//------------------------------//
// Bearer Chapter: Generosity 
// Story: Harmony's Creed 
// by Gapeagle 
//------------------------------//

	Rarity impatiently tapped the mahogany table. She tried to keep her posture straight and formal, but her tiredness made her sag slightly. Her sapphire eyes were only half open. A single candle rested on the middle of the table. It was the only light source in the room. Even though the amount of light was pitiful, the room could be made out clearly. Graceful drapes were hung over the windows, the floor had a rug with Arabic designs, the seats at the table were well-carved, and a golden chandelier was above the table. One would believe that Rarity would be happy in such a clean and elegant place, but the girl across the table prevented that.

The girl had short light blue hair with whitish highlights. Her thin eyes were the same color as her hair. A rose flower was in her hair and she wore a fine purple and white dress. Her face showed that she was terrified, hardly moving or speaking. Her eyes would dart around and avoid Rarity. They finally moved to the Bearer's tapping fingers. She parted her mouth to speak for the first time.

"Is...Is this a mansion? Are we...in a rich man's home?"

Rarity nodded. "Yes. Did you think I would take you somewhere else?"

"Well, usually Assassins take people into dark dungeons or creepy alleys for interrogation. This place is very....clean."

Rarity stopped tapping. "You see darling, I would do that, but I would have to be in such filth as well. That is simply unacceptable."

The girl blinked in confusion before gasping. "Wait, this is someone's home! How did you get me in here?"

"I had to make some arrangements."

"You killed them?" She asked in horror.

"What? No! I simply disposed of them. The resident is tied up in the closest. He isn't the nicest or even handsomest of gentlemen. So he can be in there all he wants."

The girl leaned back in her chair. It was obvious she was becoming more comfortable with the Assassin in front of her. She still held a worried face, but the fact that she started to talk was evidence that she was less timid than before. Rarity sat up in her chair and smiled at the girl. 

"It is good that you are speaking, Coco. I need to you know this: I am not here to harm you. I realize you are affiliated with the Templar, but you are young and taking your life would be no justice. Now, you're superior on the other hand..."

"Madame Poloman?" Coco gulped. "Oh, she's a nasty lady. She's been in a vile mood lately from her meetings with Lady Shimmer in Canterlot. That means more work for me."

"Canterlot? When was she there?"

"Oh, just a week ago. We weren't there very long of course. She made arrangements to meet Lady Shimmer in the Grand Royal Palace. I could not attend the meetings, so I can't answer any questions about that. All I know is they agreed on nothing."

"Why would two high-ranking Templar disagree as such?" Rarity asked curiously.

"Well, Lady Shimmer is not the clearest of minds. Most of the Templar don't see eye to eye with her. She's likes to limit the Templar's influence. She keeps the Order at bay when it comes to Equestria. Madame Poloman and I don't understand it. It is like she wants the Assassins to win. We know that cannot be the case after her recruitment of Captain Spitfire and the Cloudsdale Reformation. She's a hard woman to comprehend."

Rarity blinked in confusion. "If she is so...odd, then why is she one of the top Templar in Equestria?"

"Oh, that's because of the recent happenings. You Assassins have done well to thin our ranks. We've lost General Silverstar, Sir Rich, and even some officials here in Manehatten. She had the Wonderbolts and plenty of men at her disposal. She forced her way up the ranks. Anyone who opposed her have died within the month. Madame Poloman is the latest, and here you are to kill her."

Rarity raised a brow. "Are you saying that Shimmer wants me here?"

"That or a coincidence. But I don't really believe in those."

Rarity scooted her seat back and stood up. Coco timidly watched her from the edge of the candle's fading light. The Bearer started to tap the table again in thought. The young Templar's words worried her. She could be simply trying to confuse me or send me on a wild cockatrice hunt, she thought.

"Let's think about, shall we?"

"Of course." Rarity replied aloud.

"Sunset Shimmer could not always have been Templar. Growing up under Celestia's care would prevent that. She turned into Templar sometime later, just like how you turned into an Assassin by my choosing."

Rarity gently rubbed her chin. "What would that have to do with anything?"

"Who...Who are you talking to?" Coco asked meekly.

"None of your business!" Rarity snapped, making Coco squeal in fright and jumped back in her seat.

"What I am getting at, my dear Bearer, is that Sunset must have a different view of the Templar than the vast majority. Her unique upbringing is most likely the cause of it. And I doubt the Sisters are the main reason."

"Are you saying that Twilight has something to do with this?"

"I doubt it. No other Bearer has committed such a horrid lie. But, you cannot deny the how curious this all is. Twilight tells us that Sunset and her grew up together and now she orders us to assassinate two Templar that disagree with Sunset. All in apparently a week's time. It took us four days to reach this city so it was not even three days since Madame Poloman and Shimmer met when we received our orders."

"I see what you are saying. But I refuse to believe the accusations. Twilight may be secretive, but she would never work with the Templar. I know her and this isn't what she would do."

"My dear Bearer, she has lied to us. Crept out of the Den on several occasions. We even became suspicious about her doings in the night. We must continue to be cautious around her until we know everything."

Rarity felt Generosity pulsing in her chest. The Element was contemplating just as much as she was.  Her gaze returned to Coco, who was as timid as ever. The Templar simply sat there in her worry and confusion, not making any movement at all. Now that her Element had suggested that Twilight was scheming with the Templar Mistress, she was questioning her orders to kill Madame Poloman. She had orders to kill Coco as well, but had already decided against it. Withholding mercy was not Generous and thus against her Element. She sighed through her nose before speaking.

"Coco," She started softly. "Where would your superior be? I need to make quick of her before leaving. This city is not suited for one of my background. Both of my backgrounds..." She muttered at the end.

"Do you have to?" Coco asked. "I mean, I know Madame Poloman is not the nicest of people, but does she deserve death?"

"Coco she...." Rarity paused. What had Poloman done to deserve assassination? She had never met the woman nor even heard of her before Twilight's order. She had history with her previous targets, but not this one. "She....She's a Templar. She seeks to bring Absolute Order and ruin the Freedom of this Empire." She said halfheartedly. 

"So what?" Coco grew bolder. "It's just her view on the world. Wouldn't it be Freedom to let her choose what she believes in instead of punishing her? You Assassins make no sense at times. No wonder Lady Shimmer believes there is no such thing as Harmony."

Rarity gritted her teeth and turned away from the girl. The sound of rain hitting the windows was heard as a storm passed over the city. The candle faded more and the room was almost engulfed in darkness. She had just realized that her "interrogation" had in fact, been the opposite. Coco was asking her more questions than she. It's not one of my nights, she groaned inwardly. The Element pulsed a single time, emitting light through her robes.

"Don't listen to the girl. We are in the right. We are Assassins, remember? We work in the dark to serve the light."

"Coco, I am sorry, but I have orders. Tell me where she is." Rarity said without looking at the girl.

"But...What I sai...."

"Silence!" Generosity screamed through Rarity's mouth. Her eyes flashed with bright light.

"She's at Montel's Theater. It's in the northern part of the island." Coco muttered in both fright and defeat.

"Thank you, Coco. I shall go at once. You may leave at any time." Rarity told her and walked to the door.

"Please make it quick for her. I can't imagine the pain of dying." Coco called out to her.





"Of all places. By Celestia, the smell of this city."

Rarity grimaced as she took another step. The rain was pouring down and she wished to not get her clean and elegant robes wet. She used her powers to make an umbrella out of air, but that did not help her avoid puddles. She spent most of her time finding detours where the streets or roofs went beyond her level of tolerance for water or general filth. Manehatten was a city of filth and plague in her eyes. The East side of Canterlot was cleaner than here, she concluded. 

The buildings were all the same: square with flat roofs. Occasionally, one would find a round building or even a painted building, but those belonged to the wealthy and were quite rare. The alleys were thin and narrow, most were filled with the waste of the nearby residents. The smell....the smell! Rarity would pinch her nose, but she refused to due to the dirt on her gloves. Dirt on gloves was one issue, dirt on her face was entirely different.

"Oh, I'm glad Applejack is not here to see me. She would laugh at me! I can see her just dancing out here without a care. Farm girl..."

She came across a gap in the roofs. With her being on the cold street, the rain was not hitting her at that moment. She could walk through with her umbrella, but she could not walk through the ditch flowing with black water that was in front of her also. Think, Rarity think. She could run and jump over it, but the ditch was wide. What if she didn't jump far enough? 

"The worst possible thing?"

"Indeed."

Rarity knew she was wasting time. She had to figure this problem quickly. What to do? She then snapped her fingers with an idea. The Bearer took a breath, focusing her mind on her powers. In her outstretched arms formed a stone and then another stone, and then another. Soon she was forming a bridge with her mind. She only needed a few stones to create a bridge for her to cross, but why stop there? This flooding ditch had to be an issue and she could solve it. Her mind raced with her sudden inspiration. Rails, beams, curves, she had it all in the bridge she was making. Only a great sculptor could manipulate the stone like her. The bridge stretched to the other side and landed with a loud thud. She dusted the metaphorical dust off her gloves with a satisfied grin. The bridge was wide enough for a carriage to cross and tall enough to be at a comfortable height over the rushing water. Long and thin rails followed the bridge on either side, a covered lantern was placed on them at the middle of the bridge, illuminating it. 

"I say this is abusing your power, my dear." 

"Oh nonsense. This bridge is for the people, Generosity. We made it for them to use." Rarity answered her Element.

"I won't even argue..."

Rarity beamed as she lifted her umbrella over her head and skipped to the bridge in an almost childish delight. She then realized how undignified she must have looked and slowed down her pace, so that she had the stride of a proper Canterlotian woman. The Bearer enjoyed her short walk over the bridge of her creation. She felt sad as she walked away from it. It felt wrong of her to simply leave it.

"What, are you going to name it?"

"Well, I could."

"Oh yeah? What? I'd like to hear it."

"Tom. It shall be Tom Bridge." Rarity smiled.

"You name everything Tom..."

Rarity raised a brow. "And what's wrong with that?"

"Ugh. Let's just go find this Templar, shall we?"

"We are not far. I see the lights of the theater just over there."

The Bearer sped up slightly as she approached the theater. The buildings was massive compared to what surrounded it. Still small compared to Canterlot sizes, but respectable. The theater had a row of windows near the roof, no doubt where the wealthy attendants watched the plays and operas. Madame Poloman was wealthy and so she was most likely to be up there.

Rarity reached a plaza before the theater. The entrance was guarded by Royal Guards. If there were no civilians around, she would take them on directly or even ask them for passage. However, the likelihood of them letting her in were slim and the risk was too great.

"I'm going to have to climb, aren't I?"

With a sigh, Rarity threw her umbrella away. The rain pelted her silk hood and threatened to seep down onto her hair and face. The idea of it ruining her makeup was horrid to say the least. She leaned forward and began to run with her arm in front of her precious face. She was far from silent as her boots splashed in the numerous puddles of the cobblestone. 

The Bearer reached the side of the theater. It took her only a glance to find a path up the wall. With a quick hop, she had commenced her ascent. Window, loose brick, beam, another window, lantern, and finally, another window. The window she clung onto was bright with light from the inside. She could not see through it as thin curtains blocked her view. She extended her hidden blade and  jabbed it in between the windows where they would open. It did not take long to snap the small lock and open the window. 

Silently, Rarity slithered through the window, closing it quietly upon entering fully. She stayed behind the curtains while two Royal Guards walked by her in the hall she had just intruded. Once they went by, she pushed the curtains to the side and looked about.

"Poloman must be nearby. No doubt watching the play."

She sneaked to the end of the hall, deciding to check each room that connected to the hall in a single orderly fashion. Applejack would have barged in with her ax swinging, Rarity thought, that woman knows nothing about stealth. The Bearer tiptoed over to the first room and gently opened the door to see inside. Three men were chatting in their chairs while watching the play. Rarity walked away and checked the next room. Once again, Madame Poloman was not in there and she checked the next.

"There you are." She whispered to herself.

Rarity leaned through the doorway to inspect the Templar woman sitting in front of her. She was sitting next to an unknown man and laughing about something happening in the play. Neither of them noticed the Assassin who had entered their room. Rarity summoned a pistol into her hand and silently walked up to the Templar. Being only feet from Poloman, Rarity cocked the pistol and aimed it at the back of her target's head. All she needed was to pull the trigger.

"Well? What is the matter?"

Rarity held the pistol up. Her Element pulsed with both confusion and annoyance. It was so easy, Rarity thought, so easy to simply take a life. Who was this woman? What had she done to deserve my judgement? The words of Coco ringed in her mind and conflicted with the echoing voice of Generosity.

"I know what is troubling you, my dear Bearer. However, you must realize that killing one to save a hundred is worth it. It is confusing, but it is what we do. Remember the Creed. We take responsibility for our actions. Our acts shape the future to aid those who will come after us. I've told you this before. If we don't do it, no one will."

Was it all that simple? Would her death save anyone? Rarity did not know. Her hand began to tremble as she held her pistol at the Templar woman. Madame Poloman was still speaking with the man next to her, both oblivious to the Assassin in their midst. Rarity gulped. She could pull the trigger, blast a hole in the woman's head, and run off. Her mind had already formed an escape route from experience. The experiences of assassinating and running. 

"I can't...I can't..."

She lowered the pistol. It felt like she had been healed from a nasty wound. Generosity pulsed vigorously but did not take over Rarity. The Element decided not to intervene with its Bearer's choice. Rarity sighed softly before walking away from the Templar as silently as she had entered. Poloman's voice could be heard giggling in all her ignorance of what had happened moments passed. 

The Bearer went through the hall and out the window, back into the rain and storm of the outside. Her mind was blank and her feelings numbed. The Element pulsed no more and its Bearer descended the wall with ease. Once at the bottom, she paused, inspecting the summoned pistol in her hand.

"I....I didn't kill her." She muttered.

The words stunned her. It was was like an odd but sweet taste on her tongue. Had she ever spoken such words before? She would have remembered. Rarity cast the pistol into the darkness. A strong emotion swept over her suddenly and she slid to the wet ground.

"I didn't kill her..." She repeated.

"Well, that's wonderful."

Rarity glanced at the voice. Coco smiled at her from the edge of the light, holding an umbrella over her head. The smile was gentle and kind, relieved to hear the words from the Bearer. 

"I'm not sure if it is. I just disobeyed my friend, Twilight. How will I go back to her now and say 'I didn't kill her'? I'm not sure if I should feel elated or disappointed."

Coco walked over and crouched next to the Bearer, sharing the umbrella with her. Rarity could only stare at the girl with anxiety. 

"Nonsense, Rarity." Coco said motherly. "You showed great courage just now."

Rarity's lip quivered. "Courage? I am going against all that I have learned. I have been chosen by the Element I wield to uphold the principals of my Brotherhood. My lack of action may bring ruin to people. The Templar only want power and influence in this world. I seem to have lost the strength to fight them. I used to extinguish Templar scum like a one would a spider with a torch. It's gone now..."

Coco looked away. "Is it strength to kill, or to show mercy? Is it bravery to know when to kill or to know when to let one live?"

Rarity placed her muddy glove to her face, trying to wipe the tears that were now flowing down her cheeks. "I don't know. I don't know. My purpose is blurry now. I...I don't know what to do."

Coco remained silent and lovingly patted the crying Bearer's shoulder. Rarity could no longer think. She did not want to. Her mind swarmed with every action she had made since that old and withered Bearer knocked on her door in Ponyville. It was all flowing through her mind, asking if they should be regretted or not. She did not answer. 

Her hair was soaked and wild, her face was filthy from her tears and gloves, and she was sitting on the wet street, but she did not care now. The Element of Generosity pulsed a single, soft and soothing hum before returning to its silence. The only sound that remained was the rain from the sky and the rain from the Bearer's eyes.


~