Rarity huffed as she walked through the streets on two hooves, that is how everything else walked in this world. She was quite surprised at the variety of animals moving around this city. The only problem was that she didn’t have any money. What she did have was the clothes on her back which was vastly different from what she wore to the Gala. Yet the craftsmanship was splendid, it was a darker less saturated color like most of the villagers. She frowned knowing that she would have to work her way from the streets and up. That required a job and since she was a stranger in a new place. Her eyes travelled towards the exit wondering what gems she could find in the area. Not seeing where she was going she ran into some that knocked her down. A wolf turned around with a glare and cracking his knuckles.

“Oh stop it.” Rarity said with a huff earning a startled look as she got to her hooves.

Prince Blueblood didn’t know what happened. He did pay for the food, it wasn’t his fault that they had a different money system. He was now sitting in prison with his front legs crossed and a pout on his face. He heard large footsteps and climbed to his feet, he didn’t want to use his hind legs to walk but it was the way these creatures walked. He opened his mouth to speak when a crocodile came out of the shadows. He let out a scream as a Rhino and a Ox walked up next to him and proceeded to faint.

“That was unexpected.” the Crocodile said looking at the others. “What should we do with him?”

“Well once he wakes up explain that he needs to apologize to the shopkeeper for giving fake money then work it off.” the Rhino spoke looking at the unconscious unicorn. “Then we will find out where he came from, I haven’t seen a being like this before.”

“Is it the horn?” Croc spoke trying to hold in the laughter only to quiet as Ox moved next to Rhino saying. “There is something off about him, perhaps we can send him to Oogway once he repays his debt.”

“That would be wise, though seeing as he made a big fuss about not paying with actual money we might have to deal with a superiority complex the size of Master Gorilla.” Rhino spoke and they all shared a laugh before Rhino looked at the armor the stranger was found in. “Take this to an appraiser, found out how it was made.”

“I’ll do it.” Ox said picking the armor and taking it away carefully. “Just tell me when he wakes up, I want to see that look on his face again.”

Rarity stared down the wolf before sighing asking. “Now, why are you so angry?”

“No reason.” grumbled the wolf and she listened into his thoughts. ‘Not that she would care that it is my birthday and no one here would accept my money.’

Tapping her chin she dug a little deeper seeing lotus flowers in his memory. Taking out her emergency sewing kit she tore off the bottom of her dress. She began to sew the lotus using the cloth, her magic working rather quickly to the amazement of the crowd. The light grey unicorn finished up the lotus and placed it in the paws of the wolf. He blinked before looking at her with surprise, he bolted forward grabbing her hoof and pulled her through the streets. The villagers gasped, but they were gone before the panic could settle in. They ran as fast as they could before the wolf approached a large boulder. Taking a deep breath he pressed his paw against it gently causing it to move to the side. Waving his hand he looked at Rarity who was tapping her hoof against the ground.

“It is rude to drag a lady through the streets without introducing yourself first.” she huffed her blue eyes narrowing. The wolf swallowed his blue eyes gazing the horizon a paw rubbing his white fur before saying. “My name is Láng Jīngshén. Sorry about that, it’s just a unicorn hasn’t been seen in our lands for five hundred years. Now can we go in before the Guardians of the Valley of Peace come to “rescue” you from a horrible wolf?”

“I wouldn’t say you are horrible.” she told him walking down the hole Jīngshén right behind her. The boulder moved back into place, her horn glowed producing a pale blue light. Stairs lead down past the reach of her light. Rarity shifted her attention back to the white wolf who was walking down the stairs. Taking a deep breath she followed him down, she refrained from complaining until they were at the bottom steps.

“You really should think of a better way to climb down all of those stairs.” she informed him curtly and Láng chuckled replying with a healthy dose of sarcasm. “I haven’t heard that one before.”

“So what is down here?” she inquired as they moved down a hallway until a large cavern filled with houses came into view. “Oh my.”

“Since a lot of the predators can’t live in the Valley of Peace due to some deeds our kind did to the herbivores in the past. Prejudice towards us. Our founder was close to Oogway, the founder of the Valley and Kung Fu.” he explained looking around at the empty buildings. “Lady Yue saw that there were those seen as weak among our kind willing to live in peace. So she and Oogway agreed that she could create our home under the valley, in the caves. She found a plant to satisfy our need for meat, forged the homes by herself and led us here. Though over the years there is still a stigma around us so many of our people have joined the bandits and mercenaries tired of being spat at.”

Rarity frowned before a statue caught her eyes, it was of a unicorn holding a beautiful staff. Magic was rising around her and she had a nice smile on her face, her hoof was stretched towards the sky. At the base was written, though a word was faded and replaced at the end:

“Even among the strong are the weak.
Welcome those who seek peace.
A place for the weary,
A star in the night
A refuge for the lost.
A hidden gem for the overlooked.
Welcome to the... Hidden Valley.”

Rarity giggled at that, it sounded like something she would say, Láng smiled before leading her to what seemed to be a large temple. Sitting on pile of pillows was a large black panther with grey eyes and his fur above his mouth shaped into a wonderful mustache.

“Master Pawvus, I have returned.” the white wolf spoke with a bow, Rarity grinned her eyes lighting up. When Láng left did they both start laughing, Rarity shook her head saying. “Pawvus, is that the best you can do?”

“It seemed appropriate.” he replied curtly before climbing to his paws, Rarity quickly taking note of the snake like features. She didn’t say a word as he led her through the temple.

“We are in a unique situation.” he told her his tail moving back and forth. “There are only ten predators left including Láng Jīngshén and his brother Láng Xuě. Since we live below fluffy bunnies and grazing sheep our crops do not get any trade going.”

“And with the way Jīngshén was cautious about these protectors I assume they hit first ask questions later.” Rarity mused her eyes narrowing. “They didn’t hit you did they?”

“They wish.” Dorian told her a smirk on his face. “A well placed fireball managed to provide me cover for my escape.”

“Where are we going?” the Bearer of Generosity inquired knowing that Dorian had probably tried to talk his way out of the situation.

“Your room.” the Scion of House Pavus told her glancing back with his grey eyes. Rarity stared at him for a moment as he continued. “I knew you were coming.”

The two stopped in front of two large doors with three diamonds engraved into the wood. The unicorn glanced towards her spirit companion before looking at the door. Moving forward she saw that there was no lock and no handle.

“How are you going to open the door?” she questioned looking towards him and Dorian bowed saying. “Ladies first.”

“You and I both know that is said after you open the door.” responded the unicorn her horn glowing. Her cutie mark began to glow as did the marking on the door, it opened up showing a lavish room. Sheer curtains hung from the ceiling surrounding a simply decorated bed. Lotus and Cranes decorated the room made out of cloth and wood. In the center was a circle that all furniture and decoration seemed to surrounded. The circle was ice blue with runes surrounding a Yin Yang and resting in the middle was a maroon sitting cushion.

“This belonged to Lady Yue.” Dorian explained looking around as he leaned against the door frame. “While I was waiting for you I did a little research. Over five hundred years ago a mysterious mare appeared in the Valley of Peace. One that could use magic, she befriended two Kung Fu masters and travelled alongside of them. When she saw how some of the predators treated their own she begged the creator of the Valley to create a home for them. Seeing the plight and the compassion she had the Master allowed her to create the village in the caves underneath the valley. Her magic enchanted the stones around her allowing for the village to protect those who chose peace. Her abode was this room, enchanted so only she or her descendant can open the door. It seems like this place hasn’t been touched by time.”

Rarity didn’t speak as she walked around candles and the fireplace lit up in flames at her presence. Glancing around she saw a stack of logs, picking one up with her magic she placed one in the fire. The flames changed from blue to the normal hues of fire.

“I can stay here for now?” she asked glancing towards Dorian who nodded his head. “Where are you staying? Don’t tell me, the library.”

“Of course not.” The panther replied glancing off to the side. “Next to the library.”

Rarity chuckled shaking her head before moving over to the bed taking note of the wardrobe near the bed. She was going to look in there once she was done getting clean, glancing towards Dorian she asked. “Please tell me there is a well at least.”

“We are not that desperate, yes there is a water source.” Dorian told her before leaving her alone. “There is also a spa.”

Rarity squealed before closing the door, letting out a breath she went over to the cushion. There was something magical about it. Looking around she sat down taking a deep breath and began to think. She didn’t know how many of her friends were in the same area. Opening her mind she focused on anypony that normally kept their minds open. The only other pony she found in this world that came from Equestria was Prince Blueblood. Rolling her eyes she tried to think about how to find them, that was when a gold light caught her attention. It was a faint strand yet it shimmered in the dark. Looking around the unicorn moved over to it before placing her hoof against it. Images flashed through her mind of a elegant city and a hand clinging to the strand.

“Where is she?” a familiar voice asked, Rarity gasped as she let go before looking down. The strand of light was connected to her, an idea popped into her brain. Grabbing the strand again she focused on Rainbow Dash, when she opened her eyes there was the brazen pegasus. Though her appearance was that of a human with short red hair.

“Rarity!” she said in surprise as the fashionista flipped her mane to the side. “How? What? What’s going on?”

“My dear Rainbow Dash I was searching for you.” Rarity explained holding up the strand. “It seemed we both had that idea. I have telepathy so I merely strengthened the connection so we could talk.”

“Why do you get to look the same?” Rainbow pointed out and the pale silver mare shrugged elegantly saying. “I believe it is because of the world we are in.”

“Lucky.” grumbled the Pegasus crossing her arms against her chest. “It’s strange being in this form again.”

“You think that is weird, try being something in between.” the unicorn pointed out brushing her mane away from her face. “Were you sent with someone.”

“Yeah, Inkwell.” Rainbow Dash did her best not to roll her eyes a sigh escaping her lips. “He’s not that bad, honestly a better diplomat than I am. It’s just he’d rather take notes for a book he wants to write.”

“At least you weren’t sent with Prince Blueblood.” Rarity’s nose wrinkled before she shook her head. Her eyes glanced down at the string touching it slightly an idea popping into her mind.

“Rainbow, we found each other because we were searching for each other,” Rarity started causing a raised eyebrow from the Pegasus. “what if we combined our abilities to find the others. Figure out what is going on.”

“Good idea.” the rainbow maned mare replied before looking around. “I have to go, Inkwell is calling me. Talk to you tomorrow.”

“Stay safe darling.” with that Rainbow vanished from sight, Rarity opened her eyes before standing up. She decided to help out the Undercity, heading out she decided to find the Láng brothers. Even though she had only met Jīngshén, she figured his brother was with him. Heading down to the city the unicorn took in everything she saw with a critical eye. Most of the houses were the same as the ones above them. The spa was in good repair, most of the shops were. ‘It seems like the only ones to remain are the shop owners. Well, most of them.’ she thought before seeing a large ring where two wolves were sparring. They were both white wolves with blue eyes, she recognized Jīngshén so she surmised that the other was Xuě. She could tell that the movements were sloppy and not well learned. The two brothers would pause sometimes to talk, making comments on their form. Deciding to take advantage of the pause the unicorn moved forward saying. “Pardon the interruption.”

The wolves turned to her at the exact same time causing her to blink in surprise at how fluid the movement was. “I was wondering if there was anything that I could help with down here?”

Jīngshén was the first to speak after sharing a look with his brother. “There is one thing, you can take our wares to the surface and sell them.”

“It is hard for us to find someone willing to find someone willing to take them off our paws.” Xuě explained shaking his head. “When we do find one, they will resell it for higher price claiming they made it.”

This irritated the fashionista having been through something like that before. Taking a deep breath she smiled saying. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure that these products get sold.”

“Thank you Rarity.” the white wolf that brought her there said letting out a breath of relief. There was an awkward silence before she decided to ask “What were you do earlier?”

“Earlier?” Xuě thought about it for a moment before realization dawned him and he grinned sheepishly. “Oh, that. We were attempting to practice Kung Fu, it isn’t working out too well. We don’t get to see too much of the fighting the Furious Five does. We get out of there when we see them finishing up.”

“Xuě, Jīngshén, one of the Furious Five found their way down here. They are looking for Rarity.” a bear said running up. Rarity felt fear grip her for a moment before saying. “Get everyone inside, I don’t want you hurt.”

“But…” protested Jīngshén yet when Dorian approached he went silent. He head off with his brother glancing back as the two stood in the middle of the street. Rarity took a deep breath keeping herself calm she closed her eyes listening for the thoughts. Dorian glanced at the statue seeing it beginning to glow as she focused.

“You are worried.” a voice spoke. causing Rarity to turn around seeing a tall figure standing behind her. He was chewing on a leaf of some sort as the area changed. Trees with pink blooms surrounded them several already on the ground. The figure was a large black and white bear, he seemed to be meditating. He opened up his eyes looking at her and the unicorn looked to the side saying. “I don’t want to be taken away because of someone’s prejudice. I don’t want them in trouble or hurt.”

“Your worries will continue to grow until it becomes a Sha.” the bear told her climbing to his feet though his body was behind him. “You will be out of balance and it will consume you. I am willing to help you but you must be willing to learn after this.”

“I am.” replied the unicorn her eyes filled with determination. “If it is to defend this place and the world that I love, I am willing to learn.”

That panda smiled before touching her forehead with his clawed finger and her eyes glowed blue as did his.

Dorian’s eyes narrowed as six figures approached, one older than the rest. Crossing his arms across his chest a frown on his face. Rarity hadn’t come out of the state she was in but at least the statue wasn’t glowing anymore.

“You are not welcome here.” the Mage spoke glancing at the Furious Five. “Especially since you made our people feel unwelcome above.”

“You have taken an innocent civilian.” the Red Panda spoke on his guard as the Five Warriors circled around them. “That is an act of aggression.”

“Jīngshén believes that she is a decedent of our Lady Yue.” the Panther replied his tail moving from side to side. “If that is so than she needs to see what her ancestor has made. He also told me that the Furious Five was already coming to scare him out of town because he was angry.”

“He had no right to remove her from the Valley.” the Red Panda told him before waving a paw. “We are bringing her to Oogway, he will know what is….”

“Come now friend do not allow your anger to cloud your judgement.” Rarity spoke and Dorian’s eyes widen when he saw her behind the Furious Five. Her outfit had changed as well, instead of the torn red outfit she was wearing: The Unicorn was now wearing a long sleeved dark blue shirt with a white middle leading up to the neck. Her pant were brown and a dark grey belt wrapped around her waist. Upon her head was a woven hat.

“There you are.” the red panda said turning his attention to the unicorn. “We should be going, it isn’t safe fo you down here.”

“That is not for you to decide.” Dorian snarled as fire appeared in his fist. The master glanced towards him daring the panther to attack.

“Dorian, enough. You will only give them reason to attack.” the Mage was confused by the strange tone in her voice but banished the spell. “They are waiting for you to act in your nature as an excuse. That way they can justify doing this.”

“So you are going with them?” The Scion of House Pavus asked and Rarity shook her head answering. “I never said that I would. I merely told him to not allow his anger to cloud his judgement. Now I asking you the same, I can take care of myself. Check on the others and keep them safe.”

The grey eyes panther nodded his head before running off. The blue eyes unicorn faced towards them saying. “Leave, as long as you bring hatred here you will never be welcomed.”

“We will bring you back by force if we have to.” the Tiger spoke up and Rarity glanced towards her before letting out a jovial laugh. “You are like your master, seeking violence when none is needed. Yet if you will not leaving willingly I will have to force you out.”

“Is she serious?” the Monkey asked looking around at everyone. “She does know that we some of the Greatest Warriors in Valley of Peace, right?”

“That is a nice name.” sighed the unicorn thinking about it for a moment. “It is a wish for peace, your Kung Fu is meant for upholding the peace and to protect all of those living in the Valley. Are these people not living in the Valley or are you willfully ignorant to their plight as well?”

“I hate to say this but she is right.” a small Mantis replied and the tiger said. “She is coming back with us, we can discuss philosophy on the surface. Viper, Mantis, try and….”

Before she could finish her plan Rarity used her magic to lift the water from the nearby sources and scattered it until a thick mist surrounded them. The unicorn vanished into the mist quietly as the Furious Five and their Master looked around. They all tensed when they felt something moved passed them. Tigress the first to act her paw slicing quickly into the mist only for it to be blocked. A staff shot out smacking her arm to the side before it vanished. Monkey leapt up into the air with Crane trying to rid themselves of the mist only for it to grow thicker. A kick knocked Crane from the air and Monkey landed on the roof of a building hearing soft whimpering inside. His eyes saw a figure move swiftly through the mist and was about tackle it. He chose to peer inside of the house seeing a family of foxes curled up in the attic. The mother holding her children close as they stared at him with fear filled eyes. He paused as he looked back towards his friends almost hearing the family flinch. He sighed before seeing a wolf toy on the ground in front of one of the kits and climbed through the window. He picked up the toy seeing a name carved into the bottom: Láng Jīngshén. The family was holding their breath before Monkey moved closer seeing them already backed into a wall. He held out the toy to the kit asking. “Is this yours?”

The kit nodded his head and took the toy quickly holding it close. Monkey turned to leave when the child spoke up. “Are you going to take her away?”

Before he could respond the voice of the Red Panda cut through the air. “Monkey!”

“Coming Master Shifu!” he replied before leaping through the window into the mist. He landed on the ground looking for his team jumping to the side when he heard the staff move close to him. It hit the ground and he ran up it swinging towards the unicorn. The mist swirled around her as she vanished he was knocked away. The mist was too thick to see through and there was no chance to get rid of it. ‘If only Master Oogway was here.’ Monkey thought as he climbed to his feet, he heard the staff hit the ground and the mist dispersed. Two figures were standing and one was not there originally.

“Master Oogway!” the red panda spoke looking at the tortoise who had a calm expression on his face.

“Shifu, I asked you to bring her to me so we could talk, not try and force her to come.” Oogway told him as he walked forward. “My apologies for the mess, though it is even more empty since I last came here.”

“I shall take my leave now.” Rarity spoke before bowing and the old tortoise bowed as well a spirit leaving her body. She let out a sigh before spotting the damage around her and her eyes narrowed.

“Shifu take your students and go back to the temple. They deserve a rest for today.” the old Master spoke and the red panda left with his limping students. Monkey paused for a moment looking up at the window that he had came from seeing the fox kit waving at him. He smiled before hurrying along feeling a little better about losing. Oogway looked towards Rarity and waved his hand towards the building she was staying in.

“Let us get some tea, shall we?” he asked and they began walking there together. “It is most interesting your fighting style.”

“It is not mine, but I am learning.” she replied feeling oddly at peace around the tortoise as he observed the area around them. He sighed sadly as he spoke once again. “It is sad that there are so few residents left here. Perhaps one day these streets will be filled again with cubs playing ball. Or a tea stall with sweet treats for visitors from the surface.”

“A tailor selling handmade clothes and the fresh steam of the hot springs and spas wafting through the air.” Rarity speculated earning a laugh from Oogway, this earned a raised eyebrow from the unicorn. He chuckled again as he explained. “You and Yue would have been good friends, she created this place to help the rest who were still in need. For four hundred years this village thrived, yet there were some in the Valley who believed that deep inside they were still killers. They spread rumors that the villagers here would try and take over the Valley. As a gesture of good faith they sealed the entrances so that only those seeking peace could enter or leave the Valley. I opened one of them so that you and I could have a peaceful discussion. Yet it seems there was still some distrust and for that I am sorry.”

“I am glad that no one got seriously hurt.” replied the mind reader looking at him. “I will be staying, as a bridge between the two communities. There are problems with the flow of goods and money is not coming in.”

“I will tell Shifu this, he will not like that you are staying down here, but he will understand that this is your decision.” the wise tortoise told her with a nod. “Just as I had to when Yue told me her plan to make this place. Even I had my doubts, but I helped her and when I saw it flourish I saw what she saw. Yet I am sad to see that the name has been lost.”

“What is it called?” Rarity asked and Oogway told her. “Liánhuā cūn or Village of the Lotus. There is a special crystal here that with the magic and chi of the creator can bring forth a powerful light to resemble the sun. It changed depending if the sun was rising or if it was setting.”

Seeing the twinkle in the tortoise’s eye when they reached the temple Rarity knew that it would be the first thing she did. She was rather curious to see what it looked like with the proper lighting. All she had was her magic and streets lit by candle light. The rest of the day was spent in her room talking to Oogway and having tea. When he left she sat down on the pillows in the center of the room. Opening her mind once again she searched for the one who had helped her before. Instead she found herself next to a bed where a young blonde boy was holding a familiar feather. She was about to say something when she was pulled back to the place before.

“Back again?” a voice spoke from behind her causing her to turn around to see the panda in the middle of eating. “Would you mind waiting?”

“Not at all.” she told him sitting down and crossing her legs like he was. “I was thinking the first lesson might be the history.”

“A very good place to start.” chuckled the panda before introducing himself. “I am Li.”

“Rarity.” the unicorn replied watching him take his time so she decided to do so herself. She took in the area around her, it truly was a beautiful place. The sense of peace washed over her and wished one day Liánhuā cūn would resemble a place like this. Serene and lovely to look at, a place that she could bring her sister to. When Li finished with his meal he began to talk about the history of what he was about to teach her. She knew that she would teach the Láng brothers so they could defend their home.

Author's Notes:

I do not own MLP or any of the other series in it