//------------------------------//
// Chapter 3: Secrets and Lies 
// Story: Elements 
// by herpyderpy 
//------------------------------//


Elements

Chapter 3: Secrets and Lies

By herpyderpy



Applejack sat next to a window, staring idly out into the streets of Equinetropolis.

She didn’t quite know why, but there was something oddly comforting about the raindrops gently pattering against the glass. It was almost rhythmic, a cadence orchestrated by the heavens themselves, and it was a constant reminder that perhaps she wasn’t alone, that somewhere out there was another pony like her – a pony who understood her pain.

Flashes of this disastrous day relentlessly assaulted her mind. She wanted them to stop, but the events continued to play again and again in her head.

She couldn’t accept it for the longest time.

She wouldn’t accept it.

The doctors back at Ponyville had apologized and tried their best to console her.

“There was nothing anypony could have done.”

“She went peacefully.”

“She didn’t suffer.”

Applejack had found no comfort in any of those words.

And when the reality of losing the only parent figure she had ever had started to sink in, she snapped for the first time in her life.

It took four ponies to stop her from completely trashing the small country clinic. One of them had to be treated for a black eye after catching a hoof to the face while trying to restrain the rampaging mare.

She apologized after her rage had subsided. But without that anger to occupy her mind, the sadness in her heart only grew stronger.

The clinic admitted they were ill-equipped to help her siblings, and had sent for a medical carriage to take them to the nearest hospital.

Applejack had always considered crying as a weakness; she couldn’t remember the last time she cried. But that day on the carriage, she let her tears flow free.

When they finally reached the hospital in Equinetropolis, her anguish was replaced by a mixture of hope and anxiety as she watched the doctors conduct various tests on her siblings. But to her despair, these doctors weren’t much more useful than the ones at Ponyville.

They informed her that Big Mac and Applebloom were in a coma, and that there was nothing they could do. They had also been vague when she asked about the possibility of their recovery.

“There is always hope.”

It sounded a lot like the horse-apples the Ponyville doctors had tried to feed her.

The doctors offered their meaningless condolences before moving on, leaving Applejack with her siblings in a small ward on the third story of the hospital.

And there she sat, on a cushioned chair next to the window, looking out as the hours passed by. Her posture and inactivity had made her rump and hind legs completely numb. Her throat was dry and her stomach growled occasionally with hunger, but she didn’t care.

Applebloom lay on a hospital bed to her right with a peaceful smile on her face, wrapped in a blanket which rose and fell slowly to her steady breathing. And on the bed next to her was Big Mac, lying under the covers with his mouth slightly open.

The sun had now set, and the lanterns were all lit up, guiding the way for ponies down on the cobbled streets of this magnificent city. On any other day than this, perhaps, Applejack could even come to appreciate the sight.

There was a certain quality to it, she had to admit. The gentle pulsations of the lanterns... the remnants of their glimmer, passing through each drop of rain in succession, lifting up the scene as parts remained obscured by the streaks of water running down the window.

Maybe things ain’t that bad, she thought.

Maybe Big Mac deserved his rest, and maybe Applebloom was better off not being around through the hardest part.

Maybe by the time they wake up, Applejack herself would be alright again – alright enough to help see them through what was going to be their worst days.

Maybe....

No.

Who am I tryin’ to fool?

The sound of the glass door sliding open broke Applejack’s train of thought and made her turn her head. Great, another one of these useless doctors.

A butter-yellow pegasus mare with a long, flowing pink mane entered the room, the stethoscope around her neck bobbing slightly as she walked. She was wearing a white coat with an ID card pinned to her lapel, and on the side of the coat was a large pocket that had the top of a clipboard sticking out.

“Um... hello, Miss Applejack. I’m Fluttershy,” she said in a barely audible voice.

Applejack replied with a ‘hmph’ and turned her attention back towards the window.

Fluttershy stepped up to Big Mac's bed. “I’m just here to do a quick check on Miss Applebloom and Mr. Macintosh.” She studied the beeping apparatus attached to the stallion's ankle for a moment before scribbling something down on her clipboard.

“Oh....”

Applejack turned around to see what the doctor had discovered, only to find Fluttershy looking straight at her.

“You look awful, Miss Applejack.... Have you been here all day?”

“I’m fine,” Applejack croaked, her voice low and raspy. But much to her chagrin, her stomach decided it was the perfect time to rumble. Darn it….

Fluttershy looked at her with concern. “You should really ea–”

“I said I’m fine! Just do your damn job and get the buck out of here!” Applejack shouted out in frustration.

Fluttershy let out a squeak and took a step back. “I... I’m sorry.”

She gingerly moved to the side of Applebloom’s bed, hooves trembling slightly as she reached for the clipboard in her coat pocket. Her demeanour and expression made Applejack immediately regret her outburst.

The timid pegasus quickly walked towards the exit after taking down the filly’s vitals. “I’m so sorry to have disturbed you, Miss Applejack. I... I will leave you alone now.”

“Wait!”

Fluttershy stopped in front of the glass door. “I’m sorry....” She apologized again for no apparent reason.

“No, I’m sorry,” Applejack said. She had to struggle a bit to stand up: both her hind legs were completely numb. “Look, I’m just so... frustrated is all.”

“It... it’s OK. I understand.”

Applejack slowly walked up towards Fluttershy, still a bit wobbly in her step. “No it ain’t. All day I’ve been takin’ my anger out on ponies only tryin’ to help me; it ain’t right. Granny taught me better than that.” She choked a little on the last part.

Fluttershy slowly turned around, but kept her head low and her eyes to the floor.

“You’re right, doc,” Applejack continued, “I could really use some food and somethin’ to drink... not to mention a good stretch,” she said, working off some of the numbness in her legs.

“Well, I was about to go get some dinner at the cafeteria downstairs. Would... would you like to join me?” Fluttershy asked, peeking up with her eyes but not moving her head.

“I’d love that.” Applejack nodded, but then she remembered something. “Ah, shoot... I ain’t got my bag here with me.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” Fluttershy said warmly. “Let’s go.”

Applejack managed to smile for the first time that day.

“Thank you kindly, doc.”

The pair made their way to the cafeteria via the elevator. Fluttershy ordered a daisy sandwich and a bottle of water for each of them, and they sat down at one of the many empty tables.

Fluttershy watched as the mare in front of her guzzled down a whole bottle of water in a single breath.

“Would you like to talk about it, Miss Applejack? I heard it helps sometimes.”

Applejack took a few seconds to chew and swallow a mouthful of sandwich before answering. “I... I’m not sure if I’m ready for that yet," she said, looking down at her tray.

Fluttershy took a dainty bite into her own sandwich. “I understand. But if you ever change your mind, I’m a good listener.”

Applejack closed her eyes and let out a sigh. “Yeah... sure. Thanks, doc.”

“I’m... not really a doctor, not yet anyway. I just started interning here a few months ago. So please, just call me Fluttershy.”

“Only if you stop callin’ me Miss,” Applejack said, looking up with an awkward sort of smile.

“That’s a deal, Applejack.” Fluttershy nodded happily. She could tell Applejack’s smile was forced, but even that was something in itself. She had seen ponies deal with grief in many different ways during her internship, and she was confident that the pony across from her was going to get through it just by the way she carried herself.

Judging by the speed Applejack had wolfed down her meal, Fluttershy knew it wasn’t even close to satisfying her hunger. After a few minutes of back and forth, she finally convinced Applejack to take some of her bits under the condition that the earth pony would pay her back.

Fluttershy stood up after finishing her sandwich. “I have to go now. Have to check on a few more patients and report to Dr. Stable.”

“I’m mighty grateful, Fluttershy. You’ve been so kind to me, and I’m awful sorry for screamin’ at you earlier,” Applejack said, taking a bite into her third sandwich.

“Oh, don’t worry about that. Just... promise me you’ll take care of yourself, OK?” Fluttershy returned her tray and looked at Applejack in the eye. “If you can’t do it for yourself, do it for your loved ones. They’re going to need you to be strong when they wake up.”

Applejack nodded in appreciation. “I promise, Fluttershy.”

“Good. I’ll see you soon,” Fluttershy said before trotting away.

Applejack watched as she disappeared around a corner. First Soarin’, now Fluttershy.... Maybe these big city ponies ain’t all bad. She grabbed another bottle of water and returned to the patient’s room after finishing her meal.

The sight of her siblings made her heart twist as her eyes fell on their still figures. The thought that she may never be able to see their smiling faces again tore away at her very soul. She felt alone and afraid, but the words of the kind pegasus reminded her to stay resolute.

She let out a sigh and walked into the bathroom. The reflection of herself in the mirror shocked her. Fluttershy was right, she did look awful.

Although she didn’t usually make a big fuss about her appearance, she did bother to at least keep herself clean and presentable. But right now, she was neither of those things. She had dirt and grime all over her, clinging to her body and forming patches of brown on her orange coat. Her eyes were bloodshot and her ears drooped with exhaustion. She could only imagine what she looked like before getting some much needed food in her stomach.

Applejack stepped into the shower to her left and turned the knob, closing her eyes and letting the sensation of the warm, flowing water wash over her. She exhaled deeply and lifted her head, water trickling down her face as all thoughts purged themselves from her mind for a moment – it was relaxing; it was... painless.

But when her eyes opened again, it all came rushing back. As much as she wanted to escape reality for just a little while longer, she knew that there was nothing left to gain in deluding herself.

She stepped out after a few minutes and took another look at the mirror. Her mane and tail were still quite messy, but at least she looked clean and was feeling much better.

In the patient room, a unicorn mare stood next to the window, fiddling with her curly purple mane. She turned at the sound of the door opening, introducing herself as Applejack exited the bathroom. “Hello, Miss Applejack. My name is Rarity, an–"

“Yeah, I remember you,” Applejack said, stepping up towards her. “What are you doin' here?”

“I am here on behalf of my boss, Mr. Rich. He heard about the tragic accident at the farm and sends his deepest condolences.”

“Yeah... ’course he does,” Applejack muttered to herself. “What are you really here for?”

She watched as Rarity levitated a folder out of her saddlebag.

“Y’all care ’bout nothin’ but money, don’t you?”

“I know you are upset, Miss Applejack, but please, listen to me fo–”

“No! You listen to me! I don’t want nothin’ to do with you, your boss, or your damn company. I lost everythin’ I have worked for! I lost my home, I lost my granny, and I don’t even know if my brother and sister are ever gonna wake up,” Applejack yelled, now right in front of Rarity’s face. “You have some nerve comin’ here, tryin’ to buy me out with a lowball offer on a day like this! Y’all heartless, you know that?”

Rarity just stood there, calm and composed while Applejack shouted at her. She waited a few more seconds before replying. “You misunderstand, Miss Applejack. Mr. Rich sent me here with the intention of honoring the original contract.”

Applejack turned around and moved to the side of her sister’s bed. “I don’t care. Just... just get out!”

But instead of leaving, Rarity walked up next to her, treading in gentle, yet firm steps – much like her tone of voice. “I’m terribly sorry for what happened, but I must urge you to reconsider – for your family’s sake.”

Applejack snapped her head and stared daggers at Rarity. “My family? What do you know about what’s best for my family?”

“I... don’t know much, Miss Applejack. But what I do know is that signing this contract will be in the best interest for both you and your family.”

Applejack scoffed. “Yeah? And how do you figure that?”

“Well, take a moment to consider what is going to happen when your brother and sister wake up. How are you going to pay the hospital bill? Where are you going to live? And I’m sure the money from your insurance is only going to be a fraction of what the contract is offering. I hate to put you in this position, but you must not let your emotions cloud your judgement, Miss Applejack, especially now.”

“I... hmph.”

Applejack huffed, looking down at her sister. She tried her best to clear her head and think objectively. As much as she despised the unicorn beside her, she could find no fault in her argument. Rarity and Fluttershy were both right: she had to be strong, and she couldn’t let her emotions get in the way of what was best for her family.

She sighed softly. “Pass me that folder, will you?”

Rarity nodded and floated over the requested object. “There is one new condition in this contract, Miss Applejack.”

“I knew there was some sorta catch....”

“Oh, no. It’s nothing like that! I assure you.”

“So? What is it then?”

“Mr. Rich would just like your permission to let the newspapers write an article on the events that transpired at the farm last night to document Mr. Soarin’s bravery.”

“I guess... that’d be fine. Mr. Soarin’... he works for y’all, right?”

“Yes, he is an employee of the company.”

“Do you know him?”

“We are acquainted.”

“Can you... tell him I’d like to see him? Never did get to thank him properly when he saved us.”

“Of course, Miss Applejack. I’ll pass the message along.”

Applejack nodded and turned her attention back towards the folder. She carefully read through the contents a few more times before putting it down.

“I... I guess I ain’t got much of a choice,” she said reluctantly. “Got a pen I can borrow?”

“Certainly.” Rarity floated a pen over. “Please sign here... here... and here,” she said, pointing at the various pieces of paper.

Applejack did as instructed, and Rarity floated the signed contract back into her saddlebag. “Thank you very much, Miss Applejack. The funds will be in your account tomorrow morning. If you would like, I can show you to your new apartment.”

Applejack shook her head slowly. “I’m gonna stay here tonight.”

Rarity nodded and walked towards the door, sliding it open before turning her head. “For what it’s worth, Miss Applejack, I am sincerely sorry; I can only imagine what you are going through. And I do hope Miss Applebloom and Mr. Macintosh recover soon.”

“Yeah... I hope so too,” Applejack mumbled as she sat back down, slumping low in her chair and fixing her gaze back out into the city.

Rarity watched Applejack for just a few more seconds before leaving. She had done what was asked of her – persuading ponies was easy: she had a way with words, and had always known how to exploit the emotions of others. But as she exited the hospital and started her trot back home, a strange feeling came over her.

She felt... empty.

The light drizzle had progressed into a rather heavy shower during her time at the hospital. While that would have usually bothered her to no end, Rarity barely noticed it.

Was it shame? Remorse? Guilt? What did she have to be guilty about? It was her job, wasn’t it? She was nothing more than a messenger – a medium of communication. But as much as tried to reassure her conscience through reason and logic, the feeling of emptiness refused to give in.

Thoughts started racing through her head, not entirely by her own volition. It seemed the key to understanding her feelings lay somewhere in her memories.

It wasn’t until now that she started piecing together the events of the past week. A lot of things made sense to her now, things like why Soarin’ looked so battered in the morning, and what that peculiar energy was under the farm. But more questions presented themselves in light of these revelations.

What was Soarin’ doing at Ponyville in the middle of the night? What exactly is a quintessence? And what the hay is Mr. Rich planning to do with it? He certainly seemed very interested with the oversized gem.

Rarity suddenly came to a halt, stopping in the middle of the sidewalk. She looked straight down at her hooves, the raindrops falling all around her as she finally snapped out of her trance.

Why am I thinking about all this? What does any of it have anything to do with.... It must be pity! Pity for that poor mare and her family.

She shook her head and continued walking. Faster now, as she pushed her way past the evening crowd. But the voice in the back of her mind nagged on, urging her to go deeper.

In addition to the emptiness, she also felt a certain anxiety, like she was missing something important. Her thoughts wandered again, delving further into what she had learned that day.

Everything just seemed far too convenient.

Sweet Apple Acres burned down not a week after the Apples rejected the first contract, and Soarin’ just happens to be right there as it happened. And that smile Mr. Rich gave her... that guileful, devious smile. It was so... knowing.

Could it be him? Was he the one who arranged it?

A chill ran down her spine as she came to that conclusion. She didn’t want it to be true, but it was the only logical explanation she could come up with. The pieces of the puzzle came together, forming images of deceit and treachery. And as hard as she tried to rearrange the pieces to form a more favorable outcome, like all puzzles, there is always only one solution.

The GemTech apartment complex came into view as she turned a corner. It was no accident. it must have been him! And Soarin’... that deceitful, no good.... Oh! How could I have left Sweetie Belle with a horrendous stallion like that... who knows what kind of danger she could be in right now! He couldn’t have... he wouldn’t... would he?

It didn’t even occur to Rarity why Soarin’ might want to harm Sweetie Belle as panic took over, sending her into a full gallop, cutting through the garden and swinging the glass doors open with reckless abandon. She didn’t even notice the weird looks she was getting from the ponies in the lobby as she ran straight towards the elevators and planted a muddy hoof on the up button.

She paced back and forth as she waited, but that gave her some time to think. What the hay was she doing? What was she going to do when Soarin’ opens the door?

An elevator finally slid open in front of her. She quickly stepped inside and pressed the ten button. Calm down, Rarity... deep breaths. He has no reason to hurt Sweetie Belle, he doesn’t know that you know anything about this. Just... act normal.

She exited when the doors opened, but stopped in the hallway to collect her thoughts. Think of it as a play... you’ve always loved plays. She tried her best to steady her nerves and made her way to room 1013.

Just play the part of Rarity, the unassuming prospector. Closing her eyes, she took a deep breath before knocking on the door.

A few seconds later, the door swung open, and the familiar face of Soarin’ greeted her with a smile. “Rarity! Oh... what happened to you?” he asked with concern.

“Wha... what do you mean?”

Soarin’ looked at her with a puzzled expression. “You’re all wet. And....” His gaze trailed down towards Rarity’s hooves.

“Oh! It’s raining quite heavily outside, and... I’m sorry. I really should have cleaned up,” Rarity apologized, a little annoyed with herself. She had never once forgotten to fix herself up before.

“Oh, no! Don’t worry about that,” Soarin’ said quickly. “Please, come in!”

“Thank you, Soarin’,” Rarity said, wiping her hooves on the carpet outside before following Soarin’ into his apartment. His place was pretty much identical to her own except for the furnishings and decorations.

The stallion trotted towards the kitchen area. “I was just making dinner. Please, make yourself comfortable. And if you want to clean up, the bathroom is on your left.”

“Where are the girls?” Rarity asked, looking around.

“Oh.“ Soarin’ turned his head and nodded towards the door opposite of the bathroom. “They’re in Scootaloo’s room.”

Rarity poked her head in to find the two fillies sitting on the floor with a pen in their mouths, busy scribbling away on some pieces of paper.

“Thank goodness...” she whispered to herself. “Hello, girls.”

“Hey, sis.”

“Hey, Miss Rarity.”

“Can you... come over here for a moment, Sweetie Belle?” She seemed perfectly fine, but Rarity had to make sure.

“Uh... sure, sis. What’s up?” Sweetie Belle asked, walking over.

Rarity took a moment to think about how to phrase her question. “How was your day? Anything interesting happen?”

Sweetie Belle gave her a funny look. “It was... fine? Why are you asking?”

“Oh, no reason!” Rarity quickly said with an awkward laugh. “I just wanted to... you know, make sure you are alright.”

Sweetie Belle looked at her in silence for a moment. “O... kay? You feeling alright, sis? You look kinda... terrible.”

“Oh, yes! I’m fine. It’s just... well, it’s raining, and.... Anyway, what are you two doing?” Rarity asked, changing the subject to the first thing that came to mind.

“Homework!” Scootaloo called out.

“Yeah... I’m gonna get back to it, OK?” Sweetie Belle said, walking back and sitting down next her friend.

Rarity was a little surprised by this, but thought it would be best to leave them alone. “Oh, of course! I’ll leave you to it then.”

She turned around and entered the bathroom, closing and locking the door behind her. It was a huge relief to know Sweetie Belle was alright. Perhaps she had overreacted. Whatever Soarin’ might be, he was still a caregiver. But while the urgent matter of her sister’s safety was now settled, her thoughts turned once again to the puzzle from earlier as she washed the remaining mud off her hooves.

The fire at Sweet Apple Acres was no accident, she knew that, and it stood to reason that Soarin’ was the one who started it. There was, however, a missing piece to the puzzle. Why did he end up saving the Apples? Why would he set a house on fire only to risk his own life to save its inhabitants? It just didn’t make any sense.

She looked up at her reflection in the mirror, her mane straight, draping flatly down the side of her face, but there was a certain determination in the expression of the pony staring back at her.

It wasn’t pity she was feeling when she left that hospital. It was in fact, as she had suspected, guilt. She knew that now. And when combined with what she had unraveled, there was but one thing to do.

She had to find the truth.

As Rarity exited the bathroom, she was welcomed by the sweet aroma of pastry and apples.

Soarin’, standing next to the oven, turned around and waved her over. “It’s apple pie for dinner tonight. Hope you’re alright with that, if you wanna join us, that is. And don’t worry, I made more than enough.”

Rarity knew she couldn’t just dive right into the questioning. She needed to ease into it, start off with some chit-chat, and this was the perfect opportunity. “That sounds lovely.”

“Great! Not to brag, but my apple pies are pretty damn good.” Soarin’ grinned proudly.

Despite the circumstances, Rarity couldn’t help but chuckle at his cheesy grin, and that was just another reminder to stay cautious. You can’t fool me with your charms, Soarin’.

“So, how did you get the girls to do their homework? I didn’t think that was possible when those two are together,” Rarity said. She was actually a little curious to know how Soarin had achieved a feat she was never able to accomplish herself.

Soarin’ laughed and turned his attention towards the oven. “You just have to give them a little incentive.”

“Incentive?” Rarity asked, taking a seat on one of the stools next to the kitchen counter.

“Yeah,” Soarin’ said, peeking through the glass of the oven, “they know it’s something they have to do anyway, so just give them a reason to get it over and done with.”

“And that reason would be...?”

“In this case? Two bags of candy.”

Rarity raised a brow. “Candy? I didn’t think they would fall for that.”

Soarin’ laughed again, turning around to face her. “Not if I was the one to suggest it. You see... the trick is to ask them what they want. And trust me, it’s usually something very simple. As long as they think it’s their idea and they’re the ones calling the shots, they’re happy. You have to let them think they’ve ‘won’, so to speak.”

Manipulating and bribing children? Rarity remained a courteous smile. “I’ll have to remember that one.”

Beep!

“Dinner’s ready!” Soarin’ shouted before opening the oven.

“Do you mind?” he asked, looking back at Rarity. “I hate putting on these mittens.”

“Of course not.” Rarity’s light blue aura surrounded the pie as it slowly floated towards the dining table.

Soon, the four ponies were all sitting at the table with a slice of pie in each of their plates. The sisters commented on how delicious the pie was, which made Soarin’ go into great detail on the intricacies of creating the perfect apple pie. Rarity and Sweetie Belle pretended to listen with interest while Scootaloo made every facial expression possible to show her boredom; she had obviously heard her uncle go on about this topic far too many times.

The two fillies promptly returned to Scootaloo’s room after dinner to finish off their homework, leaving Rarity and Soarin’ at the dining table.

“Would you like another piece?” Soarin’ asked, gesturing at what remained of the pie.

“Oh, no. I can’t. I have had too much already,” Rarity said. It was the truth, she was actually feeling a little bloated.

“Something to drink then?” Soarin’ offered, as he helped himself to another slice. “Water? Juice? Wine, maybe?”

“A cup of water would be great, thank you.”

“You got it.”

Rarity watched Soarin’ stand up and make his way to the cupboards to fetch her drink. It’s now or never, she thought. They were alone, and she was confident that Soarin’ was feeling quite comfortable from their chat.

“So, Mr. Rich told me you were in Ponyville last night,” she said, trying her best to sound casual.

“He... he told you that? Why?”

Rarity just looked at him for a second. That wasn’t the response she was expecting, and what was even more strange was his demeanour. Soarin’ was floating in mid-air, next to one of the cupboards with a cup in his hooves. His expression was one of shock and confusion... almost fear. And all this just made her even more curious.

“Well, he asked me to deliver a contract to the Apple family earlier this evening. He also told me you saved them from a house fire,” Rarity said, locking eyes with Soarin’.

“Yeah… that’s right,” Soarin’ said, averting his gaze away downwards.

“Both Mr. Rich and Miss Applejack called you are a hero. Miss Applejack even told me she would like to properly thank you sometime.” Rarity studied Soarin’s face intently, hoping to glean some information from his reactions. “Also, Mr. Rich would like you and Miss Applejack to do an interview together for the newspaper.”

Soarin’ looked up with bewilderment. “He wants me to what now?”

“I suppose Mr. Rich is going to tell you tomorrow. There was an agreement in the contract that Miss Applejack would do an article on what transpired at the farm that night, namely, how you saved the family,” Rarity explained.

“I see....”

And then came the most important question of all.

“What were you doing in Ponyville anyway?” Rarity tilted her head slightly as she waited for the stallion’s response.

“I was... uh... I was... delivering a message. An urgent message!”

Rarity continued to stare at him for just a second before replying. “Right, of course. So... why did you not share your tale of heroism with me?”

“I… I just didn’t want to brag. Nopony likes a braggart, right?” Soarin’ forced a grin.

“I guess you are right. Um... Soarin’?”

“Yeah?”

“Mind if I get that glass of water now?”

It seemed Soarin’ hadn’t even realized through all this time, he had been hovering next to the cupboard with that cup still clenched between his front hooves. “Oh... of course. Sorry about that.” He laughed sheepishly, landing next to the jug of water on the kitchen counter.

Rarity watched as he poured her her drink. She had more or less confirmed her suspicions, and for some reason, she wasn’t really afraid anymore. What really surprised her though, was how Soarin’ was acting. Prior to the dinner, she had thought of him as a ruthless criminal, a master of deception. But through their little conversation, she could tell the Wonderbolt was neither of those things. She wasn’t looking at a cold blooded murderer; she was looking at a pony filled with regret and fear, a pony haunted by the events of that night.

And as Soarin’ passed over he glass of water, there was part of her that wanted to tell him of her suspicions. Her instincts told her that she could trust him, that he was just another pawn being used like she was, but that was a risk she was not willing to take. The consequences of being wrong were far too dire for her to be taking any chances.

“Nonetheless, you are still a true hero, Soarin’. You risked your own life to save a family you didn’t even know!” Rarity complemented with a smile.

Soarin’, now back in his seat across from her, rubbed the back of his head and chuckled half-heartedly. “Yeah… I guess I am.”

The two of them sat there for a while in an awkward silence. Rarity had asked all the questions she wanted to ask, and Soarin’ didn’t seem like he had much to say. But luckily, this was when the two fillies came running out of Scootaloo’s room.

“We’re finished!” they said in unison. “Can we have our candy now?”

Soarin’ smiled. Rarity could see it was a genuine smile, not the fake smile he had been putting on during the previous conversation. “Sure, girls. A promise is a promise.”

He hovered his way to the cupboards again and retrieved two small bags of sweets. “You don’t mind do you, Rarity?” he asked, looking back at her.

Rarity shook her head as she stood up. “I suppose she’s earned it. Sweetie Belle, go get your things. It’s getting late, and I think we have bothered Mr. Soarin’ enough for today.”

“Awww… alright,” the filly pouted and trotted back into Scootaloo’s room with her bag of confectionery.

The sisters thanked Soarin’ for his hospitality and returned to their own apartment. The first thing Rarity did was draw herself up a bath, it was something she desperately needed, both physically and mentally.

The rest of the evening was spent at her desk, working on concepts for dresses that eventually ended up in the bin. She wasn’t in the mood, and she knew why. After much protest, she finally managed to put Sweetie Belle to bed around nine thirty before finding herself on a sofa in the living area, musing over what was truly a bizarre day.

She had a pretty good grasp of the situation now. There was no doubt in her mind that Mr. Rich was responsible for the supposed accident at Sweet Apple Acres, and it was safe to say that Soarin’ was the one who was sent to do his bidding, but what exactly happened that night still remained a mystery. Soarin’ seemed guilt-ridden and afraid, just like she was, and if that was all just an act to throw her off, then, well... she probably wouldn’t be sitting in her own apartment right now.

So she was successful in playing investigator. But what now? What was the point in finding out the truth?

Rarity knew exactly what the answers to those questions were. In fact, they were one and the same. And now she was left with the final, and most frightening question.

What was she going to do about it?

The voice of reason told her that she didn’t need to do anything, that she shouldn’t even have gone snooping.

It’s none of your business, Rarity, it said. This is a dangerous game you’re playing. You’ve already satisfied your curiosity, it’s time to quit while you’re ahead. Just pretend like nothing has happened and go on with your life.

But there was another voice, a voice that had been getting progressively louder throughout the night. It was kind of annoying, like a parent of a teenager, always nagging at one thing or another. But somewhere deep down, the teen always knows the parent is right, and that the nagging is actually necessary.

What happened to that family was wrong – it was injustice, and that’s why you felt the need to uncover the truth. What do you think somepony like Mr. Rich has planned for those quintessences? He was willing to murder a whole family just to speed up the process of acquiring it. You’re in a unique position, Rarity. You can put a stop to this before something even more terrible happens. You can’t be a coward now.

Rarity closed her eyes and rubbed her temples. She couldn’t silence either of those voices, they were both right, in some respect. She wanted to do something about it, but she was terrified of what might happen if she did. It would be so easy to just hide behind a mask... just like acting – she loved acting. But that wasn’t really who she was, was it? She felt awful for Applejack and her family... she actually cared. She didn’t want to be one of those heartless monsters like Mr. Rich, she could never live like that.

And there it was, she had her answer. It was so simple, really. She just had to be true to herself.

Yes, that’s it. Rarity nodded to herself. She was essentially throwing her career away, and was probably putting her own life in danger. But she decided, against all logic and reason, to do the one thing that would quiet her soul.

But if she was going to do something, she had to do it quick. It was only going to get worse if things went on unchecked, and she had a feeling she was running out of time.

How am I going to do this? Where do I start? I need to find a way to bring my concerns to the authorities without anypony at the company knowing. Mr. Rich has eyes and ears everywhere in this city....

Leaving Equinetropolis was out of the question, she would have to continue to play her role as the prospector. She wouldn’t be surprised if Mr. Rich was already keeping tabs on her after revealing the quintessence. Rarity thought hard, she needed a pony she could trust that had no ties with GemTech to help her.

She knew a lot of ponies, but didn’t really have many close friends. Everypony she considered was either connected to GemTech somehow or was merely an acquaintance that she barely knew, let alone trust. But then a face suddenly popped into her head.

She quickly levitated a pen and paper over and scrawled down the name of the letter’s recipient, but then she stopped. She had no idea how to ask for help like this, what was she even supposed to say? All she knew was that she had to try.

Rarity sighed. This is going to be one hay of a week, she thought, as her eyes trailed back up to the top of the page.

And there, staring back at her, were just three words.

“Dear Twilight Sparkle.”


-END OF CHAPTER 3-