/mlp/ CYOA - Part 3

PART 3

 

You’ve been in Ponyville for over almost two weeks now, and you’ve managed to fit in quite well. Your arm has healed up nicely, and you feel better than ever. You’ve been doing random jobs around town that have earned you some extra bits. Rarity has asked you to help her around her Boutique even more now, but not to the extent of an actual job.

 

You have hung out with the other Mane6 as well, and you’ve gotten to know them pretty well. Their personalities, their mannerisms, what they like to do recreationally. However, you still feel that Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy are your closest friends. You are more likely to hang out with them, and you are happy with that at least for now.

 

Current Relationship Points as of Day 12

R: 65 (+10)

RD: 50 (+11)

FS: 50 (+15)

TS: 35 (+25)

AJ: 35 (+25)

PP: 35 (+25)

 

It has become much colder around Ponyville these past few days. Winter should be right around the corner. Winter has never been your favorite season, and you’re not sure how to handle it when it comes. You’ve also contemplated your future; should you stay here through Winter or should you pack it up and leave? You enjoy it here a lot, but you still doubt that you will find happiness here for the long term.

 

~

 

Day 12

 

It is an early Sunday morning. You’ve been up just staring out that window, thinking about what to do today. Rarity has left until tonight, and you haven’t planned much else to do today. You did, however, promise Rarity that you would reorganize her fabrics before she got home. You have yet to do that as of now, but it shouldn’t take you more than an hour or so.

 

What shall we do?

 

>A) Read the newspaper for some interesting news

>B) Reorganize the fabrics now

>C) Lock up the house and go out for a bit

>D) Go back to sleep

CHOICE B

 

It would be a great idea to just organize the fabrics now. You’ll get the rest of the day to yourself, who can complain?

 

You take two hours removing all of the fabrics from their current positions reorganizing them in in order of hue. Then you neatly repack them so that they are easy to access. A job well done, Rarity will be quite pleased. You also take the time to sweep up the Boutique. It looks fantastic.

 

The clock now reads 10am. What do?

 

>A) Lock up and go for a walk, alone.

>B) Lock up and go find something to do with a friend.

>C) Read the newspaper for interesting news.

>D) Stay and be lazy for a bit.

 

 

 

CHOICE B

 

You grow slightly weary of being around ponies all the time, so you decide to take a walk. Enjoy the serenity of solitude and whatnot. You open the door and a harsh breeze hits your body. Winter was definitely around the corner. You close the door and grab the sweater Rarity knitted you. You haven’t actually worn it yet, but you were happy knowing you wouldn’t freeze your butt off.

 

You throw the sweater on and leave the Boutique. You start to wander towards Sweet Apple Acres, but you decide to stay hidden from Applejack, as this time is supposed to be about you. You veer off the path and head towards the Everfree forest. You reach the forest and realize that you had forgotten your bag. You weren’t entirely keen on just wandering in there without having your gear. What do?

 

>A) Go in, have no fear, Anon.

>B) Head back towards safety.

>C) Sit at the edge of the forest and contemplate things for a bit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHOICE B

 

You decide that it’s not worth the danger of going in. You weren’t feeling that adventurous today either. You turn around and head back towards Sweet Apple Acres. Walking past SAA you see Applejack working hard bucking a few trees. There were far fewer apples than have been and the leaves were all starting to fall off.

 

What do?

 

>A) See AJ for a bit.

>B) Keep walking alone, more solitude and serenity.

>C) Spy on her, it can’t hurt to be sneaky.

 

 

 

CHOICE A

 

Enough being alone, let’s talk to Applejack. You walk over to her, ducking under a few trees as you go. She eventually notices you and greets you with a smile. She was sweating a bit, but you could tell that she was probably a bit cold. She waves at you to come and talk.

 

“Well look who it is!” she says, rubbing the sweat off of her forehead. “How are ya doin’, Anon?”

 

What say?

 

>A) Be positive, have a nice conversation.

>B) Don’t get too excited, just say hi and leave.

>C) Ask how she feels about you staying in Ponyville.

 

 

CHOICE (A+C)

 

“I’m doing pretty swell, AJ.” You reply happily. “How’s your day been going?”

 

“Oh it’s been alright…” Applejack replies. “Jus’ been workin’ hard around the farm. Gotta make sure that we clear these trees before it starts ta snow ‘round here.”

 

You both continue to chat happily, discussing a few different things. One of which is the winter in Ponyville. You end up asking her how she feels about you being in Ponyville. She doesn’t answer immediately.

 

“Well, sugarcube…” she begins to say. “I’m not sure, really. I mean, a lot of us like havin’ ya around. You’re very interestin’, ‘specially since you’re ta only human that’s ever come ta Ponyville.” She stops for a bit to clear her throat. “But ta only thing that matters is how you feel about bein’ here.” She smiles weakly at you.

 

What say?

 

>[Free response]

 

 

“Well…” you start. Applejack looks at you intently. “I’m not entirely sure how I feel. I think I miss being home, but Ponyville is feeling more and more like home every day. Maybe I miss being around other humans? I don’t really know.” You sit under the tree before you continue. Applejack sits next to you. “I don’t really know where I belong, honestly. And don’t get me wrong, I’ve absolutely enjoyed meeting everyone in Ponyville. It’s been a lot of fun learning about all of you ponies… but if I don’t find a reason to be here soon, I may just pack up and leave.”

 

You both sit quietly for a few moments. It feels get that out. Applejack looks a bit saddened, but she is still interested in talking more with you.

 

“What do ya think your purpose should be, Anon?” she asks you, keeping eye contact with you.

 

What say?

 

>A) I think I want stronger friendships.

>B) I think I want to develop a romantic relationship.

>C) I think I want a fun job in the arts.

>D) I’m not sure yet.

 

 

CHOICE B (+A, +other)

 

“Well… even though I’m truly an alien in this world full of multi-colored fun, I’ve made many friends here. It’s become easier and easier to mingle with you ponies, and all the residents here are finally accepting my being here.” You stop for a bit to scratch your nose and to gather more of your thoughts. “I think I’m missing something closer than a friend though. I feel like I need to take it to the next level with someone here.” You blush slightly, and look at the ground. Applejack continues to listen intently, her posture remains unchanged. “But what if I just leave? Let’s say I go back to where I came from. I may end up regretting it because everything I did here would have no validation. I’d be shunned or sent to a loony house. And I may never find that special someone there. Here, I feel like I can find it. But I don’t know if that’s what I really need.” You take a deep breath and exhale. You were talking really fast for a second there.

 

“Sugarcube…” Applejack says softly. You put a hand up to stop her.

 

“Do I stay and make this my new permanent home? And search for that special someone here?” you ask her, in a hushed tone. “Or… do I just go back and forget this ever happened?” Applejack frowns, but she rubs your back with her hoof.

 

What do?

 

>A) Apologize for confiding in her, leave quickly to be alone.

>B) Sit in silence for a bit, try to recollect your thoughts.

 

 

CHOICE A

 

You get up quickly. Applejack looks at you with a frown.

 

“I’m sorry.” You say to her. “I shouldn’t have told you any of this. Please, just forget that I mentioned any of it, ok? Don’t tell anyone else. Please.”

 

“Sugarcube… you should try an’ talk with…” she starts, but you shake your head in disapproval.

 

“Forget that I said anything, ok? I’ll be fine. I’m just going to figure things out on my own.” With that, you briskly walk off, leaving Applejack staring unhappily in your direction. You don’t even think to look back. You don’t want to make her feel as bad as you do right now.

 

You don’t know if you are angry, or sad, or just tired. So many emotions are running through your mind. You keep walking briskly, not paying attention to where you’re going. The wind has now picked up much more. It’s even colder than it was earlier.

 

What do?

 

>A) Keep walking, clear your mind.

>B) Find someone to talk to

>C) Go back and apologize.

>D) Head home, you’ve had enough walking for the day.

 

 

CHOICE C

 

You stop in your tracks. It wasn’t right to just storm off like that. Applejack was trying be there for you. You head back to apologize to her and make things right. You head over to the same tree you were sitting under. No AJ in sight. You walk through the acres a bit more, scanning the area. You don’t see the orange pony anywhere.

 

What do?

 

>A) Give up, apologize later.

>B) Keep searching, this is important.

>C) Sit under a tree and recollect your thoughts.

 

CHOICE B

 

This is no time to give up! You keep searching for Applejack. You check out the barn, the house, nothing. You return to the acres of apple trees and scan them again, hoping you will see her. Aha! You see a small orange blob deep in the middle of the acres. You sprint over to try and see if it is really her. The wind blows harder, almost knocking you off your feet. You regain balance and continue to sprint. The orange blob gets closer and closer. You eventually come within clear distance of what is indeed Applejack.

 

You slow your pace and ease up as you approach her. She turns and looks at you, but doesn’t say anything. She has an angry look on her face. She turns back and continues to buck apples, ignoring your presence.

 

AJ: 30 (-10)

 

What say?

 

[Free Response]

 

[spoiler] I’ll wait a bit longer this time, I promise [/spoiler]

 

 

 

“Applejack…” you say, walking closer to her. She still doesn’t acknowledge your presence. “Please forgive me. It was awful for me to overreact like that and just storm off. I’m just not… well, I’ve never been in a situation like this. I didn’t know how to keep going and…”

 

“Ya coulda just stopped when ya felt like it was enough.” She says sternly, still not looking at you. You feel yourself start to tear up a bit.

 

“I… w-was just stressed out. I’m just very confused about what I want to do and I thought you would have just made fun of me or…” She turns around and finally looks you in eye.

 

“An’ why would I go an’ do that?” she asks angrily. “Ah’m yer friend, Anon. Friends are there fer eachother. I would never make fun of ya over somethin’ this serious.”

 

“You’re absolutely right….” You reply. “I’ve just never known what it was like to have true friends like you all. I guess I thought it was all just for show. I should have known better though.” You wipe the tears from your eyes. “I’m sorry, AJ. Please, just find it in your heart to forgive me.” Applejack sighs deeply and walks closer to you.

 

“Ah’course ah’ll fergive ya, Anon. Ah wouldn’t stay mad at ya like this.” She rubs her face a bit, she may be crying. She looks at the ground. “Ah’ll have you know that we all really love that you’re here with us. Including me. But ah don’t like that you’re havin’ these thoughts about leavin’ an’ such. And as fer the romantic stuff… well, if it’s what ya’ll want, then you need to go fer it.” She looks up at you and smiles. “But as fer who it could be… well that’s somethin’ you’ll hafta find out yerself.” She wraps her forehooves around you. “I fergive ya, Anon.”

 

What do?

 

 

[Free response]

       

 

You hug her back, both of you shedding a few tears. You embrace for a few moments, realizing that you almost lost something good. “I’m never going to hurt you again, I promise, Applejack.” You whisper in her ear. She steps back and smiles at you.

 

“Ah know ya won’t, sugarcube.” She says smiling at you.

 

“Is there anything I can do to make this up to you?” You ask, still feeling really guilty. Applejack doesn’t reply at first. She looks at you warmly.

 

“Jus’ don’t leave us, sugarcube.” She says softly. She turns and trots off before you can reply. You stand there feeling much better. But now you have a lot of difficult decisions to make. You turn around and head towards town.

 

AJ: 55 (+25)

 

~

 

You arrive in town after half an hour of walking. The harsh winds had subsided a bit for now, but it was still quite cold. You stopped by café and grabbed a cup of hot coffee to warm yourself up. You sit by the window and stare outside. You pony-watch for a bit; you see them running around, taking care of their various errands, just like humans do. You enjoy watching them, even though it truly isn’t as entertaining as it may seem. You’re still not sure if you should stay or leave. You can’t keep putting this off.

 

Decision time.

 

>A) Consider leaving, you don’t belong here.

 

>B) Stay, and make the best of this new life.

 

 

 

 

CHOICE B

 

You will stay. Your 21 years back home were nothing compared to the 12 days you’ve spent here in Ponyville. You couldn’t fool yourself; you love it here. You love the happiness, the friendships you’ve acquired, everything about it is absolutely fantastic. This is home. This has been home since day 1. It’s just taken you a while to realize it. You will continue to live here. But that means you will have to get a job. And possibly move out of Rarity’s house.

 

Rarity….

 

There is something about her that you can quite understand. You’ve spent most of your time around her. She’s treated you great. You’ve gotten to know each other better than anyone else. But… is she right for you? You’ve managed to get past her shell a few times, one being that massage you gave her a few nights ago. But she never brings it up again. It’s almost as if she is embarrassed to bring it up. Or maybe she doesn’t know how to react to being so close to you….

 

So many things to think about, but luckily the biggest decision has been decided. You order another coffee. You glance over at the clock on the wall; 6pm. The day isn’t over yet.

 

What do?

 

>A) Choose a pony to pursue.

>B) Decide on a pony later.

>C) Worry about a job first.

>D) Put these decisions off for now, you have some time yet.

 

CHOICE A

 

Maybe you do want to get closer to someone. You don’t mind that it’s a pony, what they can give you is love and attention. Someone who is always there for you. That is what you really want. This may be difficult. Not only do you not know which pony to go after, you don’t know how they may react. This may take some time, but it’s important that you start now.

 

~~

 

Ok, let’s figure out our Relationship Points so far.

 

R: 65

FS: 50

RD: 50

AJ: 55

TS: 35

PP: 35

 

Let’s follow this schematic to see how difficult/easy it may be to pursue one of the romantically:

 

30-49: Friends

50-74: Good Friends, you can start flirting here

75-90: Possibly Romantic Interest OR Best Friends

91-100: Maxed, this pony is either your PFF or your soulmate

 

Obviously, we still need to gain a few points before we can try to get involved romantically. So whom should we try to pursue?

 

>First pone to 5 votes is chosen.

 

 

Applejack.

 

You’ve managed to spend a bit of time with Applejack. You and her clicked really well together, but she was much more into physical activity than you were. It may be hard to impress her at first. You may even have to think outside of the box for this one.

 

Applejack is also the only one that knows that you want to look for a love interest. She may be weary to your advances, but she didn’t seem to turn the general idea down when you brought it up.

 

But there’s just something about her. She is incredibly friendly and outgoing. She was easy to get along with and she appreciated your company. You find her accent to be wicked cute as well. She is a very genuine lady. You’ll have to keep that in mind.

 

Is this who you really want?

 

>A) Of course, Applejack it is!

>B) Buck no! This won’t end well.

 

 

CHOICE A

 

Applejack will be your sugarcube. She will be a phenomenal choice, you’re sure of it. It may be difficult, but the reward will far outweigh the work. If it doesn’t work out, we can always change our mind later.

 

~

 

You pay for your coffee and leave the café. It’s about 7pm now. You start walking towards the middle of town to see if anything interesting is going on. You walk for a few minutes. Many of the shops are already closed. Bummer, but it’s ok. Maybe it’s time to head home anyways.

 

You then see one shop with the lights on. You’ve never actually seen that shop have any activity in it. There must be some new ponies trying to make an honest bit in Ponyville.

 

There is no sign around, so you can’t identify what kind of shop it may be. Suddenly, you hear the familiar sound of a piano. Someone was smashing the keys quite hard, as if they were angry. You walk closer to the shop and peek through the window. The shop is loaded full of music equipment, ranging from keyboards to violins, from saxophones to turntables. There was even a nifty synthesizer in the back. You then see a gray mare and a white mare both arguing inside. The white one was smashing the keys whilst the gray one was swinging what looked like a cello bow in defense. What do?

 

>A) Leave, this is NOT worth your time.

>B) Knock, try to break up the fight.

>C) Watch for a bit longer, this is kinda funny.

 

CHOICE B

 

As a musician, you fear for the safety of those instruments! Oh, and the bickering ponies, too.

 

You knock loudly and wave at the ponies through the window. You see the gray one hide the cello bow behind her back and blush furiously. The white one hits the piano again and walks over and answers the door. Her mane is an electric mix of blue and cyan, and is quite unkempt. She opens the door stares at you with brilliant red eyes.

 

“Sorry, we’re closed.” She says with a smirk. “Come back, tomorrow!” She tries to shut the door, but you keep it open.

 

“I just noticed you two were having a bit of an altercation. I decided to step in before those instruments were the things that were damaged.” You say coolly. The white pony steps backwards with an embarrassed look on her face. You see the gray mare in the background try to hide her face.

 

“Uh… well… what’s it to you anyway, bro?” she asks aggressively.

 

“Vinyl stop.” Says the gray mare elegantly. “It was a good thing that this young fellow came by to stop me from…” The one name Vinyl glared at the gray mare.

 

“Come in I guess…” says the white mare, muttering something under her breath. You walk in, avoiding the instrument cases and sheet music sprawled all over the floor.

 

What do?

 

>A) Inquire about fight, try to resolve it.

>B) Ask about the shop, maybe there’s a job opening.

>C) Nevermind, I’ll just leave then.

 

 

CHOICE A+B

 

“What was this argument about, ladies?” you ask gently. The ponies look at each other angrily.

 

“Well…” the one named Vinyl starts. “Octavia here wants the main focus of this shop to be classical music.” She says with a slight sneer. “I, on the other hoof, think that electronic music is where the focus should be!” The gray mare named Octavia growled angrily.

 

“I completely disagree!” Octavia shouts. “Classical music should be the foundation of musical involvement and is the choice of those with a bit of class!” Vinyl was not having it.

 

“I’ll show you class!” she shouts. She grabs a saxophone and prepares to swing it at Octavia. You take the saxophone from her quickly. Vinyl steps off a bit, still furious.

 

What say?

 

>A) I agree with Vinyl. Electronic music is the future.

>B) I agree with Octavia. Classical music is the foundation.

>C) You’re both right and wrong. You see….

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHOICE C

 

“You both have valid points.” You say as you place the saxophone gently down in its case. “However, it is unfair to claim that one is better than the other. You see…”

 

You go on to explain how music has evolved over nearly a millennium, and is only as good as its predecessor was. You also explain that the future of music will be based on what before it, whether it claims to be new or not. Vinyl and Octavia stare at you with mouths ajar. Did a human really just educate them on some music?

 

You finish with a gentle smile on your face. Octavia and Vinyl stare at each other.

 

“Well… I must admit that you make quite an argument….” Says Octavia, trying to regain her composure.

 

“Dude, how do you know all of this stuff?” asks Vinyl, still dumbfounded.

 

You go on to formally introduce yourself and explain that you attended a Conservatory for 4 years. The two ponies almost don’t believe it.

 

“I don’t believe it.” Vinyl says, crossing her arms. “Well, Mr. Anon, this sounds like a bunch of bull. If you’re so good at music, then prove it.” You blushed slightly. It never bothered you to play in front of people, but on the spot is a bit different.

 

“Well…” you say. You gulp and look at all of the instruments. You begin with the saxophone, your personal favorite. Tenor at that. You put it together, and blow a few notes. Not too shabby. You go on to play a fast jazz solo that you memorized for one your old musical juries. You go on for a few minutes. Octavia and Vinyl look at you shocked. You finish up and smile.

 

 

 

“And that’s not all…” you say as you put the sax down. You walk over to the piano and start to play a classical movement that you performed for your Senior recital. The piano was slightly out of tune, but your point was made clear. You get up from the piano and walk over to a set of turntables.

 

“And one more…” you say. You put a record on and start scratching the vinyl like crazy (lel). Not as good as your sax playing, but then again, turntables weren’t your specialty.

 

As you finish, Vinyl and Octavia stare at you at a loss for words. Suddenly, Octavia claps. Vinyl joins in a few seconds later. You give a quick bow and walk over to them.

 

“I hope that’s proof enough.” You say happily. Vinyl and Octavia nod in unison.

 

“Absolutely, Mr. Anon.” says Octavia.

 

“Righteous, my man.” Says Vinyl.

 

What do?

 

[Free Response]

 

 

 

“Thank you, thank you.” You say, smiling. “So do you think you two lovely ladies would be interested in having me around the shop to help out? I need the bits, and it definitely looks like you need some help. At least from killing each other, huh?”

 

Vinyl and Octavia blush. The two then huddle together and whisper to each other. The whispering goes on for a few moments, until Octavia rises and clears her throat.

 

“Well, my dear Anon.” she starts. “Vinyl and I think that you working around here would be a great idea.” She smiles at you. Vinyl nods her head. “Absolutely, dude. You are gonna help us make a bunch of money!” Octavia scowls at her.

 

“Now, Vinyl. … you know our mission is to promote the musical arts in the community. Making money is second to that”

 

“Octavia, you need to get you head out of the clouds. We have the opportunity to make some serious dough here!”

 

“We are not going to be making any “dough” at the expense of our new friend and employee here.”

 

You can see where this is going.

 

“Gee, it’s getting late. I’ll come back tomorrow around 10am to help make the shop look presentable. Alright, bye you two!” you speed out of the shop fast. Breaking up one fight is enough for tonight.

 

O: 20 (+20)

VS: 20 (+20)

 

You walk back to the Boutique so you can tell Rarity the great news. You walk in slowly and notice that she wasn’t working. You look at the clock; 11pm. She would definitely be asleep by now. You head upstairs to check for sure. You slowly enter her room and see her sleeping peacefully on her large bed. You smile and leave quietly.

 

You walk slowly back downstairs. You notice a note on your bed. You open it and read it:

 

“My darling Anon,

 

Thank you so much for cleaning up the Boutique. It looks absolutely fabulous! I’m very thankful that you’re around to help me out!

 

Love, Rarity”

 

You were happy that she acknowledged your hard work, but you also feel bad that you didn’t get to see her today. Oh well, you’ll talk to her tomorrow morning.

 

You jump in bed and close your eyes. The entire day replays in your head again. It may have started out bad, but it ended beyond great. You finally feel excited for the next day to begin.

 

But Applejack…

 

You can’t forget your main goal at the moment. We’ll see her tomorrow.

 

You think about her cute face and smile, and you drift off to sleep.