Sweetie Belle was alone.
She had requested that the others leave her alone and go back to Ponyville without her for the time being. She would join them in a little while, but for now she just wanted to be alone.
Her daughter was dead.
Joyous Blossom, the daughter that she had carried, raised, was imprisoned for, loved with every fiber of her being, had been executed by Princess Celestia. If Sweetie Belle never saw either princess again it would be far too soon; not that she trusted herself to not blow up at them anyway for killing both her sister and her daughter.
It had been a small confirmation; the group had been sitting in a room a little ways away from the execution room. Blossom had requested that nopony be allowed to see her execution and the guards had honored her request. Sweetie Belle wasn't quite sure how she thought about that. On one hoof, it was a kindness to not see her daughter's lifeless body, to not see her life slip away like grains of sand through an hourglass to the point where she was empty. She had done that with Rarity and she still dreamed about it.
On the other hoof, Blossom had to die alone; without her family there to support her. She couldn't draw the strength she needed to go out with her head held high from her executioners.
The guards had come out of the room after it was done. Two left immediately, but one stayed and gave a small nod to the group, most of whom had burst into tears immediately. Well, those who had not already been sobbing, anyway. The guard had given them her best sympathetic look and had said 'she died well; she looks very happy', before leaving with her fellows.
Sweetie Belle hadn't responded to her words. She merely told them to go back to Ponyville and began walking. Where, she didn't know, but she just had to walk.
She found herself leaning against a wall in one of the castle corridors, staring out the nearby window at the glorious day that had arrived with Celestia's sun. The happy atmosphere seemed to Sweetie Belle to be Celestia mocking her for what she had taken from the broken mare.
Her thoughts were cut off when she heard a voice behind her, the last voice that she expected to hear at a time like this. "Sweetie Belle?"
Sweetie Belle turned to see who was calling her, and found Silver Spoon of all ponies standing behind her. Sweetie Belle scoffed lightly. "Come to rub it in? My daughter took yours, and now I lost mine too. Have you come to gloat that now your child can rest in peace, knowing that her murderer was put down?"
Silver Spoon's eyes widened and she took a step forward. "No, I haven't! I..." Silver Spoon began blinking back tears as she took another step forwards. "I heard the rumors that Blossom had given herself up. I know what happened. I wanted to say that... I'm sorry for all those years that I hated you."
"You didn't know that I was innocent, why would you apologize now?"
Silver Spoon bridged the gap between her and Sweetie Belle and, to her surprise, she threw a hoof over her shoulder in a hug. "Because I would have done the same thing to protect my child," she whispered. "I don't hate you, I don't hate Blossom for what she did, and I don't hate anypony." Silver Spoon gave a small, but comforting smile. "We've had enough of that to last an age, don't you think?"
Sweetie Belle blankly sat on her haunches, allowing her childhood enemy to sit down with her had hold her close. She didn't know why she accepted her comfort; maybe it was because they both had to bury their daughters, but the two childless mothers sat in silence, unmoving.
* * * *
Blossom's eyes fluttered open.
The first thing that she became aware of was how warm everything was. It was like a nice summer day in Ponyville that wasn't too hot or cold. Everything was just right. She was lying in a field of bright green grass that felt cool and relaxing on her fur. The cloudless sky was a wonderful shade of blue and reminded her almost of her Aunt Rainbow Dash's fur.
Of course she knew that she couldn't lie here forever. There was a time that she had to get up to see where she was and that time was now. She sat up on the grass and pushed herself onto her hooves.
When she was standing up, she noticed that the field around her seemed to stretch on endlessly, save for a hill jutting out of the ground to her left. Deciding that this was the best place to go, she began her trot towards the hill.
As she walked, she saw what appeared to be a very young filly standing at the top, positively beaming down at her. Blossom chuckled to herself when she realized that this filly looked kind of like her mother, but with darker fur and a purple mane. The filly giggled when Blossom was close enough, and ran down the hill to meet her as Blossom climbed up. "Hello, Blossom!" the filly chirped. "My name is Sweetie! We've been waiting for you!"
Blossom smirked at the filly and continued climbing up the hill. "Your name is close to my mother's name. Her name is Sweetie Belle."
The filly's grin widened and she vigorously nodded. "Yeah, I know, and I think that's really cool!"
Blossom's smile slowly faded as the pair neared the top of the hill and she looked down at Sweetie. "Where are we?"
Sweetie giggled but said nothing as the two reached the top of the hill. When Blossom saw what was on the other side, she gasped but it was followed with a smile of childlike wonder. For on the opposite side of the hill there was a great city whose splendor far outstripped even the wonders of Canterlot. The buildings were made of what appeared to be opulent marble and they shone brightly as the morning sun reflected off of them. However the effect was not overpowering as it might have been if the effect were repeated in the real world. The buildings stretched to the skies and the streets below them were paved with the same white stone that the buildings were made out of. A pure city, untainted by anything bad.
Sweetie giggled again at Blossom's wonder and began tugging on her hoof to lead her into the city. "Come on, silly, you have a lot of ponies who want to see you."
Blossom's smile returned and she allowed the filly to lead her inside the city. Normally such splendor would have intimidated her, but here it was so peaceful that she entered it without trepidation. Blossom had to admit, the outside of the city did not do the inside justice. The buildings were even more impressive close up, and it was hard to imagine that this would be where she spent the rest of eternity.
Of course, what really got Blossom's attention were the ponies.
Ponies of all shapes, sizes, and races were walking around the city, each of them with a look of pure bliss on their faces. She saw a pair of pegasi, one with a dark grey coat and the other with a bright green coat, chatting animatedly with each other like only a mother and daughter could. She saw a pony that looked like Starswirl the Bearded telling thrilling tales to a group of wide-eyed ponies, she even saw two ponies who looked like they could be the parents of Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Big Macintosh.
"It's pretty awesome, isn't it?" Sweetie said with a contented sigh.
Blossom nodded dumbly and continued to look around in an impressed stupor. "It's magnificent."
"You never get used to how cool this place is, that's the best part!" said Sweetie happily. "But right now you gotta talk to some ponies who have been wanting to see you for a long time."
Curious, Blossom followed the little filly down a few streets and alleyways to a small little cabin type building near the edge of the city. Curious, Blossom frowned at Sweetie. "What's here?" she asked.
Sweetie giggled and pointed towards the cabin door. "You'll see. It'd ruin the surprise if I just told you. Sweetie looked behind her. "I think I hear my Mommy calling me. You go on ahead and just open the door. They won't mind."
With that, the light gray filly bounced away, leaving Blossom staring at the door of the cabin. In life she would have been nervous about just walking into some stranger's home, but here she had a feeling that everything would be fine. She began resolutely walking towards the door and she reached it in a few short moments and pushed it open. What she saw inside made her gasp in surprise.
Fire Ruby, Golden Necklace, and Diamond Tiara were all inside the cabin, happily playing a game with each other. Blossom could not recall the last time she saw the three of them looking so happy, if ever she had ever seen it at all.
She wasn't standing in the doorway for more than a few seconds before all three of them noticed that she was there. To her surprise, they didn't look angry, or even a little upset that she was there. If anything their smiles widened a little. Fire Ruby and Golden Necklace rushed over to Blossom and wrapped her forelegs in a crushing hug while Diamond Tiara was slower to get up. She seemed no less happy to see her killer, though.
Blossom exhaled sharply and sat on her haunches on the floor. Diamond Tiara chuckled and sat down next to her, bringing her in for a tight hug. Blossom expected to have to blink back tears at the reunion, and in life she would have, but here was not the place for tears. She merely opened her mouth and whispered out two words. "I'm sorry."
Diamond Tiara chuckled again and began stroking Blossom's mane.
"Blossom; my dear Blossom. There's nothing to forgive."
right in the feels
Reaction when Sweetie Belle and Silver Spoon Make up: Aw....
"Blossom's eyes fluttered open: What?!
Realization: Oh. She's in paradise.
Question: Is Rarity there as well?
Answer: Not gonna know, am I?
I really expected Sweetie to take her own life at the end of this. We all know she's been through hell twice for her family, both sister and daughter. Even with the memory rewrite I can't expect her to stand living much longer when all she lived for the past twenty years just left.
Regardless, an outstanding ending to one of the darkest works on this site. It's a shame to see it end but it's a fitting conclusion.
Well. It's over. It's finally over. I have to admit, I was a bit worried about this last chapter, but you pulled it off magnificently. Blossom's finally free. Good job sir. Good job.
Interesting epilogue
Either way i really enjoyed reading this Trilogy ... devastating yes but overall,very good.
Fridge Horror: The ponies in 'Paradise' are all victims of the Ponyville Butcher, directly and indirectly. The little filly that greeted Blossom was Rarity herself.
With this theory in mind, this ending is all kinds of messed up.
oh god, the feels are all over
Simply beautiful. Blossom is finally free, and forgiven. Maybe Silver Spoon and Sweetie Belle will end up being friends who help each other through this.
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Masterfully done. I'm not crying right now. I'm also not trying to restrain an abruptly runny nose. Nope, nothing at all.
Holy crap... and really, this feels like something of a gyp for the story/series ending. I mean, I'm not exactly angry at it and it's good that Sweetie Belle made up with Silver Spoon (though we probably won't get to see if the other Crusaders do), but it doesn't answer for in the long-term, even if it wasn't supposed to, I bet. And really, those three ended up in Paradise? I HONESTLY don't get that, but eh, it's your story, dude. And eh, I don't agree with 2489326's theory entirely about the Paradise Blossom ended up in, but I did think the filly that likely greeted Blossom was Rarity herself, until her name was sort of said. (After some delays and thinking, I'm pretty certain it's one of the few Rarity actually regretted killing, since the last filly she killed was named Sweetie, though dunno if that was her look. ) Anyway, quite the way to end the series, even if again, I DON'T agree with it; but eh, it's your call, unfortunately. Looking forward to the side-stories, I guess...
2489326
Then, why'd it mention AJ, Big Mac, and AB's parents in there? Rarity had NOTHING to do with them, sure she was in the hospital the night they died; but again, she didn't do anything to them, as far as we know (before they arrived) and actually saw.
2489366
Drowning in a sea of feels? If that's what it means.
Man, the entire idea of paradise brings up so many problems that I could not take this ending seriously. I honestly think the story would've been better off without this epilogue.
2489299
knowing bronywriter yes
I brought music.
Part 1:
Part 2:
And cue the teary. I personally think that was a beautiful way to end it.
2489326 The filly isn't Rarity. Sweetie and her mother are two that Rarity killed in the first story.
eh.
FEELZORZ
Perfect ending....good job.
you bastard... you did it again! this is the 3rd time I've cried because of your writing! stop it! you are a great writer, yet you keep doing this to us!
such a wonderful ending to a great story ....
This is one fic that left me pretty emotionally beaten up. I mean, I seriously could see myself doing for my daughter exactly what Sweetie Belle did to protect hers, and even if it was for the best in a lot of opinions, watching all that unravel got to me, and not just a little.
This was a damn good read. Thanks for sharing it with everyone.
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OH GOD I'M STILL CRYING. THE FEELS CANNOT EXPRESS THESE FEELS WHICH I AM FEELING. MY EYES HURT.
DAMMIT MAN! I mean just.... just..... *sigh*. I knew I shouldn't have expected a perfect outcome just from the first chapter of TSLoR, but I don't think I ever wanted that. To say this has been an emotional rollar coaster would be the understatement of the century. I actually had to take a few moments with the DT chapter and just walk around my house and sat down and began to tear up because I knew it was all over from there and I couldn't believe what Blossom just did. I just feel empty and I want to thank you for that. No other fiction on this entire site has made me feel this way, and trust me I have read A LOT on this site(I'd wager that my words read counter, if it was still there, would be creeping over 10 million soon.) I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed this entire trilogy, but I just wish that there could have been some kind of moment of true happiness. Every chapter these was happiness in this story there was also great sadness which I thank you for too. To give a truely happy ending would have stolen away all the progress that you have created from the first book. No amount of Gifs could illustrate my feelings for you right now but if I had to wager I would say that I'd probably just give you a hug and tell you "Well done you magnificent Bastard". Good luck in all your writing endevours from here on out.
Beautiful, really.
Its amazing how much progress you made as a writer during these three works.
The first two were captivating but this, this was a gem. Thanks for writing it.
Beautiful, there is no other way to say it.
Words cannot describe.
I think that she should`ve seen Rarity there. No matter how evil she was, she had a big heart. It would`ve been great to see that. Also, these last three chapters made me cry harder than any story I`ve ever read. I don`t mean crying as in simply water, I mean the full thing. Crying, sniffling, extreme sadness and the sad sounds to go with it. I loved this story.
2489326 the pony filly that greeted blossom was the filly that rarity had decided to kill after capturing her mother on the wrong terms... She couldn't risk them telling, so after a lecture on how her name was so close to her sisters, she killed them. That was the filly that greeted blossom.
That was beautiful. I never thought I would cry at a story, but I did cry, and I hit me right in the feels. Tragically beautiful work. This will always
Stay in my mental bookshelf as one of the most depressing, heart-wrenching (no pun intended) trilogies ever. Now I'm going to my media friends to try to make a movie out of this. ;)
My feeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeelz.
The only thing that made me cry this much is My Little Dashie and my own mom's death. I mean really, i feel like i have a tear moustache
2863172 I would totally pay to see that.
i feel like i hate this story because blossom died, but then i think it was the perfect ending. this has been the only trilogy of stories to make me shed tears. you made the first violent and weird, the second, sad and regretting, and finally the third story, sad but forgiving. bravo good sir this by far is one of the best fan-fictions ever. and this is the trilogy in one picture
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thank you for the wonderful experience of reading this
The perfect ending to the story, and the trilogy! Splendid work, BronyWriter!! You have me shedding
tears of joyliquid pride, something I have not done while reading since 'My Little Dashie'!!! I am definitely recommending this series to my friends!I just read this series in... 3 days.
I could have done it faster, but I decided to play League yesterday instead of reading this. :3
I read the first two books in one go, 15 hours straight, on Tuesday. I was sick that day, so I needed something to do... I'm so glad I found this story!
This book definitely had the most feels, though. I honestly cried a lot in these last few chapters...
I'm pretty sad that it's at an end now.
This is now my favorite series of all time.
Congratulations, man.
I really loved this, you have no idea how much I want to thank you for writing such a great series.
Man, this whole series was one damn good read. Really tore me up inside, wish I had a Rarity plush to snuggle.
Haven't gotten this weepy over a story since i read that one where Pinkie Pie had diabetes several years ago.
Hats off to you good sir or madam, one of the best writers I've came across recently.
On a similar note, I have yet to read through the spin-off of this story. It's sure to be quite a bit darker.
I hate you. I hate you so much, author.
Nice work, awesome series, but I still hate you.
Now to read the spin-off.
I hate you.
But you handled the end so well, I hate you so much that I Iove you!
But I still hate you.
Wow. I read through all 3 stories in just a couple days time. I'll go tackle the alternate ending and extra stuff as well. I been this enthralled with a story since Fallout: Equestria.
It really is a shame that a large amount of readers wont even give a series like this a change because it's dark or tragedy. Some of my favorite stories are in these categories even though I read them the least. I started this series because a lot of people I know recommended it as a legitimate favorite fic. I'm sad to see canon ending here and while I wish there was somehow more, I respect the ending as is. You definitely deserve a follow for this trilogy.
You magnificent bastard. This ending is nothing but beautiful, with Sweetie Belle being forgiven for Sliver Spoon, and Blossom meeting Sweetie in Paradise, and being forgiven by Fire Ruby, Golden Necklace and Diamond Tiara. Throughout this final story in the trilogy, there have been two main things I wanted, for Blossom to never kill deliberately and unprovoked, and for her to be happy in the end, and you have provided both. I cannot think of a way I would have preferred for this to end. I now need to reed the side stories and such, but I will probably take a short break before going on to those. You have shown great skill with your writing through this trilogy and I look forward to reading more from you in the future.
I didn't cry.
I DIDN'T BUCKING CRY, GUYS.
It's official, I'm going to Tartarus
So, damn you, and good job because before this trilogy, Rares was least favorite pony. Now I have a bucked up head cannon, nowhere to vent, and sadness. But I like Rarity more.
Now to find an uplifting, and funny, fic. At midnight.
Yeah.
See you in Hell or Paradise, feel-tearer.
PS: But seriously, good job.
2489326 - The filly that greeted Blossom was one that Rarity killed along with her mother. Their deaths happened offscreen.
well, whenever someone is beating the ever-living shit out of my feels.........I go ahead join them by listening to this song:
You really know how to make a grown man cry. I lost all my tears in The Secret Life of Rarity so this didn't affect me very much. Unless it gets better.
You really know how to make a grown man cry. I lost all my tears in The Secret Life of Rarity so this didn't affect me very much. Unless it gets better.
This story made me cry ... Almost but it was awsome
I think I just shed happy tears for the first time in this trilogy when the part with Blossom came up. It was an excellent addition after so much sad.
THE FEELZ
I will admit, I was on the verge of tears reading this. Its beautiful to see her in Paradise, and finally happy. A wonderfully tragic, and touching, conclusion.