<This is an alternate ending written by my friend.>
"Ah it's great to be back! I can't believe how much I missed Ponyville. It's been too long." Rainbow remarked.
"Yes it's been more than a week. I wonder if anything big has happened while we were gone?"
"I wouldn't be surprised if a tornado or two came through here."
They continued their walk from the train station. Taking the long route towards Fluttershy's cottage. Since twilight had advised they not try flying for at the very minimum a day, going to Rainbow's house was out of the question. So they went for the next best thing. It's not as if they were going to do anything.
Right..?
"So as I was saying before we were interrupted. What were you dreaming of? You seemed to be really happy. I was tempted to wait there and just watch you." Rainbow questioned.
"I was dreaming of the older days. How we always slept together and how you were always there for me, through thick and thin. Always giving, keeping and making me feel safe, making me feel better. I feel like you deserve better." She said solemnly.
"Trust me Fluttershy. I'm more lucky to have you. You've shone the light on many things that I considered worthless and a waste of time. I doubt that I would be alive if you weren't there to always help me whenever I crashed both physically and mentally or when I used to be Celly. If you weren't there in the alley with me..." Rainbow paused. "Even if I had escaped I doubt I would have learned to protect myself and learn to live life to the fullest. I wouldn't have gotten my cutie mark or find my true colours."
"Can we agree that we both need each other?" Fluttershy said grinning. Rainbow nodded.
While Rainbow wasn't looking Fluttershy planted a soft peck onto the cyan mare's cheek that had instantly turned pink right after.
"Oh you're so cute when your embarrassed."
"H-hey no fair. It's my job to make you embarrassed. Since when did you take my job?"
"Ever since the bear incident when we decided to go to the butterfly migration. You found out and didn't mind so I decided to bring it out once in awhile." Fluttershy was about to continue but was interrupted.
"RAINBOW DASH!" A voice yelled out.
"Hm? Who's calling m-" Rainbow was interrupted with a small but strong bear hug. Rainbow looked downwards to see an purple maned chicken.
She has forgotten about the young filly who saw her as her sister/idol. She felt sort of ashamed that she didn't think about how the filly would react if she suddenly disappeared. "Hey squirt." Full of tears scootaloo responded.
"I missed you so much. Nothing's the same without you." Rainbow wiped the small filly's tears off. Noticing this scootaloo looked down. "You probably think i'm being uncool don't you."
"Of course not. It's like what a brave filly once told me, there's nothing wrong with crying for a good reason."
"Do you really mean that?"
"Yep. Heck even I cried when..." Rainbow shook her head with tears slightly falling. "Nevermind all I mean is that it's okay, nobody should be able to make fun of you for doing so."
"Thanks. I just don't know what came over me." She smiled sheepishly.
"You think of me as an older sister. I disappear for more than a week. I'm pretty sure that more than grants you the right to cry in happiness when I come back." Rainbow remarked.
"It's great ta have ya back Rainbow." Came a voice behind Scootaloo who seemed to be Applejack's younger sister.
"Yeah Scootaloo was so depressed this week. We couldn't do any crusading." Sweetie Belle said. "and of course that your okay." She added quickly. Rainbow sighed.
"Sorry about that. Me and Fluttershy ran into a few problems on our way back." She scratched the back of her head smiling.
"All that matters is that your back! I can't wait to spend time with you again." The chicken squealed.
"Yeah about that... Squirt do you mind postponing that?"
"H-huh? Y-you don't want to spend time with me?" She whimpered.
"No it's not that, it's just that I wanna spend some time with Fluttershy first. I promise we can spend most of tomorrow together."
"Deal!" The young filly squealed once more from excitement. "See you later Rainbow! Fluttershy!" The trio of friends then galloped off to do their regular friendly unintentional terrorizing of the town. Rainbow sighed before looking at Fluttershy.
"Sorry about tomorrow." Rainbow said looking towards her marefriend.
"No no it's fine, real or not, siblings are just as important, and I still have you for all of today." Fluttershy nuzzled her neck.
"That's true and I'll make up tomorrow after tomorrow."
"Oh but that's my spa day with Rarity. I hope she won't be mad."
"There is no way she's going to be mad. She'll go completely nuts when she hears about us." Rainbow laughed.
"I hope she doesn't go too far like before."
"Oh colt. That would be a nightmare." Rainbow chuckled.
"Speaking of nightmares, did you have one last night? You were moving around a lot, shaking and sweating. You were also really hot and I mean burning hot, I thought you would burn through the bed. You were even yelling my name." She then added quickly. "I-if you don't mind me asking of course." Fluttershy asked innocently. Rainbow instantly blew up in embarrassment, her cheeks flaring red.
"Uh um um" She stammered with her head down tapping her hooves. She replied quickly after looking up. "Oh look we're almost there!"
"Is there something the matter Rainbow? We still have a good bit of time before we get there." Still acting as innocent as ever.
"Nothing. Nothing at all I'm just, ya know, tired. Yeah that's it!"
"Is there something your not telling me?"
Fluttershy used her famous 'stare' on Rainbow but on a much less intimidating scale. One like a mother scolding her child after breaking something.
"N-no nothing at all."
"Why are you stammering then." Fluttershy chuckled.
"Um. Um-
"It's okay. You don't have to tell me." Putting extra emphasis on have to.
"I miss old Fluttershy." Rainbow complained. Fluttershy reacting to this, planted a kiss on her cheek once more.
"Old Fluttershy wouldn't do stuff like this."
She remarked.
"I guess you win some you lose some." Rainbow paused then continued once more. "But I think I won more." She nuzzled Fluttershy's neck, then returning the kiss.
They continued their walk for the next few minutes when they finally made it to the cottage. Fluttershy stopped at the door.
"I really hope the animals did okay." Fluttershy said solemnly.
"I bet everything's all right. Angel as much as I hate to admit it, is smart enough to take care of himself and all the other animals."
"Oh I know but what if they didn't have enough food."
"Only one way to find out." Rainbow said as she flung the door open. They were surprised to see the animals all living peacefully. All in proper shape as if nothing had changed. The only problem was that Angel was hanging by a foot to the ceiling. Rainbow burst out laughing.
"Angel! Oh dear. Who did this to you." She said while trying to get him off the ceiling.
As he landed on the floor he immediately pointed towards the kitchen obviously pissed beyond any bunny possibility. As they walked in they were greeted by the sight of a tall draconequus wearing his suit, but this time with a pipe and newspaper.
"Welcome. Make yourselves at home. I'll explain." He said without a care in the world, still interested in the paper.
"Discord!? What do you want!" Rainbow yelled.
"Rainbow. Let himself explain first. Please?" Fluttershy said calmly. Discord continued to read his paper without a care of anything going around him. He stayed in this state for a good minute until he snapped his fingers and his paper folded itself and rested on the table.
"Ah yes Fluttershy. It is nice to see you once again on much less tragic terms." Discord said with no obvious emotion showing. "Oh and Rainbow Dash. It sure is good to see you. I trust you're doing well?"
"Whatever you're up to bub! I'm on to you!"
"Oh please. Even if I did anything you couldn't even stop me no matter how hard you tried."
"Just try saying that again. Then you'll know pain."
"What can you do." Discord flew above her. "You can't even fly, much less reach me."
"Umm Discord? Rainbow?" Fluttershy said fearing where this would go.
"WHAT DID YOU SAY!?"
"Oh my flightless and a bad temper. You really haven't changed, miss ungrateful. Here I was extended a welcome."
"Discord please."
"Oh alright, dear fluttershy. Just teasing. I've forgotten how much fun it actually is." Discord chuckled heartily.
"I wish we turned you to stone before!"
"If you did that do you think you would be alive right now?" Discord replied flatly. The room went silent. The only noises where from the small animals scurrying about from the main room.
"Huh? What are you talking about?" She replied confused.
"Did you presume that resurrection is easy business? No it isn't. It's something that has been rarely done because of its risks and complications. You need someone with R status." Discord waved his paw in the air. "Something you should also be aware of is that resurrection is taboo or in other words illegal. I wouldn't be surprised if your friend princess Twilight Sparkle lost her royal status. I would even go as far as permanent banishment."
"What's so wrong about helping a friend?!"
Rainbow defended.
"You won't know."
"Can we please change the topic?" Fluttershy sighed.
"Oh anything for you dear Fluttershy."
"Okay fine. But if he steps out of line, he's getting it." Rainbow waved her hoof into the air as if getting ready to swing. Simultaneously as Rainbow said this Discord created a square made of chalk and proceeded to go in and out of it
"Oh look I'm stepping out of line." The draconequus replied. Smiling evilly.
"Umm Discord. Do you mind giving us some time today? I mean a break. We've been through a lot." Fluttershy whispered.
"Oh woe is me. My only friend is kicking me out after doing her many favours. Oh the life of a lord of chaos is a hard one." Discord said in his most dramatic voice which could rival Rarity. He snapped his fingers once more and there appeared him in a black suit and tie, instead of his original blue, complimented by a briefcase. He then started stuffing it with everything he could find. Dirty dishes, bird feed, he even put angel into his briefcase.
"Well I'll see you later. Ta Ta."
"Discord..."
"Oh fine." With a snap he teleported everything back to their original places.
At the door about to leave he stopped without turning around. Holding one of his digital pads in the air. "Just remember these two things before I leave, dear Fluttershy. Every ending is a new beginning waiting for you to start. Don't dwell on the past for it locks your future potential. Remember. Fallen Arc."
"Wait why?" He was already gone.
"I wonder what was up with him? Knowing him though he's probably trying to get in our heads." Rainbow made motions around her head signifying craziness. "I will admit I'm curious of what it means, it sounded like prance."
"I hope so. I've never seen him this serious."
"Ah no point in getting out heads in a ditch. Do you got anything to eat?" Rainbow said rummaging through her cabinets.
"Oh no. Everything here is spoiled. I have nothing here." She realized.
"No worries. I'll run into town and get us somethings to last us until tomorrow."
"Oh I couldn't ask you for that. Let's both go."
"Fluttershy. I won't be long and I can tell your leg is still hurting. Don't think I didn't notice. I'll just be an hour maximum."
"Oh. Okay." She sounded defeated. "Here let me at least pay for them." Fluttershy went through one of her cupboards and took out a small saddlebag. "Is 10 bits enough?"
"More than enough. I'll be back as fast as possible." She gave a fake salute and started walking to the door.
"I love you Rainbow." She pecked her on her nose.
"I love you too." They shared a short kiss and then Rainbow went off. Fluttershy watched her run. It was nice to see her back on her hooves uninjured.
As Rainbow became smaller and smaller Fluttershy sighed and was about to turn around, but the dot that was Rainbow abruptly stopped. Curiosity took over Fluttershy and she walked outside of her yard and slowly made her way to Rainbow. As she the dot became larger and larger she started to gallop.
"No no no. She's fine. Nothing's wrong." Then Discord's last action and words blew up in her mind. But his last words were the strongest.
Discord put up one of his five digital pad's into the air and said. Remember. Fallen Arc.
When her image was recognizable Fluttershy started to cry. "No no no no. RAINBOW!"
Rainbow didn't respond.
––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
Rainbow's body remained lifeless in a coffin. Surrounded by many, in an open field. Some famous but mostly common folk from the town.
Her funeral was a long one. Filled with many long speeches that would bore her to death. Most of the longer speeches came from her best friends, the princesses and a few members of the wonderbolts. They all gave her praise about what she's done. Many sad remarks were also given.
Everyone from the town came. Everyone put everything down and came to the funeral because she was a pretty big deal when she wasn't annoying.
Some cried, but most just put their heads down ashamed, in their minds they felt as if they were partially responsible. Though one group gossiped about how evil a certain mare was for not coming to her best friend's funeral. Applejack overhead this, full of fury and nearly beat the mare who made the remark to death, before she was pulled away by her brother.
One mare did not come. The one gossiped about. One mare who hadn't left her home for anything since she brought Rainbow's lifeless body to Twilight.
Even after the funeral she stayed in her cottage. Her friends always came and gave their condolences and tried to cheer her up. They were always met by Fluttershy's blank smile.
Her life could never be the same again.
Even princess Luna herself came to try help. Princess Celestia also gave her regards through spike. Princess Cadence however only left a bouquet of 15 roses.
But then slowly they stopped coming.
The animals left. The only one left was Angel.
One day Fluttershy had enough.
"I'm coming." Twilight sighed at the knocking coming from her door. As she walked up to the door she wondered who it was. This was a public library after all.
She slowly opened the door with her magic and gave her usual explanation to those who knocked. "You know you can just come in..." She shivered.
"Hello Twilight. Do you mind if I come in?" Asked Cadence.
"O-of c-course not. Come f-follow me to the back." Twilight said nervously trotting slowly to her kitchen. Luckily Spike was out to Rarity's and nobody came to the library today so they had complete privacy.
Twilight made and offered her some tea and sat down across from her.
"You're probably wondering what I'm doing here. Aren't you." Cadence replied softly.
"Yes. If it's punishment for using an illegal spell then do your worst. Nothing you do will hurt more than what I did to Fluttershy. I betrayed her trust and tore her heart into more pieces than before." She said sadly.
"You are partially right. I am supposed to scold you and deliver punishment in your mentor's place. But I know why you did it. You tried to help two of your best friends." She replied with a smile.
"B-but I-
"But nothing. I knew your intentions. Do not think my powers are limited by love of couples, it's just much more powerful in that area."
"I called you evil. You were just trying to help. But I shot you down without even thinking of looking at the risks or possible outcomes." She started to tear up.
The pink princess got up from her seat and stood in front of the purple princess, a mere foot away.
"From a person who does not yet understand the responsibilities of bearing R status, cannot hope to understand some of our reasonings. We may seem evil or cruel, but harmony is a fickle beast. If things do not go the way that had been written in a secret location, before harmony was even created, harmony will change events to make sure it goes the way it wants but not without punishing someone close."
"I-I'm sorry Cadence." She cried out. The pink princess merely opened her hooves out ready for a hug. Twilight accepted the gesture and fell into the hooves of the princess, crying into her shoulder.
They stayed that way for a minute when Twilight suddenly backed away embarrassed. "Sorry. I shouldn't be crying like a filly."
"Oh no it's fine. I won't tell anyone." Cadence smiled.
"So. What's wrong? I don't think your only reason for coming here was merely to help me." She wiped her tears off.
"Oh you're so cold Twilight." She smirked. "But yes that is true. I noticed that Fluttershy had been slowly losing a lot of love of those around her. But suddenly this morning I felt a sudden surge of love of something that I cannot put my hoof on. Can you take me to Fluttershy? If I'm right she might be doing something drastic. I'm not sure what it is. But I don't think she would take to kindly of me. To be honest I'm a little scared."
"Drastic? How so?" She asked.
"Can I tell you on the way? I'm worried she might try something. That surge is getting stronger." Cadence said quickly.
"Okay. Just a second." Twilight went up to the front and locked the door. "Okay let's go then. Her cottage isn't too far away. If we fly we can make it there in a few minutes."
"Lead the way Princess." The princesses made their way out the backdoor and took flight instantly. With Twilight leading and Cadence following. They were going at their top speeds within ten seconds. (7.8 and 8 wing power respectively.)
"So! What did you mean by drastic?!" The purple mare yelled.
"We have to hurry!" Cadence suddenly looked shocked. "If I'm right she's going to try joining Rainbow!"
"Oh no."
"Yes that's why we need to hurry!" Cadence shouted.
The two princesses had finally made their way over to her home. They were about to barge right through but thought to look through the window first just to make sure they weren't overreacting.
"Snooping as usual I see." Pinkie smiled. "Do you mind leaving them alone. Give them some space."
"B-but Fluttershy. Wait them? A-and why are you here?!" Twilight said whilst looking through the window to see Fluttershy and little Scootaloo in tears.
"How did you know this would happen? If I may ask Pinkie Pie." Cadence asked confused.
"Can't tell you." She smiled slowly walking away. "Remember. Harmony is a fickle pickle. I'm bound by the same rules."
———————————————————
Fluttershy decided that the only way she would be happy is beside Rainbow. She got some rope from her closet that was used only when 100% needed which was rare as she had her stare on hand at all times.
She climbed upstairs into her room and started to make a weak knot with enough space to fit a head.
She then tied the other end to one of the posts holding her ceiling.
About to place her head through and release her wings, she heard some music followed by a knock on the door. Curious she decided to go to the door and the music seemed to be getting louder until she could hear some lyrics.
How could this happen to me?!
Fluttershy stopped. Whomever was at the door knew what she was going to do.
She slowly made her way once more to the door. Slowly opening it. "Wh-who is it?" She whispered.
"Fluttershy! It's me Pinkie! Can I come in?" Said a cheery voice that could never be imitated. Okay Fluttershy just act normal. Let her come in, act friendly, she doesn't know and don't rush anything. It's not like it's leaving. It's just waiting.
"Yes Pinkie come in." Pinkie walked inside of her cottage and glanced around.
"It's so dreary here. Where did all the animals go?"
"They all left when they realized I wasn't able to take care of them anymore." She replied as flat as possible.
"Oh why? Did they know what you would try?" Pinkie said nonchalantly without turning around. Obviously stunned by this Fluttershy recoiled.
"W-what would I try?" She tried to sharpen herself once more but failed miserably. Then said. "Don't try-
"I never said I would stop you. But I'm just going to tell you a few things. If you still decide that it's the only way. I won't stop you."
"Nothing you say can stop me. My mind is set." Fluttershy said slowly. But in her mind she was saying otherwise. PINKIE please help me.
"Just hear me out. Killing yourself isn't the way to go Fluttershy. I know this because even I myself, before, when I was Pinkamena wanted to do this. I never was content, hated everything and wanted out. Everything I wanted to do was either wrong or frowned upon. Our reasons may be different but once you do this you lock your future and throw the key into ghastly gorge." She paused. "Can you tell me something? If you kill a fully capable animal while it's growing, how will you know what it will do or become? If I decided to just leave, would I meet all the amazing ponies of this town-
"I don't know how you think this is going to change my mind." She replied coldly.
"Fine. But you should never break a promise." Pinkie said smiling.
"What promise-" She was interrupted by a knock on the door.
"I'll get that." Pinkie slowly walked over to the door.
Pinkie then proceeded to open the door revealing a small orange filly. Before the filly could talk Pinkie placed her hoof on her lips. "She's in the other room."
"Thank you Pinkie." She replied weakly.
"No problem scoots." She said as Scootaloo started to walk past her into the room where Fluttershy sat on the floor facing the opposite direction.
"Fluttershy?" Scootaloo asked in barely a whisper. Fluttershy instantly shook on the spot, not daring to turn around. But it seemed like her body wanted her to be punished for what she did.
Turning around she saw the orange filly whom she was the last one she thought would visit her. She killed the filly's idol and practically her sister. The only family she knew the filly had. "Fluttershy?" She asked once more.
"Yes Scootaloo." She said softly on the verge of tears.
"A-are you okay?" Fluttershy froze once she heard this. Scootaloo came closer to her. "Fluttershy? Please answer me."
"Why?" Fluttershy said slowly.
"W-why what?"
"Why are you being so nice to me." She said in the same tone before increasing her volume. "I don't deserve your kindness. I killed your idol! Your sister! The only one you could go to when you needed help! I took her away from you! Y-y-you should hate me!" She screamed.
The orange filly came up to her. She expected to be punched, kicked or hit. But was given the unexpected.
A hug.
The orange filly wrapped her hooves as far back as she could. Fluttershy couldn't hold back anymore. She let her eyelids pour out all her reserves.
She whispered once more. "Why? I don't deserve this." Scootaloo backed away only a foot away. She looked as if she would tear up any second.
"Because Fluttershy. You do deserve this. I do admit I was angry but I don't know how you felt or how you took this. While you were trying to save her, knowing she was always on the brink, I was here sulking without trying my hardest to help. I felt ashamed that I could ever be so selfish. Blaming you for this, not wanting to forgive you." She paused before continuing.
"I haven't told anyone this but I sort of always considered you as a second sister. You were always so nice to me. Always listening and offering help. I never felt the need to try and impress you to win your favour. Whenever I had a problem I felt ashamed of talking about, you would always be there to help me through it. " She stopped again once more before starting back again.
"I gave my word to Rainbow that if something were to happen to her, I would be there to help you." Fluttershy broke down again and grabbed the filly back in the hug. She was surprised by the filly's level of maturity and forgiveness. She cried more tears, but for the first time since Rainbow's passing they weren't of sadness but out of happiness.
"Thank you Scootaloo." Her voice cracked.
She noticed Scootaloo holding in her tears. "I'm sorry I know how much it hurts. You don't need to be strong now. Just let go." Scootaloo listened and Fluttershy felt her coat become soaked.
Off in the distance Fluttershy swore she could hear Discord.
"Every ending is a new beginning waiting for you to start. Don't dwell on the past, for it locks your future potential dear Fluttershy."