“So he’s truly dead now…” Closing her eyes, Twilight considered this information. Opening them, she looked to her friends, their trust in her, and was glad she had discovered them. Otherwise, she might have come out like Starswirl. Looking to the sky, giving a sad smile, she couldn’t imagine her life without her friends.
“Ah’m glad ta see you're alright.” Applejack gave Sweetie an encouraging smile. Truly, to survive as long as the filly did was nothing short of remarkable. Well, she wasn’t exactly a filly anymore, but it was hard to admit the maturity hidden behind those eyes. Really, it made her proud to know Applebloom’s friend was such a strong individual, regardless of blood.
“The amount of parties, my hair is twitching in excitement!” So many parties the poor pony had missed. Pinkie Pie could feel the pain that must have been caused from the lack of fun. Had she become boring at one point? No! Never! Pinkie Pie refused to believe she too could become boring!
“Y-You said something about a d-Dragon egg?” Hiding behind her hair, Fluttershy was concerned the Dragons would come to retrieve the egg. While it was true they would mean no harm, it was a very real concern. Looking to her, Twilight quickly wrote a note, sending it off in a puff of magic.
“I’ll ask Celestia to send it down with some Guards. I’ve also invited her to come down herself with Luna. I imagine they want to talk to Sweetie as well.” Giving a smile, Twilight noticed Fluttershy’s worries ebb slightly, and looked to Rainbow Dash as she began to speak.
“I uh, don’t really have much to say, but it’s great to see you back here safe and sound Sweetie. Both Rarity and Scootaloo woulda been heartbroken to find you gone.” Rubbing the back of her head, Rainbow Dash managed a smile, before looking away and biting her lip.
“Thank you, to be honest it’s just nice to hear something new for once,” giving a nervous laugh, Sweetie noticed all six faces fall, and looked away, ears flopping down. Standing up, she looked to her sister, and gave a weary expression. Blinking, Rarity turned toward the others.
“So yes, that’s everything done here. If that’s all, I’d like to take my sister home, and spend time with her.” Voice soft, Rarity gave them all a sad gaze, and the five rushed goodbye’s. Turning, she and Sweetie began to head home, Sweetie leaning on Rarity. At the moment, all they wanted was to be together.
Arriving home, Rarity entered the kitchen to begin preparing food. After sitting at the table for a while, Sweetie couldn’t stand her own thoughts, and stood up to help. Showing her sister, Rarity carefully instructed her so as to avoid any of it getting ruined. Finally, they sat down, eating in silence.
“Rarity, is it normal to wanna say stuff, but not wanna?” Pushing her meal away, Sweetie looked her sister in the eyes. Gulping, Rarity put down her fork, and stood up, walking around the table to put a hoof on her sister’s shoulder. Breathing in, she let go of her desire to protect her sister, knowing it was too late.
“Sometimes, there are secrets we take to our graves. Lies we tell ourselves, places where even generosity can turn to greed. I won’t lie, there are times when you’ll want to share, but know what harm it will cause. Often, there is no right answer.” Closing her eyes, Rarity allowed a sad smile to fall on her face.
“But that’s what family is for. Sometimes there will be things you can’t even tell them, but it doesn’t matter who, or what, as long as you have somepony to confide in, the pain eases slightly. So when I say this, don’t ever forget it Sweetie. I am here for you, if you ever need to talk. And I will never judge your actions, and will never speak of them.” Bringing her sister into a hug, Rarity opened her eyes, looking at the wall behind her.
“I’ve killed ponies,” was the whisper from her sister’s lips. Being pushed away, Rarity noticed the strained expression on Sweetie’s face. For a moment, a slice of fear passed through her. Scolding herself mentally, she composed herself, reminding her who was behind such a frightful gaze.
“A-And I’m not talking about the times you all turned into dust. I threw Diamond Tiara off a cliff, I poisoned Ponyville, I tried to kill Celestia and Luna, I drove a pony to suicide. What am I supposed to do?” Tears streaming down her face, Sweetie looked to her front hooves, and bit her lip.
“I’ve done so much, so many terrible things. And I did them knowing full well what I was doing. I don’t know what I’m supposed to feel, but I know it isn’t what I do feel. I feel nothing, and that’s the worst part sister!” Looking up, Sweetie’s tears flowed freely, mixing with some blood coming from her lip.
“Why? Why can’t I feel guilty? Why does thinking about it fill me with guilt over the fact I feel nothing? Why do their faces torture me? I just want to go back to a normal life.” Sobbing into her hooves, Sweetie shook. Watching this, Rarity looked around the room, as if searching for inspiration. Gritting her teeth, she gave a strained sound, and then brought her sister into another hug, stroking her hair.
“I wish I knew the answer, I truly do. But I will tell you one thing.” Breaking the hug, Rarity held her sister's head, and forced their eyes to meet.
“You are the most kind-hearted sister in the world. You care about others, so much that the very fact you don’t care about those...incidents bothers your very core. I don’t know the answers but I know a smart little sister who will figure it out for herself. All I can say is this: Don’t focus on what you can’t change, focus on what you can.” Bringing her sister back into a hug, Rarity closed her eyes.
“You’re right.” Eyes widening, Sweetie’s tears finally stopped. Separating from Rarity, she pulled out a list from her saddlebags, looking at it. Slowly, a warm smile fell on her face, and she looked to Rarity.
“Hey sister, do you think you could help me with a few final things to take care of? I’ll need the help of the Elements, and probably the Princesses.” Looking, Sweetie felt the stirrings of passion in her chest. This, this was something she could change. Rarity, glad to see some of her sister’s determination return, saluted.
“Say no more Sweetie, I have no doubts they will help you. And if not, I will do everything in my power to bribe them into helping you.” Giving a wink, Rarity watched as Sweetie went upstairs to prepare a few things. Following her up, Rarity leaned on the door frame, and looked at Sweetie’s room, letting a bittersweet smile fall on her face.
A year, Sweetie had grown up so fast.