Bulletproof Heart

by PaulAsaran


Episode 23: Rising Steam

12th of Rising Heat, 1006 BA

The sun had just kissed the horizon when Rarity and her entourage were ready to leave the base. She rode at the lead with Applejack while Cranky took up the rear. Coco, still unconscious and accompanied by Sweetie, was carried in a covered wagon in the center of the formation, surrounded by a half-dozen ponies who had volunteered to take up weapons and protect her. Pinkie had granted them all military rifles for the purpose. With them travelled a dozen soldiers from the base, six to a side to protect the makeshift caravan’s flanks while they made their way south as quickly as they could in the rough, hilly terrain.

Captain Frost Fall led the soldiers, but she didn’t travel by sand lizard. Her blue body blended well with the darkening sky from below, though her pink mane did her few favors. She flew high above them, barely a speck to Rarity’s eyes, to watch for potential attackers.

Pinkie had to stay behind. The base was still hers, and she wasn’t about to leave it under threat. She’d given all the travelers a cupcake apiece and wished them well, but Rarity had noted the worry in her eyes. Even now, riding at a steady canter into the growing darkness, she wondered if that concern was for her or for her base. Probably both.

They rode in silence. To Rarity, it was an oppressive sensation. Not only because the Apples could appear at any time, but also because she could outright feel the hope and trust the former hostages were placing in her. Her, a mere tailor who had yet to succeed at much of anything, except perhaps having a piece of jewelry that somehow resisted the efforts of bullets to shatter it. She didn’t want this responsibility.

Not that anypony seemed to mind what she wanted. After all, she was the ‘hero’ of the day. She was expected to step up. And she did, but she still didn’t know why. The general ‘why’ was obvious: she couldn’t leave all these ponies (and one griffon) to fend for themselves out here. But the more personal ‘why’ eluded her. What made her feel as though she needed to ensure their safety? Why did she make it a task for herself?

What in Celestia’s name drove her to keep helping these ponies?

The easiest answer was ‘it’s the right thing to do’, but Rarity was gradually losing her faith in that response. It was too simple, too canned, and hardly satisfying anymore. The more she travelled and fought, the more it seemed like being the good pony made others dislike her and want her dead. Being good… was it enough? Sacrificing her home, her career, her simple and clean life, and possibly her literal life, just because it was ‘the right thing to do’. Rarity didn’t know anymore.

Applejack, who had not said a single word since Rarity’s fight with Cranky, shot her a wary glance. “You okay over there?”

Rarity didn’t deign to look at her. “No, and I don’t want to talk about it.”

There was a long quiet between them, and Rarity began to think that the matter had been dropped. Just as she was about to resume her brooding however, Applejack spoke up again. “You either talk about it, or I unleash my secret weapon.”

That earned her a deadpan look and a raised eyebrow. “I’ll call your bluff just for the sake of learning what this secret weapon is.”

“Alright, you asked for it.” Flicking Moonshine’s reins, Applejack led the vermillion sand lizard ahead a few paces, the result being that her Border Collie, curled up in a ball in her basket, was now even with Rarity. “Winona.”

The dog poked her head up, looking to Applejack with an expression combining curiosity and eagerness in equal measure.

“Gitter!”

With a happy bark, Winona leapt out of her basket and right onto Rarity’s lap. She barely had time to squeal in horror before the canine reared on its hind legs, placed its forepaws on Rarity’s shoulders, and assaulted her face with licks. Rarity had no choice but to relinquish the reins as she desperately fought off the dog’s affection.

“No. No! Down! Sit, stay, stop! Ick, this is hardly sanitary!”

Her admonitions and pleas went ignored, Winona’s tail wagging wildly as she lavished Rarity’s hands with more sticky kisses. Her face became a furnace as others in the convoy began laughing at her expense. “A-Applejack – eww! – do something!”

Applejack was grinning like this was the best thing to have ever happened to her, but she eventually let out a shrill whistle. Upon hearing it, Winona ceased her saliva-infused assault and leapt back into her basket. She sat up tall and looked immensely proud of herself, especially when Applejack reached back to pet her head. “Good girl, Winona. That’s my little attack dog.”

Trying to shake her hands free of ickiness and horribly aware that her shirt and jeans were now covered in dog fur, Rarity used her magic to snatch her hat from where it had fallen on Ophelia’s flanks and shove it back onto her head. “Y-you… you rube! You uncouth, uncivilized plebeian!”

Visibly unaffected by the string of insults, Applejack tipped her hat forward with a smirk. “Why, thank you kindly, little lady.”

“If you ever do that to me again, I swear I’ll—” Rarity stared at her foe’s smug smile and felt the fire go out. The ponies behind them, soldier and hostage alike, were still chuckling at the antics. She realized that her reaction was only making things worse. Groaning, she turned forward once more and examined her moist hands. “I feel so dirty.”

“You’re always dirty,” Applejack pointed out. “Kinda comes with the roamin’ gunslinger life, Sugarcube.”

Her reply came in a growl. “This is not the same kind of dirty.”

Though her smile faded a touch, Applejack didn’t appear any less satisfied by the turn of events. “Hard to believe the same pony who took out a bunch of bounty hunters defending her parents’ place is a princess. Here.” She retrieved a flask from her belt, tossing it to Rarity.

She caught it in her magic and examined it with a scowl. “What is this, then? Cider, I bet.”

“It’s water,” Applejack countered with a roll of her eyes. “Neverendin’, so don’t worry about runnin’ out.”

That made Rarity’s eyes go wide. “You mean it never runs out of water? How?”

Applejack’s smile turned proud. “Don’t rightly know, but you can thank my little sister Apple Bloom for it if’n ya ever meet her. She knows all kinda zebra hoodoo and potion-makin’. Something to do with enchantin’ two bottles and lettin’ one fill up the other. Kid’s a genius, I swear to Luna.”

Not sure whether to believe this wild story, Rarity nevertheless unscrewed the cap and tilted the flask over her hands. Water, pure and crystal clear, poured out. She gave it a moment, fully expecting the flow to cease. But it kept going.

And going.

And going.

“My goodness.” Scrubbing her hands clean, Rarity was beset by a wave of delight. “This is amazing! I might have to meet this sister of yours to procure one of these for myself.” She took a moment to splash the endless torrent of water on her face, rubbing herself clean as best she could with her hands and being careful not to get any on her shirt. She wanted to get rid of dog slobber, not put on a show.

Once reasonably happy with her physical state, she returned the flask to its ever-smiling owner. “Thank you, Applejack. But I’m still upset with you for siccing Winona on me like that.”

With an exaggerated gasp, Applejack turned back to pet Winona, who had by now curled back up in her basket. She adopted the kind of tone one might when addressing an infant. “Don’t wissen to her, Winona. She liked it, she just won’t admit it.” Rarity’s ‘hmmph!’ prompted another chuckle.

A thought did come to mind for Rarity, though. “If a bottomless flask is possible, why does your sister not produce them for the masses? Ignoring the fortune to be had, she’d be making travel across Equestria easier for everypony involved by a huge margin. I mean, we have weight-reduced packs and produce-preservation spells. This seems like the next step.”

Sobering quickly, Applejack shrugged. “Produce-preservin’ spells are simple enough, any half-skilled unicorn can cast them, but how many ponies do you know actually have weight-reduced packs?”

“I do.”

“Yeah, sure. Anypony else?” At Rarity’s uncertain expression, she elaborated. “You can’t just cast a spell and get an enchanted backpack. Again, I don’t know the details, but Apple Bloom once spelled it out for me pretty clear-like: every part of the pack has to be enchanted before its sewn together, and then in exactly the right way to make sure the enchantments play nice with each other, or else all you get’s a pack like any other. It ain’t easy, and it don’t come cheap.”

Having never properly investigated how her own bags she bought in Hoofintgon worked, Rarity had to acknowledge Applejack’s explanation made sense. “So I suppose the bottomless flask is similar?”

Applejack’s face scrunched up as she considered the query. “Well, yes and no. For one, it’s not so much an enchantment as it is a—” A pause. She cast a warning look at Rarity. “Now this is her term, not mine, so it don’t mean what you probably think.” At Rarity’s deadpan stare, she sighed. “They call it a fetish, okay?”

It was Rarity’s turn to roll her eyes. “Yes, Applejack, I have heard of fetishes. Please don’t presume my mind to be in the gutter.”

With a light snort, Applejack glanced away and whispered, “Well, it was you who kissed me, so I just figured…”

The heat in Rarity’s cheeks had nothing to do with the sun. Even acknowledging she probably wasn’t meant to hear, she couldn’t stop herself. “What was that?”

Applejack sat up straight and turned her eyes to the sky. “So where is that captain, anyway? Figured she’d come down to report something by now.”

Attempting to fix her companion with a hard glare failed to get any answers, so Rarity grudgingly decided to let the matter drop. By this time the sun had almost disappeared beyond the horizon, apparently deciding a kiss hadn’t been enough. Oh, no, I really am starting to think in naughty terms. I need to get away from Applejack as soon as possible.

Turning her eyes up, she quickly spotted Captain Frost flying lazy circles. Now that she paid attention, she realized the artillery back at the base had stopped firing. She glanced back, but beyond all the ponies following close behind she could see nothing of the base itself. Her eyes lingered on the wagon for a few extra seconds. Would Coco really be okay with all this travelling in her condition? Octavia rode close to the wagon speaking to Sweetie, who was leaning out the front. They seemed to be enjoying one another’s company.

Would that it could be her, but Rarity was needed up front. After all, she was the ‘leader’, or so everypony seemed to think.

“Incomin’.”

At Applejack’s terse warning, Rarity returned her attention to the sky and saw that, indeed, Captain Frost was diving for them. Applejack shared an annoyed glance with her as the two undid the safety clasps on their respective weapon holsters. Not two seconds later, the captain was hovering between them, her large wings creating billowing gusts that sent their manes flying and forced Rarity to hold her hat on with one hand.

“There is an Apple party coming in from the west,” Captain Frost stated sharply, her manner as cool as her namesake. “They are a pretty big group. Fifty of them, maybe more.”

Fifty?” Rarity slapped a hand over her mouth and glanced back at the others, but they didn’t seem to have heard. With a brief sigh of relief, she turned back to Captain Frost. “That’s more than twice our number of armed ponies. Please tell me you think we can avoid them.”

“Only if we are lucky and keep quiet,” the captain explained, her expression grim. “It looks like they will pass behind us, but they are intentionally going up hills, so if we happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time they will spot us for certain.”

Applejack, appearing grim, asked, “Maybe if we sped up?”

“We can’t,” Rarity told her. “Not without risking Coco.”

She got a shrug in response. “Her wound ain’t fatal, remember? And we’ve got the goods we need to patch her back up if the rough ride reopens her wound.” At Rarity’s glare she asked, “What?”

“I’d like to avoid that option if at all possible, thank you.” Rarity turned her eyes behind them once more. “What if those of us armed all lined up at the back of the wagon? A show of force might ward them off.”

Captain Frost scoffed. “Have you ever fought Apple Gang ponies?”

Rarity almost snapped back at her, but then thought about her past encounters. Full Steam seemed pretty confident in his ability to beat her, and she wasn’t about to forget the over eagerness of Cayenne. She wasn’t sure that having greater numbers would help at all in these matters seeing as she’d never faced the Apple Gang in any situation other than outnumbered.

Then again, was she willing to risk the lives of Captain Frost’s ponies in making a stand?

Seeing her hesitation, the captain gestured to herself with a thumb. “How about letting the ponies with actual military experience and training make this call, hmm?” Taking no offense to the mildly condescending tone, Rarity nodded.

Captain Frost pointed to the large hill up ahead. “Stop the caravan behind that. You should have just enough time to hide behind it should you pick up the pace. Me and my party will turn back.”

“What?” Rarity shook her head vehemently. “I prefer a plan that doesn’t involve you and yours getting shot to ribbons, thank you very much.”

The captain’s eyes grew harder, no longer full of ice but instead a fresh heat that vented through her words. “Do not lecture me on the risks of military maneuvers, Bulletproof. In case you have forgotten, that party is out here because they are trying to attack Camp Ponyville from all sides at once. I guarantee you, that is not going to be the only group coming this way. If we do not go back now, we risk being walled out by the Gang, and we will not be any good to the Major out here.”

She turned around to face the rest of the caravan, but maintained pace with their lizards. “We go back now, get their attention and let them chase us back to the camp. They do not have the discipline to do much else, and they certainly will not suspect us of trying to lure them away from you. This is your best bet at getting these civilians to safety.”

Rarity didn't like it. She didn’t like it at all. Scrambling for some alternative plan, she managed to come up with just one thing. “But if you hid behind the hill with us, then maybe you could—”

“We do not have time to argue about this. I do not care if you are a hero or not, I am the ranking officer and I am getting my soldiers back to camp now. I strongly suggest you pick up the pace before you lose your window of opportunity.” Captain Frost flew off before Rarity could offer any further debate, pausing above the wagon to bark orders. The soldiers turned their lizards around and were away from the caravan within seconds.

“Come on, Rarity,” Applejack said. “Looks like the decision’s been made for us. Let’s go!” She cracked her reins and hurried ahead. Rarity, knowing when she’d been beaten, followed suit.

They called for a halt once they were on the opposite side of the hill. While the majority remained near the wagon, the armed ponies hurried to the crest of the hill and got down on their bellies to watch for threats. Settled between two mares named Pina Colada and Sour Sweet, Rarity observed as Captain Frost led her soldiers over a distant hill and disappeared. All was silent for some time… but then some distant gunshots were heard. The sound left her sick to her stomach – how many ponies had just been killed to let them escape unscathed? – but it looked as though the plan worked. For now.

Though the threat seemed over, Rarity hadn’t forgotten the captain’s warning that more of the Gang were likely on their way. They needed to get as far away from Ponyville as possible before stopping for a proper rest. As far as she was concerned, that meant going until first light. So, after briefly checking to ensure Coco’s injuries had withstood the rough travel and updating Sweetie and Octavia, she got the ponies moving again.

She tried hard not to think about what was probably happening near Ponyville at that very moment.


The sky began shifting from black to orange. Nopony complained when Rarity and Applejack finally called for a halt. Even ignoring the excitement of finally being free from the Apple Gang, most of them hadn’t had any sleep in nearly twenty four hours. Some had fallen asleep on their lizards, and the foals in particular had to be handled carefully lest they fall from their mounts.

The one thing they lacked in abundance was proper tents. They settled down in what shade they could, typically beside their lizards or the wagon. Rarity donated her two tents to some mares and foals who couldn’t find a decent place to lie down, though she imagined it would be a tight fit with four ponies apiece.

Rarity spent a little time with Sweetie and Coco, the latter of which still hadn’t awoken. It was worrying, but Sweetie did her best to keep Rarity distracted by talking about all the things she’d missed in the last few years. It turned out that the reason Sweetie had been so keen to talk with Octavia was because she’d developed her own talent for singing. She gave Rarity a few quiet samples of what she could do, and the elder sister was nothing but impressed. Sweetie made no attempt to hide her pride, and it was abundantly clear that she loved to sing.

And yet she still lacked a cutie mark. Rarity refrained from offering a lecture on the matter, sure her parents had already done that plenty of times as it was.

She sat in a snoozing Ophelia’s shade, Sweetie at her side and doing her best to stay awake despite her visible weariness. “I’m gonna be famous like you someday,” the young mare declared after a yawn.

“Maybe not like me,” Rarity chuckled, her arm wrapped about her sibling. “I’d rather you didn’t learn to use a gun.”

“No, not like that,” Sweetie agreed, snuggling into Rarity’s side. “But my own way. By singing.” She tried grinning up at her, but it didn’t quite come out right as she struggled to keep her eyes open. “I could be famous like… like the Angel of Elysium. Yeah, that would be great. But without the bandit raids and stuff.”

It took a bit of effort not to inform Sweetie that the Angel of Elysium was not only alive, but was now one of her friends. She wondered if she might ever convince Fluttershy to let Sweetie come to the oasis. That would be a delightful treat for the both of them, she imagined. Despite Fluttershy’s rough manner, she suspected she’d be good with children. Like an overprotective mother hen.

“Rarity?”

Pulled out of her daydream, she smiled down at her barely conscious sister. “Yes?”

“Are we going to be a family again?”

A hot knife dug its way into her heart, wrenching and twisting for maximum effect. Rarity’s throat closed off on its own accord, leaving her gasping breathlessly for a few terrible seconds. “I… I-I…”

“Being a family would be nice.” Sweetie shifted into a more comfortable position, lips set in a tiny smile as her curly bangs drifted before her closed eyes. “Just the four of us again…”

Rarity closed her eyes tight, willing the tears away as her sister finally fell asleep. Once sure that Sweetie wouldn’t wake up from a little jostling, Rarity very carefully lifted her up and deposited her in the wagon, where she would be secure and shaded. She gave the filly a kiss on the forehead and whispered, “Someday, Darling. I promise.” With one last look at the ever-sleeping Coco, she went back outside.


Rarity had taken the first watch, despite the insistence of both Applejack and Cranky. She’d wanted to take the time to think and be alone. Besides, she’d already had experience staying up for outrageous lengths of time at a stretch, so this hardly bothered her. She spent the time walking circles round the makeshift camp, occasionally greeted by a few other ponies who couldn’t sleep or whom had decided to help keep watch first.

Octavia, though unarmed, was among the latter. She met Rarity atop a hill north of the caravan, where the two watched for Apple activity. They got exactly that, in the form of a cloud of smoke rising in the distance. It could only be the siege of Camp Ponyville.

Perhaps sensing Rarity's frustration, Octavia said, “It’s not your fault, Miss Belle. This—”

“Miss Melody,” Rarity countered tersely, “please, do not try. I’ve heard enough platitudes and attempts at comfort to last a lifetime. I know what I am responsible for, and I will deal with it in my own way.”

Though visibly unconvinced, Octavia let the matter drop. The two watched the smoke rise, and Rarity wondered how well Pinkie’s soldiers were handling themselves.

It was some time before Octavia spoke again. “Sweetie should be getting her cutie mark any time now.”

Rarity wasn’t inclined to smile, but she was at least glad for the distraction from her increasingly dark thoughts. “I noticed you’ve taken a liking to her.”

“I have, indeed.” Octavia flicked her dirty mane, her manner as regal as ever. “I was thinking, maybe when she has her cutie mark she can come to Manehattan. I could put in a few good words and get her some proper training. I’ve no doubt that with the right connections she could make a fine career out of her voice.”

That did make Rarity smile, but only briefly. It was a delightful idea, but… “I’m sure Sweetie would appreciate the opportunity, but I don’t think it can happen right now.”

Octavia hid her surprise well, but not quite well enough as she turned ever so slightly to Rarity. “Why?”

Hugging her knees to her chin, her eyes trailing the lazy stream of smoke, Rarity replied, “They kidnapped my sister once. They’ll do it again, and next time they’ll make sure I can’t find her so easily.”

A light breeze brushed by as Octavia thought on her answer. “I appreciate your position, Miss Belle, but with all due respect, you can’t protect her forever.”

No, no she couldn’t. “I can try.”

The regal air faded as Octavia sighed. Her brow furrowed as weariness and worry crept into her gaze. “And what about Sweetie’s happiness? Is it worth keeping her close and safe if she’s miserable? She might grow to hate you with that kind of treatment.”

Of this, Rarity was very aware. “But what else am I supposed to do?” she whispered, pressing her face to her knees. “I can’t let my family suffer for my actions, but if I protect them then they’ll suffer anyway.” And she hated herself for it. There seemed to be no simple answer. Every path before her contained hidden risks and threats. How was she supposed to navigate in such a toxic environment?

An environment of her own making. If she could just settle things with the Bad Apples… but no, they were distinctly opposed to any such reconciliation. And if they had been willing before, they certainly wouldn’t be now that she’d rescued their hostages. Things were only going to get worse for her, and that meant her family was going to be at an even higher risk!

She’d already warned Spike before they left the camp. She was bringing Sweetie and Coco to him. Her parents, too. They’d be safe with him.

Safe.

But not free.

Would they come to hate her for this?

Octavia placed a gentle hand on her shoulder. “Have you considered the Apple Family?”

Raising her head and brushing away fresh tears, Rarity looked to the formal mare. “What?”

“The Apples.” Octavia nodded, her face solemn. “I understand you and Applejack have… ‘differences of opinion’ right now, but who would be more willing to protect your family from the Gang than the family the Gang is always at odds with?”

As much as Rarity hated to admit it, that was a good point. She’d never considered it before, especially with her extreme dislike of Applejack, but… she was just one mare. Surely the rest of the Family would be better behaved, and even if not, they would have great incentive not to let Sweetie and their parents fall back into the Gang’s hands.

But could she really trust somepony else to protect her family? Well, somepony who wasn’t a dragon, at least.

“I’ll… keep it in mind,” she conceded at last. “But I’m just not sure what to do yet.”

“Of course.” Octavia smiled, a warm expression that Rarity imagined would melt a lot of stallions’ hearts. “Just remember to think of what Sweetie would want. Perhaps you should ask her.”

That might actually be a good idea. “I may, yet.”


Before resuming their trek, the group leaders – Rarity, Applejack, Cranky, and Octavia – got their heads together to decide on what to do next. There’d not been a chance to plan for this before, what with the threat of the Apple Gang looming over their collective heads. Now seemed as good a time as any. Rarity made it clear that she did not intend to head for Hoofington, if only because she needed to get Sweetie Belle and Coco together with the rest of her family in Rockstead. Or so she claimed, anyway; she wasn’t about to reveal her connection to Spike.

Octavia agreed to lead the caravan east and to Hoofington, but she couldn’t do it on her own. She was unfamiliar with the region. Moreover, the former hostages would most certainly feel more secure if at least one of the ‘gunfighters’, as the other three were being collectively referred to, came along. This led to a quiet but fierce debate over who would be responsible for that. Rarity preferred Applejack being the one to go, if only for entirely personal and selfish reasons. Applejack preferred to stay with Rarity, claiming she’d feel better about her ‘debt’ if she at least helped get Sweetie and Coco to their destination. Cranky didn’t want to leave Coco – he seemed to have developed something of a fatherly instinct regarding her.

Unable to resolve the argument, the four elected to postpone the decision for later. They still intended to head south for a few days, after all, in order to be absolutely sure they wouldn’t cross paths with any Apple Gang bandits trying to find them in the east. The theory went that if they travelled far enough south, they could skirt the potential search area entirely and make it to Hoofington unnoticed. They continued to travel at night, just in case there were pegasi seeking them out during the daylight hours. It wouldn’t help against thestrals, but Applejack insisted the Gang almost never accepted the nocturnal race amongst their ranks.

It was dawn of the second day when they saw the smoke in the distance. It rose up in a thick column that gradually widened the higher it got. Rarity, this time accompanied by Cranky, called a halt and sent word for Applejack and Octavia to come forward. Once they were together, she wasted no time. “I’ve seen that kind of thing before. Last time around I ended up getting blamed for the total destruction of an Apple Caravan and had to fight against an ambush.”

Cranky, more grim than usual since their argument the morning before, nodded. “I’ve seen that kind of thing, too. Too big to be a campfire.”

“And too close to be old work,” Applejack added with a scowl of her own. “We could make that in just a few hours.”

“Which means whoever is responsible is not far away,” Octavia concluded. Nocturnal riding hadn’t been kind to her; she appeared ready to fall asleep on her Dust Devil. She stifled a yawn. “That does not make this seem an ideal place to settle for the day.”

Rarity looked back at the crowd, who were settling themselves down for what they probably expected to be the rest of the day. Many of them appeared exhausted. Clearly, they weren’t prepared for this kind of travel. “I’d hate to have to run them ragged like griffon slavers.”

Applejack tilted her hat back to peer at the smoke. With her frown and hard eyes, she looked as if she had an unpleasant theory regarding the source. “Then how about two of us go check it out?”

“I take it you’re volunteering?” Cranky asked, though he did not sound opposed to the idea.

“Yeah, I am.” Lowering her hat once more, she turned back to the group with a solemn expression. “At the very least, it’d give us an idea of what we’re up against, if anythin’.”

“If anything?” Octavia’s query went unanswered.

After some consideration, Rarity nodded. “We can let the others rest, but keep an active watch. If there is an enemy out there, I’d like to get the drop on them for a change. I’m accustomed to this kind of thing, so I’ll go.” It only dawned upon her after saying it that she was taking nearly all the risk upon herself. Again.

“I’ll stay with the others,” Cranky said, though it only took his passing glance at the wagon for everyone to know his reasons. “But I expect you to come hurrying back if it looks like more trouble than you can handle.”

“I’m goin’, too.” Applejack met Rarity’s suspecting scowl with a neutral look. “I want to check somethin’ out there.”

“Then it’s settled?” Octavia looked relieved when nopony spoke, perhaps because there was no argument this time. “Very well. And if you two aren’t back by sunset?”

“Continue without us,” Rarity said without hesitation, and Applejack nodded. Cranky grimaced, but said nothing.

When it became clear that their path was set, Applejack blew a quick whistle through her fingers. “Down, girl.” Winona, who had been snoozing in her basket, promptly awoke and jumped off her perch. “Guard dog. Wagon.” The canine let out a single bark and went running back to Coco’s wagon. At the startled expressions of her companions, Applejack smiled and shrugged. “I don’t keep her around just for her looks.”


Only when they were long out of sight of the caravan did Rarity turn her attention to Applejack and ask, “What exactly are you expecting to happen out here?”

Applejack didn’t return the look, her expression as hard now as it had been when she’d first said she’d be coming along. “I know who wiped out that caravan the papers blamed on you. I wanna see if it’s the same pony.”

Pony, singular? Rarity’s curiosity grew, but the demeanor of her companion suggested that Applejack didn’t intend to say anything more than that for now. They settled into a silent ride, Ophelia and Moonshine trotting side by side as the column of smoke gradually grew closer. They still had a few hours yet before they got there, so Rarity distracted herself with thoughts of what they might find.

Could the Gang have gotten ahead of them somehow? But if so, it would make no sense for them to attack someone else and give away their position. Unless they thought the group they were attacking was them. And that still assumed a lot. It could even be that they were all wrong about this, and the smoke was related to something benign… or at least neutral to their interests. Rarity didn’t hold onto hope for that.

They travelled in silence for over two hours before they finally reached their destination. Approaching through a small valley among the rocky, dry hills, they came upon what had once been a campsite. There were tents and fires that had died some time ago. The latter was certainly not the source of the smoke. No, that dubious distinction went to a large pile of blackened bodies on the eastern edge of the camp. Rarity had seen it coming thanks to the familiar reek it produced, noticeable even before the camp had met their eyes.

Her stomach attempted to rebel. She had a much easier time holding it down this time. Not that she considered that a good thing, as it only indicated an apparent adaptation to the foulness. She climbed off Ophelia and walked among the tents, checking for potential survivors. She found none.

When certain that nothing would be found, she approached Applejack. Her companion remained on Moonshine before the burning pile of pony corpses, her hat lowered over her eyes but not concealing the disgust on her face. “It’s the same,” Rarity told her, staring solemnly at the shriveled and blackened remains of what she thought might be a mare. “Just like the Apple Caravan I ran into a couple seasons back. Smaller in scale but identical in every other way.”

Applejack didn’t move a muscle save to ask, “Did you find any feathers?”

What a specific thing to look for. Pursing her lips, Rarity thought back on everything she’d seen. Now that Applejack brought it up…

She went back to one of the tents, this one collapsed with the rope snapped. She’d inspected said rope before, and it had been a clean cut. There were bullet holes in the tent, along with bloodstains. Her best guess was that the perpetrator of the crime had used a knife to cut the rope and collapse the tent, then shot the ponies within while they were confused and tangled in the dense canvas. Dried streaks of blood on the rocks and tent suggested the bodies had been dragged out.

And there, amongst the drag marks in the sand, lay a lone orange feather, held in place only by a lump of tent that had fallen on half of it. Rarity freed the feather and brought it to Applejack, still staring into the fire. “Here. I recall finding one just like it at the other caravan.” Back then, she’d thought the feather belonged to one of the victims. That Applejack would ask for it specifically…

Climbing off Moonshine, Applejack took the feather between two fingers and studied it. Her grimacing glare was fiercer than anything Rarity had seen from her yet. “As I thought.”

Looking between the feather and Applejack, Rarity began to grow frustrated. “So do you know who did this or not?”

With a start, Applejack looked at Rarity as if she’d forgotten she was there. “Right, uh, sorry.” She offered the feather back. Rarity took it in her magic. “Pretty sure it belongs to the Flamin’ Vermillion.”

Rarity gaped at her companion, the returned her gaze upon the burning pile. There had to be at least a dozen ponies in there. It didn’t seem conceivable. “W-why would a former member of the Rainbow Gang do something like this?”

“Because they were Bad Apples.” At Rarity’s questioning look, she pointed to a rifle that lay in the dirt nearby, apparently dropped in the fighting. “That’s Apple Ginny’s gun. That would make this her posse. Bandits, but of the less triggerhappy sort. Strange that they were this far north from their usual huntin’ grounds.”

That only brought about more questions. Like why would Applejack know the individual posse leaders? And it didn’t answer the main question. “What does the Vermillion have against Apples?”

Applejack’s eyebrows rose. “You really don’t know? I thought that was common knowledge.” At Rarity’s shrug, she tipped her hat down to hide her eyes. “Well… I don’t know all the details. Best I can tell ya is that she lost somepony important right after the Battle of Ponyville. Way I heard it, the Gang went after her family. Vermillion didn’t get there in time.”

That… might be a worthwhile reason. To be angry. But not for… this. Rarity gazed at the burning corpses once more, a sick feeling in her gut. “Has she tried to kill you?”

“No.” The haunted look on Applejack’s face made it clear she was glad for that. “She spares me and my closest kin, ‘cause of her respect for Granny.”

Her ‘granny’? “And why would she have respect for your grandmother?”

“You mean—” Applejack sighed, removed her hat and shook her head as if disappointed. “You really don’t know anythin’ about the Rainbow Gang, do ya?”

With a pout, Rarity turned away from the flames and stalked off, if only to try and get away from the smell. “I can’t say I do, no. Forgive me if heroic gunslingers were not a part of my curriculum growing up.”

“Curry Clum? That the name of one of your teachers or somethin’?” Rarity had to take a look at Applejack’s face to determine that, yes, she was being perfectly serious. “My granny was the Mighty Celadon.”

Rarity forgot her hooves for a moment and almost fell on her face. She whipped around to gape at Applejack’s forlorn face. “Your grandmother was the founder and leader of the Rainbow Gang? Tell me you’re not serious.”

But she was. By that contrite face, filled with loss, Rarity had no doubt it was the truth. “She was my inspiration, y’know? The Flamin’ Vermillion, she blames Apples indiscriminately, but she knew me and my siblings. She tested me once, tryin’ to see if I’d go the way of the Gang.” She ran a hand over her chest, and Rarity realized she was touching her own necklace. The familiar motion almost made her do the same. “Then she told me, in as clear a way as anypony could, that I was safe as long as I stayed outta her way.” She shuddered and turned from the smoldering pile. “And I listened, Rares. That mare… I’m honestly not sure she’s even a pony anymore.”

They stood there for a time, the silence disturbed only by the soft crackle of the fire. Rarity breathed in the stench of burnt flesh and thought about Moonlight Raven in Hoofington. When the world came crashing down, she had Cranky to pull her back from the brink. Perhaps the Flaming Vermillion had no such help. And without somepony to be there for her…

She studied the burning pile once more, this time from a different perspective. Perhaps the Vermillion was being irrational, but Rarity could relate to her fury. To have lost her family to the Apple Gang so soon after most of her friends were killed in Ponyville?

Ponyville. “Will she go to Ponyville?”

Applejack hesitated. “I… I don’t know. I don’t know what gets in that pony’s head, other than ‘kill all Apples.’ A few years ago I’d have said ‘no way’. Too many bad memories, and even she’s not crazy enough to go up against that many ponies by herself. But…” Hands on hips and eyes downcast, she muttered, “If there’s a battle, she might want to get in on it.”

That made a sad kind of sense. She may have already passed them up in the night, given how recent this fight had to have been. “The Shrouding Midnight once told me that the Vermillion might decide to do something with me in mind. Now I wish I knew what she meant.” Hands behind her back, she cast her eyes about warily.

“You met Raven?” Applejack shivered. “That one always gave me the creeps. Too cold and broody. Used to think she was a vampire or somethin’.”

“As amusing as that is, I suggest we head back, if only to get away from this foul stench.” Rarity went to Ophelia, who was snorting and rubbing at her nose as if to rid herself of the smell.

“Point taken.” Climbing onto the nearby Moonshine, Applejack followed Rarity away from the site, her shoulders hunched and her eyes downcast. Rarity couldn’t blame her. The place had a certain ominous feel to it, as though the rage that had brought it into being lingered and wanted to infect them with its own foul mood. Rarity was angry, but she dearly hoped her anger never led to such wanton destruction.

Only when the scent of death finally abated did Rarity bother to ask the question that had been lingering in her mind. “So have you met all the Rainbow Gang?”

“Yeah, every one.” This admission did not come with a smile. “But I was real young, so I only vaguely remember them. I meet the last two on extra rare occasions. Raven encourages me to visit once in a blue moon. I think she worries about the family. Immediate, not whole.” She sighed and shook her head. “Not many ponies have that luxury.”

“So I gathered.” Her perverted companion was somehow chummy with some very important – and, in one case, frightening – ponies. Knowledge that the Flaming Vermillion may be near kept her on high alert, her head swiveling about at regular intervals to keep her surroundings in check. “Do you think the Flaming Vermillion would come looking for me?”

“Lookin’ for you?” Applejack straightened up and noted Rarity’s anxiety. “Now why would you think something like that?”

“Because Raven warned me she might.” Rarity felt tense, like a clock wound too tightly. And to think, she’d once considered allying herself with the Vermillion. Now that she suspected her of being a madmare, the idea had her thinking about grabbing Silver Lining. She resisted, but couldn’t bring herself to think she was safe. “The Vermillion hates the Apples. The Apple Gang wants me dead. And I do seem to draw their attention like moths to a flame wherever I go.”

Applejack cocked her head with an uncertain expression. “Isn’t that more likely to make her your ally than your enemy?”

“I’m not sure I want her as an ally anymore.”

“Fair enough.” With a smile probably meant to be comforting, Applejack pulled Moonshine alongside Ophelia and leaned closer. “Hey, don’t worry. You got me on your side.”

The clock wound a little tighter. Rarity’s response was a growl. “I’d almost take her over you, you philandering hussy.”

Her entire face going red beneath her hat, Applejack choked on potential retorts. With the way her face kept shifting, it was hard to tell whether she was more offended or shamed. After a few stuttering moments of indecision Rarity pretended not to notice, shame won out and Applejack retreated back to a safe distance.

She didn’t say another word all the way back to the caravan. Rarity was glad for it.


They returned to news that Coco had woken up while they were gone. Rarity wasted no time going to the wagon to greet her, pausing only to hug the ever-on-guard Cranky in her excitement. Coco appeared fragile, lying with her back raised on a collection of bedrolls so that she could more easily eat the stew Sweetie was patiently feeding her. Despite her limp posture and weary features, she still smiled happily at Rarity’s entrance.

“Coco, Darling.” Rarity settled opposite Sweetie and took her former assistant’s hand. It seemed smaller than she remembered. “How are you feeling?”

“Sore and hungry,” she replied, though her tone was nothing but pleasant. “A fair trade for being alive, right?”

Her candor sent bubbling happiness through Rarity, which expressed itself in a broad grin. “I suppose it is. I can’t tell you how good it is to see you awake.”

“As long as you don’t hug me,” Coco replied with a soft giggle. “I’ve had enough of that as it is.”

“S-sorry!” Sweetie’s face went red as she fidgeted and fussed with the bowl of stew. “I was just so happy. I thought you’d never wake up.”

“I’m sure Coco appreciated the intent.” Rarity patted her sister’s head, which didn’t earn her a scowl for once. “Sweetie’s been such a little trooper, watching after you all this time.”

“I know, Cranky told me.” Coco reached out to rub Sweetie’s arm affectionately. “And I do appreciate it. Just like I appreciate the stew,” she added meaningfully.

“Oh, right!” Sweetie offered her a spoonful, which Coco sucked down eagerly.

They talked for a bit, which mostly consisted of filling Coco and Sweetie in on what Rarity and Applejack had discovered. Minus the mention of the burning pile of corpses for Sweetie’s sake. Coco already knew about the siege of Ponyville, which was probably still ongoing, and her physical condition. She was trying to stay positive, always being sure to mention how things could have been much worse. After all, she was alive and would likely make a full recovery. Rarity admired her optimism. Admired and envied it.

It seemed terrible manners to crush Coco’s (attempts at?) good spirits, so Rarity decided not to go into her apologies just yet. It could wait until they’d separated from the main group. There was no need to burden the injured mare with Rarity’s sense of guilt and self-aimed frustrations. Her reluctance may have also been related to her fear of how Coco would respond, but only a little. Or so Rarity vehemently told herself.

Eventually the topic turned around to what was going to happen next. This, at least, Rarity was prepared for. “We’re going to split up from the rest. They’ll be going to Hoofington while we head further south.”

Sweetie, who had spent much of the time merely listening, looked as if she’d been punched in the gut. “You mean we’re not going home?”

Cringing at this reaction, Rarity placed a hand on her filly’s shoulder. “No. I’m sorry, Sweetie, but the Gang attacked the house. You all have to find a new home, one where the Gang won’t be able to target you.”

“B-but it’s home.” Sweetie’s expression turned to pleading, complete with the big, glassy eyes that had once melted through Rarity like butter. “All my things are there, and my friends! Can’t we go back, please?”

Unfortunately for her, Rarity had faced far more challenging obstacles than a pair of imploring eyeballs. She did keep her tone soothing though, in a bid to keep the peace in the small wagon. “We can’t. Mother and Papa have already left, and I fully expect the Bad Apples to be watching for us there. It’s too dangerous, Sweetie.”

Although anger flared in her eyes for the briefest of moments, Sweetie ultimately said nothing. Shoulders slumped, she took Coco’s empty bowl and said something about going to clean it under her breath. Pouting and dejected, she left the wagon. Rarity couldn’t stand to watch her go, instead staring blankly down at her knees.

After a few quiet seconds, Coco ventured a “Rarity?”

Rubbing her necklace, Rarity accepted the stabbing pain in her heart. “Do you think she’ll hate me for this?”

“Oh, of course she won’t.” The confidence in Coco’s declaration was so strong Rarity had to look at her just to make sure she wasn’t hearing things, but the mare only beamed at her and explained, “She’s more mature than you think. She knows you’re acting in her best interest. If she didn’t, she would have fought you on it.”

Rarity fidgeted and glanced out the back of the wagon. “You… You can tell that?”

“Yep.” Now it was Coco squeezing Rarity’s hand encouragingly. “She might be upset about it for a while, but by the time we reconnect with your parents she’ll have accepted it.”

The words were like a fresh knife in her already bleeding heart. Rarity clenched her eyes closed and her hands about Coco’s. “You know my little sister better than I do,” she whispered through the tightness of her throat. “I’ve been g-gone so long, she’s like a stranger to me now.”

“Oh. Oh, no. Please, don’t cry.” Panic set into Coco’s face as Rarity failed to regain control of herself. “Come on, Rarity, it’s not that bad.”

“Isn’t it?” Rarity asked, attempting to brush away tears that wouldn’t stop coming. “I left her behind, Coco. Seven years! Just to follow some flighty foal’s dream. I sh-should have been at home, being a proper big sister. Instead I abandoned her, and now I come back and tell her she doesn’t have a home anymore. What part of this isn’t b-bad?”

Coco tried to sit up, her face twisting in pain. This prompted Rarity to push her back down, but she was startled when her friend caught her and pulled her into a tight hug. “Coco, you shouldn’t—”

“Hush.” The admonishment was as soft as a feather, unlike Coco’s grip. “It’s alright. I promise, it’s going to be alright.”

Through her barely controlled tears, Rarity managed a frail bark of a laugh. “You’re hurt, but I’m the one needing comfort. I thought I was supposed to be the strong one between us.”

“You can’t be strong all the time,” Coco whispered from her shoulder. “I’ll be here whenever you need a shoulder to cry on.” As if in afterthought, she added with a smirk, “You should try not to be so high-strung all the time. Stress isn’t good for the complexion.”

This time Rarity’s giggle was genuine. She sat up, and this time Coco didn’t try to hold her down, although she kept her hands touching Rarity’s legs as if ready to snatch her again if needed. “I’m so very sorry about your circumstance. You should have been on your own lizard, rather than riding with Cranky in the middle of that fight.”

“I wanted to be with Cranky,” Coco argued, blushing lightly as she said it.

That sobered Rarity up. She observed her friend’s happy, wistful expression. “You two grew close while I was gone.”

Coco nodded, no doubt or anxiousness in her manner beyond the ongoing pink in her cheeks. “He promised you he’d take care of me, and he did. Escorted me all the way to your parents. Almost wouldn’t leave Mooisville.” Her smile softened as she glanced at the back of the wagon, perhaps to see if he was listening in. “He took that promise very seriously. He tries to appear gruff and tough all the time, but he’s about as soft as they come once you get to know him.”

“That sounds like Cranky, alright.” Rarity joined in the smile. “I owe him a lot just for giving me Silver Lining. Speaking of which…” She reached up to pull her necklace out from under her shirt. “I should thank you as well. You weren’t kidding about it bringing you good luck, were you?”

“Oh, you still have it.” Coco reached up to run her finger along the cloud-shaped engravings.

As Rarity followed her motions, she noted with some satisfaction that the gem had shifted to almost resemble a diamond. “This thing literally saved my life on three separate occasions, and it serves to keep me calm when I need to be. I really do believe it’s magical.”

“But what happened to the gem?” Coco traced the purple near-diamond, concern and confusion in her expression. “It didn’t always look like that.”

“I know.” Rarity lowered the necklace slightly, bending forward to offer a better view of the stone. “It’s been changing like that steadily ever since I got it. Did it not do something similar for you?”

Coco shook her head. “It was always a white orb when I had it. Why change now? And why to a diamond?”

This was news, indeed. Sitting up straight to better hold the necklace, Rarity studied it with renewed interest. “I don’t really know. It happened entirely on its own. But the diamond makes some sense, as it reflects my cutie mark.”

Coco’s eyebrows shot up. “Your cutie mark?”

Rarity hesitated. After all, one does not reveal or describe one’s cutie mark to just anypony. But Coco… she supposed Coco was a close enough friend to make it alright, and she wasn’t likely to take anything untoward from the revelation. The idea that Applejack probably knew what it looked like left a hollow feeling in her stomach, but she pushed that venomous thought aside for the moment. Speaking in a hushed tone, she confessed that “My cutie mark is three diamonds being threaded by a needle, like for a necklace.”

“I see.” True to Rarity’s expectations, Coco didn’t appear flustered by the revelation. There was, however, a subtle shift in her features, a pleasant awareness and pride. Yes, Darling, I consider you that close a friend. She rubbed the necklace for a little longer before lowering her hand. “So I guess it’s… bonding to you?”

“It seems like it,” Rarity admitted, though the idea hadn’t occurred to her before. “But why didn’t it do the same for you?”

Coco shrugged. “I never really wore it, just brought it with me to different places. Maybe it just needed prolonged contact.” Her eyes lit up. “So does it do anything else?”

“Umm…” Sitting up and poking at the necklace produced no effects, not that Rarity expected it to. “Not that I am aware of. As I said, it keeps me calm in intense situations and occasionally serves as a shield against attacks – pure luck for that, I’m sure – but otherwise it seems to be nothing more than a necklace.” She smiled warmly at Coco. “But a very special necklace, if that helps.”

Returning the grin, Coco said, “So I guess that’s what kept you from getting killed by Applejack. Does that mean you became the Bulletproof Heart because of me?”

“I suppose it does.” Rarity tittered at the very thought. “Thank you, Coco. Now I know who to blame for all of this.”

The joke, spoken on a whim, wasn’t met with laughter. Instead, Coco abruptly frowned, her ears folding back. She bowed her head as if in thought, fingers toying with her skirt anxiously. “Is everything okay, Rarity?”

With a blink, Rarity looked around for some indication of what her former assistant was talking about. “You’re alive, you and Sweetie are free from the Bad Apple Gang, and we’re on our way to meet my parents. I’d say that’s all good.”

“But what about you?” Coco’s worried gaze held Rarity in place with its intensity. “Getting shot doesn’t make me forget what happened. How angry you were in Ponyville. I’d never seen you like that before.”

“I…” She struggled to find some answer that didn’t make things sound horrible. “I was just upset because they had you, Darling.”

Coco sighed, her eyes not losing any of their concern. “You’re lying. Please, tell me what’s wrong.”

It always came back to that, didn’t it? Something was always wrong, everypony seemed to notice, and she would have to go through all the whining and bitching about how much her life sucks, to use Sweetie’s vernacular. Well, maybe her life had gone south these past few months, but she was tired of being a prima donna about it. “It’s nothing for you to worry about. I’m fine.”

“You’re scowling.”

A flinch made her tense up. She tried to fight her lips into at least a neutral expression, but suspected she wasn’t succeeding. “Coco, please. I do not feel like discussing this now. You’re alive. Sweetie’s safe. Soon enough I’ll have both of you where you cannot be touched. These are good things. Can I please focus on the good things?”

Coco bowed her head, face flushed as she pouted. It was such an expression of meekness that it added a fresh slice to Rarity’s heart, but she refused to take it back. For once she needed to hold on to the good things, and no good would come from letting her thoughts linger on Applejack or the Flaming Vermillion or how when Coco and Sweetie were safe she’d be back on the road again trying to survive. She’d find some joy in this existence even if she had to drag it kicking and screaming out of the depths of her soul!

“S-so,” Coco asked demurely, “where are we going from here?”

Glad for a question she could answer safely, Rarity allowed herself a moment to cool down before forcing a smile back onto her face. “Rockstead. It’s still a bit of a trek, seeing as we’ll be going around the western edge of the Plains, but I have a friend there who can keep you safe. Odds are good my parents will have been there for a few weeks by the time we arrive.”

“O-okay. That sounds good,” Coco meekly replied.

This wasn’t working. She had the poor mare cowed, and for no good reason. Rarity massaged her forehead with both hands as a light headache began to form. “Forgive me, Coco. I don’t mean to be short. I just… I just need a break from all this.”

As if the words were a trigger, Coco lost all her docility and smiled warmly at her. “It’s alright. I can’t imagine the stress you’ve been under lately.”

No, she probably couldn’t. “And I would rather you not find out,” Rarity admitted grimly. “So please excuse me if I’m not in a rush to explain things. I’ve already done that a lot as it is.”

“I understand. But…” Twiddling her fingers, Coco regained her meekness. “If you ever change your mind, I’ll listen. It’s the least I can do.”

Placing a hand on Coco’s shoulder, Rarity smiled, and this time it was genuine. “I appreciate that, but you have been through enough. I wouldn’t dream of burdening you with my troubles.”

Sighing, Coco let her hands drop and nodded. “Okay. For now, I guess. Um, I think you need to get some sleep. No offense, but you look worn out.”

Rarity laughed and nodded eagerly. “I have been up a lot longer than is strictly necessary, I suppose. Very well, nurse, I shall retire for the day. Any other instructions for me?”

Grinning bashfully, Coco shook her head, then let out a long yawn. “I should probably sleep some more myself. You wouldn’t think I’d be sleepy considering how long I was out, but here we are.”

“Sleep well, Darling,” Rarity whispered, giving her friend a gentle hug. “It’s good to have you back.”


Rarity had chosen a place apart from the others. She wasn’t sure why, but sleeping amongst a group made her uncomfortable these days. Perhaps she was simply accustomed to being on her own. At the very least, this gave her the space she needed to set up her magical trap to protect against Applejack should she decide to try something. She settled on a rocky perch a little southeast of the others, where she could see the entire caravan but had enough room for Ophelia. The lizard seemed to enjoy sleeping next to her, and Rarity wasn’t inclined to prevent this.

It came as no small surprise when the sleeping roll whipped out from under Rarity, effectively waking her up by sending her sprawling sideways. Her first thought was that her trap spell had actually worked. Her second thought?

Her trap actually worked. The implication hit her before she was even fully awake, and she rolled onto her back with Silver Lining and Ruby Heart in her hands. Rather than Applejack tangled in a wildly flung sleeping roll, Rarity found the thing lying innocuously a dozen feet downhill, victim-free. Nopony below appeared to have noticed the sudden flurry of activity.

Had she done something wrong while setting the trap? Perhaps Ophelia had unintentionally set it off with her tail. Groaning at her interrupted sleep – she had been out like a rock, too – she holstered her guns and glanced at the sky. It appeared to be early in the afternoon. There was still time to get some more shuteye before—

An unsubtle grunt caught her attention like the crack of a whip. She whirled to her left, Silver Lining out once more. She found herself aiming at a tall pony clad in a black coat, her face obscured by a low-angled cowboy hat. She sat atop the tall rock that had been providing Rarity some shade, though it didn’t anymore; that honor went to Ophelia. The mare was only five feet away, well within range of Rarity’s magical trap.

A moment of quiet followed as Rarity took in the stranger. She sensed no immediate threat. Indeed, the pony seemed perfectly relaxed, settled with one boot on her rock and an elbow resting lazily on her knee. Though she was mostly covered in her thick and undoubtedly hot fashion choice – seriously, the mare had to be boiling up! – Rarity could see by her hands that her coat was a brilliant gold, and a wild, fiery orange mane could not be contained by any mere hat. From the direct angle, Rarity could barely make out the mare’s substantially sized wings.

Despite the pony’s laid-back manner, there was also something… off about her presence. It was the wings. They weren’t loose like the rest of her. They were folded, but poised. At the ready. Prepared to take her to the air at a moment’s notice. And it wasn’t just that, but an icy awareness in Rarity’s gut that had the little pony in her head trembling. She knew who this pony was and what she was capable of, and she knew she should be afraid. She imagined only her necklace prevented that.

Warily, Rarity lowered her weapon. “Did you set off my trap?”

The mare raised her head, revealing a smirk on a weathered face and orange eyes. She looked old enough to be Rarity’s mother. “Yeah, that was me.”

Still sensing no overt threat, Rarity chanced a look at the caravan below. Most of the ponies were asleep, but a few were going about their business. It seemed the two of them had privacy for the moment, which was most certainly what the stranger wanted. “Well, it was a bit of a rude awakening, but you have my attention.”

“Good.” The mare leaned forward to peer at her. “You are the Bulletproof Heart, yes?”

Taking this as a warning, Rarity raised her gun once more. “Yes. And you are?”

“You know damn well who I am,” she replied gruffly.

Indeed, Rarity suspected she did. “I would hear you confirm it.”

They studied one another, Rarity on high alert and her guest possessing a critical eye. That expression lasted for only a few seconds before the stranger grinned. “You’ve got a fire in you, just like they say. You might be gunslinger material after all. They call me the Flaming Vermillion, but you can call me Stormy. Stormy Flare.”

“Of course.” Glad – so to speak – to have her suspicions confirmed, Rarity allowed her arm to lower once more. “Yes, I am the Bulletproof Heart, but I greatly prefer Rarity Belle.”

“Belle?” Stormy removed her hat, set it on her knee, and ran a hand through her wild, two-toned mane. “That’s an aristocrat name.”

“Supposedly we had some nobles in our ancestry.” Rarity didn’t like how Stormy was beating around the bush, and sought to steer the conversation in the right direction. “Was it you that killed those ponies ahead of us?”

“Yes.” Stormy answered without bravado or hesitation, as if she were discussing the weather. “And that caravan everypony accused you of. Sorry about that.”

Rarity gave a derisive snort. “Sorry about what? Murdering a bunch of innocent ponies?”

Stormy’s ears perked and her whole body went tense. “There’s no such thing as an innocent Apple. You’ll do well to learn that.”

The little pony in the back of Rarity’s mind flinched, but Rarity herself refused to be cowed even by this legendary gunfighter. “Does that include Applejack and her siblings?”

Stormy’s eyes narrowed. For a moment that had Rarity half-reaching for Ruby Heart, she suspected Stormy would lash out. But then she relaxed once more, taking a heavy breath as she did so. “No, those three are good kids. But that won’t stop me from killing every last one of their kin.”

So much for settling such matters. Rarity scowled and cast another glance at the caravan. Still unnoticed, it seemed. She turned her gaze back to Stormy Flare, finally realizing just how bad the circumstances were. If this madmare did decide to get violent, would she stand a chance? Even Applejack was wary of her, and Applejack had beat Rarity easily… even if the audience hadn’t seen it that way.

Rarity knew precious little about the Flaming Vermillion. She was filled with rage and hatred and seemed to respect an aggressive front, not at all like Raven. In that case, the worst thing Rarity could do was display any form of weakness. If she was going to get through this without a bullet in her skull, she would have to behave accordingly.

This in mind, she kept an edge to her voice as she asked, “What do you want from me?”

“Not much for small talk, are you?” Though Stormy’s tone was friendly, her eyes most certainly weren’t. She reached up to touch an orange tassel hanging from her ear. An earring? It held Rarity's attention, for it didn’t match the mare’s dark and gloomy attire in the least. “How’s Moonlight Raven?”

Returning her attention to this potential opponent and possible ally, Rarity wondered what was expected of her. “Still hiding in Hoofington. And concerned about you.”

Stormy gave a derisive snort. “Raven’s always cared too much. Used to take an act of Discord to get her to show it. She’s gone soft. But you.” She leaned forward, staring intently at Rarity with a wry grin. “You’ve got the grit. I heard what you did outside Hoofington, stalking all those ponies. A more classic case of ‘hunter becoming hunted’ I’ll never know.”

This wasn’t going anywhere Rarity wanted it to. Stormy seemed to think her slaughter of those bounty hunters was a good thing. If that was the case… No, maybe not. She shouldn’t jump to conclusions. But she still needed to formulate an answer that would neither offend or encourage the brute of a pegasus.

“Is that why you’ve come?” she asked at last, free hand on her hip and her muzzle turned up high. “To compare body counts?”

“I know what you can do,” Stormy pressed, her manner eager. “And I know why you do it. I’m here to see if you’re ready to do what it takes to get the Apples off your back.”

Oh, no. She really was going there. Realizing she needed all the presence she could muster, Rarity ignored the frantic head-shaking of the little pony and climbed to her hooves, meeting the Flaming Vermillion’s grin with a glare. She could let the terror of facing up to a living legend hit her later, right now she needed to show no weakness. “If you want to kill more ponies that badly, go to Ponyville. The Gang’s laying siege to the army camp as we speak.”

That wiped the grin off Stormy’s face, replacing it with an awed expression. “Really? Why?”

Rarity pointed with a thumb at the caravan, which she also casually glanced at. Still no help coming. How was nopony noticing this? Of all the times to stop paying attention to her, they had to choose now! “It might have something to do with the couple dozen hostages I rescued with the army’s help.”

Stormy looked to the caravan, face still stuck in that disbelieving gape. When she turned back to Rarity, however, her grin was back and as wicked as ever. “You really do have balls, don’t you? Damn near perfect.”

“Perfect? By who’s measure?” Rarity shook her head. “I’m trying to keep away from the Gang, Miss Flare. I fight them when I have to, but they are the ones that start it.”

“Bullshit.” With all the grace of a vulture, the Flaming Vermillion shifted into a crouch atop her rock, wings open wide, and pointed a gloved finger at her. “You’re the one who turned around and went back to kill those bounty hunters outside Hoofington.”

Rarity’s heart twisted. “Th-that… I was not in my right mind.”

“I think that was the one time you were in your right mind,” Stormy insisted, eyes alight with a fiery passion. Whether it was joy or hatred, Rarity couldn’t tell. The inability to distinguish between the two sent shivers down her spine. “You’ve got all the skills and instincts to be a top tier drifter. The more you stay out here, the better you get. That’s a rare talent, Bulletproof, and one I could use.”

It hurt to think that she was right, that Rarity really was born to do this kind of work. The thought left a cold feeling in her chest even as a flame of anger made itself known. “You want me to join you, is that it? Travel around murdering ponies for our own pleasure?”

Stormy’s expression went blank, her tone quiet. “Murder?”

“Yes, murder. Well, I am not inclined—”

She nearly brought Silver Lining up again when Stormy dropped from the rock to land heavily before her. Only now did it dawn on Rarity just how much taller Stormy was compared to her. Taking a threatening step closer, the infamous gunfighter known as the Flaming Vermillion snarled in Rarity’s face. “Do not speak to me of murder. You’ve seen what those freaks can do. You’ve lived it! They’re a plague that needs exterminating. Before they attempt to rape another Rarity Belle. Before they sell more ponies to griffon slavers. Before they murder anymore little fillies!”

She caught Rarity by her vest and lifted her off her hooves so that they were muzzle to muzzle, the fire in her eyes blazing so hot Rarity forgot she was armed and began to tremble. Even so, she managed to fire back with no less force, “So what? Do you think you’ll feel better when they’re all dead?”

The response was a low, vicious hiss. “Yes. Every one of those bastards that eats dirt is a grain of sand on my little filly’s tomb. I’m giving you a chance to help me bury her with their blood. A chance to put an end to their wretched existence before they manage to do it to your family. Isn’t that the whole reason you’re out here? To protect them?”

At the mention of her family, Rarity rediscovered her courage. Gripping Stormy’s wrist with her free hand and pressing Silver Lining against the mare’s stomach, she replied with as much conviction as she could squeeze into her voice. “Maybe I am, but I am not out here to wage a one-mare war against both sides of the Apple Family. Or a two-mare one. I will defend myself, nothing more. Now put me down.”

Those orange eyes narrowed. For several long seconds, they merely held one another’s scowls. Indeed, this lasted so long Rarity started to wonder if she wouldn’t have to open fire. But finally, slowly, Stormy lowered her to her hooves.

“I thought you were smarter than this, Bulletproof,” she growled, releasing Rarity and stepping back. “But you’re one brave bitch, I’ll give you that much.”

Adjusting her shirt and vest to more comfortable positions, Rarity curtly replied, “You’ll forgive me if I’m not inclined to thank you for that vulgar praise.”

“But you’re wrong.” Once again, Stormy reached up to touch the tassel on her ear. “You’re already at war. You were when you killed back in Spurhoof, and you’ve escalated it by rescuing those hostages. They won’t stop now. Self defense won’t cut it anymore.”

Despite an annoying little pony in the back of her head fretting that it was true, Rarity holstered her gun and crossed her arms in what she hoped would be seen as a display of confidence. “We shall see about that. Regardless, I have no intention of travelling with you right now.”

The Flaming Vermillion’s smile appeared more threatening than her snarling face ever did. “Indeed, we’ll see. When your family is dead and everything has been stolen from you, you’ll reconsider. And I’ll be there when it happens. That’s a promise.”

Rarity groaned. “You’re going to be following me around now? I’ve already got one highly unwelcome stalker to deal with, I’d rather not have another.”

“Oh, don’t worry, ‘darling’, I’ll give you space.” Chuckling, the Flaming Vermillion turned from her and started to walk away. Not in the direction of the caravan. “As long as the Apples are chasing you, it’s in my interest to keep watch. But I have other things to do with my time… like investigate this siege you mentioned.” Grabbing her discarded hat from the ground, she looked over her shoulder with a one-eyed stare that spoke of ominous promise. “You’ll see me again, Bulletproof. Think on my offer until then.” Then she was gone, leaving Rarity alone and glaring at the rock behind which she’d disappeared.

Rarity waited, shifting and scowling. The desire to check and ensure the mare wasn’t still there was crushed under a willful determination to not make the Vermillion suspect she was having second thoughts. To think that the respectable Moonlight Raven had once been friends with that pony! Rarity could admit she had a lot of anger in her, for herself and the Gang, but she prayed she would never become what the Flaming Vermillion clearly had.

“Rarity?”

She whipped around, hand on Silver Lining. The sight of Applejack standing a dozen feet away did nothing to ease her nerves. “What are you doing up here?” And why weren’t you here when I needed you?

Applejack looked to the tall rock, concern in her gaze. “That was the Flamin’ Vermillion, wasn’t it?”

“How good of you to notice,” she practically spat, finally easing her hand away from her gun. “A shame you couldn’t have been here five minutes ago when I thought she intended to kill me.”

Not rising to the venom, expression unchanged, Applejack asked, “What did she want?”

“For me to join her in peeling and coring every Apple from here to the Atlantian Coast.” She used her magic to snatch up her discarded bedroll. Sleep probably wouldn’t be coming anytime soon, but she could at least try while the sun was still out. “I told her I had no interest, even if she didn’t exclude present company from the culling.”

It seemed Applejack was made of steel today, for she didn’t even flinch at the verbal barb sent her way. She moved a little closer, only pausing when Rarity shot her a threatening glance that was by no means a bluff. “You keep your distance,” Rarity warned. “I won’t have you within a hundred feet of me while I’m sleeping.”

Applejack raised her hands placatingly and didn’t come any closer. “Relax, Rares, I—”

“Don’t call me that,” Rarity growled. “I’m not your ‘Rares’. I’m barely willing to tolerate you addressing me on a first name basis, so you can forget your silly redneck nicknames.”

Closing her eyes, Applejack took a deep breath. Upon opening them, she nodded. “I apologize. I meant no disrespect. Now, are you alright? The Vermillion didn’t cause any trouble?”

Carefully resetting the bedroll beside a quietly watching Ophelia – had she been observing the entire conversation in silence? The creature could be curiously quiet when she wanted to be. – Rarity said, “Aside from frustrating me and making me fret that she might be watching my every move? No. Right now I’m warier of you than I am of her.”

“Okay.” Applejack nodded slowly. She stood in silence for a moment as she watched Rarity fuss over the bedroll in what was a probably blatant attempt at not giving her any attention. “I’m going with you when you split up with the caravan.”

Rarity whirled around to snarl at her. “Absolutely not!

With a grim frown, Applejack stood tall and met Rarity eye for eye. “I’m afraid it ain’t up to you this time. I already got Cranky to agree.”

“You did what?” Rarity’s anger disappeared as she gaped at her least favorite pony. Then it came right back, the simple fire becoming a raging inferno. Her fists shook at her sides as she growled a threatening, “How?

Her freckles disappearing amidst her sudden pallor, Applejack visibly swallowed before replying, “I challenged him to a contest of skill and won. Winner got to go with ya.”

How Rarity kept from shouting, she wasn’t sure. “And he agreed to this?” At the slow nod, she stomped closer and glared into Applejack’s stony face. The mare looked as though she were facing an army of bandits rather than just one upset pony. Of course, calling Rarity ‘upset’ was an understatement defying comprehension. “We’ll just see about that.” She shoved past, marching for the caravan.

Applejack caught her wrist. “Rarity, I—”

Ruby Heart was pressed against her throat so quickly even Rarity wasn’t sure how it got there. “Get your fucking hand off me.”

She did. Very slowly.

“If you ever touch me without my permission again, I won’t hesitate.” Shoving her gun back inside her vest, Rarity stalked for the ponies once more. She blatantly ignored the little pony in the back of her head applauding her ability to hold back.

She found Cranky lying asleep against one of the wagon’s wheels and wasted no time slapping him awake, the sound of the impact echoing across the camp and startling many of the closest ponies out of their own slumber. Cranky jolted sideways, landing hard on his shoulder. With one hand pressed to the bright red palm print on his cheek, he looked up at Rarity as if she had steam billowing from her mouth and ears. She might as well have, all things considered. “What the hay was that for?”

Dropping to one knee, she grabbed him by the shirt and jerked him closer so she could properly channel her emotions into his skull via the eyes. “Don’t you ‘what the hay’ me, mister! What in the Sister’s name gives you the right to make my decisions for me?”

Clearly too shocked by the sudden awakening to grasp her meaning, Cranky stared at her and rubbed his cheek a bit more. “I ain’t done nothing of the sort.”

She shook him so hard his head flopped back and forth, his long ears slapping the wagon loudly. “You placed a bet with Applejack and decided what to do without even consulting me!

He caught her wrists, but it took him a moment to slow her down. She finally let go of her own volition, but only because she knew he couldn’t explain himself if she was rattling his teeth. After shaking his head to clear it, he stood up to face her properly. “Why should we have consulted you? It was between us.”

“Because I’m the one who has to live with the consequences! What were you thinking?”

With a long sigh, he reached into his coat and pulled out a pack of extract sticks. Rarity fumed at him for daring to make her wait on his unhealthy, self-destructive habits, but she bit her tongue lest she end up hurting him again. Not that she didn’t want to, but it would make it take even longer for her to get an answer.

The extract stick lit and the box put away, Cranky took his time on that first puff, blowing blue smoke directly into her face. She refrained from breathing, knowing full well he wanted her to hack on it as a showing of weakness or something. “I was thinking I wanted Coco and Sweetie to have the best protection possible.”

“Oh, you would word it so neatly, wouldn’t you?” Rarity balled her hands into fists to keep from slapping him again, only to realize he was now at risk of being punched. “In what way is she better than you in that regard?”

He reached up to rub the still-present print on his cheek. “How ‘bout she’s five times faster on the draw than me?”

“That’s—”

“Has way better aim.”

“What does—”

“And feels so deeply guilty that she’ll do absolutely anything to make it up to you?”

“As if she could!”

His glare softened to his usual scowl. No, not his usual. There was something else in his hard eyes. Rarity realized it was disappointment. “And you’re just coming up with petty excuses because you don’t like her.”

She snorted, then crossed her arms with a huff. “When you wake up in bed next to a stranger with no idea how you got there, let’s see you not be upset.”

A beat.

Cranky started to smirk.

“Oh, come on!” Throwing up her hands, Rarity began to pace a small circle. “I’m surrounded by perverts. I don’t want to like her. I don’t want to give her a chance. I know it’s the right thing to do but in the names of the Sun and the Moon, what she did hurts. It hurts like you can’t imagine! And watching you conspire to get me to like her isn’t making it any better. And yes, Coco and Sweetie should have the absolute best protection, but what makes their safety more important than the safety of all the others? Are we picking favorites now? Because if I was any one of them, I’d be offended that there are ponies whose lives are deemed more important than my own! And yes, I’ll admit it, I’m coming up with these arguments based on the singular issue that I do not want that wretched, groping, tail chasing hooligan anywhere near where I lay my head down at night! O-or day, as the case may be.”

She stopped in front of him, panting and sweating and letting her furious energy finally fade. She stared at Cranky, feeling like she had so much more to say but not knowing exactly how. For a moment things were left at that, with him scowling and her panting. Then, casually, he offered her his water bag.

She took it with a muttered “thanks” and took a long gulp, the cool liquid refreshing her immensely.

Accepting it back, he capped it, returned it to his belt, and took another puff of his extract stick. Away from her, this time. “You really think Applejack’s all those things?”

Speaking through clenched teeth, she fired back, “I speak from personal experience.”

He nodded with a quiet hum, appearing thoughtful. “So, let me get this straight. You think it’s more worth having a sexual predator around if said predator will keep ponies safe?”

She blinked, the remains of her fire sputtering out. “W-what? How did you get to that conclusion?”

A noncommittal shrug. “You’re convinced she’s going to do something bad to you if you’re alone for even a moment together. So instead, you’ll have her be alone with all these ponies.” He gestured around them with his extract stick. Rarity followed the gesture with her eyes and felt a cold chill when so many heads turned away from her gaze. Oh, my stars, I just blew up in front of all of them, didn’t I?

Cranky didn’t stop there. “She’s the best gunslinger we’ve got, period. But because you think she’s a sexual predator, you refuse to let her come with you. So, logically, it must be okay for her to abuse a few of these innocent ponies if it means she’ll keep them safe.”

Her jaw dropped. “I… That’s not what I meant at all!”

Another shrug. “Hey, it’s not your problem. She’s out of your hair, so what do you care if she toys with a few fillies?”

“I-I never said she was a foal fiddler!”

“No, just a wretched, groping, tail chasing hooligan. No risk she’ll go that far too though, right?”

Hands clenched into fists once more, she finally managed to recover her glare. “I see what you’re trying to do, and I don’t appreciate it.”

Another puff of his stick. This time he blew the smoke right in her face. “Just calling it as I see it, Miss Belle.”

Her anger flared up again, but it was only a brief spark that lost its fuel within seconds. Slumping where she stood, she let out a quiet groan. “I’m sorry, Cranky. Maybe I do exaggerate her faults a bit, but…” I’m scared of her. “I just don’t want her near me. She’s a constant reminder of what she took.”

He didn’t appear at all moved by her newfound meekness. “Have you tried talking to her about it?”

“Of course.”

“Beyond steady insults and warnings to keep away?”

She opened her mouth, but upon seeing his hard expression once more closed it. They’d had… a small talk? Mostly Applejack claiming she felt guilty. Rarity even believed her in that regard. But what had she said in return beyond ‘keep away from me’? It dawned upon her that, just as she didn’t want to see or be around Applejack, she didn’t want to discuss the matter with her. That might lead to forgiveness, and she wasn’t prepared to do that yet, generosity be damned. But…

“I suppose I could try,” she admitted wearily, pressing a hand to her forehead. “There’ll be plenty of opportunities in the coming weeks, won’t there?”

Cranky raised an eyebrow at that. “So you’re not gonna argue anymore?”

“What’s the point?” She asked dejectedly, lowering her hand to try and meet his gaze. Her eyes made it about to his stubbled chin before they became too heavy to continue. “Even if I don’t want her to go, you two have decided without me. I wager she’d just follow at a distance if I got insistent.”

“Probably. The filly’s a stubborn one.” With one last puff, he tossed his spent stick aside. “Now, you got anymore whining to do, or can I go back to sleep?”

“I’m not whining,” she countered, recovering just a hint of her prior haughtiness. It sounded good to her ears, so she pressed on. “I am complaining. Trust me, Mr. Doodle, you do not want to hear whining.”

The tiniest of smiles graced his lips, lopsided and amused. “I’ll take your word for it.”

They shared the expression for a moment or two, but Rarity realized there was nothing left to say. So, with a sigh, she trudged back to her spot on the hill overlooking the caravan. None of the ponies looked at her directly, but she could feel their eyes on her back. With every step, she shrank in on herself a little more. What must they think of her after that little public display?

Applejack was waiting for her at the bottom of the hill. With ears folded back and shoulders hunched, she made for a pitiful figure. Rarity didn’t bother to look at her, instead opting to walk past without a word.

“Rarity, I’m—”

She stopped with a stomp but didn't turn back. “Don’t you dare apologize.”

A hot wind blew across the barren, rocky landscape. Rarity’s hand had come to grip Silver Lining on instinct, her thumb pressed so hard into the little nub it stung. Back straight, lips pursed, she waited to see just how the lecher would respond.

After a few tense seconds, she caught the sound of boots shuffling away. Relaxing her grip on her gun, Rarity heaved one last sigh and resumed walking, hooves dragging in the dirt. Maybe some more sleep would calm her down.

She didn’t get her hopes up.