Moments of Loss

by NintendoGal55

Rating: teen
Tags: Princess Celestia, Alternate Universe, Human, Princess Luna, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Rainbow Dash, Tragedy, Twilight Sparkle
Length: 21729

Rainbow Dash mourns the tragic loss of Fluttershy, before and after Equestria is being restored

Companion story to Doomsday Ascending

While on Neptune, the remaining Elements of Harmony receive the news of Fluttershy's death. Soon after, the ponies are returned to Equestria, ready to restore to what it once was. Life goes on, even after the tough trials of the wrathful doomsday, as the ponies trek forward to rebuild what was lost.

All the while, before and after, Rainbow Dash mourns the tragic loss of Fluttershy, her best friend, and the only pony she ever loved.

Twilight Sparkle oversees the restoration with her friends, as she moves on with her life.

Published 2013-02-13 19:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2013-02-20 03:05:55 UTC

Neptune

Three ponies, once bearers of the Elements of Harmony, sat within the small room situated within the shelter of the planet. Everypony else, known to them or not, were off doing their own thing and getting used to the new environment they were now living within. All were buzzed with questions, some of which they came to know, others that still remained unanswered, but overall, there was one that remained.

What were they going to do now?

Even the three ponies within this room didn't know.

Rarity was, for once, at a loss of what to say or do. Not even her general hammy ways of expressing grief were enough and felt inappropriate. Instead, she made small smiles, relieved that everypony (or mostly) were safe and that they could recoup. At the same time, it was clear that she was in over her head and had no idea what to think of the tragedy that had befallen Equestria. Anypony who would ask would receive simple responses, in a tone that indicated she was trying to mask her grief.

Applejack, relieved that her friends and family were safe, was also at a loss for what to say or do. All of which they had faced in the past was a walk in the park compared to this. But, she still retained her strength in being a reliable and strong pony for her friends and family, just as always. It was all she could do to keep herself going and from breaking down in front of everypony. She did, however, take some time to hold her hat over her chest and bow her head when upon mourning what was lost.

Rainbow Dash was restless, especially since she too was out of her element and didn't know what to do. She didn't want to stay put, but upon being told she could freeze to death out there, knew better than to argue...not without trying. But her years of training and working with the Wonderbolts had managed to bring her into perspective. She was relieved that her friends, whom she was still loyal to even now, were safe and that other ponies she knew made it out just fine. One of her Wonderbolt team members, however, didn't make it. Spitfire, the Captain no less, had died trying to protect them against the dangers. It wasn't too long after hiding in an underground hurricane shelter that they were eventually evacuated as well.

Now, she had only one question on her mind. A question that nopony was able to answer. Except, perhaps, Twilight, but she hadn't been able to speak to her just yet. Beyond that, there were no answers to what she wanted to know.

The three of them sat around, occasionally making small talk, but were overall silent and reflecting everything.

A sound alerted them, to which they turned and faced the entrance of one of the Val'Kyr, alongside Princess Luna. The Val'Kyr, a man who had introduced himself earlier as Lord Matthew Ryder, approached the three ponies, looking grim, but calm. Luna, on the other hoof, had an unreadable look upon her face, nor was she quite facing them.

Ryder slowly approached the ponies, kneeling down before them to meet their level.

“How are the three of you doing?” He queried.

“...Been better, Ah guess,” Applejack responded, “Is everythin' awright?”

Ryder gave a nod, “As well as can be. However, I would like to relay some...tragic news to you three.”

“Where's Fluttershy?! Is she okay?! Is she safe?!” Rainbow wanted to know, unable to hold it in any longer.

Luna looked at her grimly, as did Ryder. He sighed, shaking his head slightly before he responded to the question.

“I'm afraid she is dead, Rainbow Dash.”

Rarity had tears in her eyes, holding a hoof to her mouth in shock. Applejack looked shocked and devastated all at once before she lowered her head, holding her hat to her chest yet again. Upon a closer look, there were tears running down her cheeks.

Rainbow Dash however, looked stricken with shock. She fell to her knees, her forelegs barely supporting her weight as she began to physically crumble.

Neither pony spoke a single word, all that they uttered were hard breaths and sniffles.

A stunned silence befell the entire room. Though it was then broken by the distraught, heartbroken, agonized of a grieving Rainbow Dash.

“NOOOOOOOOOOOO....!!”

Understandably, Rarity and Applejack were taken off guard and shocked by the sudden outburst. Even looking as if they weren't crying just moments ago. Ryder looked on, his expression unreadable, but otherwise made no other such movement. Rainbow Dash collapsed, trembling hard, not looking at either of them, with choked sobs escaping her.

The midnight blue Alicorn nodded with agreement as she took a step forward, eyeing the three of her once-subjects, “It is true. We were unfortunate to witness the horrid tragedy. One of the wretched outlanders killed her due to being annoyed by her crying...he had thrown her to the wall, in which she cracked her skull in the process. A tragedy, though she went quickly, which is fortunate.”

“...Oh...poor Fluttershy...” Rarity uttered, beginning to cry more. “But at least her nightmare is over...”

Applejack sniffled, saying nothing.

The cyan pegasus shook her head furiously, squeezing her eyes shut, “...No...no...NO! She can't be dead!! She can't be! Not Fluttershy!”

Ryder placed a hand on her shoulder, gently squeezing it to calm her down, “I know it is hard to believe, Rainbow Dash. But I'm afraid it's true. Fluttershy was killed. I am very sorry for your loss, but there is nothing I nor the rest of you can do anything about.”

“No...Not Fluttershy... Not her! No! NO! How could she be dead?!!”

“Rainbow-” Applejack spoke up, but the Wonderbolt was already speeding off away from them. She stood up to go after her friend, only for Luna to stop her.

“We think it is best if you leave her be. As it is for Twilight Sparkle, this is....a very difficult loss for her,” she said.

A sniffle escaped the white unicorn before she looked up, wiping her eyes with a handkerchief, “Twilight had spent much time with her these past few years... Rainbow Dash was her oldest friend... It surely is much harder on them. I cannot imagine what they must be feeling at this moment.”

“Ah hear ya, Rare,” Applejack agreed, a little sniffle escaping her, “But Ah cain't believe it... Fluttershy... Tha kindest an' most sweet pony ya could meet... An' she had ta face such a cruel death!”

Letting out a sob, Rarity nodded before she buried her face in her hooves to cry it out. Applejack brought a foreleg around her shoulders to comfort her, soothing her as best as she could, despite that she was clearly crying herself. Luna looked to them grimly, feeling a stab of pain in her heart as well, especially in remembering that horrible vision. She had seen many ponies die in her lifetime, this one was no different, but no less tragic. Especially upon seeing the aftermath and how it affected Fluttershy's friends.

The alicorn faced Ryder once more, giving him a nod before she sat down on her haunches. Ryder nodded in return before he stood straight.

“I will leave you all alone to grieve. If there is anything you should need, I will not be far away.”

Without waiting for an answer, he departed.

Rainbow Dash sat alone, where nopony else could see her, freely crying her eyes out. Her body shook, her heart sank to her stomach, and her head throbbed from all the crying she was doing. Weak. All she could feel right now was weak. The grief and utter torment she could feel were driving her down. Her wings were practically glued to her sides, as if they would never rise again. Which at the moment, was fine by her. Flying was nowhere near an option right now. A world without her best friend, what was the point.

While they had only seen one another on a rare occasion for the past fifteen years, they did still keep in touch through letters. Rainbow sat with her saddlebags, some belongings she had managed to salvage, which contained most of the letters from Fluttershy and her friends. Along with those letters, was a single photograph she kept, the very last one that was ever taken with the two. Two years ago, when they had met up and spent an entire week together, just the two of them. An entire week of fun. Passion.

That had been the last time she ever saw her.

Rainbow looked down at the photo which sat on the floor in front of her, her teary vision making it nearly impossible to see. Wiping her eyes to at least get a better look at it, she found it to be a bad idea, considering all it seemed to do was remind her of the good times they'd had. Good times they would never get to face again. They were lost forever.

The photo was of the two of them sitting together by the a pond at the seaside resort they'd gone to, with their forelegs around each other in an embrace. While they were trying to look toward the camera, their eyes were glued to each other, both of them wearing the brightest of grins on their faces. A tragic depiction of better times.

“Why, Fluttershy....why did you have to go? That's not fair... You had so much ahead of you...and THIS happened! Why did you die, Fluttershy?! You're not supposed to be dead! You're supposed to be right here...with all of us...” Rainbow yelled at the photo in her sobbing, trembling hard. “...With me...”

She broke into tears again, squeezing her eyes shut and hugging herself. It felt cold, very cold. The past memories of their times together all ran through her, saddening her more and yet, filling her with remorse.

“I couldn't even be there for you....I couldn't help you....I couldn't protect you... What kind of a lousy friend am I?! I couldn't stop you from dying! Why wasn't I there for you?! What kind of friend am I...if I couldn't keep my promises to you? My promise to protect you... My promise...that I...”

Rainbow continued to sob as her final words spoken to Fluttershy rang in her mind.

“I will always find you.”

She felt like a complete failure. To think that she couldn't be there for her best friend in the worst of times. Not without trying, of course, but even that had been a moot failure. The moment she knew there was trouble across Equestria, the first thing on her mind was her friends, hoping to make sure they were okay, and especially Fluttershy. The only unfortunate aspect was that she didn't even know where Fluttershy was currently at when it happened, while she herself was with the Wonderbolts in Manehattan. Try as she may, nopony allowed her to leave. For good reason, she knew, but it still brought upon her regret.

“I wasn't fast enough...I wasn't strong enough...I couldn't save you, Fluttershy... I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.”

Once again, there was no response. Only silence.

Throes of shivers and tingles of pain and despair overcame the cyan mare as she continued to grieve the loss of her beloved friend. It was all she could do, all she even thought to do. Anything else was far beyond her reach, especially flying. Her wings still refused to open up, remaining closed at her sides. Probably for the rest of her days.

Placing a hoof onto the photo, Rainbow Dash sniffled, then reached into one of her saddlebags. Finding what she was looking for, it was Fluttershy's final letter. The very last letter sent before the tragic chaos began. A letter that was sent about a month or so ago. Even if a month ago felt like years ago by now.

Very slowly, she opened it, reading it.

Dear Rainbow Dash,

Everything is going fine now, though I am sorry I hadn't responded to your latest letter. But I won't trouble you with that.

Anyway, Twilight is doing fine, although I suspect she's in over her head about something. About what, I'm honestly not sure. But she is still a dedicated mentor to Pumpkin, which is still great to see. Pumpkin herself is learning so much more every day, and she's been able to do a couple of spells I knew Twilight hadn't mastered when she was at that age.

I've heard from Rarity a couple of weeks ago, and she said she might come in for a visit if she gets the time. I've seen her new designs, and they're lovely! As for Applejack, she's been busy, but she had written a letter last month, reporting some daily things. Twilight likes to read her letters, what with how simple and informative they are. I don't blame her, they are nice to read.

How are you doing now? I'm very glad things are still working out for you, especially with the new routine you all have been handling! That's amazing, Rainbow, I'm so happy for you! I promise you I'll be at the next performance, absolutely. I can't wait! Thank you again for your letter, they're always such a treat to read. I can't wait to see you soon, and finally get to spend time with you. I really miss you.

Oh, and when we do, there's something we need to talk about. I think you know exactly what I mean. If you don't mind, of course.

Good luck Rainbow Dash, as always!

I love you.

Sincerely, Fluttershy

The last three words before her signature always jumped off the paper every time she read them. A simple sentence of endearment.

I love you.

While she had been trying to figure out the meaning of the letter back then, Rainbow did end up writing her one more letter. Whether or not Fluttershy received it, let alone read it, was a mystery. A mystery that now was never going to be solved. She knew full well what Fluttershy meant, and despite her own confusion and inhibitions of the situation, there was no possible way she could say no.

But what did Fluttershy mean? If it had anything to do with what happened between them, she wondered if maybe that could have been it. But what if it wasn't? What if it really was just meant to be the way you would say it to a friend or family member?

Rainbow sighed, distraught at knowing she would never figure this out. Did she even want to at this point? It was hopeless.

Her heart sank again, her tears continued, and her body trembled as the letter slowly fell from her hooves.

I love you.

“Darn it...even now I can't be sappy! And I couldn't see you, I couldn't tell you what I was feeling!” Rainbow yelled to nothing, more tears streaming down her face, “I was confused, I waited too long, I took it all for granted! I never thought you'd die too soon, Fluttershy... You weren't supposed to! You should be here, with us, safe and sound... And I could tell you...”

Her bloodshot cerise eyes once again fell to the photograph, laying on the floor beside the letter. Placing her hoof upon it, she sniffled and managed the tiniest smile she could possibly muster.

“...I love you too, Fluttershy.”

Still no response. It was all she would ever hear when talking to Fluttershy. Dead silence.

With her head throbbing, eyes blurred with tears, body trembling, and heart utterly shattering, Rainbow Dash continued to break down. She'd never felt this horrible in her entire life. Not even her anxiety before her first performance as a Wonderbolt could ever compare to this. One of her best friends, a friend she loved, was dead. Murdered in cold blood. By someone that, should they ever show their face to her, would wish they were dead.

But there was nothing more she could do. This was a part of what killed her inside. Fluttershy was dead, everypony else who had made it to this place were saved, but what then? She couldn't turn back time and save her best friend. Many lost their loved ones in this tragedy, that much she knew. Losing somepony close to you was the worst feeling. It wasn't even just her own loss, but Fluttershy's loss.

All she could think was the last time she saw her. Their parting was sweet, but she now wished she could have done things differently and didn't wait. Given what had happened between them during their week together, it was obvious.

It had started out innocent enough. They hadn't seen one another for a few years at that point, and were greeting one another with a lot of hugs upon that train station platform. Innocent compliments ensued as they then made their way into the resort's town, heading to the hotel. Their room had two beds, as well as a lovely view of the ocean.

Fluttershy had of course offered to chip in the bill, to which Rainbow had refused and said she would take care of it. But because Fluttershy was the kind of pony who insisted on not getting something for nothing, offered to at least pay some of the other expenses. Eventually, the agreement was made.

Rainbow smiled a bit, thinking back to that great week. Sightseeing, going swimming together, candlelight dining, walking along the beach. They did all kinds of fun things together, just like any two friends would.

Things however, took quite an interesting turn during that week. She wasn't even sure how it happened. It all just started that one night. They were on the beach after the sun had gone down, and were just sitting on the surf, side by side. Small talk was made, Fluttershy was scooting closer to her, and eventually they were snuggling. Rainbow had found she rather enjoyed it, especially after not having spent time with Fluttershy in years. As it went on, they looked at one another, and it was as if a bell went off in her head. All she remembered was that she'd felt the impulse to just go for it. Go for it she did, given that they both leaned in and kissed each other.

It didn't stop there.

Not a word was spoken about their kissing, they just continued to do so. Eventually, Fluttershy had whispered that she was feeling cold and wanted to go back to their room. All too nervous, yet eager, Rainbow had agreed. They did so, quietly going back to the room. Upon arrival, while they'd tried to talk about what had happened, neither could get the words out. Especially Fluttershy, who was as flustered as could be. But then upon looking at each other, it was clear what the other wanted. It felt as if the room had gotten warmer by the second.

Blushing a bit, she could remember the way they'd thrown themselves at each other, kissing like crazy. Their intertwined bodies slamming into the walls, right into the bookshelf, just about missing their destination. It was a miracle they'd even made it to one of the beds.

The passion, the fire, the ecstasy. It continued to escalate this way for the rest of their vacation. Nearly every moment spent in their room-aside from sleeping-became devoted to seemingly endless hours of lovemaking. Even the three-day train ride back to Canterlot made it impossible for them to hold back. Every touch, every kiss, the tantalizing sounds Fluttershy made. An unforgettable experience that was never matched.

Memories of that continued to burn in her mind, saddening her all the more. After it was over and they'd gone back to their respective lives, it was never spoken of again. Only once was it mentioned, when they planned to talk about it the next time they got together. A plan that was never executed.

The cyan pegasus buried her face in her hooves, trembling as she sobbed.

'Why didn't I do something about it, why was I so stupid?! I could've been up front with her, I could've protected her. Why didn't I go back to her... I don't deserve her. I don't even think I ever did. What kind of a friend am I... And here I went sleeping with her... She must've thought it was going to be a one-time thing... She must've thought it was all I wanted. It wasn't...!'

Hearing footsteps from behind her, Rainbow stiffened. Whoever it was approached slowly, quietly, but made their presence known.

“Did I startle you?” Came Ryder's voice.

Sniffling a bit, trying to hide the fact that she'd been crying, Rainbow shook her head, “No.”

“Very well. I merely came to make sure you were all right. Your friends are worried. I...can see this is a deep, personal loss for you, Rainbow Dash.”

The cyan pegasus snorted a bit, not looking at him, “....Who did this to her. Tell me. I will make them pay...”

Ryder was silent for a few moments before he responded, “I understand your anger and desire for vengeance, Rainbow Dash. But I am afraid it is not the answer. Channelling your grief and anger into revenge will only serve to make you and those around you suffer all the more. In spite of that, however, you need not do so. The wretched being who had murdered Fluttershy is already dead.”

“.....Well, he's lucky. At least Fluttershy's nightmare is over.”

Once more, Ryder was quiet.

“I am afraid it's not quite as you might think. She is now in the Ghostlands, doomed to wander forever.”

Anger rising within her, Rainbow Dash whirled on the Val'Kyr, tears streaming down her face. She could not believe what she was even hearing! Fluttershy faced a cruel end, and now a cruel afterlife?

“WHAT?! That's IT?! After all she's been through, THAT is what she gets?! Fluttershy deserves better than that, you know! What kind of screwed up afterlife is that?!” She yelled, practically shaking her hooves at him now.

Unfazed, however, Ryder nodded, “Rainbow Dash, if it were indeed possible to give the many who die far too soon a better afterlife, I would see to it happening. But I am afraid it's far beyond anyone's control. Don't fret about it further, there is nothing you can do.”

“Then I'll find her! I promised her I'd find her! One day, I'll go there myself and find her! I lost her...and I'm gonna find her again! I promised her, guy! I promised I'd always find her!”

“It is not that simple, I'm afraid. Any who have tried through other means ended up failing.”

Rainbow Dash, having calmed a bit, could only look to him as she wordlessly cued him to continue.

Ryder did so after a moment's consideration, “Would she not want you, and your friends, to live your lives? To honour her memory as such, however you can? Should you choose to end your life over this...would it not disappoint her greatly?”

Sniffling, Rainbow nodded, “Yeah. Knowing Fluttershy, she'd be pretty upset. She'd think it was all her fault and start blaming herself for it.”

“That much is true, many a time someone will blame themselves for the misfortune of those close to them, should they be linked to it somehow.”

“I wouldn't want her to! I don't blame her...this isn't her fault! Whoever that bastard was that murdered her just...” Angrily, the cyan mare slammed her hoof against the floor. A hand was placed on her back, calming her.

“I cannot tell you what to do, but I can advise you to make this easier. Taking time to grieve is exactly what you need now, and feel free to take as long you would like. But remember, Fluttershy is not truly gone. She's still here. With all of you. In your hearts,” the man's voice was soft.

Sniffling, Rainbow continued staring down at the floor, trembling a little. The man's words were correct, she knew them well, but she could barely formulate a calm thought at the moment. Maybe in time, she would, but for now, any thought in regards to her lost best friend only ended in tragedy.

Removing his hand, Ryder stood up, “I'll leave you alone. You may go and see your friends when you're ready.”

“...Thanks, I guess,” the cyan pegasus muttered.

Ryder gave a small smile, “Do not worry. In time, we will see to her having a proper memorial place. Take care.”

Without another word, nor waiting for a response, Ryder left the grieving mare to her own devices.

Numb. Alone.

Rainbow Dash was now wandering about, unsure of where she was going or what she was even doing. All she could feel was numbed pain and misery. Nothing reached her mind, her ears, her eyes, her body. As much as she wanted to just collapse and cry while curled up in a ball, she'd already done quite a bit of that. Right now, her body's normally restless nature was finally kicking in and telling her to go do something. But what? There was nothing further she could do. The misery was eating at her heart like termites on wood.

Looking to her saddlebags, she exhaled heavily. At least now she could properly preserve the memories she had.

Hoofsteps were heard close by. Rainbow's ears perked, her body tensing as she turned away, unwilling to let the approaching pony know that she was crying. Let alone miserable.

“Rainbow Dash?” A regal, calm voice said from behind her.

Recognizing the voice as Princess Celestia, Rainbow relaxed herself a bit, “Hey, Princess.”

The alicorn came up next to her, seating herself on her haunches, “I heard of what happened from my sister. Your friends are worried about you.”

“I'll go back when I'm ready. Right now I just want to be alone!” Rainbow snapped, still not looking at her.

Unfazed, Celestia gave a slow nod, “I understand. What had happened to Fluttershy was horribly unfortunate. You were lucky to have not seen it happen.”

“Frankly, I wish I did! Then at least I could've been there for her! But I wasn't, was I?! Nope! Of course not! I wasn't there to help my best friend! I always promised I'd protect her, but I couldn't! What kind of a lousy friend am I?!”

The angered, grieving Wonderbolt continued to rant and rave, while Celestia simply remained calm and allowed her to do so. She didn't speak nor did she make much movement, she just observed as Rainbow Dash got it all out of her system. She knew all too well how she felt.

When Rainbow finally calmed down, looking defeated and numb all over again, Celestia gently rubbed her back in comfort.

Celestia smiled softly, “Nopony is ever truly gone if we keep them close in our hearts.”

“...Why her, Princess...why Fluttershy?” The cyan pegasus stared down at the floor, sitting on her haunches.

Seeing that it was a rhetorical question, Celestia looked up for a moment as she considered how to answer her, “It was indeed very unfortunate, Rainbow Dash. I do understand why you feel this way. I know exactly how you feel.”

A snort sounded from the pony next to her. Not fazed, Celestia chuckled humorlessly.

“I suppose you wonder how I could possibly know how it feels. Over the hundreds upon thousands of years I have lived, I have seen many ponies I care for soon die somehow. Whether it be by natural causes, unfortunate accidents, or malevolent actions... I have seen it many times. Never has it been any easier to bear. Especially when you yourself outlive them. And continue to do so for many years to come. You know it will happen, you know that it is inevitable to occur. But even then...” Celestia's tone dropped a bit to a more morose inflection, “...it can still overthrow you.”

“...How do you do it, Princess?” Rainbow Dash wanted to know, still not looking at her.

Celestia looked down at her with a small smile, “As sad as it may be to see them go... I would never have had such wonderful ponies in my life if I never made contact with them. Nothing would have happened if I avoided contact. Though to this day, I miss them, and long for them to live once more... I would never have traded knowing them for anything in the world.”

As Rainbow let that sink in, she felt herself smile a bit, too. Her heart, though broken, even started to swell a bit with life. She could see Celestia was right. Even if Fluttershy's life was cut short, which hurt her immensely, there were still the memories. Memories that would never have come if she didn't take the chances that she did.

Rainbow finally looked up at the alicorn, a sad smile on her face, “You know, you're right, Princess. I just still wish I could've been there for her. Been there to protect her, to help her.”

“It isn't your fault, Rainbow Dash. Nopony could have possibly foresaw any of this happening. Her death was not your doing. Do not blame yourself for it.” When Celestia looked down at the cyan mare once more, a knowing smile overcame her features, “...There's more to it, isn't there?”

“...Yeah,” Rainbow averted her gaze again.

Celestia simply smiled, nodding slowly.

Deciding to just come out with it, Rainbow sighed and ran her hoof along the floor, “I haven't seen her for two years. The last time I saw her, we were on vacation. Sure, we kept in touch with letters, and we planned to see each other again. We just didn't know when. When we'd do that, we were going to talk about what happened...two years ago...” Her cheeks turned pink at this.

“You don't have to say it. I think I see what you're getting at, Rainbow Dash.”

“Whatever! I wasn't sure when or how to do it, either. I don't even know if she did, either. All I had to go on was the last letter she ever sent me. She wrote 'I love you' in there, and I don't even know how to take it. And now I'll never know!”

“Mmm...” Celestia murmured, nodding, “That's always been something dreadful when you lose a loved one. So many things can be left unsaid. I'm deeply sorry that you two could not talk this out before she was killed.”

“Whatever. It's okay, Princess... I just...it's not even just that. I wish I could've known better, I want to tell her how much she means to me. She's my best friend, always has been. I wanted to tell her that I...” Rainbow looked down, a single tear rolling down her cheek, “I think I love her.”

The alicorn smiled gently, nodding once again, “I could see it in your eyes, Rainbow Dash.”

“That obvious, huh?” Dash chuckled without mirth, “Well, it's too late, now.”

“That's not true. There's absolutely nothing that is stopping you from continuing to love her.”

“I know! But it seems so pointless, since she can't feel it back.”

“You don't know. While I myself nor Twilight can speak for Fluttershy entirely on this matter, I do know that she has always cared for all of you. It wouldn't surprise me if she took that with her into the grave.”

Rainbow sniffled, reminded once again of the terrible existence Fluttershy now had in the afterlife, “She's in these Ghostlands...wandering around for eternity. But I won't let that stop me. When I die, I'm gonna find her. I made a promise to her, Princess. I promised I'd always find her. And I'm gonna find her when I get there. I don't care if I have to spend forever doing it. I will find her.”

For a few moments, Celestia remained silent, simply observing her subject. She could see the fire and passion in her eyes, and knew all too well that Rainbow Dash would carry out with that promise. Not even the Ghostlands were going to hold her back. It didn't surprise Celestia, she could see the fire in the cyan pegasus ever since she first truly met her. Surely it sounded like a much more fruitless effort than anything, but she knew better than to think it would stop Rainbow Dash.

She spoke again, clearing her throat, “I believe you. Now then... My sister will make sure everypony sleeps well, should they want the treatment. Would you like to have certain kinds of dreams? If for nothing else than to sleep well?”

Sniffling a bit, Rainbow nodded, “...If the only place I can be with Fluttershy...and all my friends...being awesome...is in my dreams....I'll take it for now. It'll do until I'm ready to find her.”

“Very well. I'll be sure to tell my sister of that. We'll all be in the other room when you're ready to go back to your friends,” Celestia stood then, “And Rainbow Dash?”

“Yeah?” Rainbow looked at the retreating alicorn.

Celestia smiled warmly, “You're not alone. Your friends are still here.”

With that, she left her alone once more.

Rainbow Dash produced the photo once more, gazing at it.

“I'm gonna find you, Fluttershy. Wherever you are in that place.”

Author's Note

This portion of the story ties in with chapters eight and nine of Doomsday Ascending. It's not completely necessary to read the original story, but I do suggest you do. To get a better look at what's going on around here, if nothing else.

Have I attacked you guys in the feels? :P

Equestria

Two weeks had passed since the citizens had been brought back to Equestria after the “evacuation” of sorts onto Neptune. Two weeks since they'd been working to build their lives back up in whatever way possible. Rebuilding towns, restoring vegetation soil, water sources, anything they could to get things going again. It was all the process of rebuilding their lives.

Surely, things would never be the same, but that didn't mean they could crumble along with it. It was time to move forward, to reclaim what was lost.

Twilight Sparkle was now traversing to the area of land that was once Ponyville. While it would likely take some time to truly restore it to what it once had been, what truly mattered was that it was to be livable again. She'd been going back and forth from Canterlot and New Ponyville periodically, to check on the progress of her friends. While at the same time, checking in on the town she had also once called home.

The past few weeks prior to now were truly hard times she would never forget, but at least now, she knew they could rise from the ashes. That was all she hoped for. Every now and then, it would sting her heart and she would pour herself into her studies to try distracting herself, but the weight of the events still remained. It was all part in how Twilight knew things were not the same, and never would be.

But that was life, wasn't it? Things changed in so many ways, big and small. It was all about adapting to them and going along with it. She knew that wasn't always easy, but it worked before. Who was to say it wouldn't work now?

Thousands of years ago, in the time of the Founding of Equestria, the entire country and beyond nearly froze to death due to the Windigos. That too had been a trying time for ponies everywhere, torn about by hatred, unable to do anything to fix the problem. Until the driving force of peace, harmony and friendship drove the vengeful spirits away. Ponies had adapted and changed since then.

Surely this was far more catastrophic than before, but in time, things would move along just as so. Traumatic as it may have been, Twilight didn't doubt that time would move things along, just as everypony else would. As difficult as it could be, she had faith in them, her friends, and herself.

Twilight walked along the newly made but still constructing streets, waving to everypony she passed and offered pleasantries. She came across Rarity and Sweetie Belle, who were overlooking the progress of a newly made Carousel Boutique to be built. Smiling, she trotted over to them.

“Hey Rarity, how are things?”

“Twilight, darling!” Rarity gave her a hug, smiling, “We're doing quite well. Another couple of weeks, and the remade Carousel Boutique shall be fini!”

“It's going to be great!” Sweetie Belle beamed, bouncing on the spot.

Giggling, Twilight ruffled the younger mare's curly mane, “That's great. You're sure you're all right with setting back up in Ponyville? I know you lived further off before all this started.”

Nodding, the white unicorn looked to the construction site with a warm smile, “I do, darling. Ponyville may not have the glitz, glamour, and fabulous wonders as Canterlot, or even the Crystal Empire...but it is and always has been my home. I was born here, lived a great part of my life here, and I cannot imagine being anywhere else. The entire catastrophe has left me far more homesick than I could have ever imagined. Considering the tragic loss of our parents, I felt it only best to remain here. I'm ready to begin anew once more, right here, with all of my friends close by.”

“You know...that's a good way of looking at it,” Twilight admitted with a smile.

“Me too,” said Sweetie Belle, looking at Twilight then, “I'm gonna start doing some singing, actually...”

“Really?” Twilight smiled brightly, “That's great, Sweetie Belle! Got over your fear of singing in front of a crowd, huh?”

The younger unicorn giggled, looking away with a soft blush, “Well, it's fun to do, and other ponies like it, so I'm gonna do it. To cheer everypony up!”

“Good luck with it, then,” Twilight praised, “I think it'll be great for you!

Rarity looked to her sister with a proud smile, turning her attention back to the construction workers, “How about you, Twilight? How are things back in Canterlot?”

Shrugging a little, the studious unicorn returned her attention to her friend, “It's going great. Everything is mostly rebuilt from when it first started, and the Princesses finally started holding Day and Night Courts again. Cadance and Shining Armor went back to the Crystal Empire, and are helping out to restore the city's damage.”

“Ah, I see!” Rarity glanced to the workers again, then looked back at Twilight, “And how is Pumpkin doing? That sweet dear must have been through quite a fright in all of this.”

“She's doing good,” Twilight smiled fondly, “Yeah, it was all very hard on her, but she's managing okay. I know she still misses Fluttershy, Pinkie, Pound and her parents, but she's a trouper. I try to tell her to relax, but she's still eager to learn!”

Giggling, Rarity shook her head with amusement, “Oh, that sounds quite like a certain unicorn I know!”

“Yeah yeah, laugh it up!” Twilight rolled her eyes, but didn't hide her smile.

“Truly though, I'm certainly glad you're making it through all of this, dear,” Rarity grew serious once more, but with a hint of a smile, “I was truly worried for you all this time. Though it's not to say I didn't have faith in your abilities, far from it. I just worried for all of you, and I'm grateful we all made it.”

Twilight nodded in agreement, nuzzling Rarity lightly, “You're right, me too. I'm sad we lost Fluttershy... But we did all make it, and I'm glad we're rebuilding what we lost.”

“Yes... Fluttershy...” Rarity's azure eyes pooled with tears as she looked down a bit, “I miss her dearly.”

Twilight nodded in agreement, “Me too.”

Sweetie Belle came back over to them then, poking her sister, “Rarity? The contractor wants to talk to you about the upstairs.”

“Oh, of course. I'll be right there, sweetheart,” said the purple-maned unicorn, shooing her sister away, “I'd better go then, Twilight. Perhaps we could catch up later over some tea?”

Twilight nodded, “Sure. I'll meet you back here later this evening.”

Nodding, Rarity smiled at her before she followed after Sweetie Belle to the construction site. Twilight watched after them for a few moments, taking in the progress of the shop/home a moment. The downstairs was already finished, except of the needed paint job to come later. The upstairs was insulated, it just needed the walls put up, as well as the insertion of the utility links, wires and pipes. A few ponies, pegasi, unicorns and earth ponies alike were working on it then, noisily.

Twilight then headed off in the direction where the newly reformed Sweet Apple Acres was going to be.

The surviving members of the extended Apple family were gathered alongside Applejack, Big Macintosh and Apple Bloom. Twilight could see that they were raising the barn, which was halfway done at this point. She smiled yet again, glad to see that they were all still moving along and trying to restore their farm.

Apple Bloom and Babs Seed were tugging on a rope together with all their strength, trying to keep themselves from sliding across the ground despite the resistance. Approaching slowly so as not to startle anyone, Twilight observed for a moment, her eyes landing on Applejack.

The orange mare took notice of her, and smiled around the rope she clenched in her teeth. “Howdy, Twi!”

“Hey Applejack, I see you're all raising the barn!” Twilight smiled at her friend, “Can I help?”

“It's awright, no need! 'Sides, Ah'm sure ya came ta talk an' see how everythin's goin'!” Applejack tugged the rope further back.

Twilight watched as they managed to raise the walls of the barn, keeping it all in place. Satisfied with yet another job well done, the Apples dispersed as they took a little break. This gave Twilight the opportunity to chat a bit with Applejack as they walked around the property, observing all that had been done in the past couple of weeks so far. Some trees were restored, some seeds having just been planted, and it seemed that the soil was usable for growing yet again.

“Ah gotta hand it ta tha Princesses fer helpin' restore our soil,” Applejack remarked, “It's been a tough time restorin' everythin', but with all of us workin' tagether, it's been a breeze. Ah'm jus' glad we all made it through.”

“I guess your extended family are staying here for a while?” Twilight queried.

Applejack nodded, “Their respective hometowns 'round Equestria are still bein' restored, too. Appleloosa's been repaired, though. Ah might go on down there after all this is done ta help out.”

“Did the buffaloes make it?”

“From what Braeburn told me, some of 'em actually did. Chief Thunderhooves an' Little Strongheart are still alive, tryin' ta regroup tha herd. Tha settlers are re-plantin' all the orchards, still tryin' ta give tha buffaloes their space ta stampede.”

Twilight smiled, “That's great! I'm glad things worked out between them and the settlers again, after what happened last time.”

“You said it, Twi! Tha past fifteen years had been great fer all of 'em, an' Ah'm glad they're managin' ta restore what they once had,” the farm pony agreed with a big grin of her own.

“Good, I'm really glad to hear that. So, how's Apple Bloom holding up?”

“She's doin' awright, an' cheered right up when she saw Babs was okay! Still her favourite cousin ta this day!”

Giggling, Twilight glanced over at the two younger mares, seeing them engaged in a conversation against a bale of hay.

“But what 'bout you, Twi? This had ta hit ya tha hardest, didn't it? 'Specially with that there woman, Ascentia?” Applejack said, looking at her quizzically.

“...Well, it hasn't been easy trying to adjust to everything since then. I mean, it was just so... Overwhelming. Yet that doesn't even describe it. I feel as if my entire perception of reality was...smashed with a hammer and then thrown into a blender, then hit puree,” Twilight sighed, shaking her head, “I don't even really know what to think anymore. And Ascentia... I can't...I just can't hate her for any of this. I know what she did was wrong, I know she is somewhat responsible for it all... But I don't hate her. I just can't hate her. I can't even say it's her fault, because it isn't. She didn't mean for this to happen. I know we don't see eye to eye on some levels, but I know she's not evil. It just all got out of hoof.”

Applejack nodded slowly, placing a hoof on her back, “Ah hear ya, Twi. It ain't always easy when someone in yer life does things like that. Ah can see why ya cain't hate her. Ah don't really know much o' her mahself, but Ah'll take yer word fer it. Haven't we all had someponies in our lives who're...well, different, an' have done some things, but we cain't hate 'em fer it?”

“Sure we have, it does happen,” the studious unicorn agreed, “I guess she's just...one of those kinds of friends. A friend who although you can't ignore some of the things they'd done, you still care about them. Because they're still your friend.”

“Ya know, Ah think that's a good way ta put it. Sometimes we do have friends an' family members o' that sort. But it don't matter, 'cause in the end, yer still a family.”

Twilight smiled a bit, looking at Applejack, “That's true. Ascentia and I just have this...strange connection, I don't even really understand it myself.”

“Ah noticed, we all did,” Applejack remarked with a chuckle, “Considerin' ya actually hugged her before she left.”

Cheeks turning pink, she nudged the orange mare lightly, “Oh, stop it.”

“Awright, no more teasin',” Applejack said amiably, “Things goin' awright in Canterlot? Ah see ya still went back there.”

“Everything's okay. I've been working a bit with the Princesses on rebuilding the systems we had in place before,” Twilight shrugged, “I'm still training Pumpkin, and boy she's still doing really well! One of these days, she's going to surpass me, I just know it.”

Applejack snickered, “They always do say that tha student surpasses the teacher!”

“Yeah, I know,” Twilight playfully rolled her eyes, “Anyway, Cadance and Shining Armor went back to the Crystal Empire some time ago. Last I heard, everything was fine, they're just rebuilding some of the damage that was done there. Nothing major, like they said before, and there seemed to be no casualties.”

“Right, that's good ta hear,” Applejack tilted her omnipresent stetson hat, “As ya can see, Ponyville's doin' awright. It's been bustlin' with activity since we got back!”

The lavender mare smiled at this, “I know! I'm so happy to see that. I almost feel like it was back fifteen years ago, you know? It looks a little different, sure, and it'll still take time to fully restore, but it's already coming together!”

“Eeyup! It sure is, Twi. An' ya know, Rainbow Dash has been doin' okay. She's been comin' down here ta help sometimes, 'specially if we needed some extra weather help.”

“Really? That's good. The last time I saw her, she just walked off because she was looking for a new location to build her house. I haven't seen or heard from her since then. Are you sure she's okay?”

“Trust me, she's fine. But sometimes...when Ah look at her, she seems kinda lost an' distant,” Applejack admitted, looking morose, “Ah think Fluttershy's passin' is still hittin' her hard.”

“...Yeah...it has,” Twilight sighed, “How did you guys find out? I didn't get a chance to ask.”

“Well, it was before ya came ta join us back on that there frozen place,” Applejack said thoughtfully, “Ah was with Rarity an' Rainbow, we were talkin'... Then that guy, Matthew Ryder, Ah think, along with Princess Luna, came ta tell us tha news. It was horrible, an' Ah couldn't believe mah ears..... Fluttershy, dead? Murdered? Those words just didn't belong tagether in a sentence.”

“I know...I couldn't believe it when I found out, either.”

“Yer tellin' me. Anyway, after they told us what happened ta her... Rainbow just went crazy. She actually feel ta her knees and yelled 'no'. Remember that one time Spike was tryin' ta get us ta save Rarity, he failed, an' then he yelled out a big 'no'?”

A tiny smile stretched at Twilight's lips with that memory, “Of course I do. So I guess...she did that?”

“She did. Real loud, too. 'Specially since she was askin' if Fluttershy was safe. After that, she was goin' nuts, and then ran off ta be alone. She came back eventually, an' barely spoke a word. But then she asked Princess Luna if there was some way they could bring back Fluttershy. Heh...No wonder, Ah'll be lots o' ponies asked them that! Course tha Princess said they couldn't do that. Then ya came over, then ya left, an'...after it was announced that we were goin' back, Rainbow refused an' then ran off. Last Ah saw her before we came back here ta Equestria, she was bein' dragged over by her tail.”

“Why did she do that?”

Applejack shrugged, “Ah don't know. We tried askin' her, but she didn't say a word ta either of us. Ah don't know what happened or why she ran off, though.”

“Oh,” Twilight nodded, and looked straight ahead, “Maybe I'll ask her once she's cooled down a bit more. She is taking this the hardest, I imagine. Fluttershy was her oldest friend, after all.”

“She is, sugarcube. She's takin' it purty hard, but she's tryin' ta be strong,” said the orange earth pony, sighing a bit, “But Ah hope she'll be awright. That's all Ah'm hopin' fer.”

“So am I,” agreed Twilight, giving her a nuzzle.

Applejack smiled and nuzzled her back, “Well, anyway, Ah gotta thank ya fer stoppin' by, Twilight. It's been a while since we'd seen ya. Will ya be in town awhile?”

“Yes, I'll be around for a day or two, depending if I can stay anywhere,” Twilight nodded, “I'm meeting Rarity later on, actually. Do you want to come?”

“Maybe, Ah'll see if Ah can get off workin' 'round tha farm a bit,” Applejack shrugged a little, “If ya wanna hang 'round here, yer welcome to. Perhaps later on we can go see Rarity tagether.”

Twilight considered it, “Sure, I'll stay around here for a while, then. Now I know you all tend to go things the old-fashioned way, but if you do want a little extra hoof, I'll help you guys. Really.”

Laughing a bit, the farm pony gave her a hug, “Awright, Twi. You win. Ah'll let ya know if we need a little help. Thank ya kindly, nonetheless.”

“You're welcome, Applejack,” Twilight hugged her back, “I love you girls, and I'm glad we've all managed to work things out since the...well, ascending doomsday, for lack of a better term.”

“An' we love ya too, sugarcube,” Applejack pulled away, smiling warmly, “We're glad ya made it. Ah know we lost a lot o' ponies, but at least some of us still made it,” she looked back over her shoulder at the farm, smiling warmly, “An' Ah'm glad we're all here again, makin' things right.”

“...Making things right, that's a good way to put it,” Twilight followed her gaze, exhaling.

Applejack continued to walk alongside her before she spoke up again, looking curious. “So, what's doin'? What're ya gonna do now, Twi?”

For once, Twilight had no definitive answer. It seemed obvious, she still had Pumpkin to train and grow as a unicorn, but she didn't know what else there was. The past few weeks prior to now were far from small events she'd only barely remember in a few months time. No, they had been a huge impact on her life that she'd never expected.

“I don't even know right now, Applejack,” the unicorn responded after a few moments, “But you know what the scariest thing about all of this was?”

“Tell me.”

“We're not alone. I mean, ever since the beginning of ponykind, even before the founding of Equestria, there has always been one question. What lies beyond the sky? Beyond the atmosphere? We see all of the stars, the constellations, the moon at night. We've made theories about there being distant places out there, that the universe is a lot bigger than we think it is. We've even theorized that we're not alone. And now...now that we actually know for sure, have seen it for ourselves in so many ways...”

Applejack placed a hoof on her back, “Ah think Ah see what yer sayin', Twi. Now that it's certain that we ain't alone 'round tha universe, yer not sure what ta think.”

“Exactly! I mean, I've read in books about what the Val'Kyr were like, and what they did, extensively. And now...now I know we're not alone. What else is out there? What happens now? What else are we going to find?” Twilight looked up at the cloudy sky, as if trying to seek answers.

“Well,” the orange earth pony began after a few moments, “Ah sure as hay cain't say fer sure. But Ah do know that whatever comes, we'll jus' have ta cross that bridge when we get there. Sometimes in life, unexpected things come 'round, big er small, an' we ain't always prepared fer it. Like when somepony dies, ya know? Death is still somethin' we don't fully know or understand. When it happens, it's all over. Ya cain't reason with it, fight against it, it just happens when it does.”

Considering that for a few moments, Twilight looked at Applejack, then to the sky once more. It was true that many unexpected circumstances of all kinds could occur in your life, and you were never truly prepared for them. Twilight knew she had not been prepared for the impending doom that had befallen Equestria, and had to endure the events that followed because of it. Nopony had a plan of that calibre, it was something you had to see and truly experience before you could properly prepare for it.

It was funny. A common practice was preparing for certain kinds of disasters, such as your home burning down or even a natural disaster gone out of control. Yet, in something as big or catastrophic as a doomdsay, Twilight could see that even the Princesses themselves were not prepared for it. Whoever could have been? What happened had occurred with no warning. An honest mistake, to be sure, but still a catastrophe when executed in full.

“You're right, Applejack... Nopony could prepare for something like that. Even if we knew about that kind of disaster beforehoof,” Twilight agreed, kicking aside a stray twig in her path, “Then everything in between. Like that God, Athena. Applejack..did you ever think there was some kind of a divine being out there? Far beyond the ground we stand on?”

Applejack frowned a bit, then shook her head, “Ah cain't say that Ah have. Ah guess it jus' depends who ya ask. Some might say they believed in it, others might not. But it wasn't fer sure either way, at least back then.”

The unicorn shook her head, “I know. Even I wondered it myself. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are the rulers of day and night, and the rule over Equestria. That's kind of like having Gods to look up to, right? Yet...it isn't the same.”

“How do ya mean?”

“Well, they're actually here. Real. We can see them, hear them, speak to them, touch them... We know they're there. They listen. They're actual real ponies, alicorns. They're actually here...” Twilight murmured softly, “...That God, Athena...was a mystery for a long time in many worlds. No one could prove her existence. All they could say was that she was like an imaginary friend.”

Seeming to catch on, Applejack stopped in her walking, “Ah see what ya mean. Ya cain't see it, hear it, feel it, er nothin'. Like an imaginary friend, right?”

“Yes, that's just it. And they had their theories about what she was like, what she did, what she looked like, whether or not she was male or female. Like an imaginary friend. You weren't right or wrong, and you couldn't prove it either way. Because they weren't real. They couldn't be proven.”

“...Ya know Twi, this is real deep... Ah'm not even sure what ta think!”

“...Neither am I, Applejack. Neither am I,” Twilight looked up at the sky again.

A couple of days later, upon her return to Canterlot, Twilight sat in her study as she tried to reflect. Her visit to Ponyville had been nice, there was no doubt about that. She'd even shared a meal with Rarity, Applejack, and also Rainbow Dash as well. It felt surreal, to all be together as friends for the first time since the return to Equestria. Not to mention, the fact that there were now only four of the Elements of the Harmony still alive. However, they chose not to make mention of this. Especially since Rainbow would instantly clam up if Fluttershy was ever mentioned by name. In respect, as well as to avoid an hour-long crying jag they didn't want to face right now, they avoided that topic.

Now she was back in Canterlot, if for nothing else than to try to figure out what she was even going to do next. If there was anything further. Twilight just didn't know what. There was still a lot of time ahead of her, especially with her newfound knowledge of things, but why was it so difficult to think things through now? To plan ahead, to have her mind grasping on what she could do to further her studies. There was so much, yet, so little.

'I want to move on with my life, I really do. I just wish...I knew where to start. I mean, it's going fine now, isn't it? So what's the problem? Is it because I don't have any long-term goals? I just....I don't know. Rarity is trying to rebuild her fashion line and home, which is something she can fall onto. Applejack and her family are rebuilding Sweet Apple Acres, which means they can get back to farming again. Rainbow Dash is trying to move on with her life, for herself, for all of us, and Fluttershy. But what about me? I'm moving on, I'm ready to continue living my life, but... What's next? What about when I have nothing more to teach Pumpkin?'

Twilight sighed, turning another page of her book. It wasn't even for research purposes, it was a Daring Do novel. The very last one that was published about twelve years ago, before the author had decided to move on to other writing projects. Daring Do and the Menacing Phantom, which for some odd reason, had a familiar ring to it. Still, all she could think to do was to escape into the world of fiction.

Try as she may, it was all she could think to do. The studious unicorn, usually so eager to learn, especially with the Canterlot Library at her disposal, felt so lost. All she could think about were her friends, the past events, the very elements that came with it. All of it.

“Tch...if Ascentia were here, I bet she'd say, 'You know Twilight, you shouldn't rush just because you can't think of any long-term plans at the moment. I'm sure there were many a time in your life where you didn't have long-term plans',” Twilight mumbled to herself in a silly excuse imitation of Ascentia's distinct accent. “Come on, I usually have at least some certainty as to what I want to do! 'Yes, that may be, but to reach that goal, you usually need a set of steps to take.' And that's what I'm trying to figure out! 'You need to relax. You're overthinking it.' No I'm not! I just don't know what to do right now!”

Twilight slumped over her book, groaning.

“Ugh...this is impossible!”

“Not really. You just need to think of these ideas with a clearer head,” Ascentia said matter-of-factly.

Twilight paused, then turned around, seeing the very woman on her mind standing close by her. She wasn't even sure how or when she got there, or even why she was there. While their parting hadn't been unpleasant, she was certain that her words were to be taken to heart. In fact, she didn't even feel surprised or fazed. Ascentia approached her, kneeling down beside her.

“I wish I could, but I don't know how I'll be able to,” Twilight sighed, shaking her head, “How long were you standing there?”

“Long enough to know that your impression of me needs work. But that's all right. I'm not exactly going to critique that. It's not important,” the Val'Kyr replied, “You seem to be stressed.”

“You can say that again. I don't even know what to do now,” Twilight looked back at her book, marking her page and closing it with her magic.

Ascentia shook her head, “You don't have to. You're only in the early stages of moving on with your life. In that time, often you feel lost about what to do for the future. But that's where you just have to slow down, relax, and take your time with that.”

“I'm trying, really!” Twilight said, facing her now, “But it all happened so fast!”

“A lot of things feel that way.”

“But this is huge!”

“It is, but don't you see? You're all still moving along with your lives, rebuilding what you had,” Ascentia gestured to the nearby window, “I've seen the progress you all made.”

The unicorn looked out the window for a moment, then back at her, “You're right, we are. And I'm so glad for that. I help any way I can. But beyond that, I just don't know where I'm going. What I'll be doing when things are more settled, when Pumpkin has grown past needing me to train her. What then?”

“Didn't Applejack earlier say that sometimes, you just have to cross the bridge when you arrive to it? Why don't you just do that?”

“It's silly to go into a new path without a map.”

“True. But that doesn't mean you can't enjoy the journey and take chances.”

Twilight and Ascentia regarded each other for a few moments, not saying a word. A small smile then overcame the unicorn's face as she slowly relaxed herself, letting the wise advice sink into her mind. She was told many a time that she needed to take chances and not have a set plan for everything in life. Maybe it was time she just let things happen as they come here and there. It wasn't a bad idea. Sometimes she'd had to do it, and any time the results were rewarding, she could see it didn't always mean an unorganized mess.

“You know, I missed having you around, Ascentia,” Twilight admitted with a small smile.

Ascentia chuckled a bit, “I can tell.”

“So why are you here? I thought you said...well, to ensure that I don't see you again.”

“You know why I'm here, Twilight.”

The unicorn blinked, confused, “No...I don't think I do. You just appeared out of nowhere. Like the first time you came back.”

“That I did,” Ascentia shrugged a little bit, standing up again, “But there are reasons for things, you know. Sometimes you just know, even if your conscious mind can't comprehend it.”

“I still don't understand why you're here. You can be straight with me and stop pouring riddles all over,” Twilight stated, her patience beginning to wear thin.

This of course, didn't faze nor deter the woman in the slightest. In fact, she seemed to be amused by all of this, as if Twilight were funny to her. However, within a minute or so, she sat down on a chair, motioning for the unicorn to come sit near her. It was then that the mirth faded, but a small smile remained.

“I just wanted to see you,” she said.

“...Oh...” Twilight murmured, looking up at her, “Why? Are you not allowed to be here?”

“It's not an issue of that, Twilight,” and that was all she said on the matter, considering the silence that followed.

Exhaling, the small unicorn decided not to press further and simply opted to lay her head on Ascentia's leg. For whatever doubts she may have had, it didn't overshadow the warm spark of happiness. Her eyes closed when she felt the familiar hand gently run through her mane.

“I'm sorry, Twilight.”

Even though she didn't elaborate, Twilight smiled a bit, “...I know.”

A few moments passed, before a chuckle sounded from the deep-red-haired woman, “You know, Twilight, you still owe me some stories. We haven't had much chance to talk further.”

“Owe?” Twilight laughed, unable to help it, “So you want to sit back and listen to me ramble on about random events in my life?”

“Perhaps.”

“Well, 'scentia, I guess you'd better make yourself comfortable! Telling stories and lecturing are some of the things I do best.”

Ascentia opened her mouth to answer, but that was when a knock sounded on the door. Startled, Twilight snapped her gaze toward the door and went over to it, feeling a nervous stab in her gut. What would the princesses or the royal guards say or do if they found out Ascentia was there? Or did they know and that was why they were knocking now? She didn't want to lie, nor did she want to give Ascentia away...what was she to do?

“Twilight Sparkle?” Came the voice of Princess Luna, “Twilight Sparkle, are you all right? You've been in there ever since you came back. Is everything okay?”

Biting her lip, Twilight turned to where Ascentia sat, “I should see the Princess, I need to-”

But Ascentia was no longer there. It confused the unicorn for a moment, especially since the chair wasn't where it had been. What had happened? Did she leave? But not out the window, so that meant it was likely she'd teleported when Twilight had her back turned.

Yet, Twilight felt a strange feeling in her heart. It felt even more as if Ascentia had never even been there to begin with.

“Twilight Sparkle? Who are you talking to?” Luna asked from the other side of the door.

“...No one, Princess,” Twilight opened the door with her magic. “I was talking to myself.”

The Princess of the Night strolled in casually, looking around the room before she faced the unicorn, “I see... Well, Twilight Sparkle, I was just about to go for a stroll in the garden before upon raising the moon. Would you like to come along?”

Twilight smiled, glad for a chance to get out for a little while and clear her head, “Sure, Princess. That'd be nice.”

Once more, Twilight looked back to where she was certain Ascentia had been, still seeing no sign of her having even been there. But maybe it was best not to overthink it, either way it happened. Getting no clear answer, she followed Luna out the door.

In the castle garden, Twilight walked alongside Princess Luna, neither of them having spoken since they'd come outside. However, the small unicorn's mind was abuzz with questions, to which she was unsure about voicing them. What was there to say? And what did Luna want? It wasn't uncommon that Luna had taken Twilight along on some excursions, they'd even had some fun trips together over the past years. But now, with everything having changed so drastically, it still left her wondering what was next even between them.

Twilight looked up at the regal, dark alicorn, recalling Ascentia's term in describing her. A zoroth. A steed of darkness. Considering Luna's colouration and being the Princess of the Night, it made perfect sense. While she was sure none would likely use it now, it was likely to catch on sometime.

Seeing her look, Luna turned her head to face her, “Is there something on your mind, Twilight Sparkle?”

“...You have no idea,” Twilight responded vaguely.

“Bit for your thoughts?”

“Well... I don't know. I guess I'm just...wondering what happens now.”

“Whatever do you mean? All is restoring to what it once had been. There is not much question to that, except to move forward.”

Twilight shook her head, “I know that. I just mean, after all of that. Especially with what I'll end up doing in time.”

“Ah,” Luna looked at her again, a small smile crossing her lips, “It is not my place to say, Twilight Sparkle. It is something you will have to see for yourself. But in time, you shall be ready.”

“Ready for what?” Asked the unicorn, intrigued.

“As I said, it isn't something I can tell you right now. It's not even that easy to explain, all things considered. But when it comes, you will know.”

As much as Twilight wanted to know more, she decided not to press further. But she did wonder if Celestia would tell her anything of it. Then again, seemed it seemed like such a big secret that she herself had to find out, it was unlikely.

“In the meantime,” Luna spoke up, derailing her thoughts, “you still have Pumpkin as your apprentice. I must say, she is doing very well. You must be very proud of her.”

“I am,” the lavender mare said, “It's really a privilege to be her teacher. I never thought I would teach a unicorn much like Princess Celestia has taught me. But even now, since I started, I still can't believe it.”

The dark alicorn nodded briefly, facing ahead of them as they continued to trek along the garden, “Indeed, even my sister can barely contain herself as she observes you teaching your apprentice. It makes her quite proud, Twilight Sparkle.”

Touched, Twilight felt her smile grow as a warm feeling overcame her body, “Thank you, Princess. I'm glad to make her proud, I really am.”

“And you have made me proud as well, Twilight. For especially in how you handled this entire situation that had plagued us a few weeks ago.”

A cold yet confusing wave washed over the small unicorn as she stopped dead in her tracks, “...What? But, Princess Luna... I didn't...it was... I didn't even do anything!”

Luna turned around, having walked a few paces ahead, “You truly underestimate your power sometimes... But nevertheless, you have proven yourself quite well in those darker times. You still held your head high, and even traversed danger to seek out the Outlander.”

“I was...well, she was my friend, I couldn't just let her get in trouble again!”

“Indeed. You did far more than you think you did, even then.”

“Princess Luna...” Twilight slowly approached the night Princess, “I really don't understand what you're trying to tell me.”

“You don't have to,” Luna held up a shoed hoof to silence her, “All I ask is that you believe me when I say this.”

As much as Twilight couldn't understand, she did know better than to think Luna would say such things if she didn't mean them. Retracting, she nodded slowly, managing a smile. She then continued their walk, following alongside the alicorn.

“Well then, Twilight Sparkle, are your friends...the remaining Elements of Harmony, doing well?”

Glad for the change in subject, Twilight's mood lifted, “Yeah, they're doing fine. Applejack and her family are still reworking to restore Sweet Apple Acres, and Rarity is rebuilding her original shop. Rainbow is...well, from what I've seen, she's trying to move on. But....well, yeah.”

Luna understood, nodding, “She has indeed taken Fluttershy's death very hard.”

“...How did she die, Princess? You saw it happen, right?”

“I did. We had all been locked in the cell, guarded by those...things. Fluttershy, terrified, was crying because of it. I could not blame her, the poor thing was so scared and uncertain. That one dastardly outlander was annoyed by her crying, but try as she may, she would not cease. He eventually killed her by throwing her to the wall. Her skull cracked... And she was dead before having even hit the floor.”

Twilight felt a stinging in her gut at the awful feeling. To think that something so quick, yet painful, had been all it took. She lowered her head for a moment, closing her eyes. Fluttershy having been murdered was an unbelievable notion, something you just didn't piece together. Yet, Pinkie's murder a few years earlier was about the same calibre. Who would kill somepony so sweet and fun? Twilight knew that answer. Someone who could. But never stopped to think that they should.

“Fluttershy was indeed...naive in all of this, as I'm sure you saw,” Luna murmured, looking down at the unicorn then, “Most would say that only the strong survive, and that may be so. “

“...She didn't deserve that, Princess. She deserved a lot better.”

“Indeed she did, Twilight Sparkle. But alas, there is nothing more we can do.”

Twilight thought for a moment, getting an idea, “Well, maybe we should do a search for any of her remains. Then we can hold a funeral, bury her here in Canterlot. We can have a memorial for her.”

Thoughtful, Luna peered up at the sky for a brief moment, and then nodded, “Perhaps such a thing can be arranged. A good plan. It will give you and your friends a chance to honour her memory.”

“You're right, it will. And I think it'll give Rainbow a sense of closure,” Twilight added, “I think she just needs a chance to say goodbye. We all do.”

“It is settled, then. I will inform my sister of this plan, and we shall see what we can do,” Luna told her, nodding with approval.

“That'd be great, Princess. I think we'll all need it.”

Author's Note

So this takes place a couple of weeks after the last chapter of "Doomsday Ascending", and obviously before the epilogue. Twilight's uncertain, but is moving on with her life as best as she can. I guess I kind of imagined that this is what she'd be going through by this point in time or so.

Oh, and the scene with Ascentia? Yeah, you can decide if it really happened or if it was all in Twilight's head. That was the intent, anyway.

Epilogue: Goodbye May Seem Forever

Twilight came to Rainbow's new home, curious to finally see it, now that it was finally complete and ready. Her old one had been destroyed during the warring states, and not only was this in a different location, but a completely different kind of home.

It was almost identical to Fluttershy's cottage. Only instead of being on the ground, it was higher up on stilts, which made for a wrap-around balcony. Some of the details were different, as well as the wood colouring and shapes of the windows, but it was still a sweet little countryside cottage. Around the cottage offered the amazing view of the far off open lands, which were still slowly but surely having been restored to what they once were. Since the back of the balcony was facing west, Twilight knew that it was going to make for some incredible sunsets every night.

She walked up the front steps, seeing Rainbow Dash hanging a wooden sign over the front door. It had been wood-burned and painted a creamy yellow. On either side were three butterflies that matched Fluttershy's cutie mark, with the words: Fluttershy's Dream Home.

Not even looking at the unicorn, Rainbow landed down onto the front porch and admired her work.

“Back in Cloudsdale... Fluttershy's parents had this house. It had a balcony in the back, and it gave a few like this one. She always loved going out on that balcony whenever she could. Especially during sunset. She always dreamed of having a home like that again,” Rainbow said softly, a little smile overcoming her features. “When she got her old cottage in Ponyville, she loved it. It was like her other dream home away from home. She was happy. All that was missing was the view. But she was fine with that.”

Twilight overlooked the sign, the front porch, and turned to her friend, “It's lovely, Rainbow. I can't believe you made a home like this. You really didn't have to. But it was sweet.”

Rainbow exhaled, still smiling, “Of course I didn't have to. But I wanted to. I wanted to make something for her. After all, when we were fillies, we always wanted to live in a home together. Course, unless you count us sharing a room in Flight School and Junior Flight Camp...didn't exactly happen. But I guess now's a good a time as any to make that happen.”

“...Wow. That's really sweet. I think Fluttershy would love this,” Twilight murmured, patting her friend's back. “You sure you're okay to live in a place like this?”

With a nod, the cyan pegasus looked to her, “You bet I am, Twi. After what's happened now, I don't want it any other way. I'm gonna live here until I'm dead.”

The thought made Twilight shudder, but she decided not to think further about it now, “So...well, that's great. Why don't you show me the inside, and we'll go to Fluttershy's memorial? I told Rarity and Applejack that I'd come get you, anyway. That is...if you want to go.”

“I do want to go,” Rainbow stated, getting up and opening the front door, “I'm gonna be there for Fluttershy's memory.”

Nodding, the unicorn followed her inside, “We'd been searching around Canterlot since it was restored. We didn't find her body. I think it might've been destroyed along with the city at the time. But we did find ashes of her, along with the remains of a few damaged feathers. Whatever happened to her bones is a mystery. So, we're going to bury all of that and anything else for her in a the grave.”

Aside from a quick nod, Rainbow Dash didn't respond. Twilight understood, deciding not to press further. They were now in the living area of the cottage, which Twilight could now see was one big room, aside from a doorway leading into a kitchen. Alongside the furnished living area, there was also a set of stairs leading to a second floor. The walls and flooring were hardwood, with a couple of rugs along some areas.

The living room had two couches and an easy chair, a coffee table, and an entertainment unit. A fireplace sat along one wall with stones surrounding it on the wall and floor. Near the kitchen doorway was a dining room table seating four, with a flowery centrepiece. Along the room were some knick-knacks and some photos saved from before, along with some new ones that were taken.

Looking around the room, Twilight gave a little nod of approval. It had that rustic, natural charm she knew Fluttershy loved, mixed with Rainbow's own flare.

“So here's the living room and dining room kinda thing... Here's the kitchen,” Rainbow led the way through the doorway now.

Twilight took in the kitchen as well, especially in how there were large windows and a backdoor that faced the balcony's panoramic view. The kitchen itself wasn't anything spectacular, but it did look nice with oak cabinets, a yellow marble countertop, and some basic appliances.

“Pretty nice, Rainbow.”

Rainbow opened the back door, going out onto the balcony, with Twilight following. The view sure was amazing, the unicorn noted, and could see why Fluttershy would have loved this. It was breathtaking.

“Wow...it really is beautiful,” Twilight remarked, looking all around them, “I think you're right. Fluttershy would love this.”

“Yeah,” Rainbow gazed out to the view with a faraway look in her eyes, her mane blowing in the breeze, “I'd give it to her if she were still here...but for now, I guess I can use it as a way to honour her memory. It's all I can do.”

“It's great, Rainbow, it really is. I think Fluttershy would be thrilled,” Twilight murmured, looking out to the view as well.

The cyan pegasus was silent for a few moments, just gazing out to the horizon, unmoving. Twilight bit her lip, considering her words before speaking up again.

“You'll really be okay living here? All by yourself? You are a bit of a ways off from town. You'll be close to Applejack and Rarity, yeah, but are you sure?”

“Believe me, Twilight. I'm sure. I'd rather do this for Fluttershy than have that old cloud house I had back in the day. I'm gonna be fine.”

Twilight looked at her friend again, seeing the determination within her cerise eyes, “Okay. I believe you, Rainbow. But if you ever need anything, you know where to find me in Canterlot, right?”

“I do, yeah. That's where Fluttershy's grave is gonna be, right?”

“Uh-huh, it is.”

Rainbow nodded, turning away and looking downward, heading to the door, “Let's go. Don't want to keep AJ and Rarity waiting. Where's Pumpkin?”

“Back in Canterlot, with the Princesses. They're going to meet us at the gravesite. Applejack and Rarity are waiting for us at the train station,” The lavender mare responded, turning to follow her friend.

Rainbow nodded, not saying anything again as she led the way out of the house. Twilight followed after her mutely, hoping that she would be okay come the memorial service. But she knew all too well that Rainbow would take it the hardest after herself.

It was a very small gathering at the Canterlot Cemetery when the remaining Elements of Harmony and Cutie Mark Crusaders arrived. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Shining Armor, Princess Cadance and Pumpkin were the only other ones present. However, it was deemed appropriate, surely what Fluttershy would have wanted. Just a simple affair surrounded by her close friends.

Her ashes were buried in the earth, with a tombstone upon the marking place. On the tombstone read a simple but heartwarming inscription of the departed pony:

In Loving Memory of
Fluttershy
The Element of Kindness
A good friend to all living creatures

Twilight smiled as she read the inscription. It was all that was needed.

They all stood, with soft, solemn gazes, whilst the storm clouds above were being formed by Canterlot's newly recruited weather team. But neither cared, simply taking the moment to grieve in silence, before they would speak.

Celestia stepped forward first, beginning the service, “Everypony, we are gathered here in the memory of our dearly departed Fluttershy. She has departed from us far too soon, having met her untimely death by cruel murder. While the one who took her life has since been deceased, it still leaves us with heavy hearts as we mourn her loss. She was young still, so full of life. Fluttershy was the true bearer of the Element of Kindness, and even to the day she had passed. At least now, we can remain in solace that her nightmare is over. May we forever keep her close in our hearts. For she will be missed, but never forgotten.”

The regal alicorn came forward, placing some flowers upon Fluttershy's grave.

“Should anypony wish to say a few words, you may do so.”

Luna stepped forward then, placing some flowers upon the grave as well, “We have but a few words to say. Fluttershy's passing was tragic and unfortunate, especially in having witnessed it with our own eyes. She went away fast, without pain, though we can only imagine that for one split moment...it had been terrifying. We can only hope she is, though in that dreaded place, at least safe. Her nightmare is over, though most may wonder if this is even better. But it is beyond even our control. All we can do now is hope for the best. She deserves that much. For now, as we remain, we shall honour her memory. Fluttershy may not be a hero or a revered pony of high standing, but she is deserving of her memory. May she find solace, even within the dreaded Ghostlands.”

Bowing her head, she stepped back.

Rarity went next, placing some pure white roses on the grave of her departed friend, “Fluttershy was a darling pony, who I surely have had the privilege to know. While I did enjoy our spa trips together back when I still lived in Ponyville, I know there is far more to our time together. And as I look back, I truly miss it very much. She was great company, whether for simply spending time doing something fun, or confiding in her. I am indeed outraged that she met such a cruel end...but I can only hope she is all right now, wherever this place is.

“Fluttershy...had always been such a kind, sweet and gentle mare, always thinking of others before herself. She had certainly proved as a great foalsitter for my sister and her friends, I did not doubt it for a moment. Though my life will go on, as it has been since we returned... I will not forget my dear departed friend. I will be making a new fashion line in her honour as my way of keeping her memory alive. It is not much, I wish I could do so much more...but it will be enough for now. Fluttershy, darling...I miss you, and I am so sorry for everything. Here is to you, forever and always.”

Rarity began to cry softly, tears running down her face and running through her makeup. But she didn't care, not this time. She went back to where she'd been standing, earning a pat from Applejack.

Said farm pony stepped forward, placing some daisies on the grave before she spoke up,

“Howdy there, sugarcube. Wherever ya are now,” Applejack said to the grave, before facing everypony else, “Fluttershy was definitely a great friend ta have. It's sad ta see her go, 'specially without havin' been able ta say goodbye. Ah was hopin' she'd go far better than this...she deserves better. But Ah guess what's done is done. Ah do miss her, an' Ah miss her more than Ah thought now. She was always there when ya needed her, she was always so helpful. Workin' with her was great, 'specially when she could help with animals. Ah always admired her good work with 'em critters. She deserves a medal fer all that there hard work she's done, Ah think. It ain't fair that this happened ta her, an' Ah hope ta preserve her memory. There's gonna be an apple tree right in our orchard named after her. Tha Fluttershy Tree. It ain't much, but we'll do our share in makin' tribute ta her a best we can. Whatever we do, we hope it keeps her memory alive.

“Fluttershy was amazin', an' Ah hope we'll all see her again one day. Sounds impossible, but Ah wouldn't fault y'all fer hopin'. She's still here with us somehow, she's still in our hearts. An' that's where she'll always be. Forever remembered, no matter what.”

The formerly-known Cutie Mark Crusaders came forward next, placing some daisies of their own on the grave.

“Ah miss Fluttershy...it's been so long since Ah last saw her. But she was a great friend an' foalsitter ta us...” Apple Bloom said softly, looking teary-eyed.

“Fluttershy was like that other sister to me, and she was awesome in her own way,” Scootaloo murmured, trying to hide the fact that she was crying.

“Fluttershy was sweet and kind, she was the best foalsitter we could hope for. I hope she'll be okay, wherever she is now. I wish we could've said goodbye one last time,” Sweetie Belle sniffled, wiping her eyes with a hoof, “Hope she'll rest in peace.”

Cadance came next, along with Shining Armor, as they both placed yellow lilies on the grave.

“I hadn't had the chance to get to know Fluttershy as much as I now wish I could have. But from what little time I did talk with her, she was very sweet and kind. I can always remember the way she trained her birds to provide the harmonious music during our wedding,” Cadance said softly, looking to her husband fondly before turning her attention to the grave, “She was one of a kind, in a lot of ways. I feel very fortunate to have known her, however briefly. I will see to it that the Crystal Empire will remember her as well.”

Shining Armor spoke next, “Twiley talks a lot about her friends, and Fluttershy was no different. They did spend a lot of time together in Canterlot, and she was there when Twilight needed a bit of help. I can't thank Fluttershy enough for that. I myself may not have known her so well, but I can definitely attest to the fact that she was a very kind, sweet pony and just overall great to be around. She deserves the very best, and I hope we can keep her memory alive.”

Coming up to place some yellow tulips onto the grave, Pumpkin was next, “I really liked Fluttershy's company, too. She was a great pony to have around, and was somepony I could talk to when Twilight needed some time. Seeing her die like that was terrible, and I wish I could forget it...but I'll try. I'm going to try to remember the days she lived, and not just when she died. Because she deserves a lot better than that. Fluttershy's sweetness and kindness was inspiring, and I know a lot of ponies can learn from her. I don't think we'll ever meet another pony like her for a long time. We'll always keep her memory alive.”

Twilight looked over at Rainbow Dash, encouraging her to go next. But the cyan mare shook her head and motioned for her to go instead. Understanding, she nodded and stepped forward, placing a mixed bouquet of flowers on the grave.

“Fluttershy was one of my best friends, especially since she was always close by for the past few years since I'd been living in Canterlot. And throughout all of this...madness, she was there, too. I too, feel responsible in how I wished I could have been there to help her. But it was beyond my control, there wasn't much else I could do. When I found out she...died, I felt exactly as I did when we all saw that Pinkie was...also murdered. I just...realized how final and scary it is, to lose somepony so close to you. And especially for somepony who didn't deserve it. Neither of them did. I'm just glad Fluttershy's nightmare is over...and that she's at least okay in the Ghostlands now. I doubt it, considering what I heard about it, but if I know Fluttershy, she always found a way to make something work.

“Her death taught me something. Not only did it teach me that there are those out there who can be cruel...but it also taught me that you should never take your friends or family for granted. And that's something I learned back then, and learned all over again. I'm really going to miss her, we all are. But it's just as we all said, we're going to keep her memory alive. I will dedicate a wing in the library to her, I'm going to see to it that her story and memory lives on. She was a great friend, a great pony, and a great animal caretaker. She deserves to be remembered for everything she's done for all of us. Fluttershy...we miss you, and we hope you're okay. But I hope you know that we'll never forget you. Ever. You're always here with us in our hearts.”

Fighting back tears, Twilight stood back, giving a small, sad smile toward Rainbow Dash and nodding.

Receiving a nod in return, Rainbow now stepped forward and placed a bouquet of red, white, blue, and yellow roses onto the grave.

“I'm no good with this sappy stuff, but to hay with it. I need to let this all out,” she said, and cleared her throat, looking to the grave, “Fluttershy was my best friend. We'd been friends since we were fillies, and she was the best. Sure, she couldn't fly so well, or too fast, had confidence issues and was really shy, but who the hay cares. It didn't make her any less awesome. We were both outcasted, so we kinda stuck together, and she was really the only friend I ever had. She was always there for me when I needed it, and she always listened to me. I never felt I had to be big and awesome around her, because I knew that she liked me for who I was. I guess you can say I could really be myself with her. She was always somepony I could confide in, and she was always helpful in her own way.

“What can I say that wasn't already said, Fluttershy was the sweetest and kindest pony I ever knew. She was special to me, always had been. Even when I didn't seem like it...” Her gaze grew downcast with shame at this before she continued, “For the past few years, since I joined the Wonderbolts, I didn't get to see her very much. But we did keep in touch with letters. The last time I ever saw her was nearly three years ago now. The last letter she ever sent me was a few months ago. They're all I have left of her, and I... I miss her. I wish I could've been there to help her, to protect her, to save her. Now that she's gone, I feel empty inside. She was always the bread to my butter, the cherry on top of a sundae, the frosting on a cupcake. I miss her, but I'm gonna honour her memory every way I can. She deserves that much. Just until I find her again. Until then, I've got one more thing. Fluttershy was not only my best friend, but she was the very reason I have this.”

Rainbow Dash indicated to her cutie mark for a moment, going silent before she continued, looking up at the sky wistfully.

“When I was a filly, I defended Fluttershy's honour when those stupid bullies picked on her. If I hadn't defended her honour, I wouldn't have gotten this baby here. And I also would never have performed a Sonic Rainboom. It was all because of her. She was always my inspiration, my rock, my greatest support. My number one flyer, number one cheerleader. And now, every time I do a Sonic Rainboom...it's gonna be for her. So with that... Flutters, this is for you.”

Everypony watched with amazement as the cyan pegasus flew up into the air like a rocket. She went higher and higher, until she was practically a barely visible dot against the gray clouds. Despite the stormy weather approaching, she didn't seem to care at all. They watched, waiting with anticipation, until they saw a light and rainbow streak careening toward the ground. No doubt it was Rainbow Dash coming close to breaking the sound barrier.

A loud, deafening sonic boom sounded as a beautiful spectrum of colours exploded all over the sky. Whether it was the effect of having not seen one for ages or not, it seemed to be the most beautiful and strong than it ever had been. An arc of a beautiful, full rainbow was then formed over the graveyard, adding a sense of light and colour to the otherwise stormy sky.

Warm smiles overcame the small group of ponies as they looked on with amazement at the display, a sense of warmth coming to their hearts. Twilight smiled brightly, thinking back to the very sonic rainboom that had played a hand in bringing them all together. Even when they didn't know it. She couldn't have thought of a better way for Rainbow Dash to pay tribute to their fallen friend.

At the corner of her eye, she could swear she saw something some ways off. Glancing to the side, she saw nothing. Frowning slightly, she wondered... But then passed it off as nothing more than her imagination.

Rainbow landed back on the ground near them, looking satisfied, despite the glint of sadness in her eyes. “There.”

“A very fitting tribute, Rainbow Dash,” Celestia said softly with approval, “Let us all take one last moment of silence.”

They did so, bowing their heads in respect. It was then that it began to rain, even amidst the lovely rainbow that arched over the cemetery. Twilight couldn't help but note that it felt like a tragic story cliche, but didn't let it bother her. If anything, it fit the mood quite well. Rain was also nourishing, meant to wash away the tough elements. A new, fresh start waiting on the other side.

“We can head back to the castle,” Celestia spoke up again, “I'm sure you all must be hungry. Feel free to follow us there if you wish to do so.”

“Princess, if it's okay, I'm gonna stay here a few minutes,” Rainbow said, sitting near Fluttershy's grave.

Celestia nodded, smiling at her knowingly, “That's fine, Rainbow Dash. I understand.”

The rest of the group offered their last minute respects before they too dispersed and followed the Princesses to the castle. Twilight remained there with Rainbow as well, wishing to take a few moments to grieve Fluttershy's memory. Neither mare said a word for some time, they only just sat there, looking to the gravestone while it rained ceaselessly all around. It didn't even matter that their coats and manes were soaked by this point.

Twilight glanced at her friend, smiling slightly, “That was a really moving idea, Rainbow. Doing a Sonic Rainboom just for her. I'm sure she would've been so happy...”

“Heh, what can I say, it's thanks to her that I even did it,” Rainbow smiled a bit, then grew serious, “Y'know...I gotta thank that Ascentia woman now.”

“Why?” Twilight asked.

“Back on that place...you know, that big frozen place we went to when Equestria was pretty much doomed?”

“Oh, you mean Neptune. Yes, what about it?”

Rainbow sighed, looking to her then, “When I found out Fluttershy died...I went nuts. When I really let it sink in, when I really knew I lost her forever... I almost didn't come back here with you guys. I'm sure you know that now, I flew off in anger. When they said they were going to bring us back here, I didn't want to go.”

“Oh, yeah... Ascentia went to go find you when we heard about that,” the unicorn recalled, frowning slightly, “But why didn't you want to come back?”

“Because Fluttershy wasn't going to be here. I was upset and mourning her, okay?! I wasn't exactly thinking straight. I just...didn't want a life without her. So I went out there...attempting to freeze to death.”

“You were going to kill yourself?!” Twilight yelled with disbelief.

A rueful, embarrassed grin overcame the daredevil's face as she looked back at Fluttershy' grave, “Like I said, I wasn't exactly thinking clearly. I was angry, I was sad, I was distraught...I was another dis word I don't even know... You get the point. I wasn't exactly myself. Point is, I just didn't want to go back knowing Fluttershy wouldn't be here. All I wanted was for her to be safe. It was all I thought about when this whole mess started. And then I find out she's dead... Murdered... I just couldn't take it. It just made me regret everything.”

Twilight sighed, placing a hoof on her back, “So that's why Ascentia was dragging you back by your tail.”

“Yeah. She found me out there, and well, she kinda knocked some sense into me. Even if she had to get physical. She just wouldn't let me do it,” Rainbow chuckled a bit, “She said she didn't want to face your wrath if she let me die out there.”

“...Oh...” Twilight looked down with embarrassment, “I guess I would've gotten pretty upset, all things considered.”

Rainbow smirked lightly, looking toward her, “You went crazy when you thought you were tardy for a friendship report. Can't imagine what you would've done if someone killed a friend of yours.”

“Oh, you had to bring THAT up!” Twilight rolled her eyes, “Very funny, Miss Comedienne of the Year!”

Rainbow stuck her tongue out playfully before averting her gaze, “But I gotta thank her for doing that. I needed it. I needed some tough help to realize I was being stupid. All along I was told to honour her memory, and I wanted to, but then I just snapped. I just couldn't do it. Y'know, I made a promise to Fluttershy that I'd always find her. That's why I was trying to freeze to death. ...I was trying to go to the Ghostlands and find her.

“But thanks to that, I realized what a stupid thing that was. I was throwing my life away just for that. Just to find her and wander around for all eternity. In one fell swoop, that's what I was gonna do. Before even giving myself a chance to keep going. To honour her memory. To cherish her life. And that's what I'm gonna do. I'm living my life to the fullest as best I can, and then when I die...” Rainbow smiled, looking to the unicorn, “That'll be when I find her. I'm going to find her, Twi. Nothing will stop me.”

As much as Twilight knew that it was pointless, she couldn't help but admire her friend's determination to still try for it when the time came. She could see the pain and grief in her friend's voice, eyes and expression, but the sheer determination was not lost. It was still that same daring, adventurous and determined Rainbow Dash she remembered.

“Well, Rainbow...it's gonna be hard to find her in there, from what I heard. A big, endless terrain...it's gonna take forever. And that's even assuming you knew where she went,” Twilight sighed, looking to Fluttershy's grave again, “But you know what...You do that. At least it'll be a goal to shoot for when you get there. I can't exactly argue with that. It'll give you something to shoot for...you'll have an eternity to find her.”

“I'll find her. I promised her, and I'm not going to go back on that,” Rainbow murmured, placing a hoof on the tombstone, “Besides, we've got a lot of unfinished business to talk about, anyway.”

Twilight giggled a bit, looking at her again, “I can see that.”

“Say... Did Fluttershy ever talk about...you know, what happened when she came back from vacationing with me?”

“No, not really,” Twilight recalled the memory, thinking for a few moments, “All I can remember is that she did talk about what a good time you guys had. She really enjoyed the place you went to, and just wouldn't stop talking about it the day she came back. Although, I think there was more to it than she said. She just kind of had this look about her whenever she talked about it.”

Much to her surprise, the cyan mare was blushing then. Twilight rose an eyebrow then, wondering what brought this on.

“Rainbow...did something happen between you two?”

With a sigh, Rainbow Dash looked at her very seriously, “I'm gonna tell you something. But don't tell anypony else about it. I'm gonna deny it if you do.”

“I Pinkie promise. Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Rolling her eyes, Twilight made the familiar gestures of a Pinkie Promise.

“...Fine then. During that vacation, things got a little weird, and I still don't really know why. At some point, Fluttershy and I kissed. ...Then it...kinda got... One thing led to another and we started sleeping together.”

“Sleeping together as in falling asleep or did you mean-”

“We had sex.”

Twilight blinked, wide-eyed, “Oh! ...Oh, wow... I guess that explains why she was glowing when she came back. I thought it was just because she got a lot of sun. No wonder she seemed more blushy than usual whenever you were brought up.”

“Yeah...” Rainbow looked away again, still blushing, “We just kinda slept together ever since then until we left. We never talked about it after that. Not until we were going to meet again. ...You know what happened with that.”

“Never did, huh? I'm really sorry, Rainbow...” Twilight placed a hoof on her back, “How did it all make you feel?”

Rainbow didn't respond for a few moments, she just gazed at the tombstone. Her cerise eyes were watering, either by the rain or from tears, “What happened during our vacation was awesome, I couldn't imagine it with anypony else. She wrote 'I love you' in her last letter to me. I don't even know what kind of love she meant by it.”

“Oh...” Twilight lowered her hoof, taking all of this in. “Well, Rainbow...I've got something to tell you. I was hoping she'd tell you herself, but since she can't...I'll do it. When Fluttershy was writing her last letter to you, she asked me if she should write that in there. Well, she told me everything. Fluttershy was in love with you, she just, kept it quiet from everypony except to herself. She was afraid of holding you back from your dreams and burdening you with her feelings. Not to mention she wasn't sure how you felt, so she didn't want to risk the rejection. For somepony who's shy, no wonder that's a scary prospect. So...yeah. That little bit of her letter was a confession. I guess she thought you wouldn't take it that way, and yet, hoped you would so that could see where you both stood.”

She looked over at her friend, seeing the stricken expression on her face. Rainbow looked a mixture of elated, and yet, despaired. The despair was slowly taking over as her ears drooped and her head lowered. Twilight bit her lip, wondering if she was going to cry, how she was going to react. Her own heart did backflips while her blood seemed to run faster through her system. Everything on Rainbow's end, aside from her letters, up until recently, were a mystery. Right now, she was seeing it all for herself. She'd seen Fluttershy's side of things for some time, and now, she was seeing the other side of the coin.

With a sniffle, Rainbow looked to the tombstone and gently patted it, “I love her, too.”

A small, warm smile overcame Twilight's face as she nodded, looking to the gravestone once again, “I was thinking that, but I wasn't sure until you said it.”

“I mean it, Twilight. I love her. Even if I didn't, even if she didn't, I'm still going to try to find her one day,” the cyan pegasus murmured, her voice tender, “You know, I never really knew it at first, all those years ago. All I knew was that I felt weird around her. Go figure, rough and tough Rainbow Dash doesn't know a darn thing about love. But seriously, it actually wasn't until our vacation together that I really realized it. Then again, I never really knew for sure until I found out she died. When they told us...I...”

Seeing her friend tremble, Twilight reached out and touched her shoulder comfortingly.

“I felt like someone ripped my heart out and stomped on it. Tore off my wings. Ripped out all my organs. You know I almost couldn't even come back here because of it, right? There you go. That's when I knew for sure. I walked off to be by myself, and I was reminiscing, you know,” Rainbow went on, wiping her eyes, “I miss her. I didn't fully realized I loved her until I knew she was gone forever.”

“....I'm sorry, Rainbow...her death was hard on all of us. I see why you're taking it the hardest,” Twilight murmured, shaking her head, “Is there anything we can do to help?”

“Nah. It's okay. I'm gonna be fine. I'm living my life, for myself, for all my friends, and for her. There's no way I'm wasting it,” Rainbow said proudly, albeit sadly.

“Are you going to go back to the Wonderbolts?”

“No. I lived that dream. Besides, they're rebuilding the academy and bringing in new recruits. I might go and help 'em out, train them and show them the ropes, but other than that, I'm just going to settle down. We've had all kinds of adventures, and I think I'm done with that. I've been given my old job as a weather pony back, and I think that's all I really need,” Rainbow said, looking to her then, “Besides, I want to be closer to you guys. You guys are all I have left.”

“...I understand,” Twilight smiled a bit, “We're glad to have you back, Rainbow.”

“It's great to be back, Twilight! I'm ready to really start over and live my life to the fullest,” Rainbow gave a small grin, “You go ahead. I just want to talk to Fluttershy alone.”

Twilight nodded, getting up, “Sure thing, Rainbow. I'll be in the castle with the others, you can join us when you're ready. You'll be okay, right?”

The prismatic-maned pony nodded, not looking at her, “Of course I'll be okay. Don't worry, Twilight. I'm not gonna do anything stupid like I did back on Neptune. I'm just gonna talk to Fluttershy a bit. I know it sounds crazy, but it makes me feel better.”

“Even if she can't answer you?”

“That's a drag, but I like to think, maybe, she can hear me somehow.”

Twilight gave a little smile before she turned and headed back toward the castle. For a moment, she glanced over her shoulder, seeing Rainbow Dash still sitting before Fluttershy's grave. Assured once more, the unicorn kept on going to give her friend some time alone to mourn properly.

She wanted to cry herself, but just couldn't find it in her to do so right now. But that was okay. She would save it for later. At least now she could be strong for her friends and her family, that was what counted. Maybe not everypony made it out of this alive, but for everypony who did, she hoped they would pull through.

It was going to be a whole new journey ahead of them. Their lives had changed time and time again in the past, but never like this. Death, war, the vast universe, powers beyond imagination, it was all a part of that spectrum. Her heart sank, swelled, and her body felt strong, yet numb.

Twilight sighed, looking up to the stormy sky, before she continued on her trek to the castle.

With the rain falling on and around her, Rainbow Dash gazed at the tombstone of Fluttershy's grave. Her wings, ears and shoulders were drooped, despite the sad smile on her face.

“Hey, Flutters... You know, it's kinda nice I can finally talk to you like this. You know...it seems like it was just yesterday that we first met. I remember the way you looked at me, kind of like you needed me. When all was said and done, from your sadness and my determination to defend your honour, well...I guess our happiness together grew. Then I kinda realized...I needed you, too,” she chuckled a bit at this, smiling more, “I remember the way we used to play! Tumbling around on the clouds, wrapped up in each other and laughing like hyenas!”

She laughed a bit, even though Fluttershy didn't answer, nor laugh along with her.

“And now I find...we're both alone,” Rainbow murmured, placing a hoof on the tombstone, “I'm sorry I wasn't there for you...when you needed it. I wish I could've protected you from all this. I'm so sorry. But there's nothing I can do about that, is there? I shouldn't blame myself, but I know it isn't my fault. At least you're safe now, that's all I can ask for. We all miss you, you know. Especially since we all hadn't seen you for a long time before you died... At least that jerk who killed you is gone. Otherwise I might've had to hunt him down and kill him myself. ...But that wouldn't do anything, would it? Nope, guess not. Then again, I would've liked to see him imprisoned and suffered for many years to come. Oh well. I'm trying not to dwell on the past. I'm trying to move on.

“But, everything's changed. We're all home now. Really home. I made you a place in your honour. Your dream home. I wish you could see it now. Everypony's doing pretty good now, actually. Twilight's back in Canterlot, doing her thing and raising Pumpkin. Rarity's set back up where Ponyville used to be, and she's getting her clothing business back together. Applejack and her family are back to farming again, now that the soil's doing better.

“You remember the Cutie Mark Crusaders? Yeah, they're okay, too. Apple Bloom still doesn't have her cutie mark, but she still doesn't care. She still writes and does some more carpentry around the farm. Sweetie Belle is helping Rarity, and doing some little singing at the local joints to lift everypony's spirits. Her voice gets better every time I hear it, really. Scootaloo, yeah, that lovable pipsqueak, she's doing awesome. Still flying, doing some dancing, and some daring tricks. In fact, she's training to join the Wonderbolts! Isn't that awesome?”

Rainbow laughed a bit, smiling more with the uplifting thoughts.

“As for me, I've got your dream home. Our dream home. It's all finished now, and it's really sweet. I've got my old job back with the weather team, and that works for me. I'll help out the recruits at the Wonderbolt Academy, but I'm going to hang up my uniform for good soon. I lived my dream, and that's enough. Right now, I just want to keep on going with my life surrounded by our friends. That's all I want now. Well, not more than bringing you back here with us. But we can't, can we?”

A soft sigh escaped her as she closed her eyes, leaning a bit toward the tombstone with her hoof supporting her.

“I miss you so much, Fluttershy. I wish you were here with me. You know, back when our vacation passed, I was hoping to be done with the Wonderbolts soon, and then come back to you. By then, all I really knew was that I wanted to at least try, even if I wasn't sure what to do.”

She laughed humorlessly before she smiled fondly, wiping her eyes.

“But you know what? You were awesome. I'd never felt that way before. And best of all, it was with you. It was more than just sleeping together, it was everything. And now... It's hard living life without you, knowing you're not there. Sure, I won't be unhappy or miserable, I'll be just fine. But I feel like my wings were clipped. I almost don't even want to fly anymore. If I could trade in my wings to bring you back, I would. I'd rather live a life on the ground, with you, than in the air without you.”

Tears poured down her face, mixing with the rain.

“By the way, Twilight told me something, I'll bet you heard. I can see why she wanted you to tell me. But now you can't, can you? Well, I wish I could've told you not to be afraid to tell me how you felt! I love you too, Flutters. I really love you. Sure wish I had more foresight back on our vacation together. At least then, you could've gone knowing I loved you. But maybe, hopefully, you knew I felt something for you. Maybe I did, too. I don't know anymore. All I know is how I feel now, how you feel. I wish I could've told you before you died.”

Rainbow began to sob softly, sniffling and trembling a bit. She felt the immense despair and heartbreak from before all over again. Whether or not she would truly recover from it was a mystery. But it did fuel her determination to live on. She was not going to let this bring her down. That almost happened before, and it was not a result she wanted to see. Her heart dropped, yet it swelled, as she managed to calm herself, allowing the tears to freely fall.

“I love you, Fluttershy. I love you...my sweet butterfly.”

With a sad smile, she blew the tombstone a kiss, as if it were her.

“I'm gonna go now...but before I head back home, I'll come see you. I'll visit here anytime I can. Then one day, I'll join you. And even if I have to spend eternity doing so, I'll trek everywhere in the Ghostlands. Sure, I was told it was endless and probably impossible, but I'm not going to let it stop me. I promised you once before, and I'll do it, Flutters. I'll always find you.”

Sniffling, she stood up.

“You know what? It's not goodbye. It's just...that you got a head start in the race. And I'll catch up to you eventually. Until then, I'll see you in my dreams. Before I go, I'll leave you with something a very sweet, kind, and caring pegasus once told me,” she smiled, patting the gravestone once more. “Goodbye may seem forever. Farewell is like the end. But in my heart's a memory. And there, you'll always be.”

Turning, with tears falling down her face, Rainbow Dash cast one more glance at the tombstone. She then walked on toward the castle, not looking back. It was hard, as if she were walking away from Fluttershy herself. The rain continued to fall, the rainbow high above continued to shine, pertaining a bittersweet atmosphere. A rainbow within a storm; light trying to shine through in dark times.

Goodbye may seem forever
Farewell is like the end
But in my heart's a memory
And there, you'll always be

Author's Note

So here's this epilogue of this little side-story. You know, originally, it was just going to be part one. But as I went along, I decided to wait until Doomsday Ascending was pretty much completely over. Especially since I had some ideas festering within my noggin. Now that all is said and done, I was able to do this part here.

Tragedy isn't always easy to write or read, but it is quite interesting to delve into. I've done some little instances of it before, but nothing as major as this. I have to say to that taking on these little challenges have been quite a stretching of my creative muscle. :D Plus, it works since I do love the characters, and we all know that part of what makes tragedies work is when we care about those who were lost, and those who lost.

I do apologize for attacking you all in the feels...

The lyrics are from "Goodbye May Seem Forever" from The Fox and The Hound. Not only at the bottom here, but some of Rainbow's dialogue relates to the rest that was said from the song and movie. It just kind of inspired me, since it's really one of the saddest Disney songs I can remember. It just fit quite well in a way, you know? I know eventually I'll be kicking myself for nothing having picked another sad song, that's for sure!

In the meantime, hope you all enjoyed the story. :)

Bonus: Reunited

Running. Running. Running.

This was all she could do. For whatever reason, she couldn't fly. Her wings worked just fine, but her body would not lift off the ground. As if she were held down by an invisible force that prevented her wings from letting her take off.

Rainbow Dash wasn't even sure what was going on. How she even got here. Why she was even here. All she knew was one thing. It had to be the place where the dead wandered. The Ghostlands. What else would it be? She wasn't sure. She didn't have an answer. If it were indeed true, then she knew one thing.

Fluttershy was somewhere out there. And she was going to find her.

Running.

She didn't even feel tired. She didn't know how long she had been running, or even what direction she was heading in. Where Fluttershy went, she didn't know. But had to try. To take a chance. It was better than giving up.

Running.

Her hooves pounded along the ground, Rainbow used her wings to propel herself, and kept her head low. Nothing was going to stop her. Time had no place here. It could've been minutes, hours, days, or even years. She wouldn't know either way.

Running.

It was all she had. Rainbow Dash let out a breath, despite that it was not necessary. By now, breathing was more for releasing tension, the ability to articulate.

Running.

She continued running. Not stopping for anything. In her surprise, she did pass a few ponies, having gone on a similar path that she did. They glanced to her, but said nothing as she zipped by them.

Running.

“Where are you, Fluttershy...Where are you...” She uttered to herself, feeling her heart pounding.

Running.

Mind scrambled, hooves running, wings flapping, hair waving, Rainbow Dash kept going. All she felt was determination to meet her goal. All else was present, but remained dormant. She didn't cry. She had no room to cry. She didn't smile. She had no time to smile. Nothing. She felt nothing until she would reach her goal.

It was all she had.

“I'll find you, Flutters... Wherever you are, I'm gonna find you!”

She didn't need to stop, but even if she did, she wouldn't let herself. Wherever Fluttershy was now had to be far away. And if she stopped, she would only let her best friend slip away though her hooves faster. This would not happen.

“I lost her once...I'm not gonna lose her again!” She told herself.

More running.

Taking a moment, Rainbow looked around her, though she couldn't see more than some feet ahead of her. Fog was everywhere, blanketing the landscape. She gulped a bit as she slowed her running ever so slightly.

“Fluttershy...! Fluttershy! Fluttershy!”

No response.

Rainbow must have called her name several times, but heard no response.

She still kept running.

Picking up speed after however long, Rainbow kept going, feeling her determination fuel her further. She felt as if she were flying, soaring through the sky, the wind in her mane. Amazing. She felt great! Laughter escaped her, she looked all around her again, she felt invigorated!

Nothing could stop her. No amount of lost energy, fatigue, injury, time, mortality, nothing! Rainbow Dash laughed in glee. She had all the time in the world to find her!

More running.

In some time, she saw something.

Some feet away, further ahead, a splash of familiar colours. This made Rainbow slow, taking her time now. The form of a pony was walking from the right side, further ahead, going toward the left. Rainbow approached the form, slowly, feeling her heart jump to her throat. She stepped, slowly, feeling the anticipation washing over her. This had happened before. Only for those times to have been a different pony.

But every time, she stopped to check, just in case.

Rainbow swallowed, approaching the pony, trying to get a better glimpse. Whoever it was came clearer into her vision, with her hopes very slowly matching to the pony ahead.

Creamy yellow coat.

Long, light pink mane and tail.

Wings, clearly a pegasus.

Now there was just-

Rainbow stopped in her tracks. She could see the pony's flank clearly.

Three butterflies. Blue bodied, with pink wings.

“Fluttershy...!” Rainbow cried out to her, unable to hold herself back any longer.

The pony, Fluttershy, paused in her walking. She then looked up around her, before meeting her gaze. Rainbow swallowed, taking one hesitant step forward. For a brief second, neither of them moved, but Fluttershy mouthed one word.

“Rainbow...”

Not wasting another second, Rainbow Dash practically ran over to her quickly. Fluttershy met her halfway, gasping audibly as she seemed overtaken by the moment as well. All too soon, Rainbow reached her, bringing her best friend into a tight embrace. In turn, Fluttershy ran her hooves along the daredevil's face, looking to her in amazement and wonder, breathing laboured.

Overjoyed beyond words, Rainbow felt tears come to her eyes as she could not believe what was happening. To think Fluttershy was here now, in her hooves, right after trying to find her for who-knows-how-long. She felt afraid, as if she would fade away if she let go, but everything felt real. Fluttershy felt real. Her heart pounded, memories flooded her mind, any and all despair she felt was just gone. All she felt was the adoration and love she felt for her best friend in the world.

Tearful, Fluttershy lowered her hooves to her shoulders, trembling. Her watery teal eyes met Rainbow's, her lips parting.

“You found me...” Fluttershy's soft voice shook with emotion. Tears streamed down her face, her lips quivering slightly.

Losing strength, feeling tears of her own stream down her cheeks, Rainbow managed a smile. She lay their foreheads together, holding her longtime companion closer, “Did you ever doubt I would?”

Rather than answer, Fluttershy leaned in and touched their lips into a passionate kiss. Momentarily shocked from the bold move, Rainbow immediately kissed her back, holding the creamy yellow mare closer. Their embrace grew tighter, their bodies came closer, and their wings rose.

Reunited. Together at at last.

Relief, joy, love, adoration, amazement, and excitement overtook Rainbow Dash then. She felt her heart swell, as if it would soon burst from her chest. The memories of the past shined through, the despair she'd felt melted, and all she could think about now was where they were. Here. Together. That was all she wanted.

Even more perfect would've been if they and all their friends were reunited. But who was to say that wouldn't come in time?

For now, this was all she needed.

Fluttershy's lips were soft, had no flavour, but it didn't change that this was exactly as she remembered. Kissing her in the past had always been so sweet, so gentle. It was no wonder, considering the kind of pony Fluttershy was. Now to feel this again, to feel her again. Rainbow all but lost herself in the feeling. She poured her all into the kiss, just letting her love flow through. Silly as it sounded, she was not wasting a second to really show Fluttershy that she loved her.

Their lips parted, albeit reluctantly, as Rainbow gazed upon the enraptured, lovesick face of her best friend. She smiled through her tears, nuzzling their noses.

“Jeez, there's so much I want to say...! So much I want to ask! But I just...I can't....I don't know where to start! I'm just...I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you. I just-”

“Shhh...” Fluttershy soothed, laying their foreheads together again, “It's okay. It's not your fault, Rainbow,” she ran a hoof through her mane.

Closing her eyes, Rainbow melted into her touch, trembling, “I wanted to see you sooner. I missed you like crazy...! I wanted to talk to you about what happened between us. But now that we're here, I just gotta say it.”

Fluttershy looked at her with a sweet, curious smile.

“I love you, Fluttershy!” Rainbow uttered, voice shaking, “I love you...”

“Oh...Rainbow...” Fluttershy leaned in again, their lips barely touching. Her smile grew,“I love you, too.”

Their lips met once more, melting into the emotions dwelling amidst their reunion. Finally, they'd found each other, and would never again let each other go. A moment like this felt far too good to be true, as if it were merely a fantasy. But for now, all Rainbow wanted to do was savour it, to savour being with Fluttershy again.

Author's Note

I love the scene from "Once Upon A Time" where Prince Charming and Snow White reunite in Storybrooke after the curse is broken. So, if you've seen the show and that episode, you know exactly where this all came from. Especially the dialogue. I'd been dying to do a scene like that, and while I do have a similar one in mind that I've played with...it's not quite it. But here, was the chance to play it out almost the same way. Except with the actual dialogue from the episode.

If you'd paid attention, I did refer to Charming's line "I'll always find you" in part one, and then again in the epilogue.

So. Is this all a dream? Or is this actually happening after Rainbow dies? Well, that's up to you, readers.

Here's a humanized four-panel comic-ish thing I did of the scene. :D Reunited Comic Part of it, anyway.

In the epilogue of Doomsday Ascending, it's stated only two of the Elements of Harmony are still alive. It's sixty years after the events of the story. So, if you want to go by that, Rainbow is indeed dead before the events of that story's epilogue.

Or, does it still take place before it, and she's just dreaming? Once again, up to you.

I just made this so you guys will feel better from all the tragedy. :D

So, that's it! This is the last of my Doomsday Ascending side stories for now. What else is there? I don't know. If I think of something, I'll make it. We'll see.

For now, the end!