Don't like ads? PRO users don't see any ads ;-)

The Trotting Dead thread 9 - finale

By: TheTrottingDead on Jun 27th, 2013 | syntax: None | size: 111.18 KB | hits: 120 | expires: Never

download | raw | embed | report abuse | print

Text below is selected. Please press Ctrl+C to copy to your clipboard. (⌘+C on Mac)

File: 1372608165010.png-(88 KB, 280x280, The Trotting dead.png)
88 KB
W The Trotting Dead episode 5: Finale! Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)12:02 No.11771999
Replies: >>11772673 >>11777221
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 3)
Thread 5: http://pastebin.com/KgX0bGTZ (start of episode 4)
Thread 6: http://pastebin.com/z2PhtAGn (Middle of episode 4)
Thread 7: http://pastebin.com/naMpZVNB (end of episode 4)
Thread 8: http://pastebin.com/SXU89j8c (First half of episode 5)
Opener: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5699W4WnlUo
Thread playlist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLsvyiLmAz0&list=PLrgRyHeHYtlfr3TKFP1qLKbvGXC3-i4hd
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)12:03 No.11772004
Replies: >>11772022
You struggle to remain upright as you walk, but not alone. Leaning heavily on Applejack, the two of you make your way through the lit halls of the survival vault toward the meeting chamber. Many of the other survivors are still exploring the vault, but you and the Elements of Harmony have unfinished business.
By the time you arrive, the other five have already taken their place around the large, oak conference table. Twilight, at the far end, has been pillaging the vault's library and private files, and sits surrounded by books.
Applejack eases you into a seat on the far end of the table, before sitting down herself. “Glad to see you two could make it,” Rarity says. You note an awkward discomfort in the air – your advanced state of infection hasn't gone unnoticed.
“We don't have much time,” says Twilight, trying not to look at you. “The vault might be safe for our friends and family, but until we do something about that gate the whole world's still in danger. We have to shut it down.” She pauses, looking around the table. “Any ideas?”
>Isn't Discord taking care of that?
>We need the notes from my room
>You can wait out the end of the world here
>The Elements of Harmony will be enough
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)12:04 No.11772022
>>11772004
1?
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)12:11 No.11772067
>Fuck you purple smart
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)12:11 No.11772073
Replies: >>11772117
“I thought that's what we released Discord to do?”
“Was it?” says Fluttershy, furrowing her brow. “I'm sorry, I thought it was because they were hurting him.”
“Okay, that too,” says Rainbow Dash. “But yeah, I thought letting Discord out meant we were off the hook?”
“So, what,” says Twilight, frowning. “We just hole up down here forever and hope Discord puts a stop to whatever Celestia's done on the other side of the gate? We're the Elements of Harmony – it's our responsibility.”
“Our responsibility's lookin' after our friends'n family,” Applejack insists. “That means stayin' put, not riskin' our necks when they don't need-”
You feel a hacking cough come up. The conversation pauses as the others lean somewhat uncomfortably away from you. A long pause follows.
At length, Rarity asks “Sunny... are you okay?”
>I'm dying
>I'll last as long as you need me
>I'll be fine
>That's not important
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)12:15 No.11772117
>>11772073 (You)
2.
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)12:22 No.11772177
Replies: >>11772354
“I might not have long left,” you concede, pulling yourself back up. “But I'm not going anywhere until you're squared away. I started this whole nightmare – I'm going to see it through to the end.”
You feel Applejack rest her hoof on yours, but you try to remain focused. “So what's the plan?”
Twilight rasps in frustration. “I don't know... there's too many unknowns. That gate's still open somewhere in your lab, Celestia's on the other side doing who knows what that's causing the dead to rise, Discord MIGHT be doing something about it... and if you're on borrowed time, this might be our only chance to shut the gate down ourselves. We'll need your help.”
>We should try to close the gate now, then
>You'll all be safe here if you stay
>I'll be gone soon, you have to decide
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)12:36 No.11772354
>>11772177 (You)
1.
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)12:45 No.11772490
Replies: >>11772510
You nod. “I was there at the beginning. If there's anything I can do to put this right before I die, I'll do it.”
Applejack gives you a mournful look. “Well... maybe if we close this gate thing, you'll get better? We don't know how it works fer sure, right? Maybe...”
“It's...” begins Twilight, weighing her words carefully. “A hope. But just trying to do this is dangerous. None of us might come back.”
Rarity shudders. “Don't say that. I've only just begun to believe maybe my dear little sister will finally be safe, to have to leave her behind... it's too much to bear.”
“Well, I think it'll all work out!” says Pinkie. “We've got this far, right? After all those crazy adventures and scary monsters, and we're still okay! We're probably invincible!”
Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow and waves her one wing. “Right, invincible.”
“If we're doin' this...” says AJ, looking back over to you. “How do we do it?”
>We get the notes from my old room
>We head straight there and use the Elements of Harmony
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)12:47 No.11772510
>>11772490 (You)
>1
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)12:54 No.11772630
Replies: >>11772667
"There are notes and books in my old room. We'll need them to help us close the gate."
"Anything specific you remember?" asks Twilight. "It's a long way out of our way to go, which can be dangerous."
You frown and shake your head. "I'm sorry, I can't remember exactly what it was. There were spellbooks though, I think... important ones."
Pinkie shrugs. "What's one more stop? Should we run by the kitchen too and see if there's any snacks left over?"
Rarity rolls her eyes. "In all seriousness though, Twilight, you've demonstrated considerable magical prowess recently. What's the danger in fetching a few more books?"
"There's always a danger, Rarity. Something unexpected could happen, or we could get separated. It only takes one bite..."
Rainbow Dash grimaces. "Don't remind me."
Applejack gets to her hooves. "Well, if we're decided, we better get to it. Ah can't say I like the idea of goin' back out there, but..." she looks back to you. "Well, if it's yer only chance... ah'm in."
"Me too!" shouts Pinkie, who springs into the air.
"Naturally," says Twilight.
"If we must," Rarity sighs, rising.
"Like you guys could make it without me" adds Rainbow Dash.
The others turn to Fluttershy, who appears to be sinking into her chair. Only after a few moments and the odd tentative look in your direction does she wobbily rise.
"Then it's settled," declares Twilight. "I'll convene the others in the entry hall. We should let them know where we're going."
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)12:57 No.11772667
>>11772630 (You)
Continue
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)12:58 No.11772673
>>11771999 (OP)
Oh fuck it's happening! Also trips
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)13:01 No.11772711
Replies: >>11772727 >>11772728 >>11772752
When you gather again, it's before the large vault door that leads back toward the lab. Most of the other survivors are there now to see you off.
"Remember," says Twilight. "If we don't come back, don't open the door - ever. Stay down here as long as you possibly can."
Rainbow Dash is picking through the weapons salvaged from the 'security team' you escaped earlier. "Finally!" she exclaims, leveling some kind of firearm. "The good stuff - hey!"
Rarity levitates the weapon from her hooves. "Not until we need them, thank you! And not around the children!" She turns back to Sweetie Belle, whom she nuzzles once more. "Please, be good while I'm gone. And if I... if..."
"I will," Sweetie croaks out, tears on her cheeks.
It's a raucous affair as people discuss survival, ask for clarification and wish their farewells. Pinkie promises a "saved the world party" upon your return, and Fluttershy confides her dream of the world above returned to verdant life.
But near the exit, you see Applejack, apart from the others. She's looking into the crowd, apprehensively. "Ah don't know..." she murmurs to you, watching Applebloom. "Ah don't know what t'say."
>Remind her about the Apple family
>Tell her how proud of her you are
>Make your goodbyes
>You don't have to say anything, you'll be back
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:03 No.11772727
>>11772711 (You)
1
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:03 No.11772728
>>11772711 (You)
2
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:04 No.11772752
>>11772711 (You)
2
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:13 No.11772862
3
We both know we're not coming back.
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)13:14 No.11772867
Replies: >>11773013 >>11773015
"You're the Apple family," you say. "She'll carry that with her even when she's alone. Remind her of that."
Applejack smiles. She walks over to where Applebloom sits with the other children and plunks down next to her.
You don't hear what she whispers in her sister's ear, but she smiles when she hears it. When she's done, the two embrace. Applebloom is still wearing Applejack's hat, and the older sister gives it an affectionate shove to push it down over Applebloom's eyes. The two laugh, and when it's over, she rises.
"Okay, y'all!" she shouts over the din. "Time t'get this show on the road! Daylight's wastin'!" She trots toward the entrance, and you spot Applebloom looking at you. She gives you a knowing smile and a nod.
"Remember to always use shampoo AND conditioner!" Rarity shouts to Sweetie Belle as she follows in your wake. "And don't forget to... and oh, just don't forget!"
"We'll see you soon!" Sweetie shouts after your group. "Come back as soon as you can! And in one piece!"
"We'll be waitin'!" shouts Applebloom, jumping up and down. "We'll be here! Even if we're apart, we'll still be together!"
As the vault door begins to close, there's a sudden flash of light from within. You and the others pause, tensed, wondering what you just saw.
Applebloom and Sweetie Belle are laughing. You catch a glimpse of something just before the door rolls shut - a blue emblem with a yellow prancing foal on it, emblazoned on each of their sides.
Applejack starts to laugh. After a moment longer, so does Rarity. Then Pinkie, although she's not sure why, and then the others. And then you.
"It figures," says Applejack, wiping away a tear. "Granny'n Mac would laugh tool if they were here."
"Sorry to interrupt," says Twilight. "But we've got to move. I don't know how long we have yet, or how many more trotters are between us and Mortimer's office."
>Let's take it slow and quietly
>We should move fast so they can't corner us
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:26 No.11773013
>>11772867 (You)
>Let's take it slow and quietly
We've come this far, can't afford to fuck up now
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:26 No.11773015
>>11772867 (You)
>Let's take it slow and quietly
I hope we don't take too long, what with our infection and all, but it's just too risky to rush onward in the dark
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)13:33 No.11773098
Replies: >>11773114
"We'll need to be quiet and move slowly to avoid attracting attention," you warn.
Twilight nods in agreement. "Stay together, don't shout out, and don't attack unless you absolutely have to. Okay?"
The others nod, forming a tight knot. "Then let's go."
Your group gets up on to the tram and sits quietly as it bobs along toward the far end. Your little light in the dark casts ominous shadows on the rocky walls of the tunnel, but none of you react. Even when you pass over the charred bodies of your security detail, there's not a squeak.
Once your party reaches the far side, it's a slow process of creeping up the stairs one at a time to listen for movement. The stairs are trouble for you, but Applejack stays by your side to help you up them on your three legs.
"Where are we going, exactly?" Rarity whispers as she peers up at another landing. "I do hope you remember the way."
You close your eyes and feel a stab of pain as you rustle around for lost memories. "...Yeah, I remember. Keep going."
The trouble begin when you approach the right floor. The living quarters are just beyond, but they're unlit and even from the stairs your group can hear the gnashing and wailing of corpses thrashing about. "All that noise early must've spooked 'em," says Rainbow Dash, letting out a frustrated hiss. "They're gonna be hard to sneak past in the dark."
"If I light up the room they're sure to notice us," says Twilight. "Worse, they might attract even more of them..."
>You can take them, Twilight
>Maybe just a few of us can sneak by
>We need a distraction
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:34 No.11773114
>>11773098 (You)
3
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)13:46 No.11773275
Replies: >>11773331
"We need a distraction - something to draw them off to one side while we sneak past."
"Sounds dangerous," says Fluttershy, worried.
"Sounds fun!" says Pinkie - and before anyone can disagree, she dives into a roll and spins straight into the living quarters.
"Heyo!" she shouts in the old cafeteria. "How many pegasi does it take to screw in a lightbulb?"
A horrible wailing kicks up as the corpses immediately start lunging toward her. Pinkie deftly leaps away and up a staircase. "Three! One to hold the lightbulb, and the other two to turn their cloud house round and round to screw it in!"
The room clears surprisingly fast as they chase her. "Is she crazy?!" shouts Dash as loud as she dares. "She's going to get herself killed!"
Twilight just shrugs. "If anyone can get away with that sort of performance, it's Pinkie. Come on."
The six of you hurry across the dim cafeteria toward another staircase. Just being in the room brings back dull and painful memories of eating with your work colleagues - and the day they started eating each other.
You feel a stirring in your mind as Sombra rouses from his sulking. "I smell a familiar power nearby. Starswirl the Bearded's own spellbook. A wonder that Celestia entrusted you with it - you must get it back."
"Up, up!" Applejack whispers as she pushes you along up the stairs. The pain's considerable, but you just about manage.
"We had better make this quick," says Rarity, who looks down the corridor filled with doors to the scientists' apartments. "Which one?'
You manage to lift your hoof and point toward your old door, but another coughing fit overtakes you and you drop to the floor. You don't think you're suited to looting it yourself at the moment.
>Just grab Starswirl's spellbook
>Grab my notes and plans
>Get everything you can
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:48 No.11773302
Replies: >>11773331
Can we trust Sombro?
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:49 No.11773331
>>11773275 (You)
>Is she crazy?!
Is that a trick question?
Also 3
>>11773302
Not very far. We can perhaps let him talk, and heed his advice, but not much beyond that
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)13:53 No.11773378
Replies: >>11773464 >>11773487
"I don't know what we'll need," you wheeze out. "Just grab everything."
Rarity kicks open the door to your room and only half-stifles a shriek. "I'm sorry! There's one of them in here... pinned to the floor."
Applejack grunts in annoyance and hustles over to deliver a sharp kick to something in your room. "Now quit fussin' and start packin'!"
Unfortunately, there's a loud groaning coming from the far end of the hall. It sounds like that wasn't the only trotter in the apartments. "And y'all better make it fast!"
"It'll take time to get those notes together," warns Twilight. "I could hold them back with my magic..."
>Destroy them
>Just put up a shield, we need to be quiet
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:59 No.11773464
>>11773378 (You)
Shield it, violence will draw attention
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)14:00 No.11773487
>>11773378 (You)
Shield up
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)14:07 No.11773593
Replies: >>11773636 >>11773749 >>11775829
"Don't blast them," you warn. "It might draw more. Just put up a barrier to hold them off."
Sure enough, Twilight erects a barrier and a half-dozen trotting dead pour out to hammer against it. "Make it quick," Twilight calls to Rarity. "I don't want to be here a moment longer than we need to be."
Suddenly you hear muted laughter and more distant groaning. On the far side of the barrier, you see Pinkie round the corner into the hall bouncing along and shouting the punchline to some knock knock joke back to the herd on her tail.
She comes to a screeching halt behind the six trotters piled up in front of the barrier, blocking her way. "Fiddlesticks!" she exclaims, which causes them to turn toward her. "Double fiddlesticks!"
"Pinkie!" yells Rainbow Dash, who hurls herself toward the barrier. "Twilight, drop it!"
It's already dropping, but Pinkie is engulfed by a tide of corpses. "You've GOT to be kidding me!" she shouts as she's pulled under. "This is totally unfair!"
Applejack's right behind Rainbow Dash as they crash into the backs of the trotters that have dogpiled Pinkie Pie. Using the weapons they took off your former security they begin to blow apart corpses and push the herd back to uncover Pinkie.
"Pinkie!" Rainbow exclaims, pulling her off the floor. "Please tell me you're okay!"
Pinkie glances down her own body at the variety of bleeding bite marks. "...Um. I'm okay? Did that help? Are they gone?"
A thunderous purple wave rolls down the hall and over the three of them, knocking the dead back en mass. "What's going on?" exclaims Rarity, sticking her head out of your room as Twilight dashes past.
"Pinkie's been bitten!" Twilight screams. "A lot!"
Rarity sighs. "Well, we're off to a good start."
>She's no worse off than me
>Are you okay to keep going?
>She's as good as dead
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)14:10 No.11773636
Replies: >>11773670 >>11775829
File: 1372615848481.jpg-(8 KB, 288x308, 132030953952.jpg)
8 KB
>>11773593 (You)
God fucking dammit we killed Pinkie. Fuck. Fuck. My heart
1
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)14:13 No.11773670
>>11773636
There's still hope Anon. We're stopping this thing at its source and curing Ponka,even we don't live to see it.
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)14:18 No.11773744
"She's okay," you insist, dragging yourself over to where the others have gathered. "She's just no worse off than me."
"Sorry for saying so," says Rainbow Dash, "but you're pretty bad off right now, Sunny!"
Fluttershy looks over her wounds before shaking her head. "There's nothing we can do now. The infection's going to take root for sure."
"There has to be something!" says Rainbow Dash.
"There is," says Twilight, grimly. "We keep going. Our only hope is that using the Elements of Harmony on the gate will put a stop to this whole living dead nightmare once and for all."
"G-good enough for me!" says Pinkie, a little shaky. "Sorry, Fluttershy - after you were so nice to share some of your blood with me, now I'm spilling it all over the place." Fluttershy gasps and covers her face, looking horrified. "Too soon? Okay, okay."
"Patch her up," grunts Applejack. "Let's keep movin' - gotta make this worth the cost."
"Speaking of," says Rarity, opening a saddle bag. "Here - your notes and books. Where do we start?"
"The spellbook," hisses Sombra in your ear. "The rest of this is distraction! The power you need is contained within Starswirl's final spell!"
Twilight pushes the saddlebag shut. "Later. We're not safe here - let's get over to the gate, we can work out our plan there. Mortimer? Lead the way."
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)14:18 No.11773749
>>11773593 (You)
2
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)14:25 No.11773843
You struggle to walk, but Applejack gives you her shoulder and you guide the others deeper into the facility. The test area was once highly secure, but with the power out all the security doors have been jammed open.
"Was expectin' more of 'em," Applejack confesses, as you pick your way through another empty hall.
"There couldn't have been too many ponies down here when the experiment went wrong," Twilight suggests. "Not to mention that as soon as it did, everyone would be trying to get out. Most of the trotting dead probably moved upward."
Rainbow Dash is carrying Pinkie on her back, who manages the occasional chuckle but otherwise seems exhausted by her ordeal. You do hear her croak out "Head feels funny... like a headache, but different."
You start to feel it too. "What're you talking about?" says Dash, uneasily. "What kind of headache?"
"The infection couldn't be traveling that fast," says Fluttershy. "Were you hit on the head back there? Are you okay?"
"No," you say to them. "I'm feeling it too. I think we're close."
Memories return of running back up this corridor, security doors slamming behind you, klaxons screaming and red lights whirling. Now the room is lit only by the purple glow of Twilight's horn, a hall stretching seemingly forever onward into the dark.
Sombra rustles uneasily in your mind. "The tear is near. Raw corruption pours into the world. It must not overwhelm you. Not yet."
>[CONTINUE]
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)14:30 No.11773908
Replies: >>11773981 >>11773996
"I think I see something!" shouts Twilight, who hustles ahead. The others hurry to keep up. "I think I - there it is!"
You follow, and are greeted with a familiar sight. The circular chamber of your nightmares. Five stone pillars embedded with advanced electronics sitting around a sixth, shattered pillar.
And atop it, a baleful black hole staring into nothing. With its every pulse you feel a wave of pain, and by Pinkie's groaning you sense she feels the same way. No wonder the dead fled this place.
"Sweet Celestia," Applejack murmurs as you look upon it. "What kinda nightmare did y'all get mixed up in, Sunny?"
"The lab's secure," Twilight reports after looking around. "We're safe to figure out our plan. Rarity, get those research materials out."
She complies, spilling textbooks and scrolls all over the floor. "I'll guard the door while y'all get t'readin'," says Applejack, gently setting you down by the others. "Try t'make it quick, this place gives me the creeps."
"Wait..." says Twilight, as she picks through the books before you. "You had Starswirl the Bearded's personal spellbook?! Celestia gave you that? It's the most forbidden secret tome in all magical study!"
>We should avoid it
>Let's check my own notes first
>See what it says
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)14:36 No.11773981
>>11773908 (You)
See what it says
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)14:37 No.11773996
>>11773908 (You)
2
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)14:46 No.11774140
Replies: >>11774166 >>11774190
"I think that's the key to the whole thing," you say, giving it a nudge. "Something to do with Starswirl's final spell, finishing it for Celestia, right? That's what Discord was talking about."
She flips open the book to the last few pages and begins reading, as the others sit around uncomfortably for her to say something. The only sounds come from you and Pinkie as you wince at the pain the gate causes you.
"...Okay," says Twilight, gravely. "Okay, we can do this. The bearers of the Elements of Harmony CAN open a gate to... something. Some sort of cosmic layer of the world, or something. Whatever it is, that's where Celestia went. We could open the way, and someone could go in... and then, I don't know."
"Go in?" says Rarity, bemused. "I thought our plan was to close it?"
"It IS closed," says Twilight, waving toward the blackened hole. "But it's... wrong. Like an infected wound. We need someone to go back in there and bring out the foreign matter that's causing the problem - which... I think is Princess Celestia."
"In that case," says Rainbow Dash, standing up. "I volunteer."
Twilight shakes her head. "We need to be on this side of the gate to keep it open. If it closes while the one we send is on the other side, they'll just get spat back out again."
"But what about these?" Rarity points to the pillars carved with the elements of harmony. "Couldn't they hold the gate open for us, as they did in the first place?"
"Maybe they could have, if they were powered," says Twilight. "That's what Discord was doing in that generator, though. Without him, the only way to open the gate is with the natural Elements of Harmony... which means the only one we can send through is Mortimer."
>I'm up for it
>I'm in no state to go, we need to get someone else
>What'll happen to me if I go?
>There. Is. Another. Way. - Twilight's. Dark. Magic.
>>
Bob !!9uPZO9vlf0d 06/30/13(Sun)14:48 No.11774166
File: 1372618117659.gif-(1.4 MB, 540x300, 1368153143422.gif)
1.4 MB
>>11774140 (You)
>I'm up for it
SPIRIT BOMB FOR SUNNY GO!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)14:50 No.11774190
>>11774140 (You)
Gotta man up. 1
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)14:59 No.11774314
Replies: >>11774382
"I'm up for it," you mutter, getting unsteadily to your three remaining hooves. "It's my responsibility."
The others look uncertainly back and forth at each other. Eventually, Twilight says "We might only have one chance at this. While the gate is open, the power that's currently repelling the trotters? It'll reverse. The whole lab'll be brought down on our heads."
"Well that's just great," Rainbow Dash bitterly remarks. "So it's a suicide mission."
"Could we, ah, maybe go back and find some volunteers?" suggests Rarity. "Some of those soldiers looked remarkably strong.
"It's not about strength," says Fluttershy, catching the others somewhat by surprise. "Celestia was the strongest person in all Equestria... maybe the world. But there was something wrong inside her. The one we send has to be strong in spirit, not body." She turns to look you in the eye with determination. "And I think that's Sunny."
Another long silence follows before Twilight finally nods in agreement. "Okay then. If you think you can do it... I just hope you're right."
"But what about Sombra?" hisses Rarity. "Have we all forgotten? He's in there as well. I shudder to think what damage he might inflict if this is what sending Celestia through caused."
"She is clever, but her fears are misplaced," Sombra assures you. "I have kept my word through every kind of opportunity and temptation. While you live, I shall abide by it."
Twilight takes a delicate, defensive stance. "Rarity has a point... he's still weak. I could maybe banish him now... but... I don't know how well you'd survive the process.
>Time for you to go, Sombra
>Blast him, I can take it
>He'll obey me for now
>Allow. Me. To. Make. My. Own. Case.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:02 No.11774360
Should we let Sombro speak?
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:03 No.11774382
>>11774314 (You)
4. Let him say what he has to say.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:08 No.11774455
Be wary of Sombro
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)15:09 No.11774465
Replies: >>11774600 >>11774772
You relinquish control temporarily to Sombra, who settles in - your eyes begin burning green and his horn reappears on your head.
"I. Obey. Deal." he declares, gazing defiantly at Twilight. "I. Will. See. This. Through."
"It's too risky," says Twilight. "You might've been biding your time until this moment to turn on us. Whatever's on the other side of that gate, it's much too dangerous to let you get your hooves on it."
"You. Trust. Him." he spits back. "He. Seeks. Redemption. For. Sins."
Rarity rolls her eyes. "Are you seriously expecting us to believe you're seeking redemption?"
"No." he concedes. "But. No. Matter. Stakes. I. Honour. Word."
"And that's commendable," says Twilight, gritting her teeth. "Now hold still."
>Go ahead and do it, Twilight
>Leave him, we can trust his word
>Insolent. Whelp! We. Need. You. Not!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:17 No.11774600
Replies: >>11774642
>>11774465 (You)
Not deciding, but I would like to put a vote into giving Sombra a chance. He's been honorable this far, he's earned the benefit of the doubt.
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)15:19 No.11774642
>>11774600
I suppose a vote is warranted, though it looks like there aren't too many people in the thread at the moment.
Ten minutes discussion, then ten minutes vote, starting now
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:21 No.11774665
Replies: >>11774791
Didn't Sombra say when we died he'd have control of our body? If we die in that black hole he'll have full reign then
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:27 No.11774772
>>11774465 (You)
I hope it isn't like the bad ending before, but sombram, god dam if u screw us over again
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:28 No.11774791
>>11774665
then we just don't die
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)15:28 No.11774796
Replies: >>11774821 >>11774916 >>11774967
Okay, vote time. I'll go with the majority decision in ten minutes.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:29 No.11774821
>>11774796 (You)
Keep him. forgive me
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:34 No.11774916
>>11774796 (You)
let him stay in our head
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:36 No.11774967
>>11774796 (You)
Giving him a chance. JUST ONE
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:39 No.11775030
Redemption time, Sombra.
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)15:47 No.11775172
"Wait! Twilight!" you say, shaking off Sombra. "Don't do it."
She holds her position, uncertain. "Is this some kind of trick, Sombra?"
"No," you say. "It's really me. Leave Sombra where he is. I know it's a risk, but I might need his help - and he's had plenty of better opportunities to turn on us before now."
She hesitates a little longer before finally standing down. "You'd better be right about this, Mortimer." You can't help but agree.
"You will not regret your faith," Sombra assures you. "We both want the same thing - the world is diseased, and by our powers combined it may be cured. I have no desire to live in a wasteland."
Applejack returns from watching the door. "Looks like the coast is clear fer now. We got a plan worked out?"
Twilight nods. "We're opening the gate with the Elements. Once it's open, we'll stay here to keep it open and Mortimer will go over to put a stop to this madness, once and for all."
Applejack gives you a glance. "And y'all think you're up to it?" When you nod, she sighs. "Of course y'are. Well, okay then..."
"Then let's do it!" Dash shouts, punching the air and brandishing a gun. "Somebody break out the Elements!"
Rarity opens another saddlebag. "They're right here... although they haven't done us much good so far..."
The six bearers of the elements of harmony don the symbols of their office. Fluttershy helps Pinkie with hers, who's still struggling to stand. "This is it," warns Twilight. "Once we open the gate... I don't know what'll happen. The dead will come down on us like an avalanche, and even if you succeed I don't know if you'll come back out again. Or if it'll be enough to cure you."
>[CONTINUE]
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)15:49 No.11775211
Replies: >>11775266
The girls look to each other and back to you, their hearts heavy with sadness. "Your help's meant a lot to us," begins Twilight.
"I don't think we'd have made it this far without you," adds Rarity.
Pinkie manages a weak laugh. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure of that, personally!"
"You've been a true, true friend," says Fluttershy.
"Even if this is all kinda your fault." The others turn to glare at Rainbow Dash. "What? Oh fine, and thanks for helping us save the world, too."
Applejack steps forward. Tears threaten to burst through but she retains her composure. "Sunny. Ah..."
>Promise you won't forget me
>Whatever happens, survive
>We'll meet again
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:51 No.11775266
>>11775211 (You)
3
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)15:59 No.11775433
Replies: >>11775554
You nuzzle her cheek, wiping her tears away. "Don't worry," you say. "We'll meet again, someday."
"Don't say that," she croaks. "Y'ain't goin' nowhere. You'll be back outta there in no time, and we'll be here waitin' fer ya."
You give a weak smile. "All the same. Goodbye for now, Applejack."
You kiss, and pull apart. She steps away from you and back into line with her friends. "Goodbye, Sunny."
Her element starts to glow.
One by one, slowly but surely, the other elements come to life. "This is it..." murmurs Twilight as she takes up a position in front of the gate. "Get ready, everyone! We need to hold this room no matter what happens, to give Sunny as much time as we can!"
"Nobody's getting past us!" shouts Rainbow Dash.
"All together now," adds Rarity.
"Here it comes!" shouts Pinkie. "One big finale, comin' up!"
"Be careful!" Fluttershy cries, and then it begins.
The power of the Elements forms a mighty beam of multicolored light. It engulfs the gate - not as the desaturated, artificial wave your machine produced by as the vibrant, living energy of six brave friends who have gone through hell together to this moment.
The black, rotten hole becomes a sphere of glimmering light, beyond which you see a night sky with a million glimmering stars.
And down the hall, back in the darkness of the lab, you hear a hundred dead voices rise in breathless screaming.
"Now!" screams Twilight. "Do it now!"
Your body aches as you break into a run. Every part of you wants to fall down and die, but still you keep going. You close the distance and leap into the air, vaulting the central pillar and heading toward the gate that's drawing you in.
And now your hurtling, lost in time and space, heading into the unknown beyond.
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:04 No.11775554
>>11775433 (You)
Continue
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)16:05 No.11775577
Replies: >>11775628 >>11775728
You try to swim through the void, but your limbs flail uselessly. You try to breath, but there's no air. You try to see, but there's no light.
But there are eyes, and they see you.
A voice as old as stars rumbles from every direction. "You should not have come back, Mortimer."
You feel Sombra recoil. "It's her," he hisses.
The darkness swirls. Stars appear, like bubbles in a rippling pool. Light forms an outline of something made from black, inky tendrils. They slip and squirm into shape, seemingly filling up the whole universe until they form a shape resembling...
Resembling Princess Celestia.
"I can still see into your world. You had achieved everything you set out to do - saving your friends, finding them safe haven. Why have you lead them to their deaths, now? Out of selfishness? To save your own life? A waste. There is no cure here."
>I'm not Mortimer now, I'm Sunny.
>What happened to you? What have you become?
>We need to put the past behind us and work together
>The. Time. For. Talk. Is. Over!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:07 No.11775628
>>11775577 (You)
2
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:12 No.11775728
>>11775577 (You)
2
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:17 No.11775829
File: 1372623448351.jpg-(22 KB, 500x312, Fateworsethandeath.jpg)
22 KB
>>11773593 (You)
>>11773636
You-
Why did-
No!
Now we've got to risk everything to try and fix the whole world.
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)16:23 No.11775947
Replies: >>11776053 >>11776089 >>11776095 >>11776119 >>11776126 >>11776371
"How did this happen to you? The last thing I remember was you being pulled into the gate. Since then everyone's been looking for you, trying to figure out why you weren't there to help."
"Your research promised a new world for all ponykind," she rumbles, and her vastness seems to surround you. "But you failed! Your work must've been flawed - this... cosmic world rejects me. Without the power of the elements, there's nothing I can do to prevent the world from being corrupted."
You feel as though you are hurtling forward, but with few points of reference you can't be sure. A light appears and grows, becoming a muddled mess of strands. Like a fraying ball of yarn, yet also, somehow like a long, coiling thread.
"These strands of fate could let me rewrite the fate of Equestria, but every one I pull only deepens the corruption. The world rejects my efforts to instill order. Your machine failed and stranded me here, powerless, unable to return, unable to undo the damage.
"But now... now that you've returned... maybe there IS a way. The Elements of Harmony have purified the gateway between the cosmic layer and the material world. With their power behind me, perhaps I can finally understand these strands!"
"She's mad," hisses Sombra. "The corruption is deep in her, but she has not mastered it, as I have. Give yourself to her and you invite ruin for us all."
"Mortimer, can you hear me?" A voice, distant - Twilight's. "We're under attack! We're trying to hold them off, but they've gone completely crazy! I don't know how much longer we can keep the gate open!"
"You have no choice," intones Celestia. "Give yourself to me. Only I can remake the world. To do otherwise would leave this corruption in place... and leave your friends to their certain death."
"Do not trust her!" hisses Sombra. "We must destroy her now, while we can!"
MAJOR DECISION TIME
Do you
>Accept Celestia's offer
or
>Reject Celestia's offer
Ten minutes discussion, ten minutes vote
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:27 No.11776053
Replies: >>11776130
File: 1372624064150.gif-(1.88 MB, 640x360, PinkieMelancholy.gif)
1.88 MB
>>11775947 (You)
We-
She-
Pinkie-
... no. Tempting as it is, we can't do it.
Sombra's right. Celestia is crazy.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:29 No.11776089
>>11775947 (You)
Reject her and proceed to final boss fight
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:29 No.11776095
Replies: >>11776162
>>11775947 (You)
Pinkie......
Fuck it
trust celestia
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:31 No.11776119
>>11775947 (You)
Reject.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:31 No.11776126
File: 1372624281870.jpg-(347 KB, 800x542, Brethren.jpg)
347 KB
>>11775947 (You)
Reject her
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:31 No.11776130
>>11776053
I agree. I don't want to kill her like Sombie, but he's right, Celestia's coocoo for coco puffs.
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)16:32 No.11776143
Replies: >>11776162 >>11776172 >>11776179 >>11776188 >>11776191 >>11776336
Official voting starts now, so be sure to confirm your choice!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:33 No.11776158
REJECTED!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:33 No.11776162
Replies: >>11776188
File: 1372624406684.gif-(1.16 MB, 403x360, SadSAgPinks.gif)
1.16 MB
>>11776095
No! I know it's tempting man. I'v been arguing for Pinkie the past few threads. But it's just not worth what CorruptCelestia would probably do.
Hell, if we just... close this corrupt tear in reality... she might survive...
... tell me she'll survive.
>>11776143 (You)
Reject
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:33 No.11776172
>>11776143 (You)
1 for Reject.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:34 No.11776179
>>11776143 (You)
Reject Celly.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:34 No.11776188
>>11776162
alright..
damnit
>>11776143 (You)
rejected
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:34 No.11776191
>>11776143 (You)
Reject
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:35 No.11776206
Fuck off Sunbutt.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:43 No.11776336
>>11776143 (You)
Reject her
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:45 No.11776371
>>11775947 (You)
Reject her offer, but accept her body
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)16:46 No.11776392
Replies: >>11776412 >>11776442
"No..." you murmur. "No! This whole thing started because of YOUR ambition to remake the world in your own image! You lied to us, manipulated us, used us! Well I'm not giving you what you want this time. We can save the world - without you!"
Celestia lets out a titanic roar that shakes star systems and shatters nebula. "Fool! I will TAKE the power I need from you, and then rewrite fate such that you never existed!"
"Ahah. Or not."
The stars begin to wink and dance, changing color and rolling about. A new constellation forms, one in the shape of a familiar patchwork beast. "Well done, Sunny," says Discord, as his body takes shape. "I wasn't sure you had it in you, but that was a pretty decisive vote you just had. Now get in there and try not to mess things up too badly!"
Celestia roars again, and a thousand dark tendrils fly toward you. They're intercepted by stars, which explode in multicolored light.
"Please hurry!" you hear Twilight's desperate voice scream to you. "Th-they've got Rainbow Dash! And Ra-raraaaaah! Ah! Get off!"
"Our time grows short!" hisses Sombra. "No time for niceties. Hold on!"
A pair of black, bony wings burst from your back in a gout of blood, causing you to scream. You hurtle forward and into the strands of fate, disappearing into their silvery chords.
And again, the world seems to fade, your senses expand, and the loom of fate unfolds before you.
You're caught in a moment, being pulled back along the timeline. Frozen, you see Celestia and Discord entwined in their battle to the death. You see your friends, an endless wave of trotting dead rolling over them, ripping bloody chunks from their flesh as they die. You see yourself, suspended in light.
"We're being pulled back through time!" explains Sombra. "We can choose but one moment to intervene in, one instant in fate. Choose wisely! It is our only chance to undo our doom!"
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:48 No.11776412
>>11776392 (You)
continue pls
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:50 No.11776442
Replies: >>11776481
>>11776392 (You)
Undo alicorn twilight
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)16:51 No.11776463
Replies: >>11776499 >>11776503 >>11776510 >>11776542
You fall backward, head over heels. Just a few moments back, to when you were in the vault.
The scene is strange, warped. The setting is made of starlight and decay.
You could stop here, convince the others not to go. They'd be safe in the vault. Maybe Discord really could defeat Celestia without your help? Maybe you don't want to mess with the world, the way Celestia did? Maybe you just want those you care about to be safe... including, perhaps, a child with Applejack... Is that what Sunny would've wanted? Or Mortimer?
"Do not be so weak!" hisses Sombra. "This fate changes nothing, and you will still perish! We must go further back, to the diseased root of this affair."
>FIVE MINUTE SPEED VOTE
>Stop here, convince the others to stay in the vault
or
>Continue further back
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:51 No.11776481
File: 1372625498303.png-(46 KB, 646x364, HAzp.png)
46 KB
>>11776442
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:52 No.11776494
this story takes place in an alternate universe where instead of giving twilight starswirl's book, celestia gave it to some scientists and their fucked up attempt to get to the space place with all the stars from the season 3 finale ended up releasing hell on equestria
if anything... we might end up causing alicorn twilight to prevent this future
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:52 No.11776499
>>11776463 (You)
We need to go... DEEPER!
Continue further back
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:52 No.11776503
>>11776463 (You)
Further back.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:53 No.11776510
>>11776463 (You)
Farther back
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:55 No.11776542
>>11776463 (You)
Take the red pill...hard
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:56 No.11776571
Replies: >>11776579 >>11776590 >>11776612 >>11776621 >>11776645
You hurtle still further back in time. Shapes change, light and shadow warp. You see the battle raging in the Everfree forest, where Mattock's army was broken. You see the burning fall of the Crystal Empire.
Suddenly, you feel a tug in your mind. "This is a moment of merit!" hisses Sombra. "Return to here, and we can recreate the world in our own image with the power of the Empire!"
>FIVE MINUTE SPEED VOTE
>Return to just before the fall of the Empire, allow Sombra the power of the Heart
or
>Continue further back
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)16:56 No.11776579
>>11776571 (You)
Whoops, this is me. Posted in another thread.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:57 No.11776590
>>11776571 (You)
Further.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:58 No.11776612
File: 1372625886416.gif-(685 KB, 500x400, Pinkiepicunrelated.gif)
685 KB
>>11776571 (You)
Tyrant end?
Well; I was the sole person who thought that'd be a good one, so...
... nah, I have the strange feeling that if we don't all agree we start to get 'corrupted'.
Further.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:58 No.11776621
>>11776571 (You)
We've already had this end, we need to go even further!!!!!!! 11eleven!! 1
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:00 No.11776645
>>11776571 (You)
Fuck Sombra, we didn't turn down apple babies for some shitty empire. FOR THE CURE!!!
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:01 No.11776654
Replies: >>11776668 >>11776678 >>11776679 >>11776682 >>11776686 >>11776695 >>11776699 >>11776700 >>11776701 >>11776707
You try to press deeper into the past, but Sombra pulls hard on your mind and the wings on your back seize up. "No!" he growls. "This is my destiny! One I have waited a thousand years for - and one you will not cheat me of!"
Sombra suddenly presses down hard on your mind. Weakened by strain and infection, you can barely resist. "We shall meet this destiny together!"
>Sombra is trying to overpower you!
>You have ten minutes to reply to this post with a double, or else he succeeds!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:01 No.11776668
>>11776654 (You)
oh shit oh fuck oh shit oh fuck
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:02 No.11776678
>>11776654 (You)
Rolling for great justice
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:02 No.11776679
>>11776654 (You)
Dubs pls
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:02 No.11776682
>>11776654 (You)
I'm just hoping we can go far enough back to prevent everything and only Pinkie remembers.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:02 No.11776685
I fucking TOld you guys we couldnt trust him!!!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:02 No.11776686
>>11776654 (You)
Roll dem bones.
>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)17:02 No.11776695
>>11776654 (You)
Rolling!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:02 No.11776699
Replies: >>11776715 >>11776717 >>11776721 >>11776728
>>11776654 (You)
He must not win, rolrorlrorlrlrlrllroorofirori
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:02 No.11776700
Replies: >>11776715 >>11776717 >>11776728
>>11776654 (You)
reroll
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:02 No.11776701
>>11776654 (You)
SHIT SHIT
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:03 No.11776707
>>11776654 (You)
No.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:03 No.11776715
>>11776699
>>11776700 (You)
DOUBLE DUBS
PHEW
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:03 No.11776717
>>11776699
>>11776700 (You)
WINRARS. YES. Thank god.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:03 No.11776721
>>11776699
Fuck yeah I did it!!!!! Overkill dubsdubs
>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)17:04 No.11776728
>>11776699
>>11776700 (You)
Great success!
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:10 No.11776833
Replies: >>11776868 >>11776875 >>11776887 >>11776920
You marshal what resolve and strength you have left, and with a titanic effort drive Sombra from your mind. He screams and howls the whole way, and you feel the wings from your back tear off - along with a ghostly apparition of a foul, skeletal unicorn.
"Foooooool!" he howls, pitching and howling in the astral winds. "I will not be denied! I will see this world turned to ashes or see it bow to me, and you will not stand in my way!"
The foul apparition chases you as you plummet deeper into the time stream.
Now you see the ruins of Canterlot, where Luna saved the last survivors from death. You see Spike turned to stone and the fall of the quarantine zones. A crying doctor treating his last patient. You see all of it... but you see no way to save the world here. You push deeper into fate, the shrieking Sombra hot on your tail.
Now you see the destruction of Ponyville and Cloudsdale. You see Big Macintosh when he turned on you. You see the survivors of Ponyville escaping in fire and darkness. But still, no way to undo the nightmare.
And here you are brought back to the Everfree, where it all began. You see the herd pouring from the forest. You see yourself and Applejack escaping with the catatonic Fluttershy. You see the fall of Sweet Apple Acres. You see when you first woke up as Sunny. But you know your answer lies deeper than this, so you press on.
At last, you see what you've been dreading most of all. You see your escape from the lab. You see the chaos, the bloodshed, the horror - who you killed, and who you left to die in order to escape. You see the experiment go wrong, you see Celestia get drawn inside.
You see the morning of the experiment. Where you might be able to make a difference.
>FIVE MINUTE VOTE
>Return here and try to stop the experiment from happening
or
>Keep going into the past
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:12 No.11776868
>>11776833 (You)
THIS IS OUR STOP. Alight here.
Take all personal belongings with you.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:12 No.11776875
Replies: >>11776944
>>11776833 (You)
Keep going, lest all the other scientists continue your experiment for you
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:13 No.11776887
Replies: >>11776944
>>11776833 (You)
Keep going
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:14 No.11776920
Replies: >>11776944
>>11776833 (You)
We must go deeper.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:15 No.11776944
Replies: >>11776972
File: 1372626954556.gif-(772 KB, 758x540, Bucking.gif)
772 KB
>>11776875
>>11776887
>>11776920
If you guys have fucked this up now...
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:17 No.11776972
>>11776944
Don't worry, it's all good
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:17 No.11776978
Replies: >>11777007 >>11777018 >>11777026 >>11777051 >>11777080
You decide to push back still further. Time drifts into stranger territory, things you did as Mortimer you hardly remember as Sunny.
The moment where Celestia gave you Starswirl's spellbook and tasked you with opening the portal flies by in an instant - it's not what you're looking for.
Here. When Celestia decided Twilight 'failed' her test in the Crystal Empire. Perhaps at this moment you were rightly placed to convince her otherwise, if only you knew the stakes?
>FIVE MINUTE VOTE
>Convince Celestia Twilight succeeded her test in the Crystal Empire and should get Starswirl's spellbook
or
>Continue deeper
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:18 No.11777007
>>11776978 (You)
Fuck alicorn twilight end, go deeper
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:18 No.11777018
>>11776978 (You)
oh god I don't know.
Convince her
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:19 No.11777026
File: 1372627151830.png-(407 KB, 849x941, 'Celestia'.png)
407 KB
>>11776978 (You)
I...
I think this would work, but I can't bring myself to vote for it.
Can we not convince Celestia to give Pinkie the book?
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:20 No.11777051
Replies: >>11777079
>>11776978 (You)
Stop here, get the book, destroy it.
>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)17:21 No.11777079
>>11777051
Voting for THIS.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:21 No.11777080
>>11776978 (You)
Go deeper.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:23 No.11777121
We lost an entire adventure in a couple of votes.
Just putting it out there
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:23 No.11777122
Replies: >>11777148 >>11777150 >>11777170 >>11777171 >>11777172 >>11777173 >>11777178 >>11777186 >>11777192 >>11777200 >>11777202 >>11777209 >>11777232
You grab on to the strands of fate and begin to tug, wrapping yourself in them, merging...
But Sombra comes tearing through astral space toward you, howling an undead warcry. "Not now!" he howls. "Too soon! Our destiny is greater still!"
>To defeat Sombra, you must reply to this post with a double - in the next FIVE minutes!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:24 No.11777148
>>11777122 (You)
No! God damn it Sombra!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:24 No.11777150
>>11777122 (You)
I wish we had killed Sombra.
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:24 No.11777154
~Or have yoooouuuuu?~
Wait and seeeeee
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:24 No.11777170
>>11777122 (You)
Op stole the dubs, rolling to take them back
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:24 No.11777171
>>11777122 (You)
Sombra you filthy judas
>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)17:24 No.11777172
>>11777122 (You)
COME ON!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:24 No.11777173
>>11777122 (You)
Argh! Get off!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:25 No.11777178
>>11777122 (You)
Fuck off Sombra. Dubs get.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:25 No.11777186
>>11777122 (You)
statistically this should be easy
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:25 No.11777192
>>11777122 (You)
DEAR GOD NO
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:26 No.11777200
Replies: >>11777217 >>11777239
>>11777122 (You)
gotta make a stand
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:26 No.11777202
>>11777122 (You)
Rolling!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:26 No.11777205
File: 1372627576513.png-(578 KB, 600x600, 1368923477371.png)
578 KB
DUBS GOD BLESS ME
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:26 No.11777209
>>11777122 (You)
If there is a god, let him check em
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:26 No.11777217
>>11777200 (You)
Yes! Bless you anon.
>>
Ananamoose™ 06/30/13(Sun)17:26 No.11777221
File: 1372627615278.gif-(872 KB, 327x280, NEIN.gif)
872 KB
>>11771999 (OP)
>999
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:27 No.11777232
>>11777122 (You)
Fuckkkk.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:28 No.11777239
>>11777200 (You)
You are a hero.
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:28 No.11777248
Replies: >>11777257 >>11777261
You summon the last of your strength and lash out at Sombra, your kick sending him spinning off beyond the light, screaming all the while - and then silence, as he is undone by the weave of fate.
You wrap yourself tighter, and tighter, and tighter, falling backward through time, as history itself is rewound. Your vision blacks out, your body changes... and when you open your eyes again, everything has changed.
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:28 No.11777257
>>11777248 (You)
continue
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:29 No.11777261
File: 1372627747514.gif-(471 KB, 544x525, Pinkie Mag.gif)
471 KB
>>11777248 (You)
C-continue...
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:29 No.11777262
Inb4 op asks us to get laid
>>11777777 →
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:32 No.11777330
Replies: >>11777342 >>11777348 >>11777350 >>11777357 >>11777360 >>11777440 >>11777443 >>11777444
It is almost one year ago. You're in the palace of Canterlot. There's no blood smeared on the walls, no corpses walking the hallway. You look around.
You're in your room, a small apartment in the palace meant for visitors. Celestia has been summoning scientists to visit her for weeks now, but none of them could explain what she was wanted of them.
Sunlight streams through an open window Dawn has risen, and Celestia will be holding court - and by the sounds of fanfare outside, she'll likely be very busy today.
You jump out of bed and land on four hooves. Your head is clear, your thoughts private and without pain.
You know which direction destiny's heading, but... how can you change it?
>Go to Celestia
>Go to Luna
>Go to Twilight
>Find the book yourself
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:33 No.11777342
>>11777330 (You)
Go to celestia
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:33 No.11777348
>>11777330 (You)
Find the book
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:33 No.11777350
>>11777330 (You)
Get that fucking book.
>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)17:34 No.11777357
>>11777330 (You)
Go to Luna.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:34 No.11777360
>>11777330 (You)
It's been proven Luna can't stand before Celestia.
We can't know we can convince Celestia.
And Twilight has no reason to believe us.
Damn.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:36 No.11777415
book .
Burn that mother fucker
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:36 No.11777423
Methinks the book is not the problem, but the way celestia used it
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:37 No.11777440
Replies: >>11777468 >>11777469 >>11777472 >>11777485
>>11777330 (You)
You head to the throne room, fast as you can. The halls are full of ponies, many you recognize - either from your past (now present), or from the terrifying future.
Haunted, you stumble into the throne room, earning quizzical looks from the guards. "You're not supposed to be in here," grunts one of them. "I don't think you have an appointment."
At the far end of the hall, toward the throne, you can see Celestia. She's talking with a small group of workers who appear to be replacing a stained glass window.
"C'mon, you," says one of the guards, resting a hoof on your shoulder. "The princess will make time for public petitions later."
>I have an appointment!
>Sorry, I'll come back later
>I'm here about the stained glass window
>IF YOU DON'T LET ME TALK TO HER THE WORLD WILL END AND WE'LL ALL DIE
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:37 No.11777443
>>11777330 (You)
Get the book. Burn it upon a holy fire.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:37 No.11777444
>>11777330 (You)
Try and convince Celestia, if not, then burn the book.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:38 No.11777468
>>11777440 (You)
Come back later, look for and destroy the book
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:39 No.11777469
>>11777440 (You)
3
make it convincing
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:39 No.11777472
>>11777440 (You)
3
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:39 No.11777485
>>11777440 (You)
Come back later.
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:42 No.11777553
Replies: >>11777565 >>11777597
"I'll, uh, wait my turn," you mumble, wandering back out of the throne room.
You try to remember how this went down last time. It was the day Twilight Sparkle and the Elements of Harmony came back from the Crystal Empire, everyone was talking about it returning to Equestria and Sombra being defeated. Celestia held official meetings and proclamations all day before finally squeezing in a brief meeting with you at night, where you showed her some of your theories. It was a few weeks before she called you back to show you the book and ask you to head up her special project.
If you wait for that meeting, it might already be too late... or not? Argh, it's so hard to tell.
"Hey, watch it, buddy!" says a worker as he pushes past in the hall with the window. Others are giving you looks for standing around in the palace halls.
>Go back to your room and wait
>Find Luna
>Find Twilight
>Find the book yourself
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:43 No.11777565
>>11777553 (You)
1
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:45 No.11777597
>>11777553 (You)
4
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:49 No.11777681
Replies: >>11777694 >>11777699 >>11777707
You head back to your apartment and decide to wait for your meeting.
When you get there, you take a seat and try to decompress the impossible, unbelievable journey you'd just been through. Did you imagine the whole thing? Was it all some strange dream? Who else could even remember? What about Celestia and Discord, they were outside of time and space when you made your change to fate - were they affected?
What's more, you look around a room and see a life clearly belonging to Mortimer. His name is written on your possessions, his notes and theories are spread across your desk. Even the picture of his parents he carries feel half like strangers.
Your fears and anxieties well up, but you have no way to ease them. If only there was someone you could talk to about what happened.
There's a knock at your door. You look up.
It's only one of the palace's attendants. "Dinner will be served in the guest hall in thirty minutes," she declares, before moving on.
>Go to dinner
>Just keep waiting
>Find Luna
>Find Twilight
>Find the book yourself
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:49 No.11777694
>>11777681 (You)
2
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:50 No.11777699
>>11777681 (You)
Luna
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:50 No.11777707
>>11777681 (You)
1
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:52 No.11777775
Replies: >>11777851
Luna or find the book. Why are we waiting around? Are we not a pone of action? If we wait too long game over, I guarantee
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:55 No.11777844
Replies: >>11777872 >>11777878 >>11777903 >>11777919 >>11777933 >>11777965
Feeling anxious, you can't bring yourself to eat. Dinner comes and goes. The sun drifts downward in the sky. You're just starting to think the anticipation will drive you mad when a guard appears at your door.
"The princess will see you now," he replies, brusquely.
You follow the guard back to the throne room. Things have cleared out considerably, although you can hear parties and celebrations elsewhere in the palace - it appears the return of the Crystal Empire has inspired a great deal of merriment.
You enter the throne room, and see Celestia. She's not a swarming mass of black tendrils this time, rather the benevolent, motherly figure you remember. You also happen to spot the new window installation, which shows Spike the dragon catching the Crystal Heart.
"Ah... Mortimer, was it?" says Celestia, with a friendly smile. "Please, no need to be nervous. I'm excited to hear about your work."
>Actually, it's Sunny
>We need to talk about Twilight Sparkle
>Starswirl's spellbook must never be used
>Oh, it's actually pretty unremarkable
>I have seen the future!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:55 No.11777851
>>11777775
We are waiting for the meeting
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:56 No.11777872
>>11777844 (You)
4, big whoop
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:56 No.11777878
>>11777844 (You)
>Oh, it's actually pretty unremarkable
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:58 No.11777903
>>11777844 (You)
3
be as blunt as possible
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:59 No.11777919
>>11777844 (You)
3.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:59 No.11777933
>>11777844 (You)
Option 3.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:01 No.11777965
>>11777844 (You)
4, then go later and destroy the book.
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)18:03 No.11777994
Replies: >>11778012 >>11778022
"Uh," you say, nervous despite her assurance. "Actually, it's not that remarkable."
"Don't be so modest," says Celestia, still smiling that inviting smile. "Come, this throne room can be a touch intimidating. Join me on the balcony."
You follow, hesitantly, to a balcony overlooking Canterlot. Several chairs are arranged there, including several befitting Celestia's larger size. She seats herself. "I've been keeping up to date on the different academies of Canterlot and their work, and of everything I've seen your work in magic simulation is some of the most impressive."
"Th-thank you, your highness," you say. "But it's really not. It's, uh, more theoretical, doesn't have practical application."
"Oh, but I think it does," says Celestia. "Recent events have convinced me it's time the other pony races, the pegasi and earth ponies, should have their chance to prove themselves at magic as unicorns do. Who knows what breakthroughs your fresh perspective might give us?"
>Look, my research is bunk - falsified!
>You're trying not to say you've lost faith in Twilight Sparkle
>I know where this is going, and you can forget it
>Stop messing with Starswirl's final spell before you destroy the whole damn world!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:04 No.11778012
>>11777994 (You)
3
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:04 No.11778022
>>11777994 (You)
1, play it off
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:07 No.11778081
I think we should try to rekindle her faith in Twilight, or we need to try and tell her what happens. Being a hardcase with Celestia isn't a good idea. She's the princess, we can't brute force royalty
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:10 No.11778128
Agreed, lets remind her on how Purple Smart deserves better from her
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)18:10 No.11778131
Replies: >>11778162 >>11778196 >>11778202
"Oh no," you say, stamping your hoof. "I know where this is going, and I'll have no part of it."
Celestia's brow furrows. "Whatever do you mean?"
"You want me to simulate... something with magic because you can't get a unicorn to do it - and if you do, there'll be terrible consequences! I didn't study magic despite being an earth pony just to see my discoveries get exploited!"
"You have me all wrong, I assure you," says Celestia, sincere concern in her voice. "What I want to do with your research would help all ponykind, not exploit them. There's so much potential in your research, if you'd just tell me a little more about how it works and what you might be able to do-"
"Well, I won't!" you say, crossing your forelegs. "I'm quitting! I'm not having any more to do with magic! I'll become a farmer like my parents wanted!"
Celestia, very confused, just sort of shrugs. "I'm... very sorry to hear that. That you don't want to work on this project, I mean. If you change your mind... well, I'm sure we'll still be able to put together a team, you can always apply to join."
>Well, okay then
>Wait, join what?
>Don't do that either! Because... uh
>Look, don't do anything at all with Starswirl's book
>Oh for the love of... I AM FROM THE FUTURE
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:12 No.11778162
>>11778131 (You)
2
Lets get some info
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:13 No.11778196
>>11778131 (You)
5
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:14 No.11778202
>>11778131 (You)
2.
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)18:17 No.11778257
Replies: >>11778282 >>11778301 >>11778302 >>11778341
You pause. "What team? What can I join?"
Celestia looks slightly off-balance at your sudden change in interest. "Well... recent events have convinced me I need to assemble a team to seriously explore exactly what your research suggested - using artificial means to recreate magical effects. I was hoping you might have the expertise I need to lead the project, but if you're not interested in continuing that line of research..."
She shrugs. "Several of your colleagues, like Doctor Neighly, have expressed an interest in the project. Should you change your mind, you can contact one of them - by mail, as they will be relocating.
"The apartment's yours for the rest of the night and tomorrow. My secretary should be available if you need anything. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay."
>Wait, wait I'm interested in the project!
>Why explore this project if you've got Twilight Sparkle, element of magic?
>Whatever you do, don't use Starswirl the Bearded's spellbook
>I AM FROM THE FUTURE LISTEN TO ME!
>Okay, um, see you later
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:18 No.11778282
>>11778257 (You)
2
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:18 No.11778301
>>11778257 (You)
>>11778257 (You)
2
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:18 No.11778302
>>11778257 (You)
2
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:21 No.11778341
>>11778257 (You)
3.
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)18:22 No.11778374
Replies: >>11778402 >>11778410 >>11778433 >>11778440 >>11778455
"I don't understand," you say. "Don't you have Twilight Sparkle for this sort of thing? The Element of Magic herself?"
Celestia frowns and turns away. "I'd rather not discuss that at this time, good day, Mortimer."
Realizing you're being dismissed, you try a little harder. "Has something caused you to lose faith in her abilities, maybe? Did she fail a test? Is there some spell you were hoping the foremost magician in Equestria could help you with, and you're turning to your backup plan?"
Celestia's spine visibly stiffens. Her head turns slowly and affixes you with a detached expression.
"And who told you that?"
>It's just an obvious deduction
>I know about Starswirl the Bearded's spellbook
>I know because, brace yourself, I AM FROM THE FUTURE
>Just kidding! Never mind! See you later
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:22 No.11778377
Inb4 the future refused to change.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:24 No.11778402
>>11778374 (You)
Option 2.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:24 No.11778410
>>11778374 (You)
3
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:25 No.11778433
>>11778374 (You)
2
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:25 No.11778440
>>11778374 (You)
2
Now seems like a good point to be honeste
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:25 No.11778455
>>11778374 (You)
3. Explain all the zomie shit.
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)18:30 No.11778544
Replies: >>11778574 >>11778632
"I know about the spell, too," you say, taking what you hope is a strong posture. "Starswirl's unfinished final spell? The one that opens a gateway to the cosmic plane? It doesn't work the way you think it does, and getting your students to try and finish it has only caused trouble."
There a loud, lingering scraping noise as Celestia gets up from her chair and pushes it away. "There are only a handful of beings in the whole world who know about that book, and its contents, and none of them are younger than a thousand years old."
Her horn glows gold and the doors to the balcony shut behind you. "Which one are you, then? Is this one of Discord's tricks? No, too subtle. Chrysalis, perhaps? Hm, she knows less than she thinks."
She eyes you dangerously and you start to wish you really did have your own magic. "Wherever you heard it, that's quite a dangerous piece of information you've discovered. If the truth of Starswirl's final spell were to get out, all manner of ponies and monsters would be after it."
>Then destroy it while you can
>Trust Twilight with it, not me
>Your obsession with the power it represents will doom us all.
>THE FUTURE. I'M FROM IT
>Let me go, and I promise I won't tell anyone
>Let me lead the project, and I promise I won't tell anyone
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:31 No.11778574
Replies: >>11778602
>>11778544 (You)
4.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:33 No.11778602
Replies: >>11778647
File: 1372631586937.png-(164 KB, 1000x1000, Pinkie Piep.png)
164 KB
>>11778574
I... it might actually be the right time.
>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)18:34 No.11778632
>>11778544 (You)
Goin' with number 4.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:35 No.11778647
>>11778602
We can only hope.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:35 No.11778648
4
its the best choice tell her about the zambamboes
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:40 No.11778728
Replies: >>11778772
File: 1372632030687.png-(462 KB, 615x408, 1342488974512.png)
462 KB
Inb4 Sunny becomes Doom Paul.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:43 No.11778772
Replies: >>11778809
File: 1372632194621.png-(73 KB, 788x724, StroppyCelly.png)
73 KB
>>11778728
He's, uh. Either going to succeed or have Celestia do something awful to him at this point, I think.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:45 No.11778809
File: 1372632311735.jpg-(140 KB, 500x500, sawn off paul.jpg)
140 KB
>>11778772
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)18:48 No.11778888
Replies: >>11778914
"I'M FROM THE FUTURE!" You blurt out, before covering your mouth. That didn't go quite as you intended.
Celestia arches an eyebrow. "What?"
"The spell leads to the cosmic plane beyond the material world. I know because I went there, and because Sombra told me about when he was your student and betrayed you. I know you built a lab in the Everfree and you're thinking of letting Mattock form the ESF.
"And I know the project goes horribly, horribly wrong. My artificial Elements let corruption into the world. You were pulled in. The dead rose, Equestria burned, countless died. It took the real Elements of Harmon and I going through hell just to use the strands of fate to send me back so I could stop the nightmare before it began."
Celestia fixes you impassively. "And that's why you acted so strangely before? Trying to convince me not to launch the project?"
"Yes," you say at last. "Don't do it. I've seen where it leads."
There's a long pause as Celestia weighs up your story. "Interesting... and not impossible, I suppose. It would explain what you know. But if that's true, Mortimer, don't you see? That makes you the perfect head for the project!"
"What?"
She rests a motherly hoof on your shoulder. "You know what went wrong last time, you've seen the pitfalls. This time we can get things right, discover that new world for all ponykind together. I've waited for a thousand years for someone to come along and finish this spell, which might put an end to pain, poverty, fear... all the evils of the world. If it takes a few cycles to succeed, that's a price we have to be willing to pay. This is your chance to set things RIGHT."
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:50 No.11778914
>>11778888 (You)
Nice quads
continue
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)18:51 No.11778925
Replies: >>11778955 >>11778960 >>11778966 >>11779006 >>11779016 >>11779021 >>11779034 >>11779062 >>11779080 >>11779102 >>11779120 >>11779133 >>11779140
The voice echoes through you, and back into your past - your future. Isn't that what you always wanted? You know the mistakes of the past, you can complete a work that will make the world a better place for everyone. Even if you destroyed the book, someone would finish the spell sooner or later. It's your responsibility to see this through, see it done right and for the benefit of all before someone like Sombra gets ahold of it.
But... no, that's not what you came here to do. That isn't who you are anymore. You saw what unchecked power in your hooves and in Celestia's accomplished. There's only one group of ponies you know of who resisted the corrupting temptation of power and used Starswirl's last spell without falling prey to it - the real Elements of Harmony.
THE FINAL VOTE
This is it! Ten minutes to discuss, ten to vote.
>Yes... I'll get it right this time. We'll discover that new world together.
or
>No. Only Twilight and her friends can handle this power, not me.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:53 No.11778955
>>11778925 (You)
2
Let it be done. We had our chance, we fucked it up.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:53 No.11778960
>>11778925 (You)
twilight and friends. anybody else?
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:53 No.11778966
File: 1372632824797.jpg-(40 KB, 600x400, 2013.jpg)
40 KB
>>11778925 (You)
No.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:54 No.11778982
voting yes for MAXIMUM HuBRIS
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:55 No.11779006
File: 1372632955402.png-(Spoiler Image, 170 KB, 1194x669)
Spoiler Image, 170 KB
>>11778925 (You)
We can't fall prey to temptation.
We have to stay strong.
And hope that Pinkie can break the fourth wall for us.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:56 No.11779016
File: 1372632982568.jpg-(32 KB, 241x358, 1349240314548.jpg)
32 KB
>>11778925 (You)
Nope, get Twilight to do it.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:56 No.11779021
>>11778925 (You)
No.I have faith in my friends.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:57 No.11779034
>>11778925 (You)
Number 1 mayhaps the best end
Then get sun poon
Captcha: seduced lleycel
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:59 No.11779062
>>11778925 (You)
Voting yes.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:00 No.11779080
>>11778925 (You)
Yes.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:01 No.11779102
>>11778925 (You)
Nombre 1
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:02 No.11779120
>>11778925 (You)
No.
>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)19:03 No.11779133
>>11778925 (You)
Yes.
What could go wrong?
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:03 No.11779140
>>11778925 (You)
Refuse.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:04 No.11779155
I smell samefagging
Guys, we don't know what went wrong. All we know is that it did. If we don't know what went wrong, we can't fix it.
VOTING NO FOR BEST END
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:04 No.11779160
samefag detected
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:08 No.11779217
No you samefag fucker
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:08 No.11779229
i vote no let twilight handle it and we have a samefag in our presence
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)19:09 No.11779240
Replies: >>11779258 >>11779269 >>11779276 >>11779308 >>11779360
(whoops, messed up posting time a bit)
You stamp a hoof and shake your head. "No, princess. It can't be me."
"Who better?" she asks, confused.
"Twilight Sparkle."
Celestia hesitates, looking back out over her city. "There was a time I might have agreed, but... she faltered in the Crystal Empire, quite terribly. I convinced her, more or less, that the point of the test was to see if she could value the greater good of saving the Crystal Empire over her obsession with pleasing me, but that was only a convenient rationalization. I had hoped she'd proven more magically powerful than Sombra, and thus more likely than him to succeed at the spell."
"In my time, without your guidance and after suffering incredible loss, she STILL managed to finish Starswirl's spell and send me back in time to undo my mistake. She and the Elements of Harmony lost loved ones, friends, family, the support of you and the other princesses, and despite it all they came together as true friends to save the world."
Celestia is silent, and you see a flicker of sadness. "Friendship... I once believed in it, more than I do now. Now I just say the words, knowing there's power in them. Twilight's friends were... useful to me, when I needed her to bear the Elements, but how much did I give to what they meant to her? Not enough."
She sighs. "I don't know if I had been in her position, if I would have had the strength to do what she did. Perhaps you are right, then. Perhaps she has the wisdom to use this power, the wisdom I no longer possess. Very well, Mortimer. When she is ready, I will send her Starswirl's spellbook."
"Sunny," you say, with a weak smile. "My name's Sunny."
She looks down toward you, somewhat surprised. "Ah, so it is."
Puzzled, you look back. Where your mark - the skull - once sat, there was now a rising sun just cresting the horizon.
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:10 No.11779258
>>11779240
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)19:10 No.11779269
>>11779240
Continue.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:10 No.11779276
>>11779240
pls
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:11 No.11779286
Replies: >>11779317 >>11779320 >>11779380 >>11779382 >>11779403
We just caused Twilicorn and Equestria Girls.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:12 No.11779308
File: 1372633978088.png-(44 KB, 800x600, 800px-Dawn_of_a_New_Day.png)
44 KB
>>11779240
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:13 No.11779317
>>11779286
We are the embodiment of our own demise. Wardens of our own personal Hell.
>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)19:13 No.11779320
File: 1372634004469.jpg-(267 KB, 1400x1080, 1 (2).jpg)
267 KB
>>11779286
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:15 No.11779360
>>11779240
Inb4 Twilight fucks up and the dead end up raising anyway.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:16 No.11779380
>>11779286
It's better to suffer ourselves than make the objects of our affections live through the end of their world.
We can be the heroes Equestria deserves... but we'll never be the ones it needs.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:16 No.11779382
>>11779286
God have mercy. It was us. Us, all along.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:17 No.11779403
>>11779286
You Maniacs! You blew it up! Ah, damn you! God damn you all to hell!
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)19:20 No.11779439
Replies: >>11779466 >>11779472 >>11779485
Celestia released you to return to your room. There you slept as you hadn't in as far back as you could remember, the anxieties and fears melting away.
Deep in your sleep, though, you find a pair of yellow eyes blinking at you. "Very well done," a familiar voice whispers, before realizing into Discord. "Talking the old girl down like that was inspired. Yes, very well done indeed."
"Hold on," you say. "Aren't you still a statue at this point? How are you here now?"
"Oh pshaw," says Discord, waving a claw dismissively. "Far be it from an agent of Chaos to bend the rules somewhat, am I right? Don't worry, I'll let the time stream play out on its own - don't want to accidentally set us back on the road to deadmagedddon, do I? I'll even try to look just as surprised when dear, sweet Fluttershy reforms my ill-intent. I just thought you might like to compare notes with one of the few beings in the universe who remembers what happened."
Discord flies around you, giving you a studious once-over. "I like the four-legged look, much healthier. And I see you've swapped the skull for a sunrise, classy. It really seems you've come out on top in all this - the world saved, disaster averted, and you even got your own life back into the mix. You must be feeling proud."
You are. Immensely proud. Although, there is one thing...
Discord smiles. "Oh, but you wish you could have your cake and eat it, too, don't you? If only there was some way to get that lovely farmgirl beau of yours without also dooming the world to the undead plague! Alas!"
"I was worth it," you say, head held high. "Besides... I mean, she's still at Sweet Apple Acres, right?"
"Which hasn't been overrun with corpses this time, yes," says Discord. "But tell me, did you find convincing Celestia a little... easy? Almost like she believed your story about being from the future a wee bit too readily? Doesn't that make you wonder at all?"
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:21 No.11779466
>>11779439 (You)
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:21 No.11779472
>>11779439 (You)
inb4 Discord turns us gray or some shit
Continue
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:21 No.11779480
>tfw sunny will never meet applejack and have kids with her
>tfw he knows this
feelsbadman.jpg
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:22 No.11779485
>>11779439 (You)
CONTINUE
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)19:25 No.11779530
Replies: >>11779570 >>11779578 >>11779581
You'd been so relieved you'd hardly noticed. "Maybe. What are you getting at?"
"As the senior reality warper present, it's my duty to inform you that the affects of your fiddling with the strands of fate were... somewhat incomplete. Celestia actually remembers more than she lets on, although she's far, far too rigid to ever admit it, even to herself. As for others, well, bits and pieces remain - half formed memories, ghosts of the past and future, all things I'm sure you're more than familiar with, Sunny."
Discord's face splits into a grin. "And oh, I admit it, I may have tweaked a few small details myself on my way back out of the cosmic plane. Nothing huge, just a few things here or there.
"Anyway, I had best be going. You've put the future on a brighter course, which means I don't get bottled up in an underground lab to keep the lights running. Oh, and if I were you? I wouldn't go around mentioning any of this to anyone! People might think you're a bit strange. Toodles!"
And with that, Discord appears, leaving you to your sleep.
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:27 No.11779570
>>11779530 (You)
Inb4 Discord made it so Applejack remembers Sunny.
CONTINUE
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:27 No.11779578
>>11779530 (You)
keep going
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:27 No.11779581
>>11779530 (You)
we bioshock infinite now?
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)19:28 No.11779587
Replies: >>11779616 >>11779636 >>11779656
The next few days pass in a blur, picking up the pieces of an old life you barely remember. You take a leave of absence from your work, settle your affairs in Canterlot and take the first train you can out of town. Where else? Ponyville.
You don't know what to expect when you arrive, but what you didn't expect was Pinkie Pie waiting for you. "Sunny!" she shouts immediately. "I knew you'd get here eventually! Uh, I mean." She immediately adopts a confused, standoffish expression. "Hello there, mysterious stranger I've never met before! Welcome to Ponyville."
>Pinkie... you remember who I am?
>Good to see you (again!)
>Could you give this "Mysterious stranger" directions to Sweet Apple Acres?
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:29 No.11779616
Replies: >>11779636 >>11779753
>>11779587 (You)
>Could you give this "Mysterious stranger" directions to Sweet Apple Acres?
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:29 No.11779618
Replies: >>11779636
1
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:30 No.11779636
File: 1372635050566.gif-(2.98 MB, 400x224, Thread Derailed.gif)
2.98 MB
>>11779587 (You)
>Good to see you (again!)
>>11779616
>>11779618
NO! YOU FOOLS!
>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)19:31 No.11779656
>>11779587 (You)
>Good to see you (again!)
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:36 No.11779753
File: 1372635379259.jpg-(65 KB, 1015x788, loop__sad_pinkie_by_matty(...).jpg)
65 KB
>>11779616
You fucked up
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)19:36 No.11779758
Replies: >>11779770 >>11779772
You give Pinkie a smile and a wink. "Well, as a newcomer to this fine town, I was looking for an apple. Any chance you know where I could find one?"
Pinke returns an exaggerated wink. "Why, Sweet Apple Acres, of course! Here, I'll show you the way."
The two of you walk into the street, where Pinkie ambles over to a cloud and begins stomping. The sleeping pegasus atop it looks down, confused. "Pinkie, what's the big deal?" She looks up and notices you. "And who's your... friend?"
"Don't know!" says Pinkie, beaming. "We're going to Sweet Apple Acres, wanna come with?"
Dash hesitates, confused for a moment. "Sure thing."
The three of you don't get far before bumping into Rarity and Fluttershy leaving the spa. Fluttershy almost walks right into you. "Oh, sorry Sunny-" she starts, before pausing and squinting at you. "Um... sorry, do I know you?"
"Yes," says Rarity, admiring. "You look quite familiar... and I do believe I'd remember such a handsome stallion caller."
"We're going to see the Apples with our new friend!" exclaims Pinkie. "Come join the party!"
The two seem about to decline, before reconsidering and joining in.
Just a little further down the street you see Twilight and Spike. "Hey there, everyone," says Twilight as her friends approach. "What's going on-"
"Stranger!" says Pinkie, loudly. "Sweet Apple Acres! Applejack!"
Twilight raises an eyebrow. "Applejack?"
"Spoiler alert..." Pinkie whispers. "C'mon!"
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)19:37 No.11779770
>>11779758 (You)
CONTINUE
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:38 No.11779772
>>11779758 (You)
go on
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)19:44 No.11779884
Replies: >>11779913 >>11779933
A whole parade follows you down the road out of town. Cheerilee and her students, Berry Punch, Filthy Rich, Noteworth... the CMC dance circles around you, Caramel apologizes without knowing why, and Time Turner falls into line with a nod and a wink.
By the time you reach Sweet Apple Acres half the town is following in your wake. You get to the fence and find Granny Smith minding it.
She eyes you up and down, ignoring the mob on your tail. "Stranger," she says, spitting. "Can ah help ya?"
>Are you sure we haven't met?
>Is Applejack home?
>My name's Sunny
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:45 No.11779913
>>11779884
3
>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)19:46 No.11779933
>>11779884
3.
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)19:51 No.11780038
Replies: >>11780098 >>11780102
"Hello, Granny Smith," you say, smiling. "My name's Sunny."
Granny Smith's eyes narrow. "Is it, now? Funny, name sounds familiar. And what brings y'out here, Sunny?"
Pinkie interrupts "He's here for Applejack!"
Granny tightens her grip on the fence. Twilight clears her throat and clarifies "I think she means he's here to SEE Applejack."
"Well, she ain't feelin' up t'seein' visitors today," snorts Granny Smith. "Certainly not this great big mob'a folks ya got here."
"Awwww," says Applebloom, by your feet. "C'mon Granny, let Sunny see Applejack? Please?"
Granny looks at Applebloom, confused. "Now how'd'ya know this here fella anyway, Applebloom? Get outtat there!"
"Trouble, Granny?" says a deep voice that makes you shiver. You look up to the house where Big Macintosh has stepped outside.
"No, no trouble," says Granny Smith. "Just a big ole' mob lookin' fer Applejack. 'parently Sunny wants t'see her. Is she in?"
"Eeyup."
"Weeell, ya better go get her then, only way t'get this lot t'clear off."
Big Macintosh steps back inside. You shift uncomfortably on your hooves. "Reckon she might'a mentioned somethin' 'bout a Sunny," Granny mutters. "Can't quite remember."
>[CONTINUE]
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:55 No.11780098
>>11780038 (You)
Continue
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:55 No.11780102
>>11780038 (You)
go on
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)20:00 No.11780212
Replies: >>11780297 >>11780308 >>11780342 >>11780719
When Big Macintosh returns, it's with his sister in tow. She scans the crowd, surprised. "Now what in tarnation is-"
When she sees you, though, her eyes light up. "Sunny!"
She charges down the hill toward you, bowling over her own Granny and crashing into you and her friends. You stagger and fall backward, landing in the dirt with the laughing pony on top of you. "Ah knew ya wouldn't ferget."
You're puzzled. "You mean you remember me?"
"'Course ah do," she says, smiling and giving you a kiss on the nose. "Y'all said we'd see each other again some day. Ya keep yer promises, Sunny."
You lean into another kiss, and the crowd - still a bit confused - cheer nonetheless. Granny's shouting something irritable. Mac watches impassively, Applebloom giggles, Pinkie laughs, Twilight looks on, puzzled, Rarity cries big, dramatic tears, Rainbow Dash grins, Fluttershy blushes. Ponyville is alive and vibrant. The world is safe.
You did it. You set things right.
And a teeny, little Discord voice in your ear whispers. "Just a heads up on one more little detail I thought to keep. You may want to start reading up on baby names. I think that's a fair reward for saving the world after accidentally destroying it, don't you?"
Cut to black. Credits roll. House lights turn up again.
You won.
[THANK YOU FOR PLAYING THE TROTTING DEAD!]
(Epilogue and final score to follow)
>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)20:04 No.11780297
File: 1372637089703.png-(12 KB, 452x422, 1296575982944.png)
12 KB
>>11780212 (You)
YES!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:05 No.11780308
Replies: >>11780329 >>11780342
>>11780212 (You)
So that epilogue is gonna be us breaking up with Applejack and goin steady with Pinkie right? Right?!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:06 No.11780329
>>11780308
Fuck that. Applepone 4 life.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:07 No.11780342
>>11780212 (You)
OP you beautiful faggot...
>>11780308
No
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:09 No.11780386
Replies: >>11781036
OP you really need to write all the branches and release this as a "choose your own adventure" fic.
>>
Epilogue: part one OP 06/30/13(Sun)20:09 No.11780395
Replies: >>11780564
-Sunny went on to join the Apple family. While never entirely accepted by Applejack's brother, the others embraced him and his son with Applejack, "Stranger"
-Applejack herself remembered most of what had happened but chose to keep it mostly to herself, happy to build a better life in the present
-Twilight Sparkle eventually finished Starswirl's final spell and ascended to godhood, a power she very wisely refrained from using. She cherished Spike all the more for reasons she only dimly understood, and became a wiser princess for experiences she could not recall.
-Fluttershy became noticeably more hardened to grisly sights and frightening thoughts, but didn't lose her heart. Her newfound courage helped help those even in terrible danger.
-Rainbow Dash felt a debt to her friends she could never entirely repay, and a newfound respect for those who couldn't fly. At times, she even began opting to walk - but not too often.
-Rarity committed to spending a lot more time with her parents and sister, and keeping fewer secrets. This newfound respect for her sister's autonomy helped their relationship flourish.
-Pinkie was unbearable for the next season, constantly play-acting her surprise at every plot twist she remembered. Totally oversold it in Too Many Pinkies. Frequently jealous at having lost out on the love interest, she made up for it by winning the Equestria lottery and blowing it all in a week.
>>
Epilogue: part two OP 06/30/13(Sun)20:16 No.11780527
Replies: >>11780593 >>11780694
-Big Macintosh would remain an outsider with a troubled conscience. Many members of Ponyville felt cold to him for reasons they couldn't explain. He threw himself into looking after his family and the farm, although he never shook that uncomfortable feeling.
-Granny Smith would come to accept Sunny, saying he could be trusted to keep his word. She used her remaining years to pass on the rest of her wisdom - and regular marksmanship lessons.
-Applebloom grew all the closer to her friends, and none were surprised when the three of them found their cutie marks - their crusader emblem, which only tied the three friends closer together. She also enjoyed helping to raise her nephew, looking out for him as a fellow member of her familly.
-Spike found all the sudden changes rather confusing, and spent most of his time sleeping through them, to no ill effect. Although he had an unexplained new fear of statues.
-Sweetie Belle grew closer to Rarity as they grew older, leaving their petty secrets and disagreements behind. She sought to be braver and stronger, like her sister, and lead a more adventurous life.
-Scootaloo grew exceptionally close to Rainbow Dash, who seemed to constantly fear for her safety. Although this unexpected mothering from her idol annoyed her at times, she was willing to put with it to see more of the great Rainbow Dash
-Trixie is still very, very sorry, although she can't remember why
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:18 No.11780564
File: 1372637928592.jpg-(9 KB, 172x160, images (7).jpg)
9 KB
>>11780395 (You)
oh god i missed all of this amd i came just at the end
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:19 No.11780593
File: 1372637993807.jpg-(47 KB, 353x750, tumblr_m2a8vgpa3C1r4f9m5.jpg)
47 KB
>>11780527 (You)
>Trixie is still very, very sorry, although she can't remember why
>>
Epilogue: part three OP 06/30/13(Sun)20:22 No.11780647
-Over time, Celestia would fade into the background of Equestrian politics, recognizing her ambitions and grip on power had been too tight. The younger princesses would have their time in the sun, as the wisdom of the old would recognize the wisdom of the new.
-Luna would strive tirelessly to seek out and prevent disasters before they could happen. Blaming some manner of complacency in her past, she resolved never to let things go uninvestigated or make dangerous assumptions. Her tireless efforts helped protect the people of Canterlot and all Equestria.
-Cadance and Shining Armor's relationship would hit a rough patch when Cadance becomes too attached, afraid whenever he's out of her sight. With Twilight's help, however, they would work through this period of their lives and restore a healthy relationship.
-Chrysalis would retain designs on the Crystal Empire and revenge, though they would never come to fruition
-Discord played along with the rest of the season, hitting all the same cues. He's quite happy where he is, thank you - not in a glass bubble in Celestia's science project. Though in continued gratitude for Sunny's help, he occasionally checked up on how his old friend was doing.
-Sombra remains in the darkness beyond time and space, cursing the name of Sunny for eternity
Score to follow!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:24 No.11780694
Replies: >>11780998
>>11780527 (You)
OP will you be doing this again and how do you think we did
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:25 No.11780713
Replies: >>11780911 >>11780950
-Vern got married out of high school, and had 4 kids. And is now the forklift operator at the Arsenal Lumberyard.
-Teddy tried several times to get into the army, but his eyes and ear kept him out. Last I heard, he spent some time in jail, and is now doing odd jobs around Castle Rock.
-Chris did get out. He enrolled in the college courses with me. Although it was hard, he gutted it out like he always did. He went on to college and eventually became a lawyer. Last week he entered a fast food restaurant. The two men in front of him started arguing. One pulled a knife. Chris tried to break it up. He was stabbed in the throat and died almost instantly.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:25 No.11780719
File: 1372638320071.gif-(Spoiler Image, 984 KB, 876x1100)
Spoiler Image, 984 KB
>>11780212 (You)
Beautiful. A happy end, after everything.
I've been here since the first thread. From sleeping in the Apples' barn to the rescue of Fluttershy. The escape from Ponyville, the confrontation with Big Mac. The chaos of Canterlot, and the carnage of the Crystal Empire.
It's been a hell of a ride, and in the end i'm glad we managed to keep the elements together through to the end. Without that, I have a sneaking suspicion our ending would have been a lot more bitter and a lot less sweet, if anyone even survived at all.
I do hope to see more from you in the future, whether expanding on the same theme or taking up another, but even if this is the last, i'm happy with where we ended up.
So no matter what, I'd just sincerely like to thank you for telling us this story, and letting us take part in it.
And maybe next time we'll pick Pinkie.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:28 No.11780802
Replies: >>11780873 >>11780950
This is appropriate.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=sNb8o9_t-BU
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:32 No.11780873
Replies: >>11780950
>>11780802
Myself, i've got this playing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qabiEXQEEhw
But then I was rooting for Pinkie for the last five or six threads.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:33 No.11780911
>>11780713
You never had friends later on like the ones when you were 12
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)20:35 No.11780942
Replies: >>11780978 >>11781025 >>11781031
Adventure Completed!
[Apples to Apples] unlocked (Applejack's Route)
[Time for a Change] unlocked (get "change the past" ending)
[Be Kind, Rewind] unlocked (Bad End averted)
[You're Gonna Carry That Weight] unlocked (save Pinkie Pie by episode 3)
[Full House] unlocked (finish the game with all the Elements alive)
[Let The Sunshine In] unlocked (finish the game as Sunny)
[Don The Sombrero] unlocked (let Sombra possess you)
[Pony Rides the Pony] unlocked (get down, get funky)
[Crystal Upset] unlocked (destroyed the Crystal Empire - whoops!)
[Clean Getaway] unlocked (escape Canterlot with Luna's help)
Trotting Dead killed: All of them
Ponies killed: Almost all of them (they got better)
1 sacred urns toppled
1 mystic ruins desecrated
1 hallowed tombs defiled
Final # of threads: 9
Final # of posts: oh jesus
Final # of words: please stop
Final Score: All of it, just let me go
Final Rating: A+
Thanks for playing, guys, you were the best!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:35 No.11780950
>>11780713
is this Needful Things?
>>11780802
>>11780873
>not http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K51MK9IvDo8
Thanks to OP I've found this song and have come to really like it. Might have to get this game one of these days
Also >>11780873, she's alive at least.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:37 No.11780978
>>11780942 (You)
T-there will be more right? Make it like the Last of Us or something, c'mon anon you can't just stop now!
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)20:38 No.11780998
>>11780694
You did almost perfectly. Okay, there were problems along the way, a few unnecessary casualties, and I even softened up some of the choices from time to time (I'd originally planned for there to be no "save them both but get bit" option with Rarity and Sweetie Belle). You avoided the worst of it on your own, though, and man there were a lot of ways you could've gotten everyone killed.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:39 No.11781025
>>11780942 (You)
Regardless of what you do now, this was a great adventure. Thanks for being awesome, OP!
>Keep that hair short.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:40 No.11781031
>>11780942 (You)
S-so it's over? No biweekly checks to see when your threads are? No late nights worrying about fictional horses?
Thanks OP. You're a bro among bros, these threads have been a lot of fun and I'll miss them. Best of luck to you
I suppose there's only one thing left to do then. Who's your favorite pony?
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)20:40 No.11781036
>>11780386
It would take just short of forever to do a full branching tree for everything, especially from episode one on (You know Applejack and Fluttershy could've both died before reaching Ponyville?). I wrote each episode building off what the last episode had made possible.
That's the advantage of doing this stuff live, is that I can be adaptable. In theory though, I guess one day it might be a fun project to organize at least the decision trees and post those.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:40 No.11781037
File: 1372639220705.gif-(391 KB, 508x498, Tapdancingpinks.gif)
391 KB
>>11780950
>not http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K51MK9IvDo8
It's not like the walking dead, man.
We don't need to go back. We went back.
We -Won-.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:41 No.11781059
Replies: >>11781146
File: 1372639307413.jpg-(9 KB, 125x125, 1367915142965s.jpg)
9 KB
>>11781036
will you do more of these OP
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)20:46 No.11781129
Replies: >>11781161
>>11781031
Honestly? I suppose I rather like Twilight, since I like all the magical, mystical stuff with ancient spells and gods and things (can you tell?). All six of them were great, though, and you might have very easily made choices early on that moved any one of them into the primary love interest spot
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)20:47 No.11781146
Replies: >>11781204 >>11781221
>>11781059
No time soon. I've got way too much to catch up on as it is. But maybe someday, if another idea strikes my fancy!
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:48 No.11781161
>>11781129
Really? I mean, we naturally gravitated towards Applejack, ao I thought that was your doing.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:50 No.11781204
File: 1372639807081.jpg-(10 KB, 125x125, 1366227452444s.jpg)
10 KB
>>11781146
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:51 No.11781221
Replies: >>11781293 >>11782441
>>11781146
OP, just in case you never have the time and someone else tries to finish the job... I thought... maybe you could tell us what might have happened if we didn't keep all the six alive... or if Twilight used Dark Magic... or if Discord was kept trapped?
I think most other holes would be fairly easy to fill, but those... may vary wildly from your original vision if someone else were to attempt it.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:51 No.11781225
>>11780950
No, it's Stand by Me.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:54 No.11781293
>>11781221
I woulda liked to see what would happen with Twi if Sombra inhabited her head instead of ours
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)21:49 No.11782441
Replies: >>11782505
>>11781221
Well, a few general points then.
If Discord was kept in the generator the facility would be powered, changing some of the challenges (trams would've worked first time, but security doors on the way to the test chamber would be shut). It would also have enabled one of the three ways to reopen the gate to the cosmic plane (reactivating your artificial elements).
Sombra in Twilight would've lead to Twilight becoming more unpredictable and dangerous, and a lot of the events that happened with Sombra would've happened with Twilight except with you on the outside. Increasing Twilight's resistance to control would involve keeping her grounded to her friends and not letting her get too "the ends justify the means" (like the choice to let the people outside the bunker die to force the other Elements to work to changing the past).
Twilight using Dark Magic would be one of the ways to open the gate to the cosmic plane, although with consequences (corrupting the time stream further would make Celestia attack you straight up and force you to pass double challenges just to move back up the time stream), and if Sombra had possessed her too and wins control he'd use her to come in after you, so you'd have to do the Sombra battle again.
Keeping all six alive is challenging (although with plenty of clues and hints along the way) but lets you use the actual elements of harmony to open the gate at the end. It's also key to keeping the group from falling apart since once you start losing elements the others turn on each other a whole lot worse.
A scene that could've been a lot worse was the early one this session where the group decided to try and shut down the gate. Applejack only went for it as easily as she did because all of the elements were alive and she trusts and loves Sunny - otherwise she'd refuse to leave her family and friends so long as she lives. There's a whole ending branch about choosing to stay in the vault instead.
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)21:53 No.11782505
Replies: >>11782603
>>11782441 (You)
>There's a whole ending branch about choosing to stay in the vault instead.
Just a few more details about this. If you try to choose this and Twilight's too "ends justify the means" or Sombra possessed, she'll turn on you - you can't live happily ever after in the vault that way.
Oh, and Sunny couldn't live in the vault at all, since you got him bit rather than sacrifice Sweetie Belle or Rarity. If you'd sacrificed Sweetie Belle Rarity would be devastated and unlikely to recover in time to use her element, and Applebloom would learn the lesson of becoming a morose survivalist. Sacrifice Rarity and you can't get the full elements ending but you do keep Applebloom from becoming a cynic.
There were quite a lot of branches that never got explored, it's pretty fun to imagine the alternatives.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)21:58 No.11782603
>>11782505 (You)
OP, I've been here since the first thread, just wanna say, I enjoyed the story, thank you.
If you ever filled out all the branches, you'd be doing God's work son.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)22:02 No.11782710
I have been following this since the first thread and you have delivered brilliantly. I think you have inspired me to do one like this. I think im going to re read this again for the fun of it
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)22:03 No.11782716
Replies: >>11782876 >>11782884
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-YCN-a0NsNk
was playing this at that last part great job op, is there a chance that we could see the pinkie love intrest ending?
>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)22:09 No.11782876
Replies: >>11782948 >>11782963
>>11782716
Alas, I did not write a Pinkie Pie love scene, since she wasn't anywhere near the love interest by the time that part of the story rolled around. Although the path to get her would've involved not flirting with Applejack (or any of the others) in episode 2, then in episode 3 there'd be a "why did you save me?" conversation with Pinkie after she's finally saved where you could flirt with her and start the Pinkie Path.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)22:09 No.11782884
>>11782716
>is there a chance that we could see the pinkie love intrest ending?
Bah! Without all the context leading up to it, the ending wouldn't be nearly as fulfilling.
We should wait until the "Next Playthrough".
A man can dream.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)22:13 No.11782948
File: 1372644804927.jpg-(52 KB, 500x409, image.jpg)
52 KB
>>11782876 (You)
awww thanks anyway OP i hope you write more great stories soon
maybe we can get pinkie next time
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)22:13 No.11782963
File: 1372644827872.jpg-(8 KB, 105x125, 1365886181652s.jpg)
8 KB
>>11782876 (You)
OP i love your stories you beautiful bastard

create a new version of this paste RAW Paste Data

File: 1372608165010.png-(88 KB, 280x280, The Trotting dead.png)
88 KB
W The Trotting Dead episode 5: Finale! Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)12:02 No.11771999
Replies: >>11772673 >>11777221

    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 3)
    Thread 5: http://pastebin.com/KgX0bGTZ (start of episode 4)
    Thread 6: http://pastebin.com/z2PhtAGn (Middle of episode 4)
    Thread 7: http://pastebin.com/naMpZVNB (end of episode 4)
    Thread 8: http://pastebin.com/SXU89j8c (First half of episode 5)
    Opener: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5699W4WnlUo
    Thread playlist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLsvyiLmAz0&list=PLrgRyHeHYtlfr3TKFP1qLKbvGXC3-i4hd

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)12:03 No.11772004
Replies: >>11772022

    You struggle to remain upright as you walk, but not alone. Leaning heavily on Applejack, the two of you make your way through the lit halls of the survival vault toward the meeting chamber. Many of the other survivors are still exploring the vault, but you and the Elements of Harmony have unfinished business.

    By the time you arrive, the other five have already taken their place around the large, oak conference table. Twilight, at the far end, has been pillaging the vault's library and private files, and sits surrounded by books.

    Applejack eases you into a seat on the far end of the table, before sitting down herself. “Glad to see you two could make it,” Rarity says. You note an awkward discomfort in the air – your advanced state of infection hasn't gone unnoticed.

    “We don't have much time,” says Twilight, trying not to look at you. “The vault might be safe for our friends and family, but until we do something about that gate the whole world's still in danger. We have to shut it down.” She pauses, looking around the table. “Any ideas?”

    >Isn't Discord taking care of that?
    >We need the notes from my room
    >You can wait out the end of the world here
    >The Elements of Harmony will be enough

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)12:04 No.11772022

    >>11772004
    1?

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)12:11 No.11772067

    >Fuck you purple smart

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)12:11 No.11772073
Replies: >>11772117

    “I thought that's what we released Discord to do?”

    “Was it?” says Fluttershy, furrowing her brow. “I'm sorry, I thought it was because they were hurting him.”

    “Okay, that too,” says Rainbow Dash. “But yeah, I thought letting Discord out meant we were off the hook?”

    “So, what,” says Twilight, frowning. “We just hole up down here forever and hope Discord puts a stop to whatever Celestia's done on the other side of the gate? We're the Elements of Harmony – it's our responsibility.”

    “Our responsibility's lookin' after our friends'n family,” Applejack insists. “That means stayin' put, not riskin' our necks when they don't need-”

    You feel a hacking cough come up. The conversation pauses as the others lean somewhat uncomfortably away from you. A long pause follows.

    At length, Rarity asks “Sunny... are you okay?”

    >I'm dying
    >I'll last as long as you need me
    >I'll be fine
    >That's not important

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)12:15 No.11772117

    >>11772073 (You)
    2.

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)12:22 No.11772177
Replies: >>11772354

    “I might not have long left,” you concede, pulling yourself back up. “But I'm not going anywhere until you're squared away. I started this whole nightmare – I'm going to see it through to the end.”

    You feel Applejack rest her hoof on yours, but you try to remain focused. “So what's the plan?”

    Twilight rasps in frustration. “I don't know... there's too many unknowns. That gate's still open somewhere in your lab, Celestia's on the other side doing who knows what that's causing the dead to rise, Discord MIGHT be doing something about it... and if you're on borrowed time, this might be our only chance to shut the gate down ourselves. We'll need your help.”

    >We should try to close the gate now, then
    >You'll all be safe here if you stay
    >I'll be gone soon, you have to decide

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)12:36 No.11772354

    >>11772177 (You)
    1.

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)12:45 No.11772490
Replies: >>11772510

    You nod. “I was there at the beginning. If there's anything I can do to put this right before I die, I'll do it.”

    Applejack gives you a mournful look. “Well... maybe if we close this gate thing, you'll get better? We don't know how it works fer sure, right? Maybe...”

    “It's...” begins Twilight, weighing her words carefully. “A hope. But just trying to do this is dangerous. None of us might come back.”

    Rarity shudders. “Don't say that. I've only just begun to believe maybe my dear little sister will finally be safe, to have to leave her behind... it's too much to bear.”

    “Well, I think it'll all work out!” says Pinkie. “We've got this far, right? After all those crazy adventures and scary monsters, and we're still okay! We're probably invincible!”

    Rainbow Dash raises an eyebrow and waves her one wing. “Right, invincible.”

    “If we're doin' this...” says AJ, looking back over to you. “How do we do it?”

    >We get the notes from my old room
    >We head straight there and use the Elements of Harmony

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)12:47 No.11772510

    >>11772490 (You)

    >1

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)12:54 No.11772630
Replies: >>11772667

    "There are notes and books in my old room. We'll need them to help us close the gate."

    "Anything specific you remember?" asks Twilight. "It's a long way out of our way to go, which can be dangerous."

    You frown and shake your head. "I'm sorry, I can't remember exactly what it was. There were spellbooks though, I think... important ones."

    Pinkie shrugs. "What's one more stop? Should we run by the kitchen too and see if there's any snacks left over?"

    Rarity rolls her eyes. "In all seriousness though, Twilight, you've demonstrated considerable magical prowess recently. What's the danger in fetching a few more books?"

    "There's always a danger, Rarity. Something unexpected could happen, or we could get separated. It only takes one bite..."

    Rainbow Dash grimaces. "Don't remind me."

    Applejack gets to her hooves. "Well, if we're decided, we better get to it. Ah can't say I like the idea of goin' back out there, but..." she looks back to you. "Well, if it's yer only chance... ah'm in."

    "Me too!" shouts Pinkie, who springs into the air.

    "Naturally," says Twilight.

    "If we must," Rarity sighs, rising.

    "Like you guys could make it without me" adds Rainbow Dash.

    The others turn to Fluttershy, who appears to be sinking into her chair. Only after a few moments and the odd tentative look in your direction does she wobbily rise.

    "Then it's settled," declares Twilight. "I'll convene the others in the entry hall. We should let them know where we're going."

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)12:57 No.11772667

    >>11772630 (You)

    Continue

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)12:58 No.11772673

    >>11771999 (OP)
    Oh fuck it's happening! Also trips

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)13:01 No.11772711
Replies: >>11772727 >>11772728 >>11772752

    When you gather again, it's before the large vault door that leads back toward the lab. Most of the other survivors are there now to see you off.

    "Remember," says Twilight. "If we don't come back, don't open the door - ever. Stay down here as long as you possibly can."

    Rainbow Dash is picking through the weapons salvaged from the 'security team' you escaped earlier. "Finally!" she exclaims, leveling some kind of firearm. "The good stuff - hey!"

    Rarity levitates the weapon from her hooves. "Not until we need them, thank you! And not around the children!" She turns back to Sweetie Belle, whom she nuzzles once more. "Please, be good while I'm gone. And if I... if..."

    "I will," Sweetie croaks out, tears on her cheeks.

    It's a raucous affair as people discuss survival, ask for clarification and wish their farewells. Pinkie promises a "saved the world party" upon your return, and Fluttershy confides her dream of the world above returned to verdant life.

    But near the exit, you see Applejack, apart from the others. She's looking into the crowd, apprehensively. "Ah don't know..." she murmurs to you, watching Applebloom. "Ah don't know what t'say."

    >Remind her about the Apple family
    >Tell her how proud of her you are
    >Make your goodbyes
    >You don't have to say anything, you'll be back

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:03 No.11772727

    >>11772711 (You)

    1

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:03 No.11772728

    >>11772711 (You)
    2

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:04 No.11772752

    >>11772711 (You)
    2

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:13 No.11772862

    3
    We both know we're not coming back.

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)13:14 No.11772867
Replies: >>11773013 >>11773015

    "You're the Apple family," you say. "She'll carry that with her even when she's alone. Remind her of that."

    Applejack smiles. She walks over to where Applebloom sits with the other children and plunks down next to her.

    You don't hear what she whispers in her sister's ear, but she smiles when she hears it. When she's done, the two embrace. Applebloom is still wearing Applejack's hat, and the older sister gives it an affectionate shove to push it down over Applebloom's eyes. The two laugh, and when it's over, she rises.

    "Okay, y'all!" she shouts over the din. "Time t'get this show on the road! Daylight's wastin'!" She trots toward the entrance, and you spot Applebloom looking at you. She gives you a knowing smile and a nod.

    "Remember to always use shampoo AND conditioner!" Rarity shouts to Sweetie Belle as she follows in your wake. "And don't forget to... and oh, just don't forget!"

    "We'll see you soon!" Sweetie shouts after your group. "Come back as soon as you can! And in one piece!"

    "We'll be waitin'!" shouts Applebloom, jumping up and down. "We'll be here! Even if we're apart, we'll still be together!"

    As the vault door begins to close, there's a sudden flash of light from within. You and the others pause, tensed, wondering what you just saw.

    Applebloom and Sweetie Belle are laughing. You catch a glimpse of something just before the door rolls shut - a blue emblem with a yellow prancing foal on it, emblazoned on each of their sides.

    Applejack starts to laugh. After a moment longer, so does Rarity. Then Pinkie, although she's not sure why, and then the others. And then you.

    "It figures," says Applejack, wiping away a tear. "Granny'n Mac would laugh tool if they were here."

    "Sorry to interrupt," says Twilight. "But we've got to move. I don't know how long we have yet, or how many more trotters are between us and Mortimer's office."

    >Let's take it slow and quietly
    >We should move fast so they can't corner us

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:26 No.11773013

    >>11772867 (You)

    >Let's take it slow and quietly

    We've come this far, can't afford to fuck up now

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:26 No.11773015

    >>11772867 (You)
    >Let's take it slow and quietly
    I hope we don't take too long, what with our infection and all, but it's just too risky to rush onward in the dark

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)13:33 No.11773098
Replies: >>11773114

    "We'll need to be quiet and move slowly to avoid attracting attention," you warn.

    Twilight nods in agreement. "Stay together, don't shout out, and don't attack unless you absolutely have to. Okay?"

    The others nod, forming a tight knot. "Then let's go."

    Your group gets up on to the tram and sits quietly as it bobs along toward the far end. Your little light in the dark casts ominous shadows on the rocky walls of the tunnel, but none of you react. Even when you pass over the charred bodies of your security detail, there's not a squeak.

    Once your party reaches the far side, it's a slow process of creeping up the stairs one at a time to listen for movement. The stairs are trouble for you, but Applejack stays by your side to help you up them on your three legs.

    "Where are we going, exactly?" Rarity whispers as she peers up at another landing. "I do hope you remember the way."

    You close your eyes and feel a stab of pain as you rustle around for lost memories. "...Yeah, I remember. Keep going."

    The trouble begin when you approach the right floor. The living quarters are just beyond, but they're unlit and even from the stairs your group can hear the gnashing and wailing of corpses thrashing about. "All that noise early must've spooked 'em," says Rainbow Dash, letting out a frustrated hiss. "They're gonna be hard to sneak past in the dark."

    "If I light up the room they're sure to notice us," says Twilight. "Worse, they might attract even more of them..."

    >You can take them, Twilight
    >Maybe just a few of us can sneak by
    >We need a distraction

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:34 No.11773114

    >>11773098 (You)
    3

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)13:46 No.11773275
Replies: >>11773331

    "We need a distraction - something to draw them off to one side while we sneak past."

    "Sounds dangerous," says Fluttershy, worried.

    "Sounds fun!" says Pinkie - and before anyone can disagree, she dives into a roll and spins straight into the living quarters.

    "Heyo!" she shouts in the old cafeteria. "How many pegasi does it take to screw in a lightbulb?"

    A horrible wailing kicks up as the corpses immediately start lunging toward her. Pinkie deftly leaps away and up a staircase. "Three! One to hold the lightbulb, and the other two to turn their cloud house round and round to screw it in!"

    The room clears surprisingly fast as they chase her. "Is she crazy?!" shouts Dash as loud as she dares. "She's going to get herself killed!"

    Twilight just shrugs. "If anyone can get away with that sort of performance, it's Pinkie. Come on."

    The six of you hurry across the dim cafeteria toward another staircase. Just being in the room brings back dull and painful memories of eating with your work colleagues - and the day they started eating each other.

    You feel a stirring in your mind as Sombra rouses from his sulking. "I smell a familiar power nearby. Starswirl the Bearded's own spellbook. A wonder that Celestia entrusted you with it - you must get it back."

    "Up, up!" Applejack whispers as she pushes you along up the stairs. The pain's considerable, but you just about manage.

    "We had better make this quick," says Rarity, who looks down the corridor filled with doors to the scientists' apartments. "Which one?'

    You manage to lift your hoof and point toward your old door, but another coughing fit overtakes you and you drop to the floor. You don't think you're suited to looting it yourself at the moment.

    >Just grab Starswirl's spellbook
    >Grab my notes and plans
    >Get everything you can

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:48 No.11773302
Replies: >>11773331

    Can we trust Sombro?

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:49 No.11773331

    >>11773275 (You)
    >Is she crazy?!
    Is that a trick question?

    Also 3

    >>11773302
    Not very far. We can perhaps let him talk, and heed his advice, but not much beyond that

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)13:53 No.11773378
Replies: >>11773464 >>11773487

    "I don't know what we'll need," you wheeze out. "Just grab everything."

    Rarity kicks open the door to your room and only half-stifles a shriek. "I'm sorry! There's one of them in here... pinned to the floor."

    Applejack grunts in annoyance and hustles over to deliver a sharp kick to something in your room. "Now quit fussin' and start packin'!"

    Unfortunately, there's a loud groaning coming from the far end of the hall. It sounds like that wasn't the only trotter in the apartments. "And y'all better make it fast!"

    "It'll take time to get those notes together," warns Twilight. "I could hold them back with my magic..."

    >Destroy them
    >Just put up a shield, we need to be quiet

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)13:59 No.11773464

    >>11773378 (You)

    Shield it, violence will draw attention

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)14:00 No.11773487

    >>11773378 (You)
    Shield up

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)14:07 No.11773593
Replies: >>11773636 >>11773749 >>11775829

    "Don't blast them," you warn. "It might draw more. Just put up a barrier to hold them off."

    Sure enough, Twilight erects a barrier and a half-dozen trotting dead pour out to hammer against it. "Make it quick," Twilight calls to Rarity. "I don't want to be here a moment longer than we need to be."

    Suddenly you hear muted laughter and more distant groaning. On the far side of the barrier, you see Pinkie round the corner into the hall bouncing along and shouting the punchline to some knock knock joke back to the herd on her tail.

    She comes to a screeching halt behind the six trotters piled up in front of the barrier, blocking her way. "Fiddlesticks!" she exclaims, which causes them to turn toward her. "Double fiddlesticks!"

    "Pinkie!" yells Rainbow Dash, who hurls herself toward the barrier. "Twilight, drop it!"

    It's already dropping, but Pinkie is engulfed by a tide of corpses. "You've GOT to be kidding me!" she shouts as she's pulled under. "This is totally unfair!"

    Applejack's right behind Rainbow Dash as they crash into the backs of the trotters that have dogpiled Pinkie Pie. Using the weapons they took off your former security they begin to blow apart corpses and push the herd back to uncover Pinkie.

    "Pinkie!" Rainbow exclaims, pulling her off the floor. "Please tell me you're okay!"

    Pinkie glances down her own body at the variety of bleeding bite marks. "...Um. I'm okay? Did that help? Are they gone?"

    A thunderous purple wave rolls down the hall and over the three of them, knocking the dead back en mass. "What's going on?" exclaims Rarity, sticking her head out of your room as Twilight dashes past.

    "Pinkie's been bitten!" Twilight screams. "A lot!"

    Rarity sighs. "Well, we're off to a good start."

    >She's no worse off than me
    >Are you okay to keep going?
    >She's as good as dead

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)14:10 No.11773636
Replies: >>11773670 >>11775829
File: 1372615848481.jpg-(8 KB, 288x308, 132030953952.jpg)
8 KB

    >>11773593 (You)
    God fucking dammit we killed Pinkie. Fuck. Fuck. My heart

    1

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)14:13 No.11773670

    >>11773636

    There's still hope Anon. We're stopping this thing at its source and curing Ponka,even we don't live to see it.

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)14:18 No.11773744

    "She's okay," you insist, dragging yourself over to where the others have gathered. "She's just no worse off than me."

    "Sorry for saying so," says Rainbow Dash, "but you're pretty bad off right now, Sunny!"

    Fluttershy looks over her wounds before shaking her head. "There's nothing we can do now. The infection's going to take root for sure."

    "There has to be something!" says Rainbow Dash.

    "There is," says Twilight, grimly. "We keep going. Our only hope is that using the Elements of Harmony on the gate will put a stop to this whole living dead nightmare once and for all."

    "G-good enough for me!" says Pinkie, a little shaky. "Sorry, Fluttershy - after you were so nice to share some of your blood with me, now I'm spilling it all over the place." Fluttershy gasps and covers her face, looking horrified. "Too soon? Okay, okay."

    "Patch her up," grunts Applejack. "Let's keep movin' - gotta make this worth the cost."

    "Speaking of," says Rarity, opening a saddle bag. "Here - your notes and books. Where do we start?"

    "The spellbook," hisses Sombra in your ear. "The rest of this is distraction! The power you need is contained within Starswirl's final spell!"

    Twilight pushes the saddlebag shut. "Later. We're not safe here - let's get over to the gate, we can work out our plan there. Mortimer? Lead the way."

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)14:18 No.11773749

    >>11773593 (You)
    2

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)14:25 No.11773843

    You struggle to walk, but Applejack gives you her shoulder and you guide the others deeper into the facility. The test area was once highly secure, but with the power out all the security doors have been jammed open.

    "Was expectin' more of 'em," Applejack confesses, as you pick your way through another empty hall.

    "There couldn't have been too many ponies down here when the experiment went wrong," Twilight suggests. "Not to mention that as soon as it did, everyone would be trying to get out. Most of the trotting dead probably moved upward."

    Rainbow Dash is carrying Pinkie on her back, who manages the occasional chuckle but otherwise seems exhausted by her ordeal. You do hear her croak out "Head feels funny... like a headache, but different."

    You start to feel it too. "What're you talking about?" says Dash, uneasily. "What kind of headache?"

    "The infection couldn't be traveling that fast," says Fluttershy. "Were you hit on the head back there? Are you okay?"

    "No," you say to them. "I'm feeling it too. I think we're close."

    Memories return of running back up this corridor, security doors slamming behind you, klaxons screaming and red lights whirling. Now the room is lit only by the purple glow of Twilight's horn, a hall stretching seemingly forever onward into the dark.

    Sombra rustles uneasily in your mind. "The tear is near. Raw corruption pours into the world. It must not overwhelm you. Not yet."

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)14:30 No.11773908
Replies: >>11773981 >>11773996

    "I think I see something!" shouts Twilight, who hustles ahead. The others hurry to keep up. "I think I - there it is!"

    You follow, and are greeted with a familiar sight. The circular chamber of your nightmares. Five stone pillars embedded with advanced electronics sitting around a sixth, shattered pillar.

    And atop it, a baleful black hole staring into nothing. With its every pulse you feel a wave of pain, and by Pinkie's groaning you sense she feels the same way. No wonder the dead fled this place.

    "Sweet Celestia," Applejack murmurs as you look upon it. "What kinda nightmare did y'all get mixed up in, Sunny?"

    "The lab's secure," Twilight reports after looking around. "We're safe to figure out our plan. Rarity, get those research materials out."

    She complies, spilling textbooks and scrolls all over the floor. "I'll guard the door while y'all get t'readin'," says Applejack, gently setting you down by the others. "Try t'make it quick, this place gives me the creeps."

    "Wait..." says Twilight, as she picks through the books before you. "You had Starswirl the Bearded's personal spellbook?! Celestia gave you that? It's the most forbidden secret tome in all magical study!"

    >We should avoid it
    >Let's check my own notes first
    >See what it says

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)14:36 No.11773981

    >>11773908 (You)
    See what it says

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)14:37 No.11773996

    >>11773908 (You)
    2

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)14:46 No.11774140
Replies: >>11774166 >>11774190

    "I think that's the key to the whole thing," you say, giving it a nudge. "Something to do with Starswirl's final spell, finishing it for Celestia, right? That's what Discord was talking about."

    She flips open the book to the last few pages and begins reading, as the others sit around uncomfortably for her to say something. The only sounds come from you and Pinkie as you wince at the pain the gate causes you.

    "...Okay," says Twilight, gravely. "Okay, we can do this. The bearers of the Elements of Harmony CAN open a gate to... something. Some sort of cosmic layer of the world, or something. Whatever it is, that's where Celestia went. We could open the way, and someone could go in... and then, I don't know."

    "Go in?" says Rarity, bemused. "I thought our plan was to close it?"

    "It IS closed," says Twilight, waving toward the blackened hole. "But it's... wrong. Like an infected wound. We need someone to go back in there and bring out the foreign matter that's causing the problem - which... I think is Princess Celestia."

    "In that case," says Rainbow Dash, standing up. "I volunteer."

    Twilight shakes her head. "We need to be on this side of the gate to keep it open. If it closes while the one we send is on the other side, they'll just get spat back out again."

    "But what about these?" Rarity points to the pillars carved with the elements of harmony. "Couldn't they hold the gate open for us, as they did in the first place?"

    "Maybe they could have, if they were powered," says Twilight. "That's what Discord was doing in that generator, though. Without him, the only way to open the gate is with the natural Elements of Harmony... which means the only one we can send through is Mortimer."

    >I'm up for it
    >I'm in no state to go, we need to get someone else
    >What'll happen to me if I go?
    >There. Is. Another. Way. - Twilight's. Dark. Magic.

>>
Bob !!9uPZO9vlf0d 06/30/13(Sun)14:48 No.11774166
File: 1372618117659.gif-(1.4 MB, 540x300, 1368153143422.gif)
1.4 MB

    >>11774140 (You)
    >I'm up for it
    SPIRIT BOMB FOR SUNNY GO!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)14:50 No.11774190

    >>11774140 (You)
    Gotta man up. 1

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)14:59 No.11774314
Replies: >>11774382

    "I'm up for it," you mutter, getting unsteadily to your three remaining hooves. "It's my responsibility."

    The others look uncertainly back and forth at each other. Eventually, Twilight says "We might only have one chance at this. While the gate is open, the power that's currently repelling the trotters? It'll reverse. The whole lab'll be brought down on our heads."

    "Well that's just great," Rainbow Dash bitterly remarks. "So it's a suicide mission."

    "Could we, ah, maybe go back and find some volunteers?" suggests Rarity. "Some of those soldiers looked remarkably strong.

    "It's not about strength," says Fluttershy, catching the others somewhat by surprise. "Celestia was the strongest person in all Equestria... maybe the world. But there was something wrong inside her. The one we send has to be strong in spirit, not body." She turns to look you in the eye with determination. "And I think that's Sunny."

    Another long silence follows before Twilight finally nods in agreement. "Okay then. If you think you can do it... I just hope you're right."

    "But what about Sombra?" hisses Rarity. "Have we all forgotten? He's in there as well. I shudder to think what damage he might inflict if this is what sending Celestia through caused."

    "She is clever, but her fears are misplaced," Sombra assures you. "I have kept my word through every kind of opportunity and temptation. While you live, I shall abide by it."

    Twilight takes a delicate, defensive stance. "Rarity has a point... he's still weak. I could maybe banish him now... but... I don't know how well you'd survive the process.

    >Time for you to go, Sombra
    >Blast him, I can take it
    >He'll obey me for now
    >Allow. Me. To. Make. My. Own. Case.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:02 No.11774360

    Should we let Sombro speak?

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:03 No.11774382

    >>11774314 (You)

    4. Let him say what he has to say.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:08 No.11774455

    Be wary of Sombro

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)15:09 No.11774465
Replies: >>11774600 >>11774772

    You relinquish control temporarily to Sombra, who settles in - your eyes begin burning green and his horn reappears on your head.

    "I. Obey. Deal." he declares, gazing defiantly at Twilight. "I. Will. See. This. Through."

    "It's too risky," says Twilight. "You might've been biding your time until this moment to turn on us. Whatever's on the other side of that gate, it's much too dangerous to let you get your hooves on it."

    "You. Trust. Him." he spits back. "He. Seeks. Redemption. For. Sins."

    Rarity rolls her eyes. "Are you seriously expecting us to believe you're seeking redemption?"

    "No." he concedes. "But. No. Matter. Stakes. I. Honour. Word."

    "And that's commendable," says Twilight, gritting her teeth. "Now hold still."

    >Go ahead and do it, Twilight
    >Leave him, we can trust his word
    >Insolent. Whelp! We. Need. You. Not!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:17 No.11774600
Replies: >>11774642

    >>11774465 (You)

    Not deciding, but I would like to put a vote into giving Sombra a chance. He's been honorable this far, he's earned the benefit of the doubt.

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)15:19 No.11774642

    >>11774600
    I suppose a vote is warranted, though it looks like there aren't too many people in the thread at the moment.

    Ten minutes discussion, then ten minutes vote, starting now

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:21 No.11774665
Replies: >>11774791

    Didn't Sombra say when we died he'd have control of our body? If we die in that black hole he'll have full reign then

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:27 No.11774772

    >>11774465 (You)
    I hope it isn't like the bad ending before, but sombram, god dam if u screw us over again

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:28 No.11774791

    >>11774665
    then we just don't die

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)15:28 No.11774796
Replies: >>11774821 >>11774916 >>11774967

    Okay, vote time. I'll go with the majority decision in ten minutes.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:29 No.11774821

    >>11774796 (You)
    Keep him. forgive me

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:34 No.11774916

    >>11774796 (You)
    let him stay in our head

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:36 No.11774967

    >>11774796 (You)
    Giving him a chance. JUST ONE

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:39 No.11775030

    Redemption time, Sombra.

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)15:47 No.11775172

    "Wait! Twilight!" you say, shaking off Sombra. "Don't do it."

    She holds her position, uncertain. "Is this some kind of trick, Sombra?"

    "No," you say. "It's really me. Leave Sombra where he is. I know it's a risk, but I might need his help - and he's had plenty of better opportunities to turn on us before now."

    She hesitates a little longer before finally standing down. "You'd better be right about this, Mortimer." You can't help but agree.

    "You will not regret your faith," Sombra assures you. "We both want the same thing - the world is diseased, and by our powers combined it may be cured. I have no desire to live in a wasteland."

    Applejack returns from watching the door. "Looks like the coast is clear fer now. We got a plan worked out?"

    Twilight nods. "We're opening the gate with the Elements. Once it's open, we'll stay here to keep it open and Mortimer will go over to put a stop to this madness, once and for all."

    Applejack gives you a glance. "And y'all think you're up to it?" When you nod, she sighs. "Of course y'are. Well, okay then..."

    "Then let's do it!" Dash shouts, punching the air and brandishing a gun. "Somebody break out the Elements!"

    Rarity opens another saddlebag. "They're right here... although they haven't done us much good so far..."

    The six bearers of the elements of harmony don the symbols of their office. Fluttershy helps Pinkie with hers, who's still struggling to stand. "This is it," warns Twilight. "Once we open the gate... I don't know what'll happen. The dead will come down on us like an avalanche, and even if you succeed I don't know if you'll come back out again. Or if it'll be enough to cure you."

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)15:49 No.11775211
Replies: >>11775266

    The girls look to each other and back to you, their hearts heavy with sadness. "Your help's meant a lot to us," begins Twilight.

    "I don't think we'd have made it this far without you," adds Rarity.

    Pinkie manages a weak laugh. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure of that, personally!"

    "You've been a true, true friend," says Fluttershy.

    "Even if this is all kinda your fault." The others turn to glare at Rainbow Dash. "What? Oh fine, and thanks for helping us save the world, too."

    Applejack steps forward. Tears threaten to burst through but she retains her composure. "Sunny. Ah..."

    >Promise you won't forget me
    >Whatever happens, survive
    >We'll meet again

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)15:51 No.11775266

    >>11775211 (You)
    3

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)15:59 No.11775433
Replies: >>11775554

    You nuzzle her cheek, wiping her tears away. "Don't worry," you say. "We'll meet again, someday."

    "Don't say that," she croaks. "Y'ain't goin' nowhere. You'll be back outta there in no time, and we'll be here waitin' fer ya."

    You give a weak smile. "All the same. Goodbye for now, Applejack."

    You kiss, and pull apart. She steps away from you and back into line with her friends. "Goodbye, Sunny."

    Her element starts to glow.

    One by one, slowly but surely, the other elements come to life. "This is it..." murmurs Twilight as she takes up a position in front of the gate. "Get ready, everyone! We need to hold this room no matter what happens, to give Sunny as much time as we can!"

    "Nobody's getting past us!" shouts Rainbow Dash.

    "All together now," adds Rarity.

    "Here it comes!" shouts Pinkie. "One big finale, comin' up!"

    "Be careful!" Fluttershy cries, and then it begins.

    The power of the Elements forms a mighty beam of multicolored light. It engulfs the gate - not as the desaturated, artificial wave your machine produced by as the vibrant, living energy of six brave friends who have gone through hell together to this moment.

    The black, rotten hole becomes a sphere of glimmering light, beyond which you see a night sky with a million glimmering stars.

    And down the hall, back in the darkness of the lab, you hear a hundred dead voices rise in breathless screaming.

    "Now!" screams Twilight. "Do it now!"

    Your body aches as you break into a run. Every part of you wants to fall down and die, but still you keep going. You close the distance and leap into the air, vaulting the central pillar and heading toward the gate that's drawing you in.

    And now your hurtling, lost in time and space, heading into the unknown beyond.

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:04 No.11775554

    >>11775433 (You)
    Continue

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)16:05 No.11775577
Replies: >>11775628 >>11775728

    You try to swim through the void, but your limbs flail uselessly. You try to breath, but there's no air. You try to see, but there's no light.

    But there are eyes, and they see you.

    A voice as old as stars rumbles from every direction. "You should not have come back, Mortimer."

    You feel Sombra recoil. "It's her," he hisses.

    The darkness swirls. Stars appear, like bubbles in a rippling pool. Light forms an outline of something made from black, inky tendrils. They slip and squirm into shape, seemingly filling up the whole universe until they form a shape resembling...

    Resembling Princess Celestia.

    "I can still see into your world. You had achieved everything you set out to do - saving your friends, finding them safe haven. Why have you lead them to their deaths, now? Out of selfishness? To save your own life? A waste. There is no cure here."

    >I'm not Mortimer now, I'm Sunny.
    >What happened to you? What have you become?
    >We need to put the past behind us and work together
    >The. Time. For. Talk. Is. Over!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:07 No.11775628

    >>11775577 (You)
    2

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:12 No.11775728

    >>11775577 (You)
    2

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:17 No.11775829
File: 1372623448351.jpg-(22 KB, 500x312, Fateworsethandeath.jpg)
22 KB

    >>11773593 (You)
    >>11773636
    You-
    Why did-
    No!

    Now we've got to risk everything to try and fix the whole world.

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)16:23 No.11775947
Replies: >>11776053 >>11776089 >>11776095 >>11776119 >>11776126 >>11776371

    "How did this happen to you? The last thing I remember was you being pulled into the gate. Since then everyone's been looking for you, trying to figure out why you weren't there to help."

    "Your research promised a new world for all ponykind," she rumbles, and her vastness seems to surround you. "But you failed! Your work must've been flawed - this... cosmic world rejects me. Without the power of the elements, there's nothing I can do to prevent the world from being corrupted."

    You feel as though you are hurtling forward, but with few points of reference you can't be sure. A light appears and grows, becoming a muddled mess of strands. Like a fraying ball of yarn, yet also, somehow like a long, coiling thread.

    "These strands of fate could let me rewrite the fate of Equestria, but every one I pull only deepens the corruption. The world rejects my efforts to instill order. Your machine failed and stranded me here, powerless, unable to return, unable to undo the damage.

    "But now... now that you've returned... maybe there IS a way. The Elements of Harmony have purified the gateway between the cosmic layer and the material world. With their power behind me, perhaps I can finally understand these strands!"

    "She's mad," hisses Sombra. "The corruption is deep in her, but she has not mastered it, as I have. Give yourself to her and you invite ruin for us all."

    "Mortimer, can you hear me?" A voice, distant - Twilight's. "We're under attack! We're trying to hold them off, but they've gone completely crazy! I don't know how much longer we can keep the gate open!"

    "You have no choice," intones Celestia. "Give yourself to me. Only I can remake the world. To do otherwise would leave this corruption in place... and leave your friends to their certain death."

    "Do not trust her!" hisses Sombra. "We must destroy her now, while we can!"

    MAJOR DECISION TIME
    Do you
    >Accept Celestia's offer
    or
    >Reject Celestia's offer
    Ten minutes discussion, ten minutes vote

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:27 No.11776053
Replies: >>11776130
File: 1372624064150.gif-(1.88 MB, 640x360, PinkieMelancholy.gif)
1.88 MB

    >>11775947 (You)
    We-
    She-
    Pinkie-

    ... no. Tempting as it is, we can't do it.

    Sombra's right. Celestia is crazy.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:29 No.11776089

    >>11775947 (You)
    Reject her and proceed to final boss fight

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:29 No.11776095
Replies: >>11776162

    >>11775947 (You)
    Pinkie......
    Fuck it
    trust celestia

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:31 No.11776119

    >>11775947 (You)
    Reject.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:31 No.11776126
File: 1372624281870.jpg-(347 KB, 800x542, Brethren.jpg)
347 KB

    >>11775947 (You)
    Reject her

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:31 No.11776130

    >>11776053

    I agree. I don't want to kill her like Sombie, but he's right, Celestia's coocoo for coco puffs.

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)16:32 No.11776143
Replies: >>11776162 >>11776172 >>11776179 >>11776188 >>11776191 >>11776336

    Official voting starts now, so be sure to confirm your choice!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:33 No.11776158

    REJECTED!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:33 No.11776162
Replies: >>11776188
File: 1372624406684.gif-(1.16 MB, 403x360, SadSAgPinks.gif)
1.16 MB

    >>11776095
    No! I know it's tempting man. I'v been arguing for Pinkie the past few threads. But it's just not worth what CorruptCelestia would probably do.

    Hell, if we just... close this corrupt tear in reality... she might survive...

    ... tell me she'll survive.

    >>11776143 (You)
    Reject

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:33 No.11776172

    >>11776143 (You)
    1 for Reject.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:34 No.11776179

    >>11776143 (You)
    Reject Celly.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:34 No.11776188

    >>11776162
    alright..
    damnit
    >>11776143 (You)
    rejected

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:34 No.11776191

    >>11776143 (You)
    Reject

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:35 No.11776206

    Fuck off Sunbutt.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:43 No.11776336

    >>11776143 (You)
    Reject her

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:45 No.11776371

    >>11775947 (You)
    Reject her offer, but accept her body

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)16:46 No.11776392
Replies: >>11776412 >>11776442

    "No..." you murmur. "No! This whole thing started because of YOUR ambition to remake the world in your own image! You lied to us, manipulated us, used us! Well I'm not giving you what you want this time. We can save the world - without you!"

    Celestia lets out a titanic roar that shakes star systems and shatters nebula. "Fool! I will TAKE the power I need from you, and then rewrite fate such that you never existed!"

    "Ahah. Or not."

    The stars begin to wink and dance, changing color and rolling about. A new constellation forms, one in the shape of a familiar patchwork beast. "Well done, Sunny," says Discord, as his body takes shape. "I wasn't sure you had it in you, but that was a pretty decisive vote you just had. Now get in there and try not to mess things up too badly!"

    Celestia roars again, and a thousand dark tendrils fly toward you. They're intercepted by stars, which explode in multicolored light.

    "Please hurry!" you hear Twilight's desperate voice scream to you. "Th-they've got Rainbow Dash! And Ra-raraaaaah! Ah! Get off!"

    "Our time grows short!" hisses Sombra. "No time for niceties. Hold on!"

    A pair of black, bony wings burst from your back in a gout of blood, causing you to scream. You hurtle forward and into the strands of fate, disappearing into their silvery chords.

    And again, the world seems to fade, your senses expand, and the loom of fate unfolds before you.

    You're caught in a moment, being pulled back along the timeline. Frozen, you see Celestia and Discord entwined in their battle to the death. You see your friends, an endless wave of trotting dead rolling over them, ripping bloody chunks from their flesh as they die. You see yourself, suspended in light.

    "We're being pulled back through time!" explains Sombra. "We can choose but one moment to intervene in, one instant in fate. Choose wisely! It is our only chance to undo our doom!"

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:48 No.11776412

    >>11776392 (You)
    continue pls

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:50 No.11776442
Replies: >>11776481

    >>11776392 (You)
    Undo alicorn twilight

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)16:51 No.11776463
Replies: >>11776499 >>11776503 >>11776510 >>11776542

    You fall backward, head over heels. Just a few moments back, to when you were in the vault.

    The scene is strange, warped. The setting is made of starlight and decay.

    You could stop here, convince the others not to go. They'd be safe in the vault. Maybe Discord really could defeat Celestia without your help? Maybe you don't want to mess with the world, the way Celestia did? Maybe you just want those you care about to be safe... including, perhaps, a child with Applejack... Is that what Sunny would've wanted? Or Mortimer?

    "Do not be so weak!" hisses Sombra. "This fate changes nothing, and you will still perish! We must go further back, to the diseased root of this affair."

    >FIVE MINUTE SPEED VOTE
    >Stop here, convince the others to stay in the vault
    or
    >Continue further back

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:51 No.11776481
File: 1372625498303.png-(46 KB, 646x364, HAzp.png)
46 KB

    >>11776442

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:52 No.11776494

    this story takes place in an alternate universe where instead of giving twilight starswirl's book, celestia gave it to some scientists and their fucked up attempt to get to the space place with all the stars from the season 3 finale ended up releasing hell on equestria

    if anything... we might end up causing alicorn twilight to prevent this future

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:52 No.11776499

    >>11776463 (You)
    We need to go... DEEPER!
    Continue further back

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:52 No.11776503

    >>11776463 (You)
    Further back.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:53 No.11776510

    >>11776463 (You)
    Farther back

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:55 No.11776542

    >>11776463 (You)
    Take the red pill...hard

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:56 No.11776571
Replies: >>11776579 >>11776590 >>11776612 >>11776621 >>11776645

    You hurtle still further back in time. Shapes change, light and shadow warp. You see the battle raging in the Everfree forest, where Mattock's army was broken. You see the burning fall of the Crystal Empire.

    Suddenly, you feel a tug in your mind. "This is a moment of merit!" hisses Sombra. "Return to here, and we can recreate the world in our own image with the power of the Empire!"

    >FIVE MINUTE SPEED VOTE
    >Return to just before the fall of the Empire, allow Sombra the power of the Heart
    or
    >Continue further back

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)16:56 No.11776579

    >>11776571 (You)
    Whoops, this is me. Posted in another thread.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:57 No.11776590

    >>11776571 (You)
    Further.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:58 No.11776612
File: 1372625886416.gif-(685 KB, 500x400, Pinkiepicunrelated.gif)
685 KB

    >>11776571 (You)
    Tyrant end?

    Well; I was the sole person who thought that'd be a good one, so...

    ... nah, I have the strange feeling that if we don't all agree we start to get 'corrupted'.

    Further.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)16:58 No.11776621

    >>11776571 (You)
    We've already had this end, we need to go even further!!!!!!! 11eleven!! 1

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:00 No.11776645

    >>11776571 (You)
    Fuck Sombra, we didn't turn down apple babies for some shitty empire. FOR THE CURE!!!

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:01 No.11776654
Replies: >>11776668 >>11776678 >>11776679 >>11776682 >>11776686 >>11776695 >>11776699 >>11776700 >>11776701 >>11776707

    You try to press deeper into the past, but Sombra pulls hard on your mind and the wings on your back seize up. "No!" he growls. "This is my destiny! One I have waited a thousand years for - and one you will not cheat me of!"

    Sombra suddenly presses down hard on your mind. Weakened by strain and infection, you can barely resist. "We shall meet this destiny together!"

    >Sombra is trying to overpower you!
    >You have ten minutes to reply to this post with a double, or else he succeeds!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:01 No.11776668

    >>11776654 (You)
    oh shit oh fuck oh shit oh fuck

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:02 No.11776678

    >>11776654 (You)
    Rolling for great justice

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:02 No.11776679

    >>11776654 (You)
    Dubs pls

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:02 No.11776682

    >>11776654 (You)
    I'm just hoping we can go far enough back to prevent everything and only Pinkie remembers.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:02 No.11776685

    I fucking TOld you guys we couldnt trust him!!!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:02 No.11776686

    >>11776654 (You)
    Roll dem bones.

>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)17:02 No.11776695

    >>11776654 (You)
    Rolling!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:02 No.11776699
Replies: >>11776715 >>11776717 >>11776721 >>11776728

    >>11776654 (You)
    He must not win, rolrorlrorlrlrlrllroorofirori

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:02 No.11776700
Replies: >>11776715 >>11776717 >>11776728

    >>11776654 (You)
    reroll

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:02 No.11776701

    >>11776654 (You)
    SHIT SHIT

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:03 No.11776707

    >>11776654 (You)
    No.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:03 No.11776715

    >>11776699
    >>11776700 (You)
    DOUBLE DUBS
    PHEW

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:03 No.11776717

    >>11776699
    >>11776700 (You)
    WINRARS. YES. Thank god.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:03 No.11776721

    >>11776699
    Fuck yeah I did it!!!!! Overkill dubsdubs

>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)17:04 No.11776728

    >>11776699
    >>11776700 (You)
    Great success!

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:10 No.11776833
Replies: >>11776868 >>11776875 >>11776887 >>11776920

    You marshal what resolve and strength you have left, and with a titanic effort drive Sombra from your mind. He screams and howls the whole way, and you feel the wings from your back tear off - along with a ghostly apparition of a foul, skeletal unicorn.

    "Foooooool!" he howls, pitching and howling in the astral winds. "I will not be denied! I will see this world turned to ashes or see it bow to me, and you will not stand in my way!"

    The foul apparition chases you as you plummet deeper into the time stream.

    Now you see the ruins of Canterlot, where Luna saved the last survivors from death. You see Spike turned to stone and the fall of the quarantine zones. A crying doctor treating his last patient. You see all of it... but you see no way to save the world here. You push deeper into fate, the shrieking Sombra hot on your tail.

    Now you see the destruction of Ponyville and Cloudsdale. You see Big Macintosh when he turned on you. You see the survivors of Ponyville escaping in fire and darkness. But still, no way to undo the nightmare.

    And here you are brought back to the Everfree, where it all began. You see the herd pouring from the forest. You see yourself and Applejack escaping with the catatonic Fluttershy. You see the fall of Sweet Apple Acres. You see when you first woke up as Sunny. But you know your answer lies deeper than this, so you press on.

    At last, you see what you've been dreading most of all. You see your escape from the lab. You see the chaos, the bloodshed, the horror - who you killed, and who you left to die in order to escape. You see the experiment go wrong, you see Celestia get drawn inside.

    You see the morning of the experiment. Where you might be able to make a difference.

    >FIVE MINUTE VOTE
    >Return here and try to stop the experiment from happening
    or
    >Keep going into the past

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:12 No.11776868

    >>11776833 (You)
    THIS IS OUR STOP. Alight here.

    Take all personal belongings with you.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:12 No.11776875
Replies: >>11776944

    >>11776833 (You)
    Keep going, lest all the other scientists continue your experiment for you

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:13 No.11776887
Replies: >>11776944

    >>11776833 (You)
    Keep going

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:14 No.11776920
Replies: >>11776944

    >>11776833 (You)
    We must go deeper.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:15 No.11776944
Replies: >>11776972
File: 1372626954556.gif-(772 KB, 758x540, Bucking.gif)
772 KB

    >>11776875
    >>11776887
    >>11776920
    If you guys have fucked this up now...

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:17 No.11776972

    >>11776944
    Don't worry, it's all good

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:17 No.11776978
Replies: >>11777007 >>11777018 >>11777026 >>11777051 >>11777080

    You decide to push back still further. Time drifts into stranger territory, things you did as Mortimer you hardly remember as Sunny.

    The moment where Celestia gave you Starswirl's spellbook and tasked you with opening the portal flies by in an instant - it's not what you're looking for.

    Here. When Celestia decided Twilight 'failed' her test in the Crystal Empire. Perhaps at this moment you were rightly placed to convince her otherwise, if only you knew the stakes?

    >FIVE MINUTE VOTE
    >Convince Celestia Twilight succeeded her test in the Crystal Empire and should get Starswirl's spellbook
    or
    >Continue deeper

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:18 No.11777007

    >>11776978 (You)
    Fuck alicorn twilight end, go deeper

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:18 No.11777018

    >>11776978 (You)
    oh god I don't know.
    Convince her

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:19 No.11777026
File: 1372627151830.png-(407 KB, 849x941, 'Celestia'.png)
407 KB

    >>11776978 (You)
    I...

    I think this would work, but I can't bring myself to vote for it.

    Can we not convince Celestia to give Pinkie the book?

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:20 No.11777051
Replies: >>11777079

    >>11776978 (You)
    Stop here, get the book, destroy it.

>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)17:21 No.11777079

    >>11777051
    Voting for THIS.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:21 No.11777080

    >>11776978 (You)
    Go deeper.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:23 No.11777121

    We lost an entire adventure in a couple of votes.
    Just putting it out there

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:23 No.11777122
Replies: >>11777148 >>11777150 >>11777170 >>11777171 >>11777172 >>11777173 >>11777178 >>11777186 >>11777192 >>11777200 >>11777202 >>11777209 >>11777232

    You grab on to the strands of fate and begin to tug, wrapping yourself in them, merging...

    But Sombra comes tearing through astral space toward you, howling an undead warcry. "Not now!" he howls. "Too soon! Our destiny is greater still!"

    >To defeat Sombra, you must reply to this post with a double - in the next FIVE minutes!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:24 No.11777148

    >>11777122 (You)
    No! God damn it Sombra!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:24 No.11777150

    >>11777122 (You)
    I wish we had killed Sombra.

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:24 No.11777154

    ~Or have yoooouuuuu?~

    Wait and seeeeee

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:24 No.11777170

    >>11777122 (You)
    Op stole the dubs, rolling to take them back

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:24 No.11777171

    >>11777122 (You)
    Sombra you filthy judas

>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)17:24 No.11777172

    >>11777122 (You)
    COME ON!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:24 No.11777173

    >>11777122 (You)
    Argh! Get off!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:25 No.11777178

    >>11777122 (You)
    Fuck off Sombra. Dubs get.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:25 No.11777186

    >>11777122 (You)
    statistically this should be easy

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:25 No.11777192

    >>11777122 (You)
    DEAR GOD NO

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:26 No.11777200
Replies: >>11777217 >>11777239

    >>11777122 (You)
    gotta make a stand

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:26 No.11777202

    >>11777122 (You)
    Rolling!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:26 No.11777205
File: 1372627576513.png-(578 KB, 600x600, 1368923477371.png)
578 KB

    DUBS GOD BLESS ME

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:26 No.11777209

    >>11777122 (You)
    If there is a god, let him check em

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:26 No.11777217

    >>11777200 (You)
    Yes! Bless you anon.

>>
Ananamoose™ 06/30/13(Sun)17:26 No.11777221
File: 1372627615278.gif-(872 KB, 327x280, NEIN.gif)
872 KB

    >>11771999 (OP)
    >999

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:27 No.11777232

    >>11777122 (You)
    Fuckkkk.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:28 No.11777239

    >>11777200 (You)
    You are a hero.

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:28 No.11777248
Replies: >>11777257 >>11777261

    You summon the last of your strength and lash out at Sombra, your kick sending him spinning off beyond the light, screaming all the while - and then silence, as he is undone by the weave of fate.

    You wrap yourself tighter, and tighter, and tighter, falling backward through time, as history itself is rewound. Your vision blacks out, your body changes... and when you open your eyes again, everything has changed.

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:28 No.11777257

    >>11777248 (You)
    continue

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:29 No.11777261
File: 1372627747514.gif-(471 KB, 544x525, Pinkie Mag.gif)
471 KB

    >>11777248 (You)
    C-continue...

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:29 No.11777262

    Inb4 op asks us to get laid
    >>11777777 →

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:32 No.11777330
Replies: >>11777342 >>11777348 >>11777350 >>11777357 >>11777360 >>11777440 >>11777443 >>11777444

    It is almost one year ago. You're in the palace of Canterlot. There's no blood smeared on the walls, no corpses walking the hallway. You look around.

    You're in your room, a small apartment in the palace meant for visitors. Celestia has been summoning scientists to visit her for weeks now, but none of them could explain what she was wanted of them.

    Sunlight streams through an open window Dawn has risen, and Celestia will be holding court - and by the sounds of fanfare outside, she'll likely be very busy today.

    You jump out of bed and land on four hooves. Your head is clear, your thoughts private and without pain.

    You know which direction destiny's heading, but... how can you change it?

    >Go to Celestia
    >Go to Luna
    >Go to Twilight
    >Find the book yourself

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:33 No.11777342

    >>11777330 (You)
    Go to celestia

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:33 No.11777348

    >>11777330 (You)
    Find the book

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:33 No.11777350

    >>11777330 (You)
    Get that fucking book.

>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)17:34 No.11777357

    >>11777330 (You)
    Go to Luna.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:34 No.11777360

    >>11777330 (You)
    It's been proven Luna can't stand before Celestia.

    We can't know we can convince Celestia.

    And Twilight has no reason to believe us.

    Damn.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:36 No.11777415

    book .
    Burn that mother fucker

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:36 No.11777423

    Methinks the book is not the problem, but the way celestia used it

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:37 No.11777440
Replies: >>11777468 >>11777469 >>11777472 >>11777485

    >>11777330 (You)
    You head to the throne room, fast as you can. The halls are full of ponies, many you recognize - either from your past (now present), or from the terrifying future.

    Haunted, you stumble into the throne room, earning quizzical looks from the guards. "You're not supposed to be in here," grunts one of them. "I don't think you have an appointment."

    At the far end of the hall, toward the throne, you can see Celestia. She's talking with a small group of workers who appear to be replacing a stained glass window.

    "C'mon, you," says one of the guards, resting a hoof on your shoulder. "The princess will make time for public petitions later."

    >I have an appointment!
    >Sorry, I'll come back later
    >I'm here about the stained glass window
    >IF YOU DON'T LET ME TALK TO HER THE WORLD WILL END AND WE'LL ALL DIE

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:37 No.11777443

    >>11777330 (You)
    Get the book. Burn it upon a holy fire.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:37 No.11777444

    >>11777330 (You)
    Try and convince Celestia, if not, then burn the book.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:38 No.11777468

    >>11777440 (You)
    Come back later, look for and destroy the book

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:39 No.11777469

    >>11777440 (You)
    3
    make it convincing

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:39 No.11777472

    >>11777440 (You)
    3

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:39 No.11777485

    >>11777440 (You)
    Come back later.

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:42 No.11777553
Replies: >>11777565 >>11777597

    "I'll, uh, wait my turn," you mumble, wandering back out of the throne room.

    You try to remember how this went down last time. It was the day Twilight Sparkle and the Elements of Harmony came back from the Crystal Empire, everyone was talking about it returning to Equestria and Sombra being defeated. Celestia held official meetings and proclamations all day before finally squeezing in a brief meeting with you at night, where you showed her some of your theories. It was a few weeks before she called you back to show you the book and ask you to head up her special project.

    If you wait for that meeting, it might already be too late... or not? Argh, it's so hard to tell.

    "Hey, watch it, buddy!" says a worker as he pushes past in the hall with the window. Others are giving you looks for standing around in the palace halls.

    >Go back to your room and wait
    >Find Luna
    >Find Twilight
    >Find the book yourself

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:43 No.11777565

    >>11777553 (You)
    1

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:45 No.11777597

    >>11777553 (You)
    4

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:49 No.11777681
Replies: >>11777694 >>11777699 >>11777707

    You head back to your apartment and decide to wait for your meeting.

    When you get there, you take a seat and try to decompress the impossible, unbelievable journey you'd just been through. Did you imagine the whole thing? Was it all some strange dream? Who else could even remember? What about Celestia and Discord, they were outside of time and space when you made your change to fate - were they affected?

    What's more, you look around a room and see a life clearly belonging to Mortimer. His name is written on your possessions, his notes and theories are spread across your desk. Even the picture of his parents he carries feel half like strangers.

    Your fears and anxieties well up, but you have no way to ease them. If only there was someone you could talk to about what happened.

    There's a knock at your door. You look up.

    It's only one of the palace's attendants. "Dinner will be served in the guest hall in thirty minutes," she declares, before moving on.

    >Go to dinner
    >Just keep waiting
    >Find Luna
    >Find Twilight
    >Find the book yourself

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:49 No.11777694

    >>11777681 (You)
    2

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:50 No.11777699

    >>11777681 (You)
    Luna

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:50 No.11777707

    >>11777681 (You)
    1

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:52 No.11777775
Replies: >>11777851

    Luna or find the book. Why are we waiting around? Are we not a pone of action? If we wait too long game over, I guarantee

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)17:55 No.11777844
Replies: >>11777872 >>11777878 >>11777903 >>11777919 >>11777933 >>11777965

    Feeling anxious, you can't bring yourself to eat. Dinner comes and goes. The sun drifts downward in the sky. You're just starting to think the anticipation will drive you mad when a guard appears at your door.

    "The princess will see you now," he replies, brusquely.

    You follow the guard back to the throne room. Things have cleared out considerably, although you can hear parties and celebrations elsewhere in the palace - it appears the return of the Crystal Empire has inspired a great deal of merriment.

    You enter the throne room, and see Celestia. She's not a swarming mass of black tendrils this time, rather the benevolent, motherly figure you remember. You also happen to spot the new window installation, which shows Spike the dragon catching the Crystal Heart.

    "Ah... Mortimer, was it?" says Celestia, with a friendly smile. "Please, no need to be nervous. I'm excited to hear about your work."

    >Actually, it's Sunny
    >We need to talk about Twilight Sparkle
    >Starswirl's spellbook must never be used
    >Oh, it's actually pretty unremarkable
    >I have seen the future!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:55 No.11777851

    >>11777775
    We are waiting for the meeting

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:56 No.11777872

    >>11777844 (You)
    4, big whoop

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:56 No.11777878

    >>11777844 (You)
    >Oh, it's actually pretty unremarkable

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:58 No.11777903

    >>11777844 (You)
    3
    be as blunt as possible

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:59 No.11777919

    >>11777844 (You)
    3.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)17:59 No.11777933

    >>11777844 (You)
    Option 3.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:01 No.11777965

    >>11777844 (You)
    4, then go later and destroy the book.

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)18:03 No.11777994
Replies: >>11778012 >>11778022

    "Uh," you say, nervous despite her assurance. "Actually, it's not that remarkable."

    "Don't be so modest," says Celestia, still smiling that inviting smile. "Come, this throne room can be a touch intimidating. Join me on the balcony."

    You follow, hesitantly, to a balcony overlooking Canterlot. Several chairs are arranged there, including several befitting Celestia's larger size. She seats herself. "I've been keeping up to date on the different academies of Canterlot and their work, and of everything I've seen your work in magic simulation is some of the most impressive."

    "Th-thank you, your highness," you say. "But it's really not. It's, uh, more theoretical, doesn't have practical application."

    "Oh, but I think it does," says Celestia. "Recent events have convinced me it's time the other pony races, the pegasi and earth ponies, should have their chance to prove themselves at magic as unicorns do. Who knows what breakthroughs your fresh perspective might give us?"

    >Look, my research is bunk - falsified!
    >You're trying not to say you've lost faith in Twilight Sparkle
    >I know where this is going, and you can forget it
    >Stop messing with Starswirl's final spell before you destroy the whole damn world!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:04 No.11778012

    >>11777994 (You)
    3

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:04 No.11778022

    >>11777994 (You)
    1, play it off

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:07 No.11778081

    I think we should try to rekindle her faith in Twilight, or we need to try and tell her what happens. Being a hardcase with Celestia isn't a good idea. She's the princess, we can't brute force royalty

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:10 No.11778128

    Agreed, lets remind her on how Purple Smart deserves better from her

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)18:10 No.11778131
Replies: >>11778162 >>11778196 >>11778202

    "Oh no," you say, stamping your hoof. "I know where this is going, and I'll have no part of it."

    Celestia's brow furrows. "Whatever do you mean?"

    "You want me to simulate... something with magic because you can't get a unicorn to do it - and if you do, there'll be terrible consequences! I didn't study magic despite being an earth pony just to see my discoveries get exploited!"

    "You have me all wrong, I assure you," says Celestia, sincere concern in her voice. "What I want to do with your research would help all ponykind, not exploit them. There's so much potential in your research, if you'd just tell me a little more about how it works and what you might be able to do-"

    "Well, I won't!" you say, crossing your forelegs. "I'm quitting! I'm not having any more to do with magic! I'll become a farmer like my parents wanted!"

    Celestia, very confused, just sort of shrugs. "I'm... very sorry to hear that. That you don't want to work on this project, I mean. If you change your mind... well, I'm sure we'll still be able to put together a team, you can always apply to join."

    >Well, okay then
    >Wait, join what?
    >Don't do that either! Because... uh
    >Look, don't do anything at all with Starswirl's book
    >Oh for the love of... I AM FROM THE FUTURE

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:12 No.11778162

    >>11778131 (You)

    2

    Lets get some info

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:13 No.11778196

    >>11778131 (You)
    5

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:14 No.11778202

    >>11778131 (You)
    2.

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)18:17 No.11778257
Replies: >>11778282 >>11778301 >>11778302 >>11778341

    You pause. "What team? What can I join?"

    Celestia looks slightly off-balance at your sudden change in interest. "Well... recent events have convinced me I need to assemble a team to seriously explore exactly what your research suggested - using artificial means to recreate magical effects. I was hoping you might have the expertise I need to lead the project, but if you're not interested in continuing that line of research..."

    She shrugs. "Several of your colleagues, like Doctor Neighly, have expressed an interest in the project. Should you change your mind, you can contact one of them - by mail, as they will be relocating.

    "The apartment's yours for the rest of the night and tomorrow. My secretary should be available if you need anything. I hope you enjoy the rest of your stay."

    >Wait, wait I'm interested in the project!
    >Why explore this project if you've got Twilight Sparkle, element of magic?
    >Whatever you do, don't use Starswirl the Bearded's spellbook
    >I AM FROM THE FUTURE LISTEN TO ME!
    >Okay, um, see you later

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:18 No.11778282

    >>11778257 (You)
    2

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:18 No.11778301

    >>11778257 (You)
    >>11778257 (You)

    2

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:18 No.11778302

    >>11778257 (You)
    2

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:21 No.11778341

    >>11778257 (You)
    3.

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)18:22 No.11778374
Replies: >>11778402 >>11778410 >>11778433 >>11778440 >>11778455

    "I don't understand," you say. "Don't you have Twilight Sparkle for this sort of thing? The Element of Magic herself?"

    Celestia frowns and turns away. "I'd rather not discuss that at this time, good day, Mortimer."

    Realizing you're being dismissed, you try a little harder. "Has something caused you to lose faith in her abilities, maybe? Did she fail a test? Is there some spell you were hoping the foremost magician in Equestria could help you with, and you're turning to your backup plan?"

    Celestia's spine visibly stiffens. Her head turns slowly and affixes you with a detached expression.

    "And who told you that?"

    >It's just an obvious deduction
    >I know about Starswirl the Bearded's spellbook
    >I know because, brace yourself, I AM FROM THE FUTURE
    >Just kidding! Never mind! See you later

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:22 No.11778377

    Inb4 the future refused to change.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:24 No.11778402

    >>11778374 (You)
    Option 2.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:24 No.11778410

    >>11778374 (You)
    3

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:25 No.11778433

    >>11778374 (You)
    2

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:25 No.11778440

    >>11778374 (You)

    2

    Now seems like a good point to be honeste

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:25 No.11778455

    >>11778374 (You)
    3. Explain all the zomie shit.

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)18:30 No.11778544
Replies: >>11778574 >>11778632

    "I know about the spell, too," you say, taking what you hope is a strong posture. "Starswirl's unfinished final spell? The one that opens a gateway to the cosmic plane? It doesn't work the way you think it does, and getting your students to try and finish it has only caused trouble."

    There a loud, lingering scraping noise as Celestia gets up from her chair and pushes it away. "There are only a handful of beings in the whole world who know about that book, and its contents, and none of them are younger than a thousand years old."

    Her horn glows gold and the doors to the balcony shut behind you. "Which one are you, then? Is this one of Discord's tricks? No, too subtle. Chrysalis, perhaps? Hm, she knows less than she thinks."

    She eyes you dangerously and you start to wish you really did have your own magic. "Wherever you heard it, that's quite a dangerous piece of information you've discovered. If the truth of Starswirl's final spell were to get out, all manner of ponies and monsters would be after it."

    >Then destroy it while you can
    >Trust Twilight with it, not me
    >Your obsession with the power it represents will doom us all.
    >THE FUTURE. I'M FROM IT
    >Let me go, and I promise I won't tell anyone
    >Let me lead the project, and I promise I won't tell anyone

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:31 No.11778574
Replies: >>11778602

    >>11778544 (You)
    4.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:33 No.11778602
Replies: >>11778647
File: 1372631586937.png-(164 KB, 1000x1000, Pinkie Piep.png)
164 KB

    >>11778574
    I... it might actually be the right time.

>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)18:34 No.11778632

    >>11778544 (You)
    Goin' with number 4.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:35 No.11778647

    >>11778602
    We can only hope.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:35 No.11778648

    4
    its the best choice tell her about the zambamboes

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:40 No.11778728
Replies: >>11778772
File: 1372632030687.png-(462 KB, 615x408, 1342488974512.png)
462 KB

    Inb4 Sunny becomes Doom Paul.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:43 No.11778772
Replies: >>11778809
File: 1372632194621.png-(73 KB, 788x724, StroppyCelly.png)
73 KB

    >>11778728
    He's, uh. Either going to succeed or have Celestia do something awful to him at this point, I think.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:45 No.11778809
File: 1372632311735.jpg-(140 KB, 500x500, sawn off paul.jpg)
140 KB

    >>11778772

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)18:48 No.11778888
Replies: >>11778914

    "I'M FROM THE FUTURE!" You blurt out, before covering your mouth. That didn't go quite as you intended.

    Celestia arches an eyebrow. "What?"

    "The spell leads to the cosmic plane beyond the material world. I know because I went there, and because Sombra told me about when he was your student and betrayed you. I know you built a lab in the Everfree and you're thinking of letting Mattock form the ESF.

    "And I know the project goes horribly, horribly wrong. My artificial Elements let corruption into the world. You were pulled in. The dead rose, Equestria burned, countless died. It took the real Elements of Harmon and I going through hell just to use the strands of fate to send me back so I could stop the nightmare before it began."

    Celestia fixes you impassively. "And that's why you acted so strangely before? Trying to convince me not to launch the project?"

    "Yes," you say at last. "Don't do it. I've seen where it leads."

    There's a long pause as Celestia weighs up your story. "Interesting... and not impossible, I suppose. It would explain what you know. But if that's true, Mortimer, don't you see? That makes you the perfect head for the project!"

    "What?"

    She rests a motherly hoof on your shoulder. "You know what went wrong last time, you've seen the pitfalls. This time we can get things right, discover that new world for all ponykind together. I've waited for a thousand years for someone to come along and finish this spell, which might put an end to pain, poverty, fear... all the evils of the world. If it takes a few cycles to succeed, that's a price we have to be willing to pay. This is your chance to set things RIGHT."

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:50 No.11778914

    >>11778888 (You)
    Nice quads
    continue

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)18:51 No.11778925
Replies: >>11778955 >>11778960 >>11778966 >>11779006 >>11779016 >>11779021 >>11779034 >>11779062 >>11779080 >>11779102 >>11779120 >>11779133 >>11779140

    The voice echoes through you, and back into your past - your future. Isn't that what you always wanted? You know the mistakes of the past, you can complete a work that will make the world a better place for everyone. Even if you destroyed the book, someone would finish the spell sooner or later. It's your responsibility to see this through, see it done right and for the benefit of all before someone like Sombra gets ahold of it.

    But... no, that's not what you came here to do. That isn't who you are anymore. You saw what unchecked power in your hooves and in Celestia's accomplished. There's only one group of ponies you know of who resisted the corrupting temptation of power and used Starswirl's last spell without falling prey to it - the real Elements of Harmony.

    THE FINAL VOTE
    This is it! Ten minutes to discuss, ten to vote.
    >Yes... I'll get it right this time. We'll discover that new world together.
    or
    >No. Only Twilight and her friends can handle this power, not me.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:53 No.11778955

    >>11778925 (You)
    2
    Let it be done. We had our chance, we fucked it up.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:53 No.11778960

    >>11778925 (You)
    twilight and friends. anybody else?

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:53 No.11778966
File: 1372632824797.jpg-(40 KB, 600x400, 2013.jpg)
40 KB

    >>11778925 (You)
    No.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:54 No.11778982

    voting yes for MAXIMUM HuBRIS

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:55 No.11779006
File: 1372632955402.png-(Spoiler Image, 170 KB, 1194x669)
Spoiler Image, 170 KB

    >>11778925 (You)
    We can't fall prey to temptation.

    We have to stay strong.

    And hope that Pinkie can break the fourth wall for us.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:56 No.11779016
File: 1372632982568.jpg-(32 KB, 241x358, 1349240314548.jpg)
32 KB

    >>11778925 (You)
    Nope, get Twilight to do it.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:56 No.11779021

    >>11778925 (You)

    No.I have faith in my friends.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:57 No.11779034

    >>11778925 (You)
    Number 1 mayhaps the best end
    Then get sun poon
    Captcha: seduced lleycel

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)18:59 No.11779062

    >>11778925 (You)
    Voting yes.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:00 No.11779080

    >>11778925 (You)
    Yes.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:01 No.11779102

    >>11778925 (You)
    Nombre 1

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:02 No.11779120

    >>11778925 (You)
    No.

>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)19:03 No.11779133

    >>11778925 (You)
    Yes.

    What could go wrong?

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:03 No.11779140

    >>11778925 (You)
    Refuse.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:04 No.11779155

    I smell samefagging

    Guys, we don't know what went wrong. All we know is that it did. If we don't know what went wrong, we can't fix it.

    VOTING NO FOR BEST END

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:04 No.11779160

    samefag detected

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:08 No.11779217

    No you samefag fucker

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:08 No.11779229

    i vote no let twilight handle it and we have a samefag in our presence

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)19:09 No.11779240
Replies: >>11779258 >>11779269 >>11779276 >>11779308 >>11779360

    (whoops, messed up posting time a bit)

    You stamp a hoof and shake your head. "No, princess. It can't be me."

    "Who better?" she asks, confused.

    "Twilight Sparkle."

    Celestia hesitates, looking back out over her city. "There was a time I might have agreed, but... she faltered in the Crystal Empire, quite terribly. I convinced her, more or less, that the point of the test was to see if she could value the greater good of saving the Crystal Empire over her obsession with pleasing me, but that was only a convenient rationalization. I had hoped she'd proven more magically powerful than Sombra, and thus more likely than him to succeed at the spell."

    "In my time, without your guidance and after suffering incredible loss, she STILL managed to finish Starswirl's spell and send me back in time to undo my mistake. She and the Elements of Harmony lost loved ones, friends, family, the support of you and the other princesses, and despite it all they came together as true friends to save the world."

    Celestia is silent, and you see a flicker of sadness. "Friendship... I once believed in it, more than I do now. Now I just say the words, knowing there's power in them. Twilight's friends were... useful to me, when I needed her to bear the Elements, but how much did I give to what they meant to her? Not enough."

    She sighs. "I don't know if I had been in her position, if I would have had the strength to do what she did. Perhaps you are right, then. Perhaps she has the wisdom to use this power, the wisdom I no longer possess. Very well, Mortimer. When she is ready, I will send her Starswirl's spellbook."

    "Sunny," you say, with a weak smile. "My name's Sunny."

    She looks down toward you, somewhat surprised. "Ah, so it is."

    Puzzled, you look back. Where your mark - the skull - once sat, there was now a rising sun just cresting the horizon.

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:10 No.11779258

    >>11779240
    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)19:10 No.11779269

    >>11779240
    Continue.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:10 No.11779276

    >>11779240
    pls

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:11 No.11779286
Replies: >>11779317 >>11779320 >>11779380 >>11779382 >>11779403

    We just caused Twilicorn and Equestria Girls.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:12 No.11779308
File: 1372633978088.png-(44 KB, 800x600, 800px-Dawn_of_a_New_Day.png)
44 KB

    >>11779240

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:13 No.11779317

    >>11779286
    We are the embodiment of our own demise. Wardens of our own personal Hell.

>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)19:13 No.11779320
File: 1372634004469.jpg-(267 KB, 1400x1080, 1 (2).jpg)
267 KB

    >>11779286

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:15 No.11779360

    >>11779240
    Inb4 Twilight fucks up and the dead end up raising anyway.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:16 No.11779380

    >>11779286
    It's better to suffer ourselves than make the objects of our affections live through the end of their world.

    We can be the heroes Equestria deserves... but we'll never be the ones it needs.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:16 No.11779382

    >>11779286
    God have mercy. It was us. Us, all along.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:17 No.11779403

    >>11779286
    You Maniacs! You blew it up! Ah, damn you! God damn you all to hell!

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)19:20 No.11779439
Replies: >>11779466 >>11779472 >>11779485

    Celestia released you to return to your room. There you slept as you hadn't in as far back as you could remember, the anxieties and fears melting away.

    Deep in your sleep, though, you find a pair of yellow eyes blinking at you. "Very well done," a familiar voice whispers, before realizing into Discord. "Talking the old girl down like that was inspired. Yes, very well done indeed."

    "Hold on," you say. "Aren't you still a statue at this point? How are you here now?"

    "Oh pshaw," says Discord, waving a claw dismissively. "Far be it from an agent of Chaos to bend the rules somewhat, am I right? Don't worry, I'll let the time stream play out on its own - don't want to accidentally set us back on the road to deadmagedddon, do I? I'll even try to look just as surprised when dear, sweet Fluttershy reforms my ill-intent. I just thought you might like to compare notes with one of the few beings in the universe who remembers what happened."

    Discord flies around you, giving you a studious once-over. "I like the four-legged look, much healthier. And I see you've swapped the skull for a sunrise, classy. It really seems you've come out on top in all this - the world saved, disaster averted, and you even got your own life back into the mix. You must be feeling proud."

    You are. Immensely proud. Although, there is one thing...

    Discord smiles. "Oh, but you wish you could have your cake and eat it, too, don't you? If only there was some way to get that lovely farmgirl beau of yours without also dooming the world to the undead plague! Alas!"

    "I was worth it," you say, head held high. "Besides... I mean, she's still at Sweet Apple Acres, right?"

    "Which hasn't been overrun with corpses this time, yes," says Discord. "But tell me, did you find convincing Celestia a little... easy? Almost like she believed your story about being from the future a wee bit too readily? Doesn't that make you wonder at all?"
    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:21 No.11779466

    >>11779439 (You)
    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:21 No.11779472

    >>11779439 (You)
    inb4 Discord turns us gray or some shit

    Continue

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:21 No.11779480

    >tfw sunny will never meet applejack and have kids with her
    >tfw he knows this
    feelsbadman.jpg

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:22 No.11779485

    >>11779439 (You)
    CONTINUE

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)19:25 No.11779530
Replies: >>11779570 >>11779578 >>11779581

    You'd been so relieved you'd hardly noticed. "Maybe. What are you getting at?"

    "As the senior reality warper present, it's my duty to inform you that the affects of your fiddling with the strands of fate were... somewhat incomplete. Celestia actually remembers more than she lets on, although she's far, far too rigid to ever admit it, even to herself. As for others, well, bits and pieces remain - half formed memories, ghosts of the past and future, all things I'm sure you're more than familiar with, Sunny."

    Discord's face splits into a grin. "And oh, I admit it, I may have tweaked a few small details myself on my way back out of the cosmic plane. Nothing huge, just a few things here or there.

    "Anyway, I had best be going. You've put the future on a brighter course, which means I don't get bottled up in an underground lab to keep the lights running. Oh, and if I were you? I wouldn't go around mentioning any of this to anyone! People might think you're a bit strange. Toodles!"

    And with that, Discord appears, leaving you to your sleep.

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:27 No.11779570

    >>11779530 (You)
    Inb4 Discord made it so Applejack remembers Sunny.

    CONTINUE

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:27 No.11779578

    >>11779530 (You)
    keep going

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:27 No.11779581

    >>11779530 (You)
    we bioshock infinite now?

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)19:28 No.11779587
Replies: >>11779616 >>11779636 >>11779656

    The next few days pass in a blur, picking up the pieces of an old life you barely remember. You take a leave of absence from your work, settle your affairs in Canterlot and take the first train you can out of town. Where else? Ponyville.

    You don't know what to expect when you arrive, but what you didn't expect was Pinkie Pie waiting for you. "Sunny!" she shouts immediately. "I knew you'd get here eventually! Uh, I mean." She immediately adopts a confused, standoffish expression. "Hello there, mysterious stranger I've never met before! Welcome to Ponyville."

    >Pinkie... you remember who I am?
    >Good to see you (again!)
    >Could you give this "Mysterious stranger" directions to Sweet Apple Acres?

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:29 No.11779616
Replies: >>11779636 >>11779753

    >>11779587 (You)
    >Could you give this "Mysterious stranger" directions to Sweet Apple Acres?

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:29 No.11779618
Replies: >>11779636

    1

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:30 No.11779636
File: 1372635050566.gif-(2.98 MB, 400x224, Thread Derailed.gif)
2.98 MB

    >>11779587 (You)
    >Good to see you (again!)

    >>11779616
    >>11779618
    NO! YOU FOOLS!

>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)19:31 No.11779656

    >>11779587 (You)
    >Good to see you (again!)

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:36 No.11779753
File: 1372635379259.jpg-(65 KB, 1015x788, loop__sad_pinkie_by_matty(...).jpg)
65 KB

    >>11779616
    You fucked up

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)19:36 No.11779758
Replies: >>11779770 >>11779772

    You give Pinkie a smile and a wink. "Well, as a newcomer to this fine town, I was looking for an apple. Any chance you know where I could find one?"

    Pinke returns an exaggerated wink. "Why, Sweet Apple Acres, of course! Here, I'll show you the way."

    The two of you walk into the street, where Pinkie ambles over to a cloud and begins stomping. The sleeping pegasus atop it looks down, confused. "Pinkie, what's the big deal?" She looks up and notices you. "And who's your... friend?"

    "Don't know!" says Pinkie, beaming. "We're going to Sweet Apple Acres, wanna come with?"

    Dash hesitates, confused for a moment. "Sure thing."

    The three of you don't get far before bumping into Rarity and Fluttershy leaving the spa. Fluttershy almost walks right into you. "Oh, sorry Sunny-" she starts, before pausing and squinting at you. "Um... sorry, do I know you?"

    "Yes," says Rarity, admiring. "You look quite familiar... and I do believe I'd remember such a handsome stallion caller."

    "We're going to see the Apples with our new friend!" exclaims Pinkie. "Come join the party!"

    The two seem about to decline, before reconsidering and joining in.

    Just a little further down the street you see Twilight and Spike. "Hey there, everyone," says Twilight as her friends approach. "What's going on-"

    "Stranger!" says Pinkie, loudly. "Sweet Apple Acres! Applejack!"

    Twilight raises an eyebrow. "Applejack?"

    "Spoiler alert..." Pinkie whispers. "C'mon!"

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)19:37 No.11779770

    >>11779758 (You)
    CONTINUE

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:38 No.11779772

    >>11779758 (You)
    go on

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)19:44 No.11779884
Replies: >>11779913 >>11779933

    A whole parade follows you down the road out of town. Cheerilee and her students, Berry Punch, Filthy Rich, Noteworth... the CMC dance circles around you, Caramel apologizes without knowing why, and Time Turner falls into line with a nod and a wink.

    By the time you reach Sweet Apple Acres half the town is following in your wake. You get to the fence and find Granny Smith minding it.

    She eyes you up and down, ignoring the mob on your tail. "Stranger," she says, spitting. "Can ah help ya?"

    >Are you sure we haven't met?
    >Is Applejack home?
    >My name's Sunny

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:45 No.11779913

    >>11779884
    3

>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)19:46 No.11779933

    >>11779884
    3.

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)19:51 No.11780038
Replies: >>11780098 >>11780102

    "Hello, Granny Smith," you say, smiling. "My name's Sunny."

    Granny Smith's eyes narrow. "Is it, now? Funny, name sounds familiar. And what brings y'out here, Sunny?"

    Pinkie interrupts "He's here for Applejack!"

    Granny tightens her grip on the fence. Twilight clears her throat and clarifies "I think she means he's here to SEE Applejack."

    "Well, she ain't feelin' up t'seein' visitors today," snorts Granny Smith. "Certainly not this great big mob'a folks ya got here."

    "Awwww," says Applebloom, by your feet. "C'mon Granny, let Sunny see Applejack? Please?"

    Granny looks at Applebloom, confused. "Now how'd'ya know this here fella anyway, Applebloom? Get outtat there!"

    "Trouble, Granny?" says a deep voice that makes you shiver. You look up to the house where Big Macintosh has stepped outside.

    "No, no trouble," says Granny Smith. "Just a big ole' mob lookin' fer Applejack. 'parently Sunny wants t'see her. Is she in?"

    "Eeyup."

    "Weeell, ya better go get her then, only way t'get this lot t'clear off."

    Big Macintosh steps back inside. You shift uncomfortably on your hooves. "Reckon she might'a mentioned somethin' 'bout a Sunny," Granny mutters. "Can't quite remember."

    >[CONTINUE]

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:55 No.11780098

    >>11780038 (You)
    Continue

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)19:55 No.11780102

    >>11780038 (You)
    go on

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)20:00 No.11780212
Replies: >>11780297 >>11780308 >>11780342 >>11780719

    When Big Macintosh returns, it's with his sister in tow. She scans the crowd, surprised. "Now what in tarnation is-"

    When she sees you, though, her eyes light up. "Sunny!"

    She charges down the hill toward you, bowling over her own Granny and crashing into you and her friends. You stagger and fall backward, landing in the dirt with the laughing pony on top of you. "Ah knew ya wouldn't ferget."

    You're puzzled. "You mean you remember me?"

    "'Course ah do," she says, smiling and giving you a kiss on the nose. "Y'all said we'd see each other again some day. Ya keep yer promises, Sunny."

    You lean into another kiss, and the crowd - still a bit confused - cheer nonetheless. Granny's shouting something irritable. Mac watches impassively, Applebloom giggles, Pinkie laughs, Twilight looks on, puzzled, Rarity cries big, dramatic tears, Rainbow Dash grins, Fluttershy blushes. Ponyville is alive and vibrant. The world is safe.

    You did it. You set things right.

    And a teeny, little Discord voice in your ear whispers. "Just a heads up on one more little detail I thought to keep. You may want to start reading up on baby names. I think that's a fair reward for saving the world after accidentally destroying it, don't you?"

    Cut to black. Credits roll. House lights turn up again.

    You won.

    [THANK YOU FOR PLAYING THE TROTTING DEAD!]

    (Epilogue and final score to follow)

>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/30/13(Sun)20:04 No.11780297
File: 1372637089703.png-(12 KB, 452x422, 1296575982944.png)
12 KB

    >>11780212 (You)
    YES!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:05 No.11780308
Replies: >>11780329 >>11780342

    >>11780212 (You)
    So that epilogue is gonna be us breaking up with Applejack and goin steady with Pinkie right? Right?!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:06 No.11780329

    >>11780308
    Fuck that. Applepone 4 life.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:07 No.11780342

    >>11780212 (You)
    OP you beautiful faggot...

    >>11780308
    No

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:09 No.11780386
Replies: >>11781036

    OP you really need to write all the branches and release this as a "choose your own adventure" fic.

>>
Epilogue: part one OP 06/30/13(Sun)20:09 No.11780395
Replies: >>11780564

    -Sunny went on to join the Apple family. While never entirely accepted by Applejack's brother, the others embraced him and his son with Applejack, "Stranger"
    -Applejack herself remembered most of what had happened but chose to keep it mostly to herself, happy to build a better life in the present
    -Twilight Sparkle eventually finished Starswirl's final spell and ascended to godhood, a power she very wisely refrained from using. She cherished Spike all the more for reasons she only dimly understood, and became a wiser princess for experiences she could not recall.
    -Fluttershy became noticeably more hardened to grisly sights and frightening thoughts, but didn't lose her heart. Her newfound courage helped help those even in terrible danger.
    -Rainbow Dash felt a debt to her friends she could never entirely repay, and a newfound respect for those who couldn't fly. At times, she even began opting to walk - but not too often.
    -Rarity committed to spending a lot more time with her parents and sister, and keeping fewer secrets. This newfound respect for her sister's autonomy helped their relationship flourish.
    -Pinkie was unbearable for the next season, constantly play-acting her surprise at every plot twist she remembered. Totally oversold it in Too Many Pinkies. Frequently jealous at having lost out on the love interest, she made up for it by winning the Equestria lottery and blowing it all in a week.

>>
Epilogue: part two OP 06/30/13(Sun)20:16 No.11780527
Replies: >>11780593 >>11780694

    -Big Macintosh would remain an outsider with a troubled conscience. Many members of Ponyville felt cold to him for reasons they couldn't explain. He threw himself into looking after his family and the farm, although he never shook that uncomfortable feeling.
    -Granny Smith would come to accept Sunny, saying he could be trusted to keep his word. She used her remaining years to pass on the rest of her wisdom - and regular marksmanship lessons.
    -Applebloom grew all the closer to her friends, and none were surprised when the three of them found their cutie marks - their crusader emblem, which only tied the three friends closer together. She also enjoyed helping to raise her nephew, looking out for him as a fellow member of her familly.
    -Spike found all the sudden changes rather confusing, and spent most of his time sleeping through them, to no ill effect. Although he had an unexplained new fear of statues.
    -Sweetie Belle grew closer to Rarity as they grew older, leaving their petty secrets and disagreements behind. She sought to be braver and stronger, like her sister, and lead a more adventurous life.
    -Scootaloo grew exceptionally close to Rainbow Dash, who seemed to constantly fear for her safety. Although this unexpected mothering from her idol annoyed her at times, she was willing to put with it to see more of the great Rainbow Dash
    -Trixie is still very, very sorry, although she can't remember why

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:18 No.11780564
File: 1372637928592.jpg-(9 KB, 172x160, images (7).jpg)
9 KB

    >>11780395 (You)
    oh god i missed all of this amd i came just at the end

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:19 No.11780593
File: 1372637993807.jpg-(47 KB, 353x750, tumblr_m2a8vgpa3C1r4f9m5.jpg)
47 KB

    >>11780527 (You)
    >Trixie is still very, very sorry, although she can't remember why

>>
Epilogue: part three OP 06/30/13(Sun)20:22 No.11780647

    -Over time, Celestia would fade into the background of Equestrian politics, recognizing her ambitions and grip on power had been too tight. The younger princesses would have their time in the sun, as the wisdom of the old would recognize the wisdom of the new.
    -Luna would strive tirelessly to seek out and prevent disasters before they could happen. Blaming some manner of complacency in her past, she resolved never to let things go uninvestigated or make dangerous assumptions. Her tireless efforts helped protect the people of Canterlot and all Equestria.
    -Cadance and Shining Armor's relationship would hit a rough patch when Cadance becomes too attached, afraid whenever he's out of her sight. With Twilight's help, however, they would work through this period of their lives and restore a healthy relationship.
    -Chrysalis would retain designs on the Crystal Empire and revenge, though they would never come to fruition
    -Discord played along with the rest of the season, hitting all the same cues. He's quite happy where he is, thank you - not in a glass bubble in Celestia's science project. Though in continued gratitude for Sunny's help, he occasionally checked up on how his old friend was doing.
    -Sombra remains in the darkness beyond time and space, cursing the name of Sunny for eternity

    Score to follow!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:24 No.11780694
Replies: >>11780998

    >>11780527 (You)
    OP will you be doing this again and how do you think we did

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:25 No.11780713
Replies: >>11780911 >>11780950

    -Vern got married out of high school, and had 4 kids. And is now the forklift operator at the Arsenal Lumberyard.
    -Teddy tried several times to get into the army, but his eyes and ear kept him out. Last I heard, he spent some time in jail, and is now doing odd jobs around Castle Rock.
    -Chris did get out. He enrolled in the college courses with me. Although it was hard, he gutted it out like he always did. He went on to college and eventually became a lawyer. Last week he entered a fast food restaurant. The two men in front of him started arguing. One pulled a knife. Chris tried to break it up. He was stabbed in the throat and died almost instantly.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:25 No.11780719
File: 1372638320071.gif-(Spoiler Image, 984 KB, 876x1100)
Spoiler Image, 984 KB

    >>11780212 (You)
    Beautiful. A happy end, after everything.

    I've been here since the first thread. From sleeping in the Apples' barn to the rescue of Fluttershy. The escape from Ponyville, the confrontation with Big Mac. The chaos of Canterlot, and the carnage of the Crystal Empire.

    It's been a hell of a ride, and in the end i'm glad we managed to keep the elements together through to the end. Without that, I have a sneaking suspicion our ending would have been a lot more bitter and a lot less sweet, if anyone even survived at all.

    I do hope to see more from you in the future, whether expanding on the same theme or taking up another, but even if this is the last, i'm happy with where we ended up.

    So no matter what, I'd just sincerely like to thank you for telling us this story, and letting us take part in it.

    And maybe next time we'll pick Pinkie.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:28 No.11780802
Replies: >>11780873 >>11780950

    This is appropriate.

    http://youtube.com/watch?v=sNb8o9_t-BU

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:32 No.11780873
Replies: >>11780950

    >>11780802
    Myself, i've got this playing.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qabiEXQEEhw

    But then I was rooting for Pinkie for the last five or six threads.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:33 No.11780911

    >>11780713
    You never had friends later on like the ones when you were 12

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)20:35 No.11780942
Replies: >>11780978 >>11781025 >>11781031

    Adventure Completed!
    [Apples to Apples] unlocked (Applejack's Route)
    [Time for a Change] unlocked (get "change the past" ending)
    [Be Kind, Rewind] unlocked (Bad End averted)
    [You're Gonna Carry That Weight] unlocked (save Pinkie Pie by episode 3)
    [Full House] unlocked (finish the game with all the Elements alive)
    [Let The Sunshine In] unlocked (finish the game as Sunny)
    [Don The Sombrero] unlocked (let Sombra possess you)
    [Pony Rides the Pony] unlocked (get down, get funky)
    [Crystal Upset] unlocked (destroyed the Crystal Empire - whoops!)
    [Clean Getaway] unlocked (escape Canterlot with Luna's help)

    Trotting Dead killed: All of them
    Ponies killed: Almost all of them (they got better)

    1 sacred urns toppled
    1 mystic ruins desecrated
    1 hallowed tombs defiled

    Final # of threads: 9
    Final # of posts: oh jesus
    Final # of words: please stop
    Final Score: All of it, just let me go
    Final Rating: A+

    Thanks for playing, guys, you were the best!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:35 No.11780950

    >>11780713
    is this Needful Things?

    >>11780802
    >>11780873
    >not http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K51MK9IvDo8

    Thanks to OP I've found this song and have come to really like it. Might have to get this game one of these days

    Also >>11780873, she's alive at least.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:37 No.11780978

    >>11780942 (You)
    T-there will be more right? Make it like the Last of Us or something, c'mon anon you can't just stop now!

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)20:38 No.11780998

    >>11780694
    You did almost perfectly. Okay, there were problems along the way, a few unnecessary casualties, and I even softened up some of the choices from time to time (I'd originally planned for there to be no "save them both but get bit" option with Rarity and Sweetie Belle). You avoided the worst of it on your own, though, and man there were a lot of ways you could've gotten everyone killed.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:39 No.11781025

    >>11780942 (You)
    Regardless of what you do now, this was a great adventure. Thanks for being awesome, OP!
    >Keep that hair short.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:40 No.11781031

    >>11780942 (You)
    S-so it's over? No biweekly checks to see when your threads are? No late nights worrying about fictional horses?

    Thanks OP. You're a bro among bros, these threads have been a lot of fun and I'll miss them. Best of luck to you

    I suppose there's only one thing left to do then. Who's your favorite pony?

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)20:40 No.11781036

    >>11780386
    It would take just short of forever to do a full branching tree for everything, especially from episode one on (You know Applejack and Fluttershy could've both died before reaching Ponyville?). I wrote each episode building off what the last episode had made possible.

    That's the advantage of doing this stuff live, is that I can be adaptable. In theory though, I guess one day it might be a fun project to organize at least the decision trees and post those.
>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:40 No.11781037
File: 1372639220705.gif-(391 KB, 508x498, Tapdancingpinks.gif)
391 KB

    >>11780950
    >not http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K51MK9IvDo8

    It's not like the walking dead, man.

    We don't need to go back. We went back.

    We -Won-.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:41 No.11781059
Replies: >>11781146
File: 1372639307413.jpg-(9 KB, 125x125, 1367915142965s.jpg)
9 KB

    >>11781036
    will you do more of these OP

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)20:46 No.11781129
Replies: >>11781161

    >>11781031
    Honestly? I suppose I rather like Twilight, since I like all the magical, mystical stuff with ancient spells and gods and things (can you tell?). All six of them were great, though, and you might have very easily made choices early on that moved any one of them into the primary love interest spot

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)20:47 No.11781146
Replies: >>11781204 >>11781221

    >>11781059
    No time soon. I've got way too much to catch up on as it is. But maybe someday, if another idea strikes my fancy!

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:48 No.11781161

    >>11781129
    Really? I mean, we naturally gravitated towards Applejack, ao I thought that was your doing.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:50 No.11781204
File: 1372639807081.jpg-(10 KB, 125x125, 1366227452444s.jpg)
10 KB

    >>11781146

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:51 No.11781221
Replies: >>11781293 >>11782441

    >>11781146
    OP, just in case you never have the time and someone else tries to finish the job... I thought... maybe you could tell us what might have happened if we didn't keep all the six alive... or if Twilight used Dark Magic... or if Discord was kept trapped?

    I think most other holes would be fairly easy to fill, but those... may vary wildly from your original vision if someone else were to attempt it.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:51 No.11781225

    >>11780950
    No, it's Stand by Me.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)20:54 No.11781293

    >>11781221
    I woulda liked to see what would happen with Twi if Sombra inhabited her head instead of ours

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)21:49 No.11782441
Replies: >>11782505

    >>11781221
    Well, a few general points then.

    If Discord was kept in the generator the facility would be powered, changing some of the challenges (trams would've worked first time, but security doors on the way to the test chamber would be shut). It would also have enabled one of the three ways to reopen the gate to the cosmic plane (reactivating your artificial elements).

    Sombra in Twilight would've lead to Twilight becoming more unpredictable and dangerous, and a lot of the events that happened with Sombra would've happened with Twilight except with you on the outside. Increasing Twilight's resistance to control would involve keeping her grounded to her friends and not letting her get too "the ends justify the means" (like the choice to let the people outside the bunker die to force the other Elements to work to changing the past).

    Twilight using Dark Magic would be one of the ways to open the gate to the cosmic plane, although with consequences (corrupting the time stream further would make Celestia attack you straight up and force you to pass double challenges just to move back up the time stream), and if Sombra had possessed her too and wins control he'd use her to come in after you, so you'd have to do the Sombra battle again.

    Keeping all six alive is challenging (although with plenty of clues and hints along the way) but lets you use the actual elements of harmony to open the gate at the end. It's also key to keeping the group from falling apart since once you start losing elements the others turn on each other a whole lot worse.

    A scene that could've been a lot worse was the early one this session where the group decided to try and shut down the gate. Applejack only went for it as easily as she did because all of the elements were alive and she trusts and loves Sunny - otherwise she'd refuse to leave her family and friends so long as she lives. There's a whole ending branch about choosing to stay in the vault instead.

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)21:53 No.11782505
Replies: >>11782603

    >>11782441 (You)
    >There's a whole ending branch about choosing to stay in the vault instead.
    Just a few more details about this. If you try to choose this and Twilight's too "ends justify the means" or Sombra possessed, she'll turn on you - you can't live happily ever after in the vault that way.

    Oh, and Sunny couldn't live in the vault at all, since you got him bit rather than sacrifice Sweetie Belle or Rarity. If you'd sacrificed Sweetie Belle Rarity would be devastated and unlikely to recover in time to use her element, and Applebloom would learn the lesson of becoming a morose survivalist. Sacrifice Rarity and you can't get the full elements ending but you do keep Applebloom from becoming a cynic.

    There were quite a lot of branches that never got explored, it's pretty fun to imagine the alternatives.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)21:58 No.11782603

    >>11782505 (You)
    OP, I've been here since the first thread, just wanna say, I enjoyed the story, thank you.

    If you ever filled out all the branches, you'd be doing God's work son.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)22:02 No.11782710

    I have been following this since the first thread and you have delivered brilliantly. I think you have inspired me to do one like this. I think im going to re read this again for the fun of it

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)22:03 No.11782716
Replies: >>11782876 >>11782884

    http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=-YCN-a0NsNk
    was playing this at that last part great job op, is there a chance that we could see the pinkie love intrest ending?

>>
OP 06/30/13(Sun)22:09 No.11782876
Replies: >>11782948 >>11782963

    >>11782716
    Alas, I did not write a Pinkie Pie love scene, since she wasn't anywhere near the love interest by the time that part of the story rolled around. Although the path to get her would've involved not flirting with Applejack (or any of the others) in episode 2, then in episode 3 there'd be a "why did you save me?" conversation with Pinkie after she's finally saved where you could flirt with her and start the Pinkie Path.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)22:09 No.11782884

    >>11782716
    >is there a chance that we could see the pinkie love intrest ending?

    Bah! Without all the context leading up to it, the ending wouldn't be nearly as fulfilling.

    We should wait until the "Next Playthrough".

    A man can dream.

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)22:13 No.11782948
File: 1372644804927.jpg-(52 KB, 500x409, image.jpg)
52 KB

    >>11782876 (You)
    awww thanks anyway OP i hope you write more great stories soon
    maybe we can get pinkie next time

>>
Anonymous 06/30/13(Sun)22:13 No.11782963
File: 1372644827872.jpg-(8 KB, 105x125, 1365886181652s.jpg)
8 KB

    >>11782876 (You)
    OP i love your stories you beautiful bastard

Pastebin.com Tools & Applications

iPhone/iPad

Windows

Firefox

Chrome

WebOS

Android

Mac

Opera

Click.to

UNIX

WinPhone