//------------------------------// // True Love's Kiss // Story: The Element of Kindness // by BlueHeartTattoo //------------------------------// Twilight, Spike and the bearers now sat at the dining room as the waiter placed down their lunches in front of them. The princesses couldn’t find the time in their schedule to join them, but Celestia made arrangement for the chefs to make more for their guest. The girls ate and spend their time conversing with Twilight asking how things are like in Ponyville. Applejack assured that everything is the same as before even after clean and repair the parts of town that the changelings destroyed. Twilight was upset to hear about the damages, but at least she knows that things are alright now; though she mentally notes herself to talk to Celestia to see if she can financially help Ponyville for their troubles. In relation to that, Twilight also explain of things around the castle, including how Discord kept himself distant and used his magic to overlook Fluttershy’s visitations. During the midst of the chatter, the door opened, and Apple Bloom peeked through it. Spike was the only one that had noticed, and he realized through her gestures that she needs him outside. He quickly excused himself from the table and slid through the door. Time passes within the room until Rarity asked Twilight, “Spike has been gone for a long time. I wonder what’s keeping him.” “I’m sure he’s fine,” Twilight reassured, “He’ll be back here in time to finish his sapphires.” She pointed to his plate of blue gems jokingly, which made the group giggle. “Speaking of Spike,” Rarity stated, “He mentioned to us that you have something you’d like to tell us?” Twilight blinked and her fork stood in midair due to her magic, “What was that now?” “Spike told us that when he picked us up from the train station. Though he didn’t say what it was about.” Twilight, unlike her friends, understood exactly what he meant. He probably also brought them here so that she could talk about the possibility of staying friends after her investigation back at Ponyville. As it was all sweet to her, she was also not prepared to confront this to them now. “I wasn’t expecting this to talk about this now,” Twilight said as she puts her fork down on her plate and look up to her friends, “I…. I have been thinking about it for a while.” “What is it?” Applejack asked, with the others looking at her curious. Twilight shuffled nervously, “Well… First thing I should say… I know I wasn’t very… attentive to you guys when we first met. The thing was that…. Ever since I became a princess and the bearer of magic, it became my mission to save Equestria from the absent of harmony in the land. And because of that, I had no intentions to make any friends--- besides from Spike--- because I fear that I would get distracted. I’d only saw you guys as bearers to the elements and just acquaintances I know.” “Just only that?” Rainbow stated. “I didn’t mean right now! It was from back then. But…. Once I moved to Ponyville, you girls welcomed me in almost every way you can show—the tour, unpacking my stuff, the party—and the only thanks I gave you was through my annoyance. Even through that, I tried to be polite and appreciate the help you gave me; at the end, I was indifferent. But… the more you came for my help or when I came to you, the more I started to…. Enjoy your company. I haven’t taken in account before how alone I was when I traveled through my diplomatic missions. Of course, I have Spike—he’s the only company I had--- but somehow even he knew that it wasn’t enough. I’ve loved the time that we had together…. Though I wished I could’ve spend it a little bit more.” The girls looked at their friend with a mix of gratitude and concern, silently anticipating on the main reason why she needs them to listen. “And I became afraid that once I found Discord and I go back to my mission…. I would leave you guys and you’ll don’t want me as your friend anymore.” The girls’ eyes widened in surprise. “What?!” Rainbow protested, “Why would you think that?!” “I don’t know! I just thought that…. It could happen. I told this to Spike and he suggested I would talk to you first. But then, things got in the way and I couldn’t find the time.” She now looks to them with a hint of hope in her eyes, “I really want our friendship to work—and not because we are bearers. I really feel like I’ve grown close to you and I don’t want what to know without you here. I don’t know how we can make it work…. but I want to try. But this is if you really want to; I wouldn’t force you if you don’t think it will work.” The room stayed quiet for a moment before Rainbow’s raspy voice rang out, “You serious? I’m all up for it!” Twilight’s ears perked up with the sounds of agreement echoing throughout the group “You all are?” Applejack spoke out on the behalf of the others, “Twi, while you were indifferent to us before, you were still considered as a friend to all us. Yes, it was hard to bond with you, but we knew that someday you’ll come around. Princess Celestia and Luna actually warned me about it the day I escorted you to Ponyville. They were concerned as much as Spike was, so I agreed to befriend you along the others so that we can help you with your mission.” “Yeah!” Pinkie exclaimed, jumping into the sentence, “And it’s great to hear that you also want be friends too!” “We all have our duties outside of the elements,” Rarity stated, “But that doesn’t mean that it’s not worth the effort to develop our friendship. And no matter what happens, we will always be your friend and be there to help.” “You just tell us what to do and we’ll be there in a flash,” Rainbow finished with a grin. Twilight was almost close to shed the eyes that brimmed her eyes. She didn’t expect her friends to listen to her fears and concerns with an attentive ear and be willing to give it a chance. It comes to show how supportive they truly are and that she is lucky to gain such friends like them. She blinked the tears away before she could speak to them, “I—I don’t know what to say. But I….” Her words dragged off when something at the window caught her attention. She took one long glance at it and her eyes widen in surprise. Then she turned to them nervously, “But… if you excuse me, there’s something I need to take care of. Stay here until I come back.” She abruptly got off on her seat and gallop out of the dining room, leaving the girls confused. “What the hay was that?” Rainbow uttered, “We just tell her that we want to be friends and she just walk out on us?” “I don’t think she meant to do that,” Applejack defended, “Although I admit that she seem a little odd.” “I wonder why she was acting that way?” Rarity asked. “Maybe it is because she saw Spike with the Cutie Mark Crusaders and Discord at the garden and they’re making their way to Fluttershy’s coffin?” Pinkie stated out loud. The rest looked up at the window and saw that Pinkie was right; for there was Spike, the fillies and the draconeqqus in the garden, walking towards to the path where Fluttershy’s coffin was placed. It was amazing to them that she was correct, but she was able to predict that without looking at the window behind her seat. “How could you predict that without turning around?” Rainbow asked confused. “Ehh, just a hunch,” Pinkie replied cheerfully. “What are they’re doing out there?” Rarity asked, “Or better yet; Why is Discord out there?” “Maybe they’re helping him saying goodbye to Fluttershy before the visitations are over and they’ll bury her.” Pinkie stated out loud again. “Let me guess: another hunch?” Rainbow asked with a raised eyebrow. Pinkie looked at her friend as if she was offended, “No, that’s just common sense. I mean, he hasn’t seen her in like, forever!” “Not to mention Twilight said that he has hiding from everypony since the funeral,” Applejack supported the fact. A creaking sound caught the three ponies’ attention and they saw Rarity opening a window. “What are you doing?” Applejack asked. “There’s nothing wrong with eavesdropping on them,” Rarity replied, “Besides, I’m curious.” The others shrugged and they all joined in, hoping that they can hear them all the way over there. Outside, Spike lead Discord and the Cutie Mark Crusaders down the garden path to where Fluttershy’s coffin was kept. “Okay, it’s good that you’ve convinced Discord to do this,” Spike stated, being somewhat nervous, “But I don’t think I should be doing this.” “You told us that we need somepony from the royal authorities to admit a private visitation,” Diamond Tiara explained, “You are qualified for it since you’re a princess’s assistant and companion.” “But…. But it doesn’t feel right doing this behind Twilight’s back. Shouldn’t we at least tell her what’s going on?” “We can’t get any attention from anypony. Plus, Twilight has enough to worry about right now, you’ve told us that.” Spike felt uneasy doing this behind Twilight’s back, but he can agree that Diamond has a point. As they were getting closer to the sight, Discord grew nervous. He can see the pink and yellow figure from afar and the thought of seeing her for the last time and saying goodbye made his heart skipping a beat. They all arrived at the entrance of the path that is guarded by two guards. They saw their arrival, especially Discord’s, and they let their defenses up by gripping their spears towards him. “Woah! There’s no need for that!” Spike calmly assured the guards before gesturing to Discord, “I am here to request a private visit for him.” The guards stared at the group uneasy and one of them addressed back, “I think you would need the princesses’ permission first.” “Well, I am Princess Twilight’s assistant,” Spike insisted nervously, “Surely being close to one of them would be enough?” “It would—if you would bring any proof of her approval.” “Well, I am proof, aren’t I?” he strutted proudly only for the guards to give him a blank stare. His body struck back from embarrassment and twiddle with his fingers, “Okay, I don’t have any proof. But, um…. There wouldn’t be any other way that we can be alone in there for 5 minutes? We promise we won’t cause any trouble.” The other guard eyed at Discord with suspicion before replying, “We’re also given orders to survey him and his behavior; We are not in the right to accept that request if he’s involved.” Spike, Discord and the girls were taken back from the sudden prejudice, which made them understandably upset. “Oh, come on!” Diamond shouted, “Didn’t he just kept those last visitors from getting wet an hour ago? All he wants to see his friend; the least you can do is give him this.” The guards frowned at each other, contemplating on what to do. The fillies stared anxiously, fearing that this effort is all for naught. “It’s alright.” All of them were caught surprise by the presence of Princess Twilight, who had overheard everything and is disappointed of the unjust behavior of her guards. “I’ll allow it. And you may be excused; I’ll watch them.” The guards quickly obeyed the princess’s orders and leave their post. The others stared at Twilight with awe and uncertainty as she made her way towards them. Spike stepped forward and speak to her, “I should’ve told you this before; but I sent the girls here to talk to him. Since we couldn’t reach to him, I thought--” “I understand completely,” Twilight replied to her dragon friend before looking up to Discord, “It’s good to see you finally out here.” Discord managed to utter out in a timid matter, “Likewise.” Twilight glanced between the creature before her and the scenery behind them. After a moment, she walked past them towards Fluttershy’s coffin. There she ignited her horn to magically lift the glass lid and open it fully before stepping away and clearing a small area from the bouquets and candles. “We’ll leave you alone,” Twilight called back to Discord, “I’ll close it once you’re finished.” Discord can tell from her soft, sympathetic expression that she understood what exactly they were here for and that she is letting him get this chance to say goodbye to Fluttershy. With that thought, he spoke out to her clearly, “Thank you.” Twilight nodded her head as she walked out of the clearing, letting in and stood by the others at the entrance and overlooking the scene. Discord stood still for a second to take in the sight before him. With the glass lid fully open, the sunlight beamed lightly onto Fluttershy’s body, illuminating her in a heavenly glow. Memories of her came back as he thought back on how lovely she looked in her sleepily state and how her eyes fluttered in her wake to reveal those teal eyes he’d always stare in wonder. Even now, with that memory in his mind, he finds that she still looked as beautiful as when she was alive. And that his heart was nearly breaking. Finally, he was compelled to walk, taking each slow step closer to the coffin. When he got in front of her deathly-still figure, he kneeled on one knee and laid his hands at the side of the coffin. As he gazes down on her, he became so nervous that he couldn’t think of what to do next or even what to say. But he figured then he should start it simple, so he manages to utter out very nervously, “H-hey. It’s me.” He paused as if he was expecting her to respond back, but he chuckled as he realized that she can’t, “Sorry, I just thought that, for a second…. Never mind.” Once again, he paused, thinking what to say next which proved him that this is the hardest thing to do in his entire life. Still, he stayed strong and talk back to her: “I know I haven’t been visiting you for… all this time. I could state the reason why I didn’t think about coming by, but I feel like it wouldn’t be enough. But…. All I can say about that is—to be honest…. I almost didn’t want to. It’s terrible to say, I know, but…. I thought at least I would prolog this for a while. Turns out I was wrong.” He then tried to change the subject for a moment as he glanced around the trees and the nature surrounding them, “I think you would like this place. There’s a garden near here. It’s the place where I was imprisoned in, but I do admit that it’s nice; you would especially would love the flowers and the exotic animals Celestia keeps here. I even hear that she has a spider monkey lying around,” he chuckled for a moment before his smile disappears. He felt that now, he would come to what he really wanted to say. “I…. I have a confession to make. And I want you to promise me that you won’t get upset,” He then paused for a moment before sighing, “From being…up there, you probably heard that I had lied about why your chest glowed or that I was kind of keeping you away from Twilight… for obvious reasons. But there is one thing that I didn’t get the chance to tell you while you were alive……Remember when I took you to the pond? While we were watching the fireflies, I kissed you here,” he pointed to her forehead, “I was kind of expecting you to be gross out by it, but then you told me about that book page you kept. How it was the only thing back at that cell that made your bad days better. How every single time you look at it, you feel hopeful. That was the moment I fell in love with you. Yes, you heard me right--- I am undeniably and hopelessly in love with you.” At this point, tears were shedding in his eyes and his voice were crackling at the sheer heartbreak he felt. He continued through his tears as he gripped onto her hoof that was resting on her chest, “I’ve loved you so much that it killed me to know that I couldn’t see through Chrysalis’s plan--- that I couldn’t save you in time!” He sobbed uncontrollably for a moment before he found the strength he needed to breath in and become calm, “I don’t know if I can keep doing this, being here right now, without you…. And sometimes I don’t think I’m so sure if I wanted to. Again, that’s horrible to say, but the truth remains…. I am lost without you. You were the only pony who looked past my actions and see a creature who is worth saving. You’d changed me into someone I would never imagine becoming! You meant everything to me…. but it was then I failed to see how much damage I’d had done, just to keep you all to myself. I wouldn’t want you to be connected to your element because I was scared that…. once you know the truth, you wouldn’t want me anymore and turn me back into stone. I realize now that you would never do that to me; you had no way of knowing about it. But the point was that I was so blinded by fear that it caused me to lose the thing I learned to care the most. For that, I am truly, truly sorry. Though I don’t deserve it, I do hope that, from up there, you would forgive me.” The observers from the entrances, including the bearers who cracked a window to hear the conversation, were stunned in awe from the genuine confession of love and regret. There was no doubt that Discord could be lying or exaggerating, for there was nothing that he could gain other than forgiveness. This broken creature in front of them was not a monster that had been told in stories--that has already been proved; but they can see that, right now, he is just a lonely, troubled soul that is constantly searching a place in a world that has mistreated him. And this gave them a respect for him. Discord resumed back to his speech as his paw softly caress Fluttershy’s cheek, “I’m never good at saying goodbyes, but again, I don’t want to. Luckily, I had five special fillies that convinced me to see you one last time before…. before the visitations are over,” he cringed at the thought of her being buried, so he changed his words a bit for his sake, “I… I feel like I should give you something to say goodbye, but I can’t think of what.” Then his thoughts wander at the last pleasant memories at the pond, as he had addressed earlier, especially the kiss the sparked his love for her. He then realized what to do next. He leaned closer to the coffin and to Fluttershy’s face. His tail raises up from the ground, shielding the pair from the observers. He didn’t want them to witness his last gift to her. Finally, when his forehead nearly touched hers, he whispered very softly, “But I think I know how.” Slowly, he closes his eyes and places his lips over Fluttershy’s and gave her a long, gentle kiss. It had lasted for a moment until Discord hesitantly parted and lift his tail down as he started to get up.The kiss that he shared had much more meaning than the first one on the forehead, though it was the saddest in comparison. He glanced back at Twilight, indicating that he was finished and she needed to put the glass case back on. He then gave one last look at Fluttershy before turning away and feeling the tears in his eyes, waiting to be shed. Twilight stopped Discord in his tracks for a moment to rub on his arm in comfort. Discord gave her a broken smile as a sign for appreciation and she lets him go. Just as Twilight ignited her horn to lift the case, a small, light inhale erupted the silence and Twilight gasp in surprise. The others had heard it too, and they all turned around to see the source of Twilight’s gasp. All of them, including Discord, was stunned shock at the sight. There at the coffin, Fluttershy was beginning to rise up from it, coming to live in front of their eyes! Fluttershy’s hoof went up to her head as she opens her eyes and lets out a groan, “W…what….?” The observers stared with shock and awe; unable to comprehend the miracle that just happened. Yet no one were more as surprised as Discord. Fluttershy looked at the path of the entrance and recognized the mismatch creature standing at front of her, “D…Discord?” Discord could only stare as he took one step at a time towards her. He couldn’t believe what’s he seeing; he’d swear that somehow, he was dreaming. As he gotten close, he lifted his paw to touch her face, with her innocent, teal eyes reflecting in his, confirming that this is indeed real. Fluttershy inattentively welcomed Discord’s touch as she stares back at his gaze with awe. Then a thought came to her and she remembered what had happened before everything went dark, “You…. You’re still here--!” She was stopped when Discord abruptly fell to his knees and surprised her with a hug. He held her in a tight grip, though it was gentle enough to not suffocate her. Fluttershy stood there, unable to move, and then she heard his muffled crying. At first, she was worried and confused about his reaction, but she lets go of them as she slowly hugs him back. The two share the embrace as the others’ surprise turned to one of joy. Spike and the fillies’ face grew into giant smiles as Twilight stared in amazed at this miracle. The fillies ran towards the pair and tackled them in a hug. Fluttershy gasped happily at the sight of them and Discord lets them in the hug, thinking that she would like to have them join in. “How…?” Spike uttered in disbelief, “How is it possible?” “I wish I knew,” Twilight can only say as she has the exact same question in her mind. Inside the dining room, the bearers had the same reaction while Applejack thought now is the time to act. “Rainbow, quick,” Applejack asked the pegasus, “Go find a doctor.” Rainbow quickly nodded before she sped out of the room and through the door.