//------------------------------// // Chapter 3: Reborn Chances // Story: Avatar: The Last Alicorn. Book 3: Unicorn // by Jeweled Pen //------------------------------// Twilight groaned, eyes closed and back being molded by her new favorite pony, Fluttershy. Applejack, Pinkie and Rainbow had left slightly after dawn, and she was admiring her first real break since. The travel to their new hide-out, a small shallow cave located just off the beach, had been a slow but boring one. It took them two days to arrive, far too much of which was spent underground or moving at night. Everyday held constant practice. Even with the walking the two benders refused to allow her more than the occasional rest. Fluttershy, angel that she was, did her best to keep the poor alicorn from keeling over. Unfortunately, without her healing abilities there was a strict limit on how much she could do. Frankly, Twilight wasn't sure she could endure much more of the two. She'd barely been able to suppress her cheer when they came within a few hours of the location of the small town, and her tormentors agreed to investigate. So, as always, her wondrous rest and relaxation was destroyed by the sudden clopping of hooves. Pinkie dashed into the cave, mane dripping and coat covered in sand. “Twilight, we've got trouble!” “Please just let me die,” the alicorn said with a soft whimper. “Oh, ummm, in that case, just keep laying there.” That made her look up. “What? Why? What's wrong?” “Welllll... Rainbow and Applejack might have been drafted.” Twilight groaned. “And the rest of the town might be in trouble.” She groaned louder. “And they can't use bending to protect themselves, or they'll be busted and likely face execution.” She groaned loudest of all. “Oh, but there's some good news!” Pinkie said happily, before tossing a large bundle of clothes on the floor. “We've got disguises! We managed to find get some before getting caught. Unfortunately, the new uniforms we stole kinda made them stand out...” She seemed considerably less happy about that. “Yay...” Twilight said with the lowest of enthusiasm. She took another sip of her drink, a sour tasting but delightfully numbing potion Fluttershy had made, and began going through the garments. “Anything that fits me?” “Actually...” “Wait a moment,” the alicorn said softly, her heart racing. She pulled out the garments and gasped. Almost all of them were red, with the occasional mix of other colors. “These look like... these are the Fire Tribe's colors.” “Yeah,” Pinkie said softly. “That's kind of one of the problems. The town isn't quite as much a... town as we'd hoped.” “Huh?” she looked up, an eye cocked. “Apparently when Vinyl left it was just a small town. But now it's more of a... city. A big city. Ummm, there's a large force here, too. Not many benders but... welllll...” “Wait, you don't mean there are fire benders here, do you? That can't be--” “No, no no no!” Pinkie said, shaking her head. “Apparently a lot of the soldiers who were at the battle of Fillydelphia, the ones from the Fire Tribe lands, are stationed here. Along with their families. Ummmm, you'll probably blend right in... so long as no pony recognizes you.” She paused again. “Also, say you're from the Earth Kingdom provinces. Unicorn with no water bending could be bad.” She giggled. “I saw almost everypony in clothes like this though, so you should be fine.” Twilight groaned again, though she couldn't help but admire the clothing. She picked up a black and red striped outfit that covered her torso, but left her legs free. It reminded her of the one she wore as a filly. Her heart fluttered slightly at the nostalgia the clothes brought, causing her to close her eyes and think of different times. Better times. Back when she was home and... she shook her head. “Right. I'll just have to make sure I don't draw any attention to myself.” “Yep! Easy peasy,” Pinkie said before glaring up at the sky. “Easy peasy doesn't count.” “Huh?” “Nothing. Come on, let's go!” the excited mare said before they all started out, freshly disguised. Angel even wore a little red suit, while sitting on top of Fluttershy's head. ------ “Sweetie, stop!” Rarity snapped, causing the younger mare to freeze. “W-what?” “That's quite enough,” the elder princess said, scolding her younger sister. It lost much of its effectiveness, however, due to the dark bags that had formed under her eyes. Still, she forced her voice to be steady and suppressed any more yawns. “Just because his goods do not meet our standards, is not an excuse to destroy them.” The elder unicorn nudged a small tray of donuts to the trembling baker, motioning him to the door. He took them and ran. Fragments of the pastries now littered the floor, shredded to pieces by the younger princess. Sweetie gaped, tears welling up in her eyes. “But before...” Rarity sighed and pulled her sister into a hug, giving her a soft kiss on the forehead. “I know what happened before. I just... sister. You're a kind, sweet, wonderful young mare.” She smiled down, struggling to keep her focus strong. “You should show that side of yourself, not this side that hurts and scares ponies.” “But... but I'm strong, see? I-I can take care of all this by myself! I'm a proper princess, a powerful ruler!” Rarity glanced up at the guards in the room, both of who struggled to keep their faces still and not tremble. She sighed and gave her little sister another nuzzle. “You're strong and a powerful ruler. But you need to temper your power with kindness and compassion. If you don't--” “You sound like Aunt Celestia,” Sweetie hissed. “Well maybe she was right!” the elder princess said harshly, momentarily giving into her tiredness. She looked around at the nervous guards and shook her head. “No, never mind. Sweetie...” She released the young mare and pulled away. “I just want my little sister, the one I had before I left.” “Well, maybe if you hadn't spent all your time ignoring me, I would still be like that!” the young princess said with a hiss, her eyes turning green. “I've done everything for you, even when mother turned you away! How dare you scold me, talk down to me! You owe me everything! You should worship me!” Rarity stared at her sister, eyes widening slightly at the angry, spoiled brat before her. Sweetie's eyes nearly glowed with green light and her horn was starting to glow as well. She stared up at her sister with a look bordering on hatred. “Sweetie, calm down...” “I will not calm down!” the young princess advanced, growling, driving Rarity back. “I've done everything to get you back! Now that I have you, you don't... you don't even want to be with me any more. It's like... it's like I don't even exist.” The elder princess stopped, hitting the wall behind her. She looked up, gulping nervously when she realized the guards had left, likely to keep themselves safe. She then turned to her little sister and put both hooves on her shoulders, holding her back. “Sweetie, look at me. Look me in the eyes.” “No!” “Do it!” Rarity said again. Slowly, the younger mare looked up. “Now listen to me.” She struggled to keep her voice calm, every fiber of her being wanting to scream and yell, find someway to purge the contamination from her sister. It took the small remains of her energy to keep the mare calm. “You are my little sister. I will always, always be there for you. No matter what happens. When I scold you, it is only because I love you and I can't bear to see you being anything less than that wonderful mare I grew up knowing. The one I know you are.” The green began to fade from her eyes, though it stuck around the edges. “You... you really mean that?” “I do. I... I know I wasn't as attentive when I was younger. Before... everything. Trust me, I've spent countless nights awake, loathing myself for the way I treated you. But I'm here now, and I do not intend to leave anytime soon.” She gave her another hug, sighing softly once the young mare hugged her back. “Besides, the avatar is gone. For good. There is... there is no reason for us to ever have to worry about being separated again.” “Okay...” Sweetie said, closing her eyes and nestling into the hug. “Good, are you feeling better?” “Y-yes, a little...” “Wonderful. Now... I have someone I want you to meet. It'll be a secret though, okay? Nopony else can know. Not even mother.” She paused for a moment and looked into her sister's eyes. “Can you promise me that no matter what, you'll keep this a secret? Even if you get really, really mad at me?” Sweetie nodded rapidly, staring up at her sister with adoring eyes. “O-of course! Whatever you say, Rarity!” She smiled and gave her a pat on the head. “Good. His name is Spike, I think you'll be best friends.” She slowly raised a hoof to her chin. “Just... don't threaten him or anything. He's still just a baby.” Sweetie nodded, though she stumbled after a few moments. “Wait, the dragon? I thought he was asleep?” Jealousy tinted her voice. “I woke him up,” Rarity said, her mind quickly racing to find a way to calm the princess. “He'll be our little secret, okay? A best sister secret.” Sweetie's eyes widened and she nodded. “Yes! BSBFF secrets!” ------ Twilight gulped nervously, doing her best to keep her head down as she, Pinkie and Fluttershy walked through the city. It was quite awe inspiring, with dozens of buildings going as high as three stories. The coastal city had a large functioning dock, with two partially repaired vessels and one floating around on patrol. Over the city, pegasi flew in formation, keeping an eye out for any trouble. Fortunately, they all seemed to be wearing armor, none bearing the Shadowbolt's uniforms. The three made their way towards the pier, keeping an eye out for trouble and doing their best to avoid other ponies. The closer they got, the more apparent this 'danger' became. Many of the buildings had half their higher windows broken and some had craters in the side. Aside from the pegasi flying overhead, the place seemed deserted. Until they passed one building and heard a loud hissing noise. “Psst! Here!” a pony called from the shadows. A quick glance revealed Applejack, hiding inside the lower floors of one of the damaged buildings. Twilight and the others quickly jumped inside, closing the cracked door behind them. “You got out! How about Rainbow? Is she okay?” Twilight asked once they were alone. “She's not gonna have an easy time getting out,” the earth pony said with a sigh. “Ah snuck out temporarily cause ah could blend in, but there ain't no way tah sneak out that rainbow-butted show off. In the first hour out here she challenged some poor pony to a race, now she's one of the most recognizable ponies in the lot!” Twilight sighed and face hoofed. “Wonderful. So much for keeping our heads low.” “Eeyup. However, there is some good news,” Applejack said with a grin. “Yah won't believe what has all these ponies on high alert.” “What? It's not something big and fire proof is it? Oh gosh, please tell me it's not a sea serpent.” Applejack chuckled and shook her head. “Nnnnope. We got a whole batch of good luck this time around, an' let me tell yah, we could use it. Pirates. A whole batch of 'em have been nippin' at the Water Nation since their big home was taken out.” Twilight's eyes widened. “Wait, you mean like... Gilda and her lot? But why would they--” “Blood vengeance or somethin'. They ain't super powerful, unfortunately. But the Water Nation is too spread out tah do anythin' about 'em aside from positionin' all their lesser cared about soldiers at these outer cities, an' hope with their families an' all they'll feel inclined enough tah keep it safe proper.” “Wait, lesser wanted? Does that mean--” “Only about three, maybe four proper benders. Everypony else is either fresh or not valuable enough. Hoofful of pegasi an' a whole lotta earth ponies, most from their 'colonies',” Applejack made an annoyed huff at that. “An' let me tell yah, these ponies got a right stick up their flanks about the whole thing.” Twilight blushed slightly. “W-what do you mean?” “Yah otta hear some'a these ponies livin' here. The unicorns especially. Treat us earth ponies as if we don't exist at all. They got a commander here, unicorn and a right idiot. Looks at us earth ponies as if we're somethin' he scraped off his hoof an' doesn't treat the pegasi much better.” “Interesting,” Twilight mumbled, a hoof reaching up to stroke her chin. “So you haven't been questioned much?” “Not really. We managed tah bluff our way into the ranks, but there ain't a whole lot for them to do here. Everypony is jus' lookin' out for themselves now an' hopin' they get assigned somewhere else 'fore the pirates attack again.” “Do you think you can get more information? Maybe find out patrol routes, where the pirates are holed up, what we can expect? The more we know, the better off we'll be.” “Ah'll see what ah can do. But that'll take time, an' we don't got a lotta that on our hooves,” Applejack said, moving from hoof to hoof uneasily. “We don't need much. Just get what you can, then we'll leave. How about... three days. That should be enough, right?” “Well, ah guess it couldn't hurt tah lose three days. Least, if we find somethin' good,” the earth pony said with a sigh. “But that's all, got it? An' ah want yah practicin' every one of 'em, yah hear?” Twilight nodded and gave a small smile. “Of course. I'll train every day, I give my oath.” She then looked out the window. “But we'll have to find a way to tell Rainbow.” “Leave that tah me,” Applejack said with a chuckle. “Ah'll see her an' the rest tahnight. Yah all just make sure tah keep outta trouble. Remember. Three days, then we meet back here. Will yah be okay?” Twilight nodded. “We'll be fine. Just find out what you can and let Rainbow know. More importantly, stay safe.” She moved forward and gave her friend an affectionate nuzzle. “If anything goes wrong, just get out, don't worry about us. We'll find our own way. Got it?” Applejack chuckled. “Yeah, ah know. Ah'll be fine though. The ponies here barely even give me a second glance an' don't ask me any questions. It'll be easy as pie.” “Hey!” Pinkie objected. “Yah all know what ah meant. Jus' be careful.” Applejack turned and left out the door. Once she was gone, Twilight looked to the others. “Well, we'll be here for a few days so we'd best come up with a plan. We need to get some supplies. So here's what we're going to do...” ------ Rarity laid on her bed, watching the little dragon and her little sister talking. To her delight, the little creature seemed to have a soothing effect on the mare. Her eyes hadn't shown signs of the corruption once since they'd began talking and she found him absolutely adorable. Spike, of course, was delighted by the extra attention. As well as the priceless treats she insisted on feeding him. The conversation stayed casual and relaxed, allowing her to close her eyes and try catching a little rest. She quickly sat up again and shook her head. Despite the fact she wanted to sleep, she knew it would only bring her misery if she tried now. Her dreams had... shifted since Spike had awoken. Rather than the happy, gentle dreams filled with her hearts desire, instead she kept reliving the final battle of Fillydelphia. Her sister's murder of the avatar. It always led to her waking up in a cold sweat, her body tense and exhausted. The only way she could avoid such a fate was by staying up all night until she was so exhausted she practically collapsed, which had already caused a few incidents. Fortunately, there was no shortness of work to keep her focused on, small piles of paperwork stacked on her desk. So long as she continued to show progress, her mother seemed content not to mention the elder princess' strange sleeping schedule. With a soft sigh, she got to her hooves and trotted to the desk, giving her sister and dragon a cursory glance before pulling down the first piece of paper. A small report from the Earth Kingdom, mentioning how another assault had freed plenty of ponies from a place called Sweet Apple Acres. It sounded vaguely familiar, but she couldn't remember why. She read until she got to mentions of the wounded, then dropped the report. Her mouth fell open as a horrible thought filled her mind. What if it wasn't just a dream? What if it was a warning? She glanced to her sister. What if they were wrong and, somehow, the avatar had survived? She trembled, sweat forming under her coat. If the avatar was still alive, she'd lose everything. Her banishment would begin again, her mother would reject her, her sister would be torn away, she'd lose everything she'd worked for. Worse, she'd likely have to give up any chance to free her sister. The world seemed to swirl around her, forcing her to grip the desk. It took every fiber of her being to stop from collapsing. “I... I need to get some f-fresh air. I'll just... I'll be back soon,” she said, before getting to her hooves and trotting from the room. The other two gave her a glance, but didn't stop her. The moment the door closed behind her, she galloped away, head low and blood pumping through her. She didn't stop until she was outside, the cold night air brushing against her damp mane. She dropped down, eyes looking over the city. Her city. Her home. Where she belonged. The thought of losing it again, after all she'd been through, made her want to throw herself down on the ground and cry. But she couldn't, she was a princess. She had to be calm and methodical. Find a way to fix this. Rarity stared up at the sky, watching the great moon, its light coating her. She sighed and gave a quick nod. “I'll have to find a way to make sure she's gone for good. Somehow. I'll... I'll...” Her head turned around, back towards the palace. A shiver ran down her spine, the mere thought of what she had to do chilling her to the bone. But then again, she was a princess. If she wanted to remain as one, she'd have to do things, even things as terrifying as that.