Three years had gone by rather quickly. Three years since Applejack's death, and a lot of change had happened. As Twilight's leadership strengthened, Spike became a lead guard in the Crystal Empire. Rarity took Fancy Pants's place in the fashion industry after his retirement, becoming the head owner of practically every Boutique in Canterlot, and Fluttershy, well, she's still Fluttershy. New animal companions to tend to in her older age, though.
The three friends sat around the huge table in the Castle of Friendship, discussing some royal business. After that business, they decided to relax and do what three old friends would usually do when they have nothing to do- chatting.
“So, Rarity, how is your commerce doing?” Twilight asked while she made tea.
“Marvellous darling, really. I’ve never made so much profit,” Rarity said. Then she realized what she had implied, and looked seriously at her friends. She added, “I’m sorry, I sounded like I’m only interested in the money. I’m working for the dresses, you know that!”
“Of course we do, Rarity,” Fluttershy comforted her. Rarity sighed, relieved.
“It’s just… I can’t believe it! everything I ever dreamed, came true! The fame, my role in the fashion. It’s more than I ever hoped!” Rarity smiled. "Even if it did happen later in life!"
Twilight poured some tea in the cups by levitating the pot with her magic. “And we are really glad for you,” she replied.
“Say,” Rarity started, “may I ask you girls a favour?”
“Sure,” Twilight and Fluttershy responded in almost perfect synchronisation.
“Well, I have to go to Canterlot for a few days, as you know, to see how my boutiques are doing," Rarity explained, "and I was wondering if you two will watch over Carousel Boutique for so long? You know, for watering the plants, emptying my mailbox and things like that.”
“Why do you even need to ask, Rarity? Of course we'll help you! So, when do you leave?” Twilight asked.
“This Saturday,” Rarity answered promptly.
“And how long are you away?” Twilight questioned.
“Five or six days, one week maximum. Why?” Rarity asked.
“Oh, just wondering.” Twilight forced a smile.
“We'll watch over your house to the best of our ability, Rarity!” Fluttershy added.
“Thank you, girls!” Rarity exclaimed thankfully.
Twilight frowned a bit. She couldn't shake the feeling that this trip was a bad idea.
~
“We are ready to go, Miss Rarity,” a pink unicorn with long blue mane said.
“Oh Melody, please. ‘Rarity’ is fine. Simply Rarity,” Rarity told her.
“But, Miss, I am just your assistant. Aren’t I supposed to call you ‘miss’?” Melody asked, confused.
Rarity sighed and smiled. “We've already had this conversation darling. You’re not just an assistant, you are so much more. You are a true help, a real friend! Friends don’t call each other ‘miss’.”
“I’m sorry Mi- Rarity.” Melody corrected herself. “All my ex-bosses wanted to be called ‘sir’ or ‘boss’ or ‘chief.’ It’s a habit.”
“Okay then.” Rarity wanted to switch subjects, so she started talking about the trip. “But before we leave, some final checks.”
Melody levitated her clipboard. “Of course.”
“Luggage?”
“In the cab.”
“Keys?”
“In my saddlebag.”
“Schedule?”
“Right here.” Melody showed a little book.
“Good. Train tickets?”
“Also in my saddlebag.”
Rarity nodded. “Good. Did I forget something?”
“Uh…” Melody thought for a little while. “No.”
“Yes, I did,” Rarity contradicted.
Melody looked, confused, at her superior.
“I haven’t gave an extra key to Twilight!” Rarity grinned.
“Already did.”
Rarity was surprised for a moment, then she smiled gratefully. “And that, Melody, is why you are so much better then an ‘assistant’.”
Melody smiled and guided Rarity to the cab.
The way to Canterlot was long and boring. Luckily, Rarity had Melody to talk to. They discussed the plans for the next week. When they arrived at Canterlot Station, they were still busy talking about what would happen that day.
“Good. So what’s first?” Rarity asked.
“First, I’ll stop a cab, so we can go to the hotel,” Melody answered, “and as for the luggage...” She carried four heavy bags with her magic. She put the baggage on the pavement and walked to an empty cab.
“Are you free?” she asked.
“Oh, you’re a fast one hey?” the cab driver asked with a smirk, and he winked.
“I mean the cab. Is it reserved?” Melody asked, annoyed.
The cap driver looked disappointed. “No, ma’am. It’s free.”
“Thank you.” Melody levitated the bags one by one, and put them in the trunk then walked back to Rarity.
“Rarity?” she asked. “I arranged a cap.”
“Good work, Melody," Rarity said, and they trotted to the cab.
“May I ask you something?” Melody questioned.
“Of course, darling! Please, ask me," Rarity replied.
“Why didn’t we go with the carriage?”
Rarity smiled. “Because Pound Cake from Sugar Cube Corner is on honeymoon, and he forgot to arrange the transport, silly him! So, I lent him my carriage for a while.”
Melody was stunned, and as she helped Rarity in the cab, she remarked, "wow! That’s very generous of you.”
“Thank you!” Rarity responded, flattered. “But, back to business now.”
“Right," Melody said. “First, we go to the hotel, then we have two hours for unpacking. Then we go to ‘Fine Dress’, one of your more exclusive boutiques. It’s in…”
“Hays-street,” Rarity finished with a little smile “I know where my shops are.”
“Right. Sorry.” Melody apologised “After that, you will be expected at the grand opening of a new museum. Not far from ‘Fine Dress’.”
“Okay. And then?” Rarity asked.
Melody flipped a page. “Uh… oh, I’ve got it. Dinner at ‘Golden Heaven Restaurant’ with Trade Mark, the owner of a filial in Trottingham, and that’s it for today.”
“Oh, easy day. Good!” Rarity said. She turned to Melody. “Remind me that I have to talk to you when we are back in Ponyville. Okay?”
Melody was a bit worried. “About what?”
“About you,” Rarity noticed the concerned look at Melody’s face, “and don’t worry. It’s nothing bad.”
Melody sighed relieved.
“We’re here.” The cab driver said.
“Thank you sir,” Rarity said and she and Melody stepped out. “Melody, why don’t you take the luggage? Then I’ll pay the driver.” Melody nodded and walked to the trunk.
“That’s eleven bits please,” The cab driver said.
“Why, here you go. Keep the change!” She gave him fifteen bits.
"Why, thank you ma’am!” The cap driver exclaimed happily.
“I’m ready-” Melody yelled. and the cab driver left the two unicorns alone.
One and a half hour later, the two mares were ready to go. They stood in front of the hotel. Hay–street wasn’t that far, so Rarity and Melody decided to walk.
“What is the shortest way?” Rarity asked.
“That way.” Melody pointed to the left. “I know the way, but it’s a bit difficult to explain. It’s through alleys and small paths, but trust me, I was raised here.”
“Okay then. Show me he way!” The two friends trotted side by side to the boutique.
After a little while, they entered a dark lane, making Rarity a bit uncomfortable.
“Are you sure we’re going the right way?” she asked.
“Yes,” Melody confirmed. “When I was small, me and my father walked this street each Sunday. See, right after the next turn, we are in Hays-street. It’s just four more minutes.”
“Sure it is.” Rarity and Melody froze as a deep voice cut in.
The two unicorns turned rapidly around.
“W-who are you?” Rarity asked.
In the shadows, they could only see two emerald green eyes and a cruel smile to match.
“Does it matter? The real question is, ‘who are you?’”
Rarity was a bit scared by the deep voice, but managed to answer with all her confidence, “My name is Rarity and this is Melo-”
“Rarity?” the voice interrupted in what sounded like delighted surprise. “Hey, guys, take a look. It’s Rarity.” Three more silhouettes emerged from the shadows.
“Rarity? Like the Rarity?” one of the voices said.
“The ‘famous dress maker’ Rarity?” Another voice asked.
Rarity smiled nervously. “Well, yes, that’s me.”
“So, you are the rich and important Rarity, huh?” the last voice asked. Rarity could see the corners of his mouth turn into a nasty grin.
Melody looked towards the sky. “Oh dear.”
“What’s wrong?” Rarity asked, despite the answer being clear as day.
“This is a street robbery,” Melody deadpanned.
“What? How? You said you know these streets! I thought you would know the dangers!” Rarity responded in, eying the stallions.
“Yeah, but normally my father is-” One of the four ponies slammed Melody with a pipe.
“Melody!" Rarity cried, rushing to her friend. Raising her gaze, she yelled at the attacker, "You primitive, cruel, beast! How dare you treat my friend like that!”
“Shut up, you daughter of a butcher,” the attacker growled, holding the pipe menacingly.
Rarity gasped. “Such language!”
The leader of the gang stepped forward, a knife gripped in his magic aura. “Listen, you fool. Give us your money and get out of here.”
“I’ll never give my hard earned money to a monster such as yourself,” Rarity said responded, trying to be brave in the face of danger.
“Oh, so you want to play it the hard way, huh? Guys?” The three others unsheathed knives as well and stepped closer. The last thing that was heard were some dark laughs and a scream filled with pain.
~
Twilight trotted to the balcony, unsettled by the visit from NCIS Equestria that had happened mere hours ago.
“She doesn’t disserve this,” She muttered to herself, eyebrows knitted and expression tight. “So cold blooded. So unrespectable… but how? How do I explain to Fluttershy… that Rarity is murdered?”
Twilight heard a knock at her door, and she ordered Melody to get Fluttershy. And so, Melody, who was staying with Twilight for a little while, did.
“Here she is,” Melody said when she entered the room, Fluttershy walked behind her, a fearful anticipation written all over her face.
“Thank you, Melody. Please, Will you give us a moment?” Twilight asked. Melody nodded and silently left the room.
“Twilight? What’s wrong? Why are you looking so concerned?” Fluttershy asked anxiously. "Why is Melody here and Rarity isn't?"
Twilight sighed. “Please, Fluttershy. Take a seat.” Fluttershy did so, and Twilight noted her unsteady hooves as she pulled the chair out. Twilight wondered if it was from age or nerves.
Gently, Twilight did her best to explain what had happened to Rarity in Canterlot. Fluttershy began to sob almost immediately. When Twilight finished, Fluttershy was shaking silently, her sobs racking her frail body as she sat across from Twilight. Twilight put her hooves on Fluttershy's and stared to the side of the room.
“Now it’s just you and me, Fluttershy. You, and me.”
I think I have Post Traumatic Stress or something, Twilight's brain whispered.
~
“Find that murderer!” Celestia demanded. “Do what ever it costs to find those stallions!”
“Yes, princess,” The NCIS director responded gravely, “it’s our top priority now.”
“Make it higher!” Princess Luna commanded.
“Yes, princess.” With that, the two sisters flew away, through the open window, to the Castle.
“Only Fluttershy is left of Twilight's friends, sister,” Luna said softly.
“I know,” Celestia sighed, “and I’m afraid it won’t be for long.”
“It’s time to invite Twilight, don’t you think?”
Celestia nodded. “We will do, what has to be done.”
~
Twilight didn't feel sad, like she had with her other friends' deaths; she felt angry, furious with herself. The post traumatic stress stuff had gone away, and the anger had taken its place.
I could have prevented this! Somehow... Twilight and Fluttershy stood right next to each other, so close the thinnest fabric created couldn't separate them. Sweetie Belle also stood next to Twilight, though she stayed nearer to her elderly mother.
"Oh, Rarity," Twilight heard Sweetie Belle murmur. Twilight's anger didn't ebb. She hung her head low and thought, Somehow, I could have stopped her. I should have acted upon my intuition! Maybe I could have persuaded her to stay at home, or I could have cast a protection spell on her, or something else! This is my fault.
"Twilight, you're hurting," Fluttershy murmured. "Don't blame yourself." Twilight jerked her head up.
"But I could have stopped her," she whispered. Fluttershy shook her head.
"No, Twilight," she replied softly. "We'll all pass on eventually. Rarity had a terrible experience, but she's at peace now. She lived a full life, and even if you had stopped her, she..." Fluttershy trailed off and stared off into the distance.
"...she's gone," Fluttershy whispered. Then she added to Twilight, "she would have passed on soon. You have to accept it. We... we all have to." Fluttershy's gaze turned to Rarity's grave.
Fittingly, Rarity's grave was made of the finest granite, and diamonds, rubies, and sapphires lined the sides of it. Twilight's gaze followed the pattern until she had seen all the jewels.
Fluttershy is right, she realized, the anger slowly fading. Rarity is safe now. She had a good life.
"Twilight," Sweetie Belle murmured, stepping closer. "Since Rarity had no foals, who will own all her property and such?" Twilight looked Sweetie Belle straight in the eye.
"I think you should have it," Twilight replied softly. "You and Melody together. I think Rarity would love to see you two work together." Sweetie Belle smiled.
"Thank you, Twilight," she said. "I loved Rarity, and I loved everything she did."
Twilight opened her mouth to reply, then she realized that the mist thing was happening again. A purple mist rose from the elegant grave and swirled around the present ponies. Sweetie Belle, Twilight, and Fluttershy watched it arch over their heads and finally settle over Twilight.
Twilight lowered her head and thought, I hope those crooks are caught.