It was a tough battle, but they did it. Queen Haven sent the sisters with some royal guards, because she knew how dangerous it was gonna be. But they did it. Izzy sat down, quietly, unlike herself, but she was back to normal. She trembled as she stared at her hooves and felt her neck where the alicorn amulet once was. Pipp was sitting next to her with a graze on her cheek, and a few scruffs in her fur. Plus a messy mane. She was trying to comfort Izzy as Hitch had the Amulet in a chest.
Zipp looked around the cavern they were in. Broken stones scattered around, a few feathers were also visible. But not like the cave was gonna collapse or anything. Some dust was still flying around, she ignored the pain from crashing into a rock earlier. She had dismissed the guard’s concerns, saying that she’d be fine. “Is everypony okay?” She asked. At that moment she remembered. “Hitch! Thunder! Zoom!” She looked around and spotted Thunder laying on the ground against some rocks. Hardly moving.
He was gonna try and break the jewel on the alicorn amulet. Thunder wasn’t this brave, but he was determined of the plan. Zoom had agreed with him.
She and Hitch agreed to hold her down, as Thunder would try and smash the jewel with the rock. Zipp remembered her gasp of approval when she heard his plan. Pipp and her were gonna try and help hold her down, but they were gold back by glittery ropes. Making them unable to move.
The two had managed to pin her down, he had a rock and aimed it at the gem. Also holding the part of the necklace, so it wouldn’t directly be on Izzy’s chest. If only he was fast enough, if that had helped. Maybe he did hit it. Who knows, because the alicorn amulet’s gen did have a crack in it.
While Izzy was held down, she blasted a sharp beam of magic out her horn, sending Thunder back. Then suddenly there was seemingly an explosion coming from her. Everyone was thrown back and smashed into the walls. When Zipp had opened her eyes, she saw Izzy without the necklace.
Zoom got up with a groan, her helmet was slightly damaged, but she did not know or care. She looked around with concern. Then as soon as she noticed Thunder. She hurried over, looking serious. But with a hint of shock. That’s when Zipp hurried over as well. Hitch came, too, with a face of horror.
Thunder wasn’t moving. Some feathers from his wings were scattered. Zoom’s wings shivered slightly as she inches closer. Trying to hide her fear of Thunder being what she thought he’d be. Maybe he was sleeping, surely he was just asleep. Right?
“Thunder!” Zoom said sternly, “Get-“ But then softened her voice slightly when she didn’t notice him twitch or shoot up the second his name was called. Something was wrong. Even tho she had only woken him up once or twice before. “Thunder?” She asked. Showing concern.
Thunder looked pale, his blood-soaked hoof seemingly hiding a wound. Near his chest, just barely missing his chest plate. Hitch gasped in horror, so did Pipp when she came over. “Oh no...” Zipp said sadly as she looked at him.
“Thunder!?” Pipp squealed, “Is Thunder okay!?” She begged, “Please be okay!”
“Thunder? Please get up!” Zoom said, about to put a hoof on him. Her ears were back, face full of concern. Heart was racing in her chest as she looked at the unmoving body. Hoping for the best, he had to be alive, he just had to! “Thunder, the battle is over...”
He slowly opened his eyes, “Z-Zoom?” He looked at her as she stood forward. Her chest was going up and down quickly.
“You’re alive!” Zoom said quietly, looking at Thunder. “You’re gone be fine! We’ll get you to the hospital. You’ll be okay!” Then she saw the blood coming from him and looked at him in the face. “N-no...” she was then quiet, just staring down at her partner. “It-it’s gonna be okay!”
Her mouth was opened slightly as she stared at the wound, that was now uncovered. Blood was still coming out, the hot beam of magic seemed to have gone right through. Even if it did hit his chest plate, it wouldn’t have saved him. The wound was also too much, there was nothing to do. He wouldn’t be alive by the time they got to Zephyr Heights. His breathing was shallow, there was silence, besides Pipp’s sobs.
“Thunder...” Zoom broke the silence and looked at him. Tears were going down his cheeks. She didn’t want to believe it, but there was clearly no time. It’s a surprise it didn't kill, him instantly. As he rose his over hoof towards her, she touched it sadly. “N-No...” His eyes were glassy, like he wanted to cry. But it also seemed he knew it was about to happen, and that there was no choice. Zoom had a grip on his hoof, not wanting to let go.
His voice shook. “I-It hurts...” After coughing up blood, he spoke. ”B-but. It-It’s been a pleasure, working with you, Zoom” He said very weakly. Clearly scared, but trying to stay strong. Like Zoom clearly was, she was breathing rapidly. “H-Heh, I-I guess this is what we royal guards have to accept, right? That we m-might die protecting the royal family from threats. I-I succeeded, I guess?”
Zoom nodded slightly in agreement. But she wanted to disagree. “You- You shouldn’t have... Thunder you-” her voice cracked as she spoke next. Her life-long friend and work partner was dying right in front of her. There was nothing she could do. She did a few breaths and responded, more professionally. “I mean. I-It’s been a pleasure, working with you too , Thunder.”
Tears were in Zipp’s eyes as she watched this unfold, “Well. Everyone agrees you’re one of our best royal guards. I agree!” Pipp was hugging her tightly and nodded in agreement. Tears coming out of her eyes like waterfalls. “Thank you for your service.” Zipp added.
“Thunder... I...” Zoom said softly, looking at his body. “I’m sorry...”
“Z-Zoom...” Thunder looked at everyone one last time, “I’m glad... I-I was able to...” He gasped a bit and looked at Zoom for the last time. Before his breathing stopped, his body went limb. She gasped as his hoof slipped from hers. Tears appeared in her eyes as Pipp sobbed and hugged Zipp even tighter. A few tears came from Zoom’s eyes before she wiped them. Hitch was also crying a bit as he watched her sit there, helmet in hooves. A moment of silent followed as she closed his eyes. The end of an era.
Everyone was silent on the way to Zephyr Heights. As soon as they arrived, they headed towards the castle. Thunder’s body was being carried by Zoom, who had a sombre look on her face. Izzy stayed behind the whole time, ridden with guilt, she killed him... Why wasn’t anyone angry at her!? She killed him...
As they arrived to the front of the castle, Queen Haven slammed open the doors herself. Two guards inside in shock that their queen decided to open the doors herself in such manner.
“Pipp! Zipp!” She called out before freezing in horror at the sights she was seeing. Her daughters and Hitch. Hurt! Her heart raced as she looked at the three. Tears starting up, seeing her own daughters like this! But then she looked at Izzy, a slight bit of relief washed through her to see that it was over. But her own daughters...
“We’ll be fine... But...” Zipp looked at Zoom
Queen Haven looked at her in shock and worry, who had a serious face, something laid on her back. Something she hoped she’d never see.
“There was a casualty. Your highness,” Zoom said, hiding her sadness from the Queen. Trying her best to stay formal and professional. Despite that, hurt and sadness was still visible in her eyes. Zipp knew how much she was hurting. She was hurting too.
“Thunder!” Queen Haven let out in shock and sadness. Tears coming out her own eyes as she looked at Thunder’s body. He was gone...”Oh Thunder...” she sighed. Looking at his body, then to the ground. Knowing she couldn’t do anything about it. A tear went down her cheek. “Thank you for your service, Thunder. It was a pleasure...”
Izzy spoke up, finally. But she was sobbing tears and shaking. “I-It’s my fault, Queen Haven! All my fault!” Everyone except for Zoom stared at Izzy worried. “I-It’s my fault! I-I blasted him with my horn! I-I killed him!” She was crying hard, no sight of stopping. “I’m a murderer.”
Queen listened as she gestured to some other guards to help Zoom with the body. To clean it up and get ready for the funeral. One of them held Thunder and carried him, flying. While the other one walked with her.
“Izzy!” Zipp exclaimed, putting a hoof around her. “Izzy... It wasn’t you who killed him. It was the amulet using you as a tool!”
Pipp sniffled, “No one blames you, Izzy... We know you had no part of it. You just thought it was a funny necklace. It’s not your fault.”
Hitch nodded, “Yes, Izzy! Please don’t blame yourself...”
”N-No one blames you, Iz.” Zipp cuddled her, who was sobbing loudly.
Queen Haven looked at everyone. “L-Lets get inside...” She said softly...
Izzy looked at Zoom, “Zoom?” She whispered quietly. Getting no response. Then she looked ahead, still feeling such guilt. Wishing she could reverse this somehow.
Queen Haven had invited everyone inside for tea and a few snacks. Zoom wasn’t present. Izzy simply had her head on the table. Not eating or drinking anything. She felt like a murderer. Why wasn’t she able to stop it? Her horn just wasn’t listening. She could remember screaming loudly. Her screams not leaving her head as she watched. Watched as she hurt her friends and killed Thunder. Tears were coming from her eyes again, she noticed everyone look at her, worried.
”I-I need some alone time,” She excused herself from the table and left the room.
Tears wouldn’t stop flowing. Her heart was aching as she walked down the halls. She had no idea where she was going, but she didn’t care. She wouldn’t believe herself. Her friends keep telling her that it’s not her fault. But this time, she felt angry at herself. She felt terror and pain, knowing that one small mistake... Why wasn’t anyone upset with her? Why are they forgiving her so easily?
It’s like the time Misty was over and they were making something. Misty had accidentally tipped the paint over her work. But that was okay. She was upset at first for ruining it, but Izzy forgave Misty quickly. It was just a minor inconvenience, the paint she uses is easy to clean up. So it was no big deal in the end.
But Thunder wasn’t paint. He was much more than that, he as a friend and a beloved royal guard. So why was everyone so forgiving that she killed him? After walking for a bit, Izzy found herself near the doors to the garden. She decided she needed some fresh air, so she headed in. Any friends of royalty were allowed in the royal garden anytime. So she wasn’t breaking any rules. Unless Zipp and Pipp wanted to stop being her friend due to how much Thunder meant to them.
About an hour after, everyone left, including Izzy. Zoom was standing in the throne room. Queen Haven sat with her phone, doing royal business. But looking at her for a few moments. A few minutes went past, and she looked at her again and sighed. Knowing that she should do something, since even tho she was clearly trying to hide it, Zoom was hurting. Really hurting bad.
She slowly went up to her, “Zoom. You’re not in trouble or anything, but as queen I order you to go home, or anywhere you feel comfortable and happy and rest now. I know what you’re going through at the moment, hiding it won’t help. So please, go and take care of yourself.”
Zoom opened her mouth but shut it. She accidentally let a sigh escape, “I understand, your majesty...”
Queen Haven had let her off early. Due to what she witnessed. She would have asked to stay for her remaining hours, which were till night, but it was an order from the queen, so she had to obey. If only the queen hadn’t noticed her peeking at the spot Thunder would have stood at in those particular shifts. Zoom had made sure to keep the proper stance and keep a serious expression. But it was almost like the queen would read minds. The words echoed in her mind.
Zoom flew in the air. Overlooking the city. Her gut hurt as she thought about Thunder. The times they flew together. She just wanted to see him once more, hear his voice. She missed every part of him, she couldn’t believe he was gone. Just like that. No way to get him back... Thunder was gone.
She flew just outside of the city. On a route she and Thunder would scout occasionally in the past. As she walked, she remembered some things Thunder would say or do when they walked past here. Zoom looked down, she wasn’t here to scout, just walk and not be seen. No one needed to see her like this, she was tough!
Then suddenly she stopped in her tracks. Even tho it looked like the rest of the mountain. She recognised it dearly, this was where they both found Izzy and Sunny that day. Thunder’s scared exclaims and hiding behind her, she was annoyed then but now... Sweet memories of someone she wasn’t gonna be with anymore...
“Thunder!”
“B-but that’s an earth pony!” Thunder’s voice was shaky then. She could remember it clearly. How scared he was of an earth pony.
“They’re harmless,” She had responded. In a way, she was right. With the rumours being false, earth ponies were harmless this whole time. Well... Unless you were a wimp and angered the wrong one. “They have tiny brains,”
She remembered how Thunder looked at Izzy, the unicorn. “But, what are we gonna do with that!” He had exclaimed. Referring to her horn.
Wait...
Her horn...
Zoom snapped out of her thoughts and was filled with extreme sadness again. Her gut started to hurt as she remembered. Thunder was worried about Izzy’s horn then, because they believed they could zap lasers. Sure, that turned out false, at the time. But the horn... That exact horn that would kill him much latter, with a laser-like beam of light.
Feelings of grief and anger rushed through her. Why did it have to be Izzy’s horn!? Why did it have to be a deadly laser beam thing!? She felt tears come again, her chest went up and down as she stared at the spot where Izzy was standing at the time.
He was scared of the horn. Sure, he didn’t know, but that was the exact horn that killed him later on... This was too much for Zoom to handle, she didn’t want to be here anymore, she flew away as fast as she could. But the thoughts and memories still ran through her mind.
She flew far. But the memories just followed her. Zoom found herself at a lake, she looked at her scared reflection, still feeling sweating and breathing heavily.
“Th-thunder...” She said softly as she looked at her reflection. Seeing a weak pony staring back, she just sat there and looked at the water. Not knowing what to do or say. Frozen in fear.
In the later afternoon. Zoom was home. No guard gear on, it was where she usually puts it, on top of the cupboards. Her short purple mane was ruffled. Her home was kinda special, not many royal guards got to live where she did. The palace was basically right outside her door. Thunder had his own room as well... That would possibly be emptied by his family and friends before maybe being given to somepony else. Or staying vacant.
The Queen wasn’t too far away from where she was. Basically a little area in the palace for the guards lucky enough to have their own place to stay in the huge palace. Like apartments! Each room was like a small apartment. The main room, where there was a TV and cupboards, another small room for anything, a bedroom and a small kitchen with a table, microwave,
small fridge, stove, oven, sink, and some cupboards. There was of course a bathroom too!
Her heart hurt as she laid on her couch. She just finished watching a movie. Only two hours since she got home from panicking near the lake. She had watched a comedy but felt nothing but empty inside. Zoom groaned, she was only home at this time on days off. Some days had her spend the whole night in the palace. While some days she didn’t get home till late at night. She never got sent home early. The pain of loosing Thunder was still in her heart, she felt her emotions start when she looked at a picture of him that she had on the wall. A painting her had made himself for a birthday gift.
She stared at it for a bit, admiring his work. But soon she felt a tear come and wiped it away. Since she was home, she decided to have a shower. She got in the shower, turning it on. Water soaked her fur and short purple mane, all she could think about was Thunder...
But she also felt angry. Why did Izzy put on that necklace!? Why did she have to use her horn!? Why did Zoom not stop Thunder from going with his plan!? If she stopped him, would he still be here?
She stomped the ground, feeling some tears come out of her eyes. But letting them, no one was gonna see. She wanted this to be all over!
Thunder was gone. We wasn’t coming back. But she had to remain strong!
Days had gone by...
Izzy was mostly quiet. Not saying much to her friends or doing much crafting. They tried everything, until they simply decided to give her some more alone time.
The news of Thunder’s death shook Equestria. Even those who don’t live in Zephyr Heights were shocked. Because they still knew who he was due to Pipp’s live streams and just him and Zoom being the guards that travel with Queen Haven when needed.
Zoom was quiet during her shifts. Despising Izzy and herself as time went on. The more she hid her grief and pain, the worse she felt afterwards. But she needed to hide them... She needed to be strong.
The night before the funeral. Zoom came home and put her guard gear on the ground. Then she went on her bed and just flumped down. Tears rolling down here face, and she thought of Thunder. The pain was more than she ever felt before.
“Why was I so stupid!?” She cried out.
“Why?” She sobbed, soon wiping her eyes, but the tears kept coming. Queen Haven told her to let it all out and not bottle it up. If she was right about it being easier to just let it all out, why didn’t she listen? Zoom just thought of herself as a weakling now. A filly crying over nothing.
But Thunder meant a lot to her. She wanted this pain to go.
Before she knew it, she was asleep. Dreaming. She found herself on a cliff, overlooking a valley. She didn’t know where she was, but she felt... Peaceful, a smile was on her face as she looked at the view. Soon, gasping as she heard a familiar voice. Once she thought she’d never hear again.
“Zoom!”
“Thunder?” Zoom responded, confused. Then she gasped, smiling as she saw Thunder standing nearby. Then she stopped smiling, realising this is a dream.
“It’s me, Thunder!” Thunder said happily. Zoom’s sad expression didn’t change.
Zoom looked down at the ground, sadly. “No... Y-you’re not Thunder. Y-You’re-Th-thunder is... is dead, not coming back... This is a dream. You’re just of my imagination...” She sniffled as a tear appeared. “He’s gone...”
Thunder stared at her in sorrow, a few tears appearing on his own face. Pain filled him as he looked at Zoom. Never seeing her like this. “I know... I-I died... But it’s really me, Zoom! R-remeber that ancient alicorn we were told about. That Pipp and Zipp spoke about? Two ancient royal sisters. The younger one entered dreams of those who needed help?” Thunder asked with a smile. “I... I met her...”
Zoom gasped slightly, remembering Zipp discuss it with Pipp. They were reading an old book that the late Argyle Starshine must have collected from old ruins or something. “Oh yeah!” She exclaimed, “What was her name again? Princess Luna?”
Thunder nodded and looked at her. “I know it’s been hard for you. It’s been hard for me too... I know you miss me so much, it pains me that we’re separated. But life has to go on, Zoom. You told me this yourself, back when I broke that vase Haven liked and I felt really bad. Zoom... You can’t mourn me forever... That isn’t gonna help you recover...”
“B-But.” Zoom wiped her face. “It’s my fault that you’re gone! I should have s-stopped you! Izzy murdered you b-because if me!”
Thunder softly put a hoof on Zoom’s shoulder. “It’s not your fault. Or Izzy’s...” Thunder then sighed, “Being angry with her or yourself won’t bring me back. I don’t hold any grudges against any of you, because I was just doing what I felt was right,
. I-I was scared, but It’s a royal guard’s duty to protect and serve, so that’s what I did...” He looked at her sadly. “Even... E-even if I was killed.”
Zoom tried to wipe some tear. He then spoke again. “I think crying is tough. Nothing wrong with that, right? You’re one of the toughest pegasi I know. Maybe even the toughest guard, nothing's gonna change that. Especially not some tears. I don’t think they’re something to be afraid of...”
She looked at him, sniffling in sadness. “Thunder...”
“You’re gonna get through this, Zoom. I know you will.” He said with a slight smile. He was slowly disappearing.
“Thunder?” Zoom said in shock. Thunder gasped as he looked at himself.
“Guess my time is up... Luna said that I won’t have that long...” Thunder looked at himself and sighed. “Zoom... forgive Izzy for me, okay? And yourself. Remember, you are tough, some emotions aren’t gonna change that!” Then he sighed, tears flowing. “I miss you so much...”
“B-but... will we see each other again?” Zoom asked.
“I don’t think so... Princess Luna said this dream ability should only be used when necessary... It’s harder when a dead pony visits a living one in a dream...”
“No!” She shouted in horror. “Please don’t go!”
“Zoom... stay strong for me... Okay?”
“No... Thunder...” Zoom hugged Thunder, who was surprised as a result. He was crying, “Goodbye Zoom, enjoy the future of Zephyr Heights for me, okay?”
“Th-thank you, Thunder,” Zoom said softly as he started to vanish. “Farewell, Thunder...” She saluted to him as her vanished. A tear appearing in her eye.
The day of Thunder’s funeral came...
The royal family, friends and every royal guard attended. Zoom seemed the most hurt during the funeral. Her voice cracked in sadness when she went up to do her speech. A few tears appeared, she didn’t seem worried about them this time. Izzy’s heart ached as she saw the casket, this was her doing. If it weren’t for her, then no one would be here. Thunder would be alive.
Izzy was quiet the whole time. Feeling bad for Thunder, he didn’t deserve this at all. She knew that royal guards all accepted that one day they might need to fight to protect. There might be injury or death. But she still killed a pony, it wasn’t directly. But she felt like a monster.
After the funeral, Izzy sat at his resting place. Looking at the picture on his gravestone sadly. Tears came once again. “Thunder... I’m so sorry! I’m so, so sorry!” She cried, “I never meant this to happen, I-I never wanted to hurt anypony! Or kill them! This is all my fault, I never should have done what I did.” the tears were uncontrollable. “I’m so sorry. I don’t blame you if you won’t forgive me. I’m so sorry, Thunder...”
After what felt like minutes of sobbing. She heard someone land next to her and put a wing around her. She gasped as she looked at who it was. She made a slight surprised gasp. “Z-Zoom?” She questioned, wondering what she was doing here. Then she remembered, she must have been in the way, of course she’d want to see his grave. He was so close to her. “Zoom! I-I’m so sorry, I-“
”It wasn’t your fault...” Zoom said sadly as she looked at the gravestone. “Thunder also knows. He wouldn’t hold a grudge against you. Neither do I...”
Izzy was a bit surprised at what she said. “Y-you’re not mad at me?” She still felt like an absolute monster. But what Zoom said... It’s what everypony kept saying, but she still hurt. But is it true?
Zoom sighed a little. “I admit I was a bit at first... Thunder was my friend for a long time... But when both of us became royal guards, we accepted the fact there might be a day the two of us separate. He did his duty, he was so brave, but it’s just... What happened, we can’t change the past. I was upset at you at first, Izzy. But being angry at you won’t bring Thunder back, or help me with my future duties. It’s hard, it hurts and that will stay a while, but we still have to go on. It’s what he would have wanted...”
Izzy looked at Zoom, tears rolling down her eyes. Then suddenly, she gave her one big hug, sobbing loudly. Zoom wasn’t a fan of hugs, but she allowed her. The pain was still there, in them both. But she was right. We can’t dwell on the past forever, or we won’t heal. Things will hurt us in life, but it will hurt less over time. The pain is different for everyone, and that’s okay!
She then looked at the gravestone. If Thunder didn’t come up with that plan, then... Would the outcome have been worse? Maybe...
“Thank you, Thunder...” Izzy said quietly.
