Path of Kindness and Blood

by CommanderX5


Epilogue Part 1 - The Buried Light

Path of Kindness and Blood

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Epilogue

Part 1 - The Buried Light

The sky was covered by storm clouds, darkening the area around the town hall and creating a gloomy atmosphere over the event that was about to come.

In the past, pegasi, thanks to their ability to control weather, prepared the sky to convey their sadness whenever giving respect to their fallen comrades, a tradition practiced even today in some places.

Mayor Mare could hardly believe that the funeral arrangements she was organizing were for a pony as young as Fluttershy. She never had the opportunity to get to know her better, seeing the shy mare very rarely, mostly whenever discussing important matters regarding the well-being of the local animals.

While she didn’t appear to be the most social pony, Mayor Mare learned a lot about her by interacting with her friends.

Ditzy’s family being the first to move to Ponyville, kindly provided Fluttershy and Rainbow with homes by buying two damaged buildings from her before renovating them.

Pinkie Pie, despite her young age, brought a huge amount of joy into the town while being the one to suggest a solution to the animal problem. With quite a fair cost from the town’s budget, all the homeless animals crowding Ponyville found a home, love and care.

The Apple Family has been responsible for the foundation of Ponyville, like the soil on which this little town was built. Their hard work and the fruits of their labor kept it well supplied. The Apples and the critters however never got along as the crops suffered greatly because of it, an issue that was easily resolved by Fluttershy, which in turn gained their respect and support.

Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy’s loyal companion, gained the reputation of a local hero after saving four mares from an earthquake during the so called ‘spa-incident’, while Fluttershy herself ventured into a dangerous forest and endured a curse, just to save a lost cat.

The Apple family, Ditzy’s family, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, a group of ponies that with Fluttershy bringing them together, contributed a lot to Ponyville’s little community and became friends. Such a shame Fluttershy was no longer among them.

Mayor Mare sighed before approaching the stand as she sat in front of the podium, her gaze now directed at the gathered ponies. It has been only a week since she had informed the entire town of Fluttershy’s death, as well as the funeral date.

It didn’t surprise her that at least half of Ponyville’s folks decided to attend it and show their respect to a mare they barely knew, as Ponyville was famous for its friendship-filled community. She couldn’t notice many crying ponies, most wearing expressions of sadness or pity. Miss Fluttershy wasn’t the most social pony, maybe that’s for the best. At least she didn’t make many ponies grieve over her passing away…

“Mares and Gentlecolts,” she finally spoke, silencing the murmurs as all pair of eyes were now on her. “We have gathered today to give our respect and farewell to Miss Fluttershy. A mare whose life filled with hardship brought her to Ponyville.” Her ears drooped as her voice became slightly more depressed.

“Miss Fluttershy’s parents were taken away tragically in a fire. After becoming an orphan, the parents of Miss Rainbow Dash took her under their care, and not long after, she sought a new home among us.”

Murmurs filled the area once again as ponies looked at each other in shock. Not that she could blame them. She herself learned about it not long after Fluttershy’s death from Rainbow Dash, a development that sent chills through her bones.

After waiting a moment for the ponies to calm down, she continued. “During her recovery, Miss Fluttershy was fearful of interacting with us, and yet she found it in herself to help countless homeless animals, as well as assist the respected Apple family with their problems. It is very unfortunate that the young and innocent life of Miss Fluttershy was cut short by a toxic plant from the Everfree Forest.” She held her forehooves together and lowered her head. “Let us give our respect in the form of a minute of silence.”

The ponies followed her example, closing their eyes and lowering their heads, the only sound breaking the silence was the wind.

Slowly, Mayor Mare raised her head and examined the area. The prepared seats in the form of pillows or hay-piles were taken by Fluttershy’s closest friends in the front row, as well as ten percent of the gathered ponies. Not that they minded it. Between two crowds of ponies was a small passage in the middle, leading to a few steps attached to the stand.

“Let this be a reminder to us of the dangers of the Everfree forest.” She took a deep breath and stepped to the side. “Anypony who wishes to give a speech, please step forward.”

***

Rainbow Dash was the first to stand from her seat and take the Mayor’s place, now facing the crowd. She took a deep breath and spoke, “Sooo… umm… I am not exactly good at making speeches…”

She gave a quick glance at the opened coffin behind her, or rather at Fluttershy resting in it. A mere look at her almost making Rainbow Dash believe that she was actually dead, if not for Fancy Pant’s words saying otherwise.

“I’ll be brief, Flutters… she was a cool pony. I don’t care if she seemed to be distant, shy and lame. Underneath that is… was a great egghead with passion, a love for animals and determination. I mean, life was literally throwing obstacles in her way, and she faced them all, caring more about others than herself.” She wiped her watering eyes and poked her own chest. “I’ll miss you, Fluttershy. You helped me become a better pony, and I will always be grateful for the time we spent together. I hope you have fun on the big cloud in the sky, wherever it is.”

She walked to the side and stepped down from the platform back to her seat between her parents, who gave her encouraging smiles and placed their wings on her back. Even though her parents knew that Fluttershy was still alive, she could notice the concern and sadness in their worried eyes.

***

Upon noticing that Dash was sitting with her parents, Applejack looked at her family, whose eyes were filled with legitimate tears. How much she wished she could just tell them the truth and put their worries at ease, much less tell them that Hawkeye is still alive. She gave a quick glance at the hooded figure sitting in back row, his face well hidden.

WIth slow steps, she walked towards the platform. As much as Apple Bloom and Granny Smith wished to give their own speeches, they decided to let her and Big Mac do it instead. She could hear the strong steps of her brother following her as she made it to the podium.

“Ah’ll be honest. Just like Dash, Ah’m not much for speeches, but Ah can say this.” She took a quick breath and said firmly, “Ah owe a darn lot to Fluttershy, far more than Ah can tell ya. Helpin’ the farm and savin’ Winona bein’ the examples.” She took of her hat and pressed it against her chest, looking at the mare in the coffin. “Ah’ll always consider her as family and be in her debt. If Ah regret somethin’, it’s that Ah couldn’t repay or thank her enough for all she did for mah family.”

She held her tears back as she looked at her brother before stepping to the side. She could see Big Mac facing the crowd and rub his foreleg, two lines made by tears visible under his eyes. He opened his mouth to speak, keeping it open for a few seconds before closing as blush of embarrassment appeared on his cheeks.

He looked to the side, now deep in thought as he suddenly ran out of words, the speech he prepared in his head vanishing in an instant. He took a quick glance at Fluttershy, who seemed to be alive and as cute as ever. A weak blush formed on his checks. After taking a deep breath and another failed attempt to speak, he returned to his seat, head lowered.

***

Rarity observed both Apples, waiting for them to take their seats while feeling the encouraging hoof of her father. She stood from her pillow and walked towards the stage, stopping herself in front of the coffin while admiring its features.

The wood seemed to be of average quality, lacking any cracks as Fancy Pants funded the coffin from his own pocket, but also not too expensive as it would raise suspicions. She could notice pink butterflies decorating it on top of the yellow paint covering it, making it look like Fluttershy’s cutie mark in her pony-form. Inside the opened coffin lied her mistress and dearest friend.

Fluttershy’s eyes were closed as a peaceful smile was visible on her face. She was perched with her back against the soft inside as if sinking into a big pillow. Her wings closed and forehooves held together.

Rarity stroked Fluttershy’s cheek gently and sighed before looking at the gathered ponies, most being Ponyville's citizens, while her sharpened eyes noticed a few birds and critters gathered on and under a nearby tree. Among the crowd were Vinyl, Octavia, Ditzy’s family, who in advance decided not to speak, Pinkie on the verge of bursting into tears and her caretakers trying to cheer her up.

She looked at the suspicious figures that were sitting in the last row, not recognizing any of them.

After glancing at the cloud-covered sky, which blocked the sun from reaching her, Rarity approached the podium and spoke, “Fluttershy, she was my first friend, a little seed which I tried to help bloom into a beautiful flower.” She chuckled lightly. “In my efforts to help her become more open with the rest of the town, she ended up introducing me to ponies I never expected to befriend.” She gave a quick smile at her friends in the crowd, especially at Applejack, who redeemed herself in her eyes.

“Miss Fluttershy not only saved Opal, who ended up lost in the Everfree Forest because of my carelessness, but being in her company was very pleasant.” She placed forehoof on her chest and closed her eyes. “Drinking tea, calm conversations, peaceful strolls and so much more. I will miss her.” She gave a quick glance at Fluttershy and added quietly with a weak smile, “Sweet dreams.”

As Rarity stepped from the stage, two old pegasi bypassed her. She perched herself against the pillow and frowned the moment her father nuzzled her.

Sunflower was the first to speak, “You may not know us, so we shall introduce ourselves. My name is Sunflower, and my husband’s name is Little Seed.” She took a deep breath, her voice having a hint of sorrow. “We were friends of Fluttershy’s parents… before they passed away,” she lied as murmurs spread through the crowd.

Little Seed took over. “We may not have known Fluttershy personally, but while our skills in taking care of animals are nowhere near Fluttershy’s level, we made a decision to set up in Ponyville and continue what Fluttershy started.”

Rarity blinked in confusion, but quickly noticed a nod from Mayor Mare directed towards the speakers. I see Fluttershy’s old friends made some sort of agreement with the mayor behind our backs, though I suppose it is for the best. She smiled and gave the two pegasi an encouraging smile. At least the cottage will not fall into ruins and animals will not lose their home. Hopefully creatures from the forest will not bother them. She shook her head. After Fluttershy’s multiple explorations of the dangerous forest, no monster would dare to attack her cottage.

***

Pinkie Pie was the next one to speak as she dashed towards the coffin. “Fluttershy, why did you have to leave us!” She faced the crowd. Her eyes resisting the urge to cry while her ears flattened against her head. “Ever since I met Fluttershy, I could sense sadness in her. I tried to make her happy, but I only made it worse.” Her hoof slammed against the wooden floor. “Making her happy was the hardest thing I have ever done, but never before did making a pony smile bring me such joy.”

She wiped her eyes as her fur lost some of its brightness. “Befriending Fluttershy was the most difficult part, though worth it in the end! She even said many times that she didn’t deserve friendship, that I worked hard to help her and that she did nothing in return.” She took out a tissue from her tail to use on her eyes, and next on her nose while the always puffy mane slowly deflated. “But she did do a lot in return. She took care of cute little animals, helped the Apple family and saved them from thes–” Suddenly no more voice escaped her mouth as Vinyl’s horn flashed, keeping Pinkie from revealing Fluttershy’s secret.

The DJ crossed her forelegs and shook her head, whispering, “Sorry Pinks, but only I’m allowed to blow our covers and say our secrets out loud.” The moment Pinkie Pie stopped talking, most likely realizing her mistake, Vinyl’s aura vanished.

Pinkie blushed from embarrassment before turning to Fluttershy, approaching with slow steps before hugging the supposedly dead body. “You were wrong Fluttershy, you were a far better friend than you thought you were and I’ll miss you sooo much!” She released the body and perched it back against the soft surface of the coffin, wiping her tears from Fluttershy’s shoulder. “I hope your dreams are sweet. Farewell.”

Pinkie’s mane fully deflated as she lowered her head and walked off the platform into the crowd, her sadness spreading quickly as most ponies became even more depressed.

With no more ponies willing to speak up, a long line formed towards the coffin. While almost none of them knew Fluttershy personally, each decided to give their respect to her, a few ponies in between thanking Fluttershy for giving love and care to the homeless animals, or leaving a bouquet of flowers next to the coffin.

Apple Bloom jumped onto the coffin to get a better look as her tears fell down onto Fluttershy’s wing, her innocent heart on the verge of breaking as regret overtook her. Not long ago, she learned that Fluttershy was a kind-hearted pureblood and even befriended her, only for it to be cut short. Ironically, even her friend’s abilities and power that made her nearly unkillable, power that made purebloods enemies of ponykind, weren’t enough to prevent Fluttershy’s death.

***

Little Seed and Sunflower kept a slight distance from the line of ponies as they approached Rarity, before Sunflower spoke, “Excuse me, can I ask you a question?”

The fashionista nodded. “Of course, Miss Sunflower. Is something bothering you?”

The elderly mare pointed at the saddened Pinkie, who seemed nothing like the ball of energy she appeared to be before. She asked, “Is young Miss Pie a good actor?”

Rarity rubbed her chin before shaking her head. “To be fair, I do not know Pinkie Pie all that well, but from what I learned, I assume she is rather bad at acting, why do you ask?”

Little Seed said, “For such a bad actor, we found her grief and depression to be very sincere.” He took a step forward and whispered, “After all, Pinkie does know that Fluttershy isn’t dead… but just sleeping for a year or so?”

Rarity nodded, looking around to make sure no pony could hear them before whispering herself, “She does, but she cares about her friends a great deal. Even having her friend in a coma-like state for a few years is heartbreaking for her.” She gasped and raised hoof to her face as she glanced at the Cakes, who tried to cheer up their devastated employee. “And considering how she reacts now, I cannot possibly imagine how devastated she would be if Fluttershy was actually... dead.” She shivered at the very thought.

Little Seed cleared her throat. “Aside from that… we wish to make some agreements with you.“ He continued with a whisper, “Since Fluttershy’s animals don’t seem to mind sharing their blood, you can visit and feed on them at any time.”

Sunflower nodded, her face firm as she spoke, “However, we expect you to keep at least two meters distance from us and not bite our necks.” She massaged her neck nervously as her words caused Rarity to look to the side with lowered ears. “Do you agree to those terms?”

“So you still do not trust us…” Rarity responded before raising her head and pressing forehoof against her chest. Speaking quietly, “I am a lady with standards. I would not dare to drink anypony’s blood without permission. I swear.” She lowered her head and continued in a depressed tone, “As for the two meters distance… I agree.” She sighed. “Hopefully one day, you will trust me enough to change your mind.”

Both elderly pegasi smiled and said together, “We appreciate it.”

***

Pinkie sat in the shadow of a nearby house, away from the ponies before feeling the hoof of Applejack on her shoulder. She slowly raised her head to look into her concerned eyes.

“Shucks sugarcube, ya took it harder than Ah thought ya would,” Applejack said calmly.

The party mare opened her mouth, but closed it a moment later and lowered her head. Applejack sat next to her and placed foreleg around her shoulder.

“Hello, Pinkie.”

Pinkie’s ears perked up as she immediately recognized the voice. She jumped to her hooves, nearly causing Applejack to lose her balance. “Maud!” She grabbed the hooded figure into a tight hug, unintentionally causing the hood to fall back and reveal the grey face of her sister, who returned the gesture with restrained strength. “Maudie… what are you doing here?”

Before Maud could respond, two accompanying figures revealed their faces as Shackles spoke, “Hello Miss Pinkamena Diane Pie. We are merely attending this funeral.”

Pinkie Pie released Maud and looked at the pegasus, failing to notice anger apparent on Applejack’s face. “Mr. Shackles?”

“You remember me, I am honoured,” Shackles said as the third figure bypassed him.

Pinkie looked at the third pony before tilting her head. “Limestone? You’re attending as well? But you really really dislike leaving the rock farm.”

Limestone crossed her forelegs and frowned. “Of course I hate leaving it. I’d rather dig rocks and gems from the mine than attending this stupid funeral.” She pointed at the pegasus. “But we’re no longer working on the farm, but instead for Shackles.”

“Work?” Pinkie said, raising her foreleg questionably. “You help hunt giant bugs with your strength?”

Limestone facehooved.

Pinkie turned to her other sister and asked, “Maud, I thought you didn’t want to work for him, even for the precious meteorite collection. Did you change your mind?” Her mane regaining a bit of its color and original form.

Maud nodded, her face firm and unchanging.

Limestone stomped. “We had to, or else he would–” she stopped and gritted her teeth in pain upon feeling Maud’s hoof stomping on her foreleg.

Shackles chuckled. “It wasn’t easy, but I found a way to change her mind. And I even managed to convince your other sister, Limestone, with a generous offer.”

“Really?” Pinkie asked.

Limestone nodded, her face filled with anger.

Shackles took a few steps towards Applejack and grabbed her by shoulder. “Now partner, I believe we have things to discuss… in private.”

Both Pie sisters saluted, walking to the side.

Applejack looked at her and suggested, “Pinkie, I believe ya have wanna talk with yer sisters. Me and the… kind stallion over here have a lot to catch up.”

Pinkie nodded, joining her sisters while leaving the two ponies to themselves. While she was walking away, however, she got this feeling as if something was really wrong as she sensed stress in Applejack, while Shackles had an odd aura around himself, as if hiding mean intentions behind his calm composure.

She turned to her sisters and asked, “So let me get this straight. Mr. Shackles is attending the funeral, and you both decided to accompany him and join?”

Maud nodded. “We know how important and hard it is to say farewell to a friend.” She embraced her again, this time with more strength as Pinkie felt like a squeezed balloon. Maud’s hardened foreleg sinking into her body. “I’m sorry for your loss.” Against her efforts, Maud’s face failed to change its appearance.

“Speak for yourself. I would care less–” Limestone grit her teeth again, feeling Maud’s rear hoof on her side, who weakened her hold against Pinkie’s belly.

Limestone massaged her side before pointing at Pinkie accusingly. “Also, I would never agree to work for that creepy featherbrain if not for your sec–” she jumped to the side, avoiding Maud’s rear hoof who released Pinkie and turned towards her.

“Limestone, can we talk for a moment?” Maud asked.

“Make me,” Limestone said with crossed forelegs as she frowned.

Maud sighed before grabbing Limestone by her ear and pulling. “Please excuse me, Pinkie. I need to talk with Limestone in private for a moment.”

Pinkie rolled her eyes. “What’s up with ponies keeping secrets from me?” She nodded. “Alright, I’ll just sit here and wallow in self-pity over a friend I won’t see for a long time. You both go ahead and have your private talk.”

Unsure how to respond, Maud gestured for Limestone to follow.

***

“So, what do you want?” Limestone asked, clearly annoyed as she stared at her sister, hidden away from the rest in an alley between two homes.

Maud kept staring with her stone-like face. “You know.”

“Oh come on, Maud. It’s Pinkie’s fault that we need to risk our hides and act like a meat-shield for that featherbrain. Training and fighting against blood-sucking creatures. And it’s all her fault.”

“Pinkie lost one of her dear friends, you cannot–” Maud said, but was cut off by Limestone.

“That friend of hers is one of those we need to fight now.” She stomped, her voice even angrier than before as her ears straightened upward aggressively. “We put our necks on the line because if we don’t, Shackles will reveal Pinkie’s secret.”

“Don’t tell Pinkie.”

“Why?” Limestone asked. “It’s her fault.”

“She will feel guilty and sad,” Maud said in a neutral tone.

“That’s the point. She deserves it.”

“You will stop being mean to her.”

Limestone pressed her muzzle against Maud’s and asked, “And what will you do if I don’t?”

Maud’s face shifted slightly. Her neutral smile showing a little bit of anger as eyes half-closed. What for most ponies would look just like an expression of annoyance, barely different from Maud’s usual face, for Limestone it was an expression of fury incarnate. Sweat started to drop from her face as she walked backward, her legs trembling.

“Alright, fine, I won’t pick on Pinkie…” Limestone said, her voice filled with fear. “Just calm down. You’re really creepy when you’re angry.”

Maud’s face returned to its neutral expression.

Limestone released a breath of relief, taking a moment to recover from her experience as her fast-beating heart calmed down. She could care less about earthquakes, falling boulders and even monsters of legend, but an angered Maud had always filled her with dread.