The Visitor
It was the sound of the birds’ songs that woke Rarity up. Her ears twitched but her eyelids did not flicker open, the mare preferring to retain that sense of slumber. There was a smell of tea in the air, which never failed to make her smile. Her body felt a bit cold though, which made things slightly more uncomfortable so she reluctantly opened her eyes in order to find the warm brew.
The covers were messed up and strewn over the bed, which suggested that her night had been a turbulent one. Perhaps she had a stressful dream. It was probably for the best that she didn’t remember it.
The curtains were closed so adjusting to the dim light of her room wasn’t a problem at all. She raised herself from the pillow slightly and pulled the covers back over her, too tired to do it with her magic.
At this point, the aroma became too much to withstand any longer and she glanced around the room. To her left, on the wooden bedside table was a tray that held a plate with two slices of toast. Each slice was covered in butter and was toasted to perfection. Besides them was a white mug, full of steaming tea. To the side was a napkin, accompanied by a small note. Rarity picked it up, reading the words:
Breakfast in bed for the best sister in the world~!
The gesture was obviously intended to be heartwarming--and it was--but two factors made it jarring. The first was that nothing was burnt, which was very strange considering Sweetie Belle’s cooking ability.
More important though was the fact that it was so full of childlike innocence, which brought feelings of guilt and dread to Rarity. One way or another, the beans would be spilled.
Rarity let out a stuttered sigh, putting down the note and placing the mug in her hooves. Upon taking a sip, a wave of warmth radiated throughout her body, almost casting aside her doubts and fears.
She glanced at the toast but something else caught her attention instead. Another note but this time it was neatly folded up. Rarity raised an eyebrow and (thanks to the caffeine in the tea) used her magic to bring it to herself to read.
Don’t worry. No fires occurred. Sweetie Belle is at school and I doubt she suspects a thing.
Hope you’re doing okay. After you have talked to the police, we should talk. Although I perfectly understand if you need some alone time; I can easily accommodate Sweetie at the library.
Twilight
Rarity gasped, the note reminding her of the visit she was due. She quickly looked up at the clock on the wall opposite her.
Nine thirty-five. Oh thank Celestia.
She leant back against her pillow, sipping more tea to soothe her nerves. Then she began to eat her toast, the only sound being the crunching of the food. She gave the wall a blank stare, only having her breakfast and doing nothing else.
She had no idea how much time had passed before her mug was empty. The unexpected realization snapped her out of her daze and she put the stained mug and crumb covered plate back onto the tray.
Then she did nothing except stare at the wall again.
Sweetie Belle didn’t mind Mondays too badly. School was actually pretty fun. She liked to learn and it she always saw her friends there. The only bad part about it was Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon and even then, their insults were beginning to get repetitive.
The problem was that not everyone else liked Mondays. Scootaloo in particular was always very snarky on a school Monday. So Sweetie had learned to tone down her cheerfulness and be patient with the others. She suspected that even Miss Cherilee disliked Mondays so she always made an extra effort today. It made things alot easier for everyone involved.
This Monday was an odd one though. Instead of Rarity of her parents taking her to school, it was Twilight. Granted, her parents were on holiday but it was unlike her sister to do something so lazy as to sleep in.
The pair walked side by side, a light smile on Twilight’s face. Sweetie’s was scrunched up in thought. The librarian gave the occasional passing wave but the conversation between the two was dry.
That is, until Sweetie spoke up. “Twilight?”
The older mare looked down at the filly. “Yes Sweetie Belle?”
“Does Rarity hate Mondays now?”
Twilight blinked. “No no,” she answered, shaking her head, “As I said earlier, she has a lot of work coming up and thought it would be a good idea to get more sleep beforehoof.”
Sweetie looked at the ground, kicking a stray pebble with her forehoof. “Okay.”
Twilight set her gaze ahead, hiding a concerned frown but had to mask it again shortly.
“Oh! Oh!” Sweetie chirped, bouncing excitedly, “I had a little spark of magic the other day!”
“Really?” Twilight replied, giving the filly her full interest, “I’ll have to teach you how to control it some time soon then.”
“Really?!” Sweetie made a grin so wide, Twilight couldn’t help but chuckle to herself.
“Really.”
“Yay!” Sweetie cheered, hopping around an amused Twilight, “I can’t wait to use magic ‘cause then I can do thing really easily! Like cooking!”
“Well, levitation certainly makes manipulating objects easier but it doesn’t make everything a cakewalk.” Twilight commented.
Sweetie stopped her bouncing and frowned a tad. “I know that.”
“It seems obvious now but when you have magic...” the librarian rubbed the back of her neck, “you tend to get a bit carried away.”
“Oh, like that spell that made us all go crazy over your doll?”
Twilight let out an annoyed sigh. “Yes. Something like that.” she wiped off her frown with a smile, “Anyway, you better run along now.” she pointed at the schoolhouse. Many fillies were outside, chatting and playing while some of the adults were simply conversing with one another.
“Okay! Thanks for walking me here!” Sweetie said cheerfully with a energetic wave, before galloping off.
“No problem. I’ll see you later to arrange magic tutoring!” Twilight called out then headed over to Applejack, who had just dropped off Apple Bloom.
Sweetie went up the path to the front door, where Scootaloo was giving her scooter to Cherilee so that it could be put in the closet. Apple Bloom was stood beside the pegasus filly and was the first to spot Sweetie.
“Hey Sweetie Belle!” the farmyard filly hollered. At least she seemed perky for a Monday.
“Hi you two.” Sweetie replied.
“Hey.” Scootaloo said, her stuff safely inside. She sounded tired, proven by the fact that she let out a big yawn. Sweetie was always concerned that Scootaloo didn’t get enough sleep sometimes but didn’t want to confront her about it. Scootaloo was a good friend who you could have a great time with but when she was tired, she tended to get very snappy.
“How was yer mornin’ then?” Apple Bloom asked Sweetie Belle, intentionally ignoring Scootaloo over this question.
“It was alright...but Rarity was acting weird.”
Apple Bloom raised an eyebrow “How so?”
“She’s still in bed, I think.” Sweetie Belle answered, almost in disbelief herself.
“Well that just ain’t natural for her.” Apple Bloom shook her head, “Is she sick?”
“Didn’t look like it. Twilight said she had a lot of work coming up but she’s never mentioned it to me.”
“Whatever it is, she’s probably being overly dramatic about it.” Scootaloo added then performed a crude imitation of Rarity, “My mane looks terrible today! I simply cannot leave my bed looking like this!” she fanned her face with a hoof, before pretending to faint. Both Sweetie and Apple Bloom erupted into a burst of giggles.
“No, I don’t think it’s that. Wouldn’t surprise me though.” Sweetie Belle rolled her eyes. “I’ll ask her myself after school.”
“Probably nothin’ to worry about.” Apple Bloom said confidently.
“Yeah, sometimes I wake up and never want to leave my bed. Like today.” Scootaloo deadpanned, blowing her mane out of her face.
The bell rang and Cherilee stood just outside the classroom. Everypony knew the drill, trudging inside, some saying hello to the teacher as they passed.
“I swear to Celestia, if we’re doing math...” Scootaloo muttered angrily.
“It’s not that bad.” Sweetie replied as the two got to their seats next to each other.
“For you maybe.” Scootaloo leant her head against the desk. Sweetie Belle ‘tsked’ to herself and faced the blackboard, ready for another day of learning.
Knock knock knock.
The sound broke Rarity from her trance. She hoped that the pony at the door wouldn’t be the police but it probably was. Sighing, she put down the photo on the table so she wouldn’t have to see the image. A family picture. Better times.
Knock knock knock.
Rarity briskly trotted over to the front door, mentally berating herself. She certainly didn’t want to seem rude, despite the circumstances.
She had prepared something polite to say but words failed her when she opened the door and saw the police stallion behind it.
The platinum colored unicorn cleared his throat before speaking, “Good afternoon Miss Belle. I am Officer Tiercel and--” the confidential tone of his voice disappeared, accompanied by a sigh and was replaced by a tone that was much more sincere, “I’m Grey Tiercel, and we both know why we’re here. May I come in?”
“By all means, officer.” Rarity said, allowing the police pony inside.
“Just Grey will do. You’re not accused of anything so I’d prefer to make this a more relaxed affair.” With his magic, he slipped his golden Manehattan police badge into a pocket on his dark blue uniform. Rarity thought the clothes suited him, standard as they were. Probably because both his mane and eyes were a steel blue.
Rarity led him into the kitchen and offered him a seat. “Tea?”
“Would be appreciated, thanks. Was a long journey to get here.” Grey replied as he sat down. His manner was friendly enough but Rarity was still unnerved. Here was a stranger in her own home, about to discuss something so personal. It didn’t feel right.
Once the tea was made, Rarity sat down opposite Grey and gave him his cup before sipping her own. Thankfully, she didn’t need to worry about an awkward silence.
“Couldn’t help but notice the mannequins on the way in. You’re a fashion designer then?” Grey asked. Only now was it really apparent that he lacked a strong Manehattan accent.
“Oh, um,” Rarity fumbled, the random question throwing her off, “Yes, I am.”
“Can’t be easy in a small town like this.” Grey took a sip of his tea.
“Sometimes. I’ve gotten my share of high profile clients though.” She looked down at her tea. “I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else either.”
“It’s a nice place. Very different from Manehattan. For example, on my way here, I saw a mare playing a lyre in the street. Tried to give her some coin but she wouldn’t accept it.” he laughed slightly, “Wouldn’t get that in Manehattan, let me tell you.”
“Mhm...” Rarity took a sip of her tea before continuing, “If I may ask, what does this have to do with...” she trailed off, sure that Grey knew what she was on about it.
“Nothing at all.” Grey answered with a friendly smirk, “But it would be quite cold of me to discuss those matters the moment I walked through the door, wouldn’t it?”
“I suppose...” Rarity shifted in her seat.
“However, if you want to talk about it now, then we can.”
“Please.”
“Very well then.” Grey took a long sip of the tea, “I guess I’ll start with the truth.”
Rarity’s ears twitched and her back went straight. “The truth?”
“What did the letter say?”
Rarity paused, remembering the moment she read it. She wished she didn’t have to but with a police officer, there wasn’t another option. “That they were...killed, in a carriage accident between--”
“Aah, a half-truth then.” He nodded in satisfaction, “Good old Narroh.”
Rarity merely raised an eyebrow at the stallion.
“Now I understand that this will be hard for you but ponies like you deserve the truth. Manehattan isn’t like Ponyville. Not at all. In such a big city, crime can get out of hoof sometimes...” he sighed to himself, “A couple of thugs thought that they could rob your parents.”
Rarity gasped, her forehooves covering her mouth. Grey apparently took this as a sign that he didn’t need to go any further.
Grey changed the subject. Slightly. “You have the choice to bury them wherever you want.”
Rarity wiped her eyes. “Yes...Ponyville, if that’s manageable.”
“Of course it is.” Grey said with a firm nod.
“Good...good.” Rarity let out a deep breath, “I can’t imagine them being buried anywhere else.”
“Completely understandable.” Grey replied while Rarity drank more of her tea, “I can get them here in a couple day’s time. However long it takes--and I assure you, I’ll try to make it as quick as possible--you’ll receive another letter the day before.”
Rarity only nodded in response.
“Have you told your sister?”
Rarity was going to finish off her tea but put the cup back on the table when she heard the question. She kept her eyes on the table. “Not exactly...n-no.”
Grey made a grunt of disapproval. “She’s got to know sometime. She will know some time. Fillies aren’t stupid, trust me. They will sense if something’s wrong surprisingly quickly.”
Rarity simply finished off her tea, saying nothing.
“You have to be honest with her. If you don’t...well...it won’t end well for anyone.”
The two talked for an hour or two, mostly discussing logistics--although Grey had managed to divert the conversation to something less tragic a few times. The officer had told Rarity to at some point go to the Town Hall and check if her parents left her a will. He also gave her a list of ponies to see if she needed support but she refused them, saying that all she needed were her friends.
Then the time came for Grey to leave. The pair headed to the front door and Rarity opened it for the stallion.
“If you need me, I’ll be around town for a bit before going back to Manehattan,” Grey said as he stepped outside, “Oh, and thank you for the tea.”
“It was my pleasure, thank you for coming.” Rarity replied, thanking Celestia that she didn’t have a breakdown in front of Grey.
“The pleasure was all mine, Miss Rarity.” Grey smirked, giving the mare a little bow.
The gesture managed to make her smile just a bit. “Have a lovely day, Grey.”
“Try to make the best of yours.” Grey said sincerely, then turned away and left.
Rarity closed the door and then slumped against it. Grey was right: Sweetie Belle would find out so and probably when Rarity least expected it. But how do you tell a filly that their parents are gone forever? Especially when they are yours too.
Before telling her sister, she would have to tell her friends. That would be a lot easier. Rarity didn’t think that Twilight would tell them yet, or at least not the whole story. With a reluctant sigh, she got up and stepped outside. At this point, she was beyond caring for her appearance in public, extreme as it sounded.
With a deep breath, Rarity pushed open the door and stepped outside.
“So ya say somethin’ happened to Rarity?” Applejack asked Twilight. The two had returned to the library, Applejack cutting a little bit into her work schedule. It was worth it though just to see her friend, furthermore she could easily make up for lost time.
“It’s...not good. That’s all I’m telling.” Twilight said with a deadly serious, although she was quick to add to her statement, “Sorry Applejack but...it’s a very personal matter.”
Spike meanwhile was on a ladder, busily sorting out books. He really didn’t need to but anything was better than focusing on the grim conversation at hoof, even if it just meant taking out a book and putting it back in place.
Applejack’s face turned to one of concern. “I understand. Is she doin’ okay?”
“In all honesty...I wouldn’t say so, no,” Twilight replied, not noticing Spike climb down the ladder and briskly leaving the room.
The two ponies were spared from silence by knocks coming from the door. Twilight put on a smile and headed over to the entrance, opening the door.
“Hey Rarity,” Twilight greeted the mare, letting her enter the library. “Faring better?”
“Better than yesterday, yes.” Rarity stopped, spotting Applejack. “Ah, hello Applejack. I can’t say expected you to be here.”
“Same,” Applejack simply replied.
“Well...I suppose that’s only a good thing,” Rarity stated while Twilight went to her side. “Have you told her, or shall I?” Twilight merely shook her head. “I see,” Rarity said, looking into Applejack’s eyes. “Applejack. I don’t quite know how to put this but...” Rarity stuttered, running a hoof through her mane. “My parents...they...they’re gone.”
Rarity sniffed, fighting back the tears. Feeling Twilight’s foreleg wrap around her shoulders certainly helped a bit. She leant against her slightly, taking in the embrace. Applejack took off her hat, too stunned to say anything.
She had to say something though. “My condolences. They were good ponies Rarity, don’t ever let anypony else tell ya otherwise.”
Rarity blinked, not expecting such a long word to come out of Applejack’s mouth. However different it was, it was sincere. “Thank you Applejack. That means quite a lot to me.”
Twilight gave Applejack a small smile, before returning her attention to Rarity. “Do you need anything?”
Rarity sniffled. “Just your company. That’s all.”
“We’ll be here as long as ya want us to,” Applejack said, walking over to Rarity. The three friends stayed there for a while, giving each other strength..
“Now Rarity darling, do you remember everything that me and Dad told you?”
The little filly looked up at her mother, nodding rapidly. “Yes, Mother.”
Pearl Belle giggled, ruffling her daughter’s mane. “Look at you. Such a refined lady. I knew you’d be able to take care of yourself!”
Rarity looked at her Dad as he gathered the suitcases by the front door. They were going on vacation but Rarity would be staying behind at home, all by herself.
The filly looked back up at her mother. “But I don’t want you to go!”
Pearl lowered herself, meeting her daughter at eye-level. “I know you don’t darling but me and your father need some alone time for our anniversary.”
“Think of it this way--hngh!” Magnum put down the final suitcase he had been holding. “There we go! Anyway, yes. Think of it this way: in only five days everything will be back to normal!”
Rarity pouted, stomping a hoof on the floor. “That’s five days too long!”
“Rarity dear,” Pearl said, cupping her daughter’s face with her hooves. “Me and your Dad have taught you everything you need to know. You’ll be perfectly fine by yourself. And just think of all the privacy you’ll have!”
“Exactly! You can do whatever you want!” Magnum exclaimed, then hastily added, “Just don’t throw any house parties.”
Rarity lowered her ears but kept silent. The only Party she could’ve really thrown was a party of one; she mostly kept to herself at school and everypony else kept their distance from her.
“Wait. That’s the time?!” Magnum cried, staring at the clock on the wall. “Sugarplum, we gotta go before we miss our train!”
Pearl gave her husband a firm nod, then gave Rarity a long peck on the forehead. “We love you, Rarity. Be safe and remember, if there’s any problems just tell our neighbours. You know everyone around is friendly here.”
“Bye darling!” Magnum blew Rarity a kiss, although it was rather rushed. “C’mon Pearl, let’s go!”
“Coming!” Pearl turned around, levitating nearly all the luggage with her magic and sending it out of the door. Magnum picked up a suitcase with his teeth and swiftly exited the house. Pearl followed, but looked back to Rarity and gave her a wave. “Love you!”
The door then slammed shut and Rarity was left to her own devices. She slumped down onto her rear and wrapped her tail around herself, looking down.
“Love you too...”
"Saved by the bell!" Scootaloo cheered, rushing out of the schoolhouse on her scooter (much to Cheerilee's annoyance), Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle in hot pursuit. "Anymore of those equations and I think my head wouldn't exploded."
"Yeah, they made my head all numb..." Apple Bloom agreed, rubbing her head.
"They were alright," Sweetie Belle said, coming to a stop just outside the school gate along with the others.
"So! Now that school's over, what do ya wanna do?!" Scootaloo asked, getting off her scooter and leaning against the fence.
"Er...I don't really know." Apple Bloom sighed, shaking her head. "Them numbers dang messed up my brain! I can't think straight!"
Sweetie was looking around the area, seeing no sign of Applejack, Rarity or even Twilight. "That's weird."
Scootaloo tried to follow the unicorn's gaze. "What is?"
"There's nobody to pick us up." Sweetie waved a hoof at the scene before her. Many children were meeting with their parents, giving them hugs and excitedly telling them about their day.
Scootaloo just shrugged. "So?"
"My sister always picks me up, and either Big Mac or Applejack takes Apple Bloom home. I know you just ride home, Scoots." Apple Bloom nodded in agreement with Sweetie.
"You're fine by yourselves!" Scootaloo assured the pair, patting them both on the back.
"Well duh..." Apple Bloom replied, rolling her eyes. "But still, Applejack would've said if she weren't coming to pick me up."
"Yeah..." Sweetie tapped a hoof on the ground, lost in thought. "And Twilight brought me to school this morning...I don't know about you two, but I just got a really bad feeling in my stomach now."
"Everything's probably fine...but we should still go home to make sure," Apple Bloom said.
Scootaloo huffed, getting back on her scooter. "Fiiine. I guess I'll just practice some of my tricks. See you two later!" She began flapping her wings furiously and pushed off against the ground with a hoof, leaving the others behind in the dust.
After Sweetie had recovered from a coughing fit caused by the dust, she spoke to Apple Bloom, "I'll see you later then. Tell me if something's wrong, okay?"
Apple Bloom gave her a firm nod. "Sure. And I expect ya to do the same."
The two then made their goodbyes and parted ways. Sweetie Belle headed back home, a pit of worry forming in her stomach. Something just wasn't right about all this. It was probably nothing but it was still weird. She blocked out the other children that were rushing home, dragging their parents behind them, and focused on her own thoughts. Hopefully, everything would be fine. Even after bad times like the period before the last sisterhooves' social, things sorted themselves out. And maybe nothing would need to be sorted out at all.
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The nobody thing is a bit glaring but other than that this is pretty good so far.
That right there sums up what's already happening and what's going to happen soon.
I can tell for a fact Sweetie Belle won't take it very well. And of course it's no surprise that Applejack took the news so well, her own parents aren't around anymore either for reasons unknown so this isn't new to her. She might just be the shoulder Rarity and Sweetie Belle need to lean on to get by.
Glad to have an update!
poor sweetie is not going to take the news well
Now this is an interesting tale. As far as I can tell, this is your 2nd best work so far, only just behind Role Reversal. So... MOAR!
I'm wondering if there is a Scoots foreshadowing on her being tired, but that is just me wanting it to happen lol. MOAR
Sorry Fluttershy gets mad when you make her wait for chapters...
Upon discovering the death of her parents, Sweetie Belle was crushed. She felt she would never recover. However, with the assistance of the police, the criminals responsible were placed behind bars for life. Sweetie grew to hold what is good and right in high regard and took it into her hooves to protect the citizens of Equestria from ever experiencing what she had. With Rarity's assistance and a modified Mare-Do-Well costume, Sweetie Belle begins a new life fighting crime.
Sweetie Belle is...
Batmare.
I have no idea why I came up with that, but I couldn't resist.
I'm cleaning out the stories that I have been keeping track of starting with the oldest. Could you please tell me if this story is still active?
Just to confirm, They were killed in a hit & run?