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The Master's Legendary Quest - 8

By Trixiefap
Created: 2022-06-29 02:33:13
Expiry: Never
anonsafecyoaredheartrpgaiegame

  1. [You make some progress on the Foal’s Guide to magic, but it was very difficult for you to understand, and therefore learned no new spells.]
  2. [YOU HAVE GAINED BEGINNER MAGICAL KNOWLEDGE]
  3. [Redheart makes more progress on her Medical Mastery.]
  4. >…
  5. >That book was fucking hard.
  6. >It was worse than Gyro’s lesson, yet the tone made it sound like you were a retard if you didn’t understand.
  7. >Now you feel like a retard.
  8. >Thankfully, Mr. Ironsmith’s voice rang out before you could get too angry at the book.
  9. >”Horseshoes and Nurse’s armor is done! Come on up!”
  10. >Berry runs up and looks at her modified horseshoes, gasping at the sight.
  11. >”These… are so wicked, look at these! It’s like I’m a werewolf!”
  12. >She gets them on and fits them down, patting them well.
  13. >”Nice…”
  14. >Redheart gets her chainmail on and adjusts it with the rest of her armor.
  15. >A true battle-medic if you’ve ever seen one.
  16. “You look really hot, Red.”
  17. >She blushes slightly.
  18. >”Oh, well you’re not too bad yourself, babe~”
  19. >You honestly couldn’t wait for some free time back at Wheaties’ house.
  20. >You’ve been pent up far too long.
  21. >It is now 3:05 P.M.
  22. >Mr. Ironsmith chuckles at the comments, and grabs your attention one more time.
  23. >”Once again, thank you for the business, my hairless friend. So, did you need anything else?”
  24.  
  25. -Buy
  26. -Sell
  27. -Modify
  28. -Exit
  29. -Talk to Mr. Ironsmith
  30.  
  31.  
  32. “Hey guys, let me have your old stuff to sell so we can make up some of the balance a little bit.”
  33. >Berry, Pinkie and Red nod, giving you a few items to sell to him.
  34. [Red gives you Royal Guard Armor, Spear, and Ancient Squareshield.]
  35. [Pinkie gives you Dual-Wield Daggers.]
  36. [Berry gives you Forehoof Horseshoes and Royal Guard Armor.]
  37.  
  38. >Sell
  39.  
  40. >”Hmm… I’ll give you… 50 bits for all of it.”
  41. “What if I signed these items? Being the 1st annual tournament champion for the Crystal Fair must up their value a little bit if I did so?”
  42. >Mr. Ironsmith takes this into consideration, twirling his handlebar stache as he thinks.
  43. >”Well… You strike a fair point. I can’t give much extra, but if you sign ‘em all, I’ll up it to 75.”
  44. >You nod and take a marker from the counter, carefully and clearly autographing each item.
  45. >Do you take the deal or haggle?
  46.  
  47.  
  48.  
  49.  
  50. >Inspect Clawed Thick Iron Horseshoes
  51. [Thick and heavy purified iron horseshoes form-fitted for Berry Punch’s hooves, now modified with Manticore Claws on the business end, these make for a fine craft of weapon that is feared by many. (Modified, +20 PA/+24 Claw PA)]
  52.  
  53. “C'mon, Rick-- err, Ironsmith, these things aren't just weapons, they're pieces of history! Hell, the spear's another Celestial Guard issue, and that shield came out of the Everfree Forest. I wouldn't be surprised if it dated back to
  54. when the old castle was in use, would you? And that's not even accounting for their illustrious history since they came into our hands… Err, hooves. And my hands. Just the one pair. Of two, you know, since we all got uhh… two… arms…”
  55. >”Done?”
  56. “I think so.”
  57. >”Good, but no. 75, take or leave it, hairless. I don’t get by in my shop selling old, unusable weapons, not even if it was Celestia’s centuries-old bedpan, okay? I’m not an antiques dealer, son, I’m a weapons dealer, and that means dealing with modern weapons.”
  58. >Damnit.
  59. “Can I at least get the marker?”
  60. >He raises an eyebrow, and begins to chuckle at the sheer absurdity of your Jewish attempts at getting anything possible.
  61. >”You know what? Why not, take it, you skin tower.”
  62. [Sold signed Royal Guard Armor (x2), Forehoof Horseshoes, DW Daggers and Ancient Squareshield for 75 bits.]
  63. [You have received Black Marker.]
  64. Your bit pouch: 154 bits
  65.  
  66. >You finish the deal and exchanges, feeling at least like you kept one of your balls with the marker.
  67.  
  68. >”Now that you’ve made me a very rich stallion, was there anything else you’d like to do?”
  69.  
  70. -Buy
  71. -Sell
  72. -Modify
  73. -Exit
  74. -Talk to Mr. Ironsmith
  75.  
  76.  
  77. >Exit
  78. “I think that’s it for now, but we might come back later, who knows?”
  79. >”Alright. If you all ever need some more protection, or your friends, then recommend them!”
  80. >You all wave back at him, and you find yourself opening the door for your now armored party.
  81. >It’s odd… You expected to be relieved that they’d be safe with this new armor and that you would no longer have to worry about their well-being.
  82. >But seeing them decked out, ready for battle…
  83. >It actually stings your heart a little, knowing they would have to go through even more violence in order to bring this shadow to justice.
  84. >At least it is for a good cause.
  85. >Now, for a little less good…
  86. “Hey guys, since we’re out, I want to check out this awesome toy store that I heard a few mares talking about while I was at Gyro’s the other day. Want to check it out real quick?”
  87. >They all look at each other and shrug, coming to a positive consensus.
  88. >”That sounds like fun, babe.”
  89. >”I can’t wait to see if they have water balloons! It’s sooooo cool, they’re like normal ballons but with waterinstea of air and when you throw them at people they explode like a big huge water grenade thing and it’s like wshhhsh~”
  90. >”…I think what Pinkie’s tryin’ to say is that she’s interested. Let’s go, Anon.”
  91. >Berry was the only one who didn’t say anything.
  92. >As you begin walking with your party towards your destination, she comes up to your side with an odd look on her face.
  93. >”Toy store, huh?”
  94. “Yep.”
  95. >”These uh, mares, they’re adult, right?”
  96. “… Er, that’s why I would say mare, instead of filly, right?”
  97. >She nods.
  98. >”So what kind of toys?”
  99. >They way she says it tips you off immediately.
  100. “Uh… I’m not sure, probably, you know… trains… … Tunnels…”
  101. >She just gives you a ‘Really?’ sort of look.
  102. >You clear your throat and stay silent for the rest of the trip.
  103. >…
  104. >”This better be a joke, Anon, or I swear I’m buckin’ your ‘apples’ right off your tree.”
  105. >The five of you are standing just outside of Maregaze’s retreat.
  106. >AJ looks livid.
  107. >Redheart is next to you and sort of looking around.
  108. >Pinkie has the reddest face you’ve ever seen.
  109. >And Berry is just laughing at their reactions.
  110. “Well, I didn’t know what they uh, meant by toys, I guess-”
  111. >”You’re s-such a bad l-liar anonhaaha-”
  112. “NONETHELESS, let’s take a look. What harm could it do?”
  113. >You raise your hand and allow them to go first.
  114. >Nearly 20 seconds pass before Berry is the first to move.
  115. >”Alright, you big babies, just follow me inside and don’t be afraid to look.”
  116. >She walks straight inside to the much darker velvet interior, and they give each other looks, AJ herself being the next to go in.
  117. >She tucks her hat down over her eyes, but she goes in.
  118. >Pinkie follows, walking instead of bouncing and avoiding your gaze.
  119. >Redheart then follows her, you walking with her inside…
  120. >The rest of the party has dispersed, but Red stays with you.
  121. >A familiar scent begins to parade in your nostrils, but you can’t quite figure out what…
  122. [Maregaze’s M&S Lover’s ‘Retreat’] - Owner: Maregaze
  123. >”Oh, I’ve never had one of your kind in here before. I hope everything’s to your satisfaction, and same to your marefriend, hehe. Just pick what you like, don’t be shy.”
  124.  
  125. -Buy
  126. -Sell
  127. -Modify
  128. -Exit
  129. -Talk to Maregaze
  130.  
  131.  
  132. -Modify
  133. “Er, may I ask exactly what you modify?”
  134. >Maregaze gives an innocent smile as she directs your attention to one of the stands next to her counter, flipping away her brunette bangs to see.
  135. >”Piercings. We have multitudes of different styles and we put them anywhere you like~”
  136. >Anywhere?
  137. >What does she- ohh…
  138. >”We also have tattoo artists stationed here if you were looking for something a little more, permanent. For a few bits more, we can even change the look of your cutie mark. Doesn’t really let you change the meaning, just the aesthetics.”
  139. >Interesting…
  140. >You were also about to ask her for tips on some certain issues in the bedroom, but Redheart was standing right next to you.
  141. >That wouldn’t blow over very well, but you’re sure if the odd voices in your head pester you more, you might break through that huge wall of spaghetti.
  142. -Buy
  143. -Sell
  144. -Modify
  145. -Exit
  146. -Talk to Maregaze
  147.  
  148. >Buy
  149.  
  150. >”We have what you see here on the shelves, but if you ask for it, we might be able to make it… Just let your imagination run wild. As I said, no need to be bashful, my lovelies.”
  151.  
  152. [For Her]
  153. -Traditional Dildo (“For those nights where your stallion ain't around, hehe.”) {30 bits}
  154. -Ribbed Strap-on (“In case you want to try something new in the bedroom lovelies.”) {40 bits}
  155. -Nipple Clamps (“Everypony likes a little pain, and it even comes with shock treatment!.”) {10 bits}
  156. -Anal Beads (“If you’re willing to get a little dirtier… Psst, these are my favorite.”) {20 bits}
  157. -XL Sybian (“For the utmost pleasurable experiences.”) {250 bits}
  158.  
  159. [For Him]
  160. -Mare Light (“In case you get lonely without your marefriend, hehe.”) {50 bits}
  161. -Cock Ring (“For those nights where you need to just keep on going.”) {30 bits}
  162. -Viagra (“For stallions with a…special problem. Holds 25 per bottle.”) {60 bits per bottle}
  163. -Condom (“Wouldn't want any foals now, would you? Well, with you you might not need these, but experience is experience, yes? Comes in 12 packs.”) {10 bits per pack}
  164. -Prostate Massager (“Who doesn't like a little fun down under?”) {70 bits}
  165.  
  166. [For Them]
  167. -Aerodynamic Paddle (“Hope you like getting a little kinky in the bedroom, just watch that strong arm, doctor…”) {25 bits}
  168. -Muzzle (“The safety word is banana. Oh… Doesn’t work here! I guess a little rubbing will have to do instead, hmhm.”) {30 bits}
  169. -Hoofcuffs (“You’re under arrest, now submit. Hehe.”) {20 bits}
  170. -Costumes (“Want to be a maid or a nurse tonight? Oh, I see you already have a nurse, teehee!”) {55 bits}
  171. -Aphrodisiac (“Buying these eliminates all needs for toys, baby. Takes just one and it goes all night long. 25 in a bottle!”) {550 bits per bottle}
  172. >”So, lovelies. What’s the word?”
  173. >You notice as Maregaze lists off the items, Redheart progressively hides more and more behind you, and you can feel the heat radiating off her face.
  174. >You want to ask her what she likes, but she needs to regain composure first.
  175.  
  176. -Buy item(s)
  177. -Inspect item(s)
  178. -Back to Menu
  179. -Exit
  180.  
  181.  
  182. “Actually, is it alright if we just take a look around?”
  183. >”No problem at all. … Hey, you’re that weird guy with the magic, right? The tournament winner?”
  184. >Oh, now this was interesting.
  185. “Er, yeah. Dr. Anonymous. Pleasure to meet you, I suppose.”
  186. >She leans up on the counter and gives you a strange look from behind her brown bangs and glasses.
  187. >”You know, my coltfriend was in that tournament.”
  188. “Oh, really?”
  189. >”Mhm. Lance.”
  190. >Fucking hell.
  191. “Er, well, It was a good fight, definitely.”
  192. >She has a very passive look on her face as she steps back down, disappearing behind the counter.
  193. >You lead Redheart away to go browse some more.
  194. “Well, anyways… Is there anything here that you uh, might enjoy? Anything in particular that might, strike your fancy?”
  195. >She looks around very exaggeratedly to make sure there was nopony around, then she gets you to kneel down to whisper.
  196. >”I’ve uuh… Well, let’s say there’s something I’ve… I’ve…”
  197. >Red looks worse than Fluttershy having a nervous breakdown, and her cheeks are flaming red.
  198. >”I’ve always, uhm, had one certain thing I’ve always wanted… to try… But, if I tell you, you have to promise not to freak out or get disgusted, okay?”
  199. >Do you promise? Y/N
  200.  
  201.  
  202.  
  203. “Of course, Red. You know I’d do anything for you anyways, so no matter what it is, I want to try it.”
  204. >Redheart smiles and hugs you for a moment, and you take the opportunity to snag a kiss on her cheek.
  205. >She giggles a bit, and looks around again to make sure the coast is clear.
  206. >She leans in very close to you, her coat tickling your cheek as she speaks into your ear.
  207. >”I’ve wanted to feel what it was like… giving, rather than receiving, if… if you know what I mean?… I don’t mean actually switching like with magic, just…”
  208. “…You mean pegging?”
  209. >”Shh!”
  210. “Sorry… So, that’s what you like, huh?”
  211. >She nods after a moment, and you realize just how hard it must’ve been for her to tell you.
  212. [Find Redheart’s fetish - (1/1)]
  213. “Maybe we could, arrange a little something? I’ll get you whatever you want-”
  214. >You are interrupted by Redheart’s tongue being stuck down your throat.
  215. >It’s an interesting sensation to be doing this in the middle of a sex shop.
  216. >She breaks it apart, and nudges you up back to the counter.
  217. “Uh, hello?”
  218. >Maregaze returns to the counter, giving you a faux smile.
  219. >If she wants that, then you know exactly what to get her.
  220. “I think I know what I want.”
  221. >”Alright Doctor, lay it on me~”
  222. >Buy
  223.  
  224. [For Her]
  225. -Traditional Dildo (“For those nights where your stallion ain't around, hehe.”) {30 bits}
  226. [Redheart’s choice] -Ribbed Strap-on (“In case you want to try something new in the bedroom lovelies.”) {40 bits}
  227. -Nipple Clamps (“Everypony likes a little pain, and it even comes with shock treatment!.”) {10 bits}
  228. -Anal Beads (“If you’re willing to get a little dirtier… Psst, these are my favorite.”) {20 bits}
  229. -XL Sybian (“For the utmost pleasurable experiences.”) {250 bits}
  230.  
  231. [For Him]
  232. -Mare Light (“In case you get lonely without your marefriend, hehe.”) {50 bits}
  233. -Cock Ring (“For those nights where you need to just keep on going.”) {30 bits}
  234. -Viagra (“For stallions with a…special problem. Holds 25 per bottle.”) {60 bits per bottle}
  235. -Condom (“Wouldn't want any foals now, would you? Well, with you you might not need these, but experience is experience, yes? Comes in 12 packs.”) {10 bits per pack}
  236. -Prostate Massager (“Who doesn't like a little fun down under?”) {70 bits}
  237.  
  238. [For Them]
  239. -Aerodynamic Paddle (“Hope you like getting a little kinky in the bedroom, lovelies.”) {25 bits}
  240. -Muzzle (“The safety word is banana.”) {30 bits}
  241. -Hoofcuffs (“You’re under arrest, now submit. Hehe.”) {20 bits}
  242. -Costumes (“Want to be a maid or a nurse tonight? Oh, I see you already have a nurse, teehee!”) {55 bits}
  243. -Aphrodisiac (“Buying these eliminates all needs for toys, baby. Takes just one and it goes all night long. 25 in a bottle!”) {550 bits per bottle}
  244.  
  245. >”Now what, pray tell, does a 'human' like yourself enjoy, hm?”
  246.  
  247. -Buy item(s)
  248. -Inspect item(s)
  249. -Back to Menu
  250. -Exit
  251.  
  252.  
  253.  
  254.  
  255. >When you get the items that you want, Maregaze gives you a slight flutter of her eyes, giving you a large sense of atomic spaghetti raining out of your pockets and starting World War III.
  256. >You have selected Anal Beads (20 bits), Ribbed Strap-On (40 bits), and Cock Ring (30 bits).
  257. >Total: 90 bits
  258. >Do you want to buy these items? Y/N
  259.  
  260. >-Anal Beads
  261. >Items Bought!
  262. [You receive Ribbed Strap-on, Cock Ring.]
  263. Your bit pouch: 84 bits
  264.  
  265. >Maregaze rests her chin on her hooves and gives you a wry look.
  266. >”Is there anything else I can do for such a tall stud like you?”
  267.  
  268. -Buy
  269. -Sell
  270. -Modify
  271. -Exit
  272. -Talk to Maregaze
  273.  
  274.  
  275. >Current questlog (8/10 total)
  276. [Investigate Shadow] - Find it (0/1); Exterminate it (0/1); Report to Celestia (0/1)
  277. [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)
  278. [Spear Mastery] - Learn Spear Juggling (0/1)
  279. [Spicing up the Bedroom] - Find Redheart’s fetish (1/Pegging); Improve foreplay (0/1)
  280. [Vigilante Justice] - Track down and take in the thieves that attacked Pinkie Pie (0/3)
  281. [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)
  282. [Needs more Hooves] - Find three ponies willing to work for Gyro (0/3)
  283. [Just like Clockwork] - Travel to Appleoosa and speak to Frizzy Gear (0/1)
  284.  
  285. >Talk to Maregaze
  286. “So, you and Lance huh? I didn't get the chance to check on him before they wheeled him off, is he doing better?”
  287. >One of her hooves begin to make circles on the counter.
  288. >”Oh, he’s alright… Still laid out in the hospital, very angry that he lost, you know…”
  289. “Despite what it looked like out there, I did my best not to hurt anyone too badly.”
  290. >”I know you didn’t, you seem like a good guy.”
  291. >She sighs, and looks up right into your eyes, still circling the counter.
  292. >”It’s just very bad timing, you know…”
  293. “Why’s that?”
  294. >”I’m going to be in heat soon… and nopony’s gonna be able to take care of me but myself…”
  295. >Whoa, TMI.
  296. >Wait a minute… Was she?…
  297. >No, no way.
  298. “Well, I uh..”
  299. >You aren’t exactly sure what to do with that.
  300.  
  301. >Exit
  302. “I think I’m just gonna, uh, go. H-hope you take care of that problem!”
  303. >She gives you a lazy wave, looking a little irritated with you.
  304. >You need to get out of there and fast.
  305. >Turning around, you reunite with Redheart who was pretending to look at some of the erotic novels displayed.
  306. >”Oh… Hi. Did…?”
  307. [You give Redheart Ribbed Strap-on and Lube.]
  308. >She looks around quickly and stows them into her bag.
  309. >Then Red gives you a tight hug around your waist, before beginning to lead you out.
  310. “Hey, what about the others?”
  311. >”They can come out on their own time, okay?”
  312. >She was still dragging you, so you look around for a way to communicate.
  313. “HEY, UH, WE’RE LEAVING!”
  314. >”ANON!”
  315. >She goes behind you and pushes you out of the store, fuming at you as you wait for your party members.
  316. >Who haven’t come yet.
  317. >…
  318. >It was about twenty more minutes before the three popped their heads out of the store, all with something in their bags.
  319. >You raise your eyebrows and cross your arms at the sight, and they all make awkward smiles.
  320. “Well, what did you guys get?”
  321. >”Ain’t tellin’ you!”
  322. >”N-nonny!”
  323. >”I just got a vibrator for the road.”
  324. >Everyone looks at Berry with different levels of shock.
  325. >”What? We were all just in there! Oh, whatever, where are we going next, Anon?”
  326. >She starts walking away without a real answer, so with a quick glance and shrug to the rest of them, you follow her to keep her in hearing range.
  327. “I think now would be a good time to pick up our little friends. Since we’re closer to the tournament grounds, might as well go get Iron Will real quick, right?”
  328. >You notice Berry’s speed quicken.
  329. “Guess that’s a yes.”
  330. >…
  331. >You and your party make your way to the Diamond-Ridge Park once again, taking a few minutes to find the trailer that Iron had previously bragged about yesterday.
  332. >By the time you get to his door, it was around 4:00 P.M.
  333. >You rap on the door 3 times.
  334. >You wait.
  335. >You wait a little more.
  336. >You wait even longer, and you knock again.
  337. >”Wha..”
  338. >You hear something from the inside.
  339. “Iron Will, we’re here! You ready?”
  340. >You hear something fall and break inside, and a large buffoonish yawn.
  341. >”Uh, of course!… Just uh… Give me a few minutes…”
  342. >You look back at the party, and back to the trailer.
  343. >Should you wait, or ‘press forward’?
  344.  
  345. “Hey, no problem man, we've got a lot on our plates at the moment so we're gonna get moving towards the library, but we'll leave someone behind, if you could lend her a hand, that'd be cool.”
  346. >You think for a moment as he’s getting himself out of bed.
  347. “Berry…”
  348. >”Huh?”
  349. >She looks at you and stops short of taking a drink from her new gallon flask.
  350. “Here, I need you to do something for me.”
  351. >You walk over, rummaging through your empty bit bag.
  352. [You give Berry 10 bits.]
  353. “Take these, and when he comes out, take Iron Will with you when he gets out and go down to the local tavern. I’d like you to find any information you can about the thieves that might be running the trade around here, like that trio that jumped Pinkie and I. If you find them, don’t chase after ‘em because that’s for me and Pinkie. Also, see if you can’t find any whereabouts of where Rainbow Dash might be. I saw that she was missing on the directory, and I’m a little worried. But, you might as well have some fun while you’re there, so that’s what the 10’s for.”
  354. >Berry jingles the coins in her hoof, giving you a very wide smirk.
  355. >”Oh, I’ll have some fun with him, alright…”
  356. “Fun at the bar, Berry.”
  357. >”Wha?”
  358. “At the bar, for drinks. Have fun there.”
  359. >”Oh, right… Yeah…”
  360. >You’re now thinking this wasn’t exactly the best idea, but it was the best you got.
  361. “Just remember, when you’re done I expect you back at the Library so we can all meet back up.”
  362. >”Got it, got it…”
  363. “For now, let’s wait on him, I guess…”
  364. >You prepare your potion-making kit to make some healing potions.
  365. >With your ingredients, you can make up to three batches of 6 small potions each, 4 mediums, or 2 large.
  366. >Small potions take half an hour to brew, medium take 45 minutes, and large takes an hour, with multiple batches not affecting time.
  367. >Would you like to brew these healing potions?
  368.  
  369.  
  370.  
  371. >You put up your kit and stow it in your bag before the rest of your party saw.
  372. >What the hell were you thinking deciding to do it right now?
  373. >Regardless, you adjust your things and set off.
  374. “Alright, Berry, do what I told you and the rest of us are going to head off to go get our bodyguard. N-Stop, we’re getting him and that’s final.”
  375. >They’re all silent, for they knew you weren’t about to change your mind.
  376. >Berry waves to the rest of you, and you and your party set off for Gable’s location, knowing they are going to try and convince you otherwise the entire trip.
  377. >…
  378. “No.”
  379. >”But you’re making a huge mis-”
  380. “No.”
  381. >”Anon, really, ya oughtta at least listen to yer maref-”
  382. “No.”
  383. >”If ya cut me off again I’m-”
  384. “Gonna buck my apples?”
  385. >You hear a quickening of pace behind you and you turn around with your knee hiked up.
  386. “Okay, okay, sorry! Just, look, it’ll be fine, alright?”
  387. >”How is it gonna be fine? For all we know he’s just waitin’ to get us out in the blizzard, and slit your throat or somethin’!”
  388. >Damn, that was a little dark for an element of horse or whatever.
  389. ”He’s really not going to do that, so quit it, guys! Damn…”
  390. >You remember Gable telling you in private that he was going to be held at the guard station for you to pick him up, so that is where you have arrived.
  391. >You walk into the doors and notice that your group is waiting outside for this one.
  392. >Alright, probably for the best anyways.
  393. >You see the counter and the various guards chatting or taking a break inside the station.
  394. >A few with the higher-quality armor have holsters, probably already made by the Wither for when they get their F.U.C.K.E.R.S.
  395. >You wonder how long it’d be before your invention spreads out across Equestria.
  396. >That’s when you realize besides your friends and Charm Rose, you haven’t seen a normal non-crystal pony in days.
  397. >You play with this thought as you walk up, and the guard smiles at you.
  398. >”Well, didn’t expect to see the tournament winner here. What can I do for you, Dr. Anonymous?”
  399. “I’m here to pick up a gryphon named Gable as a part of our deal.”
  400. >He raises his eyebrows, and gets off his chair, going back to the open barrack door and shouting into it.
  401. >”Get the gryphon out here, Stomper!”
  402. >The guard apparently known as Stomper reveals himself after a minute or so, pushing along a taloncuffed Gable.
  403. >He gives you a surly look as his cuffs are removed, and he slowly walks towards you.
  404. >For some reason, your instincts begin to flare up, and you almost take a step back as he advances, but you stay yourself.
  405. >He stops right in front of you and stares at you for the longest time.
  406. >You hear the slight shings of spears being drawn from the guards around you, and you just freeze and wait for the inevitable…
  407. >Gable holds out his claw.
  408. >”Thanks again… Anonymous.”
  409. >Well, that was unexpected.
  410. >You very tentatively take his claw and shake with him, and you swallow your heart back down your throat as the pressure is relieved.
  411. >The two of you walk side-by-side out of the doors.
  412. “Were you trying to scare the entire squad back there?”
  413. >”Did it work?”
  414. >You are still sweating from the confrontation.
  415. “I would say so, yes.”
  416. >You reach the outside with the crystal empire returning its grace and majesty to yours and Gable’s eyes.
  417. >AJ, Pinkie and Red are waiting for you nearby.
  418. >Probably not for him, though, as they were already giving him death glares.
  419. >”Well, aren’t I popular.”
  420. “Hey, c’mon, just show them your good side and it’ll be fine.”
  421. >You walk down to meet them, but they wouldn’t derive their stares away.
  422. >It could be worse, right?
  423. >What would you like to do?
  424.  
  425. “So uh, this is Gable, everyone. Gable, this is Applejack.”
  426. >She barely moves, but after a moment makes a silent nod.
  427. “…Er, that’s Pinkie Pie.”
  428. >Pinkie was holding her air-filled cheeks as tightly as she could, probably to stop herself from saying something bad.
  429. “And this is my, marefriend, Nurse Redheart.”
  430. >”Hello.”
  431. >At least she managed to say something.
  432. >And that’s all that was said.
  433. >Okay, this is getting a bit tense.
  434. “Alright, there’s some feelings on both sides that don’t need to be there. I need to go back into the guard station and get a few things I forgot, alright? Let’s just all get along for now.”
  435. >Gable and your group simply stare at each other without words.
  436. >You’re pretty sure that they aren’t going to come to blows, so you slowly back away up the steps and back into the station.
  437. >The same guard who was talking to you earlier looks up from his paperwork and gives you a concerned look.
  438. >”Oh, what’s wrong? Is it the prisoner?”
  439. “No! I mean, he’s fine. I just came in to ask you guys something. Is there any chance I could borrow three pairs of han-- hoofcuffs for, you know, personal use?”
  440. >”Uh, sorry Doctor, we don’t hand out our equipment, that’d be against the law.”
  441. “Oh, sorry I asked then.”
  442. >”But, I could technically instate you as a temporary deputy and ‘auction’ our old cuffs to you starting at 0 bits?”
  443. >Well, being famous seems to have its perks.
  444. “Now that sounds like something I can get behind.”
  445. >He opens a draw from his desk and pins a paper badge on your coat, then leads you into the back.
  446.  
  447. >Buy
  448.  
  449. [AUCTION]
  450. -Hoofcuffs
  451.  
  452. >You have selected Hoofcuffs (3) (0 bits).
  453. >Do you want to buy these items? Y/N
  454.  
  455. >Y
  456. >Items bought!
  457. [You receive 3 pairs of hoofcuffs.]
  458. >Your bit pouch: 84 bits
  459.  
  460. >”Alright, there you go Doctor, hope you enjoyed the auction! You’re fired.”
  461. “Shit.”
  462. >He takes off your badge, but you both laugh it off.
  463. “Uhm, I actually did have some legitimate questions, however. Has there been any word on a trio of thieves that might’ve gotten turned in recently?
  464. >The desk guard leafs through his records for a while until he runs out of papers.
  465. >”Uh, I’m sorry, but there’s no record of them anywhere. Have you checked the hospital, by chance?”
  466. “I have, there were no records saying they admitted anyone with their descriptions.”
  467. >”Well, if you check our bulletin board, there could be a bounty, but otherwise I couldn’t tell you.”
  468. “Alright. Also, have there been any leads whatsoever for the missing Rainbow Dash?”
  469. “No, we haven’t even gotten any sightings. If you do see her, come right back here, okay?”
  470. “Got it, thank you.”
  471. >”Come back anytime!”
  472. >Before you leave, you take a quick glance at the bulletin board.
  473. [CRYSTAL EMPIRE GUARD DEPARTMENT NOTICES]
  474. >Notices<
  475. -Has anyone seen a green-stained badge with a bunch of scorch marks on it? -Deputy Groggy
  476. -If there’s anyone who thinks stealing lunches from the icebox is funny, then you’re sadly mistaken. If I find out who, you’re out on your flanks! -Sheriff Fjord
  477. -IMPORTANT: Officer Tidal Wave has not reported to the station from the Tundra outpost in the last x2x x3x 4 days, if you see him contact the sheriff immediately, and bring him back to the station with his Royal Pass intact. (We care for Wave, but only one officer gets a royal pass, they’re very rare.)
  478.  
  479. >There was nothing here that caught your interest about Rainbow Dash, but that last notice definitely got some attention.
  480. >Your thoughts are telling you that a royal pass would most likely get you into the palace, and would probably be your best bet.
  481. >Seeing nothing else, you walk back out to the group.
  482. >Now they weren’t even looking at each other, just casually waiting until you came back.
  483. “Well, got what I needed… To the library?”
  484. >The ponies gather their things and nod, with Redheart walking with you as you set off.
  485. >”Sure, Anon. Just remember, if there’s anything -else- that you needed to do here at the station, now is the time.”
  486. “For the last time, he’s okay!”
  487. >She just sighs and stays silent during the trip.
  488. >You are going to have to find a way to break this tension, somehow.
  489. >Is there anything you’d like to do on the way to the Crystal Library?
  490.  
  491.  
  492.  
  493. >Something to break the tension was a hard thing to think about.
  494. >You think about telling them about your world, but your memories were still far too fuzzy for any details.
  495. >For example, you remember that humans have landed on the moon, but you don’t remember why, how, when or any names, not even what country.
  496. >What country were you from?
  497. >Just thinking about your past like makes your head ache like crazy, so you decide not to think about it.
  498. >Instead, you just try and do what you do best, and that’s buddy up.
  499. >You slow your pace from the front of the group to walk next to Gable,
  500. “So, how are you doing being free again?”
  501. >”The same as always, roaming the streets, anticipating a violent future.”
  502. >That was morbid as hell, especially for such a light world as this.
  503. “Well, uh, just so you know, if you ever want to talk about anything-”
  504. >”I am not a woman, I do not ‘talk’, I fight. If you want to really know how I’m doing, let me throw a couple rounds at you.”
  505. “Fine, fine, I get the hint.”
  506. >”Just know your place, Anonymous, I am here to guard you, not to be your friend.”
  507. >Well, shit.
  508. >Gable’s steelier than AJ when you first met.
  509. >You decide to abandon this course of action before he acts on his word, and keep to yourself.
  510. >The only thing you could think of to do in the silence was practice your magic.
  511. >After reading that horribly difficult book, you should be able to get some sort of progress now.
  512. >…
  513. [You have gained slight experience with your magical abilities, and managed to do quite a bit with your previous abilities and got a good workout.]
  514. [ANONYMOUS HAS GAINED MAGICAL POTENTIAL!]
  515. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xISEnAhfynI]
  516. [+2 MP]
  517. Anon: [HP: 130/130][MP: 20/20]
  518. >…
  519. >Your magical display led to a conversation between the ponies involving some story about Twilight showing up a powerful-but-arrogant blue showmare back in the day.
  520. >Trickster or something.
  521. >You weren’t really paying attention because you were making epic balls of magic.
  522. >Your balls are very important.
  523. >In any case, the talk of Twilight made the destination come much sooner than usual, and before you know it you and your group were already walking up the stairs to the library.
  524. >Why did every civil service building here have to have stairs?
  525. >This thought is interrupted when you realize you were already at the door.
  526. >Being at the front, you open it for the rest of the group and enter in last.
  527. >As soon as you walk in, Applejack and Pinkie Pie rush right by you in a orange and pink blur.
  528. >”TWILEY!”
  529. >”SUGARCUBE!”
  530. >You finally get your bearings and see the two hugging on a breathless Twilight Sparkle.
  531. >”Guys! Guys, it’s okay, I’m fine! Hey, what’s with the armor? …Big hammer.”
  532. >AJ heaves the hammer around her shoulder, giving a toothy grin.
  533. >”Yeah, Anon got this stuff for us with his prize money, he’s a real good kid when he wants to be.”
  534. >Twilight gives you a quick smile, but her countenance was more curious than anything.
  535. >”Are you guys going to be needing it?”
  536. >They look at each other for a moment, Pinkie stepping in.
  537. >”Well, We don’t really know but lookit it’s so cool, it fits me so well and it’s so warm! Oh, but it’s totally cool, we won’t get hurt ever ever again!”
  538. >Twilight’s ears fall slightly.
  539. >”Again?”
  540. >Well, shit, you didn’t think that was going to come up that quickly.
  541. >AJ and Pinkie quickly change the subject, though.
  542. >”Anon got some really weird tattoos that give him magic.”
  543. >”Big, strong super metally tattoos!”
  544. >Twilight blinks for a moment, and looks at you.
  545. >You begrudgingly undo one of your talons and show her your bare palm.
  546. >She gasps at the sight and runs straight to you, her purple hooves prodding at it.
  547. >”This is amazing! You have to tell me everything, Anon, because this is my element of harmony on your palm!”
  548. >Wait, what?
  549. “Wait, what?”
  550. >You take a closer look at the inscription of your palm, and lo and behold, it was a 6-arm star, very similar to Twilight’s cutie mark.
  551. >Now that you think about it, the ones on your chest resembles apples and balloons like AJ and Pinkie, too.
  552. >It was a very long explanation, though.
  553. >Should you do what you’ve come here to do and tell her later, or give her the full explanation and ride out the rest of the day with her questions?
  554.  
  555.  
  556.  
  557. “Alright, it's a bit of a tale, but I can tell it, sure. We are on a bit of a time crunch, though, so do you mind if we work and talk at the same time? I've made a few promises to some ponies here and there that I ought to fulfill, and I could really use everyone's help to do so so we can get to the bottom of everything that’s been happening lately. Speak up if you all have any objections.”
  558. >They all look a little surprise by your sudden take-charge attitude, but they stay silent and let you continue, awaiting their instruction.
  559. >You give them a warm smile before going full business mode.
  560. “Red, babe, I'm hoping that the library here might have something on the malady that Sunwhirl told us about, the one that turns eyes black and skin pale, so do you think you and Twilight might be able to find something in here to explain it?”
  561. >Redheart blinks and looks over at Twilight, and they nod at each other.
  562. >”Sure, I think we can find something in such a large library… After all, it’ll give me time to catch up with my favorite bookworm.”
  563. >Twilight smiles and gives a hoof bump to the nurse.
  564. >”You can count on us.”
  565. “Pinkie, I was hoping you might stop by Drooly Dapper's place and talk to him about helping at Gyro's? I can't see him saying no if you're the one offering, plus, if you tell him he’s going to be working on. After that, our best best to find some engineers that are at least half-qualified for the jobs that he wants them to do you can most likely find at the train station, whether they’re looking for a second job or they just want to help out. Use that excitement and charisma you’ve always got and you should find plenty of business.”
  566. >Pinkie stands on her hind hooves and gives you a proper salute while throwing her new daggers in the air.
  567. >”You got it, Nonny, I’ll be the bestest darndest recruiter since the history of ever!”
  568. >From somewhere offscreen, confetti and streamers pop out everywhere with miniature fireworks.
  569. >Wait, offscreen?
  570. >”Wait, where did the Dapper guy live again?”
  571. “Er, near the park, big emerald two story house.”
  572. >”Okey dokey lokey!”
  573. “Finally, AJ, when I’m done with what I need to do here, I was hoping you, Gable and I could go find Rainbow Dash. I figure you'd know where to start looking, and god forbid she's hurt or in danger, we can get her safe and patch her up. Sound good?”
  574. >Applejack nods, though looks a bit less enthusiastic about being separated with her friends to go with you, and especially Gable.
  575. “Thoughts, suggestions, anybody?"
  576. >Gable pipes up for the first time since you entered the library.
  577. >”What are you going to be doing, exactly?”
  578. >You raise a finger to answer him, yet you stop for a moment to gather your bearings.
  579. >You have a few things that you need to do, but this seems to be the best bet for the current time.
  580. “I’m going to write a letter to the Princesses back in Canterlot telling them of our progress and unfolded events. I was hoping you could send it, Twilight? I could even tell you what I’m writing so I can catch you up.”
  581. >”Oh, uh, sure! Hopefully I can recreate Spike’s fire… spell…”
  582. >The mere thought of Spike sends Twilight into a very noticeable depression.
  583. >You’re pretty sure you’re crazy, but you could’ve sworn you saw her color fade a little too.
  584. >You try not to dwell on it and stop her from doing so as well.
  585. “Hey, he’ll be fine, alright? I bet he’s already back up and moving around by now. We just gotta give it time.”
  586. >She nods slowly, and you ponder about anything that you might’ve missed.
  587. >That’s when you turn back to AJ.
  588. >”So, while I’m writing that letter with Twilight to start, can you, Gable and Redheart go and see if you can find any good books on alchemy, engineering, but more importantly medical and possibly healing magic spells?”
  589. >Twilight interjects at this point.
  590. >”Wait, Anon, why do you need healing magic?”
  591. “Well.. I thought once I got proficient enough, I could try my hand at it.”
  592. >This is the first time you’ve actually said this out loud, and you’re met with…
  593. >Laughter, from Twilight herself.
  594. >”O-oh, Anon, healing magic is a dead art form because of its difficulty, I mean, not even I can do anything like that!”
  595. “Have you ever tried?”
  596. >Her giggling stops pretty quickly.
  597. >”Well, no, because Princess Celestia turned me away for that exact reason.”
  598. “So you’ve never actually seen whether or not you can do it for yourself?”
  599. >She shifts around a little bit.
  600. >”Well, I like to think Princess Celestia wouldn’t lie about something like that.”
  601. >Well, that would be true, you think, she wouldn’t lie.
  602. >But still, not even a single try?
  603. “I’d like to try it anyways. Oh, and, I was wondering if you had the time, if you could teach me a little bit about magic, since I hear you’re the expert on this stuff?”
  604. >She looks you over as if she were sizing you up.
  605. >”Well, so far, has your magic been about the same as a unicorn’s?”
  606. >You shrug, honestly unable to answer that with any accuracy.
  607. >”Well, what are you able to do so far?”
  608. ”I can use it in combat, that’s about it.”
  609. >She shakes her head quickly.
  610. >”Wait wait wait, you can use combat magic, but nothing basic?”
  611. >You shrug again.
  612. >”Well, what kind of combat spells?”
  613. “Like, I can fire a big cannon of magical energy, and I can slash my spear with my magic acting as a sort of buffer, and I can put it into the enchantment on my spear --By the way, we got it-- and make like an electric flame.”
  614. >”That’s just… improbable! How did you get this magic, anyways?”
  615. >You fish out your phone to show her the picture you took of the tree.
  616. “Here… By the way, any chance you can charge it again?”
  617. >You see that it is around 50%, but after nearly a week, that’s pretty good.
  618. >Making sure the picture was on it, you allow Twilight to levitate it into her sight, and she gasps.
  619. >”What… What is this?!”
  620. “That’s what gave me these powers. It comes with the tribal tattooes you see, too, probably acting as the catalyst that your horns do.”
  621. >”It’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen… But it has the Elements of Harmony engraved into it. Where did you find it?”
  622. “It’s in a cave at the left end of the Everfree ravine, down by the desert.”
  623. >She somehow already has a notepad that her quill is scribbling furiously on.
  624. >”Okay, I’m going to include this in the letter to the Princesses. So I guess to your earlier question, I’ll do what I can, but I’m going to have to explore your markings a bit more, if that’s alright?”
  625. “Sure.”
  626. >She hands you back your phone, and you see that it’s at 100%.
  627. >You’re not exactly sure when she did that, but you certainly aren’t complaining.
  628. “Alright, so you all know what you need to do! We’ve had our fun shopping, now it’s time to get to work!”
  629. >”Got it, partner.”
  630. >”Right…”
  631. >AJ and Gable walk up to the front desk with plenty of space between them, going to ask for directions in a library even bigger than the one in the Everfree Castle.
  632. >”Woowoo, to the train station!”
  633. >Pinkie zooms out of the door before you could even say Pie.
  634. >”AJ, wait up!”
  635. >Redheart gives you a quick peck on the cheek before running out with AJ and Gable.
  636. >Your party disperses pretty quickly, and while Twilight is preparing her papers, she looks around at who is all leaving.
  637. >”So Anon, who’s the gryphon?”
  638. “His name’s Gable, a sort of bodyguard I guess.”
  639. >”Ah, I hope to meet him properly later.”
  640. “I’ll introduce you properly when we’re done.”
  641. >”Okay, and uh, didn’t you have Berry Punch with you?”
  642. “She’s at a tavern.”
  643. >She stops what she’s doing and turns to look you dead in the eyes.
  644. “B-berry’s on a mission, too! She’s tracking down thieves and looking for leads on Rainbow Dash.”
  645. >”Oh. oh…”
  646. “By the way, any luck on that?”
  647. >She comes up to you and leads you to a table for the letter as she talks.
  648. >”Well, no. After she stormed off looking for a way into the palace, she wasn’t seen since. It’s like she vanished, or something!”
  649. “Man… That’s rough.”
  650. >”What if the shadow comes here and we have to defend against it? It’s not like the elements work without all six, and she’s being so… so… Disloyal!”
  651. >She sounded angry, now.
  652. >”Don’t get me wrong, I hope she’s alright, but where could she possibly that’s SO important that she risks all of Equestria to be!?”
  653. “What exactly are the Elements of Harmony, anyways? Nobody’s given me any straight answers about it since I got here, and now that I’m apparently imbued with them, I think I deserve to know, don’t I?”
  654. >She sits down and gives you an apologetic look.
  655. >”I’m sorry, there’s… Just a lot on my mind. Here, I’ll tell you everything right after this letter, okay?”
  656. “Thank you. Oh, one more thing?”
  657. >She looks up and smiles, waiting.
  658. “Do you have any idea what’s been up with Cadance, lately? How sick is she?”
  659. >She sighs and buries her face in her hooves.
  660. >”I don’t know, either, please don’t remind me. I’ve been trying again and again to get a hold of her these last three days, but with my brother being so busy taking over her royal duties, I have no way of knowing! I hope she’s alright, but if she doesn’t get better soon, things are going to start falling apart…”
  661. >An empire without a ruler tends to do that.
  662. >You reach over and give her an empathetic pat on her withers, and she looks up at you, perking up a little.
  663. >”Thanks, Anon. You’re a kind human.”
  664. “No problem. Now…”
  665. >You look down at the quill and parchment, and begin to write.
  666. Dear Princess Celestia,
  667.  
  668. >What should the letter say?
  669.  
  670.  
  671. Dear Princess Celestia,
  672.  
  673. This letter comes to you from the Crystal Empire, penned by the one known as Doctor Anonymous. I write to you bringing grave portents, to warn of dangers and discuss dire matters.
  674.  
  675. First, and of utmost portent, is an update on the shadow creature which attacked us during our previous meeting. Twilight and her friends wisely suggested consulting Princess Cadence on its nature, so we have made our way to the Crystal Empire to further the investigation. So far we've met with complications, though we do believe we've found evidence of its influence, if not the source itself, out in the Winter Tundra.
  676.  
  677. Also of interest is the subject of magical maladies: It would appear Cadence is struck with an affliction that we cannot identify as yet, and due to her delicate state we've been unable to reach the castle to gather more information. This, in combination with reports of another afflicted with a magical illness of black eyes and pale skin, have sparked a profound curiosity in me concerning these curses (perhaps they have another name?). If you know aught of this or where I might learn more, I would be indebted.
  678.  
  679. Continuing from that: I am apparently now imbued with the ability to perform magic, not unlike a unicorn. While my talents apparently lie in destruction, I am equally a proponent of healing and protection. The subject of healing magics came up in discussion with Twilight, and it has likewise piqued my curiosity; as an aspiring mage and doctor, I would be honored to hear your thoughts on the matter.
  680.  
  681. Additionally, should this creature we hunt prove to be vengeful, I would caution you and your people to be on your guard, and seek defenses both mundane and magical. Using some of my memories of my own land and a generous amount of help from the Crystal Empire engineer Gyro Gear, we've managed to create a defensive measure which in my land was known as a firearm. I would urge you to obtain one of these variants for your own safety and for the safety of your military, until or even after your strength returns to you.
  682.  
  683. I do sincerely hope that this letter has found you well, Princess, and though I know little of the religion or lore of this land, my prayers are with you for your quick recovery. I thank you for your time and attention, and though my time is also stretched thin over many tasks, I look forward to your reply, and await your valued counsel.
  684.  
  685. Your ally and friend,
  686. Dr. Anonymous, Ph.D.
  687. >You add in Red’s cutie mark next to your signature out of habit, and you hand this to Twilight for her to look over.
  688. “How is that? Not too idiotic, right? Anything you want to add?”
  689. >She takes the quill from your fingers and begins to add a little something here and there.
  690. >”It’s wonderful, Anonymous! I didn’t know you were such a gifted scribe. I’m just adding a few of my notes with the magical tree, and… There we go.”
  691. >Well. at least Celestia will be updated on what’s happened so far.
  692. “Thanks for doing this.”
  693. >Twilight levitates the wrapped letter with her magic, and purple flames suddenly engulf the parchment.
  694. >…Then nothing happens.
  695. >”Darn… Hold on.”
  696. >You see her try multiple times to do whatever she is trying to do, but fails.
  697. >”I can’t recreate it! Oh well, I guess we’ll have to mail it the old fashioned way.”
  698. “That’s fine, it’ll still get to her, right?”
  699. >You follow her as she gets up to go deliver it.
  700. >”Yes, but with everything that’s been happening lately, the post office might be swamped. I just hope it gets there okay.”
  701. >She sets it in the outgoing box in the library’s lobby, and starts walking back to the center alongside you.
  702. >”Alright, so what is a firearm anyway?”
  703. “It’s basically a bigger, better, stronger bow and arrow that uses kablooie-powder.”
  704. >She clears her throat.
  705. >”That sounds rather dangerous, doesn’t it?”
  706. “Not if you know how to use it. Here’s the first one right here, even.”
  707. >You swing around your F.U.C.K.E.R.
  708. “Twilight Sparkle, meet the Freedom Uninhibited Crotch Kicker Extreme Reaper!”
  709. >”Is that really the name?”
  710. “Yep.”
  711. >Her face begins to turn a shade of red.
  712. >”Well, think about the abbreviation for a second.”
  713. “I know.”
  714. >”You know!?”
  715. >You just smile and nod, and she sighs.
  716. >”Anyways… Thanks for getting me up to date. Anything else I should know about?”
  717. >What would you like to do or say?
  718.  
  719.  
  720. “Uh, I just had a question. Do you think RD would’ve went after the royal pass out in the tundra with that missing guard?”
  721. >Twilight gives you an odd look.
  722. >”I didn’t know there was even a missing guard. I guess if she heard whatever you did that it’s possible, but I wouldn’t bank on something like that. Where’d you learn that?”
  723. “It’s a notice in the guard station.”
  724. >”I would doubt she would’ve caught that, but it is a lead, so I wouldn’t put it off the table… But if she’s out there…”
  725. >She trails off without the ability to say what might have happened.
  726. “We’ll find her. Don’t worry.”
  727. >You give her a reassuring smile, and she reciprocates.
  728. “Also, what's your housing arrangement look like? I talked to Shining Armor at the tournament and he said he was going to see about getting you and your friends a room at that fancy hotel. Might beat sleeping on a pile of books or a friend's couch, if he managed it…”
  729. >”Oh, that was you? Thank you for the thought, but I actually love it here in the library! I didn’t get much of a chance to do studying last time I was here because of a few things that happened with this evil spirit named Sombra, but now that I’m here, I’m comfortable! But, I did actually get to see him for a little bit, so thank you again for that.”
  730. >By the time she finishes, you were standing in the middle of the lobby with her, with the rest of the party completely out of sight.
  731. >You believe if you really tuned your ears in, you could hear a bit of arguing with AJ’s and Gable’s voice in the corner of the library.
  732. >”So, you wanted to learn about magic, right?”
  733. “Just a crash course, I’m not going to have much time to be a scholar or anything.
  734. >”Are you sure? I’m quite positive there isn’t really a way to bring you back to your own world so you’re going to be here for what I’d assume to be a long time and it would just be absolutely wasteful if I couldn’t teach you from the ground up and build your foundational knowledge to better yourself in the arts of unicorn magic--”
  735. “Twilight!”
  736. >She looks at you like a deer caught in headlights.
  737. “It’s okay, really. I just want to be able to control my magic so I don’t accidentally destroy anything, and to… well, learn a few spells. I have a few tomes with me, and a beginner’s guide to magic that I was hoping you’d help me out with.”
  738. >She nods with enthusiasm.
  739. >”Even if it’s not going to be the proper education you need, I’m always happy to help a seeker of knowledge! Now get that armor off!”
  740. “… Uhm, what?”
  741. >”I need to see the markings in full detail and record them so I can better understand the way you conduct your magic!”
  742. >Oh, that’s a relief.
  743. >Wait, no it isn’t! She wants you to strip in the middle of the library!
  744. “Do you really have to do that?”
  745. >”I think it would really help, Anonymous! I mean, I’m already withholding very invaluable information so you have time to do whatever you’re doing, so I’m not going to teach you until you show me!”
  746. >She closes her eyes and sticks her nose in the air with a pouting noise.
  747. >It is currently 5:45 P.M.
  748. >Should you follow with her, or suggest a different course of action?
  749.  
  750. “Okay, fine. I just need to go tell Redheart first, okay? I want to avoid a situation where she might think it’s something that it’s not.”
  751. >”What would she think is happening?”
  752. >You cross your arms and simply stare at her.
  753. >IT takes her a moment to realize what you’re implying, and her cheeks rose with red immediately.
  754. >”O-oh… Right… Well, I’ll be upstairs in my office when you’re ready, you won’t miss it.”
  755. “Alright.”
  756. >You depart from her presence and walk up to the librarian’s counter.
  757. >She is a very old crystal pony who looks like she missed the retirement office by a few years.
  758. >”Oh, hello sonny, what can I do ya fer?”
  759. “Do you remember the three that came up here before, two earth ponies and a gryphon?”
  760. >She adjusts her glasses and looks around for a moment.
  761. >”Oh, I think I do know those few munchkins, they’re out near the back in aisle MZ, somewhere.”
  762. “Thanks.”
  763. >You set down on your path with the hanging signs being your only map.
  764. >FT, GI, LM, MA, MS…
  765. >MZ, there it is.
  766. >As soon as you approach the right aisle, you hear heated, bickering voices. Familiar voices.
  767. >You walk down and see the trio at the very edge, and it wasn’t pretty.
  768. >”-Can’t believe you’d honestly think we’d ever take your word for anythin’ after what you did to him!?”
  769. >”Why would I go out of my way to kill someone who’s obviously much more powerful!? And in the middle of the tournament I was trying to win? Why am I even explaining myself to such a hick?!”
  770. >”WHAT DID YOU SAY TO ME?!”
  771. >”HICK!”
  772. >At this point, AJ and Gable were nose to beak, about ready to throw down.
  773. >That is, until you stop them and push them apart.
  774. “That’s enough! I don’t know what’s up with you two, but you better cool it!”
  775. >They still stare at each other, both seemingly getting rushed with adrenaline as they see their object of hatred.
  776. >You look over at Redheart, who was staying out of it completely, as if she was fearing what could happen.
  777. “I need Red for a little while. You two are going to follow a new rule now. If you two say anything to each other at all while we’re gone, it had best be an apology. No talking otherwise, and believe me, I’ll hear with these echo-carrying walls.”
  778. >A long tense moment of silence follows these words, and then Applejack was the first one to speak.
  779. >”Fine.”
  780. >Another moment of hesitation and the other follows.
  781. >”Whatever.”
  782. >They go their separate ways, looking on their own.
  783. >Well, that could’ve gone better, but then again, it could’ve gone worse too.
  784. >Redheart comes up to you and clears her throat.
  785. >”What did you need me for, Anon?”
  786. >You sigh to clear the tension a little, and you give her a sly smile and a beckon.
  787. >You speak while she walks with you.
  788. “You want to play a little joke on Twilight with me? She wants to do a medical exam on me for the tats, and I was thinking I'd, uh… put on a little show. If you get what I mean.”
  789. >It takes her a moment to realize what you’re saying.
  790. >”Wh- Anon!”
  791. “Hey, I could use some 'moral support', as it were… maybe a bit or two tossed to 'pay for my college'-- er, magic lessons? Whatcha think?”
  792. >”You are just one little devil today, aren’t you?… We’ll have to fix that when we get time tonight, hm.”
  793. >Oh, an invitation…
  794. >”Sure. Just don’t actually… …You know, show her anything, okay?”
  795. “I promise. Unless she strips me or something.”
  796. >She laughs a little bit as the two of you trot and jog up the stairs, and seeing a violet-decorated office at the end of the walkway.
  797. >”The library really must take to Twilight, then?”
  798. “I guess so. She’s to books as you are to gauze, I think.”
  799. >You get to her office and do a quick knock, and the door magically opens for you.
  800. >You and Redheart walk in and greet Twilight.
  801. >”Hey again! I’m just going to analyze and probe his markings a little to see what they’re made of, how they conduct magic and all that, so n-nothing’s going on, totally practical tests!”
  802. >She seems a bit off-put by what you said.
  803. >Your idea just grows more and more devious.
  804. “So, shall we… get started?”
  805. >Twilight has many instruments and records set up on her desk, and she reaches for one to take notes as she watches.
  806. >”Go ahead!”
  807. >Before you begin, you take a look at the two of them.
  808. “Since ponies don’t usually wear clothing, I bet you don’t know what strip dancing is.”
  809. >Redheart starts giggling madly, and Twilight’s ears fall with a powerful blush on her cheeks.
  810. “Allow me to show you…”
  811. >You had been reaching behind your back to play some music on your phone that was the perfect occasion for this.
  812. >After all, if you were going to be stupid, you might as well go full retard.
  813. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CQ5_QxwFjNI]
  814. >With one swipe, you throw off your doctor’s coat and it lands over Twilight’s horn, draping around her head but still letting her see your show.
  815. >She is completely speechless.
  816. >You start taking your armor off piece by piece, slowly and sensually to the beat of the music.
  817. >Redheart starts cheering you on in between your giggles, actually throwing a bit or two at your feet.
  818. >”C’mon stud, show us what bare skin looks like!”
  819. >She’s having a lot of fun, and so are you for that matter.
  820. >You get certain buckles and hooks undone, and in one fell swoop, you break out of your top chainmail and throw out your chest at the same time, making a powerful effect that startles both of the mares, your markings now gleaming in the magical light of the office.
  821. >Every piece of clothing you shed brings Redheart closer to an unstoppable fit of laughter, and Twilight further to the ground as she sinks from the overpowering embarrassment.
  822. >Off goes the greaves, and you’re now in nothing but your leg underarmor and boots, and the latter come flying off when you kick.
  823. >You gyrate your hips to the music, milking every curve and new musculature to the maximum, and now Redheart isn’t so much laughing as she was…
  824. >..Well, you know that look, is all you’re going to say.
  825. >Your thumbs go down the waistband of your underarmor, and you look Twilight directly in the eyes.
  826. “Should I go further~”
  827. >”Anon?!”
  828. >Your head snaps to the door, which you never closed behind you.
  829. >Applejack was standing there, completely dumbfounded at the scene before her.
  830. “…Uh…”
  831. >You are half-naked, showing the top of your asscrack with Redheart and Twilight completely tongue-tied, and AJ is too stunned to even look at you.
  832. >What do you do?
  833.  
  834.  
  835. “Hey, AJ…”
  836. >Well… You’re not getting out of this.
  837. >Let’s dig the hole deeper!
  838. “So… I know what you're thinking. And all I'm going to ask is, please don't be jealous. It's difficult, I know. But it's not my fault I was born with,”
  839. >You give your ass a little shake.
  840. “Alllll this!”
  841. >AJ is facing the ground, and her hat covers her expression.
  842. >You’re not sure what’s about to happen, and the air is still with anticipation.
  843. >Whether it’s her just running off, or slamming you with her hammer is left to be seen.
  844. >But all of a sudden, you hear a big, boisterous laugh erupt from the apple pony, snorting and chuckling like she just had a big old whiff of laughing gas.
  845. >”Y-you… Wow.. I can’t believe… ghhhahahahahah-”
  846. >She loses her balance and falls on the floor laughing, well, her ass off.
  847. >Red joins in after this all sinks in, their cackles filling the office.
  848. >You join in as well, your sides leaving the universe just at the sight of Applejack being so torn up.
  849. >Twilight, on the other hand, doesn’t seem to be as amused.
  850. >Her eyelid twitches in irritation; you think you see a single hair of her mane pop out of place.
  851. >Noticing this, you curb your laughter just enough to speak.
  852. “Hey Twilight, you alright over there?”
  853. >She shoots you a stern glare.
  854. >”Was that your idea of humor!?”
  855. >You pause for a moment.
  856. “…Yup!”
  857. >You burst out laughing again.
  858. >The purple unicorn lets out a shrill groan of frustration and stomps her hoof.
  859. >Unsurprisingly, Applejack is the first to compose herself.
  860. >You can see her walk over to Twilight as you keep laughing.
  861. >”Now, now, Twilight. We’re just havin’ us a little laugh; no harm in that, right?”
  862. >By now, you’ve calmed down enough to listen.
  863. >”B-but…”
  864. “It’s okay Twi, just a little joke. What are you doing up here anyway, AJ? Thought you were looking for those books?”
  865. >She straightens her hat as she gives Twilight a rub on her wither.
  866. >”Oh, I was just in the neighborhood and I heard that freaky human music, so I decided to pop in… So… Wow, that’s what you look like, huh?”
  867. >AJ is already in arm’s length, and her hoof goes up to prod the markings.
  868. >”Whoa…”
  869. >Twilight interjects at this point.
  870. >”Okay, uh… This is a physical, so AJ, if it’s alright…?”
  871. “Those books are important, though.”
  872. >She nods and clears her throat, heading for the door.
  873. >”Just uuh, next time Anon… eat some more sweets, your bottom’s flat as a plank of wood.”
  874. >She smiles at you and takes her leave, closing the door behind her.
  875. >Redheart wipes the mane from her eyes and clears the air.
  876. >”So uh, now that we’ve had our fun, the uuh… experiments?”
  877. >Twilight snaps out of her zone and throws your coat off her head, which had still been on her this whole time.
  878. >”Right, right… Okay Anon, come over here…”
  879. >…
  880. >You thought their technology wasn’t all that advanced.
  881. >Twilight must be breaking the rules of time eras apparently, because she has graph charts spewing out professional data coming from the electrodes placed on your heart, your forehead, and every apparent element on your body.
  882. “How exactly is this supposed to tell you how I use my magic?”
  883. >”It’s progress, my friend, just give it some time… Now, while everything’s running, I’m going to go ahead and teach you a thing or two about magic. So, what would you like to know?”
  884. >It is currently 6:15 P.M.
  885. [Twilight can teach you on a variety of things, but you must manage your time wisely to allow yourself time to speak to your returning party members. What would you like to learn this session?]
  886.  
  887. -General (Raises magical ability, teaches basics of magic and allows understanding of Foal’s Guide to Magic) {1 hour}
  888. -Combat (Focuses on Magical Attack, uses MP) {30 minutes}
  889. -Defense (Focuses on Magical Defense, uses MP and HP) {45 minutes}
  890. -Utility (Focuses on the non-combat aspects of magic to better understand how it works and to learn new abilities.) {20 minutes}
  891. -Advanced/Specific (LOCKED - You need basic understanding of magic first!)
  892.  
  893. [Which would you like to delve into?]
  894.  
  895.  
  896. >General selected
  897.  
  898. >”Magic is the life force of the world being manipulated by the instruments of our choosing. Unicorns have the most control over this force with their horns and can use it to many different degrees of strength, utility and entertainment. Pegasi and Earth Ponies use it to their own advantages, the magic enabling Pegasi to fly faster and more effectively than without magic, and giving Earth Ponies an innate connection to nature or practical skills, as well as giving them increased body strength and durability. In your case, whatever this tree has given you has enabled you with the ability to use magic, and from the readings and spells I’ve placed on you, my calculations indicate that you lean most towards the unicorn’s benefits, but you have some aspects of the other races as well. This means, if you’ve noticed, that you have a stronger body than you used to. Now, I’m not sure what that could mean for the Pegasi’s benefits, but who knows, maybe you’ll sprout wings one of these days. The point is, you have many benefits at your disposal, but to keep it short and simple (which I still think you need proper education like any other foal), I’m going to teach you about the main aspects of magic in general and show you what they’re talking about in this book you have here.”
  899. >…
  900. [1 Hour has passed.]
  901. [You have learned the foundations of magic’s properties, usage and history from Twilight.]
  902. [You have finished Foal’s Guide to Magic.]
  903. [ACQUIRED BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF MAGICAL PROPERTIES]
  904. [LEARNED WEAK LEVITATION (Noncombat)]
  905. [LEARNED LUMINATE (Light source, 1 MP per five minutes)]
  906. Magical experience: 150/300
  907.  
  908. >It is currently 7:15 P.M.
  909. >Would you like to continue learning General, choose a different topic, or check on the party members’ status?
  910.  
  911. >Check status
  912. “Hey Twilight, can I take these things off for a second? I need to go check outside real quick, see how everything’s doing.”
  913. >She groans and lets her magic fall to the side.
  914. >”In the middle of a lesson, Anon?”
  915. “Don’t worry, just pause this machine you got here.
  916. >She goes over and starts pressing the buttons in a complicated manner, and when she gives you the go-ahead, you remove the electrodes and step outside, excusing yourself.
  917. >Holy shit, it’s cold.
  918. >You go back into the warm air of Twilight’s office and grab your coat, excusing yourself again as you wrap it around your highly erect nipples.
  919. >You go back down to the lobby in nothing but a doctor’s coat and black underarmor, and see that AJ and Gable were on opposite sides of the room, but with books all on AJ’s side.
  920. “Hey, how did the hunt go?”
  921. >She tips her hat to you and heaves the books onto the bench to show you.
  922. >”After I got the grubby talons off the ones he picked, we got ya a lot of stuff here, so ya can sort out what you need, I guess. Hope it helps, ‘cause I don’t know any of this mumbo jumbo.”
  923. >You take a quick search through the pile of books, but unfortunately there was only one you could use effectively.
  924. >Guess that’s what happens when you send a farmer looking for medical books, but it works alright.
  925. [You have received Ultimate Knowledge of Medical Expertise: Volume XXVII]
  926. >You might not have gotten the first 25 volumes, but hey, it’s expert level and that’s what you needed.
  927. “Can you keep the rest of these here for Red and Twilight just in case they want to look?”
  928. >”Sure thing, partner.”
  929. >You look over at Gable and see he wasn’t in a very talkative mood, so you just give him a wave.
  930. >He waves back half-heartedly, as if just to show you he was alive.
  931. >You smile at him before you leave, and you return to Twilight’s office, depositing the book into your bag.
  932. >It is currently 7:30 P.M.
  933. >”Okay, let’s get you strapped up again…”
  934.  
  935. [Twilight can teach you on a variety of things, but you must manage your time wisely to allow yourself time to speak to your returning party members. What would you like to learn this session?]
  936.  
  937. -General (Raises magical ability, teaches general magical knowledge and may raise MP) {1 hour and 30 minutes}
  938. -Combat (Focuses on Magical Attack, uses MP) {30 minutes}
  939. -Defense (Focuses on Magical Defense, uses MP and HP) {45 minutes}
  940. -Utility (Focuses on the non-combat aspects of magic to better understand how it works and to learn new abilities.) {20 minutes}
  941. -Advanced/Specific (LOCKED - You need basic understanding of magic first!)
  942.  
  943. [Which would you like to delve into?]
  944.  
  945.  
  946. >Defense selected
  947.  
  948. >”All Unicorns, er, magic-users, have certain abilities that come natural to them in a crisis, the same as any mammal has a fight-or-flight response. This is the tradition that began the study of magical defense, whether it be passive shielding or active disarming or offensive defense. From what you have displayed with your power, your attacks are very
  949. aggressive and your magic in general is fitted more towards combat than defense, so it might be harder for you to learn defensive magic. I’ll do my best to show you what you’re able to do when you’re faced with a threat. Be careful though, just because I stick my muzzle in books all the time doesn’t mean I don’t sting!”
  950. >…
  951. [45 minutes have passed.]
  952. [You have gained the ability to better gauge when magic can be deflected or blocked, as well as how to properly utilize your magic in defensive purposes.]
  953. [-25 HP]
  954. [-5 MP]
  955. Anon: [HP: 105/130][MP: 15/20]
  956. Magic experience: 175/300
  957. >It is now 8:15 P.M.
  958. >Utility selected
  959.  
  960. >”Without being raised in a magical environment, it’s a little harder to truly grasp what magic can do for you. It is a very potent force that can be world-changing, yet it is also a driving matter in every little thing that happens. Magic’s utility can definitely outweight those little fingers of yours, Anon, so don’t plan on making a career out of them. I’m going to show you what exactly you can do with magic in an everyday situation.”
  961. >…
  962. [20 minutes have passed.]
  963. [You now understand magic’s place in the world at large and how it can be used to improve situations where certain things are made easier.]
  964. [LEARNED WALLWALKING (Lets your hands and feet stick to surfaces for 20 seconds, -5 MP)]
  965. Magic experience: 200/300
  966. >It is now 8:35 P.M.
  967.  
  968. >Check party status
  969. “Okay, I think it’s time for another break.”
  970. >”You would fail in school, Anon! You can’t just take breaks every five seconds you know, with these things you need to pay attention-”
  971. “Hey, it’s been over an hour, okay? I need to see if Berry and Pinkie are back yet.”
  972. >You take off the electrodes and put your coat back on, throwing your delicate, hairless body back into the cold, fresh air of the library.
  973. >It takes you a while this time due to the increasing rate of weariness your body is experiencing from using your magic so profusely, and how you didn’t get all that much sleep.
  974. >You get back to the library’s lobby, and see that AJ and Gable have vanished.
  975. >You didn’t blame them, having to wait for so long was asking far too much, but then again, you didn’t anticipate how much time this would be.
  976. >Thankfully, you see that Pinkie has returned, and she looks quite happy.
  977. >As soon as she sees you, she bounces up to you with some odd looking necklaces around her neck.
  978. >”Nonny nonny, look what I got!”
  979. >You take a closer look at her command, and see they were hypno-watches that she tied around her neck.
  980. >”Aren’t they soooooooo cool?! I got them from Gyro when I gave him all those employees cuz’ he said I was super duper nice and really liked my help!”
  981. >All…?
  982. “Pinkie, how many did you recruit?”
  983. >”17! Well, it was 18 but one of the engineers that agreed to go accidentally blew off his toupee with a wind machine he made and got so embarrassed he ran away, and I couldn’t catch him but it’s okay I got all the rest and even that Drooly Dapper stallion who turned out not to be a stallion at all but a mule I couldn’t believe a mule lived in the Crystal Empire so I asked him why he was here and he just said he couldn’t find work anywhere else but I got him to go to Gyro’s and now he’s working there and I got these!”
  984. >…Okay.
  985. “So, that’s a success, then?”
  986. >She nods happily.
  987. [Pinkie has received Hypno-necklace and 75 bits.]
  988. [QUEST: NEEDS MORE HOOVES COMPLETED (17/3)]
  989. Reward: Gyro Gear is now freed up to create more patents.
  990.  
  991. >With that out of the way, you were only waiting on Berry and Iron Will.
  992. “Alright Pinkie, I’m going to go back up with Twilight and finish my uh, physical, so we’ll be a little while longer. Is that okay?”
  993. >She nods.
  994. >”Can I come watch? Please, Nonny?”
  995. >At the slightest hesitation, her ears fall and she gets puppy-dog eyed.
  996. “…Sure, you can come. Just don’t poke me again, okay?”
  997. >She bounces with you the entire way back, and starts telling Redheart and Twilight all about what had happened.
  998. >Twilight eventually gets her to calm down, but only after you were all circled up and ready to begin again.
  999. >”Okay, okay Pinkie! We have to get to work now, so, I don’t know, play with Redheart!”
  1000. >”Ooooooh!”
  1001. >”T-twilight!”
  1002. >It is now 9:00 P.M.
  1003.  
  1004. [Twilight can teach you on a variety of things, but you must manage your time wisely to allow yourself time to speak to your returning party members. What would you like to learn this session?]
  1005.  
  1006. -General (Raises magical ability, teaches general magical knowledge and may raise MP) {1 hour and 30 minutes}
  1007. -Combat (Focuses on Magical Attack, uses MP) {30 minutes}
  1008. -Defense (Focuses on Magical Defense, uses MP and HP) {1 hour}
  1009. -Utility (Focuses on the non-combat aspects of magic to better understand how it works and to learn new abilities.) {45 minutes}
  1010. -Advanced/Specific (Focuses on a specific spell or aspect of magic for greater understanding and improvement, uses MP) {2 hours}
  1011.  
  1012. [Which would you like to delve into?]
  1013.  
  1014.  
  1015.  
  1016.  
  1017. [Cannot talk to others during training!]
  1018.  
  1019. >General selected
  1020. >”Your markings show a very strange pattern of flares in your mana pool, as if it were constantly trying to grow on its own. You’ve managed to learn in one night so far what unicorns take months to learn! Keep this mindset up, Anon, because I’m going to go a little deeper now.”
  1021. >…
  1022. [1 hour and 30 minutes have passed.]
  1023. [You now have a greater understanding of the inner-workings of magic and can better control the flow.]
  1024. Magic Experience: 300/300
  1025. >You are able to upgrade your magical prowess, but you can do it in a multitude of ways!
  1026.  
  1027. -Potency (Increases base MA by 20.)
  1028. -Bastion (Increases MD by 20.)
  1029. -Knowledge (Increases your knowledge to Moderate levels) {Requires an extra hour of training, causes exhaustion}
  1030. -Creativity (Exclusive to training - Allows you to design a new magical ability with Twilight’s aid!) {Requires an extra hour of training and -10 MP}
  1031.  
  1032. >What would you like to upgrade?
  1033.  
  1034.  
  1035. >Knowledge selected!
  1036. >You request Twilight to give you just a little more detail on the subject’s she’s discussing about.
  1037. >…
  1038. [1 hour has passed.]
  1039. [ACQUIRED MODERATE KNOWLEDGE OF MAGICAL PROPERTIES - You can now learn intermediate spells and tomes.]
  1040. >You are exhausted.
  1041.  
  1042. >You end up going on for so long, Twilight stops the session herself.
  1043. >”Anon, I really love your enthusiasm and thirst for knowledge! But, I think it’s about time we called it a night, okay?”
  1044. “Alright, sorry… I’m really tired anyways.
  1045. >As Twilight begins to power down her machine and gather her data, you look back and see that both Redheart and Pinkie were asleep, piled over each other like a cute little white and pink pillow wrapped in leather and metal.
  1046. >You let out a big yawn, and steal a look at the clock.
  1047. >It is now 11:30 P.M.
  1048. >You really need to get down there and check on the rest of your party.
  1049. >You start getting your armor back on, staying as quiet as possible minding Red and Pinkie, and once geared up and ready, you wave to Twilight and exit out into the library, heading to the lobby.
  1050. >Your armor felt a lot lighter than you remember, but at the same time it was much colder, so your scrambled mind is probably just having trouble remembering what touch feels like after stuffing so much knowledge into your brain.
  1051. >You reach the lobby and see that AJ and Gable have returned, but they’re both asleep, both on each side of the hall once again.
  1052. >Yet there was still no sign of Berry or Iron Will.
  1053. >You were pretty sure they were alright considering they could take care of themselves, but where the hell are they?
  1054. >You have to wake up your party so you can take them back to Wheaties’ anyways.
  1055. >What would you like to do?
  1056.  
  1057.  
  1058. >You think about the situation here for a moment.
  1059. >Waking them up would be a bit rude, and the walk to Wheaties’ would easily take over half an hour from here.
  1060. >Berry and Iron Will were most likely fine, and knowing the combination, they probably won’t be back until tomorrow anyways.
  1061. >You make another beeline for Twilight’s office, and give a slight tap before coming back in.
  1062. “What time do the bars close around here? I asked Berry and a friend of ours to go rumor-hunting, but knowing them they got 'distracted'. Mind if we wait for them and maybe spend the night here?”
  1063. >She looks back at you as her magic takes care of finishing up the organization.
  1064. >”I suppose if you really want to, but… There’s no proper beds besides mine in the back, and I need my sleep because we’re having a field trip from the school come here.”
  1065. “That’s fine, thank you.”
  1066. >Your party is clear to sleep here, good thing since they already are.
  1067. >It is now 11:45 P.M.
  1068. >AJ and Gable are asleep in the lobby.
  1069. >Redheart and Pinkie are asleep here in the office, but there are no more vacant seats.
  1070. >What would you like to do?
  1071.  
  1072.  
  1073. >You wish Twilight good night as she enters her bedroom, and you’re left alone with the snorers.
  1074. >So much for being pent up…
  1075. >You take off your coat and throw it over the two, making sure they were comfy under it before taking your leave back into the library.
  1076. >Making sure there was nobody else around, you walk around all the way back to the back corner at aisle ZA, and you start taking down books about a zebra named Zap Flow and Zamian insects.
  1077. >After a few minutes, you create a modest bed with a few extra layers on the edges so you won’t fall off, and you stretch yourself out, preparing for bed.
  1078. >It is currently 11:58 P.M.
  1079. >Is there anything you’d like to do before you fall asleep?
  1080.  
  1081.  
  1082. >You settle yourself down into the book bed, and an afterthought drives you to rip out a blank cover page from one of the books you were laying on.
  1083. >You take out your marker and write out a quick note:
  1084.  
  1085. “To whoever finds me: Please do not disturb before 8. Berry + Will not back as of 12:00; if not back by morning wake me.
  1086.  
  1087. Dr. Anon”
  1088.  
  1089. >Once you finish this, you put it under the corner of the little post you made with the books, and you settle yourself down.
  1090. >You’re very tired, but you’re still pent up as all hell.
  1091. >…You know what?
  1092. >You sit back up and take a long look down the aisles, your ears on high alert for the slightest sound.
  1093. >When it seems like there was absolutely no activity, you settle back down and start undoing your belt.
  1094. >You needed some release and you need it now.
  1095. >Gloves off, armor down, and before you know it fantasies are flashing through your mind as you begin to, uh, take care of business.
  1096. >It doesn’t take long to find the right mood, just thinking about what Redheart said to you today made it almost too much to bear.
  1097. >Your heart races, your palms sweat, the feeling rises in your gut as you’re ready to pop--
  1098. >”OH MY, OH CELESTIA, WHAT ARE YOU DOING, BOY?!”
  1099. >Oh holy shit.
  1100. >Oh holy shit.
  1101. >You’re cumming, it’s spurting, and you see the old librarian covering her mouth in shock, unable to tear her eyes away from the immoral act!
  1102. >What do you do?
  1103.  
  1104. >You couldn’t think during the massive euphoria that surges through your muscles, which only makes the moment even more awkward as you just end up letting it happen.
  1105. >Suddenly, an idea pops into your head from earlier, and you hope for your sleep tonight that this works.
  1106. >You get yourself up quickly and raise your hands in the air, activating your Lumination spell that you learned from Twilight.
  1107. >The markings on your palms begin to glow brightly, and you start waving your hands in an eerie fashion.
  1108. “Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Halleluuuuuuuuuuuuhaaaaaaaaaaj, remove thyself from thy dreams, as thee hath been dreaming! Thy reality is shaken!”
  1109. >She’s staring you down, and you already know that’s not going to work.
  1110. >You futily wave your hands a little more to see if she’d get phased at all, and after confirming, you just let the spell drop.
  1111. “Okay, uhh… Here’s the thing, uhm, I'm really sorry. You see, humans have a very strong libido and I haven't, uh..”
  1112. >You cough a bit to clear your throat.
  1113. “In a few days, and it was seriously disrupting my thoughts and abilities to function. Can we please, please forget this ever happened?
  1114. >The Librarian raises up a shaky hoof, and pushes up her glasses.
  1115. >”Sonny, you’re full of shit.”
  1116. >You could almost feel your heart sinking.
  1117. >What would Red think of this?…
  1118. >”But you made this little ol’ gal a bit happier today, I haven’t seen any action in years!”
  1119. >You are now very aware that your package is still out, and dripping.
  1120. >”You can come by and do that anytime, so long as I get a little taste, heeheehee…”
  1121. >She turns around and walks away from you, laughing all the way down the echoing chambers.
  1122. >You’re still standing there with your limp, wet noodle just hanging out.
  1123. >You rip out a few extra pages from that book and clean yourself, then you cover back up and lay down, doing your absolute best to forget that shit that just went down.
  1124.  
  1125. >…
  1126. [Rested. Party fully healed and all status effects removed!]
  1127. >…
  1128.  
  1129. >You feel a tapping on your armor.
  1130. >You shrug it off, but then the tapping turns into a smack on your head.
  1131. “Huh, wha…?”
  1132. >You open your eyes and see Applejack standing over you in the morning light.
  1133. >”Ya know, if you’da just asked I woulda given you the bench, Anon.”
  1134. “..I didn’t want to wake you… What time is it?”
  1135. >”8:30. Woulda woken you up sooner, but I saw that note. Berry and that Iron Will guy never showed up. What do you think happened?”
  1136. >They didn’t show at all?
  1137. >You get yourself up and stretch a bit to start the day.
  1138. >”…Uh, that’s not what I think it is, right?”
  1139. >You look down at where she was pointing, and there was a little white dried globular substance on your boot.
  1140. >What do you say?
  1141.  
  1142. “Oh… I must’ve uh, stepped in something. I was pretty tired when I made this bed so I wasn’t paying attention.”
  1143. >”Right… anyways, the bird’s up but I don’t know where the rest of us went, do you?”
  1144. “Red and Pinkie are probably still up in Twilight’s office, so I was going to go give ‘em a a wake up call.”
  1145. >She nods, and you start putting back the books, which AJ kindly helps you out.
  1146. “So I’m thinking we could check out again and split up a bit to save some time, just to search for them. Any chance you could go back to Wheaties’s place and see if he and Berry are there?”
  1147. >”Wait, why would Iron Will be there?”
  1148. >You look at her intently as you stow in a few more books, eyebrows raised.
  1149. >”Oh… D-do ya really think?”
  1150. “I think.”
  1151. >”Alright, but if I’m interruptin’ something private, I’m not bein’ subtle.”
  1152. >That’s totally fine with you.
  1153. “Meet us back at Gyro Gear’s with or without them, okay?”
  1154. >She groans, shifting her hammer on her body.
  1155. >”Again?… Fine, alright, but ya’ll better make this visit count, ya hear?”
  1156. >The two of you finish putting back the books and you both walk back to the library, where you split as she walks out the door.
  1157. >You see Gable rubbing the back of his head, and you realize your neck hurts too.
  1158. >Books might be softer than crystal floor, but not by much.
  1159. “Hey Gable.”
  1160. >He gives you a nod and a grunt, the true man’s, or in this case, gryphon’s greeting.
  1161. “I need you to go and check Iron’s trailer and see if Berry Punch and Iron Will are there.”
  1162. >”Why me?”
  1163. “Because I need people to spread out so we can knock off some time. The quicker we get what we need done, the quicker you’re home free. Incentive enough?”
  1164. >Gable tightens his headband and heads out without a word.
  1165. “Be sure to go to Gyro Gear’s shop when you return!”
  1166. >He takes flight as soon as he hits the crystal road.
  1167. >You turn around and see the lobby desk, and the old librarian behind it.
  1168. >She starts to wave at you with a salty look and you instantly bolt up the stairs out of sight, quickly pacing to Twilight’s office.
  1169. >You give a few knocks and slowly walk in, and see that nothing had changed from last night, as all three were still asleep.
  1170. >Except now Pinkie is hogging your coat.
  1171. >And Redheart’s spooning her.
  1172. >Interesting.
  1173. >You pick up your coat and wrap it back around you, securing your belt and recompleting your attire.
  1174. >You bend down and place a hand on each of their sides, slowly and softly shaking them awake.
  1175. “Red, Pinkie, wake up.”
  1176. >They slowly stir and yawn, but Pinkie does a little sleeptalking instead.
  1177. >”Mmm… Nonny, stop, hmmhm.”
  1178. >Whoa, what?
  1179. >Before you can process what just happened, they both awake and look up at you.
  1180. >”Hey babe…”
  1181. >”Oh, hi Nonny!”
  1182. >Then they look at each other.
  1183. >Red and Pinkie separate faster than an atom splitting, both a bit flushed in the face.
  1184. >”So, uhm, what’s the agenda for today?…”
  1185. “I’ve got AJ and Gable searching for Berry and Iron, since they never showed up.”
  1186. >They both get a little worried at this news.
  1187. >Red voices this emotion first.
  1188. >”What do you think happened?”
  1189. “They probably went home together.”
  1190. >It takes a moment for them to realize what that means, Red getting it first.
  1191. >”O…kay… So uh, what are we doing, then?”
  1192. “I need to go back to Gyro’s.”
  1193. >They both groan in simultaneous annoyance.
  1194. >”Before long you’ll have a closer relationship with him than you do me…”
  1195. >She walks out of the door with Pinkie following her, and you look back at Twilight’s door, and you’re surprised to see her standing there, with a messy mane.
  1196. >”Could’ve told me you guys were going to talk in here and make all that noise, you know…”
  1197. “Sorry. Hey, if Berry and Iron Will come back here, can you direct them to Gyro’s?”
  1198. >”Uh, sure, you’re leaving?”
  1199. >She rubs her eyes, obviously not quite awake yet.
  1200. “Yeah, we should get going. Got a lot of stuff to do.”
  1201. >”Alright… Well, come back anytime!”
  1202. “Bye, Twilight, and thanks for the session last night!”
  1203. >You leave the office and get back down to the lobby, rejoining Pinkie and Red with the rest of the party out doing what you told them.
  1204. >What would you like to do?
  1205.  
  1206. >Inspect Hypno-Necklace
  1207. [A necklace with multiple spinning black and white pinwheels, moving on their own with a tiny little motor. It’s actually quite enticing… (0-4 fail, 5-9 win, confuses enemy)]
  1208.  
  1209. “Hey Red, can you please go down to the castle, we need to know how we're getting in there to see Cadence. If the two of us being medical professionals isn't enough, ask them what would be?"
  1210. >She glances at you and smiles.
  1211. >”Alright, babe. I’ll see what I can do, but I’m not sure if they’re going to let us in anytime soon.”
  1212. >She gives you a quick kiss on the cheek, then you then turn to Pinkie.
  1213. “Think you could ask around about Rainbow Dash, Pinkie? If Twilight's worried, we definitely should be too. I bet you'd know exactly where you'd go if you were her, so see what you can find out.”
  1214. >”Okay Nonny, but will we get to see you more often after this?”
  1215. “We’ll be sticking together, trust me.”
  1216. >She gives you a quick hug, and she and Red begin
  1217. “Good luck, and let's meet at Gyro's in 2 hours, hopefully I'll get everything done and be ready to go by the time you gals get there, so you don’t have to wait through all of that.. Sound like a plan?”
  1218. >”Mhm!”
  1219. >”Sure thing.”
  1220. >You wave goodbye to both of them and you head off to Gyro’s.
  1221. >You really have been going there a lot, but hopefully your business showing up here will be done, and you can get to the bottom of this investigation properly.
  1222. >You make your way to his store, which looks like it’s still pretty busy, but at least there wasn’t a line this time.
  1223. >You walk in and give the pony himself a greeting as soon as he sees you.
  1224. [GYRO GEAR’S GREAT SCIENTIFIC WONDERS]
  1225. >”Oh, well hello again, uh, t-thanks for all the help! I see that uh, pink one is really sociable, it seems, uh, yeah, thanks. So what’re you uh, doing back here? You’ve come just about every day, it seems, heh.”
  1226. “Oh, it’s no problem, and I’m just getting some loose ends tied up.”
  1227.  
  1228. -Buy
  1229. -Sell
  1230. -Modify
  1231. -Exit
  1232. -Talk to Gyro
  1233.  
  1234.  
  1235.  
  1236. >Talk to Gyro
  1237. “By the way, gotta say that this is probably my favorite store in the whole Empire. If things keep up like this, you might have to buy a second store, even!”
  1238. >Gyro gives an awkward smile, exhaling a bit at the thought.
  1239. >”Yeah, r-right… Nopony’s ever needed a second store before, like uh, ever. T-thanks for the thought, though.”
  1240. >He seems to be a really humbled stallion.
  1241. “It’s a good thing Pinkie got so much help, while she was finding employees we wrote a letter to Celestia and Luna and told them about the weapon and its uses, so hopefully you’ll be getting a good deal from their military. So, are you ready for those two blueprints now that you have help?”
  1242. >Gyro clicks three new bells on his counter, and three different crystal ponies come up to the counter.
  1243. >”Uh, yeah, I got all the time in the world, come on back, I-I guess.”
  1244. >He leads you back to the familiar workshop in the back of the store, but this time there were at least a dozen workers getting to work on a bunch of different metallic objects that you eventually see to be your own invention.
  1245. “Getting them to work, huh?”
  1246. >”Y-yeah, I figure, if I have the hooves, might as well uh, use them, right? So, uh, show me what you have, here… Here, yeah.”
  1247. >He pulls up two sets of schematic sheets and hands you a pen.
  1248. >You raise your hand and watch as the pen floats into your grasp, and he gives you a strange look.
  1249. >”Uh… I uh, didn’t know you could do that.”
  1250. “I learned from the best. Alright…”
  1251. >You start each schematic with their titles, one headed with ‘Distance-Increased Cycled Kicker’, and the other with, ‘Compact Ordinance Chambered Kicker’.
  1252. >This way he wouldn’t have to chance any of the names, but you still got your… kicks in.
  1253. >”Man, this just won’t stop with you, huh?”
  1254. “Nope. Now, here’s how the specs for these are going to work…”
  1255. >…
  1256. [1 hour and 45 minutes have passed.]
  1257. >…
  1258.  
  1259. >You set in the last measurement for the pistol after confirming the correct size with Gyro, and down goes both papers to him.
  1260. “Pretty neat, huh?”
  1261. >”It’s definitely… Ingenious, I mean, if these measurements work, It’ll be like… like a ranged revolution.”
  1262. >You give a smile as he starts scrolling them up.
  1263. >”So, uh, I can get to work on these real quick, and uh, I think they’ll be done in a few days, just gotta get t-the other shipments out, and uh… yeah, you’ll get more royalties, o-of course.”
  1264. “Hey, thanks for putting up with me.”
  1265. >”Putting up with? I mean, you uh, single-hoofedly saved my business man, I-I have no problem with it.”
  1266. “It’s really no problem.”
  1267. >”I’m gonna, uh, go ahead and get started on these, so I-I’ll be seeing you.”
  1268. >A moment of silence passes, and you both lean in and hug each other, bro to bro.
  1269. >Third time’s the charm it seems, as it wasn’t even awkward.
  1270. >You say goodbye and leave the workshop getting your way back out.
  1271. >Once you appear, you see that Red has returned, less than enthused about being back here, but happy to see you.
  1272. >”Hey!”
  1273. “Hey babe, so, how did it go?”
  1274. >Her ears fall flat.
  1275. >”Sorry, but there was no way they would let us in right now. They told me they couldn’t even let in the commanders of the armies right now, and only ponies with full royal attire and a pass could go in.”
  1276. >You knew your hunch was onto something.
  1277. >It is currently 10:30 A.M.
  1278. >Would you like to wait for the others, browse the wares here, or other?
  1279.  
  1280.  
  1281. >You decide to take a seat on the side and Red sits next to you.
  1282. “Gonna read for a bit, since I told them to meet up here. I promise, you won’t be seeing much more of this place. Though, we’ll need to get back to Ponyville eventually so we can get the mail, if you get me.”
  1283. >”Oh, did you make more deals?”
  1284. “Let’s just say that you won’t have to work overtime anymore if you don’t want.”
  1285. >Redheart wraps her hooves around you and you reciprocate.
  1286. >”Well, what should we do?”
  1287. “I said two hours before, and it looks like we only have a few minutes… Want to read a little together?”
  1288. >She rubs your waist in agreement, and begins to undo her bag to fish hers out.
  1289. >Before either of you could crack open any pages, however, the front door slams open, and Gable walks in silently, the rest of the ponies in the store staying stone still.
  1290. >Following him is a rather scruffy Iron Will and Berry, and the latter looked positively pissed.
  1291. >”Yeah, THANKS, Anon! …Having the jerk screw over our morning, I oughtta…”
  1292. >Iron sets a hand on her shoulder.
  1293. >”You should be proud at this guy’s metal! I’ve never seen such an assertive attitude! Though, you could’ve waited until we finished.”
  1294. >Oh dear god.
  1295. >Redheart seems to be thinking the same thing.
  1296. >”That’s horrible! You two actually, !?”
  1297. >Berry gives a penchant smile and Iron just scratches his head.
  1298. >”Well, what can I say? He’s a hunk…”
  1299. >Iron flexes his pecs for show, and then the three join you at the side.
  1300. >”So, Dr. Moose, what are we out here in the dork age, for?”
  1301. “I just got done drawing up schematics for more deadly weapons. By the way, the dork age is selling them here.”
  1302. >That shuts him up pretty quickly.
  1303. “Now, status report, guys? How’d the search go?”
  1304. >Berry pipes in, finally getting a bit happier from her apparently ruined morning.
  1305. >”Well, after a whole lot of fun, my sources, and by sources I mean drinking buddies, told me all about the little trade here in town. Turns out those thieves that jumped you guys? They have their own little club over at Onyx corner, another bar that they switch between so the guards don’t find them. They’re really riled up that the kingpin’s gone, and it’s reportedly. Very. Chaotic.”
  1306. >She emphasises the last three words in glorious triumph, and rewards herself with a large swig from her flask.
  1307. “So they’re at Onyx corner?”
  1308. >”Well, they switched up their schedules, so you’ll only find one of the guys you’re looking for each work shift, but yeah. And uuh… There is some bad news.”
  1309. >The party leans in to listen to her more closely.
  1310. >”Well, apparently they got wind of the new weapons that you made, and they already have some weird prototype things their black market engineer made, so they’re armed with these firearm things you’re talking about. So I’d say… lay off it, because Pinkie’s fine now, and nobody needs to get shot with any metal balls.”
  1311. >That is some very bad news.
  1312. >You’ll have to see what you can do about it later, but for now, you needed to wait for Pinkie Pie and Applejack.
  1313. >Gable, Berry and Iron Will have returned, but Pink and AJ have not.
  1314. >It is currently 11:50 A.M.
  1315. >What would you like to do?
  1316.  
  1317. [QUEST VIGILANTE JUSTICE UPDATED: Track down and take in the thieves that attacked Pinke (0/3); Take in the engineer responsible for ripping your schematic (0/1)]
  1318.  
  1319. Current questlog (7/10 total):
  1320. [Investigate Shadow] - Find it (0/1); Exterminate it (0/1); Report to Celestia (0/1)
  1321. [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)
  1322. [Spear Mastery] - Learn Spear Juggling (0/1)
  1323. [Spicing up the Bedroom] - Find Redheart’s fetish (1/Pegging); Improve foreplay (0/1)
  1324. [Vigilante Justice] - Track down and take in the thieves that attacked Pinkie Pie (0/3); Take in the engineer responsible for ripping your schematic (0/1)
  1325. [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)
  1326. [Just like Clockwork] - Travel to Appleoosa and speak to Frizzy Gear (0/1)
  1327. >You decide it’d be best to make use of this time, and brew a batch of potions while you wait.
  1328. >Unfortunately, you’re going to have to do this outside.
  1329. “I’m going to go make a few potions while we wait for the other two.”
  1330. >”Alright babe, don’t freeze to death out there.”
  1331. >Wait, what?
  1332. >The party all says okay to your course of action, and you step outside.
  1333. >You’re met with very chilling winds, and the armor doesn’t help this feeling one bit.
  1334. >Damn, it couldn’t be more than 40 degrees now.
  1335. >Either way, the fire of the kit would keep you warm, so you set up your potion-making kit and get ready…
  1336.  
  1337. >With your ingredients, you can make up to three batches of 6 small potions each, 4 mediums, or 2 large.
  1338. >Small potions take half an hour to brew, medium take 45 minutes, and large takes an hour, with multiple batches not affecting time.
  1339. >Which size of brew would you like to brew?
  1340.  
  1341. >Medium selected
  1342. >…
  1343. [Alchemy experience: 75/150]
  1344. [You receive Medium Healing Potions (4)]
  1345. [-1 wisp weed, 2 lifeleaf, 1 rizzleberry bunch]
  1346. [45 minutes has passed.]
  1347. >…
  1348.  
  1349. >Both AJ and Pinkie returned about twenty minutes into the brewing and you gave them a quick hello before returning your attention to delicate procedures.
  1350. >By the time you were finished, your entire group were sitting next to you trying to warm at the fire you had created.
  1351. >Now you were capping the final potion, and you store them on the specially-made belt that your modified bag has.
  1352. “There we go, much more prepared now.”
  1353. >”I didn’t know you could brew like that, brother. Say uh, next time you’re free, want to make me a batch of my special protein shakes? I got the recipe, but not the know-how.”
  1354. “Maybe later, Iron. Anyways, now that I’m done working, what’s the word you two?”
  1355. >AJ goes first as she pulls her ears into her hat from the cold.
  1356. >”Well, I obviously didn’t find nothin’ since they were over at his trailer, but Wheaties’ was a bit offended we didn’t go over and sleep at her house. She said somethin’ about you not livin’ up to your friend promise, Anon, but I told her we were busier than applebuckin’ season, so she understands.”
  1357. >You make a note to go apologize to her later.
  1358. >Pinkie doesn’t say anything for a moment, but when you prompt her, her mane deflates slightly.
  1359. >”I…. couldn’t find anything, Nonny… I’m sorry.”
  1360. “It’s okay, there’s barely any leads right now as it is. We’ll find her, don’t worry guys.”
  1361. >You put out the flames much to everyone’s dismay, and put up the kit, stowing it in your bag.
  1362. >You’re out in the Crystal Empire, finally united with your entire party.
  1363. >It is currently noon.
  1364. >What would you like to do?
  1365.  
  1366. >You see that Pinkie is still sad that she couldn’t find anything about her best friend.
  1367. >You kneel down and take her in your arms without hesitation, and she hugs back tightly.
  1368. “Hey, we’re going to find her, okay? I promise you.”
  1369. >”…P-pinkie promise?”
  1370. >Oh yeah, she showed you that once. How did it go?
  1371. >”Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.”
  1372. >She gives you another tight hug, and after a while you think she is milking it for the warmth of your body.
  1373. >You pat her back and stand up to break it, and she looks much more cheerful.
  1374. “I think it’d be best if we got something to lower the brisk of this cold. Let’s hop down to the tailor’s again real quick, and we’ll get started?”
  1375. >A unanimous yes from your party sends you on your way.
  1376. >You and the group quickly travel to the Tricks and Needles, taking refuge in the lovely warmth of the tailor shop, where Ms. Stringtie greets you once again.
  1377. >It is currently 12:20 P.M.
  1378.  
  1379. [Tricks and Needles] - Owner: Ms. Stringtie
  1380. >“Welcome back, Dr. Anonymous! We have new wares for you to browse in, tell me what you like! Oh, and sorry but Miss Rarity is out on business right now, she isn’t here.”
  1381.  
  1382. -Buy
  1383. -Sell
  1384. -Modify
  1385. -Exit
  1386. -Speak to Ms. Stringtie
  1387. -Speak to Rarity (LOCKED - Subject not present)
  1388.  
  1389.  
  1390.  
  1391.  
  1392. >Buy
  1393. >”Well, We have caps, coats and pantaloons, as well as tough boots to keep you out of the horrid cold out there, I’ll even mark it for you! Anything for such a famous doctor~”
  1394.  
  1395. [HEADWARE/MISC.]
  1396. -Sunhat (“Keeps the sun out of your eyes! What else?”) [24 bits]
  1397. [Recommended] -Knitted Cap (“It keeps you warm from the bitter cold!”) [32 bits]
  1398. -Coif (“It keeps you cool under the heat, a high plus if I might say.”) [Lowers exhaustion rate, 40 bits]
  1399. -Stetson hat (“This one’s a fan favorite, I have someone from Ponyville ordering these by the crateful!”) [45 bits, slightly increases leg strength]
  1400. -Ballcap (“Oh, it’s not very fancy, but any colt comes in here and this is the first thing they look at.”) [10 bits]
  1401. -Pork Pie hat (“I keep getting strange bald stallions buying these. A lot of them have goatees too, I wonder if it’s a trend…”) [50 bits, slightly increases alchemy output]
  1402. -Fedora (“A wonderful and classy choice. I remember the first time I sold one, it was returned because this couple’s son got spaghetti sauce all over it.”) [70 bits]
  1403. -Tophat (“High Class for High Ponies!”) [100 bits]
  1404. [New!] -Leather Reign (“It’s got a million uses, please buy one!”) [20 bits]
  1405. [SHIRTS/BLOUSES]
  1406. -Corset (“Tight and stringy, keeps a nice form for you mares.” [40 bits])
  1407. -White-collar Dress Shirt (“It looks grand on any stallion, or what’s it called, hyooman?” [40 bits])
  1408. -Swashbuckler’s Shirt (“Unisex and Universal, you can’t go out without something stylish like this.” [30 bits])
  1409. -’I wish I weren’t here right now’ T-shirt (“A little humor can brighten up anyone’s day, don’t you think? [15 bits])
  1410. [Recommended] -Thick winter coat (“The summer doesn’t last forever, and it works for those rough-weather days if you still need to go out.” [45 bits])
  1411. -Flannel Shirt (“A bit uncouth for sure, but it comes with ultimate comfort, and the ponies of the south seem to like it!” [20 bits])
  1412.  
  1413. [PANTS/SKIRTS]
  1414. -Checker-pattern skirt (It has a librarian look to it, and it’s quite breezy. [15 bits])
  1415. -Bell-bottom shorts (A set of shorts that remind us of a simpler time…” [15 bits])
  1416. -Genuine Kilt (The forefathers of the gryphons started this trend, and it’s the best way for stallions and er, men alike to enjoy open-ended breezes!” [30 bits])
  1417. -Overalls (“For the dirtier jobs, so you don’t have to have so much laundry.” [25 bits])
  1418. -Black Latex Covers (“Don’t wear it out in the sun, it gets very hot!” [35 bits])
  1419. [Recommended] -Thick Knitted Pantaloons (“We have to keep our lovespots warm, too!” [25 bits])
  1420.  
  1421. [SHOES/BOOTS/SOCKS]
  1422. [Recommended] -Avian Leather Boots [You currently own this item]
  1423. [Recommended] -Cowpony Boots (“The boots of the west! [Lowers exaustion rate, 50 bits]
  1424. -Black Latex Boots (“Whether for those kinky nights or for sneaking around, there’s many uses for these.” [40 bits])
  1425. -Stockings (“A bit of lingerie for the bedroom, tame, but enticing. Comes in patterns of diamond, hearts, bubbles, and all kinds of colors!” [20 bits])
  1426. -Crystal Slippers (“It’s like you’re a real princess, real crystal too!” [100 bits])
  1427.  
  1428. [DRESSES/ROBES]
  1429. -Gala-themed Dress (“If you don’t have a home pattern, then this is a great look for the upcoming Gala!” [80 bits])
  1430. -Celestia-themed Dress (“Praise the Sun!” [80 bits])
  1431. -Luna-themed Dress (“Praise the Moon!” [80 bits])
  1432. -Crystal/Cadance-themed Dress (“Praise the …uh, crystals?” [80 bits])
  1433. >”I only have a few sets of robes, but I received them from Fortuna Potions in their big sale, so I believe they have magical qualities!”
  1434. -Magician’s Robes (+6 MP, +5 MA [95 bits])
  1435. -Practitioner’s Robes (+4 MP, +10% medkit/healing effectiveness [95 bits])
  1436. -Royal Robes (+2 MP, Allows passage into Crystal Palace with appropriate ID [150 bits, Royal Pass])
  1437. -Highguard Robes (+12 MP, x1.5 MA, +10 MD [200 bits])
  1438.  
  1439. >”Are there any dazzling colors that catch your eye, or were you still looking for temperamental protection, hm?”
  1440.  
  1441. -Buy item(s)
  1442. -Inspect item(s)
  1443. -Back to Menu
  1444. -Exit
  1445.  
  1446. >You turn back to the group for a moment, or, at least the ones who bothered to stay near you, which were just the ponies minus Berry, still flirty with Iron.
  1447. “Alright, my line of thought right now is, if we want in the Crystal Palace to talk to Cadance about this entire shadow deal, we’re going to need a pass. So what we need to do is go to that outpost and see if we can’t find that missing officer with his pass and ask him if we can get it, and on the way we’ll see if Rainbow Dash stopped by there. Since we’re going right into the Tundra, we’re going to need gear, so…”
  1448. >You look at AJ and Pinkie, and get Iron Will’s attention by whistling at him.
  1449. “If you guys pitch in, we can get some winter gear to get ourselves protected from the Tundra, now did you guys want to do that?"
  1450. >Each of them nod at different speeds.
  1451. >”I don’t wanna freeze out there, so, I guess I’m on board.”
  1452. >”Totally! I mean bouncing only gets me so warm and I don’t want my very best friends to freeze.”
  1453. >”I don’t really have to pitch in, do I? Brother, I used my pocket change to woo my sweet Berry, and you can’t put a price on a flank like that!”
  1454. >Berry nuzzles up to him and they start some major PDA, so you divert attention.
  1455. >You’ll at least get AJ and Pinkie’s share if you need it.
  1456. >You look back at Ms. Stringtie, ready to say something…
  1457.  
  1458. >What do you buy?
  1459.  
  1460.  
  1461. >Your Bit pouch: 84 bits
  1462. >Applejack’s Bit pouch: 2 small gems
  1463. >Pinkie’s Bit pouch: 75 bits
  1464.  
  1465. -Buy item(s)
  1466. -Inspect item(s)
  1467. -Back to Menu
  1468. -Exit
  1469.  
  1470.  
  1471. “Ma'am, I would never ask you to take a loss on a sale on our account, but is there some way we could work out a small discount in exchange for our services or something to that effect? It's just that we're stretching our budget a bit thin right at the moment…”
  1472. >Ms. Stringtie instantly throws her hooves up in protest.
  1473. >”No famous fighting doctor from a strange land is ever going to do anything in service to this mare! I just have to ask, where did your prize money from the tournament go?”
  1474. “We ended up having to spend it on armor and weapons to better protect ourselves for the coming journey, and I guess I was a bit uh, shortsighted…”
  1475. >”Well now, we can’t have you shivering in such a cold when you were just trying to protect yourselves! I’ll tell you what, I’ll knock off a whole 25%! I can’t go more because Miss Rarity would ream me, but I hope you guys can handle that?”
  1476. “Yes, that’d be wonderful, thank you so much.”
  1477. >She nods happily and rings up your selection.
  1478. >You have selected Thick Winter Coat (5)
  1479. >Total: 165 bits
  1480. >Total bits to spend: 239
  1481. >Do you want to buy these items? Y/N
  1482.  
  1483.  
  1484. >+2 Thick Winter coats
  1485. >You have selected Thick Winter Coat (7)
  1486. >Total: 236 bits
  1487. >Do you want to buy these items? Y/N
  1488.  
  1489. >Y
  1490. >Items bought!
  1491. [You have received a Thick Winter Coat.]
  1492. [Redheart has received a Thick Winter Coat.]
  1493. [Pinkie Pie has received a Thick Winter Coat.]
  1494. [Applejack has received a Thick Winter Coat.]
  1495. [Berry Punch has received a Thick Winter Coat.]
  1496. [Gable has received a Thick Winter Coat.]
  1497. [Iron Will has received a Thick Winter Coat.]
  1498. >Your bit pouch: 1 bit (1 bit to Applejack and Pinkie Pie)
  1499.  
  1500. “Thanks for the discount, it really helped us out.”
  1501. >”No problem! If you ever need anything else, just come on by.”
  1502. >Each of your party pulls on the coats as they wave goodbye and exit back out into the even colder wind.
  1503. >Why was it getting so cold, anyways?
  1504. >In any case, at least none of you would freeze to death.
  1505. >It is currently 12:45 P.M.
  1506. >What would you like to do?
  1507.  
  1508.  
  1509. “Alright, let’s head to the guard station. Want to make sure we don’t get lost on the way, I suppose.”
  1510. >”Mmmmmm…!”
  1511. >You look back at your group, looking around for the source of the sudden noise.
  1512. >After a minute or so of confusion, you notice the subtle way Pinkie is crossing her legs.
  1513. “Bathroom?”
  1514. >”Just a minute, Nonny!”
  1515. >Pinkie rushes back into the tailor’s shop, and the rest of you are left out in the cold, waiting.
  1516. >”It’s about time she said something, she was holding it in for what, the last ten minutes? Honestly, if she thinks she could hold her own in a contest with me, she’s got another thing coming with a small ‘balloon’ like that.”
  1517. >Berry’s voice is quickly drowned by a swig of her flask.
  1518. >Redheart watches her throw away her liver swallow by swallow.
  1519. >”I just don’t understand how you drink like that all throughout the day, and I’ve yet to even see you go.”
  1520. >Berry gives her a devious grin.
  1521. >”I got my secrets, don’t you worry.”
  1522. >Iron Will chuckles as he wipes a bit of run from his chilled nose.
  1523. >”Secret? Iron Will remembers a little hard bottle in your tail, that you said was for-”
  1524. >Before you can register what had happened, Iron Will is clutching his crotch and doubled over.
  1525. >”Alright… duly noted…”
  1526. >Pinkie returns after this little fiasco, bouncing and catching the wind like a kite as she somehow floats back to the group without a care in the world.
  1527. >”The lizard is bled! Er, I think that’s the expression… I need to ask Gummy when I get back, he knows all sorts of stuff like that!”
  1528. >The group shares a little laugh from this, and you finally begin to lead the group out to the Guard Department.
  1529. >It takes a few more minutes out of the day, but you arrive at the station no later than 1:00 P.M., and you head inside.
  1530. >The guards are different in here today, and you can’t quite remember any faces.
  1531. >What would you like to do?
  1532. ...

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