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The Trotting Dead thread 4

By: TheTrottingDead on Apr 16th, 2013 | syntax: None | size: 119.93 KB | hits: 222 | expires: Never

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W The Trotting Dead Episode 3: Thread two OP 04/18/13(Thu)20:02 No.9950677
Replies: >>9950699
Thread 1: http://pastebin.com/1DWz7GJS (episode 1 and the first half of 2)
Thread 2: http://pastebin.com/G0UhSD47 (rest of episode 2)
Thread 3: http://pastebin.com/mHnSbUSx (First half-ish of episode 3)
Opener: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5699W4WnlUo
Thread playlist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLsvyiLmAz0&list=PLrgRyHeHYtlfr3TKFP1qLKbvGXC3-i4hd
The doctor lurches toward you, keeping up a manic chuckling. "My, don't the three of you look healthy?" he giggles out. "Awfully dangerous place to be right now and risk all that well-being!"
Rainbow Dash hovers into the air and stares the doctor down. "Watch it, doctor crazy! We're looking for something to help our friend."
"Bitten, were they?" he guesses, slowly approaching the three of you where you stand, filling up the hall. "Starting to feel the pain of infection?"
"No!" Dash shouts. "I mean - well, yeah, but not like that! It isn't that!"
The doctor starts laughing again. "Of course it's that! It can only be that! And there's no cure. Not here, at least, or else... well, I wouldn't be as I am now."
"She got bitten on the leg, but she cut it off!" Dash insists. You can sense her agitation, masking fear. "She's feeling sick from having to amputate herself, that's all!"
"We don't know that for sure," Fluttershy murmurs. "We don't know anything about the sickness, not really. Do you?"
The doctor's giggling starts up, high-pitched and crazy. He stomps his hooves and his eyes spin madly in their sockets until a coughing fit forces him to stop. "Oh, I know all there is to know!"
>This guy's a crackpot and a danger to others.
>He's Pinkie's only chance, we should bring him.
>Tell us what happened here and what happened to you.
>Are there any other survivors?
>...
>>
The Detective 04/18/13(Thu)20:03 No.9950699
>>9950677 (OP)
2.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)20:07 No.9950787
Replies: >>9951023
You look the doctor up and down and sigh. "If we're going to save Pinkie, he might be our only chance. Will you come with us and look at our friend?"
"If your friend can bear to look at me," he replies, eyebrows waggling. "Just let me get my things! Wait here."
He positively skips back down the dark hallway toward an operating room. The three of you stay stock still, watching him go.
"This is a mistake," Fluttershy mutters. "Looking for medicine is one thing, but bringing an infected madman back into the quarantine zone? We could end up getting everyone killed."
"We're NOT getting anyone killed," Dash tersely growls back. "He's going to save Pinkie - he's a doctor, that's what doctors do!"
Fluttershy gives you a meaningful look before turning back down the hall. You can hear the clatter of equipment and metal tools.
>We can make this work, we just have to be careful.
>Maybe we should take this chance to get away.
>...I'm going to go check on him
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)20:20 No.9951023
>>9950787
Option 3
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)20:24 No.9951095
Replies: >>9951192
You look from Dash to Fluttershy, and begin ever so quietly to creep forward along the corridor. Their arguing falls away as you approach, the dim light enough to make out what looks like an operating room, or something to that effect.
Just as you reach the door and let your eyes adjust to the gloom, you are accosted by the doctor. He smiles, reopening a cut on his muzzle the leaks fresh blood down his nose. "Just finished!" he exclaims, and a levitating doctor's bag floats into view behind him.
"Shall we be going? I don't usually make house calls, you know."
>Sure, let's go.
>Hang on a minute, let me take a look back there.
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)20:29 No.9951192
>>9951095
2
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)20:37 No.9951338
Replies: >>9951520
"Yeah, sure," you say, craning to see behind him. "But first I was wondering if you'd like to give us a little tour of your doctor's office back there."
"Ooooooh-ho-ho-hoo," the doctor replies, giving you a cheeky grin. "Suspicious, are we? Does my appearance frighten you? Make you cautious?"
All of a sudden he lunges at you, snapping his teeth less than an inch from your face. As quickly as that he withdraws, starting to laugh again. "Very wise! There's no telling what monsters are out there now! Come into my parlor!"
He wanders back into the operating room. You turn back and see Dash and Fluttershy have rushed to your side, looking you over to be sure his bite didn't land. "What now?" Dash hisses.
You shrug, and follow the doctor. The stench of death hits you like a mallet.
His room is dark, but your eyes adjust. You see a large number of beds, along with some propped up stretchers. Blood is everywhere, as well as surgery equipment, empty transfusion bags, and so on. A few hacked off limbs lie scattered around, some of them looking seriously gnawed, and once your eyes adjust you see several dark forms on the beds are dead ponies with their heads bashed in.
"Our last stand," the doctor explains, gesturing broadly. "We did all we could for them. Saved a few, I suppose. When the uninfected decided to make their final breakout, I volunteered to stay behind with the terminal cases - being terminal myself, you see."
You notice a bloody hammer nearby, on one of the beds. He catches your gaze and chuckles again. "Yes, it seems I've lasted the longest. I guess you could say I'm lucky."
>On second thought... maybe you should stay here.
>Well okay then. We still need your help.
>What do you girls think?
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)20:46 No.9951520
>>9951338
See what the girls think
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)20:53 No.9951679
Replies: >>9951695
You look the room over for a bit before glancing to the girls. "Well, what do you think?"
"I think it's worth a shot!" Dash shouts, stamping her hoof. "I mean yeah... this is pretty gross, but desperate times, right?"
Fluttershy can't seem to bring herself to respond, so she just looks away.
"Then it's settled!" exclaims the doctor. "I'm doctor Tourniquet, Tight Torniquet. A pleasure to make your acquiantances."
"Sunny, likewise."
"Fluttershy."
"And I'm Rainbow Dash! Our friend's Pinkie Pie, over in the quarantine zone!"
"The quarantine?" Torniquet raises a curious eyebrow. "I doubt they'll let me in. That's what makes it a quarantine, you know. But still, it isn't like I'm doing anything here. Lead the way!"
The four of you creep ever so carefully back the way you came and out the back of the hospital. You must be luckier than you thought, because your creeping goes unnoticed all the way out.
"So," the doctor says, once speaking is safe again. "This friend of yours, lost a leg you say? What's the story there?"
>She had to put down someone close to her.
>You just need to know it's gone.
>Maybe she should tell you that.
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)20:54 No.9951695
>>9951679
1.
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)21:01 No.9951856
Replies: >>9951880
"She was staying with a family," you begin. "The father turned, and she had to put him down. Her leg got bitten in the process, so she cut it off and cauterized the wound."
"Messy business!" Torniquette replies, giggling. "Of course, one has to question the sanity of someone clever enough to realize she had to cut her own leg off! Her irrational reaction might be the only thing that saved her!"
"Hey!" Dash snaps, "watch what you say about Pinkie, okay?"
"Oh how cute! You're sticking up for your friend, that's dear. Tell me, did she have a hard time getting over this traumatic turn of events? Perhaps she needs a therapist, not a doctor!"
"I said shut it!" Dash shouts, this time a little too loud. Fluttershy stops in her tracks.
"You'll bring them down on us," she whispers, giving Dash a cold look.
"Just show some respect," Dash grumbles. "She's delicate right now, okay? She doesn't need anybody laughing at her."
"Maybe that's the problem!" the doctor remarks. "I've heard laughter is the best medicine! Has she tried that?"
>Don't antagonize her. It's been hard on us all.
>We need to keep cool and collected here, Dash.
>Let's just keep going.
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:02 No.9951880
>>9951856
2.
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)21:09 No.9952026
Replies: >>9952066
"Calm down, Dash," you say, before she can reply to Tourniquet. "Just ignore him if you have to. Pinkie needs his help."
She shoots you a rueful look, but keeps her mouth shut. For the rest of the walk back to the quarantine, the only sound you hear besides distant fires and the shuffling of corpses is Tourniquet's giggles.
At last you reach the barricade wall of the quarantine zone. The guards atop the wall leap up as you approach. "Who goes there?" one of them calls down.
"It's just us!" Dash shouts back up. "We brought a doctor back from the hospital, let us in!"
"Hold it!" one of the guards shouts. "I can see the bites from here! He's clearly infected, we can't let him in!"
"Told you," says Tourniquet.
>We just need to let him look at a friend of ours.
>Can we bring our friend out here, then?
>Let me talk to the captain!
>Well, we tried.
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:11 No.9952066
>>9952026
2
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)21:16 No.9952186
Replies: >>9952260
"Well, what if we bring our friend out here?" you call back up. "Pinkie Pie - the three-legged pink mare in the warehouse?"
There's a brief discussion behind the wall. "That should be fine!" the guard calls back. "We'll have her sent out to you. Don't go far though! We can't promise we'll be able to protect you if anything goes wrong."
"I don't think they can promise protection, full stop," Tourniquet snarks. The four of you wait uncomfortably for a minute before an opening in the barricade gets pushed open.
Two guards emerge, carrying a stretcher. On it is Pinkie Pie, looking pale and weak. "Where do you want her?" one of them asks.
You scan the nearby buildings.
>That doughnut shop should work
>That looks like a well-to-do home, a good choice
>How about that studio?
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:19 No.9952260
>>9952186
Studio
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:28 No.9952457
Replies: >>9952546 >>9952640
"How about that studio?" you say, pointing to an art studio at the corner of the block. "There should be something to work with there."
"You have good taste," Tourniquet sniffs.
The guards follow you as you push inward. The studio has a very modern style, and paintings and pictures hang all over the wall. To your surprise, a number of them are of Fluttershy. She blushes.
"I... used to model," she explains.
The guards push past you and deposit Pinkie on an office table in the studio lounge. "We'll be heading back," one of them explains. "We can't cover this building - be quick."
You nod, and they take off. "Okay," says Dash. "We're here, we've got Pinkie - now please, tell us what's wrong with her!"
Tourniquet approaches Pinkie, who appears barely conscious. "I hardly know where to begin."
Dash sets her jaw, but retains her composure. "Try."
Tools fly out of his bag, levitating all around Pinkie Pie. A small flashlight flicks on and examines her eye, while Tourniquet considers it. "Well, she's lost a lot of blood-"
"We know!" Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash say at once.
"Aaaaaand she needs to replace it." Tourniquet looks up. "She needs a transfusion."
>Sure thing. I volunteer.
>But what if she's infected?
>Is that all? Why's she so sick?
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:32 No.9952546
>>9952457
Is that all? Why's she so sick?
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:35 No.9952640
>>9952457
3, and then 1,
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:40 No.9952740
Replies: >>9952832 >>9953035
"That can't be all that's wrong with her," you ask. "She's feverish, unresponsive..."
"All symptomatic," replies Tourniquet, before getting another cheeky grin. "Well, unless she actually IS infected, of course. Functionally, there's no way to tell the difference at this stage."
"Well when CAN we tell?" Dash rasps out, frustration soaring.
Tourniquet considers the question carefully. "If she dies and gets back to her feet, there's a strong indication she's infected."
"Why you-" Dash lunges toward the doctor, but Fluttershy holds her back.
"He's infected," says Fluttershy. "If you tackle him, you'll probably just get infected too."
Dash's attack loses steam, but her frustration just turns into despair. "There's gotta be something you can do, doc... she's my best friend!"
"There is something I can do," says Tourniquet. "If she's your best friend. I can give her your blood. And if she's infected, there's a risk that the procedure will infect you - it's dangerous opening up veins around here at the moment, you see!" He parks his rear on a stool on the other side of Pinkie and spreads his forehooves wide over her. "If you're best friends forever, you'll either die together or live together. That's the best deal I can offer."
Dash hesitates, her mouth hanging open, stunned by the declaration.
Fluttershy steps forward. You realize she's holding Tourniquet's hammer.
"We need to put them down," she announces. "For their own good."
>Uh... let's not be hasty here, Fluttershy.
>It might be a mercy, and we're risking too much as it is.
>No way. I volunteer for the transfusion.
>Dash, you have to say something.
>Do you have an opinion on all this, doctor?
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:43 No.9952832
>>9952740
No way. I volunteer for the transfusion.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:50 No.9953035
>>9952740
FUCK THIS, PINK PONE ZOMBIE BLOOD TRANFUSION IS A GO.
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)21:52 No.9953115
Replies: >>9953146 >>9953236
You step in front of Fluttershy. "Not a chance, Fluttershy. I volunteer for the transfusion."
She narrows her gaze into a ferocious glare, the hammer still poised. Dash comes up behind her and puts a restraining hoof on her back. "Fluttershy, we're trying to save Pinkie's life!"
"No!" Fluttershy shouts, hurling the hammer into the wall. It strikes a poster of her posing in a frilly dress.
"We CAN'T save her!" she screams, rounding on you. "All we can do is waste time and energy and put our own lives at risk trying to undo what's already happened!"
"But what if she's not infected?" Dash has tears welling in her eyes. "Fluttershy, please... don't do this."
A coughing fit draws all your attention. Pinkie Pie is blinking sleep from her eyes and struggling to sit up. "What's going on?" she mumbles.
>She's stirring. We need to get this done now.
>Go back to sleep, Pinkie. We're taking care of it.
>On second thought, maybe you should do it, Dash.
>Er, maybe this isn't the best idea.
>[Let her speak]
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:53 No.9953146
Replies: >>9953316
>>9953115
Let her speak.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:56 No.9953236
>>9953115
Do it now
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:58 No.9953316
>>9953146
You're mah nigga, you know that?
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:04 No.9953502
Replies: >>9953568
The four of you look at each other before looking back to Pinkie, nobody sure what to say.
Finally, Tourniquet speaks up. "You must be Pinkie Pie. My name's doctor Tight Tourniquet. I was just admiring your work with the amputation."
Dash steps up to speak, but you gesture for her to wait.
Pinkie smiles. "Pretty messy, huh? I'm a baker, not a butcher! Although I did spend a summer as a candlestick-maker once!"
"That sounds delightful!" the doctor replies, giving a wide smile. "And tell me, did you use one of your homemade candles to seal up that wound?"
She shakes her head. "Oh no, I used the stove for that! You know what the funny thing was? It kind of smelled tasty! Isn't that terrible? Just wanting a little nibble of yourself?"
"Oh I don't know. It seems all the rage at the moment."
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, utterly baffled, just exchange looks and remain silent. Pinkie Pie rolls over on to her back and looks up at Tourniquet. "So what happened to you? It looks like you've been taking more than a few nibbles!"
"Oh, not me," Tourniquet explains. "No, I turned out to be very popular at the hospital today, that's all."
"What happened?"
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:06 No.9953568
>>9953502
Continue
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:08 No.9953629
Replies: >>9953661 >>9953671 >>9953672
There's a pause. Tourniquet's smile weakens, but Pinkie fixes him with a look of sincere, almost naive curiosity. "There were... so many of them. So many ponies coming in with bites and cuts. We filled up overnight. Then people started to report symptoms, sounding like infection."
His voice dwindles. Pinkie bobs her head, smiling. He presses on. "I sent a note to my wife telling her to take the kids out of the city. When the messenger came back, he told me our home was already part of the quarantine. One of the ones that failed. By that point our patients were already starting to get back on their feet and bite back. There were still so many left who needed tending though, so I told my colleagues to get out, that I'd take care of the others and join them when I could."
Tourniquet is crying now, though his voice remains firm. "Once I was sure they were gone... I looked at the patients I had left. They were all infected, but most of them were too sick to even walk. I didn't have enough medicine for everyone to see them off peacefully, so for the rest... I had to... I had a hammer, and I... I..."
Pinkie pulls Tourniquet toward her with her remaining front leg. He rests his head on her chest and weeps, loudly and openly, like a child. Pinkie says nothing, merely resting her head on his.
You see Fluttershy has tears rolling down her cheeks. She takes a step toward Pinkie Pie.
>[Let her approach]
>[Stop her, approach yourself]
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:09 No.9953661
>>9953629
STOP HER. I still don't trust her.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:09 No.9953671
>>9953629
Stop her, but softly.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:09 No.9953672
>>9953629
Stop her
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:12 No.9953784
Replies: >>9953846
You take a step forward and put a hoof in front of Fluttershy. She looks at you, shocked. There's a heavy thud as her hammer drops to the ground. The tears increase in intensity and she stumbles backward out of the room. Dash snaps out of her shock and follows after her, sparing one more shocked glance for you, Pinkie and Tourniquet.
Once you're alone, you approach the doctor.
>I volunteer
>They'll be back in a minute.
>I'm sorry for your loss, Tourniquet.
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:14 No.9953846
>>9953784
3, then 1.
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:17 No.9953979
Replies: >>9954016 >>9954042 >>9954149 >>9954247
"I'm sorry," you say to Tourniquet. "That's... that's a horrible thing to go through."
He dries his eyes on the back of his hoof. "Yes... I suppose it is. But I should do what I can, while I can."
You're about to say that you volunteer for the transfusion when the door behind you opens. Fluttershy returns, with Rainbow Dash at her side. She's stemmed her crying and regained her composure. "Please wait," she meekly murmurs. "I'd like a chance to speak to Pinkie Pie."
>After. We're doing the transfusion first.
>Well, okay. Just be careful.
>Dash? You think she's okay?
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:18 No.9954016
>>9953979
Second option
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:19 No.9954042
>>9953979
3. I can't stop being paranoid.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:22 No.9954149
>>9953979
After
She going to be dead from blood loss by the time we ever actually get around to a transfusion at this rate.
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:26 No.9954247
Replies: >>9954315 >>9954412
>>9953979
You hesitate, weighing her up. "Well... okay." You back off, letting Fluttershy approach.
Pinkie gives Fluttershy a weak smile. "Hey Fluttershy, good to see you."
"G-good to see you, too," she replies. She tries to smile, but fails. "Pinkie... I'm sorry."
Pinkie Pie furrows her brow. "What for?"
"I... I'm supposed to be the Element of Kindness," Fluttershy ekes out. "But you've been kinder and more understanding than me this whole crisis, even with everything you've been through. Everything you had to do, and you still have more compassion than I did for a sick and frightened stallion.
"I didn't want you to survive. I didn't want to admit it was possible, because I was afraid of taking the risk to save you. I wanted to sound tough and make everything about survival and the laws of nature, but really... I'm just scared of dying. I'm a coward."
The room is quiet enough to hear a pin drop. After a long pause, Fluttershy says. "I'll do the transfusion."
>If you're sure that's what you want.
>No, Fluttershy. I can do it.
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:28 No.9954315
>>9954247
We'll do it
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:31 No.9954412
>>9954247
Let her do it. Redemption.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:33 No.9954466
Replies: >>9954547
Ok, so who of the mane six has died, can i get a recap? I kinda lost track.
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:35 No.9954515
Replies: >>9954564 >>9954728
"It's okay, Fluttershy," you say. "You don't have to do it. I volunteer."
"No," she says, putting her hoof down. "This is something I have to do."
"You don't have to prove you're not a coward, you have nothing to prove."
"This isn't about proving anything, or being brave - I'm not." She looks over to Pinkie Pie. "But I can still be brave for my friends."
You look to Dash who gives you a shrug. You consider insisting, but... well, okay then, if she's made up her mind. You concede.
Fluttershy steps up and lies down on an office table just across from Pinkie's. Tourniquet, who's taken the chance to regain his composure, starts pulling surgical tubing and needles from his bag. "This might take a minute," he explains to you and Dash. "Why don't you watch for trouble?"
Dash pulls a face. "Yeah, that sounds good to me. I hate needles."
The two of you turn to the street and look out for any dead on the move. Nothing so far, but that could change. The sky is darkening. "They seem more active at night," Dash offers by way of explanation. "It's gonna be tough to hold the quarantine until tomorrow."
>I don't think we're staying that long.
>We have to. There's nowhere else to go.
>Twilight has the elements. Maybe the whole situation'll be fixed soon?
>...
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:36 No.9954547
Replies: >>9954637
>>9954466
None of the mane six have died yet (despite some chances for that to happen, including in this latest side-mission!). Scootaloo, Big Mac, Granny Smith, Rarity's parents, Angel and the whole Cake family are dead however, and Spike's been petrified to keep him from turning.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:37 No.9954564
>>9954515
We have to hold for the moment.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:39 No.9954637
>>9954547
Oh lord...
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:42 No.9954728
>>9954515
Option 2. Hold down the fort.
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:45 No.9954825
Replies: >>9954860 >>9954963
"We have no choice. Where else would we go? At least in Canterlot the military's still around."
"Not many of them left, though," Dash remarks, while eying the guards on the wall. She sighs. "I hope we can win this thing soon, while there's still some ponies left to save. I don't like the idea of being the last one left alive."
You almost smile at that. "What, you assume you're going to outlive me?"
"Uh, excuse me?" Dash's wings pop out. "Have you checked these babies? None of those barely air-worthy dead Pegs are gonna catch me if it comes down to just me and the herd!"
You can't help but chuckle at her bravado. The two of you stand guard a few minutes longer before doctor Tourniquet comes up behind you. "The operation was a success," he declares. "Whether there was any contamination, however... well, that is out of my hooves."
You all turn back toward Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. Fluttershy looks a little wobblier, but Pinkie is able to stand on her own, already looking more awake and alert. The two of them look to each other and share a warm smile, the kind you haven't seen either of them with since you've met them. They embrace.
"Well," says Tourniquet. "With that, my work is done. Time for me to ride off into the sunset."
>We could always... put you out of your misery.
>Good luck, doctor. And thanks.
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:47 No.9954860
>>9954825
Good luck to you sir.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:51 No.9954963
>>9954825
Give him a hug.
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:54 No.9955032
Replies: >>9955086
"You take care of yourself," you say, giving him a nod. "And thanks for everything."
"No," he says, oddly solemn. "Thank you."
He says no more, and walks into the street. There, he turns his back to the barricade and walks off into the depths of burning Canterlot. You and the others watch him go. "He didn't even take his bag," says Dash.
When you reach the barricade again, the guards open the way. "Lookin' much better, there," one of them remarks to Pinkie as she passes. She gives him a smile and sticks her tongue out, eliciting a laugh. Her mane takes on another few twirls.
Rarity's waiting by the door when you come in. As soon as Pinkie steps through, she rushes forward and pulls her into a hug. "Oh darling! I've never been happier to see you in all my days! When the guards carried you out on that stretcher I was sure it was... that they... Oh!" She buries her face in Pinkie's again.
Fluttershy joins in the hug, and shortly afterward Rainbow Dash as well. Applejack, who had been further into the warehouse, pulls up next to you. "Ya did good, Sunny," she says warmly. "We knew ya weren't gonna let Pinkie down."
You smile back, and she begins to walk away as the others spread out again. "Twilight's got somethin' big fer us, when yeh've got time!"
>[RETURN TO HUB]
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:56 No.9955086
>>9955032
Only on THE HUB
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:56 No.9955087
Replies: >>9955101 >>9955114 >>9955153
You look out to the walled-in enclave of the quarantine zone, then back inside at your safe-house. The warehouse's windows and doors are barred with ramshackle fortifications. A few Canterlot soldiers stand guard around the one entrance in or out. Night is falling.
Rarity is near the gate, arguing with the guards.
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are staying near the cots, with Pinkie Pie.
Applejack is among the survivors, checking on them and handing out supplies.
Twilight is examining the restive Caramel.
The remaining ponies from your group are milling around aimlessly, looking disheartened. Your supplies are piled up against the far wall.
>Talk to Twilight
>Talk to Dash, Pinkie and Fluttershy
>Talk to Rarity
>Talk to Applejack
>Check up on the Ponyville ponies
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:57 No.9955101
>>9955087
Check up on Ponies.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:57 No.9955114
>>9955087
Check on Twilight and Caramel.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:58 No.9955153
>>9955087
Talk to Rarity.
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:02 No.9955263
Replies: >>9955308 >>9955314 >>9955382
You go out among the crowd. Most ponies just avoid your gaze, looking downtrodden, but others nod or give you a smile. You still don't really know most of them, although they seem like a tight-knit group.
Near the back, you spot Time Turner from the train into Canterlot. He smiles and waves you over. "You're a bloody sight for sore eyes, mate," he says with a smile. "Nice to see someone take charge during this crisis!"
There are two mares with him, their coats different shades of purple. You recognize one as Cheerilee, the local teacher. The other gives you a smile and a 'suave' raised eyebrow, mumbling "'m Berry Punch, pleshhure t'meechaaa!"
"We found a small supply of Sweet Apple Acres' private stock on the train," Turner explains. "Figured it makes waitin' around for the manure to hit the windmill a little more manageable. Fancy a taste?"
>Sure, one drink won't hurt.
>I need my wits about me, sorry.
>You three should be setting a better example.
>Not now, sorry. I have to get going.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:04 No.9955308
>>9955263
No drink for me, and quit it yourselves.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:04 No.9955314
>>9955263
Option 3
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:07 No.9955382
>>9955263
Option 2.
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:11 No.9955488
You shake your head, disapproving. "Do you really think this is the right time to get drunk?"
"Can you think of a better one?" Time Turner offers, but he sighs. "What else are we supposed to do? Stuck in here all day, until those things break in and eat us? Maybe it's no stress for a big-shot hero like you heading out there on your life-or-death missions, but ticking away the hours in here is hell."
"If you want adventure, man the walls," you reply. "And you," you turn to Cheerilee. "Aren't you a teacher? There are kids here who've lost their parents. You're the only one they've got to look up to right now."
Cheerilee looks downward, her cheeks turning red. "...You're right. I just... I feel so hopeless. But the children do need me." She puts the bottle down. "It's my destiny to look after them, no matter how bad things get!" She gets to her hooves, only slightly unsteady, and sets off.
Berry Punch sighs. "Oh, okay, if we're all gettin' principled and such, I'll get back to helpin' toooo."
Turner sets off for the warehouse door, but pauses as he passes you. "You don't switch off, do you? I mean that in a good way. Maybe we can do this."
>[RETURN TO HUB]
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:12 No.9955514
Replies: >>9955538 >>9955551 >>9955630
You look out to the walled-in enclave of the quarantine zone, then back inside at your safe-house. The warehouse's windows and doors are barred with ramshackle fortifications. A few Canterlot soldiers stand guard around the one entrance in or out. Night is falling.
Rarity is near the gate, arguing with the guards.
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are staying near the cots, with Pinkie Pie.
Applejack is among the survivors, checking on them and handing out supplies.
Twilight is examining the restive Caramel.
The remaining ponies from your group are milling around aimlessly, looking disheartened. Your supplies are piled up against the far wall.
>Talk to Twilight
>Talk to Dash, Pinkie and Fluttershy
>Talk to Rarity
>Talk to Applejack
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:13 No.9955538
>>9955514
Talk to Applejack.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:13 No.9955551
>>9955514
Twilight and Caramel checking time.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:16 No.9955630
>>9955514
Talk to apple pone.
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:19 No.9955704
Replies: >>9955809 >>9955823
You approach Applejack in the crowd. She's distributing food to some of the colts and fillies, although you note Sweetie Belle and Applebloom are absent. "The girls're off cheerin' up somma the older folks," she explains, finishing up with the supplies. "Here," she adds, handing you a chunk of bread. "Don't look like you've been eatin' much, we don't need ya fallin' over on us."
You actually are pretty hungry, and wolf down the morsel quickly. The colts and fillies move on, leaving the two of you behind. "This quarantine ain't a permanent solution," she says with a sigh. "We've gotta get all these ponies somewhere safer, before Canterlot falls completely.
"There's gotta be somewhere out there that ain't been touched by this nightmare. Maybe some far country without ponies, or without anyone. Maybe we could start afresh."
>We can't run from this. We need to beat them.
>Twilight still thinks she can fix it.
>There's a lot of frontier. There has to be a safe place to settle.
>It's not really my place to say what we do.
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:23 No.9955809
>>9955704
Not really my place to say.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:23 No.9955823
>>9955704
Option 4.
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:29 No.9955966
"It's not really my place to say. They're your friends and family, you should be the ones to decide what to do, not me."
"O'course you've got a right t'say," says Applejack, giving you a friendly nudge. "You're part'a the group now. Times like these we've got t'stick together. After all you done, helpin' me and my friends, we owe ya 'least that much..."
Her voice trails off and her smile fades. You know what she's thinking about. "Even if... y'know, things've gotten a mite uncomfortable, we're still better off with ya. Wherever we end up, ye've got a place there."
You hardly know what to say. "...Thanks, Applejack. That means a lot."
"S'just the truth," she replies. "Now get goin', Twilight'll come lookin' fer us soon enough."
>[RETURN TO HUB]
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:30 No.9955982
Replies: >>9956006 >>9956011 >>9956104
You look out to the walled-in enclave of the quarantine zone, then back inside at your safe-house. The warehouse's windows and doors are barred with ramshackle fortifications. A few Canterlot soldiers stand guard around the one entrance in or out. Night is falling.
Rarity is near the gate, arguing with the guards.
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are staying near the cots, with Pinkie Pie.
Applejack is among the survivors, checking on them and handing out supplies.
Twilight is examining the restive Caramel.
The remaining ponies from your group are milling around aimlessly, looking disheartened. Your supplies are piled up against the far wall.
>Talk to Twilight
>Talk to Dash, Pinkie and Fluttershy
>Talk to Rarity
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:31 No.9956006
>>9955982
Speak with Rarity.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:31 No.9956011
>>9955982
Rarity.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:36 No.9956104
>>9955982
Speak to Twilight
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:39 No.9956137
Replies: >>9956174 >>9956218
You head over to Rarity. She's still butting heads with the guards at the door, and you catch part of their conversation as you approach.
"...there must be some sort of record. Wasn't anyone taking notes?"
"You looked outside lately, lady?" one of the guards growls back. "We don't have much time for writing at the moment. Even if anyone did write down the quarantine lists, most of 'em were probably lost when the quarantine zones got overrun. There's no way of getting 'em back."
"To be honest," the other guard adds, "anyone that's not on our side of the barricade's probably dead by now."
Rarity lets out a raspy hiss. "Maybe if they share your do-nothing attitude!" When she sees you approach, she calms somewhat and steps away from the guards. "It would be nice to share a little more refined company after those louts. Come, Sunny, let's go for a walk."
The two of you move away from the door and toward the edge of the crowd. There, you see Sweetie Belle playing ball with Applebloom. A crowd of seniors watch them, laughing at their antics.
Rarity smiles. "Thank you for all your help today, Sunny. You really are proving to be indispensible."
"Well, I just try to do my best."
"Your best is quite remarkable, then." As she watches Sweetie Belle play, her smile fades. "I was so desperately, foolishly hopefully that when we got here, our parents would just be waiting for us at the station. I knew they wouldn't be, really, but I had to believe. She'll have to know, sooner or later, but... once she does, I know I'll have to take responsibility for her. Be more than a sister. At a time like this, I don't know if I'm up to the challenge."
>Don't doubt yourself.
>You're not alone.
>Focus on the present and what you can do right now.
>Don't give up hope.
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:41 No.9956174
>>9956137
Don't give up hope.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:43 No.9956218
>>9956137
You ain't alone my nigga'.
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:45 No.9956261
"You can't give up hope," you say, giving her an earnest look. "It's not foolish, and it's not desperate. Sweetie Belle's smarter than you think - and what keeps her going isn't ignorance of the facts, it's hope."
Rarity looks back toward Sweetie Belle, watching her run and play. She catches the ball on her head and bounces it as high as she can, laughing while trying to keep from toppling backward. Rarity's smile returns.
"You're right, of course," she says. "It might not be easy, but once you give up hope, you've already lost. Thank you again, Sunny." She turns her smile to you. "What did I say? Indispensable."
She turns back toward the guards and begins to walk. "If you'll excuse me, I'm sure my interrogation might yet yield something useful. Take care of yourself, dear."
>[RETURN TO HUB]
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:46 No.9956272
Replies: >>9956293 >>9956295 >>9956303
You look out to the walled-in enclave of the quarantine zone, then back inside at your safe-house. The warehouse's windows and doors are barred with ramshackle fortifications. A few Canterlot soldiers stand guard around the one entrance in or out. Night is falling.
Rarity is near the gate, arguing with the guards.
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are staying near the cots, with Pinkie Pie.
Applejack is among the survivors, checking on them and handing out supplies.
Twilight is examining the restive Caramel.
The remaining ponies from your group are milling around aimlessly, looking disheartened. Your supplies are piled up against the far wall.
>Talk to Twilight
>Talk to Dash, Pinkie and Fluttershy
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:47 No.9956293
>>9956272
Talk to Twilight
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:47 No.9956295
>>9956272
Talk to Dash Pinkie and Fluttershy.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:47 No.9956303
>>9956272
Check on Pinkie and Flutter.
>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:50 No.9956352
Replies: >>9956385 >>9956397
You head over to Twilight Sparkle. Caramel is looking much worse since you've last seen him, sweating and pale. He doesn't even try to deny it when you approach.
"I don't know how much more we can do for him," Twilight says to you, somewhat blatantly in front of Caramel himself. "The infection propagates quickly, although it seems to vary significantly from pony to pony. Nothing I've tried has even slowed it down."
>Well, you could always... you know.
>What are we going to do with him?
>Applejack mentioned a special mission?
>I'll be back in a minute.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:51 No.9956385
>>9956352
Maybe time to take him out.
>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:52 No.9956397
>>9956352
Option 2.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)00:01 No.9956607
Replies: >>9956623 >>9956682 >>9956713
"Well, can we do for him now?" you ask, somewhat cautiously.
Twilight appraises him carefully. "I... don't think there's much else we can. He'll turn eventually, and when he does..." Caramel lets out a weak whimper, rolling away from Twilight. "We might need to take... preemptive action, for the safety of the group. And to be merciful."
"Now what's this I hear y'all talkin' about?" Applejack approaches from behind the two of you, giving Twilight a slightly sour look. "Caramel's one'a mine. Tell me what's goin' on afore you do anythin' hasty."
"Well..." Twilight says, "I've gotten everything I can from him for my research - everything I can that wouldn't be invasive or... well, wrong. I can't cure him. He might not have long left. Maybe it'd be kinder thing to just... end his suffering?"
Applejack assumes a cold look. "I don't fancy that kinda quittin' talk, Twilight. Caramel's a fighter. 'till he shuffles off on his own, he deserves every chance t'beat this thing."
Caramel gives a pained groan that perhaps undermines his "fighter" reputation, but Twilight lets it drop for now. "There's news. Captain Longsnout's reported sightings of Luna near the palace. He thinks we could set up a meeting."
"Well, about time! Maybe with the help'a one'a the princesses we can start makin' some progress!"
Twilight nods in agreement. "My thinking exactly. Still, we don't want to attract too much attention. I thought a small group - the three of us - might be enough to make contact with Luna and get her back here to the quarantine."
>Why hasn't she made it here on her own already?
>Sounds like a plan, lead the way.
>We should really address the Caramel situation before we leave.
>I need to check on something first.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)00:01 No.9956623
>>9956607
Should be "what can we do for him now?"
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)00:04 No.9956682
>>9956607
Sounds like a plan, but leave some one behind to watch Caramel. Terminate if needed.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)00:06 No.9956713
>>9956607
Sounds like a plan. Roll out.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)00:14 No.9956874
Replies: >>9956921 >>9956987
"Sounds straightforward enough," you say. "Okay, I'm ready. Let's do this."
Twilight turns to look at Caramel. "We'll put Caramel on one of the cots. Fluttershy and the others can watch him."
Applejack nods her approval, and helps in moving the stallion over to the cots. "You be good," she says to Caramel as you prepare to leave. There's a trace of mourning in her voice. You suspect she might be saying goodbye. "We'll be back quick as we can." He just groans in response.
It's night by the time the three of you set out toward the palace. The guards open the barricade a little quicker, and seem a little more alert. "They'll hit us hard, soon," one of them confides. "We'll hate to lose your firepower, Miss Sparkle."
"Don't worry," assures Twilight. "We'll be coming back with the big guns."
The three of you slip through the streets as quickly and quietly as you can. Twilight drops another invisibility spell on you, and you need it, as packs of dead trot all over Canterlot. They seem downright agitated now.
"Ya got any idea where to look? I don't fancy bein' out here long."
"The scouts reported spotting Luna in the Astronomy tower. It's attached to the palace."
>Assuming Luna's there, what's our plan after that?
>Why would she be there?
Anything else we should look out for along the way?
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)00:15 No.9956921
>>9956874
Anything else to look out for?
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)00:19 No.9956987
>>9956874
Third option.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)00:22 No.9957038
Replies: >>9957064 >>9957178
"Well, if we're heading back to the palace, anything else to look out for?"
"Not really," Twilight admits. "I've been wracking my brain for solutions or powerful spells we could use, but nothing's come to mind yet. I even thought of going after the time travel spells, but I've tried to use those to change the past before and it never works."
"Hey," Applejack interjects. "Didn't y'all find the Elements'a Harmony while ya were here last? Why didn't we try usin' em yet? We should go back and-"
"I'm afraid that won't work," says Twilight. "I tried to get my element to activate... conventionally... while working on Caramel, and for some reason it wouldn't. Something's blocking their power. We need to speak to the princesses about it as soon as possible."
>You do know another way to make them work, Twilight.
>Could it be they're just not responding to you from a certain lack of harmony in the crisis?
>Let's focus on finding Luna and seeing what she can tell us.
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)00:23 No.9957064
>>9957038
Fpcus on finding luna.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)00:27 No.9957153
Replies: >>9957319
"Let's just focus on finding Luna," you say, and the two mares agree. You keep up the pace toward the palace as it rises before you. "Now which way is the Astronomy tower?"
"The tall one, over there," Twilight replies, pointing a hoof. "See? Where the telescope is."
"How're we supposed t'get up there?"
Twilight judges the distance carefully before replying. "I might be able to teleport us that far. If we all stand close together."
>Do it. It's the safest way.
>Better to walk.
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)00:28 No.9957178
>>9957038
Find Luna.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)00:36 No.9957319
>>9957153
I'm hesitant to choose because I envision both options ending badly.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)00:41 No.9957420
>[PAUSE]
To be honest I'm exhausted and jet-lagged (been away, hence why it took so long for me to continue this). I'll resume play tomorrow at noon EST, hopefully in the same thread if I can bump it to life in the morning. It's the best way to ensure a good, exciting climax to the episode.
I'll post what we've got so far in the Pastebin, and the rest will follow tomorrow.
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)03:34 No.9960363
up
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)09:17 No.9963507
Morning bump.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)11:59 No.9965141
Replies: >>9965233
>[UNPAUSE]
"Let's just focus on finding Luna," you say, and the two mares agree. You keep up the pace toward the palace as it rises before you. "Now which way is the Astronomy tower?"
"The tall one, over there," Twilight replies, pointing a hoof. "See? Where the telescope is."
"How're we supposed t'get up there?"
Twilight judges the distance carefully before replying. "I might be able to teleport us that far. If we all stand close together."
>Do it. It's the safest way.
>Better to walk.
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)12:06 No.9965233
>>9965141
Might be able too, or can do? I'm hesitant.
Better to walk if she's not positive of her abilities.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)12:14 No.9965308
Replies: >>9965400 >>9965438
"It's too risk if you're not sure," you reply. "No harm in walking."
You hear a gutteral grunting nearby. Twilight gulps. "Uh, if you say so."
"C'mon!" says Applejack, and you hear the clip-clop of her hooves as she picks up the pace to the Astronomy tower. "Ain't far now, we just gotta get inside!"
"Applejack, wait!" Twilight shouts, and you hear her hooves take off after her friend. "The deceased are attracted to noise more than vision! If you start running and shouting, they'll-"
She's cut off by a strangled howl. You turn and look back. A pack of dead ponies have just burst on to the street, looking agitated. They cast about wildly, their ears twitching, before turning roughly in your direction.
"Too late!" Twilight yells. "Run!"
What can you do? You run. Behind you, the herd breaks into a gallop of their own, homing in on the sound of your hooves.
The doors at the tower's base fly open - Applejack must've just hit them. "C'mon, hurry!" she yells. Twilight gets in ahead of you (you hope), and you skitter in after her, bumping into the invisible Applejack as you do so.
The herd is approaching up the street fast. You're at the bottom landing of a large spiral staircase up into the tower, with a few benches and tables strewn around. "What now!?" Applejack yells.
>Barricade the door!
>Forget the door, up the stairs!
>Twilight! Use your magic to stop them!
>I don't know!
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)12:20 No.9965400
Replies: >>9965438
>>9965308
Barricade the door, don't let them in!
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)12:23 No.9965438
>>9965308
>>9965400
Exactly, Twilight might need to save her magic.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)12:25 No.9965452
Replies: >>9965497
You kick one of the tables up against the door. "We need a barricade! Come on, help me with this!"
"No problem," Applejack replies, moving another table on top of the other. "C'mon Twi, we can get this shut in a... Twi?"
There's no reply. Over the groaning and galloping you hear her hooves beating their way up the stairs. "Why that no-good, low-down..."
There's a sudden clatter as the first of the dead smash into the doors, trying to force them open. The few tables you've stacked so far are barely enough to stop them, and you throw your shoulder into keeping the door shut. "No time!" you yell. "Get the rest of them up here!"
"Right!"
Tables, benches and chairs go flying over your head and on to the heap in front of the door. When at last the landing is clear of furniture, you gently ease your shoulder off of the pile and see that it doesn't budge under the assault from without. "That ought to hold them for a while."
"Let's see where Twi's run off to, then," Applejack snorts.
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)12:28 No.9965497
>>9965452
God damnit, Twilight.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)12:32 No.9965549
Replies: >>9965636
>mfw accidentally deleting the next post
okay gimme another minute
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)12:38 No.9965636
>>9965549
It's okay OP, we love you.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)12:38 No.9965639
Replies: >>9965688
As you ascend the steps, the invisibility spell begins to fade. You look over to Applejack who slowly becomes visible as well. She shrugs, and you continue. Before long you can hear Twilight's voice, speaking to someone. The two of you pick up the pace.
The top of the stairs leads to the astronomy dome, with a beautifully intricate telescope for observing the heavens. All sorts of plush surroundings and scenes might have drawn your attention, but at the moment your gaze fixes on the serene figure in the center of the room.
There sits the princess Luna. Her legs crossed and her wings folded, her mane of star and space billowing in an unknown wind, even her crown poised delicately on her head. She listens attentively as Twilight retells your story until now.
"...and then Cloudsdale CRASHED and EXPLODED and we were attacked by dead pegasii and we had to take refuge in the quarantine zone and captain Longsnout's looking for you and I had to turn Spike to stone and the Elements aren't responding and Celestia's still not replying to my messages, and... and..."
Luna raises a calming hoof. "Please, Twilight, rest a moment. You have done more than could be asked of you. It appears you have brought friends."
"Huh?" Twilight turns back to face you and Applejack, and blushes with embarrassment. "Oh, right. Sorry, I... um, well you remember Applejack of course."
"How could I forget?" replies Luna with a smile.
"Yer majesty." Applejack gives an awkward curtsey.
"And this is Sunny," says Twilight, gesturing to you.
"We know him," Luna replies, giving you an appraising look. "But we knew him not by that name."
>You... you know who I am?
>Well, I'm Sunny now, if it's all the same to you.
>We can talk later. We need to get you out of here.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)12:42 No.9965688
>>9965639
OH FUCK, 1 OR 2?
Let's go with 1, although cautiously.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)12:53 No.9965826
Replies: >>9965884
You hesitate, a little awed. "You know me?"
Luna's brow furrows. "Of course. Do you not recall?"
"Sunny here had a little accident," says Applejack by way of explanation. "Hit his head runnin' outta the Everfree, can't recall his own name."
"It may be more than that..." Luna sighs, considering her words carefully. "I suppose it is for the best if you knew the truth.
“You are doctor Mortimer, Celestia's most prized scientist. Not long before this terrible darkness befell our kingdom, Celestia had you and many of your peers sequestered in the Everfree forest, studying an ancient ritual. Of details, I know few. She can be... over-protective, my sister, and shares only what she believes one needs to know.”
Your mind catches fire as garbled memories crash into each other. You can remember bits and pieces - being called Mortimer, or rather Mort Timer, working in the Everfree, meeting Celestia - but you can't put the pieces together. The pain of it all causes you to wince and stagger slightly.
"I'm sorry to say that I know little more than that. The only one who might know more is Celestia herself, although I have not seen her since before the crisis began."
"What do you mean?" Twilight interjects, desperation in her voice. "You have to know where she went! We need her!"
Luna shakes her head. "I suspect this is all intertwined. She had often left the palace of late to visit her secret hold in the forest, the one where you, Mortimer, were staying. She may have been there when the nightmare began, but where it is? How to gain access? What happened there? I know not."
Applejack curses. "This is all too much, too fast! You're sayin' Celestia and Sunny might've accidentally started this whole thing?"
There's a long pause. "Accidentally," Luna says, somewhat uncertainly. "Yes."
>None of this matters right now. We need to get you to safety.
>I need to know more. Is there any way we can find out the truth?
>I can't deal with this right now.
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)12:58 No.9965884
>>9965826
1 first.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)13:11 No.9966085
Replies: >>9966120 >>9966155 >>9966199
The sound of dead hooves battering at the door downstairs brings you all back to reality. "There's no time for this now," you tersely declare. "Our priority has to be getting you back to the quarantine zone where you can do the most good. We can figure out the truth later."
Luna's expression becomes solemn and sad as you speak. "I am afraid I cannot do that. I have intentionally avoided the quarantine zones. You see..." she raises a wing, revealing a prominent bite on her chest. "I am a danger to those I seem to protect."
There's a sharp intake of breath. Applejack curses again, and Twilight's eyes fill once more with tears. "Y-you can't... I mean, you're a goddess! Sure you can't be-"
"You are correct. My powers have preserved me from turning - whatever curse these creatures carry, it cannot overcome the divine. However, my powers come from the moon." Luna looks skyward through the opening in the dome above, gazing upon the moon above. She frowns. "This infection has severed that connection. I have the power stored within me, and no more. When that power runs out... I will turn. Every time I fight to protect my people, I draw closer to feeding on them."
Twilight is sobbing now, unable to contain her grief. "Not you too..." she mumbles between tears. "This can't be happening."
"Take heart, Twilight Sparkle. Where there is life, there is hope, and there is still life here. I am no stranger to corruption. My only desire now is to do what I can with the time remaining to me."
Applejack has taken off her hat, holding it over her chest. "Yer very brave, ma'm."
"There is no more time for discussing my woes, only our next step."
>We need to get out of Canterlot
>Twilight's working on a cure.
>What do you suggest?
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:13 No.9966120
Replies: >>9966155
>>9966085
All of the options.. so terrible..
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:15 No.9966155
Replies: >>9966174
>>9966085
>>9966120
Since I appear to be the only one left.. I've decided on Option #1
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:16 No.9966174
>>9966155
I'm here man, but fuck if I know what to pick...
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:18 No.9966199
>>9966085
I am unsure of what to pick as well...option 1.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)13:24 No.9966284
Replies: >>9966312 >>9966326
"Canterlot's not going to hold much longer. We need to get our people out while we still can. Can you help us?"
"Yeah," adds Applejack. "We don't even know where's safe t'take 'em."
Luna rises to her hooves, and the dome above her alights. It shows the stars of the night sky, but Luna taps a hidden control and the stars move to form a map of Equestria. "Unfortunately, I have received reports from all corners of Equestria of these attacks. Whole settlements have fallen, nowhere seems safe. Except..." she points to the north. "The Crystal Empire has sent no report at all. The rail line is intact, but the palace fell before I could send anyone to investigate. It is a risk... but Cadance and your brother were there when the nightmare began, perhaps they have been able to contain it."
Twilight looks up at the map, a mix of hope and fear. "I hope so."
"I don't like the idea of goin' in blind," Applejack concedes, "but it's better'n goin' head first inta trouble. Okay. the Crystal Empire it is."
"Wait!" says Twilight. "As important as survival might be, unless we have a way to combat this disease we'll just be running from our problems. Please, princess Luna, the Elements aren't responding to us and I haven't made any progress working on a cure. You must know something that could help!"
Luna looks from Twilight to you. "I'm afraid the only answers we might have... are lost within his mind."
>I don't know anything, okay? We should focus on what we do know.
>Is there any way to heal me? Regain my memories?
>I don't think I want to remember...
>We could try something else. Have you searched Celestia's room for clues?
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:26 No.9966312
>>9966284
Option #2 & #4 .. hmm..
Take #2
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:27 No.9966326
Replies: >>9966333
>>9966284
Option 2. We need to find out what happened.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:28 No.9966333
>>9966326
Thirding.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)13:33 No.9966387
Replies: >>9966428 >>9966430 >>9966440 >>9966451 >>9966464
"If I'm suffering from amnesia... is there any way to heal me? Some spell or potion?"
“It may yet be possible to unlock your memories, and unravel the mystery of this plague,” declares Luna. Her face draws tight and she sets her teeth, before adding “I could enter your dreams, help you discover your true self. Normally this would be a small feat, but with my connection to the moon severed... it would sap most of my strength. I may not recover.”
Twilight looks horrified. “We can't lose you! This is when we need you most! Is there no other way?”
“None that I know. Perhaps with time his memories will return on their own, but I know not how long, or if they will come in time.”
Twilight weighs this up, looking back and forth between you and Luna. After a long pause to consider the situation, she sighs and closes her eyes. “In that case, you should do it. We need to know what happened in the Everfree and how this infection started... even if the cost...”
Applejack stomps her hoof. “Now just hold on a minute! Princess Luna's the most powerful pony in all of Canterlot. If we go usin' up her juice now, we'll be on our own when we try t'get outta here. Think of how many more ponies we could save with her help!"
>It's worth the risk.
>There are others who need your help more.
>I don't know. It's not an easy decision.
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:35 No.9966428
>>9966387
These decisions, man.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:35 No.9966430
>>9966387
O jesus.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:36 No.9966440
>>9966387
Option 2. Other neednher help
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:37 No.9966451
Replies: >>9966473
>>9966387
Fuck it, option 2. Got to get everyone out safe.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:37 No.9966464
Replies: >>9966492
>>9966387
See, the thing is. The memories might help us a fuck ton, but we've been selfless the entire time so far... and causing Luna to turn. There's no way we could use the elements to turn Luna like Spike, is there?
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:38 No.9966473
>>9966451
Just have to rely on Celestia being alive or them coming back naturally.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:40 No.9966492
>>9966464
Theory I have.. Twilight used a darker side of the Magic of Friendship to command the Elements. That's why I think they might not be working right now. A fail-safe, if you will, sorta like how Celestia used them on Luna.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)13:46 No.9966578
Replies: >>9966597 >>9966608
You shake your head. "We need your help with the people of Canterlot more than we do with my memory. There are other ways to find out the truth."
Applejack lets out a sigh of relief, but Twilight adopts an irritated expression. "Are you crazy?" she snaps. "What 'other ways'? Celestia's gone, the Elements don't work, and the only clue we have is [I]somewhere[/I] in the Everfree something's happened! And it's crawling with the dead! What's your plan to fix this, huh? Where do you think we're going to find answers?"
"We've gotta prioritize, Twi," says Applejack. "We might not know what other chances're out there yet, but if we keep our cool and stick together, you can be sure we'll find another way to save the world while keepin' as many as we can alive."
"I'm trying to save EVERYONE!" Twilight shouts. "We can't do that if we trade away all our chances for learning more about what's going on! Unlocking these memories might be our last shot at doing that, we don't know, and if it is we'll ALL DIE, Mortimer!"
"His name's Sunny!" shouts Applejack, gritting her teeth.
>You're right. This might be our only chance, restore my memory.
>It's not worth risking others' lives for uncertain gain. Save your power.
>...
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)13:47 No.9966590
whoops tried to italicize her da derp derp derp
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:48 No.9966597
>>9966578
Option 2.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:48 No.9966608
>>9966578
OPTION 2 SON.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)13:57 No.9966748
Replies: >>9966809
You stand firm. "No, Twilight. I'm not going to risk others' lives for this. We'll find another way."
She lets out an exasperated sigh and turns her back to you, sulking. Luna turns from her to you and nods. "Very well. Return to your people and tell them to prepare for the journey to the Crystal Empire. You must leave as soon as you can - the dead are most active at night, and I fear Longsnout's quarantine will not survive to dawn."
She spreads her magnificent wings and alights to the opening in the dome above. "I shall save my power for when your people need it most. This may be the last you see of me. Twilight."
Twilight looks up, her frustration turned to sadness. Luna gives her a gentle smile. "Please, do not let bitterness take hold of you. Such was my mistake a thousand years before. Tonight I do what little I can to redeem that sin. Take this chance I give you. Live without a heavy heart."
Twilight nods mutely, and Luna disappears into the night sky.
A moment later there's a loud crack from below. "They're through the barricade!" Applejack exclaims. "How're we supposed to get out now!?"
"Stay near me," says Twilight, adopting an aggressive posture. "And whatever you do, hold completely still."
The two of you comply, and are enveloped in purple energy. You can hear the herd below galloping up the steps, roaring and moaning. Before the first of them crests the upper level the world disappears in a flash and you feel the strangest sensation of being drawn through a straw. When it ends you're on the ground below the tower, now empty of the dead.
Twilight turns immediately and fires a bolt of purple energy into the base of the tower. Stone shatters under the force, and the whole thing begins to topple. The upper levels cartwheel through the air and fall down on to a lower level of the city, shattering and leaving splattered corpses spread across the cobbles.
She exhales heavily. "Let's go."
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:02 No.9966809
>>9966748
Continue.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)14:05 No.9966851
Replies: >>9966886
Invisibility envelops the three of you and you make your way safely back to the quarantine zone. When you reach the barricade wall, you see dead corpses piled at the bottom, many pierced by countless spear-thrusts. There are fewer guards remaining than when you left, but they still open the gate for you when Twilight calls out.
Captain Longsnout is waiting for you. "We saw Luna take off from the Astronomy tower just before it collapsed. Did you find her?"
Twilight nods. "We did, but... she doesn't have long now. She's agreed to help us evacuate the quarantine zone toward the Crystal Empire."
Longsnout hesitates. "Far be it from me to question a princess, but... our orders are to fall back to a military rally-point outside of the city. The remaining guard forces across Equestria are withdrawing and forming up."
"What about the civvies?" asks Applejack. "There's gotta be a whole lotta Canterlot ponies what need protectin'."
"Current thinking is smaller groups have a better chance of survival," Longsnout explains. "We've been using our remaining trains to send out groups to remote locations across the countryside, far away from towns and cities where the dead have been gathering."
"I guess that makes sense," Twilight concedes. "What about our group?"
"All still accounted for. So's your train. If you want to take them to the Crystal Empire, that's your decision."
"My brother and princess Cadance are there," says Twilight. "If anyone can protect my friends, it's them. Not to mention with Celestia missing and Luna... gone, Cadance is the last princess in Equestria."
Applejack nods. "It's a plan. We better go tell the others." She turns to you, and adds "Looks like this is it, Sunny. Ready t'escape from Canterlot?"
>After Ponyville this should be a walk in the park.
>How will we know when Luna will appear?
>Do the guards need our help holding the quarantine?
>What's the supply situation?
>I'm ready, let's get our people together.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:08 No.9966886
Replies: >>9966944
>>9966851
Option 3
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:12 No.9966944
>>9966886
Agreed.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)14:14 No.9966973
Replies: >>9966980
"Will you need help holding the quarantine?" you ask Longsnout. "It looks like your troops are getting hammered."
He shrugs. "I've got enough to hold a few more hours at the current rate, by my calculation. That's long enough to get the district evacuated and punch out of here ourselves. You might say we're in the middle of a recruitment drive though, so if any of your people feel like signing up right now we could always use the manpower."
"We're likely t'need every strong leg ourselves," says Applejack. "Ah don't think it's wise splittin' us up at the moment, we're not like to meet up again any time soon."
>If anyone wants to volunteer for the guard, that's their choice.
>The Ponyville ponies should stick together.
>Not my place to comment.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:15 No.9966980
>>9966973
Option 2.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)14:19 No.9967043
Replies: >>9967063
"Splitting up isn't the right idea at the moment," you say. "We need to keep our people together." Applejack gives an approving nod.
Longsnout shrugs. "Well, okay then. I wasn't expecting any reinforcements at the moment anyway."
>After Ponyville this should be a walk in the park.
>How will we know when Luna will appear?
>What's the supply situation?
>I'm ready, let's get our people together.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:20 No.9967063
>>9967043
Option 3
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)14:24 No.9967105
Replies: >>9967138 >>9967167
"How're we doing for supplies?"
"The white-coated mare, the one with the purple hair? She's been helping us organize our supply stockpile. We've had more than enough... you know, because of all the losses. We should be able to stock you up with plenty of food and other essentials before you go."
Twilight looks over to the train. "I suppose it's a little late to ask if we could get some of the broken windows fixed?"
"You'd be right. We've already packed the supplies though, so that's one problem sorted."
"Any, uh..." Applejack looks around before asking. "Any apples?"
Longsnout frowns. "I don't think so. Why?"
Applejack kicks the ground absently. "No reason."
>After Ponyville this should be a walk in the park.
>How will we know when Luna will appear?
>I'm ready, let's get our people together.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:26 No.9967138
>>9967105
Option 3
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:28 No.9967167
Replies: >>9967219
>>9967105
Option 2.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)14:31 No.9967205
"Right, we don't have any more time to waste," you state. "We'll get our people together and get them on that train."
"Good," says Longsnout. "Let me know when you're ready to head out-"
A high-pitched scream cuts the air. The four of you turn to one of the barricade walls on one of the streets. A hole has just been blown clean through it by some unknown force, and the whole wall begins to collapse. Guards atop the wall leap for their lives - the smart ones leaping down INTO the quarantine zone.
"And do it fast!" Longsnout shouts, slamming his helmet down and running to the breach.
"I'll help them hold off the herd," says Twilight. "Applejack, Mortimer, you two get everyone on that train!" She disappears in an explosion of purple light, reappearing atop a building overlooking the street.
"C'mon, Sunny!" Applejack shouts as she makes a break for the warehouse. You follow.
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:32 No.9967219
>>9967167
She will appear when she wants to appear.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)14:38 No.9967287
Replies: >>9967302 >>9967310
You burst into the warehouse, where the Ponyville ponies huddle fearfully. The sounds of battle from outside are muffled and strange from within, adding to the grim mood.
Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity all converge on you at once. "What's goin' on!?" Dash exclaims, circling the air anxiously. "What happened? What're we supposed to do now?"
"Calm down, Dash," says Applejack. "Twilight's holdin' the quarantine. We need t'get all these ponies back on that train pronto."
"What about princess Luna?" Rarity asks, hopefully. "Will she come?"
"Ah hope so. Ah really do."
Fluttershy begins to fret. "There's so many ponies, so much to do, oh, I don't know how we can avoid a panic..."
"HEY EVERYONE!" Pinkie shouts, bounding into the air. "SUNNY'S GOT SOMETHING TO SAY! LISTEN UP!"
The warehouse falls quiet except for the sounds of battle outside. Every eye is upon you. Pinkie Pie gives you a smile and a theatric stage whisper. "I'm helping!"
>The quarantine's about the fall! Get on the train, quick!
>There's no cause for alarm. Please proceed for an orderly evacuation by train.
>Stay close, stay quiet, no wandering off, and follow me!
>Dash, you're the better pony-wrangler, you got this.
>Applejack, you've got the most herding experience.
>Rarity, I trust you can handle this responsibility.
>This is your mess now, Pinkie.
>Uh, Fluttershy could... um...
>WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:39 No.9967302
>>9967287
Option 3
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:39 No.9967310
>>9967287
3 or 5.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)14:50 No.9967457
Replies: >>9967485 >>9967522 >>9967538
"Okay, listen close because I don't have time to repeat myself! I want you to form up in an orderly manner and FOLLOW! ME! To the train! No wandering off! No freezing! Keep your eyes on the pony in front of you and no matter what you see or hear, DON'T PANIC!" You pause, looking over them. "Any questions? Good!"
An awkward colt near the front lowers his hoof, dejected.
You turn back to the girls and say "I'll take point. You five spread out around the edges of the group and keep everyone together. You see any trouble you call me over, got it?" They nod. "Good. Let's do this."
The doors open and you step out into the yard.
There's trouble.
The barricades are being blown apart. You can't tell by what until you see one of them crest a crumbling wall. A dead unicorn, its horn blasting wildly, is tearing up anything that gets close alive dead or inanimate. Twilight's on the rooftops trying to blast it, but there's too many other dead in the way.
The way to the train is clear, however, so you set off for it immediately. You leap into the first open carriage and look down. No signs of dead ponies. "Somebody needs to start the engine!" you yell back down the line.
"On it!" Pinkie Pie yells back, doing a strange three-legged bounce up to the engine compartment. She dives in over the door with a loud thud. "It looks just like an oven! Can't be too different, right?"
You don't have time to worry about that now. You look back down the line and see the Ponyville survivors surge up after you and into the different carriages. Everything seems okay so far.
Then you hear a horrible cry. You look over and see the freakish dead unicorn has turned its pack toward the living unicorn soldiers maintaining the shield above your heads. You look up and see the dead pegasii battering against it. If someone doesn't save them, you're all about to be in a lot of trouble, but you're too far to make it there in time.
>Applejack! Bring that unicorn down!
>Rainbow Dash! They need backup!
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:52 No.9967485
>>9967457
Option 2
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:54 No.9967522
>>9967457
Unleash Blue Fast upon them.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:55 No.9967538
Replies: >>9967573
>>9967457
Why do I feel we're going to fuck up badly? WE NEED A PERFECT RUN, GUYS!
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:59 No.9967573
Replies: >>9967605
>>9967538
It was either Rainbow or AJ, and apple pone must live.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:01 No.9967594
Replies: >>9967611 >>9967622 >>9967631
"Rainbow Dash!" you yell out, pointing to the unicorn.
"Already on it!" She shouts back, shooting you a cocky grin. You realize she's grabbed one of the shotguns and is blazing toward the unicorn at full speed.
The gun comes up and fires, but one of the dead ponies surrounding her target lunges forward and takes the hit. The dead unicorn doesn't seem to notice, but his horn lights up and a wild burst of magic scythes toward Dash. It catches her by surprise and knocks her into the turf. "It's alright!" she yells back. "I've got this!"
The carriages are filling up, but the press of bodies is still separating you from the action. Applejack, on the other side of the mob, gives you a fearful look. "Ah need t'get over there and-"
There's another shotgun blast, and the unicorn staggers backward. The magic of its horn dissipates harmlessly into the air. You hear a cry of "Yesss! In your FACE!", and Applejack calms. She even rolls her eyes. "Never mind."
Fluttershy is bringing up the rear of the column. "This is everyone," she tells you. "I went back and double-checked."
"Where's Sweetie Belle?!" Rarity demands, pulling up next to her. "Is she alright?"
"Hey sis!" Sweetie Belle shouts from a train carriage window. "It's okay! Me and Applebloom did what Sunny said!"
Rarity lets out a relieved sigh. "That's good! Now please, stay there!"
The train roars to life. You hear Pinkie from the cab say. "So THAT's what that does!"
"Almost ready to go," Applejack mutters. "Just need Twi and Rainbow." She scans the courtyard as it fills with dead, breaking down every barricade. "If Luna's plannin' on helpin, sooner's better'n later..."
You hear a scream and the four of you snap your heads over toward the wall. You see Longsnout trying to hold the last upright barricade with the remainder of his troops, but it's surrounded.
>The army's falling apart, there's nothing we can do.
>We can break them out, follow me!
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:01 No.9967605
Replies: >>9967800
>>9967573
But Teal Pone helped us with Panks.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:02 No.9967611
>>9967594
>SWEETIE BELLE, STAY IN THE HOUSE
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:03 No.9967622
Replies: >>9967637
>>9967594
It's like that left for dead comic where they abandon the military.
How many zompones around Longsnout?
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:03 No.9967631
Replies: >>9967639
>>9967594
Option 2
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:04 No.9967637
Replies: >>9967664
>>9967622
I like to keep the numbers vague, but too many for them to fight, but maybe not so many that you couldn't punch a hole for them to escape out of. Then again, my but don't you seem to be getting quite spread out trying to help the guard hold the quarantine?
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:04 No.9967639
Replies: >>9967692
>>9967631
Dude... I hope this is the best decision...
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:06 No.9967664
>>9967637
So it's either (maybe) save some military pones at the cost of ponyville pones. Shiiiiyet.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:08 No.9967692
>>9967639
There is no such thing as a good decision.. but we must press forward with the choices we make.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:10 No.9967707
Replies: >>9967722 >>9967767
"They need our help!" you shout, pointing to the guards trapped up against the wall. "Come on, we can do this!"
"Are y'all nuts!?" you hear Applejack shout from behind you, but a moment later she's following along with Fluttershy and Rarity. You cut around the unicorns maintaining the shield and Rainbow Dash fending off the dead attacking them and you even spot Twilight teleporting from rooftop to rooftop toward the train.
When you reach the herd that's trapped Longsnout's forces, you realize you're actually not really armed for a fight. "What now, doctor smart-pony?" AJ sarcastically remarks.
"Um, I-I think they're noticing us," Fluttershy squeaks, pointing to several dead ponies at the edge of the herd that turn toward you.
"Thankfully," sniffs Rarity, "I was able to conceive of a brilliant plan during our gallant charge." She clears her throat, and after an exaggerated moment of testing her vocal range, starts screaming at the top of her lungs.
"What in tarnation are you doin'?!" exclaims Applejack, but she's not the only one who notices. A large pack engaged in attacking the guards notice Rarity's antics and turn back toward you. Realizing her plan, you begin waving and jumping up and down as well. A hole starts to form, as dead ponies turn toward you.
"Okay," says Applejack. "We've got their attention, what's step two?"
Rarity gulps. "Ah, yes. Step two. I... was hoping for some group input on that.
>RUN!
>FIGHT!
>PANIC!
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:11 No.9967722
>>9967707
Option 1
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:14 No.9967767
>>9967707
Juan.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:16 No.9967798
Replies: >>9967822 >>9967827
"RUN!" you yell, turning tail and peeling off toward the train. The others catch on quickly and are hot on your heels, but then again so are the dead ponies, and soon after them the surviving troops under Longsnout, with the rest of the herd after them.
The whole ridiculous conga-line is heading straight for the train. The unicorns maintaining the shield, realizing you're heading their way, break their concentration and set to running. Dash starts screaming obscenities and takes off into the air to join in your retreat, but soon the flock of dead above are falling down on you as well.
Thinks look pretty dark.
"ENOUGH!"
A shockwave of shadowy energy rolls over and around you. Those dead ponies it catches are hurled bodily through the air, cartwheeling corpses smashing into buildings like rag dolls.
Princess Luna descends from above, resting on your train. "BEHOLD THE POWER OF THE NIGHT!" She bellows, firing off another wave. Your group and the surviving guards scramble within her protection.
Applejack collapses next to you, against the train. Panting, she gives you a smile. "Toldya we'd need her help."
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:16 No.9967800
>>9967605
We got a kiss from apple pone though.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:17 No.9967822
>>9967798
Continue.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:18 No.9967827
>>9967798
CAN-TIN-EWE.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:22 No.9967892
Replies: >>9967921 >>9967939 >>9967950
Longsnout crashes to the other side of you, gasping and wheezing. "Thanks for the assist. I thought we were done for."
"Nothing to it," you gasp back. You keep forgetting how wrecked up your body's gotten the last few days.
"We're calling our final retreat now. The mountain paths are pretty clear, at least until we're out of the city. Good luck."
"You too." With that, Longsnout gets back to his hooves. He and a few dozen survivors of the Canterlot guard retreat down either side of the train and off into the mountain.
"We're still missin' Twi," says Applejack, scanning the courtyard. "Anybody see her?"
"And Rainbow Dash!" adds Fluttershy. "Where'd she go?"
All you see is an absolutely titanic wave of corpses trying to press toward you, with waves of Luna's energy forcing them back at every step. No purple unicorn, no blue pegasus. Each wave is getting weaker, however, and the grows closer.
Before you can say anything, you feel the train behind you lurch backward. "Whoops!" says Pinkie Pie. "I think we're pulling away from the station! All aboard!"
>They can take care of themselves, we need to get on the train
>You girls go, I'll find them
>Let's try asking Luna if she can get to them.
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:24 No.9967921
>>9967892
Option 2
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:25 No.9967939
>>9967892
THESE CHOICES. Option 2. We got to commit to selflessness.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:26 No.9967950
Replies: >>9967968
>>9967892
Guys, if we have to pick one pone to save...
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:27 No.9967968
>>9967950
We ain't to that point yet.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:29 No.9967995
Replies: >>9968013
"Get on the train, I'll find them."
Applejack tries to protest. "But-"
"This isn't a discussion, Applejack! Get on the train!"
Rarity rests a hoof on AJ's shoulder. "Come on, Applejack. Sunny has this well in hoof."
She looks incredulously at the absolute tide of dead ponies below, but nods. "Y'ain't let us down yet. Just don't go doin' anythin' stupid."
Quickly and suddenly, she plants a kiss on your lips. It's over so fast and her face is so stern afterward you hardly believe it happened. "Fer luck."
With that, the girls hurry back on to the train. You see it begin to pull out down the track. It'll start picking up speed soon enough, if Pinkie ever figures out the controls.
Ahead of you lies the dead of Canterlot, surging into Luna's protective magical force. Dash and Twilight are nowhere to be seen. Unless you plan to get overrun in the middle of the street, you need to get up on top of something
>Try the shipping containers.
>Go into the train station
>Back to the warehouse!
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:31 No.9968013
Replies: >>9968021
>>9967995
God damn. Try the containers?
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:32 No.9968021
>>9968013
I second this.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:35 No.9968050
Replies: >>9968085
You jump up on to a shipping container, and on to one taller than the last. From there you have a decent view of the courtyard and can see the surging masses below. The trouble is, they can see you, and though they can't climb they soon surround you.
Some of them can fly, of course.
A pegasus drops out of the sky (drops would be accurate, with broken wings) and almost lands on top of you. You manage to give the intruder a quick kick off your crate, but the flock above is marshaling. You need to get under cover, and quickly.
You try to spot Rainbow Dash, but she's nowhere to be seen. If she was outside of Luna's protection, maybe she ducked into one of the buildings?
>Jump to the station roof.
>Jump to the warehouse roof.
>Jump back the way you came and try to catch up to the train.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:38 No.9968085
>>9968050
Warehouse roof.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:41 No.9968139
Replies: >>9968152
You look to the warehouse. Wow, it looked a lot closer from the ground. And shorter. Still, you're about to be flocked, so you don't have much of a choice. You back up as much as the shipping container allows, and set off at full gallop to the edge.
You leap!
Below you, the herd roils. Above you, the flock descends.
Your front two hooves just barely catch the guttering, which immediately begins to tear loose. You try to push yourself up with your hind legs, but the angle is all wrong. You hang precariously from the ledge, wishing to anyone who would listen you had some sort of grasping digits at the end of your hooves. Slowly, inexorably, you begin to slide off.
>[FUUUUUUCK]
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:43 No.9968152
Replies: >>9968161 >>9968166
>>9968139
I fucked up, guys. Continue.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:44 No.9968161
>>9968152
RAINBOW DASH SAVE ROLL./Roll
Anon, it wasn't your fault.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:44 No.9968166
>>9968152
You've made your choice, now we must trudge through it.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:46 No.9968204
Replies: >>9968242 >>9968267 >>9968273
Just before your grip give way, you hear a familiar voice say "Need a hoof?"
Rainbow Dash reaches down and yanks you back up on to the roof. You roll over away from the edge, wheezing and gasping for breath. She looks down at you with a smile. "Why's it always me pulling your fat out of the fryer, huh?" She scans the sky, spotting where pegasii prepare to dive-bomb you. "Come on, we need to get out of the rain."
You stumble up to a door set in the roof as dead pegasii begin to drop down behind you. Dash opens the door and you lunge through, and once she follows she slams it shut and turns the key. "That'll hold 'em for at least a minute. I hope."
You take a minute to take in the area around you. You're in the warehouse rafters. A window set in one side of the wall shows the train pulling away down the track, with Luna still fending off the tide. Her power is weakening, however, you might not have long.
"I was looking for Twilight, but couldn't find her anyway," Dash explains. "If you've got any ideas, now's the time."
>She can teleport and turn invisible. She's probably making her own way there, if she's not already on board.
>Have you tried the station? She might've tried to get on the train from there.
>What about this warehouse? Have you cleared it?
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:49 No.9968242
Replies: >>9968267
>>9968204
Decision time guys, give your input.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:50 No.9968267
Replies: >>9968272
>>9968204
>>9968242
All options are valid.
As such, Option 3 it is!
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:51 No.9968272
Replies: >>9968293
>>9968267
Alright. Option 3 is a go.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:51 No.9968273
Replies: >>9968293
>>9968204
3, then 2. All that magic she used might have left her exhausted.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:52 No.9968293
Replies: >>9968331
>>9968272
>>9968273
Yeah, Warehouse first, then Station.. then you hoof it out of this deadhole into the great unknown that has been forgotten.. and if we are really lucky, we might get a Boss Fight with Zombie Moon
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:55 No.9968331
>>9968293
>Zombie Nightmare Moon/Luna spraying magic like tidal waves.
That sounds fun.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:56 No.9968340
Replies: >>9968381 >>9968387 >>9968398
"We're already in the warehouse, have you checked it?"
Dash shrugs. "Well, I shouted 'Twilight! Come out, come out, wherever you are!', does that count?"
You shake your head and walk over to the trap door out of the rafters. There's a ladder down into the warehouse, which you take down to the walkway that spans it. From there you have a clear view of everything but the office.
It's clear your group left in a hurry. There's abandoned bits and pieces scattered around, a ball here, a bit of paper there. You spot the cots and how they've been knocked about. "What did you do with Caramel in the end?"
A look of shame crosses Dash's face and she turns away from you. "He... he was getting pretty bad. He asked us to let him go. Said he wanted to deal with it on his own. I... I don't think he made it."
You shake your head. Another one down.
>Well, let's check the office too.
>She's obviously not here. We need to get to the station.
>She's obviously not here. She's probably on the train, and it's getting away.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:58 No.9968381
>>9968340
1.Carefully. He might be in there.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:58 No.9968387
>>9968340
Finally done reading and catching up.
Reporting into another absolutely glorious thread. These decisions, man...
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:59 No.9968398
>>9968340
Option 1.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)16:03 No.9968459
Replies: >>9968517 >>9968522
"Well, we should check the office too," you say, climbing down to the ground floor.
"I'm telling you, she's not here!" says Rainbow Dash as she follows. "We're wasting our time! I don't like the idea of having to fight our way out to the train. I mean, if I was by myself I could just outfly all those sloppy dead pegasii, but carrying you? Not gonna happen."
You pause. "You think I'm slowing you down?"
"I know you're slowing me down," she grumbles. "Not one of those dead ponies can keep up with me or take me in a fight, I could be in and out of here no problem, but now I'm stuck babysitting you and trying to find Twilight."
You ignore her griping for a minute and nose into the office. Nothing to see here. There's a map of Canterlot Applejack had been looking at earlier, but nothing else.
From above you hear the sound of a door breaking inward. Dash hisses. "Great! Can't get out that way. Any more bright ideas?"
>They're not hitting the front door. Maybe we can make a break for the station.
>We can catch up with the train through one of those windows.
>Ohhh, I'm too much of a burden to have ideas. Why don't you tell me what we should do next?
>>
The Detective 04/19/13(Fri)16:07 No.9968517
>>9968459
1.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)16:07 No.9968522
>>9968459
What is everyone thinking? Window or front door?
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)16:13 No.9968637
Replies: >>9968767 >>9968999
"We can make the station if we go through the front door," you say. "They're not looking that way right now."
Dash grunts in frustration, but relents. The two of you head over to the front door. You put your ear to it and hear the herd beyond, pushing forward toward the departing train.
"You still got that shotgun?" you ask.
Dash shakes her head. "Ran outta ammo, so I threw it at one of 'em. We'll just have to run."
"Great," you mutter. "On three."
Wait for it...
"Three!"
The two of you barge out the front door. Sure enough, the street beyond is filled with dead ponies shuffling forward. At a breakneck gallop you start cutting between them, hoping and praying they don't react fast enough to grab you.
You make it to the station platform, jumping up and out of danger for a moment, once again gasping for breath.
"Aw, you gotta be kidding me... look!" Dash lands next to you and points back toward the train.
It's far now, almost too far to see, but if you squint you can see a dark blue dot blasting out weak pulses of magic after her... and a small purple dot next to her waving her hooves frantically in the air.
Dash gives you a rueful look and snorts. "I'm gonna murderize that filly."
>Don't just stand around, we need to run!
>Let's break for the station! Maybe we can lay low and catch up later?
>Give me a lift, I can't run through that herd again.
>...Oh come on, man.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)16:22 No.9968767
>>9968637
Tough decision.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)16:28 No.9968846
Replies: >>9968979
So anyone gonna take a crack at this one? Maybe one of them is a nonstandard game over!
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)16:35 No.9968979
>>9968846
I think you just made everyone even more terrified to answer, assuming others are here. I'll take one for the team. Option 1, bum rush.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)16:36 No.9968999
>>9968637
Gah, I dunno. Not sure if I totally understand, but if no one's chiming in, I guess Option 1.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)16:42 No.9969078
Replies: >>9969105 >>9969133
"Come on!" you yell, charging down the platform. Dead ponies are crawling up from every side now, and you dodge and skip around lunging hooves and snapping jaws.
Dash seems almost taken aback, but is cruising beside you a moment later. "There's no way we're going to make it!" she insists, her voice now holding an edge of terror. "We're gonna die!"
"We're not gonna die!" you grunt. "Now keep going!" You dive off the end of the platform and land on the tracks, setting off as fast as you can after the receding train. Unfortunately, it's pulling off on to a narrow bridge, a bridge now clogged with dead.
Before you can figure out what to do next, you see a distant poof of purple energy from the train's roof. An explosion nearby marks Twilight's arrival, sending dead ponies flying. "Come on!" she yells, as her horn burns white-hot while blasting you a path to her. "You're almost - Rainbow watch out!"
You crane your head backward just in time to see a dead, wall-eyed pegasus drop from above squarely on to Dash's back. She's driven hard into the dirt and lands with a crash. "HELP!" she screams, her voice soaked in terror. Already the dead are swarming toward her from all sides while she struggles with the dead pegasus on her back. "PLEASE! HELP! HEEEEELLLLP!"
>She's finished! Come on Twi, we gotta get out of here!
>I'm coming! Hold on!
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)16:43 No.9969105
>>9969078
I'm coming! Hold on!
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)16:45 No.9969133
>>9969078
SAVE HER.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)16:50 No.9969197
Replies: >>9969229
You wheel back around to Dash and charge. "Hold on Dash, I'm coming!" The first dead pony in your way comes at you, all snapping jaws and flailing hooves, but you head-butt it hard in the chest and it collapses. The next leaps through the air but you duck under it and keep running.
There's an ear-piercing scream and heart-wrenching tear as the pegasus on her back bites down into the meat of her wing. Dash finds her strength and slams her head into the face of her attacker, cracking its nose and briefly righting its vision. Once on her feet again, Dash tries to take off but only makes it the few feet between you and her before crashing back to earth. "My wings!" she burbles out, confused and scared. "No! They're not! I can't!"
"Later!" you shout, and you shoulder her on to your back before wheeling back around again and making for Twilight at full gallop.
She's struggling to keep the herd at bay now, you see her blasts come slower and weaker, but when you slide up to her she doesn't hesitate before summoning up another teleport spell.
It takes a moment to gather the power. The herd closes in. "Any minute now, Twi," you murmur.
"Almost, almost!"
A lot of hungry mouths. A lot of rotten flesh.
"Almost!"
A lot of hot breath, a lot of-
"Now!"
There it is again, the sensation of being pulled through a narrow straw, and then suddenly you're on top of the train as it pulls away. You collapse next to Luna, Rainbow Dash on your back and Twi tottering behind you.
"We made it, Dash murmurs. "Wheee..."
Luna's protective pulse has finished entirely. The train still creeps along, barely faster than the ponies chasing it.
"Only for the moment," says Luna.
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)16:52 No.9969229
>>9969197
Continue.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)16:54 No.9969256
Replies: >>9969273 >>9969352
Out of curiosity, how many people are lurking right now?
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)16:55 No.9969273
>>9969256
howdy
I just got caught up with it all
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)16:59 No.9969329
Replies: >>9969393
Luna turns to the three of you, looking pale and haggard. "My power fails. There is only one way I can protect you now."
You look up from the ground. The flock and herd are still right on your tail. Twilight rushes up close to Luna and gives her a pleading look. "Please, no," she begs. "We can figure something out! You don't have to use your powers any more, you'll survive, and we can escape the herd, and together we can figure out-"
"Sometimes the greatest thing a leader can do is sacrifice for her people," says Luna, leaning down to nuzzle Twilight. "It is a lesson my sister knows well, but not one I have ever lived up to. I pass to you the responsibility of protecting these ponies and saving Equestria from this blight."
Her wings spread wide and she leaps from the train, hovering not far behind. "There's so much we wanted to tell you, so much more we wanted to teach you... I'm sorry, Twilight."
"No!" Twilight screams after Luna. "Don't go! I need you! I can't do this alone!"
"That is what took me a thousand yeas to learn," Luna replies softly. "We are never alone." She turns then, and charges toward the descending flock. Like a blue thunderbolt, she crashes amongst them, thrashing and kicking, biting and fighting. Lighting roars from her horn and her eyes turn white like the full moon.
But the dead are endless, countless. She disappears beneath the tide, and they gather to feed on her. But their advance is halted, and as the train disappears into the tunnel out of Canterlot, your escape is assured.
Twilight watches until they disappear in the night-time darkness. Frozen and staring, not even crying - she has no tears left.
>She saved us all. She's a hero.
>Rainbow Dash has been bitten on the wing. We need to do something about that, fast.
>[Leave her for now, take Dash into the train]
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:01 No.9969352
>>9969256
I'm herr on a phone.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:03 No.9969393
Replies: >>9969442 >>9969463
>>9969329
2
Can we save her? We should save her.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:06 No.9969442
>>9969393
Seconded. Luna is hero, but bluefast needs her wings clipped asap
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:08 No.9969463
>>9969393
Thirded.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)17:13 No.9969564
Replies: >>9969652
You step up behind Twilight. "Twilight... Rainbow Dash was bitten on the wing. We need to do something quick to save her, could you-"
Twilight rounds on you, her face scrunched up in anger. "Oh, we need to save her, huh? We need to do it QUICK, huh?!" She points a hoof back the way you came. "Princess Luna was over a thousand years old! Almost as long as there's been ponies! With her help we could've saved EVERYONE, but you're all just too short-sighted and ignorant to see that! This isn't something we can just head-butt into submission! This is a problem for thinking ponies, who know how to... how to..."
Her anger peters out as Dash crawls to her. You look down and see Rainbow Dash is crying, curling around her friends' hooves like a child. "Please..." she murmurs. "Please save me. I don't want to die."
Twilight is stunned to silence, staring at her normally garrulous and courageous friend. After a few moments she recovers her wits. "...Take her inside the carriage. There's a doctor's bag packed with the supplies, I'll find it. We'll need some space and... and a table."
You nod. There's no time to stand around talking about it. You gather Rainbow Dash up (she's a bit heavier than you thought, or maybe the adrenaline's wearing off) and you get down inside the carriage.
As soon as you open the door, Applejack jumps at you and Rainbow Dash for a hug. "We saw the whole thing from the windows!" she says. "Please, please tell me y'all ain't hurt."
You push past her on your way to the front of the train. "We need a table and some space in the front carriage. I'd recommend sending the kids to the back."
To her credit, she doesn't waver. "Ah'll get right on it."
Fluttershy and Rarity are waiting for you near the front.
>Do either of you have any experience with surgery?
>You girls might want to clear out for this.
>Dash has been bit. She might not make it.
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:15 No.9969614
Option 1. Rarity's a sticher.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:17 No.9969652
>>9969564
Option 1.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)17:20 No.9969728
Replies: >>9969745 >>9969827 >>9969857
"If either of you have any medical training, now'd be a good time," you mention, easing Dash down on to an empty bench.
The two look at each other before Fluttershy steps forward. "I've set animal's injuries before. I can help."
Rarity steps up as well. "I've sewn wounds when the need arises. A minor skill, but... an extra set of hooves might help."
From behind, Applejack comes with a fold-out table and starts setting up. "We're gonna need t'hold her down, fer sure."
"Wait," says Dash, slowly realizing what's going on. "Wait, hold on, it was just a scratch! Just a nip on one of my wings! No big deal!"
Her friends look at each other with sad resignation. Applejack moves toward her. "No, hey, hold on!" Dash lashes out to kick her away, but Applejack gets in under her swing and wrestles her up. "Cut it out! You guys are crazy!"
Twilight enters the back of the carriage and just as quickly it empties as the remaining survivors sitting on benches scurry out. She's carrying a doctor's bag, a bone saw, and a resolved look. "Pin her down."
"No! You're overreacting!" she hisses. "Sunny! Tell them to stop! Tell them you don't have to do this!"
"Mortimer," says Twilight, her eyes fixed on Dash's flailing, bleeding wing. "Hold out the wing."
>[Do as you're told]
>Uh... maybe this isn't the best idea.
>I can't stomach it, I'm sorry.
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:21 No.9969745
Replies: >>9969798
>>9969728
Follow orders. Its for the best.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:24 No.9969798
>>9969745
Muh nigga. Get that wing off, now.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:25 No.9969827
>>9969728
1
Do it. Dash will probably hate us, but dammit, I want her to live
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:26 No.9969857
>>9969728
Grab that wing. At least she'll be alive later.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)17:28 No.9969890
Replies: >>9969952 >>9970004 >>9970038
You pin her wing under your hoof and stretch it out. She tries to swing a hoof at you, but Applejack's holding her back legs and Fluttershy has her front ones. Rarity stands by Twilight, levitating a set of sponges, thread and bandages.
Twilight has the saw. She sets her teeth and lowers it into position.
"Just kill me!" Dash moans, thrashing uselessly. "If I can't fly, I'd rather be dead! Give me one more day of flying then kill me, but don't do this! I can't live like this! I caaaAAAAAGHAGHAGHAAUUUAUUA!"
Her screams pierce the air as Twilight begins to saw. They only last a few moments before she passes out from the pain. Twilight, undaunted, keeps at her work, grinding bone and flesh. Rarity turns green, then turns to vomit under one of the benches. Even Applejack looks queasy. Fluttershy, for her part, seems in control, albeit sad.
Finally the wing comes off, bite and all. Twilight levitates a surgical waste bag over and delicately places the wing inside while Rarity mops up the blood and starts dressing the wound. The broken jut of bone is a horrible sight, but she manages to remove enough of it to stitch the flesh closed over it.
When at last the grisly ordeal is over, everyone steps back and looks at the dazed and unconscious Rainbow Dash.
Silence.
Then you hear an off-beat set of hooves. Pinkie Pie enters from the engine compartment.
She looks down at Rainbow Dash and manages a weak smile. "Talk about your rough breaks, huh?"
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:31 No.9969952
>>9969890
Continue, for the love of god
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:34 No.9970004
>>9969890
>incoming cripple fight between One-wing Dash and Stumpy Pie
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)17:36 No.9970035
Replies: >>9970061 >>9970065 >>9970074
Twilight turns around and storms out of the carriage.
Rarity starts to follow her. "Twilight dear, I don't think you should be alone right-"
"Let 'er go," says Applejack, who shakes her head. "She's gonna need some time alone t'process all this."
"I can captain the train until she gets back from her break," Pinkie offers. "Where are we off to, navigator Applejack?"
"The Crystal Empire," she replies, walking around Dash. "We're hopin' Cadance has done a better job up north than Canterlot. Maybe we can finally get some peace'n quiet."
"A bit optimistic," Rarity concedes. "Still, after Canterlot I can't imagine things could be any worse."
"Rarity, what are you doing!?" exclaims Pinkie. "Now you've just GUARANTEED things'll be worse!"
"This really ain't the time, Pinkie," AJ growls.
Fluttershy gently pulls Dash off of the operating table and on to a bench. "If it's all the same to the rest of you... I'd like to stay with Rainbow Dash tonight. She needs someone to look after her."
You look to Rarity and Applejck, who nod, before nodding back. "You're probably right. She'll need someone when she wakes up."
"Well," says Rarity. "I think we should try and get what rest we can between now and the Crystal Empire, in case we find we'll need it."
"Amen," Applejack agrees. "C'mon, Rares, Sunny, let's see what Applebloom and Sweetie Belle've been up to."
"The train is in good hooves!" exclaims Pinkie, who tries to give a salute before remembering she only has two front hooves and falling on her face.
"I'm glad she's feeling better," AJ confides as the three of you move to the back. "But I think she might've been easier to manage while she was mopin'."
>Should we really leave her on duty all night?
>Dash is going to be a mess when she gets up.
>We need to check on Twilight
>Right now I just need some sleep.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:36 No.9970038
>>9969890
Keep going.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:37 No.9970061
>>9970035
Option 2.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)17:37 No.9970065
>>9970035
Only has one front hoof, I meant.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:38 No.9970074
Replies: >>9970100
>>9970035
Option 3. Try to diffuse this bomb before it goes all Lily on us.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:39 No.9970100
>>9970074
Fuck Lily. Lee never got to give Carly the dick.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)17:46 No.9970234
Replies: >>9970273 >>9970306
"Dash'll be a mess when she wakes up," you say, as the three of you move back through the carriages. "You think Fluttershy can handle her?"
"Fluttershy's been much better ever since Pinkie Pie recovered," assures Rarity. "I think she's up to the challenge. Those two have always been close."
"Yeah, ah don't envy the task, that's fer sure."
As you walk, you see the many Ponyville survivors giving you smiles, whispering thanks, or even offering you a pat on the back. They're still stunned and weary from their ordeal, but their gratitude still fills you with some warmth. "We made the best of a bad situation," Applejack observes.
When you reach the back carriage, you finally spot Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, who charge their older sisters shrieking with relief. "Thank Celestia y'all are alright!" shouts Applebloom, clinging to Applejack's leg.
"It was so horrible!" adds Sweetie Belle. "We saw what they did to Luna. She saved us all!"
"Yes she did," Rarity solemnly replies. "She sacrificed herself for us. She was a true princess and a true hero."
"We saw Dash go down in the fightin', but Sunny got her back up." Applebloom gives you an imploring look. "Please, Mister, tell us Rainbow Dash's okay?"
You feel uncomfortable, but manage to mutter out "She won't fly again, but... she should live."
The two fillies look saddened, but accept this compromise result. "She was so brave," mumbles Sweetie Belle. "Scootaloo'd be so proud."
"Rarity, y'mind lookin' after Applebloom fer a minute?" says Applejack, gently nudging her sister over. "Me and Sunny want t'get some fresh air on the carriage's back platform thing."
Rarity looks between the two of you before giving a sly nod. "Yes, alright then. I think I'll manage for a few minutes."
>After you, AJ.
>I'm sorry, but I really need to get some rest.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:48 No.9970273
>>9970234
>IT BEGINS.
Option 1.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:49 No.9970306
>>9970234
option 1
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)17:56 No.9970429
Replies: >>9970501 >>9970512 >>9970515 >>9970516 >>9970607
"After you, AJ," you say, nodding to the back door. She walks off toward it while Rarity sits the two young fillies down on a bench. Rarity manages to turn away from them long enough to shoot you a wink.
When you follow, you see Applejack standing on the little platform on the back of the carriage. The wind is whipping through her mane as she looks back at distant, burning Canterlot. "So much pain," she mutters. "The greatest city in the world, gone in a day."
You step up next to her, the two of you staring off into the darkness. "After a bad day, like ah was in trouble with Granny or the other kids were bullyin' me, I used ta curl up with Big Mac and tell him all my problems. He was a great listener, would just sit there, absorbin' everythin'." The wind whistles by for a few more moments. "Never thought'a askin' him about his business. Never really knew how he worked."
Ever so slowly, she tilts her head down to rest on your shoulder. "Everyone's talkin' about lost opportunities right now. Everythin' that coulda been, if all this hadn't happened, everythin' left unsaid or undone. But... well, maybe..." She galnces up at you, and you look into her eyes. There's hope, sadness, loss, resolve. So many things. "Maybe there's still-"
The hoof hits you in the jaw like a hammer.
"CARAMEL!"
You're half over the rail. You get your senses back just in time to dodge a bite at your throat and slap the dead pony's head back upward. He sneers at you, all rotting eyes and blood-leaking mouth.
Yep. It's Caramel.
>AJ! Get help!
>AJ! Help me!
>[Try to fight him off]
>Are you KIDDING ME?
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:59 No.9970501
>>9970429
Option 2
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:00 No.9970512
>>9970429
Option 1. We can handle this asshole.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:00 No.9970515
>>9970429
Have aj get help while you fight him.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:00 No.9970516
>>9970429
Get AJ to halp.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:05 No.9970607
>>9970429
Send AJ to get help. We can do this.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)18:08 No.9970671
Replies: >>9970707 >>9970716 >>9970720 >>9970753
"AJ!" you shout, struggling to keep Caramel from getting his jaws on you. "I need help!"
"Ah gotcha!" she shouts, sending a hard pair of jabs to Caramel's head. That just makes him angry, however, and after slamming you against the rail again he turns toward AJ. She stumbles backward trying to get space for a safe kick while you struggle to right yourself.
"Not today, mate!" The door to the back of the carriage flies open, hitting Caramel hard and knocking him away from AJ. Time Turner follows up with a hard hoof to the head. "Get clear!" he warns, trying to wrestle Caramel over the rail.
"No, Turner, watch your footing you're-" Your warning comes too late - when Caramel overbalances over the rail, he manages to knock Time Turner off his hind legs, causing the brown stallion to slide off with his opponent.
They both land hard on the dirt behind the train. "Don't worry about me!" Time Turner yells back to you as the train speeds on. "I've got this one!" But as he disappears into the darkness you see Caramel's corpse spring to its feet while Time Turner's still struggling on the ground.
"Caramel!" AJ screams, leaning over the rail. "Turner!"
There's a long pause. All you can hear is distant yelling.
"W-we have to stop the train!" she shouts, frantic and confused. "We have to go back! We... we have to... we!"
Thankfully you've still got enough energy to catch her when she faints. Too much exertion, not enough sleep. As her strength fades, she whispers "It's all my fault, ain't it?"
You want to say something, but she's out like a light.
Rarity bursts out from the carriage. "What happened?!" she shrieks. "Where's Turner? What happened to Applejack? Sunny, what's going on?!"
>We need to stop the train.
>Turner's gone. Caramel got him.
>It's too late. Take AJ to her sister, I'll explain tomorrow.
>...
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:10 No.9970707
Replies: >>9970741
>>9970671
1
he tried to save us, we owe him the same
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:10 No.9970716
>>9970671
Turners gone. Cant risk stopping. He'll understand.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:11 No.9970720
>>9970671
Option 4. NOW is the time to stay silent so are words and actions won't bite us in the ass later.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:11 No.9970741
>>9970707
Option 1. There has been enough death for one day.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:12 No.9970753
>>9970671
Number 1.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)18:20 No.9970872
Replies: >>9970912 >>9970922 >>9970923
"We need to stop the train," you say, getting back on your hooves. You sling AJ over your back. "Turner went over the rail fighting Caramel."
"Caramel?" says Rarity, perplexed. "Wait, stop the train? Are you mad? We're in the middle of exposed country at night! Evreryone's exhausted!"
"And if we don't stop a good stallion's going to be alone out there in it!" You snap back. Rarity flinches. "Sorry," you mutter. "It's been a long day."
Rarity nods cautiously, eying Applejack. "Put her with Applebloom. I'll tell Pinkie to stop the train."
You take Applejack back into the carriage, where the ponies inside look on which shock and confusion. Applebloom rushes up, her face the picture of worry. "What happened?! Is she okay?! Sunny, what-"
"She's fine," you say. "Just exhausted. She needs rest. Can you look after her?"
Applebloom nods firmly. "You can count on me."
"Good," you say. As you lower AJ down on to the bench, you feel your own legs buckle. "Uh, I might just catch my breath for a moment."
As soon as your rear hits the bench, your eyelids become heavy. "Okay, maybe I'll just rest my eyes, but I promise, just a moment."
By the time you hear the squeal of breaks, your mind's given up. Sleep takes you. A dream begins.
A voice speaks.
"I mean it." The voice was once yours. "We're doing this whole thing backward. We were never meant to simulate these forces. Even a slight miscalculation..."
"I have absolute faith in your abilities, Mortimer," the voice, warm - Celestia? "Starswirl's theories promise a new world for all ponykind. When I step through your gate, I will deliver that promise. All thanks to you, my most faithful student."
>[TO BE CONTINUED, IN EPISODE 4!]
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:23 No.9970912
>>9970872
Dayyum
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:23 No.9970922
>>9970872
SHEEEEEEEIIIIIITTTTTTTTT.
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:23 No.9970923
Replies: >>9970978
>>9970872
>finally catch up
>it's over
Son of a bitch
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:26 No.9970978
>>9970923
Some small part of me knew Celestia was behind this bullshit.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)18:29 No.9971012
Replies: >>9971069
NEXT TIME, ON THE TROTTING DEAD
============================
"All attempts to enter the Crystal Empire are subversive," drones the captain from behind his wall of soldiers. "All attempts to leave the Crystal Empire are subversive. All subversive actions are treason. All treason is punishable by death."
***
"Get away from me! All of you!" Dash roars, her one wing flexing and flailing. "It's your fault this happened to me! If I was on my own I'd have been unstoppable!"
"Please, Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy whispers, taking a step toward her. "We need you."
"But I don't need you!"
***
"If we're stuck out here much longer, we'll die," grumbles AJ, as she overlooks the freezing train. "The only warmth t'be had is in that shielded city, and I don't fancy watchin' my friends 'n family freeze slowly."
"If we break the shield," Twilight warns "it won't be the cold that kills them. It'll be our own dead."
***
"Changelings? Here?!" Rarity shouts, as you blitz over the snow. "Of all the worst luck!"
"Guess they die like everybody else," remarks Pinkie, as she bounces along besides you. "We're just lucky they can't remember how to transform after they die... right?"
***
You slam your hoof against the ice in frustration. "There has to be another way!"
"There. Is. None." replies the voice, dripping with malicious smugness. "Or. Else. I. Would. Not. Need. You."
Twiligh steps between you and the altar, narrowing her gaze. "Then give us your best offer, King Sombra."
>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:33 No.9971069
>>9971012
SSHHIITT
We love you OP.
>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)18:36 No.9971125
Just wanted to chime in and say you guys did a surprisingly good job. Made some mistakes here and there, but you kept all the mane six alive despite numerous outcomes getting them killed. Lots of lucky breaks too. There aren't any "You die, game over" outcomes but you managed to pick most of the options with benefits that line up.
Man did you guys screw up with Caramel though. Yikes.

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W The Trotting Dead Episode 3: Thread two OP 04/18/13(Thu)20:02 No.9950677
Replies: >>9950699

    Thread 1: http://pastebin.com/1DWz7GJS (episode 1 and the first half of 2)
    Thread 2: http://pastebin.com/G0UhSD47 (rest of episode 2)
    Thread 3: http://pastebin.com/mHnSbUSx (First half-ish of episode 3)
    Opener: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5699W4WnlUo
    Thread playlist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLsvyiLmAz0&list=PLrgRyHeHYtlfr3TKFP1qLKbvGXC3-i4hd

    The doctor lurches toward you, keeping up a manic chuckling. "My, don't the three of you look healthy?" he giggles out. "Awfully dangerous place to be right now and risk all that well-being!"

    Rainbow Dash hovers into the air and stares the doctor down. "Watch it, doctor crazy! We're looking for something to help our friend."

    "Bitten, were they?" he guesses, slowly approaching the three of you where you stand, filling up the hall. "Starting to feel the pain of infection?"

    "No!" Dash shouts. "I mean - well, yeah, but not like that! It isn't that!"

    The doctor starts laughing again. "Of course it's that! It can only be that! And there's no cure. Not here, at least, or else... well, I wouldn't be as I am now."

    "She got bitten on the leg, but she cut it off!" Dash insists. You can sense her agitation, masking fear. "She's feeling sick from having to amputate herself, that's all!"

    "We don't know that for sure," Fluttershy murmurs. "We don't know anything about the sickness, not really. Do you?"

    The doctor's giggling starts up, high-pitched and crazy. He stomps his hooves and his eyes spin madly in their sockets until a coughing fit forces him to stop. "Oh, I know all there is to know!"

    >This guy's a crackpot and a danger to others.
    >He's Pinkie's only chance, we should bring him.
    >Tell us what happened here and what happened to you.
    >Are there any other survivors?
    >...

>>
The Detective 04/18/13(Thu)20:03 No.9950699

    >>9950677 (OP)
    2.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)20:07 No.9950787
Replies: >>9951023

    You look the doctor up and down and sigh. "If we're going to save Pinkie, he might be our only chance. Will you come with us and look at our friend?"

    "If your friend can bear to look at me," he replies, eyebrows waggling. "Just let me get my things! Wait here."

    He positively skips back down the dark hallway toward an operating room. The three of you stay stock still, watching him go.

    "This is a mistake," Fluttershy mutters. "Looking for medicine is one thing, but bringing an infected madman back into the quarantine zone? We could end up getting everyone killed."

    "We're NOT getting anyone killed," Dash tersely growls back. "He's going to save Pinkie - he's a doctor, that's what doctors do!"

    Fluttershy gives you a meaningful look before turning back down the hall. You can hear the clatter of equipment and metal tools.

    >We can make this work, we just have to be careful.
    >Maybe we should take this chance to get away.
    >...I'm going to go check on him
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)20:20 No.9951023

    >>9950787
    Option 3

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)20:24 No.9951095
Replies: >>9951192

    You look from Dash to Fluttershy, and begin ever so quietly to creep forward along the corridor. Their arguing falls away as you approach, the dim light enough to make out what looks like an operating room, or something to that effect.

    Just as you reach the door and let your eyes adjust to the gloom, you are accosted by the doctor. He smiles, reopening a cut on his muzzle the leaks fresh blood down his nose. "Just finished!" he exclaims, and a levitating doctor's bag floats into view behind him.

    "Shall we be going? I don't usually make house calls, you know."

    >Sure, let's go.
    >Hang on a minute, let me take a look back there.
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)20:29 No.9951192

    >>9951095
    2

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)20:37 No.9951338
Replies: >>9951520

    "Yeah, sure," you say, craning to see behind him. "But first I was wondering if you'd like to give us a little tour of your doctor's office back there."

    "Ooooooh-ho-ho-hoo," the doctor replies, giving you a cheeky grin. "Suspicious, are we? Does my appearance frighten you? Make you cautious?"

    All of a sudden he lunges at you, snapping his teeth less than an inch from your face. As quickly as that he withdraws, starting to laugh again. "Very wise! There's no telling what monsters are out there now! Come into my parlor!"

    He wanders back into the operating room. You turn back and see Dash and Fluttershy have rushed to your side, looking you over to be sure his bite didn't land. "What now?" Dash hisses.

    You shrug, and follow the doctor. The stench of death hits you like a mallet.

    His room is dark, but your eyes adjust. You see a large number of beds, along with some propped up stretchers. Blood is everywhere, as well as surgery equipment, empty transfusion bags, and so on. A few hacked off limbs lie scattered around, some of them looking seriously gnawed, and once your eyes adjust you see several dark forms on the beds are dead ponies with their heads bashed in.

    "Our last stand," the doctor explains, gesturing broadly. "We did all we could for them. Saved a few, I suppose. When the uninfected decided to make their final breakout, I volunteered to stay behind with the terminal cases - being terminal myself, you see."

    You notice a bloody hammer nearby, on one of the beds. He catches your gaze and chuckles again. "Yes, it seems I've lasted the longest. I guess you could say I'm lucky."

    >On second thought... maybe you should stay here.
    >Well okay then. We still need your help.
    >What do you girls think?
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)20:46 No.9951520

    >>9951338
    See what the girls think

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)20:53 No.9951679
Replies: >>9951695

    You look the room over for a bit before glancing to the girls. "Well, what do you think?"

    "I think it's worth a shot!" Dash shouts, stamping her hoof. "I mean yeah... this is pretty gross, but desperate times, right?"

    Fluttershy can't seem to bring herself to respond, so she just looks away.

    "Then it's settled!" exclaims the doctor. "I'm doctor Tourniquet, Tight Torniquet. A pleasure to make your acquiantances."

    "Sunny, likewise."

    "Fluttershy."

    "And I'm Rainbow Dash! Our friend's Pinkie Pie, over in the quarantine zone!"

    "The quarantine?" Torniquet raises a curious eyebrow. "I doubt they'll let me in. That's what makes it a quarantine, you know. But still, it isn't like I'm doing anything here. Lead the way!"

    The four of you creep ever so carefully back the way you came and out the back of the hospital. You must be luckier than you thought, because your creeping goes unnoticed all the way out.

    "So," the doctor says, once speaking is safe again. "This friend of yours, lost a leg you say? What's the story there?"

    >She had to put down someone close to her.
    >You just need to know it's gone. 
    >Maybe she should tell you that.
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)20:54 No.9951695

    >>9951679
    1.

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)21:01 No.9951856
Replies: >>9951880

    "She was staying with a family," you begin. "The father turned, and she had to put him down. Her leg got bitten in the process, so she cut it off and cauterized the wound."

    "Messy business!" Torniquette replies, giggling. "Of course, one has to question the sanity of someone clever enough to realize she had to cut her own leg off! Her irrational reaction might be the only thing that saved her!"

    "Hey!" Dash snaps, "watch what you say about Pinkie, okay?"

    "Oh how cute! You're sticking up for your friend, that's dear. Tell me, did she have a hard time getting over this traumatic turn of events? Perhaps she needs a therapist, not a doctor!"

    "I said shut it!" Dash shouts, this time a little too loud. Fluttershy stops in her tracks.

    "You'll bring them down on us," she whispers, giving Dash a cold look.

    "Just show some respect," Dash grumbles. "She's delicate right now, okay? She doesn't need anybody laughing at her."

    "Maybe that's the problem!" the doctor remarks. "I've heard laughter is the best medicine! Has she tried that?"

    >Don't antagonize her. It's been hard on us all.
    >We need to keep cool and collected here, Dash.
    >Let's just keep going.
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:02 No.9951880

    >>9951856
    2.

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)21:09 No.9952026
Replies: >>9952066

    "Calm down, Dash," you say, before she can reply to Tourniquet. "Just ignore him if you have to. Pinkie needs his help."

    She shoots you a rueful look, but keeps her mouth shut. For the rest of the walk back to the quarantine, the only sound you hear besides distant fires and the shuffling of corpses is Tourniquet's giggles.

    At last you reach the barricade wall of the quarantine zone. The guards atop the wall leap up as you approach. "Who goes there?" one of them calls down.

    "It's just us!" Dash shouts back up. "We brought a doctor back from the hospital, let us in!"

    "Hold it!" one of the guards shouts. "I can see the bites from here! He's clearly infected, we can't let him in!"

    "Told you," says Tourniquet.

    >We just need to let him look at a friend of ours.
    >Can we bring our friend out here, then?
    >Let me talk to the captain!
    >Well, we tried.
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:11 No.9952066

    >>9952026
    2

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)21:16 No.9952186
Replies: >>9952260

    "Well, what if we bring our friend out here?" you call back up. "Pinkie Pie - the three-legged pink mare in the warehouse?"

    There's a brief discussion behind the wall. "That should be fine!" the guard calls back. "We'll have her sent out to you. Don't go far though! We can't promise we'll be able to protect you if anything goes wrong."

    "I don't think they can promise protection, full stop," Tourniquet snarks. The four of you wait uncomfortably for a minute before an opening in the barricade gets pushed open.

    Two guards emerge, carrying a stretcher. On it is Pinkie Pie, looking pale and weak. "Where do you want her?" one of them asks.

    You scan the nearby buildings.

    >That doughnut shop should work
    >That looks like a well-to-do home, a good choice
    >How about that studio?

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:19 No.9952260

    >>9952186
    Studio

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:28 No.9952457
Replies: >>9952546 >>9952640

    "How about that studio?" you say, pointing to an art studio at the corner of the block. "There should be something to work with there."

    "You have good taste," Tourniquet sniffs.

    The guards follow you as you push inward. The studio has a very modern style, and paintings and pictures hang all over the wall. To your surprise, a number of them are of Fluttershy. She blushes.

    "I... used to model," she explains.

    The guards push past you and deposit Pinkie on an office table in the studio lounge. "We'll be heading back," one of them explains. "We can't cover this building - be quick."

    You nod, and they take off. "Okay," says Dash. "We're here, we've got Pinkie - now please, tell us what's wrong with her!"

    Tourniquet approaches Pinkie, who appears barely conscious. "I hardly know where to begin."

    Dash sets her jaw, but retains her composure. "Try."

    Tools fly out of his bag, levitating all around Pinkie Pie. A small flashlight flicks on and examines her eye, while Tourniquet considers it. "Well, she's lost a lot of blood-"

    "We know!" Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash say at once.

    "Aaaaaand she needs to replace it." Tourniquet looks up. "She needs a transfusion."

    >Sure thing. I volunteer.
    >But what if she's infected?
    >Is that all? Why's she so sick?
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:32 No.9952546

    >>9952457
    Is that all? Why's she so sick?

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:35 No.9952640

    >>9952457
    3, and then 1,

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:40 No.9952740
Replies: >>9952832 >>9953035

    "That can't be all that's wrong with her," you ask. "She's feverish, unresponsive..."

    "All symptomatic," replies Tourniquet, before getting another cheeky grin. "Well, unless she actually IS infected, of course. Functionally, there's no way to tell the difference at this stage."

    "Well when CAN we tell?" Dash rasps out, frustration soaring.

    Tourniquet considers the question carefully. "If she dies and gets back to her feet, there's a strong indication she's infected."

    "Why you-" Dash lunges toward the doctor, but Fluttershy holds her back.

    "He's infected," says Fluttershy. "If you tackle him, you'll probably just get infected too."

    Dash's attack loses steam, but her frustration just turns into despair. "There's gotta be something you can do, doc... she's my best friend!"

    "There is something I can do," says Tourniquet. "If she's your best friend. I can give her your blood. And if she's infected, there's a risk that the procedure will infect you - it's dangerous opening up veins around here at the moment, you see!" He parks his rear on a stool on the other side of Pinkie and spreads his forehooves wide over her. "If you're best friends forever, you'll either die together or live together. That's the best deal I can offer."

    Dash hesitates, her mouth hanging open, stunned by the declaration.

    Fluttershy steps forward. You realize she's holding Tourniquet's hammer.

    "We need to put them down," she announces. "For their own good."

    >Uh... let's not be hasty here, Fluttershy.
    >It might be a mercy, and we're risking too much as it is.
    >No way. I volunteer for the transfusion.
    >Dash, you have to say something.
    >Do you have an opinion on all this, doctor?
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:43 No.9952832

    >>9952740
    No way. I volunteer for the transfusion.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:50 No.9953035

    >>9952740
    FUCK THIS, PINK PONE ZOMBIE BLOOD TRANFUSION IS A GO.

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)21:52 No.9953115
Replies: >>9953146 >>9953236

    You step in front of Fluttershy. "Not a chance, Fluttershy. I volunteer for the transfusion."

    She narrows her gaze into a ferocious glare, the hammer still poised. Dash comes up behind her and puts a restraining hoof on her back. "Fluttershy, we're trying to save Pinkie's life!"

    "No!" Fluttershy shouts, hurling the hammer into the wall. It strikes a poster of her posing in a frilly dress.

    "We CAN'T save her!" she screams, rounding on you. "All we can do is waste time and energy and put our own lives at risk trying to undo what's already happened!"

    "But what if she's not infected?" Dash has tears welling in her eyes. "Fluttershy, please... don't do this."

    A coughing fit draws all your attention. Pinkie Pie is blinking sleep from her eyes and struggling to sit up. "What's going on?" she mumbles.

    >She's stirring. We need to get this done now.
    >Go back to sleep, Pinkie. We're taking care of it.
    >On second thought, maybe you should do it, Dash.
    >Er, maybe this isn't the best idea.
    >[Let her speak]

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:53 No.9953146
Replies: >>9953316

    >>9953115
    Let her speak.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:56 No.9953236

    >>9953115
    Do it now

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)21:58 No.9953316

    >>9953146
    You're mah nigga, you know that?

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:04 No.9953502
Replies: >>9953568

    The four of you look at each other before looking back to Pinkie, nobody sure what to say.

    Finally, Tourniquet speaks up. "You must be Pinkie Pie. My name's doctor Tight Tourniquet. I was just admiring your work with the amputation."

    Dash steps up to speak, but you gesture for her to wait.

    Pinkie smiles. "Pretty messy, huh? I'm a baker, not a butcher! Although I did spend a summer as a candlestick-maker once!"

    "That sounds delightful!" the doctor replies, giving a wide smile. "And tell me, did you use one of your homemade candles to seal up that wound?"

    She shakes her head. "Oh no, I used the stove for that! You know what the funny thing was? It kind of smelled tasty! Isn't that terrible? Just wanting a little nibble of yourself?"

    "Oh I don't know. It seems all the rage at the moment."

    Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash, utterly baffled, just exchange looks and remain silent. Pinkie Pie rolls over on to her back and looks up at Tourniquet. "So what happened to you? It looks like you've been taking more than a few nibbles!"

    "Oh, not me," Tourniquet explains. "No, I turned out to be very popular at the hospital today, that's all."

    "What happened?"

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:06 No.9953568

    >>9953502
    Continue

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:08 No.9953629
Replies: >>9953661 >>9953671 >>9953672

    There's a pause. Tourniquet's smile weakens, but Pinkie fixes him with a look of sincere, almost naive curiosity. "There were... so many of them. So many ponies coming in with bites and cuts. We filled up overnight. Then people started to report symptoms, sounding like infection."

    His voice dwindles. Pinkie bobs her head, smiling. He presses on. "I sent a note to my wife telling her to take the kids out of the city. When the messenger came back, he told me our home was already part of the quarantine. One of the ones that failed. By that point our patients were already starting to get back on their feet and bite back. There were still so many left who needed tending though, so I told my colleagues to get out, that I'd take care of the others and join them when I could."

    Tourniquet is crying now, though his voice remains firm. "Once I was sure they were gone... I looked at the patients I had left. They were all infected, but most of them were too sick to even walk. I didn't have enough medicine for everyone to see them off peacefully, so for the rest... I had to... I had a hammer, and I... I..."

    Pinkie pulls Tourniquet toward her with her remaining front leg. He rests his head on her chest and weeps, loudly and openly, like a child. Pinkie says nothing, merely resting her head on his.

    You see Fluttershy has tears rolling down her cheeks. She takes a step toward Pinkie Pie.

    >[Let her approach]
    >[Stop her, approach yourself]

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:09 No.9953661

    >>9953629
    STOP HER. I still don't trust her.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:09 No.9953671

    >>9953629
    Stop her, but softly.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:09 No.9953672

    >>9953629
    Stop her

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:12 No.9953784
Replies: >>9953846

    You take a step forward and put a hoof in front of Fluttershy. She looks at you, shocked. There's a heavy thud as her hammer drops to the ground. The tears increase in intensity and she stumbles backward out of the room. Dash snaps out of her shock and follows after her, sparing one more shocked glance for you, Pinkie and Tourniquet.

    Once you're alone, you approach the doctor.

    >I volunteer
    >They'll be back in a minute.
    >I'm sorry for your loss, Tourniquet.
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:14 No.9953846

    >>9953784
    3, then 1.

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:17 No.9953979
Replies: >>9954016 >>9954042 >>9954149 >>9954247

    "I'm sorry," you say to Tourniquet. "That's... that's a horrible thing to go through."

    He dries his eyes on the back of his hoof. "Yes... I suppose it is. But I should do what I can, while I can."

    You're about to say that you volunteer for the transfusion when the door behind you opens. Fluttershy returns, with Rainbow Dash at her side. She's stemmed her crying and regained her composure. "Please wait," she meekly murmurs. "I'd like a chance to speak to Pinkie Pie."

    >After. We're doing the transfusion first.
    >Well, okay. Just be careful.
    >Dash? You think she's okay?
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:18 No.9954016

    >>9953979
    Second option

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:19 No.9954042

    >>9953979
    3. I can't stop being paranoid.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:22 No.9954149

    >>9953979
    After
    She going to be dead from blood loss by the time we ever actually get around to a transfusion at this rate.

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:26 No.9954247
Replies: >>9954315 >>9954412

    >>9953979
    You hesitate, weighing her up. "Well... okay." You back off, letting Fluttershy approach.

    Pinkie gives Fluttershy a weak smile. "Hey Fluttershy, good to see you."

    "G-good to see you, too," she replies. She tries to smile, but fails. "Pinkie... I'm sorry."

    Pinkie Pie furrows her brow. "What for?"

    "I... I'm supposed to be the Element of Kindness," Fluttershy ekes out. "But you've been kinder and more understanding than me this whole crisis, even with everything you've been through. Everything you had to do, and you still have more compassion than I did for a sick and frightened stallion.

    "I didn't want you to survive. I didn't want to admit it was possible, because I was afraid of taking the risk to save you. I wanted to sound tough and make everything about survival and the laws of nature, but really... I'm just scared of dying. I'm a coward."

    The room is quiet enough to hear a pin drop. After a long pause, Fluttershy says. "I'll do the transfusion."

    >If you're sure that's what you want.
    >No, Fluttershy. I can do it.
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:28 No.9954315

    >>9954247
    We'll do it

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:31 No.9954412

    >>9954247
    Let her do it. Redemption.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:33 No.9954466
Replies: >>9954547

    Ok, so who of the mane six has died, can i get a recap? I kinda lost track.

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:35 No.9954515
Replies: >>9954564 >>9954728

    "It's okay, Fluttershy," you say. "You don't have to do it. I volunteer."

    "No," she says, putting her hoof down. "This is something I have to do."

    "You don't have to prove you're not a coward, you have nothing to prove."

    "This isn't about proving anything, or being brave - I'm not." She looks over to Pinkie Pie. "But I can still be brave for my friends."

    You look to Dash who gives you a shrug. You consider insisting, but... well, okay then, if she's made up her mind. You concede.

    Fluttershy steps up and lies down on an office table just across from Pinkie's. Tourniquet, who's taken the chance to regain his composure, starts pulling surgical tubing and needles from his bag. "This might take a minute," he explains to you and Dash. "Why don't you watch for trouble?"

    Dash pulls a face. "Yeah, that sounds good to me. I hate needles."

    The two of you turn to the street and look out for any dead on the move. Nothing so far, but that could change. The sky is darkening. "They seem more active at night," Dash offers by way of explanation. "It's gonna be tough to hold the quarantine until tomorrow."

    >I don't think we're staying that long.
    >We have to. There's nowhere else to go.
    >Twilight has the elements. Maybe the whole situation'll be fixed soon?
    >...

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:36 No.9954547
Replies: >>9954637

    >>9954466
    None of the mane six have died yet (despite some chances for that to happen, including in this latest side-mission!). Scootaloo, Big Mac, Granny Smith, Rarity's parents, Angel and the whole Cake family are dead however, and Spike's been petrified to keep him from turning.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:37 No.9954564

    >>9954515
    We have to hold for the moment.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:39 No.9954637

    >>9954547
    Oh lord...

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:42 No.9954728

    >>9954515
    Option 2. Hold down the fort.

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:45 No.9954825
Replies: >>9954860 >>9954963

    "We have no choice. Where else would we go? At least in Canterlot the military's still around."

    "Not many of them left, though," Dash remarks, while eying the guards on the wall. She sighs. "I hope we can win this thing soon, while there's still some ponies left to save. I don't like the idea of being the last one left alive."

    You almost smile at that. "What, you assume you're going to outlive me?"

    "Uh, excuse me?" Dash's wings pop out. "Have you checked these babies? None of those barely air-worthy dead Pegs are gonna catch me if it comes down to just me and the herd!"

    You can't help but chuckle at her bravado. The two of you stand guard a few minutes longer before doctor Tourniquet comes up behind you. "The operation was a success," he declares. "Whether there was any contamination, however... well, that is out of my hooves."

    You all turn back toward Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. Fluttershy looks a little wobblier, but Pinkie is able to stand on her own, already looking more awake and alert. The two of them look to each other and share a warm smile, the kind you haven't seen either of them with since you've met them. They embrace.

    "Well," says Tourniquet. "With that, my work is done. Time for me to ride off into the sunset."

    >We could always... put you out of your misery.
    >Good luck, doctor. And thanks.
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:47 No.9954860

    >>9954825
    Good luck to you sir.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:51 No.9954963

    >>9954825
    Give him a hug.

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:54 No.9955032
Replies: >>9955086

    "You take care of yourself," you say, giving him a nod. "And thanks for everything."

    "No," he says, oddly solemn. "Thank you."

    He says no more, and walks into the street. There, he turns his back to the barricade and walks off into the depths of burning Canterlot. You and the others watch him go. "He didn't even take his bag," says Dash.

    When you reach the barricade again, the guards open the way. "Lookin' much better, there," one of them remarks to Pinkie as she passes. She gives him a smile and sticks her tongue out, eliciting a laugh. Her mane takes on another few twirls.

    Rarity's waiting by the door when you come in. As soon as Pinkie steps through, she rushes forward and pulls her into a hug. "Oh darling! I've never been happier to see you in all my days! When the guards carried you out on that stretcher I was sure it was... that they... Oh!" She buries her face in Pinkie's again.

    Fluttershy joins in the hug, and shortly afterward Rainbow Dash as well. Applejack, who had been further into the warehouse, pulls up next to you. "Ya did good, Sunny," she says warmly. "We knew ya weren't gonna let Pinkie down."

    You smile back, and she begins to walk away as the others spread out again. "Twilight's got somethin' big fer us, when yeh've got time!"

    >[RETURN TO HUB]

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:56 No.9955086

    >>9955032
    Only on THE HUB

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)22:56 No.9955087
Replies: >>9955101 >>9955114 >>9955153

    You look out to the walled-in enclave of the quarantine zone, then back inside at your safe-house. The warehouse's windows and doors are barred with ramshackle fortifications. A few Canterlot soldiers stand guard around the one entrance in or out. Night is falling.

    Rarity is near the gate, arguing with the guards.

    Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are staying near the cots, with Pinkie Pie.

    Applejack is among the survivors, checking on them and handing out supplies.

    Twilight is examining the restive Caramel.

    The remaining ponies from your group are milling around aimlessly, looking disheartened. Your supplies are piled up against the far wall.

    >Talk to Twilight
    >Talk to Dash, Pinkie and Fluttershy
    >Talk to Rarity
    >Talk to Applejack
    >Check up on the Ponyville ponies

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:57 No.9955101

    >>9955087
    Check up on Ponies.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:57 No.9955114

    >>9955087
    Check on Twilight and Caramel.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)22:58 No.9955153

    >>9955087
    Talk to Rarity.

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:02 No.9955263
Replies: >>9955308 >>9955314 >>9955382

    You go out among the crowd. Most ponies just avoid your gaze, looking downtrodden, but others nod or give you a smile. You still don't really know most of them, although they seem like a tight-knit group.

    Near the back, you spot Time Turner from the train into Canterlot. He smiles and waves you over. "You're a bloody sight for sore eyes, mate," he says with a smile. "Nice to see someone take charge during this crisis!"

    There are two mares with him, their coats different shades of purple. You recognize one as Cheerilee, the local teacher. The other gives you a smile and a 'suave' raised eyebrow, mumbling "'m Berry Punch, pleshhure t'meechaaa!"

    "We found a small supply of Sweet Apple Acres' private stock on the train," Turner explains. "Figured it makes waitin' around for the manure to hit the windmill a little more manageable. Fancy a taste?"

    >Sure, one drink won't hurt.
    >I need my wits about me, sorry.
    >You three should be setting a better example.
    >Not now, sorry. I have to get going.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:04 No.9955308

    >>9955263
    No drink for me, and quit it yourselves.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:04 No.9955314

    >>9955263
    Option 3

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:07 No.9955382

    >>9955263
    Option 2.

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:11 No.9955488

    You shake your head, disapproving. "Do you really think this is the right time to get drunk?"

    "Can you think of a better one?" Time Turner offers, but he sighs. "What else are we supposed to do? Stuck in here all day, until those things break in and eat us? Maybe it's no stress for a big-shot hero like you heading out there on your life-or-death missions, but ticking away the hours in here is hell."

    "If you want adventure, man the walls," you reply. "And you," you turn to Cheerilee. "Aren't you a teacher? There are kids here who've lost their parents. You're the only one they've got to look up to right now."

    Cheerilee looks downward, her cheeks turning red. "...You're right. I just... I feel so hopeless. But the children do need me." She puts the bottle down. "It's my destiny to look after them, no matter how bad things get!" She gets to her hooves, only slightly unsteady, and sets off.

    Berry Punch sighs. "Oh, okay, if we're all gettin' principled and such, I'll get back to helpin' toooo."

    Turner sets off for the warehouse door, but pauses as he passes you. "You don't switch off, do you? I mean that in a good way. Maybe we can do this."

    >[RETURN TO HUB]

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:12 No.9955514
Replies: >>9955538 >>9955551 >>9955630

    You look out to the walled-in enclave of the quarantine zone, then back inside at your safe-house. The warehouse's windows and doors are barred with ramshackle fortifications. A few Canterlot soldiers stand guard around the one entrance in or out. Night is falling.

    Rarity is near the gate, arguing with the guards.

    Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are staying near the cots, with Pinkie Pie.

    Applejack is among the survivors, checking on them and handing out supplies.

    Twilight is examining the restive Caramel.

    The remaining ponies from your group are milling around aimlessly, looking disheartened. Your supplies are piled up against the far wall.

    >Talk to Twilight
    >Talk to Dash, Pinkie and Fluttershy
    >Talk to Rarity
    >Talk to Applejack

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:13 No.9955538

    >>9955514
    Talk to Applejack.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:13 No.9955551

    >>9955514
    Twilight and Caramel checking time.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:16 No.9955630

    >>9955514
    Talk to apple pone.

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:19 No.9955704
Replies: >>9955809 >>9955823

    You approach Applejack in the crowd. She's distributing food to some of the colts and fillies, although you note Sweetie Belle and Applebloom are absent. "The girls're off cheerin' up somma the older folks," she explains, finishing up with the supplies. "Here," she adds, handing you a chunk of bread. "Don't look like you've been eatin' much, we don't need ya fallin' over on us."

    You actually are pretty hungry, and wolf down the morsel quickly. The colts and fillies move on, leaving the two of you behind. "This quarantine ain't a permanent solution," she says with a sigh. "We've gotta get all these ponies somewhere safer, before Canterlot falls completely.

    "There's gotta be somewhere out there that ain't been touched by this nightmare. Maybe some far country without ponies, or without anyone. Maybe we could start afresh."

    >We can't run from this. We need to beat them.
    >Twilight still thinks she can fix it.
    >There's a lot of frontier. There has to be a safe place to settle.
    >It's not really my place to say what we do.
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:23 No.9955809

    >>9955704
    Not really my place to say.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:23 No.9955823

    >>9955704
    Option 4.

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:29 No.9955966

    "It's not really my place to say. They're your friends and family, you should be the ones to decide what to do, not me."

    "O'course you've got a right t'say," says Applejack, giving you a friendly nudge. "You're part'a the group now. Times like these we've got t'stick together. After all you done, helpin' me and my friends, we owe ya 'least that much..."

    Her voice trails off and her smile fades. You know what she's thinking about. "Even if... y'know, things've gotten a mite uncomfortable, we're still better off with ya. Wherever we end up, ye've got a place there."

    You hardly know what to say. "...Thanks, Applejack. That means a lot."

    "S'just the truth," she replies. "Now get goin', Twilight'll come lookin' fer us soon enough."

    >[RETURN TO HUB]

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:30 No.9955982
Replies: >>9956006 >>9956011 >>9956104

    You look out to the walled-in enclave of the quarantine zone, then back inside at your safe-house. The warehouse's windows and doors are barred with ramshackle fortifications. A few Canterlot soldiers stand guard around the one entrance in or out. Night is falling.

    Rarity is near the gate, arguing with the guards.

    Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are staying near the cots, with Pinkie Pie.

    Applejack is among the survivors, checking on them and handing out supplies.

    Twilight is examining the restive Caramel.

    The remaining ponies from your group are milling around aimlessly, looking disheartened. Your supplies are piled up against the far wall.

    >Talk to Twilight
    >Talk to Dash, Pinkie and Fluttershy
    >Talk to Rarity

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:31 No.9956006

    >>9955982
    Speak with Rarity.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:31 No.9956011

    >>9955982
    Rarity.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:36 No.9956104

    >>9955982
    Speak to Twilight

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:39 No.9956137
Replies: >>9956174 >>9956218

    You head over to Rarity. She's still butting heads with the guards at the door, and you catch part of their conversation as you approach.

    "...there must be some sort of record. Wasn't anyone taking notes?"

    "You looked outside lately, lady?" one of the guards growls back. "We don't have much time for writing at the moment. Even if anyone did write down the quarantine lists, most of 'em were probably lost when the quarantine zones got overrun. There's no way of getting 'em back."

    "To be honest," the other guard adds, "anyone that's not on our side of the barricade's probably dead by now."

    Rarity lets out a raspy hiss. "Maybe if they share your do-nothing attitude!" When she sees you approach, she calms somewhat and steps away from the guards. "It would be nice to share a little more refined company after those louts. Come, Sunny, let's go for a walk."

    The two of you move away from the door and toward the edge of the crowd. There, you see Sweetie Belle playing ball with Applebloom. A crowd of seniors watch them, laughing at their antics.

    Rarity smiles. "Thank you for all your help today, Sunny. You really are proving to be indispensible."

    "Well, I just try to do my best."

    "Your best is quite remarkable, then." As she watches Sweetie Belle play, her smile fades. "I was so desperately, foolishly hopefully that when we got here, our parents would just be waiting for us at the station. I knew they wouldn't be, really, but I had to believe. She'll have to know, sooner or later, but... once she does, I know I'll have to take responsibility for her. Be more than a sister. At a time like this, I don't know if I'm up to the challenge."

    >Don't doubt yourself.
    >You're not alone.
    >Focus on the present and what you can do right now.
    >Don't give up hope.
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:41 No.9956174

    >>9956137
    Don't give up hope.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:43 No.9956218

    >>9956137
    You ain't alone my nigga'.

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:45 No.9956261

    "You can't give up hope," you say, giving her an earnest look. "It's not foolish, and it's not desperate. Sweetie Belle's smarter than you think - and what keeps her going isn't ignorance of the facts, it's hope."

    Rarity looks back toward Sweetie Belle, watching her run and play. She catches the ball on her head and bounces it as high as she can, laughing while trying to keep from toppling backward. Rarity's smile returns.

    "You're right, of course," she says. "It might not be easy, but once you give up hope, you've already lost. Thank you again, Sunny." She turns her smile to you. "What did I say? Indispensable."

    She turns back toward the guards and begins to walk. "If you'll excuse me, I'm sure my interrogation might yet yield something useful. Take care of yourself, dear."

    >[RETURN TO HUB]

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:46 No.9956272
Replies: >>9956293 >>9956295 >>9956303

    You look out to the walled-in enclave of the quarantine zone, then back inside at your safe-house. The warehouse's windows and doors are barred with ramshackle fortifications. A few Canterlot soldiers stand guard around the one entrance in or out. Night is falling.

    Rarity is near the gate, arguing with the guards.

    Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are staying near the cots, with Pinkie Pie.

    Applejack is among the survivors, checking on them and handing out supplies.

    Twilight is examining the restive Caramel.

    The remaining ponies from your group are milling around aimlessly, looking disheartened. Your supplies are piled up against the far wall.

    >Talk to Twilight
    >Talk to Dash, Pinkie and Fluttershy

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:47 No.9956293

    >>9956272
    Talk to Twilight

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:47 No.9956295

    >>9956272
    Talk to Dash Pinkie and Fluttershy.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:47 No.9956303

    >>9956272
    Check on Pinkie and Flutter.

>>
OP 04/18/13(Thu)23:50 No.9956352
Replies: >>9956385 >>9956397

    You head over to Twilight Sparkle. Caramel is looking much worse since you've last seen him, sweating and pale. He doesn't even try to deny it when you approach.

    "I don't know how much more we can do for him," Twilight says to you, somewhat blatantly in front of Caramel himself. "The infection propagates quickly, although it seems to vary significantly from pony to pony. Nothing I've tried has even slowed it down."

    >Well, you could always... you know.
    >What are we going to do with him?
    >Applejack mentioned a special mission?
    >I'll be back in a minute.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:51 No.9956385

    >>9956352
    Maybe time to take him out.

>>
Anonymous 04/18/13(Thu)23:52 No.9956397

    >>9956352
    Option 2.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)00:01 No.9956607
Replies: >>9956623 >>9956682 >>9956713

    "Well, can we do for him now?" you ask, somewhat cautiously.

    Twilight appraises him carefully. "I... don't think there's much else we can. He'll turn eventually, and when he does..." Caramel lets out a weak whimper, rolling away from Twilight. "We might need to take... preemptive action, for the safety of the group. And to be merciful."

    "Now what's this I hear y'all talkin' about?" Applejack approaches from behind the two of you, giving Twilight a slightly sour look. "Caramel's one'a mine. Tell me what's goin' on afore you do anythin' hasty."

    "Well..." Twilight says, "I've gotten everything I can from him for my research - everything I can that wouldn't be invasive or... well, wrong. I can't cure him. He might not have long left. Maybe it'd be kinder thing to just... end his suffering?"

    Applejack assumes a cold look. "I don't fancy that kinda quittin' talk, Twilight. Caramel's a fighter. 'till he shuffles off on his own, he deserves every chance t'beat this thing."

    Caramel gives a pained groan that perhaps undermines his "fighter" reputation, but Twilight lets it drop for now. "There's news. Captain Longsnout's reported sightings of Luna near the palace. He thinks we could set up a meeting."

    "Well, about time! Maybe with the help'a one'a the princesses we can start makin' some progress!"

    Twilight nods in agreement. "My thinking exactly. Still, we don't want to attract too much attention. I thought a small group - the three of us - might be enough to make contact with Luna and get her back here to the quarantine."

    >Why hasn't she made it here on her own already?
    >Sounds like a plan, lead the way.
    >We should really address the Caramel situation before we leave.
    >I need to check on something first.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)00:01 No.9956623

    >>9956607
    Should be "what can we do for him now?"

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)00:04 No.9956682

    >>9956607
    Sounds like a plan, but leave some one behind to watch Caramel. Terminate if needed.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)00:06 No.9956713

    >>9956607
    Sounds like a plan. Roll out.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)00:14 No.9956874
Replies: >>9956921 >>9956987

    "Sounds straightforward enough," you say. "Okay, I'm ready. Let's do this."

    Twilight turns to look at Caramel. "We'll put Caramel on one of the cots. Fluttershy and the others can watch him."

    Applejack nods her approval, and helps in moving the stallion over to the cots. "You be good," she says to Caramel as you prepare to leave. There's a trace of mourning in her voice. You suspect she might be saying goodbye. "We'll be back quick as we can." He just groans in response.

    It's night by the time the three of you set out toward the palace. The guards open the barricade a little quicker, and seem a little more alert. "They'll hit us hard, soon," one of them confides. "We'll hate to lose your firepower, Miss Sparkle."

    "Don't worry," assures Twilight. "We'll be coming back with the big guns."

    The three of you slip through the streets as quickly and quietly as you can. Twilight drops another invisibility spell on you, and you need it, as packs of dead trot all over Canterlot. They seem downright agitated now.

    "Ya got any idea where to look? I don't fancy bein' out here long."

    "The scouts reported spotting Luna in the Astronomy tower. It's attached to the palace."

    >Assuming Luna's there, what's our plan after that?
    >Why would she be there?
    Anything else we should look out for along the way?
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)00:15 No.9956921

    >>9956874
    Anything else to look out for?

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)00:19 No.9956987

    >>9956874
    Third option.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)00:22 No.9957038
Replies: >>9957064 >>9957178

    "Well, if we're heading back to the palace, anything else to look out for?"

    "Not really," Twilight admits. "I've been wracking my brain for solutions or powerful spells we could use, but nothing's come to mind yet. I even thought of going after the time travel spells, but I've tried to use those to change the past before and it never works."

    "Hey," Applejack interjects. "Didn't y'all find the Elements'a Harmony while ya were here last? Why didn't we try usin' em yet? We should go back and-"

    "I'm afraid that won't work," says Twilight. "I tried to get my element to activate... conventionally... while working on Caramel, and for some reason it wouldn't. Something's blocking their power. We need to speak to the princesses about it as soon as possible."

    >You do know another way to make them work, Twilight.
    >Could it be they're just not responding to you from a certain lack of harmony in the crisis?
    >Let's focus on finding Luna and seeing what she can tell us.
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)00:23 No.9957064

    >>9957038
    Fpcus on finding luna.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)00:27 No.9957153
Replies: >>9957319

    "Let's just focus on finding Luna," you say, and the two mares agree. You keep up the pace toward the palace as it rises before you. "Now which way is the Astronomy tower?"

    "The tall one, over there," Twilight replies, pointing a hoof. "See? Where the telescope is."

    "How're we supposed t'get up there?"

    Twilight judges the distance carefully before replying. "I might be able to teleport us that far. If we all stand close together."

    >Do it. It's the safest way.
    >Better to walk.
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)00:28 No.9957178

    >>9957038
    Find Luna.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)00:36 No.9957319

    >>9957153
    I'm hesitant to choose because I envision both options ending badly.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)00:41 No.9957420

    >[PAUSE]

    To be honest I'm exhausted and jet-lagged (been away, hence why it took so long for me to continue this). I'll resume play tomorrow at noon EST, hopefully in the same thread if I can bump it to life in the morning. It's the best way to ensure a good, exciting climax to the episode.

    I'll post what we've got so far in the Pastebin, and the rest will follow tomorrow.

Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)03:34 No.9960363

    up

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)09:17 No.9963507

    Morning bump.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)11:59 No.9965141
Replies: >>9965233

    >[UNPAUSE]

    "Let's just focus on finding Luna," you say, and the two mares agree. You keep up the pace toward the palace as it rises before you. "Now which way is the Astronomy tower?"

    "The tall one, over there," Twilight replies, pointing a hoof. "See? Where the telescope is."

    "How're we supposed t'get up there?"

    Twilight judges the distance carefully before replying. "I might be able to teleport us that far. If we all stand close together."

    >Do it. It's the safest way.
    >Better to walk.
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)12:06 No.9965233

    >>9965141
    Might be able too, or can do? I'm hesitant.

    Better to walk if she's not positive of her abilities.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)12:14 No.9965308
Replies: >>9965400 >>9965438

    "It's too risk if you're not sure," you reply. "No harm in walking."

    You hear a gutteral grunting nearby. Twilight gulps. "Uh, if you say so."

    "C'mon!" says Applejack, and you hear the clip-clop of her hooves as she picks up the pace to the Astronomy tower. "Ain't far now, we just gotta get inside!"

    "Applejack, wait!" Twilight shouts, and you hear her hooves take off after her friend. "The deceased are attracted to noise more than vision! If you start running and shouting, they'll-"

    She's cut off by a strangled howl. You turn and look back. A pack of dead ponies have just burst on to the street, looking agitated. They cast about wildly, their ears twitching, before turning roughly in your direction.

    "Too late!" Twilight yells. "Run!"

    What can you do? You run. Behind you, the herd breaks into a gallop of their own, homing in on the sound of your hooves.

    The doors at the tower's base fly open - Applejack must've just hit them. "C'mon, hurry!" she yells. Twilight gets in ahead of you (you hope), and you skitter in after her, bumping into the invisible Applejack as you do so.

    The herd is approaching up the street fast. You're at the bottom landing of a large spiral staircase up into the tower, with a few benches and tables strewn around. "What now!?" Applejack yells.

    >Barricade the door!
    >Forget the door, up the stairs!
    >Twilight! Use your magic to stop them!
    >I don't know!

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)12:20 No.9965400
Replies: >>9965438

    >>9965308
    Barricade the door, don't let them in!

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)12:23 No.9965438

    >>9965308
    >>9965400
    Exactly, Twilight might need to save her magic.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)12:25 No.9965452
Replies: >>9965497

    You kick one of the tables up against the door. "We need a barricade! Come on, help me with this!"

    "No problem," Applejack replies, moving another table on top of the other. "C'mon Twi, we can get this shut in a... Twi?"

    There's no reply. Over the groaning and galloping you hear her hooves beating their way up the stairs. "Why that no-good, low-down..."

    There's a sudden clatter as the first of the dead smash into the doors, trying to force them open. The few tables you've stacked so far are barely enough to stop them, and you throw your shoulder into keeping the door shut. "No time!" you yell. "Get the rest of them up here!"

    "Right!"

    Tables, benches and chairs go flying over your head and on to the heap in front of the door. When at last the landing is clear of furniture, you gently ease your shoulder off of the pile and see that it doesn't budge under the assault from without. "That ought to hold them for a while."

    "Let's see where Twi's run off to, then," Applejack snorts.

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)12:28 No.9965497

    >>9965452
    God damnit, Twilight.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)12:32 No.9965549
Replies: >>9965636

    >mfw accidentally deleting the next post
    okay gimme another minute

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)12:38 No.9965636

    >>9965549
    It's okay OP, we love you.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)12:38 No.9965639
Replies: >>9965688

    As you ascend the steps, the invisibility spell begins to fade. You look over to Applejack who slowly becomes visible as well. She shrugs, and you continue. Before long you can hear Twilight's voice, speaking to someone. The two of you pick up the pace.

    The top of the stairs leads to the astronomy dome, with a beautifully intricate telescope for observing the heavens. All sorts of plush surroundings and scenes might have drawn your attention, but at the moment your gaze fixes on the serene figure in the center of the room.

    There sits the princess Luna. Her legs crossed and her wings folded, her mane of star and space billowing in an unknown wind, even her crown poised delicately on her head. She listens attentively as Twilight retells your story until now.

    "...and then Cloudsdale CRASHED and EXPLODED and we were attacked by dead pegasii and we had to take refuge in the quarantine zone and captain Longsnout's looking for you and I had to turn Spike to stone and the Elements aren't responding and Celestia's still not replying to my messages, and... and..."

    Luna raises a calming hoof. "Please, Twilight, rest a moment. You have done more than could be asked of you. It appears you have brought friends."

    "Huh?" Twilight turns back to face you and Applejack, and blushes with embarrassment. "Oh, right. Sorry, I... um, well you remember Applejack of course."

    "How could I forget?" replies Luna with a smile.

    "Yer majesty." Applejack gives an awkward curtsey.

    "And this is Sunny," says Twilight, gesturing to you.

    "We know him," Luna replies, giving you an appraising look. "But we knew him not by that name."

    >You... you know who I am?
    >Well, I'm Sunny now, if it's all the same to you.
    >We can talk later. We need to get you out of here.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)12:42 No.9965688

    >>9965639
    OH FUCK, 1 OR 2?
    Let's go with 1, although cautiously.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)12:53 No.9965826
Replies: >>9965884

    You hesitate, a little awed. "You know me?"

    Luna's brow furrows. "Of course. Do you not recall?"

    "Sunny here had a little accident," says Applejack by way of explanation. "Hit his head runnin' outta the Everfree, can't recall his own name."

    "It may be more than that..." Luna sighs, considering her words carefully. "I suppose it is for the best if you knew the truth.

    “You are doctor Mortimer, Celestia's most prized scientist. Not long before this terrible darkness befell our kingdom, Celestia had you and many of your peers sequestered in the Everfree forest, studying an ancient ritual. Of details, I know few. She can be... over-protective, my sister, and shares only what she believes one needs to know.”

    Your mind catches fire as garbled memories crash into each other. You can remember bits and pieces - being called Mortimer, or rather Mort Timer, working in the Everfree, meeting Celestia - but you can't put the pieces together. The pain of it all causes you to wince and stagger slightly.

    "I'm sorry to say that I know little more than that. The only one who might know more is Celestia herself, although I have not seen her since before the crisis began."

    "What do you mean?" Twilight interjects, desperation in her voice. "You have to know where she went! We need her!"

    Luna shakes her head. "I suspect this is all intertwined. She had often left the palace of late to visit her secret hold in the forest, the one where you, Mortimer, were staying. She may have been there when the nightmare began, but where it is? How to gain access? What happened there? I know not."

    Applejack curses. "This is all too much, too fast! You're sayin' Celestia and Sunny might've accidentally started this whole thing?"

    There's a long pause. "Accidentally," Luna says, somewhat uncertainly. "Yes."

    >None of this matters right now. We need to get you to safety.
    >I need to know more. Is there any way we can find out the truth?
    >I can't deal with this right now.
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)12:58 No.9965884

    >>9965826
    1 first.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)13:11 No.9966085
Replies: >>9966120 >>9966155 >>9966199

    The sound of dead hooves battering at the door downstairs brings you all back to reality. "There's no time for this now," you tersely declare. "Our priority has to be getting you back to the quarantine zone where you can do the most good. We can figure out the truth later."

    Luna's expression becomes solemn and sad as you speak. "I am afraid I cannot do that. I have intentionally avoided the quarantine zones. You see..." she raises a wing, revealing a prominent bite on her chest. "I am a danger to those I seem to protect."

    There's a sharp intake of breath. Applejack curses again, and Twilight's eyes fill once more with tears. "Y-you can't... I mean, you're a goddess! Sure you can't be-"

    "You are correct. My powers have preserved me from turning - whatever curse these creatures carry, it cannot overcome the divine. However, my powers come from the moon." Luna looks skyward through the opening in the dome above, gazing upon the moon above. She frowns. "This infection has severed that connection. I have the power stored within me, and no more. When that power runs out... I will turn. Every time I fight to protect my people, I draw closer to feeding on them."

    Twilight is sobbing now, unable to contain her grief. "Not you too..." she mumbles between tears. "This can't be happening."

    "Take heart, Twilight Sparkle. Where there is life, there is hope, and there is still life here. I am no stranger to corruption. My only desire now is to do what I can with the time remaining to me."

    Applejack has taken off her hat, holding it over her chest. "Yer very brave, ma'm."

    "There is no more time for discussing my woes, only our next step."

    >We need to get out of Canterlot
    >Twilight's working on a cure.
    >What do you suggest?
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:13 No.9966120
Replies: >>9966155

    >>9966085
    All of the options.. so terrible..

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:15 No.9966155
Replies: >>9966174

    >>9966085
    >>9966120
    Since I appear to be the only one left.. I've decided on Option #1

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:16 No.9966174

    >>9966155
    I'm here man, but fuck if I know what to pick...

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:18 No.9966199

    >>9966085
    I am unsure of what to pick as well...option 1.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)13:24 No.9966284
Replies: >>9966312 >>9966326

    "Canterlot's not going to hold much longer. We need to get our people out while we still can. Can you help us?"

    "Yeah," adds Applejack. "We don't even know where's safe t'take 'em."

    Luna rises to her hooves, and the dome above her alights. It shows the stars of the night sky, but Luna taps a hidden control and the stars move to form a map of Equestria. "Unfortunately, I have received reports from all corners of Equestria of these attacks. Whole settlements have fallen, nowhere seems safe. Except..." she points to the north. "The Crystal Empire has sent no report at all. The rail line is intact, but the palace fell before I could send anyone to investigate. It is a risk... but Cadance and your brother were there when the nightmare began, perhaps they have been able to contain it."

    Twilight looks up at the map, a mix of hope and fear. "I hope so."

    "I don't like the idea of goin' in blind," Applejack concedes, "but it's better'n goin' head first inta trouble. Okay. the Crystal Empire it is."

    "Wait!" says Twilight. "As important as survival might be, unless we have a way to combat this disease we'll just be running from our problems. Please, princess Luna, the Elements aren't responding to us and I haven't made any progress working on a cure. You must know something that could help!"

    Luna looks from Twilight to you. "I'm afraid the only answers we might have... are lost within his mind."

    >I don't know anything, okay? We should focus on what we do know.
    >Is there any way to heal me? Regain my memories?
    >I don't think I want to remember...
    >We could try something else. Have you searched Celestia's room for clues?
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:26 No.9966312

    >>9966284
    Option #2 & #4 .. hmm..
    Take #2

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:27 No.9966326
Replies: >>9966333

    >>9966284
    Option 2. We need to find out what happened.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:28 No.9966333

    >>9966326
    Thirding.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)13:33 No.9966387
Replies: >>9966428 >>9966430 >>9966440 >>9966451 >>9966464

    "If I'm suffering from amnesia... is there any way to heal me? Some spell or potion?"

    “It may yet be possible to unlock your memories, and unravel the mystery of this plague,” declares Luna. Her face draws tight and she sets her teeth, before adding “I could enter your dreams, help you discover your true self. Normally this would be a small feat, but with my connection to the moon severed... it would sap most of my strength. I may not recover.”

    Twilight looks horrified. “We can't lose you! This is when we need you most! Is there no other way?”

    “None that I know. Perhaps with time his memories will return on their own, but I know not how long, or if they will come in time.”

    Twilight weighs this up, looking back and forth between you and Luna. After a long pause to consider the situation, she sighs and closes her eyes. “In that case, you should do it. We need to know what happened in the Everfree and how this infection started... even if the cost...”

    Applejack stomps her hoof. “Now just hold on a minute! Princess Luna's the most powerful pony in all of Canterlot. If we go usin' up her juice now, we'll be on our own when we try t'get outta here. Think of how many more ponies we could save with her help!"

    >It's worth the risk.
    >There are others who need your help more.
    >I don't know. It's not an easy decision.
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:35 No.9966428

    >>9966387
    These decisions, man.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:35 No.9966430

    >>9966387
    O jesus.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:36 No.9966440

    >>9966387
    Option 2. Other neednher help

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:37 No.9966451
Replies: >>9966473

    >>9966387
    Fuck it, option 2. Got to get everyone out safe.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:37 No.9966464
Replies: >>9966492

    >>9966387
    See, the thing is. The memories might help us a fuck ton, but we've been selfless the entire time so far... and causing Luna to turn. There's no way we could use the elements to turn Luna like Spike, is there?

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:38 No.9966473

    >>9966451
    Just have to rely on Celestia being alive or them coming back naturally.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:40 No.9966492

    >>9966464
    Theory I have.. Twilight used a darker side of the Magic of Friendship to command the Elements. That's why I think they might not be working right now. A fail-safe, if you will, sorta like how Celestia used them on Luna.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)13:46 No.9966578
Replies: >>9966597 >>9966608

    You shake your head. "We need your help with the people of Canterlot more than we do with my memory. There are other ways to find out the truth."

    Applejack lets out a sigh of relief, but Twilight adopts an irritated expression. "Are you crazy?" she snaps. "What 'other ways'? Celestia's gone, the Elements don't work, and the only clue we have is [I]somewhere[/I] in the Everfree something's happened! And it's crawling with the dead! What's your plan to fix this, huh? Where do you think we're going to find answers?"

    "We've gotta prioritize, Twi," says Applejack. "We might not know what other chances're out there yet, but if we keep our cool and stick together, you can be sure we'll find another way to save the world while keepin' as many as we can alive."

    "I'm trying to save EVERYONE!" Twilight shouts. "We can't do that if we trade away all our chances for learning more about what's going on! Unlocking these memories might be our last shot at doing that, we don't know, and if it is we'll ALL DIE, Mortimer!"

    "His name's Sunny!" shouts Applejack, gritting her teeth.

    >You're right. This might be our only chance, restore my memory.
    >It's not worth risking others' lives for uncertain gain. Save your power.
    >...

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)13:47 No.9966590

    whoops tried to italicize her da derp derp derp

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:48 No.9966597

    >>9966578
    Option 2.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)13:48 No.9966608

    >>9966578
    OPTION 2 SON.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)13:57 No.9966748
Replies: >>9966809

    You stand firm. "No, Twilight. I'm not going to risk others' lives for this. We'll find another way."

    She lets out an exasperated sigh and turns her back to you, sulking. Luna turns from her to you and nods. "Very well. Return to your people and tell them to prepare for the journey to the Crystal Empire. You must leave as soon as you can - the dead are most active at night, and I fear Longsnout's quarantine will not survive to dawn."

    She spreads her magnificent wings and alights to the opening in the dome above. "I shall save my power for when your people need it most. This may be the last you see of me. Twilight."

    Twilight looks up, her frustration turned to sadness. Luna gives her a gentle smile. "Please, do not let bitterness take hold of you. Such was my mistake a thousand years before. Tonight I do what little I can to redeem that sin. Take this chance I give you. Live without a heavy heart."

    Twilight nods mutely, and Luna disappears into the night sky.

    A moment later there's a loud crack from below. "They're through the barricade!" Applejack exclaims. "How're we supposed to get out now!?"

    "Stay near me," says Twilight, adopting an aggressive posture. "And whatever you do, hold completely still."

    The two of you comply, and are enveloped in purple energy. You can hear the herd below galloping up the steps, roaring and moaning. Before the first of them crests the upper level the world disappears in a flash and you feel the strangest sensation of being drawn through a straw. When it ends you're on the ground below the tower, now empty of the dead.

    Twilight turns immediately and fires a bolt of purple energy into the base of the tower. Stone shatters under the force, and the whole thing begins to topple. The upper levels cartwheel through the air and fall down on to a lower level of the city, shattering and leaving splattered corpses spread across the cobbles.

    She exhales heavily. "Let's go."

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:02 No.9966809

    >>9966748
    Continue.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)14:05 No.9966851
Replies: >>9966886

    Invisibility envelops the three of you and you make your way safely back to the quarantine zone. When you reach the barricade wall, you see dead corpses piled at the bottom, many pierced by countless spear-thrusts. There are fewer guards remaining than when you left, but they still open the gate for you when Twilight calls out.

    Captain Longsnout is waiting for you. "We saw Luna take off from the Astronomy tower just before it collapsed. Did you find her?"

    Twilight nods. "We did, but... she doesn't have long now. She's agreed to help us evacuate the quarantine zone toward the Crystal Empire."

    Longsnout hesitates. "Far be it from me to question a princess, but... our orders are to fall back to a military rally-point outside of the city. The remaining guard forces across Equestria are withdrawing and forming up."

    "What about the civvies?" asks Applejack. "There's gotta be a whole lotta Canterlot ponies what need protectin'."

    "Current thinking is smaller groups have a better chance of survival," Longsnout explains. "We've been using our remaining trains to send out groups to remote locations across the countryside, far away from towns and cities where the dead have been gathering."

    "I guess that makes sense," Twilight concedes. "What about our group?"

    "All still accounted for. So's your train. If you want to take them to the Crystal Empire, that's your decision."

    "My brother and princess Cadance are there," says Twilight. "If anyone can protect my friends, it's them. Not to mention with Celestia missing and Luna... gone, Cadance is the last princess in Equestria."

    Applejack nods. "It's a plan. We better go tell the others." She turns to you, and adds "Looks like this is it, Sunny. Ready t'escape from Canterlot?"

    >After Ponyville this should be a walk in the park.
    >How will we know when Luna will appear?
    >Do the guards need our help holding the quarantine?
    >What's the supply situation?
    >I'm ready, let's get our people together.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:08 No.9966886
Replies: >>9966944

    >>9966851
    Option 3

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:12 No.9966944

    >>9966886
    Agreed.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)14:14 No.9966973
Replies: >>9966980

    "Will you need help holding the quarantine?" you ask Longsnout. "It looks like your troops are getting hammered."

    He shrugs. "I've got enough to hold a few more hours at the current rate, by my calculation. That's long enough to get the district evacuated and punch out of here ourselves. You might say we're in the middle of a recruitment drive though, so if any of your people feel like signing up right now we could always use the manpower."

    "We're likely t'need every strong leg ourselves," says Applejack. "Ah don't think it's wise splittin' us up at the moment, we're not like to meet up again any time soon."

    >If anyone wants to volunteer for the guard, that's their choice.
    >The Ponyville ponies should stick together.
    >Not my place to comment.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:15 No.9966980

    >>9966973
    Option 2.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)14:19 No.9967043
Replies: >>9967063

    "Splitting up isn't the right idea at the moment," you say. "We need to keep our people together." Applejack gives an approving nod.

    Longsnout shrugs. "Well, okay then. I wasn't expecting any reinforcements at the moment anyway."

    >After Ponyville this should be a walk in the park.
    >How will we know when Luna will appear?
    >What's the supply situation?
    >I'm ready, let's get our people together.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:20 No.9967063

    >>9967043
    Option 3

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)14:24 No.9967105
Replies: >>9967138 >>9967167

    "How're we doing for supplies?"

    "The white-coated mare, the one with the purple hair? She's been helping us organize our supply stockpile. We've had more than enough... you know, because of all the losses. We should be able to stock you up with plenty of food and other essentials before you go."

    Twilight looks over to the train. "I suppose it's a little late to ask if we could get some of the broken windows fixed?"

    "You'd be right. We've already packed the supplies though, so that's one problem sorted."

    "Any, uh..." Applejack looks around before asking. "Any apples?"

    Longsnout frowns. "I don't think so. Why?"

    Applejack kicks the ground absently. "No reason."

    >After Ponyville this should be a walk in the park.
    >How will we know when Luna will appear?
    >I'm ready, let's get our people together.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:26 No.9967138

    >>9967105
    Option 3

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:28 No.9967167
Replies: >>9967219

    >>9967105
    Option 2.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)14:31 No.9967205

    "Right, we don't have any more time to waste," you state. "We'll get our people together and get them on that train."

    "Good," says Longsnout. "Let me know when you're ready to head out-"

    A high-pitched scream cuts the air. The four of you turn to one of the barricade walls on one of the streets. A hole has just been blown clean through it by some unknown force, and the whole wall begins to collapse. Guards atop the wall leap for their lives - the smart ones leaping down INTO the quarantine zone.

    "And do it fast!" Longsnout shouts, slamming his helmet down and running to the breach.

    "I'll help them hold off the herd," says Twilight. "Applejack, Mortimer, you two get everyone on that train!" She disappears in an explosion of purple light, reappearing atop a building overlooking the street.

    "C'mon, Sunny!" Applejack shouts as she makes a break for the warehouse. You follow.

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:32 No.9967219

    >>9967167
    She will appear when she wants to appear.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)14:38 No.9967287
Replies: >>9967302 >>9967310

    You burst into the warehouse, where the Ponyville ponies huddle fearfully. The sounds of battle from outside are muffled and strange from within, adding to the grim mood.

    Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Rarity all converge on you at once. "What's goin' on!?" Dash exclaims, circling the air anxiously. "What happened? What're we supposed to do now?"

    "Calm down, Dash," says Applejack. "Twilight's holdin' the quarantine. We need t'get all these ponies back on that train pronto."

    "What about princess Luna?" Rarity asks, hopefully. "Will she come?"

    "Ah hope so. Ah really do."

    Fluttershy begins to fret. "There's so many ponies, so much to do, oh, I don't know how we can avoid a panic..."

    "HEY EVERYONE!" Pinkie shouts, bounding into the air. "SUNNY'S GOT SOMETHING TO SAY! LISTEN UP!"

    The warehouse falls quiet except for the sounds of battle outside. Every eye is upon you. Pinkie Pie gives you a smile and a theatric stage whisper. "I'm helping!"

    >The quarantine's about the fall! Get on the train, quick!
    >There's no cause for alarm. Please proceed for an orderly evacuation by train.
    >Stay close, stay quiet, no wandering off, and follow me!
    >Dash, you're the better pony-wrangler, you got this.
    >Applejack, you've got the most herding experience.
    >Rarity, I trust you can handle this responsibility.
    >This is your mess now, Pinkie.
    >Uh, Fluttershy could... um...
    >WE'RE ALL GONNA DIE
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:39 No.9967302

    >>9967287
    Option 3

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:39 No.9967310

    >>9967287
    3 or 5.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)14:50 No.9967457
Replies: >>9967485 >>9967522 >>9967538

    "Okay, listen close because I don't have time to repeat myself! I want you to form up in an orderly manner and FOLLOW! ME! To the train! No wandering off! No freezing! Keep your eyes on the pony in front of you and no matter what you see or hear, DON'T PANIC!" You pause, looking over them. "Any questions? Good!"

    An awkward colt near the front lowers his hoof, dejected.

    You turn back to the girls and say "I'll take point. You five spread out around the edges of the group and keep everyone together. You see any trouble you call me over, got it?" They nod. "Good. Let's do this."

    The doors open and you step out into the yard.

    There's trouble.

    The barricades are being blown apart. You can't tell by what until you see one of them crest a crumbling wall. A dead unicorn, its horn blasting wildly, is tearing up anything that gets close alive dead or inanimate. Twilight's on the rooftops trying to blast it, but there's too many other dead in the way.

    The way to the train is clear, however, so you set off for it immediately. You leap into the first open carriage and look down. No signs of dead ponies. "Somebody needs to start the engine!" you yell back down the line.

    "On it!" Pinkie Pie yells back, doing a strange three-legged bounce up to the engine compartment. She dives in over the door with a loud thud. "It looks just like an oven! Can't be too different, right?"

    You don't have time to worry about that now. You look back down the line and see the Ponyville survivors surge up after you and into the different carriages. Everything seems okay so far.

    Then you hear a horrible cry. You look over and see the freakish dead unicorn has turned its pack toward the living unicorn soldiers maintaining the shield above your heads. You look up and see the dead pegasii battering against it. If someone doesn't save them, you're all about to be in a lot of trouble, but you're too far to make it there in time.

    >Applejack! Bring that unicorn down!
    >Rainbow Dash! They need backup!

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:52 No.9967485

    >>9967457
    Option 2

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:54 No.9967522

    >>9967457
    Unleash Blue Fast upon them.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:55 No.9967538
Replies: >>9967573

    >>9967457
    Why do I feel we're going to fuck up badly? WE NEED A PERFECT RUN, GUYS!

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)14:59 No.9967573
Replies: >>9967605

    >>9967538
    It was either Rainbow or AJ, and apple pone must live.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:01 No.9967594
Replies: >>9967611 >>9967622 >>9967631

    "Rainbow Dash!" you yell out, pointing to the unicorn.

    "Already on it!" She shouts back, shooting you a cocky grin. You realize she's grabbed one of the shotguns and is blazing toward the unicorn at full speed.

    The gun comes up and fires, but one of the dead ponies surrounding her target lunges forward and takes the hit. The dead unicorn doesn't seem to notice, but his horn lights up and a wild burst of magic scythes toward Dash. It catches her by surprise and knocks her into the turf. "It's alright!" she yells back. "I've got this!"

    The carriages are filling up, but the press of bodies is still separating you from the action. Applejack, on the other side of the mob, gives you a fearful look. "Ah need t'get over there and-"

    There's another shotgun blast, and the unicorn staggers backward. The magic of its horn dissipates harmlessly into the air. You hear a cry of "Yesss! In your FACE!", and Applejack calms. She even rolls her eyes. "Never mind."

    Fluttershy is bringing up the rear of the column. "This is everyone," she tells you. "I went back and double-checked."

    "Where's Sweetie Belle?!" Rarity demands, pulling up next to her. "Is she alright?"

    "Hey sis!" Sweetie Belle shouts from a train carriage window. "It's okay! Me and Applebloom did what Sunny said!"

    Rarity lets out a relieved sigh. "That's good! Now please, stay there!"

    The train roars to life. You hear Pinkie from the cab say. "So THAT's what that does!"

    "Almost ready to go," Applejack mutters. "Just need Twi and Rainbow." She scans the courtyard as it fills with dead, breaking down every barricade. "If Luna's plannin' on helpin, sooner's better'n later..."

    You hear a scream and the four of you snap your heads over toward the wall. You see Longsnout trying to hold the last upright barricade with the remainder of his troops, but it's surrounded.

    >The army's falling apart, there's nothing we can do.
    >We can break them out, follow me!

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:01 No.9967605
Replies: >>9967800

    >>9967573
    But Teal Pone helped us with Panks.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:02 No.9967611

    >>9967594
    >SWEETIE BELLE, STAY IN THE HOUSE

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:03 No.9967622
Replies: >>9967637

    >>9967594
    It's like that left for dead comic where they abandon the military.
    How many zompones around Longsnout?

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:03 No.9967631
Replies: >>9967639

    >>9967594
    Option 2

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:04 No.9967637
Replies: >>9967664

    >>9967622
    I like to keep the numbers vague, but too many for them to fight, but maybe not so many that you couldn't punch a hole for them to escape out of. Then again, my but don't you seem to be getting quite spread out trying to help the guard hold the quarantine?

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:04 No.9967639
Replies: >>9967692

    >>9967631
    Dude... I hope this is the best decision...

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:06 No.9967664

    >>9967637
    So it's either (maybe) save some military pones at the cost of ponyville pones. Shiiiiyet.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:08 No.9967692

    >>9967639
    There is no such thing as a good decision.. but we must press forward with the choices we make.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:10 No.9967707
Replies: >>9967722 >>9967767

    "They need our help!" you shout, pointing to the guards trapped up against the wall. "Come on, we can do this!"

    "Are y'all nuts!?" you hear Applejack shout from behind you, but a moment later she's following along with Fluttershy and Rarity. You cut around the unicorns maintaining the shield and Rainbow Dash fending off the dead attacking them and you even spot Twilight teleporting from rooftop to rooftop toward the train.

    When you reach the herd that's trapped Longsnout's forces, you realize you're actually not really armed for a fight. "What now, doctor smart-pony?" AJ sarcastically remarks.

    "Um, I-I think they're noticing us," Fluttershy squeaks, pointing to several dead ponies at the edge of the herd that turn toward you.

    "Thankfully," sniffs Rarity, "I was able to conceive of a brilliant plan during our gallant charge." She clears her throat, and after an exaggerated moment of testing her vocal range, starts screaming at the top of her lungs.

    "What in tarnation are you doin'?!" exclaims Applejack, but she's not the only one who notices. A large pack engaged in attacking the guards notice Rarity's antics and turn back toward you. Realizing her plan, you begin waving and jumping up and down as well. A hole starts to form, as dead ponies turn toward you.

    "Okay," says Applejack. "We've got their attention, what's step two?"

    Rarity gulps. "Ah, yes. Step two. I... was hoping for some group input on that.

    >RUN!
    >FIGHT!
    >PANIC!

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:11 No.9967722

    >>9967707
    Option 1

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:14 No.9967767

    >>9967707
    Juan.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:16 No.9967798
Replies: >>9967822 >>9967827

    "RUN!" you yell, turning tail and peeling off toward the train. The others catch on quickly and are hot on your heels, but then again so are the dead ponies, and soon after them the surviving troops under Longsnout, with the rest of the herd after them.

    The whole ridiculous conga-line is heading straight for the train. The unicorns maintaining the shield, realizing you're heading their way, break their concentration and set to running. Dash starts screaming obscenities and takes off into the air to join in your retreat, but soon the flock of dead above are falling down on you as well.

    Thinks look pretty dark.

    "ENOUGH!"

    A shockwave of shadowy energy rolls over and around you. Those dead ponies it catches are hurled bodily through the air, cartwheeling corpses smashing into buildings like rag dolls.

    Princess Luna descends from above, resting on your train. "BEHOLD THE POWER OF THE NIGHT!" She bellows, firing off another wave. Your group and the surviving guards scramble within her protection.

    Applejack collapses next to you, against the train. Panting, she gives you a smile. "Toldya we'd need her help."

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:16 No.9967800

    >>9967605
    We got a kiss from apple pone though.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:17 No.9967822

    >>9967798
    Continue.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:18 No.9967827

    >>9967798
    CAN-TIN-EWE.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:22 No.9967892
Replies: >>9967921 >>9967939 >>9967950

    Longsnout crashes to the other side of you, gasping and wheezing. "Thanks for the assist. I thought we were done for."

    "Nothing to it," you gasp back. You keep forgetting how wrecked up your body's gotten the last few days.

    "We're calling our final retreat now. The mountain paths are pretty clear, at least until we're out of the city. Good luck."

    "You too." With that, Longsnout gets back to his hooves. He and a few dozen survivors of the Canterlot guard retreat down either side of the train and off into the mountain.

    "We're still missin' Twi," says Applejack, scanning the courtyard. "Anybody see her?"

    "And Rainbow Dash!" adds Fluttershy. "Where'd she go?"

    All you see is an absolutely titanic wave of corpses trying to press toward you, with waves of Luna's energy forcing them back at every step. No purple unicorn, no blue pegasus. Each wave is getting weaker, however, and the grows closer.

    Before you can say anything, you feel the train behind you lurch backward. "Whoops!" says Pinkie Pie. "I think we're pulling away from the station! All aboard!"

    >They can take care of themselves, we need to get on the train
    >You girls go, I'll find them
    >Let's try asking Luna if she can get to them.
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:24 No.9967921

    >>9967892
    Option 2

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:25 No.9967939

    >>9967892
    THESE CHOICES. Option 2. We got to commit to selflessness.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:26 No.9967950
Replies: >>9967968

    >>9967892
    Guys, if we have to pick one pone to save...

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:27 No.9967968

    >>9967950
    We ain't to that point yet.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:29 No.9967995
Replies: >>9968013

    "Get on the train, I'll find them."

    Applejack tries to protest. "But-"

    "This isn't a discussion, Applejack! Get on the train!"

    Rarity rests a hoof on AJ's shoulder. "Come on, Applejack. Sunny has this well in hoof."

    She looks incredulously at the absolute tide of dead ponies below, but nods. "Y'ain't let us down yet. Just don't go doin' anythin' stupid."

    Quickly and suddenly, she plants a kiss on your lips. It's over so fast and her face is so stern afterward you hardly believe it happened. "Fer luck."

    With that, the girls hurry back on to the train. You see it begin to pull out down the track. It'll start picking up speed soon enough, if Pinkie ever figures out the controls.

    Ahead of you lies the dead of Canterlot, surging into Luna's protective magical force. Dash and Twilight are nowhere to be seen. Unless you plan to get overrun in the middle of the street, you need to get up on top of something

    >Try the shipping containers.
    >Go into the train station
    >Back to the warehouse!

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:31 No.9968013
Replies: >>9968021

    >>9967995
    God damn. Try the containers?

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:32 No.9968021

    >>9968013
    I second this.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:35 No.9968050
Replies: >>9968085

    You jump up on to a shipping container, and on to one taller than the last. From there you have a decent view of the courtyard and can see the surging masses below. The trouble is, they can see you, and though they can't climb they soon surround you.

    Some of them can fly, of course.

    A pegasus drops out of the sky (drops would be accurate, with broken wings) and almost lands on top of you. You manage to give the intruder a quick kick off your crate, but the flock above is marshaling. You need to get under cover, and quickly.

    You try to spot Rainbow Dash, but she's nowhere to be seen. If she was outside of Luna's protection, maybe she ducked into one of the buildings?

    >Jump to the station roof.
    >Jump to the warehouse roof.
    >Jump back the way you came and try to catch up to the train.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:38 No.9968085

    >>9968050
    Warehouse roof.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:41 No.9968139
Replies: >>9968152

    You look to the warehouse. Wow, it looked a lot closer from the ground. And shorter. Still, you're about to be flocked, so you don't have much of a choice. You back up as much as the shipping container allows, and set off at full gallop to the edge.

    You leap!

    Below you, the herd roils. Above you, the flock descends.

    Your front two hooves just barely catch the guttering, which immediately begins to tear loose. You try to push yourself up with your hind legs, but the angle is all wrong. You hang precariously from the ledge, wishing to anyone who would listen you had some sort of grasping digits at the end of your hooves. Slowly, inexorably, you begin to slide off.

    >[FUUUUUUCK]

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:43 No.9968152
Replies: >>9968161 >>9968166

    >>9968139
    I fucked up, guys. Continue.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:44 No.9968161

    >>9968152
    RAINBOW DASH SAVE ROLL./Roll
    Anon, it wasn't your fault.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:44 No.9968166

    >>9968152
    You've made your choice, now we must trudge through it.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:46 No.9968204
Replies: >>9968242 >>9968267 >>9968273

    Just before your grip give way, you hear a familiar voice say "Need a hoof?"

    Rainbow Dash reaches down and yanks you back up on to the roof. You roll over away from the edge, wheezing and gasping for breath. She looks down at you with a smile. "Why's it always me pulling your fat out of the fryer, huh?" She scans the sky, spotting where pegasii prepare to dive-bomb you. "Come on, we need to get out of the rain."

    You stumble up to a door set in the roof as dead pegasii begin to drop down behind you. Dash opens the door and you lunge through, and once she follows she slams it shut and turns the key. "That'll hold 'em for at least a minute. I hope."

    You take a minute to take in the area around you. You're in the warehouse rafters. A window set in one side of the wall shows the train pulling away down the track, with Luna still fending off the tide. Her power is weakening, however, you might not have long.

    "I was looking for Twilight, but couldn't find her anyway," Dash explains. "If you've got any ideas, now's the time."

    >She can teleport and turn invisible. She's probably making her own way there, if she's not already on board.
    >Have you tried the station? She might've tried to get on the train from there.
    >What about this warehouse? Have you cleared it?
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:49 No.9968242
Replies: >>9968267

    >>9968204
    Decision time guys, give your input.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:50 No.9968267
Replies: >>9968272

    >>9968204
    >>9968242
    All options are valid.

    As such, Option 3 it is!

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:51 No.9968272
Replies: >>9968293

    >>9968267
    Alright. Option 3 is a go.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:51 No.9968273
Replies: >>9968293

    >>9968204
    3, then 2. All that magic she used might have left her exhausted.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:52 No.9968293
Replies: >>9968331

    >>9968272
    >>9968273
    Yeah, Warehouse first, then Station.. then you hoof it out of this deadhole into the great unknown that has been forgotten.. and if we are really lucky, we might get a Boss Fight with Zombie Moon

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:55 No.9968331

    >>9968293
    >Zombie Nightmare Moon/Luna spraying magic like tidal waves.
    That sounds fun.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)15:56 No.9968340
Replies: >>9968381 >>9968387 >>9968398

    "We're already in the warehouse, have you checked it?"

    Dash shrugs. "Well, I shouted 'Twilight! Come out, come out, wherever you are!', does that count?"

    You shake your head and walk over to the trap door out of the rafters. There's a ladder down into the warehouse, which you take down to the walkway that spans it. From there you have a clear view of everything but the office.

    It's clear your group left in a hurry. There's abandoned bits and pieces scattered around, a ball here, a bit of paper there. You spot the cots and how they've been knocked about. "What did you do with Caramel in the end?"

    A look of shame crosses Dash's face and she turns away from you. "He... he was getting pretty bad. He asked us to let him go. Said he wanted to deal with it on his own. I... I don't think he made it."

    You shake your head. Another one down.

    >Well, let's check the office too.
    >She's obviously not here. We need to get to the station.
    >She's obviously not here. She's probably on the train, and it's getting away.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:58 No.9968381

    >>9968340
    1.Carefully. He might be in there.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:58 No.9968387

    >>9968340
    Finally done reading and catching up.
    Reporting into another absolutely glorious thread. These decisions, man...

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)15:59 No.9968398

    >>9968340
    Option 1.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)16:03 No.9968459
Replies: >>9968517 >>9968522

    "Well, we should check the office too," you say, climbing down to the ground floor.

    "I'm telling you, she's not here!" says Rainbow Dash as she follows. "We're wasting our time! I don't like the idea of having to fight our way out to the train. I mean, if I was by myself I could just outfly all those sloppy dead pegasii, but carrying you? Not gonna happen."

    You pause. "You think I'm slowing you down?"

    "I know you're slowing me down," she grumbles. "Not one of those dead ponies can keep up with me or take me in a fight, I could be in and out of here no problem, but now I'm stuck babysitting you and trying to find Twilight."

    You ignore her griping for a minute and nose into the office. Nothing to see here. There's a map of Canterlot Applejack had been looking at earlier, but nothing else.

    From above you hear the sound of a door breaking inward. Dash hisses. "Great! Can't get out that way. Any more bright ideas?"

    >They're not hitting the front door. Maybe we can make a break for the station.
    >We can catch up with the train through one of those windows.
    >Ohhh, I'm too much of a burden to have ideas. Why don't you tell me what we should do next?

>>
The Detective 04/19/13(Fri)16:07 No.9968517

    >>9968459
    1.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)16:07 No.9968522

    >>9968459
    What is everyone thinking? Window or front door?

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)16:13 No.9968637
Replies: >>9968767 >>9968999

    "We can make the station if we go through the front door," you say. "They're not looking that way right now."

    Dash grunts in frustration, but relents. The two of you head over to the front door. You put your ear to it and hear the herd beyond, pushing forward toward the departing train.

    "You still got that shotgun?" you ask.

    Dash shakes her head. "Ran outta ammo, so I threw it at one of 'em. We'll just have to run."

    "Great," you mutter. "On three."

    Wait for it...

    "Three!"

    The two of you barge out the front door. Sure enough, the street beyond is filled with dead ponies shuffling forward. At a breakneck gallop you start cutting between them, hoping and praying they don't react fast enough to grab you.

    You make it to the station platform, jumping up and out of danger for a moment, once again gasping for breath.

    "Aw, you gotta be kidding me... look!" Dash lands next to you and points back toward the train.

    It's far now, almost too far to see, but if you squint you can see a dark blue dot blasting out weak pulses of magic after her... and a small purple dot next to her waving her hooves frantically in the air.

    Dash gives you a rueful look and snorts. "I'm gonna murderize that filly."

    >Don't just stand around, we need to run!
    >Let's break for the station! Maybe we can lay low and catch up later?
    >Give me a lift, I can't run through that herd again.
    >...Oh come on, man.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)16:22 No.9968767

    >>9968637
    Tough decision.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)16:28 No.9968846
Replies: >>9968979

    So anyone gonna take a crack at this one? Maybe one of them is a nonstandard game over!

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)16:35 No.9968979

    >>9968846
    I think you just made everyone even more terrified to answer, assuming others are here. I'll take one for the team. Option 1, bum rush.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)16:36 No.9968999

    >>9968637
    Gah, I dunno. Not sure if I totally understand, but if no one's chiming in, I guess Option 1.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)16:42 No.9969078
Replies: >>9969105 >>9969133

    "Come on!" you yell, charging down the platform. Dead ponies are crawling up from every side now, and you dodge and skip around lunging hooves and snapping jaws.

    Dash seems almost taken aback, but is cruising beside you a moment later. "There's no way we're going to make it!" she insists, her voice now holding an edge of terror. "We're gonna die!"

    "We're not gonna die!" you grunt. "Now keep going!" You dive off the end of the platform and land on the tracks, setting off as fast as you can after the receding train. Unfortunately, it's pulling off on to a narrow bridge, a bridge now clogged with dead.

    Before you can figure out what to do next, you see a distant poof of purple energy from the train's roof. An explosion nearby marks Twilight's arrival, sending dead ponies flying. "Come on!" she yells, as her horn burns white-hot while blasting you a path to her. "You're almost - Rainbow watch out!"

    You crane your head backward just in time to see a dead, wall-eyed pegasus drop from above squarely on to Dash's back. She's driven hard into the dirt and lands with a crash. "HELP!" she screams, her voice soaked in terror. Already the dead are swarming toward her from all sides while she struggles with the dead pegasus on her back. "PLEASE! HELP! HEEEEELLLLP!"

    >She's finished! Come on Twi, we gotta get out of here!
    >I'm coming! Hold on!

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)16:43 No.9969105

    >>9969078
    I'm coming! Hold on!

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)16:45 No.9969133

    >>9969078
    SAVE HER.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)16:50 No.9969197
Replies: >>9969229

    You wheel back around to Dash and charge. "Hold on Dash, I'm coming!" The first dead pony in your way comes at you, all snapping jaws and flailing hooves, but you head-butt it hard in the chest and it collapses. The next leaps through the air but you duck under it and keep running.

    There's an ear-piercing scream and heart-wrenching tear as the pegasus on her back bites down into the meat of her wing. Dash finds her strength and slams her head into the face of her attacker, cracking its nose and briefly righting its vision. Once on her feet again, Dash tries to take off but only makes it the few feet between you and her before crashing back to earth. "My wings!" she burbles out, confused and scared. "No! They're not! I can't!"

    "Later!" you shout, and you shoulder her on to your back before wheeling back around again and making for Twilight at full gallop.

    She's struggling to keep the herd at bay now, you see her blasts come slower and weaker, but when you slide up to her she doesn't hesitate before summoning up another teleport spell.

    It takes a moment to gather the power. The herd closes in. "Any minute now, Twi," you murmur.

    "Almost, almost!"

    A lot of hungry mouths. A lot of rotten flesh.

    "Almost!"

    A lot of hot breath, a lot of-

    "Now!"

    There it is again, the sensation of being pulled through a narrow straw, and then suddenly you're on top of the train as it pulls away. You collapse next to Luna, Rainbow Dash on your back and Twi tottering behind you.

    "We made it, Dash murmurs. "Wheee..."

    Luna's protective pulse has finished entirely. The train still creeps along, barely faster than the ponies chasing it.

    "Only for the moment," says Luna.

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)16:52 No.9969229

    >>9969197
    Continue.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)16:54 No.9969256
Replies: >>9969273 >>9969352

    Out of curiosity, how many people are lurking right now?

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)16:55 No.9969273

    >>9969256
    howdy

    I just got caught up with it all

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)16:59 No.9969329
Replies: >>9969393

    Luna turns to the three of you, looking pale and haggard. "My power fails. There is only one way I can protect you now."

    You look up from the ground. The flock and herd are still right on your tail. Twilight rushes up close to Luna and gives her a pleading look. "Please, no," she begs. "We can figure something out! You don't have to use your powers any more, you'll survive, and we can escape the herd, and together we can figure out-"

    "Sometimes the greatest thing a leader can do is sacrifice for her people," says Luna, leaning down to nuzzle Twilight. "It is a lesson my sister knows well, but not one I have ever lived up to. I pass to you the responsibility of protecting these ponies and saving Equestria from this blight."

    Her wings spread wide and she leaps from the train, hovering not far behind. "There's so much we wanted to tell you, so much more we wanted to teach you... I'm sorry, Twilight."

    "No!" Twilight screams after Luna. "Don't go! I need you! I can't do this alone!"

    "That is what took me a thousand yeas to learn," Luna replies softly. "We are never alone." She turns then, and charges toward the descending flock. Like a blue thunderbolt, she crashes amongst them, thrashing and kicking, biting and fighting. Lighting roars from her horn and her eyes turn white like the full moon.

    But the dead are endless, countless. She disappears beneath the tide, and they gather to feed on her. But their advance is halted, and as the train disappears into the tunnel out of Canterlot, your escape is assured.

    Twilight watches until they disappear in the night-time darkness. Frozen and staring, not even crying - she has no tears left.

    >She saved us all. She's a hero.
    >Rainbow Dash has been bitten on the wing. We need to do something about that, fast.
    >[Leave her for now, take Dash into the train]

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:01 No.9969352

    >>9969256
    I'm herr on a phone.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:03 No.9969393
Replies: >>9969442 >>9969463

    >>9969329

    2

    Can we save her? We should save her.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:06 No.9969442

    >>9969393
    Seconded. Luna is hero, but bluefast needs her wings clipped asap

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:08 No.9969463

    >>9969393
    Thirded.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)17:13 No.9969564
Replies: >>9969652

    You step up behind Twilight. "Twilight... Rainbow Dash was bitten on the wing. We need to do something quick to save her, could you-"

    Twilight rounds on you, her face scrunched up in anger. "Oh, we need to save her, huh? We need to do it QUICK, huh?!" She points a hoof back the way you came. "Princess Luna was over a thousand years old! Almost as long as there's been ponies! With her help we could've saved EVERYONE, but you're all just too short-sighted and ignorant to see that! This isn't something we can just head-butt into submission! This is a problem for thinking ponies, who know how to... how to..."

    Her anger peters out as Dash crawls to her. You look down and see Rainbow Dash is crying, curling around her friends' hooves like a child. "Please..." she murmurs. "Please save me. I don't want to die."

    Twilight is stunned to silence, staring at her normally garrulous and courageous friend. After a few moments she recovers her wits. "...Take her inside the carriage. There's a doctor's bag packed with the supplies, I'll find it. We'll need some space and... and a table."

    You nod. There's no time to stand around talking about it. You gather Rainbow Dash up (she's a bit heavier than you thought, or maybe the adrenaline's wearing off) and you get down inside the carriage.

    As soon as you open the door, Applejack jumps at you and Rainbow Dash for a hug. "We saw the whole thing from the windows!" she says. "Please, please tell me y'all ain't hurt."

    You push past her on your way to the front of the train. "We need a table and some space in the front carriage. I'd recommend sending the kids to the back."

    To her credit, she doesn't waver. "Ah'll get right on it."

    Fluttershy and Rarity are waiting for you near the front.

    >Do either of you have any experience with surgery?
    >You girls might want to clear out for this.
    >Dash has been bit. She might not make it.
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:15 No.9969614

    Option 1. Rarity's a sticher.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:17 No.9969652

    >>9969564
    Option 1.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)17:20 No.9969728
Replies: >>9969745 >>9969827 >>9969857

    "If either of you have any medical training, now'd be a good time," you mention, easing Dash down on to an empty bench.

    The two look at each other before Fluttershy steps forward. "I've set animal's injuries before. I can help."

    Rarity steps up as well. "I've sewn wounds when the need arises. A minor skill, but... an extra set of hooves might help."

    From behind, Applejack comes with a fold-out table and starts setting up. "We're gonna need t'hold her down, fer sure."

    "Wait," says Dash, slowly realizing what's going on. "Wait, hold on, it was just a scratch! Just a nip on one of my wings! No big deal!"

    Her friends look at each other with sad resignation. Applejack moves toward her. "No, hey, hold on!" Dash lashes out to kick her away, but Applejack gets in under her swing and wrestles her up. "Cut it out! You guys are crazy!"

    Twilight enters the back of the carriage and just as quickly it empties as the remaining survivors sitting on benches scurry out. She's carrying a doctor's bag, a bone saw, and a resolved look. "Pin her down."

    "No! You're overreacting!" she hisses. "Sunny! Tell them to stop! Tell them you don't have to do this!"

    "Mortimer," says Twilight, her eyes fixed on Dash's flailing, bleeding wing. "Hold out the wing."

    >[Do as you're told]
    >Uh... maybe this isn't the best idea.
    >I can't stomach it, I'm sorry.
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:21 No.9969745
Replies: >>9969798

    >>9969728
    Follow orders. Its for the best.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:24 No.9969798

    >>9969745
    Muh nigga. Get that wing off, now.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:25 No.9969827

    >>9969728

    1

    Do it. Dash will probably hate us, but dammit, I want her to live

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:26 No.9969857

    >>9969728
    Grab that wing. At least she'll be alive later.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)17:28 No.9969890
Replies: >>9969952 >>9970004 >>9970038

    You pin her wing under your hoof and stretch it out. She tries to swing a hoof at you, but Applejack's holding her back legs and Fluttershy has her front ones. Rarity stands by Twilight, levitating a set of sponges, thread and bandages.

    Twilight has the saw. She sets her teeth and lowers it into position.

    "Just kill me!" Dash moans, thrashing uselessly. "If I can't fly, I'd rather be dead! Give me one more day of flying then kill me, but don't do this! I can't live like this! I caaaAAAAAGHAGHAGHAAUUUAUUA!"

    Her screams pierce the air as Twilight begins to saw. They only last a few moments before she passes out from the pain. Twilight, undaunted, keeps at her work, grinding bone and flesh. Rarity turns green, then turns to vomit under one of the benches. Even Applejack looks queasy. Fluttershy, for her part, seems in control, albeit sad.

    Finally the wing comes off, bite and all. Twilight levitates a surgical waste bag over and delicately places the wing inside while Rarity mops up the blood and starts dressing the wound. The broken jut of bone is a horrible sight, but she manages to remove enough of it to stitch the flesh closed over it.

    When at last the grisly ordeal is over, everyone steps back and looks at the dazed and unconscious Rainbow Dash.

    Silence.

    Then you hear an off-beat set of hooves. Pinkie Pie enters from the engine compartment.

    She looks down at Rainbow Dash and manages a weak smile. "Talk about your rough breaks, huh?"

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:31 No.9969952

    >>9969890
    Continue, for the love of god

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:34 No.9970004

    >>9969890

    >incoming cripple fight between One-wing Dash and Stumpy Pie

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)17:36 No.9970035
Replies: >>9970061 >>9970065 >>9970074

    Twilight turns around and storms out of the carriage.

    Rarity starts to follow her. "Twilight dear, I don't think you should be alone right-"

    "Let 'er go," says Applejack, who shakes her head. "She's gonna need some time alone t'process all this."

    "I can captain the train until she gets back from her break," Pinkie offers. "Where are we off to, navigator Applejack?"

    "The Crystal Empire," she replies, walking around Dash. "We're hopin' Cadance has done a better job up north than Canterlot. Maybe we can finally get some peace'n quiet."

    "A bit optimistic," Rarity concedes. "Still, after Canterlot I can't imagine things could be any worse."

    "Rarity, what are you doing!?" exclaims Pinkie. "Now you've just GUARANTEED things'll be worse!"

    "This really ain't the time, Pinkie," AJ growls.

    Fluttershy gently pulls Dash off of the operating table and on to a bench. "If it's all the same to the rest of you... I'd like to stay with Rainbow Dash tonight. She needs someone to look after her."

    You look to Rarity and Applejck, who nod, before nodding back. "You're probably right. She'll need someone when she wakes up."

    "Well," says Rarity. "I think we should try and get what rest we can between now and the Crystal Empire, in case we find we'll need it."

    "Amen," Applejack agrees. "C'mon, Rares, Sunny, let's see what Applebloom and Sweetie Belle've been up to."

    "The train is in good hooves!" exclaims Pinkie, who tries to give a salute before remembering she only has two front hooves and falling on her face.

    "I'm glad she's feeling better," AJ confides as the three of you move to the back. "But I think she might've been easier to manage while she was mopin'."

    >Should we really leave her on duty all night?
    >Dash is going to be a mess when she gets up.
    >We need to check on Twilight
    >Right now I just need some sleep.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:36 No.9970038

    >>9969890
    Keep going.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:37 No.9970061

    >>9970035
    Option 2.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)17:37 No.9970065

    >>9970035
    Only has one front hoof, I meant.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:38 No.9970074
Replies: >>9970100

    >>9970035

    Option 3. Try to diffuse this bomb before it goes all Lily on us.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:39 No.9970100

    >>9970074
    Fuck Lily. Lee never got to give Carly the dick.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)17:46 No.9970234
Replies: >>9970273 >>9970306

    "Dash'll be a mess when she wakes up," you say, as the three of you move back through the carriages. "You think Fluttershy can handle her?"

    "Fluttershy's been much better ever since Pinkie Pie recovered," assures Rarity. "I think she's up to the challenge. Those two have always been close."

    "Yeah, ah don't envy the task, that's fer sure."

    As you walk, you see the many Ponyville survivors giving you smiles, whispering thanks, or even offering you a pat on the back. They're still stunned and weary from their ordeal, but their gratitude still fills you with some warmth. "We made the best of a bad situation," Applejack observes.

    When you reach the back carriage, you finally spot Applebloom and Sweetie Belle, who charge their older sisters shrieking with relief. "Thank Celestia y'all are alright!" shouts Applebloom, clinging to Applejack's leg.

    "It was so horrible!" adds Sweetie Belle. "We saw what they did to Luna. She saved us all!"

    "Yes she did," Rarity solemnly replies. "She sacrificed herself for us. She was a true princess and a true hero."

    "We saw Dash go down in the fightin', but Sunny got her back up." Applebloom gives you an imploring look. "Please, Mister, tell us Rainbow Dash's okay?"

    You feel uncomfortable, but manage to mutter out "She won't fly again, but... she should live."

    The two fillies look saddened, but accept this compromise result. "She was so brave," mumbles Sweetie Belle. "Scootaloo'd be so proud."

    "Rarity, y'mind lookin' after Applebloom fer a minute?" says Applejack, gently nudging her sister over. "Me and Sunny want t'get some fresh air on the carriage's back platform thing."

    Rarity looks between the two of you before giving a sly nod. "Yes, alright then. I think I'll manage for a few minutes."

    >After you, AJ.
    >I'm sorry, but I really need to get some rest.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:48 No.9970273

    >>9970234
    >IT BEGINS.
    Option 1.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:49 No.9970306

    >>9970234
    option 1

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)17:56 No.9970429
Replies: >>9970501 >>9970512 >>9970515 >>9970516 >>9970607

    "After you, AJ," you say, nodding to the back door. She walks off toward it while Rarity sits the two young fillies down on a bench. Rarity manages to turn away from them long enough to shoot you a wink.

    When you follow, you see Applejack standing on the little platform on the back of the carriage. The wind is whipping through her mane as she looks back at distant, burning Canterlot. "So much pain," she mutters. "The greatest city in the world, gone in a day."

    You step up next to her, the two of you staring off into the darkness. "After a bad day, like ah was in trouble with Granny or the other kids were bullyin' me, I used ta curl up with Big Mac and tell him all my problems. He was a great listener, would just sit there, absorbin' everythin'." The wind whistles by for a few more moments. "Never thought'a askin' him about his business. Never really knew how he worked."

    Ever so slowly, she tilts her head down to rest on your shoulder. "Everyone's talkin' about lost opportunities right now. Everythin' that coulda been, if all this hadn't happened, everythin' left unsaid or undone. But... well, maybe..." She galnces up at you, and you look into her eyes. There's hope, sadness, loss, resolve. So many things. "Maybe there's still-"

    The hoof hits you in the jaw like a hammer.

    "CARAMEL!"

    You're half over the rail. You get your senses back just in time to dodge a bite at your throat and slap the dead pony's head back upward. He sneers at you, all rotting eyes and blood-leaking mouth.

    Yep. It's Caramel.

    >AJ! Get help!
    >AJ! Help me!
    >[Try to fight him off]
    >Are you KIDDING ME?

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)17:59 No.9970501

    >>9970429
    Option 2

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:00 No.9970512

    >>9970429

    Option 1. We can handle this asshole.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:00 No.9970515

    >>9970429
    Have aj get help while you fight him.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:00 No.9970516

    >>9970429
    Get AJ to halp.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:05 No.9970607

    >>9970429
    Send AJ to get help. We can do this.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)18:08 No.9970671
Replies: >>9970707 >>9970716 >>9970720 >>9970753

    "AJ!" you shout, struggling to keep Caramel from getting his jaws on you. "I need help!"

    "Ah gotcha!" she shouts, sending a hard pair of jabs to Caramel's head. That just makes him angry, however, and after slamming you against the rail again he turns toward AJ. She stumbles backward trying to get space for a safe kick while you struggle to right yourself.

    "Not today, mate!" The door to the back of the carriage flies open, hitting Caramel hard and knocking him away from AJ. Time Turner follows up with a hard hoof to the head. "Get clear!" he warns, trying to wrestle Caramel over the rail.

    "No, Turner, watch your footing you're-" Your warning comes too late - when Caramel overbalances over the rail, he manages to knock Time Turner off his hind legs, causing the brown stallion to slide off with his opponent.

    They both land hard on the dirt behind the train. "Don't worry about me!" Time Turner yells back to you as the train speeds on. "I've got this one!" But as he disappears into the darkness you see Caramel's corpse spring to its feet while Time Turner's still struggling on the ground.

    "Caramel!" AJ screams, leaning over the rail. "Turner!"

    There's a long pause. All you can hear is distant yelling.

    "W-we have to stop the train!" she shouts, frantic and confused. "We have to go back! We... we have to... we!"

    Thankfully you've still got enough energy to catch her when she faints. Too much exertion, not enough sleep. As her strength fades, she whispers "It's all my fault, ain't it?"

    You want to say something, but she's out like a light.

    Rarity bursts out from the carriage. "What happened?!" she shrieks. "Where's Turner? What happened to Applejack? Sunny, what's going on?!"

    >We need to stop the train.
    >Turner's gone. Caramel got him.
    >It's too late. Take AJ to her sister, I'll explain tomorrow.
    >...

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:10 No.9970707
Replies: >>9970741

    >>9970671

    1

    he tried to save us, we owe him the same

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:10 No.9970716

    >>9970671
    Turners gone. Cant risk stopping. He'll understand.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:11 No.9970720

    >>9970671
    Option 4. NOW is the time to stay silent so are words and actions won't bite us in the ass later.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:11 No.9970741

    >>9970707

    Option 1. There has been enough death for one day.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:12 No.9970753

    >>9970671
    Number 1.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)18:20 No.9970872
Replies: >>9970912 >>9970922 >>9970923

    "We need to stop the train," you say, getting back on your hooves. You sling AJ over your back. "Turner went over the rail fighting Caramel."

    "Caramel?" says Rarity, perplexed. "Wait, stop the train? Are you mad? We're in the middle of exposed country at night! Evreryone's exhausted!"

    "And if we don't stop a good stallion's going to be alone out there in it!" You snap back. Rarity flinches. "Sorry," you mutter. "It's been a long day."

    Rarity nods cautiously, eying Applejack. "Put her with Applebloom. I'll tell Pinkie to stop the train."

    You take Applejack back into the carriage, where the ponies inside look on which shock and confusion. Applebloom rushes up, her face the picture of worry. "What happened?! Is she okay?! Sunny, what-"

    "She's fine," you say. "Just exhausted. She needs rest. Can you look after her?"

    Applebloom nods firmly. "You can count on me."

    "Good," you say. As you lower AJ down on to the bench, you feel your own legs buckle. "Uh, I might just catch my breath for a moment."

    As soon as your rear hits the bench, your eyelids become heavy. "Okay, maybe I'll just rest my eyes, but I promise, just a moment."

    By the time you hear the squeal of breaks, your mind's given up. Sleep takes you. A dream begins.

    A voice speaks.

    "I mean it." The voice was once yours. "We're doing this whole thing backward. We were never meant to simulate these forces. Even a slight miscalculation..."

    "I have absolute faith in your abilities, Mortimer," the voice, warm - Celestia? "Starswirl's theories promise a new world for all ponykind. When I step through your gate, I will deliver that promise. All thanks to you, my most faithful student."

    >[TO BE CONTINUED, IN EPISODE 4!]

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:23 No.9970912

    >>9970872
    Dayyum

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:23 No.9970922

    >>9970872
    SHEEEEEEEIIIIIITTTTTTTTT.

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:23 No.9970923
Replies: >>9970978

    >>9970872
    >finally catch up
    >it's over
    Son of a bitch

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:26 No.9970978

    >>9970923

    Some small part of me knew Celestia was behind this bullshit.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)18:29 No.9971012
Replies: >>9971069

    NEXT TIME, ON THE TROTTING DEAD

    ============================

    "All attempts to enter the Crystal Empire are subversive," drones the captain from behind his wall of soldiers. "All attempts to leave the Crystal Empire are subversive. All subversive actions are treason. All treason is punishable by death."

    ***

    "Get away from me! All of you!" Dash roars, her one wing flexing and flailing. "It's your fault this happened to me! If I was on my own I'd have been unstoppable!"

    "Please, Rainbow Dash," Fluttershy whispers, taking a step toward her. "We need you."

    "But I don't need you!"

    ***

    "If we're stuck out here much longer, we'll die," grumbles AJ, as she overlooks the freezing train. "The only warmth t'be had is in that shielded city, and I don't fancy watchin' my friends 'n family freeze slowly."

    "If we break the shield," Twilight warns "it won't be the cold that kills them. It'll be our own dead."

    ***
    "Changelings? Here?!" Rarity shouts, as you blitz over the snow. "Of all the worst luck!"

    "Guess they die like everybody else," remarks Pinkie, as she bounces along besides you. "We're just lucky they can't remember how to transform after they die... right?"

    ***

    You slam your hoof against the ice in frustration. "There has to be another way!"

    "There. Is. None." replies the voice, dripping with malicious smugness. "Or. Else. I. Would. Not. Need. You."

    Twiligh steps between you and the altar, narrowing her gaze. "Then give us your best offer, King Sombra."

>>
Anonymous 04/19/13(Fri)18:33 No.9971069

    >>9971012
    SSHHIITT
    We love you OP.

>>
OP 04/19/13(Fri)18:36 No.9971125

    Just wanted to chime in and say you guys did a surprisingly good job. Made some mistakes here and there, but you kept all the mane six alive despite numerous outcomes getting them killed. Lots of lucky breaks too. There aren't any "You die, game over" outcomes but you managed to pick most of the options with benefits that line up.

    Man did you guys screw up with Caramel though. Yikes.

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