Coming Full Circle

by Tennis Match Fan

Rating: teen
Tags: Sad, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Slice of Life
Length: 9864

One by one, the Mane Six pass on.

A collaboration with Derec mc coy
Ponies don't live forever, and as her friends slowly die, Twilight Sparkle takes on their Elements. Eventually, everything will come full circle.

Published 2014-07-18 21:00:07 UTC
Last updated 2015-07-08 15:32:19 UTC

Loyalty

“Hey, guys! Look at me!” Rainbow Dash yelled. The Wonderbolt was hanging out with her friends in Ponyville that day, and she was pulling a new trick that she had learned. But for that, she had to fly faster, and she flew straight toward Ghastly Gorge.

“Oh, I’m so excited!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed. She grabbed a bucket filled with popcorn.

“Is it normal that she’s doing this?” Rarity asked.

“I don’t know. She’s flying real fast, and in the Gorge,” Twilight responded doubtfully.

“Y’all shoul’ trust her. Ya know she’s the most experian’ flier in t’whole city,” Applejack said. “Just look at it! Righ’ b’fore she hits the wall, she pulles up an'...” with that, they heard a loud smash, coming from the gorge.

“Oh my,” Fluttershy whispered.

The five ponies ran to the gorge as fast as they could. as soon as they could see the place of the accident, Twilight stopped.

“Uh… Fluttershy? Why don’t you go back to Ponyville and get Nurse Mercy? I guess Rainbow needs a doctor," Twilight said, her voice laced with concern and fear. In fact, she didn’t want Fluttershy to see Rainbow like this.

“Oh, uhm… sure," Fluttershy said, and she flew away.

In the rock wall was a huge hole. There was blood at the edges of it, and in the center, there was a broken Rainbow Dash moaning softly.

“Darn it!” Applejack cried. She hurried to the rainbow coloured mare.

“Dash!” Twilight yelled. The four stood around there beloved friend.

Pinkie and Applejack started to remove the boulders piled around Dash while Twilight and Rarity did some aid spells.

“Stay close everypony, I’ll teleport us to the hospital,” Twilight said when the jobs were done.

“Wait, what about Fluttershy?” Rarity asked.

“She will be here with Nurse Mercy over two and a half minute.” Pinkie said.

“Howd’ya know?” Applejack asked.

“Pinkie sense” was her only response.

~

“Nurse Mercy?” Fluttershy tabbed at the shoulder of a nurse in front of her.

“Yes ma’am. Can I help you?” the sweet nurse asked, and she turned around. “oh, hey Fluttershy. Good to see you again. How are you doing?”

“I’m fine,” The meek pegasus answered, “but Rainbow Dash isn’t. She crashed at Ghastly Go…”

“Miss Mercy! Come over here. A doctor yelled. “Emergency protocol!”

“I’m on it!” Nurse Mercy yelled, and she turned back to Fluttershy. “I’m so sorry sweety, I’ve got work to do…”

“But Dash…” Fluttershy whispered too soft for Mercy to hear it. Then she recognised the familiar voices of her friends. After a bit walking, she found her friends standing in front of the operation room.

“What’s going on?” Fluttershy asked.

“The injuries… were worse than we expected.” Twilight started.

“She needed to be operated. Immediately.” Rarity continued.

“And I know it’s tough… t’say… bu’… there’s a chance tha’ Rainbow Dash… won’ make ‘t” Applejack said with a sad smile.

Pinkie Pie sat at the little play table with some foals. Trying to lock away her sadness… but failed. She burst out into tears. “Rainbow Dash!”

“Please tell me this isn’t true…” Fluttershy asked anxiously.

“We hope so…”

~

A few hours later, Nurse Mercy came out the operating room. The five waiting ponies gathered up to hear the news.

“The operation was hard, but we succeed to remove all the rocks and stitch all the flesh wounds. Her inner organs are damaged way too much to heal them with one operation. She’s stabilizing, but still a bit critical. She has to stay here for a long time," she reported. “We bring her to her room, but she needs to rest.” And she looked sternly at Pinkie Pie. “Real rest.”

After a while, they all sat around the bed, just staring at Rainbow Dash. Luna already risen the moon, but they didn’t care.

An assistant came in the room. “May I ask you to leave the hospital please? Our patients needs their rest, so we don’t allow any visitors at night."

Everypony but Twilight got up. “Are you coming too, darling?” Rarity asked before she left the room.

“No.”

“Excuse me, but you have to go,” The assistant said, more forcefully.
“But I say I don’t.” Twilight stated harshly.
“Listen Twilight Sparkle, I know you hold a lot of weight and power in Ponyville, but please, show some respect to all our patients,” The assistant asked, trying to be friendly.

“Twi? C’mon. Ya need ta sleep.” Applejack said. “We can leave Rainbow, the pony said it was bes' for her…”

“NO!” Twilight exclaimed, turning on Applejack. “Rainbow Dash needs us to be around! She’s real sick and hurt. She needs her friends to be with her. To drag her trough this." She turned around to Rainbow Dash. “That’s exactly what she would do.” And she looked back at her friends. “for all of us.” She looked around. “I made my mind. I stay here.” With that, the machine, attached to Rainbow Dash made an annoying sound.

“Oh no.” the assistant said. “Quick, get doctor Ray!” and he ran over to Rainbow's bed.

A nurse ran in with a doctor. “What’s going on here?!” they asked.

“Low blood pressure, heartbeats are going down, and still unconscious," the assistant responded.

“Start reanimate. Nurse Penicillin. 250CC anti-froxamnution B, now!” the Doctor ordered.

“Rainbow Dash” Twilight whispered. They all came together, holding each other, and watching the doctors work.

“Get the defibrillator! Now!” Ray said.

The assistant grabbed the said tool. “180, Clear!”

He tried to reanimate.

“No response,” Nurse Penicillin said.

“Charge that thing to 240! We’re loosing her!”

“No… Dash, please no,” Fluttershy prayed, tears welling in her eyes.

“240 Clear!” the assistant yelled.

“No response," the nurse replied. A colt icy feeling crept into Twilight's heart.

“50CC adrenaline. Straight in her heart, pronto.”

Pinkie Pie's eyes got wet.

“50CC adrenaline. Shot!” The doctor drilled the shot in Rainbow’s heart. The drilling noise was followed by a monotone beep.

“Dash…” Applejack moaned, unaware that she was hugging Rarity. The white unicorn was trying to keep her eyes dry.

The three medics sighed in defeat. “Hour of death?”

“22:14.”

~

It was inevitable.

Twilight closed her eyes and sighed as she stood with her four friends at her fifth friend's grave. That morning, the Weather Team had settled mist over Ponyville. Everything was quiet that day.

Fluttershy stepped forward and placed a feather from her wings on Rainbow Dash's grave. Rarity put her hoof on Fluttershy's shoulder in consolation.

"Oh Rainbow," Twilight murmured. "Why?"

The brim of Applejack's hat was pulled low over her face. Rarity's dress was a dark rainbow: the colors were desaturated and dull. Pinkie Pie's mane hung limply over her face, and Fluttershy's mane looked like it hadn't been cared for in days.

It was inevitable, Twilight thought. And somehow ironic. The greatest flier in Equestria, can't pull out of a dive fast enough- Twilight shut her eyes again, biting her bottom lip to keep from crying out loud.

The soft breeze of wing beats caused Twilight to turn around. Spitfire, Soarin, and Fleetfoot had arrived. Twilight and Applejack silently stepped to the side so Rainbow's colleagues could say goodbye.

The three Wonderbolts walked up to Rainbow Dash's grave. Spitfire placed down a silver pin; Fleetfoot, her favorite pair of glasses. Soarin was last. He gently plucked a feather from his left wing and let it float down to rest on the top of the quartz grave. The Wonderbolts took off again. Twilight was thankful that the Wonderbolts had left the group of friends to do their mourning alone.

Suddenly, Fluttershy let out a small gasp of surprise. Twilight saw what she was reacting to. A pale red mist was rising out of the grave. Twilight stepped back as the mist snaked through the air. It coiled around and finally came to Twilight. Then it disappeared, as if the mist had become part of Twilight.

And Twilight knew that somehow, it had. She had a new responsibility now. She must wield the Element of Loyalty.

Author's Note

This is called AU where the Elements are still used.

Laughter

It was one year since Rainbow Dash passed away. All of Rainbow's friends were sad for a long time, but after a while, they accepted it and began to move on with their lives. Pinkie Pie's birthday was coming up, and to catch up on all the parties missed during the depressing months after Rainbow's death, Pinkie had decided to throw a party that lasted five whole days!

“Um, Applejack?” Fluttershy asked softly as she thought about all this. “Um, shouldn’t we get something for Pinkie’s birthday?” The two girls were at Sweet Apple Acres. Fluttershy was visiting Applejack, as she usually did everyday.

“What? Get somethin’? We'll make somethin’!” the strong Apple exclaimed.

“Oh, that would be nice, but what?” Fluttershy asked politely.

“Remember those friendship rock necklaces that we made with Maud Pie?” Applejack asked.

“Of course I do! I still have them.”

“Well, look at these.” Applejack opened a chest that Fluttershy hadn't noticed until Applejack pointed it out.

“Oh my, those look amazing!" Fluttershy exclaimed in awe peering into the chest.

“Yup. Ah worked the whole mornin’ for this.”

“I’m sure Pinkie would love them-” Fluttershy turned around “-but that’s your gift. I still have nothing.”

“Shoot. Ah should have thought this through,” Applejack muttered. She trotted forward so she stood next to Fluttershy. “Don’t worry, Fluttershy. We can say it’s from both of us.”

Fluttershy didn't believe what had just come from Applejack's mouth. She started at Applejack. "Are… are you saying that we should lie?”

“Uh…” Applejack seemed to be at a loss for words. “You… can… still… uh… do somethin’ for this, Ah guess. So, in a way, you helped and then it’s from both of us!"

Fluttershy considered this offer a few seconds. Was she really suggesting to lie?

“Okay then, Applejack. How can I help?”

Applejack sighed in relief. “Well, I still need some wires for the necklaces… and there is still some unfinished rock candies left… Ah guess you can do that?”

Fluttershy smiled. “Of course I would do that.” And she started immediately with the so called courses.

~

Rarity and Twilight were at the spa. They tried to relax, so they could party for at least one day.

“Darling, what’s your gift for Pinkie Pie? If I may be so curious?” Rarity asked, stretching her legs and looking over at her lavender friend.

“Well, normally I would give her a book…” Twilight started. Lotus put a cucumber slice on Twilight’s eyes as she continued, “but now, I just want to make her smile.”

“Oh, so you’re going to do something special?” Rarity questioned.

“Yeah! Something that even her pinkie sense can’t predict.” Twilight smiled.

“You're making me curious,” Rarity said.

Twilight started to giggle. “I know. But I’m not going to tell you.”

A moment later, their Spa treatment was over. The girls headed to the Sweet Apple Acers to pick up Applejack and Fluttershy so they could go to the party.

“Tell me.”

“No."

“Tell me.”

“No.”

“Tell me!"

“No!”

“TELL ME!”

“N-"

“Twilight! Rarity! There y'all are. What’s goin’ on here?” Applejack yelled, interrupting Twilight in the process.

The two unicorns trotted over to Applejack until they were close enough to talk to Applejack with a normal voice.

“Twilight doesn’t want say what her gift is,” Rarity explained.

“Of course not. It’s a surprise. And if I tell you, it wouldn’t be a surprise anymore... And what are you laughing at?” Twilight turned, annoyance obvious on her face, to Applejack.

“Sorry, Two. But you sounded just like Pinkie Pie!" Applejack giggled.

“Talking about Pinkie Pie, we should depart before we’re too late for the party,” Rarity said.

Twilight looked around. “Where is Fluttershy?”

“At the little filly's room,” Applejack said. “She could be here any…”
“Oh my… you are already here!” Their pegasus friend exclaimed. She flapped her wings and flew toward the trio to join them. “I hope you didn’t have to wait for me.”

“No. It doesn’t matter darling," Rarity comforted Fluttershy.

“Great, we’re all here, let’s go!” Twilight exclaimed. The group walked back to Ponyville.

~

“Pinkie Pie! What are you doing?” Twilight yelled. Pinkie was balancing at a pile of books atop a very high ladder.

“I’m finishing the decorations!" She exclaimed. She tried to hang up a banner right above the entrance of Sugar Cube Corner.

“But darling. Isn’t that dangerous? You can fall of…” Rarity was interrupted by Pinkie Pie.

“Dangerous? No! I’m standing at safety-manuals for workers at great heights!” Pinkie yelled back.

“Just come of and let us help!” Twilight yelled. Lowering her voice, she added, "You aren't exactly in your prime."

“No thanks, I almost got it! But if you really want to help, there is cake in the oven! It should be ready by now. Would you check it?”

“I’ve got this," Rarity said. “I can’t take a look at this anymore.”

“Ah’ll comin’ with ya, before you burn your hoofs,” Applejack added. Because Pinkie Pie had, for some reason, blocked the main entrance, Rarity and Applejack walked to the back of Sugarcube Corner.

“Fluttershy and I are going inside as well, Pinkie. We will see what still has to be done," Twilight told the pink Earth Pony, who was balancing on the ladder like a circus pony on a tightrope.

“Okey dokey lokey!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

Just as Twilight and Fluttershy were going around the corner, Pinkie Pie yelled something to them.

“Twily! I feel a combo coming up!” Pinkie Pie yelled excitedly.

Twilight peeked from behind the corner, suddenly afraid. “What does it say?”

“Shaky hooves and a tummy that flutters, means watch out for falling-” and with that, Pinkie Pie suddenly lost her balance and tumbled off the ladder.
“PINKIE!” Twilight screamed. She hurried to help her fallen friend.

The three other friends heard the sound of falling books and a ladder, so they ran as fast as they could outside as well.

“Pinkie?” Applejack yelled from the inside. “What the hay is going on he… No.” She stepped outside and saw the terrible accident that just happened.

“Oh no, Pinkie…” was all Fluttershy could say.

“Is she…” Rarity asked anxiously. She was afraid that she already knew the answer.

Twilight stood there with the once so lively party animal in her hooves. “She landed right on her head. I… she… broke her neck…” Twilight wiped some tears from her eyes.

“Isn’t there anything we…” Fluttershy suggested, panicked.

“No.” Twilight cut off, looking up at her friends “There... isn't anything we... can do.”

“A broken neck, it kills you immediately," Applejack said, and she took of her that and pressed it too her chest.

They gathered around Ponyville’s best prankster and cried for there beloved friend.

~

Another stab, similar to the one they had last year.

“Who passed away now?” Princess Luna asked.

“I’m more afraid of who’s the next one,” Princess Celestia answered.

They looked out the window and stared at Ponyville.

“We should tell them," Luna supposed.

“You know we can’t, and even if they know, they can’t stop it,” Celestia said.

“I know… it’s just part of the circle…”

~

Twilight forced a smile onto her face as she stared at the pink quartz grave. Pinkie Pie had mentioned several times she didn't want ponies to be "sad and droopy" whenever they visited her grave.

Wherever she was now, Twilight hoped Pinkie couldn't tell that Twilight was crying on the inside.

Twilight heard sniffling. Fluttershy wasn't able to keep up the happy charade. She was sitting on the ground, tears sliding down her face as Rarity and Applejack tried to comfort her. As Twilight watched, she came to the stark realization that their group was whittled down to only four members.

"Pinkie, you were a sweet and dear sister." Twilight turned around to see Maud Pie, Pinkie Pie's older sister. She hadn't observed Maud that day, but Twilight was startled by what she saw.

Maud's eyeshadow was wiped off, and she had several minute tears in her eyes.

Maud only visibly shows when something so tragic happens? Twilight wondered.

Marble and Limestone, Pinkie's triplets, were at the grave too. They silently placed two polished rocks onto her grave, then stepped back and hugged each other.

Suddenly, a light blue mist rose out of Pinkie's grave. Twilight wondered who would become the Element of Laughter. To her surprise, the mist wound its way over to her and disappeared like the red mist had. Twilight wondered why her other friends hadn't gotten another element, but even as she asked herself that, Twilight knew why.

She would outlive her friends for a very long time.

Twilight sighed, closed her eyes, and tried to smile for Pinkie Pie's sake.

Honesty

“The usual, please," Rarity asked amiably. She was with Fluttershy for their weekly spa treatment, which they had never discontinued after all these years.

Lotus wrote something down, while Aloe guided the two to the sauna.

“So, how is everything going?” Fluttershy asked.

“Just perfect darling! Absolutely perfect!” Rarity exclaimed.

“How so?” Fluttershy asked, curious.

“Well, remember I was in Canterlot last week? Well, I bumped into Sapphire Shore! You know she’s been a good customer for years now, and she introduced me to some important ponies, but I mean, really important. Not more important than Celestia, but still…” Rarity chattered on.

“I understand, Rarity… but who?” Fluttershy asked, somewhat impatient.

“Fancy Pants!” Rarity announced proudly.

Fluttershy was amazed by this revelation. “Fancy? But you already know him for a quite while. That’s not so special, uh, sorry...” Fluttershy noticed that she raised her voice again; that always happened when she slept badly.

“Don’t mind it.” Rarity comforted her, “but Fancy Pants grew.”

Fluttershy was even more confused now. “He’s taller?”

“No, no silly," Rarity giggled. “He simply became more important in the modelling and trend world! Almost each and every clothing shop is owned by him! And now, he is looking for a new clothing line for his shops!"

“And you,” Fluttershy continued.

“Took the opportunity!" Rarity finished excitedly. “See, when I get the job, I will have so much work, but it also means that, if my clothing line is good, and it will be, the whole of Canterlot will know my work!”

“So that would make you the most famous designer of Canterlot!" Fluttershy concluded.

“Exactly!” Rarity confirmed. “All I have to do is make the best of the best. The crème de la crème! La pièce de résistance! The perfect design!”
“Oh, I’m so happy for you!" Fluttershy smiled, “and I’m sure Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash would be proud of you.” The smile vanished immediately.

A moment of silence passed. Pinkie and Dash may have been dead for nearly eleven years, but the others still remembered them like their good times were only yesterday.

Rarity sighed. “Yes, I think that as well.”

~

Twilight trotted over to Sweet Apple Acres. She helped at the orchard some weeks now that Granny Smith had passed on a little while ago, and Applejack and Big Macintosh weren't so young anymore either. Sure, Applebloom was still around, but she couldn't take care of the orchard by her own, nor did she want to.

The princess reached the barn to find Big Macintosh in his sturdy wingchair. it surprised Twilight every time to see how old Big Mac actually was.

“Twilight. Good to see you again,” The once-orange-but-now-grey-maned-stallion said.

“The same to you,” Twilight responded, her smile as small as an orange rind. “How is Applejack doing?” The elderly stallion lifted up his glasses.

“Worse then she’s telling us,” he said with a rusty voice.

“That obstinate mare,” Twilight sighed, “she doesn’t want to except that she’s overwork. She’s broken. Her muscles are in bad condition and her bones are fragile.”

“I know Twilight," Big Mac responded slowly. “You know how stubborn she can be.”

“Always was, and apparently always will be. I hope she will quit bucking this time.”

And like the demons are playing, a golden mare with a pink mane ran around the corner, looking as frightened as if she had seen a timberwolf.

“Big Mac! Big Mac! Howdy, Twilight, you can help! Big Mac! Quick, Applejack started bucking apples again! I tried to reason her, but she won’t listen! She might listen to you or Twilight, ya'll are older!"

Big Mac was about to jump out of his wingchair, but Twilight stopped him.

"Let me handle this.” she said, and she turned to Applebloom. "Bring me to her.”

~

Applejack placed a bucket under a huge tree. Then, she stretched her legs. An unpleasant cracking sounded.

“Time to buck those apples,” she muttered.

“Applejack.” Twilight yelled, racing up to her friend. "You know you can’t buck those apples!”

“Of course ah can, ah have to! Big Macintosh is hurt, so ah’ve got to buck those apples!” Twilight's mind wandered back to a distant memory.

She sighed softly. “This is my first apple buck season all over again.”

“Well, if you want to excuse me, ah’ve got apples to buck,” Applejack said, annoyed. She wanted to walk around Twilight, but Twilight stopped her from approaching a tree.

“Applejack, you are too old for this. Let me do the harvesting,” Twilight requested.

“Me? Too old? Twi-" Applejack looked at Twilight, a serious expression on her face, “-you are older than me. And look at you. You look young!"

“Because I’m an immortal princess,” Twilight grumbled. “Applejack, did you forgot your pills for your memory loss?”

“Pills? What pills?” Applejack asked, more annoyed than confused. "I don't need pills, my memory is perfect."

“She took her pills.” Applebloom ran over to the pair. She finally caught up with Twilight. “But, after that, she forgot that she already had a pill, and after that, she forgot it again, and again, and again… so, if I counted right, she took 24 pills.”

Twilight’s eyes grew when she heard this. “And why didn’t you stop her?”

“Ab noticed this afternoon that the bowl was empty. And I actually saw her taking these pills twice, I stopped her the second time,” Applebloom declared. Twilight nodded.

“Well then.” She turned to Applejack. “You are coming with me to the hospital, because too many pills aren’t good for you.”

“Ah’m not goin’ anywhere,” Applejack insisted. “I have apples to buck. It’s apple buck season after all, and Big Mac is-"

"Hurt, I know," Twilight grumbled.

“Oh, you visited him already?” Twilight lowered her head.

“Please, just, come with me…”

All of a sudden, they heard to voices familiar from behind. “Twilight!” one of them exclaimed.

Twilight turned around and saw Rarity and Fluttershy trotting along.

“Girls!" She responded, trying to keep her attention on all her friends at once. “What are you doing here?”

Rarity began, “We are here to, to…” she trailed off.

“To what?” Twilight prompted.

“Oh, sorry my dear.” Rarity shook her head a bit. “I was distracted for a moment. Say, you have to tell me your secret. How do you stay so young? I want to look as young as you too.”

“Magic.” Twilight's voice was a dull monotone.

“Oh right," Rarity replied, disappointed. “Anyway, I’ve got great news!" She told the whole story about Fancy Pants again.

~

As Twilight listened, Applejack was replacing the bucket under another tree, and she started bucking apples. It was surprising how hard a pony could kick at that age.

“Twilight?” Fluttershy asked quietly. She was the only one who noticed what Applejack was doing. Even Applebloom had lost herself and joined in the conversation.

“Twilight? Applejack is-” Fluttershy began a bit louder. But the three had become so involved in the discussion they paid no attention.

“TWILIGHT!” Fluttershy yelled finally, flaring her wings.

“Wh… what’s wrong Fluttershy?” Twilight asked, turning to her friend.

“Applejack,” Fluttershy said, and she pointed at Applejack, kicking an apple tree.

“Oh no,” Twilight mumbled.

Rarity and Applebloom were now aware of the situation as well. And the four ran to Applejack to stop her.

“Applejack, don’t do this,” Twilight pleaded.

“Listen Twi, ah know you’re a princess now, but you’re not tellin’ me when ah can or when ah can’t buck mah apples," Applejack responded, and she kicked the tree again. But when her hind hooves were back on the ground, dazed a bit.

“What’s wrong, Applejack?” Rarity asked, concern dancing in her eyes.

“Nothing. Just bit dizzy. Probably from the heat,” Applejack explained.

The four othee ponies looked to the skies, but it was cloudy, and it wasn’t warm at all. Meanwhile, Applejack kicked the three again. Apple Bloom reached to stop her, but Applejack's hooves had already made contact. All the apples fell down.

At that moment, Applejack started to hyperventilate.

“Applejack, it’s not warm at all, it’s just-” Twilight looked back at her friend. “Oh my goodness. Applejack!” Applejack fell down to the ground.

“Sis?” Apple Bloom asked anxiously.

~

Nurse Nancy, head of the intensive care, trotted over to the waiting ponies, Fluttershy, Rarity, Twilight, Applebloom and Big Mac.
“What's the news?” Twilight asked.

“I’m sorry Princess Twilight,” The new nurse said. “We did everything we could. but her heart just stopped. The older age and, the rising blood pressure caused by the apple bucking, and the pills, and the overworked state she was, and it was not a good combination. I’m sorry. She died by heart failure.” Twilight nodded softly, and while the four others tried to comfort each other.

“I don’t want to sound rude,” Nancy continued, “but you three-” she pointed at Rarity, Fluttershy and Big Mac “-you should do a cardio test as well. Just to be sure. You know, you all are well into your years now, so, better be sure before the cure.” She smiled, probably in hopes to cheer them up.

~

“Celestia? Did you feel it too?” Luna ran to her sister's bedroom and burst through the doorway.

“Yes, Luna. Another element passed away. That makes two remaining elements left,” Celestia said, and a depressed look passed over her face. “Do you remember when we got through that?”

Luna nodded. “Yes, you were an emotional wreck when three of the elements were down…”

Celestia nodded again. “I just wish that Twilight never had to go through where we been through.”

~
Twilight felt so, so depressed as she stood at Applejack's grave.

This is all inevitable, she told herself sternly. You might as well get used to it. Even as she thought those words, Twilight felt as if Applejack were there, telling her to be honest with her feelings.

Twilight lowered her head, regret washing over her.

Beside her stood Fluttershy and Rarity, the three of them pressed together like sardines in a can. Three of them left, and they were afraid of losing each other.

On Twilight's right, Big Mac, Apple Bloom and several members of the extended Apple Family stood together. Nopony said anything, but Big Mac held Applejack's old cowgirl hat in his hoof. Twilight watched as his grip tightened around it. She said nothing, but turned her attention back to the grave.

It was a simple, flat stone compared to Dash's and Pinkie's. Engraved at the top were several small apples. Rarity had picked it out, shortly after...

The death, Twilight told herself sternly. Applejack died. She was getting old and she died and soon Rarity and Fluttershy will too. Twilight only felt saddened by these facts.

Yeah, well the truth hurts, doesn't it? snapped another part of her. Applejack understood that. Somewhere in Twilight's conscious, another part of her wasn't pleased.

You think Applejack would like the way you're being to yourself? She lectured. You're being unfair and harsh. Maybe truth isn't honey and roses, but it certainly isn't all bees and thorns either.

Twilight sighed aloud.

"What's that?" Apple Bloom murmured. Even before she caught sight of it, Twilight knew what the mare saw. A pale orange mist rose out of Applejack's grave and enveloped the ponies mourning Applejack. Once again, it came to rest inside of Twilight.

Twilight glanced over at her other two friends. I hope you two don't go soon...

Kindness

After Rarity’s funeral, Twilight made an executive decision that it would be best if Fluttershy moved in with her. Fluttershy’s physical condition wasn’t so good anymore, and Twilight could help her oldest and remaining friend

Another reason Twilight wanted this, a reason she would never admit to herself, was because Twilight wanted to spend the last moments of Fluttershy's life together. Not because she had stronger feelings for Fluttershy than any other pony, but because Fluttershy was her only best friend left. And Twilight knew what was coming.

****

Twilight's eyes flew open. She sat up and blinked the blinding morning sunlight out of her eyes. Twilight scratched her mane and scanned the room like she did every morning.

“Eight o’clock,” She mumbled. Twilight got up and tiptoed over to Fluttershy’s bed, right across the room. Twilight watched the figure of her slumbering friend rise and fall with every breath, then Twilight trotted downstairs to prepare breakfast.

“What do we have?” Twilight asked herself quietly when she opened the fridge. “Tomatoes, salad, cucumbers-” She took a can and rubbed in her eyes "-rattlesnake food? How did this thing got here?” She put it back and looked in farther for something more delightful. She cheered up when she a classic favorite. “Chocolate waffles!”

Twilight levitated two plates with her magic and set them down at the table. She put several some waffles at both plates, poured some apple jus into two cups when Fluttershy came into the kitchen.

“Good morning, Twilight," Fluttershy said, smiling softly.

“Good morning, Fluttershy!” Twilight responded. “I already made breakfast.” She pointed at the plates she had just filled.

“Oh my,” Fluttershy yawned. “Sorry. I’m not totally awake.” Twilight's smile dipped into a frown.

"You should have stayed in bed if you weren't ready to get up!"

"Don't worry, Twilight. I wouldn't keep you breakfast waiting!" Fluttershy coughed, then she looked at the plates and let out a little gasp. “Oh, you didn’t have to do this! Some celery would have been fine!”

“Too late, I already did,” Twilight answered with a grin.

“So… what are we going to do today?” Fluttershy asked while she took a seat.

“Well,” Twilight responded as she took a seat as well, “we don’t have to do anything special today. I cleaned up this place yesterday, so the only thing that we really have to do is feed your animals.” Twilight took a bit from her waffle. “And after that, we can go out for a walk!”
Fluttershy nodded in quiet excitement. “Sounds great.”

After breakfast, Twilight cleaned up the dishes, with a little help from Fluttershy, and walked to the enclosure behind the castle. It was build for Fluttershy’s animals, so they would always be close.

Fluttershy was immediately attacked with hugs from all kind of animals. Twilight watched Fluttershy enjoy the moment, but after a while, she walked to the back room and opened it. It was a storage room, filled with food for all the animals.

“Oh, hello Angel junior!” Twilight exclaimed gently. The white bunny was upon some bags with vegetables. “How did you get in this time?” Although Twilight locked the door each time, Angel Junior always found a way to get in. He was like a ninja or something.

Twilight carefully levitated the bunny aside and took three different kinds of bags. She brought them to the center of the room.

“Time for breakfast!” Fluttershy sang. And with those sweet tones, she lured all the animals in to the area. They didn’t mind Twilight opening the bags. After she struggled out of the furry mass, she crawled, panting to Fluttershy.

“You, huh, should teach them some patience!” Twilight stretched every bone in her body and got back up. She wanted to ask something, but an empty bag was thrown on her head, distracting her. “And some manners too.” Twilight threw the empty bag in the trashcan.

After they petted and played a bit with the animals, the friends left for a relaxing walk, mainly to help Flutershy’s rather delicate health. They decided to visit the graves of their beloved friends.

Neither said a word during the walk. It was still early in the morning, and Twilight supposed they each had their own things on their minds.

Once they arrived at the tranquil spot, memories began flooding back. Fluttershy and Twilight laughed for joy at the adventures they and their late friends had once shared.

"Remember the party canon?” Twilight asked, blinking away tears of contentment.

“Of course! Pinkie used to shoot everypony with confetti.” Fluttershy smiled, picturing the memory as if she was living it that very minute.

“And cider season?”

Fluttershy nodded and smiled. “I remember Rainbow Dash pulling me out of bed at midnight, once. Just to be the first one. It was the year those Flim Clam brothers came.” She turned around and found Rarity’s grave.

“And Rarity,” Fluttershy continued softly.

“How could I forget how you and Rarity gave me a hard time once?" Twilight chuckled at the memory. “When you two made me promise to keep your secrets, back when you modeled for Photo Finish!” Twilight turned her gaze to the tombstone labeled ‘Applejack.’

“It seems like just yesterday when she introduced me to all of the Apple family members, when I arrived here for the Summer Sun Celebration," Twilight recalled.

"That was the year we became friends!" Fluttershy agreed.

The next hour was spent reminiscing over memories long past. Old wounds were opened through this, but beautiful memories accompanied the pain. The sun was rising to the center of the sky, so Fluttershy and Twilight decided to head back home for lunch.

“So, what are we going to have for lunch?” Fluttershy asked on the way back.

“I don’t know. You tell me!” Twilight responded, chuckling.

Fluttershy suddenly stopped walk. She stood rigid in the center of the path. Twilight noticed after a moment that Fluttershy wasn't next to her, and she turned around.

“What’s wrong?” Twilight asked, concerned.

“Twilight?” Fluttershy whispered.

“What is it?” Twilight responded.

“How long do you think I will live?” Fluttershy questioned.

Twilight was stunned by this question. “What?”

“You know what I'm asking, Twilight. How long will I be able to walk around like this?” Fluttershy lowered her head, a sad expression on her elderly face.

“Why do you ask?” Twilight wrapped her wing around her friend as they resumed their walk. Fluttershy was quiet for a moment.

“Because I’m scared,” she finally answered.

“About what?” Twilight pressed.

“I'm scared to die!” Fluttershy blurted out.

“Oh, Fluttershy, you don’t have to think about that!” Twilight comforted her. “You’re walking around, healthy and well.”

“Twilight.” Fluttershy turned to look her straight in the eyes. Her face was a mask of solemnity. “How old am I?”

“Uh, you’re...” Twilight began to answer hesitantly, but Fluttershy cut her off.

“Too old. I’m the oldest mare that ever lived. Excluding the princesses, of course. I'm sure you're aware of that.” Fluttershy sighed. “This... this just made me think.”

Twilight racked her brain for a good response. “Fluttershy, what is it that scares you about death, exactly?”

“I’m afraid of… of…” Fluttershy tried to answer, but she couldn't without tears brimming in her eyes.

“Come on. Spit it out,” Twilight pressed. She immediately wished she hadn't been so blunt with her friend, but it was too late to change now.

“...leaving you.” Fluttershy's tears spilled over. She stopped walking, as did Twilight.

Twilight wrapped her hoofs around Fluttershy and hugged her as tightly as she was able without hurting the fragile mare. “Leaving me?”

“Y-yes,” Fluttershy confirmed through her sobs. “Y-you’ve always been so good to me, and to everypony. When I die, I leave you with nothing.”

“That’s not true,” Twilight replied, stroking Fluttershy's pale mane to calm her.

“But it is!" Fluttershy cried. “I will see our friends: Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash. While I am reunited with them, you are left alone here, as the last in our wonderful group!”

“It’ll be alright Fluttershy,” Twilight soothed her. She hugged Fluttershy tightly. Fluttershy's sobs grew quieter.

“I’m just scared of leaving you.”

“I know you'll feel bad for leaving me," Twilight began, “but I won’t be so alone. I have the animals to take care of! But I’m sure we will all be together someday soon.” She hugged Fluttershy again. “You don’t have to cry. You don’t even have to think about your death. Just think about the funny things we'll do. Okay?” Fluttershy nodded.

“You’re right…” she dried her remaining tears. “Sorry.”

“No need to apologize, my dear friend. We all go through moments like that,” Twilight answered gently.

“I- I-” Fluttershy, suddenly dazed and confused, nearly fell onto the dirt path before Twilight caught her.

“Fluttershy!” Twilight cried. “What happened?”

“I’m sorry, Twilight,” Fluttershy whispered.

“Ypu… you already apologized,” Twilight answered. Her tone contained all the fright and anguish she was experiencing. “Come on. I'll help you stand up and go back to the castle. You’re looking a bit weak. That’s all. Right?”

“The only thing that kept me up so long was the fear of...” Fluttershy trailed off and smiled. “Now it’s gone…”

“So that’s relieving and good. Right?” Twilight asked, fresh tears springing into her eyes. She knew in her heart what Fluttershy was trying to tell her.

“Twilight.” Fluttershy brushed her hoof against the side of Twilight’s face. “It’s time. I can go in peace now. I'll be waiting, with the others...” Fluttershy’s breath became slower and softer.

When her chest stop moving and her mouth made no sound, Twilight let her tears fall. All her many, many tears.

****

Twilight sat back in the castle several hours later. She was in need of some private time to mourn. While she did so, the grandchildren of Fluttershy's brother attended to the body.

All of a sudden, a light orb appeared in the center of he room. Twilight looked up from her sobs, and saw that Princess Celestia and Luna stood there. Their wings were flaired and their expressions were solemn.

“Twilight. We need to talk.”

Magic

“W-why do you want to talk?” Twilight asked Celestia, her voice shaky after crying for so long.

“It’s time,” Celestia answered simply.

Twilight looked away, her eyes misting up. “That’s what Fluttershy said before she- before she-” Twilight couldn't bring out the words.

“We offer our condolences,” Luna told her gently. "We know Fluttershy was a kind soul who shall be missed.

“Listen, Twilight.” Celestia started. “You are the last element alive. You symbolize every element now.”

“And what does that mean?” Twilight asked.

Luna stepped in. “Do you know what the Elements of Harmony are?”

“Our strongest weapon in defense?” Twilight asked.

“It’s more, Twilight,” Celestia said. “But to explain that, please, take a seat. And have some tea.”

Twilight gathered some chairs, while Luna made some tea. Celestia placed the cups on the table, and poured the hot, damped, fresh tea into it.

“The Elements of Harmony,” Celestia began, “are way more powerful as we always said. It’s also a test.”

“A test?” Twilight was totally confused with that.

“See,” Luna began, “an alicorn duo can’t reign forever. Actually, they can only live for a few thousand years. And then, a new sisterhood must arise to take the throne.”

“Why can’t they rule forever? I thought alicorns were immortal!” Twilight interrupted.

“True,” Celestia answered. “But, forever, is very long. And although Alicorns don’t die, they do leave there body as spirits. They live on in the stars, guide and protect every citizens of Equestria.”

“so, Alicorns… do die?” Twilight repeated.

“Not exactly,” Luna said. “See it as… phoenixes. They come to a point in live where they have to change there old and outworked body into a new, better and higher form. Alicorns change, too.”

“So, when the rulers comes to that point, there must be an other duo, a duo who will rule over Equestria,” Celestia said. “And that’s where the Elements are for. To find the new ruler.”

“How?” Twilight wanted to know.

"See, nopony is perfect. But, they can be perfect in one facet of the diamond, the ideal ruler has to be,” Celestia explained. “And that diamond exists of five facets. Loyalty, laughter, honesty, generosity and kindness. Those five, combined, are traits that manifest in the perfect ruler.”

“So, when the end of the princesses is near, the Elements will arise. So there will be five ponies who each master one element. And the sixth element, Magic, is the student. The student will learn to master every other element,” Luna explained.

"The student is the one who’s most capable to learn every thing,” Celestia added. Luna nodded in agreement.

“So the Masters, carriers of the elements, teaches their element to the student. Once the student, bearer of the Element of Magic, fully controlled one element, the master is defeated, and…” Celestia trailed off.

“Die?” Twilight tried to keep her anxiety from leaking in to her voice. She knew what was coming.

The two princesses nodded.

“Once the Student learned all five elements, she will be ready to rise and rule over Equestria,” Celestia looked deep in Twilight's eyes. “You are the next ruler Twilight. You were the student.”

“How did you...” Twilight stopped talking as she thought. All the information was almost impossible for her to take in at once.

“Became the ruler?” Celestia finished Twilight's query. “The same as you have. I was the student once. I mastered every element, and when that happened, I became the ruler of Equestria.”

Twlight vaguely nodded, still thinking.

“And you?” Twilight's voice was just more than a whisper, but Luna heard.

“Me? I proved myself. When the Elements failed… I saved Equestria from King Sombra. The first time he rose to power, I mean.”

“Just like Cadence saved us from Chrysalis,” Twilight remembered.

“Indeed,” Celestia confessed. “She will be the second part of the sisterhood.”

“And how did it happened before you?” Twilight asked.

“The same as now. The Elements of Harmony picked six ponies. Five masters, and one student,” Celestia said. “And before that too, and before that. It has been going on like that for as long as Equestria has existed.”

Twilight looked from Celestia to Luna. For the first time, she truly realized how old they were. Both mares had dark circles under their eyes. They had grown weary of leading for so long. Twilight slowly nodded.

“So in a nutshell,” Twilight started softly, “you two will burn into ashes, and go to the stars. While me and Cadence- sorry, Cadence and I- have to rule over Equestria, because I was picked by the Elements of Harmony? And in a couple thousand years, the same fate will happens to us?”

Luna and Celestia looked at each other, and then back to Twilight. “Yes, something like that.”

“And when does all that happen?” Twilight asked.

“Tomorrow, 22:14.”

“What?” Twilight's wings fluttered nervously. “Why then?”

“You know why, Twilight," Celestia said softly. "What happened twenty years ago?”

Twilight thought for a while. Nothing particular came up in memory, but-

“Rainbow’s death,” Twilight whispered.

“And thirty years ago?” Luna asked.

Twilight thought for a little longer. “We defeated Nightmare Moon…” Twilight’s eyes opened wide. “The same date, same hour.”

“That was when you used the Elements for the first time. That was when the test began,” Celestia answered.

Twilight nodded, wiping away a tear from her eye.

*****

Twilight would never forget those last moments with her mentors. The last day they were together, as ponies, they had fun like they were a real family. And in fact, they were family. They laughed, cried, and made plans for the future. The Royal Sisters informed Twilight of her duties as the leader of Equestria. It was only facts to Twilight. All in all, the job was similar to her duties as Princess of Friendship.

But to all good things, comes an end.

At 22:13, Celestia's and Luna's strength left them. The collapsed on their thrones. Twilight and Cadence grabbed each other, and neither could help the tears.

"Hush, little ponies," Celestia told them as the stars in her mane faded. "We will never truly leave you. I am so proud of what you have become."

"As am I." Luna's cutie mark evaporated as she spoke her last words. "We will always be here to guide you, and protect you..."

Twilight and Cadence took a deep breath.

22:14

Celestia and Luna were enveloped in a blinding light. Twilight shut her eyes as their mortal bodies left Equestria. When Twilight opened her eyes again, her mentors were gone.

Twilight heaved a heavy sigh, but she managed a smile.

"Ready, Twilight?" Cadence asked softly. Twilight nodded.

"Ready."

This was the cycle, and it had completed another round. In another thousand years or so, the cycle would start again.

Generosity

Author's Note

This is slightly darker than the other chapters. You have been warned.

Generosity

Three years had gone by rather quickly. Three years since Applejack's death, and a lot of change had happened. As Twilight's leadership strengthened, Spike became a lead guard in the Crystal Empire. Rarity took Fancy Pants's place in the fashion industry after his retirement, becoming the head owner of practically every Boutique in Canterlot, and Fluttershy, well, she's still Fluttershy. New animal companions to tend to in her older age, though.

The three friends sat around the huge table in the Castle of Friendship, discussing some royal business. After that business, they decided to relax and do what three old friends would usually do when they have nothing to do- chatting.

“So, Rarity, how is your commerce doing?” Twilight asked while she made tea.

“Marvellous darling, really. I’ve never made so much profit,” Rarity said. Then she realized what she had implied, and looked seriously at her friends. She added, “I’m sorry, I sounded like I’m only interested in the money. I’m working for the dresses, you know that!”

“Of course we do, Rarity,” Fluttershy comforted her. Rarity sighed, relieved.

“It’s just… I can’t believe it! everything I ever dreamed, came true! The fame, my role in the fashion. It’s more than I ever hoped!” Rarity smiled. "Even if it did happen later in life!"

Twilight poured some tea in the cups by levitating the pot with her magic. “And we are really glad for you,” she replied.

“Say,” Rarity started, “may I ask you girls a favour?”

“Sure,” Twilight and Fluttershy responded in almost perfect synchronisation.

“Well, I have to go to Canterlot for a few days, as you know, to see how my boutiques are doing," Rarity explained, "and I was wondering if you two will watch over Carousel Boutique for so long? You know, for watering the plants, emptying my mailbox and things like that.”

“Why do you even need to ask, Rarity? Of course we'll help you! So, when do you leave?” Twilight asked.

“This Saturday,” Rarity answered promptly.

“And how long are you away?” Twilight questioned.

“Five or six days, one week maximum. Why?” Rarity asked.

“Oh, just wondering.” Twilight forced a smile.

“We'll watch over your house to the best of our ability, Rarity!” Fluttershy added.

“Thank you, girls!” Rarity exclaimed thankfully.

Twilight frowned a bit. She couldn't shake the feeling that this trip was a bad idea.

~

“We are ready to go, Miss Rarity,” a pink unicorn with long blue mane said.

“Oh Melody, please. ‘Rarity’ is fine. Simply Rarity,” Rarity told her.

“But, Miss, I am just your assistant. Aren’t I supposed to call you ‘miss’?” Melody asked, confused.

Rarity sighed and smiled. “We've already had this conversation darling. You’re not just an assistant, you are so much more. You are a true help, a real friend! Friends don’t call each other ‘miss’.”

“I’m sorry Mi- Rarity.” Melody corrected herself. “All my ex-bosses wanted to be called ‘sir’ or ‘boss’ or ‘chief.’ It’s a habit.”

“Okay then.” Rarity wanted to switch subjects, so she started talking about the trip. “But before we leave, some final checks.”

Melody levitated her clipboard. “Of course.”

“Luggage?”

“In the cab.”

“Keys?”

“In my saddlebag.”

“Schedule?”

“Right here.” Melody showed a little book.

“Good. Train tickets?”

“Also in my saddlebag.”

Rarity nodded. “Good. Did I forget something?”

“Uh…” Melody thought for a little while. “No.”

“Yes, I did,” Rarity contradicted.

Melody looked, confused, at her superior.

“I haven’t gave an extra key to Twilight!” Rarity grinned.

“Already did.”

Rarity was surprised for a moment, then she smiled gratefully. “And that, Melody, is why you are so much better then an ‘assistant’.”

Melody smiled and guided Rarity to the cab.

The way to Canterlot was long and boring. Luckily, Rarity had Melody to talk to. They discussed the plans for the next week. When they arrived at Canterlot Station, they were still busy talking about what would happen that day.

“Good. So what’s first?” Rarity asked.

“First, I’ll stop a cab, so we can go to the hotel,” Melody answered, “and as for the luggage...” She carried four heavy bags with her magic. She put the baggage on the pavement and walked to an empty cab.

“Are you free?” she asked.

“Oh, you’re a fast one hey?” the cab driver asked with a smirk, and he winked.

“I mean the cab. Is it reserved?” Melody asked, annoyed.

The cap driver looked disappointed. “No, ma’am. It’s free.”

“Thank you.” Melody levitated the bags one by one, and put them in the trunk then walked back to Rarity.

“Rarity?” she asked. “I arranged a cap.”

“Good work, Melody," Rarity said, and they trotted to the cab.

“May I ask you something?” Melody questioned.

“Of course, darling! Please, ask me," Rarity replied.

“Why didn’t we go with the carriage?”

Rarity smiled. “Because Pound Cake from Sugar Cube Corner is on honeymoon, and he forgot to arrange the transport, silly him! So, I lent him my carriage for a while.”

Melody was stunned, and as she helped Rarity in the cab, she remarked, "wow! That’s very generous of you.”

“Thank you!” Rarity responded, flattered. “But, back to business now.”

“Right," Melody said. “First, we go to the hotel, then we have two hours for unpacking. Then we go to ‘Fine Dress’, one of your more exclusive boutiques. It’s in…”

“Hays-street,” Rarity finished with a little smile “I know where my shops are.”

“Right. Sorry.” Melody apologised “After that, you will be expected at the grand opening of a new museum. Not far from ‘Fine Dress’.”

“Okay. And then?” Rarity asked.

Melody flipped a page. “Uh… oh, I’ve got it. Dinner at ‘Golden Heaven Restaurant’ with Trade Mark, the owner of a filial in Trottingham, and that’s it for today.”

“Oh, easy day. Good!” Rarity said. She turned to Melody. “Remind me that I have to talk to you when we are back in Ponyville. Okay?”

Melody was a bit worried. “About what?”

“About you,” Rarity noticed the concerned look at Melody’s face, “and don’t worry. It’s nothing bad.”

Melody sighed relieved.

“We’re here.” The cab driver said.

“Thank you sir,” Rarity said and she and Melody stepped out. “Melody, why don’t you take the luggage? Then I’ll pay the driver.” Melody nodded and walked to the trunk.

“That’s eleven bits please,” The cab driver said.

“Why, here you go. Keep the change!” She gave him fifteen bits.

"Why, thank you ma’am!” The cap driver exclaimed happily.

“I’m ready-” Melody yelled. and the cab driver left the two unicorns alone.

One and a half hour later, the two mares were ready to go. They stood in front of the hotel. Hay–street wasn’t that far, so Rarity and Melody decided to walk.

“What is the shortest way?” Rarity asked.

“That way.” Melody pointed to the left. “I know the way, but it’s a bit difficult to explain. It’s through alleys and small paths, but trust me, I was raised here.”

“Okay then. Show me he way!” The two friends trotted side by side to the boutique.

After a little while, they entered a dark lane, making Rarity a bit uncomfortable.

“Are you sure we’re going the right way?” she asked.

“Yes,” Melody confirmed. “When I was small, me and my father walked this street each Sunday. See, right after the next turn, we are in Hays-street. It’s just four more minutes.”

“Sure it is.” Rarity and Melody froze as a deep voice cut in.

The two unicorns turned rapidly around.

“W-who are you?” Rarity asked.

In the shadows, they could only see two emerald green eyes and a cruel smile to match.

“Does it matter? The real question is, ‘who are you?’”

Rarity was a bit scared by the deep voice, but managed to answer with all her confidence, “My name is Rarity and this is Melo-”

“Rarity?” the voice interrupted in what sounded like delighted surprise. “Hey, guys, take a look. It’s Rarity.” Three more silhouettes emerged from the shadows.

“Rarity? Like the Rarity?” one of the voices said.

“The ‘famous dress maker’ Rarity?” Another voice asked.

Rarity smiled nervously. “Well, yes, that’s me.”

“So, you are the rich and important Rarity, huh?” the last voice asked. Rarity could see the corners of his mouth turn into a nasty grin.

Melody looked towards the sky. “Oh dear.”

“What’s wrong?” Rarity asked, despite the answer being clear as day.

“This is a street robbery,” Melody deadpanned.

“What? How? You said you know these streets! I thought you would know the dangers!” Rarity responded in, eying the stallions.

“Yeah, but normally my father is-” One of the four ponies slammed Melody with a pipe.

“Melody!" Rarity cried, rushing to her friend. Raising her gaze, she yelled at the attacker, "You primitive, cruel, beast! How dare you treat my friend like that!”

“Shut up, you daughter of a butcher,” the attacker growled, holding the pipe menacingly.

Rarity gasped. “Such language!”

The leader of the gang stepped forward, a knife gripped in his magic aura. “Listen, you fool. Give us your money and get out of here.”

“I’ll never give my hard earned money to a monster such as yourself,” Rarity said responded, trying to be brave in the face of danger.

“Oh, so you want to play it the hard way, huh? Guys?” The three others unsheathed knives as well and stepped closer. The last thing that was heard were some dark laughs and a scream filled with pain.

~

Twilight trotted to the balcony, unsettled by the visit from NCIS Equestria that had happened mere hours ago.

“She doesn’t disserve this,” She muttered to herself, eyebrows knitted and expression tight. “So cold blooded. So unrespectable… but how? How do I explain to Fluttershy… that Rarity is murdered?”

Twilight heard a knock at her door, and she ordered Melody to get Fluttershy. And so, Melody, who was staying with Twilight for a little while, did.

“Here she is,” Melody said when she entered the room, Fluttershy walked behind her, a fearful anticipation written all over her face.

“Thank you, Melody. Please, Will you give us a moment?” Twilight asked. Melody nodded and silently left the room.

“Twilight? What’s wrong? Why are you looking so concerned?” Fluttershy asked anxiously. "Why is Melody here and Rarity isn't?"

Twilight sighed. “Please, Fluttershy. Take a seat.” Fluttershy did so, and Twilight noted her unsteady hooves as she pulled the chair out. Twilight wondered if it was from age or nerves.

Gently, Twilight did her best to explain what had happened to Rarity in Canterlot. Fluttershy began to sob almost immediately. When Twilight finished, Fluttershy was shaking silently, her sobs racking her frail body as she sat across from Twilight. Twilight put her hooves on Fluttershy's and stared to the side of the room.

“Now it’s just you and me, Fluttershy. You, and me.”

I think I have Post Traumatic Stress or something, Twilight's brain whispered.

~

“Find that murderer!” Celestia demanded. “Do what ever it costs to find those stallions!”

“Yes, princess,” The NCIS director responded gravely, “it’s our top priority now.”

“Make it higher!” Princess Luna commanded.

“Yes, princess.” With that, the two sisters flew away, through the open window, to the Castle.

“Only Fluttershy is left of Twilight's friends, sister,” Luna said softly.

“I know,” Celestia sighed, “and I’m afraid it won’t be for long.”

“It’s time to invite Twilight, don’t you think?”

Celestia nodded. “We will do, what has to be done.”

~
Twilight didn't feel sad, like she had with her other friends' deaths; she felt angry, furious with herself. The post traumatic stress stuff had gone away, and the anger had taken its place.

I could have prevented this! Somehow... Twilight and Fluttershy stood right next to each other, so close the thinnest fabric created couldn't separate them. Sweetie Belle also stood next to Twilight, though she stayed nearer to her elderly mother.

"Oh, Rarity," Twilight heard Sweetie Belle murmur. Twilight's anger didn't ebb. She hung her head low and thought, Somehow, I could have stopped her. I should have acted upon my intuition! Maybe I could have persuaded her to stay at home, or I could have cast a protection spell on her, or something else! This is my fault.

"Twilight, you're hurting," Fluttershy murmured. "Don't blame yourself." Twilight jerked her head up.

"But I could have stopped her," she whispered. Fluttershy shook her head.

"No, Twilight," she replied softly. "We'll all pass on eventually. Rarity had a terrible experience, but she's at peace now. She lived a full life, and even if you had stopped her, she..." Fluttershy trailed off and stared off into the distance.

"...she's gone," Fluttershy whispered. Then she added to Twilight, "she would have passed on soon. You have to accept it. We... we all have to." Fluttershy's gaze turned to Rarity's grave.

Fittingly, Rarity's grave was made of the finest granite, and diamonds, rubies, and sapphires lined the sides of it. Twilight's gaze followed the pattern until she had seen all the jewels.

Fluttershy is right, she realized, the anger slowly fading. Rarity is safe now. She had a good life.

"Twilight," Sweetie Belle murmured, stepping closer. "Since Rarity had no foals, who will own all her property and such?" Twilight looked Sweetie Belle straight in the eye.

"I think you should have it," Twilight replied softly. "You and Melody together. I think Rarity would love to see you two work together." Sweetie Belle smiled.

"Thank you, Twilight," she said. "I loved Rarity, and I loved everything she did."

Twilight opened her mouth to reply, then she realized that the mist thing was happening again. A purple mist rose from the elegant grave and swirled around the present ponies. Sweetie Belle, Twilight, and Fluttershy watched it arch over their heads and finally settle over Twilight.

Twilight lowered her head and thought, I hope those crooks are caught.