//------------------------------// // Chapter 33 // Story: Only One Speck of Dust // by TheMareWhoSaysNi //------------------------------// Without the Head’s Council to ring the Great Bell, Ponyville had really been through what happened to be a Ceaseless Night. Many ponies had perished in the flames, despite all the efforts of both the weather patrol and the fire brigades. Once the fire had finally been completely extinct, the survivors of the drama had noticed in shock and horror and the whole bank of the White had been totally destroyed. As if it was not enough to discourage the population, a shocking news had appeared on the front page of every newspaper in town. Ponies already cried Ponyville was lost and that what was best to do now was to run away, rather than letting plunderers and criminals of all background trample upon what was left. Nonetheless, no pony had gone yet. A big part of the White had to be rebuild, and solidarity between inhabitants looked strong than ever. “DESTRUCTION OF THE FORMER FIREARM FACTORY BECOMES A NATIONAL DISASTER” read as headline this morning’s edition of the Ponyville Express, quickly followed by almost every royal newspaper. With many details, undoubtedly invented for the most of them, the articles described the accident which had been fatal to the whole Head’s Council, except for the Second-in-Command Applejack who, despondent because of her brother’s death, now refused to fight. No one really knew how or why they all had gone to such a place, knowing well the destruction of the building was for tonight. A trap was suspected, but it was specified that no other corpses than the ones of the Head’s Council Members had been found. For sure it launched panic attacks amongst the inhabitants who had no pony to protect them until the Cavalry would arrive to take the reins, while the Greater Council would elect a brand new Head, what was going to be a very difficult task. It was the most serious accident Ponyville had known since the Fratricide War. Lowering his newspaper after he had read the whole article with a certain excitement, Blueblood burst out laughing loudly, that made Fluttershy jump by his side. Like every morning, he was having his breakfast in the huge dining-room of the castle, surrounded by his suitor and her parents, sitting at the other side of the long table. Many varlets were standing by their sides, waiting for orders, and displaying imperturbable faces. Sitting behind the True King, Rarity could hardly contain an irritation she could not explain. She should have been delighted. It was the achievement of years of preparation, which she had taken a part of with enthusiasm. Yet, it left some bitter aftertaste in her mouth. Maybe it came from how this victory had been acquired. With a trick, crookedly, indirectly. Her own parents had taught her that respect was not something owed to anyone, ponies had to deserve respect, to fight in order to prove they were worth it. Today she had the feeling she was betraying these precepts. Blueblood did not seem to care about the means. Only the end mattered to him, and the result was far ahead of his expectations. In the end, the death of this stallion which had upset him so much a few days earlier had been one of the best thing that could happen. With the Second-in-Command dying from grief, and the rest of the Head’s Council dead for real, it was only a matter of weeks before he would get his throne back. In Canterlot, a huge part of the Cavalry might already be on its way to Ponyville. Weakened, the Princesses’ guard would be a child’s play to eliminate. His soldiers were now the best of the Continent, of this he was sure. This was one of the best days of his life, and made him in a very good mood. Of course, it was maybe a little too premature, but he considered these ponies deserved a reward for they had saved him, fed him and helped him during all these years, making sure he would be right where he finally was today. And, it would oblige all the Masters of Rituals of the surrounding areas to come and admire his triumph. A little pleasure which Blueblood did not want to go without. Once his laugh calmed down, he cleared down his throat to make sure he would have everypony’s attention, then leaned his fore hooves against the edge of the table with determination in his eyes. Rarity could not help but rolling her eyes. Did he think he already was on the throne? And why did she have such thoughts? She loved this stallion more than everything else, she was ready to fight for him, to give her life for him, even, if necessary… “I’ve taken a big decision”, he stated with a singing flavored voice which seemed very odd coming from him. “We soon have reached our ultimate goal, that is why I think it is about time for me to keep this promise I’ve made to you, and that I marry your daughter, Fluttershy.” Immediately, a reaction sparked in every of the ponies concerned. The young mare pegasus finally raised her head off of her plate, and the fear in her eyes was only equal to the delight on her parents’ face. These words were the words she dreaded the most. Prince Blueblood represented everything she was scared of about a pony, and in reality, she had no desire to marry him. However, she was not the kind to get rebellious and had been raised in order to never disapprove of her parents or the stallion that would become her husband. What she wanted or did not want was not the least important for those all around her. She was never asked her opinion about anything. It had been decided for her that she would be the Queen to this King she did not love, that was the way it was and there was nothing she could do. “How long do you think it is going to take to prepare a wedding in this very castle? I want it to be done before the Cavalry arrives in Ponyville.” “Honestly, my King, everything has been ready for ages”, the mother answered. “We can have a ceremony within three days.” “It’s perfect. We would leave for Canterlot at dawn. In a few weeks, you will be allowed in the Court as the First Duchess.” The mare’s mouth opened wider than possible, her eyes starry. Seeing enchantment on those he still regarded as nothing else but insignificant pawns only mattered to Blueblood because it represented the start of his triumph to come upon those who had dragged his name through the mud. He could picture Rainbow Dash’s arrogance, in this very castle, when she had sworn she would get his head. Now she no longer breathed and no pony could stop him from achieving his own destiny. Without further delay, Fluttershy’s mother ordered her daughter to follow her in her parlors, where they would already start measuring her for her wedding dress. If they wanted everything to be perfect within three days, they had no time to lose. She followed without displaying her fears, and soon the living-room was even empty of varlets, that Blueblood sent away. It only remained him and his Main Servant, who had not uttered a word until then. She had been silence, but that did not mean Rarity was not thinking it. Teeth clenched and jaw tensed, she had held herself back the best she could until she was sure to be alone with the Fallen Heir Apparent. He owed her an explanation… “Well, Rarity, you seem to be so upset. It’s a glorious day, can’t you see?” “Glorious? Glorious for who?” “For every one of us, of course!” No way. Many times, they had met secretly in the castle’s hidden galleries and, away from prying eyes, he had sworn he would never marry Fluttershy who, anyway, had no desire to be his Queen. Between two kisses, he had repeated over and over again how she was the only one he had ever wanted, and that he would never accept to be parted from her. And she had believed him, because she loved him, despite his many flaws, despite all those things she thought were unfair, unbearable, which made her want to scream with rage. For him, she had sidelined all of her dreams, she had accepted to take care of the military attacks, her who only aspired to create beautiful things, she had fought against a mare stronger than she, whom she ended up having a great respect for, because of her virtues that were closer to hers than would ever be those of this fallen prince. All this for him to look at her this way, as if she was too stupid to understand, while he had kept his word of marrying another mare, whom he despised. “Are you really going to marry Fluttershy?” she finally dared asking. “Come on, Rarity…” A mocking smile painted on his haughty face, he put a hoof under her chin and plunged his eyes as cold as metal inside her eyes as clear as the sky in Spring. It foretold nothing good, she knew it. “You truly are naïve if you thought I would really betray my word to those who rescued me so I would marry you instead. You have to understand, I think you truly are queen material, but… Your family is no longer aristocratic, and you have way too much temper. A Queen knows when to step behind her King. If you really want to be a part of the Royal Court, I could introduce you there as my First Madam.” Rarity had to struggle in order not to let the rage explode boiling inside her veins. It was not enough to make her understand she had been a fool to believe in his words, now he also had to insult her. Her family no longer did possess the aristocratic rank, but that did not mean she was ready to become a whore in order to stay by his side. Because this was the true meaning hiding behind the elegant title of First Madam – this of the King’s whore, always at his disposal to fulfill every of his sexual whims. In front of him, she let nothing show, but deep inside the lovely unicorn was burning with the darkest of wrath, consuming her entirely. So, he thought she was nothing but a fool with no self-esteem whatsoever? She would show him! She knew things about him, and between the wrong hooves, these things could impede every of his cherished schemes. It was a high price to pay to make fun of her, and he was about to learn at his own expense. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Not even taking time to greet her parents and their guests, Rarity dashed inside her room, as soon as she was home. She was boiling from inside. She had never felt this betrayed before. For him and his stupid cause, she had denied so much, held back so much. She looked at her canopy bed on which they had kissed for the first time, and felt like tearing off the sheets, the cushions and even the pretty veils. If she had the power to, she would burn set fire to any place where she had shared something with this liar who called himself a King. He was a king for no one, now she no longer was afraid to say it. He did not deserve his so-called victory. His Army, those ponies who, one week ago, had died in the name of his cause, they were the ones deserving a crown, and a round of applause. In reality, they had fought on the behalf of a buffoon dressed as a prince. As far as the ones he called his enemies were concerned, they were braver than he had ever been. Rarity remembered her conversation with the Angel of Death, Rainbow Dash’s uncle, on this night they were had forever ruined the wedding anniversary of her parents. She had had her share of doubts, self-convincing her he had said these words to her in order to mess up with her mind. Now she knew he was right. Blueblood had never worried about her. She had been nothing but a pawn among pawns in his regard. If that was how things were going, fine. She could play chess as well. If he thought he had already knocked out the two queens, he was barking up the wrong tree. He had killed his parents in their sleep because otherwise, he would never had been able to defeat the secret magic of Alicorns. As long as he would not be sacred by the Royal Master of Rituals, he would have no access to this powerful kind of magic. What was he going to do once in front of his aunts, with his army of soldiers and their little swords? Ah, he would certainly lack assertiveness! Anyway, she had the attention of never letting him reach this level in the game. Nothing was won for now. He had maybe got rid of some pawns and rooks, but he still had to defeat a queen, bishops and knights. She opened her closet wide. A few time ago, she had created the most divine of all coats. Beige, with golden button, and the silkiest and warmest fabric she could find in Ponyville, it would match perfectly with a felt hat she had bought on the previous night in a boutique at the Royal Tavern and Inn, when she had sent Rainbow Dash this parchment she now loathed. It had only been once back at the castle which was the Unavow Army Headquarters she had been told which kind of trap she had helped to set. Of course, no one had asked her opinion, and she remembered she had bucked herself not to have asked the question before accepting this mission. It was the most dishonest ambush she had ever taken part to. A complete shame. His scheme had been a success, this she had to admit. She really loathed it, especially as she understood now how he had used her as well, and that each of the Members of the Head’s Council had died in the destruction of this factory. Rarity wore both coat and hat, and sneaked out with the employees in order to leave her house without being noticed. As a younger mare, she had often fled by the services exits to go and have fun in casinos, though this was forbidden for a mare of her rank. Her little sister Sweetie Belle also knew the trick, and used it every time she wanted to have fun outside with her friends. Always suspicious, she kept on looking beyond her shoulders. It would not be a surprise to learn that Blueblood did not really trust her, and had decided to have her followed. For this reason, she more than usually used various tricks, and took the least obvious path to go to the closest telegram station. When she saw her arriving dressed like a spy from an airfield novel, the telegram’s employee glanced at her raising a questioning eyebrow. Alright, she was maybe a little ridiculous with her actions worthy of an actress from the Royal Troop, but a pony could never be wise enough. Thanks to her magic, she levitated two banknotes she then quickly slipped along the small wooden table. Bending over, her eyes staring on the outside, she whispered to the employee wearing crooked glasses. “This notes are yours if you send this message as discreetly as possible. There’s no need to keep a written report of it, if you know what I mean.” The mare nodded, impassive, and claimed in a gloomy voice that she always had to do that with the many criminals going through this city, and now the Council was killed, it was going to be widespread. Rarity did not choose to take offense on the fact she had been mistaken with a scoundrel, despite her elegance and wealthy clothes. It did not matter at all. What mattered was the message. It was meant for somepony living at the Royal Tavern and Inn, Applejack. A name that obviously made the employee jump, suddenly sprier. She could remember it, crystal clear. The Second-in-Command had told her if every of her friend were truly dead, she would avenge them, whatever the cost. Now was the chance for her to prove these had not been hot air. In three days, the Unavowed Army would be in the same position than The Militia, except that none would be expecting any kind of resistance. In three days, Equestria’s whole fate would be at stake, and Rarity could no longer bear with the fact of being nothing but one of the pawns. She would be a knight, now, fighting for what was fair. Directly, not crookedly. Not like a coward concealed in a castle thinking he was already sitting on the throne. -------------------------------------------------------- Another costumer leaving before the end of the stay. Since the fire and the announcement of the Head’s Council Members death, the premature leaves had been multiplied. The finances were not threatened yet, but there would eventually be a shock-wave if the situation was kept this way for too long. The family relationship between Melrose and the so-called deceased was nothing obvious for those not living in Ponyville. There were rare to be surprised to see her working knowing ponies from her own family had passed away on the previous night. In fact, if it had been for real, she probably would have not been able to stand it. Her eldest son’s death was still fresh, and she had devoted herself to work with all her might in order not to let grief overwhelming her. To comfort her a little, she told herself he had died with honor, just like his father, while doing his duty. Nothing would bring her son back anyway, even less the stallion she had married to impetuously, after she had only spent a few months with him. Unlike Firefly and Uncloudy Shelter which relationship had been longer to settle down, Melrose had been in love at first sight with this solid earth pony with his mocking half-smile and his big innocent green eyes. They never had been given the possibility to be together in love through peace and quietude. Getaways, death, chaos, destruction had been the daily bread of their unordinary romance. Despite it all, she cherished this part of her life so much she had been a prisoner of it for too long. Of course, she wished there could have been another kind of destiny for her own children. After Applejack was born, she had promised herself both her kids would never have to go through what she had been through. It was being ignorant of the land that was theirs, which never did favors to anyone. The typical sound of the telegram machine got her out of her thoughts with a start. Melrose feared it was one more cancelled booking. When she pulled of the strip of paper, and deciphered the message it contained, she could not help but being surprise. Without further ado, she left the reception counter and dashed through the maze of corridors and stairs, under the flabbergasted glances of the employees she met. Melrose had never been the hurried kind, she did everything with softness and quietness, arguing that nothing good could come out of haste. No sooner said than done, she was in front of Rainbow Dash’s room door, where the whole Council, Pinkie Pie and Twilight included, waiting the right moment to reveal they had been simulated their own death in order to make Prince Blueblood think he had won. She did not hear the sound of hooves behind her, after one of the floor’s door had opened behind her. After knocks that were a secret code between those aware of the deceit, she heard the hoarse voice of the mare pegasus telling her to come in. Rainbow Dash was standing on a high stool, in front of a huge panel representing the Great Weaver area, on the Everfree Forest side, where Twilight had said the real Unavowed Army’s Headquarter. She, as well as Caramel, Soarin and Pinkie Pie, were sitting in a circle around her, and in all likelihood, they were planning an attack in the middle of the night, or something of this kind. “What’s happening, Melrose?” the mare asked, frowning from worries. She shook the strip of paper between her lips, and it immediately levitated in the air, surrounded by a purplish pink glow. Twilight’s magic made the message reach Rainbow Dash, and float in front of her while she was reading, her magenta eyes going from one line to another in an amazing speed. In front of her friends’ eyes, thirsty with curiosity, she decided to read this intriguing missive out loud. “It’s destined to Applejack… Surely because its author believes we’ve passed away last night. It says: ‘Prince Blueblood is going to marry his suitor. STOP. In three days. STOP. Last step before going to Canterlot. STOP. Am ready to help you from the inside. STOP. Signed Rarity, former Main Servant, truly disappointed, now devoted in saving Equestria from an egotistic monster’.” “Another trap”, Caramel cried immediately. “I’m not sure”, Twilight interevened. “If Blueblood really believes we’re all dead, he has nothing to gain in trying to trap Applejack. She doesn’t represent any kind of threat for his schemes if she’s on her own.” Thinking it would be a trap was not as stupid as it sounded. Applejack was not only The Militia’s Second-in-Command; she was the one Rainbow Dash had chosen as the new Head if she came to die or to resign. The only problem was that no one knew who the Head had chosen until he or she had actually died or decided to quit. And, since the Greater Council knew she was still alive, it did not match. It was impossible for Prince Blueblood not to believe in their deceit, or even to know it was nothing but a fraud willing to fool him. Members from The Militia thought they were dead as well, and so did the Spotters. Only their family, the Greater Council and Surprise, bedridden in a room after she had lost her wing in the factory’s blast, knew. And among those ponies, none could have betrayed them, of this she was sure. “Twilight is right”, Soarin said. “They also think Pinkie Pie has passed away and if they wanted to attack Applejack, they would already had assaulted the Royal Tavern and Inn. “It’s true. If I’m no longer here to keep the place under surveillance and protection, there’s no long need to use a trick. I think I really scared them.” “Scare them? There were no living ponies left!” “Yes, I sometimes tend to get a teensy bit carried away”, the pink mare finished, chuckling. This was the perfect example of the ambivalence of the mysterious pony named Pinkie Pie. This mixture of innocence, extreme outlandishness, and of a very particular kind of bloodlust when in danger. For a lot of ponies, she was a very complex enigma, even more complicated than Rainbow Dash who thought, on her side, that she was rather simple to understand. “So… What are we going to do?” Twilight asked to refocus the conversation. “We’re going to give them a taste of their own medicine. Now’s our turn to spoil their party. We’ll have to gather every of The Militia’s members, even the reservists, and to get our plan prepared right away. The Great Council allows us to strike if the city or Equestria’s well-being is threatened, and this message is the evidence we needed.” They all exchanged a knowing look. It had to be done, and the occasion was too perfect. It would be this night in three days, or it would be too late, and none of them wanted for another war to start in order to react. They were the ultimate shield before the disaster, those who had to stop corruption from devouring more of the fragile foundations that had been built in the latest years. “Ah wanna take part in dat too”, a voice said behind them. Applejack was standing on the doorstep. None of them knew for how long she had been standing here, and what she had heard. Her appearance surprised them all, since they had a very few occasions to see her since Big Macintosh’s death. She had agreed to heal surprise under the condition that no one would stay with her or would try to ask her any question. Even Caramel had not been allowed to help her. So, seeing her, ready to duke it out again, with a blazing willpower dancing in the green of her eyes, it looked as odd as finding a kiwi in an apple tree. “AJ… Are you sure?” Caramel asked softly by stepping in her direction. “Eeyup. Am tired of being locked in my bed boohooin’. Ah have to do sumethin’ with my frame. And Ah have chosen to avenge my big bro’s death. Ain’t this message for me? Ah wanna be a part of the operations.” Rainbow Dash did not need more to be convinced. She knew her best friend by heart. She was stubborn, and once she had something in mind, it was impossible to make her change her mind. And, she was a mind-blowing fighter usually, and there was no doubt she would turn even more redoubtable once galvanized by the fires of revenge. The Militia could not be deprived of such a fighter of quality. It was perfect. The other Members would think Applejack was the only one in charge and this way, they would be able to launch their attack without the suspicions of the enemies who, thinking they were definitely out of danger, would have lowered their guards to the maximum. The occasion was finally here to get rid of this cursed Unavowed Army, in reality composed of greedy mercenaries willing for power, for most of them. The Web, back then, at least had the nobility to be motivated by a greater cause. And it had fallen, somehow. Even if a lot of ponies from their own clan would probably die, the Heir Fallen Apparent’s Army was about to know the same kind of destiny. That’s what Rainbow Dash was determined to do. “So, it’s settled… Militia, let’s play the Wedding Crashers!”