The following morning found Bagheera sitting in front of Rarity’s boutique. He was dressed in the same style of uniform as the previous day but Rarity could tell that this was an entirely different set of clothes. How many sets of the same uniform did Bagheera own?
“Oh,” Bagheera shook his head upon seeing Rarity. “I don’t think so.”
She frowned at him. “What’s wrong?”
He pointed a single claw towards the mountain of luggage that Rarity had spent most of the night packing. “This.”
Rarity narrowed her eyes. “Excuse me but I will have to know that there is nothing in these bags that I cannot go a single day without. If you intend on flying me all over the world then I will do so in style and comfort. Anything less would make my trip dreadful.”
“Do you intend to carry all of this yourself?”
Rarity raised her eyebrow in his direction. He shook his head. “Madam, I am not your servant. I will not carry your luggage just as I will not massage your hooves when they are sore. You will bring only what is necessary and if you realize that something is amiss, I am sure Khan will compensate you.”
Rarity gazed deep into Bagheera’s eyes. This wasn’t just an issue over luggage. No. It was a power struggle. Bagheera, the predator that he was, was testing Rarity’s resolve. The fact of the matter is that Khan is expecting Rarity to arrive on time. Combine this with the knowledge that Bagheera both fears and respects Khan means that ball was in Rarity’s court.
“You shall assist me with half of my luggage,” she countered. “Not because you are a servant but because you are a gentleman. I will carry the other half and together we will be able to make it to the train station in record time.” She spoke politely but added a bit of an edge to her voice suggesting that she would accept no other alternative.
Bagheera knew what she was doing and did not back down. “You will bring half of the luggage and I shall carry half of that.”
Rarity fought to keep her expression neutral. Bagheera knew how to play, that much was obvious. “Very well.” She used her magic to send several cases of luggage back into her boutique. She locked the door and lifted half of the remaining cases with her magic.
“Hm.” Bagheera raised an eyebrow. “I’ve heard rumors that your kind can use magic. I never thought that I would see it in person.” He balanced the remaining luggage on is back while his tail carried two smaller handbags. “Shall we?”
“Let’s.” Rarity answered. Together the two of them walked in silence towards the train station. As it was still very early, only a hoof-ful of Pegasai was awake, arranging the clouds for today’s weather forecast. Several of them noticed Bagheera and began whispering amongst one another but other than that, they paid the duo no mind.
Upon arriving at the train station, Rarity was surprised to see a bright red CLOSED sign in the station’s window. “Wait. I thought you said we’d be taking the train.” She glanced through the schedule just beneath the ticket window. “This says nothing is scheduled until later this evening.”
“That is because we will not be using your train.” Bagheera glanced down the tracks as if looking for something. Rarity watched him curiously. “Hm. He’s a minute late.”
“Who is?” she asked but then she noticed a faint rumbling sound far off in the distance. Frowning, she leaned over the station platform to look down the tracks. Sure enough, way off in the distance she could see a train coming towards the station at high speed. “What is that?” she exclaimed.
“A private train.” Bagheera nudged her away from the edge of the platform as a massive black iron train rolled in. It was nothing like the Ponyville train which was small, cozy, and compact. This train was a beast. The wheels alone were taller than Rarity and Twilight combined (of the latter was standing on Rarity’s back) and it belched thick black smoke from its four chimneys. The cars were made of thick metal and there were bars on each of the windows.
Two black leopards hopped out of the engine car. Rarity was surprised to see that they were almost identical to Bagheera and if it weren’t for the fact that they were wearing gray overalls, she would not be able to tell them apart.
“Trouble?” Bagheera asked.
“No sir,” the one on the right commented. “We just had a slight miscalculation in time. We apologize.”
“It’s fine.” He nodded towards Rarity. “This is the one I told you about. She is to be treated with the utmost respect.” His eyes narrowed. “If so much as one hair is misplaced on her purple mane, I will inform Khan personally.”
The engineers swallowed nervously. “Of course, sir.”
“Wait,” Rarity looked to Bagheera. “You will not be joining me?”
“Oh I will but I will be patrolling the cars for most of the trip. You will be staying in your own private car.” He motioned towards the heavily reinforced car in the center. “You are free to move about the cars if you so wish but I would prefer it if you would stick to yours and ask one of the guards if you need anything.”
“Guards?” Rarity gave him a look. “Don’t you think this is overkill? Even for a pony as extravagant as little ol’ me, this is a bit extreme.”
“There is no such thing as being too safe,” Bagheera explained. “Now, if you’d please.” He led her towards the center car. As they entered, Rarity was shocked to see that the car was the purest definition of luxury on the inside. Despite the fact that the outside was cold metal, the inside was designed with comfort in mind. An overstuffed leather lounge chair was off to the side, an armchair in front of it with an oak table in between. The floor was carpeted with a material that was so plush; Rarity’s hooves sank almost an inch. There was a chandelier hanging from the ceiling, a bar in the furthest right-hoof corner, and even a bookshelf built into the back wall filled to the brim with all sorts of different literature.
Once the initial shock of the extravagance of the car wore off, Rarity noticed the five leopards. There were four guarding the entrances to the car – two per door – and a fifth behind the bar. The guards were standing on all fours, eyes straight, as still as statues. In fact, Rarity would have mistaken them for statues if not for the fact that she could see their chests moving with each breath. The bartender on the other hoof was balanced with his front paws on the bar counter, his back paws on the floor. He was busy wiping a white cloth across the countertop and he was dressed in a typical bartender’s uniform of white shirt with a black vest.
“So much security,” Rarity whispered.
“We are transporting some important cargo,” Bagheera teased. He set her bags off to the side. Rarity too placed her luggage in the pile before taking a moment to explore the luxurious boxcar. “This is splendid.” She gasped while running her hoof over the oak table.
“Indeed.” His body shifted as the train lurched into gear. “We’ll be arriving in ManeHatten in about five hours. I suggest you take this time to rest up, have a drink or something to eat, and enjoy the trip.”
“Hm? Oh, yes. Of course. Thank you.”
He nodded once before stepping out of the boxcar leaving Rarity alone with her bartender and guards.
“What do you think of her?” the guard asked Bagheera.
“She is an interesting one,” Bagheera answered. “I can see why Khan has taking a shine to her. She acts like a lady but there is a fire burning deep within.” Bagheera smirked, his ivory white fangs exposing themselves. “She is no pushover, I can tell you that much.”
“I wouldn’t think so. Khan has no use for weak minded fools.” The guard, Dayada, commented.
“Agreed, though I cannot help but wonder why Khan would give two flips about a pony from some backwater town in Equestria. There are thousands of other creatures out there who know more about the fashion industry than this little filly.”
“Maybe he has a crush on her?” Dayada snickered.
Bagheera laughed. “Oh right, like he is capable of love.”
“I don’t know. He loves money enough.”
“Nah, I don’t think so. Have you ever seen him get excited over money before? To him money is a tool. He only uses it to get what he wants.”
“What about power?”
Bagheera shrugged. “Good point.”
Dayada smirked.
“No,” Bagheera glanced over his shoulder towards Rarity’s box car. Through the window he could see that she was chatting up the bartender. “There is something special about this one. There has to be otherwise Khan wouldn’t be spending so much energy trying to acquire her.”
“True.” Dayada too looked towards Rarity. “She is pretty; for a pony that is.”
“Agreed.” Bagheera tapped his friend on the nose. “But remember Khan’s rule.”
Dayada chuckled. “Aye.”
“Don’t play with your food,” the two of them said in unison before bursting out in laughter.
“And so I ask Rainbow: ‘Do tell, does the carpet match…’”
“Excuse me.” Bagheera spoke up as he entered the box car. “I don’t mean to interrupt but I wanted to check up on you before we arrived at our destination.”
Rarity blinked. “Has it been five hours already?”
The bartender smiled. “Aye, madam, it has.”
Rarity looked around her box car. There were some books on the table that she had flipped through, some of her bags were lying upon the floor half-opened as she had been searching for makeup earlier, three empty glasses that once housed fine wine were resting on the countertop and through the windows the once empty countryside was now beginning to show signs of civilization. “Oh dear!” she gasped. “How does time fly.” She blushed towards the bartender. “I hope I didn’t chat your ear off, darling.”
He laughed. “Not at all, Ma’am. It as a refreshing change, trust me.”
She smiled at him then looked to Bagheera. “I had a wonderful time.” She quickly began putting her things back into her suitcases. “In fact, I cannot remember the last time I went on a trip that was this relaxing.”
Bagheera nodded. “I am very happy to hear that.” He paused as if in thought before adding, “Madam, have you ever flown before?”
“Oh yes, once. I had these beautiful wings; they were that of a butterfly but made from a material most sheer and fabulous. Oh you should have seen how they sparkled in the sun…” she paused upon seeing the expression on his face. “Uh, I am guessing that is not what you were talking about?”
“No. I mean have you ever flown on an airplane?”
She frowned. “Yes, you mentioned this before. I don’t believe I have. I have travelled by balloon but never by plane.”
He bit his bottom lip. “Ah, I see. Well, I do hope that you are not a nervous flyer.”
She thought back to the time where she flew through Cloudsdale with her magnificent wings. “No, I do not believe I will be.”
“Good.” He shot a knowing glance to the bartender who just winced knowingly. “I got a telegram from our pilot. He is already fueled and ready to go. I do apologize that we cannot explore ManeHatten but we do have a schedule to keep.”
“Yes, yes, I totally understand.” She piled her suitcases up in a neat little pyramid. “So who is this pilot of yours? Another leopard friend?”
“Eh, not exactly…”
“Well lookie at what the cat dragged in,” the bear said with a stupid grin upon his face. “Why, I have never seen horse like you in all mah’ life.”
“This…” Rarity shot Bagheera a nasty look. “Is your pilot?”
The light gray bear frowned. “Hey lady, I will have you know that I am the best…”
“Not now, Baloo,” Bagheera sighed. “Kahn is waiting for us.
Baloo rolled his eyes. “Don’t lecture me on being on time. I’ve never been late for an appointment in…” he frowned. “What does is this?”
“Saturday, Baloo.”
“In three whole days!” he snapped. “That’s a new record, thank you very much.”
“Whatever.”
Baloo the bear was not what Rarity had been expecting when she thought of the word pilot. He was over-weight, slack-jawed and wearing a filthy brown button up shirt and red pilot’s hat. His plane, the SeaDuck, looked as if it were going to fall apart at a moment’s notice. In fact, watching Baloo as he walked around on all fours, his body wobbling back and forth under the momentum of his own gut, Rarity found herself wondering if he could even sit in a pilot’s chair let alone fly a plane.
“You can’t be serious,” she whispered to Bagheera. Baloo was throwing her luggage into the plane while muttering under his breath about stuck-up horses.
“Look, I know he’s not the most agreeable fellow, but he really is one of the best pilots in Cape Suzette.”
She grumbled. “I find that very difficult to believe.”
“No, no, it’s true.” Bagheera insisted. “In fact, he is one of the few pilots Khan trusts to get the job done.” He raised his voice. “That is as long as he avoids Louie’s!”
“Hey now Baggy,” Baloo argued. “You know I would never dare visit Louie’s while on a mission for ol’ Khany.” Baloo grinned. “Not as long as he is paying me, that is.”
Bagheera sighed. “Can we be on our way?”
“Aye-Aye.” Baloo tapped his paw against his forehead in a mock salute. “All aboard the Duck!”
“Celestia help us all,” Rarity groaned while rolling her eyes.
Despite the rather foul conditions of the plane’s interior (the seats were torn, there was discarded food wrappers all over the floor, and a smell that Rarity could not quite place), the flight was surprisingly pleasant. What was more surprising than the flight was the pilot himself. Baloo proved his skill several times over though Rarity could have gone without him proving that he could perform a loop-de-loop with his eyes closed. The cockpit was specifically designed for Baloo’s body type, allowing him to operate the machinery with his large paws with ease. Whenever he wanted a snack from the back, he would just jam a crowbar between the steering stick and the console before trotting on all fours to the portable ice box he kept. Rarity could not believe that such an aloof creature could pilot so expertly but the more time they spent together, the more Rarity began to understand his passion for flying.
“Yeah man,” Baloo explained. “There is nowhere else in the entire world I’d rather be than behind this wheel. When I am in the SeaDuck, I am free. I can go anywhere I want, anytime I want. It’s the ultimate freedom.”
Rarity nodded. “You remind me a lot of my friend Rainbow Dash. She’s a Pegasus and she loves flying. Why, you will be hard pressed to see her actually walk on the ground. She just uses her wings to hover a few feet off the ground even when we are just going out shopping.”
“Lady,” Baloo purred, “That sounds wonderful.” He pulled a clock from under the pilot’s seat and looked at it. “We still have a couple of hours before we reach Cape Suzette. If you want, I have a mattress somewhere underneath some old rags. You can nap on that if you want.”
Rarity did her best to maintain her composure. “Uhm, no thanks.” She instead retreated to the cargo hold in order to peer out the windows. “I’d prefer to enjoy the view. I’ve never flown like this before and it is most splendid.”
“Fine by me.” Baloo said. He turned his attention back towards Bagheera who was sitting back on his haunches in the co-pilot’s seat. “You need to relax, kitty. Your claws are going to pierce my cushion.”
“I am not a fan of heights,” he mumbled with tightly closed eyes.
“Aw, why is that?” With a coy smile upon his lips, Baloo brought the SeaDuck into a nose dive. Rarity screamed as she was tossed against one of the passenger seats and Bagheera released a loud yowl of surprise. He dug all ten pairs of claws into the cushions in order to prevent himself being uprooted from his seat.
“Knock it off you fat oaf!” Bagheera screeched.
“Relax, baby. I got it.” Baloo pulled the plane out of the nose dive and evened her out. Bagheera snarled at the bear while Rarity clung to her chair. Her chest was heaving, her heart was pounding, but she couldn’t keep from laughing at how ridiculous poor Bagheera looked. His fur was all floofed out making him look like some kind of stuffed animal.
“Can we refrain from doing that for the rest of the trip?”
“No promises,” Baloo replied while shooting a wink in Rarity’s direction. “No promises.”
Rarity chuckled. Such an unusual being this Baloo the bear. She found that she was unable to dislike him. Sure, he was an arrogant, lazy bear but there was just something very likable about him. He truly was a character.
“Mister Baloo,” Rarity spoke up.
“Naw,” Baloo shook his head. “There is no Mister. Call me Baloo.”
“Yes, Baloo. If you would be so kind to prevent any more drastic measures for a while; I think I may take you up on that offer of a nap.”
“Want me to clear off the mattress?”
She crinkled her nose. “N-No, that’s fine. This seat is comfortable enough for now. Just please wake me up before we arrive. I would love to see this Cape Suzette with my own eyes.”
“You got it,” Baloo agreed. “I will make sure the Duck flies real smooth and quiet like. You get some shut eye.”
“Thank you.” Rarity slumped against her chair and shifted about until she was comfortable. To her surprise, she was a lot more tired than she realized and within minutes she had fallen into a deep and peaceful sleep.