Friendship Never Truly Dies
Princess Twilight Sparkle rose her tired, tall form from her bed as she looked out her window. The sun had just risen, and it shone brightly and happily over the clouded hearts of Equestria, even though just yesterday, they buried the last of a very beloved pony, a beautiful Pegasus by the name of Fluttershy. The animals she had cared for had not yet left the grave site, as if waiting or hoping she would rise up and hug them all and apologize for making them sad.
She slowly turned her gaze when she heard the double doors open and there stood Discord, who had in the years they lived together in the castle, along with the other Elements of Harmony, more than earned his right in her court. He had become a dear, dear friend and she needed him now more than ever as he snaked his body over to the bed and curled up around the alicorn, petting her mane soothingly with his claws as she cried into his chest.
"I know it hurts, Twilight... but I know you learned a long time ago that this is the price we pay for immortality..."
"I-I know...!" Twilight Sparkle sobbed, her wings shaking as she pressed her face against his chest, being careful with her horn. "I just... I don't understand why they couldn't... with me..."
"My dear Twilight, while our destinies were intertwined... that does not mean our own lives go on the same. Alicorns are rare creatures, and for good reason, you know this..." Discord sighed as he wrapped his talons and claws around the purple pony, giving her a gentle squeeze. "You just have to go on knowing that they lived full, happy lives and every moment you spent together will last in your memories."
"I just... I just wish... I could see them always... Seeing them... knowing they were there is what made me strong. What helped me believe solidly in my role and rule... Their friendship is what kept me sane, kept Equestria safe. They meant everything to me..."
"I know... that's why I have a surprise for you." Discord smiled when Twilight Sparkle's eyes lightened at this statement, then he unfurled from around her and lifted her up, carrying her through the castle and into the throne room. "I hope you don't mind that I did some redecorating..." He then gestured to beautiful stained glass windows that stood proud and tall behind each throne that the ponies sat upon, each masterpiece a true testament to the spirit of her friends. He then lifted a necklace adorned with each pony's Cutie Mark gem off of a pedestal and placed it around the alicorn's neck. His heart warmed when he heard her gasp in delight, hoping he had done well in healing some of her pain.
Twilight Sparkle stared at the gifts for several moments, then she swallowed hard and lowered her head, closing her eyes. "It's... they're beautiful, Discord... Thank you... But I... I can't do this alone... I was the princess of friendship... But my friends are..."
"Still here," Discord said, placing a claw to Twilight Sparkle's chest, then he sat down on her throne, placing the purple pony gently on the cushion beside him before tilting his head at her. "Friendship never ends, even when our friends are gone..." He paused, then smiled and added, "And you have me... I'm your friend, right? I'm happy to rule alongside you for millennia to come... we'll still have a lot of laughs and love to share, and even more memories to make between the two of us."
Twilight Sparkle furrowed her brow, then her expression slowly lightened, and her body, which had been tense since the funeral, slowly went lax. "You're... you're right... My role isn't over, even though they're gone... and I can trust in your friendship to keep me going... and the memories of my friends, as well... Do you know I can still hear Pinkie's laugh coming from down the hall, planning one of her amazing parties on the day I became an alicorn, doubled by the laughter of Cheese Sandwich whenever he popped into town every other year? Rarity's dramatics... especially the time when Pinkie accidentally dripped green paint all over her coat and mane... she was washing that stuff out for a week and refused to come out into public!"
She then gasped happily as she remembered even more of her good times with her friends in the castle, sitting up slightly and smiling, looking around the throne room.
"And even Rainbow Dash's cheering on Fluttershy as she tried to gain more confidence with her flying... and how it grew even louder as Fluttershy nearly became as great a flyer as Rainbow herself! She had worked so hard and it all absolutely paid off... Oh... and I can even still smell Applejack's delicious apple fritters from the kitchen...! Everything she made was so amazing, and I'm so glad I made her the court cook!" Her speech got faster and faster as the memories lightened her heart, but then her eyes flashed with realization and she lowered her head once more. "Oh, and Spike... how could I ever forget Spike? Even though he isn't dead, I... can't believe he grew too dangerous to stay in Ponyville... when he destroyed Rarity's shop, that's when we all knew he had to go..." She then pressed into Discord with a heavy sigh, closing her eyes as he wrapped his talons around her, a tear falling down her cheek as she curled up against him.
"And I assure you, Twilight, none of those memories will ever fade... and perhaps we can make the trip again next week in an attempt to see Spike and reason with him... I'm sure we've both picked up a thing or two from Fluttershy." Discord said with a quiet laugh, smiling down at her when she smiled up at him.
"I'd like that... thank you, Discord. You're the best."
"I do try my dear, I do try..."