Loose ends

by rabbitfaster

Rating: everyone
Tags: Slice of Life, Alternate Universe, Romance
Length: 5802

"When the strings of fate begin to fray, the loose ends are tied, or snipped away."

Things have a way of working themselves out. One town plays the backdrop for the sorrows and strife of many as each day moves their lives forward. A unicorn with no horn is given a chance to live a normal life, a colorful pegasus searches for forgiveness, a princess feels the pulls of love, a dragon seizes an opportunity to become strong, and pawns for a game many years in the making, fall into play. "When the strings of fate begin to fray, the loose ends are tied, or snipped away."

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2012-10-18 17:24:50 UTC

Threading the needle

The events portrayed in this story  take place shortly after the Summer where Applejack's family met Genesis and he leaves to return for the Castle. To make it even more clear, their meeting was at the end of Spring, the meeting between Genesis and Luna in Faith Unwavering was at the end of Summer.

Rolling hills and gently swaying grass, roads worn and cracked, forests, villages, towns, cities, lakes, mountain ranges. A beautiful land woven perfectly into the tapestry of time. Each stitch of destiny bringing the ever growing threads towards their inevitable ends; the intricate patterns they create. Such is the way of existence, And as with all works that stretch on through the creations of time, colors fade, patches darken, stains remain permanent, edges tear and threads become bear and frayed.

Every once in a great while, something happens to change the destiny, the pattern, of the tapestries of time. Or to put it more simply, a single line, impossibly complex in the number of lives it effects, will fray upon its stitching long before its time. In that moment alone it is possible for the individuals involved with the silent cataclysm to change their fate, the frayed ends no longer leading towards the ends that had been set.

In a valley that all of existence in this land know quite well, a breeze stirred. Nothing out of the ordinary on such a warm summers day. Even the strong tug of a gale blown off course from the neighboring country had little effect other than to refresh a few hard working bodies in the out skirted farms. But instead of welcoming such a simple gust, the tree's seemed to rattle violently in the sunshine, dust kicked up here and there where once strong roots could no longer hold their earthen charges.

The winds of change had been bellowing for centuries in calm defiance of the natural order. Any creature that felt these stirrings felt similar ones in their hearts, and knew that the time had come to take action.

These simple stirrings came in many ways to each affected. Some woke up that morning and felt a new vigor for an old flame, others felt their ingenuity flowing at all time highs or their bodies to be younger and more spry. Even more still, others felt their deepest desires to be within their grasp.

As such, when the light breeze in question thoughtfully caressed the fur of a blue pony standing upon a high rampart of Canterlot Castle, fate made no small show of blowing from the direction of the very object holding his attention.

The small town had played him like a violin...And what a beautiful symphony was left on his heart.

The beginnings of a new day had seeped away and the sun hung just before noon as Genesis looked down upon the town again, replaying his hopes for the community and what it might hold.

"Maybe I can finally settle. Have a place to call my own and live a normal life."

"My, My, General! Growing fond in your old age? I would hope your mind is not going soft." The tone was playful as he ever remembered, turning from the sun and facing the moon, there stood his one time queen and eternal ruler of the night, Princess Luna

A smile broke his thoughtful expression and the gesture was returned. Luna's wings tucking into her sides after the short flight from her quarters.

"Just allowing myself a moments reprieve from walking in the shadows. I figure I should visit soon and scope out the area."

"Genesis. You "Scope out the area" almost daily. You really think your princess would not notice your absence?" The playful smile on Luna's lips spoke volumes.

Ever the one for jokes and jibes, even centuries ago. Genesis let out a sigh "I heard some ponies are getting superstitious of me?"

Her laugh was light, like the chiming of a few silver bells. "Yes, This is correct. Apparently there is a 'Ghoul of Canterlot Castle' I do believe that one of this times greatest authors has gained an audience with Celestia to see about an investigation. You might just be the star of a murder-mystery novel Genesis."

He nodded. A faraway look in his eyes as he yet again turned to face the small town. "Did you know they replaced all the roads within the town with cobblestones? I almost didnt leave, what with how much I love the atmosphere the town has developed. speaking of, it really is moving along."

"Well, there are quite a few influential characters within that town. Soon to be yet anoth-"

"You know where I got my love of cobblestone from?" The question flowed softly but hit with the force of a waterfall.

Her smile began to fade as she followed his gaze to a special garden below on the castle grounds.

"This may come as bad news to you....take it how you will Gene, But my sister and I have noticed changes in him. And not just subtle ones anymore. We are beginning to think there is a chance that he could be released...rehabilitated--"

"He never would have needed to be turned to stone if not for your damned sister!"

"Enough General!"

There was no need for an exchange, Luna had dealt with Genesis' contempt for her sister for longer than could be truly recorded. She knew all of his reasons, and they were all well placed.

"Request granted. You may leave the castle and continue your duties elsewhere in Ponyville at your leisure, regular correspondence with your princess will be expected in whatever form you see fit. I wish thee the best of luck in your endeavors, both great and small General."

With a smile he trotted over and hugged the princess, slowly walking further towards the rampart before vanishing in a deep blue haze. His last words echoed "Thanks Lu-Lu."

A sorrowful smile danced across the midnight princesses face "Dammit Gene. How many times have I told you its not natural for a unicorn to lose their horn and still be able to use magick?"

Noon had broken no more than an hour ago as far as this unicorns eyes would tell her. That or the dragon waving around a scroll of parchment in her face and yelling about as much.

Sighing deeply and rolling over, Twilight Sparkle jolted as recognition dawned on her, there was a letter from the princess being held in her assistants claws.

With a flash and a sudden pop of purple magick, Twilight was standing in front of Spike and reading the script. The seal was different than she was use to seeing, not the large Sun and Clouds insignia of Celestia, but it was one she recognized nonetheless. The Moon and Clouds of Princess Luna.

Twilight began reading in earnest, the expressions on her face ranging from happiness, to something similar to insanity, to worry, to happiness all over in different patterns. To Spike it was a little more than worrisome.

Scratching the back of his head awkwardly, Spike  attempted to busy himself with the astounding act of breathing while waiting for Twilight to finish and let him in on her silent thoughts.

Much had changed for Spike in the last few years. Now almost six feet tall, able to breathe fire normally, and well past the intelligence and maturity departments of most those he knew, Spike was on his way to becoming a very well thought of adult dragon. Though no one had called him a "baby" since his first growth spurt had brought on a pair of lustrous purple wings, three feet of growth in height and brawn, and a deeper voice. All of his friends fondly referred to it as his "puberty", much to his chagrin.

Just as he had finished taking care of a particularly defiant itch on his belly, Twilight handed him the scroll to read.

Most faithful subject, Twilight Sparkle

I request your presence in Canterlot. To be more forward, I request that you arrive at the castle post haste. There have been worries uprising in my heart for my dear sister and your beloved mentor, Princess Celestia. I have found that in times of strife it is best to work with friends to resolve the turmoil in ones heart. It is this intent that has lead me to believe your presence will ease that which is troubling our dear friend. I will be expecting you upon the night of your arrival, you will find in this letter the ticket for yourself, I have been informed that Spike has grown much since our last encounter and can function of his own devices. I make the simple request that upon your arrival you not seek out our sister, but instead await our appearance after the raising of the moon.

Princess of the Night, Luna Equinae

"Well," Spike said, casually breaking the silence, "I guess that takes care of what you'll be doing while I'm gone."

Twilight turned back to Spike, having walked back to her bed to begin packing, ever the fore-planner. "Spike...We've been over this. Isn't Rarity old news to you by now?"

"Yes. Who said anything about Rarity?"

"Well, it should be old ne-...what?"

"Twilight. I'm going to Canterlot to shop for Fluttershy's birthday, not to go looking for Rarity, I didn't even know she was out of town." He sighed before continuing "Look...I know a lot happened in the past, when she rejected me it was a wake up Twi, It really was. You know me better than anyone, you've seen me when I'm hung up on her. Do I really look like a dragon that's down in the dumps?" He flicked her a genuine draconic smile and Twilight's heart warmed.

"No. No you don't Spike...I just wish you would tell me what else you are going for...I know you're not lying to me, just not telling me the whole truth."

With how tight Spikes jaw clenched and his face fell you would have thought a brick had just landed on his crest.

"Twi. Have I ever given you a reason not to trust me?"

"Fine. I'll drop it." she walked up and hugged him around the neck, "But don't think for even a second that I don't know something is up, and I'm here for you if you need me, at the castle, in the library, anywhere in the world. You will always be my number one assistant Spike."

A sisterly kiss on the snout and they split directions. Spike heading out the front door to Sugercube Corner, and Twilight to the back of her closet to finish packing. There were a few places at the castle she wanted to visit again before meeting with Princess Luna.

Believe it or not, Magickally warmed coffee has a different taste than any other kind of warmed coffee, and for the past estimated twelve hours she had been able to refine her taste buds to it. If she had to guess why she knew it had been twelve hours, it would be the unicorn bartender than had been re-heating and re-filling her drink since yesterday afternoon. The notion of how long she had been here prompted the twenty extra bits that rolled across the bar top with a flick of her well practiced wings. The bartender nodded and returned to the stereotypical action of drying glasses off to the side.

Rainbow Melinda Dash was not the kind of pony to drink.

Despite the rumors, the gossip, the columns across Equestria that named her a premier party pony alongside such 'greats' as Vinyl Scratch, Berry Punch, and Rose Thyme, She hated to drink. Though she could always let the rumors go, since most of them were based off of her adventurous nature and willingness to never back down from a challenge.

Today, and not to lie to herself, the past few weeks, had been an exception as she had indulged almost every moment of her time she could spare with a mug of heavily alcohol laden coffee. More often than not she would be seen nursing a well poured glass of rum sitting on the same stool she occupied now in Mcoltnee's.

True she was in town for the Wonderbolts, duh. But that didn't mean she had not purposefully jumped town almost a full week before the show would even start setting up. She came early to get away from the memories, from the pain. And after the fifth round of drinks she couldn't even lie to herself, she never intended on attending the show.

And that is why she drank. The bitterness took away from the stinging in her chest and the alcohol numbed her thoughts. Both which seemed at a constant war, the victor being the one that hurt her the most.

A short conversation with the unicorn behind the bar about some legendary kind of moonshine that glowed like her mane was about the only kind of talking she had done other than ordering drinks and turning down the stallions that came her way. For once she wished her Rainbow-Maned stereotype would kick in. At least mares used tact most of the time when trying to pick another mare up.

"Speaking of Discord." Rainbow could hear the short steps approaching her from behind and decided now would be a good time for preemptive action. Flaring her wings out aggressively she spat "I'm not looking for a good time, take your smooth talking stallionhood elsewhere and find a floozy like you deserve."

From behind her came a very familiar, very unstallionlike voice.

It had most definitely been one of those mornings. Things just felt...off. For one, she didn't have her assistant there, though he had outgrown that job when he had begun to grow larger and taller than the ponies around town. This however, was not the problem. Something else felt amiss in one of her favorite places and it was not the room she was in.

She had been well received at the same hotel she had booked each time visiting the city, the management and services having always been above a superior and friendly nature. The breakfast had been brought to her room and even the waitress had been a wonderful conversationalist, still, something was just not right about the day.

After what seemed hours of wondering from shop to shop in search of what may be piquing her inner worries, she found herself standing in a five way intersection outside of a very welcoming cafe. Her stomach howled its agreement at just how welcoming the plethora of aroma's coming from the building truly were. The very last thing she had expected, was to see Rainbow Dash sitting at the bar, looking for all the world completely smashed and dejected, rolling bits to a unicorn bartender.

Slowly making her way towards Dash, she was greeted in a non-to-friendly manner and retorted.

"Rainbow Dash, my my. I see you for the first time in a month and all you can do is accuse me of being a lowly stallion looking for a roll in the hay? I should be offended..." Rarity paused as Rainbow Dash turned on her stool and stood with surprising grace, not an ounce of alcoholic influence showing in her movements. The look in Rainbow Dash's eyes spoke volumes as she jerked her head in a motion that said 'outside'.

Before leaving Rainbow Dash stopped, hopped over the bar, gave the extremely surprised unicorn stallion a sincere hug and thanked him for watching out for her, slipping a fifty bit piece into his vest pocket as a token of thanks.

Once outside, Rarity began again "As I was saying I should be offended...but I missed you so much."

Upon seeing the tears already falling down her friends face, Rarity hugged Rainbow and held her tight as she quietly sobbed into her shoulder.

"Thank you Rare...How did you find me?

"Followed my feelings darling. They lead me straight here." She finished with a smile and a squeeze. "Please tell me you will spend some time with me Dash, I just cannot leave you like this, and after so long."

"Rare....I...Yes. What did you have planned?" The look on Rainbows face spoke of pure gratitude.

"I..uhm....that is to say...."

"Manticore got your tongue Rare?"

"I..have a party planned....its not what you think. Not something I would be known for attending."

"Well then, what kind of party is it?"

"Its just a get together with a few old friends...please come?"

"If its too prissy i'm leaving and we can meet up afterwords." the words were sincere despite the jab as Rainbow wiped a tear off of her slightly damp cheek.

"Fair enough dear. We need to get going, come along. Perhaps we can grab something to eat along the way, I'm simply famished."

Picking the second road to the left of the five way intersection they began trotting away from Mcoltnee's, the comfort of its atmosphere and the alcohol fading from Rainbow Dash more with each step.

Frayed

Genesis loved wearing cloaks.

If it were not for the fact that he didn't have regular contact with anypony but the princess, it wouldnt look as strange to everyone when a hooded pony in a cloak came waltzing into town, much the same as a zebra, and right through the center of the market.

But as such he was a new comer, hooded and cloaked, and was staying at the local in. The rumors flew before he had made it halfway across the main square. The tales seeming to gain an edge with each loud click of his hooves on the cobblestone.

"I love cobblestone too you know?"

"No Pinkie, I didnt know that."

Everyone watching scratched their heads. There was more things odd about that exchange than they had seen all day. For the first time Pinkie Pie had not caught someone unaware, despite popping into existence out of nowhere.

"Sooooo, You should come by Sugercube Corner later. You know the drill." Pinkie's ever cheerful smile prompted Genesis to lower his hood for the first time since leaving the castle. On his muzzle was a grin to match hers.

"It would be my pleasure Miss Pie. Now if you dont mind my absence, I must be getting back to the inn. Have to unpack and all that." He gave a broader smile and turned to continue towards the far side of the market district.

"Oh that? I already unpacked all your things silly! Just come on by later when you have the time ok?"

He answered with a simple chuckle and continued on his path, putting his hood back up.

Stepping into his rented room Genesis understood immediately that Pinkie may love a good prank, but was not always joking. His whole room (which he had requested specifically because it was an attic ; large, nothing in it) had been furnished, decorated with his belongings (what very few he had), and seemingly well stocked.

"If this is any indicator of my time here in Ponyville......Thank Titan and Terra."

With a sigh Genesis sat down heavily on the couch, readjusting to the side as he picked up a small wrapped piece of toffee he had seated himself on.

She just had to leave her mark I suppose. What a crazy gal. Well...might as well start making friends somewhere......but first...a nap.

Stretching out across the couch and slowly chewing on the toffee, he finished the delicious treat and drifted off to sleep. His dreams that afternoon were full of hope.

Slowly opening his eyes Genesis allowed his mind a moment to catch up with reality as he observed the dust motes floating through the late evening sunlight. It filtered through his window like a portal opening to the grace of the heavens and like a moth to flames he careened off the couch, catching himself on a coffee table he had no memory of ever owning, and staggered to the window sill.

The inn had been built no more than a minutes walk to the nearest neighbor, but still far enough that there were no other houses blocking him in. As such the view he had shot straight down one of the main roads of the town, allowing him a peek into the nights affairs as he could see couples grabbing a snack before heading out to what could be guessed would be their plans for the evening.

Resting for another space of moments on the window sill Genesis smiled in how refreshing the peaceful nature of this town was. Scuffing his hoof on the wooden floors of the main area, He couldnt help but feel he had forgotten to take care of something and meandered up the stairs to see if his bedroom had been unpacked. Upon reaching the upper level he found that Pinkie Pie had indeed been....That's what he forgot.

"Pinkie...she's probably been waiting this whole time." I best head over there now.

Grabbing his cloak he stopped with his hoof halfway to the door. Turning around he set his cloak over the back of the couch and walked back upstairs to the closet in his quarters. Walking back down the stairs he closed the door after slipping his jacket on and turned the key before placing it inside the medallion around his neck he had grabbed when in his room. As he descended the inns first set of stairs he hoofed the medallion.

The medallion was a gift from one of his best friends. It held a simple stick of metal inside it that he had had shaped into a skeleton key. All one had to do was twist the medallion clockwise from its face and the ruby over its front would click and slightly jut out of place, pull the ruby and it would reveal the small compartment that held a very old, very small rolled up piece of what was once bright orange cloth and the key.

closing the medallion with an audible click and turning it back counterclockwise into its locking position, Genesis took stock of his surroundings and adjusted, turning to the left to continue his path to SugarCube Corner.

No longer looking like a hooded ruffian, Genesis garnered far less attention from the residents of the peaceful town. In most cases, when a new pony came in, the only one who would approach them outright was Pinkie herself, so no one took too much time staring at him despite his altered appearance, strange as it was to see a pony wearing clothes.

Making his way up the wooden steps of SugarCube Corner he ruffled his aviator jacket before taking a breath and pushing through the door, a small ringing from the bell overhead marking his entrance to the suspiciously quite confectionery center of Ponyville.

"Over here Gene."

Looking out across the tables and skimming his view across the main counter of SugarCube Corner his eyes finally laid to rest on Pinkie sitting in the corner booth. Walking across the small expanse between them he took a moment to appreciate how much the once small candy shop had grown since his last visit. Pinkie had been the only other pony aside from Applejack and her family who had known he was even in town, passing through or otherwise.

As he sat down and an apple fritter slid in front of him on a small plate, still steaming, he looked up and saw a most disturbing image of the once bouncy pony.

Pinkie Pie's hair was flat, her eyes were watery and hollow, the muscles of her face seemed strained to even keep the wavering half small on her lips.

"Pinkie..." He whispered, slowly reaching out to her hoof that was on the table top," Whats going on?"

Just before his hoof would have touched hers she pulled it back gently and spoke "We need to talk about some things General Genesis Storm. When we are done things can go back to what they were....when we are done I'll need the comfort....but not right now. I would love nothing more than to pull out my party cannon and blast the frowns off of our faces, or throw the pie I have hiding in the lamp above at you. Any number of my normal jovial tricks to set the mood back to what I love. Happy. But before I can, there are some things I believe you need to tell me, and I need to tell you."

The uncharacteristic bout of seriousness had put ice in Genesis' veins, upon being called by his title replaced the kind shimmer in his eyes with a hard glint, reflecting as sharply as the mind that worked behind them.

"I dont believe this will get violent....What did you need to say my friend?"

"I dont know what is going on. But I have my feelings to follow, and they have never let me down, nor has my Pinkie Sense. Though there is not a specific combination of twitches that tell me when something on this level has happened, it doesn't take someone as magically attuned as you or I much to feel the difference when something fundamental changes. I am sure Princess Luna has told you about her suspicions?"

Pinkie took a second to pick up the mug in front of her and take a long drink, a flash of her poofy hair and trademark smile shone through before she put the mug down and was back to the conversation at hoof.

"Should anything go wrong. You can count on the Elements of Harmony to come to the aid of Equestria as we always have. But....I believe this is not something a simple blast of 'Spicy' rainbow can fix. I speak for myself in knowing that the pie family hasnt had The Sense passed from generation to generation for no reason. I will follow in my ancestors footsteps and help however I can just like I always have." She smiled and passed Genesis his mug of hot chocolate.

He took a slow sip and thought about what Pinkie was saying. He had heard of stranger things happening, heck, him sitting here was a 'stranger thing'. "Would it be safe to assume this Pinkie Sense I've heard about commutes memories?"

"I was there when she died Gene. So why do you keep carrying that scrap with you?" Genesis swallowed his drink audibly.

The silence in the facility was almost tangible.

"You were not actually there. Even if what you say is to be believed..."

Pinkie cut in "Only the elite of her forces wore bright orange cloaks. I even looked it up to be sure I wasn't dreaming it."

"If you knew about these things why didnt you come find me?" Genesis was starting to clench his jaw

"There was only one member of Celestia's armies that you gave a damn about Gene."

"Why didnt you come to FIND ME!"

"AND WHAT GOOD WOULD IT HAVE DONE!!"

Silence again.

"I could have saved..."

"No. You couldnt. And you know it. My family knew how much you loved her, or did you forget the countless times they risked their lives delivering your blasted love letters across a bucking battle field! Astor is dead, and you are lucky that her children even survived the catastrophes that followed after you went into exile and your best friend decided to usurp the thrones. Again."

"Are you any good with a blade like my friend was?"

A wry smile lit up Pinkie's features "The best there is with a saber or a candy cane."

Once again, silence reigned.  And in an instant the temperature seemed to rise as the pony across from Genesis seemed almost to burst at the seems, her hair poofed out and frizzed and the smile on her face gave him serious concern for her skeletal structure.

A few customers walked in on Que and Pinkie was behind the counter taking the order before Genesis blinked.

After a short exchange, a nod and a cheerful goodbye, Pinkie took up Genesis in a surprise attack-hug before dropping him and slamming the aforementioned pie into his face for good measure. As the crust and goop dripped off of his muzzle, a smile was revealed and laughter rang loud through the empty establishment.

"You know....I dont really care how, but I'm glad you're here."

"M'names Pinkamina Diane Pie sir. Or just Pinkie Pie for short sir.

"Well miss Pie. I do believe our conversation has met its end....though...if you don't mind..." Genesis shifted for a moment and looked around, at this Pinkie giggled and spoke out.

"Whats on your mind silly? come on, spit it out!"

"I would like it very much if we could have a meal together every now and then. There are...many things I would like to talk about." the last statement was punctuated by his hoof rubbing the medallion on his neck before Genesis turned and began walking out the door.

"Sure thing Sir! how about tomorrow at 1? also, duck."

"Sounds good Pinkie. Ill see you then. wait...what?" he called over his shoulder just before pushing through the swinging doors and catching a face full of feathers. The last thing he can clearly remember seeing before his vision faded was pinkie standing over him with a frantic pegasus.

Though Rainbow dash had had her doubts about attending the party with Rarity, she was now quite glad that she had. The ponies gathered around the tables or swinging to and fro on the dance floor were all regular. Not a single one of them was posh or uptight as she had imagined they would all be. Even Rarity was less dramatic that evening. And as the unicorn in question went romping by towards a refreshment table, Rainbow took the opportunity to strike up some small talk.

"Hey Rares. Thanks for the invite. This shindig is pretty cool If I do say so."

Rarity gave a lilting laugh into her hoof, "Well, now that my party as been given the official Rainbow Dash Seal of Approval I dare say the fun can really start." The statement was met with a giggle as Rainbow dash clinked glasses with the alabaster unicorn.

"Seriously though Rarity, thank you. I know you are the Element of Generosity and such...but this was just what I needed to relax a little. And the ponies here are not even bad."

Rarity's smile was as brilliant as ever, "Well, Rainbow Dash, You are more than welcome to stay here with myself and Sweetie Bell tonight. I must attend to the other guests and be a good hostess, posh and proper or not, I have an image to uphold." Rarity winked big at Rainbow to signal it was a joke and they shared another laugh before Rarity trotted off across the room, talking it up with guests all along the way.

As if on que, Sweetie Bell tugged at Rainbow's wing and grabbed her attention. "What is it Sweetie? whatsup?" she asked barely having to bend at all due to Sweetie's recent growth.

There was a moment of apprehension on the younger filly's part, "Can I talk to you for a minute Rainbow?"

The strange tone to Sweetie Bell's voice gave Rainbow a moment of pause before she nodded and was lead outside of the party to a balcony.

The balcony overlooked a well off residential district with beautiful architecture, some buildings still using smoke stacks and chimneys. The sight of an actual chimney sweeping pony brought a genuine smile to Rainbow's face. It was there for but a few fleeting seconds before she remembered the reason for coming out to the balcony in the first place.

Looking down at Sweetie Bell she realized a few things. The filly was no longer a child. Her head was at Rainbows shoulders now and she had become a good deal longer and more lean than before, Sweetie Bell was taking after her sister in all the right ways. The idea of such being compounded by the utterly serious look in her eyes when Sweetie looked up and made contact.

"Do you really think she would be happy that you are remembering her by drowning in alcohol every night?"

The question was like a hot iron through her chest, a tear instantaneously running down her cheek.

"W-What!?" Rainbow half cried in indignation.

"You know Rainbow. I always liked that she looked up to you. It made me happy knowing the role model she chose had been a strong, kind, and above all, loyal one.  That day..." Sweetie paused. Brushing a tear of her own away before putting a hoof to Rainbows chest.

"That day...sh....she was happy. Happier than I have ever seen her in all the years we were friends. Even as I watched you...You her hero, her mentor, holding her in your arms and weeping. Even I knew just by the smile on her face that the last things that went through Scootaloo's mind were the memories of her first flight, with her hero nonetheless, and her friends cheering her on. I know you try and blame yourself for what happened, but there's no way anyone could have known she had a disease in the bones of her wings. She....she.....No nothing will ever be the same, for any of us." A hiccup interrupted and was pushed aside, "But I dont think you are doing her memory justice by sitting at a bar stool. I'd know...she was my best friend. The least she would want is some trick named after her."

A few scant tears were illuminated by the lights from within the party as Rainbow picked Sweetie Bell up and hugged her, standing on her hind legs she laughed lightly at the small joke. "Yeah....I guess you're right kid....T-thanks."

An hour and many tear filled conversations later, Rainbow Dash and Sweetie Bell re-entered a party that was in the stages of winding down. Both walking in with huge grins and embracing one last time before parting directions.

Rarity caught the exchange and continued cleaning up with her magick as Rainbow glided over and assisted.

"So," Rarity began "The offer still stands. There will always be a place her for a friend, so why dont you stay her tonight with me and Sweetie?"

Rainbow twitched and looked rather uncomfortable all of a sudden. Turning around to face Rarity, she had a blush on her cheeks.

"Why, Whatever is the matter dear?"

"I...uh...I cant stay Rarity."

"And why can you not?" she replied in a friendly tone

Rainbow dash bit her lip, and the bullet "Because I cant leave Spike waiting for me back at the hotel."