Chapters "Envy exists in every life form that contains the ability of thought. No matter who or what you are, you will always be jealous of those who have more than you. The main difference is whether or not you let that corruption take over you and let it get the better of you."
"Hello Miss Rarity. The usual I presume?" Aloe asked with her generic smile.
"Yes please, and just for one again. I'm afraid Fluttershy can't make it once more."
"What a shame. I missed having her come in, she was always a nice mare to talk to and was always friendly. Especially compared to most other customers." Aloe's twin sister Lotus chipped in.
Rarity had come to her weekly spa session alone for the third time in a row. Nowadays Fluttershy was either preparing for a show, or leaving for one. So she couldn't make any trips anymore. Rarity had tried time and time again to make changes to fit both of their schedules but they would never work out.
"It's not fair. I'm the one who brought her to stardom, but what do I get in return? Losing one of my most dearest friends. She should at least try to make some time for me." Rarity complained through her mud mask.
"Oh it can't be that bad and I'm sure Fluttershy is just overwhelmed by all of that modelling and can't help it."
"I hope you're right Aloe." She sulked.
"Have you tried asking her to take some time off?" She questioned.
"I've tried that but everytime I try she's always whisked off by Photo Finish." She gruffed. "That heinous b-
"Miss Rarity! I know you're angry but please, to yourself if you must." Aloe scolded.
"Oh, I'm sorry." She sighed. "It's just that it's been forever and she's the only one I feel comfortable talking to without the presence of feeling judged. I can't do anything anymore because of everything I have pent up inside that I want to let out."
"I'm here, I won't judge." Rarity sighed once more.
"I really wish you could but it just doesn't feel the same. Fluttershy even on the inside doesn't judge, she's too nice even for that."
"Well how about trying to... No nevermind." Aloe shook her head.
"How about what? I'm desperate. I'm willing to do anything to get my best friend back." She pleaded.
"Anything?" She replied sultry, with half lidded eyes flickering.
"Anyth- Almost anything." Rarity caught on smiling.
"Can't say I never tried. Well how about you try to..." Aloe leaned in closer and whispered the rest into her ear. Once the message got through, Rarity's ears perked up, but fell right back down.
"But I couldn't do that. That wouldn't be very friendly of me."
"To be honest with you Miss Rarity, I don't think that she really enjoys being a model." Rarity gasped.
"Impossible! She seemed to absolutely love it when I saw her on the catwalk."
"I know but it just seems odd. She's always been a quiet and reserved mare. I think the only reason why she's doing it, is because if she doesn't she'd be letting you down."
"Oh that's rubbish. She wouldn't do this much for me. Would she?"
"It's just a guess but I wouldn't put it past her." She paused. "Here think of it like this. If you go through with this, Fluttershy will be relieved of her duties, she can go back to her animals and do what she's best at, and more importantly she can spend the time she lost with you mares and hopefully things will go back to normal."
"Now that you put it that way... By Celestia Aloe, you're a genius!" Rarity's eyes sparkled.
"Oh you flatter me." She blushed.
"I swear if you weren't such an amazing masseuse, I would recommend you as the royal advisor!" Rarity went on.
"Oh please Miss Rarity you're making me blush." Her cheeks turned rose red.
They continued to talk for the remainder of Rarity's session, about things going on or coming up. Aloe was good and trusted company but Rarity still did not want to share anything too personal.
"Oh I must say Aloe you certainly are wonderful and lovely to talk with."
"No no, you were a great pony to talk to. Most of the time customers just complain about the most trivial things that I couldn't care less about, but don't tell anyone. You're much more interesting to talk to."
"Well I must get going. It sure was a pleasure." Rarity said dropping a couple of bits.
"The pleasure is all mine. Same time next week?" She asked whilst grabbing the bits and putting them into the cash register without bothering to count them. She knew Rarity always came with the right amount and if she came with more, Rarity counted it as a tip.
"Yes, and hopefully with Fluttershy if your plan goes along."
"What's this plan with Fluttershy?" Lotus asked, waltzing into the foyer.
"Nothing my dear sister." Aloe cooed.
"Oh well. So sister I found something neat in the back, can you help me with it?"
"Oh I'd be delighted to. Well good bye Miss Rarity. Have a nice day." Aloe waved following her sister into the parlour.
Rarity had a mission. If she wanted her best friend back she would have to do something mean, but she was convinced it was the only way.
She would have to drug her best friend.
Rarity trekked through the murky area of the Everfree forest to Zecora's and asked her for a sleeping potion. Zecora asked why she would ever need such a thing.
"As of late it's been hard to sleep, I was hoping you would have something to help me." She said obviously lying.
Zecora looked through her large stash of potions and grabbed one with a brown liquid inside. She brought it over and placed at by Rarity's hooves. "This will help you sleep, for it is what you seek?" She questioned, giving her a suspicious look.
"Oh thank you Zecora, you are a life saver. Is there anything I can do to help you in return?" Rarity asked, not noticing her look.
"It is fine, consider it a generosity mine." Zecora smiled.
"Well I must get going, I don't want to get lost in the woods, especially at this time. Have a good night." Rarity remarked galloping out the door. Zecora continued to create a new brew of sleeping potions, she had given her last one to Rarity. She looked across the room and noticed it still there.
"It seems she has taken the wrong potion." She shrugged her shoulders and continued to talk to herself. "Though it still should stop her motion."
Rarity galloped through the woods quickly trying to get out of this, how she put it, ghastly place. It was soon going to be dark and the Everfree forest is the worst place in Equestria to be at this time.
Except maybe a few certain places that Rarity could sadly name.
Rarity had returned to her boutique without any troubles and slept with perfect bliss. Leaving the potion off to the side on her nightstand.
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Rarity had tried time after time to try and invite Fluttershy over, but that was the major flaw in her plan.
How am I going to get her to drink it at an appropriate time and place? I couldn't mix it with some other drink or it would seem too suspicious. The only drink that would work would be tea or coffee because of the colour of the potion and I can't just let her drink it before she goes on stage, it would make her look like a fool. Rarity was frustrated as the week nearly ended with no success.
On Friday she was welcomes by a visitor knocking on the door. "Coming!" She said in her sing song voice. She slowly walked to the door and opened it. "Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, where your're here to look magnificent. How may I-" She stopped, gazing at the terribly disguised mare. "Flutter-
"Shh please."
"What are you doing here?" She asked holding back a scowl.
"Do you have time this afternoon?" She asked gently.
"Time for?" Rarity knew the answer but wanted to hear it from her.
"I noticed that I've barely spent anytime with you girls and felt that I needed to be with you most of all, I owe it all to you."
"Oh it was nothing." She muttered.
"I was wondering if you would like to come over later and just sit down for some tea and talk. If you're busy, though, I understand."
"Of course I have time." She chipped. "What time should I come?"
"Oh If you wouldn't mind a little past sunset. I want to make sure the animals are all fed and tucked in so we can talk peacefully without any problems. But I have to leave again at 11:00 sharp." Fluttershy said sighing.
"I would be delighted!" Rarity instantly thought of her plan. "Do you mind if I bring the tea? I just got some exotic tea from Saddle Arabia that I've been dying to taste, but never found myself in the mood." Finally! The time has come!
"If you insist. I really don't have many choices in my home."
"Please. Don't fret about it, at least you care for certain necessities unlike some other ponies in particular."
"Well I had better get out of your mane. You're probably busy."
"I hope to see you tonight." Rarity smiled.
"You too." Fluttershy smiled walking away.
As soon as Rarity closed the door, she let out the most uncouth squeal she could muster. Yes! Yes! I've waited long enough and the time has come, on my front doorstep I might add. But you must remember Rarity, anything could happen. We just need to prepare for it.
But as the sun fell further and further down into the horizon, the alabaster mare's worries were getting pummelled into ashes. It was roughly half an hour before the appropriate time. Rarity packed her saddlebags with her tea which actually was from Saddle Arabia and the sleeping potion. If everything goes properly Fluttershy will be fired and everything can go back to how it should be. The mare closed her shop/home and slowly walked towards the cottage.
The sun was dipping in the horizon as if it had been cut by the land, the moon opposite about to replace it. She was nearing Fluttershy's home and would be there any minute. She went over many different scenarios to make sure if any problems arise she could deal with them.
After feeling content she noticed the cottage just a hundred or so meters away. Okay Rarity you can do this. You must save your friend from the evil clutches of the modern media. You must save her.
In around half a minute she had made it to Fluttershy's gate and opened it slowly, as to not disturb the, what she saw as sleeping, chickens. She stealthily trotted up to the door about to knock. When she heard a thud on the other side.
Rarity panicked and opened the door to see Fluttershy sprawled on the floor.
"Fluttershy! A- are you alright?" She sped towards her friend, shaking her awake. Fluttershy didn't respond. "Fluttershy!?"
"Oh hello Rarity. W-what happened?" She woke up confused, shaking her head, bags underneath her eyes.
"Fluttershy! Oh thank Celestia you're okay." She brought the yellow mare up and hugged her.
"W-what happened?" She asked again worriedly.
"I just came to the doorstep when I heard you hit what i thought was the floor. Are you okay? You look awfully tired."
"No I'm fine, just haven't gotten much sleep this week." She yawned.
"Oh then you mustn't go to the event." She said, slowly walking the weak mare to her couch. "You must rest, this isn't very good for your health."
"I'm fine, there's nothing you need to worry about." Fluttershy said in an annoyed tone of voice.
"I'm just concerned, as a friend." Rarity held back any snide comments to say about her tone of voice.
"I'm sorry Rarity. I hope you can understand how hard this job is." She pouted.
"Oh no worries. All you need is something to drink to keep your strength up. How about you just sit down and I'll make the tea." Rarity, as if reading Fluttershy continued. "And I won't take no as an answer."
"Thank you, and I really am sorry. I invited you over for tea and am having you make it." She sulked.
"Nothing to fret about." She clapped her hooves together. "Now come, we must continue in the kitchen."
"Okay." The mare replied, slowly getting off the couch and onto her hooves. Rarity had already made it to her kitchen and started rummaging through the cabinets.
"So how are things going for you." She called out levitating out a small kettle with her magic.
"It's going okay. It's a lot of hard work, and I still can't get over my fear of being on stage." Fluttershy said taking a seat.
"Seems like you don't want to do the work." Rarity replied. Maybe I won't even need the potion, I can try it convince her.
"N-no I love the work and I'm getting better at overcoming my fear." She said quickly.
"Is there something the matter sweetie?"
"N-nothing's wrong, I'm just tired." Fluttershy replied plopping her head on the table.
"Oh well if it's that important, a lady should never pry too hard." She smiled.
After a few minutes of talking, Rarity heard the whistling of the kettle. "Well I think the tea is ready, it won't be much but it will help."
"Thanks again."
"Like I said. It's no problem." Rarity walked over to the cupboard once more, grabbed two cups and two saucers and had laid them on the table. "Where do you keep your sugar?" She asked.
"In the bottom drawer." Fluttershy pointed out.
"Ah yes, here it is." She brought out a small container half full of the sweet substance and placed it onto the table. The kettle was still whistling, increasing it's noise by the second. Rarity put a stop to it's flame and filled their cups around three quarters full.
"And now for the tea. Ooo I can almost taste it!" Rarity exclaimed.
"Me too." Fluttershy added smiling, not wanting her friend to be offended by her low level of enthusiasm.
Rarity placed the tea leaves into both cups. Now she needed a distraction so she could put the potion into Fluttershy's cup. Think Rarity, think! Everything is riding on you to get her to drink the potion.
Then there was a knocking at the door. "I'll be right back." Fluttershy said, walking towards the door. Rarity smiled until she left.
As Rarity saw her leave the room and out of sight she immediately grabbed the potion. She took off the cork when she heard the door open. Okay Zecora said to put three drops per hour. So I'll play it safe and put nei- I mean nine drops. Three hours should be enough for her to miss the entire thing. Oh I can't wait to see how furious that thief will be.
She heard the door close. Oh no I have to hurry! Rarity placed the last few drops in and corked the bottle. She stuffed it into her saddlebag as Fluttershy walked back into the room with some letters on her back, with a confused look.
"Is something the matter?" She asked.
"Nothing." She said quickly but regained her normal voice. "Nothing's the matter sweetie, the tea is done and I would love to speak a little more before you must leave."
"Oh yes of course." She put the letters off to the side and sat down. Fluttershy took a sip of tea and sighed.
"What seems to be the matter? Is something wrong with the tea?" Oh no, can she tell something's wrong with it?!
"Nothing's wrong with the tea, it's really good. I just want to ask you a question though, but please will you not be mad at me?"
"Why of course and I pinkie promise." She said making the signs.
"I just." Fluttershy yawned. "I just wanted to ask you if." She was interrupted once more. "If I could...
"Could???" But the mare had already fallen asleep.
"SUCCESS! Victory is mine!" Rarity chirped while giving birth to a large grin. Rarity stole a look at how she was sleeping. "Now, that is no place to sleep. I'll take you to your bed." Rarity had taken the sleeping mare carefully on her back, to her room and laid her down pulling the blanket over her. "Sleep tight. Don't let that photo pest bite."
Rarity closed the door to Fluttershy's room, and she collected all her things and locked the door as she left her home.
When she made it to her home she set everything down in her room and fell onto her bed exhausted. Rarity you've done amazing today. You deserve a nice long rest.
Rarity instantly fell asleep after thinking those last few words.
Author's Note
Talking to my lonesome self :)
If you find any mistakes or errors feel free to point them out.
"When one protects, may it be by instinct or with much thought, it is when they think they deserve the pain more than the one they protect."
"I HATE YOU! How could you just end what I finally liked doing! I thought you were my friend!" Fluttershy screamed at her.
"I-I didn't mean to but-
"Don't even talk to me! We're through!"
"Darling please be reasonable, I only did it for your best interests."
"NO! You only did it for you're best interests!" Fluttershy galloped away crying.
"How could you do that Rarity." Twilight said running over to Fluttershy.
"That was uncool." Rainbow said coldly joining Twilight.
"I thought ya were better 'n that Rarity."
"Yeah! That was super duper mean of you."
"Wait I didn't want it to go like this!" She cried out.
But they had already left.
"PLEASE! IM SORRY!" She fell to her hooves crying.
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"FLUTTERSHY!" Rarity yelled, reaching up, tears steaming down her cheeks as she fell onto the floor.
She found herself back in her room filled with darkness, with the exception of Luna's moonlight, tearing through her window but failing to get past her violet silk curtains. She noticed a sweat had formed on her forehead, much to her disgust, and slowly wiped it away along with her tears with her right forehoof.
"Oh what am kidding. I was just being selfish. The Element of generosity, yeah right." She sighed. "I should go over, wait for the potion to subside and ask her to forgive me. Hopefully she won't be too mad at me."
Rarity got up from the floor, receiving a death glare from Opal for disturbing her sleep, and gave her mane a good brushing by her vanity mirror, trying to get her mane to its original design before walking out of her home. For added measure she used some of her perfume to mask her smell of sweat.
Luckily when she got outside the street was empty as only a few ponies were awake at this time, so she wouldn't be bothered as long as she stayed on the right streets.
Rarity, on the way thought of ways to explain but everything she thought of so far seemed to dig her into a much deeper hole. I'll just say everything without trying to deviate too far from the truth. If I just speak without trying to make any excuses hopefully she will be forgiving.
As she neared her cottage, only a mere five minutes away, she found Angel, Fluttershy's pet bunny, banging on doors. It was odd to see him away from her for more than a short while. Is something wrong with Fluttershy?
The bunny caught sight of her and ran over. He furiously gripped her leg and proceeded to frantically point in the direction of Fluttershy's cottage.
"Is there something wrong?" But Angel was already hopping away, going as fast as his tiny legs could take. Rarity immediately galloped behind him. This isn't good.
They were less than a minute away when Rarity noticed two things. The first thing she noticed was that the sky had clearly become slightly darker and almost foggy. She also noticed a faint glow coming from the direction they were going towards. The glow got brighter and brighter every second, until she could distinct the colour orange. The cottage would be in sight any moment now, without any trees blocking her vision.
When she first caught sight of Fluttershy's humble abode she galloped as hard as she could screaming.
"FLUTTERSHY!" Rarity wanted to wake up from this nightmare.
Nearly the entire house had been engulfed in flames from top to bottom. The windows had seemed to be melting, smoke billowing out, the wood burning fiercely and the leaves even more so. The flames looked alive as if eating a wonderful meal after not eating for several weeks. It seemed as if nothing would be left in a few short minutes.
And one mare was unfortunately still inside with no knowledge of the figurative horseman waiting to claim her and take her away forever.
Rarity could not call for help, Fluttershy lived too secluded for anyone to notice and by the time she could go and get help the house would burn down with her in it. With no other options Rarity galloped even harder towards the door. As she got closer and closer she felt the searing heat increasing it's area and deadliness each moment. Not caring for etiquette Rarity broke the door down with brute force without hesitation, gaining a few scratches from the splintered wood on her hooves.
The inside of the home was worse than she predicted, nearly half of what she saw was taken over by the inferno. The flames seemed to be coming from the kitchen. The way to the stairs however was fairly clean compared to the rest of the house, but just as dangerous. No animals were in sight, they seemed to have all fled when they noticed the danger.
She used what magic she had, to make a weak barrier that Twilight taught her awhile back, after an event she would rather not talk about. After the spell was cast she ran upstairs quickly, skipping many steps and tripping once or twice. She turned the corner to see the only door to her room aflame, a dark grey gas pouring out.
Her spell was already weakening and she decided to dispel it. She would need her energy trying to get out. On a hopeless wish she tried to call out for her friend.
"FLUTTERSHY! DARLING WAKE UP!" She was given no response.
Rarity had no choice but to use the same force she did downstairs on the front door, this time the door would burn her but her low oxygen level that was decreasing every moment made the decision very simple. The door luckily caved in easily and she rushed in gaining a few burn marks, to see a yellow mare breathing heavily surrounded by flames. Rarity wanted to yell at her to wake up but knew she would only lessen their already minuscule chance at surviving this incident.
She immediately lit up her horn and used small barriers to cover the flames that surrounded Fluttershy's bed. She had never used more than two at a time and it was already taking heavy toll on her body. The alabaster mare wasted no time rushing to Fluttershy's bedside and pulling her off the bed and onto her back with her teeth.
The pain that hit her back once Fluttershy landed was excruciating. Her body told her to let go and save herself while she still could. But her heart, which dominated, told her to get over the pain and take Fluttershy quickly. She grit her teeth and started to walk away.
She let the barriers that covered the fires go and all the pressure they had pent up exploded into the air like pillars of fire. Rarity yelped in pain as the fire scorched her flank and burnt her tail clean off. But she didn't jump into the air too far, fearing that Fluttershy would be hurt. The way out had not been taken over by the flames so she trotted as fast as she could out of there, just as one of the supporting beams fell down on top of the bed, snapping it immediately.
When she got downstairs she noticed the path outside was still there, the flames however even closer than before. She galloped as hard as she could towards the door and saw an inferno in place of the opening where the door should have been, it was mocking her.
Rarity, however never hesitated. Rarity created a small barrier to cover the mare on her back as she dove into the pyre and straight through it. The pain was much worse than she could ever imagine, it was as if she had been dipped in a volcano without any enchantments or protective gear. She could not control her movements after her jump and she fell down, scraping across the dirt path, Fluttershy landing on top of her, making her injuries feel even worse.
She felt pain in many places on her body. Her coat had lost patches in multiple places with the skin underneath darkened from the intense heat, the hair she had not lost turned into many shades of grey and black. If she hadn't been in such pain she would scold herself for allowing herself to look so terrible.
At that moment all Rarity wanted to do was close her eyes and let death consume her, the level of pain she was feeling was the worst she felt in her entire left, it would have been so easy to give up.
She couldn't give up.
If she was alone she would have taken the chance to close her eyelids and rest, but the yellow mare that lay on top of her didn't deserve it.
She mustered what energy she had left and stood up, wobbling. Her legs wanted to burn off and just stay there, but she never listened. Rarity started to walk away slowly from the burning home, with the yellow mare on her back, moving slower than Granny Smith. Each step she took stole more energy than she could afford, and soon she was moving purely on willpower.
She had made it to the forest path that would take her towards town before her legs finally buckled. Rarity attempted to keep her balance but she just fell over onto her side, Fluttershy falling to the other, facing her. She stared into Fluttershy's closed eyes as the yellow mare's breathing had slowed to an even pace. Rarity got up close to Fluttershy and hugged her, tears forming.
"I-I'm sorry Fluttershy." She whispered whilst crying. Her eyesight was starting to fail her. Then touch and smell failed. She heard broken voices ahead on the path but ignored it, closing her eyelids.
Darkness.
Author's Note
Any mistakes feel free to point them out.
Kindness
"The main reason for kindness is not to make others feel good or better about themselves. But to help others in pain or prevent them from going into it."
Rarity woke up startled, with a yelp and nearly fell off the bed as she heard the door slam open, revealing a mare with a white coat and a small hat that adored a red cross.
"Good afternoon. It's nice to see you awake. Apologies if I have in fact awoken you." Redheart spoke softly.
"A-am I in the hospital?" Rarity asked, positioning herself upright. She knew the answer already but wanted to be sure.
"Yes, Miss Sparkle dropped both you and Miss Fluttershy off here a week ago." As the nurse said this Rarity panicked.
"A week?! What happened to Fluttershy?!" She said, hastily trying to get out of bed.
"Now now." Redheart said slowly pushing her back into the bed. "There is nothing you need to worry about. She is completely fine and is due for release later today."
"Oh... That's some good news." She sighed.
"As for you, you suffered from second degree burns all across your body and you need to stay an extra day, you should be good to go around noon tomorrow. It was mighty brave of you to go in and help her, but you shouldn't do something so reckless next time. Though because of you she only suffered from minor burns. Which is a plus." Rarity flinched from hearing that and tears started to well up in the corners of her eyes. Catching sight of this the nurse frowned. "Is something the matter?"
"Please. Can you give me some time nurse?" Her voice nearly cracking.
"Okay I'll get out of your ma- hooves now." She paused taking a look at her now burnt hair. "It seems like you need your friends. I'll go get them, they're waiting just outside." She walked through the double set of doors that she came from. What are they going to think about me. I'll be lucky if they don't hate me after this. Rarity laid her head down ashamed.
The doors slammed open once more to Rarity's displeasure to the rest of her friends.
"Rarity!" The all cried out in unison.
"H-hi." She replied weakly as they ran up to her bedside.
"It's been too long. We were been getting worried." Twilight said with a smile.
"Whoa." Rainbow looked surprised and started holding back a laugh. "Your ma-
"Don't even think about it." Applejack scolded. Giving the cyan mare a death glare, before turning back to a Rarity with a smile. "We're all glad your okay now."
"Yeah! And we all waited and waited. It was suuuuper boring but we wouldn't want you to wake up alone, because that's terrible, to be in the hospital without friends or family or-
"I think she gets it Pinkie." Twilight interrupted, putting her hoof to her muzzle.
"Thank you all. How is Fluttershy doing?" She asked putting her head down. She hasn't told them yet? Or maybe she doesn't know? I should still tell her though. Even if it may ruin our friendship, she deserves to know.
"She's doing just fine. You were the one who suffered worse injuries. Thankfully you were there." Twilight remarked.
"Not ta sound rude or anythin but why were ya there?" Applejack questioned before waving her arms side to side. "Not implying anything o course."
Quick think of something! "I was taking a late night stroll when Angel came up to me-
"Wait wait wait. You were taking a walk after midnight?" Rainbow asked.
"Yes I couldn't sleep. So I decided to go out and get some fresh air." She replied weakly. It hurt her on the inside to lie to her friends but she had to talk to Fluttershy first.
"Okay continue to the good part." Rainbow said once more, focusing intently on her.
"Angel brought me to her home and she was still inside. I got her out but fainted on the way back."
"Aww where's the action? The suspense?" Rainbow complained.
"Now there sugarcube, I'm sure she doesn't want ta remember that 'gain. All that matters is that both of ya'll are safe."
"Thank you Applejack... I really don't want to remember that night again if I can." She smiled weakly, shaking.
"Well it looks like your still a little tired. Take a rest and we'll come back when you're well rested." Twilight said.
"But I just brought the party." Pinkie sulked as she returned into the room, with balloons and a cupcake.
"It'll only be a little longer Pinkie. Think of it like this. The longer we wait the better you can prepare."
"Okie dokie lokie. I'll make sure you have the best party Rarity."
"Get a good rest Rarity." Applejack smiled.
"Yeah. Good bye for now." Rainbow remarked, waving goodbye.
"Thank you girls. I'll see you in awhile." Rarity said as they left. Once they left the room she dropped her head onto the pillow. She was nearing tears. It hurts so much. I'm the one who caused this and they're treating me like a hero, when I am merely a coward. All their praise feels wrong, but I'm scared of what they will think about me. I don't want to lose my friends.
From out of nowhere a bright light came up at the foot of her bed but she didn't notice it until a mare spoke.
"Rarity what's wrong?" Twilight said calmly. Rarity would have jumped out of her bed had she not been injured.
"Twilight! You startled me. Please don't do that again."
"I'm sorry but I have to know what's bothering you. The others may not have noticed it but I have. Whenever they said something about what you did, you looked ashamed."
"I-I can't say. Please understand, I know you feel as if you must know and help me but it's better if you don't." Rarity sighed. "I just don't feel as if it's the right time."
"Rarity I can help you, we can help you."
"I'm sorry Twilight. But that's what I'm afraid of. Thank you for your concern and offer though. I greatly appreciate it."
"It's no problem, it's what friends are for." Twilight left the room once more, leaving Rarity all alone again. This time she didn't even make it to the pillow before she started crying. I don't want to lose them. I love all my friends dearly, Celestia forbid what I would do if I lost them.
Feeling exhausted Rarity rested her head comfortably, not letting the tears up, and fell asleep.
Rarity woke up much more peacefully compared to the first time as she was awaken by light hooves rustling around her. She slowly got up and sat up opening her eyes. Her eyes delivered an image of the nurse from before. The nurse looked over from her clipboard and saw her awake, deriving her attention away from the clipboard.
"Good morning Miss Rarity. Did you sleep well?" She asked with the same soothing voice.
"Yes. Thank you very much."
"Oh nothing to thank me for, just doing my job." She smiled.
"Still, even if it your job you aren't rude like the last nurse I had the pleasure of having."
"Please. I'm blushing." She paused and made an action as if she remembered something crucial. "By the way one of your friends is here just outside waiting. I told her she could come in if you let her. Her name was Fluttershy I think. Wonderful mare to talk to, such a great listener."
"Sh-she wants to see me?" She choked.
"Yes, is something the matter? I could ask her to come by later, if you would like." The nurse replied seeing hers sudden displeasure.
"NO!" She yelled instantly putting a hoof to her muzzle, a deep shade of red appearing on her cheeks. "I mean please let her in, sorry."
"Okay then... I'll go get her." She chuckled awkwardly, leaving the room. Smooth move Rarity. Rarity sighed again.
The door creaked open slowly after a few seconds revealing a butter coloured pegasus with her bubblegum hair in its normal, straight, wavy fashion. The marks the fire left on her were barely noticeable unless you were looking for them. Just a few on her hooves and some on her sides.
The mare trotted up slowly to the side of the bed in a matter of seconds, but it seemed to take forever for the alabaster mare. Fluttershy took the seat that stood there. Rarity was sweating in anticipation as to what the mare would do. Fluttershy rose her hoof slightly and Rarity lifted her fore hooves in the air quickly, shielding her eyes.
"Hello there Rarity." Her voice as smooth as silk, that contained no ill intent, waving her hoof.
"H-hello F-fluttershy." Her voice nearly cracking halfway, lowering her hooves.
"How are you doing?"
"Fine." Her voice decreasing as the seconds gone by, she was on the verge of tears, but tried to keep them in. This however didn't escape the yellow mare's notice.
"Rarity, what's wrong?"
"I'm sorry!" She blurted out. "It's all my fault your like this. It's my fault for all of this."
"What are you talking about?" She questioned.
"The fire, your injuries, everything!" She choked before backing down her voice to a whimper. "It's all my fault."
Rarity could not face her, she felt so guilty, so wrong. Rarity tried to turn away but the yellow closed the gap between them with a hug before she could.
"It's okay Rarity I don't blame you for anything." She soothed patting her back.
"B-but." By this time she let everything go, not caring about composure or how she looked. She continued to cry for a short while and the tears started to slow down, she asked the yellow mare a question.
"Why Fluttershy? Why are you being so nice to me?" Barely a whisper.
"Because I'm your friend. Aren't I?"
"I-I thought you wouldn't want to be my friend anymore, after what I did. I poisoned you, my best friend to sleep right before you had to go to your next show, and I almost killed you, and no doubt lost you your job." Rarity was almost about to cry once more but Fluttershy lightly giggled.
"Oh Rarity." She smiled.
"Why are you laughing?" She replied with a hint of annoyance.
"We've been through much worse and they have only made our bond much stronger, why are you letting something so small get between us."
"Y-you mean?" She asked hopeful.
"Yes Rarity, I still love you as a friend and have no negative feelings against you, maybe a little disappointed, but that's all really. (1) And about the job." She scratched her head, smiling sheepishly. "I didn't like it at all, but I thought if I quit you would be disappointed in me." Rarity hugged her tighter than she did before, crying once more, but of joy. She didn't deserve her best friend or her words.
"Thank you Thank you Thank you!" She repeated many times. "This won't happen ever again and i'm sorry if i made it seem that way."
"No worries. Do you umm mind though, if I stay here with you and walk home with you." She said hiding behind her mane.
"Of course I don't mind, in fact we need to catch up if I'm not mistaken." Rarity paused, catching on what she meant. "Oh and of course stay as long as you need."
"Thank you Rarity. I just felt embarrassed to ask you for something like this."
"Darling I was the one who caused you this grief, the least I can do is give you a place to stay until your cottage is rebuilt. Even if this never happened you're always welcome." Rarity squealed thinking of all the time they were going to spend with each other, after being apart for so long. Fluttershy's ears suddenly perked up, she heard hushed noises from the other side of the door. Rarity was about to ask her what's wrong when she placed her hoof to Rarity's muzzle and slowly walked over smiling. She opened the door a little too quickly and four mares fell through the empty space.
"Girls?!" Rarity said worriedly. "H-how l-long where you there." A sweat forming on her forehead.
"Enough, to know what you did." Rainbow said flatly.
"I thought ya were better n that."
"Girls please. If you heard us then you know that I forgave her, so you should too." Fluttershy remarked.
"Yeah! You three should just leave it in the past. Like that chocolate cake I had this morning. Mmm chocolate." Pinkie exclaimed slowly starting to drool.
"Yes of course I'll forgive her, but something's been bothering me. Why would you burn down her house? I think there's something else you aren't telling us." Twilight questioned, going straight into interrogation mode.
"First and foremost girls I'm sorry for lying to you before and I know my words don't hold a lot but believe me when I say, it wasn't me. Yes I did." She gulped. "Drug her, but I don't know what caused the fire." She replied calmly.
"And I believe you." Fluttershy smiled.
"Well, it sure is weird that ya would do such a thing, 'n you do sound sorry so if Fluttershy over 'ere can forgive ya ah don't see why ah can't." Applejack remarked. The room went silent for a few seconds and everyone turned around to face Rainbow. She just sat there playing with her hooves until she noticed their stares.
"What?" She asked.
"Aren't ya going to forgive er?" Applejack questioned.
"Why should-" Rarity put her head down as the rest of them gave her a dirty look. "Ugh fine, but if it happens again I won't be so forgiving."
"Your impossible." Twilight facehoofed.
"Then who did?" Fluttershy whimpered. "I-is somepony after me?"
"Yes, somepony was after you, but not anymore." Everyone turned around, except Rarity, to see a stallion. He had the average physique for an earth pony, light brown coat and spiky brown mane. Rarity could not see his cutie mark at the moment but knew who he was.
"Who are you?!" Twilight yelled at him, charging her horn. The stallion started to laugh.
"What's so darn funny!" Applejack commanded taking her stance.
"Oh sorry, that joke never gets old, and don't worry I'm not here to inflict any harm on any of you ponies." He wiped his tears off.
"Then what are you here for? And what do you mean not any more?" Rainbow growled, wary of the mysterious stallion.
"Let me start with my name. I go by many names, but the most prevalent seems to be the doctor. I have a phd in-
"Get on with it! Ah'm in the right mind to use mah hooves on ya." Applejack snarled.
"Oh alright, I'll get to the point. A mare, whom's name I cannot currently unveil, apparently snuck into her cottage expecting her to not be there." The doctor pointed at Fluttershy who proceeded to hide behind her mane once more. "I suspect she wanted something to incriminate you or at the very least shame you." He laid it out casually.
"But why would anyone want to do anything to Fluttershy." Twilight questioned, relaxing a little more.
"Can you tell me, Miss. Sparkle, what business was she in before this fiasco."
"She was in- okay I get it now."
"What is it? So what if she was ah model. It's not like she was hurting anypony."
"Invidia." Rarity spoke calmly, smiling, attracting the stares of the mares. "Am I right Time Turner?"
"Ooo so you do remember me, my odd orders and love for different languages." He returned the smile. "Yes you are right Rarity, somepony was jealous of her success and tried to end it. My guess is that she thought if she could find something against you, like enhancements or narcotics maybe even a dirty magazine or two, she could blackmail you or give it to the media to end your career."
"B-but why would she burn my house down with all the little critters and animals inside?"
"It's just a theory but-
"It wasn't on purpose?" Twilight interrupted, giving the doctor a curious look.
"What kinda pony burns ah house down by accident?" Applejack gave Twilight a quizzical look.
"A frustrated one. We assume that she had gone through your kitchen and accidentally knocked something onto the stove, as it was where the fire had started." Rarity suddenly remembered her mistake.
"So it is my fault." She sulked, turning over on her side. "I thought I turned off the stove but I must've only put it on a lower setting."
"Rarity please, I forgive you, it's in the past now. It wasn't your fault." Fluttershy stuck her hoof out and rubbed her back.
"Well I must take my leave now, I just wanted to let you know. I was going to ask Rarity some questions but you five probably want some time together." The doctor turned around about to leave when the yellow mare spoke slowly.
"Umm Doctor, do you mind if I ask a favor?" He stopped and turned around slowly, to see her playing with her hooves.
"Of course, if it's reasonable."
"C-can you let that mare go?"
"What? Are you crazy?" Rainbow yelled.
"Umm-
"Why would ya want that mare ta not be punished for er wrongdoings."
"Please let-
"I have to agree with the both of them, letting her go free would be a bad idea."
"Ladies please, let her speak. She must have a good reason." Rarity scolded, before smiling at Fluttershy. "Right dear?"
"Umm yes, thank you Rarity. I just don't want her to be there because of me. It must have been an accident. Everypony's made mistakes, some we aren't especially proud of. So doesn't everypony, including that mare deserve a second chance?" The room went silent.
"I guess so..." The orange mare replied, scratching her head, with an embarrassed smile on her muzzle.
"I still think she should be punished, like come on Fluttershy!" Rainbow complained. "Even being nice has it's limits."
"Well i'm not entirely sure if I could do that, but it should be simple enough." The doctor replied scratching his chin as if in deep thought. "Are you completely sure though?"
"Thank you and yes I am. She probably feels guilty for what she did, that's more than enough punishment in my mind."
"Well then I bid you farewell now. Take care." The doctor left the room.
"Well that solves that mystery." Twilight sighed. She turned back to Rarity seeing her have an awkward look of curiosity. "Is something the matter Rarity?" The alabaster mare faced her.
"Where's Pinkie? She was just here before the doctor showed up."
"Right here!" Pinkie jumped out from the other side of the door.
"Where have ya been?" Applejack questioned. "Ya missed somethin mighty important."
"Oh silly I already knew, and I was just baking some cupcakes." She pulled out a box of her best cupcakes. Blueberry chocolate drizzle fizzle.
"But it hasn't even been five minutes how-
"It's Pinkie Twilight." Applejack interrupted, putting her hoof in front of the purple mare.
"Don't mind if I do!" Rainbow remarked, reaching for a cupcake only for her hoof to be swatted down. Seething in childish rage she turned. "Hey! What's the big idea?!"
"Don't you think Rarity should have the first one?" Twilight Scolded. Rarity spoke quickly right after.
"It's fine, I don't feel hungry. Go ahead and eat."
"See Twilight. She doesn't want hers." She replied grabbing one and stuffing it into her mouth, making her famous wub face.
"I never said that, I would never miss the opportunity to eat them. Just not now." Her smile slowly becoming more friendly and less two faced.
"So Pinkie, ya mind tellin us how ya know bout what happened?" Applejack asked reaching for her own cupcake.
"Oh that's easy." She set down her cupcakes and started shaking. "Pinkie sense remember. Shaking means a big ol' doozy."
"Yes but that doesn't explain how you knew about what we were talking about. Wait... Do you even know what we talked about?" Twilight gave her an awkward look.
"Of course I do, you were talking about the one who burnt down Fluttershy's house with Time Turner. I've known that for forever." Pinkie smile slowly falling, but only to an awkward one. "But I can't exactly say why. In the future I can tell one of you."
"Which wanauvus?" Rainbow asked with her mouth full. She swallowed and spoke once more. "I mean, which one of us are you going to tell?"
"Next year. Until then I can't say a word. Oh no. What if I already doomed us?!" Her face turning into shock."Doomed! No, I must prepare, take care!" She sped out of the room before any of them could get a word in.
"Ah'm gonna make sure she don't do nothin too crazy." Applejack chuckled awkwardly going towards the door.
"I'll join you. My wings are aching, I need to give em a good work out." Rainbow remarked leaving her position and following the orange mare. She almost made it out before Twilight caught her.
"The cupcakes stay." The purple pony smirked mischievously. "Don't think I didn't notice."
"Fine." Rainbow sulked, her master plan crumbled in mere seconds. "Anyway Twilight help us find Pinkie, it'll be annoying to search for her without magic."
"Why not." She replied with a smile. "Pinkie sure can be hard to find and I still can't believe how she got stuck in space last week." Twilight left along with Rainbow and Applejack after saying goodbye to the two mares who stayed behind.
Rarity and Fluttershy continued to talk for the remainder of time they had left and Rarity brought up a suggestion.
"How about we go to the spa!"
Author's Note
(1) Friendzoned
Well that's that. This has been my first story completed on the website and I'm glad it turned out semi-decent until the end. This chapter was supposed to be finished almost a week ago but I couldn't find a way to end it. So I kept adding and adding. Hopefully my next story won't end as bad. Most forms of feedback are welcome such as criticism what you liked what you didn't but just don't hate mindlessly. My only request is don't say the story was bad without giving a reason, I want to improve my writing so if you give my harsh criticism it can help me make a better story that you may actually enjoy.
We'll until the darkness consumes us all. I bid you goodbye.
~Impurity
