//------------------------------// // Stone - bats // Story: TwiDash Prompt Collab // by TwiDashCollabs //------------------------------// A soft blue hoof ran slowly over the carved stone surface of the grave marker. A heavy sigh escaped her snout, head and ears drooping as her eyes scanned the words over and over in a mantra. Her raised limb ran in circles over the stone, as much an assurance of its continued existence than anything else. Twin pools of magenta regarded the dried remains of rose wreaths littering the base of the marker. She cupped a dry petal between her forehooves. In fits and starts, Rainbow Dash began to speak. “…Hi. It’s me again. I’m…I’m sorry I haven’t been by in a while. It’s…it’s hard to come out here. You understand, right? “… “Yeah, I don’t, either. You deserve better’n that. I miss you. I miss you, and coming out to see you like this just reminds me you’re gone. It’s enough of a reminder when I can’t see you at my shows in the stands. “It’s not fair this happened. There was so much we never said. So many things we never got to do. Everypony says time makes it easier, but they’re wrong. Every time somethin’ happens that I’d want you there for where you can’t just hurts more. So many memories we can’t share… “I’m no good at this sorta stuff. You know that. I’m sorry. I’m sorry an’ I love you. I never said that enough to you when you could hear it. I hope you can hear it now.” “I’m sure he can.” A purple hoof settled across Rainbow’s shoulders, drawing her close. She leaned into Twilight’s neck, nuzzling gratefully. Rainbow Dash’s voice rose in energy, gaining strength from the unicorn’s presence. “This is that mare I was tellin’ you about. We’ve been seein’ each other for a while now and…and that’s why I came to see you today. I…I asked her to marry me an’ she said yes. I don’t know the last time I’ve been so happy.” She nuzzled Twilight again, gripping the hoof around her neck with one of her own. “She means the world to me and I know you’d love her too. You two are a lot alike in some ways. Always tryin’ to get me to slow down and think things through first. Boring, right?” She smiled fondly at the gray stone. “She’s exactly the sorta pony you always wanted me to end up with. You’d be proud’a me. I…I wish you could be there for the day.” The unicorn’s grip tightened as Rainbow wiped her eyes with a hoof. “I guess you will be in some way. You might not be able to give me away, but you’ll be there with me in my thoughts. I’ll never forget you.” She ran her hoof over the gravestone once more before standing and wrapping a wing around Twilight. “I’ll try to come around a little more, okay? I love you, Dad.” Twilight kissed her fiancée on the cheek as they turned, cantering off through the cemetery.