//------------------------------// // Chapter 6: Weighing the Cost. Part 1 // Story: Ponies of the Five Rings // by Simon_oSullivan //------------------------------// Chapter VI: Weighing the Cost Rarity and the rest of the Jewel Clan’s representatives arrived at their castle. “I shall return to the academy, Lady Rarity,” Silverspeed said with a gentle bow. “I’ll go back to the barracks to check my battalion’s training sessions,” added Zircon. Rarity nodded with a weak smile, turning at Rich. “Are you leaving us too?” “Unfortunately yes. I have too much to do, and I need to have a serious conversation with my daughter once she comes back from the party.” Lowering her head, Rarity’s smile faded. “In that case, I think I’ll go to the zen gardens outside the castle.” “Would you like me to go with you, Lady Rarity?” offered Fancypants. She shook her head politely. “That won’t be necessary. I just want to be alone for now. No more political chit chat for today.” With a long sigh, she turned around, walking away from the castle as the rest split up, returning to their duties. Once out of the building, she turned left to find a huge garden full of sandboxes. Some of them were enormous zen gardens, with boulders over them and rakes resting on their side. Others were smaller sandboxes with long sticks on them, commonly used to practice calligraphy. Rarity breathed deeply, the calm of solitude and silence overwhelming her with peace. Just when she thought she was alone, she caught sight of another pony along the far wall. As she walked closer, she could see her clearly sitting in front of one of the sandboxes. The mare had a black and purple mane tied back into pigtails and blue-purple fur. She wore a white kimono secured with a purple sash. Her horn shone brightly as a long wooden stick flew in front of her, drawing something in the sand. Behind her black glasses, her brown eyes evoked calmness and relaxation, completely focused on her task. Rarity trotted up to her without making noise to avoid disturbing her, and could see the banner of the Jewel Clan drawn in the sand, a large diamond wrapped in soft silk. She couldn’t hold a gasp of awe. “That’s a marvelous work of art!” The mare jumped in shock, losing her focus. The wooden stick fell into the sandbox and over the symbol. “L-lady Rarity, I didn’t expect anypony to come here today!” “Sorry for scaring you, I was just…” She turned to look at the sandbox and saw the ruined banner, her eyes widened with horror and guilt. “Oh, I’m terribly sorry. I’ve destroyed your art!” “You mean this?” The mare pointed at the sandbox. She snorted softly before speaking. “Don’t worry about it, Lady Rarity, I’ve done it a hundred times. It helps me to focus.” Bowing deeply towards her, she raised the stick with her magic, dragging it through the whole box, completely erasing the banner. “What do I owe the honor of your presence, Lady Rarity?” “Oh, nothing special.” She let out a long sigh, playing with her mane. “I just needed to relax a bit, stay away from the political intrigues and whatnots.” “In that case, I think you should definitely join me. This is one of the best ways to clear your mind.” With those words, the mare offered Rarity a second stick. “Oh, I’ll certainly try it.” She used her magic to lift the stick, leaning one of the ends on the sand. “By the way, now that I take a closer look, you seem vaguely familiar. Have we met before?” “My name’s Ink Brush, Lady Rarity. I’m sure that so much work as our leader doesn’t allow you to remember everything that happens and everypony you meet.” She smiled broadly, drawing in the sand as she spoke. “I’m an artist and calligrapher. Some of the canvases you have on your personal chambers were commissioned from me. Remember your portrait with the Ancestral Sword and the clan’s banner in the background?” Rarity’s eyes widened. “Oh, yes! I love that portrait! I requested that one on my first day as the Jewel Leader. Now I remember, you were my guest of honor the same day you finished the painting!” Ink Brush nodded with a sincere smile. “It’s an honor that you remember that. I’ve been focusing on calligraphy these days. It’s not often I get commissions anymore anyways.” “I can understand that not everypony can appreciate the mastery of your art.” “Or maybe for certain ponies art is not important.” Through the corner of the eye, Ink Brush looked at Rarity, drawing straight lines in her sandbox. “Feeling better, Lady Rarity?” “Barely.” She snorted with a tired smile. “I guess I’ll have to stay for a few hours more until I’m in a better mood.” “May I ask what happened, my lady?” “Just…” She let out a long, tired sigh. “Problems at the Celestial Tournament.” Ink turned at Rarity, speaking with concern. “Is your sister okay?” “Yes, yes, she’s fine. She passed, actually. Everypony passed save for Snips, one of the Lore contestants.” “That’s outstanding, Lady Rarity! I must paint the Jewel victors!” “Yes, we’ll have time for that, but it’s not the contest what worried me.” Ink Brush lifted an eyebrow, burying the stick into the sand before turning at Rarity. “My lady, tell me what happened.” “I don’t think it’s appropriate to talk about it.” “The burden’s lighter when you share the load, Lady Rarity.” “I guess you’re right.” Rarity put the stick down on the sand, sighing as she looked at Ink Brush through the corner of the eye. “I’m worried about the events that took place there. I can’t be sure, about most changes, but some were obvious. I fear for Scootaloo the most.” “Scootaloo? I overheard your sister mentioning her some time ago.” Rarity nodded. “She’s Rainbow Dash’s apprentice. She got into serious trouble at the swordfighting tournament. She seriously injured one of the contestants. A bit overzealous of her, but then everypony stared at Dash. She could barely maintain her composure.” “What’ll happen to her?” “To be honest, Ink Brush, I have no idea. Dash may force Scootaloo to perform exhausting tasks for a long time. But I know that she has never before demanded her apprentice to refer to her by her full title: Overlord Rainbow Dash.” Ink Brush looked at her, blinking surprised. “Overlord?” “It’s the title that the Rainbow Clan’s leader wields. But I’m losing my point. There’s a possibility of a war that may affect half the Empire, for it would affect the Party, the Rainbow and the Lore.” Ink Brush turned to face Rarity. “But is the sword the only answer, my lady?” Rarity looked at the sky with a concerned stare. “I know that it isn’t, but I hope they find out before it’s too late.” “I’m sure they will, Lady Rarity.” Ink Brush lifted the stick, staring at it as she made it turn in mid air. “The wisdom that we’ve gathered through centuries of existence has taught us a very important lesson.” “And that is?” “Follow me, Lady Rarity, I’ll show you.” Both mares walked through the sand gardens, Ink Brush taking the stick with her. Most of them were blank, but some had drawings on them, symbols that represented concepts of the Bushido and the Elements. They finally reached to a place with a larger sand box with a huge symbol that barely fitted inside. “What does this mean, Ink Brush?” “This is one of my latest pieces, Lady Rarity. It means ‘Everything under the Heavens’.” “Sounds a bit philosophical if I may.” Ink Brush giggled at her comment. “Of course. A samurai must be well versed in both sword and word. This means that we, as clans, even if we’re different, are united under the reign of the Daughters of Heavens. We fight for a common cause and against a common enemy. Those who learn that will understand that clans mostly mean that each of us have a role to fulfill.” Rarity’s eyes widened, astonished at the words of Ink Brush. ”That’s quite… Wait, you’re also a trained swordmare?” “Not exactly. Calligraphy and sword fighting are quite similar skills. Mastering one of them could make you quite competent on the other.” “So… You’re a good swordmare because you’re good at calligraphy?” Ink Brush smiled. “The skill needed to become a calligrapher, the discipline, the acceleration and deceleration, the turns, crochets and stroke order or the lines is not that different from the moves taught among the swordfighting academies.” Rarity smiled broadly. “That means that you’re a wonderful warrior.” “Maybe, but I won’t take a sword to fight.” “Why?” “Swords destroy, Lady Rarity. My brush creates. I won’t unsheathe a sword against anypony. A pony has no right to take another pony’s life.” “Even if it meant to create a better world for the rest of us?” Ink Brush wondered for a while, drawing with the stick on the sand. “A better world… “ She turned around to face Rarity. “Why are you telling me this anyway, my lady?” Rarity smiled profusely, standing up and walking around the other mare. “Ink Brush, for what you’ve told me, you have nothing against the other clans.” “That’s right. Each one of us has a role to fulfill to keep the balance and safety of the Empire.” Rarity nodded in approval. “And you are a decent swordpony for what you’ve mentioned.” “I guess I could defend myself.” Ink Brush lifted an eyebrow, following Rarity with her eyes. “What do you have in mind?” “Let’s just say that having somepony like you close to me would benefit the Empire greatly. You’ll see, darling.” -o- In the Rainbow Clan’s castle, Rainbow Dash sat in her throne, her hoof tapping one of the armchairs. In front of her, Scootaloo and Derpy argued loudly. “For the last time,” cried Derpy. “You’re not allowed to challenge Pipsqueak to a duel!” “Why not?” Scootaloo flapped her wings vigorously. “First, he beat you once without too much effort. Second, he didn’t do anything to deserve being challenged. It was you who barely killed my daughter.” Saying those two words turned Derpy even more furious. “He only asked for the punishment you had to get. Be thankful knowing that we still try to protect you from making stupid mistakes.” “You should listen to us, Scoots,” added Rainbow Dash, massaging her forehead with her hooves. “I don’t think you have the faintest idea of what you almost caused back there.” “So you can call me ‘Scoots’ and I have to call you ‘Overlord’ every time?” Rainbow Dash pounded both armchairs in a fit of rage. “Quit that foalish behavior! You almost started a war involving three clans, and who knows what would’ve happened!” She leaned back on the throne, breathing deeply. “Twilight and Dinky haven’t held grudges nor demanded any sort of compensation, neither has Pipsqueak. If he wanted to do something about your actions, he’d have done it at the tournament. He didn’t, so be happy about it.” “Oh, yeah, I love my new position as a warden,” spat Scootaloo, making no efforts in hiding the sarcasm. Rainbow Dash sighed, speaking in a softer voice. “Scoots, this is for your own good. You have to learn to control yourself. I admire your fighting spirit, but you can’t overdo it against brothers in arms or in tournaments. Learn to do that, and you’ll return to skirmishing in no time!” “I still feel like challenging Pipsqueak, Das— I mean, Overlord Dash.” Scootaloo raised an eyebrow as Rainbow Dash shook her hoof. “What?” “I don’t mind that you call me Dash in private or in front of Derpy, but when there are other ponies, I’d expect you to refer to me with the proper respect and authority.” Scootaloo nodded at Dash’s words. “As for the challenge, though, Derpy’s right. I can’t allow you to do that. He did nothing wrong. “ “He meddled with our clan’s issues,” replied Scootaloo with her front legs crossed. “I admit that Derpy had to intervene, but Pipsqueak shouldn’t have opened his muzzle!” “Do I have to remind you that he’ll marry Dinky in a couple of days?” inquired Derpy. “Of course he had reasons to speak against you! Besides, what makes you even think you stand a chance against him? The only contest where you beat him was the Athletics trial, and he came in a close second place. Not to mention that he’s now a Jade Magistrate!” “What the hay is a Jade Magistrate?” said Scootaloo. Derpy crossed her arms in front of her. “Jade Magistrates are the ones that oversee the use of magic. That means that they make sure that every single pony that can speak to the elemental spirits is sent to summoner schools, and are promoted to the rank of samurais if they belong to a lower caste. They also prevent the abuse of magic for selfish purposes and locate and kill Bloodspeakers on sight.” “So he has a different duty now?” “It’s more than just that, Scootaloo,” continued Derpy. “He’s a magistrate, meaning that he belongs to a higher social status. They don’t accept challenges from ponies of lower caste just as samurais don’t accept challenges from peasants. Mainly because it’s foolish to challenge them, for Jade Magistrates represent the search for pure magic, and nopony should argue that.” “So now they’re untouchable…” Scootaloo walked around the hall, muttering to herself. “Everything was planned from the beginning. They’re conspiring against me.” Derpy raised an eyebrow in disbelief. “What in Equestria are you talking about?” “I wanted to win the Celestial Tournament to honor Rainbow Dash, but they had to meddle with it! The trials where I had a competent training? They threw me against ponies that would defeat me! I barely got enough points to pass!” “Scoots, that was just bad luck,” corrected Rainbow Dash. “The Imperial Chancellor used clay plates to choose randomly who competed against each other before every trial.” “Then what about Dinky? I’m sure she was part of it!” Derpy stomped the floor angrily. “How dare you even think that?” “I know a few things about the Tournament,” admitted Scootaloo. “One of the rules allows summoners who have gathered enough points to abstain from participating without problems.” “That’s true,” seconded Derpy. “But that doesn’t mean that they can’t participate regardless of it. Most summoners choose to join the Dueling Championship, so I don’t see why this is different.” “Then why didn’t she go on when they disqualified me?” demanded Scootaloo. Derpy stared at her in disbelief with a grimace to contain the laughter. “Scootaloo, you can’t be serious. You’re accusing my very own daughter of being part of a conspiracy against you?” “Everything’s clear now: if she wanted to participate till the end, she would’ve stepped up in the second round. But no, once I got disqualified she moved away.” “Scootaloo, are you even listening to yourself?” Derpy sounded desperate, looking at her with pleading eyes. “Neither my daughter or Pipsqueak wanted to cause you any harm. It was all a certain amount of unfortunate coincidences. You can’t just start a conspiracy in your head. Everypony was doing their best there!” “I’m afraid that you’re biased in their favor, Spymaster.” Scootaloo’s words left Derpy with her mouth wide open. She looked back at her mentor. “Rainbow Dash, I still wish to challenge Pipsqueak.” Rainbow Dash closed her eyes with a long sigh. “You know that he was named Jade Magistrate for defeating a Bloodspeaker, right?” “He scared her away, that’s not what I consider defeating somepony. He was victorious thanks to bluffs and trickery that, if not for his fillyfriend, wouldn’t have worked and he’d be a goner. And not even you can deny that, Spymaster.” Derpy looked away with a sigh. “If I were the Empress, I wouldn’t have promoted him for just shooing Trixie away, I would’ve demanded the Bloodspeaker’s head! If it’s such an important role, at least I wouldn’t be giving it away as if titles were candy!” “Watch your words, Scootaloo!” cried Derpy, her tone angrier by the seconds. “Are you even thinking before speaking? Do you dare to question the Empress’ judgment and authority?” “I’m just saying that I’d do things differently, demanding more for such an apparently important title.” “I see,” said Rainbow Dash. Her eyes didn’t move away from Scootaloo. “There is one way to challenge a pony of higher status, but you need a pony of higher or similar status to back you up.” “Would you do that for me, Rainbow Dash?” Scootaloo extended her wings with hopeful eyes. “Only if you’re absolutely sure, without a single bit of doubt, of your theories.” Scootaloo nodded profusely, but Derpy stepped forward, shaking her hoof. “I plain refuse to do so,” replied Derpy. “And I wouldn’t recommend you to do it either, Overlord!” “Though I appreciate your advice, Spymaster, I have to oblige.” Derpy lowered her head. “However,” she continued, turning to Scootaloo again, “I’ll do it on one condition.” Scootaloo raised an eyebrow. “And that is?” “I’m going to take a letter of recommendation to a certain battalion that you’ll join without question, no matter if you win or lose.” Scootaloo stood motionless in front of Rainbow Dash with fallen ears. “Dash…” “I’m really sorry, but this is not how a samurai should behave. If you take personal matters too seriously, I don’t want you under my wing anymore.” Rainbow Dash took a deep breath before resuming. “Consider this my last gift. Now go and get ready, we’ll go to the Party Shrine in two hours. I’ll take you there personally.” Scootaloo stepped backwards with a sad stare before galloping out of the room. As she left, Rainbow Dash covered her face with her hoof, avoiding eye contact with Derpy. “Take the note, Derpy.” “Yes, Overlord,” she said as she grabbed a quill and a parchment. “I, Overlord Rainbow Dash, leader of the Rainbow Clan, come to you…” Dash’s voice trembled lightly, trying to hold a sob. “Lady Applejack, leader of the Apple Clan, to request admittance for the Rainbow Scout Scootaloo…” Derpy finished taking notes and waited for Rainbow Dash to resume the note. She nodded to her leader, but Dash didn’t even turn to look at her. She got up from the throne and walked away. “Overlord…” “Talk to Commander Spitfire; she’ll help you finish the letter. She was the one who gave me the idea.” “What idea, Overlord?” Derpy walked towards her, but Rainbow Dash tried to buck her. Rainbow Dash turned around with watery eyes. “Leave me alone! I don’t want to see anypony!” “Overlord, please…” Derpy flew slowly, getting in front of her. She rested the forehooves on her shoulders. “Calm down, Dash,” she said with a motherly tone. Rainbow Dash’s ears perked up. Between sobs, she looked up to see Derpy in front of her. She couldn’t contain a smile. “Did… did you just call me ‘Dash’?” Derpy looked away. “Sorry, Overlord, it’s just that…” Rainbow Dash snorted softly as she wiped the tears from her eyes and cheeks. “It’s okay. It caught me by surprise, that’s all. I don’t think you’ve ever called me anything different than Overlord Dash. The same goes to Spitfire and Soarin. What’s different now?” “Overlord, I don’t think that…” “Derpy, you’re my second-in-command, and I order you to tell me.” She sounded determined, but not demanding. After taking a deep breath, Derpy answered. “Overlord, you… don’t look like a general at the moment. I don’t blame you, though. I can only imagine the ordeal you must be going through.” Rainbow Dash looked away from Derpy to the door from which Scootaloo had left. “I don’t want to do this.” “I know.” “Scootaloo… She’s the closest thing I have as a daughter in all my life, and I feel that I’ve failed her.” Derpy smiled tenderly. “You did everything you could. Maybe if I had been a bit less biased, as she said...” “You aren’t to blame for this, Derpy. We both know that she was the one who made the mistakes, and she has to pay for them. I can protect her from certain problems she may cause.” Rainbow Dash shook her head sorrowfully. ”However, this last issue goes beyond anything I can turn a blind eye to. If I let her go unpunished, it would stand as a really dangerous precedent. Everypony would like equal treatment. Not to mention how damaged my authority among the other clans would become. This just had to be done, and not only for that reason.” “What do you mean, Overlord?” “Do you want to know why I want to back her up for the duel?” Derpy raised an eyebrow. “You mentioned it as a last gift, but I suppose there’s something more.” Rainbow Dash nodded. “I know that Scootaloo won’t accept a no for an answer. I wouldn’t be so worried if it was another samurai or the like. But Scootaloo’s really hot-headed at the moment. Pipsqueak might refuse the duel, but that wouldn’t stop her. She believes without a doubt that she’s right. And if she starts a fight with a magistrate…” Derpy frowned. “The punishment is death.” “That’s why I want to back her. Sure, she’s not right about her conspiracy theories, but I prefer that rather than having to witness her execution. Her safety… ”Rainbow Dash looked away with a sob. “Her safety is way more important to me that the tiny bit of personal honor that I might lose with this.” Derpy smiled broadly. “I understand, Overlord. That’s a very noble thought. May I ask where we’re sending her?” Rainbow Dash took a deep breath and stared at Derpy. “She’ll be sent with the Deathseekers.” “What?!” said Derpy with widened eyes. Her voice sounded distorted. “Overlord Dash, I’m sure there must be another way!” “She’ll do fine,” comforted Rainbow Dash. “It’s true that I had my doubts too, but that’s her place now. A battalion for ponies that brought great shame to their clans, mentors or family, and fight for the sole purpose of cleansing their names by dying gloriously in battle; she’ll get used to it.” “Even so, Overlord, this is not a temporary punishment. Joining the Deathseekers is forever!” “Until she atones for her faults,” corrected Rainbow Dash. “There’s not even one case in recorded history of a Deathseeker redeeming himself in a way that doesn’t include dying in battle!” Derpy cleared her throat and bowed deeply in shame. “I’m terribly sorry, Overlord, I couldn’t contain myself.” Rainbow Dash laughed at Derpy’s sudden change of attitude. “No need to worry, Derpy, it’s fine. It’s true, though, that nopony has left the Deathseekers, but there’s also one thing you missed.” Derpy raised an eyebrow. “And that is?” Dash looked back to her with a broad smile. “They have never had a student of Overlord Rainbow Dash among their ranks.” “That’s a good point, Overlord,” replied Derpy with a giggle. “Although you might be thinking too highly of Scootaloo.” “She’s a ferocious fighter, not to mention that making me proud is her source of inspiration. I’m sure that she’ll do her best so we can both sit together at a table again and tell me about the battles she fought.” “I hope you’re right, Overlord.” Derpy ‘s eyes widened. “Oh, that reminds me! What are we going to do with Gilda?” “I have plans for her. She’ll become my personal bodyguard from now on.” Derpy’s jaw dropped. “W-what?! Overlord, she tried to kill me!” Rainbow Dash replied with a burst of laugh. “That means that she’s really good at what she does. But don’t worry, Derpy, I have everything covered. I have a couple things that will make her as faithful to our clan as she used to be.” “I’m listening,” said Derpy with her ears perked up.   -o- Whooves had wandered deep into the Everfree Forest for almost an hour. He gazed sorrowfully at the desolated trees and corrupted land. How beautiful this place use to be, he thought, and what a mockery of a forest it has become. The few puddles and bodies of water resembled pestilent bogs, with barely anything living inside. The trees that weren’t spread across the floor had rotten branches and peeled bark. The once green grass was now withered, and the land looked dead and dry, unable to grow even the smallest sprout. It was a place of nightmares that was constantly changing. Whooves looked back after crossing a grove, only to find a deserted plain and no trace of the trees. He knew that memorizing the turns he took would be much better than trying to search for something distinguishable to use as a reference. His ears were perked up as he had noticed that a group of creatures followed him. However, he kept calm and pretended he hadn’t heard a thing as he guided them to a place where they had no tactical advantage. He ended up arriving to a large glade, checking the surroundings with a determined gaze. “Show yourselves!” demanded Whooves. From behind the trees he had left behind, a group of Diamond Dogs walked out wielding spears and bows. A much shorter dog jumped down from one of the treetops. “You have some guts to come on your own, pony,” said the small Diamond Dog, who appeared to be the leader of the squad. He stared surprised at Whooves. “You don’t wear the colors of the Apple, and you stand on your own in the domain of the Dark Lord. You must be either the bravest or the craziest creature I’ve ever had the pleasure to kill.” He nocked an arrow on his bow, ready to shoot Whooves. “My time hasn’t come yet, Diamond Dog. I’ve come to see your lord.” The creature lowered his bow, staring at Whooves in disbelief. “I think I’ve heard you wrong. Did you just say that you want to—” “Have a meeting with Discord, Yes, you’ve heard that right. And I have the feeling that if you try to harm me in any way, he’ll find an appropriate punishment.” “What’s he talking about, Captain Spot?” inquired one of the scouts. “Quiet!” he cried without turning back to them. In a fit of rage, he threw the bow to the ground and unsheathed a poniard as he walked towards Whooves. “Give me a good reason why I shouldn’t slit your throat open here and now!” “Your lord awaits me, Captain,” replied Whooves without showing any trace of fear. “I have reasons to believe that he’s done something that he was strictly forbidden to do, and as the Fortune of Time, I may be unable to interfere in the affairs of mortals. But I can and will demand answers from your lord, and you’re going to take me to him!” Whooves raised an eyebrow as Spot looked around him with his ears perked up, as if somepony was talking to him. With a grunt, he sheathed his weapon and gestured the others to come closer. “We’ll take him to the castle,” Spot said while picking up his bow. “Lord Discord wants to see him.” He leaned in close to Whooves and growled. “I don’t care if you’re a Fortune or not; try something funny and my squadron will feast on you tonight.”   -o- News about Apple Bloom becoming the Celestial Champion spread at breathtaking speed through the Empire, and the Apple Clan burst in celebration. When they arrived to the Apple lands’ border at dawn, everypony received Apple Bloom warmly, bowing to her as she walked by. Her siblings promised her a festival that she’d never forget for bringing such a huge honor to the clan and family. Applejack sent off-duty runners to all the Apple dojos to bring them the best fighters they had for a wrestling tournament in Apple Bloom’s honor. Big Macintosh ordered a feast to be prepared with the finest meals to be ready that night. Apple Bloom suggested walking across the Diamond Bulwark to meet the defenders who wouldn’t be able to assist to the ceremony, to which her siblings agreed. The soldiers celebrated the gesture with ovations and the summoners chanted blessings as she walked past them. One of the lieutenants standing on duty gave her an invitation to join the tetsubo duelist’s academy, the same one that Big Macintosh had attended. She grinned broadly and bowed gently at the gift as she accepted it. After hours of walking, they reached the other end of the wall. Big Macintosh called for a chariot to take them as fast as possible to the Apple Castle. When they got there, the huge banquet was already waiting for them in the throne room. Towering stallions and mares practiced grapples and throws for the tournament. As soon as the three siblings took their seats, the Apple Chancellor trotted next to them: “I’m sorry to disturb you, Lady Applejack,” he started, unfolding a scroll containing the contestants’ names. “But we can’t start the tournament. We are short of three competitors.” “Mah sis will have the tournament that Ah promised her!” said Applejack with a frown. “But my lady, we just can’t—” “Ahm thinking! There must be a way.” She crossed her forelegs and lowered her head. She looked to her right, where Big Mac was seating, and both smiled. “Are ya thinking what Ahm thinking, brother?” “Eeyup. Hey, Apple Bloom,” he said, leaning forward to see her youngest sister. “There are three slots left for the tournament. Wanna join?” Apple Bloom giggled and showed a wide grin. “Why not? Sounds fun!” “Alright, chancellor, the three of us will fill the remaining slots!” announced Applejack. The chancellor raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Applejack huffed, tapping the hoof on the table. “Do Ah have to repeat mahself or are you going to do what Ah said without further questioning mah authority? The three of us wanna join, so get going, Chancellor Caramel!” “Y-y-yes, Lady Applejack, I’m on my way!” Apple Bloom snorted when Caramel galloped away. “Ah guess he doesn’t want them to hurt us.” “Eeyup, he’s always been a bit too overprotective.” “Yeah, Ah remember that,” grunted Applejack. She looked at Caramel, a gentle smile drawing on her face. “Ah thought he’d focus his protectiveness on ‘is wife, but Ah guess he has enough worry for everypony.” Each fight was short but intense as the massive ponies clashed against each other. The crowd cheered every time the thundering sound of a pony being thrown to the ground resounded through the throne room. The only difference concerning that behavior was when one of the fighters was one of the Apple siblings. In those cases, all the bets were in their favor. Big Macintosh, despite having spent years without fighting bare-hooved, was still a fearsome rival, and his strength was unmatched. He always took a defensive stance, waiting for the other contestant to charge towards him. Once he tightened a grip, victory was on his side as he threw them out of the ring. On the other end of the spectrum, Applejack rushed ferociously to the fight, overwhelming her opponents with tackles and grips, allowing them no time to react. Apple Bloom had her own style, throwing punches and hoof strikes to make her rivals stumble and submitting them with a grapple. With little problems, Big Macintosh reached the final. However, he was worried about the remaining match. Apple Bloom and Applejack had to fight against each other and the winner had to fight him. He was paying more attention to the other ponies’ reactions that to the fight itself. During the long fight where both sisters seemed matched, most of the attendants cheered Apple Bloom; only a few supported Applejack, and those had their voices silenced by the screams of the former. The Apple Leader grew angrier, doubling her efforts in the fight. To everypony’s surprise, she grabbed Apple Bloom in a tight grip and slammed her to the ground. Silence flooded the room, only interrupted when both sisters asked the same question at the same time: “Yer okay, sis?” “Yup, nothing Ah can’t handle, Applejack,” said Apple Bloom while getting up. Applejack looked away with a sad grimace. “Sorry, Ah didn’t want to throw you that hard. Ah just—” “It’s okay.” Apple Bloom looked around her, watching as everypony stared at them, mumbling. “Ah’ve noticed it too. Ah should be the one apologizing.” “Not yer fault, sis. This has been going for longer than Ah’d like to admit. But don’t worry ‘bout it. This is your day, you have to enjoy yerself.” With a humble smile, Applejack winked at her sister, who nodded with a giggle. “Only one fight left,” said Big Macintosh, taking a step forward. “Ahm ready!” replied Applejack as she smashed her hooves together. Both ponies entered the circle, and when the chancellor gave the signal, they charged towards each other. This time, though, there wasn’t a single pony who cheered Applejack; everypony was with Big Macintosh. The lack of sympathizers infuriated the Apple Leader. Her brother hugged her, disguising it as a grapple. She rested her forehead on his shoulder, pushing him back. “It’s always been like this,” lamented Applejack, holding back the sorrow. “They only accepted me because you retired and offered me the leadership.” “You’ve done a good job leading us, sis,” assured Big Macintosh. “Their words mean nothing.” As Applejack kept pushing him out of the ring, Big Macintosh slammed the ground with his hoof. With great might, he lifted his sister from the floor and performed a perfect suplex. The blow emptied the Apple Leader’s lungs. She got on her knees as she recovered her breath and the other ponies cried ovations to her brother. “You okay, sis?” he asked. “Yeah… Ahm fine. You overdid it a bit, but Ah have to admit that it was a darn good throw.” Both siblings laughed loudly. Big Macintosh offered his hoof to help Applejack getting up, and with a mutual nod, they spoke. “Let the feast begin!” Everypony sat at the long table that divided the Throne Room in two perfect halves. Along the table, there were tens of jars full of cider, with several kegs ready to refill if necessary. Dozens of different cakes and pastries, of all possible flavors and sizes ready to be devoured. Imported dandelions and other flowers, a rare treat in Apple Lands, decorated the center of the table, an exclusive and well deserved treat for Apple Bloom. There were loaves of bread next to every plate, and the servants would bring more from the kitchen it required. The sound of clashing jugs where the only thing that silenced the laughter that filled the castle as the celebration went on. Some soldiers began to sing catchy military tunes, and the whole table followed suit. During the meeting, one of the earth ponies stood up, raising his drink in the air. He had a grey coat and a short blue mane, but the most distinguishable feature of his was a vertical scar where his right eye should be. “Fillies and gentlecolts,” he said with a wide grin. “May I have your attention for a moment?” “A toast, Commander War Edict?” replied Big Macintosh, raising his own jug. Edict shook his hoof with a grin. “No need for formalities; we’re having a party after all! And yes, a toast to the Celestial Champion, Apple Bloom! Everypony! To Apple Bloom!” “To Apple Bloom!” repeated the whole room. Apple Bloom blushed furiously as everypony acclaimed her name. “Aw, this is just too much!” “This clan will recover its former golden age under your command, Apple Bloom!” stated Edict proudly. The room turned mute with those words. Applejack was the first to speak after an uncomfortably long silence. “And what d’ya mean by that, Commander?” She threw a hard glare at him, but Edict didn’t look away. “I’m just saying that our young Champion has proven to be skilled in several fields. She even beat the Jewel Swordmistress in a duel.” “That’s right, Edict,” said Apple Bloom, who had lost her smile since Applejack spoke. “However, defeating a duelist doesn’t make me a leader, no matter if Ah surpassed one of the greatest duelists. Besides, Ahm sure Applejack is a far better leader than Ah could be.” “Oh, don’t be so humble, Apple Bloom,” insisted War Edict. “After all, you’ve been instructed by General Macintosh, the Apple Hero himself! A mighty leader with a head over his shoulders!” “Now wait just a minute there, Commander!” roared Applejack, pounding the table. “Ah might not be like mah brother, but that doesn’t mean Ahm not doing mah job! You have yer opinion, but Ahm still in charge, and this is an insubordination!” “No, Applejack,” corrected Edict. “I’m not the only one who thinks this way.” “Not today, Commander,” she growled between her teeth. “Today’s the perfect day, Apple Leader! We want your sister Apple Bloom to lead us! She’ll rule our clan and return us to our former glory!” “If I may,” interrupted Chancellor Caramel. “I’ve been in charge since Big Mac rose as a leader, and have taken care of making sure that all the families of those who fall in their duty are informed.” “What do you want to tell us with that, Chancellor?” inquired Big Macintosh. “With all due respect to everypony here, I have objective evidence. I don’t know, and won’t speak, about who’s the best leader. However,” he continued as he took out a scroll, “the number of yearly casualties our clan has suffered since Applejack’s promotion as leader has decreased.” Big Macintosh raised an eyebrow. “How much has it decreased?” “Quite a lot.” Caramel offered the scroll to him. “You may check it yourself, General.” “That’s preposterous!” cried Edict. “There’s no way that can be possible!” “Ahm getting sick of you spitting at mah authority, Commander!” Applejack jumped over the table, landing a few inches away from War Edict. “Ahm yer leader, and you should respect me as such, no matter what mah sis has achieved!” “Caramel’s right,” said Big Macintosh, to everypony’s surprise. “With Applejack leading us, we’ve lost far fewer soldiers during assaults.” He stood up and saluted at his sister. “Ahm proud of you, Applejack; you’ve proven to be a better leader than Ah’d been.” “You can’t be serious, Big Macintosh!” complained Edict. “That can mean a lot of things. Yes, we might have lost fewer soldiers, but that can easily mean that we’ve suffered less attacks.” “Unfortunately, that’s not right,” replied the chancellor. “We’ve suffered more attacks from the Everfree Forest in the last few years. Which makes Applejack’s feat more surprising.” “Oh, you think I don’t know about it?” said Edict with a frown. “Commander,” insisted Applejack. “No more talkin’ about this.” “But it’s important to know, Applejack. They doubled their efforts to defeat us because they knew Big Macintosh had retired. They saw you as weak, and tried to defeat us! Even mindless barbarians as the Diamond Dogs see you as weak!” “Ah’ve had enough of you!” “Stop it!” yelled Apple Bloom, looking down at the table. Everypony in the room heard her sobbing in the silence she had caused. “Sis, Ah—” tried to say Applejack. “No! Ah didn’t want this! Ah thought this was gonna be a huge party to celebrate that Ah passed my gempukku and became the Celestial Champion. But Ah didn’t want this to happen. Ah shouldn’t...” She looked up with watery eyes, shaking her head. “No, Ah wish Ah hadn’t won the tournament!” She got up and ran out of the Throne Room without containing her crying. “Apple Bloom!” called Applejack. “Go with her,” said Big Macintosh. “Ah’ll handle this.” “You sure, brother?” “She needs us now. Ah’ll meet you both when Ahm done here.” With a quick nod, Applejack galloped away after Apple Bloom. Big Macintosh turned to the other ponies in the room. When he spoke, his voice trembled, as if he were holding back. “What has happened today mustn’t leave this room. Did Ah make mahself clear?” Everypony kept silent, either looking forward or staring at the floor. With a bellowing roar, Big Macintosh smashed the table, shattering it to pieces. “Did Ah make mahself clear!?” “Y-yes, General Macintosh, sir!” stuttered everypony. He kept breathing raggedly “Chancellor Caramel, every single pony here will be sent to the Diamond Bulwark. They’ll serve there for the rest of their lives. Ahm sure none of them will have anything against it.” Nopony dared to say a word. The Apple Clan usually knew a calm Big Macintosh. Seeing the towering stallion shouting in a fit of rage was far more intimidating than most of the horrors they had to fight at the Diamond Bulwark. “Now, get out of mah sight,” demanded Big Macintosh. Everypony save for Caramel, who stayed next to him, walked away. “Commander War Edict!” he called. “Stay here, Ah ain’t done with ya.” Edict stopped and turned around to meet him, stepping back and cowering as Big Macintosh walked towards him. “My lord?” he said, trying to keep his composure. “Today was mah sis’ most important day of her life.” He walked closer, his eyes standing mere inches away from Edict’s. “And you made her cry. Not only that, but you also insulted mah sister and current leader, Applejack. Ahm ready to defend their honor in a duel.” Edict's face paled. “That… that won’t be necessary, my lord.” “You have any idea what you’ve caused?” “General Macintosh,” cried Edict in despair. “Apple Bloom would be a great leader!” “And your declaration would surely start a civil war among the Apple Clan.” Big Macintosh turned around and walked away from him. “But Ah refuse to let it happen. We must focus our strengths to defend the Empire against the Everfree Forest, not to fight among us to decide who shall lead us. Applejack has proven that she’s a far better general than Ah was, even if her methods differ from mine.” “My lord…” Edict lowered his head, falling to his knees. He shook his head, as if realizing what he had done. “I wish to atone for my fault. Allow me to commit seppuku to cleanse the stain I’ve brought to my clan.” He slowly offered his short sword to the Apple Hero. Big Macintosh looked back at him with a sad gaze. He took the sword from him and walked to a weapon rack and looked at all the available weapons. With a sorrowful shake of his head, he took a wooden wakizashi and threw it to him. Edict stared at it with widened eyes. “M-my lord,” he stuttered. “W-why?” “You didn’t have the bravery to defend your statements in front of me. What makes you think that you have the guts to take your own life to save what little honor you have left? You ain’t worth mah time anymore.” Big Macintosh left the room, followed by Caramel. War Edict kneeled motionless on the floor, staring at the wooden sword, the gravest insult a samurai could experience. Without saying a word, he got up and left the room from the opposite door.