My sister; My saviour
by Melody_Moon
Chapters
My sister; My enemy
It was a warm, crisp spring day. The pegasi had cleared all of the clouds, letting down the warmth of the sun, as it's light danced across the rolling hills and swaying trees of Ponyville. A stallion paced nervously in a large, white waiting room in the Ponyville hospital, just outside of the Maternity Ward, his patience growing thin, and legs slowly turning to jello, from the long, sleepless hours the night before. His daughter, a young filly, who had only just recently had gotten her cutie mark, stayed by his side, as they waited in utter silence. They knew that the mother, who had been very young when her daughter had been born, could easily lose the young filly/colt inside of her, due to complications she had in the past. Already losing three others after her first had been born, this, she knew, was her last chance, before she would never be able to have any more children. The tension in the air hung thick like fog, as they all waited. After what seemed like hours more, a small cry was heard from the mother's room.
It was the day that I was born.
My name is Sweetie Belle. On that day, ten years ago, I was brought into the world. A white unicorn filly, with a pink and purple mane, and big, green eyes, that would make you melt just by looking into them. My mother and father knew right away that I was special, especially when I had lifted the doctor into the air only minutes after being born. "What a sight it was", they always told me, "Seeing the doctor fly up 3 feet in the air, because of a few minute old filly."
I wish I could do that now though, since now I can barely lift a pencil, but my parents say it is alright, since most baby unicorns have magic surges when they are little.
The first one to hold me after my mother was my sister, Rarity. My father told me that he let her hold me first, since she was so excited to see her new little sister. "She cried when she held you," he said, "The joy of seeing you for the first time was one of the greatest moments of her life."
On my first birthday, they had the Cakes make me a cake fit for a Princess, but of course, being only a baby, most of that cake was given to the other ponies in Ponyville by my mom and dad. Rarity even made me a small dress, made of the finest silk and gems she could find, which was a little difficult at the time, since she was only a young filly at the time, but she had begged mom and dad to let her get the materials, and in return, she not get any allowance for a full month. So she took all of the bits she had saved up, and worked so hard on the dress. Mom always says, even to this day, that it was the best dress she ever made.
After that, I wore that dress every birthday, Rarity always making adjustments whenever they were needed. As I grew taller, she made it longer. When I had slimmed out more, getting rid of my baby fat, she slimmed out the dress, carefully measuring and cutting, putting her love into each stitch.
But one day, mom and dad decided to get new jobs. Before that, my mom and dad both worked at the Carousel Boutique; mom sewing the clothes, dad handling all of the important clients that wanted her dresses. They decided to sell the boutique and travel the world, doing business with Filthy Rich, since he was one of their best clients.
"Rarity, Sweetie Belle, could you come here please? Mommy and daddy need to talk with you."
Rarity and I went into the kitchen, where our parents were sat down at the dining room table. "Yes mommy?" I said, with a small smile that could warm even the coldest pony's heart.
"Well, this is really hard to say, but your father and I have accepted a job with Filthy Rich."
"Really!" Rarity shouted, "That's great mommy!"
"Sweetie, you don't understand. This job means that we would have to travel all of Equestria, even to other counties. It would be too much for us to do that, and ruin the boutique, so we have decided to sell it."
"W-what?" Rarity stammered out.
"I know this is hard on both of you," Mom put her hoof on Rarities shoulder, "Especially you Rarity, since you loved this place so much, and I know we promised to give this place to you once you got older....but this is a big oportunity for us. You two would come with us too. We could all still be together-"
"NO!" Rarity shouted. Since I was still only little at the time, I had no idea what was happening, so I just looked at Rarity with a confused look. "I don't want to leave! I want to stay here in Ponyville with my friends, and with you! I want to stay in the boutique and run it with you mommy, not have someone else own it! Who knows what they'll do to this place-they might burn it to the ground! NOOOOOOO!!!!"
Rarity ran out of the room, a stream of tears following her. "RARITY!!" Mom cried out to her.
She fell to the floor, her hooves to her face, and began to cry. "Of darling, I knew this would be too much for her....I should have never agreed to this job."
"Honey," My father pulled mom into a hug, "I think it's time we gave the boutique to Rarity."
She snapped her head up. "WHAT?! Are you crazy?!? She is only still just a filly. She just turned 13 a little while ago! How could she run a business all by herself?"
"Honey, listen, you know that she would soon inherit the boutique, so wouldn't it be best if she inherited it now, instead of selling it. Plus, the Cakes have been our friends for years. They could look after her until she got older. Say, when she is 16, then she can run the shop by herself."
"But what about Sweetie Belle?"
I looked up at my mom and smiled. "Don't wowwy, mommy. I can stay with Wawity. I wuv my big sister."
She looked down at me, and gazed into my eyes. She pulled me into a hug. "Oh Sweetie, I wish it was that simple..." Her eyes teared up again.
"I don't think the Cakes would mind taking them both in...but if you're sure, we could take her with us until she gets a little older. Then when we leave for our business trips, she can stay with Rarity."
She looked at my dad, and smiled. "yes, that sounds like a good idea." She looked back to me, "Would you like that Sweetie Belle?"
"YAYYY!!!!!" I ran out into the other room to where my sister was still crying, "WAWITY, GUESS WHAT??"
From that day forward, I would always go with my mom and dad on all of their business trips, while Rarity stayed with the Cakes, while still running the boutique. Every time we came home, I always gave my sister the biggest hug, and she would return it. Her hugs were always the warmest, and the kindest. Not even moms hugs would compare to the hug I got from my sister. Even with mom and dads business trips, we were all always together on mine and Rarity's birthdays. She still fixed up that dress, like she did every year. One year, I actually tried making one for her. It was a mess. Fabric that didn't go together, gems that didn't match the design, but she still wore it, because she knew how much it mean't to me.
When my sister finally turned 16, and when I was 7, she was finally able to stay at the boutique on her own, and I was finally able to stay with her when mom and dad went on their business trips. Oh, how excited we were, to finally be together, to finally be sisters again. It was a great day. We said our good byes to mom and dad, and went back to the boutique. Over those next few weeks, our time together was great, but with each passing day, Rarity became more busy, and had less and less time to spend with me. Whenever mom and dad came home, sometimes it was just me to welcome them, because she was so busy, but they were still home for our birthdays, and Rarity still fixed up that somewhat aging dress she made so long ago, and we were still a loving family.
But I still felt lonely. My sister became too busy to hang out after she had finished work, because some dresses had to be worked on overnight, so sometimes I wouldn't see her come out of her room for days, only to make mine and her meals. We never had time to bond anymore, or even talk for that matter. And with the passing years, she became a little more agitated to any little mistake I made, even if it was not knocking on her door before I came in.
"SWEETIE BELLE! What did I tell you about coming into my room?!? You have to knock first!" She shouted out, not turning from her work. It was a dress requested by a famous diplomat from Canterlot, who needed the dress by that night.
"I know Rarity, but I wanted to know if you wanted to come to the park with me and my new friends. They're blank flanks, just like me! They're Applebloom and Sco-"
"Sweetie Belle!! How many times have I told you?!? I'm very busy right now. I don't have time to play any silly games with you and your friends. Now if you don't mind, I have to finish this dress. It has to be completed before sundown tonight."
"O-okay Rarity." I turned to walk back out of her room, "I-I love you, big sis."
"Yes, yes, now please, run along, before you get into any trouble."
She especially became more busy after becoming the Element of Generosity. Orders flew in because ponies wanted their dresses to be made by one of the Elements of Harmony. It got bad enough that she would sometimes send me with mom and dad when they were home, so she could finish her work. And as time passed, I became more and more lonely, just wanting even one day with my sister.
Which leads us up to the present. It's my birthday today, and I'm getting ready for school. I look at myself in the mirror and smile. "Happy Birthday Sweetie Belle," I say to myself, "You're finally ten years old."
I trot down the stairs into the front of the boutique, where there are about a dozen manikins, all showing off Rarity's designs. I walk in to see Rarity fixing the buttons on one of the dresses, a long piece of fabric floating by her side, held up by the soft glow of her magic and her mane in a mess from what seemed to be another sleepless night.
"Good morning, Rarity." I smiled up at her.
"Yes, yes, good morning. Be a dear and pass me that fabric over there?"
I ran over to the table where she had the fabric. It was a light blue with sparkles on it. I grabbed it in my teeth (since I am still unable to use magic) and on my way bringing it to Rarity, I lost my footing and tripped up in the fabric.
"Oops." I rub my head, checking for any bumps.
"SWEETIE BELLE!" She ran over. I lifted up my hoof, thinking she was going to help me up. She ran over and picked up the fabric.
"Careful with this fabric. It took a long time to get, and this is all I have. Be more careful!"
"S-sorry Rarity.."
She went back over to her dress.
"Um...Rarity, do you know what day it is today?" I look up at her, trying to smile.
"Of course I do," My smile gets wider.
"It's the day that this dress has to be finished!!! I NEED TO HURRY!!"
My smile fell and I looked towards the ground. "Oh, yeah, um, good luck...I'm off to school now. Bye"
"Don't be late!" She shouted after me.
The cool, crisp air was the first thing that greeted me at the door. It was a refreshing feeling, seeing as the days were getting warmer as it got closer to summer. I galloped along the dirt road to the school, not really in a hurry, but I wanted to get there when Applebloom and Scootaloo got there. But right now that wasn't on my mind.
How could she forget my birthday? I thought, looking at the ground as I walked, She never forgets..or maybe... I look up, a new thought come to mind, Maybe, she is just pretending! Yeah, Rarity never forgets my birthday. Maybe, she has a surprise party planned for me, with cake, ice cream, and lots of games. Maybe after I left, Pinkie Pie went to the boutique to help Rarity plan it! Wow, I have the best big sister EVER!!
I ran the rest of the way to school, a trail of dust following close behind, until I could see the School, and Applebloom and Scootaloo were already there. I ran up to them and they smiled.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETIE BELLE!!!" they shouted at the top of their lungs.
"Thanks girls." I smiled
"So, did Rarity give you anything this morning?"
"Nope!" I said, still smiling.
They looked at each other confused, "Um, Sweetie Belle...you sound a little too happy about getting nothing."
"Well that's because she must have a surprise party planned for me! She pretended to forget my birthday, and since she never forgets, she must be planning a party with Pinkie Pie."
"Really, a Pinkie Pie party?! I am soooo there." Scootaloo jumped up, flapping her still developing wings.
"This'l be so cool. I wonder when Pinkie will be handing out invites?"
"Probably soon, after everything is set up. I can't wait!"
The bell began to ring and the three of us walked into the school. When I went in, there was a big banner hung up that said 'Happy Birthday Sweetie Belle.' There were also lots of balloons, games, and even cake.
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEETIE BELLE!!!!!!" Everypony shouted.
I had totally forgotten that Ms.Cheerilee has a party for everypony on their birthdays. I had the biggest smile on my face. "Wow, thanks everypony."
"Okay class, before we have the party for Sweetie Belle, we still need to have class, but we will be ending class early today for the party, okay?"
"Yes Ms.Cheerilee." We all said.
After a few hours of class, plus our break in between, it was finally time for the party. "Okay now class, time to put your books away." Ms.Cheerilee smiled at us.
"YAYYYY!!!!!" A chorus of shouts rang through the classroom.
It was a great party. Everypony was dancing, playing games, and having fun. When it was time for cake, they all started singing 'happy birthday'. I was so happy to have such great friends (and Diamond Tiara) there with me to celebrate.
"Here you go Sweetie Belle," Applebloom and Scootaloo passed me a large present, "We decided to share up our bits and get you a gift from both of us."
I undid the ribbon and opened the box. I looked inside, my eyes going wide and a grin formed on my face.
"WOW!!!!" I took out the gift. Inside was a karaoke machine, like the one at the Crusader clubhouse, but a lot newer and it had a lot more features, "Thanks girls, this must of cost you sooo much to buy."
"It was nothing," Scootaloo said with a grin, "Just trying to show you how great of a friend you are."
I teared up a bit, "You girls are the best." I pulled them into a hug.
"EWWWW," Scootaloo said, "Enough with all the mushy stuff, LET"S PARTY!!"
I opened some more presents. I got a new notebook with music notes on it from Featherweight, Snips and Snails got me a sling shot (boys -__-), Ms.Cheerilee gave me a cute hairpin, and even Diamond Tiara got me a gift. It was a cute scarf I had seen in the window of one of Ponyville's more expensive shops. It was a really nice scarf, but not as nice as what Rarity makes.
After the party, we all parted ways and I began to head back to the boutique.
"Wow, two parties in one day," I said to no pony in particular, "I can't wait!!"
I walked up to the front door, slowly approaching.
"Okay, one...two...THREE!"
I burst through the door, "RARITY, I'M-"
But I was met with silence. I looked around to see if anything was going on, but there was nothing. No balloons, no streamers, no ponies hiding, waiting to yell 'Surprise'. I looked around. Not even mom and dad were there. They never missed my birthday. Never. I walked up the stairs towards Rarity's room. Luckily, I remembered about her 'knock first' rule before I entered, so I wouldn't get yelled at.
"Yes, come in."
I walked into her room. Fabric was everywhere and the room was a mess. "Um, Rarity..where's mom and dad?"
"What do you mean darling?" She turned around, "Why would they be here today? They are still gone on their 3 month trip to Neighpon."
"B-but, they HAVE to be here today. THEY HAVE TO!!!" I shouted.
"SWEETIE BELLE!!!" Rarity yelled, "Don't raise your voice! What in Equestria is wrong?"
"Y-you really don't know?" I looked at the floor, tears welling up, "B-but, what about that dress...the dress you fixed up for me every birthday I ever had?"
"Oh, that old thing, I found it today while I was looking for some fabric. It was just the color I needed," She held up what was now the only remains of my old dress, "See? This thing was so old, but perfect for what my client wanted. Is it not FABULOUS darling?" She put down the dress, "Why would you even bother looking for that old thing anyway?"
I looked down at the remains of my dress. All those years of fixing it up for me, all the time she spent, all the love she put into it, and now, it just meant nothing to her. It was now just a tacky attachment to a dress for some posh, stuck up rich pony, who would never truly appreciate all the love that dress held, or at least, what it used to. I didn't even care that mom and dad didn't come, I didn't care that she forgot, because now, all of my sadness and anger was towards the one thing that showed that my sister still loved me, the thing that was now lying, tattered and torn, on my sisters bedroom floor.
"Sweetie Belle...darling, is everything okay?"
She didn't even know what was wrong; I had it. I looked at her, with all the hate I was feeling.
"WHY?!?! WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT?!? DO YOU EVEN REMEMBER HOW MUCH THAT DRESS MEANT TO ME?? HOW IMPORTANT THIS DAY IS?? WHY RARITY? W-"
I felt a hoof come up and hit my face. I looked up, to see Rarity growling with anger.
"Sweetie Belle! Out of all the things you have done, this is just the most DISRESPECTFUL!!! You have NO respect for me anymore, so don't you EVER yell at me like that again! Do you hear me?!"
I put my hoof to my cheek, it still stinging from where she hit me. I started to cry even more.
"Disrespect you?! Is that what you think I do?! I looked up to you, I always have! And now you say I'm disrespectful?! YOU'RE THE ONE WHO FORGOT MY BIRTHDAY! YOU'RE THE ONE WHO RUINED THE DRESS YOU MADE FOR ME THAT I CHERISHED SINCE I WAS ONLY A LITTLE FILLY!! GOD RARITY, I HATE YOU, I HATE YOU, I HATEEEE YOUUUUU!!!!!"
I ran down the stairs and out the door, not even thinking about looking back.
"SWEETIE BELLE!" Rarity cried out to me.
Maybe I should have turned back though, maybe I shouldn't have said those things. Maybe this was my punishment, because at the same time, a cart raced down through the street....
....and everything went black......
My sister; My friend
.....
................
...Where am I?
I look around at my surrounds. All I could see for miles was black; The never ending cold, darkness of who knows where. The only thing that was visible was somehow my small, almost glowing body, that, for some reason, was showered with a soft, pale glow, almost as if there was a dim candle above my head, that was about to go out. It was sort of a comforting glow, almost to say that I was safe, but I knew I wouldn't be until I knew where I was.
Suddenly, the room (or wherever I was) lit up, to a bright, white that was almost blinding.
....
A voice.
Yes, I did hear a voice! I listen again, a little more closely, and soon, I could hear more voices coming from far away. I ran as fast as I could, each second, the voices getting louder. Rarity. I can hear her, and Applebloom; Scootaloo; they're all talking; no, they're shouting. I can hear them clearly now.
".......swe.......lle...."
"Sweet.....Be...lle
"......SWEETIE BELLE! WAKE UP! PLEASE!"
I opened my eyes.
I was now lying in a bed, my head pounding with such intensity, that it felt like my brain was trying to pound it's way out through my skull. I slowly, but surely, sat up and was finally able to get a better look at my surroundings. The walls were as white as the room I was just in, except instead of being empty, it was filled with medical equipment, beds, curtains separating the room, and a giant window that was letting in the dim glow of Celestia's sun.
Eeyup, I'm in a hospital.
Then it hit me. Rarity screaming, the cart, passing out. Mine and Rarity's arguement; I finally remembered what had made me run into the streets in the first place. My worry soon was replaced with anger once again.
Stupid Rarity, I thought, tears filling my eyes again for about the hundredth time that day, I can't believe she would do this, and NOW I'm in a hospital, all because of our stupid argument, which is HER fault.
I looked up at the ceiling. But....maybe I was too angry with her, maybe I sh-
I shook my head. No Sweetie Belle, SHE was the one who forgot your birthday, SHE was the one who ruined your dress, so SHE should be the one to apologize.
I nodded in agreement with myself. I looked in the direction where the door was. It was ajar just enough that I could see the shadow of what looked to be one of the doctors.
"Um...excuse me..."
A pony's head poked in from around the corner of the door. The nurse's eyes, who I recognized to be Nurse Redheart, widened in shock.
"DOCTOR! She's awake! Come quickly!"
All I could hear was about 20 hooves running along the hospital floor, getting louder as they approached the room. The doctor, my parents, Applebloom, and Scootaloo all piled into the room, my two best friends asking about a million questions.
"Sweetie Belle! Are you okay? What happened? Anything broken? Do you have your cutie mark?"
"Slow down girls!" They quieted down, " Um...I'm okay, it's kind of a long story, nothing is broken, and really Scootaloo? What would a cutie mark for being in an accident even look like?"
"Sorry," she smiled sheepishly, "Just trying to lighten the mood, I guess."
I smiled at her, "Well it's working. I can't feel the pain in my head anymore," I raised my hoof to my head, feeling a slight tingle where my horn is, "Oops, spoke too soon."
My mom ran over and pulled me into a soft hug. That's when the real pain set in; the feeling of a thousand needles penetrating my skin and digging their way around in my flesh. Everywhere on my body hurt, and my mother sensed this, because she quickly pulled away.
"Oh, sorry my baby." Her face fell and tears began to fall.
"It's all my fault," she started sobbing uncontrollably, "I couldn't make it home for your birthday, and now you're...."
I carefully lifted up my hoof and placed it on my moms shoulder, "No it's not mommy....everything will be okay now.."
I looked down at my chest. There was a thick layer of bandages around it. It was then that I finally decided to look over to the mirror on my bedside, to take a look at the damage.
I looked like something a cart had hit (no pun intended). My body was full of bandages, even on my horn, and the bags under my eyes had bags. I started crying, and soon had my muzzle in my mom's chest.
"Shhhh, it's okay." She pet my head with her hoof.
I looked up at her. "Where is Rarity?" I don't even know why I asked, after everything she has said and done.
My parents looked at each other with worried looks. "S-she said she wanted to talk to you...alone. She told us what had happened...and feels so guilty. We talked to her as well, but I say that with the condition you're in, to wait until tomorrow."
"No." I said firmly, "There is something I need to say to her."
"Sweetie, are you sure? From what she told us, you were very upset. Even enough to run out into the street."
"Mom," I looked over at her, "Dad," I looked back at my dad, "This is something I have to talk to Rarity about, and it is really important that I say something to her."
They looked at each other, then at Scootaloo and Applebloom.
"Okay," my dad said, "Would that be okay Doctor?"
The doctor looked down at me and smiled, "Sure, that would be fine. Just make sure you're not too long. I still have some tests to run."
"Thank you," My mom smiled at the doctor, then looked to me, "We'll tell her you want to see her. Come on girls, you can talk to Sweetie after."
"Good luck Sweetie Belle." Applebloom said.
"Thanks."
They walked out into the hallway, not very far though, because I could hear their muffled voices outside. It sounded like Twilight, Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack were there too, probably to be there for Rarity. My parents said something to her and then footsteps could be heard coming towards the door. When I saw the door creak open a little, I turned towards the window, not wanting to look at her just yet.
"Sweetie Belle?" She walked into the room, "H-how are you feeling?"
I could hear the nervousness in her voice, "....Fine.."
"O-okay, that's good, very good, very good....." She started mumbling to herself something.
"Swee-"
No Rarity." I interrupted her, "There is something I need to say."
I finally looked over at her. Her mane and tail were a huge mess of hair, and what seemed to be a brush sticking out, probably from trying to fix it, getting stuck in the process. Her were cheeks still damp from freshly made tears, and her eyes bloodshot, from what seemed to be caused by hours of crying.
"Rarity, I looked up to you, for so long. We were the best of friends when we were younger and we would always be together. You were my best friend....but after you started running the boutique by yourself, you never had anymore time for me. I felt so alone, even now, with Applebloom and Scootaloo....I feel so lonely, knowing that when I go back home, you would just be locked up in your room, too busy for me, but for some reason, never to busy for your other friends. YOU HAD TIME TO SAVE EQUESTRIA, BUT CAN'T EVEN SPEND TIME WITH ME FOR AN HOUR?!?"
My anger was rising, so I took a deep breath, trying to calm down, wincing a little from the pain in my chest, as I remembered the state I was in, "Look, I'm sorry about almost burning down the kitchen, and for accidentally ruinning one, maybe two dresses, and everything else I have done over the last few years... but I am definitely NOT sorry for the things I said, because it was something that I needed to say, and that I wanted to for a long time, but really, is it my fault that I just want to spend time with my sister? But then you even ruined my dress! How could you?!? You always fixed it up for me when my birthday came around...and it was the only thing that I had to remind me...that you still loved me."
By this time, both me and Rarity were sobbing, letting out all of our anger and sadness.
"Oh, S-Sweetie, I wish I had known that before. I am so, so sorry for everything I have done to hurt you. But..."
She looked at the ground, "The reason I cut up your dress, wasn't for a new one for a client."
"...what?"
"Well, you came home earlier then I expected, and I panicked and said it was for a client's dress. The fabric even looked the same so it worked out, but I never realized how much I would be hurting you."
"But, what did you use the fabric for then?"
She held up a large bag with her magic, and pulled something out, "To make this."
It was the most beautiful dress I had ever seen. The fabric of my old dress, that had been dyed and recolored to a beautiful lavender, was incorporated with a beautiful silk, white fabric that flowed down around the bottom. She had placed finely cut diamonds around the bottom of the dress, just above the satin sticking, and with it was the most amazing necklace with a large amethyst in the middle, and small diamonds surrounding it, the amethyst in the shape of a music note.
"Oh...Rarity...." I felt so guilty. I had just assumed that Rarity had forgotten. I never even asked, or would even listen to her. I felt like an idiot. My tears were flowing down my face even harder than before. I jumped up out of the hospital bed, ignoring the pain that I felt, ran up to Rarity, and pulled her into an almost backbreaking hug.
"R-RARITY!!" I sobbed, "I-I'm s-s-sorry. I-I had n-no idea t-t-that..."
She rubbed the top of my head, "Sweetie Belle, it's okay. If I were you, I would have done the same thing. I never realized how much you were hurting. When I had realized it was your birthday and that I had forgotten, I felt just as guilty as you do now," She lifted my chin and smiled.
"I wanted to redo the dress again, but since you were turning 10, I realized that you deserved something more special. When you came home, that was the first thing that came to mind, and when I said it, I immediately knew that was wrong. I am also so, so sorry that I hit you too. I just...let my anger get the best of me, because when you started yelling, I thought to myself 'How ungrateful. I'm making this dress for her and she is yelling at me,' totally forgetting that you didn't even know. I love you, Sweetie Belle. You are the best sister anypony could ever have, and if you give me a chance, I want to prove to you that I will always care about you, and that I will do anything for you."
She wiped the tears from my eyes with a tissue she levitated in front of me. I smiled. "I love you too, Rarity. I could never hate you, and I'm sorry. I am so, so sorry."
She pulled me close and hugged for about 5 minutes, until it hit me.
"I just remembered something important." I said.
"What is it, Sweetie?"
"I am in immense pain right now."
I pulled away wincing a little. We laughed a little.
"Sorry," I said, "My sadness made me totally forget that I was hit by a cart."
Rarity smiled, "Well just you wait, within a few days, that pain will be gone."
"I hope so too." A voice said.
We turned around to see the doctor standing in the doorway. I smiled, a little embarrassed. "Oops, sorry doctor. I know I should be in bed, but-"
"It's quite alright," He smiled, "How about you hop back into bed. I need to speak with your sister for a moment...just don't literally hop back into bed, okay?"
"Okay!" I let go of Rarity, who insisted on helping me back in bed, and lid down.
"Don't worry Sweetie, I will be right outside if you need me. Twilight and the others are also there if I'm gone away for a minute, so don't be afraid to sing out to them or Nurse Redheart, okay?"
"Okay sis." She turned to walk away, "I LOVE YOU!"
She turned around, "I love you too."
I lid down, and quickly fell asleep.
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Meanwhile, after I had fallen asleep, Rarity had walked outside of my room, to speak with the doctor.
"So doctor-"
"Please, call me Time Turner."
"Okay. Time Turner, what was it you wanted to speak to me about?"
"Follow me, your parents are in my office. We can talk there."
He led her down the hallway, passing many doors that led to other patient's rooms. The walls were just as white as the rooms, and many medical kits lined the walls, in case any medical emergency happened. They walked for some time until they reached a door at the end of the hallway. The door read:
Dr. Time Turner
Rarity and Time Turner entered the room. Surprisingly, the walls were a pale blue, lined with many Masters and Bachelor degrees from the Canterlot University of Medicine and Nursing. In the middle of the room was a desk, with family photos of what seemed to be the doctor, and possibly his wife and daughter, who happened to look a lot like Derpy and Dinky Hooves, but that was probably just a coincidence. Along the wall was a sofa, which was were my mom and dad were sitting, waiting for Rarity and the doctor to arrive.
"Doctor Time Turner." My dad shook his hoof.
"Mr. Belle, it has been some time."
"Father? You know the doc- I mean, Time Turner?"
My mom looked over at Rarity, "Your father and Mr.Turner were friends in college. The business and medical universities were very close to each other, and they had meet when they were on their way to their classes. They have been friends ever since."
"Yes, and you don't look a day over 20, Timey."
"Thanks, too bad you look old enough to be Sweetie's grandfather."
They laughed for a minute, Rarity and my mom just looked at each other and sighed. Colts.
"Well, I do believe you know why you are here?" They all sat down, Time Turner sitting at his desk, and my sister, mom, and dad sitting on the sofa.
"Well," He brought up her charts, "She does have a fractured rib, and a slight crack along her horn, but that is nothing that won't heal within 2-3 weeks. The pain should be gone within a few days."
"That is great to hear," Rarity sighed with relief.
"But," He fumbled at his desk, grabbing a few more papers, "There is still a major problem we have to deal with."
My parents faces went pale, and Rarity began to panic, "What do you mean?" Rarity leaned forward in her seat.
"Now, you said that she hasn't been able to use magic since her magic fluctuations as a filly, right?"
"Y-yes, but what does that have to do with all of this?"
He brought up another chart, "Do you see this lump in the frontal lobe of her brain?" They all nodded.
"Well, apparently when she was born, that lump was a small tumor. It wasn't there right at her birth, but as she developed more, it began to get bigger, but not enough for doctors to even pick up traces of it. After a while, it had stopped growing, but it still grew enough that it affected her magic. You see, magic is a mixture of both energy, and psychic brain waves manipulated into a physical form that is visible to the naked eye."
"Everypony has some magic within them, but as we all know, in different ways. Unicorns tap at that energy through their horn, the bone situated right above the part of the brain that holds all of the brain's psychic abilities, which is why unicorns are better at fully using that energy as a visible substance than a pegasus or an earth pony, but their magic is still used, just in smaller increments; pegasi through their wings, and earth ponies through their hooves, giving them that strong connection with nature and the earth. Now, as you can see, the tumor in Sweetie's brain is situated right below the horn, within the frontal lobe. When she was hit by the cart, it must have triggered something in that part of her brain, and now the tumor has now begun to grow again. I am so sorry, but she will need to have an operation in order to remove it."
They just couldn't believe it. My mom and dad were embracing each other, mom, and even dad, were crying. My sister was just staring at the floor. "W-what will happen if she does get the operation."
"Well, we would be able to remove the tumor, but there is still a high chance that she could either lose her magical ability and be paralyzed for life, or even die."
"How high of a chance?"
".....An 85% chance.."
"WHAT?!?!" They all stood up.
"Isn't there another way?" My dad shook him by the shoulders, "Please, I don't want my little girl to die."
"...There is another way...but it is a big decision that you all must make.."
"What is it.?"
"She can get a brain transplant. It would have to be from another unicorn, but the chances of her living and keeping her magic are 100%. She could live a normal life, just as she used to."
"Are you kidding me?" Rarity wondered, "Isn't it impossible for a pony to replace their brains? Wouldn't that just be like pulling the plug on them all together?"
"Actually," Time Turner pulled out a number of newspaper clippings, "Because of the advancement in technology and magic in recent years, if done correctly, it is very much possible. Just a few months ago the surgery was performed on a young unicorn stallion who became brain dead after suffering massive brain damage. Within a week, he had a new brain and was even ready to leave the hospital."
He passed over the article to Rarity, who read it over. It depicted a beige unicorn with a short, blue mane who had apparently been in an accident involving a pegasus moving company, when a piano fell on him. The next page was actually a few pictures of the stallion after the surgery, who looked to be perfectly fine, minus the bald head and stitching.
"That is...remarkable. So, it will definitely work?"
"Yes. As I said, it will be a 100% success rate."
"Oh, my baby is going to be okay." My mom cried with joy.
"However, there is...one problem with this."
"What?" Rarity asked.
"....it would have to be the brain of a still developing unicorn. Ponies don't fully mature and finish developing until they are 25. You would not be able to donate it, since your brains have already stopped developing. If she were to receive a fully developed brain, her body may reject the new organ, and she could become brain dead."
"Would you be able to find a pony willing enough to donate?"
"That's the thing though. Not many ponies that age WANT to donate. They still have their lives ahead of them and are not ready to die. They only donors we have at the moment are above the age of 45."
My parents looked at the floor, defeated. "I don't want to lose another child. She was our miracle baby. I was lucky enough to even give birth to her. And now to know that she might die? I-I can't accept it..."
Rarity looked at the doctor, then at my parents. Lose her sister? She had finally been able to apologize to her. She was not ready to say goodbye. She thought for sometime. Because they didn't have a donor, Sweetie couldn't get the operation. They needed a unicorn; She was a unicorn. They needed the donor to be under 25; She was 19.
I know what I have to do....
My sister; My saviour
I woke up to a blinding light hitting my eyes. I squinted, my head throbbing from the sudden change in lighting. As soon as it had come, it was gone in about the same time. Nurse Redheart rushed over to my bedside.
"Sorry deary, I forgot to close the blinds. The Pegasi haven't brought the clouds out yet, and the sun is very bright today."
I rubbed my head, "Don't worry, I'm fine. Just got a bit of a headache."
She reached over and grabbed a bottle of multicoloured pills, "Take two of these," She gave me the pills and a glass of water, "They're pain killers. They should get rid of the pain in your chest as well."
"Thanks." I ate the two pills and downed the glass of water. I finally realized how thirsty I was, and hungry.
"Do you think I could have another glass of water? Something to eat, too?"
"It's just about lunchtime now, so I'll go and get you something."
"No need." A voice said behind Nurse Redheart.
Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Scootaloo were standing in the doorway.
"I knew lil' Sweetie Belle here would be hungry, so me and the girls made somethin' for her. Ya'll don't know how happy we are that you're okay. Apple Bloom and Scootaloo wanted ta see ya, so I said they could come and help deliver this, seein' as how they both helped make it."
She held up an apple pie, cut up into six big pieces. My stomach growled.
"I guess I am a little hungry." I laughed.
Applejack took out a plate for each of us that she had in her saddle bag, and gave us all a slice, even Nurse Redheart. Applejack always made the best pies, with its sweet apple filling and its crispy, flaky crust. I was even surprised that Apple Bloom and Scootaloo helped, seeing as how when we tried to be Cutie Mark Crusaders Bakers, we ended up almost burning down Sugarcube Corner. But somehow, this pie turned out perfect.
"If course it's perfect. Ma big sister helped."
"Wait, what?"
"You were talking out loud. You should have more faith in us. We are awesome, not as awesome as Rainbow Dash, but still awesome." Scootaloo boasted.
I rolled my eyes, "Of course, and we totally TRIED to almost burn down Sugarcube Corner."
"Pardon?" Applejack looked at us, not looking very happy.
"Uh, n-nothin' big sis. Oh, just look at the time, me and Scoots gotta, uh, dosomethingbye!"
She quickly finished off her sentence, grabbed Scootaloo and dashed out the door.
"Dang, that lil' filly ran so fast, she coulda done a Sonic Rainboom."
I laughed at my friends antics. They were always fast runners, especially if it was running from trouble.
"Well, now I gotta go find 'em. I'll let ya'll rest. Get better, Sugarcube."
I waved as she ran out the door, probably to find Apple Bloom and tell her that it was wrong to almost burn down a pony's business. Nurse Redheart walked over and picked up the plates.
"Well now that all of that is over, what ever THAT was," Seemed confused by our usual banter, but it was just a daily thing for us, "The doctor wanted to have a word with you."
"About what?" I asked.
"Well...it's sounded...important...so I'll go get him." She ran out the door.
Eeyup, she was DEFINITELY hiding something. I gotta stop hanging around Apple Bloom while her brother is around. He's starting to rub off on me.
My parents, Rarity, and the doctor walked in, their faces had a hint of remorse, except for Rarity. Usually I could read her like an open book about how she was felling, mostly because she would always express her feelings in an over-dramatic way...but this time...her face was just emotionless. It was almost as if her brain had been turned off, but her body was still in control.
"Hi mom, dad." I smiled. "Applejack and the girls brought me a pie. Sorry there is not enough left though." They looked over to the unfinished pie, with only one piece left.
"It's okay Sweetie. We weren't very hungry..." My dad looked at the ground, while my mom's eyes were filling with tears.
"Mom...Dad...Rarity...what's wrong?"
"....Sweetie...the doctor said that...OH SWEETHEART!" She jumped into my father's arms crying, "I J-J-JUST CAN'T S-SAY IT!"
"If it's alright with you, I can tell her." The doctor walked in with a clipboard in between his teeth.
"O-okay." My family backed up so that the doctor could come closer.
"Doctor? Wha-"
"It's okay Sweetie, you can call me Time Turner."
"Okay, Mr. Time Turner. What's wrong with my parents and Rarity?"
He looked at them and they nodded, "Your test results came back. I'm afraid you have a tumour in your brain."
"....what.." I whispered, not wanting to believe it.
"I am so sorry Sweetie Belle. I know that at this age that having something like this is uncommon, but....." He looked down, his face full of remorse and regret, knowing how hard it must be on me, and on him, seeing as I was still so young, "You need to have a major surgery."
I was still in so much shock. A tumour? Bu-but I don't even have my cutie mark yet. I-I-I don't want to die! I let out loud scream filled sobs, everyone else in the room looking as though their hearts had just broken into a million pieces, yet Rarity....was still unchanged; emotionless, as if cut of from reality.
"Sweetie, the surgery is major, but you'll have a 100% chance of living from it, and you'll be receiving the brain from another unicorn.You will live a full and healthy life."
I looked up at him. "B-but what a-a-about the other pony?"
He frowned. "Unfortunately, all ponies who do transplant brains do die. Even before they do this though, they are told of what will happen. But this pony..." He looked over at my parents and Rarity, "...Was brave enough to offer her brain in order for you to live, and to give you more time with your family and friends."
"....Oh." Is all I could say. The thought of having another pony I didn't even know die for me was unbearable, but I knew there was no other way. "Can you tell me who it is?"
He looked at me and then back to my parents, who were on the verge of tears. "The pony wanted to remain anonymous."
"....Okay, Mr. Time Turner....I understand..."
"I know this is a lot to take in, but we need to start the surgery soon, or else the tumour will continue to grow. Nurse Redheart?" Time Turner looked towards her.
"Yes Doctor. I will prepare the operation room." She ran out of the room. I could faintly hear her singing out to other doctors, who were probably going to help with my.......surgery.
"I'll give you some time with your friends and family before we begin, but we can only give you 20 minutes. Will that be enough time?"
Rarity looked down, mumbling something that I couldn't pick out. My parents replied, "Yes doctor.....we will have enough time."
The doctor looked over to Rarity, then to me, and quietly left us to be alone. I looked over towards me parents. They were still crying.
"Mom, dad," I was the first to speak, "Will I be okay?"
They both come in for a hug, tears streaming down their faces. We stayed like this for 5 minutes before they pulled away. "Y-yes Sweetie, you'll be just fine." My mom cried, so softly that I could barely hear, but I still managed to.
My dad ruffled my mane. "We'll let you talk to Rarity now. We just need to speak to her outside for a minute. We love you so much."
"I love you too mommy and daddy." They tried to smile as they lead Rarity out of the room. They closed the door behind them. I couldn't see them, but after a minute I could hear all three of them crying. Another minute passed and the door opened again, revealing just Rarity. She closed the door behind her and walked over to me. She pulled me into a loving hug, one I haven't received from her in a long time. It was warm and comforting, and very long overdue. I nuzzled up to her as I heard her cry.
"Sweetie," She finally said, "I want you to know how much I love you, and that no matter what, I will always be your big sister. Never forget that okay?"
"I won't sis. I love you too." I looked up at her. "When this is all over, do you want to hang out? Just the two of us?" I asked.
She looked at me, trying to smile, but still with a pained look on her face., "Y-yes Sweetie. I would love to."
I smiled at her and hugged her again, finally able to, after so many years, know that I would have my sister back.....yet at the same time, something felt wrong. Rarity seemed too distant, like she had tried to say no, but couldn't. I looked up at her again, but with fearful eyes. "Rarity? What's wrong?"
She looked away, "N-nothing Sweetie. Everything is...fine."
I would have questioned her further, but the doctor soon returned. Our 20 minutes was over.
"Sweetie Belle, it's time."
I smiled at Rarity, "I love you sis."
She looked at me, and finally smiled, "I love you too, Sweetie Belle."
Two other doctors came in to the room. One had a clipboard, while the other came over and used her magic to move the bed out of the room and into the hallway. I looked back at Rarity and Time Turner and waved, smiling as they began to wave back. I looked towards one of the doctors as he began to speak.
"Now Sweetie Belle," He began, "When we go into the operating room, we have to put you to sleep so you don't feel anything during the procedure. It will take a long time to operate, but to you, it will only feel like a few minutes. You should wake up a little after the surgery is finished. Are you ready?"
I looked at towards the door as they were about to wheel me in.
"Yeah," I said, "I'm ready."
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Time Turner looked towards Rarity as I went in the operating room. Her smile dropped.
"It's time, isn't it?"
He sighed, "Yes Miss Rarity, it is."
She dropped her head towards the floor, on the verge of tears. "I-it just doesn't seem fair, you know? I never got to advance in my fashion career as much as I wanted, never found my special somepony; I'll never experience the joys of motherhood. But worst of all....." She sighed, and looked towards the door, "...I never got to say goodbye. She thinks that when she wakes up, I'll be right there by her side, but......I made her believe that things would be alright. I'll never see her grow up, get her cutie mark, have a family. I'll never know my future nieces or nephews. It's just.... so unfair."
Rarity cried onto Time Turner's shoulder as he stroked her mane. "I know it seems unfair," He said, "But even if you are not by her side, you will still be there with her. You may not be able to feel her, but she will still know you're there."
He lifted her head. "You need to be strong. Sweetie Belle would want you to be, for her."
She wiped her tears with her hoof, and as hard as she could, she tried to give a sincere smile. "Thank you, Time Turner." She looked back towards the operating room. "I think I am ready."
She trotted towards the door, gently pushing it open. She took one last look back at him. "Goodbye, Time Turner."
He smiled, "Goodbye, Rarity."
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A gentle breeze flew through the air from the window. It was the first thing I felt as I opened my eyes. I was in a different room, but it still looked the same as the other one I was in, except this one had a much larger window. I looked towards the window; It was almost morning in Ponyville. Several ponies could be seen leaving their houses, ready to start the day. I raised my hoof gently to my head. The pain was almost gone, but still slightly there. I put my hoof to my head, expecting to feel my mane in the way, but was surprised to find it nearly gone. I got up and looked towards the mirror that was next to my bed. My whole head was shaved. Replacing it was a series of stitches that made a line around my entire head. I finally came to terms on what was going on. After I was wheeled into the operating room, a series of devices were hooked up to me, probably to check my vitals, and a mask was put over my muzzle. Then.....nothing.
I felt a slight movement by my side. I looked over to see my mom asleep, grabbing a hold of my hoof. I gently nuzzled her.
"Mom?" I saw her move, finally opening her eyes barely enough to see me. She was about to fall back asleep, until she realized it was me. Her eyes snapped open.
"Sweetie Belle!" She pulled me into a hug, "Oh Sweetie, you're gonna be okay." She cried, but from tears of joy.
She ran towards the door. "Everypony, she's awake!"
A herd of hooves could be heard running down the hallway, with about a dozen different ponies there to see me. My mom came back in with my dad by her side. Next to enter were Rarity's friends, minus Rarity, and then finally Applebloom, Scootaloo, and Time Turner came in.
"Well," Time Turner exclaimed, "It took about 15 and a half hours, but everything seems to be in order. Within a few weeks, you should make a full recovery."
My friends ran up to me and we joined in a group hug. "Oh I just knew ya'll would be okay," Applebloom cried, "I just knew it."
"Yeah, and just wait until you are fully recovered. Then we can do some more awesome things to try and get our cutie marks." Scootaloo jumped up, her wings buzzing in excitement.
"It may be a while before that happens Scootaloo, but we sure will." I smiled.
I looked out towards the door, hoping to see Rarity walk in soon, with a smile on her face since everything went okay. I looked over at Twilight. "Twilight, do you know where Rarity is? I really want to see her. Is she in the bathroom or something?"
She frowned, looking down towards the ground, tears in her eyes. "W-well Sweetie, she...........she is......"
I started to get worried. I looked over at the other elements. They had the same looks on their faces, and Pinkie's mane was completely straight. I looked at my parents. "Mom? Dad?"
They looked at each other and then back to me. "Sweetie, we have something to tell you."
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A week later, we were on the train, headed towards to Canterlot. I looked out as the trees whipped past. I could see the castle from the train, but it would still be a half an hour before we got there. I looked down at the floor. Rarity would have loved to gone to Canterlot with us, but the reason we were going wasn't for any business trips like my parents would usually take there.
It was the day of Rarity's funeral.
I looked at my parents in confusion. "What happened? Did Rarity get hurt?"
They looked down, but they knew they had to be strong. They looked back at me, crying. "No Sweetie," Mom said, "She didn't get hurt, but......"
My dad wiped the tears from her eyes. He continued for her. "Sweetie, Rarity was the one who donated her brain to you. She died to save your life."
Those words still clung to my now shattered heart. She died. That's what he had said, but those words didn't seem to register in my mind until today, as we made our way to Canterlot, where she was to be buried.
I looked over at the rest of the ponies in our train cart. All who were here had a strong relationship with my sister. Twilight, Rainbow, Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Applejack all sat together. They each wore a plain black dress, and Applejack had a black cowpony hat on her head. Most of them were able to hold back tears, but Fluttershy was no longer able to hold it in, and quietly sobbed on Pinkie's shoulder. Even Pinkie didn't seem happy. The bright, bubbly mare was no staring at the floor, mane straight as she had her hoof around Fluttershy. She could not cheer her up, for she was also suffering.
My parents were sat just next to me, as they held each other. My parents each wore something black, my mother adress, and my father a suit. Most other ponies, as well as my friends, were also wearing black They asked earlier if I needed a hug, but I declined. I couldn't hug them, or anypony; I could barely even move. If I hug them, then it's like she really is gone, and that all of this wasn't just a dream. But as the train station neared, I couldn't help but to realize that my sister truly was gone.
For the past week, I had pushed it to the back of my mind. Even after going home from the hospital, I went to Rarity's room, expecting her to be there, making dresses as she always did, but I was met with a clean bed, and a cold, dark room; no sounds of sewing machines, just the sound of my breathing. I entered, and looked around. All of her mannequins were bare, but as I went to leave, I saw that her closet was open. I looked inside to see the dress she had made me. Rarity must have brought it home and put it there after she showed it to me. I looked at it for a few more minutes, and closed the closet door. It was then that I finally cried.
Recalling that memory left a whole in my shattered heart. Just to think about life without Rarity made me want to yell and scream....but I knew that she wouldn't want that. I had be strong for my parents, my friends, and her. I knew that she wouldn't want me to be sad. She knew what would happen, but didn't care. She wanted to save me, that she gave her life to do so. I looked down at the dress I was wearing. My parents didn't want me to wear it, but I needed to. I had to honour her, for not only was this the dress she made for my birthday, but it was also the last one she ever made.
As the train now made it's way to the station, we prepared to get off, grabbing our tickets and heading towards the exit. I couldn't lift my head though, as the conductor said goodbye to us and all the other passengers. I didn't even know how far we had walked until I looked up to see the castle right in front of me. My parents looked down at me.
"Let's go, Sweetie."
I walked towards the castle, as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna waited for us. They both looked as though they were trying to be strong, but I could tell that they were on the verge of tears. Not only was one of the Elements of Harmony lost, but Rarity, just like Twilight and the others, were much closer to the Princesses than most. She was considered their friend, which is why they decided to hold the funeral personally.
She looked down at me and offered her wing. I trotted over and began to cry, the tears of my sorrow finally letting go. I knew I had to be strong, but just for this moment, I needed to cry. She draped her wing on my back and she too began to cry. "I know young one that it is hard," She said, "My sister and I have also lost the ponies we have loved a long time ago. But you need to be strong, for your sister. She would have wanted you to be at a time like this."
She brought a tissue to my eyes with her magic and gently wiped my tears. She then used it to wiped her own. "Come on, my little pony, it's time to say goodbye."
We all walked through a long, golden hallway of the castle that lead to a garden full of statues. As we walked past them, I recognized some of the ponies from textbooks that we read in school. One of them was Starswirl the Bearded, and another was a tall alicorn who was about the size of Princess Celestia, with a quill and ink pot as a cutie mark, but I could not remember her name. Finally, we reached the centre of the statue garden. There were six statues, all of them arranged into a circle. We moved closer, and I gasped. They were of Rarity and her friends.
Twilight's statue stood tall and proud with a book being levitated by her magic, Spike standing next to her, in his claws a scroll and quill, and Owlowiscious perched on her tail. Rainbow Dash's statue was crouched down with her chest near the ground and wings flared out, how she usually looked before she took off to fly, and Tank standing by her with his head up, smiling. Fluttershy's statue had a calm expression on her face, a group of small animals by her side, and Angel on her back. Pinkie Pie's statue was of course happy and cheerful, as she danced on her hind hooves, balloons floating next to her and Gummy biting her tail. Applejack's statue had a rope in her mouth, swinging around an apple that was caught in the loop at the end of the lasso as she stood also on her hind legs, Winona happily barking next to her. But the one that really caught my eye was of Rarity. She was stood proudly, wearing her gala dress and crown, Opalescence curled up asleep next to her. The way she stood showed her grace and elegance, but it was that smile, that pure smile on her face that truly showed the Rarity I knew and still loved. If only she could see this. She would have that it was amazing.
Those six statues; those smiling faces; they all truly represented their personalities, their strengths, their courage, and most importantly, their friendship. I gazed up at them for what seemed like hours, just gazing at their beauty. When I finally looked down, I saw that each one had a engraved plate on the blocks that held them. Rarity's read:
Rarity Belle
Element of Generosity
Born April 10, 1994
Died November 21, 2013
A sister, a daughter, a friend.
Died to save a life.
Her final act of true generosity and love.
May she never be forgotten.
All of the others had the same thing engraved, with their names, elements, and date of birth. But only Rarity's had her date of death and the short eulogy on it. I looked up again and then noticed that her statue was lit up, lights shining around it, but none of the other elements had this. I looked over to the princess.
"Princess," I asked, "What is all of this?"
She smiled, and looked out over the crowd of friends and family that had come to honour my sister. "I can't describe how sorry I am for you all. I know that the death of a dear friend or daughter can be the most difficult thing in the world...." She paused for second, looking back at the statues. "These statues are my tribute to Rarity, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack for all they have done. Not only are they the only ponies to ever wield The Elements of Harmony besides my sister and I, and not only have they saved Equestria countless times, but the friendships and bonds they have formed show that friendship is truly the greatest gift we can receive. Rarity is buried here, her statue lit so those who enter may know of her passing."
She looked down at Twilight and her friends. "You too will be buried here once you pass, each of your statues lit one by one. I feel that this is the only way I can possibly express to you my thanks, and to truly honour the passing of not only yours, but also my friend." She bowed her head as she looked at the statue. I thought she was going to speak, but she then turned to look at all of us. "Is there anything anypony would like to say?"
Everypony had at least one thing to say to Rarity. Applejack went on about how even though she never liked to make a mess, that she always knew her heart was in the right place. Pinkie's straight mane covered her eyes, as she tried to hide the fact that she was crying and trying to hold up her smile, for she knew that Rarity would have wanted to see her happy. She talked of all the fun they had, and how she hoped that they could have fun together again some day. Rainbow went on about how she would miss my sister, and how it wouldn't be the same without her trying to get Rainbow to finally comb her mane. This earned a small chuckle from a few ponies. Fluttershy could barely say a word. She cried as she fell to the ground, before Twilight came and helped her up, smiling with tears in her eyes. Twilight was taking it the hardest of all her friends. Before she had come to Ponyville, she had no one but Cadence and her brother to hang out with. Now that one of her first real friends was gone......she couldn't even look at us she was so saddened. She talked about her friendship with all her friends, and how she had hoped it could have lasted longer, but she knew that Rarity would do the same thing if given another chance. She smiled as she looked up at the statue.
"Goodbye, my dear friend."
She walked over to her friends. They all hugged, tears still fresh in their eyes as they held to each other, afraid that if they let go, one of them would surely leave as well. My parents walked forward, looking at all of us.
"When Rarity was born," Mom started, "We knew she would grow up to do great things. I never imagined anything like this, but we knew in our hearts that she would one day be happy and be doing something she loved. When we found out Sweetie had a tumour.....she didn't even hesitate to volunteer. She loved her sister so much, and even though she was the Element of Generosity, we never knew to what extent until now."
"We are so proud of you Rarity," Dad continued, "And we hope that you are looking down upon us right now to see how many other ponies are, too. We love you sweetheart."
They walked over to me and smiled, my dad placing a hoof on my shoulder. It was my turn. I slowly made my way up to her statue.This would forever be her finally resting place. The thought scared me, and I could feel the tears coming, but I knew that I had to honour my sister, to give her the respect and love she deserved; One last message to her.
"Rarity...." I started, "...I always looked up to you when we were growing up. I saw you making dresses and doing what you loved, and I wanted to be just like you, who was hard working, generous, and so loving, even if at times it didn't seem like it. When we started to drift apart, I thought it was because you hated me. I thought that you never wanted me around and that I was just a bother, but......but I know that deep down, you always loved me, and that just because you were busy a lot, doesn't mean that you never cared. I....I never did get to say goodbye. You told me that once my surgery was over, we could spend time together, just the two of us....but I knew that something was going on. When you hugged me for the last time I-I felt that it truly WOULD be the last time, but I never thought to much on it. You told me you would be right there when I woke up....and even though you weren't there physically, I know that when I woke up, you were there, looking down at me. I love you so much Rarity, and I always will. I can never thank you enough for what you have given me. You gave me a second chance at life, and I will never forget that, You truly did deserve to be the element of Generosity, for even after your last breath, your generosity is living on inside me. It is pushing me further, and helping me to live, and not one day will go by that I won't remember you, because I could never have had a better sister than you."
Not a dry eye was in the crowd of ponies. They were all sobbing and holding onto each other. I felt a hoof on my back and turned to see my parents, smiling at me as tears streamed down their faces. I began to sob. "Mom...Dad...you know how you asked earlier if I needed a hug? C-could I have that hug now?"
They wasted no time pulling me close to them. We all cried as we held each other close. Even if Rarity was gone, I knew she was probably here right now, crying with us. As long as we had each other, Rarity would always be here, and we would never let her name be forgotten.
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I sat in front of Rarity's statue. The night had quickly come after the funeral, and the Princesses had decided to let us stay in the castle for the night, knowing we would be too tired to take a late train back home. Rarity had just been buried a couple hours prior, and the ground was now flattened with dirt, covering the casket, finally putting Rarity to rest. It was now late, but after everyone had fallen asleep, I wasted no time sneaking back into the gardens, and making my way to the statue of my sister.
The lights were still lit up around her statue. The princess promised to never turn them off, and even put an enchantment on it so that no one, not even her, could turn any of the lights off once they had been turned on. It was nice that she had honoured Rarity and her friends in such a way, but it was still saddening though, because it mean't that in order to visit, I would need to take the train, and I couldn't just go to Canterlot everyday. I reached up to feel my head. I still had the stitches there, and my mane wouldn't grow back for some time, but I felt it was a reminder about what Rarity did for me. Never would I forget her for that.
My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of hooves tapping against the cobblestone path. I turned around to see Princess Celestia walking towards me.
"P-princess, what are you doing up so late?"
She smiled down at me, "Well, Sweetie, I'm probably here for the same reason you are, am I not?"
I looked down at the grass I was sitting on and nodded. She came closer, soon she herself was sitting down next to me, looking up at the statues.
"It seems like only yesterday your sister and her friends had saved my sister."
I looked up at her, "Yeah....she really did deserve to be the element of Generosity."
She looked down at me, "Sweetie, can I tell you why she was chosen?"
Puzzled, I asked, "Wasn't it because she and her friends had a special bond, and the element choose her because she was really Generous?"
She chuckled a bit, "I one way, yes that is correct. But that is also not the only reason. When the elements choose Luna and I to first wield them, we had already been chosen before we had even been born."
My eyes widened, "So...Rarity was-"
"Yes. She too, just like my sister and I, and just like your sister and her friends, she was chosen before she was born. I have learned over the years that the elements have many different abilities, one being that they can see beyond the past, present, and future. All of time is shown before them, and they search through all of time to find the ones who can truly wield their power. After I lost control of elements, they set out to find a new pony who truly represents them, and makes them as the wielders of the Elements of Harmony."
I looked at her still, shocked, but also a bit confused, "So, if they chose her all those years ago, then what does that mean? That she is truly the most generous pony?"
"All ponies can be generous, young one, but to the elements, yes, she was seen to them as being the most truly generous pony. And now I know why." She stood up and walked towards the statue of Rarity.
"The elements, they can see birth, they can see a pony's life, and they can see their death. What Rarity did for you must have shown them that no other pony could be as generous, than a pony who is willing to give her life for the one she loves."
I got up, walking next to the princess. She had a solemn look on her face. She then bowed her head, "My friend, I am so sorry I could not be there with you as you passed on, and that I have never expressed this to you in person," A single tear dropped down her check, "But I do consider you and your friends to be as close to me as family. I have learned so much about you all thanks to my dear student, and I just wish that I could have expressed this to you all before. I hope that in the next life, we may meet again, and finally be able to talk as friends."
I was shocked. I knew that she saw Twilight, Rarity and their friends as her friends, too, but I never knew to what extent. I nudged her a little. "Princess, even if Rarity is not here, I know she would love to be true friends with you. And, even if we have never talked much before, could I be your friend, too?"
She looked down at my shocked, before finally pulling me close with her wings. I could feel a few tears drop onto my head, "Yes, Sweetie, I would love to be your friend."
I smiled and nuzzled up to her. Her hug was like a mother holding her child, and I welcomed it fully. We stayed like that for a few minutes before we got up. I turned once more to the statue, and then looked at the Princess.
"Princess?"
"If you want, you may call me Celestia."
"Okay Pri-Celestia. There is something I wanted to do at the funeral, but never got the chance."
"What was it you wanted to do?"
I closed my eyes, and took a deep breath as I began to sing.
I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
Celestia looked down at me, smiling as she looked back at the statue crying.
Remember the good times that we had?
I let them slip away from us when things got bad
How clearly I first saw you smilin' in the sun
Wanna feel your warmth upon me, I wanna be the one
I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
I'm so tired but I can't sleep
Standin' on the edge of something much too deep
It's funny how we feel so much but we cannot say a word
We are screaming inside, but we can't be heard
But I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
I'm so afraid to love you, but more afraid to loose
Clinging to a past that doesn't let me choose
Once there was a darkness, deep and endless night
You gave me everything you had, oh you gave me light
And I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
And I will remember you
Will you remember me?
Don't let your life pass you by
Weep not for the memories
Weep not for the memories
I finished singing, tears falling down my face. It seemed like crying was becoming a normal thing to do now, ever since my accident, and when we lost Rarity. Celestia looked down at me, smiling as her gaze moved towards a flash of light on my flank. I turned to look. It was pink heart with a bell in the middle. Surrounding it were a couple of music notes. I had finally earned my cutie mark.
I looked up at Rarity's statue and smiled, "Thank you Rarity, for giving me this second chance."
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A white unicorn with a luscious purple mane sat up on the clouds. She sat there for the longest time, her white wings rustling in the wind. A glowing ring sat above her head, like a crown on a queen. She was not really there, but at the same time she was, as she looking down upon the world, and at a young filly who was sat on the grass. She gave a soft smile.
"I will always love you, Sweetie Belle. Never forget that."
THE END