Simon ran like hell, aware of the noise he was making as he bulldozed through the brush, but not caring, knowing that the exit of this world and entrance to Sriviramen's was not far. He could sense it deep within, knowing fate guided him. He cared not how much attention he was bringing to himself. The closer he got to the malevolent Sriviramen, the better.
He ran like hell for at least five miles before he broke the barrier of barbed plants and stinging thorns, and into the clearing he searched for.
it was a large, black pyramid, surrounded by pillars bearing some sort of odd flag. The flag consisted of a ring of black thorns with a bright green symbol in the middle, all on a background of a grey barely lighter than the black of the thorns. The pyramid seemed stained with a bright green fluid, that mostly seemed faded into the onyx bricks. Atop the pyramid was a series of arches leading up to a pitch black stone gateway. 'The portal.' Simon thought. He was here.
Up there was Sriviramen, cowering in his chambers as usual. There were mere meters between him and his enemy.
Suddenly, vile screeches filled the air as the pitch black Changelings fell from the skies, landing in ever direction, blocking Simon into the clearing. Two large ones landed right in front of the man, followed by some sort of huge, shelled creature climbing over the Altar of Benedictus.
Simon had heard of these creatures. They were known as Behemoths, revered among the Changelings, and used as mounts for the very important. And atop the back of this one was a pony Simon recognized.
The grey stallion dismissed the Behemoth, and the two huge Changelings. He stood before Simon, the only other living things within ten miles, the changelings making a ring around the clearing.
"Mister Lane." He said.
"Silvertongue." Simon replied.
"I know why you're here. You want revenge. On my master. On Sriviramen."
"You answer to that cowardly worm?"
"Yes, but mostly against my will. If I didn't, he and his vile wolf Gorefang would tear me to shreds."
"You fear him?" Simon said, laughing.
"You'd be a fool not to."
"If I should fear him so much, let me see him."
"If I did that, I'd have failed Archaenon, and for that, he'd have my head."
"Archaenon?"
"It doesn't matter. I've come here to kill you, and dammit, I will not fail both my masters in one day."
"Very well, Silvertongue. If your mission is to kill me, you're more than welcome to try." Simon raised his fists, invigorated with his newfound, ungodly strength.
"If you insist," said Silvertongue.
Simon murmured, "It's time for a Boss Battle up in this bitch." and charged, screaming, "THIS IS FOR LEWIS, YOU FUCKING BASTARD!"
Simon threw a massive punch right at Silvertongue's head, but the agile stallion easily dodged, and as Simon crashed into the Pyramid, the pony retaliated with a series of punches and bucks to the back of Simon's head. Bleeding, but only angrier, Simon threw himself backward, landing on top of the grey horse. While Silvertongue squirmed and tried to wriggle his way free, Simon's weight and shoulder in his enemy's gut put the human on top. Literally and figuratively. Silvertongue brought out his secret weapon now, unsheathing a dagger from his boot, and shoving it into Simon's side. With a scream of pain, Simon rolled, clutching his bleeding side. Silvertongue stood over the human, rolled him over again, and laid the dagger against Simon's throat.
"Well, that was easy." Silvertongue taunted.
In response, Simon brought one of his bloody hands away from the wound, and clasped Silvertongue's throat. He squeezed, cutting off the pony's air flow. "Not that easy, Silvertongue." he said. Still grasping his side, he threw Silvertongue back onto the ground, as he rapidly tried to catch his breath.
He wheezed out, "You're only helping me, letting me live."
"Am I?" Simon said, "Because if I let you live, Sriviramen or Archaenon will kill you. And I don't think you want that, now, do you?"
Silvertongue, giving no response, jumped at Simon again, who responded quickly with a punch to the gut, knocking Silvertongue's breath out of his lungs. "Y-you'll have to do better than that." Silvertongue coughed out, getting back up.
Simon grabbed Silvertongue by the scruff of his neck, held him above the ground, and continued to punch the tech-y pony. But Silvertongue continued to get up, and slash Simon with his dagger. Simon finally grabbed him with both hands on each of Silvertongue's temples. "Enough of this!" Simon said, "I have some revenge to exact, and you're not getting in my way." he began to squeeze.
Silvertongue shouted in pain, and stabbed the dagger deep into Simon's chest.
Simon froze.
He let go of Silvertongue.
He stumbled back.
He looked down.
The knife was right in his heart.
He looked up again, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth.
And he fell forward.
********
"Archaenon." Silvertongue said, bloodied, as he entered his master's chambers again.
"What is it, Silvertongue? I trust the human did not escape?"
"No. We have him."
"Is he dead?"
"I believe so, sir."
"Where is he, Silvertongue?"
Silvertongue led Archaenon to the dump site, where Simon was still breathing, just.
"Leave, Silvertongue. And tell the medics to take this man to the hospital."
"W-why?"
"Do not question me, Silvertongue. Take him to the hospital, and make sure he survives. I would like to talk with him."
"Archaenon, does this have something to do with S-"
"Now, Silvertongue!"
"Y-yes, sir!"