Emissary Anon: Chapter 8 (The Exit)

>She places a hoof on your ankle to prevent your escape, grinding your bones against the ground.

>”I asked you a question.”

>The pain is unbearable as you writhe on the floor.

“Fu-fuck you!”

>”That isn’t a way to treat your Queen now is it?” She says putting more pressure on you.

>You turn away, a force holding you still.

>”Look at me when I speak to you.”

 

>Her eyes issue dominance, but the bags under them show her weakness.

>She’s definitely seen better days. This is likely the utmost she can do in her current state.

>She giggles again as you squirm beneath her, the nostalgic feeling of power filling her again.

>”What do we have here?”

>She picks up the blood stone, inspecting its form.

>”A blood stone huh? I’d heard of their existence, but never thought to see one myself.”

 

>She drops it nonchalantly, more concerned with you than simple relics.

>”It’s not very nice coming into a person’s home and wrecking the place.”

“You didn’t seem to have a problem with it.”

>”Touché Anon.”

>She grins wickedly, “Do you not wonder why I let you live?”

“I’m *cough* more useful to you alive. Isn’t that right?”

>”Oh you are a clever one.”

 

“Cut the crap. Do what you’re going to do and leave me be.”

>”Good things come to those who wait, and I’ve been waiting quite a while.”

>She lifts her hoof and steps back giving you some breathing room.

>”We’ll meet again Anon, and next time won’t be quite so joyful.”

>She turns her back to you, turning her head sideways.

>”Both for you and Twilight.”

>Anger boils within you, her pompous attitude beyond irritant.

 

>You lunge at her, finding nothing but emptiness.

>”Do not think you can defeat me Anon. It will save you much time.”

>The voice circles you, coming from all directions at once.

“When I find you…”

>”We’ll see Anon. Until next time.”

>Silence falls upon you once more.

>The room empty for all but you.

 

>You get up; the pain in your ankle has doubled.

>You hop to the exit and make your way through.

>This place has an unnatural heat about it, making the air humid and moist.

>The plants grow wild, cracking through the stone.

>You must have fell into their actual home.

>This is a breeding ground for their kind.

 

>The changelings however are nowhere to be found, likely caught up with the battle above.

>You need to get back there and out of this forsaken hole.

>You find what looks like a staircase and climb them.

>You’re greeted at the top with a changeling’s toothy grin.

>He encloses his hoof around you tightly and tosses you into the next room.

>He follows you shortly, laughing a familiar tune.

 

>He wrestles on top of you, biting and clawing at your vulnerable form.

>You get a few good punches in, and it looks like you’re going to win.

>He swiftly turns ninety degrees and bites into your ankle, which is more than enough to turn you into a submissive bitch.

>Unfortunately, it was a bit too much for you, instead sending you into a frenzy.

>You pull his head back with one hand and fasten your hands around his teeth with your other.

>You rip them out of his mouth, stabbing out his eyes.

 

>You pull him underneath you and pound away with your fists.

>Streams of blood jet from his mouth with each strike.

>One after another you pummel him relentlessly.

>A pair of hooves tries to pull you off, but you’re too caught up to care.

>He doesn’t have the strength to lift his own head anymore so you lift it for him.

>You pull him and strike him back down, repeating the process with precision.

>No mercy…

 

>”Anon!”

>The voice is merely a whisper to you as you focus on the changeling.

>You shrug off the hooves, keeping up your beating.

>”Snap outa it!”

>The voice is a bit louder now and your pace seems to have slowed.

>Your punches and jabs grow weaker as your arms succumb to exhaustion.

>”ANON!”

>Oh god the noise!

 

>You lean back on your knees and look up the orange pony staring right back at you.

“H-Hi Applejack. Nice to s-see you.”

>You slump backwards, Applejack catching you.

>”Whoa there sugarcube, just relax.”

>You let yourself go, straightening back up at a thought.

“How do I know you’re really Applejack?”

>She rolls her eyes and helps you up.

 

>”Ya don’t. You’re gonna have ta trust me.”

>Sounds like something Applejack would say.

>”Looks like you got a little carried away there.”

“He forced me down a tube, almost made me drown, and bite me. I think he deserved it.”

>”Fair enough.”

>You lean on her as you keep moving.

“How’d you get here anyways? Is the battle over?”

 

>”Not yet. Twilight rounded us up after she couldn’t find you. We found the entrance and split up to search for ya.”

“That’s a terrible idea, it leaves you guys open for attack.”

>”Have some faith there sugarcube, we can handle ourselves just fine.”

“How were you able to make it through the dark alone?” you ask questionably.

>“These here eyes don’t only work in the day. Apple bucking is a full-time job.”

>You keep moving through the damp corridors trying to regroup with the others.

 

>A ceaseless voice sounds off down the tunnel, instantly identifying two things.

>One they aren’t a changeling.

>And two, you hate how much Pinkie’s voice cheers you up.

>You turn to greet her, but are actually met by two ponies.

>Pinkie Pie and Applejack.

>You turn to Applejack who looks beyond pissed.

>Applejack charges Applejack, oh boy this is confusing, and bucks her as hard as she can.

 

>You hop over to the two combatants, the real Applejack whipping the impostor up.

>With a final buck the impostor is forced out of its disguise, cast down on the floor.

>”Ain’t nothing gonna copy me.”

>”Oh boi! I didn’t even know you weren’t you, until you were like SUPER angry.”

>Oh god make it stop.

>Applejack reads your mind, managing to silence her before you shut her up… permanently.

>Oh you know you’d never do that. She’d kill you first.

 

>”Eeep!”

>You recognize that adorable cry, Fluttershy!

>Applejack and Pinkie Pie rush to your side as your sword.

>They keep you steady as Fluttershy sprints past you, taking cover behind you.

>Three changelings come right at you as you ready your sword.

>You swing with what little strength you can, striking the first one in the torso.

>The second lunges straight at you, but instead is met with a pointblank party cannon.

>The last one calculates his odds for survival and flees down the corridor, a small light coming from down the hallway.

 

>”And where in Equestria do you think you’re going?”

>The light surrounds the changeling as he tries in vain to escape.

>Rarity waltzes down the hall with the changeling in tow.

>”You scruff up my hair, chase Fluttershy away and think you can get away with it?”

>She slams him against the wall, knocking him out instantly.

>She notices your band of ponies and smiles happily.

>”Nice to see you all safe and sound. It’s absolutely dreadful down here.”

>God damn you hate her so much…

 

>”What happened to you?” she says examining your ankle.

“I fell down some stairs.”

>”You really must be more careful, let me help you.”

>Not in this life time.

“That’s okay, I can manage for now.”

>”Don’t be silly I’ll just-“

>”I think he wants to be left alone Rarity,” Applejack clarifies.

>She pouts after she gets the message. Nothing personal…

 

>”We should look for Twilight, she’ll want to know we found ya safe and sound.”

>”I agree, the sooner we get out of these caves the better.”

“Well then, care to help me out?”

>They bolster you up to keep your leg off the ground as you walk further along.

>”You sure are heavy Anon.”

“Maybe you’re just weak.”

>Applejack didn’t take too kindly to that, doubling her efforts.

 

>”…next time I tell you to split up, take me more seriously.”

>”Oh, I’m sorry Twilight, we just thought it’d be best to stick together. I mean, if that’s okay with you.”

>You hear Twilight’s and Fluttershy’s voices at the opposite side of the room, coming closer.

>”I got your back Fluttershy, nothing’ll get you on my watch.”

>”Pinkie and I will be sure to protect you darling.”

>That’s a lot of people, and the confrontation could get a bit awkward.

 

>You stay with the others as Twilight’s group turns the corner.

>They stop and stare at you all, dumbfounded by your appearance.

“Nice to see you Twilight.”

>She moves to hug you, but holds back when she sees everyone else.

>”How are you here?”

“These guys found me, good thing too. I couldn’t have gotten much farther without a little help.”

>”Sounds a bit too convenient to me.”

 

“They’re clean, trust me.”

>”Forgive me if I have my doubts.”

>You nod your head in understanding; at least she’s the real Twilight.

“If you don’t mind…” you say moving on your own towards the group, using your sword as a cane.

>”Not at all, but I assure you they’re the real ones.”

“Ahugh. We’ll see.”

 

>You walk over to the second Pinkie Pie, stopping just in front of her.

“You. When’s your birthday?”

>Twenty-second of February.”

“What year?”

>”Every year.”

>Smart ass huh? Doesn’t ring any Pinkie bells.

“Get out.”

>You punch her in the face, KOing her.

 

>Twilight watches in horror as Pinkie drops, reverting back to her regular changeling form.

>You go to Rarity next, making your stance extra slow for dramatic effect.

“When’s your birthday?”

>”Eight of May… 1969?”

“You’re 37?”

>”Yeah.”

>Rarity is not nearly that old, and she’d never admit it if she was.

“Get out,” you say giving her the same treatment.

 

>She falls down, also changing back to normal.

>You’re two for two. Don’t fail me now brain. You walk to Fluttershy.

“When’s your birthday?”

>”Uhhhh,” she replies with a high pitched squeal.

>Nope, far too loud to be the real one.

“Out!” you say making your next punch extra strong.

>Three for three, let’s make it a spree.

>You move to Rainbow Dash, giving her a devilish grin.

 

“When’s your birthday?”

>”You’ll get your answer when I’m twenty bits heavier.”

>You can’t help but laugh at the answer.

>The pain returns to your leg shifting you back to your earlier demeanor.

>You extend your hand towards her, giving a firm handshake.

“Nice to see you Dash.”

>”Likewise.”

 

>Twilight intercedes, apologizing for doubting you.

“We all make mistakes, but if you wanted to thank me…”

>You point to your ankle which has by now swollen vastly.

>”Of course. Allow me.”

>She presses her horn against your ankle, your leg igniting in pain.

>Your bones realign, muscles recovering in mere seconds.

>One heart pounding snap later and the pain dissipates.

 

>You place it on the ground tenderly, slowly regaining full control once more.

>”That should fix you up.”

>You kiss Twilight on the cheek as thanks, marching firmly once more.

“You all ready to get the fuck out of here?”

>They’re more than ready it seems.

“Alright then, let’s move it out.”

>You hold up the blood stone as you follow the flow of the cave, hoping to find the exit.

 

>You’re led to a ravine, the walls widening as you walk along the upper path.

>The path is narrow, only allowing two of you to fit comfortably side by side.

>”How long does this thing go?” Rainbow Dash asks.

“Judging by the depth and length, pretty fucking far.”

>”No one has ever mapped these caverns before; it could last for miles for all we know.”

“It’s just a matter of time before we find a way out.”

 

>”How can you be so sure? We’ve been looking for hours and haven’t seen a single one.”

“Don’t you feel it? Pinkie, come on now.”

>”Of course I feel it. I thought everyone did.”

>”Um, I feel it too.”

>”What is it?”

“That slight ting of cold. The gentle breeze that wafts through the air. Feel it now?”

>The others stop and take in their surrounding, eyes wide with surprise.

>”I do.”

 

“It’s been growing the further we go. We can make it if we hurry up.”

>”Do you guys hear that?”

>A sort of shuffling noise reaches you, followed by the beating of hooves.

>”Finally some backup.”

>No, the noise is coming from behind you all, and only one thing with hooves lives down here.

“We’ve got to keep moving. Now!”

>They soon come to the same conclusion you did and bolt for the exit.

>Not today changeling scum.

 

>A green blob hurls over your shoulder, exploding deeper in the cavern.

>The soft buzzing of winds catches your attention, causing you to look back.

>A few changelings are running behind you on the path, hissing and bearing their fangs.

>Five more are flying on the side, catching up to you regardless of your speed.

>”I’ve got these guys.” Rainbow says valiantly.

>You tug on her tail as she tries to fly off, tossing her further along the path.

“Not today sister.”

 

>You let the other ponies pass you as you backpedal down the walkway.

>Drawing your sword you prepare for the coming attack.

>The first of them lunges high as another slides down low.

>You roll backwards, ending up on your knees.

>You thrust your sword parallel to the floor, skewering the first changeling.

>The second lands before you, laughing at your predicament.

>You simple give him a smile, stopping his laugh all together.

 

>You stab him below the chin with your hidden blade, his eye going cross-eyed.

>You kick off of his dazed form, shooting backwards and keeping on the track.

>They pursuers ignore their fallen brothers, though they seem to back off for now.

>The flyers lay into you with their magical blasts, keeping you on your toes.

>They sacrifice power of speed; their bolts doing little more than zap the floor.

>If you had been a bit slower this tactic may have worked, but you’re able to dance around them with a little work.

 

>”Hurry up Anon!” Applejack yells at you.

>You look back to see the mane 6 outside the entrance, their silhouettes visible against the sun’s rays.

>The changelings don’t seem to care for that idea.

>Their horns grow a mellow green as they charge up their attack, a large orb flying at you.

>You fall backwards, just barely avoiding the attack, the orb crashing into the wall.

>The walls begin the shake, pieces of stone collapsing from the ceiling.

>Oh you didn’t just do that…

 

>You pick yourself up and sprint to the exit, ignoring the pursuers chase.

>A chunk of stone collapses on your head, throwing you off balance, but still moving forward.

>You stumble a few times as you see everything turn double, then triple.

>The more you try to focus the more your head begins to hurt.

>”Anon, get out of there!”

>You’re trying god dammit.

 

>One of the changelings flies in front of you in an attempt to stop you.

>You keep moving towards it ready to give it a fight.

>A crash sounds out followed by a massive boulder pummeling the creature off the walkway.

>That’ll teach him to- whoa boy.

>The path shifts violently s another orb devastates the supporting rock.

>You’re close now, close enough to smell the fresh air beckoning you.

>You leap forward as the path collapses underneath you, the next section growing unsteady.

 

>Twilight attempts to hold the entrance open, but is barely hanging on.

>Another rush of shattered stone closes up more of the exit, leaving only a tiny portion left.

>”Anon!”

>You fall as your legs buckle underneath you.

>Your weight causes you to slide down the incline.

>You manage to hold onto the edge, “I’m not giving up on you.”

>A brief feeling of weightlessness leaves you hanging in the air, Twilight and the mane 6 at the cliff beside you.

 

“Get outside now.”

>”We’re not going to leave you behind.”

>Another section collapses, leaving barely enough room to escape.

“I’m not going to fit, go now while you can.”

>”I won’t leave you again.”

>Her determination is going to get her in trouble, just not today.

“I know.”

>You reach forward with your hand, flicking her on the horn, sending you spiraling back down into darkness.

 

>You guide yourself against the ravine walls as it begins to bottom out.

>You begin decelerating, eventually petering out to a brisk descent.

>Your descent reaches an anticlimactic end as you lay stomach to the floor.

>No new injuries, cuts, breaks or anything to speak of, just fatigue.

>Is it just you, or is the floor really comfortable?

>Yeah it’s just you.

 

>Shards of stone soon reach you, though none are big enough to do any damage.

>A grinding sound reaches you, two surfaces rubbing violently.

>You swear to god if it’s what you think it is…

>The sound slows the closer it gets.

>A gasp comes from behind you followed by the galloping of hooves.

>”Anon?”

>You groan as she interrupts your little mini nap.

>Can’t a man just rest in the bowels of a hostile race’s lair anymore?

 

>Twilight runs over and inspects you, worried about how much you’re injured.

>”Don’t move everything will be okay.”

“I didn’t plan on it.”

>She prods you gently across your body, asking if anything hurt.

>Nope, nope, and, you guessed it, nope.

>”We need to get out of here,” she says levitating your blood stone back over to you.

>The light has dulled substantially, incapable of clearing the room of its dark tone.

 

“I know, it’s just… this floor feels so damn good.”

>”Take this seriously. Who knows how many changelings are down here?”

“Enough to know how to make a nice stone floor.”

>”Anon…”

“Alright alright, just give me a minute okay?

>She sighs and lies beside you.

>”You weren’t lying, this feels so good.”

“I know right?!”

 

>Both of you lie on the barren floor, enjoying each other’s company.

>”Anon?”

“Yeah Twilight?”

>”If we make it out of here-“

“When. When we make it out.”

>”What’s going to happen?

“I haven’t really thought about it that much. Not much I think.”

 

“They’ll send in another team to get Chrysalis. Upon their success our countries will try to pick up what’s left from the war.”

>”I didn’t mean for them. I meant for us.”

“Typical woman, concerned with the little things.”

>She scowls at you jokingly, and you return with a chuckle.

“That I have had some thoughts about.”

 

“The thing with me and Luna? Yeah, that’s no good. She can barely stand to be around me, though she has warmed up to me a little, and I cannot stress that last part enough.”

>”Warmed up?”

“Little.”

>She also laughs, but still fairly serious.

“I don’t see it going anywhere. We’d both be better off without the marriage. I’m thinking of having it annulled.”

>”Can you do that?”

“In fact I can. We never consummated out marriage, which in my culture is grounds for annulment.”

 

>”But, you’d have to leave. Equestria wouldn’t be your home anymore.”

“Unless I got married to another member of royalty.”

>”Celestia doesn’t want to be bogged down with marriage, she said as much.”

“I never said it had to be Celestia.”

>”But who else is there?”

>You close your eyes and shake your head waiting for her to figure it out.

>For all her smarts she overlooks the obvious. You wouldn’t have her any other way.

 

>Something stings into your back, another force pressed onto your spine.

>The wound grows hot as it pulls your mind from you.

>”Anon,” she looks atop of you and gasps.

>You try to move, but are pinned down helplessly.

“Get… off…”

>”Such a meal. I haven’t had one quite so tasty before.”

>Twilight casts something at her, but is deflected with ease.

>She cackles maniacally driving slightly deeper into your back.

 

>Everything starts to go fuzzy, images blurring together, strength fading.

>”Just a few more seconds my dear, then it’ll all be over.”

>Your heart begins to slow as you feel your very life drawn out of you.

>”You will not take Anon from me.”

>Twilight charges into Chrysalis, both disappearing in a bout of green and purple flame.

>There you lie, weakened and alone, only the blood stone’s soft glow to keep you company.