Broken Butterfly

Chapter 2 – Let Love Speak Up Itself

Celestia’s golden sun rose in the sky, bathing the land in light as Luna reluctantly lowered her moon. As the last vestiges of her night gave way to her sisters morning Luna felt a wave of fatigue wash over her like she hadn't felt before. It was more than exhaustion, she was weary. It was hard for her to put a finger on exactly why, but the Princess was weary. She was lonely, she knew that. For all the people around her in the castle, she was very lonely.

As Luna made her way to her bedchambers to rest after her nights work she noticed the lack of guards at her door, and the doors themselves were open slightly. Instantly alert she nudged the door open a bit more, cautiously looking in her room for any intruder. A familiar voice greeted her entry.

“Come on Lulu, it's only me.” Instantly relaxing at the sound of her sisters voice Luna entered her room and shut the door behind her, scanning the room for her sisters whereabouts. Looking to the balcony she found her older sister leaning against the golden rail, surveying Canterlot below them, her back to Luna.

“What's up Tia? You don't usually break and enter without reason.” She asked as she made her way over to Celestia’s side, her desire for sleep forgotten momentarily.

Celestia didn't answer straight away, she seemed lost in thought. After what seemed an age she turned to face Luna, a stern look on her face as she surveyed her younger sister. “So, about Fluttershy.”

Fluttershy. Even the mention of her name sent a blush roaring towards Luna’s cheeks. Thankfully her dark blue skin hid the worst of it, although she could've sworn she saw Tia smirk at her reaction.

"What about Fluttershy?" She replied, hoping it sounded as casual out loud as it did to herself.

“Anything I should know?”

“Like what?” She knew there was no fooling her sister. Celestia was sharp as a tack, and Luna knew when she was beat. To her surprise Tia was smiling as she turned to face Luna and held her dark blue hand in her own Ivory white ones.

“Like altering her nightmare, giving her peace? Like going back to her cottage three nights in a row and doing the same thing? Or how about hovering outside her window making sure she sleeps soundly while harbouring feelings for her?”

Luna was dumbstruck, had her sister been following her? “How…..?” She began before Tia cut her off.

“I didn't follow you. Didn't have to. I could feel your magic resounding all the way over here. All I'll say is tread carefully Lulu, Fluttershy is delicate at the best of times, she took Dash’s death hard. I know you're trying to help, and you are, I see her in the day. She has a bounce back in her step I haven't seen since Rainbow passed. I urge caution though sis please, don't rush it or you'll both be hurt.”

“Thanks Tia.” Luna pulled her sister into a tight hug.

Miles away in the small town of Ponyville Fluttershy was waking from her slumber. She opened her eyes and stretched with a soft smile. The dream she had enjoyed was vanishing quickly, already it was fading from her memory. The bit she clung onto though was Rainbow. Her Dashie had visited her again. This wasn't like the old nightmares though, to be honest Fluttershy couldn't really remember those anymore. They didn't haunt her sleep like they had done for the past few weeks. Fluttershy didn't know what had happened, or why her dreams had changed. All she knew was her Dashie wasn't angry with her, didn't blame her for her death.

Fluttershy fairly bounced down her stairs, not bothering to change out of her pyjamas, there was no need. She was still on compassionate leave from the animal shelter, there was no where she needed to be, and no one she urgently had to see. The day was hers. Her immediate plan was breakfast, then to get dressed and finally go and meet Rainbow for their dinner date by the lake.

She poured the cereal into her pink bowl, splashed on the milk and sat at the breakfast counter munching away absent mindedly, her still sleepy head in her hand. She smiled a goofy smile as she lost focus, her daydream taking over.

Rainbow was sat on the sofa, a happy smile on her face as Fluttershy swayed over to her. One of Octavia’s cello performances was playing on the radio, Fluttershy extended her hand to Rainbow, who stood, taking it in her own as they danced around Fluttershy’s living room. Lost in the dream Shy didn't notice her bowl shatter on the floor as she danced alone around the room, to music only she could hear.

Rainbow pulled her into a warm embrace as the cello reached its crescendo, planting flirting kisses along Shy’s neck as they danced. Shy giggled as Dash breathed onto her ear, nipping at the lobe gently. “Y’know Fluts, these dates are awesome, I can't wait to be with you again.” Dash breathed in her ear. “You just have to let go, join me I'm waiting for you.”

The daydream faded and Dashie left her dancing alone in her living room, her words playing over Fluttershy’s mind. If she let go, she could be with her Rainbow again. Happiness flooded her as she dressed, pulling on the denim shorts, white t-shirt and running shoes. She paused in front of her mirror to run a brush through her long pink hair. Fluttershy gasped in surprise as she saw her reflection, and Rainbow stood behind her, her arms wrapped around shy’s waist. Kissing her neck gently Dash took the brush from her, combing her hair.

Fluttershy dropped the brush, it fell unnoticed to the floor while she reached behind her, kissing the air. “Not long till we’re together babe.” Rainbow sighed to her gently.

Fluttershy placed the picnic basket on the path outside her door, pausing to close and lock it behind her. Taking up the basket once more she skipped down the path on her way to the clearing on the edge of the Everfree by the lake. She hurried her pace a little, she didn't want to keep her Dashie waiting.

Rounding the corner in the path Fluttershy saw the lake in the distance, the clear crystal blue water perfectly smooth and still. With a slight pang of disappointment she noticed no one was here. She banished it with a quick smile, after all she knew Rainbow would be here soon, she never left anyone hanging.

Sitting on the dry grass at the side of the lake Fluttershy set up the picnic, spreading the old red blanket out, and arranging the food and drink around on it. Kneeling on the very edge of the calm water she absently ran her fingers through it, marvelling at how much the blue water reminded her of her mirror at home. Fluttershy smiled at her reflection, which smiled back.

“Hey Fluts, sorry I'm late.” Came a familiar scratchy voice behind her.

Fluttershy didn't answer, she just smiled as Rainbow’s reflection joined hers in the water, she was here just as she said she would be, hugging her reflection close to her own. The happy young couple sat in each other's arms and wings, savouring the heat of the summers day. Dashie playfully nipped at fluttershy’s ear, nuzzling her neck as she whispered promises in Shy’s ear. The places they would go, the sights they would see, it was all theirs to enjoy once they were together again.

Fluttershy sat alone at the side of the lake, lost in her daydream, holding her Dashie close to her, kissing the air with all the passion she could muster as Rainbow whispered her promises to her. She knew Rainbow Dash was dead, and it hurt more than she cared to admit when she thought about it, but when her Dashie visited her, when she spent time with her like this the pain diminished. When Rainbow visited her Fluttershy found she couldn't think about anything other than being with her Dashie again, that need pushed all other thoughts away.

And Rainbow was always soothing her, always holding her, reassuring her that everything would be alright. Even when Fluttershy had her doubts Rainbow was there to comfort her, whispering her words of comfort that only she could hear.

Fluttershy had been scared when Rainbow had first appeared to her, but that had been days ago. Now she was used to seeing her love, she looked forward to being with her with a longing she couldn't describe. Rainbow’s presence was like a balm that calmed her soul, washed away her grief and sorrow, replacing it with a warmth and happiness she longed for.

As the days had progressed and Dashie had visited her more the wonderful idea had entered her head that she could be with Rainbow forever. All she had to do was take that ultimate step. Then they’d be together always. Rainbow would never leave her again. They had spoken about it when Rainbow had visited her, Fluttershy wanted to be with her more than anything. Dashie had understood when she admitted she was scared, had comforted her and told it was all down to her. There was no rush and Rainbow could wait as long as it took. Heaven wasn't going anywhere, there was a place for Fluttershy here and it was by Rainbow’s side.

Holding onto the reflection of Rainbow, Fluttershy asked her the question she was most afraid of. “Dashie, when I go to be with you, will we be able to visit our friends, like you are now I mean? I couldn't bear the thought of not seeing them again.”

Rainbow smiled gently, calming her nerves with a quick kiss to Fluttershy’s lips. “We’ll be able to visit then anytime you like Fluts, they’ll be happy to see us.”

Fluttershy smiled her biggest smile, before looking seriously at Dashie once more. “They won't be angry with me will they?”

Rainbow stood up, and Fluttershy put her hand in Dash’s. “They love you, they'll understand you want to be with me.”

Fluttershy threw her arms around Dash’s neck, surprising her with a kiss which she hungrily returned, their tongues entwined, sharing dominance. Hesitantly Fluttershy broke the contact, looking at Rainbow lovingly. “Tonight.” She whispered softly. “I'll join you tonight. Will, will you be with me, when, you know, when I do it?” Rainbow nodded her head with a smile, which Fluttershy returned.

Fluttershy practically bounced back home to her cottage, the picnic forgotten and Rainbow’s grave unnoticed. Her spirits had been lifted, her doubts assuaged and her grief pushed out of her thoughts. The certainty of purpose consumed her. Tonight she would take the step and rejoin her Dashie. Tonight her grief would be over. She’d be with Rainbow again, this time forever. She’d never feel loneliness again. She knew Rainbow would help her, she wouldn't be alone when she did it and she would be there for her once the act was complete.

A few hours later

Day was turning to night. Celestia was lowering her sun as her sister Luna raised her moon, illuminating the burgeoning darkness with a pale white light.   All across Ponyville the inhabitants were settling down for the night, some relaxed with their televisions, others entertained company. Fluttershy wasn't doing either. She had just finished her letter to her friends. Having signed if she placed it in the yellow envelope and propped it on the kitchen worktop where it would be easily found.

Standing from the stool, she picked it up and carried it to the centre of the living room. Placing the stool carefully she paused to make sure everything was in order. Her doors and windows were locked, curtains drawn. She’d unlplugged the phone from the wall and her mobile was switched off. The last thing Fluttershy needed now we're distractions.

Everything was ready. She was wearing her wedding dress. Rarity had so very kindly took it and spent days cleaning it with her magic before presenting it back to Fluttershy. It was as beautiful as it was the day she wore it to marry Rainbow, and she couldn't think of a better thing to wear for this new start.

Thinking of Rainbow brought the grief back to her mind. Tears welled in her eyes as the times with Dashie ran through her thoughts. Fluttershy missed her more than she knew how to put into words.

Thinking of Rainbow seemed to summon her. With the slightest creak of a floorboard Fluttershy knew she was there. Without turning round Fluttershy held out her right hand. Without hesitation Rainbow took it in her own, keeping Fluttershy steady as she flapped her wings to stand atop the stool. Reaching up with her left hand she checked the rope. The knots were arranged so that any weight on the end would tighten them, any struggles only serving to tighten them more. There wouldn't be any struggling. Fluttershy wanted this. With all her broken heart she wanted this.

Taking a readying breath Fluttershy placed her head through the noose, her free hand pulling her pink hair through allowing it to flow down her back. She stood there on the stool for what felt like an age, breathing steadily, feeling the rough rope around her neck. She knew the moment was upon her. She would have lost her nerve had not Rainbow been there to help her. She was glad she wouldn't die alone.

Rainbow let go of her hand, and flew up to hover by her side. Holding her hands out to Fluttershy she turned to face her, a warm smile on her lips.

“Ready to go Fluts?”

“I'm ready.”

With a tremulous smile, Fluttershy summoned all her courage, knowing there would be no going back. She took Rainbow in a final embrace, a last kiss on her lips as she took a step off the stool and felt the coarse rope tighten around her neck. Her arms fell lifeless to her sides as her weight pulled the noose tight, and unconsciousness claimed her.