Deep within Flicker’s heart, a new pain lurked, and he didn’t like it. Unmoving, impassive, he seemed to lack emotion as he just stood there, blank faced, and he had a painful awareness of how he might seem, which made it worse somehow. The sound of Hennessy sobbing was somehow more unbearable than the sounds of his little sister crying, but he couldn’t say how or why. He could comfort his little sister, but he didn’t know how to comfort Hennessy.
“Hennessy, you need to do the right thing and press charges. Your mother will not, she is a battered mare and no doubt incapable of making her own decision upon this matter.” Doctor Sterling’s words were a soft spoken whisper, and the fact that he called Hennessy by name spoke volumes about the situation.
“I can’t,” Hennessy replied, shaking his head, “I just can’t.”
“Your mother needs you to be strong right now, the right thing needs to be done.” Doctor Sterling’s mustache bristled and his ears angled over his scowling face. “He can’t hurt you anymore, there is no chance of reprisal, you are out of his reach—”
“No, I ain’t!” With a gasp, Hennessy fell to the floor and curled up into the fetal position. “Every day, he still hurts me! The memories! It hurts so much and I can’t make the memories go away! Every day I hear his voice and hear the things he said!”
Closing his eyes, the doctor let out a sigh, then stood there, unmoving. Not far away, Piper, who did her best to act like an adult most of the time, began sobbing like a foal. She sat down, bleated, and then covered her face with one foreleg when she could no longer hold everything in. Flicker felt something within his stony self crack. A part of him wanted to kick Hennessy and demand that he get up, cursing his weakness, but that part was overpowered by something new welling up within him.
Moving to Hennessy’s side, he stood beside him. Reaching out his forelegs, Hennessy grabbed Flicker’s right foreleg and then buried his face against Flicker’s fetlock, rubbing his wet, teary face against it, seeking comfort. With the stillness of a headstone, Flicker stood there, looking down as his friend writhed on the floor, clutching his leg, and Hennessy’s tears were damp against his flesh.
Lifting his head, Flicker looked Doctor Sterling in the eye. “I’ll get him to do the right thing. Give me some time. Miss Pie, you’re with me, pull yourself together.” Tilting his head down, Flicker felt an unwelcome pain as he looked at his sobbing friend. “Come, Hennessy, let’s go and get you straightened out.”
“Flicker, do you really think you can get him to do what needs to be done?” Doctor Sterling asked.
“I don’t know,” Flicker replied, being honest, “but I think I know how to get him to help himself.”
The doctor nodded. “Alicorn speed,” he said to Flicker in a solemn, tight voice that was rough and scratchy with feeling. “He’ll remember this, you know, you being here for him during this low point. Many would flee this situation, as it is awkward and painful.”
“It’s not in my nature to run from much.” Flicker reached out with his mind, lifted Hennessy from the floor with absolute ease, and draped the limp, wailing earth pony colt across his back. His side suffered a painful twinge, but he ignored it. “Come, Piper, we must away.”
Sniffling, Piper pulled herself together, finding some reassurance in Flicker’s authoritative command. It cut through her pain, her confusion, the fog of the situation, and gave her direction. She paused for a moment to look at Doctor Sterling, and he gave her a tilt of his head, a faint nod, the last bit of reassurance that she needed to keep going. She felt her flagging spirit lift and she took her place at Flicker’s side.
This would always be her place, she realised.
The spring night was warm and the streets were crowded. Flicker moved through the traffic as if the burden upon his back was weightless, not caring about Hennessy’s weight or bulk. The earth pony colt wasn’t so much sobbing anymore as he was just leaking, he was too exhausted to be an active participant in his own grief.
Biting her lip, Piper kept up, moving with Flicker, who moved like a pony possessed. She had been on her legs for far too long today, and each step was agony. Each leg felt like it was on fire, she could feel her healing muscles all quivering, clenching, going tight, but she dared not complain. She knew that Flicker had to be in pain, even if he didn’t show it, and as for Hennessy, it was obvious that Hennessy was broken from his pain. Piper marvelled at Flicker’s ability to just keep going and she thought that his stamina was almost mechanical.
In one year, he had become a machine, and she knew that she would do the same, as she intended to be his equal. They were the next generation and there were some big shoes to fill. In much the same way that Flicker idolised Doctor Sterling and did everything to try and emulate the good doctor, Piper idolised Flicker and did everything she could to be just like him. He was the bar, the standard, he was the goal that she had set for herself, and she was determined to be his equal, even if it killed her.
When Flicker turned the corner, Piper realised where it was that they were going.
What a difference a warm night made. The Chapel of Night was busy and the street leading to it bustled with ponies of all types. Ponies sat out on the sidewalks, begging, some of them had cups, or hats, or something for bits to be put in. Most of the beggars were crippled in some way, and many were disfigured. Flicker moved past them, ignoring them, and it wasn’t because he lacked compassion, it was just because he was a pony with natural blinders focused upon his task.
Inside of the chapel was a crowd and the smell of scented candles filled the air, along with sweat, the stench of alcohol, and desperation. Some of the ponies were prostrate at the base of the statue, praying, others were weeping, some were praying and weeping, and others just suffered in silence.
The crowd parted around Flicker like magic, and he moved through them in the same way that a well made blade passed through a rat. The sounds of misery made Flicker’s ears perk, and some deep part of him that he was unaware of at the moment was moved to sympathy. A one winged pegasus, also missing an eye, was begging Princess Luna’s statue for restoration and peace.
While Flicker waged war against the rats, others battled against the harpy menace.
With a heave of his body and some help from his telekinesis, Flicker dumped Hennessy on the floor in a somewhat gentle manner, and then held the earth pony colt in an upright sitting position. When Piper had trouble reaching them, Flicker used his telekinesis to push somepony out of the way, he snatched Piper, who squealed in alarm from being grabbed, and then yanked her though the crowd to be at Hennessy’s side. Going ragdoll in her confusion, Flicker bent Piper’s legs for her and sat her down beside Hennessy, pressing the two together to leave room for others.
While Flicker’s kindness might leave a little to be desired, much like his scrubbing in the shower, it was a reflection of his nature. The hard colt had a hard kindness that didn’t have much in the way of softness. He stood guard over his friends, looming over them, making certain they weren’t jostled or molested. Not far away, an older mare wailed—it made Flicker’s ears twitch—and she clutched a framed photo of a young stallion wearing golden armor. Around her neck hung two stars, one in blue enameled steel, the other was smaller and golden. Staring at her, Flicker’s slow but steady mind made the connection, and feeling her pain, he bowed his head.
Now Flicker understood the statue of Princess Luna. The way she cowered, her expression of pain, her look of frailty—in this chapel full of misery, a proud, arrogant looking Luna would have no place, no meaning, no value. It looked and felt as though Luna’s statue felt the pain of those around her, heard their weeping, she was aware of the pain and suffering present. For Flicker, this realisation was profound, and his respect for Prince Gosling grew. The young prince knew what he was doing and how to reach his subjects.
This statue of Luna appeared to have a keen awareness of the suffering of her subjects, and it touched Flicker.
In the flood of noise, he could hear Piper and Hennessy talking, but he had trouble making out what was being said. He did not know the proper etiquette of standing guard while somepony prayed, he didn’t know if he should bow his head, so he just stood there, confused, and feeling the pain of others.
In silence, Flicker waited for Hennessy to sort himself out. Flicker had brought him here, carried him even, and now it fell upon Hennessy’s withers to find his way, find his courage, to find his direction. Flicker was confident that Hennessy would do the right thing. Faith was important to Hennessy, and Flicker thought about his instructions from Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo.
Perhaps he could learn to share in Hennessy’s faith and develop an interest?
Several police ponies and guards wearing golden armor stood in front of the Canterlot Police Command Station. It was, like so many other buildings in Canterlot, a tower, a big five sided one, with balconies sprouting off the sides for pegasus ponies to come and go. The front double doors were enormous, made of black iron, and had stylistic iconography of alicorns on them. One carried a set of scales, the other bore a flaming sword and a golden shield.
Hennessy sighed as he stared up at the doors, and couldn’t seem to move.
“You know what must be done,” Flicker whispered.
“Yeah, I do,” Hennessy replied, also whispering, “but I’m so scared and it hurts so much.”
“He can’t hurt you anymore.” Piper gave Hennessy a nudge. “Do you know what would happen if he tried to hurt you? Lord Death of Murder Mountain would descend from his mountain, and then all manner of unpleasantness and comic book levels of violence would take place. And I’m pretty confident that I would get in on that action as well.”
“Is that what I’ve done?” Hennessy asked, his words trailing off, and he did not further elaborate.
“I don’t follow.” Piper sidled a little closer to Hennessy, and brushed up against his side. “Do explain?”
“It feels like I’ve ran away from one monster and found another to protect me.” Hennessy began to tremble, then shook his head. “Flicker, I’m so sorry for saying that, I don’t mean it in a bad way, I’m sorry—”
“Quiet,” Flicker commanded, “that’s enough.” And at his command, Hennessy went silent. Flicker, unaccustomed to comforting others outside of his family, moved a little closer himself. “You are going to go inside of the police station, and you are going to report a crime, and not just on your mother’s behalf. You will report on what has been done to you as well. There is going to be a Warden in there, no doubt, and he or she is going to peek inside of your mind, it is going to be uncomfortable, and you are going to endure it. When everything's said and done, I am going to take you away from this place, we’re going to get a spot of tea and maybe a bite to eat… and Piper is going to give you the sympathy you need.”
“And just what will you be doing?” Piper asked, narrowing her eyes at Flicker. “He could use some sympathy from you as well.”
“I have too much on my mind,” Flicker admitted, and then the muscles in his neck went rigid as his jaw went firm.
“Like what?” Piper demanded, her brows furrowing. “What could possibly be more important than comforting your friend?”
“Resisting the urge to go south and committing many heinous acts of murder, for one thing.” Flicker’s voice was a low, cold, emotionless deadpan and he looked up at the alicorn bearing the flaming sword and shield. “Hennessy, it will be a mercy for the Wardens and the police to find your father and your brothers. If you don’t act, I just might. I am almost sick with rage and it is only my own strict adherence to law and order that is holding me together right now. But law and order must be tempered with justice, which demands to be meted out. It must be done.”
“I… I actually appreciate you saying that.” Hennessy’s whispered confession was scratchy, and the earth pony was looking up at the alicorn holding the scales of justice. “Somehow, that makes this a little easier. Will you stay with me?”
“If they will let me, yes.” Flicker nodded. “I promise, I will be with you every moment I am allowed.”
“Me too,” Piper added.
Hennessy, swallowing, took a single step forwards. “Mother, forgive me for what I’m about to do…”
Now THAT is some excellent catharsis, with the promise of more to come. I've no doubt that this chapter was rough to write, because it shows in the quality on display. Bravo!
Flicker Nicker being consoling in the way that only Flicker Nicker can be consoling.
Although to be fair, I'm not so sure that most persons would find, "My strict adherence to the law is the only thing stopping me from becoming a spree killer," to be words of great comfort, but what do I know?
I can readily see Flicker doing what he said. Now what is he going to do to vent some of that anger
Damn... *hugs* Top notch Kudzu
I'm glad that you stick which what the characters are so far, if flicker suddenly became very tender and mushy, it would've derailed the entire moment, but because you stayed with his character, I find it more appealing in his way of comforting his friend. Well done!
7797746
I've felt those words myself when a friend of mine confided to be about her abuser. They are very very powerful feelings. If I thought there was a snowball's chance in hell that I'd be able to get away with it, there were a few moments where those words were absolute truth.
This is definitely a hard chapter, but you've pulled it off well. Keep it up.
7797766
Thank you.
It says a lot about Hennessy and Flicker at the end, with Flicker looking at the alicorn with the flaming sword and shield, and Hennessy focusing upon the one with the scales of justice. They are both very different ponies with very different mindsets.
Depending on how old Hennesy's brother are, if they are old enough and set in their ways enough might just need to geld them and blacklist em from ever adopting to keep them from spreading their hatred to furute generations. While there will be others to do so, there will be 2 less that can do so, unless theirs and the fathers' crimes are so bad after the Wardens investigate it that they don't even get a second chance like some have been shown to get and they are instantly just put in prison for good.
Yup, called it.
7794905
Edit: Holy crap, I just noticed Flicker's first story only has one downvote. I wonder if that one had a cause or it's just someone who downvotes because of the author or tags. (I'm guessing the latter, because that one downvote came in the same day it was posted.)
7797779
Well of course Flicker would be this angry. He Values family greatly and these are ponies who value of family is even less than a chronic masturbator values their tissue paper after they are done with it. That and Flicker likely see's em as nothing more than Rats in the forms of ponies and we all know what he does to rats.
7797779
It happened within seconds of it being posted.
Edit:
Excellent chapter! I have really enjoyed reading this story. You have done a wonderful job with the characters. Flicker is the one I relate to the most. I share a lot of Flickers personality traits, but growing up in a environment like Hennessy's. I am greatly enjoyin this story so far please continue.
Honestly, this chapter has me closer to the edge of my seat than many thrillers. I am hyped to an unfortunate degree about this, being that it's 2am here.
And I can't even in good conscience ask for more, because Faust does kudz bless us with chapters. All hail kudzuhaiku!
7797793
I'd swear there's someone with a downvotebot solely for making sure nothing is perfect, even when the reason is no reason at all.
I've seen stories downvoted faster than you could read the first paragraph.
7797832
Which is why I honestly want the ability to downvote tied into making a comment as to WHY it was downvoted, that way you can separate the genuine dislikes of a fic from just random assholes downvoting to someone using some kind of downvote bot. And the Comment being indicated that it is linked to the downvote. I have known seriously great writers in the past get anxiety attacks and stop writing from time to time because of downvotes seemingly for no reason and if they could see if it is an actual dislike for their work or just some random asshole disliking to be an asshole, it would probably help them a whole lot.
7797770
I noticed that. Like the alicorns on the doors, Flicker and Hennessy need each other to be whole.
7797858
Nope.
7797746
Are you trying to imply most people would not have a couple of kills by Flicker's age if not for laws? I know I would.
And thus began the war of Canterlot Aggression.
7797885
I would have more than a couple, and likely fed at least one of them to a future one... I have issues.
7797844
Unless the comments tied to downvotes are allowed to be anonymous (at least publicly) I think that goes too far the other way. People might not comment and downvote for fear of reprisal, from either the author or the author's fans.
When I have sex, I don't feel anything.
When I eat at In'n'Out Burger, I don't feel anything.
When I'm reading the kudzuhaiku stories... I feel.
7797778 Was their beating up Hennessy because of what they believed or for their father. Neither is good but that will determine what needs to happen for rehabilitation if its even possible
7797904
7797885
7797746 Region other schooling also help form people's sense of right and wrong. Personally haven't met anyone I despise enough to be worth the penalties for murder
7798185 you have Kudzuphilia
7798205
Flicker was never beaten. Wat?
7798213 Shouldn't make comments at time after work without any sleep.. Corrected I meant Hennessy
Still enjoying this a lot! Cannot wait to see what comes of this. Keep up the sweet work!!
7798205
This is why Flicker brought Hennessy to the station. Flicker only knows that the siblings kicked the crap out of Hennessy and his mom, and he also knows he'd go off half-cocked (not that way, ya pervs). The Warden would be able to sort out the truth and ensure justice, not revenge, would be done.
7798416
Somebody else in the comments saw pork too.
You people are sick, sick I tell you.
Damn. This is the good shit.
7798417 eEeeeEehhh. Though in all honesty it probably says something about us if pork came to mind first.
7798460
Bacon curtains on the brain, mang.
Mayhaps meaningless, but I'll say this - I'm not sure what to think of that last line. Hearing Hennessy say "Mother" in that southern drawl doesn't sound quite right, especially in his broken state; "Mama" seems like it would be more appropriate. Or perhaps this is one way of how Canterlot and/or Flicker is rubbing off on him. Anyway, it was something that caught my eye.
7798480
I highly approve of the pressure on Hennessy to file charges. It's a rough situation, but his father at the very least needs to get to know a Warden or two.
Luna's chapel again, good decision.
There would be so much murder.
7798460 Sweetie Belle gets away with crimes against vegetarianism by being just too darn fluffy and cute to prosecute.
7797824 Hail!
Shun the haiku-leavers! SHUN!
Fittingly, I had the Avengers Theme playing by chance in the background while reading.
It is an amazing, as heartwarming as heartwrenching chapter.
7797778 nope. They better not get prison for life. For once I'm actually rooting for turning someone to stone.
*edit* and now I will actually root for force feeding one of the brothers corpses to either the father,or one of the other brothers
.... .... .... So question. Of all of the broken ponies in this story, who needs a visit from the Crown Princess of Social Workers the most?
7799523
Piper.
7799543 Believe it or not.... I actually figured that. I mean I may have misread but... I don't think a young mare is going to get over being raped with that kind of attitude lightly... That's the sort of thing that digs in deep and festers while she wears a smile for herself and others. .... .... I anticipate her breakdown warranting the word 'Cataclysmic'.
7799556
WTF are you going on about?
7797746 Flicker Nicker is Equestria's Batman, only he kills rats, rather than hunt criminals. Adhering to the law, to keep himself restrained, from becoming a criminal. Also like Samuel Vimes from the Discworld novels, who walks that tightrope between watchmen and killer, only kept in line by his own inner watchmen, to keep himself in check.
Flicker wants to see justice, for if he takes the law into his own hooves, he becomes unrestrained. Like Rorschach from Watchmen, who's batman, only he's got none of Batman's restraint. And lives like a hobo...I was going somewhere with this but I've forgotten exactly what *derp*
This chapter is your best writing that I've read, bar none. Perfect work, Kudzu.
The scene on the Chapel of Night is nothing short of incredible.
I have recently started reading your fics in order, since I started with Sumac and Gosling before reading most of the first stories, and while we can see some if the evil that plagues the world through the eyes of, say, Stinkbug, who had to deal with wary, aggresive ponies, or Velvet's constant fight against a bureocracy happy to leave foals on the care of farmers who only want a free worker, or even Sumac's different episodes of being attacked, captured, and threatened, nothing shows us the wickedness, the complete utter unforgivable evilness that can be found among and around the ponies that Flicker and Dim Dark give us.
It can be hard to understand how Grogar is, how much damage he causes, and how he influences the world, when we see through the eyes of those fighting from the light. But Dim and Flicker, different as they are, they give us a perspective much closer, much more detailed, to the ways of the wicked, paddling along in their stories.
Thanks.
if lord death descends he makes a NEW murder mountain out of the remains of whatever made him descend.