//------------------------------//
// Six o'clock and All's Well 
// Story: Beasts and Burdens 
// by Metool Bard 
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Beasts and Burdens Chapter 12:
Six o'clock and All's Well


"Thanks again for your help, Twilight Sparkle," said one of the pegasi of the Royal Guard. "We'll make sure that the Chimera is locked away in Tartarus for good this time."

"It was no trouble at all," said Twilight. "Do you have any idea what actually happened?"

"We're not sure yet," said the guard. "We think the Diamond Dogs might know, but they disappeared as soon as Cerberus showed up."

"I personally don't blame them," said Rarity. "They probably didn't want to get locked up in Tartarus, too.  Although, I do remember the Chimera saying something about Orthrus being involved.  Not quite sure what to make of that."

The guard's eyes went wide for a moment. "Wait, Orthrus?  Nightmare Moon's pet?"

"I, guess," said Rarity with a shrug. "I never knew Nightmare Moon had a pet."

"Well, I know what book to recommend to you next time you drop by my library," said Twilight half-jokingly.

The guard cleared his throat. "Anyway, we'll look into it.  Thank you again."

With that, he flew off towards Tartarus.

"Well, I guess we should be heading back to Ponyville," said Twilight. "That was quite a rough night."

"Tell me about it," said Rarity. "I'm going to need a month at the spa just to get that Chimera's stink out of my coat."

"Looks like Sweetie Belle could use it, too," said Twilight, motioning to the young filly asleep on Rarity's back.

Rarity chuckled. "Oh, please.  Sweetie Belle doesn't understand how wonderful the spa is yet.  Although there is a first time for everything."  They trotted across the now-barren wasteland in silence for a time. "Say, Twilight.  Why did you come back for me?"

"You can thank Spike for that," said Twilight.

"We weren't comfortable leaving you and Sweetie Belle alone against the Chimera," explained Spike. "So, I came up with a plan to distract the Diamond Dogs who were digging for Tartarus.  Trust me, they're as dumb as they look."

"Oh, I know, darling," said Rarity. "But however did you trick them?"

"I replicated your jewel-finding spell and pointed them in the right direction," said Twilight. "I just neglected to tell them that it was their own hoard they were going back to."

"I, see," said Rarity, stifling a giggle. "But, what about Cerberus?"

"Yoohoo!"

A familiar voice called out to Rarity as she noticed that they were heading towards a riverbank.  There waiting for them was none other than Steven Magnet.

"I managed to get Cerberus up to speed," said he. "Turns out he had no idea that the Chimera escaped.  And trust me, he wasn't happy about it."

"Almost makes me wonder how Orthrus managed to pull it off," Twilight mused. "Or if he'll try it again."

"Ah, don't worry about it, Twi," said Spike. "If he does try it again, we'll be ready for him."

Twilight smiled. "I know, Spike," she said with a nod.

"Not only that, but those Diamond Dogs will think twice before pulling a stunt like this again," added Rarity.

"That's true.  I think they'll leave us alone for good this time," said Twilight.

"It couldn't be too soon for me," said Rarity. "So, Steve.  Would you mind terribly if you gave us a ride back to Ponyville?"

"Not at all, dearie," said Steven, lowering himself to allow the two unicorns to climb onto his back.

"Oh, and do you mind going slowly this time?  We're not in a particular hurry." said Rarity.

"We're not?" asked Twilight. "But I thought you had a big order to fill for Fancy Pants.  You told me about it yourself this morning."

"Don't ruin the moment, Twilight," said Rarity with a self-mocking grin. "The Crystal Empire Ensemble can wait.  For now, I just want to spend time with my little sister."

"Oh.  Okay," said Twilight with a smile of her own. "A slower pace it is, then.  Right, Steve?"

"Of course, of course," said Steven.  As he swam back towards the Everfree Forest, Celestia's sun started to peer over the horizon.

"What a beautiful sunrise," said Twilight. "Don't you agree, Spike?"

But Spike was, once again, fast asleep.  Twilight and Rarity chuckled softly as they lay the two youngsters on Steven's back.

"Looks like these two will be sleeping in today," said Rarity.  She then nuzzled Sweetie Belle with her muzzle. "You're very lucky I'm your sister."

Sweetie Belle smiled in her sleep, shifting herself closer to Rarity.  Rarity responded in kind by embracing her little sister.  She sighed whimsically as she watched the sunrise with Twilight, the younger filly in her forelegs.  It was the dawn of a brand new day, and all was well.  Sweetie Belle was safe and sound, the Diamond Dogs' plans were thwarted, and the Chimera was safely back in Tartarus.  Rarity couldn't ask for anything more.

Well, except for maybe a nice warm bubble bath.


The End