Flung from her home by the cruel hand of Discord, Rarity returns home with tales of horror beyond Equestrian imagination.
Flung from her home by the cruel hand of Discord, Rarity returns home with tales of horror beyond Equestrian imagination.
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Rarity stood quietly in the magically conjured cage, for once too confused and angry to say a word. She wanted to shout at Discord, to call him a ruffian, or perhaps guilt-trip him for betraying Fluttershy but instead said nothing. There were simply too many options before her, and without a clear head to choose her course she merely sat there quietly.
Unlike the majority of her friends, who were either trying to free themselves from the cage or were too shocked to move. Applejack bucked the bars to no effect while Rainbow Dash repeatedly flew into them, earning herself only a few new bruises for her effots. Twilight was trying to use some manner of spell to force it open while Pinkie Pie tugged mightily to no effect.
The only other pony doing nothing was Fluttershy, the quiet pegasus merely laying on the ground. Tears built at the edges of her eye, yet they did not fall, the shock of Discord’s betrayal stunning her to her core. It was enough to make even mild-mannered Rarity want to punch the draconequus right in his lying mouth.
Spike clung to the fashionista's side, the diminutive drake trembling violently. “What's going to happen now?” He whispered.
“I don't know,” Rarity admitted.
“Ahh and to think it was this easy. I really should have started with a giant magical cage,” Discord remarked with a chuckle.
“Let us out of here Discord!” Twilight demanded.
“Let me think about it…” Discord hummed thoughtfully, rubbing his chin. “No.”
“Ahh, so you did manage to catch them,” boomed a voice.
The six ponies, and one dragon, turned towards the newest arrival, watching in horror as Tirek approached. Now taller than the princesses, Discord, and even most houses, the centaur sported a barrel chest as well as chiseled features. All signs of age were gone, his dark fur glistening with vitality, and his burly red arms bulging with newfound muscles.
“I was beginning to think you weren't capable of such a task,” Tirek exclaimed.
Discord rolled his eyes. “Oh puhlease. Of course, I can trap a couple of silly little ponies. They aren't exactly difficult to trick.”
“Why are you doing this?” whispered Fluttershy, tears streaming down her face. “I thought we were friends.”
“Oh, we were,” Discord began. “But Tirek offered me so much more than just tea parties and dainty, tasteless sandwiches. Surely you saw this coming.”
“I didn't. I well and truly didn't,” Fluttershy murmured before breaking down completely, and pressing her face against Applejack’s chest.
The farm pony held her friend tightly, running a hoof through the shy mare’s mane all while trembling in rage.
“Enough of the dramatics,” Tirek demanded. “Discord, I have another job-er request for you my… friend.”
“Whatever did you have in mind, best buddy?” Discord replied arm slung around Tirek’s shoulders.
“I want you to snap one of them away. Somewhere so far away that they could never return,” Tirek demanded. “And make it somewhere random, somewhere even you don't know.”
Discord blinked. “Err why though?”
“Do I really have to spell it out?” Tirek growled, shoving the draconequus away from him. “These six little rodents always manage to slip out of whatever trap they are placed in and end up saving the day.”
“But they don't have the elements anymore,” Discord pointed out.
“If not the elements then some other ridiculous power,” Tirek continued. “These worms always seem to get some last-minute boost of nowhere. Banish one of them to the far end of the universe and our victory will be secured.”
“Somewhere so far away that not even I could get them back… that would take a lot of power,” Discord muttered.
“Don't listen to him Discord. You know doing something like that is wrong!” Twilight shouted.
“Yeah, you’ve been mean enough already. Any more and you won't just be a jerk, you’ll be evil!” Pinkie Pie yelled, the earth pony glaring up at the draconequus.
“Spare me your prattling,” Discord retorted, snapping his fingers and causing the six mare’s mouths to vanish. “The adults are talking here.”
“Do you fear winning, Discord?” Tirek accused.
“No, no, I fear nothing least of which winning,” Discord hastily replied, floating up into the air. “I’m merely worried about the considerable expenditure is all. Teleporting someone out of the local cluster is bad enough but all the way across the universe, now that's a doozy.”
“Nothing you can't handle though, right?” Tirek pressed, wrapping an arm around the other male’s shoulders. “You are the god of chaos, aren't you?”
“That's right, I am!” Discord proclaimed. “And I can do whatever I want, whenever I want.”
The ponies and dragon all struggled both against the zippers and their cage, though their efforts were in vain. Magic seemed to have no effect, and no matter how hard they tugged, the zippers couldn't be removed.
“So snap one of these creatures away already,” Tirek demanded.
“Right then. Just gotta choose one of you…” Discord murmured, leaning down and gazing into the cage. “It would be extra spiteful if I took the apple thingy far from the tree. The pink one is too amusing to banish. Hmm, this is a difficult choice.”
“Just get on with it,” Tirek snapped.
“I’d tell you to hold your horses, but something tells me you don't want to hug these technicolor blobs. Now then,” Discord cleared his throat. “Rainbow face is too funny to get rid of. Twilight and I have that whole mutual respect of enemies thing going on.”
Twilight rolled her eyes and snorted.
“Fluttershy is out because…” Discord’s face contorted briefly before a smile sprung to his features. “Ahh, I’ve decided. The prissy one will be sent away. She always was the most annoying of the bunch.”
Rarity’s eyes went wide, and she looked at her shocked friends to find that they had already surrounded her. Their expressions were fierce, and even Fluttershy seemed ready to lay down her life to defend Rarity. Who was now overcome with emotions, her jaw gritting tightly as she glared defiantly up at Discord from the center of the herd.
“Oh wow, that's really going to save you… not!” Discord shouted, the draconequus snapping his fingers.
His magic was not instantaneous, however, as Rarity began to glow a twisting gold and red light. Her friends grabbed her, Twilight attempted to remove the spell but failed, her horn erupting in a flurry of sparks. Rarity meanwhile, merely gave each of her friends one final look and nuzzle, ignoring the burning sensation creeping up her body.
“I thought your magic worked instantly,” Tirek barked.
“This is quite the spell you know,” Discord murmured, a hand going to his head as he floated to the ground, unable to levitate. “Takes a bit more time than usual I’m afraid.”
Tirek snorted and said nothing, his large arms crossing over his chest.
Rarity’s friends all held her tightly, tears running down their faces as they clutched at the unicorn’s body. Even Spike wrapped all four of his limbs around Rarity’s leg, the dragon holding on for dear life. The sight was enough to make Rarity begin to cry as well, her final thoughts being a sincere thanks for their friendship.
Twilight frowned, as she looked out the window to Ponyville library, her expression distant. Though her reflection looked back at her, she did not gaze at it, as her mind was elsewhere. If she did look at herself she would have gazed upon the visage of a mare changed by the passage of time.
Though few, those alterations were noticeable, as for one she was much taller, having added several inches to her height. She had also lost some weight, gained some muscle mass, and generally looked a little stronger than before. Gone was the pudgy body of a librarian who had barely been outside, now Twilight looked the part of a princess.
“They’ll be here,” remarked a masculine voice. “They wouldn't miss today.”
Twilight sighed. “I know. But I can't help but worry about them.”
“Pinkie Pie has Applejack, and Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy,” Spike pointed out.
“I know,” Twilight repeated. “This is a hard time of year for everyone though.”
“I know,” Spike echoed. “But we survived Tirek didn't we? Were stronger than that.”
“I suppose,” Twilight murmured, turning around and gazing down at her draconic assistant. “Are all the preparations done?”
The taller, slimmer Spike nodded, the dragon scratching his chin with a sharp, clawed hand. He would have stood over most ponies, but Twilight was not most ponies. Even then Spike could just about look the alicorn in the eye and was only an inch or so away from doing so. Now sporting draconic wings, and a far more angular visage, the drake was an intimidating sight to most.
To Twilight, however, he was a welcome sight, one that set her heart at ease.
“I think so,” Spike replied. “I have to take the cake out of the oven in a few minutes, but other than that we are all set for our little get-together.”
“Ahh yes. The annual gathering of the elements, or at least most of them,” Twilight muttered bitterly.
“Would you cut it out? We're all heroes!” Spike exclaimed.
“It took us three months to take down a single foe and his allies. What great heroes we turned out to be,” Twilight muttered.
“Seriously, stop,” Spike demanded. “I know that this is a hard time of year for you, but it's a hard time for all of us and you don't see anyone else complaining.”
Twilight sighed. “Sorry Spike. I just wish Rarity was here. She would know what to do to fix the damage Tirek wrought. She would have at least done a better job than us anyway. After almost three years of peace, what have we to show for it?”
Twilight gestured out over the blasted countryside. “Equestria is still in ruins.”
“But we're alive,” Spike replied, gripping one of Twilight's forehooves. “We made it through that nightmare, and so long as we keep working we will return everything to the way it was.”
“Not everything,” Twilight sighed once more. “I know I say this a lot but I’m sorry Spike. I’m feeling better now, really. Just had, a lot on my mind you know?”
“I know, really. We're all thinking it,” Spike repeated, squeezing the mare’s hoof.
“Thanks,” Twilight murmured.
The alicorn pulled her hoof from the dragon’s grip and turned to the window once more. Again her vision swept out over the blasted landscape that had once been Ponyville proper. Like the library, most structures were new, blocky, and built without any of the styles of the old ones. Which still stood, but were far rarer, and almost all sported at least some manner of repair or alteration.
Much like the land around the town, which sported dozens, if not hundreds of massive divots. Explosions the likes of which the town had never seen before had carved deep bowls into the earth. Most of these had since filled with water that fell from the sky in scattered clouds, the weather having long since returned to mother nature’s control.
Though one might assume the town had shrunk, the opposite was true, and Ponyville had grown. The largest growth was found on the edges of town where the Canterlot refugees gathered in their clean, but small shacks. Whole families or multiple families had piled into the hastily constructed structures, happy despite the close proximity.
A sudden knock drew Twilight from her musings, and she glanced over her shoulder towards the door. Like the rest of the newly constructed home, it too was white and sported a simple silver handle on one side. Twilight was swift to trot over to it, slipping past the couches arrayed in the center of the room for guests of the library.
“Can ya get that?” Spike shouted from the other room.
“Already on it!” Twilight called back.
Twilight used her magic to pull open the door, allowing her to see who was standing upon her stoop. Rainbow Dash stood there with a smile on her face, the pony almost completely the same save for a jagged scar over her right eye. Exempting that small change, she too was a bit tougher, a bit stronger and a bit older, with the first signs of age visible on her face. Fluttershy on the other hand, was completely unchanged, save for her mane which was slightly longer than before.
“Well hey there Twilight,” Rainbow Dash greeted
“Sorry, was thinking of something,” Twilight apologized.
“No worries at all. Fluttershy and I are glad that you were up to hosting again. Our own place is a bit of a mess,” Rainbow Dash explained, leaning in close. “Mister bear came over with his new kids and things got a little hectic.”
The hooded yellow mare nodded slowly. “He means well but his kids are young and rambunctious little things.”
“It's no problem at all. The new library might be a bit smaller, but it's still big enough for us six,” Twilight replied, stepping to the side. “Please, come in. It must be cold out there.”
“The wind is a little nippy, but hey it could be worse,” Rainbow Dash added.
“It's so… boxy,” murmured Fluttershy as she looked around. “I keep forgetting that.”
“Once everyone is homed then we can think about creating more aesthetically pleasing environments,” Twilight explained.
“Yeah yeah,” Rainbow Dash dismissed. “Me and Fluttershy can't help but imagine Ponyville as it used to be though ya know? Then we walk into one of the new places and the acoustics are all weird.”
“Have you had a chance to check out the new concert hall yet? It sounds pretty nice in there, even if it looks a little plain at the moment,” Twilight offered.
“Nah. Flutters doesn't like the crowds, even if it would be a good excuse to show off my cool scar,” Rainbow Dash replied with a shrug. “It's fine though.”
“Sorry,” Fluttershy muttered.
“It's all good Flutters,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, nuzzling the other mare. “I’m more of a music-at-home kinda girl anyway.”
Twilight hummed thoughtfully but said nothing.
“Hey is that Rainbow Dash?” shouted Spike from upstairs.
“Yup!” yelled the pegasus in question.
“Hey, would ya look at that,” Spike declared, the dragon standing at the top of the stairs leading to the second story. “If it isn't the ugliest pony in Ponyville and her friend, Fluttershy.”
Rainbow Dash erupted with laughter. “You better not say that! My girlfriend will beat the snot out of you.”
“Rainbow Dash,” hissed Fluttershy, a blush crossing her face. “I would not.”
Spike landed at the bottom and swiftly walked up to Rainbow Dash, clasping her hoof. “Eh who am I kidding, that scar is cool as heck, and at least you can't smell me coming, like someone we know.”
The pair glanced over to Twilight, who frowned. “Hey! I’ve showered… recently.”
“That was yesterday,” Spike pointed out.
“I…” the pony sighed. “Should probably do that before everyone shows up.”
“Ahh, it's not that bad,” Rainbow Dash retorted, giving the air a sniff. “Though I’d use a bit more shampoo this time. You smell like you barely used any of the stuff.”
“Were out, again,” Twilight murmured. “Another train derailed between here and Manehatten.”
“Again?” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
Twilight nodded. “Heavy rains washed out the track. No injuries thankfully, but somewhere out there there's a bunch of real fresh-smelling fishes.”
Fluttershy giggled, holding a hoof over her mouth.
“Heh, good one Twilight,” Rainbow Dash added.
A series of three short, quick knocks on the door alerted everyone that there were more guests to be welcomed.
“I got it,” Twilight offered.
As she trotted over to the door, Twilight's guests sat down in the rough semi-circle of couches in the middle of the room. While they got comfortable, Twilight turned the knob and smiled the second her eyes landed on the pink and yellow shapes beyond. Like their friends, the earth ponies were stronger, older, and slimmer than before, with Pinkie Pie having lost a little more weight than Applejack.
“Hey, Pinkie Pie. Applejack, you guys made it,” Twilight proclaimed.
Pinkie Pie bobbed her head excitedly, her long twin pigtails bouncing along with her. “Yuperdoodle! We wouldn't miss this for the world, right Applejack?”
“No way,” Applejack declared.
“Well come on slowpoke let's get inside, I smell cookies!” Pinkie Pie proclaimed, tugging the other pony along.
Applejack chuckled. “You got it Pinks.”
Twilight smiled, and stepped to the side once more, allowing the two mares to enter the room and find a spot. Once they were inside and were exchanging pleasantries with the other guests, Twilight closed the door. She then turned the lock, not out of fear of anyone who may stumble inside, but because she didn't want to be interrupted.
“Hey Dashy, how's my favorite flier doing?” Pinkie Pie greeted.
“Oh, just taking it one day at a time ya know?” Rainbow Dash replied, hugging the pink pony tightly.
“I know how it is. And Fluttershy?” Pinkie Pie asked,
Who shrugged noncommittally. “You know how today is.”
“Probably about the same as how you all feel,” Rainbow Dash offered.
“Well, I know one thing that will lighten the mood. Cookies, pie, sandwiches, and fresh-squeezed orange juice,” Spike proclaimed, the dragon walking off towards the kitchen.
“Ahh heck yeah,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. “I am going to chow down on some cookies.”
“Some orange juice would be nice,” Applejack exclaimed. “It's not as good as apple juice, but we haven't had anything fresh for a while, what with all the farms just now rampin up production again.”
The room was quiet and stayed that way until Spike returned with a large tray of food as well as a jug of orange liquid. He placed it all in the middle of the circle, laying it on the coffee table, and grinning at the small crowd.
“Well, dig in!” he proclaimed.
The group was about to do just that when Twilight suddenly sat bolt-upright in her seat. Several large, magenta sparks shot from her horn, nearly lighting an open book on fire.
“What is it? More growing pains?” Spike whispered.
“No. Someone’s using very powerful magic centered very close by,” Twilight exclaimed, rising from her seat. “I think it's a teleportation spell, but not like any I’ve ever felt before.”
“What are-”
“There!” Pinkie Pie shouted, the mare pointing to the door of the kitchen.
All heads turned, and all eyes landed on the bright green glow coming from within.
“Stay here!” Twilight barked.
The alicorn sprinted into the kitchen, the rest of her friends in tow, despite her order. By the time they arrived, the small rectangular kitchen was a mess, with cutlery flying everywhere and cupboards flapping. A deep, unearthly howl filled the room and made the pits of everyone’s stomachs fall out.
“What's going on?” Spike shouted over the cacophony of noise. “Is it Tirek?”
“No, he's gone!” Rainbow Dash shouted.
“He is still in Tartarus, right?” Pinkie Pie asked.
Their questions only multiplied when a flat greenish-blue circle opened up in the middle of the room. The second this happened the howl grew louder, the pressure increased, and several strange symbols appeared. The first of which was a rapidly turning eight-pointed wheel that had on the end of each point a jagged, spikey edge.
Within the churning miasma of twisting green energy was another symbol, this one much different than the other. It was more simple and was a circle with a spoke coming off it, which at the end was what looked like a moon. Upon the spoke was another moon, only this one was crescent and wrapped around the circle at the end.
“How do we stop it?” Shouted Rainbow Dash.
“We can't! Get ready for anything!” Twilight yelled back.
Her friends either assumed battle stances, cowered, or stuck out their tongues at the portal. Together they waited for whatever was coming, though thankfully that didn't take long. For movement could be seen from the other side, movement which resembled the gait of a quadruped.
The first thing to emerge was a long, slightly bulky black-clad hoof that ended with a cap of purple metal. A second limb followed closely after the first, followed by the tip of a long, armored, and whiplike fleshy tail that sported an organic needle sticking from its tip. More questions were had when a long, tubelike object emerged, one that sported two circles at the end.
Made from a strange material, no one present knew what exactly the weird object was, though they soon discovered its owner. For Rarity emerged a moment later, or at least someone who looked quite a bit like Rarity anyway. For now, the mare stood taller than even Twilight and had a long, rigged black horn that curved backward ever so slightly.
Her eyes were alight with energy, and shimmered slightly, a faint pinkish trail of wispy energy coming from the twin orbs. Her mane was cut short, but was no less eye-catching, in fact, she seemed more attractive than ever. Despite the noticeable alterations to her physical form, the mare was stunningly beautiful, and beyond any comparison.
The rest of her soon followed, Rarity’s entire body covered in the same armor that her hooves were. Though where the armor around her knees was thinner, and allowed movement, the section around her torso was much thicker. Especially so around her shoulder pads, which bore the mare’s familiar cutie mark of three gems.
Before she even finished exiting the portal her expression morphed from one of readiness to one of confusion. When her back hooves and her long, whiplike tail emerged fully, she wore a strained frown on her face. The second her final hoof touched the ground, the portal snapped shut, the wind stopped howling and the levitating cutlery fell.
After the half-second of clatter was over, Rarity turned the tubelike object skyward and smiled.
“Oh my stars above,” she murmured. “Are you guys real? You’re not changelings, holograms, or hallucinations, right?”
“Here, let me check,” Pinkie Pie volunteered, the mare chomping down on her tongue. “Nope, still real!”
“Is that Rarity?” Rainbow Dash asked, aghast.
“Oh,” Rarity exclaimed. “It seems like someone had a bit of an injury.”
“Speak for yourself,” Twilight declared, pointing to the mare. “What happened to your tail, and your eyes, and your horn!”
“Oh, this? It's well… a long story,” Rarity muttered.
“What are all those things on you?” Applejack asked, pointing to Rarity’s side.
“These are some weapons I’ve collected over the years,” Rarity replied, touching the barrel of a truly enormous shotgun as well as a trio of grenades. “But don't worry. I don't need them anymore.”
“Well, what are you waiting for? Let's hug her already,” Rainbow Dash offered.
“We should check if she's a changeling first. It wouldn't be the first time something like this has happened,” Twilight wanted, holding out a hoof.
“Yeah but this is clearly the real Rarity,” Rainbow Dash replied. “None of the others ever got her voice quite right.”
All questions vanished when Fluttershy suddenly sprinted forward and wrapped her hooves around Rarity’s shoulders. The unicorn only panicked for a moment before dropping her pulse rifle and hugging the other pony back. Fluttershy and Rarity were swiftly joined by the rest of their mutual friends, including a misty-eyed Spike. The group hug lasted nearly a minute, the quiet broken by an occasional sob, sniff, or someone wiping their face of tears.
“I never gave up on you,” Pinkie Pie whispered. “But please don't blame those who did. It has been hard, without you.”
Rarity then gave Pinkie Pie one final pat on the back before rising to her full height once more.
“Before the deluge of questions begins, I have one of my own,” Rarity began, holding up an armored hoof. “Where is Discord?”
“He's in the capital’s dungeon,” Twilight answered. “Why?”
“No reason… no reason at all,” Rarity exclaimed with a wide smile. “Now then. Please send a letter to my family and ask that they meet us in Canterlot. I will speak only once of my adventures, and I want them present for that.”
“Uh, Rarity. Canterlot was destroyed,” Spike remarked.
Rarity blinked. “Destroyed?”
“Yeah the whole mountain got flattened by Tirek,” Rainbow Dash offered.
“Really…” Rarity frowned. “It seems as though I am not the only one with a story to tell.”
“I got this,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, inhaling a deep lungful of air. “Without you, we had to fight Tirek with this other force we discovered but it wasn't as strong as the elements of harmony. So the battle lasted days and ended only when we managed to free some of the magic Tirek had stolen. After that, it turned into a three-month-long fight where Tirek repeatedly attempted to steal all the magic and we fought him. Nopony died, but a bunch of folks got hurt and plenty of stuff got blown up.”
“That about sums it up,” Twilight admitted.
“That is… a lot to process,” Rarity murmured. “Is Sweetie Belle-”
“Your parents and sister are all okay,” Twilight quickly replied.
Rarity relaxed, her shoulders slumping. “Where is the capital of Equestria?”
“Everfree city,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “I know it's kinda weird, but Tirek couldn't steal magic from the forest so it was the only place we could hide out.”
“That makes sense,” Rarity admitted. “Well then. Could we please head in that direction? I would like to tell my tale and see my family as soon as possible.”
“We were just about to eat lunch,” Applejack muttered.
Rarity rolled her eyes. “Fine then. Lunch first, then the story, and no I will not be answering any questions until after I have had a chance to tell my story.”
Rarity stared out the window of the train, the black-clad mare scanning her surroundings with careful consideration. The landscape had morphed, with Ponyville fading behind them while the forest reached out, welcoming them into its bosom. Even from a few miles out, Rarity could tell that the forest was less wild than before, giving a wide berth to the road as well as the train tracks.
These two long spears of civilization plunged deep into the formerly impassable terrain, allowing ponies access to the forest’s heart. Which was not visible from their current position, the train forced to wind its way into the wild wood. Even here there was still much to see, like the small pockets of homes that were built near the road.
Gathered in bundles for safety, these holdouts had seemingly evolved from the dumping depots made during the track’s construction. Now serving as tiny logging camps, or housing for refugees, they were miserable by Equestrian standards. Rarity, however, knew how bad things could truly become, and noticed that these ponies were happy despite their circumstances.
Sure they were forced into bunkhouses or other large group homes for the most part, but they still smiled earnestly and often. Even after losing their capital, and facing off against a foe capable of leveling a mountain, they maintained their spirit. The sight made Rarity nauseous, for reasons she couldn't quite explain, the mare scowling at the joyful ponies outside her window.
“Are you okay?” Pinkie Pie gently inquired.
Rarity schooled her expression and flashed the pink mare a fake smile. “Absolutely darling. Just, remembering something unpleasant is all.”
“Speaking of which,” Twilight eagerly perked up, leaning across the cabin. “Can you tell us anything about what it was like?”
“Horrible,” Rarity declared. “It was an experience I would not wish upon almost anyone. Which is why the tale shall be told once, and only once.”
Twilight pouted, putting away her notepad. “Is there anything you can tell us about?”
“Now Twi, we shouldn't pressure the poor girl. She’s been through a lot,” Applejack warned.
“You musta kicked a whole lotta butt,” Rainbow Dash added, poking Rarity’s armored chest. “You got some sweet-looking armor.”
“Are you sure that's armor? It kinda looks like the clothing I was told I’m not allowed to buy,” Pinkie Pie ruminated.
Rarity sighed. “I suppose I could talk about my wargear a little. It's not like any of it can be reproduced in Equestria.”
“War gear? That sounds scary,” Fluttershy murmured.
“Oh pisha, how dangerous can this tube thingy be anyway?” Rainbow Dash remarked while peering down the barrel of Rarity’s pulse rifle.
“You have no idea what you’re dealing with,” Rarity hissed, snatching the gun from Rainbow Dash’s grip and placing it against the wall. “If you had managed to disarm the safety and pulled the trigger you would be dead right now.”
“Pfft, I could take it,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, leaning back on the table. “I once got punched halfway across Equestria you know.”
“You were also already flying very fast, and Tirek barely touched you,” Fluttershy added. “But um I suppose that still did happen.”
“What does it do anyway?” Twilight asked, pointing hesitantly at the weapon in question.
“A pulse rifle such as mine utilizes pulsed induction fields to propel lethal microbursts of plasma over incredible range,” Rarity began. “These bursts of plasma burn hotter than the surface of a yellow dwarf star and can easily punch through flesh like a hot knife through butter.”
Rarity gently lifted the rifle, cradling it while gently running a hoof down its length. “Though you may find it crude, this rifle is one of the least barbaric weapons utilized by the many races of the universe. The tau may be many things, but at least their weapons have a certain aesthetic flare to them which cannot be said of the majority of aliens.”
“Wait, aliens?” Twilight asked, her eyes sparkling.
“There are many, and I will tell you of them later,” Rarity retorted, deactivating the pulse rifle with a touch. “Right now I am informing you why handling any of my weapons without my knowledge will likely be a death sentence for yourself or possible dozens of others.”
“Really? But these things just look like really big metal pineapples,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed, juggling three Krak grenades in her hooves.
“Give me those!” Rarity shrieked, snatching the grenades out of the air.
“Hey? I was juggling those!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
“You will not steal one of my weapons again, do you hear me?” Rarity hissed. “If one of these things went off we would all die, half the train would have been vaporized, and the ensuing crash would likely kill every last passenger.”
Pinkie Pie sniffed. “I-I didn't know.”
“Yeah, she didn't know. None of us did, so don't be too harsh on her,” Rainbow Dash interjected.
Rarity sighed and ran a hoof down her face. “I don't think you quite understand the lethality of these weapons. The pulse rifle can rip through the heaviest plate mail Equestria has ever produced like its tissue paper. A single one of these metal pineapples as you called them could bring down a castle. And my shotgun could turn a dragon into a blood-red mist in a single shot. Do you understand now as to why you should not pilfer my wargear?”
The five mares and one dragon all recoiled in horror, pushing themselves away from the glowering unicorn standing over them. Some seemed on the verge of tears, others were concerned, together it was enough to shock Rarity out of her ire. Sitting back down, the former fashionista ran a hoof through her mane and took a long, steadying breath.
“I am sorry about that darlings,” Rarity began. “I simply do not want anyone to get hurt.”
“Then why do you even still have them?” Twilight asked gently.
“I…” Rarity hesitated. “I cannot part with them. They have saved my life so many times that I would sooner give up my magic than part with them.”
“But it ain't like you need ‘em here,” Applejack offered, gesturing around their private cabin. “Ain't no one here gonna attack ya or nothin'.”
“That is good, as I had hoped to never be forced to use them,” Rarity replied, mag-locking each of the grenades to her side once more.
Twilight cleared her throat. “So, why don't you tell us more about them then?”
“As I mentioned, these are explosives,” Rarity explained, tapping the oblong metal spheres. “They are referred to as Krak grenades by their makers and they are intended to tear through enemy armor or a bunker. They are exceptionally good at this task, and can even be used against large Tyranid bioforms in a pinch.”
“Tyrawhatsis?” Rainbow Dash muttered, scratching her head.
“Don't worry about it,” Rarity exclaimed.
“Interesting, and what does that big metal box do?” Twilight inquired, gesturing to the bulky gun still strapped to Rarity’s side.
Rarity hefted the weapon onto her lap. “This is a vox legi-pattern arbites combat shotgun, or as I call it, the mace.”
“Sounds dangerous,” Fluttershy murmured.
“Oh incredibly so,” Rarity agreed. “This is a truly formidable weapon that will give even the most brutish foe pause. Made for the cruel police force of the humans, it is versatile, if a bit boxy and unsubtle.”
“Does it shoot plasma like the last one?” Twilight inquired.
“Sure don't look like it,” Applejack remarked.
“Indeed it doesn't, my dear,” Rarity stated, tapping the side of the long pump-action shotgun that was nearly half as large as a normal pony. “It is valued as much for its stopping power as the intimidation factor it brings along.”
“So what exactly does it do?” Twilight prompted.
Rarity blinked. “Oh um sorry about that darling. I am rather fond of this rather brutish thing.”
“So we can see,” Applejack murmured.
Rarity cleared her throat. “Anyway. It can fire a variety of shells, such as the rare nonlethal variety, dragon’s breath, flechette, and many more. Primarily however it fires a spread of pellets at incredible velocities, making short work of whatever ruffian that is attempting to ruin my mane.”
“Sounds violent,” Fluttershy murmured.
“And not fun at all,” Pinkie Pie added.
“Oh not in the slightest,” Rarity stated, mag-locking the weapon to her side once more. “It is a cudgel with which to beat your foes over the head with and has little practical application out of its ability to kill.”
The cabin was quiet for several seconds, with its inhabitants all observing the weapons with newfound respect.
“Have you ever had to use them?” Spike asked hesitantly, speaking up for the first time in several minutes.
“Many times,” Rarity quickly admitted. “I do not relish this fact, but it was necessary I’m afraid.”
“W-wait,” Fluttershy interrupted, waving her forehooves. “Does that mean that you’ve killed ponies?”
Rarity hesitated for a moment, the horrified looks of her friends giving her a brief pause.
“I have never killed a pony,” Rarity answered.
“What about aliens? Or… dragons?” Spike whispered.
Rarity sighed, and leaned in Spike’s direction, ignoring the slight twinge of fear that shot through the male. “I have never injured a dragon, nor have I killed unnecessarily. You must understand that out there things are far more dangerous than you can even imagine.”
“I dunno. I got a pretty good imagination,” Applejack muttered.
“There are giant bugs the size of castles who consume entire planets. Brutish creatures whose greatest and only desire is to fight, kill and die. Entire worlds routinely get exterminated by city-sized spacecraft that can chart the great void of space,” Rarity shook her head. “There is more but I think you understand what I am saying.”
“There's a lotta nasty stuff out there,” Pinkie Pie summarized.
Rarity snorted, her hooves crossed over her chest. “That is an understatement.”
“Wow, that is a lot,” Twilight murmured, the mare hastily scratching a series of notes. “What about your armor though? Why do you keep wearing it?”
“I do not have a choice in the matter,” Rarity muttered, running a hoof over the durable breastplate strapped to her chest. “One too many close encounters with chaos and the immaterium have left me bonded to it. Thankfully It is not detrimental to my health, and is at least moderately stylish.”
“I’m so sorry,” Fluttershy whispered.
Rarity waved a hoof in the air. “Don't be darling. Like my weapons, this set of armor has saved my skin more times than I can count.”
“Still. I can hardly imagine you not being able to change your clothes,” Spike pointed out.
“But I can still wear things over it,” Rarity corrected. “Yes that shall be a challenge, but not one so great that it is impossible to surpass.”
“What is it made of? Is it why your tail is so long and fleshy?” Twilight asked, opening her mouth to fire off another inquiry.
Rarity’s raised hoof stopped that from happening, however. “I will tell more on that subject soon enough. Now it is my turn to ask a few questions, starting with; where exactly is Discord being held?”
“In the dungeons under the castle,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “I wouldn't worry about it though. He isn't about to break out.”
“Discord voluntarily gave himself up,” Fluttershy added. “He is quite a sweetheart under all that bluster.”
“It was quite sweet of him to try to kill me,” Rarity deadpanned, rolling her eyes in disgust. “What a strange sense of kindness he has.”
“He didn't try to kill you. Just… send you away,” Twilight explained.
“Spare me the semantics,” Rarity retorted. “The monster put me through tortures my previous self could have never dreamed of even in her most perverse of nightmares.”
“He is,” Fluttershy urged. “He just wanted a friend, that's why he sided with Tirek.”
“Oh boo hoo,” Rarity mocked. “The big bad evil god of chaos undivided just wanted someone to hold him. Now I’m supposed to forgive him for putting me through literal and metaphorical hell. What do you want me to do? Just forget about all the pain and horrors he put me through?”
Fluttershy winced, retreating behind her mane. “Well no, but think about it? He was very important in beating Tirek.”
“I don't need Applejack’s weird ability to detect a lie to know a fib when I hear one,” Rarity stated.
“It's true,” Applejack offered. “Tirek turned on Discord and stole most of his magic. The mixed-up noodle can barely conjure a cake nowadays.”
“Interesting,” Rarity murmured.
Twilight opened her mouth to respond, eager to assuage Rarity’s apparent violent urges but again she was cut off. This time it was not by someone, but rather something, with that thing being the whistle of the train. The loud, shrill sound pierced the cabin like a knife, causing the conversation to end abruptly.
“It seems like we are here,” Rarity exclaimed simply, strapping her pulse rifle to her side. “I am intrigued to see what this Everfree city looks like.”
Twilight sighed and rose alongside the rest of her friends. “Let's just focus on the positives. You’re back, we’re all okay and now the healing can begin.”
Rarity said nothing, merely walking out of the cabin while the rest of her friends gathered their things and followed after her. Trotting ahead, Rarity made her way out onto the station, where she was immediately struck by the odd beauty before her. Gone was the chaotic, and occasionally downright evil forest, replaced by a welcoming, and verdant wood that felt oddly homey.
All around her towered trees that reached the height of skyscrapers, shrouding even the tallest building in shadow. And there were many of the mostly grey cubes, with a veritable sea of new structures having popped up along the forest floor. Homes, businesses, there was everything a burgeoning city needed all under the bright green leaves of the titanic trees.
Like most pony buildings, there was a harmony to it all, with each construction lending itself well to its neighbors. Creating a moving, shifting mass of wooden properties that never took away too much from the verdant woodland. Bushes, trees, grasses, and even the various other creatures that called this place home could be found amongst the pony’s houses.
As everywhere else in Equestria, harmony reigned, allowing all to live in relative peace.
Even the old and imposing castle appeared resplendent, though it was in the midst of being rebuilt. Its darker exterior had been scrubbed away, revealing a pearly white underside that had silver accents. Though still partially collapsed and sporting several holes, the fortification was a shining beacon, visible even from a mile away.
“Not bad for only two years huh?” Applejack exclaimed proudly. “Everyone’s been doin’ their best to lend a hoof.”
“It's quite something,” Rarity admitted. “I never realized just how much I missed pony aesthetics. They truly are pleasing to the eye.”
“Are you saying your not a pony anymore?” Rainbow Dash pressed.
Rarity rolled her eyes. “I am referring to the aesthetic flourishes.”
“Well, I’m pretty sure you know where you're going, but follow me,” Twilight offered.
Rarity nodded, following along as Twilight lead the way toward the castle in the distance. Along the way, the rest of her friends chatted or pointed out various points of interest that they knew of. Though it was intriguing to see how things changed, Rarity largely tuned out the conversation she was only half a part of.
As her gaze was fixed on the various ponies and other creatures that now called the forest home. Where she assumed the majority of creatures would be unicorns, due to the city being mostly Canterlot refugees, but that wasn't quite true. Yes, there were many horned ponies, but there were also numerous races dotting the streets, including the odd minotaur or griffon.
All of whom eyed Rarity with a mix of curiosity, fear and naked intrigue.
It was enough to make the returned mare’s tail to coil around her body protectively. The swirling mists which clung to her eyes grew darker and Rarity couldn't help but glare at a pony staring at her from the shadows. The elderly pegasus gawker quickly backpedaled inside, slamming the door shut firmly and locking it with an audible clunk.
“Hey, ignore them,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, bumping her hip against Rarity. “You know how ponies are, they can be a bit jumpy.”
“Plus you are kind of scary,” Fluttershy whispered.
Rarity grit her teeth. “It's fine. I suppose I have a passing resemblance to a certain crystal-obsessed loony from our past.”
“Speaking of which,” Twilight began, clearing her throat. “Why exactly do your eyes do that, anyway?”
“That shall be revealed in time,” Rarity replied. “I will need to explain a lot of other things before getting to that part and if I jump right into the middle then it will leave you with more questions then answers.”
“Can't have that. Twilight's already got a tome of the things written up,” Spike muttered.
Twilight blushed, and lightly slapped the dragon’s shoulder. “I do not. At most, it's a novella or pamphlet.”
“Suffice it to say, it's not because I took a particular love of crystals,” Rarity joked.
“Well, that's a relief. I thought for sure you used a bunch of dark magic or something loco like that,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.
Rarity held her tongue, remaining silent as they trotted down the street.
“You didn't use dark magic, did you?” Fluttershy asked gently.
Rarity sighed, and turned back on the group, stopping them in their tracks. “Would you please stop prying? My actions will make sense in context and your insistence on ripping away said context is only making things worse for everyone.”
“We're sorry,” Twilight whispered, head held low. “We are all just curious, some more than others, admittedly.”
“Good. Let's just get to the castle so we can start this sordid tale already,” Rarity muttered angrily.
The rest of the walk was done in relative silence, with the only sound being from the normal hustle and bustle of city life. Distant music could be heard, along with conversations drifting on the wind, though it was all somewhat muted. The large, numerous trees contained the general noise, making the walk feel oddly personable in Rarity’s mind.
Regardless, it wasn't overly long, with the main road being open enough to allow the seven easy access and little in the way of traffic. This was due in part to the ponies who fearfully stepped away from the towering, otherworldly unicorn in their midst. Though some were scared, there were also quite a few whose curiosity got the better of them.
A blushing young stallion hastily scampered out of the way of the group, muttering apologies. Then, not long after, a pair of mares pulling a cart stopped and gawked openly at Rarity only snapping out of it when the couple they were pulling began to complain. This was a theme that continued the rest of the way, though Rarity didn't take note of these events, the pony pretending as though they never occurred at all.
Within minutes, the group had crossed a large stone bridge and were approaching the castle. Guards posted near the overpass nodded to Twilight, only to stop and stare briefly at Rarity before looking away. This repeated a few times as they made their way to the gates, where a pair of ponies stood outside with spears raised.
“Greetings heroes, I see you have a guest with you,” the taller male offered, peering intently at Rarity. “One whose presence is as unnerving as it is alluring.”
“My, aren't you forward,” Rarity exclaimed mirthlessly.
“I calls ‘em like I sees ‘em,” replied the guard.
“This is Rarity,” Twilight explained, stepping forward. “I’m sure you remember seeing or at least hearing about her.”
“She’s that missing element,” whispered the shorter guard to his companion. “The one Discord snapped away.”
“Well butter my butt and call me a biscuit, is that true?” asked the first stallion.
“It is,” Rarity exclaimed. “After many trials and tribulations, I have found my way home again.”
“Well, that sure is good to hear. I presume you want to see the princess?” he offered.
“We sure do. Rare’s has got quite the tale to tell,” Applejack answered.
“Alright then just hold on a sec. Gotta scan ya for weapons and if ya turn out to be changelings,” stated the golden armored stallion.
A golden aura washed over the small group, fading quickly, only to flash again, centering on Rarity. The altered unicorn, along with her guns glowed faintly, lighting up like some bizarre hearths warming tree.
“Well ain't that funny,” muttered the guard. “Spells says you ain't a pony, or at least partially ain't a pony. Plus it can't make heads or tails of them tube thingies you got on you.”
“Maybe you should hoof over your weapons,” Twilight offered.
“I will, but not to you,” Rarity exclaimed.
The mare ignited her horn in a blazing corona of dark blue energy, bringing a shimmering portal to appear in front of her. Disconnecting her weapons she placed them on the other side of the hole and closed it with a whizz, pop of magic.
“There. Now then. May we enter?” Rarity inquired sweetly.
“Well, I uh…” the tall guard stallion cleared his throat. “I suppose so. Go on through.”
“Thank you, darling,” Rarity offered, caressing the male’s chin with her long, fleshy tail.
“Anything for you miss,” he muttered dreamily while pushing open the doors.
Rarity stepped inside, the rest of her friends swiftly trotting along behind her to catch up. Applejack was the first of which to do so, and the earth pony shot her tall friend a glare.
“That didn't seem right what you did back there,” Applejack stated.
“Would you have preferred to escalate that situation?” Rarity retorted, raising an eyebrow at Applejack.
“Now wait just a second, that isn't what I meant at all,” Applejack complained.
“It is over Applejack. Let it go, we have larger concerns,” Rarity stated firmly.
Applejack grumbled but reluctantly said nothing. A moment later and the rest of their friends quickly caught up with the pair.
“Uh, the throne room should be just over there, but we may have to wait a minute,” Twilight explained, gesturing down the hall toward a set of double doors. “Morning court may be nearly over, but it will likely be a while given how hectic everything still is.”
“At least the line doesn't look too bad,” Pinkie Pie offered.
Rarity looked over to find that like in Canterlot, those creatures seeking the princesses’ guidance waited near a desk. Only this one was staffed by a surprisingly gruff-looking griffon with a cracked beak and a permanent frown plastered to their face. In his claws was tightly gripped a clipboard filled with names, while next to him stood a pair of guards.
Unlike the majority of guards, these ponies wore silver armor and bore a half-moon on their breastplates. They, unlike their counterparts, were a mix of races, namely pegasus, and earth pony whose features were not obscured. Allowing Rarity to see that they were both different genders, as well as different colorations from one another.
Twilight trotted over to the desk and had a brief, whispered conversation with the surly griffon. Which ended with the male nodding, scratching something on a piece of paper, and shoeing the lavender alicorn away.
“It won't be long,” Twilight offered.
“So…” Rainbow Dash began, teetering back and forth on the tips of her hooves. “I know we aren't supposed to ask questions but when did you get so well… hot?”
“Was I not always?” Rarity replied with a smirk.
“Well yeah, but not like this,” Spike offered, the dragon blushing slightly.
“It was a gift, in a way,” Rarity replied somewhat whimsically. “Though it comes with certain downsides, it is on the whole an appreciated if unasked for gesture.”
Twilight groaned. “I hope you appreciate just how much restraint it's taking not to ask you a million and two questions.”
“Yes you are doing quite well darling,” Rarity complimented, patting the alicorn on the head with her tail. “Keep it up for a little longer, please.”
“Oh fine,” Twilight muttered, pouting profusely.
“Hey is that Princess Celestia?” Pinkie Pie asked, pointing back the way they came.
Rarity turned to find that the usually regal mare she had grown up learning about was now her height. Not only that but the regal white alicorn now no longer had the long, flowing mane and tail that Rarity was used to seeing. Instead, they were… normal, for lack of a better word, and appeared to be simple hair rather than a flowing rainbow attached to Celestia’s scalp.
“Sun and stars, is it really you?” Celestia whispered in a low tone, the mare looking up at Rarity. “You certainly have undergone quite the makeover.”
“Indeed I have. Not all of it voluntary,” Rarity answered.
Celestia glanced over at Twilight. “I’m assuming you have verified her identity?”
“Yes, several times by now,” Twilight answered. “Though changed, she is indeed the Rarity we lost that day.”
Celestia trotted up to Rarity and pulled the other mare into a tight hug. “It is wonderful to see you again dear. You must have quite the story to tell.”
“You don't know the half of it,” Rarity murmured, patting Celestia on the back.
“Well we simply must set aside court for another time,” Celestia began, glancing at the griffon secretary. “Please inform the under-committee that their services are needed.”
The griffon raised an eyebrow. “Are you sure you want to give those glorified fops a modicum of control?”
Celestia laughed and waved a dismissive hoof in the air. “I have nothing more important than cutting ribbons and arguing with impotent former nobles today. Let them handle such mindless bickering.”
“Understood princess,” remarked the griffon with a small, but noticeable smirk.
“Now then,” Celestia began, turning back to the group. “Perhaps we should head somewhere more comfortable?”
“The tea room was finished, right?” Twilight inquired.
Celestia smiled. “Excellent idea Twilight. We shall be in the tea room if anyone needs us.”
“Send my sister, and parents there when they arrive,” Rarity added.
“Shouldn't be long,” Rainbow Dash offered. “When I flew by their place they were just closing up shop before they headed over here.”
“Shop?” Rarity inquired.
“They kept your store open,” Fluttershy answered. “Sweetie Belle took up sewing, and your mother operated the counter. Though they mostly reproduced your designs, Sweetie has gotten quite good.”
Rarity hummed softly. “How sweet of them. I must think of some way to thank them once I have told my tale.”
“Right then, shall we?” Celestia offered, extending a hoof towards a side passage.
“After you,” Rarity replied.
Celestia smiled and took the lead, trotting away along with the rest of the group, minus Rarity. Who had noticed the door to the throne room had opened, revealing a resplendent Luna walking towards her. Like Celestia, the alicorn was changed, with her right forehoof now replaced with a metal alternative in addition to a few new scars.
None were overly deep, but together they gave the dark princess an intimidating air about her. Rarity, however, was unbothered by the other mare’s appearance, and even found that Luna appeared rather attractive. For once, Rarity herself was the one to blush and approach the object of her fascination, a soft smile on her face.
“Hello again, princess Luna,” Rarity offered, extending a hoof.
Luna took the pony’s hoof and kissed it gently, a grin crossing her face as well. “A pleasure to see you again dear Rarity. I admit I had given up on ever getting the chance to have that private soiree we spoke of all those years ago.”
“Well unless some evil chaos god plucks me away, I don't intend on leaving anytime soon,” Rarity replied.
“I doubt that will happen. Discord is quite content to spend his days in the dungeon,” Luna exclaimed.
“I was about to join your sister and my friends to recount the tale of my adventures. If you would like to join…” Rarity half offered, half stated.
“I will have to send someone for the extra strong coffee, but I believe I could attend for at least a little while,” Luna answered.
Pinkie Pie peeked her head out from around the corner. “Oh, there you are. We thought you got lost for a second there.”
“No need to worry darling, I am in capable hooves now,” Rarity stated, her tail caressing Luna’s forelegs in emphasis.
“So it would seem,” Pinkie Pie replied, giggling as she disappeared around the corner.
“It seems as though your trip has changed you,” Luna pointed out.
The pair followed after the pink pony, taking a slow, unhurried pace.
“Not for the worse, I hope?” Rarity inquired somewhat nervously.
Luna smirked. “I wouldn't say so. At least now I can look you in the eye. Even if those gorgeous pools have been besmirched somewhat.’
“Ah yes,” Rarity murmured, brushing a hoof through the flowing pink energy cascading from the edge of her eyes. “There is not much I can do about that I am afraid. Make-up remover has its limits you know.”
“Too true,” Luna murmured, a hoof touching a deep scar on her neck..
The pair walked in silence for several seconds, catching occasional glimpses of the other group ahead of them. They passed by maids, servants, or other staff, who mostly kept to themselves and stayed far out of the way. A few stopped to stare, but thankfully they were in the clear minority and had the decency to not get underhoof.
“So,” Rarity began. “Am I right in saying that Celestia has lost her magic?”
Luna sighed. “I’m afraid so. She is still an alicorn, so she will live a very long time, but she will not be capable of casting a spell for the rest of her life.”
“Who raises the sun then?” Rarity inquired, glancing at the dark alicorn out of the corner of her eye.
“I do, but hopefully Twilight will take over that particular duty,” Luna frowned. “I have certainly gained a greater appreciation for Celestia’s burden during my exile. Moving a celestial body that isn't my moon is incredibly taxing.”
“You certainly don't seem to have any trouble doing so now,” Rarity pointed out, her tail caressing down Luna’s spine and causing the alicorn to quiver slightly.
“What are you?-oh…” Luna blushed. “I appreciate the compliment dame Rarity. There are many who find us intimidating or pitiable in our current state.”
“Then they are shallow fools,” Rarity stated confidently. “You’re true beauty remains unblemished my dear.”
“I… thank you,” Luna muttered somewhat half-heartedly.
“Ahh there you guys are,” Twilight offered, the mare standing in the doorway of a room with a smile on her face. “We ordered some snacks and coffee with extra espresso.”
“Wonderful,” Luna exclaimed with a sigh.
Rarity entered the room to find that it was a comfortable and surprisingly large space filled with puffy furniture. Though not nearly as opulent as Canterlot castle, it was homey, and relaxing, with a small fireplace sitting in the corner. No staff were present, only Rarity’s friends, the princesses, and a couple of pads of paper arrayed in front of Twilight.
“Your majesty,” whispered a pony. “I’m sorry to announce that the train containing Rarity’s family is delayed for the time being. Apparently, there was some manner of issue with the engine that could not be immediately remedied. Hard Nose thought it best to notify you of this immediately.”
The servant then ducked away, closing the doors behind him with a soft, thump.
“Most unfortunate,” Celestia exclaimed.
“Indeed,” Rarity muttered. “I suppose we should start with a short tale to begin. Hopefully, by then the others will be here.”
“If you want to. I know I’m eager to hear more about your travels, but no rush,” Twilight hurriedly stated.
“No, that's quite alright,” Rarity replied, seating herself on a mound of pillows. “Now then, before we begin I had a question for the princesses.”
“Go ahead,” Luna offered.
“We will try to answer to the best of our abilities,” Celestia added.
“Well, there's no two ways about this…” Rarity frowned. “How exactly is Equestria so peaceful? This galaxy, this universe, it is unimaginably dangerous.”
Luna and Celestia exchanged a curious glance.
“I’m afraid we aren't quite sure what you mean,” Luna remarked.
“You forget sister. Mother warned us of the greater outside,” Celestia exclaimed. “It is why she and the other immortals of the time erected a barrier around our little solar system. One that I was told would keep us safe from those who may harm our peaceful little ponies.”
“So that is what she meant by that,” Luna muttered, tapping her chin. “She was so cryptic about the entire thing that I guess I just ignored it like her other vague warnings.”
“Yes, mother had a habit of being purposefully obtuse,” Celestia admitted.
“Wait, barrier, the rest of the galaxy, what are y'all talkin' about?” Applejack demanded.
“You will know soon enough,” Rarity sat up, clearing her throat. “Our story starts immediately after my forceful departure from this world and picks up on a faraway planet. One much like our own, but also one that is so very, very different.”
Rarity found herself flying, falling, and standing perfectly still all at once. Stranger than even the seemingly impossible sensations rocking her body was the miasma of lighting, fire, and swirling clouds that surrounded her. It was as if she had been thrown through a great maelstrom of energy, only even that did not describe what she witnessed.
For there was monster millions of times larger than her screaming past its thousands of mouths shouting a horrific cacophony beyond mortal comprehension. Rarity’s own cries were so small, so infinitesimal against the great beast’s that she couldn't even hear the noise she was making. But then it passed her by, half flickering out of existence, half rolling its great bulk in another direction.
With its passage, Rarity found that a great number of nameless, partially formless creatures had appeared from the void. Emerging from the swirling mass of colors beyond counting were beasts, the most normal of which were several hundred reptilian creatures that resembled crocodiles. They had a semi-solid shape, and moved with purpose away from her, while the uncountable other things surged toward the mare. In an instant Rarity knew that they were being drawn to her, pulled to the pony by the light of harmony that burned within her.
She tried to push, pull, tug, or swim away, but the things hunting for her were everywhere. Coalescing all around her, the many-limbed abominations, and planet-sized entities clawed past one another. As if they were all in a mad dash to be the first to reach their target, they attacked one another viciously. Or at least Rarity assumed they were attacking each other, as it was nearly impossible to tell where one began and another ended.
Regardless of what she was looking at or how many there were, they were closing, and fast. With little other option, Rarity tried to use her magic but found that she couldn't get her horn to spark. That deep well of power that burned within her was simply gone, only it wasn't gone, but rather displaced.
It had grown larger, so large that it encompassed her entire body, filling her every last cell with power. She tried to call forth some offensive spell of some kind but was interrupted when a gash in the storm opened before her. Rarity got only a brief glimpse of what looked like Equestria before she fell through it, returning to material reality.
With gravity reasserting itself once more, she found herself falling in only a single direction. She ultimately landed on what felt like a soft, spongey mass of some kind but not before bouncing off something squishy. The pony was relieved by the fact that she was not immediately harmed upon entering real space again. Though that hardly negated the incredible panic that had been screaming through her right up until that moment.
Still screeching, and scrambling in a random direction, Rarity was barely able to form a coherent thought. That was until she ran headfirst into something tall, and treelike. Nearly knocked unconscious by the unfortunate and abrupt meeting, she lay on her side, legs twitching as her brain rebooted.
The moment she could organize herself, she realized that she was not in that horrible screaming place but neither was she in Equestria. Rather she was in some strange world that appeared to be alien in nature. From her position on the spongey, slightly wet ground, she looked out over a valley, in the center of which was a large lake.
It wasn't like any body of water she had ever seen though, as it was a light teal color, with trails of purple drifting across it. Around this strange mostly circular mass was a beach made up of large white stones not unlike towering mounds of salt. In between these lumps of rock were trickling green streams, small fleshy-looking plants, and small creatures with far too many legs.
Further, than that were trees, or at least they resembled trees, as they had no leaves to speak of. Instead, there were large canopies the shape and overall appearance of a mushroom cap. They were unlike any mushroom though as each tree sported dozens of these fungal-like growths of various sizes. Even the bark was different, though it was at least still a dull brownish color it had a rippled texture to it. It was like someone had stacked a thousand brown plates on top of one another to create what appeared to be a tree.
There were other strange plans in the mix though, like a many-limbed cactus that nearly rivaled the mushroom trees in size. Beneath them, there were smaller bushes of yellow interspersed with bright gold flowers that resembled a jar that was missing its top. Even the lake had strange flora of a similar variety, with masses of white blobs drifting across its surface in large clumps.
“Woah,” Rarity murmured to herself.
Her sense of wonder was only heightened when she saw an avian creature fly past her perch overlooking the valley. Sporting two sets of wings of different sizes, it looked at first glance to be an enormous bat. Only one with a beak, a long whiplike tail, and a complete lack of any kind of feet or other limbs.
Rarity watched as it glided gently on a warm breeze, only lurching into motion to spear a bulbous blue beetle with its tail. Without slowing down, it took the creature from its tail, ate it, and continued floating by, barely even flapping its wings. They weren't alone, however, as other creatures could be seen moving amongst the verdant valley.
They weren't what held her attention, however, as it was then that she noticed mountains in the distance as well as something far larger. An enormous reddish-pink orb a thousand times bigger than the Equestria’s moon sat on the horizon. Great clouds of orange and purple nearly obscured the entire planet’s surface, leaving only a few sharp, unnatural spires to pierce the upper atmosphere.
“It's beautiful,” Rarity murmured. “Horrifying, but beautiful.”
Slowly rising to her hooves, Rarity looked around at her more immediate environment. The tree she had run into was one of the mushroom plant things she saw nearly everywhere. Her landing had been cushioned by a low-hanging cap and then what looked like another mushroom growing on the ground.
This one was short, squat, mostly greenish brown, and had several pointy yellow growths growing upwards from the top of it. These spikey things leaked a constant rust-colored ooze that flowed down their sides and onto the ground beneath it, creating a tiny moat around the plant. Though intriguing, Rarity was more concerned by the fact that she had some of this gooey stuff on her coat.
“Ew, ew, ew!” she cried.
Looking back at her flank, she hastily tried to wipe the stinging, and slightly smelly liquid from her sides using her hooves. It did not, in fact, remove quite as easily as she hoped, and coated her hoof instead of being removed from her fur.
“Oh that's so gross,” she muttered.
Desperate to get the stuff off of her, she did the unthinkable and laid back down on the dirty ground. Once down, she rubbed her side against the earth, hoping to remove the cloying stuff that way. After a few rather uncomfortable seconds of dirtying her coat even further, Rarity could feel the stinging sensation lessen.
A moment later she rose to find that dirt, and the tiny slightly fleshy grass that covered the ground was stuck to her side. She was about to try removing it with her hoof again when she noticed the grass start to wither and die. Peering a bit closer revealed that when the reddish goop touched it, the plant life died and the liquid became a bit more brown.
“It's like a herbicide,” she remarked aloud. “Well, at least it's not stinging anymore.”
That didn't mean the irritation had stopped, as the stuff still clung to her now ruined coat though it had at least lessened. Stowing her desire to scream, cry and panic deep down inside of herself, Rarity took another breath of fresh air. Which tasted a bit sweet for some reason, as if someone had just misted the air with sugar water. It didn't seem to make her dizzy, or uncomfortable in any way, so she assumed that she could breathe it normally.
“Right, let's not panic Rarity,” Rarity whispered to herself. “You’re just on an alien world, a million miles from home, completely alone-”
She bit her lip, stopping her train of thought right there.
“First thing’s first. Let us see if can't remove this dreadful grime from our cutie mark,” she exclaimed aloud.
With a goal in mind, she began to descend down towards the lake, careful to avoid the many colorful plants she saw along the way. What she didn't see much of were animals, as there only seemed to be fat blue beetles and the batlike creatures that ate them. There were a few other variants of both, but save for that there didn't look to be much in the way of biodiversity. She must have been wrong during her earlier observation, either that or her head injury had been worse than anticipated.
There also didn't seem to be any indication of civilization, be it roads, discarded tools, or chopped trees. Nothing pointed to there being anything more intelligent than the weird birds flying overhead or the bugs that chewed on the plants. This was a thought that disturbed, and slightly relieved the mare, as at least she didn't have to worry too much about botching first contact.
Eventually, she made her way down to the lake, where she saw fish swimming just beneath the surface. Slightly bulbous, with orange and blue scales, they lazily trawled through the water, occasionally nearing the surface to eat a mouthful of the goopy plant life that grew there. They were occasionally joined by froglike creatures with an extra set of legs and only a single giant eye. These leaping critters tended to stay in the tall jagged white rocks near the water’s edge, where they croaked in an oddly musical manner.
Slipping between two towering pillars of what looked like salt, Rarity was able to reach the lake. There she hesitated, sniffing the air and inspecting the waters a little closer.
Again it was slightly sweet but with a salty undertone as well as a scent akin to nail polish. Using a long, pointed bit of white stone, she swirled the water and found that it had the same consistency as watery gelatin. It didn't bubble or do anything weird, so she decided to use her magic to gather a small bowlful of the stuff.
“Owch,” Rarity muttered, her horn shooting off bright red sparks.
Immediately she felt a migraine coming on, and she took a mental note to not try to use any magic anytime soon. She figured that it was likely due to her passage through whatever horrible place Discord had flung her. She didn't know for certain if it would pass but chose to believe so as the alternative was too grim to consider.
Putting a hoof into the water revealed that it did indeed have a slightly sludgelike texture, though that was only on the surface. Beneath an inch or so was what felt like normal water, the type Rarity had drunk and bathed with numerous times. Withdrawing her limb revealed that a bit of the slimy top level clung to her hoof, but a shake was enough to remove it.
So began a slightly awkward, sort of gross removal of the muck from her backside. Using the water was a bit difficult, but nothing attacked her or even seemed to notice her presence really. A few of the fish came up to her, and several of the frogs hopped nearby, but they ignored her presence for the most part.
Allowing the mare to hastily finish up, and retreat back up past the rocky outcropping. There she inspected herself to find that her fur was a bit shinier than usual, the goopy liquid leaving behind a slightly reflective film. It faded quickly once in contact with the air, her fur returning to normal with seemingly no ill effect whatsoever.
Though she told herself that she should test to see if the water was drinkable, she didn't have the energy for that at the moment. So Rarity ascended back to the spot where she appeared, reminding herself to not stray far lest her rescuers be unable to find her. It was a bit of a pipe dream, but she was not ready to give in to hopelessness quite yet.
Once there, she used a bit of finesse to make herself a small alcove within a rather dense pocket of bushy yellow flowers. Tying their fleshy branches together, she was able to make a space just large enough for her to rest inside of. Laying down on the slightly squishy, porous ground she mentally reviewed the day’s events, committing everything to memory.
Starting tomorrow she would need to start finding food, water, and better shelter, as well as eventually exploring. If she was lucky there would be some friendly locals but she wasn't going to hold her breath for such a possibility. That left her with the bitter realization that she may not see a friendly face for a considerable amount of time. The thought of being alone out in the wilderness for what may be days, months, or even years struck Rarity hard.
Tears fell and soaked the ground for several minutes before eventually, exhaustion took her. Slipping into a dreamless, void-like sleep Rarity ended her first day on another world.
The unicorn lay there, staring at the slightly darkened world, noting that it must be night here. Peeking out revealed that it looked to be twilight but there was no visible source of light in the sky. The physics confused her, but she ultimately gave the entire thing little thought and pushed it from her mind.
Whatever was going on in this strange place was beyond her comprehension, but that was okay. She focused instead on the things she could figure out, like what food was edible, and if she could drink the water. So began much testing, weaving, and general exploration of her new surroundings.
She wasn't ready to leave the valley, but she did look around until she located a particularly tall hill. Standing atop it she found that there was absolutely no sign of civilization anywhere. Her valley sat to her right, with snow-capped mountains and rolling greenish-blue hills a dozen miles away. Outside of that, there was a rolling mass of forest that stretched on in every other direction, creating a brightly colored sea of mostly orange.
“At least it's pretty, if a bit gouache,” Rarity murmured.
From there she started to test the local flora and fauna, starting with finding a way to boil the water. It wasn't easy, but thankfully the jar-shaped flowers hardened upon being picked. After being left out to dry for a few hours they were nearly rock hard, and had gained a crystalline sheen to them.
Lugging one of these down to the water’s edge, Rarity awkwardly filled the thing and made her way back up to her camp. From there she spent several hours testing what could burn, and what couldn't before finding that the smaller cactus plants worked perfectly. A few angry sparks from her horn as well as a bit of waiting, and Rarity had a roaring fire with which to boil some water.
Several more hours of cursing, as well as trial and error, went by before she had created a system that worked. The bucket, which had sat atop the still sizzling hot coals, contained what she hoped was drinkable water. A sip confirmed that it didn't taste bad, containing only a slightly bitter twinge that Rarity couldn't quite place.
After a bit of waiting as well as some silent panicking, Rarity confirmed that her process worked. Moving on to locating edible food, Rarity silently wished she had listened during one of their escapades into the Everfree where Twilight spoke extensively on how to determine which plant is safe to eat. Without that knowledge, she had to rely on trial and error, a process that she was not looking forward to.
Thankfully she had water, and after a bit more work, a better place to rest. For as it turned out, gently braiding the spongey appendages of the bush created a cover so thick that it blocked out the light. Meaning she could enjoy a good night’s rest without having to worry about the sun shining into her eyes.
Not like that had happened, as it turned out that it never got terribly bright, nor terribly dark. Stranger still, the odd twilight lasted for only a few hours before brightening back up to what felt like mid-afternoon. Either way, it was a weird place, though one thankfully devoid of any real predators, or company.
Laying with her head on the ground, Rarity wondered if she would ever return home, or if that was even a possibility. Discord and Tirek’s words rang in her head, making her hope flicker and nearly die. A firm shake of the head and some light slapping of her cheeks dismissed it, however.
“I will not give up. My friends would never stop looking for me,” she told herself. “Besides, it's only been a day or… so. I can't rightly start panicking yet.”
Though the words rang a bit hollow, she chose to believe them and stick it out on that weird alien world. Her eyes closed, and though her stomach rumbled angrily, she was not so hungry that she couldn't sleep. For once she was glad that the process of just purifying water had been so arduous as she was too exhausted to care about how dirty she was.
Mostly.
She awoke the next day to an urgent need to use the washroom. After doing so, she set about finding some more water and beginning the dreadful process of finding out what she could safely eat. Careful to cook everything she put in her mouth, Rarity slowly boiled, fried, or accidentally burnt a little bit of everything.
The tubelike, and slightly spongey grass took a bit of boiling, but after a while, it had the consistency of noodles. They tasted like boiled dirt and were tougher than half-petrified carrots, but they were easy to keep down. Unlike the large mushroom which was foul no matter what Rarity did to it, causing the mare to violently expel her lunch.
Days passed with thankfully no life-threatening, or unpleasantness to speak of. Just a lot of gross food, slimy water, and a slowly improving domicile. The wildlife was growing more curious about her, but they still kept their distance, and Rarity was happy for it. She really didn't want to find out if something was poisonous so far from a hospital.
Her ability to cast spells was still nonexistent, but thankfully gave her less and less of a headache when she tried. Wherever it was that she had been sent, had stuffed her inner wellspring with foul energy that overcharged her own internal magical circuits. She could feel her body slowly expelling the foreign power but it would take time, and more patience than Rarity feared she had.
She cried a lot because of that, but slowly she fell into a routine of survival, and slow exploration. The pain of loneliness was constant but still distant, only striking Rarity when she laid down to sleep. The rest of the day she sang, hummed, or talk to herself in order to drive away the bad thoughts that tried to plague her.
Nearly a month passed before something out of the ordinary occurred.
It had begun normal enough, with Rarity waking up and clambering off her bed of carefully cultivated moss grass. Though not as soft as her bed back in Ponyville, it was surprisingly comfortable. Standing up in her one-room hovel made of sticks, and braided mushroom bushes, Rarity walked over to the fireplace.
After stoking the coals with a bit of dried bark, and taking a long sip from the water pot, she walked outside. Pushing past the large leaf she used as a door, Rarity looked up and took a deep lungful of slightly sweet air. Like every day, it was warm but not hot, with a gentle breeze rolling from the direction of the mountains. There was the usual number of sparse pinkish clouds overhead, and insects zipping about through the trees.
“This would make for a wonderful vacation spot,” Rarity thought aloud. “Every day is nearly identical to the last, and it's always fairly nice if a bit dull.”
She had yet to see any manner of meteorological phenomenon at all. No rain, snow, or anything just an eternal springlike day that never quite seemed to end. It was pleasant enough, Rarity decided so she didn't complain about the lack of variety in things.
Slinging a pair of bowls strung together by braided branches of the mushroom bushes, Rarity began her morning routine. Down to the lake, she went, her hooves thumping against the now well-worn path she had charted through the foliage. Along the way she stopped to pick a few leaves from a brow and purple bush, tucking the fern finger like hunks of plant into a pouch hanging from her neck.
With that done, she began to hum a song, while making her way down to the water’s edge. There she began to fill the buckets, taking care not to disturb the fish, or get too much of the top slime into her containers. After filling one, and placing it on the lake’s edge, Rarity was about to repeat the process, only to stop when a strange feeling struck her.
Hastily, she ducked back behind one of the white pillars of saltlike stone, peering out from around the corner. She was about to chastise herself for being jumpy when she noticed something dark brown move in her direction. Hidden beneath the water, Rarity couldn't make out exactly what it was, only that it was large, very large.
Shaped vaguely like a crocodile, the mass grew larger until suddenly it breached the upper layer of the lake. Sharp, boney protrusions pierced the goo, making way for a thick hide of brownish-green scales. A pair of red beady eyes peered out from atop a mostly flat head, inspecting the water’s edge closely.
Careful to not move an inch, Rarity observed as the crocodile thing sat motionless, waiting for something. Stuck between an intense desire to run, and a fear so powerful she couldn't move, Rarity felt conflicted. Left with little else to do, she merely observed the creature, hoping against hope that it would just leave her alone.
Nearly times as large as Rarity, sporting a crown-like arrangement of spines, that also went down its back, the creature was quite imposing. It also looked completely at odds with everything Rarity had seen so far on this planet. Here everything was small, mostly harmless, and had either bulbous bodies or a thin, whiplike appearance. This… thing, was clearly a predator, something Rarity had yet to find on this oddly peaceful planet.
Rarity’s thoughts were interrupted when the creature exploded into motion, revealing an enormous maw filled with wicked teeth. Each one was jagged, razor-sharp, and nearly as long as Rarity’s hoof. They were also easily able to slice through one of the larger frogs that had swum too close to the creature’s head.
The poor curious critter soon found itself in the reptile’s belly, dead before it could even realize what had happened. That seemed to satisfy the predator, who slipped back into the deeper parts of the lake, soon becoming invisible. Though it was gone, Rarity remained motionless for several minutes longer, waiting just in case it returned.
When it didn't, Rarity gathered her buckets as quickly as she could, and took off back the way she came.
“Where do I go, what do I do?” she whispered to herself. “I have to leave, but can I take that chance? What if there is no other water for a hundred miles?”
So frazzled, and confused was the mare that she didn't even notice that there was a different set of hoof prints in the mud. Only when she neared her home and saw a group of five bipedal creatures standing near her hut did she realize that something was wrong. Stopping, and ducking behind one of the larger trees, she took several long, deep breaths in order to still her beating heart.
With her burgeoning desire to panic now quashed, Rarity was able to think logically. She wanted to go out and greet them immediately but decided to observe them a little closer first in order to get a better judge of them. Peeking back around the side she noted that four of them were standing there, inspecting her hut rather closely.
The largest of them was a towering creature with strange greenish skin, a powerful-looking jaw, and quills instead of hair. They had sharp, avian-like features, four clawed fingers, and an equal number of pointed toes on their feet. Vaguely masculine, he wore what looked to be tightly bound rags and a necklace of teeth taken from a predatory animal. Outside of that, he also had on a backpack bulging with supplies and a large staff like object with a tube at one end that he was currently leaning on.
The creature was leaning down, and touching one of Rarity’s hoof prints, tiny nostrils flaring as if inhaling her scent. His narrow, beady eyes then flicked up to her sleeping quarters, taking in her rather primitive setup. He was joined in this task by another of his kind, a much stouter, slightly shorter variant of the same species.
Next to him were a pair of creatures that seemed to be of a completely different species, who were presumably of higher intelligence. While the birdlike quill-headed creatures were more bestial in their garb, these two were more civilized. Though one had the bearing of a warrior, the other carried himself much the way Twilight did when struck by a bout curiosity.
The taller of the two wore what looked like plate armor, only it was of a design that Rarity had never seen before. Thick, yet not overly so, they had an elegance to them that the fashionista couldn't help but find intriguing. She pushed that thought out of her mind though and focused on his appearance, namely the weapons he had on him.
The most notable of which was another long tube-like thing that he had slung casually over one shoulder. The other was more easily recognized as a sword though it was slightly bent and longer than any Rarity had seen before. Both of these items bore the same symbol his armor did, that of a circle with a smaller circle and a line through it.
Thankfully his helmet was held loosely at his side, allowing Rarity to see that he had grizzled blue features. He had the kind of appearance one only gained after spending years in the royal guard and fighting plenty of bad folks. His eyes were dark, and his face was scarred, though Rarity could sense that the slit running down the center where his nose should be was natural.
He shared his overall appearance with the shorter, unarmored companion currently crouching down inside Rarity’s hut. A heavy brown work outfit of some kind covered nearly every inch of his body, from his short neck to his hooved feet. Rarity wondered if it also hid his face, though she couldn't see for certain given her current angle.
Deciding to make her first appearance a good one, she straightened her spine, ran her hoof through her mane, and stepped forward. She only managed the single one, however, as a rough-clawed hand gripped the back of her neck. The pony was then yanked into the air with a confused yelp of surprise, a water jug spilling out in the process.
A flurry of yips, whistles, and deeper noises that sounded more akin to the type of speech Rarity knew was shouted. In an instant the young pony found herself dangling above the ground, held in the rather cruel grasp of one of the avians. She also had several of the tube-like things pointed at her, and a rather intrigued-looking short, hooved creature peering at her.
The shouting died quickly, and all eyes went to the shorter-hooved one as if waiting for orders. He then stepped forward, pulled a small metallic device from his pocket, and began to speak into it. After a moment, the device spat out a blurb of what sounded like words, only in a completely different language. Not like it helped, as Rarity didn't understand any of what had been spoken until that point.
“I don't know what in Equestria you are trying to say but it had best be an apology for rifling through my things and handling me like a sack of potatoes,” Rarity demanded somewhat nervously.
The eyes of the lone non-warrior lit up, and after a few swift clicks, the machine in his hand spoke.
“State your name, profession, and planet of origin,” spat an uncomfortably monotone voice.
“Rarity Belle, fashion designer, and Equis. I think,” Rarity paused. “I don't think there is much agreement on the name amongst the various races of the world.”
There was a long pause, where the two hooved bipeds spoke to one another in their own language. During which Rarity caught very few words, though one of them was gue’la. It was spat with disdain several times by the larger of the two while the other used gues’vesa in a much softer tone.
“Would you kindly unhand me?” Rarity asked, squirming. “Your nails are really starting to hurt.”
The smaller one waved at the avian creature dismissively, prompting Rarity to get dropped to the ground. The fall wasn't far, but it served to dishevel the already bitter mare even more than she had been. She glared up at the towering creature before harumphing and beginning the process of fixing the disaster that was her mane.
She didn't get far before the shorter-hooved creature spoke into the box. Which then paused, before spitting out what he had presumably said, only in a language that Rarity understood.
“What is your species, and how do you speak low gothic?” Asked the machine.
“I am a pony, but to be more specific, I am a unicorn. As for your other question I do not speak gothic. I speak Equestrian,” Rarity declared while continuing to fix her mane.
The two hooved creatures spoke for a minute, pausing to converse with the tallest of their avian companions. After a bit of back and forth, they seemed to decide on a course of action. The smaller hooved creature stepped forward and knelt down to Rarity’s rather diminutive level.
“What do you know of humans?” asked the box.
“Only that they supposedly lived on our planet thousands of years ago, but I find the entire theory rather preposterous,” Rarity replied. “If they did live there, then we would have found some trace of them.”
That seemed to confuse, and intrigue the male, who spoke quickly.
“Is your species related to that of the equine?” Inquired the machine.
Rarity scoffed. “We are equines. Is that not obvious?”
The moment Rarity stopped talking another question was launched her way by the monotone voice. “What is that tattoo on your side?”
“It is not a tattoo, it is a cutie mark. Which I received from harmony for realizing my true purpose in life,” Rarity declared.
Upon her words being translated, several of the creatures snickered or shared barking laughter. The more inquisitive of them merely leaned forward, his brow tightening.
“How did you get here to Ankila Three?” asked the box.
“Long story short, Discord, the god of chaos flung me across space at the behest of his new friend Tirek,” Rarity explained.
That seemed to garner confusion, amusement, and alarmingly, fear. Mostly from the avian creatures who tightened their grip on what Rarity assumed was some manner of weapon.
“What is Discord?” pressed the machine.
“He is a bully, a ruffian, and a jerk,” Rarity declared, puffing out her chest. “He thought to defeat us by throwing me through some horrible dimension of lightning and monsters but I survived. And eventually, I will find my way home so I can help my friends best him as well as his new ally.”
That seemed to take a bit longer to translate, and once it had been completed, the meaning was seemingly debated for a while. Thankfully it didn't take long, and when the issue was settled, the avian creatures were a bit more relaxed.
“How long have you been here?” Rarity was asked.
“A few weeks, I think,” Rarity hummed and scratched her chin. “The days here are very short, so it's hard to mark the passage of time.”
“Have you seen a large green reptile?”
Rarity nodded and pointed down in the direction of the lake. “In the lake. Only a few minutes ago. I’ve only seen it the one time.”
That made the group a bit happier, and a pair of the avians exchanged a grin.
“Could you point us to where you saw it?”
“I could, though I’m curious as to why you wish to locate such a fearsome creature,” Rarity inquired back.
“It is what's called a crotalid in the gue’la tongue. It is also invasive, and has evaded our trackers for weeks using the deep underground tunnels that connect the majority of the lakes on this moon,” explained the smaller-hooved biped.
“Then it must be relocated to its natural habitat immediately,” Rarity proclaimed.
“Yes, relocated,” murmured the box, as if the speaker had not intentionally said that.
“Perhaps you would like some assistance in this matter?” Rarity inquired, smiling widely. “I could point you in the right direction and in return maybe you could bring me back with you. I was getting ever so lonely out here all on my own.”
Though her charms went ignored by everyone present, the offer of assistance piqued the avian creature’s interest. The ensuing conversation was brief, and one sided with the taller hooved biped reluctantly agreeing with his companions. The smaller of the two creatures stood back up and spoke one last time into the machine.
“That is agreeable. Lead the way, Rarity Belle,” announced the box.
“I don't mean for this to sound rude, but what exactly are you?” Rarity asked.
The three avian creatures were swiftly packing up what little supplies they had pulled from their bags. While this happened, the larger hooved biped was inspecting the strange glittering piece of glass on his wrist. He tapped at the various lights while peering intently at the thing, occasionally stopping to look around or speak into his collar.
“We are tau,” the box replied.
The scientist, as Rarity came to refer to him, gestured around to the entire group.
“Servants of the greater good and bringers of civilization to this backwater planet,” he continued. “Though I assume you mean our individual species. Yes?”
“Wait, planet? You can travel amongst the stars?” Rarity asked.
That seemed to confuse the scientist, who frowned.
“Yes. Can your species not do so?” he replied as if space flight was the simplest thing imaginable.
“No. We have not left our home world,” Rarity shook her head. “But yes, I was asking about your species, though now that I was thinking about it I would also request to know your names.”
“Our guides and companions are Kroot, though their names translate rather poorly I’m afraid,” the box paused for a moment. “Though my name is Fio'La Fi'rios Arah, and my associate here is Shas'La Ka'mais Bun'ur.”
Rarity paused, trying to figure out if that was actually their names, or if the machine translating for them had broken down. The translator did seem to stutter for a moment and was interrupted by a mechanical whirring sound. Despite that, it was at least a fairly close approximation of their names, as they didn't seem quick to correct the tiny device.
“Shas la, Ka…” Rarity frowned. “That's going to take some getting used to.”
“I wouldn't worry about our names, horse thing,” declared the hooved warrior as Rarity mentally categorized him.
The Kroot seemed to find that amusing, and Rarity was about to correct his choice of words but was interrupted.
“Alright, let's get moving. Lead us to it,” stated the hooved warrior.
Rarity harumphed, the mare wanting desperately to reprimand the male for leaving her shelter in such disarray. She chose not to mention that or how they had wrecked the majority of the tools she had made. Instead, she focused on the fact that she was building bridges, ones that seemed especially worth maintaining considering they could fly the stars. With that bit of hope burning in her heart, Rarity straightened her spine and steeled her nerves.
“Of course, ruffian,” Rarity retorted.
The unicorn then trotted off down her path, keeping her nose high in the air.
Behind her, the kroot snickered their strange barking laughter. The other bipeds were either less easily amused or were restraining themselves for politeness’ sake. Either way, Rarity paid them little mind, as she was already working her way around the first bend down towards the lake.
As she moved, she thought about how she may deepen this potential friendship. She had little to offer, save for her sense of fashion which no one present seemed to value anyway. None seemed capable of magic, or perhaps even aware of the concept, as their devices were completely mundane.
Even with spellcasting currently off the table, Rarity could still detect a complete lack of thaumaturgical energy. Though this was fascinating, it was something she decided to consider in more detail at a later date. Her curiosity could wait until after they had dealt with this invasive creature and made it back to whatever town they called home.
Trotting down to the last stretch of trail, Rarity noted that two of the kroot were moving through the woods beside them. Their steps were nearly silent, their forms almost invisible amidst the slew of brightly colored foliage. Though impressive, Rarity got the impression that they could have hidden even better if they desired to.
Clearly, they were skilled hunters, unlike the two hooves bipeds, who made no attempt to obscure their presence. The warrior amongst them added to their generally noisy arrival by deploying some manner of object from his back. The mostly flat disk rose into the air above them and zipped ahead of the group, unfolding as it flew.
An antenna poked out from the top, angling itself backward while two short, armlike appendages swiveled this way and that. One had what looked like a boxy camera on it, while the other sported a miniature tube thing that the warrior had. From the way they carried such devices, Rarity assumed they were weapons of some kind, perhaps akin to the staves that old unicorns used that projected energy.
Either way, her musings were put aside as they came to the end of her path. Standing a dozen meters or so from the edge of the water, they were in clear view of the lake.
“Here we are,” Rarity offered, gesturing to the spot where she had drawn water so many times. “The exact spot that I saw the beasty less than an hour ago.”
The kroot spread out, while the hooved bipeds stood on either side of Rarity, following her pointed hoof. The pair spoke over Rarity for a moment before the scientist clicked the box and talked directly into it.
“How exactly did you come to see the creature?” asked the tiny machine.
“I went down to the water’s edge, and drew some water,” Rarity replied.
For a moment, Rarity worried that she may be forced into repeating such a motion. When that request or demand was not made and the warrior began speaking to the kroot, Rarity breathed a sigh of relief.
“So,” Rarity began, stepping a bit closer to the scientist. “How far away is your village or encampment?”
“Our temporary base camp is not far, though our more permanent settlement is on the other side of the planet,” answered the machine after translating for its owner. “There we are constructing a research station near the gue’vesa relay facility.”
For a moment it sounded like the machine had tried to say human and helper at the same time, but chose instead to say gue’vesa. The statement also earned a bit of ire from the warrior, who glared at his companion and muttered something under his breath.
“I probably should not have said that,” muttered the scientist somewhat guiltily. “Though I think the odds of you being some manner of infiltrator or violent Xeno species is unlikely.”
“I hardly have a violent bone in my body,” Rarity proclaimed.
“Well I hope that is a lie, as I think they are nearly ready to begin,” stated the scientist, who paused. “We should probably take a few steps back.”
Rarity and her companion did so, walking several paces into the tree line where they paused. Once out of the way, the hooved warrior gave a hand signal before shouldering his weapon. Two of the kroot were arrayed around the narrow opening between the rocks while their smallest companion stood atop one of the taller white stones.
The largest of the three avian creatures hefted a basketball-sized stone up onto his shoulder. He then took a step forward and shot put the thing into the lake, where it made a loud goosh noise. Heavy enough to break through the thicker, gooey top layer, it quickly disappeared beneath the liquid.
The group sat in silence, the four warriors with their tube things pressed firmly against their shoulders and aimed at the gap. They remained in that same, tense position for several minutes before one of the kroot finally relaxed. Glancing back at the hooved warrior, he seemed to ask if he should throw another, as he pointed down at a second stone.
The response started to leave the leader’s mouth when a sharp barking noise from the one atop the rocks stopped them. Immediately all eyes turned back to the water, weapons pointing to a greenish blob making its way in their direction. Again, everyone tensed back up just in time to see a large reptilian head burst free of the water.
It barely managed to break through the gooey upper level of the lake when a deafening crack nearly knocked Rarity to the ground. It was joined by several others, including the repeated thwip noise that came from the hooved warrior’s tube thing.
The effect was immediate, with the reptilian creature recoiling in surprise, wounds opening up all over its head. The kroot weapons were loud, and powerful, and tore chunks out of the crotalid’s flesh, punching deep into its body. The hooved warrior’s weapon was more elegant, firing white blur projectiles that moved nearly as fast as light. When these hit they burned like tiny suns, searing away sections of the creature and even blinding it in one eye.
Though the damage was significant, the crotalid was not defeated yet and lurched forward with a roar on its lips. Surging up the bank and onto land, it accepted the plethora of fire seemingly without complaint or notice. All while bellowing in rage, its powerful voice making Rarity’s teeth vibrate in their sockets.
Too paralyzed by fear and surprise, Rarity couldn't move, though she didn't need to. The team of mostly kroot adapted quickly, stepping back and continuing to fire at the charging creature. More hunks of brownish-green flesh were cut from the central mass, though the damage didn't seem to slow it down.
That was until the skinnier kroot leaped from his position atop the rocks, weapon raised high above his head. Like the rest of his kin, this smaller avian’s gun had a carved spike of bone attached to the end, enabling it to be used like a pick axe. Which the screaming kroot planted directly into the top of crotalid’s head, stopping it dead in its tracks.
Instantly all strength left the creature, and it slid to a stop a few feet closer to the hooved warrior. Who merely stood there, weapon trained on the crotalid until it finally came to a rest. After a moment of hesitation, he clicked something and took a step back, the tube thing resting against his shoulder.
He then shared what sounded like congratulations with the kroot, who whistled and barked atop the dead thing’s head. His fellows joined in, patting their comrade on the back, and adding their own words of praise as well. The celebration was brief, as the three avians soon spread out, and began to retrieve knives from amongst their gear.
“W-what?” Rarity stuttered. “I thought you were going to relocate it.”
The scientist seemed amused, and he paused briefly before responding. “Crotalids cannot be safely returned to their natural habitat.”
“But why?” Rarity demanded. “Surely if you can travel the stars you can bring that poor creature back to its home.”
“The crotalid is no ordinary animal,” the scientist replied. “They are able to travel great distances using some unknown phenomenon. Once they reach their destination they consume everything, and then migrate again, sometimes appearing on worlds light years away.”
“That's…” Rarity murmured.
At first, she thought it was a lie, but the scientist’s face betrayed no emotion save for a mild sense of amusement. It was the kind of joviality she had seen in Twilight when the alicorn had spoken of some obscure fact she knew. Either way, there wasn't much she could do about it at that point, so Rarity just stood there, watching as the kroot began to cut chunks off the thing.
The macabre ritual was disturbing, but not Rarity’s focus, as that was the crotalid itself. Though familiar in its overall shape, size, and generally intimidating appearance it was not identical to the last one she had seen. This one sported the same crown of spikes upon its brow, though the centermost spine was broken off near the base.
“That's weird,” Rarity murmured.
“What?” asked the scientist.
“This one is smaller, and the one I saw had all of its horns,” Rarity answered.
The scientist stiffened and began shouting to his companions in their own language. Immediately they abandoned their attempt to harvest the beast’s flesh. Grabbing their rifles, they managed to get a few steps before a second green shape burst free from the water’s edge.
Its approaching shape was nearly invisible due to the deep red, almost brown blood of its kin, the crotalid could only be seen once it emerged. The second it broke free of the goopy residue, the crotalid surged forward, a bellowing roar bursting from its lipless maw. The kroot shouted a warcry of their own but were barely audible over the large creature scrambling towards it.
Rifles cracked, and piffed, peppering the reptile’s head with a variety of projectiles. Though just as effective as tearing through flesh, the group of four was not nearly as organized the second time around. They had no time to set their footing or take proper aim before being forced to fire at the enraged beast.
In an instant, it was nearly all the way up the bank having sustained no serious injuries in the process. Bits of its teeth, went flying, and hunks of muscle were ripped free but it barely even seemed to bleed. What few vital points the monster had could not be hit, sending a sense of panic through the group.
The scientist hastily tapped at the glass panel on his wrist, causing the floating machine to descend. It unleashed its own smaller blaster but that too had little effect on the monster. Who had reached the scrawny kroot before he had a chance to slip out of reach.
A fang-filled maw lurched towards the avian creature, snapping around his leg and dragging the male to the ground. A scream of agony and panic tore from the injured kroot’s lips, spurring his allies to action. Firing until their weapons were empty, the kroot descended, using their projectile throwers like axes.
The long spikes at the end sunk deep into the creature but seemed unable to locate anything other then tough scales or large muscle. Unbothered by its foe's attacks, the crotalid threw its jaws to the left and then swung its head to the right. Releasing the kroot in mid-air, only to chomp right back down on his head, shoulder, and the majority of his upper body.
In an instant, the avian creature’s cries went silent, and a moment later the only thing left of him was a half-eaten arm. The crotalid, injured but still enraged, spun on the closest enemy, and lurched towards him with mouth open wide. With his weapon already raised, the kroot probably thought himself lucky, as this looked like a perfect opportunity.
Jamming his weapon into the creature’s mouth, the kroot warrior fired off the last two remaining shots he had. Clearly expecting to be victorious, he did not notice the jaws clamping down on his arms. Razor sharp teeth tore through flesh and bone alike, severing the kroot’s limbs and leaving him in shocked confusion.
The only other avian alien left shoulder checked his ally out of the way before the crotalid could finish him off. Rolling to the ground, the clearly most experienced hunter of the lot sprang back up and fired several shots from a handheld tube. Each projectile struck true, but did little damage, most getting stuck in the reptile’s abnormally thick hide.
The crotalid moved to pursue the sole kroot still standing, but the hooved warrior was swift to cover his ally’s flank. Pouring on white-blue projectiles he was aided by the hovering metal device and was successful in making the crotalid miss. Briefly blinded by the burning assault, the beast struck a tree instead of its target, enraged but mostly uninjured.
It wasted no time in turning on its newest attacker, surging at him with clear intent on ending his life as quickly as possible. It was obvious that he was not nearly as quick-footed or as dexterous as the kroot though. Weighed down by his armor, and weapon, the hooved warrior was surprisingly fast, but not fast enough.
A furious clicking drew Rarity’s attention down to her cowering companion who was pressing something on his wrist. Looking back, Rarity expected to find that another of her associates was either dead or dying in the jaw of the beast. That was not the case, however, as the flying metal thing had ducked low, firing off every shot it could in an effort to make itself a bigger target. The effort warped the barrel of the thing’s now red-hot weapon, but the thing made no complaints.
Sure enough, the crotalid seemed to see it as its biggest target and snapped its jaws shut on the floating device. Cut completely in half, the drone beeped once and went dull, flickering lights finally turning off. That was all the distraction the hooved warrior needed, as he moved back behind a tree and began firing from cover.
The kroot added to the volley by shooting his large club-like projectile thrower into the crotalid’s back. Far from the tight, disciplined, and well-aimed shots of before, the pair were clearly hoping that they would hit something vital on accident. It didn't seem to do much to the enraged crotalid, save confuse the creature, and leave it without a clear foe.
Spinning around, its beady red eyes latched onto Rarity, and the biped she was hiding in the bushes with. The moment it looked at them it began to use its enormous limbs to propel itself in their direction. The scientist scrambled backward, shocking Rarity out of her state of confusion and prompting the pony to run as well.
As she ran, she heard the kroot and hooved warrior try to get the crotalid’s attention, to no effect. Through one bush, and out the other side, Rarity pumped her hooves as fast as she could manage without tripping. Her companion did the same, though it was clear he did not know these woods like Rarity did.
She knew to keep your steps brief, so as to avoid the many roots of the mushroom trees. The scientist did not, and soon found himself tumbling to the spongey forest floor, wind instantly knocked out of him. Rarity stopped and was about to offer him a hoof in assistance when she realized how close the crotalid had gotten.
By the time the synapses in her brain made the connection, the bottom half of the male was in the beast’s mouth. Hefted into the air, he was quickly torn completely in half, his blood painting the trees, and Rarity a bright purple color. As she screamed, the crotalid devoured the bottom half of its meal and was about to bite down on what remained of him.
In that instant Rarity knew that if she did not do something she would be next and her scientist friend would be dead. Though most likely already mortally wounded, Rarity held out hope that he could be saved, if only she did something. The spell matrix to mana bolt leaped to mind, and in the blink of an eye, she began to cast the relatively simple spell.
Yet try as she might, her sparking horn refused to complete it, power rushing through the appendage in such quantity that she couldn't concentrate. Closer and closer the crotalid got to the dying biped lying gasping at Rarity’s hooves. Just as the creature was about to finish off the bleeding male, Rarity felt something snap, and with a scream, she finished the spell.
Putting everything she had into the bolt, she aimed her horn down at the crotalid’s face. A beam of red and black with trace flickers of blue burst forth from the mare blinding her completely. It lasted only a second, but it left Rarity completely winded, and with a pounding headache the likes of which she had never felt before.
The unicorn swayed on her hooves, eyes rolling in their sockets as she tried to locate the crotalid. Try as she might, she couldn't seem to find the creature, only a sizzling, headless corpse where the beast should be. There was yelling, and soon the kroot as well as the other bipedal creature appeared.
“Are they, are they okay?” Rarity asked, the mare straining to make her vision stop swimming.
Squinting hard, she was able to see that the armless kroot was alive, but only barely, his companion tending to his wounds. The hooved warrior glanced down at his kinsman and shook his head before standing back up and eying Rarity carefully. He then spoke something that sounded like a command while pointing his weapon in Rarity’s direction.
He repeated the barking order, but Rarity barely even heard the end of it before she toppled forward, unconscious before she even hit the ground.
“And that was how I met my first aliens, almost died for the first time and killed for the first time,” Rarity concluded, pausing to take a sip from her cup of tea. “And before you ask, no I did not editorialize anything. I merely avoided describing just how much I cried and how long I spent curled up in a ball too depressed to move.”
The unicorn took another long sip from her cup, savoring the sweet taste of apple and cinnamon that danced on her tongue. As she did so, she glanced out the window, inspecting Everfree City now that night had begun to fall. Ponies moved about the treetops, and guards continued patrols, the settlement remaining alive but much more withdrawn.
Rarity quickly realized that it had been several minutes and no one had said anything. So she glanced over at her stunned friends and took in the full range of emotions on their faces.
Applejack was angry but withdrawn as if she was thinking deeply on some topic. Rainbow Dash seemed to be struck between shock, and awe, the mare looking at Rarity with newfound respect. Pinkie Pie wore a forlorn expression on her face, hooves tucked tight against her body, and hair perfectly flat. Fluttershy appeared predictably distraught but also conflicted, no doubt attempting to rationalize what she had just heard. Twilight was perhaps the most predictable of all, as the pony was taking notes, writing questions, and formulating theories. From where Rarity sat, she could see that the majority of the purple alicorn’s thoughts were observations on the Immaterium.
Celestia was concerned but almost looked like she was expecting worse and was relieved somewhat. Luna was in a similar boat, though she was the least bit shocked, merely remaining silent out of politeness. Out of the lot of them, only Luna seemed ready to offer Rarity a shoulder if she needed it, though the dark alicorn knew Rarity didn't require it.
At least not yet.
“What the hay Rarity, that's freaking crazy!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed, leaping up and standing on her seat. “Did all that stuff really happen?”
“I swear that everything you heard is true. I would submit myself to a truth circle if you think it necessary,” Rarity replied.
“That ain't necessary. Y'all didn't lie. At least not about anything that mattered,” Applejack remarked, the pony waving a dismissive hoof in the air.
“Thank you Applejack… I think,” Rarity murmured.
“Were they really that bad?” Fluttershy whispered. “The crotalids?”
“I’m afraid so Fluttershy,” Rarity sat a little straighter, towering over nearly everyone in the room. “They eat and reproduce until they consume all available food before migrating elsewhere and repeating this process.”
Rarity smiled softly, and leaned over to Fluttershy, patting her on the leg. “If it makes you feel any better, the tau seem to believe that they are in fact a type of daemon, and aren't actually animals at all.”
Luna shrunk back into her seat at the mere mention of a daemon, while Celestia’s jaw tightened.
“Could these crotalid things be coming to Equestria?” Celestia inquired.
“It's not impossible,” Rarity answered, raising a hoof. “Though I’d say its incredibly unlikely, as the range on their teleportation ability is not far and our local area of space has mostly barren worlds as far as I’m aware.”
“That is true,” Luna added. “Mother’s barrier covers a significant distance of space.”
“Well that's… good,” Fluttershy murmured. “I’m still not sure how to feel about it though. Did you meet any nice animals?”
“Everything native to Ankila Three was quite nice,” Rarity replied.
“You gotta tell us more about those bad flanks that fought with you. They sound so cool,” Rainbow Dash gushed.
“Well, the kroot that lost his arms survived. And though he did eventually manage to regrow them he was relegated to a non-combat role. As for the scientist… well, as you expected he did not make it,” Rarity answered.
“A damn shame. He seemed like an honorable sort,” Applejack remarked.
“Indeed. These tau seem to be less xenophobic than the aliens that mother warned us about,” Luna added.
“Oh they have their own issues and I’ll get to them but when compared to the other factions out there, the tau are rather tame,” Rarity exclaimed.
“Right,” Twilight suddenly interrupted, picking up a long scroll. “Wait, where’s Spike?”
“I’m here,” Spike offered as he entered the room, a clawed hand wiping his mouth. “Just, lost my lunch is all.”
“Perhaps we should break for dinner, or at least some fresh air,” Celestia declared.
“I just want to ask a few questions first,” Twilight interrupted.
“Make them short please,” Rarity half asked, half ordered.
“Right. This other world. What else did you learn about it?” Twilight began.
Rarity slowly exhaled, picking up her teacup and swirling around its contents. “Oh, plenty. It's largely ignored by the wider galaxy and is really only useful to study the unique wildlife. The planet it orbits is a bit more valuable but not by much, with little in the way of useful ores being found there.”
“What about the chemical makeup of the atmosphere? And what kind of creatures lived there? What was that lake made up of? What-” Twilight's stream of questions was cut off by Rarity’s magic forcibly closing the alicorn’s mouth.
“At a later date, we can discuss the finer details of Ankila Three. Until then keep your questions to yourself,” Rarity stated.
Twilight nodded quickly, prompting Rarity to drop the magical hold she had on the other mare’s face.
“You referred to the hooved bipeds as tau and the organization that included the kroot as the tau. Why is this?” Twilight asked.
“It refers to both their species, and their organization, the tau empire. Of which they are the founding member,” Rarity replied.
“What were those tube things?” Twilight pressed.
“The fire warrior used the rifle you saw earlier,” Rarity declared. “As I saved his life in battle he was honor-bound to give me his weapon. Though he still locked it as I wasn't allowed to actually fire the thing.”
“What do you mean? What happened after that?” Twilight insisted.
“I will get to that in due time. Now, are there any other questions?” Rarity asked.
Twilight's hoof immediately shot into the air.
“Perhaps we should have something to eat first,” Celestia offered.
“Maybe tomorrow would be a better idea as it would give everyone a chance to adjust their schedules, and relax,” Rarity countered, glancing pointedly at Luna and Celestia.
“An excellent idea, lady Rarity,” Luna stated.
Twilights shrunk and began gathering up her notes while the others slowly left the room. Barely a sound was uttered by anyone, and a few were rather quick to leave. Rarity couldn't blame them, for despite just how much they fought no one had ever died, not even an animal.
“Hold, a moment,” Rarity interrupted, stepping forward just as Luna was about to leave. “I was hoping to have a word with you.”
“Yes, what is it?” Luna asked, her voice slightly more standoffish than she seemed to have intended.
“At a later date do you think we could share a bottle of wine and talk? I feel like you’re the only one who really understands what I’m going through,” Rarity asked, smiling somewhat sheepishly.
“Yes, I suppose Celestia and I are the only ponies who have seen such violence first hoof as it were. Very well, a drink it is. Just let me know you would like to chat as it were,” Luna replied.
Rarity bowed slightly. “Thank you, your majesty. That means a lot to me.”
“Please, Luna is fine. We’ve long since gotten past the point of titles,” Luna dismissed.
“Very well, Luna,” Rarity replied, rising from her bow.
Following at the back of the group, Rarity observed as the majority of her friends split off. A few made their way towards the royal apartments, others the kitchen and two were headed in the direction of the library. Rarity observed as Spike waddled away, a stack of papers clutched tight against his chest. Quiet, and subdued, the dragon looked particularly unnerved and Rarity wondered not for the first time if it had been a mistake to include him.
Pushing those thoughts from her mind, Rarity began to consider her next move. She would need more food, that much she realized almost immediately, but how she acquired substance was up in the air. That was until they neared the castle entrance, and Rarity noticed that a trio of ponies was standing there waiting for her.
They had been speaking to the rather rough-looking griffon Rarity had seen earlier. That was until they heard the loud clacking of Rarity’s hooves and turned to the mare as she approached. Her father, Hondo Flanks, mother, Cookie Crumbles, and sister, Sweetie Belle all gawked openly at Rarity.
Hondo and Cookie were both put-off and didn't move initially. Sweetie Belle, however, all but leaped into Rarity’s waiting hooves, burying her sobbing face in her elder sister’s shoulder. That seemed to break the ice, and Rarity’s parents joined a moment later, hugging their daughter tightly. Even Rarity felt her own internal barriers fall, and for tears to begin flowing, though she was quick to wipe away the pungent purple liquid that dripped from her eyes.
“It is so good to see that you all are okay,” Rarity exclaimed, gently pushing her family away. “I was so certain that I’d never see you again.”
“And we’re glad that you are okay… you are okay, right?” Hondo remarked, leaning in close.
Rarity chuckled. “Oh yes. Other than a bit of a make over I’m quite alright.”
“I thought you were gone forever!” Sweetie Belle howled, tears still trickling down her face. “We almost held a funeral for you but then your friends refused to give up and-”
“Shh darling,” Rarity interrupted, retrieving a handkerchief and patting the young mare’s eyes. “I’m back, I’m in one piece, and I am ready to begin catching up.”
“Maybe we should go somewhere a little more private,” Cookie offered.
Rarity glanced at the small crowd of gawkers observing them or trying to get past them to the throne room. “An excellent idea. Perhaps a late dinner would be appropriate,” Rarity offered.
“Right, I know a great place on third. Follow me,” Hondo declared.
With the lone taking up the lead, the three females fell in behind without a word, content to simply enjoy each other’s company for the moment. Sweetie Belle all but plastered herself to Rarity’s side, silently gawking at her sister’s armor and overall changes. Cookie was a bit more reserved, carefully inspecting each of Rarity’s visible alterations with a critical eye. Rarity saw all this and merely smiled, taking it in stride, having seen such an outcome a mile away.
Outside the castle, the streets had cleared somewhat, and what little traffic there was dwindling until it was nearly non-existent. Some shops and stalls stayed open, but the majority shuttered their doors and closed down for the night. Rarity thought it was a bit early for that, but nightlife wasn't exactly the first industry to come back after a conflict.
Without many ponies or other creatures to get in their way, they made it to a small, out-of-the-way noodle place in little time. Operated by an aging griffon who didn't bat an eye at Rarity, the establishment was small but very cozy. Composed of a kitchen on one side, a row of barstools, and a single row of booths it didn't look like much but smelled amazing.
“There we are, I told old Iron Guts to get us the usual. Hope your in the mood for something spicy,” Hondo offered, the male plunking down in his seat and flashing Rarity a slightly weary grin.
“Always,” Rarity replied.
“So… tell us about your… adventures,” Cookie diplomatically remarked, having carefully chosen her words.
“Oh don't rush the poor girl. She just got back,” Hondo retorted.
“It's quite alright, but I don't think it is an appropriate story for someone,” Rarity replied, glancing at Sweetie Belle.
Who frowned, and crossed her forehooves over her chest. “Hey, I don't know if you noticed but I’m an adult now.”
“I’ve noticed, but I still don't believe it,” Rarity shot back.
“I basically run carousel boutique for crying out loud! I’ve drank cider, I voted, I’ve… done all the things adults have,” Sweetie Belle exclaimed.
Rarity raised an eyebrow. “Oh, is that so?”
“Y-yeah,” Sweetie Belle murmured.
“That's true. She’s done a great job holding the fort while you were gone,” Hondo declared, patting Sweetie Belle on the back. “Heck I’m surprised she didn't get a second cutie mark for sewing.”
“I’m not that good,” Sweetie Belle muttered.
“Oh pish posh dear,” Cookie interrupted. “You’ve become a seamstress to rival even your sister.”
“I’d say she probably has the title, considering I’m a bit rusty,” Rarity added.
Sweetie Belle shrunk into her seat, blushing profusely.
“Ha, so,” Hondo cleared his throat. “Are ya gonna tell us what happened to get ya so tall? Kinda feelin' a bit emasculated here, to be honest.”
“All in due time,” Rarity cautioned. “I’ll tell you about my first few months on another world but after that, you can just join in on the little story time I’ll be holding with my friends and the princesses.”
“Which I will be joining,” Sweetie Belle declared.
“No, you will not,” Rarity retorted, narrowing her gaze at the younger pony.
“I will,” Sweetie Belle pressed on, unbothered by the pink miasma spilling from her sister’s eyes. “Or I will just wait until after and hear the entire thing from Rainbow Dash.”
Rarity blinked, sitting back in her chair as if struck. “Rainbow Dash?”
“Uh huh,” Sweetie Belle stated. “She and I meet to talk about what romance novel we’ve been reading once a week and she can't keep a secret to save her life.”
“How did that come about? I know Rainbow Dash read but romance?” Rarity muttered in shock.
“Oh it was just adorable,” Cookie interrupted. “Rainbow Dash felt so bad about you being gone that she wanted to help out and do some of the things you did. She was quite reluctant at first but she totally fell in love.”
“I think we’ve read through your entire stash by now,” Sweetie Belle piped up.
“I… well,” Rarity muttered, the wind billowing from her sails. “I suppose I don't really have a choice in the matter now do I?”
“No, you don't,” Sweetie Belle declared.
Rarity smiled. “Then I suppose I should begin my tale.”
The clatter of bowls stopped Rarity before she could continue speaking. The mare barely had a chance to notice the enormous gallon of noodles in front of her before the server walked away. He left a box of chopsticks, some napkins, and a couple of flavor packets that had writing on it in a language Rarity didn't understand.
“Talk later, food now,” Hondo declared, cracking his chopsticks.
“I bet you're looking forward to some Equestrian food,” Cookie offered.
“Come on Rarity. Your story can wait. Let's see who can finish theirs first!” Sweetie Belle challenged.
“A lady must have proper table manners… but,” Rarity smiled. “A lady never backs down from a challenge.”
Rarity settled into her seat, adjusting her armored body so she could sit comfortably for an extended period of time. Thankfully it seemed as though this seat was one Celestia favored as it was a bit more reinforced than the last one. That particular chair hadn't been made for the increased bulk of someone in armor, and who was alicorn sized.
This was perfect, had an end table sitting next to it, perfect for holding a sandwich or some tea or perhaps both. The view was nice from her position near the back of the room, wall situated directly behind the seated pony. A bit of adjustment insured that the rest of the seating was angled nicely, hiding the fact that she had moved everything to her liking.
The room was empty, so no one was there to complain about her moving. Either way, Rarity doubted that anyone would mention it, given especially since it looked nice this way. Not quite as nice as the view, though that was hard to beat.
Overlooking the still chaotic gardens being slowly reclaimed from the forest, there were plenty of colors save for the omnipresent green of the trees. After a long glance out the window, Rarity looked back at the room, noting that there was just enough seating for everyone. Whenever they woke up that was, as the sun was only now poking its first tentative rays through the canopy above.
Enjoying the quiet, Rarity relaxed, her mind churning over how best to discuss the next part of her story. Her musings were interrupted when Luna knocked once and immediately entered the room. The alicorn’s shoulders relaxed, and a soft smile came to her face the moment she laid eyes on Rarity’s seated form.
“You certainly are an early riser,” Luna remarked, stepping inside and closing the door behind her. “I didn't think you would be quite so eager to start another session discussing your adventures, at least so soon anyway.”
“Yes, well. I don't require much sleep anymore, so I thought I’d stop by a bit earlier and get everything ready,” Rarity replied.
Luna nodded, her gaze slowly moving about the room. “The twilight tea room. An excellent choice.”
The room lived up to its name, with the walls closest to the floor being a dull purple but slowly transitioning to gold when it reached the ceiling. This transition between night and day was prevalent everywhere, from the chairs to the tables to the decorations adorning the walls.
“One of the few original rooms to survive, thanks to a preservation ward. It may be a bit on the nose, and a bit gauche as you might say, but I’ve always liked it,” Luna remarked aloud.
“Yes, well, sometimes being bold can be misconstrued as being blunt or brutish when in reality you are merely being honest,” Rarity added.
Luna nodded. “Very fair.”
The pair was quiet for nearly a minute while Luna looked about the room, clearly deep in thought. Rarity wanted to offer some compliment, or start a conversation, but held back as something odd caught her attention. For a moment, Luna’s body seemed to flicker ever so slightly, as if she was wearing a glamor or some other minor illusion spell. Knowing how rude it was to ask for such details, Rarity kept that information to herself.
“I bet no one’s even here yet,” whined the distinct voice of Rainbow Dash from beyond the room. “We should all go back to sleep.”
“You heard the guard, Luna and Rarity are here. Besides, we saw her parents walking up and she wasn't with them,” Twilight retorted.
“Would you two quit gabbin and just knock on the door already?” Applejack interrupted.
“Oh, right,” Twilight muttered.
Before the purple alicorn could actually do so, Rarity cut her to the chase by opening the door with her magic.
“You may come in,” Rarity greeted, extending a hoof towards the open chairs.
Predictably, Twilight was first through the door, the alicorn wearing a rather sheepish expression on her face. The rest of her friends were close behind though, filing into the room and quickly finding spots while Twilight remained standing.
“Before we uh start. I was hoping to apologize for yesterday,” Twilight began.
Rarity blinked. “And what would you have to apologize for?”
“We,” Applejack interrupted. “We're hoping to apologize for not quite being as supportive as we would have liked.”
“Some of us were a bit caught off guard by how bloody that story ended,” Pinkie Pie murmured barely loud enough to be heard.
Fluttershy nodded alongside Pinkie Pie.
“Well, I’m sorry to say that things don't get much better from here. In fact, I’d say its only going to get worse. Much worse,” Rarity declared.
“Oh… oh my,” murmured Fluttershy.
“I can spare you the more grizzly details but I can't avoid them all,” Rarity continued.
“Surely there is some way to politely sidestep the worse of it,” Luna offered.
“I will do my best, though I will not sugarcoat what Discord did to me. Everyone needs to hear what that monster put me through,” Rarity replied.
“Well it's not like he put the crotalid there,” Spike spoke up.
Rarity spun on the small drake, flashing him a dangerous glare. “It's hardly relevant if he put that beasty there. I would not be in that situation if not for him.”
“R-right, s-s-sorry,” Spike muttered, slipping behind the couch in order to avoid Rarity’s gaze.
“Apologies darling,” Rarity quickly exclaimed. “You may all defend him if you’d like though I’d prefer if you kept such opinions to yourself if that may be the case.”
Fluttershy seemed a bit defeated but other than that no one had any complaints, or at least had the bravery to speak them anyway.
“So,” Rarity began. “When will Celestia be joining us?”
“She won't be,” Luna replied. “She trusts me to relay her the most important parts while she and the under council handle the day-to-day management of the country.”
“You mean those buncha jerks that tried to fine Twilight for saving their lives from Tirek?” Rainbow Dash demanded.
“I did blow up that one guy’s mansion though,” Twilight murmured halfheartedly.
“He is a jerk,” Fluttershy whispered.
“Treated his servants like trash too,” Pinkie Pie added.
“Yes yes, lord Spoon is not exactly known for being kind but unfortunately he is quite wealthy and is a disturbingly good coordinator,” Luna sighed. “Plus, try as I might, Celestia still relies on him too much to be rid of the old codger. So… where were we going with that?”
“The bourgeois must be eliminated for true freedom to rain?” Applejack offered.
“I mean that too, but I think Rarity was about to begin her tale,” Luna exclaimed.
“Before you begin just let it be known that we were sorry for not being as supportive. I know I speak for everyone when I say that we will do better, and try not to be as judgemental. Especially without hearing the whole story first,” Twilight proclaimed.
The rest of Rarity’s friends, including Spike, all nodded to varying degrees of enthusiasm.
“I appreciate it darlings but don't push yourself. I have unfortunately grown rather used to violence, blood, and the like so I’m afraid I don't think much of my tale,” Rarity added.
“We can handle it,” Pinkie Pie proclaimed.
The door opened suddenly, and the familiar face of Sweetie Belle poked inside. “Oh, there you guys are. Hey mom, dad. Rarity’s over here!” Called the young mare.
Walking inside, she was joined a moment later by Rarity’s parents, one of whom was rather flush with embarrassment.
“I coulda sworn it was on the east side,” muttered Hondo. “Musta gotten mixed up somewhere.”
“Next time we are stopping and asking for directions,” Cookie declared, holding up a hoof and cutting her husband off before he could speak. “And I don't care about your pride. This is exactly like our second honeymoon all over again.”
Rarity chuckled. “Welcome, Sweetie, mom, dad. Have a seat, I was just about to begin.”
The three newest arrivals did just that, plunking down in a rather luxurious loveseat just big enough for the trio of Belles.
“Did I miss anything?” Sweetie Belle asked, glancing at Rainbow Dash.
“Nah, you haven't missed anything sport,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
Rarity merely rolled her eyes. “Now then, if everyone is ready I am going to pick up after I regained consciousness.”
“That was after the whole crotalid thing, right?” Twilight asked, the alicorn having pulled several quills, an ink well, and numerous sheets of paper from an extra-dimensional storage space.
“Yes,” Rarity answered. “I woke up far from my little base camp, and though I was initially quite happy to be inside finally, my mood would soon sour.”
Rarity awoke groggy, and barely able to grasp what was going on or where she was. That only changed slowly as more and more of her senses returned to her.
It started with her hearing which picked up what sounded like beeping and hushed conversations in a language she didn't understand. After that she felt a bed under her, a blanket over her, and a pillow beneath her head. She then smelled the distinct aroma of chemicals used to purify the air, as well as the heady aroma of plastic.
Opening one eye, she looked up to find that a large pair of mechanical arms hovered over her head. Exposed joints were covered with plastic sheathes, and at the end, there were four metal fingers extended but currently immobile. Closing her eye, she breathed slowly in and out, taking stock of her body while resisting the urge to panic.
She felt like she was on the verge of mana burnout, though her magic did at least feel normal now. Whatever had been plaguing her had been expelled, or burned away, allowing her well to slowly refill. The process was slow but steady, her reserves already fairly topped off despite how little time she felt as though she had been out.
The headache she had felt coming on before falling unconscious was still there, but thankfully not nearly as bad. Her entire body ached, her mouth was dry, and everything else generally felt fairly terrible, though at least there wasn't much pain. After she was certain she wasn't suffering anything worse than a particularly bad hair day, she opened her eyes once more. This time she was greeted with what looked like an array of marble-like eyeballs at the end of a mechanical arm.
“Ahhh!” Rarity screamed, lurching off the bed.
The fall to the ground was longer than she would have liked, and though winded by the sudden impact, Rarity scampered away as quickly as possible. Her hooves hit the polished metal floor and carried her across the room, directly into a nearly invisible window. As she slumped to the floor, having lost what little dignity she had left, Rarity peered out to find that several bipeds were only a few feet away.
All that separated them was nearly a foot of transparent glass harder than any metal Rarity had ever felt before. Though mostly obscured by lights pointed at her containment cell, the fashionable mare could see a few of them. Most were tau, a few lacked the distinct blue skin and lack of nose, but were generally the same body structure, if a bit taller on average. Each one wore a similar get-up as to the scientist that Rarity had seen before, though not quite as thick.
“Wait, is uh… Fio’La Fi’rios Arah okay?” she asked, suddenly standing up.
The mare was proud of herself for having remembered his name despite only being told once. Though that pride was somewhat hampered by the fact that she was fairly certain she knew the answer to that question. Still, she waited, staring down a confused biped that had been working on a machine that sat below her cell.
“Repeat,” came a monotone voice from above Rarity.
“Is Fio’La Fi’rios Arah okay?” Rarity pressed.
There was a slight commotion amongst the bipeds before finally, the voice returned.
“He has passed,” it responded.
Rarity sniffed, the mare barely holding back tears. She had only known the male for minutes, but she knew that he had been a good person.
Not wanting anyone to see her cry, Rarity looked back at the room she had woken up in and found that it was indeed a cell. There were no entrances, no exits, and very little in the way of furniture save for the bed which sat in the center. Save for that, there was also a tiny end table made for someone quite a bit taller than her and had deep enough drawers that she could nearly sleep in one.
Other than that there was just a trio of mechanical arms and the strange mass of metal eyes that hung above the bed. Other features were sparse, though Rarity noticed two things that were off, one was a bit more obvious than the other. A section of the ceiling had a large panel on it, which was likely how she entered the room in the first place.
The other was a weapon mounted on the outside of her cell. Sitting on a seethrough plaque, Rarity recognized it as the strange weapon the other tau had been using on the crotalid. It hung at just the right height for Rarity to read the words inscribed into the plastic at its base.
“In service of the greater good,” Rarity whispered.
Pushing that odd bit from her mind, Rarity continued her inspection of the surrounding area outside her cell. She couldn't see much due to the lights shining in on her still, but what she could see was a bit at odds with her current domicile. The clean lines and simplistic architecture were forgotten and replaced by a dark grey bordering on black boxes.
These bulky machines had green displays that flickered under the low light of the space just outside of Rarity’s cell. As if on a pedestal or stage, these workstations sat below Rarity, allowing their operators to gaze up at her should they feel the need. They mostly kept to their work, however, with the exception being an unusually tall creature that Rarity hadn't seen before.
Standing a full head above the other aliens, this one wore a dark scarlet robe edged in gold and made to appear gearlike. A deep hood hid the majority of their features though when it stopped to look at Rarity, she was able to see the creature’s face. Or at least she assumed it was a face, as there was only a flat expanse of metal adorned with blinking red devices and two long tubes where a face would normally be.
Shuddering in disgust, Rarity unconsciously stepped back, eyeing the strange thing on the other side of the glass. Standing on four metal legs much like a spider, it also had two arms like most bipeds, though one seemed to be a mass of metal cables that squirmed with a mind of their own. From a large metal, backpack extended a mechanical arm with two large pincers on one side and a large glass tube half filled with a glowing green liquid.
“Someone’s had quite the terrible makeover,” Rarity muttered to herself.
The robed metal monster spat what sounded like a blurb of electronic gibberish mixed with what noise over the speaker. Then it stalked away, its metal legs clanking loudly against the grated floor. The sound was incredibly unpleasant, and immediately put Rarity even more on edge than she had been before.
Which was an achievement in itself.
“Would someone please fetch me Shas’La Ka’Mais Bun’ur?” Rarity paused. “I think I said that right. Anyway, he should be able to clear this whole mess up in no time.”
It took only a moment before a familiar face became visible on the other side of the glass. The tau leaned down and spoke into a microphone. A moment later his translated voice came through the speaker above Rarity’s head.
“There is no confusion miss Rarity. You have been placed in containment for the safety of the staff and personnel of this base,” declared the machine.
“What? I’m no danger to any of you. Why I’ve never even…” Rarity’s comment died on her lips the moment a memory flashed through her mind.
The image of the crotalid’s corpse was thrust to the forefront of her thoughts, transporting the mare back in time. The smell of burnt flesh, blood, and mud-filled her nostrils to the point of bursting. She could hear the cries of the injured kroot, the dying tau, and the soldier yelling commands over the confusion.
Then she was back in the cell once more, confused, shocked, and more than a little disgusted.
“My goodness. I killed that poor thing,” Rarity murmured.
“I’ve been told this is common for psykers though I’ve only ever seen it happen once on the battlefield. That was before last week,” came the voice.
Rarity looked down at the tau in confusion. “Last week? How long have I been out?”
“A little over six days. It would have been less but we had to pump your stomach, filter your blood and clean out all the parasites you had,” remarked the tau.
“Excuse me. I do not have parasites,” Rarity declared, crinkling her nose in disgust.
“Not anymore,” replied the tau after the translator had a chance to do its work.
“The water. Boiling it didn't clean it enough,” Rarity murmured.
“That is the most likely probability. The critters on this moon are strangely hardy. Enough of that though, I have something to say,” even through the translator, the weight of Shas’La Ka’mais Bun’ur’s words weighed heavily on Rarity.
“You likely saved my life, and you made an effort to save the life of Fio’La,” he began. “As such I grant you my weapon. With that, my honor is restored, and my conscience clean. I leave you now in the capable hands of I-V S3I/H8T, our chief biologist.”
“Wait, wait!” Rarity called, but the tau had already turned and left.
In his place stood the towering, metal spider creature Rarity had seen earlier.
“Final medical examination will begin momentarily. A question period will follow, proceed by live testing of subject’s psionic aptitude,” declared the grating, slightly feminine tone of what Rarity assumed was the spider creature. “Advise rest.”
“What, what are you talking about? Hello? Who are you?” Rarity shouted.
The spider creature was already striding away, quickly vanishing amidst the bright lights shining in on Rarity.
Left with nothing else to do, Rarity retreated back to the bed, silently hoping that this all wasn't going to end up quite as terribly as it seemed it was going to.
Rarity was startled to find that she had managed to drift off after laying down on the strangely plasticy bed. The sheer exhaustion she felt had evidently hit her harder than she had anticipated, but now it was wearing off. The ache in her bones and pain at the back of her head remained, but they were smaller now.
It didn't feel as though she had been asleep for long, but it was also impossible to know for certain if that was true. There was no clock, no sun, no windows, just a white void, and the ever-present lights shining in on her cell. Accidentally staring into one of those blinding orbs immediately jolted Rarity into full wakefulness and caused her headache to flare.
“Do you think you could turn down the lights a little?” Rarity asked.
Her request went unheeded, and she sat up in the bed in order to glare down at where she thought she saw someone. Despite the power of her disapproving glare, nothing changed, and she fell back into her bed with an annoyed huff. No sooner had she closed her eyes and begun to pretend as though she was back home, when the speakers come to life, ruining the moment.
“Rise, subject thirty-two,” ordered the unpleasant voice Rarity associated with the spider-legged creature she had seen earlier.
Rarity groaned but did as was demanded of her, sitting upright in the bed. “Would it kill you to say please?”
“Extend forelimbs and await inspection,” stated the voice.
Rarity grumbled some more and raised her forelegs, holding them there impatiently.
She didn't have to wait long before the mechanical arms as well as the mass of machine eyeballs descended. One grabbed her right foreleg, while the other wrapped a tight strap around the limb. She was then subjected to several pokes, prods, and squeezes that continued no matter how much she complained.
When it was done, the pony retracted her limb and rubbed the fresh holes that had been punched into it. Though not much larger than a syringe, they hurt quite a bit and left behind a strange aching feeling.
“How uncouth. The least you could do is inform me of what you have planned,” Rarity remarked aloud.
“Subject consent is not required,” replied the unfeeling creature.
Rarity wanted to complain, to demand answers, or freedom, but for once, held back on that particular impulse. It felt like a wasted effort for some reason, but thankfully Rarity still had some hope that she would be able to be a free mare once more.
“I hope you’ve taken all the readings you require,” Rarity offered.
“Affirmative. Subject health within acceptable parameters,” replied the voice. “Commencing phase two.”
There was a brief pause, during which the mechanical creature stepped up to the glass, allowing Rarity to see its strange form more clearly.
“What is your species designation?” He asked.
“Pony, but I am from the unicorn tribe, as you may be able to tell from the horn,” Rarity answered, gesturing to the appendage on her head.
“What level is your cultural development? For example, do you organize primarily via family units?” pressed the creature.
“And so went over two and a half hours, broken only by awkward bathroom breaks taken in full view of everyone, of questions posited by that unfeeling beast,” Rarity exclaimed with disgust. “Fret not, however, I gave him no specifics or revealed any secrets I was asked to keep.”
“No wonder you don't like Twilight's questions,” Pinkie Pie offered.
“Yeah, I’m kinda feeling bad about that now,” Twilight murmured.
“You couldn't have known darling. Though I would appreciate it if you were a bit less enthusiastic when it comes to your curiosity. The memory of that emotionless ruffian is still a painful one,” Rarity added.
“What is the possibility that this tau empire will invade?” Luna questioned.
“Non-existent,” Rarity paused. “Or close to it anyway. Their sphere of influence, at least in the scale of the entire galaxy is fairly small.”
“That's a relief,” Fluttershy whispered.
“I don't know, they sound pretty cool to me,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.
“Your opinion of them will change, I promise you,” Rarity replied.
“What do you mean?” Twilight pressed.
“You will see,” Rarity answered, pausing to clear her throat and sit a little straighter in her seat. “After I spent several long hours enduring endless questions on Equestria, and its people, we advanced to the next unfortunate stage.”
“For the last time, I don't know enough about magic to answer that question,” Rarity retorted with a groan. “I only know the more basic spells as I did not pursue study in the arcane at any higher level than high school.”
“To reiterate. The race you refer to as ponies, all have magical talents?” I-V S3I/H8T asked.
“Yes! I’ve told you that a thousand times! Earth ponies can make themselves tougher and grow things, pegasi can manipulate the weather, and we unicorns can externalize our aura in order to cast spells,” Rarity all but shouted, her voice cracking halfway through.
Holding up a hoof, the mare grabbed the cup of water on her bedside counter and gulped down its contents.
“Fascinating, an entire population of psykers that seem stable,” murmured the voice before it picked up suddenly. “You are certain you have never heard of anyone summoning terrible creatures or going mad during or after the use of these ‘spells’ as you call them?”
“Only once. Sweetie Belle had a minor magical flare but all she did was turn all the plates in the house green,” Rarity exclaimed, her voice hoarse and barely more than a croak.
“Subject vocal quality, dropping. Ending phase two,” the robotic voice of I-V S3I/H8T declared. “Initiate phase three.”
“Oh thank the stars,” Rarity muttered.
The mechanical arms hovering above the unicorn’s head collapsed and retracted back into the ceiling. They then reemerged, only this time, with five objects as well as a cage containing a rat that sported two large fanks, and a furry blue mane. The creature seemed confused, but was unharmed, running around its container squeaking. Turning her attention from the rather cute little critter, Rarity noted that the objects were just cubes of varied sizes, all stark white.
“Stand on the floor,” demanded I-V S3I/H8T.
Rarity stepped down from her bed, watching as the cubes and the rat was placed several feet away from her.
“What do you intend on doing with that furry little creature?” Rarity asked.
I-V S3I/H8T ignored the comment and continued. “Pick up the smallest cube without touching it.”
“Augh, fine,” Rarity murmured.
Lighting her horn, Rarity winced as she tugged on her pool of mana for the first time in a while. Her magic was sluggish, and still recovering from being expended so violently a week earlier. The metal creature was patient, for once, giving Rarity the time she needed to bring her telekinetic field to bear on the smallest cube. With a small amount of exertion, she lifted it into the air, where it hovered for several seconds before being dropped.
“I assume that is acceptable?” Rarity asked.
“Lift the bigger cube, and hold it aloft for ten seconds,” I-V S3I/H8T ordered.
“You could at least say please,” Rarity murmured.
Lighting her horn, Rarity repeated the same task once more, lifting the second one up, holding it, and then finally dropping it. She wasn't sure what it was made of, but the second cube had been twice as heavy as the first one. Thankfully they were still relatively light, with the last one having reached the weight of a particularly heavy book.
“Repeat the same task with the third cube,” demanded the unfeeling voice.
Rarity reluctantly did as was asked of her, stumbling only briefly as she adjusted her spell for the increased weight. This one was about the weight of her sewing machine but was only slightly larger than the second box.
“Let me guess, pick up the fourth one?” Rarity asked sarcastically.
“Affirmative.”
Rarity groaned once more, but knowing that there wasn't a way out of it, lit her horn once more. Wrapping it around the cube, she attempted to heft the thing into the air but found herself unable to do so. It was considerably heavier than the one that came before, reaching the weight of an entire wagon or maybe an anvil.
“Lift the fourth cube, and hold it aloft for ten seconds,” I-V S3I/H8T ordered.
“I’m trying, it's heavy and I’m still suffering from mana burn,” Rarity retorted angrily.
“Lift the fourth cube-”
“And hold it for ten seconds, I know!” Rarity snapped.
Growling angrily, the unicorn lit her horn and with a bit of effort, managed to heft the cube from the floor. Holding it about three feet above the ground, Rarity found that she was having to expend a considerable amount of power. She hadn't had to lift something this large in a very long time, and like an ill-used muscle, her horn struggled to keep up.
“-ten,” Rarity declared.
The moment the cube hit the ground, Rarity released a gasp, and nearly collapsed, her legs shaking. After a few calming breaths she stood back up and wiped the sweat from her brow, silently quite proud of herself.
“Lift, and hold the fifth cube aloft for ten seconds,” I-V S3I/H8T, or Hate as Rarity came to call them in her head, ordered.
“I know!” Rarity shouted. “What part of ‘I can’t do you not understand, you overgrown toaster?”
There was a short pause.
“Administering encouragement,” declared Hate.
Rarity rolled her eyes. “You aren't exactly encouraging you know? Maybe if you offered me the chance to use a shower have a decent meal or use a real toilet rather than a hole in the ground I’d- yowch!”
Rarity leaped forward and turned around to find that the mechanical arm had returned, only one of its fingers sported two prongs at the end. Between these metal spikes arced a series of tiny lightning bolts, each one just big enough to make a popping sound.
“What are you doing?” Rarity demanded.
“Lift and hold the fifth cube aloft for ten seconds,” Hate’s voice demanded.
“I told you I ca-owch stop that!” Rarity shouted, batting the metal arm after it prodded her again.
“Lift and hold-”
“I know what you want you stupid machine! I am trying to explain why I- hey don't come near me with that!” Rarity warned.
Backpedaling rapidly, Rarity avoided the arm right up until her butt hit the barrier of her cell. The moment this happened, the arm lurched forward and jabbed her in the midsection, sending thousands of volts into the pony’s body. Her hair stood up on end and her body convulsed, muscles unable to keep her standing.
“S-stop, p-please,” Rarity begged.
A moment later the arm retracted several feet.
“Lift and hold the fifth cube aloft for ten seconds,” Hate ordered.
“Alright, fine,” Rarity murmured.
Standing on shaky hooves, Rarity stumbled back over to the cube and lit her horn once more. Grasping the box, she immediately knew that it was heavier by far than anything she had tried to lift. The only approximation was maybe Tom, the stupid boulder that Discord had forced her to become infatuated with. She was about to give up when she heard the rapid pop of electricity a few feet behind her.
With a grunt, she hefted the thing into the air, her horn becoming almost painfully bright. The strain was immense, with Rarity able to feel what little reserves she had left quickly being burned. She tried to hold on, to keep what she had, but it was like grasping at sand, as it perpetually escaped her grasp.
Not wanting to get electrocuted again, she resisted the urge to quit and held the rock aloft. Counting down the seconds, Rarity could feel her horn growing hotter by the second. Sweat poured down her face, her legs began to shake, and a pounding headache furiously began assaulting her mind.
“Hnnngh, come on,” Rarity muttered to herself.
Seconds ticked by at a glacial pace, with each moment feeling like a short eternity. At the five-second mark she began to worry she might burn out a second time. Her aura began to flicker almost immediately after she began to consider that very real, and very uncomfortable possibility.
“Augh!” Rarity cried.
Her horn sparked, and her magic died, the pony hitting the ground at nearly the same time the cube did. Barely conscious, and breathing heavily, Rarity desperately resisted the urge to pass out.
“I… did… it,” she muttered.
“Negative. Subject held the cube for only eight point six five seconds,” Hate declared. “Administering encouragement.”
Rarity grit her teeth and waited for the bite of electricity. Only for the jolt to never arrive, leaving her confused.
“Recalibrating,” Hate stated, a second more distant voice whispering nearby. “Subject thirty-two’s performance within acceptable parameters. Tests concluded.”
Rarity blearily looked up, watching as the arms grabbed the cubes, as well as the rodent, and retracted into the ceiling. A moment later the lights went out, and the strange glass-like walls of her containment cell darkened until she couldn't see out of them.
“Testing will resume in nine hours,” Hate proclaimed.
A moment later, the speaker clicked, signaling that it had been disabled, at least for the moment.
“Yaay,” Rarity blearily muttered to herself.
The pony glanced over at her bed all the way across the room. Lifting a leg, she tried to drag herself in that direction but found herself unable to do so. Attempting a second time resulted in the same response, so with great reluctance, she gave up. Laying her head on the cold ground, she pushed the scent of burnt hair from her mind. Focusing instead on the faint feeling of pride, and the pleasant sensation of the cool floor, she swiftly drifted off into a dreamless slumber.
“And thus began nearly two months of constant trials, questions, pokes, and prods,” Rarity continued. “That damnable tech priest was relentless, barely giving me enough sleep before demanding I take part in another test.”
“How cruel,” Fluttershy whispered.
“Yeah, maybe these tau guys aren't the best,” Rainbow Dash muttered.
“But I thought that thing was a machine person which isn't a tau?” Spike offered, scratching his head. “I’m getting confused here.”
“I explained this before remember? The tech priest was a former member of the imperium of man, who became a member of the tau,” Rarity replied.
“Oh right. There's just a lot of names, and stuff getting thrown around,” Spike murmured.
“No kidding. Croatlids, tau, humans, alien empires. I feel like I need an encyclopedia just to know what's going on,” Sweetie Belle muttered.
“I don't like the sound of these humans. Despite a few working with the tau they seem… cold,” Luna remarked.
“You are lucky if you find one that is simply cold. The majority of them are intensely xenophobic and would sooner kill you than ask the time of day,” Rarity answered.
Luna frowned. “To think that the stars would be filled with so much hatred. Disappointing.”
“It's a dark, and grim place,” Rarity added.
“Surely there were some good things?” Pinkie Pie prompted. “It couldn't have all been bad, right?”
Rarity hummed to herself. “I suppose there were moments of levity, and even a few times where I was able to use my special talent.”
“Really? Did tall dark and cold ask you for a makeover?” Applejack asked with a smirk.
Rarity scoffed. “I wish. I’m not sure what was a worse crime. What they did to me or what they wore.”
“So, tell us of these times of levity. I do believe that a bit of good cheer is needed,” Luna offered.
Rarity’s parents along with the rest of the room’s inhabitants nodded as well.
“I suppose so,” Rarity admitted. “I will tell you a short tale about how I came to know Ardith. It all began after the first week of testing had come to an end, and-”
Rarity grasped the edge of her bed and heavied with all the strength she had left in her body. Though the effort was titanic, the pony was able to pull herself up onto the thing and lay sprawled out. Her horn smoked gently, and every muscle in her body screamed at her, almost as much as her brain screamed that she was a mess.
The urge to groom herself was only beaten by just how completely exhausted she was. However, the sting of her most recent string of tests left her unable to drift off into pleasant unconsciousness. So she lay there, staring at the ceiling and trying to conjure images of home in her mind in a desperate bid to ward off the feeling of loneliness.
“I wonder what Sweetie Belle is up to right now,” Rarity muttered to herself.
It was then that she noticed that she could hear voices coming over the speakers. Though distant, they were audible, indicating that someone had accidentally clicked the microphone on and had forgotten about it. Seeing an opportunity, Rarity turned her head to where she knew the thing sat, and where I-V S3I/H8T usually stood.
The towering cybernetic creature was not there, instead, there was a young human clad in the robes of a junior scientist. Only one among many of the hooded beings Rarity had seen through the glass, the human didn't seem to have any distinguishing features. Then she noticed the red eye visible just beneath the female’s cowl, its light following after her hands as she cleaned the bank of cogitators.
“Well hello there darling,” Rarity called.
The scientist paused and looked up at the pony, head cocked slightly to the side.
“Yes, I was indeed greeting you,” Rarity answered. “I hope you are doing well this evening, or at least I think it's evening.”
There was a moment of silent confusion before the young scientist leaned forward and spoke into the microphone.
“It's actually morning,” answered the untranslated voice of the woman.
Rarity grinned. “Well that's good, I think.”
The researcher went to disable the microphone, only for Rarity to beat her to it.
“Hold on a moment darling. Why don't we chat a little bit hmm? You can even continue working while we talk,” Rarity interrupted.
“That is… acceptable,” came the reply over the speakers.
Yes. Rarity thought to herself.
“Well, you know my name darling so why don't we begin by you telling me yours,” Rarity offered.
“It is best not to tell a psyker your name, lest they curse you,” answered the woman.
Rarity rolled her eyes. “You know very well that I am not capable of such a thing. Now, don't be impolite darling.”
There was a moment of hesitation before the human replied. “Ardith. My name is Ardith,” she stated.
“Tell me about yourself Ardith. What do you do around here, hmm?” Rarity pressed.
“I will not give you any information on my position or the station,” declared Ardith.
Rarity sighed. “Then don't. I am not asking you to. I am simply inquiring about you as a person. Surely you can tell me about… your favorite color?”
“Mauve,” came the response after a short confused pause. “It reminds me of my home world and the flowers that grew outside our home.”
“That's wonderful darling. I myself am rather fond of violet, though I’ve yet to find a shade of purple I have not enjoyed. Unlike yellow, so many unpleasant shades of that color,” Rarity remarked, sticking out her tongue in disgust.
“I suppose so. Though at last, it is not brown,” the woman pointed out.
Rarity chuckled. “Very true.”
“And so began a friendship that would begin rather standoffish, but would help to make my confinement at least a little more pleasant,” Rarity explained.
“I assumed she warmed up to you in time?” Fluttershy pressed.
Rarity nodded her head. “Oh yes. She may have been a tech priest as well, but unlike that overgrown spider, Ardith had not started replacing her brain with metal parts.”
“That can't be good for ya,” Applejack murmured.
“Yes, that does seem like a bad thing,” Rarity’s mother remarked.
“I don't know. If I could put a calculator up there that would really help me with work,” Added Rarity’s father.
“Or maybe some kind of radio transceiver,” Twilight muttered, mostly to herself.
“Though useful, I’d advise caution in that field,” Rarity warned. “I don't know which came first, but the head biologist became quite a cruel and calculating taskmaster.”
“Well it's not like that technology is anywhere close to real, at least in Equestria…” Luna paused and turned to Twilight. “Right?”
“Oh yes it would take decades if not centuries for such advancement to come about and thats assuming it's even biologically possible for us in the first place,” Twilight answered.
“Regardless,” Rarity interrupted, sitting forward in her seat. “I learned much of the tau, humanity, and the galaxy at large from Ardith. Though the companionship helped keep me sane, it was not to last I’m afraid.”
“What happened?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“Don't tell me that spider dude messed everything up,” Rainbow Dash remarked with a scowl.
“I will tell you,” Rarity replied. “You see it had been about two months since I had awoken in that damnable box when-”
Rarity lay on her back, forelegs extended toward the ceiling. Above her danced an illusionary copy of herself, one that had been able to bath, trim her mane, and the like. The real Rarity, the one made of flesh and blood was nothing like the duplicate above her, as she was a mess. Her mane had grown long and unruly, her coat shaggy, and worse still, she stunk.
With a sigh, she let the magical copy fade after it had completed its final pirouette. It felt nice to be able to use such a draining spell and barely feel winded, but that thought brought little relief. Though magically stronger than ever, she still didn't know any more spells then she had since she got here.
The click of the microphone signaled the arrival of… someone, prompting Rarity to glance over at the usual spot. There stood a familiar, and thankfully pleasant face, one that wasn't more metal than flesh.
“Good morning Rarity,” greeted Ardith.
“Oh it's so good to see you, darling,” Rarity paused and narrowed her gaze, her vision now so used to the lights that she was able to peer past them with relative ease. “I see you took my advice in doing your mane, er hair I should say.”
“Yes it looks quite lovely, I must say,” Ardith admitted, running a hand through her brown locks. “And to think it would take such little effort.”
“I told you a little bit would go a long way,” Rarity remarked, rolling onto her chest and pushing herself up. “So, how did the date go, it seems like it went well. What with that spark in your one fleshy eye.”
Ardith giggled, a hand going to her cheek. “Oh, Rarity you can read me like a book. And yes, it did indeed go well. I didn't think that they would allow a human to court a tau, what with all their rules but here I am.”
“Tell me all about it,” Rarity gushed, hopping off the bed and walking up to the glass barrier. “Did Varah appreciate the candle-lit dinner you had all setup?”
“She loved it,” Ardith admitted, pausing to giggle. “At first she thought it was a human intimidation tactic but after I explained things she seemed genuinely thrilled. We even set up another date for tomorrow night, and she’s planning the whole thing.”
“And your verbiage? Not still struggling with those propositions I’d hope,” Rarity pressed.
Ardith shook her head. “No, I practiced it for hours the night before. Though I may not be able to pronounce some of the more complicated tau words like you seem able to, it was apparently quite endearing.”
“That's better than bad,” Rarity countered.
“I was hoping for romantic, but I can take just not being laughed at. That language is no joke. I wish everyone spoke binaric cant,” Ardith confessed.
“Yes, wouldn't that be convenient?” asked a new, and unfortunately familiar voice. “Unfortunately for subject thirty-two, it seems as though her vocal cords are too complicated for our implants.”
Rarity scoffed at the towering spider-like cyborg that stalked out of the gloom of a nearby doorway. “I would never allow my perfect singing voice to be mangled by one of your silly implants. No offense Ardith,” Rarity hastily added.
“A shame. Perhaps then you would be something approaching useful,” I-V S3I/H8T remarked. “For as of right now you are much like junior researcher Ardith Mordain.”
“I’ve completed every work order given to me, head biologist,” Ardith retorted.
“I should rephrase that,” remarked the large cyborg. “You have outlasted your true usefulness as a ploy to gain more information from our guest.”
“Ardith? Really darling? I trusted you,” Rarity exclaimed.
“I was never told to do that. I swear,” Ardith professed.
“She is telling the truth. I had merely left the microphone on, and manipulated her duties so that Ardith was nearby,” I-V S3I/H8T admitted. “It didn't take much prompting for you two to hit it off as it were.”
“So that's why you mentioned that speaking to Rarity was not grounds for punishment,” Ardith murmured.
“I had hoped that a quote-unquote friendlier face would help garner more actionable intelligence from the subject. Unfortunately, that has not been the case,” I-V S3I/H8T exclaimed, their sharp, spider-like limbs carrying them around the much smaller, much less augmented human. “And now you will assist me in another test.”
“Wait a moment. Surely she could just be transferred elsewhere. I’ve been told this is a rather large facility,” Rarity interjected.
“Y-yes,” agreed Ardith. “Why I overhead sector five mention that-”
“Silence,” I-V S3I/H8T interrupted. “It is already decided. You will assist in testing subject thirty-two in a more vigorous manner than in previous.”
“What exactly are we testing for anyway?” Ardith inquired.
“We will find out if my hypothesis on the stability of equine psykers is indeed correct,” I-V S3I/H8T answered.
The color drained from Ardith’s face, while Rarity merely looked on in confusion.
“What do you mean? Of course, I’m stable. We established this what… thirty times already?” Rarity pressed.
“Though exceptionally resilient to the corruptive influence of the warp, no creature can truly be utterly free of its taint,” I-V S3I/H8T explained. “All we need to do is push.”
“But if you are correct you could destroy the entire facility, nevermind kill the subject, and likely myself as well,” Ardith retorted.
“We have taken the necessary precautions to ensure that will not happen,” I-V S3I/H8T stated. “Furthermore, the future of project wayfinder depends on these tests.”
“Project whatnow?” Rarity inquired.
“Project Wayfinder,” I-V S3I/H8T corrected. “Which aims to use your unique warp powers to aid in the creation of a new breed of navigators. Of course, that will take years, decades even, and would require the acquisition of many more of your kind but that is a concern for another time.”
“What is-” Rarity tried to ask.
“Silence,” I-V S3I/H8T barked. “I will not be taking any questions at this time. My patience has worn thin and I am eager to test the validity of my theory.”
“What would you have me do?” Ardith asked head bowed in subservience.
“Go to the loading port, and wait there. I will transmit my orders once you have readied yourself,” I-V S3I/H8T replied.
“Ardith, you can't do what this thing says. I just know they are planning something terrible,” Rarity pleaded.
“I serve the omnissiah, not you. Subject thirty-two,” Ardith shot back.
With that the human walked away, exiting through a side entrance and vanishing from sight.
“How dare you,” Rarity began, rising up onto her back legs and jabbing a hoof at the cyborg on the other side of the glass. “Ardith did nothing wrong and doesn't deserve to be a part of whatever sick game you have going on.”
“She is a cog in the machine, as are we all. Even the tau,” I-V S3I/H8T remarked. “We all serve to grease the great gears of progress, either with the sweat of our labor or with our blood.”
“What are you talking about?” Rarity demanded. “What does that have to do with anything, and what is this strange project you mentioned?”
I-V S3I/H8T didn't initially respond, the cyborg visibly distracted for a moment before turning back to Rarity. “You see,” they began, limbs clasped behind their back. “The tau move about the galaxy without the risks inherent in warp travel, but although safer, the method is not nearly as fast as traversing that other realm.”
“What is-”
“Silence!” screeched I-V S3I/H8T, their face lighting up for a moment to reveal their mostly metal features. “Do not mistake this as a discussion, or conversation. I am merely using you as a sounding board for my own thoughts. Now then… where was I?”
I-V S3I/H8T straightened and continued to pace. “Ahh right. The tau sunlight travel is good, but it could be better. Reproducing the necessary components such as Geller field generators and the like is nearly impossible, however. But-” I-V S3I/H8T held up a metal digit. “But what if there was a way to bypass this necessity by utilizing the organic Geller field generator that is that silly little horn poking out of your head.”
Rarity looked up at the ivory appendage curiously.
“With the proper augmentations, and preparations we may be able to reproduce the power of the navigators. Only without all the madness, and instability that comes with a mortal mind brushing against the warp,” I-V S3I/H8T remarked, not even speaking in Rarity’s direction for the most part. “All we need to do now is find out just what happens when one of you equines breaks.”
“But if you kill me you won't be able to run any more tests!” Rarity exclaimed.
“We can always put you back together again, and if we can't. Well, we have more than enough biological material in storage that we could simply clone more of you,” I-V S3I/H8T replied.
Rarity stood there aghast, jaw hanging open.
“Aww good. Your new playmate is ready. Lower her into the containment cell and ready the containment protocols,” I-V S3I/H8T barked, their voice turning into a mix of weird, harmonic static at the end.
The pony fell back onto all fours and turned to look up at the large square set in the ceiling where the mechanical arms always emerged from. Sure enough, it had already pulled back into the ceiling, allowing one of the manipulator limbs to descend alongside a familiar figure. Ardith held onto the mechanical arm, riding it down into Rarity’s enclosure, where she stood near the center, a dour expression on her face.
“Ardith! Oh, thank goodness you are okay. After you disappeared I feared the worst,” Rarity professed.
The human didn't respond, at least not with words. Instead, they tossed a metal bar at Rarity, the hunk of pipe rolling across the ground and coming to a halt a few feet away from the pony.
“What is this?” Rarity muttered.
A burst of static drew Rarity’s attention back to her tormentor, and head of biological research.
“Commencing test number one hundred and thirty-six,” I-V S3I/H8T began. “Subject thirty-two will now engage in combat with a junior researcher. This final stress evaluation should bring about more than enough evidence to sell this idea to tau upper command.”
“Combat, but I can't-” Rarity muttered.
I-V S3I/H8T ignored the pony’s murmurings. “Test begins in three, two, one, begin!”
