The Rise Of A Square World

We all now stood in a sleepy tavern the bar was completely bare and save one potted mushroom sitting slightly askew from a dispenser that delivers sweet mushroom soup at the push a button.  The tables and booths and chairs said abandoned an unused though the thresher was made of wood the entire structure seems be made of brick cobblestone and nether brick.  Following basic building code for the nether the walls were probably two blocks thick as is the necessary arrangement considering the dangerous nature of this part of the world.  The blast shields were closed over the windows no doubt the tavern was vacated during some form of attack.

As I looked the ponies now at my ring some paintings on the wall I spoke in an evil demonic voice with the intent to scare them.  Welcome I said to hell.  Where fires burn level flows like Rivers in the air itself seeks to seal your doom.  Despite my dramatic posing and even going so far as to step on a table the ponies seemed rather unmoved.  They glanced around at the sleepy tavern and looked back at me.

(vinyl)  um I’d hate to kill the mood there square head but there’s nothing scary about this place.  Heck the rave parties I throw or scarier than this.

But I looked around and two rather unconvinced ponies and smiled for now that I’m standing on a table I have easy access to one of the levers that controls the blast shields over the windows.  Reaching out and grabbing with levers I preceded to say really in a most sarcastic tone.  Then why not take a look at this.  I said pulling that lever and allowing the window to open.

As the windows opened the entire room was based in red light in the outside can be seen clear as day.  The tavern sat on the edge of a cliff far below it sealable from the window was an endless ocean of lava above that was a ceiling of red angry looking stone and the occasional island which contradict sharply from the sea was bathed in lava from the ceiling and burned with fire.  Glow stone decorated the landscape like a starry night sky and all along the coastline or mining tunnels used to look for nether quarts.  The beaches covered in Seoul sand and gravel carry the weight of several cobblestone boardwalks laid there for fast travel across the coastline.

As I turned back around to gaze of ponies I was met with a bizarre site all of them were now standing idle together pupils dilated down to the smallest cubes in measurement and their mouse hung wide open like pinky pie after birthday cake.  The only pony unfazed by the site seems to be the princess was now paying attention to fluttershy small metal box apparently the mob inside was glad the whole.

Fluttershy taking notice of the creatures rambunctious nature opened up the box and allowed it to hop around the room.  Troll?  She asked as he going to be OK out here?  I nodded in and approval and explained that most men cubes live deep beneath the sea of lava.  After words I quickly open the door and allow the cube to explore out word off into the distance.  Well at least until it jumped off the cliff into the lava blow.  Flutter shy began to shriek but I reassured her the queue would be fine.

OK every pony I said gathering them all up there some rules for the nether that are very different from the rules in the mainland.  Every pony have a seat and I will explain them to you briefly.  As I said this a familiar voice asked a brief question.

(spike) should I be writing this stuff down?  I looked down to see a small purple dragon with a quill and paper.

Wait I asked when did you get here?  Spike only rolled his eyes and explained that he had been here the entire time as it would turn out being shorter than the ponies who are shorter than me means that it is very difficult for me to notice him my mind was then left to wander all the places spike could’ve been without my knowledge of him being there hopefully he would have the common decency to not ventured to the bathroom whilst I was occupying it.  A notion I cannot expect the same of chrysalis however luckily for me she is the same size the princess which makes it very easy to spot her.

i then answered spike telling him there’s no need to write anything down the rules of the nether were simple.  As I then explained.  It simple every pony this place use to be a very dangerous but so long as you follow a few simple rules you can make it through this place alive.

Rule one carry plenty of these I said jumping behind the counter. In every house and building or utility shed is a large supply of fire resistant potions this is because the nether is full of lava and there’s no way you can survive it without a potion.

Rule two never ever step on a gravel here in the nether there can be large portions of gravel stop to the site of a mountain they have not yet fallen in any disturbance could send them over the edge.  This goes the same for Seoul sand although it cannot fall you tend to sink down in it and believe me you wanna stay mobile.

Rule three is cover.  No matter where you go a matter what you do make sure there’s some ditch is or caves or something for you to run into if you see a cloud.  For you see those are not clouds them all called ghast.  If you thought creepers were bad wait until you get a low of those.

Finally a zombie pig man.  Zombie pig man are mobs but their neutral which means they will attack you unless provoked and believe me it’s not good to provoke one.

There are few other rules but for the most part I think you guys can handle it now ever pony let’s go I said as I walk to the door to fly open I then this time ventured out word through it into the unknown.  This is when my attitude quickly changed.  For was not the site of the nether that bothered me for a very rarely got to see it but the smell.  Let’s just say the smell was the only thing to remind me where I was oh so long ago.  It reminded me of the secret a secret I’ve kept from the ponies from my newly made friends and from anyone who didn’t already know what it was… even you.

I hope nothing would bring it up and I have a feeling that I will not be so lucky.

As a stop for my little emotional moment the ponies gathered around to stare over the Cliffside at the boiling seas around us they then gotten closer look at the ceiling.  Much of their surprise I was telling the truth the nether is enclosed environment no sunlight no outside influence whatsoever it’s just us in this desolate wasteland.

It was when my mind snapped back into it that I heard the princess complaining.  At plucking back I noticed the princess was only halfway through the door the princess being much larger than myself was now stuck in the doorway the royal flank being too big to fit all the way through.

(princess)  troll I understand your people are all the exact same size but must you make your doors in this manner as well?  She said attempting to pull free from confinement of the doorway.

Twilight and spike quickly went in to obedient servant mode asking the princess if she needed anything and looking to me desperately for a solution.  The princess the whole time was busy reassuring them that it was quite all right.  I then use my newfound powers to pop inside behind the princess.  Surveying the situation I figure the problem be solved with brute force.

(troll)  get ready every pony here she comes I said backing up to get ready for push.  Giving a small burst of speed and from not very far back I tackled into the princess’s hind quarters.  I found myself against the wall of softness and I sank in two her fur like a pillow.

Did you push yet the princess asked?  Troll the princess encouraged in case you haven’t noticed on quite a bit bigger than you.  If you keep pedaling me gently I’m never going to be freed.  Agreeing with the princess and I took a few extra steps back charging headfirst I lunged at the princess then just before I hit I didn’t move reminiscent to when I first enter the pony world and belly flop against her.  Unfortunately for me it is at this time that laws of physics must intervene with my action.  And for this let me explain for every action there’s an equal and opposite reaction this law is prevalent throughout the entire universe.  An arrow can only be fired from a bow because the bow has the added weight of the holder if the air out to the bow was an equal weight to the bow and holder and the aero can only travel be equal distance traveled by them and shooting it once shot.

Needless to say the princess’s greater weight and generous proportions the backside were more than enough to bounce me straight off and fling me somewhere across the room.  As I recovered from my little airborne adventures I remember where I was.  Wait a minute I set out loud this is my world.  With very little effort I quickly punched a hole in the offending wall that had the princess captured.  Here you go princess I said allowing her to continue on forward.  She tilted her head and thanks and I stopped to look at all the ponies now gathered outside the tavern.

Spike was currently very busy fanning rarity asked where he secured a fan with not only a gold handle but a noticeable picture of rarities face on it I blame unicorn magic.  Now that I think about it I believe acne an excuse for anything that goes wrong in my life or doesn’t make sense.  I blame unicorn magic trademark troll bridge.

(Octavia)  troll can’t we go straight onto whenever world we have to save this notch character from?  It’s so hot here?  the pony said desperately trying to cool off by fanning a hoof towards her face.

Sorry Octavia I said to be gray mare notch told me explicitly to rescue any one still alive in the nether and take them back with me to meet up with this virus were holed up in the end.  As much as I agree with you that this place is not one I’d go to fore vacation even I know better than to defy the word notch.

I then looked back of the tavern to notice the taverns name it was a building and heard of many times in my…  Well my time spent in the nether.  I knew the town that had to lie close nearby but I am unfortunately did not know much about the landscape.  All my time was spent indoors and I very rarely got to look out at the lava filled scenery.  Rainbowdash I yield up above can you please go ahead on the main road and tell me if there’s a large funnel leading into the mountainside?

Twilight nodded her head in agreement and Rainbowdash quickly so did the princess before venturing off into the distance.  As we waited for Rainbowdash to return the smells of the nether were getting to me once more filling my head with old memories ones I thought I’d left behind.

(pinky)  troll pinky snapped me out of it are you OK?

As I looked to the pink adorable pony I’ve found myself at a loss for words.  What I asked?  Uuuumm… yeah I’m OK why you ask?  “Because pinky pie remarked you’re standing in fire.”

Rainbowdash returned to the site of me trying to put out my leg with a sand block believe me this is not as effective as you might think.  It’s times like this I wish I was back the pony world.

(Rainbowdash)  um troll there’s a large tunnel of the head it says…  The pony then got embarrassed well it says something.

I immediately knew what she is trying to say and finished her sentence it’s the Satan’s sphincter mining town isn’t it?  Vinyl burst about laughing when I said it.  I have heard many times of the mining town.  It sat on a very large rich vein of quartz.  When the mine ran out of its beautiful and precious commodity the miners found a new job.  The new gaping and giant hole in the enclosed area was well protected making a perfect spot two mine nether rack and they get into bricks.  The resulting bricks sold for a high price back in the normal world.

As we began walking twilight vinyl and Rainbowdash took the front.  Chrysalis and other ponies were in the middle and I took the rear as I was far too preoccupied with the thought swimming in my head to pick up the pace.  I knew what building laid so close to the town and I hoped nothing would come of it.

I thought patterns were then again are opted by a concern pony this time was the princess.  She did not need to say anything a wing around my shoulder was all it took to start a conversation.

(troll)  princess I asked have you ever done something you regretted?  The princess was silence for a moment then answered my question.

(princess ) “yes troll I have.  I’ve made both decisions I was proud of and decisions I’m ashamed of.  Some decisions were for the good of ponies other than myself and even some decisions put value on the lives of some ponies over others.  These decisions are very hard and they sometimes weigh heavy on my heart.”

Her words did nothing to suit my thoughts for was not a decision I was regretting but a careless action.  That was not what I meant princess have you ever physically done something you’re ashamed of?

The princess stared at me further and then spoke in a manner pressing a very deep concern for my well-being.  Troll she said this place has awakened something and you what is it that now fills you with such grief?

Grief…   I thought to myself the words stung like hot sword against the flash.  it twisted and wrenched in my brain and searing thoughts from the past dwelled up that word.  So much so that I actually stopped walking.  Every pony save the princess was now halfway through the tunnel before I realized then stopped.

(queen chrysalis)  troll she asked I’m sensing some confusing emotions from you are you OK?

As I snapped back into it I looked forward into the dark tunnel every pony was now steering at me their white eyes shun against the black but insides of the tunnel.  In a attempt to erase the moment from history I shouted look every pony the town is right of the head and quickly charged through the group of ponies.

As I burst and will onto the other side of the mountain I was met with an even greater site.  Nestled between three large mountains was a town protecting the town was three large walls some with large holes in them and they’re made a very cheap material that they went from mountain to mountain and from floor to ceiling like a net.  These were to stop any Ghats from straying too far into town and causing trouble.

Near the town were several lakes of fire and lava and the town itself was made of fireproof buildings.  Unfortunately there were no people walking the streets and it could not be blamed on the time of day for there was no there night in the nether.  Every pony I shouted spread out and look for survivors.  I knew the faster we found someone the better off we would be.  The sooner I be out of the nether.

But my search was not from four of them I went through large industrial furnace rooms and community crafting stations even some personal homes Baird no fruit in the form of life.  This trend continued for every pony and myself several times over before finally I heard a voice call my name.

(apple jack) but troll she shouted over there look.

I quickly ran through the buildings to find her and when I did she was pointing off into the distance for outside of town was a figure walking by one of the shorelines.  Stay here every pony I said we don’t wanna scare whoever is and I imagine the site of you ponies is enough to stop anyone’s heart…  No offense.

Walking up to the man I was disappointed not to find a hero surviving in another but a zombie pig man relaxing In the hot lava.

(zombie pig man)  hero! Whats up dude…  oink

I gave a great sign a disappointment and shouted to the ponies that they could approach.  I don’t know why but first I did not think the zombie pig man or the other by the site of the ponies.  But I was quickly proven wrong as the moment the mob laid eyes on twilight sparkle he began screaming frantically.

(the zombie pig man)  what is that thing?  Oink  he screamed as he quickly jumped from lava and pulled out his sword.

It’s cool Z.P man I said trying to calm him just chill out.  These are ponies there from another world beyond that of the one I come from just stay calm.  They’re not going to hurt you.  I said calmly touching the tip of his sword with my hand.

Eventually he put down a soared and looked strangely at me.  “Your armor he said I’ve never seen a hero with that armor before oink.”  Remembering that I was technically not a normal hero anymore I explained to him that notch had spoken to me and gifted me with great power.  Much to my surprise the zombie pig man dropped his sword.  What’s wrong I asked?

you have been touched by the notch the pig man exclaimed I will help you in what every you need.  Needless to say I was quite pleased by his cooperation for a moment I was afraid he would refuse to help me.  Tell me I said are there any heroes within this area?

The pig man looked up.  No when the nether portal stopped working all the heroes tried desperately to find a way out.  Only the surface can supply enough food to keep the very high hero population here alive in their search they awakened something.

I looked confused at the pig man. ”And what of herobrine?”  I asked did herobrine ever come to the nether?  The pig man looked up of me with a great amount of fear in his eyes.  No he said I thought herobrine was simply a legend.

At first the confirmation that herobrine never affect another filled me with hope.  With no undead army to take this world there must be plenty of heroes held up somewhere.  But as I looked around I saw no signs of life.  Some of the buildings had blast damage on them which is not untypical of buildings in the nether but still it looked unusual.  Furthermore the fact that there are no people is the stranger thing.  Even with no access to the normal world and the nether farms should have been more than enough to keep people fed in an emergency rations stored in many public buildings should have also made the transition smooth and competition free.

(twilight)  you said the heroes awakened something what was it?  Twilight asked bravely stepping up to the mob.

The zombie pig man paused for a moment and then reached out his hand to brush one of twilight’s ears.  As soon as he felt he was justified in saying that twilight was indeed real he answered her question.  The withers small one.  In the heroes desperate attempts to escape this place they somehow awoke the ancient mobs known as Withers.  Eventually there were overwhelmed.

(troll)  are there any more heroes anywhere I asked.

He stared at me for a moment as if unsure of what to say.  Finally he spoke I know of only one he said but there’s a story surrounding that one.  I noticed what direction he was looking.  And what tunnel he was suggesting I walked down.  I know the story I said.  Believe me there’s no need to warn me of the danger.

The pig man turned to me with a large degree of speculation.  tell me he asked are you wearing overalls?  At the end of his sentence the ponies gasped apparently there picking up on something.  I hope their suspicions are not to aroused if I can I would like to keep the past buried.

Yes I said I am Troll Bridge.  I imagine you wish not to follow me.

As the pig man looked at me with eyes of fear and anger.  you’re not suggesting freeing that monster are you?  His deeds affected the nether just as much as they affected the surface world you of all people would know that.  The I briefly explained that my loyalty was not the nether and that notch himself ordered all survivors free from this place and seeing is he is the only one who am I to deny that claim.

The pig man bowed his head and began walking through the crowd of ponies away from us.  He stopped for a moment to glance over to the princess’s cutie mark.  Curiosity gripping him he reached out and touched it.  As is hand caught on fire a continued walking away was bring something involving more intimate physical contact with the princess.

(vinyl)  troll what the heck was that all about?  Who is he talking about?  She asked.

I tried my best to articulate the words but nothing came out.  In the end I pointed off into the distance and told the ponies another cavern was this way and that it was what we need to go to.  I knew at this point there’s no way to keep the ponies from learning of my past and but I can think of a way to tell the ponies what secrets they would learn about me soon.

The walk through the long winding tunnel was mostly quiet I could feel that all the ponies were now on edge.  They knew I was hiding something and I knew they try to get out of me, but no one not even Pinky pie dared break the ice.  The ponies now walked far behind even though I was walking rather slowly the ponies clearly did not want to overtake me.  But they followed in a deliberate distance.

Not a distance that suggested conviction are just trust but more of respect.  What ever it was I was hiding they’re waiting patiently for me to be able to talk to them about it.  Even though I cannot see her I could feel twilight’s eyes locked on me.  Rainbowdash was even able to contain her normally abrasive nature to not disturb me as I walked.  Eventually the awkward silence gave way to meaningless and petty conversation and most the ponies.  Not about what was bothering me but seem to be it anything that happened pass by such as a mushroom or torch.

The tunnel we walked down was long for purpose it burrowed deep beneath the ocean of lava.  I only walked down the style twice.  And the emotions I felt then were very different than the ones I felt now.  The first time I walk down the tunnel I was gripped with fear regret and self-hatred.  That first time I quite literally walked down this road I was younger.  I was a very different person than I was now and it felt scarring.  Equally scarring was the second time I’ve walked down this road however in the opposite direction.  It was a time of mixed feelings I was hopeful and happy but afraid and cautious.  I knew not know the future held or even if the future would allow me to be inside but either way I continue to walk down the road because there’s nothing else I could do.

Now I walked down this road for third time in all the emotions of the previous journeys are flashing back to me.  I had kept and walked away with in my mind but it would seem some things are inescapable.  As I continue walking and listened to the sounds of my boots against the cobblestone road and felt the hot air of the nether seeping through the nether-rack I fell something very different.  It was soft and in bracing and somehow was very cool to the touch as I looked up it was the princess with a wing around my shoulder.

(princess)  troll I believe we have not finished her talk.  Please know that we’re well outside of your shock from any other pony.  Now tell me why has this place change you so?  And who is this person who we are going to go meet?  The princess asked pulling me and closer to her form.

I thought of many different approaches I could take to answering questions it would seem my more devious mind is overridden in times like this and honesty shines true however it is a selected honesty.  We’re going to go meet a man named greed Fingers 666.  However everyone simply calls him Griefer.  As for why this place bothers me so much let’s just say it I fell victim to a small difference in our culture’s.

(princess)  what do you mean troll she asked.

Well I explained it while ago and learn that you ponies measure time in years this is not how we measure time for we measured in days gone are then translated into years.  As I said this the princess looked confused.  There is no day or night in the nether I explained their four if you spend time in the nether it is marked off your actual age and because of actual age bears no relevance for persons lifelong longevity any time spent in the nether can be marked off your life span with no worry of dying young.  My friend Pone was eight years old when he died I was five years old when you found me and both me and Pone spawned at almost the exact same time.

The princess paused for a moment.  We walked on for a few steps only the sound of cobblestone beneath her feet and hooves filling in the emptiness.  So she asked where exactly did those three years go?  Two her question I said nothing I merely allowed our journey to continue forward and until finally the spiral walkway that seem to stretch and giant circle forever gave way into a giant open room.

The room was quite clearly met and made.  The bubble was section of one through two sections in the middle or closer to the bottom was a glass for flooring and beneath that was boiling bubbling lava.  But within the glasses ground level were cobblestone streets and such but each road led up to the same thing in the center of the bubble a very large vary from voting castle.  Much like cantor lot castle it had high guard towers and foreboding impenetrable walls with the occasional lava flow coming out the side.  Unlike cantor lot the color palette was not of and cheery and welcoming nature but more of one that demanded solitude.

(twilight)  troll what is this place twilight asked gazing forward and onto the giant castle.

As we walked on I answer her question.  This I said is Hell Stone Prison.  I spent three years of my life in this place…

End of chapter 13