Till the End

by Toriandthehorse

Rating: teen
Tags: Fluttershy, Tragedy, Discord, Slice of Life, Death, Sad, Main 6, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 1227

It's time for Fluttershy to pass on from this life. Before she goes, she takes one last moment to reflect.

Fluttershy has never been one to complain. No matter what Life threw at her, she'd pick herself up.
When Death is near, she'll accept it just like she accepted Life.
She knows her final moments are near.
Here is what runs through her mind, during her dying minutes.

For someone special. You taught me what peace feels like.
For another someone special. I know it's hard. But all will be well. Thanks for sticking by me. You know who you are.

Published 2019-10-06 04:00:01 UTC
Last updated 2019-10-06 04:00:01 UTC

Forever Sleep

There’s something strange that happens when you’re dying. You start thinking.

I know I don’t have much longer. Long ago, my limbs started to creak, voice started to tremble, and my heart started to fail. Today feels different, though. I’m calmer. I know the end’s near.

I’m okay with it. I’ve dealt with death before, first with my animals and then with Rainbow and the others.

I’m glad my time is coming. I don’t mean to say I didn’t enjoy my time here – no, these past years were truly special – but I’m looking forward to what comes next.

Perhaps I’ll be able to get up by myself in the morning. It felt horrible to not even be able to get out of bed alone anymore.

Perhaps my wings will work again, and I’ll be able to fly once more with the butterflies I do so love.

Perhaps my mane will be a soft pink again, flowing and long. The way Discord always liked it.

Perhaps I’ll see clearer again. It has been quite frustrating to have to look twice as hard; it always led to headaches.

Perhaps Angel will be waiting for me. The little dear will be so proud to show me around.

Perhaps my friends will all be there. I really do long to see them once again.

Rainbow, who had matured out of her cocky self. She had even found love in that Wonderbolt. Soarin, I think his name was. My memory isn’t as good as it used to be.

She came through for me, time and time again. She came through for Equestria, by suffering through war and returning a hero. She took loyalty to the next step, took being a hero to the next step.

Applejack, who fought Death until the very end. I’ll always admire how, even with aching joints, she still went out and bucked those trees bare.

She took her little grandfilly by the hoof, the day before she passed, and went for a walk around the whole property. I’m sure she told the story of every tree.

Rarity, who went out surrounded by all her loves; her foals, her stallion, and that sister of hers – who had by then shaped into a lovely young mare with foals of her own. I was there when she left – she died holding my hoof, with a smile on her face.

She really had made a name for herself, back in the day. She kept up the needlework until her hooves just hurt too much; then, and only then, did she give up her prized dresses. Toward the end, we would often sit together, saying nothing, just sipping our tea and living side by side.

Twilight, who sacrificed her immortality so her subjects could live, during the war. I can hardly wait to tell her about the progress Princess Flurry Heart has been making, over in Canterlot.

Flurry definitely inherited her aunt’s love of books, but also her parents’ natural ruling ability. I think Twilight will be proud.

Pinkie, who never let the cheerfulness or smiles leave her, even as her coat started to fade, and even as she was forced to throw her last party before arthritis confided her to the bakery.

I could see how hard it was for her when Cheese died. Still, she pulled herself together and threw her last party: The Farewell Cheese Sandwich Party. She turned a sad event into a celebratory one. Knowing her, she’s already set up a Welcome Home Fluttershy party.

I have so much to look forward to, in this next stage. I’m not afraid for myself. If I’m afraid, it’s for Discord, and the animals here. I know I can trust him to run the sanctuary; it’s why I’m leaving it to him. But… what will my death do to him? He’s here with me, right now. He’s reading a book in his own unique way. I love him. He’s been one of my best friends for years.

He’s going to feel a lot. I wish there was a way to reassure him that… he’s going to be okay. Everything is going to be okay.

He’s going to take it hard; I know. It saddens me that nothing I can say will help him over the heartache.

I know I’m going to have to trust him. To not destroy all the progress he’s made. To not destroy himself, his life, and his heart.

I hope I get the chance to thank him, before I go. For never leaving my side. For always being a friend, no matter what I looked like or what was happening.

After my wings hurt too much to help the beautiful butterflies with their migration, he was there, providing the shoulder to cry on. After my friends died, one by one, he was always right beside me at the funerals. Always brought fresh flowers, taking me by the hoof and leading me up to say my last goodbyes, even when I hesitated.

It hurt him too, though. I could tell. When he thought I wasn’t looking, during the funerals, he’d look away and wipe his eyes. Or take an extra-long glance at my wings, worry creeping into his gaze.

Discord’s come a long, long way since his time in the stone prison. I’m so proud of him. I don’t want him to throw away the kind, loyal self he is away, just because of my sleep.

I don’t want him to hurt because of me.

I am failing, right now. I can feel myself growing weaker by the second. My legs are starting to tremble, from exhaustion rather than fear. My vision is starting to swim. I look to Discord, who’s still reading his book upside down. He’s starting to blur, and I have to squint hard to see him.

My time has come. I feel it. Sleep awaits.

My breathing is coming slower now. Raspier. My eyes are drifting shut. I think Discord’s speaking now. Yes, there he is. Right beside me, like he has been for years now. His hand wraps around my hoof. He’s shaking. And talking, but I just… can’t understand.

It’s okay, I want to tell him. It will all be okay. Thank you.

I raise my head. I find it surprising how quickly this is going. I don’t have another five minutes.

A peacefulness overtakes me. I lived a lovely life, with wonderful ponies – and even a draconequus. I am satisfied with my life, and what I did. There’s nothing I can do now, but let nature take me on the last stretch of its journey.

Thank you, Rainbow. Thank you Applejack, and thank you Rarity. Twilight, and Pinkie. And thank you Discord. You all made me better.

It’s time to go. I don’t have but a minute left. My chest hurts; heart’s failing.

I take one last, deep breath.

I smile. All will be well now.

And then, the colors dim. The sounds go quiet. The pain of old joints eases.

And I fall asleep.

Author's Note

So... this wasn't as depressing, right? :pinkiecrazy:

I wrote this for a friend. Death doesn't have to be a fear. Embrace it, and conquer it.. just like you have to every other damn thing life has done to you.

Hope you all enjoy!