Fire. It's a natural beauty that occurs very rarely if done by nature or by anyone. One who witnesses this in action can get so perplexed by its flow. Fire is always in a flux wave pattern that seems endless. Its light can show more of the darkness of the night. Its heat is comforting when at the right distance, but too close can be agitating. Fire is not only a sight to see often, but also as a danger. It spreads quickly when handled wrong and will consume everything at its sight. It releases fumes that are toxic to life and its heat can burn on you resulting a mark that is left as a sign for greeting with fire. It's like it will never end. But how soon can one put out fire before it had already destroyed everything?
It was a calm night. The moon was one of the many lights shining above the dark sky. On the ground was a small town that was sound asleep. Many were in their deep slumber as for tomorrow would be another day to start anew. Not to far from there was a grand farm that has acres of apple trees. Owned by a small family, these trees were around for a lifetime. It is such a beauty to see these at night. The feeling of having no one bothering this scenery unlike if it was at a theater. The sound of crickets chirping and the occasional hooting of an owl without knowing where it came from was blissful. The dark green leaves of these trees were moved little by the cool wind. This was true peace.
Nearby was a barn where the owners lived. Started from nothing but wood and planks, this was a result still standing. It was old, but it still had a nice shine of red. Outside of this house was the oldest member who was snoring away at her rocking chair. Senile as she was, however a heart full of pride from the building of this farm. Right beside her was her grandson looking out at the farm. Formidable and a colt with few words, it was his job to keep his home safe and sound. Inside the house had the air of hospitality and comfortableness. There were pictures forever in that frame of life taken at that time. Some were old and crumbling from it's decaying yellow portrait that it was printed in. Others were bright and new as it looked more colored and clear. Upstairs was a hallway of a few doors. Inside was a bedroom with a resting orange pony. Hair like the sun at its brightest time of the day, but it wasn't distorted like right now. Just a calm night this time.
Except...something wasn't right. Usually her younger sister would be sleeping nearby her room, but she was invited over to friends as usual. Nothing to worry about on that at all. They would do nothing other than cause trouble. Of course not this late. Unless she remembered that her friends were hiding something under the cloth on the red wagon. What seemed like rockets were barely protruding under the sheet. No. She was certain that Fluttershy would take care of them and hopefully not use them. Certainly it wouldn't stir the night or in fact start a fire at the Everfree forest.
That's not where it would start. The sound of a whistle screeched into the night as it echoed across the world. It startled Applejack from her sleep. It alerted Big Mac as he turned to the sound. This was unfamiliar for there was no animal that could make that sound. The screech pitch down little by little. In seconds, it was gone. The night was calm once more.
Back where Applejack was, she was now looking at her room and behind her. She decided to look at her window and see what was happening. Her brother was the first thing she spotted at her window. Investigating and hoping to find the source of this sound. She thought that there was something flashing her eyes. A red flare flickering on and off, blocking her vision. It was expanding quicker than she could blink. The light crashed into the window and exploded right on the bed. A fire has begun.
The lights show didn't end there. Many more of these lights came quick and crashed into random areas of the barn and farm. Exploding onto flammable material. One rocket flew into a storage and caused an explosion that could be felt. A ringing noise was being heard through Applejack's ears. She was on the floor and dizzy from the blast. Getting up she looked around her room, but it was unfamiliar now. The fire already had burned away what was left of her bed. Her only escape was now blocked from the remains of her furniture. She reached for the door and ran out. In the hall, two rooms were already black as coal and burning like it too. There had to be a way out.
Applejack ran downstairs for she felt the second floor crumbling. Of all the times though, she clumsily slipped and a vision of black appeared in an instant. The sound of ringing was barely gone. She got up and looked around in shock and awe. The muffled noises of wood breaking apart was heard. She had to run. A stinging pain on her front hooves was felt. She couldn't slow down. She must escape. Two of the three exits were already blocked by the remains of upstairs. Limping towards the kitchen, Applejack was approaching the exit. This was it. The door handle was there ready to be turned and easy to open. But what was this. The handle was already turned, it didn't want to be pushed at all. She tried with all what was left of her and still couldn't. No way she couldn't buck it open from her injury. She looked through the window and saw collapsed columns. The smell of smoke was getting to her barely as she coughed from the intoxicating air. There was no way out.
No way out for her at all. The fire was getting near her. Burning continuously and finding new areas to destroy whatever it could find. Her hearing returned again. Did it matter now? Did any of this matter now? The ceiling was falling apart. Some pieces exposed the top floor in walls of fire. The ceiling of the second floor exposed the night sky. Gazing at it's beauty comforted her. It was all over. She looked back at memories before her very eyes. This was blissful. No worries. None at all. She remembered the first time she met her best friends. True memories of good and bad moments. From adventures to just everyday life of the farm with them. The sharing of sweet cider and the mishaps of her sister's friends. Even the times the house fell down. All struggles and successes of everyday life forever in her memories.
Reality returned to her like a slap to the face. Except it was debris hitting her from above. A yellow figure was seen above the night sky. Applejack felt the world was pulling her apart her vision. Everything was going farther away. She only tried focusing on the figure. The image cleared and showed her friend Fluttershy in a stunned expression. Applejack did her best to smile, but at the same time had tears of forgiveness. She kept that expression, but her friend was going to go in. The wood snapped as the house was falling apart. Keeping that sad smile she now had her last memory left of her friend. It was good that someone was at least there for her in these last moments. Applejack closed her eyes accepting the fate of herself. The house came crashing down and crushed everything in sight. A hat scorched by the fire was one of the few things left of the rubble. The light of life blinked out into a void of darkness.
Night had passed since 5 hours and the new day had begun not too long ago. The lights of day didn't affect the gray mood of the many who grieved over the death of one. Across the farm remained what was left of the barn. The area was had patches of ash and glowing ember radiating off its heat. Few trees remained intact, but many were left in its burnt appearance. The beautiful passages that one could pass through now looked grim. Leaves were yellow and dead; some were singed black as if it would never change back. All the fire was put out an hour after the crash. Soaked but warm wooden structures were everywhere. The stench of soot fouled the air and gagged those nearby its proximity. It was an awful black sight.
Weather team did all they could to save the farm, but not a life. A body was recovered, but details were confidential. It was taken away by two carrying it on opposites with a stretcher. The family went along by a cart that took them away from here. It looked slow, but only time can tell. The victim's friends were immediately notified by a messenger from town. A knock on the door for one at a library seemed to early for something unimportant. But it wasn't. The greeting was turned grey when the messenger had a dismal expression. The message given was mostly muted to her because her mind blocked her hearing after the words "I'm sorry Twighlight, but your friend Applejack..." She broke down in tears of sorrow. There was no need for more explanation. It's as if she sensed it at the night of her passing. The messenger comforted her and stayed for so little to tell the rest.
Others who got the message had a different response. The elegant unicorn who owned a boutique had a deadpan expression that masked her sorrow. When the messenger left, she went upstairs and looked at her old album that was in a cabinet. Photographs of herself were first to see. Skipping through older times, she found newer ones. Parties where they went to, mishaps that they dealt with, and adventures never to be forgotten. Turning a few pages, Rarity found her old designs of dresses for a special occasion. Beautiful they all were too her. Each design was on its own page. Stopping after 3 designs was the one she was searching for. The green and brown dress that mirrored her friends personality. Every piece was put together at heart for her to accentuate in. Tears fell like rain drops and splashed onto the image. Stifling sniffles started and a heartbreak of friendship lower her mood. Mourning now, Rarity lowered her head and closed the album to put it aside. The tears were falling rapidly by now as she did her best to wipe them from her face. Mascara ruined and faded, she sobbed while covering her face with a pillow. Today was not a day to begin work.
It didn't end here. The balloons at a bakery deflated and lost its rich colors. Inside was all too bland and dull. A pink party pony had the mood of a party pooper. No tears for her, but a somber face that didn't want to be disturbed. Closing her eyes she just sat and stayed gloomy.
High in the sky was a rainbow-haired pegasus far from town alone on a cloud staring at the ground. Eyes that had no sign of life at all. Staring. It wouldn't be long until she had to blink and start new. But could she do that?
But one that didn't take answers for the messenger or anyone at all. Alone, secluded, and far from the others was a tree house that was near a forest. A path led by a small dirt bridge followed by a snake-like path was This was the owner of a small care taking home filled with animals of all sort. All around was green and living. The tree had been here for a long time, but not the house.Inside was astounding to see. Critters crawling around and keeping themselves busy. Birds flying in and out of the house as if they were just fast colors passing by and out of sight. Outside too were animals just walking around. Only one was not busy.
Sitting on a large couch was a yellow pegasus. Heart aching with remorse, but was not showing any sign of it. Keeping all the pain within herself. This was herself to blame she believed. All of this wouldn't have happened if she only kept watch of them. They weren't to blame at all. It was her own fault. If she figured out sooner what they were going to do, Applejack wouldn't have died. All. Her. Fault. A sound had woken up Fluttershy a cup dropped and shattered all over the floor. The liquid was spattered not too far, but it was quite a mess. "Oh dear." She got off the couch and cleaned up her mess. Getting up, Fluttershy made her way to the kitchen. "No tea," said Fluttershy to herself when checking the teapot. She prepared herself another tea. Heating up the teapot, Fluttershy went back to the couch and relaxed herself. She thought of her friend, Applejack. She did have good times with just her. It started with her obvious adoration of Applejack's dog. It was hard for Fluttershy to make close friends in such a short time. Conversations went from just small talk to more personal stuff. Time spending with her extended from minutes to hours.
One time, Applejack's dog had gotten ill. Of course, she went to Fluttershy for help. In no time at all, Fluttershy found the cure and the dog was healthy and happy. Applejack never showed her worried side to anyone, but her. Hugged and thanked, Fluttershy only needed that as a thanks from a friend. Later on, Applejack showed her a tree that was special to her. Fluttershy's first thought was what was so special about this tree. It looked just like the others. Same pattern, same leaves, same everything. "Ah thought you'd might ask," remarked Applejack noticing Fluttershy's confusion. "This tree may look just like a tree," she continued, "but this tree is very special to me" Her friend didn't respond. "It's the tree Ah grew by myself, well sorta. But still...Ah hope you understand what it means to me." Both went to it and sat down. Applejack tipped her hat forward and relaxed. Fluttershy looked around and saw a forest of the same trees. Not in unison as one could expect, but in different rows going in different ways. Like a maze that had no ends. It was nearing winter at this time, the leaves fell one by one, swaying with no direction other than down. It was a relaxing to take a nap here. Just them and the trees.
The memory was interrupted by the loud whistling of a teapot. It was overheating and spewing out steam warning Fluttershy to get to its attention now. She got up quickly and rushed to cool it down. Pouring out tea, she made sure to carefully not spill it. It went a bit over its max amount and went on the table. This time, she ignored the second mess she made. Adding what was needed to make her simple tea, she headed back with her cup and sat down. "Feeling all right, sugarcube?" asked a familiar voice. Luckily Fluttershy didn't drop this cup, but rather froze up as if a spell was put on her. Turning her head to the direction was her old friend, Applejack. In the living flesh! But how exactly?
Author's Note
I finally finished this chapter and will be starting the next in a while. Thanks ice lightning for checking on this.
Fluttershy was confused at what she was looking at. There was always illusions going on in her mind. This one was playing tricks on her. Applejack stared softly at her. Those emerald eyes, the golden hair, and her orange body. Fluttershy didn't know what to do. The rush of fear and joy mixed into her thoughts and decisions. So many questions to ask, yet her tongue felt twisted. But how could she? She saw Applejack right in front of her. Only one thought popped into her mind. It's been weeks since it...
Her mind got cloudy
She felt as if her head was being banged on. The headache was confusing her mind and joggling her judgement. The sound of her heart slowly grew louder at every beat. All other sounds turned mute. She felt her heart beat furiously and painfully. Her vision darkened and her legs felt weak. At an instant, she felt the cold wooden floor. The last thing she saw was her friend warmly smile at her. Fluttershy's instinct told her, everything is going to be all right. Fluttershy felt comfortable and with that, she passed out.
Fluttershy could not see anything at all. Her sight was only black. She knew her eyes were open, but there was nothing to see.
Oh dear, she thought, where am I?
After turning every direction, she finally found a light ahead of her. Fluttershy then went towards the light at a steady pace.
Growing impatient, Fluttershy galloped towards the light. As she sped up, the light grew bigger. Her heart was racing. What was up ahead?
She reached what was the end of the darkness. She looked forward and saw a forest. It was quite familiar in fact. All the trees were aligned in rows. The leaves looked fresh and green. On the branches were small, red apples. Some ripe and ready and others barely blooming. On the bark of the trees were small crawling insects. They were going opposite directions, carrying about their own business. The ground was soft and muddy. Fluttershy smelled the air, sweet and cool. The sound of birds singing out their souls captivated her.
She started heading forward, until she saw a barn ahead. Chills flew down to her spine. Everything was completely intact and not burnt. The birds were flying by. Butterflies were here and there. The decorative pots in front of the barn had white flowers blooming with life. Then it made sense to Fluttershy. It was spring. This was years ago. She was in her own memory. "But why this day?" questioned Fluttershy to herself. She then turned behind to see that most of her surroundings weren't there. They weren't drawn in her mind, and all of that not drawn was blank white. In fact, the colors near the blank areas were faded.
Fluttershy heard soft steps behind her. In panic, she galloped towards the barn. She saw two ponies walking slowly out of the apple farm from behind her. Except, it was from a row left of her. With no time going forward without being detected, she quickly hid behind a tree. Peeking from the tree, she saw Applejack and herself. She couldn't believe what she was seeing. This Fluttershy looked younger here, and less gaudy. Her body was more thin and frail which was why she had a gangling, awkward walk.
Yet, what was interesting was that she looked happier here. Her eyes weren't filled with sorrow, but happiness. The younger Fluttershy had her face hidden mostly behind her mane. She still remember that same hairstyle. She has always kept like that since childhood.
Fluttershy then observed at Applejack. Not much was different, except she was a little smaller than her friend next to her. Her features consisted of freckles on her cheeks, a soft muzzle, soft pointy ears, a pale olive-grayish mane, or bright blonde, and light-green eyes that showed boldness and determination, but they also brought a warm welcoming invitation.
The young couple walked towards the barn. Fluttershy kept up with them, but at a slower and quieter pace. At the door, Applejack opened the door and let her friend go in first. Shyly, young Fluttershy thanked her friend. Applejack heard her faint obligation and nodded slowly. Applejack then went in and the door closed quietly.
It was Fluttershy's turn to go in, and she reached for the door. The door felt invisible to her and she fell from trying to open it. Quickly getting up, Fluttershy went closer and touched the door with a hoof. The hoof felt no contact with the door. She can walk anywhere, but she can't touch the door. Why?
The door then faded slowly away. Fluttershy gasped and turned around. Her whole memory started to disappear. The trees, the birds, the barn, and the ground. Everything faded around her, and all she saw was white. She fell down in all fours. Fear and sorrowfulness grew around her. It felt like an eternity.
She sobbed, until something was touching her front arm. It was warm and comforting. Opening her eyes, she saw a being that was unimaginable to anyone's eyes. The entity looked like a pony, but taller and thinner. Its fur was a pattern of stars that were infinite and mesmerizing. Its mane too was celestial and beautiful. Its eyes were black, but filled galaxies that were grand and astounding. Fluttershy hugged and held close to this entity without thinking. She felt safe around it.
"You are not ready too see that yet," said the entity. It's voice had a calm, but assuring tone. The voice had a peaceful, harmonious sound. Fluttershy nodded with her eyes closed, tears leaking out her. "Do not cry anymore," coaxed the being as it wiped the tears away from Fluttershy's damp cheeks.
Fluttershy obeyed and muttered, "Why am I here?"
"You are lost in your own memories," it responded, "You will be in this state until you're ready to go back into reality." Pausing for a moment, the celestial being let the words sink in to Fluttershy.
"For now, you'll go through a memories that have haunted you for years. You will accept them and you will grow."
Fluttershy now saw the white world turn slowly back into her own memory. Instead of staying at where she was, she felt a tug and was flung back into a new memory. The pull felt continuous as for everything around her started changing. Most of the trees shrunk back slowly into the ground. Night and day were going backwards.
Another pull was felt on her right side and she closed her eyes. She opened them and saw a forest in front of her. She heard a scream from the heavens above. This was one of the earliest memories she had. It was the day she landed on the earth.
Author's Note
UPDATE: Good news! I'm not dead, but was busy. It's hard enough to have a school life, but nonetheless, I will try to write as much as possible when I can! This time, it will be shorter and quicker. Sorry for the long wait.
