Fading Friendships

Chapters

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Authors' Notes

Chapter 1

I just couldn't believe it. I just couldn't. The night was horrible: the wind roared and practically tore at Sugar Cube Corner, as if it wanted to reach inside and just wreck everything.
That night, there was supposed to be a triple maximum storm, because the pegasi had missed three major storms and had to make up for it; big time.

I was tucked into bed, listening to the raging blizzard outside; it was very loud and scary, but it also had a twisted and terrible beauty about it. I couldn't sleep, so I decided to go down stairs and start baking the treats for tomorrows' picnic to celebrate Scootaloo's birthday.
Being in the kitchen always calmed me down, no matter how stressed I was; I checked the list Dashie gave to me to see what Scootaloo would like. I smiled to myself; the first words written on the list were 'Cupcakes with Rainbow Icing'.
I simply adored making them.

The real rainbow was really spicy, so I only ever used a drop of it; making the cupcakes them selves was easy-peasy, just the normal mix with one exception: a secret ingredient! I plonked the eggs into the turquoise bowl and beat them with a whisk, humming under my breath; then I added the milk and the flour, beating them until they gained the "Pinkie Pie stamp of approval", as I liked to call it. Next I added the basic optionals: essence of vanilla, brown sugar, a touch of orange (Scootaloo loved exotic flavours).Then: my secret ingredient.

I poured the mixture into the tray, set the oven and waited for it to warm up, before placing the tray carefully inside; the cupcakes needed to bake until they were golden-brown, which gave me about more or less fifteen minutes to make the icing. Oh, I love having challenges in cooking!
I carefully took the small vial with a drop of rainbow in it from the cupboard; I'd taken such measures to get my hooves on it, I couldn't afford to let that one drop spill. And Dashie helped a lot. I tipped it into a bright pink bowl, added some ready-made plain icing I made yesterday and whipped it together; then I added cinnamon and brown sugar.

I took out the cupcakes; they were exactly the shade of golden brown they needed to be. I picked up a spoon in my mouth and dipped it into the bowl of rainbow icing; It tasted exotic and warm, kind of like baklava without it's flaky outer pastry, and the added cinnamon made it stand out. I coated the cupcakes with the icing and added a small garnish on to every single cupcake: a small blueberry.

With the cupcakes done and dusted, I carefully packed them into the white and pink polka-dotted boxes with Sugar Cube Corner written on them in curvy hoofwriting. And since it was Scoot's birthday, I tied pieces of shiny, purple streamers around them.

Next I made Tulip Petal Fudge, Poppy seed cake, Lilly Muffins, Almond Brownies, Swiss Chocolate Cupcakes, Honey Gateaux, Assorted Fruit Pasties, Cherry Cookies and Strawberry Strudel. With each new dish, I was starting to feel more and more happy and less scared of the blizzard outside. I actually got so carried away that I made an assortment of sauces to go with the deserts- chocolate mousse, melted caramel, whipped cream, custard and honey. Even though I tasted tinsy-winsy amounts of the food to make sure that I made it correctly, I was still full by the time I'd finished.

I actually think I dozed off for a couple of minutes- or it could have been hours- but I was awoken by a long drawn-out scream.

I got up immediately and looked out the window; It was still dark, but I could see her silhouette in the sky.
The blizzard roared and raged around her, the snow flakes whirling past her.
And she fell gracefully from the sky, her mane flying around her head like a halo, making her look like an angel.

I yelled and ran down the stairs, two by two; everything was going in slow motion- me, running out of Sugar Cube Corner, tripping over a rock, lying face down in the dirt; I got up and ran over to where the pony fell.
"No!" I sobbed, "Not her! NOOOO!!!" I screamed and cried at the same time.
_________________________________________________________________

I was sitting in the waiting area in the hospital; the doctors had gone through it with her only minutes ago, but I knew that she was dead already. But they didn't listen to my fore telling of my Pinkie Sense; I knew that they were trying to make me feel better, and I appreciate that. Anypony who tries to make another pony feel better about something is a good pony in my book.

I was the only one who knew when it happened; she was already dead when I had found her, and it would feel even worse to know if she was alive when I had found her and now dead. Who decided this pony's fate? It felt wrong to know that I would never be able to talk to her again, to see her alive and well. It felt wrong that she was alive one moment and dead the next.

I would never spend Hearts warming with her; in fact, I would spend this Hearts Warming alone. Not to mention all the Hearts Warmings to come. Why should there be celebration when another pony has died?!

Rarity burst through the clean ward door, her mane wet and muddy with bits of twigs and leaves stuck in it; their were tear streaks on her cheeks. "Pinkie- oh thank goodness!" Rarity went to hug me, but I walked away. Rarity looked confused;

"You were the last to communicate with her," I said hoarsely; "The royal guards told me."
Silence; Rarity looked on the brink of a faint.
"Yes, I talked with her," She whispered.
"And?" I raised an eye brow coldly.
"We-we had a fight and I hung up," Rarity sobbed into her hoof kerchief. I got up and raised my voice.
"How did she die?"
Rarity winced; "I don't know; I swear Pinkie, I don't know!"
Silence again; I couldn't believe what my Pinkie Sense was telling me!
"You don't care, do you?!" I whispered while glaring at her;"All that's important to you is your self, it's all that's ever been important isn't it?"
"Pinkie, how could you say such a thing? You're calling me a selfish-"
"Why don'y you just leave? After all, you have a fashion show in Canterlot tonight!" I positively howled.
"There's no proof that she is dead, so I think I will!" Rarity slammed the door with her magic and stormed out into the snow and sleet.

And silence again. I felt a twinge of regret but I ignored it: Rarity didn't care about her, she just came here so no pony thought of her as a selfish git that she was!
Nurse Red Heart came out of the ward wearing a pained expression; "Pinkamena, I am sorry to say your friend didn't make it; she just told us where her Will was- and passed away."

Even though I knew she was dead, it came as a shock any way;
I nodded mutely and left: my last slim hope was gone.
I needed to calm down before I went to tell the other girls; I trudged through the muddy path to the Everfree Forest.

When I knocked at the hut, no body answered; I guessed that Zecora probably went somewhere more secure to wait out the storm, so I left.

Back in Ponyville I made sure that every pony knew who died and that every pony had an invitation to her funeral, on the 23rd of December; She wouldn't be able to attend her own birthday party. The birthday she would never see. Ever.

Chapter 2

When I heard; Oh, darling, when I heard! A particularly big order form had come to me from Canterlot, stating that my designs would be worn in tonight's fashion show! I was head over heels at the news, positively hyper! Naturally, I spent my time during the storm getting ready and making sure every thing was perfect. My only problem was that I needed to see what my outfits looked like on other ponies; I needed a model. And what pony more suitable to try my Gem Collection than her?

Of course, the blizzard outside was brutal; it would wreck my gorgeous mane in seconds, and after all, I didn't style it for five hours for nothing! But I couldn't ask her to go through the storm instead- that is the exact opposite of the Element I'm supposed to represent. Maybe I could arrange a different time when the blizzard outside was over... via the communication gem I made with my magic. She had it's pair, and besides- it was much more efficient than a letter.

I powered up my gem with my magic, and focused intently on her current place of residence. I waited for her to pick it up, but strangely, she didn't. She must be really busy, I thought. So I contented myself with making accessories to go with my outfits- a mane-band with amethysts here, a necklace with emeralds here. And when I got tired of that, I tried to make my dear Opal a small dress to go with her collar.

First things first: I had to measure my little sweetheart, bless her white fur; I chased her around the whole boutique five times before finally managing to do it. Opal is a plump little angel, even if some ponies refused to say more than "Get this fur-ball away from me, it gives me night mares!" when in her presence. But before I could finish, I saw the communication gem glow with an iridescent colour that told me it was a friend. Wasting no time, I picked it up in my magic.

"Rarity speaking," I said in a singsong voice; Opal hissed when I tried to measure him manually.
"Hi Rarity, you called about an hour ago? Sorry that I couldn't answer then."
"Ah, yes; No worries. You see, there's a fashion show on in Canterlot tonight and I was wondering if you could model some of my outfits for me? The seem quite...dull on a mannequin, you know. And they would go so well with your fabulous mane." I tried to reach for some cream coloured fabric with light blue swirls on it, but it was on the highest self.
"Erm- Rarity, I- I can't do it today. I'm really busy right now. As in, so busy that I don't even have the time to brush my mane."
"Um- are you sure darling? Are you quite sure you can't take a small break right now? I mean, all that hard work is probably really tiring... I can't tempt you with a nice hot chocolate with those mini-marshmallows you really like?" I really hoped this would persuade her.
"Sorry Rarity; I can't take breaks. I don't have a lot of time."
"That's what you always say," I mutter; If I couldn't get her to model them today, I'd have to wait until the show that evening.
"And it's always true." She answers.
"Oh come on- I'm sure it's not that important. Surely you could just come over for-"
"No. I cannot." I hear the sound of a stomped hoof. "Why do you always insist that whatever you have is more important than what I'm doing now?'
I don't say anything.
"It's always you this, you that; have you ever considered stopping and not thinking about yourself for a second?"
Now that's out of character, coming from her.
"Sometimes, I really can't believe that you are supposed to represent the Element of Generosity!"
That was the last straw.
"Good day." I said stiffly before hanging up.

At that, lightning flared, and I heard the sound of thunder not far off. I put the gem on my dressing table and continued to make Opals dress. I used my magic to bring down the roll of cream-and-blue-swirl fabric; I then rolled it out and drew the shapes needed for the dress on the under side (the side without the pattern) before cutting them out. Afterwards I stitched it together on Opal (I'm really grateful that I paid attention when we were doing immobilising spells in Unicorn School). I then added the beading (cobalt green, turquoise and clear beads go together very well). And after that, I replaced Opals usual collar with a cream one. Little Opal looked like such a cutie!

I nearly screamed when a green fire ball came out of nowhere! But before anything got set on fire, it vanished and a scroll replaced it. I opened it and read the few words that were written:

RARITY! Help, please, Fluttershy's, pronto! Spike.
It was hastily written and soaking wet.

I wasted no time in dashing through the door and going into the storm; my mane was ruined, but I didn't care: this had to be important! I galloped to Fluttershy's at top speed, slipping and sliding on the slippery and cold ice. The cottage was a state; the roof was torn right off, the door was on it's hinges. Spike was clutching a tree branch in one hand and a paper bag into which he was breathing in another. He looked behind me and yelled;

Every thing else was happening in slow motion; I screamed as loud as my throat would let me.
She was falling through the air like a fallen angel, a peaceful ghost of a smile plastered to her face; her hair was billowing out in the cruel wind.
I couldn't think right. The tears were stinging my face more than the wind; she was gone.
On the other edge of the town I heard a scream: "No! Not her! NOOOO!!!"
I ran into the hospital, looking around madly; Pinkie was there, her hair deflated and wearing a dark scowl. I tried to hug her, but she walked away.

We had a short conversation. I lied to Pinkie about some things, and she knew. She accused me of being a heart-less and selfish pony. I stormed out of the hospital; the thing that stung me most was the she was right.

Hearts Warming wasn't going to be a time of cheerfulness and celebration for me; nor would the rest of the Hearts Warming's of my life. I lost a friend that would never see the lights of Hearts Warming Eve; Ever.

Chapter 3

Ah must admit, ah was pretty darn scared of the storm; one of the Pegasi (Ditzy Doo, I think) told me it wasn't made by them! Applebloom was shivering in her little horse shoes and Big Mac was getting on mah nerves with his fancy mathematics. Granny Smith was knitting a blanket; Ah was really worried for Dash. She was out there in the storm, trying to make it stop and savin' ponies.
The mayor made a speech about how we should keep inside; In the apple cellar it was cold, and the rations weren't pretty but it was the only place we could go. Ah thought back to when ah was a little filly; ah used to be so scared of the thunder and lightning that ah would shiver worse then Applebloom. Big Mac was trying to calm down Applebloom and Zecora was meditating;

Zecora had come to the cellar earlier, saying all her stuff was lost in a storm. Ah added some weights to the door so it won't open until it had to; then ah heard something above my head. It was Winona; she was whinin' and whimperin' like an old rusty plow. Ah patted her on the back, cuddled 'er close; ah was in the cellar many times, but this felt different. It felt unsafe, bad.

Zecora opened one eye and brought a hoof to her mouth;
"My dear Applebloom, this storm shall not end soon; the creatures who are causing this, are animals I do not miss." She turned to me, worry in her eyes; "Applejack, your brains are yours to rack."
"Well shoot Zecora, ah don' get your fancy mathematics; spit it out, will ya?" Ah lied down on the hard earth of the cellar, mah hat over mah eyes.

Big Mac leaned over to me; "She's right, Applejack; Didn' cha see them in your show ya put on?" I racked my brains;
"Are ponies animals to you?" Ah said.
Applebloom looked up at me, interest in 'er face; "Wha was the name of those white swirly things that caused it to snow again?"
Ah paused; "Wendigos?" Zecora toppled over in a clumsy roll;
"Do not say that name, it gives me the shivers and my ears pain."

Ah paused, confused; "It's Beetlejuice's name you can't say three times, Zecora."
Applebloom shouted, "You said it the second time! One more and-" She drew a hoof across her neck.
Suddenly Granny Smith woke up; "Soup's on..." she wheezed before drifting up off to sleep again.

"Zecora, can you do another riddle please?" Applebloom gave Zecora the puppy-eyes look; Zecora smiled.
"Off course dear Applebloom, but this one you will not solve soon." She coughed before saying loudly and clearly,

"Only one colour, but not one size,

Stuck at the bottom, yet easily flies,

Present in sun, but not in rain,

Doing no harm, and feeling no pain."
Big Mac scratched his head; a bad sign, ah thought.
Granny Smith smiled. the wrinkles in her face multiplyin' by ten; "Wouldn't that be a cutie mark?" she wheezed;
"Um, Gran, does a cutie mark disappear in the rain?" Applebloom looked uncertain.
Big Mac scratched his head again; "Can you repeat that please, Zecora? More slowly?"
Zecora nodded and repeated the riddle, slowly this time;
Ah was bamboozled; word problems were mah biggest issue at Ponyville Elementary.

In the end, it turned out ter be a shadow; Zecora gave us five more riddles, each makin' less sense hen the last. Ah gave up with the last one, which was about some place called St. Ives; Applebloom noticed the storm less and less until she forgot about it.

But right then, when we were enjoyin' ourselves, we heard a long drawn out scream; it sounded familiar, as if ah heard it before. Applebloom shouted, pointin' at the door; the weights ah had attached earlier fell, and the door opened, sending a barrel full of snow at us, as well rain, sleet, hailstones and wind.

Ah screamed, "WHAT IN TARNATION?!" before boundin' towards the open door; it was bitterly cold ou' , but ah didn't care. Mah sister's safety was in jeopardy. I bucked down on the open door as ah could; it wouldn't close. Ah looked up an' brought mah hat to mah chest; heavens to bettsy, dragon like animals were in the sky, blowin' puffs o' wind from their huge jaws, making more and more storm-grey clouds. Applebloom was shiverin' like a leaf in the wind; "Get up here!" I yelled, barely audible over the fierce wind. Big Mac, Applebloom, Zecora an' Granny Smith peeked out of the cellar;
"Mah star apples," Whispered Applebloom.

But Applebloom wasn' pointing at the Wendigos; she was pointing at- golly, it was- it was simply beautiful. It sounds wrong to say this, but it was beautiful. She was falling in a perfectly graceful nose-dive, mane billowin' around her. Heavens, ah was shocked; she was fallin' as if in slow motion. Then, she hit the ground.

Ah cried until the stars came out, an' ah thought to myself: why should there even be stars? Stars were a sign of beauty, a sign of life. No beauty came to match that of love and friendship, an' since the world was now empty of both, who needed stars?
Ah cried myself to sleep, missing dinner and supper; mah was heart broken, and ah would probably stay that way for the rest of mah life.
The blizzard was still goin' strong, so Zecora decided to stay longer.
Applebloom was rocking backwards and forwards in a trance of shock, an' Big Mac was comfortin' Granny Smith.

I went to Carousel Boutique to see Rarity about her; to mah surprise, it was abandoned. The place was stripped of furniture and belongings and a large "FOR SALE" sign hung over the door. In shock, ah went over to Sugar Cube Corner to comfort Pinkie, who was still bawling her eyes out; ah even tried to make her a cupcake to cheer her up, which put a dim smile on her face even thought the cupcake was black in colour.
"S-sorry," she sobbed, "I'm being such a party-pooper; It's just- It's h-hard to know that sh-she'll never talk to me a-again!"

"It's alright, sugar cube," ah patted her mane; "It's okay."

But ah knew it was far from okay; next morning ah got a black invitation that caused me to crack again; it was an invitation to her funeral. Hearts Warming now meant two things fer me: her funeral and a loss of a great friend. She wouldn't live to see the sounds and sights of Hearts Warming, nor her birthday. And then, why should ah?

Chapter 4

I. Am.The. Most. Stupidest. Pony.In all of Equestria! I could have stopped her from falling to her death but... You don't know what I'm even talking about! Please don't hate me when I tell you the truth! Please, I had enough hate to last for my entire life! Where to start: The storm or the conversation? It will have to be the storm.

We didn't know what caused the storm, and how it couldn't be stopped; I was darting all over the place, looking for lost fillies,colts and every pony else who needed saving. I wasn't bragging or anything, I learnt my lesson about that. I found Heart Strings trying to protect her friend Bon-bon's filly; she was sobbing that Bon-bon was injured by a loose roof beam. The filly was named Sugar Puff, and needed some where safe to go; before I could take the filly, a yellow blur landed beside. It was Spitfire! I looked at her in awe as she heaved both Heart Strings and Sugar Puff on her back.
"Go to the Princess and tell her to move her too-important-for-such-occasions-royal hind quarters!" Spitfire yelled over the hubub; "And also tell her that the Wendigo's send their love!"

I looked at the sky; gigantic white heads were weaving in and out of the black storm clouds, and I nodded. I climbed into the sky faster than I ever did; Canterlot was looming before me like a silent graveyard in just a couple of minutes.
For one thing, it was completely deserted; I found that odd, since the Princesses usually had loads of guards out. Some thing told me that there had to be some pony inside, there just had to; I wandered through the courtyard and knocked on the heavy door. No answer. I knocked again, louder. No response.

Forgetting manners I prepared to knock the doors down; I flew a couple of feet away before charging full speed at the door. To my surprise, it actually opened at the slightest touch. I hurtled down the corridor and hit the wall; I left something warm trickle down muzzle, but even so I was shocked at what I saw: the walls were bare, the furniture was gone, even the freakin' carpet was missing! I must admit, I was scared. There were only a few dusty oil lamps and a note on the floor left; I picked it up an d read:
Dear reader, you must be simply shocked to see that we have abandoned you; we have moved to a country where we are appreciated and better located. We would like you to know that we are holding an Element of Harmony prisoner in the astronomy tower, so that you will not be able to defeat the Wendigos. By the time you read this, she will be most likely dead; if not she's a tough nut, but will be dead in due course.
Yours Royally,
Princesses Celestia and Luna

I couldn't believe what I had read. What the heck was going on? A strangled sort of moaning was coming louder and louder. For the first time in my life, I felt truly scared, defeated; I was loyal to the princesses, and they were loyal to their subjects. It just didn't sound right, for them just to give up and hide.
"Rainbow...Dash..." The moaning was louder than ever; something was here, and it knew me.
"What or who are you? Show yourself, I'm not afraid!" I hoped I sounded braver than I felt. And I felt like a lost filly in a scary dark hallway.
Silence; then the clanking of chains could be heard as something moved into the light. "HOLY CELESTIA!!!" I yelled; It was- Gilda. But not the Gilda I knew.

She was horribly thin, feathers almost white; her rib-cage was visible and there were bald patches all over her. But the worst feature was her eyes- They were tiny mirrors! Her back leg was bent at a awkward angle as she scampered towards me, tears leaking out of her mirror-eyes.
"Rainbow! She has your friend in one of the tower! Please go, go! Dash, fly!"
I just stood there, stunned and scared; Gilda was covered head-to-toe in chains.
"GO!" she shrieked. "GO DASH! It's my fault if she dies! JUST GO!"

I was still stunned but I flapped my wings until I was air born; my head was hurting with a tell-tale head ache. I flew over to the first tower I encountered. Then the second. Then the third. Then fourth. It was only the fifth when I hit jackpot. She was hanging, suspended in magic over Ponyvillle, but I could still tell it was her from a distance; beside her stood a tall, black Alicorn. My first thought was of Nightmare Moon, but this Alicorn's cutie mark was different: it was a blue swirling vortex, starting and ending nowhere.

"Took you long enough," she sneered, her cat-like eyes narrowing; "Not as fast as they say, are you? Oh well, me and your friend have had a nice conversation; too bad I have to end it now."
The magic around her disappeared.

I screamed and attacked her, not caring about how I will go into prison for it. I bit her, scraped her, gave her hell for all I was worth; "Filthy pegasus!" She yelled; "Get off me!"
She tried to impale me with her horn but I dodged and tried to rip her mane off. She screamed and hurled me out the window.

The wind was bitterly cold against my cheek as I fell, making no effort to save myself; my pride was gone, my friend was gone, my life was gone, my world was gone: she was dead, and I could have saved her- but no, little Dashie-has-more-important-things-to-deal-with didn't!
A single tear fell down my cheek, and I heard her: "Don't die Rainbow. Be loyal to our friends. They need you."
Without consciously thinking I flapped my wings and glided into a tree in the Ever Free forest. She was right; my friends need me and I need my friends.

Hearts Warming- no longer the happy celebration, but now a time for mourning and sadness- had never felt so dull to me. Pinkie Pie now had a permanent hair-do, Applejack's non-alcoholic cider felt more bitter than before, Rarity moved out of town.
The will she had left was examined and I now owned all the books on flight and my now most treasured possession: a photograph of me and my friends, with a message from her on the back:
You were always there for me, Rainbow. I'm sorry that I won't be there with you, personally.
But I'll always be with you in your heart.

I will never forget her: never. Even though she is gone, she-she will always have a part of my heart.

Chapter 5

Oh...my... I really am the worst friend any pony could wish for... You would probably want to know what happened, so here goes...

I was in my cottage, sitting on the bare floor; waiting. Every thing had been moved away, to a different place. All the animals, all the furniture, even the food was gone.
Every single thing had been removed. The only living beings in the whole cottage were me and Angel. Actually, I remember how I got Angel...

It was an early Autumn morning, and I was leaning against a big Maple tree, cut off from the land by a wide (but shallow) stream; it was like a small island. I loved sitting underneath it's branches, listening to the gurgling brook, relaxing and letting all of my worries float away. The sky here in this particular place was always clear, not a cloud in sight.

And that one day, while I was leaning against this Maple tree, I heard a small (yet firm) voice; 'Flutt.' It said. I remember looking around everywhere, and I soon found out that it was coming from my mane. I gently lifted up a part of my mane, to reveal a small white bunny; it snatched it back and buried itself in it. 'Shy.' It mumbled.

I tried to get it out of mane when I was going home, but it wouldn't budge; and besides: I'd always wanted a pet bunny. He was so cute when he was sleeping too. Like a little angel, he was...

The doorbell rang and my thoughts were interrupted; I opened the door. A shivering Twilight entered; which was confusing- why couldn't she just use magic to get to my cottage?
"Fluttershy!" Twilight coughed; "Outside- the storm wasn't made by Pegasi! It's Wendigo's!"
My eye went wide; "Are- are you sure, Twilight? Aren't Wendigo's-"
"Winter spirits that feed off hatred? Yes. And I'm very sure about this, Fluttershy. Look at the sky outside- can't you see them?"
I was hoping that she wouldn't say that. Oh, I'd seen them, I just... didn't want to believe it was true, I guess...
"Yes," I said, "But why are they here?"
"Long story; Fluttershy, before I go- take care of Spike, would you?"
"Um...Okay." I was on the verge of tears; why did Twilight have to go? She was a good pony. And good ponies didn't deserve this...

Twilight sneezed and burst into speech; I think it was just me, but the outline of her body looked kind of- blurred... "Fluttershy, remember the book I told you to read?"
"Yes, I-"
"Did you read it?"
"Yes, but-"
"Good; after she comes for me, I want you to go talk to the Wendigo's. I know it sounds insane, but you have to trust me on this."
"...Okay." I whimpered. I didn't want to agree- but what other choice did I have?
"Show them the Kindness in all of us. Show them that they have nothing to do here."
I looked into Twilights face; she looked determined, as if she believed that she could do anything.
"...Yes, Twilight."
"Oh, and this is an illusion. This isn't actually me! I'm still in the library. Sorry I couldn't come personally; the blizzard outside is really awful; and I'm still preparing- my Will is in my bedroom closet, second shelf from the bottom. And Fluttershy, when I do..." She winced; "Snuff it, you'll be the Element of Magic as well as Kindness..."

I couldn't hold it in any longer; tears poured from my eyes, and my voice broke. "T-Twilight!" I sobbed, "I d-don't want you to go! W-why do you have to do this?! You've b-been more than a best friend- you're more like my sister!" I tried to hug the illusion, but there was nothing but warm air there.
"I don't want to go either!" Twilight hiccuped; "But there's no other way... " she looked at me, her own tear-stained face breaking into a forced smile; "You and the others were the best friends I could wish for; I only wish I'd have more time to spend with you... And Fluttershy?"
I tried to get into a sitting position; "Y-yes, Twilight?"
"Be brave. You have a heart of gold and a soul of silver. Just remember what you once told me: 'Sometimes you just have to show a little kindness'."
And with that, the illusion blurred, the silhouette of Twilight filled with static and was gone with a hollow pop.
_____________________________________________________________________________

I flew out of the door and into the cold blizzard of snow; my tears were practically frozen solid and Angel's whiskers already had icicles on them.
Talk to the Wendigo's? How could I manage that? Would they listen? Would they want a peace offering? Would they- Angel tugged on my mane, wearing a look that clearly said, 'Get on with it'. "Um... yes, you're right Angel."
I braced myself, and flew up to a Wendigo and tapped him on on the neck; he turned to face me.
"Um... Excuse me Mr. Wendigo, but...um... do you mind not making it so cold here? I mean, if that's okay with you.." I murmured.
My name's Sliver Wind. His ice blue eyes narrowed; And I sense that you're not just any pegasus, since I'm able to understand you. And me and brothers mine are making it cold here because we feel hate.
"I, um... hate? Nopony here hates another pony... Mr. Wind." I said.
My feathered friend, we feel SUCH hate coming from here that we decided to leave Amareica and come here instead. Sliver Wind took in a deep breath, as if sucking something more than air in; and when he let it out, it formed into a single small snowflake that landed on my mane.
"But, um, Mr. Wind, I'm very sure that nopony here is foolish enough to hate; I even can... even prove it to you." I wasn't sure that was the right thing to say.
Are you willing enough to let Silver Cloud look through your memories?
I hesitated; An answered, and hoped that sounded braver than I felt.
"Yes." I said boldly.
He looked surprised; I couldn't tell if it was a good thing or a bad thing... and I'm still not sure now.
Very well. He made a strange screeching noise, kind of like hooves on a chalk board, except three times worse; it felt my ears ringing and my head starting to ache.

Within a couple of seconds, a second Wendigo appeared; this one looked older and his snowy brow consisted of frost and tiny snowflakes, arranged in a pattern. He peered into my eyes, his own milky white ones surveying me blankly. I could tell straight away that he was blind, but it felt as though... he could see more than my flesh... as if he could see the very essence of my soul...
You are the Bearer of the Element of Kindness, yes? His voice was cold and echoed inside my head; My ears where also filled with a strange whispering...
"Yes," I whispered. The whispers got slightly louder.
I see... and you know the consequences of Twilight's actions? His eyes stared into mine, not letting me break his gaze.

How did he know?

"Yes," I said. And I felt... another presence in my mind; a cold one, who was riffling through my memories, as if they were scrolls in a library.

Your claim is true; Said the Wendigo finally. Your intentions are noble. But we must stay. We cannot leave. You efforts are admirable, but she knows, and if we leave, she shall also know that it will be all the more easier to dispose of you ponies. We do not want that. You are the only things that can feed us, the only things that keep us alive. But thank you for trying.

I practically felt a stone drop into my stomach. "Thank you," I replied.
And for he first time, I felt like I didn't mean it.

I tilted my wings and glided down to earth. I felt empty- as if somepony had knocked my breath out of me.
Angel didn't look too happy himself; he was cold and hungry, and also cranky. So I decided to fly to my new house.
What other option did I have?

I opened my wings- and stopped.
And I saw her.

She was falling.
Her mane billowing out in the harsh wind.

I could almost feel her fading away into nothingness.

And I could also feel our friendship fading.

And I felt sorry that it had to end so soon.

Authors' Notes

Hiya Bronies and Pegasisters! future pegasister here.

And the first thing I wanted to say is sorry.
I'm sorry for killing Twilight.
I'm sorry for her fans.
I didn't mean to offend you.

And I also wanted to show you this beautiful video; this is what I imagined her end to be like. (Except that she fell through the air and not through a window, and also that Luna didn't save her.)

And... the sequel shall come soon! So watch out for it!
And- while you're waiting for the sequel, why not read *le gasp* the BONUS chapters, published in my blog posts! These will include Gilda's side of the story and Spike's. And don't worry- this won't stop me from finishing the first chapter.
Bonus Chapter # 1