Chapter 14 - The Veil of Death
“What would you do if you knew somepony was going to die? Help them? Ignore them? What if I told you, your actions are of no consequence. They will die, and you can do nothing.”
===~+~===
I begin to regain consciousness and blink a few times at the ceiling of...my lab? I was laying on one of the beds, but how did I get here? There was no way I have been unconscious the entire time it would have taken to carry me here. I sit up in the bed and my eyes fall upon a figure cloaked in a spotless black robe standing at the end of my bed.
I feel my pulse speed up as the figure just stares at me. “Who...who are you?” I ask it. For what feels like minutes the figure doesn’t say or do anything, it just stares at me blankly. But then it finally speaks with the voice of a stallion.
“I am known by many names, but you know me best as Death,” he says with a steady tone. “Do not worry, you are not dead. I just wish to take a moment to speak with you. It is easiest when a pony is at my door, and your recent escapade in former Manehatten put you there,” he tells me.
Clearly, this buck is crazy. Death isn’t a physical being, just a fact of life. My skepticism must be showing, as he continues. “Of course, you are skeptical, but I assure you,” he says, enveloping his hood in magic and pulling it back. My mouth hangs agape at the sight before me.
He isn’t like the traditional representations of Death, all skeletal, but instead only his muzzle is. Where the skin begins, it is jagged, as though having been eaten away by an acid of some sort. His eyes are almost glowing red and his horn is long and white horn. He then pulls off the rest of the robe and unfurls his...wings?
The tips of them are bone but they are mostly covered in black feathers. Getting a better look at the rest of him, I see that his legs are skeletal as well up to around the thigh, where the skin begins resembling that of his muzzle. His black torso is mostly intact aside from some scars here and there and other than the singed look of his tail, it and his white mane look normal. His cutie mark is that of a two serpents slithering up a staff with a skull adorning the top.
“I am the Alicorn of Death,” he says, his jaw snapping open and closed as he speaks “This is not the real world, just a place for us to talk. In reality, you are in the clinic of Friendship City, very much alive,” Death informs me.
I swallow before I say, “Ok, let’s say you are Death. What do you want with me, other than my soul?”
“You interest me, Ratchet,” Death tells me. “You see, I am able to tell when every single living being is going to die. Do you want to know when you are going to die?” He asks me, but I quickly shake my head. “Even if you want to, I cannot tell you. Before the Megaspells fell, you were supposed to die with the rest of your staff. But, that time is past,” he says, narrowing his eyes.
“You are an abnormality, someone whose death I cannot see. Your machine should have failed, yet here you are and it is still functional. Everypony wishes to cheat Death, but you actually did it. Was it a fluke? Dumb luck? Past, present, and future, I’ve never been wrong about a death before,” he says with a...grin?
“I could just take you now, be done with it, but I see promise in you. When the balefire fell, I expected any living beings left after the blasts would die off after a hundred years or so. My sight foretold it. But now,” he says, sounding excited, “even thousands of years from now ponies continue to die.”
“My sight stopped until your miracle happened. I have seen everything there is to see from the beginning of time, to the end, but I have never experienced a miracle like this,” Death says. “I suppose you can say, I’m rooting for you. I want to see what you do, how you will help shape the future.”
His grin disappears as he says, “But do not fool yourself into thinking I will not take you when your time comes. You have a little bit more leeway than others, since I cannot see the moment of your death. I will keep my eyes on you and should you cross the line, your soul is mine. However, my sight is blurry enough that you might be able to take a bit more than other ponies before you actually cross that line.”
“Shape the future?” I ask. “What do you mean? Am I supposed to do something great or what?” Help shape the future, he says. I want to, I plan to. But, so far it is like i’m playing catch up with a lead jacket on.
“I cannot see your future, Ratchet, but by glancing into the future, I can see holes. Little pockets I know nothing of. I suspect you are the cause, at key moments throughout the near future,” he tells me.
“You will change nothing alone, but others will help you cause change, even if it is indirectly,” he says. “I believe I have time for one more question, so think hard.”
I can think of all sorts of things to ask. But something he said earlier has me curious. “If the world was going to end, why didn’t you try to stop it?” I ask. His expression shifts back into a grin, of sorts.
“Excellent question. I am one of four ponies, the Apocalypse Ponies, I believe most of you have called us,” he explains. “We have two jobs, ferry souls to the afterlife, and prevent this world from ending. The emphasis is on ‘World’. The races and species on it, are of no consequence, the planet itself is what matters,” Death tells me.
“When you ponies began your war with the zebras, you began an arms race that would have ended with this world’s destruction. Through subtle coaxing and manipulation, we orchestrated the use of the Megaspells to wipe the slate clean, so to speak,” he says.
“With everything in the world dead, nature could return balance and start anew. Though, I have to say, the Megaspells weren’t all our idea. Your ministry mares certainly were inventive. They began this road, we merely guided their hooves. Our plan was for everything to die off shortly after unleashing the spells,” he explains.
“However,” he says with a chuckle, “you’ve made things interesting. Perhaps nature can recover alongside the races of this world? Time will tell, and we can always usher in another apocalypse if things head down the wrong path once again.”
Death lets out a sigh, “Well, time is up. This little experience will have some effects on you. You may see me or the others in your world, but we will be like ghosts to you. When you near death, you may even hear our voices. And should you end up like this again, perhaps we can talk again. Until then, Ratchet.”
He pulls a scythe out of nowhere and pokes me in the forehead with it. Once again, my world fades into the darkness.
===~+~===
I awake staring up at a scrap metal ceiling. It is rusted and full of holes, and judging from the water entering through them, it must be raining. My body aches as I try to sit up in the...bed? Oh, right. I should be in Friendship City now.
“Ah, so you are awake,” an old buck’s voice says. A moment later, a buck wearing a patchy leather jacket comes around a corner. “Ratchet, right? I was wondering when you’d finally decide to come to. You’ve been asleep for a day and a half,” he informs me.
I sit up properly and take a look around the room. It appears to be a cobbled together structure made of wood and metal. I see a few chairs along the opposite wall and on my left is a nightstand and curtain separating me from the rest of the room. I can see the end of a bed around the other side of the curtain, and judging by a groan, it is occupied.
Clearing my throat, I ask, “I take it I am in a clinic of some sort and you’re the doctor?” The buck gives me a smile as he approaches the side of my bed.
“You are correct,” he replies. “Welcome to the Friendship City Clinic, I’m the resident doctor, Clamp. Now then, since you were out for a while, let me ask you a few questions to make sure your memory remains intact.”
I nod, and he continues, “First of all, your name is Ratchet, correct?” I nod. “Very good. Moving on, how many were in your group, and what were their names?” He asks.
“Five,” I tell him. “Arrow, Lightning, Thunder, Cygnus, and Rose.” He nods in approval.
“Alright, it would seem that your memory remains intact. If you find you have any issues with it, any fuzzy bits, let me know. It isn’t often I get to take a look at a pony’s brain, and I would hate to waste an opportunity,” he says with a casual smile. Ok, creepy. But he seems normal enough besides the whole brain remark.
“Speaking of my group,” I start, “where are they? Are they alright?” He lets out a chuckle and gives me another smile.
“They are all perfectly fine. Well, maybe not 100%, but they have been up and about longer than you,” he tells me. “Miraculously, Rose managed to escape unscathed. I suppose we should thank you and your friends for that,” he says, giving me a grateful smile.
“Think nothing of it,” I reply, shaking my head. “I promised to get her here safely, I’m glad I did just that. But, can you tell me a bit more about my friends’ conditions? Last i knew, we were all pretty banged up.”
He grimaces a bit, but nods. “All of you had numerous bullet wounds, scratches, and the like. Given the condition you were all in, I’m surprised you managed to stay on your hooves for as long as you did. You all practically collapsed from exhaustion once you set hoof in my clinic.”
Continuing, he tells me, “The left side of Arrow’s face was a mess. I managed to clean it up, dress most of the wounds, and save her eye from complete blindness. However, she’ll be left with numerous scars and the sight in her left eye will never fully recover.”
How aweful. Given that she is a sniper, I hope it doesn’t effect her aim too much. She takes such pride in it, it could destroy her if she was unable to shoot properly.
“Your friend Lightning is...cocky. Despite his mangled rear legs, he expects a full recovery. I can promise no such thing, especially since he refuses hydra to heal them. I did what I could, but he’ll more than likely never move as fast as he did before and may even have a permanent limp,” Clamp explains.
I figured his legs would be bad news. He always prided himself on his speed and agility, something a frontline soldier needs to survive. I hope his cockiness isn’t an act to hide how scared he is.
“Thunder had a few broken ribs, a broken leg, and a large gash in his right side. How he was still standing, let alone walking around, I’ll not know. Unlike his brother, he accepted hydra and his bones reformed. But, they’ll be a bit brittle for a week or so,” Clamp says with a nod. “He’s a hearty fellow.”
Honestly, I was expecting worse. I didn’t know he had a broken leg, however. How long was he walking and running around on it without showing any sign? Thunder is built like a tank, but for him to essentially walk away from this unscathed I’m honestly surprised. Though, knowing him, he’ll be upset he couldn’t have done more.
“Now then,” Clamp continues, “The final member of your group, and the luckiest of them all, Cygnus. From what he says, he joined up with you all halfway through. Even so, he only had a few bullet wounds on him. For someone without armor, I’m quite surprised.”
I let out a slight chuckle. Cygnus’ conjured armor must have disappeared before he got here. To normal folk, he must seem quite lucky indeed.
“And then there is you,” Clamp says with a sigh. “Addictions to Dash and Stampede, major blood loss, so many bullet holes you were practically swiss cheese, buckshot covering your chest and neck, and a few minor sprains. Honestly speaking, you should not be alive, let alone conscious.”
I crack a slight smile. “But, I am alive. I guess I just got lucky,” I tell him. He shakes his head and lets out a sigh.
“Yes, something of a guardian angel. But Ratchet, this is serious. I did what I could, but you need rest. You should remain in town for a while so I can monitor you. And make sure you don’t do anymore drugs. It would appear as if you become easily addicted,” he tells me with a look of concern.
I let out a defeated chuckle, “Yea, before today, the worst drug I ever took was Mintals. And only when I needed a little extra umph for my research. But I understand, i’ll rest up and take a look around town for a while.”
“Good,” he tells me. “Now then, get some rest for now. I’ll let you leave here tomorrow morning. If you need me, i’ll just be in the other room.”
I nod and tell him, “Alright, thanks.” I slowly lay back down on the bed, running what Clamp told me over and over in my head. We all survived, somehow, and Rose is safe. My body is sore, and despite just waking up, I find myself quite tired. After a few minutes, I eventually fall asleep.
===~+~===
My friends stop by while I am in bed, after hearing I am awake. They all appear to be fine, but don’t stay around very long.
As it turns out, the Rangers paid for all their own medical treatment. However, Cygnus being capless, I have to pay for our patch up job. But Rose and her father come to see me, her father says he will cover the cost of our treatment and give me an additional 100 caps. I thank him, and he says he only wishes he could give me more. His name is Slick, he tells me.
He doesn’t stick around for long, but tells me I should stop by his bar for a drink before I leave. I agree and the two leave me to sleep for the rest of the night. The following morning, Clamp lets me leave. He shows me to my belongings and I sadly pull on my bullet hole-riddled labcoat. At least someone washed most of the blood from it, but a few stains linger.
As I’m about to leave, Clamp tells me the chief of security wants to talk to me. Wrecker, I believe his name is. I thank Clamp for all he’s done, but pause as I glance at another patient. It is a buck who is coughing. I’ve seen him a few times while I’ve been awake, and he frequently coughs up blood.
But what draws my attention is the translucent figure cloaked in green that follows him around. I think to say something, but remember Death’s words, ‘You may be me or the others in the world, but we will be like ghosts,’ and keep my mouth shut. Instead, I decide to ask Clamp about the buck.
“Hey Clamp, what’s wrong with him?” I ask, motioning towards the sickly buck. Clamp grimaces and lets out a sigh.
“Cancer,” he mutters. “Caused by prolonged exposure to radiation. Sadly, it is progressed too far for me to do anything about it. All I can do is make him comfortable, but I fear his time is running short,” Clamp tells me, shaking his head.
“I see,” I say quietly, furrowing my brow. So, disease? I suppose that would make that figure...what is the name? Pestilence, I think it is. If he’s there, the poor buck must be on the verge of death. I swallow, turning away from the figure. I’m not sure I’ll be able to keep seeing them without losing my mind...I walk out of the door.
Once it shuts behind me, I look up, only to see Pestilence’s ghostly figure before me. “When you see us, you may feel that you can prevent a pony’s death, Ratchet. But let me dissuade you from wasting your time. Deaths are set in stone, you cannot prevent them.” He tells me before walking through me and back into the clinic.
My breathing has gone ragged. Yes, I will definitely never get used to this. If what Pestilence says is true, that I can’t prevent deaths, but I can see their ghosts lingering behind them...To know a pony is going to die and not be able to stop it? Can I...handle this?
I shake the thought from my head and compose myself. I take a deep breath, and continue walking, looking around the town. It is little more than a collection of shacks at the moment, but as I look at the piles of building materials around me, I can tell they have big things planned.
The statue itself has been cut into and some buildings constructed inside, from the archway leading inside, I can see the bar and a few shops, including a restaurant of some sort. Looking up the statue, I see various platforms and staircases leading up it. Some of the platforms have sparks coming from them. Judging by the shouting and the sounds, they are cutting into the statue and welding more supports.
They really are trying to create a bastion in the wasteland. Raising a town up around the statue...I can’t wait to see how it progresses. I smile up at the statue as I continue on my way around town. After passing a large amount of wood and scrap metal shacks, I finally come to what appears to be the security barracks.
I enter through the front door and am greeted by a mare sitting behind a desk. “Hey there miss, how can I help you?” She asks. I look around the building. To my left are more desks with ponies in armor sitting behind them writing on papers. Beyond them, are two doors. I see one labeled “bunkhouse” and the other “armory”. On my right is a wooden door with the words “chief” scrawled into it.
“Uh…” I begin. “My name is Ratchet, I heard Chief Wrecker wanted to talk to me, or something?” I tell her. She looks up from a book she was reading while I was looking around.
“Ratchet you say? Just a moment,” she gets up and knocks on the chief’s door. “Chief, Ratchet is here to see you,” she says. Then turns back around and sits down again. After a moment, the door swings open and an Earth Pony buck, who I assume is Wrecker, steps out.
“Thank you Dolly,” he says to the mare. Then he looks back over at me, “Ratchet, right? Come on in, I’ve been waiting for you.” He turns and head back in the door, waiting till I am inside before shutting the door. “In case you don’t recall, my name is Wrecker,” he tells me as he sits behind his desk. He gestures at a chair opposite his for me to sit in.
“I remember,” I tell him. “You saved us from the raiders, right before I passed out. Thanks, for that, by the way,” I say, giving him a slight smile.
He shakes his head. “Think nothing of it!” He says, “What kind of security chief would I be if I let guests be attacked right outside my town? But, I digress. We have some business to take care of.”
“Business?” I ask, unsure what exactly he means. I can’t think of anything he would need from me.
“Indeed,” Wrecker mutters. “First of all, thank you for escorting Rose back to town. And, unscathed none-the-less. But, I must say, you are either stupid or brave,” he chuckles. “Perhaps both. You went straight though raider alley, so I take it you aren’t from around here,” she says with a smirk.
“Raider alley?” I ask. “And no, I’m not from around here. It is actually my first time here since...yeah…” I trail off.
“I getcha. Raider alley,” he pauses, making a grand gesture with a hoof. “The southwestern area of the Manehatten Ruins. It reaches from the edge of the wasteland to a few blocks from us. And that’s only because they fear our artillery, but they do poke at us occasionally,” he says with a wry smile.
“Yea,” I mutter. “That was some impressive artillery. I’m surprised we didn’t get caught in the blast. You and your guards must be good at aiming. Where did you get those guns at anyway?” I ask him.
“Ha, thanks for the compliment. As for where we got them, the Manehatten Ruins. Mainly from fallen military vehicles. We have only one howitzer working at the moment, but we plan to get the rest of what we scavenged working soon. We managed to get some more howitzers, cannons and flak, in case those Pegasi bastards ever decide to come back down,” Wrecker informs me with malice in his voice.
“Wait, what do you mean if the Pegasi ever come back down? Come to think of it, I haven’t seen a single Pegasi,” I mutter. “And why aren’t they taking care of the clouds?” Grimoire also mentioned something about razing their cities and what not.
“You really aren’t from around here, are you?” He says, narrowing his eyes for a moment. “Living under a rock, were you? Once the balefire fell, the closed up the skies and haven’t come down since. The whole Enclave is up there. I’ve heard rumors though, of some descending from the cloud cover and abducting ponies, but no solid proof on that,” He tells me.
“They...are still up in the clouds and won’t come down?” I confirm, confused.
“Are you going deaf? That’s what I said, so much for their loyalty, you do see the occasional Pegasi down here on the surface, however. Some ain’t so bad, but watch yourself around them. You never know which might be Enclave spies,” Wrecker tells me.
“But, why wouldn’t the Enclave come and help us?” I ask him.
He shakes his head. “I’m the wrong person to ask. I’ve never actually met one, only heard rumors. They are cowards, they think they are better than us, they don’t trust us, all rumors. Find one and ask them yourself, if you are so curious,” he tells me.
“Right,” I mutter. It doesn’t make any sense. Why would the Pegasi not help out the surface? Looks like I’ll have to find someone who knows more about them.
“Anyhow,” Wrecker continues, clearing his throat. “On to the business at hoof, from Rose’s account, you took out dozens of raiders on your way here. You also took their gear when you could, which is always a plus. Less equipment for those left alive. They aren’t the best equipped, but the fewer guns they have, the better,” he says with a sly smile.
“So, taking your work into consideration, and you returning Rose to us, I’d like to give you 500 caps,” he says, picking a bag up off the floor and setting it on the desk. “You are probably low on ammo and other supplies, think of this as a reward for clearing out some of the raiders. It will make scavenging easier for us,” he gives me a beaming smile.
“Thank you!” I tell him, floating the bag of caps into my bags. “But, there are a lot more raiders where those came from,” I tell him with a look of concern.
“True, but a few dozen is nothing to shake a stick at. The last order of business I have with you, is your sleeping arrangements. The council rented your group out a few rooms at the hotel, as long as you’re in town,” he tells me. “Just let the front desk know who you are, and they’ll show you to your room.”
“This is...more than I could ask for,” I tell him. I’m unsure how I should react to this, it seems like they are giving me a lot.
“Nonsense,” Wrecker tells me with a shake of his head. “You’ll still have to pay for your food and supplies while you are here. And if you ever come back, you’ll have to pay for your own room,” he says with a chuckle. “Kind and helpful folk are a rarity these days, many simply turn to crime and take what they want. The council has seen what you’ve done and is thankful,” He informs me.
“You keep talking about a council,” I say. “Does that mean a council governs Friendship City?” I ask.
“Indeed,” he tells me. “Us founders decided it was the best way to keep things civil. Doc Clamp, Rose’s father Slick, and myself are among its members. Rose is set to take over for Slick, which is why it is so great a feat that you returned her to us,” Wrecker informs me.
“I see,” I mutter. “I didn’t know she was so important.” To think, Rose is a councilor's daughter.
“Everyone who doesn’t try to kill you or steal from you, is important,” Wrecker mutters. “But, yes, she is important to the future of Friendship City. She is quite popular around town, if a bit sheltered.”
“Yea...Speaking of,” I begin. “You may want consider training her in the use of a firearm. If something should happen like this again, her being able to defend herself will be useful. Hopefully, she can aim better than me though,” I chuckle.
“You are right,” Wrecker agrees. “This incident has shown us as much. Especially if she is to lead, she should know how to defend herself. I’ll begin training her myself soon. Well, that concludes our business,” he states. “When you wish to leave, let me know. I’ll draw you a map of the safe ways in and out of the city. Well, safer than raider alley, at least,” he tells me.
“That sounds great,” I say with a smile. “For now, I’ll focus on recovery and explore the town a bit. I think we could all use a little rest anyhow.”
“I do not doubt it,” he agrees. “If you have any more questions, feel free to drop by. I’m usually here.”
I make my way over to the door. “Sounds good,” I tell him. “See you around,” I say as I close the door behind me.
===~+~===
Quest Complete:
-Prisoner Rescue
New Perk:
-Junkie - You have discovered you have a low tolerance for drugs and become easily addicted. You are now 50% more like to become addicted to Chems.