Flutterdash: Never Leave Me

by Silver Moon

Rating: everyone
Tags: Sad, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash, Romance, Fluttershy
Length: 10150

A Flutterdash story with a really sad ending. Enjoy!

A Flutterdash Story. The ending is sad, you have been warned.

Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy have admitted their feelings for each other, although they have told no pony. Dash finds a house in the Everfree Forest for just the two of them, and the two of them are happy. But when Dash choses the Wonder Bolts over Fluttershy, tragedy strikes. That one choice may just change both of their lives, forever.

Published 2012-09-04 05:34:01 UTC
Last updated 2012-12-13 15:09:11 UTC

Chapter 1: A Moonlit Flight

It was a warm evening, a few weeks after Shining Armor and Princess Cadence’s wedding, and Fluttershy had just finished putting Angel to bed when she let out a startled squeak. “Who would be knocking on the door at this hour?!” She exclaimed quietly. “Who could that be?” Fluttershy started to trot down the stairs but was stopped short by a voice from outside.

“Fluttershy? Are you awake?”

Fluttershy let out a small whimper. She took a step back as memories flooded her mind…

A young Pegasus, crying alone on a cloud with her pink mane half-covering soft, yellow her face.

Another filly with a light cerulean pelt and multi-coloured mane joins her on the cloud. “Hey Fluttershy, don’t cry. Those ponies are just big meanies. Don’t listen to them.”

The same fillies, older now, at a race. Once more, the light blue pony was fighting for the yellow one.

The yellow filly, the same but for a trio of butterflies on her flank, surrounded by other fillies, all chanting the same cruel song; “Fluttershy, Fluttershy, Fluttershy can barely fly!”

The two ponies, older still, going on adventures with four other fillies. The two of them fighting and arguing, but always getting along in the end.

The two of them, singing a song together, just the two of them.

Training hard to lift water for rain, the yellow pony getting teased and running off. The rainbow-coloured mane of her friend rushing after her.

All these memories flashed by in a matter of seconds, but there was one more to go.

A few weeks ago. In the middle of a battle against the Changelings. Up against too many to fight, the pink mane of the shy Pegasus was all you could see of her face. But once more her colourful friend helped her out. Then they were leaning in close. Closer. Their lips brushed, ever so gently, for ever such a short moment. Then the moment was gone.
Another knock on the door brought Fluttershy back to reality with a jolt.

“Fluttershy? Are you in there?”

The shy Pegasus shook her head wildly, as if the pony knocking on the door could see her. Stumbling backwards, she knocked over a chair with a loud crash.

“Fluttershy! I can hear you! I know you’re in there, open up!!” The voice outside grew louder, the knocking more urgent.

With a sigh, Fluttershy walked over to the door and opened it. “Oh, hello,” She whispered. “Hi, Rainbow Dash.”

“Mind if I come in?” asked the colourful Pegasus. Fluttershy shook her head and backed up to allow her friend to come in.

Hovering a little bit above the ground, Rainbow Dash looked at her friend. “Fluttershy,” She began, ignoring the other Pegasus as she let out a small squeak. “Fluttershy, we need to talk. Why are you avoiding me?”

“I haven’t been…” Fluttershy trailed off. It was true; she had been avoiding Rainbow. Ever since they got back from Canterlot, Fluttershy had been doing everything she could to stay away from the other Pegasus.

“Yes, Fluttershy, you have. And I want to know why!” Rainbow looked right at Fluttershy, right into her eyes. Her beautiful, almost magical eyes. Rainbow Dash shook her head, trying to stay focused. “You’ve hardly spoken to me since the wedding. Come to think of it, we haven’t really talked since we kis… I mean kicked those Changeling’s behinds.” Rainbow laughed uneasily at her lame finish. “So, what’s up? Why won’t you talk to me?”

Fluttershy just shook her head sadly, unsure of what to say. Taking her silence as permission to keep talking, Rainbow Dash continued.

“I can’t stand it, Flutters! I miss talking to you, flying with you. I miss you, girl! Talk to me!”

Once more, all Fluttershy did was shake her head.

”Fine then!” Rainbow said. “If you won’t talk, at least come with me for a nighttime flight. Please?” she added, almost begged.

Fluttershy just turned her head away. Rainbow Dash, however, has never given up that easily. Settling down on the floor, she grabbed the yellow Pegasus by her hoof and pulled her out the door. Fluttershy allowed herself to be pulled out of her home and into the night.

“Now we fly.” Flapping her wings hard, Rainbow dash lifted herself into the air, still pulling Fluttershy along. Fluttershy flapped her wings weakly, using just enough force to keep herself in the air, but still allowing the other pony to lead.

The two of them flew in silence for a few minutes. Soon, however, Fluttershy noticed where Dash was leading her, and let out a gasp.

“But, Rainbow Dash!” she whispered, “We’re heading to the Everfree Forest!”

“I know,” Replied Rainbow Dash.

“But… But…”

“Fluttershy, do you trust me?”

“Well, yes, but…”

Rainbow Dash stopped flying. Spinning around to look straight into Fluttershy’s eyes, she spoke. “If you truly trusted me, there would be no ‘but,’” Her eyes were full of hurt as she asked the question again. “Do you trust me?”

“… Yes.” Fluttershy’s voice was almost swallowed by the evening breeze, so she repeated it, louder. “Yes. I do, Rainbow Dash. I trust you.”

With a smile and a nod, Dash gripped the other pony’s hoof once more, and started to lead her friend over the trees of the forest.

“Are we going to Zecora’s?” Fluttershy asked.

“No, she lives over there,” Rainbow Dash said, gesturing vaguely to the right. “We are going straight.”

The two Pegasus ponies flew along together. They were traveling slower than Rainbow normally flew, but for once she was OK with it. Anything to spend more time with Fluttershy. Every once in a while, Fluttershy would let out a small squeak as something moved or made a sudden sound beneath them. Dash always reassured her, telling the yellow pony that nothing could get them up in the sky. Regardless of the slow speed at which they were flying, is was not long before R.D. started to descend. Fluttershy whimpered uneasy at the sudden drop in altitude, but answered Rainbow’s unasked question with three words.

“I trust you.”

As the two grew lower to the ground, a clearing seemed to materialize. The two mares landed in the middle of the small clearing. Some unknown creature could be heard growling, and Fluttershy pushed herself against Rainbow Dash fearfully. Dash just smiled.

“No pony can get here,” she said calmly. “The only way to this clearing is to fly; I made sure of that myself when I first found this place. Don’t worry. I’ll never let anything hurt you.”

At the soothing words, Fluttershy straightened up a little. Looking around, she saw that this was deeper into the Forest than she had ever gone. The trees here grew thicker and closer together than at the edge near her home. However, as she looked around, Fluttershy noticed what looked like a path in the trees. It looked like a path to the clearing. But Dash had told her nothing could find them here, and Fluttershy trusted her friend. Pushing the clearing out of her mind, she sat down and looked at the night sky. Rainbow Dash lay down beside her and looked at the moon.

“Luna did an excellent job raising the moon tonight, don’t you think?” she asked conversationally, but Fluttershy felt the moon was the last thing on her friends mind. However, she decided to play along.

Lying down, she spoke softly. “Yes, she did. The stars look nice too.” She turned her head sideways, her heart skipping a beat as she realized Rainbow’s face was centimeters from her own. Hastily looking back up, she continued. “But I have a feeling you did not bring me here just for the nice view.”

“No. No, I did not.” Rainbow shifted slightly, seeming unsure of what to say. After a few moments of silence, she blurted out “I wanted to talk about the kiss. About what it meant. I wanted to talk about us, if there is an ‘us,’ if there could ever be an ‘us!’ I need to know if you feel the same way I do!” She stood up and turned away. “It’s OK if you don’t,” she said, although her voice was laced with pain. “I’d understand.” Silence fell between them as Rainbow Dash waited for a reply. Seconds turned to minutes as the silence stretched out. Still standing with her back to Fluttershy, the blue Pegasus started to flap her wings, getting ready to fly away. Just as she lifted off the ground, Fluttershy spoke.

“I do.”

Turning around, Dash saw the yellow pony’s face was wet with tears of joy.

“Yes. I do feel the same way,” Fluttershy’s voice had gotten even quieter, if that was possible. A soft thud echoed the clearing as Dash landed, drowning out Fluttershy’s next words.

“What did you say?” Dash asked, sitting down.

“I do. I really feel the same way. I have for a long time, but I was too afraid to tell you. Afraid you would laugh. Afraid you would not feel like I do. But then… then you kissed me. I was so confused! Was it just a friend kiss? Or did you really feel that way? I was so afraid, so uncertain, I thought it would be easier to just try and forget it. So I started to avoid you, but I could not forget it! I just couldn't!” At this point, the shy Pegasus burst into ever more tears. “I’m sorry!” she cried. “I was just so afraid!”

Rainbow moved forwards and held her friend. “It’s OK,” she murmured. “ I've got you. You never have to be afraid of anything, ever, as long as I’m here. You’re safe. I will always keep you safe. I promise.”

The two mares sat together for a while, until Fluttershy had cried herself out. Once she had calmed down, Dash lent towards her and kissed her. The kissed for a few moments, then Fluttershy broke off, looking afraid.

“What will we tell our friends?” she asked, sounding terrified.

“Whatever you want.”

“I don’t want to tell them yet. I’m afraid to tell them. I don’t know what they might say. I don’t want them to stop being my friends; they are the only friends I have ever really had, other than you.” She paused, looking at Rainbow Dash. “But whatever you want is fine,” Fluttershy finished sheepishly.

“What I want is to tell the world about us. I want the world to know how much I love you. I want every pony to know,” Rainbow paused, seeing Fluttershy’s eyes widen in fear. “But what I want more than anything ever, is to make you feel happy and safe. So if you want to wait to tell the others, then I can wait. I will wait.”

“Thank you.”

The two of them sat in silence for a little longer, but a comfortable silence this time. Then, by some unspoken agreement, the two of them lay back down and spent the rest of the night looking at the stars and talking. By the time Princess Celestia raised the sun the next morning, both mares had fallen asleep. Fluttershy woke first. She started to worry; it was far past time to feed all of her animals. She gently woke Rainbow Dash and the two of them flew back to Flutter’s cottage together. Just as Fluttershy was about to enter her home, Rainbow spoke.

“Fluttershy? Will you meet me there again, tomorrow? Please?”

Fluttershy nodded. “I promise,” she said, and disappeared into her house.

Chapter 2: A House in the Woods

“Sorry I’m late!” Fluttershy panted, bursting into the day spa.

“It’s no problem, dear,” replied Rarity from where she sat in the hot tub. “But might I ask where you were? You’re almost never late.”

“Oh, um.” Unable to think of a lie, Fluttershy whispered the truth. “I was out flying with Rainbow Dash.” Blushing furiously, the Pegasus sat down for her hooficure.

“Why are you blushing, Fluttershy?” the white unicorn asked. “There’s no reason. You two are friends, after all. I’m sure your flight was just like our spa days.”

“Oh, oh right. Yeah.” Fluttershy was unsure of what to say. The two pegasi had been hiding their relationship for almost a month now. Rainbow had kept her promise and told no pony. Although Fluttershy was glad, she was running out of excuses. This was not the first time she had been late for Spa day, and she was feeling bad about making Rarity wait all the time. On the other hoof, Fluttershy was happier than she could ever remember being, and it was all thanks to Rainbow Dash.

“Hello? Any pony there? Are you even listening to me, Fluttershy?” Rarity broke into Fluttershy’s day dreaming.

“Oh, sorry,” she said again. “What were you saying?”

“Well I was just saying how distracted you have been lately. Are you feeling ok, Fluttershy?” Rarity looked concerned.

“Oh, yes, I’m fine.”

“If you say so, dear. You know you can always talk to me.”

“Oh, yes, I know that. I’m fine, though, really,” Fluttershy looked away as she said this trying to think of another topic. “Did you hear that the Apple family reunion is happen again soon?”

“Yes, I did hear that,” Rarity said, and immediately started gossiping about Applejack’s many relatives. Now that the conversation had entered less dangerous waters, Fluttershy began to enjoy herself. In what felt like no time at all, the spa date was over and it was time for both ponies to head home.

“Same time next week?” Rarity asked as they left the spa.

“Oh, yes,” responded Fluttershy. “See you then.”

Before she entered he cottage, Fluttershy checked her mail. There was only one piece of paper in her mailbox. She grabbed the folded paper and smoothed it out. There were only 7 words on the page, so Fluttershy decided to read it outside. The note simply said “Meet me in the usual place tonight.” Smiling to herself, Fluttershy walked inside to wait for Luna to raise the moon.

*************************************************************************************

That night, Fluttershy put Angel to bed early and started to fly to the clearing. She was no longer afraid of the flight over the Everfree Forest, her flights with Rainbow Dash had boosted her confidence greatly. Landing in the clearing, the yellow Pegasus looked around for the blue one.

“Pst! Over here!” a voice somewhere to her left made Fluttershy jump. Turning around, she saw the space between the trees she saw on her first visit. She still did not know what was down there.

“Dashie? Is that you?” Fluttershy called into the shadows.

“Yeah, it’s me,” the voice called back. “Come here, Flutters! I want to show you something!”

Fluttershy smiled and trotted over to the path. Rainbow was the only one who ever called her ‘Flutters.’ “What’s down here?” Fluttershy asked. Then she gasped. “Is there another way into the clearing? You told me there was only one way to the clearing and that was to fly!”

“What? No. No this is something different. Something cool!”

“Ok, if you’re sure,” Fluttershy whispered as she crept forwards. The path, it turned out, was very short. After only two minutes of walking, Fluttershy found herself in another clearing, a smaller one. The trees surrounding the clearing stood tall, their branches interlocking above her head, letting only a few patches of moonlight into the clearing. But the reason Fluttershy found herself stunned was the house in the middle of the clearing. Small, only one story tall, but beautiful just the same. It took up most of the space in the clearing.

“I found this house shortly after I first found the clearing back there.”

Fluttershy jumped at Rainbow Dash’s voice. She had not heard her friend come beside her.

“What do you think, Flutters?” Rainbow walked up to the door. “It was a little run down; I had to fix it up myself. Now it is my home away from home. But I want to share it with you. Do you like it?”

“Oh, Dashie, I love it!” Fluttershy flew to the door and pushed it open. Once inside, it was clear that Dash often came to the little house. There were several pillows and blankets scattered around the one room. A pile of “Daring Do” books lay in one corner. A few candles burned softly around the room, but most of the light came from the fireplace just right of the door.

“I’m glad you like it. Come in! It’s nice and warm in here.”

Fluttershy walked into the house. Rainbow landed beside her and kissed her on the cheek. Blushing, Fluttershy lay down in front of the fire. With a smile, Dash lay down beside her so they brushed against each other. The two of them spent the next few hours cuddling by the fire and talking. Fluttershy fell asleep first, so Rainbow got some blankets and tucked her in. Then she fell asleep herself.

*************************************************************************************

Over the next 5 days, the two of them met in the house almost every day. Dash liked to refer to it as ‘our house,’ but Fluttershy always called it ‘the house.’ They argued a little about it, but nothing too big. On the fifth night, Dash flew Fluttershy home after spending the day together at the house.

“Thanks for flying me home again,” Fluttershy said after opening her door.

“Anytime,” replied Rainbow Dash, kissing her on the nose.

Fluttershy blushed. “Meet me there tomorrow night?” she asked.

“I would, but I have two tickets to the Wonder Bolts. Scootaloo and I are going.”

“Oh,” Fluttershy looked a little unhappy. “OK then.”

“Hey, what’s the matter?”

“Well, maybe I would have liked to go with you.”

Rainbow snorted. “Please. You HATE big gatherings like that. There are too many ponies for you to deal with.”

“Well, I thought you were over the Wonder Bolts. Remember how they ignored you at the Galla last year?”

“Yeah, well. They’re still awesome. Look, I should have asked you. I’m sorry.” Dash looked at the yellow Pegasus. “But I already asked Scoot so it’s too late to change it. How about we meet the day after?”

Fluttershy shook her head. “I have a spa date with Rarity.”

“Well, how about-“

“It’s OK. Really,” Fluttershy added as Dash made to interrupt. “I… I’ll see you around then. Bye.”

“Flutters,” Dash began, but the door had been closed. With a sigh, the blue pony took to the sky and flew to her home, feeling oddly empty and alone.

Chapter 3: Fire!

Rainbow Dash was doing tricks in the park. An excited Scootaloo watched from below. The two of them had just gotten back from Canterlot, where the Wonder Bolts had been preforming. Inspired by the famous Pegasi, Dash had come straight to the park to try out some new tricks.

“Do another loop-de-loop!” the younger Pegasus called happily to her hero. She was so in awe of the flying pony that she did not notice Twilight run by looking frightened.

“Maybe later, kid,” Dash called over her shoulder as she chased after Twilight. “Hey, slow down girl. Where’s the fire?” Rainbow asked, catching up to the purple unicorn and flying beside her.

“The, the Everfree Forest,” panted Twilight. “I think it may be Zecora’s hut!”

“What? Nah, Zecora lives over there,” Dash pointed a ways to the right of the cloud of smoke rising from the trees. “She should be fine. The smoke’s coming from…” The Pegasus stopped dead. “No,” She breathed. “No, it can’t be.”

What’s wrong?” Twilight looked at her friend, concerned. She had never seen Rainbow look so afraid. “Where’s the smoke coming-” she started to ask, but the Pegasus interrupted her.

“Have you seen Fluttershy today?”

“No, I think she has a spa date with Rarity today. What’s wrong?” Twilight demanded, but Rainbow Dash had already flown off. Shaking her head at her slightly crazy friend, Twilight turned to see a dejected looking Scootaloo next to her.

“Where’s Dash going?” asked the orange Pegasus, staring after her idol.

“I’m not sure, Scoot.”

“But she was going to show me more tricks today! Now what am I going to do all day?”

“I’m sorry. Oh, but you can help me organize the library if you want!”

“Er, no thanks. See you around, Twilight!” With that, Scootaloo hopped on her scooter and sped off, leaving Twilight to go organize the library alone.

Meanwhile, Dash had burst into the day spa.

“Fluttershy?” she called hopefully. She looked around, but there was no sign of the yellow Pegasus. Spying Rarity, Dash zoomed over to her. “Where’s Fluttershy?!” she demanded.

“Well, I don’t know,” said the unicorn. “She’s never been this late for a spa day. I figured she was just out flying with you. That’s why she was late last week, after all.”

“Last week? Oh, yeah we were on a date.” Rainbow shook her head. “So you haven’t seen her today at all?”

“Date?" Rarity asked, although she was worried by the fear in the Pegasus’ voice. “Did you say ‘date?’ Like a Date date or like a spa date?”

“A date date. OK? Now have you seen her?”

“Not all day. But if two are dating you must tell me about it! Wait, Rainbow come back!” Rarity called after her friend but the speedy pony was already out the door, flying full speed.

As she flew, Dash spoke to herself, almost praying. “Fluttershy, please be home. Please be safe. Don’t be where I think you are!” Reaching Fluttershy’s house, she pounded on the door. She let out a sigh of relief as the door opened, only to snatch it again when she saw it was just Angel. “Is Flutters home?” she asked, panicked.

Angel shook his head. Before he could do anything else, Dash was gone once again. Now she knew where Fluttershy was. Part of her had known since she had seen the smoke, but now there was no doubt. Fluttershy was in the house in the woods. But the reason Rainbow was flying as fast as she possibly could was not that. The reason was far worse. For the smoke that was floating above the Forest was coming from the clearing in which the house stood.

Although she was fly faster than ever before, the flight to the clearing seemed to take ages. Landing in the larger clearing, Dash took off at a gallop, running down the path to the house. She knew what would greet her, but that did not stop her from halting in shock at the sight of the house. Heat blasted the Pegasus as she crept towards what looked like a house made of nothing but fire.

“FLUTTERSHY!!!” she yelled, coughing on the thick black smoke. There was no response, but her heart told Rainbow that Fluttershy was in there. There was no choice of what to do; not giving herself time to think, Dash found the door by memory and kicked it open. The heat was almost unbearable, the smoke stung her eyes as she looked for the mare she loved. Only one corner of the house was not completely on fire. In that corner was Fluttershy. Even as Dash flew over, she knew something was wrong, something more than the smoke and flames.

“Flutters?” Rainbow asked softly, landing next to the other Pegasus. “Flutters, please wake up.” If the pony heard her friend, she gave no sign. With a sob, the blue Pegasus picked up the yellow one. Carrying Fluttershy to the door and out into the clearing was easier said than done, but Dash never gave up. Once the two of them were in the larger clearing and safe from the flames, Rainbow Dash lay Fluttershy down on the ground softly. It did not look like she was breathing. “Flutters, wake up. Pease wake up, I need you!” Dash was crying now, tears flowing thick and fast down her face. “WAKE UP!!” She yelled. “WAKE UP!” Sobbing now, almost unable to breathe, she whispered one last word. “Please.” Crying desperately, Dash looked at the Pegasus lying on the ground in front of her. Fluttershy looked broken; her long, beautiful tail was half burnt off, her hind feet were both bloody, all of the feathers on one of her wings had been burnt away. Her hind leg was bad too. The right one was clearly broken, bent all the wrong way. Most of her soft yellow fur was stained gray with smoke and ash, but there were two clear paths on her face. Tears had run down her face, carving a path in the black soot. Leaning forwards, Rainbow kissed Fluttershy on the cheek. Her own tears falling faster than ever, making their own paths in the filth. Then the blue pony gasped. Fluttershy’s eyes flickered open, just a little bit.

“Dashie?” she whispered. “Dashie, is that you? Don’t-don’t leave me.” She coughed gently. “Don’t leave me.”

“Never,” Dash whispered back. “I will never leave you. Don’t you trust me?”

“With my life.”

“Well, that’s good. Come on, let’s get you to the hospital.”

Picking Fluttershy up gently, Rainbow Dash started to fly back to Ponyville. Dash was flying slower than usual now, tired out from her frantic flight to the fire and now carrying the weight of another pony. As they flew, Fluttershy began to talk.

“It’s my fault, Dashie,” Fluttershy whispered.

“Hush, save your energy,” Rainbow told her, but for once the shy Pegasus ignored her.

“I hoped you would come see me instead of the Wonder Bolts, so I waited in our house,” Futtershy coughed again, and Rainbow cried even more; it was the first time Flutters had called it their house. A house for just the two of them. Rainbow tried to speak, but Fluttershy was talking again.

“I had nothing to do, so I cleaned. I cleaned all day and half of the night, so I got tired. I was so cold, I just wanted to rest by the fire for a little while. I took a blanket and sat next to the fire. But I think I fell asleep.”

Rainbow could picture what happened next. “Stop, it’s OK, you need to rest.” Dash did not want to hear what happened next, the picture in her mind was clear enough already. Once again, however, Fluttershy ignored her and kept talking.

“I woke up because it was too hot. My wing hurt really badly. I opened my eyes, but all I saw was orange and yellow. I was surrounded by fire. I was fire; my wing was burning. I tried to fly to the door. The smoke was too thick; it burned my eyes and was choking me. My wings could not hold me up, and I could not find the door. I ran the wrong way; I was trapped on the wrong side of the house.”

“Stop, please. Save your breath,” Rainbow was begging now, her own breath catching in her throat as she cried.

“There was no window for me to climb out,” Fluttershy continued as if Dash had never spoken. “So I tried to kick a hole in the wall. I did, after a while. My right leg broke through, but it got stuck. When I pulled it out, I felt and heard it snap. The pain was too much, and I was choking on the smoke. All I wanted to do was rest. So I lay down, only for a minute. Then I woke up, out of the house, out of the flames. I woke up, and, and you. You were there.” She paused, and coughed. Looking right at Rainbow Dash, she smiled. “You were there. You saved me.” Her eyes closed again. “You saved me, Dashie. I trusted you, and you saved me. Thank you, Dashie. Now promise me one last thing.”

“Anything, Flutters. If you promise to rest. Deal?”

“Deal,” Fluttershy opened her eyes and looked right into Rainbow’s. “Promise you will never leave me,” she whispered.

“I promise.”

Fluttershy nodded, and closed her eyes. Her breathing slowing down to almost nothing as she slipped from consciousness.

“I’ll never leave you,” Dash whispered again as she flew. “Never.”

By the time they reached Ponyville, Rainbow Dash was almost too tired to fly. She flapped weakly above the ground, unable to keep a high altitude. Things were starting to blur; it was hard to fly straight. Suddenly, Fluttershy let out a small whimper. ‘She needs me,’ thought Dash, and was filled with new energy. Putting on a burst of speed, she flew to the hospital.

Once she reached the hospital, Dash burst through the doors. “Help,” she gasped, panting.
Within seconds, the two Pegasi were surrounded by nurses and doctors. Before Dash knew what was happening, they had pried Fluttershy away from her.

“NO!” Dash shouted, trying to chase after Fluttershy, trying to get to her. Three nurses grabbed hold of the blue Pegasus and held her back.

“Rainbow Dash, calm down,” one of them said. “We can take care of her now, you can’t help her anymore. Calm down.”

“NO!” Dash shouted again, tears fell down her face again as she strained against the other ponies. “No, I promised I would never leave her! She needs me!”

“No, she needs a doctor,” the nurse sounded calm. The calmness filled Rainbow with rage and she struggled harder. “If you want to help,” the nurse continued, still in the calm voice. “You can tell us what happened.”

“There was a fire!” Dash screamed. “There was a fire! There, I told you what happened, now LET ME SEE HER!!!” Dash had her eyes closed, all of her energy on trying to get to Fluttershy, so she did not see the look and nod passed between the nurses. Dash felt one nurse let her go and tried to fly again, but then she felt a prick on her neck. “No, no she needs me,” Dash said as the world started to blacken. “I promised.” Then the world went completely black as the blue Pegasus slipped into unconsciousness.
*************************************************************************************

Rainbow awoke in a dim room. Feeling groggy, she sat up. Or tried to, rather. Restraints held her down, preventing her from moving.

“Let me up,” she moaned. Slowly, she remembered what had happened. Tears flew down her face as she screamed out again. “LET ME UP!!!” Her voice echoed around the empty room, blocking out the sounds of her struggles. “LET ME UP! I NEED TO BE THERE FOR HER! I said I would never leave her…” Dash trailed off, unable to scream any longer. Tears streamed down her face as she gasped for breath, sobs wracking her body. Unable to free herself, unable to get to Fluttershy, unable to do anything else, Rainbow cried.

So violent were her sobs that she did not notice the 4 mares enter the room. Once the tears died down enough for her to see, Dash looked up to see her four other friends standing in front of her. Applejack stood furthest on the left, her hat held solemnly in front of her chest. Twilight stood next to her. The unicorn blinked, her violet eyes spilling tears down to the floor. Pinkie Pie was next in the quiet line, standing unusually still. Her usual bouncy attitude was replaced with one of sorrow, pain and loss. Rarity, last in line, was the first to speak.

“Darling,” she began carefully, looking at the Pegasus sadly. Dash only looked at the white unicorn. Taking this as permission to keep talking, she continued. “Dash, we know this is hard to hear, but,” the unicorn paused, tears cutting her voice like a blade. Shaking her head helplessly, she backed up a few steps to cry soft, lady-like tears. Seeing that Rarity would be unable to give Dash the news, Twilight stepped forwards.

“Dash,” she said and hesitated. How could she bring herself to cause her friend even more pain? It was clear that the colourful Pegasus could use some good news, but the news she had to be told was anything but. Unable to say what needed to be said, Twilight too stepped backwards, tears soaking the ground at her feet. Pinkie took one look at the two weeping unicorns and started to bawl. Seconds later she fled the room. Dash and AJ stared after her. As Twilight moved closer to Rarity, seeking comfort, Dash tried to dry her tears. A difficult task when restrained. But she had to, she had stopped crying once she noticed her friends. After all, what kind of Dare Devil cries? Applejack looked at her three friends and sighed.

“Guess it’s up to me to tell the truth,” she said. The Earth pony sighed again. “Some pony has to, after all. Dash… it’s Fluttershy. The doctors said...” Applejack swallowed. Looking Dash directly in the eye, she finished. “The doctor said she is not going to make it. She inhaled too much smoke. Ah’m so sorry.”

Dash blinked a few times. Then she spoke. “No,” she said, her voice scratchy from all her crying, yet her words were strong. “No,” she repeated. “No, you’re lying. Why are you lying to me? Aren’t you supposed to be the element of Honesty? Why are you lying?” Panic edged her words as she spoke once more, her voice rising in anger. “You’re lying to me. Why are you lying? Why-“

“Dash, Ah am most certainly not lying to you. Why would I lie about something like this?” Applejack spoke sharply, her voice cutting across her friend. Dash reacted swiftly, jerking her head to the side as the words slapped her.

“Fine then,” she huffed. “Fine, you’re not lying. You’re just wrong. Yeah, that’s it!” Rainbow’s voice was filled of hope, her face lighting up. “Yeah, you’re wrong. Fluttershy is going to be fine. Just fine. Right? Right!” Dash laughed, a little bit insanely.

“No, Dash. No she is not,” Applejack spoke sternly, yet her face was soft with sympathy. “Fluttershy is going to die. There is nothing any pony can do about it. Ah’m sorry.”

Dash blinked. She seemed unable to comprehend what she had heard. “No,” she said once more. “You’re wrong. Please? Please can you be wrong?” She was begging now, beginning to understand what she had been told. “Please be wrong. I need her to be ok. Please? Please be wrong?”

“Dash, she is not wrong,” Twilight looked up as she spoke. “She is telling you the honest truth, just like she told me a few years ago. When I was on the cliff, remember?” Twilight tried to smile. She hoped that the memory would distract the Pegasus from their dying friend. Her hopes soared as the restrained mare tried to nod.

“Yeah,” she said. “Yeah, I remember. Then you dropped. And Fluttershy and I, we saved you. Together. The two of us,” Rainbow Dash paused, her eyes filled with pain. “And that will never happen again. It can’t. But it has to. Fluttershy can’t die. She just can’t, Twilight. I need her.”

“I’m sorry. There is nothing we can do.”

“NO!” Dash screamed. “NO!!” Struggling again, Dash continued to shout. “FLUTTERSHY?! WHERE ARE YOU!?"

“DASH, STOP!” Twilight tried to get her friend to pay attention to her. But Rainbow Dash was in a rage and refusing to listen to any pony.

“NO!”

But then something happened that caused all four ponies to fall silent and turn. Standing in the door was the doctor.

“Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy is asking to see you. I’m afraid she does not have much time left. But I cannot let you up unless you agree to calm down. Can you do that?”

“Yeah, sure,” Dash sounded far too calm considering she had just been screaming her lungs out. “Yeah, I can do that. Just let me up.”

Cautionsly, the doctor moved forwards and undid the straps binding the Pegasus. She followed him out of the room obediently and silently.

“Fluttershy is in the Emergency room,” the doctor told Dash.

“OK.”

They walked in silence for a few seconds. Then the doctor pointed to a door on his right. “In there,” he said. “I’ll be right outside.”

“Thank you,” Dash whispered, her voice docile. Inside, she barely managed to suppress a gasp at the sight of her friend. Fluttershy lay on a bed, though one could hardly see her. Bandages covered her hind legs and both her wings. Tubes attached to IV drips had been stuck in her forelegs and wires and patches had been stuck all over her damaged body. One patch lead to a screen nearby. Watching the screen, Dash could see it beep and flicked Fluttershy’s heartbeats, slowly, monotonously, sadly. Beep… beep… beep… beep… on and on.

“Fluttershy,” Dash asked softly. “Flutters, I’m here.”

Dash started to walk across the room to where Fluttershy lay with her eyes closed. Slowly, her eyes flickered open.

“Dashie?” she whispered. “Dashie, is that you?”

“Yeah, I’m here. I’m here. I’m not going to leave you again. OK?”

Beep… Beep… Beep…
“OK. But, I think I may have to go away. But only for a little while. OK?”

“No. No, Flutters,” panic was creeping back into her voice as Dash spoke to her friend. “No, that is not OK. I need you. I need you to stay with me. I need you.”

“I’m sorry,” Fluttershy sounded truly apologetic. Even though her eyes had closed for what might be the last time, she was still afraid of hurting other ponies’ feelings. “I really am. But I have to go Dashie. And I need you to do something for me.”

Beep… … beep… … beep… …
“Anything, name it. Just please, stay with me!” It was agony for Dash, watching her friend die in front of her.

“I need you to take care of Angel and the other animals. Can you do that? I told you how one night, remember?” It was true. One night Fluttershy had spent hours telling the other Pegasus how to care for the animals.

“I remember. Sort of. Not really,” Dash admitted. “So I need you to stay and tell me again. You have to now, for Angel.”

Beep… … … beep… … … beep… … …

“I can’t Dashie, sorry. But don’t worry. I have it all written down. Angel will show you, just ask him. OK?”

“OK, Flutters. I promise. Please stay with me.”

“I… can’t. I’m too tired. I’m sorry,” she paused. Her voice had been steadily growing weaker, but when she spoke her next words, a soft strength filled them. “Dashie…? Don’t leave me,” Fluttershy struggled to open her eyes again. They locked onto Dash. The two of them stared into each other’s eyes for the last time as Fluttershy spoke once more. “Never leave me.”

Beep… beep…

“I promise.”

Fluttershy smiled and closed her eyes. Next to her, the screen flicked a few more times.

Beep… beep… Silence, for a few seconds that lasted an eternity. Then, one long beep filled the air.

Beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep…

“Flutters? Stay with me!” Tears rolled down Rainbow’s face. “Fluttershy, wake up! PLEASE?!?” But even as she pleaded, Dash knew it was hopeless. Even though tears blurred her vision, Dash could see the screen. It showed her what she did not want to see. It showed her how Fluttershy’s pulse had flat-lined.

Forever.

Chapter 4: Never Again

Only 5 ponies came to the funeral. The yellow Pegasus had been too shy to make any friends other than Twilight, Pinkie, AJ, Rarity and, of course, Rainbow. Despite the fact that so few ponies came, the clearing in which the reception was held was packed. There was hardly room to move, one had to carefully pick their way among the hundreds little critters that had come. Every creature that she had ever helped or taken care of had come to Fluttershy’s funeral. Squirrels stood solemnly on the branches on the trees surrounding the clearing. Birds flew gracefully overhead, filling the sky with their sorrowful song as the little rodents scurried around underhoof.

Yet the beauty and grace of the mourning animals was lost on the rainbow maned Pegasus. She sat with her friends, not crying, not talking, not doing much of anything. She simply sat, her face blank with shock and sadness. She watched, void of emotion, as Twilight walked up to the makeshift platform to speak.

“Welcome, everypony,” the purple unicorn began. At the sound of her pain-filled voice, the animals fell silent. All eyes lay on the unicorn as Twilight let a few tears fall. “Welcome,” she said again, wiping her tears away. “We are gathered here today to remember the wonderful Pegasus, Fluttershy. I think we can all agree our lives are better for having known her. The pain of losing her will affect us all for a long time, yet I’m sure she would want us to live our lives…”

Twilight droned on, tears occasionally slipping down her face. Dash, however, was not paying attention. She sat in a stupor, moving only her eyes to watch her friends walk up to the make-shift stage. She could see Rarity walking up in her funeral gown, replacing Twilight on the stage. Rainbow could see the unicorn’s lips moving, yet the words did not penetrate the ringing in her ears. She did not hear AJ’s humble speech about the time she first met Fluttershy. She did not even hear Pinkie Pie, who only managed to say the dead pony’s name before bursting into Pinkie-tears. Dash did see her pink friend flee the stage, tears falling like the waterfall of hair that was once a poofy mane, but the sobs stopped short just before they reached the blue mare’s ears.

Dash felt her heart skip a beat as some pony nudged her. Turning to her left, she saw Applejack nod towards the stage. All her friends had spoken; it was Dash’s turn now.

Walking up to the platform was the easy part. Turning to face over a hundred tearful faces was what hurt. Looking at the ponies, Dash saw all four of her friends looking at her. They stared, waiting for Dash to speak, waiting for words to leave their friend’s mouth for the first time since Fluttershy’s death.

But they would have to wait a little bit longer.

Without saying a word, without even making a sound, Dash leaped straight up into the sky. Flapping her wings for the first time since her mad dash to the hospital, she flew. Higher than the clouds, she stopped and looked down. She could she her friends craning their necks, trying to keep her in view. Taking a deep breath of air, Dash angled her body towards the ground and flew as fast as she could.

It wasn’t long before she reached the right speed. In no time at all, a great BOOM could be heard all over Ponyville. However, once she achieved the Sonic Rainboom, Dash did not do the usual arc that normally follows. Instead, she did a complicated series of twists and turns. It was a trick she had been working on for over a year, ever since she first admitted her feeling for Fluttershy to herself. Once done, she landed on the ground to look up at her work. Her friends, as well as every breathing thing in the field, had all dropped their jaws. After a few seconds, Twilight regained her composure enough to read what Dash had written in a rainbow.

“’Fluttershy,’” the unicorn breathed the name glowing in the sky. Its beauty was astounding, the 10 cursive letters floating elegantly in the sky. Beneath the letters, Dash had swerved a few times, underlining the name. Under the lines, a heart glowed with the beauty of the rainbow it was made of. The bottom of the heart trailed down to where Rainbow Dash stood, her head bowed in grief.

Tears fell from the eyes of every creature in the field as Dash walked back to her spot in the audience. For several minutes, the only sounds were the animals crying. Once she had regained her self-control, Twilight walked up to the platform again. Wiping away her final tears, she spoke.

“Thank you, Rainbow Dash. That was… that was beautiful. And thanks to every pony, for helping us remember our friend…”

Once again, Rainbow zoned out. Once more she simply sat, emotionless. Her eyes stayed focused on the name in the sky, still glowing softly. The reception ended shortly after. All the critters and birds left the field, leaving the 5 ponies alone. Slowly, as if afraid to disturb the stillness of the air, the mares left, one by one, until only Twilight and Rainbow Dash were left. Looking sideways at her friend, Twilight spoke.

“Dash, are you OK?”

The Pegasus did not respond with words, merely looked at her friend with one eyebrow raised.

“Right, dumb question,” Twilight said, correctly interpreting the look. “I have a better one. Will you be OK?”

Dash sighed. She turned to face her friend and rasped the first words since Fluttershy’s death.

“Twilight, I need to borrow your Hot-air balloon.”

“Oh, OK then. Sure, meet me at the library tomorrow,” Twilight said. She was startled by the sudden change of topic, but eager to help her friend.

“No, I need it today. Right now, if I can. Please?” Rainbow looked at the unicorn, her eyes brimming with tears. She sighed and answered the unasked question. “I need it to move. Fluttershy asked me to take care of her animals and I can’t do that from my cloud. I’m moving into her cottage.”

“Can’t you just fly your stuff over yourself?”

“Naw, too many trophies,” Rainbow said with a not-so-modest grin that was only somewhat fake. “Besides, there is something else I need it for,” she murmured, lowering her eyes.

“Really?” asked the unicorn, intrigued. “What?”

“Oh, um, nothing. Forget I said anything,” Dash stammered quickly. “I just, yeah. Never mind.” She fell silent, scuffing the ground with a hoof.

“Ok then. Come on, we can go to the library now.”

“Sure,” the Pegasus replied. Without another word, the two mares walked off.

*************************************************************************************

Twilight sighed. Although she had insisted to help Dash move, the Pegasus had refused. Insisting she just needed to be alone, Rainbow had allowed Twilight to show her how to fly the Hot-air balloon, then had flown off, alone. Twilight sighed again. She could still see her balloon floating in the sky. Shaking her head sadly, Twilight turned and walked back into the library. Spike looked up from the pile of books he was dusting as the unicorn shut the door behind her.

“Hey Twilight,” the little dragon said as he straightened up. “I thought you were going to help Rainbow Dash move?”

“She said she wants to be alone,” Twilight replied. “But I’m not sure if that is a good idea. I read somewhere that a pony should never be alone after an emotional ordeal.”

“Don’t worry too much about her, Twi,” Spike said softly. “Dash is one tough Pegasus, the toughest I know. I’m sure she will be fine.”

“You’re probably right,” Twilight agreed with a nod. “Still…” The unicorn trailed off, staring into space. She sat still for several long minutes.

“Twilight?” Spike asked, breaking the silence. He looked at her, worry playing across his face. “Are you OK?”

“Hmm? Yes, I’m… I’m fine,” the unicorn said. She gave her head a sharp shake to clear her thoughts. “I’m just… I’m going to go see if Rarity is OK. She was probably the closest to Fluttershy other than Dash. Goodbye Spike. I’ll be back later.” Without waiting for a reply, the purple mare walked out the door, leaving the baby dragon alone.

*************************************************************************************

A few days have passed since the funeral. No pony had seen Rainbow Dash since Twilight had lent her the balloon, although it was clear she had not left Ponyville, for all the animals Fluttershy had once taken care of were alive and well. Several times, Twilight or one of Rainbow’s three other friends would drop by the cottage, but there was never any answer. One morning, Twilight went to the cottage before the sun came up, planning on staying there all day if that was how long it took to see her friend. As the sun rose, she saw Rainbow walk out of the house. It was odd; Twilight had never seen her athletic friend walk so much. Usually the colourful mare flew every chance she got. The Pegasus walked around to the back of the cottage, not noticing Twilight. Curious, the unicorn followed the other mare. In the backyard, Rainbow was loading something into the Hot-air balloon she had yet to give back to the pony that was watching her. Twilight strained her eyes, but she could not make out what was being put inside the basket. She was so absorbed in trying to figure it out that she did not have a chance to call out to her friend. “Horse apples!” the unicorn muttered, watching the balloon fly off over the Everfree Forest. “I wonder where she’s going?” She asked herself. “Oh well, too late now. I might as well go wait inside until she returns.” Turing around, Twilight walked into the unlocked cottage. With a hearty sigh, the unicorn sat down. “You know what Twilight?” she said to herself. “You have got to stop talking to yourself.” Several of the animals in the room nodded in agreement.

*************************************************************************************

“Twilight?!” A shocked voice broke into the sleeping unicorn’s dream. “What are you doing here?”

Twilight looked up to see an angry Rainbow Dash standing at the door. “Oh, hello Rainbow,” She stammered. “I just… stopped by to see how you are.” The purple mare stood up quickly, casting a small glance out the window. The sun was about to set. Twilight had gotten tired waiting for her friend to return and fallen asleep on the couch. She blinked hard, trying to wake herself up as the Pegasus started to speak.

“I’m fine. OK? Just. Fine,” Dash said. She stood with her wings clamped firmly to her sides. She spoke harshly, clearly mad.

“Fine? Really?” Twilight interrogated her friend. “Because you do not look ‘fine.’ You look terrible. And you have been avoiding your friends. This is not healthy. This-“

“I have not been avoiding you guys. I’ve been busy,” Dash snapped, cutting across the unicorn. “And I don’t really care if this is ‘healthy’ or not. I. Just. Don’t. Care,” Rainbow said, her voice and face cold as ice. Only her eyes betrayed the pain she felt.

“You should care!” Twilight cried. “You need to care!”

“Why?!” Dash demanded. “Give me one good reason! Just one!”

“How about your friends?!” Twilight burst out. Fear filled her. Her friend looked like she was going insane. “How about your family? What about the animals that FLUTTERSHY asked you to care for? The weather patrol? Scootaloo? What would she do without her idol?” Twilight paused to catch her breath. She had more to say, but once more she did not get to finish.

“Friends?” Dash cried, tears falling from her face to the floor. “What friends do I have? I know you all hate me, you think I’m too stuck-up! You all think I’m a jerk! I knew it since you all dressed up like Mare-do-well! You did that to show me I’m not needed! That you hate me!”

“Dash, no,” Twilight tried to interrupt, but the Pegasus was on a roll.

“Family? I. Have. None. I was abandoned as a foal. I had to grow up on the streets, alone.” Fury flashed in her eyes as Dash started to pace. She paced on the ground, not in the air. “I have no family, Twi! The only pony I have ever loved in my entire life is dead! No family.

“The animals? Seriously? That you choose as a reason?! Some pony else can care for them! Spike can! I’ll bet even Derpy can do it! Nice try, but not good enough.

“I’m only one pony of many on the weather patrol. Sure, I’m the fastest and the best, but they can, have and will do it without me. I’m not needed. Scoots? She can find some other pony to fawn over. I’m not good enough for her!” Dash fell to her knees, allowing the sadness to wash over her. “Such a young filly needs a hero to look up to, Twi! I’m no hero. I’m not fast enough! I’m-”

“Now stop right there!” Twilight shouted, stomping a hoof. “Stop it, right now! You are one of the fastest fliers in all of Equestria! You are a hero! Remember when we stopped Discord? And Nightmare Moon! And Queen Chrysalis! We all needed you! So do not say you are no hero!” Twilight finished with a flourish.

“Maybe so,” Rainbow snapped back, standing up and pacing again. “But I was not fast enough when it counted. I wasn’t fast enough to save her… I wasn’t…” Dash broke off, dissolving into tears.

“Dash, what… what do you mean? Who could you not save?” Twilight asked, although she felt she already knew the name her friend would say.

“Flu- Flutters!” Dash screamed through the tears. “FLUTTERSHY!! The one pony I ever loved in my whole life and I KILLED HER!!! I killed her I killed her I killedherIkilledherIkilledherIKILLEDHER!!” Dash let out a hysterical laugh.

“Dash, breathe! Just… Just calm down OK?” Twilight took a timid step towards her friend. She had never been very good at things like this. “Just calm down OK? I’m sure this is not your fault.”

“IT IS!! IT IS MY FAULT!! I was too slow! I should have been faster!!”

“What are you talking about?!?”

“The day she died, I should have gotten her to the hospital faster, sooner! I went back to the doctor, after they removed her from the room. I talked to the doctor. He said… He told me that if Fluttershy had gotten to the hospital sooner, he might have been able to save her! I was too slow! It is all my fault!!!” Once more, the brave Pegasus fell to the ground, crying too hard to stand. She curled up and rocked back and forth, allowing the sadness to take hold.

“Dash?” Twilight asked tenderly, moving closer to her fallen friend. When there was no response, Twilight decided that the time to be gentle was past. “DASH! STOP IT!” she shouted. Her friend stopped rocking and looked up, tears still slipping down her face. The unicorn took a deep breath and started again. “This. Is. Not. Your. Fault. NO, do NOT interrupt me! LISTEN! Judging by what you told me, if you had flown any faster the G-forces might have killed Fluttershy. In her weakened state, it was only safe to move so fast. You did what you could. You did everything you could have done. I’m sorry, I really am. But you have to let this go. You cannot keep hiding from your friends. We need you,” the unicorn finished. Her friend, however, still looked unconvinced. Twilight still had one last card to play, though. “What about your life dream, Dash? What about joining the Wonder-”

“Stop talking,” Dash said softly. Tears stopped falling as the Pegasus stood up. When she spoke, her voice was a soft as Fluttershy’s had once been, yet it was filled with a cold venom that shut Twilight up instantly. “Do not finish that name. Do not speak of them around me. Ever.”

“What?!”

“Don’t say that name,” Rainbow said simply. She might have been commenting on a passing snail for all the emotion in her voice.

“But- but Rainbow,” Twilight stammered, confused. This was supposed to be the winning card, the one thing that would snap the Pegasus out of whatever slump she was in. This was supposed to save her, not strip away the last scrap of sanity Rainbow seemed to have left. “What about- but it was… your dream. How can you just give up on your dream?”

“Like this,” the blue mare said with the same simplicity as before. “I turn and just walk away.”

Twilight stared after her friend in shock. At the last moment, she found her voice. “Why?” she choked out. “Can you just tell me why?”

Rainbow Dash turned. “Why, you ask? Think, Twilight, think! If I never had tickets to their show, I would have been there with Flutters! I would have known she was too close to the fire! I would of- I could of-” Rainbow broke off, tears fighting to break free once more, but she shook them away; the time for tears was past. "It is their fault as much as it is mine. I will never see another of their shows again. I will never fly with my own wings again. I have one more thing to finish in the Forest with your Hot-air Balloon, then I will never fly again. I mean it, Twi. Never again.” Rainbow stared at the unicorn, her eyes showed her determination to go through with her plan, but they also betrayed the pain in her heart. “I’m sorry, but this is how it has to be. I’ll see you later, Twilight. Goodnight.”

“’Night,” Twilight whispered to the empty room a solid minute after the Pegasus has walked up the stairs to the bedroom. Head down, Twilight turned and began the walk back to her house, leaving her friend alone.

Epilogue: 329 years later

“Come on, Storm Lily!” the young Pegasus stallion called over his shoulder, looking at his companion.

“I’m coming, Cloudy Night,” the beautiful, pale orange mare called after her dark gray companion. “Keep your wings on,” she added, flipping her with a light gray mane out of her face.

The two flew over the Everfree Forest calmly; they had made this trip many times before. The night sky was well lit by stars and the full moon and a gentle breeze caressed the Pegasi as they flew. It was not long before they landed in a clearing. With a mischievous glint in her eye, Storm Lily took off with a burst of speed, galloping down the path that was not immediately noticeable. Looking over her shoulder, she called to her friend; “Race you!”

“HEY, no fair!” the stallion called after her with a laugh. He chased her, but she had too much of a head start. He burst into a smaller clearing a few steps behind Lily. In the clearing was a house. It was unlike anything from his hometown of Ponyville; the huts and houses back home where made of wood and straw; this one was made of nothing but stone. Windows stood every few steps around the perimeter of the one room in the hut. Cloudy Night and Storm Lily had found the house on its way to ruin weeks ago and had been working on restoring it.

Smiling at the memory, Cloudy Night walked up to Storm Lily where she stood staring above the door. He kissed her gently on the cheek. “I guess you win,” he whispered softly in her ear.

“I guess so,” she whispered back, leaning against him. Raising her voice to normal level and straightening up, she looked above the door and spoke. “Have you ever noticed that before?” She asked, gesturing to an engraving above the door.

Cloudy Night looked where Storm Lily was pointing. Above the door 12 words had been carved in the stone and signed with initials. Unlike the rest of the house, the stone into which the words had been carved into were in near-perfect condition. It seemed odd that the note had survived as well as it had; perhaps it had been magically enhanced? Ignoring these unimportant thoughts, Night quickly read the words.

“Nope, never seen this,” he said cheerfully. “Still, we have only come here about a dozen or so times. Come on, let’s go inside. It’s getting cold.” Not sparing the words any more thought, he walked on into the hut.

Storm Lily cast one last wondering glance at the engraving before she followed the other Pegasus inside. Above the door, the words seemed to glow in the moonlight.

Rebuilt in loving memory of Fluttershy. I will never leave you again.

-R.D.

Author's Note

That’s it. This story is done. Thanks to everyone who commented along the way. Once again, if you see any mistakes, feel free to let me know.
Other than that, I only have one thing to say. I’m sure you’re wondering why this is 329 years later. Why such an unusual number? I’ll tell you why. Because I can.