I silently stood and waited as the unicorns in the other room finished up with the urn. My friends were standing quietly behind me with the exception of Derpy who had her wing resting on my back. Mom stood on my other side, nuzzling me slowly.

To say this was hard was an understatement. The universe is cruel and evil. It doesn’t give a damn about us. Not a single one about any of us. Thankfully I had some good support. All my friends had helped me with this and spread the work out amongst each other equally. Lyra and Bon Bon gathered flowers. Derpy helped Vinyl and Octavia get Helia and Peppermint to keep the skies cloudy above town alongside comforting me. Starlight helped Twilight create a to do list for us all alongside meeting people but Starlight didn’t really hit it off with anyone unfortunately.

“Miss Shimmer?” An ashy grey earth pony in a suit stepped out with a unicorn mare wearing a black dress. She levitated a white urn with a black stripe on the top and bottom with the initials HW in black cursive in the middle.

“Yes that’s me,” I said calmly as I could.

“You have our deepest condolences,” the mare said sympathetically as she smiled warmly at me. As much as I wanted to believe they meant it, they most likely rehearsed it. “Your mother was an amazing mare.”

“We wish you and your family the best,” the stallion gave me a subtle nod. The mare levitated the urn to me and I slowly took it in my magic. I sighed and decided to play along.

“Thank you. It means a lot to us all,” I forced a smile on my face. The two nodded before disappearing behind a closed door.

“How ya holdin up sugarcube?” Applejack asked quietly. I was kinda surprised the rest of the Element’s accompanied Twilight here. I was even more surprised when Lemon Hearts, Moondancer, Twinkleshine and Minuette came. I didn’t even expect that. I only really planned for two. Applejack apparently decided to leave her hat behind for the occasion.

“I’ll be okay,” I lied and her eyes narrowed slightly before she nodded.

“Alright. Ah’d love to stay longer but ah gotta back. It’s been a nice few days with ya all,” she nodded to my group.

“Thanks AJ,” I sighed as she patted my back.

“If ya ever need anything at all, come and get me,” Rainbow Dash flapped her wings above me. “We can go get drinks and hang out. Talk ya know.”

“You got it,” I smiled. Lemon Hearts and the others gave me nods. In Minuettes case she just hugged me as they left. They had their own jobs unfortunately they had to get back to.

“See you darling,” Rarity patted my back as Fluttershy smiled at me before the two left with Pinkie dropping a present at my hooves before trotting away.

“Hey Sunset,” Twilight nuzzled me. “I’m very sorry. Anything I can do?”

“Nah I’ll be good. Thank you though Twi.”

“Okay. I know this might be a bad time but can I leave Starlight here with you for a few days? Might be good for her to get away from Ponyville. She’s been having trouble with the townsfolk.”

“It’s okay. Yeah sure,” I sighed. “Not much for her to do here.” Starlight was sitting quietly in the corner trying to make herself seem small.

“Between the two of us, she still feels guilty about what happened. I just want you to practically reassure her that it’s okay,” Twilight whispered in my ear. “Even if you don’t, it’s important to me.”

“I’ll try.”

“You sure you’re okay?” Derpy asked as we laid in the hotel bed. I was curled up on the bed with her hooves around me as I stared at the urn. Starlight was sitting in a chair reading a book quietly while mom was asleep in the other bed.

“I’m getting there,” I admitted. I had cried out all my tears so now I was just pretty much lifeless and going on autopilot I guess. “It’s hard to wrap my head around ya know? She was only in her fifties. Thought she had more time.”

“I understand. You have all of us here though. I was surprised that many people came,” Derpy said.

“Me and you both. I expected only Twilight, Starlight and Spike.”

“Well you got em all. I’m happy they all came. Even your new friends from that school.”

“Yeah. Hey Starlight?” The mare flinched and looked at me.

“Uhm yes?” She asked cautiously as her eyes flicked nervously between me, Derpy and moms sleeping form. “What’s up?”

“Your hair looks nice. Who did it?” I asked curiously. “And why?” I had already knew the answer. I just wanted to hear it from her. Apparently she wanted a new manestyle to help show she’s changing.

“Uh I wanted to prove I was changing so I got a different manestyle. The first thing on a step to redemption is changing your personal appearance. And I had Rarity do it.”

“It looks very nice,” Derpy smiled. “Suits you well.”

“Why are you being so nice to me? I attacked you in front of your mom, marefriend and friends. I was awful.” Me and Derpy sighed and made eye contact.

“Did Twilight tell you what I was?” I asked softly. Starlight looked away and gave a faint nod.

“She told me yes. Figured you would be a good influence to help me along my redemption.”

“Typical Twilight,” I rolled my eyes. “Always an optimist.” Derpy flinched and I squeezed her tighter. I still can’t believe I got as a lucky as I have. She was a damn good woman.

“You okay?” I asked cautiously. Hopefully I didn’t do something wrong accidentally without knowing.

“Yeah I’m good. Just relieving the day that happened.”

“It was a pretty bad day. For us all,” I admitted.

“Do you guys want anything?” Starlight asked hesitantly. “I want to walk around town. Alone to think.”

“Bring mom and Lyra. I saw some griffins around earlier and I got a bad feeling about them. Strength in numbers.”

“Okay. We will be back soon ”

Author's Note

More mottos!

Equestrian Rainbow Dash: The whole point of loyalty is not to change. Stick with those who stuck with you.

Equestrian Applejack: It takes strength and courage to admit the truth.

Equestrian Pinkie Pie: Sometimes if you just wait long enough, problems solve themselves.

Equestrian Fluttershy: It takes courage to be kind.

Equestrian Rarity: Beauty is in everything except war.

Equestrian Twilight: Reach for the stars but never leave your friends.

Minuette: Opportunities don't happen, you create them.

Lemon Hearts: If at first you don't succeed, keep trying.

Twinkleshine: Without caution and reason, you can't have no victory.

Moondancer: The universe tells it's secrets to those who will listen.

Equestrian Lyra: A life without risk is a life with reward.

Equestrian Bon Bon: The strongest tyrant can't crush freedom of thought.

Earth Bon Bon: You can't take anything from someone who has nothing to lose.

Earth Lyra: Perseverance leads to triumph.

Earth Cheerilee: Logic is the ultimate weapon.

Sunset Shimmer: Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.

Earth Vinyl: Enjoy each moment like it's your last.

Earth Octavia: Sometimes you have to be smart enough to run.

Earth Derpy: Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.

Starlight: Behind every sweet smile is a bitter sadness that no one can see or feel.