Twilight had always imagined the worst thing she'd ever have to go through was death. Namely, death at the hands of the Water Nation. Now, she almost considered surrendering, just so she could relax in a prison cell. If so many ponies weren't depending on her, she might have even tried.
Rainbow and Applejack, normally busy fighting with each other or having their own arguments about which was better, air bending or earth bending, had managed to set their differences aside. Namely, so they could put all their focus on making Twilight's life a living Tartarus.
“Yah call that a step? Ah've seen newborn foals with better walks than that! Again!” Applejack yelled.
“Spread those wings, up! Now! I want to see them flapping this instant!” Rainbow yelled, flying over the alicorn.
Every movement sent pain and soreness through her, but they all knew she had to stretch them out and work hard if she wanted to get back in fighting form. And, unfortunately for her, they were trying to ensure EVERY muscle she had was ready to go as soon as possible. She wished she could go back in time to buck herself for telling them not to hold back. Assuming she could work up the energy to lift her hooves up that high.
Fortunately, Fluttershy kept an eye on everything, making sure they didn't push to hard. The moment she thought they did, the little white bunny would make sure the three benders paid attention to what the pegasus said. As such, Twilight was allowed frequent breaks.
During one of her breaks, she fell over onto her back and panted, sweat flowing down her coat. She tried to think of any time she'd ever felt like this, but even when she'd been released from the stone it hadn't been this bad. She had been a little tender, but it had been nothing compared to this. A hoof came up to her chest and she shivered. Was it because she had died? Or were the magics that protected her then, no longer around?
She didn't get to linger on the thoughts, as her tormenters yelled at her that the sessions of pain and misery were about to continue.
------
A dark gray earth pony, General Caballeron, grumbled softly, nudging his cantaloupe against the plate. He felt ill at ease, granted that was to be expected. Since his arrival in the capital of the Water Nation, there had already been four attempts on his life. While Sweetie assured him it paled in comparison to the numbers on most generals, it still left him ill at ease.
Two blue unicorns with white manes, practically twins, stood on either side of him, on constant vigil against any threats. Perry Pierce and Pinprick. The two were on high alert. Likely because they knew that if anything happened to him, the best they could hope for were protective jobs on the border.
Being the first non-unicorn general in over a hundred years was stirring up a veritable hornets nest, only kept from a full civil war due to the fear the rulers of the kingdom inspired in their subjects. It couldn't be helped though. The majority of the forces that helped win them the war, and now kept them strong, came from the fire lands where he had been the commander.
The sheer influx of pegasi and earth ponies brought in from his home country had drastically shifted the power structure. Even the Shadowbolts had managed to find dozens of pegasi worthy of attention in their ranks, and now the unicorns were finding themselves quickly losing the balance of control they once had.
It didn't help that the Earth Kingdom, though officially controlled by the Water Nation, was being held by the one time general of the kingdom, Sapphire Shores. Many saw it as their armies becoming tainted by the enemy. Earth benders ruling one kingdom, while their own forces were being controlled by a general likely 'tainted' by a fire bender descendant. It didn't matter to most of them that they'd have lost this war, if not for the sheer force his home had amassed in their name or the earth benders help.
No, all that mattered was that they weren't water benders, and therefore needed to be exterminated. That was why his delicious cantaloupe, one of the many privileges of his new position, was obviously poisoned. Honestly, the assassination attempts were just getting clumsy, that or he was getting quite skilled at catching them. He nudged it around on his plate a few times, the subtle tinge of the nearly scentless poison wafting into his nose. “Pierce?”
“Sir?” the unicorn asked, standing at attention.
“Find whoever prepared this cantaloupe and have them interrogated. If they're the ones who poisoned it, have them executed.”
“At once, general.” The stallion galloped off.
“Pinprick, come. I have another meeting with some of the border commanders. Let's see how they try to blame the influx of bandits on us earth ponies.”
“Sir, I'm not an earth pony.”
“You likely will be if they ever succeed in their little assassination attempts.”
The unicorn gulped, but didn't respond. Instead, he merely followed the stallion.
------
Rarity sighed and went through a number of small forms and papers, primarily information on the goings on in the Earth Kingdom. As the member of the royal family with the most experience in how the kingdom ponies lived, due to her travels there. She was deemed best able to examine the reports given to them. So far, she'd done very little aside from keeping a popular tea shop and spa from being destroyed, and kept their owners from being executed.
The reports were mind numbingly tedious to go through, mostly just names of ponies who meant nothing to her. Fortunately, it seemed to satisfy her mother if she glanced at them, and she could allow the commanders stationed there to do as they pleased.
She dropped one of the scrolls and sighed, watching it roll across the floor... right to the cage that was nestled into the corner of her room. The cage was wrapped in so many fabrics and designs that it looked more like a fashionable accessory than a cage, but even though she couldn't see the dragon inside, she knew it was there. Waiting for her. Calling her.
Rarity slowly got to her hooves and moved towards it, pushing the silken curtains aside to reveal the white, helpless dragon. Just laying there. He looked almost peaceful, though she could now see the pain etched into his face. He hadn't stirred in the slightest since he had been brought to her room the night before, even when she decorated and disguised his home.
Every time she came close, she felt something nudging her towards him, to touch and hold him. However, every time she reached out to touch him, to finally take him in her hooves, something happened. She was always distracted at the last moment. The last time, she swore she heard an angry voice in her head, not her own, letting out a cry of frustration at the interruption.
She frowned and looked towards the door, her horn glowing and it locked. There wasn't anything to distract her though, not this time. She reached a hoof out, green beginning to cloud her eyes when her hoof came ever closer to the comatose dragon. Inches from the dragon, the black mist began to form around him again, swirling like a fog around her hoof.
“Lady Rarity?” a loud voice called from outside her room, before knocking on the door.
She let out a frustrated growl, though she swore she heard a matching growl from inside her head. “What is it?”
“There are new reports from the Earth Kingdom, urgent. Shall I--”
“I will come gather them in a moment! I'm busy!”
“As you wish,” the voice said, followed by the clattering of hooves.
She then glanced to the dragon, grinning. No distractions, not this time. She reached out, then pulled back. Her horn glowed and the key to the cage flew forward, unlocking the prison. With slow steps, she moved to the dragon. Her eyes were completely green when she finally stood before him, the black mist coiling around her body as both hooves reached out and grabbed him, pulling her to his chest.
Her world erupted, so violent and quick that even her screams were locked in her throat.
------
Twilight looked up, her entire body going rigid. “Did... did anypony else feel that?”
Rainbow nodded. “Yeah. I don't know what that was, but it didn't feel... good.” She paused. “Well, kinda good, but... I don't...”
“It kinda felt like... weird,” Fluttershy said softly.
Pinkie hummed softly, steering the ship. She had a confused look on her face though, occasionally rubbing her throat.
“Ah don't like it at all. Whatever it was, it hadta be close. Maybe a spell of some sort?” Applejack asked.
“If it was, it's not one I recognize. It would have to be strong for us to be able to all feel it,” Twilight said, glancing out from the bow of the ship. Her entire body was sore but, thankfully, she could walk. Slowly. Land was in sight, they'd hit it before nightfall. As far as they knew, this area was uninhabited and Rainbow hadn't seen any sign of the Water Nation ships or scouts near the shore.
Granted, that was likely because most of their forces were working outside the nation, keeping the other countries from rebelling. Who would dare come so deep in their territory, especially with all that water? Twilight tried not to imagine what water benders could do with so much of their element on hand.
“It's too bad you're not all focused on magic and stuff,” Rainbow said with a shrug. “It could be pretty useful. Boring, but useful.”
“Magic is good and all, but I don't I'd have any real talent in it. My talent is bending, I don't really know all the facets of how normal magic could help with that.” She shrugged. “Though, I won't deny that the science of magic is truly fascinating. I've only been able to look into it on occasion, back before... all this. But there are all manner of different arts and skills that could work well with bending, if I had the time to study them. Have you ever heard about the weaving theory? Where if you use magic and weave it into a... Rainbow?”
“Huh? Wha?” The mare blinked blearily. “Sorry, self defense mechanism. I fall asleep when ponies talk about really boring things. Anyway, back to your training! When we hit land, I want you to be able to fly off this ship!”
Twilight groaned and slowly lumbered after the mare, legs twitching in objection.
Fluttershy watched them, sitting by the wheel and peering down at the training ponies, her mane limp. She felt a pat on her back, followed by a hug. “Huh? Pinkie?”
“It's going to be okay,” the pink mare said softly, giving a little nuzzle. “If I know anything, you're still a fan favorite no matter what bending you have.”
“I ummmm, thanks?” the pegasus said, confusion etched on her face.
“Besides, it's not soooo bad losing your powers,” Pinkie mumbled before slowly pulling back. “You'll probably get all of them back during the climatic finish, too! We'll be all like 'noooo, Twilight's wing is hurt! We can't fight Nightmare Moon now! If only we had a healer!' and you'll be all 'Step aside! Bam! Healing magic activate!'” The energetic pony hopped around, mimicking her story with her hooves as she went. “Then everypony will be all 'we have the healer back! Woo hoo!'”
Fluttershy chuckled at her silly friend, before looking down at the others practicing. “Maybe you're right. You always seem to know when these things will work out. Pinkie sense?”
“Yeah, just that now,” Pinkie said with a sad sigh, getting a confused look from the pegasus.
“Huh?”
“Nothing,” she shook her head and watched the closing shore, hooves steady on the wheel.
------
Rarity didn't know how long she'd been laying there, all she knew was she hurt all over. Spike was still clutched to her chest, though he appeared to still be comatose.
Once she grabbed him, everything had seemed wonderful. This dark mist enveloped her and she felt the most wonderful sensations through her body, confidence as well. Spreading through her, making her feel as if she could have anything she wanted, no matter how valuable.
Then blinding light and pain had seared the darkness away, enveloping her entire body. A golden necklace had appeared around her neck, encrusted with a single diamond shaped gem. It had a black core, with purple surrounding it. The pain was now gone, but she felt empty. Hollow. As if everything she wanted was now gone. Worse, that it was her fault they were gone.
She could still remember everything that had happened in the last few months, but it all felt faded and distant, as if it had been told to her rather than happened to her. The memories seemed to almost shift around in her head. She sat up and groaned, holding her head. “W-what did I...” Her hooves touched the amulet around her neck, causing her eyes to widen. It disappeared almost a second later, making her question her sanity. She sat up and shoved Spike away, shaking the sensations off as best she could.
Then Rarity's eyes fell on the dragon. His scales were now completely purple, with four green ones poking out the top of his head. He was also twitching slightly, though still in a deep slumber. She crouched down and nudged him with her hoof, eliciting a grunt and tummy scratch from the baby dragon.
She quickly pulled back and gulped. “Oh dear, oh dear. What do I do, what do I do? What do dragons even eat? When was the last time I even saw him?” She tried to remember, but it was a blur. She glanced down at him again, then froze.
She had been right, he was unique. There likely were no more dragons. Once they slayed the elder dragon, he would be the last. She enveloped him in her magic and pulled him to her chest, cradling him. “It's okay Spikey. You may be the last but... I... I won't let you go too. I'll keep you safe, I promise.” She pulled some of the fabrics from the cage, creating a small nest for him. She then gave him a little hug. “Now don't you worry, darling. I'll be back soon. Please don't wake up yet.” She turned and closed the gate.
She glanced to the desk, recent memories slowly returning. She had been in the midst of going over Earth Kingdom records. Horror spread through her as she remembered some of the things she'd read, some things she'd just flat-out ignored.
The knock on the door made her jump. “Your highness, are you okay?”
“W-what? Of course! I ummm, I'm fine. Why?”
“Those reports I mentioned, you never--”
“Oh! Right, yes. Ummm, have them brought to my room.” She paused and glanced to the cage. “As well as... ummm... some jewels. Rubies! I desire a few rubies. Tiny, easy to swallow ones.”
The pony outside paused, trying to process the odd request. “Easy to swallow, your highness?”
“I meant easy to mold together. I am in the middle of a designer mood and--”
“Y-yes! Right! O-of course! I-I'll get them immediately!” the pony yelled, before the sound of galloping could be heard.
She stared at the door, one eye cocked. Then memories of a few weeks prior, when she'd nearly... strangled a pony when he brought her yellow zircon instead of yellow topaz, made her blanch. “Oh... oh dear.” Feeling light headed, she trotted to the bed and collapsed, closing her eyes. She needed rest, but she doubted she would get it. Still, she could at least try.
------
“Fly!” Rainbow yelled.
“I... I can't! I can't do it, it's too hard!” Twilight said, shaking.
Fluttershy shook her head. “Rainbow, it might be too much--”
“No! It's not. Twilight, fly! We've been doing enough training and you're a good enough air bender to make up for the weakness in your wings. Now fly buck dang it!”
Twilight gulped nervously, but nodded. With uncertain movements, she spread her wings and jumped! She tumbled slightly through the air, awkwardly gliding a few feet down to the shore. Her knees buckled instantly, making her crash face first into the mud. “Ow...” she groaned.
“I'd give a B- on the flight, D+ on the landing,” Rainbow said with a smile before moving back to the ship. “Time to burn and sink this bad boy. Twilight, think you can fire bend any?”
“Ugh, yes,” Twilight said slowly, before slamming a hoof down and sending the mud flying off her with earth bending. She then glanced to the ship and sighed. Rainbow used the sails and her air bending to push it back out to sea. The alicorn pulled her head back, before thrusting forward and sending a burst of fire at the ship to alight the bow. Under her powers, it quickly spread, enveloping the entire vehicle.
Rainbow quickly flew up, plucking a cloud from the sky and using it to capture as much of the smoke as she could, until the ruined ship slowly began to sink, disappearing under the water. She then let the black, oily cloud go into the sky and dropped down by the others, pulling out a map from under her wing. “Okay, there should be a small town east of us, on our way to the capital. From there, we'll gather whatever we can.” She glanced to Twilight. “Stay between us. This fake armor we're wearing might distract from a distance, but if any pony catches sight of your wings, we'll have the entire army on our tail. Understand?”
Twilight smiled and nodded. “Of course.” She glanced around at her friends, each wearing fake Water Nation uniforms. Well, at least make shift ones. She doubted they would last long, many parts were already worn through. But, hopefully, they wouldn't have to.
“Okay everypony. You know our mission and you know the dangers we're facing. There won't be any second chances, no reinforcements and we're the last hope for the world at large. So no matter what happens, no screw ups. Understood?”
They all nodded with determined looks, before taking off in a steady march. Fluttershy and Rainbow took the lead. Twilight, with Angel bunny riding on her back, walked hidden between Pinkie and Applejack.
Her stomach occasionally hopped with her steps. Fortunately, her muscles were giving her slightly less trouble now. Fluttershy now knew a number of natural remedies and had spent quite a bit of time brewing small potions and lotions to help the avatar recover faster. Still, they all knew it would be a long and difficult trip if she was to take on the Water Nation on that fateful day.
------
Rarity shot up, sweat matting her fur and chest heaving. Her windows revealed it being just as bright outside as before, so she imagined she couldn't have been asleep for long.
Unfortunately, her tiny nap made her feel more drained. Rather than the pleasant dreams she had been having, this one had been short and violent. The avatar had been there, as well as her sister. The alicorn had been laying on the ground, beaten and bloody, while Sweetie stood over the body and laughed.
Instead of feeling pleased at their success, Rarity could only feel... dread and despair. Even as the dream faded away, like wisps of smoke, the feelings hung over her.
Her focus was broken as the door rattled from another knock, likely what had awoken her. “W-who is it?”
“Y-your highness? I've brought what you requested! T-the finest rubies I could find, delicate and small. Easy to ummm... w-whatever you like!”
Rarity sighed and climbed out of the bed. She made her way to the door and quickly taking everything from the frightened guard. He quickly galloped away when his task was done, obviously trying to avoid her wrath. She gave a soft huff, before closing and locking the door again.
She tossed the papers onto the desk and trotted to the cage, slowly opening the bag and examining the jewels within. They truly were fine specimens, so small and smooth they were practically berries. The mere thought of what they were about to have done to them, made her stumble. However, a quick look at the poor, baby dragon made her ignore such feelings.
She couldn't imagine what the dear would go through. The last of his kind, his owner likely... definitely dead. In a foreign country filled with ponies who would happily skin him for his scales. No, she'd happily give up ten-thousand jewels like this to give the poor dragon comfort.
She opened the cage slowly, only to be lunged at suddenly by the creature! Spike leapt from the ground the moment the door was opened, weak claws lashing out. His movements were slow and sloppy, allowing her to easily sidestep out of the way so he flew past. He landed flat on his stomach, a soft groan coming from him.
Rarity stepped forward, placing a hoof delicately across his back. He growled and tried to push up, but he had nowhere near the strength and she could easily position herself out of reach of his scratching claws. She dropped the gems in front of him, though he didn't seem to notice.
“Let me go! You'll never take me alive you, you Water Nation monsters! Rawwww!” he yelled. Rarity gulped and quickly stuffed a gemstone in his mouth, silencing his yells.
“Spike, silence! It's me, Rarity!” she hissed. The dragon stopped then, before slowly craning his neck up to see her. He swallowed the gem in a few bites, absentmindedly chewing.
“R-rarity?” he asked, in that soft, love struck voice of his. She let out a sigh, slowly removing her hoof.
“Yes, keep quiet. You'll alert the--”
There was a sudden pounding on the door. “Princess Rarity? Are you well? We heard yelling!” The knob was tugged on.
“I'm fine! I was merely dealing with a few minor things! I wish to be alone, leave!” she yelled, letting fake anger flow into her tone.
“O-of course!” the pony outside said, quickly galloping away.
“Princess Rarity?” Spike asked, staring up at her.
She looked down at the dragon. Slowly, she gripped him in her magic and pulled him, along with the gems, to her. With her hooves around him, she looked down into his love struck eyes with saddened ones of her own. “This... is going to be hard to tell you, but you must know. You are safe, here with me, but you must stay hidden. Things have... changed since we last met.” She then began telling him everything. She worried he might be too young to understand, but she knew she couldn't hide it. Not from him.
The sadness and despair that crossed his face when she had finished broke her heart. But, not nearly as much as the tears that followed. She cradled him to her chest, a position he was too far gone to enjoy. Her hooves gently stroked his back as his tears fell like rain and matted her coat. She wished she could tell him it would be alright, but she couldn't bring herself to tell him such an obvious lie.