Things Are Not What They Seem: CYOA Part 8

Last thread: http://archive.heinessen.com/mlp/thread/8074552

 

Pastebins are all at pastebin.com/u/smutanon

 

>RP Status: 70 means eligible for romance.

>PP: 30

>TS: 45

>PC: 55

>RD: 39

>FS: 37

>R: 32

 

>Anon is with Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy in a cave where AJ's been dragged off to, and likely the changeling hive. Celestia, Twilight and Rarity are staying outside of the cave, as there is a barrier which reacts to magic covering the entrance.

 

"Let's move out, everyone!" You wave Fluttershy over, holding up at the barrier. As she walks up to you, you prepare to offer support and encouragement, but she walks straight through the green wall without hesitation. You're taken aback, about to ask her where the courage came from, when she answers the unspoken question.

 

"My friends need my help."

 

You have to give it to her: she's got guts where it counts. Even you feel a bit scared as you pass through the barrier, but it offers no resistance. The cave spins and your head starts to throb, but the dizziness fades quickly. A shake of your head and you're ready to move on, Rainbow and Fluttershy at your side. With one last look back and a wave to Celestia and the unicorns, you're off.

 

The cave is damp and dark, and the deeper you three go, the less you can see. You're about to suggest turning around and getting a torch or something when you find a green glow further down the tunnel. It may be natural, or it could be a sign of the changelings.

 

What do you do?

>(A) Ask about the changelings

>(B) Talk with Rainbow

>(C) Talk with Fluttershy

>(D) Open response

 

 

 

 

>(A)

 

Better find out more about the changelings while you've got the time. Especially their queen. Celestia spoke of her, but never about her.

 

"So, uh, what are the changelings like? Besides, of course, evil minons bent on taking over the town."

 

"Very scary," Fluttershy offers.

 

"Nah, they're wimps. We've taken on whole groups of them before, no trouble. The real problem is getting overwhelemed... and the changeling queen is kinda strong, too. I could still take her," says Rainbow.

 

Rainbow's confidence unfortunately does not comfort you in the least. Whoever this queen is, Celestia feels she's not to be trifled with.

 

"What happened the last time you ran into them?"

 

"They attacked Canterlot. A whole army of them," says Fluttershy. "The queen was able to take down the barrier protecting the city by impersonating Princess Cadence and weakening Shining Armor, the unicorn in charge of the barrier. We tried to use the Elements against her, but..."

 

"Yeah, yeah, she caught us off-guard once. Not gonna happen again. Besides, she got seriously messed up when Cadence and Shining Armor used their love AGAINST her! She's just a wimp without love to power her."

 

Ah, so that's where they get their strength. Love. Kind of odd, though in this world, it seems just about anything is possible.

 

The tunnel leads the three of you to an intersection, alight with green crystals. There are two paths to take.

 

Where to go?

>(A) Right

>(B) Left

>(C) Split up

>(D) Inspect

>(E) Open response

 

 

 

 

>(D)

 

Better try to figure out where these tunnels lead before you go racing down one. You inspect the walls for signs or patterns of any kind, but all you see are crystals and rock. The changelings must know the layout of the place without signs to guide them. Maybe a hivemind of sorts?

 

After looking at the walls, you turn an ear to each path, listening for the clopping of hooves or perhaps Applejack crying out for help. When you hear nothing, you put your ear to the ground and listen. Still nothing definite.

 

"Hey, Rainbow, Fluttershy, could you two head down the paths just a short ways and see if you can see where they lead? I'll take a look around."

 

They both nod the affirmative and take off. As they search, you idly stand around, gaze wandering over the walls as you wonder how the crystals here work. Rainbow returns from the right path first.

 

"Nothin', just more rock and crystals. Sounds pretty quiet down there."

 

Fluttershy comes back shortly afterwards. "I saw nothing on the left path, but I did hear some movement further down. I didn't want to check it out on my own, though..."

 

Hmmm. Those are your options, then: an empty path or an active one.

 

Where do you go?

>(A) Left (active)

>(B) Right (empty)

>(C) Split up

>(D) Open response

 

 

 

 

>(B)

 

Getting into any sort of confrontation in the enemy's hideout is a terrible idea. The right path is much more safe.

 

"Let's head left," you say, and make you way down the path.

 

"Awww," says Rainbow, "I really wanted to show the changelings a thing or two."

 

"Later, Rainbow. For now, we have to lay low until we can find Pinkie and Applejack."

 

"Fine," she grumbles. Fluttershy follows without complaint.

 

The path begins much like the first one, just rock and crystals, occasionally becoming wider or shrinking. At most places, it is wide enough for six ponies to stand side-to-side. You notice, however, that the floor is beginning to slant downwards. Understandable, of course, for an underground tunnel system, but the slant seems to keep getting steeper. Rainbow must have detected your anxiety, and brushes lightly against your leg, offering a smile of support.

 

You try to set aside any thoughts of nervousness, telling yourself that you're just getting worked up over nothing, that things will be fine. As time passes, though, you swear you could hear whispers, as if the tunnels themselves were speaking to you. The crystals that light your way gave off a soft hum, one that grows subtly louder over time. You need to get your mind off of this cave.

 

"Hey, Fluttershy, you doing okay?"

 

No response.

 

(cont.)

 

 

 

 

Turning around, you freeze, finding Fluttershy absent. "Fluttershy?" you say, this time louder. Still no reply. You look to Rainbow, who is also searching frantically.

 

Where the hell could she be? Kidnapped? How, though? She was RIGHT THERE!

 

"I think we may have gone down the wrong path, Rainbow... there's nothing here, and they must have taken Fluttershy."

 

"Uh, I think you might be right. Wanna head back?"

 

You're about to nod when the floor lurches, sending you and Rainbow flying off of your feet and hooves. The angle of the path is incredibly steep, now, too steep to walk on and slick with water and mud. You start sliding downward, grasping for something, trying to slow or stop your descent. Rainbow has completely vanished, just like Fluttershy. Somehow, the cave floor and walls are completely smooth now, nothing to hold onto. You resign yourself to whatever fate has been prepared and let yourself slide into the blackness.

 

Seconds later, the cave-slide spits you out into a hallway... an oddly furnished one. The floor is carpeted in a small area, and before you are plain, wooden double-doors, lit up by torches on either side. To your right and left the carpet cuts off and the cave returns to its 'normal' look, glowing with crystals and shiny with moisture. You can't see very far down either path.

 

What do you do?

>(A) Enter the door

>(B) Put your ear up to it

>(C) Go right

>(D) Go left

>(E) Open response

 

 

 

 

>(B)

 

Weird. Very, very, very weird. This world had put you through a lot the past few days, and this was just icing on the goddamn cake. Carpet and torches in the middle of a cave? What the HELL is going on?

 

You take a moment to collect yourself, taking deep breaths, slowing your heart and trying to look at the situation as objectively as you can. Something important is behind those doors. Something, at the very least, worth your attention. However, in the middle of the changeling hideout, you didn't want to be opening doors willy-nilly. It would be smarter to see if you can get an impression of what's behind them, first.

 

Slowly, you approach the door and put your ear to it. A low buzz, much like the one that came from the crystals in the hallway, is on the other side, but you can't make out anything else. You take a couple steps back and try to look through the gap between the doors and the floor, finding the familiar green glow coming from behind the doors.

 

Great. That didn't tell you much, other than behind the doors is more of the same.

 

>Analytical: Your headache got a little worse when you put your ear up against the door. Could just be you bumped your head on the way down here, though.

 

What do you do?

>(A) Open the door quietly as possible

>(B) Go left

>(C) Go right

>(D) Open response

 

 

 

>(C) + grab a weapon

 

Those doors are too inviting, best avoid them. They give you the creeps. However, before you leave, you take one of the two torches off the wall with you. Not only is the orange light a bit easier on your eyes, but it could be a useful weapon.

 

Torch held in front of you, you make your way down the right path. You walk down it for a minute or so before you're met with a beautiful sight for sore eyes.

 

It's Fluttershy.

 

She flies over to you and wraps her hooves around your neck in a hug, then backs off, blushing. "I'm really happy to see you! When I somehow got separated, I didn't know what to do. I've been wandering in this hallway for a while now, trying to find my way back. I overheard some changelings talking about checking on the prisoners. I think they were headed toward us, so I ran the other way."

 

Her words spill out quickly, urged on by what looked like fear and anxiety. She keeps her wings pumping at full speed the entire time. You almost think she'll bump her head on the ceiling if she doesn't stop.

 

"Hey, it's okay now. We'll get back together with Rainbow and bust our friends out. Sound good?"

 

She nods emphatically.

 

>Analytical: You are in the changeling's hideout, remember.

 

What next?

>(A) Make sure that's actually Fluttershy (specify)

>(B) Go down the hallway towards the changelings

>(C) Go back the way you came

>(D) Open response

 

 

 

 

>(A)

 

As much as you want this to be the real Fluttershy and go on without complaint, you need to be sure that's it's her and not a changeling.

 

"Hey, Fluttershy—"

 

"Anon, we gotta hurry! The changelings are coming down the hallway!"

 

"I know, I know," you say, starting down back the way you came, "but I gotta ask you a question, first."

 

You see a twitch on her face as she turns to you, confused. "What for? Do you need something?"

 

"Yeah, I need to know what path we took at the first intersection. You remember, don't you?"

 

"Ummm... was it the right path?"

 

You nod, picking up your pace. She did get the question right, but not with the most confidence. 'Maybe that's just Fluttershy,' you think to yourself as you jog down the tunnel. It's hard to tell, with you only knowing her for such a short time. Truth be told, she did have a 50-50 chance to just guess it correctly. That wasn't the most definitive test you could have given her, though you can have at least a little confidence she's Fluttershy.

 

Emphasis on 'little'.

 

What next?

>(A) Ask her another question (Specify)

>(B) Try to set up an ambush for the changelings coming down the tunnel

>(C) Pick up the pace

>(D) Open response

 

 

 

 

>(B)

 

You need to get rid of the changelings coming up on your somehow. An ambush would probably work best. Unfortunately, the tunnel you're in very uniform and open, with no side outlets to hide in. Really, the only place where you could set up is back at the doorway from before.

 

It's not long before you and Fluttershy come back to it. "Wait," you say, halting Fluttershy in her tracks. "Let's set up and ambush here. Just need a place to hide..."

 

You look around, seeing only the 'slide' you were dumped out of, the doors, and the left path. Now that you're thinking about it, the cave system is eerily uniform, almost artificially crafted. You could try to hide up in the slide a short ways, though you don't know how long you could keep yourself up there, given how slippery it was.

 

"Anon, here!" Fluttershy goes for the door.

 

"Wait!"

 

She pauses, one hoof on the knob. "What is it?"

 

Clenching your teeth, you fight to make a decision.

 

What do you do?

>(A) Try to hide in the slide with Fluttershy

>(B) Go through the doors and hide behind them

>(C) Abandon the ambush and run

>(D) Open response

 

 

 

 

>(A)

 

"Up here, Fluttershy!" You get a running start and head as far up the slide as you can. Just when you start to slip back down, you wedge yourself between the walls. It's not a solid hold, by any means, and the positioning strains your legs and arms, but you shouldn't need to stay here long. From what Fluttershy told you, the enemy changelings were not far behind.

 

Fluttershy enters the slide, finding you in your uncomfortable spot, and smiles. She flies above you and hovers there, waiting.

 

Ten seconds pass. Then twenty. Forty. A minute. Two minutes.

 

Your arms and legs are screaming at you, strained from holding you up. Still no sounds from below, almost as if you were never being followed in the first place.

 

"You know, I had kinda hoped you weren't as gullible as the ponies. Guess I was wrong."

 

You turn around, finding not Fluttershy, but a changeling above you. He lands a solid kick right in your face, knocking you loose. Grunting in pain, you slide down and spawl out in front of the doorway, just like before. As fast as you can, you get to your feet, which turns out to be far too slow. Just when you get your footing, you find the changeling charging up a nasty-looking spell.

 

"Say hi to her for me."

 

With that, he blasts you backward, knocking the doors open in a very abrupt, loud fashion. If anyone was behind them, they sure knew you were here now. You let out another groan, then roll over onto your stomach, getting on your hands and knees, then look into the room.

 

(cont)

 

 

 

 

It's a fairly wide open area, much moreso than the tunnels. There isn't really anything remarkable to speak of except what lies at the far wall: an elegant throne, currently occupied by one very tall, and very daunting changeling.

 

She's looking directly at you and smiling.

 

...Shit.

 

"Welcome to my temporary throne room, Anon. Why don't you come and have a seat?"

 

She gestures to the middle of the room as a wicked glow comes from the floor. From the light comes a pale green chair, made out of... something. It looked like it could be plastic, but it gave you the impression of some kind of dried, hardened bug ooze.

 

No thank you!

 

You hop up and make to run, but before you can move you find yourself enveloped in a green glow. It steals control of your body, forcing you into a constrained walk right up to the chair. The Queen eyes you as she manipulates your body like a puppeteer, forcing you to sit down. Once in the seat, the arms of the chair bubble up, turning to a liquid. The Queen places your arms in the liquid, which then solidifies, trapping you in the chair.

 

(cont)

 

 

 

 

"Comfortable?" She doesn't wait for your reply. "Ah, of course you are. I've been told I'm a wonderful host. Now, I do believe you and I have some things to talk about. Let's start with why you're here. To rescue your 'friends', yes? Pinkie Pie and Applejack? Well, I wouldn't worry about them. The rainbow pony and her friend have already found them, and I suspect they've overcome my guards and set them free." Stepping down from her throne, she moves towards you, her smile still growing. "Really, the Elements are a formidable foe, even without the full brunt of their magic behind them."

 

"What are you—"

 

"Ut-tut-tut!" She closes your mouth with magic. "Did you ever learn manners? I'm not done speaking yet. It's unfortunate that the Elements are getting away, but I don't think even they are ready for what I have planned." She's close enough now that you can see her eyes, glowing green and wicked. "I've brought you here because you have been deceived. Tell me, did your pony friends ever tell you there's an odd aura hanging about you? One that Celestia, and perhaps even her student Twilight, could see?"

 

You swallow, unsure of whether to answer her or not.

 

What do you do?

>(A) Stay silent

>(B) Answer truthfully

>(C) Lie

>(D) Open response

 

 

 

 

>(B)

 

"Yeah, they did tell me about it. Twilight said there was something hanging around my head. What does that have to do with anything? Why would they tell me about it if they were just deceiving me?"

 

Her eyes widen with excitement at your answer. Licking her lips, she begins to pace in a circle around your chair.

 

"Mmm, because they wanted to use you, Anon. Your presence here is a powerful tool, one that could turn this conflict one way or another, now that you have the ponies' trust. I wonder... did you feel it just now? That tinge in the cloud around your head, pulling the answer to my question from your mind."

 

Wait... is the cloud fucking with your head? "What do you even mean by that?"

 

"Let me describe your situation. You have been thrown here, into Equestria, by some unknown force. Something that believes it deserves power over you and it has been controlling you ever since you woke up. I've been keeping a close eye on you, watching that cloud do its work. You've had a few brief moments of control, moments where YOUR will has fought the cloud. It has even stolen your name from you! These moments have manifested as nothing more than headaches, but I can help you. I can free you from the silly men who think they can control you, picking arbitrary paths for your life..."

 

(cont)

 

 

 

 

"..They made you wait in the town square. They made you carry my minion's unconscious body from the library and place it in the princess' carriage. They made you choose to leave the library together with Twilight and her teacher. They made you talk with Celestia, the boring old hag she is. They forced you into my hive with only two pegasai to help you, and even so far as allowed another of my minions, disguised as Fluttershy, to bring you to me!"

 

Anon stares at her, dumbstruck, for several moments, trying to outline his past here, trying to figure out where her story makes sense. He hasn't been in control?

 

"Why would you help me? You're not one for playing nice from what I've seen. You've even got me... gooed to this chair just so I'll listen to your rantings."

 

"I want to help you because I think you can help me. Because I think those watching us now can help me." She stops in front of him. "And because it must be so lonely in a world without humans." Her equine body begins to glow green, then flashes, replaced by something completely different.

 

(cont)

 

 

 

 

 

She's... human. A beautiful one, at that. She must have dove into Anon's mind somehow, because she looks almost perfect to him. Her breasts are large, but not overflowing. Her skin is lightly tanned, her arms and legs both slender, yet powerful. She could've pulled her figure straight out of a supermodel magazine. Her ink black hair falls most of the way down her back and front, and she's covered by a tight black dress, revealing just enough to interest him greatly.

 

"You don't have to be lonely, here, Anon." She leans inward, placing her hands atop his elbows. "Help me, I will free you from the cloud that controls you. I will give you power, and you will be a respected member of my hive, a general, even." Their faces are inches away, now. Anon can smell a dark, entrancing scent on her breath. "I will feed off of your love, and I will give you the world."

 

He feels like his body could explode. His heart is beating out of his chest, breath heavy and ragged. Blood pulses through his veins, sweat pours from his brow. Forgetting he's still restrained, Anon attempts to wipe it away, only to get frustrated with the chair that holds him back.

 

What do you choose?

>...

 

 

 

 

>Don't give in

 

"Yeah, I'm gonna—"

 

Wait a second, Anon FEELS that.

 

Chrysalis stands up straight, moving away from him. "You can feel their influence now, can't you? I've disrupted the spell, allowing you to sense the urges before they overtake you. You can control yourself, now. Even communicate with the filth that seeks to control you. Now," waving a hand, Chrysalis removes your restraints, "make your decision. Return to those pathetic ponies, and when next we meet—and I know we will meet—I will know your decision." She calmly walks back the her throne, sits down and crosses her legs.

 

Anon is still sitting in the chair, lost for words.

 

Chrysalis points to the door he entered in. "GO!"

 

Requiring no further encouragement, Anon takes off, sprinting out the door. The tunnel that led him here is now level, allowing him to run back the way he came. As he runs, that ood feeling haunts him. Having Chrysalis tell him he wasn't in control was one thing, but FEELING it... that was completely different. There was definitely something in his head, something NOT HIM.

 

Suddenly, Anon stops and screams at the hallway.

 

"Alright, who the FUCK is there and why the hell am I here? Why are you controlling me? Who are you? Answer me, or I swear I'll starting attacking EVERY motherfucker I meet!"

 

>Suggestions:

>Talk to him (be specific)

 

 

>attacking every motherfucker you meet isn't to your advantage and we both know it.

>Look, a significant amount of us want to see you get laid. Really.

"Oh, great. I get to have sex and LOSE CONTROL OF MY MIND. Sounds like a great deal. I hope you people get sarcasm."

 

>Also go ahead and attack people, but we were honestly trying to help you, even if we were controlling you.

"Hey, why don't I get to control you and help you out? It's cool, though, because I'm trying to help, right?"

 

>Anon, don't you care about what happens to those ponies? Stay cool and collected, and help them.

"That's the thing. I don't KNOW if I care about them, or if you were the ones making me care about them! I could be an evil bastard that would throw in with that queen, or I could actually be the kinda guy who likes little ponies. How the fuck am I supposed to know?"

 

>Calm down, Anon. You are we, and we are you. Haven't you ever talked to yourself before?

"I thought only crazy people did that. Though, I suppose I am crazy."

 

>Technically, you're one of us. That's how we were controlling you.

>Still, since you're "free" now, I suggest you get some of that princess plot. That's what we were aiming for, anyway.

"Fan-fucking-tastic. More sex. The queen was hot and all, but I think I'd rather be in control."

 

(cont)

 

 

 

 

>We want what is in your best interest, we are your guardian angel. You need to listen if you want to make it out alive. Go back to the Princess and let her calm you.

"What if I don't want your help any more? Though I suppose you have a point. I need to calm down."

 

Anon jogs the rest of the way down the tunnel, past the first intersection and is soon at the exit. The green barrier is no longer there, and as he breaks free of the tunnel and into the forest, he finds there are a few more ponies out here than expected. Celestia, Twilight, and Rarity are all present, as well as Rainbow and Fluttershy, but he also finds Pinkie and an orange-coated earth pony next to her. Also, talking with Celestia is another alicorn, this one a bit shorter and drenched in the colors of the night. That must be her sister, Luna.

 

How do you greet them?

>(A) Positive

>(B) Negative

>(C) As neutral as possible

>(D) Open response

 

 

 

 

>(D) Poke at Anon by continually talking at him

 

Celestia and Pinkie are the first to notice Anon emerge from the tunnel. Celestia gallops over, but Pinkie is first.

 

"Heya, Anon! I missed you soooo much!" She accenuates her statement with a fierce hug. Anon attempts to detatch himself, but Pinkie has a deathgrip. He's also unable to ask her politely to get off, as his concentration is completely focused on the chorus of voices in his head. Eventually, his face turns blue and Pinkie releases him on her own.

 

As Pinkie steps back, Celestia steps forward, much less composed than Anon remembers her being. "I am very glad too see you safe, Anon." She reaches over with a hoof, giving Anon a quick hug. "What happened down there after you were separated?"

 

He continues to fight with the voices in his head, wondering as well if the time spent with Celestia had any meaning behind it. She was a genuinely kind and concern pony, that was fact. There were no voices in her head controlling what she did.

 

But is that was he looked for in someone?

 

"Anon? You do not look well."

 

"I don't feel well. I've got a lot to think about."

 

Celestia leans in, trying to get a better look at his face. It's conflicted, twisted in confusion. "Do you need to lie down?"

 

"Celestia... I'm going to need a lot more than that."