Sad But True

Sad But True
~ShadowBrony~

In the land of Equestria,young fillies and colts don't learn about death until the coming of age. Stallions and mares don't want their young to be sad, scared or worried about the Sad Truth but rather they be happy and not worry about it.When the ponies come of age they are told the Sad Truth.They are told that the spirits of the dead go to a paradise that is much happier than that of Equestria.For over a millenium, this tradition is still passed on. In the small town of Ponyville, no young pony ever had to witness the sad truth before the coming of age...until now.
                               
                                     CHAPTER 1
It was a cool and cloudy morning in Ponyville.The only sound was a couple birds chirping and could barely feel the gentle breeze.The town itself wasn't busy nor was it deserted, overall things were smooth. At the house on the edge of the town was the home of the purple-maned orange pegasus: Scootaloo.She was peacefully sleeping until she let out a gentle yawn, stretched her arms and sat up.She had a small grin on her face that turned into a big smile.
"Today's the day I finally get to hang out with Rainbow Dash!" She said to herself.
She threw over the covers and walked threw the hallway to the kitchen.There sitting at the table was her parents (Yes. She actually has parents in this story! Yay!) breakfast at the table.
"Morning dad! Morning Daddy!" She said enthusiastically.
"Morning Scoot." "Morning sweetie." They said back.
"Can I go to rainbow Dash's now?"
"Not until you have some breakfast first." One of her parents said.
Scootaloo sat on a pillow and the whole time talked of what she planned to do today.When she fininshed eating she asked once again if she could go to Rainbow dash's place.
"Oh alright.But don't be gone until night.You have school in the morning."
Scootaloo went to give a tight, loving hug to her parents.
"Thanks dad! Thanks Daddy! See you guys later.
"Love you Scoots." "Be safe."
She put on her helmet and grabbed her scooter then rode off.

Scootaloo was so excited to finally do something with Rainbow Dash that she couldn't stop smiling.Wile riding to Rainbow Dash's, she performed stunts on and over typical village things like carts and stands, getting interested or angry looks. But She didn't care. Today was too important.While scooting, she came across her two best friends; Applebloom and Sweetie Belle.
"Hey Scootaloo!" Sweetie Belle yelled. "We're playing hide and seek tag. Wanna play?"
"No thanks girls. I got plans with Rainbow Dash today but we can play another time."
"Alright Scootaloo, seeya." Applebloom shouted.She continued scooting until she reached Rainbow Dash's cloud mansion in the sky.Her heart leaped. She held onto her scooter tight and flew as best as she could up to the mansion.
She stuffed her scooter and helmet into a cloud bush in fear of it getting stolen. After that she went up to the double front doors and knocked.She had a big grin on her face waiting for Rainbow Dash to open the door. After some seconds she knocked again.
"Hey Dash it's Scootaloo, you home? I'm ready to try all those wicked tricks you showed me."
There was no reply.She turned one of the knobs and to her surprise it was unlocked.She nervously looked around and when she realized that nopony was looking, she went in.She thought that if Rainbow Dash wasn't here then she would wait for her. This was Scootaloo's first time being inside Rainbow Dash's home.The first room was pretty large, clean and homey. Scootaloo felt like royalty being inside.Sense she was waiting for Rainbow Dash she decided to stroll about the mansion, even if it made her a little nervous.
She niticed a staircase going up but chose to look around the first floor first.She proceeded to the kitchen.Not much to see but dished and a table. She went to a garage-like room that just held some storage.She didn't feel like digging through it so she went back to the entrance room. She saw the stairs again and swiftly made her way up.
On top was a long hallway with two doors on each side and another staricase going up all the way at the end.
She thought for a minute and chose to go through the door on the left first.Inside was an indoor pool of rainbows that made its way to the outside as a waterfall. There was also some soap and towels.Scootaloo wanted to get in but still had some exploring to do. Also, she would leave hoof prints getting out showing evidence that she was snooping.She left the room and closed the door behind her.
She went and opened the right door this time. When she opened it her excitement grew fast. She was now standing in Rainbow Dash's room. To Scootaloo it was the most exciting room yet. There was a Wonderbolts poster on each wall and there was even a little Soarin sitting on an unkept queen-sized bed. There was a small bookshelf on the wall and on it sat the entire collection of the Daring Do series.
"I didn't even know she liked to read" Scootaloo thought to herself.
There was a mirror on the wall and Scootaloo noticed something taped to it. It was a photograph. On it was a light yellow pony with a light pink mane. There was writing on the photo that said:"Love you forever Dash. Fluttershy." Scootaloo couldn't help but let out a small 'awww!'.
Then a noise started which made Scootaloo jump. She turned around and saw that it was Rainbow Dash's pet turtle Tank coming from under the bed.
"Oh her there little guy." She took some salad from a table and gave some to Tank. Then she left the room and closed the door. That's when she turned her attention toward the 3rd
floor.
She went up the second stairs and found herself in a giant attic with two huge windows on each side. It was dark because the weather got cloudier making the attic varios shades of grey. Scootaloo was disappointed to only find some boxes. She turned back to go back down but before she did she stopped, and notices something on the other side of the attic, something...blue. She headed toward the thing and stopped when she realized what was on the ground...Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo's excitement grew.
"Hey Dash there you are! I tried knocking but I guess you can't hear it up here."
Rainbow Dash didn't reply.
"Hey Dash, wake up. It's almost noon. We got lot's to do and...why are you sleeping up here anyways?"
There was no answer. This time Scootaloo softly bumped her to get her to 'wake up'.
"Hey Dash, were you up all night or something?"
Once again, no answer. This time Scootaloo made more of an effort to push her.
"Hey Dash, are you mad at me for coming up here without asking?" Scootaloo's heart sank thinking that Rainbow Dash was upset with her for something.
"Dash...please don't be mad at me...forgive me if I did anything and...we're still friends...aren't we Dash?" Scootaloo was feeling sad now and she was holding what tears she had in her eyes. She had it in her mind that Rainbow Dash really didn't like her, let alone spend a day with her. Scootaloo even thought that she was hiding in the attic pretending to sleep just to avoid her.
"Nevermind. I thought you liked me." Scootaloo said quietly, wiping her eyes trying to hide the sadness. She rushed out of the cloud mansion, got her things and went back to the surface. With her heart beating fast and determination, she decided to go to Twilight's house to see if she knew why Rainbow Dash was acting this way. She chose Twilight because she lived the closest. Scootaloo past by things that could be used as ramps but didn't do any tricks. She was in no mood. She didn't even ride fast she was so down in the dumps. She got to Twilight's and hid her things in a bush. She knocked but when the door opened it wasn't Twilight but Spike the dragon.
"Oh hey Scootaloo. What's going on?"
"Hey spike. Is Twilight home?"
"Yea, come in." Spike said looking confused.
When She came in she saw Twilight not dealing with books as usual, but relaxing on the sofa with a drink.
"Oh hello Scootaloo. How's it going?" Twilight said.
"Bad."
"Why bad?" Twilight said looking less at peace.
"It's Rainbow Dash. I don't thinks she likes me anymore."
"Why would you think that? She didn't...yell at you did she?"
"That;s just it. She kept ignoring me. But before that she was hiding from me."
"Mmm that does seem kind of rude. Did she do anything else?"
"No but we planned to do stuff today."
"Don't tell me she just got your hopes up to shoot them down?"
"I don't know. I hope not." Scootaloo said getting teary. Twilight quickly stood up.
"C'mon. We're gonna straited this out. You coming Spike?"
"Oh no. I don't wanna get in a big conflict." Spike said.
"Suit yourself."
Twilight and Scootaloo left. Scootaloo didn't bother getting her things because she didn't want to worry about Twilight being slow.
"I'll just come back for it later." Scootaloo thought to herself.
"Element of Loyalty my hoof!" Twilight huffed.
"Wait, you guys arent getting in a big fight are you?" Scootaloo asked.
"Of course not. We'll just work the problem out. Violence is never the answer." That statement made Scootaloo feel more comfortable but she was still nervous because she didn't know what would happen.
"Her house is kinds far from here. I hope I'm not wasting your time."
"Oh sweetie, you never have to worry about wasting my time. Besides, i wasn't doing anything today anyway. Plus I know another way." Twilight said with a clever expression. Her horn lit up and sparks started coming out rapidly until there was a big flash.

Scootaloo opened her eyes. She and Twilight were now at the door of the cloud mansion.
"Oh! I forgot you could do that. Heh heh..."
"Yup!"
Twilight knocked hard on the mansion doors and yelled for Rainbow Dash but no answer came.
"Hey Rainbow Dash, open up! You have some explaining and apologizing to do!" Twilight yelled.
Still nothing.
"Uh Twilight, when I was here the door was unlocked and I just went in." Scootaloo said with guilt.
"Oh well then in that case," Twilight said opening the door.
They both went in and immediately Twilight started snooping and Scootaloo was too nervous to do anything. Twilight walked to the kitchen, to the garage, and back to the main room.
"Not down here. Lets check upstairs."
Scootaloo did what Twilight said and followed her to the 2nd floor. Twilight chose to look in Rainbow Dash's room first. Twilight made a quick look around and suddenly notices the picture of Fluttershy on the mirror. She only looked at it for a second with no reaction and continued looking around.
"Does she already know Rainbow and Fluttershy love each other?" Scootaloo thought to herself. She wondered if everypony knew. She was thinking about it hard until the sound of Twilight opening the door to the pool room.
She hurried to Twilight who had already decided that nopony was in there. They left that room and Twilight immediately turned her head toward the stairs going to the attic.
"If she's here at all then she must be up there." Twilight said.
"That's where she was when I was here." Scootaloo said.
"Perfect." Twilight said with a determined look. Twilight walked to the stairs confidently with Scootaloo following nervously.
"Hey Dash." Twilight huffed as she walked up. They were both up there. Twilight looked around but couldn't find anypony. She was about to go back down when she saw Scootaloo looking intentively at something. Twilight looked up and she went from looking angry to horrorstruct. Twilight was looking at Rainbow Dash who was still lying in the same spot as before. Twilight went and stood next to Rainbow Dash looking closely at her. Suddenly Twilight lifed her head and tears were falling from her eyes. This happening, Scootaloo went from nervous to confused.
"Twilight, what wrong?" Scootaloo said coming closer to her. Twilight just remained silent slightly shaking in sadness.
"Twilight?"
Twilight started crying out loud with tears falling from her face.
"R-Rainbow Dash...why?" Twilight said sobbing. Scootaloo's adrenaline got pumping again.
"Twilight, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" Scootaloo said desperately. Twilight couldn't respond. She just leaned over Rainbow Dash crying until she could calm down. Scootaloo was wondering if Twilight was doing this to make Rainbow Dash feel guilty for ignoring her.
"why? Why? Why?" Twilight cried wile hugging Rainbow Dash.
"Um Twilight...what's wrong with Rainbow Dash?" Twilight let go of Rainbow Dash, wiping her eyes and sniffled.
"Well Scootaloo...I thinks it's time you learned about the Sad Truth. You see...The reason Rainbow Dash didn't respond to you if because..." Twilight began to break into tears again.
"Scootaloo. Rainbow Dash...is...dead." Twilight couldn't stand to hear what she just said so stared balling again.
"What does that mean?"
"You see, when a pony dies they stop moving, breathing, and overall, they stop living."
"Okay but...I don't really get what your saying."
"Well, when a pony lives, our spirit exist inside our bodies and uses them as a shell."
"So you mean we're all ghost?"
"Kind of. But we're born as physical bodies. But like I said, they're just suits for our souls."
"But can't Dash just come back to her body?"
"I'm afraid not, Scootaloo. There's no known way to bring back the dead. Nopony will ever see them again." Twilight said with sadness in her throat.
"So Rainbow Dash will never wake up? And she can never talk again?" Scootaloo said sounding really bummed out.
"I'm afraid so."
Scootaloo pointed to Rainbow Dash with sadness in her throat as well.
"So this isn't Dash but her body?"
"You have the right idea." twilight said. Scootaloo often wanted to keep Rainbow Dash as her own but this isn't what she had in mind.
"So whats gonna happen to her body?
"Well when a pony dies, there body stops functioning and it begins to rot until they're just bone....kinda like an apple that fell off a tree. For so long ponies put the bodies of their loved ones in coffins and then bury them underground.
When Twilight said that Scootaloo started crying so she gave her a caring hug. The thought of Rainbow Dash being put in a coffin like a vampire, rotting like a zombie until she was a skeleton was too much for Scootaloo to bare so began crying harder than ever. Twilight just kept hugging her and telling her that everything would be alright, even thought she was crying as well.
"So (sniff) when somepony dies they just (sniff) rot in a box until they're nothing? Is that gonna happen to me?!" Scootaloo cried loudly. She had no hope left.
"No because when a pony dies, they go to a heavenly paradise that's a much happier place than here.
"So If I die...then...I'll be in the same place as Rainbow?" Scootaloo said with tiny hope.
"That's right. Even if it's until your old, you will see Rainbow Dash in that paradise. It will be many years until you die but the waiting is worth it.

It is at this point that Scootaloo knows of and understands the Sad Truth: Death. Scootaloo didn't know what was worse: the pony that was like a sister to her is gone and wouldn't see her for a very long time, of the fact that she would someday meet the same fate. Scootaloo had many years ahead of her but she felt dead none the less.
"C'mon Scootaloo. We'll have to tell everypony." Twilight said.
Twilight's horn started sparking again followed by a bright flash.
                                   
                                    CHAPTER 2
Scootaloo opened her eyes and found that she, Twilight, and the body of Rainbow Dash were in the library, in Twilight's room. Twilight lay Rainbow Dash on her bed and immediately went down stairs.
"Spike."
"Woah! when did you get back Twilight?"
"Just now. Listen, I need you to go get our friends. Tell them to get here right away."
"What happened?"
"I'll tell you when everypony gets here."
Spike left to go get Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy. Twilight went to go sit on the sofa. She stopped crying but she still looked pretty sad. Scootaloo sat next to her and waited.
"I can't believe shes gone." Scootaloo mumbled. Twilight gave her another hug but it was mostly to make herself feel better. since they both had to wait they talked about times they had with Rainbow Dash: hard, funny, and sad times. They were both feeling a bit better listening to funny times and even cracked a laugh or two.
"Hey Twi? Can I go look at Dash?"
"Of course."
She got up to Twilight's room and approached  the bed where Rainbow Dash lay face up. Scootaloo looked down upon her and didn't say anything for a bit.
"I'm gonna miss you Dash..." She put her face into her arms and leaned on Rainbow Dash's chest hiding her tears.
"I miss you Rainbow...so much!"
All the times Scootaloo felt bad about not having a cutiemark, this topped it. She never felt worse in her life. She cooled down a bit and went back downstairs and saw Twilight still sitting on the couch. Scootaloo didn't feel like sitting so she just wondered about the library. After a few minutes the door opened.
"Twilight, I'm back." Spike said.
"Everything alright sugarcube?" Applejack asked.
"Spike said it was really important." Rarity added.
"It is...everypony, something very terrible has happened...I'm not sure how to say it but...I'll just show you. It would be better if you saw for yourselves. Scootaloo, come help me out." Twilight said.
"Wait! Wheres Rainbow Dash?" Pinkie asked. Twilight and Scootaloo exchanged looks and not answering the question.
"Everypony wait down here for a second." Twilight said as she and Scootaloo went with her. They got back to her room and Twilight whispered to Scootaloo to help her carry Rainbow Dash. When they carried her downstairs everypony's looks went from confused to worry and shock.
"Oh my goodness! What happened to Rainbow Dash?" Fluttershy panicked. Twilight didn't answer but looked at Fluttershy sadly.
"Um Twilight, please tell me shes just passed out or in a sleep spell?" Rarity asked.
Twilight simply nodded no which Rarity was afraid of, what they were all afraid of. While Twilight was trying to avoid any eye contact, especially with Fluttershy, she whispered:
"Everypony,our good friend Rainbow...is..." Everypony leaned forward, wide eyed knowing pretty sure what twilight was going to say. Even more quietly Twilight finished her sentence.
"Dead."

Applejack was getting teary. She buried her face into her hat to cry into it. Rarity put her hoofs over her mouth in shock for she was getting teary as well. Pinkie's face looked like a child's face watching their parents fight. Her cotton candy-styled mane turned strait and fell towards the floor. Spike was trying to hid his sadness but wasn't doing a very good job. Fluttershy's face grew cold, dead if you will. She literally almost couldn't believe what she had just heard.
"Scootaloo found her in her house and came to me afterwards to tell me." twilight explained.
"So wait. Scootaloo knows the sad truth?" Applejack asked.
"Yes I explained every bit of detail."
"I...I don't understand...how could this happen...why would this happen?" Pinkie mumbled. "I don't know. Shes not bruised or cut, there wasn't any blood, It's a mystery..." Nearly everypony was crying at this point. Pinkie was sitting on the floor crying the loudest. The only one not crying was fluttershy. However, she looked as though she had never known happiness.
"We'll discuss what we're going to do, but first, I'm going to take Scootaloo home. It's getting late."
"We'll try to think of something while your gone." Applejack said.
"Wait why can't I stay?" Scootaloo asked.
"It's getting late and your parents will be worried. besides, discussing a funeral isn't a topic for young fillies to worry about...I'll be back shortly everypony. Wile everypony was trying to comfort each other Twilight and Scootaloo left.
"Wait. Let me get my stuff." Scootaloo said as she got her scooter and helmet. After that they slowly went back to Scootaloo's house.
                               
                                   CHAPTER 3
Twilight and Scootaloo arrived at her house. Twilight raised a hoof to knock but Scootaloo stopped her.
"You can just come in if you want." Scootaloo said as she entered. Twilight followed her in. Scootaloo's parents were in the room when they walked in. They saw Scootaloo come in with an adult so they were concerned that Scootaloo might have done something wrong.
"Hello. You must be Scootaloo's parents?"
"Uh yes. Are you a friends of Scootaloo? one of her parents asked.
"Yup. I'm Twilight Sparkle."
"Hey there. I'm Fire Gem and this is my husband Dust Cloud." Scootaloo's dad said.
"Pleased to meet you."
"Did you bring Scootaloo home? Has she done something wrong?" Dust Cloud asked.
"Not at all...but something terrible has happened. You see... Scootaloo and I's friend Rainbow Dash, well...she...died." Twilight nervously said. Both of her parents looked at Twilight with worried look on their faces and to each other.
"You see, Scootaloo went to Rainbow's house and found her dead but she thought Rainbow was ignoring her so she came to me to see if I could reason with her. When I saw what happened to Rainbow Dash I had to explain to her the Sad Truth...I hope you guys won't be angry at me for telling your daughter at an early age."
"Not at all. There was really nothing else you could have done but...does she understand the Sad Truth well?" Fire Gem asked.
"She actually caught on pretty fast."
"But how did she die?" Dust Cloud asked.
"It's unknown. Clues are still waiting be found." Twilight said. Dust cloud turned to his daughter and asked:
"Sweetie, are you gonna be alright?" Scootaloo was staring at the ground looking tired but sad at the same time.
"I guess." Scootaloo said with sadness in her voice. She couldn't hide it. She started crying and went to Dust cloud for comfort. She hugged him and he did the same. Everypony in the room felt sorry for Scootaloo.
"C'mon sweetie. let's go get comfortable. Fire Gem said taking her to her room.
"We'll probably have the funeral in a day or two." Twilight said.
"Sounds good. We'll both be there to give Scootaloo some support." Fire Gem said. Dust Cloud came back into the room to get a drink and a muffin for Scootaloo.
"Do you want anything while your here?" Fire gem asked.
"Thanks but I'm not hungry at the moment." Twilight said. But at any rate, it was nice meeting you guys."
"Like wise." "You too" Scootaloo's parents said.
"Well I'll see you guys later. Tell Scootaloo I'm sorry for what happened.
"You got it."
Twilight went back to her house where everypony wait for her return.

Fire Gem went into Scootaloo's room to see her lying in her bed, her tears dried up.
"Is everything alright in here?
"Yea. I gave her a snack and she settled down a bit."
"Hey pumpkin, Twilight said that she was sorry for what happened. I want to say the same thing."
"Is she still here?" Scootaloo asked.
"No she left."
"Oh."
"Anyway, the funereal will happen in a day or two so we can go see Rainbow for the last time and again at the graveyard."
"A what?"
"A graveyard is a place where all the dead are buried." Fir Gem said. This didn't make Scootaloo comfortable. The thought of being around other dead ponies was gross to her. Plus, one dead pony was hard enough to think about.
"So when are we going to see Dash again?" Scootaloo asked.
"Twilight said it would be a day or two but she would come by when it's time."
"Are you gonna be alright hon?" Dust Cloud asked.
"Yea."
"Just remember what we said before: we will always love you no matter what."
"That's right. And maybe tomarrow we can take you to your favorate place to eat or buy that nice scooter you've been eying."
"Really?" Scootaloo said cheering up a bit.
"Sure. But remember what your father said, that us loving you is more important."
"I know." Scootaloo said with a smile. With that her parents kissed her on the head and wished her a good nights sleep. They left the room and closed the door.
"You really think she'll be alright? She's too young to have to deal with this." Dust Cloud said.
"I sure hope so. I just hope she doesn't get depressed for life or anything like that." Fire gem replied." I'm going for a walk." Fire Gem added.
"Where are you going?"
"I need to tell Ms Cheerilee that Scootaloo won't be at Scool for a couple days."
"Hey good thinking." Dust Cloud said. Meanwhile Scootaloo lay in bed looking at the ceiling. She couldn't sleep. Not only was her whole day ruined, but she felt her whole life was ruined as well. She turned to her side and moped herself to sleep.

                                    CHAPTER 4
Twilight got back to the library where everypony waited.
"Hey everypony. Do we know what we're going to to yet?" Twilight asked.
"Well we sent a letter to the princess telling her what happened." Applejack said.
"Did she reply back?"
"You bet. She wrote in her letter that she would send word to everypony who knew Rainbow. She also said that she would be the speaker at the funeral. Also that the memorial will happen tomorrow in the castle at noon." Applejack read aloud.
Twilight notices Fluttershy sitting by the wall staring at the floor.
"Fluttershy are you doing ok?" Twilight asked. Fluttershy didn't answer. She just lifted her head a bit to stare at the now deceased Rainbow Dash. She was silently crying only making quiet sniffling noises. Everypony got close to hug her. They all assured her that everything would be alright.
"Applejack, Rarity, what are you going to tell Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle when you leave for the memorial?" Twilight asked.
"Mmm...Ah reckon I'll tell Apple Bloom that ah went to see some friends."
"I might tell Seetie Belle that I went to see an important client."
"...Oh No! What if Scootaloo tells them what happened?" Twilight panicked. Applejack and Rarity looked at each other with worry.
"Wait. Nevermind. I'll just make sure to tell her it's important not to tell them."
Rarity and Applejack felt relieved. Suddenly there came a knock on the door. Spike went to open it and to everypony's surprise, it was none other that Princess Celestia. Twilight looked dumbstruct.
"P-Princess? Twilight stuttered.
"Good evening everypony. I came to help with the preperations and to see where Rainbow Dash currently is." Celestia said. Twilight led her to the couch where the dead Rainbow Dash lay. Celestia didn't react right away but with her being alive for more than 1,000 years, she might be used to the sad truth.
"Oh...my." Celestia said getting teary herself. Her tears were the sparkliest things any of them have ever seen.
"Well...anyhow, I invite you to come and stay at the palace tonight so it can be easier for you to be ready for tomorrow." Celestia said.
"Oh thank you, princess." rarity thanked.
"It's quite alright."
"Um princess?" Twilight asked.
"Yes my faithful student?"
"Dealing with death is only for those who have come of age but Scootaloo, a young filly, had to learn about the Sad Truth today and Rainbow Dash meant the world to her. So, would you be alright if she came to the memorial, funeral and the graveyard?" Twilight asked.
"Of course. It would actually be better that way so she could see Rainbow Dash for the last time."
"Thank you princess."
"Now then, is everypony ready to depart?" Celestia asked.
"When ever you are, princess." Twilight said.
"As I'll ever be." Applejack said.
"Of course." Rarity added.
"Yup." Spike said.
"I guess so." Pinkie croaked. Fluttershy simply nodded. With that, Celestia nodded too and with a spark from her horn there was a bright flash and there were instantly in the palace, including Rainbow Dash.
Everypony was in a giant guest room with enough beds for all of them.
"You can all sleep here tonight. If anypony needs to use the restroom or get some food then go down the long hallway outside the door and take a left. As you are, I will be going to bed so if anypony needs anything, Princess Luna will be more than happy to help you. Oh, and I will be taking Rainbow Dash with me to prepare for the days to come." Celestia finished and disappeared along with Rainbow Dash. For the rest of the time they were quiet. They somewhat talked until they got tired enough to fall asleep.

                                    CHAPTER 5
Nopony slept well that night. Twilight had dreams of mythical creatures being conquered by Rainbow. Applejack had dreams of competing with Rainbow. Rarity was dreaming of making numerous rainbow dresses that kept reminding her of Rainbow Dash. Spike was dreaming of Rainbow flying him through the sky. Pinkie was dreaming of pranking around with Rainbow. And Fluttershy...Fluttershy kept dreaming of being with Rainbow, each a different scene of romantic atmosphere and quickly changingto visions of Rainbow Dying. each scene of love and death were different than the last. All of these visions woke her up in a cold sweat. She was breathing hard and looked around and notices her friends were still sleeping. She quietly got out of bed to get a drink of water.
She went down the long hallway and went left into into a kitchen. She got her drink and then went to return to bed. when she got back in the hall she notices that it was eerily chilly, she could feel the chill in her spine. She froze right where she stood out of fear due to seeing somepony in the distance. It was very dim in the hall so she couldn't make out who it was. Suddenly the figure slowly came towards Fluttershy who was so startled that she couldn't move. When the figure approached even closed, FLuttershy want from being scared to curious. As the figure came within inches of her, Fluttershy whispered:".....Rainbow Dash...is that?"
Fluttershy couldn't believe what she had seen so she sat on the floor to rub her eyes but when she looked again there was nopony there. She assumed that she must have been seeing things. She sighed and stood but right when she was about to go to bed, something stopped her. There was nopony around yet she was being lovingly hugged by nothing. Fluttershy let out gasp. Suddenly it hit her. The hug seemed familiar. She only knew one pony who hugged like that was...Rainbow Dash. Then a ghostly whisper intruded Fluttershy's ear and it said: "I will always love you."
Just like that the hugging stopped and so did the chill in the room. Fluttershy planted her face in her hoofs and began to cry. She couldn't believe it. The only pony she ever loved was the only pony she knew that died and that she was the first one to be visited by her spirit. Suddenly Rarity came out of nowhere.
"Fluttershy, are you okay dear?"
"I...I...Ithink I saw Rainbow Dash...she hugged me." Fluttershy sniffled. "Oh Rarity, I miss her so much!" She said hugging Rarity. Rarity hugged back with her friend's head in her chest.
"Fluttershy darling, are you sure you weren't just dreaming and sleepwalking at the same time?" rarity said.
"No I'm sure. I went to get water, I came back and her spirit was right where you standing...she told me she loved me."
Rarity was still hugging her but looking aroung the hall for anything supernatural.There was none.
"I'm sorry Fluttershy. I miss her too. But we should get back to sleep. We have a big day tomorrow." Fluttershy simply nodded and walked back to the bedroom with Rarity. They told each other good night and eventually went back to sleep.
                                     * * *
Scootaloo didn't sleep well either. She was dreaming of monsters in the Everfree forest, she was alone and they were coming after her. She was screaming for help when in the darkness of the trees she could make out a rainbow zooming back and forth in the trees. It was Rainbow Dash. She kept flying back to get the monsters away from Scootaloo. After ridding all the monsters away she walked up to Scootaloo.
"They're all gone Scootaloo. Everything gonna be alright."
"Thanks Rainbow Dash! Your awesome!" Scootaloo squeed as she hugged Rainbow Dash.
"Heh, thanks Scoot, you too." Rainbow Dash said as she hugged back. "C'mon. We should probably get o AAAAAAHHH!!!" Rainbow Dash screamed as she was suddenly pulled up into the air. "SCOOT RUN!!!" Scootaloo did as told and went to find somewhere to hide trying as hard as she could to ignore Rainbow Dash's screams of fear and pain. She found a huge log to hide under. She crawled under and the screams had stopped. It was completely silent and there was no sign of movement. She waited a few moments and decided it was safe to come out. However, right before she got up Rainbow Dash's body slammed hard on the ground right in front of her face. Rainbow Dash was bruised,cut,and scarred all over. There was blood protruding from her wounds as well as her mouth and nose. Rainbow's eyes were wide open but even if she was dead, her eyes were piercing into Scootaloo's eyes.
Scootaloo tried not to scream but then out of nowhere, whatever had Rainbow Grabbed Scootaloo next. Scootaloo was screaming her throat out trying to pull away from the monster. She couldn't get free so she was screaming louder than ever. They she heard a voice say 'Sweetie wake up. Scootaloo! SCOOTALOO!'.
Scootaloo opened her eyes and she was safely back in her room lying in her cozy bed. Scootaloo was breathing heavily and sweating.
"Huff....huff....what?"
"It's okay pumpkin you were just having a nightmare." Dust Cloud said."Do you want a glass of water?" Scootaloo nodded so he went to go get a glass. When he came back with the water he asked her:
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"Well...it was Rainbow...she..." Scootaloo told her daddy about the nightmare. Hearing it made Dust Cloud concerned about his daughter.
"Don't worry. That stuff doesn't really happen."
"Really?"
"I promise."
"Hey Daddy, can I have a hug?"
"Of course pumpkin." They hugged but Dust Cloud didn't stop hugging until she let go on her own.
"Scootaloo, I love you."
"I love you too, daddy."
With that, he went back to bed.Scootaloo felt sad again so she just lie in bed thinking about her dream. Suddenly the room started getting chilly as the hairs on her neck started to prickle.She thought she was being watched but decided nopony was around so just tried to ignore her feeling. But she couldn't ignore the chill for long. When she opened her eyes she couldn'y believe what she had seen: it was a black figure standing in front of her window.Scootaloo gasped and put her head under her blanket.The figure reminded her of the creatures from her dream.Her heart was beating hard.After nothing happened she popped her head out from her blanket to see if the figure was still there.It was.This time she leaned forward and made more of an effort to gaze at the figure.
"Is that?" Scootaloo said rubbing her eyes.
She opened her eyes again but nothing was there.She sat there a moment wondering what she just saw and figured it was her imagination. But suddenly she jumped scared stiff because something hugged her.It was a one-armed hug, the same kind Rainbow Dash always gave her. Then a ghostly voice whispered:
"Be strong, Scoot. I have confidence in you." Scootaloo knew that voice. It was Rainbow Dash. The invisible hug ceased and the room was no longer chilly.
"That couldn't be my imagination, that was too real." Scootaloo thought to herself.She just lay there staring until she fell asleep way later with only two hours left until morning.
                                   
                                    CHAPTER 6
Everypony awoke early in the palace, ate, and began preparing for the memorial.The Mane 5 and Spike went to the throne room to see Celestia.
"Ah, you all here. Good. We can begin preperations. The memorial will be in the castle courtyard. Everypony should get there around 11:00 and it will begin at noon...As you know, the memorial/funeral tradition requires everypony to wear black cloaks to show respect for the deceased. So I took the liberty and had all of yours made."
"Thank you for your generosity, princess." Twilight thanked.
"Your very welcome. As of now, it is only a couple hours before noon so if you would all like I can put Rainbow Dash in the courtyard now if you'd like." Everypony agreed.
"Very well. I'll bring her there now. You may all go there when ready."Celestia said as she left the room.
"Wait. I should go see if Scootaloos ready before we all head down." Twilight said.They agreed on that and waited for Twilight to return with Scootaloo.
                                      * * *
Twilight teleported to Scootaloo's house and knocked on the door,Fir Gem opened it.
"Ah, Twilight. Come in...care for a drink?"
"No thank you. But at any rate, I just came to see if Scootaloo was ready to go."
"Yup. We were actually about to leave.
"Ah good. Me and other friend of mine went early so you guys could be one of the first, too."
"Sounds good...Hey Scootaloo, almost ready?" Fire Gem called to his daughter.Scootaloo slowly came from the hall into the room. Her mane was messy and her eyes were saggy.
"Is Scootaloo okay?" Twilight whispered.
"She was up all night, kept having nightmares." Fire Gem whispered back.
"Hey Twilight." Scootaloo said with no tone in her voice.
"Morning Scootaloo. How are you?" Twilight asked.
"Meh..."
"Um Scoot, I know your not old enough to have it but, I'll make you some coffee to get you woken up a bit." Fire Gem said.That alone woke her up a little.Fir Gem put some creamer and sugar in a cup and filled it with coffee then gave it to Scootaloo.She took a sip.
"Woah!" Scootaloo blurted. She drank more and was now fully awake.
"So Scootaloo, Twilight came to see if your ready for the memorial. Did you want her to take you there now or wait and go with us?" Fire Gem asked.
"I guess I'll go with Twilight but why can't we go now?"
"Your father's still getting ready."
"Oh well,then...I'll see you guys there." Scootaloo said.
"Love you sweetie." "Love you dad." Fire Gem nodded at Twiligth and she did the same as she was about to leave.

                                   CHAPTER 7
Twilight and Scootaloo teleported back in the castle bedroom where everypony still wait for their return.
"Your back!" Pinkie blurted.
"Wait a minute. Scootaloo, your parents are comin' right?" Applejack asked.
"Yea but they're still getting ready."
"Well then shall we go?" rarity asked. They all agreed.
"Alright then. Let's go." Twilight said.
They all walked down the hall and Scootaloo asked where they were going. Twilight told her that the memorial would take place in the courtyard.
"Oh horsefeathers! that reminda me, I almost forgot our cloaks." Twilight blurted.
"Sweet Celestia, thanks for remindin' us."
Twilight sparked her horn and with a flash they all had on jet black robes with the hood already over their heads. Even Spike and Scootaloo had robes specially made for them.
"Hey, what are there for?" Scootaloo asked.
"When somepony dies, we wear black cloaks to honor them." Twilight said.
"Mmm." Scootaloo responded. She wanted to honor Rainbow Dash more than usual. She was fond of the cloaks because in this time of her life the color black never looked so appealing.
"If we wear these to honor Rainbow Dash, I think I'll wear this all the time and get more like it...they don't look bad at all either." Scootaloo thought.
Everypony walked without speaking through the halls and down the stairs into the courtyard. On the opposite side of where they stood, Celestia and Rainbow Dash laying peacefully in her coffin.
"Welcome everypony." Celestia greeted.No pony said anything. They all looked sad, especially Fluttershy. They couldn't stand to see Rainbow Dash like this. They walked slowly towards Rainbow Dash except Scootaloo who ran to the coffin.
"Ah. You must be Scootaloo. Pleased to meet you." Celestia said quietly. Scootaloo looked at her and almost didn't notice her and nervously bowed.
"I'm really sorry for your losses. Let me know if anypony needs anything." Celestia said. With that, she vanished.
They all stood beside the coffin staring at Rainbow Dash.Pinkie's mane was still strait and she and Fluttershy's eyes were filled with tears.Even Spike didn't hide his feelings and began crying in Twilight's arm so she hugged him. Scootaloo just gaped at her dead friend.She lifted a hoof to gently touch Rainbow Dash's mane and then softly touched her face.Applejack noticed Scootaloo crying so she went over to hug her and telling her it was going to be okay and that she has her back.Suddenly the courtyard doors opened and in came Fire Gem and Dust Cloud. The first thing they noticed was their daughter crying so they immediately rushed too her side.
Just then they notices a blue and black blur flying overhead.It was Luna.
"Good day everypony." Luna said
"Luna! You skipped sleepingjust so you could come?" Twilight asked.
"Awake spell. Handy for these situations." Luna replied.
"Well, we appreciate you coming, princess.
"Not a problem at all Twilight Sparkle."
                                       * * *
After a few minutes everypony had arrived, all wearing black robes.It wasn't time to start the memorial so everypony either went to look at Rainbow Dash or quietly mingle. Scootaloo was the only child there so she just walked around. There was a group of ponies that caught Scootaloo's eyes. It was the Wonderbolts.Scootaloo knew that Rainbow Dash looked up to them the way she did Rainbow Dash.
"What if Rainbow was here to see the Wonderbolts at her own occasion? If she saw this...man..." Scootaloo thought to herself. At that, she decided she wanted to go gaze at Rainbow Dash again.
When Scootaloo was about to approached the coffin she noticed a griffin standing next to it. She wanted to look at Rainbow Dash alone so she just stood her ground. The griffin was staring so intently at Rainbow Dash with sadness and gloom. Out of nowhere Pinkie walked up to the griffin.
"Gilda?" Pinkie called. Gilda the griffin looked at Pinkie and then back to Rainbow Dash.
"Gilda, are you okay?"
"I've been better."
"It's okay. I miss her too."
"I just...I never said sorry to her for the way I acted..." Gilda said with her voice getting shaky.
"And I never got to say good bye." Gilda was doing much effort to hide her face.
"Gilda?" Pinkie said.Gilda didn't reply but grabbed Pinkie and hugged her tight trying to hide sniffling noises.
"Gilda...are you?"
"Don't push it, Pink. I just got something in my eye...anyway, I wanna...appologise for before, ya know? I feel like that's what Dash would have wanted.
"It's okay I forgive you Gilda."
"Thanks Pinkie. That reminds me, that one yellow pony with the butterflies. What's her name?"
"You mean Fluttershy?"
"Yea that's the one. Where is she? I wanted to say sorry to her for yelling in her face.
"I'm not sure but she's walking around here somewhere."
Scootaloo wondered the same thing and looked around. She caught a glimpse of Fluttershy going back into the palace. She wanted to see what Fluttershy was doing so she went in after her. Scootaloo entered and looked far down a hall only to see Fluttershy turn a corner. She went that way too and turned the corner and found Fluttershy leaned against the wall with her head down sobbing.
"Fluttershy?" Scootaloo said softly. Fluttershy looked up and her eyes were red.
"Of sorry. I didn't mean to both..." Before Scootaloo finished what she was saying, Fluttershy grabbed her and hugged her, Scootaloo doing the same. Fluttershy stopped hugging and said:
"Oh I'm sorry Scootaloo. I know I don't know you very well but I just needed some comforting. You understand don't you?"
"I know what you mean."
"Well thanks anyway."
"No problem Fluttershy."
For a minute or two they both talked of their relations with Rainbow Dash. Scootaloo mentioned the first time she met Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy brought up the time that Rainbow Dash came up to her and asked her to be her special somepony. It was one of Fluttershy's happiest moments and for Scootaloo, probably the happiest. After the conversation they both headed for the courtyard and roamed about it.
Scootaloo sat down to relax and noticed that Pinkie was talking to Vynal Scratch.
"I didn't know Rainbow and Vynal were friends." Scootaloo thought.
Then she notices two other ponies talking to Twilight who strongly resembled Rainbow Dash so much that Scootaloo almost thought it was her.
"Rainbow Dash's parents?" Scootaloo asked herself already knowing the answer. That's when her own parents came up to her.
"Hey pumpkin the memorial's about to start and we got seats in the front." Fire Gem said. Scootaloo got up and followed him up to the front row where Dust Cloud, the Mane 5, Spike, and Rainbow Dash's parents all sit. By now everypony was finding a seat and grew quiet when Celestia flew overhead. She landed down before the coffin in a robe of her own and with a peace sigh pendant as an extra feature.
"Welcome everypony. Thank you all for coming." Celestia welcomed. Everypony gazed at Celestia and Luna who had now appeared on the other side of the coffin.

"Today, we are assembled here in love, sorrow, honor, friendship, and admiration to remember the life of our friend Rainbow Dash. All of Rainbow Dash's affiliations have come all around to see her for the last times: friends, family, and of course, her very special somepony." Celestia looked at Fluttershy and she couldn't help but blush. "Unfortunately the cause of her death is unknown. But it is known that her death was nonviolent and that she did not die in vain. We pray that her spirit will be at peace in the heavens. We may feel sad that she's gone but we should be happy we knew her at all. Not only has she defended Equestria, but she gave us personal happy memories, each and every pony here today. So let us bow our heads and take a moment of silence to remember the times we had with Rainbow Dash."

Everypony did so and it went completely silent despite all the tears. Luna used her magic to blot out the sun in the courtyard to help create an atmosphere for the situation. It was now pretty dark in the courtyard and the only light was from the candles inside red glass boxes placed around Rainbow Dash, The crimson glow and dead silence were very deep. Then Luna did another spell that slowly disposed of the dark ceiling she had casted and the candles behind the glass. It was then that everypony raised their heads bus said nothing. Then Celestia made another speech.

"Thank you all for coming. Tomorrow the funeral will be held at 10:00 a.m. in the Everfree Forest Graveyard. Be sure to brong flowers and photographs if any. Until tomorrow, I wish you all a good day and comforting. Rainbow Dash wouldn't want everypony she cared about lining in sadness but to move on and live happy lives. Farewell everypony."

Celestia along with her sister flew over head and vanished, leaving everypony in the courtyard. Everypony started to slowly clear out until the only ones there were The Mane 5, Spike, Scootaloo and her parents. Then they began to clear out until the only ones there were Scootaloo and Fluttershy. Fluttershy gave one final kiss on the cheek to Rainbow Dash and walked away. Scootaloo, with her parents turned away from Rainbow Dash and went toward her parents.
"okay...lets go." Scootaloo said. Both she and her parents walked toward the exit but Scootaloo stopped half way and looked back. Her parents didn't bother to hurry her. hey just let Scootaloo do as she pleased to get her emotions out. She turned back around to continue to walk with her parents. They reminded her that they would take her to her favorite restaurant and buy her something as promised.
By the time they were in Ponyville, Dust Cloud and Fire Gem had already taken off their robes but Scootaloo continued to wear hers.
"Hey Scoot, you can take the robe off if you want." Fire Gem said.
"Nah I'm good."
"Okay then..."
As they walked, ponies kept giving looks toward them due to Scootaloo wearing funeral garb, as children did not normally know of death.
"Um sweetie, kids aren't supposed to know about death  so when you wear that, ponies will think oddly of it so at least take the hood off." Dust Cloud said.
"O...kay?" Scootaloo said and did what her daddy asked. Afterward they went to her favorite restaurant and got her some things from town that she wanted.

                                 CHAPTER 8
Back at the library the Mane 5 and spike sat quietly. Nopony said anything. All they did was look around at each other. Then there cam e knocking at the door. Spike poned the ddor and to everypony's surprise it was Rainbow Dash's parents.
"Hi. We were told this is where we can find Dashie's friends?" The mother asked.
"That's right. Come in." Twilight called.
They both came in and took a seat. They both explained how they didn't talk much at the memorial and how they wanted to get to know their daughter's friends more. For the time they were there everypony had a nice mingle. Rainbow Dash's parents asked questions about their daughter, her friends, and so on. When a silence fell, Twilight had a strong urge to ask something.
".....Can I ask you two something?"
"You can ask us anything."
"Em...have you two...ever had a second child?"
Rainbow Dash's parents had curious looks and the others had confused looks.

"Well as a matter of fact, we did but..." Rainbow Dash's father took a deep breath. "Eight years ago,during that time we had very little money and if her had another child, both would have hard lives that would only get worse. Not only that but every doctor helping us in the Clouds Dale hospital said that when our second child was born, she had wing problems and wouldn't be able to fly very well. That being said, we were afraid that she would fall from the clouds without anypony noticing and, well, yea." The father told the story with a heavy heart.
Scootaloo was coming to Twilight's mind hearing the story.
"So...what happened to your other child?" Twilight asked again.
"We wanted to make sure that she could at least be somewhere safe so we decided to give her a home at the Pony Ville Orphanage."
"What exactly did your daughter look like?" Twilight continued.
"She had an orange coat, purple eyes, and a purple mane. Even if it was dark that night, I remember it vividly."
Twilight eyes were lit up
"Why the sudden interest on the topic, Twilight?" The father asked.
"Just curious."
Both parents were thinking of her suspiciously. A few minutes after that discusion everypony continued to talk until Rainbow's parents and the Mane 5 had to leave to prepare for the funeral the following day. After that it was just Twilight and Spike.
"Spike, you stay here with Owlicious. I'm going out.
"Where are you gonna go?"
"A stroll."
                                      * * *
Twilight walked to Scootaloo's house and knocked on the door. Dust Cloud answered it.
"Hello Twilight.
"Hi. May I come in? I need to talk to you guys."
"Sure.  Honay can you come here? for a second?"
Fire Gem came to the door.
"Hey Twilight.
"Hi."
"Twilight said she wanted to talk to us." Dust Cloud said.
"about what?"
"Well um...I was wondering when and where you adopted Scootaloo." Twilight whispered.
"At the Pony Ville orphanage eight years ago."
Twilight was getting really excited now. All the evidence of Scootaloo and Rainbow Dash being biological sisters was difficult to ignore.
"Is Scootaloo doing better?" Twilight asked.
"A bit. She's in her room." Fire Fem said.
"May I see her?"
"I suppose."
Twilight walked to Scootaloo's door and knocked. Scootaloo opened up.
"Hey Twilight."Scootaloo said still wearing her black cloak.
"Hi Scootaloo. I just came too see if you're feeling better."
"Yea I'm fine."
"I see you're still wearing your cloak."
"Yea. I thought, if it's worn to honor Rainbow Dash, why not wear it all the time?"
"...interesting thought...well anyway, I hope your day got better.
"It did. We went out to eat and dad and daddy even bought me some things.
"Oh, that's nice. What did you get?" Twilight asked.
"I got this nice helmet." Scootaloo pointed to it on her bed.
"This cool necklace." She went and got a skull necklace and showed it to Twilight. Twilight feeling a bit concerned just stared at it.
"And finally I got some face paint." Scootaloo pointed to the table next to her bed and on it was a variety of black make-up.
"Are you feeling okay Scootaloo?"
"I guess,why?"
"Well because of everything that's happened. Not only that but you seem to be turning to the dark side...quite a bit."
"I'm fine. I just found a new style that appeals to me. That's all."  Scootaloo wasn't a good liar. Twilight could tell she was doing it because of the way she was feeling.
"If there's anything you ever want to talk about, you can tell me, your parents, even Ms. Cheerilee. It's never good keeping emotions bottled up." Twilight explained.
"...(sigh) Okay you got me. I havent been feeling my best...but I miss Rainbow Dash...alot."
"I do too. But remember what celestia said today: Rainbow Dash would want us to be happy."
"I guess."
"Well, I'll be needing to return to the library. I'll see you tomorrow. Remember to keep your chin up."
"Okay seeya."

                                   CHAPTER 9
It was now morning and everypony was preparing for the funeral. The Mane 5 and Spike were getting their cloaks on at each of their homes and would then go to the library to meet as a group. Meanwhile Scootaloo and her parents were getting ready as well. Scootaloo even put a little make-up around  the eyes for the occasion. Back at the library a bright flash came and Celestia appeared.
"Good morning everypony. I have come to see if you all would like me to teleport you to the graveyard early." Celestia said. They were all pleased with the idea.
"Thank you princess." Twilight thanked.
"It's quite alright. If anypony needs a few moments to prepare, just let me know." They all assured the princess that they were ready. She nodded and lit her horn and before they knew it, they were at the graveyard. It was a little chilly and quiet but surprisingly there were ponies already there, all wearing robes and silently talking amongst one another. On the other side of the site was Rainbow Dash in her opened coffin, which laid in front of a 6-foot hole. Some moments later, Scootaloo and her parents arrived. Scootaloo waved and caught Applejacks eye so she waved back to her. She and her parents went to mingle with Spike and the Mane 5. It was only minutes later that everypony was now in the graveyard. It was then that Celestia and Luna appeared, both wearing their cloaks and peace sign medallions. It went completely silent.

"Welcome everypony. Before we begin, please bring all that you have brought up to the coffin." Celestia said. Many put flowers around the coffin, so many colorful varieties. Some placed pictures as well. Gilda put one of her and Rainbow Dash making funny faces in their preteen years. Vynal put one of them hanging out at a dance club. Her parents put one of the and filly Rainbow Dash.
The last ones to place something were Spike, the Mane 5, and Scootaloo. They each put one flower and picture of them in a big group photo. Fluttershy personally placed a rose on her dead lovers chest and added a romantic picture of the two. Finally Scootaloo put a photo of her and Rainbow Dash in an epic pose they took a while back.
When everypony returned to their seats, Celestia honorably placed the Element of Loyalty around Rainbow Dash's neck. Luna then spoke.
"Before we comence with the sealing, Everypony take a moment to see Rainbow Dash the way you have always remembered her."
Everypony gazed upon Rainbow Dash for the final time. Many cried, others stared with blank, hopeless faces. After a long moment the two sisters nodded to each other showing that it was time. As Luna prepared to close the coffin everypony stared intensively at Rainbow Dash. Luna slowly began to close the door of the coffin and a deep penetrating sound pervaded the air as it did. The sound of the lid closing made everypony's hearts sink, especially Rianbow Dash's parents, Fluttershy, and of course...Scootaloo.
Even the princesses were crying, their tears as sparkling as stars. Some were even crying out loud.
The coffin was slowly being lowered into the hole and that's when Scootaloo started crying very hard, it even got other's attention. Even if it was only a few hours, Scootaloo couldn't hold her feelings in anymore. The coffin rested at the base of the hole, Celestia and Luna took places on opposite side of the hole, both horns lit up and there appeared a massive gravestone. It was taller than Celestia herself. On the gravestone it was written:

                   IN LOVING MEMORY OF OUR GOOD FRIEND RAINBOW DASH
                              A SAVIOR OF EQUESTRIA,
                             THE ELEMENT OF LOYALTY,
                          AND IN HER OWN WORDS OF TRUTH,
                              A REALLY GOOD FRIEND

Everypony gathered around to read the inscription, very few returning to their seats.
"Thank you all for coming today. After today, I wish you all a well and happy life. May you all have a safe day."
...The funeral was over. The princesses carefully put the dirt back into the hole as the others got up to leave. They were the last two to stay and gaze upon the sight as it began to rain.