Author's Note

Firstly, I would like to thank all of you, my beloved readers of this story I’ve cooked up. this is probably my most viewed story, with the most discussions about it. I love talking to you readers in the comments about the story, and answering any questions you have, without trying to spoil anything story-wise. So to all who read this fic, thank you!

Chapter 7: Deep Wounds

Three days have gone by…a whole week has passed since Zack just disappeared into thin air, and because there’s been no sign of a body, or any information regarding on his whereabouts after the explosion at his apartment, the police advised Zack’s family to consider him, deceased. His family refused to believe that their son was dead, but…reality is telling them that they must accept this fact, that their son is no longer with them.

The chapel was full of people, all friends, family, and good acquaintances, all wearing black clothes and very somber looking expressions on their faces. All of them quietly talking to one another until the funeral finally starts. At the end of the chapel on a table with flowers, a burgundy coffin laid on top of the table with the picture of Zackery Johnson, however the coffin was empty of any body of any kind. Stepping up to the podium just off to the side of the coffin, Zack’s dad stood before the small crowed of people who all took their sets, ready for the service to begin.

Walking up to the podium, garnering every ones attention, and making them take their seats, Zack’s dad stands before everyone with a somber look that he’s been wearing for the past few days. As the middle-age man waits for everyone to take their seats, he looks through the speech that he’s written down, running through it in his head as he prepares to bid his son farewell. But even as he does so, the fact that his son’s body is not even in the chapel, or the damn coffin just a foot from him…so he can’t even give a proper sendoff…its eating him from the inside. Taking a minute to compose himself Zack’s dad looked out to the small crowed, and spoke.

“Good day everyone, my name is Alexander Johnson and first off, I would like to thank each and everyone of you that came here today. For today we say farewell to Zackery Johnson.”

“To many of you in this hall, he was a dear friend that you could rely on, and expect to be there when you needed a shoulder to lean on, or simply be an ear to listen to whatever you have to say.” Zack’s friends lowered their heads, as their eyes started to tear up.

“To others he was a beloved son, older brother, and many other things that are related to him by blood.” Zack’s mom and Latina, aunt, uncle, a few of his cousins, and his grand parents all looked upon the coffin with sadden looks. “While he may be a little abrasive at times, especially when he focus on his work—” everyone gives a small chuckle, as each one has a specific memory of this side of Zack.

“And yes he can be a little hard to deal with, but whenever it came to those he consider family or great friends, he was undoubtedly the most reliable person one could ask for, as well as being someone that always put others needs before his own.” Alexander then took a small breath, mostly to calm himself down as his emotions spiked a bit, as a memory of him and Zack spending time together came to him.

“But today, we bid Zackery Johnson farewell. As Fate has decided it was his time to pass on from this world.” Alexander then scanned over the small crowed. “But before we send Zack off, anyone who wishes to give him any parting words, or share a story about him, may come up and take the stand.”

As Alexander walked away from the podium, Kyle was the first to walk up. as he walked up to the coffin the young man placed a hand on the wooden surface, giving it a small rub before walking over to the podium.

“I remember during high school I was way behind in my studies, because I was to busy messing around, and if I didn’t improve soon…I would be held back a year!” Kyle said as he shared one of his more prominent memories with the crowed about his lost friend.

“Zack and the others have tried to help me, but I just kept brushing them off, thinking they didn’t know what I was going through. Or at least that’s what I always told myself. But when the time came to it, and my parents showed me that if I didn’t something soon, I wouldn’t get into the college I wanted. So I swallowed my pubescent pride and asked for help…”

“I said no!” Zack practically shouted at me as I stood in front of the front door.

“You didn’t want my help, or Jessica’s, Amber’s, or Richard’s help to make up for your poor grades when we offered it to you, so you can do the work yourself!” after shouting at me Zack was about to slam the door in my face, but I managed to stop him and begged.

“Come on man I really need your help, if I don’t pass these make-up exams I’ll be held back a year! Which could ruin my chances into getting into the college I want to go.” I remember Zack giving me this rather annoyed look as we just stood there. eventually he finally caved in, and stepped away from the door to let me.

“If I’m going to be tutoring you Kyle, you better give it 100%, otherwise you’ll be doing this on your own.”

“I practically smiled that he agreed to help me with pumping up my grades, but I knew that I slacked off, Zack would make good on his promise in stop tutoring me. and for the next week, Zack stayed by my side and spent his free time of his own studies and personal time to help me, and because of that I was able pass my make-up exams.”

“And from there, Zack and I became even tighter as friends, in fact…whenever I’m in a jam and need someone to talk to and help me out, Zack was always there for me. The only regret I have in life, is that while Zack was always there to help me whenever I needed it, I never tried to be there for him whenever HE needed my help.”

Once Kyle has shared one of his memories with everyone, he made his way to his seat where his backpack sat, and after digging through it Kyle pulled an old copy of a star wars novel book. After looking at it for a few seconds, the young man made his way over to the coffin.

“I know you’ve always loved reading this buddy, so here.” Kyle said as he placed the book inside the coffin. “A little something for you to read while you're in heaven, in case God doesn’t have a killer library.”

When Kyle was finished he slowly made his way back to his seat, while Richard walked past him and giving him a gentle pat on the shoulder while giving him a small smile. Before he stepped to the podium Richard stood before the coffin, looking at the picture of Zack with a small sadden frown on his face, he then placed what looked like a CD case in the coffin next to the book. After placing his farewell gift in the coffin, Richard then stood up to the podium.

“I don’t think Zack and I have any heart warming memories like Kyle does, but even if we didn’t have any special moments, but I really appreciated the time we had with each other. Wither it was simply spending time together, or even going on whatever crazy adventure our group decides to do, Zack was a good friend to simply be around with.” Richard said as his frown turned to a small smile as he looked back to the coffin, his smile remaining on his face.

“I hope you have a good afterlife buddy, and when it’s my time to join you, let’s share a drink together.”

The crowed thanked Richard for share his feelings of simply bonding with Zack, and gave a round of light applause as he stepped down from podium and allowed someone else to talk and share. Amber then made her way up to the coffin while holding something in her left hand, when she was in front of the coffin Amber lowered her hand into it and slid a silver pendent with a moon on top of the book. Once she’s placed the pendent down, she strolled over to the podium before she began sharing.

“I’ve never been good at making friends, especially when I’m by myself. And it only gotten worse when I gotten into high school.” Amber thought back to those days.

“It happened when our teacher told us to partner up so we could do a shared project, which kind of sucked because this was just the beginning of the semester, and we were just getting seated in. and because I was so shy and meeting new people has always been a challenge for me, this seemed to much for me. and that’s when Zack and I first meet.”

Amber then started to tell the story of how she and Zack began their friendship, which started off as an awkward encounter when becoming partners for a science project, but as the days gone by and the two worked on their project together they began to become friends bit by bit. There were times where they did get on each other’s nerves, like how Amber’s timidness grated the young man's patience, but Zack’s sometimes lack of empathy to new people also made it difficult to communicate and act properly to others. But over time and once their combined project was over with, the pair managed to actually become fairly good friends, they even began hanging out after school.

“We became pretty close, and Zack even helped me in boosting my confidence, so I can meet new people without biting my own tongue. If it wasn’t for him helping me to be the more outgoing person I am today, I’m not sure who I would be…” Amber’s smile then faded away as she stares blankly at the podium. “…and now, my best friend is gone, he’s gone…” she started to tear up as she continues speaking.

“He’s gone a-and I’ll n-never be…be able to t-tell him…how much h-he…he—” Jessica quickly rushed over to Amber’s side as the flood gates really started to flow.

After Amber was taken back to her seat, other people made their way to the podium, and told stories, or their favorite times with Zack. Some tried to lighten the mood up with funny stories, and it seemed to work for the most part, but for every two good stories, there was one person who couldn’t keep their emotions down. And they two began to tear up.

An hour or so has gone by, and the service ended with everyone standing outside, watching as Zack’s coffin filled with gifts and personal belongings was lowered into its final resting place, while a minister gave one final prayer for Zack’s well being in heaven. Once the grave was filled up, and everyone has left the graveyard and headed home, except for Kyle, Jessica, Richard, and Amber. They stayed behind and just around the grave, all of them just sitting there and staring at the head stone.

“…I still can’t believe he’s gone.” Jessica said as she fidgeted with her hair.

“I know.” Richard said as he ran a hand through his hair. “I still wish we know who blew up his apartment, and for what reason.”

“Same. But…there’s nothing we can do, and the police are stumped about everything that happened. Hell, they don’t even know what type of bomb did the deed.” Kyle said as he scratched his head in irritation.

“Even if we wanted to do something, I don’t think Zack wants us to go looking for trouble.” The other three looked at Amber as she talked. “I’m upset that he’s gone, but I know for certain that Zack would want us to continue with our lives.”

The other three looked at each other and nodded in agreement. Whoever did this was beyond them, and even if they did know who did the deed, they had no reasonable way to confront them. The four friends remained sitting at Zack’s grave for a few more minutes, but as the sun began setting they all rose to their feet and left the graveyard, leaving their deceased friend to his peaceful rest.

~~Equestria~~

Zack’s eyes slowly started to open after a few days of being closed, eye crust built up, and her vision blurred but even so the alicorn could see that she was in some kind of bland looking room. Confused as to where she was the mare tried to remember what happened, and that’s when her mind snapped to the image of that white unicorn that tried to kill her! the mare’s thoughts were brought to a stop when the door to her room opened, and saw Twilight and a smaller pony walk in, who looked like nurse. And when they saw and noticed that Zack was awake, both ponies rushed over to her.

“Zack, are you alright, how are you—” the alicorn was stopped as her double placed a hoof on her muzzle.

“Easy Twilight, I just woke up. and I still feel groggy, so, go easy okay.” Zack said as she slumped onto the bed, as the nurse began to look her over.

“That’s understandable since you’ve been asleep for about three days.” The nurse said as she checked Zaq’s vitals, which spiked slightly as the mare’s head jolted up.

“I’ve been out for three days!” both Twilight and the nurse nodded. “Damn…if that stallion ever shows his face to me—”

“Don’t worry Zack. My brother has been dealt with, and he has been told of what would happen if he comes within a set distance of you.” the nurse then moved over to a table and began writing on something, while the alicorn looked up to her twin.

“And what about his attempted murder?”

“M-murder?!” Twilight gasped, getting the nurses attention who looked, shocked.

“Yeah, you know…for trying to blast my head off my neck, or blast a hole in my chest!” Zaq groaned, but winced as her head pulsed with minor pain. Like the headaches ones get for sleeping to long.

“Miss. Zack I’d advice you take it easy.” The nurse said as she made her way over to the bed. “While 90% of your wounds have been healed, you could still have some internal injuries that could flare up.” Zack gave a small nod as she re-adjust herself on the bed, before looking back at Twilight.

“Even if you try to deny what I just said Twi…believe me when I say this…if I was my old self, or possibly a normal pony, your brother would have certainly killed me.”

Twilight didn’t argue with Zack’s state and claim, which surprised the alicorn, as she figured that she would be defending her brother vigorously. But the truth of the matter is unknown to Zack, is that Twilight has been wondering about this very fact. If the alicorn was any pony else, or even in her old form and Shining attacked her because he thought she was an enemy and attacked, Twilight was certain that Zack would have died. After the nurse had finished checking over Zack, and seeing that she was recovering rather well the mare then asked the alicorn if she would like something to eat, which after a moment of consideration the nurse left to get something. Leaving the two alicorns alone in the room.

“Zack, I hate to tell you this just after you woke up, but…because you fought a member of royalty—”

“I’m being punished for it. despite defending myself.” Twilight gave a small nod, while not looking to happy right now.

“Even if it was self-defense, you attacked a member of the royal family. But Celestia say's that you were in your right to protect yourself from my brother, but given how everypony is still on edge, she wants you to remain at my castle for a few days.” While Twilight was being serious, Zaq just snorted at her statement.

“So i'm basically being put in house arrest?” Zack stated as she looks up at her twin, who is rubbing the back of her head with a hoof.

“It's not necessarily house arrest, more like....uhhhhhh....extended seclusion from the general public?” Zack just gives a very tired, yet annoyed, groan after hearing this little bit of information. while gives a sheepish smile.

“So long as no other pony tries to kill me, let alone attack me…then I don’t care right now.”

A moment later and the nurse came back with a trolly in mouth, yuck, and pushed to the side of the bed revealing the food on top. A simple bowl of tomato soup, and a grilled cheese sandwich with a glass of water. As Zack ate her meal both Twilight and the nurse left, letting the mare to rest up till she was fully healed up. once she finished her food, the alicorn just laid there on the bed staring off into space, and is just trying to recall everything that has happened to her. but so far only small bits and pieces are coming back, and they were all of that freaking stallion who seemed to have this look of righteous indignation on his face. groaning in annoyance, a sliver of frustration, the mare tossed and turned onto her other side and tried to get some more rest, which you would think would be hard for someone who woke up after sleeping for three days. But after an hour of just laying there in relative peace and quiet, Zack soon fell back asleep.

“Celestia and Luna better find that way home back, soon.” Zack said as she yawned. “Because if I now have to deal with others mistaking me for something else, and just attack me…I might actually go nuclear on them.”

As Zack drifted off to sleep, Zack tried to think of something to get the nasty ‘taste’ of Twilight’s brother out of her mind, so she could relax peacefully…and that’s when her four friends appeared in her mind, all of them smiling back at her. a joyful smile then crept onto the alicorn’s muzzle, as old memories of her friends start playing in her mind, helping her fall asleep in more comfortably.

“Don’t worry guys.” Zack said with another yawn as she was fully drifting off to sleep. “We’ll be…together…soon.”