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The Masters Legendary Quest - 7

By Trixiefap
Created: 2022-06-29 02:31:30
Updated: 2023-09-27 01:21:40
Expiry: Never
anonsafecyoaredheartrpgaiegame

  1. >You speak again.
  2. “One question.”
  3. >”What?”
  4. “What did you want to do with the money, if I might ask?”
  5. >Gable releases a deep, grovely sigh.
  6. >”It was my ticket to actually get my own property. I’ve lived in an orphanage for a very long time, and I decided it was time to leave. I helped them for long after I reached adulthood, but my passion didn’t really speak well to children.”
  7. “What passion is that?”
  8. >”Fighting.”
  9. >We got a fucking Goku over here, now.
  10. “Fighting’s your passion, huh?”
  11. >”It’s the only thing I’m not a complete waste at. But hey, why the hell am I telling you this? Do you need assistance, or not?”
  12. >You think for a moment, and feel the bandage on your stomach.
  13. >Being able to rip through chainmail is a good asset.
  14. >But you want to be sure that you had a good cover for the rest of the party, so there wouldn’t be any unnecessary conflict.
  15. “Alright… how about this.”
  16. >He waits for you to continue as you plan out what you were about to say.
  17. “I don't want to see you locked up anymore than you do, especially with being such a softy under those hard talons. But some ponies, like my favorite nurse, won't be too happy about you getting off scot free.”
  18. >He sneers at the mere thought, but you continue regardless.
  19. “So, let’s compromise. You travel with us, under our ‘custody’, to our next destination with a viable judicial system. Or, two weeks or so, whichever comes first. You’ll tag along acting as our 'hired muscle’. However, you have to promise that if you try to start shit with me again, or worse, my friends, they will kindly and politely turn you into a throw rug. Maybe a pillow, if Pinkie has anything to say about it. You won’t be imprisoned, but there’s no pay unless it’s me getting you supplies. That sound like a fair deal?”
  20. >You can almost feel the seething anger from his bed.
  21. >It seems to slowly break apart into defeat, as his tone will testify.
  22. >”…Fine. You have your deal. Just be sure to tell that little nurse of yours before I’m better.”
  23. “Duly noted.”
  24.  
  25. [GABLE ADDED TO PARTY!]
  26. >GABLE [HP: 145/200][Defenses: 20 PD, 12 MD]
  27.  
  28. Abilities: Tough Hide (+10 PA), Expert Hand to Hand Combat (+15 basic attack, 10% chance to crit for x2), Winged Fury (x5, 3TCD), Screech (+15 PA, 20% chance to fear for 5 turns, 3TCD), Flight (Allows 3-dimensional travel / +20 PA, 40%
  29. bleed chance for 5 turns, 4TCD), Basic medical use (Able to use medkits), Rip and Tear (Good attack, 25% bleed cance for 5 turns, 5TCD)
  30. Inventory: Red Headband, Bit pouch (2 bits), Karate Instruction Manual (Raises HtH combat ability)
  31.  
  32. Equipped: Avian Leather Salet (+2 PD), Avian Leather Harness (+3 PD), Avian Leather Gloves (Modified: Fingerless, +1 PD), Avian Leather Greaves (+2 PD), Enchanted Talonguard Bracers (+12 MD)
  33.  
  34.  
  35. >After confirming the deal, you both fall silent. There isn’t much else to say, so you decide to leave him alone for a little while.
  36. >After risking a cramp in your stomach to take a look at the clock, you see that about 15 minutes had passed, and it wouldn’t be long before Iron Will and his posse comes in here.
  37. >What would you like to do?
  38.  
  39.  
  40. >You change your gears and look over at Charm Rose, still buried under her blanket and turned away from you.
  41. >You aren’t really sure if she actually is asleep or not, but there was only one way to find out.
  42. “So uuh… Charm?”
  43. >”What do you want, Dr. Philanthropist?”
  44. >She doesn’t sound too enthused to talk to you.
  45. “I was just wondering how you were, that’s all. I’ll be wheeled off to the hospital soon, and… wanted to know if you wanted to talk for a bit? Maybe see how your brother was doing later, if you wanted to talk to me at all.”
  46. >”You won’t meet him there, if that’s what you’re thinking… He’s closed off from everypony else, quarantined.”
  47. >Soundds like some sort of disease or infection, then.
  48. >That checks out with healing potions not working for him.
  49. “Well… Like I told you before, I have those connections. Whatever he has, I’m sure I could--”
  50. >”Just drop it, okay? You still haven’t proved anything like I asked, so I don’t care what you think you can do.”
  51. >Charm then throws the blanket over her head, cutting off any attempts to converse with her.
  52. >Well, that didn’t go very well.
  53. >Should you press further, or simply wait for the congratulation party?
  54.  
  55.  
  56.  
  57. >You know that something was wrong, and there was something that she wasn’t telling you.
  58. >It’s probably a very bad disease of some sort, but unless she gives you some sort of information, there really isn’t much you could do.
  59. “Charm, I know you think there’s not much I can do, but there most certainly is, no matter what the situation is. So, let me prove it. How do I prove it to you? I would really like to help, but you have to let me.”
  60. >You could almost see the point where her annoyance boils over, where she finally snaps.
  61. >She throws off the cover and looks directly at you with those intense hazel green irises.
  62. >”Look, do you really think I haven’t been to ever top doctor on Equestria already!? I wouldn’t just sit on my flanks and watch him die, now would I? You can’t do anything because we’ve already tried EVERYTHING! I needed this money just to get out of debt, not to find a cure for him! Now shut your stupid mouth, and leave me alone!”
  63. >You’re too stunned to say anything.
  64. >She gets herself out of her bed, trying to remove her IV with her magic until the doctors intervened.
  65. >>”Ma’am, we can’t let you leave yet, your health is still compromised!”
  66. >”I don’t care, just let me go! I’ll be fine!”
  67. >At some point during the scuffle one of the nurses makes a sneak attack and douses her IV with a powerful sedative, as a few seconds later she drops like a rock.
  68. >They start repairing the damage she caused and lays her back down, leaving you and Gable to stare and think about what exactly just happened.
  69. >No way to help, at all?….
  70. >No, there must be some way. Some way to help the kid.
  71. >Whether it’s some exotic herb or going back to that tree, you’d find a way.
  72. >This is something you had to ask a higher magical mind.
  73. [QUEST MARE IN THE FAMILY UPDATED: Ask a high-level Unicorn about uncurable diseases (0/1); Find a way to help Charm Rose’s brother (0/1)]
  74. >The excitement of the moment dies down after a while, and you realize that Little Strongheart had woken up at some point during that scuffle, but she stayed silent.
  75. >Charm Rose is sedated, and there is still nothing more to discuss with Gable outside small talk.
  76. >You’re pretty sure Iron Will is going to be here any second now.
  77. >Is there anything else you’d like to do before the congratulation party?
  78.  
  79. >You aren’t really sure what to do with your free time considering you haven’t had any since you’ve gotten here.
  80. >You become sidetracked and zone out into nothing, just looking around in the peaceful silence besides the low, muffled voices of the doctoral conversation.
  81. >Your eyes take a quick scan of your gowned and blanketed body, and you see your tattoos.
  82. >Pretty sure you aren’t ever going to get used to them.
  83. >Every time you feel them, you feel like there is a sword pressed into your skin, but it was just metallic… markings.
  84. >You could still feel the same vibrations as when you first approached the tree.
  85. >As you feel up your arm, your fingers catch your bicep.
  86. >Whoa, that’s never been there before…
  87. >Maybe lugging around a heavy spear and using it so frequently gave you a little bulge, who would’ve guessed?
  88. >You flex your arm and see that massive bulge that just… just brings a tear to your eye.
  89. >A manly tear.
  90. >We buff nao.
  91. >”Hey brother, checkin’ the pecs?”
  92. >You jump out of your skin at the sudden throaty voice.
  93. >Well, not really, but you did jump, and it hurt your stomach like hell.
  94. >You look up to see a smiling Iron Will, with a single ‘I Win’ balloon and a one Flash Sentry standing next to him, holding up 2,000 bits in a bag like it was nothing.
  95. >”Now, uh, remember when I said party? Yeah, still a party, but… Not too many people showed up. Sorry kiddo, didn’t expect you to get laid out with talons in your abs, did we? Either way, prize money’s yours, all 3,000.”
  96. >You shake your head in a daze, because you were pretty sure you misheard him.
  97. “W-wait… 3,000?”
  98. >You could feel Gable’s eagle eyes piercing your skull.
  99. >“Well, since birdboy over there’s most likely gettin’ incarcerated, you’re getting the runner-up money too. Trust Iron Will, brother, when he says that our funding comes from entertained crystal ponies, and you, my friend, delivered that more than we could ever hope. My Assert-Your-Self training program is going to be bigger than ever thanks to your alien appeal!”
  100. >You take a quick look at Gable, and wonder if he’s going to stab you again.
  101. >You couldn’t really talk to him in front of these guys, especially this guard.
  102. >Flash steps over and sets the money bag on the ground, making such a huge thump that it rattled the tent walls.
  103. >”Dr. Anonymous, that was a very fine display out there. I would be proud to call you a royal guard, if we hired other species, and you weren’t already on a mission for Celestia.”
  104. >For some reason, his voice makes you want to beat him up.
  105. >You resist that urge for many reasons as he continues.
  106. >”Also, sorry about the palace being locked up for you and your friends. Whatever’s wrong with Princess Cadance, she does -not- want anypony else catching it, because she wouldn’t even let my squadron in. Until she does, I’m stuck here too, but ah, what can you do, right?”
  107. >Not even guards could go in?
  108. “What’s she sick with, anyways?”
  109. >”Not really sure, but It’s a doozy.”
  110. >You couldn’t help but steal a glance at the sleeping Charm Rose with that one.
  111. “So… What are you guys going to do since you’re stuck here?”
  112. >”Iron Will is gonna take a little vacation. Soak some rays, maybe host a jousting competition, whatever takes his fancy. Oh and uuh, try and see if I can’t take a little swing over to Maregaze’s… P-personal reasons.”
  113. >Flash gives him a sly smile.
  114. >”Personal, huh? No Minoteenies around to shack up with, then?”
  115. >”Hey brother, I didn’t say nothin’ about that!”
  116. >Another chuckle escapes him, and he looks back at you.
  117. >”Nah, right now I’m off-duty because of the situation, and might be for a while. I was actually going to do some undercover work and look for one of my soldiers.”
  118. “What happened?”
  119. >”Oh, one of my Corporals, Quick Strike, hasn’t reported in for over a week. I don’t want to say he’s M.I.A. yet, so I’m going to his position out at the base in the Winter Tundra tomorrow. I’m hoping he’s alright, but I haven’t heard any word from him.”
  120. >Out in the Winter Tundra?…
  121. >Didn’t Fluttershy state that animals were become more restless?
  122. >Maybe some winter creature got to him.
  123. >Or maybe it was something worse.
  124. >As you look at them, you realize that they’re both doing little, and Flash was going somewhere that might have a lead in your investigation.
  125. >What would you like to do/say?
  126.  
  127.  
  128. “Alright… First of all,”
  129. >You get their attention.
  130. “I don’t want Gable charged for anything, okay?”
  131. >Flash blinks and stares at you more closely.
  132. “I have a proposal, instead. Maybe, instead of just throwing him in prison, I could use him in my little entourage for Celestia. He’s a great fighter, and it’d be nice to have some professional fighting on our side to better protect us. So maybe he could come under our custody and we watch over him? Since I did beat him in that fight, you know I could watch over him. Is that viable?”
  133. >Iron Will scratches his head and tunes out of the conversation, becoming legal stuff that he most likely didn’t want a part of.
  134. >Flash thinks for a moment, mainly trying to deduce whether or not you were serious.
  135. >”Uh… If you really wanted, I suppose, but he tried to kill you. Are you sure you want someone like that being so close to your friends?”
  136. “He didn’t try to kill me, damnit! It was the heat of the moment. You’ve been in combat, right?”
  137. >”Don’t patronize me, doctor. I have.”
  138. “Sorry, sorry… But, yeah. After he’s healed up, just have him sent to the hotel here, so I can contact him later for when we’re ready to go.”
  139. >”Alright, but I don’t recommend it.”
  140. “Also, since I've got your ear, what have you heard about thieves recently? One of my friends had a nasty run-in with some, and we'd like to help if that's not stepping on any toes. Hooves. Whatever.”
  141. >”Er, well, when I leafed through the reported records, misdemeanor activity’s increased slightly, but nothing out of the ordinary. I hope your friend is alright though, and I’ll be sure to put more patrols on the street when I get back on-duty. If you were looking for those thieves specifically… Well, I wouldn’t know unless we caught them, which we haven’t caught anypony like that recently. Sorry for not being more helpful.”
  142. “That’s fine, thank you.”
  143. >You look at Gable again.
  144. “I’ll explain everything later, alright?”
  145. >He was silent in the presence of authority.
  146. “Alright… Say, Iron. You were just going to soak some rays, right?”
  147. >He looks back at you.
  148. >”Yeah, brother. I’m not startin’ a new program ‘till next year, you know it.”
  149. “…Any chance you want to make yourself useful?”
  150. >He gives you a questioning look.
  151. “Want to join our little investigation? Show off your moves, flex those ‘ceps, get limbered up? We could really use your help.”
  152. >He puts his hands on his hips and starts dancing his pecs.
  153. >”So, you want a little Iron action in your group, huh? Need some, extra muscle?”
  154. “Damn right. Besides, I know someone with us who’d probably take kindly to you.”
  155. >Images of Berry and Iron Will start flashing through your mind.
  156. >It wasn’t pleasant thinking of a drunk Will.
  157. >Suddenly, a minotaur hand slaps you on the shoulder.
  158. >”I’ll take your offer, Moose. I’ll be out at my trailer here in the park when you’re ready to go.”
  159. >You then had a sudden thought.
  160. >The party you have going on was getting just a bit too large…
  161. [PARTY TOO LARGE! Would you like to replace one of the members? (If the member you replace is not currently present, you’ll default to telling them the next time you see them.)
  162.  
  163. -Redheart
  164. -Applejack
  165. -Berry Punch
  166. -Pinkie Pie
  167. -Wheaties
  168. -Gable] Y/N
  169.  
  170.  
  171.  
  172. [WHEATIES REMOVED FROM PARTY]
  173. >You will tell Wheaties when you next see her.
  174. [IRON WILL ADDED TO PARTY!]
  175. >IRON WILL
  176. [HP: 275/275][Defenses: +10 PD]
  177. Abilities: Pummel (Basic attack), Charge (+25 PA, 2 turn CD), Enrage (Increases attack by 75%, decreases total defense by 25% for 5 turns, 8 turn CD), Assertive Annihilation (Good attack, 50% chance to stun for 3 turns, 5 turn CD), OOOH YEEAAAH (Increases Party defense by 25% for 3 turns, 6 turn CD)
  178.  
  179. Inventory: Protein Shakes (3, increases HP by 20 temporarily), Bit pouch (130 bits), Coupon to Maregaze’s M&S Lover’s ‘Retreat’ (20% discount for one checkout)
  180.  
  181. Equipped: Pure rock hard knuckles (+10 PA base), Microphone (Increases voice volume at will), Necktie
  182.  
  183. >You nod and wave goodbye to Iron Will, who gives you a thumbs up/point-at-you combo, where you find yourself looking back at Flash now.
  184. >”I suppose I better be heading off, too. If you ever need any help, I’m still stationed out at the Guard station here in the city, so just drop on by. Nice job on the tournament win, you’re going to be famous, Doctor!”
  185. >You still love how everyone’s calling you doctor.
  186. >They will never know your deep, dark, uncertified secret.
  187. >As he leaves, you’re left with nothing but your books.
  188. >You figure you might as well read for the time being, and while you do, it’ll give you some time to think about what you’ll say to the party about Gable…
  189. >…
  190. [Medical knowledge and use slightly increased.]
  191. >You didn’t get that much time to read considering all of the things you talked about.
  192. >Well, it felt like little time, as if you just opened it only to hear the chariots outside.
  193. >Then Berry sticks her head through the tent flap and starts to yell at the doctors.
  194. >”’EY, YOU GUYSH GONNA GE’ ANON OR WHUT?! … C-C’MON NOW, LET’SH GO!”
  195. >She must’ve started the party early.
  196. >The doctors reluctantly finish their current tasks and prepare to move you out to the chariot.
  197. >Another one, two, heave, and they finally get you on the stretcher, thankfully without rolling you this time.
  198. >As you start to be carried off, you give a little wave to the three you’re leaving behind, making a little extra nod to Gable.
  199. “We’ll be back tomorrow to get you.”
  200. >He nods silently, and you suddenly feel the Sun’s bright rays hitting your face.
  201. >And the wind drafting up your gown, which accidentally makes you flash a bystanding mare, who starts waving her face.
  202. >You try your best to keep it down so you don’t get arrested, and you’re seeing yourself lifted into the chariot.
  203. “So, is this really necessary? I’m sure I can walk at this point.”
  204. >A wild Redheart appears.
  205. >”Sorry babe, normal protocol, and you probably can’t walk yet anyways. Careful, doctors!”
  206. >AJ adds onto it from somewhere inside.
  207. >”You sound like my brother with the way you always just wanna jump right back inta work, Anon. Always so thick-headed..”
  208. >You hear a thump as you’re finally brought into the chariot’s back, and the doors slam.
  209. >You look around and see your whole party there, including Wheaties.
  210. >You have something to discuss with her as well.
  211. >How would you like to tell her to leave the party?
  212.  
  213. >You look at Wheaties and give her a sincere smile.
  214. “Hey, I wanted to talk to you for a second. It’s not like I’m going anywhere anyways, right?”
  215. >She smirks and nods at you.
  216. >”Uh, sure… What’s up?”
  217. “Well, I was thinking about where we’re going to be going after this tournament, and I realized just how dangerous it’s going to get. What I’m trying to say is, we’re going to be fighting for our lives, a lot, and I’m not sure I would want you in harm’s way, considering you’re most likely not a fighter, right?”
  218. >After a moment, she shakes her head, still listening.
  219. “So, while I still definitely want to hang out with you sometime, you know, be an actual friend, I think it’d be best if you didn’t come with us once I’m healed. Is that okay?”
  220. >A pause hangs the still air in the chariot, the only sound being the subtle bumps and curves that the wheels cross over.
  221. >Then you hear a monumental sigh from the crystalline pony.
  222. >”Oh goodness, I thought you’d never ask!”
  223. “Er, … wh-”
  224. >”Don’t get me wrong. Y-you’re great, and thanks for letting me tag along, but when you entered the tournament and seeing you guys with all your weapons and armor, I got … got a little scared. But thank you, I completely understand and agree.”
  225. >That went better than expected.
  226. >Berry didn’t think so, though.
  227. >”’Ey, wh-what’s goin’ on here… You don’ like us?”
  228. >Wheaties’ eyes widen, shaking her hooves in protest.
  229. >”N-no, that’s not what I meant at all!”
  230. >”Oooooh, s-sho… If that’s not it, then… you love one of ush, right?”
  231. >Berry shifts over to her and leans far in, giving Wheaties’ a generous whiff of her alcoholic breath.
  232. >”I bet it’s me, right? … I have shome time, you know, I-I-I jus’ gotta go to the mare’s room first, m’kay?”
  233. >You now know what it looks like to see a crystal pony blush.
  234. >Boy, are her cheeks red.
  235. >”E-er… G-guys, a little help?”
  236.  
  237.  
  238. >The rest of the group is too busy laughing to even say anything, but you weren’t.
  239. >You just caught what Berry meant.
  240. “Uh, Berry, you need to go right?”
  241. >”Hhhuh? Oh, yess~”
  242. >She gets off of her seat and heads for the door, but AJ stops her.
  243. >”Now ya’ll better not be thinkin’ about opening that door when we’re goin’ this fast. You can wait a few minutes.”
  244. >Berry pauses to take a hefty sip from her flask.
  245. >”..Kay, fine…”
  246. >As she sits, you remember that you have more to say.
  247. “Oh, Red. How did Gyro’s go?”
  248. >Red blinks at you.
  249. >”Er, Anon, I haven’t had time yet. I was getting this chariot, remember?”
  250. >Oh, right. You’ll have to wait until she has time to do so.
  251. “Ah, right. Also, when we’re at the hospital, I was wondering if you could do something for me?”
  252. >Red rolls her eyes.
  253. >”Yes, I’m already going everywhere else. What’s on the agenda?”
  254. “I need you to go and check if there’s a certain somepony in the hospital, who has a sister named Charm Rose. This guy is quarantined for some very bad disease, but that’s all I know. I need more information, but I’m trying to see if I can’t help her brother out.”
  255. >Red nods, adjusting her helmet slightly.
  256. >”This chariot’s bumping is going to drive me nuts.. Alright, I’ll see what I can do. But if he’s really quarantined, it’ll be hard to get any of his documents because only assigned doctors and nurses to his case usually get those.”
  257. “I understand. Thanks, babe.”
  258. >She reaches over and gives you a peck on the cheek.
  259. >You steal a real kiss from her at the last second though, and she giggles.
  260. “Anyways, besides that, I actually have something to discuss with you all.”
  261. >They give you their undivided attention, excluding Berry, who wasn’t really in the condition for any attention.
  262. “There’s a few changes to our party. With Wheaties sitting out, I figure we could use some extra muscle since Bane’s-”
  263.  
  264.  
  265. >Collective groans from the party wreck your ears.
  266. “..The shadow’s power we’ve seen has spread to other ponies. So, I did what I could from the hospital bed, and when we leave tomorrow we’re gonna pick up Iron Will.”
  267. >Berry gasps, and you watch her trip over to you and stumble into your face.
  268. >”No way, he’sh comin’ w-”
  269. >She belches mid-sentence.
  270. >”Comin’ with ush!? He’sh sho hunky… Mmm..”
  271. “Er, yeah… You’re done with this…”
  272. >You take her liquor out of her hooves and hand it to Red, which she stows away deep in her pack.
  273. >Berry sulks and lays down back at her spot on the chariot seat.
  274. “Yeah, he’ll be coming with us. And Gable is, too.”
  275. >”What?!”
  276. >”Nonny, why!?”
  277. >”Are you serious, sugarcube?!”
  278. >”No Anon, I’m not letting that psycho near us!”
  279. >Berry hiccups.
  280. “Okay, look!”
  281. >You say it loud enough to make sure they’d listen.
  282. “I had a long, divulging conversation with him, and he’s not what you think. What I said about us being in the heat of battle was true, and he had no intention of trying to kill me at any point, whatsoever! He came from an orphanage that he had to leave because of his passion for fighting. Hell, the whole reason he entered the tournament was to get money for a new home, but that didn’t cut out for him because you all had false assumptions. Now, he’s coming with us, under the pretense that he’s in our custody and a hired bodyguard for us.”
  283. >They are silent.
  284. “Listen, if he really does have some sort of grudge against me and he tries to attack us, then I’ll take care of him. I’ve already proven I can, right?”
  285.  
  286.  
  287. >Their lack of arguments suggest they couldn’t disagree.
  288. “Alright? Good… By the way, I have his runner-up money. That bag has 3,000.”
  289. >Redheart, who took the bag as she was picking you up, looks into it and looks around inside.
  290. >”I wondered why it was heavier… Wow, that’s great news!”
  291. >As good as news as virtually stealing from him would be.
  292. >The conversation settles here, and now you’re trying not to throw up from the wracking pains in your stomach from the bumps of the road.
  293. >Would you like to say or do anything before you reach the hospital?
  294.  
  295. >See, one of the biggest problems with not being able to move is that you get all of these horrible, awkward silences.
  296. >You try to meditate and see if that would help your mana flow, but this wasn’t a car, it was an old-fashioned chariot that doesn’t have shocks.
  297. >And it’s not a paved road.
  298. >The bumps make it way too hard for you to do any sort of relaxing because of the stabbing pain in your abdomen.
  299. >With all your plans failed, you decide to bring up something you remembered from before.
  300. “So, AJ, help me out here… you ladies were shouting something when I started my fight with that buffalo gal. How do you all know her? What were you trying to say?”
  301. >Applejack straightens out her hat and gets her bearings from the hard bumps.
  302. >”Little Strongheart is a friend of ours, we had a run-in with my cousin’s town and her tribe down near Appleoosa, and she was one of the frontrunners for peace. I’m not sure what she was doin’ in a big ol’ tournament like that, but we were tryin’ to tell ya to lay it easy on her, because she’s a real sweet calf.”
  303. “Oh… I see. Again, sorry.”
  304. >”It’s alright, ya cant control bein’ a big goof, right?”
  305. >She gives you a sly grin.
  306. >…
  307. >It feels so nice to be in a steady bed.
  308. >You are now in a hospital room for the second time, and oddly enough this one reminds you of the one you woke up in.
  309. >Except, this one has crystal overtones and the last was just homey.
  310. >You try not to look as they stick in a new IV into your arm, and you look at the rest of them.
  311. “You guys don’t have to stay if you want to. I know I wouldn’t want to hang around a sterile place like this all night.”
  312. >Pinkie balances two scalpels with her hooves as she seaks.
  313. >”C’mon Nonny, we aren’t just gonna leave you here all bed-ridden! Besides, this place is really fun!”
  314. “Well, I appreciate it, I guess.”
  315. >The doctor finishes, and you feel that familiar cold liquid-like feeling running up your arm.
  316. >”Now, the shipment of healing potions should be here around 9 A.M. tomorrow, so until then we’re keeping you under watch-”
  317. “I know, Redheart told me all about it. Thanks, doc.”
  318. >”No problem. If you need any help, wave your ho- hand over this rune. We’ll be alerted.”
  319. >You nod at each other, and you’re left in the bed, your party doing a few different things.
  320. >…
  321. >”Alright, I think It’s time we high-tailed it outta here.”
  322. >Applejack stretches and yawns, taking the lead with Wheaties, a more sobered Berry and Pinkie bouncing behind her.
  323. “Thanks for staying, guys. See you all tomorrow!”
  324. >They all wave at you, but at that same time Redheart walks into the door, with her armor gone and replaced by her normal nurse outfit.
  325. >”Oh, you’re all leaving now?”
  326. >A tired-eyed AJ nods.
  327. >”We gotta go back to Wheaties’ and have ourselves a little sleep under Luna’s moon. You can take over from here, Nurse.”
  328. >She smiles and gets herself out of the way, letting them leave as you all say goodbye to each other.
  329. >Once finished, Redheart comes up and pulls up a chair, sitting close to you as she sighs.
  330. >”So, I talked to Gyro.”
  331. “Awesome, how’d it go?”
  332. >”He’s very, very thankful. Got a lightning rod for this, too!”
  333. >She shows you the defibrillator, now making a very subtle hum.
  334. >”I showed it to a few doctors around here and their jaws dropped, so I’m pretty sure they’re hooked.”
  335. >It’s funny how some things don’t go according to plan.
  336. >Some things just have a way to work out, too.
  337. “That’s awesome, thanks babe.”
  338. [QUEST COMPLETED: THE LONG ROAD AHEAD]
  339. Rewards: Fully-functional defibrillator, discount at Gyro’s store, Mana Tesseract, Crystal Empire recognition, and you made a socially-awkward stallion happy. [Paragon]
  340.  
  341. >”I also went looking for a certain little colt that was quarantined, and there is one in the entire hospital, one Steel Magnolia. I hope it’s the one you were looking for?”
  342. “It fits the bill… Do you know what he has?”
  343. >She shakes her head solemnly.
  344. >”Whatever he has must be really bad, because the files were classified. Unless I were to transfer here properly, I can’t see anything.”
  345. >That stinks.
  346. >In any case, that was the last of your business, so you were just about ready to just wait for those potions.
  347. >It’s currently 9 P.M.
  348. >For now, however, you feel awake still, and you needed to do something.
  349. >You could stay up and talk to Redheart [A], go straight to sleep [C], or other [D]
  350. >Which option? __
  351.  
  352.  
  353. [B selected]
  354. >With nothing else to do, you take out your books and lay them out in front of you.
  355. “Well, might as well do a little studying. Want to join me?”
  356. >Redheart hums in agreement, but she removes her own book of mastery out of her bag.
  357. >”I could use a little sharpening myself, especially since we’ll be going on these apparently dangerous missions, right babe?”
  358. “Indeed…”
  359. >You open up your first book and get started.
  360. >Which book did you open? [Bleeding/Clots/Nasty Gashes or Stitches/Poison-treating?]
  361. >As well, you have 12 hours to perform this task.
  362. >How long would you like to read for?
  363.  
  364.  
  365. >You decide to read the Stitch and Poison treating guide.
  366. >…
  367. [You have gained increased knowledge in stitching and poisoning.]
  368. [Redheart has gained increased knowledge in medical mastery.]
  369. >It’s currently 12 A.M.
  370. >For now, however, you feel awake still, and you needed to do something.
  371. >You could stay up and talk to Redheart [A], go straight to sleep [C], or other [D].
  372. >Which option? __
  373.  
  374. >Then again, you need some sleep.
  375. >Your injury is a little painful still, but painkillers are getting to you.
  376. “I think I’m going to go ahead and hit the hay…”
  377. >She gives you that look again.
  378. “Er, sorry. Sleep.”
  379. >”Alright Anon. You better get some good sleep tonight, don’t want any complications now, do we?”
  380. >Shaking your head, you both lean in and you give each other a goodnight kiss.
  381. >It’s almost like a daily refreshment that you just have to have, but you savor every single moment of it.
  382. >When you break the kiss, you make sure to look her straight in the eyes.
  383. “Night, babe.”
  384. >”Goodnight, babe.”
  385. >She turns off the light next to you and curls up with a blanket she had gotten while reading earlier, getting comfortable much more quickly than you.
  386. >Your head is starting to to feel rather dizzy from the anesthetics anyways, so it was best that you fell asleep now.
  387. >Laying down and letting your head fall into the warm, soft pillow, you close your eyes and let the sweet embrace of rest wash over you, releasing yourself from the waking world.
  388. >…
  389. >The first thing you smell when you get up is smoke.
  390. >You force your eyes open from the sudden shock of your senses, looking around at your surroundings.
  391. >Fire.
  392. >Fire, heat, smoke for as far as you can see.
  393. >The only thing that was intact was your bed, and you were in your armor.
  394. >How could this be?
  395. >What happened? How were you not awakened…
  396. >Your vision.
  397. >The shadow must’ve attacked while you were asleep!
  398. >Your thoughts and your heart begin racing, adrenaline beginning to course through your veins.
  399. >Where is Redheart?
  400. >Where are your friends?
  401. >You sprint forward through the smoke and ash, looking for someone, anyone that could be here, to tell you what happened.
  402. >The farther you run, the farther away everything seems to be.
  403. >You keep running, but you don’t know why.
  404. >You feel like you were going to find something, but you never get to where you’re going.
  405. >It keeps stretching farther and farther until you realize that you haven’t been paying attention to what was right in front of you.
  406. >… It’s him.
  407. >The shadow.
  408. >And your entire party was behind him.
  409. >They weren’t moving.
  410. >You won’t believe it, you can’t!
  411. >He killed them!
  412. >The shadow watches you with a gaze of intense evil, and you know he wants you dead too.
  413. >If you’re going to die, you’re going to spend every last waking minute of your life avenging your friends!
  414. >Avenging Redheart!
  415. “YOU BASTARD!”
  416. >Your grip tightens, your fingernails digging into your marked palms so deep it draws blood.
  417. >You brandish your spear and dash at the Shadow with everything you have!
  418. [BATTLE START] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYb9kSCkjE8
  419. Anon: [HP: 130/130][MP: 18/18][Defenses: 20 PD, 25 MD]
  420. Abilities: Basic hand to hand combat, Basic alchemy skills (Allows brewing of low-level potions and enchantments), Moderate medical use (+50% medkit efficiency), Basic Veterinary knowledge (Allows kit usage on animals), Basic Engineering skills (Allows creation of simple mechanical devices), Ogre Dance (0-4 Fail, 5-9 Succeed, confuses enemy), Expert spear combat (+15 dmg, ½ crit chance), Call Shot (Call specific location to attack, focus dmg and -66% hit chance), Very High Magical Defense (+20 magical armor), basic knowledge of Everfree weeds, {S.S.S. +15 dmg with Anon’s/Red’s separate damage. 5tcd}, Shoot dart, Brew potion (non-com), Giga Buster (-4 MP, Good attack, +25 MA, 3 turn CD), Redheart Cummer (-2 MP, +25 magic dmg, 2 turn CD), Flamescythe (-2 MP, Good attack, +10 MA, 4 turn CD), Parry (50% hit, deflects enemy atk/counters 50% dmg), Heart’s Calling (5tcd, Gives 50% attack boost to entire party for next turn)
  421. Equipped: Redheart-inscribed ‘Legendary’ Doctor’s Trenchcoat (+10 HP to medkit usage), Mysterious markings, Double-bladed spear (+10 P dmg., +15 M dmg, can attack spectrals), Amulet of Heart’s Calling (+5 HP), Medic-Issued Avian Chainmail Cap (+5 P.D./+1 M.D.), Medic-Issued Avian Chainmail (+7 P.D./+2 M.D.), Medic-Issued Avian Chainmail Talons (+5 P.D./+1 M.D.), Medic-Issued Avian Chainmail Sabatons (+3 P.D./+1 M.D.), Avian Leather Boots (Lowers exhaustion)
  422. The Shadow: [HP: ?/?][MP: ?/?][Defenses: ?]
  423. [AWAITING BATTLE COMMANDS]
  424. [ANONYMOUS]
  425. >Attacks the Shadow with Giga Buster!
  426. >88 (+25 MA)(x2 Doubles) = >226<
  427. >The shadow is hit by the powerful blast, but it doesn’t seem to be phased!
  428. [Shadow: HP: ???]
  429. [AWAITING THE SHADOW’S ATTACK…]
  430. [SHADOW]
  431. >Attacks Anonymous with Calamity.
  432. >It throws its own essence into your body, completely disappearing within you!
  433. >You aren’t sure what exactly it did, but there’s a pressure building inside.
  434. Anon: [HP: 130/130, Calamity][MP: 14/18]
  435. [AWAITING BATTLE COMMANDS]
  436. 1
  437. [ANONYMOUS]
  438. >Attacks the Shadow with Redheart Cummer!
  439. >7 (+15+15 PA+15 MA)(2 doubles) = >84<
  440. >Your spear writhes through the Shadow’s form with a magical vengeance, but it doesn’t seem to be phased!
  441. [Shadow: HP: ???]
  442. [AWAITING THE SHADOW’S ATTACK…]
  443. [SHADOW]
  444. >Casts Soul Catalyst!
  445. >The Shadow raises its black, dripping claws.
  446. >You see a violet and red outline begin to surge around one of your dead party members, beginning to re-animate!
  447. >As the pony comes forth, you see a bloodstained, soulless Redheart with corrupted eyes staring at you, brandishing her spear.
  448. [REDHEART]
  449. >Attacks Anonymous with Corrupted Sanction!
  450. >1 (+30 MA+15 PA) = >46<
  451. [-20 PD, -25 MD]
  452. >6<
  453. >Suddenly, you feel a blinding pain overtake your entire body.
  454. >The Shadow’s very essence begins to bleed from every pore of your body, covering you in total darkness!
  455. >Blood spatters from your body as he squeezes out of your frail skin, leaving you severely injured.
  456. >-50% HP<
  457. Anon: [HP: 59/130][MP: 12/18] “How… How dare you use her against me!…”
  458. [AWAITING BATTLE COMMANDS]
  459. 2
  460. [ANONYMOUS]
  461. >Attacks the Shadow with Flamescythe!
  462. “REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDD!”
  463. >97 (+10 MA)(+5 KIAI Bonus) = >111<
  464. >With all of your vigor and might, you surge your magic into your enchanted spear and mix them into a powerful electroflame slash, and you use the enchantment to slice through its being.
  465. >The Shadow’s form seems to rupture at the presence of the overcharged enchantment…
  466. >The Shadow doesn’t seem to be phased!
  467. [Shadow: HP: ???]
  468. [AWAITING THE SHADOW’S ATTACK…]
  469. [SHADOW]
  470. >Attacks Anonymous with Ethereal Blade.
  471. >7 (+60 MA) = >67<
  472. [-25 MD]
  473. >42<
  474. [REDHEART]
  475. >Attacks Anonymous with Broken Promises!
  476. >”Why didn’t you save us…”
  477. >7 (+34 MA) = >41<
  478. [-25 MD]
  479. >16<
  480. Anon: [HP: 1/130][MP: 10/18] “I… I didn’t…”
  481. [AWAITING BATTLE COMMANDS]
  482. 3
  483.  
  484. [ANONYMOUS]
  485. >Attacks the Shadow with Expert Spear Combat
  486. >3 (+15+15 PA) = >33<
  487.  
  488. >The Shadow doesn’t allow you to attack.
  489. >It reaches out its hand as you swing, and throws your spear to the side, watching you fall to the ground at Redheart’s feet.
  490. >You couldn’t continue.
  491. >It is too strong…
  492. >And it took everything away from you.
  493. >You look up at your poor, departed Redheart, forced to live for all eternity under the black embrace of the very thing you’ve been tracking all this time.
  494. >The only thing you could do is reach up and wrap your arms around her.
  495. >You embrace the unresponsive Redheart, feeling the tears fall down your cheek.
  496. “… I’m… I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…”
  497. >It didn’t let you have any more than that.
  498. [Shadow: HP: ???]
  499.  
  500. [SHADOW]
  501. >Attacks Anonymous with JUDGEMENT.
  502.  
  503. >The Shadow protrudes wavering tendrils from its back, and they lash out at you.
  504. >It grips around your limbs and forces you into the air, away from Redheart.
  505. “NO, PLEASE! REDHEART!”
  506. >You’re forced to turn around, lifted into the air and into helplessness by its tendrils.
  507. >You watch at the shadow begins to shapeshift, what was once its head now turns into a barbed spike, and it lunges straight at you.
  508. >It pierces your cranium with deadly precision, destroying your mind, your heart and your soul, corrupting everything you are with one final strike.
  509. >-100% HP<
  510.  
  511. Anon: [HP: 0/100][MP: 0/18]
  512.  
  513. [BATTLE END]
  514. [You have died.]
  515. [You have died.]
  516. [You have died.]
  517.  
  518. [̛͔̼͉͐ͮ͒̊Y̬̤͍̹̓o͓̻̙̗͍͔̾̌ͅuͪ͏̟ ̰͓̹̌̄̈́̍͟ͅh͠ă̴͉̲̤̞̞̼̜̓̈ͮ̚̚v̉̓ͤ́ẹ̻̺̫ͨ̐̚ ̥̲̘̺̯͈d̟ͤ͌̍̈́͛͂̓ͅi̾e̡ͭ̋̍̑ͨ́d̠̭̭̲̼̘ͭ̿͌.̲̳̰̱̝̠]̔́ͯ̄̅́
  519.  
  520.  
  521. [̟͆̑͌͐̉͐͋͟Y̢̤͊̄̌͗̿́̚o͙̙̝̪͇̠ͤ̋̐Ű͓̱̭͓̳̖̦̼ͥ̃͋̄͋̚͜ ͂ͩ͋̀͘͏̯̥̫̰̝̺̙ͅḧ̴̖̞͉̞̝̜̺́̓͂ͨ̋ͅA̞͙̠͍̩͖̖͉̮͛͋͘V̀̕͏͚̲͚̗̝̥̥͈ͅe̴̶̫͖͖̯̫̬̲̾ͤ͊ͦ̽̃ͩ ̼̫̬̺̗ͬͩ̋̀͡d̶͎̫̯̯̬̹̼͗ͫ͗̓̕i͚̿ę̍̌̊ͦͪ͗̔͏͍̝͖̣͔̙͓̫D̵̰̪̆ͮ͡.̵̢̟͕̮͉̹͆̃ͧͣ͟]̥̖͎͖͎̬̌̐͐͊ͭ̚
  522.  
  523.  
  524.  
  525. [ͫ҉̬̪͈̫͟͞ͅo͚͇̙͖̙͚͚̞̒ͥ̏͛͟U̷̗̥̲͚̦͎̮̓͂̿ͤͫ̃̎ ̘̯͙̩̏̑̔̔ͧͦ͊̀̕A̛̖͓͔̣̞͎̳͙ͪ͑V̠̻̺͉̦̬͒ͩͅe̢̠̚͘ ̀͗͂͢͏̜̺d̹̯̪͓̮̳͚͌́iĎ͚͉̘̰̲̌̊̂͗ͦ̚ͅ
  526. o̢͏̸̡U̢͘͏ ̡̡͟͡͡V̢̡͜é͢͞ ̸̷͜d̢̛͢D̵̴̵͡
  527. o̢͏̸̡U̢͘͏ ̡̡͟͡͡V̢̡͜é͢͞ ̸̷͜d̢̛͢D̵̴̵͡
  528. o̢͏̸̡U̢͘͏ ̡̡͟͡͡V̢̡͜é͢͞ ̸̷͜d̢̛͢D̵̴̵͡
  529.  
  530. …
  531. You are going to fail.
  532. You will watch every single one of them die.
  533. And you.
  534. Will.
  535. F̸̧͟͠à̶̡̧̧į̛͘͞ĺ͜.͢҉
  536. “NOOOOOO!”
  537. >You jump up in your hospital bed, waking up in a cold sweat and a racing heart.
  538. >”ANON! Are you okay!?”
  539. >You slowly begin to realize that what you just experienced was not real.
  540. >It felt so real…
  541. >You look at Redheart, seeing her pure, untouched form.
  542. >You couldn’t help but reach over and hug her as tight as possible, no matter how painful it felt in your stomach.
  543. >You won’t ever let go.
  544. >”Anon… Babe, it was just a nightmare… It’s okay, baby…”
  545. >She strokes your back, hugging you back in such a welcoming, warm embrace.
  546. “I… I saw it, Red… The shadow…”
  547. >”The shadow?”
  548. “It… It destroyed everything, it … It killed all of you…”
  549. >You had at some point began to cry just as you had in the dream.
  550. >The feeling was so real, just like it was…
  551. >There.
  552. >”He won’t get you here, Anon, not here… I’m here for you, it’s okay.”
  553. >You don’t know how long she held you.
  554. >You didn’t care.
  555. >Every single second was everything in the world to you, to just be there and touch her.
  556. >To hold her.
  557. >To feel her fur bristle against her skin.
  558. >To smell her sweet, flowery mane.
  559. >And you realized that you were fighting for more than the world, now.
  560. >You were fighting to keep everything you hold dear.
  561. >It’s time that you got back on track with the investigation, no matter what it takes.
  562. >After a blissful eternity, she slowly lets you go, looking carefully and worriedly into your eyes.
  563. >”Going to be okay?”
  564. >You slowly nod, and she helps you settle back into your bed.
  565. >It is 7 A.M.
  566. >What would you like to do?
  567.  
  568.  
  569.  
  570.  
  571. >As you try to wake yourself up so you don’t have to face the dangers of sleep again, you realize that you were massively hungry.
  572. >You never thought about eating because of the injury being your guts, which would make that difficult.
  573. >But if you ate now, you’ll be better from the healing potions by the time it ever reaches the afflicted area.
  574. >At the thought of food, your stomach growls rather audibly.
  575. >”Oh, looks like someone needs some grub.”
  576. “I guess I am pretty hungry.”
  577. >Red stretches herself out and pats your hand.
  578. >”I’ll see what I can get you for breakfast, okay? They might have eggs.”
  579. >Delicious, delicious protein…
  580. >Redheart leaves you to salivate over yourself, and now you’re alone for the first time in what seems like weeks.
  581. >It is very quiet, and you aren’t sure if you’re comfortable with it.
  582. >Being so busy lately has just become an accustomed occurrence, it seems.
  583. >A few minutes pass, and you smell the food that Red brings in before you even see it.
  584. >It definitely smells like eggs.
  585. >She sets the tray down in front of you, turns out it’s a plate of omelets.
  586. >Just like your mom used to make, you think.
  587. >You’re still fuzzy on the life before Equestria, but hopefully your memories will eventually come back to you.
  588. >Wait, why are you thinking about that? You have steaming omelets right under your face!
  589. >You dig in immediately, and as you eat you look at Redheart, who has resigned to eating a few fruits.
  590. “Thank you for this, it’s amazing.”
  591. >”Don’t thank me Anon, the cafeteria mare’s the one who made it. Besides, you can afford it.”
  592. >She smiles at you, and you’re sitting here with egg on your face with no idea what she’s implying.
  593. >…Oh, you sly devil.
  594. [-5 bits]
  595. >You and Redheart eat in silence and peace, catching up on a bit more reading as you do so.
  596. >During the pleasant lull, you have a sudden thought that surfaces its way to your conscious.
  597. “Hey Red… Did you ever get your house fixed?”
  598. >She looks up at you mid-bite.
  599. >She takes a second to chew and swallow before speaking.
  600. >”When we left, they issued a mandate to the construction workers to repair all of the homes. It should be all fixed up once we come home.”
  601. >You nod, and finish your meals around 8:30.
  602. >It was a slow time, so there was no rush eating.
  603. >Boy, did you feel better when your stomach was full, though.
  604. >A creak is heard in the room as you see the doctor from last night return to your bedside.
  605. >”Hello Anonymous, I see you’re doing rather well. Finished all of your breakfast?”
  606. “I did. It helps I didn’t eat much of anything yesterday, though.”
  607. >He nods, writing something down on his clipboard with his magic.
  608. >”Try not to make a habit of that, you’ll need your strength if what Nurse Redheart here has told me is true, after all!”
  609. >You give a polite nod, just waiting to hear the news.
  610. >”So, we confirmed the delivery time, and the potions will be here in about 10 minutes, a little early in schedule. We’ll do a quick physical after you drink them, just to make sure everything’s working as it should. … It might also be to record some anatomy, if that’s alright?”
  611. >Right, you’re a strange alien in an even stranger world.
  612. “I suppose that’s okay.”
  613. >”If everything checks out, you’re free to continue your journey. I hope to see you better, Anonymous!”
  614. >He gives an enthusiastic nod to the two of you and exits the room, leaving you with a sour taste.
  615. >You were a little used to being called doctor after all of this time, despite it being wrong.
  616. >This gives you an idea.
  617. “So Red, even though WE know I'm a great doctor, it might be a good idea to get the thumbs-up from an official institution… is there such a thing as a freelance doctor's license? Who should I talk to about being officially recognized here?”
  618. >”Er, I’m… not sure, actually. I never learned about freelance since I attended Canterlot Medical University…”
  619. “CMU, huh?”
  620. >She simpers, continuing on.
  621. >”We could ask Princess Cadance for a permit once we see her, maybe? Or even Shining Armor, if she’s still sick.”
  622. >Your doctorate status lay high with the high.
  623. >Speaking of Shining…
  624. “I can’t wait to do that championship match.”
  625. >Red gives you a serious look.
  626. >”Anon, are you really going to push that after what happened to you? The tournament ended yesterday, after all, it’d be pretty silly to even want to do something like that willingly.”
  627. >Oh, really now?
  628. “What, you think I can’t take him?”
  629. >”You can take on many things with the way you’ve improved so much, babe, don’t get me wrong… But Shining Armor protects this entire empire, and is a high advisor for Celestia. You know he’s going to be very strong.”
  630. “…I suppose that’s true.”
  631. >You’ll try to remember to ask him anyways next time you see him.
  632. >As the last few minutes tick by, there was another creak of the door, but this time, a loud slam follows it.
  633. >You see AJ, Berry and Pinkie walk into your room with a sense of déjà vù.
  634. >They drop all of your armor and inventory on a chair near the back, spilling over immensely.
  635. >Berry exhales overdramatically as she leans up against it.
  636. >”Seriously Anon, stop being such a hoarder! Dealing with this headache is enough without your millions of pounds of junk needing to be dragged everywhere…”
  637. >To accentuate it, she rubs her temples.
  638. >You didn’t have much sympathy, to say the least.
  639. “Well, it’s good to see you guys anyways. Potions will be here any minute, and we can get going.”
  640. >Pinkie squeals loudly and starts another one of her episodes completely unprovoked.
  641. >”Nonny, I can’t wait to go shopping I love shopping so much it’s like my favorite thing in the whole wide world we can go see everything the Crystal Empire has everywhere even though I’ve seen it all before but that’s okay because it’s with all of you ponies and you nonny so it’s going to be different and--”
  642. >AJ stomps her hoof in sheer frustration.
  643. >”PINKIE!”
  644. >She stops her tirade while hanging onto the ceiling light.
  645. >”Just calm down, sugarcube. Remember it’s not all gonna be fun and games, we got work to do and shoppin’s just a part of it.”
  646. >Pinkie sinks down to the floor like a deflated bubble.
  647. >…With her hooves still holding onto the fan.
  648. “What the fu-”
  649. >”Okay AJ, I’ll try! It’s just so hard not to be so super-duperly excited!”
  650. >AJ pats her on the back, which for some reason lets Pinkie’s hooves off of the light and they slink back into her normal sockets like a tape measure.
  651. >All you could do was stare and blink.
  652. >Is there anything you’d like to say or do before the delivery gets here?
  653.  
  654. >Without anything to do, the party settles into a more calm mood, making small conversation.
  655. >AJ and Pinkie talk about a few adventures they had with their friends, how they miss them and hope they could see them soon.
  656. >You talk with Berry a little bit about where she got her Amaneigho liquor, turns out there was quite the ‘crystal’ store down there near the Hammer and Sickle.
  657. >All in all, it was good to just talk about normal things with your friends.
  658. >It’s a much better fate then what you had dreamed about last night, that’s for sure.
  659. >It was about 9:45 by the time a new nurse came in, rolling in a large tray of healing potions.
  660. >”Here we are! Delivery for Anonymous, two healing potions and a physical. Ready to get up?”
  661. >Yes, yes you are.
  662. >You barely give her enough time to wheel up the tray before you snatched a potion to drink it.
  663. >As the liquid surges down your throat, the dulled pain begins to act up from the healing process, but soon fades away completely.
  664. >Just to be sure that you are completely fine and there are no complications, you go ahead and drank the second one as well.
  665. >Used Small Healing Potion (2)
  666. [+33%/+33% = +66% HP]
  667. [You have been fully healed, all status effects removed!]
  668. >After waiting a few seconds for the second potion to settle, you pat your stomach.
  669. >Damn, you even have abs!
  670. >You get yourself up off the bed once the nurse removes your IV, and you’re a standing man.
  671. >AJ and Red whoop at your newfound health, the others smiling in joy.
  672. >”Alright Anonymous, follow me and we’ll get started on that inspection.”
  673. >Your party (sans Redheart) groans in impatience.
  674. >The nurse is already walking out the door.
  675. >Do you go with the nurse and receive the physical, or skip it?
  676.  
  677. >You decide it’d be best to do what they say.
  678. >There could still be something wrong with you after all, but there’s also the problem of staying on their good side to get that permit.
  679. “Don’t worry guys, it shouldn’t take too long. We’ll start our day soon enough.”
  680. >You walk out and follow the nurse a few hallways down to an examination room, a few of the roaming patients looking at you oddly.
  681. >You might have been here for a while, but bystanders were always going to be interested in your species thats never been seen before.
  682. >Gonna have to get used to that.
  683. >The nurse closes the door and starts to put on latex gloves, which as much as you try to deny it, they do indeed look like big condoms, minus the tip.
  684. >”Okay, I’m just going to check all of your life signs, do a quick sketch of your form, and we’ll be all good to go!”
  685. “When you say my form…”
  686. >The nurse looks back at you and clears her throat.
  687. >”Well, it is purely for the advancement of science, but if you’re not comfortable with that-”
  688. “No no, it’s fine. I do have a question though…”
  689. >She nods and smiles.
  690. >”What would you like to know?”
  691. “I’d like to speak with the head of the hospital after this, Miracle Shine? I need to ask her about a few potion-resistant diseases that are going around.”
  692. >”Oh, I’m sorry, Miracle Shine is out of town on important business. She’ll be back next week, so you can schedule an appointment now and she could see you then?”
  693. “That’s fine, I won’t be here in a week.”
  694. >At least, you hope not.
  695. >She finishes gloving herself, and starts preparing the medical equipment.
  696. >”While I set up, can you go behind the curtain? There’s a cup there, and I’ll need a urine sample.”
  697. >You hope that’s the least of it.
  698. >…
  699. >It was all you could do not to burst out laughing the entire time.
  700. >When it came time for her to touch you and ‘make you cough’, she had gotten very nervous.
  701. >She was the first to examine a new species, so you couldn’t blame her.
  702. >You still had to mess with her though, so you thought about Red for a few minutes, and when time came to throw down the gown, she got full-face view of your head-level assets.
  703. >Being a normally talkative mare, she was completely silent and red-faced the entire time, but she did what she needed to do.
  704. >You walked out of there with the biggest smile on your face, and got back to your room.
  705. >You have just finished replacing your armor and your inventory, getting everything straightened out, tightening your doctor’s coat, the works.
  706. >It’s going to be a little harder to move with a huge bag of bits hanging down your back, but so long as you unloaded it before you needed to move quickly, you’d be fine.
  707. [You have regained your inventory.]
  708. >It’s a drag that Miracle Shine is out, you had some things to speak to her about.
  709. >But now, you are free once again!
  710. >What would you like to do?
  711.  
  712. >A ditty starts going through your head.
  713. >An old memory surfacing through the foggy ones.
  714. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtKHBtqulOA]
  715. >AJ, Pinkie, Berry and Red stand next to you.
  716. >“So what’s gonna happen, Nonny? Where we goin’?”
  717. “Er, I’m deciding where we’re going?”
  718. >They all nod in unison.
  719. >”Of course, silly! You’re like the leader of this whole investigation thingy, you gotta tell us what to get!”
  720. >If that’s the way they want it.
  721. “Well… I think we should check out the Hammer & Sickle. It could be useful in the future.”
  722. >Berry chuckles and rubs her hooves together.
  723. >”I knew it, Anon really wants some high-class ‘crystal’, don’t you?”
  724. “Maybe… But there’s something I think could be useful to us.”
  725. >You lead your party out of the hospital, quickly signing out before walking out into the sunshine.
  726. >You walk back out to the plaza and take a quick look at the directory to figure out where you’re going.
  727.  
  728. [“Hello and welcome to the Crystal Palace! We hope you enjoy your stay, or if you’re returning, we give you a warm welcome! If you’re having problems navigating the streets, please refer to this directory for assistance.”]
  729.  
  730. >Hotels and Inns<
  731. Trot & Travel Inn (35 bits per night, 20% discount for every extra pony)
  732. Hooflight Hotel (40 bits per night, 15% discount, includes room service)
  733. Mr. Rich’s Magical Motel (80 bits per night per pony, luxury service and rooms)
  734. Crystal Palace Royal Suite (CLOSED)
  735. >Stores<
  736. Hammer & Sickle (Sells tools and parts for all things industrial, gardening, hardware and construction)
  737. Gyro Gear’s Great Scientific Wonders {Discount: 15%}(Sells Scientific/Engineering gizmos)[New Postage: NEW ITEMS IN STOCK!!]
  738. Fortuna Potions (Sells magical items, trinkets, and enchanting/alchemy ingredients)
  739. Maregaze’s M&S Lover’s ‘Retreat’ (Sells adult items)
  740. The Protected Wither (Sells weapons and armor, all things combat)[New Postage: NEW WEAPONS IN STOCK!!]
  741. Tricks and Needles (Sells all things clothing, tailor-made!)
  742. Library of the Crystal Empire (The library and book store!)
  743. >Civil Services<
  744. Crystal Empire Guard Department, low alert
  745. Shining Fire Fighters Department, low alert
  746. Mi Amore Hospital, currently open for drop-ins and selling extra supplies
  747. Diamond-Ridge Park (Hosting the Crystal Fair)
  748. [Post]: The Crystal Palace is currently closed to all visitors and non-important personnel due to unforeseen circumstances. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask the Royal Guards.
  749.  
  750. [Post]: THE CRYSTAL FAIR IS HERE! Don’t miss the jousting, the wondrous games, the theater plays only ever seen here at the Fair once a year! The First Annual Crystal Fair Tournament ended yesterday with its first winner, the Humane Dr. Anonymous against the Gryphon Gable! Congratulations to the doctor and his newfound prize and fame! Tune in for the second tournament, with new rules, new stakes and a whole lot more suspense! For now, please enjoy the Crystal Fair and the celebration of the Crystal Heart!
  751.  
  752. [New Postage]: Have you seen this mare? {Picture of Rainbow Dash} If so, please visit the Crystal Library and speak to Twilight Sparkle.
  753.  
  754. [New Postage]: Gyro Gear’s Great Scientific Wonders and The Protected Wither have a new invention in town! Come on down and take a look!
  755.  
  756. >They fucking misspelled your species’ name.
  757. >You’re about to go humane on their asses, believe it.
  758. >Oh well, it’s posted now, there’s nothing you can do.
  759. >Getting directions to the Hammer & Sickle, you make your way to the store in no time, letting the rest of the party in first.
  760. >It was like you were walking on air.
  761. >A real man’s, or in this case, stallion’s, dream.
  762. >You see what you believe to be the owner of the store, and the sight makes you rub your eyes in confusion.
  763. >He was a pony, but… looked a lot more like Celestia’s body type, but at the same time not exactly.
  764.  
  765. [Hammer & Sickle] - Owner: Bogdan Thickbrow
  766. >”Welcome to my shop! You need pliers? Hammers? Screwdivers? We have all! Don’t bother about where I from or why I look different, Saddle Arabia much different place! Look at items!”
  767.  
  768. -Buy
  769. -Sell
  770. -Exit
  771. -Talk to Shopowner
  772. >”See and get more tool!”
  773.  
  774. [Tools]
  775. -Sledgehammer (+5 PA, Lowers certain recipe costs) {15 bits}
  776. -Fishing Rod w/ kit (Grants ability Fish) {20 bits}
  777. -Screwdriver kit (Lowers certain recipe costs) {40 bits}
  778. -Socket wrench kit (Lowers certain recipe costs) {50 bits}
  779. -Chainsaw (+50 PA, requires gas) {250 bits}
  780. -Gas/Oil dual tank (“My invent, for chainsaw and oil need!”) {25 bits}
  781. -Pickaxe (+10 PA, Lowers certain recipe costs, grants ability Mine) {30 bits}
  782.  
  783. [Renovation]
  784. -Wood (“Many sizes, though 2x4 is most buy!”) {15 bits per board}
  785. -Metal Pipes (“Many sizes, many materials!”) {20 bits on average}
  786. -Paint (“All colors all time, you buy?”) {15 bits per bucket}
  787. -Handful of Bolts (“Must have thing to put together, yes?”) {30 bits per handful}
  788. -Bottle of Glue (“Oh, more thing to put together, yes yes!”) {20 bits}
  789. -Tin Padding (“Metal surface for you!”) {15 bits per pad}
  790. -Insulation (“Use for newfangled wires or house, or anything else!”) {20 bits per square foot}
  791. -Wooden Handle (“Many sizes, many patterns, many many happy!”) {15 bits}
  792.  
  793. [Exotic Weaponry/Ales]
  794. -Sickleblade (1 handed, +5 PA, 50% chance to bleed) {20 bits}
  795. -Scimitar (1 handed, +10 PA) {25 bits}
  796. -Halberd (2 handed, +20 PA) {40 bits}
  797. -Thick Iron Horseshoes (+20 PA, Grants ability Trample) {36 bits}
  798. -Nunchucks (2 handed, +8 PA, 30% chance to stun) {30 bits}
  799. -Black Rum Flask (2 gallon Jug, grants ability Feel No Evil) {50 bits}
  800. -Red Rum Flask (2 gallon Jug, grants ability See No Evil) {50 bits}
  801. -Blue Rum Flask (2 gallon Jug, grants ability Speak No Evil) {50 bits}
  802. -Green Rum Flask (2 gallon Jug, grants ability Hear No Evil) {50 bits}
  803. -White Rum Flask (1 gallon Jug, grants ability Do No Evil) {120 bits}
  804.  
  805. [Recipes]
  806. -(Book) Introduction to Architecture {15 bits}
  807. -(Blueprint) Model/Toy Train {15 bits}
  808. -(Blueprint) Canoe {35 bits}
  809. -(Blueprint) Caravan {40 bits}
  810. -(Blueprint) Chariot {50 bits}
  811. -(Blueprint) Steam Engine {100 bits}
  812.  
  813. >”Get a buy and go!”
  814.  
  815. -Buy item(s)
  816. -Inspect item(s)
  817. -Back to Menu
  818. -Exit
  819.  
  820. >Inspect Flasks
  821. >Black
  822. [When you drink from this flask, you gain the ability Feel No Evil. (+50PD/MD for 4 turns, usable once per battle)]
  823.  
  824. >Red
  825. [When you drink from this flask, you gain the ability See No Evil. (Allows 1 Master Call Shot with no hit penalty, usable once per battle)]
  826.  
  827. >Blue
  828. [When you drink from this flask, you gain the ability Speak No Evil. (Roar a fiery and passionate battle cry and increase party’s total HP by 25 for the rest of the battle, usable once per battle)]
  829.  
  830. >Green
  831. [When you drink from this flask, you gain the ability Hear No Evil. (Protects against most status effects for the rest of the battle, usable once per battle.)]
  832.  
  833. >White
  834. [When you drink from this flask, you gain the ability Do No Evil. (Active: Good attack, x1.5 PA, 5 turn CD. Passive: Increases alcohol-related abilities’ damage by x2)]
  835.  
  836. -Buy item(s)
  837. -Inspect item(s)
  838. -Back to Menu
  839. -Exit
  840.  
  841.  
  842.  
  843. >Inspect Trample
  844. [Use your horseshoes to run over the enemy and cause heavy damage to their body. (+25 PA, 50% chance to crit for x2.5)
  845.  
  846. >You are about to buy Fishing Rod (20 bits), Pickaxe (30 bits), Thick Iron Horseshoes (36 bits), White Rum Flask (120 bits), Introduction to Architecture (15 bits), Caravan Blueprints (40 bits), Handful of Bolts (30 bits), Screwdriver kit (40 bits), Socket wrench kit (50 bits)
  847. >Total: 381 bits
  848. >Do you want to buy these items? Y/N
  849.  
  850.  
  851. >Items bought!
  852. [You receive Fishing Rod, Pickaxe, Thick Iron Horseshoes, White Rum Flask, Introduction to Architecture, Caravan Blueprints, Handful of Bolts, Screwdriver kit, Socket wrench kit.]
  853. [Gave White Rum Flask, Thick Iron Horseshoes to Berry Punch.]
  854. >”Alright, white rum!! Anon, you are the stallion, bro! Oh.. and the horseshoes. There, I said it, AJ!”
  855. Your bit pouch: 2,614 bits
  856.  
  857. >”You buy many things! Thank you, thank you, please, all else can I do?”
  858.  
  859. -Buy
  860. -Sell
  861. -Exit
  862. -Speak to Shopowner
  863.  
  864.  
  865. >Exit
  866. >”Okay, you all come again? Come again, please, give many items away so crazy!”
  867. “Thanks, Bogdan!”
  868. >You and your party exit the Hammer & Sickle, Berry admiring her new flask making clinking noises against her iron horseshoes.
  869. >…And drinking it.
  870. >”Ooooh…. That’s high quality stuff! Hey Red… try a little~”
  871. >Redheart giggles, but declines her offer by pushing it away.
  872. >”I think you’ll want every last drop, Berry. But thank you for thinking of me.”
  873. “Can I have a drink?”
  874. >”No, you bought it for me, it’s a gift!”
  875. >She holds it away from you like it’s her baby, then suckles on the tip.
  876. >Well, you might have some problems with that later, but onward!
  877. “Let’s go to the potion shop next. Friendship might be magic, but healing potions are the lifeblood of all living creatures, right?”
  878. >”That’s normal blood, babe.”
  879. “I’d replace my blood with healing juice, what could go wrong?”
  880. >”You would die from lack of oxygen distribution, Anon.”
  881. “…So?”
  882. >True.
  883. >You lead your party onward to the magic shop, wanting to take a lick from the lollipop.
  884. >Except, you didn’t have one, so you went straight in, holding the door open for your cute little mare party.
  885.  
  886. [Fortuna Potions] - Owner: Sunwhirl the Stached
  887. >”A very strange being, you are indeed. Such magical potential I see within you, more than most unicorns, even! Come, walk with me, and show me what you desire.”
  888.  
  889. -Buy
  890. -Sell
  891. -Modify
  892. -Exit
  893. -Speak to Shopowner
  894.  
  895.  
  896. >”You will be awed at the artifacts that I possess, my friend. Have a gander whilst I attend to the sands of your time.”
  897.  
  898. [Potions]
  899. -Healing Potion [Small (33% HP) | Medium (66% HP) | Large (100% HP) | Omega (125% Overheal)] {7/14/21/40 bits}
  900. -Mana Potion [Small (33% MP) | Medium (66% MP) | Large (100% MP)] {12/24/36 bits}
  901. -Antidote (Cures the drinker of poisons and diseases.) {15 bits}
  902. -Unlocking Flask (Removes Manaseal.) {20 bits}
  903. -Essence of Focus (Removes Confusion and ADD, most likely.) {20 bits}
  904. -Essence of Bravery (Abolishes Fear.) {20 bits}
  905. -Iron-Hide Brew (Gives +5 PD/MD for 3 turns.) {15 bits}
  906. -Elixir of Manticore’s Rage (Gives +10 PA for 3 turns.) {25 bits}
  907. -Elixir of Rainboom (Increases dodge rate by 50%, allows 2 actions per turn for 3 turns.) {30 bits}
  908. -Harmonic Strength Exodius (Increases total HP by 50.) {1,200 bits}
  909. [Staves]
  910. -Oakwood Staff (+3 MP/MA) {20 bits}
  911. -Yew Staff (+3 MP, +4 MA) {40 bits}
  912. -Everfree Staff (+6 MP, +8 MA) {65 bits}
  913. -Crystal Staff (+12 MP, +12 MA, +3 MD) {90 bits}
  914. -Manasteel Staff (+25 MP, +18 MA, +9 MD) {120 bits}
  915. -Highguard Staff (+50 MP, +36 MA, +18 MD, Grants ability Reflection) {240 bits}
  916. -Starswirl’s Wand (+200 MP, +150 MA, +125 MD), Grants ability Ancient Wrath) {2,000 bits}
  917.  
  918. [Tomes]
  919. -Foal’s Guide to Magic (Beginner) {10 bits}
  920. -(Tome) Ignite (Basic) {30 bits}
  921. -(Tome) Shockwave (Basic) {30 bits}
  922. -(Tome) QUACK! (Duck) {50 bits}
  923. -(Tome) Teleport (Intermediate) {90 bits}
  924. -(Tome) Tesla’s Wrath (Intermediate) {90 bits}
  925. -(Tome) Arcane Chains (Intermediate) {90 bits}
  926. -(Tome) Invisibility (Expert) {150 bits}
  927. -(Tome) Mirror Image (Expert) {150 bits}
  928. -(Tome) Vice Shout (Expert) {150 bits}
  929. -(Spellbook) Bolt of Disintegration (Master) {250 bits}
  930. -(Spellbook) Resurrection (Master) {250 bits}
  931. -(Spellbook) Void Warp (Master) {250 bits}
  932.  
  933. [Alchemy Recipes]
  934. -(Ingredient) Crystal Orb {10 bits}
  935. -(Ingredient) Arcane Powder {10 bits per ounce}
  936. -(Ingredient) Lifeleaf {5 bits}
  937. -(Ingredient) Rizzleberry Bunch {10 bits per bunch}
  938. -(Ingredient) Wisp Weed {10 bits per pinch}
  939. -(Recipe) Flask of Lucky Tithings {5 bits}
  940. -(Recipe) Amare Potion {10 bits}
  941. -(Chemical) Pint of Hydrofluoric Acid {20 bits}
  942. -(Chemical) Ounce of Thermite {30 bits}
  943. -(Recipe) Sounds of the Eardrums {32 bits}
  944. -(Recipe) Might’s Resolve Elixir {40 bits}
  945. -(Recipe) Celestia’s Blessing {75 bits}
  946. -(Recipe) Cadence’s Blessing {75 bits}
  947. -(Recipe) Luna’s Blessing {75 bits}
  948. -(Recipe) Transmutation {300 bits}
  949. >”Now, tell me what have you seen that strike’s your heart’s desire?”
  950.  
  951. -Buy item(s)
  952. -Inspect item(s)
  953. -Back to Menu
  954. -Exit
  955.  
  956.  
  957.  
  958.  
  959. >Inspect (Recipe) Celestia’s Blessing
  960. [{Requires expert alchemy skill} This recipe brews a potion that greatly increases magical attack damage for a temporary period and gives an extra boost to fire-based magic.
  961. Ingredients: 6 Lifeleaf, 24 Red herbs, 4 Suncores, makes 4]
  962.  
  963. >Inspect (Recipe) Cadence’s Blessing
  964. [{Requires expert alchemy skill} This recipe brews a potion that protects the user with powerful barriers of love-based magic.
  965. Ingredients: 1 Large gem, 8 wisps’ weeds, 2 small healing potions, makes 4]
  966.  
  967. >Inspect (Recipe) Luna’s Blessing
  968. [{Requires expert alchemy skill} This recipe brews a potion that allows the user to travel the dreams and subconscious of any one soul that they desire for one night.
  969. Ingredients: 1 Crystal Orb, 16 ounces of arcane powder, 2 small magic potions, makes 4]
  970.  
  971. >Inspect (Recipe) Flask of Lucky Tithings
  972. [{Requires moderate alchemy skill} This recipe brews a potion that increases the fateful luck of the drinker for a short time.
  973. Ingredients: 2 Haze flowers, 2 rizzleberry bunches, 4 Four-leaf clovers, makes 1]
  974.  
  975. >Inspect (Tome) Shockwave
  976. [Creates a powerful shockwave of lightning and earth around you. (+25 MA AoE, 33% chance to blind all enemies, 3tcd)]
  977.  
  978. >Inspect (Recipe) Amare Potion
  979. [This recipe brews a love potion that will entice the drinker’s feelings for the living soul the potion was meant for.
  980. Ingredients: 3 red herbs, 1 healing potion, 1 aphrodisiac, 1 hair of the intended target, makes 1]
  981.  
  982. >Inspect (Tome) QUACK!
  983. [Sir Ducksalot commands you to purchase the spell of his uprising.]
  984.  
  985. >Inspect (Recipe) Transmutation
  986. [{Requires master alchemy skill} This recipe is a very specific alchemical process that changes lead, silver, or mercury into pure gold.
  987. Ingredients: 24 hours to brew]
  988. -Buy item(s)
  989. -Inspect item(s)
  990. -Back to Menu
  991. -Exit
  992.  
  993.  
  994.  
  995. >You have selected Foal’s Guide to Magic (Beginner) {10 bits}, (Tome) Ignite (Basic) {30 bits}, (Tome) Shockwave (Basic) {30 bits}, (Recipe) Flask of Lucky Tithings {5 bits}, (Recipe) Amare Potion {10 bits}, (Chemical) Ounce of Thermite {30 bits}, 6 Lifeleaf {30 bits}, 3 Rizzleberry Bunches {30 bits}, 3 Wisp Weed {30 bits}, QUACK! {50 bits}
  996. >Total: 225 bits
  997. >Do you want to buy these items? Y/N
  998.  
  999. >Items bought!
  1000. [You receive Foal’s Guide to Magic, (Tome) Ignite, (Tome) Shockwave, (Recipe) Flask of Lucky Tithings, (Recipe) Amare Potion, Ounce of Thermite, 6 Lifeleaf, 3 Rizzleberry Bunches, 3 Wisp Weed, (Tome) QUACK!]
  1001. >Your bit pouch: 2,389 bits
  1002.  
  1003. >”If this is what you seek, so it shall be. Please, what else may I do for such a magically attuned creature?”
  1004.  
  1005. -Buy
  1006. -Sell
  1007. -Modify
  1008. -Exit
  1009. -Speak to Shopowner
  1010.  
  1011. >Speak
  1012. “Excuse me, Sunwhirl do you know about any diseases that are potion-resistant, or magically immune in general?”
  1013. >He thinks for a moment, his hoof running down his long brown beard.
  1014. >”There is only one ailment that I can recall with such properties, but Princess Celestia had long since eradicated the curse. I know not what it is called, but it blackens the eyes and pales the skin… to end the life after the fourth full moon.”
  1015. “Thank you for the information. Also, do you happen to know Zecora? She’s a friend of mine who lives in the Everfree Forest.”
  1016. >”Ah, I apologize my interesting creature, but I cannot recant such a name from my mind.”
  1017. “Alright, thank you anyways.”
  1018.  
  1019. -Buy
  1020. -Sell
  1021. -Modify
  1022. -Exit
  1023. -Speak to Shopowner
  1024.  
  1025.  
  1026.  
  1027. [KNOWN RECIPES]
  1028. >Alchemy:
  1029. -Sleeping Darts [3 red herbs, 2 blue herbs, makes 3]
  1030. -Healing Potion [1 wisp weed, 2 lifeleaf, 1 rizzleberry bunch, makes 2 large potions/4 medium/6 small] (Creatable)
  1031. -Smokescreen Bomb [1 Haze flower, 1 Ounce of Combustible powder, 1 Fuse, makes 1]
  1032. -Iron Hide Brew [1 small gem, 1 Yeti hair, 1 cup of Gypsum, makes 5]
  1033. -Flask of Lucky Tithings [Requires Moderate Alchemy skill, 2 Haze flowers, 2 rizzleberry bunches, 4 Four-leaf clovers, makes 1]
  1034. -Amare Potion [3 red herbs, 1 small healing potion, 1 aphrodisiac, 1 hair of the intended target, makes 1]
  1035. >Engineering:
  1036. -Scooter [1 Wheel & Axle, 1 2x4 plank of wood, 1 Wooden handle, 1 Handful of bolts]
  1037. -Defibrillator [2 Tin pads, 2 insulated handles, 1 Electric manifold, 1 Dial mechanism, 2 strong magnets]
  1038. -Caravan [Requires Moderate Engineering skill, 10 2x4 planks of wood, 8 handfuls of bolts, 2 -Wheel & Axles, 1 Leather reign, 1 tarp, 2 wooden handles]
  1039. >Medical:
  1040. -Medkit [1 Roll of Gauze, 1 Bottle of isopropyl alcohol, 1 set of bandages, 1 Needle & String]
  1041.  
  1042.  
  1043. Party members [7/7]: (* means not currently with Anon/party)
  1044. >ANONYMOUS
  1045. [HP: 130/130][MP: 18/18][Defenses: 20 PD, 25 MD]
  1046.  
  1047. Inventory: Med. Pamphlet (First Aid 101/Procreation), Med. Book (Diseases), Wallet, Bit pouch (2,614 bits), Roll of duct tape, Lube, Rope, Book of Dark Magic (W/ potential info about Shadow), Potion-making Kit, Blowdart, Sleeping darts (1), Manticore Claw (3), blue herbs (4), Red herbs (2), Medkit (1), Supply Medkit (5), Small mana potion (2), Alchemy/Engineering Books (Transmogrification/Practical), 7 lifeleaf, 4 rizzleberry bunch, 4 ounces of combustible powder, Wisp weed (4), 2 handfuls of bolts, Haze Flower, Yeti Hair (1), Gypsum (2), Sir Ducksalot (He’s looking a bit redder than usual…), iPhone, Medical Expertise Books (Bleeding, clots, nasty gashes; stitches and poison treating), Fishing Rod and kit (Grants ability Fish), Pickaxe (+10 PA, grants ability Mine), (Book) Introduction to Architecture, Screwdriver kit (reduces bolt and screw cost by 3), Socket wrench kit (reduces wheel & axle and nut cost by 1), Foal’s Guide to Magic (Gives basic knowledge of magical theory, allows learning of basic level spells, levitation and luminate), (Tome) Ignite, (Tome) Shockwave, 1 Ounce of Thermite, (Tome) QUACK!
  1048.  
  1049. >Current questlog (6/10 total):
  1050. [Investigate Shadow] - Find it (0/1); Exterminate it (0/1); Report to Celestia (0/1)
  1051. [Become a Legendary Doctor] - Master medical knowledge (0/1); Master medical experience (0/1); Doctor’s Kit (0/1); Master alchemical knowledge (0/1); Master healing spells (0/1); Optional [Legendary]: Get famous (Be known in Canterlot, Crystal Empire and Ponyville) (1/3)
  1052. [Spear Mastery] - Learn Spear Juggling (0/1)
  1053. [Spicing up the Bedroom] - Find Redheart’s fetish (0/1); Improve foreplay (0/1)
  1054. [Vigilante Justice] - Track down and take in the thieves that attacked Pinkie Pie (0/3)
  1055. [Mare in the Family] - Ask a high-level Unicorn about uncurable diseases (1/1); Find a way to help Charm Rose’s brother (0/1)
  1056.  
  1057. Abilities: Basic hand to hand combat, Basic alchemy skills (Allows brewing of low-level potions and enchantments), Moderate medical use (+50% medkit efficiency), Basic Veterinary knowledge (Allows kit usage on animals), Basic Engineering skills (Allows creation of simple mechanical devices), Ogre Dance (0-4 Fail, 5-9 Succeed, confuses enemy),
  1058. Expert spear combat (+15 dmg, ½ crit chance), Call Shot (Call specific location to attack, focus dmg and -66% hit chance), Very High Magical Defense (+20 magical armor), basic knowledge of Everfree weeds, {S.S.S. +15 dmg with Anon’s/Red’s separate damage. 5tcd}, Shoot dart, Brew potion (non-com), Giga Buster (-4 MP, Good attack, +25 MA, 3 turn CD), Redheart Cummer (-2 MP, +25 magic dmg, 2 turn CD), Flamescythe (-2 MP, Good attack, +10 MA, 4 turn CD), Parry (50% hit, deflects enemy atk/counters 50% dmg), Heart’s Calling (5tcd, Gives 50% attack boost to entire party for next turn), Fish, Mine
  1059. Equipped: Redheart-inscribed ‘Legendary’ Doctor’s Trenchcoat (+10 HP to medkit usage), Mysterious markings, Double-bladed spear (+10 P dmg., +15 M dmg, can attack spectrals), Amulet of Heart’s Calling (+5 HP), Medic-Issued Avian Chainmail Cap (+5 P.D./+1 M.D.), Medic-Issued Avian Chainmail (+7 P.D./+2 M.D.), Medic-Issued Avian Chainmail Talons (+5 P.D./+1 M.D.), Medic-Issued Avian Chainmail Sabatons (+3 P.D./+1 M.D.), Avian Leather Boots (Lowers exhaustion)
  1060.  
  1061. >REDHEART
  1062. [HP: 130/130][Defenses: 7 PD, 20 MD]
  1063. -Abilities: Basic Spear Combat, Expert Med. Skill (+75% medkit efficiency), {S.S.S. +15 dmg with Anon’s/Red’s separate dmg.. 5 turn CD}, Block (+5 PD and 25% chance to negate all dmg.), Tesseract-bound (+20 MD)
  1064. -Inventory: Medkit (3), Roll of gauze, Ultimate Knowledge of Medical Mastery: Volume I, Defibrillator, Recipe for Defibrillator, Recipe for Healing potions
  1065. -Equipped: Royal Guard Medic-issued armor (+2 PD), Spear, Ancient Squareshield (+5 PD)
  1066.  
  1067. >PINKIE PIE
  1068. [HP: 105/105][Defenses: 12 PD, 6 MD, -25%B]
  1069. -Abilities: Highly energetic attacks (Basic attack, hits twice), Party cannon (x3 damage, 5 turn CD)
  1070. -Inventory: Party Cannon, Various sweets, ??? (“Hammerspace, Nonny!”), Knife, Manticore Leather Armor (+12 PD, +6 MD, -25% chance to bleed)
  1071. -Equipped: Dual-wield daggers (+2.5 dmg per)
  1072.  
  1073. >BERRY PUNCH
  1074. [HP: 205/205][Defenses: 2 PD]
  1075. -Abilities: Throw beer bottle, Drunk Dragon (2.4x multiplier AoE, 4x against wood, 3tcd), Fisticuffs (Basic attack), Do No Evil (Good Attack, +25 PA, 5tcd), Trample (+25 PA, 50% chance to crit for x2.5, 2tcd)
  1076. -Inventory: Flask (old), Box of matches (19), Bottle of hard liquor (DD up), White Rum Flask (Increases alcohol-related abilities’ damage by x2), Forehoof Horseshoes (+5 PA, old)
  1077. -Equipped: Thick Iron Horseshoes (+20 PA), Royal Guard armor (+2 armor)
  1078.  
  1079. >APPLEJACK
  1080. [HP: 225/225][Defenses: None]
  1081. -Abilities: Treekicker (x2 damage, 2 turn CD), Lasso (Immobilizes enemy for 3 turns), Tussle (Basic attack)
  1082. -Inventory: Flask (Apple cider), Tri-braid rope, apples (12)
  1083. -Equipped: Stetson hat
  1084.  
  1085. >GABLE*
  1086. [HP: 200/200][Defenses: 20 PD, 12 MD]
  1087. -Abilities: Tough Hide (+10 PD), Expert Hand to Hand Combat (+15 basic attack, 10% chance to crit for x2), Winged Fury (x5, 3 turn CD), Screech (+15 PA, 20% chance to fear for 5 turns, 3 turn CD), Flight (Allows 3-dimensional travel / +20 PA, 40% bleed chance for 5 turns, 4 turn CD), Basic medical use (Able to use medkits), Rip and Tear (Good attack, 25% bleed cance for 5 turns, 5 turn CD)
  1088. -Inventory: Red Headband, Bit pouch (2 bits), Karate Instruction Manual (Raises HtH combat ability)
  1089. -Equipped: Avian Leather Salet (+2 PD), Avian Leather Harness (+3 PD), Avian Leather Gloves (Modified: Fingerless, +1 PD), Avian Leather Greaves (+2 PD), Enchanted Talonguard Bracers (+12 MD)
  1090. >IRON WILL*
  1091. [HP: 275/275][Defenses: +10 PD]
  1092. -Abilities: Minotaur hide (+10 PD), Pummel (Basic attack), Charge (+25 PA, 2 turn CD), Enrage (+75% PA, -25% PD for 5 turns, 8 turn CD), Assertive Annihilation (Good attack, 50% chance to stun for 3 turns, 5 turn CD), OOOH YEEAAAH (Increases Party defense by 25% for 3 turns, 6 turn CD)
  1093. -Inventory: Protein Shakes (3, increases HP by 20 temporarily), Bit pouch (130 bits), Coupon to Maregaze’s M&S Lover’s ‘Retreat’ (20% discount for one checkout)
  1094. -Equipped: Pure rock hard knuckles (+10 PA base), Microphone (Increases voice volume at will), Necktie
  1095.  
  1096.  
  1097. [“Hello, and welcome to the Crystal Palace! We hope you enjoy your stay, or if you’re returning we give you a warm welcome! If you’re having problems navigating the streets, please refer to this directory for assistance.”]
  1098.  
  1099. >Hotels and Inns<
  1100. Trot & Travel Inn (35 bits per night, 20% discount for every extra pony)
  1101. Hooflight Hotel (40 bits per night, 15% discount, includes room service)
  1102. Mr. Rich’s Magical Motel (80 bits per night per pony, luxury service and rooms)
  1103. Crystal Palace Royal Suite (CLOSED)
  1104. >Stores<
  1105. Hammer & Sickle (Sells tools and parts for all things industrial, gardening, hardware and construction)
  1106. Gyro Gear’s Great Scientific Wonders {Discount: 15%}(Sells Scientific/Engineering gizmos)[New Postage: NEW ITEMS IN STOCK!!]
  1107. Fortuna Potions (Sells magical items, trinkets, and enchanting/alchemy ingredients)
  1108. Maregaze’s M&S Lover’s ‘Retreat’ (Sells adult items)
  1109. The Protected Wither (Sells weapons and armor, all things combat)[New Postage: NEW WEAPONS IN STOCK!!!]
  1110. Tricks and Needles (Sells all things clothing, tailor-made!)
  1111. Library of the Crystal Empire (The library and book store!)
  1112. >Civil Services<
  1113. Crystal Empire Guard Department, low alert
  1114. Shining Fire Fighters Department, low alert
  1115. Mi Amore Hospital, currently open for drop-ins and selling extra supplies
  1116. Diamond-Ridge Park (Hosting the Crystal Fair)
  1117.  
  1118. [Post]: The Crystal Palace is currently closed to all visitors and non-important personnel due to unforeseen circumstances. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask the Royal Guards.
  1119.  
  1120. [Post]: THE CRYSTAL FAIR IS HERE! Don’t miss the jousting, the wondrous games, the theater plays only ever seen here at the Fair once a year! The First Annual Crystal Fair Tournament ended yesterday with its first winner, the Humane Dr. Anonymous against the Gryphon Gable! Congratulations to the doctor and his newfound prize and fame! Tune in for the second tournament, with new rules, new stakes and a whole lot more suspense! For now, please enjoy the Crystal Fair and the celebration of the Crystal Heart!
  1121. [New Postage]: Have you seen this mare? {Picture of Rainbow Dash} If so, please visit the Crystal Library and speak to Twilight Sparkle.
  1122.  
  1123. [New Postage]: Gyro Gear’s Great Scientific Wonders and The Protected Wither have a new invention in town! Come on down and take a look!
  1124.  
  1125.  
  1126. >Inspect Moderate Medical Use
  1127. [You have the skill to more effectively (+50%) use medkits, supply medkits, perform a standard doctoral examination, and create a medkit yourself.]
  1128. Experience: (240/300)
  1129.  
  1130. >Inspect Basic Engineering Skills
  1131. [You have the skill to create basic feats of technology such as low-tier vehicles, small output electrical devices, intermediate bombs and beginner trinkets.]
  1132. Experience: (25/150)
  1133.  
  1134. >Inspect Basic Alchemy Skills
  1135. [You have the ability to brew minor potions and elixirs, as well as minor bombs.]
  1136. Experience: (50/150)
  1137.  
  1138.  
  1139. “That’ll be it for now, but thank you, Sunwhirl.”
  1140. >”It is my pleasure. Please, come again soon my bipedal friend!”
  1141. >The tagalong mares all give him an enthusiastic wave as you all leave the shop, and you can feel a very noticeable dip in the bit bag’s weight.
  1142. >Still heavy, but like you took a third of the coins out.
  1143. >Which you probably did.
  1144. >You have already resigned to the fact you’re most likely going to revisit every single shop, so you figure you might as well head back to Gyro’s to visit him and see how the F.U.C.K.E.R.’s doing.
  1145. >And see how the fucker’s doing.
  1146. >You make your way down to his store, but there is something blocking you from entering.
  1147. >Maybe it’s all of these stallions making a line so large that it’s flooding out of the door.
  1148. >You look down a few blocks and see that it’s the same for the Protected Wither.
  1149. >This is when you realize this might not be all good.
  1150. >Redheart looks just as surprised as you do.
  1151. >”There were only a few in his store when I came here last night… They must really love your invention, Anon!”
  1152. “Yeah… But with the way he was struggling, he could’ve only made one. I need to talk to him.”
  1153. >AJ, Pinkie and Berry all look between the two of you in confusion.
  1154. >”Er, pardon me if I’m missing somethin’, but what did Anon invent, exactly?”
  1155. >That’s right, you never actually told them.
  1156. “Er, I took a page from my old world and made blueprints for a new ranged weapon, much better than bows and arrows.”
  1157. >They all go ‘Oh’ in understanding.
  1158. >Berry starts forward with a look of determination on her face.
  1159. >”Well, what’re you all waiting for? Let’s pony up and get in here, Anon here said he needed to talk to him, right?”
  1160. >Redheart grabs Berry’s tail with a deadpan expression.
  1161. >”We have to wait in line like everyone else, BP.”
  1162. >”B-but, who said we were going to buy anything?!”
  1163. “Who said we weren’t? And it’s still rude to cut in, regardless.”
  1164. >Berry sighs and hangs her head low.
  1165. >”Whatever. At least I have something to do with my time, unlike the rest of you.”
  1166. >You and Redheart give each other a rather sensual look.
  1167. >”That’s not what I meant!”
  1168. >You and your party get in the back of the line, dreading the impending boredom.
  1169. >What would you like to do?
  1170.  
  1171. >You thought about pushing past the line to go directly to Gyro, but that wouldn’t look very good on your part.
  1172. >Especially since there are a lot of ponies staring at you and talking about the dancing bipedal warrior.
  1173. >You shift your bag to the side and rummage through your pack until you find the medical book you were working on last night, and find your place, deciding to read until your spot came up.
  1174. >However, before you can even start the second sentence, your attention is grabbed by two crystal colts that slowly approach you, one with a wooden sword in his mouth, the other with a marker.
  1175. >The latter speaks, but he looks deathly terrified.
  1176. >”Uh.. D-doctor Moose.. Will you sign my friend’s, uh, sword… please?”
  1177. >Your friends stare with big smirks on their faces as they watch you.
  1178. >Redheart puts a hoof on her chest.
  1179. >”Awww… You have fans, Anon! Go on!”
  1180. >Sign the colt’s sword? Y/N
  1181.  
  1182.  
  1183. >You pick the marker out of his mouth, and his face instantly lights up like christmas morning.
  1184. >Or here, hearth’s warming eve.
  1185. >You sign his sword ‘Dr. Anonymous’, and draw a quick sketch of Red’s cutie mark next to it, letting Red see you write it before you give it back to them.
  1186. >”Just remember guys, real strength isn’t in the weapon you carry. It’s in your hearts.”
  1187. >They were too busy fawning over your signature to even listen, spurts of ‘WICKED!’ and ‘AWESOME!!’ being all they could muster as they ran off and played with it.
  1188. >Red rubs your back contently with a warm smile on her face.
  1189. >”See? You’re not such a weirdo after all. Those colts liked you.”
  1190. “Yeah, I suppose, hehe.”
  1191. >With your mood a little more brightened, you return to your book and draw out the wait with impertinent medical knowledge.
  1192. >…
  1193. [Finished Stitches and Poison Treatment Medical book!]
  1194. [Your medkit fixes now have a 50% chance to remove bleeding and poison status effects.]
  1195. >…
  1196. >Gyro had spotted you a few minutes ago when you entered the door, but he couldn’t really talk to you until he cleared out the customers in front.
  1197. >There were only a few ponies left behind your group, dispersing to either go to the weapon store or were too impatient to wait.
  1198. >You finally come up to his counter at the surprisingly late time of 12:40 P.M.
  1199. >Shopping takes longer than you thought, it seems.
  1200. >When you come up after closing your medical book, Gyro was just absolutely beaming, greeting you and Redheart.
  1201. >”Man, I’ve just been so busy, sorry I couldn’t get you up here faster, uh, hello!”
  1202. >”Hello again, Gyro!”
  1203. >You nod in understanding.
  1204. “It’s fine. What’s up?”
  1205. >He nods to the side, and you look in the general direction.
  1206. “Holy shit.”
  1207. >The F.U.C.K.E.R. is finished! It’s right there, actually on a pedestal.
  1208. >Though, that name wasn’t displayed like that, it just says ‘Revolutionary weapon, sign up for yours today! [Freedom Uninhibited Crotch-Kicker Extreme Reaper]’
  1209. >Did he just censor something with its initials being blatantly vulgar?
  1210. >Well, you couldn’t blame him, there were colts and fillies here too, and they wouldn’t connect it.
  1211. >It was almost an exact replica of the four-barrelled shotgun from your world, just with a larger trigger and no guard for hoof accessibility, plus a little Equestrian decòr.
  1212. >”That, my friend, is your new invention. See, I made it, just like I said I would! A-and uh, it’s yours, you know, royalties and all that. I got Mr. Ironsmith to make the ammo, though, so you’ll have to go there if you want some, b-but it fires anything! Ammo’s just for precision and proper uh, shooting. It works just like the schematic we made up, just a few tweaks I made t-to uh, make it more pony-friendly, i-if that’s alright. I know it’s y-your invention, I just thought we’d made uh, more money if-”
  1213. “Gyro.”
  1214. >He swallows the lump in his throat as he looks at you, a bead of sweat dampening his forehead.
  1215. “It’s amazing, I love it!”
  1216. >He smiles again, laughing nervously.
  1217. >”Well, that’s grand! I was a little, uh, worried, but hey, thanks! Here, everyone’s on the order list, now, so take it.”
  1218. >You do as he says, slowly taking it off its stand.
  1219. >It’s a bit heavier than the human equivalent, but that just means more durability.
  1220. [RECEIVED F.U.C.K.E.R. (R, +75 PA, 7 turn reload, 1 oz. of Kablooie powder per 24)]
  1221. >”Like it?”
  1222. >You see he’s already gotten a strap for it, so you secure it around your already decked form.
  1223. “It’s amazing, Gyro.”
  1224. >”I gotta say, all this business has really, really gotten me out of hot water, t-thanks to you… If I had s-something else to give you, I would, but all I have is my store n-now. Uh, so, I guess everything went fine with the uh, weapon store, and a few of the tournament officials -congratulations, by the way-, came down, and royal guards and I-I got a lot of deals. H-here, I forgot about your uh, royalties, too.”
  1225. [Gyro gives you bits.]
  1226. Your bit pouch:
  1227. >Damn, that’s already quite a bit.
  1228. >”So uh, that’s it for now, uh, come back every so often and I’ll get you your cut, alright?”
  1229. “Sounds very fair.”
  1230. [Gyro Gear’s Great Scientific Wonders] - Owner: Gyro Gear
  1231. >”So, uh, I got some more stuff in with the big cash infusion I’ve been uuh, getting, so here, want a look?”
  1232.  
  1233. -Buy
  1234. -Sell
  1235. -Exit
  1236. -Talk to Gyro Gear
  1237.  
  1238. >Talk to Gyro Gear
  1239. “I don’t need anything else from you like that, Gyro. I’d just like your business and your friendship.”
  1240. >”Friendship…?”
  1241. >He looked stunned, as if he was bewildered that you’d ever use his name and the word friend in the same sentence.
  1242. >That tore your heart a little bit, so you lean in and throw your arms around him, hugging him for the second time.
  1243. >This time, instead of awkwardly sitting there, he laughs a bit nervously and actually hugs back, albeit lightly and briefly.
  1244. >”Well. Uh, sure. Friends.”
  1245. >The guy definitely needed one, anyways. That’s not why you did it, though.
  1246. >With that out of the way, you try to break the silence that follows.
  1247. >You have a plan that you start to enact as he allows you the time.
  1248. “So, actually I've got a couple ideas for different variants of these weapons, if you'd be interested in helping me design them, same royalties as before?”
  1249. >He scratches his head in thought, his face a little less excited.
  1250. >”Uh… Ok, lay it on me.”
  1251. “First one's a compact variant, less punch but it's lighter and fires a bit faster, called a pistol. Second one is probably slower to reload, but its claim to fame is it can maintain accuracy from much further away, called a rifle. Think you're up to it after the monster of a day you've had so far?”
  1252. >His head dips down a little, sighing in what you guessed to be exhaustion.
  1253. >”It took me all day to make this one, and e-even if I get faster at it because I know what I’m doing, that’s hours of work per gun with this one… I don’t think I could do two more schematics myself, man, I… I’d have to get help.”
  1254. “Like, employees?”
  1255. >He nods, shrugging.
  1256. >”I mean, I’d be happy to work with you again, but… You’ll need to find me a few ponies willing to work, if that’s okay?”
  1257. “I think I could do that.”
  1258. [QUEST ADDED: Needs more Hooves - Find three ponies willing to work for Gyro (0/3) {Reward: Two more schematics to add to royalties}]
  1259. >”Thanks, I-I’ll definitely make sure to work with you if you do that. …”
  1260.  
  1261. >Buy
  1262.  
  1263. [UTILITIES]
  1264. -Watch (“Gives you time of day wherever you go if inspected.”) {21 bits}
  1265. -Compass (“Gives you ease of direction so you don’t get lost within the Tundra.”) {21 bits}
  1266. -Oil Lamp (“A light source for whatever fine night may need you. Comes with oil!”) {34 bits}
  1267. -Cutting Torch (“Whether you need fire or a weld, this is the torch for you.”) {255 bits}
  1268. -Flying Pedalcopter (“A fully operational 1 pony flying machine, pedal-powered!”) (1,700 bits}
  1269. -Grappling hook (“A device that can get you where you need to be!”) {425 bits}
  1270. -High-speed Equestrian Airship (“Oh, this is not for sale, I’m holding onto it for Princess Celestia. … No, trust me, you don’t have the bits for this. Even with the discount.”)
  1271. [New!] -Sonic Laser (“It makes a really high pitched noise, good for driving off animals and things like that.” {176 bits}
  1272.  
  1273. [RECIPES]
  1274. -(Recipe) Defibrillator (“It’s a new invention I made, just patented!”) {64 bits}
  1275. -(Recipe) Fetlock Rocket (“It’s a slingshot, what are you, daft?”) {47 bits}
  1276. -(Recipe) Kablooie-mite (“Used as a mining explosive, but I’d look the other way for other uses…”) {68 bits}
  1277. -(Recipe) Multi-Tool (“I couldn’t think of a good name for this… What, Swiss Army Knife? What’s a Swiss?”) {85 bits}
  1278. -(Recipe) Clockwork Robot (“Very expensive, but it’s a wonderful invention of mine that may never see the light of day…”) {212 bits and quest to finish}
  1279. [New!] -(Recipe) Miniature Planetarium (“It’s got all the constellations, plus a little Celestia and Luna voicebox for the uuh, day-night transitions.”) {47 bits}
  1280. [New!] -(Recipe) Snowsucker 6000 (“Sucks snow and ice right up, makes fresh drinking water, it’s, it’s really neat!”) {117 bits}
  1281. [MISCELLANEOUS]
  1282. -Kablooie Powder {20 bits per ounce}
  1283. -Metal Pipe {13 bits}
  1284. -Help with Blueprints/Engineering Lessons {Free, 1 hour session per shift}
  1285. -Miniature Zeppelin {68 bits}
  1286. -Electric Manifold (“I figured since I started making more defibrillators, I could maybe sell the uuh, the parts too…”) {21 bits}
  1287. [New!] -F.U.C.K.E.R. (“This is you, right here. Not in stock, gotta make more, but… if you ever need a spare, ask.”) {425 bits}
  1288.  
  1289. >”So, uhm, what do you want to buy, if… if you are?”
  1290.  
  1291. -Buy item(s)
  1292. -Inspect item(s)
  1293. -Back to Menu
  1294. -Exit
  1295.  
  1296.  
  1297.  
  1298.  
  1299. >You are about to buy (Recipe) Clockwork Robot (212 bits/quest), (Recipe) Kablooie-mite (68 bits), (Recipe) Multi-Tool (85 bits), and 8 oz. of Kablooie Powder (160 bits). You will also receive 1 hour of free engineering lessons.
  1300. Total: 525 bits and a quest
  1301. >Do you want to buy these items? Y/N
  1302.  
  1303.  
  1304.  
  1305. >Items bought!
  1306. [You have received (Recipe) Clockwork Robot, (Recipe) Kablooie-mite, (Recipe) Multi-Tool, and 8 oz. of Kablooie Powder.]
  1307. Your bit pouch: 2,489 bits
  1308.  
  1309. >”Okay, uh, if you’re gonna get that recipe for the uh, robot --which, by the way, thanks a million for getting that-- You’re gonna need to uh, visit a friend of mine down in Appleoosa, i-if you get the time, I mean.”
  1310. “What do you mean?”
  1311. >”W-well, there’s a friend of mine, down in, uh, … Appl-”
  1312. “Appleoosa, right.”
  1313. >”Appleoosa, and uh, his name is Frizzy Gear, and-”
  1314. “Is he a relative?”
  1315. >”Uh, well, maybe. He’s more like a brother, if you will, but anyways, he has an engineering shop down there, uh, and he’s actually got the materials for this robot, because, well, you can’t find them anywhere else. I-I’d get them myself, but, you know… He doesn’t like me very much, so we don’t uh, do business…”
  1316. “I’m sorry to hear that. I’ll be sure to get that done.”
  1317. >”Y-yeah, thanks.”
  1318. [QUEST ADDED: Just like Clockwork - Travel to Appleoosa and speak to Frizzy Gear (0/1)]
  1319. >”And you uh, want some lessons, then?”
  1320. >You look back at your-
  1321. >Well, they’re gone.
  1322. >Drowning amidst the sea of customers, anyways.
  1323. “Yeah, I think we can kill an hour of time.”
  1324. >”A-alright, just let me go on break here, and we’ll get started…”
  1325. >…
  1326. [Gyro Gear is going to teach you about Engineering. What would you like to learn this session?
  1327. >General (Raises engineering skill, fast rate)
  1328. >Locomotion (Adds Recipe: Model Train/Toy, lowers ingredient cost of vehicle-related recipes)
  1329. >Projectiles and physics (Adds Recipe: Fetlock Rocket, lowers ingredient cost of accuracy-related recipes)
  1330. >Combustion (Adds Recipe: Cutting Torch, lowers ingredient cost of pyro-related recipes)
  1331.  
  1332. [Which would you like to delve into?]
  1333.  
  1334.  
  1335. >General
  1336. >…
  1337. [You learn much from Gyro’s lessons about the foundations of Engineering, and you feel like you know much more than you have before.]
  1338. Basic Engineering Skill Experience: (140/150)
  1339. >…
  1340.  
  1341. >Gyro leads you back out with your swimming head.
  1342. >It was like taking a college class, except with pony allegories.
  1343. >”Tell me when you’re ready for another lesson, and uh, I’ll be glad to do so, o-okay?”
  1344. “Yeah, thanks a million.”
  1345. >It is now 1:45 P.M.
  1346. >”So, uh, is there anything else I can do for you, now?
  1347.  
  1348. -Buy
  1349. -Sell
  1350. -Exit
  1351. -Talk to Gyro Gear
  1352.  
  1353.  
  1354. >Talk to Gyro Gear
  1355. “By the way, since I’ll probably be out of the Crystal Empire for a while here soon, I’m going to give you an address to send the royalties to, is that okay?”
  1356. >He blinks, rubbing his dirty mane out of his face.
  1357. >”Er, alright, but mail ordering bits isn’t very safe. B-but I’m sure you know that.”
  1358. >You whistle loudly, catching Redheart’s attention and wave her over.
  1359. >”What’s going on, Anon?”
  1360. “Can we use your address to send royalties to?”
  1361. >”I don’t see why not. It’s 69 Stirrup Street, Mr. Gear.”
  1362. >He nods and takes a moment to write it down.
  1363. >”Uh, weekly?”
  1364. >”I suppose, sure!”
  1365. >He takes a few more notes and finishes, looking up at you.
  1366. >”Based on my uh, calculations for sales after the hype dies down, uh, compiled weekly, it should be around 1,500 bits, so uh, yeah, I guess you won’t really uh, have to work much, huh?”
  1367. “I… guess not.”
  1368. >You take another look at Redheart, and she was completely speechless.
  1369. >1,500 a week must be a lot.
  1370. “I think I owe you some very well-deserved thanks, Gyro.”
  1371. >”Er, uh, you too! I mean you did get me out of bankruptcy, and how, haha..”
  1372. >You both chuckle a little bit, letting the silence fill the air once again.
  1373. “By the way, do you just need a bit of help running the counter, or do you want experts in one field or another when I go looking for employees? Keep in mind, I've only kind of got my head around this stuff myself, so no promises that I'll find the absolute best and brightest…”
  1374. >”Oh, that’s c-completely fine, don’t worry about uh, credentials or anything, just need an assistant, uh, back there, and two clerks, so, yeah. I’ll train them, so.”
  1375. “Ah, good. Well, let me get out of your mane, and I’ll see you soon, then?”
  1376. >”Y-yeah, thanks for coming by, guys!”
  1377. >You and Redheart wave.
  1378. >”Goodbye, Gyro! See you again soon!”
  1379. >You wave down AJ and Pinkie who were looking at the display of the planetarium, and Redheart drags Berry away from a rather beefy stallion.
  1380. >”Aw, C’mon, I was just gonna get his address! Gh, Just because you have a dick source doesn’t mean you can starve me, nurse!”
  1381. >Red was turning red.
  1382. >She drags her out of the shop with you, AJ and Pinkie following behind.
  1383. >Berry finally slaps her hoof off and pouts, her bottom lip curling out in a cute manner.
  1384. “Alright… Time for the highlights, mares, to the Protected Wither. We’re gonna get you all armored up!”
  1385. >AJ and Pinkie whoop, with the other two beginning to argue about something relationship related.
  1386. >You tone it out because you didn’t want to get in the middle of something like that, hell no.
  1387. >You and your party traverse to the weapons and armor store, whose line has finally died down as well.
  1388. >You open the door for them like it’s a habit, and you wave to Mr. Ironsmith.
  1389. >”Oh, welcome back, welcome back! Just want to thank you for the business, hairless, it’s grand! So, you have some tournament money you said you were going to spend, and I see that either that thing on your bag is a horrid growth, or that’s your prize money!”
  1390. “It’s my lovely fight money, yeah. Well, want to get down to it?
  1391. >He turns the sign on his window to closed to give you full attention.
  1392. [Protected Wither] - Owner: Mr. Ironsmith
  1393. >”Let’s talk some real, down ‘n’ dirty business, hairless.”
  1394.  
  1395. -Buy
  1396. -Sell
  1397. -Modify
  1398. -Exit
  1399. -Talk to Mr. Ironsmith
  1400.  
  1401.  
  1402. >Talk to Mr. Ironsmith
  1403. >Before you do this, you look over at Berry, who is trying to sneak away to look at the bows.
  1404. “BERRY!”
  1405. >”I WASN’T DOING A-- what?”
  1406. “Would you rather have chainmail or plate armor?”
  1407. >She blinks, and looks at her body for a moment.
  1408. >”Er… I dunno, I’ve never worn armor before. So long as I can still fuck up the baddies, I think I’m good.”
  1409. >Well, that was helpful.
  1410. >She’d be able to do that either way, to be completely honest, so it is down to a matter of what you want to shovel out for her.
  1411. >You turn back to Ironsmith and you get an idea.
  1412. “Say, I was wondering if you knew anypony that might need a job?”
  1413. >He straightens out his mustache and turns back to you.
  1414. >”Say again, hairless?”
  1415. “Gyro Gear is looking for some new employees to help him with the business now that it’s, well, booming. Do you know anypony looking for some work? I actually have more schematics to give him, but he needs some extra hooves.”
  1416. >You totally have pony terminology down, now.
  1417. >”Well son, there is a little fella that I know who could use some help, but he’s not exactly reliable. Name’s Drooly Dapper, lives with his parents and can’t be on time for squat, but if you can motivate him, he can do some real good.”
  1418. >He even sounds like a piece of shit, but you keep this to yourself.
  1419. “Alright, where’s his house?”
  1420. >”It’s the big emerald house on the edge of Diamond-Ridge Park, the two-story.”
  1421. >You’re pretty sure you remember seeing a building like that.
  1422. “Alright, I’ll swing by. Now, uh, Mr. Ironsmith…”
  1423. >Your tone alerts him, and his eyebrow raises.
  1424. “Seeing how I’ve vastly improved business around here, and am going to bring much, much more, how’s about a discount, since I’m paying for so much here?”
  1425. >”No can do.”
  1426. >That was really quick.
  1427. “Not even a little bit, despite what I’ve done?”
  1428. >”Listen, hairless, I do appreciate what you did, hoof to Celestia, but I’m not about to lower my prices just because you’ve done a little good samaritan work, now, ya hear? Gyro might cave like a pissant, but I’m a business stallion, got me?”
  1429. “Right…”
  1430.  
  1431. -Buy
  1432. -Sell
  1433. -Modify
  1434. -Exit
  1435. -Talk to Mr. Ironsmith
  1436. >Modify
  1437. “Say, remember those Manticore Claws I sold you?”
  1438. >He nods silently.
  1439. “How much would it be to get 3 of those, and attach 6 of them to Berry’s horseshoes, here? 3 on each?”
  1440. >He raises himself from the counter and walks out in front, approaching Berry, who slinks away slightly at his rather large size, even for a burly stallion.
  1441. >He raises up her hoof in his own, making a detailed inspection of them.
  1442. >Very detailed.
  1443. >”Hey buddy, I know you’re just trying to do your job, but I’m starting to lose my balance here, so could you just…?”
  1444. >He looks straight up at her, and she quiets herself immediately.
  1445. >A few more seconds, and he sets it down.
  1446. >”Those shoes are pretty thick, and a solid iron metal at that. It’ll take a bit of welding to do ‘em up right, son, and for three claws each, I’d say… 100 bits for the package deal. Oh, and 90 for the claws, so 190.”
  1447. >That’s 5 bits extra per claw than what you sold them for.
  1448. >Do you take the deal, or haggle?
  1449.  
  1450.  
  1451. >You decide not to press it, nodding.
  1452. “Sounds like a deal.”
  1453. >He smiles and you shake his hoof, Berry proceeding to remove her horseshoes and give them to the smithy.
  1454. [You give Mr. Ironsmith 3 Manticore Claws.]
  1455. [You give Mr. Ironsmith 190 bits.]
  1456. Your bit pouch: 2,299 bits
  1457.  
  1458. >”I’ll get my boys right on these, it’ll take about an hour to fix ‘em up right for heavy combat. Now, onto the real work.”
  1459.  
  1460. >Buy
  1461.  
  1462. [ARMOR]
  1463. Gryphon armor (Use for Gryphons and Humans)
  1464. >“I actually have your measurements now, so they’ll be a better fit if you decide to get a new set.”
  1465. >(AL) Avian Leather Set (+10 PD) {75 bits}
  1466. -Avian Leather Salet (2)
  1467. -Avian Leather Harness (3)
  1468. -Avian Leather Gloves (1)
  1469. -Avian Leather Greaves (2)
  1470. [Extras: Avian Leather Boots - No armor, but lowers exhaustion rate and looks very nice.] {15 bits}
  1471.  
  1472. >(AC) Avian Chainmail Set (+20 PD/+5 MD) {180 bits}
  1473. -Avian Chainmail Cap (5)
  1474. -Avian Chainmail (7)
  1475. -Avian Chainmail Talons (5)
  1476. -Avian Chainmail Sabatons (3)
  1477. [Extras: Avian Buckler (+10 PD)] {40 bits}
  1478. >(AP) Avian Plate Set (+40 PD/+20 MD/+15 HP) {600 bits}
  1479. -Avian Plate Helmet (8)
  1480. -Avian Platemail (15)
  1481. -Avian Plate Gauntlets (8)
  1482. -Avian Plate Cuisses (7)
  1483. [Extras: Avian Kiteshield (+40 PD)] {200 bits}
  1484.  
  1485. >[NEW!] (LR) Lionheart Regalia (+100 PD/+70 MD/+25 HP) {2,200 bits}
  1486. -Lionheart Helmet (20)
  1487. -Lionheart Cuirass (30)
  1488. -Lionheart Protectors (25)
  1489. -Lionheart Stompers (25)
  1490. -Lionheart Aegis (+75 PD/+ 30 MD)
  1491. [Extras: Lionheart Amulet (Raises HP by 40 and Grants ability Heroic Shout)] {500 bits}
  1492.  
  1493. Pony-made Armor (Use with all three races)
  1494. >(CL) Crystalline Leather Set (+10 PD) {65 bits}
  1495. -Crystal Leather Salet (2)
  1496. -Crystal Leather Protector (3)
  1497. -Crystal Leather Shoes (1)
  1498. -Crystal Leather Flankguards (2)
  1499. [Extras: Crystal Leather Cloak - No armor, but lower exhaustion rate and completes the set’s aesthetics.] {12 bits}
  1500.  
  1501. >(CL) Crystalline Chainmail Set (+20 PD/+5 MD) {160 bits}
  1502. -Crystal Chainmail Coronet (2)
  1503. -Crystal Chainmail Breadth (3)
  1504. -Crystal Chainmail Sabatons (1)
  1505. -Crystal Chainmail Flankguards (2)
  1506. [Extras: Crystal Buckler (+10 PD)] {36 bits}
  1507.  
  1508. >(CP) Crystalline Plate Set (+40 PD/+20 MD/+15 HP) {550 bits}
  1509. -Crystal Plate Helmet (8)
  1510. -Crystal Platemail (15)
  1511. -Crystal Plate Flankguards (8)
  1512. -Crystal Plate Hoofguards (7)
  1513. [Extras: Crystal Squareshield (+40 PD)] {180 bits}
  1514.  
  1515. >(HG) Highguard Plate Set (+100 PD/+70 MD/+25 HP) {2,500 bits}
  1516. -Highguard Plate Helmet (20)
  1517. -Highguard Platemail (30)
  1518. -Highguard Flankguards (25)
  1519. -Highguard Hoofguards (25)
  1520. -Highguard Shield Wall (+75 P.D./+30 M.D.)
  1521. >”Also, there’s medic-issued armor for each of the pony armor and avian sets, for a small 10% embroidery fee.”
  1522.  
  1523. [WEAPONS]
  1524. >Swords
  1525. -Crystal Rapier (1 handed, +10 Physical Attack, Grants Parry) {50 bits}
  1526. -Crystal Zweihander (2 handed, +35 PA, Grants ability Crush) {80 bits}
  1527. -Highguard Longsword (½ handed, +40 P.A., Grants Parry, Grants ability Precision Strike) {140 bits}
  1528. [New!] -Hurricane’s Hoofblade (Pony only, 2 handed, +50 PA, Grants Parry, Grants ability Boundless Strikes) {110 bits}
  1529.  
  1530. >Spears
  1531. -Double Blade Spear (You currently own this item)
  1532. -Crystal Lance (1 handed, +10 PA, Grants Parry) {50 bits}
  1533. -Crystal Poleaxe (2 handed, +35 PA, Grants Parry) {80 bits}
  1534. -Highguard Glaive (½ handed, +40 PA, Grants Parry, Grants ability Downforce) {160 bits}
  1535. [New!] -Renovated Pirouette (½ handed, +36 PA, Grants Block, Grants ability Intercept) {120 bits}
  1536.  
  1537. >Hammers/Maces
  1538. -Crystalforge Mace (1 handed, +15 P.A.) {50 bits}
  1539. -Crystalforge Hammer (2 handed, +40 PA, Grants ability Hammertime) {85 bits}
  1540. -Highguard Morningstar (½ handed, +55 PA, Grants ability Whirlwind) {175 bits}
  1541. [New!] -Empire Express (2 handed, +50 PA, Grants ability Cyli-Spin) {150 bits}
  1542.  
  1543. >Axes
  1544. -Crystalline Hacker (1 handed, +12 Pa) {40 bits}
  1545. -Clarion Battleaxe (2 handed, +36 PA, Grants Block) {85 bits}
  1546. -Highguard Sparthaxe (½ handed, +50 PA, Grants Block, Grants ability Chop) {145 bits}
  1547. [New!] -Crystalforge Cutter (2 handed, +45 PA, Grants ability Battlestorm) {100 bits}
  1548.  
  1549. >Daggers
  1550. -Crystal Stiletto (1 handed, +5 PA) {20 bits}
  1551. -Clarion Twins (DW, +12/+12 PA, Grants ability Backstab) {70 bits}
  1552. -Highguard Poniards (DW, +25/+25 PA, Grants ability Ambush) {125 bits)
  1553. -Sir Prize and Miss Direction (DW, +60/+40 PA, Grants ability Darkstrike, Grants Parry) {400 bits}
  1554.  
  1555. >[NEW!] Ranged
  1556. -Quiver (“Required to hold arrows properly! It holds 24 with our special space-expanding pattern.”) {20 bits}
  1557. -Longbow (R, +10 PA, +5 Balsa) {25 bits}
  1558. -Crossbow (R, +20 PA, +7 Balsa) {40 bits}
  1559. -Crystal Composite Bow (R, +36 PA, +10 Balsa or +3 Crystal) {80 bits}
  1560. -Highguard Recurve (R, +64 PA, +1 quiver of Balsa or +20 Yew or +10 Crystal or +3 Hollowmetal) {185 bits}
  1561. -Balsa Arrows (R) {10 bits per 4 / 40 bit fill}
  1562. -Yew Arrows (R, +3 PA) {15 bits per 4 / 75 bit fill}
  1563. -Crystal Arrows (R, +10 PA) {20 bits per 4 / 90 bit fill}
  1564. -Triple-reinforced Hollowmetal Arrows (R, +20 PA) {40 bits per 4 / 185 bit fill}
  1565. -Hunting tips (Adds +5 PA and 75% chance to bleed) {+25% bits to arrow price}
  1566. [NEW!] -Four-Barrel Lead Ammo (Adds +25 PA, set of 24 shells (shell = 4 shots), only usable with guns and slingshot) {150 bits per box}
  1567. >”That’s my entire selection, plus the same embroidery cost if you desired. The ranged shelf is full so please feel free to buy plenty! Now, what’ll it be?”
  1568.  
  1569. -Buy item(s)
  1570. -Inspect item(s)
  1571. -Back to Menu
  1572. -Exit
  1573.  
  1574.  
  1575. >You have selected:
  1576. (CP) x2 - 1100 bits
  1577. (CL) [Medical] - 160// > 176 bits
  1578. Crystal Bucker - 36 bits
  1579. Crystal Leather Cloak x4 - 48 bits
  1580. Sir Prize and Miss Direction - 400 bits
  1581. Empire Express - 150 bits
  1582. Highguard Glaive - 160 bits
  1583. Ammo x1 - 150 bits
  1584.  
  1585. >Total: 2220 bits
  1586. >Are you sure you want to buy these items? Y/N
  1587.  
  1588.  
  1589. >Items bought!
  1590. [You receive 1 box of Four-Barrel Lead Ammo.]
  1591. [Berry receives (CP) and a CL cloak.]
  1592. [Applejack receives (CL), Empire Express, and a CL cloak.]
  1593. [Pinkie receives Sir Prize and Miss Direction and a CL cloak.]
  1594. [Redheart receives (CC [spoiler]Instances of CL before are CC for chainmail[/spoiler]), Crystal Buckler, Highguard Glaive, and a CL cloak.]
  1595. Your bit pouch: 79 bits
  1596.  
  1597. >”It’s a pleasure doin’ business with ya hairless. I see your entourage is very happy, it looks like. The nurse’s armor and the purple one’s horseshoes will be done by 3:00, so sit tight, or come back then, whatever you like, sir!”
  1598. >He bows to you and walks into the back, presumably to work.
  1599. >You look at your newly attired party, each in their own little world.
  1600. >AJ’s heaving her hammer, standing on two hooves.
  1601. >”Whoa nelly~… This thing has got some kick to it, huh? I bet I could uproot Bloomberg with this baby, er, not that’d I’d ever do that.”
  1602. >Pinkie is definitely admiring her new daggers, practicing drawing and sheathing them.
  1603. >”Hey Nonny!”
  1604. “Hm?”
  1605. >”DRAW!”
  1606. >You brandish your spear a split second after she holds out your daggers.
  1607. “Damn, too slow.”
  1608. >”That’s why I got the knives, silly filly!”
  1609. >She’s just beaming.
  1610. >Berry is still trying to adjust her helmet.
  1611. >”If my mane gets screwed up from this thing, I’m gonna kill you, Anon…”
  1612. >She loves it, she just doesn’t show it.
  1613. >Redheart herself is checking out her buckler and glaive, figuring out how to use the heavy spear one-handed.
  1614. >”I… I think I might need lessons, Anon.”
  1615. >She hasn’t had any formal training.
  1616. >However, you feel like you have a much better grasp of your spear combat since the tournament, and you might actually be able to do so.
  1617. “We’ll see what we can do about that. For now…”
  1618. >It is currently 2:10 P.M.
  1619. >What would you like to do?
  1620.  
  1621. >Inspect Downforce
  1622. [The user raises the glaive high and slams the broad end into the ground, creating a powerful knockback wave of magical force that causes heavy damage. (Good attack, +12 PA, split between all enemies, 3tcd)]
  1623.  
  1624. >Inspect Cyli-Spin
  1625. [The user begins to twirl the hammer like a top from the axis point of the handle, and drills through all the enemies in a wide circle of destruction. (Good attack, +25 PA AoE split between enemies, 90% chance to stun affected enemies for 5 turns, 4tcd)]
  1626.  
  1627. >Inspect Darkstrike
  1628. [The user weilds the daggers and utilizes their special balances to create a powerful, ynchronized strike that is too unpredictable to block, allowing it to pierce through defenses and cause massive damage. (Epic attack (rnd) single, or Good attack AoE split, 90% chance to bleed enemies hit, 7tcd)]
  1629.  
  1630. >You figure with any time you get during the day, it’d be best to read while you have the chance.
  1631. “Red, want to read with me a little more?”
  1632. >She smiles, still adjusting her shield on her arm.
  1633. >”Sure! It’ll make me feel like a warrior-poet-medic or something like that, hehe.”
  1634. >She joins you at the free wall where you both sit, you opening up your Foal’s Guide to Magic while she cracks open her medical mastery textbook.
  1635. >It sort of made you feel like a child comparing, but you weren’t about to let that drag you down.
  1636. >After all, how hard could a book for kids be?
  1637. >…

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