//------------------------------// // Rarity // Story: Dead and Gone // by Raidah //------------------------------// Chapter 5: Rarity Written by: Bookworm Guardian It was all too much, seeing Fluttershy’s coffin being lowered. I tried to stay as lady-like as I could during the ordeal-attempting to be strong for the others, but to no avail- and keep my composure. Seeing my dearest friend’s final resting place being set up though… I couldn’t help it; I wept, and I wept strongly for as soft as some said I sounded. I could feel my eyeliner running down my muzzle and staining my dress, but I didn’t really care. There is a time and place for those things, and this was not it. After the final rites were given, the five of us met up for a moment. My attention was elsewhere though; I can’t recall what anypony was saying, nor if I spoke at all. I think Rainbow Dash recalled a story, then began guilting herself. I really do feel for her; she was even closer to Fluttershy than I was. Then Applejack spoke up to calm her. Sometimes I really envied the pair, AJ and Rainbow. They were much closer to each other than any of the rest of us could ever be. They had each other, while my only constant companion is Sweetie Belle. Well, her and that rock that keeps appearing in my backyard. Honestly, I have no idea who keeps moving it. Anyways, that is beside the point. Even while these thoughts made fleeting passes through my subconscious, all I could think of was the looks on all of the faces of those around me. There were the Cakes, Lyra, and even Princess Celestia attended the wake and funeral. All around me were the looks of sadness and regret, especially on Pinkie. The poor dear was even worse off than that day she thought we’d abandoned her. I knew that she would be beating herself up over not being with Fluttershy during her final moments; the girl lived to make ponies smile, and she felt that she had failed one of her truest friends by not being by her side. Tears fell freely from all of us, but I believe the most tears were shed by Rainbow, Pinkie, the Princess, and I. After we departed, I went into my boutique, turned the sign to Closed, then locked myself in my room, where I laid in my bed and cried as hard as I could. It would be very near sunset before I arose from my grief induced stupor. After which I dragged myself out of my puddle of sadness and half-heartedly refixed my mane. That’ll have to do for now, I guess, I thought as I looked at my disheveled appearance in the mirror. I knew I’d hate myself later for looking so mangy, but I honestly didn’t give enough of a buck to do anything at that point. I was fortunate enough that the group had enough forethought to send Sweetie Belle and her friends off on a sleepover for the night; I would not have wanted her to see me in this way. The whole ordeal was hard enough on the kids as it stood, and she didn’t want to add on to her sister’s grief. After I had dried out my tear reservoirs, I hobbled into my dining room and poured myself a cup of Sugar Smoke tea; I was indifferent about the type, but it had been Fluttershy’s favorite. I savored each sip of the smoky and sweet flavor of the brew as I thought upon all of the memories I could recall of our time together: our spa days, every tea time we had, all of the escapades we shared with the other girls, even that time she’d modeled for Photo Finish, though I will admit that wasn’t… one of my finest moments with her… and eventually the final picnic we all shared. She had been complaining of wing cramps… Oh Celestia, I can’t do it… I thought as I broke down once more, my tears streaking from my face and into my empty tea cup. I couldn’t take it, I had to go back! I quickly grabbed a coat and sprinted out of my home as fast as my hooves could carry me, for once not caring what I looked like, and hauled tail to the gravesite. I wouldn’t let it end this way; I had to see her at least once more! I slowed down as I got near the graveyard, and I was surprised to see Pinkie Pie there, tears running down her face; I heard her say, “Goodbye, Fluttershy,” as she walked away. She looked absolutely dreadful; her mane and tail were flat and disheveled, and her eyes were bloodshot. If she noticed me, she made no showing of it. I hesitantly stepped toward the plot of dirt that hid my passed friend; my closest friend. Words found there way to my lips slowly and begrudgingly, as if my mind were trying to stop me from talking to the grave. “Um… hello, Fluttershy,” I said in a whisper, “I… I don’t really know what to say right now, other than I-I’m… so sorry.” Liquid began pooling in my vision once more as I choked out, “I wish that I could have been there to see you one more time… I wish that there was something we could’ve done, that I could’ve done. You- you always brought out the best in me, you know? You were always that gentle, supple voice of reason when my generosity got… out of hoof. I don’t know where I’d be without you.” I couldn’t see clearly anymore; my vision was clouded by tears and memories resurfacing. All I could see was the grave, the butterflies, the epitaph, and Fluttershy’s smiling face. As I saw her, my mouth forced itself upward into something of a hollow smile. “I just want to say… thank you, and… goodbye, Fluttershy.” I walked from the grave, my smile fading, along with most everything else, save for a lone thought. I’d just had an idea for a new line; this would be my Grey Period...