And with that, Matthew closed the cover of his journal.  He sighed and smiled at it.  His life from age 17 to 42 in this one journal.  He shed a manly tear from all the memories he had stored in writing in the journal.  He heard a voice from his living room.

“Matthew, honey, are you alright?  It's almost time to go,” Fluttershy called to him.  They would be once again attending the Grand Galloping Gala.  Matthew had gone about three times, and this would be his fourth.  Every time it would just get better.

“Yes, dear, I’m fine.  Just finishing up my journal,” he answered to Fluttershy.  She walked into their bedroom and smiled at him.

“I can’t believe you still have that journal.”

“Of course I’ve still got it.  This is practically my life story, and there is no way I’m gonna forget all of this.  I need this stuff on record.”  Fluttershy laughed at her husband.  He smiled back to her and started to get dressed for the occasion.  After about 20 minutes, they left for Canterlot for what would be a truly fantastic night.

Matthew and Fluttershy, as well as the rest of their friends, had lived their lives to the fullest.  They all considered each other family.  Matthew was 73 years old, and Fluttershy was 70 years old.  They had everything they could want.  They had each other, a loving family (meaning their friends), and a beautiful world to live in together.

But, Matthew and Fluttershy knew their time was coming to an end.  They both foresaw this, so they asked Princess Celestia for a great favor when Matthew was 64 (therefore Fluttershy was 61).  They asked if Celestia could see to it that they would die together.  Neither Matthew nor Fluttershy wanted to leave the other alone in the world.  Matthew didn’t want to leave Fluttershy, and Fluttershy didn’t want to leave Matthew.  Celestia understood, so she granted their wish.  At ages 73 and 70, Matthew and Fluttershy started to die.

Matthew collapsed onto the floor one day.  Fluttershy rushed to his side, but felt herself getting weak.  Within moments, they were both unconscious on the living room floor.  After about one hour, they both awoke.  Matthew had bruised his head, but Fluttershy was fine.  They knew that their time was coming.  They stared into each other’s eyes and cried.  Matthew held Fluttershy close as she cried into his chest.  They didn’t need any hospital to tell them that their time was coming to an end.

They decided to tell their friends, but first, they had to tell the one closest to them both.  Matthew and Fluttershy invited Rainbow Dash over for a visit.  They broke the news to her, and the pony they knew was gone.  Rainbow Dash was a mess, covered in tears and unable to accept the truth.  Matthew and Fluttershy held their dearest friend close to them, not wanting to let go.  When Rainbow finally calmed down, they decided to invite the rest of the girls over.  They even invited the Princess to hear the news.

Twilight, Applejack, Pinkie, Rarity, and Celestia entered Matthew and Fluttershy’s home.  The only one who knew what was going on was Celestia.  Matthew and Fluttershy told them all, and within moments, the room was filled with the tears of the ponies.  Even Celestia was in tears, and she knew what was happening.  She felt the change in the Elements of Love and Kindness.  She felt them growing weak.  But even still, she couldn’t help but cry.

The ponies said that Matthew and Fluttershy should stay at a hospital, but they couldn’t be happier anywhere else than home.  All Fluttershy and Matthew did for the one month that they had left was lay in bed together, never leaving each other’s side.  The ponies would visit every day, especially Rainbow Dash.  They all would help get the two of them food and water, and of course, provide them company.  Although, they didn’t need much more company than each other.

One night, after Rainbow Dash had left her two friends, Matthew and Fluttershy went on a journey.  They went on a journey through the many years they had spent together.  It was time to remember.

It was no different than the two of them just dreaming together.  Matthew and Fluttershy were together in their memories, and they watched, together, as the many years of their lives together passed by, starting with that very first day.

Matthew walked down the street, stopping by the dumpster on his block to inspect the strange whining coming from it.  He looked in to find Fluttershy.  She was covered in old furniture and knick-knacks.  Matthew held out his hand to her, telling her that he would not harm her.  She gave Matthew her hoof, and he held Fluttershy close to his body, keeping her warm on the cold winter night.

Upon entering his home with the 14 year old Fluttershy, Matthew set her down and felt the warmth of his home overtake him.  Fluttershy stared around her new surroundings.  Matthew went to go down into the basement, only to be stopped by the crying of the little pony.  He told her that he would keep her safe, and never harm her.  Matthew carried the young Fluttershy into the basement, where they would talk until they fell asleep.

The morning arrived, and Matthew awoke, hoping that Fluttershy was still at his side.  She was, and he let out a sigh that would wake up the young Fluttershy.  Matthew was relieved to know his mother was out for the morning.  Matthew tried to figure out what Fluttershy could eat, ultimately giving her a plate of pancakes.  After that, Matthew gave Fluttershy a tour of the house, his room being the most fun for her.  Matthew soon after bathed Fluttershy, and as he was drying her off, she gave him a hug.  This was the beginning of their relationship.

The following Monday morning was terrible for Matthew.  He forgot about school.  Fluttershy had kept his mind off of it, and waking up at 6:45 a.m. was quite bothersome for him.  He explained to Fluttershy that he would be out for the day at school, and that she should stay in the basement.  She could listen to music, watch TV, and have the snacks that Matthew provided for her.  Matthew finally left Fluttershy to go to school.

All Matthew thought about that day was Fluttershy.  He ran home, only to find Fluttershy in tears.  She had been frightened by The Walking Dead on TV.  Matthew assured her that she was alright, and that it was just a show.  Matthew examined the bruise that Fluttershy had on her leg from flying into the wall in the basement.  Matthew offered to help Fluttershy become better at flying, of course, after they figured out how Matthew could teach her.  The days following were the same routine, a routine that Fluttershy became quickly accustomed to.

Next, Matthew and Fluttershy observed the summer day that Fluttershy was introduced to the rabbit Joey.  Fluttershy spoke to the rabbit, surprised to find that she could understand him.  Matthew noticed Fluttershy’s flank glowing.  A few moments later, three butterflies adorned Fluttershy’s flank.  Matthew explained that it was her cutie mark.  Fluttershy flew into the air with joy.  They were both ecstatic to see that she was flying without any troubles.  Soon, the day became night, and Fluttershy and Matthew were sleeping together at Matthew’s home.  They shared their very first kiss on that night.

The memories shifted to the day of Matthew’s very first kill, a day that Matthew truly dreaded.  Matthew arrived at the new warehouse Fluttershy had been staying at near his college campus.  Matthew found Fluttershy covered by a blanket.  She jumped onto him, holding him tight.  She showed Matthew her broken wing.  Matthew became enraged.  He returned to his dorm to get his weapons, and soon went back to the warehouse.  The two men that harmed Fluttershy entered, and Matthew watched his younger self kill the both of them within seconds.  Matthew couldn’t believe what he had done, but Fluttershy comforted him, and she assured him that she would stay with him forever.

Once again, the memories faded.  Matthew and Fluttershy watched the day of Fluttershy’s discovery of what she truly was.  Matthew entered his home, coming back from an audition.  He heard the TV on, playing a very familiar song from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic.  Matthew found Fluttershy in tears, her hair a mess.  She yelled at him, her voice filled with anger and sadness.  She ran into their room and locked herself in.  Two days passed, and Matthew found himself on the floor, crying and apologizing to Fluttershy.  She, once again, comforted Matthew, soothing him with her gentle words of forgiveness.  They hugged, and the memory faded once again.

It was now the day that the rest of Fluttershy’s friends, and Princess Celestia, arrived at Matthew and Fluttershy’s home.  Matthew let in the whole gang, starting a small argument with Rainbow Dash.  He tried to play dumb, but ultimately gave in to them all.  He became angry once Rarity mocked him about Fluttershy and himself being an item.  He spoke their names, which surprised Pinkie Pie.  He went to get Fluttershy, who would shortly after, regain her memories of her friends after seeing Rainbow Dash.  Then, Celestia asked if Fluttershy would do anything for Matthew.  One minute later, Celestia said she would take her home.  Matthew jumped up in her defense with his tomahawk and hidden blade.  But, he ultimately just gave up, until he got the idea of going to Equestria.  His argument rang true to Celestia, and he was granted passage into Equestria.  Matthew saw himself finishing the first part of his journal on the beach.  The memories faded once again.

The first set of memories had passed, and now, Matthew and Fluttershy were greeted by a new set.  They were greeted by the days of the Darkness, starting with the day Matthew gained his wings.

Matthew and Fluttershy watched as Matthew walked through the Everfree Forest, heading for Zecora’s hut.  Matthew greeted her, and she responded with a rhyme, of course.  Matthew asked if he could obtain wings, and more specifically, eagle wings.  Zecora said he would need a feather, which he had already gotten.  Zecora created a potion, which Matthew drank.  As pain shot through his body, wings formed out of his back.  He passed out, only to wake up to find he now had white eagle wings.  They were amazing for him, and he couldn’t wait to show Fluttershy.

Matthew headed back to Ponyville.  He was greeted by Rainbow Dash, who had flown right into Matthew.  Rainbow was in shock to see Matthew now had wings.  They both headed for Sugarcube Corner, where they would tell the rest of their friends of Matthew’s new wings.  Pinkie was full of joy at the sight of Matthew, and shortly after, Rarity and Applejack entered the room, equally as surprised as Pinkie.  Twilight entered, unable to comprehend that Matthew now had wings.  Matthew had to tell her it was Zecora before she fully accepted it.  Soon after, Rainbow Dash brought Fluttershy to Sugarcube Corner, where Matthew surprised Fluttershy with his new wings.  Matthew held Fluttershy close as she ran her hoof over his new wings.

The ponies all started to plan for the huge party that would happen the next day for Matthew.  They all just planned, and soon, went to Matthew and Fluttershy’s home to plan where they would set everything up.  It was decided that the party would be outside.  Fluttershy asked Matthew if they would ever get to have intercourse, but Matthew replied saying it might be weird, which Fluttershy understood completely.  Soon after, the ponies arrived for the party.  Rainbow was late because she had saved Spitfire for a second time.  The party went pretty late, but Matthew stayed up with Rainbow to practice flying.  When Matthew returned home, he got ready for bed, and shortly after, was sound asleep with Fluttershy.

Matthew and Fluttershy watched the day that Matthew had gone into a state of remembrance.  The whole scenario literally turned into a moment of inception.  Matthew and Fluttershy watched as Matthew remembered his days from childhood.  Matthew remembered the day of his father’s death, his Elementary School Graduation, his sixteenth birthday party, and High School Graduation.  Next, they saw as Matthew remembered the day he killed those two men, which just hurt Matthew to watch.  At age 73, he had gotten over it, but it was still there, in his mind.  Next, Matthew received a vision, but of what, he did not know.  At that time, he didn’t know.  At age 73, Matthew knew that it was a vision of the day of the battle with the Darkness.  Matthew woke up to see Fluttershy, who had brought back home with her two tickets to the Grand Galloping Gala.

The night of the Gala had arrived.  Matthew and Fluttershy were as excited as their friends were.  Matthew and Fluttershy agreed to perform “If It Means a Lot to You” for the night of the Gala.  The Gala was just amazing.  Fluttershy showed Matthew the Canterlot garden, which was just beautiful.  Matthew and Fluttershy performed their song, which was an amazing moment for the both of them.  After that, it was time for the Wonderbolts to perform.  Rainbow Dash performed a Sonic Rainboom, and as she did, Matthew and Fluttershy kissed each other.

Now came the day that Fluttershy told Matthew that she had decided to become a human.  She had been thinking about it for a long time, and she had made up her mind.  Matthew tried talking her out of it, but to no avail.  The following day, Matthew, Fluttershy, and the rest of the ponies went to Canterlot to meet with Celestia.  Shining Armor greeted them all and brought them to the Princess.  Shortly after, Celestia performed her spell on Fluttershy.  Before them all stood Fluttershy, but she was now a human.  She was absolutely beautiful to Matthew, as well as everyone else in the room.  Matthew helped her walk outside, and they all left for Ponyville.  In bed, Fluttershy was moving her new human limbs around, getting acquainted with her new body.  Matthew told her how he did in fact love her even more now, and they fell asleep.

One year passed, and Matthew and Fluttershy watched the day that everything with the Darkness started.  Matthew, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash were out in the Everfree Forest.  Matthew was parkouring without his wings, Rainbow was flying through, and Fluttershy followed.  As Matthew ascended a large tree to get a grand view of things, he noticed a huge storm cloud as he reached the top.  He advised the two others with him that they shouldn’t stay out too much longer.  But, soon enough, the clouds were right over them.  They rushed to get out of the forest.  But, Matthew was unfortunate to find himself with a tree branch lodged into his chest.  He faded out as Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash rushed to his side, and ultimately, he died.

What came next, Matthew knew too well, but for Fluttershy, what she was about to see was new to her.  Matthew was dead.  He was in the dark abyss of nothingness that belonged to the Darkness.  Matthew started to walk around, eventually starting to fly.  Soon, the voice of the Darkness was heard.  Matthew demanded the owner of the voice to step forward.  So, the Darkness revealed himself.  He paralyzed Matthew, only to be blinded moments later by the arrival of Matthew’s father.  Matthew shouted for his father to stay, but soon, he woke up.  Matthew was greeted by his friends and Fluttershy, who had been crying like a fountain after losing him.  Matthew was informed he had been dead for one hour, and was shortly after left alone for a while with Fluttershy.

Matthew was soon after informed he would have to stay in the hospital for one year.  He spent another hour with his friends.  He loved having the company, and they would be the ones to keep him sane for that one long year of recovery.  Soon, time passed to the day Matthew received two very amazing gifts, his hookblade, and his eagle Nightwing.  Matthew considered these the greatest gifts he had ever gotten.  Matthew and Fluttershy that night, even though they weren’t together, shared their dreams once again.

Time passed, and soon enough, Matthew was out of the hospital.  He spent his first day home with Fluttershy, who never left his side.  But, that was the night they would share their dreams, and the Darkness returned.  Matthew looked around for Fluttershy in his dream, only to be greeted by the Darkness.  Matthew argued with him for a few moments, and then, the Darkness had him in his grip.  The light shining from Fluttershy’s presence saved Matthew’s life.  They both awoke, Fluttershy crying into Matthew’s chest.  They were both shivering in fear.  

The following three months went by with the same outcomes.  Matthew and Fluttershy’s dreams were haunted by the Darkness.  The night finally came when Matthew expelled the Darkness from his mind, therefore releasing him into Equestria.  The following day, Matthew and Fluttershy informed Princess Celestia of what had occurred the previous night, and that a new threat was present in Equestria.  Matthew swore to help fight off the Darkness.  And that night, they shared their dreams unhindered by the Darkness.

The day finally arrived that the Darkness returned.  Three months had passed, and now he was back, ready to destroy Equestria.  Matthew, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash rushed to Canterlot to warn the Princess of his return.  They had two days to prepare, and they would be ready.  But, the ponies of Ponyville were in panic mode.  So, on the night before the battle, Matthew, Fluttershy, and their friends performed a song that would lift the spirits of the ponies.  Sure enough, it worked.  Matthew now knew that they would be ready for the battle.

The morning arrived.  Matthew prepared himself, and he and his friends went to the hill that would soon become a battlefield.  Matthew started to sing the lyrics to the song he had performed the previous night.  His words were bounced back by the ponies of Ponyville.  Soon enough, the Darkness’ soldiers rushed down the hill.  Matthew charged forward, taking out a couple before going behind cover and waiting for Celestia’s call.  They all charged, and Matthew rushed back out.  He eliminated dozens of Shadow Soldiers within minutes, but soon, Rainbow was injured.  This got Matthew angry.  He rushed back out, heading straight for the Darkness.  But, the force of the opposing army was too great.  But, soon enough, the Darkness called his soldiers back, and Matthew and the Darkness were ready for their finally confrontation.

Matthew and the Darkness stared each other down.  Their weapons clanged against each other, but Matthew clearly was more skilled.  He landed powerful blows on the Darkness, who would return with equally powerful blows.  The two were almost evenly matched, but Matthew persevered.  The Elements of Harmony were called to action, but sadly, they were ineffective.  Matthew was killed by the Darkness, only to be saved once again by his father.  Matthew had himself blasted by the Elements moments later, allowing him to create the Sword of Altair.  He and Fluttershy blasted the Darkness with the power of love, and within moments, the Darkness was gone.  Matthew used the remaining power he had to create a ring.  He asked Fluttershy for her hand in marriage.

The day of Matthew and Fluttershy’s wedding appeared before the two, as they watched what was the happiest day in their lives.  Matthew and Fluttershy awoke from their slumber, and they were ready for the long day ahead of them.  Twilight helped Matthew to prepare himself, and Rainbow and Rarity helped Fluttershy prepare herself.  The moment arrived, and the two were finally wed.  The night held in store a great party, but the party wasn’t the only thing Matthew and Fluttershy did that night.  Along with making love, the two shared another dream together, one that just felt more special to the two of them.  They flew together, in a dream they never wanted to end.  Once again, the string of memories faded.

The third set of memories started to flash before Matthew and Fluttershy.  These were the last events Matthew decided to write about in his journal.

First was the day of Matthew and Fluttershy’s three year anniversary.  They had been married for three years, and Matthew had a very special night planned.  Matthew and Fluttershy sat together for a romantic dinner, where Matthew came up with the idea for a huge concert.  The idea was perfect, and Matthew and Fluttershy agreed to tell their friends about it the next day.  When they got home, the two headed straight for the bedroom.  

The following day, the two shared their plan with their friends, and soon enough, all of Ponyville.  Word of the concert started to spread like wildfire.  Three months passed, to a day that Matthew couldn’t forget.  He woke up Nightwing to find Fluttershy was out.  They decided to go out for some flying, only to meet Rainbow Dash for a race.  In the end, Matthew and Rainbow stayed home while Nightwing went out for a while longer.  After a while, Rainbow kissed Matthew on the lips.  The kiss was held just long enough for Fluttershy to walk in on it.  Matthew rushed after her, finding her on a cloud.  They had a long talk, and ultimately, Fluttershy was able to forgive.  She just couldn’t stay mad at her husband or best friend.

Matthew and Fluttershy went to talk to Rainbow, who openly confessed her feelings for Matthew.  She understood what she did was wrong, and promised to make it up to the two of them, which she did.  She performed a Double Sonic Rainboom just for Matthew and Fluttershy.  Rainbow had done more than enough to earn the forgiveness of her two friends.  And, soon enough, the night of the concert arrived.

The night flashed by Matthew and Fluttershy quickly, moving on to one year after, the day that Matthew was given the Element of Love.  The day was spent reminiscing of the night from one year earlier, but Matthew, Fluttershy, and their pony friends were greeted by Princess Celestia.  At Matthew’s home, she explained how Matthew truly held the meaning of Love within himself, and he was gifted the Element of Love.  Matthew would shortly after use the Element to visit Earth to make a heartbreaking discovery.

Matthew and Fluttershy watched as the younger Matthew appeared on Earth, outside his childhood home.  What Fluttershy was about to see would most certainly break her heart.  Matthew walked around his house, and soon, his childhood neighborhood.  He found that his best friend and former crush were both heading to the same place, the funeral home, where a wake was being held for his mother.  This discovery crushed Matthew.  As Matthew and Fluttershy watched the memory go by, Fluttershy held Matthew close as the two started to shed tears.  The spiritual Matthew that was visiting his home returned to Equestria, still crying after what he had seen.  He discussed how he felt completely ashamed of himself, but was comforted by his loving wife.  As Matthew spoke out to his mother, the memories started to completely fade away.

Matthew and Fluttershy stood together.  They turned to each other, and hugged.  Shortly after, they woke up.

Matthew and Fluttershy lay in bed, crying with one another.  Their lives together had just flashed by within mere hours.  They had slept the night through, revisiting the past.  As they cried, they spoke to each other.

“I love you Matthew.”

“I love you too Fluttershy.”  They shared a passionate kiss, and a few hours later, their friends arrived.  After that night, Matthew and Fluttershy knew that this was it.

Rainbow, Twilight, Pinkie, Applejack, Rarity, and even Princess Celestia entered Matthew and Fluttershy’s home for what would be their last moments together.  The ponies gathered around the bed that Matthew and Fluttershy were lying in together.  The sight of their friends… no, their family, brought smiles to their faces.

“I take it you two had a good night’s sleep,” Celestia inquired.  Matthew looked to her and smiled.

“How’d you know about that?” Matthew asked.

“My sister Luna told me.  She watches over the dreams of those who are weary the most.  Your dream caught her attention, and she informed me about it.  It must have been a magnificent dream for the both of you.”  Matthew looked back to Fluttershy, who smiled at him.

“Yes, yes it was Princess,” Fluttershy responded.  The ponies just couldn’t take their eyes off of their two friends, who were just waiting to die.

“I just… I can’t believe this is really happening,” Twilight said.  “You two don’t deserve to die yet, it isn’t fair.”  Matthew simply sighed in response before speaking.

“Twilight, I learned a long time ago, that life really isn’t always fair.  But, to be honest, for my life, I’d say it’s been pretty fair.  I mean, after all, look at where I am today.”  Twilight smiled in response.

“We really will miss the both of you,” Rarity chimed in.  “Things just won’t be the same without you.”

“It’s ok Rarity.  In time, we’ll all see each other again,” Fluttershy responded.  Rarity started to cry, followed by Twilight and Pinkie.

“Man, even in old age, I still love to party.  The parties definitely won’t be the same without you two.  I mean, aside from not having any humans present, but you know what I mean.”  Pinkie’s words brought smiles to the faces of everyone in the room.  Fluttershy started to speak.

“I… I just wanted to say that, well, when I was young, I never had friends like you.  Dashie was the first friend I ever really had, and she kept by my side through all of these years.  When I finally met all of you, you all changed my life in the best ways.  You are all more than my friends, you truly are my family.  I love you all.”  Her words were just too sweet.  Everyone in the room was now crying, especially Rainbow Dash.  Dash walked up to Fluttershy and held her best friend in a loving embrace.

“I’m really gonna miss you ‘Shy.  Nothing will be the same without you.  You’re the kindest pony I’ve ever met.  I love you with all of my heart, and I’m proud to call you my best friend.  Heck, I think we’re practically sisters.”  Matthew was a mess right now, but not as much as Fluttershy and Rainbow.

“I love you Rainbow.  You really are the best friend anypony could ask for, and of course we are sisters.”  Matthew couldn’t look away from the two.  They shared that moment like it would never end.  Matthew ran his hand through Fluttershy’s hair to comfort her.  Rainbow looked to Matthew.

“Oh man, now he’s crying.  I can’t handle this,” Dash said, which made Matthew laugh a bit.

“It’s alright Dash, no one is going to judge you for it.  We all love you, no matter what.  You’re the greatest pony I know, and I want you to keep on fighting until the very end.  You’re just a bundle of awesomeness.  Never forget that.”  Rainbow flew up onto the bed and held both Matthew and Fluttershy in a loving embrace.  The three of them never wanted to let go.  But, both Matthew and Fluttershy had some last words to speak.  Fluttershy spoke first as the three released from their embrace.

“Rainbow isn’t the only pony in this room I consider a sister.  All of you girls are my family.  We are all sisters, and I love you all so much.  I will always remember our friendships.  We’ve accomplished so much together.  I just love you all so much, I can’t express that enough.  I…” Fluttershy was about to continue, but couldn’t.  The moment was too saddening.  Matthew held her close to comfort her.  Now, Matthew had to speak.

“Everything Fluttershy said goes for me as well.  You truly are family.  Each of you, in your own special way, are important to me.”  Matthew started to go around the room.

“Rarity.  You are the most generous pony I have ever met.  You’re generosity has always shone through.  Sure, at times, you may not always show it, but you really are a great pony at heart.  Never let that generosity leave you.  And, of course, how could I forget all the clothes you made for me.  You’re the greatest fashion designer in Equestria, and you know it.  Always shine on Rarity.”  Rarity was a true mess right then, covered in tears and unable to stop.  Matthew turned to Applejack, who removed her hat as he turned to her.

“Applejack.  Never have I met someone, or somepony, more honest than you.  Every word you speak is true and just, and that is something you don’t just find in everypony or person you meet.  Not only are you honest, but you are a true fighter.  You may get a little hot-headed at times, but you always mean well for others.  The honesty in your heart is something that will never leave you.  Next time you have an apple pie, do me a favor and put my name on it.”  Applejack chuckled a bit through her tears as she was now crying as well.  Matthew turned to Pinkie Pie.

“Pinkie, oh Pinkie.  Where to even start with you my energetic friend?  I don’t think I’ve ever met a bigger party animal in my life.  With you, every day is a party, and I love that about you.  You’re an energetic bundle of pink, and the laughter you spread across Equestria will never end.  Keep the party going for me while I’m gone, alright?”  Pinkie simply nodded.  She was crying like a fountain, but her tears were anything but fake.  Matthew turned to Twilight.

“Twilight.  You truly have come a long way from being the new pony in Ponyville.  You understand friendship like no other pony in Equestria, and that’s a true accomplishment.  You’ve created friendships that will never die.  You have taught so many the meanings of friendship that friendship will truly never die.  You’re the most magical unicorn I know, and you’re skills are unmatched.  Well, except of course for the Princesses, but that’s beside the point.  I don’t even need to really tell you, but I will anyway.  Keep friendship alive in Equestria, my sister.”  Twilight was in tears as well as every other pony in the room.  She nodded at what Matthew had said, acknowledging what he had told her.  Matthew finally turned to Rainbow Dash.

“Well Dash, I kind of already spoke about you, but I feel I might as well go a bit further.  You’re loyalty to all of your friends, as well as Fluttershy and me, is incredible.  You are the most loyal pony I’ve ever met, and that is something that has clearly taken you far.  You can get arrogant and hot-headed at times, but you’re always up for a challenge.  Nothing can slow you down, and you literally spread rainbows wherever you go.  I am not only proud to call you my best friend, but also my sister.  I love you Rainbow Dash.”  Rainbow was crying just as much as everypony else in the room.  She couldn’t hold back her emotions, but she really didn’t care anymore.  Matthew’s words had touched her heart.  Matthew turned to Princess Celestia.

“Princess, I cannot thank you enough.  On that day all those years ago, you could have easily torn Fluttershy away from me and left me on Earth.  But, you saw that this was the right thing to do, to allow me to stay in Equestria.  I will always be grateful for that, and you have my undying gratitude.  I can’t really consider you a sister, but you are truly my friend.  I love you all the same as I love these ponies and Fluttershy.”  Now, even the great Princess Celestia could not hold in her tears.  She was just as sad as the rest of the ponies in the room.  She nodded to Matthew, and continued to cry.  Matthew finally turned to Fluttershy.

“Fluttershy, my dear, dear Fluttershy.  I love you, and you know that.  I love you more than anything else in this world.  You are the most important thing to me.  I may not have always been the best to you, but you never left me, not after that fateful day that I found you on Earth.  We have spent countless years together, years that I will never forget, even in death.  I cannot express the love I feel for you enough.  You truly changed me to become a better person, and for that, you will always have my love.  I love you, so much.”  Fluttershy was covered in tears now.  She held Matthew close to her, and she actually responded.

“Had you not found me all those years ago Matthew, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.  You loved me when no one else would, and you still love me to this very moment.  I love you just the same, and that love will truly never die.  The years we've spent together have been the greatest years of my life, and I owe it all to you.  I love you with all my heart, and I always will.  You are more important to me than anything in this world.  I… I love you so much too.”  Both Matthew and Fluttershy just continued to cry onto each other, never wanting to let go of each other.  Matthew had one last thing to say.

“Fluttershy and I request that we be buried at the top of the hill.  Which hill should be self-explanatory.  Also, we hope that, when all of your times come, you will join us at the top of the hill, so we may all rest together.”  Matthew looked to the ponies in the room, who all nodded in response.  Matthew and Fluttershy lay back in their bed, ready for the eternal rest to take them.

But, before they left the world, they shared one final kiss, a kiss that would be remembered by everyone in that room forever.  Finally, together, Matthew and Fluttershy spoke.

“I love you.”  Their eyes closed, and they passed on from the world.  Everyone in the room started to shed tears, unable to accept that their two friends were gone.  They just cried, but noticed something about Matthew and Fluttershy.  On their faces, they wore smiles, and they were looking right at each other, eyes closed of course.  Everypony in the room couldn’t help but smile as well, as they knew that their friends had finally moved on.

Matthew awoke in a clear sky.  It was a never-ending sky, and there were very few clouds.  Any that were present only made the atmosphere seem much more peaceful.  Matthew picked himself up to find he was young once again.  His wrinkled skin was gone, and he no longer felt aches and pains.  He was just young.  He stood up and looked around.  He simply smiled.  He had earned his rest.

Matthew was soon greeted by two familiar people.  A light shined through the sky, as two bodies stepped out.  One of them spoke.

“Hello again, my son.”  Matthew smiled at the two figures standing before him.

“Hey Dad, hey Mom.”  The light faded, and standing before Matthew were his parents.

“Oh Matthew, we couldn’t be more proud of you.  When I found that note all those years ago, everyone back home was worried, especially your brother, sister, and myself.  But now, I know that you truly had moved on to someplace better.  We love you Matthew,” his mother spoke.  Matthew smiled back to them.  

“Looks like you are needed son,” his father spoke.  He pointed behind Matthew.  He turned around to see Fluttershy.  She was still human, but like Matthew, she was young again.  She had always been beautiful, but her beauty was just so pure now.  Matthew smiled at his wife.  He turned to his parents.

“I guess I’ll see you two later then.”  His parents nodded, and they left.  Matthew turned back to Fluttershy.  They walked towards each other.  Matthew took Fluttershy’s hands, and they both spread their wings.  They began to fly together in the endless sky.  This truly was heaven.  They were together, forever.  They momentarily stopped flying to share a heavenly kiss.  Releasing, Fluttershy spoke.

“I love you Matthew.”

“I love you too Fluttershy.”

And in that moment, Matthew knew what he had always known.  That it was, is, and always would be…

“Fluttershy and Me”