My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic belongs to Hasbro

Dark Souls belongs to From Software

Kindle the Bonfire

Chapter 16

By: sirhim11

The soft, black sprite felt warm in my hand. It moved on its own but only in the form of wisps, not trying to run away or avoid its fate. The humanity was a soft as a feathered pillow, warm like the feel of a home, and made me feel safe. I slowly squeezed the sprite until whatever held it together fell away, only leaving whatever was left. I absorbed it; feeling more human, more alive. I then rested at the bonfire: my home. I recalled all the terrible days, and the few good ones. I recalled those who I had lost and those who I had gained as friends.

I remembered opening up to them before the city on our journey here. What was it called? Trottingham? That wasn't important. What was important was what I said. I told them that they felt like family, something so naïve and foolish to say so early on. Yet, when I reflected upon my actions, it seemed perfectly normal at the time. I did not understand this equine magic, but it brought out the best in people. Perhaps that was why the six of them were named the Elements of Harmony. All of this was too complex for me to digest now, but I was still intrigued. Simply being around the ponies did this to me, what could their magic do?

Lawrence…

I looked up, finding Discord before me. Why was he in my thoughts again?

You know that not all of us will make it out alive here. In order to retain the fabric of reality, the Elements must take priority.

I nodded in understanding.

The captain of the guard is expendable, and even…

He struggled to finish his thought.

…The princesses if necessary.

I again nodded, wondering if there was history between them and Discord.

There is, but that isn't important at the moment. Remember what I said, do not forget.

I nodded once more and sat in silence. The princesses were speaking with the six young ponies at the moment and the captain, Shining Armor, was checking the barricade. We had fled to the absolute top of the tower, where the two princesses slept. I was curious as to why a bonfire was here, but thought of it as a blessing. I kindled the bonfire, making the flame powerful and prominent. I felt safe for a spare moment; a moment to be cherished by all undead, because it never lasted long. Soon enough there was roaring, and the barricade shook from the force of a blow. I stood up, drawing my Demon Great Machete and readied my Balder Shield. The others cast spells of all kinds, encircling them and the floor around them. The barricade shook again, more roaring came. I steadied my breathing, anticipating the fight.

Then something interesting happened, the roaring behind the door became less fierce, as if there were fewer demons there. Soon the shaking on the barricade ceased all together and only silence remained. What were they playing at? Princess Celestia approached the door and removed some of the materials blocking the entrance.

"Nothing is on the other side" she said.

"Why would they leave?" asked Shining. We looked at each other in puzzlement. I lowered my shield, and felt the ground under me give way! The entire room shifted, causing all those who couldn't fly to topple over. I sprang up as best I could and ran to the balcony, the room jerking from side to side as I went. Looks of shock grew on everyone's face as they theorized the cause of it. I made it to the balcony and looked down, finding the gargantuan Taurus Demon demolishing the spire we resided on!

"Everyone out!" I yelled over the sound of cracking stone and rubble. The equines were now overcome with fear. Those who could lift one another did so and bolted out the opening I was at. Fluttershy held Rarity, Rainbow Dash held Applejack, Princess Celestia carried Pinkie Pie, Princess Luna held Twilight Sparkle, and Discord held Shining Armor. They flew out one by one until only I remained. This fact came to me late, and as it revealed itself to me, the spire began to fall. My eyes widened, and I clung to the balcony ledge in dire hope of survival.

I looked back and saw the bonfire go out; I looked forward and saw the Taurus Demon below me. In a split second, I decided on my action. I climbed out of the room as best I could and launched myself directly at the demon that caused so much pain, so much death, and so much fear. On my descent, I cast Power Within. I then pulled out a Talisman which I had been saving and cast the Darkmoon Blade, a gift from an old friend. I two-handed my massive weapon and roared at the beast below me. The demon roared back. My blade, shining in the sun collided with the demon's head, and so did I.

The force of the impact pulverized my internal organs. My blade was fully embedded in the hell-spawn's skull, so fortunately I wasn't impaled by it. In my last moments I thought again on how much it hurt for your organs to expire before your brain as the massive form of the demon fell, and then all was blackness.

I woke up outside of the city again. I shook my head, having recovered from a particularly nasty death. I looked up at my handiwork, and saw the massive form of the demon fall off the side of the castle, off the side of the mountain, and hit the earth below. I then received a MASSIVE amount of souls, which meant that the thing only died when it hit the ground. I looked at my Demon Great Machete, which had snapped in two.

"Dandy" I said as I rested at the bonfire before me. This time I pulled out a Greatsword. Hopefully this one wouldn't break. Remembering my promise to Twilight, I allowed the souls trapped by the demon to pass through me into the bonfire, and into the afterlife. I felt strong, very strong. It seemed that Spike had left a gift for me. I silently thanked him as I reflected on this whole journey. It wasn't over yet, but my quest was complete. I felt content, but the moment didn't last. Again I remembered the origin of the undead and the demons. The ponies said that they came from Lordran, which meant that something was wrong.

I needed to finish saving Equestria and go there as soon as possible. Before I could do anything, Princess Luna landed before me with a look of intent in her eyes.

"Lawrence of the Undead, I witnessed thou cast the Darkmoon Blade! Only the servants of Gwendolyn may use such a spell! Thou must be one, tell me the whereabouts out your leader immediately!"

"W-what?" I was shocked. How did she know who Gwendolyn was? How did she know the name of that spell? How did she know I was his servant?

You shouldn't lie to someone who can read your thoughts, you know…

Discord!

You told her, didn't you!

What? No I didn't! You told me that you were in the Princess's Guard and I just wanted you to know that I knew that you lied!

"Answer me, undead!" Luna shouted.

Someone's in trouble…

"Now hold on!" I began, "I can explain, just stop interrupting!"

"Lawrence!" cried the Elements of Harmony as the tackled me once more. Princess Celestia landed next to her sister with a look of shock on her face.

"Sister, he used Gwendolyn's spell!"

"I know, but he will not respond! I believe that he is an imposter!"

"No!" I replied, struggling to get up from the hugs. Having no poise was awful against such attacks.

"I came on assignment to check on your country! I wasn't given any information because I doubt I would have believed in an equine race before then! That is all! He said that he had lost connection with you a while back and needed to know your condition!" The Princesses were still leery of my explanation, but it was the truth!

"He doesn't lie, your highness" Discord said seriously. Luna softened slightly, but still looked terrifying in her armor.

"You were falling and we were like 'OH NO!' and you dove at the demon and cast the spells and we were like 'OHMYGOSHOHMYGOSHOHMYGOSH!' and when you hit I swear a shockwave of pure stupendousness exploded on the monster's head and we all gasped! And then we were like 'WHERE DID HE GO?' and then, and then, and-" Pinkie Pie said, turning a bit blue in the face. I laughed, truly and heartily. It was a great day to be sane. Twilight caught my attention, a look of hope in her eyes.

"Spike?" she said softly, avoiding the attention of the celebrating equines. I nodded, and he face lit up. Shining came up and had a look of concern.

"The demons; they're running this way!" I nodded, hefting my gigantic sword.

"There's no end to them, is there?" asked Rarity. I turned to her.

"This is the only way that they can run from. You all help the citizens – I will take care of the creatures." I was met with looks of shock and worry.

"We can't just leave you hear!" Rainbow said, "You're one of us!"

"They need protecting. Besides, this is a perfect time to collect souls. Even if I die, I have a purpose and I will not go hollow so long as I keep to that purpose." I said. Discord nodded.

"I have seen humans do this before" he said, "His mind is made up. Nothing will move him." This of course pulled at my curiosity, but I saved the question for a later date. One last look of hesitation from my friends was given before they flew away. I sat down at the bonfire and reversed my hollowing. I then kindled the bonfire one last time. As the demons got closer, the flame faded and the light it cast went out.

The undead named Lawrence of Anor Londo stood up and readied for his fight. He walked away from his home with the full intention to protect it. The bones that sat in the embers, coated in ash, stayed warm. The old rusted sword, half buried in the pile, stayed upright. The ghosts of heroes like Lawrence could be seen, standing before the fire awaiting the oncoming enemy. Millions of different worlds could be seen, one of which was the world of a fire-keeper. She too stood ready to defend her home. Bartholomew of Firelink Shrine could be seen casting lightning bolts. Lawrence of Anor Londo used Power Within and Darkmoon Blade. A pyromancer tapped into the chaos of his soul, enhanced by Discord who was at his side.

The sound of clashing blades, roars, screams, and death filled the air in these worlds. Battle was waged at every single one; for the Equestrians; for the Griffons, for the Dogs, for the Dragons, for the Zebras, and for Lordran. One city was becoming safer out of hundreds. The embers of the bonfire were dim; they seemed to be nearly out. The flame, nearly faded, became smaller and smaller. That is, until a hero sat down, and decided to Kindle the Bonfire.