A Love Dividedby Wren_FestChaptersPrologueChapter 1: In the BeginningChapter 2: Through The PainChapter 3: Tears and NightmaresPrologueI watched through the car window, seeing the world passing by without me. Suddenly, I felt a lilting melody cross my mind. As the music seemed to draw closer, it was distinguishable as the small, but cheery voice of a young girl. The velvety soft voice sparkled with glee as I was entranced by the familiar song. A face burned its image into my mind. Her youth still shown plain as her vibrant green eyes lit up. A smile of unrivaled joy crossed her face, and I could only think of one thought. Sweetie Belle. The sensation of fresh tears running down my face woke me from my reverie. I could hear myself subconsciously humming the same smooth descant. I pulled out my sketch pad and started drawing a new outfit design. A little bit of white, I thought to myself as I drew. A little bit of purple, a bit darker purple. The pencil seemed to move on its own, as though it was a wave among many, as it always did when I was inspired by something. I couldn’t tell what yet, but it was something. Then I noticed the colors and the shape of the dress-— it was inspired by Sweetie Belle. I scrunched up the paper and threw it at the bin. It bounced off the rim and fell to the floor, but I just left it as it was. As the car rolled to a stop, I looked out the window once more to see the mental rehabilitation hospital I was going to be staying at. Author's Note I had to edit this from it's original form to this one, because my editor Bad_Seed_72 helped me figure out the paragraph breaks and the punctuation errors. Chapter 1: In the BeginningLooking at my surroundings, I stepped out. The hospital was grimy but white. There not a lot of windows, and only one set of large double doors. I looked around, seeing the houses and shops, colored in shades of blue and white, matching the scenery. The people working at the shops all seemed to be so happy, as though they had no care in the world. I saw one man sweeping up the sidewalks, a grim look on his face that changed to a smile as he saw me. I attempted to smile back, but failed. But when I looked over the car, I saw a little girl. I blinked and the little girl changed-— changed into my sister, Sweetie Belle. My eyes watered at my late sister’s beauty and innocence. Then, something went wrong. Her happy smile turned into a frown- her look of happiness to a look of complete terror. I recoiled slightly, but couldn’t look away. I could hear her screams... again. I blinked again, hoping for a different image. A different image is what I got, but not the one I wanted; it was the fire. The fire. The fire. I blinked to get the image away from my eyes. This time it worked, the little girl who had stood there was gone-— not my sister, just a random little girl. I shook any remembrance of seeing that fire again from my mind with a desperate shake of the head, but it was too late. It had already made its mark in my mind. I sighed mournfully and got my bags from the boot. The bags were filled with clothes and other such things I would need, like makeup and beauty magazines. I walked up to the rehabilitation hospital. The white walls got slightly more tarnished with every step. I tried to stop paying so much attention to detail but I simply couldn’t. The door needs golden hinges to match the wood, I thought as I dragged my bags on their wheels. The door needs to be repainted with a slightly darker brown and the handle will look better with a golden sheen to it. I placed my hand on the door but quickly took it off, being careful to wipe the moisture it left on my hand on the back of the door and not on my designer clothes. I looked down at the floor and cautiously placed my hand back on the door. This shouldn’t happen, I thought. I spun around and started to run. This shouldn’t happen I continued to run. This shouldn’t happen. I can’t-— My thoughts were cut off by something grabbing my arm. I turned to see one of the doctors glaring at me with cold blue eyes and a hulking orderly with his hand latched onto my arm. I tried to protest, but I was cut off by the doctor staring me down. I bit my lip and he pulled me to the door. The brute of an orderly let go of my arm and the doctor crossed his arms, glaring at me to open the door; I did, making sure to wipe my hand as I came in. The receptionist looked terribly bored. She slouched while chewing gum, causing the attention of every man or hormone-enslaved teenager in the hospital to just stare at her barely concealed form. But before I could mention to her about her unflattering style of dress and suggestive position, I was grabbed again by two more orderlies. I didn’t kick and scream as I was just dragged, though I was careful not to destroy my clothes in the process. When I got to my room, I was dropped onto the panelled floor. As the doctors left, I began to sob, drawing the attention of some of the other patients, I sniffled a bit. “What the hell are you looking at?!” I shouted Making them avert their gazes from the scared little girl in her room, I continued to sob. But when the caretaker came around, I noticed something about her. The hat that a usual janitor wore was more of a cap. What she was wearing looked more like a Stetson. “Are you okay?” the caretaker called out, looking up from her mop as she wet the floors. “No, I am not! And I do not see a point in you caring!” I shouted out of the door. I crossed my arms and sat down on the bed, trying to stop the rivulets of tears flowing down my cheeks. “I do.” The janitor said again, and I saw it was Applejack when I looked out the door, smiling in her own way. “Applejack?” I said with surprise, bouncing up to the door. “In the flesh,” was her calm retort. “Why are you in a place like this?” I asked, placing my hands on the window. “I need a bit more money to keep the farm afloat durin’ winter, so I got a part time job here. Mac’s doin’ the same.” “Really? That is pretty swell for your family!” That actually cheered me up a little. “You haven’t seen me in quite a while.” She hung her head down a bit. “Do you want to talk about it?” She piped up a bit, raising her head again. I tried to look away, but her brilliant green eyes pinned my gaze in place. After a few moments, my resolve left me. “Fine... fine.” I sniffed. I finally spilled everything, even the painful stuff, and about Sweetie Belle... so young and innocent... having her life ripped away before her time, burnt in a fiery death. My fingers grazed past the burns on my arms, tracing along the outside, looking at them. I knew they flowed across my stomach, then down my legs like a serpent. The flames jumped higher, engulfing my sweet little sister in a blazing inferno. Sweetie Belle screamed horridly as her body was being charred, turning to ash. I cried and tried to get to her, feeling my skin burning. The pain was terrible, but I couldn’t just stand there as my sister, my ONLY sister died before my very eyes. I stepped slowly into the fire, feeling the fire creeping in on me. I stepped farther into the fire, but it was too late… She was gone. there was barely anything but bones and charred skin left of that brilliant little girl I once knew. I was snapped out of my daydream by Applejack saying my name over and over again. “Rarity? Are ya there?” Applejack said, her southern drawl heavy on her lips. “Whatever do you need, Applejack?” I asked, in what Applejack used to say was the most beautiful voice. “Oh, nothing really, just making sure you’re okay.” “Well, I was just thinking of my kind little sister. I miss her with all my being. and there is nothing on this Earth that could stop me from getting her back.” I choked while trying to hold back tears. Author's Note This is the revised first chapter. I added to it so it had more "meat." I really hope you guys enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it! Chapter 2: Through The PainI awoke in a strange room. The walls were white, the flooring, white. Even the bed, white, but the smell of bleach overpowered the calming, but still disturbing purity of the color scheme as though it was trying to hide something… I just couldn’t figure out what it was trying to mask. I felt a hunger in the pit of my stomach, the gurgling sound rumbling over the sound of the voices in my head. I tried to hold back tears as I remembered my little sister, and how she used to cook me breakfast in bed. It should have been me… IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME! I DON’T WANT HER TO BE GONE! IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME! I grasped my head in my hands as the painful memories came flooding back. Images of flames dancing in their evil glow, piercing screams as they took hold of those I loved. I saw Sweetie Belle reaching out to me as I gave up and ran away. I tried my best, I really did but… it was too much… the stress, the pain… I still had the scars to show it, but when it became too much… I ran, I ran away... Element of Generosity? I think not… ______________________________________________________________________________ I slowly gathered myself from the tears that flowed like a river. My head hurt with a sudden pounding feeling as I sat up, picking my head off the pillow. I stood, and peeked out the tiny window, seeing the rolling green grasses, blue but cloaked sky, and white fluffy clouds. The sun seemed to wink at me with shining eyes. The light beaming off of it was bright enough to reach my room, but it barely touched a foot of space past the shadowed windowsill. As I looked out the window, I saw the people from the shops, smiling and laughing in the sunshine. They seemed cheerful, though I felt a pain that no one could describe unless they felt it too. I would have traded my life for Sweetie’s if I could, though she would be in my place. If I could, I would have wished and prayed for someone else to have their sister burn down their home in a blazing inferno, killing THEIR family not mine. I pushed these dark thoughts from my mind, not wanting to believe that they came from me. I composed myself and shakily made my way to the bathroom. I turned on the water and stared at the monster in the mirror. As the steam rose the image became hazy, distorting and shifting till I wasn’t staring at my reflection anymore. What I saw was a monster, a tired, stressed, worn out has been that couldn’t save those she cared for the most. Some time passed before I finally snapped out of my trance. I quietly took the running water and splashed my face, letting the warm sensation bring a small flush to my face. I stayed standing like that for a couple of minutes until I heard a nervous cough from behind me. I turned and saw Applejack staring at me from the entrance to my room. “Uh… hi Rares. Am ah interrupting anything?” “No no dear, I was actually just about to head out.” Applejack gave me a sympathetic look before nodding and stepping out of the way. “Ok then, Ah just came by to clean your room.” I gave Applejack a small nod and exited my room. I walked down the empty hallway, looking at the paintings of random things on the walls. Various scenes like a beach at sunset the sky now blazing with fiery colors, a mother cradling her child their faces full of glee, free from any pain and separation, along with relaxing objects like lit candles, their small flames seeming to flicker as I passed by them adorned the hall, obviously meant to soothe and calm the patients, they only served to bring back the awful memories. I continued to walk, looking down at the floor and avoiding the burning reminders of that tragic day as I made my way to the cafeteria. I could already smell the sausage, and my stomach growled at the thought of eating; I realized that I hadn’t eaten but a few bites every meal. I found myself a seat at a table, alone and away from the other patients. I looked around myself, fearful of the many disfigured and frightening people that surrounded me. I looked to where they served the food. My stomach growled again, seeing the eggs, bacon, and the sausage I smelled before. I stood again, grabbing a tray on the way to the line, which was rather short compared to how many people I had assumed would be there. After wolfing down my breakfast, a most unlady-like display might I add, I got up and placed my tray in the disposal area. As I was leaving a rather dashing man stopped me. “Excuse me miss… Rarity?” He asked, his eyebrow raised quizzically. “Yes, that’s me.” I replied, uneasy of what to say. “Doctor Devotion is waiting for you.” “Doctor… Devotion?” I asked, blinking my confusion. “Yes ma’am.” He sounds rather handsome. I thought. “Ok then, lead me to him.” I reply. After a trip down the winding halls, I arrive at a large door labeled Dr. Devotion. I nervously step in. “Well hello Miss Rarity!” A cheerful voice greets me. I take a good look at the man. He had a nice tan, his skin showing the time he spent outside, his eyes are a warm brown, kind and inviting, his body was toned, but not overdone. His voice was happy and inviting. I felt my nerves slowly ebb away. “H-Hello, may I ask why I’m needed? I really don’t want to talk about anything.” I said, taking in the sight before me. “But I’m afraid that you do...” He began, the cheer leaving his voice. “What ever do you mean?” I ask, tension lacing my words. “I’ve kept an eye on you, ever since you first checked in. While I commend your ability to hide your emotions, you can’t fool a professional.” “Oh…” I said, looking down. I heard a shifting sound then felt a gentle hand lift my head up. I looked up and saw his deep brown eyes staring at me. “It’s ok… everyone deals with issues, I’m here to help make sure you resolve yours,” He said, his voice calm and gentle. I couldn’t help but blush a little at his kindness, “so tell me. What’s wrong?” I broke down, telling him everything. Starting with the fire, that damn fire. I told him about the heat, the lights, those dancing lights. I told him about the screams that kept me up, breaking my dreams and constantly reminding me of my failure as a sister. I told him about how it was all my fault, how I was sorry it happened, how I wanted Sweetie back. I told him all the pent up rage that burned in me with a passion unlike any other, I told him how every little thing reminded me of Sweetie, I saw her in the halls, in rooms, by my bedside, in the doll room. Everything was Sweetie, everything was gone, burned up in a blazing inferno. I told him the visions that haunted my memories, I told him that sometimes I wanted to sleep and never wake up, and the whole time I poured my heart and soul into him, he just sat there, watching me intently, studying my every move, my every expression. When I was done, he silently got up from his chair and gave me a tight hug. I couldn’t keep it in any longer, I let out all the tension, all the anger, the sorrow, the guilt, I let it all out, crying and blubbering, melting in his arms as I got the one thing I truly wanted since I first checked in. I finally had someone to listen to me. To take me in their arms and comfort me. Someone who I could count on for anything. I finally had my knight in shining armor. Chapter 3: Tears and NightmaresAfter a long session with Dr. Devotion, I found myself being escorted through the halls back to my room. I saw the paintings on the walls, but didn’t mind them. For once in my visit, I felt at peace. I looked at the flooring, which was a dark color with specks of white. I tried to think of the many things that could possibly help to make it look better, but I couldn’t get the Dr. off my mind. He was just so kind, so caring. When I was with him I felt everything bad disappear. The fire never happened, Sweetie never died. I wasn’t even checked in here, I was just visiting a friend... “Rarity!” Applejack’s voice brought me back to reality. I saw, through blurred vision, her running towards me. Before I could react she pulled me into a tight embrace. “You ok?” I heard her concerned voice, as she wiped away the tears that had formed. “Y-yes darling. Why wouldn’t I be?”The words spilled out of my mouth in a jumbled mess, choked by the tightness in my throat that had formed without my knowing. “You were cryin’.” Applejack said, a trace of worry in her voice. I was? I thought to myself. “Was I?” I said, confused. “Yeah,” Applejack walked next to me and put a caring arm over my shoulder. “Yeah, you were.” “W-well I can assure you, darling, that I’m perfectly fine” I said with a content smile. Applejack gave a quick squeeze and a relieved smile before releasing me. “Well Ah’m glad to hear it,” she said with a slight blush, “Ah better get back to work.” And with that she walked away, off to go do her duties. ______________________________________________________________________________ I walked to my bed to think for a while. I laid myself down, closing my eyes in hopes to clear my mind. I opened my eyes again, only there was fire all around. I stood, panicking as smoke burnt my eyes, adding to the tears that had already begun falling to the ground. The steam burnt the skin beneath my shorts, telling me that this had to be real. If it was, then I could save Sweetie! “Sweetie Belle? Can you hear me?” I called out, hoping for an answer. A horrid scream of agony pierced the air, telling me she was still alive, but in the fire somewhere. That was when a tiny, sorrowful voice spoke behind me. “Rarity, why did you leave us? I thought you loved us…” said the voice. I turned to see my sisters small figure, but instead of the pale skin, green eyes, and her curly lavender and rose hair, I saw a flaming monstrous being that had taken the shape of my sister. It had skin as black as coal, with eyes as expressionless and cold. I saw a tear run down her charred cheek, with only caused me to burst into tears. “Sweetie Belle! I am so sorry, I just don’t know what came over me! I wish I could have saved you… I want you back!” My voice cracked with every word, salty tears running into my mouth as I cried in the most unlady-like way I could have imagined. I awoke to a hand on my shoulder. I looked to see who it was, and was surprised. Applejack was there, trying to comfort me. I hugged her tightly, sobbing onto her shoulder. “There, there,” I heard her comforting voice, “It’s ok.” “No! It’s not!” I cried, pulling her closer, “It was absolutely awful! I was back at the boutique, fire was everywhere! And… and…” I pulled her into a bone-crushing hug and bawled, “I saw her!” “Saw who?” Applejack asked, concern in her voice. “Sweetie Belle.” My voice came out as a mere whisper, barely reaching her ears. Applejack grabbed me by my shoulders and pushed me away. She held me in place, staring into my eyes. I saw just how concerned she truly was, a few tears rolling down her cheeks. I put my hand on her cheek and lightly brushed away the tears. She put her hand on my cheek. “Come with me.” “Where to, darling?” I asked, unsure what to think. “We’re gonna go see the doctor.” “The doctor? Whatever for?” “He told me to take you to him if I saw it necessary.” I looked at Applejack, fresh tears streaming down my face. Applejack, the only one here whom I dared called “friend”, was starting to see me as one of those brutes who sat in the corner talking about prophecies and the apocalypse! But… What if I was no better than them? What if I was just a drooling fool, ranting about a family lost and a home burned… “Rarity!” Applejack’s voice snapped me out of my trance. I looked at her and saw that she was crying. The fan slowly rotating in its futile attempt to keep the room cool. Fan? I sat up and felt a sharp pain in my head. I grabbed it and lay back down. “Ah’m sorry Rares…” I heard, Applejack say, hiccuped by tiny sobs. “Whatever for dear?” I asked, feeling more than a little light-headed. She took my hand in her own and showed it to me. It was stained red. Panic immediately set in. “What happened?” I asked fearfully. “W-well… when Ah asked you to go to see the doctor, you closed your eyes and started cryin’. Ah tried to comfort you, but you started thrashin’ around. Heh, didn’t know you were so strong…” I saw a large red mark on Applejack’s cheek. “Oh my goodness, dear… I… I’m so sorry!” I cried out, pulling her into a tight hug. “No, I’m sorry Rares. I panicked, when you started thrashin’ about, I grabbed you and threw ya to the floor. I tried to keep ya pinned but…” She touched the mark on her cheek, “Ah really didn’t know how strong you really were.” She said with a chuckle. “Is that why…” I looked at my hand, realizing what stained it red. Applejack gave me a small nod and looked away, tears streaming down her face. “Ah… ah didn’t mean to. Ah’m so sorry…” I hugged her tighter. “I… I think I should go see the doctor.” I said finally.
PrologueI watched through the car window, seeing the world passing by without me. Suddenly, I felt a lilting melody cross my mind. As the music seemed to draw closer, it was distinguishable as the small, but cheery voice of a young girl. The velvety soft voice sparkled with glee as I was entranced by the familiar song. A face burned its image into my mind. Her youth still shown plain as her vibrant green eyes lit up. A smile of unrivaled joy crossed her face, and I could only think of one thought. Sweetie Belle. The sensation of fresh tears running down my face woke me from my reverie. I could hear myself subconsciously humming the same smooth descant. I pulled out my sketch pad and started drawing a new outfit design. A little bit of white, I thought to myself as I drew. A little bit of purple, a bit darker purple. The pencil seemed to move on its own, as though it was a wave among many, as it always did when I was inspired by something. I couldn’t tell what yet, but it was something. Then I noticed the colors and the shape of the dress-— it was inspired by Sweetie Belle. I scrunched up the paper and threw it at the bin. It bounced off the rim and fell to the floor, but I just left it as it was. As the car rolled to a stop, I looked out the window once more to see the mental rehabilitation hospital I was going to be staying at. Author's Note I had to edit this from it's original form to this one, because my editor Bad_Seed_72 helped me figure out the paragraph breaks and the punctuation errors.
Chapter 1: In the BeginningLooking at my surroundings, I stepped out. The hospital was grimy but white. There not a lot of windows, and only one set of large double doors. I looked around, seeing the houses and shops, colored in shades of blue and white, matching the scenery. The people working at the shops all seemed to be so happy, as though they had no care in the world. I saw one man sweeping up the sidewalks, a grim look on his face that changed to a smile as he saw me. I attempted to smile back, but failed. But when I looked over the car, I saw a little girl. I blinked and the little girl changed-— changed into my sister, Sweetie Belle. My eyes watered at my late sister’s beauty and innocence. Then, something went wrong. Her happy smile turned into a frown- her look of happiness to a look of complete terror. I recoiled slightly, but couldn’t look away. I could hear her screams... again. I blinked again, hoping for a different image. A different image is what I got, but not the one I wanted; it was the fire. The fire. The fire. I blinked to get the image away from my eyes. This time it worked, the little girl who had stood there was gone-— not my sister, just a random little girl. I shook any remembrance of seeing that fire again from my mind with a desperate shake of the head, but it was too late. It had already made its mark in my mind. I sighed mournfully and got my bags from the boot. The bags were filled with clothes and other such things I would need, like makeup and beauty magazines. I walked up to the rehabilitation hospital. The white walls got slightly more tarnished with every step. I tried to stop paying so much attention to detail but I simply couldn’t. The door needs golden hinges to match the wood, I thought as I dragged my bags on their wheels. The door needs to be repainted with a slightly darker brown and the handle will look better with a golden sheen to it. I placed my hand on the door but quickly took it off, being careful to wipe the moisture it left on my hand on the back of the door and not on my designer clothes. I looked down at the floor and cautiously placed my hand back on the door. This shouldn’t happen, I thought. I spun around and started to run. This shouldn’t happen I continued to run. This shouldn’t happen. I can’t-— My thoughts were cut off by something grabbing my arm. I turned to see one of the doctors glaring at me with cold blue eyes and a hulking orderly with his hand latched onto my arm. I tried to protest, but I was cut off by the doctor staring me down. I bit my lip and he pulled me to the door. The brute of an orderly let go of my arm and the doctor crossed his arms, glaring at me to open the door; I did, making sure to wipe my hand as I came in. The receptionist looked terribly bored. She slouched while chewing gum, causing the attention of every man or hormone-enslaved teenager in the hospital to just stare at her barely concealed form. But before I could mention to her about her unflattering style of dress and suggestive position, I was grabbed again by two more orderlies. I didn’t kick and scream as I was just dragged, though I was careful not to destroy my clothes in the process. When I got to my room, I was dropped onto the panelled floor. As the doctors left, I began to sob, drawing the attention of some of the other patients, I sniffled a bit. “What the hell are you looking at?!” I shouted Making them avert their gazes from the scared little girl in her room, I continued to sob. But when the caretaker came around, I noticed something about her. The hat that a usual janitor wore was more of a cap. What she was wearing looked more like a Stetson. “Are you okay?” the caretaker called out, looking up from her mop as she wet the floors. “No, I am not! And I do not see a point in you caring!” I shouted out of the door. I crossed my arms and sat down on the bed, trying to stop the rivulets of tears flowing down my cheeks. “I do.” The janitor said again, and I saw it was Applejack when I looked out the door, smiling in her own way. “Applejack?” I said with surprise, bouncing up to the door. “In the flesh,” was her calm retort. “Why are you in a place like this?” I asked, placing my hands on the window. “I need a bit more money to keep the farm afloat durin’ winter, so I got a part time job here. Mac’s doin’ the same.” “Really? That is pretty swell for your family!” That actually cheered me up a little. “You haven’t seen me in quite a while.” She hung her head down a bit. “Do you want to talk about it?” She piped up a bit, raising her head again. I tried to look away, but her brilliant green eyes pinned my gaze in place. After a few moments, my resolve left me. “Fine... fine.” I sniffed. I finally spilled everything, even the painful stuff, and about Sweetie Belle... so young and innocent... having her life ripped away before her time, burnt in a fiery death. My fingers grazed past the burns on my arms, tracing along the outside, looking at them. I knew they flowed across my stomach, then down my legs like a serpent. The flames jumped higher, engulfing my sweet little sister in a blazing inferno. Sweetie Belle screamed horridly as her body was being charred, turning to ash. I cried and tried to get to her, feeling my skin burning. The pain was terrible, but I couldn’t just stand there as my sister, my ONLY sister died before my very eyes. I stepped slowly into the fire, feeling the fire creeping in on me. I stepped farther into the fire, but it was too late… She was gone. there was barely anything but bones and charred skin left of that brilliant little girl I once knew. I was snapped out of my daydream by Applejack saying my name over and over again. “Rarity? Are ya there?” Applejack said, her southern drawl heavy on her lips. “Whatever do you need, Applejack?” I asked, in what Applejack used to say was the most beautiful voice. “Oh, nothing really, just making sure you’re okay.” “Well, I was just thinking of my kind little sister. I miss her with all my being. and there is nothing on this Earth that could stop me from getting her back.” I choked while trying to hold back tears. Author's Note This is the revised first chapter. I added to it so it had more "meat." I really hope you guys enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Chapter 2: Through The PainI awoke in a strange room. The walls were white, the flooring, white. Even the bed, white, but the smell of bleach overpowered the calming, but still disturbing purity of the color scheme as though it was trying to hide something… I just couldn’t figure out what it was trying to mask. I felt a hunger in the pit of my stomach, the gurgling sound rumbling over the sound of the voices in my head. I tried to hold back tears as I remembered my little sister, and how she used to cook me breakfast in bed. It should have been me… IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME! I DON’T WANT HER TO BE GONE! IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME! I grasped my head in my hands as the painful memories came flooding back. Images of flames dancing in their evil glow, piercing screams as they took hold of those I loved. I saw Sweetie Belle reaching out to me as I gave up and ran away. I tried my best, I really did but… it was too much… the stress, the pain… I still had the scars to show it, but when it became too much… I ran, I ran away... Element of Generosity? I think not… ______________________________________________________________________________ I slowly gathered myself from the tears that flowed like a river. My head hurt with a sudden pounding feeling as I sat up, picking my head off the pillow. I stood, and peeked out the tiny window, seeing the rolling green grasses, blue but cloaked sky, and white fluffy clouds. The sun seemed to wink at me with shining eyes. The light beaming off of it was bright enough to reach my room, but it barely touched a foot of space past the shadowed windowsill. As I looked out the window, I saw the people from the shops, smiling and laughing in the sunshine. They seemed cheerful, though I felt a pain that no one could describe unless they felt it too. I would have traded my life for Sweetie’s if I could, though she would be in my place. If I could, I would have wished and prayed for someone else to have their sister burn down their home in a blazing inferno, killing THEIR family not mine. I pushed these dark thoughts from my mind, not wanting to believe that they came from me. I composed myself and shakily made my way to the bathroom. I turned on the water and stared at the monster in the mirror. As the steam rose the image became hazy, distorting and shifting till I wasn’t staring at my reflection anymore. What I saw was a monster, a tired, stressed, worn out has been that couldn’t save those she cared for the most. Some time passed before I finally snapped out of my trance. I quietly took the running water and splashed my face, letting the warm sensation bring a small flush to my face. I stayed standing like that for a couple of minutes until I heard a nervous cough from behind me. I turned and saw Applejack staring at me from the entrance to my room. “Uh… hi Rares. Am ah interrupting anything?” “No no dear, I was actually just about to head out.” Applejack gave me a sympathetic look before nodding and stepping out of the way. “Ok then, Ah just came by to clean your room.” I gave Applejack a small nod and exited my room. I walked down the empty hallway, looking at the paintings of random things on the walls. Various scenes like a beach at sunset the sky now blazing with fiery colors, a mother cradling her child their faces full of glee, free from any pain and separation, along with relaxing objects like lit candles, their small flames seeming to flicker as I passed by them adorned the hall, obviously meant to soothe and calm the patients, they only served to bring back the awful memories. I continued to walk, looking down at the floor and avoiding the burning reminders of that tragic day as I made my way to the cafeteria. I could already smell the sausage, and my stomach growled at the thought of eating; I realized that I hadn’t eaten but a few bites every meal. I found myself a seat at a table, alone and away from the other patients. I looked around myself, fearful of the many disfigured and frightening people that surrounded me. I looked to where they served the food. My stomach growled again, seeing the eggs, bacon, and the sausage I smelled before. I stood again, grabbing a tray on the way to the line, which was rather short compared to how many people I had assumed would be there. After wolfing down my breakfast, a most unlady-like display might I add, I got up and placed my tray in the disposal area. As I was leaving a rather dashing man stopped me. “Excuse me miss… Rarity?” He asked, his eyebrow raised quizzically. “Yes, that’s me.” I replied, uneasy of what to say. “Doctor Devotion is waiting for you.” “Doctor… Devotion?” I asked, blinking my confusion. “Yes ma’am.” He sounds rather handsome. I thought. “Ok then, lead me to him.” I reply. After a trip down the winding halls, I arrive at a large door labeled Dr. Devotion. I nervously step in. “Well hello Miss Rarity!” A cheerful voice greets me. I take a good look at the man. He had a nice tan, his skin showing the time he spent outside, his eyes are a warm brown, kind and inviting, his body was toned, but not overdone. His voice was happy and inviting. I felt my nerves slowly ebb away. “H-Hello, may I ask why I’m needed? I really don’t want to talk about anything.” I said, taking in the sight before me. “But I’m afraid that you do...” He began, the cheer leaving his voice. “What ever do you mean?” I ask, tension lacing my words. “I’ve kept an eye on you, ever since you first checked in. While I commend your ability to hide your emotions, you can’t fool a professional.” “Oh…” I said, looking down. I heard a shifting sound then felt a gentle hand lift my head up. I looked up and saw his deep brown eyes staring at me. “It’s ok… everyone deals with issues, I’m here to help make sure you resolve yours,” He said, his voice calm and gentle. I couldn’t help but blush a little at his kindness, “so tell me. What’s wrong?” I broke down, telling him everything. Starting with the fire, that damn fire. I told him about the heat, the lights, those dancing lights. I told him about the screams that kept me up, breaking my dreams and constantly reminding me of my failure as a sister. I told him about how it was all my fault, how I was sorry it happened, how I wanted Sweetie back. I told him all the pent up rage that burned in me with a passion unlike any other, I told him how every little thing reminded me of Sweetie, I saw her in the halls, in rooms, by my bedside, in the doll room. Everything was Sweetie, everything was gone, burned up in a blazing inferno. I told him the visions that haunted my memories, I told him that sometimes I wanted to sleep and never wake up, and the whole time I poured my heart and soul into him, he just sat there, watching me intently, studying my every move, my every expression. When I was done, he silently got up from his chair and gave me a tight hug. I couldn’t keep it in any longer, I let out all the tension, all the anger, the sorrow, the guilt, I let it all out, crying and blubbering, melting in his arms as I got the one thing I truly wanted since I first checked in. I finally had someone to listen to me. To take me in their arms and comfort me. Someone who I could count on for anything. I finally had my knight in shining armor.
Chapter 3: Tears and NightmaresAfter a long session with Dr. Devotion, I found myself being escorted through the halls back to my room. I saw the paintings on the walls, but didn’t mind them. For once in my visit, I felt at peace. I looked at the flooring, which was a dark color with specks of white. I tried to think of the many things that could possibly help to make it look better, but I couldn’t get the Dr. off my mind. He was just so kind, so caring. When I was with him I felt everything bad disappear. The fire never happened, Sweetie never died. I wasn’t even checked in here, I was just visiting a friend... “Rarity!” Applejack’s voice brought me back to reality. I saw, through blurred vision, her running towards me. Before I could react she pulled me into a tight embrace. “You ok?” I heard her concerned voice, as she wiped away the tears that had formed. “Y-yes darling. Why wouldn’t I be?”The words spilled out of my mouth in a jumbled mess, choked by the tightness in my throat that had formed without my knowing. “You were cryin’.” Applejack said, a trace of worry in her voice. I was? I thought to myself. “Was I?” I said, confused. “Yeah,” Applejack walked next to me and put a caring arm over my shoulder. “Yeah, you were.” “W-well I can assure you, darling, that I’m perfectly fine” I said with a content smile. Applejack gave a quick squeeze and a relieved smile before releasing me. “Well Ah’m glad to hear it,” she said with a slight blush, “Ah better get back to work.” And with that she walked away, off to go do her duties. ______________________________________________________________________________ I walked to my bed to think for a while. I laid myself down, closing my eyes in hopes to clear my mind. I opened my eyes again, only there was fire all around. I stood, panicking as smoke burnt my eyes, adding to the tears that had already begun falling to the ground. The steam burnt the skin beneath my shorts, telling me that this had to be real. If it was, then I could save Sweetie! “Sweetie Belle? Can you hear me?” I called out, hoping for an answer. A horrid scream of agony pierced the air, telling me she was still alive, but in the fire somewhere. That was when a tiny, sorrowful voice spoke behind me. “Rarity, why did you leave us? I thought you loved us…” said the voice. I turned to see my sisters small figure, but instead of the pale skin, green eyes, and her curly lavender and rose hair, I saw a flaming monstrous being that had taken the shape of my sister. It had skin as black as coal, with eyes as expressionless and cold. I saw a tear run down her charred cheek, with only caused me to burst into tears. “Sweetie Belle! I am so sorry, I just don’t know what came over me! I wish I could have saved you… I want you back!” My voice cracked with every word, salty tears running into my mouth as I cried in the most unlady-like way I could have imagined. I awoke to a hand on my shoulder. I looked to see who it was, and was surprised. Applejack was there, trying to comfort me. I hugged her tightly, sobbing onto her shoulder. “There, there,” I heard her comforting voice, “It’s ok.” “No! It’s not!” I cried, pulling her closer, “It was absolutely awful! I was back at the boutique, fire was everywhere! And… and…” I pulled her into a bone-crushing hug and bawled, “I saw her!” “Saw who?” Applejack asked, concern in her voice. “Sweetie Belle.” My voice came out as a mere whisper, barely reaching her ears. Applejack grabbed me by my shoulders and pushed me away. She held me in place, staring into my eyes. I saw just how concerned she truly was, a few tears rolling down her cheeks. I put my hand on her cheek and lightly brushed away the tears. She put her hand on my cheek. “Come with me.” “Where to, darling?” I asked, unsure what to think. “We’re gonna go see the doctor.” “The doctor? Whatever for?” “He told me to take you to him if I saw it necessary.” I looked at Applejack, fresh tears streaming down my face. Applejack, the only one here whom I dared called “friend”, was starting to see me as one of those brutes who sat in the corner talking about prophecies and the apocalypse! But… What if I was no better than them? What if I was just a drooling fool, ranting about a family lost and a home burned… “Rarity!” Applejack’s voice snapped me out of my trance. I looked at her and saw that she was crying. The fan slowly rotating in its futile attempt to keep the room cool. Fan? I sat up and felt a sharp pain in my head. I grabbed it and lay back down. “Ah’m sorry Rares…” I heard, Applejack say, hiccuped by tiny sobs. “Whatever for dear?” I asked, feeling more than a little light-headed. She took my hand in her own and showed it to me. It was stained red. Panic immediately set in. “What happened?” I asked fearfully. “W-well… when Ah asked you to go to see the doctor, you closed your eyes and started cryin’. Ah tried to comfort you, but you started thrashin’ around. Heh, didn’t know you were so strong…” I saw a large red mark on Applejack’s cheek. “Oh my goodness, dear… I… I’m so sorry!” I cried out, pulling her into a tight hug. “No, I’m sorry Rares. I panicked, when you started thrashin’ about, I grabbed you and threw ya to the floor. I tried to keep ya pinned but…” She touched the mark on her cheek, “Ah really didn’t know how strong you really were.” She said with a chuckle. “Is that why…” I looked at my hand, realizing what stained it red. Applejack gave me a small nod and looked away, tears streaming down her face. “Ah… ah didn’t mean to. Ah’m so sorry…” I hugged her tighter. “I… I think I should go see the doctor.” I said finally.
