For All That We Have Lostby DarkswirlChaptersLife's A PartyStrength And StubbornessGenerous Deeds, IndeedRainbows Never Stop ShiningSunshine, EverlastingSupernovaThe Last BirdsongMoonshine, EternalLife's A PartyWhere do I begin? That crazy pink mare that was friends with absolutely everypony in Ponyville... Not a single pony didn't get along with that wonderful, cheerful mare- not even Cranky Doodle Donkey in the end. But even the happiest things have to end eventually... From what she told us, Pinkie was born and raised on a rock farm somewhere outside of Trottingham; although after weeks of searching through records and geographical data, I was unable to find any sort of farm that had been there in the last hundred years. But Pinkie wasn't one to lie. She grew up with two sisters, a mother and a father, and apparently a grandmother; although she only mentioned her once. She told us that her sisters and parents were pretty boring and never seemed happy. After Rainbow Dash's Sonic Rainboom lit up her world, Pinkie began to light up every other pony's world as well; starting with her family. But even that happiness didn't last. She never told us what happened, but we all figured out that something horrible had happened and Pinkie fled the area to start her life over in Ponyville. It was there I would start my life over as well. It was there that I found one of my best friends. I'm sorry, I'm getting emotional again... Let me just tell you her story... - "Hey, get that out of your mouth!" Pinkie shouted hysterically, racing over to snatch a bottle of bleach from Pound Cake's hooves. "How did you even get that, I put it on the top shelf!" Pinkie continued in disbelief, setting the bottle on the counter. The Cake's had left on another one of their business trips and left Pinkie in charge of the younglings as well as with managing an open shop. Pinkie grumbled as she continued mixing batter for cupcakes, keeping her eyes on the mischievous little toddlers. Content with her stirring, Pinkie began mixing the ingredients for the frosting now after she poured the batter into the tray and set it to bake. Suddenly, a loud crash sounded from the other room and Pinkie hastily stopped what she was doing to check on Pumpkin Cake. Unbeknownst to her, Pound Cake was crawling into the kitchen and up onto the counter. Giggling happily as he reclaimed the bottle, he continued chewing on it; not realizing he was slowly unscrewing the cap with his first tooth. "Pound Cake! How do you keep getting up there?!" Pinkie shouted frustratedly, causing the twins to giggle as one flew out of the room while the other teleported. Pinkie groaned and gave chase, not noticing the overturned bottle of bleach slowly pouring out it's deadly contents into the frosting mix. - "Now, if I catch you two out of your play pin again, I'll...I'll...I'LL TICKLE YOU UNTIL-" Pinkie shouted, only to be interrupted by the smoke detector coming from the kitchen. Pinkie threw her hooves up in frustration and raced into the kitchen. Coughing through smoke, she slowly made her way to the oven and turned it off, but not before bumping some empty container onto the floor and tripping on it, sending it flying out of the room and into Celestia knows where. Pinkie Pie opened a window to air out the bakery and grudgingly returned to her duties. "Well, the batter's burnt...Oh, I know!" Pinkie shouted cheerfully, suddenly getting an idea. "Frosting balls!" Popping one of the delicacies into her mouth, she swallowed it whole and licked her lips. - "Pinkie, can you hear us?" Rainbow Dash said softly. Pinkie Pie opened her eyes slowly, wincing each time the machine next to her beeped loudly. "Hey Dashie...And Twilight...And everypony else..." Pinkie whispered sickly. Nopony knew what had happened to Pinkie Pie, but the Cakes said they found her crumpled up in the corner drooling and spasming in pain. She was quickly rushed to Ponyville Central Hospital. "H-Hey Pinkie..." Fluttershy whispered, pressing her snout close. Everypony else did the same, and Pinkie Pie just giggled weakly. "I love you girls...You've always been there for me and showed me a better friendship than simply knowing everypony in Ponyville..." Pinkie said solemnly, as if realizing what the others did not. "Just promise me one thing...?" she continued, her friends crowding in close. "Pinkie promise me you'll never stop smiling..." she whispered, closing her eyes. "We promise, Pinkie Pie..." they all said in a hushed tone, tearing up. "I love you girls..." Pinkie whispered as her machine's beeps became further apart. Eventually, they stopped all together. Strength And StubbornessWho's next? One of the strongest and honest ponies I've ever known. She managed to harvest half of her family's apple orchard by herself once, but she wasn't strong enough to finish on her own. Ever since that day she had been pushing herself harder and harder to do what nopony in her family had ever done before. She died doing what she loved, at least... - "C'mon, Apple Bloom; we got work tuh do." Applejack said tiredly as she roused her little sister from bed. It had been seventeen years since Flim and Flam first came into Ponyville, and word had spread that they were getting ready to come by again. Apple Bloom had developed into a strong young mare while Applejack was starting to weaken in some places; her hind legs mostly. Ever since that day when she had felt humiliated at having to ask for help when she couldn't do what she tried so hard to do, she had been training to finally do it. "Ah can feel it; this is the day ah'm fahnally gonna do it." Applejack said proudly, hopping between her left and right hooves in anticipation. "You've been sayin' that ever since you mahnaged tuh get all the way back tuh that old well." Apple Bloom said sleepily as she trotted out of the house with her older sister. "Naw, somethin' feels different about tuhday. Ah feel...Stronger, ah guess." Applejack said as she slung two baskets over her back. "Yall call me if'n ya need anythang, alright Apple Bloom?" Applejack called over her shoulder, leaving Apple Bloom to take care of the animals. - "Ahn that's...Number four hundred ahn thirty nine...Or was that thirty eight? Ah, gosh darnit." Applejack said in between pants. The sun was high in the sky by the time Applejack had filled her three hundredth and something basket. She was sweating profusely, but it was all part of the training. "Tuhday's the day, Applejack. Don't forget that..." she told herself as she fixed her hat and wiped beads of sweat from her snout. As she slowly trotted towards a blurry tree, Applejack turned and brought her hooves to meet the bark. A loud crack echoed through the orchard like always when hooves met trees, but this time Applejack collapsed to the ground wailing in pain. Applejack bit her tongue in an attempt to resist the urge to curse as she gently poked her hind leg. "Shoot!" she hissed as she tensed up in pain again. "Ah...Ah can't move..." she whimpered as she realized her hind leg was broken; possibly even shattered. She tried to move it up and found that even the thought of that hurt. "Apple Bloom!" she wailed, scared and shaken at the thought of being left out here the rest of the day. But no matter how many times she yelled her younger sisters name, no matter how many times she begged for Celestia to help her, nothing ever changed. She was stuck in the middle of a huge apple orchard; broken and melting in the hot summer sun. - "Applejack? Applejack, where are ya?" Apple Bloom called out as she wandered through the maze of apple trees. Every time she thought she saw her sister's orange coat, she raced forward only to discover a basket filled to the brim with apples. She followed the trail deeper into the orchard as the sun disappeared behind the mountains. "Applejack? Come on, it's gettin' late ahn Big MacIntosh is gettin' worried!" Apple Bloom called out as she passed yet another stripped apple tree. "Apple...Bloom..." a hoarse voice choked out. Apple Bloom squeaked and turned to see her big sister crumpled at the base of a tree, panting shallowly. As she took a step forward, she noticed the ground sink a bit from wetness. There was a heavy stench of sweat in the air around Applejack. "A-Applejack...?" Apple Bloom asked cautiously. "Are you alright?" "D-Do ah...Do ah look alright...Tuh you..?" Applejack whispered. "Ah'll go get Big MacIntosh!" Apple Bloom said, turning to race off back towards the farm. "N-No...Apple Bloom, jus'...Jus' listen tuh me.." Applejack said between breaths. She had been baking in the sun the entire day with nothing to drink, and she realized that her body was being forced to shut down. "Apple Bloom..." Applejack began. "Don't...Don't you ever...Let anypony tell you...That there's something ya can't do...You can do absolutely anything and everything...If ya jus...If ya jus put yer mind...Tuh it..." Applejack said slowly, her voice faltering near the end. Apple Bloom began to tear up as she stared at the crumpled body of her big sister, watching her flank give way as the last breath left her body. Ahn remember; don't let anypony tell you that ya can't do somethin'. Apples' got a long history of proven others wrong nahcely, o'course. But you can do absolutely anything if ya jus' trah hard 'nough. Apple Bloom ran the memories of every time her older sister had told her that; every time she felt like no matter how hard she tried to do something and it seemed to turn out wrong. Apple Bloom wiped away a tear and let it fall to the soggy ground, letting it mix in with her big sister's determination and hard work. She let her sadness mix in with her sister's spirit. Generous Deeds, IndeedAnd then there's Rarity... The Element of Generosity. Boy, did she live up to her title... - "But Rarity, I want to help too!" Sweetie Belle complained. "I told you, Sweetie Belle; the zebra lands are no place for a filly, especially one with such a slowly developing immune system. Why, it was just last month Opal coughed and you got sicker than Angel Bunny when he had a bad carrot! No, my answer is final, and I'll be leaving you with Twilight while I'm gone." Rarity said 'as-a-matter-of-fact'. Rarity had heard Zecora talking about the struggle and famine back in her homeland that brought many diseases and death, and Rarity had volunteered to travel there to see if her magic would be of any help. At first, the zebra declined, as the other zebras would not take too kindly to an outsider. But after they saw what she could do, they both reasoned, they would most likely accept the help. And so it was decided that Rarity would leave for the disease-laden land first thing next week, only that was a week ago. "But Rarity, you always get to go on these awesome adventures! And maybe my special talent is helping others!" Sweetie Belle whined. "Well, then you can help yourself and me by staying here and out of trouble; from what Zecora has told me, that place is absolutely dreadful and hardly suitable for a young filly such as yourself." Rarity rambled, Sweetie Belle blocking her voice out as soon as she had realized Rarity shot her down again. It just wasn't fair! Ponyville was boring, and she and the other crusaders had tried absolutely everything and still hadn't earned their cutie marks! Grumbling to herself, she trotted out of Carousel Boutique along with Rarity, who was lugging three heavy trunks of cloth to make clothes for the zebras there. - "Sweetie Belle, there's a letter from Rarity for you!" Twilight Sparkled called from the front door. As Sweetie Belle raced down the library's steps, she nearly tackled the purple unicorn; grabbing the letter excitedly. "Dear Sweetie Belle and Twilight, I am writing to inform you that I have arrived safely in the zebra lands, despite how shaky those mass teleportals are. Regardless, I have set up a small booth in what I believe to be a small farming town. Hardly any of the zebra's here speak or even recognize Equestrian; most of them understandably speaking Zebrian instead. Oh, how I wish I had taken that course in high school! But that is besides the point. After the first day, I hadn't a single customer, even though my sign clearly states in Zebrian that I will make free clothing and minor medical treatments to those who need them. I am rather shocked by how harshly I am being treated; rocks being thrown at my booth and head. I'm trying to help these ponies and I'm treated with such hostility! This is exactly why I did not want you coming with me, Sweetie Belle. I will write again in another week, allowing time to 'merge' with the locals. Sister and friend, Rarity - It was another week, to the dot, before a gray mailmare brought the next letter. "Dear Twilight and Sweetie Belle, I am rather shocked that you haven't written to me at all during my first week here; surely you aren't THAT mad about me not taking you along, Sweetie Belle? I apologize if I hurt your feelings, but if you saw this place I can guarantee that you would be shaking in your hooves! Why, even after a full week the locals are still rather hostile, although I did manage to convince a young zebra to let me look at a rather nasty cut on his shoulder. After I had fixed it up the best I could, I sent him on his way with a few shirts for him and his family. There simply isn't much more to talk about, and for that I apologize. I would absolutely love to hear about how Ponyville is doing, but even more so how you two are doing. Sweetie Belle can be quite a hassle sometimes, can she not, Twilight? Sister and friend, Rarity "So, what do you want to say?" Twilight asked, pulling out a blank parchment and dipping an elegant quill in an ink pot. "Dear Rarity," Sweetie Belle began. "I still feel like you cheated me out of something! But I don't want to get in a fight with you, especially since you're so far away. I feel bad for you because of how the locals are treating you, but can you really blame them? A strange pony comes into their home with a horn and a bright white body, offering them free medical treatment and clothing. If I were them, I'd be afraid it was some sort of scam." "That....That was awfully mature for you, Sweetie Belle." Twilight said, caught off guard by the little filly's intellect. Sweetie Belle smiled at the compliment. - At the sound of the mail flap opening and closing, Sweetie Belle raced down the stairs and tackled the envelope. "Dear Sweetie Belle and Twilight," Sweetie Belle read aloud as Twilight sleepily descended the staircase. My, such strong and thought out words from somepony your age! Are you sure Twilight hasn't been trying any of her spells on you? I do still feel a little guilty about 'cheating' you out of this adventure, but I cannot stress it enough how dangerous it is here. It has been a month since I received your letter, but I simply had no time to respond: My popularity has boomed after it turns out I had saved that young zebra's life, and there have been lines that stretch all throughout the town full of zebras mostly looking for medical help. Why, I've been so overwhelmed that even a few of the healthier zebras offered to help me. Unfortunately, my recent popularity has also attracted one of the nearby warlords; a zebra who is so greedy and heartless it makes me shiver in anger! How can he just sit by and watch as his kind slowly starves to death?! It is simply incomprehensible to myself, but he went out of his way to raid my shop while I was still in it! He and his hooligans held me at hoof point as they took all the clothing I had taken weeks to stitch and ran out. If I could have used my magic, they would have been dealt with quickly and appropriately, but they smeared this icky green slime on it, and it hasn't been working for days! Luckily, one of my assistants explained to me in rough Equestrian that it would wear off, so I shall soon be back in business. Sister and friend, Rarity Sweetie Belle stomped her hoof in anger. "That's not nice! What right does he have to go in and steal things from a pony who's only trying to help!" Sweetie Belle shouted before tromping out of the room in a huff, leaving Twilight to pen a reply. - "Dear Sweetie Belle and Twilight, Do you remember that zebra I told you I had saved in my last letter? Well, he has been helping me out in the shop and we managed to get back into our quota after that disgusting slime wore off. Unfortunately, he has developed quite a nasty cough and a bad rash on his front hoof; and I think I may be catching it too! But, as the element of generosity, and another pony being, I have a duty (I believe) to disregard my own life to help others. If I do not write again within the next week, expect the worst. I love you, Sweetie Belle; you are the best sister I could ever hope for, and you have been an inspiration to most of my works, even if you do not see it. And Twilight, thank you for putting up with my pettiness when it comes to absolutely everything and still being my friend. Give the rest of our group my goodbyes, if you will. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Loving sister, loving friend, Rarity Another two weeks passed and Sweetie Belle still hadn't heard back from Rarity. She refused to come downstairs until one day when a soft knocking sounded at the door. Sweetie Belle gasped softly as she peered around the corner. Twilight answered the door cautiously and took in a one of Celestia's royal guards. "Miss Sparkle." he began softly, his voice holding a light tone of authority mixed with feelings of regret and sadness. "I regret to inform you that...That Miss Rarity has passed away. I...I don't have all the details, but this letter is addressed to you from her. I'm sorry for your loss...." Twilight stood there, looking at the letter in disbelief as the royal guard trotted out of the house, forcing himself to keep his head up. "S-Sweetie Belle..." Twilight called softly, and Rarity's younger sister came from around the corner, nuzzling the older unicorn as a tear rolled down her cheek. My darling little sister, I should have seen the signs, but I was too busy with my work to stop and check. I closed shop for a few days after he passed, but I had to go back to work eventually. I did my best to mask myself from the other ponies and their clothes. I only hope I do not cause as much harm as I have help. Sweetie Belle, do you remember when we got into that awful fight about you using the last of my diamonds? I had a special dress planned that I was finally able to complete. It is undoubtedly my best work, and I tailored it to fit you perfectly for your wedding day. It is a shame that pains me; not being able to sit in the audience to watch what would be the second happiest day of my life, the first being your birth. I knew my time would come eventually, although I do wish I had spent more time with you. I got so caught up in my work that I realized I had to do something to make up for it, so I left for the zebra lands. Part of me wishes I had brought you along to bond, but part of me realizes that you may not have returned, as I am not. I don't have much strength left, and for that I apologize. Before you go and open the package, I want to tell you something: Do not spend your life caught up in your own tasks. Help the world, help absolutely everypony you can to your fullest extent. Ponykind are meant to love and care for each other, but it seems that a few of us no longer realize that. Sweetie Belle, do your best at whatever you can, and I guarantee you can change the world. I love you, Sweetie Belle. Loving sister, Rarity And that was it. The element of generosity's last words of wisdom. Sweetie Belle took her older sister's advice to heart, and oh the things she changed... Rainbows Never Stop ShiningRainbow Dash...That headstrong pegasus who thought she could do absolutely anything and everything... Sometimes I admire her determination and willpower, but for the most part I respect her courage and loyalty. - "Way to go, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo cheered from the ground as her role model did another few loops and tricks. It had been quite a long time since Rainbow Dash had once again applied for the Wonderbolts, but had been yet again shot down. Rainbow Dash still didn't understand it; how could she not meet the qualifications? She was fast and determined, had saved Equestria three times, preformed three sonic rainbooms in her life time, and yet the Wonderbolts still turned her away! So there she was, turning and twisting in the sky as she struggled to better herself; her loyal fan watching below. Scootaloo had matured quite a bit since her days as a filly. She had developed larger, elegant wings, but had still been too afraid of heights to try and fly with them. So there she sat, training her eyes on the best flier in Equestria. As Rainbow Dash began another round of aerial loops, Scootaloo realized with a shock that something was wrong. As fast as Rainbow Dash was, Scootaloo could see that her left wing was twitch a bit, the spasm intensifying slowly. If Rainbow Dash kept up at this, her wing could cause her to fly out of control! "Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo shouted, unable to break through the wind tunnel that Rainbow Dash had created. Scootaloo closed her eyes as her role model suddenly lost control and spiraled towards the ground. - "R-Rainbow Dash...?" Scootaloo whispered through tears, only partially being drowned out by the obnoxious beeping of a hospital machine. Rainbow Dash moaned softly in pain as she turned her ears to the crying pony. "Scootaloo...? What...What happened..." Rainbow Dash asked, wincing in pain as she breathed. She realized that she was completely covered in a cast, unable to move even her tail. "You...You crashed..." Scootaloo answered, turning her face from the pained expression of her. "How long did they say I was gonna be here?" Rainbow Dash continued, a hopeful look in her eyes. Scootaloo pressed her snout against the hard body cast and cried more. "Dash..You broke almost every bone in your body...Your ribs...They pierced..." Scootaloo explained, unable to finish. Rainbow Dash smiled softly under her mask and wished she could comfort the little mare. "Kid, listen to me." she started. "Can you keep a promise? A Pinkie Promise?" Scootaloo wiped away tears and nodded softly. "Promise me that you'll always keep trying things you're afraid of. Life is too short to not take risks, but don't be stupid about them like I was. There are some dangerous things that you just have to do, like flying. The skies aren't so scary once you get used to them, I promise. Do me a favor, Scoots?" Dash finished. "Go outside and fly by my window?" Scootaloo started crying again. - The soft buzzing grew slowly louder and more defined as it turned into a soft hum. Scootaloo gently tapped on the window to Rainbow Dash's room and was greeted with a slowly turning head. Underneath her cast, Dash was smiling happily while her eyes clouded in sadness. Neither of them even noticed the machine start to grow quiet. Sunshine, EverlastingBlessed be the one who gives without asking anything in return, they say, as this is the only way to let peace and harmony into your soul. The more you give, the more you will earn in return. But what happens when you give too much? What happens when you're ready to sacrifice every piece of your soul to make the life of your beloved ones better? This is the story of a kind and selfless pony who ruled over Equestria for a few thousand years, bringing the light of hope and happiness in everypony's life. Her life was marked by tragedy, and she always faced it alone, accumulating the scars of loss, one after another. And yet, she was strong enough to kindle the flames of love, hope and life deep within her heart, allowing them to glow and grow, so that her subjects could take in their warmth. And they did. Spark by spark, everyday, for thousands of years...Until there was nothing left, even for herself. This is a story of love and sacrifice, and this is its last chapter... - The night was cool and dark as Princess Celestia trotted out tiredly after her younger sister and onto the balcony. Princess Luna was happy and content, unaware that Celestia knew of her own inevitable demise. "Hurry up, sister! We're late already!" Princess Luna called cheerfully from the edge of the balcony. As Celestia joined her little sister at the edge, she lifted her snout and breathed in the cool, crisp air of her sibling's night. It was a shame this would be her last chance to witness it. "Are you ready?" Celestia asked peacefully. Luna practically bounced on her hooves as she replied enthusiastically. "Yes, yes!" "Let us begin with the premise, then!" Celestia said as a sad smiled crept onto her face. She lifted her glowing horn towards the sky and struggled to maintain her magic. Luna joined her older sister happily, her own horn glowing brightly as a soft hum filled the balcony. As suddenly as it began, the hum stopped, but the moon still hung in the sky. "T-Tia?!" Luna cried out, rushing over to her collapsed sister. "What happened?!" "I....I'm sorry, Luna...I can't do it. It's up to you to raise the sun today..." Celestia replied, closing her eyes and breathing deeply. "B-But I..." Luna began as she realized the immense power needed to do both her sister and her own job. "I'll do my best, I promise..." - When Celestia re awoke, her beautiful sun was high in the blue sky. She struggled to her hooves and stood next to her little sister, whose eyes were wide in amazement as she realized what she just did. Celestia's chest swelled with pride before she realized the tips of her wings and mane slowly began turning into a golden mist. "Ah...The time has finally come..." Celestia whispered to herself, Luna just barely catching her solemn words. "No, sister, no!" she cried. "We have so much to do today! We have to meet Twilight and her friends, w-we have to..." "Don't be afraid, my little sister...You'll do well on your own now..." Celestia interrupted, her body almost completely changed into a golden mist, save for her chest and head. "B-But I don't want to be alone again! Please, don't leave me, 'Tia!" Luna cried, closing her eyes tightly. She felt her sister's warm embrace before a loud clang brought her eyes open again. Before the heart broken princess lay Celestia's golden armaments. "S-Sister...?" Luna whispered in disbelief, softly nosing her sibling's tiara. She turned her head to the sky to see a golden mist swirl around before growing smaller and smaller as it floated further away. Do not fear, my dear little sister...I will always be here with you... SupernovaAnd now my time has come. I, Twilight Sparkle, last holder of the Element of Magic will soon join my friends and family in the White Plane. I can only hope that they are proud of me, for what I have done in my life by following their advice. I hope I've changed the world... I apologize for the shortness of this story; I kind of rushed through it because it was too sad for me. :c The Last BirdsongAnd finally there's Fluttershy... Her passing hurt me the most, because of how fragile and innocent she was. All she ever wanted to do was care for those that could not... - "T-Thank you for coming, Twilight..." Fluttershy whispered. "I hope it wasn't any trouble..." "Fluttershy..." Twilight said softly. "Nothing you could ever do or ask would ever cause any trouble." "Oh, OK...Uhm...I'm sorry I didn't listen to you, Twilight..." Fluttershy squeaked, not wanting her friend to be mad at her in her final hour. Resting her snout next to the yellow mare's, Twilight smiled sadly and comforted her. "I'm sorry too, Fluttershy, but I should have known you wouldn't have listened to me. You care about everypony too much to even look out for your own safety." "Oh, b-but I should have known a changeling wouldn't be too fond of a pegasus, especially after what happened in Canterlot..." Fluttershy reasoned. "You had no way of knowing exactly, Fluttershy. You tried to help, and that was all that mattered." Twilight said. After the failed invasion of Canterlot and the resulting anti-changeling spell, Fluttershy had been returning home and stumbled across a wounded changeling. Trying her best to help the poor creature, she approached it and received a vicious bite to her hoof. Who knew changelings were poisonous? As she lay in her little cottage, tucked warmly into bed with Twilight and her animals gathered around her, Fluttershy began to cry. "I'm so sorry I have to go, Twilight..." Fluttershy whimpered as Angel hopped up onto the bed to say goodbye. "It's alright, Fluttershy. We all have to eventually-" Twilight began, but was interrupted. "I-I'm sorry for interrupting, but I don't think I have a lot of time..." Fluttershy whimpered, hugging her bunny tightly. "Twilight...I've spent my whole life taking care of all these little critters...I wont be able to after I'm gone...Can you please find a new home for all my critters, and...And if you ever see anypony or animal hurt...Please do your best to help them. Some ponies just don't care who or what they hurt, but those are the ponies that need the help the most..." Twilight laid her head against Fluttershy's side, trying to hide her tears. The rest of the animals did the same as the final breaths of a kindred spirit were spent. I'm sorry for the shortness of this chapter; it was just too incredibly painful to write. I'll make up for it in the next two chapters. Moonshine, EternalPrincess Luna, Queen of the Night. No, she isn't dead, but someone she was very close to is. Somepony very special to her. Somepony that she hasn't told any other pony about before she learned what I was doing with this. - "Sister, do not make me do this." Celestia threatened, her horn flaring and spitting off beams of golden magic. "Ahahahaha! Just try it, Sun Queen! Your powers are no match for mine since you no longer control the Elements of Harmony!" Nightmare Moon shot back, charging her own dark magic. Letting a tear run down her snout, Celestia let forth her powerful magic, which wrapped itself around her evil sister and suddenly shot towards the moon. Little did Celestia know that shortly before her dear sister changed into that horrible mare did she mate with a stallion; and started carrying a young foal. - "No! This cannot be! My...My magic was superior!" Nightmare Moon screamed as she threw her hooves into the ground. "My world...My home...Our home..." she corrected herself to add her beautiful, undeveloped foal. "We shall have our revenge..." Nightmare Moon declared coldly. - As time went on, Nightmare Moon had managed to chart out her prison; dragging her hooves in the sandy rock to guide her to suitable birth places and living quarters. Eventually, she realized she was ready to birth. Safely hurrying along a large line, she eventually came to the crater she had deemed perfect for her little foal. "Be still, my darling, you shall soon be free from my body. With our powers combined, we will return to Equestria and rule the night forever!" Nightmare Moon exclaimed in an evil laugh. Soon... she thought. Soon... - "No, breathe! Please, please breathe!" Nightmare Moon cried as she stood over the newborn filly. "Take my breathe, Celestia made me able to breathe so I could stay trapped here!" she continued, wailing as she pressed her snout against her daughters; pushing her air into the limp body. "T-There you go, good girl...No. No, it can't already be gone! That air was supposed to last for so much longer!" the anguished mother screamed, tears pouring from her eyes. "Celestia, send some air! Can you not see that she is suffocating?!" Nightmare Moon screamed at the green and blue planet. But it was too late. It was too far. "No one will ever take your spirit from me, my darling...I will find a way to bring you back..." Luna spent the next nine hundred and fifty eight years of her banishment standing over her child as her eyes burned into the planet she had once called home, searching for the pony she had once called sister.
Life's A PartyWhere do I begin? That crazy pink mare that was friends with absolutely everypony in Ponyville... Not a single pony didn't get along with that wonderful, cheerful mare- not even Cranky Doodle Donkey in the end. But even the happiest things have to end eventually... From what she told us, Pinkie was born and raised on a rock farm somewhere outside of Trottingham; although after weeks of searching through records and geographical data, I was unable to find any sort of farm that had been there in the last hundred years. But Pinkie wasn't one to lie. She grew up with two sisters, a mother and a father, and apparently a grandmother; although she only mentioned her once. She told us that her sisters and parents were pretty boring and never seemed happy. After Rainbow Dash's Sonic Rainboom lit up her world, Pinkie began to light up every other pony's world as well; starting with her family. But even that happiness didn't last. She never told us what happened, but we all figured out that something horrible had happened and Pinkie fled the area to start her life over in Ponyville. It was there I would start my life over as well. It was there that I found one of my best friends. I'm sorry, I'm getting emotional again... Let me just tell you her story... - "Hey, get that out of your mouth!" Pinkie shouted hysterically, racing over to snatch a bottle of bleach from Pound Cake's hooves. "How did you even get that, I put it on the top shelf!" Pinkie continued in disbelief, setting the bottle on the counter. The Cake's had left on another one of their business trips and left Pinkie in charge of the younglings as well as with managing an open shop. Pinkie grumbled as she continued mixing batter for cupcakes, keeping her eyes on the mischievous little toddlers. Content with her stirring, Pinkie began mixing the ingredients for the frosting now after she poured the batter into the tray and set it to bake. Suddenly, a loud crash sounded from the other room and Pinkie hastily stopped what she was doing to check on Pumpkin Cake. Unbeknownst to her, Pound Cake was crawling into the kitchen and up onto the counter. Giggling happily as he reclaimed the bottle, he continued chewing on it; not realizing he was slowly unscrewing the cap with his first tooth. "Pound Cake! How do you keep getting up there?!" Pinkie shouted frustratedly, causing the twins to giggle as one flew out of the room while the other teleported. Pinkie groaned and gave chase, not noticing the overturned bottle of bleach slowly pouring out it's deadly contents into the frosting mix. - "Now, if I catch you two out of your play pin again, I'll...I'll...I'LL TICKLE YOU UNTIL-" Pinkie shouted, only to be interrupted by the smoke detector coming from the kitchen. Pinkie threw her hooves up in frustration and raced into the kitchen. Coughing through smoke, she slowly made her way to the oven and turned it off, but not before bumping some empty container onto the floor and tripping on it, sending it flying out of the room and into Celestia knows where. Pinkie Pie opened a window to air out the bakery and grudgingly returned to her duties. "Well, the batter's burnt...Oh, I know!" Pinkie shouted cheerfully, suddenly getting an idea. "Frosting balls!" Popping one of the delicacies into her mouth, she swallowed it whole and licked her lips. - "Pinkie, can you hear us?" Rainbow Dash said softly. Pinkie Pie opened her eyes slowly, wincing each time the machine next to her beeped loudly. "Hey Dashie...And Twilight...And everypony else..." Pinkie whispered sickly. Nopony knew what had happened to Pinkie Pie, but the Cakes said they found her crumpled up in the corner drooling and spasming in pain. She was quickly rushed to Ponyville Central Hospital. "H-Hey Pinkie..." Fluttershy whispered, pressing her snout close. Everypony else did the same, and Pinkie Pie just giggled weakly. "I love you girls...You've always been there for me and showed me a better friendship than simply knowing everypony in Ponyville..." Pinkie said solemnly, as if realizing what the others did not. "Just promise me one thing...?" she continued, her friends crowding in close. "Pinkie promise me you'll never stop smiling..." she whispered, closing her eyes. "We promise, Pinkie Pie..." they all said in a hushed tone, tearing up. "I love you girls..." Pinkie whispered as her machine's beeps became further apart. Eventually, they stopped all together.
Strength And StubbornessWho's next? One of the strongest and honest ponies I've ever known. She managed to harvest half of her family's apple orchard by herself once, but she wasn't strong enough to finish on her own. Ever since that day she had been pushing herself harder and harder to do what nopony in her family had ever done before. She died doing what she loved, at least... - "C'mon, Apple Bloom; we got work tuh do." Applejack said tiredly as she roused her little sister from bed. It had been seventeen years since Flim and Flam first came into Ponyville, and word had spread that they were getting ready to come by again. Apple Bloom had developed into a strong young mare while Applejack was starting to weaken in some places; her hind legs mostly. Ever since that day when she had felt humiliated at having to ask for help when she couldn't do what she tried so hard to do, she had been training to finally do it. "Ah can feel it; this is the day ah'm fahnally gonna do it." Applejack said proudly, hopping between her left and right hooves in anticipation. "You've been sayin' that ever since you mahnaged tuh get all the way back tuh that old well." Apple Bloom said sleepily as she trotted out of the house with her older sister. "Naw, somethin' feels different about tuhday. Ah feel...Stronger, ah guess." Applejack said as she slung two baskets over her back. "Yall call me if'n ya need anythang, alright Apple Bloom?" Applejack called over her shoulder, leaving Apple Bloom to take care of the animals. - "Ahn that's...Number four hundred ahn thirty nine...Or was that thirty eight? Ah, gosh darnit." Applejack said in between pants. The sun was high in the sky by the time Applejack had filled her three hundredth and something basket. She was sweating profusely, but it was all part of the training. "Tuhday's the day, Applejack. Don't forget that..." she told herself as she fixed her hat and wiped beads of sweat from her snout. As she slowly trotted towards a blurry tree, Applejack turned and brought her hooves to meet the bark. A loud crack echoed through the orchard like always when hooves met trees, but this time Applejack collapsed to the ground wailing in pain. Applejack bit her tongue in an attempt to resist the urge to curse as she gently poked her hind leg. "Shoot!" she hissed as she tensed up in pain again. "Ah...Ah can't move..." she whimpered as she realized her hind leg was broken; possibly even shattered. She tried to move it up and found that even the thought of that hurt. "Apple Bloom!" she wailed, scared and shaken at the thought of being left out here the rest of the day. But no matter how many times she yelled her younger sisters name, no matter how many times she begged for Celestia to help her, nothing ever changed. She was stuck in the middle of a huge apple orchard; broken and melting in the hot summer sun. - "Applejack? Applejack, where are ya?" Apple Bloom called out as she wandered through the maze of apple trees. Every time she thought she saw her sister's orange coat, she raced forward only to discover a basket filled to the brim with apples. She followed the trail deeper into the orchard as the sun disappeared behind the mountains. "Applejack? Come on, it's gettin' late ahn Big MacIntosh is gettin' worried!" Apple Bloom called out as she passed yet another stripped apple tree. "Apple...Bloom..." a hoarse voice choked out. Apple Bloom squeaked and turned to see her big sister crumpled at the base of a tree, panting shallowly. As she took a step forward, she noticed the ground sink a bit from wetness. There was a heavy stench of sweat in the air around Applejack. "A-Applejack...?" Apple Bloom asked cautiously. "Are you alright?" "D-Do ah...Do ah look alright...Tuh you..?" Applejack whispered. "Ah'll go get Big MacIntosh!" Apple Bloom said, turning to race off back towards the farm. "N-No...Apple Bloom, jus'...Jus' listen tuh me.." Applejack said between breaths. She had been baking in the sun the entire day with nothing to drink, and she realized that her body was being forced to shut down. "Apple Bloom..." Applejack began. "Don't...Don't you ever...Let anypony tell you...That there's something ya can't do...You can do absolutely anything and everything...If ya jus...If ya jus put yer mind...Tuh it..." Applejack said slowly, her voice faltering near the end. Apple Bloom began to tear up as she stared at the crumpled body of her big sister, watching her flank give way as the last breath left her body. Ahn remember; don't let anypony tell you that ya can't do somethin'. Apples' got a long history of proven others wrong nahcely, o'course. But you can do absolutely anything if ya jus' trah hard 'nough. Apple Bloom ran the memories of every time her older sister had told her that; every time she felt like no matter how hard she tried to do something and it seemed to turn out wrong. Apple Bloom wiped away a tear and let it fall to the soggy ground, letting it mix in with her big sister's determination and hard work. She let her sadness mix in with her sister's spirit.
Generous Deeds, IndeedAnd then there's Rarity... The Element of Generosity. Boy, did she live up to her title... - "But Rarity, I want to help too!" Sweetie Belle complained. "I told you, Sweetie Belle; the zebra lands are no place for a filly, especially one with such a slowly developing immune system. Why, it was just last month Opal coughed and you got sicker than Angel Bunny when he had a bad carrot! No, my answer is final, and I'll be leaving you with Twilight while I'm gone." Rarity said 'as-a-matter-of-fact'. Rarity had heard Zecora talking about the struggle and famine back in her homeland that brought many diseases and death, and Rarity had volunteered to travel there to see if her magic would be of any help. At first, the zebra declined, as the other zebras would not take too kindly to an outsider. But after they saw what she could do, they both reasoned, they would most likely accept the help. And so it was decided that Rarity would leave for the disease-laden land first thing next week, only that was a week ago. "But Rarity, you always get to go on these awesome adventures! And maybe my special talent is helping others!" Sweetie Belle whined. "Well, then you can help yourself and me by staying here and out of trouble; from what Zecora has told me, that place is absolutely dreadful and hardly suitable for a young filly such as yourself." Rarity rambled, Sweetie Belle blocking her voice out as soon as she had realized Rarity shot her down again. It just wasn't fair! Ponyville was boring, and she and the other crusaders had tried absolutely everything and still hadn't earned their cutie marks! Grumbling to herself, she trotted out of Carousel Boutique along with Rarity, who was lugging three heavy trunks of cloth to make clothes for the zebras there. - "Sweetie Belle, there's a letter from Rarity for you!" Twilight Sparkled called from the front door. As Sweetie Belle raced down the library's steps, she nearly tackled the purple unicorn; grabbing the letter excitedly. "Dear Sweetie Belle and Twilight, I am writing to inform you that I have arrived safely in the zebra lands, despite how shaky those mass teleportals are. Regardless, I have set up a small booth in what I believe to be a small farming town. Hardly any of the zebra's here speak or even recognize Equestrian; most of them understandably speaking Zebrian instead. Oh, how I wish I had taken that course in high school! But that is besides the point. After the first day, I hadn't a single customer, even though my sign clearly states in Zebrian that I will make free clothing and minor medical treatments to those who need them. I am rather shocked by how harshly I am being treated; rocks being thrown at my booth and head. I'm trying to help these ponies and I'm treated with such hostility! This is exactly why I did not want you coming with me, Sweetie Belle. I will write again in another week, allowing time to 'merge' with the locals. Sister and friend, Rarity - It was another week, to the dot, before a gray mailmare brought the next letter. "Dear Twilight and Sweetie Belle, I am rather shocked that you haven't written to me at all during my first week here; surely you aren't THAT mad about me not taking you along, Sweetie Belle? I apologize if I hurt your feelings, but if you saw this place I can guarantee that you would be shaking in your hooves! Why, even after a full week the locals are still rather hostile, although I did manage to convince a young zebra to let me look at a rather nasty cut on his shoulder. After I had fixed it up the best I could, I sent him on his way with a few shirts for him and his family. There simply isn't much more to talk about, and for that I apologize. I would absolutely love to hear about how Ponyville is doing, but even more so how you two are doing. Sweetie Belle can be quite a hassle sometimes, can she not, Twilight? Sister and friend, Rarity "So, what do you want to say?" Twilight asked, pulling out a blank parchment and dipping an elegant quill in an ink pot. "Dear Rarity," Sweetie Belle began. "I still feel like you cheated me out of something! But I don't want to get in a fight with you, especially since you're so far away. I feel bad for you because of how the locals are treating you, but can you really blame them? A strange pony comes into their home with a horn and a bright white body, offering them free medical treatment and clothing. If I were them, I'd be afraid it was some sort of scam." "That....That was awfully mature for you, Sweetie Belle." Twilight said, caught off guard by the little filly's intellect. Sweetie Belle smiled at the compliment. - At the sound of the mail flap opening and closing, Sweetie Belle raced down the stairs and tackled the envelope. "Dear Sweetie Belle and Twilight," Sweetie Belle read aloud as Twilight sleepily descended the staircase. My, such strong and thought out words from somepony your age! Are you sure Twilight hasn't been trying any of her spells on you? I do still feel a little guilty about 'cheating' you out of this adventure, but I cannot stress it enough how dangerous it is here. It has been a month since I received your letter, but I simply had no time to respond: My popularity has boomed after it turns out I had saved that young zebra's life, and there have been lines that stretch all throughout the town full of zebras mostly looking for medical help. Why, I've been so overwhelmed that even a few of the healthier zebras offered to help me. Unfortunately, my recent popularity has also attracted one of the nearby warlords; a zebra who is so greedy and heartless it makes me shiver in anger! How can he just sit by and watch as his kind slowly starves to death?! It is simply incomprehensible to myself, but he went out of his way to raid my shop while I was still in it! He and his hooligans held me at hoof point as they took all the clothing I had taken weeks to stitch and ran out. If I could have used my magic, they would have been dealt with quickly and appropriately, but they smeared this icky green slime on it, and it hasn't been working for days! Luckily, one of my assistants explained to me in rough Equestrian that it would wear off, so I shall soon be back in business. Sister and friend, Rarity Sweetie Belle stomped her hoof in anger. "That's not nice! What right does he have to go in and steal things from a pony who's only trying to help!" Sweetie Belle shouted before tromping out of the room in a huff, leaving Twilight to pen a reply. - "Dear Sweetie Belle and Twilight, Do you remember that zebra I told you I had saved in my last letter? Well, he has been helping me out in the shop and we managed to get back into our quota after that disgusting slime wore off. Unfortunately, he has developed quite a nasty cough and a bad rash on his front hoof; and I think I may be catching it too! But, as the element of generosity, and another pony being, I have a duty (I believe) to disregard my own life to help others. If I do not write again within the next week, expect the worst. I love you, Sweetie Belle; you are the best sister I could ever hope for, and you have been an inspiration to most of my works, even if you do not see it. And Twilight, thank you for putting up with my pettiness when it comes to absolutely everything and still being my friend. Give the rest of our group my goodbyes, if you will. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Loving sister, loving friend, Rarity Another two weeks passed and Sweetie Belle still hadn't heard back from Rarity. She refused to come downstairs until one day when a soft knocking sounded at the door. Sweetie Belle gasped softly as she peered around the corner. Twilight answered the door cautiously and took in a one of Celestia's royal guards. "Miss Sparkle." he began softly, his voice holding a light tone of authority mixed with feelings of regret and sadness. "I regret to inform you that...That Miss Rarity has passed away. I...I don't have all the details, but this letter is addressed to you from her. I'm sorry for your loss...." Twilight stood there, looking at the letter in disbelief as the royal guard trotted out of the house, forcing himself to keep his head up. "S-Sweetie Belle..." Twilight called softly, and Rarity's younger sister came from around the corner, nuzzling the older unicorn as a tear rolled down her cheek. My darling little sister, I should have seen the signs, but I was too busy with my work to stop and check. I closed shop for a few days after he passed, but I had to go back to work eventually. I did my best to mask myself from the other ponies and their clothes. I only hope I do not cause as much harm as I have help. Sweetie Belle, do you remember when we got into that awful fight about you using the last of my diamonds? I had a special dress planned that I was finally able to complete. It is undoubtedly my best work, and I tailored it to fit you perfectly for your wedding day. It is a shame that pains me; not being able to sit in the audience to watch what would be the second happiest day of my life, the first being your birth. I knew my time would come eventually, although I do wish I had spent more time with you. I got so caught up in my work that I realized I had to do something to make up for it, so I left for the zebra lands. Part of me wishes I had brought you along to bond, but part of me realizes that you may not have returned, as I am not. I don't have much strength left, and for that I apologize. Before you go and open the package, I want to tell you something: Do not spend your life caught up in your own tasks. Help the world, help absolutely everypony you can to your fullest extent. Ponykind are meant to love and care for each other, but it seems that a few of us no longer realize that. Sweetie Belle, do your best at whatever you can, and I guarantee you can change the world. I love you, Sweetie Belle. Loving sister, Rarity And that was it. The element of generosity's last words of wisdom. Sweetie Belle took her older sister's advice to heart, and oh the things she changed...
Rainbows Never Stop ShiningRainbow Dash...That headstrong pegasus who thought she could do absolutely anything and everything... Sometimes I admire her determination and willpower, but for the most part I respect her courage and loyalty. - "Way to go, Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo cheered from the ground as her role model did another few loops and tricks. It had been quite a long time since Rainbow Dash had once again applied for the Wonderbolts, but had been yet again shot down. Rainbow Dash still didn't understand it; how could she not meet the qualifications? She was fast and determined, had saved Equestria three times, preformed three sonic rainbooms in her life time, and yet the Wonderbolts still turned her away! So there she was, turning and twisting in the sky as she struggled to better herself; her loyal fan watching below. Scootaloo had matured quite a bit since her days as a filly. She had developed larger, elegant wings, but had still been too afraid of heights to try and fly with them. So there she sat, training her eyes on the best flier in Equestria. As Rainbow Dash began another round of aerial loops, Scootaloo realized with a shock that something was wrong. As fast as Rainbow Dash was, Scootaloo could see that her left wing was twitch a bit, the spasm intensifying slowly. If Rainbow Dash kept up at this, her wing could cause her to fly out of control! "Rainbow Dash!" Scootaloo shouted, unable to break through the wind tunnel that Rainbow Dash had created. Scootaloo closed her eyes as her role model suddenly lost control and spiraled towards the ground. - "R-Rainbow Dash...?" Scootaloo whispered through tears, only partially being drowned out by the obnoxious beeping of a hospital machine. Rainbow Dash moaned softly in pain as she turned her ears to the crying pony. "Scootaloo...? What...What happened..." Rainbow Dash asked, wincing in pain as she breathed. She realized that she was completely covered in a cast, unable to move even her tail. "You...You crashed..." Scootaloo answered, turning her face from the pained expression of her. "How long did they say I was gonna be here?" Rainbow Dash continued, a hopeful look in her eyes. Scootaloo pressed her snout against the hard body cast and cried more. "Dash..You broke almost every bone in your body...Your ribs...They pierced..." Scootaloo explained, unable to finish. Rainbow Dash smiled softly under her mask and wished she could comfort the little mare. "Kid, listen to me." she started. "Can you keep a promise? A Pinkie Promise?" Scootaloo wiped away tears and nodded softly. "Promise me that you'll always keep trying things you're afraid of. Life is too short to not take risks, but don't be stupid about them like I was. There are some dangerous things that you just have to do, like flying. The skies aren't so scary once you get used to them, I promise. Do me a favor, Scoots?" Dash finished. "Go outside and fly by my window?" Scootaloo started crying again. - The soft buzzing grew slowly louder and more defined as it turned into a soft hum. Scootaloo gently tapped on the window to Rainbow Dash's room and was greeted with a slowly turning head. Underneath her cast, Dash was smiling happily while her eyes clouded in sadness. Neither of them even noticed the machine start to grow quiet.
Sunshine, EverlastingBlessed be the one who gives without asking anything in return, they say, as this is the only way to let peace and harmony into your soul. The more you give, the more you will earn in return. But what happens when you give too much? What happens when you're ready to sacrifice every piece of your soul to make the life of your beloved ones better? This is the story of a kind and selfless pony who ruled over Equestria for a few thousand years, bringing the light of hope and happiness in everypony's life. Her life was marked by tragedy, and she always faced it alone, accumulating the scars of loss, one after another. And yet, she was strong enough to kindle the flames of love, hope and life deep within her heart, allowing them to glow and grow, so that her subjects could take in their warmth. And they did. Spark by spark, everyday, for thousands of years...Until there was nothing left, even for herself. This is a story of love and sacrifice, and this is its last chapter... - The night was cool and dark as Princess Celestia trotted out tiredly after her younger sister and onto the balcony. Princess Luna was happy and content, unaware that Celestia knew of her own inevitable demise. "Hurry up, sister! We're late already!" Princess Luna called cheerfully from the edge of the balcony. As Celestia joined her little sister at the edge, she lifted her snout and breathed in the cool, crisp air of her sibling's night. It was a shame this would be her last chance to witness it. "Are you ready?" Celestia asked peacefully. Luna practically bounced on her hooves as she replied enthusiastically. "Yes, yes!" "Let us begin with the premise, then!" Celestia said as a sad smiled crept onto her face. She lifted her glowing horn towards the sky and struggled to maintain her magic. Luna joined her older sister happily, her own horn glowing brightly as a soft hum filled the balcony. As suddenly as it began, the hum stopped, but the moon still hung in the sky. "T-Tia?!" Luna cried out, rushing over to her collapsed sister. "What happened?!" "I....I'm sorry, Luna...I can't do it. It's up to you to raise the sun today..." Celestia replied, closing her eyes and breathing deeply. "B-But I..." Luna began as she realized the immense power needed to do both her sister and her own job. "I'll do my best, I promise..." - When Celestia re awoke, her beautiful sun was high in the blue sky. She struggled to her hooves and stood next to her little sister, whose eyes were wide in amazement as she realized what she just did. Celestia's chest swelled with pride before she realized the tips of her wings and mane slowly began turning into a golden mist. "Ah...The time has finally come..." Celestia whispered to herself, Luna just barely catching her solemn words. "No, sister, no!" she cried. "We have so much to do today! We have to meet Twilight and her friends, w-we have to..." "Don't be afraid, my little sister...You'll do well on your own now..." Celestia interrupted, her body almost completely changed into a golden mist, save for her chest and head. "B-But I don't want to be alone again! Please, don't leave me, 'Tia!" Luna cried, closing her eyes tightly. She felt her sister's warm embrace before a loud clang brought her eyes open again. Before the heart broken princess lay Celestia's golden armaments. "S-Sister...?" Luna whispered in disbelief, softly nosing her sibling's tiara. She turned her head to the sky to see a golden mist swirl around before growing smaller and smaller as it floated further away. Do not fear, my dear little sister...I will always be here with you...
SupernovaAnd now my time has come. I, Twilight Sparkle, last holder of the Element of Magic will soon join my friends and family in the White Plane. I can only hope that they are proud of me, for what I have done in my life by following their advice. I hope I've changed the world... I apologize for the shortness of this story; I kind of rushed through it because it was too sad for me. :c
The Last BirdsongAnd finally there's Fluttershy... Her passing hurt me the most, because of how fragile and innocent she was. All she ever wanted to do was care for those that could not... - "T-Thank you for coming, Twilight..." Fluttershy whispered. "I hope it wasn't any trouble..." "Fluttershy..." Twilight said softly. "Nothing you could ever do or ask would ever cause any trouble." "Oh, OK...Uhm...I'm sorry I didn't listen to you, Twilight..." Fluttershy squeaked, not wanting her friend to be mad at her in her final hour. Resting her snout next to the yellow mare's, Twilight smiled sadly and comforted her. "I'm sorry too, Fluttershy, but I should have known you wouldn't have listened to me. You care about everypony too much to even look out for your own safety." "Oh, b-but I should have known a changeling wouldn't be too fond of a pegasus, especially after what happened in Canterlot..." Fluttershy reasoned. "You had no way of knowing exactly, Fluttershy. You tried to help, and that was all that mattered." Twilight said. After the failed invasion of Canterlot and the resulting anti-changeling spell, Fluttershy had been returning home and stumbled across a wounded changeling. Trying her best to help the poor creature, she approached it and received a vicious bite to her hoof. Who knew changelings were poisonous? As she lay in her little cottage, tucked warmly into bed with Twilight and her animals gathered around her, Fluttershy began to cry. "I'm so sorry I have to go, Twilight..." Fluttershy whimpered as Angel hopped up onto the bed to say goodbye. "It's alright, Fluttershy. We all have to eventually-" Twilight began, but was interrupted. "I-I'm sorry for interrupting, but I don't think I have a lot of time..." Fluttershy whimpered, hugging her bunny tightly. "Twilight...I've spent my whole life taking care of all these little critters...I wont be able to after I'm gone...Can you please find a new home for all my critters, and...And if you ever see anypony or animal hurt...Please do your best to help them. Some ponies just don't care who or what they hurt, but those are the ponies that need the help the most..." Twilight laid her head against Fluttershy's side, trying to hide her tears. The rest of the animals did the same as the final breaths of a kindred spirit were spent. I'm sorry for the shortness of this chapter; it was just too incredibly painful to write. I'll make up for it in the next two chapters.
Moonshine, EternalPrincess Luna, Queen of the Night. No, she isn't dead, but someone she was very close to is. Somepony very special to her. Somepony that she hasn't told any other pony about before she learned what I was doing with this. - "Sister, do not make me do this." Celestia threatened, her horn flaring and spitting off beams of golden magic. "Ahahahaha! Just try it, Sun Queen! Your powers are no match for mine since you no longer control the Elements of Harmony!" Nightmare Moon shot back, charging her own dark magic. Letting a tear run down her snout, Celestia let forth her powerful magic, which wrapped itself around her evil sister and suddenly shot towards the moon. Little did Celestia know that shortly before her dear sister changed into that horrible mare did she mate with a stallion; and started carrying a young foal. - "No! This cannot be! My...My magic was superior!" Nightmare Moon screamed as she threw her hooves into the ground. "My world...My home...Our home..." she corrected herself to add her beautiful, undeveloped foal. "We shall have our revenge..." Nightmare Moon declared coldly. - As time went on, Nightmare Moon had managed to chart out her prison; dragging her hooves in the sandy rock to guide her to suitable birth places and living quarters. Eventually, she realized she was ready to birth. Safely hurrying along a large line, she eventually came to the crater she had deemed perfect for her little foal. "Be still, my darling, you shall soon be free from my body. With our powers combined, we will return to Equestria and rule the night forever!" Nightmare Moon exclaimed in an evil laugh. Soon... she thought. Soon... - "No, breathe! Please, please breathe!" Nightmare Moon cried as she stood over the newborn filly. "Take my breathe, Celestia made me able to breathe so I could stay trapped here!" she continued, wailing as she pressed her snout against her daughters; pushing her air into the limp body. "T-There you go, good girl...No. No, it can't already be gone! That air was supposed to last for so much longer!" the anguished mother screamed, tears pouring from her eyes. "Celestia, send some air! Can you not see that she is suffocating?!" Nightmare Moon screamed at the green and blue planet. But it was too late. It was too far. "No one will ever take your spirit from me, my darling...I will find a way to bring you back..." Luna spent the next nine hundred and fifty eight years of her banishment standing over her child as her eyes burned into the planet she had once called home, searching for the pony she had once called sister.
