> Funeral Of The Magic > by Starlight Uplifting > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Kindness > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Four past six. The birds didn't sing, and the trees were still. The feeling of impending rains were strong amid the morning air. In the small cottage, a pile of tissues that had been cried into sat upon a coffee table. A mare laid upon her couch. Her long pink mane flowing off the side of the seat. Her pale tone of yellow coat was being hit by the sun's spilt beams. Clouds sailed overhead, graying the sky to match the dismal tone of the day. The mare, properly known as Fluttershy, opened her eyes. I don't want to wake up....She thought. Shutting her eyes. Memories hit her like a tidal wave. It felt cold and dead. Thinking back to the last time they spoke. The last words of her friend. What could possibly go wrong? Everything went wrong. Fluttershy knew it was so. But refused to recognize her own part in the passing of her friend. Fluttershy got up, shaking away the sadness in her heart. Looking at the mess she made on the table. Sighing, she chose to ignore it. There were larger and more important situations approaching. She went to the bathroom. Aiming to clean up her mess of a mane. Picking up a brush, another memory came. Her and her friend's last spa day. The makeover was a fun thing to do. They always loved to do them on occasions. "What style should I try, Fluttershy?" "Up to you. You know I always pick a cute one." "Yeah, but I want to try something new..." "How about this one? The High Queen?" "Is that implying something?" "Maybe!" Why did that day have to be so memorable? How could it be so hard to tell the date and time that was? When they went and had so much fun? Just them both? Fluttershy brushed her hair. Putting it into the look she wanted to. A bun with parts on each side of her head. Perfect. She went to grab the gift she made. A hair clip. One with a butterfly on it. It was meant to symbolize her friend's gentle and calming way of going about things. Never impulsive. Always a smart mare. That friend was Twilight Sparkle. She was so nice to Fluttershy. During hard times and bad days. Twilight was the best friend Shy could ask for in life. Thinking of Twilight made Fluttershy begin to sob. Before she could stop herself it flooded out. Tears and sobs. Angel went to comfort her, but his efforts failed dramatically. She was inconsolable. Angel gave up and decided that she just needed to cry it out. Even bunnies understood pains. Fluttershy clasped her hooves close to her chest, and the clip was in her clutches. She slammed her eyes shut tightly. Paying no attention to the time. It passed 6:32 she had spent most of her morning in a state of reminiscence. Fluttershy went to town that morning. The clip was at her home. She didn't want to worry about it. It wasn't right to subject herself to a downpour of tears. While out and about, she ran into Applebloom. They began to chat, and Applebloom said that AJ was taking it as best she could. Apples rarely cried about things. And AJ always cried on the inside. Never aloud. It was refreshing to Fluttershy, to get the details on AJ's current state. It was a good way to feel better about her own issue. They parted ways, and Shy went into the Parchment Pavilion. The store was Twilight's favorite. She could spend hours scanning the shelves. Looking for new pens, papers, journals,and even scrolls. It was a delicate process for Twilight. She wouldn't do as Rainbow did, she wouldn't grab any old pen or paper package. She wanted to find the one. The specific piece she loved. When she found it she's bounce giddily on her hooves and levitate it with her. She'd buy it on the spot. And would always say "It will come in handy." Fluttershy giggled to herself. Testing the 'find the one' method. To write her eulogy. She didn't want any paper. She wanted the perfect paper. Scanning the shelf, she felt drawn to a thick and rough page of pink paper. It was perfect. The shade of Twilight's mane highlight, just a shade or two paler. It was the key to this. She grabbed the sheet, and paid for it. Rushing home to begin working on her speech. She trotted, feeling ready. Feeling a spark of distant hope that she could do this without error. A goal she was intent on doing right. A key asset in her grieving. To tell how things felt. She loved her friend. Not like a friend would. Like a desperate and shy lover would. Fluttershy wanted to confess, never got a chance before Twilight died. It was her last chance. She had to tell Twilight. Dead or alive. She hurried through the soothing countryside, and she never stopped walking. The plains highlighted by a sheeting pass of winds. No rains, as it was merely clouds. Her goal was a pride worthy one. Birds flew away, and Fluttershy felt a sheet of confidence. A shield against the grief. She smiled. For once in a long time, a smile took her face. It was the key to avoiding the heartbreak. Fluttershy, a newly confident mare, gazed to the skies. She looked at the clouds. Not the fliers. Not the birds. The clouds. They were a beautifully crafted collection of lovely pillows. Twilight would love to nap on those. Fluttershy thought, she opened her door and grabbed the clip. Sitting at her dining room table, getting to the writing as best as she could. It was her best written word. She smiled. Fluttershy had just made a great confession, a lovely speech. A kind of therapy for herself. A letter to her deceased crush. Twilight would've loved it. > Loyalty > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The early dawn was cracked with clouds and rays of faint rising sun. The light shooting through the window and resting on the shattered face of Rainbow Dash. Dash may have been a tough and well managed mare. But the circumstances wouldn't stop following her. The death of Twilight Sparkle. Her friend. After weeks and months and years. Rainbow found this goodbye to her dear friend the hardest to say. There wouldn't be a better time than now to explain to her friend just what she meant the last time the two of them had a good time. The duo were flying around the training grounds of the Wonderbolts Academy. "I hope you remember the tricks I taught you!" "Of course I do! I made detailed graphs and charts on the physics of them!" "Egghead. You were supposed to practice them, not analyze them!" "So what? It's just a set of tricks." "You really know nothing about what I mean do you?" "Huh?" Rainbow needed some time out. Away from home. But the early dawn wasn't too appealing. Maybe she should go bug Rarity, or chat with Fluttershy. No matter what Rainbow said to herself, she just sat in that chair, watching the sunrise. This was a bad day, one that would actually kill her soul. She stood up, grabbed a coat, and stepped into the front hall. This is where Twilight and their other friends threw that big party for her. The one when she had been accepted into the Wonderbolts. The memory made her smile. Just for a few seconds, she felt happy. And she came up with an idea for a parting gift. She went upstairs, grabbed an empty notebook, and began to write up complicated formulas, detailed graphs, and mathematical functions. She went from flying, to weather tech, to magic principals. If Twilight were alive, she'd be thrilled by the gift. Saying that she'd study it and even send it to national research centers for verification. Unfortunately, that won't happen. But maybe in her afterlife, Twilight can consult the famed Starswirl. Rainbow then wrote out her eulogy, telling her the truth. That she wasn't just a dull athlete. She was really smart. She could understand the things Twilight spoke of, even if she didn't care that day. It was all the same. A lesson in this or that. Here or there. Yes or no. Always a lesson. Rainbow learned many things on her own, but with Twilight's help, she could understand some things even better. Like foreign politics or economic structure. She smiled, embarking on a long rant. But she decided to cut out half the speech, to keep it focused on Twilight's assistance in her pursuit of knowledge. Some ponies might've claimed that Rainbow was full of it. But she was expressing an element of harmony. Honesty. She didn't want to hide behind a all play and no work exterior. She grabbed the notebook, and the speech. Put them in a saddlebag, and flew towards Ponyville. She gazed at the skies. They looked like Twilight. Shades of violet, blue, and pink filling the spaces between clouds. She chuckled at the thought, before sailing through the air into town. Looking around for those she recognized. And low and behold, Shining Armor was here. She had expected this. After Spike alerted her loved ones, he shut himself off from everyone. Nopony knew if he was okay in there. But Rainbow remained hopeful. He's fine, right? "Hey Rainbow Dash." Shining said, as if he had seen her land. "Oh, hey Prince Armor. I assume your here for the...funeral?" She responded. "Indeed. Poor Twily. She always seemed to know better..." He grumbled. Cadence walked up to comfort her husband, with a 7 year old Flurry Heart bouncing after her. "How you holding up, Princess Cadence?" Rainbow asked cautiously. "It's been surprising. I always expected Twilight to live longer than all of the other princesses. But I was proven wrong recently. I've been comforting Shining, calming Flurry, and running and empire. It's a mix from the worst of places. But I'm managing just fine." Cadence explained. "I guess I'm doing fine too. You knew Twilight longer than I did. And I'm sorry for your loss, Shining. I know she was a great sister. And you wanted to watch her till your end. But she would want you to move along. To care for Cady and Flurry. But if you feel the need to mourn. Grief is normal." Rainbow said kindly. With a brief wave, she walked around town. Like magic, a young familiar filly appeared. Scootaloo. Rainbow froze in her place and said "Hi Scootaloo." "Oh, hey Rainbow. I'm sorry for your loss. I know Twilight was an awesome friend." She says, sounding like the mature made she'd aged up to. At 18, Scootaloo and her friends seemed so mature. So ready for life. So lucky not to lose everything. But instead face new rewards and goals. "Thanks, wanna fly? Clear our heads?" Rainbow pitched the idea. But Scootaloo shook her head. "I'm going to help Applebloom and her family. They lost Granny Smith a few months ago, now Twilight. I need to be there for my best friends." Scootaloo's maturity shone like the sun. Which had risen to a morning glow. Rainbow nodded, understanding her choices. And walking along. Rainbow passed Carousel Boutique, Sugarcube Corner, The Schoolhouse, Sweet Apple Acres, and Fluttershy's cottage. She found herself stopping at a cart. The cart of the magician, Trixie. She knocked on the wall of the cart. After a light fumbling from inside the cart. Trixie opened up and seemed genuinely sorry for Rainbow. "Hey, I heard about what happened. Are you okay? Would you like some tea?" Trixie offered. Trying to make nice with a pony in a sad situation. "Sure. Mint tea is good. I'm doing okay." Rainbow climbed into the cart. The two mares spoke for a few hours. Calmly enjoying tea and making nice. Trixie was stunned when Rainbow did something strange. She asked the magician out on a date sometime. She agreed, but she said that they'd have to wait for a week. Give the funeral a bit of time to fade from others. Rainbow accepted these terms, and checked the time. Excused herself to go to the funeral. She walked towards the graveyard. The zigzags of sky blue between grey, white, and black, were a representation of her thoughts. Jumbled. > Generosity > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- The day of the funeral was drawing nearer, and though she was an ambitious mare. Rarity was struggling to complete her gift to her lost friend. It was hard enough to get up each day, but the reality that she was having the hardest time finishing a dress was jarring. She was always swift and efficient. Why was it harder this time? She asked herself that many times when suddenly she heard a voice speak from behind her. "Rarity?" The small, childish voice said. When she looked Rarity saw her younger sister's face. Sweetie Belle was just as distressed as Rarity felt. Because recently her friends were impacted by the loss. Twilight was close to Applejack and Rainbow Dash. Who had their ties to Scootaloo and Applebloom. "Y-Yes, Sweetie Belle?" She tried to sound calm, but there was a quiver to her voice. Sweetie Belle shyly dug at the carpet. "S-Spike needs a place to stay...since...well, Twilight is um..." Before Sweetie Belle could complete her sentence, Rarity shook her head, "I cannot take him in, Sweetie."Name "Why not?" Sweetie Belle asked, her big green eyes pleading with her sister to let her friend stay. But she didn't get an answer from Rarity. She simply looked down at the unfinished dress and ignored further questioning. Sweetie Belle gave a small sob and ran out of the room. Slamming the door, jolting Rarity slightly. Downstairs the front doors of the boutique opened and shut. "Trust me, Rarity. It's just a short trip. I'll be fine." A small reassuring smile, that was Twilight's best feature. Her priceless smile. "Darling, you know I'll worry either way. Saddle Arabia is so far away, and you know that it's going to be a tense interaction. Why does Celestia even need you to go with her?" Rarity was concerned. "To teach me a lesson about the difference between diplomacy and friendship, not that I didn't know the difference." Her laugh rang in Rarity's ears, easing her. "Perhaps I'm just a worrywart, I apologize." Rarity said, smiling sweetly. The first trip out of Equestria Twilight took. Rarity remembered worrying when she told her, but when she came back, the relief was overwhelming. Twilight was a smart girl. Or was she really? She did die, attempting something daring and unpredictable. 'How dare you insinuate she was a fool,' Rarity thought to herself, 'She was a brilliant mare. She stood up, and walked into the hallway, abandoning her project for a mere moment. She needed to do something. Anything to ease the anguish in her head. A walk maybe. No...too easy. She suddenly thought about something, and darted out of the boutique, rushing past a young mare. The mare, Octavia, was confused and startled, but Rarity had no time for an apology as she booked it to the desecrated remains of the library. Passing through town, several things caught her eye. Rainbow Dash, Princess Cadence, and Twilight's Brother were all talking to each other. Fluttershy was walking from a quill and sofa shop, and yet nobody addressed the running mare. Rarity remembered that there was one thing that Twilight had a significant attachment to. Her element of harmony. Magic. And with her eyes locked on the ruins, she went into the charred and partly collapsed library. She immediately thought of where it would be. And began her search through the piles of memories. The book about slumber parties. A reminder that Rarity and Applejack could get along if necessary. A ball that seemed to be one of Pinkie's many. There were so many things here, and yet. Rarity needed none of them. They all served no purpose but to harm her. She finally climbed the fragile stairs to the loft where Twilight used to sleep, before her eternal slumber began. The nightstand was knocked sideways, the bed was charred and the sheet was thrown aside. Presumably by the blast that ended Twilight's life. She was lucky to not be vaporized by her experiment. Though that made Rarity realize it. Her friend was experimenting with magic in the library basement. She spun around, running down the weak stairs without caring. Flinging aside a broken door. But before she could move further her mind stopped, and imagined what happened. The explosion started in the basement, launching Twilight at the wall. Devastating her equipment, and burning up the stairs, blasting the door open and expanding throughout the building, the front door blowing open as books suffered the fate of historical libraries in ancient kingdoms. The sculpture in the middle of the room cooked as is sailed up, bombing out windows and ignited branches of the Golden Oak exterior. Twilight was assumed to have died instantly from the burns and force. But had she lasted, she would hear the near death of Spike. Who had to escape out to the deck, the explosion detonating the glass and wood door and launching Twilight's telescope over the railing. The bed space that Twilight and the dragon shared being ruined. Leaving the explosion to barge out the last window, the one with the view of the moon. But Rarity was only guessing. She was in Canterlot the night of. To a degree, she wished she was there to see what happened, maybe to save her friend's life. How she didn't save herself when things were going wrong was unknown. Was it an intentional act to hurt herself. Rarity pondered as she stepped into the darkness of the basement. She illuminated her horn, to see the space she was in. But her eyes widened as she realized how much shattered glass was decorating the stone floor. But her eyes fell upon a thing in the midst of the glass. The gleaming pieces of the crown that once held Twilight's element. It hurt to see it destroyed. But still shimmering in the dismal light of her horn. Rarity used her magic to clear a path through the glass, and walked to the broken crown. A waste basket that looked as though a beast chewed it lay in the corner. The table that once held the equipment was partly destroyed. The table's legs the only remaining parts. She couldn't believe it. This was once the lab that Twilight used to analyze Pinkie Sense, to record her magic research, to see the difference between magic and chemicals. She was a true researcher, despite being a bit off and still having her friends. Rarity wanted to cry, and beg the world for her friend back, but it would solve nothing. She found herself looking closely for any sign of written word, but paper was quick to ignite. There was no way any papers survived. With the knowledge she had she left the room and on the ground floor of the library, Rarity stared at the room. Her broken heart was strangely motivated to get back to the boutique and finish the dress. She knew what she needed to make it look like, she had a plan. With that she gave a tearful smile at the ruins and ran out to go home. A new goal was set in mind. A beautiful but simple gown in a dark blue with pink lace trim and a violet ribbon round the midsection. Yes, that's what she must make. No more wasting time, no more lagging on memories. It's time. > Honesty > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- She always told Twilight it was foolish to assume things. It makes an arse of her and others. She never quite listened. Today was a big day, and with a heavy heart, Applejack had to rise early to prepare the grave in Ponyville. Her parents were firm on wanting her to be buried where she ruled, rather than where she grew up. Applejack understood the sentiment. She'd have been angry if she'd passed away and was buried in Manehattan. Too far from what she lived for. The scent of apple cider and dirt. A real earthy feeling. She gazed out the window, while styling her mane into her signature braid. Twilight loved mornings. A fresh start. "Applejack, I'm surprised you're a morning pony." She smiled as she said it, walking alongside Applejack. "I can't just lay in bed all mornin', where there are trees there are jobs to be done. Ya' hear?" Applejack said, with a chuckle. Twilight beamed at her. "Finally, somepony gets me. I always tell ponies that mornings are the perfect start for anything, but they never listened. Bet my brother's still the type to fill out reports at 9:13 pm instead of clearing hem first thing!" She laughed, her eyes squinting shut cutely as she did. Applejack was fascinated at how quickly a posh, learned mare had changed to feel so homey and real. Perhaps it took a while to bring her around and make a difference. She used to organize everything, but now she really just makes a to do list and decides what to do each day. "So, ya said ya were goin' to be taking a trip out to Canterlot. Visiting family?" Applejack questioned. "Well, that, and I have a huge meeting with the councilponies and the royal family. It's a big deal, because we're....well. No. The reason is not important. But it's a big deal, it'll affect a lot of ponies. I'm hoping the right decision is put in place, you know?" "Of course, everypony counts on y'all to keep things orderly. And don't be too worried, sugarcube. I read the newspaper, I know there's a lot going on up there." Applejack cast a glance to the nation's capitol in the distance. "It'll be okay, Applejack. I promise." I promise. What was it with ponies making brazen promises in the hope of cheering others up? Pinkie Pie did that, but she always kept hers. Not that Twilight knew she'd die, she made a promise to keep Applejack in a good mood. The stairs creaked beneath Applejack, and she heard soft chatter in the kitchen. She quickly grabbed the newspaper and went into the dining space. There were Granny and Mac. Applebloom went with her friends to set up a memorial service at the schoolhouse, Applejack heard them leave. "Mornin'." Applejack said, trying to keep a normal feeling in the house. She opened the newspaper, and the conversation faded. The news was a mix of sorrow and situations. Applejack couldn't be bothered to finish the first page. The turmoil in Canterlot was on the verge of overboard. The royalty weren't sure how to handle anything right now. "Hey, Twi. I never got around to tellin' ya that I appreciated you helping Applebloom with her science homework again." "Oh that was nothing, honestly." She said, a modest hoof gesture accompanying the statement. "Oh please, just take a compliment, Twilight. It's what you've earned. You help so many ponies, ya know?" Applejack retorted, shaking her hoof with her back turned. She was loading a wagon to take to the apple stall in town. "Right, right. Sorry. I just never got used to ponies feeling like they owed me thanks." "Well. I shoulda thanked ya quite a few times. But I figured you wouldn't want to hear it. So I thank you on behalf of my family rather than personally. You've done a little somethin' for all of us, one way or another." Applejack said, looking back at her. "Really?" The shovel drove into the plot laid for Twilight's burial. Applejack was sweating but some would've seen it as crying. She'd refuse to admit her sadness at the loss, but her motivation was always to focus on the future and not the past. She was grinding away at the work she'd been tasked with for a half hour, and finally had it deep enough. She sighed slowly. Looking into the empty grave space. "Mama and papa were buried here too, Twilight. And ya know, I'll miss ya just as much as I miss them, sugarcube." She said to the lonely tombstone. The stone that was carved by Celestia herself. It read like any other way tombstone would, but something about it made Applejack certain that a tear or two had been laid upon it when carving. She climbed from the grave and gave it one more look. "I'll be right back, sweetheart. Mama and I are gonna bring home ya little sister. I promise." "It'll be okay Applejack, I promise." Applejack felt tears in her eyes and silently passed her friend's grave, approaching the pair of graves. Labeled simply with the positives about the poor ponies who lay buried under them. The names were ones she'd heard a thousand times. "Bright Mac" and "Buttercup". Applejack took off her hat and said, "I'm doin' my best, Papa. I miss you and Mama so much. I'm sure you can see what I've had to do. Diggin' the hole of my friend. I hope you greet her in the next realm, you two. Let her stay close to you. So someday I can see y'all again..." "She needs friends up there."