//------------------------------// // Chapter 16: Bargaining // Story: Avatar: The Last Alicorn. Book 3: Unicorn // by Jeweled Pen //------------------------------// Twilight stared at the sky. The sun glared down at her and her friends, who were all spread over the shore. The five were soaking wet and panting, their chests heaving with every breath as they struggled to regain themselves. The fast moving river they had crawled out of raged just a few feet away. Rainbow was the most exhausted, having been the first to crawl out and then having to fly out to try and save the others. Every inch of the avatar hurt, all the way down to her hooves. Her mind reeled as she struggled to process what happened. She tried to sit up, but pain shot through her, all the way down to her hooves, and brought her back down, making her moan. “What... in tarnation WAS that?” Applejack finally asked, bringing words to the question on all their minds. “I... I don't know,” Twilight said softly. “It was some kinda spirit thing, right?” Rainbow asked, trying to stand up as well, though she quickly just dropped back down. “I... don't know. Maybe?” “It could explain how it was able to... do some of those things,” Fluttershy said with a squeak, her face pale and shivering. Even Angel, who she held close in her hooves, looked frightened as he huddled close to his owner. “I don't know how he could have... become physical enough to work in our world,” Twilight said with a fearful moan, before finally pushing off the ground enough to sit up. “We should go.” “Why? There's no way he could have followed us,” Rainbow said with a shake of her head. “Do you really want to risk that?” the avatar snapped, before rolling over and getting up. “If that... thing finds us like this, who knows what'll happen?” Pinkie got up as well, cringing as her muscles stretched. “Twilight's right. We need to get out of here.” “Why don't you try going to the Spirit World?” Rainbow suggested. “Maybe you can find some more--” “No,” Twilight said quickly. “Whatever that was, it... it was not something I could handle alone. If I go to the Spirit World, if it's a part of there it might find us. It's best we just keep going and hope it loses track of us. Come on.” She turned and started walking, following the river. She knew it might be able to follow them easier if they stayed near the water, but towns tended to be built near such things. Right now, she didn't want them to be far from other ponies. Her friends slowly got to their hooves as well and started following her. Applejack moved up to the front, besides Twilight. “Ah hate tah be the bearer of scary suggestions, but what if that thing was... some kinda Water Nation pony? What if--” The avatar shivered and shook her head. “That was no pony. It felt... it just felt wrong. Everything about it...” “Yeah,” Pinkie mumbled. “I wouldn't throw it a party either...” “Come on, cheer up,” Rainbow said suddenly, smiling to the group. “We got out of there. Sure, our escape wasn't the smoothest, but even if it survived all that, there's no way it could be in any state to chase us. We dropped half a mountain on it!” “Yeah, maybe,” Twilight muttered, though the confident words of their athletic friend couldn't lift any of their spirits. ------ Rarity growled and drove her quill into the paper, gritting her teeth as she struggled not to pierce the paper. She could feel Spike's eyes, watching her. Were she in a better state of mind, she would have been thrilled that he was back to talking with her. Instead, all she could feel was shame. She'd tried being angry and, for a while she had been. She'd brandished her rage like a weapon, beating back the crazy notion that she, of all ponies, could be an ally and, even worse, a FRIEND of the avatar. Her of all ponies? She'd traveled her whole life, trying to destroy the mare. There couldn't be a worse choice than her. She didn't deserve it, of that she knew. Her hoof reached up and stroked the necklace that Spike and Sweetie had given her, before realizing it wasn't there. For a split second she panicked and imagined it was gone forever, then remembered she'd placed it in a small box on her desk. If the necklace was the sign of their bond, she wanted it to have no hindrances to reappear. Then she'd give it to one of the ponies she knew deserved it more than her, perhaps Sweetie Belle. Sweetie was kinder, smarter, a better bender and all around just a better pony than she'd ever be. Even more importantly, if the element could free Rarity from Discord's taint, surely it could save her sister. Then her sister could be the one to fight along side the avatar and stop that monster. Even if the younger mare had done some horrible things, they were all while under the taint of Discord's power. All of Rarity's sins were her own doing. Alas, this 'element' refused to show itself. She'd tried willing it into being, negotiating with it, even threatening it. She swore if it didn't abandon her, she'd find a way to destroy the avatar for good. She'd even offered to call back Sombra, though she had no idea how she could go about such a thing. All her begging, pleading and threats went unanswered as the necklace refused to show itself. Instead it left her angry and frustrated, filling out more paperwork that would be used to suppress the ponies of the Earth Kingdom even more. To get back at the necklace, she'd filled out a number of forms requiring vicious reforms. Tearing apart families, imprisoning foals, sending the young to work in the harshest of fields and conditions. She'd created the most monstrous orders she could, her pen striking like an angry sword. Every one of the orders had been burnt before she could allow anypony to see them, especially her mother. She could almost feel this 'element' smugly watching her actions, as if it had won some great battle. Though, she doubted it could feel. If it could, it wouldn't be so heartless as to choose her to be the one to stop Discord, when there were so many better ponies. Heck, her aunt would have been an amazing choice. The two were so close, all they would have done was touch and then the element could have passed. Why didn't they? Her head shot up. That was it. Her aunt! She hadn't been the chosen one, it had been her aunt. She was just close enough that the element had gone into her, to go into her aunt. She shook her head at her own foolishness. It was so obvious it made her chuckle. As if she could be some chosen one. “What's so funny?” Spike finally asked, watching her. “Huh? Oh, nothing,” Rarity said with a soft chuckle. “Just thinking about something silly.” She picked him up and pulled him into her arms. “I'm so sorry, Spike. You... you were right about what you said. Every word of it...” The dragon reached out and took her hoof. “No... no I wasn't. I... I'm sorry. I mean... no. Why?” he asked finally. “Why did you? The avatar... she was good. She was kind. She wanted to save the world. Why... why would you do this?” “I wanted to come home,” Rarity said gently, driving her hoof into the desk. “All I ever wanted was to come home. Where I felt I belonged. Where I could have my mother and sister. Where I could be a princess again. I just... what would you give up for a chance to return to your family?” She looked at him, a hint of moisture in her eyes. “Can you honestly tell me, if all you had to do was capture or kill one pony then you could return back to your mother, your siblings, your home, you'd pass it up?” The dragon stared at her for a moment, before looking away. “I... I don't know. I never... I never knew my mother or father...” he whispered. “All I knew was the great dragon. He... wouldn't even tell me where I came from. He was kind of a jerk, too. He barely even helped me once I was old enough to walk. He'd make me claw for my own food and sta--” His words were cut off as she pulled him into a hug. “I'm sorry,” Rarity said gently. “I... I know what I did may have been awful. No. It was. I know... that good ponies will suffer for it. I know there is no excuse for what I did. But... please know this. I just wanted to come home. I know it's not a good excuse, but that's all there is to it.” Her hooves tightened around to him. “I... I know it's not much, but I'll be your family now.” Spike just stared at her in silence, before slowly nodding his head. “Thank you...” she whispered before gently putting him down on the ground. “I... know this may be sudden, but I have to leave for a bit. I'll be back in a few hours, okay?” “Okay...” “Just stay in the cage and don't cause too much noise. There are gems and I've put a few picture books in it.” She gently pat his head. “I have to meet with somepony, very important.” “Who?” “My aunt,” she said, before getting to her hooves and trotting out the door. However, once she closed it her eyes narrowed. It was all well and good to say it, but how could she visit the mare without her mother knowing? ------ Twilight let out a soft, happy sigh of relief and pointed ahead. “Look there! A town! Finally!” True to her suspicions, a town had cropped up besides the river they were walking by. It wasn't very large, only a single farm, a water mill and half a dozen buildings. However, they could see a few ponies working the farms and it was enough to bring joy to their spirits. The avatar started trotting faster, but came to a sudden stop as her tail was gripped and tugged back. “Ow! Rainbow, let go!” The pegasus did, but glared at the mare. “Where do you think you're going?” “To the town. We need food and supplies now. We have a few bits so we--” “No, only a few of us are going. Or did you forget your wings?” Twilight opened her mouth to object, but slowly closed it as a bit of red flooded her cheeks. They'd lost most of their supplies in the river incident, which included their clothing. “I... I forgot.” “I know. So, who wants to go?” “I will,” Applejack and Fluttershy said at the same time, making Rainbow cock her eye. “Well, if you two want, sure. Applejack can deal with any problems that come up. Fluttershy, are you sure? It might get--” “If... if it's d-dangerous... I'll deal with it,” the yellow pegasus said quickly, driving a hoof into the ground. Twilight nodded and smiled. “I... I guess that works then.” “And with those two taking care of everything, we can get some more practice in,” Rainbow said with a chuckle. Twilight groaned and shook her head. “Do we have to? I'm starting to feel like all we do is practice. I'd like at least one day to--” “If you'd rather I didn't, we could have Angel—” The words were cut off as Twilight grabbed Rainbow's hoof and dragged her off. “Nope, let's get to practice! Yep! I can hardly wait!” the avatar said in a nervous, high pitched voice. Pinkie giggled and watched the two walk away, before turning to Applejack and Fluttershy. “You two promise to be careful, okay? We'll be here if you need any help. Just give the call.” Applejack nodded before turning around. “Eeyup. Don't yah worry one hair on your mane. We'll be fine an' dandy. Buy a few supplies an' see what we kin get, then be back before Twilight's lost too many feathers.” “Ummmm...” Fluttershy flew to Pinkie and held Angel out in her hooves. “Can you watch over Angel while we're gone? I... I don't want anything bad to happen to him.” Pinkie nodded and took him in her tail, the puffy mess enveloping him and stifling any objections the bunny could make, though he squeaked defiantly. “Don't worry! I'll take great care of him! Maybe I'll let him help with Twilight's practice. Though I can't help but wonder if Twilight would have an anxiety attack if I did...” Fluttershy shook her head. “N-no! Angel's a little darling. I'm sure Twilight was just exaggerating. Where would he even get a boulder like that?” The bunny merely rolled his eyes and puffed some tail out of his eyes. Pinkie giggled and trotted off, holding the annoyed bunny in her tail as she went. Applejack gave Fluttershy a little smile before motioning to the town. “Yah sure yah wanna do this? We don't know what we'll find, we could--” “No,” the pegasus said, before turning to walk besides the mare. “I said I would stand strong and do what needs to be done from now on. And I meant it. Even if... this place has water benders, or giant monsters or... or even N-Nightmare Moon, I... I won't run away. Not this time. I'm going to be as brave as the rest of you.” Applejack smiled and gave her friend a little hip bump. “Well, if you're certain, ah don't see any reason tah object. But, if yah ask me, you're already as brave as the rest of us. Ah don't think any of us much like the idea of goin' up against Nightmare Moon. However, as long as we're all tagether, ah don't see how we could fail.” Fluttershy smiled and gave a gentle, weak hip bump back. “Thank you...” ------ Rarity ground her hooves in frustration, pacing up and down the hall. Going to her aunt the normal way was, in a word, impossible. Four guards now guarded the room and even walking by it had gotten her such a glare she had scampered off. Going in through the front door wouldn't work. That left one simple way to get in and speak to her aunt. The screened windows in the walls. They had metal bars, of course, but her aunt could climb up to the one in her cell and they could touch hooves. She imagined that would be all it took to give the 'element' away. It was how she got it from Spike, after all. She wondered why it hadn't put her in a comatose state, but she figured it was just that she was a unicorn that protected her. The big problem, unfortunately, was where the opposite side of the window was located. That one didn't open to the outside world, that would be foalishness. If a pony could break those bars and tear away the screen, they could escape into the outside world. The ponies held in the prisons tended to be members of the royal family as well, if any pony could escape the cells, they could. No. That window connected to the soldier's barracks. If a pony tried to escape that way, they'd have to fight their way through all the guards as well, practically guaranteeing their discovery. The other windows could work too, but they would be more dangerous. They'd require her to slice through the metal bars on the windows, break open the screens and crawl into the room. A far more dangerous method that would be easier to detect, as well as leaving plenty of evidence. For now, she settled on the barracks. Now came the important part, sneaking into them without being detected. She walked through the halls of her home, her head held high. No pony moved to block her, though that wasn't surprising. She'd found so long as she acted as if she had somewhere to be, no pony bothered her. Usually. “Sister!” Sweetie's voice filled the air, making the mare cringe. She didn't have time for this. “Yes?” she called back in a sickeningly sweet tone, looking back to the mare. “What brings you down here?” the younger mare asked as she trotted towards her, coming from the direction of the barracks. Mentally, Rarity cursed as she struggled to think of a likely excuse and mentally going through the building, trying to remember what else was located in this vicinity. “I was... going to the armory,” she finally said, smiling at her younger sister as kindly as she could. “Huh? Why?” her sister asked, sending another bout of panic through her mind. For a second she considered telling her sister the truth, that she wanted to talk to their aunt. The mare would do anything for her, after all. Then another thought came to her mind. This was the perfect opportunity. She reached out with her hooves and pulled her sister close, hugging tight. She kept holding the mare, mentally willing the element to go into her sister. It was the perfect chance, the element could fix Sweetie and then have the perfect carrier, a more powerful and nobler warrior than she could ever be. Her sister relaxed into the hug, closing her eyes and wrapping hooves around her elder. She called out to the element, begging and pleading for it to go. To save her sister. To do what she couldn't. The element didn't respond. Her hooves tightened around the younger mare, squeezing so tight the younger could barely breath. “S-sister... you're... s-squeezing me too... t-tight...” “Huh?” Rarity loosened her grip, but stared into her sister's eyes. Staring into them. Was it possible the element had moved? Had it entered her sister? No. The mare didn't seem any different. There was no metal necklace. No golden glow. The element was just... ignoring her. Refusing to save Sweetie. “Rarity? Why are you crying?” Sweetie asked, looking up at her with wide eyes. They slowly narrowed. “Did... did somepony hurt you? Was it mother? One of the guards?” The green flashed in her eyes and the tears began to come in full force. Rarity shook her head. “N-no. Not... it's not that. I just... I...” She tightened the hug again and laid her head on her sister's shoulder. “Sweetie don't... don't ever think I don't love you. That I don't care about you. No matter... what happens. I swear everything... everything I do, I do for you and mother. Even if it doesn't always seem that way. Please... always know that.” Sweetie just stared in confusion. “I... know. You told me this already. It wasn't even that long ago. It was when we were getting those books and...” The mare's eyes narrowed and her lips curled into a viscous scowl as the green light flashed in her eyes like an unholy lightning storm. “Those books. Is it Spike? Did he say something to make you cry? I'll--” “No!” Rarity said quickly, letting her sister go and struggling to wipe the tears from her eyes. “It wasn't him. It was... the books. They're... I read some things in them and they just...” Well, she didn't have much choice now. “It's Celestia. There are things in them I want to know. I need to know. But... I can't get there. Mother has blocked me off and... I can't do it. I don't know how I can speak to her without mother knowing.” Sweetie stared, slowly a grin flashed across her lips. “I'll help. I can get you a chance to talk to her.” Rarity smiled, letting out a sigh of relief. “R-really? You will?” “Of course! We can--” “Mother can't know,” she said quickly. “If mother found out, she'd be furious.” That made Sweetie's brow crease, but she slowly nodded. “I... see. Hmmmm...” She rubbed her chin, before nodding. “Okay, leave that to me. Come on.” She trotted off, back the way Rarity had come as the elder mare followed behind. Rarity felt calm as a grin spread over her lips. With Sweetie working with her, she was certain she could get it done. ------ Applejack glanced about as she stepped into the town, her lips curled into a small frown. The town was even quieter than she'd initially suspected. The homes didn't look horrible, but now that she was walking amongst them she could see signs that they hadn't been used in ages. Layers of dirt were on the doors, the windows were covered in smudges and grass was even growing around some of the homes. The streets themselves were kept decently clear, with only the occasional pockets of vegetation sprouting up. There were only a hoofful of ponies, all unicorns, walking about or sitting on porches. They barely even looked at the two, only giving small glances out of the corners of their eyes. “Hey y'all. Where can ah...” The ponies didn't even look up, ignoring her. “Hello?” Still none of the ponies gave them a second look. “Well... ah guess we'd best find the local waterin' hole then.” Fluttershy tapped on Applejack's shoulder and motioned to a building, aptly named 'The Watering Hole.' “Well, that's awfully convenient. Well let's...” the earth pony trailed off as they walked up the steps. They were covered in dirt as well and a quick peak in the window revealed the building was trashed and covered in dust. Pieces of tables and chairs lined the floor and there wasn't a drink within sight. She pushed on the door and it swung open, revealing the mess inside, as well as the doorlock in pieces on the ground. “Come on,” She said with a motion of her head. The two walked inside. The dust was so thick she could feel it under her hooves and the pieces of wood were just as bad. “Hello?” Applejack called out, but received no response. Judging by the hoof prints she left, no pony had been here in months. She checked behind the counter and, unsurprisingly, the place was barren. She then pushed open a door behind the counter, revealing another room. There was a light skittering and she caught sight of a few rats vanishing into the darkness. Aside from that, all the room held was empty shelves and knocked over kegs. She shook her head and backed up, closing the door behind herself. “We won't find anything here,” she muttered softly. The two quickly walked out from the building. “Ah guess we'll have tah try tah get one of these ponies to talk to us...” Fluttershy nodded before flying off. She flew behind one of the ponies and gently spoke up. “Ummm, excuse me...” The pony ignored her, trotting towards one of the buildings. “Err... mister pony? I'd like to ask you some--” She was cut off as she slammed into a building post, recoiling back and landing on the ground in a heap. “Owie...” The pony didn't even stop to ask if she was okay, as she just laid there and rubbed her nose. “Fluttershy, yah okay?” Applejack asked as she galloped to the mare. “That looked like it hurt!” “J-just my pride,” the pegasus mumbled, rubbing her nose a few times before rolling back and getting to her hooves. She took a deep breath, before narrowing her eyes. “I'm going to try one more time...” “Yah sure? These ponies seem awfully keen on jus' ignorin' the lotta us. Maybe we should just--” “No. They're... they're being big... big meanies!” Fluttershy said before racing forward and jumping in front of the nearest pony. The mare tried to go around her, but she moved with her and glared into the pony's eyes. “Listen here you... you... big meany! We're looking for directions and we... we...” The mare reacted in a way she hadn't expected. Her eyes went wide with fright and she recoiled back. “I-I'm sorry!” she shrieked. “P-please, w-we did everything you asked, w-why won't you just leave us alone?” Fluttershy stared in confusion for a few moments before cocking her head to the side. She reached out and gently patted the mare on the head. “Ummmm... there there. You're not in trouble. I just wanted to know where we can buy some supplies...” “W-we don't have a-anything for sale! Y-you've already taken all we could give you, w-why are you doing this?” Applejack looked around nervously. Well, now they were definitely getting attention. A stallion, with a heavy limp, trotted up to them, shaking his head. “Quiet,” he snapped. “Can't you hear? These ponies are obviously not part of the pirates if they're asking to buy things.” He looked to them and, while he didn't smile, he did at least give them a look besides indifference. “I'm sorry, travelers. We've... not exactly had many guests lately. At least, ones we'd remember fondly.” Applejack nodded slowly. “Ah noticed. Who's in charge around here? Ah'd like tah--” “You really wouldn't,” the pony said quickly. “I'd advise you to leave as soon as you can. For the moment, we have protections and are safe, but you don't. If the pirates returned now--” “There's that word again. We're inland, just what exactly are the pirates doin' around here?” Applejack interrupted, stomping a hoof on the ground. “We heard they were attackin' places near the sea. Why'd they come so far inland?” The pony sighed and shook his head. “Just... just leave. If... you really wanna ask about what's going on around here, head over there.” He motioned outside the town, towards the farm. “Old mare Greasehoof. She'll be able tah tell yah anything yah wanna know.” Applejack nodded and then glanced back to him. “In the farm?” “Yep...” The two quickly nodded and gave their thanks, before trotting out of the town. Fluttershy coughed. “Did... you notice something strange?” “What?” Applejack asked, glancing over. “A few things. You mean aside from the fact there were only a few ponies there? Most of 'em unicorns?” “Well, yes. That and... the ponies that were there, were all... well... they were limping, or had scars or so young or so old.” Applejack frowned and glanced back. Now that she looked again, there were only a few ponies here and most of them did seem out of sorts. They were all doing small chores, too. Like moving smaller things, sewing, mending, even the two foals she saw were helping get things for those working. “You're right...” “You don't think the pirates have been... taking ponies, do you?” That sent a shiver down the earth pony's spine. “Ah hope not.” She glanced up to the clear sky, though it suddenly felt much more ominous. “Ah really hope not.” ------ Rarity stopped, tugging on her sister's hoof and trying to pull her back. “Hold on! Where are we going? We can't just walk in, the guards will tell mother!” The two were in the hall, outside the room holding the guards of her aunt's cell. “I know,” Sweetie said with a chuckle. “Don't worry sis, I have a plan. You have to speak to auntie, right?” “Well... yes.” “Good, then leave it to me.” The younger mare pulled her hoof away and trotted to the door. “Just wait here.” Rarity nodded and smiled. Okay, it would work out fine, then. Her sister could just draw them away and she could sneak in. She just hoped she'd draw them far enough away that they didn't hear the door open. There was a few moments of silence, before a light call from inside. “Okay sister, come in!” Rarity frowned, her eyes narrowing. Her sister had to knock them out, now their mother would hear of this for certain. Once the guards awoke, they'd run to the ruler and tell on her sister. Though, Sweetie hadn't been banished from their aunt, so she supposed the mare would be okay. She trotted towards the door, shaking her head as she went. “Sister, you should have just--” The words caught in her throat, choking her as she stepped into the room. The four guards were still standing, thin spikes of ice pierced through their heads into the back of the wall, not even falling as the ice kept them still. It took her a moment to realize that they were, in fact, dead. “S-swe...” She tried to form the words, but they locked in her throat and refused to come out. “You... S-sweet...” “There, go on,” Sweetie said with a sugary sweet smile. She motioned to the door. “They won't tell anypony now.” “You... you ki... you...” “Of course. If I didn't, mother would know we came here.” “But... but they... you... you didn't... I...” Rarity felt as if she was either going to faint, or throw up. How did she not see this coming? She should have known better than to tell her sister to... oh by the heavens. “Are you going to go, or not?” Sweetie asked, tapping her hooves impatiently. “If you wait too long, their replacements might come and then I'll have to take care of them too.” Rarity just shook her head. “No... I... I'll... t-talk to her,” she said, slowly trotting forward. She passed the bodies as she went, her eyes widening in horror as she passed. They were still nearly standing, with only a small trickle of blood over their foreheads. The door was open when she came to it, though she couldn't remember hearing it open. She stepped inside, moments before it closed behind her. “Rarity? To what do I owe this pleasure?” Celestia asked, smiling to her niece. The smile quickly turned into a frown. “You look pale. What did my sister do? Did she harm you?” Rarity shook her head, her mouth falling open but no words escaping. What could she possibly say? She'd as much as killed those guards herself. She'd known her sister would do anything for her, but she never thought she'd go to such... extremes. No, she knew her sister was capable of such things, but she'd tried so hard to ignore it. Suppress it. Now, because of her, those poor ponies were dead. She tried speaking again, but her mouth was so dry the words couldn't escape. “Niece? What's wrong? Why are you so pale?” Celestia stood up and trotted to the bars, standing strong and tall over her niece. In the back of her mind, Rarity noted how much stronger and less starved her aunt looked, with actual meat on her bones. Under better circumstances she would have been thrilled. But now... “S-sweetie...” “What about Sweetie?” “Killed... killed the guards. I... I told her I had to see you... but... I...” Tears began welling into her eyes and she charged forward, reaching a hoof out to hold her aunt's. The elder mare didn't hesitate, moving as close as the bars would allow and held the younger mare, though the metal made it awkward and uncomfortable. She told Celestia everything, tears going down her face and wishing she could bury her head in her aunt's fur. “There there,” Celestia whispered, stroking the mare's back as she spilled her heart out and listened to every word. Her eyes narrowed slightly once she was finished. “I... see. So, I was correct then. You... are one of the elements.” “No... I... I can't be. I don't... I don't deserve to be. It's just... I... You should be it.” She looked up at her aunt. “If this... element thing was smart, it would choose you. It would go to you. Why would it choose me? I'm not... I'm not...” “You're a valuable, kind, generous, caring mare who's taken more on her shoulders than any pony should ever expect. You work harder than any I've ever known and have suffered things many ponies would have broken under. If any pony deserves to be one of these elements, it is you. I can not think of a better mare.” “How... how can you say that? I... I as good as killed those ponies out there. T-the avatar too. I've f-failed you, my sister, my mother, my nation. Everything I t-touch get's d-destroyed in my hooves. Just... just look at B-blueblood! If I'd never... if I'd never met him he'd... still be a-alive and... and how about Littlewing? I killed h-him too. I... I'm nothing but trouble.” “No, you're not...” Celestia whispered. “You just made mistakes. Listen, Rarity. No matter what bad you do, or if you fail. No matter what comes. So long as you still live, there is still a chance for you to do good. You can still be this element and save ponies. None are perfect, no matter how they try to be. So long as you don't give up, however, you can still succeed.” Rarity trembled, shaking her head. “But... I don't deserve it. I'm not... look at what I've done. How... how can you still forgive me? How can you still say I can do good? How can you not... not hate me?” “Because you are my niece. I see the good in you, always waiting to burst free. You may not realize it, but you are a good, kind, wonderful mare. If life had been less... harsh with you, I imagine you would have become a truly wonderful ruler. Perhaps the one to break the horrible cycle we are now stuck in.” “I... I can't. I'm not strong enough, I don't...” “You are,” Celestia said firmly, before pulling away. “Now, you must go. You know what your destiny is. Don't fight it, accept it.” “But... but I...” “Go, before more guards arrive and your sister kills them as well. There is... sadly nothing more I can teach you. You know what you are. What your destiny is. All you need to do now is reach out and grasp it.” Rarity slowly nodded, though her hooves still reached out for the mare. Grudgingly, she pulled back and trotted to the door, knocking on it a few times. She paused for a moment and looked back as the door began to open. “Auntie? What... happened? I mean... when mother came for you. Did she hurt you?” Celestia shook her head. “No. She wouldn't fight me. While I do not doubt she could defeat me, it would not be an easy fight for many reasons. It would leave her weak and wounded, something she wouldn't allow herself to suffer at this point.” Rarity nodded and stepped out from the room. Celestia waited until the door was closed fully, before shaking her head. “Oh niece... if only I could take up this burden for you.” Her horn glowed and a few drops of water lifted up from her cup, forming a thin blade. She then began waving her hoof, back and forth, slicing into the bars near the roof, one tiny nick at a time. ------ Applejack frowned down at the old pony known as Greasehoof. She was at least as old as her Granny Smith, even shrunken down from the years to barely larger than a colt. Nearly every pony working the fields was in a similar state, so old they should have retired years ago, or so young they had no business being in the fields. The only two who were fully grown adults without any pressing injurys were two earth ponies, the others all unicorns. Greasehoof wore thick glasses that made her eyes seem as large as her head and her mouth was filled with dentures, which she used to chew on a single strand of straw she had dangling from her mouth. Her coat was faded to a light gray and her mane was little more than a few strands of white hair, timidly poking out into the world. Neither of the mare's could help feeling pity for the poor creature, Applejack kept envisioning her own granny, being forced to work out in the elements in such a state. “So, what is it you all want?” the elder pony asked harshly, glowering at them. “If you're a member of them pirates, we've already given yah what yah asked, why don't yah--” “No, we aren't,” Fluttershy said with a shake of her head. “We're just travelers looking to buy some supplies, we have bits and--” “Bits? What need have we for bits?” Greasehoof looked off to the side and spit. Or rather, tried to spit. Her attempts brought nothing but flecks of flem and a quick coughing fit. She then turned back to them. “We barely got enough food for ourselves, let alone feeding a bunch of travelers. Yah can't eat bits!” Applejack nodded, glancing around. “Where is everypony? There's just... a fraction of a town here.” “Drafted into the war, fighting off our nation's enemies like every other water bender. How'd a couple of fit ponies like you avoid getting drafted? You're good enough to travel, you should be good enough to fight.” “We were lucky,” Applejack said quickly. “Medical reasons,” Fluttershy said at the same time. The old mare cocked an eye and shook her head. “No matter to me. You won't find any food or resources here, young'ins. We've barely got enough for ourselves, let alone a couple of travelers.” She shook her head, though her eyes softened. “Though... if you need someplace to rest, we can give you shelter for the night. We--” “No,” Applejack said firmly. “We won't impose on you longer than we need to. But please, we need to know. These... pirates. We keep hearing about them, what's going on?” The mare sighed and shook her head again. “They've been coming here every week or so, taking what they want. I managed to negotiate with their leader and, so long as we don't impede their way and let them ransack what they like, they'll leave us and our personal homes alone. So long as we give them a share of our crops, too. Those that went to the war... well... when they get back, they won't have much left.” Fluttershy nodded. “That's probably for the best. Objects aren't worth your lives. But... ummm... where are these pirates? They can't be far if they keep coming by, right?” The elder pony shivered. “Listen, I'm sure you mean well and all. But don't go chasing them. They've got a whole crew and a mare like you, well, you'd be lucky if you just died. Only reason they don't try to hurt us is because we're too old or hurt to do anything. If you show resistance, who knows what they'd do to you? And us if we told you?” Fluttershy nodded slowly. “We could get help? Find some soldiers who'd--” “Don't even try,” Greasehoof said with another sigh. “It won't do any good. Nopony is going to come help our village. We don't have any resources of value, our fighting fit unicorns have all been drafted and we barely make enough of a harvest to feed ourselves and the little the pirates ask. The nation wouldn't spend the hoof power needed to help us. Even if they did, the pirates could just flee and, once the soldiers left, they'd come and slaughter us all.” Fluttershy frowned. “But--” “No buts,” the elder pony said, before breaking into a coughing fit and sending spatters of flem on the poor mares. “We all got our lot in life. For now, this is it. And farming ain't a bad one.” The pegasus slowly nodded her head. “I... I see. Thank you. We'll... we'll leave you be then. Thank you for your help...” she mumbled before turning to trot away. Applejack followed besides her and frowned. “You thinkin' what ah'm thinkin'?” “Those pirates are a bunch of big meany flanks,” Fluttershy said, each step she'd daintily slam her hoof into the ground. “But, we need their help.” “Eeyup,” Applejack said with a smile. “An' if they're too busy helpin' us, they won't be within half a mile of this here town. An' if we can't get their help, well... we could get rid of 'em.” The pegasus gave a quick little nod. “Yep. So, to the others?” “Eeyup.” ------ Rarity hung her head as they walked, barely hearing the words her sister spouted at her. The younger mare was so excited after their earlier adventure, constantly nudging her sister and grasping for admiration and affection. Sadly, Rarity had little to give aside from the occasional nod and weak smile. Her aunt had nothing more to say. How could SHE be an element? She'd dedicated her life to defeating the avatar. Had done so many things, so many horrible, awful, wicked things. She'd killed and, even worse, led her little sister to murder. Sent her fa... that creature after the avatar. Imprisoned ponies, helped her mother des-- She froze in place as a happy, maniacal laughter came from down the hall. Her mother's laughter. From her room. Her heart froze and even Sweetie went still. The two shared a horror filled look, before galloping down the hall, skidding to a stop in front of their room. Nightmare Moon stood in the middle of her daughter's room. Clutched in her magic was Spike, the small dragon staring up at the ruler of the nation with wide, terrified eyes. Nightmare just laughed, her voice echoing through the halls as her daughters stared with wide eyed horror.