Fluttershy's eyes fluttered open as her alarm blared. Her eyes stung from the early morning light that filtered through the window. Fluttershy slowly sat up and rubbed her eyes, then winced as a sharp pain raced up her spine.
"Oh, dear me..." Fluttershy groaned, cautiously rubbing her back.
In a flash, Discord appeared next to her.
"My dear, are you alright?!" Discord exclaimed.
With a flash, Discord placed Fluttershy on a medical table, examining her back closely.
"Discord, it's just another back cramp," Fluttershy sighed. "Remember, the doctor said it was normal for ponies my age."
Fluttershy was now an old mare, much to Discord's dismay. Fluttershy's once vibrant, pink locs were now stark white, and her eyes were clouded due to cataracts. Unfortunately, Fluttershy had lost her vision many years ago, and could now only differentiate between light and dark. Instead of being able to enjoy Twilight's sunrise in the mornings, she now could only process the blinding light that gave her migraines. Other than her eyes and mane, Fluttershy looked surprisingly youthful for her age. She did not develop wrinkles as much as others, and merely had smile lines from under her eyes. Discord liked to imagine it was the consequence of all of the jokes they shared with one another.
Discord sighed in relief to Fluttershy's words. "As long as you're okay."
Discord snapped, and the medical table disappeared. "How about a morning massage?"
"I would love that," Fluttershy replied. "But I have to take care of the animals first."
Discord snapped his claws before Fluttershy could get out of bed. "Not on my watch! Lay back and relax while the master gets to work."
Fluttershy smiled softly, grateful for the Draconequus's kindness. She laid on her stomach, resting her head. Discord began his work immediately. He placed his paw and claw on her shoulders, gently rubbing the skin. After a moment, he began kneading into the muscles gently. He worked as precisely as a surgeon as he worked through her muscles. Fluttershy groaned in appreciation. Discord smiled to himself, glad to help his wife out in any way.
Forty-two years ago, they had gotten married. Ever since, Fluttershy and Discord have been attached by the hip. Discord waited on his beautiful wife daily, and this massage session has been a daily ritual for the past eight years.
"Where is your back sore today?" Discord asked gently.
Fluttershy gestured to the middle of her back, and Discord began kneading there. While Fluttershy had been aging, Discord remained in the same state. As an immortal being, it pained him that he would outlast Fluttershy. As she grew older, Discord grew more depressed.
Discord's sadness did not go unnoticed by Fluttershy. His normal mannerisms throughout the last few years have ceased, and he rarely jokes around with her anymore. She could see the pain in his eyes, and it hurt her greatly.
"Alright, Discord, that's enough for today," Fluttershy said. "Thank you so much for all that you do."
Fluttershy flapped her wings and fluttered to his face, giving Discord a peck on the nose.
Discord smiled awkwardly. "Would you like to join me for a walk?"
Fluttershy nodded in assent, placing her hoof in Discord's outstretched paw. They walked outside, hand in hoof. Fluttershy sighed happily as she took in the scent of nature and the sounds of all of her beloved animals chirping outside. Although she could no longer see the visual beauty of Equestria, her lack of vision has given her insight into different types of beauty.
Fluttershy giggled as white dandelions tickled her hooves. Discord gazed upon her with loving eyes. Moments like these reminded Discord that he made the right choice marry Fluttershy.
A white bunny with black spots hopped up to Fluttershy, squeaking happily at the sight of the mare. When it noticed Discord, it stopped to shoot him a nasty glare.
"Hello, Spirit," Fluttershy greeted. Spirit was a descendant of Angel Bunny, who had passed away several decades prior. Fluttershy continued to care for his family for generations in his memory. "How are you today?"
Spirit squeaked dissent at Discord. One thing Spirit had inherited from Angel was his distaste for Discord. Discord replied by sticking his tongue out and crossing his eyes to mock Spirit. The bunny responded by angrily stomping his paws.
"Discord, don't goad him," Fluttershy scolded. Spirit smirked. "And Spirit, please try to be nicer to Discord."
Spirit rolled his eyes, before hopping off. Fluttershy giggled to herself, not upset by the interaction.
"Some things never change," Fluttershy murmured.
"If only everything could stay the same," Discord said sadly. Fluttershy tightened her grip on his paw.
"Change is beautiful," Fluttershy reminded. "Without change, there would be no excitement. Change helps us grow as individuals." Fluttershy smiled. "Change also is chaotic."
Discord stroked Fluttershy's hoof with his thumb. "I suppose you're right."
Fluttershy began to cough violently. Discord immediately sprang to her aid.
"Fluttershy?!" he exclaimed.
Fluttershy raised a hoof, pausing him before he could do anything. "I just... I just need a glass of water."
Discord snapped his fingers, immediately summoning a glass of water. He held it to her lips, and she sipped the water slowly.
Over time, Fluttershy's cough grew worse. Each day, Fluttershy would break out into coughing fits. At first it was just once a day, but it had grown to occurring once an hour. Discord was growing more distressed each day.
Fluttershy finally finished another coughing fit. Discord remained close by, holding her hooves and conjuring ideas of how to help her.
"With a snap of the fingers, I can give you a solution," Discord offered.
"No, this is just a normal part of aging," Fluttershy replied. "Ponies cough all the time."
"Not as often as you have been," Discord retorted, annoyed. "Something is wrong, I can feel it in my heart."
Discord pulled his heart out of his chest, which had a face with a concerned expression.
Fluttershy giggled softly. "Oh, how I love your jokes..."
"Your health is no joke!" Discord snapped. "Will you at least let me take you to the Ponyville Hospital?"
"That won't be necessary, but thank you for the offer," Fluttershy kindly rejected. "There are so many other ponies who need help more than I do."
"What if it's something serious?" Discord questioned.
Fluttershy just gave him a reassuring smile and stroked his arm. Spirit hopped up to Fluttershy, chattering complaints as he demanded lunch.
"We can continue this conversation in a moment," Fluttershy said, getting up from her spot on the couch.
Fluttershy went into the kitchen, searching for carrots to give to Spirit. However, a sharp pain shot through her chest. Fluttershy clutched her chest, a guttural sound forcing its way out of her throat. Fluttershy began to hyperventilate. The pain grew more and more severe with each breath. Fluttershy crumpled to her knees, before completely falling over.
"D-Discord," Fluttershy choked out.
Fluttershy's eyes slowly began to shut as a white flash appeared in front of her, while her husband shouted her name in anguish.
Never in his life did Discord feel fear as much as he did in this moment. Just hours prior, the love of his life collapsed in their kitchen. Discord cursed himself for not coming with her. If he had been there, maybe he could have prevented this mess.
Discord had rushed Fluttershy into the Ponyville Hospital Emergency Room. Upon seeing Fluttershy's state, several doctors and nurses came to her aid and whisked her away before Discord could utter a word. Not that he could, as he had been trembling so hard that he knew that all that would come out of his mouth were wails.
Discord heard nothing since about Fluttershy's condition, and every moment that passed by drove Discord insane.
Around a couple hours prior to this moment, Discord wrote out letters for each of Fluttershy's best friends relaying her condition. He wasn't sure if he wrote them to come support her, or himself. Discord was on the verge of a breakdown.
Suddenly, the emergency room doors opened. In raced in four ponies. Pinkie Pie, Applejack, Rarity, and even Princess Twilight had all arrived for their friends.
"What happened?!" Twilight shouted, racing up to Discord.
Now that she was a mature alicorn, Twilight stood nearly as tall as Discord. The fiery look in her eyes caused him to recoil while raising his paws.
"H-Hey!" Discord exclaimed.
"Twilight, darling, he must be going through a lot right now," Rarity explained, putting a wrinkled hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "Give him time to answer."
"We were having a nice morning... Then Fluttershy began having another coughing fit," Discord explained, his voice weak. "Then, Spirit came up whining about wanting lunch. When she went out to the kitchen to feed the nasty vermin, she collapsed, and I brought her here."
Twilight looked distressed, staring at the door that led to the hospital rooms.
"Has there been any word on 'er condition?" Applejack asked.
Discord's silence gave them the answer they needed to know.
On cue, the doors opened and a concerned nurse stepped through the door.
"Mr. Draconequus?" the nurse called.
Discord wheeled around. "How's Fluttershy?" He raced forward, grabbing the nurse's shoulders.
The nurse looked extremely concerned. "As of now, the doctor is currently performing emergency surgery."
Discord prodded her to continue. The nurse took in a slow and deep breath. "I have come out here to inform you to prepare for the worst."
Discord's heart clenched at her words. Prepare for the worst? Does this mean... those coughing fits were a symptom of something worse?
"Miss nurse! What's wrong with Fluttershy?!" Pinkie raced forward.
Even in her old age, Pinkie still had boundless energy. However, her curly mane was beginning to deflate due to the stress of the situation.
"I cannot share this information at the moment with anyone but Mr. Draconequus," the nurse replied gently. "I am sure he will share information with you all shortly."
The nurse turned to Discord, but before she could say anything, a red light began to flash over the door. An emergency reaction was beginning to occur, and Discord had a feeling it was related to Fluttershy. The nurse galloped out of the room, leaving Discord and the stressed mares together.
An hour had passed, but to Discord it had felt like an eternity. Discord paced around the waiting room. Rarity and Pinkie had begun crying some time ago, while Applejack held both of them in her arms. Twilight stared out of a window forlornly. Discord stopped beside her.
"After Rainbow's death, the reality of immortality has begun to sink in," Twilight murmured to Discord.
Discord nodded solemnly. The colorful pegasus had passed over twenty years ago after a flight accident. Even in the end, Rainbow Dash was a brave mare who pushed her limits.
"It has hit me too, knowing that Fluttershy..." Discord trailed off, tearing up.
Twilight gently hugged Discord. "At least we can support one another."
The emergency room door opened once again, and the nurse walked out with her ears flattened and a deep frown.
"Mr. Draconequus?" the nurse called.
Discord locked eyes with her, meekly walking over. "Is she-?"
"Mr. Draconequus, please take a seat," the nurse offered.
"No, I want you to tell me whatever it is right now," Discord snapped.
The nurse flinched but understood his frustration. "Mrs. Fluttershy... We do not believe she will make it through the night."
It felt as though the world was crashing down around Discord. He stared at the nurse in horror. This couldn't be happening.
"I have to see her!" Without waiting another moment, Discord burst past the nurse and raced down the hall.
He did not know which door Fluttershy remained behind, but he was determined to find her. He opened and closed several doors, seeing ponies that were not his sweet Fluttershy.
Eventually, he finally found her room. As the door opened, Discord's eyes fell upon his beloved. His breath hitched as he noticed how pale her fur was. Her once buttermellow fur now was nearly snow white, and her hair was a mess of tangles. Her eyes seemed to be sunken. A doctor shouted out in surprise and began to protest Discord's presence.
"Sir, you cannot be in here," the doctor spat.
"P-Please, let him stay," Fluttershy meekly forced out.
The doctor snapped his attention to her, a knowing look settling on his face.
"My apologies," the doctor whispered. "I will see myself out."
Discord slowly crawled over to the bedside. Fluttershy's head tilted towards him, but he knew that she could not see him. Discord sadly took her hoof into his paw. Behind him rushed in the four mares he left behind in the waiting room, but right now all he could see was the frail mare in front of him.
"D-Discord," Fluttershy stammered, trying to sit up.
"Shhhh, save your energy," Discord said softly as he guided her to lay down.
"N-No," Fluttershy replied. "I have s-something I need to... I need to confess."
Discord frowned deeply. A secret?
"My heart has been failing," Fluttershy explained. "-and today, it has given up."
Fluttershy has been dying for months, and Discord did not notice. Discord's lips turned to a scowl.
"How could you hide this from me?!" Discord exclaimed. "I could have prevented this!"
"That is why I couldn't tell you," Fluttershy replied. "I knew that your first reaction would be to take my ailments away."
Discord looked at her pleadingly. "I still can!"
"No," Fluttershy replied firmly. "You know how I feel about this. I believe that nature should take its course."
Discord stifled a sob. "B-But we can be together! Forever!"
Fluttershy gave him a soft smile. "I will still be with you, in spirit. We will always be together."
Tears streamed down Discord's cheeks. "I love you, my sweet, darling Fluttershy."
"And I love you, my charming Discord," Fluttershy whispered, stroking Discord's arm.
Fluttershy's arm fell limp by her side, and her unseeing eyes relaxed.
Discord paused for a moment. "F-Fluttershy?"
A sob escaped Discord. "FLUTTERSHY!"
Discord began to wail, and Twilight embraced the others within her large wings as they began to weep for their lost friend.
Author's Note
When one chapter ends, another begins.
Discord wept beside Fluttershy's bed for hours. The doctors and nurses did not dare approach the grieving Draconequus. The other mares stuck by his side like glue, hoping that their shared pain will bring him catharsis.
Once he had cried until no more tears could form, Discord disappeared in a white flash. The mares looked to one another in worry. They only hoped that the grieving Draconequus wouldn't do anything brash.
What they did not know was that Discord just teleported home, back to the cottage that Fluttershy and Discord have shared for decades. Discord flopped onto the green couch and laid silently and unmoving. Discord's claw grazed against the soft, green fabric as he recollected memories of the tea parties back when he and Fluttershy were merely friends. Back then, he could not fathom the pain in which he felt for the loss of his lover and greatest friend.
Spirit hopped over, noticing the overwhelming sadness coming from Discord. His ears pinned back, uncertain of how to address Discord. Meanwhile, Discord's eyes trailed down to Spirit, not holding the typical mocking look that they usually held.
Spirit chattered in concern, crying for answers of his caretaker's whereabouts. Discord's eyes saddened.
"She's gone," Discord murmured.
Spirit's eyes widened like saucers, before he sprinted away while squeaking in sorrow and disbelief. Discord knew he would likely share the news with the rest of the animals, and then he would get no peace as they would soon swarm him.
Discord glumly sat up from his spot on the couch. His body felt heavy from grief.
"She... She's gone..." Discord muttered again. A few birds resting on the windowsill began to fly away.
A sob wracked Discord's body. "SHE'S GONE!"
For the next few days, not a single soul had seen or heard from Discord. His whereabouts were completely unknown. This worried Twilight, who fronted the head of planning Fluttershy's funeral in Discord's absence. Twilight stayed with the Apple family at Sweet Apple Acres in their guest bedroom.
She did not blame him, of course. Having to plan one's own wife's funeral was harder than anything imaginable. However, the same could be said about planning one's best friend's funerals.
Twilight was an alicorn, and on top of that, the Princess of Equestria. She inherited the immortality of Celestia and Luna when she took her place as the monarch. Twilight was beginning to feel the depressing downside of this immortality. This meant that none other than Twilight understood Discord's pain. She as well would have to go through the loss of all of her dearest friends, and only she would remain.
Twilight stared down at the parchment before her solemnly.
"Twilight?" called Spike from behind her.
Twilight looked up, turning to the tall dragon behind her. She smiled to herself sadly. Fortunately, Spike would be here with her for centuries to come.
"Twilight, please get some rest," Spike urged. "You haven't had sleep for two days."
Twilight rolled her eyes. "Spike, you know how important planning this is."
"Yes, but it will go better if you have a clear mind," Spike retorted. "Even if you're an alicorn and immortal now, you're still not immune to exhaustion!"
Twilight knew that Spike was right. Her eyelids drooped heavily, and her shoulders sagged. Everything in her body screamed that it needed sleep, but Twilight was adamant to stay awake. Twilight wanted to keep her mind occupied. She knew that if she went to sleep, her thoughts of her late friend would plague her mind.
Spike put a reassuring claw on Twilight's shoulder.
"Come on, Fluttershy would have wanted you to be well rested," Spike soothingly said.
That was all it took for Twilight to break down into tears. Spike recoiled in surprise to the sudden outburst. He quickly recovered and wrapped his arms around Twilight for a comfortable hug. Twilight rose from her spot, leaving the parchment behind as Spike guided her to her temporary bedroom in the farmhouse.
Only two days later, Fluttershy was released from the hospital so that her funeral could take place. Due to Discord's absence, Twilight was the one who had to collect her.
The funeral took place in the Fruit Bat Sanctuary that Fluttershy and Applejack had created decades ago. Twilight found it to be a fitting place as an example of Fluttershy's astounding kindness. Invitations were sent all across Equestria, and dozens of ponies gathered to say their goodbyes.
Twilight stood at the front of it all, standing next to Fluttershy's memorial, eyes flitting around to see if a certain Draconequus would show up. Twilight only hoped that he would find it within himself to arrive. The ceremony was set to begin in fifteen minutes. With each minute that passed, Twilight began to lose hope.
Applejack approached Twilight, an expression of deep concern etched onto her face.
"Any sign of Discord?" Applejack inquired.
Twilight solemnly shook her head. "Not any."
Applejack sighed, frowning deeply. "I'll go get em."
Twilight raised an eyebrow. "Do you think you'll be able to find him in time?"
"Ah think Ah know where to find em," Applejack replied.
Twilight sighed and gestured for her to go, hoping that Applejack would be able to return in time for the beginning. Applejack walked off as quickly as she could.
Applejack knew where she was going. Over the years, Applejack learned several things about Fluttershy and Discord's relationship, including their "special spot." Their spot wasn't anything extravagant but was an important place for Fluttershy. That's how Applejack knew that she would be able to find Discord in Fluttershy's gardens by the Everfree Forest.
After making her way to the Everfree, Applejack began to hear the sound of soft sobs. Applejack then spotted a lump splayed out in a batch of Tulips. The lump's body wracked with painful sobs and scrunched together in a pitiful manner.
"Discord?" Applejack called quietly.
"Go away," the lump growled back. Instead of sounding threatening or angry, the lump sounded pathetic and afraid.
"Discord, hear me out for a second," Applejack said. "Fluttershy's funeral is today."
Discord uncurled himself, glaring at Applejack. "Please, leave me alone."
"Ah can't do that, and ya know it," Applejack retorted. "Please, Discord, you need to be there."
"I-I can't," Discord whispered meekly.
"Why?" Applejack questioned, raising an eyebrow. "It doesn't look like you're incapable of goin'."
"B-Because, if I go, I'll have to accept that she's truly gone!" Discord cried.
Applejack softened up at this statement. She approached Discord, offering a hoof for him to lift himself up with.
"Ah know it's very difficult," Applejack explained. "-But going to the funeral will give ya come closure. You'll be able to see Fluttershy at peace, and be able to say a proper goodbye. It will help you in the long run."
Discord weakly grabbed onto Applejack's hoof, raising himself up. He stumbled for a second, before steadying himself.
"Alright, I'm ready..." Discord sighed.
"Ah'm proud of you, Discord," Applejack encouraged.
The two then began to head back to Fluttershy's funeral.
Twilight checked the time with a watch she summoned. It was five minutes past when she was supposed to begin. She delayed the start of the funeral, much to her own discomfort, to give Applejack time to come back. Twilight looked upon the audience, noting how the audience solemnly spoke to one another and caught up. Twilight did not want to delay any longer, believing that Discord would not show up.
"Everypony, let us begin," Twilight called, and the chatter among the audience ceased.
Twilight's eyes widened as she noticed a familiar white flash. Applejack and Discord appeared in the front row of chairs. Discord's eyes were puffy and tear filled, and Applejack held a sad and reassuring smile on her face. Twilight nodded to her gratefully.
"We are here today to celebrate the life of Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness," Twilight began. "Fluttershy was compassionate, kind, and passionate for caring for her animals and friends. We are here to remember her today, and anyone will be allowed to step forward and speak."
After Twilight stepped back, several ponies began to move toward the front to share their words of grief and love for the lost pegasus. Discord solemnly stared at the ground, seemingly numb to his surroundings. Twilight regretfully looked away, not knowing how to approach the draconequus.
Applejack stepped to the front of the line of ponies, turning to address the crowd.
"Fluttershy is the second close friend that I have lost in these years," Applejack called. "Ah will be frank with y'all... It doesn't get easier. Each day it's difficult remembering our loved ones and their absence. However, the lessons that we learn from their stories will help shape us into better ponies. Fluttershy has taught us time and time again to always accept and support each other."
Twilight noticed as Discord shifted uncomfortably from his spot, and her heart ached as tears began to form in his eyes. She decided that she could no longer idly stand by while her friend is struggling. While she hurt too, she knew that Fluttershy would have wanted her friends to ensure that Discord would be alright.
With a flash, Twilight teleported next to Discord.
"How have you been holding up these last few days?" Twilight asked, thinking of his absence.
Discord stayed silent for a few moments. "Not well."
Twilight's ears drooped at the answer. "Neither have I."
The two stayed in silence for a few more moments, listening to the words of sadness from ponies who once shared a bond with Fluttershy.
"Are you going to say anything?" Twilight asked.
"I-I don't know if I should," Discord replied truthfully. "There's so much to say, but I have no words to get these feelings across."
Twilight hated hearing her friend sound so lost. The once playful and cheerful Discord she knew has now been subdued. She only hoped that one day he would be able to be happy once again.
"Well, Discord, I will always be here for you," Twilight replied.
Discord said nothing. Twilight rose from her spot and returned to her place at the front of the ceremony. While he didn't verbally express this sentiment, Discord was truly grateful for Twilight's support.
As the funeral went on, the speeches seemed to blur together. Discord could not help but stare at the casket where his wife now lay. Ponies were now beginning to leave after saying their piece, which Discord was grateful for. He wanted a last moment alone with Fluttershy before returning to the cottage.
Soon enough, all that remained were the remaining members of the Mane 6 and Discord. Discord took this opportunity to slowly walk to the front, too terrified to use his magic to appear next to Fluttershy. Discord hesitated with each step, not knowing if he was ready to face reality.
He soon stood next to the casket, but he stared at the ground. Slowly, he lifted his eyes to the beautiful mare resting inside. Discord's heart skipped a beat as he locked eyes with Fluttershy's beautiful and peaceful face.
She really looked as though she was sleeping. Discord was relieved to see that she was at peace and not in pain any longer. While he wished Fluttershy agreed to stay with him forever, he felt at peace knowing that Fluttershy would now rest peacefully as she wished.
A single tear fell down Discord's face. He knew in his heart that it was now time to say goodbye. Discord leaned down slowly and gave Fluttershy a kiss on the forehead.
"Goodbye, my love," Discord whispered.
Discord didn't know if it was just in his head, but it seemed that Fluttershy now had a soft smile on her face. It was as if she was pleased with his acceptance and farewell.
Discord relished in taking one last look at her, then snapped his claws. He appeared back inside the cottage. His heart felt raw from the pain, and his eyes were sore from several days of crying.
He thought back on the day's events, like when Applejack came to drag him to the funeral and the words that Twilight shared with him. Discord smiled to himself as he realized Fluttershy had given him one last gift in her passing.
The gift of true friendship.
Author's Note
The story is FAR from over. I'll see you all soon!
