File: 1370642556989.png-(88 KB, 280x280, The Trotting dead.png)
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W The Trotting Dead Episode 5 OP 06/07/13(Fri)18:02 No.11206093
Replies: >>11206296
 
    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)
    Opener: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5699W4WnlUo
    Thread playlist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TLsvyiLmAz0&list=PLrgRyHeHYtlfr3TKFP1qLKbvGXC3-i4hd
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)18:03 No.11206118
Replies: >>11206225 >>11206319
 
    You're in darkness, struggling to breathe.
 
    Something is holding you down. You feel pinned, flattened beneath some terrible weight. You blink your eyes, trying to clear your vision, but there's nothing to see.
 
    Then, just when you start to fear you might pass out, the weight lifts ever so slightly. You take a shuddering breath and two luminous green orbs
 
    “Who are you?”
 
    >Sunny
    >Mortimer
    >I don't know
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)18:07 No.11206225
 
    >>11206118
    Sunny
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)18:10 No.11206296
Replies: >>11206319
 
    >>11206093 (OP)
    >mfw on pastebin
    >hmm I haven't checked the trotting dead in a whil.
    >read through paste 7 wow!
    >click 8 , 6 o clock June 7th
    >it's 6:05
    >my body is ready
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)18:10 No.11206319
 
    >>11206118
    I don't even know anymore.
 
    >>11206296
    I feel you, anon. I was one of the few faggots on that first thread, and man, I haven't checked it since the second one.
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)18:12 No.11206367
Replies: >>11206416 >>11206418 >>11206445
 
    That's right, you're Sunny. You crawled out of the Everfree forest, you helped save the Apple family (those you could) and lead the survivors out of Ponyville. You stood up to Big Mac when he tried to leave some people behind, navigated the dangers of Canterlot, asked Luna to help your people escape, was imprisoned in the Crystal Empire and witnessed its terrible fall.
 
    But across from you is someone else. Your mirror image. He unleashed the nightmare on Equestria. He made the dead rise and walk the earth again. He was a coward and a fool, a tool of Celestia's, too filled with hubris and false confidence.
 
    And yet, looking at him, you know you're both the same person.
 
    >Why did you do it?
    >We have to go back
    >How can we stop this plague?
    >Why can't I remember you?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)18:14 No.11206416
 
    >>11206367
 
    >Why did you do it?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)18:14 No.11206418
 
    >>11206367
    >We have to go back
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)18:16 No.11206445
Replies: >>11206502
File: 1370643369827.jpg-(20 KB, 200x188, image.jpg)
20 KB
 
    >>11206367
    >pic related
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)18:17 No.11206465
Replies: >>11206502
 
    Yes!
    Finally I caught one of these on time.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)18:18 No.11206502
 
    >>11206465
    >>11206445
    Did someone say time?
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)18:20 No.11206542
Replies: >>11206562 >>11206604 >>11206620
 
    "Why did you do it?" you ask yourself, miserably. "You know something might go wrong. You knew it was dangerous to try."
 
    "Yes, you did," you reply, your head hanging low. "But how could you not try, once you'd read Starswirl's book? His spell... it was so full of promise! Godhood, ultimate power, an end to suffering, pain, conflict. If it'd worked-"
 
    "You knew it wasn't going to work."
 
    "...You had to try."
 
    "Don't make this about trying to make the world a better place! You wanted to see if you could do it! If you, an earth pony, could finish the greatest spell never completed! This is your fault!"
 
    "It's your fault too!" You shout at yourself, suddenly incensed.
 
    Your argument with yourself is put on hold as you hear hoofsteps approaching. Out of the shadows emerges Sombra in his royal finery. He spares a glance to both of you, settling on neither. "Well," he says. "This explains much."
 
    >Where are we? What's going on?
    >What are you talking about?
    >Go away, Sombra. This is private.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)18:21 No.11206562
 
    >>11206542
    >Where are we? What's going on?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)18:23 No.11206604
 
    >>11206542
    Option 1
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)18:23 No.11206620
 
    >>11206542
    3
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)18:27 No.11206707
Replies: >>11206756
 
    "Where are we?" both of you ask at once.
 
    "In your head, of course," replies Sombra. "And it is getting more crowded by the day." He glances to you. "You were foolish to try and save both of the women. Your infection has cost you more than you know."
 
    "I can live without a leg," you grumble.
 
    "Was it just a leg, then?" Sombra replies, arching an eyebrow. "Look again."
 
    Puzzled, you turn to look back at your own leg.
 
    You see your mark, a rising sun just as it breaks over the horizon.
 
    And you see it again, a skull, picked clean. Yours.
 
    And below your mark, or marks, is where your leg should be. You hadn't realized it, but you've been standing on four this whole time. The missing one has been replaced by whispy black coils that twitch and slither as you gaze upon them.
 
    "You are not so lucky as your compatriots," Sombra intones. "Your swift actions have slowed your coming doom, but not stopped it. I now share the prison of your dying body."
 
    >No, that's not possible. We amputated it immediately.
    >If we're heading back to the lab, maybe we can cure it
    >Can you stop it?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)18:29 No.11206756
Replies: >>11206798
 
    >>11206707
    >No, that's not possible. We amputated it immediately.
    We denial now.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)18:31 No.11206798
 
    >>11206756
    1
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)18:36 No.11206910
Replies: >>11206949 >>11206965 >>11206984 >>11207051
 
    "No," you say, and now you see that it's the one with the sun mark talking - Sunny. "We amputated it immediately."
 
    "That was never a guarantee," replies Sombra. "The corruption is more than physical. It has its hooks dug well in now. I will not suffer by it, but you will sicken and die. And when you are no more, the husk of your body shall be my new vessel." He frowns. "You have disappointed me, my host. So much potential did I see, but you have failed to realize it - and that failure has doomed my empire. When I have control again, this shall be rectified."
 
    "There's no cure, at least not that I know of," you say - the skull you, Mortimer. "But if we get back to the lab... maybe I can find one. My notes should still be intact. There's still hope we can save this world."
 
    "Pah!" says Sombra, curling his lip. "Hope. You set yourself up for the cruelest of disappointments, but cling, cling well. I shall abide by our deal so long as you live. You shall have my help, but were I you... I would be setting my affairs in order."
 
    >I'm not giving up hope
    >I need to get the others to safety
    >I don't need any more of your "advice", Sombra
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)18:38 No.11206949
Replies: >>11207051
 
    >>11206910
    1
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)18:38 No.11206965
 
    >>11206910
 
    >I need to get the others to safety.
 
    Already dying, might as well save the others.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)18:39 No.11206984
Replies: >>11207095
 
    >>11206910
    >I need to get the others to safety
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)18:42 No.11207051
 
    >>11206910
    >I need to get the others to safety
    3 to 1 for option 2, are we still going with this >>11206949
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)18:45 No.11207095
Replies: >>11209065
File: 1370645114480.jpg-(3 KB, 125x125, 1367915142965s.jpg)
3 KB
 
    >>11206984
    mfw i came just in time
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)18:54 No.11207257
Replies: >>11207287
 
    Sorry guys had a "DNS points to prohibited IP" error for a while there, I'm back and will be getting back on track.
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)18:55 No.11207287
 
    >>11207257
    where would you post if we get scruffed
    mlpchan?
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)18:57 No.11207333
Replies: >>11207359 >>11207369
 
    "We can't give up on a cure yet," you reply. "Not just for us, but for everyone. I might be the only one with a chance of putting one together."
 
    "With your broken mind? In the dark heart of corruption itself?" Sombra is more than incredulous, but he shrugs. "If that is your wish. Your time approaches. Time to wake from this dream, I think."
 
    And just like that, he begins to fade, and so do you.
 
    You wake with a start, sitting bolt upright on the table and almost rolling off due to the loss of balance from your lost leg. Applejack is still curled up next to you, asleep, as are most other ponies in the carriage. Applebloom, at the end of the table, is awake however and is looking at you.
 
    “Bad dream, Sunny?”
 
    >I've had worse
    >Go back to sleep, Applebloom
    >Is there something going on?
    >...
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)18:59 No.11207359
Replies: >>11207372
 
    >>11207333
    >I've had worse.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)19:00 No.11207369
 
    >>11207333
 
    >I've had worse
 
    Maybe a chuckle or two, set her at ease.
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)19:00 No.11207372
 
    >>11207359
    this
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)19:05 No.11207466
Replies: >>11207482
 
    “Not the worst one I've ever had,” you say, giving a weak smile. “Probably not even the top ten.”
 
    “Ah'm not enjoyin' dreamin' much these days either,” Applebloom mumbles. “Keep seein' things ah'd rather not remember.”
 
    You hear a door open behind you and Twilight steps in. She sees you're awake and nods. “Mortimer, glad to see you're awake. Let me look at your... leg.”
 
    She trots over and pulls at the bandages. Applebloom pulls a face but doesn't look away as Twilight eyeballs the stump. “Hm...” her face drops slightly. “It... could be better.”
 
    >I think I'm infected
    >What's wrong with it?
    >Just leave it alone, I'm fine
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)19:06 No.11207482
Replies: >>11207500
 
    >>11207466
    >I think I'm infected
    Might as well cum out with it m8
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)19:06 No.11207500
 
    >>11207482
    >What's wrong with it?
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)19:09 No.11207547
Replies: >>11207566 >>11207568
 
    “There's no point in denying it,” you mutter. “It didn't work. I'm still infected.”
 
    There's a sharp intake of breath from Applebloom and Twilight pales. “N-now let's not be hasty,” she says, nervously wrapping your stump back up. “It could just be some normal discoloration, or or or a natural infection, or-”
 
    “Sombra thinks it didn't work.”
 
    Twilight bites her lip. “Then... what do we do?”
 
    >We'll see what happens
    >I'm a danger to the group
    >We can cure this thing
    >I don't know
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)19:10 No.11207566
 
    >>11207547
    >We have to rescue Clementine
    I mean
    >I don't know
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)19:10 No.11207568
 
    >>11207547
    1 and 3
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)19:16 No.11207690
Replies: >>11207749
 
    You shrug. "I... don't know what comes next."
 
    Twilight's quiet, taking this in. "We don't know for sure. Until we do, there's no point in spreading this around and causing a panic." She turns to Applebloom. "We have to promise to stay quiet about this, okay?"
 
    Applebloom frowns, and looks between Twilight, you and her sister, sleeping soundly beside you. "Okay. Fer now."
 
    Twilight nods. "I just hope Sombra's wrong."
 
    "I'm not," he whispers in your ear, "but discretion would be most wise."
 
    "TWILIGHT!" Pinkie shrieks from the engine cabin, startling awake the sleeping ponies. "You better come see this!"
 
    Applejack starts mumbling something as Twilight bolts past into the engine cabin. You follow close behind.
 
    "Y'see? Y'see?" Pinkie shouts, pointing down the track. "What is it?"
 
    The train is cutting over a large grassland toward the Everfree forest, but in the distance you see flashing lights and what appear to be a large barrier erected on the tracks. You squint, and you think you might even see ponies encamped nearby.
 
    >We have to stop the train
    >Could be trouble, don't stop
    >Get the others, let's see what we're dealing with here
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)19:18 No.11207749
 
    >>11207690
    this is a tough one
    >We have to stop the train
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)19:23 No.11207868
Replies: >>11207897
 
    We can't risk an accident,” you say. “This train's barely holding together as it is.”
 
    “Hit the brakes, Pinkie!” shouts Twilight, and she does. Everyone lurches forward as the train slowly grinds to a halt.
 
    Closer now, you look at the barricade. It's situated near the top of a low rise, and the ponies on the other side are soldiers. Quite a lot of soldiers actually.
 
    Scratch that. Looking down into the lowland, it's an army.
 
    “Sweet Celestia,” Twilight murmurs. “That's got to be every guard unit left in all of Equestria.”
 
    “Why in tarnation've we stopped?!” snaps Applejack as she stumbles into the cabin. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Rarity are all close behind.
 
    When Dash sees the army in the distance she punches the air. “Finally! About time we found some backup!”
 
    >Remember the last Equestrian Guard troops we ran into?
    >We should cooperate
    >We don't want to stick around long
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)19:24 No.11207897
 
    >>11207868
    >Remember the last Equestrian Guard troops we ran into?
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)19:31 No.11208071
Replies: >>11208141
 
    “I wouldn't be so quick to trust,” you warn. “The last Equestrian troops we ran into tried to kill us.”
 
    “This isn't just some rogue unit, though,” insists Twilight. “This looks like the whole army! They must be massing to take back the lab – we need to speak to whoever's in charge!”
 
    “N-not that we shouldn't,” says Rarity, sounding uncommonly brittle. “But could we possibly... take a little breather, first? I... can't say I'm up to the challenge at the moment.”
 
    The others are a little surprised at her reluctance. “It's not like they're gonna sit around and wait for us to get ready,” says Dash, with a shrug. “Look, there's a squad coming this way. Better put our game faces on.”
 
    You turn back down the track and see a unit of twenty soldiers in heavy armor tromping toward you, half carrying heavy pikes and half carrying crossbows. They look quaint, considering you've still got a few shotguns lying around the train (albeit without any shells left).
 
    >I'll go out to meet them alone
    >We should meet them half-way
    >Let's let them come to us
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)19:34 No.11208141
 
    >>11208071
    >>We should meet them half-way
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)19:38 No.11208257
Replies: >>11208301 >>11208317
 
    “No point in putting it off,” you grumble. “Come on, let's go to meet them.”
 
    You stumble out of the cabin and start your pained, three-legged hobble down the tracks. The Elements follow you, some more reluctantly than others. You're reminded as you walk just how much having a leg cut off hurts as you struggle just to maintain your balance. The others catch up to you and politely maintain your pace.
 
    “That's far enough!” one of the soldiers barks. “No sudden movements! What are you doing in this part of Equestria? It's under quarantine.”
 
    “Well what's new,” Applejack mutters next to you.
 
    >We're just looking for shelter
    >We need your protection
    >We're looking for a secret lab
    >Just let us pass
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)19:40 No.11208301
 
    >>11208257
    all of them i choose all of them but maybe not the one with the lab
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)19:41 No.11208317
Replies: >>11208377
 
    >>11208257
    1
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)19:44 No.11208377
 
    >>11208317
    we use the lab for negotiation for later
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)19:47 No.11208462
Replies: >>11208506 >>11208586
 
    “We're just trying to find somewhere safe to take shelter,” you say, staying calm. “We've got a few dozen people in that train, including children and the elderly. All we want to do is find somewhere for them out of harm's way.”
 
    “No such thing, these days,” the soldier grimly remarks. He points his pike at your missing leg. “Had an accident, did you?”
 
    “Looks like some of his friends did, too,” mutters another soldier, nodding toward Pinkie and Dash. “Might be infected in that train.”
 
    “Now hold on a minute!” snaps Twilight, taking to the fore. “Maybe you didn't recognize us, but we're the Elements of Harmony!” She pauses, glances to you, and adds “And Mortimer the scientist, if you heard about him at some point?” When they don't react, she continues. “Anyway. Whoever's in charge here, they're going to want to see us!”
 
    “'Whoever's in charge here' has a very strict policy regarding infection risks,” the soldier growls. “All civilians are potential hostiles, and all potentially infected civilians are definite hostiles. You have one chance to give up your wounded before we classify this whole train as hazardous and put you down.”
 
    >Now hold on, we can work this out!
    >It's us or them!
    >Don't hurt them, we'll go quietly
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)19:49 No.11208506
Replies: >>11208669
 
    >>11208462
    >Now hold on, we can work this out!
 
>>
Jimmies 06/07/13(Fri)19:53 No.11208586
 
    >>11208462
    Same as rustle
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)19:55 No.11208626
Replies: >>11208651 >>11208669
 
    Both sides tense, but you throw up a hoof gesturing for calm. “Hold it! There's no need to do anything drastic. We've been travelling a long time and our wounded haven't turned, there's no risk of infection here.”
 
    “We'll be the judge of that,” the soldier snaps. “Now stand down or we'll take the train by force!”
 
    “Why don't you try it?!” snaps Rainbow Dash, taking on an aggressive posture. Applejack's already sizing up the line of ponies in front of her and you even hear a faint thrum as Twilight begins to charge her horn.
 
    “Wait!” shouts a distant, approaching voice. “Sergeant! Sergeant!”
 
    The soldier who's been speaking turns and sees a familiar officer pelting down the track toward you. “Captain Longsnout? What's the problem?”
 
    Twilight jumps in the air. “Longsnout! It's me, Twilight! Thank goodness you're here, please, we need your help.”
 
    “Hey Twilight,” he says, smiling through exhaustion. “Hey Sunny, good to see you're still standing.” he pauses to look at your missing leg. “Well, mostly. Sergeant, see to it these people are well-looked after. General Mattock wants to talk to their leaders.”
 
    The sergeant looks surprised. “Uh, y-yessir, Captain. Okay men, stand down. We're on relief duty.”
 
    Your friends look relieved as the soldiers lower their weapons and spread out.
 
    >Thanks, Longsnout
    >Who's general Mattock?
    >We really just want to be on our way
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)19:56 No.11208651
 
    >>11208626
    >Who's general Mattock?
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)19:57 No.11208669
Replies: >>11208704
 
    >>11208506
    jimmies your name sounds familiar
 
    >>11208626
 
    >Thanks, Longsnout
    >Who's general Mattock?
 
>>
Jimmies 06/07/13(Fri)19:58 No.11208704
Replies: >>11208737
 
    >>11208669
    I can't imagine why?
    >secret option 4 all of the above
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)20:00 No.11208737
Replies: >>11208768
 
    >>11208704
    maybe this is just a dream
 
>>
Jimmies 06/07/13(Fri)20:01 No.11208768
Replies: >>11208892
 
    >>11208737
    It was only just a dream!!!!!
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)20:04 No.11208818
Replies: >>11208854 >>11208986
 
    “What does general Mattock want with us? And what are you all doing here, while we're at it?”
 
    “It's a bit of a long story. Walk with me.”
 
    Your group sets off with the Captain toward the army camp below. Support staff pass you, carrying blankets and food for the survivors. “General Mattock is the ranking officer of the Equestrian military, after the command casualties we've suffered so far. He's the one who called the general retreat and regroup here, outside the Everfree. He's keeping the operational details quiet, but I think he believes the source of this... crisis is somewhere in there.”
 
    “It is,” Twilight volunteers. “We were on our way to deal with it ourselves.”
 
    Applejack lets out a frustrated snort. “Actually, we hadn't talked much about that yet.”
 
    “Well, whatever you're planning, better tell it to the general.” Longsnout takes on a far-away look. “I'll warn you now, we're not holding together so well. That business back there with the sergeant? Of the last three survivor groups we've found, one locked themselves in and wouldn't come out, one opened fire on us, and one was keeping their dead hidden. We've lost a full squad to our own people, the general's not taking it well. Be... careful.”
 
    Rarity's falling behind. “Is there any chance I could sit this one out? I'd much rather make sure Sweetie Belle's being taken care of. Those soldiers looked brusque.”
 
    >No time for that now, Rarity
    >We don't all have to be there
    >Her. Will. Is. Broken.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)20:05 No.11208854
Replies: >>11208892
 
    >>11208818
    >We don't all have to be there
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)20:08 No.11208892
Replies: >>11209000
 
    >>11208854
    this i don't want a dead white pony
    >>11208768
    what do you look like you seem too familiar
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)20:12 No.11208984
Replies: >>11209008 >>11209009
 
    "Mattock just wants to meet with the 'leaders'," you suggest. "The rest of you can join the others if you'd prefer."
 
    Rarity looks relieved and nods. "Thank you, Sunny."
 
    Fluttershy joins her. "I don't think I want to meet this general. Um, that is, if I don't have to. I should stay out of the way."
 
    "And IIIIIII'm not a leader!" shouts Pinkie, bouncing after them. "I'm not even gonna lead the not-leaders! Lead the way, Rarity!"
 
    Applejack and Twilight turn to Dash, who gives each of them a confused look. "What? I'm TOTALLY a leader!"
 
    "Sure y'are," says Applejack, rolling her eyes and falling back in line with you as you continue to the general's tent.
 
    The four of you and Longsnout weave through the army camp. There must be hundreds of soldiers, perhaps thousands, with tents displaying the heraldry of every city in Equestria. "If this means they've abandoned the cities..." murmurs Twilight, but her voice trails off.
 
    What catches your attention, however, are the unmarked soldiers. You see small detachments of them walking around in special, modern-looking armor. Rather than the more ceremonial weapons, they're carrying guns and other exotic firepower. You can remember them from one of your dreams - troops like them were guarding the lab before the incident.
 
    "We're almost there," says Longsnout. "Remember, tread carefully with Mattock."
 
    >Who are all these heavily-armored soldiers?
    >Are there any other commanders?
    >Look after yourself, Longsnout
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)20:12 No.11208986
 
    >>11208818
    >Her. Will. Is. Broken.
    I sure as fuck hope that's all. I'm a be pissed if she's hiding a bite. So please OP, don't do this to me.
 
>>
Jimmies 06/07/13(Fri)20:13 No.11209000
Replies: >>11209057
 
    >>11208892
    >I am the man behind the screen, the one hiding his face behind the animitity of the Internet. I blend in with society as another face in the vast sea of nobody's.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)20:14 No.11209008
 
    >>11208984
    >Who are all these heavily-armored soldiers?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)20:14 No.11209009
Replies: >>11209031
 
    >>11208984
    >Who are all these heavily-armored soldiers?
 
>>
Jimmies 06/07/13(Fri)20:15 No.11209031
 
    >>11209009
    This
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)20:17 No.11209057
Replies: >>11209107
File: 1370650640139.jpg-(10 KB, 263x192, images (14).jpg)
10 KB
 
    >>11209000
    you are my jimmies. I lost you in the Faust/eqg shit storm. I thought i would never see you again
 
>>
theguysaidhi 06/07/13(Fri)20:17 No.11209065
Replies: >>11209093 >>11209107
 
    >>11207095
    wtf is that
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)20:18 No.11209093
File: 1370650737282.jpg-(3 KB, 125x125, 1366227452444s.jpg)
3 KB
 
    >>11209065
    a happy shining armor
 
>>
Jimmies 06/07/13(Fri)20:19 No.11209107
 
    >>11209057
    Wait... Rustle is that you!
    >>11209065
    >TWILY!!!
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)20:20 No.11209127
Replies: >>11209151 >>11209161 >>11209168
 
    “Any chance you can explain all these guys in the white armor?”
 
    Longsnout looks uneasy. “...Not really. They're Mattock's own division. I don't know where they were based or what their duties are, but they've got rank over everyone else and have the best weaponry and... meanest training.” He stops talking as a few of them go past. “If they'd found your train, they'd have lit it up without stopping to talk first.”
 
    You arrive at the flap of a sizeable tent with several of the white-armored soldiers around the flap. “I have to wait out here,” Longsnout explains. “Good luck.” You step inside.
 
    It's a little difficult to see on the inside, with only a few candles to provide hazy illumination. A squad table fills most of the space with a number of stools scattered around it and a number of officers on those stools. Each wears the heraldry of a disparate unit. An uncomfortable silence reigns.
 
    You look down at the table and see all manner of maps, scrolls and ink scattered about, along with half-finished meals and other detritus. You follow the trail all the way to the head of the table, where an old pony wearing a heavy cloak faces away from you.
 
    >General Mattock? You sent for us?
    >Allow us to introduce ourselves
    >There's no time to waste, we have critical information
    >[Let someone else speak]
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)20:21 No.11209151
 
    >>11209127
    *squat table, damn
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)20:22 No.11209161
 
    >>11209127
    1
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)20:22 No.11209168
 
    >>11209127
    either 1 or 4
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)20:29 No.11209303
Replies: >>11209326 >>11209365
 
    You clear your throat. “I'm guessing you're General Mattock?”
 
    The figure at the end of the table stirs and turns to face you. You see a grizzled old war horse bedecked in dulled, practical armor. “You'd be right,” he says, before reaching into a box on his desk and pulling out a cigar. He lights it from a candle and takes a long drag. “The rest of you are dismissed.”
 
    One of the officers, a pegasus with a tan coat and dinted gold armor, jumps to his feet. “Now hold on, sir, we-”
 
    “Dismissed!” he barks, causing the offender to reel. The others get to their feet and hustle out of the tent. Once it's cleared, he gestures for you and your companions to join him at the table.
 
    “Well this's promisin',” Applejack whispers in your ear, a heavy note of sarcasm.
 
    “General Mattock,” Twilight begins, “thank you for seeing us. The Elements of Harmony are-”
 
    “Not much use so far,” says Mattock, knocking the ash from his cigar. “No, not much more than the princesses or any of our fancy magical defences. It's been a disaster, plain and simple.” He nods to you. “Although tracking down Celestia's chief scientist, that might help.”
 
    >Don't underestimate the Elements of Harmony
    >So you know me, too?
    >I'm not much use now, I'm afraid
    >This. One. May. Be. Useful.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)20:30 No.11209326
 
    >>11209303
    >So you know me, too?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)20:33 No.11209365
Replies: >>11209380
 
    >>11209303
    It's like we're on Cheers, everybody knows our name.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)20:33 No.11209380
 
    >>11209365
    And they're always glad you came.
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)20:36 No.11209434
Replies: >>11209460 >>11209493 >>11209500
 
    You sigh. “Is there anybody out there who hasn't already met me yet?”
 
    Mattock gives you an appraising look. “So it's true? You really lost your memory?”
 
    “He did,” Applejack insists, putting her forehooves on the table. “He's Sunny now, yer honor.”
 
    Twilight rolls her eyes. “He's still Mortimer. He just can't remember much from before the outbreak. We've pieced together a little over our adventures, but still not enough.”
 
    “Well, never mind then,” Mattock grunts. “That's not the most important thing. What I really need from you is the location of Celestia's secret lab. You wouldn't be coming all this way without it. That's where this whole trainwreck started, and my boys are gonna punch through enemy lines and put an end to it.”
 
    >Military might won't be enough
    >We have maps with the lab's location
    >I don't know what you're talking about
    >[Let someone else answer]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)20:38 No.11209460
Replies: >>11209493 >>11209500
 
    >>11209434
    >We have maps with the lab's location
    I think?
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)20:39 No.11209493
 
    >>11209434
    >Military might won't be enough
    >>11209460
    i dont think we have maps
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)20:40 No.11209500
Replies: >>11209531
 
    >>11209434
    >>11209460
    If we're not lying/bluffing, when did we get maps?
 
>>
Jimmies 06/07/13(Fri)20:41 No.11209531
 
    >>11209500
    We have the maps, in last thread twilight Said she got them after we killed crysilis
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)20:47 No.11209635
Replies: >>11209662
 
    “We've got that,” you say. “We managed to find a map with the lab's location.”
 
    “Good,” says Mattock. “That'll save me time and manpower.”
 
    Twilight shoots you a disapproving look before turning to Mattock. “Mattock, sir, this infection isn't something you can beat in a fight. If you attack the lab you might just make things worse by getting your men killed!”
 
    “And I suppose you came out here with some plan of your own?”
 
    “Yeah,” says Applejack, narrowing her gaze at Twilight. “What exactly are ya thinkin' we can do that a whole honkin' army couldn't?”
 
    Twilight frowns. “We're the Elements of Harmony! If this infection has some sort of magical origin, we might be able to sneak inside and fix it.”
 
    “I don't see why we couldn't do that with a whole army at our backs,” says Rainbow Dash. “That'd make it even easier than trying to sneak around!”
 
    Mattock rubs his chin, weighing up what's been said. “I'm not a fan of your... magical solutions. This is a military situation. It calls for a military solution - and that means an application of overwhelming force before attrition eats my army alive. Literally."
 
    >We have intel about the situation
    >Why don't you share what you know?
    >Let. Me. Explain.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)20:48 No.11209662
Replies: >>11209712
 
    >>11209635
    Option 3
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)20:50 No.11209712
 
    >>11209662
    that is a shit option
    >Why don't you share what you know?
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)20:55 No.11209807
Replies: >>11209885
 
    You cede control to Sombra, who lowers the glamour covering his horn. The red spike emerges from your forehead, causing Mattock to instinctively reach under the table for a weapon. “Remain. Calm.” Sombra says.
 
    You see Twilight, Applejack and Rainbow Dash tense as Sombra adjusts your mouth slightly. “We. Know. Things.”
 
    “Twilight...” Mattock mutters. “What is that?”
 
    “That's... king Sombra.”
 
    “The dictator from the Crystal Empire.”
 
    “Mortimer made a deal with him. He's been helpful, and hasn't misbehaved.”
 
    Mattock keeps a careful eye on you. “This situation's getting stranger all the time. Say your piece.”
 
    “This. Corruption. Is. Of. Magical. Origin.” Your eyes flare with green light. “We. Have. The. Power. To. Seal. The. Gate. From. Whence. It. Comes.”
 
    “We do?” says Rainbow Dash, puzzled.
 
    “The. Elements. Were. Forged. To. Create. This. Terror.” You feel another phantom memory roll across your mind. “The. True. Elements. May. End. It.”
 
    Twilight looks at you, uncertain. “I don't... know if that's true. But if the truth's down there, General, you need us down there to find it.”
 
    He seems uncertain.
 
    >What can you tell us?
    >There's more I can share.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)20:58 No.11209885
 
    >>11209807
    >There's more I can share.
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)21:05 No.11210031
Replies: >>11210091
 
    “Sombra's telling the truth, at least about some of it,” you say, as you reassert control. “I can remember making fake elements to power an old spell, one of Starswirl's. We did open a gate, but it came out... wrong. Celestia was pulled in. The infection spread from it. I don't know if the real elements could shut it, but... maybe?”
 
    The other ponies look at you, a little surprised. With all the chaos since you left the Crystal Empire, you can't even remember how much you told them already. “Well,” says Mattock. “That's new information.”
 
    “That's n-not true...” Twilight whispers. “O-or it doesn't have to be. There's a bunker in the lab, one strong enough to survive this crisis. Celestia might've escaped into it, or maybe you're remembering wrong.”
 
    “Hold up,” says Applejack. “What's this about a bunker?”
 
    “A survival bunker,” Mattock explains. “I had a company of my men providing security for the facility. They built a survival bunker strong enough for everyone in the lab to wait out the end of the world, if it came to that. There was a communication channel set up from the bunker to the outside, though, and I haven't heard anything on it. Mortimer here's the first survivor I've seen so far.”
 
    Gears start turning in Applejack's head. She leans back to think about this, while Dash leans forward. “See? You need us in there, coach! Let us take a crack at that lab and we can save Equestria once and for all!”
 
    >It'd be harder with a whole army
    >We can assault the lab together
    >We need to make sure our people are protected
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)21:08 No.11210091
 
    >>11210031
    >We can assault the lab together
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)21:16 No.11210220
Replies: >>11210268
 
    “With the help of your troops, we can get into the lab and shut the gate down – or at least find out what's going on in there. It's our best shot at ending this crisis.”
 
    Rainbow Dash beats her hoof on the table in agreement, but you see uncertainty from both Twilight and Applejack. Mattock, on the other hand, smiles. “That's what I like to hear. We'll hit the lab tomorrow with everything we've got. Once my boys have secured the facility, you and the Elements will go in with a heavy escort and shut the portal down.”
 
    “What about our people?” says Applejack, tense. “The countryside's crawlin' with those things, it ain't safe.”
 
    “We can't afford the manpower to protect them during the final assault,” says Mattock, dismissing them out of hoof. “They can get back on the train and ride around in circles for a while until we've secured the facility. That ought to be safe enough.”
 
    “Sir, we don't need a whole army attacking the lab,” says Twilight. “From everything we've heard, the herd in the Everfree is huge. If you attack en mass that's just going to bring even more of them down on us!”
 
    “My troops are some of the best trained and equipped in the world,” Mattock boasts. “We've had some setbacks before now, true, but they won't be getting the drop on us again. This is the right decision.”
 
    “But gene-”
 
    “The RIGHT decision,” he insists, somewhat sharply. “Now if you'll excuse me, I need to talk to my officers about tomorrow.”
 
    Reluctantly, you and the others get up to leave. “Not you, Mortimer,” says Mattock. “I'd like a private word.”
 
    >Anything you want to say to me, you can say to them
    >Sure, sir
    >I need to check on the survivors first
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)21:19 No.11210268
 
    >>11210220
    >Anything you want to say to me, you can say to them
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)21:26 No.11210404
Replies: >>11210441 >>11210455
 
    Whoops, reposted
 
    “There's nothing you can't say in front of them,” you say.
 
    “There is if I need to maintain operational security.” He gestures to the others. “Please see yourselves out.”
 
    When they don't move, he sighs. “Captain!” he calls. Longsnout steps inside. “Please escort the Elements of Harmony to their quarters?”
 
    The Captain gives Twilight an uneasy look. “If you could please come quietly, this'd be a lot easier.”
 
    She growls, but relents. AJ and Dash follow, though you catch AJ giving you a serious look as she passes.”
 
    “Sorry about that,” says Mattock as they depart. “Cigar?”
 
    He lights one and passes it to you. You sit in silence for a moment while he puffs away. “This whole operation's been hobbled from the start. These princesses and nobles... no idea how to command. No effective leadership in a crisis – hell, from what I've heard and seen, this whole thing's Celestia's fault.”
 
    He looks you up and down, squinting in the dim light. “We only met a few times before the incident, but you had quite a reputation in the upper echelons. Half the weapons in my arsenal are based on your designs. You're an earth pony working in an alicorn, unicorn world. Like me.”
 
    He takes another puff. “I need someone I can rely on in there.”
 
    >And you think that's me?
    >I'm not turning on my friends
    >It'd be nice to get some clear leadership for once
    >He. Is. Strong. Leader.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)21:26 No.11210410
 
    >>11210391
    Wat
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)21:28 No.11210441
 
    >>11210404
    >And you think that's me?
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)21:28 No.11210455
 
    >>11210404
    >>I'm not turning on my friends
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)21:34 No.11210585
Replies: >>11210630 >>11210641 >>11210643
 
    “You must have plenty of loyal troops,” you say, delicately. “We're going in with an escort, why can't you trust one of them?”
 
    “I do,” he says. “But you're on the inside. I saw the way the Elements looked up to you. Whatever you've been doing the last few days, it's won them over.
 
    “The Elements of Harmony are a weapon. It's just one tied to six temperamental people. I can believe it's the key to shutting the old project down, but I don't like the uncontrolled variables those six, untrained women introduce to my battle-plan. I need someone I can trust to get the job done, no matter the cost.” He pauses for another long drag. “Once they're on the inside, that's up to you.”
 
    “He is dangerous, ambitious, but useful to us,” Sombra whispers, approvingly. “Do not fear his machinations. We will achieve our ends regardless of his means.”
 
    >How much did you know about the 'old project'?
    >I was going to do that anyway, with or without you
    >I'm trying to protect them, not use them
    >If there's nothing else, I'd like to leave
 
>>
Jimmies 06/07/13(Fri)21:36 No.11210630
 
    >>11210585
    2 or 3
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)21:37 No.11210641
 
    >>11210585
    1
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)21:37 No.11210643
Replies: >>11210660
 
    >>11210585
    >I'm trying to protect them, not use them
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)21:37 No.11210660
 
    >>11210643
    this
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)21:43 No.11210793
Replies: >>11210819 >>11210895
 
    You appraise Mattock in turn. “So, what can you tell me about the project?”
 
    “Probably less than you already know,” he says with a shrug. “I knew it turned out weapons for my troops. I knew it was the whole reason Celestia even formed the Equestrian Special Forces, to provide security and for whatever she planned after. Most of all, I know it was some hairbrained scheme by a mad alicorn who's all but destroyed Equestria.”
 
    He seems to take a moment, weighing you up once more before continuing. “I know you were involved because you were always trying to prove you didn't need to have magic and royalty in your blood to get things done. You were just a pawn for Celestia, like the rest of us. But now she's gone. Luna's gone. Cadance, gone. The Elements are the last vestige of the old world.”
 
    He grinds his cigar out on the table. “Once they've undone the damage... it'll be time for the old world to end. Life after this... we can't afford to make the same mistakes, play with the same dangerous forces. You're a smart guy. I like you. You'll make the right decision, come tomorrow.”
 
    “Interesting,” hisses Sombra. “Finally, one with the foresight to think of what comes after the wound is closed.”
 
    >What are you implying, Mattock?
    >I'll... consider what you've said
    >This conversation is over
    >He. Speaks. Wisdom. And. Your. Chance. For. Power.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)21:44 No.11210819
 
    >>11210793
    1
    >implying
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)21:47 No.11210895
 
    >>11210793
    >it'll be time for the old world to end
    Oh that motherfucker better not be planning to off my waifu. He couldn't be.. right? tell me it's something else
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)21:48 No.11210914
Replies: >>11210931
 
    “What... exactly, are you talking about?” you ask, uneasy.
 
    “They tell me you're pretty clever,” he replies. “I think we understand each other. Dismissed, Mortimer.”
 
    The officers begin to stream back in. You wander back out into the daylight, where Longsnout awaits. “Just this way, sir,” he says, leading you through the camp to a patch of unmarked tents. You see your survivors clustered therein, looking relatively relieved and comfortable. They've got fresh food, fresh bandages, and a fresh sense of security.
 
    The Elements of Harmony are waiting impatiently nearby for your return. As soon as they see you the six of them trot up. “Well?” asks Twilight, impatiently. “What'd he say?”
 
    “I'll, ah, be excusing myself,” says Longsnout, hurrying away.
 
    >He's going to stab us in the back
    >He's putting me in charge of the mission tomorrow
    >Nothing important, just asking about old times
    >I don't want to talk about it
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)21:49 No.11210931
 
    >>11210914
    >He's going to stab us in the back
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)21:57 No.11211067
Replies: >>11211093
 
    “Soon as we've done our job, he's going to stab us in the back,” you mutter.
 
    “What?!” exclaims Rainbow Dash. “That's crazy! What'd he say?”
 
    “The general's not a fan of the princesses or anyone with major magic power. He thinks the Elements of Harmony are dangerous.”
 
    “That's ridiculous,” sniffs Twilight. “The Elements of Harmony protect Equestria.”
 
    Applejack looks away, uncomfortable. “Beggin' yer pardon, Twilight, but iffin' what Sunny said about fake Elements and what Celestia did are true, he might have a point-”
 
    Twilight's eyes flash with anger and an electrical wave of energy flashes along her horn.
 
    “Case in point,” Applejack grumbles.
 
    “I-I don't think I can...” Rarity begins. “I'm sorry, this is all too much... Sweetie Belle, what is he going to do to Sweetie Belle and the others?”
 
    You shrug. “I don't know.”
 
    “Well THIS is a bit of a letdown,” pouts Pinkie. “How come everyone we meet with even a teeny smidgen of power is cuh-ray-zee?”
 
    >We need to escape tonight and hit the lab before the attack
    >We should go along with them and turn the tables after the ambush
    >We should get back on the train and get out of here
    >Mattock's the problem, maybe we can 'solve' it?
    >We. Should. Take. His. Plan.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)21:58 No.11211093
Replies: >>11211218
 
    >>11211067
    >We need to escape tonight and hit the lab before the attack
    What could possibly go wrong?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:04 No.11211218
Replies: >>11211285
 
    >>11211093
    And then he takes the train and passengers as leverage against you should we survive and accomplish the goal.
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)22:07 No.11211275
Replies: >>11211304 >>11211331 >>11211335 >>11211386 >>11211432
 
    “We can't stick around. We need to hit the lab tonight.”
 
    “But what about the others?” says Rarity, terrified. “We can't just leave them behind!”
 
    “Ah agree,” says Applejack. “S'not safe here. Mattock might lose his last hurrah, or else use 'em against us t'force us t'stand down.”
 
    “I agree we should attack the lab ourselves,” says Twilight, “but bringing the other survivors with us just puts them in danger. Mattock has no grudge against them, they should be much safer here.”
 
    “Are you guys crazy?!” shouts Rainbow Dash. “The Everfree forest's completely overrun! You think we're going to break in there while lugging all our friends and family around like a walking buffet? We should go in with the army, we can handle Mattock ourselves if he tries a double-cross.”
 
    “I-I'd rather go... with the army,” says Flutteshy, glancing nervously to Rainbow Dash. “These are Equestria's soldiers. They wouldn't hurt us.”
 
    Pinkie lets out a confused, frustrated sigh. “Well WHATEVER we do, can we do it soon already?”
 
    MAJOR DECISION TIME
    Ten minutes discussion, five minutes vote
    >We should take the lab ourselves, tonight
    >We should go in with the troops
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)22:07 No.11211285
File: 1370657250839.jpg-(2 KB, 125x118, 1369359847195s.jpg)
2 KB
 
    >>11211218
    yeah bad option
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:08 No.11211304
Replies: >>11211363
 
    >>11211275
    Judging by there's only like, 2-3 of us here, this'll be easy.
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)22:09 No.11211331
Replies: >>11211346 >>11211401 >>11211406
File: 1370657355815.jpg-(2 KB, 101x125, 1370196876422s.jpg)
2 KB
 
    >>11211275
    i think we should go in with a small army.
    that way we can kill them if shit goes down
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:09 No.11211335
 
    >>11211275
    Go with the troops
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:10 No.11211346
Replies: >>11211387
 
    >>11211331
    I say we go in solo.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:10 No.11211363
Replies: >>11211401
 
    >>11211304
    I'm with going in with the troops backing us. They're trained, armed, and the EoH are now aware that treachery may be afoot. Seems like the best COA to me
 
    Don't forget we're missing a friggin leg now. We ain't gonna be a 10/10 combatant any more. Backup seems a good idea
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:12 No.11211386
Replies: >>11211401
 
    >>11211275
    Troops.
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)22:12 No.11211387
Replies: >>11211416
 
    >>11211346
    if their is like a zombie celestia while their probably will be we will have some support
 
    also we should get guns and armor
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:12 No.11211401
 
    >>11211331
    >>11211363
    >>11211386
    But guuuuys you're not doing what I waaaaaaaaant
 
>>
Jimmies 06/07/13(Fri)22:12 No.11211406
 
    >>11211331
    Go in with army
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:13 No.11211416
Replies: >>11211448
 
    >>11211387
    Zombie Celestia is gonna be this story's Tyrant, Resident Evil style
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:14 No.11211432
 
    >>11211275
    Even if the majority of the army sided with us, Mattock probably would retain the loyalty of his Special Forces unit, not to mention there are bound to be some guards who feel the same if word has spread about Celestia's involvement in this. His unit could probably take out the regular army easily as Longsnout said himself, 'they have the best weaponry and... meanest training', not only are they better equipped, but are more likely to be willing to kill their follows, so counting on the regular army to back us up and save us is probably a bad idea. And I find it unlikely that he wouldn't be unwilling to use hostages if it meant achieving his goals. Best bet is go with him for now, and wait for an opportunity.
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)22:15 No.11211448
 
    >>11211416
    so since we know its down their we need guns and armor for ourselves
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)22:15 No.11211453
Replies: >>11211476 >>11211486 >>11211514 >>11211523 >>11211565
 
    Discussion is finished, five minutes for voting. I can sense which way the wind is blowing, though.
 
>>
Jimmies 06/07/13(Fri)22:17 No.11211476
 
    >>11211453
    Be strong. Army strong
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)22:17 No.11211486
 
    >>11211453
    we go army and we get guns and shit
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:19 No.11211514
File: 1370657994892.jpg-(50 KB, 671x673, e4d.jpg)
50 KB
 
    >>11211453
    Solo?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:20 No.11211523
 
    >>11211453
    bring the army
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)22:21 No.11211549
Replies: >>11211562
 
    "We don't stand a chance breaking into that lab on our own. We go in with the troops and we watch our backs, but our priority has to be shutting that gate down and this is our best chance at doing that."
 
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:22 No.11211562
 
    >>11211549
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:22 No.11211565
 
    >>11211453
    Army
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:23 No.11211571
 
    >Mattock is lying about how much he knew
    >Is bitter about being a earth p0ny in a magic dominated society
    >He sabotaged the experiment in an attempt to discredit/destroy Celestia, and usher in a new age without the reliance of magic
    >His only minor regret is having ruined your life's work to bring about his new world.
    >He will be the final boss after a confrontation in the lab, he is pulled into the portal and emerges as the host of some eldritch abomination.
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)22:27 No.11211634
Replies: >>11211677
 
    Applejack hisses with frustration and stamps her hooves, and Twilight frowns with disapproval.
 
    “Damnit, Sunny!” says Applejack. “You're puttin' my family in danger with these people. Don't you remember what happened in the Crystal Empire? This could be ten times as bad!”
 
    “I have to agree that Mattock's methods are too... blunt,” says Twilight. “But... maybe it's our best chance to stop whatever mad experiment went on down there, our personal feelings and allegiances aside.”
 
    Applejack shoots Twilight a withering look and stomps off.
 
    “Well, I think it's the right idea!” says Dash, nodding. “Besides, those guys have guns and armor! I'm tired of fighting trotting dead with my bare hooves!”
 
    Sombra chuckles. “You have left your options open. Very wise, although your concubine's distaste is great.”
 
    “Welp! That's settled!” exclaims Pinkie, who wipes her brow with mock relief. “Okay, what now?”
 
    “The attack's not until tomorrow,” says Twilight. “We might as well rest until then, check up on the others.”
 
    “Yes!” says Rarity, looking skittish. “Has anyone seen Sweetie Belle? I'll go find her!”
 
    >[ARRIVING AT HUB]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:28 No.11211658
 
    I think we can trust Longsnout. He may save us in case of a dick move on Mattock's part.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:29 No.11211677
Replies: >>11211696 >>11211699
File: 1370658566182.gif-(377 KB, 500x281, 1365476363210.gif)
377 KB
 
    >>11211634
    I dunno what Rarity's problem with Sweetie Belle is, but it's making me nervous.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:30 No.11211696
Replies: >>11211756
 
    >>11211677
 
    She almost lost her. Probably just dealing with the stress is all.
 
    Please let that be all, OP.
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)22:30 No.11211698
Replies: >>11211711 >>11211713 >>11211758
 
    You stand in the middle of the refugee camp with the other survivors. Most, blissfully unaware of what awaits, look happy and relieved in a way you haven't seen since meeting them. They're chatting and enjoying army rations, or catching up on rest in their tents.
 
    The army around them is quite the opposite. Possibly thousands of soldiers are at work preparing for the attack tomorrow.
 
    If there's one thing they're not lacking, it's tents. The Elements are scattered amongst them, talking to survivors or soldiers and preparing themselves for the trouble ahead.
 
    >Go see Twilight and Applejack
    >Go see Rarity and Sweetie Belle
    >Go see Rainbow Dash and Longsnout
    >Go see Pinkie
    >Go see Fluttershy
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:30 No.11211699
Replies: >>11211723 >>11211756 >>11211779
 
    >>11211677
    Guys, I think we might have to kill Sweetie Belle.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:31 No.11211711
 
    >>11211698
 
    >Go see Twilight and Applejack
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:31 No.11211713
 
    >>11211698
    >Go see Rarity and Sweetie Belle
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)22:31 No.11211723
Replies: >>11211756 >>11211803
File: 1370658717147.jpg-(2 KB, 125x118, 1369360670257s.jpg)
2 KB
 
    >>11211699
    keep that hair short
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:33 No.11211756
Replies: >>11211803
File: 1370658836374.jpg-(229 KB, 800x1421, 107574__UNOPT.jpg)
229 KB
 
    >>11211696
    >>11211699
    >>11211723
 
    To have sacrificed our leg, and still lose one of them? I think that'd be 2real4me
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:34 No.11211758
 
    >>11211698
    Talk to appajack
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:35 No.11211779
Replies: >>11211803
File: 1370658930565.png-(868 KB, 664x668, 23 - exploitable hank_ven(...).png)
868 KB
 
    >>11211699
 
    Don't you fucking joke like that.
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)22:35 No.11211785
Replies: >>11211800
 
    You enter a tent with Applejack and Twilight inside. They're arguing in whispers, but quiet down when they see you.
 
    "Sunny," Applejack mutters. "Here t'explain yer latest decision? Can't say I'm interested this time."
 
    Twilight shoots her a look. "Sorry, Mortimer. Applejack just doesn't really agree with the attack plan. I have my reservations, but for the sake of Equestria I've put them aside."
 
    "It'd be different if y'all had family here to protect," Applejack mutters.
 
    Twilight stands, going stiff and cold. "We've all lost family, Applejack."
 
    "Shoot. I'm sorry, sugarcube. Ah didn't mean t'imply otherwise." She sighs. "C'mon, sit back down."
 
    Twilight relents.
 
    >We need to cooperate to protect your family, not put it in harm's way
    >These troops are our best chance at making it into the lab
    >We can handle Mattock
    >It's too late to change our minds now
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:37 No.11211800
 
    >>11211785
 
    >We need to cooperate to protect your family, not put it in harm's way
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:37 No.11211803
 
    >>11211723
    >>11211756
    >>11211779
    >Sweetie Belle thinks you're incredibly awesome!
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)22:43 No.11211897
Replies: >>11211917 >>11211919 >>11211925
 
    "Cooperating with the army doesn't endanger your family, it protects it." You gesture back outside. "What, we're supposed to march forty people through monster-infested woods and break into a secure facility? This way they're here, where it's safe, and we can take care of business."
 
    AJ stiffens. "Yer not talkin' yer way out this time, Sunny," she mutters. "Crawlin' through them woods was the original plan, and ah don't think leavin' em here t'the tender mercies'a Mattock is any better."
 
    "But he has no reason to hurt them," insists Twilight. "Even if he objects to the Elements of Harmony - which is pretty absurd - why would he take it out on our family and friends?"
 
    "Why let 'em live once we've done our jobs?" snaps AJ. "What happens if Mattock's all wrong and the camp gets overrun, huh? No, ah don't wanna hear yer answer." She gets up, brushing past with her head raised high. "T'weren't the right choice, Sunny."
 
    Twilight watches her go and sighs. "I keep forgetting how much we've been through in such a short time. Applejack will come around. She always does."
 
    >Keep a close eye on her, will you?
    >Do you think she'll forgive me?
    >There's nothing we can do, this is more important
    >If she wants to be mad, that's none of my business
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:44 No.11211917
Replies: >>11211945
 
    >>11211897
    2
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:44 No.11211919
 
    >>11211897
    >Keep a close eye on her, will you?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:45 No.11211925
 
    >>11211897
    >Do you think she'll forgive me?
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)22:45 No.11211945
 
    >>11211917
    this profese your love
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)22:47 No.11211981
Replies: >>11212026
 
    "I hate it when she's angry with me. I can never tell how to say I'm sorry."
 
    Twilight giggles. "She just needs time. Applejack can be slow to forgive sometimes, but she does." She pauses, becoming serious. "Just be right this time, Mortimer."
 
    You nod in hopeful agreement. "We'll have to wait and see."
 
    Sombra chortles. "You must enjoy her rejection, the way you seek it so."
 
    >[RETURNING TO HUB]
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)22:48 No.11211994
Replies: >>11212000 >>11212001
 
    You stand in the middle of the refugee camp with the other survivors. Most, blissfully unaware of what awaits, look happy and relieved in a way you haven't seen since meeting them. They're chatting and enjoying army rations, or catching up on rest in their tents.
 
    The army around them is quite the opposite. Possibly thousands of soldiers are at work preparing for the attack tomorrow.
 
    If there's one thing they're not lacking, it's tents. The Elements are scattered amongst them, talking to survivors or soldiers and preparing themselves for the trouble ahead.
 
    >Go see Rarity and Sweetie Belle
    >Go see Rainbow Dash and Longsnout
    >Go see Pinkie
    >Go see Fluttershy
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:48 No.11212000
 
    >>11211994
    >Go see Rarity and Sweetie Belle
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:48 No.11212001
Replies: >>11212023
 
    >>11211994
 
    >Rarity/Sweetie
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)22:49 No.11212023
File: 1370659796612.jpg-(3 KB, 125x125, 1369356273044s.jpg)
3 KB
 
    >>11212001
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:50 No.11212026
Replies: >>11212041
 
    >>11211981
    >Sombra chortles. "You must enjoy her rejection, the way you seek it so."
    Damn it Sombie. You're an evil, ruthless, manipulative cunt, but I kinda like you.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:51 No.11212041
 
    >>11212026
 
    He's our HK-47.
 
    Evil, but somehow endearing at the same time.
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)22:52 No.11212060
Replies: >>11212072 >>11212076 >>11212098
 
    You head over to a tent with Rarity and Sweetie Belle inside. Even from just outside you can hear Rarity smothering her sister with attention and worry. When you step inside, you see Rarity holding her close in a hug. She briefly tightens her grip when she hears you enter, before seeing it's you. "Oh, Sunny! You startled us."
 
    Sweetie Belle looks shaken and uncomfortable. She looks away from you.
 
    "We were just talking about tomorrow," says Rarity, giving you a weary smile. "I want to be sure Sweetie Belle's well-looked-after while we're away."
 
    >Rarity, what happened in the Crystal Empire?
    >You seem jumpy
    >She'll be well-looked-after here
    >I. Smell. Fear.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:52 No.11212072
 
    >>11212060
    >Rarity, what happened in the Crystal Empire?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:53 No.11212076
 
    >>11212060
 
    >You seem jumpy
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:54 No.11212098
 
    >>11212060
    >>Rarity, what happened in the Crystal Empire?
    This.
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)22:56 No.11212145
Replies: >>11212158 >>11212160 >>11212188
 
    "After we split up, when you went to get the prisoners... did something happen? When I got there you two had fallen really far behind..."
 
    Rarity has tears welling in her eyes, shaking her head. "It's fine."
 
    "It was scary," volunteers Sweetie Belle, who gets hugged tighter by Rarity. Rarity shushes her. "Ponies were killing each other, and... and dead were rising everywhere. And we were gonna get bit for sure."
 
    "She's just shaken up, that's all," says Rarity, weakly. "She just needs time."
 
    >Were one of you bitten?
    >It was a terrible situation, you were both very brave
    >We have a lot left to do
    >...I'll leave you two alone
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:57 No.11212158
Replies: >>11212206
 
    >>11212145
 
    >It was a terrible situation, you were both very brave
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:57 No.11212160
Replies: >>11212179
 
    >>11212145
    >Were one of you bitten?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:58 No.11212179
Replies: >>11212204 >>11212208
 
    >>11212160
 
    If Sweetie were bitten, we'd see signs of it by now.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)22:59 No.11212188
 
    >>11212145
    >>Were one of you bitten?
    This.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:00 No.11212204
 
    >>11212179
    I know you want to protect your feels, but this is a question that begs asking. I'm seeing some implications here
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)23:00 No.11212206
 
    >>11212158
    this
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:00 No.11212208
Replies: >>11212237
 
    >>11212179
    Well, we haven't really been around Sweetie that much.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:01 No.11212237
 
    >>11212208
 
    Not us, but some of the others would surely notice something, especially as paranoid as they would be right now. Maybe I'm mistaken, but it's been at least a day since Crystal Empire. Most turn before now.
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)23:01 No.11212242
Replies: >>11212263 >>11212265 >>11212267 >>11212283 >>11212286
 
    "I remember," you say, addressing Sweetie Belle. "It was terrifying. Maybe the worst situation I've ever seen. I was scared, too, but the two of you were very brave. You didn't give up, and you made it out alive."
 
    "But it was so close," Rarity shudders, the tears rolling. "Without you, I... if you hadn't... and then you were bitten, and I..."
 
    She buries her face in Sweetie Belle's mane. "It's all my fault! When we were in the palace, I got us lost! We fell behind and were almost killed and it was all my fault!"
 
    Sweetie Belle hugs her sister close. "It's okay, Rarity. You didn't do anything wrong!"
 
    "I'm your sister!" she sobs. "I'm supposed to look out for you, and I failed! How can you believe in me? How can anyone believe in me after that?"
 
    >We do believe in you, Rarity
    >You've done no worse than anyone else
    >You need to toughen up
    >[Hug Rarity]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:02 No.11212263
 
    >>11212242
    4
    hug that pony
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:02 No.11212265
 
    >>11212242
    >>We do believe in you, Rarity
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:02 No.11212267
 
    >>11212242
    >[Hug Rarity]
    Touch her butt
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:03 No.11212283
 
    >>11212242
    >>[Hug Rarity]
    this.
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)23:03 No.11212286
 
    >>11212242
    >[Hug Rarity] and whisper this in her ear >We do believe in you, Rarit
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)23:08 No.11212385
Replies: >>11212394 >>11212456
 
    You come over to where Rarity and Sweetie Belle are sitting and wrap your hooves around them, bringing them in for a tight hug. She cries and sobs into Sweetie Belle's mane, who rests her head against her sister's chest.
 
    You let time drift by as the emotions pour out of her. All the pain, fear, regret and guilt. Finally, she calms.
 
    >Do you remember the cave, Rarity?
    >You're going to be alright. Believe in that
    >We need you to be strong tomorrow
    >I need to check on the others
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:08 No.11212394
Replies: >>11212414
 
    >>11212385
 
    >Do you remember the cave, Rarity?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:09 No.11212414
Replies: >>11212454
 
    >>11212394
    At first I was pissed because someone beat me to the punch. Then I saw you chose the right option, so, we cool.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:11 No.11212454
File: 1370661095560.gif-(630 KB, 253x225, 1330831074369.gif)
630 KB
 
    >>11212414
 
    I think we're going to be friends by the end of this.
 
>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/07/13(Fri)23:11 No.11212456
 
    >>11212385
    >>Do you remember the cave, Rarity?
    This.
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)23:13 No.11212495
Replies: >>11212517 >>11212575
 
    "Do you remember the cave, Rarity?" you ask. "And the mirror?"
 
    Slowly, she nods.
 
    "I don't know what you saw in there. That's your business. But I do know that whoever could make it out of there in one piece had to overcome their greatest fears. I didn't save you from that mirror. You saved yourself."
 
    You lean back to get a better look at her, as she lifts her bleary eyes upward. "That's the Rarity I believe in."
 
    She smiles. A genuine smile, breaking through the clouds like a ray of sunlight. And unprompted, she leans toward you and plants a kiss on your cheek. "Just between friends," she whispers with a wink. "And thank you, Sunny. For everything."
 
    Sweetie Belle nuzzles her sister, smiling. "Told you everything'd be okay."
 
    "Yes, you did," says Rarity, giving her mane a tousle. "You're much more clever than I give you credit."
 
    "Thanks... hey!"
 
    "We'll be fine, Sunny," says Rarity to you. "In the battle tomorrow... I'll be there."
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)23:13 No.11212510
Replies: >>11212530 >>11212531
 
    You stand in the middle of the refugee camp with the other survivors. Most, blissfully unaware of what awaits, look happy and relieved in a way you haven't seen since meeting them. They're chatting and enjoying army rations, or catching up on rest in their tents.
 
    The army around them is quite the opposite. Possibly thousands of soldiers are at work preparing for the attack tomorrow.
 
    If there's one thing they're not lacking, it's tents. The Elements are scattered amongst them, talking to survivors or soldiers and preparing themselves for the trouble ahead.
 
    >Go see Rainbow Dash and Longsnout
    >Go see Pinkie
    >Go see Fluttershy
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:14 No.11212517
 
    >>11212495
 
    >plants a kiss on your cheek
 
    We're fucked, Applejack's going to kill us
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:14 No.11212530
 
    >>11212510
    >Go see Rainbow Dash and Longsnout
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:15 No.11212531
 
    >>11212510
    1
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:17 No.11212575
File: 1370661431233.gif-(1.92 MB, 374x276, 1370112785270.gif)
1.92 MB
 
    >>11212495
    I think that conversation went well.
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)23:19 No.11212607
Replies: >>11212620
 
    You join Rainbow Dash and Captain Longsnout near the edge of the camp. A number of soldiers mill about, moving equipment.
 
    "...what about lasers, have you got lasers?"
 
    "Do you see any lasers?"
 
    "No..."
 
    "Well, there you go."
 
    Dash turns as you approach. "Hey, Sunny. Just checking out the gear for tomorrow's big attack! Finally, some firepower!"
 
    "Well, don't get too excited," Captain Longsnout warns. "Your escort's going to be in charge of security. And aren't you with Twilight, the world's most powerful living wizard?"
 
    "Hey, I've got a score to settle with those things," Dash growls, flexing her one wing. "I better get something that hits hard and makes a lotta noise."
 
    >Dash, I never asked you why you came back
    >What can we expect from our escort?
    >How's the army preparing for the battle?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:19 No.11212620
 
    >>11212607
    1
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)23:21 No.11212651
 
    2
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)23:23 No.11212669
Replies: >>11212695
 
    "Rainbow Dash... back in the Crystal Empire, in the cells. You went somewhere, but you came back. What happened?"
 
    Dash's expression falls. "Do we really need to go digging up ancient history?"
 
    "It was yesterday."
 
    "That a fact? Well, okay... look, I was in a dark place. So I tried the old 'fake a tummy ache and then attack he guards' trick I read about in Daring Do. It worked. I won. I got away from there for awhile, had a big think about what happened... and realized you guys were my friends. So, I came back."
 
    She shrugs. "See? Nice and simple."
 
    >Y'know, you could've left the door unlocked
    >And what exactly made you realize that?
    >Well, if you say so
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:25 No.11212695
Replies: >>11212750
 
    >>11212669
 
    >Y'know, you could've left the door unlocked
 
    Blue fast has a hole in her story
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:28 No.11212750
 
    >>11212695
 
    She's a changeling. The real Rainbow Dash died in those caves. Calling it now.
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)23:29 No.11212778
Replies: >>11212788 >>11212813
 
    "Even if you were mad for us, leaving the door unlocked would've been nice."
 
    She looks embarrassed. "Right... I ah, forgot. They'd taken me out of the cell to check if I was sick and locked it behind them. I was kinda steamed so after I won that fight I just took off without thinking."
 
    She sighs. "But hey, you guys got out of there anyway, right? No harm done!"
 
    "What happened with the guards?" asks Longsnout.
 
    "Killed 'em," she replies, striking a tough posture. "They had it coming, after what we'd seen in the Crystal Empire."
 
    "She hides much with her bluster," drones Sombra, bored. "But then again, what do we care? Oh, but you're going to ask anyway, I am sure."
 
    >Easy as that, huh?
    >Let's discuss the escort
    >How are battle preparations?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:30 No.11212788
 
    >>11212778
    1
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:31 No.11212813
 
    >>11212778
 
    >Easy as that, huh?
 
    The last thing I want to do after last time is piss Dash off again, but I think something's amiss here.
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)23:36 No.11212896
Replies: >>11212921 >>11212935
 
    "Those soldiers were no pushovers," you say, prodding. "And you're not really a killer. Not that I've seen. You really managed to kill two of them by faking a stomach ache?"
 
    "Of course, why not?" says Rainbow Dash, shifting from hoof to hoof. "It was me or them."
 
    "You can tell me the truth, you know."
 
    Rainbow Dash looks over to Longsnout, who gets the hint and politely steps away. She turns back to you and gives you a warning look. "You tell anyone about this, I'll... I'll break your nose." She looks around one more time before looking back. "Okay, so it wasn't a stomach ache. I told the guards I'd... do stuff with 'em, and they dropped their guard like a couple of idiots. I didn't do anything though! Soon as they let me out I grabbed a dagger in one of their belts and started stabbing."
 
    She looks away, embarrassed. "That made it a little easier. Knowing they wanted to, y'know... like, if they were worried about my stomach ache I might've felt worse about it." She turns back. "I don't want to talk to the others about it, okay? Let's just keep it to ourselves."
 
    >Killing people, no matter the reason, is kind of the bigger deal
    >Okay, I won't say anything
    >Think about talking to them some time
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:38 No.11212921
 
    >>11212896
    2
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:39 No.11212935
 
    >>11212896
    > Think about talking to them about it some time
 
    Need to reconnect the group if the ELements are gonna work.
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)23:40 No.11212952
Replies: >>11212967 >>11212968 >>11212975
 
    "Fine, I won't say anything."
 
    "How boorish," yawns Sombra. "So image-conscious, this murderer of yours. As if her friends would care exactly how she killed two soldiers."
 
    Dash nods. "Good. Don't forget, now."
 
    Longsnout returns once he sees you're done talking. "Back to current events?"
 
    >So, that escort
    >And the battle preparations?
    >That's enough chat for now
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:40 No.11212967
 
    >>11212952
 
    So, that escort.
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)23:40 No.11212968
 
    >>11212952
    >>So, that escort
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)23:41 No.11212975
Replies: >>11212988
 
    >>11212952
    >>So, that escort
    going to bathroom dont fuck up
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:42 No.11212988
File: 1370662927283.png-(78 KB, 1500x1200, 1316742147033.png)
78 KB
 
    >>11212975
 
    aye aye cap'n
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)23:44 No.11213031
Replies: >>11213043 >>11213045 >>11213062
 
    "So. While most of the troops are fighting the herd in the Everfree, Mattock's sending us into the lab with a 'security escort'. Care to tell us about that?"
 
    Longsnout looks uncomfortable with the question. "All Equestrian Special Forces, real heavy hitters too. Some of their equipment, I don't even know what it does. Lead by a Major. Just Major, that's all he goes by." He looks back to you. "Don't mess with these guys. Mattock sent them into a village that looked overrun. We still saw signs of survivors, though, but they torched the whole place to the ground."
 
    Dash bristles. "If they try anything..."
 
    "Then they'll succeed," says Longsnout, firmly. "Just be glad they're on our side."
 
    "Yessss," whispers Sombra. "Our side."
 
    >Do we get any equipment?
    >Can we request a different escort?
    >I don't think Mattock's going to play us fair
    >Well, what about the rest of the army's preparations?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:45 No.11213043
 
    >>11213031
    2
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:45 No.11213045
 
    >>11213031
 
    >Can we request a different escort?
 
>>
rustle 06/07/13(Fri)23:46 No.11213062
 
    >>11213031
    >Do we get any equipment?
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)23:49 No.11213109
Replies: >>11213121
 
    "Any chance we can get a different security detail?"
 
    Longsnout shakes his head. "Sorry. Mattock was very particular. Major and his boys are hoof-picked."
 
    "And what if we insist, huh?" says Dash, getting belligerent. "We're the Elements, we're the ones with the mojo, we should get to decide how things get done!"
 
    "Look, you wanna save Equestria?" says Longsnout, getting frustrated. "Cause unless you're gonna threaten to back out you're not getting Mattock to change his mind, and even if you did... he'd find some way to make you cooperate." Longsnout sighs. "We're on the same team here. We all want this nightmare over with. It's the infighting that keeps us from beating it."
 
    >Do we get any equipment?
    >I don't think Mattock's going to play us fair
    >Well, what about the rest of the army's preparations?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:49 No.11213121
 
    >>11213109
 
    Do we get any equipment
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)23:52 No.11213180
Replies: >>11213190 >>11213193
 
    "What do we get, then?"
 
    Longsnout shrugs. "That's up to your security detail. But like I said, you're traveling with the world's strongest wizard. Let Major do his job and you do yours, and everything'll be fine."
 
    "I gotta have SOMETHING!" exclaims Dash. "Don't we get body-armor? We're kinda important to keep alive!"
 
    "They know that. You'll get what the mission calls for."
 
    >I don't think Mattock's going to play us fair
    >Well, what about the rest of the army's preparations?
    >That's enough chatter for now
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:53 No.11213190
 
    >>11213180
    >I don't think Mattock's going to play us fair
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:53 No.11213193
 
    >>11213180
 
    >I don't think Mattock's going to play us fair
 
>>
OP 06/07/13(Fri)23:56 No.11213230
Replies: >>11213240 >>11213244
 
    "This all smells pretty fishy," you confide. "From what Mattock's been saying, I think he might be planning something bad."
 
    "Like, stab-us-in-the-back bad," adds Dash.
 
    Longsnout goes silent, weighing this up. "We're on the same side," he repeats. "The world's on the brink of destruction, and no matter your differences with the general we're all going to have to work together to save it. Beyond that..." he looks at his hooves. "I can't help you."
 
    >What about the rest of the army's preparations?
    >That's enough chatter
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:56 No.11213240
 
    >>11213230
 
    >What about the rest of the army's preparations?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/07/13(Fri)23:57 No.11213244
 
    >>11213230
    >What about the rest of the army's preparations?
    Gotta exhaust all options.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)00:03 No.11213375
Replies: >>11213394
 
    "Tell us about how the rest of the army's getting ready for this."
 
    "All the surviving units are here," says Longsnout, gesturing to the amazing array of heraldry and banners behind him. "Every major city has at least a few guard elements here, although nobody's at full strength. Well, except maybe the ESF. Don't know what their strength is.
 
    "As for the battle plan... stay tight and hit the forest like a hammer. Our sentries have been picking off dead in ones and twos constantly, but the big herds are mostly in the woods and until they're put down the whole of Equestria's in danger.
 
    "Once we make it to the lab, we're to hold a wide perimeter around it until you've done your job, then it's back to maneuver warfare and hopefully mop-up. There is no plan B on this one, no rally-point. We break the herd's back, or we die trying."
 
    "Seems risky," says Dash. "Even for me. If you screw up, the herd'll absorb the army and get even bigger."
 
    "General Mattock believes in high risk, high reward," says Longsnout, skeptically. "He figures if we cut off this infection at the source, it'll be easy to retake the cities."
 
    "Possibly true, if his forces survive the battle intact," Sombra suggests. "Without you, however, he has no way to prevent the newly-dead from becoming corrupted abominations. That curse will persist for all time. You hold the cards here."
 
    "That's enough chatter for now," you say. "Good luck in the battle, Longsnout."
 
    "Good luck to you too," he replies. "We're all counting on you."
 
    >[RETURN TO HUB]
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)00:04 No.11213388
Replies: >>11213394 >>11213400
 
    You stand in the middle of the refugee camp with the other survivors. Most, blissfully unaware of what awaits, look happy and relieved in a way you haven't seen since meeting them. They're chatting and enjoying army rations, or catching up on rest in their tents.
 
    The army around them is quite the opposite. Possibly thousands of soldiers are at work preparing for the attack tomorrow.
 
    If there's one thing they're not lacking, it's tents. The Elements are scattered amongst them, talking to survivors or soldiers and preparing themselves for the trouble ahead.
 
    >Go see Pinkie
    >Go see Fluttershy
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:04 No.11213394
 
    >>11213375
    >>11213388
 
    Fluttershy
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:04 No.11213400
 
    >>11213388
    >Go see Ponko
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)00:07 No.11213449
Replies: >>11213461
 
    You find Fluttershy amongst many other survivors, wrapped in a blanket and drinking a mug of hot coco. She's silent, listening to the others converse, and smiling. When she sees you approach she scoots over to make room for you to sit down.
 
    "Sunny," she says, smiling. "You must be feeling a lot of pressure right now. I want you to know I support you completely."
 
    >Thanks, Fluttershy, I appreciate that
    >We've come a long way
    >Well, I just hope I'm right
    >How are you holding up?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:07 No.11213461
 
    >>11213449
 
    >How are you holding up?
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)00:10 No.11213519
Replies: >>11213550
 
    "Are you holding up okay? There's a lot of pressure on all of us."
 
    She nods, contentedly. "Yes. I'm glad our friends are finally safe," she looks around the circle at the different Ponyville survivors, laughing and chatting. "I know things can't go back to the way they were, but... knowing we can save maybe just one little piece of home, that's enough."
 
    She turns back to you. "Oh, but I'm sure you didn't come here just to hear me go on about myself. Was there something you need?"
 
    >Just some peace and quiet
    >Applejack's mad with me again
    >I'm worried about the battle
    >Mattock's going to be a problem
    >Actually, I should get going
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:11 No.11213550
 
    >>11213519
 
    >Applejack's mad with me again
 
    Yellowquiet = relationship counselor?
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)00:19 No.11213704
Replies: >>11213760 >>11213772
 
    "Applejack's not happy about us going with the troops tomorrow," you confide. "She'd rather do things her way, take everyone with us and try to break in there on our own. I guess with Mattock threatening to turn on us, I can see why."
 
    "Applejack's always wanted to depend on herself, especially when family's involved." Fluttershy looks up from the circle toward Applebloom, sitting by herself on a nearby tree-stump, looking up at the sky. "She can be... stubborn, sometimes. Trying to prove she can do everything on her own, even when she could use help. Especially then. That doesn't mean she's mad at you, though."
 
    Fluttershy sighs and settles into her blanket. "Personally, I like being able to rely on my friends. I wouldn't be here today without them, and without you." She looks up and gives you a faint smile. "We haven't... always agreed, Sunny, but you always do what you think is right. That's what Applejack respects more than agreeing with her."
 
    "Huh. Thanks, Fluttershy. I hadn't thought about it like that."
 
    "I have a lot of time to think," she replies. "I think I'm going to start a campfire before it gets dark. Take care of yourself, Sunny."
 
    >[RETURN TO HUB]
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)00:22 No.11213760
Replies: >>11213777 >>11213778 >>11213783 >>11213799 >>11213800
 
    >>11213704
    >You stand in the middle of the refugee camp with the other survivors. Most, blissfully unaware of what awaits, look happy and relieved in a way you haven't seen since meeting them. They're chatting and enjoying army rations, or catching up on rest in their tents.
    >The army around them is quite the opposite. Possibly thousands of soldiers are at work preparing for the attack tomorrow.
    >If there's one thing they're not lacking, it's tents. The Elements are scattered amongst them, talking to survivors or soldiers and preparing themselves for the trouble ahead.
 
    You were going to decide where to go next, only to find Pinkie waiting impatiently for you. "Last?" she fumes. "Last?! Fine! No, that's okay! What's Pinkie gonna have to say? Probably a whole lotta comic relief! You can always skip Pinkie!"
 
    She starts stomping around, which is awkward on three hooves. "Maybe I have deep-seated emotional trauma too, huh? Maybe I'm still feeling loss and pain! Maybe I want a hug or something!"
 
    >Er, DO you want a hug?
    >I thought you were doing okay
    >Somebody had to be last
    >O-kay, Pinkie, moving on
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)00:22 No.11213772
 
    >>11213704
    go see pinkie
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:23 No.11213777
 
    >>11213760
 
    >Er, DO you want a hug?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:23 No.11213778
 
    >>11213760
    >Somebody had to be last
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:23 No.11213783
Replies: >>11213832
 
    >>11213760
    1
 
    Also,
    >not saving the best for last
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:24 No.11213799
 
    >>11213760
 
    goddammit, now I feel bad. She did save us from the "we sombra now" ending.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)00:24 No.11213800
 
    >>11213760
    >>Er, DO you want a hug?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:25 No.11213832
 
    >>11213783
    >saving the best for last
    my thoughts exactly, don't be sad pink pony!
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)00:28 No.11213886
Replies: >>11213913 >>11213966
 
    "Pinkie, if you want a hug, all you have to do is ask."
 
    Pinkie jumps at you and wraps her one forehoof around your neck, causing you to wobble backward on your one back leg. "Whoops!" she giggles, as you land in the dirt. "Sorry, we're not well-balanced anymore, are we?" She waggles her eyebrows, adding "Get it? Well-balanced?"
 
    She pauses. "Like, mentally. But also physically!"
 
    "Look, do you want the damn hug or not?"
 
    "Oh, right!" Pinkie wraps you up in a hug again. "Ahhhh, much better."
 
    Once she's calmed down a few degrees, she speaks in a slightly more level tone. "After everything that happened, I wasn't sure if I'd EVER start laughing again. And just in case, for some reason, totally could be anything really, I can't say it again later? Thanks for being such a good sport, Sunny."
 
    "Any time, Pinkie."
 
    "Great!" she exclaims, jumping into the air. "How about right now? Ooooh, you could ask me about my fillyhood on the rock farm, and we can play jokes on the soldiers, and we could replace Mattock's cigars with ones that explode, and..." she pauses, seeing the expression on your face. "Or we could advance the plot, that's fun too, I guess."
 
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:30 No.11213913
 
    >>11213886
 
    >[CONTINUE]
 
    Can I just say you're my favorite Ponka writer ever?
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)00:32 No.11213950
Replies: >>11213958
 
    The day wears on into the night. Sentry fires light up all around the perimeter of the camp, but with the refugees you feel insulated from the outside world. The Ponyville survivors form little circles around cook-fires, warming pots of stew and telling stories and jokes. It's a small slice of life before the fall, even if it won't last past tomorrow.
 
    You're just deciding where to sit and who to sit with when Applebloom sneaks up on you. "Hey, Sunny," she says, rather level. "C'mon, Sweetie Belle and I got our own cook-fire goin' with the other kids, y'should come see us."
 
    >Maybe later, Applebloom.
    >Sure, why not?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:33 No.11213958
Replies: >>11213999
 
    >>11213950
 
    >Sure, why not?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:33 No.11213966
Replies: >>11214027
 
    >>11213886
    God, Pinkie is going to fucking explode when she finds out we're dying.
    Fuck, mah feels.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)00:35 No.11213999
 
    >>11213958
    this
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:36 No.11214027
Replies: >>11214061
 
    >>11213966
    We're not gonna die Anon. All the elements are going to survive, we're going to get a cure, Spike will be un-stonified and AJ will tell us things are moving too fast and Pinkie will be our new waifu
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:38 No.11214061
 
    >>11214027
    DON'T FUCKING LIE TO ME.
    God that ending sounds amazing.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)00:39 No.11214062
Replies: >>11214083 >>11214087
 
    "Sure, why not?" you say, following Applebloom out to her cookfire.
 
    Her and the other children are gathered around a campfire they built themselves. "Granny taught me how," Applebloom explains. "Ain't much to it, especially this close t'the forest."
 
    "You're a bit close to the perimeter, aren't you?" you say, eying the not-too-far line of sentries and fires.
 
    Applebloom just shrugs. "Anythin' gets past 'em, we're in big trouble no matter where we are, right?"
 
    "Is there really going to be a battle tomorrow?" says a long-necked, goofy colt.
 
    "And are you really gonna be in charge?" asks his stocky friend, awed.
 
    "He's not IN charge, stupid! He's LEADING the charge!"
 
    "What's the difference?"
 
    "Your FACE is difference!"
 
    >Easy boys, I'm not charging or in charge
    >Yeah, I'm basically the general
    >A battle's no laughing matter
    >Don't worry yourselves about it
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:39 No.11214083
 
    >>11214062
 
    >Easy boys, I'm not charging or in charge
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:40 No.11214087
 
    >>11214062
    >Don't worry yourselves about it
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)00:43 No.11214135
Replies: >>11214153 >>11214159 >>11214228
 
    "Don't go thinking I'm doing anything important, I'm just one of many," you explain. "There's going to be a lot of good people fighting tomorrow. We all have to do our part."
 
    "Right!" says the long-necked colt. "What do we get to do?"
 
    "Stay out of the way, I think," replies a pink filly. "Should be a first!"
 
    Her grey friend gives her a prod and a disapproving look. She sighs, and says "Sorry, old habits, you know?"
 
    Sweetie frowns. "I thought we were gonna tell Sunny about-"
 
    Applebloom shushes her. "I was getting t'that, Sweetie!" She turns back to you. "First off, y'want somethin' t'eat? Ya never seem t'eat anythin, always talkin' and fightin' and runnin' around."
 
    >Sure, what are you kids cooking?
    >I'll eat later, what's all this about?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:44 No.11214153
 
    >>11214135
 
    >Sure, what are you kids cooking?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:44 No.11214159
 
    >>11214135
    Food, fuck yeah! 1
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:47 No.11214228
Replies: >>11214258
 
    >>11214135
    Sounds like we're getting buttered up here.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:49 No.11214258
 
    >>11214228
 
    I'm looking to get back in Applepone's good graces. Entertaining her sister will help with that.
 
    And beyond that, they're kids. Let 'em have some fun.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)00:50 No.11214275
Replies: >>11214302 >>11214307 >>11214370
 
    "Sure, I could eat," you say. "What're you cooking, exactly?"
 
    The mute pegasus, Featherweight, pulls a boiling pot from atop the fire. You look inside at some unidentifiable mush.
 
    "Yeah," says Applebloom, pulling a face. "Sweetie cooked it."
 
    "Is it... chili?"
 
    "It's a fruit salad!" she exclaims, proudly. "Um, stewed fruit."
 
    You scoop out a tentative mouthful and just about choke it down. "G-great..."
 
    "Ah toldya it needed more salt!"
 
    "And I said we'd already put in too much vinegar!"
 
    "Ugh, PLEASE just tell Mr. Sunny the news," says the pink filly with a roll of her eyes.
 
    The two crusaders glare at her, but soften. "Okay," says Applebloom. "We've got somethin' serious t'tell ya, Sunny. Applejack's been goin' round all quiet-like, tryin' t'convince the others t'go t'the lab tonight and leave ya behind. Don't think it's workin', but by the looks of it nobody told ya neither."
 
    "Defiant," Sombra growls. "For this, she must pay."
 
    >How do you know? Who did you hear?
    >Where's your sister now?
    >Well, so long as it didn't work...
    >Why are you telling me, then?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:51 No.11214302
Replies: >>11214362
 
    >>11214275
 
    >Where's your sister now?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:51 No.11214307
 
    >>11214275
    >How do you know? Who did you hear?
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)00:53 No.11214362
 
    >>11214302
    >Where's your sister now?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:54 No.11214370
Replies: >>11214409
 
    >>11214275
    Man, fuck Applejack. She's getting worse every day.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)00:56 No.11214406
Replies: >>11214421 >>11214429 >>11214461 >>11214465
 
    Your back stiffens immediately. "Thank you for telling me, Applebloom," you grind out. "Tell me, where is your sister at the moment?"
 
    "Now hold on!" Applebloom snaps. "We didn't tell ya just so's ya could get into a big fight over it. That's 'zactly what'd make her try and go through with it."
 
    "We thought you should know," says Sweetie, "because everybody decided to stay. We trust you!" She looks around, before adding "Also? I don't wanna go into the haunted woods, it's scary in there!"
 
    "So ah'm askin' ya t'let it go, or 'least don't talk t'Applejack about it 'til after y'all've done... well, whatever it is y'all are gonna do in there."
 
    "A child's naivete," Sombra mutters. "Your authority is being undermined, on the doorstep of your greatest undertaking. If you do not confront her, she will believe she can work against you with impunity."
 
    >I'll let it go, for now
    >I promise, I just want to talk with her
    >I can't let this go! I'm going to find her
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)00:56 No.11214409
Replies: >>11214442
 
    >>11214370
    someone a flutters fan
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:57 No.11214421
Replies: >>11214461
 
    >>11214406
    >I can't let this go! I'm going to find her
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:57 No.11214429
 
    >>11214406
 
    um, shit, either 1 or 2 for sure but I don't know.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:58 No.11214442
Replies: >>11214465
 
    >>11214409
    Actually, I'm for Panka or just solo Mortimer.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)00:59 No.11214461
 
    >>11214406
    Sombra's right. I wouldn't put it past AJ to try and go off by herself if she doesn't find anyone to help. We need to find her
 
    >>11214421
    A bit heavy handed of a response, but probably mostly right.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)00:59 No.11214465
 
    >>11214406
    applejack would probably value you more if you told
    >>11214442
    applejack is my favorite
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)01:02 No.11214502
Replies: >>11214509 >>11214510 >>11214511 >>11214530 >>11214532 >>11214573 >>11214624
 
    You get to your hooves. "I'm sorry, Applebloom, but I can't just let this go. This is too important!"
 
    "Wait!" Applebloom shouts, but you're already striding back toward the camp. "Consarn it, Sunny!"
 
    You scan the cookfires, looking for a distinctive chapeau. You spot it in outline before a raging camp-fire, and the pony wearing it engaged in heated conversation with Rarity.
 
    Even as you stride up, you hear her furious whispers. "Ah'm telling ya, leavin' our sisters here is a death sentence. At least in the woods we'll be at hand t'look after 'em."
 
    Rarity's back shoots up straight as she sees you approach. "Oh, Sunny!" she says, a little too loud. "Come to join us?"
 
    Applejack looks over to you, a defiant set to her jaw. "Stranger."
 
    >Don't start that again
    >Going behind my back isn't like you
    >I'm not angry, I just want to talk
    >You can forget it, it's not happening
    >I. Shall. Punish. Defiance.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:02 No.11214509
 
    >>11214502
 
    >Don't start that again
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:02 No.11214510
Replies: >>11214529 >>11214555
 
    >>11214502
    >I. Shall. Punish. Defiance.
    Because why not?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:02 No.11214511
 
    >>11214502
    3
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:03 No.11214529
Replies: >>11214644
 
    >>11214510
 
    Because Sombra's only bro-tier locked up in our skull. Last time we let him too much reign we got bad end.
 
>>
Minto !!mZz+ajHHKkX 06/08/13(Sat)01:03 No.11214530
 
    >>11214502
    >>Don't start that again
    Add in an eyeroll and you're all set.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:03 No.11214532
Replies: >>11214545
 
    >>11214502
    Applejack clearly does not like Sunny with three legs.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:04 No.11214545
Replies: >>11214570
 
    >>11214532
    She only liked him for his left hindleg
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:04 No.11214555
 
    >>11214510
    >Because why not?
    There are a lot of reasons why.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:05 No.11214570
 
    >>11214545
    His tree kicking leg.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)01:05 No.11214573
 
    >>11214502
    3
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:08 No.11214624
Replies: >>11214640
 
    >>11214502
    >You can forget it, it's not happening
    Applejack is being goddamn stupid. We don't have time to break through her stubbornness and I don't want to punish her.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:08 No.11214640
 
    >>11214624
 
    We have plenty of time till day break. Last time we rushed a job like this, we almost lost Dash. Hell, I'm STILL convinced there are some consequences for how badly we fucked that up.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:09 No.11214644
Replies: >>11214657 >>11217245
 
    >>11214529
    Not that bad of an end. More like Overlord End.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:09 No.11214657
 
    >>11214644
 
    Go to bed, Sombra.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:10 No.11214671
Replies: >>11214679 >>11214705 >>11214716
 
    If it comes down to Twilight or Applejack, and we can only save one, what are we doing?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:10 No.11214679
 
    >>11214671
 
    Saving them both, damnit.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)01:11 No.11214698
Replies: >>11214716 >>11214717 >>11214725 >>11214727 >>11214745
 
    "Every time you're mad with me, do you REALLY have to start calling me 'Stranger'?"
 
    "Well, sometimes, that's what y'are t'me," she snaps back. "Every time ah think ah've finally figured y'all out ya go and do somethin' new that I just can't handle. Ya KNOW Mattock's a bad apple, but yer still trustin' our friends and family t'him? I'd rather take my chances."
 
    "This isn't even about that. This is about you not believing who I am is real. I have identity issues. I have memory issues. Hell, thanks to Sombra, I have *separate personality issues*."
 
    "Don't drag me into this," he mutters.
 
    "If I'm Sunny to you, then I'm Sunny. The good and the bad? That's all Sunny."
 
    "Were y'all Sunny when ya started this whole nightmare?" she asks, her voice rising now. "Were ya Sunny in that lab over yonder in the forest, when ya brought the dead back t'life? When ya killed mah friends'n family, were ya Sunny then?" You see her tears glint by the firelight as other ponies fall silent and gather around. "Because ah can't believe the same Sunny ah love's the same one what's done all those terrible things."
 
    >Well believe it!
    >I have to live it!
    >I...
    >...
    >I. Will. Resolve. This.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)01:12 No.11214705
 
    >>11214671
    dont give op ideas
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:12 No.11214716
Replies: >>11214774
 
    >>11214671
    We die saving them both. Let it be our redemption for having a hand hoof? in this whole mess.
 
    >>11214698
    3
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:12 No.11214717
Replies: >>11214766 >>11214774
 
    >>11214698
    >>I...
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:13 No.11214725
Replies: >>11214766 >>11214774
 
    >>11214698
 
    >I...
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:13 No.11214727
 
    >>11214698
    1.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)01:13 No.11214745
Replies: >>11214766
 
    >>11214698
    >...
    silence is best
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)01:14 No.11214766
 
    >>11214745
    >>11214717
    >>11214725
    or these
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:15 No.11214774
Replies: >>11214792
 
    >>11214716
    >>11214717
    >>11214725
 
    Glad to see some people willing to make our avatar show a little weakness, a little uncertainty from time to time. I hate when protagonists get too Stephen Seagal. Let's hope this doesn't bite us in the ass
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)01:16 No.11214791
Replies: >>11214799 >>11214805 >>11214819 >>11214834
 
    "I..." you begin. "I have to..."
 
    A pain creeps up from your back, rising from the stump of your leg. You feel short of breath. "I..." Now dizzy.
 
    "I warned you," Sombra says, sounding perhaps sad. "Your time grows shorter."
 
    You fall into the dirt.
 
    "Sunny!" Applejack screams, diving on to you. "Ah'm sorry! Ah didn't mean it! Don't do this to me, please!"
 
    You try to stay awake, but you're fading.
 
    And then you're gone.
 
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:16 No.11214792
 
    >>11214774
 
    The first two options are going to make this situation worse. Silence, as rustle said, is best option here.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:16 No.11214799
 
    >>11214791
 
    [CONTINUE]
 
    Fuck, flashback time.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:16 No.11214805
 
    >>11214791
    Continue
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)01:17 No.11214819
File: 1370668651188.jpg-(3 KB, 125x123, 1370664022926s.jpg)
3 KB
 
    >>11214791
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)01:18 No.11214833
Replies: >>11214843 >>11214845 >>11214849 >>11214879
 
    You're back in the darkness. It presses down on you, worse than before. Your chest feels like it's going to collapse, and your eyes burn in black fire.
 
    Yet again, just before you pass out, the weight lifts just barely enough to allow you a ragged breath.The fire in your eyes winks out, and the void is filled by two green orbs.
 
    "Who are you?"
 
    >Sunny
    >Mortimer
    >I don't know
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:18 No.11214834
Replies: >>11214902
File: 1370668705087.gif-(1.98 MB, 480x360, 043.gif)
1.98 MB
 
    >>11214791
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:18 No.11214843
 
    >>11214833
    >Sunny
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:19 No.11214845
 
    >>11214833
 
    >I don't know
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)01:19 No.11214849
 
    >>11214833
    sunny
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:21 No.11214879
Replies: >>11214921 >>11214944
 
    >>11214833
    Mortimer because Sunny is a stupid fucking name.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)01:22 No.11214902
 
    >>11214834
    your gif gos great with the song im listing to
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:23 No.11214921
 
    >>11214879
    Friend, Sunny isn't that bad as far as pony names go.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:23 No.11214944
File: 1370669039397.gif-(112 KB, 200x101, 1312779816466.gif)
112 KB
 
    >>11214879
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)01:24 No.11214965
Replies: >>11214976 >>11214977
 
    Yes, you remember. You're Sunny. You crushed a defenseless rabbit. You shot a dying child. You killed your lover's brother. You passed on discovering the truth of your crimes. You made a deal with the devil. You burned the Crystal Empire to the ground. You gave over those who trusted you to someone you can't trust. You've watched people die, you've left ruin in your wake, and you broke her heart.
 
    And across from you, your mirror image. The only one who can put things right. The believer. The one with the talent, the ability you can't remember. The true you. The original.
 
    And yet, looking at him, you know you're both the same person.
 
    >What have I done?
    >We have to change the plan
    >Is it too late to save my friends?
    >Why do you pretend to be me?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:25 No.11214976
Replies: >>11215010 >>11215011
 
    >>11214965
 
    >Is it too late to save my friends
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:25 No.11214977
Replies: >>11215011
 
    >>11214965
    3.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)01:27 No.11215010
 
    >>11214976
    >What have I done?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:27 No.11215011
File: 1370669231984.png-(149 KB, 640x480, 1370068779494.png)
149 KB
 
    >>11214977
    >>11214976
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:30 No.11215074
File: 1370669430689.jpg-(65 KB, 960x640, image.jpg)
65 KB
 
    >mfw finding this thread again
    this is one of the few stories i look for
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)01:30 No.11215075
Replies: >>11215082 >>11215083 >>11215088 >>11215120
 
    "They're all relying on you. They all trust you. And you're afraid you're going to lose them all," you shake your head. "Is there anything you can do?"
 
    "There's always something," you reply. "If it's enough? Who knows. Mistakes were made, but you still have hope. Nothing for it but to wait and see if that's enough."
 
    "Waiting isn't enough."
 
    "Well, you won't have to wait long."
 
    From the shadows, again, Sombra emerges. "Your time grows shorter. Look upon yourself, if you dare."
 
    You do, and beside your two marks you see criss-crossing patterns of black tendrils as they snake along your body. "It is not the body they mark," Sombra warns, "but the soul. You have time enough for one last grab at... well, I know not what. But choose your words and your actions carefully tomorrow. There will not come another dawn."
 
    >When I'm gone, look after them
    >I haven't given up hope
    >I have to find a safe place for them
    >My body won't be yours
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:31 No.11215082
Replies: >>11215097 >>11215101
 
    >>11215075
    >When I'm gone, look after them
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:31 No.11215083
 
    >>11215075
 
    >I have to find a safe place for them
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:31 No.11215088
 
    >>11215075
    2
 
    Also OP I'm tired
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:32 No.11215097
Replies: >>11215114 >>11215159
File: 1370669526482.jpg-(9 KB, 299x293, 1316700333430.jpg)
9 KB
 
    >>11215082
 
    >trusting an evil despot to look after your friends and loved ones
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:32 No.11215101
 
    >>11215082
    A good choice, a KIND choice, but Sombra, look after ours? I doubt it. If he says he will, bullshit. If he says he won't, well, at least he's being straight with us.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:33 No.11215114
File: 1370669606007.jpg-(76 KB, 840x450, 1370651325154.jpg)
76 KB
 
    >>11215097
    What, you mean you've never done that before?
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)01:33 No.11215120
File: 1370669622602.jpg-(3 KB, 124x125, 1369357548674s.jpg)
3 KB
 
    >>11215075
    1-3
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:35 No.11215159
Replies: >>11215185 >>11215197 >>11215219
 
    >>11215097
 
    No one is beyond redemption. Even the cruelest souls deserve kindness, the worst of betrayers a second chance. Everyone has hope of finding friendship.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:37 No.11215185
File: 1370669827800.jpg-(24 KB, 620x350, RedDeadRedemptionFuture-620x.jpg)
24 KB
 
    >>11215159
    That made me pretty sad.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:37 No.11215197
File: 1370669847108.jpg-(117 KB, 459x332, 1369778877501.jpg)
117 KB
 
    >>11215159
    Sometimes, we all just need to be shown a little kindness...
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:38 No.11215219
 
    >>11215159
    >Sombra redemption
    I wonder.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)01:38 No.11215225
Replies: >>11215241 >>11215243 >>11215245 >>11215273 >>11215290
 
    "I don't know what'll happen when I'm gone," you admit. "I don't know where we'll be by then, or if all our plans will work out, or if any of them will. But no matter what happens... can you promise me you'll look after them? I have nothing to offer you, but I have to ask."
 
    Sombra says nothing, merely looking at you. "You are a desperate creature, to beg for me to save you now. But it is not said that Sombra is ungrateful. Though you have disappointed me, you have kept your word when it benefited you little. When you pass, and this vessel is mine, and I remake this blighted world... I shall remember yours, and find some place for them in my designs."
 
    His smile shows fangs. "But this is no promise, as between equals. When a slave begs a master, it is only the master's whim to keep his word."
 
    He dissolves before your eyes, his body disappearing until he just just a fanged, grinning maw and a pare of green eyes, glowing in the dark. Then they too, and you as well, disappear.
 
    And you wake with a start, curled in front of the ashes of a campfire, Applejack wrapped around you.
 
    It's dawn, and she's already awake.
 
    "Ah know," she whispers in your ear.
 
    >Then I'm sorry it has to be like this
    >Let's put this behind us
    >I don't have time for this
    >I haven't given up yet
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:39 No.11215241
 
    >>11215225
    4
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:39 No.11215243
 
    >>11215225
    >Let's put this behind us
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:39 No.11215245
 
    >>11215225
 
    >I haven't given up yet
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)01:41 No.11215273
 
    >>11215225
    >>I haven't given up yet
    captcha: afraid haScor
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:42 No.11215290
Replies: >>11215307
 
    >>11215225
    Confirms that Sombra won't look after our friends. He might spare them from the most horrible of fates, but if they wear out their usefulness?
    Dead is still dead.
    We have to secure them a future before we shuffle off this mortal coil
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:42 No.11215293
 
    I swear I thought one of you typed
    >I ain't afraid of no ghost.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:42 No.11215307
 
    >>11215290
 
    Even better, we need them to stone us with the Elements before we die. Give Sombra the Discord special.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)01:45 No.11215366
Replies: >>11215380 >>11215381 >>11215410 >>11215412 >>11215420
 
    "It's not over yet," you say. "We're going back to where the plague began. We're going to cure this thing. I'm going to make it happen, even if it kills me."
 
    There's silence.
 
    "Ah know that too," says Applejack. "And that's why ah love you. Because ya well and truly believe that. No matter what ya do or who y'are, y'always believe you'll pull through in the end, make things right."
 
    She kisses you on the cheek. "That's what makes ya Sunny, and no one else. Can ya forgive me?"
 
    >[Sunny] Yes
    >[Mortimer] No
    >Well. This. Is. Interesting.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:45 No.11215380
 
    >>11215366
 
    >1
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:45 No.11215381
 
    >>11215366
    1
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)01:47 No.11215410
Replies: >>11215482
File: 1370670445504.png-(85 KB, 800x1500, 1370650046821.png)
85 KB
 
    >>11215366
    >>[Sunny] Yes
    fuuny pic i want to share
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:47 No.11215412
 
    >>11215366
    Imagine if without embracing Mortimer, we don't even remember what the fuck to do...
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:47 No.11215420
 
    >>11215366
    >AJ cuddles interrupted by Sombra's voice from your mouth
    Holy shit, so much potential for hilarity in that choice
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)01:50 No.11215466
Replies: >>11215482 >>11215511 >>11215524 >>11215566 >>11215583 >>11215669 >>11216939
 
    You turn around and kiss her back. "Of course," you whisper. "Because I love you too."
 
    In the distance, you hear the sound of armies rising and preparing for battle. Nearby, your friends wake in their tents and prepare to face the fateful day. Applejack is warm against you, and the pain in your leg (or where it should be) is far away.
 
    But so too, far away, is a voice trying to reach you. To warn you.
 
    That today is your last day, and you can't believe in love, or hope, or anything besides finishing what you started deep below the Everfree Forest.
 
    And beyond that, a pair of green eyes, and a fanged, grinning maw.
 
    >[EPISODE 5 WILL CONTINUE... TOMORROW AT NOON!]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:50 No.11215482
 
    >>11215410
    Holy fuck. HAHAHAHAHA. That is fucking hilarious. I'm busting a gut over here, laughing my ass OFF. Damn......Y-You make that pic yourself? Fucking genius. It's great. It's got a good storyline, a small background story, amazing artwork. Fucking flawless. I can't even breathe anymore. Thanks a lot. Fuckin saved.
    >>11215466
    Thanks OP
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:52 No.11215511
Replies: >>11215557
File: 1370670729988.gif-(1.38 MB, 400x225, 1370489256751.gif)
1.38 MB
 
    >>11215466
    Brilliant thread as always, OP.
    Now if you'll excuse me.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:52 No.11215524
 
    >>11215466
    >But so too, far away, is a voice trying to reach you. To warn you.
 
    Fuck.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)01:54 No.11215557
File: 1370670843968.jpg-(55 KB, 546x346, 1369341126608.jpg)
55 KB
 
    >>11215511
    good timing see you tomorrow op
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:54 No.11215566
File: 1370670868396.jpg-(24 KB, 484x640, stranger.jpg)
24 KB
 
    >>11215466
 
    >tfw I can't be there
 
    You guys... I trust you all to do this right.
 
    For Sunny's sake.
 
    Even you, Sombra lovers
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:55 No.11215583
Replies: >>11215641
File: 1370670928538.png-(232 KB, 700x700, 1369134189150.png)
232 KB
 
    >>11215466
    >TOMORROW AT NOON
    Fuck I'm going to go have some semblance of a life inna woods tomorrow. Anons you best not fuck this up. You too, random namefags. I mean it. Or I will hunt down each and every one of you.
 
    Great thread OP. Random story threads usually do not make me feel this much.
 
    Also remember, Sombra is smart, and useful. But do not give him an inch. He'll fuck your shit
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:58 No.11215641
Replies: >>11215665 >>11215711
 
    >>11215583
    >Still hoping for a Pinkie end.
 
    OP better do one of those Walking Dead Game ending charts showing the character interactions.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:58 No.11215665
 
    >>11215641
    Wait, how?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)01:59 No.11215669
 
    >>11215466
    Noon 4chan time? EST?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)02:00 No.11215711
 
    >>11215641
    I sure would love to see all the bad ends we could have got, our deaths and the others. tis my fetish Not really. But I'm always morbidly curious bout that stuff, in any game. or CYOA
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)03:03 No.11216939
 
    >>11215466
    Be wary of Sombra
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)03:20 No.11217245
 
    >>11214644
    I almost wanted to continue with that, going by the fake preview OP gave us it looked pretty bad ass.
 
    Evil, but bad ass.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)03:55 No.11217893
File: 1370678141248.jpg-(145 KB, 900x536, CueWalkingDeadTheme.jpg)
145 KB
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)10:56 No.11222468
 
    morning bump
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)12:08 No.11223364
Replies: >>11223401
 
    The army is stirring around you and heading into the woods. Legions of armored Equestrian guard, sporting all manner of weapons, march lockstep into the trees. You can already hear the sound of gunfire and the howl of dead as they begin to make contact.
 
    Your refugees are pouring out of their tents now, looking worried and confused. The Elements are gathering around you as you struggle up on your three hooves.
 
    "Well, we're here," mumbles Rarity. "What do we do now?"
 
    "We wait for our escort," replies Twilight. "We'll be following the first wave and making straight for the lab. Our escort's commander will have the map."
 
    "And our gear?" asks Dash, hopefully. Twilight just shrugs.
 
    "I hope the others will be okay without us," says Fluttershy, looking over the survivors. "They seem awful lost and confused."
 
    AJ grunts and gets up. "Mattock'll put 'em back on the train, have 'em run circles 'till this is over."
 
    >We better find our escort
    >We should say our goodbyes
    >I'll address the survivors
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)12:11 No.11223401
 
    >>11223364
    Let's go with 3. Oughta be straight with 'em, this late in the game
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)12:18 No.11223490
Replies: >>11223557 >>11223573
 
    "Give me a chance to talk to them, explain what's going on."
 
    The others nod and step aside, giving you the floor. Your few dozen survivors notice you and settle down, though the background noise of a rising battle still roars.
 
    "Okay, everybody listen up!" you shout. "General Mattock and his troops are going with us to try and put an end to this trotting dead nightmare once and for all! The Elements of Harmony and I are going with them, back to where this all began.
 
    "We don't know what's going to happen in there, or what we'll find. That means it's not safe for the rest of you to come with us. Mattock can't spare the troops to guard the camp, though, so we need you back on the train and out of harm's way. Keep moving around the area to keep the dead from catching you.
 
    "When it's all clear, we'll come back and signal that it's safe to stop running. Hopefully, this time, for good. Stay together and avoid trouble, and we might yet come out of this in one piece. Any questions?"
 
    "Yes," says Filthy Rich. "Who's in charge in your absence?"
 
    "And what do we do if we're attacked?" adds Cheerilee.
 
    Noteworthy frowns. "What if you don't come back? What do we do then, huh?"
 
    "I wanna go with ya!"
 
    "I don't trust these soldiers!"
 
    "Why are you going with them?"
 
    "Where are we supposed to go in the train, back the way we came?"
 
    "I'm scared!"
 
    >Keep it together!
    >This is the last hurdle
    >I don't have time for this
    >SILENCE!
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)12:23 No.11223557
 
    >>11223490
    >Keep it together!
    dont fuck up guys gonna be gone for alittle
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)12:24 No.11223573
 
    >>11223490
    2
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)12:29 No.11223648
File: 1370708962869.jpg-(41 KB, 572x473, the pursuit of happiness.jpg)
41 KB
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)12:33 No.11223702
Replies: >>11223722
 
    "Everybody calm down!" you shout over the din. "You've put up with a lot! Too much! But just a little longer - that's all I ask! Don't fall apart now!"
 
    The shouting quiets down as the survivors sheepishly agree. Low, muttered agreements follow. "Now get to the train. The camp won't be safe once the army pulls out. We'll see you when this is all over."
 
    They start to disperse toward the tracks, but Applebloom and Sweetie Belle bolt forward to hug their big sisters. "Be safe!" Sweetie Belle squeaks, burying her face in her sister's leg. "Ah'll look after 'em 'till you get back," says Applebloom.
 
    "O'course ya will," says Applejack, rustling Applebloom's mane. She pauses for a moment, hoof on her sister's head, before reaching up and taking off her hat. "In fact, while we're gone, ah'm puttin' you in charge."
 
    She plops the hat down on Applebloom's head, where it slides down over her eyes. She pushes it back up. "Look after the train and everybody on it 'till we get back, y'hear?"
 
    "Yes ma'm!" Applebloom shouts, with a little salute. She looks over to you, adding "And y'all look after AJ, won'tcha?"
 
    Applejack laughs. "I'll be lookin' after him, sugarcube. Now git!"
 
    The two fillies race away after the train, leaving the seven of you in the now deserted camp.
 
    Not deserted for long.
 
    A team of twenty stallions in heavy white armor make for your position. They wear face-concealing helmets and carry an impressive array of unfamiliar firearms. These aren't the target-shooting or home-defence weapons you've seen so far, but honed killing machines.
 
    Their only identifying marks are rank insignias. The one with the most elaborate mark steps forward. "You the one in charge?" he asks you in a voice like a cigarette filter.
 
    >Yes, follow me
    >You're our escort?
    >We won't be needing your help
    >Let. Me. Assert. Dominance.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)12:34 No.11223722
 
    >>11223702
    4
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)12:43 No.11223849
Replies: >>11223903 >>11223915
 
    You look the hunk of muscle in his fancy armor up and down, and let Sombra out.
 
    His horn appears, and starts to glow. He bares fangs and growls.
 
    Without being able to see their faces it's difficult to judge just how the soldiers react. Some look around or take a step, but their commander is motionless.
 
    "Sunny, what are you doing?" Applejack hisses in your ear. "Don't mess with these guys! They look like bad news!"
 
    Sombra still has the wheel, however, and he barks at them. "I. Command. This. Expedition."
 
    'Major', the soldier's commander, cooly replies "Whatever you want. We're just security and support. Now if you would, sir, we have a lot of ground to cover."
 
    The soldiers form a protective layer around your group, herding them together somewhat. You hear Fluttershy squeak fearfully as she jumps out of their way. "Hey, big guy," shouts Rainbow Dash from the back. "Where's our guns and armor?"
 
    "No additional equipment was requisitioned for this mission," says Major, who falls in beside you.
 
    "Oh WHAT?! Are you kidding me?! You guys get all those crazy high-tech toys and we don't get anything?"
 
    "They're not toys. You're not cleared for use."
 
    Dash pouts. "This deal's getting worse all the time."
 
    >Okay everyone, follow me!
    >The sooner we start, the sooner we finish
    >I've got my eye on you, Major
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)12:47 No.11223903
Replies: >>11223923
 
    >>11223849
    yo OP, I think the thread hit its bump limit. You might want to start a new thread.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)12:48 No.11223915
 
    >>11223849
    2
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)12:49 No.11223923
Replies: >>11223996
 
    >>11223903
    limit is 500, we're at 359
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)12:56 No.11223996
Replies: >>11224003
 
    >>11223923
    I guess just no one's interested in it today
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)12:56 No.11224003
 
    >>11223996
    I just woke up
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)12:57 No.11224021
Replies: >>11224064
 
    "Let's just get this over with," you grumble. "Come on, Major. Let's see the map."
 
    He folds out a copy of the map Twilight snagged from Chrysalis. "The objective's here," he says, pointing rather deep in the woods. "Built under some kind of old ruin."
 
    "Wait," says Twilight, coming over to examine the map. "Are you telling me Celestia built her secret lab under the old Palace of the Sisters?"
 
    Major shrugs. "I don't do history."
 
    "Come on," says Twilight. "We know the way."
 
    Your whole team sets off into the woods, through the underbrush and into the shadowy, shaded world beyond. You can hear the sounds of marching and fighting up ahead, and it's not long before you're picking over the bodies of trotting dead - and dead Equestrian soldiers.
 
    "Got wounded," you hear one of your escorts call out.
 
    "You know protocol," Major shouts back. There's a crack of gunfire and a scream. Your friends group even tighter together.
 
    "Well this isn't off to the best start!" says Pinkie Pie, forcing a grin. "Hey, things can only get better from here, right?"
 
    "We'll be at the target location soon," says the Major. "After that, we'll need to find a way in. Any ideas?"
 
    >[Sunny]No, we'll have to look around
    >[Mortimer]There's a hidden entrance, I know the way
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)13:01 No.11224064
 
    >>11224021
    >[Mortimer]There's a hidden entrance, I know the way
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)13:12 No.11224209
Replies: >>11224216
 
    "I remember where the entrance is," you say, offhand. "There's a release lever near the podium in the palace where the Elements used to be housed. The stairs down are under it."
 
    "That saves us some trouble," says Major.
 
    "Wait," says Twilight, excitedly. "You remember something? What else can you remember? Anything more about the lab? The experiment? Celestia?"
 
    You shrug. "No, sorry that, that just came to me."
 
    She frowns. "Well, okay then."
 
    There's not much chatter as you push forward the rest of the way to the palace. The way is treacherous and winding, and you find more than a few bodies littered on your path but the army has pushed far ahead by now. The last obstacle is a rickety bridge crossing a chasm, forcing you to pass one at a time for fear of breaking it.
 
    At last you reach the outskirts of the palace itself. "So the entrance is inside?" says Major. You nod. "Okay men, fan out and secure the grounds. We don't want to leave any surprises behind us."
 
    The troops split up around the palace, hunting for dead. You and the Elements are left at the gate to the palace itself, momentarily alone.
 
    "Well, so far this stinks," mutters Dash. "Sure we haven't had to do any fighting, but I don't like getting babysat. Major and his men creep me out."
 
    "We COULD always slip inside without them," suggests Rarity. "You know, right now? While they're distracted?"
 
    "And then what?" says Applejack, with a shrug. "They know where the entrance is, and we're probably gonna need their help in there anyway. Don't reckon there's much we can do about it anymore."
 
    "Hey!" shouts Pinkie. She's wandered a short distance away and is examining the underbrush. "Hey everybody! Get a load of this!"
 
    You come over, and to your surprise, see train tracks stretching away into the woods.
 
    "I don't remember those," says Twilight, surprised.
 
    >[Mortimer]We built a line to run in supplies.
    >[Sunny]You think we could bring the others in this way?
    >It doesn't matter now
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)13:13 No.11224216
 
    >>11224209
 
    >[Mortimer]We built a line to run in supplies.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)13:22 No.11224341
Replies: >>11224367
 
    "We built this line to bring in supplies for the lab," you explain. "It connects to the main railway network but the switch for it is hidden. Trains used to run from Canterlot to here."
 
    "Interesting," says Twilight, sizing up the rails. "Too bad we didn't know that while we were in Canterlot, there might've been information we could've used on one of those trains."
 
    "We done with the history lesson?" Applejack grumbles. "These tracks're no good to us now, let's stay focused."
 
    Major and his troops return from scouting the perimeter. "Area secure," he reports. "Guard units are moving up to hold the grounds. We're prepared to breach the facility."
 
    "Well," you say, "might as well get started."
 
    Your group gathers inside the palace. In a grand hall, an elaborate cosmological sculpture has fallen apart but still dominates the center of the room. Twilight sighs, nostalgically. "I remember when we first came here, to fight Nightmare Moon."
 
    "Yeah," says Applejack, who looks similarly affected. "Simpler times."
 
    Rarity suddenly freezes "The Elements! Did we bring the Elements?!"
 
    "Under control," grunts Major, who nods toward several of his troops. "We took them off the train. We'll hold on to them until they need to be deployed."
 
    Twilight frowns. "Actually, Major, I think we'd rather carry them."
 
    "Operational security. We can't risk deploying them early in an unknown environment."
 
    "Those elements belong to us, metal-head!" snaps Rainbow Dash, gritting her teeth. "Now hand 'em over!"
 
    >Better do what they say, Major
    >Ease off, girls
    >We can settle this later
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)13:24 No.11224367
 
    >>11224341
 
    >Ease off, girls
 
    I think I'd rather not piss these guys off just yet.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)13:25 No.11224389
 
    1
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)13:31 No.11224477
Replies: >>11224489 >>11224491 >>11224505
 
    "Woah, hold on," you say, throwing up a hoof in front of Rainbow Dash. "Let's all calm down. There's no harm in letting the soldiers carry the Elements until you're ready to use them."
 
    "Unless one of them goes missing," suggests Twilight.
 
    "Or we wanna use 'em and they disagree," adds Applejack.
 
    "Or it turns out they were DEAD THE WHOLE TIME!" shouts Pinkie Pie, pointing her hoof accusingly. When no one rises to that particular accusation, she sighs. "Just checking."
 
    "I don't like it," growls Dash, lowering her guard. "But... let's see how this plays out."
 
    "Right," says Major. "Secret door. Release lever."
 
    "Over here," you say, reaching in behind a pillar for the release. "Get ready, I don't know what's in there."
 
    The soldiers form a phalanx in front of the entrance. "Hit it."
 
    You pull the release and the pillar in the center of the room grinds and rumbles as it pull back, revealing a wide staircase descending into the dark. Flashlights click on from the soldiers' armor, illuminating the long descent. "No hostiles," Major reports. "Prepared to descend."
 
    >Be ready for anything
    >Stay close, girls
    >Let me take point
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)13:32 No.11224489
 
    >>11224477
    1
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)13:32 No.11224491
 
    >>11224477
 
    >Stay close, girls
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)13:33 No.11224505
 
    >>11224477
    >>Be ready for anything
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)13:38 No.11224591
Replies: >>11224607
 
    "I have no idea what we're going to find in there," you warn. "Trotting dead might be the least of it. Be ready for anything."
 
    Major nods. "That's our job. First section, breach."
 
    Five soldiers take off into the darkness with the rest watching their backs. "Second section!"
 
    "W-why does it have to be so dark?" asks Fluttershy, her eyes goggling.
 
    "It'll be fine, dear," says Rarity, nuzzling her. "We're all here together. We've made it this far - just a little further, I promise."
 
    "Just like old times," says Rainbow Dash. She gives a grim frown. "Well, not exactly."
 
    "Elements!" Major shouts out. "Breach!"
 
    "Come on, girls!" shouts Twilight, as she and the others set off running. You run after them.
 
    And down you go, into the dark.
 
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)13:39 No.11224607
 
    >>11224591
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)13:40 No.11224636
Replies: >>11224648 >>11224656 >>11224657
 
    The way is difficult. The floor is sticky in places with old blood, and the only light to see by are the streaks of the soldiers' flashlights. From what you can see, the lab was once immaculately modern and well-kept. The fall was less than kind to it, however.
 
    "Watch where ya put yer hooves," warns Applejack. "Plenty'a room t'trip down here."
 
    "We're not going to get far in the dark," Twilight grumbles. "I see light fixtures in the ceiling. Can we get the power back on?"
 
    >[Mortimer]I remember where the generator is
    >[Sunny]We're safer in the dark
    >I'll leave that up to the Major
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)13:41 No.11224648
 
    >>11224636
 
    >[Mortimer] I remember where the generator is
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)13:42 No.11224656
 
    >>11224636
 
    >we're safer in the dark
 
    said no one ever
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)13:42 No.11224657
Replies: >>11224691 >>11224694
 
    >>11224636
    >[Mortimer]I remember where the generator is
    Because I'm assuming the trotters use scent, rather than sight.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)13:44 No.11224691
 
    >>11224657
    not really true in ep3 sunny and twi used an invisible spell and were not detected so the trotters use some sight
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)13:44 No.11224694
Replies: >>11224746
 
    >>11224657
 
    I think it's more sound than anything, but yeah, lights don't hinder us much.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)13:47 No.11224746
File: 1370713621690.png-(454 KB, 1920x1080, 1370659651319.png)
454 KB
 
    >>11224694
    *lights turn on* dead bodies dead bodies everywhere
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)13:49 No.11224785
Replies: >>11224799 >>11224801 >>11224845
 
    "I can find the generator," you say. "I remember we shut it down when we were trying to escape, to deactivate the security lockdown."
 
    "We?" asks Twilight, confused.
 
    "Yeah. Me, and Neighly, and Cobb..." you shake your head. "I... I think."
 
    Applejack stops long enough to give you a concerned look, but says nothing.
 
    "We might need power going forward," says Major. "Give us the location.
 
    "Right... forward to the reception area. From there through the maintenance door to the maintenance staff lounge. We can access the tunnels from there and head straight to the generator. All the locks are unpowered."
 
    "Will they come back on if we power the place up?"
 
    "A reset overrides the lockdown. We just need a security p-"
 
    "Contact!" shouts one of the soldiers on point. "Twenty meters!"
 
    "Take it down!" barks Major, and guns pop off. You hear the screaming and howling from in front.
 
    "More contacts!" he shouts. "Laying suppressing fire!"
 
    Fluttershy starts screaming and curls into a ball on the ground. Rarity and Pinkie Pie hold her while she tries to cover her ears with her hooves.
 
    >We can't let ourselves get pinned down!
    >We can hold this chokepoint
    >This is our chance to get away!
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)13:50 No.11224794
 
    later guys got shit to do. DONT FUCK UP
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)13:50 No.11224799
 
    >>11224785
    >>We can't let ourselves get pinned down!
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)13:50 No.11224801
 
    >>11224785
 
    >We can't let ourselves get pinned down!
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)13:52 No.11224845
 
    >>11224785
 
    I think we need to be wary of Mortimer decisions from this point on. From the sounds of things, we're starting to lose it.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)14:02 No.11224984
Replies: >>11224999 >>11225001
 
    "Major!" you shout over the gunfire. "If we stay here, we'll have every trotter in the whole facility coming at us. Even your men won't be able to handle that."
 
    "We can handle more than you think," he replies, evenly. "But I'm open to suggestions."
 
    "Let's break through while we have the chance and make for that maintenance door! We need the generator back online!"
 
    Major weighs up your plan, before nodding. "We'll play it your way, Mortimer. First section! Advance! Second Section! Covering fire!"
 
    The soldiers push forward, into the trotters who continue to pour in from deeper in the facility. It's hard to see by the light of muzzle flashes, but you can see the reception area just up ahead - and the surreptitious back-door that leads into the maintenance area. "Over there!" you shout, pointing to the door.
 
    "Rainbow Dash!" Rarity shouts from behind. "Help us with Fluttershy!"
 
    You turn back to see Pinkie and Rarity struggling to get Fluttershy moving as she locks up, screaming and panicking. Rainbow Dash hisses in frustration. "Seriously? Now? Okay!"
 
    It's messy, but your whole formation stumbles its way toward the door. One of the soldiers throws it open, only for a trotter that had been leaning up against it to fall on top of him. He screams some kind of curse, but there's a spurt of blood as the corpse finds a soft spot in his armor and bites down.
 
    "Damnit, we've got one down!" shouts a soldier standing next to the fallen one, who opens up and blasts both his former comrade and his attacker. "Clearing the maintenance passage!"
 
    Your head is spinning. Every corpse you see lunging out of the doorways leading deeper into the lab triggers another name, face and memory. Every scream from your friends - your new friends - brings you back to the death screams of the people around you. What are you supposed to do, again?
 
    >[Sunny]Get them through the door and somewhere safe!
    >[Mortimer]I'm grabbing a security pass!
    >Unleash. Rage. Upon. Our. Enemies.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)14:03 No.11224999
Replies: >>11225014
 
    >>11224984
 
    >[Sunny]Get them through the door and somewhere safe!
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)14:03 No.11225001
 
    >>11224984
    >Unleash. Rage. Upon. Our. Enemies.
    I've got a bad feeling about this.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)14:04 No.11225014
 
    >>11224999
    this
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)14:10 No.11225066
Replies: >>11225072 >>11225100
 
    You hold the door open as the soldiers pour through. "Come on!" you shout back to the Elements as they struggle to drag Fluttershy along with them.
 
    "I've got this!" shouts Twilight, who turns and lifts the four of them, bodily, with her magic, hurling them through the door in a befuddled ball. "Come on, Mortimer!" shouts Twilight as she barrels in afterward.
 
    Applejack skids up next to you. "What a gentleman," she manages, panting. "Holdin' the door. Now let's get outta here!"
 
    You jump in after her seconds before the grasping, lunging dead make it to you and slam the door shut. Immediately hooves begin to slam at it, but it looks set to hold for a while. "Well, that's a start."
 
    "I-I'm sorry," says Fluttershy, curled up on the floor. "I thought I could be brave, b-b-but it's too much! Too loud, too close!"
 
    "Shhhhh," says Rainbow Dash, pulling Fluttershy toward her. "It's okay, Flutters. Everything's going to be fine."
 
    "Mortimer," says Major, evenly. "Once your people are ready, we need you on point. We'll need someone to navigate to the generator."
 
    >[Mortimer]Right, I can take us there
    >[Sunny]I can't remember, we'll have to spread out
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)14:11 No.11225072
 
    >>11225066
 
    >[Mortimer]Right, I can take us there
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)14:14 No.11225100
Replies: >>11225146
 
    >>11225066
 
    Anyone else not having a problem with Major so far? Up to this point, he's been pretty chill. He'll listen to our suggestions. A douchebag, at this point, wouldn't even give our people (read: Fluttershy) time to recover right now.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)14:18 No.11225146
 
    >>11225100
    He seems alright, but he hasn't spoken much yet
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)14:21 No.11225197
Replies: >>11225241 >>11225242 >>11225250 >>11225254
 
    "Right," you say. "No problem. I can take us there." You turn back to the others. "Take care of Fluttershy and stay close, okay?"
 
    You note some uneasy looks, but no objections as you're ushered to the front of the column. Now surrounded by the heavily armed ESF troopers, you peer into the dark of the maintenance tunnel. It's ringed with pipes and wires, controls and valves. "Straight ahead?" asks the Major. You nod.
 
    You set off down the tunnel. It's not far until you find the lounge the maintenance workers used to take their lunch and hang out in. Two unmoving bodies are laid out on the floor - you have flashing memories of stoving their skulls in with a tool box during your escape.
 
    "We still need a security pass," suggests Major. "Any chance they'd have one?"
 
    "Just a maintenance pass," you reply. "They were maintenance workers. We'll want something off one of your... ex-comrades."
 
    "We'll keep our eyes open."
 
    Soon the path begins to branch, but your instincts are strong. You can almost remember, as if from a dream, the route you traced when you'd fled. "It's not far now," you say. The soldiers become tense, waiting for something to drop down upon them.
 
    There's a growling up ahead. Muted, as though through doors. "The generator control's up that ladder," you say, pointing to a ladder leading up to a trap door. "Those stairs on the left? They lead to a door and the generator room."
 
    "Do we need to secure the generator room to turn the generator back on?"
 
    You shrug. "I can't remember. I don't think I ever interacted with it except to turn it off."
 
    >Let's hit the generator first
    >Let's try the control room
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)14:24 No.11225241
 
    >>11225197
 
    >Let's hit the generator first
 
    Really seems like 6 of one half-a-dozen of the other situation here.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)14:24 No.11225242
 
    >>11225197
    1
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)14:25 No.11225250
 
    >>11225197
    Hit that control room. Make sure its clear.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)14:25 No.11225254
 
    >>11225197
    go to the one that dosent have the growling first
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)14:31 No.11225334
Replies: >>11225349
 
    "We'd better clear the generator room first," you say. "Just to be sure."
 
    Major nods, gesturing toward the stairs. "Section two, door breach. Section three, reserve."
 
    Ten soldiers pile into the staircase either side of the door. "Ready!" one of them calls. "Breach!"
 
    The doors burst inward and there's an immediate roar as they make contact with the trotting dead. They open up into the room. You see one prepare to throw something, but Major's voice cuts him off "No explosives! We need the generator intact!"
 
    They keep up the fire for a few more moments before it peters out. "Hostiles down, sir."
 
    "Clear the room. Slowly. Come on, Mortimer."
 
    The two of you follow the soldiers in as they sweep the area, checking that the corpses are down for good. The room is packed with all sorts of sensitive electronics (some of it now sporting bullet-related damage) centered around a narrow base holding up a large, sealed metal sphere. All manner of cables and antenna run off of it.
 
    "Doesn't look like any sort of generator I've ever seen," Major mutters. "Any intel?"
 
    You shrug. You can hardly remember a thing about this place.
 
    The Elements follow in after you. "Wow," whispers Twilight. "This... this is amazing!"
 
    "Is it?" says Applejack, with a shrug. "Looks kinda busted, to me."
 
    "Was shooting up the place really the wisest decision?" Rarity asks flatly. "I can't say I'd have redecorated this place in lead."
 
    >Twilight, do you have any idea how this thing works?
    >We should see if we can start it from here
    >Let's move on to the control room
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)14:32 No.11225349
Replies: >>11225366
 
    >>11225334
 
    >Twilight, do you have any idea how this thing works?
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)14:34 No.11225366
 
    >>11225349
    no harm in asking
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)14:38 No.11225418
Replies: >>11225439 >>11225447
 
    "What can you tell us about it, Twilight?"
 
    She walks around the perimeter of the large, central sphere, examining gauges and connections. "I've only read about these, I thought they were theoretical. It's a magic-powered electricity converter. It converts raw thaums to an unstable electrical waveform that can collapse back into thaums after encountering a calibrated resistor that..."
 
    She pauses, glancing back over at her friends, who gawp blankly. "It runs on magic," she says again. "Whatever's in the sphere, it powers the facility. Aaaaand it might be an infinite energy source."
 
    "That sounds... dangerous," says Rarity, inching away.
 
    Pinkie only giggles. "My parents used to call ME an infinite energy source! Put me in there, and I bet we could power up all of Equestria!"
 
    Twilight actually chuckles back. "No doubt, Pinkie. I don't know if there's anything in there at the moment, though. It's locked down. Maybe when we get to the control room we can check it out?"
 
    >Let's go there now
    >Let's try and start it from here
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)14:40 No.11225439
 
    >>11225418
 
    >>Let's go there now
 
    I'm getting the inkling starting it now may be a poor choice
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)14:41 No.11225447
 
    >>11225418
    >Let's go there now
    it could explode if we try to start it now
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)14:47 No.11225530
Replies: >>11225557
 
    "Well, we better take back the control room then and get started."
 
    "Room's all clear," reports one of Major's soldiers.
 
    Major nods, and signals to pull out. "Control room's next, come on."
 
    The stairs and trapdoor present a greater challenge for the breaking team. One soldier goes up first and pokes open the trapdoor to check for hostiles. "I don't see anyone up there," he reports. "Looks clear."
 
    "Proceed with caution," says Major as he climbs up.
 
    "So, Twi," asks Applejack, as the soldiers work. "Say fer a moment we start up this... generator thing, and it's busted. What's the worst that could happen?"
 
    "Theoretically?" She pauses to consider the question. "...Well, within the margins of error of our best calculations about the potential for a runaway reaction.... we might accidentally destroy the whole universe."
 
    Applejack blinks. "And... how likely is that?"
 
    "Oh," says Twilight, somewhat nervously. "Not very likely."
 
    You hear Fluttershy begin to hyperventilate. "Oh good!" she squeaks. "I was worried for a moment!"
 
    "All clear!" shouts down the soldier from above. "You can come up!"
 
    "Come on," says Major. "One at a time, stay alert."
 
    The whole group pushes up into the control room, which affords a good view of the generator room. Three old bodies lie ripped to pieces around the room, but otherwise it's empty. Dim red emergency lights are still running in the ceiling, giving enough light to see the complex controls by.
 
    "Well," says Major. "We made it this far. How do we get the generator online?"
 
    >[Mortimer]I think I remember the controls
    >[Sunny]No idea. Twilight?
    >I. Know. A. Way.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)14:49 No.11225557
Replies: >>11225626
 
    >>11225530
 
    >>[Sunny]No idea. Twilight?
 
    Still a little scared of Mortimer dialogue.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)14:55 No.11225626
 
    >>11225557
    i think i remember means we could still fuck up
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)14:59 No.11225686
Replies: >>11225712 >>11225716
 
    You shrug. "I don't remember anything about the generator, exactly. Twilight, you said you'd read about it, care to take a look?"
 
    She comes over to the controls and starts assessing the different buttons, dials and levers. "I... think I recognize some of the control mechanisms. Yes, in theory, this should be the start-up routine over here." Without further consultation. she pushes a green button near the top.
 
    Immediately, sirens begin to ring in the generator room and you hear a heavy thud as the door into it is sealed shut. Some kind of smoke or vapor starts to pour in through vents.
 
    "Twilight..." begins Applejack. "What'd you do?"
 
    "It's okay!" she exclaims, somewhat frantically. "I know what I'm doing!" She begins adjusting dials and pulling out levers and stops. "I-I think!"
 
    Fluttershy faints dead away. Rarity and Rainbow Dash both start shouting confusing, contradicting instructions. Pinkie just starts laughing.
 
    Through it all you hear a strange click as Major and his men start adjust settings on their helmets.
 
    "The fools mess with powers they do not understand," mutters Sombra. "Be thankful the destruction of the world is not on offer today. Although I sense a presence possibly just as dangerous..."
 
    All argument is silence as a heavy, grinding sound of metal on metal can be heard - no, felt - from inside the generator room. It's hard to see through the haze, but the metal sphere in the middle is opening up and another containment unit within is being exposed. You see lightning course through the chamber and the vents reverse direction, sucking the gas away.
 
    When it clears, the generator has revealed a clear, translucent cylinder within the sphere, with apparently nothing inside.
 
    "Nothing?" giggles an old voice, echoing from nowhere in particular. "Look clooooser!"
 
    There's a zipper in the containment cylinder, hanging in the air. It pulls open and a single yellow eye blinks out from within. "Ooooh, we have guests!"
 
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:01 No.11225712
 
    >>11225686
    >continue
    A bit of chaos in hell, how delightful
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:01 No.11225716
 
    >>11225686
 
    Uh oh.
 
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)15:04 No.11225747
Replies: >>11225773
 
    "Hey!" shouts Pinkie Pie, startling the others. "That's not how you're supposed to show up!"
 
    "Oh, like you haven't changed a preview or two already," grumbles the voice as a strange creature pokes his head out of the zipper in reality. It looks like... well, it looks like a little bit of everything. Goat, dragon, lion, bird...
 
    "Discord," says Twilight, with a sigh. "I should've known we'd find you involved in this, sooner or later."
 
    "Is that an accusation?" says Discord, pulling himself out fully and dropping down into the containment cylinder. "Twilight Sparkle, I'm wounded. And after all the work your dear Fluttershy did to mend my ways." He pauses, and his voice takes on an unmistakeable note of actual concern. "Er, where is our dear Fluttershy, anyway?"
 
    "Right here," says Rainbow Dash, hauling up the passed out Fluttershy. "Your dramatic entrance kinda spooked her."
 
    "Ooooooh, she's just the most adorable thing," Discord coos. "I'm glad to see she's still in one piece - which is more than I can say for the rest of you, yeesh." Discord reaches up and pops off one of his wings, an arm and a leg, holding the collection in his hand. "Almost enough to make another pony with!"
 
    >Who are you, and what are you doing here?
    >Can you get this generator back online?
    >How do you know this guy?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:05 No.11225773
Replies: >>11225801
 
    >>11225747
 
    >Who are you, and what are you doing here?
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)15:07 No.11225801
 
    >>11225773
    >>Who are you, and what are you doing here?
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)15:14 No.11225900
Replies: >>11225914 >>11225933 >>11225972
 
    "Sorry if I've fallen behind a little, but who are you supposed to be again? And why are you in that generator?"
 
    Discord gives you a wide grin, his body parts popping back into place. "At last, it's Mortimer, back again! Or Sunny! Or Stranger, when someone's mad at you. Or maybe Sombra, who knows!"
 
    "How'd y'all know that?" snaps Applejack, pointing an accusing hoof at Discord. "If y'all had a hand in what's gone down here, Discord, we'll-"
 
    "Oh please, save your threats and your posturing for your next argument with loverboy over there," he says, rolling his eyes. "Just because I've been constrained in this drab little prison, doomed to power Celestia's Folly unto the end of time, doesn't mean I haven't been keeping up on current affairs - or current AFFAIRS," he says to you, with a wink.
 
    "Now, let's hurry along, shall we? You have a whole boatload of questions, and lucky for you I have all the answers! All of them! And no annoying interruptions this time from monsters or world-ending disasters, isn't that a nice change?"
 
    >What was "Celestia's Folly"?
    >How can we close the gate?
    >Can you turn the generator back on?
    >Can you help us?
    >Let. Me. Question. The. Trickster.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:14 No.11225914
 
    >>11225900
 
    >What was "Celestia's Folly"?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:16 No.11225933
Replies: >>11225972
 
    >>11225900
    Oh god i really want to see Sombra question Discord... but I'll leave that to someone else to deicde
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)15:18 No.11225972
 
    >>11225900
    >>What was "Celestia's Folly"?
    >>11225933
    we can do the later
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)15:21 No.11226010
Replies: >>11226051
 
    "So what is it you're powering? What exactly where we doing down here?"
 
    "So, you finally want the full truth, eh?" says Discord, turning into a judge. "The full truth, the whole truth, so help you me? Can you handle the truth?"
 
    "Yes!" shouts Twilight, slamming the window with her hoof. "Just tell us already!"
 
    Discord smiles, a touch of sadness. "Oh Twilight, I think I've missed how easy it is to wind you up most of all. Very well. The truth is, you, Mortimer, were Celestia's chief scientist and new most favorite student after you, Twilight Sparkle, were privately deemed to have failed your test in the Crystal Empire."
 
    Twilight recoils, as if struck. "I... but I didn't fail, I... I saved the Empire."
 
    "With a bit of cheating," chides Discord. "That little stunt with your dragon friend convinced Celestia you weren't ready for the 'next level', so she tapped Mortimer over here and gave him everything he needed to finish Starswirl's final spell on his own.
 
    "Remember when Fluttershy, dear Fluttershy, convinced me to behave? The 'good of Equestria' Celestia wanted my powers for turned out to be generating gigaflops for this secret lab of hers. You needed the thaumo-whatever doohickey to power your fake Elements of Harmony and help you 'simulate' friendship to finish the spell. I can tell you-" Discord stops as electricity fires from two contacts in his cylinder, causing his fur to stand on end. "I was shocked!"
 
    "But what does the spell DO?!" shouts Twilight. "Where does the gate go? What was worth destroying the whole world over?!"
 
    Discord adopts a sad expression as he brushes down his fur. "That... will take a bit of history."
 
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:24 No.11226051
 
    >>11226010
 
    >continue
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)15:28 No.11226109
Replies: >>11226127 >>11226130
 
    "You see... In The Beginning, everything had a purpose. I was made to be an agent of Chaos, so I spread my delightful Chaos around all of creation. Our dear Celestia was an agent of Order, so naturally she represented harmony and brought all of creation together - under her, of course."
 
    Discord waves his hands wide, and a latticework of stars appear between them. "All was as it should be in the world, but dearest Celestia was unsatisfied. She found creation just a little too... messy. So she froze me in a block of stone and set about finding a way to claim power above her station.
 
    "I happen to be a humble sort of fellow." A crown appears on Discord's head. "I was content with ruling the world, if I could steal it, but Celestia wanted something more, something deeper. She commissioned that old fusspot Starswirl to create some kind of magic that could elevate her, up to some divine plan we were not meant to trammel. Not that I don't love a good trammeling..."
 
    Discord turns to you and gazes deeply into your eyes, until you feel as though he's locking eyes with Sombra. "Starswirl failed, so she commissioned her next student, Sombra, to carry on the work. Cheeky little devil that he was, Sombra tried to use the power to elevate himself."
 
    Sombra grunts, irritably. "Such was my right. The spell was mine."
 
    "After that close encounter, Celestia decided to cool her heels for a thousand years and wait for one she could trust to finish the spell for her but not use it themselves. A 'Faithful student'." He turns back to you and Twilight, a sad smile on his face. "Like one of you."
 
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:29 No.11226127
 
    >>11226109
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:30 No.11226130
 
    >>11226109
    Go on...
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)15:34 No.11226182
Replies: >>11226191 >>11226199 >>11226206 >>11226216 >>11226239
 
    Twilight sits down, staring off into space, seemingly lost. "She'd never lie to me. She loved me."
 
    "Yes," says Discord, gravely. "Yes, she did. Don't think of Celestia as cruel. Everything she did, she did out of the belief that it would make for a better world. She was wrong, of course, but aren't most of us?" He shrugs.
 
    "But anyway. The rest you know. She decided you didn't have what it takes to finish the spell, so she had Mortimer do it. When he opened his gate to the Great Above or wherever it lead to, it tampered with the very fabric of creation. Something went terribly wrong, a disease embedded in reality itself."
 
    A great wheel appears around Discord. "The cycle of life and death? Broken. Why, even the sun slows in its orbit, not that you've had time to notice. The world is sickening and dying, and poor Celestia is trapped there, even now, like a rotten thorn in the side of the universe."
 
    He sighs. "That's why I'm stuck in this silly tube."
 
    >How can we close the gate?
    >Can you turn the generator back on?
    >Can you help us?
    >Let. Me. Question. The. Trickster.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:35 No.11226191
 
    >>11226182
    3
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:35 No.11226199
 
    >>11226182
    3.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:35 No.11226206
 
    >>11226182
 
    >How can we close the gate?
 
    Got to go to work comrades, don't fuck up!
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)15:36 No.11226216
 
    >>11226182
    >Can you help us?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:37 No.11226239
Replies: >>11226267
 
    >>11226182
    We oughta let Sombra ask some questions. Discord appears trapped in that tube so I don't think they could do anything.. harmful to each other, right?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:39 No.11226267
 
    >>11226239
    This is just asking for stupid.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)15:43 No.11226310
Replies: >>11226318 >>11226371
 
    "There's still time to fix this," you say, a drop of desperation in your voice. "If we got you out of there, could you help us?"
 
    "I'd love to," he says, cheerily. "Alas... I am needed elsewhere. Pardon me for being enigmatic, but while I'd love to be free and could do a great deal of good for your poor, beleaguered universe, I wouldn't have time to go traipsing through tunnels fighting corpses." He nods toward your escort. "Besides, you might as well get SOME use out of those bruisers."
 
    "Can'tcha just give us a straight answer fer once?" snaps Applejack. "We've got the whole world ridin' on the line, we don't have time fer yer games!"
 
    "Oh Applejack, but when the whole world is riding on the line, that's when my games get the most fun!" Seeing that his jokes aren't well-received, he tries again. "This is a... cosmic problem. Well above your paygrade. Keep going with your plan to use the Elements to save the day, sure, but if released I'd much rather try and handle this on my own.
 
    "Besides," he adds, sparing a glance to Fluttershy. "Where I go? Not the most hospitable place for ponies. You really are much too static."
 
    >How can we close the gate?
    >Can you turn the generator back on?
    >Let. Me. Question. The. Trickster.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:44 No.11226318
 
    >>11226310
    >How can we close the gate?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:47 No.11226371
 
    >>11226310
    Option 1.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)15:50 No.11226424
Replies: >>11226434 >>11226448
 
    "So we can close the gate ourselves with the Elements?" you ask, trying not to sound too desperate. "That'll work?"
 
    Discord appraises the Elements of Harmony. "Weeeell... you'll need Starswirl's book, for the spell, and hopefully you indeed still HAVE the Elements themselves. But I see all six bearers are still alive (somehow!) and perhaps still feel their much-vaunted virtues are intact. So it's possible..."
 
    Discord actually looks uncomfortable as he weighs up some possibilities. "There are a few other ways you might... oh but I shouldn't... oh, why not. With the power back on, you COULD try using those fake elements of yours again. Try reversing the polarity, or something. Maybe cross the streams. And of course, at least one of you knows the Elements can be operated by-" Discord pulls a dark cape out from behind himself and holds it up to his face, "DARK magic! Dun dun dun!"
 
    The other Elements glance to you, assuming Sombra, but you notice Twilight looking away, ashamed.
 
    "With that, you wouldn't even need the bearers, although I shudder to think what zapping a bleeding wound in reality with concentrated dark energy will do."
 
    Discord gives one more shrug. "So, you know. Options."
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)15:51 No.11226434
Replies: >>11226443 >>11226446 >>11226485
 
    >>11226424
    Whoops, forgot the options!
 
    >Can you turn the generator back on?
    >Let. Me. Question. The. Trickster.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:52 No.11226443
Replies: >>11226466
 
    >>11226434
    >Let. Me. Question. The. Trickster.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:52 No.11226446
Replies: >>11226466
 
    >>11226434
    >Let. Me. Question. The. Trickster.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:52 No.11226448
 
    >>11226424
    1.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:53 No.11226466
Replies: >>11226515
 
    >>11226443
    >>11226446
    Are you guys fucking serious?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:55 No.11226485
 
    >>11226434
    1 please
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)15:57 No.11226515
File: 1370721445395.gif-(347 KB, 700x393, n508eb1f450aa6.gif)
347 KB
 
    >>11226466
    What could go wrong?
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)16:02 No.11226587
Replies: >>11226597 >>11226614 >>11226634
 
    You shudder as you give Sombra the chance to speak, muscling his way to the fore. "Discord!" he snarls, twisting your face into a sneer.
 
    Discord's eyebrows raise. "I'd wondered if you were going to be let out of your box. Hello Sombra, long millennia no see."
 
    "You. Lie. About. Gate."
 
    "Do I? What, pray tell, have I lied about?"
 
    "Cannot. Just. Close. Gate." He stops to snort and gasp. "Must. Enter. Godplane. Remove. Corruption. Alter. Destiny."
 
    Discord shifts, uncomfortable again. "I'd... rather if they left that up to me. Blocking up the wound would be more than satisfactory, no need to-"
 
    "No!" shouts Twilight, pressing both of her forehooves up to the glass. "You tell us everything right now, Discord, or Celestia as my witness I'll blast you into your composite elements!"
 
    The trickster god looks stunned, and pauses to collect himself. "W-well, I suppose I could be more forthcoming... it's true. Sealing the gate just prevents the flow of further... 'corruption'. If you went IN to the gate, you'd find where Celestia is mucking with the strands of fate, trying to remake the world. She's not going to succeed. She's already too far gone to see the damage she's done. I, on the other hand, would be happy to pull the naughty filly out of there and let nature take its course."
 
    "What do you mean, 'strands of fate'?"
 
    "Look, Twilight, you remember your little time travel adventure? How that didn't change anything? That's because what happened was part of your fate. Even I don't mess with that, and believe me, I mess with everything.
 
    >See? Conversation option right in the middle of the dialogue!
 
    "But fate is something else. You could change the whole world in there."
 
    Twilight is silent. She closes her eyes, choosing her words carefully. "Could we change it so that all of this never happened?"
 
    >Twilight, messing with reality sounds like a really bad idea
    >That could be my chance to set things right
    >This isn't our business, what about the generator?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:02 No.11226597
Replies: >>11226679 >>11228036
 
    >>11226587
    >>That could be my chance to set things right
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:04 No.11226614
 
    >>11226587
    1.
    2 is schumck bait, guys/
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)16:05 No.11226634
 
    >>11226587
    >>Twilight, messing with reality sounds like a really bad idea
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:08 No.11226679
Replies: >>11226711
 
    >>11226597
    are you trying to get the bad end?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:10 No.11226711
Replies: >>11226726
 
    >>11226679
    possibly
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:11 No.11226726
Replies: >>11226746
 
    >>11226711
    Well get the fuck out then.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)16:11 No.11226732
Replies: >>11226790
 
    "If we could... go back," you begin to say, your mind reeling at the prospect. "If we could change destiny, maybe we could make it so that I never did this crazy experiment."
 
    "We could change it so that I passed my test," says Twilight, hopefully. "Celestia wouldn't lose faith in me, I could finish the spell the right way, no one would get hurt."
 
    "Now you see the potential," Sombra whispers, malevolently. "Do not let Discord steal our opportunity to change the world. We could be a god, greater than Celestia ever was."
 
    "Now hold on a minute," says Applejack. "The world's beaten up bad enough as it is! Messin' with it's what got us inta all this trouble in the first place. Why don't we just let Discord go and let him take care'a Celestia while we patch up the damage?"
 
    "Because if we take care of things ourselves there won't BE any damage!" shouts Twilight. "This is it! This is our chance to save the world!"
 
    You turn to where Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie stand with the passed-out Fluttershy, looking overwhelmed and stunned. "Dearie..." begins Rarity. "This is all... far, far too much. I'm a tailor. I make clothes. I just want my sister to be safe and to make fabulous dresses again. Gods, and corruption, and and and destiny, it's..."
 
    "It's getting kinda crazy in here, Twi," says Rainbow Dash. "I don't remember the options, can somebody go over them again?"
 
    "Let Discord out!" says Pinkie. "It's not fair, the poor little guy all jammed in there!"
 
    Applejack turns to you. "Sunny, please, ya gotta help us make sense'a all this, It's... I don't know what it is!"
 
    "Okay," you say, rubbing your head. "Let's review..."
 
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:12 No.11226746
Replies: >>11226828
File: 1370722345234.jpg-(71 KB, 501x576, 1370671201598.jpg)
71 KB
 
    >>11226726
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:14 No.11226790
 
    >>11226732
    Twilight is going to pull a Celestia and we're lining ourselves up to do the same. Sombra will try and screw us at the last second.
    Just get Discord to close the seal.
 
    Also, continue
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)16:16 No.11226828
File: 1370722611253.jpg-(183 KB, 1185x1275, 1370659054386.jpg)
183 KB
 
    >>11226746
    dude don't fuck up the story we spent awhile making
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)16:17 No.11226838
Replies: >>11226876 >>11226910
 
    "Discord wants us to let him out so he can stop Celestia. Or, we could leave him in there and turn the generator back on." You pause, turning to Discord. "Right?"
 
    "Well, it would cause me terrible agony and trap me in this dying universe until your dead friends find me and devour my body... but yes!"
 
    "Right. And *separate* from that decision, when we find gate we can close it with the elements, but we could also use those fake elements I built (if there's power) or dark magic.
 
    "And then after THAT, we could still go into the portal and try to stop Celestia ourselves, and mess with the fundamental strands of destiny to make it so that none of this ever happened. Oh, or maybe instead we go hide out in that survival bunker under the lab. If that's not already overrun."
 
    Pinkie turns to an invisible audience. "Didja get all that?"
 
    Dash scratches her head. "...Nope, still don't know what we're supposed to do."
 
    You hear the sound of a heavy hoofstep behind you. It's Major. "I do. Mission parameters call for reactivating power and sealing the gate. That means turning the generator back on and deploying the Elements of Harmony at the target location. Turn the generator back on, now."
 
    >You're not in charge here
    >We should do what they say
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)16:20 No.11226876
Replies: >>11227006
 
    >>11226838
    the one where discord seals the tear are we dont change destiny
    >We should do what they say
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)16:22 No.11226910
 
    >>11226838
    your options confuse me
    let discord handel celestia
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)16:28 No.11226990
Replies: >>11227036 >>11227048 >>11227065
 
    "I-I think we should cooperate..." you say, eying up Major's sizeable weaponry.
 
    Just at that moment, Fluttershy regains consciousness. "What happened?" she murmurs, blinking herself awake. "...Discord? What are you doing in there?"
 
    "Fluttershy!" Discord shouts, an edge of desperation in his voice. "Please, you have to help me get out of here! This generator is complete agony!"
 
    "Now hold on, Fluttershy," says Twilight, raising a hoof. "We've just gone over a lot, there's a lot to take in and-"
 
    "Wait, are we really thinking of turning the generator back on?" says Rainbow Dash, surprised. "But that's horrible! ...I think!"
 
    "Are you planning to hurt my friend Discord?" says Fluttershy, turning to Major. "Because I won't let you. We should let him out, he could help us."
 
    "Er, Flutters," says Applejack, eying up Major. "Why doncha let us work this one out, huh? Only thes're some pretty serious fellas here and-"
 
    "Please!" Discord screams, beating on the glass of his container with his fists. "Don't let them do it! The pain... it's torture! I'll die if they do it again!"
 
    "Fluttershy!" Rarity hisses. "Please, don't do anything rash!"
 
    "I'm not," she insists. "I'm just standing up for a friend in need."
 
 
    MAJOR DECISION TIME
    Ten minutes discuss, five minutes vote!
    >Hold her back, I'm turning on the generator
    >[smash the generator controls]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:28 No.11227006
Replies: >>11227048 >>11227098
 
    >>11226876
    option one is the discord one
    i also choose option 1
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:30 No.11227036
File: 1370723459234.png-(948 KB, 1200x898, So I got that bitch a cot(...).png)
948 KB
 
    >>11226990
    Break the controls, get best villain out of that tube.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:31 No.11227048
 
    >>11227006
    fuck, that was for the last one
    >>11226990
    for this one i choose smash the controls
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:32 No.11227065
 
    >>11226990
    Smash teh controls
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)16:34 No.11227098
Replies: >>11227158 >>11227188
 
    >>11227006
    lets think sriously guys the world depends on it
 
    i think discord stands a better chance against celestia and sombro would just fuck us over and be a dicktator
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:36 No.11227137
Replies: >>11227158
 
    Keep in mind that just because Discord is "reformed", doesn't mean he might not be tempted to try and remake the universe to his liking. Reformed people can relapse, and trying to build your own universe does sound pretty awesome.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:37 No.11227158
Replies: >>11227165
 
    >>11227098
    >>11227137
    >>11227098
    >>11227098
    But if we smash the generator, there may be a chance Major here will kill FS, and then we lose the elements of harmony and best pony
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:38 No.11227165
Replies: >>11227178 >>11227195
 
    >>11227158
    No biggie there.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)16:38 No.11227174
Replies: >>11227184 >>11227188 >>11227192 >>11227195 >>11227262 >>11227409
 
    Right! Voting starts now. Good luck!
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:38 No.11227178
 
    >>11227165
    No elements = one option automatically removed.
    What if that was the best option?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:39 No.11227184
 
    >>11227174
    Turn on the generator.
 
>>
Jimmies 06/08/13(Sat)16:39 No.11227188
Replies: >>11227262
 
    >>11227098
    Who knows anymore, maybe this is all apple jacks plan so she will to spread able to rule equestria with the power of apples!!!
    >>11227174
    Yeah... Smash the gerarator controls
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:39 No.11227192
 
    >>11227174
    Let discord out
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:39 No.11227195
File: 1370723983319.png-(109 KB, 1550x1650, OH YOU.png)
109 KB
 
    >>11227165
    >lose the elements of harmony
    >No biggie there.
    >
 
    >>11227174
    Smash the controls. Get Discord out
 
>>
Jimmies 06/08/13(Sat)16:43 No.11227262
File: 1370724184360.jpg-(19 KB, 335x115, image.jpg)
19 KB
 
    >>11227188
    Dat grammar
    >>11227174
    >pic related
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)16:44 No.11227289
Replies: >>11227309
 
    You summon up Discord, who's only happy to comply. The horn on your head burns red and a bolt of energy forms. You hear the sound of guns swinging up to point at you.
 
    But the bolt passes to the side, and blows the generator controls to pieces.
 
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:45 No.11227309
 
    >>11227289
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)16:48 No.11227363
Replies: >>11227399 >>11227433 >>11227437 >>11227458
 
    The glass of the containment cylinder blows out in an explosion of riotous, multicolored energy. "Hahahahahaaaaa!" shrieks Discord, quite literally exploding with joy. "Free! Freeeee!"
 
    In a panic, several of the ESF soldiers roll their weapons on to Discord and open up, shredding the window and sending shards of glass flying in every direction.
 
    Discord dodges the shots with mocking aplomb, taking on various forms - limbo dancer, bull fighter - to further belittle them. "Good show, Major, but too slow! See you girls at the finale!"
 
    And with that, he blasts through one of the air vents, squeezing through like a snake. And then the room falls silent.
 
    Major and his men turn to look at you and the Elements, who stand stock still. No one dares utter a sound.
 
    >We can still work together
    >That was for the best
    >Betrayal. Approaches! Strike. First!
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:50 No.11227399
Replies: >>11227594
 
    >>11227363
    >That was for the best
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:51 No.11227409
 
    >>11227174
    smash
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)16:52 No.11227433
 
    >>11227363
    well this is bad cant we use twilights magic to power the generator
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:52 No.11227437
 
    >>11227363
    3, god damnit, 3
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)16:53 No.11227458
 
    >>11227363
    Option 3. We already knew they were planning a betrayal. Attack!
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)16:58 No.11227528
Replies: >>11227560 >>11227584 >>11227599 >>11227614
 
    "I know you don't agree, but-"
 
    You hear a shot - not a bullet, something else - and whip around to see Twilight slam against the wall hard enough to leave a mark of blood where she hits.
 
    "We tried to be reasonable," says Major, a cooling sidearm drawn. "Take 'em down, non-lethals."
 
    "Bastards!" screams Rainbow Dash, who dives forward but is tackled from the air by a soldier twice her size. You and the others try to resist but it's over before it began. The Elements are trussed up and bound, thrown over the backs of their former escort. You, on the other hand, have Major bearing down on you.
 
    He pulls out an odd binder and slaps it on to Sombra's horn. You feel a searing pain and hear Sombra scream inside your head. "No more interference," says Major. "But we still need you on your feet to reach the target zone."
 
    "Ah'll kill all'a ya!" screams Applejack, bucking wildly but uselessly. "Y'hear me?! Every one'a ya!"
 
    "Gag her and let's get out of here," growls the major. "We've still got a mission to complete, and it's not getting any easier."
 
    >I'm not going to cooperate
    >I guess we better head for the gate
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:00 No.11227560
Replies: >>11227599 >>11227705
 
    >>11227528
 
    Don't cooperate
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:00 No.11227584
Replies: >>11227614
 
    >>11227528
    2.
    2.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)17:01 No.11227594
 
    >>11227399
    thanks alot dick
    >I guess we better head for the gate
    cooperate for now
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:01 No.11227599
 
    >>11227528
    2
 
    >>11227560
    Whelp it's been fun. Guess we're gettin shot
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:02 No.11227614
Replies: >>11227637
 
    >>11227584
    No.
 
    >>11227528
    Don't cooperate.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:02 No.11227618
Replies: >>11227646
File: 1370725350113.jpg-(20 KB, 251x251, image.jpg)
20 KB
 
    smash the controls
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:03 No.11227637
Replies: >>11227704
 
    >>11227614
    What the fuck are you doing, man? Trying to end this?
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)17:03 No.11227641
Replies: >>11227674 >>11227695 >>11227748 >>11227763
 
    "You might as well gag me, too," you mutter. "I'm not about to help you."
 
    Major looks at you, for a few moments, before nodding. Okay then."
 
    He draws a different sidearm. This one looks something more like a gun, and points it at your head. "The mission parameters call for the Elements of Harmony - those six - to shut down the gate, and you to provide inside intel and to keep them cooperative. If you're not going to provide either, you're no longer mission critical."
 
    "Sunny!" screams Rarity. "Let him go! Please! We'll cooperate, just don't hurt him!"
 
    >Well do it, then!
    >Fine! I'll show you where the gate is!
    >...
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:04 No.11227646
File: 1370725450096.jpg-(7 KB, 225x225, thisguy.jpg)
7 KB
 
    >>11227618
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)17:05 No.11227674
 
    >>11227641
    >Fine! I'll show you where the gate is!
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:06 No.11227695
 
    >>11227641
    2
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:06 No.11227704
 
    >>11227637
    The mane 6 won't cooperate without us, and with Discord out they are a necessity. Meaning we are a necessity, we hold the cards.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)17:06 No.11227705
 
    >>11227560
    always shiting stuff up
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:08 No.11227748
 
    >>11227641
    >no 'let Sombra turn this tool into a stain' option
 
    I'm a little disappointed.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)17:09 No.11227763
Replies: >>11227835
File: 1370725763758.jpg-(3 KB, 118x125, 1370642441379s.jpg)
3 KB
 
    hey anon can you stop teling op to do the shit choices the noone wants
 
    >>11227641
    OP wait before you post so that everyone gets to vote
 
>>
Jimmies 06/08/13(Sat)17:12 No.11227835
Replies: >>11227852
File: 1370725968451.jpg-(43 KB, 480x360, image.jpg)
43 KB
 
    >>11227763
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:13 No.11227852
Replies: >>11227924
 
    >>11227835
    Isn't that supposed to be a gif?
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)17:13 No.11227857
Replies: >>11227890 >>11227909 >>11227924
 
    "Okay, I give! I'll take you where you want to go!"
 
    Major puts away his weapon. "Better. Without power, we can't use your artificial Elements. That means we're going to need that spellbook of yours before we can go to the gate. Come on, on your hooves."
 
    After pulling you up and dusting you off, he looks back at the escort and the bound up Elements. "Keep moving, and make good use of your lights, we're not getting the facility's power back on now."
 
    You lead them back into the maintenance tunnels and away from the generator. The walk is in bitter, hostile silence now, which gives you plenty of time to stew on this betrayal. "I tried to warn you," growls Sombra. "Yet again, you disappoint me. Discord is going to usurp our rightful claim at this very moment, and laughs at our predicament."
 
    You wonder what it is you can even do now. Maybe you can remember where the gate or your books are, maybe not, but what are your prospects for surviving if you do?
 
    "Lead them into disaster," urges Sombra. "Our best chance to escape is to take them somewhere they can be overwhelmed. Then, you can escape."
 
    >[Mortimer]Lead them toward the gate
    >[Mortimer]Lead them toward your quarters and your books and notes
    >[Mortimer]Lead them toward the survival bunker
    >[Sunny]Just lead them around and around and hope you can come up with something
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:15 No.11227890
Replies: >>11227911 >>11227920
 
    >>11227857
    OKAY. Let's discuss this a bit.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)17:16 No.11227909
Replies: >>11227963
 
    >>11227857
    >OP wait before you post so that everyone gets to vote
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:16 No.11227911
Replies: >>11227928
 
    >>11227890
    1 or 3
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)17:16 No.11227920
 
    >>11227890
    im open to discussion
 
>>
Jimmies 06/08/13(Sat)17:16 No.11227924
 
    >>11227852
    Why yes.. Yes it is, it looks like my phone has made a mistake
    >>11227857
    And yes 1-3
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:17 No.11227928
Replies: >>11227949 >>11227960
 
    >>11227911
    I am leaning towards 3, in the hopes we can escape or overwhelm them if something is stuck in there?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:18 No.11227949
Replies: >>11227961 >>11227985
 
    >>11227928
    I think we should get our notes. Maybe we can learn more about this place, and how to better screw our captives.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)17:18 No.11227960
 
    >>11227928
    i think 3 or 4 but we dont want to fuck up the mane 6
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:18 No.11227961
Replies: >>11227985
 
    >>11227949
    I say lead them to the gate.
    If it's the source of the infection, then there's bound to be hordes of trotters in there.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)17:18 No.11227963
Replies: >>11228001 >>11228036 >>11228042
 
    >>11227909
    I've said before that to maintain the pace (I mean we're not exactly zipping along here) go with first reply on most commands and votes only for the most important, narrative-changing ones. This kind of gives away the game on what decision are and are not ones that you can recover from, but the alternative is having discussion and votes all the time and that's just not feasible.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:19 No.11227985
 
    >>11227949
    >>11227961
    These are both good points.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:20 No.11228001
Replies: >>11228063
 
    >>11227963
    Well. I guess we should vote then. I don't want to fuck us over so somebody else go.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)17:22 No.11228036
File: 1370726562670.jpg-(7 KB, 250x193, 1370227982261s.jpg)
7 KB
 
    >>11227963
    but then one person could fuck everything up for everyone and not be fair
    example
    >>11226597>>That could be my chance to set things right
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:22 No.11228042
Replies: >>11228067
 
    >>11227963
    I say 3 for now
 
>>
Jimmies 06/08/13(Sat)17:24 No.11228063
Replies: >>11228108
File: 1370726643615.jpg-(33 KB, 360x290, image.jpg)
33 KB
 
    >>11228001
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:24 No.11228067
Replies: >>11228108
 
    >>11228042
    Agreed.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:25 No.11228092
 
    fuck it 3
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)17:26 No.11228108
 
    >>11228063
    >>11228067
    either 3 or 4
    with 3 we could find faciltliy notes and major finds somtings important and kills us
 
    4 we could find a bunch of zombies but we might die
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)17:31 No.11228194
Replies: >>11228222 >>11228251
 
    You remember the survival bunker. The tram-lines lead deep underground, and at the end a heavily-fortified entrance to a vault that could let the whole lab survive for years. You also remember the massacre when it turned out there were already test subjects loose at the tram station. It had its own generator, a more conventional one, but with the power out all over the facility you're pretty sure the trams up to the bunker won't work.
 
    "I know the way," you say, with shaky confidence. "Book and notes first, right? We have to cut through a few of the labs and take the stairs down to the tramline. The testing site was built external to the rest of the facility."
 
    "Okay," says Major. You can't tell, but you're pretty sure he's eyeballing you. "Lead the way. But stay close, there's still a lot of monsters, out there."
 
    You take point with Major, while his troops and the helpless Elements follow. Leaving the maintenance tunnels is easy enough, but once you're in the laboratories going gets tough again. The lack of visibility and piles of disrupted science equipment makes it difficult to tell a safe route forward.
 
    "They could be all around us," Major warns. "Don't shoot unless you absolutely have to."
 
    You see a flashlight catch the silhouette of one of the dead, standing stock still in a hallway just outside of the lab you've just stepped into. It doesn't appear to have noticed any of you yet.
 
    >[Intentionally topple a set of surgical instruments]
    >[Creep around carefully to avoid alerting it]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:33 No.11228222
 
    >>11228194
    2
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:34 No.11228251
Replies: >>11228266
 
    >>11228194
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:35 No.11228259
Replies: >>11228394
 
    Just noticed we've hit the bump limit. This thread is sinking
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:35 No.11228266
 
    >>11228251
 
    fuck, I meant to say 2
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)17:39 No.11228344
Replies: >>11228360
 
    You carefully avoid catching the attention of the dead, as does the rest of your group. Navigating the laboratories becomes somewhat easier once there's no obvious dead around here.
 
    "I thought you guys were working on a gate," Major mutters. "A lot of this stuff looks like it's for operations, or experiments or something."
 
    "We did a lot of research here," you explain. "One of our side projects involved running tests on a lot of the ancient dead buried in and around the old palace. Once things went bad, our test subjects got up and started walking around."
 
    Major shakes his head. "Damn eggheads, you had no idea what you were doing, did you?"
 
    No, you agree, shaking your head as the painful memories return. You really didn't.
 
    At last you make it to the stairwell. "This way," you say, stepping down. "The elevator won't run without power and it's more than a few floors down."
 
    "I sense your deception," whispers Sombra. "Once they find we are not where you promised, what do you intend?"
 
    >[Sunny]Maybe I can fool them into locking themselves in
    >[Mortimer]There's a lot of dead down there, perfect ambush territory
    >Honestly? I'm stalling for time
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:40 No.11228360
Replies: >>11228398
 
    >>11228344
    1
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:41 No.11228380
 
    Gotta go for a bit. Keep our avatar alive assholes
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:42 No.11228394
 
    >>11228259
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5zGkqAWsWE
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:42 No.11228398
Replies: >>11228451
 
    >>11228360
    Aren't all the locks down with the power out though?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:45 No.11228451
 
    >>11228398
    Could manually do it. A stick through the door handles.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)17:46 No.11228491
Replies: >>11228524 >>11228545
 
    There's a whole vault down there. If you're clever, you might be able to fool them and get them to lock themselves inside.
 
    "Desperate, but possible," Sombra admits. "Of course, this way you lose vault to use for your own purposes."
 
    It's the best plan you've got, and you're certainly desperate.
 
    Once you reach the bottom and step out on to the station, you see that the trams are indeed unpowered. The lines stretch into a rough-cut bedrock tunnel, sloping gently downward, but if you squint you can still see a faint light at the end of the tunnel - there's still power at the bunker.
 
    "That it?" says Major, pointing down toward the distant light. You nod. "Great. Looks like a long walk."
 
    >There's a high risk of ambush
    >[lie]It should be safe, no one came this way
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)17:48 No.11228524
 
    >>11228491
    >There's a high risk of ambush
    We may need them neutralized, but it doesn't help us if we get eaten in the process as well.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)17:49 No.11228545
 
    >>11228491
    >>[lie]It should be safe, no one came this way
    but warn the mane 6 first
    i think its good but im open to opinions
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)17:59 No.11228811
Replies: >>11228956 >>11228962 >>11228964
 
    "Watch out in case of ambush," you warn. "A lot of people died this way, and a lot of our test subjects escaped into this tunnel."
 
    Major sighs. "Typical. Okay, fan out. guns up. I want a strong line of visibility covering our entire advance and at least four men watching our rear. We take it slow, better done right than done easy."
 
    The ESF team makes their way through the tunnel. It really is slow going, and a long way to go. You get about halfway before someone signals to halt.
 
    There's a single dead trotter, barely standing, in the middle of the tunnel.
 
    "No problem," says Major. "Take him down."
 
    You feel a stab of pain as a memory returns. Security camera footage. ESF lab guards crossing the tramway. "Take him down."
 
    "No, wait!" you start to say.
 
    Too late. The gunshot echoes all the way through the tunnel.
 
    There's a terrible rustling sound, like dozens, hundreds of bodies scraping to their hooves.
 
    Dry, dusty voices scream in the dark. ESF flashlights shoot upward along the tunnel walls, where comatose corpses rouse themselves. They look centuries old, like mummies. Very, very angry mummies.
 
    "Fire at will!" screams Major as he opens up on the cave walls. The echoing of gunshots and the howls of trotters fills your ears and splits your head with the pain.
 
    "Escape, you fool!" howls Sombra in your ear. "This is the killing ground!"
 
    "Here!" shouts Major, throwing you a walkie talkie. "Take this and get those trams moving again!"
 
    "I don't even know if they can!" you shout back.
 
    "It's our only chance! There's still power in the bunker. Do... something, and get the trams moving again!"
 
    >Run toward the bunker
    >Run back the way you came
    >Revenge!
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:06 No.11228956
Replies: >>11228981 >>11229038 >>11229102
 
    >>11228811
    1st
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:06 No.11228962
 
    >>11228811
    Revenge.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)18:06 No.11228964
 
    >>11228811
    >Run back the way you came
    now we incharge
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)18:06 No.11228981
 
    >>11228956
    we would die
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:09 No.11229038
 
    >>11228956
    Damn it Anon.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)18:11 No.11229092
Replies: >>11229138
 
    You bolt for the bunker, struggling to run on your three hooves. Trotting dead are dropping down from the walls all around, dozens of them, but through sheer dumb luck you manage to keep from being ripped apart.
 
    Unfortunately, when you reach the far end, you notice the platform up to the bunker's entrance is raised up from the tunnel floor. Probably to give the trams clearance. You jump up and manage to hook your two forehooves above you, but your body screams in pain when you try to lift.
 
    "If you don't power up these trams soon a lotta good ponies are gonna die!" the voice on the walkie talkie screams.
 
    You struggle to lift yourself up on to the platform, but your one leg just isn't cutting it. "Oh my," says Sombra, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Who could have foreseen this?"
 
    The voice on the walkie-talkie becomes incoherent screams and the sound of snapping jaws. The fearful noise finally, belatedly, gets you up on the platform just before the dead on your tail reach you. They smash into the bottom of the platform and claw after you, but ineffectively.
 
    There are the trams, and there, by the door, are the controls for them. Controls that still have power.
 
    But there's a communication panel, and it's flashing to denote an incoming call.
 
    >Later! Trams first!
    >Who's calling?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:12 No.11229102
 
    >>11228956
    and then theres this faggot
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:13 No.11229138
 
    >>11229092 (You)
    >Later! Trams first!
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:13 No.11229141
Replies: >>11229197
 
    what happened to the rest of the 6?
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:15 No.11229178
 
    This is starting to remind me of Undead Nightmare.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:16 No.11229197
Replies: >>11229236
 
    >>11229141
    They're with the escort unit still, I believe.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:18 No.11229236
 
    >>11229197
    so they are fucked
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)18:19 No.11229254
Replies: >>11229305 >>11229310 >>11229383
 
    Forget the call! You flip the switch that controls the trams and turn up the speed. The first carriage shudders to life and starts to roll down the rail toward the pitched battle.
 
    Now that you have a moment, you see the squad of ESF soldiers are being absolutely swamped by dead from every direction. You can't see what's happened to the Elements of Harmony, though.
 
    You begin to fear the worst, when suddenly there's an outward blast of purple light that sends corpses and ESF flying in every direction.
 
    Twilight launches into the air like a cannon ball, her horn burning hot with red flames. Shots ring out in every direction, incinerating trotting dead and ESF where they stand. You hear... horrible screams. Begging for mercy. Pleading. Everything. But it doesn't last.
 
    When she lands again, there's a cooling circle of burned ground around her and the other Elements, sitting dazed on the ground.
 
    The little tram scoots over to them. and without a word, Twilight lifts her friends up and throws them on to the tram. You reverse the direction, and it begins to scoot back to you.
 
    Twilight disappears.
 
    She appears next to you, bloody murder in her eyes, heaving for breath. "Major... got desperate..." she pants. "Woke me up. Big... mistake."
 
    >Take it easy, Twilight, we're okay
    >Is anyone hurt?
    >I think you overdid it!
    >Someone's trying to call us
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:21 No.11229305
 
    >>11229254 (You)
    1.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:21 No.11229310
 
    >>11229254 (You)
    Option 4.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:24 No.11229383
 
    >>11229254 (You)
 
    1
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)18:24 No.11229388
Replies: >>11229409 >>11229515
 
    "Woah, hey, calm down," you say, trying to rest a calming hoof on her shoulder. She flinches it off. "Everybody's okay. No one's going to hurt you now. Breathe."
 
    She closes her eyes, and shudders. You see blood trickling down where her head bashed against the wall after Major shot her. "I'm... getting too good at killing people," she says, at last. "As soon as he woke me up, I didn't think twice. It was natural. I don't even feel bad."
 
    >You did the right thing
    >Keep it together just a little longer
    >Don't forget who you are
    >Someone's trying to call us
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:25 No.11229409
 
    >>11229388 (You)
    3
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:28 No.11229515
 
    >>11229388 (You)
 
    All of them
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)18:28 No.11229517
Replies: >>11229559 >>11229565
 
    "Try to remember why you're doing this," you urge. "Major and his men were out to hurt us, but if you start going off like that before thinking-"
 
    "I know," she says, opening her eyes. "I know."
 
    She turns back and sees the rest of her friends approach. "What did I miss? Where are we?"
 
    >This is the survival bunker
    >We haven't done much
    >Hold on, we're getting a call
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:30 No.11229559
 
    >>11229517 (You)
    >Hold on, we're getting a call
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:30 No.11229565
 
    >>11229517 (You)
    3
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)18:42 No.11229872
Replies: >>11229927 >>11229935
 
    "Hold on," you say, turning to the screen. "We should probably take this." You tap it.
 
    "...Please, somebody, anybody, respond!" Longsnout's face appears, weirdly magnified as though through a peephole in a door. "General Mattock's dead! We're in full retreat! No rally point, no contingency. I have survivors from the camp here, and I need an immediate response!"
 
    Twilight tenses up. "Those are our people! Mortimer, we need to do something!"
 
    "Twilight?!" says Longsnout, pulling back. He appears to be holding some kind of mobile communication device, and behind him you can see some bedraggled soldiers and the Ponyville survivors. It's hard to say, but it looks like they're in the palace. "Twilight! Please, if you can hear us! We're where the map says the lab should be, but we can't find the way in! A thousands-strong herd is going to be on top of us any minute! We need your help!"
 
    "Hold!" Sombra hisses in your ear. "These fools are a distraction. If you save them, your other Elements will never agree to tamper with the strands of fate. They will seal the gate and eke out a pathetic existence in this half-dead world in their hole in the ground. Let these perish, and they will become as desperate as you to save the world."
 
    Even if you agreed, Twilight just slaughtered twenty soldiers for threatening to hurt her friends, You don't think she's going to go along with it.
 
    "She is no fool. Tell her it is the only way to secure their cooperation to change fate and undo her mistake."
 
    It's sick. It's vile, evil and sick. But there is a certain logic to it. If you did this... there would be no going back. You'd have to tamper with reality itself to set things right again, but at least you'd have everyone's full cooperation. You'd cross the rubicon. No turning back.
 
    But.. no! Ever since you woke up on Applejack's farm, your life has been about helping others, saving them, not sacrificing them to achieve your ends. You'd betray everything you are.
 
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:44 No.11229927
 
    >>11229872
    Oh shit. Continue.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)18:44 No.11229935
 
    >>11229872
    dont tamper with fate is my choice
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)18:46 No.11229986
Replies: >>11230071 >>11230073 >>11230087 >>11230091 >>11230105 >>11230125 >>11230151
 
    You feel the tug of your old self. The one willing to do whatever it takes, if you sincerely believe it's the right thing. Changing destiny, that's a chance to undo all the harm you've done. What's a little more on top of that list of crimes and sins in order to get them all washed away? It'll all be undone when you succeed.
 
    If you succeed. And you've never taken ownership of the crimes of your past life. You have a responsibility to the world, but also to your friends and to the people that trust you.
 
    There can't be two answers forever. In the end, there has to be one. Sunny, or Mortimer?
 
    MAJOR DECISION TIME
    Ten minutes discussion, ten minutes vote
    >[Mortimer]Switch off the communicator
    >[Sunny]Save your friends
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:49 No.11230071
 
    >>11229986
 
    fuuuckk
 
    I wanna say sunny but, I want to discuss anyway
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:49 No.11230073
Replies: >>11230170
 
    >>11229986
    In the end, Mortimer deserved to die.
 
    However, if messing with fate lets us switch to Ponks as the love interest...
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:50 No.11230087
 
    >>11229986
    Gah I want to save our friends, but at the same time all this would never have happened if we can change fate
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)18:50 No.11230091
 
    >>11229986
    >[Sunny]Save your friends
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:51 No.11230105
 
    >>11229986
    >>[Sunny]Save your friends
    We're in the current predicament because Celestia wanted to what we're thinking about doing now. We're better off cutting our losses, saving our friends, and just trying to make the best of whatever life we have left of us.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:52 No.11230125
Replies: >>11230196
 
    >>11229986
    We start this as Sunny, we end this as Sunny
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:53 No.11230151
 
    >>11229986
    Mortimer tried to mess with things he didn't understand, Sunny is who we have been the whole story. Also:
 
    >If you succeed.
 
    Who is to say we might not make things worse by going Mortimer. I think we should stick with Sunny.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:54 No.11230170
 
    >>11230073
    Oh you son of a bitch. Fate is a cruel mistress.
    Reluctantly, I choose Sunny
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:55 No.11230188
 
    motherfucking SUNNAY
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:55 No.11230196
 
    >>11230125
    this
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)18:56 No.11230229
Replies: >>11230250 >>11230257 >>11230258 >>11230292 >>11230322
 
    Right, time to make it official. I'll make it just five minutes of voting since the wind blows clearly
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:57 No.11230250
 
    >>11230229 (You)
    we sunny now
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:57 No.11230257
 
    >>11230229 (You)
    IT'S TIME FOR SOME SUNNY-D
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:57 No.11230258
Replies: >>11230341 >>11230534
File: 1370732269728.gif-(135 KB, 960x540, CunningPinkie.gif)
135 KB
 
    >>11230229 (You)
 
    Voting to meddle with the strands of destiny to be with Pinks.
 
    Oh, and save everyone too.
 
>>
Jimmies 06/08/13(Sat)18:58 No.11230292
 
    >>11230229 (You)
    I'm back just for this!!
    We are sunny now.
    I have to go, don't fuck this up...
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)18:59 No.11230322
 
    >>11230229 (You)
    SUNNY.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:00 No.11230341
Replies: >>11230501 >>11230534
File: 1370732445620.png-(486 KB, 489x1598, 1370069095763.png)
486 KB
 
    >>11230258
    Fuck off don't tempt me you ass
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)19:01 No.11230364
Replies: >>11230378 >>11230382
 
    "The release lever is behind a pillar - that one, there!" you shout. "It'll open some stairs under the central sculpture. Watch out, there are still trotters down here!"
 
    "Thank you! Oh, sweet Celestia thank you!"
 
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:02 No.11230378
 
    >>11230364
    >Continue
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:02 No.11230382
 
    >>11230364
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:06 No.11230501
Replies: >>11230534
File: 1370732775573.png-(295 KB, 1000x781, Lounging Pie.png)
295 KB
 
    >>11230341
    I'll tempt all I like.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:07 No.11230534
 
    >>11230258
    >>11230341
    >>11230501
    Fourthing a Pinkie end.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)19:10 No.11230624
Replies: >>11230647 >>11230705 >>11230720
 
    You feel Sombra turn away, sulking in silence, but you don't care.
 
    You watch as the sculpture rumbles aside and the soldiers and survivors flow down the stairs and into the dark. Just as the last of them slip inside, it begins to rumble back into place - and just in time, as you can hear the trotting dead close behind.
 
    "It's dark down here," says Longsnout. "A-and I think there's more of them ahead. Is there somewhere we can go to join you?"
 
    "I'll find them," says Twilight, the magical fire on her horn burning bright. "We'll be right there, Longsnout! Stay together and watch out for any more dead!"
 
    The other Elements spill out of the tram, which has finally arrived. "Twilight!" shouts Applejack. "What in-"
 
    "No time to explain!" she shouts. "Longsnout and our friends are in the lab, I have to go get them and bring them somewhere safe."
 
    "Wh-what?!" she says. "Where? Bring them where?"
 
    "Here," you say. "You five stay right here. This is a survival bunker, and the safest place in the whole lab."
 
    She wants you to explain, but Twilight grabs you and the two of you disappear in a flash of light. You reappear at the far station. "Up the stairs!" you shout, and you disappear again."
 
    This continues all the way back through the lab, until you reach the lobby again and find a few dozen desperate soldiers and a few dozen more familiar survivors. "Oh, thank Celestia," says Longsnout, when he sees you. "I thought we were finished."
 
    Applebloom and Sweetie Belle break from the pack like twin cannon balls and crash into you. "Sunny!" they shout. "Is Rarity okay?" "Didja look after Applejack?"
 
    >Everyone's fine, I promise
    >Yes, now come on!
    >We're fine, our escort's finished
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:11 No.11230647
 
    >>11230624 (You)
    >Yes, now come on!
 
    No time to waste.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:13 No.11230705
 
    >>11230624 (You)
    2
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:14 No.11230720
Replies: >>11230733
File: 1370733263524.jpg-(87 KB, 969x824, oh_berry____by_jameshalt-(...).jpg)
87 KB
 
    >>11230624 (You)
    Tell me Berry Punch made it OP. She has to make it
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:14 No.11230733
Replies: >>11230789 >>11230808
 
    >>11230720
    she died in episode 2
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:16 No.11230789
File: 1370733409897.jpg-(62 KB, 250x269, tumblr_lqwflzYJwU1r0cnmso4_250.jpg)
62 KB
 
    >>11230733
    Nice try, but she was alive in thread 7
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:17 No.11230808
File: 1370733440850.png-(121 KB, 301x338, Tell Pinkie More.png)
121 KB
 
    >>11230733
    Yeah, I remember that.
 
    About the time Angel Bunny was being sodomised by Tyrantlestia with a strap-on dragon dildo.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)19:19 No.11230861
Replies: >>11230912 >>11230915 >>11230922 >>11230925 >>11231006
 
    "Yes, but no time to waste! Come on everybody, this way!"
 
    You shake off the two fillies and lead the party back the way you came. With Twilight running hot, any trotting dead you encounter are turned to ash in a second's overkill. Even clearing the labs presents no obstacle, though she does cause a lot of collateral damage to the equipment laying down fire while nearly a hundred panicked ponies rush past her.
 
    You only catch your breath again when you reach the tramlines. "We can run across!" says Longsnout, but Twilight puts a hoof on his shoulder and shakes her head. "Wait for the trams," she suggests.
 
    You put Applebloom and Sweetie Belle on the very first one - as if you wouldn't - and return with them and the first batch of survivors.
 
    "Applebloom!" shouts Applejack, when her sister dives off the tram and on to the station.
 
    "Applejack!"
 
    "Sweetie Belle!"
 
    "Rarity"
 
    "Pinkie!"
 
    You glance at Pinkie for yelling. She sighs.
 
    The heartfelt reuniting is unaffected by Pinkie's interruption. No words, just hugs. Perhaps there will be time for stories later.
 
    The survivors and soldiers continue to tram over the gap, joining you in front of the survival bunker. "Ah can't believe we made it," Applejack says at last. "There's enough room in there fer everybody. We can wait out the end'a the world in safety."
 
    "Our job's not over yet," says Twilight, joining you with the last of the survivors. "We still need to seal the gate. And... Celestia's still in there."
 
    >Discord can handle Celestia. We just need to close the gate.
    >We can't give up on changing our fate
    >So long as everyone's safe, I don't care what we do.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:20 No.11230866
 
    Finally caught up oh god
    OP you beautiful bastard why are you so incredible
    You fags haven't done too badly so far, I'm not sure how I feel about the ones with the guns getting reduced to ash though.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:21 No.11230895
Replies: >>11230987
 
    We're almost on page nine by the way. Oh god. The end is nigh.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:21 No.11230912
 
    >>11230861 (You)
    >Discord can handle Celestia. We just need to close the gate.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:21 No.11230915
 
    >>11230861 (You)
    1
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:22 No.11230922
 
    >>11230861 (You)
    1 if my post ends in evens
    3 if mypost ends in odds
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)19:22 No.11230925
 
    >>11230861 (You)
    >>Discord can handle Celestia. We just need to close the gate.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:24 No.11230987
 
    >>11230895
    Yeah. OP, we're teetering on the brink here. If you're gonna make a new thread, might wanna do that soon and toss a link here, or something.
    Unless we're gonna leave off soon
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:24 No.11231006
Replies: >>11231026 >>11231055
 
    >>11230861 (You)
    >We can't give up on changing our love interest
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:25 No.11231026
Replies: >>11231078
 
    >>11231006
    Don't you fuck this up m8
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:26 No.11231055
 
    >>11231006
    Still going for that Pinkie end.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:27 No.11231078
File: 1370734028699.png-(407 KB, 849x941, 'Celestia'.png)
407 KB
 
    >>11231026
    Celestia was foolish. Reckless.
 
    All we need is a proper princess to give it a try.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:29 No.11231137
 
    I would prefer ponka love interest too (though, not now that we've put so much into orangehat arc) but I swear if you "change fate" I will cut your nipples clean off
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)19:30 No.11231190
Replies: >>11231217 >>11231223 >>11231262 >>11231464
 
    "Getting Celestia out of there is Discord's job," you say. "Once we close the gate... maybe this nightmare will finally end."
 
    There's a sound like steam escaping, and a loud clunk. You turn your head and see the door to the vault twisting open. Pinkie's standing in front of it. "Couldn't help myself!" she says, with a smile. "Let's see what we've got!"
 
    The door rolls away, revealing a resplendent reception hall. You hear an approving noise from Rarity. "Well, at least we'll have style."
 
    Awed, the stunned survivors stumble into the vault.
 
    "There's a dining hall!"
 
    "And so many rooms!"
 
    "Look at that sign - a gym and a pool, really? A pool?"
 
    "Well," mutters Applejack. "I can see where all our tax bits went." Even she can't help but smile, though. "Sunny, it's... amazing. I think we made it."
 
    The last of you enter the reception. Twilight turns around and examines the door. "Okay," she says. "Looks like we can open and close this thing without it locking us in. I'm going to close the door while we look around! Just checking!" There's a heavy clunk as it shuts. "Could you imagine, if we left it open and something got in?"
 
    "Do you think there's a school?" asks Cheerilee. "I'm going to see if there's somewhere we could use as a school."
 
    "Well there better be a bar!" adds Berry Punch. "I'm not spendin' eternity sober!"
 
    Applebloom takes off toward the bedrooms. "Ah'm gonna call dibs on mah room now!"
 
    "Wait up!" shouts Sweetie, who runs after her. Rarity runs after the both of them, telling them to behave.
 
    As the different ponies all spread out, awed with their new accommodations, you catch Applejack looking at you, with a smile. "C'mon. Follow me."
 
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:32 No.11231217
Replies: >>11231240
 
    >>11231190 (You)
    [CONTINUE]
    dis lookin pretty ok
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:32 No.11231223
File: 1370734342044.gif-(1.12 MB, 390x216, yes.gif)
1.12 MB
 
    >>11231190 (You)
    >"Well there better be a bar!" adds Berry Punch. "I'm not spendin' eternity sober!"
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:32 No.11231240
Replies: >>11231278 >>11231293
 
    >>11231217
    Well, if you forget for the moment that we're dying.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:33 No.11231262
 
    >>11231190 (You)
    >inb4 Dawn of the Dead ending
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:33 No.11231278
 
    >>11231240
    Well, maybe not OK for us exactly.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:34 No.11231281
 
    Discord's gonna fail and we're gonna have a final boss battle with Celestia just as everything starts to look alright.
    Calling it now
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:34 No.11231293
Replies: >>11231358
File: 1370734466548.jpg-(14 KB, 280x286, 1350106634394.jpg)
14 KB
 
    >>11231240
    Well gee, thanks for that Captain Buzzkill
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:35 No.11231318
Replies: >>11231452
 
    >inb4 sunny turns to zombie inside vault inside applejack
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:36 No.11231358
Replies: >>11231404
 
    >>11231293
    Just saying it's something we need to keep in mind. As things stand we're a danger to this (presumed) safe environment.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)19:37 No.11231404
 
    >>11231358
    that is unless we get zombie-gone
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)19:37 No.11231405
Replies: >>11231440 >>11231476
 
    You follow Applejack deeper into the vault, through criss-crossing corridors of bedrooms with neat, never-unpacked bedding. She picks up the pace, as though you're meant to chase her, but on three legs you find that tough enough.
 
    Finally you catch up to her, panting and wheezing, as she examines a room at the furthest point in the vault. "I like this one," she says, smiling, as she looks over the furniture - identical to every other room. "Nice and quiet. Got some privacy."
 
    "Privacy?"
 
    She bucks the door shut behind you. "Mhm."
 
    Well, you're no fool. You sit on the bed. You know, to catch your breath.
 
    "Ah can't believe we made it, still," she says, sitting next to you. "And ah know we've still got a job left t'do. But.... makin' it this far, getting family and friends somewhere safe... that's thanks to you." She looks you in the eyes. "And seein' as we might not get another chance..."
 
    You want to say something first, maybe share what you've been thinking or clear up your confusion, but no time for that. She pulls you into a kiss and then pulls you over completely.
 
    Your last coherent thought is you kind of wish Applebloom didn't have her hat right now. You wanted to be able to take something off.
 
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:38 No.11231440
 
    >>11231405 (You)
    >[CONTINUE]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:39 No.11231452
 
    >>11231318
    Oh my god you better not be right
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:39 No.11231464
Replies: >>11231518
File: 1370734775201.jpg-(61 KB, 524x492, image.jpg)
61 KB
 
    >>11231190 (You)
    >c'mon follow me
    oh shit sunny is going to get some apple ass
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:39 No.11231476
Replies: >>11231536
 
    >>11231405 (You)
    also >Applebloom
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:40 No.11231518
 
    >>11231464
    Yeah I just kind of hope he doesn't cum inside or something. I mean we are infected. This is gross.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:41 No.11231536
Replies: >>11231555
 
    >>11231476
    she gave her hat to Applebloom, therefore, she dosen't have it on.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:42 No.11231555
 
    >>11231536
    Ahh, I must have missed that.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)19:43 No.11231596
 
    >bitey mcbite bite
    kiss apple pone passonitly and tell you love her then get help for the infection
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)19:45 No.11231686
 
    It's dark, and you can't breathe.
 
    And for a terrible moment, you genuinely believe you won't breathe again.
 
    But you feel something, someone, breathe one last breath into your lungs, and hacking, coughing, you revive. In the darkness you try to stand, but your legs are dead and leaden. The best you can do is kneel.
 
    You look forward and see two green orbs, but they wink out, silently. You look for your reflection, but there is none.
 
    There are merely approaching hoofsteps, but you cannot lift your head to see them.
 
    "I warned you," he hisses. "You had one last dawn. Now, night falls. Look upon yourself, if you still can."
 
    You glance down. You see nothing. Just more black. But you squint, and now you can see where it slithers and bends. Where your body should be, now mostly devoured.
 
    "You will not live to see the sunrise. If you would save this world... no, if you would save those you love, you must do it now. It is your only hope... no, it is theirs."
 
    You wake with a start. The pain is in your veins like a fiery poison, now. It almost blinds you, but you turn, and you can just barely see Applejack, sleeping soundly next to you, smiling.
 
    Her eyes, her green, green eyes open, and draw in fear. You hear a sharp intake of breath. "Sunny!"
 
    That's right. You're Sunny, if only for just a little bit longer. Will it be long enough?
 
    >[EPISODE 5 WILL CONTINUE... EVENTUALLY! CHECK THE PASTEBIN FOR THE TIME OF THE FINAL THREAD WHEN IT'S POSTED!]
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:47 No.11231730
 
    >>11231686
    MOTHERFUCKER
    I love you ;_;
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:48 No.11231749
 
    >>11231686
    FUCKKKKKKK. You are awesome, OP.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:48 No.11231759
 
    >>11231686
    I will be watching for your next thread OP. Lotta fun as usual. Thanks for adding Berry Punch. Best background pone still alive makes me happy
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:49 No.11231790
File: 1370735367870.jpg-(71 KB, 1280x720, PinkiePleased.jpg)
71 KB
 
    >>11231686
    I'm pretty much speechless. It's late, my thoughts are jumbled and the next installment can't come quickly enough.
 
    Thanks OP.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:49 No.11231808
 
    >>11231686
    Truly, I haven't enjoyed anything more than The Trotting Dead in months. You are so good at what you do, OP.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:50 No.11231823
Replies: >>11231907 >>11232046
File: 1370735413617.jpg-(17 KB, 176x148, image.jpg)
17 KB
 
    >>11231686
    >no clop scene
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:50 No.11231827
Replies: >>11231965
 
    >>11231686
    Might wanna consider making a new thread for when you pick the story up the next day. Would have kept the thread bumped more, and in theory drawn more people in. I feel like there wasn't much newblood in here today
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:52 No.11231907
 
    >>11231823
    Don't sully this.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:54 No.11231965
 
    >>11231827
    I think anyone who wants to be a part of this is already. And to be honest, I'd rather not have anyone just come in picking answers without being read up to this point.
 
>>
OP 06/08/13(Sat)19:55 No.11232025
 
    We'll need a new thread just because this one's about to drop off the board anyway.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)19:56 No.11232046
Replies: >>11232245
 
    >>11231823
    offscreen sex scene best sex scene
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)20:02 No.11232245
File: 1370736153332.gif-(2.4 MB, 480x270, Pinkiespittake.gif)
2.4 MB
 
    >>11232046
    Mm. Let the imagination do the legwork.
 
    Myself i'm imagining clumsy amputee partying with the ponk. Lots of laughter, mis-steps, falling over and rolling around. I- I didn't know this was my fetish.
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)20:03 No.11232275
Replies: >>11232401
 
    I bet we impregnated AJ. It happened
 
>>
Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)20:07 No.11232401
Replies: >>11232500
File: 1370736426657.png-(379 KB, 1280x720, Shooting Stars.png)
379 KB
 
    >>11232275
    ... if we did, would rewriting reality and saving millions of lives count as aborting our unborn child?
 
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Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)20:10 No.11232500
Replies: >>11232612 >>11232745
 
    >>11232401
    I ain't no fancy philosopher type, chum. But if it saved a lot of people and secured us a pink waifu, it'd be for the greater good either way
 
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Anonymous 06/08/13(Sat)20:14 No.11232612
 
    >>11232500
    I'd drink to that.
 
>>
rustle 06/08/13(Sat)20:18 No.11232745
Replies: >>11233246
 
    >>11232500
    >http://pastebin.com/naMpZVNB
    guys i dont know how to see updates in the pastebin
 
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OP 06/08/13(Sat)20:40 No.11233246
 
    >>11232745
    When I know when a new thread will start, I'll put up a new paste in the bin with the details. Until then there won't be anything to see.
 
    Click the author (TheTrottingDead) to be taken to the page with all the pastes on it.