XXXIV
Deep within the Everfree Forest, within a familiar temple, an unearthly roar shook the very foundations of the almost supernatural forest. Every creature sensed a great presence; many scattered and ran as a massive influx of power, one that had not graced the world in millennia, surged forth. A manticore, the most predatory of creatures was near the temple, having wanted a calmer place to sleep. The manticore stared on as a torrent of blood red fire blasted to the sky. A few moments later, it subsided. The Manticore however sniffed the air, sensing a great change, it growled in both fear and anger at the temple. The front of the temple exploded in dust and stone as a massive shape emerged, its horns the rival of any Minotaur’s. Its gold like eyes almost glowed in the light of the morning as it slowly turned its head, otherworldly sinew and bone creaking and flexing. Then its eyes fell upon the Manticore that growled and raised its hackles at the creature.
As the dust cleared, the Manticore beheld the being in its frightening entirety. The creature stood nine feet high. It was bipedal and stood atop strong muscled legs. Its whole body was composed of what one could only describe as blood red armor. The armor’s appearance itself was shell like but boasted the edge and jaggedness of stone. Its five fingers ended in blade-like talons. Sprouting from its head was a pair of jet black horns that scraped the roof as it approached. Engraved into the very surface of its armor was the impression of veins and the outlines of a well-built muscular structure, but even those impressions were twisted and sinister in appearance. In a word, the thing was unnatural and demonic. It had no mouth, nose, or ears, just the rigged texture of its armor like hide.
“A small one,” a deep booming voice from the creature stated in a bored fashion, “Not even a fight worthy of my strength.”
The creature stepped toward the Manticore, which took on a challenging pose.
The creature laughed with mild mirth, “Begone vermin.”
The creature stared at the Manticore as it surged toward him to sting the threatening creature.
The creature in return stared at the Manticore, and then the unfortunate Manticore saw it.
It could only freeze.
A blood red spear made of some form of hardened steel like clay with a wicked edge, materialized and streaked through the air by some invisible force, and impaled the Manticore where it stood.
The creature shook its head and glanced at its surroundings and inhaled sharply, “This stench…it reeks of peace and….love? HAHAHAHAHAH! I will have to fix that.”
Rath’Gor glared at the surrounding lush forest and raised his hands, blood red flame with malefic a black core and edges, torched the oasis as the creature laughed in sinister mirth.
*
Luna’s eyes snapped open and she sat straight up in a cold sweat, what manner of beast did she just see? It was no Minotaur, nor was it a horror from Tartarus, but its aura. It was unlike any she had ever felt before. Worse yet, when the Manticore had been slain, she felt like the very spear had impaled her. Her front hoof touched her chest to ensure this was not true. Sighing, she started to regain her nerve, unlike her sisters visions of What Is, Luna’s visions were always of What Will Be. Unfortunately both could not control when the visions would come, they did seems to have a pattern. The visions would only come if a big threat or change was imminent, and it would always be one of the sisters who received them.
Luna thought hard on the vision…then her eyes widened.
“Baen’s tale,” she leapt from her bed and did not bother with her royal attire as she ran out the doors of her room. One lunar stallion stared after her as his partner nudged him with both wearing twin blushes.
*
Baen was passed out on his couch, after a night of drinking some good spirits and reading some intriguing literature, he decided it would be wise to sleep the day off. But fate, it seems, had other plans. Several series of knocks on his front door only made the sleeping barbarian roll over on his couch, the book draped over his face moved with him. More knocks met his ears of which he ignored.
“Pinkie Pie, I don’t think Baen’s in there.”
“Of course he is AJ, I can hear his snoring.”
“Pinkie, how can you hear is snoring?”
Baen mumbled in his sleep and waved a hoof at the noise in an effort to make it go away. But this was in vain as he heard his door unlock, grunting he rotated further until he was face down on the couch pillow he was using.
“Hoowee,” Applejack stated as she glanced around, “Baen must have had one heck of a party.”
“And he didn’t invite us?” Pinkie sat on the floor and pouted.
Rainbow Dash picked up a book and titled it, “Demonology: Guide to the Nastiness that Lives Downstairs. What kind of books was he reading?”
“Well he looks like he was studying,” Fluttershy was looking at a bookmarked cover of the ‘Equestria Bestiary’, “But why all these things?”
Rarity cocked a brow at a tilted mug, “Hm, seems our friend was also indulging himself.”
“Yes he was,” Baen mumbled, “and I was planning on sleeping it off….”
Twilight came to his side and lightly prodded him, “Come on Baen, you can’t sleep all day, it’s unhealthy. Plus it’s a beautiful day out and we were planning on having a picnic today.”
Rainbow Dash nodded as she landed on an adjacent chair, “Yep, I pulled a few strings to get us some perfect sun,” she breathed on her hoof and shined it on her chest, “no biggy.”
Baen rolled over onto his back and stared at the smiling Twilight, he couldn’t help but give a small smile, “You’re smothering me you know.”
“It comes with the package,” Twilight responded with a smirk.
“Hm,” Baen raised an eyebrow.
Pinkie Pie was drinking some milk from a mug, “The friendship package silly!”
“Right,” Baen lifted himself up and cracked his neck causing Rarity and Fluttershy to flinch.
Baen turned to Applejack, “Could you do me a favor and snap me head to the left slightly?”
AJ nodded, “Sure thing pardner.”
Applejack gripped Baen’s head and snapped it to the left as the barbarian exhaled as a softer crack was heard, “Ahhhhh, that’s what poppa likes.”
Baen hopped to his hooves and stretched out his limbs before looking to Twilight, “When do we leave?”
Twilight giggled and shook her head.
*
Celestia was stunned. Granted, a princess without her proper attire bursting into the throne room during day court yelling like a mad mare would surprise anypony. But the fact Luna was yelling about a danger of apocalyptic proportions was more surprising. Celestia quickly emptied the throne room and approached her almost hyperventilating sister.
“Luna calm yourself,” Celestia eased, “remember your breathing.”
Luna nodded and inhaled deeply before exhaling, “Apologies.”
“Now,” Celestia stated with a warm look, “Start from the beginning.”
Luna nodded slowly, “Sister I have had a vision,” her look became grim, “the one known as Rath’Gor, he will surface soon.”
Celestia had a flashback to the night Baen had shown them all what the Four Harbingers were and shook her head in disbelief, “That can’t be…”
Luna was about to speak, but then both sisters felt it. A massive surge in the natural force, both sisters trembled at the presence. Celestia quickly ran to one of the grand windows and gazed out, and saw a horrifying sight. A geyser of flame was just dissipating over the Everfree Forest. Without turning her gaze from the window, Celestia stated firmly.
“Send for as many guards as we can spare, we must evacuate Ponyville.”
Luna nodded, “Shall I send a letter to Princess Twilight?”
“With haste.”
Luna departed immediately.
*
Baen was munching on a sandwich as the girls chatted amongst themselves his gaze however, was on the distant horizon. Something in the air had just changed, but he just couldn’t put his hoof on it. After he finished his sandwich, he felt a hoof tap his shoulder plate. Glancing over, he saw Applejack sitting beside him.
“Somethin on yer mind?”
Baen calmed visibly, “It’s nothing really.”
“Ah’ve been told I’m a good listener.”
Baen tilted his head at the horizon, “It’s…I sense something has happened, but I just can’t place it.”
Nibbles was busy eating some strawberry tarts nearby as the girls tried to stop him, but were failing.
Baen looked to Applejack, “I just don’t know what to do AJ. I mean, it’s just, I know something is coming but…”
“Ya just don’t know how yer gonna deal with it when it arrives,” she added, “right?”
“Exactly.”
Applejack tapped her chin, “Well the way ah see it. You’ll know what to do when the time comes.”
Baen smiled at the farm mare, but it faded when he heard far off panting and noticed Spike approaching at a fast pace and then dropped on his back when he reached them.
“Whoa there little guy,” Rainbow flew over to him, “where’s the fire?”
Spike only answered with his claw shooting up clutching a scroll. Twilight levitated it over to herself as she sipped some punch…then she spat it out and dropped the cup.
Rarity and the girls gathered around her and were equally shocked.
Baen glanced at them, “What is it?”
“An evacuation order,” Twilight’s voice was barely above a whisper.
Applejack read the letter and then looked to Baen, “It says here one of the Four has surfaced…”
Baen’s eyes widened to the size of saucers as the girls started to plan.
“Alright girls, here’s the plan,” Twilight looked at each one of them, “Applejack, alert the further out of town families and citizens. Fluttershy, you need to help me keep everypony calm. Rarity and Pinkie Pie, your job is to alert everypony in the town.”
“Roger that Twilight,” Pinkie was wearing her ‘serious business’ headband.
Rainbow Dash saluted before Twilight spoke, “I get to Cloudsdale and give everyone the low down.”
Twilight and the girls then all nodded, but then remembered somepony. Baen was staring toward the distance with a hardened look, but Twilight could see in his eyes he was afraid.
Baen then turned to the princess, “We must move immediately.”
Twilight nodded as they all separated to their assigned task, Baen followed Twilight and Fluttershy.
*
The evacuation was going as well as anyone could expect. Ponies were panicking, some screaming, others curled up in balls and murmuring in fear, others just wanted to know what was going on and mobbing Twilight.
“Please everypony just one at a time,” Twilight pleaded as Fluttershy cowered.
Baen was gazing at them all evenly.
“What’s happening?!”
“Do something Princess!”
“There is no way I’m leaving my home!”
“Please everypony remain calm we have this under control,” Twilight tried to address them but her words fell on deaf ears.
“UNDER CONTROL?!”
“Yeah, the last time something like this happened, a building blew up and the land was torn up.”
“YEAH!”
“Why should we tr-“
Baen inhaled sharply and roared, “SHUT IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIT!”
Everypony fell silent and gazed at the barbarian.
“Twilight, as you were,” Baen stated calmly.
“Thank you Baen,” she replied with a relieved smile.
“Now everypony, I know you’re scared. And you have every reason to be, but we are ponies of Ponyville,” Twilight stated as her chest puffed out, “We will NOT panic. We will take the essentials and make our way out of town quickly and efficiently.”
Baen’s ears swivelled lightly as he glanced to the right then the left.
“Now come on! We have a town to evacuate!”
Baen’s head then stopped as his eyes widened and his breath caught in his throat. Twilight followed his gaze and mirrored him, everypony else did the same. A pin could drop and everypony in earshot would hear it.
“Barbarian…”
Baen stared on and spoke one word, “Rath’Gor…”
The hulking demon glared at the congregated ponies from the open street and scoffed, “I had thought my power would have felled you, but it seems I was mistaken,” the demon stepped forward as the air itself seemed to heat up, “fitting that you would hide amongst the cattle ripe for slaughter.”
“Twilight,” Baen stated, “move now…”
Twilight looked to Baen who glared at her, “Move.”
Twilight nodded and took Fluttershy with her as the town ran after their ruler. The streets emptied in record time as Rath’Gor’s laughter rang out.
“Yes flee,” Rath’Gor mocked, “flee like the roaches you are.”
Baen narrowed his eyes, but felt his legs shake.
Rath’Gor halted, “You know barbarian, for many a day, I was planning on how myself and my brethren would take this land without your interference,” Rath’Gor’s eyes narrowed, “But imagine my unfortunate surprise when I find you still here, alive.”
Baen tried to steady himself, “How’s the eye?”
One of Rath’Gor’s claw like hands went to his right eye, a visibly scar like chink in his hide over his right eye.
“You shall pay for that wound a thousand fold barbarian,” Rath’Gor growled as he advanced once more.
Baen backed up…Rath’Gor took immediate notice.
“Ho ho? What is this,” Rath’Gor’s voice was laced with twisted mirth, “Do you fear me little one?”
Baen drew his axe much to Rath’Gor’s amusement, “Test your metal then,” Rath’Gor beat his chest in a presentation of a challenge, “Come.”
Baen did not move, he was frozen.
“COME!”
Baen trembled as Rath’Gor scoffed in disgust, “Pathetic pup.”
The demon surged forward as the ground heaved and shattered like glass. Rath’Gor’s left claw rose fast and backhanded the immobile pony through the wall of a nearby building. The Red Demon looked to the barbarian as he groaned and pulled himself from the wreckage. Rath’Gor raised his left hand as one of his spears materialized, which then split into nine more. Without missing a beat, the spears bore down upon Baen, and then shot at him like cannonballs. When each spear impacted, a miniature explosion erupted into the sky. Explosions of dust, stone, and smoke rolled into the air. Rath’Gor gazed at the rubble as the dust settled, the whole house having partially collapsed on the barbarian who was now worse for wear.
Four spears protruded from him. Two were lodged in his right hind leg while one was in his shoulder pinning him to a stone. The last, went through his left forehoof. His blood ran like small rivers onto the ground as he gazed up at the towering being.
“You disappoint me pup,” the demon chastised, “Where is that spirit, that fire that you aimed toward me with great ferocity. Do not tell me in my absence you have lost your edge.”
Baen coughed as Twilight ran to him from behind a building, “Baen just hold on!”
She began to carefully extract the spears only for one to just miss her head.
“BEGONE WENCH,” Rath’Gor bellowed, “This battlefield is no place for you.”
Baen nodded, “He’s right Twilight,” he croaked out, “get away from here…”
“No,” Twilight stated firmly as she stood before him and faced down the Red Demon, “You helped me against Tirek when I told you to run, I’m not leaving you!”
“Neither are we!”
Soon the others formed a wall in front of Baen. Striking defiant poses, Rath’Gor was less than amused.
“Six mares and a coward,” Rath’Gor snorted, “surely this must be a jest.”
Rarity pointed angrily at Rath’Gor, “Baen is no coward you brute! He’s one of the bravest ponies we know!”
“Exactly,” Applejack agreed, “He’s like us. Dependable, honest, and an all-around good pony, but he ain’t yella!”
Baen looked at the girls and gave a weak smile, only for it to vanish as Rath’Gor’s voice rang out, “Such delusions, look at him,” he pointed, “he refuses to lift his axe and challenge me. What can you call that?”
Pinkie pie tied her ‘super serious business’ headband on, “Baen’s just not in the zone, give him a couple more sentences or paragraphs!”
Rath’Gor growled but then stopped, “Hm…I sense great power in the six of you, perhaps you can keep me entertained.”
Twilight and the girls gave off an otherworldly glow and then assumed their Rainbow Powered forms.
Twilight narrowed her eyes, “Why. Why are you doing this?”
“Why young foal,” Rath’Gor spread his arms wide, "I shed blood so that when it stains my armor, it shall achieve the most glorious shine."
Rarity growled at the demon, “You vile fiend!”
“Thank you,” Rath’Gor stated, “But your flattery will not save you.”
Twilight scraped the ground, “Alright girls, we need to try to buy Baen some time. Or at the very least, bring this big beast down. Do what you can. BREAK!”
All the mares separated in all directions, Twilight and Dash took to the sky while Rarity and Applejack worked on the ground level. Fluttershy was lifting Pinkie Pie into the air. Rarity ran so fast she left a trail of light behind her as she shot boosted arcane bolts at Rath’Gor’s chest and legs. Applejack was attempting to bind the creatures legs, but with little success. Rainbow was flying around the red harbinger’s head as Rath’Gor attempted to swat at her. Pinkie Pie was released as she landed on a roof and whipped out a cupcake turret and started firing. Rath’Gor roared in anger and annoyance as he reached his breaking point.
“ENOUGH!”
The beast threw its hand to the sky as a wave of his fire erupted through the area. When it touched the girls, they were ensnared by rings of the diabolic fire. Rath’Gor levitated them just above him as Twilight tried to break his binds but was no match for the demon’s power.
“I’ll crush your bones to dust!”
He squeezed his hand as the rings shrank; cracking sounds were heard as the girls screamed.
Baen’s eyes snapped open as he looked up in horror at his friends, his gaze then fixed on Rath’Gor. The barbarian saw red as his Wrath aura activated.
Rath’Gor cackled as he tightened the rings. But his laughter stopped when a great force barrelled into him, the force in question resulted in him skidding back. The rings vanished as the girls fell and reverted back to normal. Baen ran to them and tilted Twi’s head so he could look at her.
“Twilight,” he said, “are you well?”
Twilight coughed with a small smile, “Just peachy, go get him.”
Baen gently placed her down as he turned back to Rath’Gor, “Demon, your presence on this world will be extinguished,” he then spoke in finality, “FOR GOOD!”
Rath’Gor chuckled darkly, “There it is, the fire,” he stood tall, “let this be our final meeting.”
Both warriors rushed each other, bellowing loudly. Rath’Gor raised his right hand as a blade of pure flame took shape in his palm. Taking a swipe, Baen just managed to leap over it singeing some of his tail hairs. Baen quickly followed through with a powerful horizontal swing to Rath’Gor’s back, his orachulum axe sparking off the armored hide of the demon. Rath’Gor whipped around and kicked Baen out of the air. The barbarian hit the ground hard and rolled even harder. Rath’Gor loomed over the pony.
“Is that your best?”
Baen shook his head, “Not yet, NOW NIBBLES!”
Baen reached into his mane and produced Nibbles who hissed and leapt at Rath’Gor. Everything moved in slow motion as the salamander traveled through the air, landed on the ground, and then ran off.
Baen yelled after his loyal pet, “YOU COWARD! I GAVE YOU EVERYTHING!!"
Rath’Gor grasped the pony by the throat and threw him through the doors of a familiar castle. Shaking the stars from his eyes, Baen heard whistling as he looked up and saw Discord dusting the ceiling.
Discord stopped his task and looked down, “Oh good afternoon Baen. To what do I owe this….,” he noticed Baen’s condition, “Hm. One moment.”
Discord floated down and snapped his talon as Baen’s wounds healed and the spear popped out of his shoulder.
“Oh,” Baen flexed his slightly stiff limbs, “Thank you.”
“Don’t mention it,” Discord smiled, “anything for a friend.”
“BARBARIAN! COME OUT!”
Discord stuck his head out the broken door as the Red Demon started to approach, “Friend of yours,” he glanced behind him and saw Baen running up the stairs, “Hm, how rude.”
Rath’Gor burst into the door way and glared at the spirit, “Where is he!”
Discord crossed his arms and phased through the furthest wall.
Rath’Gor roared in fury and started to smash his way through the foundations of the castle to get to the upper floors.
*
Baen was at a loss, he had to think of something. There was one thing he had failed to tell the girls about the Four Harbingers, mostly for their own benefit and was unsure if it was true, but he had his answer. Granted, yes, Rath’Gor had emerged. But there was a small silver lining he had read in Yew’s book. When either of the Harbingers emerged, there was a window, though a small one. Rath’Gor in this case, was not at his full strength, yet. Baen could feel he was getting stronger, if he didn’t end this soon, everypony would be in danger. If he reached his full power, Baen would have to send himself as well as all of Equestria at Rath’Gor if he even had a chance at besting him in combat.
“Come on, think,” Baen was on an upper balcony overlooking Twilight’s throne room, “There has to be something.”
Discord appeared beside him picking his teeth with the cleaned spear, “Hm, might I offer a suggestion?”
Baen glanced over.
“Well if I were you,” Discord smiled, “I would not only have a full head of wavy mane, but I would go for a sneak attack.”
Baen nodded, “Of course! Discord, that’s brilliant!”
Discord waved off the comment, “Oh fsha, I try.”
Discord passed him the spear, “An eye for an eye.”
He soon vanished as Baen looked down as a boom was heard. Rath’Gor emerged into the throne room and glared around, searching for Baen. Baen looked at the spear, then smirked as his Wrath aura activated. As he stood on the bannister on his hind legs, spear clutched in his forehooves, it then occurred to him.
“I need some sort of distraction,” He shook his head, “If not, he’ll knock me out of the air.”
Just then he heard it. It was like a sound of a thousand scuttling crawlers. Baen looked down as he saw it, Nibbles and a….mob of other salamanders?
“Nibbles came back,” he stated with a victorious smile.
The mob then crawled onto the demon as it clawed at them all, the salamander’s covering themselves in flame. Baen then steeled himself, Wrath aura blazing, and he fell. The wind whistled past him as he dropped toward his opponent.
“RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAR!”
Baen had reached Rath’Gor and used his enhanced strength and momentum to drive the spear straight through the beast’s right eye. Black ooze erupted from the wound as Rath’Gor ripped the spear free, only to be bull rushed by Baen. The barbarian and the demon soon found themselves hurling through a window and falling toward the ground. When they both hit, the salamander’s scattered as both combatants stood.
Rath’Gor’s remaining eye burned like the sun, “You! I will RIP OUT YOUR ENTRAILS!!!”
Baen rushed the demon as it hurled more spears at the barbarian. Everypony watched on in awe at what happened next. Baen seemed to see everything in slow motion as he moved. First he dove straight at Rath’Gor’s spears, his left and right forehoof planting on two of them. Flexing his legs, he flipped over the beast’s head using the spears as make shift platforms and slashed at his head as he flipped over. The attack stunned the creature as Baen turned around quickly, during his flip he had snared another spear in his tail which he quickly transferred to his mouth. Rath’Gor lunged at the barbarian, claws aflame. Baen then thrust upwards with all his enhanced might.
*SHUNK!*
Rath’Gor was frozen, Baen’s face contorted in righteous fury as the spear had buried itself in the beast’s heart. Baen released the spear and backed up.
“Go to oblivion,” he rushed the demon and leapt through the air with a mighty yell, “AND TAKE YOUR BUCKING DAMNED SOUL WITH YOU!”
Baen delivered a powerful kick to the spear which rocketed out Rath’Gor’s back, taking some sort of black flesh with it. Rath’Gor clutched his oozing chest wound, and then he looked to the sky and roared in agony. Fire erupted from his eyes, and wound as his body convulsed and rattled. Eventually it stopped. Smoke coming from any open part on the body, then the body collapsed into red dust.
Baen slumped onto his rump as Nibbles scurried up to his face and nuzzled his owner. Baen then fell on his back and sighed in relief. This didn’t last long though; soon he was hoisted in the air by the girls as cheers rang out. The friends shared a group hug as congratulations were given.
Baen panted, “Well, that wasn’t so bad.”
Twilight then looked behind him, “MY CASTLE!”
“Oh,” Baen noticed it, but he also noticed it trembling and cracking.
He then looked to the girls and everypony else as he spread his forehooves wide and stated loudly, “THIS IS NOT MY FAULT,” he pointed at the now collapsing castle, “That thing was not built to code!”
Twilight’s mane started to steam as Rainbow looked at him worriedly, “Dude…run.”
Baen ran like the fires of the sun were on his tail
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Great chapter, and I loved the Genie reference you made at the very end, it worked so bloody well.
4737486 Why is that a sad thing? It was a good movie.
4649933 No, Its team rwby.
Obviously.
Okay, so a few things.
1: I feel like Rath'Gor, the demon of WAR would have put up a bit more of a fight. Like, it wasn't even all that close to be honest. Baen took a couple hits, the girls distracted the baddie for a bit, Discord fully heals Baen, and then at that point Rath'Gor just sort of goes into super-easy mode. I think Baen should have had to go into his... I forget what it's called. I'll just go with Super Saiyen mode, to be able to win a fight against a demon. But, it's your story so... whatevs.
2: It would be 'That building was not built to CODE', not cope.
3: Nibbles for the mother-bucking WIN!
That is all.
4754085
Sorry about the fight and I'll get right on that correction
4754141 Like I said, s'no biggie. Just feels... well like I said, too easy.
I can't wait for the Lust demon. IF she goes after Stallions, I guess Baen needs to save Shinning, or Mr Cake. Great job with this story. It's fun to read.
YAY NIBBLES!!!
This chapter was Excellent. although there was one small error. “Pinkie, how can you hear is snoring?” is should be *his* I think
Not to be a critic, but if the fights with the other three will be like this it'll make the story boring.
I mean Rath'Gor one of the four strongest and most ancient demons of all, killed so easily by having his heart pierced. . . good thing he's the weakest of the four.
Try to add more chipotle to the nachos, more salsa to the steak, more meat to the burger, more barbecue sauce to the ribs, more milk to the cereal, more sugar to the cake, more beans to the soup, more cheese to the cake, more lemon to the meat, more meatballs to the pasta, more tomato sauce to the fettuccini, just add something that makes this story epic.
And byt, if Rath'Gor was a demon of violence, bloodshed and war wouldn't it be more fitting if most (if not all) of Ponyville be reduced to ashes when he dies. . . you know?
Fire erupted from his eyes, and wounds as his body
Well, that was surprisingly easy. It would have been easier if Baen had stabber his other eye, thus making him blind. But last time, did Baen have Discord to help? Must have been something about that spear...