The ship was catching up fast and there was no time to avoid it, even less so in a storm. The crewmembers ran onto the deck, getting ready for a fight. The night sky was covered in dark clouds and flashing lightning, following rolling thunder. “Whatever you do! Do not let them below deck!” Shouted one of the crewmen, grasping a sword at his side. “The Princess must be protected at all times!”
The ship drew closer and closer and soon came side by side with the Godiva, the royal ship of Equestria’s own Princess Celestia. It was always a risk for her to make trips to other continents and this was one of those reasons. Both ships rocked violently in the blinding storm, the masts almost cracking with the harsh winds. The other ship was much larger, more massive then the Godiva, which was a small ship, made for better maneuvering. From the deck of the other ship, dark figures stood in rows. When the lightning flashed, they could be seen briefly. Dozens of men ready to fight and die to claim the princess. They were but men and yet in the eyes of the Godiva’s crew, they looked like demons. Monsters of another plane. Their hands began to shiver as they grasped their blades. They were scared and with good reason for pirates seldom showed mercy on those they prey upon..
A man stepped forward, wearing a long black coat, his long grime-covered hair blowing in the wind. He grinned and drew his sword, a large cutlass, bringing it to the air so that the lightning could be seen flashing off of it. With the swing of their leader’s sword the men let forth a horrific shout and jumped over the side of their ship, landing on the Godiva. Swords immediately clashed, thrusting and slashing about. The Godiva’s crew pressed the attack, killing off as many as they could. But there were too few. The pirates overwhelmed the crew, cutting them down or forcing them into the merciless sea.
From below deck, a dark hooded figure kicked the door open, looking upon the battle for a moment. Drawing a rapier, the figure charged into battle…

Magic…

The tides of battle turned quickly as the hooded man charged along the rain-soaked deck, fighting off the pirates. But there were too few of the Godiva’s crew left. He fought alone, yet even being overwhelmed, cut down his enemies almost effortlessly. With each swing the pirates fell. The man in the long coat was not pleased, finally joining the battle. Again he put his sword in the air and the other men stopped, backing away from their enemy.
“Good form, lad. I was wondering when the real fight would begin.” The man said. He talked in a refined way, very different from most pirates. “I could use someone like you in my crew. Someone with your skill would be appreciated here more then some palace mercenary. What say you, lad?”
He stayed silent, glaring under his hood at the salty haired captain with sword in hand.

“Come now, lad. No need to give me the silent treatment. A simple yes or no would do. But I would highly consider. For your health, savvy?”
Still no response came. The man’s face fell, becoming angry.
“You think this is a game, boy!?” with a mighty swing, he cut the lad’s hood, letting it fly off into the wind. The sight took the captain back.
“I’m no boy” the woman who now stood before him said, long purple hair blowing in the wind. Slightly covered by her hair was a broken alicorn, mostly shattered on its side.
“A woman!? This cannot be!” He looked to his crew in disgust. “A woman! A woman! This woman!” with anger he ran at her, sword aimed at her gut. She simply stood a side, dodging the attack only to thrust her rapier into him instead.
“Enough out of you”. She said, taking the sword out and kicking him toward the edge of the deck. He gasped for breath and finally, after a moment or two, fell into the sea. She turned to the rest of the crew who backed off. What little was left of the Godiva’s crew quickly relieved the pirates of their weapons and began bringing them into the brig.
The young woman looked to the ship beside them and with an angry look a surge of energy sparked from the broken alicorn. The power grew more and more, gathering as she kneeled onto the soaked deck. The sky lit up as a gigantic jolt of lightning split the ship in half, setting what was left on fire and leaving it behind to burn.
But the spell did not stop there. Smaller bolts started hitting near the ship. The shattered alicorn surged uncontrollably, unable to handle the intensity of the spell that was just cast. This continued for a few moments before another spell intervened, throwing the woman face first into the deck.
She gasped for breath as she regained control of herself, looking back near the door that lead to the lower deck.
“Thank… You…” she said to a beautiful woman who stood behind her. She had milky white skin and hair that flowed with every color of the rainbow. At the center of her forehead, a long alicorn shined more beautifully then any star.
“Twilight… You used your magic”. The woman said with disappointment.
“I was angry…” Twilight muttered, finally catching her breath.
“I know, my faithful student. Good people died today”.
The princess removed her long white coat and covered her apprentice. “Come inside. You’ll catch a cold”.
Twilight smiled and followed the princess.

^^^^^^^^^
“Get her!” the guard shouted down the streets as the rainbow haired woman ran with a pouch clasped in her hand. She ran down the streets, pushing through the crowds of Port Sunrise. Men dressed in red coats chased after her, musket rifles ready to fire at any moment.
The rainbow haired maiden was fast but not fast enough to get away from the men who relentlessly chased her throughout the streets.
“Come on! Give it up already! It’s only a few bits!” she said as she ran into an alleyway. She looked around and saw it was a dead end. She sighed and threw the cape on her back to the ground, spreading a pair of blue feathered wings and taking to the sky and onto one of the rooftops.
“Up there!” they shouted, both firing a shot at her, scaring a poor woman who was hanging up clothes on a long rope, causing her to faint. The men sighed. The blue winged woman ran roof to roof, using her wings to make sure she landed safely. This alerted other guards.
“Hey! Flying within city limits is not allowed!”
But she did not listen, keeping to the rooftops and away from her chasers. She laughed as she watched them try to follow her along the streets. Finally she came to the town square, and across the way, a large fountain, surrounded by buildings and the town hall bell tower could be seen.
“This is it!” she said, jumping and flying toward the bell tower. But as she made her way over, one of the guards appeared from the cover of the bell tower, taking a shot and hitting her wing, sending her spiraling to the ground. She landed in a group of people, startling them as she fell to the door of the town hall. Within moment, guards were all around her, rifles pinning her to the ground. She wasn’t going anywhere.
One of the guards broke through the crowd and looked down at her. She smiled innocently.
“Hi!” she shouted. The man only scowled, taking the end of his rifle and smacking it into her face, knocking her out.
“Take her away”. He said, letting them drag her off.

Loyalty...

She finally awoke to find herself in a jail cell of stone and iron. No one was around her except a dog that kept snarling as it patrolled.
“Yeah, well I don’t like you either!” she said. She looked at her wings which were patched up but also bound, making it impossible to fly. As if it mattered since there was nowhere to fly to. The only window was a small hole in the wall with bars that faced another building, letting little light in.
She laughed a little. “Finally got yourself caught, Dash. You finally did it. Wait till the guys hear about this”. She ran her fingers through her rainbow hair, realizing it was a lot shorter now, no longer going down to her shoulders.
“What the…?” she gasped. “They cut my hair!? Those bastards!”
As she companied, the sound of a heavy metal door creaking open could be heard in the distance. In moments, three men approached Dash’s cell. Two were normal looking guards, dressed in red coats. By the man they escorted looked to be more official. He wore a hat and a suit that made him look silly in Dash’s eyes.
“Well, well, well” he said. “We’ve been after you for sometime, Dash. I must say, you were surprisingly easy to catch this time”.
“Tell that to half of your men I left in the dust” she said smiling. The man seemed unimpressed.
“You are a rather skillful young lady, I do admit. But your time of thievery is at an end. I hope you get to know this place well because you will be spending quite a bit of time in here”.
Those words rang in Dash’s head. The thought of spending even a day in a cell was enough to drive her crazy. She looked to the dimly lit window and sighed a deep sigh.
“Of course… There is a way to avoid this fate”.
Dash turned back to the man with hopeful eyes. “You’re seriously going to let me go?”
“At a price of course”. He smiled. “In addition to turning away from your criminal ways, I would also want a bit of information. You are a part of a… unscrupulous group of people we want to find. Tell me where they are and you are free to go. All charges will be dropped as long as you keep yourself out of people’s pockets”.
The thought crossed her mind for a minute. The chance of freedom was at hand. She knew she would go crazy if she spent even another second in that hole. She had no choice. She had to tell them.
“Go to hell” she said, smiling. “You don’t have anything to offer that would make me tell you a thing.”
The man’s face grew red with anger. “You would rather spend the next few years in jail rather then give the location of a bunch of thieves who would probably turn YOU in?”

Dash yawned. “Sorry. I stopped listening.” She scratched her dirt-covered cheek. “I’ll have to talk to someone who gives a crap.”
The man slammed the bars. “You’ll regret this, Dash… You’ll regret this. You know the punishment for thievery. You just wait.”
“Yeah! I’ll be here if ya need me!” she said, laying down in the corner. The men marched out, leaving her alone. She was strong in front of them but knew that she was going to go bonkers staying in this cage. All she had ever known was freedom and now it was gone just beyond the bars of a cage. She closed her eyes and tried to sleep, only to have a brick fall on her head.
“Ouch! What the…?” She looked up to see a hole in the roof of her cell. Looking down were a pair of googly eyes. As another brick fell, Dash moved to dodge it. Soon there was a hole big enough for Dash to fit. She looked into it and saw another girl looking down at her.
“Ditzy!” she shouted, covering her mouth so that the guards wouldn’t hear. “Ditzy… What are you doing here?”
Ditzy smiled as her long blonde air hung down. She lazily stretched her hands down to help Dash climb out of the cell. There looked to be a small tunnel that they could escape from.
“Man, I’ve never been so happy to see you! Lets get out of here!”
Ditzy nodded and they both crawled through the tunnel. They made their way toward a light at the end which lead them to an outside cliff.
“Ditzy! I can’t fly! They shot out one of my…” without a seconds notice, Ditzy quickly grabbed Dash arms and jumped out of the hole. The guards patrolling the large stonewall of the prison took notice.
“Hey! Over there!” one of them pointed. “Don’t let them get away!”
They began to fire at the two girls, Dash yelling as they fell. Ditzy just smiled widely, letting her tongue hang out as they crashed into the water, the guards losing sight of them.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

At a cemetery, a young light pink haired maiden prayed to a small makeshift grave. Compared to all the other headstones it was pretty much a clump of dirt with twigs. Tears rolled down her face as she sat on her knees, her hands folded together.
“Happy Birthday, mother”. She said as she prayed. “I’m sorry I couldn’t bring you the usual flowers this year. I just couldn’t afford them this year. But I picked some from my own garden. I hope you like them”. She said as she opened her hands, placing a few lilies onto the dirt patch. “Tomorrow I’m losing my home. I just can’t afford to live there anymore…”
She opened her eyes slowly, tears running down even faster. “The money you left me was not spent very wisely… I’ll admit… But your Fluttershy will be okay. I’ll think of something.”
She smiled in sorrow, standing to her feet to see that the lower half of her dress was covered in dirt. “Goodbye, mother. Until next year.” She turned to walk away but stopped in her tracks, rubbing her eyes of her tears. It was useless. The tears only came harder. “I guess you couldn’t be here right now could you? If I turn around, will you be standing there?” She took her hands from her eyes and looked at the grave, which had not changed. The flowers still stood there flat against the clumpy dirt. “No one even came… When you left me”. She turned and left the cemetery.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Back at the place she knew as home, at least for today, she looked around the now bare house. She had sold everything she owned in order to keep the house she grew up in. Whatever wasn’t sold was robbed long ago by desperate people and what angered her the most was she could never bring herself to hate them. To resent the people who hurt her.

Kindness…

At the corner of the room, a crude wooden cage held a rabbit, thumping around where it could move. Fluttershy opened the cage and hugged her little friend.
“It’s going to be okay, Angel. You don’t have to be sad”. She said, starting to cry again. “We’ll find a new place in no time.” The rabbit stood still, only moving its little nose up and down.
A knock came at the door suddenly, startling Fluttershy. She quickly put Angel back into his cage and dried her eyes.
“Coming!” she said, running to the door. She opened it slowly to see a young man standing there. He had short brown hair was tall, a lot taller then she was.
“C…Can I help you?” she said nervously.
“Hello. Would your name happen to be Flora?”
She gulped and nodded slowly. “F…Flutter…shy…”
“Hmm?”
“Call me Fluttershy… Everyone does…”
He smiled. “Alright. Fluttershy then. I have something for you.” He said, reaching into his pocket. “It came to me by courier. I had no idea what it was but it had an address on it. Flora Dowsley. Is that you?”
Again she nodded. He took a small amulet out of his pocket and handed it to her. It was a crescent moon engraved with the name Flora Dowsley. Her name. Examining it further, it looked like another piece went to it.
“Does it look familiar?” he asked.
She thought long and hard, knowing she had seen this before. It was not long when she finally remembered where. She had sold a precious painting of her mother and father, the last thing she had to sell. In the portrait, her mother wore the moon amulet while her father held an amulet of the sun, both split in half.
“I do… Thank you… But who sent it? Did the courier know?”
“He handed me a note along with it”. He gave her the note.
PORT SUNRISE
“Port Sunrise?” she thought to herself. She had been their once before. It was a days journey from Port Canterlot where she made her home. She grasped the amulet tightly. “Thank you… But who are you? Why did this come to you and not me?”
“That’s actually a long story… Please let me escort you to Port Sunrise. I’ll explain everything on the way”.
Fluttershy smiled. “Thank you… I don’t know how I can repay you”.
She grabbed Angel’s cage and pocketed the amulet, heading off with the young man.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Night had fallen when the pair reached the docks. No one was around that Fluttershy and the man could see. Ships sat at their posts, each one holding a different name and style.
“So… You never gave me your name”. Fluttershy said. But the man was quiet as they walked along the empty docks.
“Um… Sir… It is getting pretty late… I don’t think any ships will sail at this hour”.
The man stopped in his tracks, not turning to face her. “You’re right. No ship will sail at this hour”. He turned to her now, holding a flintlock pistol in his hand. He aimed it at her, causing her to back up slowly.
“I…I don’t understand… What’s going on?”
“I never did tell you how I obtained that little trinket. It was indeed from your father, Ms. Flora Dowsley.”
“My father…?” she put her hand to her lips, quivering with fear. “But my father… You met my father…?”
“Oh not only did I meet him… He and I had quite the talk. Made me quite an offer. 10,000 bits for whoever kills you. It was easy to lure you out with that amulet. This place is the perfect place to do it. They’ll find your body in the water and it’ll just be another unfortunate murder. Meanwhile, I’ll be in Coastequestria living like a king”. He pulled back the jaw screw, aiming it straight for her chest. But before he could fire, a faint laugh could be heard in the distance.
He turned around to see who it was, giving Fluttershy a chance to run.
“Hey! Get back here!” he yelled but before he could chase her down, a shot fired off from the distance, hitting the man in leg and sending him to the ground. He cried out in pain as he held his bleeding leg.
“Well now, ain’t that just o bit’ a bad luck, chap?.” Said a giggling woman who stepped from the shadows. She wore a dress that hung from her shoulders, fancy and ruffled, pink and puffy at the legs. In her hand was a similar pistol.
“Well, come now. Smile! Laugh! Ain’t it just a laugh?” she said stepping on his chest as he struggled with the pain he was already in. She aimed the gun down at him. “Oh how them tables do turn, fellow, how them tables turn.”

Laughter…

She giggled again, about to fire off a shot. But in a moment, Fluttershy grabbed her hand, pointing the pistol to the sky. The strange girl didn’t turn to face her at all, keeping her eye on the scum below her foot.
“Eh, now. You bout ta tell me this rat dung’s worth livin? Mind you he just bout pulled the trigger on ya!”
Fluttershy looked at the man then back at the woman. “No one needs to die. No one deserves to die. Please just let him go!”
The woman kept her foot on him a little more, the man looking up at her pathetically. She pondered for a moment then sighed. “How them tables turn…” she said again, stomping the man in the stomach to make him wince. “Get’ is pistol, why don’tcha? I’m gonna walk ya home, I will and I wantcha ta keep that there pistol close.”
Fluttershy did as she asked, taking the pistol from the man and backing away. Finally they were on their way, leaving the man to suffer alone.
“Now where’s ya home, Lilytop?”
“A…W…Who…?” Fluttershy asked softly.
“Lilytop! That’s what ya remind me of! Lilies! The light pink ones wit ta dots! Cuz yar hair!”
“Oh… I…” Fluttershy thought to herself. “I actually don’t live anywhere… My house is being taken away tomorrow…” she looked at Angel who was still caged up.
“Well that won’t do! Come… You stayin wit me, Lilytop!”
“F…Fluttershy… My name is Fluttershy. And this is Angel”.
The woman laughed, her puffy pink hair dropping out of place. “Now ain’t that the name o names! Fluttahshy! I like it!”
“Its not my real name but…”
“Oh don’t ya worry wit the details. We all got our little names and all that. People call me Pinkie! Cuz my hair, savvy? All pink n puffy. They should call me Pinkie Puff!” she laughed, leading the way out of town.
--
Pinkie led Fluttershy to a huge manor just at the edge of town. Large gates and huge ferns blocked the way inside. As Pinkie approached, the gates slowly opened.
“This is… Where you live?”
“As sure’s sugar!” she said as they walked town the thin pathways. At every corner Fluttershy saw bushes shaped like different animals but not as they would appear in real life. A giraffe had large wings and a hawk walked with four legs. She even saw a turtle with doglegs. It was bizarre to say the least. They approached the door and it opened as soon as they stopped on the welcome mat. A handsome man stood holding the door open for them.
“Welcome home, Countess. Another long night?” he said, allowing them in.
“Wouldn’t’ ya know it, Nathan! That Lady Junebelle got’ erself all pink on the wine again! Made a mess’ of the whole evenin!”
“How dreadful, Countess. And who might our new guest be?” He asked, looking toward the little peasant girl.
“Oh… M… My name is…”
“Fluttahshy! My new friend, she is! Get a room ready for’ er. No way we lettin’ er out into the cold!”
“As you wish, Countess”. He bowed and left to prepare a guest room.
“Come! Come! Come ta my room fer now! Get you dressin in a nightie an all that”. She said, grabbing Fluttershy’s delicate hand and pulling her up the stairs. Fluttershy was able to get a brief look around. The grand hall was huge and full of party favors. It looked as if she had a grand ball right here in the manor.
She pulled her down a long hallway, the walls full of pictures of old men and women of all kind. But once again, the hall was decorated in party favors much like the entrance. Finally she was pulled into a large and beautiful pink room with a large window door that lead to a balcony. The room was fixed up and was the only place that didn’t have party décor.
“Sit anywhere ya rump would feel comfy! I’m gonna go through mah wardrobe”. The exuberant woman opened a large closet big enough for her to go inside and look around.
Fluttershy sat on the bed, almost sinking into it. It was the softest bed she had ever felt, the sheets pink and puffy with pictures of cakes sewn into it.
“So… Um… Did you just have a party here?”
For a moment, no response came and she had wondered if the closet was so big that Pinkie was now far from earshot. But soon an answer finally came.
“Not’ ere!” she said. “I host’ a party at the Town Hall! That’s what I do, savvy?”
“But… Around your house I…”
“Don’t mind’ ta mess!” she shouted. “I’m’ a always making sure my décor’s proper! Never use the same thing twice or’ll get borin!”
“Oh…” Now she understood, or at least somewhat understood. She thought no more of it, taking her alone time to slightly bounce on the soft bed, giggling as she did.
“I’ eard that!” the muffled voice from the closet said. “Ya giggled!”
Pinkie finally came out of the wardrobe with a beautiful light pink nightgown. She, herself, now wore a brighter pink nightgown that hung from her shoulders like the previous dress did. Fluttershy couldn’t help but notice she was well endowed, making her blush slightly.
“Feelin better then?”
Fluttershy nodded and smiled. “Y… Yes…” she said, looking down at Angel in her cage then back at Pinkie. “I feel a lot better. But I don’t understand… You don’t know me at all. Why are you doing all of this?”
Pinkie laid the gown by Fluttershy, hopping on the bed and putting an arm around her. “Yer one ‘a’ o kind, Fluttahshy! Any old bloke woulda let me kill that scum. But not you, Fluttahshy. Yah I kinda wanted’ ta end the poor basst! But I’mma glad there are people kind like ya who’d think life’s precious, savvy?”.
“But… But I’m not… I mean… Anyone would have done the same. I’m nothing special. I’m even less then special. I’m worthless”. She looked down at the pink rug that stood under her feet.
Pinkie suddenly just laughed. “What’d’ a buncha foolery!” she said, the remake making no sense to Fluttershy. “Look, I seen worthless, darlin! That man’ ho try and hurt ya was worthless. You! You’re somethin special! Now stop all’ heh loathin and give me a smile!”
Fluttershy tried to smile, showing her teeth a bit. She tried so hard that she made a funny face, making Pinkie laugh some more.
“Now there ya have a smile!” she said, laughing. Fluttershy joined in the laughter, feeling happier then ever.
^^^^^^^^^^^
“Father!” The young woman said with indigo curls cried, running to a tall, strong looking man who stood at the door of the Veirtio Manor. The Veirtio was the second richest family in Canterlot, owning almost all of the land down to the northern shore. The family lived in prosperity but was not known so much for their wealth, but for their willingness to give.
The young indigo haired girl jumped into her father’s arms after running down the long stone path leading to the manor.
“Rarity! My sweet girl… Welcome home”. He smiled. “How was Ravenwold?” he asked, still giving the gentle girl a big hug, almost poking himself with the small alicorn that was hidden by her hair. Still she could not help but snuggle into his embrace.
“It was a real mess, father. Truly. Pirates truly are brutes. But the money and food you have sent will help a great many people.”
He smiled, taking his daughter by the shoulders and taking a good look at her. She wore a long beautiful dress, encrusted with pure diamonds onto the side. The dress was mostly magically held together, using lesser enchantments. A dress she had made herself.

Generosity…

“You are becoming more and more like your mother and not only in looks. Years before I met her I would have never given a single bit to anyone.” He laughed. “Your mother would never have that!”
“Nor would I, father! Nor would I!” she smiled, her beautiful dimples lighting up along with the beauty mark that sat on her cheek. “It has been a whole week since I have been home…”
“That is why we are celebrating tomorrow night! A big party, and I’ll take yes for an answer only.” He said with a wide smile. “That should give you time to rest up.”
“Party? W…What’s going on?”
“My goodness, sweetheart, it’s your birthday!”
Rarity thought to herself for a moment or two, her eyes widening. “Why, you’re absolutely right, father! Oh how could I have forgotten? Oh my… I… I must make myself a new dress. And make sure that everything is…”
“Not to worry, my sweet. Montague insisted he get you a new dress. It is waiting upstairs for you.”
Rarity blushed hearing that name. “Montague… Montague was here?”
“He was. And he will be tomorrow. He and I had a long talk the other day. But enough about that! I am sure your mother wants to see you as much as you want to see her!” he laughed. “Go on or she’ll be rather disappointed.”
“Thank you, father” she gave him another hug and ran inside, her beautiful heel shoes echoing throughout the main hall as servants washed and dusted everywhere. Each one gave her a kind greeting as she went on her way, making sure she acknowledged each of them before passing.
She finally made it up to her mother’s room where the tall, milky skinned woman stood combing her hair at the mirror. She turned instantly, seeing the sight of her daughter.
“Rarity! You’re home. So that was what all the fuss was about. I would have gone downstairs to greet you myself had I known.”
Rarity ran into her mothers embrace, nuzzling against her bosom. “Mother, I missed you so much. I thought about you each day I was gone.”
“And not a moment past where you weren’t on my mind, my dear. I’m sorry we didn’t have your party set up by now.”
“Father already told me, mother. Don’t worry about that, I’m just happy to be home.” Rarity took a step back and smiled at her mother
She had long, indigo hair, straightened unlike her own curls. To Rarity, she was the perfect woman, tall, beautiful, smart, and giving. She was everything Rarity wanted to be and strived to be.
After visiting her mother, Rarity took time to look around her home, spending time out in the beautiful gardens and overlooking the fields where the Pegasi worked. As time passed, night fell and Rarity retreated to her room.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Rarity sat upon a stool, facing a tall mirror as she combed her hair. Thoughts of her mother doing the same earlier made her giggle. For this moment, she wasn’t Rarity. She was her mother. Her sweet, loving mother who, in Rarity’s eyes, could do no wrong. It was an obsession but she cared little. She smiled at herself, or her mother, in the reflection, pleased with her looks.
The moment was suddenly ruined by tap at the window, shocking Rarity back to reality. She turned to the window, seeing a silhouette atop the tree near her window. Only moments before screaming she thankfully took a second look, seeing a young man kneeling atop a branch. She ran to the window and opened it with haste.
“Montague!” she cried softly, excited but smart enough to keep quiet. “What are you doing here? We were to meet at tomorrow’s party.”
“I couldn’t wait. I was so tied up at the estate that I could not welcome you home.”

Rarity blushed. “It is such a long way from home… Did you run all the way over here? You look absolutely exhausted.”
“I did.” Montague replied. “Please, may I come in?”
Rarity nodded. “Please, do.”
Montague tried his best not to snap the wobbly branch that was only just strong enough to hold his weight. He took on step onto the windowsill, Rarity grabbing his hands to help him over. Finally with a kick of his other leg he came through the window, landing on his knees. He laughed.
“Almost too close.” He snickered.
He didn’t have enough time to say another word when he got to his feet, Rarity already pressing her lips against his own. Usually he would make the first move but tonight was different. Since the day they met as children they had never been apart so long as they had been when Rarity left for Ravenwold. Her family was always on her mind but nothing made her long more then the touch of Montague’s lips and his strong arms. It was something out of a bad romance novel that she had read but she did not care. All that mattered was this moment.
Finally their kiss broke and she cuddled in his arms, which were wrapped tightly around her.
“Montague…” she whispered. “I missed you so much…”
Montague kissed the tip of Rarity’s horn.
“I wanted to wait to give you this but… Just the thought running through my head is driving me crazy.”
Rarity looked up at him as he slipped a small box into her hand. Without looking at it her eyes widened. She felt the shape of the soft leather cube that sat in her hand. She looked at it and opened it slowly, revealing a ring.
“Rarity Veirtio… Will you marry me?”
Rarity’s eyes began to quiver as a tear ran down her face. She had waited to hear those words for so long.
“Yes…” she said. “Of course I will marry you!” she said with excitement, yet trying to keep her posture.
Montague smiled with relief. “Rarity, you have just made me the happiest man in Equestria.”
Rarity laughed. “Well then you better make me the happiest woman in Equestria.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The evening went on and Rarity laid next to Montague who held her close on the soft sheets. They gazed at each other lovingly.
“I think I learned something about myself in Ravenwold.” Rarity said suddenly.
“Oh? What would that be, my dear?”
Rarity sighed softly. “Pirates attack harbors all the time. Bandits ravage town’s inland. The world is in such chaos with people only wanting to do harm to others. Yet, here I remain under the careful watch of my father and mother. I know it might sound crazy but…” She looked deep into Montague’s eyes. “I think I want to devote my life to helping people. To travel Equestria in search of people in need. To give what I can.”
Montague was silent for a moment then laughed. “To any other man you might sound crazy. But you, my dear, are the most amazing woman. If this is what you wish, let us travel together. Let me help your dream come true.”
The couple’s lips met again, their arms wrapped around each other. Rarity knew without a doubt that this was the man she was meant to be with. A man willing to sacrifice his comfortable life to help others. He was her dream come true.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
The entire next day was spent getting ready for the party. Rarity had put on the beautiful dress Montague had bought for her and made sure her hair was perfect. She looked out the window where the guests were already mingling in the garden that had been decorated. People laughed and danced, most of them distant relatives she hardly knew. Tonight she would suffer them for she knew that out there, Montague was waiting. By the end of the evening he planned to announce their plans of marriage. Rarity was nervous but she knew her father and mother already approved of Montague. Her horn began to glow and another ribbon tied into her beautiful dress. Finally, she was ready.
When she came into the garden, everyone stared in amazement. Her long white dress and glass heels made her look like a princess out of a fairytale. Her long indigo curls hung down just above her chest. She curtsied as everyone welcomed her.
It wasn’t long before every man asked for a dance, all turned down when her father suddenly took her hand. “Now, now. You’ll dance with me first, young lady.” He laughed. “It may be sometime before we’re able to dance again if some man happens to sweep you off your feet this evening.”
“Oh father…” Rarity rolled her eyes.
“Come now!” he said as they began to dance. “You see how they all look at you. I might have to ask the servants to form a firing squad to keep them off.”
“Your flattery will get you in trouble, father, I know it. Besides, won’t you even have a dance with mother?”
“Ooh she’s so tied up with your grandmother. The demands of that woman are outrageous.”
Rarity laughed as he twirled her. “Please, father you’re going to embarrass me at my own party.”
“Oh the shame! My daughter won’t even indulge her own father! Perhaps this will cheer you up.” He said as he spun her around again, this time facing Montague he stood there with a rose in his hand. He handed it to her and with a quiet smile she turned to her father with a gleam of happiness, turning back to the handsome young man. Her father watched as they both began to dance.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Rarity spent the entire evening with Montague, dancing and chatting with friends. They never left each others side and to Rarity it was the greatest present she was given. Finally, main course came and wine was served. Montague took one of the wine glasses and knew it was time. The big announcement.
“Attention, everyone! May I have your attention, please?”
The band stopped playing and everyone faced Montague. He could feel a sense of nervousness as he took Rarity’s hand. “As you all know, Rarity and I have been together for as long as I remember. Our families have been friends because of our friendship and have remained so for years. I believe I have waited long enough to ask this…”
He got on one knee, pretending he had not asked her the night before. He slowly reached into his pocket and pulled out the small box he had presented last night.
What happened next, Rarity could not describe. It was as if all time had frozen. A loud sound like fireworks exploded in Rarity’s ears and she heard nothing else. She looked down on Montague who now laid at her feet, blood all over the back of his head. It wasn’t real. It couldn’t have been. It all happened so fast. She almost expected him to jump up as a joke, that this was all a jest but as she saw the crowd begin to run, she knew this was no ruse.
Gunfire blasted from the shrubs that surrounded the garden, picking off the fleeing guests. Even the ones who reached the garden’s exit were only met with more gunfire, men pouring out of the estate. Rarity watched as friends and family piled the bloodstained grass. She dropped to her knees and with shivering hands, touched Montague’s hair, smearing blood on her fingers.
“Montague…?” she said with a shivering voice. Her father suddenly ran by, grabbing her by the arm.
“Rarity! Come on! We have to get out of here!”
“No!!” Rarity yelled, trying to stay at Montague’s side. “Please, no!!”
Her father dragged her away, trying to find the safest route away from the men who shot from the shrubs. Before he could get away, two Pegasi flew in and cut him off.
“Sorry. You’re needed alive. Captain’s orders.”
One of the men came from behind Rarity, grabbing her and holding her at gunpoint. They were both forced to their knees as someone approached, escorted by younger unicorns. A woman with light sliver cyan hair stepped forward. She was tall and beautiful yet had a dangerous look in her eyes. An alicorn stood on her head, piercing through her hair.
“That’s the one.” The taller of the two young unicorns said, pointing to Rarity. “She’s the one from Ravenwold.”
“She’s pretty.” The tall, beautiful unicorn said. “But nothing compared to the Great and Powerful Trixie.”
Rarity shivered as she tried to look up at the woman. “Why… Why are you doing this?”
The smaller, pudgier unicorn by Trixie’s side stepped forward. “You and your family were the ones who helped the people in Ravenwold. Snails saw you! He saw everything!”
“We were the pirates that torn that town apart!” Snails said. “You fixin everything was an insult to the Great and Powerful Trixie!”
Tears began to run down Rarity’s cheeks. “I… I don’t understand… Why would you care?”
Trixie smiled. “I ordered the town burned as a lesion. The people came to us for help when we docked. It seemed as if they were being harassed by some local thugs who raided often. We took care of them for a price. And when the time came, they decided that they couldn’t pay. And so my men taught them a lesson. Snails, however, stayed behind to see how the town would recover. That’s when the Great and Powerful Trixie got the report that YOU came into town with supplies and money and workers to help repair their homes. Well Trixie purged the entire town this time. And for all your trouble, Trixie is going to let you watch as your world burns around you.”
She turned to the pudgy unicorn. “Snips! Give the order.”
“Aye, aye!” Snips’ horn began to glow and with a struggle, a tiny flare shot into the air. Within moments the estate started to burn. The man began burning the garden and the property all around them.
“No!!” Rarity yelled as she watched it all burn away. Her father suddenly stood up and knocked his captor down. He pushed the Pegasus holding Rarity and turned to her, yelling for her to run. She did as she was told, running as fast and as far as she could, not looking back. She could hear gunshots in the distance as she ran into the nearby woods. Her father, her mother, Montague and the rest of both families were gone. She turned only for a moment to see the estate burning. She also saw men running to pursue her, giving her more incentive to run.
She had no plans or money. Only the dress that her sweet Montague had bought her.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
“Hey… Come on now… Can’t we just talk ‘bout this?” the red haired young man said, following a tall blonde haired woman with freckles who carried a long silver rifle. A little girl with cherry hair almost like the young man followed her, trying to keep up as they scaled a nearby hill where a long fence stood. The little girl dragged a bag up a hill, following the blonde woman who didn’t say a word until they got to the top.
The woman cocked the rifle and looked back at the red haired man. “You ain’t never gonna learn your lesson, Mac. So looks like I gotta teach ya.” She turned to the little girl and nodded toward the fence. “Set’ em up, Bloom.”
The little girl laughed. “Kay, big sis!” she said with excitement as she reached into the bag, pulling out three bottles of wine and balancing them on the fence.
The blonde woman took aim at one of the bottles. “Now tell me, Mac. Where’d you get this wine and how much did it cost?”
Mac gulped, shifting his eyes as he said “Old man Lynch down in Ponyville! He gave me a good price, I swear!”
The woman grunted in disappointment. “Here’s lesson number one…”
“Nobody…”
“Lies…”
“To Applejack!”
She took a shot, shattering the middle bottle on the fence, watching it splatter everywhere.

Honesty...

“Wanna tell me’ nother one? Cuz I know that the Lynches went outta town. Plus, you know he don’t sell nothing but swill. So where’d it come from?”
“Jinkens! Jinkens sold them to me! It was the good stuff and I…”
“How much?” Applejack asked, taking aim again.
“Two hundred bits…”
“For eight bottles!?” Applejack yelled, firing again to hit another bottle.
“Jack! Come on now! It was a deal! This stuffs great! And we ain’t gett’n a refund…”
“No kiddin!” she said, hitting the last bottle with another shot. “You don’t seem to understand that this farm is goin downhill and spending money we don’t have ain’t helping. I expect better from my older brother! What kinda example are you setting for Bloom?”
Bloom jumped up and down, her big red bow bouncing a long with her. “Yeah! What kinda example you tryin to set for me?”
“Stay outta this, Bloom.” Jack said, receiving a quick ‘Yes, ma’am!’ in return.
Applejack sighed and laid her rifle against the fence, reaching into the bag. “Mac, you know Granny ain’t getting better. She could go any day now… And when she does the deed goes to you as well as all the money. It’s gonna be your responsibility to take care of the land. Not to drink every bit away. Now I love you and you know that…” She took one of the bottles and passed it over to Mac. “But if you drive this farm into the ground you’ll be in the ground with it. Got me?”
He sighed and nodded. “I’m sorry, Jack. Sorry, Bloom. I screwed up.”
“I know.” Applejack took a bottle for herself, opening it and taking a sip. “Just learn from it, bro.”
“I wanna have some too!” Apple Bloom cried out.
“No!” Mac and Jack yelled before they took another sip.
“Awww…” Bloom pouted before jumping up onto the wooden fence, kicking her legs as she watched her brother and sister gulp down the wine. She looked into the distance toward Ponyville that sat just over the horizon of the farm. Along the road, some dust kicked, rolling toward the farm. She kept her eye on it as it came closer, finally making it out to be a carriage.
“We expectin anyone?” Bloom asked, catching Jack’s attention.
“Not that I know of.” She said, standing to her feet and looking toward the dust. As the carriage came closer Applejack’s eyes widened.
“Dang it! Today of all days…” Applejack stomped the ground.
“What’s up, Jack?” Mac asked as he stood up to see the carriage approaching the farmhouse over the hills. “Ah dang… The mayor. Probably’ er bout the land tax.”
“The money you spent was goin toward that, Mac! Dang it! Come on… We better get on over there to meet’ er.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
By the time the three siblings reached the farmhouse, the Mayor was just leaving the carriage. Applejack always knew the mayor to be a generous woman but it ha been a month overdue on the land tax and the thought of possibly losing the farm scared her. She approached the mayor and shook her hand.

“Howdy, mayor. How can I do ya for?” Applejack said, taking her hat off and letting her golden hair fall.
“Greetings, Applejack. And greetings for you as well, Bloom.” She shot a look at Mac but passed over him. Mac didn’t expect anything less. With his history of drunkenness he wasn’t exactly the most loved in Ponyville.
“I am here to see if you have acquired the money we discussed.”
“O…Of course!” Jack said nervously. “Well ya see… I… I’m’ fraid we’re a bit short… But… I…”
The mayor sighed. “How Applejack… I know things are hard for you but if you cannot afford to pay your taxes perhaps you should consider selling the farm. I know a lot of buyers who would be happy to take it off your hands. You can make a lot of money. Live in town. It’s a lot cheaper.”
“I can’t do that, mayor. This is the last farm owned by the Apple family. I can’t just pack up and leave it. I’ll have your money.”
“This is the last extension I can give you. If you don’t have the money by the end of this month I’m afraid I’ll have to insist you sell… Or be evicted.” The mayor fixed the glasses on her face. “I’m sorry if I seem cold…”
“Not at all. Thank you for the extension.” Applejack put her hat back on.
The mayor turned to her carriage and got in, the driver at the head whipping the reins to make the horses go. Applejack tipped her hat, hiding her eyes.
“I wanna be by myself for’ while. I’ll be back before sunset.”
“Jack…” Mac said as she began to walk away. “Jack… I…”
“Save it, Mac! Just save it.”
Mac and Bloom watched as Applejack walked off toward one of the hills. Bloom gave Mac a kick to the shin, causing him to wince.
“Its yur fault!” she said before running off into the house. Mac just winced.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Jack sat atop the fence again watching the sun go down over the Everfree forest just beyond Ponyville. She spent most of her evenings here reminiscing. One memory in particular always stuck with her the most when she looked over Ponyville. Memories of an old friend she had. Her very best friend. Memories of how she looked started to fade with time. Jack could remember purple hair and wide purple eyes, a unicorn that lived in the village. They had been friends for years until one fateful day when she was taken away to a faraway place, never to be seen again. Jack’s reasoning for hanging onto her memory was simple, because she never had another friend besides this one girl. Learning to care for the farm as a child she never had time to make a lot of friends. Her life was devoted to learning to care for the farm, tending the land and protecting it from danger. Applejack began to wonder if there was ever a real childhood experience outside of the adventures she had with her dear friend. She had to be honest with herself, she hated the fact that her life would be spent on this farm. Her entire life was bound to this land and it was becoming painfully clear that she would be buried in it one day like her parents.

The sun lit up the sky in a faint orange color as it set over the trees. Jack knew it was late and it was time to go home.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Jack walked in through the farmhouse door, seeing granny in her chair at the far corner of the room. Bloom set some tea in front of her before waving to Jack.
“Welcome home, sis!” Bloom said.
“Howdy, Bloom. Granny Smith.”
Granny Smith, was the eldest of the Apple family and the only Apple left to own farmland. She had been sick for the last few days and the doctors said it would be any day now she would pass on. Applejack knew that Mac would get the farm and things would go to hell but she respected tradition and tradition called for the eldest child to take the deed.
Applejack walked over to Granny Smith, sitting by her feet. “How ya feelin, granny?”
Granny Smith puckered her lips and gave a soft cough. “Better today, child. Better today.”
“That’s good. You’ll be better in no time, you’ll see.”
Granny laughed. “Why of course I will be. Then I’m gonna get out there and find me a man to work’ round here.” She coughed again, a little heavier this time and took another sip of tea. “Ya know, Apples… You really are startin to look like your mother. Almost the spitting image of her… With those looks you should be lookin for a man yourself.”
“Granny! I ain’t got time for that sorta thing.”
“Oh come now… Your mother and father, God rest their souls, worked on this farm. Made it their love. If they had loved each other more then the farm… I wonder if they’d still be’ round.”
Applejack took her hat off, laying it beside her before laying her head on granny’s lap. She could feel granny Smith’s hand running through her golden hair, humming a sweet tune.
“Granny Smith…” Applejack said.
“Yes, dear?”
"Ma and Pa worked themselves to an early grave. I know I’ll be workin a lot harder on this land soon to make sure it grows. I know that would make them proud… Make you proud… But part of me wishes that I could just…” Applejack sighed. “Just live a different life. I can still remember Pa’s face when we found him out in the field, his heart given out from all the work. He was graspin the land as if it was his own child. His own love, like you said granny. After he passed, Ma just couldn’t go on anymore… I think she died rememberin too. He loved this land more then her. More then any of us. I know I’ll have to do the same. I’ll have to be the same way. I just don’t have time for love when my heart already belongs to the land.”
Granny didn’t respond.
“Do you know what I mean, granny?” Applejack asked, cuddling against her lap. Still, no response came.
“Granny?” Applejack looked up to see her grandmothers face hanging down. She didn’t move at all.
“Granny? Granny! Granny no! Please!” Applejack shouted until she hear a small sound. Listening closely she could hear it was her dear old granny snoring. Applejack almost threw a fit but simply calmed down and smiled. “Sleep tight, granny.” She said before moving a blanket over her and walking off. When Applejack was out of sight, granny opened her eyes.
“Most honest girl I ever met. If only I could be like you, child. If only I could tell you how much I want you to go far from here… To make your own life. Find what you really want.” Granny shut her eyes again. “Marigold… You left one strong willed child behind. When I see you up in heaven one day, I’m gonna tell you all’ bout her.”

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Applejack stretched her arms into the air, yawning as she watched the sun rise. She knew her agenda for the day, milking the cows early then gathering the chicken eggs followed by checking the apple harvest as well as their prize winning horses that earned the nearby town its name. Mac and Bloom were still asleep and she knew that the work would fall completely on her again. She wasn’t looking forward to it but knew it had to be done.
But along the road she could see something approaching the town…

It was a carriage coming up the hillside road, heading closer to the farm.

After some time, the carriage stopped near the house. The driver looked unfamiliar.
“Howdy. Can I ask who’s visitin at this hour?” Applejack asked. The driver said nothing.
The door to the carriage opened slowly and out stepped a robed figure, long purple hair going down her back. Applejack was taken back, her body almost shivering at the sight. It was like looking at a ghost.
“It couldn’t be…”

“Twilight…?”