Weeping softly to herself, Rarity packed her personal belongings. The designs she had devoted so many years to seemed worthless and shallow, but she'd need them in her new life. Magically holding a gem-encrusted dress in front of her, she gazed at the obnoxiously sparkly stones. So this is what it had all been for? Fluttershy had died for a garnish on an outfit. Rarity shuddered as she violently cast it aside, disgusted with herself. It was the first time she'd ever questioned the merits of materialistic vanity. On some level she wanted to abandon the whole fashion industry, but it was the only lifestyle she'd ever known. Gazing at her cutie mark, she realised it was imbedded too deeply in her; a pony can't simply abandon their destiny. The fashion pony wouldn't be switching careers any time soon. She resolved to embrace fabulousity further, starting a new life away from her bad memories. Canterlot, the city of angels, was close enough to Ponyville to make moving relatively easy yet the culture was so different that there would be nothing to remind Rarity of her past. Hopefully the wealth and class in the city would soon drown out memories of a backwater town like Ponyville.
The element of generosity didn't want to talk to any of her friends face to face. Her motivation for skipping town was to escape the wave of depression following the shock of what happened in the tunnels and the woods. Still, she needed to communicate her intention to them or they would come looking for her. Resolving to get the task over and done with she sat at her desk, summoned a quill and parchment and wrote her going away letter. "Dear Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Applejack and Rainbow Dash," she wrote, "Circumstances have given me no option other than to leave Ponyville forever. Don't make any attempt to contact me. I have moved away and I shan't be coming back. We were once a circle of pony friends, but our circle has been broken beyond repair. I cannot stand to face any of you again. I am incredibly sorry for all I have done to you. I can never be forgiven for what happened in the woods. Goodbye forever, -Rarity." Sighing to herself, she re-read the letter over before leaving the note on the desk.
Rarity gazed around her boutique which was now ready for liquidation. The money she'd saved over the years plus what she could get for her beautifully built and immaculately kept boutique would get her a small studio apartment in one of the lower socio-economic boroughs of Canterlot. The downgrade was to be expected; Canterlot was an expensive city. Even with the significant loss she'd have to stay in a cheap motel out of the city until an affordable apartment came up for sale. Despite the inconvenience, Rarity felt it was her only option. As she sealed another box she heard a bell ring, notifying her someone had entered the shop. Assuming it was a pony interested in the liquidation sale, she turned to face the door. Her heart dropped as she saw Spike enter.
"What are you doing?" inquired the shocked baby dragon.
"Oh, Spike. You weren't supposed to see this!"
"What are you doing?" repeated the dragon in an offended tone.
"Well, look around!" Rarity snapped defensively, waving her hoof over the clothing displayed on sale and the luggage she was packing.
Spike was momentarily taken aback, but a smile crept on his face as he disregarded the pony's apparent intention and replied "Come on, Rarity, don't be such a drama queen."
"I'm serious, Spike."
"It's been one day!" the dragon's voice cracked as he became aware of her sincerity, "Sure, none of us will really get over it, but you're probably still in shock over the whole thing. Don't make any big decisions right now, you'll regret it later."
"I've dreamt of moving to Canterlot since I was a filly, but I never really had the opportunity. This..." Rarity trailed off, unable to find words to express her predicament, before continuing "This unpleasantness merely tipped the scales."
"So you're just running away?"
"I'm not running. I'm simply reconsidering my options, and I've decided that this chapter of my life has come to a close."
"You can't just leave us," the baby reptilian moved across the room towards Rarity as his eyes began to swell, "I- we need you."
"Spike, I've made my decision. I know it seems a tad reckless but, I'm resolved now. I'm sure Twilight will take care of you."
The young dragon searched his brain for something, anything that could convince her to stay. Unable to find the words he wanted, he settled for "I don't think we can pull through without you. I don't think I can make it without you."
"You need to be strong, Spikey Wikey. For both of us," Rarity hesitated. What if her friends really needed her? She couldn't bring herself to sever ALL possible ties with them. "Spike- I'm going to tell you something but you have to promise not to repeat it to any pony unless it's an absolute, dire, life or death emergency."
"Anything for you. I promise I won't tell a soul."
Rarity regarded her admirer carefully for a moment. When she was satisfied that his face showed pure sincerity and honesty she continued, "I'm moving to Canterlot. I'll be staying in a cheap motel called "The Starving Artist" until I can find an apartment somewhere in the city. If there is some sort of emergency, and you absolutely need me-"
"I get it," Spike interrupted.
"I'll miss you, Spike."
"So this is really goodbye? Game over, the end?"
"Let's call it a fresh start," Rarity said with a smile, "Here, something to remember me by." She leaned in and kissed the baby dragon lightly on the cheek.
Blushing brightly and with a coy smile spreading across his face, Spike was felt powerless against the unicorn's will. He slowly moved to the door where he halted.
"Well, it's your call. Maybe I'll see you again someday, huh?"
"Sure, Spike. Someday."
The dragon nodded as the smile left this face. He sighed to himself and held back tears, trying to stay strong, as he closed the door behind him.
