Path of Kindness and Blood

by CommanderX5

Friends - Burning Bridges

The rain outside the chapel fit the mood perfectly for not just the atmosphere of the funeral, but also the hearts of Sunflower and Little Seed. It had been heartbreaking to know that their friend had passed on, but to see her inside a coffin, smiling as if she was deep asleep, was too much for them to bare. No eyes were dry in the pews that stood before the deceased while the minister continued his speech. Sunflower and Little Seed, looked around, noticing that there weren’t many ponies attending. One of them, Ditzy Hooves, had introduced themselves as distant relatives of Flutterbat. It was strange that she never talked about her family, but it was the last thing on their mind.

“... thus as Ms. Flutterbat’s soul ascends into Elysium, we must not mourn that she is gone, but celebrate that she has lived a long life filled with joy and happiness,” finished the minister on his podium. “If anypony would like to come forward and say final farewells to Miss Flutterbat, now is the time.”

In attempt to be polite, the two friends decided to wait until the rest of the relatives had gone up to say their peace to Flutterbat’s body. Holding their hooves together, they continued to stare at their departed friend who wore a light mint green dress with red stripe down the sides. Her folded hooves held a single red rose, different from the dozens of lilies that surrounded the oak casket with red velvet cushions. Her smile was peaceful, but held a sadness to it that only made them cry harder.

They had demanded to know how long she had been sick, and it had turned out to be for months. According to what Derpy said, Flutterbat did her best to ensure that her friends were unaware of her condition until she would either recover or die. Although the two of them were angry after learning about this, they were even sadder to know that they weren’t with their friend in her final moments. From what was said, she died peacefully in her sleep.

Finally, after Ditzy Hooves walked away from the casket, it was their turn. Carrying the items they wanted to give their friend, they walked over to the casket and stared at their friend for the first time in a year and a half, while also the last time ever.

“H-hi, Flutterbat,” whispered Sunflower, who was finding it hard to stand. Her shaking knees would have collapsed if it wasn’t for the support of her friend. “I... I’m so sorry we weren’t there for you in your final moments. Why didn’t you tell us you were dying? Why let us find out like this?” She sniffed and rubbed her eyes. “I guess you didn’t want us to worry, huh? That’s so like you.” She pulled out a bouquet of flowers and gently placed them between Flutterbat’s hooves. Looking at her peaceful friend, she leaned down and nuzzled her forehead. “I just hope wherever you are, you’re at peace. Goodbye.”

Sunflower turned away and ran back to her seat in tears as Little Sun walked over and placed two objects in the coffin. The first was a small bag of bird seed, the same kind he used to give her in the old days. The second was a picture of the three of them, celebrating Flutterbat’s birthday a few years ago.

“Hey, Flutterbat. Guess you’ve gone to the big clouds in the sky, huh?” asked Little Seed, doing his best to keep calm. He tried to find the words to say something, but every time he opened his mouth, he just closed it a moment later. Finally, he shook his head and nodded. “You were one of the bestest friends I’ve ever had. I bet you’re up there taking care of animals like always, huh? Well, maybe when we die and meet you again, you’ll show us around the place?” He sighed before lowering his head and kissing her forehead. “Goodbye, Flutterbat. I’ll miss you.”

As he walked away, he didn’t see the small set of tears that dripped down the face of the ‘deceased’ pegasus.

Nopony said anything as the closed coffin was lowered into its grave, a thud echoing as it reached the bottom. One by one, the attendants threw flowers into the hole before walking away as it was covered in dirt.

Inside the coffin, Fluttershy held the precious gifts her best friends had given her and cried into her pillow. For one brief moment, she wished she could just pop the lid open and tell them the whole truth.

Yet all she could do was lie down and cry. Cry for her old life which now officially ended. Fluttershy’s life, however, had to continue. All she could do was wait for the diggers to come bring her out, and leave her empty grave forever.