The Crystal Empress

Rarity didn’t react immediately. She was too confused, too taken aback, to truly process the weight of Flurry’s response. She peeled herself from the floor, bowing in worship at Flurry’s feet, and frowned. Unsurprisingly, Flurry met her aunt’s displeasure with a sinister, self-satisfied grin. Rarity just looked up at her niece, the monster she was. The fiend that had ruined her life. The cruel Crystal Empress. After nearly a minute of staring up in stunned silence, Rarity finally got her words together.

“W-what do you mean, no?” said Rarity.

“It means exactly what it sounds like. No,” said Flurry. “N. O. No.”

“But… I’m… I’m offering myself. I’m giving myself to you.” Rarity couldn’t even stand, instead falling back onto her butt as the mounting dread of her situation began to set in. “I’m… I’m giving you what you want. You can do whatever you want to me.”

“Duh. I already did. I already made your dumb hick leave you. I had my fun.” Flurry shrugged, leaning against her doorframe as she soaked in Rarity’s despair. “Besides, Mom and Dad will be back any minute now. It’d be tough to explain the sudden middle-aged hag I have stuffed in my closet, and I really wasn’t planning on usurping my parents until I turned 25.”

“You… You’re not serious. Surely, this is some cruel trick.” Rarity scrambled forward, all but lunging at her Empress’ feet. “You can’t just leave me with nothing!”

“Listen, Rarity, I know you’re not too bright, so I’ll try to make things nice and simple for you.” Flurry slowly stooped down to a crouch, bringing herself to Rarity’s level. Her hand reached forward and grabbed Rarity under the chin with an almost mocking degree of tenderness, tilting the damaged mare’s face up to properly absorb her despair. “I don’t want you. I never wanted you. What I wanted was to ruin your life. I wanted to destroy your marriage. I wanted to make you hate yourself. That’s what gets me off, not having some Ponyville 6 giving up her pussy willingly. I’ve gotten all the fun out of you that I could, Auntie. You’re no use to me anymore. So do yourself a favor and get out of my sight.”

"I… I can't. I can't go home. I have nothing left!" Again, Rarity lunged forward to Flurry's feet, and again, The Crystal Empress stepped back to avoid her. "It's not just Applejack. She's told everyone by now what a cheating whore I am." Flurry turned her back on Rarity and slowly made her way back to her bed, with Rarity crawling, groveling right behind her. "I called Twilight, and she won't speak with me. The others won't take my calls. My own sister won't even talk to me after what I did to her best friend's sister."

"And all of that was because of little old me?" laughed Flurry. "Damn, I'm good… Save your sob story, Auntie. I don't care how lonely you are. You're nothing to me now. If you want to bask in my excellence, then I need some sort of payment from you, and you have nothing left to offer me. So too bad, so sad, cry me a river, Rara."

"Take me in or I'm telling your parents what you did."

In less than a fraction of a second, Rarity felt her back impact the wall, and the air forced out of her lungs. She didn't make much of a noise, just a low, croaking groan as she made impact. Rarity wheezed, her eyes flitting around the room, discombobulated. She looked ahead, thoroughly baffled to be looking down at the top of Flurry's head. She blinked, awestruck, when she pieced the situation together; Without breaking a sweat, without even lifting a finger, Flurry had sent her flying into the ceiling, and pinned her there. The air in the room went cold as ice, and Rarity could feel the hairs on her arms stand on end. There was a crackling, sizzling sound from below, and without the use of her wings, Flurry slowly began to rise from the ground.

"Are you threatening me?" said Flurry, her low, even tone sending chills down Rarity's spine. "I knew you were stupid, but did you actually just threaten me?"

"F-Flurry. Please, I'm sorry," squeaked Rarity. The Crystal Empresslooked up, her eyes shining bright with her unpredictable, inescapable power. "I didn't mean… I just… I'm—"

"Think for a moment, you brainless cow. Think about everything I did to you. Think about how much damage I've caused in just a few days." Her hand reached forward to grab Rarity by the throat, and she once again made her otherworldly strength known; Rarity could feel the heat of Flurry's magic propagating at her very touch, burning her flesh like a winter storm. "And remember that everything I did to you was for fun. It was a game I played. I did it for my own pleasure. What you just said would take this from pleasure… to business. And you should be very, very afraid of what I'd do to you in order to handle my business."

In that moment, Rarity felt smaller than she had ever felt in her entire life. She was a speck, she was insignificant, she was absolutely nothing in the wake of Flurry Heart. Rarity thought she knew before, but this was a reminder that this woman, this force of nature, was everything that she claimed to be. It wasn't ego that led Flurry to believe that she was God. It was empirical evidence.

"Please, merciful Empress. I meant no threat or disrespect." A few words in, tears began to flow down Rarity's cheeks, and Flurry loosened her grip slightly. Not for mercy, but, as with most things Flurry did, for her own sick enjoyment of the poor woman's suffering. "I will serve you. Worship you as my one true God. I will erect a shrine in whatever cage you deem worthy of something like me. Pray to you every morning when I wake and every night before I lay my head to rest." As if to prove it, Rarity fought against Flurry's unmatched might (a feat only possible because Flurry herself allowed it) and folded her hands in front of her in prayer. "I'll do anything you ask. Just please, please… Don't make me go home. Don't send me back to nothing."

Just as quickly as she had been launched, Rarity found herself back on the floor, clutching her surely-bruised ribs as she curled into a ball beneath her Empress. Flurry slowly lowered herself to the ground, head tilted curiously at the truly pathetic mare at her feet. Just a week ago, she was a proud, dignified, happily married woman. Now, with a few choice manipulations and the most minimal effort, Rarity was rendered sobbing, desperate, hopeless.

Flurry smiled, using her foot to nudge Rarity onto her back. Maybe there was still fun to be had with her, after all.

"You don't know what that word means, do you?" said Flurry. "You think you know, but you don't. 'Anything' is very powerful. More powerful than your simple little brain can process. For your sake, don’t make promises like that if you can’t follow through.”

“What worse could you do to me? All my friends hate me now. The only woman I ever loved won’t even look in my direction,” said Rarity. “Once word gets out that Applejack left me—and word will get out—there goes my reputation. No one wants to be on the red carpet wearing a dress made by some cheating, gold-digging whore.” Rarity snorted, immediately clutching her ribs in pain from the movement. “And she thinks I was sleeping with a man… Oh, the tabloids are going to drag me for that…”

“You could plead your case. At the end of the day, it’s her word against yours,” suggested Flurry. “There’s a good chance that some people will believe you over—”

“Believe me, over the Spirit of Honesty? Even I’m not dumb enough to try that.” Despite daring to talk over The Empress, Rarity managed to escape punishment. She wasn’t sure if this was a good sign or not. “Besides, if they do believe me… That means they won’t believe her. And I don’t want to ruin her life like you ruined mine.”

“Yeah, well, I just want you to consider your options. It’s not looking good for you now, but things could always get worse. Maybe you should climb out of the hole before you try digging deeper.”

“I’ve thought this over all morning. There’s nothing I can do, and frankly, nothing worse you can do to me. Not until you’re ready to show the world your true colors, anyway.” With a ginger little groan, Rarity sat herself upright so that she could properly look at the woman she hoped would accept her. Flurry was being a bit softer than before, perhaps finding some level of pity in her blackened, frosty heart. “Until you’re ready for your parents to know what you’re really like… Stick me in a cage someplace. Abuse me like you’ve been doing. You could give me more piercings. I… I actually kind of like them.” As if to prove it, Rarity pulled down on her top to reveal her still-tender nipples and the piercings that hung from them. “You could peg me while I tell you about how much I miss Applejack. Whatever gets you off, I suppose.”

“Wow, I really fucked you up, huh? Okay, Trash, how’s this for a deal?” Flurry smiled knowingly and offered her hand forward to Rarity. Rarity looked at the hand uneasily, uncertain as to why Flurry would ever offer her any sort of “deal”, considering she was the one with all of the power. “You said you’d do anything I ask. Shake my hand, and then I’ll tell you what I want you to do. Then, either you do it… Or I am going to make you go back home. I figure since I don’t want you anymore, I’m actually doing you a favor by allowing you to continue to amuse me. And if you fail to do so, I’ll make you do your walk of shame all through Ponyville. Mind you, the operative word in this scenario is ‘make’. You won’t be refusing that one, if it comes to that.”

“So… do what you ask?” Rarity stared, clearly trying to unravel the mystery before her. What could Flurry possibly have planned? “Or else I have to go back to Ponyville.”

“What do you say, Auntie? Wanna risk it? I suppose you don’t have much left to lose, right?”

As her hand went up, Rarity could feel her heart thumping in her chest, pounding like a drum. Why was she so scared? This was what she had asked for, wasn’t it? And yet, something about Flurry’s demeanor was supremely off-putting, even with the last week taken into account. There was something different about this offer, some unknown, devious twinge. It was at that moment that it occurred to Rarity that this whole situation was insane. Why was she so deadset on giving herself to someone like Flurry? Was it her power? Her self-assuredness? The guarantee that, no matter what, Rarity could count on her cruel, evil owner? Better the devil that you know.

After a second or so more of contemplation, Rarity reached forward to shake The Devil’s hand, and sealed her fate, one way or the other.

“Deal,” said Rarity dejectedly. “I agree to do whatever you ask, or face your punishment, my Empress.”

“You poor, poor thing… I’d feel bad for you if my pussy wasn’t soaking through my panties,” whispered Flurry. “Are you ready for your orders, Trash?”

“Whatever you say, I am yours to command.”

“Good girl. Because I want you…” Flurry leaned forward slowly, sensually, almost romantically. Like a lover drifting in for a kiss. But before her lips met Rarity’s, she slid past, stopping a scant half-inch from Rarity’s ear. She wanted Rarity to feel the command just as much as she heard it, and so she slowly, airily whispered into her aunt’s ear. “To kill yourself for me.”

Rarity didn't say anything at first. Couldn't muster up the words in time. She just sat there, soaking in her order, and quietly, she began to cry. It was a different sort of despair than before, a more subdued, tormented, silent little cry that Flurry very clearly took great pleasure from. So much so that she couldn't help but rub herself through her panties as she watched her dear, disgraced aunt cry.

"Yeah, that's about what I thought. You didn't give it enough thought, did you, Trash?" sighed Flurry wistfully. "That's okay. I never really believed you'd be able to do it. I'll give you to the end of the day to get yourself in order before I send you back to Ponyville and—"

"H-How?"

"Hm? Did you forget that I'm God? My magic is the single most powerful force in Equestria. Do you think it's outside of my power to control your body? Force you to take the train back home and talk to your friends? I—"

"How do you want me to do it?" said Rarity, staring down at the floor. She shuddered and shivered a bit, but somehow, in the face of the worst possibility imaginable, she stood the course. "You want me to kill myself. I'm asking you how I should do it."

"Wait… Wait, hold on," Flurry covered her mouth, barely choking back a laugh. "You're not actually going to kill yourself just because I told you to, right?"

"If you expect me to… my wrists… I may need a bit of wine in me. To work up the courage." Finally, Rarity looked up, her eyes puffy and red from crying, and stared Flurry dead in the face. It was a unique expression that Rarity wore. Her lip curled in disgust, her eyes wet with tears. No light or life behind her eyes. And yet, somehow, Rarity still has a tinge of respect, perhaps adoration. "I only get one try at this. I'd like to get it right."

"Oh, Auntie… You poor old thing…" Flurry snapped her fingers and, from the fabric of reality itself manifested a length of strong, sturdy rope. As Furry offered the rope to Rarity, a thought seemed to occur to her, and she snapped her fingers again; This time, rather than rope, a keycard appeared. "I think you're booked for one more night at the Six Seasons, if you want some privacy. I sent a few things ahead, they’re waiting for you there."

"Of course it was you…" Rarity couldn't even find it in herself to be angry. To find out that this was all Flurry's doing, from the very start, was obvious in retrospect. "Before I go, I must ask… Why not do it yourself? If you want me dead, and you certainly have the means to do it. Why not just stop my heart with a snap of your fingers?"

"For exactly the reasons you just outlined. It would be so easy to do it myself. But to make you feel terrible enough that you're willing to do it for me? That's not just fun, Auntie," giggled Flurry. "That's hot. And I'm not sure if this will make you feel better or worse about it, but you dying by your own hand, simply because I told you to? That's going to make me cum harder than I ever have in my entire life. So don't keep me waiting."

Rarity stood up, rope clutched tightly in hand, and slowly drifted towards the door. She stopped just before exiting, as if waiting for someone to stop her. Of course, no such thing happened. She was at the mercy of her Empress' command and, to be frank, she didn't have it in her to fight anymore. This was her fate now. It couldn't be worse than the alternative.

"No use in delaying any further," said Rarity, her tone dark, quiet, almost brooding. "I'll see you in hell, my Empress."

"For your sake, I hope not. Have a nice death, Auntie." Flurry waved, even going so far as to blow Rarity a kiss. "I'll miss you."

Somehow, despite everything, Rarity believed her. She no longer took these things personally because, as Flurry said, it could've been anyone. The Crystal Empress didn't seem to have any limits on who she harmed, so why not Rarity? At least Rarity could claim to herself that she may have spared some other innocent soul from meeting a similar fate. That was as close to a silver lining as she could devise.

After taking just a moment to steady herself, Rarity departed, strangely deciding that she would miss Flurry, too.

The hotel room was just as Rarity had hoped when she booked it; Large, but cozy, with beautiful furnishings and all the amenities one could desire. Had things gone to plan, she had no doubt in her mind that a few days there with Applejack and room service would have reignited their passion in no time flat. The way she envisioned the trip, it always ended with her having to pry her wife off of her when it was over. Now, Rarity was all alone, sat on her bed with her cell phone in one hand and a cheap bottle of champagne in the other. The thought had occurred to her that, given the circumstances, there'd be no harm in splurging on some top-shelf bubbly, but Rarity ultimately decided against it. What had she done to deserve such a treat, anyway?

"Rarity, I really don't think this is a good idea. What you do is your business, but I don't want to be stuck between you two. I'll hold on to your stuff until you get back in town, but I can't talk to you right now. Goodbye."

As her minutes ticked down, and she found herself growing more and more intoxicated, Rarity decided that she should at the very least say goodbye to her friends. Twilight's response was as leveled, measured, and fair as one could ever expect, and even that was devastating to Rarity.

"Can't talk right now, Rares. Someone here needs cheering up."

Pinkie was, for once in her life, without much to say in this instance, and Rarity didn't blame her. Were the roles reversed, Rarity wasn't sure if she'd have the right words, herself.

"I'm… on my way to AJ's right now. Maybe we should talk another time. She really needs me…"

True to form, Fluttershy was the gentlest of them all with her rejection, but Rarity knew better. She knew that tone, the way that she suggested they talk another time. It was the same way Rarity would easily let down the well-intentioned men who would often bare their hearts to her; In other words, "another time" really means "never".

"You've got some fucking balls calling me after what you did to AJ. I never want to hear from you again, bitch."

Rarity had saved Rainbow for last, knowing that she'd react the harshest of them all. She was Applejack’s best friend, after all. It was brief, thankfully, and with only a few expletives. Funnily enough, it was pretty obvious to anyone who knew Rainbow Dash that she had held back considerably for Rarity. She sighed, dropping the phone onto the bed, followed by her empty bottle of champagne. None of her friends were happy with her, obviously, but none of them had given her what she felt she deserved, either.

Her eyes went up to the stage before her, the noose attached to the ceiling fan, the chair to serve as her platform, and the tripod camera set up to record it all, and Rarity snorted. If they won't give her what she deserves, then she'd just have to do it herself.

"I can only assume this thing is actually recording. It seemed properly set up when I stepped in, but I didn't think to check it. Not that it matters." Rarity stood up, doing her best not to stumble. She looked straight down the camera, tears in her eyes, and continued on. "I'm sorry. For everything. I hope that you never see this, but if you do… I love you, Applejack. I never stopped loving you.” Rarity thought about leaving it at that, but it felt unsatisfactory. There was this itch at the back of her mind, an itch that compelled her to continue on. “And to you, cruel God, I hope this is sufficiently entertaining for you.”

That was enough for Rarity. At least now, Flurry wouldn’t be able to somehow punish her for failing to acknowledge her. Rarity didn’t think Flurry could actually torment her from beyond the veil, but if there was anyone powerful—and petty—enough to find a way, it’d be The Crystal Empress.

Trembling from nerves and unsteady from alcohol, Rarity clambered up the chair that had been set up for her. She stared through the loop of rope, pondering for a moment if she was really, truly going to go through with this. Could she really bring herself to end her own life? Strictly speaking, she had another option. She could always return home to Ponyville, face down her mistakes and live with the consequences of her actions. Go home to her empty bed, her former friends who hated her guts. Go home to the shame and guilt and regret, unable to shake her disgrace, and too terrified to reveal the true source of her troubles. Truth be told, even if she did go home, this was likely her future, anyway.

Slowly, Rarity slipped her head through the loop, letting out a shivering little sob at the rough feeling around her throat. She gave it a firm tug, to test its strength, and determined the rope to be sufficient. No more delaying, nothing else to distract her. All that was left was to get on with it.

“Goodbye,” croaked Rarity, squeezing her eyes shut. She took in a deep breath and kicked out her chair from beneath her feet.

Rarity dropped, pulling the rope taught and constricting her throat. Immediately, fear and instinct kicked in, and Rarity kicked her feet pitifully beneath her, desperately clawing and scratching for even a scrap of air. It hurt. Of course it wouldn’t be pleasant, but Rarity hadn’t really considered that it would hurt. The rope digging into her tender flesh, her lungs burning in protest, the pressure in her head dulling her vision. She couldn’t breathe, her head felt fit to burst, and yet, she persevered. Why? Some callous trick from Flurry? Enchanted rope that made it impossible for Rarity to escape her torment?

Quietly, subtly, barely-audible over the sound of her blood rushing through her brain, was the faint twinkle of unicorn magic. With bloodshot eyes, Rarity looked up, disgusted at the sight of her own horn glowing with magic. Survival instincts, she reckoned. Her body wouldn’t let her die. Her magic wasn’t quite strong enough to completely lift her, just boost her enough to just barely draw in the bare minimum of air. No. No backing down now. With tears streaking down her cheeks, Rarity reached up and wrapped both hands around her horn, snuffing out her magic with her fingers. She dropped a bit further, enough that she could now feel her full weight coming down on her throat. Rarity kicked and thrashed a bit more, each flail with less energy behind it than the last. Soon, she went still, her body slumped, unmoving save for the slight drift as the ceiling fan partly turned. Once it was clear that the body wouldn’t move again, a twinkle of magic flared in the room, causing Rarity’s phone, the camera and tripod to vanish into thin air. Souvenirs, for the woman depraved and evil enough to arrange this whole ordeal.

Though she wouldn’t know it, Rarity had served as sufficient entertainment for her cruel, evil Crystal Empress, after all.