A cyan mare entered the Flim Flam bar. She slowly took a seat at the counter and waited for service. Almost instantly one of the brothers bounded up to her.
"What can I get'cha?" Flam asked cheerfully. Rainbow Dash sighed. She rubbed the bags under her eyes. She was so groggy she couldn't even think straight.
"Um, just get me a shot of cider." she mumbled. In a flash, the unicorn was preparing a drink. The Pegasus watched as he filled the tiny glass.
"Hey," she called out. The stallion looked over his shoulder. "Could you make it a bit bigger?" Dash was desperate for some relief. Flam shrugged and got a larger mug. Satisfied, Rainbow turned to the window. The storm was intensifying, meaning the flight home would be harder. The cyan mare didn't care. She looked back to the bar, where the yellow unicorn was hovering a drink in front of her. Dash grabbed it and took a sip. She sat there for a while, watching as customers came and went, sometimes just wanting to play poker. Rainbow took another swig. Her friends would always go to some random bar every Friday night and play cards. It was like tradition or something. They never did that anymore. It wasn't the same without-
The Pegasus slammed her drink against the counter and stood up.
"Hey, you've got to pay for that!" Flim hollered from behind the bar. As the cyan mare left she threw some bits behind her. It was a mistake to come here. Brings back to many memories.
Rainbow Dash sat in the waiting room, tapping her hoof impatiently. The others were there too, sitting in silence. Finally, Doctor Stable walked in. The five pony's ears and head perked up, eager for the good or bad news. The stallion gulped and took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry, but there's nothing we can do. She's too far gone." Rarity wept into Applejack's shoulder, who also had tears streaming down her face. The sound of a balloon deflating filled the room as Pinkie sulked in the corner, and Twilight sobbed to herself, covering her face with her hooves.
"What lesson is there to learn from this?" she cried. Rainbow Dash stared at the doctor, her eyes beginning to mist.
"N-no. You're lying." she stammered. The stallion shook his head solemnly.
"She's not gonna make it." he insisted. "You can still say your last good bye's."
The cyan mare paced anxiously outside of the room. She could hear muffled voices on the other side, one louder than the other. After what seemed like hours, the door creaked open. A teary eyed Twilight Sparkle emerged and looked up to the Pegasus.
"She's ready for you Dash." she informed softly before walking away. Rainbow took a deep breath. Part of her didn't want to do it. Didn't want to see her best friend die. But the other was screaming for her to enter and be with the yellow mare. She sighed and stepped into the room. The Pegasus saw her lying there, barely moving. It was a horrible sight to see such an active pony hooked up to so many tubes and wires.
"Dash? Is that you?" a small voice croaked. The cyan mare ran to the bedside.
"Yes, yes it's me," she cried softly. "I'm here." Fluttershy smiled and placed a hoof on the other Pegasi's cheek. Rainbow put hers over it. "I'm glad you could be with me during my final moments." the dying pony squeaked. Dash shook her head.
"No, you're going to be okay," she assured, holding back tears. "You're going to be out of here in a couple weeks, I promise." Fluttershy closed her eyes. She sighed and opened them again, this time filled with worry and hope.
"Dash, don't worry," she said quietly. "You'll be fine without me." The cyan mare reeled back.
"No, I won't be fine!" she choked. "You can't die, you can't!" The yellow Pegasus smiled warmly.
"Hey, if there's one thing I've learned from you, it's to never be scared." The heart moniter beside the bed's beeping slowed.
"The student becomes the teacher. I'll always be with you, as long as you keep kindness within your heart." Rainbow now had tears streaming down her face.
"No, Flutters!" The shy mare interrupted her.
"Think about the good times, don't dwell on the harsh memories of the past." the beeps were barely going, almost at a complete stop.
"Tell Angel, mommy, misses...him..." The machine emitted a continued sound, one that Dash wouldn't forget. The yellow mare's hoof slid from Rainbow's face and flopped beside the bed.
"F-Fluttershy?" The cyan mare lightly tapped the pony. "C-come, Flutters this isn't funny!" She shook the body faster. The mare didn't move.
"Somepony, help!" She screeched. "She's not waking up!" Doctor Stable burst through the door, followed by four other terrified mares. Rarity covered her mouth with her hoof and looked away. Stable moved Dash out of the way and proceeded to preform CPR.
"Come on, don't give up on me!" he pressed on the mare's chest, trying to get a pulse. It was no use. After about thirty minutes, the stallion gave up.
"She's, gone." he murmered. Rainbow shoved the Doctor aside.
"No, she's a fighter!" the Pegasus cried and continued the revival techique. The others watched in horror as she tried desparately to bring their friend back. The cyan mare sobbed over the body, still trying to accomplish the pointless act. Twilight had seen enough. She trotted over to the panicked mare.
"Rainbow, you have to understand-"
"No, no no!" she bolted past the shocked ponies. "I'm sorry! Fluttershy, I'm sorry!"
Rainbow Dash unlocked the door to her house. She fumbled with the keys in her hooves, cursing under her breath. I've got to go to work tomorrow. Bucking great. She stepped inside and groggily flew up to her room. The Pegasus pushed the door open and flopped onto her bed with a groan. The cider was taking it's effects, numbing her brain. Those two put something in that drink, I know they did. Dash's eyelids slowly shut like blinds on a window, and she was almost instantly knocked-out.
Soon after, Pegasus dreamt, but it was more like a nightmare. She relived the terrifying night in her sleep, the details so vivid it was almost as if happened yesterday.
"N-No! Stop!"
She tossed and turned in her bed, whimpering like a lost puppy.
"Please, don't hurt her!"
The cyan mare woke up with a shrill scream. She sat up in her bed panting and covered in sweat. Catching her breath, the Pegasus sighed and got up. The memories of the events on that day three years ago still haunted her, apparently now when she sleeping. She dragged her hooves into the bathroom and opened the cabinet beside the wall. She pulled out an orange container and twisted off the lid. Rainbow poured two small tablets into a glass and filled it with water. Grumbling, she picked up the cup and took the medication. She swallowed the sleeping pills and trudged back to bed. Sliding under the covers, the Pegasus started to drift into a more peaceful night.
Waking up, Dash stretched and yawned. She lugged herself out of bed and slumped onto the ground. Groaning, she struggled to her hooves and rubbed her aching forehead. Ugh, hangover + sleeping pills = bad combo. She hovered downstairs to the kitchen and started making breakfast. Just a salad will probably fill me up. I'm not that hungry. She opened the fridge and pulled out some lettuce, daisies, and carrots. Closing the door, a small slip of paper caught her eye. Weird, I don't remember putting that there. She ripped the note off of the door and looked it over. The handwriting was vaguely familiar, and the ink looked fresh.
Dash-
Could you please come over and feed Angel for me?
Harry the bear got a sliver in his paw and I must help him get it out.
Thank you!
Your friend, Fluttershy
Dash gasped and dropped the letter. She shook her head in panic and confusion. No, this is impossible. She- she's DEAD! The cyan mare slowly picked up the fallen request with a trembling hoof. She read it once more, to see if it was real or not.
Shopping list:
Milk
Daffodils
Bread
Food for Tank
The Pegasus let out an exasperated sigh. I'm going insane, aren't I? She skipped breakfast and headed off to work, as she had lost her appetite. RD arrived at her job station and checked the assignments. Cloud kicking. Again. She grumbled insults towards her boss as she took off, diving through a nearby fluff of condensation. She flew to the area that needed to be cleared. The sport used to be fun, but now it was dull and dry to the pony. She grunted as another cloud evaporated around her. Looking down at the town, she checked the time on the clock tower below. It's almost 12:30. Then I can take my lunch break. The Pegasus zipped through some more clouds, letting her thoughts take over. I'm kinda hungry, probably because I skipped breakfast. I wonder how the others are doing? Haven't seen them in a while. Twilight's all caught up in her medical studies at the Equestrian School for Surgeons. She moved to Canterlot two years ago and left Spike in charge of the library. I think Rarity still makes dresses, but from what I can tell they're not as, extravagant. The only color I saw in her boutique was black. Applejack hasn't stopped working on the farm, bucking apples almost every single day. She never visits. Not even given a call. I hope they're all doing okay, unlike Pinkie...
The cyan mare burst through more crowding condensation, pushing away from that subject. I actually might have time to visit them after lunch, if I eat quick enough.
Rainbow Dash wolfed her sandwich down, determined to drop by at least one of her friends. I've got to see how they're doing, if anything happened I need to know about they'll tell me, right? She chugged the cold ice water and left 15 bits on the table, including a tip for the waiter. The Pegasus took off, speeding towards Sweet Apple Acres, being most worried about the farm pony. Arriving fairly quickly, she saw the mare she was looking for plowing a field. The cyan mare descended to the ground and landed several yards away from her friend. AJ looked horrible. Her mane looked as if it hadn't been brushed in moons, and her eyelids sagged due to lack of sleep. Dash cautiously took a step towards the mangled farmer. Then another, and another until she was standing right next to her. the Pegasus hesitated before greeting the orange mare, hoping her reaction wouldn't be threatening
"Hey," she said softly. Applejack didn't look up from her job.
"Hi there, Rainbow." she replied dully. Dash noticed her friend's muscles strained under her matted coat, struggling to pull the heavy plow. The Pegasus shuffled her hooves.
"Do you, need help with that?" she offered sheepishly. The Earth pony beside her groaned.
"Look, just, what do ya want?" she asked annoyed. Rainbow was taken back by the sudden aggression. She started to feel uncomfortable. This was obviously a bad time to talk.
"Nothing, I-I'll go now." the Pegasus took to the skies, hurt and disappointed. Applejack watched her leave, not blinking an eye.
Angered she had just wasted her time, Rainbow Dash flew to Carousel Boutique. I don't have to go back to work yet, I might as well check in on Rarity. Spotting the fashionista's home, she dove to the ground and aced the landing. Still got it. The cyan mare tapped her hoof on the front door, waiting for an answer. Nothing. She knocked harder, but no one came. Maybe she's not home? As she turned to leave, a small voice sounded from inside the building.
"Come in." Rainbow stopped in her tracks and looked over her shoulder. Was that, Sweetie Belle? She returned to the boutique and pulled on the handle. It was unlocked. Dash stepped inside, seeing how much the place had changed. The mannequins that lined the room were dressed in black cloaks, most likely used in funerals. The Pegasus shivered as she took it all in. What happened here? Everything looks so, dark... She jumped as rustling came from behind her. The cyan mare spun around, only to see a small white unicorn levitating a book. The filly's eyes widened.
"Rainbow Dash? What are you doing here?" she asked softly. The Pegasus sighed, relieved she was okay.
"Um, I'm here to see Rarity." she replied, hoping she was home. Sweetie Belle pointed to the stairs.
"She's up there," the white unicorn informed. "Just try not to disturb her so much." The cyan mare nodded gratefully and hovered to the top floor. She entered a hallway, in which there were four doors. All three were silent except for one. Dash crept closer to the mysterious sounds emanating from it. She pressed her ear against the door and listened.
"Oh, why do ponies keep requesting funeral attire? I'm running out of material and can't seem to find more!" the voice must've belonged to Rarity, so Rainbow pushed harder against the door.
"Oof!" It swung open and the Pegasus stumbled inside the room. She groaned and lifted her head, only to find she was face-to-face with an astonished unicorn.
"Rainbow Dash!" she cried in shock. "What a pleasant surprise!" she wrapped the cyan mare in a tight hug. The pegasus gagged at the smell of sweat and dirt. She must've taken a shower last ages ago! She separated herself from the white mare.
"Um, yeah! Haven't seen you in a while!" she smiled. At least one of her friends wanted to see her. "So, how ya been?" Rarity turned back to the coat she was making.
"Oh, fine, fine." she sewed a black button to the front. "I assume you're doing alright as well?" Dash had to think about her answer. Of course I'm not alright! I keep having visions, hallucinations, dreams about Fluttershy's death. I can't just tell her nothing's wrong. Shuffling her hooves, she looked down to the floor.
"Actually, no," she said softly. Rarity turned around.
"What ever do you mean?" she had a worried expression on her face.
"I keep bringing up old memories," Rainbow tried to explain without freaking out the white mare. "Ones that I tried to forget." The unicorn cocked her head.
"What kind of memories?"
The two mares were thrown into the alleyway, defenseless against their attacker's magic strength. One of the three stallions whipped his head up, bringing Rainbow Dash with it. She struggled to breath as the mystic force tightened around her neck. The crazed pony grinned maniacally.
"Scream." he growled. The cyan mare let out a tiny squeak, grabbing at her throat. The attacker smirked and slammed her into a wall. Dash cried in pain and clutched her hind leg.
"Pathetic." He trotted behind the other males as another stepped up. He was an Earth pony. The moonlight showed a deep scar cut through his eye. He looked at Rainbow, who was sobbing softly. The stallion smiled in satisfaction and turned to the other terrified mare. Fluttershy whimpered and curled into a ball. The Earth pony strode up to her, his devilish grin growing wider.
"N-No, leave her alone." He froze and glared over his shoulder to see one of his victims standing up, a look of defiance on her face. He scowled.
"You tryin' to tell me what to do?" he spat. "Restrain her!" the two unicorns pounced on the crippled Pegasus as soon as the order left his lips. She squirmed and tried desperately to escape.
"Lemme go!" she screeched. Unable to stand the ignorant mare, the leader roared in anger and stomped on her injured leg. She screamed and continued to cry quietly. The stallion smiled.
"Much better." trotting back to Fluttershy, he towered over her trembling body and sneered.
"You seem rather quiet young lady," he flicked out a knife. "Let's change that." the yellow mare squealed and spread her wings, which were grabbed by her attacker. With a grunt, he yanked hard and brought her crumpling to the ground. Dash shrieked and struggled even harder to get free.
"No stop!" she cried. "You're hurting her!" the stallion ignored her and kept twisting. Screams of agony echoed through the alley as the shy pony was wrangled. A sickening crack rang throughout the walls, and the wing went limp. Fluttershy wept in the corner as blood seeped out her wound. Rainbow had also been crying for her friend, screeching in rage and fear. The stallion wasn't done. He beckoned for his companions to bring the cyan mare closer. They shoved her forward until she was inches away from the scarred pony's face. She started to panic, sweat rolling down her body and eyes dilating in terror. The attacker pulled her close.
"Wanna see a pony die?" he asked softly. The other two snickered and held Dash tight. The cyan mare sobbed and begged for them to leave her be, but they paid no attention as the Earth pony picked up the shattered mare. Fluttershy looked up, her energy drained. The stallion pulled out the knife again, and began waving it inches from her ear. His eyes gleamed as he pulled his arm back.
"NO!" Rainbow kicked and flapped her wings furiously. He swiped a clean slice of the yellow mare's cheek, leaving a deep gash. The shy mare squealed in pain and seized, her body tensing up. Pushing her against the wall, he touched noses with the yellow Pegasus and stared deep into her eyes. They were filled with fear, agony, and despair. This is exactly what the stallion wanted.
"Look at me," he demanded. The pony raised her pupils to his. He grinned.
"I want my face to be the last thing you see before you die." he whispered. Fluttershy gasped as the metal shank was jabbed deep into her chest. Her eyelids drooped as air escaped her lungs, along with respectable amounts of blood. The leader let her limp body fall to the ground, and pulled out the knife. Dash was screaming and crying for her dying friend. The Earth pony dropped the blade and strode over to the remaining mare. He scowled and spat at her.
We'll leave you here to die with that one over there." he pulled back an arm and gave hearty blow to the cyan mare's stomach. Her eyes bugged out in shock as she fell to the ground. She gasped for air and held her aching belly. The trio had already gone, disappearing in a flash of light. Rainbow crawled over to her friend and collapsed beside her. Groaning, she stood up attempted to carry the yellow Pegasus. She clenched her teeth in pain as the weight on her leg intensified. Still, she managed to lift the bleeding mare onto her back and limp out onto the street. She struggled over to the nearest lighted house and rang the doorbell. Please hurry! Finally, a young filly answered the door. As soon as she caught sight of the bloody pony, she screamed and ran to her mother, who called for an ambulance.
Rainbow Dash pressed the button on the intercom. She tapped her hoof, waiting for somepony to respond. Rarity told her she had been having nightmares as well, and suggested she talk to Pinkie Pie. The party pony always seemed to cheer her up, but now the Pegasus was unsure. Static erupted from the speaker before a mare's voice sounded through the machine.
"Hello, welcome to the Ponyville Correctional Facility of Mental Health. Are you visiting, or dropping off?" The cyan mare gulped.
"Visiting." she replied softly. A loud ca-chunk came from the gates as they unlocked.
"You may enter." the wary Pegasus strode into the courtyard, watching as ponies played basketball behind a barbed fence. What's going on in this place? She stepped up the front door and entered, taking a deep breath. The waiting room was empty, except for the clerk who sat behind the counter. She had no expression as she typed on her computer. Dash walked over to her and rang the service bell. Nurse Coldheart groaned and looked away from the screen.
"Who are you seeing today?" she asked annoyed. Rainbow shuffled her hooves nervously.
"Pinkie Pie." She murmured, just loud enough for the clerk to hear. Nurse Coldheart began typing on her computer again, grumbling as she did. Finally, she spoke again.
"She currently in a therapy session with Doctor Thunder Jolt." She explained. "If you want, you can go watch. They're in room 504 downstairs." The cyan mare nodded, still uneasy about the whole ideal. She descended to the floor below them and trotted down the hallway, looking for the correct number. She winced as muffled screams sounded from a nearby room. She almost wanted to turn around and never come back, but as the sounds continued she became more worried about her friend. She began to move a bit faster, the alarming noises causing her to panic. They sound just like- She stopped in front of door 504. It was silent on the other side, except for a few voices. She hesitantly peeked through the small window on the door, and gasped.
Pinkie lay on a table, strapped down so she couldn't move. Her hair hanged lifelessly over the side, flat. Three stallions stood around her, two of them taking notes. The other was rubbing some kind of jell on her temples. The pink mare had a gag over her mouth, and was breathing heavily with sweat rolling down her brow. Her eyes darted from one doctor to the next, then to a large machine beside her. The unicorn applying the Vaseline levitated two knob looking objects away from the machine. He looked to the other stallions and nodded, bringing them to attention. As soon as the small pieces were brought into Pinkie's view, her eyes widened and she jerked around violently, trying to free herself of her binds. The unicorn held her still and moved the knobs closer. Dash could've sworn she saw a spark. The doctor aligned the equipment with the party pony's head.
"Clear." he pressed the knobs against her temples, causing the pink mare to scream and seize up. Her pupils rolled to the back of her head has her body convulsed. The two other stallions were scribbling notes down, watching the reactions. Finally, the doctor separated the machines from Pinkie, who was gasping for air.
Dash had tears streaming down her face as she watched her friend being treated. She didn't know it was Electromagnetic shock therapy that was being forced upon the pink mare, and didn't want to see any more. With a sob, she raced away from the door, the screams of agony following her. The terrifying shrieks echoed in her ears, which were flattened against her head. She burst outside and took off, wanting to get as far away from the building as possible.
The church was drowned in silence as the cask was carried in. Ponies bowed their heads in respect as the lid was lifted off, revealing the tiny body inside. Twilight was the first to approach it, holding a flower between her teeth. She peered into the coffin, gazing at Fluttershy's body in. She gently tucked the daisy between the Pegasi's ear and mane before placing a hoof on her cheek. Her eyes misted as she felt the body's cold, almost icy. She wiped her tears away and left the corpse for the next pony, who was Applejack. The farm pony removed her hat and trotted forward. Twilight sat down next to Pinkie Pie and the other two, as Rainbow Dash was no where to be seen. Pinkie brushed her mane out of her face and turned to the unicorn, her eyes full of hope.
"Do you think Dashie will be here soon?" she whispered. The purple mare sighed and hung her head.
"I don't know," she replied. "I thought she would want to attend." AJ walked back over, signaling it was Rarity turn. The white mare wiped the running mascara from her eyes with a tissue, and stood up to say goodbye. She was interrupted by a cyan Pegasus galloping past her. Shocked murmurs circled the seats as Rainbow Dash approached the cask. Her mane was scuffed up, not brushed and dirty. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying. The Pegasus reached in and stroked the deceased mare's face. As her hoof ran over the scar on Fluttershy's cheek, she let out a sob.
"No, no ,no, wake up!" she begged, clutching the pony close. "You're cold, you have to put something on!" Many outraged gasps sounded throughout the crowd as the body was disturbed. Two security guards emerged from the stands and made their way towards the delusional Pegasus. As they passed, the other four sat in silence, disappointed and heart-broken.
"Don't let them take you away, we need you!" Dash continued to cry over the limp mare. "Your animals need you, I need you!"
The strong stallions took hold of Rainbow's arms and pulled her away. The cyan mare screamed and tried to return to the dead Pegasus, flapping her wings and biting at the ponies that restrained her. Her efforts were fruitless, as the guards showed no signs of slowing.
"No, wait, she needs help!" Rainbow cried as she was dragged away. "Somepony help her, she's cold!" Rarity couldn't stand the sight of her friend in pain and started bawling as well into Twilights shoulder, completely crushed. The cyan mare's screams dissipated as she was thrown out of the church, being replaced with the sound of a lock being used. The funeral carried on in silence, as bangs continued to erupt from door along with cries of despair.
Dash was missing work, but she didn't care. She had to talk to Fluttershy. Speeding past her work place, the cyan mare headed straight for the cemetery. She landed in front of the iron fence and walked inside. Although it was only 3:30, the graveyard seemed all the more unsettling. Rainbow slowly walked past the other headstones, trying not to remind herself there were bodies under them. She already knew where her friend's was, for she had it memorized by heart. Trudging through the soft dirt, the Pegasus stepped up to the grave. It was old, even cracked a bit. She rubbed her hoof against it, pretending it was the way to wake her up.
"Hey, Fluttershy," she said aloud. "It's me, Dash. How's it going up there? I hope you're okay, it's not as nice down here. I barely get to talk to any of our friends. The only one I could even make a conversation with was Rarity, so I'll try to visit her more often." the cyan mare sighed and looked to the sky.
"I really miss you, Flutters. That's why I keep talking to you this way. I hope you can hear me..." She turned back to the grave, teary eyed.
"I keep trying to go on without you, but I can't! These memories keep coming back, and no one can help me. Please answer, I need you right now!" The cemetery stayed quiet, the only sound was frogs and crickets readying themselves for night. Rainbow scowled.
"Why don't you ever speak to me! I always visit you, but you never return the favor!" The Pegasus stomped away, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Rainbow slammed the door behind her, crumpling up the work notice that was left on it. She stormed into her room and collapsed on her bed. She sobbed into her pillow, calling out for her friend that had passed. She stayed that way for hours, until she ran out of energy and cried herself to sleep.
Rainbow Dash woke in a forest littered with foliage. Everything around her seemed to glisten, letting off a warm glow. Even she appeared to shimmer. The cyan mare began to walk through the woods, admiring the sheer beauty of it all. Animals skittered about, ducking under the canopy above them. The trees swayed back and forth, letting off the faint sound of wind chimes jingling in the breeze. It was relaxing, as it seemed nothing could go wrong. The ground sparkled like crystal and the sky above stayed a light shade of blue.
The Pegasus then heard something different amongst the music in the forest. It was soothing soft, like the voice of an angel. Dash followed the silky sound into a clearing of daisies. The flower's smelled sweet, the aroma drifting through Rainbow's senses. As she trotted deeper into the field, the singing got louder. The Pegasus could make out the shape of a pony laying peacefully in the grass. She quickened her pace, eager to find out who was creating such a pretty melody. As the cyan mare neared, she saw the mysterious mare prick her ears in her direction. Dash crouched beneath surface, not wanting to startle the singer.
"Rainbow Dash," a voice called from the pony. The cyan mare sighed. She'd been caught. Standing up again, she saw the figure making it's way towards her. The Pegasus gulped as she realized who it was.
"Hi, Fluttershy." she said meekly. The other mare had an annoyed, but passionate look on her face as she approached her. She stopped and sternly looked at her.
"Rainbow, do you know where you are?" she asked, holding her head high. The cyan Pegasus looked around. The gorgeous scenery was nothing like it was at Ponyville. She shook her head.
"N-No, I don't." Fluttershy turned on her heel and walked the other direction, leaving Dash alone.
"Hey, wait!" she pleaded and raced after friend. Catching up, she trotted along side her.
"We are in the essence of kindness." the yellow mare stared straight ahead, not batting an eye. RD cocked her head.
"What do you mean?" The shy pony sighed and turned to her, eyes warm and sweet.
"Everything around us represents my element and personality." She gestured to the healthy forests and tiny critters surrounding them. Rainbow followed her hoof, watching as life unfolded. Her arm made a full circle and stopped inches from the cyan mare's nose. Fluttershy narrowed her eyes.
"Everything except you." she took a step away from the astonished Pegasus, who had become ultimately confused.
"W-What do you mean?" she stammered, her anxiety rising. The yellow mare lifted an arm and placed it on the other pony's chest.
"I told you I'd always be there for you, as long as you kept kindness in your heart." she explained and removed her hoof.
"But you haven't been there at all!" Dash interrupted. "I keep visiting you, but you never answer me!" Fluttershy sighed.
"You let sorrow and guilt take over, and forgot about what really matters," she gazed urgently into her eyes. "Your friends." The lush green grass around the cyan mare began to shrivel up and die, turning into a black marsh. Rainbow took a step back, panicking as the circle of death expanded.
"What's happening!" she cried. The other Pegasus held her ground as it reached her.
"The sourness inside you is destroying this place." She explained as her legs started to turn gray. "Discover the magic of friendship once more, and kindness will return." Rainbow watched as her friends skin began to peel, revealing the bone underneath. She stared in horror as her skeleton crumbled into dust, and was sucked away by the breeze. The wind began to pick up it's pace, pulling trees from their roots and into the black hole beneath her. The Pegasus struggled to stay air-born as the storm tugged at her wings, threatening to swallow her up. Defeated, she let go and allowed for darkness to overcome her as the last of the once beautiful world disintegrated.
Rainbow woke with a start, knowing what she had to do. She threw herself out of bed and zipped downstairs, quickly feeding Tank in the process. She bolted out the door and marked her destination at Golden Oaks library.
********************************************************************************************
"If it weren't for those invites, I probably wouldn't be here right now!" Everypony laughed as they ate their food, enjoying each other's company. It had been about six months since the picnic was planned, and they couldn't be more excited. Pinkie had been released early from the Correctional Facility, due to request from four other mares. Twilight put her medical studies aside so she could spend time with all her friends. Applejack and Rarity both took time off of their busy schedule to do the same, glad they could just relax for once.
"I'm so happy you guys could make it!" Rainbow Dash beamed and took another bite of her sandwich.
"What are you talking about!" Rarity straightened her sunhat. "I wouldn't miss this for the world!" the others nodded and murmured in agreement. The cyan mare smiled and stroked the grave next to her.
"I'm sure Fluttershy wanted it this way." she wrapped the stone in a hug, and soon four different ponies did the same. Eventually they were just a pile of giggles and crumbs rolling over top of each other.
As the friends talked and pulled stupid jokes, Dash separated herself from the crowd.
"Hey Rainbow, where ya'll goin'?" Applejack called out to her. The Pegasus looked over her shoulder.
"Just um, going to the bathroom!" she replied and took off. The orange farm pony shrugged and went back to her conversation.
The cyan Pegasus landed beside the creek and dipped her hooves in the water. She looked up to the small cottage, which had long since been turned into an animal shelter under the owner's request. She plucked a flower from the bed lining the bay, careful not to disturb any insects. Dash gently laid it into the water and watched as it slowly drifted downstream. I can move on. The Pegasus felt an arm around her shoulder, and looked down at her reflection. Fluttershy sat next to her, her eyes glowing with pride. Rainbow smiled and looked back to flower, not budging until it had completely disappeared into the forest.
Thank you...