16 Years later…
“Here you go, cute birdies! Don’t worry, there are enough seeds for everyone, so don’t push!” Aurora said as she scattered seeds into the grass. The birds chirped their thanks before taking off to their nests. The blue Unicorn was at the plains near her parents’ cottage, feeding the critters and studying advanced magic so she could match her mother’s expertise one day. Aurora glanced at her old home and saw a crimson baby dragon heading toward her with a box.
“Here. I bought the nuts you asked me to, Aurora.”
“Thank you, Titus! You’re a wonderful helper.”
A blush, though hard to see past his naturally red face, brightened his cheeks. “I just like to help, that’s all!” The baby dragon scratched the back of his head and smiled as he opened the box. Aurora levitated the nuts and, just as she had earlier, tossed them into the field. Moments later, squirrels were already milling about, chattering to themselves excitedly.
“There you go. Take as much as you need and share with your family and friends!” Aurora grinned as she watched the squirrels grab their nuts left. Once she was sure all the nuts had been taken, the blue Unicorn pulled out a book and began reading it. This was normal for the two, and they always came out to the fields every day. It was relaxing and beneficial at the same time. As the Unicorn continued her study of magic, Titus watched as butterflies flew above him. They had not a care in the world as they fluttered aimlessly. One landed on his nose. Titus’ eyes were crossed as he stared at the butterfly that, strangely, was the same color as the ones on his friend’s flank.
“Hey, Aurora…”
“Hm?”
“When will I get my wings?” Longing was evident in his features as he watched the butterfly that’d landed on him fly away.
“When you grow up, Titus.” Aurora replied without looking up from her book. She suppressed the urge to sigh. Titus had asked her this question many times before, and the answer had never changed. For some reason, he always felt the need to bring it up when they were out in the fields.
“I can’t wait that long! I want to be able to fly so I can take Sweetie Belle to the ends of the world and back!”
“Titus, that won’t happen.” Aurora giggled despite herself. “You’re too young for her.”
“You’ll see… I’ll go out with her one day and you’ll be all like, ‘Oh, Titus, I should have known that you would win her over with your handsomeness and awesome skills!’ ”
“As if I’d ever say that…” The blue Unicorn smiled as she flipped to the next page.
“You’re just jealous because you haven’t found your special somepony yet!” Titus claimed as he approached Aurora. He grinned when he saw his friend blush.
“And you haven’t either! Besides, I don’t mind. I’m good on my own and with my friends; I don’t need a special somepony.”
“You don’t need me?” Aurora patted the baby dragon’s head.
“Don’t be silly! I mentioned you. You’re my friend, and a wonderful friend at that!” Titus blushed in embarrassment.
“I-I knew that…” Aurora ruffled the spikes at the top of his head before levitating him onto her back. Her book found its way into her saddlebag.
“Let’s go tell Mom and Mother that we’re leaving.” Aurora said as she began walking toward the cottage.
“I don’t understand why you have to tell them… You moved out a month ago.”
“They’re still my parents and they love me; they need to know.”
“I know, I know…” grumbled the dragon.
“And remember not to mention Angel in front of my mom.”
“He died five years ago!”
“You know how sensitive she is, Titus. Don’t pour salt into the wound!”
Titus sighed. “Fine…”
Aurora smiled. “Thank you. You’re such a good dragon!”
“Whatever.” the crimson dragon mumbled and crossed his arms, but his voice made it clear he was pleased. When they arrived at the cottage, Aurora knocked on the door. It opened to reveal Fluttershy on the other side.
“Oh! Hello, dear. It’s nice to see you, Titus!” the timid pony said with a warm smile.
“Hi, Mom! I came to return this to Mother.” Aurora said as she used her magic to give Fluttershy the advanced magic book.
“Thank you, dear! I’ll be sure to give it to her as soon as she gets back.”
“She and Spike aren’t back yet from their surprise visit to Aunt Trixie?”
Fluttershy shook her head. “Not yet. She always takes her time when she visits Trixie. You know how she is.”
The blond pony giggled. “Yeah, I know. Oh, and I’m going to go on that trip with my friends I told you about.”
“Okay, but please be careful…”
“Don’t worry, Mom. We aren’t fillies anymore; we can take care of ourselves.”
“But even so. Promise me that you’ll be careful.” Fluttershy’s eyes delved into Aurora’s own, and the Unicorn had a feeling that even if she had wanted to, she wouldn’t be able to avoid that gaze.
“Fine, I promise… I have to go pick them up now, so see you later, Mom!”
Fluttershy pulled her daughter into a tight hug. The younger mare felt wings brush against her side before she broke away. “Goodbye, Aurora, Titus! Have fun and I’ll see you later!”
As Fluttershy closed the door, Aurora started her walk toward the library. She craned her neck back at Titus and frowned. “Why didn’t you say anything, Titus?”
“I didn’t know what to say that didn’t involve the rabbit…” His eyes were diverted away from her questioning gaze and his claws gripped at her mane tighter than necessary.
“You could have asked how she was or what she was doing… There were tons of things you could’ve said without mentioning Angel! You know how much she cried when he died…”
5 years earlier…
A new morning had arrived to Equestria. Aurora yawned and jumped off of her bed with ease. She looked around the room in search of her friends. For some reason, Spike wasn’t there, but Titus was still asleep and Angel remained on his pot at the foot of Aurora’s bed. The blue mare headed to Titus’ bed and woke him up.
“Titus! Wake up, you lazy dragon!”
The crimson dragon jumped at the sound of her voice and glared. However, a yawn overtook his anger and he spoke simply. “I’m not lazy! I just rest before I can get tired…”
“Wake up or I’ll kiss you on the cheek!”
Titus jumped off of his bed at once. “I’m up, I’m up!”
Aurora giggled and patted Titus’ head before heading to where Angel was. “Angel, you sure seem tired, but it’s time to wake up… Angel…?” The blue mare gently pushed the bunny with her hoof, causing his paw to drop limply. “Oh no… Angel Bunny…”
“What’s wrong, Aurora?” Titus asked in confusion as he turned toward Angel.
“He’s… He’s not breathing…” It was then that Aurora realized that Angel was completely still. When she pushed him again, it seemed like he was heavier. Angel Bunny was no longer with them.
“What do you mean?” the crimson dragon asked, still not completely understanding.
“He’s… He’s dead… He must have died while he was sleeping.” Aurora was about to start crying when the door of her room opened and Fluttershy entered.
“Good morning, dear, Titus! Did you sleep well?” the timid pony asked with a smile.
“Y-Yes, Mom, thanks! And you?” Aurora’s voice wavered as she smiled nervously. Then she whispered to Titus. “Go find my mother, quick!” Titus nodded and rushed out of the room.
“I slept well too, Fluttershy, thanks!” He stammered as quickly as he could before disappearing out the door.
“Someone woke up with more energy than usual.” Fluttershy commented with a giggle as she entered the bedroom fully. She nuzzled her daughter’s cheek. “You didn’t give him extra sweets last night, did you?”
“N-no, Mom, I swear!”
“Remember that he’s still a baby, and too many sweets would be bad for him.”
“I know, Mom. I didn’t give him sweets.”
“I believe you; I’m just making sure.” the timid pony said before turning to Angel. She seemed surprised that he was still sleeping. Aurora’s heart skipped a beat and she gulped. At this point, there was nothing she could do to prevent her mom from finding out. “Angel Bunny, why are you still sleeping? Morning’s here, and you’re normally next to your plate at this hour… Angel Bunny?” In that moment, Twilight arrived with Titus and Spike. Fluttershy turned to see her wife, but her smile faded when she saw her expression.
“Twi… Why the sad face…? What happened?” Fluttershy worriedly asked. The bookworm pony walked to where Angel was and examined him briefly before turning back to Fluttershy.
“Honey… Titus told me something terrible… And I just confirmed it…”
“What terrible thing? Twilight, don’t scare me…”
“Fluttershy… Angel… He… He passed away… I’m sorry…”
To say that she was shocked was an understatement. She shook her head slowly. “No… That’s not true… That’s not true!” Fluttershy lifted Angel’s body and cradled him to her chest, rocking him back and forth. “He’s just sleeping deeply, you’ll see! Angel, Angel wake up! Angel Bunny, please!” The shy Pegasus burst into tears as the realization finally dawned on her, and she hugged her critter best friend as if he were life itself. Twilight placed a hoof on Fluttershy’s shoulder, tears streaming down her and the dragons’ faces.
“Fluttershy… he was old and sick. You knew that it was only a matter of time. We had to help him to move and to eat. At least he’s not suffering anymore. He’s in a better place…”
“B-but… I couldn’t say goodbye… I wasn’t ready!” Fluttershy sobbed. Twilight embraced her tightly, careful to not accidentally drop Angel.
“We’ll give him a proper burial, honey… It’ll help you feel better…”
Fluttershy nodded into her wife’s chest and cried for a long time. Eventually, she decided she needed some time alone and walked out of the room. When she was gone, Twilight turned to her daughter and Titus.
“After today, I don’t want any of you mentioning Angel in any way… That goes for you too, Spike.”
“We won’t!” exclaimed everyone at once. Twilight smiled.
“Thank you. Now, let’s go…” As Twilight finished speaking, everyone began walking outside to bury Angel Bunny.
Back to the present…
“She didn’t stop crying that day… And it took a whole week before she was able to smile again.” Aurora finished, wiping a stray tear away. Titus was still silent, also remembering that tragic day.
“It was really sad to see Fluttershy in that state… I wouldn’t want to make her live through that again.” the crimson dragon said in a sad tone, but Aurora knew he didn’t like feeling that way. She figured that was why he’d changed the subject.
“So… Where are we going now?”
“To the library. We’ll ask Lancer if he knows where his aunt is.” the blue Unicorn replied, regaining her smile.
“We’re going to see Sweetie Belle? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?! Do I look okay? How are my scales?”
“As if that would help!” Aurora giggled out.
“Thanks for the encouragement, Aurora!” The crimson dragon sarcastically snarked. She could almost feel him glaring at the back of her head.
Aurora shook her head with a grin, but continued trotting until she finally arrived at the library. Upon entry, she found a white stallion with a blue mane and green eyes inside. An unfurled scroll with two yellow sparkles on either side of it was his cutie mark. “Hi, Lancer!” Aurora called. The stallion instantly looked up to where the blue mare was.
“Oh, hello there, Aurora! It’s nice to see you again! Have you come to pick up another book for your mother?”
“Not this time, Lancer. I’m looking for Sweetie Belle. Do you know where she is?”
“Right here!” Sweetie Belle’s musical voice resonated from the kitchen. Like Aurora and the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, she’d gotten her cutie mark a while ago. Sweetie Belle’s had a heart and a microphone with a musical sheet beneath them. She hugged her friend when she’d gotten close enough. “I’m done with the food and ready for the trip! Hello there, Titus!”
“H-hi, Sweetie… Belle…” the baby dragon nervously said, his blush much more prominent than earlier that day. Sweetie Belle giggled, aware of the dragon’s feelings but pretending she wasn’t. All of Ponyville knew.
“Let’s pick Cutie up; she’s closer.” Aurora suggested. Sweetie Belle nodded.
“Okay, one sec!” Sweetie Belle went back to the kitchen and returned with a basket. They bid Lancer goodbye and headed to pick Cutie up.
“She must be helping my sister. You know that she loves that.” Sweetie Belle commented, smiling as they trotted towards the Carousel Boutique.
“That’s the only place where she can actually smile after all!” the blond pony said with just as much enthusiasm. She was glad that her timid friend had found her special talent and could enjoy herself. All the way to the boutique, Titus kept staring at Sweetie Belle with a certain glimmer in his eyes. The Unicorn in question pretended she hadn’t noticed. Finally, they reached the boutique and Sweetie Belle knocked on the door. Rarity opened it moments later.
“Hi, sis!” Sweetie Belle was quick to hug Rarity. Her older sibling returned it with a similar amount of vigor, giggling.
“Sweetie Belle, darling! Aurora and Titus, hello!” The marshmallow-colored pony pulled away with a contagious smile.
“You’re here to pick up Cutie, right?” Both Sweetie Belle and Aurora nodded. Normally, Titus would’ve done so as well, but he was too mesmerized by his crush to do anything but watch. Rarity smiled knowingly, reminded of a time that seemed like forever ago. “I’ll call her.” She turned back toward her shop, “Cutie, your friends are here!”
“I’m coming!” A low voice could be heard and seconds later Cutie appeared from behind Rarity. “Hi, girls, Titus! I… um… I’m ready...” The cyan pony stepped out from the boutique and turned to her employer with a bashful smile. “I’ll be back in a few days, Miss Rarity.”
“Please, just call me Rarity. Have fun, all of you!”
“Thank you, Rarity! Let’s go, everyone!” Aurora exclaimed as she waved at Rarity. Then, the group turned around and headed to Sweet Apple Acres.
“I can see that you’re really happy to be a tailor!” Aurora commented, glancing at Cutie’s cutie mark meaningfully. It consisted of a thimble with a needle and thread beside it. The two items clearly described a talent in sewing.
“I am. I still can’t believe that I found my talent! Tailoring is so much fun. Besides, what could be better than working with a friend?”
“That always comes in handy. Your boss is the best friend of the mom of one of your closest friends!” the blue Unicorn said.
“Y-yeah… Your mom was nice to recommend me to Miss Rarity, Aurora.”
“She was happy she could help. When you got your cutie mark I asked my mom to ask Rarity to help you as soon as I could.” Aurora smiled as she recalled her own good deed.
“Th-thank you, Aurora. You’re such a good friend.” Cutie tried her best to smile, but it came off as more of a grimace. At the very least, it was better than when she was a filly.
“Anything for my friends!” Aurora winked at her, which led to Cutie blushing. The group continued walking until they eventually made it to Sweet Apple Acres, where they found the rest of their friends helping their family with apple bucking. They were too busy to notice the new arrivals, but Rainbow Dash spotted them after kicking a cloud free of its rain for the trees.
“Apple Bloom, Scoots, Feather, your friends are here!” the cyan Pegasus remarked just before she landed next to her wife.
“Yay! Hi, girls! Oh, and hi, Titus!” Apple Bloom beamed as she and her sister and cousin went to hug their friends.
“Ready for the trip?” Sweetie Belle inqured as she returned their hug.
“We sure are!” Scootaloo turned to Applejack with an eager smile. “Are we done, Aunt?”
“We can handle it from here. You can go ahead, sugarcube. Enjoy the trip!” Applejack tipped her hat respectfully. Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Flying Feather joined their friends excitedly, but made sure to wave before trotting away.
“So, how’s apple bucking, girls?” Titus asked from atop Aurora.
“This is the best apple bucking season in five years! Ah’m so glad I found my cutie mark!” Apple Bloom bounced up and down happily before displaying her pride and joy for all to see. Her flank was decorated with an apple and a blooming blossom on top of it. “Right, niece?” Apple Bloom added with a smirk, turning toward her niece.
“Y-yeah, whatever!” the pink Pegasus stammered and raised her nose in the air. But despite that display, her tail had moved out of the way to show off her apple pie cutie mark. Then she sent Apple Bloom a half-hearted glare. “And don’t call me niece…”
“But you are mah niece, silly!” Apple Bloom poked her hoof into the proud pony’s chest with a giggle.
“But we’re almost the same age; it’s weird!” Flying Feather snorted and stood up tall to prove that they were the same height.
“Okay, okay! Don’t get mad…” Apple Bloom backed away a bit and almost hit Sweetie Belle in the process.
“I wish I could help more, but I’m not very good at it…” Scootaloo lamented with a sigh. Her shoulders hunched over, but even from her position she could see her cutie mark. There was a purple lightning bolt, with a wheel not unlike that of Scootaloo's former scooter attached at the broad end. A white wing was connected to the wheel, spread majestically outward. The cutie mark was clearly testament to her speed and agile abilities. “If I could only find a way to help with this…”
“You’re doing great Scoots, don’t worry!” Apple Bloom promised as she patted her cousin’s head.
“If you say so…” The orange Pegasus replied, but her spirits hadn’t improved in the least.
“So, Trotting Paradise is still on Fillydelphia with her parents?” Sweetie Belle Asked.
“Yes, she is still visiting Bon Bon’s parent’s and should be back by the end of the week.” Aurora answered.
“Oh, too bad… I wanted her to come with us…” Apple Bloom sadly said.
“Yeah, me too…” Scootaloo said, also sad. Everyone kept talking as their path led out of Ponyville. They eventually got to a town that seemed abandoned. Everyone but Aurora started to worry.
“Aurora, why don’t we go around this town? It’s giving me the creeps.” Titus finally admitted. He had been shivering ever since they’d left Ponyville, but he’d been trying to be brave to impress Sweetie Belle.
“I agree with Titus. Maybe we should go back!” Sweetie Belle suggested and everypony else nodded.
“No, There's something I need to do here first. We have to keep going.” the blue Unicorn said without turning around. Her friends, seeing that she was determined to continue, trotted to catch up with her. Aurora didn’t stop walking even as she reached a graveyard. Her friends stayed behind, confused as to what she was doing. Titus remained on her back.
“Um… Aurora? What are you doing?”
Aurora didn’t say anything as tears started to run down her cheeks. She pulled out a couple of flowers from her saddlebag and placed them on two graves.
“T-they’re my biological parents, Titus. They gave me life and I must pay my respects to them. I never got to actually meet them, but I will always miss them, even if I found a nice family… Thank you, Mom and Dad…” The blonde pony wiped her tears away before starting to walk outside the graveyard. When everyone saw her state, her friends let her pass without a word. It was clear even to Flying Feather that she needed some space. Then, the friends left the town and continued on their journey.