Sapphire’s Solution (Non-Self/Suffering/Impermanence)

by Qibli2

Rating: teen
Tags: Sapphire Shores, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Alternate Universe, Narcotics, Drama, Original Character
Length: 2606

Dreams can come true…

If dreams can come true, what does that say about nightmares?

Published 2024-10-26 03:50:00 UTC
Last updated 2024-10-26 03:50:00 UTC

A Sea of Endless Blue

And if you ever touch the sky
You will know that you can fly

As far as eye can see

The waxéd wings are yours to wear
Freedom with no cross to bear
All you see is all that’s fair
A sea of endless blue
Wind is blowing through your mane
Free from all that’s proved inane
Wide enough to go insane
A sea of endless blue

A sea of endless blue…

”A Sea of Endless Blue” (Fragment)- Sapphire Shores

Dr. Sunshine

I’m done.

I’m done with all your begging and pleading. It’s like you have a constant obsession. You call me your “Favorite Pony”, but I am so sick of you being standoffish. And sure, you’re always apologizing, but wallowing in self-pity can only be bearable for so long before I’m tired of it.

I do know for a fact you’d never cheat on me, but I don’t think the circumstances leading up to that are healthy. I’m constantly trying to settle you down, and while I do admit you’ve gotten better, I just can’t do it anymore.

I'm a doctor and I don't know what your deal is.

Love, Golden Sunshine

Notes From the Studio

Still Water’s Notes

Sapphire Shores came in today, and she looks like she’s seen better days. Apparently she wrote a strongly worded letter to the record label head? I wouldn’t know, but I did here her marefriend broke up with her or something. Sucks for her, I guess. But she’s still in here looking like she’s ready to murder everypony in the room

—

I got myself a nice cup of coffee. Sapphire doesn’t look any better. She’s coaching the session guitarist on something— she wanted an electric guitarist this time. Weird

—

Well, first take of the song sounded good. Can probably use that later in the mix

—

I have never ever heard her use a guitar solo, much less one so dissonant. What is going on with her today

—

Drummer’s getting in. Seems to want very little drum programming here, of course I’ll retime everything in post. I’m sure the rest of the instruments will be fine

—

Rest of the instruments went on without a hitch. Sapphire just came in to monitor the mix a little, with just a little murderous intent. She seems pushier today, she has a very clear idea for what this song is supposed to be and I don’t see how it’s going to be a hit. It’s angry, it’s spiteful, she sounds a second away from hysterical crying. Do filles like this now? I mean I’ve heard of ‘emo’ but this is ridiculous

—

I’m so getting fired for this

The Tipping Point

Thank you, Mr. Marigold… I’ll do my best.

II. Suffering

Author's Note

Hope you’re enjoying the show so far. This story was such a nightmare to write gonna be honest. Never really written a character who had shades of an anti-hero before— and I hope I did well. But there’s still half a story left so make sure you’re comfortable. It only gets more intense.

The Broken Mare

What will I be drinking
When morning comes
A bottle of cider
I’ll have so much fun.

I’ll lay on the ground
As stars swirl around
I’ll be wearing a smile
Perhaps upside-down.

And soon you will seee
Who I’m meant to beee

I am the broken mare
I am alone
I am the broken mare
Here to atone
I am the broken mare
Naught but an act
I am the broken mare
Under attack

I’ll pour out my soul
My life in the grooves
The mare that I’ve lost
And mind I’ve yet to lose

With every burnt end
I’m closer to gone
With every single
I keep putting on

“The Broken Mare” (fragment)- Sapphire Shores (scribbled on half a sheet of printer paper)

Tracklist

Diamonds (Live)

The Magic Touch (Live)

The Good Times (Live)

A Beautiful Mare (Live)

Sea of Endless Blue (Live)

Last Dance (Live)

Pop Power! (Live)

The Perfect Pony (And the Consequence of Imperfection) (Live)

The Chains (Live)

Not Me (Live)

Crisis in a Major Key/The Cost of Everything and More (Live)

v (Live)

The Broken Mare (Live)

|PARENTAL ADVISORY_|
|==================|
|__EXPLICIT CONTENT__|

Sapphire’s Solution

“Welcome to the greatest show on earth where you can see a mare—

Because of course you can’t be the biggest popstar in the world without breaking a few bones—

This is dedicated to the best times of my life— the false memories and extinguished hopes—

I am so, so sorry, please forgive me Dr. Sun—

Hey remember that song that underperformed because I wasn’t bleeding on stage enough? You—

Now this one’s a cheerful little ditty about death! After all I’ve already killed myself for you—

[unintelligible crying interspersed with apologies]

[silence]

You don’t like me, do you? After all I haven’t really be engaged with the audience. I— I— I—

I didn’t hear any cheering, who’s sharing the cue? Who is? I will kill you, every single pony in this venue and then—

Was that not enough for you? Right! You want to hear me break down! That’s the only way my art will be worth anything, by exploiting the artist until she dies. It’s always best to put every breakdown you’ve ever had onto the page, the back of a napkin, just so you can slice yourself into tiny little pieces for everypony to enjoy! You want this! You want me yelling at you! A breakdown is always better. It’s more artistic.

And when my blood is on the walls you will all be consuming it like I’m still the biggest popstar in Equestria! You sicken me, you, you, you—

—

This is what you wanted wasn’t it? A Broken Mare? This is The Broken Mare Tour! So hey! Have I bled out enough for you yet? Do you want me crucified until I make the most artistic music I can?

I bet you do. Because it’s what you want.

I. Non-Self

Author's Note

Hi! It’s the author here, Dashie04. I’m here to say that this story is very heavy, and very experimental, featuring themes of mental health and artistry. Oh, the warnings are also there for a reason ofc. So if none of that is up your alley exit stage left— no matter how proud I am of this story.

For all who don’t leave, enjoy the show!

A Sea of Endless Blue (Session List)

Session List (A Sea of Endless Blue)

Sapphire Shores- piano, vocals, backing vocals

Burnt Ice- acoustic guitar

Peppermint- drums/drum programming

Hayloft- bass

Still Waters- synthesizers, production

Help Me

Golden Sunshine, I’m so sorry, I don't know what my deal is either. All I know is that you're the beacon in my life and the only pony I've ever cared about as much as I do. You’re my Favorite Pony, I couldn't live without you and I’ve tried.

Please come back, I don't even know how I'll get by without you in my life.

Love, Sapphire Shores

Help Me.

…Please come back.

Help Me..

Please come back.

Help Me…

Come back… please…

Help Me….

I beg you… come back…

…Please…

I blew it didn’t I? Like always.

King Marigold

I neglected to tell you this because, well, I’ve seen how you’d react. But, I have to break it to you. Critics thought that the Endless Blue album was bland, and it didn’t produce any hits. So, the public doesn’t care about it either.

It’s only gone gold. Now, the label is in a bit of a tough spot. The tour will make us some money, but we need some hits, stat. We want that album as fast as possible. Preferably, as cheap as possible. You’ll get a 20% cut of all sales.

Come on and make us proud!

Sincerely, Marigold Crown

The Response

Excuse me? My marefriend just broke up with me? What do you want me to do about this? I will strangle you, and rob you blind until those bits you owe me appear in my purse. You know how expensive those custom gowns were to order from Rarity?

You want an album, I’ll give you an album, Mr. Death on Four Legs!

Spitefully, Sapphire Shores

The Response (Reprise)

I am so sorry Marigold. I messed up… again. Please discard the last letter. I will be in the studio as soon as possible.

Marigold Writes Back

It’s a shame you’re so good at this, we would’ve dropped you long ago otherwise. Please keep all that manic energy as close to your chest as possible. It’s unprofessional and unbecoming of a Pop star.

You are the biggest Pop star in Equestria. Get in the studio and act like it.

Sincerely, Marigold Crown

Not Me

I thought that we had
Something more than a fad
A relationship pillar
That’s finally glad

To be with me
To be with me
To be with me
To be with—

AAAAAHHHHH

I’m just a mare
I’m beyond repair
A broken shot glass
Without any pair

My blood will boil
The second I see
A mare that is with you
A mare who’s not me…

“Not Me” (fragment)- Sapphire Shores (Scrawled on a half-torn napkin)

Not Me (Session List)

Session List (Not Me)

Sapphire Shores- piano, vocals, backing vocals, screams

Burnt Ice- electric guitar

Peppermint- drums

Hayloft- bass

Still Waters- synthesizers, production, drum programming

King Marigold’s Reaction

Well, Sapphire Shores, it seemed I underestimated you. I’ll admit, I was this close to dropping you from the label. I didn’t see any way for that album, A Broken Mare, as maniacal as it is, to be a success at all. But, apparently, it was a big hit.

Critics are raving, sales are less than your commercial peak, but steady. I’d imagine it’s attracting a new fanbase, too. As a Popstar your days may be numbered, but as long as sales stay steady, I don’t care.

Besides, the critical acclaim is nice. I just want you to do the exact same thing for the next album. It’ll work twice, I’m sure. You’re insane enough to make it work.

Sincerely, Marigold Crown

The Tour

Well, you’re booked for another stadium tour around Equestria. Once again, I am absolutely astounded that you’ve managed to turn this around. The flyers are already made— but we need some great pictures for the shoots.

You know, smudged mascara, crying, maybe a bit of tasteful dishevelment. This tour’s going to be a big hit, imagine the stories that can be told! The ponies are going to love it!

Sincerely, Marigold Crown

Getting There

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

This is all I have to do right? That’s it? I’m sure the ponies are going to love me. I am Sapphire Shores, the biggest pony popstar in the world, and won’t watching her f a l l a p a rt onstage be soooo fun?!

…Once again. I let my thoughts take me over, like always.

I hate this.

I hate everything.

I hate myself.

Well, if it’s what keeps ponies talking, I might as well.

Sincerely, Sapphire Shores.

Tour Pamphlet

The Broken Mare Tour!

See Sapphire Shores live and the stadium track performing her biggest hits! In addition, watch her perform her striking new album in-pony! For the first time, she’ll be performing with a live band!

Don’t miss it, tickets on sale at participating record stores!

Anonymous Review

You know, it was good, but I expected more of that energy from the new album. The Broken Mare is almost an art piece I’ve never heard from a modern pop star. It’s striking and raw, but the show was just another Sapphire Shores show. Still good, but definitely not worth the premium.

3 out of 5 stars
-Anonymous Reviewer

The Conclusion

Marigold! No matter what I do I can’t replicate anything you told me to. I can’t just schedule my mental breakdowns and I can’t believe you’d think I’d be able to. It makes me want to strangle— nevermind. I almost want to toss in the towel.

But if it’s what gets ponies talking

I might as well…

Love, Sapphire Shores

AllMarket Receipt

Dolphin Whiskey

0072109845626

(2 @ 20 bits)

Solar Flare Cigarettes

0068976433126

(1 @ 15 bits)

AllMarket Pain Reliever

0011110984533

(1 @ 2 bits)

Total: 57 Bits

23/8/1016
5PM
Sapphire

Dr.Sunshhhne

Ohh, come on Dr. Sunshine! Just one—once more! This’ll work this time!

I promise with all my heart and soul I will not look at your— two-faced face any differently than I did when you—/betrayed me! You!demth wors—best—worse lover I’ve ever had!

But this time’,l be different different I know…

Love, Sapphire Shores.

Burnt Ice’s Letter

So hi, this is Burnt Ice. I am just letting you know that you passed out backstage surrounded by dozens of letters to a “Dr. Sunshine”, with a bottle of whiskey on the ground. The band’s going out to La Mejor— a nearby Mareican restaurant. so I’m just letting you know when you wake up.

Sapphire’s Response

Burnt Ice, was it? Oh, I know. It was the first time I felt something other than painin months. But of course, I can’t feel anything other than pain. What else am I supposed to feel to be Equestria’s biggest pop star?

Anyways here’s the note letting you know that I feel terrible so the show will be going on tonight. I couldn’t imagine not doing the show, I’ll be swimming with the Dolphin in the back.

The Broken Mare (Session List)

Session List (The Broken Mare)

Sapphire Shores- vocals, backing vocals, stylophone

Burnt Ice- electric guitar

Hayloft- bass

Still Waters- production, drum programming, synthesizers

III. Impermanence

Author's Note

Here they are, the final few chapters. I hope you’ve enjoyed— this is actually my longest story in months because I enjoyed writing it so much. Well, it’s also one of my only stories in months, but we don’t need to dwell on that, just enjoy the last few chapters! I’m signing off.

The Question

You know what we haven’t done? A live album. With your Broken Mare act on the road, and making record profits for the company, may I add, there’s no better time to. Let me know, we can make sure we cement your status as an artistic icon now that you’ve found yourself!

Let me know when you’re ready. Make sure you bring your A-game!

Sincerely, Marigold Crown

An Answer

I trust this will reach you in time. I feel absolutely horrible today. I have not found myself in the slightest, in fact, I’m losing my grip on reality more and more everyday. But it’s what the ponies want, so here I am with a furious hangover, and I’m saying today’s the day.

I am the biggest name in Equestria, so I’m prepared to act like it. I can’t wait to scream, fall apart, and give every single pony the exact act they’ve been wanting from me!

It’s what the ponies want.

Sincerely, Sapphire Shores.

Anonymous Review 2

One of the most interesting shows I’ve ever watched. A wonderful piece of performance art. Really made me think.

5 out of 5 stars
-Anonymous Reviewer