It had been one week since Discord’s last visit. He didn’t show up on Tuesday, instead sending a letter saying something about “poison fighting poison”, and to keep fighting strong. Life of every-pony was back to normal.

Fluttershy yawned as she got up from her bed lazily from the rooster’s cry at the courtyard. The breeze coming from the forest waved slowly towards the area, filling the room with the lovely smell of nature.

“Well, its time for the start of another day, Angel.”

The bunny just nodded faintly and hopped over to the kitchen table, getting a carrot from the shelf and gnawing on it half-heartily.

“Let’s see…oats…vegetables…or fruits? Which one should I pick, Angel? Or do you want to go over to Pinkie’s and get a pancake or a smoothie? You’ve been behaving very well this whole week. You deserve something sweet.”

He shook his head.

“You don’t want a treat?” Fluttershy asked, a bit shocked.

He shook his head again. Grabbing a bowl from the rack beside him, he gingerly pushed it towards Fluttershy.

“Oh, ok then. Oats it is.”

The two said nothing as they ate breakfast together. Most of the other ponies were busy today, so Fluttershy finally had a day of free time all to herself.

All to herself…

There was so much to do. Pinkie had introduced her to a new radio channel about cooking, and after trying one of the famous chef’s recipes herself, she had been hooked ever since, using the recipes not for replicating but as the basis for her own.

Angel was unfortunately the frequent taste tester for most of her “experiments”, though in other times, when the rabbit didn’t immediately spit out the food he ate, she would then produce more and give away to the townspeople for their kindness and generosity when she was in the hospital. Winning the food contest on Saturday by a landslide, Most of the residents told her to make a restaurant out of all the excellent foods that she provided. However, they were all surprised when she handed a very shocked Mr. and Ms. Cake a full book hoof-written manual of all her works for free.

She hoped that they would like it, as something that could benefit the town for a long time even after the inevitable. A replica of the key to her knitting lair was also given to Rarity yesterday, who fainted right there on the spot and had to be taken to the hospital for about 18 seconds before she woke up and dashed back towards her house giddy with excitement.

It really did feel better to give her prized possessions away. They were obviously going to the right hoofs, and she knew that her recipes and clothes would develop so much more efficiently than they were in her care.

The only thing that was missing was a pony to take care of the animals. She knew that Ponyville and Canterlot had great vets…but there was yet to be a pony who would take the full responsibilities that she had done for so many years.

Oh well, nothing was perfect. She did all that could be done.

“After we finish breakfast, do you want to go visit your animal friends, Angel?”

Angel, often hearing this, strangely nodded more eagerly than usual. They finished their food and set off into the woods.

It was not long before they arrived at the center of the threshold. She had greeted the birds at the entrance, and they had already gathered most of the other creatures to the meeting spot. Seeing the Pegasus, they all cried out happily.

“Hello everybody! It’s so nice to see you all again!” She cheered happily.

It was a wonderful time. The birds taught her a new song that they had composed themselves. The squirrels and beavers introduced her to new species of nuts and berries that could be used later in the afternoon. Harry himself brought over a honeybee nest, with the bees cooperating as they gave out spoonfuls of honey to every animal that asked, in return for the bear showing them a new orchard of flowers.

As they walked back towards the cottage, Fluttershy noticed her pet holding a single flower in his hand, hopping along cheerfully.

“Who gave you that flower, Angel?” She questioned, smirking.

The rabbit upon hearing Fluttershy say that, immediately hid it behind his back and starting walking on two legs, blushing furiously.

She giggled. They grow up so fast.

She opened the door, allowing the flustered bunny to hop quickly over to his room and hide his precious gift. Opening the saddlebag she brought, she poured the different gifts from the animals onto the table.

“Hmm…I suppose I could make a good salad from all of these ingredients…”

Her train of thought was interrupted by a knock on the door. Opening it again, she found herself face to face with Twilight and Rainbow.

“Oh hey Twilight, Rainbow Dash, how are you?”

“Fluttershy, the town is really thankful for what you did in the past week.” Twilight said, smiling faintly.

“Thanks to you, not only have Mr. and Ms. Cake become the most famous chefs in Equestria, but Ponyville as well! Mayor Mare wants to honor your contribution with a dinner party in the town with every-pony!” Rainbow Dash cheered.

“Really?” Fluttershy gasped, amazed.

“Yeah! The party’s going to start at around 6:00pm in the evening. We’ll see you there! I got to go meet with Spitfire, so I gotta dash!” Immediately after saying this, she flapped her wings and soared off into the sky.

There was a brief moment as Twilight ruffled her mane back together before she continued her speech.

“Yeah, what Rainbow said. We’re really happy for what you did, Fluttershy.”

“Oh! Um…it’s nothing much.” Fluttershy grinned, pawing the ground nervously.

Twilight chuckled a bit and patted her on the shoulder lightly. “See you there.”

“Ok. You can count on it.” With that, Twilight waved as she walked back towards Ponyville. She never liked flying that much.

Closing the door, Fluttershy sighed happily as she returned to the counter. Friendship really was the best thing to have. All of her friends had stood alongside her for so long, as she had stood along them as one of the team.

Looking back, it was funny how they managed to be friends. She remembered how she used to be a social outcast, when Applejack didn’t directly interact with her yet.

If she knew just how bad her socializing skills were in the beginning, that would be even more embarrassing. Now they were partners in helping and creating nature, using each other’s knowledge of the earth and animals to create an optimum environment for both plants and animals. She had even managed to convince her to adopt a litter of ladybugs, a slow but significant feat, having detested all kinds of animals and insects before, except for her dog.

Rarity was so much easier to interact with once she made that dress for her. Fascinated by the quality of her work, they had been having frequent chats with one another about different fabrics and cloths that they had collected over the years, as well as different knitting and sewing methods that improved both of their skills.

Pinkie admittedly was the scariest to socialize with. Their personalities contrasting so greatly, she remembered how her welcome to Ponyville Party went. Being welcomed by so many ponies at once with them all cheering and yelling, it gave her a temporary fear of balloons and cannons, which thankfully disappeared before Twilight came. After Pinkie Pie learned how to socialize differently with different ponies with Cranky, their relationship has never been better, except for that day last week where she beat her in a cake baking competition. Luckily minimum damage was sustained.

Speaking of Twilight, she came from a similar standpoint as well. While she preferred friendship with creatures and wildlife, Twilight preferred relationships with…books, and literature works. Both of them were so obsessed with their hobbies that they ignored the personal friendship bonds between ponies to another. Now looking at her as the Princess of Friendship, she is just as proud as every-pony else is.

She went over to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of water.

And Rainbow Dash…Rainbow Dash could be considered as the best friend that she never deserved. She didn’t have to stick up for herself when she was still a filly, when the colts were bullying her sudden shyness, fear, and decline of flying skills. But she did. She was the one who managed to give her the reason to continue to live, the reason to still have a purpose in this world. And the sonic rainboom that she created brought all of their destinies together, the race allowing her to discover her love for animals’…to find a purpose, to find a solution to her loss.

They were all great friends. Best friends. Along the rest of the citizens in Ponyville. They all molded her into what she is today. Although there may be frequent arguments, conflicts, and sadness, it is the empathy and joy of living that drives all of them forward, especially towards her. It is a feeling that will last forever.

For…

“*Cough…*Gack”

Suddenly Fluttershy found herself unable to stop coughing as blood splurged out of her throat, staining the water glass a bloody red as it shattered onto the floor. Angel screamed in horror as he saw the impending sight.

“An…gel…*Cough…get…Twi…light…”

The rabbit did not need a second reminder as he ran for his life outside the door, tears angrily forming in his eyes as he rushed towards his owner’s final plea.

The Pegasus collapsed onto the floor. Her parents, her friends, Rainbow Dash, Angel, the animals…the townspeople…flashing in her head. Beautiful...everlasting memories. It hurt. It really hurts.

Then the pain was gone.

Author's Note