From the outside, Fluttershy is a very quiet, sensitive, and timid pony with a few very close friends. Physically she has always been rather weak, and since she was a filly she has been made fun of for this. Many times she has inconvenienced others from her own fear or inability, and often she has been insulted. Although Fluttershy's friends try to be understanding, they also inadvertently show their frustration with her. Fluttershy herself never seems to make much of these responses, though, and appears quite light-hearted. However, inside she cannot help but hurt when she is made to feel like a burden to everypony. How much longer must she live like this? Fluttershy decides to make the answer for herself.

A thousand and some years ago, Princess Luna commissioned a group of researchers led by Aristrotle of Northern Equestria to study the phenomenon of death in ponies. She recognized the great importance of understanding what happens when a pony dies, and made it her priority to discover as much as possible about death. Over the course of twelve years, the researchers uncovered ancient writings on the matter, invented spells to further their knowledge, and ultimately spoke with the souls of dead ponies. Their findings are recorded here so that those ponies who so desire may better understand what comes after their life.