Buried Memories

by JJ GingerHooves

Rating: everyone
Tags: Sweetie Belle, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Sad, Rarity
Length: 7601

A death in the family forces Rarity to look after her sister but also to confront her past.

Life was pretty good for Rarity. With her own business, she had the best friends anypony could ask for and a loving (if slightly annoying at times) sister.

But nothing ever stays the same forever.

After a traumatic accident within the family, Rarity is forced to care for Sweetie Belle, learning how to be the best sister she can possibly be. Yet old memories resurface and she will be forced to confront her own upbringing too.

Published 2012-11-13 11:30:02 UTC
Last updated 2013-01-04 01:58:09 UTC

The Letter

The setting sun signalled the end of business hours for most establishments in Ponyville, including Carousel Boutique. Rarity switched around the sign on the front door from ‘open’ to ‘closed’. For the rest of the night, only her friends would be allowed to enter the shop. Until Rarity had to get her beauty sleep, that is.

The Boutique was quiet, which was odd considering the fact that Sweetie Belle was staying here. Both of the Belle sisters’ parents were out on vacation, again. They really enjoyed travelling together--not that Rarity minded. She found it rather romantic.

In any case, a quiet Sweetie Belle was an unnatural thing. Perhaps she was doing her homework, or simply reading.

Either way it didn’t matter, for just because business hours ended did not mean that the working day had to draw to a close. Designs had to be drafted up, measurements needed to be measured and stitches needed to be stitched. It sounded awfully boring, but for Rarity, it was her passion. Sometimes she’d just marvel at how lucky she really was.

Before anything could be done, however, Rarity thought it best to check on her sister. Just in case, considering  how unpredictable fillies can be.

“Sweetie Belle?!” she yelled.

There was a short pause before Sweetie answered. “Yeah?” It was muffled but Rarity could make it out.

“What are you doing?”

“Homework!” Came the definite answer.

“Good girl! Need any help with it?!”

“I’m fine thanks!”

“Okay then!”

With that settled, Rarity began to head over to her work room. Yet just before she entered, she stopped to a halt as another thought came into her head. It is getting rather late...I really should cook some dinner.

Sighing quietly, she turned away from her workshop and trotted into the kitchen. It was clean, thank Celestia. Rarity had banned Sweetie Belle from doing any cooking without her big sister’s supervision after the last farce; all of Rarity’s best friends were needed to clean that mess up.

Rarity shivered as she remembered that sticky mess. Refocusing her thoughts on the present and not the past, she considered options for tonight’s meal. Hmmm...eh. I’ll just make some soup. It’s simple but I cannot be bothered to cook anything else. But which type... Rarity made a thoughtful noise as she scanned the various cupboards for foods, Oh yes! Carrots! That’ll do nicely.

With her magic, Rarity placed a few carrots on the chopping board and levitated a knife. She deftly used the tool to slice through the vegetables with deadly efficiency, creating small, neat slices. In a stark contrast to her almost ruthless cutting, she began to hum a pleasant tune.

After she had all the slices required, she began the task of making the soup itself. Cooking was something of a hidden passion for Rarity. She enjoyed it but she never had the time to do so extensively. It was merely a side hobby to her already big hobby of dress making.

Come to think of it...soup by itself just won’t fill us up. Rarity left the soup bubbling away and retrieved a loaf of bread, already half finished due to previous meals. Using the knife again, she started to slice the loaf, although it wasn’t as quick as the carrots because of its sponginess.

Once the bread was ready, she started piling it onto two simple white plates. A bit of a while after that, the soup was finally ready. Using her magical dexterity, she speedily poured the soup into two white bowls and put the cutlery and food on the kitchen table. Before calling down Sweetie, she added the final touch. Two napkins neatly folded next to the bowls.

“Sweetie Belle! Come down for dinner!” Rarity shouted while admiring her hoofdiwork.

“Coming!” Sweetie replied, and it wasn’t long before she arrived. She trotted in, a spring in her step, and took her seat. Rarity soon did afterwards, giving Sweetie a nod that indicated that they could begin.

Rarity gracefully picked up her spoon using her magic, dipping it into the soup and blowing on it to cool it before finally beginning to eat.

Sweetie on the other hand, simply picked up the bowl by her hooves and began to drink from it was if it was a mug.

“Sweetie Belle!”

Sweetie blinked, putting down the bowl and revealing her newfound soup moustache.

“I have told you before, do not drink your soup in such a brutish manner!” Rarity berated.

“But Rarity, it’s really hard to pick up a small spoon with just my hoof!” Sweetie protested, proving her point by attempting to pick up her spoon. She couldn’t hold onto it for long before it dropped into the soup with a splash.

Rarity sighed, rescuing the spoon from its soupy fate. “Fine fine...just clean up afterwards.”

Sweetie nodded quickly then resumed drinking the soup. Rarity rolled her eyes, focusing on her own meal. “Don’t forget the bread.”

“Ooh, yeah!” Sweetie placed the bowl on the table again and tore into a slice of bread. Rarity grimaced but refrained from saying anything. She was much more refined in her eating, dunking the bread into the soup before eating to give it a little flavour.

The rest of the meal continued in silence but that was due to Sweetie’s ravenous gulping down of the soup. A big belch announced the end of dinner, at least for Sweetie.

“Sweetie!” Rarity chided, wrinkling her muzzle at such a vulgar sound.

“Ooh, sorry. Pardon.” Sweetie squeaked, slipping off the chair and beginning to walk away.

“And where do you think you’re going young lady?” Sweetie turned to see Rarity pointing at the abandoned cutlery.

Sweetie sighed, quickly getting the message. “Fiiiiiine...” she groaned, moving her chair and things to the sink. The filly climbed onto the chair and turned on the taps, using the soap to create a foamy mess in which she could wash.

Rarity nodded in satisfaction and carried on with her meal. It wouldn’t be long though before she stood by Sweetie, joining her in the washing up. The younger pony had to wash by hoof but Rarity used her magic to avoid getting wet.

Sweetie then suddenly lost her grip on her bowl, dropping it into the sink and creating a splash that went over her and Rarity.

“Oops...sorry...” Sweetie apologised, smiling sheepishly at Rarity’s partially wet mane. The mare didn’t look amused.

Rarity was silent for a while but her face did all the talking. Her frown soon wore away, developed into a smile and soon after that, she was giggling. Sweetie took this as a cue to join in, laughing with childish glee. That is, until she got splashed in the face by Rarity.

The older mare only laughed harder and it wasn’t long before Sweetie returned the favour. Soon, a mini water fight had broken out. It was rather stationary though, with the pair simply returning splashes at each other, covering themselves and the floor in water. Although somewhat brutish for Rarity, she had learned to sometimes let moments like these happen: two sisters just having fun and enjoying their company.

The small skirmish ended when the two of them were both starting to get worn out. “Hahaha....oh that was rather good fun.” Rarity blinked, remembering what both of them had been doing before dinner. “Don’t you have homework to do?”

Sweetie’s mouth formed an ‘o’ shape as she realized her school obligations. “Yeah...I better get to it.”

“Mhm. Don’t worry, I’ll clean up things here. Run along now darling.”

“I’m on it!” Sweetie gave Rarity a firm salute, before marching off, much to the amusement of the fashion designer. However, she was first subjected to a quick drying over by Rarity with a towel.

Rarity snickered, shaking her head. “I swear, children these days have twice the energy that I did when I was that age...” she said to herself quietly while drying her mane. She then dried the stained floor with paper towels, throwing them into the bin without lifting a hoof.

Before Rarity started to go to her work room, her ears started to twitch. Someone was knocking at the door. Ever the polite mare, she trotted to the front door and opened it carefully. Standing before her was a light blue pegasus stallion. Rarity had never seen him before, so she assumed he was a new customer.

“I’m terribly sorry but we’re closed. I can, however--”

“Letter for you,” the stallion simply said, handing over said item. It was enclosed in a plain white envelope.

Rarity took the letter, smiling sweetly. “Oh, why thank you.”

“No problem,” he paused, stammering his next words, “My condolences ma’am. Have a good evening.” Then the stallion took off, as if he was never there. He seemed rather hurried to go too...

Rarity frowned, thinking about the stallion’s choice of words. Worry began to form inside of her. Had something happened? Certainly. The word ‘condolences’ was only used for...those times. For the time being though, she tried to keep calm, closing the door and bringing the letter to eye level.

Somewhat reluctantly, she opened the letter and read the words transcribed upon it. Immediately she knew that this letter was meant for her and wasn’t just a missend.

She read on and as she did so, her facial expression changed from shock, to distress and finally sadness. All the while, it felt like something had been ripped from her and could never be replaced. She couldn’t believe what she was reading. She didn’t want to believe. But there it was, clear as day.

After reading, she let out a shuddering sigh. She took in deep breaths, attempting not break down. Her magic faltered and the letter dropped to the ground. Her eyes were watery but when looking around the room, she was thankful for the lack Sweetie Belle.

Rarity frantically paced around, her mind a complete mess. Half of her was shunning away the truth and the other was trying to figure out what the heck to do next. Suddenly her beautiful boutique felt hostile and unfamiliar. She needed to get out.

But to do that, she’d need to lie to her own sister. She couldn’t know about this...not now at least. Not after this pleasant evening. She kept looking between the ceiling and the floor, trying to put on an act. She took in a breath to shout but found herself speechless.

“I...I can’t...” she said lowly to herself, shaking her head. The truth would come out eventually. It always did. The drive to get out, however, was overpowering.

Looking up to the ceiling, she closed her eyes and let it out. “S-Sweetie?!”

For a short moment there was silence. It felt longer to Rarity, convinced that her act had failed.

“Yeah?”

Rarity let out a sigh of relief. “I need to see Twilight for a moment...you’ll be fine by yourself, won’t you...?”

“Don’t worry about me!”

Of all the things she could’ve said, it had to have been that. Hearing her sister’s innocent voice hurt Rarity more than she knew. “I...I’ll try not to be too long...” That was it; she couldn’t bear to be here any longer. She picked up the letter with her magic and cantered out of the boutique with a hurried desperation. She briskly made her way to the library, letter floating alongside her. She didn’t look back.

At any other moment, she would have found the brilliant red of the evening sky beautiful. Now she simply acknowledged it. Not many other ponies were milling about either, so her act dropped slightly.

Once she reached the library’s front door, she smacked it with a hoof. A loud knock resounded from the door, making Rarity flinch a little.

“Oh er--coming!” came the voice of Twilight, followed by the sound of shuffling hooves. Soon the door opened, revealing the purple unicorn. “Could you not knock so--Rarity?” Her annoyance went to concern upon seeing her friend’s face. “Rarity? Are you okay?”

“I...” words easily escaped her. Rarity opted to give the letter to Twilight, who glanced from the letter to her friend.

“Please, come in,” Twilight said softly, standing aside to allow Rarity to enter.

“Is...is Rarity alright?” Spike asked as he entered the room from the kitchen, biting his lip as he saw how upset Rarity looked. “Did something happen?”

“Spike, I think Rarity and I need some time alone.” Twilight answered rather blandly.

Spike nodded rather unsurely. “Yeah...gotcha.” The whelp turned to leave but before he did, he noticed Rarity gesturing to herself with a hoof. Spike closed the distance between them and when he got close, Rarity pulled him into a hug.

She sniffed, the embrace helping to fight back the tears and keep her strong. It wasn’t long before she released her hold over the dragon, although she could have kept him there forever. She gave him a small smile, one which he replicated, but it soon vanished as soon as he entered the next room.

Twilight meanwhile, was reading the letter, small gasps escaping her lips after taking in the information.

Dear Miss Rarity Belle

We regret to inform you that yesterday, between the hours of 18:00 and 19:00, Magnum Belle and Pearl Belle were killed in a carriage accident in Manehattan.

We shall visit tomorrow at 12:00 pm sharp, where we can talk through burial and funeral proceedings.

We are dreadfully sorry for your loss and understand that this news will be very distressing to you, therefore if you feel the need for some support, we would be happy to direct you to the right ponies.

Commissioner Streten Narroh

Manehattan Police Department

Twilight stood there, looking at the paper in disbelief. She re-read it, checking that everything on there was really there. Sadly, it was.

“Rarity...I’m so sorry.” Twilight said with great sincerity, lowering the letter and looking at her friend’s watery eyes.

Rarity opened her mouth to speak but fell short of actually saying something. Instead, she shook her head slowly, eyes trailing down to the floor. She didn’t see Twilight come up to her and warmly embrace her, but she welcomed the gesture anyway. She buried her face into Twilight, fighting back the tears.

Twilight could only stand there, trying her best to comfort her friend. She didn’t know what to say...she didn’t know what she should say. Death was never something anypony can shrug off easily. All she knew though was that she had to be there for Rarity...she wanted to. The two simply stood there together, Rarity’s sobs being the only sound in the room.

After a while, Twilight spoke up, “You can stay here tonight, if you want.”

Rarity shook her head. “Thank you d-darl--thank you Twilight but...I...” she blinked in horrified realization, “I can’t...I can’t leave Sweetie Belle alone!”

“She...she doesn’t know, does she?”

“No! No she doesn’t! I-I have to tell her but...I don’t want to...she’s so sweet...so innocent...she...she doesn’t deserve this!” Rarity cried. She went on to say more but a lump caught in her throat. She tried taking deep breaths to calm herself but they only came out in short and stuttered periods.

“I need to go back...” Rarity continued, breaking away from Twilight.

“I could come with you, if you want.” Twilight suggested. Rarity opened her mouth to answer but instead simply shook her head.

“I’m very grateful Twilight but...we’ll talk tomorrow.”

Twilight nodded slowly. “Okay then...” she trailed off, unsure of what else to say. Saying ‘have a good night’ seemed inappropriate.

“I’ll take leave then...thank you again Twilight. You’re a good friend. My best friend...” Rarity reluctantly walked away with sluggish steps. Before she opened the door however, she turned to Twilight once more. “Do...do you think you can take Sweetie out tomorrow? When the police are here?”

“Yes, I will. But it is Monday tomorrow so I’ll take her to school.” Twilight answered surely. Rarity gave her a small smile and opened the door, preparing to head back. In all her distress, she had forgotten that tomorrow was Monday. That made things a lot easier.

“But Rarity,” the dressmaker froze, “You’ll have to tell her some time...”

“Yes...yes, I know...” Rarity said, not looking back before closing the door behind her. The journey back was slow and lonesome. By now, nopony was out. Once the boutique came into view, the mare sighed. She didn’t want to face Sweetie Belle now; she’d become too curious. So the only viable option Rarity saw was the coward’s way out: sleep.

“Sweetie! I’m back!” Rarity called out as she entered the building, thankful that her voice sounded strong. “I’ll be heading to bed now. I need my beauty sleep, after all.” She would have grinned at her white lie if the circumstances weren’t so dire.

“Okay!” came the cheery voice of her sister. It pained Rarity to hear it.

With heavy steps, she walked up the stairs and entered her bedroom. Opal was sleeping on the bed, her tail wrapped around her body. Rarity merely lifted her off the bed, awakening the cat and causing her to hiss in fury. Rarity didn’t bother to scold her, instead opting to fall onto the bed.

When the bed sheets were over her, she felt a bit more secure. Soon she’d enter the world of dreams...and nightmares. But any thought up nightmare would have been better than living this one. Resting her head on a pillow, Rarity closed her eyes and soon drifted off to sleep.

The house was quiet and dark. From the outside, it looked as if it had no occupants within which was especially strange, considering the time of day...rather, time of night.

Should one have entered the building however, they would have found the young filly sitting in her bedroom, drawing designs for dresses by candlelight. Her bedroom window was open, a weak breeze coming into the room. The walls were painted in a tasteful light purple, the ceiling was simply white and the floor was covered in a pink carpet. Clearly, this room belonged to a little princess, all the furniture grand and royal like. Even the pillows on the violet bed had golden tassels.

The wannabe designer had just finished drawing up a new, beautiful dress. It was mostly white but there was a light blue at the curvy edges. The dress looked like a river, flowing down the plain mannequin pony that she had also drawn. It was simple, yet elegant.

The final touch, of course, was the signature of the designer herself. Pencil in mouth, she scribbled down her name on the bottom left corner of the page.

Rarity Belle

The handwriting was delicate and sophisticated, especially so for a filly her age.

Unfortunately, she didn’t have time to marvel at her handiwork as a sharp gust of wind forced its way into the room, blowing out the single candle that stood on her small table, plunging the room into darkness.

“Oh darn it! I knew I should have closed the window...” Rarity said to herself, walking over the glass pane. She had no fear about stepping on a toy on her way over, for her room was completely tidy...mostly. The only untidy thing was her ‘design corner’ where her table was. It was covered in discarded paper and pens. She called it ‘organised chaos’. Her parents called it a mess but they didn’t care much for it. It wasn’t their mess. The rest of Rarity’s room was immaculate anyway.

With the window shut, Rarity needed light once more. The candle had kept her warm and without it, the night would be very cold. It was lonely enough, so she didn’t want extra issues.

She had to do everything herself now. Her parents were on vacation together and it wasn’t the first time they had done so either. Rarity could get used to the routine but the hurt and loneliness was a different matter.

Reluctantly, she opened the door to her bedroom and looked out at the dark hallway before her. There were only three rooms up here: her bedroom, her parents’ bedroom and the bathroom.

Whenever the night came, Rarity holed herself away in her bedroom. The rest of the house became unfamiliar and frightening. It didn’t feel like a home then...just a place.

She crept through the hallway and down the creaky stairs. She needn’t have been so quiet but she always was. Anyone could have been in the house with her. Maybe she was being paranoid but...better safe than sorry.

She shivered as she stepped onto the kitchen tiles. This must have been the coldest room in the house by far. Her teeth began to chatter but she pressed on, feeling the kitchen cabinets for the right one. The one with the matches.

The filly smiled when she managed to find the right one and hastily opened it, putting her forehoof instead. Her smile quickly disappeared as all she felt was the hardness of metal. The cutlery drawer.

Huffing quietly to herself, she slammed the drawer and kept searching for her intended target. She banged her hoof on the drawer handles, which hurt quite a bit but it wasn’t enough to stop her.

To her relief, the next one she opened was the right one. She grabbed the matchbox and bucked the drawer close, before galloping back to her room in a desperate hurry.

She slumped against the door, breathing rapidly. She stayed there for a bit, recuperating. Her bedroom was the only room that she could tolerate being in when dark. It was hers and nopony had the right to take it away from her.

When she had fully recovered, she wandered over to her table. Leaning on it, she held up the match box and retrieved a matchstick from within. She furrowed her brows, concentrating as she struck the matchstick against the wax of the box. The first time she had ever done this, she managed to burn herself. It wasn’t major though and the fur had regrown.

The match eventually caught alight and Rarity grinned with delight as she lit the candle. Immediately she felt warmer. Blowing out the match, she leaned her forelimbs on the table and marveled at her work.

The Visitor

It was the sound of the birds’ songs that woke Rarity up. Her ears twitched but her eyelids did not flicker open, the mare preferring to retain that sense of slumber. There was a smell of tea in the air, which never failed to make her smile. Her body felt a bit cold though, which made things slightly more uncomfortable so she reluctantly opened her eyes in order to find the warm brew.

The covers were messed up and strewn over the bed, which suggested that her night had been a turbulent one. Perhaps she had a stressful dream. It was probably for the best that she didn’t remember it.

The curtains were closed so adjusting to the dim light of her room wasn’t a problem at all. She raised herself from the pillow slightly and pulled the covers back over her, too tired to do it with her magic.

At this point, the aroma became too much to withstand any longer and she glanced around the room. To her left, on the wooden bedside table was a tray that held a plate with two slices of toast. Each slice was covered in butter and was toasted to perfection. Besides them was a white mug, full of steaming tea. To the side was a napkin, accompanied by a small note. Rarity picked it up, reading the words:

Breakfast in bed for the best sister in the world~!

The gesture was obviously intended to be heartwarming--and it was--but two factors made it jarring. The first was that nothing was burnt, which was very strange considering Sweetie Belle’s cooking ability.

More important though was the fact that it was so full of childlike innocence, which brought feelings of guilt and dread to Rarity. One way or another, the beans would be spilled.

Rarity let out a stuttered sigh, putting down the note and placing the mug in her hooves. Upon taking a sip, a wave of warmth radiated throughout her body, almost casting aside her doubts and fears.

She glanced at the toast but something else caught her attention instead. Another note but this time it was neatly folded up. Rarity raised an eyebrow and (thanks to the caffeine in the tea) used her magic to bring it to herself to read.

Don’t worry. No fires occurred. Sweetie Belle is at school and I doubt she suspects a thing.

Hope you’re doing okay. After you have talked to the police, we should talk. Although I perfectly understand if you need some alone time; I can easily accommodate Sweetie at the library.

Twilight

Rarity gasped, the note reminding her of the visit she was due. She quickly looked up at the clock on the wall opposite her.

Nine thirty-five. Oh thank Celestia.

She leant back against her pillow, sipping more tea to soothe her nerves. Then she began to eat her toast, the only sound being the crunching of the food. She gave the wall a blank stare, only having her breakfast and doing nothing else.

She had no idea how much time had passed before her mug was empty. The unexpected realization snapped her out of her daze and she put the stained mug and crumb covered plate back onto the tray.

Then she did nothing except stare at the wall again.

Sweetie Belle didn’t mind Mondays too badly. School was actually pretty fun. She liked to learn and it she always saw her friends there. The only bad part about it was Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon and even then, their insults were beginning to get repetitive.

The problem was that not everyone else liked Mondays. Scootaloo in particular was always very snarky on a school Monday. So Sweetie had learned to tone down her cheerfulness and be patient with the others. She suspected that even Miss Cherilee disliked Mondays so she always made an extra effort today. It made things alot easier for everyone involved.

This Monday was an odd one though. Instead of Rarity of her parents taking her to school, it was Twilight. Granted, her parents were on holiday but it was unlike her sister to do something so lazy as to sleep in.

The pair walked side by side, a light smile on Twilight’s face. Sweetie’s was scrunched up in thought. The librarian gave the occasional passing wave but the conversation between the two was dry.

That is, until Sweetie spoke up. “Twilight?”

The older mare looked down at the filly. “Yes Sweetie Belle?”

“Does Rarity hate Mondays now?”

Twilight blinked. “No no,” she answered, shaking her head, “As I said earlier, she has a lot of work coming up and thought it would be a good idea to get more sleep beforehoof.”

Sweetie looked at the ground, kicking a stray pebble with her forehoof. “Okay.”

Twilight set her gaze ahead, hiding a concerned frown but had to mask it again shortly.

“Oh! Oh!” Sweetie chirped, bouncing excitedly, “I had a little spark of magic the other day!”

“Really?” Twilight replied, giving the filly her full interest, “I’ll have to teach you how to control it some time soon then.”

“Really?!” Sweetie made a grin so wide, Twilight couldn’t help but chuckle to herself.

“Really.”

“Yay!” Sweetie cheered, hopping around an amused Twilight, “I can’t wait to use magic ‘cause then I can do thing really easily! Like cooking!”

“Well, levitation certainly makes manipulating objects easier but it doesn’t make everything a cakewalk.” Twilight commented.

Sweetie stopped her bouncing and frowned a tad. “I know that.”

“It seems obvious now but when you have magic...” the librarian rubbed the back of her neck, “you tend to get a bit carried away.”

“Oh, like that spell that made us all go crazy over your doll?”

Twilight let out an annoyed sigh. “Yes. Something like that.” she wiped off her frown with a smile, “Anyway, you better run along now.” she pointed at the schoolhouse. Many fillies were outside, chatting and playing while some of the adults were simply conversing with one another.

“Okay! Thanks for walking me here!” Sweetie said cheerfully with a energetic wave, before galloping off.

“No problem. I’ll see you later to arrange magic tutoring!” Twilight called out then headed over to Applejack, who had just dropped off Apple Bloom.

Sweetie went up the path to the front door, where Scootaloo was giving her scooter to Cherilee so that it could be put in the closet. Apple Bloom was stood beside the pegasus filly and was the first to spot Sweetie.

“Hey Sweetie Belle!” the farmyard filly hollered. At least she seemed perky for a Monday.

“Hi you two.” Sweetie replied.

“Hey.” Scootaloo said, her stuff safely inside. She sounded tired, proven by the fact that she let out a big yawn. Sweetie was always concerned that Scootaloo didn’t get enough sleep sometimes but didn’t want to confront her about it. Scootaloo was a good friend who you could have a great time with but when she was tired, she tended to get very snappy.

“How was yer mornin’ then?” Apple Bloom asked Sweetie Belle, intentionally ignoring Scootaloo over this question.

“It was alright...but Rarity was acting weird.”

Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow “How so?”

“She’s still in bed, I think.” Sweetie Belle answered, almost in disbelief herself.

“Well that just ain’t natural for her.” Apple Bloom shook her head, “Is she sick?”

“Didn’t look like it. Twilight said she had a lot of work coming up but she’s never mentioned it to me.”

“Whatever it is, she’s probably being overly dramatic about it.” Scootaloo added then performed a crude imitation of Rarity, “My mane looks terrible today! I simply cannot leave my bed looking like this!” she fanned her face with a hoof, before pretending to faint. Both Sweetie and Apple Bloom erupted into a burst of giggles.

“No, I don’t think it’s that. Wouldn’t surprise me though.” Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes. “I’ll ask her myself after school.”

“Probably nothin’ to worry about.” Apple Bloom said confidently.

“Yeah, sometimes I wake up and never want to leave my bed. Like today.” Scootaloo deadpanned, blowing her mane out of her face.

The bell rang and Cherilee stood just outside the classroom. Everypony knew the drill, trudging inside, some saying hello to the teacher as they passed.

“I swear to Celestia, if we’re doing math...” Scootaloo muttered angrily.

“It’s not that bad.” Sweetie replied as the two got to their seats next to each other.

“For you maybe.” Scootaloo leant her head against the desk. Sweetie Belle ‘tsked’ to herself and faced the blackboard, ready for another day of learning.

Knock knock knock.

The sound broke Rarity from her trance. She hoped that the pony at the door wouldn’t be the police but it probably was. Sighing, she put down the photo on the table so she wouldn’t have to see the image. A family picture. Better times.

Knock knock knock.

Rarity briskly trotted over to the front door, mentally berating herself. She certainly didn’t want to seem rude, despite the circumstances.

She had prepared something polite to say but words failed her when she opened the door and saw the police stallion behind it.

The platinum colored unicorn cleared his throat before speaking, “Good afternoon Miss Belle. I am Officer Tiercel and--” the confidential tone of his voice disappeared, accompanied by a sigh and was replaced by a tone that was much more sincere, “I’m Grey Tiercel, and we both know why we’re here. May I come in?”

“By all means, officer.” Rarity said, allowing the police pony inside.

“Just Grey will do. You’re not accused of anything so I’d prefer to make this a more relaxed affair.” With his magic, he slipped his golden Manehattan police badge into a pocket on his dark blue uniform. Rarity thought the clothes suited him, standard as they were. Probably because both his mane and eyes were a steel blue.

Rarity led him into the kitchen and offered him a seat. “Tea?”

“Would be appreciated, thanks. Was a long journey to get here.” Grey replied as he sat down. His manner was friendly enough but Rarity was still unnerved. Here was a stranger in her own home, about to discuss something so personal. It didn’t feel right.

Once the tea was made, Rarity sat down opposite Grey and gave him his cup before sipping her own. Thankfully, she didn’t need to worry about an awkward silence.

“Couldn’t help but notice the mannequins on the way in. You’re a fashion designer then?” Grey asked. Only now was it really apparent that he lacked a strong Manehattan accent.

“Oh, um,” Rarity fumbled, the random question throwing her off, “Yes, I am.”

“Can’t be easy in a small town like this.” Grey took a sip of his tea.

“Sometimes. I’ve gotten my share of high profile clients though.” She looked down at her tea. “I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else either.”

“It’s a nice place. Very different from Manehattan. For example, on my way here, I saw a mare playing a lyre in the street. Tried to give her some coin but she wouldn’t accept it.” he laughed slightly, “Wouldn’t get that in Manehattan, let me tell you.”

“Mhm...” Rarity took a sip of her tea before continuing, “If I may ask, what does this have to do with...” she trailed off, sure that Grey knew what she was on about it.

“Nothing at all.” Grey answered with a friendly smirk, “But it would be quite cold of me to discuss those matters the moment I walked through the door, wouldn’t it?”

“I suppose...” Rarity shifted in her seat.

“However, if you want to talk about it now, then we can.”

“Please.”

“Very well then.” Grey took a long sip of the tea, “I guess I’ll start with the truth.”

Rarity’s ears twitched and her back went straight. “The truth?”

“What did the letter say?”

Rarity paused, remembering the moment she read it. She wished she didn’t have to but with a police officer, there wasn’t another option. “That they were...killed, in a carriage accident between--”

“Aah, a half-truth then.” He nodded in satisfaction, “Good old Narroh.”

Rarity merely raised an eyebrow at the stallion.

“Now I understand that this will be hard for you but ponies like you deserve the truth. Manehattan isn’t like Ponyville. Not at all. In such a big city, crime can get out of hoof sometimes...” he sighed to himself, “A couple of thugs thought that they could rob your parents.”

Rarity gasped, her forehooves covering her mouth. Grey apparently took this as a sign that he didn’t need to go any further.

Grey changed the subject. Slightly. “You have the choice to bury them wherever you want.”

Rarity wiped her eyes. “Yes...Ponyville, if that’s manageable.”

“Of course it is.” Grey said with a firm nod.

“Good...good.” Rarity let out a deep breath, “I can’t imagine them being buried anywhere else.”

“Completely understandable.” Grey replied while Rarity drank more of her tea, “I can get them here in a couple day’s time. However long it takes--and I assure you, I’ll try to make it as quick as possible--you’ll receive another letter the day before.”

Rarity only nodded in response.

“Have you told your sister?”

Rarity was going to finish off her tea but put the cup back on the table when she heard the question. She kept her eyes on the table. “Not exactly...n-no.”

Grey made a grunt of disapproval. “She’s got to know sometime. She will know some time. Fillies aren’t stupid, trust me. They will sense if something’s wrong surprisingly quickly.”

Rarity simply finished off her tea, saying nothing.

“You have to be honest with her. If you don’t...well...it won’t end well for anyone.”

The two talked for an hour or two, mostly discussing logistics--although Grey had managed to divert the conversation to something less tragic a few times. The officer had told Rarity to at some point go to the Town Hall and check if her parents left her a will. He also gave her a list of ponies to see if she needed support but she refused them, saying that all she needed were her friends.

Then the time came for Grey to leave. The pair headed to the front door and Rarity opened it for the stallion.

“If you need me, I’ll be around town for a bit before going back to Manehattan,” Grey said as he stepped outside, “Oh, and thank you for the tea.”

“It was my pleasure, thank you for coming.” Rarity replied, thanking Celestia that she didn’t have a breakdown in front of Grey.

“The pleasure was all mine, Miss Rarity.” Grey smirked, giving the mare a little bow.

The gesture managed to make her smile just a bit. “Have a lovely day, Grey.”

“Try to make the best of yours.” Grey said sincerely, then turned away and left.

Rarity closed the door and then slumped against it. Grey was right: Sweetie Belle would find out so and probably when Rarity least expected it. But how do you tell a filly that their parents are gone forever? Especially when they are yours too.

Before telling her sister, she would have to tell her friends. That would be a lot easier. Rarity didn’t think that Twilight would tell them yet, or at least not the whole story. With a reluctant sigh, she got up and stepped outside. At this point, she was beyond caring for her appearance in public, extreme as it sounded.

With a deep breath, Rarity pushed open the door and stepped outside.

“So ya say somethin’ happened to Rarity?” Applejack asked Twilight. The two had returned to the library, Applejack cutting a little bit into her work schedule. It was worth it though just to see her friend, furthermore she could easily make up for lost time.

“It’s...not good. That’s all I’m telling.” Twilight said with a deadly serious, although she was quick to add to her statement, “Sorry Applejack but...it’s a very personal matter.”

Spike meanwhile was on a ladder, busily sorting out books. He really didn’t need to but anything was better than focusing on the grim conversation at hoof, even if it just meant taking out a book and putting it back in place.

Applejack’s face turned to one of concern. “I understand. Is she doin’ okay?”

“In all honesty...I wouldn’t say so, no,” Twilight replied, not noticing Spike climb down the ladder and briskly leaving the room.

The two ponies were spared from silence by knocks coming from the door. Twilight put on a smile and headed over to the entrance, opening the door.

“Hey Rarity,” Twilight greeted the mare, letting her enter the library. “Faring better?”

“Better than yesterday, yes.” Rarity stopped, spotting Applejack. “Ah, hello Applejack. I can’t say  expected you to be here.”

“Same,” Applejack simply replied.

“Well...I suppose that’s only a good thing,” Rarity stated while Twilight went to her side. “Have you told her, or shall I?” Twilight merely shook her head. “I see,” Rarity said, looking into Applejack’s eyes. “Applejack. I don’t quite know how to put this but...” Rarity stuttered, running a hoof through her mane. “My parents...they...they’re gone.”

Rarity sniffed, fighting back the tears. Feeling Twilight’s foreleg wrap around her shoulders certainly helped a bit. She leant against her slightly, taking in the embrace. Applejack took off her hat, too stunned to say anything.

She had to say something though. “My condolences. They were good ponies Rarity, don’t ever let anypony else tell ya otherwise.”

Rarity blinked, not expecting such a long word to come out of Applejack’s mouth. However different it was, it was sincere. “Thank you Applejack. That means quite a lot to me.”

Twilight gave Applejack a small smile, before returning her attention to Rarity. “Do you need anything?”

Rarity sniffled. “Just your company. That’s all.”

“We’ll be here as long as ya want us to,” Applejack said, walking over to Rarity. The three friends stayed there for a while, giving each other strength..

“Now Rarity darling, do you remember everything that me and Dad told you?”

The little filly looked up at her mother, nodding rapidly. “Yes, Mother.”

Pearl Belle giggled, ruffling her daughter’s mane. “Look at you. Such a refined lady. I knew you’d be able to take care of yourself!”

Rarity looked at her Dad as he gathered the suitcases by the front door. They were going on vacation but Rarity would be staying behind at home, all by herself.

The filly looked back up at her mother. “But I don’t want you to go!”

Pearl lowered herself, meeting her daughter at eye-level. “I know you don’t darling but me and your father need some alone time for our anniversary.”

“Think of it this way--hngh!” Magnum put down the final suitcase he had been holding. “There we go! Anyway, yes. Think of it this way: in only five days everything will be back to normal!”

Rarity pouted, stomping a hoof on the floor. “That’s five days too long!”

“Rarity dear,” Pearl said, cupping her daughter’s face with her hooves. “Me and your Dad have taught you everything you need to know. You’ll be perfectly fine by yourself. And just think of all the privacy you’ll have!”

“Exactly! You can do whatever you want!” Magnum exclaimed, then hastily added, “Just don’t throw any house parties.”

Rarity lowered her ears but kept silent. The only Party she could’ve really thrown was a party of one; she mostly kept to herself at school and everypony else kept their distance from her.

“Wait. That’s the time?!” Magnum cried, staring at the clock on the wall. “Sugarplum, we gotta go before we miss our train!”

Pearl gave her husband a firm nod, then gave Rarity a long peck on the forehead. “We love you, Rarity. Be safe and remember, if there’s any problems just tell our neighbours. You know everyone around is friendly here.”

“Bye darling!” Magnum blew Rarity a kiss, although it was rather rushed. “C’mon Pearl, let’s go!”

“Coming!” Pearl turned around, levitating nearly all the luggage with her magic and sending it out of the door. Magnum picked up a suitcase with his teeth and swiftly exited the house. Pearl followed, but looked back to Rarity and gave her a wave. “Love you!”

The door then slammed shut and Rarity was left to her own devices. She slumped down onto her rear and wrapped her tail around herself, looking down.

“Love you too...”

"Saved by the bell!" Scootaloo cheered, rushing out of the schoolhouse on her scooter (much to Cheerilee's annoyance), Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle in hot pursuit. "Anymore of those equations and I think my head wouldn't exploded."

"Yeah, they made my head all numb..." Apple Bloom agreed, rubbing her head.

"They were alright," Sweetie Belle said, coming to a stop just outside the school gate along with the others.

"So! Now that school's over, what do ya wanna do?!" Scootaloo asked, getting off her scooter and leaning against the fence.

"Er...I don't really know." Apple Bloom sighed, shaking her head. "Them numbers dang messed up my brain! I can't think straight!"

Sweetie was looking around the area, seeing no sign of Applejack, Rarity or even Twilight. "That's weird."

Scootaloo tried to follow the unicorn's gaze. "What is?"

"There's nobody to pick us up." Sweetie waved a hoof at the scene before her. Many children were meeting with their parents, giving them hugs and excitedly telling them about their day.

Scootaloo just shrugged. "So?"

"My sister always picks me up, and either Big Mac or Applejack takes Apple Bloom home. I know you just ride home, Scoots." Apple Bloom nodded in agreement with Sweetie.

"You're fine by yourselves!" Scootaloo assured the pair, patting them both on the back.

"Well duh..." Apple Bloom replied, rolling her eyes. "But still, Applejack would've said if she weren't coming to pick me up."

"Yeah..." Sweetie tapped a hoof on the ground, lost in thought. "And Twilight brought me to school this morning...I don't know about you two, but I just got a really bad feeling in my stomach now."

"Everything's probably fine...but we should still go home to make sure," Apple Bloom said.

Scootaloo huffed, getting back on her scooter. "Fiiine. I guess I'll just practice some of my tricks. See you two later!" She began flapping her wings furiously and pushed off against the ground with a hoof, leaving the others behind in the dust.

After Sweetie had recovered from a coughing fit caused by the dust, she spoke to Apple Bloom, "I'll see you later then. Tell me if something's wrong, okay?"

Apple Bloom gave her a firm nod. "Sure. And I expect ya to do the same."

The two then made their goodbyes and parted ways. Sweetie Belle headed back home, a pit of worry forming in her stomach. Something just wasn't right about all this. It was probably nothing but it was still weird. She blocked out the other children that were rushing home, dragging their parents behind them, and focused on her own thoughts. Hopefully, everything would be fine. Even after bad times like the period before the last sisterhooves' social, things sorted themselves out. And maybe nothing would need to be sorted out at all.