Chapters Everything Falls Eventually
Five years ago, everything we knew fell apart...
Our own princesses were trying to revive the dead, to see if they could bring back a very old friend. They believed nothing could go wrong... that everything would be fine...
It wasn't.
During the experiment, they succeeded in bringing him back, with major consequences. The "zombie" went on a rampage during the night, infecting everypony he touched. Soon, Canterlot fell to the clutches of the undead and infected. The infection spread towards every town and city, bringing darkness upon our calm land. After five years of fighting an endless battle, we finally heard word of a safe haven just past Equestrian borders. This was our last chance. My friends and I would give anything to escape from this horror, and we were going to.
"It's a death wish! You'll die on the first day!" warned the cranky old pony who just told us of the safe haven.
"Anything to get away from this hell-hole," replied Rainbow Dash. The elderly pony snickered.
"You'll still be in hell. Trust me," he whispered to her. Applejack sighed.
"Aren't ya'll just a ray of sunshine?" she joked.
"There isn't such thing as sunshine. Only darkness. Get that through your thick cowgirl skull!" the pony replied with anger. Applejack was furious, but we didn't need enemies here.
"C'mon Applejack. Let's get going," I told her. She glared at me before nodding her head. Pinkie giggled. Even after all the things that have happened, she still manages to smile. No pony said a word as we trudged along the path. The wails of the undead sounded through the thickened air. Everything reeked of death, rotting corpses, and blood. I remember when I would down the streets of Ponyville and smell the sweet aroma of baked goods and hear the laughter of young fillies. Guess that's gone.
"Where you going?" shouted a mare from across the cracked street.
"The safe haven just beyond the borders. We're not taking anypony else with us," Fluttershy responded. She had grown cold ever since her animal friends were slaughtered by the zombies. She never shows kindness, just stone-cold, emotionless hate for everything. That's how Rarity became as well when Sweetie Belle became infected. She had to kill her own sister so she could stay alive... it has really taken its toll on her. Applejack also had the same problem, only she watched as they were devoured by a zombie horde. She tried to fight them off, but wasn't successful. Rainbow Dash has killed more zombies than we can count. We asked how she killed so many and she just said that hatred drives you to new heights. Pinkie Pie has probably gone insane, considering she killed the Cupcake Family when they became infected and she still doesn't grief. Maybe she thinks this is all a bad dream... I wish it was... I've had to do my fair-share of dark stuff. Spike died and later rose as an infected, so I had to... get rid of him. God, I hated thinking about these things. They get me unfocused and when that happens, bad things tend to happen.
"Get focused Twilight! I hear the little bastards!" whispered Rainbow Dash loudly. I snapped out of my daze to hear the horrifying sound of hooves dragging on dead grass. We drew our weapons. We had developed automatic firearms so we could get rid of them faster. but Applejack and Rainbow Dash preferred axes and swords. The rest of us had sub-machine guns to assault rifles to death machines. We were prepared for anything... except this one.
"There they are!" shouted Pinkie Pie, pulling out a sub-machine gun from her saddle bag. Dash and Applejack took out their axes and swords. Rainbow liked the axes, Applejack preferred the swords. Rarity had an assault rifle aimed at the horde. Fluttershy... had a death machine standing at the head of the pack. I loved the sub-machine guns and had two of them pointed at the approaching horde of walking hell.
"FIRE!" I shouted. Fluttershy began to unload her machine, blowing open the walking corpses. Rarity was saving her ammo, shooting only at the heads. Pinkie moved through the pack firing at the brutes, which were large and extremely muscular zombies. Applejack was slicing down zombies by the second. Rainbow Dash and her stood back to back on their hind-legs, killing anything that approached them. I looked around for any more approaching zombies, to find the most horrifying sight. Flying pegasi heading our way. Flying shit-heads as Dash called them, considering they swooped down from above, trying to lift you up into their domain of the sky. It was terrifying.
"Uh guys. I think we're surrounded!" I called out to them. Rainbow and Applejack returned to the pack, and we all stood with worried expressions as the largest horde walked towards us. I guess that insane old pony told us. We weren't going to last a single day, and this is where we would die.
Everything Falls Eventually
After every deafening boom, a zombie pegasus fell to the ragged earth. Explosions began to erupt all around us! The undead dropped like flies.
"What the hell is going on?!" shouted Rainbow Dash. No pony had an answer, we just watched dumbfounded as the final zombies fell dead once again.
"Who's there?!" I shouted into the timid air. We looked all around for our savior, but we saw nothing. Then, a raspy and deep voice sounded from behind the trees.
"Next time you run."
"We don't run from fights!" Fluttershy called out. A dark figure moved into view.
"Damn shame. You'll die if you stand up to everything. You ain't me darling," he responded darkly.
"Who are ya?" asked Applejack. He turned what I think is his stare towards her.
"A friend who's survived this entire time. I see that you've done so as well. Good, perhaps my only company won't be the sounds of my dying allies and the buzzing of the flies feeding off rotting corpses," he replied. As he stepped closer, I could make him out. He was wearing a hood with a strange emblem flashing across his armor. He was heavily armored, he was weaponed to the teeth with axes, two machine guns, two assault rifles attached to each side, a strange looking gun strapped to his back, and a ring of explosives swung around his chest.
"Why don't you lift up that hood?" I asked.
"Do you really want to see what has become of me? As you can see, I've learned more from these five years than you have, meaning I've made more mistakes. Haven't died, don't plan on doing so. Where you heading?" he questioned.
"We'll be asking the questions here!" shouted Rainbow Dash. He looked up, lifting a hoof and pointing it at her. His arm wasn't real! It was robotic almost with a strange accessory attached under his wrist.
"I don't like that kind of attitude from amateurs. Just tell me where you are heading. If I find it worth my time, I'll help," he offered. I heard Rainbow Dash mutter amateurs in a sarcastic tone under her breath.
"Not to offend you or anything, but we would like to see our rescuer's face and know his name," I told him. He reached up and grabbed his hood.
"The name is Silent Flash!" he exclaimed, removing his hood. A metal mask covered most of his face, the same emblem carved into his right cheek, blood and dirt mixed into strange patterns across his forehead. "What do you think?" he asked, smiling.
"Woah! You look awesome!" complimented Rainbow Dash. To me, he looked horrifying, but the others were fascinated with him.
"Why the mask?" asked Pinkie Pie. He chuckled and looked at her.
"Being to hell and back hurts my friend. This keeps me alive, keeps me gripping onto my final walls of sanity. Without this, I would still be alive, but not in the right mind," he explained. He glanced at me and saw my worried expression. He pointed toward me and beckoned me forward. I walked slowly towards him.
"What do you need?" I asked. His gaze fell to his hoof as he handed me something.
"Attach that to your wrist. Flick your wrist to deploy the blade," he whispered in my ear.
"Thanks," I muttered. I didn't like him that much, but this was something that could be useful.
"One question: Why do you have metal limbs?" asked Fluttershy.
"Amputation. They were getting in my way, the pain given from my enemy. The armor I wear protects my body," he explained further. "Enough questions about me! What about where you're going?" he asked.
"The safe haven across Equestrian borders," said Rarity. The grimaced at the word "Equestrian". Something was up about that.
"A death wish. I like that! Let's go then, we don't have a lot of time before the undead pick up our scent..." he trailed off, closing his eyes and wincing. What was wrong with this pony?
"There's a town nearby, but it is always surrounded by bandits. Disgusting pieces of shit is what they are. Murdering our own while we fend off the bastards from hell. Isn't that amazing?" he asked sarcastically. "Then again, they are trying to protect the secret..." he didn't finish his sentence again. He knew something that was extremely important, and he wasn't sharing. He suddenly stopped and stood on his hind legs, unsheathing an axe from his hip.
"Something wrong?" whispered Rarity. He nodded and pulled back his arm, then he threw it.
A scream penetrated the air. Rustling could be heard and loud thud as a lifeless body hit the burnt ground. Silent headed off towards the source of the ruckus. We followed and soon heard him chuckling and the familiar sound of an axe being pulled out of flesh. After he was finished chuckling, his ears pricked up. He cursed under his breath and motioned for us to follow him. We didn't know what was going on, but it was something bad.
"Shit!" Silent whispered loudly. He hid behind a tree and peered around it. The fires of a burning town lit up the dark sky. The trees aflame as the screams of the innocent survivors sounded throughout the tense air. It took us a second to realize what town is was. It was Ponyville... our home... set ablaze and awaiting the final piece of wood to burn....
Everything Falls Eventually
Rainbow Dash and I immediately moved forward to help the flaming city, but we didn't get far before being pulled back. Silent had us both by the tails and we watched as he threw us backward and tried to grab the furious Fluttershy, but didn't succeed. She charged forth, but stopped halfway to the gates of the town. The ground began to rumble and shake, trees toppled, and silence was bestowed upon us. A light chuckle to outright laughter came from Silent as he pulled out a booklet titled: "Fallen Allies" and wrote down Fluttershy's name.
"Why did yo..." I was cut off as the ground erupted from beneath the town. Deafening explosions sounded from all around as Silent told us to run. But we couldn't, because we were watching as fire began to circle around Fluttershy. She was frozen in terror as the fire completed it's circle... and we watched as the earth beneath her exploded...
"FLUTTERSHY!" shouted Rainbow Dash in panic. She tried to take off, but was held back by Silent once again. After a few seconds which felt like hours, Fluttershy's mangled body fell before us. It was the most horrifying sight! Her legs were blown off and her mane was singed off. Her underbelly was gone and her ribs were charred as black as coal. There wasn't any life in her eyes, and there was only the terrified expression she died in. Tears sprung into my eyes as we watched the ground crumble underneath the town, swallowed by darkness. Silent cursed under his breath.
"We can grief when we're safe! Follow me or die!" he commanded as he went sprinting into the woods. Without any options, we followed suit. Thoughts raced through my mind, clouding my focus until a strange voice began to echo in my ears.
"Princess Twilight. There are only six left, am I correct? You have limited time before you're sentenced to eternal damnation in hell, my dear. Perhaps you can save Equestria again and find me? Too bad you won't make!" The voice repeated over and over with a sinister laugh after each one. I tried to ignore it as we continued down the path. sprinting at full speed, trying to escape the black hole engulfing Ponyville. I didn't notice at first, but I was sobbing. I came into focus and saw tears running down my friends' eyes as well. Silent... didn't have a single tear, nor did he shed one.
After what seemed like hours, we came to an old warehouse containing food and fresh water.
"Welcome to my personal paradise! Sit down and I'll explain what's happening," he told us. We sat down, exhausted. Rainbow Dash collapsed as soon as she was safe enough to do so.
"Why...?" whispered AJ. I patted her on the shoulder and hugged her. I heard Silent scoff.
"Why are doing that? Can't we share a little sympathy for each other?" I was mad. He chuckled. "You insane bastard! Can you not show a little care for us?!" He hung his head.
"When you're me... you learn to not get attached to others," he responded darkly. I immediately looked down.
"Don't feel bad. This guy doesn't know what he's talking about," Rainbow Dash assured me. I looked up again, and saw a pained look in Silent's eyes.
"I'm guessing you want an explanation?" he asked.
"Of course we do!" replied Pinkie. He sat down with a glass of wine in his hoof.
"This is the apocalypse. The end. The safe haven is a true safe haven... considering it's the princess safe house. It is made to withstand anything... even the implosion of this world. What just happened was the beginning of this world's collapse. The black hole, the fires, the undead. Celestia never succeeded in bringing one back to life, but succeeded in poisoning this world and bringing on the destruction of an innocent planet. Our salvation? Kill the doom-bringer, Princess Celestia, and find the cure for our world. I know this because I was there... when the acid seeped into our world and I saw all this happening..." he trailed off.
"You knew that Fluttershy was going to die? What was that book you pulled out?" asked Rainbow.
"No and none of your business. Go and get some rest. I'll be in my room. Make yourselves at home," he ordered as he walked off.
"He's crazy," whispered AJ.
"No shit," responded Rainbow Dash. I knew he was insane, but there was something more to him that we all knew, and I was going to be the one to figure out what.
"Maybe he's been through more things then we have. The book was titled: "Fallen Allies", so maybe he's used to it," I defended. Rarity laughed at my remark.
"Probably because he kills his own allies," she countered.
"How dare you say something like that!" Silent was standing at the doorway. We sat quietly as he walked over and stared at Rarity.
"What are you going to do? Kill me?!" she bursted out in hatred. He looked at her with what appeared to be bleeding eyes. The pain and depression was clearly showing. He shook his head and walked slowly back to his room.
"If you don't want my help... just say it," he whispered coldly. We glared at Rarity as she eyed Silent with absolute hatred.
"Rarity! Why?" asked Pinkie.
"I wasn't lying. He's heartless and cold. He wouldn't care if any of us died!" she exclaimed. I got up and pointed at her.
"How about you show some respect for the one who kept us all alive! Your calling him cold when you haven't even made a heart-full move since this started!" I stormed off towards his room. Did I hate her? No. Just her opinion on him. I didn't like him either, but he was all alone and needed somepony to be around. I started up the weak stairs, wondering at what that noise was. It sounded like... sobbing? I creaked open the door to find a room decorated in old house items. Framed pictures and chests were everywhere. "You okay?" I asked. I got closer and tugged at his shoulder. then I realized his mask wasn't on, but sitting on the bed beside him. I decided not to look at what he might look like. He grabbed the mask and put it on.
"Wasn't expecting somepony to check on me," he whispered sadly. I sat on the torn bed and looked at him. I heard sobbing noises, but his eyes weren't teary.
"I heard somepony crying. Was it you?" I questioned curiously. His brow furrowed.
"Want to know why I didn't grief when Fluttershy died?" He was straining to talk.
"Well, yeah," I responded.
"It is because I've been through so much. I don't have any more tears to shed... I don't have enough feeling to grief.... I'm emotionless and cold... just as Rarity said. I've watched my family murdered before my eyes... my friends... my home burned to ashes... my final tear... dropped from my cheek when my father handed me my hidden blades and robes. I have nothing to lose Twilight. The only thing I got to lose is you guys... then I'm alone once again. I understand if you want to leave... I won't stop you... just be safe if you do..." he explained in the most depressing voice I've heard. My eyes began to water.
"We're not leaving. We're going to get to that safe haven together, and we're all going to make it," I assured him. He smiled.
"This mask is a lie you know. I keep it on so no pony sees the years of pain I've suffered," he told me. He unhooked the mask and threw it off. His face was reddened by tear marks. Multiple scars covered his face, and one of his eyes was revealed to have a scar on it.
"How did that happen?" I asked.
"After passing the sign: Welcome to Hell," he responded darkly. He stood up and removed his guns. "The radioactive waves from the core collapse will render these useless. Hope you like swords," he explained. Just then, screams sounded from the main floor. Silent swore as he picked up two axes and raced down the stairs. I followed.
"Help!" screamed AJ as the zombies that had broken down the door came after them. Silent threw an axe that curved around, cutting off the heads of three zombies and returning to his hoof. He chuckled and lifted his hood.
"Run!" he commanded as he charged into the horde. One after another, the zombies collapsed, blood spitting out in horrendous amounts. Silent was completely fluent with his movements, slicing open one zombie and decapitating the next. Two brutes surrounded him as he held them back with his axes. One brute grabbed his axe and tore it from his hoof, while the other swung at him. He ducked and bucked the swinging brute so hard, the brute's foreleg went spiraling off! He then stabbed his horn into the other brute, and moved his head downwards, slicing his stomach open! As the brute began to fall, he flicked his hooves and a hidden blade appeared under each one. He stabbed the falling brute in the head, and used the other hoof to rip the head clean off! The one without one of his forelegs tried to get up, but was beheaded when Silent bucked him again, blasting open the brute's head! We watched flabbergasted as he finished off the horde, leaving none "alive" I guess. As the final zombie approached, he head-butted it, smashing in it's skull.
"Done and done!" he shouted proudly. Rainbow Dash stepped forward.
"How did you do that?! With the horn and bucking?!" she squealed.
"Years of pain gives you something in return," he responded.
"I guess I was wrong about you. Sorry I said all those hurtful things," apologized Rarity. Silent laughed.
"Water under the bridge! Let's get going to the safe haven shall we? Also, drop your guns, they're useless now. Hope you guys like swords and axes!" he cheered. He certainly was a war-hardened pony. Seemingly unbeatable and not afraid to do anything. Bravery, compassion, strength, knowledge. All these things applied to him. He was definitely some pony to have as a friend.
Everything Falls Eventually
After taking all we could from the warehouse, we began our trip to the safe haven once again. Everypony kept asking about Silent's life before the apocalypse, but he was good at shoving others away. My mind strayed to other things. What was that mysterious voice that I heard while running from Ponyville? Has Silent told us everything he knew? Who was the voice?
"Princess Twilight. I'm surprised you're still alive, but you might not be for long if you continue down your current path. Silent Flash isn't who you think he is. He's going to betray you, kill you and your friends, leaving none of you alive just so he can survive. Kill him before he gets the chance..." The voice appeared again. Why was it so familiar?! The question tormented me as we continued down cracked roads, burned dirt paths, and decaying plains. We came upon a river, which Rainbow Dash sprinted for.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you!" warned Silent. Dash turned and gave him a quizzical look.
"Why not?" she asked, obviously annoyed.
"Does that look like water to you?" he responded. Upon closer inspection, we found the water wasn't water... but blood.
"Oh." Dash looked down in disappointment.
"Why is it blood?" asked Applejack. Silent chuckled.
"We've been living in disorder for five years. You think ponies still keep this streams clean?" he asked her. She shrugged and we continued on.
"Where are we going?" Rarity questioned.
"A city that is supposed to have survivors. Although I doubt that now," he replied. Great, he's leading us to another city. This better be good.
After more hours of continuous walking, we found the city. Well, I think it was a city anyways. Tall skyscrapers towered over us but there wasn't any ground supporting them.
"That's not normal..." murmured Rainbow Dash.
"Especially since there aren't any zombies either," added Silent. Applejack sighed.
"Do we go 'round? Or do we jump?" she suggested.
"Neither. We go up!" exclaimed Silent. He sprinted full speed towards the closest building and jumped, crashing through the window.
"That pony's crazy!" shouted Pinkie Pie. Look who's talking...
We leaped towards the open window, landing on shattered glass. As soon as I got up, I expected us to be surrounded by zombies, but there weren't any.
"None inside either," I said. Silent shook his head.
"We're not safe here. There's more than just zombies at work now..." he trailed off. Why does he do that? He started up the rotting staircase to the roof and we followed. Strange noises started to signal as we trudged up the stairs. I swear I heard voices... faint and weak. Something about this place wasn't right. We arrived on the roof, finding that a huge storm has begun. Lightning struck the rooftops.
"No zombies... storm... no grou-SHIT!" A blur of red and white motion swept right in front of Silent, sending him to the ground. Blood splattered the ground. His armor was sliced open and his chest was ripped open.
"Silent!" I shouted worriedly, running to his side. He pushed me aside and got up weakly. He muttered something inaudible. "What?" I asked. He muttered again. "What?" I repeated. I finally heard what he was trying to say...
"Celestia... run... don't let her catch you..." he sputtered out. He took out his axe and looked around. "GO!" he commanded, pushing me towards the others.
"C'mon guys! Let's go!" I told them.
"Not without Silent!" countered Rainbow Dash, cheeks blushing. Did she like him? This wasn't the time for this...
"I'll be fine. Parkour your way to the other side of the city. I'll deal with her..." he ordered. White and red surrounded us again, forming a very familiar mare. Princess Celestia...
"Never thought you would disobey me Twilight. Look what you've made me do! I had to get out of the safe haven just to get rid of this traitor!" she exclaimed. Silent spat at her.
"Look who's talking! You did this! On purpose! You turned this world towards disaster! You're delusional mind brought this end... and I intend to kill you and make it right!" he shouted in anger. We decided it was time to go and began to make our way to the other side. We heard the sounds of battle behind us as Silent fought Celestia. I thought that this apocalypse was a mistake... caused by an error... but it was all on purpose...
Terror filled our hearts as the skyscrapers began to collapse.
"Keep running! We have to get out of here!" I encouraged as we jumped from ledge to ledge. After several minutes of never-ending horror, the worst happened... Rainbow Dash fell.
"RAINBOW!" screamed AJ as we watched her grab onto a small ledge just below our reach.
"Use your wings!" suggested Rarity, but it was obvious she couldn't.
"I'm sorry I couldn't make it all the way guys... make sure to get to safety alright?" whimpered Rainbow Dash. She can't die... not now! I reached further but still couldn't get to her. Just as she was about to lose her grip, Silent came crashing through the window next to her, grabbing and pulling her inside.
"Get going!" he commanded. I can't believe he just suddenly appeared out of no where! We continued towards the end, but we were losing energy.
"TWILIGHT SPARKLE! YOU'RE NOT GETTING OUT OF THIS ONE!" Celestia's voice boomed as I turned to see her barreling down towards me. Her wings were as sharp as razors! I closed my eyes and braced myself for death, but it never came. I opened my eyes and saw Celestia flying away... but after looking around I saw Pinkie was horribly injured on the other building.
"Pinkie!" I shouted, but I was held back by AJ. The building beneath her began to collapse into the endless darkness below. I was thrown onto Silent's back and we neared the end of this nightmare. Tears flooded my eyes as I watched Pinkie's lifeless body fall into the black hole. The storm above us raged on, striking lightning everywhere. All of a sudden, we stopped and I was set down. We were at the borders of the city.
"Jump! I assure you that you'll survive!" assured Silent. We took a leap of faith off the building, plummeting towards the ground. A blinding flash of white appeared before me as I suddenly appeared on the ground. Silent was besides Rainbow Dash, cleaning her wounds as the rest of us sat in silence. Pinkie was dead... and it was all Celestia's fault!
Rainbow Dash repeatedly thanked Silent for saving her, which ended with her kissing him. AJ and I groaned at the sight, but Silent actually blushed. Rarity giggled. She never laughs or shows sign of joy ever since this started. Perhaps Silent is repairing us bit by bit? I didn't know.
"What do we do next?" I asked. Dash giggled at that, which made me sigh. Sometimes she has the dirtiest mind for the simplest things. I still can't believe she likes him.
"Where else than to the place this started?" Silent replied. I raised an eyebrow. "We're on our way to Hell!" he exclaimed joyfully. God, he was insane!
Everything Falls Eventually
The Final Stretch... to Another Horror
"Why would we go to hell?!" whined Rarity. Silent got a dark look in his eyes and he winced. His chest! I completely forgot!
"That doesn't matter! Shouldn't you be tending to your own wounds Silent?" I asked while he continued patching up Dash. He looked over again and smiled.
"To answer Rarity's question: Where do you think this started? The safe haven doesn't exist in this world, rather in the one below. To answer Twilight's: I'm already near death... might as well prolonged another's," he explained.
"Okay, but what happened to Celestia? How did Pinkie Pie... get injured?" I was still in mourning from her death, as the rest of us were.
"Well, Celestia is the doom-bringer. She plagued this land and that's her demon form. We have to kill her . Not the demon. The actual Celestia. And Pinkie Pie jumped in the way of Celestia, which caused her injuries. I threw an axe into Celestia's side, that's why she flew off," he explained further. I can't believe Pinkie would do that... for me. But, as Silent said, grieving distracts from the now. I looked over at him and saw another kind of pain. Physical and mental pain. His eyes contained darkness and depression, while his body trembled unknowingly from his deep gash across his chest. Why was he trying to protect Rainbow Dash? Did he like her back? Ugh, these thoughts again!
"Say, where are all the zombies?" asked Applejack.
"Gone. We're in a race of time now. We get to safety or we're engulfed by the unforgiving darkness of hell. Pretty isn't it?" he joked. Applejack gave him a strange look as he finished up healing Rainbow. "There! Now let's get going!" he ordered. I put my hoof on his shoulder, he winced and glanced back.
"You're not leaving until you're healed," I told him. He snickered and leaned close.
"I'm not surviving this... I'll see you in my domain..." he whispered, smirking as he resumed his path down the road. What did he mean by that? He's survived worse surely! What was he playing at?
The journey was extremely uneventful. Since the zombies were gone, there were no enemies to face. We had nothing to talk about, since speaking of our life before this tragedy saddened us. Rainbow constantly tried to talk to Silent, but he kept shoving her off. I caught a look at his face while he did it. He seemed... tired and spent. Exhausted even. He noticed me and pulled his hood up. I had completely forgotten he still wore those robes.
"What does that symbol mean?" I questioned.
"Die fighting for something you believe in, rather than dying while fleeing that belief," he responded coldly. His eyes grew darker and his walked slowed as we approached a huge stone wall. He was emitting a strange sound, almost like speaking.
"What's he sayin'?" whispered Applejack. Silent flicked his wrist and plunged the hidden knife into the wall. His murmuring grew louder. They were incantations! After several minutes, he uttered audible words.
"Life is a trial from which we have not finished. Open the Gates of Hell so we may cross into the plains of death, sacrificing our lives to bring back a peaceful and calm land... so we may do Heaven's bidding." The stone wall began to crumble.
"What the hell?!" squealed Rarity. Silent chuckled.
"Face your fears in the Fields of Horror. I'll see you at the Palace. Don't delay!" he shouted before collapsing and disinagrating into ash. Rainbow screamed.
"C'mon then! Let's not keep him waiting!" encouraged Applejack, sprinting into the opening leftover from the destruction of the wall. Upon entering, voices erupted everywhere. They were familiar too. Spike, Applebloom, Sweetie Belle. All of them! Why were they here? Where were Rarity and the others? Is this my greatest fear?
"Wake up!" shouted Shining Armor, who stood towering over me. I bolted up and glared at him. His eyes were darkened, lifeless.
"What happened?" I asked. He shook his head and walked along the narrow passage ahead of us.
"Welcome to Celestia's 'paradise'. We've been imprisoned here so we can't stop her from destroying the Overworld. Luckily, you've survived and found Silent Flash," he explained.
"Why is Silent so important?" I kept hitting him with questions.
"He's the ruler of this place originally. That's right, you could call him Satan, but he isn't a bad guy. He died a long time ago and was deemed completely evil and insane and was promoted to Palace Commander. From there he took the spot of ruler. Funny isn't it?" he ended.
"He didn't seem like Satan up there," I added.
"Of course he didn't. He's not Satan. He's depicted as him, although the real one is somewhere around here," explained Shining.
"I thought this was supposed to scare me," I questioned. Shining laughed.
"Is that what he told you? He was just trying to scare you with that. But if you want to know what he was talking about, step through here." He stomped his hooves on the ground and a portal opened. "It is a shortcut to the Palace," he added.
Cautiously, I stepped through the portal. I was sucked into a room where my friends were hanged by their hooves.
"One by one... they all fall down.... deeper.... darker... till the final words are barely heard among those connected to them... now you're here... ready to die... how about your friend? The princess... a prize worth taking... but you five will have to do...." A horrifying voice screeched softly as I watched in horror as my friends were slaughtered by unknown forces.
"NO! MAKE IT STOP!" I shouted. What the hell was going on?! The vision began to fade and I fell into darkness. I was dead... killed where I was bound to end up....
Everything Falls Eventually
"Twi? You alright?" Applejack's voice echoed through my head.
"Now isn't the time for shuteye Twilight! Wake up!" Was that Rainbow Dash?
"Jeez, didn't think I was that good." Silent's sarcastic remark made me open my eyes. I heard somepony get slapped. Probably Rarity hitting Silent. I sat up and looked around. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, and somepony else... but no Fluttershy or Pinkie...
"Who are you?" I asked the strange pony standing next to my friends.
"You lose your memory Princess? It's me! Silent Flash!" he introduced himself. Why did I think he introduced himself? I already knew him. Upon getting a closer look, his hood was covering his face
"Quit with the hood. We're your friends," I told him. He laughed.
"I'm not who I was. Different look, different style, same personality though," he responded.
"Enough chit-chat! We need to get to Celestia!" exclaimed Rarity.
"Well, perhaps I should give you all a proper introduction to this world. Welcome to Hell everypony! Enjoy your stay for it's either eternity or short adventures to revive a destroyed land!" he added sarcastically. His attitude had changed, from deadly and cold to happy and sassy. I finally got the strength to stand up. Silent smirked and started towards the palace behind him. I followed with a limp. Why was I so weak? It was just a nightmare...
"So, are you going to explain what's going on?" asked Rainbow Dash.
"Why not? We got a long trip. Let's start with this: We're the final hope for Equestria. We fail, so does Equestria's existence. Got that? Let's delve into the start of this disaster. Celestia was going insane; from what I don't know. It was enough to find an ancient material that would spark the dead and give them a chance to return to the living world. The material didn't go quite well with our world, which caused the core to collapse, imploding slowly as seen when Fluttershy was killed at Ponyville. The Bottomless City was the act of Celestia, as a hope of killing us. She succeeded in one death, but we're still here. A shame only four of us are getting out of here..." he added. We all lifted our heads in worry. Who was going to die?
"That tower over there holds our target. Kill, ask questions later. Good enough?" he ordered.
"Yep!" replied Rainbow Dash. He nodded.
"I'll speak with each one of you personally. Twilight, you first." He tapped his hoof on the ground and a small office appeared. He was very talented at magic. He opened the door and beckoned me inside.
"I trust you know the voice in your head is Celestia."
"Yeah, how did you know?"
"Quite simple. You were acting strange, so I decided to figure out why. You talk in your sleep you know?"
"I do?"
"Yep. Now, onto Celestia. You might have to kill your own teacher. Any disagreement?"
"Why does this sound so official?"
"Just answer the question."
"I won't have problem! I want her dead!"
"Good. Now, the final subject. The Four Survivors." He finally sat down.
"What about it?" He sighed at my question.
"I hate to tell you this, but I cannot tell you who dies and who survives. I can see the crave for knowledge." He was too clever to argue with.
"Why not?"
"Because I said so. Also, it adds to the knowledge of patience you have yet to acquire."
"I have patience!" He smiled at that.
"I don't see that. You seemed hurried... wanting to get out there." He was right.
"Can I go then?"
"Whenever your ready. Just send Rainbow Dash in," he ended his rant with that. I opened the door and walked out.
"He wants you Rainbow Dash," I informed her. She nodded and trotted over to the door.
Rainbow Dash
When Twilight said that Silent wanted to see me, I wasn't surprised. We loved each other. Maybe this wasn't just a questioning...
"Please sit down." he ordered. I sat down, a little disappointed.
"What do we need to discuss? Our lives after this is over." He shivered at that. What was wrong.
"No. This is formal questioning and information. First of all: How do you feel about the deaths of Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie?" My eyes began to water at their names.
"It killed me on the inside, but I had to stay strong for my friends ya know?" He nodded.
"Second: Celestia rests in the tower just east of here. Are you willing to kill her?"
"Damn right I am! I want her dead!"
"Good.Third: Before you ask, I won't be telling you who dies and who lives."
"Can't share that info with me?"
"No, nor shall I share it with any pony else. Safety reasons."
"Oh."
"Final topic: What is to become of us... if we survive?"
"Well, we'll have to tell the others of our little story."
"Pretty sure they already know Dash."
"Yeah, you're right."
"Dash."
"Yeah?"
"No matter what happens, I'll always love you. Now, send in Applejack." What did he mean by that? I walked out the door and told Applejack to get in there. Something was up... I wanted to know.
Applejack
Why did he want to talk to all us anyway? Why couldn't we jus' finish this? It annoyed me.
"Welcome Applejack. Please take a seat."
"What do ya want?"
"Information and answers. First question: How did it feel experiencing the death of your family?" Damn 'im, why did he have to ask that question?!
"Horrible. The ones I loved and cared for... dead." His gaze fell downward.
"I know how that feels. Second question: Celestia lays in that tower to the east. Are you ready to take her on?"
"Hell yeah I am! She deserves to die!"
"Excellent answer. Now I know you're wondering about who dies and who survives. I know you're going to ask and you're not getting anywhere." Damn, he's smart.
"Fine then. Can I go now?" He nodded and I got up and walked out the door. "Send in Rarity!" he called after me. I pointed her towards the office and sat next to Twilight and Rainbow. Something wasn't right. Why would he just want to talk to us?
Rarity
I was very nervous about talking to him. I don't know if he still hated me for saying all those hurtful things a while ago. Though that had been three weeks since then, he couldn't have forgotten...
"Rarity. I want information and answers. No drama. No arguing. Just answers."
"Okay."
"First question: How did it feel to kill Sweetie Belle?" I hated him again.
"The worst experience in my life, but a good choice. I'm here fighting for the rebirth of Equestria."
"Indeed. Now, you are aware that when Celestia is killed, the ponies of dead will return and inhabit the land through living and sane morals correct?" Really?! I could see Sweetie and my friends again?!"
"Really?! That's wonderful!"
"Yes it is. Celestia rests in that tower to the east. Are you prepared for revenge?"
"I am. I want her head rolling on the ground!" He chuckled.
"Good. Dismissed." He stood and walked out. I could tell he was hiding something... but what?
Twilight Sparkle
Finally, the meetings were over. Perhaps now we could get things done!
"I've finished with my words with you. Let us go to end this chaos!" he encouraged, lifting his axe in the air. In response, we did the same with our weapons. We were near the end.... the end of horror... the end of Celestia... but it was also the end of a friend.... but which one?
Everything Falls Eventually
As we trudged up the path towards the tower, different emotions went through me. Worry, joy, but also the sense of lost. Somepony here was going to die before we escaped... but who? Silent was whispering with Rainbow and Applejack and Rarity were chatting about what to do. I remained to my thoughts. I actually didn't know if I could stand against my own teacher. But she was the one who killed my friends.
"Silent, can I talk to you?" I asked. He looked back and motioned for me to come over.
"What is it?" he questioned.
"I don't think I can stand up against her. She's the one who taught me magic! The one who introduced me to my friends!" I replied. He shook his head and put his hoof and my shoulder; a grave look in his eyes.
"She's also the one that killed your friends, your family, your sanity. This will do you good," he assured me. A turned back around and continued up the path. He's right... I had to kill her!
"Here we are... our final destination," whispered Silent. I looked back on all the things we've done. Not about the apocalypse... about the things before that. Defeating Nightmare Moon, the Grand Galloping Gala, fighting Discord. All those things just sparked my desire to end this and get back to the normal world. I looked over at Silent. His face was frozen in anger. A dark pit of nothing was his eyes.
"Let's go then!" shouted Rainbow Dash. We barged through the tower doors and found Celestia sitting in a throne.
"Welcome! I'm glad to see you made it!" she greeted, rising from her throne.
"Save the greetings! We're here to end you!" yelled Rainbow, beginning her charge towards Celestia. She didn't get far before being tripped up by Silent. She looked back with confusion.
"Saving the one you love? How adorable!" cooed Celestia. Silent laughed.
"There is no doubt in my mind that she could take you. But I want to kill you myself! I want to send you to the Pits of Damnation at the bottom of Hell! Where your bones are used as chandeliers and your flesh used for candle wax! Where your wings are feasted upon as a delicacy! Prepare to know true pain you heartless bastard!" Silent shouted out in anger. Celestia was horrified.
"My, my. You've had time to think about that haven't you?" she asked, egging him on.
"Enough time to ponder how this world works... and what must be given to kill a raging beast! You guys, run! Get to safety!" he ordered. Just as he said that, the walls and floor began to crumble. He charged at her, clashing his axe with her sword.
"We better do what he says! Maybe we can escape from that balcony!" suggested Applejack. We sprinted for the staircase, the sounds of battle ringing from behind us. We neared the exit, only to find Rainbow Dash at the bottom of the staircase, staring at Silent.
"Rainbow! Let's go!" I shouted at her.
"I'm leaving him behind!" she retaliated.
"Ugh. I'll get her," I told the others. Racing down the stairs, I grabbed Rainbow's foreleg.
"Hey! Let go!" she commanded.
"No we ha-" My sentence was cut off by the sound of a sword plunging through flesh. We turned to see Silent thrown across the room, a gaping hole in his chest...
"SILENT!" Rainbow screamed, racing over to him. I followed and we knelt beside him. He was losing blood fast.
"Haha! You should've joined me! You could've ruled over this new land!" Celestia boasted.
"This land... is already destroyed. No pony wants to live in a land such as this!" I countered. I felt a weak grasp on my hind leg. It was Silent!
"You're okay!" squealed Rainbow in delight. He hoisted himself up and picked up his axe.
"Celestia... I hope you know... that I'll never die... until this land knows peace and tranquility once again," he choked out while readying his axe. "Sometimes you just got to look at the big picture... sometimes it is better.... to fight for something worth dying for... unlike you."
"How dare you!" she screamed. Silent chuckled and got ready to throw his axe.
"I'll die doing this... but I know it would be.. something worth dying for..." He chucked his axe at lightning fast speed. The entire axe submerged itself into Celestia.
"AGH!" she wailed in pain. Silent limped over and stood over her. Blood gushed from her wound.
"How does it feel Celestia? To be at the bottom?" he asked.
"I c-can't die..." she whimpered out.
"Everypony dies... just depends on when. This was your time... and perhaps you'd like explaining. You lost... because you lacked heart and determination. This is a lesson... for you and others... that no matter what you stand against... you can accomplish anything through courage... determination... and the heart to go to the end. I am not dishonorable... you were a tough opponent... so I say this... rest in peace.... although you'll still be torn to shreds in the bottom reaches of hell." He finished and we watched Celestia's final glimpse of life float from her eye. Silent collapsed on the ground.
"Silent... you can't die!" screamed Rainbow, hugging him tightly. I noticed something, that the tower had stopped falling apart.
"Death is a natural thing... and it is my time," he whispered, stroking Dash's mane.
"B-but..." Dash whined.
"No tears shall be shed for one... who was already dead..." His final words seemed to echo throughout the chamber. His hoof froze and fell to the ground. A letter appeared next to it. We watched in silence as the life escaped from his eyes... and the emblem on his cheek fade away.
"NOOO!" screamed Rainbow. AJ picked her up and started for the staircase. I grabbed the letter and followed. It was all over... life would be returned to normal... I guess. When we reached the staircase, a portal opened. We could see past it... luxurious fields and bright sunshine... something we haven't seen in awhile. We plunged into the portal and were surrounded by bright light. Even though the light was brighter than the sun... I still blacked out.
Five Years Later
Here we were again. At Silent Memorial. It was built to commemorate Silent Flash for his death to bring this place back to normal. It was normal too. All of our friends returned. Spike, the Apple Family, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie along with countless others. Rainbow hadn't tried meeting another stallion but she says she's over him.
As I headed home, I noticed something on the street. A letter? That's right! The letter from Silent! How did it get here?
I opened it and it read:
Dear Princess Twilight Sparkle,
Looks like you made it and I'm glad you did. Remember when we first met? When I said I wasn't planning on dying? It wasn't a lie. Those already dead never die. Maybe one day we'll meet again... although I doubt that. I noticed you never used your hidden blades I gave you. Maybe they can of use in the future... if we are to meet again. One last thing before this ends. Tell Rainbow I'm sorry for leaving... I wish I could return to her... but fate is a bitch sometimes. I hope you like your new life.
Sincerely, Silent Flash
He wasn't dead? That might explain what Shining was talking about back there... Anyways, I had completely forgotten about the hidden blades. Don't know how they would be useful, but I'll keep them on just in case. I learned something from all this. You can go through anything, but without bravery and heart you won't succeed. But it doesn't matter what you go through... because there is always something to remember the experience by... whether a memory or a wound. In this case, the wound of dramatizing experiences has to be healed... and only time can do that...