//------------------------------// // Goodbyes // Story: A Love That Lasts Forever // by GoldenChaos //------------------------------// Discord wept beside Fluttershy's bed for hours. The doctors and nurses did not dare approach the grieving Draconequus. The other mares stuck by his side like glue, hoping that their shared pain will bring him catharsis. Once he had cried until no more tears could form, Discord disappeared in a white flash. The mares looked to one another in worry. They only hoped that the grieving Draconequus wouldn't do anything brash. What they did not know was that Discord just teleported home, back to the cottage that Fluttershy and Discord have shared for decades. Discord flopped onto the green couch and laid silently and unmoving. Discord's claw grazed against the soft, green fabric as he recollected memories of the tea parties back when he and Fluttershy were merely friends. Back then, he could not fathom the pain in which he felt for the loss of his lover and greatest friend. Spirit hopped over, noticing the overwhelming sadness coming from Discord. His ears pinned back, uncertain of how to address Discord. Meanwhile, Discord's eyes trailed down to Spirit, not holding the typical mocking look that they usually held. Spirit chattered in concern, crying for answers of his caretaker's whereabouts. Discord's eyes saddened. "She's gone," Discord murmured. Spirit's eyes widened like saucers, before he sprinted away while squeaking in sorrow and disbelief. Discord knew he would likely share the news with the rest of the animals, and then he would get no peace as they would soon swarm him. Discord glumly sat up from his spot on the couch. His body felt heavy from grief. "She... She's gone..." Discord muttered again. A few birds resting on the windowsill began to fly away. A sob wracked Discord's body. "SHE'S GONE!" For the next few days, not a single soul had seen or heard from Discord. His whereabouts were completely unknown. This worried Twilight, who fronted the head of planning Fluttershy's funeral in Discord's absence. Twilight stayed with the Apple family at Sweet Apple Acres in their guest bedroom. She did not blame him, of course. Having to plan one's own wife's funeral was harder than anything imaginable. However, the same could be said about planning one's best friend's funerals. Twilight was an alicorn, and on top of that, the Princess of Equestria. She inherited the immortality of Celestia and Luna when she took her place as the monarch. Twilight was beginning to feel the depressing downside of this immortality. This meant that none other than Twilight understood Discord's pain. She as well would have to go through the loss of all of her dearest friends, and only she would remain. Twilight stared down at the parchment before her solemnly. "Twilight?" called Spike from behind her. Twilight looked up, turning to the tall dragon behind her. She smiled to herself sadly. Fortunately, Spike would be here with her for centuries to come. "Twilight, please get some rest," Spike urged. "You haven't had sleep for two days." Twilight rolled her eyes. "Spike, you know how important planning this is." "Yes, but it will go better if you have a clear mind," Spike retorted. "Even if you're an alicorn and immortal now, you're still not immune to exhaustion!" Twilight knew that Spike was right. Her eyelids drooped heavily, and her shoulders sagged. Everything in her body screamed that it needed sleep, but Twilight was adamant to stay awake. Twilight wanted to keep her mind occupied. She knew that if she went to sleep, her thoughts of her late friend would plague her mind. Spike put a reassuring claw on Twilight's shoulder. "Come on, Fluttershy would have wanted you to be well rested," Spike soothingly said. That was all it took for Twilight to break down into tears. Spike recoiled in surprise to the sudden outburst. He quickly recovered and wrapped his arms around Twilight for a comfortable hug. Twilight rose from her spot, leaving the parchment behind as Spike guided her to her temporary bedroom in the farmhouse. Only two days later, Fluttershy was released from the hospital so that her funeral could take place. Due to Discord's absence, Twilight was the one who had to collect her. The funeral took place in the Fruit Bat Sanctuary that Fluttershy and Applejack had created decades ago. Twilight found it to be a fitting place as an example of Fluttershy's astounding kindness. Invitations were sent all across Equestria, and dozens of ponies gathered to say their goodbyes. Twilight stood at the front of it all, standing next to Fluttershy's memorial, eyes flitting around to see if a certain Draconequus would show up. Twilight only hoped that he would find it within himself to arrive. The ceremony was set to begin in fifteen minutes. With each minute that passed, Twilight began to lose hope. Applejack approached Twilight, an expression of deep concern etched onto her face. "Any sign of Discord?" Applejack inquired. Twilight solemnly shook her head. "Not any." Applejack sighed, frowning deeply. "I'll go get em." Twilight raised an eyebrow. "Do you think you'll be able to find him in time?" "Ah think Ah know where to find em," Applejack replied. Twilight sighed and gestured for her to go, hoping that Applejack would be able to return in time for the beginning. Applejack walked off as quickly as she could. Applejack knew where she was going. Over the years, Applejack learned several things about Fluttershy and Discord's relationship, including their "special spot." Their spot wasn't anything extravagant but was an important place for Fluttershy. That's how Applejack knew that she would be able to find Discord in Fluttershy's gardens by the Everfree Forest. After making her way to the Everfree, Applejack began to hear the sound of soft sobs. Applejack then spotted a lump splayed out in a batch of Tulips. The lump's body wracked with painful sobs and scrunched together in a pitiful manner. "Discord?" Applejack called quietly. "Go away," the lump growled back. Instead of sounding threatening or angry, the lump sounded pathetic and afraid. "Discord, hear me out for a second," Applejack said. "Fluttershy's funeral is today." Discord uncurled himself, glaring at Applejack. "Please, leave me alone." "Ah can't do that, and ya know it," Applejack retorted. "Please, Discord, you need to be there." "I-I can't," Discord whispered meekly. "Why?" Applejack questioned, raising an eyebrow. "It doesn't look like you're incapable of goin'." "B-Because, if I go, I'll have to accept that she's truly gone!" Discord cried. Applejack softened up at this statement. She approached Discord, offering a hoof for him to lift himself up with. "Ah know it's very difficult," Applejack explained. "-But going to the funeral will give ya come closure. You'll be able to see Fluttershy at peace, and be able to say a proper goodbye. It will help you in the long run." Discord weakly grabbed onto Applejack's hoof, raising himself up. He stumbled for a second, before steadying himself. "Alright, I'm ready..." Discord sighed. "Ah'm proud of you, Discord," Applejack encouraged. The two then began to head back to Fluttershy's funeral. Twilight checked the time with a watch she summoned. It was five minutes past when she was supposed to begin. She delayed the start of the funeral, much to her own discomfort, to give Applejack time to come back. Twilight looked upon the audience, noting how the audience solemnly spoke to one another and caught up. Twilight did not want to delay any longer, believing that Discord would not show up. "Everypony, let us begin," Twilight called, and the chatter among the audience ceased. Twilight's eyes widened as she noticed a familiar white flash. Applejack and Discord appeared in the front row of chairs. Discord's eyes were puffy and tear filled, and Applejack held a sad and reassuring smile on her face. Twilight nodded to her gratefully. "We are here today to celebrate the life of Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness," Twilight began. "Fluttershy was compassionate, kind, and passionate for caring for her animals and friends. We are here to remember her today, and anyone will be allowed to step forward and speak." After Twilight stepped back, several ponies began to move toward the front to share their words of grief and love for the lost pegasus. Discord solemnly stared at the ground, seemingly numb to his surroundings. Twilight regretfully looked away, not knowing how to approach the draconequus. Applejack stepped to the front of the line of ponies, turning to address the crowd. "Fluttershy is the second close friend that I have lost in these years," Applejack called. "Ah will be frank with y'all... It doesn't get easier. Each day it's difficult remembering our loved ones and their absence. However, the lessons that we learn from their stories will help shape us into better ponies. Fluttershy has taught us time and time again to always accept and support each other." Twilight noticed as Discord shifted uncomfortably from his spot, and her heart ached as tears began to form in his eyes. She decided that she could no longer idly stand by while her friend is struggling. While she hurt too, she knew that Fluttershy would have wanted her friends to ensure that Discord would be alright. With a flash, Twilight teleported next to Discord. "How have you been holding up these last few days?" Twilight asked, thinking of his absence. Discord stayed silent for a few moments. "Not well." Twilight's ears drooped at the answer. "Neither have I." The two stayed in silence for a few more moments, listening to the words of sadness from ponies who once shared a bond with Fluttershy. "Are you going to say anything?" Twilight asked. "I-I don't know if I should," Discord replied truthfully. "There's so much to say, but I have no words to get these feelings across." Twilight hated hearing her friend sound so lost. The once playful and cheerful Discord she knew has now been subdued. She only hoped that one day he would be able to be happy once again. "Well, Discord, I will always be here for you," Twilight replied. Discord said nothing. Twilight rose from her spot and returned to her place at the front of the ceremony. While he didn't verbally express this sentiment, Discord was truly grateful for Twilight's support. As the funeral went on, the speeches seemed to blur together. Discord could not help but stare at the casket where his wife now lay. Ponies were now beginning to leave after saying their piece, which Discord was grateful for. He wanted a last moment alone with Fluttershy before returning to the cottage. Soon enough, all that remained were the remaining members of the Mane 6 and Discord. Discord took this opportunity to slowly walk to the front, too terrified to use his magic to appear next to Fluttershy. Discord hesitated with each step, not knowing if he was ready to face reality. He soon stood next to the casket, but he stared at the ground. Slowly, he lifted his eyes to the beautiful mare resting inside. Discord's heart skipped a beat as he locked eyes with Fluttershy's beautiful and peaceful face. She really looked as though she was sleeping. Discord was relieved to see that she was at peace and not in pain any longer. While he wished Fluttershy agreed to stay with him forever, he felt at peace knowing that Fluttershy would now rest peacefully as she wished. A single tear fell down Discord's face. He knew in his heart that it was now time to say goodbye. Discord leaned down slowly and gave Fluttershy a kiss on the forehead. "Goodbye, my love," Discord whispered. Discord didn't know if it was just in his head, but it seemed that Fluttershy now had a soft smile on her face. It was as if she was pleased with his acceptance and farewell. Discord relished in taking one last look at her, then snapped his claws. He appeared back inside the cottage. His heart felt raw from the pain, and his eyes were sore from several days of crying. He thought back on the day's events, like when Applejack came to drag him to the funeral and the words that Twilight shared with him. Discord smiled to himself as he realized Fluttershy had given him one last gift in her passing. The gift of true friendship.