It was a beautiful ‘day’, and Moon Dasher hated it. She wished that it wouldn’t be so perfect, but Nightmare Moon had made it so that nothing could impede on the process, including the weather. Everyone was gathered around the clearing that had been made, as Flutter Moon was brought out so that all could see. She had been crying, but she seemed unhurt, for now.

It seemed cruel to keep her in suspense, but the Queen had decreed it to be so. As Flutter Moon took her place near the stand that had been made, she sat, quietly, looking at the place that she would be killed. “Is this the only way?” She said at a whisper.

Yet her words were never heard by any, as everyone’s attention was on Dawn Lighter as she came out with Nightmare Moon. They were chatting about something else, but the way that they were walking and how they dealt with the whole situation felt wrong. Like it was a casual day. Disgusted, Moon Dasher turned away.

“My subjects! This is a glorious day to keep in remembrance! Let this day remind any who wish to rebel or have thoughts about attempting anything. Be warned! You will experience the same fate, or worse! Let us partake in the cleansing of those who wish us ill.” Said Nightmare Moon. “If there are any here, who would like to take this burden, speak now, or forever hold your peace.”

The sudden turn of events surprised Moon Dasher. Nightmare Moon was offering for somepony to take Flutter Moon’s place! She looked around, hoping that one of her friends would offer themselves. Yet none did, they were all silent in their tears. Moon Dasher pondered whether she should take her friends place. Except, she reasoned, Flutter Moon wouldn’t want anypony to take her place. She would be selfless and would have done it for any of them. So, when the moment passed, Moon Dasher immediately felt guilty for not speaking up.

“Very well then, none have offered. Let the process continue!” Said Dawn Lighter.

“Wait! I… can I at least say goodbye?” Said Moon Dasher.

Instantly suspicious, Dawn Lighter was about to refuse her request when Nightmare Moon spoke first. “I will allow it, embrace, then move on, we have wasted enough time already. Let it be known that I may still be gracious.”

Moon Dasher quickly went to Flutter Moon’s side and whispered with her. “I am so sorry Flutter Moon, I… I don’t know what to say.” Said Moon Dasher, holding back tears.

“Hush now Moon Dasher. It’s OK. Can I ask you to do something for me?” Said Flutter Moon, tears coming freely for her.

“Anything, anything Flutter Moon.” Said Moon Dasher.

“First, I want you to go to my animals and do your best to explain to them that I won’t be coming back. Angel bunny will take it the hardest, but they will have to be strong. And second, I want you to take one of my feathers. As a remembrance of the fun we had, and the experiences that we shared. Will you do that for me?” Said Flutter Moon.

“Of course, of course. Anything” Said Moon Dasher, now fully crying. They hugged, making sure not to hurt her friend, she quickly plucked a feather and put it in her own wings.

“OK, that’s enough of that now. It is time.” Said Dawn Lighter.

“Goodbye, Flutter Moon.” Said Moon Dasher, as she was escorted away. Returning to her place, Moon Dasher looked away. She couldn’t watch. Closing her eyes, she waited for it to happen. With a sudden *Whoosh* and the others bursting out in tears, the deed was done.

“Your sacrifice will not go to waste Flutter Moon; I swear upon it.” Said Moon Dasher under her breath.

“Now then, as for the you Moon Dasher. You shall be stripped of your tablet, no longer a citizen of the kingdom. You do have it with you, correct?” Said Dawn Lighter.

“Of course, here it is.” Said Moon Dasher, producing the tablet.

“You shall be stripped of your status as a child of the Moon. You shall be known as only ‘Dasher’ and will not be able to partake in any royal festivities. You shall never step hoof into the city or castle on order of arrest. Do you recognize these terms?” Said Dawn Lighter.

“I do.” Said Dasher simply.

“Then I relinquish you of these titles and cast you out of this city. You have 24 hours starting now to collect your belongings and leave.” Said Dawn Lighter. “Those here bear witness of these events. This event is closed.”

As Dasher was packing up her belongings inside her room, she took out the feather that she had taken. A final memento of her friend. The reality that her friend, no, her best friend, was gone sunk in. Flutter Moon was gone, and there was nopony that could fill the void that her friend had filled.

“Oh Flutter Moon, what have I done. I could have saved you. I should have taken your place. How am I going to live with myself?” She said, fresh tears coming to her eyes.

A gentle knock came from the door, and Dasher, sniffing, went to see who it was. “Oh hey Moon Melody, where were you during the… the funeral?”

“I really wished I could have come Moon Dasher. But I would have drawn suspicion since others don’t know that I know you and all your friends. Plus, there is a development in an area that I had to deal with.” Said Moon Melody.

“A development? What do you mean? And I am just Dasher now.” Said Dasher.

“A certain individual has returned and has been wreaking havoc on things. He has been somewhat detained, but that’s why I am here. The resistance is wondering if you are still in. We know that our ‘plan’ did not go the way we intended, and we lost the book.” Said Moon Melody.

“I don’t know, I think I want to have some time to think about it. Is that OK?” Said Dasher.

“Oh no that is completely fine, take as much time as you need. You may not be able to find us, but when you are ready, we will find you.” Said Moon Melody.

“Thank you, it has been just such an emotional day, and I don’t really know what to think right now.” Said Dasher.

Moon Melody nodded and left the room. Dasher, returning to the feather, encased it in a box and put it in her saddle bag. “I will keep you with me Flutter Moon, till the end of time.”

Author's Note

I initially wanted to send this chapter out yesterday, but something bugged and so its out today! Enjoy!