so much technology moving through here, I'm sure the Wrench Mares would love to have their own personal place of worship.”

Something about that sounded like its own mess of trouble. Definitely the Steel Rangers would have an issue with them. Then again, it could be beneficial for the outer-city to have their own group of technophiles.

Purity scoffed at the idea. “Giving those crazies my church, they'd sooner turn it into a workshop than a place of worship.” She then rubbed her head as though she just gained a migraine. “And do you know how they solve a radar dish problem?”

Lair chuckled. “Last year on fathers ship, they sacrificed a chicken to it, putting the bones in an ammo box, then bolted the box to the radar dish… the dish has worked perfectly ever since.”

“Madness.” Purity huffed out before finishing her wine. After a moment of silence, she then looked over at me with a smirk. “That said, it may be worth obtaining such an artifact. The Alginate family still has some pull in the holy city, and could be willing to commission a ship for those guns. And a second ship would be a great boon to the Blessed Spears.”

That and gaining access to the tomb would let her steal whatever she was looking for.

“There's also the opportunity of finding artifacts related to Celestia and Luna within that tomb.” Pitch then added, gaining a glare from myself. “Isn't that right, Lady Harp.

I could only nod and agree. “Princess Platinum did have a close relationship with Celestia and Luna, even officially adopting them into the royal family. Though I much prefer such artifacts related to them be kept safely in the tomb, and away from those who may taint them.”

“I agree.” Nightfall said to my astonishment. “Until these lands can be properly taimed, I'd much prefer any holy relic to be… untouched by unworthy hooves, such as our own. Their guardian's, though ignorant to Saint Roseland's words, are true to their duties, and best be brought into the fold first.”

That then gave me an idea. “I second that motion, which is why I support the idea of the Wrench Mares being given jurisdiction over Platinum Hill.” Skeptical eyes fell onto me. “Sorry if I'm overstepping my place, but the City is already a mess of politics, and having Thorn’s Chosen here is going to cause more problems. But… the Wrench Mares might fit in, that is if they could provide a service. Also, technophiles are nothing new to this city, as the Steel Rangers have a firm hold in the inner-city. So what if the Wrench Mares worked with the Sisters of the Sun in helping the outer-city, maybe then the Chosen can show that your way is best.”

“Oh, that is a fantastic idea!” Hollow spoke up excitedly. “The Sisters are a wonderful group, mares who honor Celestia in her full benevolent beauty. They even have a video biography of the Goddesses, with interviews of her herself! Unlike the boorish Blessed Spears, the Wrench Mares would be a much grander match for the city. Maybe even clean up its stench.”

“Are you sure? As well respected the Wrench Mares are, they aren't known for being… diplomatic.” Purity calmly protested.

It was clear that Purity didn't want to relinquish her hold over the city, but she also wanted into my ancestor’s tomb. I also doubted that the Blessed Spears would want to give up their church either, less so to the Sanctified Cannons or the Wrench Mares. I also had a feeling that Purity has no idea that the Corps Brigade lost the Weeping Pegasus, or at least, kept that fact to herself.

I looked over at Pitch, who smirked and winked at me before speaking. “But they are a neutral party in all this, unbound by either of us, other than by the Pope's blessed word. You can even leave some of your priests here to continue the mission, of which the Sanctified Cannons would have no issues with. Unless you're worried that the Blessed Spears might see fault in this, and in you for it.”

Purity laughed loudly. “Oh be still my heart, such jokes are unbecoming. My holy duty is pure as my hame, and the Blessed Spears have full faith in me and our mission. Fine then, if you can obtain the relics, I'll… concede the mission here to the Wrench Mares… but I demand I be there, that I confirm the relic's authenticity within the tomb itself. We all know how heathens cannot be trusted after all.” She then smirked at me, making me feel that something wasn't right. “I'll be expecting you at the tomb, noon, tomorrow.”

That was… not right at all. I'd imagine it takes a day for Magnificence to help make an opening for anypony to get that close to the tomb without the Platinum Guard around. She'd know at least some of that, yet so confident.

“Excuse me.” Fizzy spoke up. “But what about the Platinum Guard? They're not going to, like, let anypony just trot into the tomb. You, like, need to schedule it first.”

Purity's smugness only grew, and I only grew more worried. “Oh, that's fine. I have, after all, been making friends here.”

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