//------------------------------// // Chapter 4: Attack in the Everfree // Story: A Locked Jewel // by JesterintheNight //------------------------------// A Locked Jewel Chapter 4: Attack in the Everfree It had been a few days since a Miss. Rarity took in a lost human with the name Jasper Abbott. Though since their first night together they hadn’t spoken much mostly since Rarity had orders to fill. And her normal sales during the day in the boutique and when she closed her doors it was special orders to ponies around Equestria. And though he didn’t ask for it, clothing for Jasper as well. Rarity seemed more then eager to make clothing for him, though he never tried them on given that he was asleep. Jasper had been in a coma since the night they spoke, only waking up when he was hungry and needed to use the bathroom. Though these times were random Rarity always left something for him to eat on the bedside table. He’d eat for a few minutes before exhaustion took over and he’d pass right back out sometimes with the food in his mouth. Though disgusting for some strange reason Rarity couldn’t find it rude, knowing he must be tired from something. And his wounds which mostly healed, he had some deep scars from someone or somepony hurting him… Course a human sleeping in her bed was the least of Rarity’s problems, strangely royal guards kept barging into her shop every day. Worse off they were rude! They would just look around the shop, knocking things down, ignoring her when she demanded to know why they were there. Then just leave wouldn’t even pick up, even one of her best friends Twilight Sparkle was confused why there were several guards searching Ponyville. And whenever Twilight would send a letter to Princess Celestia she would just say not to worry, and that they were looking for an old friend. But even though they would search during the day and find nothing, they would then disappear into the Everfree Forest as night. Out of curiosity Rarity had snuck to the edge of the forest one night. Though whatever the guards were doing in there it was much further into that horrible place then she’d dare go alone. As the third day rolled around, the young Jasper peeked his eye open only to be blasted by the cursed sun. Flailing a bit he covered himself with the soft blankets and prepared to close his eyes once again til a horrible smell reached his nose. Scrunching it up he sniffed a few times, it reminded him of the showers of the prison whenever the guards decided to deny them a good cleaning…Oh wait… “That’s me…” He mumbled before pushing his head out of the blankets feeling the warmth of the sun. “I feel like a turtle…” Jasper mumbled to himself, though he was sure they smelled much better then him right now. Peeking one eye open he saw the room was bathed in the light of the sun, though he couldn’t fully enjoy it’s beauty. His time in the prison slightly ruined his eyes from the lack of sunlight, now the world was a small blur. He could make out objects sure but they were just blurs, and worse off his eyes were now very sensitive to bright lights. Throwing the blankets fully off himself, he could feel the cool rush of air from the lack of coverage on most his body. Looking around the room for a moment he could see somethings had been moved around. A mannequin slid over here, a roll of fabric moved over there, a large pile of neatly folded clothing on a nearby chair…Hang on. Getting off the bed he moved to the neatly folded clothing, they looked a lot his size… The first thing he noticed was a pair of white boxers again missing the flap for using the bathroom. Only instead of plain everyday white boxers he noticed a design on the right side. “A diamond?” That’s what it was alright, a diamond but like what Miss. Rarity had on her flank. Was this her calling card? Or was he being claimed as her property? Laughing lightly he continued to move through the clothing, sure enough the diamond symbol was on every piece. A grey collar dress shirt a small diamond gem as the cufflinks on the ends of the sleeves, he couldn’t help but be surprised. They were actual diamonds, not even certain nobles had actual gems on their clothing. Setting it aside, he picked up a pair of black silk pants. Pajamas? It had a matching long sleeve shirt, the emblem also on both articles of clothing. The list went on and on with the amount of clothing that were here… “She must have made them all…” He mumbled, there was no way she bought them he was the only human in all of Equestria. He felt a strange feeling in his eyes, a wetness, then that wetness quickly slid down his cheek. Slipping free it fell onto the pair of khaki colored pants, he blinked as he saw the tear drop. He was crying? “I didn’t think I could…ha.” He smiled weakly, the last time anyone ever made him something. Was when Princess Celestia had custom clothing made for him, she even made him a jacket on her own once. He treasured that coat, he could faintly remember it… A sun on the back, purple like the royal guard armor, gold trim on the cuffs. “It took her a month… she refused to use magic.” Jasper laughed at the memory, worked hard on that jacket. He could remember the pin marks on her hooves where she messed up, some on her lips from when she had to pull it with her teeth. Boy were her advisor furious with her claiming she looked irresponsible, messy, like a common earth pony. But she didn’t care, she was always that way… “Wonder how she reacted to all this…” Mumbling with a hint of pain in his voice, he looked to the clothing noticing something else…Towels…clean towels. His pain was replaced with amusement, guess Miss. Rarity could smell him as well. With a smile on his lips he grabbed the grey dress shirt, white boxers, khaki pants and headed to the bathroom… … ….. Rarity peeked her head out from around the corner as she watched the strange creature known as a human. He walked out the bedroom, his arms full of her work. He had a cheerful smile on his lips as he looked down at the clothing. A sense of pride swelled in her heart, he actually liked them! Rarity smiled, strangely she felt very giddy like when Hoity Toity liked her dresses. She was about to jump up and down with excitement but froze no if she jumped he’d notice her. That would be slightly awkward given that she was spying on him, though one thing bugged her… “Who is ‘she’, and reacted to what?” She whispered, her azure eyes peeked around the corner…he was gone. Though she could faintly hear his movement in the bathroom, sighing a bit thankful. She trotted over to her bedroom, scrunching her nose a bit at the smell. It was powerful yet not a horrible sent, it was pleasant. It smelled just like the night they first spoke, when he pinned her down. It was scary strangely, it was…a rush. “I could fell his muscles moving as he held me… his fingers gently co-“ Rarity’s eyes widen, she could faintly feel her cheeks warming up. Shaking her head rapidly a few times, her mane swaying wildly. “Bad! Bad Rarity! That’s not lady like at all!” She screamed in her head, placing one hoof over her heart she took a deep breath to get it to calm down. This human was dangerous, he was making her feel…giddy. As her heart finally settled down her thoughts drifted once again to ‘her’ as he put it. “No name, just ‘she’.” Though she wasn’t much of gossip filly like her little sister, she couldn’t help but be curious. At first she thought that he was talking about her, but she didn’t hoof make his clothing. And he wasn’t sleeping enough to last a month, a strange sense jealously hit her. Puffing up her cheeks she began to clean up the bedroom, changing the sheets, blankets, pillow cases with fresh ones. Balling them all up she moved down to the wash, setting them beside the large wooden tug she got to work… ….. … “Felt strange to get a clean shower in.” Jasper stepped out of the bathroom rubbing his damp hair with a towel, his clothing perfectly fit. Miss. Rarity must have gotten his measurement while he slept, weird yet…sweet? Shrugging at the thought he returned to the bedroom quickly noticing even with his blurry vision that the blankets were missing. “Miss. Rarity must have grabbed em” Spreading the damp towel open he set it in the windowsill to dry. As he did he could faintly make out a light grey unicorn hanging blankets on the clothes line outside. His eyes continued to scan the area, no golden armored ponies, a few fillies and colts playing. Looking back down at her he saw she looked rather displeased, grabbing his shirt he sniffed it. “Do I smell that bad?” His nose picked up a flowery smell, her soap. Well at least he smelled a lot better, releasing the shirt he headed downstairs. Though this was the first time he actually set foot in her shop, taking a look around he saw several outfits. Some on mannequins, most of them hung on racks, a large mirror that was more than tall enough to fit even him. Five of these mirrors stood tall along with a small platform/stage in the middle of them. It was pretty impressive, she did very well for herself maybe better than most other fashionistas. As he was about to head out to the backyard a heavy knocking came from the front door. “Canterlot Royal Guard! Open up!” A dark voice came from behind the front door, Jasper looked around quickly before diving inside one of the carousel clothing racks. Rarity had stepped inside hearing the commotion, she walked past him not noticing his hiding place. As she was about to reach the door one of the guards busted it open making the door swing hard into one of the windows right beside it… CRASH! The glass shattered with ease at the guard’s strength, Rarity jumped back in panic. “H-How dare you! What gives you the authority to act like such brutes!?” Rarity said in anger, her beautiful azure eyes tense. They had been rude before sure but this was the first time they actually broke something in her shop. One of the guards glared at her making her step back a little in fear, the other knocked over a few mannequins as he searched for Jasper. “Step back ma’am unless you want to be harmed” The guard threaten, Rarity’s ears pinned back against her head as her eyes casted down at the ground. She was silent, and looked terrified… Jasper was about to come out of hiding to stand up for her until one of the guards stepped right in front of his hiding spot. “I don’t see anything Steel, let’s move out. Sugarcube Corner is next on the list.” The guard in front of him said as he trotted out the door, the other one looked at Rarity one last time before following his partner. Rarity watched them go before her magic closed the door, she then walked to the window looking out the broken window. She could see the broken glass on the stone path outside her shop, her horn lit up as the glass lifted off the ground; it returned to the window reforming perfectly back to normal. “Who were they?” A voice behind her said, Rarity jumped a bit in surprise. Whipping around she saw Jasper lifting one of the fallen mannequins, setting it back on its platform. “Oh, Jasper Abbott. They were the Royal Guard, they come by everyday searching for something.” She said as she began to help Jasper clean up the shop, once they were done he walked to the fixed window looking outside. “I must say Jasper Abbott you look most dashing in your outfit.” Rarity said unable to deny how good he looked, broad shoulders, strong frame, a rather handsome smile, though his grey hair and dull amber eyes were rather sad looking. Almost like he hadn’t seen the sun in years, Jasper turned to look at her fully. Noticing her admiring eyes he opened his arms wide almost like he was challenging the world. “Do I Miss. Rarity?” He spun around once slowly like someone who would do quick spins on a fashion runway. Giggling lightly at his display, she completely forgot the fear she felt not too long ago. He placed one hand on his hip, the other hung freely at his side and walked like a fashion model. Her giggles increased more at his goofy antics, he then took a bow in front of her before winking once. “I had a great designer is why.” He said as he looked into her eyes, Rarity’s giggles stopped as a small hint of pink appeared on her cheeks. That wink of his made her heart flutter a little, maybe he was as dashing as the stallions in her stories. “By the way Miss. Rarity, you can just call me Jasper. I figure with you letting me sleeping in your own bed for the last few days, giving me food, clothing, and letting me even use your shower. We can be a little less…formal.” He said snapping her thoughts back to reality, again he ruined her dreams. “Of course Jasper Abb-… Jasper” Rarity said, she rarely talked on a first name bases with anypony she knew. Besides her best friends of course, not even those she did business with not including Sapphire Shores. Since she insisted on it and she was her regular designer, nopony else. “Good Miss. Rarity” He said before standing up fully, he then glanced back at the window. “What are they looking for? The guards that is.” He asked more, he wondered if Celestia would reveal his existence to Equestria. Maybe but there were many pros and cons to that, Pro doing so would unite Equestria in finding him. Cons, doing so would reveal to all of ponykind that the protectors of Equestria couldn’t do their jobs. Another con which follows the first is that the virus’s existence would cause panic and chaos, sure Discord would have a field day with that…No she wouldn’t reveal his existence she was way too smart and compassionate to worry her peop- ponies. “No idea, though I wish they’d find it already. At this rate my poor little shop will be in ruins!” She said in a huff, Jasper looked to her for a moment then back out. He agreed if they continued to search her shop they would destroy it but worse off they find him. He have to draw them away somehow… “Do they stay in Ponyville?” He asked, Rarity walked to his side looking outside with him. “Thankfully no, though they stay in that dirty forest. It matches their manners.” A smile pulled at Jasper’s lips, the Everfree if he was soldier the forest would be the soundest place to hide. So they come to Ponyville to grab supplies, while they’re at take a look for him. Then move back to the forest at night to search for him, it’s smart they must figure he slept during the day. And moved through the night, well they were right that is if Miss. Rarity hadn’t saved him that would have been his original plan. “Miss. Rarity.. I need a favor, well two. One when you rescued me did I have a gold ring on me?” Rarity looked up at him given he was a foot taller than her. “Oh yes Darling, it’s quite the beautiful piece.” She trotted off to stairs before looking back at him, he quickly followed after her. As they moved up the stairs she glanced back at him “I was planning to make it into a lovely bracelet, but unfortunately when I tried to change the size of the ring it would shrink back to normal.” She added once they entered the bedroom, her horn glowed lightly as one of the drawers on the bedside table slid open. Jasper walked over to the table looking in, sure enough it was there. Taking it out he looked it over, it sent a small tingling feeling into his fingers. “Doesn’t surprise me it turned back to normal, the rings are forged to prevent anyone from tampering with it. Just in case a guard bought a payoff and tried to sneak the ring to any unicorn prisoners.” Jasper thought, setting the ring in his pants pocket for later. He turned to her, she smiled softly at him. Her eyes lit up with curiosity and something else…though he couldn’t put his finger on it. “Now for my second favor, and I know I have no right to ask this but do you remember what I was wearing when you rescued me?” He asked, though he knew she remembered it was fashion; not good fashion but fashion none the less. Rarity’s eyes rolls once in disgust “Celestia yes, those horrible rags were so disgusting. Ripped and torn, smelled like garage that had been sprayed by a skunk.” Jasper laughed once, that’s what 5 years of prison time will do to you. “Do you think you can make me another pair? Exactly like the one’s I had, it’s a …uniform.” He said, Rarity raised an eyebrow. Though she wasn’t convinced it was a uniform given its appearance and state, though… he was from a faraway land. She had no right to judge if that was the fashion statement where he was from. Though curiosity did get the best of her, he said it was a uniform. What did that mean his job was something official? So with a curious tone she asked… “What kind of position is that uniform used for?” Jasper smiled softly at her “Political”, Rarity was even more curious now “Are you a representative from your country?” He simply nodded once, that was the truth he was. “A prince?” She couldn’t help but ask letting her daydreaming get the best of her. He simply smiled in response, Rarity’s eyes lit up like stars. “O-Of course your highness I would be honored to make your uniform once again.” Rarity bowed deeply to him almost like he was Celestia herself, he flinched a bit at it. He didn’t feel comfortable with this so he walked over to her, gently placing his finger under her chin gently lifting it to look up at him. “Miss. Rarity, you don’t need to bow to me. I’m not above you.” He stated, Rarity turned a little pink at his touch. He was a Prince, a noble one at that seeing some simple unicorn such as herself as an equal. He’s nothing like Prince Bloodblue, he’s kind, strong, gentle, and completely selfless. He was almost like the stallion of her dreams, she couldn’t help but let her ears droop a little as her mind began to daydream. “Miss. Rarity? Misssss. Rarity?” He snapped once in front of her face, her eyes were staring at him a bit. Though it was more like she was seeing right through him, like her mind was somewhere else. But as he snapped lightly, her eyes regained their focus. “Oh dear.. M-My apologies Prince Jasper I-“ He gently pressed one finger to her lips to silence her “Just Jasper Miss. Rarity, please I’m not above you…” His eyes almost pleaded with her, she couldn’t help but almost melt in the hand that was supporting her face. “O-Of course Jasper… I’ll get right to work.” She lifted her head a bit, and trotted away from him. But as she was about reach to the door he called out to her. Stopping she turned around seeing that smile of his. “I hate to be a bother but… do you also know anypony who makes glasses? I’m afraid my vision is going on me.” He said, he seemed to be squinting a bit in her direction showing he was serious. She smiled lightly as she turned in place “Of course your maj-“ He raised an eyebrow at her words. “I’m sorry darling, Jasper. My dear friend Twilight Sparkle should be able to help you, Spikey Wikey is coming by later today to help me around the Boutique.” Jasper smiled lightly at her, a smile that sent her heart fluttering. “Ah, then could you ask…Spikey Wikey to send Miss. Sparkle a request for glasses? I just need a pair enchanted to fix my vision as soon as they go on. If they are too small or too big I’m sure the lovely Miss. Rarity can fix them for me.” His smile grew a bit more as it did a small blush pulled at her cheeks, this wasn’t good. If he kept smiling like that she might just fall for him, but she nodded lightly in response before trotting out the door to get to work. As she left Jasper had a confused expression… “What parents name their colt Spike Wikey?...” … ….. By the time night had fallen, Rarity had finished his uniform which he was already wearing. He even had a pair of cloth shoes, they kind of looked like moccasins almost. Though with Rarity being busy, Jasper had little choice but to make them himself. And he wasn’t nearly as talented at sewing as she is, but they’d hold up for the time being. And he was already putting them to use as he ran through the Everfree Forest. Sadly his vision was still pretty poor, ‘Spikey Wikey” as Rarity put it was a short purple dragon. Rarity asked Spikey Wikey if he could get a pair of glasses for her, Spikey Wi- okay we will just call him Spike for short. Spike was a little confused since Rarity already owned a pair, but when Rarity smiled and begged him with a hint of seduction in her tone. Spike almost melted saying he’d have them by tomorrow, course Jasper hid in the shadows when this all went down. Rarity had wanted him to meet Spike, but Jasper said its best he didn’t reveal himself. Nopony was supposed to know he even existed, in fact Rarity was the only one outside Canterlot Castle that knew of his existence not including the prison. Though even Rarity knowing was a big risk, when she found out he was a ‘Prince’ she seemed to almost… “Almost what?..” Jasper came to stop by a fallen tree, placing one hand on the soft mossy bark he took a deep breath. A small twinge of pain in his chest caused his free hand to shoot to his ribs, still broken. Though it wasn’t stabbing in his lung thankful, since Rarity had managed to move the rib with her magic. He could breathe normally as long as he didn’t push it too hard, settling his breathing slowly he peeked out over the fallen tree. “Hoofprints, they must have been through here.” Hopping over the old wood he landed soundlessly moving to the tracks. Kneeling down beside them his fingertips carefully traced the prints, they were fresh meaning they weren’t much further ahead. Looking himself over he noticed he was rather clean, not good. For this plan to work he’d need to look more dirty, grabbing some dirt he rubbed it into his clothing. Some on his face, some in his hair, he then bit down on the sleeve of his shirt. Riiiiiiip With a quick pull, his sleeve effortlessly ripped. “Rarity would be hurt to see this.” Jasper said with a small laugh, he felt like an ass too. She put her heart into these clothes, and here he was tearing them a part for his plan. Speaking of Rarity… he couldn’t help but think of her reaction to him telling her he was a Prince. It was almost like her dreams were coming true… “Weird…Oh well.” Jasper said to himself, he had to keep moving so following the tracks quickly. His eyes looked a head, trying to see a light source of any kind. If this was a search party for him, they would need at least a unicorn or two to light the forest. But so far nothing, not even any creatures. No sound, nothing, only the sound of his breathing as he moved. His mind couldn’t help but wander back to her, the way she smiled at Spike. Somewhat bugged him, like he was in love with her or something... “No, it’s none of my concern.” He said, it was true what she did with others wasn’t his business. He was only staying til he fully recovered then he’d set out to find his prize. Moving along the forest path, the tracks continued to look fresher and fresher until finally a light ahead. “Found you.” He whispered, moving within ear shot he pressed against a nearby tree listening closely. “This is Spellcastor, no sign of inmate 621 in sector 10.” The unicorn guard said to a crystal shard in his hand, a voice came from the shard. “Affirmative Spellcastor, we will be moving to Ponyville once again in the morning. Head back to camp.” “Yes sir” The guard slid the crystal into his saddle bag, he moved his horn around a bit shining the light into the forest. The light illuminated the tree Jasper was hiding behind for moment but moved away swiftly as a few sets of hooves came up to the guard. “Spell, area ahead is clear. We should move out.” A voice said, Jasper peeked out, it was a pegasus and a earth pony. Though as he strained his eyes he could have sworn the earth pony looked familiar though with a blurry body it was hard to tell… “Alright Cloud, I’ll be glad to get out of this Tartarus infested woods.” Spell said, he trotted past the two others leading the way with his light. The two quickly followed behind him chatting as they went, quickly and quietly Jasper ran after them. He needed the perfect chance to attack, somewhere where he could slip in and out. Then disappear into the forest even deeper, he needed them to follow him. So for now he waited… “Hey Steel, I heard from Valor you threatened a civilian today.” Jasper’s heart froze at those words, Steel? He was the stallion who threaten Rarity earlier that same day, stopping behind a nearby rock he listened in. “So what if I did?” Steel answered slightly annoyed. “That foal was annoying me, every day I go in there and she acts all high and mighty. So I put her in her place.” He continued, Spell looked back a bit “You did break her window.” He added, Steel shrugged “Listen sleeping on the ground for almost a week, spending all day and half the night searching for the freak. You’d be pretty pissed too…” He grew silent for a moment before continuing. “Besides, to see how frighten she was of me was worth breaking the window. Put that bitch in her place” Jasper felt his shoulders began to shake in anger, was this what Canterlot guard was reduced to? Cold, brutish thugs as Rarity would put it. Spell sighed lightly looking forward again, Cloud shook his head and picked up the pace to avoid Steel’s temper. “Now.” Jasper whispered, moving a bit closer til he was only a few feet away from Steel he kneel down picking up a large branch. “This will do.” He thought, he then slipped free from the foliage and quietly walked up behind the slow guard. Raising the branch a little bit to the side, he swung hard. Only for the guard to stop a second before the impact and… “Achoo!” He sneezed making his head lower a bit so the branch completely missed!” “Bless you” Cloud said turning around a bit to look at Steel, but only Steel was there. “Thanks” He responded, Jasper dove behind a nearby rock right when Cloud turn around. “Son of a bitch!” He cursed in his mind, how lucky can you get! Peeking out behind the rock he noticed he dropped his branch right behind Steel, who had stopped. The other two continued forward only to stop a few feet ahead. “Steel? What’s up?” Spell asked, Steel looked to the unicorn. “Nothing…I’ll catch up” The unicorn nodded lightly continuing with the pegasus down the path, Jasper held his breath as Steel came up to the rock. “Crap he saw me!” He thought, reaching around in the dark he grasped a rock the size of a baseball and ready it. Step… Step….. Step….... Then silence, though there was a new sound…it sounded like water hitting the ground. His eyes widen “He had to take a piss!?” He felt his eye twitch a bit in annoyance, but this was the perfect chance. “Might as well take it!” He yelled jumping on top of the rock, a surprised earth pony looked up at him. “It’s the hum-!” CRACK! Jasper slammed the rock right between the eye pieces of the helmet impacting the stallion’s right eye. Who fell to the ground, his head landed right in small puddle of pee. Raising of hoof to his right eye he flailed his back hooves out in pain “My eye!” He cried out only for Jasper to slam his leg right into the fallen stallions gut knocking the air out of him. “STEEL!” Jasper whipped around to see a light blind him, covering his eyes with his forearm he raised the rock once more. Throwing it with all his strength at the unicorn who swiftly dodged it, though in doing so he moved the light away. And instead blinded the pegasus who opened his wings to try and chase the human, the pegasus took off spinning in circles til he collide with a tree branch knocking himself out cold. “CLOUD! You damn crim-!” The unicorn’s words were cut short as Jasper had closed the gap between them in seconds, the branch back in his hand. And now broken in half as it smashed across the unicorns face, the unicorn slid a few inches away. Falling to his back legs as he struggled to stay on his hooves, taking the chance to put the next part of his plan into action he ran to Steel who was still rubbing his injured eye. Steel looked up at Jasper who took this chance to slam his foot right into the stallions hoof making him punch himself in the eye. And once again another target was knocked out, right as Jasper was getting ready to run he kneel down. Opening the saddlebag the guard carried he took out a crystal shard, he could use this. Standing up he spit on the stallion… “Stay away from her” He mumbled before running deeper into the forest, holding the crystal tightly in his fist until it began to glow. A voice came from it “Sir, this is Spellcastor! Inmate 621 just attacked us, he is now fleeing in the direction of old pony sisters castle! Cloudcutter and Steel Breaker are down” Smirking as he moved, he listen for the response. “Roger that Spellcastor, we’ll move base camp to the old castle to cut him off. We’re sending a medic to you now!” The voice died out, Jasper came to stop right in the middle of the woods. Pushing the crystal into his pocket, he looked to the stars above searching for the North Star. “Time to head home” He said running in the direction of Ponyville…