> Day 20 in Equestria
> Twilight’s Library
> 0900 Hours
 
> The sun had risen over Ponyville, providing some welcome warmth to the air.
> You had returned to town around six after finding the nest that was in question, was in fact dormant.
> It appeared that a thick layer of obsidian had formed over the entrance.
> Probably of a disposal unit’s doing.
> Without anywhere to go, you went to visit Twilight.
> Thankfully, Shining had gotten to her first and informed Twilight of your presence in Ponyville.
> Twilight was expecting you and already had breakfast out, along with some hot tea.
> “It’s a pleasure to have you here Anonymous. My brother had such good things to say about you!” Twilight said happily as she sat the tea tray down.
“Thank you kindly. I appreciate your hospitality.”
> And thank you Shining Armor for being a good liar
> “It’s always nice to start the day with some hot tea, especially during these cold months.”
 “I couldn’t agree more.”
> The door opens behind you letting a rush of cold air in.
> “Hello Twilight darling, I-” A pause. You remember the voice vaguely. “Oh, Anonymous what a pleasant surprise. Twilight, you did not inform me that Anonymous would be joining us.”
> Twilight smiled. “He showed up in town an hour ago, I couldn’t just let him stay outside and freeze.”
> “Quiet.” She says with a pleasant smile as she takes her place at the table. “So what brings you to Ponyville?”
> White unicorn, purple mane, blue eyes.
> Rarity, if you recall correctly, Element of Generosity.
 
“Here on business.” You say flatly.
> “Surely you can be vaguer?” Rarity spoke with a sarcastic smile.
“I can be, but you understand that the details of my work are classified.”
> “Oh. I hadn’t a clue you worked for a royal office.”
“Office of Inquiry. Luna said they could better use my talents than the Night Guard.”
> “Interesting.” Rarity replied, obviously satisfied with your answer as she took a drink of tea.
> You did catch that Twilight was not.
> A sort of knowing smile crossed her face.
> Only for a split second, but you saw it.
> Great.
> “I must say, you look much better than you did in our first encounter. That ghastly armor was very unflattering, and a most hideous color as well.” She pauses. “Although, the clothes you’re wearing now are same color. Do you have anything else to wear?”
> You shook your head.
“These are all I have to my name. I didn’t get the chance to pack a bag before I got sucked into a wormhole.”
> “You mean to tell me you have been wearing the same clothes this WHOLE time?! That must be the worst possible thing!”
> Dramatic.
> Just like the profile had reported.
“It’s not so bad. I just have to wash them in some warm water every now and again.”
> “No! I will not allow you to go without at least one set of decent clothes. You will be coming to my Boutique right after we conclude breakfast.”
“For what I-”
> “This is non-negotiable Anonymous, I insist.”
> You look at Twilight who can barely hold back a laugh.
 
> “I must say Twilight, these tarts are delicious. Did Pinkie make them?”
> Twilight turned to Rarity who was dabbing her mouth with a napkin.
> “My brother actually brought them from Canterlot, his unit is in town you know.”
> “Yes. I find it odd that Celestia would send an entire Royal Guard unit to handle some seasonal traffic. I suppose it’s not all bad that we have our soldiers here though. They are quiet the charmers, and such gentelcolts!”
“Celestia do that often?”
> “Pardon?” Rarity asked turning towards you.
“Send military units into towns. How often does she do that?”
> “The last time she ever did that was…” Twilight paused. “The last time I ever remember seeing a Royal Guard was when she visited the town…and she only bought a hoof-full with her…” She shrugs. “I can’t remember her ever sending an entire unit into a town. Odd.”
> Hm. She sends an entire unit just as Luna moves you to Ponyville.
> Perhaps mole was playing all sides of this?
> Feeding intel to Luna, Celestia, and Discord maybe?
> It would let him stay abreast of any and all attempts to root him out.
> Plus, it probably made the bastard rich.
> Something to look at when you got back.
> “Is something troubling you Anonymous?”
“Just had a thought is all. I’m trying to learn the ways of the land, after all what kind of guest would I be if I didn’t at least attempt to learn Equestrian customs?”
> “So tell me Anonymous, what are they having you do in the office of Inquiry?” Twilight asked.
 
“That’s classified.”
> She chuckled at your flat answer. “Oh come on Anon, who are we going to tell? Besides, we work for the Princess herself.”
> Which is why you want to know so badly, right Twilight?
> “I’m sure that I could even help you, I am Celestia’s protégé after all.”
> “Oh come now Twilight, I’m sure the last thing Anon wants to think about now is work while he is among friends. Besides, the Office of Royal Inquiry is a very secretive organization by nature and they have good reason to be.” Rarity spoke with a smile. “So Twilight, I heard your research has been halted due to some unforeseen problems?” She asked, tactfully and smoothly switching the subject.
> “Oh yes!” She declared, her attention now focused on Rarity. “It was rather odd actually; the equipment I had set up on the edge of the Everfree registered numerous magical signatures but was destroyed. When I went to recover the device I found it in pieces. It was riddled with holes! Somepony or something drove holes right through the metal sides! Ridiculous!”
> “How strange, did you report it to the guard?”
> “Yes.” She waved a hoof dismissively. “They conducted an ‘investigation’ and concluded it was a dog that savaged my equipment.”
> “A dog?” Rarity gaped incredulously. “One that chews through metal?” She spoke with a worried voice.
> “The town guard has become nearly useless as of late. I guess it’s the holidays making them lazy.” Twilight replied taking another tart from the tray.
 
> Rarity hummed placing a hoof on her chin. “I know!” She exclaimed turning to you.
> Fuck.
> “Perhaps Anonymous would conduct a proper investigation?” She smiled. “You would do that for Twilight, right?”
“I thought you were going to take measurements and make me some clothes.”
> “Consider it payment for my services?”
> You let out a sigh.
“Have the parts here in the Library?” You ask.
> “I’ll go get them, be right back.” Twilight said excusing herself from the table.
> You immediately look over to Rarity, who simply smiles.
“You seem like you know something.”
> “I know quite a bit, Anonymous.” She says with a calm demeanor. “I’m one of Equestria’s top fashion designers and I am well liked in the circles of the Aristocracy. Did you forget that Ponies talk?”
> The edge on her voice was what made you worried.
“What do they talk about?”
> “Besides a rather bothersome human who can’t leave well enough alone?” She pauses for effect. “Well I heard tell that they recently lost an assassin for the human in question. Unknown causes, a shame really.”
“So you’re working for them?” You say carefully moving your hand to the grip of your pistol.
> “Oh heavens no. I’m simply aware of current events; however I would like to offer you a word of warning.” She says floating an envelope out. “Stay out of town at night, things are…not as they seem.”
> “Here they are Anon.” Twilight says dropping the box next to you.
> You open the box, and find an assortment of various parts and mechanisms.
 
> The plates were thick and made of iron, not the easiest thing in the world to puncture.
> Pulling the plates from the box you eye them the holes in them.
> Very clean holes at that.
> Pulling the plate closer, you see a light ring of another metal that had rubbed off.
> A darker metal than Iron, tungsten or lead possibly.
> You also note the plate that was on the opposite side of the device had the metal pressed outward, rather than inward as was the case on the opposite plate.
> These were bullet holes, no question about it.
“Interesting.” You say as you place the plate on the table.
> You pull your USP halfway out of its holster and pull the slide, withdrawing a single bullet.
> You place the round next to the hole for comparison.
> Probably something in the 50. caliber or above range you reason, as the hole was notably larger than the 45. caliber round.
“It was someone with a firearm.” You conclude. “Anyone report any loud bangs or sharp cracks that night?”
> “I do remember overhearing Lyra and Bon Bon discussing some odd noises in the square this morning when I went to pick up the tea.” Twilight stated. “The only race that has any firearm technology that is viable would be the griffins…and you…but you arrived yesterday so that’s an impossibility. The griffins keep to themselves mostly, the only ones with firearms fighting that war they are having over leadership.”
“A civil war huh?”
> That explains the gunpowder shipments.
 
> But why use a harbor route? The Griffin kingdoms were less than a hundred miles from Equestria.
> “Yes. It’s a sad affair really; it leaves so many Griffins without a family or a home. A few refugees show up here in Equestria, some of them wander looking for other Griffins.”
> “Didn’t Rainbow Dash’s friend Gilda flee to Equestria?” Twilight asked.
> “I would assume so, or she was exiled; either is equally likely in her case.”
> How would a civil war in another country affect a Coup effort here in Equestria?
> Something to ask Luna about, or even Shining.
> “Oh good heavens! Look at the time! Twilight, are you done with the silk I gave you?”
> Twilight paused a moment. “Oh yes! I am as a matter of fact, I will go get it.”
> Once again, Twilight trotted off.
“What aren’t you telling me Rarity? What’s not as it seems?”
> “Shh.” She says. “Not here, it’s unsafe.”
> Twilight returns with a large roll of silk cloth, suspended in a magical field.
> “Oh good. Anonymous, would you be a dear and carry it for me? I mean, you’re coming to my boutique with me after all.”
> You had to play along.
“Sure, Twilight, would you mind if I left my equipment hanging so it will dry?”
> “Not at all Anon.”
> You pause. She seemed very pleased with that request.
“They are all loaded, I wouldn’t fiddle with anything. I don’t want to come back to a very injured Twilight…”
> Her ears flatten against her head.
> It was the best you had at the moment.
 
> You take the silk.
“Lead on Rarity. I’m right behind you.”
> She nodded and led you through the town, the whole way taking a very twisting path to her store.
> Also, she kept a very close eye on ponies that came nearby, or lingered too long.
> She seemed to be distressed by something.
> You felt that watching feeling from the early morning.
> This felt like every eye was focused on you, watching your every move.
> Something was very wrong here.
> She hurried through the door of her Boutique and shut the door, locking it behind her.
> The lock’s click set you on edge.
“Mind giving me some insight?”
> “While I take your measurements, please set that silk down over there. Business as usual, you understand?”
> You nod.
> She was good, it suggested training.
> Or a very thoughtful attitude towards detail.
> You set the silk down and follow her into a room.
> “I’m sorry Anonymous, Luna forgot to inform me that you were coming. She uttered as she began digging in her tools, pulling a box out. “I don’t have any documents to prove my trustworthiness, but I do hope you find these to be sufficient evidence.” She held a small box out for you to take.
> Taking it into your hand, you open it to find the same seal you carried along with a medal.
> Security through Vigilance was inscribed on the medal.
“Ministry of Internal Security.” You say recalling the motto. “One of their secret police units I assume.”
 
> “My, you certainly are quick on the uptake. Understand, I have not lived that life for years, but I learned a few tricks to preserve one’s safety.” She said taking the box and coming to you with a measuring tape. “The most noteworthy being how to detect Changelings.”
“I keep hearing about them, but I have yet to see one.” You say holding your arms out.
> “At least four of the ponies in town as we came here were Changelings. They hide in plain sight well enough, but we unicorns have the gift of a horn, and with the right training we are able to detect them easily.” She says as she takes the measurements of your wrist. “I was thinking of a new set of clothes for you, one to help aid you in your work.” She said with a pause. “Something easy to move around in, yet strong enough to take the edge and impact of a blade, a challenge indeed. Your armor has a single plate in it to protect you from harm in the front and back I noticed, I would like to take a more distributed approach if you would indulge my curiosity.”
“So you were a spy?”
> She laughs. “Fast to make assumptions aren’t we?” She said as she measured the length of your leg. “I worked with or in close proximity of them on a regular basis. I was more of a social butterfly in the good graces of high society, so Luna saw it fit to approach me.”
“So you knew important ponies, which gave you an in.”
> “Plus, it helps when you have a pony that can get a key or open a gate for another pony from the inside.”
> It made sense.
 
> “I never did any work like you or Rainbow Dash did if that’s what you’re getting at. I had not the stomach for it.” She paused. “However, I did hear enough about it to know what it requires. Being a fashion designer, I like to think myself capable with a needle and thread. I had an idea one day for armor, somewhat akin to chain male but combining plate type armor as well. Think of a dragon’s  scales or the scales of a fish.”
> Your interest was immediate.
“We were going to change the armor to that not long before I left Earth. It was still in development.”
> “I see. It’s a novel idea to the Equestrian Military sadly, a frivolity they called it…however I think it would work very well in the specialized role you serve…” She smiled. “I also must confess that your choice of color is very poorly suited to the weather. Darker colors are horrible camouflage during winter.”
“I take what I’m given.”
> “Yes well. I have another idea that would allow you to change the color of your armor on a whim, I have tested it in small batches and so far it has proven far more successful than anypony anticipated. It would eliminate the need for multiple outfits for camouflage purposes.”
“Rarity, considering what I am up against, I would need a rubberized layer on the inside to isolate me from chemical or biological weapons. Otherwise my gas mask is useless.”
 
> “I noticed that odd layer on the inside of your armor as well and I think I have found a suitable way to provide the same functionality.” She says taking the dimensions of your head. “However, your helmet I cannot do much with other than cover it with the changeable fabric.”
“Just how do you expect me to change the colors of the fabric anyway?”
> “With magic of course.” She said looking at you with a confused gaze.
“I can’t do magic, Rarity. No horn.” You tap the top of your head.
> “Then explain why you have such a strong magical signature.”
> You shrug.
> Then a question forms.
“What do ponies mean when they say I reek of Chaos?”
> “They are simply commenting on your aura, darling.” She says flatly. “Unicorns are more attuned to magical energies, meaning we can sense someone’s aura.”
“An aura? How do you explain an Aura?”
> She shook her head. “Even the Princesses cannot find an answer to that question. No pony can, Twilight is trying but it simply cannot be done.”
> An uneasy silence settles over the two of you.
“What do you think of mine?”
> “Your what?”
“My Aura.”
> She pauses.
> “Chaotic yes, but…” She taps her hoof on her chin. “It’s hard to place other than that. It’s not black, but it certainly is not pure.”
> Figures.
“So how other ponies interpret that?”
> “Well…chaos is typically associated with Discord, mistakenly. However lacking a pure or black aura means some will think your neither good or bad, but most will simply come to the conclusion that if you’re not pure, then you are bad.”
 
> A knock came from the nearby window.
> “Come in darling!”
> A window opens and is then slammed shut.
> “Heya Anon!” Rainbow says trotting into the room. “Hey Rarity.”
> “Making Anon some new clothing.”
> Rainbow rolled her eyes. “Figures.”
“What brings you around Rainbow?”
> “One of Luna’s couriers gave me this to deliver to you.”  She said as she pulled a bundle of papers from her saddlebags and handed them to you. “Something about growing concerns.”
“You read these?” You ask defensively “Who authorized you?”
> “Oh.” She paused and looked to Rarity. “Did you not tell him what was going on?”
> “Oh my! It completely slipped my mind! Would you inform him while I get this new design ready?”
> Rainbow nodded and looked back at you, focusing her magenta eyes on yours.
> “Luna has assigned me and Rarity to be your support until further notice. Rarity is going to be handling the equipment aspects, like requests for supplies and whatnot since she has friends all over. I’m going to be responsible for the field tasks like reconnaissance, relaying messages and orders to and from Luna, and transporting you around.” She paused uneasily. “Also if need be, I will serve as backup if things get too hard for you to handle alone.”
> You nod.
> At least you had some friends now.
“Anymore sleeper agents I should know about?”
 
> “Nope. Just me and Rarity in Ponyville, for now anyway. Twilight and Applejack are your biggest problems and I suggest you not talking to them too much, Twilight will report everything to Celestia in a heartbeat and Applejack can’t lie. Fluttershy stays out of politics and keeps to herself and Pinkie Pie…” She trailed off. “Well, she’s just Pinkie Pie.” She paused. “Anyway…we may or may not work or have encounters with other agents. Typically smaller units like us three are the standard, but if a need exists where two units have to work together, they typically make themselves known.”
“You sound like you’re in familiar territory, Rainbow.”
> “I’ve been doing this long enough to know a thing or two.”
“Can you fight?”
> “I try to avoid it when I can. I’m a better flyer than fighter.”
“Fair enough. Know anything about Griffin weapons?”
> She paused. “I remember Gilda showing off something she called a flintlock.” She smiled. “It was cool to play with, but it was a chore to reload. You only got to shoot once, then you had to reload it.”
“Think we could talk to Gilda? She’s your friend right?”
> “We don’t hang out anymore.” Rainbow shot back with a harsh tone. “She turned into a total jerk since flight school.”
> Damn.
“Rarity?”
> “Yes Anon?” She asked looking over to you and Rainbow.
“Know any Griffins who would be in the know about the political situation in their home country?”
 
> “It’s funny you should ask, an acquaintance of mine will be passing through to attend a Canterlot ball.”
“Stop him here; I want to have a chat with him.”
> “I will invite him to tea, I’m sure he will be more than happy to oblige me.”
> Perfect.
“While she does that, we have our own to do list Rainbow. How hard will it be for you to get a camera?”
> “Not hard. Why?”
“Get me one.” You say handing her some bits. “Some extra film would be appreciated as well. Also, some breakfast for tomorrow morning, I don’t care what it is..”
> She salutes and flies off, out the window and into town.
> “She certainly still has that same spark in her.” Rarity comments.
“You said that she did field work?”
> “I did? I don’t recall saying that.” She deflected.
“I do. What’s her deal? She’s drinking herself right into an early grave most nights, from what I can tell anyway.”
> She sighs. “It’s very impolite to pry Anonymous.”
“That may very well be, but I’m entrusting my life to her. I feel obligated to look after her wellbeing.”
> Rarity turns and looks at you, sitting and taking in a deep breath.
 
> “Some things are better left buried Anon, it would seem that you know that better than anyone. Rainbow made me swear to her I would never tell anypony what happened that day, and I intend to keep my word.”
“Is your word worth both of our lives, Rarity?”
> “I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that it is impolite to manipulate others to further your own goals, Anonymous.”
> Right.
> Social case, you were stepping too far into her home court.
> You would have to be careful.
> “However, if you wanted to know why Rainbow Dash has turned to drinking I would suggest that you ask her directly. If you are supposed to know, she will tell you. Understand?”
“Got it, I’m just concerned about her you know?” You say with a shrug. “Alcoholism was a problem on my world too. I saw plenty of good men find a headstone at the bottom of a bottle.”
> “I understand your concern Anonymous, truly I do. I’ve tried telling her over and over again that it wasn’t her fault and that she should stop-” She cut herself short. “I’ve said too much already. Really, you should go collect your things and bring them here. You can use my basement for the time being, I think it should meet your needs quite well.”
“You want to help her too; I know it’s hard seeing a friend do this to themselves.”
 
> Rarity looks down at the floor. “Anonymous, may I be honest with you for a second?”
“By all means.”
> She looks up and meets your eyes with hers.
> “If I were to tell you the weight she has to carry with her, you would not be so concerned with her wellbeing.”
“If you knew half of my story you wouldn’t let me anywhere near your shop.”
> Rarity considers this point a moment.
> “While that may be true, for the time being let’s agree to not pry any farther into each other’s lives. We can form our own opinions of one another once we do not have the threat of a coup to contend with. For the time being, we are a unit and we have to treat one another professionally. The reasoning for this is to limit the possible friction between us, and should the unspeakable happen; lessen the blow.”
> It made sense, don’t make friends so you don’t have any to mourn for when it’s all said and done.
> Plus, it was a very professional way of telling someone to fuck off.
> Rarity was good, you had to admit that.
> There would be a crack somewhere, there always was a crack.
> Plus, it’s only day one; she would warm up to you as time went on.
“I understand completely.”
> “Excellent. I am glad we had this discussion, now go get your equipment from Twilight’s house and come straight back here. Speak to nopony, understand?”
> You nod.
“Tell Rainbow to stick around until I get back. We have plans to make.”