A Journey's End
Chapter Six
The next morning came and Ponyville, normally a bright and cheery village, was in mourning. The town's buildings all had a black banner or ribbon somewhere on the property. Everypony who walked along was wearing something black; be it a hat, dress, ribbon, or band on their foreleg. Many were just finishing breakfast, some were getting ready to leave for the ceremony, and a few were already at Town Hall.
In the library, Twilight, Dinky, and Spike were in the main room getting ready for the funeral. Spike had chosen to wear his duds from the Gala, but had replaced the red bow tie with a black tie. He was sitting on a chair reading a book about grief. Twilight had chosen a simple black band for her foreleg, and black bow for her tail. Dinky was sitting in front of Twilight getting her mane brushed. Spike had brought her a band and ribbon for Dinky as well. The little unicorn was eating some toast that Spike had made for her. A knock at the door brought the group out of their silence.
"Spike!" Twilight called. "Can you get the door, please?" The little dragon set his book down and went over to the window. Peering out of it, he saw it was Rarity. She was wearing a black sun hat with a lace veil. Spike opened the door and ushered the alabaster unicorn into the main room. Dinky took a final bite of her toast and gave Rarity a little wave.
"Well, somepony is feeling a little better," Rarity said to Dinky. The blond child swallowed her toast and nodded at the fashionista.
"Miss Twilight says sadness doesn't stay forever," Dinky said. "And we spent the whole morning talking. I still feel sad that Mommy is gone, but not as sad as before."
"That's so brave of you, Dinky darling," Rarity said. "And very grown up of you." A sudden bell ring from the kitchen and Dinky and Spike ran off to the adjacent room. Twilight put her brush down and turned to Rarity.
"I really like your hat, Rarity," Twilight said. "But isn't the veil suppose to be worn but by the mother, or widow of the deceased?"
"Traditionally, yes," she replied. "But I imagine everypony will be showing their mourning in their own way, such as your tail ribbon, a very classic look, Darling."
"Thank you, Rarity," Twilight said growing worried. "Has anypony found Rainbow yet, I'm very worried about her."
"No, Twilight," the alabaster unicorn replied. "She's vanished, Fluttershy even went to Cloudsdale to try and find her. I never thought Rainbow Dash would take something this hard. Was she good friends with Ditzy?"
"I'm not sure," Twilight responded. Rarity sat down as Twilight thought for a moment. "I know she helped Rainbow when ever she needed it. But she did call Ditzy a featherbrain at Winter Round Up a couple years ago." Rarity nodded with Twilight's thought. "Maybe she feels she should have treated Ditzy better?"
"Quite possible, Darling," Rarity said. "What are Dinky and Spike doing in the kitchen? The service isn't going to be very long from what I've heard."
"Princess Celestia and I decided on a simple and short ceremony," Twilight began. "Many here in Ponyville still don't know how Ditzy was killed. We want to minimize any ill effects, including a long ceremony." Rarity nodded at the notion. Once the ponies found out Ditzy was murdered, the likelihood of outrage was very high.
The two turned to see Spike and Dinky giggling as they came out of the kitchen. Dinky was carrying a bag in her mouth. Rarity took one look at the filly and was struck by inspiration.
"Ideeeeea!" Using her magic, Rarity tore the veil from her hat and levitated the ribbon off the floor. The veil and ribbon floated over to Dinky's head. The materials spiraled around her before a flash of light obscured the little filly. When the light disappeared, Dinky's mane was tied back with a simple bow and the veil gently rested on her face. Dinky crossed her eyes to look at the veil.
"This tickles my nose," Dinky said. Twilight and Rarity giggled at the filly. Twilight helped Dinky put the black band on her forehoof and they got ready to leave. Rarity gave her mane, Twilight's, and Dinky's a final look, with the justification that girls do have standards after all. Spike gave a final swipe of his sleeves with his hands and straightened his tie. Dinky used her magic to levitate the bag and the four left the library.
Once outside, the group eyed just how much Ditzy's death had affected the town. Every building they passed was decorated in some manner to show their love of the departed mailmare. Flowers were wrapped around poles, doors were adorned with wreaths and every mailbox and mail slit were decorated with a black ribbon. As the three passed the post office, they saw a small memorial was set up for Ditzy. A single photo of her was surrounded by flowers, teddy bears, cards, signs, and a few muffins. Dinky smiled as she walked by the shrine. It made her so happy to know how much Ponyville loved her mother. As they walked along, they passed a few more ponies that were on their way to the funeral. They saw Dinky and offered their love and condolences. Dinky thanked them all politely. Soon, the group found itself approaching the town square. Twilight spotted Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Applejack. Pinkie's mane was straight and tied back with a black bow and so was Fluttershy's. Applejack had put a black bank around the bowl of her hat and her red tail tie was replaced with a black one.
"Hey, y'all," Applejack said. As the group walked up.
"How are you doing, Dinky?" Fluttershy asked Dinky gently. The little filly smiled and gave a small hug to Fluttershy's leg.
"Where's Rainbow Dash," Pinkie asked looking everywhere.
"Nopony knows, Pinkie," Spike said. Pinkie's eyes began to tear up and she was about to cry when Applejack put her hoof on a pink shoulder.
"I'm sure she's fine, Pinkie," she said. "Y'all know Rainbow is more sensitive than she leads on. I'm sure she just needed to sit a spell somewhere."
"Um…Twilight?" Fluttershy asked. "Why is Ditzy being buried in a cemetery? Pegasi are traditionally taken to Clousdale, where their bodies are cremated and their ashes infused with funeral cloud."
"We discussed that, Fluttershy," Twilight answered. "But First Class told us how much Ditzy and Sweet Treat loved each other. So we decided to keep them together."
"Oh," the gentle pegasus said.
"Come on girls," Twilight said. "Let's get Dinky to the front of the crowd." Twilight and her friends began to make their way through the crowd. As they wadded through the sea of ponies, they could make out Princess Celestia and Mayor Mare. The Princess saw her student in the crowd and leapt down from the stage.
"My faithful subjects," she called. "Please, let Dinky Doo and the Holders of the Elements of Harmony through." The crowd turned around and those in the path of the group moved out of the way. Dinky led through the crowd until they were at the front of the amassed ponies. The Princess looked at Twilight and her friends before lying down in front of Dinky. The unicorn set her bag down to her side.
"How are you feeling, my little pony?" she asked in a motherly tone. The little unicorn gave a slight bow before answering her ruler.
"I'm feeling a little better, Princess Celestia," Dinky said with a smile. "Miss Twilight made me feel better last night. I am still very sad about Mommy, but not as bad as before." Celestia looked at her student and smiled at what she had accomplished. The Goddess of the Sun draped her neck around Dinky in a hug before letting her go.
"I am glad you are feeling better," the alicorn said. "Your mother would be very proud of how grown up you are acting." Dinky smiled at the compliment and Celestia shuffled her forehooves under her. "One more thing, Dinky," the Princess said sitting up. "I hope you can forgive me for using that sleep spell on you the other night." Dinky listened intently at her ruler as she spoke.
"You made me go to sleep?" Dinky asked.
"Yes," the white mare responded. "You were in such pain, and I wanted to re-unite you with your mother in your dreams. I'm sorry if I crossed a line doing so." Celestia locked eyes with her young subject. Dinky lowered her eyes first, and Celestia felt a pain in her heart. Using a spell on an unwilling subject was something she did not enjoy doing. But to Celestia's surprise, Dinky went into her bag and when she removed her hooves, she held a muffin. The little unicorn said nothing as she offered it to the Princess. Celestia smiled as she took the treat from her. The two exchanged another hug as Celestia ate the treat. "Thank you, my little pony. It was delicious."
The silence in the air was broken be a sound of hooves clopping. Everypony turned to the source and saw Big Macintosh approaching. The town chaplain, Old Smoky, was riding on the cart with Ditzy's casket. Big Mac had chosen to use a flat cart with no sides. As he pulled it front of the crowd, everypony could see the mahogany casket. As the box passed by, everypony present started to cry and a few threw flowers onto the cart. Princess Celestia ushered Dinky and the others onto the stage and they waited for the casket. Once Big Macintosh was in front of the podium he unhitched himself from the cart and walked around it. The red stallion eyed the casket and put his hoof on it.
"Y'all are home, Ditzy," he said in his calm voice. Big Mac then walked around and helped Old Smoky down. The chaplain joined the Mayor and Celestia on the stage as Big Mac stayed by the cart. Everypony was in varying states of sadness. But one was affected the most. Dinky stood by Twilight Sparkle with her eyes locked on the casket. Even though her mother was close, she was still so far away. Old Smoky had found his way to the podium and began the service.
"We gather, here today," the old stallion began. "…in collective sadness. Hearts filled with a grief felt by all. A pain many of us wish did not exist. A neighbor, a colleague, a public servant, a faithful subject, a trusted friend, but there was a greater title Ditzy Doo had. She was a loving and devoted mother to her one and only daughter, Dinky." A series of sniffling and cries were heard from the gather crowd. Dinky's eyes arched as Smoky spoke. "Every fiber of her body was devoted to her daughter. Ditzy lived for those she loved, and she loved to live. No matter the circumstances, she always had a smile. Her poor vision never got her down. The, albeit often, accidents she was prone to, they never dampened her spirit. And what were could always depend on her for was a smile and the brightest eyes you could imagine." Dinky, as well as everypony present began to cry. Twilight put her hoof around the filly to comfort her. "Though you were taken from us, far, far too early. We take comfort in knowing that, while Ditzy's journey has ended her story and legacy will live forever. She was shining beacon, that nopony can be kept down if they refuse to give in." Rarity, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie began crying as they heard the words. Old Smoky moved from the podium and off the stage. He walked up to the cart and stared at the casket. "You will be missed by all of us Ditzy. May your eternal rest, bring you everlasting peace."
Old Smoky bowed to the casket and made his way back up to the stage. As he walked by Twilight, Old Smoky tapped Dinky on the shoulder. The unicorn turned her head from Twilight's chest and looked up at the aged pony.
"I am so sorry for you loss, little Dinky," he said. Dinky sniffled a little and Smoky gave her a kiss on her forehead. The elderly pony then stood by the mourning little foal as Princess Celestia took the podium. Everypony focused on the Princess as she look at the crowd.
"Thank you all for coming in support of Ditzy," she began. "I know that Ponyville is a close knit community. Everypony knows one another and you care about one another. It is the worst feeling to know that somepony, whom you are so used to seeing, will no longer be here." Many out in the crowd began to cry harder at the Princess's words. "But the greatest pain is yet to be revealed." Many of the crying stopped and the eyes of Ponyville were on the Princess. "The loss of Ditzy's life was not by natural circumstances." The gathered crowd began to murmur in between their tears. "Ditzy was attacked in Canterlot and killed by a stallion who allowed alcohol to consume his better judgment." Many present burst into tears, several stallions demanded answers.
"Where is he?" one called.
"Justice!" another called.
"I'll teach him a lesson!" The crowd started to let anger take over and a series of shouts were growing into thunderous roars of rage.
"SILENCE!" Celestia boomed. Everypony stared, most covered their ears, and some cowered. Celestia's Royal Canterlot Voice was easily ten times louder than the voice they heard Princess Luna use. "There will be no need for any retaliation. The accused is in the custody of the Canterlot Royal Police, under heavy guard. My sister, Princess Luna, will preside over the trial. With the testimony of Twilight Sparkle and Spike, I assure you the case is solid."
"HANG HIM!" somepony called in anger. About half the gathered crowd clopped their hooves on the ground.
"Yes, I know you are all angry," Celestia continued. "But this is neither the time nor place." The Princess motioned to the casket before her. "We are here to say goodbye, not seek vengeance." The crowd took in their rulers words as Big Macintosh moved back to the front of the cart. "We are here to show our love to Ditzy. And I swear on my crown, he will answer for this crime." The Princess flared her wings and leapt into the air. With unequaled grace, she landed at the rear of the cart. The crowd watched as their ruler's horn charged with golden energy. In a flash of light, Celestia produced a bouquet of long stem roses. Gently, she lowered them to the lid of the casket. In a final act of love for her departed subject, Princess Celestia bent down and kissed the mahogany lid. Big Macintosh hitched himself to the cart and waited for Dinky and Twilight to get behind the cart. Twilight's friends joined her and Dinky behind the cart. Old Smoky took his place in the cart. With a grunt from Big Macintosh, the precession began.
The train of ponies in the caravan included the whole town. Big Macintosh led as Ditzy was given her last ride. The left Town Hall and headed down Market Street, where all of the shops and carts were closed up and decorated for Ditzy. Big Mac then led on as they passed the post office. Mayor Mare had run ahead of the precession with First Class. As the parade of mourners passed the post office and the apartment, First Class smiled as he and the Mayor removed a sheet covering the sign. Dinky smiled and many of the ponies in the train cheered when they read what it said: "Ditzy Doo Memorial Post Office." Quickly, they rejoined in the march. The funeral continued on, passed Sugarcube Corner. Those who had lived in Ponyville long enough sobbed as Ditzy's casket passed over the exact spot where she sobbed upon learning of Sweet Treat's death in the fire. The Cakes broke from the crowd to get ready for the reception in their bakery. Cupcake and Carrot Cake waved goodbye to Ditzy as her casket disappeared.
As Big Mac went along, he turned to the west and started out of town. Twilight picked Dinky up with her magic and placed the filly on her back. Twilight and her friends, Dinky, Old Smoky, First Class and his wife continued on with the cart. Princess Celestia and the Mayor stopped and turned to the rest of the mourners.
"I know you all wish to join us for the final leg of Ditzy's journey," Princess Celestia said. "But the cemetery in Whitetail Wood is not large enough to accommodate you all." Many started to protest. Despite the angry calls, Princess Celestia was overjoyed to see how loved Ditzy was.
"PLEASE EVERYPONY!" Mayor Mare called out. "It's not only your safety we are concerned for. We do not want to overwhelm Dinky." The crowd murmured for a minute before the Princess spoke again.
"Twilight Sparkle has kept me informed of Dinky's well being," Celestia said. "While she appears to be alright on the surface, she may be masking how she truly is." The ponies gathered took in the words of the Princess. "You all are more than welcome to visit Ditzy, but for now, please stay in Ponyville while we ensure Dinky Doo is alright."
"Yes," the Mayor agreed. "We know you all mean well, but at this time it's best to let privacy heal the wounds." Many of the town's ponies looked very upset at the request, but relented. "Please," the Mayor began. "Let's all go to Sugarcube Corner. The Cakes, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie prepared refreshments for us all. And I'm sure we all have some Ditzy stories to tell each other." Several ponies started laughing as they turned around, reminded of some of Ditzy's antics over the years. As the crowd headed back into town, the Mayor turned to the Princess. "You know they are going to ask what will happen to that brute," she said.
"I know," Celestia replied.
"What should I tell them?" the Mayor asked.
"Inform them that Luna has made some changes to the laws regarding Equicide," the Princess began. "Involuntary Equicide, or 2nd Degree, carries a maximum of life in prison."
"So what is the penalty Voluntary Equicide, which I imagine is 1st Degree?" the Mayor asked. Princess Celestia looked and the Mayor and raised a hoof to her throat. Slowly, the alicorn brought her hoof across her neck. Mayor Mare felt a shiver run up her spine, but she soon felt relieved that Ditzy's killer would face justice. Mayor Mare bowed to her ruler and followed her fellow citizens. She knew passing on this information would help the town heal a little. Princess Celestia waited until the Mayor had left her sight. White wings flared out and she took off towards the west. Within minutes, Princess Celestia had located Ditzy's casket and the burial party. Swooping down, she rejoined the group. Dinky had moved next to Old Smoky on the bench of the cart. Her bag was resting next to her. The little filly was facing her mother's casket and resting her head on the rear of the seat. She wasn't saying anything, just stared and let tears fall. The Princess trotted up to Twilight Sparkle.
"How is she doing?" Celestia asked.
"I'm not sure, Princess," Twilight responded. "I'm sure she's passed the denial part of grief, she might be in the acceptance phase. But all of my books on grief had adults as their case studies. Many have suggested children might be more unpredictable." The two looked at Dinky with concern and decided to watch her closely. And on they walked leaving Ponyville and heading out on a trail. After walking for what children would call "forever," they were closing in on Whitetail Woods. On they went, soon coming to the wrought iron arch that Ditzy had walked under, only days before.
Dinky looked around as they entered the cemetery. She saw dozens of headstones and a few other groups of ponies who were laying flowers and crying at the graves of their loved ones.
"Is this where Mommy is going to stay, Mr. Smoky?" Dinky asked as her crying stopped. The old stallion turned the little one with a gentle smile.
"Yes, little one," he started. He raised his aged hoof and pointed to a birch tree in the distance. "We are going to bury her right next to Sweet Treat."
"Daddy…" Dinky whispered looking at the birch tree. The old stallion nodded his head.
"Mommy is going to rest next to Daddy for all time," he said gently. Dinky let a small smile adorn her face. After a few minutes, the burial party came to the freshly dug grave beneath the birch tree with a blank headstone. Standing beside it was black unicorn stallion with a shovel cutie mark. His contrasting white mane and tail and red eyes almost gave him a sadistic look. He was garbed in a black vest with red rose in his button hole. Dinky cringed when she saw him.
"Don't be afraid, Dinky," Old Smoky said. "He is the caretaker of the cemetery, and he'll be taking care of Mommy from now on." The little unicorn still looked on him with fear, but managed a gentle wave at the stallion. With slow steps, the black unicorn glided over to the cart. "Hello, Spade," Old Smoky said.
"Smoky," Spade responded in a gentle, deep voice. He turned to Big Macintosh and nodded in hello, and the red stallion responded in kind. Celestia walked up to the caretaker with Twilight and her friends. "You're Majesty, ladies," he said with a bow. Finally, he turned to the filly wearing the black veil. Dinky cowered a little at the imposing pony in front of her. Spade's horn glowed as the rose he wore levitated into the air, and floated to Dinky. "I am so sorry for you loss," he said sincerely and gently. Dinky blinked at the stallion and took the rose in her mouth.
"Will you take care of Mommy?" Dinky asked. The large unicorn nodded at the little foal. Big Mac unhitched himself from the cart and helped Smoky and Dinky get down. Smoky walked over to the headstone and readied himself for the final farewell. Twilight, the Princess, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Applejack, First Class and his wife stood on opposite sides of the grave and waited. Dinky stood by Twilight with her bag, and Spike stood by Rarity. Big Macintosh stood by his sister and started to cry as Spade went over to rear of the cart.
"Welcome home, traveler," he bowing to the casket. "Rest in peace, your journey has ended." Raising his head, Spade enchanted the casket and it rose from the cart. With his gentle touch, the roses on the casket never moved from their place. Spade levitated Ditzy's casket in front of him and walked it to her grave. Once placed above the hole in the ground, his magic held it just above the ground as Smoky began the final words. Applejack removed her hat when Smoky began.
"Just as Celestia raises her sun, and Luna raises her moon," he began. "We are all bound by the cycles of life. A time to wake, a time to sleep. A time to work, a time to rest. A time to live and a time to die." Rarity started crying, followed by Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie. Spike pulled out a packet of tissues and handed them to the girls. Dinky started crying again as Smoky continued. "Ditzy lived a life full of joy. She had many friends, a loving husband, and a daughter that was her world." Even Twilight shed a few tears as she tried to stay strong for Dinky. The little filly cried loudly as Spade began lowering her casket into the ground.
"MOMMY!" she cried as Twilight hugged her into her chest. When the casket was in the grave, Spade relaxed his magic and bowed again to Ditzy.
"It is time for the final messages," Smoky said. "Speak the words in your hearts for Ditzy." The Princess was the first to approach the grave.
"Your soul can rest at ease, Ditzy Doo," she began. "Your killer will answer for what he has done, and Dinky will be well cared for. I swear to you my faithful subject, that I will do all I can ensure that what happened to you, never happens again. Goodbye, Ditzy." The Princess bowed to the grave and stepped back, and Pinkie Pie stepped up.
"One muffin, everyday," she said. "It was one of the only splurges Ditzy gave herself. I can still see the look on her face when I would bring out a fresh batch. She loved my parties too." Pinkie sniffled as she remembered. "And she was the only pony who could make others smile as much as I could." Pinkie broke down and cried fountains as she stepped back. It was First Class's turn.
"Ditzy, you never showed up late, and you never left early," he started. "She was a model employee and a good friend. I always thought when I retired; I'd be handing the keys of the post office to her, and naming Ditzy the new Post Master. And despite, rumors to the contrary, Ditzy never delivered to the wrong address." First Class let a few tears fall. "I'll miss you, Ditzy. And I'll never forgive myself." He stepped back next to his wife and Fluttershy stepped up.
"I…don't have many stories about Ditzy," she said. "But everyday when she delivered my mail, she always did so with a smile. On days when I was feeling worried or scared, she would always tell me to 'Buck Up'. And she would make me smile by reminding me that the smallest voice can be the loudest and most powerful." Fluttershy stepped back and all eyes turned to Spike. He chose to say nothing, opting to try and comfort the others. Next, Rarity came up.
"I'll always remember the day she came into my boutique with her biggest news," Rarity said. "Ditzy came in ecstatic, almost unable to get the words out. She told me she was getting married and needed a gown. It was the first wedding gown I ever designed." Rarity cried a bit as she recalled the memory. "The look on her face when she put on the final design…Ditzy didn't say anything. She just cried, and I'll always remember that look of pure joy. That's how I will remember you, Darling. As a blushing bride-to-be." Rarity returned to her spot. Big Macintosh stepped up, but couldn't find any words. He just cried whenever he opened his mouth.
"I got this, Big Brother," Applejack said. "Ditzy, I can't begin to count how many times y'all crashed inta my trees. Sometimes it was a good thing y'all did. I remember a few times, y'all crashed inta a tree I was 'bout to buck. Knocked all them apples down and saved me some work. You'd apologize and we'd sit a spell and eat an apple together, and just laugh. I'll miss ya, Girl. Happy Trails." Big Mac broke down and sobbed at his sister's words. Now it was Twilight's turn. Dinky clung to her as Twilight stepped up.
"The only thing you ever cared about was your daughter," she started. "You would pinch bits wherever you could, sacrifice luxuries, and give all that you had for Dinky. That is who you were, Ditzy. The spirit of selflessness and love. I promise I will take care of Dinky for you, and love her as much as you did." Twilight stopped talking and nudged Dinky. "It's time to say goodbye to Mommy." Dinky stepped back and reached into her bag. Using her magic, she pulled out another muffin. Turning around, she walked over to her father's grave and set the muffin at his headstone.
"Daddy…" she said weakly. Dinky walked over to her bag and pulled out one more muffin. With a tear in her eye, she walked to the grave and lowered the muffin to her mother's casket. "Mommy…" she choked out before sobbing again. Twilight sat on her haunches and picked up the filly in a hug. "I want Mommy…" Dinky cried. Smoky sighed as he picked up a hoofful of dirt.
"We commit the body of Ditzy Doo to the Earth, and her spirit to the wind," he said tossing the dirt into the grave. "Ashes to ashes…" A high pitched screech cut off the old stallion. Everypony looked up to see a rainbow colored streak heading right for them. The streak arched up as it came closer and slowed down. Fluttering to the ground, Rainbow Dash appeared before the group. The cyan pegasus lowered her head and dropped the bouquet of flowers on the grass, and panted hard.
"Rainbow, where were y'all," Applejack asked half annoyed. Rainbow raised her head and her friends were shocked by what they saw. Rainbow's mane and coat were matted and disheveled, her eyes were bloodshot, and her cheeks had tear stains down her cheeks. Still panting, Rainbow picked up the flowers and walked over to the grave. Looking over the edge, Rainbow dropped the bouquet into the grave.
"There were times, I wasn't the nicest pony," she started. "I called Ditzy a featherbrain for going north to get the southern birds. And I practically yelled at her when she destroyed Town Hall. I even called her 'Derpy' when I never knew somepony called her that as an insult." Rainbow let tears fall. "But she never held it against me. She still helped me supply with water for the cloud factory. And she always would talk to me, and considered me a friend. I've spent the last three days on a cloud, crying. How could this happen, Ditzy? You deserve better than this…" Rainbow gave into her emotions and cried more. Rarity and Applejack went over to comfort her. Everypony felt for Rainbow, she was obviously affected the most, besides Dinky.
"Why is it the purest suffer?" a voice suddenly called. Everypony turned to the birch tree and saw the most mysterious pony in Ponyville standing below the tree. The chestnut stallion, known only as the Doctor, walked up. A black bow tie had replaced his customary red one. "Why is it the most beautiful of hearts, stop beating too soon?" Though the group wondered where he came from, they didn't stop him. "The ages house the greatest of ponies. Sometimes they enter later, sometimes too soon. But we take solace in knowing that this…brilliant pony, simply brilliant, lives in our hearts forever. As long as we hold Ditzy Doo in love, time will never erase her." The group could no longer quell their emotions and everypony cried, even the Princess.
"Ashes to ashes," Smoky continued as the group focused on him. "Dust to dust." Twilight quietly stepped back to thank the Doctor, but when she turned; he had disappeared. Spade enchanted the pile of dirt to the side. It rose up and hovered over the grave. Everypony cried as the dirt descended and filled the grave. Spade cast a final spell and the grass grew on the new grave and the headstone glowed. When the magic ended, the grass at Ditzy's grave was green and thick. Her head stone read:
Ditzy Doo
Good Friend
Faithful Wife
Loving Mother
Spade gave a final bow to the grave and took his leave. Old Smoky and Dinky were lifted onto the cart and Big Mac hitched himself up. Twilight looked around a little, wondering where the Doctor had gone. After a moment, she gave up and rejoined the group by the cart. The Princess was waiting for her, and her friends.
"The worst is over, my little ponies," the goddess said. "But the healing may still take sometime. Stay true to your friendship and aid each other in the coming days." Everypony nodded at Princess Celestia's words. "I must return to Canterlot and see that the case against Top Shelf is solid. Should any of you need anything, please inform me." The ponies nodded and bowed as the Princess charged her horn and disappeared in a flash of light. Twilight looked over to Dinky; she was in the bed of the cart, crying still. Twilight looked at the filly with such sympathy. Today was more than she could handle. Charging her horn, Twilight jumped onto the cart and lowered her head to Dinky's. When the purple unicorn raised her head, Dinky was asleep. Rainbow Dash joined Dinky on the cart and fell asleep on her own, physical exhaustion taking over.
"Twilight?" Rarity called as Twilight jumped down. "Why did you put Dinky to sleep?"
"She's been through enough today, Rarity," she responded. "I cast a spell strong enough to keep her asleep until tomorrow, I just want to get her home and into bed." Rarity nodded and everypony made their way to the gate, and the road back to Ponyville. This trying day was done, and this close group could only hope for the best.