//------------------------------// // TLC // Story: The Ash // by Raging Mouse //------------------------------// Chapter 14: TLC Fluttershy focused. She let compassion and goodwill flow out and gather at a point in front of her. In her imagination that point was a brilliant, white and green point of light hovering above the unmoving lamb by her hooves. She let the light hover gently down until it touched curly fleece, at which point she felt her necklace stir. Her opening eyes saw the golden glow that surrounded the injured critter for a moment before dissipating. The lamb’s legs kicked and it opened its eyes. Fluttershy found herself embraced by two young ponies who were laughing brittle, teary-eyed laughs of immense relief. “Oh... My...” She blushed at all the attention, but truth was she revelled in it because it meant she’d been able to help somepony. Well, somecritter if you wanted to get technical. The two young ponies transferred their attention to the lamb and fussed over it. “Elsie, how do you feel?” “Be-e-e-etter...” That had been the general theme wherever she went since that morning. Applejack, Rarity and Pinkie Pie had headed to the hospital after coming to a general agreement that Fluttershy would be spared having to enter that place, considering the rumours circling around. She’d been grateful, but a little bit surprised when Rainbow Dash had also asked to be excused. Everypony understood her, considering how close a thing her own healing had been. In hindsight it was fairly obvious that her being an Element of Harmony had certainly helped protect her from the worst effects of the ash she’d inhaled. Rainbow Dash did have an ace tucked in her feathers: she’d announced she was going to tend to the guardsponies guarding the ash-poisoned areas and coordinating the rescue efforts. She’d flown off towards Cloudsdale. That left Fluttershy free to decide for herself, though she hadn’t seen any need to: everypony was concentrating on, well, everypony. That left a lot of other beings completely ignored. She’d first flown to the communal stockades of Canterlot. They were bursting at the seams with animal companions brought by the evacuees. Feed was scarce, the wintry ground had no grass suitable for grazing and many critters were in terrible shape, having fared no better than their pony caretakers when the ash reached them. Even thinking back to it made her squeak a little out of equal parts horror and contriteness. She’d used The Stare on the herdsponies, extracting a promise to enlarge the pens until the critters had room to roam. The guilt was quite thoroughly lessened by the results: a much larger pasture had been erected in merely two hours. Bales of hay and sacks of oats had also arrived from somewhere. It sometimes galled Fluttershy how ponies had to be coerced into showing even such elementary kindness towards other ponies, not to even mention other creatures. She was so lost in thought that she bumped into somepony. A moment of confusion later she was steadying and automatically apologizing to what appeared to be a very sickly earthen mare covered by a hooded robe. She took in some details while her brain supplied apologies on auto-pilot: the muzzle not covered by hood was covered by a ragged, tan coat full of blemishes. The robed pony attempted to push her gently away, letting Fluttershy feel how she trembled. “Oh dear! Are you all right? You look like you’ve been poisoned by the ash.” Fluttershy let go of the mare and pointed at her necklace. “Luckily I can remove that so you can recover. Just let me–” “No!” The mare had almost shouted the single word, startling Fluttershy badly and causing her to back up. “But – but—” The mare drew back her hood, to the sound of gasps and surprised shouts from every nearby pony. Her head was badly disfigured. A wide streak of coarse, black hair, as if she’d been burned, crossed her face diagonally, from a left upper ear shrivelled to a clump of flesh, to the right side of her jaw. One eye was covered by a milky film and was oozing a clear liquid. The other eye lacked whites and iris, and there was no sign of either eyelid, making it look like a black marble. Fluttershy merely gaped at the sight in front of her, transfixed, while her legs buckled underneath her. The mare advanced a couple of steps to close the distance between them, bringing her battered face level with Fluttershy’s. She hissed, though if she was angry or not was hard to tell: her upper lips seemed to be permanently fixed in a snarl. “I don’t need your so-called ‘cure’. I am one of the few who will live on while the rest, all of you too weak to be purged by the ash and incapable of accepting its gift, will fade into a memory. This I have been promised, and don’t you dare take that away from me!” The mare suddenly reared on her hind legs and started shouting. “Ponies! If you have the strength to look into yourselves and uncover the ugliness within so that it may be cleansed, then seek out the ash and be pure! Accept the gift of the gods and be promised life eternal! Forsake these false goddesses who would make you their slaves!” “Hey you! That’s treason! You are under arrest!” To the guardsponies’ credit they had waited to announce their presence until they were positioned to put a hoof each onto the mare’s shoulders. Unfortunately, they were unprepared for what happened next. The mare, despite her sickly appearance, seemed to be equipped with all the strength her earthen form was entitled, plus another generous helping of the same. She twisted out of their grasp and slammed her front hooves into the icy pavement. There was an ear-splitting crack and a flash of black and blue, and the stones closest to her writhed and twisted in the corrupting flame of the alien ash. It also caught both guardsponies, making them wail in terror and pain as it crept up their legs, burning and twisting them. Then the mare fled, knocking away any pony in her path. Fluttershy roused herself from her paralysis and immediately set to curing one of the stricken guards. She let her worry and sympathy pour into her Element. The golden glow enveloped the guard, healing his legs and making the discolorations on them scatter like dust. A sudden tingling noise made Fluttershy turn in time to see golden sparks hit the second guard, alleviating his injuries just as completely as the Element of Kindness had managed with the first guard. She trailed the sparks’ paths back to the source: Twilight was looking down at the other guard. At least, it looked like Twilight, but the mare in front of Fluttershy had gray eyes and didn’t seem to acknowledge her friend. Then Twilight blinked, swayed and shook her head. When she looked up again she locked her now-purple eyes with Fluttershy. “Oh, hey, Fluttershy! I was looking for you. What exactly happened here?” Fluttershy spoke about the robed mare and her rantings, and what she’d done to the guardsponies. Twilight’s expression darkened as she listened, and she was silent for a long while after Fluttershy had told everything. The guardsponies thanked them profusely, expressed their dismay at not being able to detain such a dangerous individual, and left to make a report to their superiors. “Twilight? What’s on your mind?” The question caused an extreme reaction. Twilight was so startled she nearly leaped into the air, and the look she gave Fluttershy was a mixture of alarm and guilt. “What? Nothing! Why do you ask?” Now that Twilight was staring so wide-eyed at her, Fluttershy noticed there was still a hint of gray in her friend’s eyes. It frightened her and she backed away, mumbling. “Um... You were silent for so long, so I was wondering about what you were thinking... Sorry?” Twilight shook her head and mane. Then she graced Fluttershy with a slightly forced smile. “No need to be sorry. I was a bit distracted thinking about this.” Her smile disappeared. “This could be very bad. This earth pony can spread the corruption the ash leaves behind? And she does so willingly? She believes it’s a gift?” Twilight shook her head again. “The Princesses need to be informed. Could you come with me? I’d like to ask you to help with the creature as well.” “Um, I thought our Elements wouldn’t be used on the creature?” “No, no. You see, the creature seems to be stuck reliving the moment it was burned by the reigniting sun. I believe it’s lost its mind. We need to find a way to calm it, and to do that we’ll need to speak to its spirit. To do that I’ll cast a spell on us so that our spirits can contact each other. I won’t lie to you: it could be unpleasant. We feel everything as if we’d really be there. It won’t really happen to us, you understand, well it will happen to our spirits, but then we just need to— Fluttershy? Where did you go?” Fluttershy had stopped walking without Twilight noticing. She stood staring straight ahead with wide eyes, wings partially unfurled as if about to fly, quivering with fright. Twilight walked up to her side and nuzzled her gently until Fluttershy relaxed and tucked her wings against her body. “Fluttershy, I know it sounds scary but I believe it’s the only way we can help the creature. Please? The only way I’ve found to heal it requires that we heal its mind first.” “Um... If – If it’s that badly hurt... then... maybe it’s better if – if we let it... pass away?” Twilight’s eyes bugged out and she stared at Fluttershy with her mouth agape. “You? Even you would suggest that? Just... what is going on?!” Fluttershy whined. “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! It just sounds so scary, and sometimes when I find an animal who’s really hurt, so hurt that I can only hold it and try to ease the pain, they look at me with their eyes and they just beg me to release them from – from...” The whine became a wail and she collapsed into a fit of sobs. Twilight used her hoof to gently stroke Fluttershy’s mane. “I’m sorry. I don’t intend to force you into this. I just don’t know if I can do it alone. Celestia wishes to save the creature, and I’d really like to do so, for her sake if not for anything else.” “No, you are right.” Fluttershy gulped and calmed. “It does deserve a chance. I’m very scared, but I’ll do it. I don’t know why, I can usually control myself when I need to help somepony or somecritter. There was this idea in my head that just... letting it go... would be better.” She chuckled bitterly. “Look at Fluttershy. She’s so scared of helping she wishes others would just die.” “Stop that! That’s not true, Fluttershy! You are a very brave mare and don’t let anypony tell you different!” Twilight hesitated. “Besides... You are not the first to suggest we’d be better off if the creature died. It’s almost strange.” “Well, I’ve changed my mind. I hope you can forgive me for even suggesting it.” Twilight nudged Fluttershy, encouraging her to rise up from where she was lying in the icy street. “There’s nothing to forgive. Now come on. We’ll go and make sure Celestia knows about the strange mare you met.” ~~~~~ “This is very worrying, Twilight. What you describe sounds like some kind of dark magic, able to manifest even in earthen ponies!” Princess Celestia was frowning, sitting on the Throne of Moon and Sun. There were murmurs and whispers all around Twilight and Fluttershy as the ponies attending Day Court discussed her news. Celestia cast a glance sideways, to where her sister was watching from one of the balconies, before shutting her eyes. After a moment she opened them and looked at Twilight again. “Twilight, in light of this it becomes clear that our highest priority should be erasing this corruption from the face of Equestria. Everything else is secondary.” “Ummm what about..?” Celestia’s gaze hardened. “Everything else is secondary.” Twilight bowed nervously and backed away with Fluttershy following her. When she was out in the court’s lobby she finally turned and ran, stopping to lean against a wall a bit further away and take a couple of deep breaths. She twitched as a hoof touched her shoulder. “Um, are you all right, Twilight?” “I’ve... I’ve never been scared of the Princess before. But this time...” She shuddered. “There’s something very, very wrong going on here, Fluttershy.” “Well... maybe this whole situation is new and making Princess Celestia act in a manner unfamiliar to you?” Twilight turned away from the wall and faced Fluttershy. “Princess Celestia is one of the most caring, loving ponies I have ever met. She’d never, ever be this worried about somepony – er, some creature’s – survival only to change her mind like it didn’t matter anymore!” “You are right. I know she wouldn’t do that.” Fluttershy’s brows pulled together and she stared into space. “Maybe... maybe you misunderstood her? I mean, she didn’t specifically tell you to let the creature die, did she?” Twilight nodded while chewing her lip. “You must be right. I simply misunderstood her. She couldn’t outright mention the creature while in Day Court, after all. Come on, let’s go to it.” Fluttershy followed Twilight. As they walked she became aware that Twilight was mumbling. She moved a little closer, in case she’d gone deaf and Twilight was speaking to her normally after all. “...Must be that I misunderstood. She’d never... Never...” ~~~~~ “Are you ready, Fluttershy?” “Eeep! Um... Yes.” “Remember, you’ll feel like you can’t breathe. It’s okay, though. Your spirit form doesn’t need to breathe. Just ignore it and try to make the creature pick a more comfortable location. I know approximately how long we have before the sun ignites, so if I tell you we’re out of time you should immediately end your spell like I showed you.” “Eep!” “Don’t be afraid. Just remember that you can end the spirit link whenever you wish.” Fluttershy held her breath for a moment before letting it rush out, relaxing while she exhaled. “Twilight? Let’s just do it.” Twilight hesitated before nodding and shutting her eyes. A silvery light enveloped her horn and then expanded to cover all of her before jumping to Fluttershy, who gasped. Fluttershy couldn’t breathe! She strained her lungs to inhale any available scrap of air while opening and shutting her mouth in panic. Then she opened her eyes and took in the scene. In front of her was Twilight and... what had to be the creature. She heard Twilight talking... at least, she thought she heard Twilight talking. Look at me, please. My name is Twilight Sparkle and I’m trying to help you. We’re speaking on a spiritual plane that you have control over. Could you please come up with something less hostile? Fluttershy fought to ignore the feeling that she was suffocating. Then she ‘heard’ another voice. I... Remember you. Yes, that’s good but could you please please please remember something else than this? I remember... fire. Oh no. Fluttershy, we go! Now! Fluttershy blinked. The charred body of the creature was in front of her. She swayed slightly and steadied herself with a hoof. “Oh my...” Beside her, Twilight let out a frustrated groan. “You can say that again! Anyway, we need to try again.” “Wait. Does he always say the same thing?” “He? Um, no. It – he – does seem to know we’re there and respond to us.” Fluttershy nodded slowly. Twilight waited for more, but that seemed to be all Fluttershy had to say. “Ready for another try?” “Yes.” Once the silvery aura had enveloped Fluttershy she opened her eyes and spotted the creature, half-sitting, half-lying on the grass as before, staring up at a hovering image of Celestia. Twilight walked up to the creature, stopping by its feet. Look at me, please. It’s Twilight Sparkle ag— Fluttershy?! Fluttershy had ran up to the creature and thrown herself in his lap. She felt his hands touch her lightly on her back. She turned her head and saw that he was looking directly at her, for the first time actually focusing his eyes. She let her body tremble, expressing all her fear, while locking her gaze with his. Mister? I’m scared! Remember the fire? It’s going to come soon unless you help me! His mouth opened and shut soundlessly, but his voice rang clear in her head. The... Fire? Yes! Please, make it go away! Make us go someplace else! All you have to do is wish and all of this will go away and we’ll be elsewhere! Please, take us someplace where it’s safe! She felt Twilight try to pull at her shoulder. Uh, Fluttershy? I don’t... Twilight stopped as she watched a hand lift and slowly start stroking Fluttershy’s mane. Fluttershy tried to channel all her helplessness and meekness into her gaze and pour it into the eyes of the creature. Please save me. Please, protect me and keep me safe. Please. Take us somewhere safe. Fluttershy, nice try but— Please. Take us home. Another slow stroke of Fluttershy’s mane. Above, Celestia’s outlines were becoming brighter. We need to go, Fluttershy! Take us home. We really should go now! We should go home. The light level had surpassed that of noon in a desert with the sun directly overhead. FLUTTERSHY! I don’t want to burn! Please, please, PLEASE— The sun’s brilliance forced her to shut her eyes. Twilight inhaled reflexively to brace against the imminent pain, and air rushed into her lungs. She paused, holding her breath, her eyes slamming open in confusion. The sun was in front of her, warming her face gently. She was standing on a floor that had the appearance of polished and lacquered wood, and was looking out of the largest windowpane she’d ever seen. It stretched from floor to ceiling, and the ceiling was high. The vista in front of her was beyond mind-blowing. The sun was low on the horizon, and everywhere she looked she saw gargantuan towers with mirror surfaces, reflecting the sun, each other and everything else. She was awestruck. She finally exhaled. “Where are we?” “Home.” She turned at the sound of the creature’s voice. He was sitting on the floor, his back leaned against a white wall, Fluttershy still trembling in his lap with her hooves in front of her eyes. Twilight walked up to her and gave her a gentle nuzzle. “It’s okay, Fluttershy. You did it! You managed to save him!” “I... did?” I was so scared! “It was pretty scary. But you were so great. I couldn’t have done this without you.” Fluttershy frowned. “Um... You heard my thoughts?” “We’re still in the spirit plane. We’re not really talking right now – it’s all in our thoughts. You accidentally projected yours so we could hear it.” Twilight sighed and rested her head against Fluttershy’s side. “I almost, almost broke the spell, but I just couldn’t bear leaving before you would.” “Um... I’m sorry I didn’t end it when you told me to. Please, don’t be mad.” “I’m not.” Twilight raised her head and regarded the creature. His eyes and expression had gained a ghost of awareness that hadn’t been there before and he was following her and Fluttershy’s discussion with his eyes. “Um, hello again. I’m glad you’re feeling better. Do you remember my name?” He peered at her. “Twilight Glitter?” “Close. Twilight Sparkle. And this is Fluttershy. We’re here to help you.” “Help me how? I’m dead, right? Isn’t this the afterlife?” “The what now?” “The afterlife. You know. The place you go to when you die?” “Is that what happens to you? We believe we get passed on to Harmony, and Harmony purges us of our previous life, making us empty and ready to be reborn as another pony. I’ve never heard of any afterlife, and this wouldn’t be it because we’re not dead and neither are you. This is the spirit plane, as I said. I had to come talk to you here because you are unconscious.” “Why am I – wait. That fire really happened, didn’t it?” Just as he’d said that, the creature’s hands began to blacken. He raised one of his hands up in front of his face and watched as his skin slowly turned to soot and flaked. The other hand, still caressing Fluttershy, was doing the same, smearing soot over her mane. She squealed and struggled to get away. The creature mumbled. “You’re lying. I’m really dead, right? I must be. Nobody survives that kind of thing. You’re just getting my hopes up before I get sent back. Back to the fire.” He shoved Fluttershy away and rose to his feet, balling his fists and raining soot. The advancing wave of black had eaten away his shirt and pants, raining ash down onto the wooden floor. “I don’t want to go back! I want you to go AWAY!”