Fading Sparkles

Rainbow was laying on a cloud, again. This time, she wasn't snuggling in the cloud. She lay flat, her face buried. Today, she was going to have a meeting with the remainder of her friends, to decide who was going to run the role as Princess of Friendship, not as a princess, but a temporary replacement until Princess Celestia and Princess Luna decided on what to do.

They needed a new Princess of Friendship because since Equestria adapted to the new princess role, Equestria would collapse without it. Rainbow hated the idea for a new replacement. Nopony could ever replace Twilight.

Rainbow's heart gave a painful tug at the thought of Twilight. It has been two weeks since her passing, and all of Equestria was mourning for her. In fact, below this cloud, it has been raining for the past hour. Rainbow looked down, at the small hole under her cloud, at Ponyville. Nopony was outside, and black and lavender banners hung around, for respect of Twilight. Rainbow looked away, burying her face in her hooves. Why? Why did she have to go? Why was the world so cruel, giving her a sickness, causing her to die, and causing Rainbow to feel so alone? Rainbow couldn't hold it in anymore.

A loud sob escaped Rainbow, and a waterfall of tears escaped her eyes.

"TWILIGHT?!" screamed out Rainbow, her heart shattering. She sobbed out all of her bottled feelings. She whimpered at the remembrance of their first, and last, kiss. Rainbow hoped nopony could hear her. Rainbow knew she was pathetic. She was not strong, like she wanted ponies to believe. Rainbow was weak.

"Rainbow?" asked a soft voice behind her. Rainbow stiffened, and sniffed, before turning to her friend Fluttershy. Fluttershy had a sad expression, with a knowing look in her eyes.

"I-I miss her," said Rainbow softly, a tear falling down her cheek. Fluttershy flew over and gave her a hug.

"We all do," said Fluttershy, pulling away.

"I know I look pathetic," said Rainbow. "Just tell me what's going on."

"You don't look pathetic. In fact, you look strong crying out your sorrows for Twilight," said Fluttershy, her face falling as she said the name. "And it is time to figure out as us five to see who would carry out the duties until Celestia and Luna come to a proper solution."

"Okay," replied Rainbow. She stretched her wings, and levitated above the cloud. Fluttershy nodded, and flew through the clouds, down to Ponyville. Rainbow followed her, and she saw the castle. Her eyes locked to the castle, and a new bout of grief hung over her. She had loved this castle, to be with Twilight. Soon, they were at the door. Fluttershy opened it, and the two of them went inside, to the throne room. Inside were the other three. A coffin rested on the map. Twilight's coffin.

"Alright, we're all here," said Applejack, her voice slightly off. She had been drinking the more mature cider. "So, Ah'm not bein' the replacement." Rainbow sighed in relief. "Ah have a farm to take care of."

"And I don't think I would be a good princess," admitted Pinkie. Her mane had fallen flat. "I work at the bakery, and I wouldn't have time for parties."

"That leaves me, and Fluttershy," said Rarity. Fluttershy shook her head.

"Oh, no, I can't be princess. Who would care for the animals?" asked Fluttershy, sinking back in her throne. Rarity smiled smugly.

"Darlings, that leaves me," said Rarity, primping her mane. "I would make the best Princess of Friendship! Such a divine title." Rainbow had enough.

"Rarity, you don't deserve the title of Princess of Friendship!" snapped Rainbow. "In fact, Celestia and Luna themselves had said that we wouldn't be the princess. Just a replacement until they figured out what to do. The attitude you're taking would be the downfall of Equestria!" The final three words echoed in the throne room. Rarity stared in shock, and Rainbow felt bad, instantly. She overreacted. This wasn't a good way to take things. Rarity sniffed, and her makeup started to run.

"Fine! How about you take the position?!" cried Rarity, tears streaming down her face. "Now that you pointed out that I can't do this, how about you take it? It will probably cost your title as Wonderbolt." Rainbow's jaw dropped, but nodded in acceptance. She needed to do this, for Twilight.

"Alright, I'll do it," said Rainbow. Rarity snorted, and stormed out of the room. The other three ponies turned and glared at her.

"You're being a party-pooper," said Pinkie, scowling. She followed Rarity.

"Ah can't believe ya just did that, princess," said Applejack bitterly. She walked out. All that was remaining was Fluttershy. She had a few tears going down her face.

"I'm very disappointed in you," said Fluttershy simply, before exiting the room herself. Rainbow sat, and fainted in her throne. Now, she had lost her dream, and her friends.