Chapter XXVI

“Understand me Rarity, it is not that I think you incapable.” Sonny said defensively. She followed him behind the counter. “You are undoubtedly the strongest mare I have ever seen, besides my wife of course.” He squatted down and reached under the display case. He pulled a dusty suitcase out from under the counter and set it down atop the display.

“Then what?” Rarity asked with a grin. “Do you really think that Las Pegasus is that dangerous of a place?” He unsnapped the case and it squeaked open in a puff of ancient dust. A smile slid across the stallion’s face as he held up what looked like a metal L. It dripped with oil and Sonny carefully retracted back the topmost portion of the L. He squinted at it, then, seemingly satisfied, set it back in the case.

“All right, follow me.” He said, taking the case and walking past her. “We must go to my home.”

“Are you going to tell me what this is for?” Rarity asked. He nodded.

“Da, right now you have a bear, we must get the claws.” Sonny said cryptically. She followed him out of the Lone Star and down the street toward his home.

Never had Sonny been so focused or determined about something; all she had done was inform him that she would miss a few days of work for a trip to Las Pegasus. He had then insisted that she take something with her. They walked for some time and Rarity realized she had never been to Mr. Salukas’ home. They were at the outskirts of the little town when Sonny stopped at a modest thatched roof house. He unlocked the door and she followed him into the dark abode.

Sonny’s house was just like it should have been: Proper, tidy, without excess. It was a sturdy one-story structure with only a few rooms. Ana was chopping vegetables for soup and she looked up when the pair entered.

“And just where are you going on your day off?” She asked her husband suspiciously.

“Taking Rarity shooting.” He said with an excited grin. The workmare clucked her tongue and hacked an eggplant in two.

“Do not tell her to compensate, I remember you doing that with Dimitri.” She chided. He gave her a kiss on the cheek.

“Never, I will instill in her the finest marksmanship that I can.” Ana snorted and continued to cleave vegetables for the soup. Sonny went off to find whatever it was he was looking for and Rarity stood for a moment, watching the brown mare shovel carrots into a kettle.

“How have you been Mrs. Salukas?” Asked the unicorn. Ana didn’t answer immediately.

“My husband employs a pink pony obsessed with parties, at a bakery nopony appreciates, and is taking his first day off in two decades. I don’t see what I have to complain about.” She said in flat sarcasm. Rarity decided not to attempt to bring the conversation any further.

In a second, Sonny returned.

“Ah, I should be back in few hours.” The horse said, kissing his mare on the cheek. He carried the case, along with a brown metal box that rattled. Ana said nothing and started to measure out the spices.

Rarity and Sonny walked to the edge of Everfree Forest. It was a chilly day, and Rarity was glad for her thick cloak as the wind whipped through the grass. Sonny set up a dead log, then motioned for her to come near.

“This.” He said as he opened the case and pulled out the metal L. “Is a Chekerov hoofgun.” He again retracted the top and peered inside. “It is a lifeless piece of metal. You alone direct what it does. Remember that.”

“Uh, what does it do?” Rarity asked. He pulled a clip-like object from the case, then opened the other container, which was filled with rounded copper nubs. He pressed a few of these into the clip, which he then inserted into the hoofgun.

From the next ten minutes, Rarity learned literally everything she should NOT do with a hoofgun. Always be aware of where it was pointed, and if a filled magazine (it was NOT a clip, Sonny made that VERY clear) was inserted, she should double her awareness.

“And do not point it an anything you do not intend to destroy.” Sonny concluded.

“But, what does it do?” She asked, still uncertain of the purpose of the hoofgun.

“Align your sights on that stump, then pull the trigger.” He ordered. Rarity complied and lifted the weighty L. She squinted and aligned the three parkerized squares on the center of the stump. The trigger ground like sand against her horn as she squeezed the tiny lever. The trigger moved slightly, nothing happened. Then suddenly, with a loud pop, sparks shot out of the gun and it snapped back sharply. Rarity screamed and dropped the weapon. Sonny chuckled and picked up the hoofgun.

“Let us see how you did.” He said with a smile. Heart racing and entirely spooked, Rarity followed Mr. Salukas to the stump. A small hole, placed dead center of the rotted cylinder of wood greeted them. “Ha! You are a born for the Chekerov!” Sonny said excitedly.

“What did I do?” Rarity asked, still shaking a bit. Sonny knelt and picked up the stump. He pointed to the hole.

“That.” She inspected the hole, it ran through the thick wood and she could now look through the stump. “Had this been a pony, you would have killed them.” Sonny said morbidly.

“Why?” Rarity looked at the hoofgun. “Why would anypony want something like that?” She asked in amazement.

Sonny stood.

“The ability to kill others has existed since others have existed.” He lifted the hoofgun. “This is the great equalizer. No longer will the strongest and toughest win every fight they pick.” He put his hooves on her shoulders. “Rarity, you are a strong pony, but you cannot win every fight. And I want you to know you can defend yourself.” She felt a shiver run down her spine. “I know you fear such a weapon, but your protection is your responsibility and I do not want you thinking anything but that.”

“You, don’t think something will happen on my trip do you?” She asked hesitantly. He shook his head.

“I don’t, I never do. That’s why I want you to have the knowledge that you can defend yourself.”

“It’s loud, and scary.” She said quietly.

“And I hope that doesn’t make you judge it differently.” Sonny said with a laugh. “Come on, you will find that it is not so scary after some practice.”

And practice they did. Rarity learned everything about the Chekerov and her terror gradually faded (along with her hearing) as she fired into the stump. Sonny taught her proper stance, and grip, and not to ever ever hold it sideways.

In two hours’ time, Rarity could place all eight shots in the MAGAZINE on the stump. Her hooves were sore and her ears rang, but Rarity didn’t fear the gun anymore. As Sonny packed up the hoofgun, a piece of paper slipped out of the case. As she picked it up, Rarity saw that it had a few more pictures of what looked like other kinds of guns.

“Oh my.” She said fearfully. “This one looks terrible!” She said, pointing to a long rifle. “It has the shoulder thing that goes up!” Sonny chuckled.

“Yes, the Molot, many ponies think that about it. I don’t know why, it’s not any more dangerous than the Chekerov.” Rarity again looked at the menacing rifle.

“It just, doesn’t sit right with me I guess. I can’t ever imagine needing something like that.” Sonny shrugged.

“I hope you don’t rely on your imagination for most of your decisions.” He mused.

The two returned to Ponyville. Before they parted ways, Sonny gave her the both cases. “Here, load both magazines before you leave. Keep one in the chamber, and remember that red is dead.” He reminded. Taking the weapon and ammo, Rarity struggled to balance the heavy containers and he helped her adjust the weight. “You will do fine Rarity, I do not believe you will ever need the Chekerov. But if you do, I want you to use it fearlessly.” He said comfortingly.

“I will.” She gave him a hug. “Thank you Sonny, I’ll be back soon.” The horse held Rarity.

“Do not worry about time, find yourself.” He whispered.

“I’m going to do my best.” She said quietly.

Rarity tottered home with the heavy load and dumped it on the floor of her room. Pinkie Pie was out collecting signatures for her signature collection and wouldn’t be home till late. Rarity stretched her back; what was left for today? She needed to check with Applecrisp to make sure she could stay with Pinkie. Rarity walked to the Apple pony’s abode; the blue mare was sitting cross-legged by the dam’s main control valve, writing a letter.

“Hey.” She said as Rarity entered.

“Hey, how’s it going?” Rarity asked. Applecrisp shrugged and set her pen down on the control panel beside her.

“Jus’ writin’ Thomas. Whut ya’ll need?”

“Just wanted to make sure you could still stay with Pinkie for the week.

“Heh, yeah, she’s been rarin’ to play me in chess an’ ah bet there’s gonna be more than one swamp-themed party.” Applecrisp said with a smile.

“Great, glad to hear you’re looking forward to it.” Rarity paused. “How have you been? I feel like we never really talked about what you were going through that one night.” Applecrisp laid her letter down beside the pen.

“Yeah, ah dunno. Ah kahnda realized ah was bein’ too wussy, shure ah ain’t got a great job, but it’s a job. After y’blew up the Boutique, ah decided t’do whut ya’ll do an’ jus’ see whut turns. After all, if Rarity kin do it, so can ah.”

“I feel like I have to tell everypony to be careful about using me as an example.” Rarity said with a chuckle. Applecrisp snorted.

“Aw hell no, y’got fight in ya, an’ tha’s sumthin’ ah admire. If y’do go to that fahght, ya’ll better kick them immigrants’ asses.”

“Ha, well, this is just a trial run of sorts, see if I like what I see.” Applecrisp nodded.

“Well ah hope ya’ll like whut y’see.”

“Thanks Applecrisp, for taking care of Pinkie, for being my friend, hell, for helping me get out of this rut.” Rarity said.

“Ain’t no prob’lm, ah’m glad t’call ya’ll mah friend. Y’helped me outta rut too, so ah guess that makes us even.”

They didn’t hug, Applecrisp would never hug anypony; but Rarity knew the blue mare had meant everything she had said.

As she left Applecrisp’s, Rarity felt like she had received the blessing of everypony she knew and it felt liberating to even contemplate going to Las Pegasus. Everypony seemed to urge her to take the trip without reservation. She dismounted the ladder and Rarity realized she had run out of procrastination and her smile faded a bit.

She started toward the town, she still had to tell Rainbow Dash. She had been dreading this, probably because Rainbow Dash was going to be coming with her. She thought about all of the different angles and arguments she could use to convince the Pegasus to join her as she walked out to the little cottage. As expected, all of her ideas disintegrated as the quiet blue pony answered the door.

“Oh, hello Rarity. Come in.” Rainbow Dash said politely. Rarity stepped inside, the small house was still brilliantly clean and the awe-inspiring model sat on the table in the center of the room. “How are you? How’s your side?” Dash asked kindly.

“Good, very good thank you. Got the stitches out yesterday, the doctors say I’ll be back up to snuff in a couple days.”

“That’s wonderful!” Rainbow Dash said happily.

“Yeah, isn’t it?” Rarity bit her tongue and stared at the model for a moment. There was no good way to lead into her proposal. “So I was thinking of taking this trip, to Las Pegasus, maybe to see a street fight. I, y’know, I want to see what that’s all about.” Rainbow Dash nodded. Rarity cleared her throat. “You, wouldn’t like to come with me would you?”

Rainbow Dash smiled.

“Oh Rarity, thank you so much. No, I couldn’t, I’m sorry.” Her Goddamn eyes weren’t going to stop Rarity that easily.

“Well, I was thinking we could see Scootaloo, you know, see how she makes so much money.” Rarity clopped her hooves anxiously. “I thought that would be nice.”

“Oh well you can still see her, I’m sure she’d love to see you.” The Pegasus offered gently.

“I bet she’d love to see you more.” Rainbow Dash’s smiled faded a bit.

“Rarity, thank you. It means a lot to me that you want me to come with you, but I’m just not comfortable doing that. I’m sorry.”

“Dash, look, I.” Rarity decided to play her hand. “Think you should come with me. I think that you would really enjoy getting out of this house, out of Ponyville, and somewhere fun. Scootaloo would really love to see you, and I think that seeing her might give you some confidence.” She paused. “I, think that you would really benefit from this.” Rainbow Dash wasn’t smiling any more. The quiet shyness hung over her face like a curtain and she looked at her hooves.

“I don’t think so Rarity.” She said softly.

“Dash look, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you have to-”

“No.” Rainbow Dash had never interrupted her before and Rarity stopped short. Rainbow Dash’s eyes shone with tears as she gazed back at Rarity. “It’s great that you’re not sad anymore Rarity. I’m so glad that you’re aren’t feeling lonely and purposeless.” She swallowed and a tear broke from her eyes. “But we aren’t the same. I’m not the same pony I was, and I really wish you could help me with that.” Rainbow Dash sat down on her couch and wiped at her tears. “Maybe it was being there when Fluttershy and Celestia died, but.” She sniffed. “Things are different now; I want to make my life meaningful, and I don’t really know how. I can’t go see Scootaloo, I just can’t. Please, can you respect that?” Rarity said nothing, her throat closed at the sight of the Pegasus pleading to be alone. She had known Rainbow Dash would resist, but some part of her had believed that under all of the meekness and fear, there lay the same bold Pegasus that yearned for adventure. It had been an unlikely idea, and Rarity knew nothing could change Rainbow Dash’s mind. Rainbow Dash stood up. “Thank you Rarity, I know you want the best for me. I hope that someday I can come as far as you have.”

“I’m…sorry.” Rarity said quietly. Rainbow Dash smiled a bit.

“I started another model…it’s of Fluttershy’s cottage, I want to always be able to remember it.” Rarity blinked back tears.

“That’s great Dash. I bet it’ll be great.”

Dusk had already fallen and the cold autumn wind danced through the dead grass around Rarity. She walked slowly away from the tiny house, hoping to hear the door open and a reconsideration from Rainbow Dash. Yet she knew in her heart that Rainbow Dash would not come with her. Rainbow Dash didn’t want to go anywhere. Rarity walked through the town toward her tower.

“Hey Rarity.” She sighed. Audacity’s affection for her had reached stalker-like heights; he was undoubtedly in love with her. She turned, the fire red Pegasus now blushed every time she looked at him.

“Yes?” She asked tiredly.

“What’s wrong?” He asked. She sighed again.

“Nothing, I’m fine thank you.”

“Oh, ok.”

“It’s just that my friend, she was going to take a trip to Las Pegasus with me, but then she dropped out and I’m going alone now.” Rarity didn’t really feel like telling Audacity about her problems. But she didn’t really care if he knew and it felt good to spout off her unhappiness. The Pegasus thought for a moment.

“Would you like me-”

“No, I wouldn’t.” She finished. “Look, I’m sorry, I really did like you when I first met you. But I was engaged for a while, then that fell apart. I just don’t feel like dating so soon. It has nothing to do with you, you’re great, any mare would love to be with you.”

“But I want to be with you Rarity, not any mare.” He insisted. She blushed to this; no amount of love-shyness could make him any less attractive.

“Well thanks, I still really like you. Maybe we can date later, I don’t know.” She offered.

“How much later?” He asked. She giggled.

“A little bit ok?” He smiled sadly.

“Well ok then, I’ll hold you to that.”

She felt a bit sorry for the dejected Pegasus. Of course she was still prime dating material, but she really didn’t feel like dating any more. Her wanton engagement to Spike made her wary of simply jumping into relationships; she needed some space for now. Rarity climbed the steps to the tower, Pinkie was already in bed.

“Oh hi Rarity! Didja talk to Rainbow Dash?” The pink pony asked cheerfully. Rarity pulled a bottle of cider from their refrigerator and twisted the cap off.

“Yeah, she’s not coming, she doesn’t want to see Scootaloo.” She drank some cider. “And Audacity the Pegasus is in love with me, only I don’t want to start dating again.” She took another sip of the cider.

“Oh.” Pinkie said. “Well, are you still going to Las Pegasus?”

“Eyup, even if I have to go alone.” Rarity sighed. “I really wish Dash would come.” She finished the bottle with a third and final gulp. “Whatever, I can’t do a damn thing about it, I’m just gonna go to bed.” She climbed into her futon. “Oh, Applecrisp’s going to come home with you tomorrow after work and stay with you while I’m gone.”

“Yay! She’s gonna teach me how to skin a bullfrog!” Pinkie cried happily. Something about the indefatigable pink pony made Rarity smile. Rarity tossed the bottle into the recycling bin.

“Heh, that sounds fun.” She said, getting under the covers of her bed. Rarity switched out the light and the two lay in darkness.

“Don’t ever change Pinkie.” Rarity said quietly to her roommate.

The next morning she bade Pinkie farewell, who sent her off with a small basket of pumpkin cupcakes and a chipper song involving bandit-infested roads and lost directions. Rarity stopped by Angora’s shop, she advised that the young designer stay away from any fabrics originating from places she could not pronounce. The shopkeeper hugged her and told her to be sure and visit the zipper and crocheting expo while she was in Las Pegasus. Rarity promised to bring her back any worthwhile hardware. She dropped in at The Straw Purchase and both Pish and Posh prayed for travel mercies. And while the younger black stallion had little to say about her recent actions, Rarity did catch an approving smile from Pish.

Finally, with two saddlebags in tow, the white unicorn started for Las Pegasus. As she reached the train station, Rarity thought of Rainbow Dash, who was probably sitting alone in her house. Shaking the feeling off, Rarity took a seat before the tracks and laid her bags down. She munched down a cupcake but the image of the solitary little Pegasus persisted. Rarity stretched her hooves out, Rainbow Dash was probably trying to remember how Fluttershy’s cottage looked for her next model.

“Well shit.” Rarity slung the bags over her back and started back through the town. She wasn’t going to get Dash out of her head, that would not happen. She had no idea what she was going to say or even do when she got to Dash, all she knew was that she was going to follow her heart.

Rarity galloped through the grass, she still had an hour before her train departed, but she had no idea what was going to happen, or how long it might take. In a few minutes she reached the cottage and dropped her bags. The unicorn knocked on the door and it drifted open with a squeak. An eerie sense of déjà vu crept over Rarity as she stepped into the house. Her gaze went immediately to the table.

In the center of the table lay the model, or really, what was left of it. The wooden buildings were smashed and splintered. The edges of the baseboard had been broken off and used as weapons against the mock town. Wood chips and nails were scattered across the room. The model had been completely decimated. Rarity felt her heart start to pound in her chest. She crept to the kitchen. The chaos was worse in there, dishes and pots were strewn about the room. Shards of ceramic and glass lay across the floor like shrapnel. The room looked as if it had been ransacked.

Rarity felt terror welling up inside of her and she walked forward cautiously. Her hoof stepped on something soft and she looked down. Rainbow Dash was curled into a ball on the floor, her wings stuck out awkwardly from her back and blood was smeared on the floorboards around her.

Rarity screamed.

“Rainbow Dash! Are you ok?!!” She shouted, shaking the motionless Pegasus. Rainbow Dash’s eyes opened. They were bloodshot and her face was reddened from crying.

“Rarity?” She asked sleepily. Rarity breathed a sigh of relief.

“God, Dash! What happened?” Rainbow Dash sniffed back some mucus.

“What are you doing here?”

“What?! I was just dropping by! God, Dash, what happened?!!” Rainbow Dash stared up at her.

“I couldn’t do it anymore Rarity.” She said dreamily. Rarity peered into her Dash’s violet eyes as she tried to comprehend the little Pegasus’ words.

Without warning, Rainbow Dash lunged forward and struck the counter in front of her. Her hoof slammed into the thick wooden panel and Rainbow Dash recoiled and cried out in pain.

“I just can’t do it!!!” She screamed. Rarity took hold of her.

“What?!! What?!!” She asked the panting Pegasus. Rainbow Dash seemed feverish and it took her a few moments to collect herself. After a few ragged breaths, she started to cry.

“All of it, the sleeplessness, the guilt.” She closed her eyes tightly and Rarity felt her writhe in her arms. “Why me? I can’t take it anymore! I don’t know what to do!”

“What?!! Do what?!!” Rarity asked frantically.

“Everything!” Rainbow Dash screamed. “I hate models! I hate cutting manes! I hate walking everywhere!” She began to sob. “And I hate living. I don’t know what to do with my life and Fluttershy did.” She shook with weeping. “And she was the one who died.” Rarity clutched her friend.

“Dash, listen to me. You have a purpose-”

“STOP IT!!” Rainbow Dash cried. “I’m crazy! You and Pinkie and Twilight and Applejack moved on with your lives! I can’t! I’m just lonely and crazy and I don’t know what to do about it!” She wept and pressed her face into Rarity’s shoulder. “I wish I could be a better pony, I want to be worth the life I have. I tried the whole summer to do that, but I just can’t. I can’t do anything!” Rainbow Dash began to sob and Rarity held her distraught friend tightly.

“Come with me.” She whispered. “Come with me to Las Pegasus, there’s a filly out there who thinks you’re the greatest Pegasus to come out of Cloudsdale and you need to remember that.”

Rainbow Dash looked up at her. Far behind the redness and tears, sat a miniscule spark, nearly buried under the sorrow. It was almost lost behind the grief and despair, yet Rarity instantly recognized that spark. Rainbow Dash wiped away some tears with a bloodied and battered hoof.

“Yeah, let’s go.” She whispered.

The train ride was bumpy and Rarity regretted opting for Economy Discomfort class-seating. The cramped car rattled like an angina-ridden aorta and Rarity tried in vain to settle her bags beneath her. The adjacent car held a colicky infant and after an hour and half of uninterrupted screaming, Rarity was prepared to pay for a vasectomy for the parents.

Rainbow Dash didn’t seem to notice any of it. The Pegasus just stared out the window at the passing landscape. Her hooves were bandaged and her eyes were still red, but Rainbow Dash was with her.

“What are we doing when we get there?” The blue pony asked presently.

“Check into the hotel, I’ll send a letter to Scoot and hopefully she’ll tell us when to meet her.”

“Why don’t we just go to where she works?” Dash asked. Rarity grinned.

“Are you kidding? I want to give her time to think up some big welcome for you. She deserves a little time to plan something for her favorite Pegasus.”

Rainbow Dash blushed.

“Do you think she’ll still look up to me? Even though I don’t fly anymore?”

“Dash, she loved you, still loves you. You made a huge impact on her life and I know that she will never forget that.” Rainbow Dash smiled.

“You don’t give up on me, do you Rarity?” Rarity chuckled.

“Nope.”

The rest of the trip was silent, save for the irritated infant and shaking train. The sun was beginning to set, sending a warm orange light through the window of the car as the train finally squealed to a halt. Rainbow Dash had fallen asleep and Rarity gave the Pegasus a gentle shake.

“We’re here.” Rainbow Dash yawned.

“You know where we’re going?” She asked.

Rarity didn’t. She knew that the town would be different than how she remembered it, but as Rarity disembarked the train and looked out toward the neon lit buildings, she realized just how much Las Pegasus had changed since she had last visited. The air was hot and dry and miniature dust devils danced around the pair’s hooves as they walked to the town. Rarity stared at the town before her.

Las Pegasus had never been a big town, it had mostly been inhabited by prospector ponies and a few Apple clan. Now tall apartments and stables stuck out oddly from the reddish landscape. They passed a few run down shacks, Rarity realized that the dilapidated buildings were relatively new houses, run down by a steamroller of rapid urban development. Her sense of astonishment grew as they entered the actual town. Bright signs advertising gambling and liquor and practically every vice known to ponies blinked from nearly every building. She felt uneasy as they passed nightclubs with stern looking bouncers standing watch; Las Pegasus seemed like the last place to appreciate a good nightlife.

Even the streets had changed. Once dusty cobblestone, now they were long stretches of pitch black asphalt. Everything seemed modernized and more elaborate.

Ponies and burros roamed the streets, none wearing the cowboy hats that had once defined the desert town.

Rainbow Dash surmised Rarity’s feelings perfectly.

“I don’t remember it like this.”

It took them half an hour to find their hotel. The sun set quickly and Rarity was glad when they finally spotted the sign for hotel that didn’t rent rooms by the hour. As she set her bags down on the bed, Rarity heard Rainbow Dash crying softly. She turned. Rainbow Dash was curled up on her bed.

“Hey, what’s the matter?” Rarity asked, putting an arm around the Pegasus.

“This place is so different, what if Scootaloo’s different? What if she doesn’t like me? What if she laughs at me?” Rainbow Dash asked tearfully.

“Oh come on, she loves you! Just because this town is trying to be another Cloudsdale doesn’t mean that she’s any different.” Rainbow Dash sniffed and looked up with those Goddamn eyes.

“But you’re different now.” She whimpered.

Rarity sighed.

“I’m just checking out one fight, I’m definitely not going to enter. This is just a trial run.” She smiled and pointed to her scar. “It’s gonna be a while before I get into another fight.”

“You really think Scootaloo hasn’t changed?” Rainbow Dash asked timidly.

“Yep! In fact.” Rarity rummaged through her bags until she found some parchment. “I’ll tell her you’re with me.” She scribbled a few lines onto the page. “And Rainbow Dash is with me.” She said, giving the pen to Rainbow Dash. “Why don’t you sign it so she doesn’t think I’m joking when I say I got her favorite Pegasus to come all the way out to Las Pegasus to see her?” Rainbow Dash hesitated, then that same spark come to her eyes and she added her signature “RD” to the bottom of the letter.

“Send it.” She said confidently. Rarity dropped the letter into the chute.

“Yeah.” Rainbow Dash said. “I’m gonna see Scootaloo.”

The fight started at two the following day. Rarity wasn’t certain of the punctuality of street fights, so she left early to avoid offending the hosts. Before leaving, Rarity tucked the Chekerov safely inside her saddlebag; she still wasn’t sure just what she was going to see.

The fight took place in an abandoned reservoir laying unsettlingly far away from the town. A little crowd of burros and ponies had gathered around the indentation in the ground. The unicorn felt a little fear rise in her stomach as she saw that literally all of the group were stallions; street fighting was not a mare’s sport it seemed. As she neared the lip of the reservoir, one of the burros standing around the bowl noticed her.

“Beat it.” He growled. She shrank back from the scarred and tattooed stallion.

“I’m terribly sorry. My name is Rarity, I know Paco from Ponyville. He said-” The stallion whistled.

“You.” He said in surprise. “You’re Rarity?” He flicked his head to another stallion. “Cena, this is Rarity, from Ponyville.” Another stallion, somehow bigger than the first strutted over to the two. His Cutie Mark was a C with a circle slash around it. Cena looked her over. “I know, I thought the same thing.” The first stallion said in amusement. Cena frowned down at her, he was either unimpressed or unconvinced.

“Where’s Paco work?” He asked in a growling voice. She swallowed.

“Um, Sweet Apple Acres.” He said nothing, but continued to stare at her. “I can bring you some identification if that’s necessary.” She squeaked. Cena cocked his head and looked at her side. He laughed unexpectedly and Rarity almost fled at the sound of his hoarse guffaw.

“That’s the stab I heard about.” He said with an approving nod. “You’re welcome here.” He flicked his head toward the reservoir. “C’mon, fight’s gonna start in a couple minutes.” She followed Cena and the other stallion down the sloping concrete bowl.

Ten or so ponies and burros were gathered around the drain in the center of the bowl. Cena led them into the crowd.

“I heard a lot about the infamous white mare of Ponyville.” Cena related. “But I thought she’d be a lot bigger and more butch.” Rarity blushed, she did seem tiny compared to the tough stallions milling around her. “But then, size doesn’t matter. Kofi is proof of that.” Cena continued. They stopped at a couple of concrete blocks that sat about ten or so feet from the mouth of the slotted drain that sat in the middle of the reservoir. Cena pointed to her seat and Rarity submissively sat beside him. The other stallion sat on the dusty concrete beside her.

“So, ever done an actual fight?” The apparent beta stallion asked. She shook her head.

“No it’s all been heat of the moment kinds of things. Paco said this would be a good sample of the profession in general.” She replied. Cena snorted.

“You’re a funny mare Rarity. You’d be in trouble if Paco didn’t swear you were a killer.” Cena said ominously. Rarity’s anxiety rose as the other stallion poked her.

“You ever kill anypony?” He asked with a grin.

“No, I.” She remembered Brutus. “One, just one, and I didn’t mean to.” She stammered. “And I was acquitted!” She added hastily. The beta stallion nodded knowingly.

“’Self-defense, that’s the best way to do it.”

“Rock, shut up.” Cena said bluntly. “Shit’s starting.” Rarity looked back toward the drain.

Two burros, one decidedly smaller than the other, were hopping anxiously around the mouth of the drain. Cena nudged Rarity.

“Tiny’s name is Kofi, he’s small but he’s fuckin’ quick.” He squinted at the other burro. “I dunno who this asshole is, but he’s probably gonna get smoked. Kinda sucks for you since neither are ponies.” He chuckled. “But fighting is just fighting.”

After the first blow, Rarity knew that fighting was NOT fighting. She had never given much thought to her blows or strikes and had relied mainly on instinct to guide her. As the two burros danced and sparred around the grate of the drain, Rarity realized just how experienced ponies could get at violence. The two slashed and struck at one another as if they were playing Egyptian Rats. Blood began to collect around on the dusty concrete, and with each slash and blow, Rarity felt her stomach turn.

Finally, Kofi tackled the unknown competitor and the two dropped to the concrete. The spectating stallions shouted in approval. The rest of the fight was an experience that Rarity soon realized she would not involve herself with. She might enjoy boxing or something, but not this. The two fighters wrestled and rolled about over the drain. As the fight wound down, Rarity began to look away; she knew she wouldn’t be a street fighter.

The outcome was apparently an upset, with Kofi losing to the mystery entrant. Cena and his beta companion seemed to forget about Rarity as they ran in to lambast the defeated burro. Rarity quietly slipped away from the group and climbed out of the reservoir, it had been an utter waste of time. The sun shone down on her and she began to regret coming to the fight on account of its remoteness. Well, it was back to the drawing board for her life plans.

“Wait up!” She turned. The mystery competitor, bloodied and lacerated, chased after her. She stopped, feeling her apprehension grow as the fighter closed the gap between them. “You’re Rarity right?” The burro asked.

“Yeah.” He smiled.

“I’m Juan, good to meet you.” He held out a hoof to shake. She hesitated, nopony even knew to shake hooves outside of the cultured elite of the fashion world. She gave his bloody hoof an unsure shake. “May I walk with you?” He asked politely.

“Uhhhh, yeah.” She said, noiselessly taking the safety off of the Chekerov inside her bag. The two walked through the desolate landscape for a time. Juan was bleeding, but he didn’t seem to notice.

“I had heard that some mare had taken a diamond dog in Cloudsdale, and then a royal guard in Ponyville.” Juan explained. “I have never heard of such a mare!”

“Haha, that’s me!” She laughed nervously.

“You are a fighter?” He asked.

“No…I, don’t really think it’s for me. I think you’re a tremendous athlete though.” She said carefully.

“You are untrained?” She nodded.

“Yeah, I really only get into fights when I’m mad and I must just get lucky.” The burro nodded and they returned to walking in silence. Juan seemed more tired than aggressive and Rarity’s fear subsided a little.

“I was going to be a musician.” He said suddenly. The bloody and bruised stallion looked down at her. “I came to Equestria looking for a job as a violinist, but the Conservatory doesn’t accept applications from burros. Then I found that when I get angry at somepony, I can usually beat them in a fight.” He tossed his matted mane out of his eyes. He stopped and faced her. “Can you give something to Queen Twilight for me?” The blue eyed burro asked her bluntly.

“Uh, what do you want me to give her?” She asked nervously. He produced a worn parchment.

“I do not want to fight like an animal. I want to fight for something I want to fight for.” He explained. He held out the page to her. “This is my list of skills and education, résumé I think. I want to be a soldier, or a guard, something worth fighting for. Please give this to the queen, I know you know her.” Rarity took the hoofwritten page from him.

“Have you mailed her?” She asked. Juan shook his head.

“Nopony listens to burros.” He said sadly. “There is more in this country than I have ever known, but still nopony listens to us. Please, I want to serve your country in a way that I can feel proud of. Will you give this to her?”

“Um, yeah, sure.” She said as she deposited the page into her pack. He smiled, the whiteness of his teeth contrasting the rich brown and blood red of his body.

“Thank you.” They continued walking. “You are such a sweet pony Rarity, why do you think you are a street fighter?” He asked.

“I’m good at fighting, at least when I’m angry.” She said with a shrug. Juan sighed.

“You sound like me.” He tossed his long mane out of his eyes. “And I hate what I do. I want to fight only when I’m protecting something or somepony that I care about.”

“Yeah, me too.” Rarity agreed.

They parted ways at the outskirts of the town, Juan again thanked her for delivering his letter to Twilight. She watched the burro walking off into the sunset; she hoped he would be able to fight for something he wanted to fight for. She would make sure she gave him a good recommendation to Twilight.

Rainbow Dash was sleeping noiselessly on the bed and Rarity gave her a gentle shake.

“Hey, wake up sleepyhead.” She said with a giggle. Rainbow Dash yawned and looked about her.

“Oh, sorry, I didn’t sleep well last night.” She thought for a moment. “Oh, how was the fight?” Rarity rolled onto the bed.

“Well I’m not a street fighter, I know that. There were waaaay too many creepy stallions and the fighting was terrible. Guess it’s back to the drawing board.”

“Oh.” Rainbow Dash said softly.

“Hey, this doesn’t mean anything!” Rarity said before the Pegasus could start crying. “I found something that doesn’t fit me and that’s just fine.”

“So…you’re going back to Ponyville and things will be the same again?” Rainbow Dash asked quietly.

“NO! Yes, no, not really!” Rarity paused. It sort of meant that.

“So things are going to be the way they were at the start of the summer…the same as when Fluttershy died?” Dash asked, her voice starting to break.

“NO!” Rarity shouted. Rainbow Dash started to cry and Rarity stood up. “Things are better, fuck it, things are great!” Rarity said exasperatedly. Rainbow Dash looked up. “Yeah! I’ve already crossed off like five things that I don’t want to be! I’m not mad at Pinkie Pie any more, and Applecrisp is doing great, and I’m not so mad at myself.” She produced the letter Juan had given her. “And this guy, a street fighter, he seemed really nice and he wanted me to give this letter to Twilight because he wants to have a better life.” Rarity smiled. “And I wouldn’t be able help him if I weren’t friends with Twilight, which I wasn’t for pretty much all of the summer. Maybe what I learned this whole summer was that I’m not who I used to be, and that’s ok! I still have my friends, and that’s all I care about!”

The little Pegasus sniffed back some tears.

“What about me?”

“What about you? You’re awesome! You were donated blood, were ready to give your wings to some sick kid. Hell, you’re the most kindhearted pony I’ve ever seen. You’re out in Las Pegasus with me.” She knelt down by the bed. “And any minute, there’s going to be a letter from a little filly who thinks you’re the most awesome Pegasus ever and she’s going to want to see you because you mean so much to her.”

“But what if-” There was a poof of magic and Rarity found herself thanking whatever God Pish and Posh served for His absolutely perfect timing.

A letter, smelling of lavish perfume and wrapped in delicate lace had appeared on the nightstand.

“Well let’s just see!” Rarity said triumphantly. She picked up the letter and unwrapped it. “To Rainbow Dash and Rarity.” She held up the parchement to Rainbow Dash. “Let’s just see what Scootaloo thinks of you.” She said confidently. Despite her complete confidence that the young Pegasus still worshipped Rainbow Dash, Rarity felt her stomach grow tight as she opened the message and recited the first line.

“What the hell?” Rarity bit her lip and she heard Rainbow Dash whimper; that was not a first line that instilled much confidence. “Why the hell didn’t you two tell me you were coming to visit?” Rainbow Dash began to cry. “I should have expected Dash to pull something crazy like this.” Rarity felt her own eyes growing moist. “But I’m pretty sure I can beat both of you at your own game. Come to the Hoof and Halter, that’s where I work most nights. You two better be there tonight at ten, I want to blow your minds. Plus it wouldn’t be fair for my favorite Pegasus to pull an awesome surprise like this and not let me hit back haha!” Rarity began to smile. “Here are two passes to get you in, you two had better not chicken out.” Rarity set the letter on the table, a pair of passes granting entrance to the Hoof and Halter were nestled in the envelope. Rainbow Dash was looking up at her. Neither spoke.

“That sounds like Scootaloo.” Rainbow Dash said softly.

“Are you going to let her down?” Rarity asked. Rainbow Dash smiled and the spark in her eyes burned through the sadness and sorrow cloaking her.

“No way.”

Rarity waited outside of the hotel room; ironically she was waiting on Dash, who was cleaning herself up to meet Scootaloo. She now realized the frustration her friends had endured many times as they waited for her to finish her normal routine of makeup and mane brushing. She paced up and down the narrow hallway, then moseyed to the ice machine. Audacity was scooping ice chunks into a bag, but he noticed her the instant she stepped into the alcove. Before she had a chance to say anything, he was kneeling before her.

“Rarity listen, I’m sorry for following you down here. I don’t want to be such a creeper.” The stallion blushed. “But I made a huge mistake when I first met you; I didn’t take you when I could. You’re beautiful and wonderful and I wish I could go back in time and stop myself from dating Octavia. That dragon guy, he was awesome and I know that if not even he is good enough for you, then I’m not.” the Pegasus sighed. “But I’m really impulsive you know, and I can’t stop thinking about you. So I flew down here to try to find you.” She smiled and gave his shoulder a pat.

“Audacity, thank you for your kindness, really, it means a lot. But you really should get back to teaching your clients, and doing races and all of that, I’m sure you’re missing-”

“Rarity, I quit all that.” She stopped short. “I don’t care about clients or winning races or any of that, I wanted to come down here on a million to one longshot to ask you to please give me a chance to show you my non-selfish side. You mean something to me; and I’m not gonna go win a hundred races while the mare of dreams is down in Las Pegasus by herself and I haven’t gotten a definite no from her.”

Rarity knew she was blushing, but really, how could she not? She had long known that Audacity had her heart from day one. And the sight of the talented and pretty much perfect stallion kneeling before her willing to do anything to prove his affection melted her heart.

“I-I, you quit your work for me?” She stammered. He nodded.

“It’s just work.”

“Well, thank you.” She tried to think of something to say. “Maybe, maybe it’s been long enough; I could probably go into another relationship.” She heard the door to her room open. “I need to go, what’s your room number?”

“E926.” He answered, already beginning to smile. “I’ll be there until you come back and we can talk.”

“I’ll be there.” She said decisively. “I, really like you Audacity.” He smiled, God how white his teeth were.

“I like you a lot more.” He said lovingly.

Rainbow Dash had trimmed her mane, washed the tearstains from her face, and even preened her feathers. She saw Rarity blushing.

“What’s wrong?” Asked the Pegasus. Rarity felt giddy and excited.

“Oh nothing at all! I’m wonderful in fact!” Rainbow Dash hesitated.

“You didn’t kill anypony did you?” Rarity laughed.

“Of course not silly! Now let’s go see Scoot!”

The attendant at the front desk knew of the Hoof and Halter. With a cryptic grin, he told them it was just down the block.

“Excuse me, but what is the Hoof and Halter?” Rainbow Dash asked curiously.

“Oh don’t tell her, I want this to be a surprise!” Rarity interrupted. The attendant looked at the Pegasus, then the white unicorn. He flicked the toothpick out of his yellowed teeth and guffawed.

“She’s a first timer ain’t she?” He said, looking at Dash with an eerie smile. “But I can tell you know what you like.” He spoke to Rarity as if they belonged to some fraternal order. “Keep her close.” He advised as he pointed to the innocent Pegasus. The two mares looked at one another. “Well go on! Good times don’t have themselves!” He urged.

The desert town had cooled off greatly and the neon circus of lights was in full show on the buildings around them. Rarity had trouble making out the words on the blooming signs, but the presence of drunk ponies and burros told her that most of the signs involved liquor.

“What do you think he meant?” Dash asked anxiously.

“Oh it has to be a fancy restaurant. Scoot’s probably a waiter and she gets huge tips from oil barons. I knew a few guys at the academy who wanted to start some restaurants around here.” Rarity explained. Rainbow Dash walked close to Rarity.

“This place isn’t anything like Ponyville.” She said softly. Rarity, who was still high on the image of the lovestruck Audacity, would allow nothing to dampen their spirits.

“Of course it’s not! It probably got hit hard by the recession, but if it’s able to support a fancy restaurant then it can’t be too bad.” She said optimistically.

The building was a plain brick cube with a single door. It sat between a supermarket and free urgent care clinic. The words “Hoof and Halter” hummed in cursive purple neon above the entryway. A long line of ponies extended out the door, which was flanked by two black shirted bouncers; this was the first indication that the Hoof and Halter was not a restaurant. The two mares took their place at the back of the line and waited their turn. Thankfully the line moved quickly and they were soon at the door.

“Gonna need to see some invitations girls, this isn’t an open night.” Growled one of the two stallions that stood before the door.

“Here you are good sir.” Rarity said politely, giving him their passes. Shining a blacklight onto the paper slips, the bouncer grunted his approval. They proceeded toward the door.

“Whoa hey!” He said. “These are from Scootaloo!” He stopped them. “Give these to the guy by the door inside and he’ll get you a seat at one of the closer tables.” The bouncer advised with a grin.

“Er, thank you sir!” Rarity said.

“Haha no problem. Tell Scoot I said hi!” He called as they entered the building.

It was not a restaurant, Rarity knew that. The interior of the building was a haze of fog and lasers and the mares stood for a few moments adjusting to the sfumato scene. The interior of the room was filled with small tables and the walls were lined with curtained booths. Thumping EDM threatened to give the two mares stress fractures and Rarity saw Rainbow Dash cowering back a little.

“Well hey, it’s not a restaurant.” The unicorn looked about her. “I don’t know what this is, but whatever this is, we have good seats!” Rarity said cheerfully.

The “guy by the door” was difficult to identify, as there were about forty or so stallions in the area of the entrance. Rarity spotted a stern looking stallion wearing a basic suit and earpiece and deduced he was their objective. She approached him.

“Pardon me sir, but I believe these entitle us to a front row seat.” She showed him their tickets. He nodded.

“Come with me.” He led them through the field of tables and to a curved, bench-like counter sitting before an elevated stage. He turned to the pair. “Ok, rules are, nothing goes past the brass.” He thumped the brass railing running along the stage. “Besides bills. And no coins.” He turned to Rainbow Dash. The gruff stallion narrowed her eyes at her. “And if I see a hoof going where it shouldn’t, I’m gonna have you thrown out, ok?” The intimidated Pegasus nodded to show that she comprehended. “All right then, enjoy the show.” He proclaimed, leaving them to their seats.

“Well then, this is an interesting place!” Rarity said, surveying their surroundings. It was obviously a cabaret of sorts, what with all of the tables arranged toward the stage. Yet it seemed much more modern and theatrical, like a nightclub. Perhaps a modern blend of the two.

“Rarity, this place scares me.” Rainbow Dash said, her quavering voice almost lost in the rhythmic throbbing of EDM. Rarity looked around, a LOT of stallions had turned out for the show.

“Well, it’s just an- OH! There’s Vinylscratch!” Rarity said in surprise. The DJ pony was sporting her usual sunglasses and was seated in a corner behind a mixtable. Rainbow Dash perked up at bit at the sight of another Ponyville pony.

“Do you think she works here?” The Pegasus asked.

“Well yeah!” Rarity said excitedly. “She’s the best DJ in Equestria! This place is pretty classy I’ll say that! Now I wonder if they have a bar!” The unicorn said eagerly.

They did. And as Rarity returned to her seat with a glass of something called a Mint Julep, the show began. The lights dimmed, well, dimmed even more, and the EDM seemed to intensify. A few shouts came from the crowd, who had mostly seated themselves for the impending performance. Rarity nudged Dash.

“This is gonna be awesome!” She said excitedly. “Though I bet that stupid pole in the middle of the stage is gonna screw up our view.” She pointed to an awkwardly placed pole that stood directly in the center of the stage. “Wonder why the architects didn’t just remove it.”

She heard shouts for Scootaloo to come forth.

“Ha! Yeah! I know her! Let’s see some Scootaloo!” Rarity shouted proudly. A puff of fog obscured the stage suddenly. Rarity saw the silhouette of a Pegasus strutting forth from beneath the velvet curtain.

Scootaloo was older, yet somehow she appeared MUCH younger. Rarity saw she still lacked a Cutie Mark. The Pegasus wore a smirking smile and the crowd went into an uproar at the sight of her. Rarity felt a swell of pride to personally know such a popular performer. Scootaloo took hold of the oddly placed pole (Rarity gave her props for integrating such a hindrance into her routine). And that’s when the show began.

Scootaloo was obviously a gymnast. She curled herself around the pole like a snake and turned once. Rarity caught a flash of her underside, that had obviously been unplanned. Scootaloo gripped the pole with her legs and leaned back, another flash of her underside.

The show continued like this, yet it made no sense to Rarity. Nothing was particularly talented or impressive about Scootaloo’s routine, yet the crowd was absolutely enthralled. Rarity kept catching glances of Scootaloo’s underside as she maneuvered the pole. She wondered if the choreographer had taken the angle of stage into account, as nearly every movement the young pony made exposed her body in a manner that was unintentionally lewd. As time went on, the crowd grew more and more enraptured with the Pegasus onstage. Finally, in a sort of grand finale, Scootaloo hung herself upside down from the pole by her legs. Her feathery wings outstretched from her back and her flowing mane fell around her. Her underside was in full view and Rarity’s blood suddenly turned cold. She looked around at the group of mostly stallions watching the filly and nearly screamed out loud. She realized exactly what the Hoof and Halter was. Rarity turned back to the stage in sheer horror, the reality of the scene howling around her. There was money on the stage, lots of money. Rarity’s mouth went dry, and she looked up at the inverted mare. Their eyes met and Scootaloo’s smiled widened as she recognized Rarity. The young, Cutie Mark-less Pegasus that Rarity had known since her birth gave Rarity a nubile lick of her lips as the cascade of lustful compensation rained down around her. Rarity fell back in her chair; what happened?