The funeral was a mere two days later. Rarity's ashes, like Sweetie Belle's, were set on a pillar for her friends to quietly meditate over...

Ponies gathered in black once more, even some business associates that loved her dearly. Hoity Toity came unmade-up, for once, and without servants. The vain Earth Pony looked remarkably average outside of his glamorous comfort zone. Sapphire Shores sat opposite from him, though no pony knew it was her, and she looked plain. Photo Finish came out of her disguise, another unrecognized pop icon, blending in and looking ordinary like everypony else. All that cared for Rarity, even in the most professional capacity, were there, together just as ponies... to celebrate her life. All but Scootaloo... No pony told the young Pegasus what happened, and they wouldn't for a long while.

It was a very gray day, hazy and cold. Rainbow Dash had made it of her own power, among the last to arrive because of the cold and her inability to fly, but that would take mere weeks for her to get back to normal. The Elements welcomed her... she noticed a place left for a sixth pony and said nothing. She saw the oversight and knew what it meant... or maybe it wasn't an oversight. She didn't know and didn't want to press her friends. She sat silently next to Spike, in his little pitch black suit, comforting him with a hoof... he didn't look up or didn't speak the entire time. Nor did Applebloom, hiding behind her veil once more, on the otherside of him.

Each Element took a turn at the podium saying something meaningful about their dearly departed friend. They shared memories of triumpths and togetherness, stories of her generosity, and the love they all felt for their lost ivory friend... it did nothing to bring her back. Rarity was gone, just like her sister. Both her parents spoke about their daughter, but focused more on her friends... how they had helped her become a more well-rounded, caring individual. How they had taken a pony who could have gone in one direction and balanced her out so that she was the best she could be. They thanked each of them for that. With memories of Rarity acting her most childish during a storm that stranded them both, Apple Jack lost it.

The funeral was over soon enough and the ponies dispersed, off to their own lives. The ashes were taken and each pony felt a bareness in their heart which could never truly heal over.

A week later Rainbow Dash's shoulder was healing nicely. She was resting in a hammock at Sweet Apple Acres, drinking sweet cider from the family's own supply when the Suited Ponies showed up, silently slinking across the ground. They didn't slink confidently for very long. She watched as they practically retreated at the sight of Big Mac bringing out barrel after barrel of her own bits. They looked to each other, both baffled and displeased as they were presented the bits and a tally. Perhaps that was because they'd have to call on others for help and stand around... in their black suits... soaking up the hot sun. AJ still offered them a drink all the same. Rainbow laughed at them... they clearly had no clue how they were going to get it back to where they came from since this bills was designed to be nearly impossible for AJ to pay without destroying herself.

It took hours and another cart, with three strong ponies to pull what RD had once pulled by herself. Rainbow drank a few more ciders, which she was naturally able to get herself. Then she played dumb and innocent, walking up to the ponies and asking what was going on with crossed eyes. She asked if she could help... with her bad shoulder in a sling. They were polite but clearly not in the mood to chat... so she talked about the weather, and how she helps with the weather, and all the types of clouds there are, different storm patterns, and, of course, the winter wrap-up procedures... since they looked like pretty "corporate-type ponies," as she observed, they must be interested in all that. Being harassed by a cyan crossed-eyed Pegasus, with the entire Apple family looking over their shoulder periodically, they were in no position to get cross... and Rainbow Dash just ate that up. Even Apple Jack cracked up behind a few of the barrels.

Once the Suited Ponies were gone, Apple Jack felt a HUGE weight off her shoulders. She turned to Rainbow and opened her mouth:

"Thank you again, RD! I don't know how you did that, but you-"

"And thank you for the cider, AJ," Rainbow Dash smiled. "I'm not telling you how I did it, even if you ask me a million times."

"Well, alright then..."

Rainbow turned to the road... thinking about taking a walk at this point to clear her head when, off in the distance, she saw a certain Grey Pegasus making her descent towards the farm, with a blue saddlebag.

"Right on cue, Derpy," Apple Jack chuckled. "Any bills she's got for me'll be a welcome change from what I just had to deal with."

She came down from the skies with surprising grace, stopping in front of AJ and smiling:

"Lemme see..." She said, going through her bag. "Ah! Here Apple Jack! You have just one letter today. I've passed out quite a few of these type of letters earlier! Oh! You have one too, Rainbow Dash."

Derpy passed the two ponies a a couple of unusual, identical letters. With fancy writing, a purple envelope, and lacy trim... it looked almost like Rarity had sent it.

"Bye-bye now!"

Derpy then flew back up into the sky, but neither pony looked up. Apple Jack opened the letter and read just a few words. That was enough...

"Rainbow," she said, looking up at her friend. "In 'bout 5 days we gotta go to Canterlot... to discuss Rarity's Will."

Rainbow didn't have to open her own to know it contained an identical message. She sighed, turning to the road which lead towards the spot she took Scootaloo.

"I'm taking a walk, AJ... I'll see you for dinner."

"Alright Rainbow," replied Apple Jack, hanging her head.

Despite their reason for joy, they both felt empty once more.