>Stowing the schematic paper in your bag, you start walking back.
>You make a quick stop back at the cubicle, looking at Pinkie.
“Hey Pinkie, can you do me a big, big favor?”
>Her normal smile had faltered when she saw you, but she kept her peppy spirit up.
>”Sure, Nonny. What do you need?”
“Can I get a few sweets real quick?”
>As if she knew what you were going to do, she rummages through her pack and threw you a few cupcakes. And a slice of cake.
“Thanks.”
>”Use ‘em right Nonny, those are super-good sweets I was saving for later!”
“Okay!”
>You walk away quickly.
>Getting into the bathroom, you take the han-- er, hoof towel, and wet it down, trying to soak out as much of the puke as possible.
>Then you started rubbing the sweets through the darkest part of the stains and your cleaned skin, then wash all of that down.
>It was just so soaked in, it’ll be permanently stained. At least it was a dark brown and made your doctor’s jacket look rustic by the time it dried.
>The smell was still there, just not as prominently now. It was sickly sweet.
>Before you left, you also took a leak while you were at it.
>Once you were finished, you removed yourself from the bathroom, one major thing in mind now.
>You return to the cubicle, waving to the party as they greet you once again.
>Well, Berry and Pinkie were still silent.
>You cut anypony off that was about to speak as you removed something from your bag, and held it out to AJ.
>”Eh, what’s this?”
>You drop two small gems in her hoof, which elicits a surprise response.
>”Wow, that was quick! Where’d ya find these, partner?”
“I took a stroll through the spare containers in the back that the conductor let me look at. That’s where I found the rat that attacked me, even. In any case, I’ll be right back one more time, then I’ll be here, promise.”
>”Alright, take your time, that smell’s still there, by the way, and I think it mixed with those sweets Pinkie gave ya.”
>Shit.
>You walk away at that, clearing your throat.
>You found a nice, quiet place to work, and pulled out your materials, getting to work…
[YOU CREATED SCOOTER! (-1 Wheel & Axle, -1 Wood plank, -1 Wood handle, -1 Handful of bolts)]
>Looking at your successful creation, you made sure it is nice and sturdy, the handle swingy, and it looked pristine.
>You carry it over your shoulder as you return to the cubicle one more time.
“Oh, Berry, Pinkie?”
>They give you a lazy look over.
“Do you know where I can find that crystalline mare that I uh, scared? I wanted to go apologize.”
>”She’s near the same compartment she was before, just one over.”
>Berry goes back to drinking her flask afterwards.
“Thanks.”
>You make your way back to where you had left the scary mask, but it was gone.
>Or maybe… It wasn’t there at all?!?!
>No, that’s stupid, someone must’ve put it back.
>Anyways, you look around a bit and find her right where Berry said, one cubicle over, with the door closed.
>You walk to it, and take a deep breath before knocking.
>”LEAVE!”
>Oh, wow. That wasn’t friendly.
“C’mon, I wanted to apologize.”
>”Yeah, because that’ll make it so much better!”
>You stand there biting at your lip in frustration.
>Should you press to apologize, or leave her alone?
 
 
 
“Look, I’m sorry, okay? This isn’t one of my best moments, I’ll admit, but I was trying to liven up the twelve hour ride. I deeply apologize for any trauma I caused you, and uuh… I made you something.”
>She was silent for a moment.
>”... What is it?”
“It’s a gift. Open the door! I killed a giant mutated rat to get the materials for this you know!”
>Another moment of hesitation, and she very slowly opens the door, her eyes darting over your form.
>”Is that… A scooter?”
“Yeah. Made it for you.”
>She looks back up at you, any previous emotions of fear or anger gone.
>”That’s… very nice of you.”
[You give a scooter to the Crystalline Pony.]
>”I accept your apology…”
“Thanks… What’s your name?”
>“Wheaties.”
>Interesting name.
“Wheaties, would you like to come over and meet my friends? It doesn’t look all that fun being over here all alone.”
>She looked unsure, but after a moment, she set the scooter inside her cubicle and nodded.
>You smile and take her back with you.
“By the way, are there any showers on this train?”
>”Uhm, not that I’ve seen, I think it’s just the one bathroom.”
“Damn, oh well.”
>You make your way back to the cubicle, and wave to the group.
>Redheart beams as she sees you’ve reconciliated with her.
>”Anon, introduce us!”
“Well, this is Wheaties. That’s Redheart,”
>You point at each of them in tandem, giving a personal greeting.
>”Hi!”
“Applejack.”
>”Howdy there.”
“Berry Punch.”
>”Hey. Want a drink?”
>Wheaties declined politely.
“And that’s Pinkie Pie.”
>”Hi Wheaties! Nice to see you again!”
>The crystal pony looked at her in confusion for a moment.
>”...O-oh! Back at the Crystal fair. Hello again.”
“Crystal fair?”
>”A big celebration that renews the love that defends the city.”
“...That’s really cool. Tell me or Redheart if you need any extra love.”
>You give her another smile, and she was blushing.
“Anyways, you’re welcome to stay with us for the rest of the trip if you’d like?”
>She accepts your offer, and you let her sit in.
>What would you like to do now?
 
 
[RECIPES COMMAND ADDED: Allows you to check known recipes and whether or not you have the ingredients for them.]
 
“By the way, we’re going to be going on a little trip when we get to the Crystal Empire, and we could always use a helping hand. We’re investigating something that happened out in Ponyville, and you’re welcome to tag along.
>Wheaties looked at you, then the rest of your party for confirmation.
>They all nodded in unison.
>”Uhm.. I guess I could tag along, for a while… I guess..”
[WHEATIES ADDED TO PARTY!]
 
>WHEATIES
HP: 100/100
Abilities: Natural armor (+5 PD), Diamond Skin (Invulnerability for 1 turn, 5 turn CD)
Inventory: Mane braid, Bit pouch (50 bits), Scooter (Faster OOCombat travel, 100 bit sell)
Equipped: None
 
“So Wheaties, tell us about yourself. Anything about the Empire too would be useful, if you’d like.”
>”Oh, well, There’s not much to say. We recently had our city restored after a millenium of depression without any love to power the Crystal Heart, thanks to Our Saviour, Spike, and Twilight Sparkle.”
>Spike…
“Isn’t that the little dragon guy?”
>AJ and Pinkie nod.
>”Yeah, that’s the one. I surely hope that little fella’s alright…”
>Wheaties looked at AJ intensely.
>”Did something happen to him?!”
>AJ looked like she just got slapped.
>”..Uh.. Well, er… Let’s just say…. He came down with a little case of coma.”
>Wheaties started to tear up, so you tried to change the subject while reassuring her.
“Er, Spike will be just fine, he’s just recovering right now. Anyways, Pinkie! I meant to ask you before, what kind of fuel do you use for those fireworks?”
>”Oh, well all fireworks are made with Kablooie powder, everypony knows that!”
“..K-kablooie powder?”
>”Yeah, Nonny, you’ve never heard of it?”
“...Is it by chance a very dark grey, or black powder that explodes when you light it?”
>”Yup!”
>So Gunpowder here is called Kablooie powder. You make a note to try and change your vocabulary.
[GUNPOWDER RENAMED TO KABLOOIE POWDER]
“Also, is there any chance I could get some of that powder here at the Crystal Empire?”
>”Are you kidding? There’s hundreds of stores all over the city that sells like totally everything! I remember this one time when me and Twilight were taking a stroll and we found this store that was selling these big huge d-”
>You tone her out as she began on another one of her tangents.
>...WAIT A MINUTE.
>”- but it turns out they never had any to begin with, which like totally wasted our time, so we went to go get some digeridoos elsewhere.”
“...Oh. Uh, cool.”
>While the rest of the mares began to engage in conversation, you sit at the corner of the cubicle, spreading out your schematic paper and getting ready to begin your invention.
>While you don’t have the engineering background to actually make a gun or its schematic yet, you could definitely jot down ideas, and you already had a name for it.
>You begin writing in the part space, AKA the name.
>Freedom… Uninhibited… Cock Kicker… Extreme … Reaper--
>”What are you doing, babe?”
>A wild Redheart appears! ...Fuck!
“Oh, uuh, nothing.”
>You try stowing the paper behind you, but her hooves stop your arms before you can do that, and you both freeze.
>She looks at you with an innocent smile, as she takes the paper out of your hands, your cheeks beginning to turn beet red.
>You know you would’ve had to reveal it eventually, but it would’ve been a lot less embarrassing with actual schematics under the name.
>”Freedom Uninhibited… Ahem, Cock Kicker… Ex.. … Anon, why does this spell…”
>She looks at the other mares, still engaged in their own lingo, then lowers her voice, giving you a sultry look.
>”Why does it spell Fucker?”
“Because it’s an extreme reaper, that kicks cocks, and it advocates freedom uninhibited. It’s not my fault that’s the abbreviation.”
>She looked at you.
>You look back at her.
>She looks at you some more.
>You stare into her eyes.
>She stares into your soul.
“... I thought it’d be funny.”
>”That wasn’t so hard, was it?”
>There’s a lot of reasons for why you love her, but this was a prominent one.
>”So what is it?”
“It’s a weapon idea I have, could be useful for not just our needs, but for all of Equestria’s defenses.”
>”Oh…”
>You have another thought, and you start properly folding up the schematic as you speak.
“I have something to show you.”
>She sits patiently, which is easy considering that’s what she’s been doing for the last 11 hours when not sleeping.
>You take out your phone, and motion for her to come closer.
>She complies and starts snuggling with you against the corner, the phone’s screen facing away from the rest of the party.
>You take a deep breath as you go into your private folders, and type the 4-number pin.
“Before I show you what I’m about to show you, just know that in my world this is completely normal to have, and most males have these pictures for … self-servicing objectives.”
>”...”
>You swipe into the folder, revealing your stash.
“These are other humans, uuh… Y-... You okay?”
>She was squinting with a scowl on her face, looking rather… angry.
>”Wait, can you make these pictures bigger? I want to see that third one.”
>You don’t hesitate, pulling up a picture of a dominatrix giving her slave some punishment.
>”This looks really violent!”
“There’s safety words and stuff if it gets to be too much. You uuh, like that?”
>”Well… Not particularly. Just curious…”
>You back out and let her browse, letting her use your finger as the pointer.
“I thought something like this would be a bit kinky, don’t you?”
>”I didn’t even know… That could go in that far…”
>You and Redheart eventually spend the rest of the final hour looking at porn.
>All that time, and you never found her fetish, at least based on those pictures.
>Which means her fetish is probably something you don’t have as one.
>You don’t want to straight up ask her until the time came, so you let it drop.
>...
>Looking out at the midnight sky, a sudden magical voice rings throughout the train.
>>”WE WILL BE ARRIVING SHORTLY, PLEASE GATHER YOUR THINGS AND PREPARE FOR THE STOP!”
>You recognize Steam Pocket’s voice, even if muffled by magic.
>The party gets themselves ready, and you hoped you could get a hotel room with a shower.
>The train then finally stops, and your party walks into the hallway, looking at the exit.
>Would you like to do anything before leaving?
 
 
 
“Oh, Pinkie, when I asked you before I forgot: Did you have any fireworks that I could get that powder from, maybe?”
>She gave a slowly receding smile, eventually looking a bit sad.
>”I’m sorry Nonny, those fireworks are for emergencies only! I can’t just let them go, but I’m sure there’s a bunch of stuff in the city! I’ll help you look!”
“Thanks. Hey, I’ll meet you guys outside, I need to go talk to the conductor one last time.
>They nod and begin single-filing out of the exit with the rest of the deportees while you went back to the front, rapping on the slide door for the final time.
>”We’re getting ready, stop your rush and relax!”
“Uh, No, it’s me, Anon!”
>A few seconds later, Steam Pocket opens the door, looking just a bit more tired.
>”Oh, what’s going on hairless? Need more parts or something?”
“Actually, I was wondering if you knew any engineers in town, possibly? I need a bit of help with this schematic I’m making, and any leads would definitely help.
>He thinks for a second, re-adjusting his hat as he does so.
>”The only engineer I know that’s permanently stationed in Crystal is a buddy of mine named Gyro Gear. He’s out near the Half-Diamond Avenue, a big clockwork store, you’ll know it when you see it.”
>Well, he sounds like a fucking bitch.
>… You couldn’t hold a name against him though.
“Alright, thank you.”
>”No problem.”
>He closes the door, and that would be the last you ever saw of Steam Pocket.
>Where did you come from, where did you go.
>Where did you come from, cotton-eyed pock?
>...Shit, now that song is stuck in your head.
>You make your way out of the train, just barely stepping out into the cool night air as it begins moving, and find your party waiting outside on the platform.
>Redheart meets you halfway and you give her a peck on the lips, probably an after effect of not being able to take care of business on the train.
>”So what did you two gentlecolts talk about?”
“There’s an engineer in town and I’m hoping to go see him eventually…”
>Berry looks out at the station exit, and back at the rest of the party, actually looking a bit antsy.
>”Can we go, already? I want to get a spiffy hotel and get those really tiny wine bottles, they taste sooooo good… Oh and uuh, I collect them.”
“Spiffy hotel? Between all of us we have 80 bits total from the money I gave AJ, and she’s not using that on this trip, so we’re broke.”
>Wheaties looks up at you and clears her throat.
>”Uhm, well, you all could stay at my place, maybe? It would be cramped with all of you in there, but I haven’t had visitors in years.”
>You look around at the party, and there were no objections.
>Would you like to stay at Wheaties during your time in the Crystal Empire, or do you want to try and scrounge up bits for a hotel?
 
 
 
>Inspect Manticore Claw
[Manticore claws are decidedly very rare, as they do not let you near them without a tranquilizer or if they’re dead. The claws in turn have become a very sought-after commodity, netting up to 25 bits per claw. The claws you have are slightly battle-worn, but still very sharp and pristine, most likely able to net this price, or be attached to weapons to increase their damage.]
 
Party members [6/7]: (* means not currently with Anon/party)
 
>ANONYMOUS
[HP: 125/125][MP: 12/12]
 
Inventory: Med. Pamphlet (First Aid 101/Procreation), Med. Book (Diseases), Wallet, Bit pouch (Small gem (2), 0 bits), Roll of duct tape, Lube, Rope, Book of Dark Magic (W/ potential info about Shadow), Small mechanism, Potion-making Kit, Blowdart, Sleeping darts (1), Manticore Claw (15), blue herbs (4), Red herbs (2), Medkit (3), Small mana potion (2), Alchemy/Engineering Books (Transmogrification/Practical), Metal pipes (3), Reusable ignition, 4 ounces of combustible powder, Wisp weed (1), 1 handful of bolts, Roll of gauze (2), Haze Flower, 1 bottle of Isopropyl alcohol, Yeti Hair (1), Gypsum (2), Amulet of Heart’s Calling, Blank Schematic paper
 
Current questlog (5/10 total):
>[Investigate Shadow]
>[Become a Legendary Doctor] - Master medical knowledge (0/1); Master medical experience (0/1); Doctor’s Kit (0/1); Master alchemical knowledge (0/1); Master healing spells (0/1); Optional [Legendary]: Get famous (Be known in Canterlot, Crystal Empire and Ponyville) (0/3)
>[Firepower] - Metal Pipes (3/4), Wooden Handle (1/1), Small Mechanism (1/1), Kablooie powder (0/1) , Reusable Ignition (1/1)
>[Spear Mastery] - Learn Spear Juggling (0/1)
>[Spicing up the Bedroom] - Find Redheart’s fetish (0/1)
 
Abilities: Basic hand to hand combat, Basic alchemy skills (Allows brewing of low-level potions and enchantments), Basic medical use (+25% medkit efficiency), Basic Veterinary knowledge (Allows kit usage on animals), Basic Engineering skills (Allows creation of simple mechanical devices), Ogre Dance (1-4 Fail, 5-9 Succeed, confuses enemy), Moderate spear combat (+5 dmg), Very High Magical Defense (+20 magical armor), basic knowledge of Everfree weeds, {S.S.S. +15 dmg with Anon’s/Red’s separate damage. 5tcd}, Shoot dart, Brew potion (non-com), Mega Buster (2 MP, Good attack, 3 turn CD), Saber Slash (1 MP, +15 magic dmg, 75% hit chance, 2 turn CD), Parry (50% hit, deflects enemy atk/counters 50% dmg)
 
Equipped: Doctor’s Trenchcoat (+10 HP to medkit usage, vomit-spattered), tattered Jeans/underwear (vomit-spattered), Sneakers (vomit-spattered), Mysterious markings, Double-bladed spear (+10 P dmg., +15 M dmg, can attack spectrals)
 
>REDHEART
[HP: 130/130]
Abilities: Expert Med. Skill (+75% medkit efficiency), {S.S.S. +15 dmg with Anon’s/Red’s separate dmg.. 5 turn CD}, Block (Increases Def. ^ by 5 and 25% chance to negate all dmg.)
Inventory: Medkit (4), Roll of gauze
Equipped: Royal Guard Medic-issued armor (+2 armor), Spear, Squareshield (Basic, +5 Def. P)
 
>PINKIE PIE
[HP: 105/105]
Abilities: Highly energetic attacks (Basic attack, hits twice), Party cannon (x3 damage, 5 turn CD)
Inventory: Party Cannon, various sweets, ??? (“Hammerspace, Nonny!”), Manticore hide, Knife
Equipped: Dual-wield daggers (+2.5 dmg per)
 
>BERRY PUNCH
[HP: 205/205]
Abilities: Throw beer bottle, Drunk Dragon (1.2x multiplier AoE, 2x against wood, 3tcd), Fisticuffs (Basic attack)
Inventory: Flask, Box of matches (19), Bottle of hard liquor (DD up)
Equipped: Forehoof Horseshoes (+5 dmg), Royal Guard armor (+2 armor)
 
>APPLEJACK
[HP: 225/225]
Abilities: Treekicker (x2 damage, 2 turn CD), Lasso (Immobilizes enemy for 3 turns), Tussle (Basic attack)
Inventory: Flask (Apple cider), tri-braid rope, apples (12), iPhone
Equipped: Stetson hat
 
>WHEATIES
[HP: 100/100]
Abilities: Natural armor (+5 PD), Diamond Skin (Invulnerability for 1 turn, 5 turn CD)
Inventory: Mane braid, Bit pouch (50 bits), Scooter (Faster OOCombat travel, 100 bit sell)
Equipped: None
 
 
“That would be very kind of you, Ms. Wheaties. I hope you can hold our rather expansive personalities, though.”
>”Oh, it’s no problem, just try not to break anything.”
>At that point, everyone besides Wheaties take a nice long look at Pinkie.
>”Huh? What’s everypony staring at?”
“...Nothing, let’s go.”
>You end up leading alongside Redheart, walking out past the station gate.
>... Wow.
>If you hadn’t seen that mysterious tree from before, this would’ve made you shit your pants, but it’s still pretty damn awesome.
>It wasn’t called the Crystal Empire for nothing, apparently, as the entire street and all of the buildings were crystalline just like Wheaties.
>...That castle, it reminds you of the Eiffel tower, just a million times more pristine and mystical.
>Apparently your group caught you staring, because AJ lampshaded your awe.
>”Ya know, I had that same look when I first got here. It grows on you quickly though, seein’ everything so shiny all the time. Hopefully we won’t have to stay for a whole week like last time.
>Pinkie bounds up to AJ and put a hoof around her neck.
>”Oh come on, we had so much fun last time! It was really funny when we got you to pull that prank on rarity with the mud in her--”
>”I think that’s enough for now, Pinkie, but thanks for the memories.”
>...You want to know what happened with the mud.
>It doesn’t seem like something AJ wanted to discuss however, so you changed your attention back to the holy grail of crystal cities.
>There is a lot to do, and a lot of things to find, especially when you spot the directory at the side of the station’s entrance.
 
[“Hello and welcome to the Crystal Palace! We hope you enjoy your stay, or if you’re returning, we give you a warm welcome! If you’re having problems navigating the streets, please refer to this directory for assistance.”]
 
>Hotels and Inns<
Trot & Travel Inn (35 bits per night, 20% discount for every extra pony)
Hooflight Hotel (40 bits per night, 15% discount, includes room service)
Mr. Rich’s Magical Motel (80 bits per night per pony, luxury service and rooms)
>Stores<
Hammer & Sickle (Sells tools and parts for all things industrial, gardening, hardware and construction)
Gyro Gear’s Great Scientific Wonders (Sells Scientific/Engineering gizmos)
Fortuna Potions (Sells magical items, trinkets, and enchanting/alchemy ingredients)
Maregaze’s M&S Lover’s ‘Retreat’ (Sells adult items)
The Protected Wither (Sells weapons and armor, all things combat)
Tricks and Needles (Sells all things clothing, tailor-made!)
 
[New Postage]: The Crystal Palace is currently closed to all visitors and non-important personnel due to unforeseen circumstances. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask the Royal Guards.
 
[New Postage]: THE CRYSTAL FAIR IS COMING! Tomorrow begins the wonderful event where love is restored and fun is to be had! This year, there will be a new event hosted by none other than Iron Will, creator of the Assert-Your-Self training program! A tournament of epic proportions, fight your way to the top and the 2,000 bit grand prize!
 
>Interesting…
>You’ve just entered the streets of Canterlot past midnight, and it looks like you wouldn’t be able to talk to Cadance or Twilight for a while.
>What would you like to do?