Chapters Chapter 1-The War is finished
Equestria’s War
Chapter 1- The War is Finished
Rarity dropped to the ground, exhausted, staring at the ground in front her. Before her lie the once powerful Princess Celestia and her student Twilight Sparkle.
“Finally, the war is finished” said the dark blue mare from beside her. Rarity still couldn’t believe that she and Luna had defeated some of the most powerful ponies in all of Equestria.
“Took long enough” sighed Rarity.
“Well we best leave this place” whispered Luna “I wouldn’t want to be here when some of her more….. ‘loyal’ subjects arrive”
“Yes I suppose”
The two mares turned and started to walk what had once been a beautiful white castle. Now the sides were covered in dust, mud and grime that seemed several inches thick. Smoke still lay in a thick cloud around its large towers, as fires had been used to push Celestia’s soldiers out of the palace. So much had happened to the palace as well as herself in the last three months.
“Could that be right?” Thought Rarity “Was it only three months ago that this all started?”
The two ponies walked across the barren war field. Rarity thought back to when it had been a luxurious green pasture, but now what remained was a heavily trodden pool of mud, dirt and bodies of ponies who had fought for their freedom as well as some soldiers of the princess. Some of the ponies, who still clinged to life moaned, face down in the mud, choking on their own blood as the life slowly drained out of the irreparable wounds that covered their bodies.
“Why do things like this end in war, why can’t we be civil and just talk things out?” Rarity wondered “It’s because it’s all we have ever known, ponies always find ways of becoming more powerful, causing some inconceivable horror, or crime towards one another, it’s just the way we have all come to be” she thought to herself.
The two mares reached the castle without a word between them, and hooves that felt as if they were filled with lead. They both paused to gaze up at the immense towers of the once powerful Celestia. It seemed that even now palace guards protected it from the rebels of Equestria. The windows shattered holes in the walls from repeated pegasi bombing.
“Breathe deeply Rarity; remember that smell as the smell of the blood, sweat and tears that have gone into preserving our home, Equestria”
“Yes this is a great day for Equestria; it has finally been freed of any tyrannical reign of Celestia”
As Rarity stared at the burned and bombed out building, she felt like she was being torn apart from the inside, what she had been through to earn her freedom had opened doors she’d hoped that would remain closed forever. Her emotions swirled around her head, making the world seem fuzzy.
“Go and get some sleep Luna” Rarity said firmly, her voice almost cracking
“Is there something troubling you?”
“No”
“Well it sure seems like it, tell me Rarity, what’s wrong?”
“N-N-nothing…I just want to be alone for a while”
“I know what you’re going through Rarity, I myself am going through those same emotions right now, and I warned you that once you started the rebellion you couldn’t back out or try to drop off, Celestia would have hunted you down and tortured you until you gave up the plans for the hope of Equestria”
“Y-yes I know, but now that it’s over i-it just seems like I’ve become a monster. The things I have seen, the ponies I have killed, my family tortured to their very ends and then executed by Celestia as she forced me to watch. I just don’t know what to do now that we have won, my family and friends were my whole life, but now their all dead and gone. Just please go and get some rest so I can be alone”
“Rarity I am the princess of the night, I always raise the moon and stars, it seems like you’re the one who needs sleep. There’s an empty room just down the hall”
“Well if you’re sure” Rarity said unsurely. She began down the halls, barely believing that the castle finally belonged to the citizens of Equestria, and not that tyrannical monster Celestia. As she walked down towards end of the hallway Rarity felt ready to collapse from exhaustion and the sheer force of her emotions right there in the quietness of the carpeted hallway, but she forced herself on towards the end of the hallway. Rarity then peered into a room to her left that had its door slightly ajar. She’d been in the room enough times to know that it had once belonged to Celestia. Rarity nosed the doors open further and quickly crossed the cold marble floor.
“Just another example of power gone mad” thought rarity “Here Celestia was bathing herself in luxury while citizens in Equestria slowly starved”
She crawled in-between the silk sheets and only now allowed herself to feel the complete and utter loss of her friends, family, and what she used to be. Tears began to blur her vision as she sobbed into the pillow.
“How could I have done this to my family and friends?”
But deep down Rarity knew exactly how and why she’d done it, and she began to think to the beginning of those three long months.
Chapter 2-Rebellion Stirs
Chapter 2-Rebellion Stirs
The whisper of rebellion had started the day after Twilight Sparkle had been dubbed a Princess of Equestria. Rarity lie quietly in her bed, awoken by the light shining in from a nearby window. The sheets smooth on her snow white coat as she rolled over wondering what to do with her day. Thinking of how she could finish her latest client’s dress before next month. Rarity felt as if the sheets were pulling her into her bed as she tried to work up the courage to get up. The sheets felt so good, hugging her curvy body, hiding her from the outside world and its prying eyes. It took Rarity several minutes to work up the willpower to commit to getting out of bed. She slowly rolled out of bed and onto the floor where she pulled a robe off of her bedside stand and draped it over her shoulders. She plodded sleepily across the room towards the door to the kitchen. In about half an hour she had woken up her sister Sweetie Belle and prepared them a simple, but elegant, breakfast. Rarity sat quietly and read the morning news paper. While she munched through her plate of granola the silence of the morning was interrupted by Sweetie’s rocking back and forth in her chair trying to accomplish who know what.
“Sweetie you’re going to hurt yourself” said Rarity without paying much attention to Sweetie’s fanatics, as they were a usual thing in her house.
“Just a sec, I almost got it!” Sweetie practically screamed “There, look at me Rarity I finally got it”
Thud
“Ohhh Sweetie, are you alright?” Rarity rushed over to the downed filly helping her back onto her hooves.
“Uhhhh… Yea I’m alright”
“You should be more careful Sweetie, you could have seriously injured yourself, and as you may know the closest hospital is an hour away by train.”
“Yea I know, but you never play with me, comon’ lets do something fun the week”
“I’m sorry Sweetie, but you know that I can’t, I have lots of work to catch up on”
Both of the sisters began eating breakfast again. Rarity then interrupted the almost awkward silence that hung over the both of them.
“Although if you want fun I have arranged to drop you off with Applejack this afternoon, I have some…... important errands to run this afternoon and I don’t want to deal with you being under my hooves constantly. Besides I didn’t think you would enjoy what I have to do, so I’ve arranged for you to stay with the Apple family until I finish”
“What do you mean ‘Until you finish’?”
“Well some of these errands may take several days to complete”
Sweetie sighed
“I know you were looking forward to a day with me, but I will try to get done by the end of this week. Then we can have some real fun”
“THIS WEEK?!??!” shouted Sweetie
“Well yes, my presence in Canterlot has been requested by Celestia herself”
Sweetie had no response, knowing that Rarity saw Celestia as an evil tyrant who always wanted to increase her grip on Equestria, and squeeze it for the little riches that it produced to bathe herself in luxury. Shortly after breakfast Sweetie and Rarity cleaned up and got ready to leave for Applejack’s. The two sisters then left the house and trotted in a leisurely manner towards Sweet Apple Acres.
“Can I really leave Sweetie Belle with Applejack for the rest of the week?” wondered Rarity “Yes, yes I can, I just need to tell Sweetie to steer clear of Scootaloo”
Rarity had developed a strong distrust towards Scootaloo ever since she’d heard news of her ‘touching’ other ponies that she knew. What she’d herd is that Scootaloo had one of her classmates over for a party, they both left to use the restroom and they had been found with Scootaloo’s hooves stuck down the other little filly’s dress. Rarity and Sweetie finally arrived on the road leading toward Sweet Apple Acres, and without hesitation they continued down it. As soon as the two had turned onto the path an orange earth pony came trotting down the lane.
“Howdy there Rarity, Sweetie Belle” said the earth pony with a cheerful note in her voice.
“Hiya Applejack” Sweetie said as she jumped up and down around Rarity.
“Thanks again for watching Sweetie Belle for me, Applejack, and sorry for the short notice” Rarity said in a hurried voice.
“No problem, ah always liked watchin’ little fillies. In fact ahm’ watching Scootaloo as well, thought it’d be nice to get the little fillies here together to bond.”
“Ohhhh….ummmmm…. that is very nice of you Applejack, but do you remember last time she was with other little fillies her age? You know how she is, very……… well…’grabby’”
“Yea, I was sorta worried about that as well but ya know what can ya do about it, fillies will be fillies.” replied Applejack. “Ya’ll best be on your way then”
“Thanks again for watching Sweetie”
Rarity then turned down the dirt road and started towards the train station.
Chapter 3-Canterlot
“One ticket to Canterlot please” said Rarity
“One ticket to Canterlot….” Whispered the cashier
“Thank you”
“No problem mam”
Rarity rushed over to the train, dearly hoping that it wouldn’t leave until she got there.
“ALL ABOARD!” called the train conductor
The white mare then leaped up onto the train just as it started moving, almost losing her balance as the train jerked into motion. She entered the train, showed her ticket and took a seat. The trip wouldn’t take long, only an hour or so. Rarity sighed in relief as she began to relax on the soft velvety seats, eyes looking down at the floor. She was surprised as another pony plopped down next to her. She looked up to see that it had been a large red stallion with yellow-orange hair and an apple for a cutie mark.
“Are you on your way to Canterlot as well?” she asked the large stallion.
“Eeeyup” replied the red earth pony
“So, Big Mac, what do you have planned that is so important in Canterlot?”
“Gotta meet somepony, somepony special” replied Mac
Rarity was surprised, not only that he was doing the same thing as she was, but that he had actually said something other that ‘eeyup’ or ‘nope’. The ride passed quickly enough, and conversation was very little. As the train began to slow down she got ready to quickly exit. When the train had stopped she leaped off the train, lacking her usual elegance in her hurry to find somepony. Rarity was now on the glowing streets of Canterlot. She started galloping down a street, hoping that she remembered where to find the dark, starry maned mare.
“There, that’s the alley” Rarity thought to herself as she rounded another corner in the endless maze that was Canterlot. Then suddenly at the end of the alley was a young mare with a deep blue coat and a mane that resembled the stars themselves.
“I see you’ve made it” said the blue alicorn
“Yes I have” replied Rarity
“We best be on our way. We don’t want the princess finding out do we?”
“Of course not”
Rarity turned around and there stood Big Mac.
“Ahhh…..I see my other student has managed to find where I am” mused the alicorn
“Luna, why is he here?”
“Well as you might have guessed he is yet another pony in Equestria that has realized that Celestia has overstepped her boundaries”
“Eeeyup” said Mac, with a hint of humor in his voice
The three ponies galloped slowly across the alley, trying to look inconspicuous. The three reached a door, opened it, and quickly entered shutting the door behind themselves. The room was dark and smelled of sweat. A soft glow started to emanate from behind Rarity. She looked over her shoulder to see that its source was Luna, her guide, trainer, and friend. Rarity quickly went around the room, lighting old rusty lanterns as she did so. When she had finished the glow that had been coming from Luna stopped.
“Let’s get to work” said the blue alicorn cheerfully.
The two mares walked toward a stand in the middle of the room, while Big Mac went straight for the weight equipment.
“Teach me some of the most powerful spells you know Luna” pleaded Rarity
“In time Rarity, but now we will start with some simple exercises”
The two walked toward one corner of the room, where a large cage stood. The cage was large enough to house a padded floor and enough room for the two mares to run around freely. When the two had reached the cage they both stepped in and closed the door. The Rarity and Luna went to different corners and then turned around to face each other. Rarity’s heart raced, and adrenaline pumped through her veins. Rarity could feel Luna’s ice cold stare, which seemed to be peering straight into her body. Without warning the two mares leaped at each other, their horns glowing with magic meant to kill. Luna used her wings to quickly maneuver around and shoot a beam of powerful magic into Rarity’s back. They both hit the ground, Luna gracefully, but Rarity sprawled onto the ground writhing in pain. She quickly recovered and sent a bolt of her own magic shooting into Luna’s blue body. The blue alicorn gritted her teeth as the wave of magic passed through her. Once she had recovered she leaped on Rarity and began getting physical, beating her with her hooves. Rarity was quick to think and teleported on top of Luna and started throwing blows of her own, and even attempting a stab with her horn. Luna quickly rolled over and jumped back onto her hooves bucking Rarity towards the opposite wall in the process. Rarity then crumpled on the ground, struggling to breathe as she felt a large weight pinning her to the ground. Luna then began shooting her repeatedly with strong bursts of magic. Pain wracked Rarity’s body, and she began to lose control of her limbs.
“I give up” said Rarity in a weak voice.
Suddenly a large weight was lifted from her back and she began to regain control of her battered body.
“You have gotten better” admired Luna
“So have you, where did you learn to roll and kick like that?” said Rarity, who was beginning to regain her strength. Luna jerked her head toward Big Mac, indicating that he had taught her that last move. Rarity crossed the room towards Mac, the smell of his sweat strong in her nostrils.
“Mac you have got to teach me something like you have been teaching Luna over there”
“Eeeyup”
The stallion then walked toward the matted area in the center of the room, and he began demonstrating what rarity should do. Rarity watched him carefully, nothing his every move. Mac dropped to the ground, quickly rolling over he used his legs to change direction of his momentum, kick and land on his hooves.
“Seems simple enough”
“Nope”
“Big Mac is right Rarity, it may seem simple, but he and I have been working on that for weeks now, and you yourself aren’t in the best physical condition”
“I see,” Rarity replied with a hurt tone in her voice “You think I do not have what it takes to pull this off, is that it. Is that how you look at me? A weak mare, unable to carry out some of the simplest fighting techniques?”
Rarity quickly dropped to the ground, while rolling herself under Luna, and pushing hard with her legs. Luna didn’t expect this and was caught off guard. Rarity had in fact been working with strength classes and gyms in Ponyville, and sent Luna flying into the opposite wall. She lie there for a second, stunned. As Rarity’s anger began to cool down she slowly approached the mare that she had thrown against the wall.
“Luna…I-I-I am so sorry, my anger got the best of me”
Luna winced as she stood up.
“No time for apologies now, now that I’ve seen what you are capable of I think you can join me and Mac for more... ’complicated’ exercises”
Chapter 5-All is not lost
Chapter 5-All is not lost
Rarity awoke, soaking wet and surrounded by the darkness of the dungeon. She heard a faint clicking of metal against metal. She turned her head towards the sound and saw a palace guard with a bucket in his mouth quickly removing an old iron key from the lock.
“You know that was a stupid decision you made back there” the guard said quietly “Celestia would have let your family live and return peacefully to Ponyville”
“Nothing’s that simple anymore, times have changed and it’s time someone stood up to that tyrant”
“Exactly, it’s time we show that tyrant who’s boss”
The room was then filled with a soft glow that seemed to be emanating from the guard. When the glow had diminished Rarity stared in awe at what she saw.
“I’ve come to help you escape” the voice of the pony in front of her noticeably less gruff
“Luna, I didn’t even know that you could do that”
“Yes, it took me weeks to get it right, but it seems that I’ve finally perfected it, and in time you will too”
“Yes, but right now I think we need to focus on escaping”
“Yes, and I think I have just the spell for that”
Luna then squeezed her eyes shut in concentration, and a glow started to come from her horn. Soon the room was enveloped in a bright white light. Rarity shut her eyes tightly and when she opened them she saw that they were in the center of Ponyville’s marketing district. Rarity blinked rapidly, eyes quickly adjusting to the soft glow of the evening sun. When Rarity had recovered she quickly turned to Luna and motioned for her to follow. The two mares trotted quickly through town and towards Rarity’s home. They quickly entered the dark home and closed the door quietly behind them. Rarity could feel the emotions starting to swell up in her chest.
“Please, make yourself at home Luna; I’m going to get some rest”
“Thank you for your hospitality Rarity, I’ll see you in the morning”
Luna then walked over and plopped down on the sofa. Rarity, seeing that Luna had made herself comfortable, proceeded to trudge up the stairs toward her room. She then entered the room and closed the door. A wave of emotion washed over Rarity and she barely made it to her bed before she started crying.
“My family, my sister GONE! I’ve killed them all”
Rarity then lie on top of the cool sheets and cried herself to sleep. When she awoke she found herself under the sheets, her face and pillow free of the makeup that she had forgotten to wash off. Rarity then heard the sound of running water. She dragged herself from under the warm sheets, again taking her robe and tying it tightly around her middle. As Rarity approached the kitchen she heard the clanking of pots and the delicious, rich smell of eggs. Rarity nosed the door open to see Luna rushing around the kitchen preparing breakfast for the both of them.
“Rarity, I’m glad to see that you’re awake. Have a seat, I’m almost finished.”
Rarity sat down at the table, and waited for Luna to finish
“Luna you don’t have to do this for me, if anything I should be making this for you”
“Nonsense Rarity, I know what you’re going through, the least I can do to help is make breakfast for you”
Luna then walked over to the table. Behind her she levitated two plates piled high with sweet hay cakes and eggs.
“Wow Luna I had no idea that you had so much experience in the kitchen. I’m used to Sweetie trying this and almost burning down the house.”
Rarity choked down a sob at the thought of never hearing that sweet voice again.
“Rarity, just eat your breakfast, save your feelings for later”
“I know, but it’s just so hard to let her go like that. It feels as though a part of me is missing, and without it I can barely think”
“Yes, but you must set your feelings aside. In order that we may bring Celestia down”
The two mares then ate their breakfast in silence; the only sound was the faint chirping of the birds and the quiet bustle of business outside. After finishing they sat there quietly staring at each other for what seemed like an eternity. Rarity then broke the silence and stillness between them and got up to place their dishes in the sink quietly.
“We must start planning for the future” said Luna almost urgently
“Yes, I was just about to go into town to gather my friends; they can be very helpful at times. Except Twilight, I still distrust her from being so close to Celestia.”
“You have great reason to be wary Rarity, Celestia and Twilight Sparkle are together in resisting the rebellion. It’s the only thing that obstructs their total control over Equestria”
“Well give me a second to get ready, then we can go into town, and find my friends”
Rarity climbed the stairs and entered her room where she hastily threw on her makeup and combed her mane. Rarity then wrapped a pink silk scarf around her neck and descended the stairs. Luna then led the way out the door and closed it behind them. The two ponies walked silently towards the center of town, both of them having an air of business. The mares walked through town, collecting groceries that they would need for the week, and some other essentials.
“Hey! Hey Rarity!”
Rarity looked up to see a cyan colored mare with a rainbow mane sitting on a cloud
“Rainbow Dash! I was looking for you, come on we’ve got some important business to attend to.” Rarity said to the cyan mare
“Great, I’ll meet you at your place say in about an hour”
“Perfect, that will give me just enough time to gather the others and finish my shopping.”
Luna and Rarity then continued to push their way through the crowds, and this time in the direction of Sugar Cube Corner.
“Hiya Rarity, you looking for something?”
Pinky Pie had appeared seemingly out of nowhere, and was now standing face to face with Rarity, her nose squished against Rarity’s face.
“Well, yes, I was looking for you Pinky. I wanted to ask you if you could meet me at my house in an hour”
“Sure!” the pink pony replied “Do you need me to bring anything?”
“No, just yourself, we have some very important business to discuss. Wait, yes actually, can you find Applejack for me. I already have to find Fluttershy.”
“Okie dokie lokie!”
“Thanks Pinky, I’ll see you at my place in an hour?”
“Yep!”
Then without further discussion, Rarity and Luna turned towards Fluttershy’s cottage and began walking. When Luna and Rarity arrived they found Fluttershy in her garden, tending to her animals, and watering her garden.
“Hello there Fluttershy” Rarity said softly
“Oh, Hi Rarity, you startled me”
“Sorry, I’ve come to ask if you could come over to my place for a bit, I need you there for what I need to do.”
“Well, um ok, when?”
“In about an hour, but make sure to leave Angel here, I don’t want him hearing things he shouldn’t”
“Ok, I’ll see you in an hour then”
With that Luna and Rarity turned back down the dirt path towards town. Small clouds of dust were thrown up by the hooves of the two mares as they trotted down the walkway. Rarity was soon met by the sound of hooves clopping on cobblestone paths. Luna looked around to see that they were yet again in the marketing district of Ponyville. Rarity quickly made her rounds, purchasing a bag of carrots from an orange mare named Carrot Top. Rarity quickly selected several nice looking carrots, paid Carrot Top, and thanked her. She then made her way toward Applejack’s apple stand.
“Howdy there Rarity. Nice to see you around”
“Yes, I’m glad to have found you” Rarity said this in a quiet whisper, moving towards Applejack’s ear in a way that looked as if she was smelling it. Applejack instantly got the message and hiding her muzzle beneath Rarity’s lush, silky mane said.
“Wow, you’re mane smells so nice, you gotta show me how to get it like that”
“I’ll tell you what Applejack, come over to my place in an hour and I’ll show you how.”
Rarity quickly departed and headed towards her small home. Rarity used her magic to find her keys and unlock the door. Luna quietly followed Rarity through the door and into her house, shutting the door with a click. Rarity pushed the door to the kitchen open, and set her groceries down. The two mares then began to prepare for the arrival of their guests. Rarity set out snack and drinks, while Luna tidied up loose fabric and thread that Rarity had left out. The first to arrive was Applejack.
“Applejack, so glad to see you darling, please come in”
“Well thank ya’ll kindly Rarity. Princess Luna, what a delight to see you again”
“And you as well Applejack” Luna said quietly
Rarity stepped back to allow Applejack to come in the house.
“Please have a seat Applejack; the others will be here soon”
Sure enough Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie all arrived shortly after Applejack. The colorful mares entered Rarity’s house as she offered them tea, snacks, and other drinks. Luna then walked to the front of the room, nervously shifting from hoof to hoof.
“Alright then everypony, let’s get down to planning”
Chapter 6-Rainbow tea annypony?
Chapter 6-Raindow tea anypony?
The small gathering had gone over well. It was decided that they were to be as vocal as possible about their beliefs, in order to spread the fire of rebellion. All the ponies who decided to speak their minds finally saw the downside. Almost as soon as ponies began speaking their minds Celestia began sending soldiers to Ponyville. The soldiers were posted as guards around town, and they were specially trained to take in as many sounds as possible. Whenever somepony began speaking their mind they were thrown to the ground, and beaten bloody. Over a period of weeks all of the ponies in Ponyville developed permanent scars. One of those particular stops had been quite frightening for Rarity. She had been delivering a speech about Celestia’s tyrannical reign at a local park when she had been forced and pinned to the ground by four snow white royal guards.
“Rarity, do we have to keep reminding you what you should and shouldn’t be doing?”
“No, but I’m going to keep doing this until Celestia steps down or is dead”
The guard wasn’t happy; he took a step towards Rarity, now wielding a knife.
“Rarity, I’m going to ask you one more time. You gonna stop or am I gonna have to get up in your face?”
Rarity was silent.
“Very well then, suit yourself”
The guard reached down, placing the cold steel of the knife on Rarity’s chest. Rarity closed her eyed, concentrating, trying to use her magic. She felt pressure from the knife, pressing into her snow white coat. The knife pierced her skin, drawing a red line across her chest. Rarity screamed, feeling the searing pain of the cut. The guard continued cutting, ignoring the screams of pain from the mare in front of him. He suddenly had an idea. The guard began to cut faster, but with more precision. When he was finished Rarity was still screaming, blood pouring from her wound. She looked down to see her usually white coat dyed red with her own blood, and a heart shaped cut that was several inches deep.
“Let her up boys, she’s had enough for now”
The guards who had been holding Rarity down stepped off of her. Rarity stood up, her legs already unsteady from blood loss. She started towards her house, steadily working the stiffness out of her limbs, and wincing from her deep chest wound. When the bloody mare arrived at her house she knocked on the door, knowing that Luna was still staying with her. Luna came to the door, opening it a crack.
“Rarity! What’s happened to you?”
“Guards happened Luna. I was talking in the park and these three huge guards walk up to me and start cutting me up.”
“Oh dear, well we should probably get you cleaned up, we don’t want that getting infected. That’s the last thing the rebellion would need.” Luna said gesturing to Rarity’s chest wound.
“Yea, it wouldn’t be much fun either, but this will make a good scar. Something to show my sacrifice for the rebellion, and to spur everypony else onwards.”
The two mares walked slowly up the soft carpeted stairs towards the bathroom, where Luna drew a bath for a still bleeding Rarity. The blood had begun to dry leaving Rarity stiff as she eased herself into the warm bathwater. The water was completely red within a matter of minutes, but Rarity was no longer bleeding. Luna had used her magic to close the wound, leaving nothing than a perfect heart shaped scar across Rarity’s chest.
“Rarity, I need you to return to Canterlot with me”
“Why, Celestia hates us both, me even more than you”
“Yes, but I think its time we showed her what real rebellion is”
“I know, but we don’t have major military forces, Celestia has the whole Royal Guard on her side. We’ll be mowed down before we reach the entrance to the castle”
“Yes, she may have guards, but we have magic and Rainbow Dash on our side”
Later that day Rarity gathered Rainbow Dash, and asked her to come to Canterlot with her. Rainbow Dash accepted with the promise of a good fight and confrontation with the evil tyrant that was slowly starving Equestria. All three mares gathered in Rarity’s living room, waiting for Luna to teleport them to Canterlot.
“Is everypony ready?” Luna asked
“Yup” both Rainbow Dash and Rarity answered
“Ok hold on tight, I’ve never tried this with anypony else, so it could get a little bumpy”
The room filled with a soft glow. Luna squeezed her eyes shut, concentrating on her magic. The glow became brighter and brighter, and Rarity began to hear a high pitched whining. Then there was a bright flash of light, as all three ponies were instantly teleported to Luna’s bedroom. Rarity’s vision went blurry and she felt dizzy.
“Whoa, Luna I think you need some practice. I think I’m going to be sick”
“Sorry” Luna said apologetically “I haven’t really had the chance to practice with anypony other than myself. Teleporting is easy, but taking things with you is hard, even for an alicorn like me”
At that moment Celestia walked into the room, a calm smile on her face.
“Ah, you have returned. I thought you would, which is why I’ve prepared a little surprise for you”
“YOU COME ANYWHERE NEAR ME OR MY FRIENDS, I’LL SHOW YOU WHAT REBELLION’S ALL ABOUT!” Rainbow Dash shouted at Celestia
Celestia seemed unmoved, and stood their without comment. After a couple seconds she clopped her two hooves together, and palace guards entered the room.
“Guards, show our guests to their new accommodations.” Then turning towards the Rarity and Rainbow Dash “I think you’ll really enjoy them”
The guards then took the three ponies and roughly shoved them towards the door. The mares were led down velvet carpeted halls, and down dark stone passages until they reached the dungeon in the basement of the castle. The walls, floor, and ceiling were all made of the same white tile, with a silver drain in the middle of the room. Streaks of red were smeared across the walls, from what or who Rarity could not guess. The ground was slightly slick with water, which the guards had hastily used to try to erase the past sufferings of past ponies. The room smelled strongly of dirt, death, and the hot coppery scent of blood. Two huge basins were in the corner, each as large enough to fit four ponies. The pools were both filled, one with water, and the other with the blood of Celestia’s former victims.
“I sure hope you’re enjoying your new accommodations” a voice said cheerfully
Rarity turned around and was surprised to see that Princess Celestia had followed them downstairs.
“As you can see I’ve set out options for you ponies. Please, choose one, any one will do, and in case you’re wondering all are equally unpleasant”
“Celestia, please don’t hurt them, they’re my friends, some of the only ones I have” Luna said in a voice so quiet that it almost rivaled Fluttershy’s own whisper.
“Luna they need to be taught a lesson. They’re spreading rebellion throughout Equestria. Things like that could remove us both from power”
Luna stood and stared defiantly at her sister.
“I’m going back upstairs, if my friends are still alive when you’re done, tell me”
Without another word Luna quickly trotted upstairs, the clops of her hooves against the tiles slowly fading.
“Are we ready to begin?” Celestia said with all too much glee in her voice
Neither of the mares responded.
“Fine then if you two are going to be so rude. Guards please make Rainbow Dash here comfortable”
Four guards walked over, each one holding chains. Rainbow Dash didn’t even twitch as she was chained to the wall, the cold steel of the chains cutting into her skin. Celestia then grabbed Rarity by the mane, roughly dragging her towards the pool of blood.
“NO, PLEASE NO” Rarity shouted as she dug her hooves into the tiled floor. Celestia didn’t respond or even slow down, and continued to drag her as if she were a lifeless rag doll. Rarity’s hooves touched the edge of the pool, staining her pristine white coat a bright red. Celestia kept dragging Rarity until they were both chest deep in the still warm blood pool.
“Rarity, you are going to severely regret ever making a move against me”
Without another word Celestia shoved Rarity’s head under the blood. The blood was hot and sticky against Rarity’s coat as she struggled to get free from the evil tyrant’s iron grip. Rarity flailed, filling her eyes, mouth, and ears with the hot, coppery blood. Her lungs began to heave as she slowly ran out of air, clenching her jaw, trying to endure the torture as long as possible. Suddenly Rarity felt a tug on her mane, and she was lifted to the surface. She gasped for air, pulling the sweet oxygen in and out of her lungs. Rarity was then dragged beneath the surface again. She tried to focus, thinking she could use her magic to escape from her tormentor. Rarity scrunched her face in concentration, trying to pull the magic from within her. It wouldn’t come, Rarity tried again, focusing even harder. No magic came, no glow, no aura of light around her horn, nothing. Her lungs were heaving again, and could hold her breath in no longer. Breath rushed from her lips, but the coppery taste of blood filled her mouth as she tried to inhale. Her lungs filled with blood that wasn’t her own. Rarity was then lifted to the surface, and thrown like a ragdoll to the edge of the pool. She tried to exhale, and a torrent of ruby red blood came gushing from her oxygen deprived body, stars and pulses of light were starting to fill Rarity’s vision. Finally when she had gotten the last of the blood from her lungs she sucked in air as fast as she could, coughing up more blood in the process. Rarity then lay there, unmoving, waiting for whatever came next. To her surprise she was lifted by Celestia’s magic, and placed on the wall where she was chained into place. The cold steel cut into her red, blood soaked coat, chilling her to the bone. Rarity then watched, too tired to speak, as Celestia dragged a struggling Rainbow Dash towards the second pool, which was now full of boiling water. She watched silently as Celestia slowly submerged Rainbow Dash. Rainbow let out piercing screams of pain as her skin was instantly burned by the boiling water. Celestia kept pushing steadily with her magic until Rainbow was completely submerged, and held her their for a couple moments. When Celestia allowed Rainbow Dash to surface Rarity screamed at the sight of the once cyan colored pony, who was now a bright shade of pink all over. The water a removed her coat, and boiled the color from her once rainbow colored mane. Rainbow Dash screamed so loud that her vocal cords must have been ripped to shreds. It was only a couple moments when Celestia submerged Rainbow Dash again. Rarity then saw the look in the white alicorn’s eyes; she had no intention of ever letting Rainbow Dash back up. Rarity waited for several minutes, half expecting the rainbow maned mare to surface, and tackle her tormentor. When Celestia finally let Rainbow Dash surface, life had left her body. Her now pink flesh was falling off of her slender white bones. Her veins had been ruptured by the intense heat, staining the water a bright red. Tears began to blur Rarity’s vision, and exhaustion and pain overwhelmed her. Her eyelids began to droop, and eventually she succumbed to the day’s events.
Chapter 7-The stone hearts of butterflies
Chapter 7-The stone hearts of butterflies
When Rarity awoke she found herself once again in her bed, at her house. The smooth sheets caressing the curves of her body, enveloping her in their softness, then the previous day’s events hit her. Rainbow Dash was dead. Rarity rolled over in her bed to find a crystal wine glass on her the night stand beside her bed. The glass was embellished with detailed engravings of pones prancing around the top of the glass, while on the bottom a large snake curled up the stem, its fang bared. Beside the glass there was a note. Rarity sat up and picked up the note using her magic and opened it.
Dear Rarity,
Our relationship hasn’t always been fruitful, but I’m hoping that you’ll let us put our past arguments in the past. Rarity, I want to warn you that if you continue there will be more consequences, ponies will die, and needless blood will be spilt. I’m asking you now if you will stop or if you’re going to throw lives away and start a war. You won’t win the war and you know that Rarity, so why even try. If you stop now I’ll forget that this ever happened, you can go on living with your remaining friends and I won’t bother you anymore. Or you can continue, lose your friends, the ponies you know, and your life. Your decision.
Sincerely,
Princess Celestia
Rarity took several moments to take in the note, to let the realization of the death of Rainbow Dash sink in. She then remembered the glass. Rarity looked back at the glass, in it was a liquid that seemed to change to contain every color of the rainbow. Then she realized what it was. This was all that remained of Rainbow Dash. Tears began to blur her vision.
“COME AT ME CELESTIA, I DARE YOU, BECAUSE THE REBELLION STILL LIVES!”
Rarity shouted to the room around her, and then without hesitation took a big swig of the liquid in the cup. The bright and slightly spicy taste of the rainbow danced across her tongue, she liked it, and then tipping her head back drank the rest of what remained of Rainbow Dash. Rarity wiped her mouth with her foreleg, set the glass back on her nightstand, and pulled on her fuchsia robe. Luna was again downstairs making breakfast, and barely realized Rarity when she walked into the kitchen, calmly taking a seat at the table. Luna now wore an apron that said ‘Wub the Cook’.
“She must have gone over to see Vinyl and Slit” Rarity thought to herself (For those of you who may not know who Slit it, he’s my OC (Own Character), who ironically appears in the show, and is usually referred to as ‘Written Script’. Although my OC is slightly different. As his name states he has a slit for one eye and is a major dj. I’ve observed the show closely and I’ve found that Carrot Top is his wife, or marefriend whatever you want to call it. Their foal is Dinky, who most people think is Derpy’s daughter is actually DJSlit’s and Carrot Top’s.)
“Rarity, nice to see that you’re finally awake, please make yourself comfortable, I’ll only be a moment longer.” Luna said as Rarity sat down.
Luna then walked over and placed a plate, piled high with heycakes, in front of her.
“Oh, Luna this looks delicious”
“Thanks Rarity, it’s the least I can do for you, with you letting me stay here and all”
“It’s no problem at all darling, by the way thanks once again for bringing me back home”
“Eih, you know I’d risk my life for you”
The two mares then ate the rest of their breakfast in silence, neither of them asking the other about the previous day’s events. They finished and without a word, began to clean the dishes. The only sound was the sound of clinking dishes and the soft rush of running water.
“I think I finally have a plan” Rarity said, breaking the silence “It’s not Celestia we need to get rid of first, it’s the guards controlling the city. We need to find a way to get rid of them”
“That’s all very well and nice Rarity, but they are always trained to be on high alert, I would know I’ve seen the drills they do. And besides none of the ponies in Ponyville have any combat training, except you me and Mac, and even then the guards would be expecting that”
“Yes, but I have an idea, there is one other pony in Ponyville with combat training.”
“Who?” Luna asked, confused
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
It was midday now, judging by the height of the sun. Rarity stood outside Fluttershy’s cottage, quietly knocking. The door opened quietly, and a lemon colored mare with a soft pink mane peeked around the edge of the door.
“Hello?” She said in a quiet whisper, as soft and kind as a summer breeze
“Fluttershy, I’m so glad you’re home, I have something I need to ask of you”
“Rarity, please come in, and make yourself at home”
Rarity walked past the lemon colored mare, quietly seating herself on the couch.
“Just a second Rarity, I need to find where Big Mac has gone, he’s been staying with me ever since you were caught by the princess” Fluttershy said, still saying it in no more that a soft whisper
“Great, I could use his help too”
Fluttershy left the room, and a few moments returned with Big Mac following closely behind.
“So Rarity, what is it that you needed to talk to me about?”
“It has to do with the rebellion; I’ve come to ask you if you’ll fight”
“I-I-I don’t know Rarity, I don’t know if I’m capable of hurting anypony else, even with all of my training.”
“Fluttershy, you and Big Macintosh are all of the experienced fighters we have left, you have to try”
“Ok, I’ll try, for the freedom of Equestria”
“I’m in to, can’t let two mares like yourself stab somepony without backup” Big Mac said in almost an offhand kind of way
“Great, here’s the plan”
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Rarity was sitting quietly on a bench, legs tucked under her soft white body. She was enjoying the late autumn breeze against her white silky coat.
“Fluttershy should be here any moment now” Rarity thought to herself
Then as if she heard the thought Fluttershy entered the grassy clearing. Fluttershy walked around, trying her best to look inconspicuous, but at the same time inch closer the guard that stood on the outskirts of the clearing. After a few moments Fluttershy was close enough to the guard to touch him. She then reached into her mane, quickly pulled a knife from her mane, shoved the guard over, and sat herself on his chest, the cold steel of the knife pressed against his throat. Then Big Mac appeared from the shadows, and Rarity walked over to the three ponies.
“You should have stayed in Canterlot, because the rebellion lives”
“Gak-kk-k, never, the rebellion will never survive. Celestia has more power than you could ever dream of “the guard said in a choked whisper
“Fluttershy…..Kill him” Rarity commanded, without a trace of emotion in her voice
“Her, her, she couldn’t even hurt a fly, let alone kill me” the guard said confidently
Fluttershy pressed harder and harder into the guard’s throat with the knife, drawing a scarlet line of blood across his neck. The guard soon realized that Fluttershy was serious and his eyes widened in fear. She then quickly slashed his throat, leaping off his chest to avoid the spray of blood. Both mares watched as the guard rolled himself over, trying to stand and fight, but he succumbed to blood loss and let his last breath out with a sigh. Rarity only now noticed that Big Mac was missing. She began to look around for signs of him. Rarity then heard a rustling in the bushes behind her. She quietly parted the bushes to find, in another clearing, Big Mac sitting atop another guard, who had attempted to sneak of on the three of them. Mac was just about to bring his hooves down on the guard’s head, when the guard produced a knife, and opened a long gash that ran the length of Mac’s stomach. Mac fell like a sack of rocks on top of the guard, pinning him then, and leaving only his head and hind legs exposed. Rarity entered the clearing, and stared at the guard. Blood began to pound in her ears, and her whole world became the sound of the blood rushing in her head, and revenge. She walked over to the guard, slapped the knife from his hoof, and stood over him, just smiling. Neither of them said a word, both of them staring at each other, waiting. Rarity broke the trance, stabbing the guard in the face with the point of her horn. Blood came gushing from the wound in his face. Rarity had failed to notice that the guard was wearing a helmet, and thus had only cracked his skull. She reared up once again; horn pointed downwards, and brought her whole weigh down on the guard, fully impaling him on her horn. Blood came pouring from Big Mac’s open wound and the guard’s smashed skull, creating a scarlet pool beneath them. Rarity used her magic to roll Mac off of the now lifeless guard. Fluttershy had entered the clearing, tears streaming from her eyes, her usually pink mane stained with the blood of the guard. Rarity poured all her strength into her magic, trying what Luna had done to her only a couple days ago. Her magic shimmered around Mac’s wound, and then it faded. Rarity dropped to the ground, her strength gone. Fluttershy was now sobbing uncontrollably, her tears glistening in the sunlight. Rarity got back to her hooves, and started to comfort Fluttershy.
“There’s nothing we can do now, he’s gone”
“No..No….. He’s got to live, he and I were becoming close, I’ve never loved somepony as much as him. He can’t die, he just can’t”
“I know Fluttershy, but there’s nothing we can do. You can only hope, and dream that this rebellion is quick”
Fluttershy then opened her wings and raced off into the bright blue sky. Rarity sighed, and started in the direction of Fluttershy’s cottage. She arrived quickly, knocking softly on the door.
“Fluttershy, darling, can I come in?”
The lemon colored mare answered the door, her coat still stained with the blood Big Mac and the guards.
“Rarity, I can’t go on living like this anymore. Hiding in here, and coming out only to slaughter other ponies, I just can’t do it”
Her gaze dropped to the ground and she revealed knife to Rarity.
“Kill me, please, I just can’t live without Mac, or with myself”
“Fluttershy, you know I can’t do that to you. I’d never hurt you”
Fluttershy raised the knife to her throat, pressing it firmly against her lemony coat.
“Please Rarity, I don’t know if I can do it by myself”
“No Fluttershy, you’re on your own here”
Both mares stared at each other for a moment. Neither wanting to break the silence between them.
“Goodbye Rarity”
Fluttershy smiled and then slit her throat. She dropped her knife, the silver blade now a bright red. Rarity watched as Fluttershy bled out. She knelt down to hug her as the last flicker of life left her eyes. All was silent, the birds made no sound, the wind didn’t blow, nothing. Rarity then took Fluttershy’s body upstairs, and laid it on the bed. Quickly exiting, Rarity closed the door, leaving the bad memories contained in Fluttershy’s bedroom. She closed the door to the cottage, and began the walk home. Not stopping to talk to anypony on the way back to the boutique. When she returned home Rarity unlocked the door, and opened it to find Luna sitting on the couch drinking a cup of tea. Luna looked over at Rarity, asking no questions. Rarity walked upstairs, and without cleaning her blood crusted coat, crawled into bed.
Chapter 8-Scarlet Cupcakes
Chapter 8-Scarlet Cupcakes
Rarity awoke, her room lit by only the full moon. Makeup stained her pillow, and her coat was still matted and stained with blood. Her sheets had been thrown off her bed while she slept. Quietly Rarity padded across the floor towards the hallway. Silently she crept down the stairs, careful to not disturb Luna who was sprawled on her back, lying on the couch. Until, Rarity, lost in her thoughts tripped on one of the stairs. She tumbled down the stairs, falling in a heap at the bottom. Luna stirred in her sleep, mumbling something about Celestia. Rarity quickly got back to her hooves, and walked towards the front door. Luna’s eyes snapped open, and she quickly rolled over, embarrassed.
“Rarity! I thought you were asleep”
“Oh, you’re awake. Well I was going to Applejack’s to, well….um……tell her about Big Macintosh”
“What, what happened to him?”
Rarity paused for a moment, her gaze landing on her own hooves.
“He died, a guard stabbed him”
"Rarity, you should have told me”
“No, it’s too painful to talk about, because after that….”Rarity’s voice trailed off and faded away.
“It was what Rarity? What happened?”
“Fluttershy, s-s-sh-she killed herself” Rarity collapsed to the floor sobbing uncontrollably.
Luna was silent, feeling the same dull pain of a lost friend. Rarity quickly recovered, picked herself off of the floor, dried her eyes, opened the front door, and clicked it shut behind her without saying anything more. The sky was cloudy, and the moon didn’t show. The only light came from the street lights. Rarity headed towards the center of town, expecting to find nopony there. Surprisingly she found Pinkie Pie there; her eyes were red, and her hair straight.
“Pinkie, what’s the matter”
“W-w-well I was going over to Fluttershy’s, to give her some of my new cupcakes, a-a-and when I knocked she didn’t answer. I opened the door, and there was a knife covered in blood lying on the floor, I called her name, and she didn’t answer. I walked upstairs, and opened the door to her bedroom. There on her bed was….” Pinkie Pie trailed off as soft sobs began to shake her body.
“I know sweetie, it’s alright”
“Wh-w-why would anypony do that to her, she was such a loveable friend, and…” Pinkie went into another fit of sobs.
“Nopony did that to her, she well, it would help you to come with me I’ll tell you the whole story when we get to Applejack’s. I have some news for her as well”
The two mares started down the road that led towards Applejack’s farm, Pinkie still crying. The moon was high overhead, the light shining brightly, illuminating the dirt road before them. Although the stars were nowhere to be found, only the moon showed in the ink black sky. Rarity was the first to reach the end of the dirt road, slowly followed by a straight maned Pinkie Pie. Rarity walked slowly up to the front entrance of the Apple Families’ house, so as not to wake anypony, and knocked lightly. At first there was no answer, house as quiet as the world around it. Rarity quickly knocked again, this time a little louder, and at the same time looking back at a still sobbing Pinkie. The door suddenly opened, and Rarity saw Applejack, sleep still clouding her eyes.
“Rarity?” Applejack said groggily “What in the hay are you doin’ here at this hour?”
“Applejack, dear, I’m so glad I could find you. We need to talk, it’s about Big Macintosh”
The sleep instantly cleared from Applejack’s eyes, she was now fully awake.
“What, what happened to him? Why didn’t he come home today?”
“You may want to sit down for this” Rarity said softly
Applejack promptly plopped down in her doorway, clearly ready to hear the news about her brother.
“Well as you may or may not have known, today Big Mac was on an important assignment with Fluttershy to ensure the safety of the rebellion”
“Yea, he told me before he left, but seriously Rarity he’s, well….big I don’t think anything can really happened to ‘im”
“Well, Applejack” Rarity sighed “He’s dead, he was stabbed by a guard”
Applejack’s jaw dropped, and tears filled her eyes
“No, no, nononononono” She said half to herself
“I’m sorry Applejack, but it’s true”
Tears welled up in Applejack’s eyes, obscuring her vision. Rarity watched as Applebloom came up behind Applejack, and she too had tears in her eyes. Now the only sound was the quiet muttering of Applejack, and Applebloom plodding towards her sister, tears dripping down her cheeks, and falling to the ground. Applejack stopped her grieving for a moment to hold a sobbing Applebloom in her arms. Rarity still quietly stood outside the doorway, watching the two sisters grieve together, silently mourning on the inside. The silence continued, nopony dared break the silence as the moon shone brightly, casting ghostly shadows that only added to the sorrow of the moment. Rarity, now noticing that Pinkie was still standing behind her, turned around and embraced her, again laying on Applejack’s entryway. The night wore on, and sleep began to creep into their bodies and minds. Eventually there was complete silence, as sorrows were lost in the peacefulness of sleep.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Bright shafts of the suns rays silently awoke Rarity, bringing her senses back to life. She stretched, trying to work the morning chill out of her bones. In the process Rarity woke Pinkie, who had been sleeping with her head resting on Rarity’s own. The pink earth pony’s mane was still straight, as opposed to its usual fluffy and unruly style. Sleep and sorrow clouded her eyes, and her gaze was cast downward, her ears drooping in line with her hair. Applejack was still sleeping, holding a lightly snoring Applebloom in her arms. Rarity looked downwards to see her own coat dirty and stained by the dirt she’d slept on, her mane was no better, ruffled and matted with dirt and filth. Rarity pulled herself into a sitting position and tried to rub the sleep from her eyes. Then as quietly as she could Rarity led Pinky away from the sleeping forms of Applejack and Applebloom, heading towards Sugarcube Corner. The walk there was silent, but occasionally interrupted by a light sniffle from Pinkie Pie. The store looked like a dessert in itself, and appeared to be several kinds of sweets piled together in a fashion that made it look somewhat like a building. With a single motion Pinkie opened the door and invited Rarity inside. Pinkie Pie finally ended the long silence with a voice that seemed all to cherry for her depressed look and stature.
“Hey Rarity, you up for a cupcake?”
“Sure darling, but only if it’s not too much trouble”
“It’s no trouble Rarity, I love making cupcakes for my friends” Pinkie Pie walked into the kitchen, Rarity following close behind. The two mares made idle conversation as Pinkie Pie mixed the ingredients together, humming a little tune to herself. Pinkie walked over to the oven to place the cupcakes inside, but an unseen magical force began to pull the tin of cupcakes faster that Pinkie seemed to be walking. She tried to pull the tin free of the invisible magical force, but its grip held, pulling her faster towards the open oven. There was a loud clanging as Pinkie was roughly shoved into the oven, and the door closed behind her. Rarity tuned around to see Pinkie banging on the door of the oven pushing with all her might to get out as the temperature seemed to rise inside. Rarity leaped towards the oven her horn glowing, first she tried to open the door using her telekinesis, but a magical force seemed to block her from getting near enough to the oven to try and open it. Then she tried to teleport a screaming Pinkie Pie out of the oven. Again and again Rarity tried, and each time she tried she was pushed back by that same magical force. All she could do was watch as her friend was burned alive before her eyes. The fur on Pinkie’s body was the first to go, it steadily burned and smoked. The next to go was her eyes, the temperature reaching high enough for them to melt, and all the while Pinkie was screaming at the top of her lungs, ripping her vocal cords to shreds. She backed against a wall while what left of her eyes dripped down her face. The heat still continued to rise and blisters began appearing across Pinkie Pie’s body almost doubling her size. A black char began to take over her appearance making her look like a roughly pony shaped animal covered in coal dust, empty eye sockets covered in burns. The heat soon started to take Pinkie’s mind with it, causing hallucinations.
“GET THEM OFF, GET THEM OFF!” Pinkie screamed, clawing at her throat, attempting to dislodge whatever she believed was clinging to her neck. Her hooves soon broke her skin, exposing pink burning flesh beneath. Blood sprayed over the oven, coating the entire thing in hot, sticky blood. The screams began to die down to steady whimpering and sobbing as time went on, the life slowly leaving Pinkie’s body. Long ago Rarity had stopped trying to help, rage seething beneath her skin, as she watched what happened, not six feet in front of her. The smell of burned flesh and burning blood permeated the air. The sobs then turned to slow banging on the door, and eventually that ceased to exist as well as the life left the burning shell that had been Pinkie Pie. Shortly after Rarity sensed that the magical field had dissipated and she moved forward to investigate. What was left was nothing but a badly charred body with its neck torn out in panic. “Whatever Pinkie thought she’d seen had apparently been trying to burrow its way into her neck” Rarity thought. Rarity closed the door on the oven and plopped down on her rump, leaning up against the oven, only mildly concerned about the blackened bloody dust that stained her coat as she sat there.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Some time later Rarity was awoken by Mrs. Cake. She had a solemn look on her face, one of dread and horror. Rarity looked towards the floor, resting her head in her hooves; sobbing softly as yet the loss of another friend shook her already unsteady emotional state like an earthquake. Mrs. Cake plopped her slightly larger form next to Rarity in front of the oven, and put her arm around Rarity as the same problem shook her world as well. The burned stench of flesh still hung thick in the air, making Rarity struggle to breathe, knowing that every time she did breathe she smelled the black, bloody, charred lump of flesh that had used to be her friend. She looked over to meet the red, puffy eyed face of Mrs. Cake. Time had passed quickly and it was the middle of the night, the stars shone brightly from outside, and a shaft of moonlight seemed to shine directly on Sugar Cube Corner. After a short while, the silence was broken by the sound of shuffling hooves. Luna had walked in the door, and stood, leaning on the doorframe, her eyes tired and downcast. Rarity slowly got to her hooves, head hanging and slowly walked towards Luna. The navy blue moon goddess put her arms around Rarity in a warm, comforting embrace. Before long the two broke the embrace and stared with blurry vision, into each other’s eyes, both of them with tears running down their faces, and dripping to the floor.
“Rarity, I think that now is the time for action. Now Celestia’s Solar Empire must come to an end, before she finds a way to kill Applejack and anypony else as well”
Rarity wipes her face, clearing it of the pain and sorrow that she felt from within.
“I think you’re quite right Luna, the time has come for action”
The room then falls into a dark silence, and all three ponies look around trying to find a way to continue speaking without breaking down into tears. Rarity is the first to try speaking, but she can’t seem to get words around the lump of emotion lodged in her throat. The only noises that get out of Rarity’s mouth are faint whimpers and squeaks, and for what seemed like the hundredth time that night she began crying and sobbing over the loss of one of her closest friends. Rarity’s legs wobbled and buckled beneath her as the wall of emotion hit her, seemingly draining the energy from her already tired body. It wasn’t long before she fell back asleep, her world shattered by the loss of yet another that was so close to her.
* * * * * * * * * * * * *
Rarity awoke to find herself draped across Luna’s back, bobbing up and down in time to the blue mare’s steps. Her eyes slid closed again, the movement rocking her back into a sense of security and the need to rest.
Chapter 4-Rebellions Discovery
Chapter 4-Rebellion’s Discovery
The night quickly passed, and as dawn approached the three ponies were drenched in sweat and exhausted. Without a word between them they departed through a back door and quickly made their way onto the main streets of Canterlot. The ponies tried their best to look inconspicuous even though they were all soaking wet. Luna then led the small group towards the castle where she knew that her tyrannical sister would be waiting with many questions. When the group arrived at the castle she was relieved that only the guards had come to meet her. She nodded at the guards as she passed; only giving them a brief glance to read their faces for any surprise or wonder of why she was drenched in sweat and being followed by two other ponies.
“There is a washroom just down the hall if you two want to clean up”
“Thank you princess, but I think we need to discuss the more important events that are present”
“As you wish Rarity”
Luna then proceeded down a carpeted hall. She stopped at a door, and opened it. What lie inside was a smallish room filled with simple and everyday furniture. Rarity followed Luna and Mac into the room. She quickly closed the door and walked over to where Luna was sitting.
“The rebellion needs training” Rarity said in a harsh whisper
“I know, but I haven’t yet figured out how to provide that training without drawing attention to ourselves” replied Luna in her own quiet whisper
“Well until that time we need to keep hidden from the prying eyes of Celestia”
“Yes, I know she told me that she had requested your presence here... she wanted to talk to you about helping Twilight in her studies”
“Ugg... Really? Nowadays I can barely stand her, always talking about how fabulous her wings are”
At that moment there was a quiet tapping on the door. Everyone in the room froze.
“Come in” Luna called through the door
Celestia entered, with her new gold, jewel encrusted, velvet lined crown.
“Rarity! How nice to see you”
“You as well Celestia”
“I see that Luna has done well to show you some of the generous hospitality we have here in the Canterlot Castle”
“May I as, Celestia, why you requested that I come here to Canterlot?”
“I’ve come to discuss Twilight with you, I have heard that she thinks fondly of you and she needs a study partner”
“Ah..yes..um.... I would be glad to help Twilight with her studies, but I am not a very educated mare as you well know”
“That’s the other reason why I’ve called you here, come, this is a conversation best held behind closed doors”
Rarity followed Celestia out of Luna’s room and down one of the many halls that criss-crossed the castle. Celestia paused slightly before walking down another red carpeted hall. At the end of the hall Rarity saw a large door that had to be as tall as four or five fully grown stallions. Celestia then gently nosed the door open and walked inside. Inside the room was a luxuriously padded throne and several beside it that looked almost identical. Rarity watched as Celestia quickly seated herself on the center throne. She then turned and fixed her laser like stare on Rarity.
“I thought that you would be very interested to know, Rarity, that I am in possession of you family. And if you misbehave I will execute all of them, one by one as you watch”
“I-I-I don’t know what you are talking about”
“Don’t play dumb with me Rarity, I know your full plans to overthrow the throne, and I’m warning you now that if you continue I will be forced to take immediate action”
“You will never stop the rebellion you tyrannical monster. I have had enough of you sitting here doing nothing while the helpless citizens of Equestria starve”
“Have it your way” Celestia turned to her side and yelled “Guards, bring out our guests”
The guards then appeared seemingly from nowhere, and following them, shackled and chained, Rarity’s family. Rarity’s heart dropped when she saw Sweetie Belle in slightly smaller cuffs and chains.
“Sweetie Belle!” Rarity screamed “Leave her out of this Celestia”
“I will, but first you need to do something for me”
“What, what, I’ll do anything”
“I need you to stop this little rebellion it seems you have started, it’s all becoming quite tiresome”
“Never, Equestria deserves better than you, I will never stop fighting, not for one moment of my life”
“Fine then…have it your way. Guards, show Rarity here a comfy chair, its going to be a long afternoon”
The royal guards then rushed over to Rarity, quickly seating and strapping her into a chair, so quickly that she didn’t even have any time to react. Celestia then leaped off her throne and onto the hard marble floor with a clack as her hooves met the ground. Then she walks over to her mother, only the sound of Celestia’s hooves clicking against the marble floor. Rarity watched as Celestia then ran a hoof under the chin of her mother. She then struck her mother and repeatedly kicked her while she lie on the ground.
“This could be so much easier Rarity, all you have to do is say the word” Celestia said in a voice as cold and piercing as her laser like stare.
“No, Never. I’ll never call it off”
“I hoped that it wouldn’t come to this, but it seems that it has”
Celestia then produced a knife out from her mane, and quickly jumped forward, slicing a deep gash through her mother’s throat. A few seconds passed where nopony moved or reacted. Then blood started pouring from the wound, onto the ground as her mother thrashed about on the cold marble floor. Rarity could only stare silently as the life poured out of her mother.
“Does you decision still stand Rarity? You still have your father and sister, or will I have to kill them to, leaving you a helpless and lost mare in this world?”
“My decision stands, and I know my family and I would be honored to die to keep the rebellion alive”
“You know, Rarity, I can do much worse that simply kill your relatives, I thought you would be broken easily, but you’re made of tougher stuff than I thought”
Celestia then walked over to Rarity’s father. This time she held the knife up in the air, allowing the light to glint off of the surface, and brought it down slowly against the coat of Rarity’s father. She then proceeded to cut a checkerboard pattern across the chest of the stallion. Blood poured down his chest in red sheets. Rarity again watched in horror as another one of her family members was bled dry. The grey stallion began gasping as a new source of pain appeared. Celestia was now making circular cuts along the flank of the helpless stallion. When she was done she wiggled the knife under the circular gashes and removed two ragged bits of hide that had the cutie mark of Rarity’s father on them. Rarity’s father screamed in pain, a sound that seemed all too high pitched for his age. Celestia then leapt forward and sliced the stallion’s throat, in the same manner as she had done earlier. The only sound left in the room was Rarity’s sobbing and a heavy sigh as Rarity’s father drew his last breath and blew it out with a huff.
“One last chance Rarity, your sister or the rebellion”
Sweetie looked at her with those sweet pleading eyes, knowing that the end of her life was in sight.
“She’ll never surrender, I am perfectly willing to die for the rebellion, and when I die, remember Celestia, the rebellion lives on and it’s always coming for you. There is no way to hide, and even if the rebellion dies, you will die with it”
Rarity and Celestia stared blankly at Sweetie Belle for a moment; the tension in the room crackling like static electricity. Then when Celestia had recovered from that moment of awe she lashed out and stabbed Sweetie through the heart. Rarity overcome with rage, wrestled free of her ties and rushed over to Sweetie Belle.
“SWEETIE, come on Sweetie don’t die on me like this!”
“Don’t let Celestia win Rarity, remember I’ve always believed in you and so does everypony else.”
With those last words the life left Sweetie’s body and she now lie limp in Rarity’s arms. Rarity looked around, the dead bodies of her family were scattered over the floor, the once white marble, covered in a sheet of blood. Rage started to cloud Rarity’s vision. She stood and turned toward Celestia and yelled
“ARE YOU HAPPY NOW? YOU’VE KILLED EVRY ONE OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS! ARE YOU HAPPY NOW YOU MURDEROUS TYRANT?!”
“Quite pleased in fact” the princess replied in a quiet and content voice
That last statement sent Rarity over the edge, she began cursing and screaming at the princess until she summoned guards to drag her off to the dark dungeons in the bowels of the castle.
To all of you who read this story and want to know when the next chapter is coming out, i don't know, gimme some time and I'll figure out what i can throw together