//------------------------------// // Chapter 2 // Story: The Darkest Fire // by Magnum the Critic //------------------------------// Fluttershy floated weightlessly in a cozy hammock between two oak trees. The rolling fields of green grass created a natural calming aura that relaxed her weary soul immediately. The air was thick and hazy, giving the field the shimmering appearance of a mirage. Her mind was at ease at last in this personal paradise. The wind was cool and refreshing on her fur, and the broad leaves of the trees blocked out the sun. Her body rocked gently back and forth, like she was floating on a pool of water. A gust of wind blew across her face, bringing with it the faintest aroma of roses. She inhaled through her nose, savoring the scent. Her eye lids softly draped over her eyes like a thin blanket, and she exhaled a mighty sigh as her muscles unwound. Her ears twitched and she picked up the sounds of little birds chirping in the trees. A warm sensation spread over her body, like she was lying next to an open hearth. The faint smell of charcoal suddenly rose into the air, steadily getting thicker. Fluttershy coughed from the heavy smoke and opened her eyes to find her precious dream swimming in a sea of fire. Fluttershy screamed as the demonic face of the horned dog burst out of the fire and growled at her. Her hazy dreamland was replaced with the field that the Timberwolf attacked her in, covered in pure, blazing red. The black dog rose from the inferno and gazed apathetically at her. With a flick of its arrowhead tail, two tendrils of fire snaked up at the creature’s sides. Fluttershy’s lip quivered and she soundlessly mouthed out “No.” She brought her hoofs out to shield her face as the fire streams shot themselves at her body, covering her in white hot flames. Horrible, unrelenting pain washed over her entire body. Her fur burned away, leaving her skin, which split and peeled off of her body. Her throat unleashed a bloodcurdling shriek as she was burned alive by the one thing that tried to save her. The creature she thought would do her no harm; that only wanted to protect her. The vision kept resurfacing in her mind, the demon hound would be standing in a field of fire. The flames swirled around it, grazing its legs and chest, but never harming it. If anything, the flames touching its fur empowered it. She continued screaming as the dog howled at the moon, oblivious to her suffering. She writhed in the flames, begging the creature to save her. “Please! Please help me! Help me! It hurts! Stop the fire, I’m begging you! I don’t want to die! Help me! Please! It hurts!” The dog turned and ran through the flaming field, leaving her all alone. She tried to cry in pain, but her tears evaporated before they could form in her eyes. Fluttershy screamed again as the fire slowly consumed her, leaving only a pile of ashes. “PLEASE! STOP THE FIRE! THE FIRE! HELP ME! SOMEPONY, ANYPONY HELP MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!” ************************* Fluttershy bolted upright and beat at her coat furiously to stop the fire that seared her flesh. Her hooves pounded on her yellow fur again and again and again, leaving behind bruises that began to swell. She raised her hoof once more to suffocate the flames, but something caught her leg. Startled, the hyperventilating mare turned her head and her vision was blocked by a striped monochrome face. Fluttershy blinked in confusion, slowly gathering back her wits. Zecora released her hoof, and Fluttershy looked down at her body again. She moved her arms up and down her face and chest, sighing in relief when she realized that she was in fact, not covered in flames. She suddenly gasped with excitement and grabbed Zecora’s shoulders. “I’m so glad I found you Zecora! I went into the Everfree forest to get some of your medicine for one of my animals, but I got lost and-and then I was attacked by the Timberwolf….. And then….. Berry was……Oh no…….Berry…..She was……I couldn’t…… Not fast enough.” Her happiness shattered like glass, and Fluttershy felt her tears burst forth as she recalled her failure. She sobbed loudly and held her face in her hooves; her natural body heat was sucked away by the bitter cold fact that Berry was still dead. She soon felt a set of arms wrap around and hug her tight. “Say no more, I understand. Your travel did not go as you planned.” Zecora gently moved her hoof through Fluttershy’s pink mane, and in turn was embraced by the yellow pegasus. The two remained intertwined for a while as Fluttershy sobbed into Zecora’s shoulder, dampening her fur with her endless river of tears. Eventually Zecora broke the embrace, and offered her friend a cloth to dry her bloodshot eyes. After dabbing her eyes dry, she leaned back against the wooden wall behind her, closed her eyes, and took a deep breath through her nose. She inhaled the thick scent of incense and herbs that hung in the air of zebra’s hut. She opened her eyes again, and looked around the humble home. She was in a small bed, covered in a thin blanket decorated with tribal paintings of birds. Her eyes drifted about the room; there was a small window next to her bed that she could peer out through without having to stand. She looked outside, and noticed that rain was cascading down like a hurricane. The rain chilled the air of the hut, and she found herself shivering underneath her blanket. She wondered how long it had been raining, and if the forest fire had been put out yet. Zecora poured some tea into a small cup, and placed it beside the pegasus’ bed. Fluttershy took the cup and politely sipped it. The hot liquid rushed down her parched throat and warmed her soul as it poured into her stomach. She cleared her throat with a cough but the effects of the tea were short lived, and it came out as a dry gasp. Zecora wordlessly refilled her cup, and this time she drank greedily from it. Zecora almost flinched in shock; she had not realized just how thirsty her guest was. Zecora knew that Fluttershy had many questions to ask, so she spoke first to clear the air. “Many events occurred last night, in the clearing under the moon’s light. You were attacked by creatures most foul, and rescued by an unfamiliar howl. To protect you with its righteous fire; was this being’s one and only desire.” Fluttershy nodded silently, and Zecora continued. “The black dog that saved you, Houndoom is its name, a creature born from the darkest flame.” At the mention of the word, Fluttershy cringed, and a discomforting pain resurfaced on her hind leg. The memory came back; her leg was burned by that creature’s fire. The pain lingered, granting her the knowledge that she had not lost her leg. Each attempt to use it in any way resulted in a bolt of pain rushing up her spine. She stopped moving, but the pain remained. It was not a searing pain like when her fur had actually been on fire, but it was still agonizing. She looked down, but her lower body was obscured by the blanket. Zecora and Fluttershy exchanged glances. Fluttershy showed curiosity and fear; Zecora returned a look of pity. Zecora stood up and left the room, returning moments later with two small jars of unknown substances and a stack of white bandages. Fluttershy fought back the rising lump in her throat, her face turned pale, and beads of sweat ran down her forehead. “How bad is it, Zecora?” she asked, shaking with anticipation. The shaman did not respond verbally; instead she grabbed the blanket with her mouth, and pulled it off the bed. Fluttershy felt her heart skip a beat when she saw her leg covered in blood soaked bandages. Gulping audibly, she slowly began to unravel the bandages. She cautiously lifted it off of her legs, and almost vomited. Most of her soothing, yellow fur was missing, replaced with oozing boils and leathery blisters. The burned flesh and scar tissue started at her ankle and crawled up her thigh to the bottom of her cutie mark. One of the blisters suddenly ruptured, expelling puss and blood onto her irritated skin. Fluttershy stared at it in horror, her eyes grew wide as saucers, and she honestly wondered if she would ever walk the same way again. Zecora completely removed the soaking red bindings and tossed them aside, bringing Fluttershy’s attention back to the healing elixir beside her. Fluttershy realized her intentions; the wound had to be cleaned out before new bandages could be placed. The zebra handed Fluttershy a rather thick, fresh vine, motioning for her to bite on it. She did as instructed; cleansing injuries was not a pleasant experience, after all. Gripping the vine in her jaw, she nodded for Zecora to start cauterizing the wound. Zecora set to work, and Fluttershy’s went wide and she chomped down with all her might. Her muffled shrieks echoed through the hut, and tears rolled down her face. After a few agonizing seconds, Zecora had cleaned the burn for the moment, and she retrieved the second jar. “These special mixtures will help your wounds heal, but the fire’s sting you shall forever feel.” The shaman scooped out a dollop of the solution and placed it on the burned flesh. Fluttershy spat out the vine and sobbed. She then took a moment to calm down before responding through her weary throat. “What do you mean by that? The fire is gone, how can it still hurt me?” “There is no remedy that will work for sure, for a Houndoom’s burn has no cure.” She replied softly as she rubbed the white cream over the injuries. Fluttershy winced now and again as the balm worked its way into what was left of her skin, but she allowed the zebra to continue. After exhausting her elixir, Zecora rewrapped Fluttershy’s leg with fresh, sterile bandages. With a sniffle, she looked absently at the floor and traced her hoof in small circles on the bed, the lingering pain of the burn slowly crawling its way back. Fluttershy clenched her jaw, sucking in air through her teeth. Sure, her flesh would heal, at least enough to walk again, given time and care. But the ever-present pain lingered in the back of her mind. Her chest heaved in fury. If she was going to suffer from this burn for the rest of her days, then this was a fate worse than death. She could picture her revenge in her mind, beautifully thought out and executed perfectly. If she saw the Houndoom again, if she could find the creature responsible for this endless torture, she would…would... She sighed in defeat; anger was never the right answer. Even when she had all the reason to hate this creature, she could not bear to do it. She looked back out at the pouring rain, venting the hatred out of her system with a few deep breaths. “Oh Zecora, I just can’t stay mad at the poor thing. And even if he did…” She waved absently at her disfigured appendage. “This to me, he still saved my life. I wouldn't be here if it weren’t for him and-wait, how did I get here anyway? Did you find me Zecora? The last thing I remember was that massive forest fire, and then…nothing?” Zecora shook her head and offered Fluttershy another cup of herbal tea. “I was awakened in the night by a fearsome bark. It seems the Houndoom carried you here in the dark. With its pith-black fur and menacing glare, I assure you it gave me quite a scare! I saw you lying limp on its back, and I quickly let him into my shack. His face showed great concern, for your injuries and terrible burn. After I placed you softly into this bed, he rose on his tall legs and fled. I tended to your burns, you were in so much pain, and then at last; it started to rain. Not much later and here we are, listening to the storm through the window ajar.” The two sat in silence for a while doing just that; listening to the calming pitter-patter of the water on her wooden house. They enjoyed each other’s company, drinking tea and enjoying the silence. Fluttershy broke the silence, setting down her cup and looking down-trodden. “Zecora, how long will it take for my burns to heal? As much as they will, that is. I need to get home and care for my animals. They need me.” She was not very optimistic of her chances at recovering after the zebra’s statement on the burn having no cure. She smiled warmly. “This burn is quite severe; to recover from this you must persevere! Your skin will heal as good as new, but only if you do what is best for you. Don’t worry about your animal friend, to them, a message I will send.” Zecora grabbed her worn, brown cloak and wrapped it around her neck. She then reached for a bag of berries and nuts and placed it down beside Fluttershy’s bed. She smiled warmly as she opened the door to her hut, staring at the pouring rain that formed large puddles all across the forest floor. “I will return, do not fear. So eat, sleep and rest my dear.” Fluttershy nodded and ate a few nuts and berries. After so long without eating, it was great to have something fill her stomach. Watching Zecora close the door and run out into the rain, she placed her weary head back on the pillow, searching for a dream that did not include horrid faces of death and fire. ************************* Fluttershy did not dream that night. She was thankful for this, for it meant no chance of a nightmare. But on that same token, there was no chance for a good dream either. She slowly opened her eyes to find a blue jay perched on top of her nose. It rustled its feathers, and she sneezed, startling the bird. Fluttershy sleepily followed its movements as it flew out the open window. A quick glance outside told her that it was no longer raining. She heard the sounds of birds chirping cheerfully. Even though very little light ever penetrated the thick forest ceiling, her natural instincts told her it was early in the morning. Smacking her lips, she felt a yawn surge through her lungs, and she stretched out her legs to prepare for another day. She instantly regretted that decision as her burn screamed at her to stop. Cringing in pain, she sat up and searched for the jar of healing balm that Zecora had used the other day. Conveniently, it was resting right beside her bed. She picked it up, but placed it back down; it was empty. The pain started rolling back in like the tide, and beads of sweat ran down her face. “Zecora? Um, are-are you there? I need more of that ointment, if it isn’t too much.” The zebra poked her head out from the side of the room seconds later with a warm grin, and a bowl of steaming soup. “Ah Fluttershy, awake at last. I told you I’d return; I travel fast!” Fluttershy happily accepted the soup and was handed a spoon to drink it with. Fluttershy drank in silence while Zecora checked her bandages again. As expected, they were drenched in blood. Discarding them, she retrieved more balm and fresh bandages. Zecora hummed softly as she applied the balm again. Even though it hurt much less than the disinfectant, she still clenched her jaw in pain. Fluttershy tried her best not to move as Zecora set to work. “Did you tell my animal friends that I would be away for a while?” “Mmhmm.” “Was Angel behaving like a good bunny?” She asked with the overly pampering mother voice she used whenever talking about her precious rabbit. The zebra paused for a moment to place the cream down and return with the new bandages. “Your little rabbit is doing well, at least, as far as I could tell. When I arrived the animals were being fed, and then quickly sent off to bed. The rabbit also wrote you a letter; you should read it, now that you are better.” Fluttershy smiled as Zecora finished her duties and went to get the letter out of her bags. Fluttershy placed the now-empty wooden bowl on her lap and looked down at her leg, now bound with fresh white bandages. Thanks to Zecora, she could feel the skin healing already. “Here it is, my words are true; a letter from Angel to you.” It amazed her that Angel could write at all; he never seemed interested in books and writing. Fluttershy took the small scroll from the Zebra’s hoof and propped herself against the wall. She had to hold the small paper up to her face to discern the characters. The writing was crooked, messy, and very, very small. Dear Fluttershy, Zecora told us all what happened to Berry. It had been really quiet in the cottage since you and Berry left, but when we heard that Berry wasn’t coming back, it just got gloomy. Like a raincloud is always hanging over our heads. It wasn’t very hard to get the other critters to follow my lead once that heavy news set in, but we all worry about you. Even though Berry was only around for a short time, she really left an impression on us. She really was the life of the party until she got sick. Harry spends all of his time crying because he thinks you will get eaten by a timberwolf too. I know you are smarter than Rainbow Dash but still, don’t do anything reckless. And don’t try to come back until your burns heal up! Please come back home safely. Love: Angel Bunny She scanned the contents of Angel’s writing over and over; she never truly realized how much all of her animals cared about her. She treated the animals with kindness because they needed it, not because she expected that kindness to be reciprocated. The letter brought those feelings to the surface, and Fluttershy felt invigorated. There were critters back home that needed her, that depended on her, and she would never let them down again. “Don’t you worry, Angel, Momma’s coming home soon…..Oh, But first I need to hold a funeral for Berry…..” She rolled the letter back up and placed it down beside her pillow. Another sigh escaped her mouth. “I just wish I could talk to her one last time. I need to tell her how much she meant to all the critters, and to me.” Zecora closed her eyes and rubbed her chin in deep thought. After a minute, she gave a short, “Humph!” and spoke again. “I have some good news to share, if you wish to stay in my care. A week’s rest is all you need, to get back home with all due speed. If instead, you should remain, I may have a way for you to see Berry again.” Ignoring how she incorrectly stressed “again” to make it rhyme, Fluttershy started grinning ear to ear. “Do you mean it? I can really talk to Berry again?” Zecora nodded. “This is a spell that once applied, lets one cross to the other side.” “What other side?” She cocked her head while raising an eyebrow. “The spirit world dear Fluttershy, the place all beings go when they die.” Fluttershy’s face beamed with joy and she would have jumped up and down had her wounds not hindered her movement. She still carried regret for not being able to save Berry, and now she could have a chance to ask for forgiveness. “How soon can we go there? I want to see Berry again as soon as possible! I…I need… to….apologize.” She closed her eyes and hung her head, letting her pink mane fall over her face. Zecora placed a caring hoof on her shoulder. “Please my friend, do not despair. For that attack, you could not prepare.” She exited the room once more and returned with a thick, ancient book. The cover was tattered and devoid of any writing save for an illegible title. The whole book was written in some foreign zebra language and the pages had yellowed and cracked with the passage of time. The shaman opened the book and flipped to a certain page, pointing her hoof to the spell they would use. Fluttershy brought her gaze to the ancient hieroglyphic under the spell. “What in the name of Equestria is that thing?” She gazed at the oblong shaped creature. It appeared to be a deity of some sort, for it was surrounded on all sides by zebras kneeling in reverence. Unfortunately, the picture was ancient, and many parts of the creature’s body were faded beyond recognition. Zecora grinned and began to explain the spell. “They say it is impossible to enter the spirit world in stride. Unless of course, one has a guide”