Stone of the Bodyby DracoliatChaptersChapter 1Chapter 2Chapter 3Epiloguechapter 4Note from the AuthorChapter 1"Twilight?" Rainbow Dash asked as she walked through the doorway of the library. The entire structure was carved out of an enormous tree. "Yes Rainbow Dash?" Twilight Spark "Have you found anything?" Dash's voice was extremely eager, she already knew the answer. "No, I can't seem to find anything that will help her..." Twilight's head drooped slightly. "I know, you're sorry but DAMN IT! WHY CAN'T YOU FIND ANYTHING?" Dash's voice raised unexpectedly causing Twilight's head to snap up. A steady clop sound coming from the floorboards as she slowly retreated into a corner. "I don't know, I know I caused it, and I'm sorry but I can't do anything." Twilight stated in a hushed and fast voice. Dash's eyes averted Twilight for a few seconds as she remained silent. They stood there in silence and grieving over Fluttershy for about a minute. Hesitantly Dash's mind began to except what was, Fluttershy was going to die, period, and she couldn't do a thing about it. The blue pegasus eyebrow's' narrowed as she looked back at Twilight and she said in an absolute voice, "you will find a way to help Fluttershy, understand." It wasn't even a question it was a statement of fact. When Twilight stayed silent Dash's wings sprung out to the side and she flew straight into Twilight. A sharp pain traveled up Twilights' abdomen as her hooves felt the floor disappear before her back hit a large bookcase. Books rained down around Dash as she held Twilight firmly and painfully. Her face only a inch from Twilight's, "You will find a way to help Fluttershy!" Dash's voice had lost all semblance of her usual calm demeanor. The light reflected of the edge of Twilight's eyes as tears began to form. She opened her mouth and said ever so quietly, "there is no spell I know that can help... and I can't find any, I'm sorry..." Dash's hooves lowered as she allowed Twilight to fall roughly before the pegasus told Twilight, "Write a letter to Princess Celestia." Twilight nodded and quickly retrieved a piece of parchment and a quill. Before long her voice rang out into the mess, "Spike!" The small dragon emerged from beneath a small house he had made out of large books and he breathed in deeply. With a powerful blow the letter disappeared into green smoke. The smoke slowly traveled around the room before flying out a window and flying off rapidly. "There, that's all we can do now..." Twilight muttered under her breath. Dash's head nodded slightly as she walked out of the library into the street where a small crowd consisting of at least ten ponies was gathered due to the ruckus inside. Luckily for them, they did not bother Dash and let her pass without question. ======= Once Dash had flown to the nearby hospital she smiled as soon as she saw Fluttershy conscious. Her speed was unparalleled as she sprinted towards her bed only stopping a second before impact. Her hoof felt slightly cold and shaky. A effect of the malicious magic working it's way through her body. "So, how was the latest procedure?" Dash asked hopefully. "Um, well I feel a bit better, maybe..." Fluttershy whispered in her normal hushed voice. "So more of the same huh?" Dash asked smiling and laughing morbidly. Fluttershy had undergone more procedures then Dash cared to think about, all trying a new technique to remove the dangerous magic. None of them were successful, and if one didn't succeed soon... Dash's thoughts were interrupted as she saw Fluttershy's hoof lift up slightly. Smiling brightly, Dash held it silently and kissed her gently on her cheek. The hoof fell limp soon after as Fluttershy fell back into unconsciousness. Over the last few weeks, Fluttershy's gorgeous pink mane had started to gray ever so slowly, but it was still noticeable. Her eyes always had a glazed look over them as she fought the enemy inside of her. A enemy she, according to everyone, had no chance of defeating. "I'm sorry Ms. Rainbow Dash, the procedure..." Doctor card started to say before Dash cut him of. "I know, it was unsuccessful, as always," her voice had a strong poisonous tone in it as she had heard the doctor's words a hundred times at least. "I also know that she is undergoing another procedure in two days, correct?" When the doctor remained silent Dash turned curious to see the doctor looking down at the floor. "Ms. Dash, we have tried everything imaginable, science, magic, even Zecora couldn't do anything. now the most we can do, is try to sustain her for as long as possible, but it may be painful for her." "How long?" Dash asked in a monotone voice. "At most," Doctor Card paused before continuing even lower then before, "at most a month." "Thank you for your honesty," The blue pegasus said as a shadow came over the room. Presumably a cloud had covered the sun for a moment only darkening the mood. "We have one more option," Card said as he looked towards Dash slightly. Without waiting for a reply he continued, "we can help her, by ending the pain now." Dash said excitedly as the cloud shifted allowing some light into the room, "that's wonderful, why haven't you done that befo..." The words caught in her throat as she realized what the doctor was suggesting. "You," Dash's words tripped over themselves on the way out, "want to kill her." For the first time in months Dash had become completely silent, and she couldn't think properly. Silence pervaded that moment and blocked everything out before a unsteady rhythm was heard as Dash stumbled over to Fluttershy looking at her closed eyelids silently. The eyes beneath them could be seen shifting quickly as parts of her body twitched every so often, evidence of the internal struggle. "No, you can't kill her, you'll never kill her while I'm still alive," Dash stated quietly so as not to wake Fluttershy. She drew up onto her two back hoofs using her wings to keep her balance as she held her upper hoofs out to the side, preventing Card from getting any closer. Finally when Dash realized Doctor Card wasn't doing anything she stood down. "I'm sorry Ms. Dash, but as I'm sure you are aware, we don't have the money or the resources to keep her much longer. Even if we could extend her life past another month, we couldn't at the same time." "If you touch her, I will tear out your spine with my bare teeth," Dash threatened. ======= Soon afterwards Doctor Card exited and Dash sat next to Fluttershy as she took in the news that Fluttershy would die, it was not a prediction now. No, now it was fact. A minute later Twilight ran into the room panting loudly, a letter hovering in front of her. "Dash, Celestia," Twilight stopped for a second as she took a deep breath, "She said she may be able to help. She might have found a spell, she's asked to see you immediately." Chapter 2After only two hours of flying back and forth Rainbow Dash had already gathered all the supplies she needed just as the chariot arrived, the guards landing as gracefully as ever. Their glorious steel armor gleaming in the sunlight. Their muscles rippling underneath their skin as their wings flapped furiously causing them to stop. As soon as they were on the ground Dash threw on a bag filled with all the essentials and climbed in. Then they were off. ======= No conversation existed between the guards or her, of which she was extremely grateful. However only an hour into the flight they started to descend and the lead guard quickly explained they needed to take a break for certain reasons. The landing this time was less soft and Dash's bag fell on the ground as the guards scattered faster then she could pick it up. She was completely alone. Around her was a nice meadow, a few birds humming in the distance, and a bunny jumped up to her hoof. "Fluttershy would love it here," Dash quickly commented to herself before she heard a sound coming from a bush nearby. "I'm so glad you're back, can we get going?" Dash asked towards the bush before a knife slipped around her neck and held there solid. A pony walked out of the bush she was talking to a few moments ago. Dash's mind worked quickly but she couldn't comprehend it, how would they have found her... Wait, those white coats, those muscles... they weren't guards at all, they were just thugs. Her head twisted slightly and her eyes shot back at the pegasus holding a knife up to her throat behind her. "Hey, Zeb, you remember what happened to our friends in canterlot?" The leader asked the pegasus behind Dash. "Ya, the way I remember it, this little pegasus killed them. She didn't even let them have any fun with her," Zeb said. Dash remembered it, how their apparant friends tried to rape her in the alley, only to find them dead the next second, yet she hadn't lifted a hoof, she wasn't responsible. "Exactly, so how about we exact our revenge on her then?" Zeb asked knocking Dash out of her recollection. Another rustling could be heard nearby as another pony walked out of the forest who looked around in confusion. The new pony, was Postim, yet at the same time it wasn't. His coat was now white and strangely his eyes were blue. The two brute ponies holding Dash smiled at the newcomer and just said, "Hey why don't you leave right now, and we won't even hurt you." Postim shook his head slightly with a tiny frown forming on his features. "Ok, then I'll kill you." The leader said as he pulled out a large knife from a pouch on his side and held it in between his teeth. Postim took one step forward and seemed to disappear only to reappear behind the brute and use magic. Dash, had never seen such a feat, Postim's horn started to glow and the brute literally appeared to fall to dust before her very eyes. Slowly she also felt the pressure of the knife disappear. When she looked back at her assailants, they were nothing but dust piles. Rainbow Dash stood there, afraid for her own life. Her mouth tripping over the words as she tried to get a hundred questions out at once, but before she could ask Postim said in his sweet yet wise voice. "A extremely powerful spell, now where were you going." "Uh," Dash remained silent before remembering her purpose, "I was going to Princess Celestia. Hopefully she can help Fluttershy." "Ah, you have not given up hope. That's good, I will accompany you there if you could pull me." Postim said, his hoof outstretched towards the carriage. Rainbow Dash quickly nodded and ran up to the carriage harness, strapping herself in. With a mighty push she lifted of the ground. The flight was strangely easy and eventually she looked back at Postim, only to find him using magic to help provide Rainbow Dash some extra strength. Normally she would have told him to stop, but she knew the necessity, and this would just speed them up. ======= The white walls and towers seemed to gleam with the suns light. Their structure imposing over everything nearby as they shot up from the sheer cliff, yet it was not an intimidating place. It seemed to radiate harmony, and peace; and for Rainbow Dash, hope. The castle's courtyard was, by any standard, gorgeous. It's flowers were organized and neatly in lines and patterns. 'Fluttershy would have loved this' Dash thought before snapping out of it. Her hoofsteps were frantic as she attempted, unsuccessfully to land the chariot. All she felt was her breaking free from the harness. Then the entire world went black for a second as her face dug into the grass. A single tear fell from Dash's eyes as she tried to ignore the pain burning through her from the landing. 'One hoof after another now' Dash told herself as she slowly proceeded up the stairs towards Princess Celestia's throne room where the guards allowed her in. There sitting on a gorgeous throne, was the majestic alicorn, Princess Celestia. "I am so glad to see you my dear Rainbow Dash, how have you been?" the princess casually inquired. "Excuse, but I have no time for formalities Princess," Dash responded quickly. "Oh, please forgive my hesitation, if you'll follow me," Celestia said as she rose from her throne. Her hooves carried her effortlessly towards a smaller set of doors, both inlaid with a design of a shining moon. Rainbow Dash quickly followed suit as Celestia's horn glowed and the doors swung open gently. The doors were completely misleading, inside were hundreds of shelves of books. Each seemingly having something to do with spells. "So..." Dash said before hesitating for a second, "does this mean you found a cure?" "I think so, it is a very difficult spell, contained in this book." Celestia said as a book hovered from a nearby table into a cloth bag which she quickly gave to Rainbow Dash. "Tell Twilight to use this spell, and it should help your friend." "Thank you Princess!" Dash shouted as her legs carried her back outside. On the way out of the room she saw Postim enter and wave goodbye to her. At this point Rainbow Dash didn't care about her luggage, or the chariot. As soon as she was in the courtyard she flapped at a rapid pace as she gained altitude and sped back towards Ponyville. ======= After arriving in Ponyville, Rainbow Dash flew straight towards Twilight's library, only to find her standing outside. With a audible thud Rainbow Dash landed. The surprise landing caused Twilight to jump back, and her head to pop up. Dash felt like she was the queen of the world as she let go of the bag and gave it to Twilight. "Celestia said there is a spell in there that you can do that will help Fluttershy." Dash said, jumping up and down with impatience as Twilight scanned the book. However her excitement did not last as Twilights face sank towards the ground. "Rainbow, do you remember how hard it was for me to give Rarity wings?" Twilight asked, still looking at the ground. "Ya, but now you're stronger, what about it?" Dash asked cautiously. "This is more then a ttwenty times more difficult then that, this is one of the most complicated spells I have ever seen, I'm sorry." Twilight said as she let the book drop on the floor. The slight wind rustling the pages was the only sound, Dash knew what she meant. The entire book was written in strange runes and symbols. "So you can't do it?" the blue pegasus asked, her usual lack of energy returning. "Well that's not the problem. The problem here is that, this gives the energy I need to perform a spell that could save her life. But this spell only gives the energy, I already know how to save her life, but I need the resources first." Twilight explained. "So what's the problem, do the spell!" Dash shouted impatiently. "I can't because it requires the ponies that represent the elements of harmony," Twilight continued. "Ok, last time I checked, that was us." Dash said, quickly getting exasperated at Twilight's delays. "They're souls need to be connected, this is the bad part. Connecting a soul to another is possibly the most dangerous thing you could do. You could die, or go crazy, but worst of all. You could lose yourself in the process, if you don't have a strong enough will, you will become corrupted by outside forces. And you will be no better then Fluttershy." Twilight finished. "And? This is a problem because?" Dash asked. "Because, everyone needs to be as strong as possible to even survive this experience, including Fluttershy..." She finally stated and went silent as she let the words sink in. 'So either we will all die, become corrupted, or fail? There really isn't anything we can do... There is no way that Fluttershy can survive, she's going to die. And I can't do anything?' Rainbow Dash thought as her eyes closed and she looked towards the ground. Chapter 3“Fluttershy, I’m sorry, the spell that Princess Celestia gave us, its impossible...” Dash said after rehearsing how to break the news for a full two hours before finally deciding to straight up tell her. “Don’t worry, you can’t do anything about it. Can you come a bit closer though?” Fluttershy asked the blue pegasus. A small smile appeared on Dash’s face as she leaned in towards Fluttershy and kissed her lightly. Her lips were so frail and warm, it was comforting but more then that. It was disturbing to feel Shy quivering in her arms. The shaking stopped and Dash looked down, only to see Fluttershy once again unconscious, so peaceful, her eyelids closed. In an unnaturally silent and slow sleep, no more twitches, no more shudders, just silence except for her occasional breaths. But the blue pegasus wasn’t fooled. Fluttershy’s body was starting to slowly give in, and she couldn’t do anything. She always promised to protect her friends no matter the costs, and now, she couldn’t do a single thing. Her protection meant nothing now, it was all useless, and without Fluttershy life was useless. ======= Dash had walked outside only to find the moon out, a strange and pungent smell filled the air. Dash ignored the familiar scent as she stood silently outside of the hospital. Finally she decided to walk towards her house at the top of the cliff, she had moved it there months ago so Fluttershy could bring her little animals with her. Shy had really liked that. Halfway up the hill Dash’s misery increased as a wave of depression began to drown her. She could taste it in the air. A single drop fell from her cheek, but they were quickly followed by streams of tears, that’s when she recognized the smell. It was the smell of rain, and sure enough, a downpour began. Dousing her mane and coat in water. Her sobbing got louder and more desperate as she racked her entire brain for a solution, but there was none. “What seems to be thy problem denizen of Ponyville?” A commanding yet sweet voice said from nearby. Dash looked all around until she saw a large, dark shape descending quickly towards her. It was frightening until she realized it was Princess Luna. Immediately Rainbow Dash went into a long bow before she stood up again. “Well, do you remember Fluttershy?” Dash asked hesitantly. “Ah yes, the element of kindness, is she not?” Luna said in her hushed voice. “Yes, that one. She is very ill, and we can’t seem to find anything to help her at all. If this keeps up, then she’ll.” Dash’s voice cracked and tears flowed even harder then before. “Hmm... Bring me to this friend of yours, so that I may examine her.” Luna stated. Dash didn’t need to be convinced, she ran of towards the hospital with Princess Luna right behind her. Along the way to the hospital Rainbow Dash quickly told Luna of everything that had happened, including Celestia’s spell. When Rainbow Dash mentioned the day’s troubles Luna’s face distorted with what looked like a mixture of pain, fear, and disgust; all wrapped into one. But before she could ask Dash’s head seemed to crack open in pain as she ran headlong into the hospital wall. Dazed and confused, Dash shook her head around for a second before she jumped back onto her hooves. Her hoofsteps became rapid and non-rythmic as she sprinted towards Fluttershy’s room, Luna on her heels. ======= A full hour had passed since Luna had started studying Fluttershy’s unconscious body. Every so often a glow would appear briefly around the alicorn’s horn. Whenever Dash asked Luna jsut answered that she was examining her more closely. A small and shining bead of sweat worked its way slowly down Luna’s forehead as she closed her eyes and began to focus. Her horn glew a dark blue with magic so strong coming of it, that even Rainbow Dash could feel a bit of it. A minute later Fluttershy was enveloped by the same powerful glow and her body lifted ever so slightly of the hospital bed. The sight was unnerving to say the least, seeing her girlfriend levitate actually made Rainbow Dash scared. Not only for Fluttershy, but for herself at the same time. She realized with fear in her heart, that if Luna was doing something terrible to Shy, that both of them would be powerless to stop her. After all, she was Nightmare Moon at one point, and they had taken away her powers. Fear completely engulfed Dash’s mind but before she could do anything Luna sighed loudly and Fluttershy fell back onto the bed. She looked with a frown on her face and turned to Rainbow Dash. “I have completed my task, she has three months before she dies. I apologize my dear Rainbow Dash, I cannot do anymore then this. She will have to stay here and be very careful, I suggest you enjoy the time you have left. I doubt that any pony can stop this catastrophe, we cannot, my sister cannot. I assume none of your doctors can either, considering her condition. I am sorry.” Luna finished and before Rainbow Dash could reply the dark blue Alicorn walked out of the door leaving Dash with her doomed girlfriend. For the first time she absolutely knew it, there was absolutely no hope anymore. Almost as if Fluttershy could feel Dash’s pain a tear rolled down her cheek. A minute later her fragile yellow eyelids opened slowly as her eyes quickly looked towards Dash. “How much did you hear?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Everything,” Fluttershy responded without hesitation. “Dash, I know I’m going to die, and I’ve accepted it. All I want now is to spend some more time with you.” Fluttershy’s shy voice was strangely absent, replaced by one filled with certainty and directness. ‘I guess that’s what imminent death does to a pony...’ Dash commented inside her own head. “Sure, I’d love to,” Dash said as she sat down in a chair next to the hospitalized pegasus’ bed. Shy’s hoof was so warm, yet at the same time it felt as if it would fall apart at any moment. “I should have listened to Postim, I should have forced you to stay home when I saw that illusion. But I ignored it, and let my own desires get in the way. Some element of loyalty I turned out to be,” Rainbow Dash said progressively getting more depressed. She felt a warm kiss on her forehead from Fluttershy. “It’s not your fault, I don’t blame you, I don’t blame anyone. I just want these last few months to be... perfect...” Fluttershy said another tear rolling down her cheek. “I know you don’t blame me, but I blame me. But as you wish, I will try to make these last few months perfect,” Dash stated. She again took Shy’s hoof in her own and rubbed it lightly against her face. “I love you,” Dash whispered in Fluttershy’s ear. “I know,” Fluttershy responded as she fell asleep. Dash sat there until she fell asleep too. Her eyes filled with tears falling in unison with Fluttershy’s. She smiled for the first time, there was something peaceful about knowing the future, but a question persisted after her. What will I do when she’s gone? EpilogueA urn sat heavily upon a large stone pedestal. The urn was made of a fine stone, polished to a shine. On top of the urn rested two bouquets of flowers, one blue, one pink. Inside the Urn was nothing since Postim’s ashes had disappeared. When everyone found out about Fluttershy’s impossible recovery they asked to many questions and finally they broke down. They told the curious ponies that Postim used a strange spell that was so strong it killed him, but it healed Fluttershy. Immediately afterwards a funeral began to take form. After only a week of preparations the funeral was ready. They had found the nicest stone urn they could, then Twilight caused it to shine as if it was made of diamonds. Dash and Flutter provided the bouquets. Unfortunately the attendance was relatively low. It was just Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, along with their few friends and a strange silent pegasus, her eyes looking both ways. “I knew Postim, and I know he was a hero, not this once, but always. He has always tried to help me and Fluttershy, even when we didn’t realize it. He saved my life many times and never withheld the truth from me. But most importantly is when he sacrificed himself to save Fluttershy. In my mind Postim is... was, a saint. He might not have known it, but when he sacrificed himself, he saved two ponies. As long as it is my choice, I will not live without Fluttershy, so thank you Postim, for everything.” Dash finished her small speech to go to sit next to Fluttershy before pushing her slightly, telling her to go make her own speech. Nervously Fluttershy approached the urn and frowned slightly, she wasn’t good with public speaking at all, but she owed Postim that much. After a quick and almost silent sigh she knew she couldn’t delay any longer. “Um,” Fluttershy, her old shy voice returning, “Postim, as you know, or I hope you know, saved my life. And, he also saved Dash a few times.” Fluttershy went silent until she looked at the urn, she knew she owed it, and she wouldn’t let her fears rule her anymore. “Postim was a friend, he helped us both in ways I doubt we can even fully comprehend.” Her voice was sweet, but there was a strange change in it, the nervous words had disappeared replaced by the same confident pegasus that was on the death bed not to long ago herself. “Thanks will never be enough to express my gratitude, I know you must be watching Postim so again I say, thank you.” Fluttershy finally went silent and retook her place next to Rainbow Dash. They looked at each other then back at the urn before approaching it together. They each grabbed one of the small handles in their mouths before carefully putting it into a coffin and putting the coffin in the ground. A true, and proper Funeral. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash looked back into each others eyes completely forgeting about their friends there they began to cry. Cry because they were happy that they wouldn’t ever be apart again, and sad because such an amazing pony was gone. They leaned together slowly and their lips lightly touched, their tongues trying to gain the upper-hoof. They continued like that for a minute before they looked back at each other and backed of slightly. “Fluttershy,” Rainbow Said getting her attention. “We’re still getting married remember?” “How could I forget, Rarity?” Fluttershy asked as she looked towards the unicorn in question. “Yes darling?” Raritya sked intrigued. “Could you help us with a wedding?” Fluttershy asked, her cheeks flushing red as she said the words. They hung in the air for a second before hoofs began striking the ground in applause from their friends. “Of course, I would be honored,” Rarity replied with a grin. “I just have one question, who will get to play the bride?” She joked. Laughs erupted from the crowd as Fluttershy replied, “I guess I will.” She turned to face Dash, “Is that ok with you?” “Whatever you want,” She replied in earnest and chuckled slightly. “Good, I will get started right away. ======= It had been a long engagement, a full three months. It was so long because they couldn’t wait to get married. Dash had taken her roll very seriously and bought Fluttershy a gorgeous blue sapphire ring that fit around one of her large feathers. Fluttershy afterwards bought Rainbow Dash a pink ruby ring. Rarity had taken it most seriously of all, she insisted on everypony being there and sent out so many invitations, Rarity herself lost count. The place was so perfect, the hill in front of their house, a gorgeous scene with plenty of animals just like Fluttershy liked it. Twilight had no small part in the preparations either. But finally the dresses were made fitted and refitted. Everypony had been informed, and it was time. ======= “Hey, Fluttershy darling, are you ready?” Rarity asked as she cautiously into the dressing room near the bottom of the hill to find Fluttershy in her dress. “Good you are, it’s time let’s go. I’ll see you up there.” With that Rarity left the room and ran back up the hill to take her place among the audience. ‘Ok Fluttershy, this is your time, don’t be nervous now.’ She thought to herself as she placed one hoof out of the door, her train rustling slightly behind her flank. ‘How did this all start?’ She wondered as she put a few more shaky hooves forward before becoming lost in thought. ‘Oh yeah, my house burnt down, who knew that such a simple event could have found me an adventure of a lifetime. But more importantly it... No, I earned Rainbow Dash, through my sweat, and my tears, and my blood. Postim however... without him... we’d both be dead now, we owe him so much and we can’t even properly thank him. How far have I really come,’ However a thundering sound around Fluttershy caused her to wake from her stupor. She looked around, she was surrounded by hundreds of ponies, some she recognized, others she didn’t. Even Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were there sitting in the front. The path she was walking down was perfect, flowers decorated the side just like she liked it. Yet there was a new flower there she had never seen before, a strange rainbow colored flower, whenever one of these was found a pink and yellow flower was always wrapped around it nicely. Instead of a large noisy organ a choir of humming birds were singing a wedding song beautifully, and of their own accord. Angel smiled as Fluttershy passed him, and Fluttershy smiled back. At the side’s of the aisle were tree’s overgrown to form a dark canopy, she was wondering why it was so dark. At the end the Canopy broke into a gorgeous clearing where there on a patch of grass stood Rainbow Dash. Her dress hugged every curve of her body, except the train which by any standard was amazing. Possibly the best work Rarity had ever made, on the dress was designed strange abstract shapes, but as Fluttershy looked at the whole thing she saw the design. It was two Pegasus kissing each other fiercely. Finally she had arrived where she had been headed for who knows how long. She was standing next to Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy’s own dress even more gallant then the dress of the pegasus that she was marrying. After repeating some short vows given by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna in unison it was time. “Do you, dear Rainbow Dash, take Fluttershy as your lawfully wedded wife?” Celestia and Luna asked. “I do,” Dash replied without hesitation. “And do you, dear Fluttershy, take Rainbow Dash as your lawfully wedded wife?” They both said again. There was a pause as she was lost in thought about everything. “This must be a dream,” Fluttershy said out loud but mostly to herself. Dash had a strange look in her eyes as she looked straight at Fluttershy. A look that said, ‘please don’t say “I do,” please...’ It was a strange look. The pause was making everypony restless, Fluttershy turned to face Rainbow Dash and said loudly, “I love you Rainbow Dash, but I will not marry you. For in truth I know you love me, but you don’t want to be married either. If marriage makes our love any more official then it is not a marriage. “I agree,” Rainbow Dash echoed as she walked up to Fluttershy and whispered “thank you.” “I do not.” Fluttershy said loudly as Dash embraced and kissed her lightly. “We’re sorry everypony, we won’t get married. We love each other more then life itself, and find marriage unnecessary.” Dash said outloud as Fluttershy nodded. The crowd was silent for a minute, this they had expected. Then one single pony, Twilight Sparkle stood up. She began to stomp her hooves in light applause in approval. Soon she was joined by Applejack and their other friends. After only twenty seconds everypony was standing and applauding. “I love you Fluttershy,” Rainbow Dash said over the thunder. “I love you too Rainbow Dash, more then I can describe,” she replied. For the first time, they had all the time in the world, and they would never be torn apart again. They leaned towards each other and kissed, lightly at first before they really got into it. Dash’s lips tasted the same as the first time they had touched, only this time her life felt even more on the line as a strange hunger filled her. No matter what, they would both do everything they could to make each other happy. In the back of their mind Postim’s warning was all but forgotten. They loved each other and that was all that mattered in the world. chapter 4Days had passed. Slower then the sand flows in an hourglass, every second an eternity. Her decision by now was finally clear, she couldn’t live without Fluttershy. Therefore she would die when Fluttershy did. Of course Fluttershy wouldn’t like it but she wasn’t planning on telling the kind yellow pegasus. Why would she cause intentional grief to a doomed pony? Especially one she loved so much. A unexpected knock at her door caused Dash to jump. “Rainbow Dash, can we talk please?” It was Twilight. Honestly it was still strange having other Ponies visit her home, oh well that’s what having it next to a hill and now having wooden floors did. “Sure,” Rainbow Dash said grudgingly as she walked quietly over to the door and swung it inwards. Without waiting for an invitation Twilight Sparkle came in, and after looking around for a second at the house she said, “so, um...” This was going to be akward. “What do you want Twilight?” Dash spitted at her injecting as much poison in her voice as possible. Twilight took a step forward confidently and undeterred by her tone, “we need to talk! Nopony has seen you for days, all of Ponyville has been having horrible weather. We had to bring in a new weather pegasus even!” “Why does it matter about Ponyville, you said you got a new one so you have it handled, why do you need me!” She shouted at Twilight. “Because you were... Are our friend!” Twilight yelled back. “What’s the point of helping you or Ponyville when everypony will just die eventually. It makes no difference.” Dash stated, her voice dropping into a sad tone. “The point, is making life better for others,” Twilight replied. “What about Shy’s life, I can’t make that better, she is going to die Twilight. Nothing I can do, nothing you can do, not even the Princesses can do anything. We can’t use the element’s of harmony because we need Fluttershy for that, and she is in no condition. We ran out of options, and now her death is inevitable, so unless you have something else to say please leave.” The blue pegasus said. “Rainbow Dash...” Twilight whispered with sympathy, but at this point it did nothing but make Rainbow Dash angrier. She quickly walked over to Twilight and pushed her out using her fore head. ======= “Ah, why is my head pounding?” Dash asked herself out loud as she woke up on her comfortable cloud bed. She looked down and saw small puddles on the floor. “Strange...” Dash commented. Her hoof instinctively shot up to her cheeks and sure enough, dried up tears covered them almost completely. “Hmm... Maybe I have been here for too long,” Dash considered before finally deciding to go out for a quick morning flight. Her hoof touched solid ground for the first time in a week and that’s when she remembered, she had almost forgotten about Fluttershy. She had been to busy wallowing in her own depression to even think of the reason she was so depressed. Her wings were a bit stiff but they unfurled easily enough. Her take off was slow but she began to go faster as she approached the hospital. Not even slowing to make a good landing Rainbow Dash landed off balance and stumbled into the hospital. Only stopping when she hit the receptionists desk. A loud groan escaped Dash as she felt her head gingerly before realizing she was wasting time. Without any further delays she got up and ran towards Fluttershy’s room. As soon as she entered the room she saw Fluttershy sitting up. Her eyes flashed to the door and a smile brightened on Shy’s face. Her weak hoof reached out to try and get to Dash, quickly Rainbow Dash ran up to her and smiled taking the hoof in her own. “I’m so sorry Fluttershy!” Dash yelled before placing a loud kiss on Shy’s lips. “I love you so much that I couldn’t bear the prospect of your death. I became depressed, and somehow forgot about you.” “It’s fine Dash,” Fluttershy said as she leaned forwards and kissed Dash holding her there lightly for a few minutes. After what seemed only seconds Fluttershy pulled back slightly telling Dash that the moment was over. A sheepish grin appeared on the blue Pegasus’ face until she saw something out of the corner of her eye. She instantly blushed as she saw Postim was standing in a corner. Rainbow Dash had no clue for how long he was there, or if he saw it. But by his own slight blush she thought that he saw it all. “Hello Rainbow Dash,” Postim said in his smooth and rich voice. “I heard that... there’s nothing anypony can do.” Dash went silent and looked towards Fluttershy who simply smiled back at her and nodded slightly. However Dash stayed silent before Shy finally said it, “Um, you’re right, I’m going to die.” To hear the words come out of her mouth made Dash feel like she had been stabbed with an even bigger pang of sadness. Postim nodded slightly and opened his mouth before shutting it again. He stayed there silently for what seemed like hours, even though in reality Dash knew it couldn’t have been more then five minutes. Postim seemed lost in though somewhere before he opened his mouth again to speak. “I can try to help if you’d like.” Dash’s heart gave a jump at his words, but she didn’t dare hope. “Go ahead and try anything you’d like,” Dash encouraged. “Very well, wait here please.” Postim said as he disappeared in a flash. “I’m not going anywhere, not while you’re still here.” Dash said amused as she squeezed Fluttershy’s hoof lightly. Her hoof tapped impatiently as she waited for Postim to return from wherever he went. About ten seconds later a bright flash again filled the room as Postim reappeared, a large clock beside him. The clock with the two ponies trying to get to each other, only to be blocked by some invisible barrier. “What I am about to show you, you cannot tell anybody. Ever, not even Twilight, or the Princesses, got it?” Postim asked. Dash and Shy looked at each other curiously before they both nodded, and Dash spoke up, “Fine, we promise.” “Good,” Postim said as he opened the front of the large clock he brought with him. Inside of there was a small gear turner. Postim removed the turner and smiled as he gave it a quick once over. He put it back in and turned it three times causing the clock to start running. When he withdrew the turner, somehow it had turned into something completely different. It seemed more like a knife know then anything else. “I am going to stab myself, then Fluttershy you need to stab yourself with the opposite edge of the blade that will come out once I stab myself, trust me.” Postim said deadly serious. The idea was crazy, having Fluttershy stab herself, but it couldn’t get any worse, not to mention Postim had always helped them. He levitated the blade above his chest and plunged it in, he drew it out quickly with magic as a second clean blade literally emerged from the turner itself. He quickly handed it to Fluttershy who hesitated slightly. Her head plunged down towards herself as the knife entered her upper chest. A terrible blinding light erupted from the key only to disappear a second later. Nothing had changed except the turner was now gone. As she looked back at Postim his wounds had healed, as had Fluttershy’s, but as she looked again, Postim was aging. Right before her eyes he was becoming more wrinkled and moregrrey. “Don’t worry I will die, but Shy will live, I cured her. As to why, it’s simple. This clock was made from the magic of time, I am a time pony, one of only two still alive, the other will confront you later about what happened. I did it because I could not let tragedy like this strike twice. The last one, was my own love. And I won’t see yours wrenched away from you. I’m sorry I can’t give a better explanation, goodbye.” Postim finished as his coat disintegrated and a pile of ashes laid on the floor. ======= Fluttershy and Dash had stood there for an hour just staring at the ashed before finally Fluttershy said something, “Thank you Postim...” She, for the first time in months got up onto her feet with a small frown, but she was obviously better. “You will never be forgotten, I promise.” Fluttershy said before Dash gasped. The clock had disappeared. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash embraced each other and kissed each other lightly on the lips before walking out of the hospital together. All of the doctors and nurses simply stared at Fluttershy, but they both knew that she was better. And when they searched the room, they found nothing out of the ordinary. Outside of the hospital, the sun was slowly setting, and the moon being raised by Princess Luna of in the distance. “Fluttershy,” Dash said. “Yes?” Fluttershy asked curiously. “I love you, and I always will. Will you please be my mare and marry me?” Dash asked, for the first time a tear of happiness forming. “Yes,” Fluttershy said and embraced her mare. Like so long ago, their lips touched and explored each other, their tongues exploring each others mouth. Now neither of them backed off, for they both found what they were looking for. A friend, a partner, a love. Now nothing could stand in between them. Note from the AuthorHey, I hope you enjoyed this trilogy starting with Fire of the Heart, then Ice of the Mind, and finally ending here. This entire series took me more then three full months to write, and there are well over 70 pages in total. So I hope you enjoy it very much. As to the cliff hanger here, and why we never figure out who Postim really was, or how he got his powers, so on so forth. Patience, I will come back to this for a final story, to wrap every little end up into a nice bow. Thanks for reading, if you liked it please rate it high, or comment.
Chapter 1"Twilight?" Rainbow Dash asked as she walked through the doorway of the library. The entire structure was carved out of an enormous tree. "Yes Rainbow Dash?" Twilight Spark "Have you found anything?" Dash's voice was extremely eager, she already knew the answer. "No, I can't seem to find anything that will help her..." Twilight's head drooped slightly. "I know, you're sorry but DAMN IT! WHY CAN'T YOU FIND ANYTHING?" Dash's voice raised unexpectedly causing Twilight's head to snap up. A steady clop sound coming from the floorboards as she slowly retreated into a corner. "I don't know, I know I caused it, and I'm sorry but I can't do anything." Twilight stated in a hushed and fast voice. Dash's eyes averted Twilight for a few seconds as she remained silent. They stood there in silence and grieving over Fluttershy for about a minute. Hesitantly Dash's mind began to except what was, Fluttershy was going to die, period, and she couldn't do a thing about it. The blue pegasus eyebrow's' narrowed as she looked back at Twilight and she said in an absolute voice, "you will find a way to help Fluttershy, understand." It wasn't even a question it was a statement of fact. When Twilight stayed silent Dash's wings sprung out to the side and she flew straight into Twilight. A sharp pain traveled up Twilights' abdomen as her hooves felt the floor disappear before her back hit a large bookcase. Books rained down around Dash as she held Twilight firmly and painfully. Her face only a inch from Twilight's, "You will find a way to help Fluttershy!" Dash's voice had lost all semblance of her usual calm demeanor. The light reflected of the edge of Twilight's eyes as tears began to form. She opened her mouth and said ever so quietly, "there is no spell I know that can help... and I can't find any, I'm sorry..." Dash's hooves lowered as she allowed Twilight to fall roughly before the pegasus told Twilight, "Write a letter to Princess Celestia." Twilight nodded and quickly retrieved a piece of parchment and a quill. Before long her voice rang out into the mess, "Spike!" The small dragon emerged from beneath a small house he had made out of large books and he breathed in deeply. With a powerful blow the letter disappeared into green smoke. The smoke slowly traveled around the room before flying out a window and flying off rapidly. "There, that's all we can do now..." Twilight muttered under her breath. Dash's head nodded slightly as she walked out of the library into the street where a small crowd consisting of at least ten ponies was gathered due to the ruckus inside. Luckily for them, they did not bother Dash and let her pass without question. ======= Once Dash had flown to the nearby hospital she smiled as soon as she saw Fluttershy conscious. Her speed was unparalleled as she sprinted towards her bed only stopping a second before impact. Her hoof felt slightly cold and shaky. A effect of the malicious magic working it's way through her body. "So, how was the latest procedure?" Dash asked hopefully. "Um, well I feel a bit better, maybe..." Fluttershy whispered in her normal hushed voice. "So more of the same huh?" Dash asked smiling and laughing morbidly. Fluttershy had undergone more procedures then Dash cared to think about, all trying a new technique to remove the dangerous magic. None of them were successful, and if one didn't succeed soon... Dash's thoughts were interrupted as she saw Fluttershy's hoof lift up slightly. Smiling brightly, Dash held it silently and kissed her gently on her cheek. The hoof fell limp soon after as Fluttershy fell back into unconsciousness. Over the last few weeks, Fluttershy's gorgeous pink mane had started to gray ever so slowly, but it was still noticeable. Her eyes always had a glazed look over them as she fought the enemy inside of her. A enemy she, according to everyone, had no chance of defeating. "I'm sorry Ms. Rainbow Dash, the procedure..." Doctor card started to say before Dash cut him of. "I know, it was unsuccessful, as always," her voice had a strong poisonous tone in it as she had heard the doctor's words a hundred times at least. "I also know that she is undergoing another procedure in two days, correct?" When the doctor remained silent Dash turned curious to see the doctor looking down at the floor. "Ms. Dash, we have tried everything imaginable, science, magic, even Zecora couldn't do anything. now the most we can do, is try to sustain her for as long as possible, but it may be painful for her." "How long?" Dash asked in a monotone voice. "At most," Doctor Card paused before continuing even lower then before, "at most a month." "Thank you for your honesty," The blue pegasus said as a shadow came over the room. Presumably a cloud had covered the sun for a moment only darkening the mood. "We have one more option," Card said as he looked towards Dash slightly. Without waiting for a reply he continued, "we can help her, by ending the pain now." Dash said excitedly as the cloud shifted allowing some light into the room, "that's wonderful, why haven't you done that befo..." The words caught in her throat as she realized what the doctor was suggesting. "You," Dash's words tripped over themselves on the way out, "want to kill her." For the first time in months Dash had become completely silent, and she couldn't think properly. Silence pervaded that moment and blocked everything out before a unsteady rhythm was heard as Dash stumbled over to Fluttershy looking at her closed eyelids silently. The eyes beneath them could be seen shifting quickly as parts of her body twitched every so often, evidence of the internal struggle. "No, you can't kill her, you'll never kill her while I'm still alive," Dash stated quietly so as not to wake Fluttershy. She drew up onto her two back hoofs using her wings to keep her balance as she held her upper hoofs out to the side, preventing Card from getting any closer. Finally when Dash realized Doctor Card wasn't doing anything she stood down. "I'm sorry Ms. Dash, but as I'm sure you are aware, we don't have the money or the resources to keep her much longer. Even if we could extend her life past another month, we couldn't at the same time." "If you touch her, I will tear out your spine with my bare teeth," Dash threatened. ======= Soon afterwards Doctor Card exited and Dash sat next to Fluttershy as she took in the news that Fluttershy would die, it was not a prediction now. No, now it was fact. A minute later Twilight ran into the room panting loudly, a letter hovering in front of her. "Dash, Celestia," Twilight stopped for a second as she took a deep breath, "She said she may be able to help. She might have found a spell, she's asked to see you immediately."
Chapter 2After only two hours of flying back and forth Rainbow Dash had already gathered all the supplies she needed just as the chariot arrived, the guards landing as gracefully as ever. Their glorious steel armor gleaming in the sunlight. Their muscles rippling underneath their skin as their wings flapped furiously causing them to stop. As soon as they were on the ground Dash threw on a bag filled with all the essentials and climbed in. Then they were off. ======= No conversation existed between the guards or her, of which she was extremely grateful. However only an hour into the flight they started to descend and the lead guard quickly explained they needed to take a break for certain reasons. The landing this time was less soft and Dash's bag fell on the ground as the guards scattered faster then she could pick it up. She was completely alone. Around her was a nice meadow, a few birds humming in the distance, and a bunny jumped up to her hoof. "Fluttershy would love it here," Dash quickly commented to herself before she heard a sound coming from a bush nearby. "I'm so glad you're back, can we get going?" Dash asked towards the bush before a knife slipped around her neck and held there solid. A pony walked out of the bush she was talking to a few moments ago. Dash's mind worked quickly but she couldn't comprehend it, how would they have found her... Wait, those white coats, those muscles... they weren't guards at all, they were just thugs. Her head twisted slightly and her eyes shot back at the pegasus holding a knife up to her throat behind her. "Hey, Zeb, you remember what happened to our friends in canterlot?" The leader asked the pegasus behind Dash. "Ya, the way I remember it, this little pegasus killed them. She didn't even let them have any fun with her," Zeb said. Dash remembered it, how their apparant friends tried to rape her in the alley, only to find them dead the next second, yet she hadn't lifted a hoof, she wasn't responsible. "Exactly, so how about we exact our revenge on her then?" Zeb asked knocking Dash out of her recollection. Another rustling could be heard nearby as another pony walked out of the forest who looked around in confusion. The new pony, was Postim, yet at the same time it wasn't. His coat was now white and strangely his eyes were blue. The two brute ponies holding Dash smiled at the newcomer and just said, "Hey why don't you leave right now, and we won't even hurt you." Postim shook his head slightly with a tiny frown forming on his features. "Ok, then I'll kill you." The leader said as he pulled out a large knife from a pouch on his side and held it in between his teeth. Postim took one step forward and seemed to disappear only to reappear behind the brute and use magic. Dash, had never seen such a feat, Postim's horn started to glow and the brute literally appeared to fall to dust before her very eyes. Slowly she also felt the pressure of the knife disappear. When she looked back at her assailants, they were nothing but dust piles. Rainbow Dash stood there, afraid for her own life. Her mouth tripping over the words as she tried to get a hundred questions out at once, but before she could ask Postim said in his sweet yet wise voice. "A extremely powerful spell, now where were you going." "Uh," Dash remained silent before remembering her purpose, "I was going to Princess Celestia. Hopefully she can help Fluttershy." "Ah, you have not given up hope. That's good, I will accompany you there if you could pull me." Postim said, his hoof outstretched towards the carriage. Rainbow Dash quickly nodded and ran up to the carriage harness, strapping herself in. With a mighty push she lifted of the ground. The flight was strangely easy and eventually she looked back at Postim, only to find him using magic to help provide Rainbow Dash some extra strength. Normally she would have told him to stop, but she knew the necessity, and this would just speed them up. ======= The white walls and towers seemed to gleam with the suns light. Their structure imposing over everything nearby as they shot up from the sheer cliff, yet it was not an intimidating place. It seemed to radiate harmony, and peace; and for Rainbow Dash, hope. The castle's courtyard was, by any standard, gorgeous. It's flowers were organized and neatly in lines and patterns. 'Fluttershy would have loved this' Dash thought before snapping out of it. Her hoofsteps were frantic as she attempted, unsuccessfully to land the chariot. All she felt was her breaking free from the harness. Then the entire world went black for a second as her face dug into the grass. A single tear fell from Dash's eyes as she tried to ignore the pain burning through her from the landing. 'One hoof after another now' Dash told herself as she slowly proceeded up the stairs towards Princess Celestia's throne room where the guards allowed her in. There sitting on a gorgeous throne, was the majestic alicorn, Princess Celestia. "I am so glad to see you my dear Rainbow Dash, how have you been?" the princess casually inquired. "Excuse, but I have no time for formalities Princess," Dash responded quickly. "Oh, please forgive my hesitation, if you'll follow me," Celestia said as she rose from her throne. Her hooves carried her effortlessly towards a smaller set of doors, both inlaid with a design of a shining moon. Rainbow Dash quickly followed suit as Celestia's horn glowed and the doors swung open gently. The doors were completely misleading, inside were hundreds of shelves of books. Each seemingly having something to do with spells. "So..." Dash said before hesitating for a second, "does this mean you found a cure?" "I think so, it is a very difficult spell, contained in this book." Celestia said as a book hovered from a nearby table into a cloth bag which she quickly gave to Rainbow Dash. "Tell Twilight to use this spell, and it should help your friend." "Thank you Princess!" Dash shouted as her legs carried her back outside. On the way out of the room she saw Postim enter and wave goodbye to her. At this point Rainbow Dash didn't care about her luggage, or the chariot. As soon as she was in the courtyard she flapped at a rapid pace as she gained altitude and sped back towards Ponyville. ======= After arriving in Ponyville, Rainbow Dash flew straight towards Twilight's library, only to find her standing outside. With a audible thud Rainbow Dash landed. The surprise landing caused Twilight to jump back, and her head to pop up. Dash felt like she was the queen of the world as she let go of the bag and gave it to Twilight. "Celestia said there is a spell in there that you can do that will help Fluttershy." Dash said, jumping up and down with impatience as Twilight scanned the book. However her excitement did not last as Twilights face sank towards the ground. "Rainbow, do you remember how hard it was for me to give Rarity wings?" Twilight asked, still looking at the ground. "Ya, but now you're stronger, what about it?" Dash asked cautiously. "This is more then a ttwenty times more difficult then that, this is one of the most complicated spells I have ever seen, I'm sorry." Twilight said as she let the book drop on the floor. The slight wind rustling the pages was the only sound, Dash knew what she meant. The entire book was written in strange runes and symbols. "So you can't do it?" the blue pegasus asked, her usual lack of energy returning. "Well that's not the problem. The problem here is that, this gives the energy I need to perform a spell that could save her life. But this spell only gives the energy, I already know how to save her life, but I need the resources first." Twilight explained. "So what's the problem, do the spell!" Dash shouted impatiently. "I can't because it requires the ponies that represent the elements of harmony," Twilight continued. "Ok, last time I checked, that was us." Dash said, quickly getting exasperated at Twilight's delays. "They're souls need to be connected, this is the bad part. Connecting a soul to another is possibly the most dangerous thing you could do. You could die, or go crazy, but worst of all. You could lose yourself in the process, if you don't have a strong enough will, you will become corrupted by outside forces. And you will be no better then Fluttershy." Twilight finished. "And? This is a problem because?" Dash asked. "Because, everyone needs to be as strong as possible to even survive this experience, including Fluttershy..." She finally stated and went silent as she let the words sink in. 'So either we will all die, become corrupted, or fail? There really isn't anything we can do... There is no way that Fluttershy can survive, she's going to die. And I can't do anything?' Rainbow Dash thought as her eyes closed and she looked towards the ground.
Chapter 3“Fluttershy, I’m sorry, the spell that Princess Celestia gave us, its impossible...” Dash said after rehearsing how to break the news for a full two hours before finally deciding to straight up tell her. “Don’t worry, you can’t do anything about it. Can you come a bit closer though?” Fluttershy asked the blue pegasus. A small smile appeared on Dash’s face as she leaned in towards Fluttershy and kissed her lightly. Her lips were so frail and warm, it was comforting but more then that. It was disturbing to feel Shy quivering in her arms. The shaking stopped and Dash looked down, only to see Fluttershy once again unconscious, so peaceful, her eyelids closed. In an unnaturally silent and slow sleep, no more twitches, no more shudders, just silence except for her occasional breaths. But the blue pegasus wasn’t fooled. Fluttershy’s body was starting to slowly give in, and she couldn’t do anything. She always promised to protect her friends no matter the costs, and now, she couldn’t do a single thing. Her protection meant nothing now, it was all useless, and without Fluttershy life was useless. ======= Dash had walked outside only to find the moon out, a strange and pungent smell filled the air. Dash ignored the familiar scent as she stood silently outside of the hospital. Finally she decided to walk towards her house at the top of the cliff, she had moved it there months ago so Fluttershy could bring her little animals with her. Shy had really liked that. Halfway up the hill Dash’s misery increased as a wave of depression began to drown her. She could taste it in the air. A single drop fell from her cheek, but they were quickly followed by streams of tears, that’s when she recognized the smell. It was the smell of rain, and sure enough, a downpour began. Dousing her mane and coat in water. Her sobbing got louder and more desperate as she racked her entire brain for a solution, but there was none. “What seems to be thy problem denizen of Ponyville?” A commanding yet sweet voice said from nearby. Dash looked all around until she saw a large, dark shape descending quickly towards her. It was frightening until she realized it was Princess Luna. Immediately Rainbow Dash went into a long bow before she stood up again. “Well, do you remember Fluttershy?” Dash asked hesitantly. “Ah yes, the element of kindness, is she not?” Luna said in her hushed voice. “Yes, that one. She is very ill, and we can’t seem to find anything to help her at all. If this keeps up, then she’ll.” Dash’s voice cracked and tears flowed even harder then before. “Hmm... Bring me to this friend of yours, so that I may examine her.” Luna stated. Dash didn’t need to be convinced, she ran of towards the hospital with Princess Luna right behind her. Along the way to the hospital Rainbow Dash quickly told Luna of everything that had happened, including Celestia’s spell. When Rainbow Dash mentioned the day’s troubles Luna’s face distorted with what looked like a mixture of pain, fear, and disgust; all wrapped into one. But before she could ask Dash’s head seemed to crack open in pain as she ran headlong into the hospital wall. Dazed and confused, Dash shook her head around for a second before she jumped back onto her hooves. Her hoofsteps became rapid and non-rythmic as she sprinted towards Fluttershy’s room, Luna on her heels. ======= A full hour had passed since Luna had started studying Fluttershy’s unconscious body. Every so often a glow would appear briefly around the alicorn’s horn. Whenever Dash asked Luna jsut answered that she was examining her more closely. A small and shining bead of sweat worked its way slowly down Luna’s forehead as she closed her eyes and began to focus. Her horn glew a dark blue with magic so strong coming of it, that even Rainbow Dash could feel a bit of it. A minute later Fluttershy was enveloped by the same powerful glow and her body lifted ever so slightly of the hospital bed. The sight was unnerving to say the least, seeing her girlfriend levitate actually made Rainbow Dash scared. Not only for Fluttershy, but for herself at the same time. She realized with fear in her heart, that if Luna was doing something terrible to Shy, that both of them would be powerless to stop her. After all, she was Nightmare Moon at one point, and they had taken away her powers. Fear completely engulfed Dash’s mind but before she could do anything Luna sighed loudly and Fluttershy fell back onto the bed. She looked with a frown on her face and turned to Rainbow Dash. “I have completed my task, she has three months before she dies. I apologize my dear Rainbow Dash, I cannot do anymore then this. She will have to stay here and be very careful, I suggest you enjoy the time you have left. I doubt that any pony can stop this catastrophe, we cannot, my sister cannot. I assume none of your doctors can either, considering her condition. I am sorry.” Luna finished and before Rainbow Dash could reply the dark blue Alicorn walked out of the door leaving Dash with her doomed girlfriend. For the first time she absolutely knew it, there was absolutely no hope anymore. Almost as if Fluttershy could feel Dash’s pain a tear rolled down her cheek. A minute later her fragile yellow eyelids opened slowly as her eyes quickly looked towards Dash. “How much did you hear?” Rainbow Dash asked. “Everything,” Fluttershy responded without hesitation. “Dash, I know I’m going to die, and I’ve accepted it. All I want now is to spend some more time with you.” Fluttershy’s shy voice was strangely absent, replaced by one filled with certainty and directness. ‘I guess that’s what imminent death does to a pony...’ Dash commented inside her own head. “Sure, I’d love to,” Dash said as she sat down in a chair next to the hospitalized pegasus’ bed. Shy’s hoof was so warm, yet at the same time it felt as if it would fall apart at any moment. “I should have listened to Postim, I should have forced you to stay home when I saw that illusion. But I ignored it, and let my own desires get in the way. Some element of loyalty I turned out to be,” Rainbow Dash said progressively getting more depressed. She felt a warm kiss on her forehead from Fluttershy. “It’s not your fault, I don’t blame you, I don’t blame anyone. I just want these last few months to be... perfect...” Fluttershy said another tear rolling down her cheek. “I know you don’t blame me, but I blame me. But as you wish, I will try to make these last few months perfect,” Dash stated. She again took Shy’s hoof in her own and rubbed it lightly against her face. “I love you,” Dash whispered in Fluttershy’s ear. “I know,” Fluttershy responded as she fell asleep. Dash sat there until she fell asleep too. Her eyes filled with tears falling in unison with Fluttershy’s. She smiled for the first time, there was something peaceful about knowing the future, but a question persisted after her. What will I do when she’s gone?
EpilogueA urn sat heavily upon a large stone pedestal. The urn was made of a fine stone, polished to a shine. On top of the urn rested two bouquets of flowers, one blue, one pink. Inside the Urn was nothing since Postim’s ashes had disappeared. When everyone found out about Fluttershy’s impossible recovery they asked to many questions and finally they broke down. They told the curious ponies that Postim used a strange spell that was so strong it killed him, but it healed Fluttershy. Immediately afterwards a funeral began to take form. After only a week of preparations the funeral was ready. They had found the nicest stone urn they could, then Twilight caused it to shine as if it was made of diamonds. Dash and Flutter provided the bouquets. Unfortunately the attendance was relatively low. It was just Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, along with their few friends and a strange silent pegasus, her eyes looking both ways. “I knew Postim, and I know he was a hero, not this once, but always. He has always tried to help me and Fluttershy, even when we didn’t realize it. He saved my life many times and never withheld the truth from me. But most importantly is when he sacrificed himself to save Fluttershy. In my mind Postim is... was, a saint. He might not have known it, but when he sacrificed himself, he saved two ponies. As long as it is my choice, I will not live without Fluttershy, so thank you Postim, for everything.” Dash finished her small speech to go to sit next to Fluttershy before pushing her slightly, telling her to go make her own speech. Nervously Fluttershy approached the urn and frowned slightly, she wasn’t good with public speaking at all, but she owed Postim that much. After a quick and almost silent sigh she knew she couldn’t delay any longer. “Um,” Fluttershy, her old shy voice returning, “Postim, as you know, or I hope you know, saved my life. And, he also saved Dash a few times.” Fluttershy went silent until she looked at the urn, she knew she owed it, and she wouldn’t let her fears rule her anymore. “Postim was a friend, he helped us both in ways I doubt we can even fully comprehend.” Her voice was sweet, but there was a strange change in it, the nervous words had disappeared replaced by the same confident pegasus that was on the death bed not to long ago herself. “Thanks will never be enough to express my gratitude, I know you must be watching Postim so again I say, thank you.” Fluttershy finally went silent and retook her place next to Rainbow Dash. They looked at each other then back at the urn before approaching it together. They each grabbed one of the small handles in their mouths before carefully putting it into a coffin and putting the coffin in the ground. A true, and proper Funeral. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash looked back into each others eyes completely forgeting about their friends there they began to cry. Cry because they were happy that they wouldn’t ever be apart again, and sad because such an amazing pony was gone. They leaned together slowly and their lips lightly touched, their tongues trying to gain the upper-hoof. They continued like that for a minute before they looked back at each other and backed of slightly. “Fluttershy,” Rainbow Said getting her attention. “We’re still getting married remember?” “How could I forget, Rarity?” Fluttershy asked as she looked towards the unicorn in question. “Yes darling?” Raritya sked intrigued. “Could you help us with a wedding?” Fluttershy asked, her cheeks flushing red as she said the words. They hung in the air for a second before hoofs began striking the ground in applause from their friends. “Of course, I would be honored,” Rarity replied with a grin. “I just have one question, who will get to play the bride?” She joked. Laughs erupted from the crowd as Fluttershy replied, “I guess I will.” She turned to face Dash, “Is that ok with you?” “Whatever you want,” She replied in earnest and chuckled slightly. “Good, I will get started right away. ======= It had been a long engagement, a full three months. It was so long because they couldn’t wait to get married. Dash had taken her roll very seriously and bought Fluttershy a gorgeous blue sapphire ring that fit around one of her large feathers. Fluttershy afterwards bought Rainbow Dash a pink ruby ring. Rarity had taken it most seriously of all, she insisted on everypony being there and sent out so many invitations, Rarity herself lost count. The place was so perfect, the hill in front of their house, a gorgeous scene with plenty of animals just like Fluttershy liked it. Twilight had no small part in the preparations either. But finally the dresses were made fitted and refitted. Everypony had been informed, and it was time. ======= “Hey, Fluttershy darling, are you ready?” Rarity asked as she cautiously into the dressing room near the bottom of the hill to find Fluttershy in her dress. “Good you are, it’s time let’s go. I’ll see you up there.” With that Rarity left the room and ran back up the hill to take her place among the audience. ‘Ok Fluttershy, this is your time, don’t be nervous now.’ She thought to herself as she placed one hoof out of the door, her train rustling slightly behind her flank. ‘How did this all start?’ She wondered as she put a few more shaky hooves forward before becoming lost in thought. ‘Oh yeah, my house burnt down, who knew that such a simple event could have found me an adventure of a lifetime. But more importantly it... No, I earned Rainbow Dash, through my sweat, and my tears, and my blood. Postim however... without him... we’d both be dead now, we owe him so much and we can’t even properly thank him. How far have I really come,’ However a thundering sound around Fluttershy caused her to wake from her stupor. She looked around, she was surrounded by hundreds of ponies, some she recognized, others she didn’t. Even Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were there sitting in the front. The path she was walking down was perfect, flowers decorated the side just like she liked it. Yet there was a new flower there she had never seen before, a strange rainbow colored flower, whenever one of these was found a pink and yellow flower was always wrapped around it nicely. Instead of a large noisy organ a choir of humming birds were singing a wedding song beautifully, and of their own accord. Angel smiled as Fluttershy passed him, and Fluttershy smiled back. At the side’s of the aisle were tree’s overgrown to form a dark canopy, she was wondering why it was so dark. At the end the Canopy broke into a gorgeous clearing where there on a patch of grass stood Rainbow Dash. Her dress hugged every curve of her body, except the train which by any standard was amazing. Possibly the best work Rarity had ever made, on the dress was designed strange abstract shapes, but as Fluttershy looked at the whole thing she saw the design. It was two Pegasus kissing each other fiercely. Finally she had arrived where she had been headed for who knows how long. She was standing next to Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy’s own dress even more gallant then the dress of the pegasus that she was marrying. After repeating some short vows given by Princess Celestia and Princess Luna in unison it was time. “Do you, dear Rainbow Dash, take Fluttershy as your lawfully wedded wife?” Celestia and Luna asked. “I do,” Dash replied without hesitation. “And do you, dear Fluttershy, take Rainbow Dash as your lawfully wedded wife?” They both said again. There was a pause as she was lost in thought about everything. “This must be a dream,” Fluttershy said out loud but mostly to herself. Dash had a strange look in her eyes as she looked straight at Fluttershy. A look that said, ‘please don’t say “I do,” please...’ It was a strange look. The pause was making everypony restless, Fluttershy turned to face Rainbow Dash and said loudly, “I love you Rainbow Dash, but I will not marry you. For in truth I know you love me, but you don’t want to be married either. If marriage makes our love any more official then it is not a marriage. “I agree,” Rainbow Dash echoed as she walked up to Fluttershy and whispered “thank you.” “I do not.” Fluttershy said loudly as Dash embraced and kissed her lightly. “We’re sorry everypony, we won’t get married. We love each other more then life itself, and find marriage unnecessary.” Dash said outloud as Fluttershy nodded. The crowd was silent for a minute, this they had expected. Then one single pony, Twilight Sparkle stood up. She began to stomp her hooves in light applause in approval. Soon she was joined by Applejack and their other friends. After only twenty seconds everypony was standing and applauding. “I love you Fluttershy,” Rainbow Dash said over the thunder. “I love you too Rainbow Dash, more then I can describe,” she replied. For the first time, they had all the time in the world, and they would never be torn apart again. They leaned towards each other and kissed, lightly at first before they really got into it. Dash’s lips tasted the same as the first time they had touched, only this time her life felt even more on the line as a strange hunger filled her. No matter what, they would both do everything they could to make each other happy. In the back of their mind Postim’s warning was all but forgotten. They loved each other and that was all that mattered in the world.
chapter 4Days had passed. Slower then the sand flows in an hourglass, every second an eternity. Her decision by now was finally clear, she couldn’t live without Fluttershy. Therefore she would die when Fluttershy did. Of course Fluttershy wouldn’t like it but she wasn’t planning on telling the kind yellow pegasus. Why would she cause intentional grief to a doomed pony? Especially one she loved so much. A unexpected knock at her door caused Dash to jump. “Rainbow Dash, can we talk please?” It was Twilight. Honestly it was still strange having other Ponies visit her home, oh well that’s what having it next to a hill and now having wooden floors did. “Sure,” Rainbow Dash said grudgingly as she walked quietly over to the door and swung it inwards. Without waiting for an invitation Twilight Sparkle came in, and after looking around for a second at the house she said, “so, um...” This was going to be akward. “What do you want Twilight?” Dash spitted at her injecting as much poison in her voice as possible. Twilight took a step forward confidently and undeterred by her tone, “we need to talk! Nopony has seen you for days, all of Ponyville has been having horrible weather. We had to bring in a new weather pegasus even!” “Why does it matter about Ponyville, you said you got a new one so you have it handled, why do you need me!” She shouted at Twilight. “Because you were... Are our friend!” Twilight yelled back. “What’s the point of helping you or Ponyville when everypony will just die eventually. It makes no difference.” Dash stated, her voice dropping into a sad tone. “The point, is making life better for others,” Twilight replied. “What about Shy’s life, I can’t make that better, she is going to die Twilight. Nothing I can do, nothing you can do, not even the Princesses can do anything. We can’t use the element’s of harmony because we need Fluttershy for that, and she is in no condition. We ran out of options, and now her death is inevitable, so unless you have something else to say please leave.” The blue pegasus said. “Rainbow Dash...” Twilight whispered with sympathy, but at this point it did nothing but make Rainbow Dash angrier. She quickly walked over to Twilight and pushed her out using her fore head. ======= “Ah, why is my head pounding?” Dash asked herself out loud as she woke up on her comfortable cloud bed. She looked down and saw small puddles on the floor. “Strange...” Dash commented. Her hoof instinctively shot up to her cheeks and sure enough, dried up tears covered them almost completely. “Hmm... Maybe I have been here for too long,” Dash considered before finally deciding to go out for a quick morning flight. Her hoof touched solid ground for the first time in a week and that’s when she remembered, she had almost forgotten about Fluttershy. She had been to busy wallowing in her own depression to even think of the reason she was so depressed. Her wings were a bit stiff but they unfurled easily enough. Her take off was slow but she began to go faster as she approached the hospital. Not even slowing to make a good landing Rainbow Dash landed off balance and stumbled into the hospital. Only stopping when she hit the receptionists desk. A loud groan escaped Dash as she felt her head gingerly before realizing she was wasting time. Without any further delays she got up and ran towards Fluttershy’s room. As soon as she entered the room she saw Fluttershy sitting up. Her eyes flashed to the door and a smile brightened on Shy’s face. Her weak hoof reached out to try and get to Dash, quickly Rainbow Dash ran up to her and smiled taking the hoof in her own. “I’m so sorry Fluttershy!” Dash yelled before placing a loud kiss on Shy’s lips. “I love you so much that I couldn’t bear the prospect of your death. I became depressed, and somehow forgot about you.” “It’s fine Dash,” Fluttershy said as she leaned forwards and kissed Dash holding her there lightly for a few minutes. After what seemed only seconds Fluttershy pulled back slightly telling Dash that the moment was over. A sheepish grin appeared on the blue Pegasus’ face until she saw something out of the corner of her eye. She instantly blushed as she saw Postim was standing in a corner. Rainbow Dash had no clue for how long he was there, or if he saw it. But by his own slight blush she thought that he saw it all. “Hello Rainbow Dash,” Postim said in his smooth and rich voice. “I heard that... there’s nothing anypony can do.” Dash went silent and looked towards Fluttershy who simply smiled back at her and nodded slightly. However Dash stayed silent before Shy finally said it, “Um, you’re right, I’m going to die.” To hear the words come out of her mouth made Dash feel like she had been stabbed with an even bigger pang of sadness. Postim nodded slightly and opened his mouth before shutting it again. He stayed there silently for what seemed like hours, even though in reality Dash knew it couldn’t have been more then five minutes. Postim seemed lost in though somewhere before he opened his mouth again to speak. “I can try to help if you’d like.” Dash’s heart gave a jump at his words, but she didn’t dare hope. “Go ahead and try anything you’d like,” Dash encouraged. “Very well, wait here please.” Postim said as he disappeared in a flash. “I’m not going anywhere, not while you’re still here.” Dash said amused as she squeezed Fluttershy’s hoof lightly. Her hoof tapped impatiently as she waited for Postim to return from wherever he went. About ten seconds later a bright flash again filled the room as Postim reappeared, a large clock beside him. The clock with the two ponies trying to get to each other, only to be blocked by some invisible barrier. “What I am about to show you, you cannot tell anybody. Ever, not even Twilight, or the Princesses, got it?” Postim asked. Dash and Shy looked at each other curiously before they both nodded, and Dash spoke up, “Fine, we promise.” “Good,” Postim said as he opened the front of the large clock he brought with him. Inside of there was a small gear turner. Postim removed the turner and smiled as he gave it a quick once over. He put it back in and turned it three times causing the clock to start running. When he withdrew the turner, somehow it had turned into something completely different. It seemed more like a knife know then anything else. “I am going to stab myself, then Fluttershy you need to stab yourself with the opposite edge of the blade that will come out once I stab myself, trust me.” Postim said deadly serious. The idea was crazy, having Fluttershy stab herself, but it couldn’t get any worse, not to mention Postim had always helped them. He levitated the blade above his chest and plunged it in, he drew it out quickly with magic as a second clean blade literally emerged from the turner itself. He quickly handed it to Fluttershy who hesitated slightly. Her head plunged down towards herself as the knife entered her upper chest. A terrible blinding light erupted from the key only to disappear a second later. Nothing had changed except the turner was now gone. As she looked back at Postim his wounds had healed, as had Fluttershy’s, but as she looked again, Postim was aging. Right before her eyes he was becoming more wrinkled and moregrrey. “Don’t worry I will die, but Shy will live, I cured her. As to why, it’s simple. This clock was made from the magic of time, I am a time pony, one of only two still alive, the other will confront you later about what happened. I did it because I could not let tragedy like this strike twice. The last one, was my own love. And I won’t see yours wrenched away from you. I’m sorry I can’t give a better explanation, goodbye.” Postim finished as his coat disintegrated and a pile of ashes laid on the floor. ======= Fluttershy and Dash had stood there for an hour just staring at the ashed before finally Fluttershy said something, “Thank you Postim...” She, for the first time in months got up onto her feet with a small frown, but she was obviously better. “You will never be forgotten, I promise.” Fluttershy said before Dash gasped. The clock had disappeared. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash embraced each other and kissed each other lightly on the lips before walking out of the hospital together. All of the doctors and nurses simply stared at Fluttershy, but they both knew that she was better. And when they searched the room, they found nothing out of the ordinary. Outside of the hospital, the sun was slowly setting, and the moon being raised by Princess Luna of in the distance. “Fluttershy,” Dash said. “Yes?” Fluttershy asked curiously. “I love you, and I always will. Will you please be my mare and marry me?” Dash asked, for the first time a tear of happiness forming. “Yes,” Fluttershy said and embraced her mare. Like so long ago, their lips touched and explored each other, their tongues exploring each others mouth. Now neither of them backed off, for they both found what they were looking for. A friend, a partner, a love. Now nothing could stand in between them.
Note from the AuthorHey, I hope you enjoyed this trilogy starting with Fire of the Heart, then Ice of the Mind, and finally ending here. This entire series took me more then three full months to write, and there are well over 70 pages in total. So I hope you enjoy it very much. As to the cliff hanger here, and why we never figure out who Postim really was, or how he got his powers, so on so forth. Patience, I will come back to this for a final story, to wrap every little end up into a nice bow. Thanks for reading, if you liked it please rate it high, or comment.
