"traitor..."
Heartglass soars silently onward over the murky blue abyss. The voices were getting stronger. It had began a few months ago - then barely a murmer, easily passed of as the whispering of the wind or rustling of leaves - but they gradually became more tangible. Like the ethereal mycelium of some black and tainted fungus, they were burrowing into his mind, taking hold, growing stronger as they fed off of her spirit. So far, he had been able to keep them at bay by immersing herself in violent conflict. Caked in the blood of villains and surging with adrenaline, serving violent justice provided an escape from the constant tugging sensation of guilt in the back of her mind. But it was no use anymore. Nothing stopped it.
"the pilsner...."
One thing kept resurfacing. The Pilsner of Heindunkle. A legendary brew said to take one thousand years to mature, containing immense magical power and incredibly full-bodied with only one hundred calories. Heartglass felt inexplicably drawn to its location. It must be the cure to this torment, and she must find it, or die trying.
"Excuse me, good stalli... Uh, lovely ma... err... Heartglass?"
Another voice, not from within this time but from below, interrupts Heartglass' reverie. The bearded pony was speaking to him in cautious, uncertain tones. "What is it, mortal?" Heartglass inquires.
The pony clears its throat and starts, more confidently now.
"I do not believe we have had the pleasure of being properly introduced. My name is Noxid, and these other two stallions are Carl Blacklops and Minimum Wage." Carl rolls his eyes at the sound of his name coming from Noxid's mouth. "And this mare is.. Well, actually, she is perhaps too modest to say just yet. I'm sure that will change in time." He quickly throws her a peculiar look, as though trying to both wink and raise his eyebrows at the same time. The grey mare appears to not notice it. "I was wondering if you would deign to tell us a little more about yourself, or our quest?"
"Very well." Heartglass begins. "My name is Heartglass Butterscales, and I have been around since a time before memory. I use my might to aid those who are weak and to CRUSH THE STRONG. JUST AS NOW I WILL AID YOU IN CLAIMING THE PRIZE YOU SEEK. THE PILSNER OF HEINDUNKLE IS HIDDEN DEEP WITHIN THE MOUNTAINS OF AUSTRI-"
Carl interrupts. "Hey asshole, you're shouting again." Realizing his outburst, Heartglass takes a moment to regain composure before continuing.
"...trusted you..."
"My apologies. As I was saying, the Pilsner is hidden deep within the mountains of Austria, guarded by ancient wards and fearsome beasts. It will take-"
"Hhhold the fuck up," Heartglass was stopped again, this time by the miserable-looking pony from starbucks that smelled of coffee beans and despair. "I didn't sign up to fight fuckin' monsters here, I want out."
"Certainly. If you'd prefer, I could turn around. I may be able to get you back in time for four o'clock." Wage's features narrowed at this proposition, his mouth pressed to a thin horizontal line. Aversion response. "As I thought. Now, worry not - I shall dispatch any foe that may cross our path. However, more than might is needed to overcome the challenges ahead."