//------------------------------// // Ponyville - Grave // Story: The Ever Changing Moon // by CommanderX5 //------------------------------// The Ever Changing Moon - Chapter 1 Ponyville Part 3 - Grave Twilight kept walking with a frown on her face. She had already met two of the Element Bearers, only to find out that the remaining two are attending one of Pinkie’s parties with no clue where to find them. Unsure what to do, she walked towards Fluttershy’s cottage, planning to visit her grave that, according to Big Macintosh, was located between the cottage and the Everfree Forest. While she didn’t know anything about Fluttershy, having learned about her only recently from her mentor, that wasn’t a reason to not pay her respects. “Cheer up, Twilight. Maybe Pinkie or Dash told the others what you told the two of them. Less work for us to do,” Spike said as he rode on his caretaker while massaging her neck. “I hope you’re right, because I want to get this done as soon as possible,” Twilight said, her attention focused on the cottage. She walked over the bridge while admiring the view. She noticed several dens, either made by bunnies or filled with snakes, holes in trees for squirrels to live in and nests on the branches that housed various birds. Animals ran around without paying her any mind. After finally reaching the door, she knocked. A moment of waiting later, a tired voice came from the other side. “Who's there?” “Hello, my name is Twilight Sparkle. I apologize for bothering you, but I’d heard from Big Macintosh that some of Fluttershy’s friends had moved to her cottage to take care of her animals.” Twilight continued with an apologetic tone, “I don’t want to be insensitive, but could I trouble you to point me to her grave, so I could give her my respects?” After a moment of silence, the tired voice answered, “It is behind the cottage, not far away from here. Mr. Harry will lead you there.” “Harry?” Twilight asked, “Who’s Harry?” Much to her shock, the door opened, revealing a large brown bear. Twilight recoiled as she lit her horn, ready to restrain the beast. Spike leapt from her back and ran behind a wall. “Harry the bear,” the voice responded as a yellow pegasus with grey covering most of her feathers and three sunflowers as a cutie mark appeared. “I’m Sunflower, nice to meet you.” Twilight slowly approached and shook the trembling foreleg, occasionally glancing at the large creature. “P-pleasure.” “There’s no need to be afraid. He is a well-behaved bear,” Sunflower said, stroking the bear’s leg with a hoof. Spike emerged from his hiding spot and joined the group cautiously. Twilight walked along uneasily, staring at Harry’s furry backside. She kept two meters behind as she followed him to Fluttershy’s grave, her assistant was ten meters behind, refusing to sit on her back. Let's summarize what I’ve learned thus far. Pinkie Pie: a mare chosen to represent the Element of Laughter is a hyper-talkative, party-obsessed crazy pony. Somewhat fitting. She gazed at the cloud-filled sky, lost in thought. Rainbow Dash, an athlete with a big ego and even greater flying speed represents the Element of Loyalty. She isn’t as crazy as Pinkie, but seems to be hot-headed. She frowned. I’d better keep my eye on her. Twilight looked behind, ignoring Spike as her attention focused on the lovely scenery: Birds and critters living carefree among the trees and fields of wildflowers. Fluttershy apparently took care of all these animals. Quite fitting for an Element of Kindness. She looked at the sky thoughtfully. Taking care of snakes and a bear, exploring a dangerous forest. She must be either very brave or very reckless. She scrunched her eyebrows in confusion. Now that I think about it, Rainbow Dash was very protective when I mentioned Fluttershy. Maybe they were good buddies who liked to adventure together? Or they were rivals who trained and competed with each other, which is common for athletic pegasi." “Ouch…” Twilight yelped as her muzzle ran into the bear's rear. She shook her head and looked up, noticing a paw pointing at the grave ahead. She trotted around Harry, taking in the numerous bouquets of flowers surrounding the gravestone. A few lit candles were in the middle. In front of the grave was a young filly with a basket of apples by her side. Twilight bit her lip as her legs turned to jelly. You’ve never met this pony, there’s no need to be nervous. Hearing a roar and seen him wave to her, she returned the gesture. “Thank you, Harry. It won’t take long.” The bear nodded before walking to the side, plopping onto the soft grass. Spike joined Twilight’s side without taking his eyes from him. “Who’re ya?” the filly asked, tilting her head to the side in confusion. “‘Ah don’t remember anypony livin’ in Ponyville with a lizard.” Spike raised his eyebrow as he crossed his arms. “I am a dragon!” Twilight cleared her throat and introduced herself, “My name is Twilight Sparkle, student of Princess Celestia.” “And I’m Spike, her dragon assistant.” “Welcome to Ponyville. Mah name’s Apple Bloom, nice ta meet ya.” Twilight smiled. “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well. Are you related to Applejack, by any chance?” “Yep!” Apple Bloom said. “Did ya meet mah older sister?” Twilight shook her head. “I was hoping to talk with her, but she’s been dragged away to a party by Pinkie Pie.” “Ya mean yer ‘Welcome ta Ponyville’ party? Pinkie always welcomes new folks with a party.” Spike smiled and patted Twilight on the back. “See, what did I tell you? Either Pinkie told them or you can do it at your welcoming party. Less work for us.” Twilight sighed in relief, her smile now relaxed. “What brings ya ta see Fluttershy?” “I was in the area and decided to pay my respects. I assume you’re here for the same reason,” Twilight answered. “Makes sense, Ah guess.” Spike took a few steps forward, pointing at the basket. “Aren’t apples an odd gift for a grave? They’ll turn bad.” Apple Bloom jumped between Spike and the basket, pressing her muzzle against his nose. “An’ what’s wrong with apples? Fluttershy really liked apples!” Spike stepped back in surprise. “Nothing’s wrong with apples. I didn’t mean to offend you.” "Well, that's alright, Ah guess, as long as ya didn't mean it," Applebloom replied. He pointed at the grave. “Why don't we share a moment of silence, in honor of Fluttershy?" The filly nodded as she sat on Twilight’s right while Spike sat on her left. *** After giving their farewells to Harry, Twilight and Spike agreed to accompany Applebloom on her way towards the farm. “You miss Fluttershy, don’t you?” Twilight asked. Upon noticing a hesitant nod, she asked. “Can you tell me something about her, if it isn’t too much trouble? If you don’t want to, then I understand.” “Ah don’t mind. Fluttershy was the best foalsitter Ah could have ever wished for. She helped mah family a great deal, everthin' from pest removal ta carin' fer our animals.” “I see,” Twilight responded. “Was she friends with Rainbow Dash, by any chance?” “Friends? They were nearly insep'rable. Dash and Fluttershy moved here from Clouds...somethin’.” “Cloudsdale,” Twilight corrected, her theory proven to be true. “What was she like?” “Very brave. Mah sister says that bein’ brave means beatin’ yer fears.” She took a quick breath. “Fluttershy beat lots of ’em.” So Fluttershy was a risk-taking pony after all. She must’ve pushed her luck one too many times.