Gods of a Different Kind

Acceptable Loss

        I felt the knife plunge into my gullet, my already blood soaked armor was showered by the rush of blood from my throat. This is not how I wanted to die. Strapped to a chair, helpless, dying before Dead Winds very own devil spawn he calls a child. If I was going to die then so be it. But I'm not going without a "present" for this asshole.

        My voice rang our surprisingly clear, perhaps I have gathered the last of my strength into this.

        "Et maledicam domo tua, beati nunquam potest in altera vita. Iuro hoc per mortem lectum, ut te putrescet in inferis aeternum vobis diabolus excludunt."

        I am not one to frequently curse a being, but this is a special occasion.

        'I curse you and your family line, may you never find happiness in this life or the next. I swear this upon by death bed, may you rot in the underworld forever you devil spawn.'

        This was a powerful curse, curses are often overlooked by gods due to their ability to wear out the caster. But it doesn't really matter if I am about to die huh? It is also overlooked because the caster has to be close to death for it to work, likely as one last "screw you" from the god your killing.

        His eyes went wide as he realized what I had done, He reared back his knife, likely to prevent me from casting anymore curses. Although I did not need to, I was glad that he would never be happy, many kill themselves once they realize they can no longer find enjoyment in life.

        His stab was stopped short by the crack of hoof on bone, before I knew it he was against the wall bleeding from his head, with a hiss he disappeared in a burst of smoke. Well, guess I have a few more minutes of life before I black out. I looked up at my savior, I smiled up at the brown earth pony that welcomed me. He looked concerned for me, he shouldn't. I was leaving to go to a better place. Wait, what happens when a god dies? My father turned into stone, so I guess I'm going to become a damn statue in the Apples basement. Not really a fitting tome if you ask me.

        Mac mushed his hoof against my throat, likely in a futile attempt to stop the bleeding. Hah, he is not being very successful. Wait, why is that funny? I'm dying, I guess loss of blood is affecting my mind.

        A unicorn appeared behind Mac and brushed him aside. I felt a comforting embrace across my neck. Looking down slowly I saw a purple aura, huh, guess that is a good way to stop me from dying.

        I tired to speak but all that came out was gurgles and coughs. Please tell me he didn't cut my voice box. Wait, wouldn't I be dead if he did? I can't think straight. I was slowly being encased by darkness, the unicorn seemed to be saying something but it was too late as I was already blacking out. I gave a silly smile before hand though, I don't know why I just felt like it.

        ***

        "Will he live?" I heard a simple voice say, can't remember who that is though.

        "He lost a lot of blood, but the knife just missed his internal jugular vein. If the knife had gone a tiny bit closer he would be dead within a minute from loss of his outer and inner jugular"

        "Umm..."

        "He had the outside of his throat cut along with his outer jugular, a major vein in the throat. If his inner one was cut as well he would be dead within a minute. I would say he could have lived roughly five minutes before death. Good thing you got there when you did."

        I broke out of the purple aura that was carrying me, I nearly had to fight to get out.

        "Sir, I suggest you allow us to carry you" he almost begged.

        "I tried to speak but it only came out as rasps filled with blood.

        "Don't speak you will only make it worse. Now please allow me to carry you to town"

        I shook my head, if I can walk I am going to. I'm not going into town coddled like a child.

        "Please sir, please let them carry you" said a childish voice, I looked over at Sweete Bell, she was currently getting medical attention from another unicorn. I sighed, and rather painfuly at that, great. I allowed them to carry me, but I didn't like it. It was at a time like this I would whistle a merry tune, too bad I can't speak. Now that I think about it, he did not cut deep enough to cut my voice box, I suppose this is the trauma... or my blood keeps choking me. Suppose it is harder to stop the bleeding if I am talking huh?

        Ah well. Might as well enjoy the long, boring ride... ugh this is going to be a long time. Although I give some props to the unicorn carrying me with his magic. I weigh at least two-hundred pounds of thick, strewn muscle. Along with four hundred and fifty pounds of armor. Wait were is my helmet? I nearly panicked before I saw Big Mac carrying it in his saddle. Good, wouldn't want to lose that.

        ***

        The ride to ponyville was rather uneventful besides the occasional intimidating tree or dastardly bush all went according to plan. Then again, I'm not sure if this is a plan. Seems more likely they are just winging it and hoping for the best. Can't say I blame them, they are guards not tactictions... or leaders... or, you get the point.

        Rarity came running as soon as we came into view, without a seconds consent she picked Sweete Bell up with her now glowing horn, I couldn't hear what she was whispering but Sweete Bells face grew increasingly dark... guess she was getting quite a scolding. Then right after that Sweete was embraced with a hug that would give a bear pause. I smiled once Rarity noticed our existence, her face turned dark once she noticed my now blood caked face and armor.

        "Darling are you ok? I dearly hope you are in adequate condition from such a dreadful experience."

        I pointed at my throat, then made movement with my lips to indicate I could not talk.

        "Oh how horrendously atrocious, dear this is all my fault. If only I hadn't of let Sweete go to Apple Acres without..."

        I put a finger to her lips as she closed her now tear stricken eyes. Too bad it hurt to sigh, It seems to be appropriate at the moment.

        I called over Big Macintosh with my unused hand, I gave him a sign to signify to start talking as I walked away, he caught on as he started to awkwardly comfort Rarity.

        "Its alright Miss Rarity" Mac said nervously, must not be good with women or something. I might have to give him some tips later. It doesn't matter if they are a different species, women are always the same. This I have learned the hard way. Well, except in the insect world. Women rule that with an iron fist. Must suck being a bug.

        I was led over to the hospital, I got hearty hugs from everyone I passed. Even Iron Anvil more or less gave me a hug, although I prefer to call it "Male bonding" although that would not really be accurate. Huh, didn't know these ponys cared for me. I though I was just a plague on their otherwise perfect world. Although that isn't fair to assume, I hadn't gotten any frosty looks since my introduction to the towns folk. Now that I think about it I wouldn't blame them. Ponys are far too forgiving, I can't help but think it is both a bane, and a blessing on their species.

        The doctors seemed to be quite upset about how I have been visiting them. Can't say I blame them, it is almost like I stop in for a weekly visit because I get screwed up one way or another. They put some crazy salve on my throat, it sizzled as my skin began stitching itself back together. I definitely need to find out were they get this stuff. This would be great in a battle. 'oh you sliced open my arm, guess what bitch. I got this kickass salve that will heal it. SUCK IT'

        Yup, totally awesome.

        ***

        We had a funeral of sorts in honor of the lost soul on the rescue mission, I found out his name was Copper Anvil, Iron Anvils half brother. Iron Anvil showed no emotion during the service, even once the cremation started. It was customary for soldiers to be burned and their ashes spread to the winds. So that even in death they will watch over us. The body was covered by a black sheet, so that bystanders would not see his horribly mutilated body. Rarity and her sister Sweete Bell, along with the elements of harmony attended it. It would have been me announcing what this soldier had done and accomplished. But since I could not speak the honor was passed to Coppers closest relative, Iron Anvil.

        Iron spoke of Coppers life as a guard without emotion of any kind, I could tell the signs his body was giving off. People deal with stress and misery different ways, Iron bottles up his emotions. It is not healthy, but I am guessing he will focus his anger into his work.

        "Tellus, I would like yah' to kill whoever did this"

        I tired communicating without the use of my voice, but after waving my hands around he got the idea. He gave me an approving nod, then left off to his workshop. I don't have time to fix his emotional problems, as much as I would like helping a friend. It is difficult relaying orders through writing, although I guess it could be worse.

        I had been asked what to do with the troll and werewolf bodys, I wrote that I wanted them examined by scientists in Canterlot. I am familiar with trolls way of life. But not there anatomy. And I know next to nothing about the humanoid wolfs.

***

        I was due to have surgery today it seems my vocal cords got a bit messed up. You know, that happens sometimes when you get stabbed in the throat. It seems afterwards I'll be able to talk almost the same as I used to. Although I can't yell for a few weeks... what will I do if I can't yell at my troops? Take up knitting? Then again that would be a useful skill to have... No, no knitting not after what happened last time. Don't ask how, but I ended up bringing about an entire civilizations apocalypse, somehow involving a monkey, a tortoise, and a stick. I know, talent.

        Hmm... seems being bored out of my mind has caused me to become an enormous smartass. That is awesome, now I can entertain myself with my own thoughts.

        ***

        I sighed, it hurt a tiny bit, but I'm glad I can make noises again. Now what did Pinkie say? Something about meeting her at Sugar Cube corner?