//------------------------------// // Chapter 24: New Opportunities // Story: Avatar: The Last Alicorn. Book 2: Earth Pony // by Jeweled Pen //------------------------------// “A-are you s-sure about this?” Coco squeaked as she nervously peered over the wall separating the rear of the tea shop from the rest of the city. The moon was hanging high in the sky, casting its dim glow across the barren streets. “Of course I am,” Suri whispered as she stared at the windows. “Once those water benders realize their water supply is leaking, they'll have no choice but to use their bending to clean up the damages. Obviously. Why do you keep having such problems with this? You're so lucky I took you under my hoof, you'd be absolutely useless on your own. Now, where's my coffee?” “Here, Suri,” the younger mare mumbled as she slowly held out a thermos. Inside the tea shop, Rarity murmured gently as she laid nestled in her nice, warm bed. She felt so comfortable, relaxed in her dreams. For once, she didn't envision horrible, awful things. Instead, she dreamed about having her own fashion exposé, with ponies lining up the halls for miles as they prepared to see her. Dresses, gowns, they all were created by the hundreds, her hooves moving like lightning as ponies stared in awe. So of course, it was doomed to end. A sudden shriek pierced the night, awakening her. “Huh? Wha?” she groaned as she sat up. She rolled over, her hoof grazing against the carpet... and coming back soaking wet. She froze. “It's everywhere!” Blueblood yelled. “By the stars!” Celestia cried. Rarity slid out of bed, squeaking as the carpet gushed water under her hooves. “What happened?” she squeaked as light filled the room. Blueblood stood in the entrance, a lit lamp held in his magic. The ground was soaking wet. There was even a small cockroach, drifting by on a boat made of a leaf. “AHHHH! We have cockroachs!” “It's from the kitchen!” Celestia called from the other room. The two unicorns looked each other in the eye, before galloping to see. One of a number of large metal canisters, which held their water, had burst, spilling its contents all across the floor. The contents flowed out like a waterfall. “Blueblood, can you seal it, please? I'm going to try finding the landlord.” “Here it is!” Suri whispered in excitement as she peered through the window. “Watch, he'll water bend it to get rid of the problem!” Coco didn't say a word, just watching through the window. Blueblood stepped towards the metal container, nodding his head. After a second, his horn lit on fire as he sent a flaming burst against the metal. Steam filled the air as the heat quickly melted the container back together, blocking the escaping liquid. “It looks like he's a fire bender...” “Shut up!” Suri hissed as she narrowed his eyes. “Fine, he's a fire bender. But that mare is obviously a water bender!” “Why would a fire bender be working with a water bender? They-” “Are you questioning me? After all the things I've done for you, after everything I've taught you. Is this the kind of way you repay my generosity?” Coco sighed and lowered her gaze. “I... I... no. I'm so sorry. I just thought...” “Leave the thinking to me, and keep watching, m'kay?” the mare said as she watched through the windows. The two remaining unicorns were running around, trying to save what they could from the water damage. Boxes of tea and other stored containers were placed on top of tables as the two worked. Finally, they began setting out towels to soak up the water. The earth pony growled. “Come on,” she snapped as she stormed away. “W-what? I thought we were-” “I'll think of another plan. Besides, it's late and I'm tired. You still have those designs of mine to cut out and sew, so we can't waste all night watching them. Now come along!” Coco let out a sigh as she hung her head. “Coming...” Rarity sighed as she wiped the sweat from her brow and sat at one of the chairs. “Half the storage is ruined, carpet is going to have to be torn out and replaced, there's no way they're getting all that water out. Who knows how much other damage there is,” the mare grumbled as she laid her head on the table. “We're getting evicted.” “I'm sure it's not that bad,” Blueblood said with a smile. “We can think of something. We'll-” The doorbell jingled as the door swung open. Celestia walked in, followed by a brown stallion. “By the stars...” the earth pony gasped. “What have you done to my shop?” “One of the water storage units fractured,” Rarity said quickly. “It wasn't our fault.” “Of course it was!” the stallion hissed as he galloped forward to the unit. “Look at these burn marks, no wonder it broke. What have you been doing to it?” “We had to seal it up because it was shooting water everywhere,” Blueblood snapped angrily. “I'm a fire bender, so I sealed it again. You shouldn't have used such cheap units.” “This was a marvelous, if old, unit! I knew I shouldn't have trusted a couple of vagrants off the street, no matter how good your tea is. You'll have to pay for this,” the stallion said as he looked down at it. “That's ridiculous! It's not our fault,” Rarity snapped. “Now daughter, it-” “No! He can't blame us for his faulty equipment, he-” she was cut off as the door jingled once again as two mares walked inside. Both earth ponies, one with a blue coat and pink mane, the other with exact opposite coloration. The stallion turned, and froze. “What is going on here?” the blue pony asked. “Miss L-Lotus Blossom. Miss Aloe. There's just a minor mishap. See, I hired these new workers and they-” “New workers? I don't remember you mentioning them in your weekly report,” the pink one, Aloe, said as her eyes narrowed. “Ah, well, t-they were hired just yesterday, and I'd already sent-” “We were hired a few days ago,” Blueblood said with a frown. The other stallion gulped nervously. “N-not... not officially... a-and...” “You failed to mention that. Is this why you tried to sneak off without telling us?” Lotus asked with a shake of her head. “In fact, all your report mentioned how you single hoofedly quadrupled profits. Thanks to your new secret recipe.” “Secret recipe my hoof!” Rarity snapped as she turned to the mares. “That tea was made by my au- mother! Jademane! This hack had nothing to do with it.” The two earth pony mares glanced to each other, before turning to Celestia. “Would you be able to make us a cup of tea?” Aloe asked. “Of course,” the elder unicorn said as she trotted away, her hooves squishing against the carpet as she walked towards a second, non damaged water unit and began her preparations. “You'll make one as well,” Lotus snapped as she glared at the stallion. He eeped, and got to work. “Both jasmine.” Soon, two pots were boiling as the twins sat down. Rarity and Blueblood sat off to the side, watching nervously as the two tea brewers got to work. Occasionally their eyes drifted to the sullied carpet, before turning back to the two earth ponies. Soon, four glasses of tea were placed in front of the two mares, two from each brewer. In unison, the twins tried the stallion's first. They sipped the liquid delicately, before placing the glasses down. “A fine flavor,” Aloe said with a nod. “Not the best, but quite satisfactory. This is what we hired you for, after all.” The two then picked up Celestia's, slowly bringing the drink to their lips. They took one sip each, before dropping the glasses in unison. The contents splashed across the tables, forcing the two to step back. “Hey!” Rarity snapped. “I don't care how bad it is, there is no way you had to-” “Bad?!” Aloe snapped. “It was... it... it's...” “Magnificent!” Lotus squealed. “I've never tasted tea with such... such...” “Passion!” Aloe gasped as the looked her sister in the eye. “Heart!” “Warmth! It was like drinking from summer itself! No, not from summer, the... the flavor, it... you must come work with us!” the pink pony squealed as she charged forward and grabbed Celestia's hoof. A moment later, her twin did the same. “I... I kind of already do,” the unicorn squeaked. “No! Not here, not in this place, it is a waste of your talents! You must come with us!” “But I-” “Whatever you want, whatever you need!” Aloe squealed as she shook the mare. “Your own shop, your own apartment, you may do whatever you like with it! Complete creative freedom!” The unicorn squeaked as her mouth fell open. She then glanced towards Rarity for a moment, before a smile formed over her lips. “Could my daughter design the uniforms?” “Your daughter can design the store for all we care!” Lotus shrieked. “Just, say yes! We'll create a shop besides our spa, Fillydelphia's greatest tea! Yes!” The mare gulped, but slowly nodded. “Yes... I... I couldn't possibly say no!” “W-what about me? I was the one who discovered her!” the stallion asked, freezing as the twins turned their icy gazes on him. “You're lucky we don't fire you!” Aloe snapped. “We'll send our crew to examine everything tomorrow. Once it's repaired, you'll go back to work. If we find out about you hiring ponies and having them work without telling us again, you're fired. Understand?” Lotus growled as she narrowed her eyes on him. He squeaked and nodded. The twins then turned to the three unicorns, smiles across the faces. “Now come, come! We'll take you to the upper city and show you around!” “It's midnight,” Rarity mumbled as she trotted after them. “Who could possibly be awake at this hour?” “For us? Whoever we wish,” the twins said in unison before giggling at each other. Blueblood smiled as he looked to Rarity. “Your mother seems to be quite talented and lucky. Makes friends so quickly as well.” The younger unicorn blushed. “Yes. She... is quite talented at making such things. I for one wouldn't know. I've never been quite as gifted at making friends.” “Really?” the stallion asked as he trotted besides her. “I find that hard to believe. The more time I spend with you, the more I hope I never have to go.” He paused for a few seconds as red flooded his cheeks. “I-I didn't mean it like that! I just meant, you're nice and make things easy, you don't, I mean, you've helped me out a lot, I didn't mean-” “Oh, just shut up,” the mare said with a chuckle. “I know what you meant, no need to be so embarrassed.” The twins glanced back, giving each other a mischievous grin before glancing to Celestia. “So, where did you learn to make such amazing tea, Jademane?” “When you truly love something, you learn everything you can about it,” she paused before shaking her head. “It's rare to see others who appreciate tea such as I do.” “Oh, tea is quite popular in the upper city. A select few enjoy coffee, but tea is the drink of choice. Finding a true master of preparation, well...” Aloe glanced to her sister. “Is quite difficult. My sister and I have been searching quite a long time for this flavor. To imagine we'd find it tonight of all nights... truly, the stars are shining on us.” ------ “Hurry it up!” Rainbow growled as she shook her head. “S-sorry...” Fluttershy squeaked as she kept her head low. “I-I don't want to accidentally trample any pony if I trip...” “It's fine. We'll all be outta here in no time,” Applejack said from the head of the conga line of ponies. “Ah can feel the lotta them up there, makin' enough noise tah wake the dead.” “Can you please not say things like that when we're buried under ground?” the pegasus asked nervously. “Why? Yah ain't scareda the dark, are yah?” “I'm not scared of anything!” Rainbow objected. “Just don't feel comfortable being buried alive. Last time I was somewhere like this, I almost got turned to stone and eaten by a rock worm, or whatever those were. Eels. Whatever.” “Don't worry,” the earth pony snickered. “We ain't gonna meet anythin' bigger than lil Angel down here. We'll be out soon too. Left the lotta them back in our dust.” “I thought you said you could feel them?” the pegasus grumbled. “Ah can. They're pretty far back, loud as the dickens. We'd best take our time an make sure not tah get caught poppin' up unless yah wanna deal with an army on your hooves.” “We can just-” “No,” Twilight interrupted. “We're not trying to out run anypony. We're going to just keep going, and get to Fillydelphia. How much longer until you think we'll be safe?” “Ah dun know, another hour?” Applejack offered, eliciting a groan from the pegasus. “We should be back in Fillydelphia by tomorrow night at this rate. We might wanna take a break soon, catch some sleep. All this-” “No. Way,” Rainbow growled. “I am NOT sleeping underground.” “It'll just be for the-” “NO! If we're sleeping, we're doing it above ground! I am not sleeping underground!” the pegasus yelled. “Fine... we kin jus' keep goin' then...” the earth pony mumbled as she kept going ahead, the ground opening as she walked. She blinked blearily, stifling a yawn as she walked. ------ “It's beautiful!” Rarity gasped as her mouth fell open. “It's radiant,” Celestia said gently as she stared up. “It's... it's really, really big,” Blueblood observed as he craned his neck. “It's all yours,” Aloe and Lotus said in unison as the five ponies stood in front of a large, three story building. The wood had images of circling dragons carved around every window, with the door shaped like a large dragon's mouth. “The Jasmine Dragon. You can change the name if you like!” the twins said quickly. “No, no. It's a fine name. I'm sure a wise pony created the name,” she said with a nod. She then glanced to the right and smiled. “And that large building next door, the Sapphire Tiger? Am I correct in thinking-” “Yes,” Aloe said with a smile. “That is our residence. If you ever have any problems, that's where you'll find us. Feel free to stop by for a session as well, if you so wish. Now, this building houses a diner on the ground floor. On the second floor and third floor feel free to store anything you wish, and you can set up residence there if you like. If not, we can find you somewhere else. You'll find all the needed tools, top of the line.” Celestia nodded before yawning. “That... that will be more than fine. However, it has been a long night. If you would be so kind, we'd love to get some sleep. It's dawn and-” “No, no, feel free!” Aloe said with a happy grin. “We would like to begin your first day this evening, before dusk? Would that be satisfactory?” “That would be marvelous. Thank you so much for your generosity. I really can't thank you enough.” “Oh, don't worry about it,” Lotus said with a shrug. “As long as you can continue to create tea such as that, everypony will be happy. We may at times require some at the spa though...” “Of course. Whatever you like, dears,” Celestia said with a gentle smile. The two earth ponies giggled as they happily trotted away, leaving the three in front of their new home. The elder unicorn let out a soft sigh. “What's wrong?” Rarity asked as she gently reached out to grab her aunt's hoof. Tears had formed in the elder unicorn's eyes, though she refused to let them slide. “Aren't you happy?” “I... I've always d-dreamed of having my own shop,” she whispered gently. “A place I could live in peace, no worries of...” she paused as she shook her head. “No. Never mind. Let's settle in, shall we?” Rarity nodded slowly, before looking back to Blueblood. “What's wrong? Are you busy admiring those twins?” she snapped. “What? No!” the stallion squeaked as his face turned red and he looked away from the adjacent building. “I was just... I mean... the spa is right there and... I'd like to ask if... nothing. Sorry,” the stallion squeaked as he walked forward and attempted to walk into the building... slamming head first into the door. “I still need to unlock it, dear,” Celestia said with a soft chuckle as she trotted forward. “Come along, let's get some sleep. We need to be up in the evening if we want to serve all of our guests. We'll need to prepare the shop as well. Most importantly... Rarity, you have a number of uniforms to design.” The princess's eyes lit up as she squealed. “You're right! I'll design the greatest uniforms in all of Fillydelphia! Far better than anything that hack Blueblood was flirting with could make.” “I... I wasn't flirting...” the stallion squeaked, hanging his head as they headed in ahead of him. “Those mares though... they move fast, don't they?” “What do you mean?” Rarity asked. “It's been only a couple of hours, and they already have a new home and tea shop for us. All because of what your mother made...” he gulped nervously. “I just hope they don't get as angry as quickly as they get generous. I'd hate to bring on the wrath of ponies like that.” ------ “YEOW!” “Stop moving so much or I'll get you with another pin!” Rarity hissed at the stallion. “Y-you're doing this on purpose!” Blueblood cried. “You keep jumping around each time I come near you. Just hold still and I won't hurt you any,” the princess scowled as she gently pulled the pin out and reapplied it. “Stop shaking so much.” “I-I can't, I'm cold...” the stallion mumbled as he looked down at the mare groping his chest through her cloth. His cheeks burned red as he watched her gentle hooves holding the fabric down as a pin was pulled from her mouth and inserted into the cloth. Again and again she moved with grace he had never seen any mare act with before, her movements gentle and smooth as water. Aside from the few needle pricks, he found himself lost in her flow. “I'm done,” Rarity said with a smile as she plucked the remaining pins from her mouth and put them in a pin holder. “H-huh?” the stallion asked as the fabric was slowly brought away from his body. “I said I'm done. You can go now, I can finish the rest without you,” the princess mumbled as her horn glowed and the scissors, cloth, thread and needle flew around the air in a strange, but magical, dance. “Can... can I stay and watch?” he asked softly. “If you like,” Rarity said as she worked her magic. Celestia watched from the open door, a frown on her lips as she shook her head. She trotted downstairs and started arranging the tables how she liked. A soft jingling caught her attention as she quickly turned with a smile. “Hello, I'm sorry but we-” the mare was caught off guard as water exploded in her face. She took a step back, confused as more water pounded on her from all sides. She let out a startled shriek as she stumbled back. Then, it was gone as she heard the jingle of the door closing and caught sight of a cloaked pony running away. “W-what... huh?” “Jademane, what happened?” Rarity asked as she arrived on the scene. Her aunt was sitting on the ground, confused and soaking wet. Broken balloons littered the ground. “I... I have no idea. I was just... somepony attacked me. With balloons and... I have no idea...” For once, the elder unicorn couldn't think of what to do in the situation. “I'll get some towels,” the princess said with a sigh. “At least the hard wood floors will be easier to clean than the carpet was.” “T-there, I-I'm done,” Coco squeaked as she hid behind a large wall opposite the shop. A large cloak covered her body. “Did... did she bend?” “No... hmmmm...” Suri rubbed her chin. “It must just be her daughter. The waitress's father must have been from the Water Nation! That's it. We'll just find another way to bring about her destruction, m'kay?” “Suri, are you sure...” Coco squeaked and lowered her gaze. “N-nevermind... I'm sure you know what you're doing...” “Of course I do. Now come along. You'll need to think of something else. 'Kay?” The light gray pony hung her head and sighed as she trailed after the elder mare. ------ “It's finished. Done! Perfection incarnate!” Rarity squealed with delight as she yelled down the hall towards her two companions. “Oh? Have you finished with our uniforms?” Celestia asked with a smile as she trotted toward the room. “We'll be opening soon, so I hope you did a job you...” she trailed off as she stepped into the doorway. “What? What's wrong?” Blueblood asked as he stepped in and his mouth fell open as well. “Beautiful, aren't they?” the young princess said as she smirked at them. She was wearing her own, a dress that covered her entire body in a jade green. Curved lines of sequins made it appear as if the dress was made of scales. Her head was wrapped in a crown crafted of jade tea leaves. Most impressive were the small, but dazzling wings that sprouted from her back, the sequins on the back catching the lamps glow and making them dazzle in a rainbow of colors. “B-breathtaking...” the stallion mumbled as he slowly trotted to his, a suit. “I'll need a bit of help putting it on though. I don't want to accidentally damage it...” “Of course! Hold on one second,” Rarity said happily as she began helping the two get dressed. Soon, all were garbed and standing ready to work. “Now, the best part.” The unicorn's horn glowed for a moment as the wings flattened on her side. “There, so we don't accidentally hit any of the guests or break anything in the kitchen.” “You've truly outdone yourself, daughter,” Celestia said with a smile as she began trotting down towards the kitchen. “I'll begin preparations for tea. Please go and greet our guests.” After a few steps she glanced back at her wings. "Something about this is... oddly familiar." “Of course! I'll get the door!” Blueblood said as he quickly galloped past the mare, heading downstairs. He froze as he looked across towards the entrance, his mouth open. “What's wrong? Why did you... holy... buck...” Rarity squeaked as her mouth fell open as well. Outside the door stood a long, winding line of ponies, curving down the street and off into the distance. “How... how did so many... why...” “Y-you don't think it was those twins, do you?” the stallion asked with a squeak. “They did get us this shop really fast... I'm... a little scared to find out what else they could do now...” the princess said with a nervous gulp. “Y-you open the door.” “W-what? I'll be trampled!” Blueblood objected. “Better you than me,” Rarity said with a terrified squeak. “You two do remember we are unicorns, correct?” Celestia asked as she trotted by the two frightened ponies and got to work. “Y-yes!” the two unicorns said with embarrassed whimpers, before looking at each other with bright red cheeks. They quickly looked away. After a moment, the stallion's horn glowed as the door finally opened and ponies burst in. “Hello, welcome to the Jasmine Dragon. Please, sit wherever you wish,” Celestia called out. The two servers glanced to each other before nodding, then trotting forward to begin their job. ------ “RUN RUN RUN!” Applejack shrieked as the ponies galloped through the dirt, a loud roar coming from behind them. “Go up, go up!” Rainbow screamed as her hooves flung dirt and mud into the air. “This is all your fault Applejack!” “Ah said ah was sorry! Ah didn't realize just how close we all were to that lake! Jus' keep running!” As she ran, walls of dirt quickly formed behind the five, but were rapidly beaten down by the approaching water flow. “Master earth bender my blue flank!” the pegasus screamed as they kept running. “We're almost outta under the lake, jus' hold on!” the earth pony screamed. “Run girls, run!” Twilight squealed as her glowing horn did its best to allow the ponies to see and avoid tripping over each other. ------ Rarity rubbed her hooves, letting out a soft groan as she waited for her order to be finished. Blueblood walked up besides her. “You okay?” he asked softly. “Yeah, just tired. I can't believe how many ponies are here, it's like a flood,” she grumbled as she picked the tray up. “I don't think I've had to run around this much in years.” “Well, at least business is good,” the stallion said as he looked off to the side. “So, ummm, Diamondeye, do you think you'd like to-” “Ready!” Celestia said as she placed the tea pot on Rarity's tray. “Hold that thought!” the princess said as she trotted off, the tray floating behind her. The stallion lowered his gaze and shook his head, soon taking his own pot to a table. “Watch that... that traitorous cur,” Suri growled as she watched from across the street. “Walking around in that gaudy green travesty of fashion. Taking money from good, hard working Earth Kingdom ponies to fill the coffers of her Water Nation. It makes me sick...” “I... I think the outfits are nice though,” Coco mumbled, cringing at the glare. “I-I mean... super tacky?” “Exactly. Just look. She has the Water Nation written all over her! I bet they kicked her out because her fashion sense was so atrocious!” “Why would they kick a pony out for that?” “Shut up! We need to find a way to destroy them. To crush them.” A grin formed on her lips. “And I think I have just the plan. Wait here,” Suri whispered as she sunk back behind the wall and trotted off. ------ “Hello, welcome to... to...” Rarity trailed off as she stared at the doorway, her eyes narrowing on the three brown ponies who stood there, stallions that easily stood taller than her. They were dirty and naked, standing in stark contrast to their fancy dressed and clean guests. “We've been hearing talk about Water Nation sympathizers here,” the one in the middle said as he stepped forward. “Rumor has it you've even hired a few water benders!” The guests gasped in shock as they quickly moved aside as the three stallions walked towards Rarity. Blueblood moved to block their way. “You've been fed false information, there aren't any- eep!” the stallion squeaked as he was grabbed in one hoof and flung onto one of the tables, covering him in hot tea as he shrieked. “Blueblood!” Rarity shrieked as she charged forward. “Get out of here right now! Or I-” The stallion swung at her. She deftly ducked under the hoof and twisted around on the ground. Her back hooves shot out quickly, slamming into the chest of the stallion and sending him hurtling out the door. His comrades looked confused, their mouths hanging open as they turned to their hurt friend. They then turned towards the princess, their faces set in angry glares as they charged forward. When the one on the right ran past the busted table, he was suddenly dropped as Blueblood slammed one of their chairs on his head. The one on the left stumbled for a second, looking to his dropped comrade. When he returned to look at Rarity, a pot of hot tea slammed into his face, courtesy of Celestia. He stumbled back and screamed, before getting bucked by the princess and sent tumbling out of the store. “What's going on here?” an angry voice yelled as four earth ponies, wearing the kingdom's robes, galloped down the street. “T-they're w-water benders!” the first stallion yelled as he wobbly got to his feet. “The... the mare especially... she's a...” “W-we did no such thing,” Blueblood growled as his horn lit on fire. “I'm a fire bender, none of us can water bend! These men attacked us!” “We saw the whole thing,” one of the guests yelled. “Those three men barged in and started tossing the waiter around. They just tried to defend themselves, that's all.” The earth ponies turned to the three stallions and nodded. “I'll stay here and take everyponies reports. Rest of you, take them in for processing.” With heavy objections, the three were brought away. “See? They water bended right there!” Suri hissed, a grin on her face. “She threw the pot!” Coco snapped. “It was telekinesis!” “What? No, it was obviously-” “Are you insane?” the mare growled. “You sent a bunch of muggers down on those poor ponies! Somepony could have been hurt, or worse! I can't... I can't do this.” “What?” Suri squeaked. “After-” “After what? You're insane!” Coco growled as she pulled away. “I'm done! I can't do this any more! You're just trying to destroy them because they showed you up! One time! I won't help with this any more... just... just please give it up.” “I will not! Now, stop your ramblings and go get my coffee. This is for the protection of all of the Earth Kingdom. These monsters must be-” “I QUIT!” Coco screamed at the top of her lungs. “W-what?” “I quit! Do you hear me, you psychotic nut job? I quit! I'm leaving! I can't, I won't be a part of this! You're going to end up hurting somepony and I won't have that on my conscience!” the mare stared for a moment before smiling. “Also, your bags are really pretentious and over done. I mean, really? The double latch has already been done a thousand times, you're not a new inventor or innovator, you're just copying other ponies works and then making a slight variation and calling it original! Heck, half of your designs are ones you've stolen off better, but less known designers than you'll ever be!” Coco turned and trotted away, her head held high. “I... you... you disrespectful...” Suri growled, her entire body quivering with rage. “You... you can't quit! You're fired! I'm firing you, you'll never work in this city again! Do you hear me? I'll make sure that no pony, not even... get back here!” Coco ignored the yells and trotted straight into the tea shop, which was still in the midst of cleaning up. Rarity looked up and groaned, shaking her head. “Oh no. What do you want? Listen, we've already-” “Wait, please hear me out,” the earth pony said quickly as she lowered her gaze, her confidence fading. “I... I have somethings I need to tell you. I-I'm really sorry. I am, but I swear I didn't... do any of them. I was just following her around. I didn't think Suri would go this far...” she gulped nervously as her hooves began to shake. “I'm sorry, please don't have me arrested...” “What did you do?” Lotus asked as she trotted out from the back of the kitchen, Aloe and Celestia following behind. “I just... I was...” Coco squeaked as she stared at the owners of the establishment. She lowered her gaze farther and whimpered, her body locking up in fright. “Now dear, be calm,” Celestia said as she slowly walked to the mare, put a hoof on her back and guided her to one of the remaining tables. “Here. Drink some tea, it will calm you.” She gently hovered a glass of jasmine tea over. “O-okay...” the earth pony mumbled as she slowly sipped the tea. She looked up into the warm, comforting eyes of the unicorn, and began telling. Everything. ------ “Applejack, with all due respect, earth bending sucks,” Rainbow grumbled as the five ponies, soaking wet, covered in mud and sleep deprived, slunk towards the giant towering wall of Fillydelphia. “It was one tiny lil mishap,” the earth bender grumbled. “I would hardly call five thousand gallons of water chasing us through your tunnels a 'tiny lil mishap',” the pegasus grumbled. “How are the books?” “Oh, they're just fine,” Twilight snapped. “Hundreds of year old texts, just toss some mud and water over them.” “Ah said ah was sorry!” Applejack grumbled back. “Come on everypony, smile!” Pinkie said as she hopped besides them. “We're here, see? We'll soon be back in the walls of the city, they'll prepare for the attack, Twilight can find out about the elements and then we might even find Spike! Everything will be nice and tied up and good to go! Hee hee,” the mare said with a giggle. The alicorn looked up at the towering wall as they stopped. Once again, ponies were jumping down it to greet them. “Yeah. I guess we made it here. I'll do what I can for the books, then we can... then we can...” she stopped as she let out a yawn. “Get a lot of sleep...” “Sleep sounds pretty good about now...” Rainbow grumbled before looking to the earth bender. “Hey... sorry. That was just the tired talking. I'm just grouchy without my naps...” “Mmm hmmm...” the cow pony said with a yawn. “Avatar! You've returned,” Harshwhinny said as she landed besides them. “Please, come with me. There is much to discuss.” “Hmmm? Oh. Right,” Twilight mumbled as they followed the earth pony inside. “We... there's more. I mean, there's a large force of the Water Nation, it's making its way here, and they have... wha?” She shook her head. “Gah! There is a large force of soldiers on their way to attack. We passed them and they should be here any day. Defenses must be prepared immediately.” “Of course, avatar. You'll have to discuss this with the emperor. I have been ordered to take you straight to him upon your arrival, so please don't dally,” the mare said as she led them through the city and towards the palace. Before they knew it, the five drowsy ponies stood in front of Fancy's large throne, Photo and Sapphire on either side of him. The latter of which kept glaring at the former. “Ah, a pleasure to see you again! I have been expecting your return,” the stallion said as he got up. “There is-” “No, please,” Twilight said. “There's no time to delay. The Water Nation is on its way. A huge force, y-you must prepare defenses immediately.” “I assure you, my forces are more than ready for any attack,” Sapphire hmphed. “Our wall is seeeeeeeeensational! It hasn't been penetrated in over-” “It might not be enough! There forces are tremendous,” the alicorn interrupted. “You need to be ready. Everything you can needs to be prepared.” “I don't think-” “Now, Sapphire,” Fancy interrupted. “Please go and prepare for this assault. If the avatar believes it is such a threat, we'd best be prepared.” “But-” “That's an order.” The earth pony narrowed her eyes on the avatar, before nodding. “Very well...” she growled as she skulked from the room. Photo smirked as her rival left. “Now, avatar! I have something very important I wish to show you!” “Huh?” Twilight asked as she blinked blearily. She could hear soft snores from her friends as they struggled to stay awake, not all succeeding. “Oh... right. I... I need to go through the library. I need to find information. Some records of certain dates...” “Yes yes, whatever you like. However, before all that, there is something I have just been dying to show you. Come out, ladies!” the stallion said. After a few moments, two mares walked out from the doorway besides the throne. One was a white unicorn with a blue mane, with bright cyan stripes. Most importantly, she was wearing glasses with thin purple lens and a wide smirk on her face. The other was a gray earth pony with a dark gray mane. The mare stared with eyes that would make the stoutest of ponies shuffle their hooves. The avatar was unable to move for a few moments as she stared. Then, with a loud shriek, she lunged forward and gripped both in a tight hug. “Octavia! Vinyl! You're alive! You're safe!” “Of course. You didn't think I'd let that wet behind the ears general take me down, did you?” the unicorn asked with a chuckle. “I got us out of there easily. Isn't that right, Octy?” “Your memory of events is far different than mine, Vinyl,” the earth pony said with a hmph. “But yes, we... avatar?” She gently nudged the alicorn with a hoof before sighing as she glanced to her comrade. “It appears she passed out.” “Obviously being in my awesome presence was just too much and overwhelmed the poor mare,” Vinyl said with a snicker. “That, or judging by the state her and her comrades are in, they desperately need some rest and relaxation,” Octavia grumbled as she looked down at them. “Your highness, with your permission we'd like to end this meeting early? It appears the avatar is in no state to discuss matters with us. Perhaps we can reschedule to tomorrow? Perhaps to a time when our apparent savior is not drooling on my shoulder? “Yes,” the stallion mumbled as he rubbed his chin. “Ah, of course! Let's allow them a full nights rest. Then, tomorrow I know a great place where we can all have a wonderful discussion while they recover. There is this delightful little spa run by-” “Y-you don't mean in the city, do you?” Octavia squeaked with wide, horrified eyes. “You can't mean to go yourself? There could-” “Oh, you worry too much,” the stallion said with a wave of his hoof. “I'll have Photo go on ahead and everything will be fine. Besides, you said it yourself. They do need some proper relaxation, and I can think of no place better than the Sapphire Tiger.” ------ “A-and... and s-so I just quit. I couldn't, I couldn't stay after she did that. I-I'm so sorry,” Coco sobbed, tears flooding down her face. “I-I didn't know she'd actually do it, I never thought, I just... I...” “It's okay dear, shhhh,” Celestia whispered as she hugged the pony close. “What you did was very, very brave. It is not easy to admit to your mistakes.” “Are... a-are you going t-to have me arrested?” the earth pony asked with a quiver. The unicorn glanced up to Aloe and Lotus, both of which sighed. After a moment, she lowered her gaze. “No.” “T-thank you...” she said gently before looking up. “I... I don't suppose you're hiring?” “That... I suppose may be possible. But we'd have much to discuss then,” she glanced over to Rarity and Blueblood. “Everything is cleaned up now, you may leave if you like. No need to stay and watch us discuss business if you'd rather-” The two were gone before she could even finish the sentence. “Your mother is... a very interesting mare,” Blueblood mumbled as they trotted upstairs. “Very kind, very forgiving. I see the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.” Rarity rolled her eyes. “Please. I'm nothing like her. She's a lot smarter, more talented and all around- huh?” She stopped as the stallion turned and blocked her way. His cheeks turned a bright red as he quivered under her gaze. He slowly opened his mouth, the words fighting to tie up his tongue as he talked. “T-tomorrow. T-tomorrow morning! Would you... would you accompany me to the spa? I mean, t-they said we could come at any time. If you'd like to, I mean.” “I suppose,” Rarity said with a shrug. “No need to get so flustered. There's nothing wrong with going to a spa alone, but if you're so shy I will be happy to accompany you.” She trotted past him as he moved aside. Once her back was to him she blushed red, trying desperately to stare ahead and not glance back at him. She quickly entered her room and closed the door, placing a hoof over her chest as she shook her head. “Remember... avatar. You don't have time for... silliness. He's just a friend, you have to remember that...” she mumbled as she glanced to the door. “Avatar comes first. She has to...”