My Little Dynasty: Kung Fu is Magic

by Goombasa

Chapter 5: Of Apples and Gemstones

Fluttershy took a lot of pride in her garden. Not so much for the plants themselves, though she took very good care of the flowers and tiny saplings she'd placed there. It was more for the lovely birds and animals that came there to hide themselves in her nature. Birds chirped and bees hummed, and all around her, life continued uninhibited. Life was good here, especially out here near the edge of the wastes. Some considered it cursed land, but while Fluttershy would never go out into the wastes themselves, but she saw no problem on living on the edge here, especially when wildlife seemed to team there.
She began to spread sunflower seeds down on the ground, humming to herself as she did so. She squeaked, stumbling over her robes and sighed a bit, pulling up the hem. “I really should get some shorter robes for myself,” she mumbled. “These ones are just too long.”
A gentle kick to the back of her leg made her blink and she turned to see Angel Bunny standing there. “Oh, hello Angel,” she said with a small smile, ignoring the perpetual scowl on her familiar's face. Being a practitioner of druidism, Fluttershy had summoned her spirit animal, or familiar, when she had just been a little filly, and Angel Bunny had been the result. At first, Fluttershy was convinced that she had done something wrong, as the rabbit, while intelligent, refused to speak as other familiars did to their magical masters, and he was constantly in a surly state. But, as he had proven time and again, his loyalty was unchecked, and whenever tears had stained her face, he had come to her and comforted her the best that he could. She bent down and offered him a few of the sunflower seeds in her palm. “Would you care for some sunflower seeds? Just don't eat too many. The sun will be setting soon, so I'll be starting dinner before too long. Don't want you to spoil it, you know.”
The mute rabbit shook his head, grabbing her hand and shaking it, pointing back towards the little cottage she called home. “Oh, does Paw Print need my help again?”
The rabbit nodded.
“Oh, okay.” She tossed the last few seeds to the window, into a small group of gathering song birds, who pecked the shells open and gulped down the innards. Gripping her staff, she picked up the rabbit, setting him upon her shoulder, and made her way back inside, tugging up her robe a little to keep herself from tripping. She pushed open the door and made her way through the cottage to the back, where a large addition served as the office of her husband, Paw Prints, a practicing veterinarian. She stopped at the large door with a series of carefully carved paw prints moving up from the bottom of the door all the way to the top. It was a cute addition that she had suggested during the process of building. Smiling as the memories of renovating the old shack came back to her, she knocked at the door. “Paw Prints, dear?” she called.
“We've been over this, honey, you don't have to knock.” Came the soft reply.
“Oh, um right.” She smiled and blushed, giving a soft giggle at her own shyness before she opened the door and pushed it open. She took in the tiny area that served as her husband's office. He was at the tiny writing desk a kindly old woodcutter had made for him as a wedding present to the two of them. He was scratching way at a long piece of parchment, two little field mice sitting next to him and munching on a few cracked walnuts. One of them had its tail bandaged and the other a cast on its paw. “I'm sorry to interrupt.”
“Not at all, love, you know it's not interrupting when you walk into your husband's office.” He smiled and set the quill down, turning to face her. “I see your little demon did I asked him for a chance.”
Angel Bunny stuck his tongue out at the dark blue stallion and hopped down off of his master's shoulder. Fluttershy merely rolled her eyes, knowing that it was pointless for her to get between the two of them. Much as she loved her husband, he and Angel had never gotten along, and she suspected that the only reason they tolerated one another was due to her presence. “Yes, he did come and get me,” she said, walking up. She pet the two field mice softly along their head, making them both squeak out a thanks. “Oh, you're very welcome, little ones.” She glanced over his desk for a moment, tilting her head at all the notes and paperworks and odd diagrams he kept there. Most of them were theorems and facts he had been working on, during his studies of different species. It seemed like every week he was working on some new theory or a new operation that he was sure would help to save lives of livestock or pets in some part of Equestria. His eccentricities in his field was one of the reasons he had customers, after all, even all the way out here, near the wastes. Her eyes rested on a small pot of soil and a large wilting flower dipping down over it's edge. “Oh dear... you haven't been taking care of your Healer's Touch very well.” She reached forward and brushed her fingers over the limp petals, concentrating. She took a deep breath, her wings fluttering for a moment and felt the power of her magic sliding through her fingertips. The flower began to perk up, its color returning and its stem turning a bright green and standing tall and proud. “There, that's better.”
He smiled up at it. “Sorry, my love. I suppose I've been focusing a little too much on my work over the past week.”
“What exactly have you been working on?”
“I've been trying to figure out where that sudden epidemic of Trots came from. There hasn't been any big, inordinate rat activity or anything, so I can't see how it could have spread so quickly.”
“Oh dear, there isn't any worry of it spreading out this far, is there?”
“No, dear, from what I've been told I think it's staying mostly within the bounds of Okineighwa for the time being. Still, the fact that it just cropped up like that does not sit well with me.” He tapped his chin. “Oh, I'm sorry, I'm rambling again.” He smiled at her. “I did call you in from the gardens for a reason.” He held up a small, folded piece of parchment. “I received a letter from one of my contacts in Canterlot, Dr. Hoofen Mouth. He's having a tough time of it with a particularly persistent pet, and the owners insist something is wrong with it. He feels that there night be something... spiritual to do with it.”
“Oh my,” she frowned. “What kind of pet?”
“A ferret, a very young one, that seems to go into spasms at random moments, eats off and on, refuses to drink water... the family is worried that is might be possessed.”
Fluttershy couldn't help but give her head a little shake. All things considered it probably wasn't much more than an irritable ferret. And if it was anything spiritual, it wouldn't be possession. “So you told them about me?”
He shrugged. “Well, I didn't, but Hoofen did mention that you are a practicing druid and might be able to... well, if not help, at least give them peace of mind.”
She nodded. “I'd be happy to. When will they be coming down this way?”
“Oh, um...” he rubbed his head. “Well, the thing is, they can't exactly come down here.”
“uh, what?”
“Well, dear, I'm afraid they can't afford any long term travel. The family is fairly large, with four children. The mother works as a tea maker and the father is a freelance scribe. They don't have the funds to come out here, nor could they afford so much time away from their work.” He looked up at her with a slight smile. “So... they were hoping that you might be able to... you know, come up there?”
Fluttershy gave a slight shiver and toyed with her fingers. “Oh, I don't know. You know how I get whenever I have to go into a city. It's just, it's always so noisy and crowded and congested.”
“I understand. The letter did say that aside from the concern of the family and the occasional fits, the ferret was fine, and all his vitals were up to snuff.”
Fluttershy shuffled a tad. “Well, I... I don't want the poor animal to suffer any. Are you certain they can't bring it down here?”
He shook his head. “I'm sorry dear, but Hoofen made it very clear that they couldn't make the trip, and they didn't know anyone who could take it out here either.”
“Hmm, well...” she poked her fingers together. “Perhaps it wouldn't be so bad if we went down there together.”
Her husband coughed lightly and turned back to his work, picking up the quill and nibbling on the end of the tattered griffon feather.
Fluttershy frowned. “You... won't be able to come with me, will you?”
He sighed, looking up at her guiltily. “Fluttershy, honey, my flower, you know that I would if I could...”
She smiled and waved away his words. “I understand, my dear.” She leaned forward and pecked his cheek. “You don't have to defend yourself around me. I know you are busy here.” She pat his shoulder. “Lots of customers coming down soon?”
“You remember the Uppercrusts? They'll be bringing down their prized peacock collection, all seven of them, for a routine checkup, and you know how snippy they can be.”
“Well, I don't know, a few gentle pats and a little bit of preening and they can be just as docile as any other bird I've met.”
“I was talking about the Uppercrusts,” he said teasingly.
She blinked and let out a light giggle, smiling at him. “Oh Paw Prints, they aren't that bad.”
“Yes, I agree, I'm probably being a little too nice to them.” He grinned. “I guess you just bring out the best in me, my love.” He nodded to her and stood up. “As I said before, the choice is yours. I don't think it will be that big of a travesty if you can't make it up to the city.”
She nodded, though she still looked a little uncertain. Angel leaped up onto her shoulder again and ran his paw through her pink locks in a comforting manner. She smiled. “Oh, thank you Angel.” She reached up and tickled under his chin. “I don't have to make a decision right away, of course.”
“Indeed.” He nodded. “Now, I think it's time I took a break.” His stomach grumbled and he blushed a little. “Er, and get something to eat. I kind of forgot to have lunch today.”
Fluttershy clucked her tongue. “Oh, dear, what would you do without me.” She smiled. “I'll go out and pick something fresh for dinner. Why don't you go and set the table?”
“Certainly.” He stood up, grunting a bit, his legs popping after having been stationary for so long.
Fluttershy frowned. “Has your leg been acting up again?”
“No, dear, it's been fine.” He gave his left leg a light rub. “Just a little stiff. I'll be fine.” He reached to the side of his desk and took out a small walking cane, far smaller and more practical than the bulky staff she carried with her. “You go on, I'll have the table set when you come back in.”
She nodded. “Of course. Is soup all right for tonight?”
“Sounds lovely,” he agreed. “Carrot?”
“How about peas as well?”
“You always did like the eclectic mixes, didn't you dear?” he teased softly, making her blush.
She giggled and nodded. “I'll be back before long.” She gave him another kiss. On her shoulder, she could hear Angel giving a mock gag as she pulled away. “Oh Angel, don't be like that.”
“Yes, we could always throw your cut to the cows out back.”
Angel let out something of a hiss and Paw Prints just laughed. Fluttershy giggled as well, stroking the rabbit's head to calm him. “Come on, Angel Bunny. We have some work to do.” She nodded to her husband and then headed out the way she had come, resuming her humming.
She walked around back, past a small fenced area where a couple of cows mooed their greetings to her. She nodded to them, waving at them as though addressing other ponies and continued on her way, to the very back, where a small, tilled area rested, the vegetable and fruit garden. The plants looked quite healthy, but as it was the end of the season, not many of the plants were producing right now, and those that were didn't have much to show for their efforts. Fluttershy set her staff to the side and lowered herself down onto her knees, clasping her hands together. Angel dropped off of her shoulder and to the side. She took a glance back towards the house to make sure her husband wasn't watch and smiled. “Now be sure to stay quiet about this, Angel. You know how Paw Prints gets when I use too much magic at once.”
The rabbit gave a nod and mimed zipping his mouth shut. Nodding her thanks, the pegasus took another deep breath, closing her eyes and bowing her head, resting both of her hands down in the soft soil. All she had to do was imagine herself as a root, snaking its way through the ground towards her pants. She just needed to concentrate, to let life flow naturally as she shared her energy with the world around her. She felt it flowing out of her, trickling down and out into the soil, naturally seeing out the closest living beings that it could find. She smiled, feeling as though she were being held by the roots, like she was one with them.
Her heart sped up and her breath quickened. She felt herself growing lightheaded as energy was dripped from her. She let out a groan, trying to her best to regulate how much of her energy she was letting free. This was a very delicate process. Release too much energy and she could fall unconscious, or worse. It was basically the equivalent of starving herself, and she had learned very early on to be very conservative with her magic. But if she didn't release enough of it, quickly enough, the magic wouldn't take hold and would not have the desired effects. Such was the unfortunate trade-off when using druidic magics.
Her ears perked as she heard plants shifting and writhing nearby. Her body trembled when she felt herself letting loose, but she did not stop. She gave one last push before opening her eyes again. The world was spinning around her and she shivered, removing her hands from the soil. She flopped backwards, onto her back, her wings sprawling out, her arms and legs laying limp along with them. She took in deep, calming breaths, and waited patiently for the sky above to realign itself. She rolled her head to the side, where a more patient than usual Angel was watching her, his arms crossed and his foot tapping against the ground, though his eyes showed a large amount of concern.
“Don't worry about me,” she said, her voice quiet. “Just need to.. lay down for a second.” She took another breath. “Think I might have pushed too hard again. Angel, how'd I do?”
The rabbit looked towards the plans she had been working on and gave a happy nodded, clapping his hands together.
“Oh good,” she said with a nod. “Then we did get enough for a decent meal.” She breathed out again. “It's always harder to will a crop to grow when it's getting close to winter,” she mumbled, rubbing her eyes, attempting to keep away. “Come on, Fluttershy, you have to go and get dinner ready,” she scolded herself, forcing herself up to her knees again and taking a look at the fruits of her labor. A small patch of carrots had grown to full size, and the bean plant near the front had fostered a good basketful of sprouts. As she stared at them, she felt herself saddened by the fact that she could not share this power with others. Druidism, the act of living through nature, was an art that not many ponies believed was a proper way to live. There were, of course, the sacrifices one had to make for the training, and it was a very harsh art to learn. But the benefits were certainly worth it.
Drawing herself up to her legs, Fluttershy took a minute to make sure she was still able to move without flopping back down onto her face, and then moved to begin drawing the newly acquired harvest from the ground.
As she plucked, Angel moved to assist, drawing carrots from the ground, and tossing them into her basket. She smiled at the little familiar as he moved from carrot to carrot, of course helping himself to one occasionally, but there was nothing she could do about that. “Not too man,” she commented. “Don't want you to spoil your appetite for the soup!” She hummed and dropped a handful of bean sprouts into the basket on top of the carrots. “There, that should be plenty for three.” She frowned and looked over the plants. “And I think that might be the last time I'll be able to use my powers for a while. I don't want to overdo it. The spirits might think I'm taking advantage of them.” she picked up the half full basket, which angel had decided to deposit himself in, and started back towards the cottage, but stopped when she felt Angel swatting at her hand. “Angel?” she asked, looking down at him with a frown. “What's wrong? Did I miss a few sprouts?”
The rabbit began to point frantically out towards the wastes and her eyes followed his erratic motions. Her eyes widened as she saw two figures stumbling towards her cottage out in the distance. She squinted, placing her hand over her eyes to keep the sun out of them. It looked like two ponies. Two ponies out in the wastes? What in the name of Tartarus were they thinking? Picking up her staff, her exhaustion forgotten, she dashed out to meet them halfway, waving her staff back and forth. “Hello!” she called out, raising her timid voice as loud as she dared. “Hello out there!”
The two seemed to have heard them because they waved back, one of them, a light blue mare with a silver mane shouting back, “Hello!” in a tired, parched voice.
She nodded and met the two of them at the edge of the wastes. “What,” she started, looking at the two of them, “are you two doing out here?” she asked, her eyes traveling over the two. Both were dressed in ragged, well worn tunics, but the blue mare that had spoke also wore a rather well woven cape and hat, decorated with lovingly crafted stars and constellations running all over them. They were in notably better shape than the other clothing they wore.
The blue mare's companion, a golden-furred mare with a yellow and red streaked mane, wiped her brow and looked back out into the wastes. “We uh... got stranded,” she said.
“Stranded?” Fluttershy asked. “But who would take you into the wastes to begin with? Everypony knows that place is to be avoided at all costs.”
The blue mare shook her head. “Expedition,” she answered. “We Were working out there. Trying to figure out what made it tick.” She shook her head. “Attacked by something... strange. Lost track of the others. Wandered around until we got back out here.”
“Oh my... are you two all right?”
“Tired,” the blue mare said.
“Thirsty,” the golden one added.
“Hungry,” they both said at once.
Fluttershy nodded. “Well please, let's get you two inside and rested before you go and collapse on us.” She motioned to the cottage and took their hands. “Angel, be a dear and go let Paw Prints know we have guests?”
the rabbit crossed his front paws, glaring up at the two strange mares with penetrating black eyes, a scowl all over his face. Fluttershy frowned down at him. “Angel,” she said with a sigh, “Please, go and let Paw Prints know that we will have guests for dinner.”
The rabbit still glowered at the two of them.
Fluttershy frowned and put her hands on her hips, and glared down at the unfortunate rabbit. Her eyes seemed to radiate a strange kind of power. The rabbit shrank back and shuddered a little bit, hopping away a bit before he turned away, prancing back inside the open door. “There we go,” she nodded. “He can be a little stubborn, but he does listen after a few gentle nudges.” She looked back at the two confused mares. “I'm sorry, I don't think I caught your names.”
The blue mare gave her a slight smile. “Trixie,” she said.
“Sunset Shimmer,” the other said. They bothered offered her quick bows as they were ushered inside.
“Well don't worry,” fluttershy said with a slight smile, adjusting the basket of vegetables at her side. “We're going to get you both feeling much better before long.” She started to walk inside, but as she entered, she could vaguely here one of the mares whispering excitedly to one another.
The only words she caught were, “She's one of them...”

Applejack couldn't help but feel impressed when she was let inside of Blue Blood's mansion. She was a farm pony, and the biggest building she'd ever seen before had been her family's barn. That had been a simple, wide open area for storing produce and taking care of what few livestock they kept. But this? This put their barn to shame. She was certain she could spend a week exploring all the different rooms around the place and still not see everything that they had to offer. “So this is how noble ponies live,” she mused as a scribe ushered her inside. Rarity stood by her side, the smile she had been wearing before completely absent from her face as she assumed a distressingly stoic expression.
If there was anything that seemed to impress Applejack more than the place's apparent size, it was how gaudily it was decorated. Well, perhaps 'impress' was not the right word. Surprise her might have been a better way to put it. After all, this was all just things. All useless, gaudy things, and he had them decorating the entire wall and sides of the mansion as if they served some practical purpose. “Ah can see why somepony would wanna come in here Y'all got so much fancy stuff, it's like a thieve's paradise.”
“For the most part,” Rarity stated, waving her hand at one of the large statues sitting at the corner of one of the wider hallways. “It would take an entire team of stallions to lift that thing on their own.”
Applejack shrugged. “Still, havin' all this priceless stuff just layin' around? I'm surprised y'all haven't been hit by brigands already.”
“This is a pretty quiet village. While thieves are a problem, my husband's personal guards do usually keep them out, and back when the Canterlot soldiers patrolled the area, we never had to worry about them at all.”
“Same fer mah farm. Ever since them patrols stopped, we've been havin' run-ins with brigands quite a bit.” She chuckled and pushed her hate up. “Sure is lucky fer us they ain't the brightest set, or we might've had quite a problem on our hands.”
Rarity chuckled. “To be sure, yes.”
“Where does all this stuff come from anyway?”
“My husband purchases it, when the caravans come through. There are a few ponies who specialize in selling expensive odds and ends and Blue Blood fancies himself something of a collector.” She rolled her eyes. “Whenever an opportunity arises to add to his collection, he's quick to take it up.” She pat the edge of a large landscape painting by one Water Colors, of the Canterlot castle during the Summer Sun celebration. “Though, half the time, I don't know if he really knows or cares what he's buying so long as it happens to have an outlandish price tag upon it.”
She frowned. “Well that makes about as much sense as an apple pie with no crust.” She shook her head. “An' how does he keep getting all this money in the first place? Most ponies hafta get a job fer that to happen.”
She sighed. “He's nobility, as I said. Even if his family practically banished him out here (and me along with him), they do still provide for us. He receives a sizable allowance from his parents' estate back in Canterlot, and that is what pays for our luxury.” She sighed. “While most other ponies around here are living day to day, hoping to keep up enough to pay for their meals.” She closed her eyes. “Coming out here... it really highlights quite a difference between Canterlot and the rest of the nation.”
“Whaddya talkin' about?” Applejack asked. “I hear plenty of talk about those fancy cities all over the place. Like up in Tokhayo or somethin'.”
“Yes, the cities are always in good condition because they have a good bit of economy and opportunity to them. But out here? Farm communities and transfer villages like this live and die based on whether or not they can make a product to send to one of those big cities. I'm sure you're aware of that much at least.”
“Well yeah, but mah family never really needed to worry before. Our apple farm's always got plenty of buyers from all over Equestria. We ain't never lacked fer money to keep us cozy.”
“You're lucky. Smaller farms are often lucky to get enough to see them through the winter, and the ponies who aren't lucky enough to be perfect artisans or farm ponies find it a bit difficult to find steady employment.” She sighed. “And I hate the fact that they go hungry while I'm stuck in here.”
“Well, why don't you just give away some of the money yah don't need?” Applejack suggested.
“Yes, that seems to be the best idea,” she stated. “The problem is, I'm married to Blue Blood.” She gave a short, humorless bark of laughter. “That tightwad probably wouldn't loosen his purse strings if his mother's life depended on it.”
Applejack massaged the back of her head, uncomfortably. “Ah don't mean to sound crass, but if yah find yer husband so downright despicable, why're you still with him?”
Rarity closed her eyes. “For my own family's sake. The money is good, and Blue Blood's more affable family members have seen to it that my mother, father, and little sister have been well cared for since I left home. I fear that if I leave this thing I call a husband, then his family will cut them off. I wouldn't see them furnished in luxury only for it to be taken away because I made a selfish decision.”
Toying with her hat for a moment, the farm pony nodded. “Gotta say, that's pretty dang big of ya, Rarity.”
“I'd like to think so,” she shrugged. “But I got myself into this bed, so I might as well sleep in it.”
Applejack pushed away the interesting images that conjured of Rarity actually having to share a bed with the upper class stallion and grunted, focusing her attention back on the gaudy décor surrounding her. “Where exactly are we goin' anyway? Feels like we've been walkin' ferever.”
“To the dining hall. My precious stallion,” she rolled her eyes again, “is most likely indulging himself at this time. He always eats whenever he's annoyed or frustrated or paranoid.”
“Does he eat often?”
“I'm surprised he can even afford all the paintings and statues after dealing with his food bill,” she answered.
The rest of their walk was spent in silence and soon enough they found their way to the dining area. Prince Blue Blood was indeed there, sitting at the edge of the table, several sweets surrounding him. Just from a glance, Applejack noted the presence of at least three kinds of pudding, two cakes, two pies, and several fancy looking pastries she'd never seen before. Was he really going to eat all of that? How'd he manage to keep his figure if he was that much of a glutton? She decided it was best to not question it.
Rarity approached him and smiled, lifting one of the goblets containing a chocolate pudding off of the table, which instantly drew a glare from the one consuming them. She picked up a spoon and, with a dainty scoop, drew a small spoonful from the cup, depositing the sweet substance into her mouth and giving a feline like face as she enjoyed the sensation in her mouth. Applejack surmised that she didn't eat sweets very often if that was her reaction.
Her husband continued to glare at her, even as she set the goblet and spoon back down. “Hello, dear,” he said through clenched teeth.
“Hello,” she greeted, sounding just as sweet as the pudding must have tasted. Maybe the pudding was the only thing that kept her civil around him, Applejack thought, as the two unhappy ponies began to stare one another down.
“I don't recall asking you to join me.”
“I don't recall having to ask your permission for anything that I do.”
He snorted. “Fair enough, but this is for my nerves, dear.” He tapped the large, sugar-saturated plate in front of him. “I'd appreciate it if you didn't touch my sweets?”
Rarity frowned. “I think you've had plenty, dear. And I doubt getting so hopped up on sugar that you'll never sleep again will truly help you should that thief return.”
“Oh shush,” he waved her away. “I'm not going to be dealing with the thief anyway.” He pointed towards Applejack. “That is her job.”
“For the night,” she stated. “And if the thief has any brains, they probably won't strike two nights in a row.”
“I refuse to take a chance,” he stated. “Besides, striking twice would probably be something that wouldn't be expected, so by taking extra precautions, I'd like to think I was actually being quite intelligent.”
Rarity rolled her eyes. “Very well, whatever you say. But what will you do when our new bodyguard,” she waved to Applejack, who had stepped back a pace as she let the two of them talk, “needs to leave? She's only here for a night after all.”
“We'll cross that bridge when we come to it,” he stated.
“Yes, and then you'll fall through it.” She leaned forward and poked him in the stomach.
He glared at her. “You better watch your tone.”
“Or what?” She asked, glaring right back. “You'll 'punish' me?” she asked, rolling her eyes again. She backed away and set a dramatic hand against her forehead. “Oh woe is may, I might have to endure the feeling of your hand against my poor buttocks, or perhaps a night without dinner.” She snorted and tossed her mane to the side. “You know, if that thief does come back, I hope they take a bit more. Maybe the loss of your funds would actually teach you a bit of humility.” She turned away and began to walk off.
Growling, Blue Blood stood up, and walked up behind her, rearing back and striking at her backside, making the white mare jump in surprise. “You'll learn some respect one day,” he growled, rubbing his palm.
Applejack gasped a bit, worried for her friend, but the mare just shot her husband a glare, rubbing at her flank in mild annoyance as she exited the room with her nose in the air. The farm pony watched her go and frowned. “There weren't no call fer that, Mr. Blue Blood.”
“LORD Blue Blood,” he reminded her, crossing his arms. “And I don't need a farm pony to tell me how to deal with an errant wife.”
Applejack bit back a retort about how Rarity was about as errant as he was generous, but she didn't think that he was very good as recognizing sarcasm, so she let the issue go. “So, exactly what'll ah be guardin' while ah'm here?”
He grunted and wiped his mouth before snapping his fingers. A nearby servant began to clear the table, taking even the plates of goods he had yet to consume. “Follow me, Applepie,” he stated.
“Applejack,” she corrected.
“Whatever.” He began to move towards the hall.
She sighed, toying with her hat again. “Great. More walkin'.” She followed after him, down another gaudy hall so full of statues and useless testaments to his wealth that she was surprised they could even walk safely down it without tripping over something. They ascended a flight of stairs, which were, of course, decorated in an even more lavash fashion, before finally arriving at a set of ornate double doors. “This is my personal chamber,” he stated, opening it with a small smile and motioning for her to come in.
She raised a brow. “Is it really necessary fer me to go in there? Ah'm here to guard yer money, ain't I?”
He nodded. “Yes, well, I tend to keep my money nearby.”
“Uh-huh.” She raised a brow. “An' so the thief still managed to get in here, steal a bag, and take off?”
“Yes, that's right. Knocked out the guards in front, threatened to cut off my beautiful tail,” he gave his permed tail a cautious stroke, “forced me to give up the location of my safe, grabbed a large sack of bits, and took off again. None of my bodyguards were able to stop him.”
“Ah see.” She nodded, slowly walking into the room. If the rest of the house was gaudy, then his room was nauseating. Every inch of it was covered in tributes to himself. The walls were lined with portraits of him in several different poses and places, but all of them bore his trademark grin, that disgusting, smug look of self satisfaction. Along the floors, and lining the dressers and other odds and ends were several other sculptures and statues, all bearing his annoying visage, each crafted with great care down to the last detail to make sure that it was clear just what a pompous ass he was. Applejack felt truly sorry for the poor artisans who had wasted hours, days, perhaps even weeks to create these worthless testaments to one stallions ego. Still, she hoped they were at least well compensated for their time.
Perhaps the worst of them all was the absolutely massive mural that hung above his belt, a large circular mattress easily large enough to fit four and piled high with far more pillows than any one stallion would need. It depicted him, a rose in his mouth, shirtless and barely decent, laying on the very bed that laid below it, looking out at her with a come-hither stare.
It took a sizable amount of will power to avoid retching at the sight. Perhaps taking her chances out on the streets would have been a preferable alternative if that was what she had staring down at her all night. “All right,” she said, coughing, and looking away, anywhere except at the mural. “So where's all that money Ah'm lookin' after?”
He raised a brow. “Why do you want to know?”
“Well, if a thief does break in, your job is to just stop them from getting into the vault, or threatening me for the information,” he stated. “You don't need to know exactly where I keep my money, now do you?”
She shrugged. “Alright, alright, Ah get it. Sorry, Ah didn't mean to imply nothin'. If you want me to stand in here and keep you an' yer money safe, that's what Ah'll do.”
“Excellent.” he smiled a little. “You will be posted as a guard in here when the sun goes down, after you've had your evening meal. We did agree on that, yes?”
“Course,” she said with a nod.
His smile grew wider. Applejack began to grow a little uncomfortable. “Excellent. I'm sure you won't disappoint me, then.” He began to draw a bit closer, his eyes traveling up and down her body. To the farm mare, it seemed like he couldn't decide whether he should be looking at her with attraction or distaste. “And I must admit, for a farm pony, you certainly seem to have quite a figure.”
His lack of subtlety made Applejack lower her ears in annoyance. “Beg pardon?”
“Just making a casual observation,” he said, walking around her, playing at going to the small writing desk at the end of the room, though Applejack could feel his eyes traveling down her back, towards her flank. She turned around to keep him in view.
“Well, it ain't cause I'm tryin' to draw someone's eyes,” she stated, frowning at him.
“Of course,” he said, waving his hand. “Most farm ponies are married to their work after all.” He gave a sniff and smiled at her again. “But should you find yourself wanting a bit more of a reward for your services...” he began, tapping his fingers together, “My wife and I do not share the same bed anymore. We have... differences in sleeping habits.”
A polite way of noting that they couldn't stand being near one another, Applejack thought. She knew what he was getting at, and she didn't like it... if he went any further...
“So, I do offer my bed to you should you feel the room is secure enough and you wish to... relax for a time.” He chuckled. “I'm sure you've never slept on anything more comfortable than a hay mattress, and I've certainly never had a commoner grace my chamber before.”
If he was trying for any sort of subtlety, he wasn't good at it, at all. Trying her best to keep the scowl off of her face for the sake of being civil, Applejack removed her hat and tossed her mane to the side. “Y'all are married,” she stated. “An' married to, as far as I can tell, a pretty wonderful mare already. Even if Ah was so inclined,” 'An' thank the empress I ain't,' she thought, “Ah wouldn't dream of comin' between you two that way.”
His smile faded and he crossed his arms. “Life has already come between us,” he answered with a snort. “That mare doesn't know how good she's got it here, and treats me like dirt when I give her all that she could ever want.”
“Ah think she's got a right good idea bout how good she's got it,” Applejack said, replacing her hat on her head. “Now, I ain't interested in talkin' about this stuff no more. Thanks fer the offer, but Ah'm happy with a meal and a place to stay fer the night.” She turned and started for the door. “Ah'm just gonna take a quick walk around, get familiar with the place afore tonight.”
She felt a hand grip her shoulder. She stopped and sighed, feeling him squeeze. He had quite a weak grip. “I'm not used to being refused,” he stated.
“Funny,” she said with a light smile. “Livin' with Rarity, Ah woulda thought you'd be used to it, judgin' by the way you two went at it in the dining hall.” Before he could respond, she grabbed his hand and gave it a painful twist, pulling his fingers backwards. He hissed and dropped to one knee as she continued to push back on his fingers. “An' Ah don't rightly like stallions puttin' their hands on me like that. It's just plain rude, sugar.” She gave a light smirk. “An' lemme make this perfectly clear, since y'all don't seem to understand: I ain't interested in you in any way, an' even if ya weren't married, Ah still wouldn't wanna touch you with a pole stretchin' over Sea Serpent Bay. We clear?”
The wincing stallion gave a nod. “Crystal,” he said through clenched teeth, letting out another his of pain.
Applejack released his hand and nodded. “Much obliged. Now, like Ah said, Ah gotta get a feel fer this place if Ah'm gonna do mah job proper. Be seein' you later, Blue Blood.” She turned and walked out, not waiting for a rebuttal, leaving a very annoyed and glaring stallion behind.

The moon hung beautiful above the world that night. The stars seemed to be shining brighter than usual, as though commanding the world to look up and take notice of them. Not a cloud was in the sky, not a thing obscuring their twinkle and shine. Rarity had no choice but to declare the entire thing as Fabulous.
She had slid out of her room a while before, under the pretense of going out for a late night stroll. The servants never thought anything of it, the guards never paid any attention, and her husband certainly wasn't going to do or say anything to her. So, she walked around the outside and into a nearby alleyway, being sure that she was not followed. She took a deep breath and pulled a change of clothing out from under her robes. She let her other clothes fall off of her and took a deep breath as the cool night breeze washed over her bare body. Shivering, she began to pull on her new outfit. The black body suit had been made to cover every inch of her, and to keep her as anonymous as possible. Everything, even her mane and tail, were covered, save for her eyes. She took another deep breath, depositing her other outfit down at the bottom of a crate of discarded fabrics she had thrown out earlier in the day, knowing that they would blend in well should anyone come by to take a look. “Lyra,” she whispered. “Are you there?”
“Right here,” came the response as a similarly dressed mare in a matching black outfit walked out. “Bon bon's got the wagon set up for our escape. You have your entrance strategy all planned out, right?”
“Of course. And I'll be able to slip back in just as easily when the job is done.” She looked towards her friend. “What about you? You and Bon bon have a place to hide out as well, right?”
“Well yeah. But I don't see what the big deal is. Blueblood didn't exactly have his goons combing the streets after we hit him last night.”
“True, but he is getting paranoid, and hitting him a second night in a row is definitely going to rouse some suspicions on us.”
“Specially if we happen to get a bigger payoff this time.” She pat the blade by her side. “Got your swords?”
Rarity pat the two hidden blades she'd tied to the waist of her outfit. “I'm ready. But remember, we don't draw our swords unless it is completely necessary.”
“I know, I'm not a moron.” she huffed.
“Sometimes I really do have to wonder,” Rarity whispered to herself. “Right, I'll approach from the left.”
“Right.”
“No, the left.”
“I got it. I'm going in from the right, you go in from the left, right?”
Rarity groaned. “This is not the time for played out comedy routines. Let's just get in there and get it done.”
“Right.”
Rarity huffed and nodded to her. The two black clad mares began to make their approach back towards the mansion, ducking into whatever shadows were available. The outer gardens were an excellent place to hide and approach, as, just like the halls of the mansion, they were full of gaudy, terrible works of what Blue Blood considered 'art'. Dozens of strangely trimmed bonsai trees, odd or exotic flower beds, and hedge sculptures allegedly imported from Griffonia dotted the bright green grass carpeting the pathways leading up to the mansion. A few bored stallions patrolled the outer grounds in a circular motion, constantly moving from one side of the area to the other. Their pattern was simple and predictable, and neither of them were particularly attentive to their duty, even after the robbery only a night ago.
Either they didn't care much about their jobs, or they really didn't think a second robbery was likely to take place. It was one of the only benefits to having Blue Blood as a husband, most of the people working for him didn't like him either, and as such, they weren't particularly interested in impressing him.
Rarity lost sight of Lyra as the minty green unicorn ducked around the other side of the house. From here on out, she needed to make sure that she was moving with absolute certainty. Lyra would handle the security, drawing their attention away from Blue Blood's room while she moved in and grabbed as much as she could. Thirty seconds later, she moved for the window and ran like Tartarus until she could get to Bon bon's wagon, and then that was that. After she deposited the items, she would wait a while longer, make her way back over, redress, and make her way back home. Last night, she'd cut it too close sneaking in through her window. If she'd been caught there, that would have been it for her. It was only by claiming she had been accosted by the thief on his way out that she managed to avoid suspicion.
Taking a deep breath, she checked one of the windows, grinning as it clicked open. Oh how many times had she reminded the fool to keep these things locked, and not once had he ever listened to her. Now, she was more than grateful he had not listened to her. She took a quick glance around to make sure none of the guards were wandering about this hallway before she hopped it, grunting a bit. “Should have chose a bigger window,” she mumbled, squeezing through it. “Ugh.”
She took another glance around, closing the window behind her as she shuffled down the hallway, bent forward and sticking to the shadows cast by the various statues around her. It wasn't like she had to worry too much. Just like outside, the soldiers within were moving in a slow, predictable pattern that she was quite familiar with, mostly because she had been the one to coordinate her. Of course, Blue Blood had been quick to take credit for the organization of his estate, though no one really believed he was capable of something like that.
She peeked her head around the corner and took a moment to watch the two guards standing at the foot of the stairs leading up to her husband's room, and waited.
A loud tapping started to come form the other side of the mansion and the guards frowned for a moment. Rarity could hear soldiers moving towards the sound from all over the mansion and ducked behind a large vase at the corner, waiting until the passed. Peeking back out, she saw the staircase was unguarded, but a glint of starlight at the top of the stairs alerted her to two more guards who remained at their posts. She gave a grunt of annoyance. It would seem she'd have to fight after all. And she knew just how to handle this. Taking a deep breath, she unwrapped her horn from the black scarf she had used to obscure it and let it begin to glow for a moment. Then, with a quick burst of speed, she dashed for the stairs, darting up it. She could see the two guards readying their weapons as she approached, as she had anticipated, but before they could move to stop her, she launched a small bolt of magic forward. It smashed into the guard's head and he stumbled back against the wall, groaning and sliding down to the ground, knocked out.
The other guard gasped. “A chi wizard!” he growled, moving forward to take a swing at her. As the blade was stabbed forward, she drew out her blade and swung it forward, pushing it out of the way quickly. Before he could rear back for a second strike, she leaned forward, pointing her horn right at him and firing it at him, point blank, the power of the strike sending him backwards, and into the door. He groaned and flopped forward, Rarity cursing as she stopped and listened. The sound didn't seem to have called any of the other guards away from Lyra's distractions. She did have to wonder just what her companion was doing to keep the guards attention. But that wasn't what she was worried about at the moment. The bang on the door most likely had disturbed Blue Blood's sleep, and would probably alert the other particular pony who was waiting on the other side of that door for her. She just had to hope that the mare on the other side of the door wouldn't be too hard to deal with.
She pushed open the door and found herself looking straight down the barrel of a gun.
Yep, this wasn't going to be as easy as she'd hoped.
“Howdy,” the farm pony greeted with a light grin. “The name's Applejack. Sorry, but Ah gotta ask yah to lay down fer a bit. Ah ain't too keen on thieves, so Ah'm afraid Ah can't let ya go much further than this.”
Rarity's eyes narrowed and she grunted, dropping her blade to the ground. It gave a light clatter and she raised her hands up. She'd not seen a gun before, but she'd heard about these weapons from afar, and her instincts told her that they were something she should be wary of. Applejack nodded. “Thanks,” she said honestly. “I really didn't wanna have to pull this here trigger.”
“Well, what are you waiting for?” Blue Blood shouting, sitting up in his bad. “Shoot her! Put her down before she tries to get away.”
Applejack rolled her eyes and glanced back at him. “Ah'm dealin' with it, Blue Blood.” She rolled her eyes. “Ain't like Ah'm up against a mastermind here. If she was stupid enough to come straight in here, Ah don't think she's more than a common thief.”
That look away was just what she needed. She quickly channeled another burst of magic into her horn, just enough to knock her backwards. It was roughly on par with the spell she'd used against the guards outside. As applejack turned back towards her, she launched the spell, straight into her chest.
Much to her surprise, Applejack just stumbled back, catching herself, slightly winded, but otherwise not hurt. She rushed forward and knocked the gun away, out of her hand, drawing her sword out and pushing the point towards her. Applejack tensed, frowning down at it. “Well, Ah guess Ah asked fer that, lettin' mah guard down like that, but this seems mighty unfair here.”
Rarity gave a grunt and looked over to the gun with a slight grunt. She drew back, moving around Applejack to the gun, picking it up by the barrel. Then, in what she believed to be a very, VERY stupid move, she offered it back to her.
Raising her brow, Applejack too it, examining it for a moment. Rarity sheathed her blade, but backed up a step and took a fighter's stance.
Blue Blood laughed. “What is this? A thief that actually displays a sense of honor? This is rich! You've met your match, thief! Now hurry up and shoot her before she shoots you again!” he ordered.
Rarity watched Applejack's stance carefully, still holding her own. Finally, the farm pony smiled and set her gun to the side, taking a stance of her own. “Alright, partner. Yah got my respect, so let's do this clean, huh? No weapons, no magic.”
The disguised white mare smiled under her black cloth that kept her face hidden. She'd known that Applejack wouldn't have been cruel enough to turn the gun on her a second time, and Rarity would never have had the heart to use the blade on anyone anyway. This did put her at a huge disadvantage, but she could still make this work. All she had to do was outthink her. Applejack might have been a tough farm pony, but Rarity was willing to bet tactics weren't a big part of her repertoire. She just had to bait her into a trap, and then...
Applejack lunged forward, swinging a fist towards her. Rarity ducked out of the way, chopping towards the farm pony's side, hoping to make her stumble. But as her fingers connected, she winced and jumped away, rubbing at her hand. It was like trying to fight a brick wall. A brick wall that could move and possibly break her skull with a good aimed strike, of course.
Applejack came at her again, this time attempting a kick, faster than Rarity could dodge. She threw up both of her arms to block it, but the impact sent her tumbling head of her heels backwards. She curled herself up and let herself roll over once before landing back on her feet, wincing as pain surged up through her forearms. She couldn't keep blocking strikes like that. She'd be hammered into the ground!
She had to go on the offensive, keep her opponent of balance, and she had to end this soon. Blue Blood was screaming bloody murder for his guards, and eventually someone was going to come in here just to shut him up, regardless of how loud or blatant Lyra was with her distractions. She was actually surprised the two stallions out front hadn't woken up already and started terrorizing her. She leaped forward, throwing several quick but weak punches towards Applejack's face. The farm pony bobbed out of the way, ducking to the side, but was unable to mount a counter offensive as another flurry came towards her. She frowned and began to back up.
That's what Rarity wanted. All she had to do was get her backed into the corner. She began to throw a few kicks into the mix as well, but then Applejack did something she wasn't expecting. She took a kick, right to her side, and threw her hand down, grabbing her leg. Rarity's eyes widened and she tried to pull away, but Applejack held firm, smirking. “Y'all got some pretty fancy moves there, but yer way too flashy, partner.” She gripped her leg with both arms pulled her around, literally throwing the unfortunate would-be thief into the wall, the impact causing several pictures to tumble to the ground, and all air to escape Rarity's lungs.
She coughed, crumpling to her side and arching her back to try and alleviate some of the pain rushing through her. Her vision blurred for a split second and she groaned, rubbing her eyes. Applejack was coming in to make sure she didn't get up. She reached over and grabbed the nearby painting that had dropped off of the wall and picked it up, swinging it as hard as she could at the incoming pony.
Moving as fast as she was, Applejack didn't have time to mount an effective defense and took the hit from the painting full in her face. It didn't really hurt that much, but the splintering of the fram worried her, having so much sharp little wood near her eyes, so she quickly stumbled back for the sake of her sight. Rarity leapt up and jumped forward, planting both of her feet firmly in Applejack's just as really throwing her off balance, sending her tumbling backwards, towards the doorway. Coughing, Applejack clutched at her ribs and pulled herself up to her knees, taking deep breaths.
Rarity saw her chance. She had to move fast here. She turned towards the vault on the wall and hurriedly entered the combination. Eight to the left, nine to the right, three to the left. It clicked and she threw it open. She'd wasted too much time already, she should have been out of here several minutes ago. She grabbed two large bags of bits, turning to give one quick satisfied sneer at the screaming stallion in his bed before she turned away and tried to dash for the door.
However, the escape rout was blocked off by a sudden rush of stallions standing in her way. Two with spears, two with short swords, and one last one holding Lyra's arms behind her back, while she squirmed and writhed, trying to get loose. Her mask had been removed and she blushed in embarrassment. “Hey there,” she greeted lightly. “Heh, I got kinda cocky.”
Rarity growled after a moment. They'd pushed their luck too far. Everything might have turned out okay if she hadn't had to worry about Applejack, but she'd underestimated the farm pony.
“Drop your weapons!” one of the guards ordered.
She growled and did so, slowly taking the blade from its sheath and tossing it to the side. Applejack got up and took a deep breath, approaching her cautiously. “Well, glad that's over.” She looked at Blue Blood. “Ah'd say Ah've earned mah keep.”
“Certainly,” the stallion answered, taking a deep breath, standing up. “Now, let's see just who we're dealing with here.” He motioned to Applejack to remove her cowl.
Rarity held up her hand as Applejack approached. If she was found out, she would at least have the honor of unmasking herself. “Well done, dear,” she said to Applejack. “I apologize for making your stay here unpleasant.” At Applejack's confused look, she sighed, reaching up and tugging off the black mask she wore, letting it drop to the side. She undid the bun keeping her mane steady and let it tumble down around her shoulders.
Applejack's eyes widened. “Rarity?”
Blue Blood gasped. “My own wife?!”
Rarity rolled her eyes. “Oh don't act so surprised,” she grumbled. “Of course it was me. How else would I know the combination to the vault? The guard's patrol patterns?” she smirked. “Right where your bedroom is?” She sighed. “And even after last night, this job would have been just as simple and quick as before, but I wasn't prepared for Applejack to be such an accomplished obstacle.”
Applejack frowned. “Well, Ah wasn't expectin' such a proper lady like yerself to try somethin like this.”
“Quite a good bit of cover, isn't it?” she asked with a small smile.
“Ah'll say.” Applejack chuckled. “But what'd you need money fer? Yer married to this joker.” She motioned towards a rather annoyed Blue Blood.
“Do you remember what we discussed earlier?” she asked. “About the ponies of this village? About the uncertainty of their livelihood? How it basically revolves around the outlying farms and the caravans that come through here? How the brigands have been terrible for business?”
“Course Ah remember,” Applejack said gently. “Tough to forget a talk like that so early in the day.” She gave a light smile.
Rarity returned it. “Blue Blood had more than enough, but I knew he would never willingly give it up, and even if he did, he'd try to find some sort of tax loophole or something to take it back as quick as possible.” She glowered at him.
“Oh, so you feel I should just give my family's fortune away?”
“At least it would be used for something more than this!” she pointed an accusing figure at the terrible mural hanging above his bed.
“And what is wrong with my mural?” he asked with a grunt.
“Because it's nothing more than vanity, plain and simple, and I cannot abide by it! I was a fool to ever think you were anything more than a lout, Blue Blood, and I can say without a hint of hyperbole that marrying you was the worst mistake I ever made in my life!”
“Well, living with you hasn't been much of a fun time either.” He huffed. “Always complaining and whining about something or other, how the house is cleaned, how the store is run, always begging me to endorse that stupid little fabric shop of yours.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Dress shop.”
“Well it doesn't matter one whit, because now that you've been exposed as a little charlatan and a thief, I think I will have you sent away for your crimes, and have that ugly little shop closed, perhaps torn down. It was cutting into my pocket book anyway.”
Rarity's ears flattened. “Very well. I suppose that is your right, as I am clearly outside the law...” she sighed. “But I ask for mercy for my compatriot.” She waved a hand towards Lyra, who blinked. “I recruited her into assisting me. She has a loving wife who will miss her, and she has prospects. I will take the fall for her, but let her go.”
Lyra frowned. “Rarity, no...”
Applejack smiled a little bit, finding the display kind of sweet.
Blue Blood snorted. “Gag me. She is just as guilty as you are, and she will face the same punishment as you. I see no reason for petty thieves to be brought before a magistrate court, so therefore, as the only noble in town, I shall pass judgement here and now.” He grunted. “Cut off their hands and make arrangements for them to be banished,” he ordered coldly. “And have Lyra's wife rounded up as well. I want her thrown out with them.”
Lyra's eyes narrowed. “You leave Bon Bon out of this!” she hissed. “She had nothing to do with this!”
“I don't believe you,” he stated. “Even if what you said was true, I would think she would be guilty by association. I won't take a chance on having a relation to a thief in my town.”
“YOUR town?!” Rarity snarled.
“Yes mine! Besides.” He smirked. “Without your pretty hands, you're going to want someone to help you with the most menial task.” He chuckled. “Now, restrain her, and take her away.”
Rarity looked down. Applejack frowned. “Rares,” she said, hand on her hip as two guards started to move towards her. “What'd you do with the money y'all took yesterday?”
“What do you think?” she asked with a small smile. “We made sure it got to people in town who could use it. And of course, Bon Bon got a good cut as well.” She shrugged as her arms were taken. “She needed it for her cafe.”
Applejack nodded it. “Ah see.” She sighed. “Ah ain't too much of a fan of thieves... but the world ain't just black and white.”
Blue Blood rolled his eyes. “Oh, it doesn't matter anymore. You earned your meal and your lodging here. In fact, I'd love to have you brought on permanently after this. You were...”
he was interrupted as the barrel of Applejack's gun found its way beneath his chin. “Ah'm getting real sick of yer voice, buddy.” She looked towards the guards, who tensed up. “Now, Ah'm pretty sure y'all might not have seen a gun before, but Ah'm willin' to bet y'all at least know what they can do, and despite the fact that y'all probably hate this sad sack much as Ah do, y'all ain't gonna let anything happen to him, right?” She nodded. “So let's just get this sorted. Let Rarity and Lyra go.”
Rarity's eyes widened. “Applejack, what are you doing?!”
“Ah'm doin' what's right. If there's one thing ah can't stand more than a thief, it's a pompous ass, and this jerk sure does qualify. Now, let em go!”
The guards glanced at one another, and then at Blue Blood, who gulped. “What are you waiting for?” he shouted. “Do as she says, you idiots!”
They nodded and released Lyra and Rarity from their grip. Rarity rubbed her wrists and nodded, picking up her blade again, sheathing it and running to Lyra's side. “Are you all right?”
“I'm fine. They were gentle.” She smiled. “You?”
She nodded. “I'm fine.”
Applejack nodded. “Alright, now all y'all clear the entrance, she ordered. The guards did as requested. Keeping her gun pointed at Blue Blood, Applejack moved towards the door. “C'mon you two, time to go.”
Rarity nodded, walking out with her. The two unicorns slammed the doors closed behind them and pushed over two large statues in front of it. “That'll buy us some time,” Lyra observed.
Rarity nodded. “Is Bon bon still waiting for us?”
“Of course!” Lyra said. “She wouldn't take off without us, no matter how big a risk it was.”
“Well, that's might fine to hear,” Applejack said, grunting as she shouldered her pack. Rarity had to wonder why she hadn't taken that off during their entire fight. “Ah don't think Ah'll be welcome here anymore anyway.” She smiled. “Mind if Ah tag along?”
“Of course,” Rarity said with a small smile as the three of them began to move down the stairs towards the front door. “It's the least I can do for you after you just saved our lives.”
Applejack blushed and fiddled with her hat for a moment. “Aw, shucks, t'ain't nothin' at all, Rares.”
Rarity smirked as they burst through the front door. Rarity wasted no times in launching two paralyzing bolts at the two guards standing outside, who had remained vigilant, or rather, didn't care what was happening. Both of them crumpled under the power magic bursts.
Applejack chuckled. “Real nice trick there, Rares. How long you been able to do that?”
She smiled. “My grandmother was a practicing chi wizard. She passed on a few spells to me that she knew before she passed on, and I've made quite a good use of them.” She winked.
“Thief, seamstress, an' wizard. Y'all just never cease to surprise me.”
“Trust me, darling, I'm quite the complicated woman.”
“If you two are done flirting, do you think we could hurry up and get to the wagon before Blue Blood sends all his goons after us?” Lyra asked with a small grunt as she leaped over a low bush in the way.
Rarity blushed and Applejack just laughed. “We... we were not flirting, you silly mare!”
“Whatever you say, Rarity, let's just get out of here! Bonbon should be parked just beyond the outer rim of the property, near the main road!”
The three of them forwent any more conversation in favor of making a bit of good headway towards their getaway. As they dashed off of the grounds and slid into an alleyway that led back towards the main road of the village, Rarity spied a large covered wagon trotting up towards them. “Bonbon's Bonbons” was crudely painted onto the side of the wagon. A mare stood at the front, her eyes covered by a large circular straw hat and most of her body, save for her feet, covered in a long, black robe. Tumbling down from the hate was a pink and purple streaked mane, and Rarity could barely make out the light, off white fur of Lyra's wife. She jumped up and dove into the wagon, quickly followed by Lyra and Applejack. Lyra stuck her head out of the front. “Go, Bonny! Quick!”
Bonbon nodded and took off, grunting as she pushed off from the ground, the large wagon lurching forward and rumbling down the road.
Rarity took a deep breath. “Bonbon,” she called from inside the wagon, “Keep going. Don't bother trying to hide, just get out outside the town as fast as you can.”
The wagon slowed for only a second, but picked right back up again after that. Applejack took off her hat, wiping her brow and making sure that her pack was still secure, patting at her side for her firearm. Rarity was only too glad she had been sensible enough not to fire a round while they were here. “Whew, well that sure wasn't the restful night Ah was hopin' fer, but Ah don't mind a bit of excitement.”
Rarity chuckled a bit. “Certainly wasn't what I was planning either. Well, looks like I'm out of my old life now, whether I like it or not.”
“Well, do you like it or not?” Lyra asked. “Come to think of it, do I like it or do I not? Bonbon and I can't exactly go back home now that Blue Blood knows my face. Which means Bonbon can't go back to her cafe, and can't sell her stuff around town. My lyre was already stolen, so I didn't really have a way to make an honest living at the moment either, but at least back in town I had a roof over my head. Well, I guess technically the wagon cover does count as sort of roof, and it is spacious in here, enough for me to call it a home. A mobile home, if you will...”
“Lyra.”
“Huh?”
“Cease.” Rarity raised her hand up.
The minty mare blushed and smiled, rubbing the back of her head. “Eheh, sorry.”
Applejack frowned and scratched her head. “She okay?”
Rarity nodded. “Yes, she's fine. Lyra's just Lyra.” She smiled. “So, Applejack, dear,” she said. “Where exactly were you headed before you stumbled into my shop?”
“Me?” she smiled. “Ah was headin' up to Canterlot to have a lil' chat with the Empress.”
Both the other mares blinked and looked towards her and the wagon slowed again. Evidently, Bonbon was hearing this conversation again. It picked up after a second of comprehension. Lyra cleared her throat. “You want to go and talk to the Empress? Just like that?”
“Well yeah. From what Ah hear, she ain't super stuck up like some of the nobility and whatnot. Heck, I hear stories all the time about her just lettin' random ponies in to see her in the throne room. Ah just wanna ask her a few questions about why we ain't seeing any more patrols of soldiers down near the borders anymore. Mah family really could use the added protection of the patrols, an' Ah know fer a fact this little village will probably have its own set of bandit problems before too long.”
“Yes, they do seem to be getting bolder, and their numbers are growing.” Rarity tapped her chin. “I suppose the protection we got from them was just something we didn't really think about until they weren't around anymore.”
Applejack nodded. “Yeah, an' now that it's gone, we ain't gonna be safe until they come back, but by that time, there might not be much left to defend.” She sighed. “So Ah decided to go up there and just ask what the hay is goin' on.” She looked back out the back of the wagon, towards the mansion, now hidden behind a way of other houses as they made their way out of the town. “Ah hope this ain't gonna cause too many problems fer us.”
“Don't worry,” Rarity said with a small smile. “Blue Blood might be vindictive, vengeful coward, but he's also lazy. Once we're out of his purview, he might send a letter of complaint home to his family, but I doubt they'll take his word seriously, and he'll probably grossly over exaggerate anyway.” She leaned back. “All things considered, I think it should be smooth sailing for all of us from here on out.”
“Fer all of us?” Applejack asked.
“Well, we don't really have anywhere to go now, and Canterlot seems as good a destination as any.”
Lyra nodded. “I'm all for it. Never have been to a big city before.” She stuck her face out the front. “What do you think, Bonny? Wanna go to Canterlot?” There was no answer, at least as far as Applejack and Rarity could hear. Lyra drew her head back in. “She says yes!” she said happily.
Rarity giggled. “I suppose it's settled then.” She smiled at Applejack. “I certainly hope you don't mind having some company during this trip.”
Applejack smiled. “Not at all, Rares. Not at all.”
“Glad to hear it.” She pat the wagon. “Mmm, at least we got ourselves a wagon. I can't imagine what it would do to my poor little feet if we had to WALK the entire way.”
Applejack frowned and looked down at her own feet for a moment, covered in the new shoes that Rarity had sold to her earlier that day. “An' what's wrong with walkin?”
Rarity blushed in embarrassment. “Oh, nothing dear... nothing at all... ehehehe...”