“What shall we do today?”
He smiled, the curve of his fanged teeth glinting in the sun that poured through the panes of glass, illuminating the motes of dust that clung so happily to the air. He place his hand over the hoof that ran across his shoulder before she leaned in and kissed him on the cheek. She then sat across the table from him as he said, still grinning, “I don’t really know. We could go take a walk by the gorge, or get some books from the library-maybe see a movie. Eat at Horatio’s for dinner, pop by Applejack’s or something else entirely.”
Her blue eyes shimmered as she playfully said, “Anything else?”
“As long as it is with you.” He said.
“Such a gentlecolt.” Rarity said.
“I try.” Spike said, “So, what do you think?”
She hummed for a brief moment, letting the thoughts simmer like wine for a moment before saying, “I think it would be fun to spend the day around town. Seeing everyone.”
“As you wish.” Spike said, standing.
They gathered what they needed before he offered to take her hoof, guiding her out the door. It was a beautiful day outside-just perfect. That sky was a deep blue like the taste of the sweetest cake, the hills like a breadbasket, warm and glowing. A day that you’d just want to just bottle up and store in the attic for a rainy day.
Across the town they went, waving to all the ponies they cross, who in turned smiled and waved back, passing small talk about the weather or how they were doing. The little café workers moved like wristwatches, carrying glee on their shoulders as the street vendors called out like birds, singing their wares.
Spike stopped for a moment, placing down some bits as he grabbed some flowers, handing them over to Rarity. She sniffed them in and placed them in her saddlebags. The library was first-they knocked on the door and as fast as river rapids Twilight was at the door.
“Twilight!” Spike said as he hugged her.
“Good to see you Spike.” Twilight said, wrapping her hooves around him. She lingered there for a moment longer, before turning to Rarity and hugging her as well. She asked, “What brings you around to see me?”
“Oh nothing, just dropping by to say hello really.” Spike said. “It’s been awhile since we’ve seen you.”
“It’s only been a few days.” Twilight said.
“Far too long, darling.” Rarity said. “How goes your work?”
Twilight smiled as she said, “I haven’t been doing much really recently. Princess Celestia’s been busy, but she says that she can handle the politics, and so, I’ve just been here these past few days.”
Spike and Rarity nodded with each other, briefly flicking their eyes at one another. “Well, why didn’t you say so?” Spike said.
“Yes, Twilight, you’re more than welcome to join us today while we go see Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash.” Rarity said.
Twilight’s eyes lit up. “Really?”
“Of course!” Rarity said. “Come on! Let’s go!”
Twilight closed shop quickly before trotting behind the two, following them across the green and gold fields to Sweet Apple Acres. To their surprise, everyone was already there.
“Just a little more now!” Applejack shouted, standing on the far side of the others as they tugged and pulled the last wall up to the side of the new barn. Fluttershy coordinated her army of beavers, foxes, a bear, and a myriad of other wild creatures.
They strained and struggled before finally, it rose to the top. Immediately, Rainbow Dash smashed the nails in with her hooves as everyone else moved to secure the rest of the wall to the ground. As they cheered and wiped their brows, Pinkie Pie noticed the three coming towards them, and tackled them. She was stopped, much to Spike’s relief, by Twilight’s magic, which held her in place.
“Oh my goodness! It is so good to see you! It’s been like a day!” Pinkie Pie said as she calmed enough to hug them all. Spike laughed, as behind her the others approached, except for Applejack, who was busy setting up refreshments.
They exchanged their greetings and how-do-you-do’s, before Applejack whistled for them to drink up some cider for all of their hard work. They lay upon the rolling fields of green that glowed and glowered with the ethereal sunlight that hung around them as a warm, dizzy blanket that kept the world in a haze.
As they talked, and laughed, Spike felt content. Just, as though nothing could ever go wrong. A world without imperfection lay around all his sides, sprawling out in infinite seas of mirth and cheer. He nuzzled Rarity, mindlessly paying attention to the story Rainbow told about her adventures with the Wonderbolts once more, her daring dives and doings that would put anyone to shame. Yet, there was still a job to do now, and he lent his hand in painting the sides of the barn alongside Rarity, and Pinkie Pie. Paint covered all his scales, as did a healthy layer of dirt, grime, and sweat but it was good. It all felt like it belonged.
Like, for the first time he belonged.
And, as all thing in which one has pleasure in doing, it passed all too quickly, and they were forced to say their goodbyes. They walked home, following the path the sunset laid down for them, walking like priests across the sacred stones of their hometown, bowed over not in devotion but out of sheer exhaustion.
“I love you, Spike.” Rarity said, as they collapsed onto the bed, forsaking showers, too much time and energy, and right now, those silken sheets were calling soft, warm and true. Rarity coiled a hoof around his chest, as she whispered, “Today, was a good day, wasn’t it?”
“Yeah.”
“If only everyday could-“ she yawned, “-be like this.”
Spike smiled, nodding as she smacked her lips and fell asleep upon his chest. He let his neck rest as he too fell into a deep slumber, the cool purples and pink of twilight, swathed in the tiring light of fading blue hour took him into shadow.
He didn’t open his eyes, feeling sore and covered in dirt and grime. He whispered to Rarity if she wanted to shower first, or if he could. He didn’t feel her strewn across his chest, and instead he heard distant hissing. She was probably already in. He decided that it would be best if he began his day too. He stretched-but he couldn’t. His arms were locked in place, above him.
He struggled to open his eyes. There was no silken sheets above- not even the pale ivory wood or soft calls of birds. Here, no there was no beautiful pony, here there was no warmth, save that which he brought himself. Instead, in this cell where the grey dust, thick with forlorn abandon clung to stains of dark brown blood across the walls, there was only himself; only chains that cut into his wrists, bruises and broken bones that ran across his body. He was alone.
His mouth was ajar, as he began heaving air in and out of shattered lungs, as he felt the tears burst out in great sobs and trickle down his face, washing away the blood and filth that clung to his scales, he could only think one thing.
Why did he have to dream?
-------------- X -------------
Rarity imagined it was raining. It wasn’t, but still, she felt there should be at least some sense of poetic justice in what they were doing. Instead, the wind just billowed through the open grass, shaking the summer leaves. No, the skies did not cry that day. Yet, there were weepy faces around her as she sat still in her seat.
She was honestly a little surprised by the turnout. Over there were the Princesses, all four of them, with Prince Shining Armor at Cadence’s side. Of course Rarity sat in the front of the crowd, with Applejack at her left and Fluttershy at her right. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie were sitting beside Fluttershy, and behind them there was the rest of the Apple Family, and Mrs. Cheerilee, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, and so many other faces, she recognized the Cakes and the foals at their side, Pound and Pumpkin.
My how times have changed.
The idea dawned on her in a sort of round about way, how the only way she could have noticed all the growth, all the difference of the past six years have made through the death of a dear friend, as though his passing renewed purpose in all of their lives.
Still, the service had yet to begun and ponies chattered amongst themselves quietly, respectfully, and slowly. A dull sense of peace loomed over her mind, she had forgotten just how beautiful the slow talk of the little towns were, and how chaotic her own life was back at home.
This is your home.
Not any more.
Ponyville will always be here for you, even if you won’t always be in Ponyville.
Rarity grimaced. She didn’t like those kind of realizations, no matter how bittersweet. She felt a hoof pat her back and she turned towards Applejack, who held a comforting smile for her. Another hoof wrapped around her as she looked towards Fluttershy, and they laid their heads on one another for a brief moment.
“I wish we coulda seen each other in better times than this,” Applejack said.
Rarity nodded.
“Still, I guess we make the best with what we have, right?” Applejack said.
Fluttershy nodded as they broke apart. She looked over to Applejack and said, “I’m going to miss him. He was so cute and adorable…”
“When was the last time you saw him?” Applejack asked, wheeling herself towards her, “Cause the last time I saw him, he was near taller than a pony!”
“I know,” Fluttershy said, “But he was cute and adorable still. He was just a baby dragon.”
“Once, long time ago, Fluttershy,” Applejack said. “He was turning into a might fine stallion, or dragon, I guess. Helped me put up and repair the old barn, maybe three years back, remember?”
“Yes.” Fluttershy said, “He helped me with some of the Animals then too, while Twilight and I talked.”
“He had wings then right?” Rainbow Dash said as she leaned over.
“That’s right.” Applejack said, with a nostalgic smile. She then looked down, wiping an errant tear and said, “I’m gonna miss him.”
“Me too, AJ.” Rainbow said, “Promised to go flying with him one day...”
Pinkie was silent, her frizzled hair lay flat today, deflated. Rainbow Dash turned towards her to comfort her, trying to make her smile, and lewd jokes aside, it didn’t seem to really work.
“You haven’t been saying much, Rarity.” Applejack said.
“What’s wrong?” Fluttershy said.
“Nothing, girls, besides...well, I’m going to miss him too.” Rarity said.
“When was the last time you saw him?” Applejack asked.
Rarity looked up at Applejack, and watched as her dulcet green eyes twisted into slitted orbs, full of anger and jealousy and wrath, before they turned back to normal. She shook her head quickly as she said, “Uhh, when I was still in Ponyville.”
“That must have been what, five, six years ago?” Applejack said.
Rarity nodded, “He came by my shop before he left with Twilight.”
Applejack nodded and said, “I understand, Rarity. Still, it's mighty surprising you didn’t see him, since you’re living up in Canterlot and all.”
Rarity said, “I guess. I have been busy dear, with all the-”
She was cut off as a horn began to sound, its note long and mournful as Celestia stood to take the pulpit. The ponies snapped straight in their chairs, and into dutiful silence as she gazed across them.
“Equestria has lost one of its bravest defenders, and today we are here to commemorate and celebrate that life. For that, I wish to thank each and everyone of you for coming here today,” Celestia said, “Ponyville was Spike’s home for much of his life, where I’m sure many of you grew to know and love him as a trusted friend and assistant….”
Rarity nodded as the world faded away into nothingness around her. How she wished that the last time she saw him was so long ago. At least then, no pain would have to come out of this.
-------------- X -------------
“Twilight!” Spike yelled up the stairs, turning around in a circle, “Twilight? Where are you?”
“Down here, Spike!” she yelled. Spike whisked around as he began to walk towards the basement. The entire library and house was clean, sparkling and smelling quite like a mixture of oranges and pool water. Spike was careful not to knock anything over as he stuck his head through the door.
“What are you doing down here?” Spike asked, looking around the room.
“Just cleaning.” Twilight said.
“Twilight, the new librarian said she’d take care of it.” Spike said.
Twilight puffed out some contemptuous air as she lay down the boxes she was shuffling around. “I know...but you shouldn’t even be talking, Spike. You’re not even finished packing.” Twilight said.
“Yeah, I am.” Spike said, “Thats why I came down here. To ask if I could go out for a second.”
Twilight smiled as she shook her head, “Sure, I guess. I do have to ask though, where are you planning on going?”
Spike fully entered the room, twisting his claws in in his hands as he sheepishly looked away from Twilight. “Just to say goodbye.”
Twilight’s eyebrow arched up. “You can say goodbye to everyone when we leave tonight.”
Spike rubbed the back of his head as he said, “This one is special though.”
“Is it Rarity?” Twilight asked.
Spike jumped back and shook his head vehemently, “N-no! Of course not.”
Twilight rolled her eyes. “Fine, but don’t do anything stupid, okay?”
“I’ll try.” Spike said with a smile as he ran out the door.
“Whatever am I going to do with you…” Twilight muttered as she went back to rearranging and cleaning.
Spike meanwhile, was basking in the cool warmth of the day. It was that perfect time of year when the leaves were just beginning to cook in the dying summer sun, and the air was a perfect brisk, stirred by a lazy afternoon breeze. The fillies and colts played their last in the streets and parks and gardens, soon they’d have to run outside wearing heavy coats thrust upon them by cautious mothers, and instead of throwing frisbees they’d pelt each other with snow balls.
They called out to him, asking him to come play, which he did for a minute or two, playing catch or tag for a brief moment. He would then say his goodbyes and continue walking into the center of town, where a large and beautiful building stood, towering over its neighbors.
Spike felt his steps line themselves with lead, his stomach drop into his intestines and his heart leap into his throat. He could hear each heartbeat as he stopped outside the store, placing his hand over the doorknob.
He nodded to himself as he exhaled sharply, before twisting the handle and walking in. The little bell over his head rang and Rarity appeared from behind a corner, her head held high as she sang out, “Welcome to the Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique, and magnifique! I-”
She stopped to open her eyes and smiled as she said, “Spike! How wonderful to see you!”
Spike smiled and said, “I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”
“Of course note, dear.” Rarity said, “I’ve just been designing my newest ensemble! Care to look?”
Spike nodded as she led him back into her grotto of fashion and creativity. He always loved to she her work, and he had to admit that she looked amazing in those red spectacles of hers. She pushed him over to a closed curtain before standing aside and saying, “Prepare to be amazed!”
She pulled on the rope to reveal an absolutely stunning work of art, a white dress of gleaming magnificence, shivering, shifting like the stars in the night sky. Spike smiled as he said, “Its amazing, Rarity!”
“Oh, Spike, thank you.” She said as she stood beside him to admire it. She leaned her head into his arm for a second before readjusting herself and saying, “So, what brings you here?”
“Old times sakes, I guess.” Spike said, “Just wanted to see this place one last time.”
Rarity sighed as they looked around the room, nodding. A dull silence swept in between them. Rarity then looked up at Spike and said, “I’m going to miss you, my spikey-wikey.”
“I’ll miss you too, Rarity.” Spike said as he turned towards her, grabbing her hoof.
“Ponyville won’t really be the same anymore, will it?” Rarity said, “Losing its librarian and signature dragon…”
She hugged him. Spike then said, “Ponyville will always be here, even if we’re not.”
She nodded as she pulled away. She then smiled and said, “So when are you two leaving again?”
“In about four hours. We’ll be taking the train to Canterlot and then from there probably we’ll get a pegasus escort to Manehattan and then, well, I don’t know what happens then.” Spike said.
“How long will you be gone for?” Rarity asked.
“For as long as the Princess needs us.” Spike said, “That might be one or two years, or maybe five or six. I don’t know.”
“Will the missions you’ll be on dangerous?” Rarity said.
“Most likely.” Spike said, “Thats why I couldn’t let Twilight go alone.”
Rarity grimly nodded. Spike then said, “Its also why I came here today, Rarity.”
Her eyebrow perked up as he brought his other hand to her hoof and looked her straight in the eye. He didn’t say anything at first, just merely gazing. He then bit his lip, as the words he wanted to say gnawed through his stomach.
“I just, well, you see, I...” Spike said, “You know what I”m saying?”
Rarity looked up at him as a little grin spread across her lips. “I think so. Maybe you should clarify it just a little bit though, Spikey-wikey.”
Spike throat constricted “Its difficult to say,” he whispered out.
“Then how about this, Spike. Hold on to it-next time we meet, I’m sure you’ll be able to say it then.” Rarity said.
Spike grinned and said, “Yeah, that’ll work.”
“Until then though…” Rarity said, “I’m so glad to call you my friend, Spike”
They hugged each other, and Rarity felt a small bit of liquid trail onto her head. He was shaking now, silently. So often was he the statue, and she the weight that it was beyond her to not join in on his weeping. After a moment, they split apart, and she ran her hoof across his cheek, and he nuzzled into it.
She led him to the door, for one last hug before he stood outside, staring up into the crystalline azure. He then turned around and smiled, as he said, “I realized something, just right now.”
“What's that?” Rarity said, leaning against the door frame.
“It’s cliche, but true.” Spike said.
“What is?” Rarity asked.
“Home is where the heart is.” Spike said as he leaned in and kissed her on the cheek. Rarity was taken aback, but felt her face flush red as he smiled and waved, walking away. “I’ll be home someday!”
Rarity rolled her eyes as she closed the door behind her-it was just like that dragon to be all sentimental and then cocky just a second later. Her hoof then absentmindedly raised to touch her cheek and she smiled.
She couldn’t wait for him to get back-and she had ideas already for her next ensemble.
-------------- X -------------
Sweetie Belle was singing now. Rarity smiled, her little sister always had the most beautiful voice. It was a quiet acapella piece, sung in that throaty sort of way- not full of artistic beauty of operatic qualities. No, this was the mournful cry of the heart, the sing-song of the lost, and the anthem of the parted.
There was a question, she asked in every verse of the chorus. Rarity couldn’t help but wonder what it meant. She shivered, her lip trembling-somehow each time those words whispered into her ears, she felt something in her heart stir.
Instead of letting it out though, she pushed it down. Forcing her aching eyes to obey, her constricted throat to relax. She had to bite down on her hoof-and quickly it faded into numbness. She felt somepony pull her arm away from her, and looked to see Fluttershy holding her hoof, rubbing where the blood began to spill out, ever so lightly.
The question was asked again. Will the circle be unbroken?
She didn’t know. The audience hummed the chorus notes. Yet, while she felt that she should feel some sort of closure, all she felt instead was the void in her chest.
-------------- X -------------
Rarity watched as Applejack’s mouth moved. Each strand of saliva connecting her teeth sparkled as he mouth contorted and shifted, enunciating each syllable that escaped from her lips. She was almost yelling something now, her throat vibrating as her eyes widened, her eyebrows arching up as a beggar raises their hooves to the passerby.
To her side, she saw Twilight stir. How curious, Twilight’s hoof was now waving in front of her face, trying to signal something, or someone. She noticed how there were tiny bags under her eyes, strained wrinkles at the corners and tiny red capillaries that ran across the gleaming surface of her eyeball.
“Rarity!” Twilight yelled.
“Oh, sorry dear,” Rarity said as she shook her head. Twilight relaxed in her chair as she wrapped a hoof around her glass. Rainbow Dash laughed, as she began to imitate Rarity’s deadpan, and the darkness that surrounded Pinkie turned a shade lighter before crashing back down.
“What were we talking about?” Rarity asked, to no one in particular.
“I was just saying how fancy this place is,” Applejack said, “Normally don’t come here that often.”
“I think its nice.” Fluttershy said.
“Fluttershy, everything is nice to you.” Applejack said.
“Oh, I’m sorry.” Fluttershy said hiding behind her hair.
Applejack rolled her eyes. “Pinkie, you haven’t said a word, what’s wrong, sugar?”
Pinkie Pie shrugged as she said, “I’m just waiting for my food.”
Rainbow Dash grimaced as she put a hoof over her shoulder, hugging her close. “Don’t worry, Pinkie, everything’s gonna be just fine.”
She tried to nod. “Did we already order?” Rarity asked.
“Umm...yes?” Rainbow Dash said, “Where were you?”
“Leave her alone, RD” Applejack said, “She’s probably stirred up about everything thats been happening.”
Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and went back to trying to cheer Pinkie Pie back up, making ridiculous faces. Fluttershy turned towards Rarity and said, “I hear you’re doing well in Canterlot.”
“Yes, I’ve been working on a new ensemble,” Rarity said, “It’s based around-”
“How’s your husband?” Rainbow Dash asked, “You never write about him.”
“He’s fine, I guess. Just busy with work and all.” Rarity said.
“Isn’t he royalty?” Applejack said.
“Yes.” Rarity nodded, “A great-grand nephew of Celestia, on her mother’s-”
“Does that make you technically related to Twilight?” Applejack asked.
Rarity and Twilight looked at each other for a second. Twilight thought about it before nodding, sipping her drink again. This time though, the cup was empty. She tried to pour herself another glass, only to also find the bottle empty. She waved her hoof lazily in the air.
A waiter strolled up to the table and with a quick bow said, “I shall fetch you another bottle right away, your Highness. The chef also wishes to extend his apologies to you, but he insists that only his best work be given unto the Princess and her friends.” With that, he briskly turned and walked away.
“You already finished the bottle, Twilight?” Applejack said.
Twilight mumbled something, and then proceeded to play with the glass in front of her.
“So how long are you gonna be in town, Rarity?” Applejack said
“I don’t know, honestly,” Rarity said, “While I want to stay a little longer, a part of me also wishes to just get back to work in Canterlot.”
“I understand,” Applejack said, “I have a feeling that I’ll be getting a lot of work done this week.”
As she said that, the waiters appeared carrying plates of delicious food to them. They lay each entree down, poured each of them a glass of wine from their private reserves, hand picked to match their dish, before leaving.
Twilight didn’t even look at her food, instead taking a drink from her glass. The others slowly chowed down, before Rarity finally looked down at her food. She noticed a little circle of sauce wrapping around it, broken by a little sprig of lettuce, purple and green.
-------------- X -------------
Rarity turned the key as the lock clicked into place. The door swung open vacantly into a mausoleum of plastic and memories. She walked in, flicking on the lights and the room flickered to life a moment later.
The white tile floors were dusty, as were the mannequins that plastered the far wall. The furniture was wrapped in white plastic, like ghosts. Rarity walked straight past them and up the stairs.
Her hooves moved by memory, and she found herself back in the room she once called home. Her bed lay under a polymer veil, and with the simple use of her horn, it disappeared, unveiling the grand blankets and sheets. She threw herself down across the sheets and stared up into the designs above her.
She could feel her muscles ache, her eyes strain and quiver in the evening light, but instead of sleeping she measured and counted each breath, and thought of nothing at all really.
The curtains draped over her, and she followed the shadows they made until…
Is that?
Rarity stood up, her head arched upwards at an awkward angle as her horn began to glow. A fly swatter flew towards her and she held it up, poised to strike. As it came whistling down, it missed its mark.
The fly buzzed away and landed on a wall. She took her time to walk over there, making sure her hooves made no noise. Step by step she made her way over and then-
The doorbell rang. Startled, she yelled down that the door was open. The door creaked and was slammed shut. Rarity held her breath, listening to the quiet clop of hooves crossed the floor, stopping for a moment before making their way up the stairs. She looked back at the wall-the fly had moved. She began searching around for it, fly swatter in hoof.
Whoever it was then knocked at the door to her room. “Rarity?” its voice said-although it was tired, blown out, like a candle’s last breaths before dissipating. It nudged open the door, and Rarity glanced to see Twilight Sparkle standing in the frame, emotionless.
“Twilight!” Rarity said as she stood upright, “A pleasure to see you.”
“What are you doing?” Twilight asked.
Movement, 2'o clock, She swung down with the force of a hammer, but missed. The fly just moved lazily to the side.
“Just dealing with a minor situation.” Rarity said.
“Was that a fly?” Twilight said.
Rarity, bewildered said, “Yes, of course, Twilight. I thought you of all ponies would recognize a fly when you saw one.”
Twilight shook her head and scoffed, “No-I meant-nevermind. I need to talk to you.”
“Well you are dear, or is this about something specific?” Rarity said as she looked around again, low to floor. “It’d be ever so helpful if it were, as the topic of discussions is a rather dull discussion in the first place.”
Twilight’s face was a mix of bemused and surprised as she said, “What? Are you okay?”
“I’m fine dearie!” Rarity said as she slapped the wall, cursing under her breath when no squashed entrails remained, “Just peachy. how about you? I’m sure all of this terrible business has been quite difficult.”
“Yes.” Twilight said, as she looked down, “It has. I came here to talk to you, about, well, you know.”
Rarity laid down the fly swatter, the magical hum of her horn dying out as she turned towards Twilight. A bittersweet smile spread across her lips. She nodded as she said, “What about it?”
“I don’t know. I guess I do, but it's just-you’re the only one who’ll understand, I think.” Twilight said,
“What’s on your mind?”
“I just feel lost, if that makes sense.” Twilight said as she looked past the floor, “How does the world keep spinning, when it all just feels hollow?”
Twilight looked back up at Rarity in silence. Rarity mouthed the words ‘I don’t know’ as she shook her head. Twilight went back to beyond, her eyes glazed over as she walked over to the window.
“Ponyville hasn’t changed a bit hasn’t it,” Twilight said, “I see the same old ponies walking around, talking, eating...living.”
She turned away from the glass. “Even this room is exactly as I remember it, exactly like how he’d remember it.”
Rarity nodded.
“Do you think his last thoughts were of this place? Of all of us?” Twilight said, “Of you?”
“I don’t know,” Rarity said.
“I guess we never will,” Twilight said, “But, what I’m trying to get at is how nonchalant everyone is. All smiles and laughs-even Pinkie snapped back to her usual self after we ate. Everyone, but you and I.”
“What do you mean, dear?” Rarity said.
“You’re my best friend, Rarity.” Twilight said, “I know when you’re upset. You can hide it from everyone else, but not from me or the girls.”
“I guess you’re right.” Rarity said as she too walked over the window, her hooves sore from standing on the floor in one place. “I just feel guilty, he always fancied me but here I am, married to another stallion, and now I feel a little empty without him.”
“I know you saw him.” Twilight said.
“What?” Rarity said, turning towards Twilight.
“Two years ago.” Twilight said, “I know he saw you then.”
“How?” Rarity asked.
Twilight shuffled for a second before pulling out twinkling gem, the evening sun catching, its reflected rays dancing across the room like fire. Twilight bounced it in her hoof, weighing it before she offered it to Rarity. After a moment she let her hoof catch the gilded gold ruby, staring at its magnificence.
“He came back with that. I tried to ask him where he got it, but he was silent. I knew though-it looked just like the one he gave you so long ago. I never asked again where it came from, I knew enough from how he carried it.” Twilight said.
“And how did he carry it?” Rarity asked.
Twilight looked up and said, “As though it were made of lead.”
“How did you get it?” Rarity said, as she laid it down on the tabletop to her side.
“He gave it to me, about a year ago. He said he didn’t like looking at it anymore,” Twilight said, as she nodded, choking and hiding her face, “I think he would have wanted you to have it.”
“I...I don’t know what to say, Twilight.” Rarity said as she looked back at it.
“You don’t have to say anything. Its closure for me.” Twilight said, through clenched teeth. “I should probably go. I’m tired.”
“I understand.” Rarity said. They hugged each other before Twilight sluggishly stumbled out of the door. Rarity saw her walk outside, staring up into the sky as the first stars began to glitter in the twilight. She sighed as her wings unfurled and she jumped into the skies.
Rarity turned back inside. Only the cool blue of the dying sun illuminated the room, casting dark shadows. It was beyond quiet, disturbed only by the occasional buzz of a fly. Her eyes darted down as it landed on the gem, and with a quick smack, it was no more.
She lifted the flyswatter off the gem to find its still twitching body lying on top of the red crystal face. Rarity looked out the window one last time as she levitated some paper towels to her side.