- >The sounds of battle fall down the tower, but the sensation is what grabs your attention.
- >They’re fighting with powers beyond their control, a mistake they’ll soon regret.
- >Your little battle seems to have taken longer than you thought it would.
- >You need to get there before your chance for salvation is lost forever.
- >Wasting no time, you reach the peak of the stairs and run around to the last stairwell.
- >”Only a fool engages in swordplay without proper experience.”
- >”Iron Will trained you well, but not well enough.”
- >Your head peaks up just in time to see him struck, “That’s new…”
- >Anonymous stumbles backwards, his hands hovering over the fresh hole in his stomach.
- >”This wasn’t… How?”
- >”I’m not so little anymore brother,” he responds before looking towards the other ponies. “You guys ok?”
- >The purple unicorn from before assures him that they are, helping Applejack up to her hooves.
- >No…
- >“You were overconfident. You should’ve killed me while you had the chance.”
- >Anonymous looks over at you and smiles, his expression undetected.
- >”What would be the fun in that?”
- >Anonymous rushes over and plants his hands on either side of the human’s head.
- >All eyes turn to them, allowing you to sneak up beside them, hidden amongst the dust.
- >That’s when you feel it, a subtle pulse.
- >The hero grabs his neck, or rather, what’s hanging around it.
- >Anonymous can’t win this way, he must know that.
- >If that’s what you think it is, then all he’s doing is… distracting them.
- >Lightning cracks between the two and sends Anonymous reeling backwards.
- >”You could’ve been something great my brother.”
- >You move in behind him, slowly.
- >”You underestimated me.”
- >Anonymous nods and looks to you, “So be it… Anon?”
- >You drive the tip of your sword into his back, the blade penetrating his heart.
- >He gasps and slips, but you catch him before he can fall.
- “Shhh, just let it happen.”
- >Anonymous smiles and straightens back up, “It’s good to see you made the right choice.”
- “Fuck you sir.”
- >A pegasus darts towards you hollering the hero’s name, rather annoyingly in fact. You hold out your hand, freezing the Pegasus in place.
- “Please be quiet. I’m trying to work here.”
- >”I’ll kill you!” she screams as her comrades attempt to fight you as well. You roll your eyes and expand your field to her friends as well.
- >They freeze as well, a simple trick that has devastating results.
- >”Please take that thing out of him. It looks terrible.”
- >You nod and pull away your sword, the hero falling to his knees.
- >You quickly sheathe your sword and work your nimble fingers around his neck, catching onto the silver chain.
- “I’ll be taking this.”
- >A ripple of energy catches your attention and you quickly pocket the amulet, focusing the on the unicorns.
- >You quickly cast a spell to nullify their magic while Anonymous drags his brother over to the demolished tower wall.
- >He whispers to him, the final words for a dead man.
- >Anonymous points to you, muttering to his brother further.
- >He finally nestles behind him, fingers opening his eyes.
- >A tremor catches you off-guard and almost breaks away your control.
- >Such power, it’s Anonymous.
- >You glance over to the two of them, catching a glimpse of the horror occurring down below.
- >To walk among the fields of ash would be to tear your mind asunder only to relive the experience a lifetime over.
- >And that’s what’s occurring before your eyes.
- >His army breaks apart, not by ranks or by steel, but down to the cellular level.
- >You may not hear it, but their screams will haunt all those who hear them.
- >No creature should suffer such cruelty.
- >Anonymous snaps his fingers, and before your very eyes appears the fabled soulstone.
- >You watch as its obsidian shell devours the very essence of the hero’s army.
- >The psychological trauma must be devastating.
- >Anonymous twirls his brother around, facing his paralyzed friends.
- >If only they knew what was to come…
- >You shield your ears as their cries for help shoot towards their leader.
- >But he can do nothing, only watch as his friends float away as dust in the wind.
- >The Pegasus is the last to go, her voice silent amongst the others.
- >Even as she is swept away by the wind she stands firm, never crying, never weak.
- >”Shame, I always liked her.”
- >Just forget about it, this isn’t your fight. Get your prize and move along.
- >You relax your muscles and walk over to Anonymous.
- “I’ll be wanting my payment now.”
- >”Of course Anon. Oh, did I forget to mention that? He has the same name as you, how fun.”
- >He laughs maniacally before clutching back onto his wound.
- >With a smile he snaps his fingers, the torn flesh stitching back to together within moments.
- >He releases his brother, letting him collapse in his pool of blood.
- >He grabs the soulstone and kneels next to him.
- >”I’m afraid this is where we part ways my brother. It’s been fun, don’t come back.”
- >He nods towards the door where you both depart, leaving the corpse behind.
- >You descend the stairs in eerie silence. It’s almost as if nothing had happened.
- >”What will come of him?”
- “His body will find it’s way to Tartarus where his fate will be decided. He might qualify for Frostbite now that I think about it.”
- >”At least we know there’s a cell open for him,” he jokes nudging you with his elbow.
- “That’s just sick.”
- >”Oh come on, be happy! You fulfilled your part of the bargain, and therefore I will keep my word.”
- “Let’s just get this over with.”
- >”Not here obviously. Let’s celebrate first! You’re the Hero of Equestria! Let us drink and cheer for our grand victory.”
- “And then you’ll fulfill our agreement.”
- >He nods, “You shall have what’s yours.”
- >”Of course, we have to clean up this mess first, and by we I mean everyone else.”
- “I figured.”
- >”I mean seriously, do they have any idea how long it took to find premium crystal glassware?”
- “Couldn’t you have just conjured up whatever you wanted?”
- >”Well yeah, but it takes a lot out of me. Being a god isn’t easy you know.”
- “Oh yeah, I certainly know the hardships of godhood alright. Yep.”
- >He gives a playful scowl, “Very funny.”
- >He exits the tower and looks around, “I must say your work is rather impressive. My little brother had a hard time tangoing with one.”
- “I’m not surprised, he was a tad quicker than I expected.”
- >”Not faster than you though eh? Ha.”
- >You smile to hide the utter disgust lying within. His depravity knows no bounds.
- >”It’d be best for you to take a shower, you smell dreadful.”
- “Can I speak freely?”
- >”Of course you may.”
- “Shut up.”
- >He chuckles and slaps you on the back, “Oh Anon… I wish my brother was more like you.”
- “You may not have lived if that’s the case.”
- >Oh you hit a sweet spot it would seem. He gasps for air, eyes tearing up.
- >You didn’t mean it as a joke, but dark comedy seems to be his thing.
- >”Anon,” he says wiping a tear from his eye, “You really are something else.”
- “I think I’ll take that shower after all.”
- >”You’d best.”
- >He readies to teleport, “I’m thinking the throne room would be a good location for the party, yes?”
- >You nod, “See you there,” and with a snap, he’s gone.
- >You work your way back through the halls to your chambers, ponies cheering and hollering outside.
- >They’re nothing like the ponies you fought beside years ago. There is no celebration in war, only sorrow.
- >Not like anyp0ny would listen to your ramblings, or would they? It doesn’t matter either way.
- >You quickly strip and allow the stream of water to cool you off.
- >The sweat that has permeated your skin flows down the drain, out of sight and out of mind.
- >Your stomach growls in protest to your serene condition, hungering for another draft.
- >Suckling at your old wound takes the edge off, but you need to rid yourself of this… condition, as soon as possible.
- >Finishing your shower, you don your clothing and sit there in silence.
- >Placing your hands on your legs you begin.
- >A sense of calm creeps into your mind, the outside world but memory.
- >The world grows still at your whim, though it is nothing more than a self-induced illusion.
- >Have the living ever had the pleasure of true silence?
- >No beating heart, no soft throbbing of their veins. A true sensationless existence.
- >A time where only your mind exists, where your thoughts wonder the realm of imagination.
- >One man’s experience is unique to another’s, as no two sessions are the same.
- >Reality is therefore defined not by the man or his creation, but by the mind and its infinite product.
- >This is the reason- *knock knock*
- >Dammit, you were just getting all philosophical and shit. Well, at least that grumbling is gone.
- >”I don’t think he’s here.”
- >”You don’t know nothing ‘bout nothing.”
- >The two go back and forth while you try and persevere.
- >”Let’s just take a peek, what’s the harm in that?”
- >No right to privacy it would seem. You stand up and walk over to the door, keeping your hand on your sword.
- >”I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.” Listen to the stallion. He knows what he’s talking about.
- >”Hogwash,” He says pushing open the door, “I know what I’m- OH BUCK!”
- >The stallion practically jumps out of his hooves when he sees you staring back at him.
- >His friend however finds this hilarious, “I told you not to go in there.”
- >You open the door a bit wider so you can view both the guards.
- “What?”
- >”Mr. Anon, correct?”
- “I’m a busy man, what is it you want?”
- >”Of course, of course. I didn’t mean to waste your time, you’re so very busy after all.”
- >You tap your foot impatiently, spurring him along.
- >”Umm- Well- Anonymous was throwing that party so I thought, if you didn’t mind, maybe we could escort you.”
- “An escort?” You cross your arms, “And just why would I need that?”
- >”I don’t know, I just thought-“
- >”You would like some guys to chill with,” the bumbling friend pipes up.
- “You think I need friends? Are you ignorant or just stupid?”
- >They attempt to formulate a coherent response, but it descends into a series of grunts and various noises.
- “I’ll take that as stupid.”
- >Fuck it, it’s not like they’re hurting you at all. You’ll go along with their little plan.
- “So are we going or what?”
- >Both of their eyes brighten visibly. You furrow your brow pushing the point that you want to leave.
- >”Right this way sir,” the stallion states and holds the door open for you.
- >The second stallion had already gotten back to his hooves and stands tall beside you, still short when compared, but it doesn’t hurt to try.
- >You head off ahead of them, amusing yourself when they have trouble keeping up.
- >Now you’re not a total jerk so you slow down for them eventually.
- >”So Anon.”
- “Yes?”
- >”Me and my friend have heard some rumors about you and Anonymous.”
- “They’re all true.”
- >”Really?”
- “How the hell should I know?”
- >”I just figured-“
- “Give me a few and I’ll verify them.”
- >”Well, I remember hearing that you can cleave the heads off five minotaurs in one blow!”
- “That’s certainly interesting and I don’t doubt that I could, but I have not done that in my lifetime.”
- >”I told you he was full of shit.”
- >”Shut up, you probably heard of weirder stuff.”
- >”Fine then. I heard that both you and Anonymous came from a different world.”
- >”That’s just stupid dude.”
- “I never said he was wrong. Yes, both of us are foreigners here.”
- >”Knew it.”
- >”I’m not forking over those bits just to let you know.”
- >Oh the squabbles of the immature. How they never get old.
- “I have a question for the two of you. Just a hypothetical situation”
- >”Shoot.”
- “If you were dead, and someone came to you with a choice-“
- >”But aren’t you-“ Your hand cuts him off.
- “Let me finish. You could live again, enjoying all the pleasantries that come with it, but in return you must kill an innocent man. Would you do it?”
- >”Why do I get the impression this question hits close to home?”
- >”Because he’s-“ Your stare silences him once more.
- >”Yes, I would do it in a heartbeat.”
- “No second thoughts?”
- >”Not one.”
- “Figured as much.”
- >You hear the pleasant rhythm of music coming from down the hall as you near the throne room.
- >“You don’t need to feel bad about it,” the guard tries to reassure you.
- “Reassuring, but you mistake the purpose of my question. It’s not about the particular situation.”
- >This confuses them both equally, “Then why did you ask?”
- “To understand the mindset of the people, and now I know.”
- >Corruption spreads through their ranks as a plague within a city.
- >”And uh, what exactly did you learn?”
- >You look at both of them, ignorant to how much they’ve changed.
- “That’s one too many questions now isn’t it?”
- >You push open the doors, the party already in full swing.
- “Try not to have too much fun.”
- >”Well if it isn’t the man of the hour!” Anonymous’s voice booms above the others.
- >A flash of light later and Anonymous appears before with a cane and top hat, donned in Victorian dress.
- >”Glad you decided to come old chap. These two give you any trouble?”
- >They both turn beet red and stand at attention.
- “Not anymore than you do.”
- >”Good to know. Why don’t you two run along now, those ladies over there seem to be giving you some glances.”
- >Sure enough there are two p0nies shooting several glances towards the guards.
- >”Well what are you waiting for? Have some fun, this is a party.”
- >”Aye aye sir,” they respond in unison before trotting over to the two onlookers.
- “Those aren’t girls are they?”
- >”Not a chance in hell.”
- “Well I’ll let you get back to your antics.”
- >”Do try the punch, it’s to die for.”
- “Can’t wait.”
- >He smiles and tips his hat, “Ta ta.”
- >You move around the crowded floor, snagging a glass of cider off a waiter’s plate.
- >It’s good, but it lacks that certain something about it, probably just a bad batch.
- >”Let’s give it up for Octavia and the Canterlot Orchestra!”
- >The mare from you saw before takes a shaky bow as the crowd cheers. It’s obvious that she’s underfeed, but no one else seems to care.
- >”Magnificent. She was always the star performer,” a noble unicorn says beside you.
- “She’s certainly got a way about her, shame how she’s treated.”
- >”Defy the lord and the lord punishes thee.”
- “Punish thy disciples and they shall rise against me.”
- >”Touché good sir, touché.”
- >”Anon if I’m not mistaken?”
- “Pleasure, and you are sir?”
- >”Just another citizen of our glorious kingdom. My name is unimportant.”
- “I’ll leave that for you to decide.”
- >He smiles at you as you look back to the orchestra, “I like you Anon. You’re not like most of the riff raff around these parts.”
- “I wouldn’t jump to a conclusion like that,” you reply taking a hit of your cider.
- >”You aren’t a p0ny after all.”
- >That reminds you that you haven’t seen much of the various monstrosities Anonymous had conjured lately.
- “So where’d all the weird guys go?”
- >”Anonymous did us the pleasure of doing away with them, but he still has a few here and there.”
- “Indeed.”
- >”But besides that, you just seem… how to put it in simple terms, distinct? You’re an oddity among us.”
- “We’ve certainly got our differences.” You finish the last of your glass.
- >”Come, there’s a few p0nies you should meet.”
- “You’re not going to pull any funny business are you?”
- >”You’ll find that I’m very straightforward when it comes down to business.”
- “I wouldn’t doubt it.”
- >He leads you through the crowd, greeting a p0ny here and there.
- “You’re seem well known enough.”
- >”A man can never have too many acquaintances, especially these days.”
- >His avoidance of saying the word friend is comforting. He doesn’t dance around the issue and says it how it is.
- >”Ah Spitfire, just the mare I was looking for.”
- >The mare has a robe wrapped around her and shivers every now and then.
- >”Oh, hi. Nice to see you again.”
- >”I’d like you to meet Anon, an old resident of Equestria.”
- “Nice to meet you Spitfire.”
- >She shakes your hand, “You guys really need- different names.”
- “It’s a bit weird I’ll admit, but what are you going to do?”
- >The unicorn steps in, “Spitfire is the captain of the Wonderbolts and leader of Equestria’s air division.”
- “Quite the reputation. Color me impressed.”
- >”Don’t mean to brag, but being the faster flier in Equestria has its privileges.”
- >”At least you are now anyways. What was that mare’s name? I can’t think of it off the top of my head.”
- “Want me to jog your memory?” you ask displaying your fist playfully.
- >”Oh yes, Rainbow Dash. Oh she was certainly something. I remember seeing her at the Gala years ago, truly speedy.”
- >Spitfire hushes him down, “You know he doesn’t like anyp0ny saying her name.”
- “Who’s? Rainbow Dash’s?”
- >”SHHH!” Spitfire covers your mouth with her hoof.
- >”She and Anonymous were a thing for a while weren’t they? Yeah, it’d be best not to talk about her. Angering Anonymous isn’t the smartest move.”
- “I can see that,” you reply pushing her hoof away.
- >”Oh, I know just who to see next, come now.”
- “You might want to get to bed Spitfire. Don’t want to catch a cold now.”
- >”I might just do that,” she says taking a sip of her steaming cup.
- >You follow him towards the back of the room and out to the balcony.
- >An alicorn sits outside, watching the moon with her deep blue mane swaying in the breeze.
- >”Excuse me?” he asks hesitantly, fear heavy in his tone.
- >”What is it?”
- >”I have someone who I thought you might want to meet.”
- >She turns and looks at you, eyes filled with resent and scorn.
- >”Will you allow an audience?”
- >”I permit it.”
- >The two of you step forward, the stallion moving to introduce her.
- >”I’d like for you to meet-“
- “Nightmare Moon, I know.”
- >”Anon. What a pleasure,” she retorts sarcastically.
- >”I take it you two have met.”
- “Shouldn’t you be stuck on the moon like a good little girl?”
- >”And shouldn’t you be rotting back in whatever pit you were condemned to?
- >”Ookay, things are getting a bit hostile for my tastes. Let’s tone things down-“
- >”Doing Anonymous’s dirty work too? Isn’t that a bit low for someone like you?”
- “That point rolls both ways. Too incompetent for eternal night?”
- >”Be lucky Anonymous finds you favorable. I would hate to see something bad happen to you.”
- “The feelings mutual.”
- >You feel her eyes pressing down on you, about as much as she’s feeling right now.
- >”Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.”
- “Sounds about right. Wouldn’t you agree?” You never break your gaze.
- >”Doesn’t make much sense now does it?” And neither does she.
- >”Well you two obviously know each other, so how about we just get a move on,” he says pulling you away.
- “Such a shame we have to cut this meeting short.”
- >”Truly it is. We’ll have to take time to catch up next time.”
- “I’ll be sure to make room in my schedule.”
- >”Try not to drink yourself into a coma in there.”
- “Try not to… blind yourself by- looking at the moon?”
- >”You should’ve stopped while you were ahead.”
- “That’s probably for the best,” you say before cutting out of view.
- >”You two have some type of feud I don’t know about?” he asks out of breath.
- “Our reputations precede us I would imagine. I know her as the tyrant, and she knows me as the hero. Those two don’t mix well.”
- >”Thankfully we got out while we did. I half-expected the two of you to start exchanging blows at any second.”
- “You needn’t worry, neither of us are dumb enough to pull a stunt like that.”
- >”That’s not very reassuring.”
- “Just speaking the truth.”
- >”Now the next person is a bit different. She hasn’t been quite the same since the battle. Her name’s-“ *zap*
- >Anonymous flashes into view with his creepy grin stuck on his face.
- >”How ya both doing? That’s great. Mind if I borrow Anon for a minute? Thanks.”
- >”Actually we-“
- >Before he can finish Anonymous grabs your arm and teleports you both over to the throne.
- >”Hello my beautiful subjects! How we doing tonight?”
- >The crowd cheers, nobles, guards and common folk alike joining in.
- >”Today was a momentous day for us here in Canterlot. The Resistance has been defeated once and for all, along with their leader.”
- >The p0nies hang on his every word, almost as if he was giving a sermon.
- >”I fought their leader here in this very castle, atop the same tower I slew Discord.”
- >”Praise Anonymous!” a voice hollers from the audience bringing a smile to his face.
- >”But when the final blow was struck it was not by my hand.”
- >Everyp0ny ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ at his speech typically.
- >”That honor fell upon the head of the man by my side. Give it up for the Hero of Equestria, ANON!”
- >Like a shepherd instructing his flock, they listen, crying out in gratitude to your handiwork.
- >”Go ahead and wave,” he says to you.
- >You join the herd and play the role, forcing a smile and waving like a good boy.
- >”Now,” they quiet down at his words, “When I found Anonymous he was miserable. Just another soul condemned to darkness.”
- >Does he actually know what he’s talking about?
- >”I stretched my hand through that darkness, a beacon of hope, and you know what I did? I opened the doors of prosperity.”
- >”Speak it!”
- >”He took my hand and I, Anonymous, pulled him out of the depths of despair.”
- >Seriously guys? This isn’t the gospel here.
- >”When the roles were swapped and I found myself under assault from the dissenters and mongrels, a hand appeared to me as well.”
- >Oh lord, here we go.”
- >”Anon is the Hero who fights for you, me and every citizen of Equestria. I made him a promise when we first met, and I will see that promise through.”
- >This is happening. Holy shit he’s going to do it.
- >”I will bestow upon him the gift he so desires, the gift of life!”
- >Your ears begin to ache at their hollering, but you can’t help but feel excited yourself.
- >This is what you wanted. This is what you killed for.
- >Anonymous turns to you,”Are you ready?”
- “As I’ll ever be.”
- >He rests his hand on your shoulders and closes his eyes, “Prepare yourself Anon. You’re about to take your first breath in a long time.”
- >The hairs on your neck stand as jolts of energy surge up his arms and run straight through you.
- >You have grown accustom to pain, and this time is no different.
- >As your blood begins to boil you keep your eyes open and mind straight.
- >This will pass. It’ll always pass.
- >And then it hits you, the most gruesome and torturous sensation imaginable.
- >Your knees buckle, forcing you to grab Anonymous just to keep standing.
- >Your heart… you can feel it… the beat.
- >Another surge courses through you igniting every nerve in your body.
- >Your fingers dig into his arm, but you will not give in. You’ve come too far.
- >Slamming your foot back into place you embrace the misery inflicted upon you.
- >And as soon as it had begun, it ends. Anonymous opens his eyes and looks at you.
- >But… No. What’s wrong? His look is one of confusion, not pride.
- >He looks to the crowd, his once spirited smile a mask.
- >”It is done!”
- >He tells them what they want to hear and whispers into your ear, “Bow.”
- “What’s goin-“
- >”Just fucking do it.”
- >You take a bow and put on your best act.
- >”Now as much as I’d love to stay and mingle with you fine mares and gentlecolts, me and Anon have business to discuss. Party on my subjects!”
- >He grabs you by the shoulder and transports you both outside the throne room.
- >It looks like his chambers, a simple room for him really.
- >He paces up and down along the balcony, muttering nonsense.
- “What the fuck was that all about?”
- >”I don’t know.”
- “What do you mean ‘I don’t know?’
- >”I DON’T KNOW,” he yells before continuing to pace, “I had it all planned out, but why…”
- “You gonna fill me in on what you’re mumbling on about?”
- >”It should’ve worked… Why didn’t it work?”
- “Why didn’t what-“
- >It finally hits you, the reason for his bumbling behavior.
- “No. I felt it. I can’t…”
- >You press your hand to your chest, your cold calm chest.
- >Silence.
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Dead Anon: Chapter 3 (Mission Accomplished)
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