Diablo Anon: Chapter 6 (Chamber of Bone)

>You emerge a ways out of town, sitting on the hill just beyond.

>Looks like a graveyard, tombstones dotting the landscape.

>You don’t recognize any names, but someone does and that’s what matters.

>You leave the mass of graves behind you and work over to town.

>You hurry on over to the inn.

>It was all too much to see Spike like that for her.

>She’ll be back up in few hours, but she’s been through so much already.

>You aren’t sure if she’ll recover fully.

>You enter the inn, Rainbow Dash meeting.

>”You’re back how- What did I tell you Anon!?”

 

“She’s fine. She just fainted, nothing permanent.”

>”You’d better hope.”

>With Rainbow’s help you set Rarity to bed.

>”Well?!”

“Well what?”

>”What happened down there? Details!”

“Can I come back for once without being bombarded by requests? I’m not a robot you know, I like doing other things.”

>She gives you the ‘really?’ look, “Like what?”

“Well for starters I…”

 

>You come up with a blank, losing your confident edge.

>”Thought so, so spill it.”

“Short version or long version?” you ask with a sigh.

>”Long version.”

>She’s going to be that p0ny, great.

>You recite your movements within the catacombs, starting and ending where you stand.

>She gags when you talk about the blood fountain.

>The mention of Spike really got her attention.

>”He grew then? Poor guy, even he couldn’t resist his own nature.”

 

“I don’t think it was of his own accord. He wasn’t in his right mind.”

>”How do you know?”

“Just a hunch. Spike wouldn’t try and kill his friend.”

>”She was a bit more than that…”

“They were a thing?”

>”Nothing like that, Spike just had a crush on her. A big one.”

“Evidence that he’s not himself. This whole town went to hell, and its residents have paid the price.”

>”Not all of us.”

“Thank the heavens for that.”

 

>You both leave Rarity to rest, swiping a mug of ale on your way to Applejack’s.

>”Going to get some use out of that rock?”

“Don’t see much else to do with it, maybe use it as a doorstop.”

>”A magical doorstop.”

“Precisely.”

>You both share a laugh as you enter the smithy.

”You in this volcano Applejack?!”

>”In the back, come on in!”

>You and Rainbow accept the invitation.

 

>”How the hay does she breath in here?”

“I’d like to know the same thing.”

>Applejack puts down her hammer, removing her goggles, “Ya get used to it. Now, what can I do for ya?”

“Well first off,” you say reaching into your pack, “You can tell me what to do with this piece of junk.”

>You pull out the pulsing stone, placing it on the counter.

>Applejack dons a large smile at its sight, examining the stone with precision.

>”This ain’t some junk. This comes from a higher place, powers unimaginable.”

“Well I imagine it was hurting my back something fierce. Can you make use of it?”

 

>”Can I? Shucks Anon, don’t go doubting me now. I’ll have something for ya by tomorrow.”

>”That leaves you with some free time now doesn’t it?”

“Rainbow no. I told you a long time ago that it was a one time thing.”

>”Uhhh, much as I enjoy your company this is kinda creeping me out.”

>You take the hint and leave the shop, Rainbow on your coattails.

>”But it was so fun last time, you know you want to.”

“Fun for who? I ended up in a cast for a week, remember that?”

>”I’ll stay still this time, promise.”

“Ever heard the story of the frog and the scorpion?”

>She pouts, understanding the reference.

 

>”Something I’m missing?”

“Rainbow’s a bit upset that I’m not willing to end up back in the hospital.”

>”I said I won’t hurt you again!”

>Twilight goes wide-eyed.

“It’s not like that, come on!”

>”Then… what is it?”

>”Anon’s afraid of giving me a massage again-“

“Because you broke my arm you spastic bitch.”

>”It was an accident.”

“Like hell.”

 

>Twilight giggles at your banter, “You know you guys make a good couple.”

>Both of you take turn to stare at her.

>”Fine, forget I said anything.”

“Good. Now how about that identification.”

>She nods and does a quick run through of your items, all of which being just as useless as you thought they’d be.

>Nothing seems to outclass your current toolset, but you have one last item you want to work on.

“I think that’ll do it.”

>”You sure?”

>She eyes you, a serious look in her eye.

 

“Yes.”

>She knows.

>You don’t know how, but she can tell what it is you have in your bag.

>You quickly grow uncomfortable with her stare, getting out of there as quickly as you can.

>You shut the inn door behind you, “What was that all about?”

“I don’t know. She’s… how well do you know Twilight?”

>She crooks her head, “I’ve known her for a long time. Why?”

“How much do you trust her?”

>”With my life. You’re avoiding my question however.”

 

“Another hunch. I have an uneasy feeling about her.”

>”Twilight was always a bit different, but she’s not harmful in the slightest.”

“Perhaps.” It feels like she wants what you have.

>Why a p0ny would want Valor is beyond you.

“If you’ll excuse me, I think I want to take a nap.”

>”No problem Anon. See you later then.”

>You leave just as Rarity comes bumbling into the room.

“Nice to see you again sleepy head.”

>She’s still a bit groggy, only mustering a small grin which is enough for you.

 

>You move over to the window, looking over the little square.

>Twilight stands there, watching you like a hawk.

>Yeah, you’re just gonna close these now.

>You shut the curtains and sit down on your bed, pulling out notebook and quill from the drawer.

>You recount your journey until now, recording the data within. It’d be best to have something left if you…

>You don’t want to think about, but that won’t stop the inevitable.

>Putting the final touches on the record you stow it on your dresser.

>Now there’s something else you want to see.

 

>You pull out Valor, feeling it practically ooze with magic.

>The steel shimmers as the light strikes it, creating a dazzling display of rays.

>You run your hand across the leather cuirass.

>It’s strong. No shit dumbass of course it is. Fuck you brain.

>You lay it on your bed to get a better look at it.

>You step back, marveling over this piece of work.

>It looks like it could fit you perfectly.

>It looks like it could fit a human perfectly…

 

>That’s… that’s impossible. There’s now way…

>It’s not a trick; it can’t be because here it is.

>You can’t wrap your head around this new information and what it entails.

>You were told that you were one a kind here, like nothing they’d ever seen.

>And now you have evidence pointing to the contrary.

>Did they lie to you? What point would that serve?

>Your mind is so full of fuck right now.

>”I’d hoped to make this easier on you…”

 

>You swivel around and glare at Twilight.

“How long did you know?”

>”A long time, before you ever arrived here.”

“W-why then? Please tell me.”

>She walks into your room and shuts the door behind her.

>”It was not my place to tell you.”

“Not your place?” Your mood grows sour, anger rising, “Then whose fucking place is it?”

>”I don’t have the answers you seek.”

>You slam your fist on the table, warping the wood underneath your assault.

“Bullshit!”

 

>”I think you’ve been spending a bit too much time in that Labyrinth, you aren’t ready for Valor…”

>She moves over to the armor, you interceding.

“You expect me to just lie down when I discover I’d been lied to ever since I got here? Hell no.”

>”It was for the greater good.”

“How many more are there then? How many other people did you lead astray? I want answers.”

>”Move out of the way Anon. I will use force if I have to.”

>You rest your hand on your sword.

“Try me…”

 

>You both stand there at each other’s ends; a single move could end either of you.

>She has magic, while you have steel. Will vs. Strength.

“Your move.”

>She sighs, relaxing her body, “Fine, you win.”

>That was too close. Unicorns can do serious damage if allowed, and Twilight is no exception.

“Spill it.”

>”If we’re going to talk may we sit down?”

>You find the terms agreeable and you follow Twilight downstairs.

>You sit at the bar, Rainbow Dash and Rarity nowhere to be seen.

 

>”They’re fine, if that’s what’s bothering you.”

“Good, now what of my people?”

>”You- were not the first of your kind to come here. Though there have only been two thus far.”

”Me and whoever owned Valor?”

>”Indeed. His name was Arkaine, though he is depicted as an Equestrian, few know his true origin.”

“What came of him?”

>”He died, sacrificing himself for those of this land. He was a hero.”

“Poor bastard. So, did you lie to him as you did to me?”

 

>”You must understand, this was centuries before I was born and my knowledge of the events only goes so far.”

“Then tell me what you know.”

>”We did not, he was a new discovery in his time and was treated with the highest regard.”

“So what? I’m just a shitty backup?”

>”You are important as well, that’s why we didn’t want you chasing legends. Do you understand?”

>You stand up and back away from the bar.

“Yeah, you lied to me to further your own agenda without caring how it affected me. Crystal fucking clear.”

 

>”Anon, please look at things from our perspective…”

“You know, I thought this place was going to be different, where people actually cared for one another.” You shake your head, “I was a fool.”

>You walk up the stairs back to your room.

>”We don’t have time-“

“And you know what’s worse? I had finally come up with that answer to your question: Why do I care so much?”

>You peer down from the balcony.

“It’s because this place was the closest thing I had to a home.”

>You smile and shake your head.

“Wishful thinking.”

 

>You storm back into your room, throwing on Valor and strapping in.

>Its pulses seep into you as it binds tight against your flesh.

>The last man who bore this armor left it for those who followed, and that person just happens to be you.

>You won’t let his sacrifice be in vain.

>You stow your gold in your drawer, all it doing is weighing you down.

>Grabbing your sword and shield, you walk out the door and down the stairs.

>Twilight averts her gaze from yours.

>She doesn’t have the stomach to look at you.

>Good, she deserves the guilt.

 

>You barge out the door, the rest of the ponies outside by the well.

>They look at you, and you look right back at them.

>Did they know as well? You’ll cut them where they-

>No. They’re just bystanders, Twilight is the liar here.

>You turn and walk out of town, sitting on the edge.

>Two options lie before you.

>You can walk away, flee like those before you.

>Or you can stay and finish what you started.

>You sit down on a rock, peering down at Ponyville.

 

>It’s been three years since you first gazed upon it this way.

>You went in beaten and broken by the elements, coming out a new man.

>And people said lightning never strikes the same place twice.

>Regardless of the lies, Equestria has been your home for years, and you owe that to Ponyville.

>Twilight may have her reasons to deceive you, but that doesn’t excuse her actions.

>Even still, you came back feigning the search for work.

>When in reality you came back in search of your home.

>And you won’t let your home fall to ruin.

 

>You stand tall walking back to the cemetery.

>You pay your respects to the fallen.

>This was once their home, and now it is yours.

>You will succeed where they failed.

>Unlock the gate, shutting it behind you.

>Unsheathe your blade, step down into darkness.

>You enter the catacombs once more.

 

>You scour the halls once more and follow your nose, finding the stairwell down.

>You look around the level, instantly recognizing the aura of a nearby shrine.

>You kick open the door, a dozen parasprites charging you.

>You go in blade first, twirling around striking with both sword and shield.

>They’re no match for you in your normal state, let alone when you’re in peak condition.

>A parasprite is ground to dust beneath your shoe as you slam another down with your shield.

>The few that get past your defenses fall upon your armor, unable to break its form.

>They don’t last very long after that.

>You finish off the few stragglers and walk to the shrine.

 

“Riches abound when least expected.”

>You know what that means.

>You touch the shrine, tossing your bag open in the air.

“I make it rain!”

>Gold showers down upon you, though it’s a fleeting happiness.

>Now you have to pick it up.

>Damn foresight.

 

>You finish picking up your bits and move onwards.

>Kicking open the door to another room yields little of value.

>You move to the room’s center, the door slamming shut behind you.

>You sprint back, pulling on it to no avail.

>Heavy breathing pulls your attention to the far side of the room, coated in darkness.

>”Baa Ram Ewe. Baa Ram Ewe.”

>A goat steps out of the darkness, carrying a club.

>That’s it? Here you were-

>Two dozen more appear, clutching their own bows and clubs.

“Fuck me.”

 

>They speak in unison, goosebumps forming on your skin.

>”To your breed, your fleece, your clan be true. Sheep be true. Baa Ram Ewe.”

“That- You aren’t even sheep!”

>An arrow whizzes past your head, one of the goat’s attacking.

“How do you even fire bows with hooves? Seriously!”

>Another hits your shield, their aim shitty as to be expected.

>Some things are better left unknown it seems.

>You charge forwards, arrows striking your worn buckler.

>A portion of goats move in to meet you.

 

>You swing upwards, cutting open the first goat’s gullet before slashing at his fellows.

>A club comes down on your sword arm, forcing your attack to miss; you strike with your shield’s edge in retaliation, breaking his neck.

>You sweep one of your assailant’s legs, thrusting into his chest with your sword.

>An arrow strikes home, piercing the soft portion of armor along your side.

>You break the arrow, throwing a nearby club at the bastard.

>You kick the last goat away from you, knocking down a row of archers like bowling pins.

>You sprint towards the cowardly goats, ending their lives.

“Lambs to the slaughter.”

 

>You finish up with your with cattle harvest, stowing your sword back in it’s sheathe.

>They had you on the ropes at the start, but when you started picking them off they lost their edge.

>You pick up a torch and move forwards.

>You find a shrine within the dark recesses of the chamber.

>It consists of a semi-large pool with two curved spikes rising from either side.

>It smells like piss and rot, and you’re pretty sure you see a goat terd floating within the pool.

>Beyond the appalling exterior you can feel a strong presence within, much like the other shrines you’ve seen.

>You rest your hand atop the clean portion of the shrine, a surge of energy rushing into you.

 

>Images flash before your eyes. Empty corridors and stairs. Torches that burn through the dark.

>The stairway back home, the stairway down as well.

>You see the room you’re in, along with the shrine.

>The level’s layout is ingrained in your head, every nook and cranny explored with your mind.

>You reach the last section, a block preventing you from moving forward.

>You stare at the door of bone for a few minutes, the vision pulling back into your mind.

>You breathe heavily, the event shocking as well as invigorating.

“Whoa…”

 

>The water drains from the pool leaving a message on the bottom.

“The way is made clear when viewed from above.”

>Well that’s enlightening. These little phrases are kind of neat you guess.

>You extend the torch to your right, revealing a doorway cleverly concealed in the stone.

>You wouldn’t have known about it without that little boost.

>You put your weight against the door, slowly but surely opening the passage.

>A puff of dust escapes as you finish pushing out the door.

>You walk inside another book laying in wait for you.

>Opening the crusty pages you read from it…

 

“Beyond the hall of heroes lies the Chamber of Bone. Eternal death awaits any who would seek to steal the treasures secured within this room. So speaks the Lord of Chaos , and so it is written.”

>Eternal death? As opposed to what, temporary death? Who writes these things?

>You do make the connection between the Chamber of Bone and the door you saw earlier.

>If there’s any truth to this, which there has been, then there is in fact treasure inside.

>It could be weapons, armor, gold, anything. You’ll be sure to pay it a visit.

>You leave the book where it is and keep moving.

 

>You encounter more of the goats, each accompanied by a good dozen of its brethren.

>They’re a nuisance more than anything, but you manage to funnel them through a door way, killing them one at a time.

>The tactic goes a long way with helping you deal with the catacomb’s residents.

>You clear each chamber, ignoring the passage down as you’re not done with this level yet.

>There’s a certain chamber you need to explore first.

>You follow the path to the chamber of bone, another small group of goats blocking your path.

>This one’s led by a larger goat, his muscles bulge outwards much like a body builder’s, a tie around his neck.

 

>You recognize him as one of Iron Will’s body guards.

>They were basically just there for show, but now it looks like he could deal some serious damage.

>He looks to you opening his mouth to speak.

>You swear to god if he does it…

>”Baaaahhhhh.”

>Thank god for that.

>You charge forward, knocking the closest goat on its ass.

>You crush the goats windpipe with your boot, knocking away an approaching goat.

 

>The lead goat stands on his rear hooves, his front hooves splitting into three elongated claws.

>That’s not scary at all.

>You toss another goat out of the way, blocking just in time to deflect a flurry of claws.

>You pierce the flesh of his arm causing him to recoil backwards.

>Two more goats take his place that you quickly send to their graves.

>Before you know it he’s back on you again, tearing at you frantically.

>You push forwards into him, pressing your back into him and holding onto his forearm and elbow.

>You push the two in opposite directions, his bones snapping apart.

>He cries out in pain, giving pause to the others that gather.

 

>You elbow him in the kidney, the lumbering beast falling backwards onto his knee.

>You brush the sweat off your brow, smiling and looking back to the rest of them.

“If you don’t want to die, leave now.”

>One charges you in defiance, the others watching on.

“Tsk tsk tsk.”

>You raise your sword at the last second, the goat impaling himself on the blade.

>You kick him off, his blood dripping off your sword.

“Last chance.”

>They don’t hesitate this time, sprinting off like the cowards they are.

 

>You place your foot on the goat’s chest, pressing down as you kneel.

>You look at his nametag, Charles IV.

“Charles huh? Good enough name.”

>You press your sword down on his heart, penetrating his skin.

“I’ll give you an option, fast or slow. Nod for yes.”

>He complies, unable to put up a sound resistance.

>You close your eyes, driving the sword into his heart with one painless thrust.

“Fast it is.”

>The life from his body dissipates. You stand and move towards the door, hanging wide open.

 

>It was closed in your vision. So it seems you weren’t the only one venturing down here at this time.

>The only other person you saw down here…

>Well then… it seems you get to go another round with that purple lizard after all.

>The door grinds as you push it open further, the bones scrapping against the floor.

>You enter the darkened chamber, a neon green glow shining from beneath the nearby pillars.

>You proceed down the hall, prepared for the horrors that await you.

>The sharp echoes of hooves catch your attention, a door lying at the other end of the room.

>You explore the current room fully before advancing further.

 

>The room extends further on either side, the door to the next room jutting outward.

>You move to the left side first, a lever positioned at the end.

>They make this shit really inconvenient don’t they?

>You walk towards it getting a better glimpse of it.

>It’s not a lever like any you’ve seen, as this one is made from the bones of the dead.

>The lever itself is replaced by a large spine, a p0ny’s skull resting atop it.

>You wrap your hands around the base finding it to be surprisingly sturdy, and pull towards you.

>The grinding of stone echoes from behind you, an entrance opening.

 

>You peek around the corner to find a new section has opened up.

>You charge shield first at the door, pounding on its hidden inhabitant.

>The mare falls backwards, clenching her nose as blood oozes out.

>Always trust your instincts.

>You spot a couple skeletons inside who keep their distance, but facing you.

>You thrust forward, stabbing one of the concealed unicorns in the leg.

>Stepping back, you funnel them through the door, taking your time.

>No sense in rushing things.

 

>The last skeleton falls before you as little more than a pile of bones.

>You kick them out of the way and step inside, opening the chest within.

>You find a substantial amount of magical items within and you place them in your bag.

>Exiting the room you take a right, a second lever at the end of the hall.

>You sigh; this at least keeps you in shape.

>You pull the lever and move to the newest section, pressing your back up against the wall.

>You hear something sniffing, trying to locate you.

>It extends its head out the door, meeting your blade.

>It was death at first sight.

 

>You pull the body out and move in, slaying all who wait.

>There aren’t as many as there were in the last room, but enough to put up a fight.

>Not much of one obviously, you’re not some newbie anymore.

>Looking back, the creatures you originally faced weren’t that strong.

>If you could go back, you’d breeze through them like they were nothing.

>Whatever, you can’t go back, no matter how entertaining it would be.

>You plunder the room of its goodies and move to the doorway.

“Let’s see what’s-“

>You open the door, greeted by a sea of skeletal ponies.

“in… store…”

 

>You shut the door.

>Well then… I’ll just be going now.

>You take a step to the exit, stopping in your tracks.

>No. Bullshit. You’re not going to run because this shit is inconvenient.

>Those skeletons in there? They’re doo doo faces. That’s right, and you’re not going to run away from them are you?

>Hell no you’re not. You walk and kick open the door and put on your war face.

“Aaaah!”

 

>They look at you dumbfounded.

>Bullshit, you didn’t convince them. Time to show them your real war face.

“AAAAAAAAAHHH!”

>They just stare at you, a couple looking over at each other.

>You didn’t scare them. Need to work on that.

>You raise your hand to them, that familiar tingle returning.

“Fine then. Say hello to my little friend.”

>You fire your holy bolt into the crowd causing the unfortunate soul to quiver before you fire three more.

>You slam the door as they leap towards you, crashing on the skeletal frame.

 

>You hold tight at the handle and imagine the scene inside, counting down in your head.

>They begin to crumble, 9 8.

>Their strength is drained, 7 6.

>They reach out to their brethren, 5 4.

>The aura reaches its limit, 3 2.

>It implodes, 1- *crack*

“And boom goes the dynamite.”

>The other three sound off, doing untold collateral damage to the inhabitants.

>You open the door and enter shield first.

 

>Bones lay scattered throughout as you enter, skeletons missing their limbs.

>They aren’t much of a threat anymore now that you disfigured their ranks so.

>You break your way through them and to the other side of the room, bursting through the door.

>You shut the door, the room extending outwards to an altar.

>You spot a few of the muscled unicorns patrolling the halls.

>As if recognizing your scent one of them stares down at you, stomping his hooves on the ground.

>He roars into the air and charges with incredible speed, unlike anything you’ve seen before.

 

>You block with your shield, hitting him at an angle that doesn’t leave you impaled by his daunting horn.

>He crashes atop you, pounding down with his hooves.

>He hits nothing but steel before you thrust your blade into his sternum.

>His body collapses atop yours, forcing you to dig yourself out from under him.

>You get back to your feet as two more approach you cautiously.

>They lower their heads, displaying their horns in a manner of intimidation.

>You get into stance, not moved by their act.

 

>They puff their noses in irritation, the first one spearing themselves at you.

>You bring your shield down atop their horn, breaking it in two, a sludge pouring from the opening.

>It whinnies painfully before you drive the thrust down its throat, your hand reaching the beast’s teeth.

>You pull out and strike at the second one who moved in to flank you.

>You score him across the face before kicking him to his side.

>You finish him off with a slash to the stomach, leaving his intestines to spill out across the floor.

>He doesn’t have long, and you want to be rid of this disgusting place as soon as possible.

 

>You move towards the back, another book resting atop the altar.

>You place your hand on the book- *BRAAAAGH*

>A wave of green flame strikes your right side setting your body ablaze.

>You scream in pain as you feel your flesh cooking by its intensity.

>You leap behind a pillar and do what you’ve been taught since childhood, scream and swat spastically at the flames.

>Your sword’s dormant powers come to life, sending a chilling aura around yourself, extinguishing the flames in a matter of seconds.

>You check on your person, finding your side scorched but relatively undamaged.

 

>Beneath your armor is a different story as you can feel your bubbling flesh grind and pop against it.

>You draw your health potion, panting like a dog, and gulp it down.

>Your flesh tingles as it slowly restores itself to health.

>Your relief is short lasted as you hear scrapping on the column above you.

>The dragon inhales deeply, another jet of flame bursting forth from his maw.

>You roll out of the way as the flames envelope the column granting its luminescent glow to the chamber.

>He’s certainly tenacious, you’ll give him that.

>You sneak around between pillars, Spike nowhere to be seen.

 

>Shadows dart in the shadows, coming to a rest at the altar.

>That book… it must be the treasure you read about.

>If Spike is guarding it, then it must be of some importance.

>You move around, edging towards the back of the room.

>The smell of sulfur lies heavy on the air, almost choking you with its potency.

>Your eyes water, slightly blurring your vision. You’ll be fighting on Spike’s terms it would seem.

>Wouldn’t be fair for a straight up fight.

 

>You squint trying to focus your eyes while moving outwards.

>More shadows catch your eye as you struggle to follow them, their speed to quick and your eyes too hazy.

>You turn again to follow another, getting a face full of Spike tail.

>You stumble backwards, looking back to find the room just as empty as before.

>Damn him. You can barely see, let alone fight back.

>You look around, his tail smacking you about once more.

>”What’s the matter? Can’t deal with Spikey-wikey?”

>That coward… Won’t even fight you head on.

 

>He cackles as his shadow flies around the room, making your head spin.

>Come on Anon. Don’t rely on your eyes. Use your senses. Focus.

>You close your eyes, listening to the room’s silence.

>There you stand, the grinding of stone echoing from behind you.

>You twirl around and slash at him, hitting nothing but air.

>You feel a gust of wind hit your back as Spike lands behind you, his panting proving how close you were.

>You backhand him with your shield sending him onto his belly.

>He twists his head to meet you, spewing another bout of flame.

 

>You block, Spike taking this time to flee.

“You can run, but you’ll have to face me some time.”

>”In due time.”

>You raise your shield in time to block his next swipe, each taking turns to attack the other.

>He belches more of his green flame, your sword dispersing most of the flames.

>You thrust forward, missing as Spike leaps into the air.

>”You’re getting sloppy, need a break?”

>His laughter is pissing you off, but he’s right. You’re getting tired.

 

>If you could see and breathe, you’d be on equal footing, but with how things are you won’t last long.

>Retreating only delays the inevitable. He will wait for you for days if not weeks.

>You need to fight him now while you can, then you can get the-

>He isn’t even guarding the book right now.

>He’s just watching you, waiting for the perfect time to strike.

>You smile, an idea popping into your head.

>Brain, turns out you aren’t just for show after all.

 

>You slump down to a knee, the sulfuric air taking its toll on your lungs.

>You can barely breathe as you cough violently, the brief gasps for air only lasting so long.

>You clutch at your chest, struggling to stand up, the whisk of air sounding from above.

>You smile, thrusting upwards with your shield.

>Spike meets it face first and is sent backwards on his ass.

>He scampers to his feet and flees, you taking the opportunity to enact stage 2.

>You sprint to the altar and pull open the book, its body stuck tight to the podium.

>A little kink in the plan, with terrible possibilities.

 

>The words are archaic and undecipherable, though you recognize a few characters.

>It seems to be a spell of some sort, though activated with both voice and will.

>There’s a diagram next to it, depicting a man standing atop a dragon.

>Spike hisses at your transgression, leaping back towards you.

>You don’t have much time, swinging back towards him and testing it out.

“Joor-Zah-Frul!”

>Your voice echoes out, hitting Spike like a brick wall.

>He crashes into the ground, his body shaking as he attempts to stand.

>His efforts are in vain as he’s incapable of mustering enough strength to stand.

 

>It worked. It fucking worked!

>You cheer silently as you turn back to the book, flipping through its contents.

>Spells litter the pages. Even though you can’t read them, you’re sure that given enough time you could use any of these.

>You look at the closest one, going over the incantation in your mind.

>You’re about halfway through the spell when a claw digs into your calf.

>You fall to your knees and look down to Spike.

>He inhales deeply, seeing to end you with one last breath.

 

>You put your shield before you as fire spits around it.

>You slam it against his head, forcing him to roll backwards.

>A swig of potion puts you back in place as you look back to the book.

>Ashes are all that await you.

“No. No no no.”

>You brush your hand through the remains, the ash lifting into the air.

“Do you have any idea what you’ve done!?”

>You yell at Spike, picking up your sword.

>”What had to be done.”

 

>You walk towards him, rage seething from you.

“So much knowledge, all lost because of you!”

>He crawls away still weakened from your spell.

>You grip his neck, choking him as you place the sword to his throat.

“Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t bleed you dry!”

>He struggles to breath, clutching at your arm.

“I could have- I could’ve…”

>You loosen your grip, staring at your hand.

>Twilight was right, you weren’t ready for this kind of power.

>No mortal should wield such strength.

 

>Spike’s vengeance helped you understand this.

>Even still, his corruption sinks ever deeper.

>The spell you were reading could change that. ‘Could’ being the accurate word.

>You draw upon your will as you recall the enchantment, whispering the words in your head.

“Kaan-drem-ov.”

>Your words seep into his head, his eyes shrinking to dots.

>He flails about, spasming out of control.

>You lock onto his arms and legs, pinning him down.

 

“Let it go Spike. Let it out.”

>He screams, whether in anger or pin you can’t be sure.

>His claws imbed into your arms drawing blood.

>You hold on tight through the pain.

>A bulge forms in his throat rising to the top.

>He finally overcomes you, landing on his hands and knees, puking up the vile substance.

>He stays there for several minutes, heaving and gasping.

 

>His heart rate slowly comes back down as does his breathing.

>You work your way over to him and place a hand on his shoulder.

>You can’t sense his corruption any longer.

>He turns to you, his expression neither of anger nor happiness.

>”Thank you.”

>He sprints out of the room in a flash before you can respond.

>You stand up and follow his path until you reach the main floor.

>His trail leads deeper into the labyrinth, likely to deal with some unfinished business.

 

>You recall the level’s layout and find the stairs back up.

>Continuing on you hit the surface, night having fallen in your travel.

>You didn’t find the treasure you were hoping for, but your expedition wasn’t a total loss.

>Where you lost the chance for incredible power, you gained the opportunity for a friend.

>If you had the same chance before you came to Equestria you would have picked the former.

>But if there’s one thing you’ve learned in your time here…

>It’s that friendship is magic.