Title:           Text Adventure Chapter 29 Log
Author:          Themasters
Pastebin link:   http://pastebin.com/744PRsSG
First Edit:      Monday 30th of June 2014 09:10:49 PM CDT
Last Edit:       Monday 30th of June 2014 09:10:49 PM CDT

>See, one of the biggest problems with not being able to move is that you get all of these horrible, awkward silences.
>You try to meditate and see if that would help your mana flow, but this wasn’t a car, it was an old-fashioned chariot that doesn’t have shocks.
>And it’s not a paved road.
>The bumps make it way too hard for you to do any sort of relaxing because of the stabbing pain in your abdomen.
>With all your plans failed, you decide to bring up something you remembered from before.
“So, AJ, help me out here... you ladies were shouting something when I started my fight with that buffalo gal. How do you all know her? What were you trying to say?”
>Applejack straightens out her hat and gets her bearings from the hard bumps.
>”Little Strongheart is a friend of ours, we had a run-in with my cousin’s town and her tribe down near Appleoosa, and she was one of the frontrunners for peace. I’m not sure what she was doin’ in a big ol’ tournament like that, but we were tryin’ to tell ya to lay it easy on her, because she’s a real sweet calf.”
“Oh… I see. Again, sorry.”
>”It’s alright, ya cant control bein’ a big goof, right?”
>She gives you a sly grin.
>...
>It feels so nice to be in a steady bed.
>You are now in a hospital room for the second time, and oddly enough this one reminds you of the one you woke up in.
>Except, this one has crystal overtones and the last was just homey.
>You try not to look as they stick in a new IV into your arm, and you look at the rest of them.
“You guys don’t have to stay if you want to. I know I wouldn’t want to hang around a sterile place like this all night.”
>Pinkie balances two scalpels with her hooves as she seaks.
>”C’mon Nonny, we aren’t just gonna leave you here all bed-ridden! Besides, this place is really fun!”
“Well, I appreciate it, I guess.”
>The doctor finishes, and you feel that familiar cold liquid-like feeling running up your arm.
>”Now, the shipment of healing potions should be here around 9 A.M. tomorrow, so until then we’re keeping you under watch-”
“I know, Redheart told me all about it. Thanks, doc.”
>”No problem. If you need any help, wave your ho- hand over this rune. We’ll be alerted.”
>You nod at each other, and you’re left in the bed, your party doing a few different things.
>...
>”Alright, I think It’s time we high-tailed it outta here.”
>Applejack stretches and yawns, taking the lead with Wheaties, a more sobered Berry and Pinkie bouncing behind her.
“Thanks for staying, guys. See you all tomorrow!”
>They all wave at you, but at that same time Redheart walks into the door, with her armor gone and replaced by her normal nurse outfit.
>”Oh, you’re all leaving now?”
>A tired-eyed AJ nods.
>”We gotta go back to Wheaties’ and have ourselves a little sleep under Luna’s moon. You can take over from here, Nurse.”
>She smiles and gets herself out of the way, letting them leave as you all say goodbye to each other.
>Once finished, Redheart comes up and pulls up a chair, sitting close to you as she sighs.
>”So, I talked to Gyro.”
“Awesome, how’d it go?”
>”He’s very, very thankful. Got a lightning rod for this, too!”
>She shows you the defibrillator, now making a very subtle hum.
>”I showed it to a few doctors around here and their jaws dropped, so I’m pretty sure they’re hooked.”
>It’s funny how some things don’t go according to plan.
>Some things just have a way to work out, too.
“That’s awesome, thanks babe.”
 
[QUEST COMPLETED: THE LONG ROAD AHEAD]
Rewards: Fully-functional defibrillator, discount at Gyro’s store, Mana Tesseract, Crystal Empire recognition, and you made a socially-awkward stallion happy. [Paragon]
 
>”I also went looking for a certain little colt that was quarantined, and there is one in the entire hospital, one Steel Magnolia. I hope it’s the one you were looking for?”
“It fits the bill… Do you know what he has?”
>She shakes her head solemnly.
>”Whatever he has must be really bad, because the files were classified. Unless I were to transfer here properly, I can’t see anything.”
>That stinks.
>In any case, that was the last of your business, so you were just about ready to just wait for those potions.
>It’s currently 9 P.M.
>For now, however, you feel awake still, and you needed to do something.
>You could stay up and talk to Redheart [A], go straight to sleep [C], or other [D]
>Which option? __
 
 
 
[B selected]
>With nothing else to do, you take out your books and lay them out in front of you.
“Well, might as well do a little studying. Want to join me?”
>Redheart hums in agreement, but she removes her own book of mastery out of her bag.
>”I could use a little sharpening myself, especially since we’ll be going on these apparently dangerous missions, right babe?”
“Indeed…”
>You open up your first book and get started.
>Which book did you open? [Bleeding/Clots/Nasty Gashes or Stitches/Poison-treating?]
>As well, you have 12 hours to perform this task.
>How long would you like to read for?
 
 
 
>You decide to read the Stitch and Poison treating guide.
>...
[You have gained increased knowledge in stitching and poisoning.]
[Redheart has gained increased knowledge in medical mastery.]
>It’s currently 12 A.M.
>For now, however, you feel awake still, and you needed to do something.
>You could stay up and talk to Redheart [A], go straight to sleep [C], or other [D].
>Which option? __
 
 
 
>Then again, you need some sleep.
>Your injury is a little painful still, but painkillers are getting to you.
“I think I’m going to go ahead and hit the hay…”
>She gives you that look again.
“Er, sorry. Sleep.”
>”Alright Anon. You better get some good sleep tonight, don’t want any complications now, do we?”
>Shaking your head, you both lean in and you give each other a goodnight kiss.
>It’s almost like a daily refreshment that you just have to have, but you savor every single moment of it.
>When you break the kiss, you make sure to look her straight in the eyes.
“Night, babe.”
>”Goodnight, babe.”
>She turns off the light next to you and curls up with a blanket she had gotten while reading earlier, getting comfortable much more quickly than you.
>Your head is starting to to feel rather dizzy from the anesthetics anyways, so it was best that you fell asleep now.
>Laying down and letting your head fall into the warm, soft pillow, you close your eyes and let the sweet embrace of rest wash over you, releasing yourself from the waking world.
>...
>The first thing you smell when you get up is smoke.
>You force your eyes open from the sudden shock of your senses, looking around at your surroundings.
>Fire.
>Fire, heat, smoke for as far as you can see.
>The only thing that was intact was your bed, and you were in your armor.
>How could this be?
>What happened? How were you not awakened…
>Your vision.
>The shadow must’ve attacked while you were asleep!
>Your thoughts and your heart begin racing, adrenaline beginning to course through your veins.
>Where is Redheart?
>Where are your friends?
>You sprint forward through the smoke and ash, looking for someone, anyone that could be here, to tell you what happened.
>The farther you run, the farther away everything seems to be.
>You keep running, but you don’t know why.
>You feel like you were going to find something, but you never get to where you’re going.
>It keeps stretching farther and farther until you realize that you haven’t been paying attention to what was right in front of you.
>... It’s him.
>The shadow.
>And your entire party was behind him.
>They weren’t moving.
>You won’t believe it, you can’t!
>He killed them!
>The shadow watches you with a gaze of intense evil, and you know he wants you dead too.
>If you’re going to die, you’re going to spend every last waking minute of your life avenging your friends!
>Avenging Redheart!
“YOU BASTARD!”
>Your grip tightens, your fingernails digging into your marked palms so deep it draws blood.
>You brandish your spear and dash at the Shadow with everything you have!
[BATTLE START] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYb9kSCkjE8
Anon: [HP: 130/130][MP: 18/18][Defenses: 20 PD, 25 MD]
Abilities: Basic hand to hand combat, Basic alchemy skills (Allows brewing of low-level potions and enchantments), Moderate medical use (+50% medkit efficiency), Basic Veterinary knowledge (Allows kit usage on animals), Basic Engineering skills (Allows creation of simple mechanical devices), Ogre Dance (0-4 Fail, 5-9 Succeed, confuses enemy), Expert spear combat (+15 dmg, ½ crit chance), Call Shot (Call specific location to attack, focus dmg and -66% hit chance), Very High Magical Defense (+20 magical armor), basic knowledge of Everfree weeds, {S.S.S. +15 dmg with Anon’s/Red’s separate damage. 5tcd}, Shoot dart, Brew potion (non-com), Giga Buster (-4 MP, Good attack, +25 MA, 3 turn CD), Redheart Cummer (-2 MP, +25 magic dmg, 2 turn CD), Flamescythe (-2 MP, Good attack, +10 MA, 4 turn CD), Parry (50% hit, deflects enemy atk/counters 50% dmg), Heart’s Calling (5tcd, Gives 50% attack boost to entire party for next turn)
Equipped: Redheart-inscribed ‘Legendary’ Doctor’s Trenchcoat (+10 HP to medkit usage), Mysterious markings, Double-bladed spear (+10 P dmg., +15 M dmg, can attack spectrals), Amulet of Heart’s Calling (+5 HP), Medic-Issued Avian Chainmail Cap (+5 P.D./+1 M.D.), Medic-Issued Avian Chainmail (+7 P.D./+2 M.D.), Medic-Issued Avian Chainmail Talons (+5 P.D./+1 M.D.), Medic-Issued Avian Chainmail Sabatons (+3 P.D./+1 M.D.), Avian Leather Boots (Lowers exhaustion)
The Shadow: [HP: ?/?][MP: ?/?][Defenses: ?]
 
[AWAITING BATTLE COMMANDS]
[ANONYMOUS]
>Attacks the Shadow with Giga Buster!
>88 (+25 MA)(x2 Doubles) = >226<
>The shadow is hit by the powerful blast, but it doesn’t seem to be phased!
[Shadow: HP: ???]
[AWAITING THE SHADOW’S ATTACK…]
[SHADOW]
>Attacks Anonymous with Calamity.
>It throws its own essence into your body, completely disappearing within you!
>You aren’t sure what exactly it did, but there’s a pressure building inside.
Anon: [HP: 130/130, Calamity][MP: 14/18]
[AWAITING BATTLE COMMANDS]
1
[ANONYMOUS]
>Attacks the Shadow with Redheart Cummer!
>7 (+15+15 PA+15 MA)(2 doubles) = >84<
>Your spear writhes through the Shadow’s form with a magical vengeance, but it doesn’t seem to be phased!
[Shadow: HP: ???]
[AWAITING THE SHADOW’S ATTACK…]
[SHADOW]
>Casts Soul Catalyst!
>The Shadow raises its black, dripping claws.
>You see a violet and red outline begin to surge around one of your dead party members, beginning to re-animate!
>As the pony comes forth, you see a bloodstained, soulless Redheart with corrupted eyes staring at you, brandishing her spear.
 
[REDHEART]
>Attacks Anonymous with Corrupted Sanction!
>1 (+30 MA+15 PA) = >46<
[-20 PD, -25 MD]
>6<
>Suddenly, you feel a blinding pain overtake your entire body.
>The Shadow’s very essence begins to bleed from every pore of your body, covering you in total darkness!
>Blood spatters from your body as he squeezes out of your frail skin, leaving you severely injured.
>-50% HP<
Anon: [HP: 59/130][MP: 12/18] “How... How dare you use her against me!…”
[AWAITING BATTLE COMMANDS]
2
[ANONYMOUS]
>Attacks the Shadow with Flamescythe!
“REEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDD!”
>97 (+10 MA)(+5 KIAI Bonus) = >111<
>With all of your vigor and might, you surge your magic into your enchanted spear and mix them into a powerful electroflame slash, and you use the enchantment to slice through its being.
>The Shadow’s form seems to rupture at the presence of the overcharged enchantment…
>The Shadow doesn’t seem to be phased!
[Shadow: HP: ???]
[AWAITING THE SHADOW’S ATTACK…]
[SHADOW]
>Attacks Anonymous with Ethereal Blade.
>7 (+60 MA) = >67<
[-25 MD]
>42<
[REDHEART]
>Attacks Anonymous with Broken Promises!
>”Why didn’t you save us…”
>7 (+34 MA) = >41<
[-25 MD]
>16<
Anon: [HP: 1/130][MP: 10/18] “I… I didn’t…”
[AWAITING BATTLE COMMANDS]
3
 
[ANONYMOUS]
>Attacks the Shadow with Expert Spear Combat
>3 (+15+15 PA) = >33<
 
>The Shadow doesn’t allow you to attack.
>It reaches out its hand as you swing, and throws your spear to the side, watching you fall to the ground at Redheart’s feet.
>You couldn’t continue.
>It is too strong…
>And it took everything away from you.
>You look up at your poor, departed Redheart, forced to live for all eternity under the black embrace of the very thing you’ve been tracking all this time.
>The only thing you could do is reach up and wrap your arms around her.
>You embrace the unresponsive Redheart, feeling the tears fall down your cheek.
“... I’m… I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…”
>It didn’t let you have any more than that.
 
[Shadow: HP: ???]
 
[SHADOW]
>Attacks Anonymous with JUDGEMENT.
 
>The Shadow protrudes wavering tendrils from its back, and they lash out at you.
>It grips around your limbs and forces you into the air, away from Redheart.
“NO, PLEASE! REDHEART!”
>You’re forced to turn around, lifted into the air and into helplessness by its tendrils.
>You watch at the shadow begins to shapeshift, what was once its head now turns into a barbed spike, and it lunges straight at you.
>It pierces your cranium with deadly precision, destroying your mind, your heart and your soul, corrupting everything you are with one final strike.
>-100% HP<
 
Anon: [HP: 0/100][MP: 0/18]
 
[BATTLE END]
[You have died.]
[You have died.]
[You have died.]
 
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[?????????Y?????????o?????????U???????????????? ??????????????h??????????????A????????????V????????????e???????????????? ??????????d?????????????i??e?????????????????D??????.????????????]????????????
 
 
 
[?????????o?????????????U??????????????? ?????????????A???????????V?????????e???? ???????d?????????iD?????????????
o????U??? ?????V???e??? ???d???D????
o????U??? ?????V???e??? ???d???D????
o????U??? ?????V???e??? ???d???D????
 
…
You are going to fail.
You will watch every single one of them die.
And you.
Will.
F????a?????i????l??.??
 
“NOOOOOO!”
>You jump up in your hospital bed, waking up in a cold sweat and a racing heart.
>”ANON! Are you okay!?”
>You slowly begin to realize that what you just experienced was not real.
>It felt so real…
>You look at Redheart, seeing her pure, untouched form.
>You couldn’t help but reach over and hug her as tight as possible, no matter how painful it felt in your stomach.
>You won’t ever let go.
>”Anon… Babe, it was just a nightmare… It’s okay, baby…”
>She strokes your back, hugging you back in such a welcoming, warm embrace.
“I… I saw it, Red… The shadow…”
>”The shadow?”
“It… It destroyed everything, it … It killed all of you…”
>You had at some point began to cry just as you had in the dream.
>The feeling was so real, just like it was…
>There.
>”He won’t get you here, Anon, not here… I’m here for you, it’s okay.”
>You don’t know how long she held you.
>You didn’t care.
>Every single second was everything in the world to you, to just be there and touch her.
>To hold her.
>To feel her fur bristle against her skin.
>To smell her sweet, flowery mane.
>And you realized that you were fighting for more than the world, now.
>You were fighting to keep everything you hold dear.
>It’s time that you got back on track with the investigation, no matter what it takes.
>After a blissful eternity, she slowly lets you go, looking carefully and worriedly into your eyes.
>”Going to be okay?”
>You slowly nod, and she helps you settle back into your bed.
>It is 7 A.M.
>What would you like to do?