//------------------------------// // The Last Letter // Story: The Last Letter // by DeathFox4 //------------------------------// POV: Twilight Sparkle I smile faintly as I hear the chatter around me going on. I give my friends a smile and I see their smile back at me before they turn back to their conversation. I frown in consternation as my emotions hit me full force. “um...Twilight? Are you okay?” I jerk my head up and glance at Fluttershy. I nod hurriedly. “Yes, I'm fine...I'm just thinking.” “Um...thinking about what...if you don't mind me asking?” I sigh. “Nothing.” “Then...um...I hope you don't mind me saying so, but it is a very big nothing.” I glance at her. “What makes you say that?” “I know things...things no one else does.” “Like Pinkie?” She giggles lightly while looking at the pink mare bouncing happily around the rest of my friends. “Not quite. Pinkie...she knows about happiness, but for all her happiness she can't see.” I raise my hoof. “Fluttershy...you do realize Pinkie Pie knows everything about everypony.” “She doesn't.” I open my mouth in protest before I feel a soft hoof close my mouth. “Twilight Sparkle, will you come for a walk with me?” “Uh...sure. If they don't mind?” She giggles. “They won't mind.” She stands up and motions with her wings to follow her. I walk up beside her and match her leisurely pace. “What were you saying Fluttershy?” “Oh...right. Sorry.” “It's fine. Continue.” “Pinkie Pie knows a lot about ponies. While her story is a sad one, you can just see the joy in her eyes. She loves everypony, and the thought of being alone...it breaks her.” I nod, thinking quietly back to her birthday party. “However, because she fears being alone, she grows to know everypony. She bends everything to her will, and her connection with those she knows makes her stronger. The more she makes friends, the more she gives happiness. The more she receives smiles, the more she will continue to give. But you know that already.” I nod, wondering where this conversation is going. “But there is one thing that Pinkie cannot understand, and the one thing she can't help. She can't help others loneliness. She refuses to see it, cause she knows very well that she can't help. Besides, she doesn't want anypony to go through the same sadness she had as a foal.” “I...” “Shhhh...” I glance ahead at the trail and notice the slow marching to the evergreen forest. I open my mouth, and then I hear Fluttershy's quiet voice speaking once more. “She seeks the company of others, I seek solitude. She seeks to make sure no pony is ever alone, I make sure no pony ever suffers alone. She removes the light sadness of the heart, the sadness of torn friendships, and she will do anything to repair friendships, both her own and others.” I notice with a start that we are far past the border of the everfree forest. The sky gets darker, but Fluttershy steps with a practiced ease. Like...she has traveled these trails before. “I am different. I see the wounds of the deepest heart. I can see depression, I've seen the thoughts that drive ponies to the brink of despair.” She turns around and looks at me. “I've seen you.” The sentence processes in my brain. “Wait...what...how...” A soft hoof shushes my mouth. She smiles lightly, but behind the smile are her eyes. Eyes that seem to say, trust me. “Twilight. I've seen you. I've seen the frowns that you hide behind the smile. I've seen the tears in your eyes as you try to hide. I've seen the looks you've given your legs, contemplating...considering...deciding.” My wings flare in surprise. “You're lying!” She smiles sadly at me. “I don't lie Twilight. Not in these matters.” “How did you know?” “The eyes. They don't lie...” I feel the tears coming to my eyes. “How...why...” “Remember this Twilight Sparkle, if you need someone to depend on, come to me. However, I want you to follow me.” She gestures me inside a cave. I light up my horn to light up the passage and I walk slowly forward. I see a sleeping form in front of me. I freeze in my steps. “Who is this?” I hear a gentle sigh. “I found him yesterday. Zecora showed me him, and she has been taking care of him ever since he was abandoned. I would love to take him in, but I can't. When I saw your depression, I realized something.” “What?” “Maybe...just maybe, what you need to get over it...is to know that you're needed by somepony else.” “What do you mean? Spike needs me!” “No...he doesn't. At least...not the same way a colt needs you.” She walks a few steps closer and gently lifts the sleeping form to me. “I know this is a lot to ask...but can you take care of him?” “I...” I look down at the sleeping colt and my heart slowly melts. I see the firebrand hair, with the brown fur. He yawns tiredly and his eyes flutter open for a second. In that second, I'm lost in his eyes...one eye green, one eye blue. He rolls over and continues sleeping. “I...Yes. I will take care of him.” “Good.” She nuzzles me. “Twilight, do not be afraid to come on over whenever you need to. I'm here for you...and now.” A smile adorns her face. “You're here for him.” “What's his name Fluttershy?” She smiles. “That is for you to decide.” I look downwards at the sleeping form. “Burning...Burning Fury? No...that's not right.” I see him turn sideways and I look at the shape of the sleeping form. “Burning Axe. His name is Burning Axe.” Dear Princess Celestia, I know I'm a Princess now. I know that technically, I should be the one teaching you and your sister. But that doesn't stop me from writing this. You're still my mentor. Here's what I've learned today. No matter how sad or depressed you are without reason, there will be somepony who will pick you up. But sometimes, you have to go looking for that pony. I was lucky enough to have Fluttershy take the first step towards helping me. Look, I'm still depressed. But as I look on this sleeping form on my bed, I can't complain. Fluttershy was right...he needs me, and I need him. I'm going to have to write more on this subject later. Maybe when I'm not so emotionally tied. Yawn Or maybe not. Perhaps, I should deliver my friendship lessons from now on in pony. After all, my friendship is not one that can be described with words. It can only be seen now... You know what? I'm fine with that. My next lesson will be delivered to you in person. Until then, Your Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle