Who Would Have Thought

The air was cold. It would be, in the mountains, and so late in the evening as well. The breath could be seen coming out of everypony's mouth. The sight was tasteful, though somber; everypony in their black garments. Rarity had simplified her own wardrobe, and even left her hair undone so as to not draw attention to herself at such an inappropriate time. It was a thoughtful gesture to say the least. They all looked great in their black dresses. Rainbow even died her mane different shades of gray. There were no happy smiling faces. There was no laughter. All of Ponyville was in attendance. There were 60 chairs on either side of the casket. Big Macintosh and Shining Armor carried the casket down the row and lowered it onto the platform. The took their seats right afterward.The five remaining ponies of the Mane Six lowered it into the ground, not a word among them. When the casket had finally hit the ground, the mayor took her cue and approached the podium.

"Fillies and gentlecolts, we are all her today on this most somber of a day to remember and mourn the gentlest, sweetest mares to ever grace the earth of Equestria. Most of us knew Fluttershy on some way or another. I was never that close to Fluttershy, but I can never forget all the things she did for Ponville using her special skills. Like when she put the songbird choir together for Princess Celestia's arrival at the Summer Sun Celebration. I cannot ever say enough to truly honor this amazing mare." She closed and exited the podium. Next up was Twilight Sparkle, then Rarity, then Applejack, then Rainbow Dash. Pinkie Pie got up, but couldn't manage to find words between her sobs.

They all helped cover the casket and fill in the mound, though reluctantly. They all had their tears now, even the sturdy Rainbow Dash couldn't keep herself together through it. They finished filling in the hole, and placed the tombstone, which read:

Here Lies Fluttershy

The best animal caretaker in all of Equestria

They all said their words to Fluttershy's grave, and left their flowers and remembrances. Angel hopped out of his hiding place behind some chairs, crying his little bunny eyes out. he could remember all the times when he had been a douche to Fluttershy, all the times he smacked her, and it seemed like he would never forgive himself. Poor thing. When all was said and done, everypony left and quietly went back to their homes in Ponyville. Twilight Sparkle was the first to leave, out of everypony, not just Fluttershy's friends. This was absolutely horrible to those who watched her go. They all gave her glares that she couldn't see, and silently judged her for not staying longer. After all, it was one of her best friends in the world. Nonetheless, she went.

Rainbow Dash arrived at her cloud home, still crying over her friends life. She found a note on her door which read:

Dear Rainbow Dash,
Please meet me at the Library at 7 o'clock sharp.
-TS

"Oh I'll be there, Twilight, and I'll give you a piece of my mind," she said bitterly.

Seven o'clock came quickly, and Rainbow Dash headed over to the Library, intent on setting her friend straight. She arrived after a few moments, and saw Applejack walking to the same place. She wondered if Applejack was indeed going to the Library, and decided to ask her.

"Hey, AJ!" she called. Applejack stopped and looked around, then finally up to her left at Rainbow.

"Yeh, what's goin' on, Rainbow?" she replied.

"Oh, I'm headed to the Library."

"Really? I'm'a doin' th' same. You gedda note from Twilight, too?"

"Yep," she replied.

"Well shoot, what could Twilight want with all of us?"

"Let's find out."

They covered to distance to Twilight's front door, and knocked. Spike opened the door and let them in, not saying a word. They came in and saw Rarity and Pinkie Pie already there. They looked over and saw were not surprised to see their friends come in, and resumed looking forward. As they rounded the corner, and could see the rest of the living room, they saw Twilight at the end, facing a wall, looking away from them.

"Take a seat, you two," she said, without looking. Rainbow and Applejack complied, and sat next to Rarity and Pinkie Pie. Twilight turned around and addressed them all. "As cliche as it sounds, I am sure you're all wondering why I've gathered you here. Well, as you know, one of our friends has passed away. But that's not entirely true. She was, in fact, murdered." There were four simultaneous gasps. The tears came back now, and Pinkie started sobbing again.

"Weh-now hold on there, sugarcube, how d'you know that?" Applejack asked.

"Because, I saw the mark on her cheek. The right one. It came from her ex boyfriend, Muscle Mass. I saw it the day before she....well, you know," Twilight said, trying to suppress the memory of Fluttershy dying in the hospital.

"Oh no, that's awful. Twilight, dear, why didn't you say anything!?" Rarity exclaimed.

"She convinced me it wasn't him, and I believed Muscles fake tears. But now I know it was him. He tricked me, he tricked everyone, and he hurt and killed Fluttershy. This is inexcusable. Which is why I called you all here: we're going to get him back."

There was a dead silence in the room. No one spoke for what seemed like an eternity. Pinkie spoke for the first time in three days.

"I'm in." Everypony looked at her in surprise. Even Twilight wasn't expecting it. Though honestly, Twilight wasn't expecting any of them to come with her.

"Me too," said Rainbow. "I'm gonna show him what happens when you pick on ponies that are smaller and weaker than you are," she said, ramming her hoofs together in a punch.

"Ah'm gonna help too, ah guess."

"And I will help, too. I cannot let that brutish thug get away with mistreating a lady such as Fluttershy, it's not right," Rarity proclaimed.

"Alright, then here's the plan..." began Twilight.