Twilight and her friends ran at full speed through the forest, following Rainbow, there were no words, no questions, only the sound of hooves crashing against the earth at high speed, so for a long stretch until they finally reached their destination, down the ravine and planted themselves on the outside of the dark cave.
They all stood for a long moment, not a sound came from inside the great entrance, so much was the deafening silence, that all other sounds of the forest were dulled.

“These....” began Twilight feeling short of breath ”Are you sure she went in there?”

“I checked...Fluttershy is in there...” replied Rainbow in the same distressed tone.

They all exchanged glances, glances that it was hard to know what they reflected, none of them wanted to be the first to take the step, they didn't feel prepared for whatever awaited them, Twilight on her part was conflicted, as princess of friendship her duty was to give help and understanding, especially to one of her oldest friends, but she couldn't help feeling, deep in her mind, a feeling of uncertainty, of doubt, a not knowing that hadn't overwhelmed her since the first day she had arrived in Ponyville.

“There's...” Twilight began to say, pushing that anguish out of her mind and focusing on what she considered the most important thing, helping Fluttershy ” We have to get inside...”

They all made their way inside the cave, very carefully and very slowly, Twilight shone her horn very slightly, just enough to illuminate the path ahead of them, and soon, they were all at the end of the path.
At first it was hard to make it out, but soon the familiar sound of crying echoed in their ears, it was faint and muffled, but it was undoubtedly the sound of Fluttershy crying, they only had to go a little further to find the silhouette of their friend sitting on the ground, with her back to them and hugging herself with her hooves, sobbing silently and apparently unaware of the presence of her friends.

At that moment, and in a strange way, all the fear that the five mares carried with them, seemed to diminish, somehow, seeing their friend in such a vulnerable position, made them feel safer, even so they continued approaching cautiously, noticing how Fluttershy seemed to tremble and breathe shallowly, as if she was suffering a panic attack, rocking gently back and forth.
Finally, Twilight gathered the courage to approach, reaching out her hoof and placing it gently on the yellow pegasus' shoulder.

“Fluttershy...”

Slowly Angel raised her head, turning slightly to realize that she was surrounded by Fluttershy's friends, the five mares were looking at her with concern and anguish, looks that turned to pity as they noticed her face completely soaked with tears, at this and feeling a lump in her throat Twilight continued.

“Are you all right?”

For the first time since Fluttershy's death, at this question Angel didn't feel pain, he didn't feel that pressure on his heart that gnawed him nor that headache that made him want to scream, he could taste the remnant of those sensations in the back of his mind, but he put all of himself to remember Fluttershy's words, putting himself before these, for the first time, he decided to be honest, not only with others, but also with himself, answering Twilight's sincere question with equally sincere words.

“Yes I...the truth...no...” he said between sobs.

Angel's soft words ended up breaking the tension of the atmosphere, now, for the five mares, the only thing before them was their friend, suffering and very sad, and, before anything else could happen, and to everyone's surprise, Twilight threw herself on Angel, giving him a strong hug.
He didn't know how to react, he could feel the warmth of the alicorn, the softness of her touch against his body, realizing that it was the first time he felt something like that in his new skin, the others didn't take long to imitate the gesture, wrapping Angel in all directions, squeezing so hard that he thought his body would explode, but it didn't happen, and before he knew it, the others also began to cry, a long moment passed in which Angel didn't understand the reason for this, but he simply decided to stop thinking and just accept it, actively joining the embrace.

It wasn't until the silence was broken that Angel realized it was time to tell the truth.

“We're so sorry Fluttershy...” began Rainbow through tears.

“We didn't mean to make you feel so lonely...” continued Applejack.

“We just assumed that you would want time to mourn Angel's death, we know how much he meant to you...” Rarity said in a barely audible tone.

“And we assumed you would come to us if you needed to, but we should have been here for you, we're really sorry...” continued Twilight.

“You're the best friend one could ever wish for” exclaimed Pinkie crying her eyes out.

Angel gritted his teeth, he was afraid, really afraid, the same fear that had kept him isolated and violent, but, thanks to the sweet gesture of pure love from those mares, his heart and breathing eased, his mind cleared and he could feel a strange courage break through his thoughts, shaking to finally free himself from the embrace and turning to face the five of them, taking a big breath of air and closing his eyes one last time.

“No...I'm sorry, it's just...I think when I heard them talking about locking me up I think I felt panic and....no, that's not the real reason for all this, it's just, I was so afraid, I was afraid that, if I knew the truth, you, everyone, would hate me, disown me and impose the worst punishment on me, that's why I denied it for so long but the truth is...this is all my fault...”

The friends are confused at Fluttershy's seemingly nonsensical speech, feeling again that pang of concern for their friend's mental health, so Twilight decided to clear all her doubts once and for all.

“Fluttershy what are you talking about? We know Angel's death affected you a lot but...these last few days you haven't acted, well...like you Is something wrong?”

Angel felt himself hyperventilating, doubts came over him again, he could still back out, he could still let it go, but he knew that no matter how much he managed to hold it in, it wouldn't end well for him.

“No, I mean, yes...it's just that I...I, I'm not Fluttershy....and I have something very important to tell you...”

Now if the mares didn't understand, what they were hearing was too bizarre, a madness in between, they looked for some hint of insanity in their friend's face but the only thing they could see was a sincere expression of regret, there was no malice or madness behind it, so, against all common sense, they all decided to keep silent and listen to whatever that pegasus had to tell them.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

The following months were confusing even for Angel, there were arguments, fights, even Celestia and Luna were involved, there were debates, search for evidence, accusations and trials, in the end the conclusion was reached, that the details of the death of the element of kindness Fluttershy would never be revealed to anyone other than the princesses and the rest of the elements of harmony, but nevertheless her death would not be ignored.

A funeral was held in the capital city, a fitting tribute to one of Equestria's bravest heroines, almost the entire kingdom showed up to pay their respects, including Fluttershy's family, whose sadness surpassed that of anyone else, even the lord of chaos, who from that day on, was never to be seen again haunting this kingdom or any other.
The empty coffin, beautifully adorned with butterflies and flowers, was buried in the garden of the heroes of Canterlot, where the memory of the pegasus would rest forever, but not her ideals and dreams.

Princess Twilight took charge of the sanctuary, keeping it under a perfect administration to allow it to continue operating and saving the lives of animals in need, as well as promoting a new policy of care for the caretakers, Rainbow Dash bought the old cabin and rebuilt it, in the end, she would end up moving there deciding to live the rest of her days taking care of the home of her best friend, Pinkie Pie established in Ponyville the Fluttershy's Commemoration Party, a celebration to be held once a year, Rarity was the main contributor to Twilight's initiative, contributing with generous donations and finding the most qualified ponies for the health care of pets and their owners, and Applejack, she simply limited herself to carry the memory of Fluttershy in her heart, never ever endangering the lives of innocent animals, not even the ones she once despised with all her might.

As for the decision on what to do with those involved in Fluttershy's death, Zecora was banished from Equestria, even though his intentions were good, they were considered irresponsible and unethical, he should leave his home in Everfree Forest and return to his homeland, accompanied by Angel.

The verdict surprised him at first, he expected to be locked up for the rest of his days or worse but no, the three princesses were understanding, understanding that his actions were nothing more than a simple whim, one perhaps born of malice but never of cruelty, after all, deep down, Angel loved Fluttershy, perhaps more than any pony could have ever imagined, and since he had confessed everything and had abided by the consequences he was granted forgiveness on the condition that he would never return to Equestria, all with the intention that his face would not be recognized and suspicions would arise.

Angel accepted this condition and was soon ready to depart, leaving his former life behind.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Angel was standing on a dock next to Zecora, both were waiting for the arrival of the afternoon boat that would take them to zebra territory, Zecora was wearing an intricate hay vest accompanied by a large hat of the same material, next to him was a huge amount of luggage, He had his head down and looked at the surf in silence, on the other hand Angel looked very different, his yellow fur had recovered its brightness, although this time its tone was a little paler, his scars had healed almost completely and now adorned his body with pink tones, his mane and tail had grown back but this time they had been cut giving him an elegant and somewhat misaligned style, Angel's face was full of peace and relief as a melancholic smile was displayed on his face, noticing that the zebra next to him seemed to be in decline he cleared his throat to speak.

“Nervous about going home Zecora?” he spoke with a raspy voice due to the damage in his throat, similar to Fluttershy's but at the same time completely different.

“I'm not going to lie to you little friend, my departure causes me great sadness, but I understand very well that this is my penance...” answered the zebra with a dejected tone.

“Well, at least in your case it's a homecoming...I'm going into the unknown...” Angel let out a sigh.

“Oh I for one am not worried, you are the most capable rabbit I ever saw” Zecora said looking up and giving a half hearted smile.

“I'm not a rabbit anymore Zecora remember that, now I'm as fickle as the rest of the ponies, being capable won't be enough anymore...”

“Maybe not that we could tell, but with me here, you know you'll always have somewhere to go.”

“You, are you sure it's okay for me to stay with you?” she asked with some concern.

“But of course, it's the least I can do, not helping a friend would be a very cruel thing to do...”

Angel was happy to hear someone call him friend, however soon the guilt came back to him, feeling bad for the zebra, whose life he had harmed.

“I'm so sorry Zecora, you wanted to help Fluttershy and me, and I just ruined your life...”

“Oh dear Angel, for that you shouldn't apologize, after all it was me who put you in that fatal situation, for my messed up life you shouldn't be afraid, because I feel that now what is coming is going to smile on us and you are going to see it...” Zecora paused as she looked over Angel's shoulder, towards the port “Although perhaps, something you should do before starting your new existence, is to say goodbye to old friends before leaving...”

Angel turned in the direction in which Zecora was looking and found himself surprised, before him were again Fluttershy's five closest friends, the same mares that helped him overcome his torment and feel better, all smiling and holding what seemed to be gifts.
Heading towards them, dropping the small suitcase he zooted with his wing, he stopped in disbelief just a couple of steps away.

“What are they all doing here? I thought they said if they came they'd attract attention...”

“Well...” began Twilight ”We decided it was worth the risk.”

“That's right!” exclaimed Applejack ”We couldn't let you leave without seeing us off properly...”

It was the farm pony who stepped forward first, extending her hoof and offering Angel a huge blanket tied with a ribbon, this, despite being folded, revealed an intricate woven design in the shape of apples, Angel could also identify the very scent of fruit permeating the thick fabric.

“It's in case your travels take you somewhere cold, it's hoof-woven by me so I assure you that you'll never have to mend it...” the farmer tapped him on the shoulder before turning away.

Angel received the package, placing it on his back and feeling the mammoth weight, yet he struggled to hold it and maintain his smile.
Next up was Pinkie Pie who, to no one's surprise handed Angel a huge basket full of muffins, adorned with a huge pink bow.

“And this is so you don't go hungry on the way, zebra territory is a long way away and I already know how fast you get hungry, they're all made of, you guessed it, carrot!”

“Thank you Pinkie Pie...” said Angel as he received a very tight hug from the pink pony that made him let the air out of his lungs.

Next came Rarity, who handed over a small package wrapped in beautiful wrapping paper and adorned beautifully with jewels.

“I...I know you probably don't like wearing dresses, so I made you something a little more practical, it's a thermal garment, it adapts to your body and will keep you cool or warm as the weather requires” the unicorn only dedicated herself to smile at him before stepping back to make way for Rainbow Dash.

Angel couldn't help but feel a little uncomfortable at the look of the blue pegasus, Rainbow's face still had traces that she had been crying and Angel knew very well that she was the only one who still, deep down, wished it was all just a cruel joke.
She didn't say anything just held out the hoof in which she held her gift, it took Angel a moment to understand why she was giving her gift but then he realized, it was an old flying goggle but not just any goggle, they were the same flying goggles that Fluttershy had given Rainbow Dash years ago when they graduated from flight school, the lenses and the framing were the same but the strap had been replaced with a bigger one.

“For when you decide you want to learn to fly...” said Rainbow quickly before turning and walking away.

Finally Twilight approached, Angel took a big breath of air as the alicorn planted herself in front of him, he could see in the mare's eyes the mourning and sadness of having to see the face of the pony they had already dismissed, but still this look contrasted with the radiant smile forming on her lips.
Twilight handed him his gift with her magic, a package wrapped in newsprint whose content was more than clear, a book, Angel wasn't particularly excited about that one but accepted it anyway.

“And this, is so you never forget her...or us” said the alicorn before approaching and giving Angel a tight hug, who found himself surprised.

It felt like the first hug he had received in the cave, warm and soft.

“Good luck Angel...” whispered Twilight in his ear.

By the time the hug was over Angel realized that his ship had arrived, the other passengers scattered around the dock were already boarding and Zecora was motioning him with her hoof to hurry.
Before heading off Angel turned to take one last look at the five mares who were all maintaining their smiles, but he was able to notice how tears were threatening to spill from all of their eyes.

“Thank you...” he finally said ”Thank you all very much...”

“No, Angel, thank you to you for being honest, if Fluttershy were here, I'm sure she would be very proud...” said Twilight as a tear ran down her cheek ”Good trip Angel...”

“Good trip to all of you too...” was the last thing she said to them, before turning around and walking towards the ship.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dusk gave way to night and Angel was on the deck of the ship with Zecora, they had already placed most of their things in their cabin and now they were simply enjoying the ocean breeze while eating some of Pinkie's muffins.
Angel held under his wing the package Twilight had given him, curious to know what she was referring to.

“Well, don't leave us with the intrigue companion, open that package already!” exclaimed Zecora.

“Looks like you're more excited than I am...” said Angel not being able to help but let out a chuckle, even so he didn't want to wait any longer either.

Quickly he took the package between his feathers and with a quick hoof movement he opened it, to the surprise of neither of them the content turned out to be a book, but it had no cover or description, it was just a simple green binding with yellow details, Angel looked at it with curiosity for a second before opening it and checking its content.
They were both stunned with what they saw, it was page after page in which there were images that moved, lively and fluid, they all had one constant in common, Fluttershy, she was in each and every one of the images, cooking, on picnics with her friends, teaching, It didn't take Angel long to guess what it was all about, it was a magical scrapbook, filled with the memories of all of Ponyville about Fluttershy, he began to cry almost without realizing it, letting himself be carried away by nostalgia and by the smile of his caregiver reflected in each image.

Zecora was also touched and approached Angel, wrapping one of her hooves around him in a hug.

“Oh my dear friend instead, it's beautiful, don't you think so?”

Angel choked back her sobs and wiped her tears with her wings, looking at the page she had lingered on, a memory of Fluttershy watching a sunset over a hill full of cotton buds, with a calm and peaceful expression, Angel couldn't help it and smiled too, genuinely sad, but also genuinely happy.

“Yes...it is.”

At once Angel closed the book and returned to the muffin basket, starting to ask Zecora about where they were going, anxious to get there and find out what the future held for him, after all Fluttershy had given him a new life, and he was sure he was going to live it.

Author's Note

I'm thinking if it would be a good idea to make a spin off of this ending, with the adventures of the new Angel, I'm not sure, I would like to know what you think.

Thank you all for reading.