//------------------------------// // Cage of Glitter // Story: Final Reign // by Lise //------------------------------// Bags lay in the corner, all full of the finest dresses money could buy. A few years ago, Rarity had trouble keeping up with demand. Today, she couldn't give them away if she tried. "Must you go?" Sweetie Belle blocked the way to the door. "I heard Canterlot has changed since..." There was no need to finish. Since Blueblood had proclaimed himself ruler, things had taken a turn for the worst. Rarity had seen that before anypony else. While others looked at the big things, her keen eye had spotted the minute differences—the dreamless months, the change of sunrise, the disappearance of the Princesses. Not a soul spoke about that now; they wished to forget, choosing the bleakness of today over the thought that something had happened to Celestia. When Rarity had shared her fears with her friends, they had laughed, all except Twilight. That too had told the fashionista a lot, compounding her fears. "Please," Sweetie Belle whispered, holding back tears. "I don't want to—" "A lady must do what needs to be done, Sweetie Belle," Rarity said, gently moving her aside. "And so must I." She opened the door, not looking back. Even her performance skills were not enough to fool her sister. "One day, you and the Cutie Mark Crusaders might hold the fate of Equestria in your hooves," she added over her shoulder. "Remember that." A sad meow was the last thing Rarity heard from inside as she trotted to the station. In the past, she would carry a whole cartloads of baggage; today she had one. Passing by the station guard post, she flashed her Canterlot pass. Ever since the changes she had made it her business to keep close relations with Fancy Pants, granting her unrestricted travel to anywhere she chose. At times she would joke that the train was running just for her. Sometimes she would be right. "To Canterlot, ma'am?" A young pegasus guard approached her. "The capital is a state of emergency after the coup attempts." "Coup attempt?" Rarity arched a brow. "Darling, it has been months since the Wonderbolt incident." "That might be so." The pegasus' ears flicked as he heard the name. "But my orders are—" "Darling, I have a permit given to me by Lord Fancy Pants himself," Rarity said. "And I happen to be a dear friend to the Prince, as I am to the Princesses. Do you want me to have to explain why I declined his invitation?" The soldier stiffened. His wings froze as he looked at the white unicorn uncertain what to do. Rarity waited. She knew how to apply the exact type of pressure to make others fold. The pegasus looked at the guard post, then back at Rarity. "My apologies, ma'am," he said at last. "The train will be departing shortly." "Thank you." Rarity passed by him with a curt nod. The train was empty. The few allowed to use it preferred not to, remaining in the safety of their towns and cities, hoping that would keep them away from the Tyrant's reach. What they didn't know was that they were strengthening his grip. "Just another ride to the lovely Canterlot," Rarity sighed as she looked out of the window. She'd had many wonderful memories in this train, so many adventures that started here. Her trips to Manehattan with Pinky, her journeys to Appleloosa. How had they all faded away so quickly? Things hadn’t been the same since Twilight left for the Crystal Empire. Pinkie Pie tried to keep the group together, but fear and apathy had crept in. Now Rainbow Dash was gone and Applejack was drowning herself in alcohol. "Refreshments, Miss?" A pony approached. She was new, barely older than a filly. "Thank you, darling." Rarity smiled. "Do you have any champagne? I feel completely parched." "Umm." The stewardess shuffled. "I'm afraid we don't..." She bit her lip. "Maybe you'd prefer some wine? I think we still have a bottle." "That would be splendid, darling." Rarity nodded, not in the least bit bothered. Luxuries were in short supply as of late. Those who produced them made sure to keep them. Bits were cheap—goods, excessively expensive. "Maybe you'd share one with me?" "Oh, no, I couldn't!" The mate froze. "I... I..." she looked about, as if fearing somepony might be watching. "I'll go bring you your wine, Miss." the stewardess galloped off. Rarity sighed and looked out of the window once more. The wine tasted of boiled candy. It took Rarity the entire ride to finish her glass. She still thanked the stewardess before leaving the trading, though. The pony was clearly a spy, but out of necessity. Her body language screamed that she didn't enjoy what she was doing, yet preferred it to the alternative. Rarity had seen many like her—clumsy, scared, trying to adapt to a new Equestria. A whole regiment of armed pegasi glared at Rarity as she stepped off the train. "Ah, Rarity," a familiar voice said, opening a path between the pegasi. "So wonderful of you to make it." Fancy Pants emerged, the suit Rarity had given him as a gift now ruined by glistening medals and golden epaulettes. "Please forgive the security measures. Passions are still running a bit high, you see." "Why, yes, I expect they would be." Rarity put on a smile. "And wonderful to see you again, Lord Fancy. I see that your tailors have modified my design a touch?" "Oh right, they have haven't they?" Fancy Pants glanced at his medals. "Just a temporary measure, I assure you. I think it nonsense, but Prince Blueblood insisted on a display of... etiquette. But where are my manners?" He moved forward and raised her forehoof to within a whisker of his lips. "Was your trip bearable?" "Well—" Rarity pulled her hoof away "—I could have used some champagne. But as I see, I'm not the only one." "Quite right, quite right," Fancy Pants laughed. "Forgive me, my dear, I never was an admirer of spirits. I'll be sure to organize a soirée for you and Fleur. Poor girl could use some distraction from the daily tedium." "Well, I'll do my best to provide it." Rarity took a step forward. "Is the Prince doing well? He seemed distraught at the funeral." "Yes, dreadful business, that." Fancy lead her forward, indicating to one of the soldiers to take Rarity's bag. "He's been quite busy, I'm afraid. In fact he's pretty much placed the everyday things on my shoulders. That's precisely why I asked you to come." "Oh?" "I need someone to help me in the task, my dear, and frankly Raven is becoming increasingly unreliable." Fancy let out a deep sigh. "She's a beautiful old soul, but her health has taken a turn for the worse." "Oh." Rarity stopped. She liked Raven. She had always acted with Equestria's interests at heart. "I'm sorry to hear that. Is she...?" "Oh, dear me, no." Fancy laughed. "She's very much alive, still walking about the palace when she feels like it. I simply don't have the heart to burden her with work. And we both know Equestria needs all the help it can get right now." "Certainly." Rarity continued forward. "I'll do my best to help. I am the Element of Generosity, after all." "Dear Rarity." Fancy shook his head, a sharp glint in his eye. "Quite admirable on your part, but it's not generosity that Equestria needs. It's a change of perspective. If ponies are fated to live in cages, those cages might as well glitter. I trust you understand?" "Yes, Lord Fancy." Forgive me, Sweetie Belle. I'm doing this for you. "I understand perfectly."