To the Dogs

Chapter 10: Requiem
The elderly unicorn sits stationary in his ragged recliner, as he stares intensely out the open window. Wind whistles through the budding trees, as an amber skyline flows across the wooded horizon. It will surely be nightfall soon.

"Daddy, can I get you anything?", asks the timid pegasus once more.

Silence rings from the old pony's lips. His gaze remains fixed on the setting of the blazing sun. A somber shadow seems to lurk in the little cabin, yet all was peaceful and well. Suddenly, a lone tear creeps from Ebony's closed eye. Running down his wrinkled cheek, it comes to rest upon the chair's faded fabric.

"D-daddy?", squeaks the yellow mare. "Are you alright?"

"Yes my little filly.", wheezes the stallion. "We are alright."

The mare tilts her head slightly. "What do you mean by 'we', daddy?", asks the now perplexed Fluttershy.

"Me and your papa, little pumpkin seed.", replies the elderly pony.

Now worried Fluttershy trots to her father's side, taking up his hoof into her's. His glassy stare peers solemnly into her sapphire eyes. Putting a hoof to his head Fluttershy notices that he has developed a high fever. Alarmed, the mare gallops into the kitchen. After a few brief moments of fumbling around in the cabinets the pegasus returns with a cold cup of water and a blanket.

"Sweetie, could you sit down for a second?", asks the shivering unicorn. "There is something that I've been meaning to show you for a long, long time."

"Yes, daddy?", whispers the gentle mare as she sits down in the rocking chair next to her Ebony.

The stallion takes in a deep breath, as he pulls a small leather book from the shelf across the room. The cover appears to have suffered some minor water damage. As the book slowly levitated into Fluttershy's delicate grasp.

"These stories are yours now, dearest.", says the tired stallion. "Please take good care of them."

"Oh daddy, of course I will.", responds Fluttershy as she wraps her father in her hooves.

"Thank you, sugar.", mumbles the pale unicorn.

Ebony lets loose a faint yawn. He turns his gaze outside once more, looking down upon the glowing fields of Equestria. The vigilant sun has almost sunken into the silhouette of the lonely mountainside. As the stars above begin to sparkle, the vibrant hues of the majestic sky fade into the mystic darkness of the night.

"I'm mighty tired sweetie.", begins the sickly stallion. "Perhaps I need some rest to rebuild my strength."

"Okay daddy, I'll leave you alone for a little bit.", returns the kind mare.

Ebony drops his sagging eyelids. "I love you, Fluttershy.", he whispers to his daughter.

"I love you too, daddy.", squeaks the gentle filly, kissing the unicorn on his wrinkled forehead.

As soon as she steps outside, Fluttershy holds up the tattered book. Curious as to what was inside, the pegasus delicately undoes the leather strap. It is at this moment that her heart flutters.

My dearest Fluttershy,

In this book lies the many adventures shared by your papa and I. I hope that our rich and happy memories will live on through the ink on these musty pages, for I know in my heart that you will share these stories with your own family.

I will be with your dearest papa soon, and I want you to always remember that I love you with all of my heart.

Hush now; Quiet now
It's time to lay your sleepy head
Hush now; Quiet now
It's time to go to bed

Drifting off to sleep
Leave exciting days behind you
Drifting off to sleep
Let the joy of daylight find you

Hush now; Quiet now
It's time to lay your sleepy head
Hush now; Quiet now
It's time to go to bed

Closing the book, Fluttershy drips several tears upon the stony, mountain soil. She sits on the rickety porch, staring intensely at the distant horizon. As the cool breeze blows through the pony's pink mane, a faint echo is heard;

An echo of a dog's mournful howl.