CHAPTER 12: FOREVERMORE

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"Bad things do happen; how I respond to them defines my character and the quality of my life. I can choose to sit in perpetual sadness, immobilized by the gravity of my loss, or I can choose to rise from the pain and treasure the most precious gift I have - life itself." - Walter Anderson

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One who she believed could help her without being intimately involved with the situation, without being held back by the bias and protocols of pony society or having any particular connections to anypony in particular. One who was wise on many things, and powerful to boot, and one who was safely nestled away in the forest of Everfree.

When the coast was clear, Fluttershy wore a cowl of her own, holding the baby draconequus wrapped in a small blanket close to her. Thankfully it seemed Rainbow and Pinkie had just given up eventually, and decided to go to Canterlot with Twilight and the others without her. Discord wasn't a baby, and he didn't need Fluttershy there to take care of him 24/7, she knew that. Fluttershy had this business she needed to attend to, so with the baby draconequus in her hoof, she made her way to the entrance of Everfree. She looked up at the towering tears and bristling leaves with a frightened expression, but as she then looked down at the little baby draconequus sleeping, her expression saddened; and she put on a look of bravery. She was scared, but she wouldn't let that stop her from accomplishing this task she felt she was meant to do.

She smiled looking down at the sleeping Eve; whispering. "Don't worry....I won't let anything happen to you..."

Fluttershy then made her way into the forest of Everfree, trotting as quickly as she could to Zecora's home.

Twilight and the others; as suspected, had already made their way to Canterlot by this time.

Twilight's mane was erratic, and her eyes had thick crescent bags beneath them, she wore an irritated look, and looked as if she'd gone off the deep end. Her brows were furrowed in discomfort, and she still had that knapsack with the book inside it. "Let's get this over with...." She stated in a monotone.

Applejack approached her friend with a nervous expression, before raising a hoof in front of her own mouth in the form of a hesitant gesture. She then cocked a brow at Twilight. "Listen;...Twi, what Cheerilee said, I mean...it's...it's..-" Applejack wanted to desperately to say something to Twilight, something reassuring and comforting but, she was all out of advice. As much as she hated to admit it herself, she had absolutely nothing to say to Twilight. There was nothing she could say.

Perhaps the best they could do for Twilight now was to just not talk about it anymore.

Rainbow and Pinkie however were a little baffled by Twilight's look and mood; seeing as they weren't present during the whole fiasco in Twilight's home.

Rarity sighed heavily before regarding Rainbow with a disappointed look. "She had a run in with Cheerilee..."

Rainbow's eyes widened as she then scratched the back of her own mane and her gaze shifted to the lower right. "Oooh.."

Rainbow closed her eyes shaking her head. "Fluttershy won't even talk to us, she's just cooped up in her house."

Rarity's expression saddened as she looked towards the ground. "Poor dear; she's probably still blaming herself for what happened, this whole situation has certainly spiraled out of control..."

Rainbow continued fluttering beside Rarity before looking up with a sigh. "Tell me about it..."

Rarity then glanced back at Pinkie who was currently bouncing and munching on random cupcakes. "Well at least one of us seems to be in high spirits..."

The group continued trotting through Canterlot. And eventually they arrived at the castle, and immediately made their way to the throne room.

And as they all arrived in the throne room, it wasn't surprising to find the princesses as well as Discord there to greet them.

Princess Celestia's eyes widened at the sight of her student. Twilight looked absolutely horrible, what'd occurred to make her appear this way? Of course Celestia was curious. "My student, what's happened? What's wrong?"

Twilight then dug into her knapsack and pulled out her book on draconequus, before simply tossing it across the ground. The book slid until it stopped in front of Princess Celestia.

Princess Celestia looked down at the book for a moment with a bewildered expression, before she eased up into a smile of recognition. "Oh my; why if it isn't my collaboration with Starswirl the Bearded, it has been far too long since I've seen one of these. I'm happy to see you've had a copy nestled away in your library Twilight, of course, I should've expected as much."

Twilight still seemed devoid of any emotion as she simply turned to the porch, then looked at Princess Celestia with a cocked brow and a nudge. "Princess, if I may, could I talk to you in private?"

With that, Twilight and Celestia made their way to the second story porch in order to discuss more 'personal' matters.

As they did so, Discord couldn't help but look at the rest of the mane six, seeming quite puzzled himself. "Eh...one, two, three, four- where's Fluttershy?" He cocked a brow.

Applejack cut in, raising a hoof at Discord with a slight shrug. "She didn't wanna tag along..."

Rainbow groaned crossing her hooves and glancing to her left. "Yea; she's all depressed over what happened..."

Pinkie gasped, randomly making a dramatic entrance, raising her hooves to the air. "There was a big battle! And the little dragon thing was using all these funky powers in order to destroy the real world! Then we had to fight in the double world! And there were double doubles! And then there was you! And then Twilight got all angry and creepy all like 'rrrrrrrrrg you no come with us' and Fluttershy was all like 'noooooooo' like it was a movie or something! Then we all got out and were like wheeeeeew we made it and now we're here all like, whoooooa that was crazy and-" Pinkie then paused as she noticed everypony was staring at her with crossed hooves. "Eheh...."

As Twilight and Princess Celestia stood on the porch overlooking the beautiful city of Canterlot, there was a long silence between the two of them, before Celestia finally spoke. "So; what is it you wanted to talk with me about my dear student?"

Twilight then looked towards the ground with an ashamed expression. "P-Princess;...I...I may have misinterpreted your messages, I, I thought in the moment it all seemed so right, that everything seemed to make sense. But I let my own paranoia and selfishness cloud my judgement, and I feel I was cruel and unfair. I based all my decisions off text on pages. Now I think I may have made a grave mistake, and that mistake costed a young draconequus its life. "

Suddenly in that moment, Celestia smirked, but Twilight didn't notice it seeing as her eyes weren't focused on her teacher. But that smirk quickly disappeared as Celestia then looked down to her student with a caring smile, wrapping a hoof around Twilight and pulling her close. "My dear Twilight, you did no such thing. You did what you felt you had to, we all make choices we regret in our lifetimes, but we always learn from them. And I'm sure whatever may have occurred, you had everypony's best interests in mind. You're my protege, and I have complete faith in the decisions you make."

Princess Celestia raised a hoof, interrupting the violet mare. "Shhhhh; Twilight..." The princess then lowered her frame somewhat, looking Twilight in the eyes. "You know, I've ruled over Equestria for quite some time, and there have been many instances where I to felt my decisions were cruel and unfair. But I've learned in all those years that sometimes, those choices are the right ones to make. There is no shame in feeling guilt for your actions, we all do at times, but you mustn't consider it wholly as a mistake either. You based your judgement on the information I have provided for you and all the ponies of Equestria, and I base that information on what I have seen over countless millennium. I tell you now my student, you are no failure in my eyes. In my eyes, I see a future leader, and one who will me me very proud."

To this Twilight teared up as she sniffled; she couldn't resist the temptation to hug Princess Celestia at that moment, who then hugged her back, comforting her young protege with a smile.

As the rest of the group observed this from afar, they all couldn't help but smile.

Well everypony except Discord of course as he made a mope face and suddenly manifested some handkerchiefs in his paw and then began patting down his face. "Oh; how touching, it truly brings tears to my eyes!"

But everything wasn't over just yet, as there was still things that needed to be tended to in the Everfree.

"Now all I have to do; is mix my special stew, and all the herbs shall be good as new!" Zecora was currently using a large wooden spoon to mix a strange bubbling substance in her cauldron. She seemed absolutely delighted in doing so as well, eager to see her finished result as she churned the substance in a smooth rhythm.

Zecora's eyes widened as she then stopped mixing her mysterious substance. She glanced back at her door as she cocked a brow. "Oh, now who could that be I wonder." She then trotted on over to her door, opening it with a curious expression; as she looked the cowled mare up and down she couldn't help but feel bewildered. "Why if it isn't Fluttershy! I did not expect you to come over. But tell me Fluttershy, why do you wear such gloomy eyes?" Zecora's expression sunk as she regarded the mare with a worried look.

Fluttershy simply raised the small wrapped object in her forehooves, as Zecora looked down at it curiously. Fluttershy then uncovered Eve's face to reveal the baby draconequus. "I'm..I'm sorry to come on such short notice Zecora...but..."

Fluttershy simply remained silent as she whimpered a little, avoiding eye contact with the zebra.

Zecora then burst into laughter. "Why! This is a baby draconequus in the flesh! This is truly quite fascinating; yes!" Zecora then took a few trots backward as she turned and then regarded the mare with a wave. "Come come Fluttershy! We will speak furthermore inside!"

To this Fluttershy sighed with relief as she made her way into Zecora's home; shutting the door behind her.

Now that they were both inside, Zecora looked over the sleeping Eve with interest. "Now you must tell me Fluttershy; what has brought you to me with such a sight? Draconequis are creatures one rarely sees, especially a baby; such a fascinating thing!" But Zecora noticed the one thing in particular that seemed off. "But this one seems to be in quite the deep sleep. Does she not wake? Even to me shouting?" Zecora glanced up at Fluttershy with curious eyes.

Fluttershy then whimpered once more glancing down at the sleeping Eve. "I-It's a long story...."

Zecora then immediately made her way over to a small table in the other room, pulling out two wooden chairs as she did so. She then nodded to Fluttershy giving her a sweet smile and sitting, then patting the other chair with a hoof. "Come, time is not a problem for me, as you can imagine, I'm almost always free."

Fluttershy then looked to Zecora with a soft smile herself, but her expression sunk again as she considered what she was about to tell the zebra. She sighed heavily; not looking forward to it, as she trotted on over to the table and then sat. "Well;....where do I start...."

And as Fluttershy eventually finished her story; Zecora was left speechless by the end.

The zebra was at a loss for words as she then took a second to show her disappointment, not in Fluttershy; but for Twilight in particular. "Now this...is grave news indeed; for what you have told me, this little one has been lost to the world of the dream." Zecora then began muttering to herself before crossing her forehooves. "But Twilight Sparkle; I know she is wise, so why would she ensure a baby's demise?" Zecora couldn't wrap her mind around the idea, as she seemed to be lost in her own thoughts for a moment.

Fluttershy then spoke softly, looking to Zecora with a worried glance. "S-So...can you fix her? I can't get her to wake up, no matter how hard I try, she just...sleeps..."

Zecora stood to all fours with a determined expression before glancing down at the baby draconequus curled in Fluttershy's hoof. "What has happened to her, is often fatal indeed, but I do believe I may be able to wake her from this dream."

Zecora nodded as she then made her way over to her racks, going through an assortment of various ingredients. She continued to speak to Fluttershy however, further explaining the situation as she did so. "Yes; to shatter one's mind within the world of the dream is no different from shattering their soul entirely. Everything she once was, is now lost to the unknown, whether she'll return to her former self, only time will tell. But magic of such caliber should not exist, it fascinates me how you were able to describe it." As the zebra gathered all the ingredients, she then motioned for Fluttershy to follow her into a room further towards the back of the hut.

Zecora led them to a room with glowing blue lights; while the rest of the room was dark. There was a single area in the center with a pillow, as well as many tribal markings that decorated all walls of the strange room.

Fluttershy simply glanced around with awe, her jaw practically dropped as she seemed a little frightened by the look of such a place; as well as mesmerized by it.

Zecora didn't hesitate to further continue her explanation. "In order to awake her from the dream; we must ease her body and spirit entirely. It is a process that takes much time, there is no rushing when it comes to piecing back together the mind. What you stand in now is my room of meditation, Fluttershy, I ask you lay the draconequus in that destination, it is where I shall begin the restoration." Zecora then pointed a hoof towards the pillow in the center of the room.

Fluttershy followed Zecora's orders with haste; hurriedly making her way towards the center of the room and then setting Eve down with ease. But as she did, she couldn't help but run her hoof once more through the baby draconequus' mane as she slept peacefully on the ground. Fluttershy whispered to her "Please be okay..."

Zecora's expression saddened as she saw this, but it only revealed her fierce determination more soon afterwards.

Fluttershy then began trotting back as Zecora made her way to the center of the room, still with the majority of her ingredients in hoof.

Zecora laid down the ingredients, and then grabbed a pestle and mortar already nearby and began dumping the diverse herbs and other ingredients inside the mortar, then crushing and mixing them with the pestle in a natural manner. Zecora knew exactly what she was doing, and she was a master of her art.

As Fluttershy observed the zebra at work, she couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of relief that she'd come to seek her aid. Zecora held respect for pony society, but her views differed greatly on such matters, she was from an entirely different land and Fluttershy knew that out of everypony, she was probably the best chance Eve had; seeing as Zecora could also be considered a masterful sage.

As Zecora finished mixing all the ingredients, she then added some water to it, then mixing it again, and as she finished, what was left in the mortar was a beautiful glowing green substance. It was barely transparent, and if one focused on it, they could see small miniature swirls beneath the surface of liquid substance. It was almost hypnotic how beautifully strange it was; appearing unlike any liquid Fluttershy had ever seen before.

Zecora then tilted Eve's head upward, helping her body force down the strange substance. "And now we wait; I will do all that I can to help her ease into the process with time." Zecora then stood on all fours as she sighed heavily.

Fluttershy then spoke out in a worried tone. "I-Is there anything else that I can do?"

Zecora glanced back at Fluttershy with a soft smile. "You have done all that you can Fluttershy; all I ask of you is you try to get by. You seem a little worse for wear; and I can understand why, but you cannot blame yourself for what has transpired, I shall not continue to pry. Your heart is gentle, sweet, and kind, I ask that you attempt to move on from such days gone by."

The two then moved out of the meditation room, and Zecora shut the door behind her as she did so, then leading Fluttershy to the front door. "I will keep her safe over time, but you must promise me you'll not speak of what's transpired here to the public ear."

Zecora smiled. "Good...please try not to worry dear Fluttershy, certain I am not, but my confidence; I shall not deny."

Fluttershy then made her way out the front door with a soft smile, looking back at Zecora. "I..I trust you will do your best Zecora..."

And with that, Fluttershy departed back to Ponyville, leaving Eve in the hooves of the wise sage, and following her advice as well, hopefully being able to find a way to move past all of this. And hopefully waiting for that day when Eve would awake.

And as Fluttershy made her way back home; so many thoughts streamed through her head. Zecora had made her promise not to tell anypony about what'd transpired at her home. But Fluttershy told Zecora the whole story, so did the zebra consider Cheerilee's feelings revolving around all of this? Although Fluttershy herself wasn't even sure how Cheerilee's reaction was to this entire situation, actually, she wasn't even sure if Cheerilee knew anything past Eve's disappearance. Fluttershy wanted so desperately to open up to the school teacher, but she also didn't want her to be forced to deal with Eve's condition if she did find out. And Fluttershy also didn't want to risk anypony finding out about what her and Zecora's plans were. So as she promised, she kept such information to herself.

Fluttershy also considered her feelings revolving around Twilight, and she still couldn't bring herself to forgive her close friend; but perhaps if Twilight showed remorse for her actions, perhaps if she showed she was sincerely sorry for committing such an atrocity, she could forgive her. Maybe.

But as with everything, only time would tell, and time from beyond that moment, certainly did pass.

And as unfortunate as it was, everypony over time seemed to be able to move past this tragic event in their lives.

Even the caring Cheerilee; although unlike the others, she never felt she had any full closure, and in the back of her mind, she'd always suspected the mane six and wondered what happened to little Eve. But she continued on with her life, refusing to soak in a pool of sorrow, regret, and anger, and attempt to move past that short time she had with her adopted daughter. But as said, the mare never found any true closure.

Even with all her loving students, and her close friends, the thought of Eve never got any easier.

The mane six however, seemed to be able to work through their problems, and even Fluttershy, who at the time believed she would never be able to forgive Twilight, found that she was with time. Her friend did indeed show regret for committing such actions, and eventually, even Twilight mustered up the courage to claim she was wrong about what'd transpired, of course due to the comforting Princess Celestia had given her. Fluttershy still kept Eve a secret however of course, still waiting for the fateful day she'd hear that the little draconequus had awoken. But as time drew on, and that secret seemed to fade with memory, Zecora never spoke of Eve, and never even regarded her existence; it was as if the draconequus fell off the face of Equestria. And even Fluttershy, the kindest mare with the most gentle of hearts, found herself moving on from this entire story as well, it just being another dark episode in her life. Trials come and go, and more trials did indeed come, trials that her friends required her full attention for, more problems emerged and more drama ensued, and the pale yellow mare eventually found herself joining her friends as one of those who'd also moved on.

And although she regretted it, Fluttershy never expected the day Zecora would mention Eve again.

So as everypony did what all inevitably find themselves doing after such things, days turned to weeks, and weeks turned to months; so much so that even Twilight Sparkle, the once unicorn, had become a recently crowned alicorn.

So many things change with time, even those who many thought were beyond saving.

And as the day arrived, and Zecora stood in front of Fluttershy's open doorway with a serious expression. She simply stated "She's awake."

Fluttershy didn't know how to react as first, seeing as she'd been waiting for so long, so long to the point where she'd even moved past what transpired on that day that felt so long ago. A dark time where she and her friends questioned their friendship, and Fluttershy found herself regrettably scared to think back on such a time. She wanted to forget it, and even now, as much as she hated to admit it; she felt scared about confronting the draconequus that they'd done this to. Or at least to Fluttershy, the mane six as a whole were involved and responsible for letting it happen.

But the news wasn't over yet, as Zecora simply continued
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She stated. "And as I suspected; her past is but a haze to her."

Fluttershy wanted to cringe at such news. So not only had the draconequus finally woken up, but she also didn't have any memories of what had transpired? What'd happened to her in that eternal sleep? Now even though Fluttershy was afraid, she was just as curious to see the little draconequus once again. So on this day, she'd informed Discord of course she had more personal business to attend to, and Discord didn't question it; actually, he was happy at the thought of being able to have the entire house to himself. And so Fluttershy went with Zecora back to her hut, and back to see the little draconequus that had been comatose for what felt like so long.

And so as they arrived at Zecora's hut, towards the back near a beautiful pond, there she was; the young draconequus, simply sitting and looking up towards the sky.

Zecora spoke. "All she seems to be able to recall is her name...it is really quite a shame..."

But as Fluttershy simply took a moment to take in the sight; her eyes teared up at the fact she noticed not only had they changed over time, but the draconequus had as well. Eve's mane was now much longer, and she seemed to have gotten a little bigger, perhaps it was due to Zecora's strange remedy or perhaps much time really did pass. But Fluttershy felt those feelings of guilt swell up inside her as she looked at the draconequus kick the water absently; and sit on the edge of the pond lost in her own thoughts. Such wasted youth, but it was her expression that caused Fluttershy to cry. The draconequus wore a soft smile, and her eyes possessed a passive everlasting sadness that the mare couldn't recognize.

But as Fluttershy took in all these feelings, she then looked to Zecora with a curious expression. "So...w-what're we going to do now Zecora?...It's been so long..."

Zecora's expression saddened herself as she looked at Eve herself. "I will prepare her for the days to come; for I can assure you they won't be easy ones."

Fluttershy's eyes saddened at such news, as she looked back towards the ground. Why did it feel like such a wasted effort then? They'd saved the little draconequus; but what did Eve have to come back to? If anything, it was a fresh start. Fluttershy looked to Eve with a blank look, before simply asking Zecora, "May...may I go see her?"

Eve simply gazed down at her reflection in the small pond as she sat on the edge of a small wooden pathway leading from the back of Zecora's hut. And as she heard somepony approaching her, her eyes widened somewhat as she looked to the pale yellow mare with at first a slightly curious look then a soft smile. "Hiya...."

Fluttershy put on a smile herself as she went beside Eve, lowering her frame next to the young draconequus. "Hi there, how're you feeling?" She asked in a worried tone.

Eve simply glanced to her lower left as she no longer smiled, and she seemed afraid. "I'm.....confused...."

Fluttershy's heart ached as she simply wrapped her hooves around the young draconequus with a hint of tragedy her in closed eyes and slight frown. "Y-You'll be okay...you made it through this....and when Zecora is done with you; you'll be ready, and hopefully, you won't ever have to go through anything like this ever again."

Eve's eyes widened as she then closed her eyes as well, returning Fluttershy's hug. "Thank you.."

Such a simple farewell, and she felt she wanted to say more, she wanted so much better for this draconequus, but would such thoughts really help the young creature? She couldn't be sure. And so the pale yellow mare stood to her hooves, and before turning back towards the direction of Zecora she smiled looking down at Eve once more. "Goodbye...and take care of yourself little one..."

Eve's eyes saddened somewhat as she returned that smile. "Bye bye....Fluttershy" Of course Eve had been told of her savior beforehoof, but other things, were kept more discrete from the draconequus.

And then Fluttershy turned to leave, and as she made her way to Zecora she regarded the zebra with a smile as well. "Thank you Zecora."

Fluttershy then trotted back down the path towards Ponyville, allowing Zecora to take care of things from here on out.

And as more time passed once again, Zecora did keep her word, and she did educate little Eve on the dangers of the world. As well as instilled the little draconequus with knowledge and insight on various remedies and herbs, and survival tactics that Zecora herself found quite useful.

And so eventually; the zebra felt the little draconequus was ready to face the world, instead of being cooped up in the Everfree forest.

"I...I don't know if I'm ready for this Zecora..." Said Eve as Zecora wrapped around a thick leather cowl and cape around the young draconequus, in similar fashion to her's when she first arrived in Ponyville.

Zecora smiled, wrapping her hooves around the little draconequus. "You must have confidence in yourself little Eve; I know this is something you can do, I have absolute faith in you."

Eve gulped as she looked towards the ground, so now it'd come once again. That time where she'd likely be alone, but now she was better off than before, now she had the knowledge and teachings of Zecora to help her along the way. And one of the biggest lessons the zebra instilled in Eve, was the young draconequus didn't need to be alone, she simply had to keep moving, and keep travelling. Due to the views most had on draconequus, it was never safe to get too comfortable in one area, so Eve would need to stick to the roads, and move from town to town.

Eve looked up at Zecora with a cocked brow and a humored smile. "You always say those types of things..."

Zecora chuckled. "That is because they are true, and nopony knows that better than you."

Although she was afraid, Eve to felt she was ready to depart. Her and Zecora embraced in a hug before making their way down the path through Everfree, and then around the outskirts of Ponyville itself.

But at some point in their small venture, Eve and Zecora passed a area that caused Eve to stop in her tracks, and she couldn't help but find herself stopping to stare at one mare in specific.

Zecora and Eve had avoided most familiar ponies their entire way here, but as Zecora noticed just what exactly Eve was looking at, it caused the zebra to worry; but she allowed Eve this personal moment.

Eve simply looked in the direction towards the schoolhouse, and from a small dirt path quite some distance from the schoolhouse, Eve continued to look at it with a longing expression. Her eyes were wide, and she wondered why she felt such a unique attachment to that place, and that mare in particular. Zecora never told her all of her past, for these very reasons, they couldn't let things get out of hoof once again, and had to prevent another situation like the last.

Cheerilee was currently smiling softly at her students; guiding them into the schoolhouse, it seems they'd just gotten back from a trip, just like the first time when Eve had met Cheerilee. But as Eve stared from a distance; that longing feeling never left her, for some reason, she couldn't place her mind on it, or why, but she wanted to go up to that mare, and just be by her side, and Eve wondered why she felt such feelings. That look in Cheerilee's eyes, how come the young draconequus felt she could relate to it so well? Who was this mare? And why did Eve's name seem to ring out in her head when she looked at this mare? Eve could only stare and wonder for a moment; before another idea sprung up in her head. But not before Zecora nudged her along, and Eve looked up at the zebra with a curious look.

Zecora smiled softly at Eve with a nod. "Come Eve; we must hurry now, we don't want to overstep our bounds."

And so Eve did as she was told, and moved along with her mentor further from the schoolhouse, and further down the path that would lead north, towards the crystal mountains, or Van Hoover in specific.

But Eve took one last wide eyed look at Cheerilee, and then smiled, continuing to walk beside Zecora.

As Cheerilee was guiding her students inside the schoolhouse, she got that awkward feeling that she was being watched. And it caused the mare's features to distort into a creeped out expression as she cocked a brow, and stopped focusing on her students for a moment.

She then looked off into the distance from the schoolhouse with a curious expression.

Nothing but the bristling leaves and numerous trees. And the soothing ambience of the steady wind as it moved about the area. And Cheerilee found herself feeling like she'd missed something important, and some empty feeling in her chest caused her to simply stare down that path from the schoolhouse for a brief moment.

Scootaloo chuckled a bit then cocked a humored brow at her teacher. "Yea, you're not looking too good!"

Cheerilee looked back down at her students, then back to the path once more. She then looked back down to her two students with a smile, rubbing the top of their heads with cheerful glee. "I'm fine girls! Now you two hurry back on inside, as usual we've got quite a lot to discuss today!"

And thankfully, the cutie mark crusaders themselves actually seemed quite obliged to do so as they all cheered in unison. "All right! Today we'll get our studious cutie marks!" And the three fillies made their way into the schoolhouse.

Cheerilee chuckled as she then made her way into the schoolhouse herself, but not before glancing back once more curiously. Then she simply smiled, and shut the door behind her.

As Zecora and Eve continued to make their way down that lonesome beaten dirt path. Eve was currently using her magic to work on something in particular, and she seemed to have her full concentration on this particular object, manipulating it and morphing it to her liking.

Zecora couldn't help but feel curious as she attempted to peek, and Eve hid it away from her.

And as they eventually arrived to their destination, a lone road leading into the open lands of Equestria and further north, Eve and Zecora had finally come to that fateful moment.

Eve took this time to lower her hood as she smiled, looking up at Zecora. "I'll miss you..."

Zecora couldn't help but tear up as she lowered her frame to hug the young draconequus. "As will I little one, as will I..."

Eve then decided to reveal the strange objects she was working on earlier, and as Zecora looked at them, she couldn't help but stare in awe for a moment.

Eve smiled softly. "The shape just seemed to come naturally; I know it isn't much, but....I want you to have one Zecora...and if you can, can you deliver the other two?"

Such beauty, formed through supposed chaos, or maybe it wasn't chaos, maybe everypony was wrong and such magic was just a form they didn't understand. And what one didn't understand they'd refer to as chaos, but to Zecora, this was beauty, and tranquility, it was absolutely perfect. "Of course; they will go where you please, darling little Eve."

Eve chuckled as she handed the three crystalline stars over to Zecora. "Could you give one, to Fluttershy?..."

There was a brief silence, as if it took some time for Eve to muster up the courage for the next one.

Eve continued, before a faint blush appeared on her cheeks and her gaze shifted to the lower left. "And...erhm...c-could you give one, to the school teacher as well?"

To this Zecora's eyes widened as she cocked a brow. "I don't mean to pry but I really must ask; why?"

Eve smiled, shaking her head. "I'm...I'm not sure myself; when I just looked at her, I got this idea to make all these things for you all....and...and-" Eve began to tear up some before wiping her eyes with her paw and sniffling a little. "It's...it's nothing, but if you could, could you give her one as well Zecora?" Eve was still confused, and she felt a strange attachment to that mare in the schoolhouse, a very strong peculiar attachment, and she assumed that maybe, just maybe there was something about that mare that made her so special. Eve wanted to be with her, but as she saw that happy look the mare had, that smile as she looked upon her students, she stopped herself, and she didn't want to ruin the moment for this mare she didn't even know most likely. To Eve, Cheerilee's life seemed quite content with the way it was. But still; she wanted her to have that gift, that crafted star she felt the need to give to the mare so much.

Zecora was curious, was it really possible that some parts of Eve's former self still remained? Even after such a traumatic event, Zecora couldn't be certain but, she wouldn't pry anymore. She simply nodded to Eve. Zecora of course knew about Cheerilee, seeing as she was told about the story by Fluttershy. And perhaps it was time to stop dragging this on, perhaps it was time that the mare was finally let in, and given the closure she deserved. "It will be done Eve. I thank you for such a lovely gift."

But there lengthy silence between the two of them; and during such a moment, it felt so hard to come up with the words.

But Eve broke that silence, looking up at Zecora with a gentle smile. "T-Thank you for everything Zecora, thank you for taking care of me, for teaching me, for delivering those gifts...just; thank you..........."

The draconequus gazed to the lower left with a gentle smile and sad eyes "And goodbye..."

Zecora smiled once more. "Goodbye little Eve; may your future bare you no trouble. And always remember, you must keep on the move, avoid the pony rulers for they are not good for you."

Eve smiled before levitating up into the air and raising her cowl. "You know I will.....Well; until next time hmhm?"

And with that, the young draconequus smiled softly at Zecora, squinting her eyes some in an affectionate expression, before turning towards the open world, and vast lands of Equestria, then flying, and making her way off into the distance, and eventually out of sight, she'd finally managed to touch the clouds.

Zecora of course, kept her word to Eve. And she started off by delivering the first crystalline star to Fluttershy, and Fluttershy; much like Zecora's reaction, was filled with awe. She gladly accepted the gift, and found comfort and peace in the thought of keeping it around. And of course Fluttershy, being as fragile as she is, couldn't help but tear up as she regarded the zebra with a smile and simply said. "Thank you..."

Rainbow chuckled somewhat as she tackled Twilight. "That's none of our business egg-head!"

The rest of the mane six then began laughing as it seemed they were all present in Fluttershy's home for another one of her small parties of the sort. And Discord was there, simply chilling on the couch just like last time.

Zecora nodded to the mare, as Fluttershy then retreated into her home once more after receiving her crystalline star.

But she'd wait until later on in the day to do so, during sunset when Cheerilee was sure to be home.

Cheerilee was currently sitting on her couch, watching some TV; although it was nothing special. She wore a tired expression and seemed to be reflecting on things; it had been a long day at school, maybe that was it. And she did hear the knocks, but she didn't really feel like answering the door. Maybe if she just ignored it, they'd go away?

She then called out "Okay okay! You got me! I'm coming." But who could possibly be coming to her house? She wasn't expecting any visitors and she had no absent students today. Perhaps something had happened. Well either way, Cheerilee got up from her couch, and trotted on over to the door, opening it soon afterwards. But as she saw who it was, she couldn't help but feel more baffled and confused; standing in front of her was a cowled zebra with a delighted smile. "Why Zecora; well this is certainly a surprise." Literally.

Zecora kept the her task simple as she nodded to Cheerilee. "Forgive me Miss Cheerilee, the circumstances; needed to be met. Something for you I have come to deliver; a fragment of the heart and whose love does not quiver."

Zecora then pulled it out, the crystalline star as she held it in front of Cheerilee.

Cheerilee gasped, raising a hoof to her mouth with wide eyes. "O-Oh my goodness! What...who? Who could possibly want me to have this?....I've earned no such reward..." She looked at Zecora with a curious yet worried glance.

Zecora simply smiled at Cheerilee. "Oh, I believe you have Miss Cheerilee." And Zecora looked the mare in the eyes, as if a hidden message between the two, as she felt she could let Cheerilee connect the pieces herself.

And as Cheerilee did so, looking the zebra in the eyes, her eyes widened exponentially as tears swelled up within them. B-But how could that be? And Zecora of all things? She got it, but she didn't get it at the same time. So many thoughts instantly overwhelmed the mare as she was about to head into a flurry of emotions and questions. And she opened her mouth about to say something before Zecora cut her off-

Cheerilee grew silent once more as she grabbed the crystalline star and tears streamed down her cheeks. She looked to Zecora with a pleading look. "C-Can I see her? Please? Can I talk to her? Can she come here? W-Where is she?"

Zecora didn't tell Cheerilee about Eve's memories, the poor mare didn't have to know that. "She is keeping you safe, and is keeping you close in her heart. For she knows; that such things would only bring you pain. But someday Cheerilee, I will tell you this, you will be revisited by the creator of that gift. It may not be tomorrow, or any day soon, but expect that someday, she will return to you."

Cheerilee was at a loss for words, and she simply looked down at the crystalline heart with a sad expression. She still didn't understand it; so many things she wanted to discuss, and she hoped that perhaps with time, she could change the views so many had concerning the supposedly chaotic draconequus. And even though this was far from her idea of the perfect ending, in the end, the news still pleased her. And although she wondered what happened to Eve; she trusted Zecora. And she hoped maybe someday, everything would work out for all of them. And maybe, that this path, was the only one they had open to them; the only one that would ensure that whatever may have gone wrong, never went wrong again. And the one path that would bring them together once again; but as said, that day was not today.

There was a reason for everything. And maybe Cheerilee just had to focus on patience.

She made her way over to Zecora, hugging the zebra tightly and nuzzling her cheek some. "T-Thank you so much Zecora.."

And so Zecora turned to leave the mare to her privacy.
And Cheerilee watched her leave with a smile, keeping her crystalline star close in her hoof.

And as Zecora faded in the distance, Cheerilee shut her door and then made her way over to the hallway desk, setting the star down gently and then looking down at it with a smile. Cheerilee then made her way for the kitchen, and felt she was in the mood for some sweets, it was quite humorous. Although that time in her life was short and hectic, she never regretted it, and she never regretted meeting Eve, her adopted daughter for a short time. She would keep that star, as a reminder of that time, of that chaotic melancholy, and perhaps hope for a happier time in the future.

But in some form, this was indeed closure for the mare. And she finally felt she could move past this easier, with an open mind, and look forward to the days ahead. Forevermore.

Our Chaotic Melancholy

by Edensola

Chapter 12: Forevermore (Edited)