Rainbow Strike, brother of Rainbow Dash left home years ago and ended up in a bad crowd. Now he's regretting it, and things are taking turns for the worst.
This story is a prequel to The Long Lost Rainbow ======== Rainbow Strike may not of had the best life, and all of that changed when he left home a young colt. Not knowing where he'll end up, he had high hopes and ambitions, but all that went south when he found the town of Stockholm: A poverty and crime filled settlement with nothing but hell and misfortune surrounding every inch of it. Being there for a while, Strike became a gang member, The Elements of Crime and soon after met the love of his life: Remedy - A beautiful, earth pony who has an undeniably, endless love for him. For the time being, life was good, or so they thought...
Rainbow Strike - courageous, strong, loyal and lovesick. Yes. Lovesick. He had his doubts about not finding the perfect mare, but it seems it has finally happened. She was just like him, and they did have a lot in common. How he met her is a different story. But those could wait. Why? Because Strike was going to ask Remedy to marry him. Today was going to be perfect. It was times like this that made Strike wonder how his life would of been if he chose to stay back at home or at Stockholm, where he was once in a gang of blood-craving murdering rapists.
Now he lived in Manehatten, where he found a new life as a band member. Even he thought it was a dream with a doubtful start. He may of only been in it for a couple months, but for the time being, life was good. He had more bits than he knew what to do with, he had a beautiful marefriend and he now owned a luxury suite in one of the biggest buildings in the city. To say the least, he loved his life at this point in his life. He was, at the moment, coming up an elevator, back on his way to the suite which was on the top floor. In his mouth he carried a bouquet of different coloured roses and under his left wing he carried a wedding ring in a small yellow box, the same colour as Remedy's coat.
Once the bell chimed and the elevator doors opened, he continued towards his suite. Opening the door, he noticed that the place was empty and completely spotless. The staircase was lined with red velvet and the carpets were all shampoo'd and letting out a lovely fragrance - roses and chocolate to be precise. The balcony, giving a beautiful view of the city also had crystally-sparkling glass, looking as though they had been polished. Smiling to himself at his beloved's work, he trotted into the master bedroom and lay the roses down on the bed, careful not to crease the beautifully and neatly laid out red velvet bedsheets. Knowing that Remedy wasn't home, that meant she was either shopping or out for a walk around town, Strike had some time to himself. Since becoming a band member, he had gotten pretty good at playing guitar, and that's just what he always did when he had some free time in his daily schedule. Unlike other guitars, his was a polished-looking red, with streaks of gold lining the sides. Even the strings were chrome! And being as well cared for as his was, whenever he played it, it had a very nice and balanced string of notes with each pluck, sending smooth and clear notes through the air.
He went up to the wardrobe, taking the guitar from within it. Before closing it, he looked at the picture of him and Remedy taped to the inside of the door, both cuddling at the bar with blushing faces. Smiling, he closed the wardrobe door and sat on the bed, guitar in lap. Setting his hooves right, he began playing one of his favourite songs.
The notes drifted through the house, creating a beautiful atmosphere of melodies. He had been playing for a while and been concentrating so much with getting his notes just right that he didn't notice that Remedy was standing in the doorway, smiling at him as she met his emerald eyes with her own gem-yellow eyes. Finally noticing her gaze, he jumped a little bit, luckily not letting the guitar drop to the floor.
''Your back!'' Strike said happily as he got up and hugged Remedy, kissing her on the cheek as he pulled away. He looked at her yellow coat, noticing that it looked shinier than usual and her mane had that very familiar scent of sweet chocolate and roses - her favourite fragrance. ''You've been to the spa.'' He said finally, now smiling a little wider, as she did too.
''Like what you see?'' She asked him in her usual, sweet voice, just as finest chocolate. And she giggled cutely when Strike blushed lightly.
''You're too beautiful, Remedy, you know that?'' This time she blushed at his remark. Strike turned towards the bed, getting the roses and turned back to face Remedy, whose eyes were now wide as she looked at the roses. He passed her them and her cheeks burned a bright crimson. They were her favourite roses. Even one that was the same as her mane - yellow with a twist of sunset orange. She looked at Strike, and then kissed him passionately on the lips. ''Happy birthday, Remedy.''
''Thanks, Strike. I love you, too.''
''Oh, and one more thing...'' Strike raised his left wing and heard Remedy gasp as she saw the small yellow box beneath it, tucked in securely. As Strike knelt down, her eyes were starting to tear up in joy. ''Remedy, will you marry me?'' He opened the box, revealing a hoof-engagement ring. It was made out of silver and the gem in the centre of it was a yellow thai garnet. For a while, Remedy didn't say anything, but instead, she jumped on top of Strike, Kissing him on the lips with burning love and passion and hugging him tightly.
''So, I'll take that as a yes?''
''Oh, Strike, of course I'll marry you!'' Remedy said as she planted yet another kiss on his lips. It wasn't long before they both found themselves in each other's arms as they lay in bed, snuggling close. Strike looked into Remedy's eyes, seeing the lust within them. Strike's were no different. He kissed her warmly on the lips and she returned it.
''I love you, Remedy.'' He whispered softly into her ear as he nestled his chin atop her head.
''I love you too, Strike.'' She replied back softly, before she nuzzled his neck and let herself drift off into a deep sleep.
Remedy's birthday, like last year, was taking place at one of the most expensive pubs in town - to be more specific, it was Remedy and Strike's favourite place to be on occasions such as birthdays. And this time, Strike and Remedy thought it would be a good idea to invite the band members around for a change. Usually, it would be just the two of them, but they haven't had many chances to catch up with them since their last performance just outside of Trottingham.
There was Beats, who's cutie mark was that of a fancy-looking red 'B' in front of an amplifier. What Strike couldn't get around was why he always wears those shades of his. He seemed to wear them as something that his identity depended on. Of course, being the most suave of the group, Remedy did have a bit of a crush on him, thankfully one thing Strike didn't know. Then there was Blaze. Unlike the rest of the band, Blaze was the last kind of pony anypony else would think of to be a famous guitarist in a band. And being a guitar player, him and Strike shared tips and hung out more, even taking time out of their schedules to practice playing them.
Equestria didn't have many bands, and Strike's band being in that number, was the most known out of the few. As they sat there, they gently sipped on Wild Pegasus Whiskey and Blue Sapphire, which was basically a fruity flavoured version of champagne, but still high in alcohol levels. The last time Strike or Remedy saw Blaze drink some, all he had was a half glass before he fell to the floor.
Remedy was cuddled up at Strike's side, his hoof around her as they took gentle sips of their own beverages. Not being much of a drinker, Remedy chose to drink juice or weak cider instead.
''So, you been busy lately, you two? We haven't heard from you both in forever.'' Strike said, looking into Blaze's crimson eyes. Blaze took a sip of the Blue Sapphire before responding.
''Nah, not really. T'aint been much going on around Appleloosa at the time, so the only thing that Ah've been doin' is playing guitar, and that's really all there is ta tell.'' He said, before taking yet another sip of the strong smelling, fruity drink. ''What about you, Strike? Anythin' been happening?''
Strike took a sip of his Wild Pegasus before smiling up at him. ''Well, to tell you the truth, yes. Things have been happening.'' He motioned to Remedy's left hoof around his shoulder and the two gasped at the sight of the hoof-engagement ring placed around it, the gem shining beautifully with the light in the room. ''We're engaged.''
Beats nearly fell from his seat at the sight of the ring. Blaze on the other hoof looked surprised, his eyes looking back and forth from the ring to Strike, then to Remedy, who was smiling sweetly.
''Strike...you're engaged?'' Blaze asked softly, sounding more like a whisper. ''Just...wow...I dunno what ta say...''
Beats sat back straight, raising his jet-black shades to stare at the ring, maing sure he wasn't just seeing things. ''Wow, Strike. You're engaged, huh?'' He smiled at them both. ''Well, congratulations from me. Hell, I never even thought that you'd ask!'' He smirked at him, Remedy blushing a soft pink.
''I'll admit it first, I never really thought I'd find anypony to love, but after this little gem came into my life,'' He kissed her cheek softly, causing her to giggle and blush, ''I knew that she was the one for me. Any stallion would be lucky to have a lady such as her, and I'm proud to be that stallion.'' Strike said as he kissed her on the lips, hugging her lightly.
''I'm glad to of met you too, Strike. Other stallions I met were just a pack of creeps.'' She nuzzled his neck lovingly, whispering, ''I love you.''
''I love you too, sweetheart.''
''Well, I'm happy for you, Strike. 'Bout time you moved on.'' Blaze said as he got up from his seat and raised his glass, ''To the happy couple.'' The others joined by raising there own glasses and clinking them together before drinking. The rest of the night at the pub resulted in most occupants of the pub noticing their presence and it just so happens that seeing as they won't see each other again, they decided to play for the crowd. It was just lucky enough that they happened to bring their instruments with them. Even Strike had his with him most of the time. Since Remedy was the secondary-singer of the band, in line with Strike, they were good to go. Setting up on the stage, they began playing.
After they finished playing, they said their goodbyes for the night and agreed to stay in touch. As for Strike, the Wild Pegasus was beginning to take its toll on him, and he began to shake a bit when he walked. Remedy just giggled at his current state. She wrapped a hoof around him and walked him towards the exit.
''Come on, drunky, we should get back to the suite, now.'' She smiled at him as she kissed him on the nose.
''I'm alright, Remedy. Just thankful one of us decided to stay sober and not drunk.'' He gently removed her foreleg from his neck and cuddled her, ''By the way, you were amazing. The crowd loves you. I love you, too.''
''Aww, I love you too, Strike.'' She blushed but still giggled at his drunkenness.
''Come on, we should get going. Preferably before that whiskey makes me pass out.''
*** *** ***
''It was nice seeing those two again.'' Remedy had said to Strike when they were back at their suite, cuddling on the sofa. Although Strike's drunk state made him feel dizzy, he was still sober enough to manage a conversation.
''Yeah, they haven't changed a bit. Well, maybe except for Beats. That guy never takes his shades off.'' He chuckled with Remedy. He looked into her beautifully glistening eyes. ''Maybe we should see Blaze some point next year in Appleoosa? Be nice to see each other again after a while. Being in Manehatten, we barely see one another in our lives.''
''Yeah. I know what you mean, Strike.'' She hugged him softly, letting her soft fur rub against his cheek.
''Remedy?''
''Hmm?'' She murmured softly as she snuggled with his neck.
''I forgot to give you something. Here.'' He removed a cushion from the couch, pushing it aside. Laying behind the cushion was a silver-plated Silver-Baller pistol, polished to the point where it gleamed brightly with the light in the room, and on the side was 'Love's Blossom' carved carefully in a fancy style. For a second, Remedy's eyes went wide and she just eyed the work done on the gun. Even the grip was custom, neatly polished and ironed black leather.
''A gun?'' Remedy nearly whispered, ''Strikey, you know I don't like using them.''
''Relax, Remedy.'' Strike stroked her mane with a hoof. ''I know you don't. I had this gun specifically designed for your birthday and to commemorate our relationship. You don't have to use it, but you never know what'll happen in future. When I'm not there for you, you've gotta learn to protect yourself. And I know you know quite a few things about guns.'' He smirked at her, to which she blushed.
''Alright, Strike. For you. But I don't have any 45.auto rounds to go into this thing. Where did you even get a Silver-Baller?''
''Somewhere.'' He said quietly, ears drooping a bit.
''You alright?''
Strike didn't respond for a moment. He didn't even look her in the eye. Whatever was wrong had her concerned, and she didn't try to hide it. A single tear was visible to her eye as it made its way down his face.
''I'm just gonna go for a while...'' He said as he slowly got to his hooves and made for the door of the suite. Remedy just looked on with sad eyes as he walked off.
''Strike...?''
*** *** ***
Outside, the night was cold and nipped at Strike's body. For an evening of August, it was colder than Strike had anticipated. He was walking along the street just outside of the building his Suite was in, keeping his head down. There was only a few ponies out and about the streets of Manehatten at this point in time. The ones that were out who recognized him didn't bother him either. From his look, they just let him be. It had began to rain and Strike had been out for a couple hours. By now, Remedy was more than likely worried and he knew he should head back, but he didn't want to.
He noticed a small shop at the corner of the street and saw that it was smashed out front, police lines fluttering in the gentle wind. Back when he was living in Stockholm, he remembered doing something just like this. Doing robbery 'errands' for Whipper, the leader of the Elements of Crime. To say the least, it still haunted him. All those memories of being bad and doing terrible things still lingered in his mind, haunting him. He hadn't even told Remedy about it, and for not saying anything to her, all he felt was guilt. Even if he did tell her, it would possibly destroy her to know the truth. Make her hate him. Think he's sadistic and a monster.
He wouldn't blame her if she did.
''Strike...?'' A very familiar, female voice said from behind him. Slowly, he turned and met eyes with his beloved Remedy. Her eyes hard with concern and a saddened look plastered on her face. She was wearing her raincoat - a present from Strike - and even with it on, she still looked undeniably beautiful. He actually smiled a bit when he met her gaze, but she didn't return it. Her mane and tail were wet and matted down on her body. ''Strike, you've been out for hours! I was worried about you! Are you okay?''
Strike came up to her, muzzle to muzzle and kissed her on the lips before cuddling her.
''Strike! You're freezing!'' She exclaimed, braking away and looking into his eyes, her worry now at its maximum. ''You don't look too good.'' When she was about to take off her raincoat, Strike stopped her by holding up a hoof.
''No, keep it on, Remedy. You look cold enough.''
''But-''
He pressed his hoof to her lips.
''No 'buts'. Lets get out of the cold, sweetheart. We should get home.''
She nodded, cuddling up to him to try and generate warmth, but the cold weather didn't help much. Getting back to the suite, Remedy helped Strike down onto the couch. She sat next to him, her mane and tail still wet. Strike looked at her wetness for a second and went to go get a towel, and soon came back, drying her mane, taking care not too push too hard. Once he was done, she shook her head softly, letting her mane return to its former glamour. She smiled at him and he gave a small smile back.
Strike may of still been dripping wet and cold, but at this point, he didn't care. He didn't even flinch when Remedy placed a hoof around his heavily drenched shoulder.
''What's wrong, Strike?'' She asked him quietly, Strike looking down before exhaling.
What would she do if I told her? Leave me? Hit me? Berate me? I don't want to lie to her...I love her too much to do that...
''Remedy...you know I love you with all my heart, but after I tell you, you are probably going to want to kill me.'' He looked up at her, tears in his eyes. ''Remedy, I used to be in a gang, alright? You remember those stallions I introduced to you at the bar back at Stockholm before I moved here with you?'' To her slow nod, he continued, ''Well, Whipper, the one who is the leader and the rest of his closest friends are monsters. They murder, rape and rob others for fun. I used to be one of them. One of Whipper's 'errand boys'.''
''Wait, what? You? A gang member? What does that have to do with you? Did they do something to you?''
''Remedy...they forced me to do things I didn't want to do. I wish I can forget it, but I just can't. They want me dead because I'm with you. They call me a 'traitor' for leaving them after I met you. That means they probably want to kill you, too. I just don't want to see that happen to you, Remedy. You're everything to me.''
She leaned in and kissed him passionately on the lips.
''No one will kill me, Strike. We're in Manehatten, and they're in Stockholm. That's miles away! We'll both be safe here, Strike. Believe me.''
''I hope I do, Remedy. I really do. Losing you is the last thing I want.''
''Oh, and Strike? You should probably dry yourself off. You're dripping that much its like you're bleeding rain.'' She smiled up at him.
''Right. I'll see you in the morning, beautiful. Goodnight.''
''Goodnight, Strikey.'' Remedy said as she went towards the bedroom and closed the door. Now on his own, Strike sighed and went to grab his guitar, which was leaning against the wall in its bag. He unzipped it and brought it with him to the couch. He sat there with it in his lap for a moment and examined its figure. Always shiny and a sight for sore eyes. He plucked a string gently, the note echoing around the room before going silent. He smiled softly as he plucked the strings, eventually coming down to playing a song he played for Remedy on her twenty-first birthday.
When morning came, Strike awoke next to Remedy, his hooves around her barrel as she snuggled with his neck. He smiled at her, stroking her mane. She smiled at the touch as she slept. Times like this reminded him of why he would never stop loving her the way he did. As long as she was a part of his life, he would always stay by her side. The wedding was in a week and things were already looking up. Would things change though? Will it stay normal? However their future, he wouldn't have it any other way.
Remedy moaned softly in her sleep and moved a hoof up and rested it upon Strikes cheek, cracking an eye open as she smiled up at him.
''Morning, sleepy.'' She said as she kissed him on the cheek.
''Morning, beautiful.'' He smiled as he returned the kiss, chuckling at her small blush.
They both looked each other in the eyes, and Strike pulled Remedy closer, kissing her passionately on the lips, making her giggle. Braking away from the kiss, Strike got out of bed, soon being followed by Remedy to the living room. Their usual morning routine was get up, get breakfast, check schedule, relax. Although being in the music business was putting a spin on that, because it usually meant more time being taken from your routine to do checks on equipment and various other band-related things. Now that he had done most things as planned, Strike found himself with his guitar, staring at its polished red figure.
He loved his guitar as if it were a child. He was with it most of his time, he polished it and replaced the strings whenever it was required to do so, and of course, he played it often, that being the reason behind his talent with it. Its hard to believe that a young, troubled Pegasus colt was once a nobody and then became a famous band member, known miles around. He loved his life to say the least, even though there have been some bad parts in that time before he met Remedy. Even Strike doesn't know how he ended up with her. It was like a never-ending romantic dream. Each time he was with her, every second, his heart was even more sore than sore. It was melting with passion and affection.
''Strike?'' Called Remedy's voice from outside the room.
''In here.'' He called back, Remedy soon coming through the door, a small, questioning look on her face. Seeing that look, Strike frowned a bit. He knew pretty much every expression she had. He could easily tell that something was bothering or worrying her. ''Hey...what's wrong?''
''Strike, I need to talk to you.'' She sat down next to him, and Strike could feel the cold on her. ''Strike, love, why did you go off the other night? You really, really worried me.''
Strike sighed, knowing where this was going. ''Remedy, I already told you about it. I had some things happen to me and it just gets to me more than I'd of wanted it to. Can we never talk about it again? Please?''
She held his hooves, her soft touch being comfortable in his own hooves. ''No, Strike. I love you, and I'm not just gonna let you get eaten by the wrongs that have been done to you. I actually think there may be something more to it that you haven't told me, Strikey. When you gave me that Silver Baller, you acted so...different...''
''Remedy...please, can we not go into this? I really, really, really do not want to talk about this right now.'' He looked her dead in the eyes, knowing that she could sense the pain behind them. She pulled him closer, hugging him gently as she rubbed her cheek into his, now feeling how cold he was. She knew him that much that she knew that if he was cold as he was now, something was up. She hated seeing him like that...not being happy. It hurt her to see him so glum. ''R-Remedy?''
''Yes, love?''
''Please let go. Please?'' Strike said softly as he tried to move away, but to no avail. There was simply no getting out of this one.
''Strikey, please, I just want to help you. I know your hurt and upset, but you've gotta get past this. For me? Please?''
''Remedy, I love you, and you know that, but I won't always be around to protect you. I just don't want you getting hurt. Ever. I want you by my side all the time. I just don't wanna lose you.'' He felt her grip loosen as he pulled away and he saw a small tear run down her cheek. He sighed softly and wiped it away with a hoof before leaning in and kissing her on the lips. ''I love you so, so much, Remedy.''
''Is that what it is, Strike? You think that I'd be killed someday because you weren't there to protect me?'' She asked him as he hugged her tight and close, snuggling with her. Strike only responded with a 'Mmm, hmm' as he kissed her on the cheek and pulled away, locking eyes with her.
''I'm scared of losing you, Remedy. You're everything to me. Without you, I'd be lost forever.''
*** *** ***
Night had come and Strike had gone out for a while to get a few things, leaving Remedy alone in the suite. Although he insisted she go along with him, she chose to stay home. At the moment, she was in the bedroom, looking over a few things of hers and Strike's. More specifically, pictures and momentos from their time together. She was currently looking at the picture on the wardrobe door - the one with her and Strike sat snuggling together at the bar with blushed visible on both their faces. Remedy always smiled when she saw it. How they always stayed close together no matter where they went. Next she looked at something most precious to her - a mahogany wooden box with golden trims around the edges. She would put things in there that she would like to keep safe, and right now it housed a few things from her past when she was single and when she was with Strike.
She turned the lock on the front, a small click being heard before she opened the lid. The newest addition to the box was the pistol Life's Blossom given to her on her birthday. True, she didn't like weapons of the kind that it was, but for Strike, she accepted the gift. She took the Silver Baller out of the box and looked at it for what seemed like forever. Gently, she pulled back the slide with a hoof, and to her surprise, it was loaded. The clip held around seventeen bullets and from what she could tell, the sights had been adjusted so it would be extra accurate. She hoped she wouldn't have to use it, but for both hers and Strike's sake, she might have to someday.
THUMP!
A loud bang came from the living room, startling her, causing her to drop the pistol. She turned, calling Strike's name, but got no response, making her worry. Going towards the door, she opened it a crack and saw nothing. She opened the door fully, entering the living room. Still nothing. All the lights were out and Remedy could barely see anything in the darkness.
''Strike...?''
No response.
And then the lights flickered on, blinding her in the brightness of the sudden burst of light, causing her to shield her eyes with her hoof.
''Hi, Remedy. Nice to see you again.'' A deep, stallion's voice called to her in a semi-menacing tone.
As Remedy's eyes adjusted to the light, she lowered a hoof and her eyes shrunk to the size of pinpricks as she saw who it was. A large, strong-looking white stallion with a black mane and hunting jacket and sunglasses looked at her with a a devilish grin, his eyes seeming to pierce her soul. Whipper. The stallion who leads the Elements of Crime. Beside him stood a midnight blue stallion in a jet-black cloak, his eyes and mane not visible. Panicking, she ran back to the bedroom, thumbling around with her hooves to grab the Silver Baller from the floor. Eventually getting it in her grasp, she turned and pointed it at Whipper whom was now directly behind her with the cloaked pony by his side. His smile just widened as he saw the barrel of the weapon be pointed at his head.
She pulled back the hammer, and was about to pull the trigger, but before she could, the cloaked pony hit her in the side of the head with a blunt object, knocking her to the floor like a rock, dropping the gun and making it fire a round that went into the wall beside Whipper's hoof. The last thing she heard before she slipped into unconsciousness was the evil laughter of the two stallions.
*** *** ***
Strike had returned to the building in which his suite was, and when he took the lift up to the top floor, he couldn't help but sense something. He couldn't explain it, but something was definitely off. He continued down the end of the hall, and when he got to where the suite was, his eyes widened a bit in shock. The door had been torn from its hinges, the smooth, wooden door now laying inside the living room with an enormous crack dented into the middle of it. Inside the living room was dark and smelled strangely like iron instead of a sweet essence of roses and chocolate like it usually did. As Strike continued towards the bedroom, he saw a line of light spilling from underneath. Cautiously, he opened it and immediately froze at the sight in front of him. Remedy was on the floor, lifeless and blood oozing from several wounds and slashes across her barrel. Beside her lay the Silver Baller, smeared in blood across the slide.
Tears invading his eyes, Strike rushed up to her, holding her limp for in his hooves, looking at her emotionless face.
''Remedy?! Remedy! Can you hear me?! Remedy?!'' He held a hoof to her cheek. Remedy didn't respond for a moment but instead groaned weakly and painfully, her eyes flickering softly before closing again. ''Remedy! No, don't die!''
As carefully as he could, he placed her on his back, running from the room as fast as he could, flying from the building and towards the hospital.
*** *** ***
Flying as fast as he could, Strike landed at the hospital in the middle of Manehatten. Being as late as it was, the hospital wasn't all that busy, and for that, Strike was glad. After about halfway from the hospital, Remedy had stopped breathing, and that only pushed Strike to go faster, over fear of her dying. Strike's back was stained with her blood, drying on his light cyan coat. Quickly, he ran to the reception desk, the mare behind it looking startled and shocked at the condition of Remedy who now seemed lifeless, as well as pale.
''Please, you have to help me! She's going to die if you don't help her!'' Strike said through tears as he kept his eyes on the mare in front of him. The mare nodded a few times before running off to get help, Strike following her.
Luckily, Strike was led to an operating room that still had a couple doctors in it, being just as startled as the mare at the desk when they saw Strike run in with Remedy, still bleeding heavily on his back. The doctors worriedly came up to Strike and examined Remedy, looking over her wounds before picking her from his back and placing her on the operating table in the middle of the room, and they wasted no time in applying sedatives and hooking her up to heart monitors and various machines that Strike thought would be used to help keep her stable. From how pale she looked, Strike was fearing the worst.
*** *** ***
Strike had been waiting for any news on Remedy's condition for at least a few hours, but not a thing had been said. Doctors were now mostly focused on Remedy and Strike was sat in the waiting room of the hospital, crying uncontrollably. Doctors who passed by just let him be, deciding that it would just be best if he could get over it on his own, but they knew that he would never get over what had happened. Most of them even looked incredibly shocked at the condition of both him and Remedy when they came in.
The doors of the waiting room opened and the mare from the reception desk entered, a brown stallion beside her who wore a very worried expression on his face.
''Mr. Strike? You've got a visitor.'' She said softly as she motioned to the stallion beside her before leaving.
''Blaze!'' Strike said, suddenly feeling happier inside as he got up and hugged his friend tightly. ''How'd you know I was here?''
''Some civilians saw ya and Remedy fly here. Said something was wrong?''
To that, Strike's ears plopped down on his head, sniffling. ''Blaze...something terrible happened. Remedy's hurt. Badly. I...I don't know if she'll be alright or anything! She's been in the operating theatre for four hours! You should of seen her, Blaze! She had so many cuts and wounds all over her body!''
''Whoa, whoa! Simmer down, Strike! She's hurt? By who?'' Blaze asked, concern and worry evident in his eyes.
''I-I-I dunno! But I got a pretty good idea. I just want her to be safe...''
''Strike...she'll be fine. I know she will. She's a tough girl, I'm sure she'll pull through.'' He smiled at Strike reassuringly, but he could tell Strike didn't believe him.
''Blaze, you don't understand! By time I was half way here, she wasn't even breathing! See this blood on my back?'' He turned to show him the blood covering most of his back and trickling down his sides, to which Blaze gasped, ''That's from Remedy!''
''Strike, calm down! Celestia, you sound as though ya'll are gonna melt...''
The doors opened again, and a doctor came in, wearing a white jacket and carrying a clipboard in his magic.
''Strike?'' He asked, to which Rainbow Strike stepped forward, eager to hear what he had to say.
''How is she, doc? Please tell me she'll be alright...''
The doctor just sighed, looking down at the floor and back to the clipboard being held by his magic. Strike knew what he was going to say, and he immediately fell to the floor, staring at the floor. ''She didn't make it...did she...?''
''No, I'm afraid not. I'm truly sorry Strike. We did all we could for her, but her wounds were too severe. She had a couple counts of ligament damage and she lost too much blood. She died when we were nearly halfway through treating her.''
Strike's lip quivered as he felt more tears invade his eyes. The second thing he felt was Blaze's brown hoof being wrapped around him, holding him in a comforting, friendly embrace.
''Oh, Strike...'' He said, allowing him to cry on his shoulder.
''And one more thing...'' The doctor said, making both stallion's ears perk up as they both made eye contact. ''...Remedy...she was pregnant...''
''Strike? Hey, Strike, you alright?'' Asked a rather concerned looking Blaze as he gazed at the lifeless form of his friend. He didn't even know why he asked if he was fine. Of course he wasn't. He had just lost the mare he loved to a gruesome murder and later found out she was pregnant. After passing out in the hospital, Blaze had brought Strike back to Appleoosa with him. He would of doubted Strike would want to go back to the suite, especially after what had happened to Remedy.
At the moment, Strike lay on a bed in Blaze's house, still looking as lifeless as before. He had been out for a while, and by the time he had woken up, it was in the early hours of afternoon. ''W...Where am I?'' Strike asked, sounding weak.
''You're in Appleoosa, Strike. I brought ya back with me. You look terrible.'' Blaze said in a sad tone with a glum smile.
''Remedy?'' Strike said quietly in a sad tone, sounding desperate to see her again. ''Is she okay?''
Blaze puffed a little at that, knowing what he had to say. He knew that Remedy had been murdered, but being as depressed as Strike was now, he probably wouldn't be able to handle it. Blaze couldn't imagine what his friend must be feeling right now, but he had a rough idea of how it felt - losing someone you loved, whom you were going to marry, but was killed days before it could happen.
''Strike....Remedy...'' Blaze began, going quiet, not knowing how he would respond to the news.
''What? Where is she?'' Strike asked slowly, nearly begging, ears perking a bit.
''...She's gone...'' Blaze rubbed his eyes, wiping away small tears, ''She's dead, Strike. I'm sorry...''
''Remedy? Dead?'' Strike curled up, hugging his head in his hooves as he lay on his side, feeling the tears coming. Blaze sat down next to him, holding a hoof to his friend's shoulder. ''I'm sorry, Strike. I truly am.''
''I failed her...I promised her I'd protect her! I should never of left her on her own...'' Strike cried, now sobbing uncontrollably as Blaze hugged him lightly.
''There was nothing you could do, Strike...I know you wish you could of been there for her, but you wasn't...''
''I know that, Blaze! Because of me not being there for her, she was killed! Remedy is gone, and nothing can change that! NOTHING!'' Strike yelled, shocking Blaze, taking him aback. ''If only I stayed with her that night, then maybe she would still be alive! Without Remedy in my life and by my side, I'm nothing!''
''I know you're upset, but all I can do is offer sympathy over what happened. You loved Remedy, and she loved you. Even though she's gone, her love for you won't ever end.'' He smiled reassuringly at him, and this time Strike smiled back, though the hurt in his eyes stayed. ''Listen, Strike, why don't you stay with me in Appleoosa for a while? Could do with some company around here. And I ain't so sure you'd be willin' to go back to that fancy suite of yours.''
''Thanks, Blaze. That'd be nice.''
*** *** ***
When night came, Strike soon found himself at the bar, drowning his sorrows in the yellow glow of whiskey. The good thing about Appleoosa was that the people who lived there knew how to brew alcohol of different varieties, from cider to scotch to whiskey. To Strike, whiskey was like a sedative for forgetting problems and cider was the drink of a apple-based alcohol lover - a nectar for them to drown themselves in with bursting flavour.
He had left Blaze's house around four hours after waking up and took a walk through the town, marvelling its glory. It may of been a small town, but it was definitely a very important part of Equestria, one that attracts newcomers and tourists from miles around. Eventually, he found himself at the bar, drinking by the hour. The bar wasn't all that big or too fancy - just like a big shed with a few tables and chairs arranged around the centre of the building, with a stage at the back of the room.
By now, Strike had had about a few bottles of whiskey in the past hour, and that alone had already gotten him drunk. Even though the bartender could see it, he didn't stop him from buying more and more whiskey by the gallon, he just obliged to help him with getting more - his only interest making more bits as he drowns his misery in the alcohol. The bar wasn't that full, the only occupants being a quarter dozen ponies sat at different tables, talking and drinking. Beside the stage stood an old-fashioned jukebox playing on random. The primary type of music that it played was that of classic country music, but what really caught Strike's attention was the song that followed:
If you love me as much as much as I love you, if you dance and swing as the way I do, darling, keep on moving, don't drop the beat...
It made his insides churn at hearing that beautiful, female voice play over the speakers in a slow rythm, almost as if teasing him, torturing him with her voice, the sweetness of it filling his ears. It was Remedy's voice. That song - If You Truly Love Me - was one of her first masterpieces as a singer, more specifically the one that she is most know for. Her voice was nearly an alternative to the whiskey Strike was drinking. How he missed that sweet voice of hers...
''Hey! Don't you think you've had enough, buddy?'' The bartender asked Strike as he looked on at him, leaning on the bar surface.
''N-N....*hic* No...N-No I do not think I've had enough...'' He slouched in his seat, nearly losing his balance, but regained it before dropping to the floor. ''Another Wild Pegasus...'' Strike dropped his bits on the counter before the bartender handed over the whiskey. He took a sip of it, followed by another, the strong taste of the drink intensifying as it mixed with the previous bottles he had consumed.
Keep on swaying, darling, keep on moving...
''Here's to you, Remedy, my love...'' He sniffled as he drank down a mouthful of the strong drink. ''I love you, sweetheart...''
It wasn't until then that Strike noticed that he was talking to Blaze, who was sat across from him, looking a bit uneasy. Weather that was from Strike saying what he just said or the strong smell of whiskey on his breath, he couldn't tell.
''Nice to see you too, Strike...'' Blaze said slowly, Strike being startled as he realized that he had just said that about Remedy to his best friend.
''I...Um! Erm...uh! Hey...I mean...Hey, Blaze...'' Strike blushed. ''Wait...why are there...*hic*...three of you?''
''Strike, come on, you've had enough for one evening, I think.''
''N-No...w-wa-*hic*-wait...just wait for the song to finish...''
Blaze listened to it, recognising it immediately. He smiled sympathetically at Strike as he closed his eyes, presumably trying to picture Remedy singing it. Seeing him like that, he let him be. He knew what it was like to lose someone you loved, weather that be permanent or temporary. Strike sat there for a while, Blaze just watching him sorrowfully. As the voice of Remedy faded from the air, Strike collapsed onto the bar top, landing with a loud thud and clanks and crashes of glass as the empty bottles of whiskey shattered on the floor.
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.''
Rainbow and Blaze stood at the last resting place of Remedy in the graveyard of Canterlot. It was the last place most ponies in the city grounds were put to rest when their time has come, but it also housed celebrities, including Remedy. Her grave was made from rectangle-cut black marble, a grey-scale picture of her face and rose cutie mark were marked into it, every last detail included. It looked absolutely spectacular yet sad. Strike and Blaze both knew they would never see her face again in the flesh, only on the marble that it was no carved into.
Strike looked down at her face, touching a hoof to it, tracing the outline of her mane on it as a tear rolled down his cheek. She was the most beautiful mare he had ever seen and he couldn't even describe how lucky he felt to have her as a part of his life. She changed him, taught him how to love and won her heart. He looked down at the words carved into the marble, just next to the carvings of her face and cutie mark. They read,
Here Lies Remedy
A mare of many talents and loved by all of Equestria Murdered June the 20th.
''She was a beautiful lady, Strike. You don't know how lucky you were to of had somepony like her in ya life.'' Blaze comforted his best friend, bringing a weak smile to his lips. Strike didn't look up, though. Even at Blaze's touch, he just continued to caress the image of Remedy, his emotions clear as crystals through his eyes. Blaze couldn't really blame him for how he felt. What was done was dreadful and he only felt guilty for not being there when it happened, only at the last minute learning that he had just lost a very dear friend.
It was raining a little as the hour progressed but neither of the two friends cared much about the weather at this point. They had long grown cold, the only source of heat being their body heat as they sat closely together. When Blaze sat up, he picked Strike from his rump, seeing his discomfort. Beside the gravestone sat his guitar in it's bag, barely a little wet from the rain, with thanks from it's water-proof material. Strike took it from the bag, holding it in his hooves as he looked at it. The last thing he did before both decided to leave was play a song of the past - one of their favourite pieces of music, yet rather fitting for this moment.
