Though a Sunday afternoon, Carousel Boutique was alive with activity, with Rarity’s friends having come to clean and organize the shop. Twilight stood behind a desk, carefully cataloguing every item. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were in the storefront sorting the gowns and accessories. Meanwhile Pinkie Pie, Starlight, and Applejack were going through the belongings in the private residence. There was much work to be done before the auction and final selling of the boutique.
The past two weeks had been an emotional rollercoaster for everyone. There was the unbridled joy of the return of Sweetie Belle, who had been first been warmly embraced by her parents before being squished between her fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders. Everypony welcomed the little filly home. But this was tempered by the knowledge of the terrible price paid. Grief existed alongside joy, hope with despair.
There was no denying it. The ancient book from the Castle of the Two Sisters indicated where Rarity was going. And a magical analysis by Twilight and Celestia had proven beyond doubt that Rarity’s lifeforce now resided within Sweetie Belle.
Everypony had felt the pain and responded in their own way. Fluttershy cried for days, and even now had to take breaks to wipe her eyes. Rainbow Dash had grown bitter, angrily demanding to know why Rarity never told them or bothered to say goodbye. Pinkie Pie retreated to Sugarcube Corner, relentlessly baking before gorging herself, for days on end. And Twilight struggled to understand. It was only because of Applejack that the group had held together. The farmpony had experienced death before, and though she knew the pain would never really go away, had learned to live with it and served as an emotional rock in the stormy seas of emotion.
Twilight examined every item, writing a brief description and giving a price estimate. The door to the back creaked open, everypony stopping and looking up from their work. Applejack stepped in, followed by Pinkie Pie and Starlight. “Gals... Ah’ve found something.”
“What?” asked Twilight.
Applejack held up an envelope. It read:
To my dear friends
- Rarity
Twilight levitated the envelope over and pulled forth the letter from within. Everyone gathered around as she read the letter aloud:
To my dearest friends,
If you are reading this letter, then the spell was successful and Sweetie Belle has returned to life. I’m afraid I will be unable to join in the celebrations. The price for her life was mine. I do not expect for you welcome my decision or even understand it. However, know that this is what I truly wanted and I happily gave my life for the sake of my sister. Please watch over her and be the older sister that I cannot. I will keep all of you with me as you will keep me with you.
Goodbye,
Rarity