//------------------------------// // Chapter 10 // Story: Queen of Equestria // by Ponyman14 //------------------------------// Rarity pawed at the dirt ground. "That's odd. I was certain there were gems here," she said aloud to herself, looking into a small hole she had dug in the ground. "No matter, there are bound to be plenty more!" Rarity's most unique talent was finding gems, as her cutie mark represented. It was not just a talent, but an obsession. She loved anything that sparkled, and loved to use such things in her sewing work. "Aha! There's a patch of sapphires over here," said Rarity as she trotted across the dirt floor of the cavern. large crystals jutted out of the floor and walls of the cave, distinctive to the crystal caves underneath Canterlot. The unicorn arrived at her chosen digging spot. She could sense gems just under the surface. She dug into the ground for a minute, taking care not to kick up too much dust. She didn't want to dirty her fur. Rarity had dug a decent sized hole, and there was no trace of the sapphires. She stopped digging and stood there panting. Her horn glowed again as she used her gem locating spell, but she no longer sensed any gems here. "I don't understand. They were right here, I know those sapphires were right here," she said. She tried her spell once more, but it had no effect. Rarity pouted. "Today is not my lucky day," she said. "Wait! Diamonds, there!" Rarity rushed over to a spot near a stalagmite. Her spell showed her once more that there was a concentration of rare gems just below her feet. Rarity started digging, still annoyed by her poor luck so far. "Oooww," Rarity whined, "Where is a manual laborer when you need one? I'll have to get a major hooficure at the spa tomorrow." As she dug, Rarity's hooves hit something hard. "Aha! A big, beautiful hunk of a diamond! But wait, what's this?" said Rarity as she continued to excavate. As Rarity began to unearth the object, it became apparent that it was just a large buried rock. Rarity let out an exasperated groan. Her horn spark and glowed brightly as she once again performed her gem locating spell. She sensed no diamonds, or any kind of gem for that matter anywhere nearby. "You've got to be kidding me!" she yelled. "What the hay is going on?" Rarity started digging furiously all around her. "Stupid, stupid rocks!" she cried in frustration. "Worthless, dirty rocks everywhere!" After a minute, the cloud of dust dissipated, revealing a tired unicorn whose white fur was so dirty that it looked brown. "Brlbrlbrl!" Rarity shook her head and body back and forth, trying to shake off the dust. The unicorn angrily stomped towards the cave exit, grumbling as she went. She stepped through the bright light of the cave opening to find herself standing on the edge of Canterlot. The towering mountain and Canterlot Castle loomed above her. "That's the last time I look for gems in Canterlot's caves," said the irritated pony. Rarity found a street and continued down it. "I just can't believe my gem finding spell no longer works, it's defined since I got her cutie mark!" As she continued down the streets, Rarity noticed that many ponies were looking at her. She was used to getting looks from ponies every time she went out. Rarity smiled at the Canterlot ponies, but still didn't seem to get any smiles back. "Clearly, they are admiring my beauty," thought Rarity. A unicorn mare and stallion were walking towards Rarity. The two were talking and the mare was wearing a frilly hat. As she passed, Rarity caught some of their conversation. "Is her fur brown, or is she just that filthy? And what happened to her mane? What negligence," said the passing mare. Concerned, Rarity now listened to catch a word of other conversations going on around her. "Look at how chipped and cracked, not to mention dirty, her hooves are. How did a mare like that get into Canterlot?" said a dapper looking unicorn stallion. "She's not wearing a single thing. Can she not afford a plain dress?" said another well dressed pony walking by. Rarity's heart sank. She blushed and tried desperately to fix her mane and brush off her coat. "No, you don't understand. I was only looking for gems. And I have plenty of dresses!" Said Rarity as she desperately tried to explain her appearance to the other ponies, but they wouldn't listen and just turned their heads and walked past. "I'm having a hooficure tomorrow!" cried Rarity. It was too late. Every pony in downtown Canterlot was now staring at her. Rarity had to hide. She looked around in desperation as her eyes started to water. A sign on a nearby building read Canterlot Quality Tailoring. Rarity rushed inside the door. There didn't seem to be anypony else in the shop. She hid behind the counter for a minute until her tears subsided. There were thick brown lines of mud where her tears had streamed down her cheeks and neck. She stood up and looked around. The place was basically a sewing workshop. Pieces of dresses and fabrics lay here and there, and a large gem chest sat in the corner of the room. First things first, Rarity had to get cleaned up. She quickly found a bathroom in the back of the shop. She entered the small room and found a bathtub among other facilities. "Ahhh," she exhaled, as she lay herself down inside the tub, "this is going to feel so relaxing." She magically turned the faucet to find that not a single drop of water came out. She left the tub and tested the other facilities. The sink and toilet also didn't have water. A sign above the sink read, Miss Rarity, your water has been stopped due to four consecutive missed water bill payments. -Canterlot water district. "What? Me? … Oh I suppose this is my sewing shop, isn't it? Yes that's right, of course it is," said Rarity aloud. "Well the bath will just have to wait." She returned downstairs and looked around. "At least I can make a decent dress to fit in amongst the Canterlot crowd," said the unicorn as she got to work on a piece of fabric. "Let's see. I'll need some a sheet of cloth, a roll of silk, and most importantly, gems." Working in her element always had a calming effect on her nerves. Rarity walked about the shop looking for materials, but found very little. Only rags lay here and there. The only useable fabric she found was of a terribly low quality that she previously would never have touched. Worst of all, the gem chest was completely empty. Now that she thought of it, it had been empty for months because she hadn't been able to find any gems. A knock at the door disrupted Rarity's thoughts. An official looking stallion stood in the doorway. Rarity trotted over and welcomed him into her shop. "How may I help you today, sir?" asked Rarity, showing her usual generous attitude. "A new vest perhaps? Do you prefer cotton or cashmere? Oh… come to think of it, I don't have either of those fabrics…" "Ma'am," began the stallion, "you're being evicted from your shop." "No, that can't be. Why?" protested Rarity. "You've been behind on your rent payments for… four months it says here," said the stallion. "But how could this happen? I'm a brilliant dress maker. My designs are new, fresh, avant garde, and…" Rarity started to cry again. "Well ma'am, it seems to me that ponies simple don't like your dresses. I can't remember the last time I saw a customer in your shop," said the stallion plainly. "But I'll be out on the streets!" protested Rarity. The stallion looked pitifully at Rarity. "I'm sorry ma'am. I truly am." He bowed and turned to leave Rarity's shop. Rarity's crying continued. She sobbed heavily between breaths. Suddenly Rarity's friend Applejack appeared in the doorway with her little sister, Apple Bloom. Rarity perked up at sight of her friend. "That's okay Rarity. You can come stay with us at Sweet Apple Acres," said the smiling farm pony. "NOOOOOO!!!" cried Rarity and ran out of the shop, past Applejack, and into the middle of the street. This truly was the most horrific nightmare imaginable. The ponies on the street gossiped and talked with each other, and shot disgusted glances at Rarity. Rarity knew they were talking about her. She couldn't take it anymore. She fell to her knees and gave in. "Oh this is the worst possible thing!" Cried Rarity. "They hate me and they think I'm ugly! They hate my dresses. And worst of all… I'm poor! I'm such a failure!" bawled the pitiful unicorn. Ponies continued to chatter around her, and Rarity sensed their eyes upon her. Now a familiar pony appeared; Twilight Sparkle was standing in the middle of the street a ways away, but she didn't seem to notice Rarity. "Twilight?" said Rarity. One by one the ponies around Rarity turned their attention to Twilight and began gossiping. "Look, a princess!" they said. "Such well-groomed fur!" said another. "Look at how shiny and smooth her hooves are." "Now that's what success and wealth looks like!" said the stallion who had evicted Rarity. The street sounds of Canterlot now began to mix with whispers. Rarity looked around in surprise. The familiar whispers surrounded Rarity and grew louder. Prosperity they whispered. Wealth and fortune said one. "I want what I have lost!" cried Rarity, looking at Twilight. "I want it back! How can I obtain these things?" She wheeled around, looking for the origin of the whispers. "Please tell me!" cried Rarity. She tracked the origin of the whispers to the main tower of the castle above, where a giant black dragon had wrapped his serpentine body around it. It seemed to be looking straight at Rarity. "No… Not you! Leave me alone!" yelled Rarity. "What do you want with me?!" The whispers continued. Affluence and fame said the voices. "Why are you doing this?" cried the unicorn, looking up at Salazar. Hearing no reply, she buried her face between her forelegs and the cobblestones, as if trying to hide. She shook her head, wishing the whispers would stop. Not a minute later, Rarity felt a gentle hoof on her back. She looked up to see the smiling and caring face of Princess Luna. "Princess Luna?" sniffled Rarity. "Be calm, young Rarity," said the princess reassuringly. The princess's horn sparked and glowed, and the whispers stopped. Rarity's crying subsided as she looked trustingly into Luna's eyes. "Let us forget about our confrontation earlier tonight. My sister was impatient with you, rash even. But I am here to help you now. Will you let me help you overcome your fears?" "Princess," said Rarity, "Please help me." "Thou hast been troubled as of late. Deeply troubled. You are torn emotionally. Let us see what is causing your nightmares," said Luna. Rarity gave Luna her full attention, grateful for her comforting presence. "I see," said Luna as she closed her eyes and concentrated, as if looking further into Rarity's mind, "the essence of your nightmares is fear. What have you to fear, my little pony?" "I… I don't know," said Rarity. "Tell me, what does this dream represent? What does it mean?" asked Princess Luna. "My gem finding spell didn't work. And my shop was shut down. My business was failing... So I must be afraid of my own inadequacies. And I think… I think it shows a fear of failure," said Rarity. Princess Luna smiled encouragingly. "Good!" she said. "What else?" Ponies still stood around them on the street, talking and staring. "Disapproval from other ponies. I'm afraid of being judged or not being accepted," said Rarity. "Very good," said princess Luna. Her horn sparked and she cast a spell at the ponies, and they faded away like smoke. "Don't be afraid, Rarity, many of my subjects have nightmares," continued the princess. "It's my duty to help ponies face their fears through their dreams. Troubled dreams always mean troubled realities. Show me your thoughts, Rarity." Princess Luna nuzzled her head against Rarity lovingly. Her soft, warm fur almost felt real, and gave Rarity much needed comfort. "Yes, princess. I've been thinking about life. What's it all for? I'm afraid of my own mortality. Isn't there something greater to strive for? I feel that I have a greater calling," said Rarity. Luna looked puzzled. "Those are very peculiar thoughts. Those are not the thoughts that most ponies have. Life in Equestria is pure joy and happiness; are you not satisfied with your friends? Are you not satisfied with your successful business?" "I am, princess, I truly am! But my thoughts have changed since the 'dragon ordeal'. He's putting thoughts in my mind," admitted Rarity at last. Rarity motioned towards the great tower. "This is puzzling indeed," said princess Luna, looking blankly at the serpent far above her. "You dream of the dragon. You are perhaps traumatized by the event. I know that Salazar spoke lies to you on that day. Forget the dragon's deceitful words," said Princess Luna reassuringly, "let go of your fear of him." Luna's horn sparked as she cast the spell at the black dragon perched on the great tower. But Salazar did not fade away like the other dream-ponies had. He remained staring intently at the two. "This is very strange. The spell should have made the apparition vanish," said Luna. Her horn sparked and she nodded her head again at Salazar, trying to make the vision disappear from Rarity's dream. The dragon did not disappear, but instead twisted and turned and bellowed a tremendous growl causing the ground to shake beneath the ponies. Rarity looked at princess Luna worriedly. A deep, rumbling voice filled the air around the ponies, frightening them both. "Meddling dream-walker! Do not interfere!" came Salazar's slowly-paced words as he moved through the air towards them. Princess Luna reared up and whinnied. "Princess?!" called Rarity, sensing that something was terribly wrong. "Rarity!" yelled Princess Luna back. The ground was trembling beneath them, creating a loud din. "A mere dream this is! Thou must wake up! Thou must wake up now, or he will destroy me!" Salazar spread his jaws as he quickly approached. Rarity cantered anxiously on the cobblestone as she looked around, not sure what to do. Princess Luna whinnied loudly, as a look of absolute terror filled her eyes. This in turn frightened Rarity even more. Salazar's hurled himself at Princess Luna from above. "Wake up Rarity!" Princess Luna ran to her and touched her horn to Rarity's. "Wake up now!" she shouted into Rarity's face. "Wake up! WAKE UP!" screamed the princess. - - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - - Rarity instantly sat up in bed. "Princess!" she yelled. Princess Luna's voice still echoed in her mind. Rarity couldn't breath, she was hyperventilating. She concentrated on inhaling and exhaling, gasping and coughing in the process, and slowly got herself back to normal breathing. Much like after her previous nightmares, Rarity was covered in sweat and her heart was beating quickly. Rarity tried to get a grip on the situation and calm her thoughts. There was no possibility of sleeping again tonight, not after what just happened. The unicorn hopped out of bed, wide awake, and turned some lights on. It was still very early; the sun hadn't yet risen. The anxious unicorn levitated a light coat out of her closet downstairs, it was probably cold outside. Rarity closed the boutique door behind her as she left. While the setting was quiet and peaceful, Rarity's mind was not. She started trotting… and then running. There was only one place she knew that could ease her mind. Rarity ran across the small bridge and up the path to Fluttershy's cottage. She used the door knocker to call for her friend. "Fluttershy!" said Rarity. As she noticed the tone of distress in her own voice, Rarity became even more emotional. In a moment, a light came on in the window above. "Rarity? Is that you?" came Fluttershy's soothing voice. "Yes. I'm so sorry to wake you at this hour," said Rarity to the pegasus looking down at her. Rarity felt her emotions welling up inside her. "I'll be right down!" said Fluttershy, and disappeared. Such emotions! Both the distress of the nightmares, and the thankfulness of Fluttershy's friendship swirled together and brought Rarity to the verge of tears. As Rarity struggled to keep her emotions under control, Fluttershy made her way downstairs. Sure it was very early in the morning, but Fluttershy would do anything for her best friend. Fluttershy opened the door and Rarity fell forward into her embrace. Rarity couldn't hold it in any longer; her sobs cut through the peaceful night air, and her tears ran down her face and soaked into Fluttershy's fur. Fluttershy returned her friend's embrace, leaning into the hug and placing a comforting hoof on her back. - - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - - "What troubles you, sister?" A crackling fire burned brightly in the great hearth of the royal chambers in Canterlot Castle. Princess Luna had been pacing back and forth for some time. Her sister was up before dawn, like always. She had to make preparations for her daily ritual of raising the sun. "Sister…" said Princess Luna as she stopped her pacing. "I must speak with you." "Of course, sister," said Princess Celestia. "What is on your mind?" "I have seldom spoken with you about the dreams of our subjects," began Luna. "But it is of the essence that I do so now. The unicorn, Rarity, had another nightmare last night. Salazar has been using dark magic to enter her dreams. Just hours ago I entered her nightmare and saw this for myself." "Go on, sister," said Princess Celestia. "I felt great turmoil in her heart. A terrible, terrible struggle was going on within her. A struggle between her element and chaos element. Greed, and generosity. I don't know how she's endured this torment for so long. I fear she's nearly lost all hope." "My poor little pony," said Celestia, "I didn't realize the severity of what she was dealing with." "I entered her thoughts," continued Luna, "but didn't realize that Salazar was already there. As I helped Rarity to find consolation, Salazar took control of the dream. I found that I had no power to direct Rarity's thoughts, and Salazar nearly destroyed me," she explained. "That is very alarming," said Celestia. "You confirmed that Salazar is communicating with Rarity, warping her dreams even. But did you find what Salazar was saying to her?" "I'm afraid not," responded Luna. "But from what I could tell, the dream was meant to expose Rarity to her deepest fears and desires. The dragon was trying to evoke certain feelings from her. Most importantly, when Rarity broke down, the dragon offered greed and jealousy as a solution to overcoming her fears." "How terrible!" said Celestia. "Is this what she's been fighting all this time, the poor dear? I don't understand it. Why does he want to corrupt her? Could it be related to the riddle?" "I know not, sister," said Princess Luna. "He is perhaps still trying to separate Rarity from her friends." It does not sit right with me," said Princess Celestia. "It seems such a pitiful attempt for such a cunning foe. I am inclined to think that he has some greater plan in mind." Princess Luna nodded her head in agreement. "Rarity will not betray her friends," said Princess Celestia. "But sister, her chaos element is greed. It is why Salazar is putting such effort into corrupting her in particular," said Luna. "But recall, dear sister, with what ease Discord corrupted all six of my dear little ponies. After several weeks, Salazar does not seem able to corrupt a single one, let alone all six. No, there is something else at work here. Salazar is working towards a greater target. What part Rarity plays, I do not know, but it is significant. The time for investigation has passed. I'm placing Rarity under house arrest immediately, for I fear she may make a rash decision. It must be done until we find a way to protect her from the dragon." - - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - - Rarity woke up in Fluttershy's bed. Fluttershy was nowhere to be seen. A bird on the bedpost was chirping incessantly, apparently the reason for Rarity being woken up. Rarity checked herself as she was about to shoo the creature, remembering that it was one of Fluttershy's animals. "I won't forget this," she scolded the bird, pointing a hoof at him threateningly. Meanwhile, a handful of police ponies approached the Carousel Boutique. They set up a perimeter around the building. If the young mare tried to leave the premises, they had orders to kindly stop her. The sun rose as the police ponies kept watch on the house. A small unicorn filly approached the boutique, but before she could knock on the door, one of the police ponies stopped her. "What do you think you're doing, little filly?" asked the police pony. "Um, this is my sister's house. I'm supposed to come over for breakfast today," explained Sweetie Belle. "Sorry, but not today. Run along now." "Is Rarity in trouble?" asked Sweetie Belle worriedly. "Hey Matt! This is the perpetrator's little sister. She's here for breakfast. Do you have any of those oats left?" "A purple trader?" said Sweetie Belle. "What's a purple trader? What did Rarity do?" - - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - - "Good morning, Rarity. I hope you got some sleep?" said Fluttershy. "Yes. I can't thank you enough," said Rarity. "I just… The nightmare was just…" "I'm sure it was awful," said Fluttershy understandingly. "No. It was more than awful, dear. Luna was there, and the dragon. And…" "Princess Luna was there?" asked Fluttershy. "Never mind. It's just too terrible to talk about." "Gosh, I'm sorry, Rarity," said Fluttershy. "First your fight with Twilight, and now this. If there's anything I can do to help relieve your stress, please let me know. Oh, I made some blueberry pancakes for breakfast." "Oh no! I just remembered. Sweetie Belle was supposed to come by for breakfast today," said Rarity. "I must go home!" "No, Rarity," said Fluttershy firmly. "You're far too emotional right now. Stay here for a while. I mean, if you want to, that is. I think Sweetie Belle will be just fine." "Oh dear me!" said Rarity. "But I suppose you're right." The ponies ate breakfast, and to Rarity's dismay were joined by a dozen birds, chirping and cawing and trying to steal pieces of their pancakes. "I hope you don't mind that my animal friends join us. I usually feed all of them around now," said Fluttershy. "Be gone!" shouted Rarity at a crow who landed on the corner of her plate. "Fluttershy, have you not taught these birds manners?" "That was very rude, Mr. Crow. Please respect my friend's personal space," said Fluttershy. The birds, strangely, seemed to obey. "Welfare leads to dependency, you know," stated Rarity. "Eeek!" Rarity squirmed in her seat as a furry object scurried up her leg. A mouse was sitting in her lap. "Stay away from my marehood!" shouted Rarity. "I'm so sorry, Rarity. This isn't helping you feel better at all!" said Fluttershy. Fluttershy glared at the animals crowding around the breakfast table, and a moment later they obeyed and scurried off. Rarity breathed a sigh of relief. "They don't know any better," explained Fluttershy, "they are only animals." "I know, Fluttershy," said Rarity, "it's alright." "By the way, what happened last night? If I may ask," said Fluttershy. "A lot happened last night. Do you mean the Promenade? Or Celestia and Luna kidnapping us? Or my nightmare?" "I mean when the princesses asked you about Salazar… and you lied to them." "I don't know why I did it, Fluttershy. Something prevented me from being honest." "Why? Don't you trust Princess Celestia? She's always been a mentor for all of us, not just for Twilight," said Fluttershy. "I honestly don't know why I lied. Something inside me just… I'm sorry," Rarity trailed off. Fluttershy realized her friend was in no mood to talk and she let it go. She also dared not asked about the nightmare, which seemed to be Rarity's worst one yet. The ponies sat in silence for a long while. Rarity hope that Luna was alright, after what had happened in the dream. Did Luna make it, or had Rarity not woken up in time? Rarity's thoughts wandered to last night when Celestia and Luna had asked her questions. Did that really happen? It almost seemed like a dream in itself. The princesses were suspicious of her, Rarity now knew. But why? "So what if the dragon's trying to ruin my life, what does that have to do with the princesses?" thought Rarity. "Whatever the reason, they obviously thought it was very important. Hah! As if a unicorn like myself could have an impact on Equestria." She and Fluttershy finished their breakfasts. "Thank you, dear," said Rarity. "What are you going to do now, Rarity?" asked Fluttershy. "I honestly don't know. I feel more lost than ever. I feel as if I've lost all hope. What should I do, Fluttershy?" "I think you should go home and take a day off," suggested Fluttershy, smiling kindly. "And if you need anything, anything at all, I'll be happy to help." - - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - - "What's the use anymore?" thought Rarity as she made her way back to the boutique. "I should have settled this days ago when I was in Canterlot. Let the dragon have his way with me, at least I would have consolation in knowing what he wants. Maybe he'd make me a princess, or maybe he'd just eat me. Most likely the latter. But what do I have to lose anymore?" Rarity saw her home, the Carousel Boutique, ahead. A Ponyville police officer stood nearby. Rarity took no notice of him at first, but as she got closer she spotted a second police pony. Rarity stopped in her tracks, and looked around suspiciously. She counted nearly a dozen police ponies guarding a perimeter around the boutique. One pony was on the street directly in front of her, and another was near some bushes behind the boutique. The more she looked, the more police she saw. "I don't believe this! What in Equestria is going on?" she said to herself. "Is this another nightmare?" Rarity ducked into an adjacent alley, and watched from there. Rarity was angry at first, and thought to confront one of the police ponies, but thought better of it. "What in Equestria," she muttered, "Is this the doing of the princess? Their watching the boutique as if I were under house arrest… They must think I'm at home! Dear me, I hope Luna is alright. What if my dream killed her? And what if Celestia put out a warrant for my arrest?" Rarity's head swam with fearful fantasies. Rarity stood for a minute, watching the police ponies guard her home. "What do I do? what do I do!" she said hysterically. Rarity looked back and forth, unsure of her next course of action. She couldn’t go back home. Should she go back to Fluttershy's cottage? What then? How could she explain the situation? Rarity made an impulsive decision to go to Sugar Cube Corner. She made certain to stay out of sight of the ponies guarding her boutique, and ran straight to Pinkie Pie's place. Pinkie was playing with a ball on the floor when Rarity ran through the door. "Hey Rarity!" said Pinkie Pie. "I can't believe it!" cried Rarity, "I have to go into exile! And this time I really mean it!" Pinkie Pie giggled. "You don't understand, Pinkie. I have to go. I have to get out of Ponyville! But I can't get back inside my house to pack my things! Do you have some essentials I can borrow?" said Rarity frantically. "Wow Rarity, you're really serious, aren't you?" said Pinkie Pie, standing up. "Of course I am!" "Hold your horses, Rarity," said Pinkie Pie, "what's the rush? And where'd you and Fluttershy go last night? You missed half of the Promenade!" "That's the least of my worries right now, Pinkie," explained Rarity. "You and Twilight still have to makeup. You said you would. Let's walk over to the library," said Pinkie. "Twilight? No! Absolutely not," protested Rarity, "She's probably in on this conspiracy too." Just then, a figured appeared in the doorway. A serious looking police pony stepped into the room. He looked around and spotted the two mares. Rarity screamed, "You'll never take me alive!" and sprinted past him and out the door. "What the hay's gotten into that pony?" asked the officer, walking up to the counter. Pinkie Pie shrugged. "Two dozen donuts please! The usual," said the police pony happily. "Okey Dokey Lokey!" said Pinkie Pie. - - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - - After a few minutes of running, Rarity was tired and slowed to a walk. The Ponyville Train Station was just ahead. "What's a mare to do?" said Rarity aloud. "Wanted in my own hometown! Wanted by the law! I'm a traitor, a charlatan, a liar! Perhaps I can flee from Equestria, and live my life as a miserable hermit upon a lonely hill! Should I turn myself in? Or shall I return to Canterlot, and fight my way up to the tower, and meet my fate in the jaws of that dragon?" A mare who was passing by shook her head at the crazy pony talking to herself. Rarity knew what she had to do. She ran up to the train platform, but realized she did not have any bits with her. "Excuse me, ma'am," she said to the mare who had walked past her a minute ago, "could I trouble you for a few bits to buy a ticket to Canterlot? Oh please, please, please, please!" "Alright! Just stay away from me, crazy lady," said the mare. "Um, thank you? I guess," said Rarity. She hopped on the train and waited anxiously for it to lurch forward. Rarity breathed a sigh of relief as it did. "My does my life have to end like this?" thought Rarity to herself, "I'm so young, and I have so much to live for. I had so much to live for… This is madness, utter suicide. But it's this or the dungeons, I'm sure. At least this way I'll know why the dragon ruined my life before I'm imprisoned for all eternity." Rarity swayed back and forth with the rhythmic click-clack of the train. "What is prison like?" she thought as she looked out the window. "How severe of a crime have I committed? What if I'm not imprisoned at all, but banished? Or banished to the moon! It must be awful cold on the moon. Would I at least be allowed a sweater?" - - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - - The train pulled into Canterlot station, and Rarity stepped off. "This is it, Rarity. The end of the line," she said to herself, "No place to go. Nopony to talk to. Just a one way path into a dungeon or a dragon's jaws." Rarity began her solemn walk through the city towards the castle. The terrifying nightmare from last night came back to her as she walked through the streets. She glanced up at the tower. "I am ready to meet my untimely demise, if only to be done with this torment!" she said. - - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - - Princess Celestia paced along the balcony. Beyond the parapets, the city of Canterlot sprawled out before her. And the valley faded away to a blue haze in the distance. The city of Ponyville could still be made out. There, as far at the princess knew, the unicorn Rarity was locked up in her home. Celestia now knew that Salazar had caused emotional chaos within Rarity, through dream and thought manipulation. She feared that Rarity might make a rash decision in her unstable state. Her friendships had already been stretched thin. The unicorn was therefore temporary under house arrest until Celestia found a way to protect her from the dragon. "I believe there is a spell," thought Celestia, "that could protect Rarity from telepathy. Would it be strong enough to keep the dragon out of her mind? I'm amazed Rarity has fought him for this long. She is truly a resilient pony." Celestia glanced over at Canterlot's main tower, where Salazar was being held. "Such effort he has put into corrupting Rarity. Why? The elements alone can not defeat him. He doesn't need to break apart the six friends to take anything he wants… Or does he seek to destroy the elements?" Celestia sighed. She glanced down at the citizens walking about below, going about their daily business. She meditated on her empire as the tiny figures walked around below her. Unbeknownst to her, one of the tiny figures was Rarity. "I shall have some ponies dig up the spell from the archives. Then I must cast it on Rarity immediately. The poor dear… I hope she has not panicked about the house arrest." - - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - - Rarity finally stood before the main entrance to the castle. A street market was taking place today in the square, and security had been raised for the big crowd. Rarity walked solemnly up to the guards at the gate. "Halt! What business have you in the castle?" said the unicorn guard. Rarity looked up at the guard apathetically. "I am Rarity, the element of generosity. I have important business. Let me pass," she said in a disheartened tone, unusual for her. Again, one of the guards recognized her and confirmed this. Rarity walked into the castle, without so much as a second glance or 'thank you' to the gate guards. She easily found her way to the entrance of the tower and royal compartments. "Hey! Rarity!" shouted a familiar guard at the stairway. "Do you remember me? I was at this same post when you visited a few days ago! Going to see the princesses again, huh?" "I am not in the mood," said Rarity coldly as she walked past him. "Hey, wait!" the guard called after her. "Should we let her go?" he asked the other guard. "I don't see what harm it could do," said the first, as he watched Rarity walk away. "That's strange. She seems to have lost her charm." Rarity arrived at the wide, spiral staircase. "The last set of stairs I'll ever climb," said Rarity sadly. - - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - - Twilight jumped on her bed with a 'pomf.' From her alcove, she could see Spike playing with toys below. The afternoon was drawing on. She had taken the previous evening off to attend the Ponyville Promenade, and had a lot of research to catch up on. "Hey Spike," called Twilight, "did you happen to see Rarity last night at the Promenade?" "I wish! I bet she looked amazing! Pinkie said she was there, but I didn't see her," said Spike. "I wonder where she disappeared to. I wasn't able to apologize," said the purple alicorn. "Apologize for what?" asked Spike. "Never mind, Spike," said Twilight as she opened a book. - - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - - After a brief rest on the stairs, Rarity cautiously but confidently continued her climb. She had to find answers. At this time of the afternoon, there didn't seem to be all that many guards, thankfully. After another minute of climbing and Rarity felt she was getting close. The tower couldn't be that tall, could it? Each step she took, she felt her hooves quivering beneath her. She felt very lightheaded. "Why am I doing this?" she thought. She couldn't tell. All she knew is that she had to go on. Rounding a corner, suddenly a trapdoor and a guard appeared. Rarity stopped in her tracks. The guard noticed her immediately. "Who goes there? This area's restricted," he said as he took a step towards Rarity. "Play it cool Rarity," thought the pony as she took a deep breath. "Ahem. I am Rarity, a friend of Twilight's… I mean Princess Twilight," said Rarity. "And that means what to me? What business do you have with Salazar? Only the Princesses are allowed past this point," said the steadfast guard. "I am coming from the royal compartments, am I not?" retorted Rarity. "Only very special guests of the royalty are allowed this far. That's me." The guard looked suspiciously at Rarity. "Either you have permission or you don't," he said. "Of course I have permission," lied Rarity. "You don't seem to know who I am, do you? I am Rarity, the element of generosity. Along with Princess Twilight, I have saved Equestria numerous times. I am a very important pony." "Why would the princess send you to speak with the dragon, instead of coming herself?" asked the guard. "Princess Celestia is preoccupied," began Rarity, "So she sent me instead". "Alright," said the guard, "In that case, I'm going to have to take you downstairs and report this to the princess." He clearly was not buying anything Rarity was saying. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," said Rarity quickly. "You apparently haven't noticed, being up here guarding this door all day, but the princesses are extremely busy right now trying to figure out what to do with this overgrown dragon. Princess Celestia was so busy that she didn't even have time to give me a written letter of permission. She told me to tell the guard that she sent me, and that it was extremely urgent, and there shouldn't be any problems. Of course, if you'd really like to delay my important assignment, you can escort me downstairs, disrupt the princess' important duties, you can find out for yourself if your suspicions are correct." The guard hesitated for a few seconds, and finally opened the trapdoor for Rarity and stepped aside. He didn't say anything, but watched Rarity closely as she walked by him and through the opening in the floor above. Rarity stepped through a shining white field of energy, Celestia's powerful containment spell. In front of Rarity loomed the great mass of dragon that was Salazar. There in the center was his head, staring directly at Rarity as he had been waiting for her. A chill immediately ran up Rarity's spine, and her fur stood on end. What had she gotten herself into? Rarity looked hopefully back at the trapdoor. Part of her hoped the guard would change his mind and come barging through the door to arrest her, but no such thing happened. Rarity turned to face the dragon, took a deep breath, and stepped forward. Her hooves were shaking. She was sweating, not from being tired, but out of fear. "The last few weeks have seemed like an eternity," said Rarity, "You know as well as I, of the torment you've put me through." Salazar's gigantic body slowly slithered towards the unicorn, while his eyes remaining fixated on her. "I've had enough of it!" cried Rarity. "You win. I hereby surrender myself to you!" Rarity's heart was beating faster than ever. But she stood her ground, paralyzed with fear. "There you have it, Salazar, you brute! You've finally separated me from the other elements. You've broken my friendship with Twilight!" shouted Rarity, tears welling up in her eyes. "And now my fate is in your claws. What will it be? Will you char me to a crisp, or will you grind me between your razor teeth? I have no preference, just make it quick!" Salazar approached the trembling unicorn until his snout was but less than a meter from her. He exhaled a puff of smoke, and examined the unicorn that stood quivering before him. Salazar seemed to be laughing. Rarity shouted, "Is it not enough what you've done to me? Is it not enough that you've destroyed my life? Is it not enough that I've come before you to meet my fate? Do what you want to me, but don't you dare mock me!" Salazar spoke, "You will not die today, Rarity. I have plans for you." Rarity said nothing, shocked by the dragon's words. "I… I don't understand." - - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - - "Back, you fiend! I am the righteous and noble knight, Spike, and nothing will stand between me and my fair lady!" Spike banged a wooden sword against a chair in the Ponyville Library. He was wearing a cooking pan on his head, apparently meant to be a helmet. "Take that, and that!" said Spike as he jabbed at the chair. Meanwhile, in the alcove above, Twilight sat on her bed reading a large book. The book's cover read Dragons: what we know and don't, a comprehensive study. Almost all the books Twilight had read about dragons were speculative. Few ponies ever even saw a dragon in their lifetime. Salazar's riddle remained just as elusive as always. Nothing she read seemed to offer any clues. As Spike lunged his sword at a pillow that had snuck up behind him, his cooking pan helmet fell off, crashing onto the wooden floor with a series loud of clangs. "Spike!" yelled Twilight from the alcove above, "How am I supposed to concentrate with you turning the library into a battlefield?" "I'm sorry Twilight but…" "No 'buts' Spike. The fate of Equestria depends on me figuring out Salazar's riddle… And I'm not exaggerating this time. Find a way to play quietly, please!" said Twilight sternly. "Okay, Twilight," said the downcast baby dragon. Spike went back to his adventure, only quietly. The chairs were timber wolves which had captured Rarity, and were holding her hostage in their lair deep within the Everfree Forest. Spike was a famous knight, known as Spike The Noble, and he was on a quest to rescue the damsel in distress. "And Spike," called Twilight, "please don't draw pictures of Rarity on the pillows again!" Spike put down the purple marker he was holding. "I'm never allowed to do anything," he said to himself. Now Spike had defeated the timber wolf guards. All that remained was the pack leader, and then he could save the terrified and helpless Rarity. "That's enough pony theft for today! Unhand the fair lady or face the wrath of Spike!" said the baby dragon. Above, Twilight rolled her eyes and tried to concentrate harder on the book. Spike jumped up on a table and began hitting it with his wooden sword. "Fear not, m'lady! Your knight in shining armor is here to save you!" said Spike to an invisible unicorn. Twilight grumbled impatiently. "Aha! Looks like you're in the dog house now!" Spike said triumphantly. "Oh Spike," he said, trying to mimic a mare's voice, "you're my hero. You are such a brave and handsome dragon!" Twilight was becoming quite irritated, as she face flushed with annoyance. "Oh fair Rarity…" Spike continued, "You are truly the most beautiful creature in Equestria." Twilight was on the verge of screaming. This was the wrong time for Spike's fairy tale play, and given the magnitude of the situation, nothing could be more irritating. "I would trade even the tastiest gem in the world for you. Because you are the most precious gem in all of Equestria! Nay, of all the lands!" "Oh Spike! Come forth and receive a kiss," said Spike, in his best Rarity impersonation. "SPIKE!" yelled Twilight. Spike immediately jumped under the table to hide. He knew when he was in trouble, and by the tone in Twilight's voice, he was in big trouble. "What don't you understand about 'quiet'?" began Twilight, having lost her temper. "Do you have any idea how…" Twilight stopped mid-sentence. Spike looked out from the table to see if it was safe. "How what, Twilight?" "Spike. What did you just say?" she asked. "Come forth and receive a kiss?" said Spike cautiously. "No, before that," said Twilight as she flew down to the floor where Spike was. "I said Rarity's the most precious gem in all of Equestria," said Spike as he crawled out from his hiding place. "And you're a dragon…" said Twilight plainly. "Um, yeah," responded Spike casually. "That's it Spike. You're a genius! The most precious gem in Equestria is Rarity! We figured out Salazar's riddle!" yelled Twilight as she jumped up and down in excitement. "We did?" asked Spike, looking at Twilight like she was crazy. "Of course we did! But, oh no… That means… I've got to go," said Twilight as her look of joy turned to one of distress. "Spike, send a letter to the princess right away. Tell her we've figured out Salazar's riddle." Twilight ran downstairs and out of the library as fast as she could. A bright moon was just rising as she ran through the Ponyville streets. She had to get to the Carousel Boutique. - - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - - "Whatever do you mean?" asked Rarity. "You failed to turn me against my friends when you first arrived here. And now you've succeeded. You've defeated me, I've surrendered," said Rarity bluntly. "Your will is your own," said Salazar, "you chose to come before me." "Only because you've ruined my life!" shouted Rarity. "I want answers! Then do with me what you may." "If it's answers you wish, than answers I shall give," responded Salazar. "The Elements of Harmony matter not to me. They can not stop me. To bring you before me today, was my plan from the very start." "What do you mean?" asked Rarity. "We defeated you with the elements." A spark of light flashed in Salazar's eyes, and Celestia's containment field around the tower collapsed. Rarity stood in disbelief. "From many lands I had acquired treasure - the rarest jewels and stones, a mound of riches so great, that the Equestrian treasury pales in comparison. Upon the bones of my enemies were they piled, in a great mountain in the far North. My hoard had grown greater than that any dragon before me." Rarity's eyes grew wide at Salazar's words. "No gem nor ingot was hidden from my watchful eye," continued Salazar, "There was nothing more that could bring me pleasure. Nothing. And so I set my eyes on a different type of gem, the rarest of all - The rarest jewel in all of Equestria." "The rarest jewel in all of Equestria?" exclaimed Rarity excitedly, "Forgive my digression, but please go on. What type of gem is it? An enormous emerald perhaps? A huge diamond? And where was this gem you were looking for?" The dragon laughed, "My little pony... It is not a rock of which I speak." The great serpent brought his face down to Rarity's level. Salazar's eyes fixed intently on her, "Not a rock, no. The most precious jewel in Equestria is you." Rarity stood back, stunned by what the dragon had said. Salazar continued, "Have you not realized it? Have you not seen how dragons are drawn to you? Your obsession with all that glimmers... your past confrontations with my kind... Has it meant nothing to you? We dragons must live with the unending curse of greed, never satisfied with what we have. Until our demise, we seek the rarest and most beautiful objects. You are a true rarity, perhaps the last on this earth which I have yet to claim." "No… I don't understand. Why me?" said the shocked unicorn. Salazar continued, "The land of Equestria is a haven on this earth; free from war and famine. Pure as the Winter sky. A gem in itself Equestria is! And upon it's throne, I have foreseen a queen as beautiful as its forests and hills. A queen who shines and glimmers as its rivers and seas do. A queen as resilient as her legions. I have foreseen you upon that throne. And as queen you shall rule, as long as I am beside you." "I… I don't believe this," said Rarity. She collapsed on the floor, covering her face with her hooves. "It can't be. It can't be possible," she muttered. Salazar waited silently. "No!" yelled Rarity, "It's a lie! You must take me for a fool. I know your type! You speak nothing but deceit and lies! Anything to advance your own self interest. There is nothing but greed in a dragon's heart!" "You are not mistaken, dear pony," responded Salazar, "greed is the essence of my being. And again I will tell you, it is my greed that drives me to seek the rarest gem on this earth." "What exactly do you mean by 'rarest gem'?" "This empire, ruled with it's most beautiful and benevolent inhabitant, is that gem." "Do you mean that you never wanted to conquer Equestria?" asked a dumbfounded Rarity. "Your empire will be my greatest treasure," rumbled Salazar's voice. "But it wouldn't really by my empire, would it, since you keep saying it's yours?" "It shall be both your empire and my treasure," said Salazar. Rarity turned her head away, considering the dragon's words. "And what would you expect me to do, oh terrifying lizard?" jested Rarity. "When you say 'yes'," said Salazar, "the agreement shall be complete." "Unbelievable!" replied Rarity angrily. "I would never in all my life!" "You are mistaken," said Salazar. "You will take the throne." "You can't make me!" retorted Rarity. "No, I can not. You will choose to ascend of your own free will." "That's ridiculous," retorted Rarity. "You already know what I offer," rumbled Salazar's voice. "I offer prosperity, longevity, everlasting youth and beauty, fame and fortune, reverence and power, wealth and affluence." "You're going to let me choose? Just like that?" asked the bewildered Rarity. "And what if I choose not to be your queen? Will you leave forever?" Salazar smirked, "You have my word." "You think you have me all figured out, don't you?" snapped Rarity. Salazar did not respond. Rarity sighed, "Alright, Rarity, this is easy. Refuse his offer and he'll leave Equestria forever. Seems obvious enough!" But Rarity hesitated. "Or… I could be… a queen?" thought Rarity, as old fantasies flooded into her mind. A chill ran through her body. She imagined herself sitting in Canterlot's throne room, draped in a fine silk gown studded with diamonds, a silver crown adorning her head. A powerful energy suddenly seemed to be taking control of her. It felt just like in her second nightmare. Rarity felt her anti-element taking hold of her. "It's everypony's dream to some day wear a crown." "No!" she yelled. Rarity inhaled as her feelings gave way to greed. Her fur was standing on end. "I can have everything I've ever dreamed of…" she muttered. "Servants… Jewels… But everlasting beauty and eternal youth? Is it possible?" "If you will it, it shall be done," said Salazar. "No. No I do not will it!" shouted Rarity, trying to control herself. "You're tearing my apart! I just want my life to be how it used to be. That is my wish." "I have changed nothing," responded Salazar "The only thing that has changed is you." "But only because you've made me change!" yelled Rarity. "I never asked for this! You manipulated my dreams… my thoughts… I'm not myself anymore!" "That is not half of it," grinned Salazar, "all of my puppets played their part. Your friends Twilight and Fluttershy. Even Celestia and Luna played their roles perfectly... All so that you should stand before me now." "The princesses?" stammered Rarity. "What would become of them?" "They have hidden much from you. Equestria's borders are drawing in. New powers are rising, and Equestria's enemies bleed against its borders. Your queens will fail to bring Equestria through its coming tribulations, as I have foreseen. I have watched them since they arrived on this earth, as I now watch the deterioration of their empire. Together, we we change this." "You didn't answer my question! What would become of Celestia and Luna?" said Rarity angrily. "They shall be cast to the wayside, free to do as they wish," responded the dragon. "That's unthinkable. I could never betray them!" "Did they not betray you?" rumbled Salazar's voice. "Did Celestia not exploit you and your friends so that her chosen heir should ascend? Your service is done, and they mean for you to sit idly by and grow old and die. In one thousand years, Twilight Sparkle will rule, and your bones will be dust!" Rarity started to cry. "Why do you torment me so?" she yelled, "I'd sooner die than be your queen!" - - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - - Princess Luna stood atop a high balcony in Canterlot Castle. Far below, dim lights dotted the city of Canterlot and street lights outlined the causeways. The evening drawing on, ponies were finishing their suppers, but the princess of the night had only just woken up. She was, after all, nocturnal. Due to her unusual sleep schedule, she was quite an outsider to Equestrian society. Outside of Nightmare Night, a yearly celebration in her name, she received little of the attention and spotlight that her sister did. A bright moon perched in the sky above, and a cool night breeze was blowing from the West. Luna felt at home in her element. The princess inhaled a breath of the pure night air. Such peace. The silence was suddenly disrupted by a voice inside Luna's head. "Sister. Come at once," came Celestia's voice. Prompted by the sense of urgency, Princess Luna teleported herself to the royal chambers. There she found her sister standing in the main room with her nightcap on. "Tia, was has happened?" asked Luna. "A letter from Twilight. She's solved Salazar's riddle. But I'm still not sure what to make of it," said the tired princess. Luna levitated the scroll towards her. By the glow of the firelight, Luna read: Dear Princess Celestia, I have solved the dragon's riddle, This is the object I desire. A gem of unspeakable beauty, of which there are no others. It is not carved, nor is it fashioned in silver or gold. A sapphire or diamond it is not, nor any nameable stone. Yet it sparkles and glistens. It is sought by some, and envied by many. The answer is my friend Rarity. What this entails, I'm not sure. But Rarity's in trouble. I've run off to her boutique to check up on her. -Spike (on behalf of Twilight Sparkle) Luna was silent. "Well, Luna, what do you make of it? Does he mean to kidnap her? Kill her?" asked Princess Celestia. "No… There is something else…" Princess Luna suddenly gasped as she made a realization. "Rarity's nightmares reveal the answer! Salazar seeks to draw Rarity close to him. He means to lure her to him!" Another magic scroll materialized in front of the two alicorns. Princess Celestia opened it. "It's from Twilight," she read. "Rarity is missing from her home…" All it took was a mutual glance to realize what was happening. "Guards!" called Princess Celestia. Princess Luna ran off to investigate. - - - - - - - - - - - - -[]- - - - - - - - - - - - - "Your will is your own. Leave if you wish," said Salazar. "I shall return to the North, and your life will return to normal. In time, you will forgive Twilight, and she will forgive you. You will work happily until your bones ache and you become worn and weary. Old and gray you shall become. And you will lie dead and rotting in the earth, long before the demise of your princesses." Rarity spoke up, "You've done all of this… You've wasted all this time and effort…" "I know you will not decline my offer," said Salazar. Rarity wiped tears from her eyes. "Why me? I wish it wasn't so," she cried. Emotions churned within Rarity. She turned away from the dragon, considering her choices. She thought of her Ponyville friends and her sister. Could things really return to the way they were? How could she possibly accept the dragon's offer? Was he even telling the truth? What would her friends say? Would she lose them? But the temptation… Oh Celestia the temptation! Everything any filly or mare has ever dreamed of could be hers! The prestige, the attention, the fame, the fabulousness, the longevity, the wealth… It was no use resisting any longer. That strange dark energy continued to flow through her body. Her entire being seemed to be screaming 'yes!' She could no longer deny her true desires. "I... I accept," muttered Rarity, hanging her head. Salazar exhaled, discharging a puff of smoke, as he began to move. "On the condition that you do not hurt the princesses, or any of my friends," added Rarity. "… Oh Celestia, what have I done?" The guard at the staircase was surprised to see Princess Luna sprint past him and burst through onto the main floor. "Salazar!" cried Luna, "leave her be!" "It is too late, 'raiser of the moon', your fate has been sealed, as has your sisters'," said Salazar. Rarity turned to Luna, a worried expression on her face. "You shall not harm a hair on her head!" yelled Luna. Rarity ran a few strides towards Luna, then stopped. She turned back and faced Salazar, and then turned towards Luna again. She could not decide what to do. Salazar laughed, vibrating the whole tower it seemed. Princess Celestia now appeared on the floor. She took one look at the scene before her, and glared at Salazar, scraping a hoof on the floor as if preparing to charge him. "Salazar!" yelled Celestia. Her horn glowed a bright white, and a beam of energy shot past Rarity and hit Salazar squarely in the face. Luna followed her sister's lead. The dragon groaned in pain. "Enough!" rumbled his voice. With a motion from one of Salazar's claws, Celestia and Luna found themselves trapped in a bubble of magical energy, unable to escape or perform spells. "Don't you dare harm my subject!" said Celestia. "Harm her?" said Salazar, "Have you not realized it either, Celestia? Your subject is to replace you as queen." A platoon of unicorn guards arrived on the floor. Rarity stood frozen, not sure what to do. "It all makes sense now," said Luna. "She is the jewel in the Great Wyrm's riddle, and her rule is what he seeks." "Guards!" called Celestia, "I'm sorry, Luna, we have no choice... Guards, kill the unicorn!" "Sister, no!" cried Luna. More guards came onto the floor. They obeyed their princess, and their horns glowed as they prepared to attack Rarity. Salazar quickly moved his tail to protect Rarity. The magical attacks bounced off his hide like rain drops in a storm. A merciless torrent of fire bellowed from the dragon's mouth, engulfing everything on the tower floor in scorching heat. In the streets below, ponies looked up in awe as jets of flame spewed from the main tower of Canterlot Castle. Celestia and Luna looked on as their guards were incinerated. "Stop!" yelled Rarity, "I order you to stop at once!" Salazar writhed and twisted, and he thrust himself out of the tower. His coils of tail unraveled behind him as he flew into the night. The magical prisons around Celestia and Luna, meanwhile, dissipated, and the two alicorns stepped forward. Rarity reared up and cantered backwards, fearing the wrath of her princesses. "Unicorn Rarity!" came Celestia's stern voice, as she walked towards her. Rarity had never heard her speak like that, it sounded as if she was speaking through a megaphone. More frightening was the look in Celestia's eyes: unforgiving and angry. "Stop," said Luna calmly to her sister. Celestia turned to her sister, anger still burning in her eyes. "It's over, 'Tia," said Luna, touching her horn to Celestia's and nuzzling her. Tears welled up in the eyes of both alicorns as they closed their eyes and connected. "Oh Celestia!" said Rarity, "I'm so sorry!" She had never seen, or even imagined, her princesses crying. "I… I didn't know… He made me do it. He tricked me!" cried Rarity at the alicorns, as tears streamed from her own eyes. Flashes of light lit up the night sky outside. Rarity rushed to the balcony. Plumes of fire and smoke illuminated the castle, as the royal guards engaged Salazar in a hopeless fire fight. "What have I done!" cried Rarity as she broke into uncontrollable sobbing. Screams from ponies in the city below reached Rarity, each cutting like a knife into her heart. "Luna, Celestia!" cried Rarity, turning back. The two alicorn sisters turned away from Rarity. They stood peacefully upon the charred floor, somehow tuning out everything but each other. They rested their heads on each other's shoulders in a somber embrace. Their millennia of rule had come to an end.