Diablo Anon: Chapter 3 (Skeleton King)

>Blood flows freely from your shoulder as you begin the journey back to town.

>The sounds of the world dull as your energy drains away.

>The cleaver you drag behind you scrapes and tears at the floor, barely registering in your ears.

>Home is the only concern of yours right now, if you can make it.

>You begin to lose feeling in your feet, stumbling as you hit the stairs.

>You scramble back to your feet and move onwards.

 

>The once troubling odor of death has dissipated, along with every other conceivable smell.

>You’ve heard of this before, losing your senses one by one, death knocking at your door.

>Taste is the next to go, the blood in your mouth losing its salty flavor.

>You fall to one knee, unable to keep yourself up.

>A light shimmers before you as you look up, the entrance just beyond.

>You didn’t come this far to die…

 

>Not… now…

>You struggle to your feet and walk towards the dimming light.

>Stairs. Why the fuck?

>Screw it; no steps will cause your fall.

>You ascend, the pain in your shoulder all but gone.

>Ponyville, it’s never looked quite as beautiful.

 

>You close in on the tavern, though you can’t be sure of anything right now.

>You attempt to read the sign, the words blending together in a singular blur.

“Not… much… time.”

>Nopony is about, likely safely tucked in their beds.

“Dash…” you croak just outside the tavern door.

>The handle, just gotta turn…

 

>You collapse against the door, struggling to grip the metallic blockade.

>So this is how ponies feel opening doors… just without the dying thing.

“Dashhh…” you grumble, sinking further and further towards the soft dirt.

>A voice rings in your head, “Goodnight, sweet prince.”

>You hit the floor, darkness the only thing left to see.

>You close your eyes, accepting your fate and death’s sweet embrace.

>”Anon?”

 

>Everything turns black afterwards, leaving just you and him.

>”The butcher? That’s the best you could do? Quite sad.”

>He follows you even in death, that dick.

>”You’ll have to do better than that my little hero. Let’s make things a little more interesting shall we?”

“Go fuck yourself whoever you are, let me die in peace.”

>”Die? Not yet my dear Anon, not yet…”

 

>True to his word you start to regain feeling in your body.

>You attempt to move, but you don’t seem to have enough control.

>Oh fuck that shit.

>You thrash about, pain seeping back into your brain.

>You forgot about your damned shoulder.

>”Keep him still.”

>A pair of hooves press down on your body, keeping you restrained.

>There’s no point in fighting, you’d just wind up hurting yourself further.

 

>”Is he going to be alright?”

>”He will be. I owe him that much.”

>You open your eyes, the torchlight almost blinding you.

>”Anon, can you hear me?”

>Your eyes begin to adjust as they attempt to find the voice, a familiar cyan pony by your side.

“Nice to see you too Dash,” you say grinning.

 

>She embraces you, accidently igniting your wound painfully.

>”Sorry,” she says breaking away, “I forgot about that.”

“Nothing to-,” you cringe painfully, “worry about.”

>”We did the best we could, but you were so far gone…”

>You turn to the blood soaked bandage around your shoulder.

“Potions didn’t help?”

>”Not for an injury like that,” another quiet voice pipes up.

 

>She walks over to you, hiding behind her pink mane.

>”I tried, but there wasn’t much I could do.”

“You got me up and kicking, that’s enough for me.”

>”I never got to-“

“Don’t. Thank me when this is over.”

>Her expression turns grave, “You’re not setting another foot into that labyrinth.”

“Evil never rests. I can’t be caught up here doing so.”

 

>”You wouldn’t last a minute down there again,” Rainbow Dash states, “You need to take it easy.”

“And who’s going to fight them in my stead? There seems to be a shortage of willing bodies around.”

>Rainbow sees the truth in your words, raising her head.

>”I’ll go.”

>”Absolutely not!” Fluttershy yells completely out of character, “Remember what I told you?”

>”I’ll be careful. It won’t happen again, promise.”

 

>”It’s not in your nature to be careful. I won’t allow it.”

“Neither will I.”

>The others turn to look at you.

“If you go, I go. I’ll rest here, but no one else is going down there without me. Got it?”

>Rainbow Dash is stubborn at first, but agrees after continued pressure.

“How long am I going to be like this?” you ask Fluttershy.

>She observes your bandage, taking out a couple elixirs from her bag.

>”Two days at the least if the medicine kicks in. Just stay out of trouble and you’ll be fine.”

 

>You manage to sit up, rotating your body until you’re standing.

>Fluttershy quickly engineers a sling for your arm, “Just say within the town’s limits.”

“Didn’t plan on leaving just yet.”

>Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash help you out the door though you assure them you’re fine.

>You finally get free from their clingy hooves and find your equipment by the tavern door, the cleaver hidden well.

>If Pinkie had spotted that…

 

>You sling the pack around your good shoulder and head outside to Twilight for the usual session.

>”Why don’t you stay awhile? This stuff is really interesting.”

“I’ll take a rain check. There’s some other stuff I need to take care of.”

>She sees the books in your bag, looking at you sternly, “You’re not going to see Zecora.”

>Damn, you’d hoped you could have sneaked out for that.

“Come on now, she pays good money for these. You going to pay for them?”

 

>She ponders your situation, finally giving a reply.

>”I’ll sell them for you.”

“You’d do that?”

>”Anything for a friend. Besides, it’s been a while since I talked to Zecora.”

>You thank her before she snags your bags and disappears in a white light.

>Items, identified. Books, gone. Armor… You need some damn armor.

>The fight with Iron Will taught you two things.

>One, don’t fuck with Iron Will.

>And two, you need to be more prepared for the dangers within the labyrinth.

>Like the voice said, things are going to get a bit more interesting.

 

>You walk over to the steel barricade, knocking against its hardy surface.

>”Who is it?” Applejack hollers from within, the clang of iron carrying with her.

“It’s Anon. You have a minute?”

>The hammer ceases as she approaches the other side of the wall.

>”Anything for ya sugarcube.”

>You enter graciously, the sweltering heat instantly bringing you to a sweat.

>She returns to her work, pounding the heated steel with her improvised hoof-hammer.

>”So, what can I do ya for?”

 

>She seems to have been quite busy since you arrived, armaments of all kinds hanging from the walls.

>”Well?”

>You shake yourself out of your daydreaming and focus.

“What kind of equipment do you make here?”

>She smiles, “You name it, I’ve made it. Like I said though, I’m still new at this, but I have things of all shapes and sizes.”

“Could you show me?”

>Her smile widens frighteningly, “Just follow me.”

 

>You’re led down into her cellar, dark as night until she lights a torch.

>Weapons. So many weapons…

>”So, whatcha think?”

“Looking for more of the armor variety actually.”

>”You got yourself a nice piece already?”

“Yeah, you could say that.”

>She takes you back upstairs and into another room, several mannequins set up.

>They’re remarkably well made, the material top-of-the-line.

 

>”Rarity donated those to me after I started this here smithy. Gave me a few tips too.”

>She bucks a nearby lever, a row more sliding out on display.

>”Anything suit your fancy?”

>You run your hand over some of the suits, all tailored to pony-folk.

“Could you get these tailored to me by chance?”

>”Sure could, might take a day or two, but I can.”

>A particular suit makes you stop in your tracks, the pulse coming from it all too familiar.

 

“Is this one…?” You turn to look at Applejack with the biggest grin you’ve seen.

>”Made it myself out of some odds and ends I found down there. It was a bit odd at first, but Twilight made some sense of it.”

>You’re intrigued by this discovery, and here you were thinking only weapons could be magical.

“Any idea what it does?”

>She strides up beside you, patting the quilted armor proudly.

>”If Twilight’s right, which she always is, this here grants you lightning protection.”

>You don’t plan on getting shocked anywhere, but it could be useful.

 

“And what about that cap?”

>She plants it on your head, “See for yourself.”

>As the cap touched your skull you instantly felt energized, like you could stand twice as much damage as you could before.

>You take it off, staring at the hulk of metal.

“Whoa…”

>”I know right?”

“How much for these two together?”

 

>”It’s quite expensive stuff, a couple fellas out west want ‘em for about two thousand bits.”

>Quite the competition, but you really need this armor.

“I don’t have the gold, but I may have something better,” you reply fishing out the items Twilight helped you with.

“I can offer these plus three hundred bits for the armor. Deal?”

>She thinks it over, taking her sweet time to come up with an answer.

“You scratch my back…”

>”And I’ll scratch yours. Ya got yourself a deal.”

 

>You hand over the bits and equipment promised, leaving you a good deal lighter.

>”I’ll get ta work on these right away don’t you worry.”

“You have my utmost confidence Applejack.”

>You leave her workshop, heading straight back to the tavern.

>The pain in your shoulder begins to act up again.

>Nothing a nice cup of ale can’t handle.

 

>You pick up your cleaver and set it next to you by the stool.

>Rarity sets down a mug fresh from the tap, the calming liquor sure to crush the pain.

>Mug after mug is brought to you and drained accordingly.

>Whenever you start to get drowsy you move your left arm, the shock of pain bringing you right back up.

>You aren’t going to fall that easily.

>The images start to blur together as the alcohol takes its toll, bringing you to your drunken salvation.

 

 

>You tighten the folds on your armor, securing it against you.

“Nice fitting, Rarity helped I assume.”

>”Sure did, I never was good with the intricates I think she called them.”

“It’s nice all the same; could you get that last one for me?”

>Applejack moves behind you, grabbing a hold of the last strap and pulling.

>You grunt as it tightens the armor to your shoulder, causing Applejack to stop suddenly.

>”You alright? We can stop if-“

“I’m fine. Keep going,” you mutter.

 

>You bear the pain as she tightens the harness.

>”If that wound isn’t fully healed…”

“Fluttershy said two days, and I’ve been here for those two. I’m not sitting around any longer.”

>”Not saying I don’t want you helping, just want you to come back safe is all.”

>You stretch, getting used to your new armor.

“I learned my lesson with Iron Will, I won’t be having another rerun with death.

>”If you say so…”

>You thank her again for the armor, quickly purchasing some health potions from Fluttershy.

 

>Rainbow Dash intercepts you as you leave Fluttershy’s stall.

>You can see she wants to tell you something, but is unsure how to say it.

“Lay it on me Dash. What am I in for?”

>”Ponyville needs your help again Anon. As you know, some months ago Filthy Rich’s daughter, was kidnapped.”

“Remember that, he went bat shit afterwards right? I inferred he was partly responsible for the state of things.”

>”Well, those close to him tried to placate him, but he was madder than they feared, forcing their hand…”

 

“They killed him? Damn that sucks. I’d be pissed if I was him.”

>”He is. With his dying breath, he cursed his followers, vowing they’d serve him in darkness forever.”

“And the plot thickens I assume.”

>She nods, the two of you reaching the desecrated town hall.

>”It seems he’s risen from the dead in his tomb three levels beneath our feet, a legion of undead under his command.”

>Interesting. Still, you’ve got a job to do and Mr. Rich just happens to be on your way.

“I’ll put him to rest once more; you have my word on that.”

 

>You jumble up her hair at her saddened reaction, earning you a tiny smile.

“That’s what I wanted to see.”

>”You just come back in one piece okay?”

“Understood ma’am. Be back in a jiffy.”

>You descend back into the labyrinth, the normal stench refreshing.

>You feel as if you were meant to be here, destined even.

>Destiny… It does not control you, you control it.

>And your destiny doesn’t end here. That much you’ll make certain.

 

>You pull the cleaver off your back, holding it with both hands as you continue down the steps.

>These halls feel strangely empty since you last left them, and you soon discover why.

>There isn’t a body to be found, not a whole one anyways.

>Bits and pieces lie about, gnawed upon as if beset by a rabid dog, but the majority of them are gone.

>You reach the second level without a hitch, though do have the feeling you’re being watched.

>It doesn’t remind you of the Hidden Unicorns, but something different altogether.

 

>The scamper of tiny feet catches your attention, and you bolt for the source.

>Whatever it is, it’s fucking fast. Faster than anything you’ve seen thus far.

>In pursuit you recall Iron Will’s lair ahead, shivering at the very thought of its occupants.

>Your target rounds the room, keeping you occupied for the moment.

>You sense the presence dead ahead, casting a holy bolt at the tiny creature.

>The orb flies right through it, fizzling away at the wall.

>Must only work on the undead.

 

>You reach the next stairwell, the level still untouched by you.

>The creature is still trying to get down, only about halfway there.

“Here’s Anon!” you holler sliding down the side.

>Your acceleration puts you in the perfect zone to make your mark.

>You lunge forward, grabbing the furry little creature before it can escape.

“I got you motherfucker. I got you…”

>You look at the creature in your hands, fully white with two large ears.

“A rabbit? Are you shitting me?”

 

>It’s collar reads the name ‘Angel.’ What a stupid name for a rabbit.

>You release the creature, scampering off into the darkness.

>Stupid thing is going to get itself killed.

>Well, it’s his funeral, and you’ve got a job to do.

>You progress through the level inch by inch, taking your time to explore every nook and cranny.

>You find a small library, a group of skeletons and fillies inside.

>Time to test this puppy out.

 

>You cleave at the first filly, her upper body departing from her lower half.

>Holy shit! That was awesome!

>You swing again at a skeleton, his bones disintegrating at your power.

>The others back into a corner, unable to fight your deadly cleaver and throbbing erection.

>The most primal parts of you awakens at the carnage as you pound your chest and roar into the air.

“I am your god now!”

 

>I hope Zecora likes her books red, cuz that’s how she’s getting them.

>One of the fillies tries to flee out the entrance.

“All work and no play makes Anon a dull boy.”

>You slash low, hacking off her rear-hooves as she screams in pain.

>Grabbing hold of her stubs you drag backwards and toss her above you.

>With one precise strike you split her in two, raining blood down upon you.

“Fucking hell did anyone see that? I am squirting makizmo out of my nipples over here. I am a monster truck that walks a man!”

 

>You have to remember who said that sometime, but you’re too damned caught up in your blood frenzy to care right now.

>You snatch the books, the exotic wave pouring over you again. You’ve started to recognize the effects of these experiences, but this one is different.

>It tingles at your core, reminding you of your holy bolt spell. Magic enhancement maybe?

>Don’t care now. Find more monsters. Kill more monsters.

>Shit, you’ll fit it in just fine around here at this rate.

 

>You stay still to calm yourself down, the edge slowly draining.

>Soothing silence, always there to-

>Two voices hit your ears, coming from down the hall.

>More monsters. Kill…

>You leave the bloody room behind as you follow their voices, the high pitch leading you to two fillies.

>They look remarkably uncorrupted, but you sense their taint stems beyond the flesh.

>That Applebloom was the same, corrupted though innocent in appearance. No more tricks.

 

>”The stairs are just over there, let’s get him while he’s there and be done with it.”

>”But heth told uss to thtay here.”

>Oh god the lisp, why the lisp?

>The annoying one seems to be an earth pony with twirly red hair and comically oversized glasses.

>The other is a unicorn, her mane in surprisingly good condition given the circumstances. She reminds you of Rarity.

>”Let’s just ask him if he’s seen the guy,” the unicorn says pointing to you.

>Anon, you’ve been spotted!

 

>The two gingerly walk up to you, a small horde of fillies at their flank.

>”Hiya mister. Me and Twist here were wondering if you could help us with something.”

>She… isn’t attacking? Is she stupid or something?”

>You don’t respond, instead eyeing them both curiously.

>”We’re looking for this guy. He’s really really big, wears armor, has a belt… What is he called again?”

>”A Hooman?”

>”Yeah that’s it, you wouldn’t… happen… to…” You can see the wheels in her head churning.

 

>You raise your cleaver to your shoulder, grinning maliciously.

>”Uh, mithter?”

>Not another word out of her mouth.

>Hoisting up the blade you bring it down upon ‘Twist,’ her head splitting open.

>The unicorn screams at her comrade’s death, the pitch deafening to the point you’re forced to cover your ears.

>Her eyes light up, blood rushing through her veins.

>Not this time motherfucker.

>You ready your axe, only for a skeleton to lunge forward and strike your arm.

 

“Asshole!” you yell, kicking him under the growing filly.

>You fire a bolt at the skeleton, it crumpling together as the imminent explosion gathers strength.

>The unicorn doesn’t seem to know the danger she’s in, and you’re inclined not to tell her.

>Instead you fall back, slaying any fillies that dare approach, which many do.

>You slay the last of them just in time to watch the fireworks.

 

>The skeleton detonates in a magnificent display of blue and red, fragments of his bones serve as shrapnel, tearing apart all those caught within its blast.

>Another layer of tarish fluid coats your armor along with pieces of torn flesh.

>”Help…” Damn, you almost forgot about her.

>You walk over to the unicorn, now an abomination. Half demon, half filly.

>Her underside is stripped of bone and skin, her entrails hanging out and dollops of her intestinal fluid stinking the already pungent atmosphere.

>”Help…” she utters again unable to move. She must be in a lot of pain, just like you were.

 

>You take advantage of the situation to let her suffer as you scavenge for other items.

>First, you take her cape which is in remarkably good condition. It’s crimson in color with a blue patch of a filly wearing a cape at the bottom.

>It’s a bit frayed on the edges and the patchwork could use some improvement, but its inert magical qualities make this a prime target.

>You give the unicorn filly a little kick, coating your boot with her innards.

>You chuckle at her groan of pain, savoring every second of it.

 

>Moving over to Twist, you find a couple more items, nothing of interest until you reach a sword.

>The items you’ve found so far pulsed with power, but this one… it’s a continuous stream of energy.

>It’s unique based on the other items you’ve found, but you don’t have the skill to use something like this yet.

>You finish your sweep early, looking back to the filly who’s still alive and kicking.

>How to waste more time? You ponder about it for a moment before the idea hits you.

>Fuck reading, but at least it’s time consuming. You pull out the book of healing you found and begin your lesson.

 

>Bored. Bored. Bored. Bored.

>You slam the book shut, its worn pages turning to ash.

“Alright, you’ve lived long enough let’s get this over with.”

>You look to the filly who’s nowhere to be found.

“Well fuck.”

>You hear a groan emanate from down the hall which you quickly pursue.

>She had nowhere near the strength to get away, how the fuck?

>You tighten your grip on the axe, blood lust rising.

 

>Her fallen fellows come to her aid along with a horde of parasprite younglings.  

>Lambs to the slaughter.

>You come to a dead end, the wounded filly dragging herself against the wall helplessly.

>”Help me…”

>You sneak up behind her, axe held high.

>You take up a stance s you prepare for the swing.

“Here’s Johny!” you scream bringing down the cleaver.

>You strike the wall, collapsing the section of stone brick, the filly nowhere to be found.

 

>How the fuck did she move that fast? She couldn’t have…

>A paw hits you in the face, followed by a soft kick to the groin.

>You back away slightly stunned, holding onto your genitals for dear life.

>You find the filly lying to your left and a certain white bunny in a boxing stance.

“You again?” you say bringing your axe up, “You just won’t quit huh?”

>You lunge forward, the bunny dodging the attack with ease.

>That son of a bitch, you’re going to bathe in his blood before days end.

 

>You follow the tiny creature, every attack missing by a mile while Angel peppers you with his own shots.

>They’re surprisingly strong from something so small, and why a rabbit would help a demon is beyond you.

>He lands another blow to the groin, catching a hint of his true self.

>His eyes… he’s not a simple rabbit anymore. He’s a rabbit from hell.

>Time to send him back where he belongs.

 

>You lower your axe, freeing one of your hands of its handle.

“Hit me with your best shot,” you beckon.

>Demons never refute a cheap shot, Angel leaping foot first.

>With your free hand you grab him by the neck, the furry creature squeaking helplessly at your grasp.

>You slam him against your cap, knocking the air out of his lungs and dropping him to the floor.

>He tries to drag himself away, but your blow did a number on his ribs. Do rabbits have ribs? So many questions…

 

>Welp, time to deal with the little nuisance.

>You grab your cleaver with both hands, resting the flat side of the blade against his rear.

>You spread your legs and lower yourself slightly, trying to get into a good stance.

>It’s been so long since you’ve tried to do this, but at least your target’s a wall and not some tiny hole.

>You look both ways for oncoming traffic, patting Angel’s side with your cleaver.

>You raise the cleaver backwards, pouring all your strength into the swing.

“FORE!”

 

>Your improvised club strikes Angel, sending him flying towards the nearby wall.

“Impact in three, two, one…”

>A mist appears where his body used to be, adding some color to this dreary place.

>You cheer ecstatically at the display, your hard work paid off in full.

>A loud ‘ding’ comes from the hall, a metallic band rolling towards you.

>You pick up the blood soaked ring, storing it in your pocket for later, the pulse assuring that.

>The filly is not nearly as proud of you, still whimpering painfully.

“You have to admit that was a little cool.”

 

>You pull out one of your spoils, some scroll dealing with teleportation.

>Town teleportation huh? Sounds neat, and you have just enough energy to try it out.

>You should probably locate the tomb first, and then try it out.

>You look up, a large plaque on it, “Filthy Rich’s Tomb”, etched into it.

>Well fucking fine. You follow the instructions, focusing your energy, choosing a location, etc etc…

>You open your eyes, a large purple portal looking thing in front of you.

“Now I’m thinking with portals.”

 

>She turns her head away, trembling violently.

>You look over her, eyeing your defeated opponent.

>The things you could do to her shivering body…

>Your eyes widen at what you just thought, smacking yourself with your fist.

>This isn’t you, not by a fucking mile. Just finish her off before you get any more twisted ideas.

>You strike against her neck, ending her painlessly.

>What the fuck have you become?

 

>You step into the gate letting the web of magic overtake you.

>You find yourself back in Ponyville with the gate to your back.

>You keep your weapon close, practically forcing it into your armor.

“Just finish the job Anon,” you mutter to yourself.

>Twilight sits at her well reading a book, likely one that she borrowed from Zecora.

>She turns to you smiling, “Anon you’re back! I thought you…”

>Her expression turns sour as you draw near.

“Something the matter?” you borderline growl, your actions not your own.

 

>Your tone attracts the rest of the ponies as they come to see what the ruckus is about.

>”You don’t look so good,” she says approaching you, “You should really rest.”

>You smack her hand away as she tries to lead you in the inn.

>She backs away from you, “You…”

>You toss her your things accompanied with the bits you promised.

“Just do it.”

>Bitch trying to lead you astray, you don’ have time for that.

>Fuck just listen to yourself, this isn’t you.”

 

“Twilight… I’m sorry. That was unacceptable of me…”

>You reach your hand out only for her to back away.

“I wasn’t myself, please…”

>She stays away, your grip ever tightening.

>”Drop the axe,” she commands.

>How does that even make sense?

“Why would I drop my weapon? That’s stupid.”

>”You can’t, can you?”

 

“Bullshit, I can do whatever I want. I just don’t want to.”

>That sounded a lot more convincing in your head.

>”Please Anon, just drop it.”

>You look to the other ponies who’ve gathered ‘round.

>”It’s a simple request.”

>It is… but you don’t…

>Do it faggot. Drop the damn thing.

>Your fingers loosen, the cleaver falling to the earth with a heavy thud.

 

>You exhale deeply, feeling as if a weight had been lifted from your shoulders.

“Better now?” you jokingly ask extending your hand again.

>Twilight takes your offer, “Much.”

>The ponies let out a sigh of relief before returning back to their duties.

“Twilight, I’m sorry. I was out of line.”

>She nods, looking over the items you scavenged for her.

“I don’t know what came over me.”

>She looks towards you, “That did.”

 

>She levitates Iron Will’s cleaver towards you.

>”This is no simple weapon; you’ve been wielding an instrument of evil.”

“I wouldn’t go that far. It’s a hunk of metal with some magic in it, just like the other items you’ve seen.”

>”No Anon. You overlooked its inner workings, feel it again, search for truth.”

>You place a hand upon the blade, the pulses throbbing generously.

>You wash away the obvious and dig deeper into its core, a cloud hanging over your mind.

>Evil stems from the center, a doorway through which it can spread to others.

 

>”Now you understand,” she says as you pull away.

“I was its next victim…”

>”You’re lucky you came to me when you did, a few more hours and you would’ve been lost to us.”

>You thank her, letting her continue her sweep.

>”Here, use these,” she says tossing you some of your equipment.

>You put on the ring you found without question, securing your new buckler of skill and sword.

>You hesitate when you reach the cape.

 

“I don’t think this will help me much.”

>”The armor itself is not as strong, but the qualities within them are what makes it special.”

>You follow her advice. She’s never led you astray before.

>You undo your armor, tying the cape on in its stead.

>”I wouldn’t have Rarity see you wearing that by the way.”

“Problem?”

>”Her little sister, Sweetie Belle, made that cape. She was wearing it when she wandered down the labyrinth.”

 

“Thanks for the heads up.”

>”Now, that sword of yours was a good find. It’s clean, gives a fire resistance buff and makes you stronger. Use it with the shield and Filthy Rich won’t be a problem.”

“You seem to have thought of everything.”

>She shrugs, “What else do I have to do around here?”

>She follows you back to the portal, marveling at its magnificence.

“Nice huh? Well don’t expect to look at it much longer, the scroll said it would close once I enter it again.”

>She was already busy jotting down notes by the time you finished.

“Until next time.”

 

>You back into the portal, waving one last time.

>You’re transported back underground, the tomb ahead of you.

“May your soul find peace,” you say to Sweetie Belle’s corpse before heading into Rich’s tomb.

>Skeletons pour in from the hallway as you step forth into their domain.

>You instinctively rain magic upon them, watching as they drop like flies.

>The few that manage to reach you quickly fall to your blade, crumbling at your feet.

>You dispatch the last of the attack party, Filthy Rich’s voice booming from down the hall.

>”The warmth of life has entered my tomb. Prepare yourself mortal, to serve my master for eternity.”

 

>His laughter shakes the very walls around you, though your spirit wavers not.

>The weathered bones crush beneath you as you charge through the hallway and into the next chamber.

>Arrows whiz past your head as your enemies lay into you.

>You dodge in and out their path, a few imbedding themselves in your shield.

>You aren’t sure how ponies are able to use bows with their hooves, but fuck it- Magic.

>You dive underneath another arrow, crushing a skeletal p0ny with your shield.

>The others are cornered into a fence wall where you end them soon enough.

 

>The room is littered with their crumpled bones after you’re through with them, the passage to Rich’s burial chamber blocked off.

>You pull at the iron bars before you. You’re unable to get through this way, but perhaps there’s a work around elsewhere.

>You head down one of the two side passages, making sure to destroy any p0nies along the way.

>After curb stomping the last p0ny in the room you find a dead end, just you, a coffin and a lever… oh…

>You fasten your hands around the handle, dried blood still encrusted on its length, and pull.

 

>The stone shifts to your left as it opens up another chamber. You step inside, leading to yet another dead end.

>You swipe the place for goodies before heading back to the main chamber only to find the entrance still blocked.

>The next room is identical to the first, more skeletons and the fucking lever.

>This place is so bland; at least the monsters spiced things up a bit.

>You pull back on the lever, the grinding of metal screeching from behind you.

>That seemed to do the trick.

 

>You cautiously head back into the hall, passing through the now-open gateway.

>Two torches sit at the sides of the room, Filthy’s coffin sitting in the center.

>A legion of skeletons lines the walls of the room, heads downcast.

>They don’t seem to acknowledge you even as you closely examine them.

>You come across some more of them, bound to the wall, flesh still hanging off their bones.

>Poor souls. You cut them down, putting some peace back into the world.

>A good soul in life can only hope for the same in death.

 

>You keep searching the chamber, but you don’t see any sign of Filthy Rich.

>He made his presence known well enough, and you doubt he’d be hiding.

>He never was one for sneaking about, but where the fuck is he?

>Did he disappear? Or was he never there to begin with?

>Your brain hurts at the implications. Is this all a figment of you imagination?

>Holy fuck are you even real?

“Pull yourself together!” you yell, slapping your face.

>You move towards Rich’s coffin, a slow rumbling stopping you dead in your tracks.

 

>The coffin’s stone lid bursts open, sending a layer of dust across the chamber floor.

>A hoof grasps the edge, Filthy Rich’s animated corpse climbing upwards out of his resting place.

>His bones crack and shift as they align themselves for his new form, his hollow eyes upon you as he wakes.

>He releases another malevolent laugh, rearing back as his army awakens.

>A black flame jets from his body, scorching his skeletal minions and breathing life into them.

>The grunts and clicks from them would have scared you before, but now you have a purpose, and no pile of bones is going to run you off from it.

 

>Filthy Rich’s hoof slams against the ground, the shockwave passing through you and into his minions.

“You’ll have to do better than that,” you boast, trying your damndest to intimidate him.

>He merely chuckles as his dark magic works its way into his army.

>You turn in time to dodge a skeleton flying straight towards you, its flailing body doing little to attack you.

>You look up to find several others levitating around the risen p0ny, each one slowly disassembled.

>Filthy Rich rears once more, the bones of his minions joining with his own as he absorbs their warrior spirit, spurring on a transformation of his own.

 

>He looks down at you, three times your size at this point, and laughs.

>”Foolish mortal, you should have fled when you have the chance.”

>His newly formed claws reach inside his resting place, retrieving a golden crown and sword.

>He places the crown upon his head, a flame igniting within his chest.

>”Behold, the Skeleton King rises anew!”

>You get into your stance, beckoning him with your shield.

“Viva la resistance.”

 

>The flood washes over you as you find yourself attacked from all sides.

>Sweep the legs. Block high. Shoulders in. Quick thrusts. Wax on, Wax off.

>You utilize every technique you’ve learned and only barely manage to keep up.

>You cleave three of them at once, but they don’t stay the fuck down.

>”You cannot win Anon. My master has made sure of that,” he says walking towards you on two legs, mimicking your own stance.

“Fine, try this one on for size,” you reply bashing another one’s head in.

>You extend your arm towards Filthy Rich, the tingling shooting through your arm. *fizzle*

 

“Fuck…”

>Filthy Rich lunges forward with his sword, crushing his allies under its blade.

>You keep away from him, his range far outdoing your own.

>He slashes towards you, sending pieces of bones flying at you.

>You roll backwards, his attack narrowly missing you.

>”You can run, but you cannot hide.”

>You cut down more of his approaching minions, only for them to come right back up.

“STAY DOWN!”

 

>The flame within his body pulses, another skeleton reforming itself and charging.

>That bastard…

>Looks like you’ll be taking the fight to him.

>He sweeps you with his gargantuan sword, you leaping over it easily.

>This guy really is slow.

>You sprint to his legs, smashing the edge of your buckler against his knee, running out behind him.

>He falls down, an agonizing cry rolling from his mouth.

>So the bastard still feels pain… Good, let’s have another.

 

>You sheathe your sword, the blade ineffective against his hardened skeleton, and run towards him.

>You leap onto his back, landing a devastating blow to his elongated spine.

>He pulls himself up with his sword, swinging you about frantically.

>You wrap your legs around his neck and grab onto his lower spine, pulling for all you’ve got.

“You know what they say, the bigger they are…” A sickening crack sends his skull flying backwards.

“The harder they fall.”

 

>You climb off of his remains, moving back over to his head.

“I’m sorry this happened to you.”

>”I’m not.”

“What the fu- AGH!”

>You grab your stomach, holding onto the mithril blade protruding from it.

>That… asshole…

>He twists the blade within you, savoring your torment.

>You crack open a potion, swallowing its content.

>Instant relief.

 

>You kick backwards, striking his thigh and causing his loss of balance.

>You hastily pull out the blade, your wound closing up as it leaves.

>”You cannot win. We are eternal.”

>You pick up his skull, tearing off his crown.

“We’ll see.”

>You slam his skull upon the floor, crushing it beneath your boot until all that’s left is dust.

>The flame within him burns out, his minions finally finding peace in death.

“Rest well Mr. Rich, I’ll find your daughter.”

 

>You plop the crown upon your head, not sensing any evil within it.

>The battle was not as climactic as Iron Will’s was, but you figure you’re just stronger now.

>You continue into the crypt, the last room containing a few more chests and a tome.

>You store what you can find, moving onto the tome, a book and scroll upon the pedestal.

>Portals 101: A Test Subject’s Guide. By Caroline.

>Interesting…

 

>You don’t have the power to cast it by itself, but the process is simple enough for you to understand.

>You use the scroll instead, its inert mana enough to complete the spell.

>The portal casts against the wall, outlining itself with an orange frame.

>You can see Ponyville through the portal, its desolate buildings fitting with its devastated terrain.

>It’s not much, but it’s the closest thing you have to a home now.

>And you will protect it with your life.

>You step through the portal, back to your friends…