The next time I opened my eyes I was at the bottom of Ghastly Gorge. I realized that I was out of my body when I saw it laying five feet away from me.
“Yup,” I thought, “definitely dead…”
I then scooted away from my body and felt a sense of horror at what I had just done. I looked at the cliff that I had just fallen from and my staff had lit and made what looked like a portal that would let me through to the Afterlife. I didn’t need my wings to float up to the edge of the cliff.
“No way!” Norman said. “I can’t believe… She did it…”
“Well,” said Cozy Glow, “she finished the job this time.”
“That’s not funny Cozy Glow!” Norman said.
“Oh no,” said Cozy Glow, “that’s not what I mean.”
“Then what do you mean?” Norman said.
Cozy Glow then let out a long breath, “If you recall, two years ago, Betty tried to kill her by slitting her wrists her mom found not long after. I’m surprised her mom didn’t finish her off when she found her. She was waiting for something, for what I don’t know. I’m surprised Fluttershy didn’t tell you about that.”
“I meant to tell him about that,” said Fluttershy, “but I thought it was best not too…. But, did you have to go? And while you’re still young?”
I sighed, “It was my choice in the end, I told you that Fluttershy.”
“No!” Norman cried. “I just came back into your life, just to lose you? That’s not okay!”
“I have my reasons Norman,” I said, “like I said, my choice, I was going to die in this world anyway. As a matter of fact, I could’ve died when I was fighting mom. But like I said, it was my choice and you can’t change it now.”
“Listen Fluttershy,” I said, “you’ve been more of a mother to me than my biological mother ever did. And I thank you for that. Norman, I know it ended sooner than we wanted it too but I’ll be watching you from the Afterlife.”
I then looked at Dae and I couldn’t tell whether he wanted to laugh, cry or what. He certainly had a good poker face on. I looked at the portal and sighed.
“Cozy Glow,” I said, “you might want to follow me before this portal closes. And Dae, I’ll see you soon! It’s time for me to go.”
After that, I couldn’t hear Normans cries as I stepped into ready to start the rest of my Afterlife.
* * *
When I opened my eyes again I found that I was at the bottom of a river. What river it was, I didn’t really care either way.
“This is interesting,” I thought, “the water’s not even cold.”
I just stood where I was not wanting to move.
“Are you crazy or something?” Dae said.
“Huh,” I thought, “it might be I’m crazy I don’t know, at least I wasn’t dropped on my head as a baby like mom was.”
Dae cracked a smile and thought, “‘Come on, let’s go…”
Dae then grabbed my hand and we swimmed up to the surface. When we got to the surface, I saw that I had landed at the river that was going from a cave. It made my blood run cold, it was Mr.Giggles cave.
“Oh boy…” I said staring at the cave in horror.
“This the cave where…” Dae said.
“Yup,” I said, “it’s the very cave where Mr. Giggles is hibernating. I say we get out of here before he wakes up.”
“Fine by me,” said Dae, “we can deal with that later. But, there are a couple of things that need to be taken care of first.”
“We?” I said.
“Yes we,” said Dae, “it’s time to go!”
“Okay, okay,” I said. “I’m going!”
* * *
I walked through the doors to the Afterlife Court nervous about what might happen. When I saw the Head Councilman he had the biggest smile on his face.
“Welcome Betty,” Head Councilman said, “to the first day of your afterlife!”
I just stood there not wanting to move.
Head Councilman laughed, “No need to worry Betty, you’re a Death Walker right?”
I blinked, “Yes…”
“Well for Death Walker’s we don’t sort them, “said Head Councilman, “for they are neither here nor there.”
It was kind of comical when the Head Councilman said this because he used one finger to point in one direction and the other finger to point in the other. I almost laughed at the sight, thought it was best not too.
“However,” the Head Councilman said, “you can decide where you want to be. The choice is yours.”
The Head Councilman then looked at me and Dae smiling at each other. The Head Councilman smiled when he saw that. It was as if the rest of the Afterlife Court saw what he saw. Then there was a chorus of the word “awe”. I feel myself turning red out of embarrassment. Dae then pretty much did the same thing and looked away.
“Why do people always do that with us?” I thought.
“I don’t know,” Dae thought, “it must be a gag reflex or something.”
“Well,” Head Councilman said, “the whole Afterlife Court is dismissed for the day. I think we all could use a break.”
The Head Councilman then got up and nodded in my direction.
“Go get her!” The Head Councilman said.
Finally when all of the Afterlife Court left, Dae let out a big sigh of relief.
“I thought it would never end.” Dae said.
“You and me both!” I said.
Dae walked with me towards the Castle in Hell and what I saw took my breath away. I had never seen the Castle from the outside before. The Castle looked like the Castle in the Crystal Empire but the crystals that the Castle was made of where black.
“Let’s go in the back way.” Dae said.
We walked in the back way and what I saw was a beautiful garden. How the flowers survived I had no idea. I could guess that it had something to do with magic.
“This garden,” said Dae, “was made a thousand years ago why I don’t know. But how it was made, you guessed it, by magic.”
When we stopped walking, I realized that we were in the middle of te garden.
“Stay right here okay?” Dae said.
“Why?” I said.
“Just stay right there…” Dae said.
Dae then went around the corner and I wondered what he could be up to. When he came back, he had one hand behind his back, I then realized what he was up to. Dae then pulled out a small box in his hand and got down on one knee. I couldn’t believe my eyes on what was happening.
“It’s true,” said Dae, “I drove off some arranged marriages because I had no desire to be married at the time. But I’ve finally found the right person that I want to be with. I am a King without a Queen. The question I’m trying to ask is, will you be my Queen?”
I gasped as Dae opened the box to reveal a gold ring with a black diamond on it. I barely got out the word yes when he slipped the ring on my finger.
“You can breathe now Betty…” Dae said with a smile.
I didn’t even realize that I was holding my as I was trying to process everything that just happened.
Dae laughed, “Maybe I should’ve made you sit down first?”
“No I’m fine.” I said, still not believing what just happened.
We then entered the Castle with me in Dae’s arm, when we ran into Parada. Although I had a feeling she was waiting for us.
“Awe!” Parada said. “If it isn't the happy couple!”
I then realized that I had turned beat red from embarrassment. Dae must’ve got a kick out of that and couldn’t stop laughing.
“That’s not funny Dae!” I said.
“Actually,” said Dae, “it kind of is.”
* * *
The next day there was a knock on the door to the Kings chambers.
Parada came in looking panicked, “Betty you’re being summoned to the Afterlife Court!”
“What?” I said. “Why?”
“I don’t know,” said Parada, “Head Councilman said that it has something to do with Cozy Glow.”
“I’ll be there I’m on my way!” I said.
“Sure thing!” Parada said.
I walked through the doors of the Afterlife Court and saw that Cozy Glow was standing there waiting for me. I could see that she was nervous and I don’t blame her. It made me even more nervous to see that the Head Councilman had a big stack of papers in front of him.
“Now Cozy Glow,” Head Councilman said, “”since you were a resident of Equestria, and not a Death Walker, I think it’s time that you should be sorted. Don’t you think?”
“Yes sir…” Cozy Glow said, I could tell that she wasn’t so sure of what was going to happen next.
“Let’s see here,” said Head Councilman, looking through the papers, “you’ve done some good things and some bad. We of the Afterlife Court agree that it balances out. So Cozy Glow, you have a choice to make. You can either go to Heaven or be resurrected as a young pegasus, starting your life over again.”
“Gee,” said Cozy Glow, “that’s a big decision to make.”
“I know,” said Head Councilman, “you have until tomorrow to think about it. Oh and one more thing Betty.”
“Yes?” I said.
“You have another choice to make,” Head Councilman said, “you must decide whether or not you want to be a human or a pegasus, or stay the way you are. Your answer?”
“I think I’ll stay the way that I am.” I said. “This is who I am after all.”
* * *
Cozy Glow decided to go back to the Land of the Living, she also chose a wonderful name for herself, Amythiest Rose. I was there to send her off to the portal.
“Now,” I said, “make sure you contact my brother Norman. Actually I sent word to him already, he should be waiting for you on the other side. Okay?”
“Yes Betty,” said Cozy Glow, “and thank you, for everything!”
“You’re welcome!” I said.
Cozy Glow then stepped through the portal and disappeared.
* * *
“Yes, yes,” the seamstress said, “this’ll do fine, I have the perfect idea for you!”
“Is this necessary?” I said.
“Oh yes!” The seamstress said. “Every Queen must wear a dress for their wedding!”
I waited patiently as Taylor continued measuring me from head to toe.
“Oh boy,” I thought, “this is so not me!”
Parada saw the uncomfortable look on my face and couldn’t help but laugh.
“Ha, Ha, this really isn’t funny.” I said.
“Oh come on,” said Parada, “you’re going to be a Queen soon, I suggest you start acting like it.”
“I know one things for sure,” I said, “I’m not wearing a dress for the rest of my Afterlife. No thank you!”
“Well,” said Parada, “that’s up you but only after the wedding and your coronation ceremony. Oh and you’re gonna have to wear those medals you got.”
“Medals?” I said. “I only got one.”
“Actually,” said Parada, “that pin that you got on your birthday is a medal, oh it gives you highest honors as a warrior, got it?”
Honestly I seriously wanted to hide those underneath a floor board again, but Dae kept insisting that I have them out in the open more.
“I got it.” I said.
“Oh,” said the seamstress , “and we need to measure you for your crown fitting too!”
I took a deep breath and kept thinking, “I’m not going to hit her, I’m not going to hit her…”
Parada looked at me and laughed again.
“Oh bye the way,” said Parada, “Fluttershy is going to be at your wedding too she’s your maid of honor and Discord, your adoptive father will be walking you down the aisle! Isn’t that wonderful?”
“It’s bad enough I have Discord as a dad,” I said, “don’t get me started on that one.”
“Let’s see,” the seamstress said, “now let’s measure you for your crown.”
“Am I going to have to wear that thing,” I said, “all the time?”
Parada laughed again, “Yes, you will, it’s a requirement for royalty.”
I did a face palm and rubbed my head. I took another deep breath because I really wanted to punch Parada at this point and she really couldn’t contain her laughter.
“This is wonderful!” The seamstress said. “I remember when Dae had his coronation ceremony, it still brings tears to my eyes.”
“What,” I said, “did he have to wear a dress too?”
Finally the seamstress joined in on Parada’s laughter.
“Oh no,” said the seamstress , “he wore the most wonderful suit and tie, and with a cape that wasn’t too long or too short. And his crown was even more wonderful, as will yours be! It’s going to be absolutely perfect!”
“Great…” I said. “Wonderful!”
* * *
The day of the wedding was total chaos and my dad Discord was definitely in Heaven. He had no problem making me feel as uncomfortable as possible.
“Oh come on Betty,” said Discord, “you look so cute! And Dae’s definitely going to have fun with you on your wedding night!”
“Discord!” I said.
“Just call me dad will you?” Discord said.
“Fine dad,” I said trying not to bite my tongue, “would you stop making me uncomfortable, it’s bad enough I have to wear this stupid dress!”
Discord couldn’t contain himself as he was doubled over in laughter.
“Seriously!” I said.
Fluttershy cleared her throat, “Discord, you’re not supposed to be in the bride's quarters! And don’t tell Dae about the dress!”
“Okay, okay,” said Discord, “I’m going, see you soon wifey!”
Fluttershy sighed, “Sorry about your dad Betty, I’ll keep him in check.”
“As always mother,” I said, “I just want to get this over with. I really don’t like big crowds at all. And having to wear this dress to boot.”
Fluttershy laughed, “I think you look cute in it.”
* * *
The wedding went off without a hitch, although I could’ve done better without the cameras following the whole time. I seriously wished I could hide under a rock.
“Gee,” I thought, “where's a boulder when you need one?”
I could tell Dae was really getting a kick out of it and I kept trying to ignore him so I wouldn’t punch him in the face. The following week later, we were watching the news reports about the wedding.
“Alright folks!” The first reporter said. “It’s the wedding of the century!”
“That’s right,” said the second reporter, “yes our King is finally getting married! He finally found a Queen! And after all those arranged marriages he managed to drive away! I must say the girl is a beautiful woman! Boy, he sure knows how to pick ‘em doesn’t he!”
“Yup,” the first reporter, “that is correct, and our new Queen’s coronation ceremony will be next week! We’ll also have footage of that too!”
I closed the portal that was linked to the news station and smiled.
“What?” Dae said.
“I was wondering,” I said, “exactly how many arranged marriages did you drive away?”
“Including Princess Twilight,” said Dae, “nine…”
I couldn’t help it, I was on my back laughing so hard.
“That’s not funny!” Dae said.
“You turned down an arranged marriage with the Princess?” I said. “How’d you manage to do that?”
“I had no intention of marrying a horse!” Dae said. “Besides we couldn’t stand each other anyway. I made it that way on purpose.”
“Gee,” I said, “that sounds a lot like what I went through in school except there wasn’t a marriage proposal involved. Remember when I said I could beat you in a race with two hands tied behind my back?”
“Yeah so?” Dae said.
“I actually had to do that once on a bet,” I said, “I told the guy to take a number and get in line, when he wouldn’t leave me alone, I bet the guy if he couldn’t win the race he had to stop pestering me. Of course I won that one, so the guy finally left me alone.”
“And how many guys did you turn down at school?” Dae said.
“I lost count after ten,” I said, “it didn’t solve anything, the boys still wouldn’t leave me alone and I have no idea why.”
Now it was Dae’s turn to laugh, “Well you sure are a looker, I don’t blame them! Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you that your funeral is tomorrow.”
“I forgot about that!” I said. “I don’t know if I’ll watch it though. I’ve never been good at funerals and this one’s mine.”
* * *
Sure enough I got word from by brother Norman about when the funeral was and I opened up a portal to watch it. Trust me, there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. I cringed at the site and watched until my body was buried and closed the portal. After the funeral I let out a big sigh of relief.
“Well,” I said, “glad that’s over with…”
The following two days were my coronation ceremony, and the reporters started following me around again. I tried my best to hide from them but again Dae made me stay out in the public. I seriously wanted to punch him cause I could tell he was having way too much fun with this.
Then the following year something happened that I didn’t think was possible but Dae had informed me that it was possible, I gave birth to a baby girl. She had wings and looked a lot like Dae, she also had a ruby on her forehead. Two weeks after the baby was born, Fluttershy came to the Castle to see the baby.
“So,” said Fluttershy, “what’s her name?”
“We were thinking about Ruby.” Dae said. “That’s because of the Jewel on her forehead.”
“Huh?” Fluttershy said.
I pointed at Ruby’s forehead, “Look!”
Fluttershy looked at Ruby’s forehead and saw the Jewel on it.
“Yes,” said Fluttershy, “that’s the perfect name for her.”
“We both agree!” I said.
* * *
After Fluttershy’s visit, Parada came running up to the Throne Room.
“We have an important visitor!” Parada said. “It’s the head of the Icebreakers!”
“What?” I said. “You’ve got to be kidding me!”
“Nope,” said Parada, “he’s here right now!”
“What’s his name?” I said.
“It’s Hankle…” Parada said.
Dae and I then exchanged a look.
“Let him in…” Dae said.
“Right away sir!” Parada said.
In walked a man in strange robes that looked like they were ripped at the bottom of them. The way he looked reminded me of a grim reaper.
“Betty,” Hankle said, “the last Death Walker in your generation…”
“Okay?” I said.
“When we first announced the Last Death Walker,” said Hankle, “we thought that it would’ve been the end of the Death Walkers period. But we have decided that there should be a new generation of Death Walkers.”
In my mind I was in shock by this information, I never thought something like this would happen.
“I know this must come as a shock to you…” Hankle said with his words slow and deliberate.
“So who is going to be the first in the next generation?” I said.
“We have named,” said Hankle, “Amythiest Rose…”
Hankle then turned around and walked out as swiftly as he came.
* * *
After the Icebreaker walked out I just stared at the door, dumbfounded at what I just heard.
“Amythiest Rose?” I said. “That’s Cozy Glow!”
“I know,” said Dae, “but there’s nothing we can do about it.”
I still couldn’t believe what I just heard.
“Your wings are out.” Dae said.
“Huh?” I said.
I looked down to see I was almost at ceiling hovering over my throne.
Dae laughed, “You always hover when you’re worried.”
“I do?” I said.
“Yup,” said Dae, “just calm down, we’ll figure something out okay?”
I forced myself to sit down and took a deep breath. For some reason I then had a flashback of when half of my Tracking Team died. The funny thing was, that I thought I’d dealt with that already. Dae’s eye then went wide.
“It’s nothing like that,” said Dae, “and you can’t protect everyone. There Are thousands of citizens in Hell and you think I can protect everyone? Heck, some of them don’t even want protection.”
“Okay I get it,” I said, “there’s got to be something we can do. I can send word to Norman I guess, I heard that he’s adopted Cozy Glow now.”
“Hum,” said Dae, “it’s a start.”
* * *
After we sent word to Norman, he sent word to Princess Twilight and she came to the Castle as fast as she could.
“Yes Betty,” said Princess Twilight, “you wanted to see me?”
“Oh,” I said, “your highness, thank you for coming!”
“Oh no,” said Princess Twilight, “we’re both rulers now, just call me Twilight.”
“Yes…” I said with hesitation, “Twilight… That’s going to take some getting used to.”
“It’s okay,” said Princess Twilight, “I understand so Norman told me about what the Icebreakers announced. You want me to keep tabs on Cozy Glow?”
“Actually I would like Norman to keep tabs on her and report back to you.” I said.
“Ah, Betty,” said Twilight, “your wings are out and you’re hovering. I do that when I’m worried. You must be really worried about this. Don’t worry it’ll be fine.”
“Oh, sorry…” I said, forcing myself to sit down.
“It’s okay,” said Twilight, “I’ll find a trainer for her as soon she starts showing signs of being a Death Walker okay? Oh and I heard you had a baby recently. Can I see?”
“Sure,” Dae said, “you can see her.”
“Awe it’s girl.” Twilight said,
“Yup!” I said.
Dae then sent word for the nanny and she brought Ruby to us. The nanny placed Ruby in my arms.
“Awe,” said Twilight, “she’s so cute! She’s got wings just you but looks a lot like Dae.”
Twilight then paused and looked at Ruby’s forehead.
“What’s that on her forehead?” Twilight said.
“It’s a Ruby,” I said, “don’t know how but she was born with it.”
“I see..” Twilight said. “Don’t worry about Cozy Glow okay? Norman is taking good care of her and I’ll find a trainer for her when it’s time.”
“Thank you,” I paused, “Twilight…”
Twilight then left prancing as she went.
“Was she prancing?” I said.
Dae laughed, “I think so, let’s just let Ruby sleep.”
I then handed Ruby over to the nanny and she took Ruby back to her room.
* * *
The next Parada asked to see me in her office. She said she had something that she wanted to talk to me about.
“I have a confession to make.” Parada said.
“What is it?” I said.
“Remember back when you first met Dae?” Parada said.
“Yeah,” I said, “I tried to kill him, so what of it?”
“Yeah well,” said Parada, “Dae actually liked you before that. It started right about the time you ran away from home. He was tracking you that whole time.”
“That sounds like stalking,” I said, “maybe I should’ve asked Rainbow Dash to be my bodyguard…”
Parada laughed, “Exactly what was running away about?”
I then told Parada the story behind that, she was floored by the story.
“Okay,” said Parada, “anyway, Dae wanted to approach you then, but knew you were having a hard time, so he decided not to. He really didn’t like when Mr. Harmony dragged you back to Equestria and was being tortured by him. But there was nothing he could do to prevent it. He finally worked up the nerve to meet you, he didn’t know exactly how to do it. Instead he decided to test you for some reason. I still have no idea what that was about. Anyway I just thought I should tell you about that. Everything worked out didn’t it? You’re a Queen now, and a legend too! You should be very proud of yourself. I think you made a fine wife for Dae.”
“Okay,” I said, “Queen yeah I’ll accept that, but legend, I’m not so sure about that.”
“Oh come now,” said Parada, “you took down a lot of people and ponies all by yourself, although you did have help on some of them. And get this, A.K Yearling has agreed to write your autobiography! The History books have been edited too! You must accept the fact that you are a legend in this world and in the next.”
“I guess so…”. I said.
“Anyway,” said Parada, “that’s all I have to tell you. I bet Dae is probably waiting outside for you now. You should probably go to him.”
Sure enough I went outside and Dae was waiting for me.
“Having fun now aren’t we?” Dae said.
“I don’t even wanna know how long you’ve been waiting for me.” I said.
“Long enough…” Dae said.
“There’s one more thing that we need to take care of.” I said.
“Yeah,” said Dae, “I know…”
* * *
I knew Mr. Giggles was coming out of hibernation, so I walked down to the cave to meet him. I also had Dae by my side.
“Do we really have to do this?” Dae said.
“Yeah,” I said, “I think we should.”
“So,” said Dae, “what are you going to do about it?”
“I’m not sure yet,” I said, “but if he goes to Equestria we’re gonna have a problem.”
“No kidding…” Dae said.
Then I heard it, the laugh that sounded like a hyena that escaped from the zoo. That laugh made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
“Betty…” Mr. Giggles said. “Betty…”
I wanted to run away because I saw Mr. Giggles come slowly out of the river and he was in the form of a clown again.
“Miss me?” Mr. Giggles said.
“Not really…” I said.
“It’s been awhile,” said Mr. Giggles, “have you thought about our deal?”
“I don’t think I made a deal with you,” I said, “and don’t go thinking you did!”
At this point I had never seen Dae scared before but he looked so terrified that he was hiding behind me.
“You little wuss…” I thought.
I then yanked Dae out from behind me and pulled him to my side.
Dae then gave a nervous laugh, “Hi… Mr. Giggles… It’s so nice to see you again.”
“It’s good to see you, Dae.” Mr. Giggles.
Mr. Giggles then looked back and forth at me and Dae.
“The King of Hell,” said Mr. Giggles, “and the last Death Walker. This an interesting change of events, I never saw this coming…”
“Your point?” I said.
“Oh,” said Mr. Giggles, “so did you two have a baby?”
I didn’t like the way Mr. Giggles was smiling at me. Dae’s eyes then went wide.
“Please don’t tell him anything!” Dae thought. “It’s the least we can do to protect our daughter!”
I then gave Mr. Giggles the dirtiest look I could and sneered at him.
“Ah,” said Mr. Giggles, “so you did have a baby! Tell me, is it a boy or a girl?”
By this time I was getting really pissed off and I wished I could kill the stupid clown.
“Okay, okay,” said Mr. Giggles, “you don’t have to tell me, but I do give you my congratulations.”
I then looked up to see that there was a beacon of light that was going straight up into the sky.
“Oh,” said Mr. Giggles, “it looks like I’m being summoned.”
“To Equestria?” I said, hoping that I was wrong.
“Oh no,” said Mr. Giggles, “I can’t eat Equestrian children, it doesn’t sit well with my stomach.”
“But what about your brother Discord?” I said.
“Oh,” said Mr. Giggles, “he’s a half brother he doesn’t mean anything to me.”
I then watched as Mr. Giggles float up into the sky and he was gon in no time.
“Well,” said Dae, “glad that’s over with.”
“You’re a wuss, you know that?” I said.
“What?” Dae said. “I just don’t like clowns okay?”
So that was a lot of problems that were solved all except one. When would Cozy Glow show signs of becoming a Death Walker? I guess I won’t know until it happens.