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The Master's Legendary Quest - 16

By Trixiefap
Created: 2022-06-29 02:46:09
Expiry: Never
anonsafecyoaredheartrpgaiegame

  1. >Inspect Redheart’s Age
  2. [Redheart is 24 years old.]
  3.  
  4. >Inspect ‘Gable’s House Price for Gryphon Kingdom’
  5. [Last you checked, to get real estate in Reigetalon in the province he desires runs around 50,000 bits.]
  6.  
  7. >Gable sets up the rack and looks at the both of you.
  8. >”So, highs, meds, lows?”
  9. >”I’ll go high.”
  10. “Low.”
  11. >”Medium for me, then…”
  12. >Gable pulls up the triad and lines up his shot to break.
  13. “By the way, where did Gyro and Wheaties go?”
  14. >Gable speaks as he aims.
  15. >”They never went with us. ‘Bout halfway there, they said they wanted to go do something a little less outgoing or something, so they went to an antiques shop. Don’t know where they went after that.”
  16. >For fuck’s sake.
  17. >Well, at least they’re happy.
  18. >Speaking of happiness…
  19. “I don’t really remember much about my past. Some things come through here and there, but my existence is here in Equestria now. So, Gable. How exactly was your life before all of this, anyways? You told me bits about it before but nothing highly detailed. What’s your Jarl like, you said you wanted to live near him?”
  20. >Gable breaks the table and sinks in the 2, 3 and the 11 by sheer luck, and looks up at you with a deadpan expression.
  21. >”Jarl Graegar is not who I went to see, it’s my friend Gordrai. You don’t remember things very well, do you?”
  22. “Er, sorry, you know what I mean.”
  23. >Gable sighs and moves across the table to take his next shot.
  24. >”Well, everything I told you before is about how it went. No parents to raise me, found an orphanage, got into fighting to get us food… fun times. I’d rather not dwell on details.”
  25. >He takes another shot and sinks the 12-ball.
  26. >”As for Gordrai, he’s a great fighter. Better than me, better than anyone in this country. Put him in a fight, and he comes out on top, period. Here’s hoping that your promise carries out and I get to see him, but you know.”
  27. >Redheart leans in slightly.
  28. >”You’ve never told us about this. I’d like to know more about you, if that’s okay.”
  29. >Gable takes one more shot, but ends up sinking the 7-ball, so he trades it off to you as he starts going over a few details in his life to Red.
  30. >You all start conversing about your pasts and exchange interesting stories from the time before.
  31. >You find out Redheart had some stockholm syndrome early in her career and had some fun with one of her patients, but it didn’t last long.
  32. >Gable… He’s been in some tough shit.
  33. >You feel a bit left out not being able to remember your past, but the game flies by, you calling each shot to each pocket.
  34. >…
  35. [Used Call Shot 7 times.]
  36. >Well, that sucked.
  37. >You were in the lead for a little while, but then Redheart punishes your reckless calling by sinking your last two, and then Gable swept the both of you out, and he’s declared the victor.
  38. >AJ, Spike and Pinkie had joined at some point, but now the game’s over, and the alcohol is starting to drain away.
  39. >All in all, you guys have a lot of fun up to this point.
  40. >Everyone starts putting up their pool cues as you look at the clock.
  41. >It’s now 10:00 p.m, getting a bit late.
  42. >”Well, ah think I’m ready to hit the hay, what about everypony else?”
  43. >AJ seems to have the right idea, as you’re feeling pretty tired.
  44. >What would you like to do?
  45.  
  46.  
  47. >You stretch out a little bit, reassuring Gable from earlier.
  48. “Don’t worry about that money, Gable, I’m good for it. If we don’t get enough by the end of our adventures, just have to wait four weeks or so and you’re good. Or, you can sell that expensive stuff from before.”
  49. >”I never said you weren’t.”
  50. >Right. Looks like it’s about time to head out.
  51. “I think it’s time we headed back.”
  52. >”Agreed.”
  53. >”Let’s go get some sleep.”
  54. >”Aw, I was ready for another round, teehee!”
  55. >”I guess I’ll be going back to the library, then…”
  56. >”Well, what’re we waitin’ for? Let’s hussle.”
  57. >You gather all of the dirty glasses as the rest of them clean up and deposit them on the counter.
  58. >Your party including Spike then leaves single-file, tipsy and happy as you all walk down the street to the palace.
  59. >After a little small conversation, you slip back towards Redheart.
  60. “Hey, babe.”
  61. >”Hi.. Tonight was great, Anon, even if you got your nose broken and we found out two of our friends are weirdos… Definitely more interesting than my life’s been, lately.”
  62. “I’d bet… So, tell me more about this patient of yours. You said you got Stockholm syndrome?”
  63. >Redheart nods, sighing as she remembers.
  64. >”It was a few years back, he had gotten his leg broken in a cart accident. His name was Blue Streak, and he was just the most amazing stallion. A pegasus, and fast. Won races all the time, a daredevil, really… Well, I was assigned to be his main nurse, and his words.. well, he was charming, let’s put it that way. Handsome, loving, kind… Mmm.”
  65. “So, what happened?”
  66. >Redheart stares at the ground as she walks.
  67. >”Well, he got out of the hospital. We went out together for a few months, and I figured I would surprise him with a picnic one day. When I went out to his house, he forgot to lock the door, and… He was with another mare.”
  68. “Oh…”
  69. >There was one thing you always wondered about why Redheart got so upset about the polygamy incident.
  70. >Not that it could be the prime reason, but that happening to her did not help chances.
  71. “I’m sorry about that.”
  72. >”It’s fine… It’s in the past now, and I’m with you. To be completely honest… I’ve had much more fun with you than I did him. I didn’t love him as much, either.”
  73. >You can’t help but embrace Red right there, but it’s cut short by you both tripping over each other.
  74. >She starts giggling at the misfortune as you steady each others’ balance.
  75. “Sorry about that.”
  76. >”Ooh, we’ve all had a little to drink.”
  77. >You stand up, and suddenly call out to the group.
  78. “Why’re we all being so quiet? C’mon, let’s sing something!”
  79. >Pinkie sways and agrees with a happy tune.
  80. >”Weee love to shaaare, and to caaaare~”
  81. >AJ rests a hoof on her wither.
  82. >”Don’t think he meant that, Pinkie.”
  83. >”Well, Nonny should sing!”
  84. >Spike snickers and adds fuel to the fire.
  85. >”Yeah, let’s put those vocal cords to the test.”
  86. >You know something that might fit the mood, but you aren’t the best singer.
  87. “Fine. But you guys have to join in on the chorus after you hear it.”
  88. >Gable starts chuckling.
  89. >”Oh boy, he’s actually going to do it. Anyone got earplugs?”
  90. >Redheart scalds him playfully.
  91. >”Hey, he probably sings better than a birdbeak! C’mon, babe, let’s hear it.”
  92. >Well, here goes nothing.
  93. “Ooooohh, the night that Paddy Murphy died, is a night I'll never forget, Some of the boys got loaded drunk, and they ain’t got sober yet. As long as a bottle was passed around every man was feelin’ gay, O’Leary came with the bagpipes, some music for to play…”
  94. >…
  95. [spoiler]>”THAT’S HOW THEY SHOWED THEIR RESPECT FOR PADDY MURPHY,”
  96. ”THAT’S HOW THEY SHOWED THEIR HONOR AND PRIDE!”
  97. >”THEY SAID IT WAS A SIN AND A SHAME AND THEY WINKED AT ONE ANOTHER,”
  98. >”AND EVERY DRINK IN THE PLACE WAS FULL THE NIGHT PADDY MURPHY DIED!”
  99. >”Hey, what are you freaks singing!? We’re trying to sleep in here!”
  100. ”HEY PUSSYLIPS, GO FUCK YOURSELF!”
  101. >”Yeah, suck some dick, uh, dumbass!”
  102. >”SPIKE, WHAT DID AH SAY BEFORE!?”[/spoiler]
  103. >…
  104. >You and your party part ways with the red-bottomed Spike as he sulkingly returns to the library with a letter to Twilight written by AJ.
  105. >Each of you keep singing a different verse of the song, razing the very walls of the Crystal Palace with your cries of drunken fervor.
  106. >Eventually guards stop you all and tell you to quiet down, but it was fun while it lasted.
  107. >Finally, you all get to your respective bedrooms and say goodbye to each other for the night.
  108. >When you and Redheart get into your rooms, you’re barely finished locking the door before Red’s armor is already off and she’s piled into the sheets.
  109. “You okay?”
  110. >”Mmmh, I’m just really tired… Come on to bed, hon.”
  111. >Before you make a decision, you want to do something real quick.
  112. >You pull out your phone and click on the videos app, seeing what you have so far.
  113.  
  114. -file1.avi (0:53)
  115. -Berry and Pinkie: Mares Gone Wild.avi (6:49)
  116. -Anon’s Bullride of Nose-shattering proportions.avi (1:01)
  117.  
  118. >There doesn’t seem to be any videos of animals on here.
  119. >Then again, you have no idea what that first video is.
  120. >You feel like you need to exercise with these cuffs, but there doesn’t seem to be anything here to use.
  121. >It’s almost midnight now due to your party’s detours and drunken ballads.
  122. >What would you like to do?
  123.  
  124.  
  125.  
  126.  
  127. >It’s way too late.
  128. >You’ll look at it tomorrow when you’re refreshed.
  129. >Putting the phone back in your pocket, you shed your coat and robes, and you flop on the bed just as Redheart moves the covers for you.
  130. >Once you both get all nice and tucked in, you turn off the lights and start to shift down.
  131. >”Wait.”
  132. >You look down at her, and she wraps her arms around your chest, nuzzling your chin with her mane as she hugs you tight.
  133. >”Let’s just enjoy this for a little while… We’re not gonna get a chance to do this again for a long time.”
  134. >You let your own arms curl around her furry form, relishing in the warmth and softness.
  135. >You’re so close with her, your breathing syncs up, heartbeats slowing, letting the stress and hustle of the day simply melt away, as the two of you keep up the night.
  136. >Eventually, she falls asleep with a smile on her face, and you drift off as well once the feelings of the cuffs blend with the rest of your senses.
  137. >Darkness overtakes you, and your mind falls under the sandmare’s spell.
  138. [spoiler]>…
  139. >Your dreams are black.
  140. >Yet there are emerald eyes staring at you.
  141. >Glaring into your soul.
  142. >Then, a flash of green and midnight blue permeates your vision, leaving nothing but a void.
  143. [/spoiler]
  144.  
  145. >…
  146. >You open your crusty eyes.
  147. >The blinds’ inviting sun gleams into your face, the crystals of the bedroom shining ever so proudly with grandeur you wish you’d never have to leave from.
  148. >Redheart is still in your arms, now holding her with your wrists connected behind her back.
  149. >It takes a long time to pry them apart without jostling her, but you manage to slip out and force your limbs back to full strength.
  150. >There’s an odd, flowing feeling in your body now, as if something’s been growing.
  151. >Another few moments passes before you slowly get up and get yourself dressed.
  152. >Once you’re finished, you glance at the clock.
  153. >It’s currently 9:05 A.M.
  154. >You remember from last night you wanted to look at that video, but you meant to do it with Redheart.
  155. >She’s gotten plenty of sleep, though.
  156. >What would you like to do?
  157.  
  158.  
  159.  
  160. >You decide to get a move on with your daily routine, so you cross to the other side of the bed.
  161. >Bending down, you kiss Redheart on her forehead, and move down to meet her eyes with your own.
  162. >She opens them slowly and stretches, and the first thing she sees is you.
  163. >”Oh… Hi, Anon.”
  164. “Hey, sleeping beauty. We’re about an hour later than we usually are, so we probably wanna get moving.”
  165. >She nods and rubs her face, and you let her take first turn in the bathroom.
  166. >While you’re waiting for her to take a shower and do her thing, you rest on the bed and start checking around your phone, your last clue to what life was like back on Earth.
  167. >You want to save the file to view with Redheart, though, so you skip the videos.
  168. [PICTURES]
  169. -An image of nike shoes.
  170. -An image of an airplane crossing the sunset.
  171. -A corrupted image that seems to be unrecoverable, but the unglitched thumbnail looks like some sort of grey swirling mass.
  172. -An image of the mysterious crystal tree where you received your magic.
  173. -An image of the Crystal Empire in all of its proud glory.
  174. [MUSIC]
  175. -You have far too many to count, but you do know that the He-Man Hey song isn’t on here. Looks like you’ve brought the entire human collection of music with you.
  176.  
  177. [APPS]
  178. -Flashlight.
  179. -Camera.
  180. -Video/Recorder.
  181. -Calculator.
  182. -Maps/GPS (Defunct).
  183. -Compass.
  184. -Notes/Voice Memos/Reminders.
  185. -There are a few other stock apps as well, but they have no function here.
  186.  
  187. >By the time you’re finished, Redheart’s done and clean, with a towel around her mane and tail.
  188. >”Okay, it’s all yours.”
  189. “Hold up, I want to watch something with you real quick. It’s a video on my phone, and I have no clue what it is.”
  190. >Redheart raises an eyebrow in interest, and jumps up on the bed to sit next to you.
  191. >She smells so nice.
  192. >You turn your phone sideways and select the video, and begin to watch it with her.
  193.  
  194. [file1.avi]
  195. “Whoa, what the fuck is that?”
  196. >”It’s like Earth’s asshole or something, Gary, check this out!”
  197. >You are Anonymous.
  198. >You’re holding your phone to record the weirdest shit you’ve ever seen, with your bros at your side.
  199. >Hank is freaking out, trying to get Gary to get out of the truck to see this thing.
  200. >You were just driving back home, when the sky started to darken with clouds that were never there, and now it’s some sort of swirling grey vortex.
  201. >”Dude, we gotta get the hell out of here, it’s a tornado!”
  202. >”It was clear skies like a minute ago, this isn’t a fucking twister!”
  203. “Wait, what’s happening?”
  204. >You’re on a country road, but you can see the outskirts of the city.
  205. >People are panicking, running through the streets, trying to carry their children through the chaos.
  206. >The vortex is falling towards the ground, beginning to curve.
  207. “…I’ve never seen anything like this. It’s unreal!”
  208. >”HANK, ANON, LET’S GO!”
  209. >”Fuck off, I want to see this!”
  210. >Suddenly, the cloudy tempest unleashes one of the most deafening roars you’ve ever heard, shaking the very foundation of the Earth.
  211. >It knocks you and your friends down with one shake, and even rattles the truck off the road, telephone poles breaking and splintering, trees starting to get uprooted.
  212. >”…OKAY, I’VE HAD ENOUGH, LET’S GET THE FUCK OUT OF HERE!”
  213. >This is too unreal.
  214. >You have to keep taping this.
  215. >You stand up and raise your phone up, but when you look through the video on the screen, the sight terrifies you.
  216. >The vortex has curved right into your direction.
  217. >As soon as it lines up, your friends start screaming, and the three of you are suddenly taking off into the air, getting sucked into this anomalous monster.
  218. >”OOH GOOOD, HEELP!”
  219. >”FUCK, NO NO NO PLEEAASE!!”
  220. >You try to get your bearings in the air, but it’s too late.
  221. >Everything is being flown right into the beyond.
  222. >Vision begins to fail you as you watch your friends get pelted by debris, ripping limbs and skin off their bodies, flaying into the overpowering wind.
  223. >You see the inside of the vortex, a horrifying light-show of radiant colors that blind you.
  224. >And as your sight blackens, you see those horrible, red eyes.
  225. >Something tears between you, like you’re becoming two halves.
  226. >Blindness overtakes you, the last thing you see being… yourself.
  227. >There is blackness, and sounds that were never meant to be heard by the living from how painful and desperate it sounds.
  228. [ http://vocaroo.com/i/s1P9oJt9FgsY ]
  229. >It goes on and on, louder and louder until there’s a flash of light and silence.
  230. >And then there’s sunlight.
  231. >Bountiful trees with long wavy plains appears out of the void, getting closer and closer and closer until it collides with the screen.
  232. [END VIDEO]
  233. >…
  234.  
  235. >It went on for nearly a minute longer than the video says it is, the time freezing during that blackness.
  236. >You and Redheart are completely stunned, unable to say anything.
  237. >She looks absolutely frightened, her fur and mane standing on end.
  238. >What do you do?
  239.  
  240.  
  241.  
  242. >You sit there, bewildered by what you’ve seen.
  243. >It’s something that your brain refuses to believe, and yet it’s pulling up the memories.
  244. >Everytime you feel one of the images in your head, pain shoots through your spine, and it fades.
  245. >It’s not working, you just can’t remember.
  246. >And yet, here it is, in the palm of your hand.
  247. >Your thoughts are scrambled, thrown to the wayside and unrecoverable.
  248. >”Anon…?”
  249. >Redheart recomposes herself before you can even start to move.
  250. >She puts a hoof on your back, but you barely feel her presence at all.
  251. “… …I think that might be the shadow… W-what, I mean… I can’t believe this…”
  252. >Redheart looks at you with great sorrow.
  253. “It might’ve even destroyed my world, I have no way of knowing… …”
  254. >She immediately stands up and embraces you, your head falling on her wither as you hug back with all your might.
  255. “Why… Why did it hit them so hard?… Why did it spare me? What the fuck makes me so special?”
  256. >”Ssh, shh, it’s okay…”
  257. “No…”
  258. >”Anon, whatever reason it had, I… you survived for a reason. …”
  259. >Red chokes up too much to continue, and you feel her start to wet your shoulder.
  260. >It’s too much for you to handle, and your own tears begin to fall.
  261. >There you sit with Redheart, pouring out to her in the same bed you fell asleep so peacefully in.
  262. >You just can’t believe it.
  263. >This was all your fault.
  264. >All the pain and suffering this world’s been through, it’s been your fault for being here.
  265. >As you think this, Red hugs you tighter like she somehow heard you.
  266. >”I know what you’re thinking, and don’t even give it mind. You had nothing to do with this, you hear me? It wasn’t you. It… wasn’t… you…”
  267. >You let go of each other after your emotions stopped flooding.
  268. >It’s wasted time to just sit here and grovel, so you let go of her and speak with a stronger voice.
  269. “We need to tell our group about this, and we need to show it to Twilight, Cadance and Shining, too. I’m going to go get ready.”
  270. >”Okay…”
  271. >You leave your phone and go into the bathroom for a quick shower.
  272. >…
  273. >Clean and well-groomed, you adjust your robes and take your phone back, Redheart in her armor and ready to go.
  274. >You both then step out into the hallway, and start knocking on all of the doors.
  275. “Wake up call, time to get moving! Things just got serious, we have something to show you!”
  276. >Berry and Iron’s door are hit first, and something smashes and breaks against the door when you knock.
  277. >”5 MINUTES, LOUDMOUTH…”
  278. >Hangovers are a bitch, aren’t they?
  279. >Redheart pounds on Gable’s and AJ and Pinkie’s doors, to similar effect.
  280. >It takes nearly ten minutes for all of them to be out and ready in the hall, and Berry and Pinkie do not look happy.
  281. >In fact, Pinkie looks like she’s been run over by a train.
  282. >”What’re we doing out so earllyyyyy…?”
  283. “Sorry to get you all up on such short notice. Just watch this.”
  284. >You hold up the phone, and they gather round to stare at the small screen.
  285. >…
  286. >”So… your world is gone?”
  287. >You solemnly nod at Pinkie.
  288. >Her mare suddenly flattens, darkening as she looks at the ground, unable to speak.
  289. >AJ takes off her hat, sitting from the shock.
  290. >”Is that thing gonna end up doin’ that to our world, too?”
  291. “I don’t know.”
  292. >Gable pipes in.
  293. >”Don’t know? What’s to stop it, huh? What kind of power does that thing have, to do something like that? … I’m just sad that I couldn’t even see we never had a chance.”
  294. >Berry is silent, looking completely shattered of spirit.
  295. >”…He’s right… we never had a chance.”
  296. >The entire party is silent for a long moment, morale being shattered from this revelation found.
  297. >… Until one voice rises up.
  298. >Iron Will suddenly stomps on the ground with enough force to crack the solid crystal under him, and he points at all of the rest of you.
  299. >”I don’t know about you wimps, but Iron Will is not about to sit on his ass and let this shadow thing take his world out to lunch! What’re you all sitting here moping for? When you have friends to band, then we can take a stand! I say we go down to that hive, clear that corruption out of this plane of existence, and make that bastard wish he was never born! Think about it. We’ve managed to keep it at bay this long, haven’t we? It turned tail and saved its own hide when we bashed
  300. its lights out of Cadance, and now it’s in hiding. If it’s got soooo much power, why hasn’t it given us a final hour? I’ll tell you why, because it’s scared that we’re going to wipe that smug-ass grin off of its stupid face! Right now it’s hidin’ its tail between its legs, hopin’ we don’t strike while it’s down, but that’s exactly what we’re gonna do. Now, who’s done cryin’ like a baby, and wants to get down to business?!”
  301. >Redheart nods.
  302. >AJ throws her hat on and rims it, getting herself up with newfound vigor.
  303. >”That’s what I like to see! Now, fall in, let’s make this count!”
  304. >Iron positions himself in the center of the group and holds out his arm.
  305. >Red’s hoof touches the palm of his hand, followed by AJ and Berry.
  306. >Pinkie sluggishly puts her hoof in the center, unsure of herself.
  307. >Gable wraps his talon around her hoof softly, smiling warmly at her.
  308. >It causes her mane to poof a little, her own smile decorating her muzzle.
  309. >Berry stands up after a moment and puts her hoof on top.
  310. >Then the group looks at you.
  311. >What do you do?
  312.  
  313. >Iron Will is right.
  314. >No more moping.
  315. >No more sorrow.
  316. >You take a step forward and press your hand on top, to the sounds of cheer from the rest of the group.
  317. >”OOOH YEEAAH! Everyone scream at that bastard shadow like he was right here! One, two, THREE!”
  318. >>>>>>”YEAH!”
  319. >The rallied cry could be heard all across the Palace.
  320. >With hooves and hands raised into the air, power and morale returns to the party, along with Pinkie’s poof and fluff.
  321. “Now! I’m going to go show this to the Princess along with Twilight and Shining. This is going to be our final day in the Empire to get supplies and train for our upcoming journey, so let’s make it count. I’m planning on getting that expensive Doctor’s Kit, but with it we’ll be just fine. You guys ready?”
  322. >”Let’s get ready to rumble, brother!”
  323. >”LET’S HAVE A SHADOW-BASHING PARTY!”
  324. >”Oh boy, here we’re goin’ again.”
  325. >”Wait, where’s my flask? RED!? I’LL- oh, here it is.”
  326. >”Right behind you, babe.”
  327. >”Let’s actually leave today, alright?”
  328. “Yeah, I know. Alright, let’s get to it.”
  329. >You begin the long journey of walking down the stairs, and you go down to the first floor to find any patrolling guards.
  330. >You can go a multitude of directions, but the Main Hall is in the front.
  331. >It is currently 9:40 A.M.
  332. >What would you like to do?
  333.  
  334.  
  335.  
  336.  
  337. >The Main Hall is probably where they’d be unless they’re still in the bedrooms.
  338. >You hope that they’re free to talk.
  339. >You and the group open the door to the Crystal Hall, where you find Princess Cadance at her throne with Shining at one side and Flash Sentry on the other.
  340. >There’s a large group of well-dressed Crystal Ponies, other race envoys, and they seem to be knighting another crystal stallion clad in armor.
  341. >It doesn’t look like they’re paying attention to your entourage, as they’re still continuing with it.
  342. >Shining does spot you, however, and gets Flash’s attention.
  343. >They mutter behind Cadance and the new knight for a moment, and Flash leaves his post, heading towards you.
  344. “Hey, what’s--”
  345. >As he approaches you, he starts shooing you past the door, making you backtrack through until he’s able to close the door behind him.
  346. >”Sorry about that, this is sort of an important matter. Did you need to speak with the Princess?”
  347. >Redheart leans out from behind you.
  348. >”Uh, yes, actually. It’s very important that we see her right now?”
  349. >Flash looks back at the door for a moment.
  350. >”She’ll be done in about an hour, can you wait that long? I’m sure whatever it is isn’t that time-sensitive, right?”
  351. >What do you say?
  352.  
  353. >Your face falls, doing your best to look heartbroken.
  354. >It’s not that you aren’t, but it’s good to show it extra for this situation.
  355. “Well, actually it kind of is. Lives are at stake, so it’s pretty important. Look, we’re leaving soon and our time is short, so this might be the last time we get to speak with them before we leave for the hive. Take a look at this.”
  356. >You pull your phone out again and tap the play button, turning the screen towards him as he stares at it with confusion.
  357. >…
  358. >”I… don’t understand. How did you get this film?”
  359. “It was on this device the entire time, but we’ve only recently discovered it. This is the monster that we’ve been chasing, and there’s a chance it could very well destroy this world like it did mine. I believe it spent all its energy doing so, and it’s been recovering in this world to gain enough power to do the same. I ask you to get Twilight as well as Cadance and Shining so I can show all three of them at once.”
  360. >Flash looks conflicted, but seeing the look on your face and the evidence he saw makes the decision for him.
  361. >”I… I’ll be right back with them. Stay here, don’t move.”
  362. >He then returns through the door, headed straight for the two.
  363. >You can hear the ceremony being interrupted.
  364. >Redheart frowns as the group starts resting around the door.
  365. >”I didn’t like interrupting them like that, but this situation is a little more important, I’d say.”
  366. >Berry chimes in.
  367. >”Pffft, you know the royal types. It’s not like we’d ever do anything right. Watch, she’s gonna come in and listen to us, but still be pissed about doing it right this second.”
  368. >AJ shakes her head.
  369. >”Ah don’t think she’s like that. Besides, you haven’t even formally talked to her or nothin’, have ya?”
  370. >”So?”
  371. >”So, she’ll be fine with us. Ya’ll just gotta be patient, ya hear?”
  372. >And patience will be the name of the game.
  373. >What would you like to do while waiting for the three ponies?
  374.  
  375. >Well, there’s nothing to do right now except wait.
  376. >After a bit of small talk with the rest of the party, you decide to sit down and do some acquired reading.
  377. >Pulling out one of your many huge textbooks, you look down and pick up where you left off on your alchemy book.
  378. >…
  379. [You gain a better understanding of the magical reactions between native Equestrian herbs.]
  380. [LEARNED RECIPE: ANTIDOTE (2 blue herbs, 1 lifeleaf, 1 vial of poison / Cures the drinker of poisons and light diseases.)]
  381. >…
  382.  
  383. >”Where are they? He said he’d be right back, and it’s been nearly 20 minutes.”
  384. >You look up from your book at Gable’s exclamation.
  385. >He’s right, it’s 10:05 A.M., about 20 minutes later.
  386. >You get up and very slowly open the Main Hall, seeing if there’s anypony inside.
  387. >As soon as you do this, however, you’re pushed back and nearly hit in your broken nose as Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Twilight, Spike, Flash Sentry, and… the changeling, come in.
  388. “Wait… what?”
  389. >The group becomes just as surprised as you as you see the changeling, with a rather negative frown on it’s face.
  390. >Shining addresses you first.
  391. >”Sorry we took so long, but we didn’t exactly expect you to come in with urgent news during our one planned event for the day --thanks for that, by the way--, so we had to scramble to get things ready for you.”
  392. >Cadance nods, allowing the changeling to be released from her magical grip, and it slowly shuffles to your side, not looking anyone in the eyes.
  393. >”Here’s the changeling for your journey. I know it’ll be a bit of a burden trying to keep an eye on it, but it’s been swayed by our… intentions. Again, we’re sorry that we had to take it on such short notice, but we needed answers at the time.”
  394. >You look back at the changeling for a moment, completely confused.
  395. “I thought…”
  396. >Cadance looks at you with concern.
  397. >”Thought what? That we tortured it? Oh, goodness no! We wouldn’t stoop as low as our enemy, don’t worry, it was never truly harmed.”
  398. “..No, I mean.. From what Twilight said, I thought you guys executed it.”
  399. >Berry spits out the drink she was chugging, with the rest of your party exclaiming different degrees of disbelief.
  400. >”What kind of show do ya think we’re runnin’ here, Anon?”
  401. “Gh-”
  402. >Cadance goes pale, and Twilight gets flustered and cuts in immediately.
  403. >”N-no! We would never do something like that, Anon! What did you think I meant?!”
  404. “You said it was taken care of! Back where I’m from, that means it’s -taken care- of, you know, for good.”
  405. >Shining gives a comforting hoof to his horrified sister before speaking for her.
  406. >”Believe me, Anon. I fought hard for what you thought, but in the end, it would’ve done more harm for us than good. But it’s here now, and that’s what matters. So, you had something to show us that’s really important, right?”
  407. >You nod, deciding to leave that misunderstanding alone.
  408. >Cadance returns to her former composure.
  409. >”We apologize for any misunderstandings, but no, we wouldn’t do that. I guess that forged letter must’ve painted a bad picture if it led you to think we’re capable of something so atrocious.”
  410. >Redheart looks between you two, butting in.
  411. >”I’m sorry, forged letter?”
  412. >”Anonymous received a letter from Princess Celestia when we reinstated contact with her, telling him he was not to go to the hive, or at least not bring any of you into danger, under threat of arrest. Of course, it was faked, probably work of this shadow.”
  413. >”…Were you going to tell us?”
  414. “It wasn’t an important issue at the time. I would’ve went myself if it came down to it, but as she said, it’s fake and it’s in the past. Here, this is what I wanted to show you guys.”
  415. >Twilight, Shining, and Cadance gather in once you pull your phone back out, and you play the file for them.
  416. >…
  417. >Cadance was stone-faced the entire time the video played, a testament to her will as a Princess with responsibilities.
  418. >Shining was likewise stoic, but there was obvious shock in his eyes.
  419. >Twilight fainted once the other humans in the video were flayed, having to be revived by her brother before the ending.
  420. >Spike never got to watch it, being told not to listen by AJ who had already seen it.
  421. >Once the video ends, Cadance speaks quietly.
  422. >”I’m… I’m so very sorry. I can feel the turmoil in your mind from it, it must be terrible. If you need anything at all, just ask.”
  423. >Shining nods to affirm her words, patting you gently on the back.
  424. >Twilight and Spike seem to be lost for words at your predicament.
  425. >But as generous as it is, you’re done mourning.
  426. >As kind as they are, you need to get down to it.
  427. “Those eyes are the same from what I’ve seen. That’s the shadow, no doubt about it. I believe this thing spent all of its energy destroying my side of that vortex, my world, and it’s been recovering and getting strength back here so it can do the same. It could very well be the reason why it’s targeting the most powerful magic-users in the world. It’s weakened, and scavenging for any power it can get.”
  428. >Cadance thinks for a long moment.
  429. >”I don’t know… It’s very possible, but after it left me, it never took my magic. So far, it still only has Celestia’s and Luna’s power. Why didn’t it simply drain me as it did them?”
  430. “Maybe it was trying to take a shortcut by using your body, I’m not sure.
  431. >Twilight’s eyes suddenly dilate, speaking erratically.
  432. >”Oh Celestia… That’s why it’s at the hive, corrupting it! It’s trying to take Queen Chrysalis’ power!”
  433. >The revelation is too powerfully sound to be ignored.
  434. >That has to be why it’s there.
  435. >Shining steps in at this point.
  436. >”You have to get there and stop it, Anon. If it manages to take her, then it might have too much power for anything in this world to handle.”
  437. “Right. We’ll be leaving the Crystal Empire shortly to go after the Hive. Is there any advice you can offer us on our journey? Anything like maps or something?”
  438. >”We don’t know exactly where it is. From what Twilight told us, she’s given you the closest location we feel their magical presence, and that’s somewhere in the Badlands. We might be able to get you guys some better armor or weapons from our Guardrooms, but we’re tight enough on forces here as it is. I’m afraid I can’t lend you any soldiers, but if you can get anyone to help you out, I’ll see to it that they do.”
  439. “Guardrooms? So like, crystal armor?”
  440. >”Yeah. All kinds of normal weapons, bows, Crystal leather, mail or plate. If you want a Highguard set, we can only spare one right now, maybe a few weapons, but anything to help you is helping this world.”
  441. “Right.”
  442. >So you could get some upgrades there if you stop by.
  443. >You might need it with the way it’s looking.
  444. “Oh, also, Cadance?”
  445. >”Yes?”
  446. “About our conversation right after we freed you, I completely understand if it’s too much trouble, but… Would you be able to provide some financial assistance to the one known as Steel Magnolias while I try and find a cure for him? Their family must be in a lot of debt and are having a hard time, so it would help them so much if you could.”
  447. >”I think I might be able to do something like that. Not a lot, but… Consider it done.”
  448. “Thank you, Princess.”
  449. >”Now, if you need anything else, the knighting ceremony’s been postponed until next week, so don’t hesitate to come to us, and better yet, give us updates while you’re there and write us.”
  450. “Postage takes a long time, though.”
  451. >Spike finally chimes in at this point.
  452. >”Actually, me and Twi are going to Appleoosa with you guys to make sure you guys get what you need.”
  453. >Twilight smiles at his enthusiasm.
  454. >”We’ll be meeting you all at the train station at its latest ride at 6:30 P.M. Don’t miss it, because you have tickets there!”
  455. “We won’t.”
  456. >Cadance gets your attention.
  457. >”Is that all you needed, Anon?”
  458. >Is there anything else you’d like to ask them before heading on your way?
  459.  
  460. “Well, I’ll take you up on that equipment upgrade, Shining. I’ll be down there in a bit. But uh, what exactly did you do to the Changeling, and what were you after?”
  461. >”Information about the Hive, anything we could get. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t give much, but we never resorted to anything barbaric. I would’ve if it weren’t for my wife and aunt, believe me.”
  462. >”Shining, honey…”
  463. >”You know how I feel, Cadance.”
  464. >Cadance sighs, so you take the opportunity in their lull to speak.
  465. “Princess, I know it’s asking a lot since you already gave us such a valuable artifact before, but may I request to borrow that Crown for a short time, and return it once the shadow’s been dealt with? My markings hold a certain power over it, but my magic still isn’t strong, and I’m looking for any advantage.”
  466. >Cadance abruptly shakes her head.
  467. >”I’m sorry, Anon, but we can’t do that. Those artifacts are emergency defenses for our Empire, and with such trying times we’re facing, we can’t afford to let them out of our grasp, even for the team going out to combat them. We’d be too vulnerable with how small our forces are right now.”
  468. “I understand. Oh, and Twilight, have you seen Fluttershy? I promised I’d help her with some bird seed.”
  469. >Twilight blinks.
  470. >”Oh, well that’s nice of you, uh, she’s probably back at the park with the rangers, helping them out with the animals. You’d better do that today though, as they’re going to be going back to Ponyville tonight.”
  471. “Right, thanks again. I think that’s all we’ll need, so we’ll be going down to the guardrooms.”
  472. >”Take care, Anonymous.”
  473. >”Win this thing for us, bro.”
  474. >”Be careful, and see you tonight!”
  475. >”Hey, can you smuggle a knife out of there for me?”
  476. >”SPIKE!”
  477. >”What?!”
  478. >Twilight starts unleashing a rage-filled tirade at her assistant with such intensity even Shining starts backing away.
  479. >It looks like she wasn’t too happy with his behavior last night, and that just made it a bit worse.
  480. >You slowly back away with the rest of your group, and high-tail it out of there to the guardrooms.
  481. >You at least know where this is, as it’s the place where you found AJ training.
  482. >…
  483. >The party enters the Guard’s Quarters single file, some seeing it for the first time.
  484. >The cracked wall and destroyed dummy still lay in the corner when AJ went to town, it seems.
  485. >What really gets noticed here though is the line of guards awaiting your presence.
  486. >When you’re all in, the front guard steps forward and enunciates clearly.
  487. >”We’ve been ordered to spare equipment for your journey to the hive. Please come into the back and select what you need, and we’ll fit them for you. Follow me.”
  488. >The guard leads your party back into the storeroom.
  489. >It looks like the Protected Wither threw up crystal back here.
  490. >”Now, what can you use?”
  491. >What can you use…
  492. [ARMOR]
  493. >”All of our armor is embroidered with the Crystal Empire’s insignia. If you ever need to go undercover, remember this.”
  494.  
  495. >(CL) Crystalline Leather Set (+10 PD)
  496. -Crystal Leather Salet (2)
  497. -Crystal Leather Protector (3)
  498. -Crystal Leather Shoes (1)
  499. -Crystal Leather Flankguards (2)
  500. -Crystal Leather Cloak
  501.  
  502. >(CL) Crystalline Chainmail Set (+20 PD/+5 MD)
  503. -Crystal Chainmail Coronet (4)
  504. -Crystal Chainmail Breadth (6)
  505. -Crystal Chainmail Sabatons (4)
  506. -Crystal Chainmail Flankguards (6)
  507. -Crystal Buckler (+10 PD)
  508.  
  509. >(CP) Crystalline Plate Set (+40 PD/+20 MD/+15 HP) {Available sets: 2}
  510. -Crystal Plate Helmet (8)
  511. -Crystal Platemail (15)
  512. -Crystal Plate Flankguards (10)
  513. -Crystal Plate Hoofguards (7)
  514. -Crystal Squareshield (+40 PD)
  515.  
  516. >(HG) Highguard Plate Set (+100 PD/+70 MD/+25 HP) {Available sets: 1}
  517. -Highguard Plate Helmet (20)
  518. -Highguard Platemail (30)
  519. -Highguard Flankguards (25)
  520. -Highguard Hoofguards (25)
  521. -Highguard Shield Wall (+75 P.D./+30 M.D.)
  522. [WEAPONS]
  523. >Swords
  524. -Crystal Rapier (1 handed, +10 Physical Attack, Grants Parry)
  525. -Crystal Zweihander (2 handed, +35 PA, Grants ability Crush)
  526. -Highguard Longsword (½ handed, +40/75 PA, Grants Parry, Grants ability Precision Strike) {Avalable: 2}
  527. -Officer’s Hoofblade (Pony only, 1 hoofed, +70 PA, Grants Parry, Grants ability Perriote) {Available: 1}
  528.  
  529. >Spears
  530. -Crystal Lance (1 handed, +10 PA, Grants Parry)
  531. -Crystal Poleaxe (2 handed, +35 PA, Grants Parry)
  532. -Highguard Glaive (½ handed, +40/75 PA, Grants Parry, Grants ability Downforce) {Available: 1}
  533. -Officer’s Spear (Pony only, 2 hoofed, +80 PA, Grants Parry, Grants ability Olberslash) {Available: 1}
  534.  
  535. >Hammers/Maces
  536. -Crystalforge Mace (1 handed, +15 P.A.)
  537. -Crystalforge Hammer (2 handed, +40 PA, Grants ability Hammertime)
  538. -Highguard Morningstar (½ handed, +55/90 PA, Grants ability Whirlwind) {Available: 1}
  539. -Sergeant’s Slammer (Pony only, 2 hoofed, +100 PA, Grants Block, Grants ability Skull Stomp) {Available: 1}
  540.  
  541. >Axes
  542. -Crystalline Hacker (1 handed, +12 Pa)
  543. -Clarion Battleaxe (2 handed, +36 PA, Grants Block)
  544. -Highguard Sparthaxe (½ handed, +50/80 PA, Grants Block, Grants ability Battlestorm) {Available: 1}
  545. -Lieutenant’s Lithe (+100 PA, Pony only, 2 hoofed, Grants ability Double-Tap) {Available: 1}
  546.  
  547. >Ranged
  548. -Quiver (Holds 24)
  549. -Longbow (R, +10 PA)
  550. -Crossbow (R, +20 PA)
  551. -Crystal Composite Bow (R, +36 PA, +10 Balsa or +3 Crystal)
  552. -Highguard Recurve (R, +64 PA) {Available: 1}
  553. -Captain’s Curve (R +72 PA) {Available: 1}
  554. -Balsa Arrows (R, +1 PA) {Available: 72}
  555. -Yew Arrows (R, +3 PA) {Available: 56}
  556. -Crystal Arrows (R, +10 PA) {Available: 48}
  557. -Triple-reinforced Hollowmetal Arrows (R, +20 PA) {Available: 24}
  558.  
  559. >”What do you require, Doctor?”
  560. [While certain things may have a certain amount to take and others are virtually infinite, note that whatever you take from here leaves less for the Empire’s defense.]
  561. [You are able to converse with your party to view their preferences should you inquire it.]
  562.  
  563. -Take item(s)
  564. -Inspect item(s)
  565. -Talk to Guard
  566. -Exit
  567. >Inventory/Equipped
  568.  
  569. >ANONYMOUS (cc)
  570. [HP: 125/125][MP: Manasealed (AC)][Stats: 10 PD, 165 MD / +15 MA base, +150 MA wep / +75 PA ranged]
  571.  
  572. Inventory: Wallet, Bit pouch (10,132 bits, 2 small gems, 6 medium gems, 2 large gems), Roll of duct tape, Rope, Potion-making Kit (Allows brewing of potions, E: +100% potion effectiveness), Blowdart, Blue herbs (3), Red herbs (1), Supply Medkit (2), Small mana potion (33%, 1), Lifeleaf (12), Rizzleberry bunch (7), Alchemy Book (Transmogrification), 9 oz. of Kablooie powder, 4 ounces of combustible powder, Wisp weed (8), 2 handfuls of bolts, Haze Flower (9), Yeti Hair (2), iPhone, (Book) Introduction to Architecture, Screwdriver kit (reduces bolt and screw cost by 3), Socket wrench kit (reduces wheel & axle and nut cost by 1), 1 Oz. of Thermite, Black Marker, Hoofcuffs (3), Cock Ring, Ultimate Knowledge of Medical Expertise: Volume XXVII, Medium Healing potion (66% restore, 3), Firewood (2), Window of Reality (Allows you to see into the future of different possibilities of your choices with limitations), Iron-Hide Brew (3, +5 PA for 3 turns), Platinum Ingot (1), Small mana crystal (1, restores 33% mana), Uncut Ruby, Dr. Frank Fort’s Psychology 102: For Dummies, Dr. Frank Fort’s Love is in the Air: You and Your Ponymate, Dr. Frank Fort’s Back in Time: Guide to your Childhood, Dr. Frank Fort’s Post-Trotmatic Stress of Magic: When Spells Attack, Dr. Frank Fort’s Depression, Anxiety and All Those Unfortunate Thingamajigs: What to Do for a Friend Near You, Empty Chest, Shadow-Infused Rune, Doctor’s Mask, Magical Scroll: Temporary Horn, Medium Mana Crystal (1, restores 66% mana), Medical Mastery: Volume XXVI, Medium Mana Potion (4, restores 66% MP), Unlocking Flask (4, removes manaseal), Double-bladed spear (+10 PA, +15 MA, E: Can attack spectrals. Abilities: Redheart Cummer (-1 MP, +25 magic dmg, 2 turn CD), Flamescythe (-1 MP, Good attack, +10 MA, 4 turn CD)), Picture of Inter-Dimensional Monster, Sunwhirl’s Findings, Cookie-Top Cake (8 slices, +50% HP each), Magic Recombobulator (Restores mana, 118/500) Starswirl Stone, Celestia’s Forged/Fake Letter, Copy of Starswirl’s Notes: Portals and Healing, Reinforced Yeti Hide Armor (+40 PD, +25 MD, -100% chance to bleed), Adamantite Ingot (2)
  573.  
  574. Equipped: Redheart-inscribed ‘Legendary’ Doctor’s Trenchcoat (+15 HP to medkit usage), Mysterious markings, Avian Leather Boots (Lowers exhaustion), Thick Winter Coat, Starswirl’s Wand (R, +200 MP, +150 MA, +125 MD, Grants ability Ancient Wrath), F.L.A.R.E. (R, +50 MA, -5 MP per shot. Can choose a different aspect of magic to fire for different magical values; Currently set to Arcane), Highguard Robes (+12 MP, +15 MA, +10 MD)
  575.  
  576. >REDHEART: [HP: 140/140][Stats: 30 PD, 25 MD / +5 PA base, +40 PA wep]
  577.  
  578. Inventory: Medkit (2), Bit pouch (40 bits) Ultimate Knowledge of Medical Mastery: Volume I, Defibrillator, Recipe for Defibrillator, Recipe for Healing potions, Lube, Ribbed Strap-on, Doctor’s Mask, Latex Hoof Gloves, Medical Mastery: Volume XXVI, 5 oz. of Kablooie Powder, Concise Lead Ammo (72, +25 PA)
  579.  
  580. Equipped: Medic-Issued Crystal Chainmail Coronet (+4 PD, +1 MD), Medic-Issued Crystal Chainmail Breadth (+6 PD, +1 MD), Medic-Issued Crystal Chainmail Sabatons (+6 PD, +1 MD), Medic-Issued Crystal Chainmail Flankguards (+6 PD, +1 MD), Medic-Issued Crystal Buckler (+10 PD, +1 MD, grants Block), Highguard Glaive (1 hoofed, +40 PA, Grants Parry, Grants ability Downforce), Medic-Issued Crystal Leather Cloak (Reduces exhaustion), Thick Winter Coat, C.O.C.K. (R, +40 PA, 3 turn reload after six shots, 1 oz. of Kablooie powder per round of shots), Amulet of Heart’s Calling (+5 HP, grants ability Heart’s Calling)
  581.  
  582. >PINKIE PIE: [HP: 105/105][MP: 25/50][Stats: 27 PD, 6 MD, -25%B / +100 PA wep / +15 PA ranged]
  583.  
  584. Inventory: Party Cannon, Various sweets, ??? (“Hammerspace, Nonny!”), Knife, Anal Beads, Bit pouch (130 bits), Quiver (empty) Equestrian Wildlife: A History of the Evolution of Animals, Sonic Laser (Used to divert aggressive animals), Grappling Hook (Used to reach inaccessible places)
  585. Equipped: Sir Prize and Miss Direction (+60/+40 PA, Grants Parry, Grants ability Darkstrike), Manticore Leather Armor (+12 PD, +6 MD, -25% chance to bleed), Crystal Leather Cloak (Reduces exhaustion), Hypno-Necklace (0-4 fail, 5-9 win, confuses enemy), Thick Winter Coat Hunting Bow (R, +15 PA), Quiver (3 yew arrows [+3 PA]), Element of Laughter (Grants magic, +50 MP up, grants ability Harmonic Laughter)
  586.  
  587. >BERRY PUNCH: [HP: 220/220][Stats: 40 PD, 60 MD, +10% Fire D +15 HP / +44 PA wep]
  588.  
  589. Inventory: Bit pouch (empty), Box of matches (14), Bottle of hard liquor (DD up), Vibrator, Torches (2), Rags (5), Bulletin (Animal Aggression), Firewood (2), 2 bundles of sticks, White Rum Flask (Increases alcohol-related abilities’ damage by x2)
  590.  
  591. Equipped: Clawed Thick Iron Horseshoes (Modified, +20 PA/+24 Claw PA), Crystal Plate Helmet (+8 PD, +5 MD), Crystal Platemail (+15 PD, +5 MD), Crystal Plate Flankguards (+10 PD, +5 MD), Crystal Plate Hoofguards (+7 PD, +5 MD), Crystal Leather Cloak (Reduces exhaustion), Thick Winter Coat, Neck-Ring of Kinich Ahau (Increases MD by 40, decreases fire damage by 10%, Grants ability Scorch)
  592.  
  593. >APPLEJACK: [HP: 240/240][MP: 50/50][Stats: 115 PD, 80 MD, +15 HP / +5 PA base, +50 PA wep]
  594.  
  595. Thu’um: Voice Change (-5 MP, changes pitch and inflection of voice for a short time), Fury Wind (3 turn CD, +50 PA AoE solid, knockback out of combat), ~
  596.  
  597. Inventory: Flask (Apple cider), Tri-braid rope, apples (12), Bit pouch (51 bits), Dildo, Foal’s Guide to Magic (Gives basic knowledge of magical theory, allows learning of basic level spells, levitation and luminate), Pickaxe (+10 PA, grants ability Mine)
  598.  
  599. Equipped: Stetson hat, Crystal Plate Helmet (+8 PD, +5 MD), Crystal Platemail (+15 PD, +5 MD), Crystal Plate Flankguards (+10 PD, +5 MD), Crystal Plate Hoofguards (+7 PD, +5 MD), Empire Express (2 hoofed, +50 PA, Grants ability Cyli-Spin), Crystal Leather Cloak (Reduces exhaustion), Thick Winter Coat, Mask of the Dragon Aspect (+60 MD, +75 PD, grants ability Thu’um), Element of Honesty (Grants magic, +50 MP up, Grants ability Harmonic Honesty)
  600.  
  601. >GABLE: [HP: 200/200][Stats: 20 PD, 12 MD / +10 PA base, +20 PA,+25 MA wep]
  602.  
  603. Inventory: Red Headband, Bit pouch (138 bits, 1 Large Gem), Karate Instruction Manual (Raises HtH combat ability), Fishing Rod and kit (Grants ability Fish), 5 oz. of Kablooie Powder, Rifle Lead Slugs (12, +50 PA)
  604.  
  605. Equipped: Avian Leather Salet (+2 PD), Avian Leather Harness (+3 PD), Avian Leather Gloves (Modified: Fingerless, +1 PD), Avian Leather Greaves (+2 PD), Enchanted Talonguard Bracers (+12 MD), Thick Winter Coat, Sword of the Windigo Spirit (2H, +20 PA/+25 MA, Grants ability Frost Nova), D.I.C.K. (R, +150 PA, 10 turn reload, 1 oz. of Kablooie powder per shot, can shoot up to 2 miles away)
  606.  
  607. >IRON WILL: [HP: 275/275][Stats: +10 PD / +35 PA wep]
  608.  
  609. Inventory: Protein Shakes (3, increases HP by 20 temporarily), Bit pouch (277 bits), Coupon to Maregaze’s M&S Lover’s ‘Retreat’ (20% discount for one checkout), 9 oz. of Kablooie Powder, Four-Barrel Lead Ammo (14, +25 PA to fight),
  610. Equipped: Microphone (Increases voice volume at will), Necktie, Thick Winter Coat, F.U.C.K.E.R. (R, +75 PA, 7 turn reload, 1 oz. of Kablooie powder per 24 shots {1 shot is one full reloaded round, fires all 4 for each shell equalling to 1 oz. per turn}), Crystal Poleaxe (2H, +35 PA, Grants Parry)
  611.  
  612. >Inspect Double-Tap
  613. [From Lieutenant’s Lithe: (+35/+30 PA, hits twice, chance to crit for x2 each, 5tcd)]
  614.  
  615. >Inspect Skull-Stomp
  616. [From Sergeant’s Slammer: (Good attack, +20 PA, 90% chance stun for 3 turns, 5tcd)]
  617.  
  618. >Inspect Olberslash
  619. [From Officer’s Spear: (Epic attack (RND), 5% chance to incapacitate, 8tcd)]
  620.  
  621.  
  622.  
  623.  
  624. [CHANGELING ADDED AS PARTY ESCORT!]
  625. [The Changeling is akin to a normal party member with full inventory and abilities, but cannot be controlled during battle and cannot be switched to via the Change Perspective command.]
  626.  
  627. >Inspect Stratus Swing
  628. [A powerful attack discovered from latent magical properties that breaks the tension of the air in front of the hammer’s swing, creating a speed vacuum that cumulatively empowers the swing with bone-crushing force. Can only be used with Hammers/Maces. (R, +100 PA, +20 MA, ½ chance to crit for x3, 7tcd)]
  629.  
  630. >Before you decide to choose, you turn back to the Changeling with a specific thought.
  631. “Hey, when we get to your Hive, the shadow’s going to be coming after you as well. Would you like to pick up some armor and a weapon for yourself?”
  632. >It stares at you as if you were trolling it or something, and speaks to you in that instantly-familiar neutral buggish voice.
  633. >”You trust me with such things?”
  634. “I have no reason not to, and I can stop you if you try anything, believe me.”
  635. >The guards don’t seem to like where this is going, but they know it needs to stay alive for this journey.
  636. >The Changeling nods after a moment.
  637. >”Chainmail. Must keep my speed. … Small weapon.”
  638. >You add something extra to the list you’ve figured.
  639. “Alright, let’s see here. AJ, if we get you a new set of armor, can you give your current set to Redheart?”
  640. >”Ah don’t see why not, sure. She’s beefin’ up to my size pretty well.”
  641. >”H-hey, I’m not getting that big!”
  642. >”Are ya’ll sayin’ I’m fat?”
  643. >”You called me fat!”
  644. >”Them’s fightin’ words, nurse!”
  645. >”Oh yeah!?”
  646. >Fuckin’ mares and their weight, holy shit.
  647. >You let them argue over their slimness as you step forward and begin to select the items.
  648. >…
  649. >You have selected the Sergeant’s Slammer, Highguard Plate set, Officer’s Spear, Captain’s Curve, Crystal Arrows (12), Triple-Reinforced Hollowmetal Arrows (12), Crystalline Chainmail set for the Changeling, and Crystalline Hacker for the Changeling.
  650.  
  651. >Berry cuts in.
  652. >”Hey, if you’re getting me a spear, you better train me or I’ll call Redheart fat again!”
  653. >”WHAT?!”
  654. >The standing for the Empire’s defenses after taking these items will be satisfactory.
  655. >Do you want to take these items? Y/N
  656.  
  657.  
  658. >Y
  659. [Berry Punch has unequipped Clawed Thick-Iron Horseshoes.]
  660. [Berry Punch has received and equipped Officer’s Spear.]
  661. [Redheart has unequipped Crystalline Chainmail set.]
  662. [Applejack has unequipped Crystal Plate set.]
  663. [Applejack has unequipped Empire Express.]
  664. [Applejack has equipped Sergeant’s Slammer.]
  665. [Redheart has equipped Crystal Plate set.]
  666. [Redheart has equipped Highguard Shield Wall.]
  667. [Applejack has equipped Highguard Plate set.]
  668. [Pinkie Pie has unequipped Hunting Bow.]
  669. [Pinkie Pie has equipped Captain’s Curve.]
  670. [Pinkie has filled her quiver with Crystal and Triple-Reinforced Hollowmetal Arrows.]
  671. [Changeling has equipped Crystalline Chainmail set.]
  672. [Changeling has equipped Crystal Buckler.]
  673. [Changeling has equipped Crystalline Hacker.]
  674. [You give Iron Will Reinforced Yeti-Hide Armor.]
  675. >…
  676.  
  677. >CHANGELING (Escort) [HP: 120/120][MP: 100/100][Stats: +20 PD/MD base / +12 PA, +20 PA/MA base]
  678.  
  679. Abilities: Flight (Allows 3-dimensional travel / +20 PA, 40% bleed chance for 5 turns, 4 turn CD), Will of the Hive (+20 MD/MA), Chitin Exoskeleton (+20 PD/PA), Shapeshift (-12 MP, transform body and voice to fit another living being previously seen), Chaos Blast (-20 MP, Good attack, 50% chance to poison/stun, 3tcd), Mastery Acting Skills (Flawlessly depict another personality), Love Drain (Drain the love magic from another being, strength depending on situation. +HP/MP and provides sustenance), Buck (+15 PA, x3, 5tcd), Corrupted Bite (+50 PA, 25% chance to manaseal, 5tcd), Basic Axe Combat
  680.  
  681. Inventory: Missive from Queen Chrysalis
  682.  
  683. Equipped: Crystal Chainmail Coronet (+4 PD/+1 MD), Crystal Chainmail Breadth (+6 PD/+1 MD), Crystal Chainmail Sabatons (+4 PD/+1 MD), Crystal Chainmail Flankguards (+6 PD/+1 MD), Crystal Buckler (+10 PD/+1 MD), Crystalline Hacker (1H, +12 PA)
  684.  
  685. >You remove the Window of Reality from your bag, looking into it with an intent question.
  686. >The light reflecting from the surface slowly dissipates until the window is black, and from it two paths suddenly split from the center of it, exploring two possibilities.
  687. >The first path is what happens if you use the Blessing of Harmony on the Changeling. There is a bountiful fall of what seems to be pure magic, and a flash of radiant colors.
  688. >The second path is what happens if you don't use the Blessing of Harmony on the Changeling. The path stays black, as if nothing were to happen at all.
  689. >With its work finished, it shimmers back into a normal mirror, awaiting its next task.
  690. >…
  691. >Everyone gets acquainted with their new armor whom got some, making sure it’s all fit correctly.
  692. >Berry tries to get used to her spear, adjusting it as well as possible.
  693. >”For the record, Anon, I wasn’t joking about training me. You know how this shit works, so you better make sure I don’t lob off somepony’s head.”
  694. “I know, I know. Anyways, we better get going, got some things to do after all. Thanks for giving us the gear, guys.”
  695. >The guards salute you, and you and your party exit the guardsrooms.
  696. >With some small conversation abound as you head for the Palace’s exit, you turn to the armor-clad Changeling while doing so.
  697. “Now, if you’re going to be staying with us, you’re going to need a name. It sounds better than just calling you Changeling all the time, and it’ll help you be set apart from other Changelings we might run into. Do you have any preferences?”
  698. >It thinks for a moment, and then shakes its head.
  699. “C’mon, anything at all?”
  700. >This time it furrows its brow in concentration, and after a longer moment it speaks.
  701. >”I am the 93,865th of my mother’s brood…?”
  702. “…O-okay, alright, how about we call you by the last number, uh, Five?”
  703. >”…Five.”
  704. “Five.”
  705. [CHANGELING RENAMED TO ‘FIVE’]
  706. “Alright, that’s good. Everyone, remember that. Call her by that name.”
  707. >They each nod with varying degrees of acceptance.
  708. “Secondly, you’ll need a disguise while you’re out in public.”
  709. >”I have a multitude of identities to take from.”
  710. >You ponder about the possibilities for a moment, when it suddenly hits you.
  711. >She’s probably seen countless ponies in her time, so what you have here is your own little dress-up doll.
  712. >Oh yes, this should be good.
  713. ”Alright, Do you have any… mare unicorn identities?”
  714. >”1,012.”
  715. >Gonna have to narrow it down.
  716. ”Red mane and tail?”
  717. >”232.”
  718. ”…Hazel eyes?”
  719. >”31.”
  720. >Damn, there’s a lot fitting that description.
  721. “Hmm…”
  722. >Before you continue, a hoof taps you on the waist.
  723. >You turn around to see a weirded out… well, entire party, but Redheart’s the vocalist.
  724. >”May we ask what you’re doing?”
  725. “Trying to figure out an inconspicuous disguise.”
  726. >”…Why those choices, then?”
  727. “I have my reasons.”
  728. >”I highly doubt you could have any semblance of common sense with any of those rea-”
  729. [ http://vocaroo.com/i/s1pYpuxby22D ]
  730. >You just whipped out your phone and played it while she was talking.
  731. >Everyone immediately stops in shock of this horrid, stale, out of style song.
  732. >Redheart instantly grows furious, her cheeks puffing red.
  733. >Then you get a horrible, horrible idea.
  734. “AJ told me to do it.”
  735. >”WHAT?!”
  736. >”AH DID WHAT- RED, WAIT!”
  737. >Red pounces on AJ before you can even register what’s happened.
  738. >Holy shit, it’s a catfight in the middle of the Palace.
  739. >Well, not much of one, it’s one-sided in Red’s favor.
  740. >Iron, Gable and Berry all start whooping and hollering at them while Pinkie tries to pry them off to no avail.
  741. >You said you’d get them back.
  742. >Pinkie with the video.
  743. >AJ with the baby that’s got back, bitch.
  744. >Payback.
  745. >While the insecurity issues rage, you turn back to Five.
  746. “Anyways, those traits I said before still withstanding… How about white fur?”
  747. >”3.”
  748. >So there’s three you could choose from.
  749. >What could separate them?”
  750. “Do any of them have cute, pouted lips, by chance?”
  751. >Five pauses before speaking.
  752. >”One has the qualities of which you speak.”
  753. “Good, can you try that one, then?”
  754. >Five’s horn begins to glow a soothing emerald, stopping the catfight instantly as everyone stares.
  755. >Her body suddenly shifts from black to white, from hoof to horn, a lavish red mane and tail with pouty red lips, no wings, hazel eyes and a Baseball bat for a cutie mark.
  756. >It definitely reminds you of something from your memories, and you like it.
  757. >Berry looks Five up and down.
  758. >”…Huh. I’d fuck her.”
  759. >”Berry, come on!”
  760. >”Oh shut up, Will.”
  761. >Five has the smallest grin on her muzzle.
  762. >With everything sorted out and AJ with a big bruise on her head and ego, you and your party finally exit the Palace, coming back into the crisp, cool air.
  763. “Oh, Five.”
  764. >She looks at you promptly, already accepting the monicker as her own.
  765. “Tell me about your Queen. What should I be expecting in regards to her methods of fighting and techniques?”
  766. >”I cannot tell you information that would potentially harm my Queen. I was told it would be a peaceful negotiation after our Hive is safe, and that is what I will stand by.”
  767. “But what if she decides to attack us?”
  768. >Five is silent.
  769. >Well, there’s a good point there, but you have a feeling things could turn south if you don’t do this just right.
  770. >It is currently 10:00 A.M.
  771. >Is there anything else you’d like to say or do on the way to the Diamond-Ridge Park to see Fluttershy?
  772.  
  773.  
  774. >You risk a quick status glance at Redheart after the little incident.
  775. >She’s still rather flustered, cheeks rosied and a single strand of hair popping from her bangs.
  776. >You have to cheer her up.
  777. “Red, you’re the most beautiful mare I’ve ever seen. It’s just cute when you get so defensive about it.”
  778. >”I know you played that song yourself Anon, AJ told me you lied. Hmph, you’ll just have to sleep in your own booth in the train tonight.”
  779. “Aw c’mon, you know I didn’t mean it, babe. Why else would I have ever went after you and you alone? There’s nopony prettier than you by far.”
  780. >Red’s frown begins to turn.
  781. >”…Keep going.”
  782. “You are the most amazing, beautiful, absolutely immaculate mare that I have ever laid eyes on, and I don’t lie about things like that. You’re perfect, Red.”
  783. >”…Okay…”
  784. >She nuzzles against you, and Berry makes a gagging noise with her tongue out.
  785. >”Guuuh, you two are disgusting!”
  786. >She then promptly turns over her flask and starts drinking sloppily, rum squeezing out of her suction and pouring down her cheeks.
  787. >Yes, the epitome of delight.
  788. >However, you have more pressing matters at hand, and you end joke time as you turn back to Five.
  789. “I have no intention of harming your Queen outside of removing the corruption that could be in her and the hive; But if it’s anything like Princess Cadance at all, it might result in a fight to remove it. We need every edge in this battle, if we fail she will not only succumb to a cruel death and the destruction of the hive, but the world is a step closer to complete destruction. So it's up to you to provide any information that might help.”
  790. >Five stares ahead blankly as you and the party near the park.
  791. >”I cannot tell you. It directly contradicts my will and the trust of my mother. If there is anything else I may tell you, ask it.”
  792. “Can I read that missive you have there?”
  793. >Her head snaps back to the scroll popping out of her shapeshifted fur, which seems to be in reality tucked under her chitin.
  794. >An invisible limb suddenly sucks it under into cover, probably her limb.
  795. >”It is not for your eyes.”
  796. >You cannot read the Missive.
  797. “Fine, fine. By the way, if you get hungry, just tell me. I have plenty of love to spare.”
  798. >”…Soon.”
  799. >After this, your party reaches Diamond-Ridge Park.
  800. >It’s very much cleared out now that the tournament and the fair have been removed; there are only a few crystal trees and rolling blue plains, looking to be a very natural place, like a sanctuary.
  801. >To the left out in the distance is Iron Will’s trailer, with a box laying up next to the door.
  802. >In the center path there is a large building with animals flying and scampering around it.
  803. >To the right leads to Black-Diamond Avenue.
  804. >What would you like to do?
  805.  
  806. >That box seems to be the shipment that came in.
  807. “Hey Iron, it looks like the mics came in. Wanna grab that real quick and hand AJ over here one of them?”
  808. >”Oh, would you look at that. Iron Will will be back in a flash!”
  809. >He starts up a brisk jog as he starts running off towards his trailer.
  810. “Meet us at the center building!”
  811. >He waves you off as he’s busy exercising.
  812. >Looking back at the animal-infested building, you know that it has to be where Fluttershy is.
  813. >Going forward, you approach the doors and many of the animals take shelter in the trees or gutters, and you reach out and knock on the door.
  814. >Seconds pass until there’s a yell from the inside.
  815. >”Hold on! …Who’d be coming here of all places? Fluttershy, did you bring friends?”
  816. >Silence.
  817. >”Well answer the door, they’re not my friends!”
  818. >More silence, at least until the knob slowly turns and the door opens, revealing a shy, timid pegasus.
  819. >”Oh… h-hi everypony. Come on in, uhm, make yourselves at home!… W-who’s this?”
  820. “Oh, this is a… new friend of ours. Introduce yourself.”
  821. >You look at her carefully.
  822. >Five nods and manages a half-smile.
  823. >”My name is … Five. Hello.”
  824. >Maybe you should’ve asked her to use a personality.
  825. >“Hi.. I’m Fluttershy… You look tired, please, let me make you some tea. …So, I see you came to help with the bird seed, Anon?”
  826. “That’s right. We’re sort of taking care of last minute-things before we left for Appleoosa, but I remembered I promised to do this for you, and I’m not about to skip out. So, where is it?”
  827. >”Uh, well, let me just get it ready…. Be right, um, back..”
  828. >She flutters away, and the party disperses to the various lobby seats.
  829. >It seems to be a pet store, but from what the other voice said it’s not visited often, which probably explains the ‘pets’ running everywhere rampant and free.
  830. >Speaking of the voice, you see a bunched up blue and red mane peeking from underneath the counter at the back of the room.
  831. >The mare responsible finally shows herself, a freckled, light red fur, blue-eyed tired pony looking like she’s searching for something.
  832. >”Oh, hey, what’s going on. Lot of ponies. Well, ‘Shy said she was gonna have some help, so I guess… wait while she gets the back door open. Wanna buy a pet?”
  833. >Getting a pet probably wouldn’t be the best thing to do in your situation, but it’s a nice thought for later in your life.
  834. >What would you like to do while Fluttershy is preparing your task?
  835.  
  836.  
  837. “Uh, is there anything I can help you with while we’re waiting?”
  838. >The pet store owner looks back at you almost half-asleep.
  839. >”…Oh, no no I’m fine, just trying to find a squirrel that’s missed his shots. I think he’s hiding in the tunnels. Got some excavating to do now, so don’t bother me.”
  840. >…Hmm.
  841. >Her plot’s wiggling in the air now, apparently looking for those tunnels.
  842. >As much as you know you need to read, you feel yourself beginning to straighten out.
  843. >Straightening real hard.
  844. >You have a powerful urge to jump over that counter and priest-pump that rump.
  845. >Are you sure you want to act upon this urge? Y/N
  846.  
  847.  
  848.  
  849. >You keep staring at those delicious red flanks.
  850. >It’s just too much.
  851. >You can’t handle the pressure, you have to dive in!
  852. >You drop the book where you stand and superman flip over the counter, shedding all of your clothing at the same time.
  853. >Your dick flies into freedom and makes a satisfying wet slapping noise on her juicy asscheeks, and she turns around in surprise.
  854. >”Oh Celestia! W- are you naked?!”
  855. “I WAS GONNA READ A MOTHERFUCKIN’ BOOK, BUT NOW YOU’RE GONNA TASTE MY BIG DICK BIBLIOGRAPHY!”
  856. >You do a 360 and moonwalk behind her at the speed of cherrypop, grabbing her flanks as you position yourself and see the other members of your party absolutely shocked.
  857. >Gonna have to keep dem bitches down, you know what I’m sayin’, playa?!
  858. “YO LAMAR, HELP ME OUT HEE-A!”
  859. >All of a sudden, the spirit of Lamar rises up inside of you and your pelvis thrusts into the gingerpone with the force of 1,000 niggers.
  860. >She cums instantly and her head gets blasted through the thick wooden counter, exploding from the sheer power of your manly mare-maul moves.
  861. >Her spinal cord fires out and wraps around Fluttershy’s neck and snaps it, while the rest of the gore floods the other six and drowns them in a surprisingly large amount of blood and cum.
  862. >Like, holy shit, it’s still flooding the room.
  863. >Jeez bitch, how much liquid got pump in yo ass!?
  864. >Still pumpin’, bitch!
  865. >You’re spankin’ dat ass wit yo Lamar liberations and your cum splits her wide open.
  866. >What the fuck
  867. >Your magic’s broken out of the cuffs and now it’s making your sailors all glowy and shit!
  868. >Your dick blasts out a firehose stream of cum so powerful it rips the building from its foundation and blasts it straight out into the crystal palace.
  869. >The cum schlicks the entire kingdom in your jizz and paints everything a nice pearly white.
  870. >Your work here is done.
  871. >You drop the two halves of the soulles gingermare and walk away with your sword of justice dangling in front of you.
  872. >JUSTICE was delivered today.
  873. >You begin to ascend to the heavens, an angelic choir harkening your legendary feat today.
  874. >FUCK THAT CHOIR, YOU GOT YO OWN MUSIC BITCH, ROLL IT!
  875. [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Stb4LgAdlVg ]
  876. >NO NO NO, JUST THE ONE!
  877. [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JGw8DWctAts ]
  878. >Fuck yeah, boi!
  879. >That’s right.
  880. >You fly amongst the clouds above, to go home….
  881. [spoiler]and be a family man[/spoiler]
  882. >…
  883. >You slowly open your eyes, seeing nothing but blurry colors.
  884. >”..n…”
  885. >”..on..”
  886. >You hear familiar voices, but you can’t discern them.
  887. >”..Anon..?”
  888. >You focus your sight and mind, slowly surfacing from the haze that’s afflicted you.
  889. >When you finally come to, you see Redheart and Pinkie’s faces looking over you with worry.
  890. >”Hey! Welcome back to reality. Are you okay?”
  891. >”Oh Nonny, it was like one of those really sad docyamentaries where they show the old ancient famous ponies falling in like slow-motion when they get poisoned or stabbed and the music goes like ‘duh duh… duh duh… duh duh-’”
  892. >Redheart stuffs her hoof in Pinkie’s mouth, giving her a look as if to say shut up.
  893. “…Ugh… Should I even ask what happened?”
  894. >You slowly get up, feeling Gable’s talons helping you to stand.
  895. >”Well, you started walking towards the counter, and you stepped on a huge fucking snake. Then it bit you, and she gave you an antidote before anything bad happened, so you didn’t have to go to the hospital… you know, again.”
  896. >You look over and indeed see the red mare putting away an old, empty syringe.
  897. >”Maybe next time you’ll watch where you’re goin’, doctor. You had a weird look before you started walking though, you alright?”
  898. >You shake your head to get rid of any extra dizziness.
  899. “Yeah, yeah… just had a weird dream.”
  900. >So that’s what would’ve happened.
  901. >You pick up your alchemy book and sit back down.
  902. >You aren’t gonna touch that shit.
  903. >…
  904.  
  905. [You now have a better understanding of how many potions can be diffused into their respective ingredients.]
  906. >…
  907.  
  908. >”Okay Anon, uh, it’s ready.”
  909. >You look up from the second to last chapter in your book.
  910. >You’re getting close to finishing it, but another time, maybe.
  911. >Getting up, you adjust your robes and follow Fluttershy out to the back.
  912. “Hey, anyone feel like helping?”
  913. >”Nah, you got it.”
  914. >”I’m good.”
  915. >”I think I’m going to help the owner here, actually.”
  916. >Berry, Gable and Redheart bow out instantly.
  917. >Well, thanks.
  918. >”Oh, ya’ll are a bunch of wimps. C’mon Pinkie, let’s show ‘em how real earth ponies do good honest work.”
  919. >”Yippee, WE’RE GONNA HELP FLUTTERSHY!”
  920. >”Eep!..”
  921. >Well, she left much quicker than she did.
  922. >Is there anything you’d like to do or say before going to help Fluttershy?
  923.  
  924.  
  925. >It’s a relief that they’ve decided to help you.
  926. “Thanks for helping me help Fluttershy, gals. I may have bitten more off than I could chew trying to do this by myself.
  927. >”No problemo, sombrero!”
  928. >Pinkie’s bouncing all over the place now, so it looks like her little hangover has vanished.
  929. >”It’s all good, Anon. Thanks for offerin’ ta help her in the first place. Mighty good deed, and a good apology after what happened at the forest.”
  930. >Yeah, hopefully this clears any thoughts about that up.
  931. “Had a chance to look over that animal book yet, Pinks?”
  932. >”Book?… Oh! I started to read it but then I fell asleep and when I woke up you totally pranked us in the morning and I must’ve forgotten all about it! I’ll read it on the train, Pinkie Promise! Cross my heart and hope to fly--”
  933. “I know I know, cupcake in the eye, just wanted to know. Thanks, Pinkie.”
  934. >”Thank yyyyyyyyou!”
  935. “AJ, remind me to show you these shouts I picked up sometime, too.”
  936. >”Say what now? You learned your own shouts?”
  937. “Well, it was a few tomes I found at the magic store and I haven’t tried them yet, but yeah.”
  938. >”Definitely pass ‘em my way. I found that first one kinda easy, but haven’t had no luck recently. Mainly ‘cause I’m never alone outside, don’t wanna hurt nopony. Confound it, if I was just back at mah farm It’d be just fine… Haven’t thought about the farm in a long time.”
  939. “You’re an… orange farmer, right?”
  940. >”Very funny.”
  941. >At that point, you get to the end of the hall and walk into the open garage of the building.
  942. >It’s just sacks.
  943. >Big, tall-as-you sacks.
  944. >There’s dozens, and from what you remember Flutters saying before, they’re each 150 pounds.
  945. >”Uhm, sorry if it’s a bit much, I had to stock up.”
  946. >Well, you better get crackin’.
  947. >Hopefully not your back.
  948. >”Well… there’s six rows. Each take two?”
  949. >You and AJ watch as Pinkie runs forward and takes three bags, flips them onto her body, and starts to leap out of the garage.
  950. >Without being told where to go.
  951. >”Pinkie, uh, wait!”
  952. >She didn’t hear the poor excuse of a yell from the timid pegasus.
  953. >”You have to.. oh…”
  954. >Now she’s too far for even you to yell.
  955. >Where is she going?
  956. >>>>”PINKIE PIE!!”
  957. >The voice, strong and furious, blasts from AJ’s mask and travels far across the Empire.
  958. >A few moments later, the eccentric pink party pony bounces back, poking at her ears.
  959. >”What’s wrong, AJ? I was totally halfway there!”
  960. >”…Halfway to where, exactly?”
  961. >”Fluttershy’s house, duh!”
  962. >”You can’t take them all the way there, Pinkie. And ya’ll were not halfway there!”
  963. “Guys.”
  964. >AJ and Pinkie look back at you, and you defer them to Fluttershy.
  965. >”We n-need to take them to the, um, train station. For later.”
  966. “Then let’s get started.”
  967. >…
  968. [5 hours have passed.]
  969. [You have gained stronger stats, but they will not be seen until the Aphitis Cuffs have been removed.]
  970. >…
  971.  
  972. >Your knees are burning like shit.
  973. >Even Applejack, who’s used to doing stuff like this as a full time job, is sweating up a storm.
  974. >From the part to the station took nearly 20 minutes per trip, 40 round.
  975. >There was just so much feed…
  976. >You, AJ and a noticeably less energetic Pinkie return to the garage for the final time, The yellow mare waiting.
  977. >”Thanks again for um, helping me guys. I don’t know how I would’ve gotten it all there without your help!”
  978. “No problem… Glad to help.”
  979. >”Hey, there’s no way we’d leave ya hangin’, sugarcube. Just ask us next time.”
  980. >”Yeah, you always need to rely on your friends, that’s what we’re here for!”
  981. >”Yes, thanks again. Especially you Anon, um, thank you. I hope you find that… Bane you’re looking for.”
  982. >Fluttershy’s task is done.
  983. >It is currently 3:00 P.M.
  984. >What would you like to do?
  985.  
  986.  
  987. “Hey Pinkie? We don't have a lot of time and I need to grab a few things before leaving, could you go ask Wheaties and Gyro to meet us at the train station before 6:30 when we leave?”
  988. >”Oh, to say goodbyes?”
  989. “Yeah.”
  990. >”Okey dokey lokey!”
  991. >Pinkie darts through the hallway entrance and pops out of the main door a few moments later, probably telling the party where she’s going.
  992. >You, AJ and Fluttershy return through the same way, seeing the much more clean lobby where the rest of your group is awaiting, along with the returned Iron Will.
  993. >Redheart greets you first.
  994. >”Hey, welcome back guys. Pinkie said she’d be back to tell Wheaties and Gyro Gear to meet us at the station?”
  995. “Yeah, it looks like we’re not gonna have that much time.”
  996. >”Oh, I’m so sorry, I didn’t-”
  997. “No, you’re fine. I knew what we were getting into. Besides, we got plenty of time for what needs to go down. Everyone ready?”
  998. >They all get up, and Iron Will moves over to AJ, handing her something black and curvish.
  999. [Iron Will gives Applejack the mic modifier (x1.5).]
  1000. >”Here you go, Ms. Apple. One bonified Assertiveness program Iron Will-issued megamic! This should give that mask of yours a little oomph.”
  1001. >”Oh, really now? … Let’s see here, I’m tryin’ it when we get outside.”
  1002. “Alright, let’s head out. Gotta go back to Fortuna Potions.”
  1003. >The pet shop owner and Fluttershy watch you leave, waving goodbye.
  1004. >”Bye..!”
  1005. >”OH, come back if you need any pets!”
  1006. >You exit the shop with the group and get right on going.
  1007. >Is there anything you’d like to do on the way to Fortuna Potions?
  1008.  
  1009. >>>>>”HAAAAAAA!”
  1010. >Maybe getting AJ that mic wasn’t the best idea.
  1011. >You’re pretty sure your ears are bleeding.
  1012. >Berry doesn’t take kindly to it at all, probably detesting it much more than you.
  1013. >”HAY! I can drown you with that mask on you know, just give me ten seconds!”
  1014. >”Ah’m just practicin’, hold your hay.”
  1015. >You make sure your ears are still functioning and nopony on the streets has any lasting auditory damage before turning to Five, who’s been silent this entire time.
  1016. “Question for you. I have something called Aphitis Cuffs on. I was wondering if you could sense my magical presence with them on?”
  1017. >She regards your inquiry with a blank expression for a second.
  1018. >”I had not noticed you have done that. No, I cannot currently sense you.”
  1019. >That’s interesting.
  1020. >You could theoretically cut your magical presence off by the use of these cuffs if you can’t find a real way to do it.
  1021. >Now that that thing on your mind has been answered, there’s no more time to waste.
  1022. >…
  1023. >You swear you’re getting more déjà vu each time you come into this place.
  1024. >You open the door for the rest of the party and Sunwhirl comes from the back the instant he hears the bell ringing.
  1025.  
  1026. [FORTUNA POTIONS] Owner: Sunwhirl the Stached
  1027. >”Greetings once again, Anonymous. I see you’ve brought… a friend…”
  1028. >Sunwhirl’s eyes are planted on Five.
  1029. >His smile disappears and he grows silent.
  1030. “…Hello?”
  1031. >He still doesn’t look away from the increasingly uncomfortable disguisee as he speaks.
  1032. >”…Yes… What would you like, today? You said the last we met about some sort of amulet?”
  1033.  
  1034.  
  1035. -Buy
  1036. -Sell
  1037. -Modify
  1038. -Talk to Sunwhirl
  1039. -Exit
  1040.  
  1041.  
  1042. >Talk to Sunwhirl
  1043. “I was wondering if you could create that amulet with this adamantite and Starswirl stone and enchant it?”
  1044. >You set the adamantite ingot on the counter, and he examines the amount.
  1045. >”May I ask how you got this so quickly?”
  1046. “I managed to get a bit of extra from Mr. Ironsmith down at his shop.”
  1047. >”You are very resourceful indeed… I can melt this down and mold it appropriately, yes.”
  1048. “And is it possible to get done by 6?
  1049. >”Oh my, of course! It shouldn’t take more than a few minutes so long as you know who this is going to.”
  1050. “What do you mean?”
  1051. >Sunwhirl looks up at you and pushes up his glasses with his magic.
  1052. >”I’m not a stallion of bad quality, child. I want to know the measurements of who will be receiving this so I can craft it to the best of my ability.”
  1053. “Let me get back to you on that. I’m heading to the Badlands soon, and I'll probably more than likely end up seeing Marrow Love there. I was thinking of giving her a copy of the notes to her, so could I request you make another four of each notes? Is there any easy way to find her, like maybe by map, and is there any message you would like me to pass along to her, as well?”
  1054. >”You’re going to the Badlands? I must say, that does indeed work out in my… Oh.”
  1055. “What’s wrong?”
  1056. >He looks back at Five, and now the other members of your group are getting nervous.
  1057. >”…Nothing. Are you sure you’ll look for her?”
  1058. “Of course.”
  1059. >”Alright. I’ll make some more copies if you wish, but remember they have no value on their own! I’ll write a note for you to take to her, but do not open it.”
  1060. “I most certainly won’t. So you said a few minutes for the amulet?”
  1061. >”Well, who will it be going to?”
  1062. >Who would you like to receive this amulet?
  1063.  
  1064. “Before I answer that, what kind of enchantments could you put on the finished product?”
  1065. >”With something as conductive as you are crafting with this adamantite and stone, the possibilities are… quite endless, really. I might even be able to tap into an even stronger enchantment that I cannot normally use, should you wish it. Magic, health, strength, flight, love, luck, anything you can think of. Of course, I need to make it first. Who will it be, then?”
  1066. >Who would you like to receive this amulet?
  1067.  
  1068.  
  1069.  
  1070.  
  1071. >Inspect Vice Shout
  1072. [Unleash your voice as a bind to all those that may be in your path. (-75 MP, immobilization AoE for 5 turns, 10 turn CD. Mana cost is free if Mask of the Dragon Aspect is equipped)]
  1073.  
  1074. >Inspect Dragoon’s Roar
  1075. [Empower your body with defenses beyond normal capability with the strength of your roar. (-100 MP, increases MD by 100 for 3 turns, 10 turn CD. Mana cost is free if Mask of the Dragon Aspect is equipped)]
  1076.  
  1077. “I think… I’ll take it for Gable, here.”
  1078. >The Gryphon in question looks at you with interest.
  1079. >”Me?”
  1080. “Yeah, I have a pretty good idea for what you could use it for, so trust me on this.”
  1081. >”I never thought I’d see the day where a guy I nearly killed in the past buys me jewelry. You sure you don’t want to give it to your sweetheart, Mr. Pussywhipped?”
  1082. >You turn back around to him.
  1083. “Don’t start, man. She’s got an amulet already, and like I said, trust me.”
  1084. >Gable just smiles stupidy at you.
  1085. >Turning back around, you nod back at him as if to confirm your choice.
  1086. >Sunwhirl levitates a tailor’s measuring ruler and wraps it around him at various angles near his chest and chin, quickly writing down the numbers as if he was a professional.
  1087. [You give Sunwhirl 1 Adamantite Ingot and your Starswirl Stone.]
  1088. >“Alright, It should be done and molded in about ten minutes, and then we can discuss enchantments. Do not worry, child, I will have it made like art. Beauty will rival its functionality. Now, was there anything else?”
  1089. “Well… If I do find anymore notes from Starswirl, how would you like to receive them?”
  1090. >”Oh, I’d very much prefer it you delivered them in person, as you’ll definitely need to do so if you manage to find all seven, but if you have another safe way of getting them to me, I will not complain!”
  1091. “Thanks for the info. Oh, and could I trouble you for a spare quill and inkwell, and maybe something to write on? I’m sure you’d appreciate getting updates if I uncover anything new.”
  1092. >Sunwhirl twirls his long, grey mustache in thought.
  1093. >”I suppose I could part with this. It’s for the greater good, after all.”
  1094. [RECEIVED WRITER’S KIT (Allows drafting of anything writable or drawable.)]
  1095. “Thanks again.”
  1096. >”I will be back shortly.”
  1097. >Sunwhirl takes the ingot and stone with him into the back, disappearing for the time he needs to craft your item.
  1098. >The party settles themselves a bit, but you have something you ask Five.
  1099. “Hey, are you able to sense other changelings or spot their disguises?”
  1100. >”I can.”
  1101. “I know this might sound odd, but is Sunwhirl a changeling? I think something’s up here.”
  1102. >”He is not. I believe he saw through my disguise by magical means. If so, then it is an oddity of its own that he did not retaliate against a creature like myself.”
  1103. >Definitely isn’t a changeling, then.
  1104. >Is there anything you’d like to do while waiting for Sunwhirl?
  1105.  
  1106. >You feel like you need to finish that book.
  1107. >You’re very close to learning something pertinent in it, you can just feel it.
  1108. >You sit down at one of the back shelves and pry it open, hopefully being able to get to the final chapter.
  1109. >…
  1110. >Nope.
  1111. >About 12 minutes later, Sunwhirl pops back into the main shop with a big metal box.
  1112. >”Alright, here we are! Let me just pop open the mold and it should do nicely.”
  1113. >He holds it steady with his hooves as he levitates a chisel from his pocket, beginning to carefully pry open the still hot mold.
  1114. >A few cracks and tense moments of that feeling of something breaking later, and the top half pops off, revealing the amulet.
  1115. >It has a wide-breadth to accompany the Starswirl Stone, a lovely blue sheen to go with the adamantite color.
  1116. >”There we are, perfect. It came out even better than I expected. So! Let’s talk magic, shall we?”
  1117. >You put away your book and approach the amulet, examining it carefully.
  1118. >It takes you a second to get used to the still hot metal, but you feel the slick texture and good quality.
  1119. “This is … great. Nothing like this exists back in my world, that’s for sure.”
  1120. >”Yes, now. Let’s begin.”
  1121.  
  1122. >Modify
  1123.  
  1124. [AMULET]
  1125. >”First off, you’ll want to impart a name to this curio so you may better recognize it. We’ll include that here now.”
  1126. [Name: ________ ]
  1127.  
  1128. >”Once you decide this, with such a potential for enchantment of this, there’s many things you can do. First, what kind of enchantment are you looking for?”
  1129.  
  1130. [Magic]
  1131. [Health]
  1132. [Strength]
  1133. [Defense]
  1134. [Utility]
  1135. [Charms]
  1136.  
  1137.  
  1138. >Current Name of Amulet: Charity’s Hope
  1139. >”Charm enchantments will follow the price formula as followed.”
  1140. [Potency]
  1141. -Minute (Effect) {100 bits}
  1142. -Mediocre (Effect) {200 bits}
  1143. -Satisfactory (Effect) {400 bits}
  1144. -Exemplary (Effect) {800 bits}
  1145. -Master (Effect) {1,600 bits}
  1146. -Legendary (Effect) {5,000 bits} “Remember, you only get enchantments of this strength with a potent combination like you have with this new amulet.”
  1147.  
  1148. [Efficiency]
  1149. -Minute (Effect) {80 bits}
  1150. -Mediocre (Effect) {160 bits}
  1151. -Satisfactory (Effect) {360 bits}
  1152. -Exemplary (Effect) {720 bits}
  1153. -Master (Effect) {1,200 bits}
  1154. -Legendary (Effect) {3,000 bits}
  1155.  
  1156. [CHARMS]
  1157. >Wards
  1158. -Absorption (Erase incoming damage from existence, and even utilize it if the enchantment is strong enough.)
  1159. -Apotropaism (Turn away those with evil and wickedness in their hearts and minds.)
  1160. -Invocation (Regain your magical power in a pinch.)
  1161.  
  1162. >Perception
  1163. -Seduction (Woo your subjects with a tantalizing allure that seems… magical.)
  1164. -Joy (Be the life of the party or that shining ray in somepony else’s life.)
  1165. -Gadfly (Your enemies will become too enraged to see straight when you’re done with them, giving you a decided advantage.)
  1166.  
  1167. >Luck
  1168. -Wealthy Tithings (Acquire a better universal fate to find that which is dear to your heart.)
  1169. -Innate Luck (Have unprecedented advantage at coming out on top in your life’s detrimental situations.)
  1170. -Temporal Kismet (Your timing will become impeccable.)
  1171. >Special
  1172. -”If you have an innovative idea, pass it my way and I shall tell you if it is within my power or possible in the realm of magic.”
  1173.  
  1174. >”What is it you desire, my child?”
  1175.  
  1176. -Select Enchantment
  1177. -Inspect Enchantment
  1178. -Talk to Sunwhirl
  1179. -Back to Menu
  1180. -Exit
  1181.  
  1182.  
  1183. >Bit Pouch: (10,132 bits, 2 small gems, 6 medium gems, 2 large gems)
  1184. >2 Small Gems ~ 80 bits
  1185. >6 Medium Gems ~ 600 bits
  1186. >2 Large Gems ~ 480 bits
  1187. >Total: 11,292 bits
  1188.  
  1189.  
  1190. >Inspect Wealthy Tithings
  1191. [Potency]
  1192. -Minute (Slight chance to find extra treasures.) {95 bits}
  1193. -Mediocre (Small chance to find extra treasures.) {190 bits}
  1194. -Satisfactory (Chance to find extra treasures.) {380 bits}
  1195. -Exemplary (Good chance to find extra treasures, small chance to find better items.) {760 bits}
  1196. -Master (Great chance to find extra treasures, good chance to find better items.) {1,520 bits}
  1197. -Legendary (Great chance to find extra treasures, good chance to find better items, and small chance to come across impalpable artifacts.) {4,750 bits}
  1198.  
  1199. [Efficiency]
  1200. -Minute (Slight chance to find valuables in places not normally found.) {76 bits}
  1201. -Mediocre (Small chance to find valuables in places not normally found.) {152 bits}
  1202. -Satisfactory (Chance to find valuables in places not normally found.) {304 bits}
  1203. -Exemplary (Good chance to find valuables in places not normally found, small chance to find special items in said places.) {684 bits}
  1204. -Master (Great chance to find valuables in places not normally found, good chance to find special items in said places.) {1,140 bits}
  1205. -Legendary (Astonishing chance to find valuables in places not normally found, great chance to find special items in said places.) {2,850 bits}
  1206.  
  1207. -Select Enchantments
  1208. -Inspect Enchantments
  1209. -Talk to Sunwhirl
  1210. -Back to Menu
  1211. -Exit
  1212.  
  1213. >You have selected the name: Charity’s Hope, and enchantment: Legendary efficiency for this amulet.
  1214. >Total: 2,850 bits
  1215. >Do you want to enchant this item? Y/N
  1216.  
  1217.  
  1218. >Y
  1219. [You have received Charity’s Hope (Astonishing chance to find valuables in places not normally found, great chance to find special items in said places)]
  1220. >Total bit pouch: 9,602 bits
  1221. [You give Gable Charity’s Hope.]
  1222. >”Well, let’s hope I get lucky, huh?”
  1223. “Heh, yeah.”
  1224. >Sunwhirl nods and bows to you.
  1225. >”I thank you for letting me produce such a powerful enchantment, my dear friend. Tell me, is there anything else you wish to do?”
  1226. >You look back at him, and speak clearly.
  1227. “About our deal with the notes… I think it would be more beneficial that we change our deal a bit. See, you paying me only when I find all the notes seems a bit silly, if not impossible to do. I not only have to find a bunch of crazy cultists doing who knows what with those notes, but search all of Equestria for any missing ones. So how about you pay me with each note I bring in, starting with the two you already have? Think of it as a expedition fund to assist in recovering the others.”
  1228. >Sunwhirl’s face falls flat a bit.
  1229. >”I’m sorry, Anonymous. A deal is a deal, and you agreed to take payment when all seven are gathered. Your reward will be great, I will not skimp you. However, to be able to pay you fairly, I must shift funds accordingly to avoid going bankrupt. Are there any more questions?”
  1230.  
  1231. -Buy
  1232. -Sell
  1233. -Modify
  1234. -Talk to Sunwhirl
  1235. -Exit
  1236.  
  1237.  
  1238. >Talk to Sunwhirl
  1239. “So with the rare stone and enchantment, what do you think the value of that Amulet is anyway?”
  1240. >”Oh, I am not sure. It would depend on who you decided to sell it to, but I do assume you are keeping such a hard-worked piece, yes?…”
  1241. “Of course! So… I hear the Badlands where I'm headed are pretty dangerous. Since you've visited there yourself, do you have any advice? Tips on avoiding danger out there, or ways of detecting… hidden threats, for example?”
  1242. >Sunwhirl thinks carefully, his eyes fleeting to Five for a moment.
  1243. >”I would say that you should be careful who you find out there. They may not be who you think they are, Anonymous. Watch your back closely.”
  1244. “…Alright, thanks.”
  1245. >Maybe he’s under the impression you don’t know she’s a changeling at all?
  1246. >Either way, at least he’s trying to help you.
  1247. -Buy
  1248. -Sell
  1249. -Modify
  1250. -Talk to Sunwhirl
  1251. -Exit
  1252.  
  1253.  
  1254. >Talk to Sunwhirl
  1255. “Well, you clearly know Five here is a Changling, and yes, I do know. We are headed to the Hive to remove the shadow that's infested it trying to gain power to destroy the world, which we definitely want to prevent. Do you have any tips on detecting changelings in disguise or help on our journey?”
  1256. >Sunwhirl seems to get highly uncomfortable upon you revealing this fact.
  1257. >”I appreciate your efforts, Anonymous, but willingly bringing it into my shop!? Exactly when were you going to tell me that such a thing was right under my muzzle the entire time, child?”
  1258. “I’m sorry, it would’ve looked suspicious leaving her outside everywhere, and she’s sort of obligated to stay near us at all times.”
  1259. >He sighs heavily and moves some things out of the way, beginning to scribble some words on new parchment.
  1260. >”It is a specific spell to detect a changeling. Once you cast it, you’ll have it permanently on mind until you decide to dispell it, and once learned it’s actually not that difficult to maintain…”
  1261. >Five’s eyes widen slightly at this, obviously discomforted. She stays silent and motionless, however.
  1262. >Sunwhirl finishes writing the spell down, and folds it as he hands it to you along with the sealed letter to Marrow Love.
  1263. [RECIEVED SPELL: DETECT CHANGELING (Tome)]
  1264. [RECEIVED SEALED LETTER TO MARROW LOVE]
  1265. >”There. Now, I must ask you to leave. You may return when you do not have that thing in my store, thank you.”
  1266. “Really?”
  1267. >”Yes. I understand your predicament, Anonymous, but I cannot-- … I will not have it here, regardless. Please, respect my wishes as I have yours. Say hello to Marrow for me.”
  1268. >Your party stands and you all leave, giving him a curt goodbye as you’re all metaphorically shoved out of the door.
  1269. >Pinkie looks back at the door and sticks her tongue out.
  1270. >”Fine, we didn’t want your stinky nogood business anyways! Thbpbhbpptht!”
  1271. >Redheart pats her gently.
  1272. >”It’s alright. If I hadn’t been through all of this, I would’ve done the same thing in his place. So, now what?”
  1273. >You look at the post clock, and it is currently 3:45 P.M.
  1274. >What would you like to do?
  1275.  
  1276.  
  1277. >A quick check of the spell that Sunwhirl gave you reveals the other parchment, sticking to the back.
  1278. [ACQUIRED COPY OF STARSWIRL’S NOTES (4)]
  1279. >You look back up and turn to the rest of your group.
  1280. “Alright, now that that’s finished, let’s go to the hospital next. I got something I need to do there.”
  1281. >They agree to your plans without hitch, and you keep Five next to you as you begin the journey.
  1282. >Making sure she was listening, you ask her something.
  1283. “Hey, can your magic spells be taught to others, such as myself?”
  1284. >Five nods quickly.
  1285. >”It is possible, yes.”
  1286. “…Would you be willing to teach me any, by chance?”
  1287. >”I cannot do that. It is magic native to my siblings and mother, and I cannot betray them with giving away our birthrights.”
  1288. >Damn, shot down pretty quickly.
  1289. >She isn’t giving you any leeway.
  1290. >Is there anything else you’d like to do or say on the way to the hospital?
  1291.  
  1292.  
  1293.  
  1294. “You’re always free to ask me any questions if you want, you might like to know some knowledge from my universe.”
  1295. >Five doesn’t give you any acknowledgement to this statement.
  1296. >It’s apparent she’s not very interested in things outside of her well being and her hive.
  1297. >It makes it hard to talk to you, but you feel like you need to at least try.
  1298. “So what do you normally do for fun? I'm curious about the average day for a Changeling.”
  1299. >”We do not have time to do anything other than build our civilization or scavenge for love. Some larvae may engage in minor play, but they are reprimanded by their guardians.”
  1300. “Guardians?”
  1301. >”The changelings responsible for overseeing their loyalty and transition into adulthood.”
  1302. “So, you don’t have parents?”
  1303. >”Our only parent is our mother, Queen Chrysalis.”
  1304. >That sounds about right from what you’ve learned, so far.
  1305. >You attempt to strike up more idle conversation, but she doesn’t seem to be very talkative, and chatting is a two-way street.
  1306. >With nothing else left to say, you walk down with your party to leave Five be.
  1307. >But then, you get a sudden idea that pops into your head, and you take out the writing kit that Sunwhirl gave you.
  1308. >You levitate the paper up and the quill, but you think better of trying to write with magic until you learn better control.
  1309. >Grasping the quill between your fingers, you begin to write a letter.
  1310.  
  1311. [COMPOSITION]
  1312. ‘To Charm Rose:
  1313.  
  1314. This is an update in regards to the situation with your brother. My apologies in advance, both for reiterating information that you likely are already aware of, and for not delivering this news in person. However, my time is unfortunately scarce and our previous discussions brief, so this will have to do.
  1315.  
  1316. First of all, to assuage your most pressing concerns, I have spoken to Princess Cadence following her recent recovery, and she has agreed to do what she can to reduce the financial burden of the medical bills associated with care for your brother. While I cannot promise with absolute certainty that every charge will be completely covered, I hope that it will be satisfactory.
  1317.  
  1318. Now, on to the subject of your brother's health: The curse he's been afflicted with feeds off of his mana, as you may know. Several venues of mana manipulation and management have been explored, including sealing, siphoning, and transplantation. According to Celestia, the only surefire way to remove the curse is a complete removal of the victim's magic source; while she does possess the ability to do this in theory, the recent attacks by the shadow have made this prospect difficult. I have currently been absorbed in research to find everything I can about Curses, mana
  1319. drain and a way to heal steel and with it I managed to come out with a healing spell that I learned and taught Princess Cadence. However, even with all this studying and learning the healing spell, they proved useless against the Jovius Curse.
  1320. Another possibility has arisen, however, in the form of information leading to a magic user stationed in the White Tail Island vicinity. Current information is scant, but they are at least theoretically well-versed in Dark Magic and thus may be able to provide unique insight into removing the curse. While the current demands of my task lead me away from the White Tail area, I have plans to journey there at my earliest convenience.
  1321.  
  1322. I will do my best to keep you abreast of any new information I obtain pertinent to this situation. My prayers and best wishes are with you in the meantime.
  1323.  
  1324. From the desk of Dr. Anonymous’
  1325. [END COMPOSITION]
  1326.  
  1327. >You make sure that it’s clean and ship-shape, and you roll it up, tying it off with a little white ribbon.
  1328. [ACQUIRED LETTER TO CHARM ROSE]
  1329. >Keeping it in a safe place, you then hustle down to the hospital.
  1330. >…
  1331. >You arrive at the doors and let everyone in before stepping in last.
  1332. >Taking a quick glance at the clock, you see it’s now 4:10 P.M.
  1333. >That gives you about 1 hour and 50 minutes to be at the Train Station.
  1334. >Keeping the time in your mind, you walk up to the receptionist’s desk as she greets you.
  1335. >It’s the mare from the first time you were here, so she recognizes you and smiles.
  1336. >”Welcome back, champ! I see your little possè is getting bigger by the day.”
  1337. >Most of you turn your eyes towards Five, trying to be composed.
  1338. “Anyways, I’m here for a few errands before we leave the city. Can you deliver this letter to Charm Rose? She’s Steel Magnolias’ brother, and I’m pretty sure she’s here.”
  1339. >The nursemare takes the letter with a confident affirmation.
  1340. >”She’s been here for quite a while, indeed. If you had time, you could go see her in the waiting room. Right now the pony in question’s being examined for further study.”
  1341. >That’s interesting.
  1342. >Would you like to go see Charm Rose, or simply have the letter delivered to her?
  1343.  
  1344.  
  1345.  
  1346. >You think it’d be nice to talk to her again, even if she might not take kindly to seeing you at first.
  1347. >There’s something else you need to attend to in the meantime.
  1348. “I think I would like to see her, actually. But first, I would like to talk about something with the hospital. I heard about Cadence not being able to perform the healing spell I taught her, and-”
  1349. >”Wait, you taught her?”
  1350. “Er, yeah?”
  1351. >”The last time Princess Cadance came in, she simply asked to see one of our patients, and left soon after. Wait, so she knows healing magic?! And -you- taught her?”
  1352. >Cadance probably didn’t want to say anything unless she was successful.
  1353. >Well, looks like you threw a monkey wrench in that plan.
  1354. >You continue on regardless.
  1355. “… Well, rest assured that we are both studying hard to be able to cast it and help those that are injured. Now, the problem is that me and my party are going on a very dangerous journey through the Badlands, and I was hoping on buying that Doctor’s kit, but unfortunately it's incredibly expensive. So, I was hoping we could do a trade of sorts. I have on me a copy of the healing notes from Starswirl the Bearded that I’ve managed to unlock the healing spell from. Could I possibly give these to you in exchange for any sort of discount on that kit?”
  1356. >The receptionist looks at you closely.
  1357. >”…Can I see the notes?”
  1358. >You open your pack and fish out a copy of the healing notes, setting it in front of her and she reads it thouroughly.
  1359. >”…Is this a copy?”
  1360. “It is, yes. The real set with the charm lays with Sunwhirl, the owner of Fortuna Potions.”
  1361. >She shakes her head with a sympathetic look.
  1362. >”I’m sorry. We’re not really a business and are technically not supposed to give anyone that kit. I’m sure that this copy is accurate, but without the actual thing we can’t do any discounts or trades. Sorry!”
  1363. “Are you sure?”
  1364. >”Miracle Shine would have my head if I took a few pieces of paper like this. If it was the actual things, we’d probably just do a trade. I guess you’ll have to pay the full amount for the kit, unless you have something else beneficial to the hospital?”
  1365. “…Are you absolutely sure you can’t give me anything for this?”
  1366. >Now she looks a bit annoyed.
  1367. >”…No.”
  1368. >Oh, goyim…
  1369. >…Good goy!
  1370. [Hidden Bonus: The Jewish Singularity unlocked!]
  1371. [ACQUIRED YARMULKE (One time use: reduce price of single item in a purchase by 20%)!]
  1372. >At least she’s doing her best to help you out.
  1373. >From that point, you turn around to your party.
  1374. “Would you guys like to wait for me and Redheart at the Train Station? I have no idea how long this is going to take.”
  1375. >They look at each other to see if anyone cares.
  1376. >Applejack speaks for them.
  1377. >”No, not really. Were ya gonna go see her, though?”
  1378. “Yeah, I think I will. So you guys are okay with that?”
  1379. >”Sure. Just don’t be too long, wanna get there a bit early so it doesn’t roll out without ya.”
  1380. >Your party says goodbye to you and Redheart and they split from you, heading off to the station.
  1381. >You and Redheart excuse yourselves from the receptionist, and you both walk into the waiting room a few moments later.
  1382. >There’s a few ponies here and there, varying degrees of emotional turmoil on display.
  1383. >Charm Rose is sitting in the corner, without her robes or armor.
  1384. >She’s a rather elegant crystal pony, a sleek midnight blue body and rock-hard azure eyes, with a mane splitting into three Rarity-esque curls with a short tail to match.
  1385. >Her cutie mark is of a magical trail that leads into a set of eyes.
  1386. >She seems to be resting, but the flicker of her ears gives away that she’s awake.
  1387. >What would you like to do?
  1388.  
  1389. >You give Redheart a supporting glance, and she nods as you walk forward, staying behind you as you go over to Charm Rose.
  1390. >You sit down next to her and she slightly flinches, opening one eye to see who’s invading her personal space.
  1391. >When she sees you, she groans through her teeth.
  1392. >”Why couldn’t I knock your skull in at that tournament.”
  1393. “So how’s he doing?”
  1394. >She looks right up at you, aware you weren’t going to go anywhere anytime soon.
  1395. >She sits up and flicks her mane out of her eyes.
  1396. >”How do you think? They haven’t found anything and won’t anytime soon. Too bad he doesn’t have much longer than soon.”
  1397. >Charm’s tone suggest she’s had grief for a long time, but has become too accustomed to the feeling to care.
  1398. “I’m sorry about that… Look, I didn’t know if you were here or not, so I wrote you a letter to give you a few updates. Please read it?”
  1399. >You offer the letter to her, and you stare back.
  1400. >Finally, she takes it with her magic and rips off the ribbon, unrolling it and speed reads it.
  1401. >About halfway through, however, she blinks and starts from the top, going at a much more reasonable pace.
  1402. >It takes her a minute to finish the letter, but when she does she lets out a sigh of disbelief.
  1403. >”So it’s called the Jovius Curse, huh?… And you’ve actually talked not only to Princess Cadance, but Celestia too?”
  1404. “That’s right. We’ve been burying our heads in study to help your brother, and even though we managed to find a healing spell, we already know it won’t work on the curse.”
  1405. >The letter is suddenly thrown right into your face, and Charm gets out of her seat.
  1406. >”I bet you found a spell to be an ass too, right?”
  1407. >Redheart steps in at this point.
  1408. >”Charm? He isn’t lying. I can tell you firsthoof that we’ve been through more than you could ever believe, and this is just the tip of the iceberg. Please know we’re not lying. We can go get Princess Cadance right now.”
  1409. >Charm Rose regards Red carefully, looking at her nurse’s signature and cutie mark, and the sincerity of her words.
  1410. >Her horn shimmers slightly, and her eyes widen in sudden shock.
  1411. >”…Oh Celestia… It’s true, isn’t it?”
  1412. >”It is. We wouldn’t ever lie about something like this.”
  1413. [ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CC74u5trmbA ]
  1414. >She looks back at you, and tears instantly begin to well in her eyes.
  1415. >”Y-you… actually did all of this for us?…”
  1416. “I told you before didn’t I? I’d prove to you I could help. I set out to do just that, and… well, I didn’t help that much, but I tried.”
  1417. >Her tears start falling like a coursing river, her lips trembling and her composure shattering.
  1418. >”…B-but… W-why? Why help us?”
  1419. >You try to keep yourself composed as you talk to her, with debatable levels of success.
  1420. “You deserve better than what’s happened to you, and him. …I’ll be damned if I’m going to sit here and let an innocent pony die and watch any of you suffer such pain. No way.”
  1421. >She suddenly runs over to you and throws herself around you, crying into your chest.
  1422. >She’s far too choked up to say anything in gratitude, her emotions flooding her after all this time of being repressed.
  1423. >Her subtle vibrations as she pours everything out to you rock you to your very soul, and she finally speaks.
  1424. >”…I… I… I’m s-s-so sorry about b-before…! P-please… I’m sorry!…”
  1425. >What do you do?
  1426.  
  1427. >Without any hesitation, you embrace Charm and hug her back, patting her very softly.
  1428. “It’s alright…. It’s alright, I’m here for you…”
  1429. >Redheart lets the two of you be, a look of love and respect and sorrow flowing through her own emotions, biting back her tears at the sight.
  1430. >You don’t know how long you sit here with her, rocking her slowly, feeling every bit of sorrow that’s been chaining her up these past weeks, nothing but pure despair for her loved one seeping from her in this very moment.
  1431. >But eventually, it subsides, she grows weary of the relief to have finally let it go, and her red, puffy eyes open and watch you.
  1432. “If you need anything at all, just ask and I’ll be here to help you. I'm sorry, but we’ll have to leave for the Badlands soon, where I have to enter the Changeling’s Hive and stop something that threatens the world right now. But, the second I'm done I will travel to White Tail Island and follow a lead to somepony who might know a cure. I promise you.”
  1433. >”T-thank you… Nopony’s ever been so… thoughtful..”
  1434. “It's fine, after everything you've been through. It must have been tough on you, going through all this misfortune and not being able to see a way out. But you have my word that we're going to do everything we can to help him. In order to do that, though, we need as much information as we can get. If it's not too hard to talk about, do you remember anything about when he first began to grow ill? Had he gone anyplace or spoken to anyone unusual around that time?”
  1435. >She rubs her cheeks with her hooves, trying to clean herself as she sits on your lap.
  1436. >”…I don’t know… He left home one day, a-a while back… a-and I went looking for him during the night, but it was really cold for some reason and I couldn’t stay out long… I had to stop searching b-because I didn’t have any clothes and I couldn’t freeze to death out there… I went home, and a… a few hours later, a stallion came to the door and brought my brother to us, but he was already in the coma, and… I… I don’t know what happened!”
  1437. “Who was the stallion?”
  1438. >”I… I was too scared for Steel and I didn’t really catch what he looked like…”
  1439. “Can you remember anything at all?”
  1440. >Charm closes her eyes, rubbing her head in attempts to remember.
  1441. >”Uh… I… Gh, I can’t remember… It’s so blurry, I just…”
  1442. >She takes a second to catch her breath, and looks at you with sadness in her eyes.
  1443. >”He was a unicorn, and… I remember dark colors… maybe robes? It was very cold out, so he was probably keeping himself warm…”
  1444. “Do you remember when, and what happened to make Steel leave home?”
  1445. >”It was four weeks ago, today… He… He just went to go get us some groceries…”
  1446. >Fresh tears begin to brew as her memories begin to surface, so you decide to stop.
  1447. “It’s okay, it’s okay… Thank you for telling us.”
  1448. >You give her one more hug to make sure she’s alright, and she steps down from your lap to the seat she was in, and you stand, a small wet spot on your chest.
  1449. >”I’m… I’m sorry I couldn’t remember more… I’m sorry I was such a jerk, and I’m so sorry-”
  1450. “Charm, it’s okay. You had and have every right.”
  1451. >She nods slowly, sniffling and trying to dry her face again.
  1452. >Is there anything else you’d like to ask Charm Rose?
  1453.  
  1454.  
  1455.  
  1456. “Charm, I promise you I will do everything I can to help. If that involves moving mountains, then consider it done. I wish I could talk more, I'm sorry, my train leaves soon and I have to go.”
  1457. >”Anonymous?”
  1458. >You turn back to Charm to see what she wants.
  1459. >”… Thank you… thank you so much. For everything.”
  1460. >You smile to her, and give her a proper goodbye.
  1461. >You hug each other with more control, and you and Red wave goodbye.
  1462. >”We’ll be back soon enough, don’t worry!”
  1463. “Remember what I said.”
  1464. >Charm nods and waves back, tears still brimming as you and Red exit into the lobby.
  1465. >As you both start walking back to the front desk, you speak to your marefriend.
  1466. “Red, you really are something, you know that? Thank you for your help with Charm. It never would’ve gone so well without you.”
  1467. >”I think it would’ve went better than you think. You’re going to make a great doctor, Anon.”
  1468. >Gh.
  1469. “Y-you too.”
  1470. >Red giggles a bit at your post-emotional spaghetti, and you reach the receptionist’s attention a moment later.
  1471. >”Welcome back. Did the meeting fare well?”
  1472. “Pretty well. Thanks for telling me she was here. I think I’m ready to start buying now.”
  1473. >”One moment!”
  1474. >…
  1475. [Mi Amore Hospital] - Head of Council: Miracle Shine
  1476. >”Alright, here’s the cart. Take your time and tell me what you want!”
  1477.  
  1478. -Medkit (“The standard-issue first aid kit.”) [20 bits]
  1479. -Supply Medkit (“It’s the same kit, but more portable and less weighty.”) [35 bits]
  1480. -Isopropyl Alcohol (“Have to be careful with those wounds.”) [7 bits]
  1481. -Roll of Gauze (“One time, my mother used this in stitching and made a gauze t-shirt. I wore it for halloween and pretended to be a mummy.”) [5 bits]
  1482. -Needle & String (“For stitching, use with caution.”) [5 bits]
  1483. -Set of Bandages (“I hate it when my foal gets into the bandage drawer and pretends he’s really hurt… Can’t say it isn’t cute, though.”) [10 bits]
  1484. -Anesthetic (“This helps to ease the pain of more intense injuries, but too much will send them into a coma, so be careful.”) [100 bits]
  1485. -Casting Agent (“Just heat it up and drench gauze in it, keep it slinged, and bones will heal in due time.”) [100 bits]
  1486. -Sanitizer (“Always have to be clean and ready for action if you’re going to be messing with ponies’ bodies.”) [5 bits]
  1487. -Doctor’s Mask (“Keeps your germs off the patient, a good policy to be followed.”) [10 bits]
  1488. -Latex Hoof Gloves (“Oh, seems we don’t have any gloves with fingers at this hospital… But your friends, or Nurse Redheart here could use them!”) [10 bits per pair]
  1489. -Doctor’s Coat (You already own this item.) [70 bits]
  1490. -Practitioner’s Coat (“It comes with a lot of detailed instructions and special chemicals that can be put to great use by a master in the medical arts.”) [1,200 bits]
  1491. -Healing Potion [Small (33% HP) | Medium (66% HP) | Large (100% HP) | Omega (125% Overheal)] {7/14/21/40 bits}
  1492. -Mana Potion [Small (33% MP) | Medium (66% MP) | Large (100% MP) | Crystal (33%, used for other functions)] {12/24/36/12 bits}
  1493. -Syringe (“You’ll need this to inject any chemicals and withdraw liquids.”) [50 bits per needle]
  1494. -Doctor’s Kit (“This is a one of a kind item that usually only hospital heads or wardens possess. It’s a medkit with magical enchantments that really get the job done, and the supplies never run out, a permanent, re-usable medkit!”) [7,500 bits]
  1495. >”Is there anything you’d like to take with you?”
  1496.  
  1497. -Buy
  1498. -Sell
  1499. -Talk to Receptionist
  1500. -Exit
  1501.  
  1502.  
  1503. >You have selected Doctor’s Kit (7,500 bits)
  1504. >Total: 7,500 bits
  1505. >Do you want to buy this item? Y/N
  1506.  
  1507.  
  1508. >Y
  1509. >You have bought the Doctor’s Kit (+100% healing effectiveness, +25% Overheal, dispells all physical and mental status effects, 7 turn CD in combat, grants ability Clinical Cutthroat)!
  1510. >Your bit pouch: 2,102 bits
  1511.  
  1512. [QUEST ITEM COMPLETE: Become a Legendary Doctor - Doctor’s Kit (1/1)]
  1513. [LEARNED CLINICAL CUTTHROAT (Steal the life from an enemy and bottle it for later use, creates Small Healing Potion, usable once per battle)]
  1514.  
  1515. >You hold the kit within your hands, feeling the power of the enchantments within with your own magical sensing.
  1516. >”I hope you do well with it, champion!”
  1517. >The receptionist wheels away the cart as you stand there with this new bonified instrument of healing, and you look at Redheart.
  1518. “This might help us a little, don’t you think?”
  1519. >”Just a tad…”
  1520. >You both laugh and smile at the fortune you’ve been shown on this quest.
  1521. “Oh, here.”
  1522. [You give Redheart 2 Supply Medkits.]
  1523. >”Oh, thank you.”
  1524. “Alright, we should get going.”
  1525. >You take a quick look at the time and see that it is 5:00 P.M.
  1526. >Getting out of the hospital, you and Redheart step out into the fresh, crisp air and begin trekking towards the Train Station.
  1527. >”Take a look around, Anon. It’ll be a while before we ever come back here.”
  1528. “Yeah, that’s right. I’ve spent more time here than I have in Ponyville or anywhere else, so it feels most like home. Then again, I’m getting tired of looking at crystals.”
  1529. >”Ditto…”
  1530. >Is there anything you’d like to do on the way?
  1531. ...

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