The stagecoach bounced a little, the occasional bump in the road catching its wheels, as Beaming Justice left Canterlot. Princess Celestia had been kind enough to give him a proper ride back to Willowhill, even after he had shunned her kind-hearted attempt at helping him in his dire situation. As Justice looked out, back towards Canterlot, he couldn’t help but realize what he was doing. Though his accommodations were improved, he was yet again running from his troubles, running from Canterlot, running from those who would wish to help him.
Though Justice recognized he was fleeing yet again, this time was different. The last time he had fled, he was running from his troubles with no end in sight. This time, he knew where he was going and who would be there when he arrived. Pulling his head back into the coach, he couldn’t help but feel that his mistake was larger this time.
As the coach jostled slightly, Justice turned inward, his thoughts constantly returning to the meeting with Princess Celestia. She believes I’ve been cursed, he thought, but doesn’t know what that means. Have I really not grown any, aged any, in the past two years? What does this all mean?
He laid his head on the windowsill, watching the surrounding villages come and go, the small children running alongside the royal stagecoach, the older ponies trying to sneak a look at who was inside. Watching the children only made Justice’s mind race further. What if I never age again? Will I always stay this way, this age? Does this mean I’ll never grow old and die?
A shudder ran through him, his thoughts mulling over what Princess Celestia had said, as well as his fight with Commander Mihsori. What about death? Princess Celestia hinted that my survival from the battle with Mihsori was more than miraculous, it was downright wrong. Is this a part of the curse? He felt the onset of a headache, ruffled his mane, and let out a shout, “What does it mean?!?”
The stagecoach jerked, the driver ponies slightly startled by the sudden shout from within. They quickly righted themselves, pulling at a normal pace on the path once more, but couldn’t help but wonder what was going on with the pegasus inside. Their orders were to take this pony, who looked suspiciously familiar, back to some tiny village that they had to find on an extremely detailed map of Equestria. Their orders did not include interfering with the passenger.
After traveling all through the night, Justice began recognizing some of the outlaying farms of Willowhill. He waved back at some of the farmers he had recently come to know, surprised by their enthusiastic greetings. The stagecoach ran past the village, heading straight for Blowing Storm’s farm. Justice was very excited to see his friends, as he hadn’t since the time in the hospital, almost two months earlier. He noticed that the fields needed some attention, Storm and Chase unable to work the entire farm on their own, but that just made him smile. He had told the princess that he was needed; the fields proved his point.
When the stagecoach finally arrived at Storm’s farmhouse, Justice got out, thanked each of the drivers personally, and offered them some lunch and rest in the farmhouse. They kindly declined, surprised at the attention they received from a fare, and set back on their journey to Canterlot. Justice turned and was immediately greeted by Chase, who ran over to hug him.
Justice laughed, relieved to be back home, in a place where his worries could come second, his friendships and farming more important. As he was greeting Chase, and fielding many questions about his hospital stay and visit with Princess Celestia, he looked up and saw Storm approaching. The pegasus had a smile on his face, relieved that his farming partner had returned and pleased that his son’s friend had returned as well. The two approached each other, shaking hooves.
“About the visit in the hospital,” Justice began, wanting to clear the air of any hardships that might exist between the two. Before he could continue, Storm cut him off.
“We’ll talk later,” he said, a bigger smile crossing his face. He knew how unsocial the proud pegasus before was, so the events planned seemed even more fun. “First, we have to take you into Willowhill for a quick visit, if you are up to it.”
So Justice, Storm, and Chase walked towards the village, Chase jumping up and down with excitement, confusing Justice. What has gotten into the colt? he wondered. He kept trying to read any clues off of Storm, but received nothing. When they approached the outskirts of Willowhill, he heard some light music from the village square. Finally, they came into view, and Justice found out what was planned.
“THREE CHEERS FOR THE HERO!!” somepony shouted. The whole village erupted in applause, some ponies even crowding around him, just wanting to touch the one who helped save them from the slave camp. Around the village square were decorations of all kinds. Balloons, streamers, party hats, party games, treats…everything a party would need. The entire village, or what was left of it after the past few months, had come out to celebrate Beaming Justice’s return.
Justice turned, frowning at Storm, but couldn’t help but laugh, enjoying the festivities. He couldn’t stay mad at his two best friends, seeing as they were just trying to be nice to him. He felt himself more and more pleased with his choice of coming home, instead of staying in Canterlot. He pushed any thoughts of Princess Celestia and what she said out of his mind, determined to just have fun.
The day progressed as any party would. The inhabitants celebrated, games were played, treats were eaten, and gifts were given from one pony to the other. At one point, Justice was asked to describe his fight against Commander Mihsori, which he did in full detail, except the part about his death. When Chase excitedly blurted out that Princess Celestia herself had asked to see Justice, the crowd gasped.
“I guess you all probably want to know about that?” Justice asked, a smile across his face. The ponies nearby nodded, a couple even shouting out affirmation. Justice sat down, his mind racing about what all he could tell. A hush fell across the crowd, the ponies excited about hearing what had occurred.
“First,” Justice began, dropping his voice so that the crowd leaned in excitedly, “I was greeted at the hospital by two royal guardsmen. They led me to a luxurious stagecoach which took me straight to Canterlot. Once there, I was able to tell of the horrors of the camp to some griffon dignitaries, including the one who helped us escape.
“I ended up spending the night in a huge suite and was treated with a special breakfast in the morning and then, it happened. I was brought before the Princess, the room was cleared, and she thanked me. She thanked me for the help of saving countless ponies around Equestria. She thanked me for my bravery in taking on Commander Mihsori and for helping to design the distraction needed to allow the pony army entrance to the camp, undisturbed.”
At this point, many in the crowd were nodding, agreeing with the Princess’ approval. The village, though it had suffered through a terrible fate, losing many foals and elderly ponies, had grieved over the past two months and was relieved to be able to celebrate now. They were eternally grateful for the risks that Justice had taken.
“After all of this, I told her of Willowhill here. I explained about all of its wonderful ponies and how I couldn’t wait to get back.” The crowd erupted in cheers at this last part, the party getting started up again. Justice enjoyed himself, dancing with a couple of mares, eating with some new friends, and, best of all, celebrating with Chase. As the night went on, the tone of the party started to wind down. The ponies began to get tired, slowly retreating back to their houses and farms.
Justice, Chase and Storm decided to head back to the farm, their night finally at an end. Chase ran ahead, his excitement still piqued, even though his body was tired. Justice smiled, laughing at the energy the young pony still had to offer. Turning his head, he looked over at Storm, who was frowning, his eyes looking far away. Justice realized that his friend was upset, but knew they would talk once Chase was in bed.
After the young pony fell asleep, Justice telling him the story of the fight with Mihsori yet again, Storm called out to Justice from the dining room. Justice sighed heavily, knowing that the fun and merriment of the day was coming to an end, and walked out to meet his friend. Sitting across the table from Storm, Justice looked him in the eye, his smile fading.
“Storm,” Justice began, getting cut off. His friend’s look was one of worry and sorrow. Storm had been the first to question Justice’s survival and Justice feared more was to come. Storm looked off to his right, his face twisting into pain.
“What did the Princess really talk to you about?” Storm asked. He turned back to the pegasus across from him, slight bewilderment on Justice’s face. Storm sighed, “I saw you think about what you would say during the party. I’m sure you talked about the fight and about Willowhill, but there had to be more. Please, tell me.”
Justice felt his mind split. On one hoof, I have told Storm some of my darkest secrets and memories, but this is something more. On another hoof, Storm is my best friend and the pegasus who helped me get over my mental block on flying. If there was ever somepony I would be able to talk to about my situation, it would be him. His mind made up, Justice explained.
“The Princess and I talked about some things happening to me,” Justice began. Over the course of the following three hours, the two pegasi talked about everything. Justice described, in detail, his brush with death, causing both ponies to shake in fear. Justice talked about his miraculous recovery and seemingly inability to age.
Storm nodded at this last point, mentioning that he had noticed few differences between the current Justice and the ragged Justice that had walked onto the farm. “I always just assumed that the change to farming and hard work just helped you stay fit. But now that you mention it, you haven’t changed much at all.”
Justice began shaking his head, his hooves grasping both sides, and laughed. “What does this mean? If I can’t age, will I never grow old?...Wait, not that it would matter, cause I can’t die!” He began to laugh even more, a broken, chilling laugh. His head was pounding; his thoughts turning to Nightmare Moon, Mihsori, Steel Hoof, Swift Breeze, Aurora Shine. If I can’t die, will I ever see my friends again?!? His pained expression came with a smile, his eyes wide and tearful, his body shaking.
Suddenly, it all stopped. The pounding ceased, his thoughts blank. His smile faded, his eyes relaxed, his pained expression turning to one of surprise. He turned his head, seeing Storm wrapped around him in a hug. Storm seemed to be crying, his body heaving with great sobs. Justice felt his own tears begin to flow. He opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted by the smallest whisper from his friend, one that he almost didn’t hear.
“You have us,” Storm said, between silent sobs. “No matter your situation, no matter what this all means, you have me and my son. We are your friends and we will help you through whatever will happen. We love you.”
Justice felt himself full of some warmth that boiled up from within. Storm was right, he had friends right here in Willowhill, friends that would help him through this unusual situation. For the rest of the night, the two pegasi sat and talked. They talked about the fight with Mihsori, Justice’s brush with death, Storm’s experience in the fight, how much Chase had grown, how they would explain Justice’s lack of growth if asked, and even the future for the farm. Before they knew it, the sun had risen and Chase was walking in, asking about breakfast.
Over the next seven years, the farm blossomed. The size of the fields grew, as did Dream Chaser. Chase had grown into a wonderful young stallion. His years of working the farm had helped shape him into a pony much adored by mares from nearby towns. The village of Willowhill had begun rebuilding, the clip-ity-clop of little hooves heard around town, yet Chase, because of the exception made by the griffons, was the only pony his age in the village. He had visited some nearby towns, attending events and making some new friends, even catching the eye of a young mare or two.
Storm was not pleased with the weekend party lifestyle that his colt was living, but the farm-owner side of him was pleased that Chase still put the farm first, and the father side of him remembered being a young stallion. Justice couldn’t help but snicker, finding the courtship of Chase to be humorous. It was during these weekend parties that Chase would leave Willowhill, often out until early the next week.
Storm asked that Justice tag along, to ensure Chase’s safety and, for the first couple of visits, Justice did attend with Chase. Eventually, Justice realized that Chase wanted independence, so he would often find a hotel to stay at for the weekend, giving Chase his freedom and Storm his, albeit incorrect, perceived protection. It was this idea that led to Justice’s downfall.
“Ok, are we far enough?” Chase asked, looking over his shoulder at the diminishing view of Willowhill. The weekend plan was to visit a nearby town, one that Justice and Chase had never visited before, one found on the other side of the neighboring forest. Justice was walking with him, showing Storm that he would watch over the adolescent stallion.
“No,” Justice said, shaking his head while keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding trees. His time fighting the worst of Equestria as Luna’s Chief Lieutenant had taught him that some of the worst monsters of Equestria lived in the forests. “I’m at least walking to the town with you this time. We’re gonna be safe.”
Chase just rolled his eyes, thankful that his longtime friend was with him, but upset that he was being treated like a little foal. Still, Chase knew that his fun was dependent upon Justice’s cooperation, so upsetting him was out of the question. So the two ponies walked through the forest, chatting about small things: who Chase was going to see, when they would need to make the return trip home, and even small talk about the farm. As they walked, and the sounds of the forest began creeping into Chase’s mind, Chase found himself grateful for the company. I’m not scared, he thought, it’s just nice to have somepony here with me.
When they exited the forest, Justice waved at Chase, sending him off to enjoy himself, and Chase asked if Justice wanted to come along. Justice declined, instead finding a nice place the stay for the visit and relaxing. He found a good book to read, settling down for a long weekend ahead. Before he knew what happened, Justice fell asleep.
Justice found himself flying, the day bright and beautiful. Looking over, he saw Swift, flying with determination, and realized they were racing. Grinning, Justice pushed harder, pulling away from the pegasus next to him. Down below, he saw Steel and Aurora, Steel’s hoof around her shoulder, watching the race far above them. He waved down at his friends, tears beginning to cling to his eyes, and realized that the distraction was hurting him in the race. Swift shot past, flying through the finish cloud first, celebrating his unusual victory over his friend.
Flying down, Justice landed softly on the vibrantly green hill next to his three best friends. His mouth moved, but no sound came out. Aurora chuckled, Steel rolled his eyes, and Swift gasped for air, smirking at his superior.
“Long time no see,” Swift said, laughing. “You’ve gotten slow. What happened?”
Steel just snorted. “Be nice Steel. He seems surprised.” He turned to Justice, smiling big.
Aurora smiled, snuggling closer to Steel, blushing lightly. “Did you know, Justice? Was it so obvious that Steel loved me?” She laughed again, cuddling closer to Steel’s broad chest.
Justice just stood there, looking at all his friends, tears flowing freely now, still unable to speak, his sobs catching in his throat. The three just smiled, all watching their friend. Suddenly, Aurora’s eyes flashed open wide, Steel’s ears perked up, and Swift jerked his head around. All three looked distraught, their shoulders dropping, their smiles fading.
“You need to go now,” Steel said, looking up to his friend. A sad smile spread across his face, his ears flattening across his head.
Justice looked at the three. Aurora was still looking down, her face twisted in pain. Swift had his back turned, staring off into the distance, his ears still perked up, his muscles tense. Steel just looked back, his eyes starting to water. Justice strained his ears into the distance, following Swift’s gaze. He thought he could hear something, off in the distance, a small sound, like somepony crying out for help.
“Boss, it was nice seeing you,” Swift said, turning his head slightly, still poised for whatever danger the three seemed to sense before Justice. He smiled at his friend before turning back to the distance. “We sure do miss you.”
Justice strained harder, feeling the tears grabbing at the corners of his eyes. The sound was louder and definitely a voice screaming. His mind strained, sure he knew this voice, but unsure where he had heard it before. He looked back to his friends, noticing that Aurora was looking up to him, crying.
“Go save him,” she said, sobbing between words. “Go be the hero you have always been.”
Recognition hit Justice, finally understanding that the screams he heard were from Chase himself. He panicked, staring off into the distance, torn between being where he needed to be and being here, with his friends. He turned, finally able to speak, asking, “Will I ever see you all again?”
Steel shook his head, Aurora moaned, and Swift’s shoulders slumped. “We don’t know,” Swift said, his voice cracking. “It doesn’t matter, GO NOW!” Swift and the others began to blur, the beautiful, warm day starting to haze away. Justice felt himself crying, unable to hold anything back, but this blur was being replaced with something else. The forest, darkened by night, was flying past, the sounds of hooves pounding on the ground, breathing quick and staggered. Suddenly, Justice could see Chase, running erratically away, screaming out in fear, begging for help.
With a thud, Justice awoke on the floor of his room, the scream echoing in his head. He jumped up, adrenaline pumping through his body, and tore out the door. Unsure of whether his dream was a premonition or just paranoia, he knew he had to rush to the forest, just to check. As soon as he had some room, he took wing, flying up over the forest, straining his eyes on this dark night. He saw a small flock of birds take wing to the south and turned in that direction.
As he approached, he could hear the screams of two different ponies, as well as the roar of something fearful. Hearing this noise made Justice fly even faster, determined to rush to Chase’s aid. Finally, he landed in a small clearing, the forest’s overgrowth too thick to fly through, and began running. He saw the shapes up ahead, something monstrous cornering two smaller shadows. The monstrous beast lashed out, taking one shadow down, a sharp cry ringing out into the night sky.
“Chase!” Justice shouted. “Chase, no!”
He burst onto the scene, his Canterlot training taking hold as he scanned the area. There, up against a rock wall, was Chase, huddled and crying out in misery. Next to him was the torn and tattered corpse of another adolescent pony, claw marks telling a terrible story. Finally, off slightly to the side, was a Manticore. Its razor-sharp claws bloodied with the unknown pony’s remains; its lion maw dripping red and snarling; its scorpion tail poised and ready to strike.
Justice ran in, placing himself between the beast and his friend, his memory scanning for any Manticore training. He had read about them, he had thought up plans for fighting them, but what he lacked was proper battlefield experience. He kept an eye on the beast, which had shied back some at the intruding stallion, and turned his head to take in Chase. The young stallion was scared, his body shaking too hard to move, but there was something else.
“Chase,” Justice said, his voice dark with worry, “Are you hurt? Can you move?”
Chase just stammered out an indecipherable answer, shaking his head and lifting up his back leg, which had a large bite mark. Damn, Justice thought. He can’t run away, limiting my effective fight range to this spot. He sized up the Manticore, which had shaken off the surprise in a new arrival, and crouched in a battle-stance. He remembered from his training that a Manticore’s biggest weakness was attacking from behind, its strange biology denying it the ability to turn its head enough to see. The problem with that theory was the tail, which would have to be avoided.
Justice rushed at the beast, which had begun to charge as well. As the monster struck out, Justice flew over it, careful of the lashing tail, and landed just on its other side. He quickly shot out, connecting a great kick to its hindquarters. The beast roared out in anger, turning quickly and swiping at Justice. Justice stumbled back, tripping over a small rock and staggering just a bit. Luck was on his side as his fall took him out of the Manticore’s strike and positioned him perfectly, for the beast’s momentum took its soft underbelly right over Justice. With a strong kick from all four hooves, Justice hit the beast, two shots to the stomach and two to the chest.
The monster was thrown back by the attack, landing hard on its side. This delay allowed Justice to right himself and take wing. The beast looked around in rage, wanting to find the impudent creature that dared to attack it as such. Justice noticed, from some height above, that the monster couldn’t find him and seized his opportunity to replicate the strike he had used against Commander Mihsori. He flew down, gaining as much speed as he could from the limited space the forest provided, and struck out against the Manticore’s back. At the very last second, a ruffling feather betrayed his approach, the beast opening its bat-like wings. This action slowed Justice down and confused him slightly. What could’ve been a killing strike instead became a hard hit, temporarily trapping Justice on the Manticore’s back.
Without hesitation, the beast struck true, its scorpion stinger striking Justice through his back, the point sticking out of his chest. Justice gasped for air as the beast flung him off of its back. The monster had had enough. Bruised and tired, it surveyed the area, surprised that the pony on its back was still moving off in the distance, and decided to end the struggle. It walked over, grabbed the corpse of the first pony it had encountered, stared down the second to guarantee there would be no fight, and flew off to enjoy its spoils.
Chase watched the monster as it flew away with his companion for the night. It was all his fault anyways, this now deceased pony. It was his idea to stroll through the forest at night, taunting the creatures within. Chase looked down at his very badly injured leg, scared of what lasting damage the monster had done, thankful that it wasn’t much worse. Hearing a small gurgle, Chase looked over towards where Justice’s crumpled form lay. Tears started flowing as he knew his friend must be dead.
Chase stood on three shaky legs and started to hobble over to Justice. How am I going to get home? I don’t even know how to get out of this forest. Oh sweet Celestia, what am I going to tell my dad? Justice is dead, and it’s all my fault. Sobbing aloud, Chase fell at Justice’s side, prepared to just wait for the next wandering creature to come along and end his suffering.
Suddenly, Justice’s eyes shot open and a wet gasp erupted from his throat, coughing blood onto Chase’s side. Chase jumped up, startled by the noise, and looked down in horror at his friend’s wide, pain-filled eyes. Gasping for the breath needed to scream, Chase watched as his friend began to stand, his hooves shaky below him. Justice stood up fully, his face a contorted mess of pain, agony, and sorrow. With his first stumbled step, a loud crack filled the air and he coughed out a small yell. He took a second step, no longer stumbling as his spine had reset itself into place. With each breath he took, Justice’s chest shot forth a small spurt of blood. He looked around, settling for a couple of leaves nearby, and shoved them into the small hole the tip of the Manticore’s tail made, effectively stopping that bleed in its tracks. He couldn’t reach the one on his back, settling for using his wings as much as he could to stop the bleeding.
Turning towards Chase, Justice whispered out, “Are you alright?” At this question, the younger pony, whose color had been draining, fell down, out cold. Justice sighed heavily, wincing at the pain it brought, and looked around for anything that would help him. He gauged Chase’s injury, determining that he needed medical help quickly and, after going through his memory for how he had arrived at this small clearing, determined the proper direction to travel. He shuddered with the pain the Manticore’s strike had left him with and, lacking a better method, proceeded to drag the colt out of the forest by his tail. He fell, exhaustion taking him at last, at the outskirts of the town they were visiting. Luck would see a pony passing by who witnessed the stumble and ran for help.
The local doctor took the two in and instantly began bandaging Chase’s leg. A cast was made and placed over the leg, which appeared to be broken as well as bloodied. He caught himself glancing at the other pony, positive his time with the living was shortly coming to an end. After finishing Chase, he went over to look at the unfortunately dead pony and was astonished to see signs of life. Removing the leaves from Justice’s chest and beginning to inspect him, he was amazed to see no internal signs of trauma, just the small hole on the chest and a slightly larger hole on the back. He set to fixing Justice up and waited for a sign as to what could’ve happened to the two and how this pony could’ve been so lucky.
After a week of recovery, and insistence that he had been attacked by a Manticore, Justice was finally able to leave on his own strength. The two wounds had healed, though he remained bandaged for the time being, but he was constantly pressured by what had happened to him. A “miracle” some called it, “just plain lucky” others said. How could something as dangerous as a Manticore’s tail puncture a pony straight through and do not internal damage? Justice didn’t care to explain and just kept asking about Chase.
“His leg is broken, the bite doing its damage. I’ve set it as best as I can and cleaned up the bite marks. He should be fine, but his leg won’t be the same,” the doctor explained, turning the questions again to Justice.
On the third day of his recovery, Justice watched as Blowing Storm rushed in. This was the day they were to return home but news had already reached Willowhill of the attack. Storm glanced over at the severely tended to Justice and then looked down at his son’s injured leg. Chase told his father everything that had happened and, once cleared, the two left. They wanted to take Justice, but the doctor just wasn’t done with him yet.
As Justice returned home, after the worst week of his life, he couldn’t help but smile. Finally, he thought, I’m away from that doctor. Even the ponies in the hospital after my fight against Mihsori didn’t question me THAT much. He was relieved, getting to go home and be with his friends, his life could be normal again.
As he approached the farm, he caught Chase’s eye and waved. The young pony just looked away, walking with a noticeable limp. Justice let his hoof slowly come back down and wondered what that was about. He walked up to the farm house and met up with Storm. The other pegasus just returned his warm greeting with a stony silence. Justice sat down, confused.
“Storm, what’s going on?” Justice asked, blocking the door so his friend couldn’t ignore him.
Blowing Storm just sat there, the look on his face showing that he was calculating his words carefully. “Where were you?” he asked. “Where were you that my son was able to get into that situation? Why weren’t you with him? Wasn’t that why you went? Didn’t I ask you to keep an eye on my son when he is away?!?” His voice had been getting louder and louder as the rage began to boil over.
Beaming Justice just flattened his ears, his shame evident. “I,” he began, unsure how to say what needed to be said. “I was giving him his space.” Justice paused as Storm turned away in disgust. “He’s not a filly anymore and he doesn’t need a chaperone to go have fun. We set rules weeks ago about where I would be and what he could do.”
“AND YOU DIDN’T THINK THAT HE MIGHT BREAK A RULE?!?!” Storm yelled, his wings flared.
“I, I trusted him,” Justice replied, his head dropping. “I told him of the creatures that live in the woods in this area and how he should never go in there without me.”
“Oh well,” Storm started, sarcasm pouring out of his mouth. “If you TOLD him of the dangers, I’m sure he wouldn’t want to go in there. The colt idolizes YOU, he wants nothing more than to be YOU. Didn’t you think he would try to be as brave and strong as YOU?”
“I guess I didn’t…” Justice began, getting cut off in mid-sentence.
“No, I guess not,” Storm said, snorting in disgust. “How stupid can you be? Now my son is hurt, a young stallion was killed, and guess what? You suffer nothing. How does it feel? How does knowing you can’t die no matter what stupid situation you are in feel?”
Justice just stared at his friend, baffled. He knew that Blowing Storm was angry, and wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt, but the words he said struck home. Anger boiled up inside, a rage that Justice had not felt since his fight with Nightmare Moon. He shouted, “SHUT UP! You have NO right to yell at me about that. You think I want this? You think it doesn’t hurt? What do YOU know about it?”
Before he could answer, the anger building up inside Blowing Storm, Beaming Justice turned and walked out of the farmhouse. He began to head for his small house by the forest but stopped, his eyes turning towards Chase.. Storm’s shouts ringing out from inside the farm house had gotten Chase’s attention. He wandered over to the young stallion, intent to set things right
“Chase,” he said, approaching at a trot. He recoiled seeing Chase pull away, some fear in his eyes. “Why do you keep pulling away from me? What’s wrong with you?”
“What’s wrong with me?” Chase began, squaring himself up. Over the past seven years, Chase had grown dramatically. He was practically the same size as Justice and, even with his bad leg, a daunting figure. “How did you find me in the forest?”
“I,” Justice began, not sure about telling Chase of his dream. “I don’t know.”
“Uh huh,” Chase continued, his voice beginning to be laced with a poisonous tone. “What about your injuries? You should be DEAD! But here you are, standing there like nothing happened.” He began to twitch his bad leg, deep down resenting that he continued to be in pain and Justice was walking around with a smile on his face.
Justice just stood there, silent and ashamed. How could he explain his curse to the colt he watch grow up, the same colt who watched him NOT grow old at all? “I, I can’t explain it,” he settled on. He felt the tears well up in his eyes, unsure whether to stay strong or break down, something he had tried not to do in front of Chase.
“You’re a freak,” Chase spat.
The words echoed through Justice’s head, feeling like tiny daggers all along his body. He looked up, that rage boiling up again, and gritted his teeth, not wanting to say anything. Unfortunately, Chase wasn’t done talking.
“You don’t die when you should, you don’t seem to have aged at all in the time I’ve known you even though my dad continues to grow old. You’re a freak.”
Justice felt his legs tremble, trying to contain the fiery rage inside. How can this be? How can the only friends I have treat me this way? I’m sorry Chase got hurt! Justice stood there, unsure how to respond, seeing Chase’s angry look at the pegasus he thought he knew. He told himself, Get away, go home. You are just going to make things worse if you shout at him. It was your fault that you left him alone.
No, a different voice in his said shouted. It’s not your fault that he went into the jungle. It’s not your fault that he couldn’t defend himself. How dare he attack you, calling you a freak! He is the one to blame.
Justice opened his mouth, his face turning red with anger, but he just couldn’t find the words. Chase just sighed, shaking his head, and turned to walk away. The voices in his head kept fighting over who was to blame, why Chase would call him that name, and what he should do, so Justice did the only thing he could.
“AGH!” he shouted, turning away and running to his house. Once inside, he closed the windows, turned out the lights, and locked the door. He desired nothing more than to stay here, alone. He knew things would be better if he would let them settle overnight.
Better? the spiteful voice in his head said. You think this will go away? Why, just because you run away for a night? You are pathetic.
“No, I’m not!” Justice shouted, tears starting to form in the corners of his eyes. “They are upset. They have every right to be. I just need to give them some time.”
The voice continued, growing in volume, its pitch increasing some as well. They have no right to challenge you. Besides, you think that this will blow over? You don’t age! You can’t die! The colt will forever have resentment for the “friend” of his that came out unscathed when he became crippled. You think this will blow over in one night? You are a foal.
Justice started to shake. He knew the voice, he knew what it was becoming. But worse still than having Nightmare Moon in his mind is that he felt she was right. These thoughts were his, thoughts he didn’t want to say himself, thoughts he was afraid to take credit for. “What if they never want to see me again? Chase got hurt and it was my fault. Why do I end up getting the only ones that I love hurt?!?”
Justice cried out in agony, bursting through his door and running away from Willowhill. He couldn’t go back, they’d never forgive him. He had gotten Chase hurt and suffered no ill-effects except for some momentary pain. Chase was right, he was a freak. It was better to just leave them.
So Justice ran, as far as he could, his face twisted in agony. Agony over a friendship he thought was real, but could not have been. Agony over a life he knew he couldn’t sustain. Agony over the fact that he was fleeing like a little foal once more. Worst of all was the agonizing laughter in his head, her laughter. He felt his sanity slipping away. He could outrun his problems in the real world, but how could he outrun her voice in his head?
Slowly his eyes clouded over and his face twisted into a mix of pain and a grin. He could run anymore, the pain was too much. There, off some nameless road, Beaming Justice lay down and began to scream.