Original Sin
By NocturneD
As expected princess Celestia was in a scowl mood. Disappointed in all of us. I just wanted this to be over as she explained what destroyed in the process. I really did not care anymore, I honestly did not even want to show up tonight for the event. What did I get? Got into a fight. A demotion. Scolding. Just to make matters worse Celestia is using her piercing gaze on Cadence and I. I knew what she wanted to ask.
But surprisingly my sister stood up to her and was no longer playing. I told her to watch what she said but she kept on making things worse for herself. That is so like her jumping into situations gun-ho without knowing the situation. But as my sister explained before we sat down, she was having some sort of fallout with the princess. I wanted to guess it was a form of rebellion as a phase. She was not a little girl anymore and I respected her independence. But the weird things she spouts sometimes. Sure she had her moments when she was right but then there were times when things blew up on her. I did notice a chance in Celestia's way of talking to my sister, was not something to raise an eyebrow at really. How they were talking to each other, it did not seem like it was mentor and student like anymore. Can't quite put my hoof on it.
Twilight tried to speak to defend me but only to get shot down by Celestia. Really did not help to open your argument with, "It's Cadence's fault. It's Big Mac's fault. Blah blah. Can't you listen to reason?" Well maybe that's not how it went exactly but it did not help with Twilight get wound up. Only for her to drop the biggest bomb shell I never wanted to hear from her. She quit. She just quit being Celestia's student. I shook my head and disbelief and tried to reason her. But she made up her mind. Celestia of course told her she was welcomed to leave whenever she wanted. That was typical of any teacher to say under a mouth filled with important words to say us to make herself mighty and all knowing. But deep down I knew she was trying to make Twilight said she had enough. If I know my sister, when she had enough of something she had enough. I don't know the entire story but something just seems off. Like Twilight was wanting to tell her something different but this is just masking it. Twilight left the room and slammed the door.
So to wrap up what happened during the little discussion. We each got a chance to say something. I remained neutral even though I was still on the fence. I wanted to leave and go pursue Rain and Sprite even if it kills me. But staying with Cadence I could actually afford anything Sprite could ever want... But that would mean that in the interest of the court system, Rain would lose Sprite no matter how much she is in the right. Sounds ridiculous right? Just because I'm part of royalty I can win cases even if I'm in the wrong as long as its nothing against the royal family. How messed up is that? Princess Celestia pulled out the official document to end the marriage. And as usual Cadence was still blubbering, she knew she messed up. She messed up on a lot of things. Did I feel sorry for her? A little bit. But not entirely to forgive her. I don't know how it was possible for a beautiful mare like her to stoop low. She could have had any stallion she wanted but she picked me. I still to this day wonder why. You already know I was with her for two and a half years. I barely remembered a thing for maybe six or eight months before the wedding day. Before you judge me saying why I did not split once I regained realization, I tried to leave. Many times, I tried to go back to my friends but they were not very happy to see me. Like I betrayed them. I betrayed Rain. I don't know if its timing but... I was convinced back then that I had no friends anymore... So I stayed in the guard and tried to make it work between me and Cadence. And for awhile... I actually believed that we were in love. So I stayed, I wanted to forget about the betrayal. Though she robbed me of my time... and my heart. I hated seeing her like this. But the problem lies in our schedules, I can't afford to take a day off with the supposed Changeling alert, constant training, meetings and training troops. Cadence was... keeping up appearances at openings and going to children hospitals to visit. All we did was demonize each other and did not even try to talk about it. But she seemed morbid about it.
Cadence was still upset. Big Mac was still in the room and I did not want to even look at him. But he told us a very moving speech about how marriage is important to the ponies where he reigns from. I'll admit, for a pony who can hit with the power of a freight train, he is pretty poetic. But, I just stared at him. Pretending to agree with his view point I just nodded and said I appreciated it. Cadence just had to go and say what he said was beautiful. Really? Really now? You want to convince every pony further that you took a sudden interest Cadence? Really? Sorry I'm bit sarcastic. Hint Hint. Celestia told him he had a big heart and since he apologized for ruining my oblivion filled marriage, he was allowed to walk off.
I read over the divorce document carefully. Pretty much I really saw one myself that is designed by royalty. But I admit I jumped the gun trying to go down the to the Canterlot bureau asking for them. They knew who I was, thought I was joking at first and wanted some other documents. Gun license, fishing license, a new license plate for my carriage, just never a divorce document. I asked for it calmly for the third time, they gave it too me and read it over. Seemed more official than what I'm seeing right now. But like I said this one in front of me was designed different. Probably because divorce among royalty is unheard of. Who has not heard of the news of Cadence getting humped these days? I swear even the Diamond Dogs must know by now. They just expect me to take it. But Cadence got her shares of the hiss. But anyway, the document said once signed by both partners and stamped by the princess herself it will be the official end of our marriage. In fair trade we are to give up half of our belongings unless an agreement could be made such as a family heirloom, personal possessions, things we are willing to part with. Though horror stories I've been told is that you get screwed over now matter what.
So to finish up the little meeting. Celestia told us to sleep on it then have a little chat with each other before we decide. In honesty, they really were hoping this would work. But for me, it looked like Cadence did not really want to sign this. I heard some ponies say I should forgive her for what she done, we should talk about this. But for what was thrown on my plate. I just can't see it happening without tinkering each others schedule. I was already demoted so that knocks off a couple of hours for the day for me. But something tells me it would just end up being the same thing over again where she won't be home or I'll be too tired to do anything.
Celestia pardoned us. As much as I had anything left for Cadence I at least opened the door for her and let Big Mac out as well with the others waiting outside. Sure staying over night at the castle is fun and has its perks. But tonight it just did not seem right for a mending things back together. There Twilight and her friends were waiting for us to explain what was up. But I kept it to myself. I did not care what Cadence wanted to say. I just told them I'll be in one of the rooms assigned to me. Go figure, I learned later it was next to Cadence's. Somehow I think Celestia was daring us to make up. But before I said good night to her, she was indeed wearing the necklace I was looking for. The one that I gave to her that belonged to Rain. I could have said something, but all I said was good night to the others. But for some reason I just did not enter my room like the others did. I just remained outside and wandered the halls. Man I could kill for a drink right about now.
There was no strict curfew in place so the guards let me walk past them. Guess Celestia figured I better watch my own ass if I knew what was good for me. I somehow ended up in another one of the courtyards. Just as fancy as the other ones, this one had a pond system set up to give it that elegant swamp theme. Not the icky kind, something you would see out of a fairy tale. Fireflies flew and buzzed around. A gentle breeze blowing through some of the plants growing. I was going to use this time to reflect back on my life but I already told you enough times that you would just moan if I did it again.
Rain had a soft spot for this sort of thing. Just looking at the sheer beauty the environment is displaying right now. We used to stay up really late and enjoy a walk together in the park. Sure we could do it in the day time but at night its like was another world. A world where the night sky brought out a new light to the things we were so used to seeing in the light. Just sitting on the bench and looking out over the lake with fireflies just like these ones buzzing about. Lighting a way of possibilities. I sighed. I missed seeing stuff like that with her. There we were so open with each other like we could say anything. Like I found out she had a half sister in her mother's previous marriage that she could never find the time to talk to anymore but still loved her. She always wanted to be strong like her and be a wonder bolt too. No doubt her half-sister hates my guts too, I did meet her a few times. Small cyan colored pegasus and a dark blue mane, magenta eyes I think or were they red? Wherever she is, I hope she's having a good life. Think she had a habit of dying her hair when she was young.
I took out my cell phone and debated with myself if I should call Rain again. At least to update her on Cadence and how much I started to rethink this whole thing. But the problem was if I wanted to sign and Cadence did not, what was I supposed to do? Have a clingy princess on my arm that is miserable and is trying to make herself look like the victim? Some of me wants to forgive her but the other half wants me to end this.
I called her earlier before I went to the party. Screw the restraining order, I had rights. But to my surprise... Another pony answered the call. Female I figured.
"Hello?" she asked.
My face went cold... "Uh. Is Rain Storm there?"
"Yeah why? Who is this?" She asked.
I won't lie. "It's Shining Armor. I just wanted to talk to her about a few things."
The line went silent. This had me worried. "Oh. Shining Armor is it?"
"Yeah. Um. Who is this?" I asked.
"Her sister." She answered in a bit annoyed tone.
I blinked. Speak of the devil. "Oh. Hey... But please this is really important."
"She's too busy washing her hair to give a flying horses ass right now." She said.
"Hey... Seriously I want to talk to her. Please." I asked her again.
I heard a conversation in the back, "Hey sis this idiot won't take no for an answer can I hang up on him?"
I frowned.
"Rainbow Dash just hang up on his stupid ass. I told you I never wanted to speak to him ever again!" I heard Rain yell probably from the next room over on the line.
"Well you heard the lady. She doesn't want to talk so. Chow." The pony mocked me.
"You know you were not as rude as this when you were younger, kid." I countered.
"Yeah well. Times change. Think its appropriate because of a bastard like you." She growled.
"I'm just going to call again." I grunted.
"Gimme that." I heard Rain. "Listen and Listen well. Shining Armor, you messed up. I don't want to see or hear from you again. I don't care if you get back with Cadence or not, just stay the buck away from me and Sprite! If not then I will call the police on your ass!"
"Where are you?" I grunted.
"I'm not telling. Don't even try to find me either because I'm going to be moving else where." Rain announced. Then she toned down, almost in an apologetic tone, "I'm sorry... But I don't want to Sprite to grow up in the care of royalty. No matter how great they make it out to be. She's my daughter and I'll raise her myself!"
"Rain... please..." I begged.
"I'm sorry. But I can't take you back. Not after what happened. I was stupid to let you back into my life. Because of that, Sprite is getting hounded by all these agents and representatives. I can't even walk outside without the photographers watching our every move." She explained, "That's why I decided... if this keeps up I might have to consider getting her horn removed so she can live normally."
"You can't do that!" I debated. "She has potential!"
"It's not growing naturally!" She shouted. "Its either get it removed or have it dig into her brain where she would bleed out!"
I paused.
"What?"
"Its either get it removed or get surgery to align it right. Which will cost a fortune!" She proclaimed.
"If its money I can try..." I tried to reason.
"For what exactly? You scrounge up the money and pay for it. You and Cadence look like saviors while I look helpless. You get more press and I'm supposed to act gracious" She claimed. "Then the ponies..."
"Is it pride on the line for you?" I asked.
"I never wanted this attention you cursed me with!" She cussed me out. "We were fine until you showed up!"
I fell silent for a bit. "Can I atleast say good bye to her before you move?"
She hung up. I hated myself right now. I just wanted to die.
I sat out here for maybe an hour. Thinking about that conversation. More and more Rain got distant with me every time I tried to make an attempt of contact. Phone. Text. E-mail. Using one of Twilight's parchment letters. Tried to get some of my friends to talk to her. It was practically useless. I took out a flask I had hidden in my side pack and took a couple of swigs until.
"Um... Is that seat taken?"
I turned around to find Rarity. Still dressed her her custom made dress for the party. I'm not that much into details but it really looked nice. I quickly jumbled to put the flask away.
"Oh... Hey. What are you doing out here?" I asked.
"I was out for a stroll. Needed some fresh air after that whole tangent." She frowned.
I blinked. "Oh right. Yeah you can sit." I moved over.
She fixed up her dress to sit down next to me. It felt a bit awkward for a little but it soothed itself out.
She sighed, "Nice night huh?"
I frowned, "Well if you can get passed all the crap that happened tonight I guess." I turned my head to look at her. "Sorry... You probably don't want to hear my whine about this anymore. It's set in stone."
"Darling I know its hard but..." She paused, "Wither you choose to get back together or separate is entirely up to you. Maybe you don't have to look at this as the end... Maybe as a new beginning."
Cliche Rarity... Pretty cliche.
"Sounds all and all but you're not stuck at a crossroad where you're damned if you do and damned if you don't." I said.
She let out another sigh. Then smiled, "I marvel at the sight like this."
"What?" I asked and looked ahead. "The fireflies on the pond?"
"Yes actually. One of the great things about the night. The night is often associated with darkness which is why ponies are scared of it." She kept looking on.
"Right." I nodded, "It's just who wanders in that darkness that ponies are scared of sometimes."
"It took awhile to show that Luna's night is appreciated. But more and more ponies love the night these days. Sometimes the best things happen at night." She smiled.
"I can agree with that." I smiled. Really I can. "Want to walk around the courtyard to see more of it?" I stood up and offered my hoof. Maybe this way I can set everything out of my mind.
She looked up and me and smiled. Taking my hoof. Soon we walked on the small concrete paths laid out and admired the scenery. I don't why but Rarity was a nice form of company. We played as a little game with the pond making shapes out of water. Bubbles. Squares. Diamonds. She made a swan which was actually beautiful. Well despite it being clear the light from the water made it look like those ice sculptures. Slowly she animated it.
But I had to ask. "If you don't mind me asking lady Rarity."
"Yes?" She asked.
"What did happen with your cousin?" I looked at her. The swan splashed into the water dissolving. I quickly apologized, "I'm sorry... it's none of my business. Sorry."
With a deep breath she looked up at me, "Zircon was like a sibling to me. He pretty much lived with my family when I was younger because his parents gave up on him. He's been in troube a few times before he came to live with us. Since my dad was a guidance pony besides a football coach and a damn... Pardon my French." She giggled a bit. "But anyway... Zircon was pretty slow to open up at first but eventually did once we tried to invite him on outings. My father convinced him to make something of himself and he started to fly right. One of my first designs was a sweater and... It was around Hearth and Hooves day, I had nothing to give to him. He looked at it funny, I was convinced back then that he probably hated it."
"But he did not huh?" I asked.
She smiled and nodded, "As it turned out. From then on he wore it and loved. Said it was not too tight. Not too itchy. It was just right." She chuckled again. "So after he finally was set on a good path. He met his wife. Let's just call her Aurora because I don't want to mention her real one. It still gives me anger issues."
I nodded.
"At first Aurora was a nice unicorn. First impressions always make it count. It was fine for awhile as she knew I was the little fashion artist in the family. Zircon showed her all the clothes I made just trying to impress her. Aurora said she liked them. So I started making her some clothes as I learned that she was an up and coming fashion model. Her first few shows were great as she would wear something of mine just to help give me some recognition. But... once her career started taking off she grew bitter." She sighed. "The more clothes I made for her the... day I finally learned that Zircon was trying to ask her to help. She would wear some of my scarfs I made but... When audience did not give her the attention she wanted she would blame me saying I was not a genius. Saying all my clothes suck that night."
I listened further.
"So... I tried to forget about what she said and kept working on my things. Zircon announced that he proposed to Aurora and she accepted. It was a joyous occasion." Shaking her head she continued, "Then Aurora asked if I can make her a dress for her wedding. My chance at redemption for her..." She wiped her eyes a little, "So I made the dress with her specifications and showed it to her. She hated it. Told me that I had my head up my flank when I was listening to her. I tried to apologize but instead I just went back to remake it... five more times. Same result."
Wow what a picky bitch...
"The seventh time is when I finally stood up to her. Wisest one I did but in the eyes of every pony else. I was seen as the bad guy because there was a family party between the two families. She said she found the dress she wanted and bought it from another dress maker. Then I snapped. I was tired of her chewing me out when the dress was not white enough or had too many frills. Not enough frills." She was quiet for the next few seconds. "Zircon told me if I could not appreciate what Aurora wants then I should not even come to the wedding. I told him how many hours, days and weeks I spent on that stupid dress. He did not apologize, all he wanted was Aurora's happiness. A pony who used to enjoy whatever I made for him and actually treated me like a sister... I did not go to the wedding and that was enough for him to stop talking to us. He refused to believe his bride was capable of being so mean and heartless. She made Sweetie Belle quit being a flower girl because she could not handle her yelling."
"So what happened to those two?" I asked.
"Well... Zircon joined the guard but stationed else where. Him and Aurora had the harshest divorce ever after three or four years of marriage I lost count." She sighed. "Aurora showed her true colors when she could not model anymore..."
"What's she do now?" I asked.
"Adult films." She answered quickly.
"Oh..." I put on a poker face. I might have seen a tape with that name on it somewhere. "Well at least you're doing better than her."
She chuckled. "Exactly. I was going to show her that my designs were not stupid as she claimed. Practically every pony wants commissions from me."
"Well I'm glad you got a set path in life." I smirked. "I want to quit the guard and go into teaching."
She put her hoof to her chest, "Mr. Sparkle has a nice ring to it."
I smiled, "It does actually." We both chuckled.
We got to talking a bit more about ourselves. And really it just seems like I can tell her almost anything. She would listen to what I say and whatever she said I listened. The little accent she has I admit is rather intriguing. Her laugh. Her sincerity. Though when I got to talk about Rain and Sprite, she really shared her apologies and hope I find peace some day. I did try ask why Twilight was having a fallout with the princess but her guess was as good as mine. So we played with the pond water some more. She formed the swan again and I also made a swan with my magic. Letting them float around the pond with the fireflies shining off of the water surface. Then our swans touched and kissed. Then suddenly I fond my around around her shoulder. And she did not seem to mind it, I was going to pull away quickly but... It just felt right. She did not fight it. She said she could never meet the right stallion as all the good ones she claimed were either taken, married or were too stuck up. I agreed with that. Then... She admitted that she had a tiny attraction towards me. I felt flattered but still tried to keep it cool. But maybe that was not what I should be looking for. I was still married. But was pursuing another pony that did not want me. And here Rarity admitted she was attracted to me since the wedding but had to suck it up that I was married to Cadence.
We decided to turn in for the night before any pony noticed we were gone. Don't see how because half of them are sleeping. I walked back up to my room and Rarity to hers. We took one long glance at each other before we closed our doors and big each other a good night.
I laid down in my bed. Staring up at the ceiling. I could not sleep and pulled out the flask again to take a sip. There was a small knock at the door. Figures. I thought it would be Cadence trying to make one last attempt to save the marriage. But instead... it was Rarity again. I asked if she was okay. She said she just wanted to talk some more as she could not sleep either. Well I invited her in and offered her a drink from the cabinet in the far corner. I made her a sex on the beach. Yeah that one is going to make itself a pun real quick. She accepted and we looked outside from sitting on my bed. Kept talking and talking. She was really close to me at this time. I did not fight it.
But then memories of Rain saying how much she hated me. It... really got to me.
I put my hoofs on my head and really felt vulnerable right now.
"I'm sorry Rarity..." I apologized. My voice was cracking up as I tossed the flask away in a bit of rage. It was not helping the pain, it was just numbing it.
I collapsed onto the floor. She knelt down beside me.
"I'm sorry... Rain does not want to see me anymore and wants whats best for Sprite without me. She hates me... And Cadence took two and a half years away from me. I want out..." I teared up. "It's tearing me apart..."
I choked, "I just feel dead inside..."
Then she looked at me and sat down. I cried and tried to hide my face. But she put put of her hoofs to my cheeks. Her ocean blue eyes showed caring. She moved her face closer to mine. Her voice got deeper...
"Be alive with me tonight..."