A Sterling Family

by Anonomis

Return of a Not So Friendly Face

Author's Note:

In memory of my oldest male who passed away on the evening of January 12, 2020.

Despite the comfort Luna provided by visiting the dreams of the three ponies; everyone knew it would be hard to just simply move on. All three of the diamond dogs lost the pillar of strength in Silverbelle. The silver male felt closest to her and started to shut himself off from everyone else as what he felt was his way of grieving.

“Hey, Shadow; how are you doing,” the pegasus asked casually a while later

“Go away. You know how I'm feeling,” Shadow retorted angrily “You may have lost a friend, but that was my mom.”

“We know. It's not something any of us will forget,” the unicorn male argued

“Especially when we helped her give birth to the two of you,” the unicorn female added

“Alright, that's enough,” the white diamond dog said “Your brother Butch is acting more behaved right now than you.”

“Angel’s right,” the pegasus chimed in “We don't need to fight. Silverbelle wouldn't have wanted to see this.”

“Sorry dad,” Shadow said sadly

As they all knew; their grief would and did persist for the next two years as everyone got older. Angel had already turned eighteen; making him a senior in diamond dog culture while his kids had turned nine years old.

“I'm going out for a walk,” the unicorn male stated simply

“I'll go with you old man,” the pegasus decided “Besides; I could use some air.”

With that; the pair of males headed out and made their way towards the main portion of the town. After looking around the stores with nothing in mind; they began the trek back home. During a small break, the pegasus decided to stretch his wings and spotted a creature. He landed near it, to find a white female diamond dog, just slightly smaller than him.

“Help me,” the creature begged

“What's your name?”

“Snowball. I don't have a home and no one else will take me in,” she said sadly

“Well; I think you're in luck,” a voice called from behind

“Welcome back, old man.”

“And who's this,” the unicorn asked

“Snowball,” she answered

“Welcome to the family,” the pegasus offered “If it's okay with you, that is; pop.”

“That's fine,” the unicorn decided

“Thanks dad,” she said, hugging the pegasus; before turning to the unicorn “And you too; papa.”

“Well; it looks like we need to be getting home,” the pegasus mused “And don’t worry; I'm not going to rush.”

“I'd hope so,” the unicorn replied jokingly “You have someone else following.”

A little while later; the three finally arrived home. Snowball took one look at the house and started running around, taking in the scenery.

“It's so big,” she said cheerfully “My new home!”

“Who's this little one you’ve added to our menagerie,” the female unicorn asked curiously

“Snowball,” the female diamond dog said “And this is my daddy. He said it was okay.”

“As I'm sure they've already mentioned; welcome to the family,” the female unicorn announced “These are your other family members. Angel, and his sons Shadow and Butch.”

“Hi doggy-daddy,” Snowball said, hugging Angel

“Hello. It's nice to meet you,” Angel replied “Sorry. I'm a little old so I don't move all too well.”

“It's okay to me,” she offered “I'm just happy to have a home. Hi big brother.”

“Hi to you too,” Butch added

“Go away,” Shadow demanded, getting in her face “You don't belong here with us. Leave or else.”

“That's enough,” the male unicorn and pegasus stated together

“I don't care if you don't like it; she's staying with us,” the pegasus added “Besides; we could use a female; especially since Silverbelle passed away.”

“No. She doesn't belong here. No other female needs to be here,” Shadow argued

After spending some time running around the area; Snowball seemed to settle down and started trailing the pegasus around the house, along with sleeping with her daddy. Despite the enthusiasm of having a younger member of the family; Angel knew he was getting older and had to be careful to prevent injury while Snowball played with Butch, somewhat roughly.

“Ow,” Angel whined, as he fell

“Come on; I'll help you up,” the pegasus offered

“Thanks. My body's not as young as it used to be,” Angel replied, getting to his feet “I was just trying to go outside.”

"Alright. Let's go."

Upon getting his friend to his feet; the pegasus decided to float low enough to guide Angel outside. Seeing this; both unicorns decided to use a small levitation spell to act similarly to their son's actions.
Although having the help was great; Angel had a feeling his time was getting shorter and wanted to spend time at night looking up at the stars.

“I'll be joining you soon,” Angel whispered

As the two unicorns set out to get everyone fed for dinner; Angel was noticeably laying on the floor. In recent days; he'd taken to laying there as he didn't feel able to walk all too much.

“Dinner time if you're hungry,” the pegasus offered

“No thanks,” Angel replied weakly

“Sorry.”

●ANGEL●

“Angel,” a voice called gently “Are you ready?”

“Come on,” another voice added

“You're here,” Angel realized

“Of course we are,” a third said “All three of us came to see you join us.”

Standing next to the Grim Reaper were the figures of his wife, along with her mom and grandmother; all three with translucent wings. Angel gladly walked aside his guides as he took his place in Elysium.

●FAMILY●

After everyone finished their meals; the female unicorn checked on Angel; only to find him unresponsive.

“Goodbye old friend,” the pegasus said through tears “I love you.”

“We all love you so much,” the female unicorn added, wiping her eyes

Snowball headed over and gently nudged the body “Doggy daddy; wake up.”

“He won't wake up,” the unicorn offered

“Why not,” Snowball asked

“He's gone to a special sleep. One he won't wake up from,” came the answer

“Come on; let's get him buried,” the male unicorn stated

Butch gave his dad a final hug while Shadow kept himself isolated as usual. With the female unicorn leading; she and her husband gently carried the body outside and towards the same area Silverbelle was buried. The pegasus grabbed the shovel and got to work digging while trying not to let tears flood his vision.

"Goodbye old friend,” the pegasus started “We'll meet again.”

“We love you,” the unicorns added

Neither Butch or Shadow could offer any words as they waited inside for the burial to be completed.

Comments

[Bronycommander]

Very nicely! We should always pay respect to our pets. My cat, died in December 2012 due to a sickness. Had a cat before, had to be put to sleep due to an accident. The first cat of my family, died also to a sickness, I barely remember her, as she died when I was very young but my parents told me something fascinating.

Said cat was a stray cat that got into an animal shelter and was very grateful to be taken in by my parents. EVen developed a mother instinct fo me when I was born

[Anonomis]

10609504
Sorry to hear about your losses. I've had many dogs die including one that was over 15 when he went around Christmas a few years back. These were just the ones I decided to write about since a friend showed me MLP

[Anonomis]

Another one of my dogs just dies passed away yesterday on May 25 but there won't be another chapter in regards to that.

[Anonomis]

11252474
Now both of the dogs that were represented by the names 'Shadow' and 'Butch' have been reunited with their family in Paradise