Epilogue: The Sparkling Reflection of Princess Rarity

Sweetie Belle sat in her dressing room twiddling with an old gem stone, staring blankly into space. She chewed her lips and glanced in the mirror. Her mane was perfect and so was her makeup. She still bumped up her mane as part of her ceremony of anxiousness. Another dollop of blush to her cheeks, and another ironing of an invisible crinkle in her dress. She still wasn’t any less nervous. Different shows brought different kinds of anxiety, but this one seemed to be insurmountable. She wore her lucky socks and hairpin, but still her blood ran cold. At least she had her sparkling sapphire.

A stallion popped his head into the room.

“You’re on in five, Miss Sweetie Belle,” said the pony. “We need you backstage.”

She simply looked at him and nodded. He left. She took a deep breath and put the stone on the table. Tonight was the night she’d make her sister proud.

She left through the door and went to her scheduled placement.

Among her were about two dozen other ponies, all skilled, all talented, all vying for the same spot she was: headliner of Sapphire Shores’ last great tour. Whoever landed that gig would be sure to take the passing mantle of the Pony of Pop. Each pony there was worthy of the spot, but she was going in a top competitor and crowd favourite. Because of that, she was met with faces ranging from disinterested to downright envious.

“Born and raised in Ponyville,” said the announcer, “Sweetie Belle made her debut in the Canterlot club scene with her electro-pop hit single, ‘Illustrious’, topping charts across Equestria. Taking that name to heart, Sweetie Belle gained fame with a series of songs ranging from club music to contemporary classical, making her one of the most diverse upcoming artists. Today she debuts an entirely new song. Put your hooves together for the illustrious, Sweetie Belle!”

There was a grand applause and cheer as Sweetie Belle made her way to center stage.

“Thank you,” said Sweetie Belle. “Before I start, I have a tiny confession to make. I know you guys think I’m so original, but I’m really not,” she joked.

She liked to play with the audience a little bit before getting into her singing. It helped calm her down.

“Really, I didn’t even write this next song. My sister did.”

There was an communal “aww” from the audience. They all knew the story.

“Wherever she is... I hope I can sing this as well as she did.”

Sweetie Belle took a deep breath and thought back to happier memories.

Somewhere, over the rainbow

Way up high

There’s a land that I heard of

Once in a lullaby

Somewhere, over the rainbow

Skies are blue

And the dreams that you dare to

Dream really do come true.

One day I’ll wish upon a star

And wake up where the clouds are

Far behind me

When troubles melt like lemon drops

Up high above the chimney tops

That’s where you’ll find me.

Sweetie Belle wanted to cry as she sang, but held it in. She’d been practicing the piece Over the Rainbow, and it never felt right to sing it. Even now, she wanted to beat herself up for ruining the last great memory of her sister. She didn’t care that they were applauding or that Sapphire Shores was giving her a standing ovation. She was going to make money off of her sister’s legacy. She’d hear other ponies singing it, and they’d never know what it meant to her. A few tears escaped her and she shook visibly on stage. The audience saw that and let out another “aww”. Sweetie Belle walked off stage and ran the rest of the way to her dressing room.

In the back, Rarity had been mouthing the words to the song as Sweetie Belle sang it. She had never been prouder. Her sister was a wonderful singer, beautiful and illustrious.

“Bravo! Bravo!”

Rarity quietly slipped into Sweetie Belle’s dressing room. The younger sister was alerted by an intrusive knock, but quickly realized it was anything but an intrusion.

There were no petty words as Sweetie Belle turned to see Rarity, only disbelief. Her tired face cracked and less than a second later, the foal was a sobbing mess in Rarity’s arms. Years of heartache were released in one night, in one moment. Long hours of singing and crying alone, wondering if it was her fault, and finally the healing could begin.

The gem on Sweetie’s dresser lost its colour and Rarity held her sister tighter. She loved her sister. All this had been for her.

And it was worth it.

That was who she was.