/mlp/ CYOA - Version Cyan - Part 6

Part 6 (3 votes)

 

“Can… can I become corrupt?” You ask, still staring back at your reflection. Your left eye was as red as Twilight’s, but the fire wasn’t present. That evil, persistent flame.

 

Your friends stand quietly, still in shock. They look frightened. You’re not sure of what, but you have some ideas. Rainbow Dash sits next you on the bench, staring at the snow on the ground. Her posture is enough for you to see that she is worried.

 

“H-hey…” she says softly, still not looking at you. “Maybe it’s just a trick? You know?” You continue to examine your eye in the old mirror.

 

“This is no trick.” You say. “I don’t know how this happened. But… I don’t feel any different. I don’t feel corrupt… not at all….”

 

Rarity turns to look at her mostly-ruined Boutique.

 

“Anon, you can’t let it get to you right now.” She says, flipping her mane in the air. “You have to be above whatever influences Twilight may have.”

 

Pinkie Pie plops next you and nods her head quickly.

 

“Yeah, Anon! You can’t let this one small thing get in the way!” she says. “For now, we need to find out what to do next. We still have to find Applejack and Fluttershy.”

 

“Fluttershy….” You whisper. You never found any sign of her at her cottage. But… the windigo….

 

“Come on, Anon. What’s the plan?” Rainbow Dash says, still looking at the ground.

 

What say?

 

>A) We need to find Fluttershy.

>B) We need to find Applejack.

 

 

CHOICE B (Wow, 5 votes now)

 

“Applejack.” You say as you stand up from the cold bench. “We have no clue where Fluttershy might be. We are better off that way.” The three ponies nod in unison.

 

“Before we go, you need to know a few things about Applejack.” Rarity says, trotting up to you. “She is powerful. She is far more powerful than any of us. And her endurance is even better.” You hear Rainbow Dash clear her throat loudly. “Well… her endurance is matched only by Rainbow Dash’s, of course.”

 

“So she is a brute.” You say. “Are you suggesting we need to outsmart her?” Rarity nods her head.

 

“She is no brute, Anon.” Rarity says. “She may be immensely strong, but her wits are sharp. Fooling her would be no easy task.”

 

“Even with four of us?” You ask, doubting that Applejack could take you ALL on. Rarity doesn’t answer immediately. She paces around for a few seconds, messing with her mane.

 

“There is strength in numbers, yes.” She finally says. “But, Anon, you have to understand that if she is corrupt, then she is far more powerful than we realize.”

 

“And that’s where the danger lies.” Rainbow Dash adds, flying up from the bench. “We can’t let our guard down at all.”

 

You look to Pinkie to see if she has anything to add.

 

…

 

 

She’s asleep….

 

 

“Well, we have a couple of options.” You say. “We can head over to wherever she lives… Sweet Apple Acres, right? Or we can rest for the night, and attack in the morning. Or we can chase down Fluttershy instead.”

 

Rainbow Dash and Rarity look at you while you ponder your decision.

 

What do?

 

>A) Let’s go now.

>B) We need to rest up, get reorganized.

>C) Let’s go after Fluttershy instead.

 

 

CHOICE B

 

“Let’s find a place to rest.” You say. You put the old mirror back into your bag. “We could all use some downtime.” Pinkie snores gently in response. Rainbow Dash flies down and tries to wake her up. “The best place would be Fluttershy’s cottage. Unless you have any other suggestions?” The two ponies shake their heads.

 

You decide to walk towards Carousel Boutique. It’s absolutely trashed. There are cracks all over the place, chunks missing out of the walls, and there are bits of crystal everywhere.

 

That was a dangerous fight. You had to make sure this next one wouldn’t be as problematic.

 

Rarity walks up to you. You turn and give her a weak smile. She looks up into your left eye, giving you an equally weak smile.

 

“Anon, darling.” she says. “We never properly met. I am Rarity! Fashionista extraordinaire! I’m sure you’ve heard of my works? I’m am most pleased to finally meet your acquaintance.” She puts out a hoof, you meet the hoof with a fist bump.

 

“I’m glad you’re on our side, Rarity.” You say. “I don’t need anymore cuts like this.” You feel the one on your face. It was scabbed, and probably not pleasant to look at.

 

“I am ready to fight at your side, darling.” She says with a determined look. “I will do whatever it takes to get my friends back to normal.”

 

RARITY has joined your party!

 

What do?

 

>A) Alright, let’s leave.

>B) Search Carousel Boutique.

>C) Talk with: [Select a Pony]

 

 

CHOICE C: Rarity

 

“Rarity, do you think that there is anything inside your Boutique that can help us against Applejack?”

 

Rarity rubs her chin, then shakes her head.

 

“Other than a lovely dress, I don’t think so darling.” Rarity says. “Applejack hates dressing up. She is quite… uncouth…. At first that is. Then you get to know her, and it ALL make sense. You know what I mean, right Anon?”

 

“Yeah, I think so….” You say. “Is there any other talents you have that I should know about? Aside from the death crystals?”

 

“Oh, darling, I don’t think I could do that again even if I wanted to.” She says, laughing nervously. “I can, however, clean you up and heal you if anything happens. Once we get to Fluttershy’s, I will clean up your wound for you.”

 

“Cool, a healer is nice.” You say.

 

Bond with Rarity strengthened!

 

What do now?

 

>A) Let’s go, everyone.

>B) Search Carousel Boutique alone.

>C) Talk with: [Rainbow or Pinkie]

 

 

CHOICE C: Rainbow

 

You and Rarity walk back over to the bench where Rainbow and Pinkie are. Pinkie is still fast asleep, Rainbow was doing sit ups. You ask Rarity to try and wake Pinkie up. She complies, walking over to the passed out pone.

 

You walk up to Rainbow Dash, who is happy to see you. You kneel next to her.

 

“H-hey, Anon!” she says, still doing sit ups. “Are you doing ok?”

 

“Never better.” You say. “I was more interested in knowing how you feel actually.”

 

Rainbow Dash stops and sits up. She blushes a little bit, before she responds.

 

“I’m fine, you big lug.” She says. “You… you’re always worrying about me and stuff.” She rubs her wings slightly. “I should learn to accept it. Because honestly, deep down, I love the attention.” Her cheeks are a deep shade of red.

 

“Rainbow Dash, you’re such a romantic.” You say, teasing her slightly.

 

“If you say any of this, to ANYP0NY, I’ll deny it, and then I’ll bean you.” She says with a sly smile.

 

+5 LP

 

RD LP: 87

 

Rainbow Dash gets up and gives you a nuzzle before walking over to Rarity, who has failed in waking Pinkie up. You walk over and pick the pink knight up.

 

“I’ll just carry her over. You two lead the way.” You instruct Rarity and Rainbow Dash. They comply.

 

…

 

Carousel Boutique disappears in the distance.

 

…

 

…

 

 

You arrive to the Cottage in half an hour. You lay Pinkie down on the couch, who snores contently. Rarity cleans up your wounds and clothes. You feel refreshed! You instruct her and Rainbow Dash to sleep upstairs. You decide to stay downstairs with Pinkie.

 

You check a clock:

 

1:59am.

 

What do?

 

>A) Sleep.

>B) Explore the house.

>C) Leave the house.

 

 

CHOICE B

 

You don’t need sleep. You decide to search the house for any items that may benefit your upcoming battles.

 

You take your shoes off (for maximum sneaking), and check your bag:

 

- Magic Gloves (Hot, bright)

- Crystalline Dart (x1)

- Big Bag of Bear Food

- Old Mirror (cloudy)

- Yellow Feather

 

You cough quietly as you zip your bag up. Pinkie was still snoring loudly. You check the windows and doors; everything is locked. You find a small flashlight on the windowsill.

 

Small Flashlight equipped.

 

You walk into the kitchen. You search the cupboards more thoroughly this time around. You find a Chocolate Bar! You search the trash bin, the counters, the table…. You find another Yellow Feather, an old can, and a few bits.

 

You decide to put them back.

 

What do?

 

>A) Explore living room.

>B) Explore upstairs.

>C) Alright, I’m done.

>D) Leave the house.

 

 

CHOICE B

 

You head upstairs quietly. The doors in the hallway are all slightly ajar. You peek in to the first room: you see Rainbow asleep, snoring loudly. The second room: Rarity is asleep, snoring softly. The third room: empty, except for the same familiar bed and closet. You knew there was nothing in there.

 

You hear a loud bang outside. Your heart doesn’t leap, but you rush the window at the end of the hallway. You see nothing outside, for it is far too dark.

 

What do?

 

>A) Ignore it, it’s all in my imagination.

>B) Go outside and check on the noise.

 

 

CHOICE B

 

You head down the stairs quietly. Your head begins to hurt, but you need to make sure everyone is clear. You have to protect your friends.

 

You grab your shoes and head to the kitchen. You look out the window. You still can’t see much of anything; just a dark forest. You slowly open the back door and head outside.

 

You put your shoes on, just to be safe.

 

Your flashlight begins to flicker, but it still functions.

 

You search the perimeter of the house, keeping close to the shadows. You don’t see anything out of the unusual. You notice a chicken coop in the back. The door on it is closed. No point in checking on that.

 

You look into the forest. It is completely pitch black, but there is a path that can lead you in.

 

Your head pounds more.

 

What do?

 

>A) Head into the forest.

>B) Keep searching outside.

>C) Check Inventory.

 

 

CHOICE B

 

You decide to keep out of the forest for now. You continue to search the perimeter of the house. You still find nothing. And your headache is getting worse.

 

You head back to the chicken coop and lean against it, holding your head. The pain was starting to agitate you.

 

You hear the door shut by the kitchen. You duck behind the coop entirely. After a few moments you pop your head out to see what it was.

 

Rainbow Dash was outside. It looks like she was searching for something.

 

 Probably you.

As you look at Rainbow, your headache becomes far worse. It causes you to fall backwards into the snow. You grit your teeth hard, trying to fight through the pain.

 

You hear another loud bang. This time, it comes from the forest. The bang makes your migraine worse.

 

You start to cry. The pain is unbearable.

 

You writhe in agony on the ground, hoping it would stop.

 

You manage to open your eyes slightly. You see Rainbow Dash by the entrance to the forest. She doesn’t go in immediately. You’re certain she wants to check on the loud noise.

 

You reach out to her, trying to call her, but nothing comes out. You can’t speak. You can’ t think.

 

She walks into the forest slowly, looking around for any disturbances.

 

You manage to get up. Your vision is still blurred from the pain. You hold yourself up against the coop.

 

“R-rain…. Rainbow…” You stutter softly. She doesn’t hear you.

 

What do?

 

>A) Head into the forest after her.

>B) Head back for help.

 

 

CHOICE B

 

You push yourself off of the coop and you stumble towards the cottage. You need backup; going into that forest alone would be suicide. Your vision is still incredibly blurry, yet you continue to press on toward the back door of the cottage. You eventually reach the door.

 

You try to open it but your hand slips. The pain in your head causes you to fall down the door, but you still try to open it.  No luck. You can’t gather enough strength to twist the knob.

 

You hit the door repeatedly as hard as you can, which isn’t very hard. You’re hoping that Pinkie will come to your aid. You hit it and hit it, still struggling to see straight.

 

Eventually you see Pinkie run towards the door, followed by a bed-hair laden Rarity.

 

Pinkie opens the door for you, and helps you up.

 

“Anon! Are you ok!?” she asks. You try to respond, but no sound comes out. Pinkie grabs a Chocolate Bar out of your bag and gives it to you. It warms you up and it fixes your vision slightly, but you still can’t speak.

 

“Anon!” Rarity yells. “Say something!” You grab your locket from your chest. You point at it and to the forest.

 

“R-rainbow…” you mutter. “F-forest….”

 

“THE EVERFREE FOREST!?” Pinkie and Rarity yell in unison. They get you on your feet, and then they push you towards the dark forest.

 

…

 

You have been traveling inside the forest for about 30 minutes. Your vision was still good, your voice was better, but your head was still pounding. It feels like someone hit you in the head with a cinder block. Repeatedly.

 

Rarity’s blue aura was giving you light to see, and Pinkie was in the rear, her shield at the ready.

 

“Anon, this is hopeless.” Rarity says. “Are you sure Rainbow went in here by herself?”

 

You ignore her. You weren’t making all of this up. You saw her walk into the forest. You saw her!

 

You reach an abandoned campsite. Pinkie bundles a bunch of logs together, Rarity lights them it with her magic. The logs burned with a dim blue flame.

 

What do?

 

>A) Go on alone.

>B) Wait.

>C) Head back.

>D) Insist that you all keep searching.

 

 

CHOICE B

 

The three of you huddle by the magic fire. The snow gently falls around you. To be honest, you didn’t want to wait. You just wanted Rainbow Dash to be safe in your arms.

 

Your headache hasn’t gotten worse. Your vision has returned to normal. Your anger has risen a lot. Rarity and Pinkie Pie can tell; they haven’t said a single word to you.

 

You sit staring at the flame.

 

“We need to go find Rainbow Dash. Right now.” You say angrily. “We can’t just wait here for nothing!” Pinkie Pie looks at you.

 

“Anon, silly…” she says in a soft and calm voice. “We can’t just travel deeper in here. It’s too…”

 

“NO! IT’S NOT ANYTHING!” you yell, towering over Pinkie Pie. “THIS IS RAINBOW DASH.” Pinkie Pie looks at you, scared. You see tears form in her eyes.

 

“Anon!” Rarity says. “That is no way to behave! Please, control yourself!” You glare at her. Rarity rubs Pinkie’s back gently. “Now, now… he didn’t mean it. He’s just stressed out.” She gives you a look while Pinkie cries into her chest. “Anon, you should apologize.”

 

You glare at her. Apologize? For what? That mare is kidding herself.

 

“I’m SORRY.” You say, still angry. Pinkie stops crying and gives you a weak smile.

 

“A-anon, we’ll find Rainbow Dash.” She says. “Trust us, ok?”

 

You’re vision becomes blurry again. You’re headache becomes worse.

 

What do?

 

>A) Sit in silence.

>B) Head into the forest alone.

>C) Insist on going in.

 

 

CHOICE A

 

You sit in silence with Pinkie and Rarity. You look into the blue flame. It was wavering gently, yet it was very dim. You look up to Rarity, and you notice her dozing off. Pinkie was sitting, fiddling with her hooves. She kept trying to get your attention and smile at you.

 

You chose not to make any eye contact.

 

Your anger only increased as your migraine did.

 

You didn’t want to sit and wait. You didn’t want to waste another minute.

 

But you waited….

 

And you waited….

 

And you waited….

 

You hoped that Rainbow would see the flame, and return to you. Return to your arms. So you can embrace her, so you can….

 

SNORE

 

 

…

 

Rarity was fast asleep. Pinkie was as well. They were tired, they shouldn’t have come. You kind of felt bad.

 

You were becoming tired as well, but you were far too stressed out to sleep. You take your sweater off and throw it on the two ponies, covering them up.

 

You stand up and stretch. You reach into your bag and grab your gloves.

 

They were cold and dim.

 

Magic Gloves equipped.

 

You leave the campsite and head further into the forest.

 

…

 

 

You walk and walk. You’ve scratched yourself on trees, and you have an annoying rash on your neck. Your flashlight is dim, but working.

 

You find yourself in a clearing. There are a bunch of flowers around the place, of a deep red persuasion.

 

What do?

 

>A) Rest.

>B) Press on.

>C) Head back.

 

 

CHOICE B

 

You press onward, ignoring the fact that you really had no clue where you were.

 

Maybe this wasn’t such a grand idea.

 

You cross your arms, trying to keep warm. You really wished your gloves were as hot as they usually are. The snow was light, but not having a sweater was torture. The you look up and see the moon, shining brightly. It was giving you more light than your Small Flashlight. You approach a rickety bridge. On the other side; a series of ruins.

 

The pain in your head prevents you from standing. You fall to ground, still holding your head. You grit your teeth again, trying to fight the pain as much as you possibly can. But it’s no use (again). You have no way of truly stopping the pain. It is preventing you from going further.

 

You just wish you could see Rainbow Dash. You wish she was safe. You hope that she is. You feel like you are failing her.

 

She would tell you to keep trying. ‘Try harder, Anon! Don’t give up!’ she would say. You can picture it now. She is standing on her back hooves., cheering you on. Giving you the motivation to succeed!

 

…

 

But that motivation is faltering. You want to fix everything. But you can’t. It’s becoming difficult to travel on with the weight of the world on your shoulders. You have to Unify the six friends. You have to return them to Harmony. But what of you?

 

What of you?

 

“You are nothing.” you hear in you head.

 

“No! NO!” you yell.

 

“You are destined to fail, Anon.” you hear again. “You will lose her.”

 

You get up off the ground. You fight through the pain and rise from the ashes. You need to find Rainbow. You cross the bridge.

 

Back at camp….

 

 

“Guys? Rarity!? Pinkie Pie!?”

 

Rainbow Dash comes out through the shrubbery, happy to see her friends. Rarity and Pinkie Pie snap awake, fumbling around. Rainbow flies up to them. “What are you two doing out here?”

 

“Rainbow! We were trying to look for you!” Rarity yells, hugging Rainbow Dash tightly. Rainbow breaks the hug and looks around frantically.

 

“Where’s Anon?” Rainbow asks. “Isn’t he with you?”

 

Pinkie Pie looks around the campsite.

 

“He… he was here! With us!” Pinkie says, sweating slightly.

 

The three look around the area, sticking close to the fire. They find nothing.

 

“The only thing here is his sweater….” Rarity says. Rainbow starts to panic.

 

“Do… do you think something…” Rainbow falls to the ground breathing heavily. “He can’t… he can’t be…” Pinkie and Rarity run to her side, trying to comfort her.

 

“Darling, don’t fret. I’m sure Anon is just… getting some fresh air?” Rarity says, laughing nervously.

 

“But… WE’RE ALREADY OUTSIDE!” Pinkie screams.

 

There is a rustle in the foliage. The three ponies snap backwards, standing back to back.

 

“Wh-what was that!?” A startled Rarity asks.

 

The three ponies scan the area, watching for any slight movement.

 

“Heh…!”

 

The three mares jump backwards at what comes out of the bushes.

 

“Why, hello girls….” A yellow mare whispers. Her eyes are bloodshot, and her coat is a dark yellow. “It’s so nice to see you….”

 

~

 

You walk across the bridge, not looking at the large drop below. You weren’t afraid of heights, but you were already dizzy from the headache.

 

You manage to cross it without issues. The bridge snaps as you continue forwards.

 

“That was close…” you think.

 

No going back now.

 

A dense fog picks up as you head forwards towards a series of seemingly-abandoned ruins. You don’t know how far you are. You don’t know what may be wrong with Pinkie and Rarity.

 

All you care about is Rainbow Dash.

 

Nothing will stop you from finding her.

 

Absolutely nothing.

 

The fog deepens as you arrive to a large castle. Its old stone walls covered with moss. It must be centuries old.

 

Your head pounds as you enter the castle. You reach a chamber with a large statue in the middle. You walk around slowly, slightly enjoying it’s mysterious prowess.

 

If you weren’t absolutely pissed and in pain, you would actually be enjoying this little trek.

 

You circle the room a few times, looking for any clues. You knew Rainbow. If she was looking for something, she would totally stop at a place like this.

 

Well… you hope she would.

 

The moon shined through a large hole in the ceiling. It’s rays actually hurt your eyes.

 

You sit against a wall, in the darkness. You close your eyes for a moment. The darkness was nice. It was….

 

“Relaxing?” you hear. You don’t open your eyes. You already knew who it was.

 

“Where is Rainbow Dash, Twilight?” you ask, your eyes still closed.

 

“Not here.” She replies. “She is back at your little campsite.” Your eyes snap open. You get up quickly and confront Twilight, face-to-face.

 

“You’re lying.” You say, with a vicious snarl. “Don’t. YOU. LIE. TO. ME.” You see your reflection in your eyes. You red iris was redder than it was the last time you saw it. “TELL ME!”

 

Twilight Sparkle just laughs at you.

 

“Foolish, Anon.” She says, her eyes locked with yours. “Did you forget our little talk already?”

 

The anger becomes overpowering. You reach back and punch at Twilight with all of your might. But… your punch phases through her, like it was nothing.

 

“I warned you, Anon.” she says softly. “Now you are going to disappear.” She steps around you slowly.

 

“And you will never see Rainbow Dash again.”

 

~