Blaze's house was just the same as any other house in Appleoosa, apart from the fact that even though he had a fair amount of bits, he chose to keep it like any other house. The inside of it, unlike most of the houses, was fitted with stylish furniture and looked like it was polished everyday, and the interior was most of all spotless. Being as spacious as it was, it was pretty comfortable and cozy.
Along the walls hung pictures of the band together, all looking happy as they had their pictures taken with fans. Some made Strike frown a bit, while some just made him giggle. One was of Blaze and Beats together, Beats being surprised as Blaze tackled him into a hug, Beat's shades knocked to the floor, revealing his sapphire eyes beneath his sleek, black mane. He took one of them from the wall, a frown etched on his face. He stared at it long and hard, a single tear dripping and falling onto the glass. His tear landed directly on the face of Remedy, whom was hugging Strike close with a huge grin on her face as Strike just blushed an intense crimson. He was so distracted he barely even noticed Blaze's hoof resting on his shoulder as he looked at the photo with him.
''You two were so happy together...'' Is all he said as he stared at the photo, remembering the day he took it.
''Blaze...I...I feel lost...'' Strike said as he put the picture back on the wall with the others and turned to face his friend. ''With Remedy gone from my life, I don't know what to do. She was my everything, my soul and love. I don't even think I can go on without her...''
''Now, Strike, don't go talkin' like that. Even though she is gone, her love for you will never die, nor will yours, you know that! Look, there is something you can do, but I doubt you'd be willin' to do so.''
''What? What makes you think there's a way to go on without her?''
Blaze sighed heavily, holding Strikes shoulder as he looked him in the eye, a serious glare within them. ''Go back.''
''Wait, what? Go back? What do you mean by that?''
''Go back to Manehatten. Back to your suite and take your things. At least you'd have a piece of Remedy in your life if you do. Just a few things to remember her by.''
''Blaze...I...No...I can't. If I go back there...it'll just remind me of that day. I don't even know where she's buried. Didn't the doctors say anything?''
''Strike, she's buried in Canterlot. Don't worry about it, you could see her at some point later in the week. I've been meaning to go myself, but I'm just worried about you.''
''I'll be fine, Blaze. I'm not a baby.'' Strike scowled a bit at Blaze who chuckled lightly. ''But...on the other side, I guess you're right. I've gotta go back. I have to get over it sooner or later.''
''If you're really sure about this, I guess I should go with you.'' Blaze sighed softly, removing his black Stetson hat and placing it aside, before moving for the door.
*** *** ***
Going back to the apartment wasn't easy for Strike, but having Blaze by his side made his nerves subside. As he walked towards the still knocked down door of the apartment, his legs seemed to freeze and his mind hurt. Blaze noticed he had stopped, and wrapped a hoof around his shoulder. He looked his friend in his emerald eyes and said softly, ''You can do this, Strike. Just don't be afraid. Everything will be just fine.''
Strike only nodded in response and forced himself to carry on. He walked through the doorway, the room still dark, with only the light from his and Remedy's room illuminating a small pocket of the living room. Strike slowly walked towards it, knowing what he'd see on the other side. He pushed the door open, and when he did, he could feel the tears coming. On the floor was Remedy's blood, drying, a strong scent of iron in the air. He tried to ignore it, but the iron smell was inescapable, just reminding him what was on the floor.
He just wanted to get what he came for and leave, but for him, under the circumstances, both him and Blaze knew it wasn't an easy period in his life to go through. Strike made his way to his wardrobe, opening it and quickly taking his belongings. He took his guitar, slinging it over his shoulder. Next, he took his picture of him and his parents, his mother and father hugging him as a baby, grins plastered on their faces. He felt a tear stroke his cheek as he looked at it for a short while before tucking it inside his guitar case.
When he move from the wardrobe, about to close the door, he saw that picture of Remedy and him snuggling at the bar, blushing as Blaze took the picture of them. He picked it from the tape that held it in place and looked at it for what seemed the longest time ever.
''Oh, Remedy...I'll miss you, beautiful...'' He said softly as he kissed her on the picture before putting it away. He didn't feel better, and he hardly thought he'd recover from it in future. The only mare for him was Remedy - she was the only one who met his match. She was everything he wanted in a mare! Not to mention looks. It was her personality, though...everything about her seemed perfect. She was kind, sweet, loving and caring and she was even quite intelligent!
He turned, leaving the room, for a mere second forgetting the smell of Remedy's blood. But before he did, he quickly checked the side of the bed Remedy would take, looking under her night-stand and found her box of items she kept locked away within it. He didn't even bother looking inside, he just wanted to get out of here. Leaving, he took one last look at the room before sighing softly through his nostrils and closing the door, flicking off the lamps from the switch outside the room.
Blaze looked at Strike, noticing the fresh tears in his eyes and down his cheeks. He walked over to him, placing a hoof to his shoulder.
''You okay? You look terrible.''
''Yeah, tell me something I don't know.'' Strike dead-panned. ''I'm going to miss this place, Blaze. Not because its where I lived and loved, but because I met Remedy here. Where I lived with the love of my life. I'm gonna miss her forever...''
''Hey, things'll be better, Strike. Trust me.''
''I really hope so, Blaze...I really do hope you're right.''
''So, you got everything? Ready to go?''
''Yeah...sure. Let's go.''