The rain fell in a torrential pour around the ground, splattering amongst tears and mud. The alicorn responsible for the tears sniffed, flexing her wings in an attempt to shield herself from the rain. A shadow encompassed the alicorn, as her companion shifted at her side. He raised a giant green wing to cover the alicorn, the exertion of doing so caused him to break out in a fit of coughing, and huge plumes of ash were expelled into the air. His breaths came in long, raspy draws, barely audible over the downpour of rain.

He eyes fell towards the gravestones in front of them, and his eyes clouded in nostalgia.

“Are you alright, Twilight?” He asked, as he glanced at his companion. Her purple coat was even darker under the shadow of his wing.

Twilight sniffed, “It’s just been so long, Spike. If only my memories were as good as my magic." She traced her hoof over the crests on the tombstones.

Balloons.

She remembered so much happiness, so much fun and so many games. So much pink. "The faces are clouded, and the locations are unclear, but I remember so much cheer." Twilight blinked away tears.

Butterflies.

She remembered the kindness, the supporting words, the open heart, believing in people being able to change, even against their nature.

A Rainbow.

So much speed and brashness. Conflict... yet an undying connection and responsibility for her friends. No fear of being abandoned or let down.

Diamonds.

A pony willing to give anything, willing to sacrifice anything to her friends. Even her career and fame.

The scent of apples.

The hard and honest truth, regardless of how much it might have hurt. Someone willing to tell you the facts and be there to help.

"It's wrong for me to forget so much about them." Twilight whimpered.

Spike lowered himself closer to the ground. "And yet?"

Twilight raised her head and wiped her tears. "And yet... I have so much work to do. So many ponies need my help and support, and there are things that need to be done that only I can do. Places I need to be, threats I need to deal with, and spells that I need to master. Things to do for Luna and Celestia, things to do for Ponyville, Canterlot, and all of Equestria."

Spike coughed, "They'll always be with you, Twilight, they shaped who are, and when the time comes, all of us will be together again."

Twilight cleared her throat and stood, "Yeah, I know."

The rain seemed lighter.