//------------------------------// // Who Are These Spartans // Story: “THIS IS SPARTA!!!!!!” // by Sawtoothetherium //------------------------------// Celestia stood on the deck of the ship the slaver had brought out of the Athens harbor. He had told her that the city was called Athens before they left and explained that it was the center of trade for the entire area of Greece. He had told her of the basic workings of the area that it was built up of many city states that controlled some smaller villages around them. She had also been told of the cruelty of the Spartans, how all of their stallions were turned into soldiers from seven up. But she still had not been told everything. She approached the slaver they had scared into taking them to Sparta. “More questions.” He said. “Yes,” Celestia said flatly, “I want to know as much about these Spartans as I can.” “Well its actually rather simple,” The slaver said, “They kill the weak among them, they dont show mercy, they are the most powerful fighters in all of Greece, and they don’t surrender. They fight to the last.” “I mean how do they treat their slaves?” Celestia asked. “That actually depends on the individual Spartan, some are cruel to the point the slave dies on the first day, others are simply harsh. Though I have heard that King Leonidas goes soft on his slaves, yet he is the most feared of the Spartans.” “Isn’t that who you sold her to?” Celestia asked slightly hopeful. “Yes, I sold her to King Leonidas. As it turns out, she has been there for almost a year, I would be surprised if she isn’t completely broken by the time we get there.” Celestia glared at him, “Is there anything else I need to know?” She said venomously. “Yes,” he said, “She has likely become his personal bucktoy. If not then she is lucky. We should be there in a few days, then you can be certain.” Celestia bit back a growl, her sister, a bucktoy?! Perish the thought, it couldn’t happen. Celestia turned and went belowdecks to meet with the other seven. She found them already conversing. “What do we do when we find her?” Rarity questioned. “We assess her situation and devise a plan to get her out.” Twilight said. “We also need to know the basic layout of the city and the surrounding area.” Rainbow said. “That way we can plan a successful getaway.” “So you can learn,” Twilight mused. “I have a brain Twilight, contrary to popular belief.” Rainbow snapped. “Don’t take it so personally Raimbow,” Twilight said, “It was just a joke.” Rainbow realized what she just did and sighed, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.” “I know, don’t worry about it.” “So we find Princess Luna, plan a rescue, restore her memories, and find a way back to Equestria and kick that sorry horses hinee.” “It may be more complex than that,” Celestia said emerging from the shadows, “It turns out Luna has been here for almost a full year. Whomever bought her likely has complete control over her now.” “That could be a problem,” Spike rumbled, “If they have complete control over her she may resist rescue. Heck she may just be frightened enough to call for help. That would be catastrophic for us.” “Indeed,” Celestia said thoughtfully, “We need to tread carefully from now on. If we make a wrong move, it could just end all hope for us and Luna.” They all nodded at this grim fact, this could cost lives. They all understood that, but they did not think they were prepared for it. Spike had taken a large tree branch to be used as a club if necessary, the rest were unarmed. “We will arrive in a few days, at least thats what the slaver told me.” Celestia said. “And why should we trust him?” Twilight asked. “Because, we have little choice at the moment, two he saw spike in his real form, that should scare him enough that he wont double cross us.” “That’s a good point,” Fluttershy said, “I mean, if you were faced by a dragon like that backed by seven ponies, you would likely be scared out of your wits.” They all looked at her, she hadn’t said anything the entire time. She ducked down to hide. Spike then heard something, it was faint but there. He followed the sound to one particular spot on the floor to find a square of boards loose. He pulled up the boards and gaped at what he saw. Under the boards was a mare, bound and gagged. She was green of coat with a brown mane, both of which were covered in blood. She looked at Spike with fear in her eyes, she didn’t want to be taken by another slaver after being promised her freedom. “Spike,” Twilight called, “what is it?” “It’s a mare.” He said, “and she looks really beat up.” The seven ponies came to see, and the mare shrunk back in fear. Celestia had an anger in her eyes like nothing Twilight had ever seen. She turned and stormed to the slaver abovedecks. “We weren’t aware you had a slave onboard,” She said angry, “Why? What is your purpose?” “It’s how i make a living.” He responded calmly, “This is all I’ve ever known and I dont know how to do anything else. I grew up this way, my father did it to feed his family, and now I’m doing the same.” “But this isn’t okay,” She roared, “Ponies are not property. If you were in their place how would you like it?” “I have been in their place.” He said, “I was sold into slavery by my mother, the slaver that took me took pity and raised me as a son instead. His wife was overjoyed, she had always wanted a child but had thus far failed. She took me in without hesitation and very soon I began to call her mother, and him father. While at first I agreed with what you are saying, it was the only trade he could teach me. So I made do and got good at it, now my adoptive parents are too old to care for themselves, my wife stays with them to care for them while I bring in funds so that our family can live. I have two children that depend on the money I make in the slave trade. I dont exactly enjoy it but it doesn’t seem as bad anymore, I suppose one gets used to it.” Celestia was stunned by his sudden outburst, and the content it had. “I’m sorry I had no idea.” “No need to apologize,” He said, “She’s the only one down there and I promised her her freedom. She will be released in the port after Sparta.” Celestia nodded approvingly, so he would release that poor mare. “It’s good to see you have a heart,” She said. “For the longest time it wasn’t there.” He said regret in his voice, “I’m just glad I finally grew one.” Celestia left and went belowdecks to rejoin the others and tell them that she would be released.