The Trotting Dead thread 5

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W The Trotting Dead episode 4 OP 05/10/13(Fri)19:31 No.10480346

Replies: >>10483867 >>10485752

 

    (NOTE: I accidentally messed up putting up a pastebin notice of when this thread was going to start, so I'm posting now but won't start until 8:00. Hopefully there's still some interested players on!)

 

    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)

    Thread 4: http://pastebin.com/F0V0wPqW (Rest of episode 4)

    Opener: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5699W4WnlUo

    Thread playlist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLsvyiLmAz0&list=PLrgRyHeHYtlfr3TKFP1qLKbvGXC3-i4hd

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)20:01 No.10480960

Replies: >>10481013

 

    You jolt awake at the sound of someone calling for you. “Sunny! It's Time Turner, we found him!”

 

    It's still dark out. The train carriage is half-full of sleeping ponies. You get to your hooves and look back toward the bench – Applebloom is there, asleep, curled into a little ball. No sign of Applejack.

 

    “Sunny!” the voice calls again. It's Rarity. “You must come quickly! There's been... complications.”

 

    “I'm coming,” you call back. As you speak, Applebloom gives a yawn. She blinks herself awake and looks up to you.

 

    “What's goin' on, Sunny?”

 

    “I need to step off the train for a minute,” you explain. “Your sister and I will be right back.”

 

    “I wanna come too!” she says, fumbling to her hooves. “It's trouble, ain't it? AJ won't let me come see if it's trouble, but ah'm old enough t'handle it!”

 

    >Wait here. We'll be back.

    >Better come with me, then.

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)20:04 No.10481013

Replies: >>10481063

 

    >>10480960

    >Wait here. We'll be back.

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)20:06 No.10481063

Replies: >>10481089

 

    >>10481013

    AB's going to follow us and get bitten.

 

    Don't pretend you don't know.

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)20:07 No.10481089

 

    >>10481063

    i want to believe she stay alive

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)20:08 No.10481096

Replies: >>10481126 >>10481240

 

    "I know you are," you say. "But right now, it'd be safer if you stay on the train. I promise, AJ and I will be right back, okay?"

 

    Applebloom pouts. "Y'all can't keep treatin' me like a kid all the time. Ah can help too..."

 

    "I know you can. Trust me, you're helping us by staying inside." She relents, and you carry on out the carriage door.

 

    You step out into the warm night. You've no idea what time it is, the darkness is only just starting to yield at the horizon. Your eyes are instead drawn to the scene just in front of the train, where the headlights illuminate the silhouettes of several ponies.

 

    You trot over to join them. The Elements of harmony, minus Fluttershy and the mutilated Rainbow Dash. They look grim, and you don't have to guess why.

 

    Before them sits Time Turner, bruised and bloodied. Distinctive bite marks pepper his body. Behind him lies the beaten corpse of Caramel, which plainly didn't give up unlife easily.

 

    “Shoulda kept on,” Time Turner mutters, giving you a bleak smile. “I told you, no reason to worry about me. Shoulda kept on and assumed I'd gone on to live happily ever after.”

 

    >No choice. We have to put you down.

    >We can always try bringing you with us.

    >We can leave you out here.

    >...

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)20:09 No.10481126

 

    >>10481096

    >No choice.

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)20:12 No.10481194

Replies: >>10481250

 

    "I'm sorry, Turner," you begin. "Too many bites. We can't help you now, we have to put you down."

 

    The others look away, but Turner just nods his agreement. "After seeing what happened to Caramel? Yeah. I don't want to hurt anyone else. A quick, clean death, that's for me.

 

    “There's just one final request I have.” He scans the group before him, squinting into the train's headlights. “Twilight? Is that you I see?”

 

    The purple unicorn seems a little surprised to be mentioned. “M-me? Um, sure. What can I do for you?”

 

    He grins, somewhat weakly. “Well, a last kiss might be nice.”

 

    There's an awkward pause before Rarity, standing next to Twilight, gives her a nudge. Without saying anything, Twilight slowly approaches the kneeling pony. They look into each other's eyes a moment before she leans forward – a touch uncertain – and plants a kiss on his lips.

 

    It lasts a few moments, the two of them locked together, before she pulls away. “Was that okay?”

 

    “Absolutely,” he replies. “Only sorry it's not under better circumstances. Okay,” he throws his hooves wide and bows his head low to the ground. “That's all I needed. My time's up.”

 

    Applejack's gripping one of your shotguns with cold resolve.

 

    >Let me do it.

    >...

 

>>

bob todd 05/10/13(Fri)20:15 No.10481240

 

    >>10481096

    i will let somone else pick

 

    OP it's so good to see you again

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)20:15 No.10481250

 

    >>10481194

    >...

 

    I don't know about you guys, but I feel Sunny's got enough blood on his hooves already.

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)20:18 No.10481308

Replies: >>10481321

 

    Applejack lines up the shotgun with Turner's bowed head and closes her eyes. She whispers something, but you can't hear exactly what. She squeezes the trigger and a loud crack cuts the silent night.

 

    Time Turner slumps over instantly, his whole body going lax. His blood sprays into the dirt, mixing into a foul mud. After the thunderous gunshot's echo dies, silence follows.

 

    You hear a sniffle. You glance over and see tears rolling down Twilight's cheeks. She turns toward to the train and stumbles back. Pinkie, looking concerned, hobbles close behind. Applejack fixes Time Turner's body grimly for a few moments longer before returning as well.

 

    “A terrible business,” Rarity murmurs to you. Her face is drawn – she's clearly trying to keep a tight lid on her composure. “Escort a lady back to her quarters?” You shrug and fall into step besides her.

 

    “You should know, Twilight had a bit of a crush on the good Dr. Turner. She never acted on those feelings, and now I'm afraid the thought might haunt her.” The two of you reach the carriage door. You help Rarity back up, and she offers you a smile. “Big Macintosh, Caramel, Time Turner... Our little community is bleeding good stallions at a terrible pace. Applejack is lucky to have you.”

 

    >Is this really the right time?

    >It's not like that.

    >I owe her a lot.

    >...

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)20:19 No.10481321

Replies: >>10481353

 

    >>10481308

    >I owe her a lot.

 

>>

bob todd 05/10/13(Fri)20:21 No.10481353

 

    >>10481321

    i second it

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)20:23 No.10481419

Replies: >>10481533

 

    "I'm lucky to have her," you reply, pulling yourself into the carriage. "If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't even have made it out of Sweet Apple Acres alive."

 

    Rarity smiles. "In the middle of all this tragedy, it's nice to have something to hold on to." She looks down the carriage before turning back to you. "You should get some rest. I'll stay up a while longer to look after the others." As fatigued as you are, you could hardly refuse.

 

    You walk back to Applebloom and Applejack's bench. Applebloom has curled into a ball again, sleeping up against her sister who stares out the window into the night. You take a seat next to her, provoking no reaction. After a few moments of silence, she slowly leans herself up against you, tucking her head in under yours and drifting off to sleep. As exhausted as you are, you can't help but follow.

 

    For once, your sleep is dreamless, and peaceful.

 

    >[CONTINUE]

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)20:29 No.10481533

 

    >>10481419

    >[CONTINUE]

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)20:30 No.10481564

Replies: >>10481622

 

    You wake more naturally this time, as dawn light filters through the cabin. Many of the other ponies are waking too, looking around anxiously. It's cold.

 

    A glance out the window shows you snowy vistas and distant mountains. You're almost to the Crystal Empire.

 

    "Mornin', Sunny," says Applejack, already stretching in the aisle. "What, ya didn't start early back in yer past life? Liked to sleep in ta noon?" She smiles at you, and you smile back. "C'mon, the others're talkin' about our next step."

 

    You follow her up to the engine compartment, where the rest of the mane six has gathered. Your eye is immediately drawn to Rainbow Dash, whose heavily bandaged and stitched back still looks horrible. She herself appears completely muted. Fluttershy stands over her like a protective mother.

 

    The others are in a circle, and make room for you and Applejack as you approach. "We'll be at the Crystal Empire soon," Twilight begins. "My brother is married to princess Cadance, the ruler of the Empire, and now the highest-ranking surviving royalty of Equestria. She'll be able to help us."

 

    "The Empire should be a safe place to hole up," Applejack agrees. "They've got all kindsa defences."

 

    "So did Canterlot, if you'll recall," warns Rarity. "That's no guarantee of safety."

 

    "Well, I hope we get there soon!" exclaims Pinkie Pie. "It's freezing out here! Looks like letting all those dead pegasii smash up all our windows was a bad idea, huh?"

 

    >Will your brother and Cadance really be able to help us?

    >What if things have gone bad here too?

    >What's the status of our people?

    >...

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)20:33 No.10481622

Replies: >>10481667 >>10481696

 

    >>10481564

    >What if things have gone bad there too?

 

>>

bob todd 05/10/13(Fri)20:34 No.10481667

Replies: >>10481696

 

    >>10481622

    +1

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)20:36 No.10481696

 

    >>10481622

    >>10481667

    Bit grim I suppose, but needs to be asked.

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)20:38 No.10481733

Replies: >>10481759

 

    "Rarity's right," you warn. "We thought Canterlot would be safe and that turned out not to be the case. We have to be ready in case the Crystal Empire's overrun."

 

    "The Crystal Empire is nothing like Canterlot," Twilight retorts. "Things only went as badly as they did because Celestia was away and Luna was bitten, but Cadance would NEVER abandon her people and she has my own brother to protect her. It'll be fine."

 

    "All the same, Twilight," says Applejack. "We might wanna consider takin' things slow. Maybe get off at the first station and scout things out."

 

    Pinkie suddenly starts some sort of strange, full-body shake. Her eyes go wide. "Brace for impact!" she screams, leaping into the engine compartment. "We're about to crash!"

 

    "What?" says Twilight, adopting a sour expression. "Pinkie, this isn't time for one of your jokes-"

 

    "I'm not joking!" she screams, pulling at various engine controls. "The Crystal Empire shield is up! We're gonna crash!"

 

    "That's impossible," Twilight insists. "I'd be able to detect my own brother's shield spell if-"

 

    "Brace yerselves!" Applejack yells down the carriage. "We're slammin' the breaks!"

 

    Twilight's about to disagree again when you all turn straight ahead and see a rising pink glow ahead of the tracks. "No," Twilight whispers. "There's supposed to be a station before the-"

 

    Before she can continue, the breaks slam on.

 

    You're all hurled into the air.

 

    >[CONTINUE]

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)20:38 No.10481759

 

    >>10481733

    >Continue

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)20:46 No.10481952

Replies: >>10481979

 

    The ponies are slow to pick themselves up off the ground again. "Everybody okay?" Applejack calls out, to a chorus of mild groans. "Pinkie? Good job. You saved our bacon."

 

    "Glad I was good for something!" she replies, smiling widely.

 

    "This doesn't make any sense," says Twilight, looking out a window at the shield. "Did they dismantle the old station? Is the shield bigger than before? What's going on?"

 

    You look out yourself. In the distance, behind a pink-purple transparent wall, you can see a wondrous city of crystal amidst rolling green fields. It looks like a world apart from the frozen wasteland your train's trapped in. You look around for sentries, guards, some sort of presence, but you see nobody.

 

    "Uh, Twilight?" says Fluttershy, meekly slipping up beside her. "I think the shield's keeping out... them."

 

    She points up. High in the sky, a swarm of black dots batters against the shield with the familiar unwieldlyness of the flying dead. Twilight tenses. "Changelings!"

 

    "Worse," Rarity says, with a sour frown. "Dead changelings."

 

    "Won't be long afore they notice us stopped down here," Applejack mutters. "What now?"

 

    >We need to get out of here and find cover

    >We should make a stand here, the train's defensible

    >Can we go back the way we came?

    >...

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)20:48 No.10481979

Replies: >>10481999 >>10482044

 

    >>10481952

    >We need to get out of here and find cover

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)20:48 No.10481999

Replies: >>10482064

 

    >>10481979

    If I recall, there's jack all by way of cover in the empire. It's a fucking wasteland.

 

    Bad call imo.

 

>>

bob todd 05/10/13(Fri)20:50 No.10482044

 

    >>10481979

    but their is no cover just fields

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)20:51 No.10482064

Replies: >>10482117

 

    >>10481999

    It's that or hide in a train and wait to get shreked.

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)20:54 No.10482117

 

    >>10482064

    Well either way it's find somewhere to hole up or die now.

 

    We'd be wasting time going back to the train once it's vacated.

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)20:54 No.10482124

Replies: >>10482144

 

    "They're going to notice us if we stay here," you warn. "There's too many to fight, not with so many ponies to protect. We need to find shelter now while we've got the chance."

 

    Applejack nods. "Works fer me. Applebloom?"

 

    Her little sister bounds up, eager to help. "What can ah do?"

 

    "Go through the train and tell everybody to get ready to move out. Do it quiet, we don't need to be makin' more noise than we need to."

 

    She nods before scurrying back down the carriage. Twilight looks back up at the dead flock before turning toward you. "If we find somewhere to take everybody, I can shield small groups and we can ferry everyone out."

 

    Rarity leaps to the fore. "Then I'll get out there and find some suitable cover. I'll send back a message once a suitable accommodation is found."

 

    "That leaves us on defense," says Applejack. She turns to Rainbow Dash. "Dash? You in there?"

 

    The blue pegasus doesn't respond. She doesn't even seem to notice. Fluttershy curls up next to her. "It's okay," she says. "I'll take care of her."

 

    Applejack shakes her head. "Looks like it's just you and me then, Sunny. Better arm up."

 

    >[CONTINUE]

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)20:55 No.10482144

 

    >>10482124

    >[CONTINUE]

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:01 No.10482259

Replies: >>10482325

 

    Just wondering if it matters, but do we have an ammo limit? Cause we seem to be going through it at a pretty decent pace.

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)21:01 No.10482265

Replies: >>10482297 >>10482299 >>10482325

 

    You and Applejack grab shotguns. You're starting to run low on the ammo you brought with you from Ponyville. "Pity we didn't pick any up in Canterlot," Applejack glumly remarks. "Then again, the army was makin' do with ceremonial armor and spears."

 

    The train's aisle is full of ponies crouched and ready to move. They're quiet, alert, furtive - experience is starting to show, at least when it comes to running away. Applebloom catches up to report. "Everybody's ready! They've even formed up inta groups fer Miss Twilight's spells!"

 

    Sweetie Belle comes running up next to Applebloom. "I can help too! I know how to catch Rarity's messages! She taught me!"

 

    Applejack shushes the two excitable fillies. "That's grand. You two stay close now, and y'all will be a great help." She turns to you and nods. "C'mon, Sunny. Gotta be ready to go."

 

    The whole herd waits poised at the doors for the signal. There's hardly a sound besides the whistling of wintery wind and the beat of dead wings above. Pinkie, standing nearby, gives a sigh that breaks the tension. "And I was just getting used to being a wanderer, riding the rails and making up tales..."

 

    "Shush!" Applejack gives her a look.

 

    >If those dead changelings attack, it's going to be a bloodbath.

    >Stay focused. No distractions.

    >We shouldn't go far, the train might be our only way out of here.

    >...

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:03 No.10482297

 

    >>10482265

    >Stay focused. No distractions.

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:03 No.10482299

 

    >>10482265

    Stay focused

 

>>

bob todd 05/10/13(Fri)21:04 No.10482325

Replies: >>10482360 >>10482390 >>10482411

 

    >>10482265

    shouldn't go to far

 

    >>10482259

    good job you gave use a ammo limit i understand why but still

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:06 No.10482360

Replies: >>10482390

 

    >>10482325

    Relax Todd, I think these tend to be pre-prepared. Ammo limit was always going to come up.

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)21:07 No.10482386

Replies: >>10482427 >>10482515

 

    "We need to be alert for danger," you murmur to the group. "Stay frosty."

 

    "Won't be hard in this weather!" giggles Pinkie, getting another shush from Applejack.

 

    There's a sparking around Sweetie Belle's horn and she jumps in the air excitedly. "That's the signal!" she squeaks. "Look!"

 

    A faint blue light pops into the air from across the snowy plains. It zips along through the air toward Sweetie Belle, becoming an arrow pointing back the way it came. "We can follow it to my sister!" she exclaims, jumping down into the snow.

 

    "Hold on!" shouts Twilight, jumping down after her. Her horn alights with purple energy and a bubble not unlike the one blocking your path appears overhead. "First group with me!"

 

    The first carriage empties quickly as ponies rush toward Twilight, trying to stay close. "I can see movement up above," warns Applejack. "They're headin' fer the shield. We gotta do somethin'!"

 

    >We get out there and draw them off

    >Twilight's shield can handle the punishment

    >Let's bring the fight over here.

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:07 No.10482390

 

    >>10482360

    >>10482325

    This

    I was mainly asking so I could take into consideration choices that use up more ammo if it mattered, which it seem to, apparently.

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)21:08 No.10482411

 

    >>10482325

    Kind of a funny coincidence. Ammo was always going to come up by this point, I didn't even see that reply until I'd already posted.

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:09 No.10482427

Replies: >>10482456 >>10482457

 

    >>10482386

    >Twilight's shield can handle the punishment

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:10 No.10482456

Replies: >>10482594

 

    >>10482427

    Reasoning: We've not had faith in Twi's abilities before and it cost us RD.

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:10 No.10482457

 

    >>10482427

    It'll break they they'll all be bitten...

 

>>

bob todd 05/10/13(Fri)21:12 No.10482515

 

    >>10482386

    how many changlings are their and can the fly/run well

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)21:15 No.10482589

Replies: >>10482653 >>10482655 >>10482656 >>10482679

 

    "That's what the shield is for," you say, raising a hoof. "If we bring them over to us we'll just get overwhelmed. Twilight's magic can take it."

 

    Applejack seems conflicted, but she holds back. The dead changelings descend from above, giving you your first clear view of their chittinous bodies. They slam against Twilight's shield as surely as they did against the wall protecting the Crystal Empire.

 

    After a few moments without incident, Applejack relaxes a degree. "O'course, when she comes back this way they're gonna notice us."

 

    She's right. After a minute, you see Twilight returning alone with a whole flock of changelings on her tail. The bubble envelops the train's door and the next group jumps down to join her. "Once she pulls away, they'll notice us." Applejack looks tense, squeezing her firearm. "Best brace yourselves!"

 

    Sure enough, several changelings break off from the flock when Twilight starts pushing over the snow. They press up against the windows, reaching their hooves and fanged maws through the shattered glass at the ponies within. You and Applejack open up on them, blasting some clear, but the noise only draws more attention from the main flock above. A lot more attention.

 

    "Horseapples," she mutters. "They're comin' in force. We can't wait around!"

 

    >Everybody make a break for it!

    >Hold until Twilight gets back!

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:15 No.10482594

 

    >>10482456

    This.

    Anything else is suicide.

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:18 No.10482653

 

    >>10482589

    >Hold until Twilight gets back!

 

    Stick to the plan. We'd be sitting ducks out there.

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:18 No.10482655

 

    >>10482589

    Hold

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:18 No.10482656

 

    >>10482589

    >>Hold until Twilight gets back!

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:19 No.10482679

 

    >>10482589

    Hold

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)21:25 No.10482848

Replies: >>10482888 >>10482891 >>10482920

 

    "If we jump out into the snow we'll be sitting ducks!" you reply, reloading. "Stay away from the windows!" you shout back down the line.

 

    "Applejack," Applebloom whispers, an edge of desperation in her voice. "I'm scared!"

 

    "Stay close t'me, sugarcube," she whispers back. "Everythin'll be fine."

 

    You hear a sound like rising thunder as countless changelings descend on the train. When they impact, it's like an earthquake. On all sides, dead hooves and mouths thrust and snap, hissing and roaring with breathless voices.

 

    You and Applejack fire as fast as you can, back to back. "Fight!" someone screams. You? You can't tell over the noise. All around you, ponies young and old lash out with whatever they have, beating back changelings as best they can with gardening tools and improvised weapons.

 

    One of the changelings bursts bodily through a window, too close for you to bring your shotgun to bear, but an otherworldly shriek precedes Pinkie Pie tackling it to the ground. With a surprisingly graceful kick for a three-legged mare, she sends it hurtling back out the window. "This could be worse!" she exclaims.

 

    You hear a horrified shriek as an old stallion with a priest's collar is yanked up through a hole in the roof. "Celestia save us!" he manages to scream before a gout of blood falls below.

 

    "Okay," Pinkie concedes, "maybe not!"

 

    The situation is pretty dire. You can barely see the snow outside, and the whole carriage is rocking so hard you think it might tip over. "Ah think Twi's almost back!" Applejack shouts over the chaos, albeit with little conviction. "How're we supposed t'get out of here to meet her?"

 

    >I don't know!

    >Just keep shooting!

    >...

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:27 No.10482888

Replies: >>10482916

 

    >>10482848

    >an old stallion with a priest's collar is yanked up through a hole in the roof.

    We really are atrophying stallions, I gotta say.

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:28 No.10482891

 

    >>10482848

    >>...

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:28 No.10482916

Replies: >>10482941

 

    >>10482888

    He was a priest, it's not like he was gonna farther any ponys.

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:29 No.10482920

 

    >>10482848

    Focus fire in the direction of the door ("Just keep shooting!")

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:30 No.10482941

Replies: >>10482986

 

    >>10482916

    >Implying catholocism

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:31 No.10482986

 

    >>10482941

    >implying priests arn't all pedofucks any way.

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)21:35 No.10483072

Replies: >>10483124 >>10483140

 

    You look to Applejack, your expression grim. She locks eyes with you and her face falls, running a hoof gently over Applebloom and holding her close.

 

    "Wait," she says, remembering. "Where's Fluttershy?" Fluttershy is curled under a bench, shivering with fear. "Fluttershy, where's-"

 

    There's a thunderous crack as Dash swings a long pole at a changeling trying to jam its way through the door. With lightning speed, the blue mare slaps away three more changelings and delivers a punishing kick to a fourth, punching a clean hole through the flock. "You comin'?" she rasps back to you, her eyes afire. Without hesitation, she leaps from the doorway, pole clenched between her teeth.

 

    "Go!" you shout, but the others don't need any encouragement. The remaining ponies stream out the doors, screaming with fear all the while. You see a little filly, one you don't recognize with red, frizzy hair, near the back of the pack - a changeling crashes through the window and snaps her up in his jaws, blood splattering wildly and she screams. Without even thinking about it you level your shotgun and blow both of them away.

 

    You remember yourself and look back. Applejack's dragging Fluttershy out. "Come on! We're outta time!"

 

    The last dozen or so survivors are blitzing across the snow toward the safety of Twilight's bubble, inching painfully toward them. The sky is full of changelings, but they seem mostly interested in Rainbow Dash who kicks and jumps wildly at them, ignoring everything else. Applejack is watching Applebloom and Fluttershy, tailing the survivor group. "Get her outta here before she gets herself killed!" she shouts to you as she passes.

 

    >Rainbow Dash, come on! I'll cover you!

    >[Drag her away]

    >[Leave her]

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:37 No.10483124

 

    >>10483072

    >[Drag her away]

 

    Gotta' do what the waifu says.

 

>>

bob todd 05/10/13(Fri)21:38 No.10483140

Replies: >>10483158

 

    >>10483072

    do the first and second one

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:39 No.10483158

 

    >>10483140

    I second this.

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)21:46 No.10483327

Replies: >>10483364

 

    You duck and tumble through the snow toward Dash. The flock of changelings are slow to react, but her antics are attracting their attention and they're turning to her in force. Without trying to explain yourself, you tackle her hard and sling her over one shoulder.

 

    She tries to protest, but in doing so you make contact with her still-fresh wounds causing her to scream in agony. You start hoofing it to Twilight and her shield, blasting out the last of your shells on the leading elements of the changeling swarm. It looks at first like you might not make it, but luck is still with you.

 

    You're enveloped by a warm, purple glow, and feel a familiar presence bump into your back.

 

    "That was a close one," Twilight gasps. "Come on... Rarity found us a safe place. There's a cave near the shield wall we can shelter in."

 

    Too winded to respond, you follow the rest of the group. Twilight's bubble of protection keeps you safe from the circling changelings, who slam uselessly against it.

 

    "Well," says Pinkie. "THAT was a little too close for comfort! Next time, put me down for the first group, please."

 

    >[CONTINUE]

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:48 No.10483364

 

    >>10483327

    >CONTINUE

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)21:54 No.10483505

Replies: >>10483558 >>10483569 >>10483600

 

    Not long after you start, you spot the cave - really more of a crevice in the rock - half-buried in the snow. Your group shuffles in as fast as they can to join the other two, finding that it leads to a wider cave within. Twilight turns back to the cave entrance and uses her magic to cover it with snow. "If they can't see us, maybe they'll forget we're here."

 

    "I need to check if any of Rainbow Dash's stitches tore," Fluttershy urges, looking to her friend with concern. "Please, let her down over there."

 

    "Tarnation girl, you got a death wish?" Applejack snaps at Rainbow Dash as you lower the quivering pony to the ground. "Ya mighta saved our backsides out there, but ya almost lost yours!"

 

    Dash suddenly leaps to her hooves, knocking Fluttershy away. "ALMOST lost mine? In case you hadn't noticed, I've ALREADY lost mine! I lost a wing! The one thing that I really care about and I lose it, looking for little miss magical!"

 

    Twilight is taken aback. "Rainbow Dash, I'm sorry I wasn't there to help you, but it wasn't-"

 

    "I don't want to hear your excuses!" she screams. The cave becomes a whole lot colder as the other survivors back away. "You left me to die! If I'd left you behind I could've escaped Canterlot easy! If I'd left you all behind when the other pegasi went to Cloudsdale I could've escaped anything! I'm the fastest pegasus alive, but instead I stuck it out with my 'friends' and it costs me EVERYTHING!"

 

    Fluttershy tries to approach Dash, but she leaps away.

 

    "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 another step toward her. "We need you."

 

    "But I don't need you!"

 

    >You do now

    >You were lucky to get out alive, not everyone did

    >I'm sorry, Rainbow, I wish I could've done more

    >...

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:56 No.10483558

 

    >>10483505

    >>You were lucky to get out alive, not everyone did

    Bitch..

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)21:57 No.10483569

 

    >>10483505

    You do now.

 

>>

bob todd 05/10/13(Fri)21:58 No.10483600

 

    >>10483505

    2 and 3

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)22:06 No.10483814

Replies: >>10483857 >>10483939

 

    "We just lost a few good ponies just getting off a train," you say, your voice rising. "Not to mention the ones we lost in Canterlot. I'm sorry you lost your wing, but some ponies have lost a whole lot more than that!"

 

    "You think that matters now?!" Rainbow Dash snaps. "We're all dead already! All of you slow hoof-dragging ground-bound ponies are just a walking buffet, waiting to get chomped by... by.." she starts to look woozy. "I... Scoot..."

 

    She falls, but Fluttershy catches her. Fluttershy cradles her friend's head in her hooves. "I'm sorry, everyone," she says. "She's lost a lot of blood."

 

    "Yeah," adds Pinkie. "That can put you in a pretty stinky mood"

 

    With the tension unwinding ever so slowly, the remaining survivors begin to mill around again. The Elements of Harmony gather around you, looking exhausted. "That could've gone better," Twilight admits.

 

    "Rainbow Dash has never adapted well to... loss," Rarity offers. "She needs time."

 

    "Time ain't what we've got," says Applejack with a sigh. "Applebloom... Applebloom?"

 

    "Yeah, sis?" Applebloom wanders over, looking weary.

 

    "You okay? Weren't hurt none?"

 

    "Nah, ah'm fine."

 

    Applejack frowns. "Well... okay then. You go play with Sweetie Belle." She watches the little filly wander off. "Things're gettin' worse. We need in past that shield. We need somewhere warm and safe."

 

    "The cave continues deeper underground," Twilight explains. "Sunny and I could check where it leads. Maybe we'll get lucky and find a tunnel under the shield?"

 

    "Ooooh," Pinkie chips in. "And maybe you'll find ice cream! And balloons! And Celestia preparing a surprise birthday party! Why not, right?"

 

    Twilight rolls her eyes. "Anyway. What do you think, Sunny?"

 

    >It's not like we have much else to do

    >I'd rather stay here and look after things.

    >We'd have better luck scouting around outside with your invisibility.

    >...

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)22:08 No.10483857

 

    >>10483814

    >It's not like we have much else to do

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)22:09 No.10483867

Replies: >>10483901 >>10483939

 

    >>10480346 (OP)

    this general is worse that tulpa which isnt THAT bad. but is much worse than fluffy which is shit

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)22:10 No.10483901

 

    >>10483867

    Then don't come here and hid the posts.

 

>>

bob todd 05/10/13(Fri)22:12 No.10483939

Replies: >>10483998

 

    >>10483814

    1 and 3

    >>10483867

    if you don't like it then fuck off

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)22:12 No.10483943

Replies: >>10483963 >>10483974

 

    You shrug. "Not like I'd made any plans today. Let's go check out these tunnels."

 

    The two of you head deeper into the tunnels at the back of the cave. The way is dark, but Twilight conjures a ball of purple light to guide your path.

 

    Once you're far enough away from the others, she starts to speak. "The others really look up to you. We need that right now, so I didn't want to say this in front of them, but..." she turns to you with a cold, disapproving expression. "Your decision to pass on Luna's help? It was shortsighted. We've got no lead on where Celestia went or what she was working on with you, no explanation for your involvement with the virus, nothing."

 

    She turns back toward the dark tunnel ahead, pressing forward. "If we can't cure this infection, all of this fighting and running will be for nothing. We won't have saved anyone."

 

    >We needed her help to escape

    >I regret not taking her help

    >We can't change the past

    >If you sacrifice everyone along the way, you won't save anyone either

    >...

 

>>

bob todd 05/10/13(Fri)22:13 No.10483963

 

    >>10483943

    4 i like that one

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)22:14 No.10483974

 

    >>10483943

    >If you sacrifice everyone along the way, you won't save anyone either

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)22:15 No.10483998

 

    >>10483939

    fag

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)22:19 No.10484087

Replies: >>10484131 >>10484179

 

    "These are the same ponies you're trying to save with a cure," you reply. "If you sacrifice them to get it, what good will it be?"

 

    "Sometimes you have to make a few sacrifices for... for the greater good," Twilight says, her voice wavering. "Celestia taught me that."

 

    A stale wind blows through the tunnel ahead, billowing around you and Twilight. If you listen, it sounds almost like... laughter?

 

    The two of you step into a larger cavern. "Hold on," says Twilight, as she turns up the intensity on her orb of light. The chamber is cast in the faint purple glow, revealing a carved stone altar. The walls are smoothed and inscribed with unfamiliar runes, and strange symbols are etched into the ground.

 

    "What... what is this place?" Twilight murmurs in awe.

 

    >Does the altar look familiar at all?

    >Can you read inscriptions on the wall?

    >It could be dangerous, let's go back.

    >...

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)22:20 No.10484131

 

    >>10484087

    >Can you read the inscriptions?

 

>>

bob todd 05/10/13(Fri)22:23 No.10484179

 

    >>10484087

    1

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)22:27 No.10484282

Replies: >>10484316

 

    "I can't read these inscriptions," you say, squinting at them. "Do they look familiar to you?"

 

    "It's a pre-Equestrian Crystal alphabet," she says, slipping easily into the familiar role of the academic. "Odd phrasing though. The words aren't from any language I've ever seen. Eru, Urdu, Oro.."

 

    "Nikto. Bara. Toom. Ula. Ing. Ekt." A foul wind blows around the cavern, realizing into a voice. "Eru. Ing. Joo. Ing. Ula."

 

    The purple light of Twilight's orb is bolstered by a greenish glow. "I. Was. I. Will. Be. I. Am. Again." The voice is deep, struggling as though forming words was an unfamiliar task, or perhaps one long centuries forgotten. "Welcome. Back. Twilight. Sparkle."

 

    She freezes in place, a look of terror plastered across her face as a red horn juts out of the stone altar. It leaves cracks spiderwebbing down the stonework in its wake, rising into the air. A pair of green eyes open either side, ethereal and terrible. "At. Last."

 

    >Who are you?

    >Quick, blast him!

    >Let's get out of here!

    >...

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)22:28 No.10484316

Replies: >>10484448

 

    >>10484282

    >Who are you?

 

>>

bob todd 05/10/13(Fri)22:35 No.10484448

 

    >>10484316

    same but prepare yourself

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)22:36 No.10484477

Replies: >>10484563 >>10484567 >>10484571

 

    "Who are you?" you whisper in awe.

 

    "I know who he is," Twilight says, gulping. "King Sombra."

 

    "Correct." The voice intones.

 

    "But that's impossible... we destroyed you!"

 

    "Yes." he replies. "What. Was. Dead. Returns."

 

    Twilight's horn begins to glow with energy. "So, you're one of them, are you? Then explain why you're... relatively sane?"

 

    "Cycle. Of. Death. Corrupted." The eyes blink slowly, languidly. "I. Am. Of. Corruption. I. Am. Master. Not. Slave."

 

    "So YOU'RE responsible for this!" Twilight barks, her eyes burning as magic courses through her. "I'll be sure to destroy you for good this time!"

 

    "Only. Master. Of. Self." Twilight's glow softens somewhat. "Cause. Unknown."

 

    >You have to know something

    >What are you doing down here in this hole?

    >Maybe we can help each other

    >What power do you have?

    >...

 

>>

bob todd 05/10/13(Fri)22:39 No.10484563

 

    >>10484477

    1 and 2

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)22:40 No.10484567

 

    >>10484477

    >You have to know something

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)22:40 No.10484571

 

    >>10484477

    What are you doing in this hole?

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)22:48 No.10484752

Replies: >>10484815 >>10484823

 

    "You said you're 'of corruption' - what else do you know?"

 

    "Only. That. This. Plague. Is. Of. Corruption." The green light pulses as Sombra speaks. "Of. Shadow. And. Darkness. Yet. Not. Of. One. Soul. But. Of. Whole. World."

 

    There's a grim pause as Twilight takes this in. Sombra continues. "Know. About. Shield. Protecting. Crystal. Empire."

 

    "Of course you do," replies Twilight. "It kept you out last time as well."

 

    "Know. You. Will. Die. Unless. You. Can. Pass." The eyes affix Twilight sharply. "I. Know. Way. Past. But. Cannot. Alone."

 

    "Are you suggesting..." Twilight shakes her head. "No, no way. You must think I'm a foal to fall for such an obvious trick."

 

    "We. Will. Be. Trapped. Here." he warns, his voice growing darker. "You. Will. Perish. And. Turn."

 

    You slam your hoof against the stone 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."

 

    His eyes turn now toward you. "Let. Me. In. And. Together. We. Shall. Be. Free."

 

    "Let you... what?"

 

    "I. Am. Too. Weak. To. Take. Control. But. With. Host. I. Can. Travel. And. Advise." The eyes shrink in size, pointing toward the horn. "Our. Power. Will. Breach. The. Shield."

 

    >Tell me more about this... joining before I agree.

    >No. I'd rather die.

    >Twilight, what do you think?

    >We need to leave this place.

    >...

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)22:51 No.10484815

 

    >>10484752

    Option 1. Need to know who would really be in control.

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)22:51 No.10484823

 

    >>10484752

    >Tell me more about this... joining before I agree.

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)22:57 No.10484954

Replies: >>10484965 >>10484976

 

    "So... say I agree," you begin. Twilight says nothing. "What would happen?"

 

    "You. Are. Filth. Pony." Sombra explains. "No. Magic. So. I. Pose. Little. Threat."

 

    "But what happens to *me*?"

 

    "You. Remain. In. Control." Sombra sounds almost bored by this trivial detail. "I. Advise. And. Empower. Only."

 

    "So what's in it for you?" asks Twilight, suspicious. "Why let yourself join a pony with no magic who you can't even control?"

 

    "I. Am. Trapped. Here." he explains. "This. Is. My. Concession. To. Earn. Your. Agreement. And. My. Freedom."

 

    Twilight hesitates and looks to you. "...We do need a way past the shield, and his powers are a lot weaker than we last encountered him. I could maybe control him if he tried to hurt you... it's a lot to ask, Mortimer, but I think it might be our only way out of here."

 

    >This is a bad idea, we should find another way.

    >If you think it's for the best, I'll take the risk.

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)22:58 No.10484965

 

    >>10484954

    2nd

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)22:59 No.10484976

 

    >>10484954

    Go for it.

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)23:07 No.10485139

Replies: >>10485164

 

    You glance back and forth between Twilight and Sombra. "...If you think this is our best shot, I believe you. Okay Sombra, we'll take your deal."

 

    "Thank you," Twilight whispers, showing palpable relief.

 

    "One. Condition."

 

    "Name it, then," Twilight growls.

 

    "Swear. On. Your. Princess. You. Will. Not. Break. Our. Deal. So. Long. As. I. Uphold. My. End."

 

    Twilight grits her teeth. "So long as you don't hurt Mortimer and help us get into the Crystal Empire, you can stay and have your freedom. I swear on Princess Celestia."

 

    "The. Pact. Is. Sealed." Sombra declares, and the eyes wink out. His red horn fires at you like a bullet and impacts between your eyes, knocking you flat.

 

    "Mortimer!"

 

    You scream in pain as the horn works its way into your head, but rather than cutting and mashing it seems to phase into place. A voice far smoother and more composed enters your mind. "At last, I grew tired of being a croaking monster."

 

    You blink clouds of shadow from your eyes, and when they clear you see the world in a new way. There is a faint light and dark behind everything now, ley lines shooting through the earth and the sky above through thick feet of rock.

 

    Twilight is fretting fearfully nearby. "Are you okay? Mortimer? Are you still in there?"

 

    "I'm fine," you say, and it's really you. "I'm okay. Sombra's in here with me, but I'm still in control."

 

    "Good," she says, relieved. "Although..." you see her go a little pale. "I think the others might not like your, um, new look."

 

    "On the contrary," your new travel companion whispers in your ear. "I think the horn suits you."

 

    >We need to hide this.

    >Better they know the truth.

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)23:08 No.10485164

 

    >>10485139

    >Better they know the truth.

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)23:14 No.10485291

Replies: >>10485318 >>10485333

 

    "There's no point hiding it," you say. "We need to tell them the truth upfront."

 

    Twilight seems on the fence about the idea, but nods. "If that's how you want to handle it."

 

    "It is. Let's head back."

 

    "We have much to discuss," Sombra whispers in your mind. "Now that it is just the two of us. I sensed your own corruption as soon as you entered my chamber. You know much of this plague - we should compare notes."

 

    Later, you say to him. There's enough to deal with right now.

 

    "As you wish," he replies. "My obedience is part of our agreement."

 

    When the two of you reemerge in the chamber above, the shock is immediate. Applebloom and Sweetie Belle come running over with smiles on their face which die as soon as they see you. Mouths hang open all around the room.

 

    "Sunny," AJ says, barely above a whisper. "Twilight, what'd you do t'him?"

 

    >We struck a deal to get everyone into the Crystal Empire safely

    >Twilight has Sombra under control

    >We found power to protect ourselves in the crypt.

    >>Allow. Me. To. Explain

    >...-Sometimes. You. Choose. Silence?

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)23:15 No.10485318

 

    >>10485291

    Option 1

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)23:16 No.10485333

 

    >>10485291

    Allow me to explain. To big to be a secret. Acknowledge your in full control.

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)23:21 No.10485403

Replies: >>10485556

 

    OP your thread archive was pissing me off so I re did it. it's not much and only a quick edit, but It's readable now. I took off all the comments and only kept they story. If/when I get more time off work after the weekend, I'll do more then.

 

    http://pastebin.com/nUPsGSJF

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)23:26 No.10485526

Replies: >>10485591

 

    "I chose this," you say. "We found the resting place of King Sombra. His spirit has the power to get us all into the Crystal Empire safely, but in return he needed a host. I know, it's a lot to take in, but I promise you, he's under control."

 

    The silence lasts a few moments before Applebloom turns to Applejack. "AJ, who's King Sombra?"

 

    AJ puts a hoof around Applebloom and pulls her away from you. "A very bad pony," AJ hisses. "Not one you should go trustin' that's fer sure."

 

    "He's much weaker than when we last faced him," Twilight explains. "I can keep him in line with my magic if we need to."

 

    "Then why didn't y'all take him on instead'a forcin' him on Sunny?!" AJ snaps. "Who knows what that devil's doin' t'his mind right now! Is that even Sunny in there?"

 

    "I... think I have to agree with Applejack on this one," says Rarity, resting her own hoof protectively on Sweetie Belle. "There have to be alternatives to this... possession!"

 

    "Blarrrr, why couldn't you have found Discord's ghost instead?" says Pinkie, with a pouting frown. "Maybe we wouldn't get past the shield that way but at least Sunny's be more funny!"

 

    "Everyone, cool it!" Twilight snaps. "There's no point arguing anymore. Mortimer has Sombra under control and he's going to get us into the Crystal Empire, okay? Now get ready, we're making our push to the shield!"

 

    "Your group is dysfunctional," Sombra offers. "It requires strong leadership. Masters and slaves have no such arguments." You try to ignore him. "Which you are free to try."

 

    As the ponies rush about getting their supplies in order, you see Applejack and Rarity pull their younger sisters away from you, whispering back and forth at the far side of the cave. Fluttershy and Pinkie approach, carrying the passed-out Rainbow Dash. "For what it's worth," says Fluttershy, "I think you're very brave."

 

    "Or crazy!" adds Pinkie. "Or crazy-brave!"

 

    >Will the others be able to trust me?

    >Let's hope it pays off.

    >We. Recall. You. From. Our. Fall.

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)23:27 No.10485556

 

    >>10485403

    Oh hey, that's really neat. Thanks. I'd been hoping to edit it once the series is finished, but doing one for readability along the way helps.

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)23:29 No.10485591

 

    >>10485526

    >Let's hope it pays off.

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)23:36 No.10485752

 

    >>10480346 (OP)

    Hell yeah, this thread again. Lurkin'. And lovin', as always, OP.

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)23:40 No.10485820

Replies: >>10485894 >>10485982

 

    "I think we'll know the answer if this works," you say to Pinkie. "Look after Dash. I'll be at the front."

 

    They nod and you depart for the cave entrance. Twilight is waiting there, surveying the group as it forms up. "Okay, Sombra," she says to you. "Tell us what we need to do to pass the shield."

 

    "The process is simple," he tells you in your mind. "Might I borrow our mouth to explain it?" Slightly curious what that entails, you allow him.

 

    Your mouth moves on its own. "Shield. Can. Be. Pierced. With. Shadow. Magic. From. Corporeal. Pony."

 

    Twilight nods. "So that's why you had so much trouble breaking the shield last time, you were still a shadow."

 

    "Yes." Sombra says with your mouth. "Must. Be. Corporeal. For. Breach. To. Function."

 

    You find taking back control of your mouth as easy as thinking it. "So I should be able to walk up to the shield and let Sombra take it from there."

 

    Twilight nods, frowning. "I'm so sorry about this, Mortimer. If there was another way..."

 

    "I volunteered," you assure her. "Come on, let's get these ponies to safety."

 

    Once the survivors are in order, Twilight pushes the snow away and steps out into the wastes. "Come on, quickly!"

 

    The sky is mercifully clear of changelings as your column hurries to the shield dome. "They would not stand before us," Sombra assures you. "Now that we are free, our power shall overcome any foe."

 

    When you reach the perimeter of the shield, Sombra speaks up again. "The breach will be wide enough for your people to pass through, but be quick. We are still exposed on this side."

 

    You nod, and, not knowing what exactly to relinquish to Sombra to make the spell work, wait for him to act. He does, powering up the garish red horn stuck in your forehead. "Behold. The. Power. Of. A. King!"

 

    A shadow-drenched bolt of purple energy lances off of the horn and into the shield, which turns black and brittle where the beam touches. A wide passageway is sliced open, and kept open by wavering darkness.

 

    >[CONTINUE]

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)23:43 No.10485894

 

    >>10485820

    >[CONTINUE]

    I sure hope this hole closes, cause if not, I know where this is going.

 

>>

bob todd 05/10/13(Fri)23:48 No.10485982

 

    >>10485820

    go on

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)23:50 No.10486019

Replies: >>10486094 >>10486096

 

    You feel your body tense in strange and unfamiliar ways as shadow magic burns through you. Your mind is filled with Sombra's deep laughter as he pours his power into the beam. When the passage is stable, Twilight leaps forward. "Come on!" she shouts to the others. "While we have the chance!"

 

    "Changelings!" someone in the column screams, and sure enough you crane your head skyward to see another swarm of dead changelings bearing down on you. "Ignore them," Sombra urges. "Concentrate on the shield!"

 

    You hear the sound of guns firing and the panicked rush of hooves as the survivors scramble through the portal, which you try to will to open wider for them. To your surprise, it does. "This is my power," Sombra declares. "It is yours to command."

 

    At last you see Applejack, bringing up the rear and firing over your head. She looks at you and hesitates a moment, before shouting. "Land's sakes, Sunny, get over here already!"

 

    You thought she'd never ask. You leap through the gap in the shield as it snaps shut after you. Barely after that, you hear the thud as changeling corpses mash into it.

 

    "We all made it!" Pinkie exclaims. "That's almost reason to throw a party!"

 

    "Everybody all right?" Applejack shouts, looking up and down the survivors. "Applebloom, you okay?"

 

    "Right here!" she says, from just behind Applejack. "That was amazin'! Sunny's got magic!"

 

    "He's got somethin'," Applejack says, warily.

 

    "Come on," says Twilight. "We should get going. It's not far to the Crystal Empire now. Once we're safely with Cadance and Shining Armor we'll finally be able to catch our breath."

 

    "Wouldn't that be a blessing?" says Rarity, letting out a sigh of relief. "Lead the way, Twilight."

 

    She does. Your whole column sets off toward the distant, shimmering city.

 

    >[CONTINUE]

 

>>

bob todd 05/10/13(Fri)23:52 No.10486094

Replies: >>10486234

 

    >>10486019

    can we stop soon and pick up tomorrow or something im tired

 

>>

Anonymous 05/10/13(Fri)23:52 No.10486096

 

    >>10486019

    >[CONTINUE]

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)23:59 No.10486219

Replies: >>10486349 >>10486351

 

    "I don't see no fires," says Applejack, with an edge of cautious optimism."

 

    "Or herds of marauding corpses," adds Rarity.

 

    Twilight scans the sky. "Or flocks of them either."

 

    "I see food!" exclaims Pinkie, pointing to an outlying farm with a freshly-laid picnic.

 

    "I see ponies!" Applebloom practically shrieks with excitement, as a bemused farmer emerges from his home to see the ragged band of survivors approach.

 

    "I sense AMBUSH!" Sombra shouts in your ear.

 

    "HALT!"

 

    All at once, the pastoral landscape erupts with hidden guardsmen. Crystal ponies, dressed in traditional armor, level spears at you. "This is an illegal entry into the Crystal Empire," shouts their commander, a blonde and grey stallion. "Surrender at once!"

 

    "Wait," says Twilight, pushing to the front. "Commander Spearpoint? It's me, Twilight!"

 

    "Miss Sparkle?" the commander says, shocked, before regaining composure. "I'm sorry, there's a strict quarantine, no one is allowed into the Crystal Empire at this time."

 

    "You're my brother's second in command," Twilight urges. "Take us to him, and I can explain-"

 

    "Commander, your men can stand down," a new voice announces. A dark-coated pegasus in Equestrian Guard armor lands next to commander Spearpoint. My troops can take things from here."

 

    The crystal pony commander grimaces, but relents. "As you wish, captain Bracken." His soldiers lift their spears as pegasi drop in around them.

 

    "Please," Twilight continues. "We're hungry and tired from traveling-"

 

    "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." He surveys your group. "You will be held at the palace until your trial, under strict quarantine."

 

    >This is ridiculous! You're Equestrian soldiers.

    >We should go quietly. Maybe we can argue our case.

    >I. Could. Destroy. Them.

 

>>

OP 05/10/13(Fri)23:59 No.10486234

Replies: >>10486345

 

    >>10486094

    I'm not planning to go much later. Hoping to break this up into several sessions rather than doing one or two huge eight-hour ones.

 

>>

bob todd 05/11/13(Sat)00:04 No.10486345

Replies: >>10486367

 

    >>10486234

    1 and 2

    also when will you be back

 

>>

Anonymous 05/11/13(Sat)00:04 No.10486349

 

    >>10486219

    >We should go quietly. Maybe we can argue our case.

 

    ... Twilight has relatives here, high up. It... should be... fine...?

 

>>

Anonymous 05/11/13(Sat)00:04 No.10486351

 

    >>10486219

    >>This is ridiculous! You're Equestrian soldiers.

 

>>

OP 05/11/13(Sat)00:05 No.10486367

 

    >>10486345

 

    I'll put the time for the next thread in the pastebin once I know when that'll be. It won't be tomorrow, since I have too much to do, although it might be sunday.

 

>>

OP 05/11/13(Sat)00:14 No.10486564

 

    "You guys are Equestrian soldiers!" you snap at captain Bracken. "We're Equestrians! The Crystal Empire is part of Equestria!"

 

    "On the contrary, in light of recent developments, Princess Cadance and her council have seen fit to declare independence," explains Bracken. "My company is loyal to the princess of the Crystal Empire, and she ordered the quarantine herself."

 

    "But Shining Armor-" begins Twilight.

 

    "Is working day and night to maintain the shield that protects us all," Bracken finishes. "A shield you bypassed, illegally. We'll be interested in learning how."

 

    "It is time for discretion," Sombra warns. "A simple trick of shadow will protect us." You don't feel any different, and yet you know what he's done. The horn on your head is hidden by glamour.

 

    "If y'all think we're just gonna waltz off t'be hung by yer court'a crazies, ya got another thing comin'!" AJ shouts, leveling her shotgun. The soldiers tense.

 

    "Commander Spearpoint," Bracken says, lazily. "Order your men to kill the children first should anyone resist."

 

    Spearpoint remains silent, but he doesn't refuse the order.

 

    Fluttershy, her voice barely a squeak, says "Applejack... we need to do what they say."

 

    Applejack's resolve slackens. She turns to Applebloom, once again rooted to the ground with fear, and lowers her weapon. "Okay... take us away."

 

    The guards move in amongst your ponies, relieving them of their weapons. Twilight looks devastated, her gaze switching between Spearpoint and the distant crystal tower.

 

    "She is young," says Sombra. "Foolish. She thinks herself strong and cunning, but she does not yet know what it takes to survive." You feel a weight in your back as one of the pegasi drives you down into the dirt and begins to bind your hooves. "We are different."

    [Episode 4 will continue, next time! Check the pastebin for a time, likely Sunday afternoon.]