Written by Sparrow9612
Based upon the tale of Chicago’s Resurrection Mary
Chicowgo: the Windy City. There are a million tales to tell: from humble beginnings, to the Great Fire, to the bloody wars fought between the many crime families that vied for territory, wealth, and power.
However, the legend of which I speak does not concern the living. For you see, Chicowgo is a city of more than one kind of spirit. The restless ghosts of the past still haunt the places that they knew in life, places where they died and found themselves unable to move on to the verdant fields of Elysium. I speak of course, of the Phantom of Archer Avenue.
In the 930’s, Chicowgo was a lively city with a very active nightlife. Ponies would gather from miles around to dance the night away at various dives, to try and forget their troubles for just a little while. One patron in particular was famous amongst the crust, both upper and lower. She was a pony everypony knew or wanted to know: Ms. Rarity Belle.
One of the most strikingly beautiful mares of her day, with well-groomed coat of white and stylishly-curled violet mane, Rarity was born into a wealthy family and it showed with her taste in the latest fashions. However, she was not like many of the rich. She was a kind and very generous mare.
Naturally, such beauty attracted the attention of many a stallion. All were turned away, disappointed, for Rarity could tell that all they were interested in were her looks and money. She refused to let herself end up broken-hearted.
One lonely night, when Rarity was beginning to think that she would never find her true love, her prayers were answered. While trying to forget her troubles at her favorite nightclub (she was well-known for her grace and love of dancing), she bumped into a successful business-pony named Fancy Pants.
Unlike stallions past who were less-than-pleasant, Fancy was a kind and generous good samaritan, using his fortune to help those in need. These positive traits endeared him to the heartsick young mare, and he himself found her elegance and good nature intoxicating.
Having fallen in love, the two began a whirlwind romance and enjoyed their beloved city together, becoming a common sight all over Chicowgo. However, not all tales of love have a happy ending.
One stormy evening, well into their first anniversary together, Rarity and Fancy could be found amidst the many couples dancing together at the Grey Lady, an establishment popular with special someponies.
Excusing herself to freshen up, for she was tired and in need of a stiff drink, Rarity left for the back of the Grey Lady. Upon her return to the dance floor just a few minutes later, she found herself privy to a meeting between Fancy and a tall and shapely Unicorn mare, one Ms. Fleur De Lis, a famous fashion model.
To the socialite’s horror, Fleur kissed Fancy, her Fancy, her special somepony, square on the lips. Rarity, enraged to the point where patrons swore to their dying day that her eyes glowed red as burning embers, stomped over and hurled both hussy and ex across the room with her magic.
Rarity, angry and heartbroken. stormed out of the Grey Lady and into the rain-soaked night, making her way home carrying her favorite pair of dancing horseshoes in her aura, to keep them clean. For even distraught, she was very averse to dirt and uncleanliness.
What exactly happened in the span of time leading up to the death of Rarity Belle are lost to time, but it is known that upon crossing Archer Avenue, she was struck and killed by a passing motor car. She was said to be as beautiful in death, as she was in life.
Though she was laid to rest in Resurrection Cemetery by her heartbroken parents, her spirit, it would seem, was unable to find peace. Due to alterations to the site, her remains were among those moved to unmarked graves in another part of the cemetery, and this is believed to be the reason why she still walks Equestria.
In the years and decades since her untimely demise, countless drivers along Archer Avenue have stopped to help out a lovely mare clad in a flowing white dress, who seems to be wandering aimlessly along the sidewalks. Naturally, most ponies are good and choose to help her out if she requires it.
Getting into the back seat, the friendly Unicorn introduces herself as Rarity, and asks if she could please get a ride to a particular spot along Archer Avenue. She chats away and talks of how she loves the nightlife of Chicowgo, especially any club where she could dance. Even getting sweaty was worth it if she could put her natural grace to good use.
Upon nearing the spot Rarity pointed out, Resurrection Cemetery, the driver questions why she wants to be dropped off at such a place in the middle of the night. She replies that her home is nearby, and that she can walk the rest of the way.
Getting out, she thanks the driver and strides across the way to the arched gates...passing right through them and fading away into thin air. However, Rarity always leaves behind a small bag of bits for the driver’s trouble, being generous even after her passing.
This encounter with Chicowgo’s beloved spirit has been reported thousands of times, even into the modern day. Many travel to Archer Avenue just in the hope of catching a glimpse of flowing white, of an eternally beautiful young mare whose life was cut tragically short.
Perhaps she chooses not to move on, sacrificing her place in the fields of Elysium, because her love of life is far stronger than her desire to depart the world she so dearly loved. The spirit of generosity is eternal, and the specter of Rarity Belle embodies that principle as she walks that thin line between the landing of the living, and the hereafter.
We should all follow Rarity's example, and do a good deed at every opportunity. For you never know when that kindness, that generosity, might just be returned. A good deed done, is a good deed earned.
Have a safe and happy Nightmare Night everypony!
