Diablo Anon: Chapter 2 (The Butcher)

>Oh boy does the outside not smell like shit.

>At least, not as much.

>This place is going to wreak havoc on your nostrils.

>You find your way back to town, heading straight for the inn.

>Rainbow Dash is working the bar, currently checking the kegs.

>”You’re back!” she exclaims excitedly.

“Was there ever any doubt?”

 

>You don’t want an actual answer, but something tells me she wouldn’t be surprised if you hadn’t returned.

>You sit on the stool, getting some needed rest.

>”Anything I can get for you?”

“A pint would be a good start.”

>”They come I’ pints?”

>You turn around, the drunken p0ny you saw from the alley slouched in the corner.

>”I’m getting un!”

 

>Rainbow Dash doesn’t seem to care, whistling loudly as another unicorn enters.

>She’s the one you met on your way to town hall, if only you knew her name.

>”Two pints!” Rainbow hollers at her.

>She merely nods and fetches the mugs, filling them generously.

>She sets it down in front of you, “There you are sir.”

“Thank you Ms…”

>”Rarity, enjoy.”

>She works her way over to the second pony as you turn to your drink.

 

>You twirl your finger within the mug, losing yourself in its hypnotic spectacle.

>”So…” Rainbow’s voice pulling you back, “How were things down there?”

>Skeletal and zombified p0nies, corrupted fillies, mutated parasprites…

“Wish I could say I’ve seen worse.”

>”You certainly look like it took a toll on you.”

>You rub your temples, the soothing sensation keeping you awake.

“Fatigue is all. Just need to rest.”

 

>”Well, I have a room you can crash in if you’re interested.”

“I don’t mean to intrude…”

>”Nonsense, it’s not like I have any other customers around.”

>That’s true. It can’t be easy to run a tavern without any business.

“Then at least let me pay you for your trouble, it’s the least I can do.”

>”I couldn’t possibly-“

“Tell me a price and I’ll pay it. You need it.”

>She frowns at the truth in your words.

 

>”How long do you plan on staying?”

>Good question. You haven’t really thought about it.

“As long as it takes for me to finish the job.”

>She thinks about it for a moment, counting on her hoof.

>”Hundred bits a night should put me back on track.”

“A hundred bits! That’s highway robbery!”

>”You said pick a price.”

>That you did, and it’s not like you don’t have more than that.

 

>You pull the satchel from your belt, discarding the amount on the table.

“98, 99, 100. That should do it.”

>She seems to glow as the bits are reflected off her eyes.

>”I wasn’t being serious…”

“I said I’d pay it.”

>”That you did,” she replies scooping the bits into her drawer.

>She signals Rarity, who comes up with another mug for you.

>”On the house.”

 

>You raise the mug, toasting silently to the deceased, and gulp it down.

>The liquor glides down your throat, calming your hungry gullet.

>You cover your mouth with your hand, burping as quiet as possible.

>”You don’t need to be so uptight, we don’t mind.”

>Rarity clears her throat, making her presence noticed.

>”Well… The rest of us don’t.”

>”I for one find it refreshing to find a gentlep0ny in our midst,” Rarity states.

>”Don’t you have some vomit to scrub?” Rainbow replies.

 

>Rarity’s face twists into horror, but marches proudly all the same.

>”Stubborn girl, it’s a wonder she ever accepted this job at all.”

“She seems a bit uptight for manual labor.”

>”Desperation makes people do crazy things. After her boutique closed down she needed to find work, I was the only one hiring.”

>You look to Rarity who’s revolted by the mess before her.

>”She’s a damn good maid, I’ll give her that much.”

 

“You ever heard of something called the Butcher?”

>She nods, “Pinkie mumbled something about a hulking brute who wielded a fierce weapon, and she called it the same.”

>Rarity rinses her used rag, “When she said something about a butcher killing people, I discounted it immediately. Maybe it is true…”

>So they do know of it, you need to find this Pinkie.

“So where can I find Pinkie?”

>Rainbow Dash points to the drunk, slurping at her ale.

“That’s her?”

 

>”Yeah, just don’t-“

>You walk over to the drunken Pinkie, bringing your mug with you.

“I heard you might have some information I could use.”

>She doesn’t respond, focusing on her ale.

“What do you know about the Butcher?”

>Her eyes go wide as she chokes on her drink, shaking in fear.

>She turns to you and stares, her eyes actually shaking your own nerves.

 

>”Big! Big cleaver, killing all my friends!”

>Her words slightly slur, but her tone bears truth.

>”Couldn’t stop him, had to run away, couldn’t save them.”

>Her eyes well up, tears flowing down her face.

>”Trapped in a room with so many bodies… so many friends… NOOOO!”

>She descends into a pile of whimpering tears, unable to form a coherent thought.

>You probably shouldn’t have asked.

 

>Rarity comforts the shivering p0ny whose busy drowning in both ale and tears.

>You look over to Rainbow for some assistance who takes you to your room.

>Following her upstairs leads you to an average inn suite.

>”I’d stay here until  Pinkie’s settled down if I were you.”

“You should’ve warned me first,” you say settling your stuff down.

>”I tried, but someone decided to interrupt.”

>She has you there it seems.

“Never was good at listening now was I?”

 

>She chuckles and shakes her head, the happiest you’ve seen her since you arrived.

>”If you need anything just let me know. My room is just down the hall.”

“Will do, and thanks for letting me stay.”

>”Don’t mention it; you’re doing what’s left of this town a service.”

>She says her goodbyes and leaves you to your things.

>As you’re unpacking, your wounds sting annoyingly.

>You can probably get Fluttershy to help you tomorrow, but for now you are in desperate need of some shuteye.

 

>You sit on the bed with your back to the wall.

>You hold your saber in your hands, the calm of its presence putting you at peace.

>You bring one of your legs to your chest, the other resting on the cushioned bed.

“Rest easy, for tomorrow we go again.”

>You drift to sleep, darkness overtaking you.

>May peace find you in your dreams.

>”I think not.”

 

 

>You wake up in a cold sweat, his face still etched in your mind.

>You get up and wash off your face, the water failing to soothe your person.

>That grin, it shakes you just thinking about it.

>You grab hold of your sword and find your armor folded and washed in the corner.

>You didn’t fold them, and you certainly didn’t wash them.

>Wonder if Rarity or Rainbow did that for you.

>Regardless, you don your rags and cap, reequipping your inventory.

>Now to pawn some of this stuff.

 

>You go downstairs, wishing morning to Rainbow Dash as you reach the first floor.

>”Rags smell better now I hope.”

“Much, thanks for that.”

>”You needed your sleep so I didn’t want to wake you.”

“I would have done it myself if it bothered you. I’m surprised Rarity didn’t mention anything.”

>”She knows better than to anger customers, and you’re our sole one at the moment.”

“Hopefully not for long.”

>You say your goodbyes and head outside looking for Fluttershy.

 

>You’re instantly met with disappointment as she isn’t outside her little hovel at the moment.

>You knock gingerly on the door hoping to rouse her.

“Fluttershy, you home?”

>Silence is the only thing to greet you, though Twilight is standing nearby.

>”She isn’t home Anon. Anything I can do to help?”

“Unless you magic up some healing for me I’m afraid not.”

 

>You remember the book in your bag about healing. Maybe she could use it.

>You pull it out and hand it to her.

>”A book? In prime condition? I haven’t seen one like this in ages.”

“Can you use it to help me out?”

>She flips through the pages before shaking her head.

>”These incantations only teach self-healing. Healing another being isn’t in this book.”

>You wonder if you could pawn it to her, she does like books after all.

“Any chance you could take this off my hands?”

 

>”As much as I’d like to, I don’t have the coin to spare. Perhaps Zecora could take them from you though.”

“And where is she exactly?”

>”She’s just on the other side of the river, just follow it north and you should find her.”

>”Thanks, I’ll be seeing you.”

>You turn to leave, “Wait.”

“Something the matter?”

>You follow her gaze to your pack, the weak pulsing emanating from it.

 

>”What do you have in there?”

“Just some things I found down there. Why, you like them?”

>She inspects the club and dagger closely, making a few notes on her notepad.

>”These seem to be imbued with magical qualities. The club seems to boost its wielders magical capabilities while the dagger enhances ones dexterity.”

“You can just figure that out?”

>”I’m well versed in many subjects, identification is one of them.”

“So if I find more down there…”

 

>”I can identify them for you.”

>Sweet deal, though Twilight doesn’t seem to be getting anything out of it.

>You reach into your pouch, pulling out two hundred gold bits.

“Here, one hundred a pop.”

>”I would have done it for free-“

“Take it. This town needs every last boost it can get.”

>She accepts your offer with much enthusiasm.

>”Thank you. Light will triumph with your aid.”

>Yes… it will…

 

>You set off down the river to Zecora’s hut, following the stream.

>While you eye for her home, a strange smell hits you.

>It’s not a pungent odor or even an annoying one, but it reminds you of the creatures down below.

>You keep your eyes on the river, the smell coming from its aquatic body.

>At a glance, the water seems to be perfectly fine, but a second look shows otherwise.

>It’s discolored, the slight blue hit with a tint of yellow.

>The water is tainted, though from what you’re unsure.

 

>It doesn’t take long before you reach Zecora’s place.

>The hut doesn’t look like much, and it seems like it has seen better days.

>Either that or it was put together so it looked abandoned, likely the latter.

>A large cauldron sits outside the hut, an ominous glow emanating from within.

>You peek your head overtop a voice coming from within the hut.

>”Do that I would not, or so help your face may rot.”

>You pull your head away instantly, not wishing to see that happen.

 

>You give the pony a look-see just to find it isn’t a pony at all.

>Instead you’re greeted by a zebra, though similar in size to the ponies you’ve met.

>”A stranger you are in this place, have you come to meet your fate?”

“My fate is my own. The name’s Anon, I was told you were Zecora correct?

>”Truth be told it is my name, now I ask what is your game?”

>Her use of words is quite unique, also is the way she speaks.

>Damn now you’re rhyming.

 

“I have some books I was told you might want-“

>”250 bits is my price, for each book you shall entice.”

>Cha-fucking-ching.

>You hand over the two books in your pack, replacing them with the sack of bits she offers.

>”In your pack I saw a scroll, 25 bits is my toll.”

>Ring that bitch up. You add another 25 bits to your bag.

>”From this venture we both shall gain, should you bring more I’ll make it rain.”

>Strange choice of words, but you get the context.

 

>Pockets refilled you keep walking until you reach town again, merely passing through.

>No words are spoken as your destination is clear to them.

>You nod to them, earning a respectful nod back.

>You take to the stairs and descend back into the dark corridors below of the town.

>You retrace your steps, taking note of the discarded bodies you left in your wake.

>After a couple minutes you find yourself at the second staircase leads down.

>You sigh and head into the next level, each step bringing you closer to this ‘butcher.’

 

>The open room cuts in two directions, left and right.

>You head left down the corridor, your body ready for any creatures you find.

>A few fillies and skeletons come to meet you blade first.

>They aren’t much of a problem, but they seem considerably stronger than their counterparts.

>The skeletons seem to have adopted a red tint to their bones, a strange heat surrounding them.

>You pick through the remains, storing a short sword and club the minions dropped.

 

>A noise gets your attention as you grab your sword.

>You scan the room for enemies but find all to be silent.

>You don’t drop your guard for a second as you know better than to doubt your instincts.

>A guttural cry shrieks from behind you.

>You side step the attack, the creature landing face first into the stone floor.

>It appears to be a unicorn, but its corruption is clearly visible.

>Her mane has fallen out likely as her sanity diminished.

>The skin hangs off her bones loosely, still intact but drooping downwards.

 

>You move towards her, blade still drawn as the mare glares at you.

>She cries loudly again as you move to impale her, only for her to disappear into nothingness.

>You hesitate at the sight, or lack there of.

>Teleportation isn’t that seamless, it’s always accompanied with a flash of light, at least in your experience.

>You can hear her hooves hit the floor before you, but there isn’t a sign of her.

>Fuck it, you aren’t going for a batting average.

 

>You slice downwards, striking hard against something.

>Your sword appears to have hit air, literally.

>It lays imbedded in nothingness, though you feel something there.

>You strike harder next time, breaking through whatever it is that you hit.

>Your saber is drenched in a grey liquid upon inspection, a color unseen thus far in your journey.

>The strange fiend slowly reappears, her skin gradually reverting back.

>Cloaking is it? That’s pretty advanced magic even for talented unicorns.

>Perhaps their tainted souls somehow boost their magical abilities.

 

>Regardless you keep moving, following a strong all too familiar scent.

>You spot another shrine, the same phrase etched into the stone as the last.

>You remember the strange art you gained from the shrine along with its power.

>Any edge you can receive is better than nothing, you think as you lay your hand upon the shrine.

>The energy bolts through you once more as its power seeps into you.

>The door bursts open, two skeletons charging in.

>Great, test subjects.

 

>Channeling your energy, you raise a hand to the would-be attackers.

>It takes a few seconds, but sure enough the bolt lightnings down your arm and flies outwards towards them.

>It strikes the first skeletal p0ny, stopping it dead in its tracks.

>A blue aura flows around him, stretching to every part of its body.

>With every inch covered, it finally implodes upon itself, a small explosion shattering at its core.

>Pieces of bones shoot everywhere, a few causing the second one to stumble at your feet.

>You look down at it and smile, lowering your hand to its head.

 

>Another bolt rocks through your arm and into the downed p0ny.

>It shudders as your magic works through it, reaching every portion of its form.

>It looks up at you, its hollow eyes begging for mercy.

>You keep your grin firm, knowing full well it’s nothing more than a façade.

>You press your boot upon its head and slam down as the mist recedes into his core.

>The explosion crashes against your shield, leaving him nothing more than an inanimate pile of bones, just as he should be.

 

>Your strength and hardiness feel increased after the fight.

>Continuing to follow your nose leads you to… you guessed it, another fucking staircase.

>How deep does this place fucking go?

>It seems you’ve hit a dead end regardless, and decide to head back.

>You find a small library on the way back, scoring three more books of holy bolt and stowing them away.

>At 250 bits each you’re more than happy to have them weigh you down.

>Soon you reach the stairway and decide to head to the right this time.

 

>A few more hidden confront you along the way, but you dispatch them with relative ease.

>They seem to have to uncloak before attacking so you’re able to take advantage of that little time gap.

>After dispatching a particularly nasty group of skeletons and hidden, you hear voices echoing down the hall.

>As far as you know there aren’t any other ponies down here, and these creatures don’t have the ability to speak.

>You follow the chants to its source, making sure to keep your presence concealed.

 

>You find yourself face to face with a large square room, another room resting in the middle.

>”Come on out Fluttershy! Don’t cha want to play with us?!”

>Your eyes turn to the filly standing outside the door, accompanied by an assortment of other ghoulish creatures.

>Wait Fluttershy? What the hell is she doing down here?

>”It’ll only hurt for a second, I promise. Just open the door!”

>She scratches angrily at the wooden doorway, her tendril-like claws carving into its body.

 

>You step out of the shadows, slitting the throat of the nearest hidden, her guttural cries alerting the others to your presence.

“Did I miss the party?”

>You hear a small eep sound from within the room, Fluttershy likely relieved at your presence.

>”Oh boy, someone else to play with!”

>The little orange filly saunters over to you on all fours, her weapon balanced on her back.

>She looks down at the hidden you killed, “That wasn’t very nice of ya mister.”

 

“I’m not here to play nice.”

>Her face visibly glows at the phrase, “So you like to play rough? I can do rough.”

>She nods to the other creatures at her side, her oversized bow swaying above her.

>The denizens take this as their cue to advance, clashing against your sword and shield.

>One on one they aren’t much of a threat, but with their comrades nearby things tend to get a little hairy.

>Your pushed back by the mass of foes and pinned in a corner, the filly cheering on the display of carnage.

>You raise your shield to defend yourself as you’re bombarded by their assault.

 

>You attempt to strike back, but they attack too quickly to retaliate.

>”What’s the matter? I thought you wanted to play…”

>She groans in disappointment, your display displeasing to her.

>Well you guess it’s time you upped the ante a bit.

>You place your hand underneath your buckler, firing a bolt at a skeletal aggressor.

>The creature falls to its knees, its hooves shaking as the aura overtakes it.

>You steel yourself for the imminent blast, the others not taking the necessary precautions.

 

>The shockwave rocks through your body and into your attackers, the damage done to them likely catastrophic.

>You lower your shield, a fine goop rolling off onto the floor.

>The small filly is dumbfounded, her mouth hanging open in disbelief.

“That all you got?”

>Her eyes turn bloodshot as she draws her own weapon off her back.

>The veins in her neck and legs pop out from her skin as she seems to… grow?

>She builds upwards, her muscles and bones tearing through her skin granting a demonic appearance.

 

>With a fuming exhale her transformation seems to finish, now coming up to your chest in height.

>Most ponies come up to your stomach, and fillies only come up to your lower thigh.

>This transformation does more than just intimidate you, it downright scares you.

>You get into a stance, readying yourself for the demonic filly.

>She takes a step forward, her trio of claws digging into the stone floor.

>”Who’s little now?!”

“I never said you we-“

 

>She lunges at you baring her newly developed canines and biting at your shield.

>You throw your arm around trying to get her off, but she has a firm grip upon it.

>Her teeth manage to fully burrow themselves in your shield as she tears off a small chunk of it.

>You back away, watching in horror as she devours the metallic heap like it was nothing.

>She’s fighting on her own terms, time for her to fight on yours.

>You advance quickly shield first, crashing into her.

 

>The two of you collide into the room’s outside wall, knocking the air right out of her.

>You pull your saber back and slash at her collapsed body, cutting deep into the skin.

>She grunts and kicks backwards, landing squarely upon your shield.

>You deflect the blow and smash your buckler upon her skull insuring your dominance.

>”T-too rou- gh,” she manages to wheeze as you stab again and again into her backside.

>You slash downwards upon her neck, her demonic transformation granting her natural plating on her vitals.

>You barely draw blood, but there will be plenty of that when you’re done with her.

 

>She stares up at you pleadingly as you lay into her.

>Her eyes return to their natural state, her shimmering gamboge eyes invoking innocence.

>You hesitate. This is still a child, she isn’t aware of her actions. Maybe… you’re the monster here…

>You lower your sword, taking your boot off her head.

>A few more seconds and you would have ended her, but now… You’re not even sure you can continue.

>Were all the creatures you fought like this? Innocent in truth, masked behind a cloak of darkness?

 

“I’m sorry…”

>She keeps her eyes on you all the while; you can’t bear to look upon her now.

>”You will be.”

>You grunt through clenched teeth as a piercing pain shoots up your calf.

>You slam the edge of your buckler against her neck, releasing your leg from her toothy maw.

>You raise your sword high in the air for the final strike giving the deceitful bitch one last look.

“Playtime’s over.”

 

>You sheathe your saber, a trickle of blood running out the tip of the sheath.

>Pulling out one of your discovered scrolls you chant a few words, drawing upon its natural power.

>The wound in your leg closes up through its influence and allows you to walk unabated.

>You kick the decapitated head away before walking back to the door.

“Fluttershy, you in there?”

>The lock to the room clicks open as she peeks through, a pungent odor seeping out of the room.

>She sees the outside is clear, leaping into your arms for safety.

 

>”Oh thank you thank you thank you,” she repeats clinging to your body.

>A few tears roll down your neck, and you soon find out why.

>Of all the places she could hide, this is the one she found.

>Corpses line the floor and walls, some impaled onto spikes while others hung from the ceiling by hooks.

>Severed limbs and chewed flesh are everywhere, flies buzzing while they enjoy their feast.

 

“It’s alright. I’m here now…”

>This had to have been the work of the Butcher, but he doesn’t seem to be around.

>If he was… you might not have had a similar reunion with the distressed Pegasus.

>”I should’ve never come down here, but the water… I had to do something.”

>The water, you noticed it’s taint on the way to Zecora’s but dismissed it entirely.

“How bad is it?”

>”Some of us had gotten sick, and our reserves were running dry. I know of a passage that leads to the springs, but…”

 

“They found you first.”

>Her cries are muffled into your shoulder as she recalls her pursuers.

>”Applebloom… She wouldn’t have done this.”

“Whoever she was is gone Fluttershy. You need to let her go.”

>”What hope do we have left? Even the most innocent have fallen…”

>You pull away from her and look her dead in the eye.

“As long as a single pony stands there is hope, and right now you’re that pony. Where’s the spring?”

 

>She points around the room, saying she saw the passage just behind it.

>”I have some potions I can use to cleanse the water, but if there are any monsters down there-“

“I’ve got your back. Nothing is going to hurt you on my watch.”

>Fluttershy visibly brightens by your confidence.

>If only she knew how little you held at the present time.

>She tightens her belt and moves around the outside room and towards the passage, little more than a hole in the wall.

“Ladies first,” you jokingly say before heading inside, drawing your blade.

 

>The cave is remarkably well lit, the fungus layering the floor emitting a turquoise glow.

>The rock walls appear carved out, likely over centuries of corrosion.

>Ever wary of danger you move onwards towards the soft trickling of water up ahead.

>You come to the water’s edge only to find it corrupted far more than you anticipated.

>On the surface there was merely a tint of yellow, hinting at the taint’s presence.

>Here, there isn’t a hint of blue to be found only a sea of amber liquid.

“You best get started on that concoction of yours.”

 

>She pulls off her belt and begins mixing the potions she has upon it.

>Several minutes into the procedure you notice another wave of golden liquid mix into the pool, this one looking more potent than the others.

>You stand up, your eyes following the stream to an elevated pool above.

>”Where are you going?”

“I think I might have found the source of the corruption upstream. I’m going to check it out.”

>”But that would leave me by myself,” she replies worry heavy on her voice.

 

“I promised you’ll be safe, and I intend to keep that word. You’ll be fine, just stay calm.”

>You pat her mane lightly before following the stream up the cave.

>The rocks don’t make the climb easy, but the incline is what saves you.

>You look back to Fluttershy who’s still mixing her potions.

>She’s braver than most you’ve met. Not many would risk life and limb for their fellow mare, but she did.

>She’s earned your respect if that counts for anything. The least you can do is make sure she gets out of here safe.

 

>You continue your ascent of the rock wall, finally gripping the rocks of its peak.

>You strain to pull yourself up with all the extra baggage you’re carrying.

>You stand tall once you reach the second level and peer over the landscape.

>The stream merely continues further up before burrowing under the stone wall.

>You’re about to climb back down when something spots your eye.

>A massive creature walks out of the shadows and next to the streams base.

>His form is foreign to you, but in his hands is an object you are quite familiar with.

>A massive cleaver.

 

>You sneak along the cavern walls closing in on the creature.

>It’s big, that much you didn’t need help with, standing at least eight feet tall.

>His fur does little to cover up his massive upper body, his muscles clearly defined beneath the fur.

>He sports two massive horns on either side of his head and a ring between his nostrils.

>He appears bipedal, walking on two hooves while his hands clutch at that cleaver of his.

>He appears to be a Minotaur, but you haven’t heard of any in Equestria besides…

 

>A yellow stream of liquid flows from between his legs as you approach him from behind.

>Don’t tell me he’s… The Minotaur lets out a sigh of relief, bringing truth to your thoughts.

>He finally finishes relieving himself after corrupting the stream even more with his tainted piss.

>You look for a place to hide, only finding flat stone and the river of urine, and there’s no way in hell you’re jumping in there.

>He turns around, his eyes transfixed on you, “Ahh, fresh meat.”

 

>He steps towards you, his muscles bulging with every step as he twirls his cleaver around like a toy, blood crusted over on the blade.

>His eyes glow the same as Applebloom, if he were to transform… there’d be nothing you could do to stop him.

“Iron Will?” You ask trying to connect to anything resembling his former self.

>He smirks, puffing up his chest and flexing his arms, “Iron Will’s my name…”

>Well at least he still- “Slaughtering ponies is my game.”

>Never-fucking-mind.

 

>You raise your shield and ready your sword for your next fight.

>He may be big, but that also means he’s slow.

>Iron Will stares down at you, judging your behavior.

>”When somepony tries to block, show them that you rock!”

>He brings his fist down upon you, pummeling the shield full force.

>It’s enough to make you skid backwards and fall on your ass.

>Okay, he’s big and fast. So much for that.

 

>You stand up, inspecting your shield, a large indent located in the shape of his fist.

>He probably wasn’t even using his full strength.

>You begin to chuckle to yourself knowing that his overconfidence will be the death of him.

>You look back to Iron Will, steam rising from his nose.

>”You laugh at me, I wrath at you!”

>He stomps his feet against the earth, shattering the rocks with ease as he charges.

“Fuck fuck fuck fuck!”

>You raise your shield just in time for him to collide into you.

 

>You’re flying, soaring through the air as nothing more than a ragdoll.

>You feel… open, and not the good kind either. *Eep!*

>Oh god you forgot about Fluttershy.

>You plummet back first into the ground, your cap cracking in two at the force.

>You can do this Anon, you just have to get-

>You writhe in agony as you try to sit up, your chest fighting you every step of the way.

 

>Fluttershy walks over to you, unable to look at you directly.

“How-“ Fuck the pain, “bad- is it.”

>She doesn’t respond. Unable to respond more like it.

>You look down at your chest, what’s left of it that is.

>You breathe in painfully, a torrent of blood oozing out of your open wound.

“Potion…” you mutter to Fluttershy, unable to move without pain forcing you down.

>She fumbles with your belt, finally bringing a flask to your lips.

 

>The cold liquid fills your mouth as it starts to bring relief.

>The potion begins to numb your nerves and cut down on the pain.

>Now just to swallow. *gulp*

>You scream through your teeth as the pain floods back.

>”I’m here,” Fluttershy says holding onto your arm.

>The flesh in your chest begins to piece itself back together, a sizable portion still missing.

“Another,” you grunt with some of your strength restored.

 

>The next vial goes down easier, but is still troublesome, ultimately restoring you back to full strength.

>You get to your feet, Iron Will watching you both from above.

>Fluttershy’s brew seems to be working, slowly restoring the basin to its former cleanliness.

“Fluttershy, get out of here.”

>”I- I can help.”

“You’ve helped enough, just stay safe.”

 

>Iron Will smirks, sliding down the rocky summit, “Attack the day!”

“Now!”

>You push Fluttershy out of the way as Iron Will cleaves towards her.

>You smack him back with your shield, landing a blow onto his arm.

>A tarlike sludge flows from his wound, only angering him further.

>You roll out of the way as his cleaver strikes the floor, making another incision on his belly.

>He twirls towards you, smacking you with the back of his cleaver.

 

>You can hear your ribs break from the impact, quickly downing another potion.

>You keep out of sight, rolling behind him and striking whenever possible.

>Your blows are many but weak, unable to take down the sprawling giant.

>As you roll again, he catches you by the throat, pulling you up to eye level.

>His pupils have shrunk to tiny specks, his eyes glowing with rage.

>You struggle at his grasp, unable to free yourself.

>”Don’t be shy, look ‘em in the eye!”

“Fuck you!”

 

>You slam the edge of your buckler into his face, the shredded portion gouging out his left eye.

>He slams his fist on your elbow with a sickening crack before releasing you, cursing your existence.

>You pull yourself away, nursing your broken arm with another potion, the bones piecing themselves together.

>Thank the heavens for these; else you would have fallen long ago.

>You check your belt, only two remaining. This isn’t turning out well for you.

 

>You look back to Iron Will, already fuming and stomping towards you.

>He grabs hold of your shield and rips it off, tearing off your rags along with it.

>Raising his hoof he bucks you forward toward the entrance, your body unable to stop the intensity of his attack.

>You land outside the cavern and quickly down another potion, restoring your health.

>The Minotaur crashes through the wall, caving in the entrance with a metric ton of stone.

>He stares at you with his good eye, the other a bloody mass of shredded flesh.

>”You make me lose, I blow my fuse!”

 

>He pummels you with his hooves, each strike breaking one bone or another.

>He kicks you away as you draw your last potion, smashing it against the ground.

>Its crimson elixir seeps across the bloodied stone, shards of glass mixed within it.

>Your last hope, wasted. I’m sorry Rainbow Dash, I tried…

>Iron Will sits you up, driving his cleaver into your shoulder.

“Sorry Dash…” you mumble, the pain sinking in.

>”Never apologize, when you can criticize.”

>You’ve head just about enough of disingenuous assertions.

 

>You mumble a little, just enough to pique his interest.

>”What was that? Iron Will couldn’t hear.”

>He draws his head closer, just a few more inches…

>You thrust your blade into his neck, snapping it off within him.

>He lurches backwards attempting to retrieve the weapon.

>He grabs hold of the tip and pulls, unable to get it out.

“Die you freak.”

 

>”Tre- at me,” his words are hushed by the blood coated within his throat, “push… over…”

>He falls to his knees, his blood running through his mouth and throat.

>”G- et the… on- ce… over.”

>He collapses with an audible thud that rings throughout the silenced halls.

>You grab the hilt of his cleaver, pulling it free from your shoulder, a spray of blood shooting out.

>Planting it atop the floor, you pull yourself up, hanging onto life by a thread.

>You look down at the fallen Minotaur then back to entrance, dragging yourself back to civilization.

“Keep that bed ready for me Dash.”