Rats In The Belfry

by Beegirl Scribbler

Epilogue: I Pity the Cruel

“It is a difficult job,” Luna said, looking over her stone desk with skepticism. “We are talking about beings who have for years—often centuries—rejected any kindness shown to them.”

“And it's very important,” Fluttershy said, standing by Luna's side. “You never know who might need help, so you have to help everyone. And, um...we're not sure you have what it takes.” She looked at Luna, giving a weak smile. “These creatures need compassion.”

Luna smiled back at her. “Fluttershy is right, of course.” She turned back to the applicant. “Your record is...spotty, to say the least.”

They considered him for a moment.

Tirek leaned in. “'Spotty' may be precisely what they require.”

Luna looked up and gave a grin. “Tirek! You're early!”

“So I am.”

Tirek lingered in the doorway, but Luna beckoned eagerly. “Come in, then!”

He entered, Echechak resting on his back. They both eyed the applicant. “You are certain that this is the best choice?” Tirek asked.

“His record has...improved of late.” Luna shrugged. “And from what he's told us, I believe he truly is dedicated to his new goal.”

Grogar has a many-greats grand-nephew that vouches for him. Echechak hopped onto the desk. He appears to take the recommendation at least somewhat seriously.

Tirek stroked his chin. “Redeeming and counseling the prisoners of Tartarus—myself and Echechak included—is a complex task.”

“Well, I'm going to be helping where I can with the, um, counseling part,” Fluttershy said. She shrugged. “I...think I can help.”

“I am certain you can.” Luna patted Fluttershy on the back. “You have proven your capabilities, Fluttershy, to be more than satisfactory.”

“I still resent having to attend this,” grumbled someone from the corner.

“Discord, you shall be an example.” Luna tried not to grimace. “A...a...” She forced the word out. “...role model, even.”

“It's still demeaning. I'm not redeemed. I just humor the pegasus and she bakes me cookies.”

The applicant started to say something, but Luna quickly held up a hoof. “I believe we accept your application, sir. Sign here.”

The applicant did so.

“Excellent!” Luna gave him a warm smile. “Welcome to Tartarus's newest initiative—the Rehabilitation of Inmates to Tartarus Baselines program. You will also serve as Temporary Chief Warden, as all the other authorities, er, turned evil.”

“Except for the Smooze,” Fluttershy said, giving a bright smile.

“Yes.” Luna rolled her eyes. “Of course. Thank the sun and moon for small favors.”

“Not to worry!” The applicant grinned. “Iron Will has never turned evil before and does not plan to! If you try to turn, in Tartarus you'll burn!”

He collected his papers, tucked them into a small purse, and paused. “However, if Iron Will may ask one question...”

Luna nodded.

“Why is this program only starting now?” Iron Will stuck out his chest. “As Iron Will often says, why delay when you can attack the day?”

Luna looked at Tirek and Echechak, who just shrugged. She looked at Fluttershy, who smiled encouragingly. She even looked at Discord, receiving only a cross stare in return. She wasn't exactly sure how to answer. “It is a long st—”

“Because...”

They all turned. Grogar had entered the room, wearing his typical grim smile. “We are often quite angry at our enemies. And...” He shrugged. “Anger makes us stupid.”

“Too stupid to make them our friends instead?” Fluttershy supplied hopefully.

Grogar opened his mouth, then shut it. He scoffed, turning and walking away. Luna heard him mutter something.

“Ponies...”

Author's Note:

And there y'have it. That's that. I'm done with RitB, and not a moment too soon.

Not that I didn't enjoy the process! Far from it. But to say that Rats in the Belfry was a bit stressful would be...well, not an overstatement, but it'd be true. I don't like serialized stories and I really should stop trying to write them. And the process of trying to get RitB on Equestria Daily was, as some might recall, a bit nervewracking for me. I'm proud of some aspects of the story, and others...

Well, if I could redo it all, I'd have indicated Grogar's development from the get-go. I'd have set up the arrival of characters like Bumble and Auros. In essence, I'd have mapped things out before jumping in. Oh, and I'd try to have more of a clue about commas. Still not quite done with that.

But I'm fairly happy with a lot of this, and at some point it finally stopped being miserable to write. All-in-all, it coulda been a lot worse. Thank you all so much for reading!

Comments

[Arzoo]

Thanks for reading? Thanks for writing!

[Mr. Grimm]

2760902

I second this notion.

And IRON WILL governing Tartarus? Makes sense. And setting up Tartarus to counsel and redeem criminals is a very FIM thing to do.

[vazak]

Overall this was an extremely interesting and well written, as well as most importantly enjoyable story, thank you for writing it! It's been a great trip! Also, Iron Will, is awesome!

[Beegirl Scribbler]

2764983 There's a simple reason why three dragons (plus the Mane Six, but whatever) worried Grogar. I'm too lazy to dig up the Fluttershy speech, though, so...Grogar's just a scared li'l sheepy, yes he is!

[Beegirl Scribbler]

3078364 There are wikis and stuff, but the only way to really use them is honestly to watch their episodes. There are many interpretations of these characters--while I try to match the originals as closely as possible, a superior writer like Paleo Prints takes cues from Discorderly Conduct, and still others might make someone like Grogar completely different.