Chapters Twilight Sparkle was falling. Falling for ages. Centuries. Or was it hours? Minutes? The lavender mare couldn’t quite tell at the moment, luckily, she finally landed in a seemingly endless, white abyss; bewildered and slightly aching.
“Strange,” Came a deep, Trottingham accent from behind her, “You weren't due for another ten years… The balance must be out of whack again.” A sigh of frustration followed. Twilight shakily got to her hooves, unsure of the solid, yet transparent substance she was standing upon. Her eyes were blurry and hazed, further confusing her cloudy mind. She slowly turned to see a black stallion covered in robes; he was large and intimidating as well, prompting her to step back once. His back was turned and he himself appeared to be fiddling with some strange, round sphere filled with smoke. Twilight closed her eyes and shook her head, attempting to rid her brain of the fog that plagued it. She opened her violet eyes to see the terrifying looking stallion from before, but he was turned around now, with a long black horn protruding from his forehead. He had a black face, but it was accented with white splotches that eerily formed a skull. Not only did this unsettle Twilight, it confused her even more as she looked for a way out of the endless plane.
“That’s not going to help, bloody mortals. All the same, you lot.” The stallion spoke in disgust, “Here.” He said and levitated a small vial of swirling, white liquid to the mare. She looked at it with a raised eyebrow, then glanced into the stallions eyes. She instantly felt a warm feeling, enough to fill a thousand hearts with joy. She was compelled to down the poultice as quickly as possible, and she did exactly that, not missing a drop as she chugged the liquid. Yet, as soon as it hit her tongue, her very tastebuds recoiled and she gagged, but despite her disgust, she could not stop drinking the foul liquid. When she finished the potion off, she tossed the vial to the side and gagged again, showing her clear distaste for the tonic. Then, she stumbled, a rush of blood making her lightheaded and causing her ears to ring. But when the blood drained, it seemed to have washed her mind clean of its haze, allowing rational thought to process.
“W-Where am I?” The mare asked, confusion masked by piqued curiosity. The strange stallion chuckled lightly, irritating the mare.
“You don’t know?” He asked, earning an annoyed shake of the head from Twilight. He sighed and threw his head back, letting a mane that started as deep read, but then got brighter as it reached down to the flayed tips that ended in black, flowing around as he shook his head and landing in a handsome part over his horn, which was currently lit with black magic. “I’ll help you delve into your memories-”
“No need.” Twilight interrupted, “I’ve got my own magic.” She added, smirking at the fact that she had one up on him. But he only chuckled, causing even more irritation.
“Feel free to try, but you’ll find that you won’t get very far.” The stallion said. Twilight glared at him and nodded, begging to reach down into her core where her vibrant magic resided, only to find it hollow. Where there was once a shining ball of tamed, purple energy, now there was nothing. The mare frowned lightly and tried again, still not understanding the gravity of her current situation. She tried three more times before collapsing.
“See?” The stallion commented smugly.
“What did you do to me?” She gasped, terrified that the mystery stallion had sapped her magic.
“My job.” He said, confusing Twilight even more.
“What do you mean?!” She shouted in exasperation, causing him to sigh in annoyance.
“You know, for Celestia’s prized student and one of the brightest minds in Equestria, you’re pretty fucking dense.” He shook his head. Twilight was normally a calm soul. Intraverted and timid, silent and antisocial. Typically avoiding conflict and keeping to herself, but right at that moment, she was beyond angry. She had blacked out, then woke up in some random place with some random stallion who might or might not have taken advantage of her, and now on top of that he was insulting her intellect and ability! Who does he think he is?!
“Now you listen here-” The mare was cut off as a black energy fired from the stallions horn and hit her between the eyes. It seemed to stay there but a moment, before seeping into her skull. It put her mind at ease, calming the enraged bookworm to rational levels.
“What did you do to me?” She asked evenly.
“You ponies are so damn inquisitive, aren’t ya? I calmed you down. Now, if you would please, allow me to perform my memory spell.” The stallion said with annoyance.
“Why not just tell me?”
“That’s not my job. My job is to show you.” Twilight sighed in defeat and stepped forward, lowering her head slightly.
“Fine. Just… Don’t try anything.” She warned, flashing the stallion a glare. He deadpanned to her face and raised an eyebrow.
“Even if I wanted to, sweetcheeks, I couldn’t. I’m rather ill-equipped.” He said flatly, then turned and raised his leg. It revealed where the sheath would be if it existed.
“So I’m in a Cloplic Church? It would explain you being a unic…” The mare thought aloud.
“I’m not a fucking unic, you purple twat!” He snapped, “And we are definitely not in any Cloplic establishment. Do you see a little Timmy glued to anypony’s crotch around here?”
“Alright, alright. Can you just do your job already? I want to go home.” She asked, ending on a, to the stallion, pathetic note.
“You won't be able to go home after this, not entirely anyway.” He said, lowering his horn to hers.
“Wha-” She was cut off by a bright light flooding her brain. Images began to swirl around her chaotically, all of which were her memories. From birth to present, her entire life was splayed out before her. She sat on her haunches in awe, taking in all of it as her life literally flashed before her eyes. The lavender mare reached out, coming close, but never being able to actually touch the frames as they raced by. Finally, the memories seemed to slow as they neared their end, which contained her most recent memories. She was so absorbed in the senses that only her subconscious had remembered, that she did not realize the stallion had appeared behind her. He said nothing, just standing as a silent vigil while Twilight was sucked into her own memories. For Twilight, it became lifelike at her last memory. As she came across it, she stared into the image of her and her friends laughing. She could hear all of them laughing, see the bustling street of rush hour Ponyville, smell the dust in the air, feel the sharp pain in her abdomen and the unwanted pleasure in her nethers, and she could taste the copper of blood. All of these senses flashed through the mare before she was thrown into the memory.
“Uh, Twi? Equis to egghead, ya there?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Huh? Oh sorry,” Twilight said, shaking her head as she registered the memory subconsciously, What’s going on? She tried to ask, but found her lips incapable of the movement.“I must have zoned out for a moment.” She nervously chuckled, inwardly frowning at her will being thwarted by her subliminal memory. At least her confusion garnered a few giggles from her friends.
“Ah knew ya liked stars, Twi, but jeez.” Applejack joked, getting even more laughs, some even from Twilight herself, much to her own surprise.
“Now, now girls. Let’s not forget why we came.” Rarity’s regal voice said, calming the other girls from their fits of giggles.
“Rightio, to the candy stand I go!” Pinkie exclaimed as she bolted through the crowd of ponies faster than what should be possible. Rarity sighed and began walking to the opposite side of the market.
“If you should need me, I will be near the Exotic Threads and Fine Jewelries. Ta-ta, darlings.” She said, not stopping to look back as she pranced through the crowd.
“Ah reckon Ah outta be gettin’ off ta tha Apple’s sellin’ stand. See ya later, girls.” AJ said as she trotted to the East.
“Yeahhhh, heh heh…” Rainbow nervously chuckled, rubbing the back of her neck. “DarringDooautographsigninggottagobye!” She quickly zipped off, causing the lavender mare to chuckle, simply going along with the memory at this point.
“And I better get to Quills and Sofa, you coming Fluttershy?” She found herself asking.
“Um… Actually, I need to get food for my animals… I’m sorry, Twilight. I’ll make it up to you, if that’s okay with you.” The buttery Pegasus said quietly, hoping not to disappoint her friend. Twilight smiled at her friends stereotypical behaviour and nodded lightly.
“Oh thank you!” Fluttershy exclaimed and bolted to the food market, leaving the other mare by herself in the crowd of ponies. As she weaved her way through them, she found them lessening and lessening, until she wound up where there were no ponies. As it turns out, she was also on the other side of town where Quills and Sofa was not.
“Ugh, of course I’d make the wrong turn.” She groaned and walked over to a nearby alleyway. She breathed a small sigh of relief to be away from the crowd, though. She had always hated crowds, mainly due to her claustrophobia. She was very happy to finally be able to breathe, instead of being choked by a sea of ponies. Ponyville may look small and rural, but in actuality, there are quite a few ponies living in the town. But most stay inside, being too terrified to come outside unless they really needed something due to Ponyville’s recent dangerous events that the town has become prone to.
She leaned against the cool brick of the more modern style house, calming from her near panic attack. Suddenly, a hoof coated in black gunk slammed against her horn. She cried out in pain and tried to reach within herself for magical defense, only to find her magic locked in dripping chains of the black gunk. She had nearly no time to think as the stallion punched her in the throat, not allowing her to scream at the moment. The offender then slapped her across the face and began to drag her down the dark alley by her mane. She tried to scream again, but her vocal cords were still too injured to allow noise of any kind. He finally reached a wall and threw her against it, causing her to lose her breath.
“Well, well. If it isn’t the ‘star student’ troublemaker.” A smooth voice sneered.
“P-Please…” Twilight begged, fear invading her raspy voice that she had finally found under the fear of dying..
“Just shut up and give me all your damn bits!” He scoffed. Twilight saw a brief flash of light illuminate her assailant. He was a dusty brown Earth Pony with a rather kempt appearance His trimmed mane accented his face handsomely, and overall, his appearance didn’t scream ‘Dark alley thief’ pony, which surprised Twilight greatly. Except for the malicious grin he was sporting. He grabbed her mane and slammed her against the wall again, getting a whine of pain in response. He pressed the tip of something hard and sharp against her abdomen, sending terrifyingly cold chills throughout her body. Her eyes widened as she finally realized what was going on and she began to struggle, shifting and twisting against his grip as the pure fear fueled her movements. Despite all of that, she could not escape the stallions iron grip.
"I-I don't have any bits! Please don't kill me!" She exclaimed, terrified for her life.
"You don't have any bits? Too bad you've already seen my face." The stallion said, then he shot his hoof forward, imbedding the knife into her organs and twisting violently. The resulting screech was so high pitched that one who did not know better would mistake it for a fillies cry of play. But five ponies did know better. They knew the scream of their friend, right?
"Why are you doing this..." She asked, coughing up a small bit of blood. Her assailant smiled sadistically, throwing his head back with an evil laugh.
"Because, I can. Besides, your death will bring in a hefty amount of bits from a few rather... Corrupted politicians. After all, who wants Celestia's favorite little pony getting some royal position? That would be terrifying for all of us." He remarked, turning and leaping over the wall.
“Twilight!” Rainbow Dash’s worried voice came from her side. A rainbow blur sped down the alley, coming to a stop over the bookworm.
“Hang on, we’ll get you to a hospital!” Rainbow exclaimed as her other friends ran over with equal looks of worry. All except for Applejack, who’s jaw was set as tears ran down her face.
“Dash… Her main artery has been cut… There’s nothing we can do.” Applejack choked as the blood pooled around them.
“But… But we were suppose to have that party…” Pinkie said, getting sad for but a moment before she changed back to her normal self, “It’s okay! We’ll do it when you get back.”
“Darling… There has to be something we can do…” Rarity said, stamping her hoof futilely for a lost emphasis. Fluttershy remained silent, just completely shocked at the event unfolding before her eyes. Twilight was barely coherent at this point, and the blood draining from her body was not helping. She decided it was time for some her final words. Interestingly, her memory did not. She struggled for a moment with it, fighting for dominance. Eventually, she won out.
“Girls…” She rasped, gathering their attention quickly.
“What is it, Twi? Who did this ta ya?” Applejack asked.
“Girls… My time is almost up. I… I hate to say it… But it’s true,” She coughed up a little blood. “I love you all, and I wouldn’t be the pony I was without you… I have some much to say, but I find this hard to fight… He… He was… Brown…” She said her final words, fading away as her friends bowed their heads in respect while staying silent through her departure.
“Ah will find him, and make him pay.” Applejack said, being the last words Twilight heard before she was slammed back into her own body.
“Wha-What? I-I’m alive?” She asked, patting herself down. The stallion behind her facehoofed, groaning.
“No, you dense little wanker!” He shouted at her incompetence.
“Then what am I?”
“Dead!”
Author's Note
Okay guys, this is a little something to hold you over. It's going to be big, I just know it. Anyways, you probably noticed the Dogma reference and I basically based Death off of Metatron from Dogma mainly for a little comic relief. Like always, like and favorite! And tell me of my mistakes! Also, I decided since I got so much god damn negative feedback, I'd change it. There is no longer a violent rape scene. Merry fucking Birthmas. Stay Brony, my friends.
“Dead?”
“Ten points to fucking Equestria. Yes. Dead. D.E.A.-”
“I know how to spell dead, I’m not an imbecile.” Twilight remarked hotily.
“Could’ve fooled me.” The stallion commented. “Though, you do have some will behind you.”
“What do you mean?” She asked.
“There’s that density. Not only did you alter your memory, which, by the way, you were suppose to silently bleed out, you also changed the past.” He clarified.
“How in Equestria did I do that?”
“Magic.” Upon seeing her confused look, he decided to elaborate, “When you died, your magic reservoir was full. Itching to get out. After the gunk wore off, it took the chance and exploded outwards. The residual energy was enough for your astreal will to change the actual past. Nothing big, just a few parting words.”
“So… I’m dead.. Why did this happen to me?” As the lavender mare said this, the stallion mouthed her words.
“Blah, blah, blah! All of you mortals are the same. You ask the same questions, go through the same routine, and even refuse your fate in the end. I was hoping at least somepony of your prestigious status could break the monotony of my boring job.” He complained.
“You think killing other ponies is boring… I thought my attacker was sadistic…” Twilight commented.
“I don’t kill people, ya twat. I reap them. When they die, I collect their souls and take them to the ‘better place’ mentioned in foal tales.” The stallion explained.
“Stop calling me a twat!” Twilight cried.
“The stop being one!” He shouted back, then his face dawned some sort of realization. “Dear Tartarus, I’m arguing with my client.” He facehoofed. “You know why you’re here? Because you died. It happened because it was meant to, and no. You can’t have a second chance.” He finished, prompting a moment of silence.
“Well if it was ‘meant to be’, then why did you say I was ten years early?” She asked, causing yet another moment of silence as the stallion thought about her question.
“Well… That one I actually don’t know-”
“Hey, it’s a Hearths Warming miracle.” She interrupted, causing him to flash a glare at her smirk,
“The balance is always in flux, somepony’s die before their time and some live long past. It’s unpredictable.” He finished his explanation. Twilight stopped for a second and soaked up his words, her face changing from victorious to despairing as her next question passed through her mind
“Huh… Well… Why did you make me go through that..?” She asked, tears glistening in her eyes. The stallion opened his mouth, then closed it again, not expecting the serious question.
“Oh, you’re not going to cry are you? I hate it when they cry.” He groaned.
“Answer me!” She exclaimed.
“Because I’m suppose to. I have to show you simpletons how you died, then take you to the other side. You coming?” He asked, creating a black portal with his horn and motioning towards it.
“What?”
“Come on, you’ve got nothing left here. Let’s go.” He insisted, motioning towards the portal again.
“No. I want to see my friends again.” She stamped her hoof sternly.
“Whether you want to or not, you’re coming with me.” He said with annoyance.
“No.”
“Yes.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“No!’
“Yes!”
“Well that’s it then, you can leave without me.” She said stubbornly and sat on her haunches, crossing her forelegs.
“You mule! Move your flank!” He shouted, causing his cloak to fly off of his back and reveal a set of flared, void black wings. Twilight was shocked to say the least. Much too shocked to even respond to his demands.
“A-An Alicorn.” Who-What are you?” She asked, both fear and reverence creeping into her voice.
“Oh bollocks, I forgot how you ponies reacted to Alicorns. Anyway, I am DEATH!” He exclaimed radically, striking a pose, then lowered himself, “Pleased to make your fucking acquaintance.” He muttered.
“Wait, dozens of ponies die every day. How are you both here and dealing with them?” She asked.
“I’m not.” He answered simply. She raised an eyebrow for him to continue, causing an annoyed sigh to be emitted. “I don’t owe you anything, so don’t expect an explanation for everything.” She stayed quiet, not budging, only increasing the look of confusion on her face.
“Ugh, fine! Long ago, there were dozens of Alicorns spread all across the world. Your two princesses are the only true Alicorns left in existence. The rest of us are dead. And that little poser in the Crystal Empire doesn’t count as a true Alicorn, for Celestia and Luna changed her into one. Anyway, when an Alicorn dies, they become Death Incarnate. Most of the buggers decided to act like the dark and scary Death told in foals stories, yet I remained my cheery little self. I am the leader of the other deaths because I died first, due to a rather unpleasant debate with a very powerful, and short fused, dragon. So I’m put in charge of the more important deaths while my subordinates take care of the small fries. So can we please get going now that you’ve got your little lesson in?” He finished the explanation. Twilight was in awe, at least until the end.
“As amazing as that all is, I’m not going unless you drag me.” She crossed her forehooves and stuck her bottom lip out, closing her eyes and pouting. Death glared down at her and sighed in defeat, causing her to open her eyes and look at him. “Wait… You can’t, can you?” She smirked in victory.
“No. I can’t. You have to be willing, but I am warning you, agree now. I’ve seen so many powerful souls torn apart because they’ve wanted to watch their loved ones.” He warned, suddenly serious, causing the lavender mare to soften at his uncharacteristic attitude flip.
“Please, I have to see them one last time.” She said lightly, holding a hoof up to him comfortingly. “You don’t have to come.”
“I’ve made my decision. I’m sorry, but I need to see them and how they’re getting along without me.” She said, causing Death to sag his head wearily.
“Fine. I’ll save you the trouble of finding them.” He said and charged his horn, making a large scythe appear from nowhere. He then slammed the butt of the weapon onto the ground, teleporting them away from the stark abyss and to a green field accented by the sun shining upon the grass. But to Twilight, it seemed somewhat dulled. What struck her as strange were the two rows of seats, filled with ponies dressed in black. Due to that, she could not recognize any from behind.
“Where am I?” She asked innocently, eyes traveling over to the center of the activity.
“Lucky you, not many mortal blighters get a chance to witness their own funeral.” Death commented, his snarky tone back in full swing. Twilight’s eyes landed on the open coffin in front of the ponies. In it, she was sure her mortal body lie, which gave her the perfect chance to proceed with her plan. She ran up through the center of the rows as fast as she could, Death following casually behind.
“You can’t just jump back in your body.” He dully remarked, clearly having been through this multiple times. Twilight stopped with a quick 180, quickly facing the stallion as tears began to streak down her face.
“Why not?! Why can’t I jump back into my body and go?! Live a happy life?!” She questioned hysterically, “Why can’t I just live…” She asked on a softer note, breaking down in tears.
“Because shit happens and you’ve got to move on with it on your back. You don’t just get to go on your merry way when you die, you will have to deal with it. Just like you dealt with it in life. Unless you commit suicide of course, those idiots get their hopes up. Luckily, I get to be there when its dashed away before they’re sent to Tartarus. Back to the point, you’re dead. Deal with it.” He said bluntly. Twilight was distraught that her last hope for life had been snuffed out, but sat down in an empty seat that was randomly scattered through the crowd due to Death’s rather plain spoken attitude.
As the last pony filed in, she noticed that the Cakes were here as well as the entire Apple family. Not to mention Spike, the girls, PeeWee, Owlicious, Shining Armor, Cadence, and even Celestia and Luna had made it. All of them were weeping, dressed in some sort of black garment. The rest of the ponies were denizens of Ponyville. Nearly every single pony was there, paying their respects to the town's librarian and constant savior. Celestia took the stand, a distant look in her eyes.
“Twilight… She was a scholar… A prodigy. A hero. The element of magic itself. All of these terms would be true, but she was so much more than that. She is… Was… The greatest mind in Equestria. A friend, and it was my privilege to be her mentor… Although, she taught me more than I ever could teach her.” Celestia choked, ending her speech as silent tears fell from her empty eyes. The solar Alicorn stepped off of the podium, allowing Shining Armor to take the stand.
“To see somepony as powerful as Celestia cry, it’s moving in itself.” Death commented at Twilight’s side, but she ignored his comments. She was too immersed in the sorrow of her friends and family to care about the Alicorn.
“My little Twily… My BLSBFF…” He dryly chuckled, “Was taken. She was there for me for everything and I was there for her… But I couldn’t be there to save her. Or even see her one last time. To whisper mom and dad’s old lullabye as she drifted into the void…” He stopped, looking up at the sky, “Why? Just… Why?” He stepped off of the stage, crying all the way to his wife. Luna stepped forward, taking the stand.
“Words can not express the amount of sorrow I feel towards Twilight’s death… But there is something I do have to say.. Without her, I would not stand before you ponies today as a reformed princess… And… I wish I could’ve just been there for her last moments… To whisper sweet nothings to her as she faded. To hold her close one last time…” Twilight’s heart leapt to her throat as the moon princess paused.
“Come on, Luna, you can do this.” Twilight urged, tears still sinking into her fur.
“My sister forgot one thing… My little star was not just a friend, she was a lover.” Luna stepped from the platform, going to sob into her sisters mane. Celestia patted her back as Applejack made her way to the podium.
“You’re boinking Mooney? Bloody Tartarus, that’s awesome.” Death laughed, being ignored again by a smiling Twilight.
“Thank you, Lulu.” Twilight whispered through her emotional pain.
“She can’t hear you, ya know.” The Alicorn stallion commented. Before Twilight could retaliate, Applejack cut her off unintentionally.
“Ah… Ah don’t know what ta say… Celestia said it best, but… Ah’ve gotta say something. She was a friend… A fighter… She was strong until the very end and Ah couldn’t have asked for a better friend. She held us together, brought us back from our darkest places. Ah speak fer all the elements when Ah say we were connected in more ways than just bein’ friends. The moment she passed, we all felt somethin’. Like we’d lost a part of ourselves. A part of our souls. Ah know she would’ve been an Apple,” She hit her chest with her hoof, “Ta tha core. ” She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. When she opened them, they were filled with a fiery determination. “And Ah promise on my momma and daddy’s graves that Ah will find whoever did this, and make ‘em pay.” A hate so dangerous it’s pure radiance could kill glinted in the Apple’s words. Even a few members of the audience visibly shuddered as Applejack walked back to the group of her friends, her mane darkening her face.
Twilight finally got a to get a good look at them. Rarity was in a lacy black dress, her eyes distant as she stared into planes unknown. Rainbow Dash was clearly intoxicated, sporting a faint smile of pain as she stared at the coffin and took the occasional swig of Marewaukee’s Best. Fluttershy was also dressed in lacy black, a veil hiding her eyes to the living. But as an astreal being, Twilight could see through the mortal barrier. Fluttershy was still in a state of shock, her eyes bright and her pupils pinpricks as silent tears crawled down her face. And Pinkie. Pinkie was just happy it seemed. She sported a wide grin as she stared directly at Twilight’s ghost. At first the two apparitions thought it to be a coincidence, until the pink demon began to wave.
Understandably, Death’s jaw plummeted.
“How in Tartarus..?” He asked, confused beyond everything
“Because, she’s Pinkie.” Twilight giggled and waved back.
“Whatcha wavin’ at, sugarcube?” Applejack asked Pinkie, being the only other one of her friends coherent enough to ask. Pinkie looked over at the orange mare and laughed, shaking her head.
“Nopony, silly.” She said and looked back to where Twilight and Death were standing, and winked. Twilight winked right back as Death had an aneurysm. Death took out his scythe and poked Twilight on the side, causing her to jump.
“Gah! What was that?!” The lavender mare demanded.
“I increased our cloaking field. We should be invisible to EVERYTHING now.” He said.
“If ya say so.” Applejack said and turned her attention back towards the miscellaneous ponies and their eulogies. After the words, Twilight noticed that her friends leaving before the visitations. She followed them, weaving through the crowd with ease, mostly due to her ghostly body structure. When she arrived at the small road where her friends had gathered, she noticed four of them in a heated argument. Fluttershy was the only one not to comment, just staring into the distance with the same shock etched into her features.
“Well Ah’m goin’ after him, whether ya like it or not!” Applejack growled towards Rarity.
“Not wishout me, you ain’t!” Rainbow Dash slurred, causing the Apple to deadpan to the polychromatic mare.
“Rainbow, ya can’t even walk in a straight line, how tha hay do you expect to track down the murder a the element a magic?” She asked.
“Darling, let the guards handle this, you’ll only dig your own grave.” Rarity insisted.
“Shuddup! You donno noffin’. . . ‘Bout anythin’!” Rainbow shot back rather poorly.
“See what Ah mean? And the guards weren’t there when she needed savin’, what makes ya think they’ll be there this time?!” Applejack exclaimed, causing Rainbow Dash to roll her intoxicated eyes.
Girls… Twilight thought, a tear coming to her eye.
“Please Applejack, girls! Let’s just… Calm down. Let’s go back to Sugar Cube Corner and have a party! It’ll cheer everypony up!” Pinkie offered desperately.
“Pinkie, ain’t nopony in tha mood fer one of yer parties.” Applejack shot her down.
“Hey! Dontcha talk ta Pinkie like that!” Dash pointed her bottle at AJ threateningly.
Girls, please… Twilight’s pleas were left unheard.
“And what if ah do, Airhead?” The Apple challenged, causing Twilight to grit her teeth.
“What your parents never got tha chance to!” Rainbow shouted.
“STOP!” Twilight screamed, but yet again, her helpless cries could not be heard, even in the deadly silence that followed Rainbow’s regretful statement.
“Deeeeeeeeyyymmmmm.” Death commented from the side, but was ignored by the distraught lavender mare.
“Girls…” She said futily, drooping her head helplessly. Rainbow Dash’s face changed from angry to regretful when she say Applejack’s cold expression.
“A-Applejack…” I’m sorry, I didn’t-” Applejack raise her hoof, cutting the drunk mare off.
“Just… Don’t.” Applejack said darkly, turning around and walking towards Sweet Apple Acres. Rainbow Dash harrumphed and began to fly away.
“Girls! Come back!” Pinkie exclaimed, looking at her leaving friends in desperation.
“Darling… I’m afraid it’s useless… Applejack was right. Twilight was the one who held us together. Without her, I’m afraid we’re going to fall apart… Ta Ta…” Rarity hung her head, and began to retreat to her boutique. Fluttershy had raised her head, no longer in shock, but instead her eyes were dull. The tears had stopped, no emotion seeped from the young mares shadowed face.
“Flu-”
“It’s a good day for rain.” She cut Pinkie off with a hollow voice.
“But, it’s not raining.” Pinkie said in confusion. Fluttershy stayed silent for a minute, then began to walk towards her cottage.
“Yes it is…” She said as she passed the pink mare, letting a single tear roll down her face. As Pinkie watched her go, her man deflated, sinking into a flattened state. She then began to cry, trudging the the direction of Sugar Cube Corner.
“Girls…” Twilight breathed, not believing that such a strong friendship and been so easily destroyed. She felt the hopelessness of the entire situation surround her, enveloping her like a cold blanket.
“I told you so. Have you seen enough yet?” Death asked from being Twilight. She stayed silent for a minute, taking in all that had happened. Eventually, she spoke.
“No.” She croaked weakly, then looked up at Death. “I need closure… This was not what I was looking for.”
“Of course it wasn’t, you bloody mortals are so hard to please.” He scoffed, then took his scythe out. “Well, let’s get going. The sooner you wither away is the sooner I get a, hopefully, less stubborn client.” He said with a little too much chipper.
“You’re heartless.”
“No, I’m Death.” The stallion answered simply, then slammed the butt of his scythe on the ground teleporting the two away from the old dirt road.
Author's Note
Stay Brony, my friends.
They reappeared in the Carousel Boutique, surrounded by Ponnequins laden in purple, their tags depicting a six pointed, hot pink star.
“My cutie mark?” Twilight questioned, examining the star. “No… There should be five stars around it… One for each of… My… Friends…” She trailed off, finally putting two and two together. “Oh Celestia, what happened?” She asked rhetorically.
"What’s this?” Rarity’s voice came from farther in the boutique. It was worn and tense, but undoubtedly the regal mares. Twilight moved through the cluttered ponnequins to find Rarity reading a small letter. Her mane was disheveled, something that shocked the purple mare greatly, but a spark was in Rarity’s eyes. A spark Twilight knew that ignited the white Unicorns’ inner artist.
“Oh, this is wonderful! This is the only good news I’ve received in quite some time! I must begin immediately.” She exclaimed and bolted into another room, letting the letter fall from her magical grasp. Twilight immediately rushed forward and read the letter.
Dear Miss Rarity,
I, Golden Touch, require your assistance on the newest line I am creating. You’re renown for your recent accomplishments with purple due to the unfortunate event in which Twilight Sparkle was murdered. I am truly sorry for your loss. On a brighter note, I would like for you to create my summer line. I look forward to your results.
Sincerely
Golden Touch
Twilight smiled, happy for her friend finally getting back in the game.
“What’s got you so happy?” Death asked.
“Just happy that Rarity’s back on the old horse.” Twilight said.
“That was a horrible pun, ya know.” The stallion rolled his eyes.
“Shut up.” Twilight laughed, for once not ignoring Death’s quips. The lavender mare then walked to where Rarity was working, finding her stitching diligently on a light, semi-revealing fabric. Though, after a moment of strict work, the Unicorn would fall distant. Rarity was soon stitching together and designing fabrics without even looking at them.
“Oh Twilight… If you can hear me, we all miss you dearly. You’d be glad to know that I’ve gotten back in the game, so to speak.” She said sadly, causing Twilight to reach out for her friend. “But I fear for our friends, they won’t even look at each other. At least, Applejack won't even acknowledge Rainbow Dash’s existence and Pinkie won’t come out of her room. Fluttershy has been frequenting the Everfree, which is worrying in itself, and Rainbow can’t keep a bottle away from her lips for more than two seconds… I honestly worry for all of them, fearing that only I can make it through this tragedy with my mind and even life… I know you can’t hear me, but it just feels good to get this off of my chest.” Rarity sighed, causing a very emotional rise in Twilight. By the end of Rarity’s monologue, the lavender mare was crying lightly. But what went unnoticed by everypony but Death, was one tiny stitch that had been misplaced by a cruel act of fate. As soon as Rarity was finished with that dress, which she labeled the tag, “For the fabulous Golden Touch! Do not touch!”, she began on the rest of the dresses. She worked diligently on them, but every so often, she seemed to drift away from her work. She got a faraway look in her eyes, doing her dresses as more of a chore to a playful filly than her dream. When she was finished with the line, she absolutely beamed at her work.
“You said you’d watch me wither, but look, my friend is doing just fine without me.” Twilight pointed out brightly. Death answered with a mirthless chuckle, inciting the ghostly mare to frown. “What?” She asked.
“Spoilers, sweetie. Now, let’s watch.” He remarked. A small bell chimed in the front of the shop, causing Rarity to run to greet the pony.
“How may I help… Oh. Hello, Applejack.” Rarity’s voice changed to one of tolerance rather than joy. Twilight ran forward to the lobby of the shop at the mention of her other friend. An orange mare with multiple burn marks and scars greeted her instead. Applejack’s signature stetson was frayed in multiple places and even had holes in it. The orange mare strode confidently up to the counter, sporting a bulging saddle bag as a spark of hatred burning in her cold, calculating eyes.
“Rarity. Ah know Ah ain’t got to right showin’ mah face here after what happened at tha funeral, but Ah really need a favor from ya.” Applejack’s voice was weary, despite her lively eyes.
“She’s a tough cookie, that one,” Death commented, “She’s left quite a mess for my boys.”
“Applejack’s murdered?!” Twilight questioned fearfully. Death just nodded.
“For revenge.” He said simply
“You’re right.” Rarity said, snapping them back to the conversation at hoof. The white mare softened her gaze, “But I can not simply turn away an old friend like that… What do you need?” She asked.
“A flame retardant, hard leather armor that I can easily hide with. Make it black.” Applejack said, causing Rarity to sigh.
“Unfortunately, I do not have any animal skins on hoof.” She responded, some venom invading two certain words.
“Fortunately, Ah do.” Applejack said and reached into her saddle bag, throwing a large sack of already made leather onto the counter and relieving the bag of it’s load. Rarity blanched when she saw it, but quickly recovered.
“You know I do not approve of your crusade.” Rarity pointed out.
“Ah know, but Ah’ve gotta do this, for Twilight. Help me or not, it’s your choice. Ah just think Ah’ll be safer in armor designed by you.” Applejack said, giving Rarity a moment of silence.
“Remind you of somepony?” Death asked, causing Twilight to flash him an annoyed glare.
“Darling… Please just let the guard handle this and-”
“Consarn it, Rarity! Tha guard cain’t do nothin’! It’s been at least three months since the funeral and they’re still more clueless than a calf!” Applejack exclaimed, causing Rarity to sigh again.
“Fine. I’ll make your armor, but after this all blows over, I want our friends back together. You’re the only one that can hold us together like Twilight.” Rarity said firmly.
“A course, Rare, thank ya.” Applejack beamed. The both walked into the back, being followed by the two astreal beings
“So, how are we three months forward in time?” Twilight asked. Death glared down at her again.
“Again with wanting an explanation.” He grumbled.
“Well I’m dead, like it or not, you’re Death. And you’re stuck with me until I decide it’s time to go.” Twilight firmly stated, causing Death to smile lightly.
“Clever mare. In death, time doesn’t matter. What are seconds here can be millennia in the real word, and vice versa. I am simply going to a specific changing point in each of your friends lives and showing you what you asked to see.” He said.
“That’s fantastic!” Twilight exclaimed.
“Indeed.”
“So Rare, how’ve things been since tha funeral?” Applejack asked sheepishly, snapping Twilight and Death back to the land of the living.
“Since you asked, horrible!” Rarity snapped, “You’ve been off doing Celestia knows what-”
“No she doesn’t-”
“While our friends tear themselves apart! Rainbow won't stop drinking, Fluttershy hasn’t been in town because she’s too busy in the Everfree , Pinkie Pie won’t even leave her room, and I’m the only one with a sane or coherent hair on my coat!” Rarity exploded, causing Applejack’s face to harden.
“And this is all mah fault? Ah don’t think so. I cain’t choose what everypony does.” She said.
“But you can choose what you do, and leaving your friends behind for some mad quest derived from hatred is not a good choice!” Rarity exclaimed, then took a deep breath, calming down but letting her eyes remain fiery.
“Ya know, comin’ here was a bad idea. Ah’m leavin’, take care of yourself, Rare.” Applejack walked from the room, leaving a fuming Rarity behind.
“Hey, purple flank, scootch ya bootch. There’s nothing left to see that’s important in this time.” Death said, motioning Twilight towards him.
“Bu-”
“We’re still going to watch the white bitch, just in a different time.” he rolled his eyes. Twilight glared up at him, sending a message that even delivered chills down the spine of Death himself.
“My friend is not a bitch.” A deadly octave crept into her voice, but Death kept his cool.
“Alright, sure, whatever. Let’s just get going.” He said dully, bringing out his staff.
“Not until you apologize!” She harrumphed.
“Now, there are many things that I’ve got to do for you, but apologizing is not one of them.” He said and slammed his staff against the ground. They reappeared in the seats of some large event. It looked like the Apollony Theater , but Twilight was not sure. Seats lined the auditorium, all filled with pompous and quiet ponies. A few royals lined the top of the place in their VIP watch boxes, looking down upon a great catwalk. Twilight looked around her, finding Rarity sitting beside her and Death on the other side of the purple mare.
“Oh, Twilight. If you could see me now, you’d be proud.” Rarity sighed, a sad smiled etched into her features.
“Where are we?” Twilight asked, her previous hate erased by curiosity.
“Your friends prized little fashion show you red about.” Death answered.
“Good, now we’ll see Rarity live her dream.” She said definitely. Death’s mirthless chuckle did not make her feel so confident in her words.
“Fillies and gentlecolts,” A quiet, posh voice came over the crowds soft chatting, “If you would please, direct your attention to the catwalk for Golden Touch’s models outfitted in Miss Rarity’s new summer line!” Soon, the models began to file out, each one displaying some gorgeous purple themed clothing. Finally, a yellow mare with a striking orange mane began out. She wore a light, purple veil over her front half, connected by an X over and under her body to a more thick part covering her flanks and nether region. The stunning mare walked the catwalk like she owned it, displaying every part of the beach clothing. When she reached the microphone at the end of the platform, she took it and began to speak.
“This summer line is not mine, therefore you should not cheer for me, but for the mare that made all of this possible!” Golden Touch exclaimed.
“And thus, it all falls apart.” Death commented cryptically. Golden Touch flourished in gesture towards Rarity, but mid-flourish, that fateful misstitch ripped. Rarity’s beautiful design, much like her entire world, came crashing down before her eyes and exposed one of the most influential ponies of fashion in Equestria to the world. The entire auditorium froze. Twilight could’ve heard a pin drop amongst the deafening silence. That is, before Rarity booked it for the door. The scene melted away as a small clunk echoed behind Twilight. When it faded back in, they were beside Rarity again, who was breathing rather frantically.
“Oh dear Celestia, what have I done…” The white mare muttered, visibly still in shock.
“Is she going to be alright?” Twilight asked worriedly.
“I’d tell you to ask her, but…” Death laughed.
“It’s not funny.” Twilight scowled.
“Tell you what, I’m in a shitty mood because some little purple bitch decided to give me a hard time. So I’m going to try and lighten my mood with a few jokes.” He replied, causing Twilight to grind her teeth together in frustration. The rest of the trip was spent in mostly silence, save for Rarity’s panicked mutterings. They arrived at the Ponyville train station, when Rarity’s shock finally set in steadily, and walked numbly to the Carousel Boutique in the starry night. Rarity walked through the doors, slamming them shut with her back hooves as she broke down, sobbing for everything she was worth.
“Rarity?” Sweetie Belle’s voice rang from up the stairs tiredly, causing the purple maned mare to stifle her crying rather abruptly.
“Sw-Sweetie Belle! Oh i-it’s much too late for you to be up. You simply must get back to bed.” Rarity exclaimed, trying to cover up her sadness with concern.
“What’s wrong?” Sweetie asked, bounding down the stairs to comfort her sister.
“N-Nothing!” Rarity said, feigning surprise, “Why do you think something is wrong?” Sweetie Belle raised an eyebrow in skepticism.
“Um, you were crying?” Rarity opened her mouth to formulate a rebuttal, but stopped. She had been crying. Something was wrong, she just couldn’t admit it at first, but there was no way to hide it anymore. No point in it.
“Oh Sweetie…” She said softly before collapsing again, this time closer to her sister. As she bawled, Sweetie Belle hugged Rarity tightly, in an attempt to comfort the adult Unicorn. She was rewarded with more tears and a desperate Rarity, who clung to her little sister.
“Rarity, what’s going on?” Sweetie asked after Rarity had calmed enough for coherent speech. The white mare slowly spoke, her voice hoarse and grating.
“Sweetie Belle… I fear I have made a mistake, and a rather grave one at that.” Rarity paused, giving Sweetie a chance to interrupt.
“What’s going on?”
“Darling, tomorrow you’re going home-”
“Why-?”
“And early too. So go pack your things-”
“Rarity-”
“And get some sleep. You’ll need it for the trip to-”
“Rarity!” Sweetie finally exclaimed, garnering the older sisters attention from her frantic worries. Sweetie Belle took a deep breath and spoke again, this time, more slowly. “Slow it down and tell me what’s happened.” Rarity looked up at her sister and sighed.
“I messed up… I let my grief get the better of me, and now,” She grimaced, “It’s my problem to deal with. I do not want you to get caught up in it. Sweetie, go pack. You’re catching the first train to Manehattan in the morning.” Rarity said, being considerably more calm and controlled. The younger sister frowned, but complied regardlessly. When the little, white hooves finally made it back up the stars, Rarity shakily sighed and struggled to her own, swaying lightly. She took a deep breath and bathed in the silence of her home, drowning out her worries. As she breathed out, all hell broke loose. A window shattered and caught the attention of the ponies, astreal and not. From the glass, a flare slammed onto the ground and erupted outward in fire. They all stood in shock, save for Death, as more and more molotov’s rained over the shop. The destructive element spread quickly across the fabric and wood, filling the fashionista’s nostrils with smoke. Finally jumping into action, Rarity lept over the gaping maw of fire and bounded up the stairs.
“Rarity! What’s *cough cough* happening?!” Sweetie Belle called through the haze. Rarity was too focused on getting her little sister to safety to hear the words and raced down the already flaming hall. There was a large crack and a red hot beam fell diagonally in her path, causing her to grind to an abrupt halt. She narrowed her eyes and snorted at the offending beam, beginning to wiggle her way under it. Several embers rained onto her previously pristine pelt, scorching and staining it. When she rolled from under the beam, it creaked one last time and gave way, along with half of the hall. Rarity sighed in relief and shot down the remainder of the hall. She found Sweetie Belle coughing and scooped her up, flinging the filly onto the older mares back. Rarity turned on her hoof and barreled back down the hall, stopping where the beam had fallen through.
Her eyes stung, her coat burned, her nose ran, she was miserable. But she did not have time to think on her sorrow when her little sister was in such danger. Thinking quickly, she used her magic to teleport into the main room and bolted for the door. She used her magic to throw the door open and ran through it. Unfortunately, she heard a crack halfway out. She widened her eyes and slammed her front hooves down and her rear end up, successfully dislodging Sweetie and tossing her into the street. Rarity had but a moment to look up and smile at her fearful little sister weakly before the door frame completely collapsed, trapping the Unicorn halfway under it.
“Rarity!” Sweetie Belle cried, dashing towards her half crushed sister. Rarity forced her eyes open through the tremendous amount of pain and tried to speak, but only blood and coughs came from her throat.
“Sweetie…” Rarity finally struggled out, “I… I… I love you…” She breathed, drifting from consciousness one final time.
“NO!” Twilight finally broke her reverie of shock.
“Yes.” Death replied with hollow eyes watching the filly before them weep as more ponies arrived at the scene to put out the fire, but too late to save the element of generosity. The scene slowly faded away to the chamber where it all began.
“Wh-Where am I?” Rarity’s confused voice rang out, “What’s going on?” Twilight numbly walked up behind the white mare, setting a hoof on her shoulder. Twilight’s heart sank when the hoof stayed instead of falling through. Rarity whipped around to look at her deceased friend and smiled widely, tackling Twilight with a gleeful hug.
“Oh Twilight! I’m so happy to see you!” Rarity exclaimed, but slowly furrowed her brow. “But… You’re dead…”
“Yes, I am…” Twilight nodded pitifully.
“But… Does that mean..? Oh Celestia!” Rarity shouted, finally grasping the gravity of the situation. Death seemed to have made himself scarce for the moment, yet, he was ever apparent in the white abyss.
“Yes… I’m sorry, Rarity…” Twilight hung her head.
“Well… I suppose it was my time.” Rarity held a small, painful smile, “Do you know how I… You know?” The white mare asked. Twilight opened her mouth, but Death cut her off with his reappearance.
“In case you have forgotten, that’s my job.” Death said as he strode up to the wide eyed Rarity.
“What in Equestria-?”
“Technically, Stalliongrad.” He touched his horn to hers and her eyes widened further as images rolled down them. The spectacle lasted a total of five seconds before Death pulled away and left Rarity panting slightly with a single tear running down her cheek.
“Oh my…” She said after a moment, “Is… Is Sweetie Belle going to be alright?” Rarity asked worriedly.
“For the most part. A few burns, but she’ll go through years of foalhood therapy.” Death said, inciting a faint smile from Rarity.
“Good.”
“Rarity…” Twilight stepped in.
“Yes, darling?”
“I’m sorry.”
“Whatever for?” Twilight’s hung head looked up with tear filled eyes.
“Leaving you all alone. This… This is all my fault,” Tears began to fall, “All of it… I should have been stronger! I should have-!”
“Twilight!” Rarity scolded, “You can hardly blame yourself for being murdered . It’s a terrible world and some of the ponies are just as bad. Golden Touch was a poor choice for me to make, knowing her criminal background, but I did so regardlessly. Look where that has gotten me. That was my fault. You couldn’t have stopped what happened to you, so it was not your fault.” Rarity said, reaching forward and pulling Twilight into a hug. Twilight returned the hug, drying her face on Rarity’s fur.
“Thank you…” Twilight muttered gratefully.
“Oh bother!” Death interrupted, “As much as I don’t want to ruin the moment, and trust me, I really do, it’s time.”
“For?” Rarity asked. Before Death could answer, Twilight did.
“Rarity wait! I’m traveling with Death here, only to see my friends and hopefully get some closure. If you want to tag along…” Twilight offered, much to Death’s disdain. “He can’t take you unless you’re willing.” The purple mare quickly added at Rarity’s furtive glance at death.
“Before you decide, know that I’ve seen so many fall. Powerful ponies succumb to the dark insanity of watching their friends die or ruin their own lives. Ponies much more powerful than you.” Death said morbidly. Rarity was silent for a moment, contemplating the severity to the situation with an unsure look in her eyes. Finally, shook took a deep breath and looked towards Twilight.
“I’m sorry, darling,” Twilight’s face fell, “But I’ve overstayed my welcome as it is. I have nothing left for me here, and would prefer to keep my sanity.” Rarity said.
“Finally! Somepony with a little sense!” Death exclaimed and used his scythe to rip a hole into the abyss. It stretched to the size of a portal and he moved beside it.
“Well,” Rarity said, walking close to Twilight, “It's my time to go. Goodbye, old friend.” The white mare smiled weakly and pulled Twilight into a hug, which was quickly returned.
“Goodby, Rarity.” Twilight said quietly.
“Good luck.”
“Thank you.”
“Anyday!” Death rudely interrupted, getting a sigh of irritation from Rarity.
“You are doing a good thing, Twilight. If another of our friends dies, greet them here and send them off to me.” She smiled and turned around, “Also, teach that brute some manners.” She jerked her head at Death and then made her way towards the new portal.
“Thank you, Rarity.” Twilight whispered as the white Unicorn strode through the portal confidently.
Author's Note
Got another chapter up and running! Like and favorite, if you please, and comment if I missed something or you want an explanation on what happened. If it doesn't spoil anything, I'll explain. Thank you for reading, and, as always, Stay Brony, my friends.
