Gilda CYOA part 4

(CHAPTER 4)

 

>Time stands still.

>Pinkie Pie is still talking, but the blood is pounding in your ears and you can't really hear what she's saying anymore.

>Not that it probably matters.

>Dash is staring at you.

>You're staring at Dash.

>You can tell she's still angry.

>I mean hay, you're also pretty angry at her too.

>However, nearly dying sort of put things in a different perspective for you.

>It's an oddly calming thought that just a few days ago your biggest problem was with Dash.

>And now you're having trouble figuring out why it was even an issue in the first place. It just all seemed so... stupid.

>You finally break eye contact and look around the bar. Sue, Clyde, Homely, and even Shimmerwing are all here, along with a bunch of ponies you don't recognize.

>You see Shimmerwing's sly grin, and you figure he's the one who told Pinkie your evening plans.

>Or she just somehow knew. You wouldn't put that past her.

>You decide to save the rest of your thoughts for later, as you realize that everyone is waiting for the bit to drop and either you or Dash to... well... do something.

>Let it never be said that you kept the masses waiting. You weren't that type of gal.

>"Hey Rainbow." you step fully into the bar.

>Not even a moment passes before she zips past the crowd and has a hoof on your chest.

"Oh no you don't. What do you even think you're doing here huh?"

>"Oh am I not allowed to be? I wasn't aware this party was invite only."

>You didn't really mean to push her buttons. Your personality was what caused you to be friends in the first place. Apparently now it just caused friction between you two.

"No. Seriously. What do you think you're doing here. Last time you were here you were a bully and a jerk."

>Her words sting, mostly because of how true they were. However, you weren't the only one who could say hurtful truths. You try to laugh it off, but it just comes out with a sad tone.

>"Well, maybe things would've been different if I hadn't felt betrayed by somePONY."

>If you had been in a better mood the look on Rainbow's face would've been priceless.

>Now it just made you feel sick.

"YOU-" She starts.

>You bring up your talon and remove Rainbow's hoof from your chest and walk past her.

>"Chill girl." You start walking past her as she's still sputtering, trying to find the words to say. "We can yell and beat the stuffing out of eachother later." you whisper to her as you pass by.

>"But right now this party doesn't really feel like a party." you call out a bit louder, hoping the rest of the ponies get the hint.

"Woohooo!" Pinkie all of a sudden pops up inbetween you and Dash and throws a forearm over each of you. "I knew you two could be friends again!"

>You decide to not mention the fact that it's taking all of your willpower to smash the nearest chair over Pinkie's head.

>Getting chased out of town again was not on your to do list right now.

>"Yeah... this is... great... Pinkie."

>You don't bother listening to her as you remove her from hanging on you. One last glance at Rainbow shows her mouth hanging open in shock.

>You take some solace in that. It's wasn't often you left her speechless. At least not with how much she usually just spoke her mind to you.

>You walk over to the only other ponies you knew and do your best to put on a neutral face to not betray how much you wanted to...

>You weren't even sure what you wanted to do. Break some ponies face? Fly away?

>It certainly wasn't attend a party. That's for sure.

"Wow... I've seen a lot of faces in my time, but never one that screams 'I need a drink' as much as yours right now" Homely says.

>A drink would certainly help take the edge off this situation right now. Skies above knew your nerves could use some calming.

>But a small voice in the back of your mind thinks that may be a bad idea with your knife's edge temper.

 

A. Buck it. You've earned a drink.

B. Bad idea is bad idea.

(B was chosen)

 

>"You have no idea how happy that would make me." You smile weakly at Homely.

>He grins and starts walking towards the bar, but not before you've grabbed his tail.

"Ow! Hey!" He looks over his shoulder.

>You roll your eyes, "I wasn't done yet. It'd make me happy, but it's probably also one of the worst things I could do right now."

>Clyde and Sue both smile at you.

"Oh you don't need to drink to have a good time," Sue says, "after all this party is for you! Just gotta get out there and socialize."

>"That's what I'm worried about." you mutter under your breath.

"What was that dearie?" Sue cocks her head.

>You wave her off, "Just had a thought, don't worry."

>With that you head off and grab a drink- just apple juice. You make sure of that.

>The party seems to be getting back into the swing of things now that you and Dash are no longer the center of attention.

>Before long some ponies are coming up to you and introducing themselves to you. You don't bother remembering their names though.

"So what was that whole thing with you being arrested by the guards earlier?"

"Why are Pinkie Pie's parents here?"

"You seem different from the last time you were here. What happened to you?"

>You're about to tell all these ponies to shove off and stop asking you question when you realize something. Why not make the best of the situation?

>you can maybe improve your reputation with these ponies, be the center of attention in a ~good~ way, and get ponies talking about the Knights to draw them in to you.

>You smirk. "So you want to know what happened oh?"

>The ponies look to eachother, then back to you, nodding excitedly.

>"Oh I don't know... It's a long story, there's fighting and danger... You probably wouldn't be interested in hearing the whole thing." You say as you lift your talon and inspect the claws disinterestedly.

>More ponies have started to gather around you.

"Pleaaase?" One of them asks, eyes widening absurdly large.

>"Oh alright." you 'relent'.

>You get into a comfortable position, crack your neck and smile at the crowd you've drawn.

>Hook, line, and sinker.

>"Well," you start, "Before I start I need to tell you about a group of ponies. Ponies known as the Knights of Harmony..."

 

>"And Clyde scoops him up on his back and LEAPS into the train!"

"That's my dad!" Pinkie shouts, having joined the crowd a while ago.

"No way!" one of the ponies interjects.

"Yes way!" you grin, "That old guy is more spry than you think."

>Clyde puffs his chest out at this, looking quite pleased with himself.

>At this point most of the ponies had stopped the party to listen in.

>There was even a familiar looking earth pony at the bar who was listening. However, instead of interest, he appeared to be considering something.

>Even Dash had stopped what she was doing to lean against one of the walls and listen in. She was still glaring at you the whole time, but you had noticed a few smiles at some parts of your stories.

>Mostly at the parts you had embellished. After all, a good story deserved a few good exaggerations.

>"So here we are, thinking we've finally made it and get get some rest when a guard comes out of nowhere and says-"

"STOP RIGHT THERE CRIMINAL SCUM."

>You jump slightly before realizing it was just Shimmerwing adding to your story.

>You nod and sweep your talon over the crowd. "Exactly. And now we know that this doesn't look like the best situation. We did just board a train after all, and then Homely here tries to ~bribe~ Shimmerwing, and well, he wasn't having that..."

>It was at this point you noticed the pony who had been at the bar earlier had dissapeared. You didn't know if you should be suspicious, but you couldn't shake the feeling you had seen him before.

>It wasn't in Trotston. The only pony you hadn't recognized before was the grey unicorn. But it still bothered you.

>Unfortunately there wasn't much you could do about it right now, and decided to continue your story.

>Before long you reach the end of your story, and you get up, stretch, and take a quick bow before your rapt audience.

>It isn't long before the dams burst and ponies are bombarding you with questions again.

"What was it like being buried alive?"

"Why won't the guards believe you?"

"Do those knights really exist?"

"Mrs. Pie knows how to fight? That's hot."

"Did you have to eat rocks to survive?"

>You weren't able to respond to any of the questions thrown at you (and did you really hear some of those right?) but thankfully before you're overwhelmed Shimmerwing steps in.

"Alright, that's enough. I'm sure she would love to answer all of your questions tomorrow."

>You're about to say something before realizing just how tired you are. You look up at the clock and see just how late it is.

>You nod, say goodnight and get ready to go while most of the ponies dissapate. Soon enough only you, Sue, Clyde, and Shimmerwing remain. It looks like Rainbow left sometime during your story. Not that you had the energy to deal with her right now anyhow.

>Sue asks where you're staying, and you explain how you were able to stay at the community housing and not to worry about you.

>She of course brushes away your words and informs you that you simply must have breakfast with them over at Sugarcube corner.

>"I'll think about it," you say as you open the door and walk out into the brisk night air.

>You pause for a moment though, your head twirling around.

>You could've sworn you saw something move out of the corner of your eye...

>Your fur on the back of your neck raises as you narrow your eyes looking for further movement.

 

A. Investigate the movement.

B. Head back inside and ask for someone to walk you back to the place you're staying.

C. Fly up into the sky before flying home so the shadow can't follow you.

(C was chosen)

 

>You rush around the corner without warning, trying to catch whomever was watching you off guard.

>Unfortunately all that awaits you is an empty alleyway.

>You lift off and fly just above the roof line of the alleyway. No sense in boxxing yourself in. If you're going to hunt you're going to make sure you don't end up being hunted.

>The fur on your neck bristles again. You spin around and catch something move on a rooftop two buildings away.

>"Hey!" you yell, despite yourself.

>You fly over to the roof and look over the edge, scanning for anything.

>"I know you're out there." You call, trying to goad them into revealing themselves.

>After a few seconds it looks like they aren't taking the bait.

>You pause for a moment. If they're trying to keep an eye on you, and you're looking for them, then they'll be one step ahead of you since you're not as stealthy.

>But if you think about it the other way, want to keep an eye on you. So if you try to lose them, then they have to start doing the chasing...

>You grin.

>"You wanna play hide and seek eh?"

>You shoot off the rooftop and down into the alley, speeding inbetween buildings.

>You break out into the open air marketplace, although now devoid of ponies, and fly towards another slew of buildings.

>A quick glance over your shoulder reveals the shadow trying to keep up while still trying to stay out of sight.

>You look around to try to find a good place to put your plan into action.

>You don't have to look long as a large house comes into view. You turn the corner and throw your talons into the ground, coming to a sudden and complete stop.

>You spin around and try to quiet your breathing as much as possible.

>...

>...

>Suddenly you hear the soft sound of wind being displaced by wings.

>Gotcha.

>The shadow comes flying around the corner and straight into your waiting talons. In one swift motion you twist your body and press the shadow up against the wall.

"Ow! That hurts you jerk!"

>"Rainbow Dash?!" You drop her in surprise and she ungracefully falls to the ground.

>Rainbow Dash leaps to her hooves and glares at you accusingly.

"What they hay was that for huh?"

>Your mouth drops in shock. "What they hay was that for? Are you bucking kidding me? Did you not even listen to what happened to me? You try and follow me after that and of course I'm going to assume you're somebody chasing me. What did you even expecting to accomplish by doing this!" you rant.

>Rainbow Dash opens her mouth to defend herself, but you have had enough right about now. You jab your talon into her nose and continue.

"No. I don't give a flying feather what you have to say to me right now. I was ready to rip out your throat for goodness sake! I don't care what stupid reason you had for doing this but-"

>Your next word chokes in your throat.

>Oh no.

>All the adrenaline you just had suddenly evaporated into thin air after realizing it was Dash who was following you, and now you just suddenly felt betrayed, angry, and weak.

>Too many emotions for a now tired griffon to handle.

>You choke back a sob and quickly turn your head. You don't want anyone to see you like this, let alone Rainbow.

>"W-when I told you we could do this later, I meant tomorrow. Not now." you force out.

>"I'm going to go sleep. Don't follow me again..." you say as you turn and walk away. "Please." you add as quietly as possible, almost hoping she doesn't hear you.

"Gilda... Gilda wait!" You hear behind you.

>You don't.

"Gilda! I'm... I'm sorry."

>You pause for a moment...

 

A. Just keep walking. You made it clear you'd talk to her tomorrow.

B. Deal with her now.

(B was chosen)

 

>You sigh and sit down, making sure you're facing away from her.

>There's a brief moment of silence where you hear Dash shuffle around uncomfortably.

"Look. I was thinking about what you said earlier. And... well when you flipped out on my friends I thought that wasn't cool." she sighed

"And then you had the nerve to come back here and say I betrayed you!? That wasn't cool. But then I kept thinking about it, and I guess I can kind of see how maybe I wasn't being the best friend either... I mean-"

>"Rainbow Dash." you interrupt.

"Uh... yeah?"

>"Did you follow me only to apologize?" your voice cracks a bit.

"I... I guess? I mean, you know me, I don't really think things through, I just do it, ya know? And I know I'm not very good at this emotional stuff, I usually just-"

>"RAINBOW DASH." you interrupt again. You take a deep breath to calm down. "I'm painfully aware that you don't think, because if you did think for just a moment you would realize that I don't want an apology. I never did."

"What? Oh... uh... that's... okay. That's good right?"

>"I'm aware I wasn't acting the best back then either. I hadn't seen you in a while and I wanted to hang out, and I just got really annoyed when Pinkie kept trying to interrupt. I acted like a hatchling, and yes, I was, as you said, a bully."

>You breathe again, your voice gaining strength. "But I've accepted that's who I was. Hay, that's probably still who I am even. No Rainbow I did not want your apology."

>You spin around to face Rainbow Dash. She looks like she's lost all confidence in herself right now, and you don't know whether to laugh or cry. She looks so... not Rainbow Dash right now.

>"What I wanted was for you to care. After I left did you care about me? Nope. You just stopped. Stop caring. Probably stopped thinking about me. I felt awful. I lost my best friend because I acted like a dweeb."

>You sigh. "The difference between us right now is I know how I acted, and I accept that I did wrong. You don't even know what you did wrong Rainbow. You didn't even try to think about it."

>You sniffle a little, but rub your eyes quickly. You don't cry after all.

>"What I wanted was for the pony who is apparently chosen by some magical force as the very representation of loyalty to, you know, act loyal," you almost spit the word out of your mouth, "for just. One. Single. Moment."

>You back up a little bit. Apparently you had unknowingly been stepping towards Rainbow during your last tirade. Rainbow's silhouette is quaking in her hooves right now. From anger, fear, or sadness though, you can't really tell.

>"Even now I still don't think you care. I just finished telling everyone about how I almost, oh, you know, DIED, and you chase me not to ask if I'm okay, but to clear your conscious by apologizing."

>"Well guess what Rainbow. I am NOT okay. My life has been a mess. I have nothing. So unless you want to try to add something back into this crappy life of mine, then just stay the buck away... okay?!"

>You stare at Rainbow Dash for what feels like forever, panting for breath after your rant.

"...Okay." she finally responds.

>It's so soft you almost miss it, but it was there.

>"Goodnight Rainbow." you say after another few minutes of silence.

>You walk off. You don't even turn back as you leave her sitting there.

>The journey back to your temporary housing is a blur. You barely even register crawling into bed. And you're asleep before you hit the pillow.

>One nightmare and a fitful sleep later, you wake up looking like a cross between a fluffball and a manticore's backside.

>Thankfully the community housing comes with a place to shower.

>It's only been two days since you took a bath at the Pie's house, but it feels much longer than that.

>Feeling much cleaner and much more awake, you finally feel prepared enough to tackle the day.

>First things first you decide to head back to Twilight Sparkle's place. Might as well get that out of the way early.

 

>You make your way through town, and unlike yesterday, ponies aren't staring at you. In fact, a few of them even wave and smile at you.

>You assume those are the ones who attended your party yesterday, and you at least attempt to smile back at them.

>Judging by some of their faces you don't always succeed at your attempts.

>But you make it to the tree-house without too much commotion.

>Only to find there now a sign out front.

'Out shopping. Please leave any message you have in the mailbox. The library will be open after noon. -Spike'

>"Figures..." you grumble.

>Well, that was as far ahead as you planned your day so far...

>So now what?

>You suppose you could take Mrs. Pie up on her offer for breakfast. But that would mean tolerating Pinkie some more.

>You also consider maybe finding Rainbow Dash and apologizing? You wonder if you were maybe to hard on her last night.

>Or maybe you could just wander the town. Ponies were being friendlier now to you at least.

 

A. Breakfast at Pinkies.

B. Find Rainbow Dash

C. Take a walk.

(A was chosen)

 

>Yeah... talking to Rainbow right now probably isn't the best idea.

>Besides, you wouldn't look cool at all if you sought her out after just walking away yesterday.

>Your stomach growls in agreement.

>You decide that food is your best bet right now.

>Even though your best bet to get food is at Sugarcube corner...

>You take a deep breath.

>You steel yourself.

>Sacrifices must be made.

>For food.

>For ~free~ food.

>You sigh and start your death march.

>Let it never be said you didn't have a flair for the dramatic.

 

>The little bell jingles as you step through the door of the entirely too gaudy store.

>You're greeted by a stallion who you've never met before.

"Welcome to Sugarcube Corner! Home of the best sweets and treats in Ponyville! How can I help you miss?"

>"Uh. Mrs. Pie told me to come here for breakfast?"

>You also really wished ponies would stop calling you miss.

"Oh! You must be Gilda then. The Pies have said quite a lot about you. They're in the back helping out in the kitchen actually. Let me go get them for you."

>You nod and take a seat at a random table.

>Before long both Sue and Clyde come out. Thankfully Pinkie does not join them.

"Good morning dearie" Sue calls to you.

>You vaguely raise a talon in acknowledgement as they join you at your table.

"Have you eaten yet? You can have anything you want, it's on us."

>You nod and pick out the least sugary thing you can find.

>You make smalltalk with the Pie's for a bit, and breakfast turns out... actually quite pleasant.

"You're taking this better than expected." Clyde says after a small lull in conversation.

>You pause with a bagel halfway to your mouth. "Taking... what?"

>He rubs the back of his head sheepishly.

"Well this whole situation really. Frankly I wouldn't be able to keep my composure if anything that's been happening to you happened to me."

>"You helped me fight off the Knights... how is this not happening to you?" you ask.

"Err, I mean, I'm not the one they're after."

"Clyde!" Sue says as she slaps the back of her husbands head.

>You smirk, "So how am I supposed to be to taking this then? Panicking and running around in circles?"

>Clyde lowers his head.

"Well when you put it like that..."

>You shrug. "Hey, I'm in this mess now, I figure freaking out is something I can save for the moments where my life is actually in danger."

"I think dearie," Sue clears her throat, "What my husband is trying to say is he feels you are treating this situation lightly. Have you given any thought as to what you're going to do?"

>You've given plenty of thought to what you're doing!

>Ish.

>Maybe.

>So maybe your plan consisted of wait for the knights to come to you and beating the ever-loving tar out of them when they did and handing their sorry butts over to the Royal Guard.

>Okay so maybe your plan wasn't so much a plan as it was guidelines.

>"What do you mean?" You finally respond.

"Well, where are you going to stay? You're staying in the Ponyville community housing currently correct?"

>You nod.

"Well if I recall correctly ponies can only stay there for a certain amount of time. And getting back to your old house... well, I can't imagine you going back to Trotston soon." Sue adjusts her glasses at this.

"What I'm trying to say here, is we want to help you."

>You tilt your head. "Why are you going so far out of your way to help me anyway?"

>Sue and Clyde share a look at this and shrug.

"We're sure you'd do the same for us dearie."

>Your eyes widen, and you don't really have a response to that.

>You're thankful they think so highly of you. But you don't quite know where exactly they got this image of you.

>"Thanks."

"Anytime," Clyde nods. "Now you don't need to have anything figured out soon, just keep us in mind if you need anything. We'll be staying in Ponyville a few days before going back to the rock farm."

>You nod. "Also... I've been meaning to ask... A rock farm? Really?"

"It's good business." Clyde shrugs.

>You chat about a few more things before deciding to head on your way.

>You're wondering if it's late enough that Twilight might be back at her house yet when a voice calls out to you.

"Gilda!"

>You turn your head. It's that pony who was at the bar the last night.

>"Do... do I know you?"

>The stallion looks hurt for a moment, but his smile returns fast enough.

"I guess that's my own fault for not being memorable enough. The names Coat. I know I look very different when I'm not in my armor." he says as he strikes a pose.

>You inspect the pony for a few more seconds before it comes to you. "You were the other guard on the train."

"Got it in one," he laughs, "Anyway, sorry to interrupt your day, but Slab wanted to talk to you."

>"Sure. It's not like I have anything else to do." you quip sarcastically.

"Hey, sorry about that. Orders are orders, ya know? Even when I'm not technically on duty." he shrugs and flashes you another grin.

>"You know... I like you better when you aren't on duty," you mention, "and unlike Shimmerwing you actually seem to know what emotions are."

"Tell me about it. It's all gloom and doom when you got the armor on. Anyway, that's neither here nor there."

>Well, at least you have something to do now. Although it looks like it's almost noon. Twilight's house isn't that far out of the way onto guard station, you realize.

"Hey..." you start.

 

A. Ask if you can take a detour to Twilight's house.

B. Go see what Slab wants to talk to you about first. Twilight might not even be home yet anyway.

(B was chosen)

 

>"Hey... Mind if we get this over with? I do have things to do you know."

"Right right. Busy griffon after yesterday I imagine. Signing autographs everywhere."

>"...Huh?"

"Oh please." He laughs. "You're the talk of the town after your little storytime last night. I'm surprised more ponies aren't harassing you with more questions honestly."

>You thought about it for a moment. They were pretty eager to ask questions last night, but now they seemed to be giving you some pretty respectful space.

>You shrug, "They at least aren't treating me like a manticore anymore, so I'll take what I can get."

"Anyway, we might want to get going. Don't want to keep Slab waiting after all."

>You nod. You haven't seen him angry yet, and frankly you don't really want to.

 

>You've been walking with Coat for a while now.

>You've been chatting with him in the meantime. He's surprisingly easy to talk to.

>It turns out he had been down on his luck for most of his life, but had recently turned it around and gotten into the royal guard.

"If there's hope for me, there's hope for anypony." He says.

>"I hope so, I could certainly do with some hope for me." you sigh.

>You look up and and see Coat looking at you strangely. Almost... sad.

>"What? Was it something I said?"

"No... no nothing like that." He shakes his head. "Anyway, we're already here." he motions to a building.

>You look around and suddenly realize you haven't seen this part of town before. "Here? Is this the back to the guardhouse or something?"

"When did I ever say Slab was waiting there?" he asks you.

>You open your mouth to respond... and realize he's right. "So where are we then?"

"Where we needed to go," he smirks as he opens the door to the building and motions for you to step inside.

>You do so...

>And that's when you feel something impact the back of your head.

>As the ground rushes up to meet you, you hear 'Sorry... but... orders are orders... ya know?'

 

(END OF CHAPTER 4)