Three years later, Rose and Rock both found themselves locked in a cell in Canterlot’s Dungeon awaiting Rock’s sentence, as Rose had already gone before the princess and was sentenced five years in a mental institution for rehabilitation.

“Rock?” called Rose.

“Hmm?” the stallion replied.

“I… I just want you to know… for the past three years… I… I love you… I love you Rock and nothing will ever change that.” the mare said, shocking the stallion.

“I… I… I don’t know what to say Rose… but… if it gives you any solace when my life is forefeit to wherever I go when I die… I… I love you too.” Rock replied. “I fell in love with you the day you made your first kill, not because of your kill, but just how you made me feel like I was no longer alone in the world. I just wish you wouldn’t have to go through the same thing.”

Hearng this brought tears to Rose’s eyes, reaching her hooves through the bars of her cell into Rock’s as he gripped hers in a gentle embrace before they heard the guards enter and approach their cells.

“Mr. Rockslide, you are hereby summoned to the Throne Room for sentencing, Ms. Rose, you have also been summoned to the throne room, as you will be required to attend his sentencing.” said the guard as he opened their cells, the following guards training their weapons on the two to prevent any retaliation as they were led to the throne room.

“Rock… I will avenge you, no matter what. I will continue your work.” Rose whispered to the stallion.

“Please, don’t… I don’t want you to suffer the same end as me.” Rock replied quietly.

Soon they had reached the throne room, where Celestia, Twilight and her friends and Luna sat, and many other ponies surrounded them, Rock was taken to the stand in front of them, while Rose was taken to the side, where she would be forced to observe the proceedings.

“And now, let us begin the final trial of the mass murder case of Rockslide.” Celestia said from her place. “Here we stand, ready to pass the verdict on the case of Rockslide and Roseluck vs. Equestria for the murders of several ponies including Applebloom, sister of Applejack, the Element of Honesty; and Thunderlane, a wonderbolt recruit whose first show would have been the greatest. We shall no longer bother with Roselucks behalf of the case, as her sentence has already been delivered and will be carried out shortly after we are finished here.”

Silence fell throughout the room before Twilight stepped forward. ‘Mr. Rockslide, the allegations of your actions, including the rape, torture and brainwashing of Roseluck, and the murders of Thunderlane and Applebloom, all heinous criminal acts, have been tried and found true, what do you say to this?”
“The murders, rape, and torture; Yes.” Rockslide replied. “The brainwashing; no… You see, Roseluck, after I had planned to end her life, pledged herself to me, whether her mind was completely intact or not, I am not sure, but I am grateful that you are sparing her life, as it is I who am solely responsible for the disappearances… so I hereby change my plea of ‘Not Guilty’ to ‘Guilty’ and accept whatever sentence you give me.”

“Very well.” Celestia said. “By your admission, you revoke the right to further defend yourself in this trial and accept the verdict of ‘Guilty’ and are hereby sentenced to death. This session is adjourned and the case closed, Guards, take them to the courtyard where the sentence will be carried out.”

As both Rose and Rock were escorted to the courtyard for Rock’s execution, Applejack looked to her friends and the princesses. “I am, while it griefs me to say it, glad to say that Applebloom can rest in peace now that justice has been served and Rose’s life preserved, I just hope that rehabilitation will get her back to the way she used to be.”

“As do I, Applejack, as do I.” Celestia replied. “I do regret I couldn’t act soon enough to prevent your sister’s untimely fate.”

“It’s not your fault princess, the guilty have been judged and punished accordingly.” Applejack replied.

“Rockslide, by the order of princess Celestia, you have been sentenced to death, any last words before you meet your maker?” asked one of the guards.

“Yes… my last words are to Roseluck, whom I have been very appreciative of and have loved very much over the last three years of my life, I am sorry I did the things I did to you, it is now, in the end of my days that I realize what I had done wrong, and that I now go to join my parents in death, thank you…” Rock said. “... for giving me the company I had thought was forever gone, I know that my death will plague you, but please, do not avenge me or continue my doings, for I wish not my fate upon you, but I will not stop you from doing as you will, even in death, all I can do is hope that you will do what is best for you.”

Tears sprung to Rose’s eyes at his words. “Rock… No…” she whimpered.

“Rockslide, it is with a heavy heart that I must say this.” the guard said. “May Faust have mercy on your soul as it passes into the afterlife.” he then nodded to the executioner who stood and raised his axe, then began bringing it down

Rose could only break down in sobs as she watched the executioner’s axe descend and Rock’s head fall into the basket below before she was herself escorted out of the courtyard and taken to Canterlot’s Mental Institute for Rehabilitation and Correctional Services.

Author's Note

Finally, my first grim-dark is complete, if there are any who desire an alternate ending, please let me know and I will get to work right away.

Sorry if it seems a bit short, or lacking in detail, but I couldn't think of any other way to write it.