Yet Another Horrible Decision - Chapter 1

                                        Yet Another Horrible Decision

 

 

                                                  Chapter 1

 

 

>You're floating in a sea of white.

>You know you've had this dream before. You've been having this same dream for several months now.

>Still, this is the first time it’s seemed this... vivid.

>Maybe you'll remember this one.

>Do you have a body this time?

>"Oh, that won't be necessary."

>?

>That voice. Seems familiar...

>"Terribly sorry it's taken me SO dreadfully long to bring you here."

"Uh, what? Who are you? What do you mean?"

>"Ah, right. That little detail. Allow me to introduce myself again, Anon."

>"My name... is Discord."

 

 

>"Rather unfortunate that you don't remember our previous chats. I daresay we made quite the "friendship".

"Uh huh. So, uh, Discord. Mind bringing me up to speed?"

>"I'm afraid we haven't much time on this particular occasion. You'll come to rather soon."

"Alright, I guess. So... what's up? I must only have these dreams when you want to talk."

>"Perceptive of you, dear Anon. I wanted to apologize. My targeting skills are rather reduced at present. You see, I'm being held captive here. It’s taken me quite a long time to find someone suitable. Not to mention the difficulty of bringing objects from a magically resistant world."

"Wait, magic?"

>"Yes, magic. I'll have a bit more time to explain once we get you out of the situation you happen to be in. Now listen carefully, and follow my directions..."

 

 

>"Applejack, what were you thinking?" Twilight Sparkle asks,

>"I was THINKIN' about the safety of my family and farm!" Applejack sharply responds,

>"But Applejack, the first alien creature to be found on Equestria, and you knock it out and hog tie it?!" Twilight queries,

>"First off, Twilight, Big Mac knocked it out and that was an accident."

>"Second off, I know ya didn't believe me but, my uncle Fuji was taken by one of these things once."

>"An' if I remember correctly we can only expect strange and horrible things from it. Probin' and such." Applejack says,

>"Your uncle is a drunk, and anyway, didn't it try to speak to you? You could understand it?" Twilight asks,

>"Yeah, it did. I'm not about to make conversation with anything that probes where my uncle said it does." Applejack responds,

>"Forget about your uncle! It could be an ambassador or emissary from another world!" Twilight exclaims,

>"Then WHY would it land on my farm? Surely anythin' capable of space travel would go somewhere reasonable." Applejack replies,

>"It could be that it just got lost, or had to land because of an emergency." Twilight explains,

>"Um, girls?" Fluttershy decides to pipe up,

>"Yes, Fluttershy?" Twilight replies,

>"I think it's waking up. Maybe we should untie it?" Fluttershy meekly opines,

>"Absolutely, Fluttershy. Quick, before it wakes up. We'll explain it was all just a misunderstanding." Twilight orders,

>"Y'all can do what you like. Me? I'm going to stand back here with another lasso, just in case." Applejack warily claims.

 

 

>You can hear voices again.

>Not only that, but this time you can remember your dream.

>If you're really not crazy, and those are ponies out there, then it's probably best to do what Discord says.

>You open your eyes to see three pastel colored ponies looking down at you.

>Well, Discord was right. You're not crazy. You hope.

>"H-hello there, creature from the skies. Welcome to Equestria! I am Twilight Sparkle, the princess' protégé." Twilight warmly says,

>That’s the purple one with the... horn? Wait, a unicorn? Seriously?

"Twilight... Sparkle?"

>"Oh, um, hello there. My name is Fluttershy." Fluttershy meekly introduces herself,

>This one is yellow and has wings. A pegasus. Great. Every type of horse is here, wonderful.

>"Heh, sorry about before pardner. Just a little misunderstandin' is all. Please don't probe me..." The orange applepony whimpers.

>Probe... wait, YOU'RE the alien here?! Yeah, definitely got to go where Discord said.

>It's the only hope you have of making any sense of this situation. OK, roll with it. Here goes.

"Ahem. Greetings, ponies of Equestria. I am Anonymous. I'm afraid I had an... accident."

"My navigational details did not match the area I found myself in, and I unfortunately ended up here."

>"You see Applejack, I told you. Oh sorry! Please go on um... Mister? Anonymous?" Twilight asks,

"Anonymous is fine. Anyway, I'm a bit off course and would very much like to be on my way."

>"Oh of course Mister Anonymous. You must be eager to meet Princess Celestia. I'm so sorry about before." Twilight responds, somewhat taken aback.

"It's no problem. Please, however, do keep my existence to yourselves, would you? I must be off."

>Now quickly get in the car, yes... just keep it cool and professional, like any alien emissary would.

>God you can't believe you can actually relate to that now.

 

 

>That is not exactly what Twilight had expected.

>The creature promptly gets up, dusts itself off, and clambers into its' vehicle.

>His vehicle? It didn't seem to oppose the "Mister".

>Still, Twilight didn’t figure it would be in such a hurry to go, especially since she mentioned her position.

>The creature’s craft roars to life and begins rolling... Wait, rolling? Why didn't it fly?

>"Applejack, didn't you say this was a space alien?"

>"Well I sure thought it was."

>"You didn't actually see it land, though."

>"Nuh uh. Just saw its strange space chariot on the ground there."

>"Hmmm. Maybe it needs a specific type of area to take off? That must be it."

>Still, she wonders. Why was it in such a hurry? Furthermore, why did it ask them to keep its existence a secret?

>There was definitely something strange here. An alien lifeform? In Equestria?

>Best to get back to the library. Princess Celestia should be alerted before he arrives.

 

 

>You manage to drive to the "Everfree Forest" without much issue.

>On the road from the farm you only pass a pair of regular p0nies who stare wide-eyed at you.

>Yup, you are definitely the alien here.

>Still, roads and farms? That indicates a degree of civilization.

>Furthermore, a princess? That indicates a government. Governments mean armies, generally.

>And you did not want whatever magical talking p0ny army existed to meet you before you figure things out.

>Discord's directions prove accurate and you make good time.

>Still, you ARE in ungroomed forestland now, and even if your arrival was anticipated little was done here.

>This causes you to slow to a relative crawl. Which gives you time to think.

>Why the hell are you here? Is all this really real? If this Discord is right, then yes...

>And who are you supposed to meet? Another partner in this endeavor?

>Almost time to find out. The cave you were told to go to is right ahead, opening under the mountains.

>It’s plenty wide enough to accept your SUV.

>Almost there...

 

 

>It takes a bit longer than you expect, the drive through the cave was slow and mostly uphill.

>But this is unquestionably where you are supposed to be.

>You’re in a larger cavern, next to a mid-mountain underground river.

>Ahead of you is an artificially lit structure, about two stories high, carved out of the cave wall.

>You reach under your seat and grab your pistol.

>It's an old 1911, plenty of stopping power but not much in the way of magazine capacity.

>You’re in a land of magical talking p0nies. Who knows if giant spiders live here too?

>Seriously, fuck giant spiders.

>OK, next to the large structure is an indentation in the cavern wall. Huh, must be a carport.

>This is all entirely too strange. Not too long until it starts making sense, you hope.

>OK. Time to get moving.

>You turn off the ignition and clamber out the door. You start a slow walk toward the front of the structure.

>You're definitely nervous. Whoever this "companion" is, you have no idea what to expect anymore.

>The door is just up ahead and to the left. But straight in front of you are several pairs of eyes.

>Glowing aqua eyes mostly, save for one pair of glowing green eyes. You raise your gun towards them.

>"Stay your hand, Anonymous! I am the one you seek."

>A green glow begins to emanate from above the green eyes, revealing several insect-like creatures, as well as the eyes' owner.

>A bizarre mishmash of p0ny and insect.

>"I am Queen Chrysalis. And I have waited a very long time to meet you."

 

 

>"I understand you have brought some things with you. If you would but open the doors of your... contraption, I believe my subjects could bring them in for you. No need to work those... delicious looking arms of yours."

>The voice coming from the large bug/p0ny - no, she was much larger than those p0nies you saw earlier.

>This was some kind of dragonfly/horse or something. But her voice was dripping with seductive grace.

>And those eyes. Her eyes! You've never seen anything quite so entrancing. You could stare into those eyes...

>No. Stop. This is stupid.

>"Please, Anon. Do come inside. My subjects have been hard at work these past few months building this place."

>"Your specifications were rather demanding, but for you I'd do... just about anything."

>Oh yeah, seductive was definitely the right word.

>Chrysalis leads the way as her "subjects" get to work unloading your belongings.

>Let's be honest here, back home you had a rather... fluid sexuality. But you never thought...

>She walks ahead of you with a bit of sway in her flanks, her translucent tail barely hiding her nethers.

>She definitely knows what she's doing.

>The interior of the structure, outside of its stone walls, looks just like any human habitation back home.

>Complete with appliances and artificial lighting.

>No climate control, but the interior of the cave is pleasantly warm with just a touch of humidity.

>Chrysalis sashays to a sitting room just inside the entrance and collapses on an ornate Roman couch.

>"Please Anon, have a seat. You and I have much to discuss."

>With a wave of a forehoof she indicates the black leather couch in front of her.

>Lacking any useful alternatives, you do as she commands.

 

 

>The sun begins its descent, allowing the moon to rise. Night had come to P0nyville.

>Twilight was now very concerned. The princess had not received any alien visitor, nor had anyp0ny else.

>She would question her own sanity were Fluttershy, Applejack, Big Mac, and the Crusaders not also witnesses.

>Lyra and Bonbon also ran into town in a state of shock.

>Well, Bonbon was shocked. Lyra was almost giddy, positive that the creature was a "human".

>Everyp0ny knew Lyra was a bit... odd given her fascination with such make-believe creatures.

>Still, the details she gave of what she imagined "humans" to be had chimed remarkably well with the alien’s form.

>Something strange is definitely ahoof. Either way, Fluttershy is present to question. Did she know anything further?

>"So Fluttershy, you are positive that this, let's use Lyra's term, human was of otherworldly origin?" Twilight asks,

>"Well, yes Twilight. He did sort of remind me of a monkey or... no that’s not right. Oh! An ape! Yes." Fluttershy replies,

>"Hmmm. There was nothing really magical about him. Actually he seemed to be resistant to its effects."

>That might make things difficult. Much in Equestria depended on magic.

>Any magic resistant creature could potentially be a threat. What if it caused magic to malfunction?

>That would definitely be problematic.

>"I did think he was very nice though. And very well-spoken! I'm surprised it spoke our language so well."

>Which only raises further questions in Twilight's mind.

>"Well, the princess hasn't heard anything about it. Maybe it got lost again? It already had once."

>"Oh I hope he didn't. He had no claws or anything! If he can't use magic, he might be defenseless... Oh no! What if he did get lost, in th-the Everfree forest! Oh that poor thing... Twilight, we have to help!"

>"I don't think he's defenseless. He could just stay in his vehicle, that way pretty much everything outside of dragons or hydras would be frightened of him."

>"I don't know Twilight. I'd feel very, very bad if the only alien to visit Equestria got eaten."

>"Maybe you're right Fluttershy. We'll sleep on it. In the morning, we should all meet up."

>"Sounds good Twilight. I'm going to head home, it's getting dark. Oh, I don't like the dark..."

>"You'll be okay. Good night, Fluttershy. If I hear anything from the princess I'll let you know."

>Hopefully he'll find his way to Canterlot tonight. Searching for an alien didn't leave much room for studies.

>Yes! Studies! Perhaps there's a book she can look into regarding initial interspecies relations!

>As usual, Twilight would end up spending most of the night juggling books with Owlicious.

>Just as she liked it.

 

 

>Applejack, on the other hoof, wasn't going to let her guard down so easily.

>Uncle Fuji may have a bit of a hankering for whiskey and hard cider, but he was still an Apple.

>And that entitled him to a bit of respect, especially as an elder.

>"Okay Apple Bloom. You and your friends can stay the night, but I want you to PROMISE ME you won't leave." AJ orders,

>"I promise sis. Do you really think the alien steals ponies and pr... probes?" Applebloom asks,

>"Yeah Applejack! What's a probing?" Scootaloo and Sweetie Bell respond in unison,

>Well this was going to be fun to answer.

>"Well girls, um... it's when ya get snatched up, real quiet like, in the middle of the night."

>"Ohhhhh."

>"An' then ya get laid out on a table or somethin'. An' that's when the worst part happens..."

>"What's the worst part? What's the worst part?!"

>"That's when they get out the knives an' such. An' ya get poked and prodded and cut open in the worst places!"

>"Oh no!"

>"An' that's just what they do to p0nies. Ya ever hear what happens when one a them gets ahold of a cow?"

>"Uh uh? What happens? What happens?"

>"Well, sometimes, cows'll just vanish... then their bodies show up, all inside out an' missin' organs!"

>The three crusaders can only gasp at that.

>"Now dontchya'll worry. Applejack and Big Mac are here to protect you. If any of you girls hear anything..."

>"We'll scream!" Applebloom shouts,

>"We'll cry!" Sweetie Bell squeaks,

>"We'll beat it up!" Scootaloo cries,

>"No, Scootaloo, you will not try to beat it up. Ya just call for Big Mac or me, an' we'll come runnin'."

>"Ok. G'night big sis!"

>"Yeah, goodnight Applejack!"

>"G'night, girls. Try not to be scared, and get some sleep. An' whatever you do, DON'T. LEAVE. THE HOUSE."

>She felt bad about scaring the girls, but no precaution can't be taken.

>She and Big Mac would sleep in shifts, one of them keeping an eye out just in case it comes back.

>It was going to be a long night.

 

 

>You still can't really believe what you're seeing.

>A bottle of wine and two excellently crafted crystal glasses float themselves to your table, ringed in green.

>The wine is an excellent vintage. Actually it's incredibly excellent. A 2001 Bordeaux Pinot Noir.

>That would have cost you a pretty penny back home.

>"Won't you be a gentleman, Anon, and offer a lady a drink?"

"Yes, Queen Chrysalis."

>You take the wine (uncorked very recently) and pour two glasses for yourself and Chrysalis.

>"Thank you, dear Anon. And please, just Chrysalis would be fine."

"Are you positive, Queen Chrysalis?"

>"Quite positive. You and I are to stand on level ground. Or don't you remember?"

"I don't, actually. I don't even know if this is all real."

>At this she gets up and saunters over to you.

>"Then let me help you. Touch me. Am I real?"

>You slowly lift your hand to touch her shoulder. Her bee-like fur is very soft, velveteen.

>It's also warm, and pulses with that essence of life that distinguishes reality from fantasy.

>Either this actually WAS real or it was the most elaborate delusion you can recall hearing of.

>She lowers her head and breathes into your ear. It's warm, humid and aching with need... no, hunger.

>"What do you think now, Anonymous? Is this fantasy. Or reality? Or per-haps it's both. Mm hm hm hm hm."

>You feel a flick of wet on the tip of your ear. It must be her tongue. A shudder courses through you.

>Damn, but she knows how to get to a man.

>She resumes her place on the couch in front of you.

>"Are you convinced now?"

>You try to stifle another shudder as you resume eye contact.

"Most definitely, Chrysalis."

>"Excellent! As for your memory, I was informed that may be... problematic."

"It's true. I guess I've been party to quite a bit that is entirely foreign to me at present."

>"Well darling, you... don't mind if I call you darling, do you?"

>She is the most entrancing seductress you've ever met. You doubt a succubus could be half as proficient.

"Call me whatever you wish, Chrysalis. I'd rather learn why I'm here, though."

>"Why you're here? Mm hm hm! Why, you're here to kill the royal family!"

 

 

>It takes a moment for that to sink in.

>Assassination? Of a whole royal family? That sounds... incredibly dangerous.

"Ahem... forgive me, Chrysalis, but which royal family?"

>"The royal family of Equestria. The land of the p0nies. Particularly that witch Celestia and her sister."

"Celestia... I know that name. A purple unicorn... Twilight Sparkle? Had mentioned her."

>"Ah, so I see you met one of those accursed Elements." Her eyes narrowed slightly at this.

>"Do you recall meeting any others, by chance?"

"Yes Chrysalis. Two others. Um... Apple Jacks and... Butter-shy?"

>"Yes, Applejack and Fluttershy. You've met half already, I'm impressed. If you're capable - which I'm SURE you are, you are to eliminate those pests as well."

"Very well... If I already agreed to this, I'm sure I had a good reason."

>"Oh, darling, but you do! The Equestrian royal family is a house of incestuous tyrants."

>"And those ‘Elements of Harmony’ are their ironically named enforcers."

"This task sounds a little... extreme, don’t you think?"

>"Well, Anonymous, that is why you, Discord, and I have come up with a brilliant plan!"

>"Discord will be sure to inform you of the details tonight. Suffice to say, you'll be able to wipe them out..."

>Her green eyes slowly start to increase in their vibrant intensity.

>"...in one. Fell. Swoop. Mm hm hm hm hm!"

"Surely there will be some great reward for all this? If, uh, I choose to go along with it..."

>"Oh my, yes. Why, you'll have everything you could possibly desire, darling Anonymous."

>"Everything a man of such great strength and intellect, such as yourself, could ever wish for! Power, wealth, prestige... perhaps even... love? Mm hm hm hm. I've been made aware that, in your world, these are all very difficult to attain on their own. So you'll be able to have all four. Very, very easily..."

"That does sound wonderful, Chrysalis. If I may ask, what do you get out of all this?"

>"Me? Oh, I get to deliver my people from the hell we've been placed in. You see, my subjects and I are forbidden to enter Equestria on pain of death... Forced to live in a barren wasteland, constantly on the verge of starvation... And all because of that dictatorial Princess! You cannot begin to understand the hate I harbor for her!"

>You catch a glimpse of it, though. This is the only time Chrysalis seems to vary from her prior mood.

>Her fury quickly fades, and she returns to her sultry self.

>"And maybe... just maybe, I may find myself the Queen-no... Empress!-of Equestria as well. That is... if her new... Emperor would have me,” she says, gazing at you with with a stare that seems to pierce your very soul.

 

 

>Princess Celestia shifts uncomfortably upon her bed.

>If Twilight were to be believed, there is a strange and alien creature in her domain.

>One that, seemingly, intends to meet her.

>This is very perplexing. Such a creature could not come from the solar system her parents ruled.

>There were no other habitable planets anywhere nearby, and the closest star is very far away.

>Magic could have been involved, but if Twilight’s reports are correct...

>Such a magic-resistant creature could only have been transported by a being of great-no, positively godlike power. And there are very few that would have such an interest.

>She stares blankly into the crackling fireplace.

>Patience would bare out the truth, she believed. And if this creature proves a threat?

>Magic resistance or no, her garden would gain a most interesting statue.

 

 

>Did this otherworldly creature really just suggest what you thought she did?

>That you were to be Emperor of Equestria? And take her as your consort?

>"I understand this may be a bit much for you to take at the moment, dear Anonymous."

>"It's gotten rather late, and a queen has her duties, regardless of her... desires... You will understand much more once you've slept and spoken with Discord."

"You're right, Chrysalis. I need some time to adjust."

>"Have you any questions? Anonymous?”

>You have so many. But at this point, only two make sense to ask.

"I do. This Discord, what is he like? And what would he have to gain from this plot?"

>"Discord is... rather difficult to explain. It would be best for you to meet him. He is different from you or I though. More of a force than a person. He wishes for his freedom."

"Freedom?"

>"Yes. From his painful internment, immured in stone. He is responsible for much you see here. The items taken from your homeworld? Only he can bring those. He was the only one who could speak with you. At least, until now. I hope you enjoy your home, Anonymous. It has taken my subjects and I many months to build it to your exacting specifications."

>So you designed this place, huh? In your other dreams, the ones you don't remember.

>Chrysalis delicately rises from the couch, stretching in a way clearly designed to catch your eye.

>"I'll be off now, Anonymous. Do get some sleep, hm? I'll be here to wake you tomorrow."

>The door glows with a faint green aura and slides itself open.

>Chrysalis glides forward and out the door, closing it behind her.

>Well, now you have the slightest idea of what you've gotten yourself into.

>Time to get some sleep and find out as much as you can.

 

 

>You again find yourself in a vast white expanse of nothing.

>"Hello again Anonymous! I hope your meeting with dear Chrysalis went well."

"Hello Discord. Yes, it did. She is a most intriguing woman."

>"That she is, Anonymous. Now that our little triumvirate is complete, we can begin our grand plan!"

"Ah, yes, Discord. I seem to have forgotten the details, though Chrysalis filled me in on the outline."

>"Hm? Charming woman, she is. I have told you that your world is magic resistant, correct?"

"Correct Discord. Although I fail to see the relevance."

>"Well Anonymous, I am trapped here, you see. That is why I sought you out for help, yes?"

>"A magic resistant world like yours is the perfect place to find assistance without detection. That great bore Celestia likes to keep tabs on me now, you know? Furthermore, it will provide you with a modicum of protection. At least, for awhile."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

>"It means that things from your world will slowly become accustomed to Equestria’s innate magic. The process takes about two months or so.”

>"But that's beside the point. You are to eliminate the royal family in one blow, and the Elements if possible. You've been supplied with all the Earthmade things you requested for the task- they've been brought here months ago, so maintainance and replacement will be magically conducted. I've had Chrysalis build your stronghold exactly to your specifications, you see. You will note I said ‘stronghold’, not ‘home’.

"Alright, now what does THAT mean?"

>"Here is the plan, Anonymous. And it IS wonderful if I do say so myself. You've proven very clever! In approximately 11 months and 2 weeks Equestrian there will be an annual celebration. This will include a performance by the Wonderbolts, Equestrias famous flying team."

"Flying team? These p0nies have planes? Or is it just straight pegasi?”

>“Pegasi. They are quite good. Anyhow, you are to join them, Anonymous. And then, at the performance, you will annihilate the platform the Royal Family will be watching from!"

 

 

>How in the hell are you going to go about doing that?

>"You'll need to integrate yourself into Equestrian society. How, I'll leave up to you."

"Will it be difficult? I am an alien lifeform here."

>”Should you conduct yourself well, I doubt you'll have many difficulties.

"Ok, now how am I supposed to join these Wonderbolts? I don't even know how to fly! Much less have a plane."

>"Wrong on that second one! You asked for a specific type of earthmade plane. It's been here for months."

"That doesn't answer the first part, though."

>”Have you not wondered how you are able to speak to the inhabitants of this land? I taught you while you slumbered. I can do the same with the rudiments of flightcraft, if you are so inclined.”

"Wait, hold on a min-. "

>”I’m afraid I cannot do as much now that you have arrived. I won’t risk being detected, a task made all the easier by your proximity. I can offer you no more."

"Very well, Discord. Teach me what you will."

>"One last thing, Anonymous. This will be the last time you and I can chat for a good while."

"Right, can't leave a trace and all."

>"Exactly! So I believe you understand all that you are expected to do?"

"Most of it. Where should I start?"

>"Ask Chrysalis tomorrow morning. She has a better understanding of things on the ground than I."

"Gotcha Discord. And thanks for this opportunity."

>"You are welcome Anonymous! I should be the one thanking you! I will contact you again as soon as I feel it is safe. I'll be watching you Anonymous. Ta ta!"

>And so, once again, you made yet another horrible decision.