Chapters Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
“Ruby, it's been an hour and a half, and nothing's here. Let's go home already, I don't know what weird voice in your head told you something would be here, but it's wrong.” Berry said, laying in the forest entrance, plucking grass out of boredom.
“Patience. I was told something about a raptor.” Ruby said, staring into the forest.
“...You're buckin' shitting me. A RAPTOR? Those don't even exist! I know Equestria has some screwed up animals as pets but a RAPTOR? Whatever voice told you that was taking shrooms or something! I'm heading home!”
Berry got up angrily and started to walk back to Maneside, Ruby and Berry's home city.
“Wait...” Ruby said, calmly.
“I AIN'T WAITIN' ANY--”
“No! Berr, do you hear that?”
Berry came over to Ruby and listened hard. A faint conversation was far into the forest, heading their way. It was edging toward them rather fast.
“Ruby, they're probably just ponies headed for home from the forest!” Berry shouted, angrily.
“Berry, what pony goes into the Everfree Forest for a regular stroll?” Ruby asked.
“...Alright, yeah... good point.”
Berry's shout triggered a distress yell in a very, very thick accent.
“Oi! Hello? Is somebody there!?”
They were close enough that Ruby and Berry could hear the leaves rustling.
“'Ey Carees, lad! Clearing be up here!”
A deep voice responded.
“Well, what do you know? We made it.”
“Watch yer step, only the gods know what these bushes do.”
As the two stallions stepped out of bushes and into the opening they looked to see the two mares staring straight at them. For Cannon and Carees, it was just two natives looking at them, but for Ruby and Berry, they were greeted by 2 stallions. One had a messy orange mane and a short tail, while the other had a short black mane and a regular size tail. Cannon gained the courage to speak up.
“Err... hello. Ye lassies know any shelters 'round these parts? Me friend and I... we be kinda lost.”
Ruby replied shyly “Umm... well... there's a city not too far from here, you could stay there. Oh, hey. Before you head off... umm... have you seen a raptor-like creature around and about?”
Cannonbolt's eyes widened and gave her a look. “Yes, lass, I have. He be my companion. How do ye know about him? I demand an answer!”. Cannonbolt demanded, angrily.
Ruby got nervous. “Ummm.... Something told me I would find it here if I waited. Does it happen to be green?”
“Aye, it be okay then.” Cannon whistled into the bushes. “CUDDLES! Come out here, ye scaredy cat! This lass had a vision of ye!”
Cuddles poked his head out of the bushes with a whimper. Berry Punch had a frustrated look on her face.
“You have to be kidding me.” She said, mouth open.
Cuddles jumped out, and his spiked boy made the mares flinch a second.
“I see... this meeting was destined between us, then. Berr, I think we're in for another ride.” Ruby looked to her friend, who let out a huge sigh.
“Big adventure, here we come... again.”
“'scuse me, but “again”? You've been in a huge adventure before?” asked Carees, with a deep voice that almost surprised the two mares.
“Yeah. We were in a war with the most jerkish man in the universe. We had to stop him before he killed everyone who doesn't like him so he could be loved.” Berry explained with a very serious tone of voice.
“Impressive, lassies. 'Tit all went well, I'm to assume?”
“Not all of it. The monster brainwashed one of our friends into serving him until she died... She didn't make it.”
Carees looked down at the ground. “That's a fate nobody deserves. I can fix her fate, and make it so she never died, but I don't expect you to believe me.”
Berry rolled her eyes, but Ruby did not. Still in a serious manner, Ruby replied “I believe you. I believe you one-hundred percent.”
Berry looked over, surprised. “WHAT? You do? What kind of crazy pill have you been taking?”
Ruby didn't even turn around for her answer. “The pill that makes me notice they say “everybody” and not “everypony”. They're from another world, a world that holds a lot of chaos and war.”
“Aye, that be right! Did ye get told that too?” Cannon asked.
“No. I can tell. You have a thick accent that nopony in Equestria has, you have a green raptor as a pet, you're carrying huge, mythological looking weapons on your back. I think they know what they're talking about.” Ruby listed, smiling. Carees made a back-statement.
“And YOU have a great power stored in you and can use psychic power.”
Ruby gasped. “H-hey! How'd you know that?”
Carees smiled. “How else could you defeat such a great villain, and why else would he corrupt your friend and specifically try to stop you with her but to want the power inside you? And how do I know you have psychic power? Because you wouldn't know these weapons are mythological if you didn't read our mind to find out!”
At the same time, both Berry and Cannon looked at Carees and said “Damn”. Ruby stood there with her mouth open, clearly very impressed.
Carees bowed his head down and up. “I believe introductions are in order. My name is Carees C. Dodsworth.”
“And I be Cannonbolt! This here be my pet raptor, Cuddles.”
Cuddles softly roared a noise and hopped.
“Nice to meet you! I'm Ruby Black.”
“An' my name is Berry Punch.”
Cannon directed his attention toward Berry's name.
“Berry, lass, that name o' yers makes me wish I had a nice, good ol' beer in me hands to relax from all this business about us bein' sent 'ere and all that. Oi, I could really go for some ale right 'bout now, wouldn't you, Carees?”
“I might if I had one in front of me, but not at the moment, no.”
Cannonbolt shook his head. “Aye, lad. Ye be me buddy! But sometimes, ye just ain't fun! An alcoholic drink can sometimes take aaaaall yer stress away.”
Berry smiled at Cannon. “I like the way you think, Cannon! I run a bar in the city not too far from here. We ain't got that beer stuff, but we got alcoholic punch or juice. It's just beer, but has a more fruity taste to it. I'll take you there sometime!”
“Alcoholic punch. That's one idea me wee brain wouldn't think of in a million years. I outa try it sometime. Sounds like a nice, refreshing drink if it be after a long day.”
Berry and Cannon completely ignored the fact Ruby and Carees existed anymore and continued to talk about the drinks of their lands. Berry was in a trance listening to Cannon's dramatic speeches about Azerothian drinks and the tales of him and his drunk friends.
“Well, it seems we've been blocked out of existence for the time being.” Ruby put simply.
“When Cannon finds a beer buddy, he never stops talking. He's just kind of a reckless little man. Or at least, once little.”
“Well, anyways, tell me about those awesome weapons you guys carry! They look so cool, and I bet you guys have tales of how you got them!”
“That we do, miss Ruby. I carry Sulfuras, Hand of Ragnaros. Only the most skilled of blacksmiths may craft this hammer, says the legend of Sulfuras. First, Cannon, I, and a few of our Azerothian friends visited the lair of the dreaded firelord, Ragnaros. The creature was huge in size, and carried a hammer that represented his ferocity. We battled the beast in an amazing battle of endurance and strategy. The beast fell at the might of my frozen powers that I possess. Then, we all decided that I shall have the task of taking the core out of the huge mace, and gather the materials to make it. Once I did that, with all my energy dissipated, I crafted the hand of Ragnaros and called it my own. I have never fought a battle without the fiery legend.”
Carees smiled as he patted his weapon.
Ruby was smiling out of amazement. She had never heard a more impressive tale. She was in awe that the most heroic stallion she had ever heard of was talking directly to her, befriending her.
“A-- Aha! Wow! I... I... I've never heard a more impressive story in my life! That's... so... cool.”
Ruby looked at him with a moved look. She had barely met him, yet she had already fallen for him.
“Heh, if you want to hear impressive, Cannon's got as many stories as I do. Like how he got his bow. That's one to know. He fought some of the most fiercest demons in the legends all by himself to obtain that bow. That bow is nature made. Nature had provided it for the chosen hunter, whoever that was brave enough to face the obstacles to get it. It generates magic arrows when the string is pulled.”
“No way!” Ruby gasped
“Yes way! He just came back home one day with a huge wound on his leg and said to me “I got the longbow of ancient keepers”.”
Ruby's eyes made her look like she had been seduced.
“You have... quite the brave stories, you two do. If you don't have anywhere to stay... Umm... we can provide for you!”
Carees made the most genuine smile in existence. “Hmm. That would be quite helpful, yes... I believe we can accept that offer gladly, seeing it is that we arrived to this planet 3 hours ago.”
“Ah! Yes! Good! We have an extra room we can let you two stay in.” Ruby said.
Carees kept the smile on his face and chuckled. “You're blushing, my dear.”
Ruby's body scrunched up. “I... uh...”
“Ahaha! Don't worry about it. Stories such as ours do not come around so often, so people are often amazed by them.”
Ruby tried to play it off. “Uhh... yeah... heheh. Your stories... they sure are impressive.”
“That they are, my dear Ruby, that they are.”
Suddenly, they notice that loud voices were coming from the right. As they looked over, they didn't expect the two alcoholics to be talking about anything different than what they were talking about 10 minutes ago.
“An-- and then... the poor lad got knocked back so hard... he flew through the window and hit a royal city guard, drunk!”
Berry and Cannon both broke out laughing. Ruby thought Berry was going to die laughing on the ground for a moment.
“Ohoho! That's rich!” Berry said, still laughing, and wiping a tear from her eye.
Ruby spoke up to Berry.
“Hey, Berr!” Ruby shouted.
Berry turned to see Ruby. She was still smiling.
“These guys don't have a place to stay, is it okay if we--”
“YES.” Berry answered before Ruby could finish her sentence.
“Well that settles that. What about your raptor, Cannonbolt? Sorry if you take offense, but is he allowed in your house back in Azeroth?”
“Aye, lassie! He be fine! He always sticks with me and I've taught him inside manners as well.”
“Well, good. I didn't want raptor theses in my house, that's only why I asked.”
“Oh, flagon leaks! I taught him not to do that 9 years 'go.”
“Well, let's start heading back to the city. Whatever kind of adventure we're in for soon... I hope it's gonna be fun.” Ruby said, walking back to Maneside City. She kept close to Carees the whole way.
Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
It had turned to night at Berry's house, and Cannonbolt and Carees were laying down in the 2 beds in the guest room, while the mares headed upstairs to their room. Once the coast was clear, they were free to talk about the subject they so desperately wanted to speak of on the way back.
“...I think they like us, Carees.” Cannonbolt said, staring up at the ceiling.
“If you're saying that in the way that I think you mean when you say “like”, then I couldn't agree any more with you.” Carees said, with an expressionless face.
“I can see why, too. You got Ruby's personality, an' I got Berry's. I dunno what to think o' it, though.”
“To be honest, I'm quite flattered. However, I don't know whether to let her have me or not, because believe it or not, that could make problems. Oh, and trust me, Yogg-Saron is watching us, and he's going to take those problems to advantage.”
Cannon closed his eyes. “Aye, I'd believe that. Well, if we do let 'em have us, we'd be in for quite the journey, eh?”
“We would. Question is, do we want to? Action did always make me excited for adventure.”
“...Carees, lad... I'm a dwarf hunter, I'm addicted to action! I can't live without it! Life don't last forever! Let's make the most out of it. Whaddya say?”
“...If she wants me, she can have me. I've never been in a relationship anyway. It's not really as awkward as one might think, either. I mean think of all the pairs in Azeroth. I've seen a gnome and night elf couple once.”
“Well, we HAVE been transformed into the natives here, so I presume it ain't that big of a deal. But if they really want it... I say they have to come get it.”
“Yes, indeed. They got to work for it, and I bet they're arguing about it as we speak, but that's their conversation, not ours. Prepare, Cannon. Tomorrow is going to be a very, very long day.”
“I hear ye there. Well, g'night, lad. Best of hope ol' Yogg don't haunt yer night fantasies!”
“Same to you, Cannon. See you in the morning.”
They turned off the lights and started to fall asleep. However, Carees was right about the mares, and they weren't quite going to sleep yet. The lights were still on, and Ruby and Berry were ready to have their girly argument.
“Y'know” Said Berry. “You need to work on your subtlety.”
“W—What do you mean?” Berry asked, nervously.
“Oh come ON, girl! At the forest entrance. It couldn't be MORE obvious that you like Carees. You were as subtle as a thunderstorm.”
“But... I....” Ruby was clueless about what to say.
“But you nothing. I almost face-hoofed when you started blushing. If you don't want somepony to know you have feelings for them, you gotta play it off! Is this the first time you've had a crush on somepony?”
Ruby was almost sweating. “I... umm... W-- why is it your business to be involved in this?”
Berry sighed. “Because you were a complete floozy! He obviously knows, as Cannon probably know my feelings, but you made it so obvious it hurt.”
“Wait, you like Cannon?”
Berry face-hoofed. “Wow, for being Ruby, you sure didn't catch on to almost anything there. Talk to Cannon and tell me he is not the funniest pony around.”
“Is that all you see in somepony you like? How funny they are?”
“Pshh... no. I look at their personality and looks as well. If they fit what I like in a stallion, then I'm all over it. You obviously were impressed by Carees' stories and... admittedly... masculinity. If you want him, go get him! If you really feel like he's your stallion, then you're the one that's gotta make him yours. Oh, tell me “but I don't like him” and this conversation will loop.”
“Nngh... j-just why are you so interested in my feelings toward him?”
“Cuz, you don't have any experience with this situation and I gotta teach you, or you're never getting anypony the easy way.”
“Nnngh!... But I'm scared... What if--”
“What if nothing. Take a chance or don't take one. A date is a date! I'm asking Cannon soon, maybe even tomorrow!” Berry said confidently.
“I... I'll try... what do I say? It's so nerve wracking...” Ruby's heart was beating incredibly fast.
“Do you want him? Because if you do, you'll do anything. Imagine this: you and him--”
“This is so awkward.” Ruby interrupted.
“No. Shuddup. Imagine, even if it is awkward. You and him are in a grassy, green field watching the sun set. Suddenly, he puts his arm around you and kisses you on the cheek. Now tell your best friend honestly, how star-damned bad do you want that?” Berry wasn't letting up at all with the bashful comments.
“...MMPH... eh!-- bad...” Ruby said admittedly, head under her pillow. Under the pillow, her face turned to the color of her hair, and her heart felt as though it was shot.
“That's what I thought. You don't think I'm nervous? I'm nervous as heck! Just... don't show it. I know you're blushing under there, miss anxiety.”
“MM-HMM-HMMPH!” Ruby kicked as she was holding the pillow so tight to her face it barely let her breathe. A groaning “mmmmmh...” Followed after she was done having a nervous spasm.
“I'm making you do this, Rubes. I'm not letting this opportunity for you go to waste. First relationships are hard. People joke about you, go “awwww!” when they learn your relationship and never shut up about it...”
Ruby was on the verge of crying out of nervous terror.
“...but then again you get to have the best times of your life with a person that you hold closer to you than almost anyone! It's one experience that shouldn't be missed for anyone. Not even the people you hate most. I can't believe I'm saying this, but not even Porky deserves that.”
That made Ruby come out of her pillow shell. “WHAT? Porky deserves every kick in the balls there is!” She yelled angrily.
“Not that one. Everyone deserves someone, no matter who it is. Who knows? The man CAN live forever...”
Ruby was still angry. “Then he deserves the fattest, meanest, ugliest thing alive!”
“And you deserve Kreese.” Berry said.
“His name is Carees, Berry.” Ruby corrected.
“That's what I said, Kreese.”
“No! 'kah-reeze”!
“Yes, I know! Kreese!”
“...Forget it.” Ruby turned to her right.
“Heh, whatever. I expect you to ask him tomorrow, or I'll tell him myself the next day.”
Ruby gasped and started to beg, as her heart died. “OH, PLEASE DON'T DO THAT! That's embarrassing!”
“Are you gonna tell him tomorrow, then? Because I don't want to have this certain conversation again.”
“I... nngh! Ugh... umm...” Ruby didn't know what to do.
“Well, if ya don't tell him, he's gettin' told. Good night! See ya in the mornin'!” Berry chanted. She giggled to herself inside.
“Y-yeah... good night... if you can call it good.” Ruby said, putting her covers over her head. She quickly fell asleep.
___________________________________________________________________
“Gyah! Huh? Where am I?”
Ruby woke up alone, in absolute darkness. Darkness, darkness, and more darkness. The only thing other than darkness was nothing. That's how dark it was. As she stood up, she noticed the only thing that she was standing on was darkness, unsurprisingly. She called into the vast, never ending blackness.
“H-hello? Anybody there?”
Ruby's call was absorbed by the darkness.
“ANYBODY?”
She heard her voice echo endlessly. It echoed and echoed. Even it's echo echoed.
She heard a whisper, but was unclear what it was. She starting walking.
“W-who's there?” Ruby called.
The whisper continued. Ruby started trotting.
“A-alright-t-t.... time to trot awaaaay from the creepiness.”
The whisper grew louder, almost clear. She started running.
“Running! Running away from the living terror!”
Ruby.... Ruby.... Ruby.... the whisper was saying. Ruby was sprinting now, eyes closed.
“W-what are you? What do you want? Leave me alone!!” Ruby yelled. Not looking, she crashed into something. Something rather slimy. She looked at her paw first to see snotty goo on it. She looked up to see a terrifying beast. A beast nearly indescribable by looks. It didn't look fearsome, it was fear itself. With a echoing voice, the fear responded.
“What am I, you ask? Some call me “The Beast of a Thousand Maws”. Others call me “The Fiend with A Thousand Faces”. What am I truly? I am your worst nightmare.”
“AH! GET AWAY!” Ruby yelled, she turned to run from the beast, but as she ran away, the beast grew in size behind her, rather than shrinking due to the angle of distance.
“Away? There is no away. There is only me. I am your evil in your mind, yet I am your closest ally. I am the one to provide strength...”
Ruby tripped as she looked back to see the fear bigger than even the greatest of titans in any story or mythology.
“...The strength known by the name of madness.”
Tentacles came out of the darkness and grabbed Ruby, the lifted her up to the beast. Ruby wasn't even a speck compared to it.
“Are your friends truly your closest allies?” Asked the beast.
Ruby was still brave enough to speak up. “Of course they are! They are the only ones I hold dear, cretin!”
“Tonight, prove me correct, you were rather in a fight with your “closest ally”, Berry Punch?”
“H-How do you know that? Also, it was just a small fight, nothing big!”
“What if it wasn't. What if it was a fight that affected your friendship? Just pretend.”
“Okay, so what if it did?”
“A thousand deaths, or Berry Punch?”
“W—WHAT?” Ruby asked, scared.
“Chose. A thousand deaths, or a dead Berry Punch? A thousand innocent lives, or your “best ally”?”
“AH! W-What kind of question is that?”
“You pick a thousand deaths. Why did you kill one thousand lives for your friend?”
“WHAT? I didn't pick either!” Ruby shouted. This was bad.
“Your conscience tells me other wise. You chose a thousand deaths. Your city's population has depleted one thousand, but your friend is safe. Is she truly your best ally? Or have you just killed a thousand of your friends as you lose a war beside her? That is for you to decide.”
“NO! I can count on her for anything! She's saved me in my dire times!” Ruby denied the beast.
“Has she? Is she close enough to never upset you? Always there to cheer you up?”
“Of course she is? Why shouldn't I believe in her?”
“You're right, Ruby. She would never tell a certain male anything you wish he didn't hear from her... would she?”
That caught her off guard. Ruby felt a cringe inside her. The beast was winning this argument, and she knew it.
“Th-that isn't as important! She's just trying to give me the best experiences in life. She wants me to put effort into my life. Nothing is wrong with that!” She said, shaking.
“Best experiences? If you agree her ideas of best experiences is embarrassing you for her amusement, then you are correct. She is giving you the best experiences.”
“SHUDDUP! You're nothing but a nightmare! Why am I listening to you?”
“I am your nightmare, but I am also the conscience in the back of your mind. You may not know your friends as well as you think! Soon, you will see! But for now it's time to wake up. Go on, Ruby. Wake up! Ruby! Wake up! WAKE UP YOU'RE SCARING ME!”
“NYAH!” Ruby spring up and was breathing heavily and looked over to see her friend, scared to death. She gave a sigh of relief and crashed back down on her bed.
“RUBY! Are you alright!?” Berry was breathing almost as heavy as Ruby, she got half way onto her bead and laid a hoof on her shoulder.
“I... I don't know if I'm fine after that... whatever it was. Auugh...” Ruby moaned as she noticed hoof-steps. The door opened.
“Lassies! Be everything alright? Me ears heard yelpin'!” Cannonbolt said as Carees followed him into the room.
“I think poor Ruby here went to Hell and back in that dream she just had. What happened? You were kicking, making scared sounds and saying things like “She IS my friend!” over and over again.”
“This isn't good. In fact, this is the worst possible thing that can happen.” Carees put grimly.
“What!? What's happening to my best friend?” Berry asked.
The question was ignored as Carees walked past her and approached Ruby, who was hiding by putting her face to the pillow, quietly crying. As he put a hoof on her shoulder, she looked up to see his face. She stopped crying.
“Ruby, whatever you do, don't give in. Deny him. His words are full of lies. He's just trying to get to you. Be strong.”
“I... I didn't believe him... he was lying... he asked me... a question. A question that he read in the back of my mind for the answer.”
“Who did!? What question!? I'm confused!” Berry began to be impatient. Cannon put a hoof on her to settle her down.
“Settle, lass. Ye find out soon 'nuff.”
“I do need to know that question. What did the horror ask of you, and what answer did he read?”
“... H-he.... asked me... Ngh... to m-make a decision... bet....between one thousand deaths or.... Berry Punch's life...” Ruby could hardly speak.
“WHAT!? That bastard! He wants me dead, don't he? NNGH!” Berry became furious. She stomped on the ground with pure anger.
“Lass, hold. And ye answer he read was...?”
The room fell silent. There was a huge anticipation of the answer, and Berry's heart was beating faster than a speeding hedgehog. Either answer was bad.
Ruby took a huge gulp and closed her eyes. Tears came out as she said the words. “... A thousand deaths.”
Everypony looked shocked. They would have been shocked at either answer. Berry's heart dropped in speed, but hadn't returned to normal.
Carees looked intrigued rather than surprised. “Interesting. May I ask, poor girl, why you chose this? As much as it hurts, I need an answer.”
All eyes were on Ruby. She was being stressed to her limit. Cannonbolt spoke up.
“Berry, lass, let us leave these two, Ruby got 'nuff stress on 'er. I explain everytin' to ya downstairs. C'mon. You too, Cuddles.”
The two headed downstairs, whereas cuddles gave one final look and whimpered. He headed out the door to meet up with his master downstairs after Carees told him to go, politely. With his claw, Cuddles shut the door behind him. He wasn't a dumb animal. He knew what was going on.
“Alright. Now, Ruby, you can trust me, I've seen this before. Please answer. Why did you pick a thousand deaths?” Carees had a very serious but understanding face on, and nothing could move it.
“I-- well... I... I know I can count on Berry. If we work together, we can fix whatever problem caused those thousand deaths. He's wrong, Carees. He told me Berry isn't truly my friend.” Ruby was still shaking, but calming down.
“Why would he say that?” Carees asked, puzzled at what the beast was trying to do.
“He said a friend would never do anything to hurt another friend and then proceeded to say Berry was going to--” Ruby stopped dead in her words, forgetting who she was talking to for a moment.
“She was to do what? Come on, tell me. It could mean your life. I need the absolute truth.”
Ruby never hesitated more in her speech. “She was... going to.... going to tell...you...that.........”
Carees was trying his hardest to get to the bottom of her secret. “Tell me what? Why me?”
Ruby blushed as her heart exploded. “She.... was going to.... TellyouthatIlikedyouifIdidn'taskyououtonadatetommorrowday!!!” Ruby instantly hid under her covers and covered her face with her pillow.
Carees moved his face, but not his emotion. “She was to do this whether it was content with you or not?”
An “mmhmm” came from the pillow.
“First of all, I'm flattered. Second of all, that was just his opportunity to get to you. Don't let him succeed. You're a strong girl, and I want you to prove that to him.”
The pillow spoke again. “So you're not freaked out the greatest power in the universe wants to ask you on a date?”
“As I said, I'm flattered. Hmmm... I see. I have come to a conclusion.” Carees said, in a lot happier tone.
“A conclusion of what?” Ruby asked. There was only one conclusion he could make.
“You've denied the beast of insanity. That's braver than vanquishing some stupid firelord in my opinion. Your bravery is admirable. Very admirable. For being victorious over a brave battle with insanity itself, I accept.”
“Accept what?” Ruby had a feeling she knew what he meant.
“A date. A relationship. With bravery like yours, you aren't easily stopped. You persevere through even the God of Madness himself! I like that in someone. If they don't give up easily, I don't give up on them.”
“...You're kidding.”
“Read my mind. I can bet the moon that I am not joking.”
Ruby smiled for the first time that night. “Thanks. I'm still scared though...”
Carees spoke up bravely. “I'm going to be sleeping in this room the rest of the night. I'm going to make sure nothing bad happens to you.”
“Wait a sec! You mean your going to sleep... with ME???” Ruby blushed so hard the blush was purple.
“Yes? Trust me, when you share a bed with a dwarf every night, sharing a bed with the ultimate power in the universe seems like heaven. Go on, scoot over. I'm not gonna do anything dirty, don't worry. I'm not that type of person.”
“Y-yeah I know... it's just... your sleeping... with me...” Ruby said, her face red as an apple. She scooted over, making way for the handsome stallion. He crawled in and made himself comfortable.
Ruby was trying her hardest to play it off. However, her thoughts kinda sounded like this: Holyshitholyshitholyshitholyshitholyshit.
Hoof-steps were coming up the stairs once more. What was Berry going to say when she saw them in a bed together when she walked in the room? Unfortunately, there was one way to find out. The door creaked open and Ruby was sweating like a.... horse.
“Hey, Ruby I figu-- D'AWWWWWWWWWWWWW! Cannon, look how cute that is!” Berry had the most enjoyable look on her face that could ever be imagined.
“What be so-- well I'll be! Ye two look like ya be a new wedded couple! Ahaha!”
Ruby was blushing, sweating, and thinking of how much she wanted to kill everything that had life at that very moment. Suddenly, Berry grew an evil like smile and looked at Cannon.
“Well, if they're doin' it...” She grabbed Cannonbolt's hoof.
“'Ey! What are ye... oh dear.” Berry was dragging Cannon over to the empty bed. Ruby and Carees couldn't help but giggle with a hoof over their mouths.
Cannon was thrown into the bed as Berry hopped in with him. Berry quickly covered them both with the warm, fuzzy covers.
“What in the name of ale have I gotten myself into?” Cannon asked himself. Berry answered for him.
“You've gotten into bed with a girl that dreams of making out with you. Deal with it.”
That was the breaking point. Carees and Ruby broke out laughing and couldn't stop. Cuddles was at the doorstep jumping up and down with excitement, quietly roaring as he always does. Ruby and Carees were laughing so hard they hadn't noticed they had curled up on each other, hugging. As soon as they noticed, the backed away with blushes on their face.
“HAH!” Berry laughed. “See what love can do to ya? Well, g'night you two.” She looked over to Cannonbolt and said with a seductive voice “Good night, Cannon. Mmhmmhmm.”
Cannon replied with a sigh. “Good bye, peaceful dreams... actually you're quite warm! Hah! Could get used to this! But enough talkin'! That be for tomorrow! Good night!”
With that note, the night ended with peace. The beast had failed to turn Ruby to his side, but many more attempts by the beast were inevitable. It was time to prepare for those attempts.
Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
As the bright rays of light shined through the window, the four ponies woke up. Again, Ruby found herself hugging Carees as she woke up. Berry chuckled at her ridiculous attachment to the stallion as she got out of the bed. Cannon got up fast, as he usually did in Azeroth, however Carees was not a morning stallion. It took both him and Ruby a while to realize they were awake. They ended up staying in bed for the next 5 minutes, bunched up. Once they lifted their heads up, they rubbed their eyes and groaned.
“No terrors about the beast the rest of last night?” Carees asked, concerned.
“No... I think it's because I felt protected and safe... that's awkward.”
“I don't think so. I'd be with you every night if I had to. I'm not letting Yogg-Saron have you.” Carees accidentally spoke of the name. The name of which shant be mentioned back on Azeroth.
“....Yogg-Saron? Is that... whatever that thing was?” Ruby asked.
“Unfortunately, I spoke too soon. I should not have told you that name... but yes. That is the beast's name. He is the embodiment of insanity himself. He is the physical form of death and madness, which is why I've been given the duty by fate to protect you from him at all costs. You're not the only one with these problems. He'll obviously go after Berry as well. Cannon shall be in charge of that. However, you... you're mine. I mean that in more ways than one.”
Ruby blushed... again. “Oh, stop it. So how's about that date, eh? Nudge, nudge, wink, wink? This stupid Yogg-Saron dude isn't gonna change that, I will make sure of that.”
“Heh. So where do you want to go tonight? Anywhere will do.”
Ruby thought hard. “Hmm... what place to show you Maneside? Ah! How does steak sound for tonight? I know an excellent bar and grill a friend of mine named Applejack built when the big city was under construction.”
“Mmmm... Steak. That sounds splendid for tonight. I shall look forward to it! It's time I get to know my new partner. I shall explain my rigid life story as well. Both of them.”
Ruby lifted an eyebrow. “Both of them?”
“Ah, you shall find out tonight, shan't you? For now, though, I'd like you to teach me of these pony folk. I am very interested of their unique character and culture. I predict that they will be not much different than what I presume them to be.”
“Sure! Anything for you.” Ruby said, smiling. However, when she took a good whiff of Carees, her face turned to disgust. “...Okay, first, you're getting a shower, Mr. Stinky. You smell like Porky. How long has it been since your last shower?”
Carees made an embarrassed kind of face. “Uhhh... well I've been running from the greatest evil ever known for the past week and a half, so no bathing has occurred since then.”
“Eeyuck! Get in the bathroom and clean yourself... You DO have showers in... what was it... Azeroth, right?”
“I can figure them out. The blood elves, as strange as they were, had these. I was forced to use one, once. Well I'll be out in a few moments.”
After Carees' shower, Ruby explained the culture of ponies to Carees. Carees was very intrigued at the history of the Equestrian kingdom. They talked about it until 5:00 PM. It was at that time it was time to head out... on their first date. As they headed out the door, something struck Ruby.
“Hey, where's Berry and Cannon? They haven't been here all day! Where could they have gone?”
Carees sighed. “Ehem. You said you have a nice bar here in this city, right? You also mentioned it was run by Berry?”
Ruby looked at him. “Yes... what abou-- oh. Derp. That's where.”
“And there you have it. They won't be coming back from that sober, may I assure you. In fact, you may not see them until tomorrow.” Carees laughed.
“Yeah, I know what you mean. Berry doesn't come back from her bar drunk, but never comes back completely sober.”
“Cannon doesn't even come back tipsy, however his dwarf stomach can handle alcohol like nothing else. In fact, Berry might just crash on the floor in a drinking contest.”
“I'm laughing at her if that happens.”
“I'm laughing at Cannon either way...” Carees happened to look to the left to see a statue dedicated to Berry and Ruby. “...Was your adventure that much worth noting?”
“Apparently. Wasn't my idea. They wanted to do it. There's a statue on the other side to commemorate Fluttershy, our innocent, deceased friend. Poor girl, she was a hero.” Ruby looked down to the sidewalk as she walked with Carees. Carees tried to comfort her in the most positive way he could.
“Hey, what did I tell you? I can make it so she never died. I've mastered resurrection.”
Ruby looked up with surprise. “You mean you actually MEANT that? How!?”
Carees smiled and looked down, as usual. “My dear, take Berry and Cannon tonight if they come home. Take us to her grave, and she will live once more, in full recollection of everything that has happened to her. She may appear... ghostly at first, but as the spell kicks in, her body shall recover, which normally takes 5-10 minutes.”
“Oh my stars! C-Carees! I... I don't know what to say! I... I...” Ruby almost said it. Too soon. The words were not ready to come out of her mouth yet.
Carees patted her shoulder. “Nothing more needs to be said. But for now, let's focus on our date, shall we?”
Ruby smiled, her heart was beating. “Uhhh... yeah.... heheh. Well here we are, Sweet Cider Bar & Grill.”
Carees questioned her with a confused face. “Doesn't Berry have a bar though?”
“Ah, but this is a bar & GRILL. Mainly for a nice dinner.” Ruby explained.
“Interesting, looks very... human-ish. I guess I'll just have to find out.”
They walked in to see a pretty, southern restaurant. Before Carees could even put a word in on it, they were greeted by an orange pony with freckles and a cowboy hat.
“Howdy, pardner! Welcome to-- oh hello mayor Black!” The pony took her hat off as she bowed.
“Hello, Applejack! How's it been?” Ruby asked politely.
“Been pretty durn well! Business is great! Oh hey, ain't cha gonna introduce me to yer friend here?”
“Oh, my apologies! This is my new boyfriend, Carees!”
Carees made his genuine smile he likes to do and shook Applejack's hoof. “A pleasure to meet you, miss Applejack.”
“Oh, boy! I can already tell you two are gunna get far! Haha!” Applejack joked.
Ruby and Carees blushed.
“Aww, I just be tootin' yer horn! Follow me, you two. I got a table open for yall.”
The followed the orange earth pony as she hummed a tune. She stopped at a table and spread two menus.
“There yall are! I'll be back in a sec!” Applejack said as she trotted off to the kitchen.
Ruby smiled at her date. “A cute lil' joint, wouldn't you say? I come here every so often.”
Carees smiled... again. “I would if I were you, too. This place really reminds me of my home land. Reminds me of the ol' Westfall. That place was the place to be. I only say was because a bandit group basically took over the whole land. That was my first adventure with Cannon. It was a fun. So fun. Beatin' up Defias Brotherhood Bandits like there was no tomorrow.”
Ruby didn't know what to say. “Ummm... well, it sounds like you have had more adventures than I have. I''m actually pretty jealous...”
Carees looked at her. “Well, soon enough, we both will be in for one of the biggest adventures in the universe.”
Applejack came back and took orders. While ordering, Carees was thinking about something.
How am I going to break this to her? Hmmm... I'll just let her have it, see what she says.
After Applejack trotted off again to fix the food, Carees was ready to tell her.
“Ruby, there's something you must know about me if you're going to be this close to me. It may or may not disturb you, and I don't know if you'd even want to be in this relationship after I say this.”
Ruby covered her mouth. “Why would I ever want that? You're an amazing guy, and I feel like you're the one for me!”
Carees sighed. “...You're dating a zombie.”
Ruby couldn't grasp the true meaning of Carees statement at first. “What? You're a zombie? In what way?”
“I'm dead, basically. I've died in battle. I'm an undead. A very life-filled undead. I was resurrected by the Lich King, an evil master of the undead. However, with my life-filled mind, I was lead by Lord Darion Mograine in a rebellion against him and we, the knights of the Ebon Blade, broke free. We joined up with our old factions and friends and continued to fight along side them. I was just a warrior back then, but now, I have the power of ice and disease. Along with that, I can raise the dead and resurrect if the heart of the resurrectee doesn't hold much evil. I'm a proud knight of the Ebon Blade. I am a Death Knight. I'm sorry if this disturbs you, but I needed to tell you.”
Ruby had just heard the most unexpected tale she had ever heard. However, rather than disturbed, she was in awe at the most amazing background of anypony she had ever met. “That's... that's...”
“Creepy and weird? Yes, I know.” Carees said.
“SO COOL!” Ruby spurted out. She had a huge grin on her face with excitement written all over it.
“...What? You find it neat? I find it somewhat horrifying.”
“Naw! That was such an impressive tale! I've never heard anything more amazing in my life! No story I've ever been told comes near that! I feel even luckier to have you now! You're so stunning!” Ruby said. She let loose everything she had. She tried so hard to make Carees blush, and it worked.
Carees smiled, not genuinely, but happily. He had never had someone think of him in this way. It was an entirely new feeling to him, and he loved it. For once, Carees was at a loss of words.
“I... I don't know what to say currently. I never had someone like you in my life that thought of me this way...” Carees became nervous, very nervous.
Ruby laughed. “Well, I guess I'm the first! I'm lucky to be the first! I don't even know why nobody fell for you before hoof, you're so amazing! You could make any girl scream, let along me!”
Carees almost cowered at the pure sincerity. “Th-- Thank you, I feel quite lucky to have you as well. Not many people can proudly say that their girlfriend is the grand power of powers. You should feel lucky to graced with such beauty along with that power. Most ultimate beings have no looks to them, but your physical appearance is unmatched, and your heart pure!”
Ruby had found it. She had found the emotion her body worked so hard to find, love. Not friendly love, but true love. Ruby Black had found her stallion she would stick with forever. A beautiful thing it was. But that beautiful moment was now put on pause as Applejack returned with a huge steak and beans for both of them.
“I'm back, ya two love birds! Aha! Here yall are! Hope ya like the dinner!”
Carees genuinely smiled at Applejack. “Oh, we will, trust me.”
Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
“We are we out here in a GRAVEYARD again, Rubes?” asked Berry Punch, two nights after Ruby and Carees' date.
“Aye, may I ask the same? I feel like it be Duskwood...” Cannon said, unnervingly. Cuddles hopped to him, cuddling against him.
“You'll see soon enough. Carees has a spell he'd like to show you. Now where is that grave...?”
“Oh, I know where this be goin'.” Cannon said, realizing what they were up to.
Berry spoke up. “Well, I dunno what'cha trying to do, but if you're looking for Flutty's grave, it's over by her statue.”
“Ah, thanks, Berr.”
As they walked to the ginormous statue of rock, it towered over them, but strangely enough, the statue cowered instead of them.
“She is right under here. I miss her, you know that? Poor girl.” Berry closed her eyes.
Carees looked over at Cannonbolt's pet raptor. “Cuddles... you know what to do. Find and dig.”
Cuddles nodded and sniffed around near the statue and jumped when he found the buried body.
Berry opened her eyes. “H-hey! What are ya doin'?”
Carees looked back at her. “If you want to see Fluttershy again, stand back.”
Berry misinterpreted and got angry. “I don't want to see a dead body again!”
Carees replied with a sigh. “That's not what I meant. How about this. Do you want to talk with her again? Hug her? Comfort her?”
Berry gasped. “Wait, WHAT?”
With a grunt, a coffin was pushed out of a hole cuddles had made. Carees peeked into the coffin.
“Hmmph. This shall be easy. If you wish not to see your dead friend, stand back. This might also attract residents in the city. There's a lot of visuals and sounds involved.”
Berry squinted. “You mean you're going to...”
Carees nodded at her. He signaled for the 4 to stand back. Cuddles jumped and roared in excitement. He opened the coffin, there lied a yellow pony with a scorched pink mane
Carees closed his eyes and concentrated. “I send this message to Arthas himself...” Carees hands started to glow with a light blue color. “...See through to this girl's soul...” Carees was lifted off the ground, his mane flying up. “...See her innocence... see her grace!...” A blue light shot onto the open coffin with a freezing sound affect. Lights of houses and apartments lit up. “...Her warm heart had been extinguished!...” The light grew stronger. Ponies were headed toward the graveyard in a rush to see what was happening. Rarity was among that crowd. “Make her your icy, deathly servant!...” The body started to be lifted up, as the ponies who were arriving watched with awe at this new stallion preforming such an act. “See that she does not deserve death!... and make her your pawn! Your bishop!...” The body's condition started to rejuvenate, and the ponies were anxious. Ruby's eyes were bulgier than ever. Was he truly telling the truth!? “Make her your knight! Your gracious Death Knight!! Make this poor body live once more in harmony with us!! GRANT HER YOUR ICY GIFT!” The light made a booming sound affect, and the body couldn't even be seen in such a light. Such a beautiful, living, light blue light. The light started to fade, and both Carees and the now life-filled body of Fluttershy fell gently to the ground.
Carees, breathing harshly, and the other 3 ponies and a raptor rushed to the body. Ruby put her heart to the mare's chest. She jumped and backed away with a frightened face.
“I... I don't believe it! Oh my lord!” Ruby shouted. She started to cry.
Berry gave her a skeptical look. “You... you don't mean... you CAN'T mean!...”
“Nngh...”
Gasps and screams of fear, but also hope, came from the crowd. Rarity rushed through to see it for herself.
The life-filled corpse groaned once more, and moved the muscles in her face. Her huge eyes slowly opened. The first thing she saw was a stallion, dark blue skin and black, short mane. Along side him was a black skinned pony with a blood red mane. The living death tried to speak.
“R-- Ru.. by.... Be...rry? Hi... Who... are... you?” The corpse asked.
Carees shook his head. “I can explain later, Fluttershy. Your brain needs to recuperate. It's been “off” for quite a while. You'll remember everything with time.”
Fluttershy spoke again. “Why... did you... bring me... back?”
Carees hugged her. “Because you didn't deserve your fate. You are innocent... too innocent. No pony should deserve anything like that.”
Fluttershy nodded. “Hooves... cold... feel... sick... so... tired...”
Carees was still hugging her. “It's all in time you will learn the potential of the new you.”
“FLUTTERSHY!!!!!!” Rarity yelled as she ran past all the other ponies. “You're alive! Again! How is this possible...?” Rarity looked over to Carees. “You! You made this possible! How can we ever repay you for this deed, however you did it?”
The genuine smile returned. “Nothing more than a simple thank you shall do. Be warned, though. She has new powers that she must learn to use by my teachings yet. We must let her rest at her home. Is this home still available?”
Rarity nodded in excitement. Her heart was beating. “Oh, yes! We've preserved it! Come, everypony! We must take care of this relived hero!”
Berry was motionless. “This is a good dream, a really, really good dream.”
Everypony was rushing to Fluttershy's house, Rarity carrying Fluttershy with extra care.
Ruby yelled at Berry. “Well don't just stand there! C'mon, dummy!”
“Alright! Cannon! Pack!” She shouted at the stallion to her left.
“Aye, sweetheart! Aspect of the Pack, commence!” Suddenly, the 4 ponies and a raptor felt a burst of energy and sprinted to Fluttershy's cozy cottage.
________________________________________________________________________
Half of Maneside City was surrounding the cottage. When they saw Ruby and co., they quickly made room for the heroes. “MAKE WAY FOR THE BLESSED HEROES!” Some called. Fluttershy was laying in her bed, somewhat able to move. Signs of recovery were already obvious. When Fluttershy saw them, she smiled. Everypony left the room for them to talk privately.
“So, I've been resurrected, have I?” Fluttershy said softly.
“Indeed you have been. The tale of Fluttershy shall not end on a note of sadness as that as long as I live.” Carees said, boastfully.
“I see. Wait, does this make me a zombie!?” Fluttershy gasped.
“In definition, yes. But it really doesn't. When you think zombie you think mindless ghouls. You are a resurrected, frost blessed creature. You have as much life and love as anything else. I am the same as you.”
Fluttershy thought about it for a second. “So I'm a good zombie?”
Carees hesitated. “Eh... if you like to think about it in that way, yes. You're a good zombie. You harm nobody unless your conscience tells you to. You're just as you were, except you died once.”
Fluttershy squeaked. “O-- Ok... is feeling sick normal and being cold normal?”
Carees sighed. “Yes... yes it is. Your body has to succumb to the new powers given to you. I preformed the only resurrection I know, which gives you the powers of frost and disease at will. I shall teach you to control these powers once your mind is stable enough. As scary as it may seem, you will get used to being a Death Knight soon enough.”
“A Death Knight!? Eep!” Fluttershy hid under her pillow.
“Do not be scared, miss. The name is only thing frightening. I can see why your friends say you out of every pony shouldn't have deserved their fate. You're too sweet. It's okay, now just rest up, your brain will recover, and be calm, everything will turn out okay, alright?” Carees patted her on the shoulder.
“A-- alright... just as long as nopony tries to hurt me again...”
“We'll make sure they won't, dear. Come on, let's get out of here, everyone. She needs her sleep. We'll check up on her tomorrow.”
As they walked out of the cottage, they locked it up and signaled for everypony to get a good nights rest, and Fluttershy will be fully recovered by maybe even the next day. They stayed for a while to make sure they had all gone home.
Berry cheered. “Woohoo! Slick job, Kreese! Let's go home and call it a good night!”
Cannonbolt put his arm around Berry. “Couldn't agree more with ye, lass!”
Ruby, however, was not on the same page. “Uhhh... Guys? I'm gonna be home a tad later. I want to talk with Carees 'bout something.”
Berry tried to get at her. “And just what is this 'something'?”
Ruby got nervous. “I... I'd rather not say.”
Berry laughed. “Ohoho! Secret, eh? Well, I ain't intrudin' on THAT business. Let's go home, Cannon! I got a surprise for YOU when we get home.”
Cannon's heart stopped. “Oh, no. Not again...”
“Come on...” Berry grabbed his hoof and started to drag him back home. Cuddles hopped up and down and roared. “See you two back at the house!”
“Come behind the house, Carees.” Ruby grabbed his hoof.
Carees acted confused, but in his mind, he was pretty sure he knew what was coming. Once they were behind the house, Ruby looked at him.
“So what is it you wanted to talk about, my dear?” Carees asked.
“I... umm... about today... I don't think I can repay you for any of it... I... Mmph...” Ruby couldn't say it.
“There is no need to repay. You want to say something else, say it.”
Ruby had tears in her eyes. “I... I... I just...” She was about to drop dead. She couldn't believe she was about to do this.
“You what? Say it, for goodness sake! I'm your boyfriend, aren't I? You can tell me anything!”
“I... I...” Ruby closed her eyes. She was so close. She was trying so hard, and then, all of a sudden, Snap.
“I LOVE YOU!”
She jumped on him and experienced an action that has been brought to neither of them before. It was so different from anything that had ever happened to them. The feeling shifted from surprise to pleasure. They kept it there, tears pouring from Ruby's eyes. That moment forever changed both of their lives. However, such as every good moment, it had to end. Finally, after maybe a minute or two, they let go. Carees wiped the tears from Ruby's face.
“An experience such as that had never happened to me before. I'm unaware of just what that feeling was... however, I enjoyed it immensely.”
Ruby smiled, still somewhat crying. “You don't know what a kiss is? How can you not?”
Carees huffed. “I know what a kiss is, my dear. I just didn't know how much more it meant. I guess it just... shocked me, I suppose.”
Ruby blushed as she said with a rather seductive voice, or at least as good as she could make one “Well, it ain't the only one you're getting tonight, mister.”
Carees blushed, for a rare occurrence. “This can only end well... heheh...”
Ruby shushed him. “Ah, ah, ah! It's not beginning yet. Let's go home first... honey.”
Carees gave his genuine smile and moved to the side. “After you... sweetheart.”
With that, they headed home, and Carees was in for the night of his life. They heard nothing upstairs and guessed they were asleep, so they crashed on the couch downstairs. The rest of the night was theirs for the taking, and oh did they take it.
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Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
Flame Leviathan, The Shadow-Spawned Destroyer
“Nngh... W-- where am I?” Berry woke up in an unfamiliar darkness. A darkness surrounded by darkness. “Wait... I know this scenario...” Berry recalled it from somewhere. Then all of a sudden it hit her. “Ah! Where are you, demon? I know you're here, beast!”
“So you've figured me out? Clever remembrance, Berry.” The beast said. It was still not in sight.
“You! You're the bastard who wanted me dead!” Berry said, she was punching the air.
“Ah, miss Punch... you misinterpreted that. See, I merely asked your friend a question. I wanted to get to know her, that's all.”
“Yeah, bull SHIT! Show yourself!” Berry's face was mean. The beast had appeared behind her.
“How cute. I believe you know what Ruby said to your friend Carees back a while ago? It wasn't hard to guess what went on behind that house.”
“So, what? Now you're stalking us? I said it was their business. None of mine. If they had sex behind the house, so be it! Ain't my love-life.” Berry crossed her arms.
“Maybe she did, maybe she didn't. However, how much time do you two spend together now that these two stallions are in your life?”
Berry gave the beast a dumb look. “Uhhh... a lot? Durr? We live together!”
“Ah, but these two stallions do as well. You and your friend are in love. You'd do anything for your lover, wouldn't you?”
“Of course! I'd sacrifice as much for Cannon just as much as Ruby and Kreese.”
“Ah, ah, ah. But who's the one showing off? Think about it. Ruby is the ultimate power, and Carees brought the town respect. What have you and Cannon done? Next to nothing! Everyone says “Ruby and Carees” are the cutest couple. Doesn't that burn you up?”
Berry rolled her eyes. “Yeah, sure. I'm a bit jealous, sure. But that's normal! Some can't be as good as others. Doesn't mean I'm worthless.”
“Ahahaha! Of course not! You are far from worthless. But as a hero, won't people look down at you and see a hero that can only learn up to Gamma spells and no weapon. You need to prove yourself worthy, no?” Yogg-Saron had her on the ropes.
“Sure, I can prove it, too! But you're the beast! The bad guy! Why should I even be listening to you?” Berry questioned.
“Dear, I am not the villain. I'm not evil. I am merely the conscience of your head. I'm telling you what is right. I'm on your side! I am you! I'm here to help you.”
“Umm... that's questionable.” Berry said. Her nerves were on their edge.
“You may look at me and see a monster. Carees, Ruby AND Cannonbolt may see me a monster, but I am merely you telling yourself what to do. Now! Join with your true right side and prove yourself worthy to fight along side the greatest power in the universe!”
“But HOW? How do I prove myself?”
The beast laughed maniacally. “To the north. There is a former enemy base that was once tarnished. Within it lies a battleaxe.”
“A battleaxe? So what? I can make that myself.”
“No. It is the legendary Shadowmourne, battleaxe of infinite shadow. It's power is unmatched by any weapon, other than it's counter-part, but I shall teach you about the ice sword later. When you wake up, head out to the broken Pigmask base, and retrieve your weapon of power! Wield it, and fight the true evil that will invade soon enough!”
Berry looked down for a moment, and back up. “I'll be on my way tomorrow. If you are truly my conscience, you will be right.”
The beast smiled with all of it's maws. “Glad you can trust yourself. Now go on. Wake up, and go to your destiny, Berry Punch!”
_________________________________________________________________________
“Mmgh...” Berry awoke slowly with a groan. Cannonbolt was at her side. Without waking him, she got out of bed and looked out the window. “Shadowmourne...” She said quietly. “...I want it.”
She very quietly walked downstairs, aware of who was down there. She looked over to the couch to see Ruby and Carees cuddled up, hugging while asleep.
Heh. Reminds me of the night where Maneside opened.
With a grin, she stuck a sign on the door that said “Be back in a bit. - Berry”. It was time to head off. It was time to claim Shadowmourne.
Looking at the sunrise as she stepped outside, she was off. Time to collect the battleaxe.
She trotted there with determination on her face. What did the axe look like? Was it blue? Green? Red? Did it have a glow? Just how powerful was it? Berry couldn't wait to find out. Running. Running through the forest. The blown up base was nearly in sight. There it was! In the clearing!
However, when Berry approached it, she noticed something was off. There were iron statues of ponies there. Those weren't there before. They looked as if they had blue runes on them.
“The hell are these?” Berry said. She had a bad feeling about this. She headed inside. The doors scratched as the broken steel scratched the floor. Inside, there were more iron ponies. What was the deal with these? They all were pointing in the direction the elevator was once in. This was getting weird. Berry approached the elevator with caution and pressed the button for it to come.
The elevator was good as new! Except for one thing, the buttons. They had all been smashed in but one of them, the Commander's room. Two more statues stood in the elevator with her.
The elevator opened, and the room looked almost identical to when they fought Fluttershy, except the statues were there again and they surrounded the whole room. In the middle of the room was a pedestal with an item on it. As berry walked closer to it, the shadowy mist around it faded and there stood a light blue battleaxe. It was glowing as whispers were heard by just approaching it. Berry ignored the whispers as tears came to her eyes. She had never seen a weapon like this... it must be hers. The axe was stuck in the ground, but with some force, it could have come out. Berry started to sweat.
She put her hands onto the axe's large handle. “Alright! This is it! I claim this axe, MINE! ALL MINE! Ahaha! Weee!”
The axe was slowly lifted from the pedestal. Berry opened her eyes to see just what she held in her hand. She laughed maniacally as she jumped up and down with it. Suddenly, just like old times, a voice came in through the loudspeaker. It made Berry jump.
“Good! You followed your inner conscience! You've achieved your goal! How does that make you feel, Berry? Do not worry, it is only me, your mind.”
“Ummm... Okay... and pretty damn good! Never felt better! How do I prove myself with this though? There aren't any attacks going on or anything...”
The beast laughed. “Uhahahaha! Let's change that, shall we? Show me what you're made of! Irons! Attack!”
The statues around her eyes lit up and began to move. They grabbed axes from their iron saddlebags and advanced toward Berry. “Too easy. Please.”
Flip, slash! Flip, slash! 5 of the statues gone. “How about THIS?” Berry slammed the axe on the ground. A shadowy mist came out and engulfed 4 of the iron ponies and obliterated them. “Haha! Easy peas-- what the hell is that!?”
Behind was a giant. An iron giant. It slammed the ground with a roar. “Stupid thing! I'll melt you! PK Fire Omega!”
The giant's arms fell off with a fiery explosion. “Time to die, buck-face!” She leaped up ridiculously high, and with one effortless slash, cut the giant's head off. Berry landed with an epic pose as the giant fell behind her.
“Heh... couldn't be easier.” Berry said as the voice from the loudspeaker spoke again.
“Good! However, an army two times greater than the miniature one you just faced is headed off to your home. This is your chance, don't let the others hog all the glory!” The beast encouraged.
“YEAH! My time to shine!” Berry cheered.
“The army shall arrive in Maneside within 2 hours. Just follow them and wait for the perfect time.”
“Yes, mind, sir!”
_____________________________________________________________________
“Hey, lass and lad! Y'know where me Berry went?” Cannonbolt asked, coming downstairs.
“Nope, sorry. There's a sign on the door that says she'll be back in a bit, though.” Carees responded. His arms were around Ruby, as Ruby was hugging him, still half asleep.
“...Carees, lad, how effin' close are ye to this girl? It's almost ridiculous!” Cannon said in a joking matter.
“Pretty damn close, you know? It's awesome having a girlfriend. You gotta agree with THAT, Cannon.”
“I can agree, even though Berry be a wee bit off the deep end of the Maelstrom. I didn't know ye two were so close, though!... Have ya.... y'know... got 'er in yet?”
Carees blushed. “Err... maybe...”
Cannonbolt broke out laughing. “OHOHO! I didn't expect THAT for an answer! Don't need to know the details! Haha!”
Carees chuckled. “Rather not explain them.”
Ruby moaned by his side. “mmph... Careesy... breakfast...”
Carees laughed his answer. “Hah. Alright, sweetheart, watcha want?”
Ruby grunted back her answer. “Anything in the... cereal cabinet.”
Cannon shook his head. “I never seen anyone so prone to waking up... let's force her up. Cuddles, go get her up.” Cuddles hopped up and down and curved around the couch to Ruby.
Sniff, sniff sniff. Cuddles sniffed right in her ear.
“Hehehe. Stop it, Cuddles! Hehehe!!!!” Ruby twitched.
Lick, lick, lick. He was licking her cheek. “Hahaha! Stop it, you-- HAHAHA!”
Tickle, tickle, tickle. Cuddles was tickling her sides, Carees watching and laughing. “Ya stupid-- Hahahaha! Quit! Hahahaha! Oh, hahaha! I'm crying! Stop! Hahaha!”
Carees grew an evil smile. “I didn't know you were so... ticklish!” Carees joined in with Cuddles. “Let's find her weak point and attack it for massive damage! Is it... here?”
Ruby was squirming like a worm, holding onto Carees. “No! Nonono! Stop! Hahahahahaha! I'm gonna kill both of-- Hehehahahah!!!!”
Carees was enjoying this immensely. “No? It's not? What about... here!?”
Ruby was pounding on Carees' leg. “No! Not there, please! Hahahehehe! HAHAHAHA!”
Carees' eyebrows lifted. “We found it, Cudds! Get her, right there, her side!”
Cuddles roared with happiness and attacked with all of his might. Ruby was crying so hard she could use her tears to form a new river.
“Stupid bastards! Hahahaha! Lemme go! Heheheheheahaahahahaha! I'm gonna kill you both!”
Carees signaled Cuddles off. “Alright, I think she's awake. Off, Cuddles.”
With one final lick, Cuddles headed back to Cannonbolt, who was laughing his flank off.
Ruby looked up at Carees, breathing heavily. “I hate you all. Especially you. Kiss me. Now.”
They leaned in and had a quick smooch, with Cuddles roaring in “aww” behind them.
“Well time to get that cereal for you.”
________________________________________________________________
At the breakfast table, they were having a quick bite, when they started to get concerned. Just where was Berry this morning? As they finished up, a knock was at the door. A loud, obnoxious knock. As Cannonbolt went to answer it, there was Fluttershy at the door. She was jumping up and down.
“Looks like you made more than a full recovery, lass!” Cannon joked.
“No time for jokes! There's an army coming toward Maneside! The things looked like they were made of iron! I'm scared! Eep!”
“Iron... wonderful. Carees, Ruby, and I will handle it. Berry will prolly show up. Don't worry. Go sound the siren to the city.”
“Y-yes, sir!” The yellow mare ran off.
“Grab yer weapons, we got a fight ahead o' us.”
Ruby made a joke. “I am my own weapon!... what?”
Carees hit her on the shoulder. “C'mon, silly. It's time we kick some iron ass!”
As they stepped outside, they saw it, an iron army of ponies headed toward Maneside's streets. Cuddles looked as if he was ready to maul a skyscraper in half.
“Go! GO! Don't let 'em wreck everything. Wreck 'em first. CHARGE!” Cannonbolt held up his bow Pointed into the air. Out of thin air, arrows formed. 3 of them, all on fire. THWAP. The arrows traveled through the air and hit 3 of them directly in the head and exploded.
Carees, Ruby and Cuddles ran forward at full throttle. Ruby shouted a spell. “PSI Shield Omega! PSI Counter Omega! PSI Offense-Up Omega!”
Carees swung through the crowd with Fireballs and Icicles, as Cuddles swung his tail and bit through solid iron. Giants and ponies came through, some on machines. They tore through them all. The siren finally went off to the city. Above them, the worst thing they ever saw passed over them, I giant missile. It hit the first building and exploded.
The lives wasted at that moment impacted them more than anything. They turned back to where it came from to see the biggest war machine they had ever seen in their life. Cuddles whimpered as it drew nearer. Ruby watched it, mouth open, frozen. It was a miracle she could even move enough to say “Holy fat mother of Porky”. The machine's humongous cannon pointed toward them.
“FLAME LEVIATHAN SYSTEMS OPERATIONAL. HOSTILE TARGETS FOUND. EXTERMINATION IS IMMINENT. BOW BEFORE LORD YOGG – SARON.”
“MOVE!” Carees yelled. A gigantic laser beam flew out of it's cannon. Four holes appeared on it's top. Rapid missiles started to fly out. As it hit the ponies, Ruby's PSI Counter reflected the missiles back at the Flame Leviathan. The monster of a tank barely sustained any damage. A few black spots and a small 3 inch dent maybe.
“I'm not letting this thing go any further! PK STARSTORM OMEGA!”
Meteors flew from the sky toward the Flame Leviathan. The earth shook as the meteors grew closer.
“DANGER APPROACHING. AUTOMATIC DEFENSE SHIELD UP.”
KABOOM!
Smoke was everywhere. The Flame Leviathan was nowhere to be found. There was a anticipating silence, as if it wasn't over.
“Was... was that it?” Ruby asked.
The smoke started to clear. Still no sign of the monstrous vehicle.
“...TARGET LOCKED.”
BLAM!
A missile came out of the smoke and hit Ruby square in the gut. It exploded and sent her flying into a tree.
The Flame Leviathan rushed out of the smoke. There wasn't even a scratch on it. It had put up a steel dome around itself to protect it from Starstorm. Ruby couldn't move, the pain in her side was too much.
“TARGET ELIMINATED. AQUIRING NEW TARGET.”
The tank shifted over and locked on to a green raptor. Cuddles looked up and roared.
“TARGET FOUND. DANGER LEVEL: 5. THREAT LEVEL: NOT THREATENING. AQUIRING NEW TARGET.”
I'll show YOU who isn't threatening! Stupid tank! Cuddles thought. Cuddles ran behind the Flame Leviathan. The tank hadn't noticed. Cuddles saw two screws and a hatch. Stupid tank! I'll rip you apart! Just need time!
“TARGET FOUND.” The tank said as it pointed to Cannonbolt.
“Oh, mother of ale!” Cannonbolt yelled.
“DANGER LEVEL: 9. THREAT LEVEL: THREATENING. EXTERMINATION IMMINENT. CHARGING LASER.”
Light was gaining in the cannon. This was gonna hurt.
“HEY! HOOVES OFF MY BOYFRIEND!”
Berry Punch ran in from the left with Shadowmourne in her hooves.
SLICE!
The cannon fell in half and the charge backfired. Berry ran over to her boyfriend, who instantly noticed the axe.
“WHERE DEH HELL DID YE GET THAT AXE!?” Cannon yelled.
“Explanations later! Time to defeat a tank! HYA!” Berry jumped on the tank and cut off it's missile launchers. However, a knockback push sent Berry flying. She did however land on all fours.
“LEVIATHAN WEAPONS DESTROYED. ERROR! ERROR! SUPPLY BACKUP GUNS!”
It pulled out the guns, but something was going wrong with the tank. An unexpected change of events.
“BZZT. BZZT. ERROR! ERROR! ENGINE WIRE 204 BROKE! ENGINE WIRE 113 BROKE! ENGINE WIRE- ENGINE W- EN-E-E-EN-ENGI-ENG- FLAME LEVIATHAN SYSTEM ACTIVATING EMERGENCY BACK UP WIRES. EMERGENCY BACK UP WIRES BROKEN. LEVIATHAN SYSTEM HAS DETECTED GAS LEAK. LEVIATHAN SYSTEM SHUTTING... Dowwnnn.....”
From all 4 came a big “WHAT!?”
Berry Punch looked furious. “Was I just robbed of an amazing battle? What happened!? I wanted to show off Shadowmourne!”
Suddenly noises came from the right side of the tank, something was making a hole from the inside. The tank's side burst open and out popped the head of Cuddles.
Berry dropped Shadowmourne. “...Are you kidding me? I can't believe Cuddles pulled that off. Impossible.”
Cannonbolt started to laugh. He laughed harder and harder. “AHAHAHA! Cud- Cuddl-- HAHAHA!”
Berry picked up her axe. “Well, it wasn't the victory I was hoping for, but that was quite the sight. Oh, yeah! Ruby!”
A spark just blew up in their mind. They all rushed to Ruby, who was leaning against the tree.
“No, no guys. I'll be fine... Cuddles, boy. C'mere.”
Cuddles came up to her with big eyes.
“...Good job, Cudds. Ya really kicked ass out there.” She said as she scratched Cuddles' chin. Cuddles quietly roared in relaxation.
Cannonbolt took this time to question his girlfriend. “Now that I got the time to ask, how the hell did ye get that weapon?”
Berry smiled. “Well, I really wanted to show you guys that I was worth keeping as a partner, so I my conscience told me to go find this at the Pigmasks' old base. I picked it up and left. There were a lot of iron pony statues there.”
Cannon face hoofed. “Berry... I'm angry. I'm sorry but I am. YOU SET THAT THERE ARMY FREE AND IT DESTROYED A WHOLE BUILDING AND PROBABLY KILLED A CITIZEN OR A FEW! How couldn't ye see that coming!?”
Ruby butted in along with Carees. “Wait what!?”
Carees look puzzled. “Cannon, explain what's going on! And what's that axe?”
Cannonbolt sighed. “That is Shadowmourne, legendary battleaxe of shadow! When Berry went to go get it, it awoke all those iron ponies and that blasted tank that destroyed half a building!”
Ruby sighed. “Ugh... BERRY! You're acting before you think again! Think for once! It could've been a trap... which it was!”
Berry felt like the biggest jerk in existence. “I... I'm sorry... I didn't... mean to... do anything...”
“You picked that axe up because you wanted to be a valuable partner? You idiot! You were fine! Now I don't know whether to judge you or trust you!” Ruby spat out.
Berry started to cry. “I'm sor-r-r-yyy!!!!! I didn't mean to! I see it now! I was never meant to be a hero!”
She grabbed Shadowmourne and started to run off.
“BERRY! WAIT! PK Paralysis Alpha!” Ruby shouted.
Berry's body froze. Ruby ran up to her. “You were meant to be my best friend. My partner, and you've come this far to give up? Ponies make mistakes. We aren't perfect. I'm sorry, I got too angry. As much as he says you can trust him, that he is your conscience, deny it. He's figured out every way to get to you.”
“I'm sorry I'm weak... I'm no use to you if I'm weak.” Berry dragged herself on.
Ruby smacked her. “Snap out of it girl! I love you, Carees loves you, and most of all, Cannon loves you! Friendship is the power we need to defeat Yogg-Saron, and we can persevere through all obstacles together.”
Berry was sobbing. Nopony had ever seen Berry like this before.
Ruby sighed. “Just... mmgh... PSI Healing beta...”
Berry suddenly could move again.
“Can... can ya give me a hug? Please? Just a hug? We'll get through this, okay?”
Berry reached out for a hug, still sobbing. “O-- okay... I won't believe a word he says!”
Cannonbolt came over with a depressed face. “I... uhh... yelled at ye too hard. I be sorry, my Berry. I get out of control sometimes...”
Berry smiled as she came over and kissed him. “It's okay, my wittle Cannonbolt!”
Cannon sighed. “Even when I be as tall as ye, I be called little. Such my luck.”
Carees butted in and changed the subject. “So, I'll call some of the officials to clean up and lock up the remaining metal from the tank. Let's go home, guys. I hate being near all these iron pony scraps.”
They all nodded and headed toward home. Another dream was to be had tonight, but this time, it would be a tad different.
Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
How to Train Your Undead Pegasus
“Huh? Wha? Another dream? Do I have to fend off the monster again!?” Ruby asked, waking up in another strange place. However, instead of darkness it was pure light. For some reason, Ruby felt warm inside. Safe.
“You are safe with me, mortal.” A voice said. Ruby remembered the voice from a while ago.
“Who just-- hey! You're the voice that told me to go to the forest! Who are you!?”
“No need to be alarmed. I am not your enemy. I am the ultimate being, Algalon, the Observer.” The voice said. Stars fell from the sky and started to form a constellation right in front of Ruby's eyes.
“The observer? What do you exactly observe, then?” Ruby asked.
The being was made out of the stars itself. Algalon spoke when his body was completely formed. “I observe planets, galaxies, universes, multi-verses. I make sure everything goes perfectly on each planet. However, yours struck me odd. Yogg-Saron is loose here, yes?”
“...Yes. Yes, he is. He's already almost taken over my friend. I almost had to hurt her to free her from his grasp.” Ruby said to the star-shaped being.
“Friend... every time I hear that word, I wonder why. Why is it so important to love and cherish these beings? My heart is a void of no emotion. No empathy. No feeling.”
“That's a horrible way to be! Friends are what make you... alive.” Ruby said to the being.
Algalon shook his holographic head. “I was made this way. Anyways, I have come to warn you.”
Ruby squinted. “About what? Yogg-Saron? I already know too much.”
“No. It's the weapon that your... friend... Berry wields, Shadowmourne.”
Ruby shrugged. “Yeah so she is a little possessive of it and wants for us to see that she's worth while, I don't see much a problem with that.”
“You don't understand. Yogg-Saron crafted that axe. It holds his soul. He has tricked Berry into wielding it through dreams. Your friend is quite gullible.”
Ruby gasped. “Does that mean he's taken over her!?”
“No, but if she continues to wield Shadowmourne in hope for power, she will be consumed by madness. There is but one way to stop it.”
“And what way would that be?”
Algalon paused. “...You must wield it's counterpart.”
Ruby gave Algalon a smug look. “Wouldn't that drive me to insanity as well?”
“Only if you let it. This blade will lead you to hardships with your friend, I can sense it. But if you wish to save her from insanity, you must go to your old nemesis' blasted base. Frostmourne will be waiting for you there.”
“A blade. I see. Well I'll head out--”
“No. Do not, yet. Only when you feel it is time to pull it shall you pull it. Berry has showed no signs of insanity yet. Tomorrow, for you, it shall be just another normal day.”
Berry nodded. “I see. I shall wait then.”
Algalon put his celestial hand to his chin. “Your will is admirable for such a flawed creature in existence.”
Ruby grew a rather angry face. “Hey! Not everyone is perfect! Sometimes, people don't know everything, which opens up for knowledge, which leads to a life worth living.”
“I could object, however, my statement would mean next to nothing to you. It is time for you to wake up. Carees is not with you this morning. He is out with your newly resurrected friend, teaching her how to use her powers. Go on, wake up. I shall hold meetings with you again in the future.”
_____________________________________________________________________
“Now! Icy Touch!” Carees shouted. A small chill brushed Carees. “Stronger, Fluttershy! Don't be afraid of failure!”
“Squee! I'm sorry...” The young mare lowered her head.
“Don't be sorry. Imagine failure wasn't an option. It was either win or die.... again. You don't want to die AGAIN, do you?”
That got her attention. “N-No! Anything but that! That hurt.”
Carees pushed her further. “Are you going to let your friends down?”
Fluttershy started to sweat. “No!”
“Are you going to let them die? Let them lose?”
Fluttershy's poor heart couldn't take much more. “NO! Anything but that!”
“Then Icy Touch! Do it!”
Suddenly, a giant gust of ice cold wind hit Carees, not only did the cold wind hurt, he was sent flying against a tree.
“Eep! Carees! Are you okay!?” Fluttershy came running.
“E-- Excellent. How impressive! I'll be fine. That hurt, though!”
“It's all my fault!” Fluttershy started to whimper.
“Dear, that's what I hoped for! You can do it if you want to! Don't back away! That's the road to defeat and failure!”
“I... I did good?” Fluttershy looked up.
“Of course, dear! Brilliantly well done, if I do say so! Keep that up, and I'll be giving you a sword to practice with soon!”
Fluttershy gasped. “A... a SWORD?”
Carees looked at her with an expressionless face. “Well you are a Death KNIGHT.”
“I... I don't know... umm... it sounds dangerous.”
Carees face-hoofed. “Well, duh. Everything with a sword is somewhat dangerous. I know you can do it, though! You can be brave! I witnessed it. Here.” Carees handed Fluttershy a rough, small steel blade.
“Just holding this makes me nervous...”
Carees smiled. “Well let's cure that nervousness!” He pulled out a blade similar to Fluttershy's. “Sword practice time!”
“Oh boy... here we go...” Fluttershy said in a fake happy voice.
“Alright, when I come at you overhead, what do you think to do?” Carees held his sword high up.
“Umm... move?”
Carees sighed. “Augh... what do think to do with your sword?”
Fluttershy slowly held the blade up above her head horizontally.
Carees lifted his eyebrows. “Hmm! Correct! Very good! How'd you know that? Most people back home where I came from hold it up diagonally.”
Fluttershy blushed. “Well, it's only natural to hold it horizontally. It would be harder to repose the opponent if he could just knock your sword to the side.”
Carees' mouth dropped open. He shook his head. “Anyways, how about if come at you from a your left side? What then?”
Fluttershy nervously moved her blade to the left side of her body and tapped Carees' blade. “I... I know how use swords... kinda...”
Carees looked at her funny. “How did you learn?”
“I just... watched... ponies... I'm just guessing really. Rarity used to be a pro-fencer before she got her own fashion store.”
“Try this. I jump at you from above, what do you do? Decide quick!” Carees would never hit her, but lunged at her in the air, ready to swing with all force. Fluttershy cowered and held up her sword, but the force was too weak and she dropped the sword.
“Eeeep! I'm sorry!” Fluttershy cowered.
“It's alright, try again. More grip! Don't be afraid. What if I was a Pigmask coming to capture you again?”
That got her. She picked up the sword with a fierce face and got up. “I'm ready.”
“Alright, here I go! Decide quick!” Carees came at her from the side. Fluttershy quickly parried and hit him with the handle of the sword in the stomach. Ouch.
“Ah! Amazing... amazing job, Fluttershy!” Carees said, clutching his gut.
“Pigmasks... I cringe in fear every time that title is spoken. I get real then. Nobody tells me that a Pigmask hurts me again.”
Carees smiled. “Heh, then I know what to get you as a training target.”
Fluttershy cracked her neck. “Get it and put it down. I'll wreck it.”
Carees put up his hoof. “Now hold on there. We are working on correct actions at the right moment, not just mauling everything. Now that I see you've got swords down, try magic again. Icy touch that little tree over there.
Fluttershy refused. “WHAT!? No! Everything has a right to life, and nopony should end it.”
Carees sighed. “Then as much as I don't want to, Icy Touch me. I've grown to it. Do it!”
Fluttershy was hesitant but agreed. “Well it might hurt... but okay...” Fluttershy started shaking. Suddenly, a frozen wind hit Carees and nearly froze him. Not only was he nearly frozen, the spell slowed him. He was unable to move.
“A-a-a-a-m-m-m-az-z-z-zing-g-g-g-g.” Carees slowly said. “P-p-please... t-t-try bl-bl-blood b-b-b-oil.”
Fluttershy thought hard about heat. “Umm... okay...”
Carees jumped. “OUCH! HOT! HOT HOT HOT!”
Fluttershy backed up. “I'm... I'm sorry...”
Carees calmed down and put a hoof on her shoulder. “Don't be. That was beautiful. I want you to do it again soon. You did fantastic for your first training. You've made me proud. Here, I suspected this might have happened, so I brought you these.”
Fluttershy looked inside the saddlebag. “What did you br-- oh my.”
Carees pulled out two swords. They were identical, and very deadly. They were swords, but the blade looked like a chainsaw. The handle had a skull on it. “Take these. These swords are for you to practice and use. They are the Slayers of the Lifeless. I made them back in Azeroth. You've earned them.”
“They are so... sharp and... edgy... They look like they'd have to... umm... I mean... they look like they need some getting used to.”
“Maybe so. But you're a Death Knight now. You need to protect yourself, and you know how. These are the perfect weapons. I used them for years. I'm going to be heading home now. Put those in a safe place in your cottage. I'll see you tomorrow, okay?”
“Umm... okay. Bye! I'll practice. I promise.”
___________________________________________________________________
“Hello! I'm home!” Carees called as he entered the house. A lovey voice came from upstairs as hoof steps were coming down the stairs.
“Helloooo, sweetheart! Have fun with Fluttershy?” Ruby asked. Wrong question.
“Hey, how did you know I was with Fluttershy?”
Ruby paused. “Well, balls. I blew THAT cover fast.”
“No really how'd you know?”
“I had another dream... but with a different person.” Ruby explained. Carees looked puzzled.
“Another person? Who invaded your dreams now? And why wont anypony just freaking leave you alone?”
“He called himself Algalon the Observer. Seemed like a nice dude. I can't tell you what he wanted me to do yet, though. Top secret.”
Carees eyes opened as his mouth dropped open. He grabbed Ruby's shoulders. “Algalon!? ALGALON!? THE OBSERVER!? You've been visited by a God, Ruby! We have a God on our side!”
Ruby acted only somewhat surprised. “Really? Awesome! He did tell me that he watches all the worlds ever created. Well, this rocks!”
“Hey, where's Berry and Cannon?” Carees asked.
“Out at Punch Cavern. That means... heheh... we got the whooole house to ourselves...” Ruby put a hoof around Carees. Carees made a nervous smile.
“Uhh... Heheh! I... I guess we do!”
“Come on, silly.”
“Where we going?”
Without looking, Ruby simply just said “couch.”
It's pretty obvious what happened next. And they were unaware that Cuddles was watching the whole thing from the corner. That day, Cuddles became an adult raptor.
___________________________________________________________________
“'Ey, me Berry, what be wrong, lassie? Ye look down.” Cannonbolt asked Berry. They were sitting on “The Special Couch” at Punch Cavern. Berry took a sip of strawberry punch.
“It's just me and Ruby. Ever since you and Kreese came to town, I feel like we've drifted further apart. We fight more, and don't interact with each other as much. How do you and Kreese stick together so well?”
Cannonbolt thought for a second. “...It probably be because we've been together fer so long that we know each other completely. I don't know to be ale-sippin' honest. Actually, I remember one thing that really brought us lads together. We had a huge fight.”
Berry looked at Cannon with a weird look. “A fight brought you together? How is that even possible?”
“Aye. Back when we were no more than fourteen years-o'-age, we had an argument over who would get Thunderfury, Blessed Blade o' the Windseeker when they were older, and which one would get Sulfurus, Hand o' Ragnaros. We almost dueled over it, but we had someone to break it up. Our buddy, Aivaleen, she broke it up and made us realize what stupid things we be doin'. I almost dueled me bestest buddy! Over a weapon! Ridiculous, I know. Nearly brought me tuh tears! As we made up, we vowed never to do that again and we agreed to stick together as adventurers until our life's end.” Cannonbolt looked up into space.
“Quite a heartwarming tale, but I don't know if it will work out between me and Ruby... we just don't do stuff together anymore... and when we do... it's not the same.” Berry looked down. “All she wants now is Kreese. All I want now is you. What we forgot about was each other, and I can't find a way to make it up. I tried to show off my new weapon to impress her, but I was a little late to the party... and I just got yelled at while your pet got all the praise.”
“Ye aren't gonna make it up with that attitude, that's fer sure.” Cannonbolt said, taking a huge drink of blueberry punch.
“I just don't know anymore, Cannonbolt.” Berry sighed as she laid back on the couch.
“Aww.” Cannonbolt said as he kissed her on the cheek. “Don't be down! Find a time where you two can have some fun somewhere.”
Berry looked over to him with the same depressed face. “When the hell am I gonna find a time where she ain't makin' out with Carees on the couch at home?”
Cannonbolt put his hoof on Berry's shoulder. “I'll make her find time. I'll take Carees out somewhere and tell him the whole situation. He be a very understanding kind o' guy. You need ta find time to talk with Ruby 'bout it. It's yer problem, and yer the one who's gotta take the precautions to fix 'er up!”
“You're right Cannon. I just... I'll try. Thanks, sweetheart.” Berry hugged her boyfriend with a very warm hug.
“Ain't a problem. 'Ey... dare ye to chug 3 glasses of punch.”
Berry looked up at him. “You're on, pal!”
Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
Hi! Hi! Hi! Back Am! Zoom!
“Hey, Ruby. I'm hoooooooome!” Yelled Berry Punch as she came into the house with Cannon behind her. Two heads popped up from behind the couch. Carees and Ruby looked at Berry with the same surprised, embarrassed face.
“Judging by how Cuddles is laying on the floor... I know what went on here. Dammit it's only 3:00, too. Can you guys just not wait?” Berry asked, clearly acting impatient.
“Wow... I didn't even notice him there. That poor, miserable creature.” Ruby went over to pet the twitching raptor.
“Hey, uhh... Rubes... can we maybe go to the park a little later? Just you an' me?”
“Why not now?” Ruby asked. Not the response Berry was expecting.
“Uhh... I dunno. I thought maybe you were... ehem... busy.” Berry gave Ruby a sarcastic face.
Ruby played it off. “Ahah! No, it's fine. What? Ya need to talk 'bout something?”
Berry nodded. “Uhh... yeah... just somethin' a lil' personal, between you and me. That's all.”
“Well, come on, then! Let's go! Oh, I'll be back in a bit, sweetheart!” Ruby yelled to Carees.
Berry turned to Cannonbolt. “See ya, Cannon. Be back in a bit!”
The two mares walked out the door and starting walking toward the park. Ruby spoke up. She was in a ridiculously good mood and Berry hated to ruin it.
“Listen, Rubes... I know you love Kreese, girl. I really do. I see it every day. But I'm kinda feeling... neglected. Sorry if that sounds snobbish.”
Ruby's face turned to a begging eyes frown. “I'm... neglecting you? In what way?”
“Just... I come home, say hello, but I'm always interrupting something, and you always want to continue it. I am forced to be with Cannonbolt. Not that it's a bad thing, he's the love of my life, but... I starting to feel... alone. We aren't doing anything together anymore.” Berry looked down with a huge frown.
“Berry, we're in this adventure together, not alone. Carees and Cannonbolt are two new stallions with a feeling I've never experienced before... I'm just trying to learn.”
“But that's just it! You want to learn more and more, so you experiment more and more... I don't even remember the last time we went to Punch Cavern together. As a matter of fact... I don't remember the last time we laughed together...” Berry was on the verge of crying.
“A-am I experimenting too much? Tell me.” Ruby insisted.
“Yes! I find no time anymore to be with my best friend. Sometimes I think you've forgot about me because of your relationship.”
“Berry... remember what I chose back when I had the nightmare? I chose a thousand deaths. Why? Because I believe and you and love you as my friend.”
Berry had a tear run down her cheek as she stopped. “That doesn't mean I still feel ignored! I had a nightmare last night... in that nightmare... I wished you and Kreese never got together. In fact, I wished Kreese didn't exist at all.”
Ruby stopped. “You WHAT!? But he's your friend, as Cannon is mine!”
Berry bawled out. “I'm sorry! I didn't mean to! My stupid brain did it! I didn't want to think that!”
Ruby crossed her arms. “If you never wanted to, your brain wouldn't have done it.”
Berry pleaded Ruby. “Please! I'm sorry! I just... I just... I just want to feel loved by ponies. I'm just a selfish bitch. I deserve to be neglected...”
Ruby turned around. “You just can't wish somepony never existed! Let alone my boyfriend!”
Berry fell to the ground. “I can't do anything to make that statement up. I'm not gonna try... I'm just an evil, insane pony...”
Ruby just remembered what Algalon had told her. She didn't want this moment to come so fast. “...I forgive you.”
Berry looked up, tears streaming down her. “You... you do?”
Ruby sighed. “Yes... yes I do. C'mere, give me a hug.”
Berry pulled herself up and raced toward Ruby and gave her a big, warm hug. “Oh, I'm so sorry.” Shw whispered into Ruby's ear.
“It's alright, Berr, it's alright.”
That hug sank into Ruby. She really felt that Berry meant this hug as an apology, and she accepted it. After about 2 minutes of blind hugging, the wind started to blow hard in the park.
“Hey, what's with the wind? It shouldn't be windy today.” Berry said, breaking the hug.
“I don't know. This is strange, I don't sense anything bad though.”
A ringing sound started to pierce their ears as the leaves of the park started to circle in a mysterious spot. The other ponies covered their ears and others came to see what the ruckus was about.
“What's going on!?” Yelled Berry.
“I don't-- wait! I know that sound from somewhere!”
A wa-wa type sound affect started to join in. Ruby knew exactly what was going on now. She grew a huge smile.
“I don't believe it!!” She yelled.
Out of thin air, an odd metal ship appeared out of the twisting nether. It was the appearance of something totally familiar to Ruby, but Berry and everyone in the park were clueless. The ship had a big round nose. It landed and made a “meep” sound. Ruby rushed up to it, Berry carefully following.
“Ruby... what the hell is this thing?”
“It's... It's...!!!!”
“It's what!?”
The bottom of the ship opened and a ramp came out. Two brown shoes were seen at the top. What was it?
“Is that you, Dr. Andonuts!?” Ruby was jumping up and down.
“Oh, my! Giygas! Is that you, young one?”
Ruby's smile grew even greater. The strange thing started to walk down the ramp. When it had reached the bottom, it looked strange to everypony. The being had white hair, a white mustache, walked on 2 feet, and was wearing a white lab coat. It also had hands!
“Giygas, sweetheart, what bizarre world have you been transported to? Are these beings... horses? I set the phase distorter to find you and here you are! Come out, little peanuts! It's okay!”
“World Safe? ME comE OUT NoW! Zoom!”
Suddenly, from out of the odd ship, little tan creatures came out of the ship. They were almost identical to the ship's looks.
“Mr. Saturn! How are you guys doing!? It's been forever!”
“Good Do! Boing! BUd dEFEaT Pork-Fork, Good? Zoom!”
“Yep! Porky's done! But we got another HUGE problem! Bigger problem than Porky! We got the god of insanity to deal with now! Oh my pardon, Dr.! This is the mare that stuck with me all the way in order to defeat Porky! Meet Berry Punch!”
“Oh! So you are horses! How smashing! I am Doctor Albert Andonuts! A pleasure to meet Giygas's friends any day!”
“Yep! Nice to meet cha, too! She goes by Ruby now, by the way.”
“A name change? Might I ask why?” Dr. Andonuts rubbed his beard.
“Because Giygas sounds stupid in this world! Well, anyway, Dr. Andonuts, what brings you to me?”
Dr. Andonuts held up his finger. “Ah, I'm glad you asked that, my dear. I have come to give you something to enhance your power, if you so need it.”
Berry was expressionless on the outside. But she was thinking in her mind. Star-Dammit! AGAIN!? Why does she always get the cool things!? Buck her!
Berry's eyes widened as she realized what she just thought. She thought about smacking herself, but resisted.
Dr. Andonuts had pulled out a bracelet for her to wear.
Ruby flinched. “Oh, hang a sec.” Ruby faced the crowd of curious ponies. “It's okay! He's from where I was from! He's friendly!”
The crowd of ponies edged closer. “So whatcha got there, doctor?” Ruby said.
“This, my dear, is a bracelet of truth. I've invented not too long ago, and thought you might need it. You obviously do not possess your true power in this form, so I'm giving you this bracelet. Put it on, and it will transform you back into your original self. Do not worry, you won't be out of control.”
Ruby stuttered. “M-my old self? My Giegue form!? Can I try it on?”
The doctor handed her the device. “Certainly, my dear... Ruby.”
Berry got nervous. Her old form? So I get to see what she really looks like? Sweet! She thought.
Slowly, Ruby put on the bracelet and darkness surrounded her. It enveloped her whole body.
“Stand back so you do not get caught in it!” Dr. Andonuts yelled. A bright light flashed them. When it cleared up, they couldn't believe what they saw. They all stared opened mouthed at the being they saw before them.
Ruby looked up at Dr. Andonuts. “Well, did it work?”
“Have a look for yourself.” Dr. Andonuts said as the Mr. Saturns brought down a mirror. She almost didn't believe what she saw in the mirror. It had been so long.
Ruby gasped. “I... I don't believe it!”
Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
“Heh. Haha! Hahahahaha! I'm me! Weee! I have hands again!” Ruby danced around on the two blue legs she stood on.
Jealously, Berry went up to her. “So that's... you? You look... not bad, actually!” Berry tries to make her feel good. There was a small ruckus in the crowd. Two ponies were barging through the crowd. The voices were Cannonbolt and Carees.
“Out o' the way! What's goin' on here? And WHAT IS THAT?”
Carees stopped and looked at Ruby. He didn't even recognize her. “What are you? Why are you here?”
Ruby turned to see Carees and Cannon, hands on their weapon just in case. She leaned against the Phase Distorter behind her and crossed her legs. “Oh hey, honey. How ya like me now?”
At the same time Cannon and Carees gasped and yelled. “RUBY!?”
Carees looked like he just saw an orc kissing a gnome. “What are you?” He asked softly.
“I'm me! This is me! The real me, that is. That pony form was just a substitute for this world. I'm from Earth! Be jealous, everypony! I have HANDS!”
“I AM JEALOUS!” Yelled Lyra from the crowd.
Ruby giggled. “Hah! I know you are! Ain't this great, Berr!?”
Berry made a fake agreement. “Yeah!... Real special. Wish I had something special about me...”
Ruby put her hand on her shoulder. “Oh, don't be that way right now! Listen, Maneside! This man is the greatest engineer and scientist of all time! As your mayor, I request you help Dr. Andonuts and the Mr. Saturns here feel right at home. Do not be frightened. He was the one who made it possible to defeat Porky! I'm gonna take this off for now, I prefer the pony body.”
As she took it off, a flash of light turned her back into the pony Ruby. All the ponies were so impressed and amazed... all but Berry.
“I'm quite proud of myself. I shall remain here in this Phase Distorter for the time being. If any of you residents wish to know about my home, you may visit me. Giygas, or should I say, Ruby... if this new power is truly as bad as you say, please be careful.”
The doctor and Mr. Saturns walked back up the ramp. A few ponies gathered around the phase distorter and followed the doctor inside, the rest dispersed.
The 4 ponies started to head home. Ruby's true form was all that was on their mind.
“Ruby! That real identity of yours is so thrilling! I didn't know you looked like that!”
“Yeh! Does it 'ave any special powers or such?” Cannon asked.
“Not really. It just somewhat enhances my spells. I think it's pretty cool.” Ruby boasted.
Berry kept depressingly quiet and hung her head.
“Why, that's gotta be the greatest power in this here land!”
“Yeah, that could be put to good use. I'm so glad we have someone like you on our side.” Carees said happily.
Berry couldn't take it anymore.
“Augh! Can we please stop talking about this? I'm already envious that I have next to nothing compared to you all.”
Ruby looked at her. “You're... jealous?”
Berry was getting more ticked off by the minute. “Of course I'm buckin' jealous! You're braggin' bout how your the greatest power in the universe, and your partner over here gets little praise for saving the world along side you! I try to look impressive by wielding Shadowmourne and I just get yelled at, while a freakin' raptor gets all the praise! I'm starting to feel like an outcast.”
Ruby sighed. “We yelled at you because you released that army that threatened us and the town.”
Berry ignored the answer. “It's always “Ruby this” or “Ruby that”. Maybe it's greedy, but I just want the attention I deserve for saving the world.”
“Well, I didn't fall into an obvious trap, did I?” Ruby taunted.
Carees tried to step in. “Ruby, that was kind of uncalled for.”
Berry was furious. “Didn't fall into an obvious trap!? You're the reason Fluttershy got kidnapped and brainwashed!!” Ruby put her hooves to her mouth and gasped. “You let her get kidnapped! She committed suicide in the end because you let her slip!... Oh my Celestia...”
Ruby sniffed as tears started to run down her cheek. “I... I...”
“Oh no... Ruby! I'm sorry! That didn't mean to come out! I was just jealous and stupid. I didn't mean to say that! I'm so sorry!”Berry came up to her to hug her. “I didn't mean it. You're still my best friend. It just came out!”
Ruby started to sob. “W-- why would you bring that up? Why would you say that?”
Berry started to tear up as well. “I'm a selfish whore, that's why. I can't believe that came out... I can't believe myself. I'm so sorry.”
“You meant it! I know you did! Get off of me!” Ruby pushed her off violently.
“No, I didn't! You're just being over-drematic! Oh, star-damn it brain! Stop it! NNGH! Why am I saying these things!? I don't want to!”
The two stallions couldn't step in, they were too nervous.
“I can't believe you! Maybe I made the mistake choosing you as my partner! How about that!?” Ruby said, still yelling.
“No! I... I... I don't want to say these things! Something is... controlling me! I can't stop it!”
“No there isn't! You meant it all!”
Berry broke once again. “SHUT UP, YOU SKANK! I didn't mean shit!... AHH! Not again! What's going on!?”
Ruby turned away. “Go. Just go. I don't want to see your face any more. I can't believe you said that, and here I trusted you!”
Berry tried to rebut, but failed. “But--”
“No! Go away! Now! You are non existent to me! Go home!”
Berry broke down with a very loud cry. “WAAA-HAA-HAA!” She turned around and starting to dash back to their house.
Cannonbolt sighed. “Oh, it be ye and I all over again, Carees. I gotta go comfort her. I'm sure as beer she won't listen to ye.”
“Alright, I'm staying here with her. I'll try and make her stop. You know this is Yogg-Saron's goal correct? He's achieved goal one. I don't know how we're gonna break it.” Carees said to his partner.
“Okay, be seein' ya later.” Cannonbolt's eyes grew like tigers and he raced back toward the house.
_____________________________________________________________________
Even walking up to the house felt depressing and empty. Cannonbolt opened the door to hear sniffling from the upstairs.
“Oi! Me Berry, ye be here?” Cannonbolt asked as he walked up the stairs quietly. As he opened the door, he saw Berry curled up in a corner against a wall. Cuddles was trying to comfort her. He looked up at Cannon and whimpered. Cannon gave a long sigh as he walked over. This was going to be one hell of a trip down torture avenue.
“Berry, I know ye don't wanna talk, but I believe ye when ye said it wasn't yer fault. I ain't gonna explain why or how, but it wasn't you. That wasn't Ruby either. Ye both have succumbed to Yogg-Saron's madness. He made ye spill the rotten beans. It'll all turn out okay.”
“No it won't!” Berry sobbed. “I'm so angry I could explode. I don't know what came over me, but Ruby doesn't just... break like that. She's understanding and patient. Carees changed her and you changed me, and with those changes... we drove each other apart.”
“Then we can get cha back together as well.”
“How do you propose that you can do that!? Huh!?” Berry shouted.
“I... I dunno. But stuff like that doesn't just... end. This is from experience, lass.”
“I... I'm sorry. I can't talk to her. Not now. I'm not kicking her out of the house, and I'm not blaming Carees for any of this. This was her, all her.”
“I'm here with ye. Ruby and Carees usually sleep downstairs any who. I'm here with ye all night. Ye aren't still mad at Cuddles for stealing the victory, are ye?”
Cuddles whimpered and looked down. I was only trying to help. The beast thought to himself.
“No... I'm not, he was just doing what he was taught to do, which was helping out. He's still the coolest pet ever in my book.”
Cuddles looked up and gave her a not so cuddly hug.
“Listen, they probably be back soon. I not gonna say you need to talk to her or anything of the such, but you need at least to dry up those tears. We'll figure it out, eventually.”
___________________________________________________________________
The key word was eventually. For a whole two and a half weeks, Berry and Ruby refused to talk to each other, look in each other's eyes, or even acknowledge each other's existence. Carees was on his way for the daily “teach Fluttershy how to death knight”. Fluttershy had been noticing his depressed attitude.
“Hey, Carees?” She said one day. “Why are you so depressed all of a sudden? Is it because of me?”
Carees shook his head. “Not in the slightest, my dear. Just a problem back at home.”
Fluttershy got curious. “Are you fighting with Ruby? Oh, I-- I'm sorry if I'm intruding on something really personal...”
Carees shook his head again. “Close, my dear. The fighting goes between Ruby and Berry. It's not just tearing them apart... it's tearing me, Cannon, and even Cuddles apart.”
“Cuddles?” Fluttershy looked puzzled.
“Ah, you haven't met him? He's Cannonbolt's pet raptor.”
Fluttershy's eyes grew big and she made a big grin. “Pet raptor!? How cute! I'd like to meet him sometime! I'm excellent with animals. Anyways, what's all the fighting about? I thought those two stuck together no matter the cost.”
“Apparently not. They're being snooty. Berry's jealous of Ruby's power and Ruby's showing it off. It led to a big fight with a line that I shall not mention in front of you.”
“Oh... umm... I wish I could help...”
“We've tried a lot of things. We're out of options. They won't even look at each other.”
“I'm not sure what I can do...”
“Let us worry about it. You've got training to do. How are your unholy skills coming along? You seem to struggle with those.”
“Well... I've got raise dead down. It took a while, but... umm... I did it. See? Watch.”
Fluttershy concentrated as she closed her eyes. She pointed her hooves to the ground with a “hya!”... which sounded more like a “...ha...”. Suddenly, a hand reached out of the ground and it pulled a rotted corpse out. Fluttershy had grown to the putrid smells and looks of the beast.
Carees raised his eyebrows. “Good. Very good. Can you send it back?”
Fluttershy concentrated. “Let... me try.” She signaled her hands as the living corpse just crumbled into dust.
“Excellent, you're learning very--”
“EEP!”
Carees looked at her. “It's not THAT weird...”
Fluttershy gasped. “No! That!”
Carees turned around to see a giant flying creature. A flying creature he recognized all too well. It was the Iron Dragon.
“...Razorscale.”
“Razorscale!? EEP!” Fluttershy gripped Carees.
“It's headed toward the city!” Fluttershy yelled.
“Well, then. Are we gonna let it destroy it?” Carees asked.
“....No! Anything but that!” Fluttershy yelled.
“Then come on! Show your master what you've learned!”
Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
Razorscale, the Iron Dragon
Carees was running as fast he could toward the city to protect it. Fluttershy was not far behind him, carrying the Slayers of the Lifeless Carees had given her. They were both sweating.
“How are we going to kill an Iron Dragon!? That sounds hard!” Fluttershy yelled.
“By working together, Fluttershy! With that, we're unstoppable! As long as we work with Cannonbolt and Cuddles, we'll be fine, okay!?” Carees yelled back. “Just focus!”
“A-- Alright!”
The town was in chaos. Everyone was running in circles, screaming “DRAGON! RUN”. Ruby and Berry were already in a hustle for pride. Berry was trying to enclose the dragon in shadow, but Razorscale was too fast. With one fell swoop, he launched a fireball at Berry and sent her flying against the wall.
“HAH! You fail!” Ruby pointed at Berry and laughed.
“Imbecile! There's a big-ass dragon destroying the town, and all you're doing is laughing at me!? Pay attention to the goal at hand! Kill the damn thing!”
“Fine! If you insist, miss weak-sauce! The thing is made out of iron! PK FIRE OMEGA!” Ruby shouted as a fire bolt hit Razorscale's wing.
GWOOOOAR!
It didn't even hurt him, rather just nudged the beast. An iron dragon that doesn't melt to fire? That's one hell of a problem.
“WHAT!? Impossible! That was omega!” Ruby gasped
Razorscale came flying down and winged Ruby. Ruby went flying not into, but THROUGH a wall.
The sirens flew off. Everyone evacuated the buildings. Razorscale was flawlessly winning this battle, if you call it that. So far, it was just a free decimation. That is, until Cannonbolt and Cuddles came into the picture. They came flying in, Cannonbolt already focusing his arrows on the beast.
“Razorscale, ye're gonna get it now! Nobody hurts me friends!”
THWAP!
Arrows flew toward Razorscale. The beast saw it from the corner of it's eye and dodged the first one, however the second one pierced it's wing. The arrow was flaming. Razorscale grunted.
Boom! The arrow exploded as Razorscale elevated lower and struggled to keep it's flying balance for a few seconds. Razorscale spotted Cannonbolt and fired a fireball. Cannonbolt moved out the way of direct fire, but the shock wave made him fly back a few meters. Razorscale looked as if it hadn't even taken any damage.
Cannonbolt looked up to the sky. “Carees, lad... where ye be!? Yer partner needs ya!”
A voice came from behind. “I'm right here.”
Cannonbolt, Ruby, and Berry turned to see Carees with Fluttershy by his side, wielding spiked swords.
“So, Fluttershy, are we gonna let Razorscale destroy our beautiful city!?”
Fluttershy lowered her head and slashed her blades together angrily. “Hell... no.” She growled.
Cuddles looked over to her. Hey! Haven't seen her in a while! Looks like she's doin' alright. Cuddles thought.
Fluttershy turned to look at Cuddles. “Oh how cute! A raptor! You must be Cuddles. We talk later! Ready to kick some Razorscale butt?”
Cuddles nodded.
“Alright! Let's go!” Carees yelled.
Cannonbolt smiled. “It been too long since this gone on. Explosive shot!”
Another arrow hit Razorscale and exploded. Razorscale lowered once again. Cuddles hopped on Fluttershy and she flew him up to Razorscale.
“Now, Cuddles!” Fluttershy yelled.
Cuddles jumped off and landed on Razorscale's wing. He started to tear it off. For the first time in the battle, Razorscale started to bleed.
GWAAAAR!
The dragon roared in pain and started to plummet to the ground. The beast spun in the air as fast as a top until crashed on the ground and created a tremor. Out from the crash's smoke came an wing injured dragon. The beast headed for Fluttershy. It dashed toward her with anger. Fluttershy sprang up as the beast chomped its mouth and missed. Fluttershy took her two blades and slammed the beast's head in with the swords. The beast of iron hadn't gave up yet though, as it got right back up, and tried to claw at Fluttershy. She dodged with a dive and punched the ground. The ground turned red and fiery hot all around Razorscale.
“Good Death and Decay, Fluttershy! Now, hit it with a Frost Strike!” Carees yelled. Fluttershy did more than a Frost Strike.
The blades grew green and blue as Fluttershy whipped the dragon with a cold blade, making it shiver. Then she hit it with the green aura blade, which spilled green acid onto it. Plague Strike. The dragon caught her off guard and flicked her away. Razorscale proceeded to try and scorch poor Fluttershy while she was down.
“No! Not again!” Carees yelled. As Fluttershy got up, the poisoned, freezing iron dragon engulfed Fluttershy with a flame for at least 20 seconds. Cannonbolt and Carees watched in horror. It wasn't over though. After the flames, Fluttershy stood up with an anti-magic shield surrounding her in a green aura.
“Oh thank the light.” Carees said. “Quickly! While he's covered with your spells! Obliterate him and send him to me!” Carees grabbed Sulfuras from off his back and readied himself. Fluttershy ran up to the iron beast and with both swords glowing slammed the beast with all of her might and sent Razorscale back.
“Iron Dragon baseball! Woo!” Yelled Carees as Sulfuras gathered up it's fiery power and power smashed Razorscale at least 60 yards into the air and out. Fluttershy came running to finish off the beast. Razorscale was stunned, unable to think, hear or see. Fluttershy jumped in the air, her wings giving her power and yelled. “NOTHING HURTS MY FRIENDS!” With all of her might, she jammed the sword into Razorscale's head. That moment was frozen. Berry and Ruby quit arguing about two minutes before that moment, and stared in awe at this new Fluttershy. Neither of them were getting the pride they hustled for. Fluttershy, Carees, Cannonbolt and Cuddles were to get all the rewards this time. Fluttershy lifted the sword out from the dragon's head.
GRAWWR! RAAAWR!
The dragon squirmed and struggled, but it was over. It hit the ground with a lifeless earthquake. Not even a shred of life was left in it. It took them a minute for it all to sink in what they had accomplished with this teamwork. They all started to smile and laugh. Cuddles started to jump. Then, in unison, they all cheered a battle victory and raced toward each other for a big group hug and energetic jump.
Carees was ecstatic. “Fluttershy! That was amazing! You've made me so proud! Give me a hug, girl!” Fluttershy welcomed him with a big warm hug.
“Lassie, Carees taught ye well. 'Ey, what do ye say... you wanna help us save the world? We could use another flawless Death Knight!”
Cuddles roared an encouraging cry. And hopped up in her face.
“Oh... gee... I don't know...”
She looked at Cuddles who was putting on a puppy dog face.
“...Alright. For you, Cuddles.” Fluttershy blushed.
The all cheered as Cuddles licked her face. “Aww, aren't you just a cute little raptor! Aren't you? That's right...” Fluttershy was scratching Cuddles' chin.
Cannonbolt smiled. “Well, Cuddles, ye found yer friend. Ain't that cute?”
“He's a very cute raptor, Cannon! If I get to fight along side him, I'll gladly join.”
The others started to come out of hiding. They couldn't believe they saw Fluttershy vanquish a dragon with her friends, she had always been so quiet. They raced over to them in happiness and joy. The surrounded all 4 of them and cheered their names. Even Cuddles was getting pet by the residents.
Carees put his hoof up. “Thank you, all! But the real praise goes toward Fluttershy, my apprentice in the arts of combat. She's proved even stronger than me. She's the one who made it possible for this behemoth, Razorscale, to be vanquished! Let the praise go to her, as she will help us vanquish the evil that is causing these attacks, Yogg-Saron!”
The crowd cheered for Fluttershy, as she blushed and smiled with her dragon blood covered swords of pride. The battle was over, the town was saved, and not much damage was done.
Ruby and Berry still stand opened mouthed, but quickly grew angry that neither of them got any attention. They blamed the only person they could at that moment, each other.
“Augh! Now look! We try and save the town, and Fluttershy gets all the attention! Why didn't you try harder!?”
“Sorry I'm not the greatest power of the universe! I can't do it all! Also, did I witness the ultimate power get completely owned by FLUTTERSHY?” Berry taunted.
“Hey! Shuddup! You have a legendary weapon of amazing-ness and you failed to do anything!”
“Shut it, you whore-- Dammit! Again! Mouth! Shuddup! GAH! I'm going home.”
“Fine! Go! I don't care!” Ruby pouted. She really did care deep inside. Both of them had been replaced by a shy, pink pegasus today, and they were angry.
Ruby thought to herself. What can I friggin' do to make her shut up!? Then she realized. Of course! Algalon told her about Frostmourne! It was time to take action. Heh... this'll teach her.
________________________________________________________________________
For a flawless victory, they took Fluttershy out to dinner at Applejack's bar. Fluttershy obviously ordered a salad. It was time Fluttershy and the others had a serious talk.
“If I'm gonna be part of the team...” Fluttershy began. “... I deserve to know exactly why Ruby and Berry are fighting. All details.”
Cannon sighed. “All right, lass. Berry and I were at her bar, and she told me she felt neglected. She felt Ruby was hoardin' the attention. She was becoming jealous of 'er. So when that Doctor Andonuts came along and gave Ruby even more power than she already had, Berry kinda lost it.”
Fluttershy was curious. “Umm... lost it? In what way?”
Carees answered her. “They broke into an ego-filled argument and Berry kinda spurted out... something bad.”
Fluttershy shook her head. “I want to know exactly what she said.”
Carees paused. “... She said it was Ruby's fault that you died. She immediately tried to take it back, but it was too late for that.”
Fluttershy made an astonished face. “How selfish!”
“Please, don't take it out on Berry, she really--”
“Why didn't Ruby just accept the apology? She didn't mean it. Sure, it was a rude comment and that's terrible, but really! It's more rude to not accept an honest apology!”
Carees was surprised. “I didn't expect you to think that way, Fluttershy.”
“Well I did. I wish I could do something about it.” Fluttershy looked down.
“Don't worry about it. Who knows? Maybe you can some way. But forget about that, it's time to eat and celebrate an awesome victory.”
____________________________________________________________________
That night, Ruby was visited by Algalon yet again. She woke up in the familiar white endlessness she had seen him before in.
“Oh, great. Here again. What do you want, Algalon?” She said, snootingly.
As the stars aligned his body, he spoke. “Why so feisty tonight, mortal Ruby?”
“Because you were wrong! Frostmourne isn't gonna save Berry, it's going to kill her, by my hands!”
Algalon denied it. “Ah, but you are wrong. The odds that you and Berry were going to separate were absolute. The weapon I have laid for you can save her. It has just as great powers as Berry's weapon.”
“I was planning on getting it tomorrow anyhow just to shove it in her face. She thinks she's so special.”
Algalon chuckled emotionlessly. “Ahahaha. She IS special though! Very much so, indeed.”
Ruby got angry. “She isn't worth anything! She's so attached to that dumb axe of her's she thinks it's the best thing ever.”
“She should. She is the only one that can use it properly. She has been gifted with the power to wield it. Only a select few may wield weapons like these. You may not wield the axe. It's cosmically impossible.” Algalon said.
“Pshh, whatever. Tomorrow I get Frostmourne and completely overpower her dumb axe.”
“It's two in the morning for you mortals right now. Your friends are asleep. If you are to go, go now. I am going to wake you up, and you will go to Frostmourne. Good luck.” Algalon faded into the light.
Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
Ruby woke up with no movement. She knew what she had to do and quietly got out of bed, not disturbing Carees, who slept along side her. She opened the door with caution. She looked back as the door whined. She took a couple steps past the door and stepped on a loose board that made a loud creak and looked back nervously. Still didn't wake anyone up. She stepped off the board quickly and tip-hooved down the stairs with extreme caution. When she reached the bottom, she looked around. She started to open the front door. Thinking she was safe, she didn't realize she had awoken a very curious raptor. As Ruby left the door to the outside, Cuddles got up and decided to follow her. She was up to something, and Cuddles was the one to find out just what she was leaving at two in the morning for.
This is weird. Berry did the same thing, and she brought chaos to the town. I gotta investigate this.
Cuddles was no amateur at rogue behavior. Back in Azeroth, Cannonbolt taught him to sneak like a rogue in order to get in on orders given by hostile creatures. Cuddles was a pro at it. He waited half a minute after Ruby left the door to open it, so Ruby wouldn't notice it. After he opened the door, he looked right to see the backside of Ruby walking cautiously down the sidewalk. He started to sneak behind her, quiet as a mouse. It was almost pitch black outside. Cuddles had been trained to see in the dark easily, but not Ruby.
Is she heading out of town? She's going the same direction that the tank thingy was! What does she need at two in the morning!? I might have to pick a fight... I sure hope not.
They walked out to the edge of town, and Ruby began to head toward the forest.
That's the same direction Berry came from! Oh, no. Yogg-Bogg hasn't laid down Frostmourne, too, has he? I gotta stop her somehow! I can't just go up to her, she'll just tell me to go home! Should I attempt to knock her out in the forest? Aww, but that's mean! It doesn't look like I have any other option.
While thinking to himself, Cuddles accidentally kicked a large pebble that bounced across the ground. Ruby stopped.
Oh, feathers!
Cuddles turned left and right quickly. A trash can lay on the sidewalk. Cuddles quickly jumped behind it and crouched. Ruby turned around nervously.
She backed up and nervously called out. “H-Hello? Is anypony there?”
Cuddles was squatted uncomfortably behind the trash can, sweating. It held on for a whole minute. Ruby eventually slowly turned around and started walking into the forest. Cuddles held out behind the trash can until Ruby was around 50 yards away. He slowly peeked out from behind the trash can. She had continued on. Cuddles slowly moved closer to her from a distance. As she moved into the forest, Cuddles started to run. He ran into the forest, and kept a close eye on her off the beaten path from a safe 15-20 yards. He was as careful as a mouse. He didn't make almost any noise. If he did, it barely made any sound and the natural forest noise at night overlapped it.
Ruby started to mutter to herself, but Cuddles couldn't make it out. There was only one way to find out what she was saying, and that was to get closer.
Alright, Cudds. This is your moment. Don't screw this up, it could mean lives.
__________________________________________________________________
Back at the house, Cannon awoke. He didn't know why or what, but something was bothering him. Laid still in his bed for the next couple minutes, he tried to figure just what was bothering him. He looked over and saw what was bothering him: Ruby wasn't there.
Wah? Where be Ruby? This isn't good.
He got out of bed quietly, not waking his partner. As he headed downstairs he quietly signaled for Cuddles.
“Oi! Cudds! Get up, hurry! We gotta go f--”
Cuddles was nowhere to be found in the house. He had gone out to follow her. Cannonbolt slowly smiled.
“That's me boy... wait... what we be doin' just sittin' round here!? She be after sometin'. An' that sometin' isn't good!”
Cannonbolt loudly ran up the stairs and opened the door. Everyone looked up. Berry didn't look too pleased.
“What's wrong, Cannon?” Asked Berry, who was angry that her sleep had been disturbed.
“See fer yerself! Look! Ruby isn't here, and Cuddles went out to follow her somewhere!”
Carees face-hooved. “Oh, no. Augh... RUBY! Forsake it all... she's after FROSTMOURNE isn't she? What happened to my Ruby? She's turned into a selfish--” Carees couldn't finish the sentence.
“Selfish whore?” Berry answered.
Carees sighed. “I hate to say it, but yes.”
Cannonbolt jumped. “Then don' just sit there! That will endanger the town! We gotta stop her from getting that blade.”
Berry moaned. “Augh... of course we do. Fine.”
Cannon squinted at Berry. “Don't be a selfish whore yourself, Berry. Get up and let's go!
Carees got up and grabbed his weapon.
Berry somewhat got up and grabbed Shadowmourne. “Let's get this over with.” She said.
They exploded out the door. “... Forest. Cuddles be in the forest. Let's go!”
Berry looked at Cannon. “How do you know that?”
Cannonbolt paused. “...He's my fighting partner. He and I share a special bond of sorts. 'Nuff talkin'! Let's move!”
Carees paused. “I'll go get Fluttershy. Head off to the forest.”
___________________________________________________________________
Cuddles inched closer to Ruby, as she was growing more and more skeptical something was going on. She continued to mutter to herself. Cuddles listened as closely as his ears could.
“...Berry... Frost... showoff...” Was the only thing Cuddles could make out.
Oh no. Frost!? That must mean Frostmourne! What is telling them about these weapons!?
He edged closer and closer. The muttering was becoming more clear.
“... Show her!... Frostmourne will... Berry. Algalon... right. I can't let... all the attention!”
Algalon!? Algalon is invading her dreams now!? I hope Cannon has awoken. He has to get here, fast!
The clearing was just ahead, and Cuddles needed to strike soon, or she would have it. Frostmourne was merely minutes away.
__________________________________________________________________
“Fluttershy!” Carees called as he banged on the door with impatience. The yellow pegasus opened the door with a pajama hat on.
“What is it, Carees? It's three in the morning. Is there something bad going on?” Fluttershy asked the impatient stallion.
“Yes! Ruby is off to collect a sword that is cursed! Please! Help! We have to stop her!” Carees yelled.
“Oh, no! L-let me get the slayers!” Fluttershy ran upstairs. She tripped on the way up. Within 20 seconds she came back down with the Slayers of the Lifeless. “I'm ready! Let's go!”
“Hurry, we gotta find and meet up with Cannon!”
They bolted out toward the forest, whereas Cannon and Ruby were already inside of it.
____________________________________________________________________
“This is so bad... hold on Cuddles! We'll be there!” Cannonbolt yelled.
“I hope Cuddles can stop her from picking it, we might not make it.” Berry said.
“I hope so too, Berry. Please try and hold her off, Cudds!” Cannonbolt prayed as he ran into the dark-filled woods. Ruby was nearly at the clearing.
_____________________________________________________________________
“Here it is! The clearing! Finally, I get to have this weapon!” Ruby said to herself. She stopped in front of the clearing and smiled. “Time to show Berry not to mess with MY reputation!”
No... nonononono! I can't let this happen! I feel Cannon getting closer, but he isn't close enough. I have to stop her here! Please, Ruby! Forgive me!
Cuddles found a perfect spot to jump. I'm sorry.
A leap in the darkness startled Ruby. She turned to the direction and saw a black figure with gold eyes launching at her. She couldn't tell what it was and was too late to react.
WHAP!
Ruby was smacked by something sharp and flown against a tree. Off her cheek, she was bleeding. When she opened her eyes, the thing was gone.
“Ah! I knew something was following me! Come on out, and tell me who you are!”
She looked around but saw nothing. She readied herself in a fighting stance. Left, nothing. Right, nothing. Straight or behind her, nothing. Then, from above, the being whacked her with it's sharp tale once more. She closed her eyes in pain. Again, before she could see it, the attacker vanished in the forest.
“Please stop! I just want to talk!”
__________________________________________________________________________
“Do you think they've caught up to her yet?” Fluttershy asked, flying next to Carees, who was running as fast as a buffalo.
“I don't know. But Cuddles is the one who followed her out, he's with her, whether she knows it or not.”
Fluttershy paused for a few seconds. “...I hope he's okay. Please, Cuddles, hold your ground. We'll make it.”
_________________________________________________________________________
Not too far ahead, Cannonbolt and Berry were still sprinting. They were within half a mile of the clearing.
“C'mon, Cudds! Don't fail us! You can do it!” Berry hoped.
“I trained the lad fer stealth! He's more than capable of foolin' with her fer a while.” Cannonbolt added.
“I sure hope so. We believe in you, Cuddles. Don't let her get that sword!”
______________________________________________________________________
“Come on! I just want to know why you're attacking me!” Ruby yelled, frantically looking in all directions.
You know why! Frostmourne! That's why!
“Frostmourne!? That thing will help me! Maybe you forgot I'm psychic! I know what you are thinking!” Ruby threatened.
Drat! She knows I'm left of her!
Ruby quickly turned left as Cuddles came around from the right and pummeled her side. He ran back into the forest.
“What the heck!” She yelled.
She fell for the oldest trick in the book! Come on, Ruby! I thought you were a tactical horse! Comin' from the left, now! Prepare yourself .
Ruby looked left and right, but the blow came from the tree tops above her. She fell over. “Hey! Who are you!? I don't know that voice.”
Cuddles hid in the bushes. I'm the stealthy one with the sharp blades of justice! I'm here to stop you! That sword will endanger lives! That's not a hero's job!
“We've conquered an army before we can do it again!” She yelled.
Cuddles picked up a large rock and threw it in her direction and sprinted. Ruby looked angrily at the bushes. Cuddles came around from behind her and hit her with his hard, sharp tail. Ruby gained another bleeding cut up on her face.
You're being outsmarted by an animal.
“Animal!? You aren't... no! I refuse to believe my ass is getting handled to me by...”
“Ruby Black!” Came a call from behind her in the forest. It was Berry and Cannonbolt.
“Dammit! Screw you, who-I-think-you-are!” Ruby turned around and ran for the opening. Out in front of her jumped the beast who had fought her. Cuddles the Raptor.
“Are you KIDDING ME!? I got my ass handled to me by CUDDLES!? Move it! PK Fire Gamma!”
A bolt of fire hit Cuddles and flew him out of the way. He landed with pain in his shoulder, whimpering.
“Sorry, Cudds, but this is my moment!” Ruby raced toward the old Pigmask base. Cannonbolt and Berry came rushing out of the clearing and chased after Ruby. However, when Cannonbolt saw his injured partner, he stopped.
“Go! I need to comfort Cuddles!” Cannonbolt signaled as he turned left. Berry raced on inside, following Ruby.
Not too soon after, Carees and Fluttershy came out of the clearing.
“Don't worry bout me! Go!” Cannon yelled as they continued to run
Carees and Fluttershy continued inside, hoping Ruby hadn't pulled the sword yet.
Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
“Oh, Fluttershy, thanks for letting us spend the night here. We really do appreciate it.” Carees said as he was given some warm, relaxing coffee, Fluttershy made. As Carees took a sip, it appeared as if all of the troubles in his mind vanished. “Oh, sweet light! This is incredible, Fluttershy! Thank you!”
Fluttershy blushed. “Oh it was nothing, really.” Fluttershy said as she got her bed robe out. “I'm sorry it didn't work out between you two and Ruby and Berry. It's a shame.”
“If they can fix it, I'll come back. However, I see no possible way that can occur.” Carees said as he laid back in one of Fluttershy's comfy chairs.
“Don't give up hope, Carees. One can get rid of hate, but never get rid of love.” Fluttershy said as she grabbed her sleeping hat.
“That be a fine quote, lass. Where ye here that one?” Cannonbolt said as he got comfortable on one of the couches.
“Oh, nowhere. It's just something I've made up and followed. I just like the sound of it... hey. Where's Cuddles, Cannon?”
Cannonbolt looked around the room, but there was no Cuddles. Cannon whistled for him, but he didn't come. “Oh, boy. Now where has that spiked laddie run off to?”
As soon as Cannon said it, the door opened. Quite in a hurrying sound. Cuddles came zooming in the bedroom, exhausted and panting.
“Cuddles! Where have ye been, lad?”
Cuddles shook his head and jumped behind the chair Carees was sitting in. He peeked out at Cannon.
“What do ye mean, laddie?” Cannon asked. Cuddles covered his face with his claws.
“Talk to me, Cuddles, I can understand you.” Fluttershy gently said. The raptor came out from behind the chair and walked over to Fluttershy and roared a few times. “... You were spying on Ruby and Berry? Again?”
Cannonbolt flinched. “How did ye understand him!?”
Fluttershy shrugged. “I really don't know. I was just born with the power. Animals and I have a special bond. Anyways, Cuddles, why were you spying on them? You already spied on Ruby, and her plan is over.”
Cuddles roared once more. Fluttershy's eyes grew bigger and bigger every roar that Cuddles made until... “Yaaah! Oh no! What are we going to do, Cuddles!?”
“What? What did he say?” Carees demanded.
“O... Oh my lord... this is really bad. Sad, too. It's also sad. Why!?” Fluttershy was breathing heavily.
Cuddles shrugged.
“H... He.... He said that Ruby and Berry decided on a duel this upcoming day!”
Carees smacked his forehead with his hoof. “Idiots! This is worse than OUR fight 15 years ago, Cannon!”
Fluttershy gasped. “What are we going to do!?”
Carees looked down. “I don't think we can do anything.”
Cannonbolt stomped on the ground and stood up. “Carees, ye may talk all sophistimacateded, but ye be wrong there. We CAN do something. We can always do something. I just dunno what.”
Fluttershy thought really hard. “Umm... I have an idea... I don't know if it will work though.”
Cannonbolt comforted the shy pegasus. “Don't be scared of ideas, lass. Ye got something, say it!”
Fluttershy looked over. “Umm... okay. Here's what I was thinking...”
_______________________________________________________________________
“Bam! Bam! POW!” Yelled Berry as she hit a punching bag as hard as she could. She had a sweat bandana on, and man was she sweating. She was going to make sure she did not lose. She was practicing in the basement of the house.
Ruby was slashing away in the back yard at random targets. She was trying to focus on her accuracy of her hits. For a new swordsman, she was doing fine, but hatred and rage guided her blows instead of method and focus.
As Berry punched the bag a few more times, the door bell rang. Berry went to go answer it.
“Hello? Oh! Hello, Doc. Andonuts. How are you this fine morning?”
“Ah, yes. Berry, was it? How goes things?”
“Not too shabby! Just training for a fight comin' up soon.” Berry said, covering the truth as much as she could.
“Ah, yes. Indeed, I know both you and Ruby shall be victorious. I don't like to bring things to bring you down, but when the examination team was examining the big robot machine that fell, they found this note and asked me to give it to you two.” Dr. Andonuts handed Berry a rather poorly written note.
“Alright... let's see here... 'Dear Berry and Ruby, fuck you, escape pod. Love, Fassad'... Happy face emoticon.”
“Yes, I believe the being controlling the monster escaped at the last second. Fassad, his name is? Interesting... I believe I know that name from somewhere.”
“I hate him and you should too. He's an ass.” Berry put simply.
“Ah, yes. I can agree. Might Ruby be here?”
“Umm... yes, but she is busy. You want me to tell her something?”
“Oh, no. It's fine. I'll talk to her another time.” The doctor nodded happily.
“Alright then! Welp, back to training! Thanks for stopping by, Doctor.” Berry smiled.
“Oh it was really just to say hi. Have a good day!” The doctor bowed and left entrance. Berry closed the door and went outside to greet Ruby.
“How's the training commin', Rubes?” Berry asked.
“Not bad, what do you have there? I want it!”
“Chill your tits, mare. Geez, I can see why I'm going to try and kill you in a few hours. For now, though, I'd like you to look at this and sigh, moan, or say something negative.”
Ruby swiped the letter from Berry's hooves. “... Are you kidding me? Escaped again!? Damn, he's good.”
Berry stepped in. “I'll say. Can we shake on something? Whoever makes it's next goal is to kill this guy. What do you say?” She stuck out her hoof.
“Alright, I'll go with you on this one, Berr.” She said as they shook hooves.
“I still hate you, though, and you're gonna die today.” Berry said.
“Oh, I don't know, I'm pretty anxious to see you roll over lifeless.” Ruby said, calmly.
“Well, yes. I'm just excited to see blood spill from your face as you scream in pain!” Berry laughed.
“Oh, yes. I will slit your throat and sell your blood at your own bar... quite the thought, wouldn't you say?” Ruby chuckled meanly.
“Yeah, it is quite a thought. Know what would make it better?”
“Sugar.” Ruby answered.
Berry snickered. “You can still read my mind. I've been thinkin' all morning, what's her fighting style? Is she tactical or brawny? Is she brave or a pussy? How's her broke-ass face gonna look when she dies!?”
“If by me you mean you then I'd say you'd look pretty scared... paralyzed by how much awesomeness is about to slice your face in half and end your pathetic life. But enough talk, you have training to do, yes?” Ruby said, picking up Frostmourne.
“Oh, yes. Thanks for reminding me, Rubes! I was too busy thinking of how I am going to land my bloody, killing blow! I'll get to it! Thanks again, whore-slut!” Berry shouted.
“No problem, alcohol-pussy!” She shouted back.
_____________________________________________________________________
“...Hmm... I see where you are coming from Fluttershy. In fact, if we time it right, it might work! That's perfect! Fluttershy, you're a genius!” Carees shouted.
Fluttershy blushed. “Oh, really... it was nothing. It just popped in my head is all.”
“Well, you have a brilliant head!” Carees exclaimed. “You still have the armor?”
“Yes, it's locked in a chest in my attic. I'll use my slayers though.”
“Great! What do we do?”
“Nothing. I must do this with only one other.” She said as she looked at Cuddles. “The last thing they would expect.”
“I see. Cuddles, you've served us better than anyone on this team. You must do this. Are you up to it?”
Cuddles nodded.
“It's settled. In three hours, the fight will begin. Yogg-Saron has taken note of this, and will most likely send one of his generals to destroy the town... again. Cannon and I will prepare ourselves in the city for whatever may come at two o' clock.”
“Alright... I'm not looking forward to this...” Fluttershy said depressingly.
“Nobody is, my dear. Nobody is.” Carees tried to comfort her.
_______________________________________________________________________
Two and a half hours later, Berry was in the living room, writing on a piece of paper. Ruby came in and looked at her awkwardly.
“The hell YOU doin'?” Ruby snapped.
“Oh, nothing. Just writing my will just in case I lose. We are equal after all.” Berry said, not stopping her writing.
“Hah! Well, then! I'm heading out there a tad early. See you out there! Good luck.” Ruby said, walking out the door. Once she closed the door, Berry muttered to herself.
“... Thanks... old friend... I'm sorry it had to turn out this way.” Berry sighed and put the paper down. “I will destroy that greediness that is inside you and bring back my friend... why am I doing this? My life is horrible. No! I must stay strong! This is a fight to the death, and I will bring back Ruby as we brought back Fluttershy! Ruby is nothing but a pain in my ass now, and I intend to end that pain!”
She grabbed Shadowmourne and headed out the door. The battle of infinite sorrows was to soon begin.
Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
The clearing of the forest was silent. The grass whistled a song of sadness as the sky was brought to tears. The sun couldn't look at the clearing and retreated. Wind grew stronger as time ticked, and it carried the scent of hatred. Not but five minutes before the duel was to take place, the two heroes decided to look back on their adventure.
“It's been fun. It really has.” Berry said to her opponent.
“Yep, you really helped me out. Remember when we banished Porky? That very moment?” Ruby asked, smiling.
“Best moment of my life. It's a shame we have to go out this way. Wish it could have worked out.”
“Me too. But it doesn't matter now. What matters now is who is going to take home the victory.”
“Yes it does. Y'know, deep inside, I feel pretty bad. I don't want to kill you, but you leave me no choice.” Berry said with a heavy sigh.
“I don't want to either, but it has boiled down to this. I can't live like this, and neither can you. There's nothing we can do but end it all.”
“In three minutes, it will be decided.”
Ruby looked down. “... Best of luck for the both of us.”
_____________________________________________________________________________
Cannonbolt and Carees stood at the edge of Maneside city, preparing themselves for whatever was going to come.
“... Carees. What be that on the horizon?” Cannon pointed to a blurry large figure heading toward them.
“... I don't know, but it's hot. I can feel the blaze from here. It must be Ignis the Furnace Master. A very good move by our opponent.”
The beast moved closer with an army of flame by his side. He was less than 3 minutes away.
The ground didn't shake, the citizens weren't running, weren't screaming, but praying. Silently praying. The town was physically desolate, all except for two stallions standing their ground against the fiery monster that came toward them.
“I hope Fluttershy be on her way by now.” Cannon said nervously.
“I hope so as well. I trust her.” Carees said, staring into the walking flame.
______________________________________________________________________________
“Cuddles! How do I look?” Fluttershy asked the raptor as she put on her mask.
Cuddles roared quickly.
“I look like a masked superhero, do I? Well, that's what I was going for. It's 3 minutes until two o' clock. Are you prepared to follow through with the plan?”
Cuddles jumped high in the air and roared loudly.
“Then let's rock and roll, Cuddles. It's time to teach those two mares a lesson.”
Fluttershy grabbed her Slayers of the Lifeless and put them on her back. “Remember, so as we don't get our butts handled to us, let them tire each other out first. Taking them on at full energy will be a disaster. This is our moment. I was destined to do this, and you were too, Cuddles. We aren't gonna screw this up are we?”
Cuddles shook his head and stomped. “If we die, we die. As long as we prevent them from bringing each other down, our goal is complete. Are you willing to die for your friends as I did?”
Cuddles nodded.
“Then let's go. Prepare, Ruby and Berry, for the return of Porky's grade A commander, The Masked Mare.”
Fluttershy burst open the door, her black cape flying up in the wind. The expressionless face she had on her was all too familiar. The Masked Mare had returned, but this time, she was willing to fight for friendship. The Masked Mare raced off to the left, towards the forest. It was 1:59 PM.
____________________________________________________________________________
Ruby and Berry kept silent as they stared each other down from across the field. Berry firmly held Shadowmourne, where Ruby had both hooves on Frostmourne. They were emotionless as the gray environment that surrounded them. The sad gusts of fateful winds blew their manes in the air. The teardrops of the mourning sky hit and ran down their face. The trees danced to the song of the wind, as if performing a ritual. Berry and Ruby didn't even blink. They stared into each other's souls as the final 60 seconds passed them.
The ones that were once friends, heroes, partners, were about to clash and stop at no ends to see their opponent fall. Time slowly moved, and the sky cried more and more with every second, and every second felt like an hour. Everything was waiting on this very battle.
Thunder was heard off in the distance. It is as if nature itself was setting the perfect scene.
Then, a sound that would sound as beautiful as anything, made them cringe. Their hearts had sank and turned gray as the unpleasant, ear-wrenching sound of church bells started to ring. They rang slower than a snail's movement. The stared each other down as they closed their eyes. What had happened to the two heroes? They were no longer heroes. What they were now was unknown.
The monster of flame was now upon the two stallions. He and his molten army stopped in front of them, and greeted them in non-hospitality. “Cannonbolt and Carees, yes? I pleasure to finally meet you.”
The molten giant had an abyssal voice. He wasn't intimidating in size, but rather intimidating in how friendly he seemed.
“If you're going to try and kill us, do it. We're ready.” Carees said, clutching his weapon.
The monster crossed his arms over his molten lava belt. “Now, now. We are getting ahead of ourselves. I haven't even introduced you to who I am!” The beast smiled. “I am Ignis. I have earned the title “Furnace Master” for my molten army and creations. Razorscale was my most proud creation, but alas, he was unable to preform his duty and so his idea has been scrapped.”
The heat of Ignis and his army was almost unbearable. “Wait, so ye are the one who released that dragon!?” Cannonbolt yelled.
“Yes, young dwarf. Razorscale was one of my favorites. Too bad he had to hit the hay. HAH! I made a pony pun! I also recruited a technologically advanced man to our army. He showed me his skills with robotics and I was quite impressed. I gave him orders to destroy you with the XT-002 Destructionator that Lord Mimiron made for me to handle. Even he was defeated by you. You have been a royal pain in my molten tusks, you know that?” Ignis said as he pointed to the stallions.
“Mimiron? He's the one who made that robot? I hate him so much. That robot was so annoying.” Carees muttered.
Ignis took a deep breath. “That it was, unless it was handled correctly. That man, Fassad I believe he called himself, knew how to really work that thing, but now even the robot that was built to destroyed is demolished. But now I'm here, and it's time for a world revolution!”
“We'll just see what kind of revolution takes place, Ignis. You seem like a nice giant, which is why this won't be as satisfying as it may seem.” Carees said to the giant.
“We shall see! I'm not one to boast. From what I've heard and researched about you, this match is even. Molten army, ready yourselves! This is your fight. Show your creator what you're made of!” Ignis roared a battle cry.
“Ready yourself, Cannon! This is gonna be one wild ride!”
_____________________________________________________________________________
“Are you ready?” Ruby asked, staring her opponent down. The both wielded their weapons tightly, except Berry held Shadowmourne flawlessly with one hand. Berry slowly nodded. This was the moment they had been waiting for, the battle of fate.
“Then words shall fight for us no more! En gaurde!” With the weapons in their hand they charged toward each other. The grass shifted in the direction they ran. The first blow was about to be had. Ruby charged with a straight down attack with Frostmourne. Berry flawlessly rolled behind her and caught her by the neck.
“You're going to need to try harder than that.” Berry said as she whacked Ruby on the back of the head with the butt of Shadowmourne. Berry won that struggle with no effort. Ruby got up with no struggle, and charged once again. This time, they found themselves clashed together in a power struggle. Both pushing against their weapons, Ruby kicked Berry square in the stomach and proceeded to slam her head into the ground.
“That better?” Ruby taunted as she attempted to stab Berry's head in with Frostmourne. Berry barrel-rolled out of the way and got back up with a hop and back kicked Ruby in the face. Ruby was the first to start bleeding. Out of her mouth came a small stream off crying redness. She quickly wiped it off with her soot-black hoof. “Hah. Impressive. Keep it up, I love a good challenge.”
_______________________________________________________________________________
“C'mon Cuddles! We can't be late!” The Masked Mare screamed behind her. Cuddles roared not too far behind. They were at the entrance to the forest, dashing as fast as they could to the clearing.
“The forest shouldn't take too long to get thr--” Fluttershy stopped as she looked at what was standing in front of her.
Faceless, blazing, levitating beings of fire stood before her. A lot of them were there, at least one hundred and fifty. They were all staring at her and Cuddles, flaming swords and shields prepared for battle. They all roared as they charged.
“Alright, Cuddles, battle time! Show me what you can do, and I'll show you why I was Porky's head commander!”
Cuddles roared and leaped forward, whipping 2 of the fire elementals with his tail, making them collapse.
The Masked Mare stared blankly into their nonexistent eyes and pointed one of her weapons to the sky. “Arise, minions, and serve your Death Knight, The Masked Mare!” As the Masked Mare shouted her chant, ghouls slowly arose from the ground. “You are now the Masked Mare's minions!” Shouted the Masked Mare at the 100 or so ghouls she had risen. “Army of the dead, charge! For Mograine, I think his name was!”
The ghouls groaned, moaned and shouted as the Masked Mare shouted and charged with her Slayers of the Lifeless. She whirlwind spun in, slicing up a lot of elementals. Her ghouls kept the elementals busy, as she slashed them up. Cuddles was left of her, whipping, headbutting, and clawing.
“Keep it up Cuddles! All we have to do is beat these fire weaklings and we can get to Ruby and Berry!”
____________________________________________________________________________
“Charge, army! Charge! Show them what I made you for!” Ignis shouted at his army as he pointed to Cannonbolt and Carees. He crossed his arms to see what kind of damage they would do. The molten elementals and golems charged at the two.
“Let's do it, Cannon! For the Alliance!” Carees yelled as he slammed a charging golem into four fire elementals behind it with Sulfuras.
“Wee, hoo! I will see to it that I be drinkin' beer tonight! Ye ain't stoppin' us 'ere, Ignis!” Cannonbolt yelled as he drew his bow string back. Five arrows appeared in the bow as he shot. They all landed in the fiery heart of the attackers and exploded, sending fiery debris across the army.
A giant golem came rushing toward Cannon. It was too big for Cannon to merely shoot. He took out Thunderfury and held it up to the sky quickly. A lightning bolt struck Thunderfury seemingly out of nowhere and the sword became charged up with electric energy. Cannon pointed Thunderfury at the attacking golem and a lightning bolt bolted out of the blade and fried the golem even more than it already was.
The army continued to charge, and it seemed as if it would never end. “Hmm! I see why Yogg-Saron said to be careful! You're a very formidable opponent for my army. Let's see if you can keep it up! I wish I had a snack to watch.” Ignis started to ponder what kind of snack he would want at this time.
___________________________________________________________________________
SLAM!
Ruby flew across the forest clearings field. Berry was chuckling, wiping the blood from the cut on her cheek. “Heh. Come on, Ruby. You're the ultimate power and you're being beat by a girl that runs a bar! Get up!”
Ruby groaned and hopped up, she was now bruised badly by her right eye. “You think I'm letting up? No way in hell is that happening!” Ruby put both hooves on her weapon and charged.
“Charging again? Please. Try harder.” Berry effortlessly put up Shadowmourne for a parry.
As Ruby was about to swing, she quickly rolled around Berry and caught her off guard. As she rolled, she tripped Berry and she fell over on her back. Ruby got up to slash her straight down the middle of her body while she was down. Berry quickly held up Shadowmourne and parried. They found themselves in another power struggle. Ruby pounded on her stomach with her 2 back hooves to try and weaken her, but Berry made a move nobody could think of. Berry quickly spit in Ruby's eyes.
“Ahh! Eww!” Ruby squealed. She accidentally let up and was pushed off and into the ground. As the was wiping the saliva from her eyes , Berry came up and kicked her face twice and turned around. She bucked Ruby's face hard and sent her rolling a few feet. Berry proceeded to taunt as she knew her foe was helpless.
“Ahahaha! I'm more clever than you think, Rubes! Still not giving up so I can slash you in half?”
“That was disgusting, Berr! What kind of animal are you?” Ruby asked as she got up. She looked over and spit out half of a tooth.
“The animal that's beating your ass to the moon!” Berry said as she pointed Shadowmourne to Ruby. “I am a warrior! I see where my combat skill lies! I have fury! So much impatient fury, and only one thing to spend it on satisfyingly! That thing would be you!”
“You're a furious warrior, huh? Well, those kind of people have always had rage problems.”
________________________________________________________________________
“There! That should be the last of them!” The Masked Mare shouted as she slashed a fire elemental in half. She laid on the ground with a “hoo” next to Cuddles. They were both exhausted from the battle. They had no choice but to catch their breath. Cuddles looked over at the Masked Mare with a tired face.
“I know, Cuddles. I know. We can't tire ourselves up and then go rushing in though.”
Cuddles nodded quietly, looking down.
“I'm sorry we have to do this, but if you want these two to live, it's gotta be done.”
Cuddles looked down as he shed a tear. I know... I know... he thought.
“We can't just dawdle around here anymore, it's time to break these two of their insanity. Let's go, Cuddles! It's time for big action.”
Cuddles looked up with a determined face and nodded slowly.
They dashed off at the speed of a sonic boom towards the insane clearing. There was a scent of sadness and hatred in the air, but the Masked Mare only brings love. They speeded through the forest, hoping it wasn't too late. The Masked Mare prayed from the bottom of her heart that they hadn't killed each other yet.
Sunlight was reaching through the forest trees. They were almost there! It was time to stop this madness!
_________________________________________________________________________
“Hmmpth! You are strong! So strong that my army could not handle you!” Ignis said. Cannonbolt and Carees were swimming in a pool of molten debris everywhere. Ignis started to clap.
“I applaud you for your perseverance, Cannonbolt and Carees, but you are at the end of the road! You are so tired out from battling my minions, that you are now attempting to catch your breath! I had hoped it would turn out like this, because now the molten giant gets to play with his enemies without a single harm. Your friends have gone insane, your other friends are trying to stop them! Let us hope they didn't get caught up in their battle against my army squad I sent there...”
Carees, breathing heavily, flinched in shock. “Wait, what!? You sent your minions to stop Fluttershy?”
Ignis shrugged. “Well, of course! Giants aren't as dumb as you think, little one. You are nothing but insulate whelps to me! You have tempered with the weapons used to create this world. Your bones will serve as kindling for me! Let the inferno consume you!”
Ignis rushed forward and stomped, roaring and creating a small tremor which which threw Cannonbolt and Carees off balance. Ignis came up and punted Carees into a wall. He then looked at Cannon, who had a nervous, tired face on him and smiled. He slammed the ground with his fist, creating a shockwave that through Cannon back into a street sign.
“Hahaha! There's nothing you can do to stop me! I am Ignis! I strive to see all who appose Yogg-Saron burn!... What do you think? Too drematic?”
Cannonbolt got up with a groan. “First line be a tad unoriginal, lad... but it be a work in progress.”
Ignis roared a laugh. “Good line, Cannonbolt! I'll take it to account after I kill you both!”
_______________________________________________________________________
“Huagh!” yelled Berry as she was thrown against a tree. Ruby rushed toward her with all force in Frostmourne. Berry held up Shadowmourne, getting ready for a power struggle, but she rolled under Ruby as she jumped and again, she hit her in the head with the butt of the axe. Berry ran to the other side of the clearance as Ruby got up.
“It's even matched, wouldn't ya say, Rubes?” Berry yelled from across the field.
“Yeah! I'll say!” Ruby said as she wiped the blood from her face.
“How do you think you're gonna put an end to all of this?” Berry asked.
“Wait a sec! You want me to put an end to this story? I don't think so!” Ruby yelled.
“Hey, you're the main character. I'm just a cute, drinking pony, who happens to be your most hated enemy now. Hate to say it, but it's your job.” Berry taunted.
“Don't you forget it's a battle to the death! One of us has to end it!” Ruby reminded her.
“Oh, yes I know that! I'm saying I'm not putting an end to this story if I win.”
“I see. Well in that case...”
They both clutched their weapons the same way and shouted. “Let's go!”
The both charged at each other. They really meant this blow. They jumped as time slowed. They were in for their kills. It's one or the other! Who will win!?
…Neither.
As soon as they were about to strike, lightning struck from not the sky, but the east of the clearance. It knocked their weapons out of their hooves and were slammed against trees. They looked at each other to see both of them still alive.
“I thought you said no magic!” Berry shouted.
“I didn't do it! I thought you did it!” Ruby shouted.
“If I didn't and you didn't, then what...?”
“Oh my... what the hell!?” Ruby gasped as she looked directly at “her”.
“Impossible! No! Not again!!!” Berry gasped.
There she was, black cape flowing in the wind. The Masked Mare was there, in front of them.
“But Porky's banished! He could he have ever possibly—”
They stopped as Cuddles came to the Masked Mare's side.
Ruby started to tear up. “... Are... Are you kidding me!?”
“Fluttershy, stop this. You're scaring us. Just... quit it.” Berry said. She walked toward the Masked Mare, who proceeded to, with a blank face, fire lightning out of one of her Slayer of the Lifelesses. It hit Berry and knocked her back. Berry received major damage.
“Berry! Fluttershy! Not again! Stop! No! Nooo-ho-hooo! Stooop! PLEEASE!” Ruby begged.
The words failed to reach the Masked Mare.
The Masked Mare fired an intense bolt of lightning at Ruby. Ruby soared in the air against a tree.
Berry started to tear up as well. They paid no attention to their weapons. “Why? Why, Fluttershy? What caused this to happen to you?”
Emotionless, the Masked Mare pointed to their blood-edged weapons. “The cause of this...” she started “...is your own stupidity.” The Masked Mare fired an intense bolt of lightning at Berry. Berry suffered major damage.
“No... stop! Stop it! You're our friend! Friends don't hurt other friends!” Ruby pleaded.
The Masked Mare kept her emotionless mouth and and visible eye, but the tone of her voice changed significantly. “If friends don't hurt other friends... take a quick glance at Berry, and then at me. DO IT!”
Ruby looked at Berry, laying on the ground, bleeding, suffering. Then she glanced at the Masked Mare. She repeated the same action several times, tearing up and sniffling more and more with every repeat. Her eyes shrunk. Ruby was sweating as all the memories came flooding back to her.
“N-no! Th-this isn't happening! My friend... what... death... ngh! Nnngh!! AAAGH!”
The Masked Mare stood there, blankly as Ruby squirmed on the ground, screaming in pain. Berry watched in horror, as tears were running down her face. Ruby was kicking, pounding and screaming on the ground. All of a sudden, she sighed and stopped. She started to cry. The Masked Mare shut her eyes.
Berry couldn't take it anymore.
“RUBY!” Berry shouted as she ran over to Ruby, laying on the ground, weeping. She completely ignored the Masked Mare and hugged her broken friend. “I'm sorry for everything I did!! Please!! I'm so sorry!” Berry had never been so emotional.
“I'm... I'm so sorry, Berry... I don't know what came over me back there... I... I just--”
“Shh. We're free from his grasp now. We've escaped him. Come up.” Berry said gently.
Ruby sat up and looked at Berry. She remembered Berry's looks... Berry's smell... Berry's touch. They both smiled and hugged each other in the most lovable way possible. The Masked Mare shed a tear opened her eyes. The Masked Mare started to sniff and cry.
They forgot about the Masked Mare in their struggle and looked over to her.
The Masked Mare... removed her mask. As she did, the long pink, lovable hair came out, as happy as could be. The sky's tears were beginning to dry up, and the sun came back to welcome the heroes back. The clouds started to disperse happily. The Masked Mare was Fluttershy. Fluttershy had become even a greater hero than she already was, and Cuddles was as happy as ever to see it all. Fluttershy smiled as she cried and dropped her weapons and mask. Cuddles couldn't take the silent happiness anymore and roared as he cuddled up with the two mares. The two mares quickly joined in, as did Fluttershy. They couldn't speak they were so happy. The two mares would live on, happy as ever. Eventually, somepony had to speak up, and Ruby was the one to do it.
“P... PS...” She had trouble saying it she was so happy. “P... PSI L... PS--”
Berry smiled at her. “Let me help. On three, okay?”
Ruby wiped her tears. “O... Okay.”
“One... Two... Three!”
At one time, they both shouted “PSI Life-Up Omega!” and all of their wounds had been almost completely healed and they had been restored with all of their energy.
Ruby looked over to her weapon. “Frostmourne and Shadowmourne, two blades that contradict each other. I see what Algalon said now is true. The only way for us to become one once again is to see what we were doing and stop. I see it now. Thanks, Algalon, for visiting me in my dreams and driving that beast out. However, I don't feel comfortable using the blade.”
Berry was still smiling. “Why ever not? You were very much skilled with it in our battle.”
Ruby made her point. “Exactly. I don't want to contradict you. I don't want to steal your prideful weapon, which is why I'm giving it to you, Berry.”
Berry gasped. “What? Why!?”
Ruby shut her eyes. “Silly, you were meant to wield these weapons, we all have our own weapons, and Frostmourne isn't mine. Mine is magic. Take it, wield it along side Shadowmourne. You deserve it. Your power lies in weapons. You outsmarted me in every melee tactic I used. With two weapons, your power will be even greater, and that's what you wanted, no? Take it.” Ruby grabbed Frostmourne and put it in Berry's hooves.
Berry was crying once more. “Ruby, I love you so much, don't you ever forget that. You're my best friend, even if we say it's all over. After all of this, you still grant me more power. That's the best thing a friend can ask for. It's time we work together once more. It's time to defeat Yogg-Saron with the weapons he personally gave us! He's failed his first mission, and let us send that message to him!”
Ruby screamed enthusiastically. “Hell yeah! Hoof-five!”
They slammed their hooves together.
Fluttershy stepped in. “Sorry to break the tension, but there's a big... umm... fire monster guy trying to get Carees and Cannonbolt in the city... and winning...” The Masked Mare had completely disappeared.
Ruby gasped. “Silly! Why didn't you tell us earlier? You got a serious bi-polar issue with yourself, Missy!”
Berry patted Ruby on the back. “They may not be our boyfriends anymore, but we still love them and we can't just let them die! Let's rock and roll! C'mon, Cuddles, Fluttershy! My blood is boilin' and we got a fire monster ass to kick!”
Ruby chuckled. “I'm so glad you're back.”
___________________________________________________________________________
“Uahahaha! It's so funny! I told you! There's no way you can win!” Ignis yelled.
Cannonbolt and Carees were seriously screwed up. Blood running down their bodies, burn marks all over them, and a lot of broken bones.
“Laddie, might this be it? I didn't want it to end like this...” Cannon said as he looked over to his beaten partner.
“I can't do anymore... I can't fight... We can't win.” Carees said negatively.
A voice came from behind them. “Maybe you can't win, but we sure as hell can! We can't lose! Especially me, I got a bar to run!”
The couldn't turn around to see who it was. “Who be there!? I can't hear or see ya well!” Cannon said.
“Your ex-girlfriends, that's who.” Ruby said. “Berry, go left, I'm going on his right side!”
“I have rage unspent and I know who to spend it on! TASTE MY FURY, FIRE-BOY!” Berry shouted as the two mares zigzagged in between each other, passing their boyfriends.
“What in the name of ale!?” Cannonbolt yelled.
“You two! You're suppose to be dead! Gah! I'll make you dead!” Ignis shouted as the zigzagging ponies headed straight toward him. Ignis slammed the ground in front of him with his fist, but they both avoided it. Ruby stayed at his feet, whereas Berry ran up his arm while it was down. She got behind his head and started slashing at his neck.
“Gyaaaaaah! Ouch! Grrr! Quit it!” Ignis yelled as he struggled to get Berry off his back. “This... I don't believe it!”
“Oh, believe it alright!” Ruby said from the bottom. “PK Freeze Omega!”
The molten lava furnace he had for a belt cracked and spilled open hot lava onto his foot.
“AAAAAGH! NO! I... I...!” Ignis tripped and fell over as Berry hopped off and shouted.
“Ruby, give me a boost! Up there, hurry!” Berry pointed up to a not so high roof.
“I'm on it!” Ruby came over and grabbed Berry. “Get ready! One, two, THREE!” Ruby threw Berry up into the air. Berry landed on two hooves on the roof and pointed her weapons at the sky. A blue and purple mist flew out of them. Berry looked down at Ignis, who was in disbelief.
“Any last words, hot-head?”
Ignis closed his eyes. “Yes... Thank you... for releasing me from his insane grasp.”
Berry smiled. “... Your welcome. You're not a bad guy. We'll get him for you, dude. Don't you worry.” Berry pointed the blades at Ignis as they started to surround him.
“Thank you... I'll remember you... friends.” Ignis said as the mist completely surrounded him. With a flash of light, Ignis vanished into thin air. Berry stopped to catch her breath for a few seconds and then hopped down. She looked at Ruby and laughed.
“YEA-HA-HAAA! That's what I'm talking 'bout, baby! WOO!”
“I'll say! You kicked ass, partner! Loved the flashy ending. That giant though... he didn't seem all that bad.” Ruby said.
“I know what happened to him. He succumbed to Yogg-Saron's madness and was never freed. That guy could have been a friend. Let's fulfill our promise. We kill Yogg-Saron for him and all that have succumbed to him!” Berry yelled, smacking her hooves together.
“YEAH! Bring it! We're ready!”
Berry thought for a moment. “... Oh shit! Cannon and Carees!”
Ruby and Berry looked over to see two very astonished, damaged stallions staring in awe.
“Gyah!” Ruby squealed. They dashed over to the stallions, who were at a loss of words. Berry ran and hugged Cannonbolt as Ruby went to hug Carees. At the same time, they both shouted “PSI Life-up Omega!”
Carees and Cannonbolt's wounds instantly healed. They couldn't believe it. They were back together, smiling, and working together!
“I... but... you... her... it... WHAT!?” Carees couldn't even speak he was so stunned.
Cannonbolt asked the question for him. “What he be tryin' ta say is... YOU TWO ARE WORKING TOGETHER!?”
Ruby and Berry giggled at each other.
“Hehe, of course!” Ruby began. “We're back together! It's all thanks to Fluttershy! Speaking of which, where is she?”
A voice came from behind them. “Umm... I'm here... good job, you two! You really did it! That poor big guy didn't deserve that. He was good inside...”
Berry nodded. “Yeah. He didn't deserve that at all. But you know what we're gonna do? Avenge him! I'munna kill that stupid Yogg-Saron if it's the last thing I do!”
“Yay! Woohoo! Let's get him!” Fluttershy “cheered”.
“... Work on that cheer, would ya? Scream it.” Ruby noted.
“Everyone tells me that...” Fluttershy said quietly.
“Think about why really hard. I'm sure you'll find the answer. Anyways, are you two feeling okay again?” Ruby snickered.
Carees blinked a couple times. “Ruby... I...” Carees paused.
Ruby gave him the puppy dog eyes. “Yessss?” She said, putting on a cute face.
Carees sighed. “Dammit I still love you.” Carees said as he brought Ruby in for a kiss Ruby thought she would never get.
“Awww... Hey, Cannoooooon.” Berry said, seductively.
“Alright, c'mere.” Cannonbolt said with a giggle.
“YAY!” Berry squealed as she tackled him, dropping her weapons that were stationary on her back.
After a minute or two, they finally let go of each other, and smiled.
Fluttershy was almost crying. “I'm... I'm so happy it really did work out! YAY! WOOOOHOOOO!”
Ruby laughed. “That's the way! Hah!”
Carees pointed over to where Ignis stood at one point. “Hey, what are those lights over there?”
Star-like lights started to shift together. Ruby knew this all too well. She smiled as she greeted her friend, finally in person. The being was strange, never had even Cannonbolt and Carees seen anything like it.
“Hi, Algalon! I finally meet you in person!” Ruby said, running forward.
“Ruby Black, my little hero, how are you?” The being said calmly, it's stars not even connected quite yet.
“So this is the Algalon you talked about earlier? 'Sup? I'm Berry!” Berry introduced herself very proudly.
“Indeed, I know you all. Berry Punch, Cannonbolt, Carees, Fluttershy, and even Cuddles. It is quite an experience meeting you all in the flesh, a being such as myself doesn't do this quite often.”
“What ye be?” Cannonbolt asked, staring at awe at the being.
“I'm a being created by the cosmos to keep every planet, every galaxy, every universe in absolute perfection. This planet has struck my attention. I sensed an old enemy in this planet, and I came and found the ones worthy of being the heroes. It has all played out according to my cosmic calculations perfectly so far. You must keep up your valiant efforts. Ruby and Berry, you have accomplished what is said to be impossible. You have conquered Yogg-Saron's madness. For imperfect creatures such as yourselves, this is quite possibly the greatest feat of strength you will accomplish in your short lifetimes.”
“You were right about everything, Al. I'm sorry I doubted you in any way, for you are the perfect creature.”
“Do not worry, my little pony. You were under the madness of Yogg-Saron at the time and you couldn't think correctly. I have come here to say that I am counting on you to beat Yogg-Saron. You have my full support, however I shall not take action within your little adventure.”
“Why? You are the ultimate being, no? How then can you not help us with defeating Yogg-Saron?”
“A fine question, Carees. I am here to observe you. I am called The Observer by many. Your kind's actions are illogical to my understanding and I seek to watch you and learn why. It is my mission.”
“I see. Well, Algalon, it had been a pleasure meeting with you. Any friend of Ruby's is a friend of mine.”
“Friend. My cosmic heart does not accept those, nor emotion. If you consider me “friend”, then it is your call. My heart does not accept anything as a friend. My body rejects it.”
“That's a down way to live, Algo. Friends are important, but I can't change your mind, I know.” Berry said. Algalon started to disperse into the stars.
“Maybe you can, Berry. It will all be decided eventually, but for now, it is time for me to leave. Good luck, heroes. May the lights of bright destiny shine down upon you.” Algalon said as he disappeared into the stars. It was a beautiful sight to see the being disperse it's body into the sky.
“What an interesting being you've befriended, Ruby.” Carees said.
“I like him! He supports us. He be a good fellow.” Cannonbolt said lightly.
“Yeah, he's sweet lookin'!” Berry exclaimed. There was an odd silence for about ten seconds.
“... Hey, I thought Ruby handled Frostmourne.” Carees noticed.
“Oh, I gave it to her.” Ruby said.
“Just... straight up just... gave it to her?” Carees gave her a weird look.
“Yep. She can put more use into than I can. She's got more physical power than I and she really knows how to use it.”
Berry blushed. “Oh, stop it. Hehe.”
“On this high note, what do you say we all go home?” Carees asked.
“Hells yes.”
“Sure.”
“I be followin' that idea.”
“Raaawr!”
“Umm...”
They all stared at Fluttershy.
“I... I've had a loooong day, I think I'm just gonna head back to my cottage. I'll... umm... catch you all later?” Fluttershy said, smiling.
“Sure, Flutty. I don't think you're gonna like what we're gonna do tonight anyway... heheh...” Berry chuckled.
___________________________________________________________________________
“What a day! Welps, I am so ready to hit the bed. You two sleepin' down here as usual?” Berry asked.
“Yep! Have a good night, you two!” Ruby called to Cannon and Berry.
“Yep! G'night. Don't stay up too long... if ya know what I mean... nudge nudge wink wink...” Berry suggestively said.
“Shuddup. Go upstairs. Heh.” Ruby chuckled.
“Hah. Alright, see ya in the mornin'!” Berry called as she trotted up the stairs with Cannon.
A toilet flush was heard as Carees came out of the bathroom. “Oh, did Cannon and Berry head up to bed?” he asked.
“Yep. I'm ready to... ehem... go to bed, if you catch my drift.” Ruby winked at him.
“I caught your drift like a draft. And by draft I mean hurricane. And by hurricane I mean death.” Carees put somewhat simply.
“Oh, come now, honey... come over here.” Ruby said as she suggestively rubbed her leg under the covers on the couch.
“Oh, boy. Heeeere we go.” Carees rolled his eyes.
“Oh, come on! I'm a girl! You gotta go with the romance stuff. It's a girl's thing!” Ruby complained. “Now get over here and get on me... never thought I would ever say that.”
“Never thought I'd have to do it, but okay. Whatever you want, sweetheart.”
Carees got on the couch, a little nervously though.
Ruby rolled her eyes in laughter. “Tsk... come on, under the covers...”
Carees cheeks turned red, but for his girlfriend, he did. He came up on Ruby's face, both submerged under the covers. Ruby turned the lights off.
Ruby tsked once again. “Tsssk... down, on me. Lay on me.”
Carees tried to say no... kind of. “Y'know, this is really kinda--”
Before he could finish, Ruby pulled him down to her.
There was an awkward silence until Carees broke it into something even more awkward.
“... Am I laying on your...?”
“Yep.”
“This is going to be a loooooooooong night.”
“You bet your butt it is.”
“I don't want to bet my butt.”
“Too bad.”
_______________________________________________________________________
Upstairs, Berry was talking to Cannon about the earlier day.
“Say, who was the molten giant dude?” Berry asked, as she looked over to her boyfriend.
“Ignis the Furnace Master. He was Yogg-Saron's ultimate smith. He was darn good at smithin'.” Cannonbolt replied.
“I really feel bad for killing him. That poor guy broke free at the very end. He thanked me... I feel bad... really bad.”
“Don't be too hard on yerself. He's free now, smithin' up somethin' up there with Algalon. It be a shame we couldn't recruit 'im though.”
“Yeah... there's prolly more than him we have to beat up to free them from his insane hold on them.” Berry noted.
“Probably. Our team be more than ready for that possibility, though.”
“Speaking of our team...”
“Yeh?”
“Ten bits they're gettin' it on down there.” Berry joked.
“Twenty bits yer gonna force me to do it if I answer that question.”
“Dammit, you caught me.”
“I'll play along with ye, though.”
“YES! Well, tomorrow is another day. A new dawn.”
“It will be. I be lookin' forward to it.”
“But for now... sexual pleasure time!” Berry shouted, jokingly.
“I can see why Cuddles stays with Fluttershy now. Upstairs and downstairs are both occupied.”
“Shuddup. Let's do it. Now. No more words. See you in the morning!” Berry said.
Cannon laughed. “Alrighty then...”
________________________________________________________________________
“Well, Cuddles, are you ready for a good night's sleep?” Fluttershy asked Cuddles, who was sleeping in a comfy little pull-it-out couch bed.
Cuddles roared in an anxious manner.
“What's with the anxious attitude?” Fluttershy asked, putting her Masked Mare armor under her bed.
Cuddles roared a series of roars, the last one sounding more like a suggestive moan.
“Eek! I can see why you want to stay here for the nights now! Well, my door is always open to you, my friend. I love animals so much, and you're no exception. I love you like you were my own, Cuddy!” Fluttershy blushed.
Cuddles whimpered in shyness.
“Hehehe! Tomorrow will be a new day with less troubles. We have a lot of stuff to catch up on tomorrow!” Fluttershy said as she put on her sleeping robe and hat.
Cuddles roared in agreement.
Fluttershy climbed into bed. “Well, good night, Cuddy. If you need anything, let me know.”
Cuddles roared a good night, and Fluttershy turned off the lights.
______________________________________________________________________
The hardest part of their adventure was over. They had passed the Trial of Yogg-Saron. Now all they had to do was defeat Yogg-Saron's physical form. Berry had discovered her fighting style to fit along with the team, the couples have gotten back together, and the team was closer to each other than ever before. It was time to stop letting Yogg-Saron's minions come to them. It was time to brave up and bring the party to Yogg-Saron.
Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
“Whahuh? Oh, here again. Algalon, are you there?” Ruby called out into the light.
“I'm always here, Ruby. Quite a show you put on yesterday. Very impressive. Do not celebrate just yet, though. Yogg-Saron is still out there, trying as hard as the beast can to create mischief.” Algalon said as he formed himself together.
“I know, I know. Al, can I ask you a question?” Ruby looked up at the being.
“Of course. I can give you all you wish to know about me. I picked you as the hero for a reason.” Algalon put emotionlessly.
“What is your back story with Yogg-Saron? You called him an “old enemy”.”
Algalon turned his head to the left. “... It was back on his home planet, Azeroth. Nothing more than the being corrupting the planet. I sought to destroy him to keep the planet in tact. However, as soon as it was revealed to me that the beast was a part of the villainous Old Gods, I was forced to retreat. Him and his brother, C'thun, were after me. The only thing I lack complete perfection in is combat. I was not designed for that type of encounter. I couldn't handle the both of them. Who knows? Maybe you'll have yet more adventures after Yogg-Saron is destroyed.”
Ruby blinked twice. “Whoa. Hold up there. Questions have flooded my mind. Azeroth? Isn't that where Carees and Cannon are from?”
“Your mates? Yes. That planet. It is full of warfare and death. That planet is dangerous, even to me. C'thun, Yogg-Saron and the other Old Gods give me trouble, so I leave it be. This planet, though... if Yogg-Saron is conquered, I can fix it's flaws.”
Ruby flinched. “Whoa, hold up there. Mates? Not quite yet. Got a long ways to go before that. They are merely our boyfriends for now, or “lovers” if you prefer that term. Anyways, who is 'C'thun'. What's his problem? He wants to wreck that world, too?”
Algalon nodded. “Yes. C'thun is the Old God of death and anger. Yogg-Saron is his brother, the god of insane hatred. They seek to rearrange the worlds the way they want it. Not even I can stop them.”
Ruby made a face at Algalon. “Psshh. Well duh. Anyone can see YOU can't stand up against them! Just saying, I'm calling you no weakling.”
Algalon put his celestial hand to his chin. “I see not how you make your point. Explain.”
Ruby nodded. “Of course. You can feel no emotion, correct? Then you can not overpower him. Yogg-Saron seeks to drive your emotions to death. If you overpower that drive, though, you can overpower Yogg-Saron. You have no emotions to drive, therefore you cannot even so much as hope to lay a scratch on our enemy. It's not your fault. You cannot help it that you can't feel his force.”
Algalon nodded slowly. “Hmm... I see where you make your point. I now know why I chose you as the hero. You know the weakness of the enemy and can exploit it. However, I cannot. However, there is one thing I can suggest to you.”
“And what might that be?”
Algalon lifted his hands. “So far, you have done nothing to actually stop Yogg-Saron yourself. I believe the reason that you are having so much trouble with him is that you are letting him come to you. You haven't taken steps to act offensive yourself. If you let your guard down again, who knows what might happen.”
Ruby rebutted his argument. “But that's just it. We can't go offensive if we don't know where he's attacking from. Does he have a base somewhere? What!? I can't just... go attack nothing and hope I kill the god of madness!”
Algalon emotionlessly chuckled. “Ah, but I have not explained a vital detail. It is tomorrow you shall meet someone from your... lovers'.... world. She will appear in the park early afternoon. She will help you with Yogg-Saron. She specializes in magic spells. Not like the ones you have though. She is known as a “mage”.”
“A mage, huh? Well, I'll tell everyone.” Ruby said, smiling.
“Yes, do so. The sun now rises on this beautiful new dawn. An entirely new part of the adventure. You are now courageous, free heroes. It's time for you to defeat Yogg-Saron. You have my full support. In order to do my job, it is you who has to fulfill part one. Can I rely on you?”
Ruby stomped the floor as Algalon started to disperse. “Hell yeah you can!”
“Good. Now, wake up, and greet the morning sun. I shall meet with you later.” Algalon said as the last of him dispersed into the light.
“... Thanks, Al.”
_____________________________________________________________________
Ruby awoke peacefully on the couch, next to Carees. They both awoke at the same time and looked at each other.
“Algalon visit you in your dreams once again?” Carees asked.
“Yeah, he told me something kind of important.” Ruby said as hoof-steps were heard coming down from upstairs.
“Howdy, partners! Get a good night's sleep?” Berry asked with Cannon coming behind her.
“Yeah, hey Cannon, I need to tell you something. In fact, it would be nice if all of you listened in.”
They all surrounded Ruby, getting ready to hear what she had to say.
“Algalon visited me last night. He was telling me about Yogg-Saron, the Old Gods, and Azeroth. He said it's time we step it up and attack Yogg-Saron ourselves, and stop letting him attack us.”
Cannon gave her a weird look. “Attack him? We don't know where he is!”
“Maybe not, but a certain mage does! He told me that a mage would meet us in the park at early afternoon. He said she could help us, but nothing more.”
Carees and Cannon looked at each other and smiled. “Jaina!”
“Who?” Berry asked.
“Jaina Proudmoore! She's the reason we were able to get here. She's a brilliant woman with magic skills like you've never seen! It's a wonder she made it.” Carees said.
The front door opened as Cuddles walked in the house. He waved his claw in the air as he walked over. Cannon was ecstatic to tell him the news. “Cudds, boy! Jaina be alive! She's comin' 'ere to us!”
Cuddles' eyes grew big as he roared and jumped up and down with excitement.
“Yeah, I know, boy!” Cannon was jumping up and down as well.
“This is great! She can help us immensely with our adventure!” Carees shouted.
“She can!? Woot! This rocks!” Berry cheered.
“But for now, let's get some breakfast at Sugarcube Corner, what cha think?” Ruby suggested.
“I'm down with that.” Berry agreed.
_________________________________________________________________________
It was 12:30 P.M at the park. The heroes were around Dr. Andonuts' phase distorter. The stared off into the distance, hoping Jaina would show up soon. A familiar tap at the hoof caught Ruby off guard.
“Hi, Rube-Rube. What do? Boing!” The little Mr. Saturn said as he looked up at Ruby.
“Oh, hi Mr. Saturn! I'm waiting for another friend to show up like you did!” She replied, smiling.
“Another Saturn? Zoom!” The little... whatever it was... said, hopping.
“Not quite. Haven't even met her yet. She suppose to know a lot about magic.” Ruby replied.
“Magic? How intriguing, Ruby.” Dr. Andonuts said as they all turned to see him leaving the ship, coming toward them, hands in his lab pockets.
“Oh, hi doctor!” Berry said to the doctor, who tilted his head.
“Good early afternoon, Berry, Ruby, Carees, Cannonbolt. You mentioned a friend you have yet to see. Who might this be?”
Carees answered. “Jaina Proudmoore. She is going to help us tremendously with this monster we are fighting. She's very intellectual.”
Dr. Andonuts rubbed his mustache. “Is that what this sudden wind is about, or have you just noticed it because I just told you?”
Ruby face-hooved. “Take a guess.” she said as they all looked to the left.
Just like Dr. Andonuts' entrance, the wind started to churn in a circle. A flash of light made them squint as the wind picked up even more. Their hearts were pounding to see their new friend.
A woosh like sound effect pierced their ears as the light started to fade. As the light faded completely, a mare's body was dumped onto the floor. The mare had very blonde mane-hair, her mane was straight and curled off to the right mostly, and she wielded a staff. Her skin was a very light tan, and she was struggling to stand up.
“My lady Jaina! Let us help you up!” Carees exclaimed, rushing over to the wobbly mare. Him and Cannonbolt grabbed her hooves and helped her up. She shook her head.
“Carees? Cannonbolt? Is that you? Oh, what a relief.” The mare said, sighing and relaxing.
“So, this is Jaina Proudmoore, is it?” Ruby said, as Berry and her walked over to her.
“Y-- yes... how do you know me? Are you four all friends?” Jaina asked.
They all smiled. “You could say that... heheh.” Berry chuckled.
“I could? What do you mean?” Jaina was very confused.
“They're our girlfriends.” Carees said. Jaina gave him the “... for real?” face.
“Aha! But that's not important. What is important is that you were able to get a hold of us. I'm so glad you're okay.”
“Aye, me too! Cuddles, ye silly goose! Run an' get Fluttershy!” Cannonbolt yelled.
Cuddles jumped and roared as he turned and ran south.
“Oh, excuse me! I haven't even introduced myself! I'm Ruby Black.” Ruby said as she bowed.
“And I'm Berry Punch! Pleasure ta meet cha!” Berry said, winking.
Jaina smiled. “I've already pieced together who went with who.”
Ruby smiled as well. “I bet you have. So, how ya gonna help us with Yogg-Saron?”
Berry drew her weapons and started to slash them in the air. “Yeah! I wanna beat him up!” she said. She slammed Frostmourne and Shadowmourne on the ground. Jaina's eyes got wide as soon as she saw the weapons.
“Now, now, Berry. Settle down. We all want to beat him up.” Ruby put a hoof on her.
“Aww, but Shadow and Frostmourne are hungry for slimy, frog meat!” Berry complained.
“Frostmourne!” Jaina shouted as she jumped back in horror.
Berry looked at her. “Yeeaaah? What 'bout it? It's my weapon.”
“Th-- that weapon! How in the name of King Varian Wrynn did you get that!? That's the blade of the Lich King!”
Berry looked at her weapon. “... Dude, for real? Sweet! I've already sliced a giant's neck open with it. Hah!”
Jaina pointed to it with her hoof. “H-- how? How can you wield it? Only the most noble warriors may wield the blade!”
Berry shrugged. “I dunno. Guess I'm just that special! If these weapons choose their masters, and both of them chose me, I proclaim myself lucky! I love them! After all, I was the weakest of our team.”
Jaina got up slowly, still eying the blade. “But that blade, it's stole thousands of souls and harvested them into undead knights!”
“Well, if this blade didn't exist, my friend Fluttershy would still be dead, and she's happy to be a Death Knight. I'm not stupid. I use this blade for justice, not power.”
Jaina nodded. “I see. Sorry for bashing you, it just scared me for a second.”
Berry shrugged. “Pssh. Don't fret about it. So, how ya gonna help us kill of Yoggy?”
Jaina looked up, as if trying to decide how to say it. “Well... you have to go to Azeroth.”
Berry and Ruby looked at each other. “What!?”
“Yogg-Saron will not leave his home, the Ulduar. He will keep sending his minions here.”
Berry sighed. “Great. Off to a world that I have no idea about. So, when we going?”
Before Jaina could answer, Cuddles came back with Fluttershy, carrying the Slayers of the Lifeless. She was panting like a dog.
“I'm here! I made it!” She said before collapsing onto the ground. “I think my heart is still getting used to being alive... hoo! So, what I miss?”
Berry put her hoof up. “Well, we're going to a distant planet come soon to save the universe. So, Jaina, when are we leaving?”
“Tomorrow morning. There is no other time. I give you a night to prepare. I cannot allow anymore time. Yogg-Saron will decimate our world and yours if we don't take action soon. It will take you a while to get used to everything, but I'm sure you'll find it fine for stopping Yogg-Saron.”
Berry put her weapons back on her back. “Pshh... shouldn't be a big deal. I just wanna kick some insane frog ass!”
“Yes, however, I recommend you get used to Azeroth before you charge head first into the Ulduar.” Jaina suggested. “Grab your armor, weapons, and courage and meet me here tomorrow morning.”
Carees put his hoof on Jaina. “Do you not need a place to stay tonight?”
“I can supply that.” Said Dr. Andonuts, who was silently watching from the sidelines the whole time.
“Oh, a human! In this type of place?” Jaina looked puzzled.
“Yes, Dr. Andonuts, Miss Jaina. I would be glad to supply you of a night's stay in my ship.” Dr. Andonuts bowed.
“Thank you, kind soul. I shall take this offering. Get ready, you five heroes. Tomorrow, we set off for Azeroth.”
Cannonbolt flinched. “... This means I hafta shrink again, don' it?”
______________________________________________________________________
“Azeroth, huh? I didn;t know this adventure would lead me there...” Berry said later that night. They were packing for their trip. Cuddles was over at Fluttershy's helping with her packing.
“It has. Who knows what we'll turn into. So, Careesy, where we gonna end up?” Ruby asked her boyfriend.
“Most likely Stormwind City. It's the Alliance's main city.”
Ruby paused. “... The Alliance?”
“Ah, I haven't told you about the Alliance and Horde?”
“Uhhh... nope.”
“Alliance and Horde. Pure enemies. We kill each other at first sight. We are always at war.” Carees put.
“Wow... your planet really is a world of war. However, we're gonna save it tomorrow. I'm ready.”
Carees closed his eyes. “I sure hope so.”
“Well, I'm all packed up! Let's rock this shit tomorrow!” Berry shouted.
“Don't get too far ahead of yourself. As Jaina said, we aren't just gonna rush Yogg. We gotta get ready for our attack.” Carees said to try and calm her.
“I know, well I'm off to bed. Gotta get up bright an early tomorrow.”
Cannon agreed with her. “Yeah, me too. I'm with with ya. G'night you two.”
“Night. Well, Carees. This adventure has really spiced things up in our lives, wouldn't cha say?” Ruby asked.
“You haven even seen the half of it yet.” He responded.
Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
Elwynn, Where the Shires are Made of Gold
“So, are you ready to head off to Azeroth?” Jaina asked the heroes in the park the following day. They all had their bags packed for Azeroth.
“You betcha! I am SO ready!” Berry said excitingly.
Jaina nodded. “Before we head out, I must tell you that when we have arrived there in Stormwind City, King Varian Wrynn, the king of the Alliance, his assistant partner, Genn Graymane, and Highlord Darian Mograine of the Death Knights of the Ebon Blade will be there to greet you. I simply ask you pay your respects.”
“Of course. We wouldn't want the heroes of our allies to think badly of us.” Ruby responded.
“Then let us be on our way, that is, if everyone is ready?” Jaina said as she looked back at them. They all nodded except for Cuddles who simply hopped up and down a few times. “Good. Stand back everyone, I shall open the portal to Azeroth's Stormwind City!”
Jaina's staff began to glow as her hooves began to glow. They all took a few steps back as Jaina's eyes began to glow. Wind began to circle around her fiercely. Swirls of light began to morph together to create one large light. The picture of rooftops began to be seen within the light. Jaina was slowly lowered to the ground and stopped glowing.
“There we are! Now, any last minute questions before we head off?” Jaina asked.
Fluttershy raised her hoof. “Umm... my leader... Darian Mograine... is he nice?” she said shyly.
“My dear, Azeroth has a rough term for “nice”. You'll have to decide that for yourself. But enough talk! Let us head off!” Jaina cheered as she leaped through the portal.
“Let Cannon and I go first. Keep follow behind us.” Carees said to the 3 mares.
They all lined up, Fluttershy last in line, and all slowly walked through the portal. After the last trace of Fluttershy vanished, the portal closed. It was time to save the universe.
______________________________________________________________________
“My king, it appears Jaina has reached and brought back our heroes. Take a look over yonder. The magic tide is turning.”
The scar-faced human looked over to one of the corners of his keep. “So she has, Darian. Good eye. Let us greet them once again.”
The wind and light had created a portal which proceeded to throw out 6 beings. The beings were a mage human, a male human, a male dwarf, a raptor, a female Draenei with blood red hair wearing a sorcerer's robe, a female human in sharp, bladed armor, and a female elf creature with blue, plated armor and pink hair that ran over part of her face. All but the mage landed on the keep floor with a thud.
Darian crossed his arms and tilted his head. “Hmm. My king, if I may say, I do not remember there being five of them. Rather, just two with a pet.”
Beside him, a gray haired human put his hand to his chin. “I can agree with Darian. I do remember sending not but the two men.”
Varian squinted and nodded. “Indeed, Genn. We did only send the two. Jaina, who are these women?” The king asked. Jaina immediately bowed.
“Nothing more than more worthy heroes who have been battling along side our two missionaries against the forces of our enemy, Yogg-Saron. From what I have been told, without them, the mission would have failed.” Jaina explained as the five got up from their fall.
“I see...” King Varian said as he closed his eyes and put his hand to his chin.
Berry was the first to speak, unaware of where she was or what she was. “Ow, my head. Jaina, you didn't tell me it was gonna give me a massive head-ache. Wait a minute... what the heck am I?” Berry said when she flinched as she looked at her new hand.
Ruby was the next to speak. “Yeah, what are we? Wait a minute... Do I have horns and hooved feet? Dang it! I'm sick of hooves.”
Fluttershy flinched and threw herself back in a high pitched voice as she saw her dark blue armor and her hands and feet. “Yeep! I... I have hands... and long ears!... and armor!” Fluttershy said as she blew the hair off of her face. Her voice hadn't changed, though. None of their voices did.
Carees and Cannonbolt were giggling at them, standing up and crossing their arms. Cannonbolt looked at himself and sighed. “Aww, flagon-breakers! I be short again! I want ta go back to Equestria.” He joked.
Carees knelt down and put his hand on Cannon's shoulder. “Well, when Yogg-Saron is dead, we can all go back.”
They all looked at Jaina when they turned around. She looked quite different. “Heroes, please pay respect and introduce yourself to King Varian Wrynn, Highlord Darian Mograine, and Genn Graymane.”
They all stumbled up and bowed before them. The royal men introduced themselves first.
Genn introduced himself first. “Genn Graymane is my name. I am the leader of the Gilnaen Worgens, a pack of human like wolves that have not but recently joined the Alliance.”
Darian bowed next. “I am Darian Mograine, leader of the Death Knights of the Ebon Blade.”
Before the king could introduce himself, Fluttershy looked up with a gasp. Darian caught it in the corner of his eye. “Is something wrong, dear elf?” He asked Fluttershy.
Nervously, Fluttershy answered. “Umm... no problem... but this is the first time I've met my glorious leader I've heard so much about... oh I'm sorry if I said anything...”
Darian put his hands on his hips. “Leader? How am I your leader? You are from another world, yes? I don't understand how I am your leader. Please explain, shy elf. Don't be afraid.”
“Well, I was dead until a few months ago when Carees here resurrected me with the powers of the Death Knight. I... I was then trained by him to learn the ways of the Death Knight. I am your... umm... loyal follower, Lord Darian.” Fluttershy said as she quickly saluted him.
Darian chuckled. “Hah! That's rather unbelievable, young elf.”
Carees butted in. “Your highness, I wouldn't be so sure of yourself, she's quite the master of frost. She's still under training with unholy and blood, but she is a mean frost.”
Fluttershy blushed.
“Ahahaha! Oh I can't take it! Your highness, please allow this shy elf to show me her “frost skills” after your introduction?” Darian looked over to the king, who smiled.
“Sure, Darian, but if you get your head handled to you, that's your fault. Anyways, I'm Varian Wrynn, king of Stormwind City, and leader of the Alliance. Now then, may I have your names? I would also like to know what kind of skill you all posses.”
Ruby started off. “Of course, your highness. I am Ruby Black, a master of psychic power. I may call intense lightning bolts, fire bolts, ice rays, and even meteors at my own will. I hold the ultimate power of the universe inside my body, but rarely use it as it is dangerous.”
Berry came next. “Berry Punch, my king. I don't have too much to me, other than I wield the two legendary weapons Shadowmourne and Frostmourne at one time with ease. My skill and soul belong to those two weapons in battle, and they have never failed me.”
Finally, Fluttershy introduced herself softly. “Umm... I'm Fluttershy... I'm a skilled... Frost... Death Knight...”
Darian couldn't help but laugh. “Ahahaha! I'm sorry! I just can't help it! You're just so... soft! You can't possibly be a Death Knight!”
Fluttershy blushed from embarrassment. “But... but I am!”
Darian crossed his arms. “Alright Miss Frosty Flutters. Prove it to me that you're worthy. I'm gonna stand here, and if you can cause me pain, I'll accept you as one of my followers.”
Fluttershy's new elven eyes grew big. “But... But you're my highlord!”
Darian shook his head. “I don't care. Your highlord wants you to hit him with all the strength you got.”
Varian gave him a skeptical look. “Darian, are you sure about this? Well, I'm moving my guards just in case you get your head sliced off... again.”
Fluttershy slowly agreed. “Umm... i-- if you insist, leader. Just let me grab my... umm... swords...”
Darian's chin lifted. “Swords? You have those? I bet they're just-- whoa.” Darian was surprised to see the chainsaw like swords come from her bag.
“Darian! You really want to see her all?” Carees called.
“Yep! If there's a way to do it, let 'er rip!”
“I warned you. Hey Fluttershy? Did you know Porky's spirit rests inside him?”
Fluttershy stopped and twitched. “P... Pork...k...ky? Sp...Spir...r...rit? Inside?”
Varian gave the signal for his guards to hold off. “No matter what happens, guards, hold off. This is going to be quite entertaining.”
Darian giggled. “Porky? The hell you talking about Carees?”
Carees ignored him. “Yeah! Porky's taken over him! Only way to get rid of it is to senselessly beat it out of him! You don't want Porky to get you again, do you?”
Fluttershy gave Darian a mean face. He started to worry. “Wait... what? I don't get it!”
Fluttershy twitched. “Porky... enslave... brainwash. Porky, you PAY!” She shouted as she drew her weapon.
Carees laughed. “Don't kill him, Flutts.” He looked over to Darian. All of the heroes were giggling, even Jaina and Varian were smiling.
“You're screwed.” Berry laughed.
“What do ya--!?” Darian couldn't finish his sentence before a monstrously cold blast slammed Darian against a wall. Fluttershy raced up to him as she casted Death & Decay around him. Darian started to hop on his feet as Fluttershy charged up a Frost Strike and slammed Darian on the side of the head with it. Darian flew to the left as Fluttershy held her weapon up and summoned dozens of ghouls and zombies. They all swarmed him and clawed at him as Fluttershy readied both of her weapons for one final Obliterate. It sent Darian flying up to the ceiling and crashing down onto the ground, in pain.
“It's good, Flutts!” Carees called. Fluttershy's mean face disappeared as she put her weapons on her back. Fluttershy leaned over Darian.
“Oh, did I go too far? Are you okay, highlord?” she asked, offering a hand to help him up.
“If by okay, you mean getting my butt handled to me by a months old Frost Death Knight who is already as skilled as Carees and I, yes I'm okay.”
Berry was cracking up on the floor. It appeared her laughter was contagious because behind their masks, the guards were laughing. Genn was chuckling at it and even Varian was laughing.
“Oh that's rich! She messed you up BAD!” Ruby called.
“Shut up. I didn't know that was going to happen! Well, anyways, Fluttershy was it? Not quite a Death Knight name, but whatever. My bleeding gut has underestimated you. Very impressive, Fluttershy. Quite a knight you are!”
Ruby butted in. “Oh, let me fix you up, Darian. PK Life-Up Omega.” With that one phrase, all of Darian's wounds healed.
Darian looked at his bloodless palms and then to Ruby. “How did you do that?” He asked.
Ruby winked at him. “I told you I'm magically skilled.”
Varian, still smiling, spoke up with his powerful voice. “Well! It looks like our heroes have introduced themselves in a nice way! One question, though. As a king I love getting an answer to this because one always answers to royalty. Are some of you in a relationship, because it really looks like it.”
Carees sighed. “Yes, you majesty... we are. I'm with Ruby, and Cannon's with Berry.”
Berry jumped and jokingly yelled. “I'm dating a midget!” Cannonbolt crossed his arms.
The lighthearted king nodded. “Haha. Yes, I knew it. Well, Jaina and I have prepared a nice inn for you all to stay in. Feel free to explore Stormwind for the rest of the day, but the inn resides in Goldshire. I have ordered the Innkeeper in the Lion's Pride Inn to make a room for the heroes, but if you just tell him you need an extra room with one bed, he'll give you one, I know the man personally.”
Ruby smiled innocently. “Thanks, your highness! We really appreciate this!”
Varian nodded. As they headed toward the outside of the keep, he stopped them. “Oh, wait one moment. I forgot something. Goldshire resides outside the city. Keep following the road and you should come up on the town. I must warn you though, Goldshire is one heck of small village. Only a few buildings, but that's where the people go to chat, hang out, or duel to test their skills. Healers usually hang around on the fences. Be careful, the people there can be quite... annoying to say the least. Just thought I'd let you know so you aren't too surprised.”
Ruby nodded. “Alright, thanks. I'll take that into account.”
Varian waved to them. “Goodbye for now heroes, and may the light grant you strength on your quest!”
________________________________________________________________________
The heroes oo-ed and ah-ed at Stormwind's sights until five PM. They went past the auction house, sat in the Dwarven District, admired the Old Town, and watched the mages at the Mage Quarter. Stormwind was truly a sight to see, and after dinner, they decided to head off to Goldshire. Walking through the Elwynn Forest's path to Goldshire was a very short and peaceful walk. The clash of swords and axes were heard as they edged closer to Goldshire, along with mage spells and nature healing. Goldshire was nothing more than a smith and an inn for weary travelers. A lot of people were sitting on the fence, and the others were competitively dueling each other. They dueled out of friendship and training. Well, most of them. As they walked in to the shire, a certain female Draenei shaman stood out among all of the duelers. After every quick duel, she wiped the sweat from her face and leaned against the wall like a boss. She was very impressive, and undefeated. As she looked to the left, she noticed Carees and Cannonbolt and waved as she walked over.
“Cannon! Carees! Oh, boy! It's been SO LONG! Gimme a hug, guys!” The Draenei said as she pulled the two men over to her and squeezed the life out of them with a big, happy hug. They could barely breathe.
“H-- Hi... Aiva...” Carees managed to blurt out. “Could ya let go? You're killing me. I don't want to die again. That hurts.”
“Woopsies! Sowwy! Aivies apologizes! So, whose yer friendzies? Or are they... ehem... your GFs? Nudge, nudge, wink, wink?” The peculiar Draenei asked.
Carees face palmed. “Ahh. Aives, I've missed you. You were correct the second time. We are all team mates, but these two are our girlfriends. This is my girlfriend, Ruby Black...”
Ruby smiled at the Draenei. “Hey.”
Cannonbolt finished for Carees. “And she be mine, Berry Punch.”
Berry winked. “'Sup?”
Carees alternated back to him. “And this is our friend, Fluttershy.”
Fluttershy blushed. “Oh, umm... hi... nice to... uhh... meet you.”
The Draenei made an adored face. “D'awww! That's so CUTE! I'm Aivaleen, but you can call me Aiva for short, or Aivy, or Aives, or really whatever you want to call me!”
“A pleasure to meet you, Aiva! You seem like the top shaman around these parts.”
Aiva shrugged happily. “Well, I don't know about THAT, but I consider myself very skilled, not to toot my own horn. Our friend who we call “Nerd” is one of the best friggin' Death Knights around here, he can beat me nothin' flat!”
Carees smiled. “Oh, I know that. He beats me often. Speaking of which, how is Nerdified?”
Aiva smiled. “He's doin' great, runnin' the guild like a champ.”
Berry's eyebrows raised. “The guild?”
“Yep! We're a good ol' PVP guild! Oh, don't tell me you don't know what a guild is!” Aiva said as her mouth dropped.
“We ain't from this planet, I don't know what anything is.” Berry said, snootingly.
“... Fer-real? Dude! I'm talkin' to aliens! Sha-weet! Anyways, a guild is just a group o' people that get together to go on adventures, go huntin' hordies, or just to hang out!”
Berry crossed her arms. “Huh, that's neat. Well, which one is the Lion's Pride Inn? King Varian told us we should stay there.”
“Oh!” Aiva said as she spun around twice and pointed to a building. “Raht dere it is! Oh, umm... one more thingy. That fence there... see those peeps sittin' on it?”
Ruby raised an eyebrow. “Yeah? What of it?”
Aiva pointed at Ruby. “They are all ass nuggets. I hate them all. All ya gotta do is hope they don't pull you over for a talk.”
Carees nodded. “Yeah, there's no escaping it. I obliterate their argument every time, and since Berry's a more aggressive arguer and Ruby a smarter one that I am, it shouldn't be a problem. Fluttershy, you just stand back and let us do the talking, because you have shy in your bloody name.”
Fluttershy nodded. “Oh... okay... that's not a problem...”
They walked toward the Lion's Pride Inn, only to be stopped.
“Well, if it isn't Cawees! Where ya been, hot stuff?” A female night elf cheered. Carees squinted.
“Godammit.” He muttered. “What do you want this time, Whiteberry?”
Whiteberry waved her hand. “Aww, nothing really, Cawees. Where's yer lazy ass been?”
All of the heroes turned to Whiteberry and her friend beside her. “Where your ass hasn't, that's where.” Carees responded.
“Ooh, Berry! He getting' mean with you, girl!” Whiteberry's friend said to her.
“Damn right, Mescoa! So, whose yer slut-friends?” Whiteberry asked with a jerkish attitude.
“Our girlfriends, mind you, are Ruby and Berry. I've gotten farther than you'll ever get with anyone, so shut up.”
Whiteberry and Mescoa went “ooo” at the same time. “That hurt, Careesy. Hurt real bad.”
Ruby pointed her finger at Whiteberry. “Hey, the only one who adds a Y at the end of HIS name is me. Don't you forget that.”
“Oh, really? Who ever said that?”
Berry started to laugh from the sides.
Whiteberry looked at her fiercely. “And just what are you laughing at, miss Purple?”
Berry said it. “You... you remind me a lot of my past self.”
Whiteberry put her hands to her hips. “Oh, now, really? In what way exactly?”
“A whorish way. I used to be an attention grabbing whore like you, then I took a friend to the life, something you don't have.” Berry taunted.
“I got plenty of friends! Shut yer ocean!” Whiteberry shouted.
“Oh, so if one of the greatest evils in the universe was coming after you, you would protect that friend with your life like Ruby did to me and I did to her?”
Whiteberry flinched. “Uhhh...”
Berry shook her head. “Didn't think so. So, now. If you will excuse us, we have to check in with the inn before we get side-tracked by wastes of oxygen. C'mon, guys.”
Whiteberry sat on the bench with her hand to her head. She had to take in what just happened. Mescoa was laughing ridiculously hard on the inside.
“What a cute little inn!” Fluttershy said as her eyes widened. The inn was wooden, it had a bar, upstairs, music playing, and games of poker.
A human walked over to the heroes and bowed. “Hello, heroes, I've been expecting you.”
Ruby raised her eyebrows. “You must be the innkeeper here?”
“Indeed, miss. Your rooms are just up the stairs. I've signed you in to the inn already. Is there anything I can do for you?”
Fluttershy blew her pink hair off of her face. “Ummm... is there an extra room for me? If you don't... I mean... that's... okay...”
The innkeeper smiled. “Not a problem, my dear! I see where your coming from, don't worry. I shall assign a room for miss... what is your name, dear?”
Fluttershy cringed up. “Umm... Fluttershy...”
The innkeeper bowed. “It's no problem for me! Thank you for telling me, I shall take it to action right away.”
“Well, this has really been one hell of a day, hasn't it?” Ruby asked, flipping her new hair.
Carees nodded. “I agree. It's been an interesting day. I'm ready to settle in for the night.”
Cannon nodded. “Aye, me too.”
Carees crossed his arms. “Tomorrow, we meet with King Varian to discuss our attack plan on Ulduar. Research is being done on the Ulduar and Yogg-Saron. This will be the climax of our quest. Are you all ready to face fear itself soon?”
They all cheered in bravery, even Fluttershy. They all headed up to their rooms for the night, and prepared for tomorrow.
Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
Carees woke up solo in his bed. As he looked around, he noticed the bathroom door was closed and the light was on. He looked out the window and thought to himself. Today's the day. We might be off to Ulduar today.
As the bathroom door opened, Ruby came out with odd arching things covering her ears. A wire led from the arching thing to a silver device with a dial on it sticking out of her pants. Ruby leaned against a wall and crossed her legs. “'bout time you woke up.” she said.
Carees squinted at her. “Uhhh... what is on your head?”
Ruby looked shocked. “You don't know what an Ipod is? Jeez, your planet is behind the times. It's a music player!”
Carees lifted one eyebrow. “I sure don't hear anything.”
Ruby face-palmed. “That's cause my head-speakers are plugged in. How do you even rock out without this thing? You know about rock-bands, right?”
Carees nodded. “Yeah, we got a hard rock band in Azeroth. They call themselves The Tauren Chieftains. Cannon loves them.”
“Well, I listen to stuff that's a tad harder than hard rock. Back on Earth, I used to listen to bands such as Nightwish, Sonata Arctica, and a one man band named Celldweller. I just needed to listen to some Nightwish after a while. I always thought my taste in music was so different that I would never get a boyfriend, but now it looks like the song “Wish I Had an Angel” is pointless to me.”
“Harder than hard rock? What's harder than that?”
“Metal.”
“Oh.... right. Where's Berry and Cannon?”
Ruby nudged the headphones so one ear was open. It was so loud, Carees could hear the static guitar from where he sat. “Went down for breakfast. You slept 'till 10:45, and you're usually the first one up. Were your dreams really that good?”
Carees looked up as he remembered beating Whiteberry flawlessly in a duel and Ruby pouncing all over her hero with sexual intention in his dream. “Heh. Yep.”
“I saw that.” Ruby winked, flipping her hair.
Carees snapped his fingers in frustration and humiliation. "Dang it.”
Ruby giggled. “Come on, mister womanizer. Time to go get some breakfast. We meet the king at 2 o'clock?”
Carees nodded.
“Then before we go, let's have some breakfast. Come on, lazy.”
_____________________________________________________________________
The heroes stood still before the King of Stormwind, who was facing out toward the distance. The church bells rung in an adventurous manner.
“Are you all prepared for Ulduar?” The King asked as the church bells came to a stop.
The heroes nodded with various, quiet agreement phrases. All except for Fluttershy, of course. The king looked to Jaina at his left and nodded.
“I will prepare the portal to Ulduar for you. There, you will meet a dwarf by the name of Brann Bronzebeard. He is the leader of the forces that are excavating Ulduar. He looks very much like you, Cannon.” Jaina said as she began to summon the portal.
“Aye, I knew the lad in high school. He always examined everything, even if it would get him a kick-in-the-rear by the lassies.” Cannonbolt said. Smiling. “Them were good times.”
Jaina's lighted hands faded as light tore a hole in the physical realm. The portal was almost too bright to look at.
“Through here is Ulduar. On behalf of King Varian Wrynn and of the Alliance, I wish you luck.” Jaina bowed.
“Thank you, my lady. Your majesty, we will NOT fail you.” Carees assured his leader.
“I sense something more powerful than even Yogg-Saron in Ulduar. Be on your guard, for I do not know what it is or if it is hostile.” King Varian warned them.
Carees nodded as they all leaped through the portal, Fluttershy going in last. Before Fluttershy was able to get into the portal, Highlord Mograine stopped her.
“Wait! Fluttershy, I must ask of you something.”
Fluttershy turned to her right to face her leader and saluted. “Yes, my lord?”
“On behalf of me, I order you...” Darian paused. Fluttershy blinked twice. “... I order you to knock Yogg-Saron into the next millennium.”
Fluttershy smiled as she jumped into the portal. The light closed behind them. Darian put his fist in his palm. “Show him what a real Death Knight is made of.”
_____________________________________________________________________
They all landed with a thud on a glass-like floor. Footsteps were edging near them... tiny footsteps. A voice spoke in an accent almost as thick as Cannon's.
“Well, if it isn't our heroes! Honestly, I wasn't expecting there to be this many!”
They all looked somewhat up to see a orange bearded dwarf in excavating gear. He looked much like Cannonbolt. Cuddles rushed up and roared with happiness as he ran over to lick the dwarf.
“Ahaha! Cuddles, lad! It has been a while! 'ow ye doin'?” The dwarf said as he scratched the raptor's chin.
A roar of absolute happiness came out of Cuddles.
“Aye! Hallo there, Brann!” Cannonbolt waved.
“'Ey, Cannon! How ya doin'?” Brann waved back.
“Not bad, not bad. Ye ready to kill the God of Madness?” Cannon joked.
“Hell yeh! I'm more ready than a night elf hooker on LSD!” Brann laughed a hard, crackly laugh.
“Oh, Brann... I miss ye and yer inappropriate humor.”
“Yeh. Oh, hello, Carees! 'Ow ye doin', laddie?”
“Could be worse. Could be better, though.” Carees responded emotionlessly.
“Aww, yer still a big bummer, Carees! No lass will ever fall fer ye with that king o' humor.” Brann responded. That got Ruby's attention, and boy oh boy did she respond to it.
“He's got no humor, huh? Never get a girl? Too late to the party, short stuff! I've been through more with him then you will EVER have with ANY girl! It's not every day a guy gets to date the most powerful being in the universe, either, now is it? Better watch your mouth, Mr. Toolbox Beard. I'm Ruby Black, his girlfriend and partner. I could destroy you in less than a second, so WATCH IT!” Ruby ranted.
“And before you get to Cannon, I'm Berry Punch, HIS girlfriend! And this is our grade A frost Death Knight, Fluttershy.” Berry shifted toward the shy elf.
“Umm... hi...” Fluttershy squeaked.
Brann looked over to Cannon. “Will ye slap me and tell me just what happened?”
After a brief slap across the face, Cannon summarized it. “Well, ye made fun of the ultimate power of the universe, who's Carees' girlfriend, and you were introduced to our partners.”
Brann shook his head. “That's what I thought. Miss Ruby, I sincerely apologize. It just be a dwarf's habit to make a joke such as that. No harm intended. Name's Brann Bronzebeard. I'm sure King Varian has told you about me here?”
“Of course, and apology accepted. So, what part of this huge place are we in, and where do we stand?” Ruby asked.
“A fine question, lass, but a bad answer comin' from me. We are in the Government Halls. We've breached the front and we are in Ulduar. Quite a beautiful place, eh?”
Berry nodded as she looked around. “Yeah, haven't seen anything like it... I wonder if this would look good at my bar as a design choice...”
Brann chuckled. “Oh, if a bar had this kind of outline in it, ye wouldn't be able to get me out o' it.”
Ruby squinted. “So why was that a bad answer?”
Brann sighed. “Well, we're stuck. Not stuck in digging, but stuck in battle. Our finest soldiers were taken down by the leaders of these here halls. We can't advance if they are in the way.”
“Do they have a name?” Ruby asked.
“The call themselves The Iron Council, and rightfully so. That's just what they are.”
Ruby looked up. “So, if we defeat the Iron Council, the structure of the iron... thingies... will fall apart!”
Brann nodded. “That's right! Just one problem. That problem is actually defeating the Council. They've destroyed a lot of our Earthen Dwarf army, and vanquished even the bravest of adventurers.”
“Uhh, dude? We beat a giant tank, a Destructionamanator robot thing, a dragon made of pure iron, and a giant by the name of Ignis the Furnace Master. This shouldn't be a problem.” Berry rebutted.
Brann flinched. “Ye lot beat THEM!? Well! Ye could be our key. Let me tell you, the Council is of the three main iron creations: Dwarf, Vrykul, and Giant. The Stormcaller is the Dwarf, the Vrykul is an all out warrior, and Steelbreaker is the giant. How do ye propose ye will beat them?”
Ruby smiled. “It's simple. Steelbreaker is obviously the dangerous one, so the two that can withstand the most hits, Carees, Berry, will handle them. The... Vry...kul... guy... thing... is obviously the second most dangerous, so Cannon and I will handle him. The dwarf might have a few tricks up his sleeve, but nothing too devastating. You said he was a Stormcaller, so the two that know the most about nature, Fluttershy, Cuddles, will handle him. Easy!”
“Easier said than done, lassie. Ye can't just walk in and expect everything to go as planned.” Brann objected.
“Well, duh. It never usually does! But with our teamwork, we can overcome even those obstacles!” Ruby said confidently.
“Well, if ye say so. When ye are ready, the Iron Council sits in the room at the end o' this monstrous hallway.”
“I'm ready NOW! I'ma go melt those guys!” Berry said enthusiastically.
“I am ready as well.” Carees said.
“...Umm.. anytime you all are prepared...” Fluttershy squeaked out.
“I be ready to kick some iron ass as well!” Cannonbolt yelled. Cuddles roared loudly behind him.
Ruby smiled. “Then let's go. We got a giant insane frog to kill, and nothing is gonna get in our way.”
Brann nodded. “I wish ye luck. I gotta get to the control room they be guarding to learn about this place's secrets. Yogg-Saron won't just go down as a tough enemy, there's a trick. A trick that we can find in that control room.”
Ruby chuckled. “Then let's find that secret.”
They all raced off down the hallway. On the way there, they passed many rocks that looked like pieces of dwarfs. Debating was heard in the room as they got closer. They were all ready and pumped to fight the Iron Council. They turned the corner and charged into the room.
Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
“That must be the sanctum of Freya!” Ruby shouted and pointed. Roots and nature poured out of the room. It was very bright in the room, almost as if it was outside. Fresh air even came from the huge room. A beautiful scent it was. While it carried the scent of victory and nature, it also carried a foul after-smell that smelled like helplessness. The beautiful scenery, as perfect as it seemed, was surrounded by a thick layer of soulless dark.
Thee heroes walked into the sanctum, awe-struck. How beautiful it was, but how ominous it seemed. It was empty... too empty. The plants seemed as though they breathed the air around them, and the roots almost sounded like they were moving. The mystical Freya was nowhere to be seen. Either that or they were absorbed by the natural beauty. It was the last thing they expected in a corrupted, underground base for an insane god. Then again, Ruby and Berry fought a giant pig robot, a man obsessed with bananas, and a 10,000 year old man in a spider-pig robot on their first adventure.
Fluttershy sensed something odd from her left and quickly turned. The heroes turned with her as she flinched.
“Fluttershy? What's wrong?” Ruby asked, looking at a huge flower with everyone else. There was nothing wrong with the flower to them. But Fluttershy, being the tree-imitating hippie she is, caught something.
She put her hand horizontal with her shoulder. “Stay back. That flower is deceiving you.”
Cuddles flinched and started to growl menacingly at the flower. She's right! He thought. Ruby looked over to Cuddles.
“She is?” She surprisingly asked.
Fluttershy turned to the dwarf. “Cannon, can you shoot the flower with a flaming arrow?”
Cannon's eyebrow went up. He shrugged. “Eh... okay... if ye want me too. It's just a flower though. Wouldn't it catch this here conservatory on fire as well?”
Fluttershy shook her head. “Not if it's what I think it is. Go ahead.” She nudged her head toward Cannon.
“Whatever ye say...” Cannon sighed, readying his bow. The bow made a shing-like noise as a blazing arrow formed on it. THWUMP! The arrow traveled through the air quicker than a bullet and stabbed the plant. The plant began to bleed, but remained still.
“See? What I tell ye? Nothing to worry about. Now let's put that fire--”
Fluttershy interrupted him and glanced quickly at him. “Cannon! When is the last time you saw a plant bleed red blood!?” She yelled.
Cannon scratched his head. “Uhh... I don't know... what's up with that plant?”
Fluttershy grabbed out her Slayers of the Lifeless. “The only thing that's up is that that plant isn't a plant at all!”
Roots exploded out of the ground all around them, startling them all. The demonic roots had a shadowy aura surrounding them as they pushed the plants out of the ground. The roots were covered with spikes as sharp as a dagger. Thorny and leafy vines erupted from the ground as well. From the pond near them erupted mossy, dirty hands which pulled out monsters covered with moss.
“I knew it! Time to fight, guys! Let's show these hippies nature guys!” Fluttershy excitingly yelled.
Berry quickly drew her weapons and sparked them by slashing them together. “Oh yeah! It's time for some REAL action, baby! Let's RAWK these nubs! HIYAAA!!!!!!!!” She shrieked as she ran toward the crowd of moss monsters erupting from the lake.
“I've been waiting for some action like this!” Ruby said as her eyes started to glow orange. “PK Shield Omega! PK Counter Omega! Get ready for some fire, planties!” She yelled as her hands began to glow orange. The plants rushed toward her, and Ruby had an evil smile on her.
“Ready for some good ol' fashion baddie sweepin', Cuddles!?” Cannon yelled to his pet, readying his bow. Cuddles roared menacingly. “Then let's rock these guys!”
Carees grabbed out his weapon and stared down the horde of plant-like elementals racing toward him. He sighed. “Well, no strategy, no plan, no nothing. This may be inappropriate of me, but right now, I couldn't care less. LEEEEEEEEEEEEEEROY!!!” He yelled as he ran as fast as he could into the horde. He was slamming them and disintegrating all of them left and right.
SLAM! BONK! BZZT! SLASH! FIRE-SOUND-EFFECT-THINGY!
They were dominating the horde like it was an every day bandit raid. They were having the most fun of times, even though the world was at stake. Something interrupted their happiness, though. Fierce stomping was coming from nearby, as if something was running. The hordes were all nearly depleted, and around the corner came one of the most monstrous, yet peaceful female creatures they had ever seen. Berry couldn't resist making some kind of smart-ass comment.
“Well, now we know whose milkshake brings all the boys to the yard...” She simply said, stupidly staring at the giant's chest. Ruby sighed and facepalmed, while Berry laughed almost hysterically.
The giant left a trail of flowers in her path. She looked down at the heroes with anger. “Who are you to disturb this sanctum!?” She demanded.
The smooth talked spoke up first. “You must be Freya? I'm terribly sorry about all of this! These plants, they just jumped out of the ground and attacked us--” Carees was interrupted.
“No! None may enter this sanctum! You want to burn the nature down, just like that red ball demon did!” Freya shouted.
Carees squinted. “Red-balled demon? I do not believe I know what you're talking about. We aren't here to ruin or burn anything. We are here to cooperate with you! We need to defeat the evil lord Yogg-Saron, and without the Watchers' help, that's impossible and the universe will be taken over!” Carees attempted to persuade the giant. Freya merely huffed and crossed her arms.
“Hmph! I know you work for that Yami! That dark filled demon drove us all insane while he was here! The mad demon made me watch the world of Northrend burn! All the critters... all the life... dead!”
Fluttershy snapped. “That jerk! Nopony disturbs nature like that while I'm alive!!... or you, too.”
Freya shouted again. “NO! You're not fooling me! You work for Yogg-Saron and Yami! The Conservatory must be protected! Elders! Grant me your strength to defeat these evil doers!”
Berry shook her head. “Heads up, guys. We're in for a fight. Use fire and ice.”
Freya had tears coming from her eyes. “Children, assist me! Overtake these intruders!”
Plants again rose at her will. From the ground around her came all of these different rainbow colored plants. They all had a shadowy aura around them. Freya looked like she was in a mind of pain. It was time to free that mind from Yogg-Saron.
Carees called out to his teammates. “Cannon! You and I get the plants! Everyone else go for Freya!”
Berry saluted him, smiling. “Roger that, Kreese!”
Carees smiled. “It's been a while since I've heard that.”
Ruby chuckled. “Me too. Now let's go! Charge!” she ordered.
Berry followed that order a little more literally than she should have. “If you say so! HIYAAAAAAAA!”
Berry ran toward the running giant with all of her rage in one battle shout. Unexpectedly, she flew at the speed of a blazing arrow toward Freya, holding both her weapons out to make a misty line infront of her. Freya tripped on the line and started to lose balance.
“Wah-whoooah!!” She shouted as Ruby got her hands ready for a PK fire. Berry looked up at the giant and run between her legs, behind her.
Berry nearly tripped as she closed her eyes. “OH CELESTIA! Shouldn't have looked up at that moment! I feel dirty!” She said as she slammed the giant's foot. Freya started to fall over into Ruby.
“Alright, come here, Miss Nature! PK Fire Omega!” Ruby yelled as she released the PK Fire Haduken style. Freya closed her eyes as the firebolt hit her face. It flipped her whole body over onto her back as she screamed in pain.
“How you guys holding up!?” Ruby shouted and looked left. There were plant petals all over the bloody ground.
“Just fine, thanks!” Carees shouted back, chopping the limbs off a moss elemental.
Freya stood up. “Please, no! I just... I just want my nature protected from heathens!” She pleaded as she swiped her hand across her face, getting most of the soot off of it. There was a black spot where the fire hit on her cheek.
Ruby yelled back at her. “That's precisely it, though! We will HELP you with that! Come to your senses, Freya!”
Freya started to cry once more. “I see only Yami in my vision... I can't... control it! Intruders will be destroyed! Please help me! No!...” Freya slapped herself. “Intruders shall die! No! Please, just a little more!”
Ruby flinched and put on a serious face. “Don't worry, Freya! We'll save you!” She yelled at the struggling giant. The giant lost control once again and came charging. She was getting ready to slam the ground. Berry sighed.
“Do all giants fall for this?” She asked. They both jumped out of the way and Freya's fist slammed the ground. Berry rushed back and ran directly up her arm.
“No! Puny creature! Get off of me!” Freya yelled as she attempted to grab Berry.
“Alright, time to redeem myself, Wander! Take this as my apology!” She yelled into the sky. Berry avoided all of Freya's grab attempts as she started to kick and bash the back of the green giant's neck.
“Augh! No! Yes! Keep going! No! STOP!” Freya was almost free of the control.
Berry chuckled. “That's what she said! Ruby! Now!” she looked at Ruby. Ruby nodded and slammed Freya's ankle from below. She lost balance yet again. Ruby went to the front to preform one last spell.
“...One... more... hit! Now heroes! Before he engulfs me again!” Freya pleaded as she leaped forward to Ruby. Ruby's hands grew light blue.
“Don't worry Freya! We've got you! PK Freeze Omega!” Ruby shouted. A block of sharp, hard ice flew at the falling giant and she closed her eyes again. This time, though, it was a much more peaceful face on her. The ice slammed her chest and she went airborne fifteen yards. Freya lay still on the ground.
The plants stopped attacking and retreated. The glow surrounding the plants had vanished. Carees and Cannon looked over, looking like chainsaw massacre victims. Carees looked over to Ruby.
“Is it over?” He asked. A voice that sounded like it was very much in pain responded.
Ruby sighed with relief. “I think it--” She stopped as she looked up. The demon was back, but this time, he came in for a full on approach. The sheer fact that he was near was enough to make the heroes tremble with fear uncontrollably. He edged closer with a very deep sound coming from his body. He greeted them in a rather scary fashion.
“Well! If it isn't my little heroes! Your going along exactly as I had hoped!” He said in a very mysterious, intimidating way. His voice made the heroes unsure of the situation, readying themselves for a possible battle with this unknown beast. Berry spoke up with all the confidence she had stored inside her.
“Who are you!? Tell us this time before you leave!!” She shouted. The demon glanced directly at Berry. His mouth opened once again, revealing the yellow, soul burning eye of darkness. The eye deteriorated the structure of her soul from the inside, and sucked all the confidence right out of her. Her blood turned cold and her heart stopped. All the memories of things she regretted she had done flew back into her mind by the sheer presence of the demon. It was as if the demon was the embodiment of evil itself. The demon realized his intimidating approach and sought out a way to fix it. He skeptically looked up with his eye, in thought of what he was to say.
“Oh, my sincere apologies, Ruby! I did not mean to sound so hostile to you all. I am here to ask for your help!” The demon said rather smoothly, and much more calmly. However, as much as he tried, nothing could settle the uneasy feeling that was just being within the presence of him. His mind blowing appearance could make almost any child weep with terror. The heroes were still not yet convinced of his plea, and by their faces, the demon knew it. He thought of his next move once again. “Please. You must listen! At this time, I may not reveal my name, but I can tell you my mission! I was sent here by my lord to investigate the corruption on this planet. I was tricked and bound by Yogg-Saron, and now I am stuck here! I must fulfill my duties as the vice-leader of my group! We are simply trying to bring peace across the world and maintain stability, and our leader is very much affectionate toward our cause! As his right-hand-man, I beg of you, defeat Yogg-Saron and free me from his grasp!”
Cannon looked dumbstruck and shook his head. “Hold up, there! Ye mean that ye are trapped here, and the universe may go amok if we don't free ye?”
The demon hesitated. “Uh... yes! Precisely! Life will be a mess! I must be freed! Please! I beg of you, help me!”
Berry made another brave statement. “No offense, but... uhh... you kind of look a little... demon-y... and... evil-y to be a protector of nature like that.”
The demon rolled his eyes. “That's what they all say to me. I'm merely trying to prove my worth in this universe and make it a happy place for all of us. I've never had that happiness, and I seek to have it!” He said proudly. He seemed trustworthy so far, but was it worth believing him? Either way, he was going to be freed even if they didn't like him.
“Well, we have no choice. Yogg-Saron will be vanquished, and the universe will be saved. You will be freed. We'll get you back in business with your people.” Ruby responded. She didn't know about how she felt agreeing with the demon, but it didn't matter in the end.
The demon gasped in joy and spun around in the air like a popped balloon. “Yes! Yes, yes, yes! Thank you, heroes! I promise I will show you my appreciation. But it is of now that I must take my leave... before he finds me.” The demon looked around, acting scared.
Ruby nodded. “Yes, you best get out of here before you are seen associating with us.”
The demon nodded. Behind him, a black hole like portal was forming for his escape. “Well, I thank you again! You must tend to the green Watcher there, no?”
They all glanced to Freya, who had begun to move again. She was very much alive and breathing.
“Freya! Oh, thank you for reminding me mister--” When Ruby looked back, the demon was gone. A mystery surrounded him. Just who was he? Ruby had other things to worry about at the moment, however.
They all rushed toward Freya, who struggled to get up. Once standing, she stumbled and put her hand against a wall to hold herself up. She was panting heavily, bleeding from her face and high chest.
“Freya! Let me fix you up! PSI Lifeup Omega!” Ruby called. The giant's cuts and wounds nearly disappeared. Freya looked at herself and laughed. She looked down at the heroes with a very happy smile with tears streaming down her face in happiness.
“After... after all these years... I'm finally free of their grasp. You creatures, no, heroes that saved me... who are you?” She asked. Her hand searched her body for cuts and wounds, in disbelief a mere phrase could heal it.
“Ruby Black is my name. And these are my friends, Carees, Berry, Cannonbolt, and Fluttershy. Not to mention Cannon's awesome companion, Cuddles!” Ruby introduced. Cuddles looked very appealed from Freya's appearance now that he got the chance to get a good look at the newly friendly creature.
Freya smiled and bowed. “Very nice to meet you! Well, as you guessed, my name is Freya, watcher of nature. You said you were on your way to defeat Yogg-Saron?” She asked, raising her eyebrows.
“That's why we're here, ma'am! Ready to kick some insane frog BUTT!” Berry enthusiastically put. She punched the air making her own punching sound effects.
“That's a big goal. Well, your first task is done, and I will do what I can to help you with it. For now, however, I can only tell you your next destination is through the hallway over yonder...” Freya pointed to a hallway, which a lot of wind was coming out of. The trees near it were permanently bent over because of the harsh wind. It had a lifeless, wintery feel to it.
“Watcher Hodir resides through there. You must free him and Mimiron. However... Tyr... he's a lost cause... there is no way to recover him. He is now General Vezax, commander of Yogg-Saron's army.”
Ruby shook her head. “I'm sorry for your loss. What of Thorim?”
Freya looked to her left and sighed. “Thorim will be hard as well. His wife was killed before his eyes by Yogg-Saron, and Yogg-Saron is manipulating Thorim with a fake wife that gives fake information. He believes whatever she says. I cannot do anything currently but root for your victory. Please, go on ahead, I must tend to my sanctuary.” Freya stepped to the side.
As they all passed through, ready to take on Hodir, Freya had one last thing to say.
“Oh yes! Cannonbolt, was it? Your raptor is quite the cute one.” She said, giggling.
Cuddles roared in happiness and blushed. He rushed over to Freya, who proceeded to bend down and scratch his chin and giggle more. Cannonbolt sighed and rolled his eyes.
“I never understand how pets get all the women, but the owners don't get almost any.” Cannonbolt said. He laughed and shook his head.
“You're so cute! Cuddles! I want you to do something for me.” Freya said to Cuddles. Freya's chest was hanging directly in front of Cuddles. As she scratched, her “nature's milkshakes” swung back and forth. “I want you to save the universe. If you do, I'll give you a present! Okay, Cuddy?”
Cannonbolt scrunched his face. “Oogh! That hurt me soul a wee bit...”
Cuddles shook his head fast, his heart racing. Freya stood up and smiled.
“Good! Now go get 'em!” She yelled.
Cuddles roared as loud as he could, turning around and speeding faster than he had ever before, crashing through the heroes as though they were bowling pins. Cannonbolt and Carees raced after him, trying to catch up. Berry and Ruby turned at her with huge smiles.
Berry laughed and shook her head in disappointing amusement. “Pshh. Men...” she said.
Freya put her hands on her hips and rolled her eyes. “Always worked with Hodir!”
Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
“This wind is unbearable! Good lord, how does Hodir survive in this?” Ruby asked her friends as they struggled to even walk down the frigid hallway. Winds had never been so fierce to them. Cannonbolt was even struggling, and he was from Dun Morogh; an icy, windy land that was full of mountain tops.
They continued to struggle through the horrid hallway. Ice and snow began to confront them from the large room not too far ahead. The ice was making it near impossible to walk. The wind was blowing them back. Berry slipped on the ice and fell on her face. The hurricane like wind blew her back like a feather in front of a fan into Cuddles, which was not a pleasant experience.
Berry groaned loudly in pain. “Augh, why can't we have anything that can reverse or cancel out this wind? This is ridiculous!” She slammed her foot into the ground in anger. A voice responded that scared them all off of their feet.
“Perhaps I can be of help with that.” The voice said. It was all too familiar. Ruby looked around, squinting because of the wind. A dark void-like wall started to rise out of the ground. It was making a deep wa-wa noise as it came up, blocking out more and more of the harsh sound of the wind. They watched the wall move up in awe and confusion until it reached the top, where the void-like effects were all they could hear. From behind, the deep, cold, soulless voice came again.
“Is that any better?” It asked. They all turned to see the demon once again, flying toward them. He was now helping them. The heroes could now trust the demon, at least for now.
Berry gave a sigh of somewhat relief. “Whew! Thanks, dude! I can finally say to myself that I can trust you. Can you believe I thought you were going to trick us?” She asked. The demon gave no flinch, but merely a friendly laugh.
“Ah hahaha! Why would I do that? Just because I can control darkness at will doesn't mean I'm a trickster, my dear Berry.” He answered politely. The demon's bond grew more and more with them. Fluttershy still remained alert of him though. Something didn't seem right about him to her. Something about his actions bothered her. She proceeded to act innocent and quiet, though. Cuddles remained quiet as well. Was he thinking the same as Fluttershy?
“If you don't mind, I have to ask. We're very thankful you've stopped the wind, but... how do we get through?” Carees asked the demon, raising an eyebrow.
The demon still kept his upbeat attitude. “Oh hoho! A fine question! Please, observe and follow...” the demon turned toward the great wall of darkness and opened his mouth. His eye was revealed once again, making the heroes shiver. He looked angrily at the wall and dark sparks started to fly out of his eye. The wall began to tremble and move forward down the hall. “Please, do follow if you would like to get to Hodir.” The demon encouraged.
As the heroes pressed on, the demon by their side, Berry asked the demon a question that was floating in her mind for quite some time now. “Hey, Mr. Demon-dude? What did you mean by “beware the sun goddess” back when we killed the Iron Council?” She asked. The demon nodded and sighed.
“The sun goddess I spoke of is the one who made Yogg-Saron trap me here. She's a devil, that one. She seeks for the world to be engulfed in chaos.” The demon answered. It was a good enough reason as any to believe him. They didn't speak again until the end of the monstrous hallway was reached. The demon went through the dark wall and looked around. He turned around and confronted his partners yet again. “The wind is mild and Hodir resides in this room. Be careful, heroes. Hodir is not one to take lightly.” The demon warned. He suddenly vanished into a cloud of purple darkness as the sound of the dark wall faded. The wind no longer carried the atmosphere of anger, but rather helplessness.
Icicles hung from the ceiling, waiting patiently. The room was nothing but ice and snow. A blue skinned giant sat at the end of the room on a frozen throne. The heroes stared him down confidently as he angrily stared back in mindless hatred. The giant stood up and shouted.
“Who goes there!?” He yelled. His voice was as deep as an abyss and it echoed off the walls. Fluttershy squeaked as she jumped behind Carees. Ruby answered the beast's yell.
“We are the heroes that are here to stop Yogg-Saron! I am to guess that you must be Hodir?” Ruby asked. Hodir reached to the side and grabbed a giant mace.
“HAH!” Hodir roared. “Stop Yogg-Saron? YOU!? You couldn't hope to stop a wolf! You invade my sanctum and then proceed to try and convince me you are the heroes that will save us!? Ridiculous!” He shouted. Hodir grunted as he launched himself out of his throne and onto the floor. The earth quaked at his mighty feet. “If you are the heroes, let us see just how worthy you are to fight the great lord of Insanity!”
“GWAAAAAAAAR!” Hodir roared. His mighty voice trembled the ice in the room. The icicles began to come loose. There was no more time. The time to attack was now!
Hodir pulled his mace back and aimed for Ruby. She dashed out of the way of the swing and the mace crashed on the floor, making a horrid slam. Quickly, Ruby turned and shouted.
“PK FIRE OMEGA!” Fire shot out of Ruby's hand and hit Hodir's arm. The giant grunted in pain and anger. Everyone was rushing toward him as he made another leap toward Ruby.
“Die, intruders!” He yelled with another slam. The icicles began to tremble more at the battle taking place. Ruby shot another PK Fire at Hodir, but Hodir picked up his mace in time to block the hit. The giant laughed in amusement at the attack attempt.
“You're going to need to try harder if you want to even hope to beat me!” He yelled as he slammed his foot on the ground. It created a monstrous tremor as the icicles above began to shake. A snap was heard as a 10 foot ice dagger began to fall directly above Berry. Berry quickly held up both of her weapons to stop it, but the force of the heavy ice knocked her back several yards.
Hodir turned to Ruby, who was helpless against the icy giant. She stood stiff as a rock as Hodir started to sprint over to her. His footsteps made even the ground scared. He smiled as lifted his mace in the air and laughed like a hyena. Ruby gasped as the mace started to come hurling down on her. She closed her eyes and in the span of but a few seconds, everything went quiet.
Ruby quickly opened her eyes to see herself surrounded by darkness. An eerie chill ran down her spine as she ran around, calling for her teammates.
“Berry? Carees-y!? Where are you!?” She yelled into the never-ending darkness. The last three words echoed on and on, mocking her attempts of receiving help. She wasn't alone, however. A familiar deep voice came from behind her.
“Well, well, well. Quite the predicament you've gotten yourself into, wouldn't you say, Ruby?” it said fiercely. Every word it spoke was like a needle stabbing Ruby directly in the heart. Ruby turned and gasped at the hideous, eye-bleeding sight. The Lord of Madness was before her once again, attempting to communicate. “It's been a while, hasn't it? How are things?”
“Y- You!” Ruby gasped. “What do you want now? To make me go insane again?” She asked angrily. Yogg-Saron laughed evilly.
“Buhahaha! My plan back in Maneside almost worked! If only your little boyfriend didn't resurrect your pink friend...” Yogg-Saron paused. “It is no matter. You're here for my head on a silver platter, are you not?”
“You won't even know what hit you, you ugly demon.” Ruby said with all the rage she could muster. Pure anger had taken her over.
“Maybe not, but just remember, my little friend, that if I fall at the hands of you, it is not the end of the hunt against you. C'thun, Yami, Arthas... all out to get you. They're all out to see your little heart explode in a adorable bloody mess. Buhahaha!” Yogg-Saron taunted. Ruby flinched when she heard him mention Yami.
“Yami! Who is Yami, you putrid amphibious demon!?” She demanded, slamming her foot on the ground.
“Amphibious!? I'm quite offended. How do I look anything like a frog? Bah, I shall... discard that comment. Yami is my comrade in godly evilness. How intense does that sound, eh? He's the god of--” Yogg-Saron stood stiff for a few seconds as he paused. Ruby backed up a few feet in skeptical nervousness.
“Excuse me, that information must not be released. All you need to know is that he is more powerful than I, and he is out to get you. Out to see that last horrified expression as he slowly saws you in half... Buhahahaha!” Yogg-Saron had lifted out of an evil laugh and drifted into a normal crack-up. “AHAHAHA! That image burns my lungs!”
Ruby was almost on fire she was so angry. She almost forgot about the question floating around in her mind. “Silence, beast! Answer me this: why are you holding that dark purple demon captive!? Who is he!?” She demanded. For a strange reason, Yogg-Saron looked puzzled.
“Purple demon? I do not know what you're speaking of, dear Ruby. Perhaps you will find out soon enough... perhaps you won't. But I've wasted much of your valuable battle time with Hodir. I told your conscience to put up a... ah, what do you call it... PSI Counter before you were hit by his mace. When I let you go, Hodir will fly against a wall. Do what you must.” Yogg-Saron said. A portal of light appeared behind Ruby and started to suck her into it. “It's been a pleasure having this conversation. I'll see you soon... maybe.”
The portal sucked Ruby in completely and everything faded from white to black once again. The loud noises of the icicles falling and Hodir grunting came back to Ruby's ears slowly. Ruby opened her eyes as she saw Hodir flying across the room. He slammed against the wall as his icy rock mace broke into pieces.
“What? How is this possible? My... My mace... my... head... my... augh!! I can't... I can't see! Is someone there!?” Hodir struggled to get up. When he eventually got up on his feet, he put his hands on his head in pain. He barely opened his eyes, but enough to see the heroes. “You, there! Get this bastard out of me!! Beat his burning soul out of me! Just a little more!!” He pleaded. The heroes all looked at each other and nodded.
They all rushed toward Hodir with blazing speed. Berry aimed for his foot with both of her weapons to try and trip him.
“Weehoo! Trippin' giants should be my off-profession!” She yelled as she slammed both of her weapons into Hodir's ankle. Hodir yelled in pain as he lost balance in his left side. Screaming like a flightless bird falling out of a plane, Hodir started to fall onto Ruby.
Ruby chuckled. “So we're doing this strategy again, are we? Very well! PK FIRE OMEGA!”
A firebolt hit Hodir square in the chest as he was launched several yards in the air. He fell with a thud on the ground, breathing heavily. He started to chuckle.
“Heh... You're more... tough than you look.” He said panting. The heroes still had their weapons out. Cannon had three arrows pointed directly toward his legs... in particular, his knees.
“Ye done? Because if ye aren't, ye are going teh take an arrow to the knee.” Cannon said, smiling. Berry started to clap.
“Brilliant. Just... brilliant.” She said.
“I'm done. He's gone. Maybe you are the heroes I was promised.” He said. Ruby started to glow green.
“Let me fix you up, Hodir. PSI Lifeup Omega.” Ruby said. Hodir's wounds vanished and he started to get up. Seeing the giant smile as his head came up made the heroes hearts feel warm. He bowed in friendliness.
“Forgive me for my hostility, Yogg-Saron had taken me over completely.” He apologized.
“Don't worry 'bout that, dude! We're out to make sure that froggy dude pay his price.” Berry said, giving Hodir a thumbs-up and a wink.
Hodir chuckled and crossed his arms. “I believe you can do it, young ones. Unfortunately, you must go through my other comrades as well. Mimiron and Thorim have been taken over by him as well.” Hodir explained depressingly as he looked to the side.
“I know. We will free them all. Mimiron is next in line for that appointment.” Ruby said encouragingly.
Hodir smiled at her. “Please, you must free them, for the sake of the universe! Be careful with Mimiron, though. He's always been a little... out there.”
Ruby laughed. “Haha, well thank you for the tip! Come on, guys! The watcher of technology awaits!”
They all cheered in a battle cry as they charged to the exit on the other side of the room, Fluttershy struggling to keep up. She tripped on the icy floor and fell with an “oof”.
Hodir chuckled. “Aha! Are you okay, my dear?” He asked. Fluttershy got up and blushed.
“Oh yes... I'm fine, thank you...” She shyly said.
“If you don't mind me asking, where are you heroes from?” Hodir said, raising his eyebrows.
Fluttershy hesitated to answer. “Umm... Eq.. Equestria... the... umm... magical land... of... ponies.” She answered embarrassingly as she looked up at Hodir, who was smiling in disbelief.
“So I failed to defeat ponies? That's one for the books.” He said. “Well, be on your way, hero.” He smiled. Fluttershy nodded and ran off into the exit. When she was out of side, Hodir shook his head.
“Hmmph. Ponies.” He walked over to his icy throne chair, sat down and sighed.
“I like ponies.” He quietly muttered.
Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
After the evil Porky Minch was banished to a place where he would never get out, Equestria was safe. However, Ruby Black and Berry Punch, the saviors of Equestria, would have an even bigger problem to face, an power that was more evil than the most evil thing in the universe. An evil greater than Porky Minch, and more than 5 times as powerful.
In a world far away by the name of Azeroth, a dwarf with his pet were on the run, with a human along side him. They were running as fast as they could from the greatest evil in the universe. Behind them, trees were crashing and the earth quaked.
“OI! Carees, lad! Ye alright?” The dwarf called to his right.
“I'm fine! Our lady Jaina said she has prepared the portal to the unknown planet in the clearing ahead! Cannonbolt! Pack! Now!” Shouted the human.
“Aye! I'm on it!” Cannonbolt said, as his eyes grew to be like a tiger's. Suddenly, their feet started moving faster. Cannonbolt looked around.
“Oi! Cudds? Cuddles, are ye still with us!?” Cannonbolt shouted, looking behind him and around.
A spiked, green raptor came to his right and roared.
“There ye are! Ye scared me, Cudds! We're really in fer it this time, eh!?”
The raptor roared once more in agreement.
“Look, Cannon! There's the clearing!” Carees yelled and pointed ahead.
They both jumped into the clearing, there in the middle stood a female human, wielding a staff and holding a portal open. The ran up to her and stopped with a slide.
“Me lady! Thank ye fer all y--”
“Not now, Cannon! He draws closer! Go! I'll be fine! I hope the new world you two find will be able to fight Yogg-Saron. Don't let him destroy any more worlds!”
Behind them, trees flew left and right and the earth shook. A monstrous voice came from the forest.
“I AM HERE! BOW DOWN BEFORE THE GOD OF MADNESS AND DEMISE!”
Cuddles whimpered and hid behind Cannonbolt in fear.
“Go! No more time! Defeat Yogg-Saron in the new world! Don't mind me!” The mage said.
“She's right, Cannon. Let's go!”
Carees jumped in the portal. The monster grew closer, he was nearly in sight now.
“It be our turn, Cuddles! Jaina! Thank ye... and be careful, lass. I hope to see ye again.”
Cannonbolt grabbed Cuddles, still frozen with fear, and jumped in the portal. Jaina's energy faded, and the portal closed.
“Good luck, guys. Destroy him... for me...”.
Jaina fainted and dropped to the ground.
_____________________________________________________________________
“Goooood morning, sleepy head!” Berry Punch sang to her best friend, Ruby Black, as the sun rose. Ruby slowly opened her eyes with a groan, putting a hoof to her head.
“Aaaugh. What a nightmare.” Ruby said, negatively. Berry looked over to her friend.
“Nightmare? What about?”
“I... I don't know. I had a gigantic monster behind me, controlling me... making me hurt my friends. I saw two ponies I'd never met before in that dream, though. One of them had some kind of dinosaur by his side. Insane, I know.”
“Hmm, sounds like a good book plot if you ask me.” Berry said.
“I have that feeling again. That feeling something is upon us and must take action to stop it... again.”
“Hmm... well you do contain the ultimate power within you, so I wouldn't be surprised if that dream you had was a foreshadow to what we might be in for.” Berry said. She sounded worried.
“I sure hope not. I don't know... that thing behind me, whatever it was.... I can't even describe it.” Ruby shuddered.
“Well get out of bed and let's go get some breakfast and try to forget about it. Sugarcube Corner sound good?”
“Yeah, that's fine.”
Ruby hopped out of bed and walked off to Sugarcube Corner with Berry.
“How long has it been since Porky was banished? 7 months? Seems like it was only yesterday, don't cha think?” Berry asked along the way.
“Yeah it does. That was one heck of a ride for us.” Ruby said, remembering the moments of their adventure.
“I can't believe we pulled that off, but I'm very glad I had the best time in the world with you! I'm also glad I got to witness one of the greatest ass-kickings of all time.”
“Awww, couldn't have done it if you didn't save me. You played just a big a role as I did.” Ruby said, cutely.
“Aww, shucks. It just proves we can overcome anything by working together as friends.” Berry said, blushing. “Speaking of which, that dream you told me about made me start thinking if we're bound to have an even greater adventure soon!”
“I dunno, Berr. Maybe. Ya never know.” Ruby shrugged.
“Well, we can do whatever is needed, as long as we work together, right?” Berry asked confidently.
“Yep. The challenge would be sticking together, though.” Ruby explained to Berry.
“Awww, it wouldn't be a problem. Ah, here we are! Time for some ridiculously unhealthy and amazing food.”
Ruby smiled.
“Yeah, maybe Pinkie's food will take my mind off this.”
____________________________________________________________________
Cannonbolt and Carees were unconscious in the middle of a forest after their escape. They both awoke at the same time.
“Oi, me head... where are we?” Cannonbolt looked at his new hooves. “Carees, lad? What 'ave we been turned into?”
Carees looked at himself and then at Cannonbolt.
“I... I don't know, Cannon. Well, judging by our appearance, we seem to be... horses?” Carees had his 'I'm thinking don't disturb me' face on.
“So many questions, so little time. Waaaait.... oh no! Where's me beard? By all that is holy WHERE'S CUDDLES?” Cannonbolt's face was frozen with fear for a brief moment. A roar came from the trees above them. Frantically, they looked up to see the green raptor tangled in tree limbs.
“Oh, thank the light... ye scared me, lad! Whew!” Cannon let out a sigh of relief as Cuddles fell on top of him from above.
“Oi! Why couldn't ye be a wee smaller?”
Cuddles growled and whimpered as he got off the new stallion. As Cannonbolt looked straight ahead into Carees' eyes, he noticed something: Hey could look directly into Carees' eyes!
“Oh!... Oh yes! Finally! My dream has finally come true!” Cannon jumped into the air and landed on his face, still struggling with walking, though Carees' seemed to be learning rather quickly.
“What dream might that be, may I ask?” Carees' asked as he looked at Cannon with a skeptical look.
“I'm tall! I'm as tall as you are, lad! This is great!” Cannonbolt looked over to see his backpack, which had become a saddlebag. On top of it were a a rather long sword, a bow that looked like nature itself formed it, and a glowing red hammer.
“'Ey! Our weapons!” Cannon said as he rushed over, with Carees' slowly following.
“I was hoping they'd make it. Can't fight without Sulfurus.” Carees' said as he picked up the hammer.
“Aye, Rok'Delar and Thunderfury made it as well! It will probably take some time to get to use 'em in this world we be in, though.”
“Well, only thing left ta do is find the nearest town or city... oi! Be that a path over there?” Cannonbolt said as he pointed behind Carees.
“Hmmm... it seems to be. But which way?” Carees looked far down the left and far down the right but there was nothing but there was nothing but forest.
Cuddles sniffed the ground and looked up and to the left. He made a noise quietly and jumped facing left.
“Have ye sniffed something out, laddie?” Cannon asked his pet.
Cuddles nodded his head, anxious to go the direction.
“Well, then! Lead the way!”
The two stallions started to walk down the path to the left, following the raptor and hopefully getting out before dark.
______________________________________________________________________
“Ah, that hit the spot!” Berry said as she walked out of Sugarcube Corner with Ruby.
Ruby moaned “I think I had one too many pancakes...”.
“You can never have too many pancakes, silly.”
“I bet to differ. My stomach feels like it--”
For some reason, Ruby stopped dead in her tracks with a surprised expression stuck to her face.
Berry turned toward her friend. “Feels like what? Ruby? Helloooooo?” Berry waved her hoof in front of Ruby, but she didn't move.
A voice only Ruby could hear whispered in her ear with a dark, echoing voice.
Forest entrance... Raptor... Hammer...
“RUBY!”
Ruby blinked and flinched. “Ah!”
“What was that, Rubes? You just... stopped. Are you okay?” Berry became concerned. Ruby was looking down.
“Forest...” she whispered.
“Excuse me? Forest? I don't follow.”
“The forest. We gotta go to the edge of the forest. Now.” Ruby had a serious face on her.
“The forest? The Everfree Forest? Why?” Berry scratched her head.
Ruby replied softly. “I... I don't know. Something... maybe... I think... might be there for us.”
“Umm... okay... maybe you did have too many pancakes.” Berry gave her an unsure look.
“Something told me we have to do something there... c'mon this could be important.”
“Important, huh? Well, if you say so, but if there's nothing there and nothing comes I'm officially never letting you eat pancakes ever again.”
They started to head off to the forest, completely unaware of just who they were about to meet.
Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
XT-002 Friendship Destructionator
“Ruby! Don't do it!” Berry yelled as she ran down the hall of the broken down Pigmask base.
Ruby was already at the bottom room below the elevator though, where Frostmourne lay before her very eyes. “Haha! This is it, Ruby! You finally get your weapon!”
She put her hooves on the sword, and before lifting it, she thought. Did she really want to do this? Yes. Yes she did.
The elevator behind her began to lower to the floor she was on. It was time to pull Frostmourne from the ground.
She pulled it.
The ground trembled as the sword was picked up. The elevator reached the level of Ruby, and all of her partners came rushing in and gasped as they saw the red mare with Frostmourne in her hooves.
“No!” Carees yelled. “Ruby!... You... you...!” He was struggling to say it.
“Amazing, hot swordsman? I know. I like it's beauty as well. It will--”
Carees let loose. “No! You... you... idiot! Imbecile! Do you know what you have caused!? This is horrible! If when Berry pulled Shadowmourne released an army of iron, what the hell made you think this was safe!? GAH!”
Ruby flinched and started to tear up. “But... honey...”
Carees snapped at her. “Don't call me that! Who knows what the hell you released! I'm so disappointed in you I could... I don't even know! You--”
The ground rumbled as it interrupted Carees' rant. A high pitched screech of a voice was heard outside.
“TOY TIIIIME!”
Carees had a blank expression. “I was thinking of just yelling at you, but now that I hear what you just awoke, I'm going to bloody kill you when we get back home.”
Berry shoved Carees. “Well what is it!? And why are we just sitting here!?”
Carees sighed. “It's the XT-002 Destructionator... I hate that thing. But what's weird is, someone has to be driving it. Guess we'll find out soon enough! Let's go before it demolishes all of the town! It's called the Destructionator for a reason.”
Ruby had tears down her cheeks. Carees turned around. “If you're coming, come. Otherwise stay out of the way!”
Ruby stood still in astonishment at what just happened. This blade caused her the opposite of what happened. She stood there, still, as her “friends” went on up the elevator to battle the Destructionator. How? Algalon said Frostmourne was the key, and he calculates everything correctly! Ruby sat there, dumbstruck, trying to figure it all out.
_____________________________________________________________________
“What in the name of Hell is THAT!?” Berry gasped as she saw the biggest mechanical beast of her life heading toward town.
“That's the enabled machine by the name of the XT-002 Destructionator. It really does live up to it's name.”
Cannonbolt looked over to Berry. “Oi! Now that Ruby ain't helpin' us in this battle, are ye actually gonna work together with us?”
“You bet! I can't be partnered with that mare. All she does is boast now.”
“Ye do a lot of greedy attention grabbing as well, don't ye ferget! But that be not important now. What be important is HOW ARE WE GONNA CATCH UP TO THAT THING!?”
Berry smiled. “I know a trick. Grab on to me!”
The ponies attached themselves to Berry. “PK Teleport Beta!”
That's just what happened. The ponies vanished and reappeared at the entrance to Maneside City, where they gazed in awe at the behemoth before them. As screams went off during the city, the Destructionator grew closer until it was on the streets. With one single blow, the robot completely obliterated a building, and the shock wave damaged structures around it.
“We just to eliminate the core of it and it's over!” Carees yelled.
“Easier said than done!” Yelled Berry. XT-002 stopped and saw them. Whoever was driving wanted them dead. It focused in their direction and smashed the ground and yelled “WEEEE!”
The shockwave made the 4 ponies fly up in the air. They landed harshly on the ground with a big thud.
“Augh! This thing is impossible! Who's driving!?” Berry yelled.
XT-002 walked with earthquakes over to them. The ground shook so much they couldn't move out of it's way. They were helpless. The beast stopped moving in front of them as a loudspeaker ejected from it's mouth.
“Well if it isn't miss Brat-that-screwed-up-my-plans! How are you, my dearie? Oh, wait! I know the answer! MISERABLE! Nwehehehehehe!”
They all looked at Berry, who had a disbelieved look on her. “...Are you bucking KIDDING ME!? YOU!? Of all the ponies I don't want controlling a hostile robot, YOU are at the top of the list!”
Cannonbolt looked at Berry. “Berry.... who be this fool?”
“Fool, you say? You are the ones underneath my big, robotic feet! It is time for Fassad's revenge!”
The ugly stallion slammed the foot of the Destructionator into the ground, crumbling a nearby building. What could they do? The Destructionator was too much for them.
“Fassad has been taken in by lord Yogg-Saron himself! Fassad will use the power of Yogg-Saron to destroy Nwe-sayers against Fassad! Fassad will take his pride and destroy the child that ruined my Master Porky's plans! Die! And let your death be heard across the world! Nwehehehehehe!”
XT-002 hit the ground once more and sent them flying.
Berry looked to her partners. “I don't know what we can do.... wait. Where's Fluttershy!?”
All of them looked around. Fluttershy was nowhere to be found. Had she fled? Or did she go to help the others? Or worse, had she been crushed by the giant machine!?
Carees smiled. “I know where she is.”
Berry glanced over to him. “Where!?”
ROOOOOOOOOAR!
“Right there.”
Berry turned around as her heart sank. “Oh my Celestia...”
A zombie-like Razorscale came dive bombing in and fired a fireball at XT-002's left arm.
Fassad screamed. “OH MY PORK! NWE!”
It was a direct hit. The arm flew off in a fiery explosion. Razorscale flew around and made a u-turn back toward the Destructionator, proceeding to fire another fireball. This time, it hit the right arm. The arm fell off and made a thud to the ground.
“NWE! Impossichievable! I'm Fassad, in a giant robot no less!”
Razorscale flew in once more. This time, instead of a fireball, Razorscale was going to wing tackle Fassad.
SLAM!
XT-002 fell backwards and crashed on the ground. “Fassad isn't done with you ponies! Fassad will return yet again!” yelled Fassad a final time. Razorscale charged up a huge fireball and aimed for XT-002. When Razorscale fired, the giant flaming ball of pure death was almost too bright to look at. It seemed as if the fire slowed more and more down as it got closer. One final tremor was had in the battle. XT-002 was completely demolished in a sun-bright explosion. The blast was so powerful, it knocked back the 3 ponies and a raptor at least 10 yards. As the blast cleared up, Razorscale had disappeared, and all that was in front of the flaming mess that was once XT-002 Destructionator was Fluttershy, with the angriest looking face anypony could imagine. They all gaped in awe at Fluttershy, who walked up to them and said only one thing. “I hate Pigmasks.”
Soon after, their last “partner” came sprinting down street with Frostmourne in her hooves.
“Oh, no!” She gasped as she dropped the weapon. At least seven buildings had been destroyed and a couple other were on fire. Her gasp made the other ponies turn around to notice her. Even Fluttershy was staring at her with an angry face. Carees and Berry were the ones to walk up to her. Carees spoke first, if you could call it speaking.
“Look what you have done! Why in the name of Arthas did you pull that!?”
“I was... told to...” Ruby shyly answered.
Carees was completely outraged. This was the first time in his life he had been so angry. “BY WHO!? Your “conscience”? Berry was understandable because she wasn't used to this kind of experience, but YOU! You saw this coming! What was your goal, to show up your “ex-friend”!? IS THAT WHY!?”
Ruby was crying again. “I... I'm sorry!”
“You should be. Innocent lives, probably wasted because you wanted a weapon equal or greater than your 'rival'! She's your friend--”
“No I'm not.” Interrupted Berry.
“Berry, shut the HELL up, you aren't helping.” Carees snapped.
Berry flinched. “Geez, Carees, I've never seen you like this...”
“You wouldn't have if somebody took the time to actually THINK for five minutes!”
“I'm... I'm sorry! I thought this blade would help...” Ruby said. She was bawling her eyes out.
“HELP!? Is this what you call help!? Destroying your own city!? You call yourself a hero and you act like a villain! Both of you! You're both just being power-greedy, attention wanting snobs!” Carees spat as he spoke.
“Heeeey!” Berry said.
Out of the blue, Carees took Ruby's face and kissed her.
“Y-- you're angry at me though... why'd you do that?”
Carees said a statement that would haunt Ruby forever. “I did that, Miss Hero, because I know you like it, and it's the last damn one you're getting from me!”
From behind, Berry squinted. “Ooooo, that hurts.”
Ruby exploded with sadness. “What!? Nononono! Please, don't leave me! You're all I have!” She jumped to his feet, pleading.
“If this is how you're going to act, I don't want to be around you. If you're going to be a hero, you got to act like a hero. Right now, you and Berry both are acting like nincompoops!”
“No! NOO-ho-ho!” Ruby cried. She hit the concrete sidewalk and didn't get up. Carees started to walk away.
“I'm sorry, Ruby. Not for you, though. For me. This is not how a team acts.” Carees turned back around and went over to Fluttershy. “I'm sorry to ask this at this time, Fluttershy, but may I stay over at your place tonight? I just...” Carees trailed off.
Fluttershy put her hoof on his shoulder. “I... I get it. S-- sure. Anything for you.” She said shyly.
Cannonbolt interrupted. “... Do ye think Cuddles and I can join ye? Sorry teh ask ye...”
Fluttershy couldn't help but say yes. “S... sure. You guys make me feel safer...”
Berry had just noticed what Cannon ask. “Wait, WHAT!? Cannon... you don't mean...?”
Cannon nodded. “I may not be a one teh speak up, but I got me say in things. An' I say you gotta clean up yer act if yer gonna be 'round me! I stick with my true partners, not me girl partners.”
“But... whose going to be my drinking buddy?” Berry asked.
“Ye just are gonna have ta find another.” Cannon replied, turning away. “Let's go, team.”
Ruby lifted her head up to see them walk off. Tears were streaming like a volcano out of her eyes. Both Berry and Ruby had their weapons in their hooves. Berry had an expressionless face on her that strangely was also full of sadness and anger. Berry couldn't take it anymore and broke.
“DAMMIT!” She yelled, throwing Shadowmourne on the ground. The axe split a sidewalk tile. She stared at the ground, panting in anger.
Ruby lowered her head into her hooves again. “Why? Why is this happening to me?” she asked herself.
Berry remembered that Ruby was right behind her and made a very, VERY frustrated face. She turned around and groaned. “Yoooouuuu...”
Ruby looked up with a high pitched “huh?”
“Yoooouuu! You are the cause of this! You didn't just cause Maneside damage, you've killed our social lives! The only things that made us happy! YOU RUINED THEM!”
“Me!? You're the one who picked up the stupid axe in the first place! That set off everything!” Ruby angrily rebutted.
“How was I suppose to know that!?”
“You couldn't, because you were too busy trying to be better than me!”
“I wanted to be equal with you, not better! I just wanted the praise I deserve, but YOU were too busy being a show-off jerk!”
“Was not!”
“Was too!”
“Was NOT!”
“Was TOO!”
“Ass!”
“Whore!”
“Shithead!”
“Cum guzzler!”
“At least I'm not an alcoholic!”
“At least I didn't suck my boyfriend's dick all day before he totally OWNED me!”
Ruby gasped. “That's too far! Take that back!”
“Only if you take everything you said back.”
“What!? No!”
“Then you will remain a whore to me.”
“Nnngh! That's it!”
“That's what? You give up?”
“No, dumbass.”
Berry was confused. “Then what?”
“Later today. Two PM. Forest clearing. Battle. No magic.”
“Ohoho! Finally seeing this in a way that will benefit one of us, now are you?”
“Yes. Bring Shadowmourne. I bring Frostmourne. Tomorrow we settle this. Let's just see if you really are equal to my strength!”
“Challenge accepted.”
“No dirty tricks.” Ruby stuck her hoof out for a shake.
“No tricks.” Berry shook her hoof. They both squeezed with all of their might.
Time to get training. It was four AM. It was time to get training with their weapons. It was going to be a horrible battle, and Cuddles couldn't wait to run to Fluttershy's to tell them all about what he heard behind the mailbox.
Ponycraft: The Maw of Insanity
The heroes came to a grinding halt as they stared at the monsters before them in the room. The stared at them with a cold, hard stare. The human-like one spoke to them first.
“Ahhh! Welcome, adventurers! We are the Iron Council. A pleasure to be killing you today!” the being bowed.
Berry laughed. “Haha! You honestly think you are going to beat US? Pshhh! You can't hope to stop the prophesied heroes!”
The dwarf spoke next. “Prophesied? The only thing prophesied here is yer dead body!”
“We are here to save this world and others like it! Nothing will get in our way!” Ruby shouted. A giant metal behemoth slammed his foot on the ground in front of them.
“Nothing? I doubt that! Get ready to be crushed by Steelbreaker and the Iron Council!”
“No more time shall be wasted! Go! Go!” Ruby yelled as they all spread out. Fluttershy and Cuddles headed toward the Stormcaller, Ruby and Cannon ran for the Vrykul, and Carees and Berry charged toward the iron bulk.
The Stormcaller grabbed out an electrified staff. “Whether the world's greatest gnats, or the world's greatest heroes, ye still only mortal!” He shouted as electricity shot out of his staff. Fluttershy quickly held up one of her Slayers of the Lifeless and absorbed the most of it. She shivered for a second but got back up. As she charged at the Stormcaller, the Dwarf focused lightning again. Fluttershy smiled as Cuddles sneaked up behind the dwarf and pummeled his back with his iron hard tail.
The Vrykul grabbed out a fancy iron sword and shield. “Decipher this! Death is the prize of your arrogance!” He yelled as 3 arrows were shot toward him. He quickly held up his shield and blocked them.
“PSI Shield Omega!” Ruby shouted. Her partners were enveloped in a light. As the Vrykul struck down, the shield blocked the force and pushed him back.
“PK Fire Gamma!” Shouted the black and red mare. A fire bolt hit the iron Vrykul and sent him flying. He quickly got up.
“Hah! If you think that's enough, you're wrong. Nothing short of total decimation will suffice for this battle!”
Steelbreaker slammed his fist into his palm. “YOU SEEK THE SECRETS OF ULDUAR? THEN TAKE THEM!!” The behemoth yelled as Carees and Berry zig-zagged toward the giant. The giant slammed his fist into the ground to hit them, but missed. Carees went under him.
Berry laughed. “Hahaha! Falling for the same trick, I see!”
She quickly ran up his arm as Steelbreaker tried to brush her off. The giant struggled as Berry climbed the massive beast.
“I feel like I'm in Shadow of the Colossus! Duh-nu-nu nu NA na na nu!” She sang the song “Revived Power” as she climbed behind his neck.
“GET OFF OF ME, TINY MORTAL!” Steelbreaker yelled as he reached for Berry, who was flawlessly dodging his arms. Berry grunted the notes of Revived Power as she slashed at his neck with Shadowmourne and Frostmourne, only to hear a “clink”.
“Oh yeah, you're made of iron... shit... Wander I'm a disgrace to you, I don't deserve to play your game!” She joked as she jumped off the giant.
“AHAHAHA! YOU SHALL SOON KNOW THE PRICE OF YOUR MISPLACED BRAVERY!” The giant yelled. A fireball hit the back of Steelbreaker's head, throwing him off balance. He tripped on his own foot and fell as he saw Carees with Sulfuras pointed to him.
_______________________________________________________________________
“Let storm clouds come, and rain down death from above!” The Stormcaller chanted as he was lifted statically into a cloud. Electric shocks started to erupt from the cloud. Fluttershy and Cuddles zig-zagged around, avoiding the electricity. Fluttershy jumped up with all the energy she could muster and slammed the dwarf with both of her Slayers of the Lifeless. The Stormcaller fell to the ground, and was then combo hit by Cuddles' tail. Fluttershy held one of her Slayers in a stabbing like stance with both hands. The Stormcaller hit the sword with incredible force. The iron dwarf was split into three pieces and it's blue like glow faded.
Fluttershy and Cuddles instantly turned left and dashed to go help with the Vrykul.
Ruby flew against a wall, her cheek bleeding. She looked up to see a Vrykul coming straight toward her. Fluttershy came from the right and slammed the Vrykul.
“Your future is dark! Useless fleshlings!” The Vrykul shouted. Ruby prepared a PK Fire Omega.
“Your are no less doomed, mortals!” The Vrykul shouted as a blast of intense fire melted the Vrykul instantly. They lost balance as a small tremor shook the ground. Steelbreaker was wailing about.
“THIS MEETING OF THE ESSEMBLY OF IRON IS ADJOURNED!” Steelbreaker shouted.
They all rushed toward the giant. They were circling and climbing him while Ruby shot PK Fires from the distance. Steelbreaker was finished, and he knew it. He purposely tripped on the ground.
“My death only... only hastens... your demise!” The giant said more softly.
Ruby glanced at Berry. “Now, Berry!”
Berry nodded and pointed the Mourning weapons to the sky. The swirling mist came out of the weapons and absorbed the giant.
“Yogg-Saron will fail at the hands of us!” Berry shouted as she released the giant in a bright flash. The giant was gone, the Vrykul was melted, and the dwarf in three.
They all cheered, except for Fluttershy.
“Fluttershy, girl! C'mon victory scream with us!” Berry encouraged.
“No... Look!” Fluttershy pointed up. As the all looked up, the took as step back and flinched. A horrible, soul like being floated above them. The being was merely a floating glob of unidentified, purple mist. The creature had a mouth on the front of it. The demon opened it's mouth to reveal a soul piercing eye.
“What is THAT!?” Berry yelled and pointed.
The monster groaned in impatience and turned around. A black hole like portal started to appear before him. He looked back one final time and looked at them.
“...Beware. Beware the sun goddess...” The demon whispered. He proceeded to turn and fly into the black hole.
“Hey, wait!” Ruby shouted at him. The demon was already in the portal and it was closing.
“The sun goddess lurks...” A echo-like deep voice came from the portal. It closed without another word.
Fluttershy was shaking. “W-w-well, that's enough Ulduar for me today!” She tried to excuse herself.
Berry shook her head. “Ain't no going back now, Flutty. We are gonna finish what Yogg started.”
Ruby shook her head. “That's not what's bothering me. That... that demon. What he say? “Beware the sun goddess? What was he talking about. He only appeared after we defeated Steelbreaker... hmm...”
Carees pondered. “Maybe this “sun goddess” has a lot to do with Yogg-Saron...”
“Be impossible, though! What a sun goddess be interferin' with this all fer? No reason! We just gotta get Yogg-Saron, and it be done! No sun goddess battle required!” Cannon countered.
Berry crossed her arms. “The only sun goddess I know is... oh what's her name... she's from a video game I know about ancient Manese ponies...”
“Manese? That's a thing?” Ruby asked her.
“... I can't remember. Her name was, like, shortened to Ommy or somethin'. But that's just mythology anyways.” Berry answered.
“That couldn't be what that demon was talking about, was it?” Ruby asked.
“Highly doubt it. She be from a video game. Last time I checked, demons don't play them video games.” Cannon responded.
“Hmm? What demon be ye all talkin' about? Oh, and GOOD SHOW, LADDIES!” Brann said from behind them. He had just overheard the end of their conversation as he walked in the big opening of a door.
“After Steelbreaker was defeated, a purple demon with an eye directly in it's mouth appeared before us. It's voice was ridiculously low and echo-like.” Ruby explained.
“Hmm...” Brann scratched his head. “Can't say I know a demon like that.” He shrugged. “You said his voice was low, right? So that means he talked. What the demon say?”
“Beware the sun goddess. Got no leads on that crap.” Berry groaned and rolled her eyes as she said it.
“Interesting, I be saving that talk fer later though. Look behind ye!” Brann pointed.
They quickly turned to see a beautiful door. It was decorated with lights, lights, and more lights. As they walked up to it, they started to notice it was as big as a four story building. There was an odd machine at the bottom of the door, sparkling with big buttons.
“Aye, take but a second.” Brann said as he started to fiddle with the machine. He punched in buttons left and right. “That should be... it!” he said as he punched one final button. The door started to shake, and sand of mystery came crashing into their faces as the door started to sink into the ground. A light came out of the top in a ray of beauty. They were all anxious to see what lay behind the door.
The sand stopped spraying in their face and they wiped it from their eyes. Looking up, they saw something they couldn't comprehend. The beauty of the room that lay before them was unimaginable. Incomprehensible to even the great mind of Ruby. Their eyes glittered at they attempted to grasp that what they were seeing was really there.
The artful room had three shining heads on the sides, made out of a golden substance that sparkled wonderfully. It looked as though it had no floor, and the atmosphere around it made it seem like they had lifted into space. It felt as though it had no floor, either. They were walking on nothing toward the machine at the other side of the room, where Brann had already began to mess with it.
“Just put this there... put this around that... wrap that around that doohickey... and there!” He said. The black lines on the faces started to light up. One opened it's mouth. It had a speaker in it.
“Welcome, Brann Bronzebeard. Querry?” the middle one said.
“Querry!? What do ye think I'm here for, tea and biscuits? Spill the beans! How do we defeat Yogg-Saron! That's why we're here!” Brann shouted.
The left one opened it's mouth. “Acknowledged. Yogg-Saron is the emperor of all insanity...” A hologram appeared in the middle of the room, startling the heroes. “He is one of the most powerful Old Gods, next to his brother, C'thun. His power drove himself insane, which lead to goals of universal domination. He sends his minions after his biggest threat. Current targets are: Giygas, Berry Punch.”
Berry rolled her eyes. “Well that explains THAT!”
The left one continued. “How to defeat Yogg-Saron is difficult. One way only is available. You must free the Watchers.”
Brann shrugged. “Watchers... could ye be less cryptic ye confounded machine!?”
“Watchers. Section 146.2. Watchers have been taken by Yogg-Saron's insanity. First watcher: Freya.” A hologram of a human like figure in a dress replaced Yogg-Saron. “Watcher of nature. Corrupted after many forests were burned down in Northrend.”
“That's horrible!” Fluttershy gasped.
The head continued. “Hodir is the Watcher of ice and winter.” A hologram of a very buff human with a mace appeared. “Corrupted after dragons burnt Northrend's icy caves.”
“The next watcher is Mimiron, the Watcher of technology.” A picture of a robot gnome appeared before them. “Was corrupted when Yami spread darkness across ancient Earth with technology.”
Ruby paused. “Yami? Hmm...”
“The last watcher is Thorim, watcher of lightning.” A hologram of another human like figure holding a sparking hammer appeared. “When the now absent watcher Tyr was transformed by Yogg-Saron's madness, he conceded to the beast. When these watchers are freed, Yogg-Saron will be vulnerable.” The hologram disappeared.
“So all we got to do is snap these four “watchers” out of it and Yogg-Saron will be exposed? Easy concept, at least.” Ruby said.
“Correct. The first watcher, Freya, is just beyond the Government Halls. We wish you a good future. Farewell, Brann Bronzebeard. Session terminated.”
The lights of the faces faded. Brann crossed his arms in mystery.
“That road be too dangerous for me, laddies. I am to have me team excavate anything around these halls. The rest must be up to ye lads.”
The heroes nodded.
“Of course, Brann. Hopefully you find a lot of neat things worth mentioning. Hopefully, I'll catch you later.” Carees said.
Brann chuckled. “I hope I see ye all, too. May the ale of life give ye strength.”
Berry laughed. “I'll happily take that blessing!”
Ruby grabbed her by the ear. “C'mon, doofus. We got a universe to save.”
They all headed out of the beautiful room. A mysterious purple being watched from the top corner of the government room. The misty creature opened it's mouth, revealing it's yellow eye.
“Yes. You do have a universe to save... please... do so. I'm counting on you... heheh...” The creature whispered to itself. It turned around without a soul noticing and vanished into the portal. The heroes were ready to save the universe, but what of that demon? It still worried Ruby. What could it be planning? But there was no time for wondering. It was time to save the Watchers and defeat a god.
