Chapter One: Escape the Asylum
Chapter One: Escape the Asylum
"...Oh, you... You're no hollow, eh?"
My world slid into focus with a loud splat and the smell of urine.
I glanced around. Four gray, rotting walls. Loops of rusty chains. An exit barred by a locked gate. What a world.
I took stock. Okay... Okay... I'm... a pony. Right. Yes. A pony. I put a hoof to my forehead. A unicorn pony. Okay. We're getting somewhere. I looked back at my hoof. It, along with the rest of my body, was wrapped in tattered brown cloth. A small leather pouch and a canteen were strapped against my flank, held together by a moldy rope. My hood hung loosely over my horn.
I think I'm a... mare? Maybe? I moved my hoof down. Yup, I'm a mare. I shivered. Definitely a mare.
So what did that leave me with? Oh, just the minor details; you know, like who I was, where I was, what I was doing here, how I got here...
A metallic sound echoed through my cell, coming from above. Squinting, I looked up into the small square of light, hoping for answers.
The knight regarded me stoically, his polished silver armor glowing in the gentle sunlight. Wrapped around his neck was a royal blue scarf, a color that matched the shining shield he had strapped to his forehoof. Two dirty gray wings, covered in chain mail, were folded at the knight's sides. His helmet, adorned with a blue feather, hid his expression from me. I blushed, realizing how ridiculous I must've looked feeling myself up.
"Um..."
The knight turned away.
"W-wait!" I called, rushing to my hooves. I didn't see the body the knight dropped, which happened to be sitting directly in my path. By the time I rolled over and spit the rest of the dirt out of my mouth, he was already gone.
"...Well, fuck you too..." I grumbled, brushing myself off. Fine, leave me to my piss-smelling prison cell. I'm sure I deserve it for... whatever I did. My eyes wandered around the gray room dejectedly.
"This blows."
Something lit up in the corner of my eye. Turning, I saw glowing violet letters slowly materialize over the cold stones.
The body has a key. It'll open your cell.
I rubbed my eyes in disbelief. "Who are you?" Another line of glowing letters appeared. They were pink.
We're the voices inside your head. Take the key.
Voices inside my...? "Am I crazy? Is this an insane asylum?"
You're not crazy. Take the damn key, the purple text said.
Red words appeared. But you are in an asylum! Sort of.
I scratched my head. "Uh..."
The key. Take the key. Pink reminded me. I nodded slowly, turning my attention to the body. God, it reeked.
What was this thing? It looked like a dog, except it had one wing- just one- sprouting out of its head like a unicorn horn. Man, its owner must've been fun at parties. The corpse squelched softly as I reached for the key tied around its neck. I swiftly yanked the key off, eager to put some distance between myself and the odd creature.
Pinching my nose with a hoof, I made my way over to the gate. The key fit snugly into the worn-out lock. I turned it; it moved smoothly and unlocked the door with a resounding click.
The hallway ahead of me was long and dark. A torch was lit further down, illuminating a small square of moldy stone and rusty metal. I couldn't see much else, but I could hear the constant dripping of water and the occasional tortured scream. The latter did little to inspire confidence.
"Uh... do I go down the dark spooky hallway?" I asked uneasily. My cell was looking more welcoming by the second.
Yes, Red answered, but be careful.
I gulped. "C-careful of what?" I waited for an answer. None was forthcoming.
"Guys...? Ah, man..." I gingerly took a step out of my cell. Nothing happened. I began to trot forward cautiously, keeping my eyes peeled for anything that decided to eat my face. My eyes eventually adjusted to the dark. That's when I saw it.
It was equine in shape, but there was no way it was a pony. Its skin was brown, crumpled, and rotting; like parchment left to soak in sewer water for a few days. It smelled like it too. A pair of moldy trousers was all it wore, along with a pair of manacles latched to its front hooves. I stood stock-still, petrified by fear.
A terrified eep left my mouth without my consent. The creature stopped banging its head against the wall and turned to me, a broken sword gripped between its drooling jaws. Its eyes were blank and far away.
Don't panic. Purple said.
"Panicking? Who's panicking? I'm not panicking."
It took a menacing step forward.
"Okay! I'm panicking! What the fuck! What the fuck!"
Relax. Pink said. Look again.
Oh, I was looking alright, and I saw a wrinkly, gross, pony-eating monster shuffling towards me-
...very, very slowly.
I took a step backwards. The creature reached out with a hoof to take another step, and promptly tripped over itself, falling onto the dirt floor with soft thump. It was kind of cute, in that aw-that-monster's-trying-to-eat-me-but-can't kind of way. My heartbeat slowed down. I could just walk around it if I wanted to.
Kill it. Pink intoned. I frowned.
"Why? It can't hurt me." The poor creature rose to its hooves, moaning ominously. I took another step back.
Because it's trying to kill you, Purple replied, as if it were obvious.
Red letters traced themselves across the wall. Don't you want to get out of here?
"...Yes." I admitted. I didn't understand why the text was so bloodthirsty, but hey; who was I to argue with the voices in my head? I approached the monster, cautiously edging my way around it. It turned painfully slow; I was behind it before it had the chance to react.
Grunting, I bucked it in the back as hard as I could. Its flesh was slimy, and came away easily under the pressure of my kick. I heard something crack in the creature's body, so I repeated my action. I definitely felt something breaking. It moaned pathetically, unable to counter my blows. One more buck.
Snap!
It fell to the ground, presumably dead. In my defense, I did feel a little guilty afterwards.
"...Alright. What next?"
Just watch. Purple said. I did.
The creature began to fade away. No, really. I watched the process in awe; it was slow at first, but quickly sped up the more I stared. Soon, its entire body had dissolved into thin air, leaving behind no trace.
"Whoa. That wasaaaaaaahhhhh~" I gasped as a wave of ecstasy coursed through my body, cutting off my speech. It lasted a few more seconds before fading away, leaving my body suffused with warmth.
I panted heavily. "...What was that?"
Enjoying yourself? Red taunted. I blushed furiously.
Congratulations. You just absorbed your first batch of souls. Purple said.
"Souls?" I asked, intrigued.
Souls are fragments of an enemy's soul after they've died. Pink explained, You can use them to purchase things and bolster your strength.
And get yourself off, if you're so inclined. Red added. I blushed again.
Enough. There is an exit at the end of these corridors, Purple said, go to it.
I nodded, setting off down the long corridor again. Before long, it ended, leading into another corridor on the right. I turned, and came face to face with another monster. I needed no convincing.
I charged, throwing my shoulder against the creature's torso. It growled angrily, stumbling backwards. I grabbed the beast and threw it against the wall, forcing its mouth open. The broken blade clattered to the ground. I twisted around and bucked the creature's face against the wall as hard as I could, splattering the cold stone with blood. It fell to the floor, its skull caved in.
As the monster faded away, I eagerly awaited another rush. It came, but it wasn't nearly as amazing as the first one. I frowned in disappointment.
It can't always be as intense as your first time. Red said. I could swear the words were laughing at me.
I scowled, wiping the blood off my back hooves. Unfortunately, much of it had soaked into the tattered fabric. "So, if I'm not crazy," I said, continuing down the corridor, "why do I have voices in my head?"
You're special. Purple informed me. I scoffed.
"Obviously. I mean, look at the classy accommodations. I must've been a very important prisoner." I said, my voice dripping in sarcasm.
We said special. Not important. Pink said.
As I turned the next corner, another creature lunged at me. And by lunged, I mean it sort of hopped off its front hooves a bit and landed face first on the floor. I gave it an A for effort.
"More souls for me~!" I sang, bringing my hooves down on its skull. The bones gave way easily, and the creature was no more. I flexed my muscles, grinning.
"Man," I laughed, "could this get any easier?"
The voices didn't answer. Shrugging, I kept on. At the end of the hallway, I saw what could only be sunlight.
'Heh, there's the exit.' I thought, shaking my head sadly. What was I afraid of?
As I reached the threshold, I looked up. The beautiful blue sky stretched lazily overhead. I was at the bottom of some sort of shallow well. A ladder extended from the ground to the top of the well, its dull metal surprisingly rust free. I stepped forward with a big smile on my face, happy to escape the dank corridors.
Splash. The water was cold around my hooves. I glanced down, and saw my reflection.
I froze.
My face... was...
"No..." My flesh was crumpled and rotten.
I ripped at the cloth around my hooves. It tore away, revealing more disgusting skin. It was undeniable.
Those creatures weren't monsters.
They were ponies.
Like me.
---
I don't know how long I sat at the bottom of that well, curled into a shaking ball. I managed to go from innocent amnesia victim to murderer in under ten minutes. No wonder I was locked away. I stared forlornly into the water, my dark magenta eyes staring back at me.
You can't stay here forever. Purple said, appearing on the wall opposite me.
"Watch me." I whispered.
They were hollows. Purple insisted. Mindless killers. You did the world a favor by putting them out of their misery. Temporarily, at least.
I laughed humorlessly. "There's nothing temporary about what I did to them."
You know nothing, foal. Purple glowed harshly.
What we mean to say, Pink interjected, is that nothing is permanent in Equestria. Least of all death.
I stared at the words uncomprehendingly. "I... I don't understand."
They were Undead. Like you. Like everypony else. Red said.
"Undead?"
Sweet Celestia, you're dense. Purple seemed to groan.
Undying, Pink supplied helpfully, It means when they die they don't stay dead.
"So... those ponies from before... aren't dead?" I asked, dreading the answer.
Oh, no. You killed the shit out of them. Purple said. I winced.
It's just that they'll come back. Red said.
My mouth hung slightly open. "Like zombies?"
That's... correct, I suppose. Pink answered, But the Undead aren't all mindless monsters. You're an example of that.
I looked back at my reflection. Purple's previous words flashed through my mind. You're special.
I looked back to my hooves in awe. "That means... I'm immortal?"
Essentially. Pink answered. I blinked.
"Why did they attack me?"
When an Undead is killed, they see oblivion. Purple explained, Most can't handle it. They go mad.
They go Hollow. Pink finished.
Going Hollow. It seemed like the worst fate I could imagine. Trapped in an Undying body, forced to watch yourself do horrible things for an eternity...
"Do all Undead... go Hollow...?" I asked quietly. There was a long silence.
Don't worry. Red assured. As long as you follow our instructions, we promise you won't go Hollow. I nodded uneasily, forcing myself to believe Red's words.
Enough of this. Purple said, Climb the ladder. There is a Bonfire ahead.
I rose to my hooves, shivering. I had to put it out of my mind. Think about something else...
I started to climb the ladder. It was slick with moisture, and awkward to climb (hard to believe somepony built these with hooves in mind), but I easily managed to hold on. "Um, do all Undead look like me?" I asked, desperate to change the subject.
Text appeared next to the ladder. Mostly. it said simply. I shrugged. I don't know what I expected.
"I suppose it would be stupid to ask the voices in my own head who I am, wouldn't it?" I cleared the top of the ladder, passing into some kind of courtyard. There was grass on the ground, but it was dead and dry. The courtyard was square in shape; open to the sky but enclosed on all sides by bleached stone walls. There were two levels; the one I was on led to a huge, intricately carved double door and a small iron gate. I could see the second floor, and that the stairs leading to it were behind the metal gate, but I had the sneaking suspicion that gate was locked. In the center of the courtyard, a sword was embedded in a small pile of white ashes.
My mysterious friends did not answer. I felt compelled towards the sword; there was something about it that was just... familiar. It felt like seeing an old friend for the first time after years apart.
I moved to the sword, the grass crunching beneath my hooves. "Hello." I said. Why was I talking to an inanimate object? Probably the same reason I was talking to voices inside my head. I reached a hoof out and caressed the handle of the blade, feeling strangely attached to the battered weapon.
Whoosh. The pile of ashes suddenly ignited, casting its fiery fingers towards the sky. I leapt back from the conflagration, yelping in pain. Despite my new injury, though, I had the distinct feeling the fire meant me no harm. Its light spread through my body, blanketing me in healing warmth. It felt... good. It wasn't a sensation as intense as getting souls, but nevertheless it eased my mind and made me feel significantly calmer. I looked back at my burnt hoof. It was healed.
"Wow..." I breathed, walking back to the flame. Text appeared next to it, overlapping the decaying grass.
That's a Bonfire. An Undead's one and only true home. Red said.
We have to continue. Purple insisted. I frowned sadly. I didn't want to leave.
There will be plenty of Bonfires once we escape. Pink said, We can't get distracted now.
I stared into the flames. "Where are we even going?" Out of the Asylum, sure. But then what? I guessed that I could try to find some clues about who I was, but I had no leads. I didn't even know my own name.
You'll find out. Our friend has the answers. Pink said.
"Our friend...?" Comprehension flickered through my mind. "Oh," I deadpanned, "You mean the guy who dropped a dead body in my cell and left me for dead?"
Yes. Purple said.
"Great."
Still, an opportunity to learn about my past was an opportunity I couldn't afford to miss. Reluctantly, I left my fiery friend behind and headed for the little iron gate. Why didn't I go straight to the big double doors? Call it a hunch. Or maybe it was the blood smeared all over it, spelling the words 'Don't Enter.' Yeah, call it a hunch.
I gripped the iron door and shook. I shifted on its hinges but stayed firm, securely locked. "Alright," I sighed, "big scary door it is."
I trotted to the door in question, looking up at it in amazement. It really was huge. How was I going to open this? Grunting in exertion, I gave it my best shot. The massive wooden doors gave surprisingly little resistance.
The chamber ahead was also opened to the sky, but the ground was covered with a hastily built cobblestone floor. Coffins, each engraved with a crescent moon, lined the walls on all sides. A few were cracked open, revealing their empty stone insides. Most were still closed. The room unsettled me deeply for some reason. Was this an asylum, or a graveyard? Another set of large double doors were at the other end of the enclosure.
The coffins didn't make any sense to me. If everypony was immortal, there'd be no need for them. Was there a time Equestria wasn't filled with the Undead? A time when ponies could actually die? What if-
My thoughts were cut short by a long, thundering roar. With a loud crash, the monster landed in the middle of the room, its mouths slobbering. Yes, I said mouths. It had three canine heads, and each fixed me with a withering glare. Its body was dog-like as well, except for the fact that it was on fire. Silver flames rose from its exposed rib-cage, bathing the creature in bright light. It gave no indication it was in pain. A polished iron collar looped around its middle neck, engraved with the letter T.
I screamed in terror, bolting for the exit behind me. I slammed into the doors face-first; they had somehow closed without me knowing. Blood dripped down my muzzle and onto the cobblestones. I probably broke my nose.
"Holy shit! Holy shit!" I screeched, pawing at the door frantically. Red words scrawled themselves across the old wood.
Move!
I instinctively jumped to the right, barely avoiding becoming dog food as the creature slammed its faces into the gate, splintering the wood and causing a shock wave that nearly blew me off my feet. Unfazed, the massive flaming canine cast a baleful six-eyed glare in my direction, exhaling with enough force to blow my hood off. Dull, dirty pink hair fell into my eyes.
"Uh... haha... nice doggy..." I said nervously, my limbs trembling. "You... uh... you want a bone? I can go get you a bone!" I pleaded, unconsciously inching closer to a closed coffin. I tasted wet copper as my blood streamed down my face, pooling onto the ground. The creature narrowed its eyes at me, growling menacingly. So... was that a no?
It roared again, turning away from the gate to sprint in my direction. The ground rumbled with the force of its charge, rattling my teeth.
"Fuck me!" I yelled, ducking behind the coffin. What was I doing?! This flimsy thing'll never stop that monster-
Vwwweeeee!!
An unearthly screech echoed through the yard as the canine collided with a wall of solid midnight-blue energy. The coffin grew hot to the touch, smoldering a dark orange. The dog was thrown off its feet- I can't make this shit up- and flew nearly twenty feet back to collide with a nearby wall. The old stone structure shook dangerously, a few stray bricks falling on the canine's heads. I stared at the monster and then back to the coffin, my mouth agape.
Don't just stand there, moron, Purple appeared over the blood-slicked stones beneath me, Run while it's stunned!
"Where?!" I cried, my temporary stupor at being saved dispelled. The beast stirred, batting at the air with its pony-sized claws. A line of purple, pink, and red arrows glowed into existence, leading my eyes to a, surprisingly opened, iron gate. Huh. How'd I miss that?
I bee-lined for the gate, leaping over tossed stones and fallen coffins.
Whoosh!
Burning! Burning! I screamed in pain, my backside engulfed in silver flames. I flung myself across the gate's threshold and out of the canine's deadly torrent of fire. The gate closed behind me, but I hardly noticed. It hurt, it hurt, it hurt!! I felt my entire self: my thoughts, my fears, my doubts being eradicated by the iridescent blaze.
Somehow, even in my dire state, I actually managed to register the presence of a small pool of water. Feeling myself literally melting away, I desperately jumped for the life-saving liquid, landing in the pool with a large splash. The flames were extinguished immediately, but the pain was stubborn. It permeated my body like a disease, affecting every cell, every atom of my being.
I whimpered quietly, barely managing to find the strength to keep my head above water. Bright pink letters slowly made their way across the bottom of the pool.
Can you still understand me? they asked, glowing gently. Even with my vision blurred by the pain, I could piece together the message. I sobbed wretchedly in response.
Good, Red said, you're doing fine. Just focus on us. I opened my mouth to respond, but was immediately stopped as another wave of agony swept through me. I dry-heaved, choking on nothing. My throat felt like somepony force-fed me fire ants.
Don't try to speak, idiot. Purple scolded.
Focus. Focus. Pink insisted. Tears began to stream down my face as I nodded slowly. The motion sent another spasm down my spine, forcing a choked whimper out of my tortured wind-pipe.
Listen. Red said. There is a Bonfire behind you, just outside of the pool. You just have to reach it.
I bit my tongue to keep from crying out as I turned my head around. The distorted silhouette of a familiar pile of ashes was right where the voices said it would be, not ten feet away from my location. The only problem was getting there.
I can do this... Don't focus on the pain... I did my best to focus everything on getting to that bonfire, trying to block out the chorus of agony. I had to get up. The sooner I reached that Bonfire, the sooner the torture would end.
I flailed about awkwardly as I attempted to find purchase on the bottom of the jagged stone pool, my hooves sliding uselessly across the wet surface. Finally, I felt them grip something. Biting my lip hard enough to draw blood, I put all of my remaining strength into my legs. Against all odds, I began to rise out of the water.
The second my torched flesh emerged from the water, my pain multiplied ten fold. Shrieking in agony, I threw myself in the direction of the Bonfire, unable to support my limbs any longer. I landed back in the pool, tears and blood flowing down my face. I watched in horror as flakes of burnt skin, my skin, floated past me. I could no longer feel my back legs. Darkness crept into the corners of my vision. The Bonfire was five feet away.
One hoof forward. I dragged myself towards salvation, every movement feeling like somepony was hammering nails into my muscles and pouring acid into the holes. Past the Bonfire, on the other side of the gate, I could see the three-headed monstrosity watching me with curiosity, panting with its tongue out. If it wanted to, it could roast the entire room. A small part of me prayed that would happen, if only to stop the pain.
Two feet left. My front half was out of the pool, leaving my crispy back half underwater. If I wanted to reach the Bonfire, I needed to leave the water.
One foot. The darkness had almost completely taken away my eyesight, but I could still see my goal. One last push. Just one last push.
Roaring in pain and determination (mostly pain), I surged to my hooves and leaped for the Bonfire.
Whoosh.
Sweet relief. I moaned in happiness as the power of the Bonfire coursed through my body, erasing the pain and banishing my exhaustion. My charred skin crackled and fizzled as it was reinvigorated by the miracle flame, my dead skin coming back to life. My nose gave a quick snap as it moved back into place. I sighed contentedly, staring into the flame with half-lidded eyes.
You made it! Pink said. I smiled dumbly.
"Yeah... I guess I did." I glanced lazily back at the gate; the creature was nowhere to be seen. It probably lost interest after I stopped squirming around like an ant under its magnifying glass.
I knew you could. Red said, words glowing encouragingly. I chuckled.
"Thanks. I'm just happy I never have to do that again."
The voices didn't respond. "Um... guys?" I asked, puzzled by their silence.
Well... Red appeared cautiously.
The exit is through that second pair of double doors. Purple said bluntly. You'll need to go back if you want to escape.
I stared at the words blankly. "Well," I said, rising to my hooves, "If you need me, I'll be in my cell. Audios!"
Red letters appeared suddenly. You can't give up!
I raised my hoof to my chin in a gesture of mock-contemplation. "You know... I think I can. Thanks though!"
If you stay here, you'll go Hollow. Purple stated. I stopped in my tracks.
"You... you don't know that." I whispered.
And what if you don't? Purple pressed. Will you just sit in your cell forever? Will you resign yourself to eating rats and wallowing in your own filth for an eternity just because you're afraid of a little pain? Sooner or later, you'll wish you were Hollow.
I squeezed my eyes shut to block out the words, but the truth of them rang clear. It would be so easy to stay here. Maybe I would go hollow. Maybe I wouldn't.
...Either way, I would be trapped here. Being set on fire again terrified me, but, in truth, staying here for an eternity scared me even more. I gulped, opening my eyes again.
"...Tell me what to do."
If you want to get past Cerberus, you'll need a weapon and a shield. Purple said. There is an exit to your right. Take it.
I found the doorway easily enough. Steeling myself, I set my legs into motion and began to trot. The water sloshed around my hooves, still disturbingly filled with roasted skin. Glancing down at my reflection, I noted that most of my rags had been burnt away, revealing more of my rotting flesh and a short, scruffy pink tail.
Why did the rotting skin disgust me so much? For all I knew everypony looked like me. Maybe it was totally normal, and I was weird for thinking it was weird. I decided not to ponder the subject too long. It was depressing.
I turned the corner into the long hallway. Suddenly, I felt a strange breeze on my cheek. Turning around, it only took me a second to recognize the form of an arrow that had buried itself into the wall, still vibrating from its flight. The hollow that loosed it stood calmly at the end of the corridor, bow gripped in its drooling mouth. The earth pony readied another shot, using its right hoof to hold the bow and its mouth to pull the string back.
Looking frantically for any cover I could find, my eyes settled on an open cell conveniently placed close by. I ran to it and ducked behind the shoddy stone wall. The hollow's next arrow bounced off the wall harmlessly. "Great," I muttered sourly, "what do I do now?"
I heard a menacing moan. Yelping in surprise, I twisted around to face another hollow. This one, however, had managed to get tangled in a pile of rusty chains, binding it in place. It uselessly waved its scrawny legs at me, the small round shield on its left foreleg reflecting the meager light let in by the holes in the wall. In its mouth was an intact, if grimy looking, short sword.
Lucky us. Purple said, obviously pleased. Kill it and steal its weaponry.
I bit my lip, hesitating. The flailing creature in front of me was insane and remorseless, yes, but it was still a pony. Even if it could come back to life, was killing it really the right thing to do?
Oh boy, Purple seemed to groan, here we go again.
It's kill or be killed. Pink reminded me.
I sighed, knowing they were right. I'll never enjoy it, but killing hollows was part of my life now.
It was either kill hollows, or go Hollow. One look into that thing's cold, dead eyes was all I needed to make my decision.
I took the hollow's head in my hoof, taking care to keep its blade away from me. It was dumb like the ones I fought near my cell, but not nearly as weak. I struggled against if for a second before I slammed its head against the wall, producing a sickening crunching sound. It gnashed its teeth, dropping the sword onto the floor. I hit it again. Blood sprayed onto my face, and its struggling grew weaker.
I smashed its head into the wall one last time, and the hollow fell to the ground, inert. Brain matter and blood leaked out of the back of its brutalized cranium, mixing into a disgusting cocktail on the floor. I wiped my face in disgust, only managing to spread more gore across my muzzle. "...Sorry..." I said softly, wiping my hooves on what was left of my rags.
Good work. Purple praised. A little messy, but you'll get better. Take the equipment.
I grimaced at the phrase "you'll get better", but moved to take the hollow's tools anyway. It faded away, leaving the shield to clatter loudly onto the floor. I picked it up and, after some experimentation, figured out how to strap it to my right hoof. The undersized leather straps dug into my skin, but it was a small price to pay for protection. My stomach rebelled at the thought of putting the drool coated sword into my mouth, but I did it anyway. It tasted about as good as I expected. The wooden hilt was worn down from ages of use, but was surprisingly splinter-free.
What are you doing? Pink asked.
I raised an eyebrow. "Mmmph mph amph-" I spit the sword out.
"I'm taking the weapons, just like you said."
I can see that, Pink said, but why aren't you using your magic? You're a unicorn, after all.
Oh, yeah!
Uh... what?
"Uh... what?" I asked, echoing my thoughts.
Kill me... Purple said.
Just levitate the sword and shield. Your magic should give you an advantage over earth ponies and pegasi. Pink said.
"Oh! Um, right! Levitation!" I laughed awkwardly, unstrapping the shield from my leg.
Concentrating hard, I stared at the two pieces of equipment. "Alakazam!" I shouted, waving my hooves around. They didn't move.
"Hocus pocus!"
"Abra cadabra!"
...What are you doing now? Purple inquired.
"Trying to use my magical unicorn powers to levitate stuff." I stated matter-of-factly. I turned back to my task. "Fuggin' levitate, dammit!"
You don't know how to use unicorn magic, do you? Pink asked.
I smiled sheepishly.
Whatever, Purple said, just take the weapons and deal with that hollow down the hall.
I saluted. "Aye aye, cap'n!"
...
Shield strapped back onto my leg and blade firmly between jaws, I stepped back into the corridor. My archer friend still stood where he did before, swaying back and forth unsteadily. The second I emerged from cover its eyes snapped onto me, and it began to draw an arrow.
I charged down the hall, shouting a (muffled) battle cry. The hollow loosed its arrow and I stopped quickly to raise my shield, deflecting the deadly shaft. I was home free now; there was no way the archer could nock another arrow in time.
I crashed into the hollow at full speed, sending it sprawling to the floor. I pressed down on it with my shield as it struggled to break free, the hard wood of the shield proving more than worthy of the task. I tried to swing at the archer with my sword, but missed entirely. The more I exerted myself holding the hollow down, the harder it was to breathe past the hilt in my mouth. How do ponies use these things?!
I tried again, this time managing to graze the hollow's muzzle. It didn't even flinch. Grunting in frustration, I spit the sword out and punched the creature as hard as I could, stunning it. I raised the shield up over my head, sitting on the hollow to keep it still, and slammed the iron edge of the buckler into its mouth. It made a disgusting gurgling sound, spitting out several teeth. The hollow's movements grew sluggish and much easier to manage.
Satisfied the archer's thrashing wouldn't disrupt my aim any more, I retrieved my blade and once again angled it for the hollow's throat. I brought the steel down, slicing through the creature's windpipe with ease. It choked and thrashed weakly for a few seconds before going limp. Blood bubbled from the open wound like a fountain.
I spit out the sword again and sat down, panting. Brutal murder was hard work.
Get a move on, Purple ordered, we don't have all day.
I rolled my eyes. "Technically, I have an eternity. So, by extension, so do you." Man, my purple alter-ego was an asshole.
Surprisingly, no purple words appeared with a retort. After I regained my breath, I got back to my hooves. I eyed my new sword with distaste. "I wish there was an easier way for me to use this."
You could strap it to your horn, Purple suggested, maybe then your horn wouldn't be so useless. And there it was.
Don't listen to her. Red interjected. Once you learn to levitate things, you can wield your sword that way. Until then, you'll just have to manage.
I raised an eyebrow, the edges of my lips pulling into a smile. "Purple's a her?"
Of course I'm a her, you nitwit. Purple seemingly growled.
We all are. Red said. We're the voices in your head, after all, and you are a mare.
I shrugged. "I guess that makes sense."
Yes. Now move. Purple said. I frowned in annoyance, but set off just the same. The corridor turned into another, shorter hallway that led to a stone staircase. I mounted the stairs, careful to avoid stones that looked ready to come loose. I reached the top to discover I was now on the second floor of the first courtyard I entered. The Bonfire glowed brightly under the now cloudy sky, waving at me with its fiery appendages. I smiled and waved back.
Fuck, you're a weird one. Purple said. I pointedly ignored the statement.
I quickly spied the set of stairs I saw before, leading down to the first level and up to the third. I trotted down to the first floor and tried the gate again. It creaked opened on obnoxiously loud hinges, clearing the way for me to go back to my old friend. I cast a nervous glance towards the double doors that led to the dog's yard; they were still firmly closed, thank god.
I skipped happily back to the Bonfire, sighing as it took the exhaustion out of my muscles. Restored, I walked back upstairs and turned towards the third floor. Cautious of more hollows, I crouched low and slowly made my way up, keeping my ears open.
I heard a quiet noise, like a marble rolling down a stone ramp. The staircase began to shake. '...What the-'
A huge ball of iron emerged over the top of the steps before I could react, barreling towards me at breakneck speeds. I screamed and turned to make a run for it, but I was far to late. The heavy orb collided with my side, knocking me clear off the staircase and onto the ground below. My sword flew out of my mouth, clattering onto the floor. The ball kept rolling, eventually punching right through a stone wall. I groaned.
Coughing raggedly, I shakily got back to my hooves. I cringed as a sharp pain lanced through my torso; I must've broken a rib or two. I glared up the staircase, but the aggressor who pushed the boulder was nowhere to be seen. I shrugged, picking my sword back up. Back to the Bonfire, then revenge.
"H-Hello...? Is anypony there?" A feminine voice called. I quickly turned towards the source: the hole the boulder had opened in the wall. Was there somepony still sane in this crazy place?
I galloped to the hole and peered inside. It was a cell like mine, but much roomier. I imagined it was built to house more than one pony. A gap in the ceiling let a beam of diluted sunlight into the spacious room, illuminating a pony in silver armor. I gasped in realization. It was my knight.
"Oh, i-it's you." The knight coughed. "You found me."
I narrowed my eyes at her (the knight's voice was unmistakably female), strangely furious. "Yeah, I did. You want to explain to me what's going on? How about you tell me why you left me alone in my cell? I almost died-" I stopped myself mid-sentence, realizing the knight's predicament. A long wooden support had somehow impaled her left shoulder. She sat in a large pool of her own blood, breathing heavily.
"You're... you're hurt." I said, embarrassed at my oversight. The knight laughed, or tried to.
"Yeah, j-just my luck too. I managed to sit on the one weak section of ceiling in the entire Asylum. What a way to go..." she replied, her helmet masking her emotions from me. I didn't know what to say to the dying mare. It's not like I knew her or anything.
But here she was, dying, all because she rescued me.
"I'm sorry I snapped at you..." I apologized softly, ashamed of how rude I'd been. The knight cocked her head.
"Come here." she said, beckoning me with an armored hoof. I complied, trotting to the knight's side. "Take this helmet off, will you? I-It's stifling."
I nodded and removed the protective metal, gasping when I saw the mare's face.
Her skin wasn't rotten and disgusting like mine. She actually had fur; a nice shade of light gray that complimented her bright amber eyes. As if her appearance wasn't already strange enough, the mare's eyes didn't seem quite right. She looked cross-eyed, with one eye slightly above the other. My jaw dropped.
"You... you aren't Undead!" I shouted, astonished. The knight looked confused.
"What makes you say that?"
"Well, you're not..." I gestured to my body. "...You know..."
My knight giggled, cringing in pain when the movement irritated her wound. "You still have a lot to learn, kid." I frowned, but decided not push the subject. There were more important things to discuss, and I didn't have a lot of time.
"Why did you rescue me?" I asked, eager to know the truth. "...Do you know who I am?"
She was quiet for a minute, obviously deep in thought.
"Listen..." she finally said, voice hoarse. "There's an old saying among Equestrians. Thou who art Undead, art chosen..."
She coughed, blood dripping from her open mouth.
"...In thine exodus from the Undead Asylum, maketh pilgrimage to the land of the Undying..."
"...When thou undoeth the two great Seals, the fate of all Undead thou shalt know." the knight finished, weakly wiping her muzzle. I was more confused than before.
"What does that mean? I don't understand." I was growing panicked; the light in the knight's eyes was fading. She didn't have much time left.
She laughed weakly. "It m-means you're chosen. The Chosen Undead." the knight spoke the last words with reverence.
"The Chosen Undead...?" I repeated, utterly lost.
"It is your d-destiny to save Equestria." she declared quietly, eyes closing. "...U-undo the Seals, a-ascend to Celestia's City... and... and put an end... to the curse of the Undying."
The knight closed her eyes. I stared at her prone form, at a loss for words. Destined to save Equestria? The Chosen Undead? "W-wait. Please don't go. Please." I whispered, desperate for more answers. My knight didn't respond.
She was wrong. She had to be. I wasn't destined for greatness. I didn't want greatness. That couldn't be who I was.
What do you think? Purple appeared. I shook my head vigorously.
"She's wrong. I'm-"
Pink interrupted me. Nothing special?
"I..."
You are special, Red said, and you are the Chosen Undead, whether you like it or not.
I thought back to all the suffering I'd seen. All the ponies condemned to wander the world as mindless husks looking for their next victim. Could I really change that? Could I make everything better? My knight thought so, and here she was, dying for her beliefs. I gulped.
"...I don't know if you're right or wrong." I spoke softly to the knight, who's chest was still barely moving. "...but if you really think I can make a difference... I'll try my best."
She gave me a small smile. "Thank... you..." she breathed. "Now go... I don't want to harm you after death..."
I felt tears threatening in the corners of my eyes. I nodded quietly, turning to leave my savior. I heard a long sigh.
"I just don't know what went wrong..." my knight whispered. I heard a sharp slice, and, turning around in alarm, was horrified to see that she had stabbed herself with her own weapon. I watched in stunned silence as the mare faded away, leaving me all alone.
Her equipment is in much better condition than yours. Purple said. Take it.
"No." I growled, glaring at the words. "She deserves respect. I won't loot her."
There was a moment of silence. ...Fine, Purple conceded, but take her estus flasks. She would want you to have them.
"...Estus flasks?" I asked, confused. I looked back and spotted five or so bright orange bottles on the ground where my wall-eyed knight used to be. I trotted over to them, picking one up with a hoof.
An Undead favorite. Pink said. Think of them as a Bonfire in a bottle.
My eyes widened. That seemed too good to be true. I uncorked the top of one of them and poured the liquid down my throat. It burned mightily on the way down, but I instantly felt the pain in my ribs ebb, replaced by a warm, fuzzy feeling. It still ached a bit, but it didn't hurt nearly as much. The flask left a tangy apple-y aftertaste in my mouth. "...Sweet." I said, amazed.
They don't always heal you all the way, Pink said, so be careful. They don't make you invincible.
I nodded solemnly, attaching the flasks to the rope around my waist. It had miraculously survived the flames. I bowed my head towards the empty armor. "Thank you." I said. "For everything."
With that, I turned and left the spacious cell, eyes full of steel. I was determined to stay focused on the task at hand. Chosen or not, if I didn't escape the Asylum the mare's sacrifice would mean nothing. I wouldn't let that happen. I retrieved my sword.
I climbed the stairs a second time, wary of another trap. I reached the top to see a hollow, presumably the one who pushed the iron boulder in the first place, huddled in a corner, its head between its hooves.
It didn't notice me. I rushed to it before it could react, swinging my sword at its neck. The hollows head rolled to the floor at my hooves, its jaws still working around its blade. I ignored it and strode straight to the gate it guarded, cautiously pushing it open.
That's more like it. Purple said, pleased. I snorted and creeped forward, careful to keep my movements quiet. The ceiling was once again open in this area, affording me a nice view of the surrounding sky. It was still cloudy. Something glinted out of the corner of my eye, drawing my attention to a stack of loose stones leaning against a crumbling wall. I inspected the pile of rubble and found a small, dark red ring buried under a few moldy bricks. I picked it up and inspected it closely, spurred by curiosity. On the inside of the ring was engraved four words: The Gift of Fire.
This is our lucky day. Purple said, Looks like you've found a Pyromancy ring.
I frowned questioningly. "Pyromancy ring?"
They're extremely rare! Red chimed in. Only unicorns can use them!
"What does it do?"
Put it on your horn, Pink instructed, and think of what it felt like to be burned alive.
I grimaced, loath to relive that experience. Still, I slid the ring onto my horn and did as I was told. I remembered how the fire obliterated all conscious thought, how it erased my mind and made the flame my entire world.
Whoosh!
"Shit!" I shouted, jumping back from the plume of fire as it erupted from my horn. The conjured flame singed my eyebrows and filled my lungs with smoke. I coughed, my eyes tearing up. "What the fuck, guys?"
I guess your horn has a use after all. Purple said.
Pyromancy is the art of casting flames. A very difficult branch of magic for those not naturally gifted in it. Pink explained. The ring makes it much easier to use Pyromancy, but it still takes some practice.
I laughed sarcastically. "Great! Now I can set myself on fire! Cut out the middle man!"
Pyromancy is a powerful weapon. Red said. Once you learn to control it, you'll be really strong.
"Yeah, I guess." I said. For now, it was just another thing I had to worry about. I put the ring out of my mind and retrieved my sword. There was a single archway leading out of the hall; I crept up to it, my head down. I peeked around the corner.
"Whoa!" I yelped, pulling my head back before it got chopped off. The earth pony hollow charged into my corridor, nearly tripping over itself in its rush for blood. I stepped back, raising my shield to block its overhead strike. The hollows blade glanced over the buckler, its forward momentum sending the hollow reeling. I punched the hollow in the chest and smacked it across the face with my shield, forcing it to drop its weapon. That's when the second hollow jumped into the fray, turning the corner and swinging its short axe at my throat.
I clenched my teeth and pulled back as far as I could. The axe grazed the skin on my chin, but didn't cause any serious damage. The hollow had over-committed to the attack, and found itself completely vulnerable to my sword. I hacked at its axe-wielding leg, severing tendons and forcing the hollow to its knees. I finished by turning and bucking the earth pony as hard as I could, shattering its skull.
I grunted in pain as the tip of a sword dug itself into my flank. I batted the weapon away before it could go deeper; the sword flew to the ground, as well as a few of the hollow's teeth. I bucked the remaining hollow the same way I did the first, splattering its brain against the unforgiving floor.
Breathing heavily, I took a seat, popping open another estus flask. The sword wound was healed quickly, and the rest of the pain in my ribs faded away. I wiped my mouth, smiling widely at the little orange bottle. I think I've found a new addiction. Satisfied that my wounds were healed, I got up and walked through the now hollow-free archway, sword firmly in my mouth.
I emerged onto the very edge of the Asylum, a short walkway looking out over the horizon. Tall, pointed iron bars lined the side of the walkway, preventing any suicidal ponies from taking the plunge. I felt my jaw drop slightly as I took in the view. It was ocean in every direction, the dark waters churning angrily against the cliffs that held the Asylum aloft. I must've been on some kind of island.
When I finished absorbing the view, I turned to face the rest of the room. Way to my left was a small doorway with an opened iron gate. Directly in front of me was a huge archway, blocked by what looked like really thick fog. I walked to the fog wall and reached in, fascinated. My hoof was gently repelled by the cloud-like barrier.
"What is this?" I asked curiously, taking my sword out of my mouth.
A Fog Wall. Pink said. I've never seen one before. It's said they appear to warn the Chosen Undead of great danger.
I frowned. "Great danger, huh?"
This archway leads back into Cerberus's yard. Purple stated. I shivered. Great danger was right.
I took a deep breath. "This is it, then?"
Yeah, it was nice knowing you. Purple said. I glared at her words.
You'll do great! Red assured.
Use the environment to your advantage. Pink instructed. Your small size makes you a hard-to-hit target. Keep moving and you'll be fine.
I nodded nervously, putting my sword back into my mouth. Let's just hope Cerberus doesn't play with its food.
I pressed my body against the Fog Wall. The barrier acknowledged my intentions and faded away, leaving me on a balcony overlooking my canine friend's courtyard. The beast itself was directly under me, sound asleep. Its snoring shook the stones beneath my hooves. Small tufts of smoke slowly made their way out of its gigantic nostrils, floating upwards lazily. The silver flames burning out of its chest were subdued, barely rising a foot off the ground.
Now was my chance. It was do or die.
Probably die.
"Goodbye, cruel world!" I screamed, jumping off the balcony, sword angled for the monster's middle head. Cerberus woke up and glanced upwards sleepily, yawning widely. Its eyes widened at the sight of me, but it had no time to react.
I buried my sword into its eye socket all the way down to the hilt, eye fluids and blood erupting from the wound. Cerberus roared in agony, thrashing its heads around widely. I was thrown into the middle of the courtyard without my sword, the impact forcing the air out of my lungs. I scrambled frantically to get back to my hooves as the monster continued to mourn its lost eye. A quick glance at Cerberus, however, revealed that I had not only gotten rid of one of its eyes, but an entire head. The appendage hung from its torso, now entirely useless. Maybe I could win after all!
The hell hound recovered and fixed me with a soul-shattering glare. It roared in fury, breathing towers of silver flame into the afternoon air. I gulped. It was too soon to start celebrating.
I rushed to a nearby coffin as it charged for me, hoping to trick it into getting hit by that strange magic again. It stopped just short of activating the coffin's enchantment, exhaling smoke as it considered its next move. I blanched, seeing a spark of intelligence in those eyes. My little coffin trick wouldn't work twice.
I could swear it was laughing at me as it menacingly stalked me around the coffin, its tail raised into the air. We walked in circles for a few seconds, at a stalemate. I knew that wouldn't last; the second it decided to stop toying with me it would rush around and rip me to shreds. I needed to make my move. My sword, still embedded in the dog's dead middle head, swung near the ground. No. That was crazy.
I grimaced. I could tell the beast was losing interest in our little game. Now or never.
"Shitshitshitshitshit!" I yelled, running straight at Cerberus. The canine roared, the makings of an inferno brewing in its maws.
I jumped and slid under the monstrosity right as it loosed its hell storm, grabbing and yanking my sword from its eye socket on my way. I was under the creature's belly now, the flames from its chest uncomfortably close. It reeled back, howling in pain. The devil dog began stomping its feet frantically in an attempt to crush me. I ducked and dodged and tripped over myself trying to avoid becoming a pancake, desperate for a way out. Stabbing the mutt in its belly would be difficult at best and impossible at worst with the creature's constant movement and my ineptitude with a sword. If I tried to escape to the side, I'd be flattened instantly.
Its tail twitched angrily, its black fur standing on end. "Oh, fuck off." I muttered around the hilt of my blade, another mad idea making its way to the surface. I ran for Cerberus's tail, taking a jab at the beast's feet whenever one almost killed me. Leaping into the air, I latched myself onto the length of dark fur and held on for dear life.
The hell hound, realizing what my plan was, shook its tail viciously in an attempt to make me let go. One of my estus flasks flew off my belt and broke on the ground below. Cerberus, sensing I had nowhere to escape, began chasing its tail in typical dog fashion, except this one shot deadly balls of fire at me. One such fireball grazed my back, sending a wave of agony through my exhausted body. I whimpered as my grip started to loosen.
Unable to keep my grip, I let go. However, instead of flying into a wall and breaking my spine, I flew straight up into the air. Cerberus stopped chasing its tail and looked around, confused by my sudden disappearance. I grinned madly, feeling my momentum start to shift downward.
"Down, boy!" I cheered savagely, plunging my blade into the monster's back. Cerberus bellowed in pain, falling onto its side with a huge crash. I was quickly soaked by the deluge of blood that sprayed from the wound, finding the gore to be strangely satisfying. The creature thrashed around furiously, desperate to regain its footing before I could take advantage of its vulnerable position. That wasn't happening.
I sprinted to one of the canine's heads and promptly began thrusting my sword into its eyeball, producing another series of pained roars and howls from the beast. I stabbed it again and again, ignoring the juices that made their way into my mouth. This was it! This was the end!
My fantasies of victory were unceremoniously ended by the backside of Cerberus's paw. I flew backwards, the air knocked out of my lungs. The sharp pain in my chest was back, only this time it was much, much worse.
Vwwweeeee!!
I screamed louder than ever before. I realized too late that Cerberus had flung me right at a coffin.
The magic was eating me, taking microscopic bits of me and smashing them between its hungry jaws. I felt myself being ripped apart at the seams. An impossibly loud voice blazed through my tortured mind, eradicating all thought.
Nopony disturbs the Guilty!!
I bounced off the coffin's magic field and was rocketed towards the opposite side of the yard. I collided with a wall, barely managing to duck my head and avoid a fatal injury. I slid back to the ground, coughing weakly. Blood leaked out of my panting mouth as I sat there, vision swimming. My sword was nowhere to be found. My ribs ached. My legs ached. My teeth ached. My back burned. I don't know if the coffin did any serious damage, but the fireball certainly did; it was like my first encounter with Cerberus all over again.
An angry growl brought my thoughts back to reality. Cerberus limped up to me, its right head now dangling uselessly beside its middle one. Its remaining head glared at me with unfathomable hatred, fangs barred.
I glared back angrily, but knew anything I did would be pointless. I had lost. The Cerberus was beaten and bloodied, but I was broken. I wondered what oblivion would look like. Would I lose my mind and become hollow? Would I roam the halls of this Asylum forever, looking for other helpless ponies to kill?
An angry tear left my eye. Fuck this monster. Fuck Equestria. Fuck the fate of the Undead. Fuck! Everything!
Whoosh!
A tornado of fire erupted from my horn, bathing Cerberus in a rage fueled inferno. The devil dog yelped in pain, almost tripping over itself in its mad dash to escape the flame. I stared at it in surprise. The canine looked terrified. I grunted in pain, forcing myself back to my hooves. Could it be...?
I let my rage take over again, flinging another fireball at Cerberus. It whimpered pathetically, scrambling away from the orb of fire.
It was. I smiled wickedly.
"What's the matter, mutt? Afraid of a little fire?!" I shot another ball of flame. It jumped away, trembling like a leaf in the wind. How a dog who breaths fire and has flames literally burning out of its chest 24-7 was afraid of fire, I'll never know.
What I did know, however, is that I finally had the advantage. Adrenaline coursed through my veins, silencing my aches and pains. "Want me to teach you a few tricks?" I sneered, flinging yet another fireball. It took a fearful step back.
"Roll over!" I roared, launching a stream of fire at its side. Cerberus was forced to roll on the ground to dodge the hungry fire, leaving a trail of blood across the stones. It yipped in fear, its eyes wide and terrified.
"Shake!" I screamed, rushing forward. The dog frantically back-tracked, its left paw slipping on the ichor it smeared on the floor when it rolled. I shot a fireball at the vulnerable paw; it hit dead-center, igniting the poor hound's leg in a spectacular fashion. Cerberus cried out in agony, falling onto its rear as it tried to put out the blaze. It was backed into a corner with no escape.
I leisurely trotted to the dying beast, my savage blood-lust helping me ignore my singed back and broken ribs. Cerberus stared at me pleadingly, whimpering and crying for me to end its suffering. I glared back darkly.
"Play dead."
The huge ball of flame left my horn and sped towards the hound's remaining head. It gave one last pathetic cry before its head exploded, showering the yard with blood and gore. Cerberus was no more.
I sighed, feeling my rage beginning to ebb. I sat back on my haunches and stared at the monster's burning corpse with satisfaction. Cerberus wouldn't hurt anypony ever again.
I groaned as my adrenaline rush wore off, my back and chest eager to make their voices heard. I drank my last two estus flasks, the apple flavored miracle drink quickly mending my roasted skin and weaving my broken ribs back together. It still hurt, but it was bearable. I cast a quick glance back at the double doors that led to the first Bonfire, but they were firmly closed. I walked to them and confirmed my suspicions; they were indeed locked. I shrugged. I could wait until the next one.
...You did it. Purple stated, her words overlapping the jagged stones.
I laughed happily. "Yup! Pretty impressive, huh?"
...
I raised an eyebrow. "Is... something wrong?"
No! Red said quickly. You did what you had to. It's just...
Pink text appeared. Cerberus wasn't always like... that. He protected ponies.
I frowned, having a hard time picturing the vicious, pony-eating monster as anything but pure evil.
It doesn't matter. Purple interjected. You did Equestria, and him, a favor.
I nodded, puzzled by the their lack of enthusiasm. I expected congratulations and maybe a back-handed compliment from Purple, not the half-hearted response they gave me. Whatever. I just killed a freaking three-headed, fire-breathing hound from hell. I was happy whether they were or not.
I turned towards the other set of double doors, excitement lifting my spirits. Beyond those doors was freedom. Beyond those doors was my destiny. I began to cheerfully trot forward.
"So, what's next guaaaaaahhhh~!" I moaned in pure ecstasy as the souls of the fallen devil dog rushed into my body all at once, cutting off my question. I was frozen in place for a good ten seconds, trembling with pleasure.
It was over too soon. I breathed heavily, wiping a stream of drool from my muzzle. "Fuck that felt amazing." I purred, lost in a haze of pleasant warmth.
It makes me very uncomfortable when you do that. Pink said.
Let her have her fun. Red decreed. She deserves it.
I nodded dreamily in agreement, unable to bring myself to words. I sat there in the aftermath for a minute or two, trying to bring my scattered thoughts back together. Finally, I rose to my hooves and shook myself vigorously. "Okay. I'm done."
Good. Purple said. Let's get out of here. I couldn't agree with her more.
I reached the double doors and pushed them open. I was greeted with the sea breeze as it blew across the open path, rustling the sparse grass littered on the cliff side.
Keyword being cliff. I stopped at the edge of the rocky formation, frowning deeply. "Uh, guys? This is a cliff. How am I supposed to escape like this?"
Red words appeared cheerfully. Here!
Try jumping. Pink suggested. I made a horrified face.
"That's an awful idea!"
Don't be a pansy. Purple prodded. I shook my head in disbelief.
"A pansy?! I-"
It's either you jump or you stay here. Purple interrupted. Your choice.
I gulped, looking down into the churning waves below. Well, at least it would be a quick death. Taking one last deep breath, I leaped. "Geronimoooooooo!"
No sooner had I jumped was I suddenly grabbed by a massive pair of black talons, scaring the living daylights out of me. I looked up at my savior, eyes wide. The massive brown owl flapped its wings regally, its wise eyes fixed on the horizon.
"...Nice catch." I breathed, trying my best not to look down. The owl glanced in my direction, a spark of amusement in its eyes. Then, I shit you not, the owl winked at me. I don't think I've ever smiled wider in my entire life. Eventually though, the thrill of being carried through the air by a five-ton nocturnal bird wore off, leaving me exhausted.
I closed my eyes, the events of the day finally catching up to me.
---
"Blah!" I jolted awake, soaked from being dragged through a cloud. I glared playfully at my avian pilot.
"Hey, why don't you watch where you're..." I trailed off, stunned by the view.
Two suns burned brightly in the heavens, basking the foreign land with gentle light. Tundras, plains, and deserts blanketed the mysterious continent, surrounding great rivers that traced through the landscape like lazy snakes, flowing into lakes and the ocean. To the north stood great towers of stone and ice, mountains that sliced through the clouds and cut the sky. To the east was a black, diseased-looking mass of land, bordering beautiful forests and deep gorges alike. Small settlements littered the vast landscape, nestled into crags and next to rivers. A small, condensed mass of clouds floated above it all, waterfalls of vivid color pouring off its back and onto the distant ground.
I gulped, at a loss for words. I made it.
This was Equestria.
Land of the Undying.