A Strange New World: CH10

>Leaves crunch underneath your feet as you stroll down the path, your hand resting calmly on the hilt of your longsword.

>You were certain that you were being watched: green, fleeting eyes dart between bushes, the sound of snapping twigs stalking you through the forest.

“Fluttershy, say there’s something following us right now, what would it be?”

>”Timberwolves have been known to come out to the edges of the forest sometimes. I’ve never heard of a pack coming out this far though. If there’s timberwolves behind us then it’s probably no more than a couple.”

“A couple, eh? I think I’m adequately prepared. Timberwolves… I take it they get their name from living in forests, yes?”

>”Actually, they’re made of wood,” Fluttershy mutters, inciting a laugh from you.

“Hah! Good joke, Fluttershy.”

>”I wasn’t… I wasn’t joking.”

“Don’t be silly Fluttershy, wolves can’t be made of wood.”

>”No, honestly! They are!”

>Your gaze hardens as you scrutinise Fluttershy’s face, looking for a twitch of dishonesty.

“I’ll take your word for it, ludicrous as it seems.”

>You continue walking on before smiling to yourself.

“Well, if they are made of wood, then I pity the one who tries to attack me. Fire and timber don’t exactly mix well.”

>”They generally don’t attack, unless their… um, prey is alone.”

“Good to know,” you chuckle as the conversation tapers off.

>Both of you continue to press on silently, save for the crunching sound of earth underfoot and the cracking of branches that intrude on your path.

“How deep into the forest does Zecora’s abode lie?”

>”It’s another few minutes maybe…”

>You nod, before reaching into your bottomless box.

>”Uh, Mr. Anonymous, what are you doing?” Fluttershy asks hesitantly as you dig out the orange chunk of magical soapstone.

“I’m leaving myself a pointer, in case curiosity gets the better of me. If I ever get sidetracked off the path and find myself back here, I’ll know what way the town lies.”

>”Ok, I guess… I still don’t really know what you’re doing though.”

“It’s a cross dimensional soapstone. I’m going to draw an arrow on that tree. There’s no need to panic…” You emphasise the last sentence, not wanting the pegasus to freak out over something trivial.

>”Ok, I guess… What’s a cross dimensional soapstone?”

“It’s a long story,” you reply gruffly, causing Fluttershy to fall silent.

>True to her word, the trail leads to a small wooden house embedded in a clearing.

“Thank you, Fluttershy. A bit of company is always nice. Would you want me to accompany you back?

>”I’d like that, but… um, I have other things to attend to. I can’t afford to wait around.”

“Alright then, it’s your decision to make. Watch out for the wolves now.”

>”I have a way with animals, you don’t have to worry… goodbye, Mr. Anonymous!”

>Fluttershy quietly trots off, and with a shrug you approach the door of the timber home.

>As you raise your knuckle to rap on the door, the strange pony’s voice calls from within.

>”No need for knocking, my dear! Wipe your feet and come in here…”

>Being Zecora’s sword for hire won’t test your physical limits, it’ll be your brain that breaks first.

>You comply with her request, scraping the mud from your boots before stooping through the doorway.

>The insides of the house greet you with a wall of overpowering smells; exotic, enticing and unknown to you.

>You glance around the central room, noting the shelves stocked with jars and beakers of mysterious substances.

>In the centre of the room stands a solitary cauldron, which is gently bubbling away. It appears to be filled to the brim with a strange green liquid, which is giving off a rather delicious smell.

>”To see you safe fills me with cheer!” Zecora says happily, trotting in from a side room. “I am pleased to see you made it here.”

“I don’t have much else to keep me occupied. Besides, this gives me an excuse to gallivant off into the forest.”

>”Hah! You are quite reckless indeed; that bravado is what I need. Deep within the forest is a plant I seek, the trek is not for one whose heart is weak.”

>You sit back in a nearby chair, folding your arms.

“What plant? I never had the luxury of studying vegetation, save for a few medicinal mosses.”

>”The Mandragora, it is a terrible plant, make no mistake. Bring very suitable earplugs, ensure they do not break.”

“Mandra… what? Earplugs? I’m not quite on the same page as you, Zecora.”

>”When uprooted, the devilish plant unleashes a terrible cry… All those who hear it will swiftly die!”

“You’re telling me that you need a plant, that when uprooted, can scream so loudly that I might die?” You chuckle. “Sounds dangerous, but I’ve encountered worse.”

>”Do not underestimate, lest you tempt fate...”

“Don’t worry, I’m more careful than you’d think,” you mutter, thinking back to your blood soaked past. “And I’ll be damned before a bloody plant kills me. If you don’t mind me inquiring, why do you need this thing is?”

>”The sap of the mandragora is a potent poison, a veritable curse. Many ponies require such a toxin, and pay with a bloated purse…”

“Selling natural horrors to strangers doesn’t seem like a very… ethical thing to do.”

>”I’m sure you’re not a paradigm of ethics, too. I ensure the potential poison is used for mundane purposes, that much is true.”

“Poison and ‘mundane purposes’ don’t go hand in hand. To be blunt, I’m not entirely happy with fetching you this plant if I can’t be sure it’s going towards a good cause.”

>”I could delve into the medicine behind it, indeed. But my word should be enough, what is your need?”

“My need? I just don’t see how collecting poison is going to help people.”

>”In small enough doses, the thing that torments us can assist instead. It saves a pony, rather than striking them dead.”

“Hmm… I’m not going to argue with a self proclaimed alchemist, but I’ll be asking Twilight Sparkle about this. My knowledge of medicine is grossly outweighed by yours, but I fail to see how poison can cure people.”

>You sigh before getting up and stretching.

“I’ll do as you wish, though. If anything, it still sounds like a challenge.”

>”Very well, this pleases me! Now,” she mutters while fiddling with what appears to be a map. “Come study this parchment, it is vital that you see…”

>She motions to a circled region of the forest which lies about two miles east of the hut.

“This is where I’ll find the plant, eh?”

>”The circled space is the nauseous place-“

“Actually, before we go any further, can you please stop talking in rhymes?” you plead, exasperated by the mental dexterity required to keep up with the striped pony. “It’s hard to follow you, especially if you start giving out important instructions…”

>Zecora seems to think over your request, before shrugging.

“I do not understand why my diction would confuse you, but if you so desire it…”

>She clears her throat, before returning her attention to the map.

>”The circled area is where you shall find the plant. It may not be far from here, but it is still deep enough to causes difficulties to me. The depths of the forest can be very… misleading.”

“I can relate to that. One minute you’re waiting at the edge, the next you’re swamped by foliage and utterly lost.”

>”And how do you propose to avoid that?”

>You smirk, before digging out your soapstone for the second time.

“I’ve got a few tricks up my gauntlets. Trust me: you won’t have to worry about me finding my way back.”

>”I am glad for your reassurance. Now, the earplugs.”

>Zecora hums a strange tune to herself as she searches a nearby shelf, before exclaiming excitedly.

>”Aha!” she yells, carrying over a wad of cotton in her mouth. “The cotton wads I have right here are the very thing to protect your ear?”

“Cotton wads? I was hoping for something a little more… fancy.”

>”So much for being a headstrong warrior.”

“Don’t take it as a complaint!” you retort, tearing off two chunks of cotton. “I’m not going to whine about something that will probably save my life.”

>You jam the bundles of sound dampening cotton into your ears, the effect becoming immediately noticeable.

>”Mmmhhmhmh?” Zecora asks, her head cocked at an angle.

“What was that? You have to speak up!” you yell.

> Zecora chuckles silently.

>”I think you’ve demonstrated that they work adequately,” Zecora jokes as you dig the buds out of your ear.

“They certainly work against you…”

>You pause for a moment before moving back to the table, rolling the map up into a secure bundle.

“Is there anything else I need to discuss?”

>”Hmm, medicinal moss you mentioned off hoof… Behind this claim, do you have any proof?”

“You want to see the moss? All right then, guess they’re better off in your hands-er, hooves.”

>You dig into your bottomless box, pulling out dual clump of sickly red and purple moss, before handing them over.

“Red moss denotes bleed protection, purple moss cures poisons.”

>”This moss can cure bleeding?” Zecora asks, her surprise overruling her desire to rhyme.

“You sound surprised.”

>”I’ve never heard tale of a plant with such abilities. I must take a closer look at them!”

“Well, I’ve got plenty to spare. Take what you need.”

>”Thank you, may I inquire about the red moss too?”

“There’s not much to say about it.”

>”Well, I simply must ask: for what poisons is it up for the task?”

“Well, er… all of them?”

>Zecora simply gapes at you.

>”I hope this is some kind of silly joke, do not take zebras for simple minded folk.”

“I’m deadly serious. Rat poison, swamp rot, the pyromancer’s plague, manticore’s mark… this little plant holds it own against them all.”

>Zecora rubs her chin in thought, before shaking her head.

>”If what you say is true, then this little ball of foliage is the most potent medicinal plant that has ever been introduced to Equestria.”

>The forest-enclosed cottage grows silent for a moment.

“So?”

>”So? Anonymous, the ramifications of this will be huge, I promise!”

“You’re welcome, I suppose? I still don’t understand your enthusiasm for this.”

>”I can assure, you will understand soon. For now,  the time approaches noon.”

“I wouldn’t want to be returning too late… Well, this has been a rather interesting morning. Hopefully the first of many with you, Zecora.”

>”Hah, I hope my rhymes did not mess with your head. Be careful Anon, don’t return dead…”

“I’m already undead. Death is just an inconvenience.”

>Finishing on that grim note, you take your leave from the cottage, checking the map one last time.

>One final inventory check, ensuring that you have all that you need, before you set off.

>It’s only when you begin walking that you realise a critical mistake…

“Zecora never actually told me what a mandragora looks like,” you mutter to yourself.

>Oh well, you’ll probably be able to discern it from the other plants. Screaming vegetations doesn’t exactly sound like the most subtle of things.

>Your greaves and gauntlets make a familiar, reassuring clank as you walk down the path, the silence of the forest punctuated by your armour

>Nothing like a solitary trek through an unknown forest to get you in the mood for danger. Lordran had left a lasting mark on you, it seems: you couldn’t help but admire the beauty and atmosphere in potentially lethal adventures.

>Maybe that wasn’t such a bad thing, come to think of it-

>Your train of thought is cut off as something snarls in the bushes adjacent to you, a dark blur darting into the path in front of you.

>Before you can think to react, your longsword is drawn and ready, your shield gripped tightly in your left hand.

>Another thing Lordran left with you: battle honed reflexes.

>Three timber wolves creep from the shadows of the foliage, joining the one that had sprung into your path.

“A four on one fight? Where’s the fairness in that?” You chuckle, towering over the wolves.

>Their growls grow guttural as they begin to inch towards you.

“I’m a knight who believes in fairness, so I’m giving you all two seconds to run before I strike you down.”

>The two centre wolves snarl, before charging towards you, their wooden fangs poised to bite.

>You smirk as the fiery surprise builds in your left hand, obscured from view by Sanctus.

>As the timber wolves lunge, you sidestep before snapping your fingers.

>The pent up pyromancing flame arcs from your hand, streaking through the airborne wolves and leaving them coated in fiery agony.

>They hit the ground hard, howling in distress as the flames dance their macabre cavort around the burning wolves.

>The other two wolves whine in fear and surprise, unsure whether to assist their dying friends or not.

>You prepare another fireball and the decision is made: with a howl of anticipation they scatter, diving into the forest floor foliage.

>One of the burning wolves lets loose a blood chilling cry, before blindly trying to stumble past you.

>You sigh, before bringing your longsword down into its neck, silencing it with a precise slice.

>The other wolf tries to run as well, but as it stands to flee, its legs collapse, splintering and withering.

>You move to finish it off, but your flames beat you to the mark. The smouldering wolf collapses weakly, its body breaking up into charred sticks and ash.

>Satisfied that you were out of combat, you sheath your sword with satisfaction, before turning back to the smouldering remains of the timberwolves.

“Disappointing… I was hoping for more than a few sparks.” You chuckle mirthlessly. “Then again, maybe starting forest fires isn’t the best course of action…”

>Your muttering is met with only silence from the forest, and you shrug.

>You continue down the path once more, leaving the charred remains of the timber wolves behind as a grim warning.

 

 

>A while passes as you venture deeper into the forest, deathly silence beginning to grate your stoicism.

>You haven’t seen any other creatures on your walk aside from the earlier timberwolves.

>As you pass a nearby felled tree, you decide to pause for a while. You were certainly in no rush, that’s for sure.

>You clamber onto the tree trunk, taking care not to snag your armour, before lying down with your gaze directed towards the heavens.

>Relaxation washes over you as you close your visor over.

>Your moment of peace is immediately shattered as you hear a storm of carnage barrel through nearby trees, the shattering and splintering of trees drawing close at a lightning pace.

>With only a twinge of panic you leap off the tree trunk, rolling deftly behind cover as a beast bursts through the tree-line.

>Your hand darts to your sword hilt as the monster comes into view: a terrifyingly long stinger sitting atop the body of a lion, with bat-like wings hanging limply from the side.

>A manticore…

>You remain silent and still, poised to strike if needs be.

>The manticore regards you with wide eyes as if it was surprised by your presence.

>A faint crash in the distance catches both your attentions, your instincts now on high alert.

>The manticore yelps almost comically before bolting off down the path, leaving a trail of destroyed trees in its wake.

>Cautiously, you creep out from your semi-concealed cover, dusting the soil off your surcoat.

“What in Lordran spooked that manticore?” you whisper to yourself, and as if to answer your question, another faint crash rings out from the distance. “And what could cause that infernal crashing?”

>Your gut instincts tell you that they’re the same thing, and you gulp.

>Zecora didn’t send you off to get into fights… but you’re obliged to investigate the source of the disturbance. Whatever it is, if it can scare a manticore off then it’s surely bad…

>Setting your concerns to the side and throwing caution to the wind, you set off down the path the frightened beast carved through the forest.

>The deeper you searched, the more apparent the devastation became: as you step into a clearing, you are greeted by a legion of uprooted trees and splintered stumps dotted around the grove.

>One particular splinter grabs your attention, and you pick it up out of curiosity.

>It is only then that you realise it is the battered, bruised head of a timber wolf, its body broken beyond belief by the unknown force lurking in the forest.

>You discard the head with unease, glancing around to make sure you weren’t being followed.

>The crashing, which had grown closer as the minutes dragged on had stopped suddenly, and now your body was urging you to retreat to safety.”

>With a snap of the fingers, a reassuring fireball materialises in your hand, the warming aura dissipating your fears.

>You had survived the entirety of Lordran’s horrors: there was nothing here in the forest that could realistically threaten you.

>Following the trail of destruction once more, you enter an ominous clearing, which was surprisingly untouched given the chaos that had unfolded around it.

>Your attention immediately falls upon a strange blue box lying discarded in the middle of the clearing, surrounded by bulky earthen statues: you pause to anticipate attacking enemies, before slowly approaching the box.

>You kneel down and brush the dirt and leaves obscuring the box, before whispering out loud.

“What the… ‘My Little Golem creation kit?” you read, eyes squinted in concentration.

>A sudden groan from behind you causes you to wheel round in surprise, your longsword drawn and raised.

>Both panic and confusion course through your veins as you stare at the empty clearing, your breath bated in fear of the unknown.

“Who’s there? Show yourself!” you yell, your voice shattering the imposing silence of the forest.

>For a moment the silence threatens to return, and your grip relaxes.

>Your calmness is short lived as the ground suddenly begins to shake beneath your feet, the earth cracking and turning.

>You simply stand on the spot, raising your shield in anticipation and cursing yourself for your stupidity.

“They weren’t statues…” you spit as the clearing comes to life around you.

>The large stone objects which you had assumed to be statues begin to claw their way out of their dirt, with others stumbling in from the sides of the clearing.

>Within seconds, half a dozen animated golems are around you, looming over you with lifeless eyes.

>You take an involuntary step backwards, the heel of your boot crushing a twig with a painfully loud snap.

>The golem’s attention suddenly averts to you, their lifeless eyes taking on a malevolent red glare.

>You slowly begin to back off, stepping past the mysterious box that had enticed you into this trap.

>A chorus of angry groans emanates from the golem crowd as they begin to advance towards you.

“I’m not going to be able to fight these here…” you mutter, sheathing your sword hesitantly.

>Could you make it to the open safety of Ponyville? How fast could these things run? What if they attacked-

>Your train of thought is shattered as a stony fist rushes towards you, and you throw yourself sideways on instinct.

>You roll out of the way of the now angry golems, your shield still gripped tightly in hand.

>Time seems to slow down as you get back up, the golems inching towards you.

>You take a deep breath, steeling yourself… before sprinting out of the clearing and back down the wrecked forest path.

>A unanimous, furious roar punctuates your fleeing, and the ground trembles ominously.

>You focus on the path ahead of you, leaping between the entangling roots of trees.

>The commotion from behind commands your attention though, and you glance round.

>You catch a brief glance of the half-dozens barrelling down the path behind you, their size obliterating the unfortunate trees residing in the way.

>Damn it, they’re faster than you had hoped…

>But you’re faster.

>Then again, who says golems need to stop and breathe?

>You push thoughts to the side, focusing on outrunning the stone beasts behind you. >Even a momentary lapse in concentration could-

>With sickening irony, your boot snags on a twisted root, sending you sprawling to the floor.  

>The ground welcomes your impact by winding you as you stumble into a roll.

>A cursory glance behind you confirms that the golems are hot on your heels: you’d never be able to get away if you stuck to the open…

>Resigned to your fate, you pick yourself up from the forest floor and sprint into the undergrowth, branches whipping at your protected face.

>Now a cacophony of splintering wood and felling trees joins the booming stampede of the golems.

>Foliage obscures your already limited vision, and you make a blind dash towards and open section of woodland in front of you.

>You burst into the clearing and come to a grinding halt as you survey the suspicious stretch of mud before you.

>In the depths of your memories, an old tale resurfaces: one that warned off the sucking sands of the five fingered delta, which could drag an unwary traveller to their doom in seconds.

>You desperately look round for an alternate path, but the deceiving sands stretch in both directions for two hundred feet or more. Maybe you could jump it, but you’d run the risk of-

>The decision is made for you as something slams into your back, the air whooshing out of your lungs and pain blinding your vision.

>With a sickening plop, you are launched into the sinking sands, your legs immediately collapsing below the surface.

>You desperately scramble for to grip something as a trio of golems stumble into the quicksand with you, their gargantuan rock bodies sinking instantly.

>Your arms close around  something solid in your panic consumed thrashing as you are lifted into the air.

>Through sheer luck, you had grasped the rippling rock muscles of one of the golems as it raises its arms in panic.

>Surprisingly, your boots escape the deathly suction of the sinking sands beneath you, but your respite threatens to be just momentary.

>The golem that had become your unlikely savoir continues sinking, the mud level quickly reaching its neck.

>You glance at the other 2 golems, noticing that they’re in similar precarious positions.

>Desperation suddenly plants an idea in your mind: an escape from your certain demise.

>You plant your sand-soaked boots on the golem’s head, which roars even as its mouth fills with the deadly mud.

>A hesitant gulp, before you leap off the golems head, landing deftly on the adjacent monster’s head.

>Without a moments pause you leap again, carrying the momentum of each jump forward.

>The third golem anticipates your jump and reaches out to snatch you, narrowly missing you with its fatal grab.

>One last ditch effort, and you land sprawling on the other side of the bank, panting heavily.

>You look back at the golems just in time to see your savoir sink fully beneath the surface, his angered roar becoming instantly muted.

>Across the sinking sandpond, the three safe golems stare at you, before the middle one takes a cursory step forward.

>You gape in surprise as the other two hold him steadily by the arm as the golem reaches his hand towards the two remaining victims.

>Their stone bodies shake and groan from the exertion, but sure as death itself, the golem is dragged to safety.

>It swipes the dirt off itself, before turning its attention to the last golem trapped in the sands.

>With a satisfactorily sick slurping sound, the golem is dragged underneath the surface fully, the clearing becoming deathly quiet.

>The remaining four stare at the spot where it went under for a second, before turning back to you, and you feel the hatred in their stare.

>Were they feeling sorrow for their lost comrades, or was it simply the primal urge to destroy you?

>You don’t stay around to find out: you wheel away from the golems and sprint back into the cover of the forest, praying that you were close to the forest edge.

>With a final nervous glance backwards you start running, your determination driving you forwards.

 

 

>The openness of the forest edge comes as a sweet release as you escape the suffocating claustrophobia of the forest.

>You double over, panting heavily in your exhaustion, before tiredly glancing round.

>Now that you were out of the forest, where were you meant to go? Every sense of direction had been lost during that chase.

>”Um, Mr Anonymous?”

>With a cry of surprise you spin round, your fist halting an inch in front of Fluttershy’s face.

>She blinks, crossing her eyes to stare at the gauntlet which threatened to strike her in the face.

>”A-am I in the way?”

“Gods be damned Fluttershy!” you yell as the pegasus recoils in fear. “How long were you sneaking up on me for?”

>Fluttershy gulps in fear, and you realise that you’re still in a threatening stance.

“I… my apologies, Fluttershy. It is not the way of the knight to threaten maidens…”

>”It’s o-ok…” Fluttershy stammers. “I was in the forests tracking a species of bird I’d never seen before, when suddenly…”

>She takes another nervous gulp.

>”Suddenly, there was the most awful commotion going on nearby. I took to the skies, but I didn’t want to get too close… Then I saw you running wildly, and I decided to follow.”

>You remain silent, breathing in deeply.

>”What happened?” Fluttershy whispers, regarding your dirtied armour with confusion.

“I… I’ll explain at Twilight’s house. She’ll have the best idea on what’s going on…”

>”This d-doesn’t sound good…”

“No, it’s not good at all.” You mutter. “Fluttershy, where’s Ponyville from here? I got hopelessly lost back there.”

>”I, um…”

“Now Fluttershy! We haven’t got time to dither about!”

>She squeals at the sound of your raised voice, quaking under your impatient stare.

>”It’s th-that way…” she whispers, pointing towards the left. “The path’s about f-five minutes from here…”

“Good.”

>You begin to jog in the direction she specified, but Fluttershy’s absence quickly attracts your attention.

>As you turn round you see her rooted to the spot, nervously biting her lip.

“What in Gwyn’s name are you waiting for?”

>”I… I’m not sure I want to get… um, involved…?” she giggles nervously, floundering under your gaze.

>Her giggle turns into a squeal of terrified surprise as you lift her up, holding under your sword-arm tightly.

>”Could you put me down!” she cries. “If that’s n-not too much of a bother..?”

“I’m not risking leaving you behind. This isn’t up for argument.”

>You break into a sprint yet again, this time with the shaking pegasus secured with a firm grip.

>As she had guessed, you reach the trail to Ponyville in a few minutes, quickly reaching her house.

“Now Fluttershy,” you say slowly and forcefully. “If anything suspicious comes out of that forest, ANYTHING, and you come get me. No hiding in fear, no hoping it’ll go away, you come straight to me. Fly if you have to. Understood?”

>Your words leave no room for disobeying, and the pegasus nods silently.

“I don’t wish to be so harsh, but this is a serious matter. I almost died in the forest, and I don’t wish for anyone, or any pony, to get hurt.”

>”What should I be on the watch for?”

“There’s a half dozen golems… well, 4 now. They’re blazing a trail of destruction through that forest, and they attack on sight.”

>”Golems?” Fluttershy asks, her eyes widening. “That would explain…”

“Explain what?”

>”Well, um… I’ve been having a lot of animals lurking around the forest edge. I was wondering if anything deeper was driving them off…”

“Now you know. Be vigilant Fluttershy: I have to go and warn the town.”

>You pat her on the head reassuringly, leaving her to her own devices.

>Now, on to Ponyville….

 

 

>The first pony you meet on the outskirts of Ponyville is, all of people, Applejack.

>”Howdy ‘Non!” she calls cheerfully, tending to a cartful of apples. Her happy tone quickly disappears as she notices your physical predicament.

>“Wait, what in th’world have ya gone and done now?”

“I’ve done nothing except run.” You answer truthfully. “Listen, I don’t have much time to explain. There’s a wall of stone, rage and pain that could be coming out the forest at any time. Is there anything you can do to help me stop that?”

>”Stone and rage? ‘Non, this better not be some kinda trick.”

“I’m deadly serious. Hell, just look at me!”

>”How do I know ya didn’t just roll around in mud?” Applejack inquires, her eyebrows narrowed.

>You pause for a second, thinking of how to prove to her that you were attacked, before smiling.

>Unclasping your shield, you hold it in front of the earth pony, pointing a finger towards the fist shaped dent.

>Come to think of it, Sanctus probably spared you a lot of trauma when the golem charged into you.

>”What in th’hay caused that?” Applejack asks incredulously, before staring you with dread.

“Something big and angry…” you chuckle humourlessly. “As I asked, is there anything you can do to help?”

>Ah’m not too sure…” Applejack mutters, her cheery demure lost in the grimness of your predicament. “Ah guess ah could… lasso ‘em?”

“La-what?”

>”Y’know, when ya tie up a good length o’rope and throw it around somethin’?”

“I’ve never heard of that technique before, but it sounds useful…”

>”What kinda creature are we talkin’ about anyway?”

“A foursome of stone automatons, all enraged.”

>”Livin’ statues? What kinda mess have ya gotten yourself into this time?”

“It wasn’t my fault that they attacked! It will be my fault if they attack Ponyville though… which is why I need to warn everyone now.”

>”You run on ahead to the town then, pardner. Ah’ve gotta go back for the rope.”  

“Understood. Meet me back at Twilight’s once you’re prepared, and be as quick as you can.”

>”Gotcha. Let’s hope this ‘mergency blows over quickly.”

>The gut feeling in your stomach screams otherwise, but you keep your suspicions to yourself.

>Without another word, the two of you part, her golden locks swinging wildly as she sets off.

>You continue on your brisk pace and reach Ponyville promptly, your frantic endeavour quickly attracting the attention of milling townsfolk.

>Reaching Twilight’s house briskly, you pound on the door with a clenched fist.

>”Yes? Who is it?” a voice calls from inside.

“Anonymous!” you yell.

>”You sound upset Anon… are you here to see Rainbow Dash?”

“Just open the door Twilight! This is a matter of life and death!”

>You didn’t care for the gazes the surrounding ponies were no doubt showering you with. This wasn’t exactly going to be a secret.

>A frantic clopping of hoof steps ensues, and a second later the door opens.

>”Life and death?”

“I’m not exaggerating. You’ve got to help me…”

>”Me? How could I help? What’s threatening the town? Why are you covered in mud?”

“Just… just let me in, and I’ll explain everything.”

>Twilight steps out of the doorway and you march in, taking a seat at a nearby table and wrenching your helmet off.

>You silently run a gloved hand through your sweat streaked hear, relishing the cool air that now flowed over it, before sighing.

“Twilight, what do you know about golems?”

>”Golems? Er, there isn’t much to know.” Twilight says quickly. “Most golem magic is left untouched due to its… unpredictable side.”

“Unpredictable?”

>”It’s not a very refined magical process. If others schools of magic are your sword there, then golem raising is… a stone taped to a stick.”

“Do you know anyone who would dabble in such magics?”

>”I can’t imagine anyone in Ponyville attempting it, aside from me. And it’s not me because I’m not stupid.”

“Damn, there goes one of my hopes…” you mutter to yourself.

>Twilight regards you with calm eyes.

>”So, how many golems are there?”

“What?” you exclaim involuntarily, taken back by the unicorn’s intuition.

>”You wouldn’t be asking me about golems while dirty, sweat stained and exhausted for no reason.” Twilight says smugly.

“I… four golems. Solid stone as far as I could see.”

>”And where are they?”

“Anywhere between here and the forest.”

>”That’s not very specific.”

“My apologies, I was too busy running for my life to keep track.”

>”Pffh, running for your life? That’s not very knightly.”

“You seem very nonchalant in the face of a major crisis.”

>”Major crisis? Since when have chest height golems ever been a cause for problems?”

>The pieces fall into place, Twilight’s assumption becoming clear.

“They became a problem when they stopped being chest height and started to tower over me.” You say solemnly.

>”Towering…?”

“I am telling only the truth, Twilight. I came to you hoping you’d know how to dispatch golems.”

>”What? I… I only know how to create them, not get rid of them! It’s one of the reasons golem magic is abandoned!”

“Damn it! I suppose this conflict will have to end by the sword then… not that my sword can do anything against a stone creature like them-“

>”Wait, I’m sure I’ll be able to think of something!” Twilight says hesitantly. “I’ve just got to… find the right book, that’s it!”

“Good luck with that…”

>A sudden frantic knocking grabs your attention as Twilight groans in frustration.

>”Ugh, what now?”

>You stride over to the door and open it, revealing a terrified looking Fluttershy.

“Fluttershy! Does this mean-“

>”Y-yes… I saw them coming out of the forest, got my animals to safety, and ran here as fast as I could…” She gulps. “They weren’t going to fast, but they’re definitely coming…”

“Excellent work Fluttershy. We can use this moment of respite to warn the town, get ponies out of danger-“

>”Wait a minute!” Twilight exclaims, sternly trotting over to you. “Who are you to order everyone to leave town? You’re not in charge!”

“Twilight, I know what I’m doing.”

>”Are you saying I don’t?”

“All I’m saying is that you won’t find safety in those books of yours. Nor will you protect the town with them.”

>Twilight splutters in indignation, and you turn back to Fluttershy.

“I’ve got something else you need to do. Twilight, this applies to you as well.”

>She looks like she’s going to explode, but she simply stares you down with a deathly glare.

“I need the both of you to go round and tell everyone you can to leave town. They won’t trust a giant knight from another realm, but they will trust you.”

>”This isn’t…” Twilight moans. “This isn’t logical! Or fair! What’s going to happen to the town? Are the golems going to destroy everything?”

>”Um, Twilight… I would be more concerned about what’s going to happen to Anon…” Fluttershy whispers, hiding behind her adorable mane.

>”He’s the one who’s bringing this mess on our heads!”

>You chuckle humourlessly as Twilight cringes in well-deserved embarrassment.

“Hah! Times of crisis always reveal people’s true natures… And to be frank Miss Sparkle, I don’t like what I see.”

>”I… I apologise-“

“I don’t care about your apology. For all I know, I could die in the next hour. Save your breath for warning townsfolk instead.”

>She opens her mouth to argue, but quickly shuts it.

>”Come on Fluttershy, let’s go…”

>You give Fluttershy a reassuring scratch behind the ear, chuckling as she involuntarily leans against your hand, before you are left alone with your thoughts.

>It wasn’t the fight that you were concerned about, although being outnumbered by raging golems that would most definitely shrug off your blows like they were nothing certainly didn’t put your mind at ease.

>It was Twilight’s reaction… you had no doubt that there was going to be pandemonium descending upon Ponyville when the golems showed up.

>On your first full day here too, no less…

“As if people didn’t have enough reason to distrust a giant knight from a foreign land… now I’m responsible for their town getting ravaged…”

>”Ravaged, huh?”

>You yell in surprise, almost falling out of your chair as you flail in fear.

>Through the eye slit in your helmet you see the smug grin of Rainbow Dash as she makes her way towards you.

“I swear on the gods above, every pony in this land wants to give me a heart attack…”

>”Maybe you shouldn’t wear the tin can on your head, then?”

“I never seem to find an opportunity to take it off… What are you even doing here anyway?”

>The pegasus responds by rapping a hoof on your helmet obnoxiously.

>”I live here now, ya doofus.”

“Oh. Of course…”

>Rainbow Dash giggles nonsensically, before her face takes on a more serious look.

>”So, what’s this I’m hearing about Ponyville being ‘ravaged’?”

“Well, long story short, I somehow got a group of stone golems chasing me down and they’re probably going to brutally kill me.”

>”Eh, you’ll be fine. We’ve come up against changelings, manticores, cockatrices, dragons, and nothing bad has ever happened to us.”

“Were you trying to kill them?”

>”Fair point, I guess. So, what’s the plan?”

“What’s the plan? Think of a way to kill them and not die, I suppose.”

>”Why not just whack them with your sword?”

“They’re made of stone, that’d never work!”

>”How do you know?”

>Her question causes you stop and think.

“Well… I don’t? I was assuming golems in this realm acted the same as the ones in my realm did.”

>”All right then, let’s think this through…” Rainbow Dash says, hopping onto the chair opposite you. “When back in Lor-thingy, how did you kill golems?”

“I stabbed it in the back of the leg, and when it fell down I stabbed it through the eye socket.”

>”So… what’s stopping you from doing that now?”

“Well, I’m out numbered four to one.”

>”Who says you’d be fighting alone?”

“I can’t imagine anyone else having the bravado to help me. Applejack said she’d come back with rope, but that’s it.”

>”That still leaves you with two sets of helping hooves, heh…”

“Two sets? Who is the other-“

>You suddenly catch on to what the prismatic pegasus was hinting.

“No.”

>”Yes.”

“No, I’m not allowing it.

>”Sounds like you need all the help you can get.”

“You’re already injured! It’d be too dangerous to-“

>”I’m not going to sit around on my flank and let some rockhead jerkbags bully Ponyville! I’m going to help whether you want me to or not!”

>Her outburst shocks you into silence.

>On the one hand, you couldn’t let her do anything brash. What if she broke the other wing as well?

>On the other, she’d still help even the odds….

>”Look, I appreciate that you’re worried for me. But trust me; I can take care of myself… and the golems too!”

>Her cockiness raises a grin from you, and you sigh in defeat.

“Fine, I concede. But only because you remind me so much of myself…”

>Suddenly, a breathless Twilight and Fluttershy match back into the library.

>”We spread the message, but some ponies weren’t too willing to believe us.” Twilight mutters.

>”And some didn’t seem to hear us at all…”

>”That’s because you kept whispering Fluttershy! And you ran off when someone told you to speak up!”

>”I’m sorry, I panicked!” Fluttershy squeals.

“Look, how many left and how many are still here?” you groan, cutting into the discussion.

>”There about two dozen ponies that will probably be coming here to shout at you. As for everyone else, they evacuated town.”

“Good. I’m sure I can… persuade the remaining ponies to leave myself. And thanks to Rainbow Dash here, I’m a little more confident in my own abilities…”

>”Wait,” Twilight says with a frown. “Did you find a way to kill the golems off? I’m the one who’s meant to solve problems!”

“Well, the solution was rather simple. Rainbow Dash simply suggested that I… um, do what I had always done to kill golems.”

>”What? Then why did you need to come back here if that was the solution?”

“I still had to warn the town in case I was defeated! Would you rather the golems attacked out of the blue?”

>”Well, maybe the golems wouldn’t have attacked if it weren’t for you-“

>”Twilight, Anon! Both of you quit it!” Rainbow Dash yells as Fluttershy huddles under the table. “Twilight, Anon was just doing what he thought was the best course of action. Trust his judgement!”

>Twilight sulks to herself, muttering something about you being at fault, but you ignore her. You’ve got bigger things to worry about.

>The sound of angry voices emanates from outside, and you get up to meet the townsfolk.

>As you stoop under the doorway and make your way out into the street, you are faced by a large group of untrusting faces and accusing glares.

“So, who wants to be the first to accuse me?”

>Your exclamation catches the ponies off guard, and you take this moment to hammer your point home.

“I know you all have no reason to trust. I wouldn’t expect you to trust me, I have been here for a day and already I’ve landed the town in a mess.”

>You pause for a second, inviting any daring ponies to challenge your words.

“However, I swear on my own life that the imminent danger was not my fault or created by my hand. I was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, and my mistake almost cost me my life. I ran here, and no doubt brought the golems here too, so that you would all have a chance to prepare and escape. I never intended to bring trouble here, but fate forced my hand and I had no choice. As a knight it was my duty to warn you all.”

>The crowd shifts uncomfortably, their glares replaced by understanding looks.

“Now, I won’t harbour any resentment if you blame me for what unfolds here. I only ask that if you don’t plan on fighting with me, then leave.”

>”But we’re not fighters!” a mint-green pony complains loudly.

“Aye, but most of you have magic and wings. You can distract them, at least.”

>”You want us to be bait?” a stallion at the front grumbles.

“It’s a crude word, but... yes.”

>The ponies pause for a moment, before Rarity’s voice cuts the silence.

“Er, I would love to help darling, but I think it’d be best if I sat this one out. We’ll all be routing for you though!”

>The crowd murmurs in agreement, looks of embarrassment plastered across their faces as they make excuses.

“Hmm… If this is how it is, then so be-“

>A distant roar suddenly catches you attention, your head snapping towards the source.

>Faint thuds and pounds accompany the far-off noise, and fear now dominates the crowd in front of you.

“Well, this is it... Go on then, leave!”

>You shoo the crowd off as they run in the opposite direction, before striding back into the house.

“It’s time. Dash, my helmet!”

>Rainbow Dash tosses over your helmet and you quickly put it on, shutting the visor.

>”I know this is a really stupid idea…” Twilight starts. “But I’m going to stay here and search for something that might help. If only that some of the town can be saved…”

“Thanks, I suppose. I won’t be accountable for any damage though, to yourself or the house…”

>”We’ll see about that. Fluttershy, are you going to help or-“

>Fluttershy zooms out the door leaving a trail of feathers and dust, and Twilight sighs.

“Well, at least we don’t have to worry about her…”

>Twilight remains silent as you draw your longsword, the slightly enchanted blade glowing with a subtle light.

“Well, no sense dawdling about. I’m going to remain undetected at the start as the element of surprise is one of our only advantages.

>”Just…” Twilight looks like she’s going to berate you, before she sighs. “Just be careful.”

“I’ll try.” You chuckle, before stepping out the door.

>Rainbow Dash is by your side in a flash, the cast on her wing contrasting with her evident determination.

“Last chance to back out…”

>”Pffh, you first!”

>Your helmet hides your grin, so you settle for ruffling her mane playfully.

“Well, enough talking. I need to find a hiding spot, and you’re going to be the bait.”

>”Heh, this is gonna be easy. I’m the fastest pony around, with or without wings!”

“Good, because you’re going to be doing lots of running…”

>You take a look around, looking for a suitable spot to wait in ambush.

>A particularly large bush near the town perimeter catches you eye, and you motion to it.

“I’m going to be hiding there. Once they pass, I’m going to try and bring one of them down at least. After that, it’s down to fate what happens…”

>”Screw fate, I know we’re gonna win this one! You’ve got me helping ya!”

>You chuckle, before patting the pegasus’ shoulder.

“Well, the stage is yours. Drop the bait and reel them in, Dash.”

>”Gotcha!” Rainbow Dash says with a wink, before sprinting off down the main road, quickly making her way out of the town.

>You take the opportunity to examine the bush, making sure that you wouldn’t be found if a sweeping eye focused on the foliage.

>Comfortably in your security, you huddle down behind it and wait.

>Estus Flask: half full.

>Longsword: In good condition.

>Sanctus: Battered but sturdy.

>The only thing that breaks the silence of the moment is your own nervous breathing and the fast-approaching, thunderous stomping of the golems.

 

 

>The minutes drag on as you kneel in your concealed spot, ears tuned for the approaching rhythm of the golem’s lumbering gaits.

>With agonizing slowness, the golems finally near your position, the ground shaking slightly.

>Rainbow Dash sprints past your hidden location, slightly tired looking but smiling in the rush of danger.

>She grinds to a halt not far from your position, posing dramatically as the golems lurch to a halt too.

>They appear to regard each other with confusion, not sure why their target has suddenly stopped.

>”I gotta say, you dweebs make for a great workout!” Rainbow Dash pants, shooting you a spit-second glance as you slowly creep out of position.

>The golems snap out of their confusion and begin to slowly advance on her, the semi-circle of golems spreading out to entrap her.

>Big mistake.

>You steadily creep towards the golem directly in front of you, the gentle clanking of your armour drowned out by the braying of the stone beasts.

>”That’s it, ya big idiots! Keep coming… closer!”

>One of the lumbering golems throws a slow swing at her, which she deftly ducks under before backing off.

>”Heh, were you even trying there?”

>As her taunting continues, you move yourself behind your target, examining its ankles carefully.

>Not only did the back of its legs to seem to lack any sort of solid protection, but you could now see the spots where the stone limbs met joints. At both areas the stone gave off a soft blue glow, which you had missed during your first encounter.

>A sword strike there would probably hurt… why is it always the ankles that are the weak spot?

>Not that you’re complaining though…

>Rainbow Dash looks past you and winks, the golems completely oblivious to your presence.

>You nod, gripping your longsword with both hands, before charging forward for the lunge.

>Before the golems can react, you drive the sword deep into the exposed ankle, the golem roaring in confused pain.

>You let loose your own yells of adrenaline-fuelled anger, yanking your sword out with reckless brutality, noticing with the disgust the strange blue liquid that adhered to the blade.

>The surroundings golems back off in uncertainty, the ambush undermining their stony resolve.

>You take the opportunity to finish off the unfortunate construct in front of you, which had dropped to one knee in agony.

>Leaping onto its body and ducking under a blind grab, you swing yourself around its shoulders and climb up onto its head.

>It looks up at you, and you know you’ve only got a second left before it shakes you off.

>Luckily, a second is all you need…

>With a cry of victory, you plunge your sword down into its eyes, the almost-human shriek of pain sending shivers down your spine.

>It thrashes in pained despair, a spurt of blue liquid drenching you as your sword leaves its eye.

>You brace yourself before leaping off the golems head, rolling as you hit the ground and deftly regain your balance.

>Behind you, the golem staggers around in its blind panic, clutching its head with a hand and searching for you with the other, before pitching face first into the unforgiving ground.

>Your brutal dominance fuels your bravado, and you turn to the remaining golems with a hidden smile on your face.

“One down, three to go. Who feels like dying first?”

>Time winds to a halt as you beckon the remaining three, who share maintain their looks of confusion.

>A final spasm from the golem behind you snaps them out of their trance, and they begin to roar in anger.

>”Hah, I’ll take dumb and dumber over here! You can have dumbest!”

“If you can handle them, be my guest!” You cheer as Rainbow Dash sneers at the golems. “Try not to destroy anything!”

>”Like my other wing? Got it” Rainbow Dash retorts, enticing the two stone beasts closest to her away from you.

>As they begin to give chase to her, you turn back to the sole opponent before you, which begins to lumber towards you.

>It opens the duel by winding its right arm back, before throwing its body forward with deadly momentum.

>Sanctus in hand, you lean in and anticipate the blow, bracing for the impact.

>With the force of a charging bull the blow connects, sending you tumbling backwards.

>Using the weight of the golems blow, you turn the tumble into a backwards roll, but the pain elicits an involuntary yelp from you.

>Swiftly regaining your balance, you charge forward once again, sword readied to strike.

>The golem responds by pre-emptively stepping into an uppercut, which you narrowly roll under.

>The sensitive elbow exposed to you, you plunge your sword upwards, the blue spray confirming the strike.

“Aha! You’re fini-“

>The punch that strikes you in the gut comes as a painful surprise, sending you reeling backwards.

>You can only sit and watch helplessly as your sword remains wedged in the beast’s elbow, leaving you without unarmed.

“Now that’s just not fair!”

>The golem seems to laugh at your predicament, ignoring the “blood” seeping out of its joint.

>Without warning, it raises its other arm as a shield and charges towards you, the speed of the attack catching you off guard.

>On reflex you prepare to guard the incoming attack, but the golem’s charge chains into a winding grab.

“Let go of me you brute!” you yell, kicking vainly at its rock-solid chest.

>Your indignant shouts are cut off as the golem slams you against the ground, your vision blinded with pain.

>You can only offer a limp resistance as it picks you up again, before leaning its arm backwards.

>Weightlessness envelopes you for a brief second as you sail through the air…

>But the crushing impact of your armoured body against the surface behind you anchors you to reality, disorientation consuming any control you might have had over your body.

>”Anonymous? Anonymous!” a distant voice calls out as you stare up at an unknown ceiling.

>”Anonymous! Get up you idiot!”

>You weakly struggle to your feet, helped by the unknown individual who called your name.

>You shake your head in pain, clearing the dizziness from your mind, before taking in your surroundings.

>One round room with bookcases upon bookcases, stacked to the brim.

>One door with a body shaped hole in it, complete with debris.

>And one very angry unicorn who was currently shouting at you.

>”Are you there in there? Hello, Anonymous!”

“I’m fine, I’m fine!” you groan, reaching for your estus flask. “Getting thrown across half the town messes with your head…”

>”I thought you said you were going to keep the golems away from my library!” Twilight complains as you open your slit and pour a healthy dose of the revitalising liquid down your throat.

>You almost choke on the burning liquid, wincing in pain as it quickly snaps your broken ribs back into place and alleviates the bruises on your chest.

“I didn’t plan on getting thrown like a spoiled child’s toy… your sympathy is appreciated tho-“

>Your words are cut off as a great disturbance emanates from outside, the ground shuddering.

>You stumble to the window and look outside, and what you see causes your hands to clench in fear.

>The golem that had successfully punted you through Twilight’s door now held a terrifyingly large boulder, ripped straight from the ground itself.

>As it raises its arms backwards, you grab the unicorn and throw the both of you to the floor.

>”What the…?! Get off me you-“

>The boulder blasts through the wall, annihilating the inside of the library and causing Twilight to scream.

>Your body shields her from the debris, and when the dust settles you roll off the stricken mare.

>”No, no, no!” She cries, looking at the devastation with horror. “I had just finished sorting those bookcases out 3 days ago! This is going to take so long to fix!”

“Worry about it when we’re not in mortal danger!” you yell, staggering through the broken wall.

>Your shield was nowhere to be seen and your balance was still skewed from the impact, but you were still standing… and you knew exactly where your sword would be.

>The golem appears to laugh at you as you stumble towards it, a deep and grating noise.

“All right, I’ll give you that one… but let’s so who’s laughing when I slice out your knees and blind you, eh?”

>Your taunt only serves to rile the golem up, and it begins to march towards you.

>Without shield or sword, you’re left with little choice but to fight bare-handed…

>Good thing a pyromancer is never unarmed.

>Flames dance around your hands as you summon the flame, coating your arms in fiery fury.

>Flames might not be useful against stone creatures… but then again, you’re not going for the stone.

>You roll backwards to avoid a double handed slam from the golem, before sprinting forward and leaping onto the golems bunched fist.

>Not expecting your sudden advancement, the golem brings his hands up to shield himself, launching you right to where you wanted to be.

>You grapple yourself up in front of its face, relishing the look of abject confusion on its face, before unleashing the torrent of fire that had built up in your hands.

>The flames engulf the golem’s eyes, blinding it spectacularly, and it starts swinging its arms wildly in panic.

>It’s left hand clips you round the head and you fall to the ground roughly, narrowing rolling out of the way of a brutal stomp.

>Ducking under the next pitiful punch, you jump up and wrench your sword out of its elbow, compounding the agony it’s undergoing.

>Two efficient slashes across the ankles, and the might beast falls forward, immobilised and blinded.

“Two down… two to go…” you pant, wiping the slick blue blood off your sword.

>Judging by the commotion, the two golems Rainbow Dash was kiting had been led to the centre of town.

>You quickly check your estus levels, which were critically low, before you break back into a run.

>Your lungs were screaming bloody murder, but you didn’t want Rainbow Dash to be in danger for any longer than what was necessary.

>As the town square comes into view, you can’t help but chuckle at the sigh: Despite the overturned stalls and trashed signposts, the square was in remarkable shape, and at the centre of it was Rainbow Dash, calmly running laps of the square.

>The two golems incessantly run behind her, pushing and shoving at each other in their folly attempts to catch her.

“Need a hand?” you yell, calmly walking towards the trio.

>”Heh, does it look like it?”

“Well, you’re sweating like a pig on a spit roast.”

>”This has been a pretty intense workout…” Rainbow Dash giggles. “If I run away, will you be ready for them?”

>You silently observe the way the golems punch and shove at each other, a plan forming in your head.

>”Anon!”

“Huh? Oh, of course. I’m ready when you are!”

>”All right then, here they come!”

>As Rainbow Dash sprints past you, she raises her wing for a “high five”, which you return in gusto.

>”I ain’t leaving you though: this is way too fun to give up on!”

>Rainbow Dash stands exhausted but determined by your side as the two golems approach from the front.

“Two on two? Now we’re talking fair odds!”

>With a simultaneous yell of excitement the story of you run forward, the golems doing likewise.

>You immediately go for the crippling ankle stab, but the golem catches you off guard with a sweeping kick that sends you flying backwards.

>”Pffh, great start!” Rainbow Dash cackles as she darts in between her golem’s legs and arms.

“How many golems have you killed so far? None? Thought so!” you retort as your golem picks you up roughly by the feet.

>You’re prepared to escape this grab though, lobbing a heavy fireball into the golems face before it drops you in shock.

>As you move to make the killing blow, Rainbow Dash’s pained cries cut into the battle and you wheel round to face her.

>Her golem, holding her tightly by the wing and body, begins to tug forcefully, and Rainbow Dash screams again.

“Hey!” You bellow, walking towards the golem.

>It looks round in anger, giving Rainbow Dash a brief respite from the agony.

“Yeah, you! Drop the pony and fight something a little more dangerous, why don’t you? I’ll put you back into the earth just as you were raised from it!”

>The golem tosses Rainbow Dash aside roughly and you refrain from rushing over to help her, instead baiting the golem backwards.

“Come on, just a bit closer… now come on! Try and hit me you stony bastard!”

>You hear the golem behind you step forward as the one in front winds up for a brutal punch.

>And so the plan comes together…

>You throw yourself out of the way at the last moment, the golems punch colliding squarely with its ally.

>Both pause and look at each other, hesitancy reigning.

>As you begin to fear that your plan was failed from its conception, the floored golem roars incoherently, before pushing its ally off.

>Stony fists collide, and the two golems turn the fight against each other.

>While you’d love to watch the stony beasts engage in pugilism, you’d be foolish not to take the chance to help your downed partner.

>You sprint over to Rainbow Dash, helping her back up onto her hooves.

“Are you ok?”

>”I think so… I’m still standing at least…” she grins weakly.

“Good, I think I bought us a moment of peace. Here, drink this…”

>You were low on precious estus, but Rainbow Dash looked to be in agony, her free wing hanging crushed and stretched. You’d be heartless not to help her.

>You hold the flask up to her mouth and hold her still as you force the liquid down her throat.

>She coughs and splutters, before her eyes widen in pain.

>You anticipate her screams and hold a gloved hand to her mouth, gritting your teeth in pain as the pegasus bites down.

>The estus goes to work, her wings snapping back into place with a sickening crunch as Rainbow Dash lets loose a muffled howl of pain.

>Her body shakes, her legs kick out: but as soon as it started, the pain ends.

>Rainbow Dash collapses to the ground in exhaustion, tears pooling in the corner of her eyes.

>”Anon, that really. Bucking. Hurt!”

“If I had told you about the pain, you wouldn’t have accepted it.”

>”Maybe, but you could have warned me!” Rainbow Dash sniffles, before flapping her wing hesitantly. “At least now it doesn’t have to be amputated… Thanks, I guess.”

“It might have been brash of me to inflict that on you, but… why don’t you try taking off your cast?”

>”Huh?”

“Estus heals all, Rainbow Dash.”

>It takes her a few seconds to catch on to what you were saying, but when she does her eyes widen.

>With gusto she rips off the cast on her other wing, gasping as it flaps in time with its counterpart.

>”Dude, this the most awesome thing I have ever seen. Ever!”

“I hope it makes up for the pain…” you chuckle, before the sound of shattering stone grabs your attention.

>You turn round to see one of the golems mercilessly pounding the other’s head, spurts of blue liquid erupting from the cracks in its head.

“Well, that certainly worked better than I had hoped” You chuckle, before drawing your sword.

>You calmly walk towards the final golem, who looks up you with confusion, having seemingly forgotten about you in its blind rage.

>”Hey, where’d your shield go?” Rainbow Dash asks as she gleefully hovers beside your head.

“I must have lost it when I broke down Twilight’s door…”

>”You broke her door down?” Rainbow Dash asks incredulously.

“It was an accident. I can’t exactly control myself in the air like you… especially not when I’m thrown through the air.”

>”Hah, you got thrown? Man, Twilight must be pissed!”

“Thankfully, the complete destruction of the front wall provided an opportunity to escape.”

>Rainbow Dash blinks in surprise, before a small giggle escapes.

>Within seconds she’s rolling in the air, snorting and spluttering in laughter.

>You ignore her and turn back to the golem, who now looks at you in fear rather than anger.

>It lets loose what could only be described as a yelp of fear, before it breaks into a mighty sprint.

>It hurtles past you and makes a beeline for the main road out of town.

“Oh no you don’t, get back here!”

>You attempt to chase after it, but its panicked pace outmatches yours easily.

>”Y’all look like you could use a hoof!”

>Out of nowhere comes Applejack, a coil of rope swinging from her tail.

>”Applejack? Took ya long enough!”

“Yeah, thanks for turning up with only one left to go!”

>”Ah, quit yer whining, ah’m still helping aren’t I?”

>Before you can retort, she swings the coil of rope from her tail, and you watch with amazement as it soars through the air.

>It wraps around the feeling golem’s legs, snagging on its feet and bringing the mighty beast crashing to the ground.

>Before it can break free, you close the distance and prepare to strike.

>A final leap, and you plunge your sword into its eyes, dodging the spurt of blue blood that seeps out of the wound.

>You place your boot on the golem’s head, tug your sword out with some effort, and gently jump off the body.

>As you sheathe your sword, the golem collapses behind you, its bloodied face staring up to the heavens above.

“I think I’m getting good at this…” you chuckle in between tired pants of exhaustion.

>”Don’t get too cocky now, Twilight won’t let you live down what you did to her wall!” Rainbow Dash snorts, and her reminder immediately dampens your elation.

>”What in the hay…?” Applejack mutters, examining the downed golem. “Ah ain’t never seen nothin’ like this before… and what do ya plan on doing with them now?”

“With the bodies? I’m not sure… it’s not my responsibility anyway. I think I’m due for a rest anyway…”

>Glancing around to get your bearings, you set off for the tavern where you were lodging, and the two ponies tag alongside you.

>”Heh, ah’m sorry about not showin’ up in a timely manner back there…” Applejack says with an embarrassed grin. “Big Macintosh had a fit an’ a half when ah told him where I was going.”

“Your timing couldn’t be better, Applejack. If that fleeing golem had succeeded, it could have warned any other golems remaining in the forest. It’s a stretch, but a scenario we don’t have to worry about now…”

>”Speaking of worrying, where was the panicky Anon from earlier running around like a headless chicken?” Rainbow Dash teases. “Were you just trying to play your reputation down or something?”

“I was actually worried earlier. It was mostly due to being caught off guard… You weren’t awful yourself, Rainbow Dash. You’re quick on your feet and know when to flee and when to fight…”

>”I think I was a little better than “not awful”, dude.”

“You did almost get your wing pulled off.”

>”And you got thrown through a wall!”

“Heh, I concede… With all due seriousness though: thank you, Rainbow Dash. I wouldn’t have been able to do that without your assistance.”

>”Not a problem dude. We make quite the duo, don’t we? I can be the speedy, daring, attractive brains of the group, and you handle the hard stuff…”

“I’ll grant you the first one, that’s it.”

>Rainbow Dash punches you playfully in the arm, a fake scowl on her face, which you can only chuckle at.

>The walk to the tavern takes only a few minutes, and you let yourself into the empty building.

“I plan on being dead to the world for the next few hours. If anything else decides to attack Ponyville, I’m leaving the situation in your hooves.”

>”Well, ya certainly earned your rest!” Applejack laughs, before turning to Rainbow Dash. “Y’better come with me Rainbow Dash, we gotta give the all clear to the rest of the town.”

>”Gotcha. Talk to you later, Anon.”

“All right then. Stay safe…”

>”Of course we will, we’ve got you!” Rainbow Dash giggles, before Applejack grabs her tail.

>”Enough gushin’, you’ll have plenty of time for that later!”

>You are finally left in peace and quiet, and you collapse onto the undersized bed.

>For a few minutes you tiredly review the events of the day, before closing your eyes to the world.

>Sleep comes as a blessing, and you drift off with a smile on your face…